Yield gap in milk production is considerable in Indian Himalayan state of Meghalaya.

Yield gaps in milk production are here defined as the differentials between the actual yield obtained by the dairy farmer and the potential farm yield (production achieved by the top 10% of farmers: Gap 2) as well as the differential between this potential farm yield and the yield registered in the research stations (Gap 1). Assessment of yield gaps provides valuable information on potential production enhancement and drivers behind yield gaps. Milk production can be increased by narrowing the predominant large yield gaps in resource-poor smallholder farming system. Hence, this study assessed the milk yield gap and factors affecting the yield gap in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya, a state located in the north-eastern Himalayan region of India. This research paper provides a scope for exploring the possibilities for improving dairy production in the state as well as contributing to literature through incorporating crucial determinants responsible for milk yield gap. A sample of 81 respondents was drawn purposely from two blocks of the district. The results indicated that the average number of cattle per household was 9.38 in standard animal units. The total yield gap was estimated at 6.20 l (91.06%) per day, composed of 0.80 l (11.76%) per day of yield gap I and 5.40 l (79.30%) per day of yield gap II. This demonstrates that the top performing farms were achieving a production level not dissimilar to that obtained on the research stations, but many were doing far less well. The size of cattle shed, dairy farming experience, concentrate price and human labour were the important determinants of the yield gap. Hence, encouraging the right stocking density of cattle, training on the preparations of home-made concentrates, access to cheap and quality concentrates, incorporating training and experience sharing on proper dairy management practices and use of technology could benefit the dairy farmers of the region.

Association between dietary habits and body mass index of adolescent females in intermediate schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Obesity among Saudi youth is a growing public health challenge. This cross-sectional study measured body mass index (BMI) and determined the eating habits and lifestyle of 107 randomly selected female adolescent students (age 12-15 years) at schools in Riyadh. The students' heights and weights were measured and a pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on diet and lifestyle. The majority of the students' families had monthly income > 10 000 riyals (US$ 1 = 3.75 riyals). About half the students (53.3%) were within normal weight, 28.6% were underweight, 12.4% overweight and 5.7% obese. The majority of the students did not have healthy dietary or exercise habits. There were no significant differences between BMI category and dietary pattern and lifestyle. Increasing educational programmes with healthy dietary concepts to improve the dietary pattern of female adolescents is recommended.

Role of non-contrast spiral computerized tomography in acute ureteric colic.

AIM: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of noncontrast helical computerized tomography (CT) in ureteric colic with comparative evaluation of KUB and ultrasonography (USG). SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients aged between 20 and 75 years referred from the emergency department as acute ureteric colic were evaluated with KUB and USG followed by noncontrast helical CT. RESULTS: Noncontrast helical CT was 91% sensitive and 98% specific in detecting urolithiasis compared to a sensitivity of 20% and 30% for KUB and USG and specificity of 94% and 98% respectively. CONCLUSION: Noncontrast helical CT is a very sensitive and specific investigation for evaluation of acute flank pain due to urolithiasis, besides helping in the detection of nonrenal causes of pain.

Intravitreal steroids may facilitate treatment of Eales' disease (idiopathic retinal vasculitis): an interventional case series.

PURPOSE: Eales' disease is an idiopathic peripheral perivasculitis leading to proliferative vascular retinopathy, recurrent vitreous haemorrhages, and tractional retinal detachment. It is an elusive cause of blindness in young, otherwise healthy individuals. We studied the effects of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) in patients of Eales' disease, which may eventually reduce the side effects and cost of management, with results equivalent to or better than oral steroids. METHODS: Ethics approval and prior patient consent were obtained. Fluorescein fundus angiograms (FFAs) of 12 eyes of 12 Eales' disease patients were taken before enrolment. These patients received 0.1 ml of 40 mg/ml (4 mg) intravitreal triamcinolone through pars plana under topical anaesthesia. Regular weekly follow-ups were initiated to ascertain Snellen visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP) with Goldman tonometer, and triple mirror examination. Fluorescein fundus angiography was again performed in the 8th week to monitor response to treatment. Decrease in areas of late perivascular dye extravasation on fluorescein angiography was used as marker for improvement. RESULTS: Ten out of a total of 12 (83.33%) eyes treated with IVTA showed significant reduction of late leakage from retinal vessels on fluorescein fundus angiography. Two out of 12 eyes (16.67%) did not show considerable decrease in late perivascular fluorescein dye leakage after 8 weeks of intravitreal triamcinolone injection. Two patients (16.67%) had a significant rise in IOP after IVTA. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal steroids may be advocated for management of idiopathic retinal vasculitis without complications of systemic steroids, and minimize need for more invasive procedures.