Vulnerable newborn types: analysis of subnational, population-based birth cohorts for 541 285 live births in 23 countries, 2000-2021

OBJECTIVE

To examine prevalence of novel newborn types among 541 285 live births in 23 countries from 2000 to 2021.

DESIGN

Descriptive multi-country secondary data analysis.

SETTING

Subnational, population-based birth cohort studies (n = 45) in 23 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) spanning 2000-2021.

POPULATION

Liveborn infants.

METHODS

Subnational, population-based studies with high-quality birth outcome data from LMICs were invited to join the Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Collaboration. We defined distinct newborn types using gestational age (preterm [PT], term [T]), birthweight for gestational age using INTERGROWTH-21st standards (small for gestational age [SGA], appropriate for gestational age [AGA] or large for gestational age [LGA]), and birthweight (low birthweight, LBW [<2500 g], nonLBW) as ten types (using all three outcomes), six types (by excluding the birthweight categorisation), and four types (by collapsing the AGA and LGA categories). We defined small types as those with at least one classification of LBW, PT or SGA. We presented study characteristics, participant characteristics, data missingness, and prevalence of newborn types by region and study.

RESULTS

Among 541 285 live births, 476 939 (88.1%) had non-missing and plausible values for gestational age, birthweight and sex required to construct the newborn types. The median prevalences of ten types across studies were T+AGA+nonLBW (58.0%), T+LGA+nonLBW (3.3%), T+AGA+LBW (0.5%), T+SGA+nonLBW (14.2%), T+SGA+LBW (7.1%), PT+LGA+nonLBW (1.6%), PT+LGA+LBW (0.2%), PT+AGA+nonLBW (3.7%), PT+AGA+LBW (3.6%) and PT+SGA+LBW (1.0%). The median prevalence of small types (six types, 37.6%) varied across studies and within regions and was higher in Southern Asia (52.4%) than in Sub-Saharan Africa (34.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Further investigation is needed to describe the mortality risks associated with newborn types and understand the implications of this framework for local targeting of interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes in LMICs.

New insights into odontological exploration of drowning using rat model - A pilot study

Dental forensics for the resolution of unnatural death remains an underdeveloped field. Accordingly, an experimental study was conducted with six to seven months old Wistar rats that were drowned in order to identify key postmortem features and pattern of dental decomposition. The visual, structural and elemental changes were assessed periodically. Based on mode of death, they were designated as SB (euthanized and soil buried), FWD (fresh water drowned) and SWD (sea water drowned). Postmortem features as well as the structural and elemental patterns of decomposition of teeth were analyzed with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDAX) periodically for two months. The periodic observation of elemental changes in the teeth of SB, FWD and SWD rats allowed us to derive an equation using linear regression analysis to relate the degree of dental decomposition with the time since death. The difference in pattern of surface deterioration was also observed. The present findings could provide a better knowledge in resolving unnatural deaths and supporting evidence for legal prosecution.

Factors associated with HIV infection among Indian women

There is still a paucity of research on the sociodemographic and other underlying factors associated with HIV transmission among women in India. This study was designed to investigate such factors in sexually experienced Indian women. We used data from the National Family Health Survey 3 (NFHS-3), which tested 52,853 women for HIV, including 27,556 husband and wife pairs. Significant risk factors for all women and married women only were: aged 26-35 years (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] = 3.65 and 2.53, respectively), being poor (AORs = 1.57 and 1.79), having had a genital sore in the last 12 months (AORs = 3.16 and 3.01) and having more than one sexual partner (AORs = 5.95 and 5.15). For husband and wife pairs, suffering sexual violence (AOR = 2.63), husband having other wife/wives (AOR = 3.40) and husband's education being secondary level or higher (AOR = 0.43) were significant. Intervention strategies in India should target young married (aged 25-35 years) and formerly married urban women who are poor, as well as those who have suffered sexual violence from their husbands, and/or are (or whose husbands are) multi-partnered. Empowerment of women is fundamental to HIV/AIDS prevention in India.

Biodegradation of cyanides, cyanates and thiocyanates to ammonia and carbon dioxide by immobilized cells of Pseudomonas putida

Pseudomonas putida utilizes cyanide as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Agar, alginate, and carrageenan were screened as the encapsulating matrices for P. putida. Alginate-immobilized cells of P. putida degraded sodium cyanide (NaCN) more efficiently than non-immobilized cells or cells immobilized in agar or carrageenan. The end products of biodegradation of cyanide were identified as ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2). These products changed the medium pH. In bioreactors, the rate of cyanide degradation increased with an increase in the rate of aeration. Maximum utilization of cyanide was observed at 200 ml min-1 of aeration. Immobilized cells of P. putida degraded cyanides, cyanates and thiocyanates to NH3 and CO2. Use of Na[14C]-CN showed that 70% of carbon of Na[14C]-CN was converted into 14CO2 and only 10% was associated with the cell biomass. The substrate-dependent kinetics indicated that the Km and Vmax values of P. putida for the substrate, NaCN were 14 mM and 29 nmol of oxygen consumed mg protein-1 min-1 respectively.

Age-related metabolic effects of acetaldehyde on rats with reference to detoxification enzymes and sulfhydryl groups

Induced-acetaldehyde toxic effects on gluatathione [GSH] metabolism and sulfhydryl (SH) groups in liver and in brain of female albino rats with reference to age was studied. The total -SH groups were decreased whereas the specific activities of glutathione-S-transferase [GST] and glutathione peroxidase [GPo] were increased in acetaldehyde treated rats. However, the specific activity levels of glutathione reductase [GR] and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase [gamma-GCS] were decreased. In general, acetaldehyde induced changes in the specific activities of the enzymes that increase with increasing age.

Effect of acetaldehyde on oxidoreductases in tissues of rats at different ages

The toxicity of acetaldehyde and age related changes on oxidoreductases in the liver, brain, kidney, and muscle of female albino rats (Wistar strain) were studied. The specific activities of lactate [LDH], isocitrate [ICDH (NAD/NADP)], succinate [SDH], malate [MDH], glutamate [GDH] and glucose-6-Phosphate [G-6-PDH] dehydrogenases were significantly increased as a function of age. However, acetaldehyde treatment significantly inhibited oxidoreductases in the tissue of 21, 90 and 180 day old rats. Liver enzymes of young (21 days) rats exhibited greater sensitivity to acetaldehyde toxicity. Similar inhibition of oxidoreductases in brain and kidney of adult (180 days) rats treated with acetaldehyde was observed. LDH and GDH as compared to other enzymes studied showed higher susceptibility to acetaldehyde toxicity. The differential sensitivity of tissues and inhibition of oxidoreductases by acetaldehyde as a function of age could be attributed to hypoxic conditions, energy crisis, and mitochondrial structural changes. The results suggest that acetaldehyde affects oxidation of glucose via HMP shunt pathway, glycolytic pathways and Krebs cycle resulting in the impairment of carbohydrate metabolism.

Effect of temperature and yeast extract on microbial respiration of sediments from a shallow coastal subsurface and vadose zone

As a part of our study on microbial heterogeneity in subsurface environments, we have examined the microbial respiration of sediment samples obtained from a coastal site near Oyster, VA. The sediments at the site are unconsolidated, fine to coarse beach sand and gravel. A Columbus Instruments Micro-Oxymax Respirometer was used to measure the rate of carbon dioxide (CO2) production during the respiration of the sediment samples. The rate of respiration of the sediment samples ranged from 0.035-0.6 microL CO2/h/g of the sediment. The sediment samples showing maximum (0.6 microL CO2/h/g) and minimum (0.035 microL CO2/h/g) production of CO2 were selected to study the effect of micronutrient-yeast extract (0.5 and 1.0 micrograms/g of the sediment) and water (0.5 and 1.0 mL) on the rate of CO2 production. The rate of CO2 production increased with the addition of water, but increased approx 2 orders of magnitude (from 0.26 to an average of 23.5 microL CO2/h/g) when 1.0 g/g yeast extract was added to the sediment samples. In these coastal sediments, temperature, depth, and addition of water influenced microbial activity, but the addition of 1.0 microgram/g yeast extract as a micronutrient rapidly increased the rate of CO2 production 2 orders of magnitude.

Cell-free extract(s) of Pseudomonas putida catalyzes the conversion of cyanides, cyanates, thiocyanates, formamide, and cyanide-containing mine waters into ammonia

Our isolate, Pseudomonas putida, is known to be capable of utilizing cyanides as the sole source of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) both in the form of free cells and cells immobilized in calcium alginate. In the present study, the cell-free extract(s) were prepared from the cells of P. putida grown in the presence of sodium cyanide. The ability of enzyme(s) to convert cyanides, cyanates, thiocyanates, formamide and cyanide-containing mine waters into ammonia (NH3) was studied at pH 7.5 and pH 9.5. The kinetic analysis of cyanide and formamide conversion into NH3 at pH 7.5 and pH 9.5 by the cell-free extract(s) of P. putida was also studied. The Km and Vmax values for cyanide/formamide were found to be 4.3/8 mM and 142/227 mumol NH3 released mg protein-1 min-1 respectively at pH 7.5 and 5/16.67 mM and 181/434 mumol NH3 released mg protein-1 h-1 respectively at pH 9.5. The study thus concludes that the cell-free extract(s) of P. putida is able to metabolize not only cyanides, cyanates, thiocyanates, and formamide but also cyanide-containing mine waters to NH3.

Pseudomonas marginalis: its degradative capability on organic nitriles and amides

Pseudomonas marginalis, capable of utilizing acetonitrile as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen, was isolated from an industrial waste site. P. marginalis metabolized acetonitrile into ammonia and acetate. The minimal inhibitory concentration values of different nitriles and amides for P. marginalis were in the range 5-300 mM. The bacterium was able to transform high-molecular-mass nitrile compounds and their respective amides into ammonia. The data from substrate-dependent kinetics showed that the Km and Vmax values of P. marginalis for acetonitrile were 33 mM and 67 nmol oxygen consumed min-1 (ml cell suspension)-1 respectively. The study with [14C]acetonitrile indicated that nearly 66% of the carbon was released as 14CO2 and 12% was associated with the biomass. The enzyme system involved in the hydrolysis of acetonitrile was shown to be intracellular and inducible. The specific activities of the enzymes nitrile aminohydrolase and amidase were determined in the cell-free extracts of P. marginalis. Both the enzymes could hydrolyze a wide range of nitriles and amides. The present study suggests that the biodegradation of organic nitriles and the bioproduction of organic acids may be achieved with the cells of P. marginalis.

Degradative capability of Pseudomonas putida on acetonitrile

Pseudomonas putida, capable of utilizing acetonitrile as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen, was isolated from contaminated soil and water samples collected from industrial sites. The P. putida cells were immobilized in calcium alginate beads. The degradation of acetonitrile by the immobilized cells of P. putida was investigated. The immobilized cells degraded different concentrations of acetonitrile into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The effect of aeration on the degradation rate was also studied. Oxygen limitation was suggested in the alginate-immobilized system. The rate of degradation of acetonitrile increased with increase in the rate of aeration.

Effect in vitro of propoxur on kinetics of K+ stimulated PNPPase and protection by thiol reagents

Kinetics analysis of K+ stimulated PNPPase was studied in the rat brain synaptosomes in the presence of propoxur. Non-competitive inhibition with respect to activation by PNPP was seen by the decreased maximal velocity (Vmax) without change in Michaelis-Menten Constant (Km). Activation energy values (delta E) were increased suggesting the decreased catalytic potential of the enzyme. It is also observed that dithiothrietol (DTT) (76 microM), cysteine (82 microM) and glutathione (120 microM) neutralized the inhibition of K(+)-PNPPase by propoxur to different extents.

Modulations in ionic composition and ATPase system in the brain of albino rat under induced propoxur toxicity

Modulations in ionic composition were seen in the rat brain during propoxur treatment indicating an impairment in the electric activity of neurons, oxygen consumption, ATPase system, disruption in the movement of ions across ionic pumps and synaptic transmission. The specific activity levels of ATPases were also altered confirming that the impairment in the ATPase system might be due to the ionic imbalances under propoxur stress.

Effect in vitro of propoxur on calcium dependent ATP hydrolysis and calcium uptake by the rat brain synaptosomes

Effect in vitro of propoxur on the specific activity of calcium stimulated ATPase and calcium uptake was studied in the rat brain synaptosomes. The data suggest that propoxur might disrupt the synaptic function by altering the calcium dependent ATP hydrolysis and calcium uptake in the central nervous system.

Metabolic diversions in the oxidative metabolism of hepatic and neuronal systems of rat (Wistar strain) under induced benthiocarb stress

Metabolic diversions in oxidative metabolism of hepatic and neuronal systems of rat were noticed during induced benthiocarb stress. The inhibition of dehydrogenases indicates disturbed mitochondrial integrity, and reduction in cytochrome-C-oxidase suggests possible respiratory distress. The drop in ATPases and PNPPase indicates the prevalence of energy crisis. The increased specific activities of NADP+ dependent dehydrogenases suggests augmented lipid biosynthesis in the wake of impaired oxidative metabolism.

Effects in vitro of benthiocarb on the uptake of 45Ca by neonatal rat (Wistar strain) brain synaptosomes

In this study we report that uptake of 45calcium(45Ca) by neonate rat brain synaptosomes was disrupted during benthiocarb poisoning. This altered 45Ca uptake suggests possible derangement in the regulation of ionic pumps, ATP hydrolysis, neurotransmitter release and other calcium dependent phenomena.

Benthiocarb toxicity on rat brain AChE

Benthiocarb effect on rat brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been studied to know the toxic effects of benthiocarb on mammalian cholinergic systems. From the study, it has been observed that the inhibition of AChE activity increased with increase in treatment period which is attributed to the cumulative effects of benthiocarb on AChE activity. The kinetic study revealed that there is a slight increase in Km and a marked decrease in Vmax which accounts for the non-competitive inhibition of enzyme during benthiocarb intoxication.

Functional significance of AMP deaminase and adenosine deaminase in the aestivating freshwater snail, Pila globosa (swainson): possible neuroendocrine involvement

The functional significance of AMP deaminase and adenosine deaminase has been studied in hepatopancreas of active, aestivated and ganglionic extracts-administered snails. The activity levels of both enzymes decreased in aestivating snails. Active snails injected with ganglionic extracts of aestivated snails also showed decreased activity. Contrastingly, the hepatopancreas of aestivated snails when treated with ganglionic extracts of active snails showed increased specific activities of both enzymes. The decrease or increase in the specific activities varied with different ganglionic extracts and the significance of the same is discussed.

Perturbations in nitrogen metabolism of brain and liver of rat following repeated benthiocarb administration

Effects of repeated administration of benthiocarb on the nitrogen metabolism of hepatic and neuronal systems have been studied. Repeated benthiocarb treatment was associated with significant decrease in proteins with a concomitant increase in free amino acids (FAA) and specific activity levels of proteases suggesting impaired protein synthesis or elevated proteolysis. The glycogenic aminotransferases showed a significant elevation in both the tissues indicating high feeding of ketoacids into oxidative pathway for efficient operation of TCA cycle to combat energy crisis during induced benthiocarb stress. However, the activity levels of branched-chain aminotransferases decreased suggesting their reduced contribution of intermediates to TCA cycle. A comparative evaluation of the activity levels of ammonogenic enzymes, AMP deaminase, adenosine deaminase and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) indicated that ammonia was mostly contributed by nucleotide deamination rather than by oxidative deamination. GDH exhibited reduced activity due to low availability of glutamate. In accordance with increased levels of urea, the activity levels of arginase, a terminal enzyme of urea cycle was increased suggesting increased urea cycle operation in order to combat the increased ammonia content. As the presence of urea cycle in the brain is rather doubtful, the conversion of ammonia to glutamine for the synthesis of GABA is envisaged in brain whereas in liver, excess ammonia was converted to urea through ornithine-arginine reacting system. The increased glutaminase activity observed during benthiocarb intoxication is accounted for counteracting acidosis or maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. Arginase, a terminal enzyme of ornithine cycle showed increased activity denoting the efficient potentiality of tissues to avert ammonia toxicity. The changes observed in tissues of rat administered with benthiocarb reflects a shift in nitrogen metabolism for efficient mobilization of end products of protein catabolism.

Polarized electric field effects on the regulation of succinate dehydrogenase activity in amphibian muscle and liver: kinetic study

Electropolarity treatment (0.8 V/DC/Cm) was given to the gastrocnemius muscle of Bufo melanostictus every day for 5 min. for 5 days, and kinetic study of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in muscle and liver was conducted with different effectors - sodium malonate, ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA), calcium chloride (CACl2) and sodium citrate. Of the four modulators tested, the malonate and EDTA inhibited while sodium citrate and CACl2 activated the enzyme. The significance of the modulation in SDH activity to different extents was discussed.

Effect of copper sulphate on alpha-ketoglutarate metabolism in the digestive gland of the snail host, Lymnaealuteola

Significant drop in the size of fuel depots was noted in copper sulphate treated snails. Free amino acid levels dropped and lactate level increased. The effects of copper treatment on rates of fuel oxidation and ammonia production in the presence of exogenously added alpha-ketoglutarate were evaluated. 92% drop in Kg dh complex activity, 33% drop in Alanine amino transferase (ALAT) activity with 78% rise in Glucose-6-phosphatase activity were recorded. Results were discussed in relation to metal ion binding with proteins and its inhibitory effect on alpha Kg dh complex enzyme activity. Molluscicidal activity of copper was found to be due to metabolic block in the TCA cycle at the alpha-ketoglutarate level.

Heavy metal ion toxicity in the freshwater gastropod snail host, Lymnaea luteola

Copper sulphate is in use as the molluscicide since six decades. However, the cidal mechanism involved is not understood. Therefore, the effect of copper sulphate added to the ambient medium at a concentration duration strength of 2 ppm X 6 hr, on the particulate fractions of the digestive gland of the pulmonate gastropod snail. Lymnaea luteola has been elucidated. Parameters such as oxidizing capacity, phosphorylating capacity and respiratory control have been studied. P:O and R.C. ratios dropped phenomenally and no uncoupling effect was seen in the presence of PCP in treated snails. These results show that some of the important properties of the particulate preparations have been affected by copperations.