Sirenomelia with Potter syndrome: a case report and review of literature

Sirenomelia or mermaid syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by variable degree of fusion of lower extremities. Awareness to this rare condition is important for prenatal diagnosis and prognosticating the fetus. The exact etiopathogenesis is still an area of research. Two pathogenic hypotheses are the vascular steal hypothesis and the defective blastogenesis hypothesis with exceptions reported in literature

Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding cervical and breast cancer: a comparative study in a tertiary care centre

Background: Cervical and breast cancer are commonest cancer among Indian females. Timely screening through simple methods can prevent advanced stage of disease, thereby preventing mortality. Updated knowledge about available standard preventive methods have a huge impact in improving the acceptance and thus increasing the percentage of screened, vaccinated and treated population. Objective were to evaluate and compare knowledge, attitude and practices about cervical and breast cancer among paramedics and hospital visitors at tertiary care teaching institute.Methods: 100 participants; 50 each of paramedics and hospital visitors of Swaroop Rani hospital Prayagraj were assessed for knowledge, attitude and practices regarding cervical and breast cancer using predesigned questionnaire.Results: The 100% of paramedics had heard about cervical and breast cancer while among hospital visitors only 66% had heard about cervical cancer and 78% about breast cancer. Regarding in depth knowledge of symptomatology paramedics had higher percentage for both cervical and breast cancer. The knowledge of cervical and breast cancer screening methods was significantly higher among paramedics as compared to hospital visitors. Positive attitude regarding cervical and breast cancer was 60% and 74% among paramedics while 26% and 16% among hospital visitors. Both groups showed poor practice (34%,42% among paramedics while 12% and 6% in hospital visitors).Conclusions: Despite various focused programs on cancer awareness and preventive strategies being run already significant differences were observed in knowledge, attitude and practice of paramedics and hospital visitors. Although the knowledge was good among paramedic’s gap was seen in attitude and practice that warrants the need of focusing on awareness generation through different platforms

Evaluation of thyroid dysfunction in patients with menstrual disorders of reproductive age group: a prospective cross-sectional study

Background: Thyroid disorders specifically the hypothyroidism has been associated with menstrual disturbances in women of reproductive age group. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its correlation with menstrual disorders in women of reproductive age group.Methods: A hospital based prospective analytical study was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, Patna from March 2017 to March 2018. 56 women of reproductive age group between 18 to 45 years presenting with menstrual disorders (like menorrhagia, oligo/hypomenorrhea, polymenorrhea, metrorrhagia, and amenorrhea) were recruited in this study. Thyroid function test was done in all patients. Statistical analysis done.Results: Maximum number of patients were seen in the age group of 31-40 years. Most common menstrual complain was menorrhagia (46.42%) followed by hypo/oligomenorrhoea (17.86%). In patients with menstrual disorders, 41.07 % had thyroid disorders in which subclinical hypothyroidism was prevalent in 17.86%, overt hypothyroidism in 12.5%, and overt hyperthyroidism in 5.35% of the women. Menorrhagia was the commonest menstrual disorder (52.94%) seen in hypothyroid patients followed by polymenorrhoea. A high degree positive correlation was observed between thyroid dysfunction and menstrual disorder (Pearson correlation coefficient, r=0.93).Conclusions: Our study concluded that thyroid dysfunction should be considered as an important etiological factor for menstrual irregularity. Thus, thyroid function tests should be performed in all patients with menstrual irregularities to avoid unnecessary interventions like curettage and hysterectomy

Vulvar lichen sclerosus: recent advances in understanding and management

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder, which affects women of all ages. It is one of the most common pathologies presenting to vulvar clinics. However, uncertainty continues to exist about its etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Studies suggest a multifactorial origin as far as etiology is concerned, including a genetic, autoimmune, hormonal and local infectious background. There is often a delay in diagnosis of VLS due to its asymptomatic nature and lack of awareness in patients as well as physicians. Embarrassment of patients due to private nature of the disease and failure to examine the genital skin properly are the other reasons for delay in diagnosis. Conventionally, treatment includes topical corticosteroids as a first-line therapy with alternative options such as topical calcineurin inhibitors, topical and systemic retinoids, other steroid creams, various destructive techniques and surgical removal of affected tissues. New therapeutic approaches are coming into effect in gynecological practice due to potential risks of the above-mentioned methods. Stem cell and platelet-rich plasma therapy, energy-based modalities such as the fractional CO2 laser, photo dynamic therapy, and high intensity focused ultrasound, and new topical medicines, are some of the new options applied to improve the efficacy of treatment avoiding the side effects of conventional methods. Refinement of surgical techniques for restoring vulvar anatomy is leading to improved patient outcomes. This review summarizes current perspectives on the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment for vulvar lichen sclerosus.

Comparative study of intravenous hydralazine and labetalol in severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the most common medical complications of pregnancy and major cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous hydralazine and labetalol for management of severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.Methods: This prospective study was conducted among 100 women admitted with SBP ≥ 160 or DBP ≥ 110 mmHg or both. Patients were divided into 2 groups randomly: labetalol and hydralazine group.Results: Majority of patients (38%) were in the age group of 21-25 years and primigravida (52%). There was more significant decrease in the systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure at the end of 15 and 30 minutes in labetalol group. Labetalol required fewer doses as compared to hydralazine to achieve the target blood pressure (average 1.95 versus 3.1). Total numbers of term deliveries were 19 (38%) in hydralazine group and 16 (32%) in labetalol group. Pre-term deliveries in hydralazine and labetalol group were 14 (28%) and 15 (30%) respectively. Headache was significantly more common in hydralazine treated patients than labetalol group.Conclusions: Both hydralazine and labetalol were effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Labetalol may be preferred because it was more effective in lowering the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure to achieve target levels with less number of doses

Root growth, crop productivity, nutrient uptake and economics of dwarf pea (Pisum sativum) as influenced by integrated nutrient management

A field experiment was conducted during the two consecutive rabi seasons of 2007-08 and 2008-09 at Varanasi on sandy loam soil to study the effect of organic, inorganic and biofertilizers on dwarf pea (Pisum sativum L.). The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design and replicated thrice. All the fertility levels, viz. chemical fertilizers, vermicompost and control were allotted to main plot and combinations of biofertilizers (Rizobium+Bacillus polymixa +Pseudomonas fluorescence) and Zn along with control were subjected to sub-plot. Results showed superimposition of 50% Norganic (recommended dose of N through vermicompost) to 100% NPK (recommended dose of NPK through chemical fertilizers) resulted in significant improvement of dry matter/plant, yield (grain and straw, harvest index), root growth (root dry weight, root N content and cation exchange capacity of root) and nutrient uptake (NPKS and Zn). However nodulation (root nodules/plant, dry weight of nodules/plant and nitrogenase activity at 30 and 60 DAS) was lesser with this fertility level but significantly higher than 100% NPK and control (no application).Gross and net returns (` 45 358 and 31 223/ha) were noted higher with 100% NPK + 50% Norganic fertility level. Benefit: cost ratio (2.21) was also recorded higher with 100% NPK + 50% Norganic level. The integrated application of biofertilizers and Zn was recorded significantly better than control as this treatment lucidly improved dry matter, yield, harvest index, root growth, nodulation and nutrient uptake. Benefit: cost ratio was also higher with combined application of PSB and Zn. Furthermore, integration of 100% NPK + 50% Norganic and biofertilizers + Zn was conducive for getting significantly optimum yield (1873 kg/ha)

GIS-Based Mapping of the Water Quality and Geochemical Assessment of the Ionic Behavior in the Groundwater Aquifers of Middle Ganga Basin, Patna, India

The study implemented Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and multivariate hydrogeochemical analysis to evaluate the spatial-temporal and seasonal variation in the groundwater quality of Patna, India. For this purpose, sixty groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for major anions and cations during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons of 2019-2020. The physicochemical parameters such as pH, EC (Electrical Conductivity), TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), TH (Total Hardness), Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3-, Cl-, SO42- were considered to evaluate the water quality index. The result revealed degradation in groundwater quality from pre-monsoon (49.21) to post-monsoon (74.48). EC, TDS, TH, Mg2+, Na+, Ca2+, K+, and HCO3- ions were found accountable for high WQI values at various sampling sites during different seasons. Spatial maps showed that 45 % of the sampling stations exhibited poor quality in all three seasons, where the eastern part of the studied region was revealed to be the most affected area. The application of multivariate statistical methods and hydrogeochemical investigation has clearly defined the dominant role of the weathering process, and reverse ion exchange mechanism in controlling the aquifer’s ionic chemistry. Moreover, poor seepage system, and waste leachate from the surface have been found as the main cause of high levels of Na+, K+, and Cl- in the eastern part of Patna

Multivariate statistical analysis and geospatial approach for evaluating hydro‑geochemical characteristics of meltwater from Shaune Garang glacier, Himachal Pradesh, India

Acknowledgements The present support of the Department of Science and Technology as a research project (DST/CCP/NHC/159/2018(G)) became instrumental in utilizing the human resources for the analysis of the results. The financial support of the USAID project (CHARIS) for carrying out fieldwork is thankfully acknowledged. The analysis is made at the DST supported FIST Lab in the Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Rajasthan. The support is thankfully acknowledged. We would like to thank reviewers for taking the time and effort necessary to review the manuscript. We sincerely appreciate all valuable comments and suggestions which helped us to improve the quality of the manuscript.Peer reviewedPostprin

A Study of Socio-Demographic Characteristics and quality of life in post menopausal women- A questionnaire study

Background: With the increase in life expectancy of women all over the world, women are expected to spend almost 1/3rd of their life in menopause phase, usually starting in 4th to 5th decade of life.Aim: This study was planned to look for quality of life in post menopause.Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Gynaecology and Obstetrics department. Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) was distributed among 115 patients presenting in Outdoor department of the institution. All the demographic details and MenQol results were analyzed. Also Odd’s ratio (OR) was calculated for these symptoms according to age groups of the patients.Results: The mean age of the patients was 60 ± 5.8 years. The mean age of patients at time of menarche was calculated as 13.4 ± 1.80 years and the mean age at menopause was 49.10 ± 3.98 years. We found that the most common symptom of the patients in our study was low backache and the least reported symptom was drying skin. The OR was also calculated for various symptoms according to age of the patients but it was found significant only (OR:10.9; (4.467 – 26.58) for vasomotor symptoms in our study.Conclusion: Menopausal symptoms may vary in different parts of the world. Therefore exact determination of these symptoms in our society is essential as it can help us to identify preventable factors and educate our women about their quality of life

Evaluation of Noise Pollution in Bengaluru City, India During COVID-19 Pandemic

Most of the Indian cities and towns have been facing serious traffic noise pollution due to urbanization, substantial growth of new vehicles, inadequate road network, etc. Automotive traffic, railroads, and air traffic are the most common sources of noise pollution in cities, with vehicular traffic accounting for around 55% of overall metropolitan noise. Prolonged exposure to such loud noise causes anger, stress, mental diseases, discomfort, hypertension, concentration problems, and sleeplessness. This study aims to investigate the effects of COVID-19 societal lockdown on changes in the noise pollution levels before, during, and after the lockdown period in various industrial, commercial, residential, and silence zones in Bengaluru, India, in light of the recent imposition of COVID-19 societal lockdown. According to data acquired from the KSPCB (Karnataka State Pollution Control Board) online portal, the average noise levels before and during lockdown were determined to be in the range of 59.4 dB to 70.9 dB and 58.2 dB to 62.7 dB for different zones. During the lockdown, all commercial, industrial and educational activities were closed to limit the spread of infection, resulting in usage of private and commercial transportation declining dramatically. Reduction in the noise level was observed during the lockdown in all monitoring stations of Bengaluru, except for Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, where the noise level didn’t decline because of a COVID emergency. Maximum reduction was observed in the commercial area (11.56%) followed by industrial areas (8.34%). The result further indicated that only the industrial area experienced an increase of 8.41% in noise level, while other areas experienced a reduction in a noise level during the early post-lockdown. During the mid and late post-lockdown periods, most locations experienced a rapid spike in the noise intensity