Modified Pediatric Penile Perception Scale to Evaluate Cosmetic Outcome in Children With Hypospadias Repair

Objectives: To compare the interpretation for cosmesis post-hypospadias repair by child, parents and surgeons using modified Pediatric Penile Perception Scale (PPPS). Methods: This cross-sectional study involving 50 children (aged 2 to 17 years) with hypospadias was conducted at the pediatric surgery department of our public sector tertiary care hospital. Subjects were assessed 6 months after completion of all stages of hypospadias repair. Cosmetic assessment was done using modified PPPS. We clubbed together the variables ‘meatus’ and ‘glans’ as MG (meatus-glans) complex due to their extreme proximity (embedding), while cosmesis of phallus was considered independently. The modified PPPS scoring parameters included phallus, MG complex, shaft skin, and general appearance. Independent assessment by surgeon, patients and parents was compared, and analyzed using SAS 9.2 statistical software. Cosmetic results of single vs staged repair, and different repair types was compared. Results: Assessment using modified PPPS showed that MG complex cosmesis and skin scarring were the most heeded parameters by all three categories of observers. PPPS by surgeons remained least affected by phallic cosmesis and that of the patient by the overall phallic appearance. Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) scored better on cosmesis. Conclusion: Phallic cosmesis should be considered an independent variable for assessing cosmetic outcome of hypospadias, apart from MG cosmesis.

Physical and Mental Health Status of Women whose Spouses Inject Drugs – A Cross-Sectional, Multisite Study

Substance use disorder impacts the lives of significant others, more especially the wives of individuals using substances. However, the physical and mental health issues among wives of people who inject drugs(PWID) are less studied. The current cross?sectional, multisite study assessed the physical and mental health of wives of 433 PWID across six sites in Delhi. The mean age of the participants was 32.7 years (standard deviation: 9.7). More than 50% of the participants reported menstrual problems, most commonly dysmenorrhea. Around 55.9% had adverse pregnancy outcomes(abortion, miscarriage, or stillbirth). Around one out of four participants reported at least one specific sexually transmitted infection symptom. Around 11% were diagnosed with tuberculosis and 35% with a major medical illness in their lifetime. More than 90% of the participants had depressive and anxiety symptoms. The study showed that there is a huge burden of physical and mental health issues among the wives of PWID.

Fortalecimento do rotador interno do ombro versus técnica de energia muscular para rotadores externos do ombro na velocidade de lançamento em jogadores rápidos que jogam críquete - um estudo quase-experimental / Shoulder internal rotator strengthening vs. muscle energy technique for shoulder external rotators on bowling speed in fast bowlers playing cricket - a quasi-experimental study

INTRODUÇÃO: A articulação do ombro é a articulação mais complexa do corpo humano, a mais móvel e menos estável em relação às outras articulações. No lançamento, usar a extremidade superior no movimento de arremesso é uma das tarefas mais desafiadoras. Para gerar um arremesso preciso, os numerosos componentes anatômicos envolvidos no movimento de arremesso acima da cabeça devem ser coordenados. A força muscular do ombro é um componente-chave para excelência no lançamento, e a força de vários grupos musculares do ombro influencia a velocidade do lançamento. Por isso, é fundamental que os jogadores de lançamento exerçam força em seu desempenho. Isso carece de estabilidade óssea e sacrifica a estabilidade para aumentar a mobilidade. OBJETIVOS: Analisar os efeitos do fortalecimento dos rotadores internos do ombro e da técnica de energia muscular (TEM) dos rotadores externos do ombro na velocidade de arremesso em jogadores rápidos de críquete. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Jogadores de críquete rápido participantes de campo esportivo, com idade entre 18 e 30 anos, foram recrutados e então alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo fortalecimento e grupo TEM. O grupo fortalecimento recebeu fortalecimento muscular para os rotadores internos do ombro e o grupo TEM recebeu a técnica de energia muscular para os rotadores externos. Todas as intervenções de exercícios envolveram sessão de supervisão do fisioterapeuta com 12 repetições e 3 séries 5 dias por semana até oito semanas. A amplitude de movimento foi medida pelo goniômetro e a velocidade do arremesso foi avaliada pela pistola de velocidade. Todos os resultados foram avaliados na linha de base, 2ª semana, 4ª semana e 8ª semana após a intervenção com a ANOVA de medidas repetidas. RESULTADOS: Dos 30 participantes avaliados, a média de idade, altura, peso e IMC foi, respectivamente, 21.40±2.36 anos de idade, 1.74±.09m, 71.80±16.77kg e 23.57±4.20Kg/m2 para o grupo fortalecimento e 22.53±1.55 anos, 1.70±.04m, 62.47±8.02kg, 21.49±2.63 Kg/m2 para o grupo TEM. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante para todos os desfechos em relação aos tempos medidos entre os dois grupos de intervenção. Porém, no grupo fortalecimento, houve maior tamanho de efeito para ADM de Rotação Interna (1.99 no grupo fortalecimento versus 1.42 no grupo TEM) e para velocidade do arremesso (1.52 versus 1.39). A ADM de rotação externa obteve maior tamanho de efeito no grupo TEM (1.66 para o grupo TEM e 1.16 para o grupo fortalecimento). CONCLUSÕES: O resultado do estudo conclui que uma melhora significativa na força dos rotadores internos e externos do ombro leva a uma melhora na velocidade do lançamento, de modo que o protocolo de treinamento de força do ombro e o treinamento de energia muscular podem ser incorporados para aumentar a velocidade do jogador.

INTRODUCTION: The shoulder joint is the most complex joint in the human body, the most mobile and least stable in relation to other joints. In bowling, using the upper extremity in the throwing motion is one of the most challenging tasks. In order to generate a precise throw, the numerous anatomical components involved in the overhead throwing motion must be coordinated. Shoulder muscular strength is a key component of excellent bowling, and the strength of various shoulder muscle groups influences bowling speed. Therefore, bowling players must exert strength in their performance. This lacks bone stability and sacrifices stability to increase mobility. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the effects of strengthening the shoulder internal rotators and the muscular energy technique of the shoulder external rotators on bowling speed in fast cricket players. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Participating rapid cricket players from the sports field, aged 18- 30 years, were recruited and then randomly allocated into two groups: the strengthening group and the MET group. The strengthening group received muscle strengthening for the shoulder's internal rotators, and the MET group received the muscle energy technique for the external rotators. All the exercise interventions were involved physiotherapist supervision sessions with 12 repetitions and 3 sets 5 days per week up to eight weeks. Range of motion was measured by goniometer instrument, and bowling speed was assessed by speed gun. All outcomes were assessed at baseline, 2nd week, 4th week, and 8th week after the intervention with repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Of the 30 participants evaluated, the mean age, height, weight, and BMI were, respectively, 21.40±2.36 years old, 1.74±0.09m, 71.80±16.77kg, and 23.57±4.20Kg/m2 for the strengthening group and 22.53±1.55 years old, 1.70±0.04m, 62.47±8.02kg, 21.49±2.63Kg/m2 for the MET group. There was a statistically significant difference for all outcomes regarding the measured times between the two intervention groups. However, there was a greater effect size for internal rotation ROM (1.99 in the strengthening group versus 1.42 in the MET group) and bowling speed (1.52 versus 1.39) in the strengthening group. External rotation ROM had a greater effect size in the MET group (1.66 for the MET group and 1.16 for the strengthening group). CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that a significant improvement in shoulder internal rotators and external rotators' strength leads to improved bowling speed, so the shoulder strength training protocol and muscle energy training can be incorporated for increasing the bowler's speed.

Impact of Psychoeducation to reduce the burden in primary caregiver of patients with schizophrenia

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic and inarguably one of the most debilitating psychiatric syndromes. Primary care giver faces burden in different domains, few of the domains having significant correlation with a schizophrenia patient. The evidence has suggested that effective Psychoeducation will lead to reduced relapse rate, enhanced recovery and better family well-being at a lesser cost. The current study was aimed to explore burden of the family members and impact of Psychoeducation to reduce the burden in primary caregiver of patients with schizophrenia. Methodology: A prospective and interventional study was conducted from October 2016 to September 2017 among primary caregivers of the patient with schizophrenia. Caregivers were interviewed and assessed by application tools like Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS). After assessment, education program was conducted every week for five weeks. One month after completion of all the sessions, post test was conducted. Results: Total 32 primary caregivers of schizophrenia patients participated in the study. Eight caregivers did not complete the follow-up regularly as per the schedule. So, they were excluded from further study and only 24 caregivers were taken into account. Spouse as caregiver and participants with age less than 45 years felt more burden. Statistically significant reduction of burden in physical and mental health, external support, caregiver’s routine, patient’s behaviour related factors and total burden assessment schedule score was observed, which was denoted by paired t test. While, no statistical reduction was observed in other factors. Conclusions: Psychoeducation is effective in reducing the burden and creates more awareness about illness. It also improves coping strategy during different stages of illness. It also deals with communication skills and expressed emotions.

A Prospective Study of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among COVID 19 survivors at a tertiary care hospital

Background: The Novel Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak is unprecedented and traumatic event for the many people of the world. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the commonly encountered mental health problem after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is predicted that this outbreak have a more profound and widespread psychological impact. The current study is aimed at estimation of the prevalence of PTSD in patients with COVID-19 at two different points of time. Methodology: A prospective study was carried out from may 2020 to October 2020 at a COVID notified tertiary care centre. Participants were approached using Semi-structured proforma and ‘PTSD Symptom Scale Interview (PSS-I)’ at the time of discharge and 1 month post-discharge. Descriptive statistics and Chi- square test were used for the analysis. Results: A total of 440 participants took part in the study. 20.45% participants at the time of discharge from the hospital, and 18.33% at one month follow-up met the criteria for PTSD. Male participants and those who stayed in hospital for more than 14 days reported higher prevalence of PTSD. Conclusion: High prevalence of PTSD was observed in patients with COVID-19 at the time of discharge from the hospital. It is more among those who stayed in Intensive care unit and high dependency unit, and stayed for longer duration in hospital.

Efeito do fortalecimento dos rotadores internos do ombro versus técnica de energia muscular para rotadores externos do ombro na velocidade de boliche entre jogadores rápidos que jogam críquete: um protocolo de estudo / Effect of shoulder internal rotators strengthening versus muscle energy technique for shoulder external rotators on bowling speed among fast bowlers playing cricket: a study protocol

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: A literatura tem mostrado efeito promissor no fortalecimento dos rotadores internos do ombro em atletas rápidos. No entanto, nenhum estudo anterior demonstrou o efeito da técnica de energia muscular para rotadores externos de ombro em arremessadores rápidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a eficácia do fortalecimento dos músculos dos rotadores internos do ombro e da técnica de energia muscular para os rotadores externos aumentando a velocidade do boliche entre jogadores de críquete. MÉTODOS / DESENHO: Os participantes serão selecionados com base nos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Dados demográficos devem ser coletados. Os participantes escolhidos devem estar na faixa etária entre 18-30 anos, sendo distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. Grupo exercício e grupo MET. Os resultados considerados no estudo são Goniômetro universal e velocidade de boliche km \ h. Este é um ensaio clínico randomizado de dois grupos, pré-teste e pós-teste. Os participantes receberão 5 sessões por semana em 2 meses. A amplitude de movimento e a velocidade da bola são as medidas de resultado primárias para o efeito pré e pós-intervenção dos tratamentos. PERSPECTIVAS: Os resultados deste estudo podem fornecer a base para estudar o fortalecimento dos músculos do rotador interno do ombro e MET dos rotadores externos do ombro para serem usados na reabilitação e instalações clínicas que fornecerão ajuda adicional aos jogadores de arremesso para aumentar a velocidade do boliche. O procedimento do estudo é não invasivo, seguro e viável. A eficácia do fortalecimento dos rotadores internos do ombro e da técnica de energia muscular para os rotadores externos do ombro em lançadores rápidos em cada grupo será estabelecida com este estudo. REGISTRO DE ENSAIO: Registro de Ensaios Clínicos - Índia. (CTRI / 2020/06/026046). Número de teste universal - U1111-1257-4649.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The literature has shown the promising effect on shoulder internal rotators strengthening on fast bowlers. However, no previous study has demonstrated the effect of muscle energy technique for shoulder external rotators on fast bowlers. This study aims to analyze the efficacy of shoulder internal rotators muscles strengthening and muscle energy technique for external rotators enhancing the bowling in speed among fast bowlers in cricket. METHODS/DESIGN: Participants will be screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic data shall be collected. Participants taken shall be in the age group between 18-30 years, be randomly assigned into two groups: exercise group and MET group. Outcomes considered in the study are Universal Goniometer and Bowling speed km\h. This is a two-group, pre-test, post-test randomized clinical trial. Participants will receive 5 sessions per week within 2 months. The range of motion and speed of the ball is the primary outcome measures to the pre and post-intervention effect of the treatments. PERSPECTIVES: Results from this study can provide the basis for studying the strengthening of the shoulder internal rotator muscles and MET of shoulder external rotators in rehabilitation and clinical setups, which will provide additional help to the bowlers increase bowling speed. The procedure of the study is noninvasive, safe, and feasible. The efficacy of shoulder internal rotator strengthening and muscle energy technique for shoulder external rotators on fast bowlers in each group will be established with this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry- India. (CTRI/2020/06/026046). Universal Trial Number- U1111-1257-4649.

Pharmacological Properties Of Nirgundi: A Review

Owing to wide range of medicinal properties, Nirgundi is very useful herb. It is used for its medicinal values for thousands of years by the people all over the globe. The folklore healers use the plant for various ailments. As per Ayurvedic system of medicine, its Rasa is Katu, Tikta and Kashaya and it pacifies Vata and Shleshma. Its property is Laghu and Veerya is Sheetoshna and is used in the treatment of various disorders like Pleeha rog, Gulma, Krimi, Kushtha, Vrana, Visha and Aruchi. Available ancient and modern contemporary literature has been studied thoroughly while preparing this article so as to put all the available knowledge about the herb at one place. Various properties possessed by the plant have been evaluated in different studies, and results or observations of few of such prominent studies have been presented here to enrich the knowledge. Review of the available literature showed that it possesses various pharmacological activities cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-histaminic, anti-cancerous, anxiolytic, anti-asthmatic, hepatoprotective etc. All these properties have been authenticated by various experimental and clinical studies. So keeping in view the huge potential of the plant, further research is suggested to extract maximum benefits for the benefit of the society.

Effect of individual and interactive alkalinity and salinity on physiological, biochemical and nutritional traits of Marvel grass

Soil salinization and alkalinization frequently co-occur in nature. However, only few studies have focused on the interactive effects of mixed salt and alkali stresses on plants. To find supplementary feed source under arid and semiarid conditions, Dichanthium (Forsk.) Stapf. seeds and root cuttings were collected from extreme saline sodic Kachchh plains, Bhuj (Gujrat), and established at ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal. The experiment was designed in RBD having nine different treatments i.e. control (pH2: 7.1; ECe: 0.43), alkaline (pH2: 9.5 and 10.0), saline (ECe: 15, 25 and 35 dS m-1) and saline-alkaline (pH2 9.0 with ECe: 10, 15 and 20 dS m-1). Under alkaline conditions, Dichanthium maintained their plant height but reduction was observed in chlorophyll concentration at both the stresses. Highest photosynthetic rate (Pn) was recorded in control treatment i.e. 36.05 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1 which was decreased with the intensified stress. Reductions were also noticed in the rates of stomatal conductance (gS) and transpiration rate (E) under different stress levels. Dichanthium restrict Na+ accumulation (mean Na+ 0.27%) in root zone whereas in shoots, mean Na+ was 4.58%. Dichanthium maintained or increased shoot K+ concentration under saline and mixed stress condition to mitigate the injurious effect of high Na+ concentration. Among fodder quality parameters, Dichanthium contained 5.15% mean crude protein (CP). Stress treatment caused 10-25% reduction in the CP content over all the stress treatments. Alkalinity, salinity and mixed saline sodic stress caused reduction in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content but maximum reduction was observed under salinity stress condition. ADF (Acid detergent fiber) content was higher in control (47.44%) and decreased with increasing salt stress. ADL followed the same the trend as shown by ADF.

Prevalence and identification of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) in Escherichia coli isolated from a tertiary care hospital in North-East India.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are rapidly evolving group of β-lactamase enzymes produced by the Gram negative bacteria. In this study, we determined the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of Escherichia coli isolates and prevalence of TEM, SHV and CTX-M genes in ESBL positive E. coli isolated from the patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in North-East India. A total of 85 multidrug-resistant isolates of E. coli obtained from clinical samples; urine (n=80), sputum (n=3), body fluid (n=1), vaginal discharge (n=1) were screened for resistance to third generation cephalosporins. ESBL production in resistant isolates was determined by double disk synergy test (DDST) and phenotypic confirmatory test (PCT). ESBL positive isolates were subjected to PCR for detection of TEM, SHV and CTX-M genes. Imipenem was found to be most effective against E. coli (susceptible isolates 96.47%) while ciprofloxacin was the least effective antibiotic (resistant isolates 60%). Among 33 ESBL positive isolates confirmed via PCT, preponderance in female population (60.6%) was noted. The most prevalent gene was blaSHV (63.04%) followed by blaTEM and blaCTX-M (60.86 and 54.34%, respectively) in ESBL positive E. coli. Most of the extensively used antibiotics, appear to be ineffective against the ever-mutating bacteria. This resistance urges cautious antimicrobial management on priority. Further, it helps in effectively designing the chemotherapeutic regimen for patients of a particular geographic area.

Protective effect of pioglitazone on cardiomyocyte apoptosis in low-dose streptozotocin & high-fat diet-induced type-2 diabetes in rats.

Background & objectives: Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is one of the pathologic phenomena associated with diabetes and related conditions including obesity, insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemia. In the present study, the protective effects of pioglitazone on cardiomyocyte apoptosis was evaluated in experimental diabetes induced by low dose of streptozoticin (STZ) combined with high fat diet (HFD) in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were injected with low-dose STZ (45 mg/kg, i.v., single dose) and orally fed with a HFD (20 g/day/rat) for a period of 28 days and simultaneously treated with pioglitazone (20 mg/kg/p.o.) for a period of 21 days (from 8th day to 28th day). On 29th day blood was collected, serum separated and used for biochemical parameters. Heart tissue was used for cardiomyocyte apoptosis measurement and also for histopathological examination. Results: Pioglitazone treatment resulted in a decrease in cardiomyocyte apoptosis as revealed by a decrease in cardiac caspase-3, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and DNA fragmentation, and an increase in Na+K+ATPase levels in diabetic rats. Cardiac histology of diabetic control rats showed dense focal fatty infiltration in the myocardial cells whereas normal architecture with regular morphology and well preserved cytoplasm was observed with pioglitazone treatment. Pioglitazone treatment significantly reduced the heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and levels of serum glucose, leptin, insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TGs), apoliproprotein-B glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and atherogenic index, and increased the levels of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and cardiac antioxidant enzymes. Interpretation & conclusions: The present study results suggest that pioglitazone possesses cardiac anti-apoptotic potential in diabetic rat model and can be further explored for its use for treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Effects of Cleome viscosa on hyperalgesia, oxidative stress and lipid profile in STZ induced diabetic neuropathy in Wistar rats

Diabetes mellitus is a severe devastating epidemic has an effect on both developing and developed countries

Diabetic neuropathy [DN] is a secondary microvascular complication of diabetes causing damage to the nerves and is characterized by fall in nerve conduction velocity, severe pain, impaired sensation and degeneration of nerve fibres. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Cleome viscosa [EECV] against streptozotocin [STZ] induced diabetic neuropathy in Wistar rats. Intraperitoneal injection of STZ resulted in significant increase in thermal hyperalgesia and hyperlipidemia after four weeks

Antioxidant enzyme [superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione [GSH] and catalase] levels were reduced and malondialdehyde [MDA] level was increased significantly in diabetic rats as compared to the vehicle control rats. Four weeks of chronic treatment with EECV [100, 200 and 400 mg/kg] attenuated the level of nociceptive threshold significantly and dose dependently. It also decreased the elevated levels of lipids, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress significantly and dose dependently. The present study provides investigational evidence of the protective effect of EECV on nociception; hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in STZ induced diabetic neuropathy

Heat fixed but unstained slide smears are infectious to laboratory staff.

Background and Aim: In a clinical microbiology laboratory, heat fixed slide smears are commonly transported from one place to another for staining with different stains and also for onsite proficiency testing of laboratory technicians for accreditation of the laboratories. These smears are frequently handled without gloves by the staff in developing countries. Therefore, this study was conducted to check the survivability of tubercle bacilli on smears after physical and chemical treatments. Methods: A total of 196 AFB positive smears were analyzed. Of these, 116 were stained with Ziehl Neelsen (ZN), 60 with cold Kinyoun and 10 were unstained but heat fixed and 10 were neither stained nor heat fixed. The last 20 smears served as controls. The ZN and Kinyoun stained smears were 0-1.5-year-old and stored at room temperature in slide boxes, while control smears were freshly prepared. All smears were prepared from sputum samples positive for acid fast bacilli. All four sets were subjected to slide culture to see if mycobacteria could survive and grow in any. For slide culture, a new and safe device was used, which is designed for three in one purpose: cell cultivation, direct observation of the growth under microscope and cell harvesting inside the closed tube. The slide smears were directly dipped into this tube that contained liquid culture medium. The tubes were incubated at 370C for four weeks. The growth, if any, was confirmed by MPT-64 rapid test and subculture on LJ slants. Results: No growth was observed in ZN and Kinyoun stained slide smears. However, significant growth was observed in both control sets; the unstained non heat fixed as well as heat fixed slide smears. Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that tubercle bacilli remain viable even after heat fixation and carry risk of infection by contact. However, stained smears are safe for handling and storage.

Antiparasitic activity of plumericin & isoplumericin isolated from Plumeria bicolor against Leishmania donovani.

Background & objectives: The severe toxicity, exorbitant cost and emerging resistance of Leishmania species against most of the currently used drugs underscores the urgent need for the alternative drugs. The present study evaluates in vitro anti-leishmanial activity of Plumeria bicolor and its isolated compounds. Methods: The in vitro anti-parasitic activity of chloroform extract of Plumeria bicolor, plumericin and isoplumericin were tested alongwith appropriate controls against promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania donovani using 96 well microtiter plate. The concentration used for assessing the anti-leishmanial activity of extract of Plumeria bicolor and both isolated compounds were 100 μg/ml and 15 μM, respectively. The viability of the cells was assessed by MTT assay. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was performed against J774G8 murine macrophage cells lines at the concentration of 30 μM. Results: The Plumeria bicolor extract showed activity with the IC50 of 21±2.2 and 14±1.6 μg/ml against promastigote and amastigote forms of L. donovani, respectively. Plumericin consistently showed high activity with the IC50 of 3.17±0.12 and 1.41±0.03 μM whereas isoplumericin showed the IC50 of 7.2±0.08 μM and 4.1±0.02 μM against promastigote and amastigote forms, respectively. Cytotoxic effect of the chloroform extract of P. bicolor, plumericin and isoplumericin was evaluated in murine macrophage (J774G8) model with CC50 value of 75±5.3 μg/ml, 20.6±0.5 and 24±0.7 μM, respectively. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results indicated that plumericin showed more potent activity than isoplumericin and might be a promising anti-leishmanial agent against L. donovani.

Study of operational aspects of pulse polio booths during Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation Campaign in assembly segments of East Delhi.

The study was undertaken with the objective of observing operational aspects of 609 pulse polio booths established during Intensified Pulse Polio Campaign in East Delhi on National Immunisation Days (NID) during 2001-2002 through well designed format. The average number of persons present on duty at polio booths was 3.73 against a recommendation of 4 per booth. All the booths had vaccine carriers but some of them were not following the guidelines laid for maintaining the cold chain. One sixth "(15.4%)" of the booths needed fresh supplies of vaccine carrier. There is need for deployment of motivated trained manpower at polio booths to ensure the success of Pulse Polio Campaign. Maintenance of cold chain and quality assurance of vaccine administered to children in the field remain a challenge. More than half (55.7%) booths did not have any volunteer. Absence of volunteers from the community in more than half of the booths warrant for strengthening the linkages between the governmental agencies and the community.

Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices regarding measles in a rural area of Delhi.

387 mothers in Mehrauli block of Delhi were interviewed regarding their knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices regarding measles. 98.4% enumerated one or the other symptoms, fever being the commonest. 77.5% were aware of the infectious nature and 97% had favourable attitude regarding feeding the child during measles. The commonest foodstuff given was cowmilk and khichdi. 95.1% of the respondents intended to apply local herbs on eruptions. There was a variety of local medicines for home treatment and Laung, Tulsi leaves and Kishmish being the practice in descending order of preference. 98.4% respondents favoured giving special nutritional care during the attack of measles to their children.