Caesarean Section Delivery in India: A Comparative Assessment of Geographical Variability Using Nationally Representative Survey Factsheet Data

Background: In line with global trends, India has witnessed a sharp rise in C-section (CS) deliveries, especial-ly in the private sector. Methodology: Study attempts to explore change in CS delivery in India at national, regional and State/UT lev-els. We have used factsheet data from the most recent nationally representative survey data i.e., NFHS to ex-amine changes in private and public healthcare facilities, and to determine a difference in rural and urban in CS deliveries. Results: The CS rate has increased from 17.2% to 21.5% in 2019-21. CS was more than twice (40.9%) amongst the private healthcare facilities during the fourth round of NFHS which has shown a considerable in-crease during the fifth round of NFHS (47.4%). There is equal distribution (12.8% during 2015-16 to 17.6% in 2019-21 in rural areas v/s 28.2% during 2015-16 to 32.3% in 2019-21in urban areas) of CS deliveries amongst the rural and urban areas to the total deliveries. Conclusion: Study found that with every one in five deliveries being caesarean, the figure is significantly high as per the recommended cut off by WHO. Thus, it is essential to explore factors regarding emergency or elec-tive caesarean section and to understand if the health facilities are following the recommended protocols for performing CS deliveries.

Women's Empowerment: Bringing Women’s Rights and Health into Focus- A Comparative Analysis of State Fact Sheets of National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 & 5

Introduction: Women’s empowerment is a crucial factor for economic and social growth. India being committed to making women contribute equally to the growth of the country by 2030 (SDG-5), this study highlighted the major shortcomings in the domain of Women’s health, social and economic growth parameters. Methods: For this study, data related to health and non-health parameters were used from National Family Health Survey factsheets. In reference to “the Global Gender Gap measure by the World Economic Forum”, the indicators have been classified into 4 broad themes, for each of which, indicators were se-lected from NFHS factsheet for analysis, interpretation, and reporting. Results: A2.9% increase in the child sex ratio from 991 to 1022 females per 1000 males over the last two NFHS rounds, indicates a significant societal shift in the country. Out of 21 selected indicators, 4 pa-rameters namely Screening test for cervical and breast cancer, Marriage of women before 18 years of age and Anaemia amongst women have shown a negative change over the past 5 years. Conclusion: The study found that, India has made significant progress around the health, education, economic and social empowerment parameters. But to get an adequate assessment of developments, we need to expand the basket of indicators to holistically analyze change.

Evaluation of certain important biochemical parameters of four tropical earthworms in response to soil moisture and temperature variations

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation in certain biochemical parameters of the earthworms, Drawida willsi (Sp1), Glyphidrilus tuberosus (Sp2), Lampito mauritii (Sp3) and Perionyx excavates (Sp4) in response to seasonal soil moisture and temperature alterations.Methodology: Soil moisture and temperatures were measured by digital moisture meter and thermometers, respectively. The sampling of earthworms was done following quadrat method during dry and wet seasons from three agro-climatic zones (Balasore (Z1), Sambalpur (Z2) and Nayagarh (Z3) of Odisha, India. Tissue protein, LPX level, catalase, acetylcholinesterase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were estimated spectrophotometrically. Results: Significant variation (P< 0.05) in soil moisture and temperature were noticed between dry and wet seasons in all the agro-climatic zones. All the earthworm species indicated lower protein level, acetylcholinesterase activity, higher lipid peroxidation, LDH and catalase activity in dry season relative to wet seasons. Soil moisture indicated significant positive correlation (P< 0.05) with tissue protein of Sp1 (r=0.59), Sp2 (r=0.64), and Sp4 (r=0.55) of Z1, Sp2 (r=0.63) and Sp4 (r=0.67) of Z2 and Sp2 (r=0.58) and Sp3 (r=0.65) of Z3. Soil temperature showed significant negative correlation (P< 0.05) with tissue protein of Sp3 (r= -0.51) of Z1, Sp2 (r= -0.56) and Sp4 (r= -0.69) of Z2 and Sp1(r= -0.54) of Z 3. Interpretation: Enhanced physiological stress level caused due to moisture deprivation could influence synthesis and storage of protein with enzyme activities.

Reversible blindness in a patient with closantel toxicity

To describe the optical coherence tomography (OCT) and electrophysiological changes in a case of closantel toxicity. A 25-year-old patient presented with sudden painless defective vision following intake of closantel. Visual acuity (VA) was counting fingers at 5 m in both eyes (BE). OCT revealed disruption of outer retinal layers and electroretinogram (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) were subnormal in BE. The patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids, after which his VA improved to 6/9, OCT revealed preservation of central outer retinal layers, and ERG and VEP responses improved in BE. This is the first case report of successful treatment with systemic steroids for closantel-related reversible blindness.

Combined treatment modality for phthiriasis palpebrarum

Phthiriasis palpebrarum (PP) is the infestation of eyelids caused by the ectoparasite Phthirus pubis, frequently misdiagnosed as allergic conjunctivitis, blepharitis or dermatitis. There is no standard treatment of choice although various treatment modalities have been described. A 6-year-old male child with PP was successfully treated with local application of 20% fluorescein solution over the eyelashes and eyebrows of both the eyes, followed by the mechanical removal of all parasites and trimming of the eyelashes from the base and application of ophthalmic ointment.

Differential expression of cyclin E, p63, and Ki-67 in gestational trophoblastic disease and its role in diagnosis and management: A prospective case–control study

Background: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) constitutes a spectrum of tumors and tumor-like conditions, characterized by proliferation of pregnancy-associated trophoblastic tissue of progressive malignant potential. It is very difficult to differentiate these complex groups of lesions basing on histomorphology alone. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) with cyclin E, P63, and Ki-67 has a definite role in the identification of different trophoblasts and entities of GTD and also in the determination of biological behavior. Aims: The aim of this study is to find the differential expression of cyclin E, p63, and Ki-67 in normal placenta, hydropic abortus (HA), and various entities of GTD. Design and Settings: A prospective case–control study conducted in a government medical college. Methods: Total 96 cases, divided into Group A (48 histologically confirmed cases of GTD) and Group B (controls comprising 8 HA and 40 normal placentas of different trimesters), were studied. The histological samples were subjected to IHC using cyclin E, Ki-67, and p63. Statistical Analysis: Results were analyzed using SPSS statistical method. Results: Among the three immunomarkers used, Cyclin E and Ki-67 show statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) when compared between GTD and control groups, but it was insignificant for p63 (P = 0.369). Strong staining intensity of cyclin E and Ki-67 is seen in complete moles, choriocarcinoma, and placental site trophoblastic tumor. Conclusion: This study was done to evaluate the role of cell cycle regulatory proteins such as cyclin E and p63 and proliferation marker Ki-67 in the detection of various trophoblasts and differential diagnosis of the lesions associated with them.

Evaluating the effect of monocrotophos and glyphosate on microbial population and certain important exoenzyme activities in soil

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of organophosphate agrochemicals, namely monocrotophos and glyphosate on soil chemical parameters, microbial population and activities of certain vital exoenzymes e.g. invertase, amylase, cellulase, dehydrogenase and protease at 7 days interval over an incubation period of 84 days. Methodology: Three concentrations of monocrotophos (1.0 g kg-1 soil-low T1, 2.0 g kg-1 soil-medium T2, 3.0 g kg-1 soil-high T3) and glyphosate (0.1 g kg-1 soil-low T1, 0.15 g kg-1 soil-medium T2, 0.2 g kg-1 soil-high T3) were applied to soil. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) were assessed. Bacterial and fungal population along with activities of exoenzymes were also studied. Data were analysed using two way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT). Results: Significant variations (p<0.05) of chemical parameters, except P and K, in treated soil between concentrations and time over the incubation period were observed. Microbial population and exoenzymes showed significant variations (p<0.05) in response to agrochemical treatments. Invariably, lower microbial load and enzyme activities were noticed in treated soil relative to control. Interpretation: The study indicated that monocrotophos and glyphosate at recommended and elevated concentrations in soil could adversely impact microbial growth. Inhibited microbial population culminated in lower exoenzyme activity

Ideation of Body Image and its Relevance to Health

Globalization and urbanization have greatly affected one's life style, perception, rate of acceptance as well as eating habits. In the present era human beings have many concerns about their development, about size and shape of body, skin condition, attractiveness and approval by their friends. Body image is a multifaceted psychological construct that includes subjective attitudinal and perceptual experiences about one‟s body, particularly its appearance. The impact of globalization on body image and health are simultaneously positive and negative varying according to factors such as geographical location, gender, age, ethnic origin, education level, and socioeconomic status. In childhood, the influential beings are caretakers and with increasing age social factors and peers have greater influence. Media plays profound role on body image. There are evidences to support that body image concerns and dissatisfaction are serious problem and it is linked to nutritional status. Besides several primary prevention strategies psychotherapeutic, exercise and health based educational interventions are needed to overcome negative body image. There is an urgent need to move from traditional research to translational research and finally to transformative research transformative research in context of body image.

Fast Food Consumption Pattern among Female Research Scholars of a Central University

Background: Fast food culture is a vigorously uprising trend among the youngster’s engaged in higher education as well. Objectives: To assess fast food consumption among female research scholars of a central university and to identify influencing factors for the prevailing situation. Material and Method: For this cross sectional study 282 female research scholars of Banaras Hindu University were selected through multistage sampling. They were interviewed with pre-designed and pretested proforma about socio– demographic characteristics and consumption of fast foods. Results: Out of 282 subjects, 69.5% subjects consumed fast food daily whereas in case of 12.4% subjects this was 3-4 days per week. Fast food consumption was significantly influenced by area of residence, type of family, religion, caste, family size, source of income and socio-economic status. Consumption of fast food on daily basis was more in subjects from, urban area (77.8%), nuclear family (71.1%), family size 3 (81.9%), source of income other than service and business (73.0%) and SES I (74.9%). As per logistic model higher AORs were for urban area (4.77; 95% CI : 2.28-10.0); OBC caste (3.02; 95%, CI 1.45-6.27), and when total family member were 3 (3.51; 95%; CI 1.34-9.22). Conclusion: Fast food consumption was considerably high by female research scholars and area of residence, caste and family size were its significant predictors.

Effect of phosphogypsum amendment on soil physico-chemical properties, microbial load and enzyme activities.

Phosphogypsum (PG) is produced as a solid waste from phosphatic fertilizer plants. The waste slurry is disposed off in settling ponds or in heaps .This solid waste is now increasingly being used as a calcium supplement in agriculture. This study reports the effect of PG amendment on soil physico chemical properties, bacterial and fungal count and activities of soil enzymes such as invertase, cellulase and amylase over an incubation period of 28 days. The highest mean percent carbon loss (55.98%) was recorded in 15% PG amended soil followed by (55.28%) in 10% PG amended soil and the minimum (1.68%) in control soil. The highest number of bacterial colonies (47.4 CFU g-1 soil), fungal count (17.8 CFU g-1 soil), highest amylase activity (38.4 ?g g-1 soil hr-1) and cellulase activity (38.37 ?g g-1 soil hr-1) were recorded in 10% amended soil . Statistically significant difference (p<0.05) has been recorded in the activities of amylase and cellulase over the period of incubation irrespective of amendments. Considering the bacterial and fungal growth and the activities of the three soil enzymes in the control and amended sets, it appears that 10% PG amendment is optimal for microbial growth and soil enzyme activities.

Treatment Seeking in Reproductive Age Women with RTIs/STIs : A Community based Cross-sectional Study.

The socio-cultural and economic contexts in developing countries influence the epidemiology or STls and helps in making them an important public health priority. This study was carried out to explore the health care seeking pathway of the women suffering from RTls/STls. influence or major socio-demographic variables on treatment seeking pattern. This cross sectional study was carried out comprising or eight hundred reproductive age (15-49 years) women selected following a multistage sampling procedure. The information pertaining to health seeking behaviour were collected from them using a pre-designed pretested interview schedule. Quantum of RTls/STls in the study group was estimated and symptomatics were asked specially about time lag between appearance of symptoms and seeking acre; reason for not seeking care; outcome of treatment they have taken if any. Out of total 359 subjects with symptoms of RTls/STls only about one-third (37.3%) had sought treatment. Only a few (4.5%) had sought treatment within 1 month of appearance of symptoms. Considering it to be physiological about half of the subjects (45.3%) did not seek treatment. The treatment seeking pattern was highly associated with the level of education (p=0.000). Reluctance in seeking treatment, delay in its initiation, prelerencc for unqualified practitioners in first consultation and significant association between education and treatment seeking pattern emphasize BCC and service provision for control and prevention of RTls/STls.