Carbon sequestration potential of a teak plantation forest in the Eastern Ghats of India

Aim: The present study aimed to estimate the total carbon sequestration potential of a 20-years-old teak (Tectona grandis) plantation forest spread over an area of 23 ha (in Odisha under Eastern Ghats stretch) through analysis of above ground and below ground biomass carbon of trees and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock.Methodology: The sampling was carried out during May to July 2017. Random non-destructive quadrate method was used for vegetation analysis. Based on the girth, height, basal area and bio volume of trees, the above ground carbon (AGC), below ground carbon (BGC) and total carbon storage in biomass (CSB) of teak plantation forest was calculated. Similarly, soil samples were taken by a soil core sampler at different depths and based on their organic carbon, bulk density, stone and gravel contents, soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks of soil was calculated. Results: The total SOC stock and CSB of the entire teak plantation forest was 489.21 t and 6670 t, respectively, across an area of 23 ha. Taking two carbon pools into account, the total carbon sequestration (TCS) of teak plantation forest patch was 7159.21 t, which arrived to be 311.27 t ha-1 with AGC of 230.16 t ha-1 and BGC of 59.84 t ha-1 and TOC stock of 21.27 t ha-1. The highest contribution in terms of carbon storage was established by above ground carbon (74%) followed by below ground carbon (19%) and SOC (7%). Interpretation: The current study reflects that teak plantation forest has rich potential of carbon sequestration not only in tree biomass but also in the SOC form and this plantation can act as a potent reservoir of carbon in the Eastern Ghats of India

Formulation And Evaluation Of Metformin Hydrochloride Loaded Floating Microspheres

Objective: The main objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the eudragit and HPMC coated metformin hydrochloride floating microspheres, in which HPMC helps in floating and eudragit as a coating material for a site-specific drug release in a controlled manner and the active moiety metformin used as anti-hyperglycemic agent. Methods: The floating microsphere was prepared by the solvent evaporation method incorporating metformin as a model drug. The prepared floating microsphere were characterized for particle size, %yield, drug loading and entrapment efficiency, compatibility study, %buoyancy, surface morphology and In vitro drug release and release kinetics. Results: The result metformin loaded floating microsphere was successfully prepared and the particle size range from 397±23.22 to 595±15.82 µm, the entrapment efficiency range from 83.49±1.33 to 60.02±1.65% and drug loading capacity range from 14.3±0.54 to 13.31±0.47% and %buoyancy range from 85.67±0.58 to 80.67±1.15%. The FT-IR and X-RD analysis confirmed that no any interaction between drug and excipient, and surface morphology confirmed those particles are sphere. The floating microsphere show maximum 96% drug release in pH 0.1N HCL and follow the Korsmeyer peppas model of the super case-2 transport mechanism. Conclusion: These results suggest that metformin loaded floating microspheres could be retain in stomach for long time and give site specific drug release in controlled manner.

Quantification of Sexual Behaviour Traits in Presence of Teaser Male in Relation to Libido and Semen Quality in Buffalo Bull

Screening and selecting bulls for desirable reproductive traits and high libido is known to improve the reproductive performance of the herd. Evaluation of sexual behaviour and semiogram is very useful in demarcating the high fertility bulls. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to quantify the sexual behaviour in presence of male teaser in relation to semen quality in buffalo bulls. Bulls were categorized into two groups (high and low libido) on the basis of reaction time. The average duration of first licking of prepucial area was significantly (p<0.05) lower in high libido bulls as compared to low libido bulls. The average frequency and overall duration of licking of prepucial area until ejaculation in high libido buffalo bulls was significantly (p<0.05) lower as compared to low libido bulls. The average time lag to show flehmen response following sniffing and licking the prepucial area and urine of teaser male was similar (p>0.05) in high and low libido buffalo bulls. The average chin resting time were similar (p>0.05) in high and low libido buffalo bulls. Individual sperm motility (%) and viability (%) was found to be significantly higher (P<0.05) in high than the low libido bulls. Sperm abnormality (%) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in low libido bulls. Therefore, it can be concluded that breeding buffalo bulls can be demarcated for high libido based on quantification of sexual behaviour traits in relation to semen picture

Assessment of genetic divergence of mango genotypes using multivariate techniques

Aim: The study was carried out to assess the overall genetic variability of 60 mango (Mangifera indica) genotypes for important fruit quality and yield characteristics to select better parents for mango breeding programme. Methodology: A total of 17 variables were scored and subjected to multivariate analysis. ANOVA, descriptive statistics, cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used to investigate variability among the genotypes for the selected traits. Results: Significant phenotypic variability was observed for studied traits. Cluster analysis classified all genotypes into two major groups according to shared similarity. Principal component analysis revealed that traits like fruit weight, fruit diameter, pulp content and pulp: stone ratio contributed positively, while fruit shape index, TSS:acid ratio, stone and peel traits contributed negatively for a large proportion of the observed variability. Interpretation: Pusa Arunima, Pusa Shresth, Pusa Lalima, Mallika, Ramkela, Amrapali, Extreema, Neelum, Gulab Jamun, S.B. Alibagh, Tommy Atkins, Primor-de-Amoreira genotypes were found unique for fruit and yield attributing traits, thus making them potential donor parent for fruit weight, fruit color, fruit diameter, fruit shape, pulp and pulp: stone traits in mango hybridization programme.

Present Trend in Medical Research in Anatomy.

Background: Effort has been made to assess the recent trend in Medical research especially related to Anatomy. Anatomy being foundation subject requires a fundamental approach to the study of its fabrics. It is therefore required that the Anatomists should work more on the basic principles of Human structure. Trends in Anatomy changes as per the availability of the infrastructure of the medical research. In India the facilities for the basic research is not upto the desired level, which could be reflected by the articles being published in National and International Journals and even by deliberation of their work in various forums. Methods: We have taken efforts to go in depth to find out the present trends in research in Anatomy by analyzing and taking help of the papers being presented in National Conference of Anatomy held recently in November 2015 at King George Medical University Lucknow. Results: It has been observed that there is a gradual decline of research related to the Animal Experimentation, which is required for in vivo screening of the embryopathic drugs which could be helpful for screening the mechanism of Teratogenecity. Availability of cadavers is also not upto the mark where people could do some research on Gross Anatomy and Oesteology. Conclusion: Sporadic research may not be very helpful in contributing to the field of Anatomy. Institutes/Medical Colleges should be given due importance in view to have a good infrastructure for the attraction of research in Anatomy to unfold some of the gaps in the description of Anatomy. This will certainly supplement its clinical values in the treatment of patients.

Students’ current perceptions and feedback on teaching and learning Pharmacology from an evolving medical school.

Background: Understanding current perceptions and opinions of medical students regarding learning pharmacology may prove useful in improving the teaching of this discipline. Students’ feedback would probably reveal whether the so-called reforms are acceptable to them and their opinion for the betterment of teaching/learning Pharmacology subject. Aim: The study aimed to determine the opinion of students regarding the teaching of pharmacology, the best way of knowing and retaining the subject and application of the subject in future practice. Methods: The present cross sectional study was carried out by the Department of Pharmacology in collaboration with Medical Education Unit, MSDS Medical College, Fatehgarh among the undergraduate students currently studying the Pharmacology and who were due for appearing in final examination. A 30 item self administered questionnaire was administered to the students in the classrooms just after completion of classes. Time allocated for the completion of the questionnaire was 30 minutes. After compilation of collected data, analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 21 (IBM, Chicago, USA). Results: Data of 77 study subjects was analyzed. 77% students were in favour of inclusion of real life case studies and their treatment whereas 73% of the students showed interest in Problem Based Learning. Only one student wanted to include more number of seminars. 45% agreed that pharmacology education had given them capacity for self-directed learning whereas 25% of the students reported oppositely. 58% students were in the view of inclusion of recent advances in Pharmacology curriculum. Conclusion: In general students’ perceptions regarding learning pharmacology was observed to be positive. Its need of an hour to address students point of view to make learning the subject from a futuristic practical therapeutic point of view and simultaneously mitigating the general stigma that the study of this essential medical subject is boring.

A preliminary study on profile and pattern of medication errors from a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Background: A medication error is an episode associated with use of medication that should be preventable through effective control system. Investigating the incidence, type, and nature of medication errors are very crucial to prevent them. Aim: The study aimed to analyze and ascertain profile and pattern of medication errors among admitted patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Material and methods: The present prospective study was carried out by the Department of Pharmacology in collaboration with the Department of Internal Medicine and Office of Medical Superintendent, MSDS Medical College, Fatehgarh, among the patients admitted to the General medicine ward during October 2013-February 2014. Hospital/medical records, Case sheet of the study subjects, a 46 item self administered questionnaire and Medication error reporting and documentation form served as study tools. Results: Overall incidence of medication errors was found to be 28.3%. 31.4% were ‘Errors in medication ordering and transcription’, 24.4% were ‘Errors in medication dispensing’, whereas 44.2% were observed as ‘Nursing errors in medication administration’. Most frequent nursing errors in medication administration was found to be ‘Medication not given’ i.e. Omission error. 67.4% were due to nurses, 22.1% were due to pharmacists and remaining 10.5% were due to physicians. Most of the nurses attributed cause of this error to ‘Repeated distraction’ and ‘High activity duty hours’ 41.4% and 39.6% respectively. Conclusion: A robust surveillance system to detect such medication errors is need of an hour. Competencies of pharmacology department hibernating in a tertiary care teaching institution could be utilized in the early detection and prevention of medication errors and thus can improve the delivery of care quality to the patients.

An evaluation of bacteriological quality of drinking water from the catchment area of a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Background: It is well-appreciated that many communities in developing countries face severe public-health problems relating to drinking-water. The supply of safe water is important to protect the health of the community people. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the bacteriological quality of drinking water from various active sources of water utilized in the catchment area of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Material and methods: The present cross sectional study was carried out by the Department of Microbiology and Community Medicine, MSDS Medical College, Fatehgarh during 2013-14. Randomly selected 100 active water sources which were being used for drinking purpose and a fairly good number of people using that water source for drinking purpose were included in the study. National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) guidelines for drinking water quality assessment were adopted. Culture and bacteriological tests of drinking water were performed as per standard protocols. After compilation of collected data, analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 21 (IBM, Chicago, USA). Results: Out of one hundred water samples collected, fifty one, twenty seven and twenty two samples of water were collected from municipal tap water, government hand pump and water cooler respectively. Almost half of the samples were found to be unsatisfactory. E. coli was found to be responsible for 26% of samples whereas Pseudomonas in 20% of collected samples. E. coli and Klebsiella tested positive with Methyl Red whereas Pseudomonas sp. and Klebsiella tested positive with Citrate test reagent. E. coli showed positive result with Indole reagent whereas Klebsiella tested positive with Urease. Regarding mix population organisms, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella Sp. and Pseudomonas Sp. were found to be positive in 3 samples whereas Klebsiella Sp. and Pseudomonas Sp. were found to be positive only in 1 sample Conclusion: The study highlighted unsafe nature of current active sources in the study area with regard to drinking water purpose which are not fit for consumption of water. Surveillance of water sources and regular bacteriological assessment of all water sources for drinking is recommended on regular basis.

Clinical study of otological manifestations among children with cleft palate from a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Background: Despite having a well documented relationship of cleft palate with middle ear effusion, little data exists regarding otopathology in Indian children with cleft palate. Objectives: Therefore, the present study was planned with an objective to determine the various otological manifestations that occur in patients with cleft palates seeking care at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Material and methods: The present study was carried out in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of a tertiary care teaching hospital of northern India during June 2012 to May 2014 among 30 cases of cleft palate. On the first visit, history and thorough clinical examination are undertaken. Next, common and special investigations are undertaken to evaluate and assess the status of disease. X-ray mastoids, Pure tone audiometry and Tympanometry were also carried out. Results: The ears are found affected in 86.7%, 60.1% ears had an intact but dull tympanic membrane whereas 16.7% ears had CSOM with a central perforation. On pure tone audiogram (n=18) 33.33% had a hearing loss in one ear and 44.44% had a hearing loss in both ears in the form of a mild or moderate degree of conductive deafness. On tympanogram, 23.3% had an ‘A’ type of tympanogram whereas 44 ears had a `B’ type of tympanogram indicative of recurrent effusions in the middle ear. Majority from this sub-group >80% had associated conductive hearing loss-mild to moderate degrees. Conclusion: Cleft palate individuals should always be evaluated for possible otological manifestations.

Measles outbreak investigation in Dwarahat block of District Almora, Uttarakhand.

Background: We report an assessment of measles outbreak during the months of February 2014 to April 2014 in Dwarahat block of district Almora and the response mounted to it. Materials and Methods: An intensive door‑to‑door search to six measles affected villages in Dwarahat block of district Almora, covering a population of 2,408 was carried out to identify the cases of measles by a rapid response team (RRT). A total of ten blood samples were randomly collected for detecting IgM antibody against measles. For all cases, information on personal details, place of residence, time of onset and status of immunization were obtained. Results: Overall attack rate (AR) was 2.8%. AR among the population of age‑group 0–16 was 7.2%. Statistically significant higher AR (16.26%) was seen for the age‑group of 0–5 years as compare to 6–10 and 11–16 years of age (AR‑8.71, relative risk‑0.53, 95% confidence interval‑0.32–0.88, P value‑0.012 and AR‑0.57%, relative risk‑0.035, 95% confidence interval‑0.00–0.14, P value‑0.000, respectively). Males were affected more often than females 35 [59.2%] vs. 24 [40.8%]. Measles‑related complications were seen in three children. No death was reported. Of the 10 samples, nine were positive for measles IgM antibodies by enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Conclusion: The recognition of early warning signals, timely investigation and application of specific control measures can contain the outbreak. The unvaccinated or partially protected human beings serve as the reservoir of measles virus. Hence, there is a need for sero surveillance for measles in Uttarakhand and one catch up measles immunisation campaign to prevent future outbreak.

Viral aetiology of acute lower respiratory tract illness in hospitalised paediatric patients of a tertiary hospital: One year prospective study.

Context: Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI), ranked as the second leading cause of death are the primary cause of hospitalisation in children. Viruses are the most important causative agents of ALRI. Aim: To study the viral aetiology of ALRI in children at a tertiary care hospital. Setting and Design: One year prospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital of King George’s Medical University, Lucknow. Material and Methods: Nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) was collected from children admitted with signs and symptoms of ALRI who were aged 0-14 years. Samples were transported to the laboratory at 4°C in viral transport media and processed for detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A and B, infl uenza virus A and B, adenovirus (ADV), human Boca virus (HBoV), human metapneumo virus (hMPV) and parainfl uenzavirus 1, 2, 3 and 4 using mono/multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). STATA was used for statistical analysis. Results: In one year, 188 NPAs were screened for respiratory viruses, of which 45.7% tested positive. RSV was most commonly detected with 21.3% positivity followed by measles virus (8.5%), infl uenza A virus (7.4%), ADV (5.3%), infl uenza B virus (1.6%), hMPV (1.1%) and HBoV (0.5%). Month wise maximum positivity was seen in December and January. Positivity rate of RSV was highest in children aged < 1 year, which decreased with increase in age, while positive rate of infl uenza virus increased with increasing age. Conclusion: The occurrence of viral predominance in ALRI is highlighted.

hair an unusual foreign body in airways presenting with haemoptysis in an adult patient.

Haemoptysis is defined as expectoration of blood originating from the lungs or tracheo-bronchial tree. It is attributed to various causes like tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, lung cancer, mycetoma, foreign bodies etc. Various types of foreign bodies have been reported in the literature. We report the case of an adult female patient who presented with an episode of haemoptysis (150 mL) in whom flexible fibreoptic bronchoscopy revealed a single long hair at the carina going to left main bronchus. Following successful removal of this hair there were no further episodes of haemoptysis and the patient manifested clinical and radiological improvement.

Use of GenoType® MTBDRplus assay to assess drug resistance and mutation patterns of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis isolates in northern India.

Purpose: The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major public health problem. The diagnosis of MDR-TB is of paramount importance in establishing appropriate clinical management and infection control measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate drug resistance and mutational patterns in clinical isolates MDR-TB by GenoType® MTBDRplus assay. Material and Methods: A total of 350 non-repeated sputum specimens were collected from highly suspected drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases; which were processed by microscopy, culture, differentiation and first line drug susceptibility testing (DST) using BacT/ALERT 3D system. Results: Among a total of 125 mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) strains, readable results were obtained from 120 (96%) strains by GenoType® MTBDRplus assay. Only 45 MDR-TB isolates were analysed for the performance, frequency and mutational patterns by GenoType® MTBDRplus assay. The sensitivity of the GenoType® MDRTBplus assay for detecting individual resistance to rifampicin (RIF), isoniazid (INH) and multidrug resistance was found to be 95.8%, 96.3% and 97.7%, respectively. Mutation in codon S531L of the rpoB gene and codon S315T1 of katG genes were dominated in MDR-TB strains, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The GenoType® MTBDRplus assay is highly sensitive with short turnaround times and a rapid test for the detection of the most common mutations conferring resistance in MDR-TB strains that can readily be included in a routine laboratory workflow.

Identification of compatible bacterial and fungal isolate and their effectiveness against plant disease.

Forty-three isolates of Trichoderma spp. and forty isolates of bacterial (fluorescent pseudomonads) biocontrol agents were isolated and evaluated for their relative biocontrol potential and thereafter development of mixed formulation of efficient compatible fungal and bacterial bio-agents. Different isolates of either Trichoderma or Pseudomonas exhibited differential antagonistic activity with different species of tested pathogens. Pseudomonas in general, suppressed the growth of Trichoderma under in-vitro conditions however, a few combinations were found compatible. Fungal isolate PBAT-43 (T. harzianum) and bacterial isolate PBAP-27 (P. fluorescens) emerged as most compatible and efficient and therefore were used for development of mixed formulation. Individual and mixed formulations were evaluated for their relative bio-efficacy under glass-house and field conditions. Mixed formulation exhibited increase in seed germination ranges from 25.5 - 72.11 % and disease control 47.68- 76.00 % in different crops as compared to control. Application of compatible mixture of fungal and bacterial bio-control agents possessing various mechanism of pathogen suppression is suggested as a reliable and potential means of disease suppression.

Planting geometry to optimize growth and productivity in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and soil fertility.

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) responses to alteration of its ambient environment leads to certain modification in the crop phenology, yield attributes and economic yield. To know the extent and pattern of response by faba bean to alterations, a two year field experimentation was carried out with two crop establishment methods (i) flatbed planting (ii) raised bed planting, four planting geometry (i) 30X20 cm(ii) 30X30 cm (iii) 30X45 cm and (iv) 45X45cm and three seeding depth. All the treatment (two crop establishment methods, four planting geometry and three seeding depth) were combined together consisting twenty four treatments, were organized in factorial experiment in complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three replications. Data were recorded on growth and development; yield attributes and yield. Soil analysis was done and finally statistical tool were applied to come in to valid conclusion. Raised bed planting proves superior over flatbed in case of seed yield. Square planting architect with 30 cm apart prove better (3690.9 kg ha-1) than other tested planting geometry. Seeding at 10 cm depth showed, significant improvement in seed yield per plant and per ha over other two tested seeding depth. Phosphorus availability was significantly higher in raised bed planting (36.9 kg ha-1). However, available K (kg ha-1) was significantly influenced by planting geometry and seeding depth. It was maximum (155.2 kg ha-1) with 30X 45 cm plant geometry, proved significantly higher than 30X20 cm and 30X30 cm and at par with 45X45 cm planting.

Changing patterns and trends of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis at referral centre in Northern India: A 4-year experience.

Purpose: India has a high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), although there is little data on multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Although MDR-TB has existed for long time in India, very few diagnostic laboratories are well-equipped to test drug sensitivity. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of MDR-TB, first-line drug resistance patterns and its changing trends in northern India in the 4 years. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study from July 2007 to December 2010. Microscopy, culture by Bactec460 and p-nitro-α-acetylamino-β-hydroxypropiophenone (NAP) test was performed to isolate and identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) complex (MTBC). Drug sensitivity testing (DST) was performed by 1% proportional method (Bactec460) for four drugs: Rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and streptomycin. Various clinical and demographical profiles were evaluated to analyse risk factors for development of drug resistance. Results: We found the overall prevalence rate of MDR-TB to be 38.8%, increasing from 36.4% in 2007 to 40.8% in 2010. we found that the prevalence of MDR-TB in new and previously treated cases was 29.1% and 43.3% ( P < 0.05; CI 95%). The increasing trend of MDR-TB was more likely in pulmonary TB when compared with extra-pulmonary TB ( P < 0.05; CI 95%). Conclusions: we found a high prevalence (38.8%) of MDR-TB both in new cases (29.1%) and previously treated cases (43.3%).This study strongly highlights the need to make strategies for testing, surveillance, monitoring and management of such drug-resistant cases.

Pattern of BAER abnormalities in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

This study was done to determine the various abnormalities of Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia and to correlate the specific BAER abnormality with a particular range of bilirubin levels. Prospective study was done in 100 cases in a tertiary care hospital over a period from 2007-2008. All cases with hyperbilirubinemia were subjected to BAER test. Fifty five percent (n=44) out of 80 cases showed abnormal BAER test and 24 of them showed bilaterally in babies having peak serum bilirubin levels of more than 20mg/dL. Seventy five percent (n=33) showed prolong interpeak latency in wave III-V indicating that the conduction from superior olivary complex (wave III) to inferior collicullus (wave V) were more commonly affected with peak levels of bilirubin when compared to control which were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). BAER is a simple and effective tool for determining the auditory functions in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia and could predict the impending encephalopathy or to identify subtle findings that could be reversed.

Diagnostic yield of computed tomography-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology of radiological suspected cases of lung mass lesions.

Computed tomography (CT)-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) provides high diagnostic yield in lung mass lesions, with acceptable rate of complications. In a retrospective review of data of 32 patients, the cytological diagnostic yield was found to be 90.7% of which 93% were malignant and remaining 7% were tubercular. Procedure-related complications were observed in three cases (9%); minimal haemoptysis in two and pneumothorax in one. The study confirms that CT-guided FNAC of lung mass lesions is a very useful procedure with minimal complications.

Effect of a non steroidal tamoxifen on the gonad and sex differentiation in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

The effect of different doses of anti-estrogenic chemical was studied in a cichlid Oreochromis niloticus on mortality, growth, sexual development and sex differentiation. Percent mortality (5, 10 and 10) appeared to be dose-dependent. All groups of tamoxifen (TA) treated fishes exhibited significant growth as compared to the controlled fishes. Immature fishes treated with TA at 200 mg l-1, showed lower gonado-somatic-index (GSI) (male 0.137; female 0.118) than control group (male 0.138; female 0.122) of fishes. Ovarian and testicular differentiation was adjudged by the appearance of the ovarian cavity (ovary) and the efferent (sperm) duct (testis), respectively. Sex and sexual maturity of individual fishes were determined using standard histological method. Tamoxifen treatment to the fry (yolk sac absorbed stage) of Oreochromis niloticus in the dose of 200 mg l-1 for 60 days produced 90% males and 1% intersex population. Results suggested masculinizing action of tamoxifen reversing the sex of genetic female tilapia.

A convenient first aid kit for chemical and biological agents and for radiation exposure.

The chemical and biological warfare agents are extremely toxic in nature. They act rapidly even in very small quantities and death may occur in minutes. Hence, physical and medical protection must be provided immediately to save life or avoid serious injury. A first aid kit has thus been developed for providing immediate relief from chemical and biological warfare agents (FAKCBW) with the objective of easy detection, personal decontamination, antidote for chemical warfare agents (like nerve agents, sulphur mustard, phosgene, cyanide, radiation exposure and bacterial agents), along with basic medication aid for pain, fever and inflammation. The kit box also includes a user friendly handbook with a simple standard operating procedure. In addition, the kit is rugged to withstand normal jerks, vibration and is water-proof.