Fetomaternal outcomes in premature rupture of membranes at term: a case control study

Background: Premature rupture of membranes is defined as spontaneous rupture of fetal membranes beyond 28weeks of pregnancy but before the onset of uterine contractions. It occurs in approximately 10% of all pregnancies and in 70% it occurs at term. If PROM occurs before 37 completed weeks, it is referred as preterm premature rupture of membranes(PPROM). PROM is associated with adverse outcomes in both, hence its management becomes crucial. It complicates 8% of pregnancies. Objective of present study was to investigate the labour, maternal and perinatal outcomes.Methods: 75 patients who entered labour room at term with PROM were taken as cases and those with intact membranes as controls. Investigations are sent, and prophylactic antibiotics were given. Progress of labour, PROM delivery interval, method of induction, mode of delivery along with maternal and fetal outcomes, total duration of hospital stay was noted and compared with controls.Results: Rate of caesarean is higher in study group (14.7%) and failure to progress was the common indication. Intrapartum morbidity was higher in the study group (16%) and perinatal morbidity was 20%. NICU admission and the need for antibiotics were higher in study group and hence longer duration of hospital stay.Conclusions: PROM is associated with increased incidence of neonatal sepsis and subsequently antibiotics given were higher in cases. There is a higher incidence of caesarean rates and hospital stay. Proper screening of high risk cases and appropriate management is suggested to reduce perinatal morbidity

Laparoscopic evaluation of tubal factor in cases of infertility

Background: Tubal factor infertility accounts for approximately 25-35% of cases of female infertility. The evaluation of the fallopian tube is necessary to determine the management plan for infertility. Tubal patency can be diagnosed by hysterosalpingography (HSG) or laparoscopy with chromopertubation. The aim of this study was to determine the role of laparoscopy in the evaluation of tubal factor in infertile women.Methods: Fifty women presenting with complaints of primary and secondary infertility were investigated for tubal disease by laparoscopy at K. S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, Mangalore, from January 2007 to July 2008. Tubal patency was tested by chromopertubation using Methylene blue dye. Results: Thirty four (68%) patients were in primary infertility group while 16 (32%) patients were in secondary infertility group. 88% women were in the age group of 21 to 35 years. In 64% of women, the duration of infertility was between 1 to 5 years whereas 32% cases had been infertile for 6 to 10 years. Tubal pathology was detected in 64.7% cases of primary infertility and 68.7% cases of secondary infertility. Bilateral tubal occlusion was found in 8% and unilateral occlusion in 28% cases.Conclusion: Laparoscopy is an effective diagnostic tool for evaluation of tubal pathology. Laparoscopy and chromopertubation test should be recommended as a first step in the investigation of infertile women with tubal factor

Cyclical hematuria-ureteral endometriosis: a case report

Little attention has been paid for the renal involvement in endometriosis, a rare and silent disorder which ultimately lead to renal failure. Involvement most commonly may be limited to single ureter (left one) and it is usually involvement extrinsically. Although cases have been reported in the literature, true incidence of ureteral involvement is still not known. The diagnosis is difficult as the disease has non-specific symptoms. Only high index of suspicion with radiological support would be helpful in early diagnosis. Early cases may be benefited with progestin or Anti-aromatase therapy, most cases need surgery, either laparoscopically or laparotomy

USES OF ULTRASONICS IN ENDODONTICS, A REVIEW.

In the last few years endodontic treatment has advanced with the introduction of new techniques and equipment?s. These have significantly improved the results and predictability of endodontic treatments. Magnification and ultrasonics use in endodontics have prominently increased leading to advanced endodontics. Ultrasonics in endodontics has enhanced the quality of treatment and has become an important adjunct in the treatment of difficult cases. This review aims at enlisting the uses of ultrasonics in endodontics stressing its broader application possibilities in modern day endodontic practice

Zinc and copper levels in preeclampsia: a study from coastal South India

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the major causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Though the etiology is obscure, studies indicate the role of oxidative stress and antioxidants may have a role in the prevention of preeclampsia. Micronutrients such as copper and zinc are involved in the antioxidant defense mechanism.Methods: The present study was undertaken in a medical college hospital in coastal South India to assess the serum levels of zinc and copper in women with preeclampsia and to compare them with normal pregnant women. The blood samples from 60 preeclamptic women and an equal number of controls were analyzed for zinc and copper levels. Outcome of pregnancy was analyzed and compared. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Comparison of levels of the elements between the two groups was performed by independent t test and Chi square test and P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The serum zinc and copper levels were significantly lower in the preeclamptic group compared to the normotensives. Also preeclamptic women were older, their BMI was higher and birth weight of babies lower compared to normotensives.Conclusions: Increased knowledge about the importance of specific antioxidant micronutrients and their part in successful pregnancy outcome should be the focus for future health strategies. Low levels of maternal copper and zinc are related to preeclampsia and might have a causal role in this disease. Further investigation is needed to establish the role of these elements in this dangerous condition of pregnancy

The protective effect of Withania somnifera against oxidative damage caused by ethanol in the testes of adult male rats

Background: To investigate the effect of Withania somnifera (WS) in preventing the damage caused by alcohol on testis.Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Group A - control, Group B - WS200 mg orally, Group C - alcohol 4 g/kg orally, and Group D - WS + alcohol. The sperm parameters were examined. Testicular tissues were examined for biochemical (glutathione [GSH] peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde [MDA]) analysis, and histopathological changes.Results: Biochemical parameters revealed tissue oxidative stress in alcohol group which was evidenced as increase in MDA level and reduction in CAT and GSH activities in testes which was reduced in co-treatment group. WS significantly reduced alcohol-induced sperm shape abnormality and sperm count. The alcohol-induced changes in histopathologic findings were partially reversed by treatment with WS.Conclusion: These observations suggest that the antioxidant property of WS might have contributed for its ability to ameliorate the testicular toxicity caused by alcohol

Empowering Farmers, Enriching Lives: The One Stop Solution for Agricultural Assistance

This paper presents the development and evaluation of an Agriculture Farmer App designed to assist farmers in obtaining personalized scheme allotments based on crop type, income, and land area. The app also incorporates Labor availability nearby to cater to the farmers' specific requirements. The research includes a survey-based analysis to gauge the farmers' preferences and needs. Additionally, the paper outlines the architecture for information dissemination and scheme management system

Antifungal Efficacy of Sodium Hypochlorite and Four Intracanal Medicaments: An in vitro Evaluation

Objective: To evaluate the effect of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite&nbsp;and four intracanal medications on Candida albicans harvested&nbsp;inside root canals.&nbsp;Materials and methods: The contaminated canals were&nbsp;irrigated with sterile saline and then treated as follows: filled with&nbsp;(1) calcium hydroxide and saline, (2) calcium hydroxide and 2%&nbsp;chlorhexidine gluconate, (3) zinc oxide and 2% chlorhexidine&nbsp;gluconate, (4) amphotericin B powder and distilled water,&nbsp;(5) irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite with no medication&nbsp;and (6) no intracanal medication. Canal access and apex were sealed with cavit and the&nbsp;roots were stored in an incubator at 37 ± 1°C for 14 days. The&nbsp;canals were reinstrumented and irrigated with saline. Sterile&nbsp;paper points were used to transfer the root canal contents&nbsp;to test tubes containing saline. Part of the suspension was&nbsp;harvested on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol&nbsp;and incubated at 37 ± 1°C for 48 hours.&nbsp;Results: Group 5 was effective in 90% of the samples and&nbsp;least effective was group 1 (50% effective).&nbsp;Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, long-term&nbsp;intracanal medication was important to eliminate microorganisms&nbsp;especially Candida albicans present inside root canal.&nbsp