Incidence and risk factors associated with caesarean section among Bangladeshi women: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Background: Caesarean section is a lifesaving procedure in the presence of maternal and fetal complications. In recent decades the rate of caesarean section is increasing rapidly due to several associated risk factors. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of C-sections among women at Kumudini Women's medical college. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of obstetrics and gynaecology in Kumudini Women's Medical College, Tangail, Bangladesh. The study was conducted during the period of July 2019 to January 2020. The total sample size this study was 2105. Results: Majority 696 (33.1%) of participants were aged between 18-24 years and followed by 464(22%) aged 25-30, 569 (27%) aged 31-35 and the rest 376 (17.9%) were aged 36-40 years. A significant association was noticed in respect of previous history of CS, gestation age and fetal weight with the type of delivery (p value, 0.000, 0.033, 0.021). whereas in parity there was no significant relationship with caesarean section (p value, 0.421). A significant association was noticed in respect of pre-eclampsia, eclampsia induction failure, fetal distress, APH, twin, malpresentation, and the type of delivery (p value, 0.02, 0.003, 0.001, 0.001, 0.002, 0.04, 0.03 and 0.1). Whereas in PROM there was no significant relationship with caesarean section (p value=0.1). Conclusions: This study concludes that the incidence of caesarean sections is seemed to be very high in Bangladesh. Although it is a life-saving procedure, it is important to choose carefully when performing a C-section birth

Cytisus scoparius link - A natural antioxidant

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations have shown that the antioxidant properties of plants could be correlated with oxidative stress defense and different human diseases. In this respect flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds have gained the greatest attention. The plant Cytisus scoparius contains the main constituent of flavone and flavonals. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activities of extract of aerial part of Cytisus scoparius. METHODS: The plant extract was tested for DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging, nitric oxide radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, antilipid peroxidation assay, reducing power and total phenol content. RESULTS: The extract exhibited scavenging potential with IC(50 )value of 1.5 μg/ml, 116.0 μg/ml and 4.7 μg/ml for DPPH, nitric oxide and superoxide anion radicals. The values were found to lesser than those of vitamin C, rutin, and curcumin, as standards. The extract showed 50% protection at the dose of 104.0 μg/ml in lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(2+)/ ascorbate system in rat liver microsomal preparation. There is decrease in hydroxyl radical generation with IC(50 )value of 27.0 μg/ml when compared with standard vitamin E. The reducing power of the extract depends on the amount of extract. A significant amount of polyphenols could be detected by the equivalent to 0.0589 μg of pyrocatechol from 1 mg of extract. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in the present study indicate that hydro alcoholic extract of aerial part of Cytisus scoparius is a potential source of natural antioxidants

QSAR with electrotopological state atom index: Part IV^†— Receptor binding affinity of progestagens

1268-1275Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) analysis of receptor binding affinity of progestagens with electrotopological state atom index (ETSA) has been performed in an attempt to locate the pharmacophore fragment of the molecules. The index has been projected to have potential to determine pharmacophore moieties of biologically active congeneric compounds. The study reveals the importance of C19 (attached to C13 atom), C3 (ring A), C9 and C10 atoms for mapping to the receptor binding. The importance of these atoms or fragments were also supported from previous reports. Thus, diagnostic potential of the ETSA scheme in identifying the atoms or fragments important for binding affinity was revealed from the study

Enhancement of Chicken Breast Shelf-Life Using Gondhoraj (Citrus hystrix) Zest Edible Wrap: Physicochemical, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Properties

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the physicochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of Gondhoraj (Citrus hystrix) essential oil (GPO) incorporated into a starch-based edible film (GF) for packaging chicken breast meat to enhance safety and shelf life. Study Design: Active packaging films were formulated with GPO concentrations of 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% (v/v) in pre-film forming starch solution. Place of Study: Department of Food Technology, Guru Nanak Institute of Technology, Kolkata. Methodology: Films were created using the casting technique. Opacity and light barrier properties were measured via light absorption between 200 and 800 nm. Moisture content, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties were assessed. The coliform count in chicken meat packed with GF was evaluated. Results: GF demonstrated lower water solubility (0.068 ± 0.09% - 0.090 ± 0.00%) compared to the control starch film and greater opacity (3.150 ± 0.03 - 8.924 ± 0.09) with light absorption between 200 and 800 nm. Antioxidant activity, measured by DPPH and ABTS+ assays, was 70.36 ± 2.48% and 83.78 ± 0.54%, respectively. After refrigeration at 4°C ± 1 hour, the chicken sample with GF had the lowest coliform count (4.88 ± 0.06 CFU/g) compared to the uncoated sample. After 7 days of refrigerated storage, the moisture content noted was (91.18 ± 0.17). Conclusion: The shelf life study revealed no significant difference (p<0.05) in organoleptic qualities between coated and uncoated chicken samples. Thus, GF exhibits strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties, enhancing the nutritional quality and prolonging the shelf life of chicken meat during refrigeration