Fruit transcriptional profiling of the contrasting genotypes for shelf life reveals the key candidate genes and molecular pathways regulating post-harvest biology in cucumber.

Cucumber fruits are perishable in nature and become unfit for market within 2-3 days of harvesting. A natural variant, DC-48 with exceptionally high shelf life was developed and used to dissect the genetic architecture and molecular mechanism for extended shelf life through RNA-seq for first time. A total of 1364 DEGs were identified and cell wall degradation, chlorophyll and ethylene metabolism related genes played key role. Polygalacturunase (PG), Expansin (EXP) and xyloglucan were down regulated determining fruit firmness and retention of fresh green colour was mainly attributed to the low expression level of the chlorophyll catalytic enzymes (CCEs). Gene regulatory networks revealed the hub genes and cross-talk associated with wide variety of the biological processes. Large number of SSRs (21524), SNPs (545173) and InDels (126252) identified will be instrumental in cucumber improvement. A web genomic resource, CsExSLDb developed will provide a platform for future investigation on cucumber post-harvest biology.

PDGFRß promotes oncogenic progression via STAT3/STAT5 hyperactivation in anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin T cell lymphoma commonly driven by NPM-ALK. AP-1 transcription factors, cJUN and JUNb, act as downstream effectors of NPM-ALK and transcriptionally regulate PDGFRß. Blocking PDGFRß kinase activity with imatinib effectively reduces tumor burden and prolongs survival, although the downstream molecular mechanisms remain elusive. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a transgenic mouse model that mimics PDGFRß-driven human ALCL in vivo, we identify PDGFRß as a driver of aggressive tumor growth. Mechanistically, PDGFRß induces the pro-survival factor Bcl-xL and the growth-enhancing cytokine IL-10 via STAT5 activation. CRISPR/Cas9 deletion of both STAT5 gene products, STAT5A and STAT5B, results in the significant impairment of cell viability compared to deletion of STAT5A, STAT5B or STAT3 alone. Moreover, combined blockade of STAT3/5 activity with a selective SH2 domain inhibitor, AC-4-130, effectively obstructs tumor development in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: We therefore propose PDGFRß as a novel biomarker and introduce PDGFRß-STAT3/5 signaling as an important axis in aggressive ALCL. Furthermore, we suggest that inhibition of PDGFRß or STAT3/5 improve existing therapies for both previously untreated and relapsed/refractory ALK+ ALCL patients.

Antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing activities of eugenol and linalool from Ocimum tenuiflorum against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to determine the ability of two bioactive compounds, namely, eugenol and linalool, purified from leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum for eradication of biofilm produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS AND RESULTS: The phytoextract of O. tenuiflorum (KT), a common ethno-botanical plant of India, was purified through high-performance liquid chromatography and was analysed using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Eugenol and linalool were found to be the most active amongst all phytocompounds present in phytoextract and showed a significant reduction in the viability of sessile cells of P. aeruginosa and the minimum revival after withdrawal of phyto-challenge. They could bring about notable reduction in the protein and carbohydrate content of exopolysaccharide of biofilm. Eugenol and linalool could affect the synthesis of quorum sensing (QS) proteins like LasA and LasB as well as virulence factors such as pyocyanin, and rhamnolipids, which seriously hamper the formation of biofilm. The biofilm framework was extremely affected by the phytocompounds through the reduction of protein and carbohydrate content of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Another interesting found out was that they brought about maximum inhibition to the genomic DNA and RNA content. The studies were supported by in silico interaction between eugenol and linalool with the QS proteins. The antibiofilm efficacies of eugenol, linalool and phytoextract (KT) were further confirmed by microscopic studies with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy and fluorescence confocal microscopy microscopic studies. CONCLUSIONS: The phytocompounds are proved to be more effective than conventional antibiotics in inhibiting the biofilm forming sessile cells and can be used as a replacement for antibiotic. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Pure eugenol extracted from common basil leaves can be used as a safe substitute for common antibiotic for treatment of chronic infections caused by P. aeruginosa. It will be cost effective, devoid of notable side effects and will not generate antibiotic resistance in host body.

Multi-drug resistant, biofilm-producing high-risk clonal lineage of Klebsiella in companion and household animals.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global emergency which needs one health approach to address. The present study was conducted to detect the prevalence of beta-lactamase and biofilm-producing Klebsiella strains in rectal swabs (n = 624) collected from healthy dogs, cats, sheep and goats reared as companion or household animals in India. The dogs and cats were frequently exposed to third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins for therapy. The sheep and goats were occasionally exposed to antibiotics and had environmental exposure. Phenotypical ESBL (n = 93) and ACBL (n = 88)-producing Klebsiella were isolated significantly more (P < 0·05) from companion animals than household animals. Majority of the Klebsiella possessed blaCTX-M-15 . The sequences blaCTX-M-15.2 , blaCTX-M-197 and blaCTX-M-225 are reported first time from the companion animals. All ACBL-producing isolates possessed blaAmpC . The present study detected 65·8% of Klebsiella strains as biofilm producers possessing the studied biofilm associated genes. The isolates showed phenotypical resistance against chloramphenicol, tetracycline, doxycycline, co-trimoxazole, ampicillin, cefotaxime/clavulanic acid. The present study showed that companion and household animals (dogs, cats, sheep, goats) may act as a carrier of ESBL/biofilm-producing, multi-drug resistant, high-risk clonal lineage of Klebsiella.

Characterization of beta-lactamase and biofilm producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from organized and backyard farm ducks.

This study was undertaken to detect the occurrence of beta-lactamase and biofilm producing Enterobacteriaceae in healthy ducks. A total 202 cloacal swabs were collected from ducks kept in organized (n = 92) and backyard (n = 110) farms in West Bengal (India). The ducks had no history of antibiotic intake. Among the 87 phenotypically beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli, 19 (17·43%), 6 (5·05%) and 15 (13·76%) isolates possessed blaTEM , blaSHV and blaCTX-M respectively. Whereas, 5 (38·46%) Salmonella isolates were found to harbour blaCTX-M . In K. pneumoniae 10 (33·33%), 3 (13·33%), 4 (13·33%) isolates possessed blaTEM , blaSHV and blaCTX-M respectively. The sequences of selected PCR products were found 98% cognate with blaCTX-M-9, blaSHV-12 and blaTEM-1 . Beta-lactamase producing E. coli isolates belonged to 14 different serogroups such as O1, O2, O3, O5, O7, O8, O35, O83, O84, O88, O119, O128, O145 and O157. Moreover, 87 E. coli (79·82%), six Samonella (46·15%) and 13 K. pneumoniae (43·33%) isolates were detected as AmpC producers possessing blaAmpC . Majority of E. coli (46·79%), Salmonella (46·15%) and K. pneumoniae (70%) isolates were detected as biofilm producers and possessed the associated genes (csgA, sdiA, rcsA, rpoS). Significantly higher occurrence of beta-lactamase and biofilm producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates was detected in backyard ducks than organized farms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Consumption of antibiotic through feed or during therapy is considered as potential reason for generation of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in birds. This study provides valuable evidence that exposure to contaminated environment may be an additional source for generation of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in backyard ducks. The backyard ducks are reared by marginal farmers in India who cannot offer antibiotics to them either through feed or during therapy due to high cost. The study also reveals a significant correlation between biofilm formation and possession of antimicrobial resistance genes in the bacterial isolates from the ducks.

Room-temperature ferromagnetism in Ni(ii)-chromia based core-shell nanoparticles: experiment and first principles calculations.

We have synthesized bimagnetic core-shell nanoparticles containing a first-of-its-kind Ni(ii)-chromia nanophase shell and a well-defined, epitaxial core-shell interface. Magnetic measurements reveal a substantial coercivity of the nanoparticles and a significant exchange bias effect between the antiferromagnetic chromia core and the ferromagnetic Ni(ii)-chromia shell at low temperatures. The ferromagnetism and a weak exchange bias effect are found to persist to room temperature in the core-shell nanoparticles of ∼57 nm average size. Our first principles Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations confirm that the novel corundum-structured Ni(ii)-chromia phase has an equilibrium cluster-localized ferromagnetic spin configuration. In addition, the DFT-based calculations show that the Ni(ii)-chromia phase is a Mott-Hubbard insulator, with a narrowed energy band gap and increased covalent bonding due to strong hybridization between Ni 3d and O 2p levels in the upper portion of the valence band and within the band gap region. The antiferromagnetic, ferromagnetic and magnetoelectric properties of our core-shell nanoparticles make these well suited for patterned recording media and biomedical applications.

[A study of recombinant human sestrin 1 and sestrin 2 proteins produced in a prokaryotic system].

Sestrins are highly conserved stress-inducible proteins capable of suppressing the production of ROS and signalling through mTORC1. Here we report a study of human sestrin1 (sesn1) and sestrin2 (sesn2) proteins produced in a pET28^(+) vector based prokaryotic system. Mass spectrometry analysis, western blot and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of affinity purified sesn1 and sesn2 proteins confirmed their identity; biophysical characteristics were observed using circular dichroism (CD) showing that sesn1 and sesn2 have a predominant α-helical structure. Here we describe a simple, one step purification process to purify a large amount of sestrin proteins with significant yield. Further study of recombinant human sestrins may further facilitate the understanding of their roles in eukaryotic cells.

C-reactive Protein (CRP) as a Single Biomarker for Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis.

Neonatal sepsis (NS) is a life-threatening disorder and an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Blood culture, the gold standard for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is costly, not available at all centres and test result not readily available. CRP is low cost diagnostic test for neonatal sepsis which is possible to perform at all centres and test result is easily available. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of C-reactive protein (CRP) measurement to identify neonatal sepsis. We conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the CRP in neonatal sepsis. The literature was searched in PUBMED, Cochrane Library, Google scholar and other Medical Databases using set search criteria. Each included study was evaluated by quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS) tool. Four investigators independently extracted the data and study characteristics, and disagreements, if any, were resolved by consensus. Meta-disc software was used to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity and summary diagnostic odds ratio (SDOR), I² or Cochrane Q to test heterogeneity. False positive report probability (FPRP) was calculated to confirm the significance of the results. Eleven studies (1557 neonates) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CRP were 71% and 86% respectively, which had moderate accuracy in the diagnosis of NS. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under curve (AUC) was 19.10 and 0.8535 (Q*=0.7845), respectively. The diagnostic threshold analysis showed that there was no threshold effect. Meta-analysis showed that CRP had a moderate accuracy (AUC=0.8535) for the diagnosis of NS. CRP is a helpful biomarker for diagnosis of NS. However, we should combine the results with clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory and microbial results.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Slow Versus Rapid Enteral Feeding Advancements on the Clinical Outcomes in Very Low Birth Weight Neonates.

Starting and advancement of feeding in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are big challenges for the neonatal practitioners. Wide variations in volume of feed advancement have observed in earlier trials both in slow and rapid advancement groups. Volume advancement in slow advancement groups have ranged from 10ml/kg/day to 23ml/kg/day and in rapid advancement groups have ranged from 15ml/kg/day to 45ml/kg/day in earlier different studies. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from April 2013 to July 2014 to evaluate the effects of slow versus rapid rates of feeding advancements on the clinical outcomes in very low birth weight infants. A total 95 infants were enrolled into two strata according to their birth weight. Infants of each stratum were randomly allocated to either slow or rapid advancement group during initiation of feeding. After gut priming over five days, feeding was advanced daily 10ml/kg in slow and 15ml/kg in rapid advancement group for 1000 - <1250gm weighing infants. For 1250 - <1500gm weighing infants, feeding was advanced daily 15ml/kg in slow and 20ml/kg in rapid advancement group. The primary outcome variable was time taken to achieve full enteral feed. Total 82 infants completed the trial. Demographically both groups were same. Infants in the rapid feeding advancement group achieved full enteral feedings before the slow advancement group, had significantly fewer days of parenteral nutrition and regained birth weight earlier. There were no statistical differences in episodes of feed interruption, number of infants with apnea, feed intolerance or diagnosis of sepsis. Rapid enteral feeding advancements were well tolerated by very low birth weight infants.

Comparison of Serum Bilirubin with Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry in Late Preterm and Term Newborn.

Neonatal jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia is a common occurrence in newborns. It can progress to develop kernicterus unless intervention is initiated. Severity and decision for management are usually based on serum bilirubin which needs blood sampling. Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement is a noninvasive technique and correlates closely with serum bilirubin. This Cross sectional study was done in the Department of Neonatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from March 2013 to August 2014 to evaluate the transcutaneous bilirubin in comparison to serum bilirubin. Total 160 infants with ≥35 weeks were purposively included over a period of 16 months. Neonates with less than 35 weeks, previously exposed to phototherapy, serious illness which leads to impaired circulation, who have had exchange transfusion, having major congenital malformation were excluded. Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement was performed within 30 minutes of obtaining sample for total serum bilirubin measurements. Of the enrolled infants, mean birth weight was 2631±520 grams, postnatal age was 4.99±3.02 days ranging from 2 to 25 days and mean transcutaneous bilirubin and serum bilirubin value was 14.59±2.55 and 13.62±2.86mg/dl respectively. Mean difference of transcutaneous bilirubin and serum bilirubin was 0.97±1.01mg/dl. In the total enrolled infant, transcutaneous bilirubin and serum bilirubin values showed significant correlation (r = 0.93, r2 = 0.876, p<0.001) and this was not affected by sex, gestational age, postnatal age, and birth weight. The area under ROC curve for transcutaneous bilirubin was 87% (p value <0.001). If the cut off value of transcutaneous bilirubin was set at 15 mg/dl, then a sensitivity of 77%, specificity of 88% and accuracy of 82% were obtained. Use of transcutaneous bilirubin can reduce need for serum bilirubin in assaying neonatal jaundice; as it showed significantly high correlation with serum bilirubin. Predictive accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubin was found to be statistically significant in comparison to serum bilirubin.

Neonatal Transport - Experience of a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh.

Safe transportation is mostly an unnoticed neonatal health issue in Bangladesh and no documentation is available regarding the existing practices. So this study was intended to document transport status of the referred newborn to a tertiary care hospital. This observational study included 150 out born neonates over 12 months period transported from various places to NICU, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from May 2015 to April 2016. A structured data collection form was used to record information categorized into pre-transport, during transport and at admission. At admission detailed clinical assessment of the baby was done and recorded. Outcome was determined as discharge or death. Of 150 transported neonates, two-third were preterm 115(77%) & LBW 113(75%). Common indications for referral were prematurity and sepsis. Most of the patients were referred from private hospital 107(71%). Majority of newborns (86%) were referred from hospitals of Dhaka city while only 14% were referred from outside Dhaka. Referral notes were supplied in most of the cases 134(89%) but comprehensive information was obtainable only in 3 cases. Although main transport vehicle was ambulance 130(87%), medical personnel accompanied the sick baby only in 6(4%) of cases. The distance traveled was less than 10 kilometers (kms) in 95(63%) and more than 100 km in 10(7%) of enrolled neonates. Transport time was less than 1 hour in 72(48%), 1-6 hours in 66(44%) and more than 6 hours in 12(8%) of cases. Nearly two third of newborn were transported after office period, 107(72%). At admission 21(14%) babies had hypothermia, 8(7.62%) hypoglycemia, 16(11%), poor perfusion 28(19%), low saturation 27(18%). Hyperthermia & hyperglycemia were observed in 8(5%) & 7(5%) cases respectively. Of the total 150 babies referred, 17(11%) died. While comparing with discharged newborn, died newborn were more frequent sufferer of hypothermia (p value 0.007) and low saturation (p value 0.049) at admission. Premature, low birth weight and sick newborns are being transported despite lack of safe transport system.

Escherichia coli populations adapt to complex, unpredictable fluctuations by minimizing trade-offs across environments.

In nature, organisms are simultaneously exposed to multiple stresses (i.e. complex environments) that often fluctuate unpredictably. Although both these factors have been studied in isolation, the interaction of the two remains poorly explored. To address this issue, we selected laboratory populations of Escherichia coli under complex (i.e. stressful combinations of pH, H2 O2 and NaCl) unpredictably fluctuating environments for ~900 generations. We compared the growth rates and the corresponding trade-off patterns of these populations to those that were selected under constant values of the component stresses (i.e. pH, H2 O2 and NaCl) for the same duration. The fluctuation-selected populations had greater mean growth rate and lower variation for growth rate over all the selection environments experienced. However, whereas the populations selected under constant stresses experienced trade-offs in the environments other than those in which they were selected, the fluctuation-selected populations could bypass the across-environment trade-offs almost entirely. Interestingly, trade-offs were found between growth rates and carrying capacities. The results suggest that complexity and fluctuations can strongly affect the underlying trade-off structure in evolving populations.

Neonatal Conjunctivitis Leading to Neonatal Sepsis--A Case Report.

Neonatal conjunctivitis is the most common occular disease in neonates. Most infections are acquired during vaginal delivery. In spite most of these cases are benign; some of them may progress to systemic complications like loss of vision if left untreated. The authors present a case of a newborn who developed late onset neonatal sepsis from E. coli positive conjunctivitis. The baby was treated with Injection Meropenem and Injection Amikacin for 10 days. The course was uneventful, after that baby responded well and discharged home on 24th day.

Salt Losing Variety of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia--A Case Report.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic endocrinologic disorder. The severe classic form occurs in one in 15,000 births worldwide. Twenty-one-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is the most common cause in this autosomal recessive disease. It can cause virilization, ambiguous genitalia at birth and severe life threatening condition due to salt wasting. In this report we describe the clinical course of a male neonate presenting with lethargy, failure to thrive (FTT), genital pigmentation, electrolytes imbalance and high serum 17-hydroxy-progesterone (17-OHP) level and subsequently diagnosed as Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. After the initial crises management, the child was continued on replacement therapy. During the follow up, he was found to grow appropriately and achieving normal milestones for age.

A Survey on Current Practice of Management of Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis.

It was a survey type of cross sectional study where the participants were from different teaching/referral hospital across the country and was done to gather information regarding current practice of management of neonatal sepsis among paediatricians and neonatologists and was conducted on the spot during a national conference of Bangladesh Perinatal Society in December 2013. Specialists in neonatology, paediatrics, and some other disciplines working in different institutes across the country were requested to respond. Out of 150 physicians, 92 (61.33%) were neonatologists. Physicians suspected early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) when there is history suggestive of prolonged rupture of membrane (74.77%), prolonged labour (9.33%), chorioamnionitis (7.33%) and maternal fever (2%). Clinical sepsis is found commonly (53.33%) which is later proved by laboratory evidences such as Hb%, TC, DC PBF (peripheral blood film), C-reactive protein, chest X-ray etc. Injection Ampicillin and Gentamycin are still the first choice of antibiotics (61.3%). Preferred route was intravenous (95.3%). Antibiotics were given for 7-10 days by most of the physicians (48.77%). However there is lack of uniformity among the participants in regard to taking decision about antibiotics, the choice of first line and the subsequent options of antibiotics. So, neonatal sepsis is the most important cause of neonatal mortality in the community. Therefore a standard protocolized approach for diagnosis and management of Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis may prove critical which is currently not in practice uniformly.

Escherichia coli populations in unpredictably fluctuating environments evolve to face novel stresses through enhanced efflux activity.

There is considerable understanding about how laboratory populations respond to predictable (constant or deteriorating environment) selection for single environmental variables such as temperature or pH. However, such insights may not apply when selection environments comprise multiple variables that fluctuate unpredictably, as is common in nature. To address this issue, we grew replicate laboratory populations of Escherichia coli in nutrient broth whose pH and concentrations of salt (NaCl) and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) were randomly changed daily. After ~170 generations, the fitness of the selected populations had not increased in any of the three selection environments. However, these selected populations had significantly greater fitness in four novel environments which have no known fitness-correlation with tolerance to pH, NaCl or H2 O2 . Interestingly, contrary to expectations, hypermutators did not evolve. Instead, the selected populations evolved an increased ability for energy-dependent efflux activity that might enable them to throw out toxins, including antibiotics, from the cell at a faster rate. This provides an alternate mechanism for how evolvability can evolve in bacteria and potentially lead to broad-spectrum antibiotic resistance, even in the absence of prior antibiotic exposure. Given that environmental variability is increasing in nature, this might have serious consequences for public health.

Supramolecular Macrocyclic Pd(II) and Pt(II) Squares and Rectangles with Aryldithiolate Ligands and their Excellent Catalytic Activity in Suzuki C-C Coupling Reaction.

Addition of 1,4-benezenedithiol and 4,4'-biphenyldithiol to M(OTf)2 (M = cis-[Pt(PEt3)2](2+) or cis-[Pd(dppe)](2+)) (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) gave self-assembled tetranuclear complexes [M2{S(C6H4)nS}]2(OTf)4 (n = 1, 2). The same reaction with 1,4-benezenedimethanethiol yielded octanuclear supramolecular coordination complexes (SCC) [M2{SCH2C6H4CH2S}]4(OTf)8. These complexes were characterized by NMR, mass, and UV-vis spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, as well as density functional theory studies and represent the first examples of SCCs constructed by thiolate groups and square-planar metal ions. The rectangular shape of tetranuclear complexes and square shape of octanuclear complex are confirmed by single-crystal structures and computational studies. The palladium complexes showed excellent catalytic activity in Suzuki C-C cross-coupling reactions with high turnover numbers (2 × 10(7)), even with low catalyst loading.

Antigenic validation of recombinant hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein of Newcastle disease virus expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The outer membrane glycoprotein, hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is important for virus infection and subsequent immune response by host, and offers target for development of recombinant antigen-based immunoassays and subunit vaccines. In this study, the expression of HN protein of NDV is attempted in yeast expression system. Yeast offers eukaryotic environment for protein processing and posttranslational modifications like glycosylation, in addition to higher growth rate and easy genetic manipulation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was found to be better expression system for HN protein than Pichia pastoris as determined by codon usage analysis. The complete coding  sequence of HN gene was amplified with the histidine tag, cloned in pESC-URA under GAL10 promotor and transformed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The recombinant HN (rHN) protein was characterized by western blot, showing glycosylation heterogeneity as observed with other eukaryotic expression systems. The recombinant protein was purified by affinity column purification. The protein could be further used as subunit vaccine.

Comparative Study of Clinical and Sonographic Estimation of Foetal Weight at Term.

A cross sectional comparative study was conducted at Dhaka National Medical College, Dhaka from January to June 2012, to observe the accuracy of clinical and ultrasonographic estimation of foetal weight at term in our environment. Seventy five pregnant women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria had their foetal weight estimated independently using clinical and ultrasonographic methods. Accuracy was determined by percentage error, absolute percentage error and proportion of estimates within 10% of actual birth weight (birth weight fetus of +10%). Statistical analysis was done using the paired t-test, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the chi-square test. The study sample had an actual average birth weight of 2989.60 ± 408.76 (range 2310-4000 gm). Overall, the clinical method overestimated birth-weight, while ultrasound underestimated it. The mean absolute percentage error of the clinical method was more than that of the sonographic method, and the number of estimates within 10% of actual birth weight for the clinical method (41.3%) was less than for the sonographic method (57.3%); the difference was not statistically significant. In the low birth-weight (<2,500 gm) group, the mean absolute percentage error of sonographic estimates were significantly smaller. Significantly more sonographic estimates (75%) were within 10% of actual birth-weight than those of the clinical method (0%). No statistically significant difference was observed in all the measures of accuracy for the normal birth-weight range of 2,500-<4,000 gm and in the macrosomic group (≥ 4,000 gm). Clinical estimation of birth-weight is as accurate as routine ultrasonographic estimation, except in low-birth-weight babies.