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This review aims to explore recent advancements in polymer-grafted materials that have emerged as effective adsorbents for the removal of contaminants from wastewater. The most significant environmental issues affecting public health are the presence of dyes, heavy metals, and metalloids in wastewater discharged by various industries. Unfortunately, traditional techniques for treating wastewater are incapable of removing dyes and heavy metals. Due to enhanced capabilities, larger surface areas, greater stability, adjustable properties, and cost-effectiveness, polymer-grafted nanomaterials (PGNs) have attracted the attention of researchers for water purification. Surface engineering of materials with the use of polymers improves greatly their colloidal stability and pollutant adsorption capacity. This study investigates different parameters such as adsorption capacity, pH, and duration in recently reported papers where polymer-grafted adsorbents are developed. The review concludes by offering an overview of recent advancements in the field and proposing potential avenues for future research on related topics.

Oral schwannomas (OSs) are uncommon benign nerve sheath tumors accounting for 1% of all schwannomas and may arise from either soft tissue or bone. Cellular schwannoma is a rare histological variant of schwannoma which is characterized by increased cellularity. The most common intraoral site of occurrence is the tongue followed by the floor of the mouth and palate. Here, we are reporting a rare case of intraoral cellular schwannoma involving both facial and palatal gingiva of the right maxilla in a young Indian male patient.

Background: Renal artery stenosis (RAS) may occur alone (isolated anatomical RAS) or in combination with hypertension (renovascular or essential hypertension), renal insufficiency (ischemic nephropathy), or both. Renal artery stenting can be performed safely with nearly uniform technical success without exposing them to significant incremental risk. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study are as follows: (A) To study the incidence of RAS in suspected coronary artery disease patients. (B) To study the hemodynamic significance of RAS in patients diagnosed having RAS. (C) Should patients undergoing coronary angiography be subjected to routine renal angiography during the procedure? Materials and Methods: We prospectively did renal angiography of consecutive 100 patients, who underwent coronary angiography for their suspected coronary artery disease. Data regarding risk factors were recorded for every patient. Results: Out of 12 patients with RAS, 10 had significant stenosis (>50%) out of which seven patients showed hemodynamically significant RAS on captopril renogram. These were the patients having stenosis of 70% or more on renal angiography. Three patients having RAS 50–70% on renal angiography were not having hemodynamically significant lesion on captopril renograms. Conclusion: Renal angiography should be performed in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Femoral artery should be the preferred access site for coronary angiography to approach renal arteries. The patients with RAS should undergo captopril renography to evaluate the hemodynamic significance of the stenosis.

Background: Accurate estimation of gestational age is important not only for appropriate antenatal care but also is crucial for undertaking various diagnostics tests such as chorionic villous sampling and amniocentesis. In certain conditions, where biometry cannot be entirely relied on for estimation of gestational age placental thickness (PT) that can be used for estimation of gestational age. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were as follows: (1) To analyze relationship between PT and gestational age as determined by fetal biometry in second and third trimester of pregnancy. (2) To find out cutoff PT value for differentiating between preterm and term gestations. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, in which 140 patients, in 2nd and 3rd trimester, were included on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. PT was measured in mm along with their respective standard deviation. The correlation between PT and gestational age as determined by biometry. Results: The mean age of the studied cases was found to be 4.15±3.5 years. At 12 weeks of gestation, the mean PT was 14.36 mm. There was a strong positive correlation between gestational age and PT in 2nd (r=0.9943) and 3rd (r=0.9973) trimesters. After 37 weeks of gestation, there was no significant correlation between PT and gestational age (P=0.469). Conclusion: PT has a significant positive correlation with gestational age in 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy (up to 37 weeks of gestation) and can be reliably used for determination of gestational age independent of fetal biometry.

Key message Diffuse pulmonary meningotheliomatosis (DPM) is an ultra‐rare pulmonary disease characterized by innumerable bilateral minute meningothelial‐like nodules, sometimes presenting a characteristic ‘cheerio‐sign’ on imaging. Most patients with DPM are asymptomatic and experience no disease progression. Although little is known about its nature, DPM may be associated with pulmonary malignancies, mostly lung adenocarcinoma.

Fibromyxoma is a locally aggressive rare benign tumor of mesenchymal origin with or without odontogenic epithelium. The etiology of this tumor remains unknown and it is responsible for approximately 3–8% of all cysts and tumors. Another locally destructive benign lesion is central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) which contains osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells. CGCG accounts for about 7% of all benign jaw tumors, which usually affects younger females. A hybrid lesion with histologic features of both central fibromyxoma and CGCG has not been reported in the literature so far. In the present article, we report the first case of a hybrid tumor comprising odontogenic fibromyxoma with CGCG in a female along with a brief review of its clinical presentation, radiographic features, histological features, and management.

Ovarian tumors are common neoplasia in women. Ovarian carcinoma accounts for the 7 cause of mortality and morbidity in females. Surface epithelial tumors are the most common type of ovarian tumor. Mucinous tumors comprise 20% to 25% of the ovarian neoplasms. Brenner tumor of the ovary consist of 1-2% of all ovarian neoplasms and is usually benign. About 30% of Brenner tumors coexist with an ovarian mucinous neoplasm, a well-recognized combination that has been rarely reported. Accurate diagnosis and exclusion of malignancy are essential in large ovarian tumors, especially in tumors with solid components. We describe a case of an incidentally diagnosed Brenner tumor in a sizeable mucinous cystadenoma of the ovary to inform the clinicians about the co-occurrence of such a tumor so they remain vigilant in ruling out malignancy for better management as well as prognostication.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a complex disorder characterized by collapse of the upper airway during sleep. Downstream effects involve the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurocognitive systems. OSA is more prevalent in men than women. Clinical symptoms suggest the diagnosis of OSA but none is pathognomonic of the condition. With rising awareness of OSA and the increasing prevalence of obesity, OSA is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity including systemic and pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, atrial fibrillation, and other arrhythmias. Pulmonary manifestations include the development of chronic thromboembolic disease, which can then lead to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Neurocognitive morbidities include stroke and neurobehavioral disorders. Screening for OSA includes the use of symptom questionnaires and the diagnosis is confirmed by polysomnography. Management primarily includes the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) devices during sleep. Alternate options such as mandibular devices and surgical procedures are considered for certain patient populations.

Introduction: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is common neurosurgical condition. A prospective study was conducted to analyse clinical profile, complications and factors associated with recurrence post-surgery. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Department of Neurosurgery, St. Stephen`s Hospital, Delhi between April 2014 to March 2016. Patients of all age groups and either sex admitted under or referred to Neurosurgery, who had clinical and radiological documentation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma and required burr hole surgery were included in our study. Results: There were 28 males (87.50%) and 4 females (12.50%) in our study. Out of 32, 24 patients had GCS between 14 to 15. Three had GCS between 9 to 13 (9.38%) and 5 had GCS between 3-8 (15.63%). Out of 32, 28 patients presented with clinically bilaterally equal size of pupil and 4 patients had anisocoria. On admission 23 patients were MGS grade 1, 7 patients were grade 2 and 2 patients were grade 3. Conclusion: Chronic Subdural Heamatoma is more common in elderly and has equal gender distribution. Hemiparesis is most common presentation. Trauma is most common etiology while Diabetes mellitus is most common comorbidity of chronic SDH. Brain remaining at depth after surgery and postoperative pneumocephalus lead to higher chances of recurrence.

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare inflammatory condition that mostly affects lungs in smokers. On imaging, it usually presents as multiple, upper lobe predominant, solid, and cavitary nodules, but presentation as solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is rare. We describe a case of SPN seen on low-dose lung cancer screening CT (LDCT) that was FDG avid on PET/CT. Given concern for malignancy, lobectomy was planned if intraoperative frozen section was consistent with malignancy. Lobectomy was performed based on frozen section; however, on formal pathology review, the nodule was ultimately found to be PLCH. This case illustrates an atypical presentation of PLCH as a solitary nodule. Furthermore, it helps demonstrate how rare etiologies (like PLCH) may be more frequently encountered and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for solitary lung nodules, especially in the era of lung cancer screening.

Ectopic thyroid gland is a developmental anomaly that results from the arrest of thyroid tissue along its path of descent from the floor of mouth to the pre tracheal position in the lower neck. It is typically found along the thyroglossal duct with the base of the tongue being the most common site. Apart from mediastinal extension of goiter, the incidence of true intrathoracic ectopic thyroid tissue is rare. Presence of ectopic thyroid has been reported not only in the chest but also in the abdomen and pelvis. Pericardial and intracardiac locations are extremely uncommon and right ventricle location is predominant among the described cases. We describe a case of incidentally detected ectopic thyroid tissue in a rarer location—adjacent to the left atrium. The patient, who had undergone a nephrectomy for renal oncocytoma 5 years ago, presented with unintentional weight loss and left sided flank pain, prompting a workup to rule out abdominal malignancy. Findings on the computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis prompted further investigation including a chest CT which showed a heterogeneously enhancing mass near the left atrium. Given its location, further radiological investigations played an important role in eliminating the differential diagnosis of paraganglioma. The mass was surgically resected and discovered to be a hyperplastic thyroid nodule on histologic examination. Keywords: Ectopic thyroid, Paraganglioma, Computed tomography

Jet lag is one of those common medical problems, to which most people don't give a serious thought. However, it is intricately intertwined with our normal circadian rhythm. It is classified as a sleep disorder. There is also a dearth of good scientific literature, not to mention clinical trials on the subject. Slowly but steadily, the scientific community is realizing the various deleterious health effects of jet lag and is devising innovative methods to counter them. This narrative review touches upon the etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations and therapeutic strategies effective against the nagging problem of jet lag.

Hybrid drug delivery systems (DDS) have been prepared by grafting poly(NIPAM-co-MPS) chains on multimodal porous silica nanoparticles having an inner mesoporous structure and an outer thin layer of micropores. The hybrid thermoresponsive DDS were fully characterized and loaded with a model drug. The in vitro drug release tests are carried out at below and above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the copolymer. The results have revealed that due to the presence of small diameter (~1.3 nm) micropores at the periphery of the particles, the collapsed globules of the thermoresponsive copolymer above its LCST hinders the complete release of the drug which resulted in a reverse thermoresponsive drug release profile by the hybrid DDS.

Road traffic accidents are a major cause of head injury. Direct head-on collision, hit by vehicle, and overturning of vehicle are some of the modes of road traffic accidents leading to head injury. A dupatta is an accessory worn by many females in the Indian subcontinent. It is wrapped around the neck like a scarf. It can get entangled in the vehicle leading to skidding of vehicle and consequent traumatic injury. There are many reported cases of cervical spine injury by this mechanism. However, this can also result in head injury due to direct impact. In this article we report two cases of head injury caused by entanglement of dupatta in the tire of a two-wheeler vehicle. In both cases the dupatta got entangled in the tire of vehicle leading to skidding of bike and then leading to head injury.

Human metapneumo virus is an emerging cause of upper and lower respiratory tract illness with increasing reports of a varied spectrum of disease over all age groups. We report an outbreak of 6 cases of human metapneumo virus infection in the intensive care unit of a metropolitan tertiary care center over 6 weeks, leading to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. We report the subsequent favorable outcomes due to the institution of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Large-mesopore silica films with a narrow pore size distribution and high porosity have been obtained by a sol–gel reaction of a silicon oxide precursor (TEOS) and using polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO) copolymers as templates in an acidic environment. PS-b-PEO copolymers with different molecular weight and composition have been studied in order to assess the effects of the block length on the pore size of the templated silica films. The changes in the morphology of the porous systems have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and a systematic analysis has been carried out, evidencing the dependence between the hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio of the two polymer blocks and the size of the final silica pores. The obtained results prove that by tuning the PS/PEO ratio, the pore size of the templated silica films can be easily and finely predicted.

Introduction: Tectona grandis Linn. (T.G) is one of the well-known Indian herbs. In Ayurveda, T.G stem extract has tocolytic effect. Our previous study conformed the tocolytic activity of the T.G stem extract on rat uterine contraction. Conventional tocolytic drugs are known to have cardiovascular, skeletal muscle toxicity. This study is undertaken to observe possible adverse effects of T.G stem extract especially on cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) and frogs (Rana tigrina) were used for this study. Animals were divided into six groups. Each group contains six animals. To study the effect on the blood vessels and skeletal muscles, frogs were used and for direct cardiac effects, Wistar rats were used. The results were compared with standard drugs such as sodium nitrate (2%), nifedipine, and magnesium sulfate. Results: After analysis by t-test, it was observed that T.G causes vasodilatation same as that of the sodium nitrate, without causing any cardiac toxicity seen with nifedipine and no neuromuscular blockade as seen with magnesium sulfate. Conclusion: T.G causes uterine tocolytic effect without causing any cardiac toxicity or neuromuscular blockage; however, further human studies are desirable.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas (EMC) are a rare entity of soft tissue tumors that have slow growth with metastatic potential. We discuss here a case of EMC presenting with right upper extremity pain and hemoptysis. Computed tomography scans chest showed diffuse metastatic numerous lung nodules bilaterally. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of the tumor. Chemotherapy was a bigger challenge for our patient due to sparse research and data in the literature about the disease.

Introduction: Variety of clinical disorders such as diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, renal artery stenosis, chronic renal failure affects the kidney and alters renal length. It also varies according to height, weight, age and ethnicity. So there should be standardised values for renal length to evaluate the pathological condition of kidney. Aim: To determine the normal range of renal length and also to evaluate the relationship of renal length with body height and body weight of an individual. Materials and Methods: Abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) scans of 70 individuals between the age of 21-79 years without any renal disease were reviewed and their anthropometric data like height, weight, age and sex were also recorded. Renal length was calculated as the maximum longitudinal length in coronal section parallel to the renal long axis by using CT scan images of abdomen. Results: The mean renal length of the total study population group was 9.38±1.08 cm and 9.23±0.92 cm for left and right kidney respectively. Mean height for the study group was 158.53±9.64 cm and mean weight was 49.24±9.77 kg. We found significant relationship between renal length and height of an individual in combined group consisting of both males and females whereas, weight of an individual did not show any significant relationship with renal length when correlation was done in combined group. Moreover, renal length was in negative relationship with age which was statistically significant for total population group (Left kidney p=0.0001, Right kidney p=0.011). Conclusion: Measurements of renal length plays a vital role in detecting renal abnormalities. Thus, the measurement of renal length is very useful for early diagnosis in urological and nephrological practices. In the present study, renal length has a direct positive relationship with height and significant inverse relationship with age. We also have formulated regression equations to predict the probable renal length with the help of body height and body weight which can be used in routine practices without imposing the patients to the toxic ionising radiation and to the financial stress.

Introduction: Knowledge of normal range of size and volume of abdominal organs plays a vital role in clinical practices as various medical conditions affects the abdominal organs causing alteration in their dimensions. Aim: The present retrospective study was done to establish the normal range of renal volume in study population and to see the correlation between renal volume and body weight of an individual. Materials and Methods: Computed tomographic evaluations of kidneys were performed on 140 kidneys of 70 individuals who had undergone abdominal CT scan for indications other than renal disease. We also excluded the patients diagnosed to have renal cysts, hydronephrosis or other renal diseases on CT examination. Renal length, width and depth were measured. Renal volume of both the kidneys was calculated by formula Kidney Volume (KV) =л/6 x Renal length (L) x Renal width (W) x Renal depth (D). Various body parameters like age, weight, sex were also recorded in the data sheet. Results: Mean renal volume for the right kidney was 83.26±18.33 cm3 for females (33 females out of 70) and 103.92±23.27 cm3 for males (37 males out of 70). However, mean renal volume for the left kidney was 89.17±19.41 cm3 in females and 106±26.79 cm3 in males. Left renal volume was apparently more than right renal volume, though statistically insignificant. In males, mean kidney volume was found to be 104.96 cm3 whereas in females, it was found to be 86.21 cm3 . Kidney volume was found to be significantly greater in males than females among study population (t=3.79, p=0.0001). Renal volume significantly correlated with age and body weight of an individual. Conclusion: This study is a sincere attempt to establish a normograms of renal volume in study population. For the clinical assessment of renal pathologies, knowledge of renal volume is a vital parameter. In study group, most significant parameter associated with renal volume is body weight which can be used as an adjunct while evaluating renal pathological conditions. Of all the radiological imaging techniques, abdominal coronal computed tomography scan provides most accurate renal measurements.

The bioavailability of ophthalmic therapeutics is reduced because of the presence of physiological barriers whose primary function is to hinder the entry of exogenous agents, therefore also decreasing the bioavailability of locally administered drugs. Consequently, repeated ocular administrations are required. Hence, the development of drug delivery systems that ensure suitable drug concentration for prolonged times in different ocular tissues is certainly of great importance. This objective can be partially achieved using thermosensitive drug delivery systems that, owing to their ability of changing their state in response to temperature variations, from room to body temperature, may increase drug bioavailability. In the case of topical instillation, in situ forming gels increase pre-corneal drug residence time as a consequence of their enhanced adhesion to the corneal surface. Otherwise, in the case of intraocular and periocular, i.e., subconjunctival, retrobulbar, peribulbar administration, among others, they have the undoubted advantage of being easily injectable and, owing to their sudden thickening at body temperature, have the ability to form an in situ drug reservoir. As a result, the frequency of administration can be reduced, also favoring the patient’s adhesion to therapy. In the main section of this review, we discuss some of the most common treatment options for ocular diseases, with a special focus on posterior segment treatments, and summarize the most recent improvement deriving from thermosensitive drug delivery strategies. Aside from this, an additional section describes the most widespread in vitro models employed to evaluate the functionality of novel ophthalmic drug delivery systems.

Aims: The aim of the study is to determine the wound healing activity of Tectona grandis (TG) Linn. leaf extract on rats. Materials and Methods: Healthy albino rats (150-200 g) of either sex were taken for excision and incision wound model. Animals were divided into four groups of six animals in each group. For Group simple ointment served as control. The Groups 2 and 3 had 5 and 10% ointment of TG leaf extract and Group 4 soframycin ointment served as standard. In excision wound percentage of wound contraction was assessed, whereas in incision wound tensile strength was assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance followed by t-test. Results: In excision wound model, 5% ointment of TG leaf extract showed a reduction in wound area 8 th day onwards. Reduction in wound area was very significant (P < 0.01) as compared to control. Whereas 10% ointment of TG leaf extract and standard showed a reduction in wound area fourth day onwards, which was highly significant (P < 0.001) as compared to control. In incision wound model, animals treated with 5% ointment of TG leaf extract showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in tensile strength as compare to control. However, animals treated with 10% ointment of TG leaf extract showed very significant (P < 0.001) increase in tensile strength as compare with control. However, animals treated with soframycin showed highly significant (P < 0.001) increase in tensile strength as compare with control. Conclusions: TG leaf extract showed significant wound healing activity.

Background : The cord blood banks and cord blood transplantation community are on the constant lookout for a single objective dependable test that will indicate the functional capabilities of the cord blood units. This should ideally reflect engraftment, proliferation and differentiation capabilities. Presently in vitro Colony forming unit (CFU) assay is being performed by most cord blood centers to determine the functional efficacy of cord blood units. However, technical challenges associated with this assay have made it difficult to standardize the methodology among testing laboratories. A subjective test is associated with variability and non-uniform reporting.The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the newly introduced HALO® assay by Hemogenix® by comparing it with the information provided by the traditional colony forming assay (CFU). Repeatability and objectivity were also studied.Methods : Sixteen Cord Blood units processed in the repository were tested by both, the traditional CFU assay and the HALO® assay.Results : Our study shows that the CFU assay provides information relating to proliferation and differentiation potential of CBUs while the HALO® assay gives quantitative output with reference to proliferative capability of CBUs.Conclusion : While both the assays provide valuable information on the functional efficacy of cord blood units from different stand points, one test perhaps cannot be substituted for the other. It is good to have both the tests available to bring in some additional information on its capabilities, which is much better than providing only one value with high subjectivity component.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is caused due to the vegetation on the heart valves, myocardium wall, or the pacemaker leads. Vegetation is a lesion that appears as a consequence of successive deposition of platelets and fibrin on the endothelial surface of the heart. Colonies of microbes can be usually found under the vegetation. Heart valves are involved more frequently as compared to other places. Streptococcus miti s, formerly known as S. mitior, is a commensal of the oral flora, however, if there of loss of integrity of the mucous membrane, the infection may disseminate to the blood flow. We describe here a rare presentation of S. mitis, causing IE and its complications in an immunocompetent patient.

Stem cell based treatments are being increasingly explored for their possible potential to treat various cancers. Mesenchymal stem cells believed to possess anti-tumor potential and are preferred for their properties like immune privileged nature, ability to migrate to the site of tumor and capability for multilineage differentiation. This tumor tropism property of MSCs could be utilized to deliver anti-tumor biological agents to the site of tumor. In a tumor micro-environment, MSCs are believed to play both, a pro-tumorigenic and an anti-tumorigenic role. However, this is dependent on a host of factors like, types of MSCs, its source, type of cancer cell line under investigation, in vivo or in vitro conditions, factors secreted by MSCs and interactions between MSCs, host’s immune cells and cancer cells. Among several cytokines secreted by MSCs, TRAIL (Tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand) is reported to be pro-apoptotic for tumor cells. The MSCs from bone marrow and adipose tissue have been studied quite extensively. Deriving MSCs from sources such as umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord tissue is relatively easier. Umbilical cord tissue preferred for MSC derivation due to their abundant availability. These MSCs believed to up regulate TRAIL expression in MSC-cancer cell co-culture system resulting in induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. However, umbilical cord tissue derived MSCs needs to be studied for expression pattern of TRAIL in a co-culture system. We present a review article on different studies reporting both, pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic properties of MSCs.

Background : The cord blood banks and cord blood transplantation community are on the constant lookout for a single objective dependable test that will indicate the functional capabilities of the cord blood units. This should ideally reflect engraftment, proliferation and differentiation capabilities. Presently in vitro Colony forming unit (CFU) assay is being performed by most cord blood centers to determine the functional efficacy of cord blood units. However, technical challenges associated with this assay have made it difficult to standardize the methodology among testing laboratories. A subjective test is associated with variability and non-uniform reporting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the newly introduced HALO® assay by Hemogenix® by comparing it with the information provided by the traditional colony forming assay (CFU). Repeatability and objectivity were also studied. Methods : Sixteen Cord Blood units processed in the repository were tested by both, the traditional CFU assay and the HALO® assay. Results : Our study shows that the CFU assay provides information relating to proliferation and differentiation potential of CBUs while the HALO® assay gives quantitative output with reference to proliferative capability of CBUs. Conclusion : While both the assays provide valuable information on the functional efficacy of cord blood units from different stand points, one test perhaps cannot be substituted for the other. It is good to have both the tests available to bring in some additional information on its capabilities, which is much better than providing only one value with high subjectivity component.

The practices of breast feeding & weaning prevailing in the community play a crucial role in deciding the health of a child. The present community based cross sectional study was conducted to study the attitudes, beliefs and behavior regarding feeding and weaning practices; and the influence of various epidemiological factors on these practices in children of 0-5 years of age group. We selected 300 children of age group 0-5 years by using systematic sampling method from randomly selected three wards of Petlad town. The data collected, was subjected to simple proportions and c2 test. Our study suggests that the feeding & weaning practices in the under five children are strongly influenced by factors like mother’s education, provision of antenatal care, place of delivery & prevailing sociocultural beliefs but not by socioeconomic status. In addition, these practices do affect the growth parameters of a child.