Nano-selenium and compost vitalized morpho-physio-biochemical, antioxidants and osmolytes adjustment in soybean under tannery effluent polluted soil.

The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of nano selenium (N-Se) and compost on the growth, photosynthesis, enzymes activity, compatible solutes and metals accumulation in soybean grown under tannery effluent polluted soil. The plants were exposed to compost application (no compost and compost addition) and foliar application of N-Se (0, 25, 50, and 75 mg L-1). The results showed the addition of compost in soil and foliar applied N-Se alleviated the toxic effect of tannery effluent polluted soil. Furthermore, foliar application of N-Se with basal compost supply significantly improved antoxidant enzymes activity in soybean grown in tannery effluent polluted soil. Addition of compost increased the root dry weight (46.43%) and shoot dry weight (33.50 %), relative water contents by (13.74 %), soluble sugars (15.99 %), stomatal conductance (gs) (83.33 %), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) (23.34 %), transpiration rate (E) (12.10 %) and decreased the electrolyte leakage (27.96 %) and proline contents by (20.34 %). The foliage application of N-Se at the rate of 75 mg L-1 showed the most promising results in control and compost amended tannery effluent polluted soil. The determined health risk index (HRI) values were recorded less than 1 for both adults and children under the application of compost and N-Se. In summary, the combined use of N-Se at 75 mg L⁻1 and basal supply of compost is an effective strategy for enhancing soybean productivity while minimizing the potential risks of metal accumulation in soybean grains grown in tannery effluent polluted soil.

Phytochemical screening, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of Geranium pusillum leaves.

Traditional medicinal plants play an important role in primary health care worldwide. The phytochemical screening and activities of Geranium pusillum were investigated in this research. The dried plant leaves were extracted with ethanol, n-hexane, chloroform, dichloromethane, methanol, acetone, and aqueous solvents. These extracts were qualitatively analyzed, GC-MS, antimicrobial activities by using the disc diffusion method, antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging, and cytotoxic activity was analyzed by the hemolytic activity of human red blood cells. The results showed phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, saponins, tannins, and cardiac glycosides were detected in plant leaves. The ethanol extract at a concentration of 10 mg/mL showed a maximum inhibition zone 17.5 ± 0.09, 15.6 ± 0.11, 14.2 ± 0.17, 18.4 ± 0.11, 16.6 ± 0.15, 12.5 ± 0.13, 15.9 ± 0.10, and 13.1 ± 0.11 mm, and at 15 mg/mL showed 24.5 ± 0.09, 27.2 ± 0.12, 26.3 ± 0.17, 28.4 ± 0.10, 27.9 ± 0.16, 22.5 ± 0.13, 27.1 ± 0.10, and 24.1 ± 0.16 mm against Escherichia coli, Pasturella multocida (gram-negative), Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilus (gram-positive), Rhizopus solani, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Alternaria alternate (fungal strain), respectively, and dichloromethane showed a minimum inhibition zone as compared to other extracts against bacterial as well as fungal strains. Chloroform extract had maximum antioxidant activity (45.00 ± 0.08%) and minimum in dichloromethane (12.20 ± 0.04%). Cytotoxic activity was found maximum in acetone extract (19.83 ± 0.07%) and minimum in ethanol extract (4.72 ± 0.04%). It is concluded that phytochemicals like phenols, flavonoids, and others may be responsible for these activities, which is why this plant is used for traditional medicine. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Geranium pusillum has therapeutic properties that exhibit various biological activities beneficial for human health. G. pusillum has significant inhibitory effects against bacterial and fungal strains. Chloroform solvent extract indicates potential free radical scavenging abilities. Acetone extract exhibits notable effects on human red blood cells and demonstrates significant cytotoxic activity.

Integrating HPV self-collect into primary care to address cervical cancer screening disparities.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collect shows promise to increase cervical cancer screening rates in underscreened populations, such as Somali patients, but little is known about how to integrate such an approach in primary care. In this study, primary care providers and staff who provide primary care services to Somali women were asked for their views on integrating HPV self-collect into routine care to address cervical cancer screening disparities. Thirty primary care providers and staff participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their views on HPV self-collect and their anticipated needs or barriers to implementing this approach into the clinic generally and with specific patient populations, such as Somali women. A thematic analysis using the constructivist version of grounded theory was undertaken. Providers and staff anticipate positive patient reaction to the option of HPV self-collect, and were interested in using this approach both for Somali patients and for all patients in general. HPV self-collect was viewed as straightforward to integrate into existing clinic workflows. Providers largely lacked awareness of the evidence supporting primary HPV testing and HPV self-collect specifically, sharing concerns about effectiveness of self-collect and the lack of a physical exam. Providers felt clinic-wide staff education and patient education, along with strategies to address disparities, such as cultural and linguistic tailoring would be needed for successful implementation. Integrating HPV self-collect as an option in the cervical cancer screening process in a primary care clinical encounter offers considerable opportunity to address health disparities and may benefit all patients.

Blood group and ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular disease: A meta-analysis of over 145,000 cases and 2,000,000 controls.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular illnesses have been associated to ABO blood types, specifically through an effect on von Willebrand factor and factor FVIII levels. We conducted a meta-analysis to comprehensively explore the relationship between blood groups and ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive meta-analysis was undertaken to investigate blood groups and ischemic stroke (IS), myocardial infarction (MI) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Odds ratios (OR) were used to assess the relationship between blood groups and disease. RevMan v5,4 was used to statistically analyse the results. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: A total of 72 studies (18 ischemic stroke, 37 myocardial infarction, 17 peripheral vascular disease) met our search criteria, totalling 145,499 cases and 2,113,736 controls. Mean age ranged between 18 and 90 years. Compared to blood group-O, non-O blood group had an increased association with IS (OR=1.13, 95%Cl: 1.07-1.21, P < 0.001), MI (OR=1.17, 95%Cl: 1.11-1.24, P < 0.001) and PVD (OR=1.15, 95%Cl: 1.04-1.28, P=0.005). Compared to blood group-O, blood group A had a stronger statistically significant association to IS (OR=1.19, P=0.001), MI (OR=1.22, P < 0.001) and PVD (OR=1.15, P=0.03). Blood group-B has the lowest risk associated with MI (OR=1.09, P=0.01). In addition, blood groups AB had a stronger statistically significant association to IS (OR=1.24, P=0.01), and MI (OR=1.20, P < 0.001) compared with the other blood groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to blood group-O, groups A and AB are strongly associated to ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular disease.

Health care personnel's perspectives on human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling for cervical cancer screening: a pre-implementation, qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) types is a well-documented cause of cervical cancer. Since the implementation of cervical cancer screening methods (e.g., Pap tests), cervical cancer rates have declined. However, Pap tests are still unacceptable to many women and require complex infrastructure and training. Self-sampling techniques for collecting HPV specimens (or "HPV self-sampling") have been proposed as a possible alternative to overcome these barriers. The objective of this study was to capture perspectives from health care personnel (providers, leaders, and clinic staff) across primary care systems on the potential implementation of an HPV self-sampling practice. METHODS: Between May and July 2021, a study invitation was emailed to various health care professional networks across the Midwest, including a snowball sampling of these networks. Eligible participants were invited to a 45-60-min Zoom-recorded interview session and asked to complete a pre-interview survey. The survey collected sociodemographics on age, occupation, level of educational attainment, race/ethnicity, gender, and awareness of HPV self-sampling. The semi-structured interview was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and asked participants about their views on HPV self-sampling and its potential implementation. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using NVivo 12. RESULTS: Key informant interviews were conducted with thirty health care personnel-13 health care providers, 6 clinic staff, and 11 health care leaders-from various health care systems. Most participants had not heard of HPV self-sampling but reported a general enthusiasm for wanting to implement it as an alternative cervical cancer screening tool. Possible barriers to implementation were knowledge of clinical evidence and ease of integration into existing clinic workflows. Potential facilitators included the previous adoption of similar self-sampling tools (e.g., stool-based testing kits) and key decision-makers. CONCLUSION: Although support for HPV self-sampling is growing, its intervention's characteristics (e.g., advantages, adaptability) and the evidence of its clinical efficacy and feasibility need to be better disseminated across US primary care settings and its potential adopters. Future research is also needed to support the integration of HPV self-sampling within various delivery modalities (mail-based vs. clinic-based).

Fabrication of graphene-oxide and zeolite loaded polyvinylidene fluoride reverse osmosis membrane for saltwater remediation.

Incorporation of inorganic and organic materials in polymer has contributed well towards the development of advanced reverse-osmosis membranes; with greater permeation, and salt rejection potential. We are reporting, Zeolite/GO/PVDF based thin-film composite membranes that were successfully synthesized by solution casting process, an eco-friendly, low-cost, and biocompatible technique. PVDF membranes modified with different ratios of GO/Zeo (0.03, 0.05 and 0.07) were characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, and DSC. Membranes were then tested for its potential for water permeation and salt rejection abilities. As prepared membranes owe better pore-distribution, a moderate degree of crystallinity and high absorption capability that is highly needed for micro-filtration phenomena used for desalination of saline water. The modified membranes exhibited enhanced water permeability up to 28.9 L/m2h as compared to pure PVDF membrane having water permeability flux of 15.6 L/m2h. Salt-rejection ability was found increasing for the membranes (up to 98%) modified with different concentration of GO/Zeo, as compare to pure PVDF membrane (82%). During water permeation and salt rejection studies, no deleterious impact was noted for modified PVDF membranes. This development will entail an efficient approach to furnish high-level performance reverse-osmosis membranes, with greater osmotic-pressure bearing capacity and higher stability.

Formulation and Evaluation of Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose-dicyclomine Microsponges for Colon Targeted Drug Delivery: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to design novel colon targeted delivery of Dicyclomine Hydrochloride (DCH) microsponges. METHODS: Microsponges (MS1-MS4) based on different ratios of Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and DCH were prepared by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. Micro-sponges were analyzed by determining percent yield, encapsulation efficiency, drug content, drug-polymer compatibility and thermal stability. Kinetic analysis of thermal stability data was done by Chang method, Friedman method and Broido method. In vitro dissolution study was carried out at pH 1.2, pH 6.8 and pH 7.4 at different time intervals. RESULTS: Results showed that there was no chemical interaction between DCH and HPMC in all microsponge formulations. Production yield, drug content and encapsulation efficiency were enhanced on increasing the drug-polymer ratio. Thermal stability of all the micro-sponges was greater than that of pure drug. In vitro drug release was decreased on increasing the polymer concentration at different pH levels. The newly prepared micro-sponges based on HPMC were confirmed as a promising means of colon-targeted delivery of DCH. An HPLC method was developed and validated for the bioequivalence study of newly designed microsponges. Pharmacokinetics parameters were calculated using the linear trapezoidal method after single oral administration of microsponges in white albino rabbits. Pharmacokinetics results indicate an enhancement in the value of t1/2, tmax, Cmax and AUC0-t of DCH in the microsponges as compared to standard DCH showing enhanced bioavailability of the drug after microsponges formation. CONCLUSION: The current study shows a new approach for colon-specific delivery of DCH based on microsponges.

Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Evaluation of Amoxicillin after Solubility Enhancement Using the Spray Drying Technique.

The dose frequency of drugs belonging to class II is usually high and associated with harmful effects on the body. The study aimed to enhance the solubility of the poorly water-soluble drug amoxicillin (AM) by the solid dispersion (SD) technique. Six different SDs of AM, F1-F6, were prepared by the spray drying technique using two other carriers, HP-ß-CD (F1-F3) and HPMC (F4-F6), in 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 drug-to-polymer ratios. These SDs were analyzed to determine their practical yield, drug content, and aqueous solubility using analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction. The effect of polymer concentration on SDs was determined using aqueous solubility, in vitro dissolution, and in vivo studies. The results showed no drug-polymer interactions in SDs. Solubility studies showed that SDs based on the drug-to-polymer ratio of 1:2 (F2 and F5) were highly soluble in water compared to those with ratios of 1:1 and 1:3. In vitro dissolution studies also showed that SDs with a ratio of 1:2 released the highest drug concentration from both polymeric systems. The SDs based on HPMC confirmed the more sustained release of the drug as compared to that of HP-ß-CD. All the SDs were observed as stable and amorphous, with a smooth spherical surface. In vivo studies reveal the enhancement of pharmacokinetics parameters as compared to standard AM. Hence, it is confirmed that spray drying is an excellent technique to enhance the solubility of AM in an aqueous medium. This may contribute to the enhancement of the pharmacokinetic behaviors of SDs.

Words are just Noise, let your Actions Speak: Impact of Nonverbal Communication on Undergraduate Medical Education.

OBJECTIVE: To explore student's perceptions regarding impact of kinesics (facial expressions, gestures, head movements and postures) on undergraduate medical education. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory online survey was conducted from July-Sept 2020 among purposively chosen final year BDS students (n=150) of three dental colleges of Islamabad during COVID-19 lockdown phase. Semi-structured survey questions were validated and piloted before execution. Thematic analysis was performed, and consensus was built among all authors regarding findings, hence ensuring analytical triangulation. RESULTS: Response rate was 46% (69/150). Twenty sub-themes emerged under three domains of kinesics. Participants told that 'neutral expressions' frequently used by teachers create 'boring learning environment' and 'hesitation among students to ask questions.' A smile of teacher imparts 'new degree of interest in the subject' and gives 'freedom of expression' to the students. On contrary, anger 'demotivate' students, instills 'fear among them', make them anxious therefore, they are 'unable to understand lectures' which ultimately leads to 'loss interest in the subject'. Use of gestures by teachers creates 'enjoyable teaching-learning process' but movements such as clearing throat or shaky legs produce 'constant split-second interruption'. Moreover, standing posture of teachers bring 'interest and alertness among students'. CONCLUSION: Nonverbal communication can have positive or negative impact on undergraduate medical education. Therefore, teachers may start lecture with a smile and anger should be avoided to produce friendly and healthy learning environment. Faculty training is required for the effective use of nonverbal communication strategies to create an optimal learning environment for the students.

Development and validation of an HPLC-UV method for accelerated stability study and pharmacokinetic analysis of venlafaxine

A reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography method has been developed and validated for accelerated stability study and determination of pharmacokinetic parameters of venlafaxine HCl. The chromatographic separation was carried out using ODS analytical column (250 × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm particle size). The mobile phase included acetonitrile, methanol and potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (30:30:40; pH 6.1) at a flow rate 1.5 mL min−1. UV-Visible detector was used at wavelength of 227 nm to monitor elutions. Retention time observed was 2.745 min. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, sensitivity and robustness. Accelerated stability study of venlafaxine HCl capsules was carried out at 40 and 50 ºC under 75% RH level. Suggested method was successfully applied for the pharmacokinetic analysis of venlafaxine hydrochloride tablets. Each of ten albino rabbits (≈ 1.2 kg each) was orally administered with 5 mg dose of venlafaxine HCl. The method was proved to be linear (R2 >0.998), accurate (98.25-99.27%), sensitive (LOD: 35ngmL−1; LOQ: 105 ng mL−1) and robust (RSD<1%). The drug showed stability at accelerated conditions of temperature and humidity. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of tested products were as follows: tmax was 2.5h, Cmax was 56.5 µg mL−1, t1/2 was 8.2 h, AUC0-36 was 845.9 µg h mL−1. The developed method is suitable to apply for quality control analysis and pharmacokinetic studies.

Efficacy of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract and hypertonic saline solution as intratesticular chemical sterilizing agents in dogs / Eficácia do extrato de folha de Azadirachta indica (Neem) e solução salina hipertônica como agente químico esterilizante intratesticular em cães

Castration refers to induced sterility via physical, chemical, or hormonal methods. Chemical castration is an efficient and reliable technique in contrast to other sterilization procedures as it is less painful to physical methods and cost­effective to hormonal methods. Azadirachta indica (neem), is a charismatic plant as its leaves possess anti­inflammatory, anti­microbial, and anti­androgenic chattels. To abate the escalating human population in South Asia, neem oil and neem leaf extract have been effectively used as a contraceptive agent. The key determinant of the current study was to evaluate Neem as a chemical sterilizing agent, (either necrotic or apoptotic), in dogs injected intratesticular in comparison to a hypertonic saline solution. Pre­ and post­injection testicular width size and blood samples for serum testosterone levels were collected on alternative days. Results disclosed substantial changes in testicular width size, histopathological profile, and serum testosterone level. A non­significant (P > 0.05) pre­injection testicular width readings in contrast to a significant increase (P < 0.05) three days post­injection was noted in all the competitive groups. The mean values recorded for testicular width size at the end of the trial study via neem leaf extract, 30% HSS and, control groups were 27.7362 ± 2.3315mm, 30.9594 ± 4.6861mm, and 24.5023 ± 2.5387mm, respectively. A declining trend, regarding serum testosterone level being statistically significant (P < 0.05) was recorded in treated groups (A, B) in contrast to the control group (C) as the values were 1.5357 ± 0.7819ng, 1.2669 ± 0.9095ng, and 2.4517 ± 0.1827ng in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Histopathological findings advocated the presence of apoptotic bodies in the neem treated group whereas the presence of degenerated interstitial cells, necrosed seminiferous tubules, damaged germinal epithelium, and ceased spermatogenesis was also studied in both competitive groups. Thus, the apoptotic effect and anti­inflammatory property of neem leaf extract resulted in less painful castration and verified Azadirachta indica as a better substitute for chemical castration in contrast to hypertonic saline solution.(AU)

A castração consiste na indução da esterilidade por meio físico, químico ou hormonal. A castração química é uma técnica eficiente e confiável, em contraste com outros procedimentos de esterilização, pois é menos dolorosa para os métodos físicos e econômicos para os métodos hormonais. Azadirachta indica (neem), é uma planta carismática, pois possui folhas anti­inflamatórias, antimicrobianas e antiandrogênicas. Para diminuir a crescente população humana no sul da Ásia, o óleo de nim e o extrato de folhas de nim têm sido efetivamente usados como agente contraceptivo. O principal determinante deste estudo atual foi avaliar o Neem como um agente esterilizante químico (necrótico ou apoptótico) em cães injetados intratesticularmente em comparação com uma solução salina hipertônica. O tamanho da largura testicular pré e pós­injeção e as amostras de sangue para os níveis séricos de testosterona foram colhidas em dias alternados. Os resultados obtidos revelaram alterações substanciais no tamanho da largura testicular, perfil histopatológico e nível sérico de testosterona. Observou­se uma leitura não significativa (P> 0,05) da largura testicular da pré­injeção, em contraste com um aumento significativo (P <0,05) três dias após a injeção em todos os grupos competitivos.Os valores médios registrados para o tamanho da largura testicular no final do estudo via extrato de folhas de nim,HSS a 30% e grupos controle foram 27,7362 ± 2,3315 mm, 30,9594 ± 4,6861 mm e 24,5023 ± 2,5387 mm, respectivamente.Uma tendência decrescente, com relação ao nível sérico de testosterona sendo estatisticamente significante (P <0,05), foi registrada nos grupos tratados (A, B), em contraste com o grupo controle (C), pois os valores eram 1,5357 ± 0,7819ng, 1,2669 ± 0,9095ng e 2,4517 ± 0,1827ng nos grupos A, B e C, respectivamente. Os achados histopatológicos advogaram a presença de corpos apoptóticos no grupo tratado com nim, enquanto a presença de células intersticiais degeneradas, túbulos seminíferos necrosados, epitélio germinativo danificado e espermatogênese interrompida também foi estudada nos dois grupos competitivos. Assim, o efeito apoptótico e a propriedade anti­inflamatória do extrato de folhas de nim resultaram em uma castração menos dolorosa e confirmaram que a Azadirachta indica foi um melhor substituto para a castração química do que a solução salina hipertônica.(AU)

Clinicopathological study of ameloblastoma and detection of human papilloma virus by immunohistochemistry.

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinocopathological factors and presence of Human Pappiloma Virus in ameloblastoma by immnohistochemistry. METHODS: It was a cross sectional study on 50 surgical specimens of ameloblastoma, completed in six months. These were selected and processed for initial screening by H&E and then by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for detection of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The questionnaire was designed to study the clinicopathological factors associated in these patients. Sections of 4µm were cut, placed on special positive charged glass slides in the Department of Pathology, King Edward Medical University. It was then examined by the histopathologists for grading and scoring of these lesions. Chi Square test was used to assess the differences found in types of ameloblastomas. The p-value was smaller than 0.05 (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients (12-80 years old) was 38.6±15.1 years, with male-female ratio 2.84: 1. HPV was positive in 9 (18%), whereas negative in of 41 (82%) patients. Among the positive, reactive HPV with score-1 was 8 and score-2 was 1. According to histological variant, follicular was present in 78%, Plexiform pattern in 8%, Conventional and Desmoplastic variants in one patient each; and Cystic and Acanthomatous were seen in two and three patients respectively. The mandible was involved in 39 patients, maxilla and right maxilla involved in 4 patients each, right retromolar, cheek and angle of mandible was seen in one patient each. About 16% patients had anterior, 66% had posterior and 18% had both anterior and posterior regions involved. Among the HPV positive reactive statistically, no significant difference was found with smoking, Paan and exposure to pesticides, factory or mine (p-value > 0.05). Among HPV positive reactive patients, eight had ameloblastoma whereas, 1 had ameloblastomic fibroma. There was no statistical significance of type, location and region of tumor in HPV positivity. CONCLUSION: Mandible and posterior region was more commonly involved. Follicular pattern was most common. There was no effect of exposure to pesticides, factory or mine, smoke and human papilloma virus in the etiology of ameloblastoma because only 18% of patients showed the association of HPV16.

Should we be analysing breast reduction specimens? A systematic analysis of over 1,000 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Reduction mammoplasty (RM) continues to be popular. The reported incidence of occult breast carcinoma in these specimens varies between 0.05 and 1.8 %. Literature review reveals a wide discrepancy in study methodology, outcome measures, and even what is constituted as a "significant" result. We set out to identify RM patients at increased risk of occult significant pathological findings to engender a systematic improvement in efficiency of those specimens sent for histopathological examination. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective study of the pathology results for 1,388 consecutive RM patients was undertaken. Patients were divided into three groups according to indication for surgery: group 1, macromastia; group 2, developmental asymmetry; and group 3, symmetrising surgery after breast cancer reconstructive surgery. RESULTS: Nine cases of occult carcinoma were found among the 1,388 women (0.65 %), all in patients over 35 years of age. Forty percent of all patients were under 35 years old. Histopathological analysis of 59 % of patients revealed nonsignificant findings. Patients with a breast cancer history were 4.3 times more likely to have occult breast cancer. Patients under 30 years of age had a significantly higher chance of nonsignificant findings than those over 30 (relative risk = 2.5). CONCLUSIONS: Although the overall incidence of occult breast cancer in reduction mammaplasty patients remains low, specific subgroups with a higher risk are identified. It is recommended that histological analysis of specimens should be restricted to high-risk patients and those over 30 years of age as significant pathology is uncommon in younger patients. These results will promote health-care-related economic benefits and a reduction of the burden placed on histopathology departments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article.

The calcium connection--deficient mothers with normal newborn.

A cross-sectional study on blood calcium levels of pregnant women of low socioeconomic status was designed to find out the consequences of low levels on the outcome of pregnancy. Blood samples from 52 women and their cord were collected at the time of delivery. Calcium was analyzed calorimetrically in maternal as well as cord blood. For comparative analysis, levels of phosphorus were analyzed on atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results were compared with 24 nonpregnant age matched controls. Calcium levels were significantly low (p<0.01), in maternal (8.13±0.40 mg/dl) and cord blood (8.69±0.28 mg/dl) compared to controls (10.5±0.6 mg/dl) and significantly higher in primiparous mothers (M=8.2±0.78 mg/dl,C=8.1±0.50 mg/dl) compared to multiparous (M=6.4±0.59 mg/dl,C=7.9±0.53 mg/dl). Calcium levels were also found significantly lower in mothers who had a miscarriage (M=7.60±0.37 mg/dl,C=9.1±0.65 mg/dl) before this pregnancy than the primiparous and the controls. The results on the whole suggest that women tend to develop a marginal calcium deficiency after pregnancy.