Initiating the Battle against Cancer (World Cancer Day Editorial Comment)

World Cancer Day Editorial Comment by Dr. Mayank Gahlo

To evaluate diagnostic efficacy of maternal serum C - reactive protein to predict preterm labour

Background: Preterm birth is a major challenges faced by obstetricians worldwide. Globally, an estimated 13 million babies are born before 37 completed weeks of gestation annually. Preterm birth is the leading direct cause of neonatal death (27%); more than one million preterm newborns die annually. According to report ‘India is among the top 10 countries that account for 60 per cent of the world’s preterm births. Methods to detect preterm labour early include ultrasound examination of the cervix and detection of biochemical markers of preterm labour in blood (include serum C - reactive protein level) and cervicovaginal secretions. The objective of the study was evaluate diagnostic efficacy of maternal serum C - reactive protein (CRP) to predict preterm labour.Methods: A prospective study comprised of a total of 132 pregnant women with singleton fetus with symptoms of preterm labour. Serum CRP values was taken in all patients. Out of which 17 patients were lost during follow up, 3 patients develop PPROM. Hence study was conducted over 112 patients. Among these 62 patients went in preterm labour and 50 patients delivered at term.Results: For predicting preterm delivery sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value for serum CRP were 70.9%, 70%, 74.5% and 66% respectively.Conclusions: Serum CRP is good predictor to differentiate the women who were likely to deliver preterm. CRP positivity in early pregnancy is associated with nearly a twofold increased risk of preterm delivery

A study on comfort properties of oak Tasar silk waste and acrylic blended fabrics

Oak Tasar is wild silk with natural golden brown colour and unique texture available in Himalayan region of India. A lot of fibre waste is generated during hand spinning of oak Tasar silk yarn which can be utilized by blending it with compatible fibre to incorporate the properties of both fibres in the yarn.  The present study aimed to develop Oak Tasar silk waste and acrylic blended fabrics and study their comfort properties. The oak Tasar silk and acrylic blended plain weave and twill weave fabrics were prepared with five different blend ratios viz. 100:0, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60 and 0:100. The prepared fabrics were studied for comfort properties like thermal insulation (clo, TIV %), Q-max (warm/cool feeling), air permeability, water vapour transport rate and were statistically analysed. Results revealed that thermal insulation and clo value were found to be increased with increasing acrylic content in the fabric whereas Q- max, air permeability, water vapour permeability values were reduced with the addition of oak Tasar silk fiber in the blend. The 50:50 blended plain weave fabric among the blended fabrics had the highest clo value, i.e. 0.52 and 50:50 blended twill weave fabric had highest Q max value i.e. 0.109W/cm2. It was found from the study that the developed fabrics are comfortable and can be used for light winters

Role of neurosonography in neonates with clinically suspected intracranial pathology

Background: Preterm neonates have a higher mortality and morbidity because of their greater risk for intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy(HIE) which can lead to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. The present study was conducted to evaluate neonates with clinically suspected intracranial pathology by neurosonography.Methods: Included neonates were those with clinically suspected intracranial pathology admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of the Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College and Hospital (Deemed to be University), Sangli from October 2018 till December 2018. First cranial neurosonography was done between first and third day, second between 7th and 10th day of birth. HIE also known as Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) grading was done using the De Varies et al, grading. Severity of ICH was graded according to Papile and Burstein classification(1978).Results: Of the total 60 neonates, 61.7% were preterm and rest at term. Mean APGAR score at 1 minute was 8.6 (range 5 to 10) and at 5 minutes was 9.58 (range 8 to 10). Mean ventricular index at the first assessment was 26.78% and 26.89% at the second assessment. Grade 1 HIE was found in 17 neonates on first assessment, and two had grade 2 HIE. Second assessment revealed grade 1 HIE in 20 neonates and grade 2 in two. First assessment revealed two neonates with grade 1 and grade 2 ICH, out of which one grade 2 ICH worsened to grade 3. Two neonates were found to have corpus callosal agenesis.Conclusions: Transcranial neurosonography stands as an excellent and reliable investigation of choice for neonates to detect HIE,ICH and intracranial congenital anomalies

Intrauterine unilateral single inferior accessory renal artery: a case report

In comparison with other organs, variants of blood supply to the kidneys were always at special attention due to end arteries. Anatomic variations in the renal vasculature are common and occurrence is varying in between 25% to 40%. The most common variation is presence of accessory renal arteries. Accessory renal artery generally diagnosed on abdomen angiography studies or cadaveric dissection. Only few studies or case report of intrauterine detection of accessory renal artery are available in printed and online literature. During a dedicated anomaly scan of 23 week foetus, detection of an accessory renal artery on left side entering kidney in inferior pole courses parallel to main renal arteries and arising from abdominal aorta. Knowledge of the possible anatomic variations and anomalies of the renal arteries like accessory renal arteries are necessary for proper surgical management during renal transplantation, abdominal aorta aneurysm repair, different urological procedures and angiographic procedures. As the various type of vascular and non - vascular interventions increase, knowledge of the different type of variations of the renal arteries is necessary for proper surgical management in the different specialties

Influence of blend ratio on physical properties of oak tasar silk and acrylic blended spun yarn

In this study an attempt was made to utilize the oak tasar silk spinning waste through blending it with acrylic fibre and prepared yarn in mechanised spinning system.  The oak tasar silk and acrylic blended yarn were prepared on ring spinning machine with five different blend ratios viz. 100:0, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60 and 0:100. The prepared yarns were of medium to fine yarn count. Yarn Physical properties of yarns, unevenness and imperfections were studied and statistically analysed. Results revealed that the 100% acrylic and 50:50 tasar acrylic blended yarns had better properties as compared to 60:40 and 40:60. The addition of acrylic fibre content improved the physical properties, unevenness and imperfection of the blended yarns

Livestock Development From an Non Government Organization Perspective

ABSTRACT: Crop livestock mixed farming is traditional in India Livestock arc not only complimentary and supplementary to crops but are a means of risk coverage and strongly linked with culture. Livestock development is now a major emponciit in rural development programme in India particularly in rainfed underdeveloped areas. The paper describes the approach, perceptions and programmes of the BAIF, a non government organization (N100), involved in rural development since die last 25 years, The BA1F progranuues involve more than half a million fanners from five states. The involvement is mostly in rainfcck underdeveloped areas. Livestock development has served very useful purpose as point of entry in viral areas and for initiation of development activities. The paper discusses experiences in Rajasthan, one of the states Di which BAD? is involved since long. Participatory approach m livestock development necessitated modifications in training and extension programmes. The staff had also to be oriented For taking a systems approach and in gender sensitivity, since women involvement is critical for livestock production. The need to critically study traditional systems, farmer perceptions. indigenous knowledge and farmer wisdom are some of the other aspects discussed and emphasised in the paper The livestock development centres enabled undertaking total farming systems study of the area and in planning future development activities in a participatory manner. A few examples of studies on sonic of the aspects referred ahove are cited and discussed. Key Words Livestock Development, Non Ciovennueut Organization, !Inman Dimension, Rural Development Approac

Ultraviolet protection properties of nettle fabric dyed with natural dyes

This paper reports study on the UV protection properties of nettle fabric dyed with natural dyes cutch (Acacia catechu) and madder (Rubia cardifolia). Dyeing with cutch and madder dyes provides excellent UV protection to the woven nettle fabric even without mordanting. FeSO4 and myrobalan mordant concentrations have no significant effect on UPF of the nettle fabric