Concurrent cytologic and colposcopic evaluation of symptomatic cervical erosion

Background: Cervical cancer is amongst the leading causes of deaths due to cancer in developing countries. Moreover, preinvasive lesions of the cervix have a long latency period for conversion into malignancy and are also detectable by screening techniques. Hence, colposcopy in addition to cytology should be carried out wherever facility is available to ensure early detection and timely management.Methods: Simultaneous cytology and colposcopy was done for 80 women with symptomatic cervical erosion followed by a colposcopic directed biopsy in women with MRCI >3. Finally, correlation between cytology, colposcopy and histopathological results was done.Results: 65/80 women were biopsied. 12/80 women had MRCI >6 amongst which 10/80 were confirmed to have a high grade lesion on histopathology. 13/80 had lesser abnormalities (ASCUS and LSIL) amongst which 3/80 had CIN1 on histopathology. Only 2/80 had HSIL on cytology as compared to 8/80 on histopathology that had CIN 2/3. Lastly, only 1/80 had SCC on cytology compared to 2/80 on histopathology. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of cytology and colposcopy for diagnosing cervical dysplasia was 46.1%, 83.5%, 35.2%, 88.8% and 84.6%, 86.5%, 55%, 96.6% respectively making colposcopy a better screening tool than cytology for evaluating cervical malignancy.Conclusions: Colposcopic examination should ideally be carried out in all women with symptomatic cervical erosion in addition to cytology. Moreover, suspicious areas should be biopsied even if cytology is normal to exclude malignancy.

A retrospective comparative study of feto-maternal outcome in first and second stage caesarean section

Background: The incidence of caesarean section has increased tremendously over the recent years. The most common indications of caesarean section are fetal distress and previous caesarean section during first stage caesarean section and cephalo-pelvic disproportion and fetal distress during second stage caesarean section. The objective of this study was to compare maternal and fetal outcomes between first and second stage caesarean section.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at a tertiary hospital over a period of 6 months. Comparison was done between two groups, women who underwent caesarean section during first stage (group I) and during second stage (group II). Data was collected and compared on basis of maternal and fetal outcomes.Results: Among maternal complications, PPH occurred in significantly higher number of women in group II (21%) than in group I (9%). 21% of women in group II required blood transfusion and 7% admitted to ICU. Bladder injury and uterine incision extension was seen in more number of cases in group II (6% and 7% respectively), difference being statistically insignificant. Neonatal complications were significantly higher in group II.Conclusions: Second stage caesarean sections are associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidities, thus necessitating presence of senior obstetrician at time of decision and conductance of procedure

A retrospective analysis on acceptability and complications of PPIUCD insertion

Background: In India, 65% of women in the first year postpartum have an unmet need for family planning but only 26% of women are using any method of family planning during the first year postpartum. This leaves a huge gap which needs to be addressed if maternal health is to be optimized. This calls for a method which is both effective and acceptable immediately post-partum. This is where the role of PPIUCD needs to be studied.Methods: This study was a retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. All deliveries during the time period from September 2016 to August 2017 were included in the study and the women accepting PPIUCD were studied for analysed for their age, parity, booking status and complaints during the follow up visit.Results: A total of 13,039 deliveries took place in one year between Sept 2016 to Aug 2017 out of which, 1118 (8.6%) accepted PPIUCD as a method of contraception. 44.3% PPIUCD users were in the age group of 21-25 years. 57% of PPIUCD users were primigravidas. 84% of PPIUCD users were booked cases. Missing threads was the most common complication, with 8.4% patients reporting it at follow up. There were no major complications noted in the study.Conclusions: PPIUCD is a safe and effective long acting reversible contraception method. Is particularly beneficial in a setting where women do not return for contraceptive advice. With low expulsion rates and high continuation rate, authors can conclude that PPIUCD can be the solution to a country like India currently facing population crisis and high unmet need

A prospective observational study of fetomaternal outcome in second stage caesarean section

Background: Incidence of caesarean section is rapidly rising over last two decades and one fourth is contributed by caesarean section in second stage. The objective of this study was to study of fetomaternal outcome in second stage caesarean section.Methods: Prospective observational study was done in 80 women undergoing second stage caesarean section from December 2015 to March 2017 at Lady Hardinge Medical Collage Delhi. These women observed from labour to caesarean section in second stage of labour till post-operative period for any complication. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed in these women.Results: Caesarean section rate was 22% in which 3.9% were done in second stage of labour. Most common gestational age being 39-40 weeks (47%). Most common indication being deep transverse arrest (41.25%). Intraoperative complication as bladder injury (5%), extension of uterine incision (23%), PPH (33%) and need for blood transfusion (31%) and post-operative complication as wound sepsis in 58% and 20% requiring resuturing, post-operative fever, prolong hospital stay, prolonged catheterization etc. neonatal complications as severe birth asphyxia (2.5%), respiratory distress (55%), need for mechanical ventilation.Conclusions: Thus, caesarean section done in second stage of labour is associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity

Demographic profile in women undergoing second stage caesarean section

Background: Incidence of caesarean section is rapidly rising over the last two decades and 25% is contributed by second stage caesarean section. Demographic factors influencing fetomaternal outcome in second stage caesarean section include BMI, socioeconomic status, booking/ unbooking status, gravidity and maternal height.Methods: The present study was prospective observational study conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Lady Hardanger Medical College New Delhi from December 2015 to March 2017. 80 women were enrolled in the study. A detailed history and examination of each patient was carried out. Women were observed during lab our till second stage caesarean section.Results: Mean age of population was 25.26±3.75 ranging from 19-40 year. 76.25% included in study were booked and 11.25% were unbooked, 42.5% belonged to lower middle class and 31.25% belonged to upper middle class. 47% women had height of <150 cm and 70% had a BMI between (25-29.9) kg/m. 43% women had gestational age between 39-40 weeks.Conclusions: Second stage caesarean section was more common in young age group and primigravidae. Higher BMI was not only operative but obstetrical risk as well

Colposcopic evaluation with modified IFCPC 2011 nomenclature and Swede score for diagnosing premalignant lesions of cervix: a comparative study

Background: Cervical cancer has a long precancerous stage. The early diagnosis in preinvasive stage provides a golden opportunity for prompt intervention to prevent its catastrophic consequences. Through this study we intended to compare the diagnostic accuracy of modified IFCPC 2011 nomenclature and Swede score with respect to gold standard histopathology in colposcopic evaluation of premalignant cervical lesions. Methods: A comparative study was conducted at tertiary care hospital in Delhi, India between January 2021 to June 2022 on 50 women with abnormal Papanicolaou smear (ASCUS, LSIL, ASC-H, HSIL). Scoring of colposcopic lesions was done according to IFCPC nomenclature and Swede’s scoring system. The two colposcopic scores were compared and their statistical association with histological findings were analysed. The collected data was analysed using SPSS version 25. The association of the qualitative variables were analysed using Fischer’s exact test. Agreement was measured by Cohen kappa statistics. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of modified IFCPC 2011 nomenclature for predicting LSIL and HSIL were 87.50%, 58.82%, 50%, 90.91%, 68% and 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 100% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of swede score for predicting LSIL and HSIL were 87.50%, 41.18%, 41.18%, 87.50%, 56% and 100%, 77.27%, 37.50%, 100%, 80% respectively. Conclusions: Modified IFCPC 2011 nomenclature had better predictive value than swede score in diagnosing both low grade and high grade premalignant lesions of cervix

A rare case of unruptured rudimentary horn pregnancy

Mullerian anomalies are a rare disorder and pregnancy in a rudimentary horn is one of the rarest forms of an ectopic pregnancy. This&nbsp;rarity proves to be an obstacle in the timely diagnosis and management of such cases. Thereby, it often culminates in catastrophic&nbsp;events such as rupture of the rudimentary horn which can claim the life of the mother. In this case report, we study the presentation of&nbsp;a 27-year-old primigravida who was presented at 16 weeks gestation, with an intrauterine fetal demise and failed induction of labor.&nbsp;This case report highlights how the diagnosis of a rudimentary horn pregnancy is often missed and the pregnancy was prolonged.&nbsp;We also aim to emphasize the importance of keeping the possibility of a rudimentary horn pregnancy in mind while dealing with the&nbsp;failure of second-trimester pregnancy termination

Impact of GA3 encapsulated nanosilica on maize seed viability

The nanoparticles have the potential ability of the passing cell membrane because of their nano sizes. The SiO2 nanoparticles are one of the major and frequently used engineered oxide nanoparticles. In present investigation, the potential effect of SiO2 (10-20 nm) nanoparticles on maize seed viability were studied. We observed quick result of seed viability and also increase the seed viability percentage in presence of GA3 loaded silica nanoparticles. Three concentration of (0.5, 0.2 and 0.1%) tetrazolium salts were also used for staining of living tissue. In the present experiment seeds conditioned in 150 pp GA3 encapsulated nanosilica and tested in 0.5% TZ salt gave maximum viable seeds which was due to the increased availability of GA3 and showed quick staining over 0.2% and 0.1% concentration. Among the varieties, var. Navin imbibed in 150 ppm GA3 loaded nanosilica showed higher value of viable seed under 0.5% tetrazolium solution by better availability of GA3. Gibberellic acid enhances metabolic activity of seed by secretion of α-amylase enzyme which is important for quick staining of embryonic tissue

Food, Nutrition and Agrobiodiversity Under Global Climate Change

Available evidence and predictions suggest overall negative effects on agricultural production as a result of climate change, especially when more food is required by a growing population. Information on the effects of global warming on pests and pathogens affecting agricultural crops is limited, though crop–pest models could offer means to predict changes in pest dynamics, and help design sound plant health management practices. Host-plant resistance should continue to receive high priority as global warming may favor emergence of new pest epidemics. There is increased risk, due to climate change, to food and feed contaminated by mycotoxin-producing fungi. Mycotoxin biosynthesis gene-specific microarray is being used to identify food-born fungi and associated mycotoxins, and investigate the influence of environmental parameters and their interactions for control of mycotoxin in food crops. Some crop wild relatives are threatened plant species and efforts should be made for their in situ conservation to ensure evolution of new variants, which may contribute to addressing new challenges to agricultural production. There should be more emphasis on germplasm enhancement to develop intermediate products with specific characteristics to support plant breeding. Abiotic stress response is routinely dissected to component physiological traits. Use of transgene(s) has led to the development of transgenic events, which could provide enhanced adaptation to abiotic stresses that are exacerbated by climate change. Global warming is also associated with declining nutritional quality of food crops. Micronutrient-dense cultivars have been released in selected areas of the developing world, while various nutritionally enhanced lines are in the release pipeline. The high-throughput phenomic platforms are allowing researchers to accurately measure plant growth and development, analyze nutritional traits, and assess response to stresses on large sets of individuals. Analogs for tomorrow’s agriculture offer a virtual natural laboratory to innovate and test technological options to develop climate resilience production systems. Increased use of agrobiodiversity is crucial to coping with adverse impacts of global warming on food and feed production and quality. No one solution will suffice to adapt to climate change and its variability. Suits of technological innovations, including climate-resilient crop cultivars, will be needed to feed 9 billion people who will be living in the Earth by the middle of the twenty-first century

Formation of metal silicide by swift heavy ion induced mixing at Mn/Si interface

Swift heavy ion (SHI) beam mixing at metal/Si system forms various silicides at the interface. In the present study SHI induced mixing has been investigated at Si/Mn/Si interfaces using 120 MeVAu+9 ions at three different fluences of 1 × 1013, 5 × 1013 and 1 × 1014 ions/cm2. Specimens were characterized by Grazing Incidence X-Ray Diffraction (GIXRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS) and Cross-sectional Transmission Electron Microscopy (XTEM) techniques before and after the irradiation. GIXRD results revealed the presence of Mn-silicide at the interface due to the atomic mixing after irradiation. AFM of the samples was used to determine surface roughness contribution to RBS. RBS and XTEM investigations confirmed Mn5Si2, MnSi and Mn4Si7 silicide phases at the interface