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Background: Preterm labor remains one of the major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Different tocolytics have been studied for prolongation of pregnancy, role of progesterone in increasing latency period remains controversial. Aim of the study was to compare efficacy of nifedipine with nifedipine along with dydrogesterone as a tocolytic agent in case of preterm labor and find its impact on maternal and neonatal outcome. Methods: This study was conducted in 100 women who presented with symptoms of preterm labor, patients were then randomized to nifedipine plus dydrogesterone therapy or nifedipine treatment. Group I received Nifedipine plus dydrogesterone 10 mg and group II received only nifedipine. Results: There was significant difference in latency period between group I and group II polongation beyond 1 week was observed in 58% in group I and 32% in group II. There is significant difference in APGAR score at 1 minute and 5 minute between patients of group I and group II. In group I, 57.4% neonates have APGAR >7 whereas in group II 31.9% neonates have APGAR >7 at 1 minute. In Group I, 89.4 % neonates have APGAR >7 whereas in group II 68.1% neonates have APGAR >7 at 5 minutes. The mean birth weight in group I was 1.86 with SD 0.35 whereas in group II it was 1.72 with SD 0.34 which is statistically significant. However, no significant difference was found between admission in neonatal intensive care unit or neonatal complications and adverse effects between 2 groups. Conclusions: This study found dydrogesterone along with nifedipine is more effective as tocolytic in comparison to nifedipine alone.

Background: Most common female cancer worldwide including India is breast cancer. Awareness about breast cancer is very necessary for early detection and prevention as diagnosis at advanced stages of disease contributes to the high mortality rate. An assessment of existing levels of knowledge regarding cancer is a pre-requisite to find out gaps and to plan for proper educational programmes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a women’s college, study subjects were students, female faculty members and female staff. A structured questionnaire was given, data was collected and analysed. Results: In this study it is found that knowledge regarding risk factors for breast cancer was low, only 47.68% knew that family history predisposes for breast cancer, 28.48% knew late menopause is risk factor. 76.82% of respondents knew that lump in breast is a sign of breast cancer, whereas only 31.13% knew that discharge from nipple is sign of breast cancer. Merely 6.40% of respondents knew the procedure of breast self-examination. Majority of respondents i.e. 54.53% told media as source of information. Conclusions: Regarding breast cancer low level of knowledge was found among the study subjects which suggests that proper information should be provided in colleges, especially health facilities and schools should increase their role in providing related information.

In general, each country continuously focuses on improving the performance of the education system. Our study provides suggestions regarding the improvement by taking the data in the Indian context using data envelopment analysis (DEA). To the best of our knowledge, our paper is the first study which is using the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) data. In this study, we consider 61 educational institutions of India to rank them according to their performances. The ranking is done on the basis of the efficiency scores of the institutions. To rank the efficient institutions super-efficiency DEA model is applied. Finally, some suggestions and concluding remarks are given for inefficient institutions to make them efficient.

Background The technology of food packaging is responding to significant market dynamics such as the rapid growth in e-commerce and preservation of fresh food, a sector that accounts for over 40% of plastic waste. Further, mandates for sustainability and recent changes in national governmental policies and regulations that include banning single-use plastic products as observed in sweeping reforms in Europe, Asia, and several US States are forcing industries and consumers to find alternative solutions. Scope and approach This review highlights an ongoing shift of barrier coatings from traditional synthetic polymers to sustainable breakthrough materials for paper-based packaging and films. Advantages, challenges and adapting feasibility of these materials are described, highlighting the implications of selecting different materials and processing options. A brief description on progress in methods of coating technologies is also included. Finally, the end fate of the barrier materials is classified depending on the packaging type, coating materials used and sorting facility availability. Key findings and conclusions Different types of coatings, such as water-based biopolymers, due to their greater environmental compatibility, are making inroads into more traditional petroleum-based wax and plastic laminate paperboard products for fresh food bakery, frozen food, and take-out containers applications. In addition, nano-biocomposites have been studied at an accelerating pace for developing active and smart packaging. Based on the momentum of recent developments, a strong pace of continuing developments in the field can be expected.

In the country, thousands of patients die each year due to medical errors and improper treatment. This problem can be attributed primarily to human factor, medication error, and system failure. These problems require an urgent solution to be done. National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) serves as a benchmark in this regard for improving patient safety and health quality care in the international community. It offers education, publication, advisory services and international accreditation and certification. This chapter demonstrates perceptions of 300 doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff regarding patient safety climate in the accredited and non-accredited hospitals with the help of a cross-sectional survey in Delhi NCT, India. The results revealed that senior leadership, resources for safety, facility characteristics, workgroup norms, learning, psychological safety, and problem responsiveness were responded highly positively in accredited hospitals.

Recently the COVID-19 pandemic has very clearly revealed the enormous challenges and risks our healthcare workers are facing globally while working in difficult situations. They are more prone to make mistakes which can lead to harmful effects on them and their patients leading to work stress which has become a part of their daily lives. A dearth of studies has examined this concept in an organizational context as it affects an individual's life and work. This study is examining the influence of work stress on employee performance and quality of life of healthcare workers. Data collected from employees of selected hospitals with the help of a structured questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Findings of correlation and regression analysis revealed a significant positive influence of the work stress on employee performance and quality of life.

This review explores biobased polymers for industrial applications, their end fate, and most importantly, origin and key aspects enabling soil biodegradation. The physicochemical properties of biobased synthetic and natural polymers and the primary factors governing degradation are explored. Current and future biobased systems and factors allowing for equivalent comparisons of degradation and possible sources for engineering improved biodegradation are reviewed. Factors impacting ultraviolet (UV) stability of biopolymers have been described including methods to enhance photoresistance and impact on biodegradation. It discusses end-fate of biopolymers in soil and impact of residues on soil health. A limited number of studies examine side effects (e.g., microbial toxicity) from soil biodegradation of composites and biopolymers. Currently available standards for biodegradation and composting have been described with limitations and scope for improvements. Finally, design considerations and implications for sustainable polymers used, under consideration, and to be considered within the context of a rational biodegradable strategy are elaborated.

An innovative approach for preparing hemp fibers from hemp hurds for use in tissue and towel grades of paper is described. Hemp hurds are a low value by-product of industrial hemp processing that are generally used for animal bed litter. Tissue paper was fabricated from hemp hurd fibers by following three pulping processes: autohydrolysis (hydrothermal), sodium carbonate-based defibration, and high yield kraft pulping, and benchmarked against hardwood pulp. To meet industrial standards, hardwood and hemp pulp fibers were mixed at a dry mass ratio of 75:25, from which tissue paper sheets were prepared. Desirable tissue paper properties, such as water absorption, burst resistance, softness, and tensile strength (dry and wet), were measured and compared. Characterization of morphological and chemical properties of tissue handsheets was conducted with SEM and time-of-flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The combined kraft pulped hardwood and autohydrolyzed hemp pulp fibers displayed improvements in tensile index, burst resistance, and softness of tissue handsheets compared to only kraft hardwood pulp handsheets without adversely impacting water absorption. Hardwood fibers showed a sparse distribution of surface lignin compared to hemp fibers using the same defibration. This technology can lead to a variety of eco-friendly tissue paper products that are not only highly energy efficient, but avoid harsh chemical processing.

Funding Information: This work was performed in part at the Analytical Instrumentation Facility (AIF) at North Carolina State University, which is supported by the State of North Carolina and the National Science Foundation (award number ECCS-1542015). The authors are grateful to Chuanzhen Zhou (Elaine) and Ching Chang Chung for their help in conducting ToF-SIMS and XRD analysis. Publisher Copyright: © 2021 Elsevier B.V. Copyright: Copyright 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved. Residual hemp (Cannabis sativa) hurd fibers obtained from hydrothermal, carbonate, and kraft treatments were the resources used to obtain lignocellulosic nanofibers (LCNF) by using an ultra-fine friction grinder. The morphological, crystallinity, and chemical characteristics of the nanocellulose films were carried out using SEM, XRD, EDX and ToF-SIMS. Water barrier properties of the same were measured in terms of water contact angle, water vapor permeability (WVP) and water absorption. The barrier properties were found to be dependent not only on the lignin content and lignin distribution, but also on the film density and porous structure. LCNF films and coatings showed much higher water contact angle (WCA) (80°-102°) than films produced from the bleached CNF. WVP was found to be more dependent on the density of films than lignin content. Overall, LCNF-based films and coatings derived from hemp hurd residual fibers can contribute to a circular economy and sustainability.

The rheological and dewatering behavior of an aqueous pigmented coating system not only affects the machine runnability but also affects the product quality. The current study describes the use of natural hydrocolloids derived from citrus peel fibers as a rheology modifier in paper coating applications. The results were compared with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in a typical paper coating system. Water retention of the coating formulation was increased by 56% with citrus peel fibers compared to a default coating, and it also was higher than a CMCcontaining coating. The Brookfield viscosity of paper coatings was found to increase with citrus peel fibers. Compared to CMC, different citrus peel fibers containing coating recipes were able to achieve similar or higher water retention values, with no change or a slight increase in viscosity. Coatings were applied on linerboard using the Mayer rod-coating method, and all basic properties of paper were measured to assess the impact of citrus peel fiber on the functional value of the coatings. Paper properties were improved with coated paper containing citrus peel fibers, including brightness, porosity, smoothness, surface bonding strength, and ink absorption.

A hybrid materials system to modulate lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and moisture content for thermo-responsivity and optical tunability was strategically developed by incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) into a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogel matrix. The PNIPAm/CNC hydrogel films exhibit tunable optical properties and wavelength bandpass selectivity as characterized by PROBE Spectroscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Importantly, the micro/nano structures of the PNIPAm/CNC hydrogel films were completely different when dried below and above the LCST. Below the LCST, PNIPAm/CNC hydrogel films exhibit transparency or semi-transparency due to the uniform bonding of hydrophilic PNIPAm and CNC through hydrogen bonds. Above the LCST, the hydrogel films engage in both hydrophobic PNIPAm and hydrophilic CNC interactions due to changes in PNIPAm conformation which lead to light scattering effects and hence opacity. Furthermore, the incorporation of CNC induces a ∼ 15 °C reduction of the LCST relative to pure PNIPAm hydrogel films.

In the present scenario, the elimination of toxic heavy metal pollutants from wastewater effluents has emerged as a severe worldwide environmental issue. Due to the severe and recalcitrant nature of heavy metals, their accumulation occurs in the food web which seriously affects the life forms in the ecosystem and further degrades the environment. Recently, the advancement of nanotechnology has gained much attention towards remediation of heavy metals due to superior characteristics such as higher surface area/volume ratio, spatial confinement and reduced imperfections and resulted in an excellent immobilising capacity of heavy metals due to high reaction rate. This book chapter summarises an overview of variously advanced nanomaterials comprising carbon-, metal oxide (MO)-, zero-valent metal (ZVM)- and nanohybrid-based nanomaterials, and their applicability towards amelioration of heavy metals from wastewater effluents was investigated systematically. The advantages, disadvantages and efficiency of various nanomaterials were also correlated and studied. Additionally, this book chapter discusses future insights and directions for the betterment of nanomaterials concerning heavy metal remediation from wastewater with minimum environmental impacts.

Background: Adolescent population makes one fifth of world population and in India 21% of the population falls in this group. Social prohibitions and traditional beliefs prevalent in our society lead to inadequate hygiene practices.Methods: Study was done in 304 adolescent girls in a government girls school of Kanpur Nagar by pretested printed questioners in a awareness program on menstrual hygiene. It was a descriptive cross sectional study among 304 school going adolescent girls of 13-19 year age.Results: The mean age of menarche was 13.23 years while mean age of study participants was 15.69 years. Nearly 96.68% used sanitary pads during menses whereas 3.31% use house hold materials. The most common symptom during menstruation was dysmenorrhoea which was recorded in 22.85% study participants. In 79.47% cases first informant was mother about menstruation knowledge while 79.47% girl did not report any social discrimination during menstruation.Conclusions: In this study menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls in a government girls school of UP was satisfactory probably because of various government scheme like menstrual hygiene management (MHM), provision of clean water and sanitation facility and distribution of free sanitary pads at monthly interval to all menstruating adolescent girls. Mother was the first informant on menstruation in most cases. Here school teacher can play a pivotal role in educating all adolescent girls and their mother about menstrual hygiene practices.

A sustainable packaging system with excellent liquid- and gas-barrier properties and enhanced strength properties was highlighted by a composite coating containing a mixture of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), a high-aspect ratio nano-filler montmorillonite clay, an amphiphilic binder soy protein, and a surface-active agent alkyl ketene dimer. They were tested on various surfaces of commercially available packaging papers and compared with the appropriate control (i.e., CNC-only coating) to determine surface morphology, chemical composition, barrier, and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy image analysis showed a compact matrix whose defects (cracks) were significantly attenuated compared to the control while FTIR showed fewer exposed hydroxyl (–OH) groups. The compact structure and reduced proportion of –OH groups are attributed to the plate-like structure, high aspect ratio of clay, and uniform distribution of additives to help inhibit gas, moisture, water, oil, and grease permeation. The base paper used also had a significant impact on how coatings interacted with various fluids. Overall, sustainable CNC-composite barrier coatings with relatively low-cost additives were fabricated and showed improved barrier and strength characteristics with a strong potential as barrier coatings for packaging.

Background: The objective of this study is to compare the incidence, severity and feto-maternal outcome of antenatal Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive patients with GDM vs non GDM patients.Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. The study was carried out in department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur from March 2020 to December 2020. All the antenatal women with COVID 19 positive status who were admitted during this period were enrolled in the study. Analysis were made on the basis of observation regarding the severity of symptoms COVID 19 disease, oxygen requirements, mode of delivery and neonatal outcome in GDM vs non GDM COVID positive antenatal patient.Results: A total of 421 COVID positive antenatal patients were enrolled of which 21 patients were having GDM and 400 were non GDM. Of these 21 patients, 14 (66.7%) were diagnosed with GDM after admission while 7 patients i.e., 33.3% were already diagnosed GDM before admission in current pregnancy. Of these 21 (42.9%) antenatal COVID pt with GDM majority shows mild symptoms of COVID 19, however the severity of fever, myalgia and cough was increased in GDM compared to Non GDM Group. While in non GDM Group, majority of patients were asymptomatic (44.3%) and severity was also less.Conclusions: It is also evident that patients with GDM had longer duration of hospital stay, higher incidence of caesarean delivery and oxygen requirements.

The flow characteristics of dilute aqueous suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), and related products in dilute aqueous suspensions could be of great importance for many emerging applications. This review article considers publications dealing with the rheology of nanocellulose aqueous suspensions in the absence of matrix materials. In other words, the focus is on systems in which the cellulosic particles themselves – dependent on their morphology and the interactive forces between them – largely govern the observed rheological effects. Substantial progress in understanding rheological phenomena is evident in the large volume of recent publications dealing with such issues including the effects of flow history, stratification of solid and fluid layers during testing, entanglement of nanocellulose particles, and the variation of inter-particle forces by changing the pH or salt concentrations, among other factors. Better quantification of particle shape and particle-to-particle interactions may provide advances in future understanding. Despite the very complex morphology of highly fibrillated cellulosic nanomaterials, progress is being made in understanding their rheology, which supports their usage in applications such as coating, thickening, and 3D printing.

A hybrid poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm)/cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) hydrogel composite was fabricated by inverted stereolithography 3D printing to provide a new platform for regulating lower critical solution temperature (LCST) properties and thus tuning optical and bioadhesive properties. The phenomena of interest in the as-printed PNIPAm/CNF hydrogels may be attributed to the fiber-reinforced composite system between crosslinked PNIPAm and CNFs. The optical tunability was found to be correlated to the micro/nano structures of the PNIPAm/CNF hydrogel films. It was found that PNIPAm/CNF hydrogels exhibit switchable bioadhesivity to bacteria in response to CNF distribution in the hydrogels. After 2.0 wt% CNF was incorporated, it was found that a remarkable 8°C reduction of the LCST was achieved relative to PNIPAm hydrogel crosslinked by TEGDMA without CNF. The prepared PNIPAm/CNF hydrogels possessed highly reversible optical, bioadhesion, and thermal performance, making them suitable to be used as durable temperature-sensitive sensors and functional biomedical devices.

The purpose of a barrier layer or film in a packaging product is to slow down or essentially eliminate the progress of oxygen, water vapor, or other molecules, thereby extending the shelf life, safety, and maybe also the taste of products—especially in the case of foods. This chapter discusses progress in the preparation of barrier composite films that include nanopolysaccharides, such as nanochitin, nanostarch, and nanocellulose. The reviewed research shows that these eco-friendly components in the resulting films often can improve barrier properties. While nanocellulose has attracted more research attention, nanostarch particles can be prepared under less aggressive chemical conditions, and particles related to chitin might possibly be preferred when one of the goals is to achieve antimicrobial effects. Nanopolysaccharides are also likely to find future applications in barrier films containing montmorillonite clay (nanoclay) and in multi-layer barrier film systems.

The objective of this research is to identify and evaluate the factors influencing polymeric granuleassisted dispersion of ultraviolet (UV) ink particles. First time, granule-assisted alternative dispersion was observed during adsorption deinking. By optimizing and combining this alternative dispersion process with pulping, we aim to minimize the energy consumption in the dispersion process and thus reduce the environmental impact of the paper recycling process on carbon footprint. For experimental confirmation, a combination of printed paper and polymeric granules was selected such that ink detached from the fibers would not be adsorbed onto the surface of polymeric granules. Factors that affect the mechanical dispersion process were chosen and varied for optimization of the newly developed dispersion method. Results show that at 15% consistency, temperature 45°C, and mass ratio of oven dry pulp and granules of 1:1.5 (200 g pulp and 300 g granules), the granule-assisted dispersion process gives optimum results for reduction of specks size. All experiments were carried out at rotor speed 2 of Hobart pulper (INGEDE Method 11 “Assessment of print product recyclability–Deinkability test”). These optimized parameters are similar to the optimized parameters of adsorption deinking, which give a further option to combine both of the steps (adsorption deinking and granule assisted dispersion) into one. We also demonstrated that the polymeric granule-assisted dispersion method is a viable replacement for the conventional dispersion process by assuring no alteration in fiber length, water retention value of pulp, and strength properties of the handsheets.

A 25 year old female presented to our emergency as a case of G3P2+0 (2A and H), full term pregnancy with intrauterine foetal demise with obstructed labour with severe anaemia. In view of obstructed labour with severe anaemia suspicion of rupture uterus was raised. Abnormal contour of abdomen also raised suspicion of bladder tumour. Here emergency caesarean section was done, peroperatively she was diagnosed as a case of anterior cervico-vaginal rupture along with posterior bladder wall rupture which is a rare entity. Uterine closure was done along with anterior cervico-vaginal wall with posterior bladder wall repair. This repair was done through trans- bladder route. Unique finding of this case was tear of anterior cervico-vaginal region with associated posterior bladder wall tear without rupture of uterus despite of obstructed labour in multiparous women. Most probable cause behind this type of injury is impacted head in neglected or obstructed labour responsible for ischemia and necrosis.

Yoga is a way of life, which originated thousands of years ago from India. Patanjali described eight steps or “limbs” of Ashtanga Yoga. Yoga has an important role in prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases. One of the important components of yoga is pranayama. Physiologically, the benefits of pranayama can be described by more oxygen availability to all tissues of body by increase in alveolar ventilation and improvement of respiratory muscle's strength and lung volumes by its regular practice. There are five ‘Ts’ of NCDs (noncommunicable diseases) which act as risk factors for these diseases. These ‘Ts’ are: tummy, tobacco, tension, trans-fats, and life full of sedentary activities. Yoga by its very inherent nature is helpful to make the body active, introspective, and calm. It discourages tobacco and trans-fats, thus reducing the risk factors of NCDs. There are enough data that suggest yoga is effective in cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes mellitus and mental disorders, etc. The coronary artery disease risk in the offspring can also be reduced by doing appropriate yogasana and avoidance of smoking by expectant mother. This review also makes it amply clear that yoga is not religion-specific, rather it is for all.

A heightened need to control the spread of infectious diseases prompted the current work in which functionalized and innovative antimicrobial tissue paper was developed with a hydrophobic spray-coating of chitosan (Ch) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) composite. It was hypothesized that the hydrophobic nature of chitosan could be counterbalanced by the addition of CNC to maintain fiber formation and water absorbency. Light-weight tissue handsheets were prepared, spray-coated with Ch, CNC, and their composite coating (ChCNC), and tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and a microbial sample from a human hand after using the rest room. Water absorption and strength properties were also analyzed. To activate the surface of cationized tissue paper, an oxygen/helium gas atmospheric plasma treatment was employed on the best performing antimicrobial tissue papers. The highest bactericidal activity was observed with ChCNC-coated tissue paper, inhibiting up to 98% microbial growth. Plasma treatment further improved the antimicrobial activity of the coatings. Water absorption properties were reduced with Ch but increased with CNC. This "self-disinfecting" bactericidal tissue has the potential to be one of the most innovative products for the hygiene industry because it can dry, clean, and resist the infection of surfaces simultaneously, providing significant societal benefits.

Cellulose derivatives such as cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have enormous potential to reduce or replace petroleum and fluorochemicals for food and other packaging applications. CNFs have been studied for their excellent oxygen and gas barrier properties; however, their performance rapidly decreases in the presence of moisture and higher humidity. CNCs are less sensitive to moisture due to their highly crystalline nature; however, coatings and films made of CNCs are much more prone to fracture due to their high brittleness. Our work demonstrates a unique composite barrier coating system of CNF and CNC that synergistically enables oil and grease resistance (a kit rating of 11) comparable to fluorochemicals. It also demonstrates a significant increase in air resistance (∼by a factor of about 300), and a reduction in oxygen transmission rate (∼by a factor of about 260) compared to uncoated paper. The improvements in oil and gas barrier properties were evaluated with respect to the molecular, chemical, and structural properties of the developed coatings.

Background & objectives: Pipistrellus ceylonicus bat species is widely distributed in South Asia, with additional populations recorded in China and Southeast Asia. Bats are the natural reservoir hosts for a number of emerging zoonotic diseases. Attempts to isolate bat-borne viruses in various terrestrial mammalian cell lines have sometimes been unsuccessful. The bat cell lines are useful in isolation and propagation of many of the viruses harboured by bats. New stable bat cell lines are needed to help such investigations and to assist in the study of bat immunology and virus-host interactions. In this study we made an attempt to develop a cell line from P. ceylonicus bats. Methods: An effort was made to establish cell line from embryo of P. ceylonicus species of bat after seeding to Dulbecco′s modified eagle medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10 per cent foetal bovine serum; a primary cell line was established and designated as NIV-BtEPC. Mitochondrial DNA profile analysis was done using cyt-b and ND-1 gene sequences from the cell line. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using neighbour-joining algorithm for cyt-b and ND-1 genes with 1000-bootstrap replicates. Results: NIV-BtEPC cell line was susceptible to Chandipura (CHPV) and novel adenovirus (BtAdv-RLM) isolated from Rousettus leschenaulti from India but did not support multiplication of a number of Bunyaviruses, Alphaviruses and Flavivirus. This might be useful for isolation of a range of viruses and investigation of unknown aetiological agents. Interpretation & conclusions: In this study, a new bat cell line was developed from P. ceylonicus. This cell line was successfully tested for the susceptibility to Chandipura and BtAdv-RLM virus isolated from bats. The approach developed and optimised in this study may be applicable to the other species of bats and this established cell line can be used to facilitate virus isolation and basic research into virus-host interaction.

Celiac disease is a chronic lifelong inflammatory condition of gastrointestinal tract specifically the small intestine. We report a case of pregnancy outcome in a patient with celiac disease (gluten sensitive enteropathy) diagnosed during the investigations of recurrent abortions and intermittent diarrhoea since childhood. A 32 years old patient who had four abortions and loss of a premature baby was diagnosed as celiac disease during investigations of recurrent abortions and diarrhoea since childhood. After stabilisation of disease she conceived spontaneously. Patient had regular follow up in some private institute. She was referred to our hospital as a case of IUGR with color Doppler changes with breech presentation with sluggish fetal movements at 37 weeks and emergency caesarean section was performed. A male fetus with 2.25 kg AS 7, 9 at birth was delivered. The cause of her recurrent pregnancy losses and previous preterm birth was celiac disease. Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy caused by a permanent sensitivity to gluten in genetically susceptible individual. It may also lead to serious maternal and fetal complications because of systemic effects of disease however a successful pregnancy outcome is possible when pre-gestational diagnosis is made and proper management of disease during pregnancy is achieved.

Congenital pouch colon (CPC) associated with anorectal malformation (ARM) is most commonly reported from Northern India. So far, no physiologic study comparing the detailed contractile status of CPC with non-CPC conditions are available. The present article deals with the contractile study and histopathologic observations in CPC, which may be useful for better surgical management.Freshly excised 12 neonatal CPC and similar number of non-CPC (control) specimens were transferred to ice-cold (4 degrees C-6 degrees C) Krebs-Ringer solution bubbled with 100% oxygen. Longitudinally prepared 2 to 4 colonic strips were obtained from central part of each specimen and subjected to the contraction recording after exposure to cumulative concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh) and histamine. Acetylcholine-induced contractions were evaluated after application of atropine (muscarinic blocker), and histaminergic contractions were recorded after pheniramine (H(1) blocker), lignocaine (neuronal blocker), and atropine. Histopathologic observations were made by using HE and Masson trichrome stains.Control specimens showed spontaneous contractions, but CPC strips did not. Both control and CPC responded to ACh and histamine. The response to histamine was greater (P.05) in CPC as compared to control, whereas the response to ACh was more (P.05) in control. In CPC, response of histamine (100 micromol/L) was blocked by pheniramine (0.32 mmol/L) and lignocaine (4 mmol/L) by 97% and 80%, respectively, and enhanced by 57% after preapplication of atropine (10 micromol/L). Acetylcholine (100 micromol/L)-induced contractions were attenuated (86%) in presence of atropine. Histopathologic examination showed fewer mature ganglion cells with various changes in muscle layers including fibrosis, disruption, hypertrophy, atrophy, and constriction bands.Congenital pouch colon associated with ARM lacks normal spontaneous contractions but retains ACh and histamine-induced contractility. In view of the functional and histologic abnormalities, we propose that CPC associated with ARM is an abnormally functional and developed tissue. Therefore, resection of the pouch should be considered for better functional outcome of the remaining bowel.

Background & objectives: Pipistrellus ceylonicus bat species is widely distributed in South Asia, with additional populations recorded in China and Southeast Asia. Bats are the natural reservoir hosts for a number of emerging zoonotic diseases. Attempts to isolate bat-borne viruses in various terrestrial mammalian cell lines have sometimes been unsuccessful. The bat cell lines are useful in isolation and propagation of many of the viruses harboured by bats. New stable bat cell lines are needed to help such investigations and to assist in the study of bat immunology and virus-host interactions. In this study we made an attempt to develop a cell line from P. ceylonicus bats. Methods: An effort was made to establish cell line from embryo of P. ceylonicus species of bat after seeding to Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10 per cent foetal bovine serum; a primary cell line was established and designated as NIV-BtEPC. Mitochondrial DNA profile analysis was done using cyt-b and ND-1 gene sequences from the cell line. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using neighbour-joining algorithm for cyt-b and ND-1 genes with 1000-bootstrap replicates. Results: NIV-BtEPC cell line was susceptible to Chandipura (CHPV) and novel adenovirus (BtAdv-RLM) isolated from Rousettus leschenaulti from India but did not support multiplication of a number of Bunyaviruses, Alphaviruses and Flavivirus. This might be useful for isolation of a range of viruses and investigation of unknown aetiological agents. Interpretation & conclusions: In this study, a new bat cell line was developed from P. ceylonicus. This cell line was successfully tested for the susceptibility to Chandipura and BtAdv-RLM virus isolated from bats. The approach developed and optimised in this study may be applicable to the other species of bats and this established cell line can be used to facilitate virus isolation and basic research into virus-host interaction.

This review article summarizes beneficial effects of yoga on different systems of body in maintaining of normal heath as well as in prevention and treatment of many non-communicable diseases. Current evidences of effects of yoga in many studies as well as the possible scientific mechanisms of these effects are explained in this article. Yoga is effective supportive adjunct with pharmacological treatment for therapy of some medical conditions. Yoga is beneficial in psychological stress related diseases, and diseases related to cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive etc. It also has a proven role in immune system, cancer and even at genetic level but extensive research is required for firmly establishment of such benefits. Possible scientific mechanisms of health benefits of yoga are by increased vagal activity and decrease sympathetic activity. It helps in normalisation of hypothalamo-pitutary- adrenal axis as well as the baroreflex sensitivity. Alteration of gene expression and level of inflammatory mediators are also noted in many studies. Yoga is relatively safe, cost-effective, and easy to be practice as a part of self-care behavioural treatment. In conclusion, everybody should practice yoga in day to day life for maintenance of better health and prevention of diseases as well as adjunct to medicines for treatment of some diseases under appropriate supervision. Keywords: Yoga, Scientific basis of yoga, Mind-body management, Alternative treatments, Yoga for health

The process of liberalization and globalization of Indian economy has brought new opportunities and challenges in all areas of human endeavor including education. Educational institutions have to adopt new strategies to make best use of the opportunities and counter the challenges. One of these challenges is how to assess the performance of academic programs based on multiple criteria. Keeping this in view, this paper attempts to evaluate the performance efficiencies of 19 academic departments of IIT Roorkee (India) through data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique. The technique has been used to assess the performance of academic institutions in a number of countries like USA, UK, Australia, etc. But we are using it first time in Indian context to the best of our knowledge. Applying DEA models, we calculate technical, pure technical and scale efficiencies and identify the reference sets for inefficient departments. Input and output projections are also suggested for inefficient departments to reach the frontier. Overall performance, research performance and teaching performance are assessed separately using sensitivity analysis.