Effect of rumen-protected choline on dairy cow metabolism, immunity, lactation performance, and vaginal discharge microbiome.

Rumen-protected choline (RPC) promotes benefits in milk production, immunity, and health in dairy cows by optimizing lipid metabolism during transition period management and early lactation. However, the RPC success in dairy cows depends on choline bioavailability, which is affected by the type of protection used in rumen-protected choline. Therefore, our objectives were to determine the effects of a novel RPC on dry matter intake (DMI), identify markers of metabolism and immunity, and evaluate lactation performance. Dry Holstein (n = 48) cows at 245 ± 3 d of gestation were blocked by parity and assigned to control or RPC treatment within each block. Cows enrolled in the RPC treatment received 15 g/d of CholiGEM (Kemin Industries, Cavriago RE, Italy) from 21 d prepartum and 30 g/d of CholiGEM from calving to 21 d postpartum. During the transition period, DMI was measured daily, and blood was sampled weekly for energy-related metabolites such as ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), as well as immune function markers such as haptoglobin (Hp) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LPB). Vaginal discharge samples were collected at the calving and 7 d postpartum and stored in microcentrifuge tubes at -80°C until 16S rRNA sequencing. The main responses of body condition score, body weight, DMI, milk yield, milk components, and immune function markers were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with the effects of treatment, time, parity, and relevant covariates added to the models. The relative abundance of microbiome α-diversity was evaluated by 3 indexes (Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson) and ß-diversity by principal coordinate analysis and permutational multivariate ANOVA. We found no differences in DMI in the pre- and postpartum periods. Cows fed RPC increased the yields of energy- and 3.5% fat-corrected milk and fat yield in primiparous and multiparous cows, with an interaction between treatment and parity for these lactation variables. However, we found no differences in milk protein and lactose up to 150 DIM between treatments. Glucose, NEFA, and BHB had no differences between the treatments. However, RPC decreased BHB numerically (control = 1.07 ± 0.13 vs. RPC = 0.63 ± 0.13) in multiparous on the third week postpartum and tended to reduce the incidence of subclinical ketosis (12.7% vs. 4.2%). No effects for Hp and LPB were found in cows fed RPC. Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indexes were lower at calving in the RPC treatment than in the Control. However, no differences were found 7 d later for Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indexes. The vaginal discharge microbiome was altered in cows fed RPC at 7 d postpartum. Fusobacterium, a common pathogen associated with metritis, was reduced in cows fed RPC. Rumen-protected choline enhanced lactation performance and health and altered the vaginal discharge microbiome which is a potential proxy for uterine healthy in dairy cows. The current study's findings corroborate that RPC is a tool to support adaptation to lactation and shed light on opportunities for further research in reproductive health.

Adductomics: a promising tool for the verification of chemical warfare agents' exposures in biological samples.

Humans are constantly exposed to a wide range of reactive and toxic chemicals from the different sources in everyday life. Identification of the exposed chemical helps in the detection and understanding the exposure associated adverse health effects. Covalent adducts of proteins and DNA formed after xenobiotics exposure may serve as readily measurable indicators of these exposures. Measuring the exposed chemicals with focus on adducts resulting from the nucleophilic interactions with blood proteins is useful in the development of diagnostic markers. Particularly, the most abundant proteins such as albumin and hemoglobin acts as dominant scavengers for many reactive chemicals in blood and can serve as excellent diagnostic candidates to determine the type of chemical exposure. This review focuses on the potential application of an adductomics approach for the screening of bimolecular adducts of chemical warfare agents (CWAs). Recent incidents of CWAs use in Syria, Malaysia, and the UK illustrate the continuing threat of chemical warfare agents in the modern world. Detection of CWAs and their metabolites in blood or in other body fluids of victims depends on immediate access to victims. Concentrations of intact CWAs in body fluids of surviving victims may decline rapidly within a few days. Certain CWAs, particularly nerve agents and vesicants, form covalent bonds with certain amino acids to form CWA-protein adducts. Proteins that are abundant in the blood, including albumin and hemoglobin, may carry these adducts longer after the original exposure. We searched MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science databases using the key terms "adductomics" "adducts of CWAs," "CWAs adducts detection in the biological samples," "protein adducts of CWAs," alone and in combination with the keywords "detection" "intoxication" "exposure" "adverse effects" and "toxicity." We also included non-peer-reviewed sources such as text books, relevant newspaper reports, and applicable Internet resources. We screened bibliographies of identified articles for additional relevant studies including non-indexed reports. These searches produced 1931 citations of which only relevant and nonduplicate citations were considered for this review. The analysis of biomedical samples has several purposes including detecting and identifying the type of chemical agent exposed, understanding the biological mechanism, assists in giving adequate treatment, determining the cause of death and providing evidence in a court of justice for forensic investigations. Rapid advances in the mass spectrometry to acquire high-quality data with greater resolution enabled the analysis of protein and DNA adducts of xenobiotics including CWAs and place the rapidly advancing 'adductomics' next to the other "-omics" technologies. Adductomics can serve as a powerful bioanalytical tool for the verification of CWAs exposure. This review mostly describes the protein adducts for nerve agents and vesicants, outlines the procedures for measuring adducts, and suggests the evolving (or future) use of adducts in the detection and verification of CWAs.

Novel use of levodopa in human immunodeficiency virus encephalopathy-mediated parkinsonism in an adult.

We report a case of a 36-year-old man with a medical history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who presented with hypomimia, hypophonia, bradykinesia, rigidity, and freezing of gait. His clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with HIV encephalopathy with involvement of the bilateral basal ganglia and diffuse leukoencephalopathy. We initiated a trial of carbidopa-levodopa. The dose was escalated to 1050 mg levodopa daily. Amantadine was also started. The patient was closely monitored for behavioral, neurological, or systemic side effects. He tolerated therapy well without adverse effects. The patient's neurological status significantly improved with levodopa, including hypomimia, hypophonia, bradykinesia, and fluidity of gait. This case demonstrates that carbidopa-levodopa can be safely utilized to manage parkinsonism in an adult patient with HIV encephalopathy.

Spectrum of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state in neurology practice.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS) is a medical emergency, but there is a paucity of studies reporting the spectrum of neurological manifestations of HHS. We, therefore, report the neurological spectrum, triggering factors and outcome of HHS in general neurology practice. METHODS: The records of the patients with HHS were extracted from computerized hospital information system and those managed currently were prospectively included. The demographic, clinical manifestations, duration of diabetes and precipitating events such as infection, stress and stroke were noted. Patients with HHS were categorized into seizure, movement disorder and encephalopathy groups. Their electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and outcome were noted. RESULTS: There were 17 patients with HHS (age range 40 and 75 yr) and seven were females. Seven patients were diabetic for five years, one for four years, one for one year and four were diagnosed after the occurrence of HHS. Four patients had epilepsia partialis continua persisting for 72-360 h, one patient had focal seizures and his MRI revealed T2 hyperintensity in frontal region in one patient and cerebellar vermian hyperintensity in another. All the five patients improved, but two had neurological deficits on discharge. Nine patients had encephalopathy which was precipitated by stroke in six patients, urinary infections in two and meningitis in one. Three females had hemichorea-hemiballismus syndrome, which was triggered by infections. Abnormal movements lasted 5-10 days and responded to correction of hyperosmolarity. Nine out of 17 patients improved completely whereas the remaining eight had partial recovery, these patients had stroke, ventilator-related complications or meningoencephalitis. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The most common presentation of HHS was encephalopathy (9) followed by seizure (5) and hemichorea-hemiballismus syndrome (3) which responded to the correction of hyperosmolar state.

Sex Difference in the Effect of Whole Body Heating on Cardiovascular Functions.

Cold pressor test (CPT) is a well-known method for evaluating non-baroreflex mediated autonomic cardiovascular functions in humans. It has been reported that autonomic cardiovascular response to CPT differs in males and females and that heat stress attenuates the increase in arterial blood pressure during CPT. Study has also indicated that heat stress attenuates the increase in arterial blood pressure during CPT. The present study assessed the autonomic cardiovascular reactivity in males and females during cold pressor test before and after whole body heating for 40 min. 20 healthy Indian males and 18 females participated in the study. The participants were exposed to 40°C dry bulb temperature and 40% relative humidity in a simulated thermal chamber. They performed CPT before and after heat stress and their beat to beat heart rate and blood pressure were recorded. It was observed that baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was significantly lower in females during CPT before heat stress (p < 0.01) as well as after heat stress (p < 0.01). Moreover, following whole body heating, the BRS during CPT increased slightly in females but not in males. Stroke Volume (SV) increased significantly during CPT before heat stress in females from pre-heat baseline (82 ml/beat vs. 101 ml/beat) (p < 0.001) as well as during CPT after heat stress from post-heat baseline (75 ml/beat vs. 95 ml/ beat) (p < 0.01). SV increased significantly in males during CPT after heat stress only (p < 0.01) as compared to post-heat baseline (82.5 ml/beat vs. 94.5 ml/beat). Frequency domain analysis of heart rate variability indicated that during CPT, low frequency power in males was higher than females (p < 0.05) and high frequency power was higher in females than males (p < 0.05). This suggests that autonomic modulation of cardiovascular function during CPT in males is mediated mainly via sympathetic neural system and in females it is mediated via vagal system. LF/HF ratio during CPT was found to be significantly higher in males (2.54) than females (1.27) before heat stress (p < 0.01).

Subjective and objective convergence of the eyes at simulated altitude of 18,000 feet preceded by short-term exposure to heat stress.

Armed forces personnel including military aviators are quite often exposed concurrently to various environmental stressors like high environmental temperature and hypoxia. Literatures have suggested that exposure to one environmental stressor may modify the physiological response on subsequent exposure to same or different stressor. The present study was undertaken to investigate the impact of cross tolerance between two environmental stressors of aviation (heat and hypoxia) in ten healthy adult males in a simulated altitude chamber in a within subject experimental study. They were assessed for their convergence ability of the eyes at ground and at simulated altitude of 18,000 ft with or without pre-exposure to heat stress. Subjective convergence at simulated altitude of 18,000 ft did not show any improvement following pre-exposure to heat stress. Objective convergence was improved following pre-exposure to heat stress and was found to be 10.76 cm and 9.10 cm without and with heat stress respectively at simulated altitude of 18,000 ft. Improved objective convergence at high altitude as a result of pre-exposure to heat stress is indicative of better ocular functions. This might benefit aviators while flying at hypoxic condition.

Efficacy of Local Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Chronic Ulcer.

Chronic non-healing ulcers present significant challenges in diabetic, dermatological and surgical patients. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), enriched with bioactive factors, offers promise for wound healing enhancement. The prospective observational study was done in the Department of Transfusion Medicine at AIIMS Bhopal for a period of two years, from April 2020 to 2022. This study evaluates PRP's efficacy, prepared via the single spin method, in non healing chronic ulcers. Aseptically, 100 ml of blood was drawn into CPDA (citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine) bags. PRP was prepared by centrifuging blood at 3400 rpm for 10 minutes, yielding PRP and buffy coat. Patient serum and 10.0% calcium gluconate were added to fibrin gel. PRP was injected around the ulcer and then dressed. Dressings were changed on the 5th, 15th and 20th days with PRP. The evaluation was done on day 30 using surface area and volume assessments. Thirteen patients aged 18-65 participated. The patients treated with single spin PRP (four females, nine males) had mean hemoglobin of 10.79±2.22gm/dL. Initial lesions (14.72cm²) significantly reduced to (8.78cm²) after application of single Spin PRP sessions (p=0.005). The PRP showed a mean platelet count of 1,527.00±192.26 × 109/L. Ulcer surface area decreased from 9.87cm² to 7.56cm²; lesion volume reduced from 14.72cm³ to 8.78cm³. Platelet count differences between whole blood and PRP were significant (p<0.05). The single-spin PRP method exhibited considerable improvements in healing parameters, showcasing its potential for chronic ulcer management.

Determination of alkyl alkylphosphonic acids by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry using a dicationic reagent.

A new analytical method based on liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) is proposed and validated for the identification and quantification of alkyl alkylphosphonic acids (AAPAs) in aqueous matrices. Retrospective detection and identification of degradation products of chemical warfare agents is important as an indicator of possible use of chemical warfare agents or of environmental contamination. A commercially available solution of 1,9-nonanediyl-bis-(3-methylimidazolium)bisfluoride (NBMI) allowed detection of AAPAs by positive mode electrospray ionization mass spectrometry by forming an adduct with AAPAs. MS/MS experiments using an ion trap analyzer were carried out for unambiguous identification of AAPAs. Different parameters were optimized in order to obtain both an adequate chromatographic separation and a high sensitivity using experimental design methodology. Quantification was done with matrix-matched calibration standards of AAPAs. The method was validated in terms of linearity (r(2) >0.982), intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD below 15%), and robustness. The method is sensitive enough for the determination of AAPAs in aqueous matrices, with limits of detection in the 1-5 ng mL(-1) range and limits of quantification in the 5-20 ng mL(-1) range. Finally, the method was successfully applied to determine these AAPAs in aqueous samples provided by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons during 26(th) and 29(th) official proficiency tests. The added advantage of this method is identification of low mass range analyte at high mass range, which obviates the background noise at low mass range.

µ-PADs for detection of chemical warfare agents.

Conventional methods of detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) based on chromogenic reactions are time and solvent intensive. The development of cost, time and solvent effective microfluidic paper based analytical devices (µ-PADs) for the detection of nerve and vesicant agents is described. The detection of analytes was based upon their reactions with rhodamine hydroxamate and para-nitrobenzyl pyridine, producing red and blue colours respectively. Reactions were optimized on the µ-PADs to produce the limits of detection (LODs) as low as 100 µM for sulfur mustard in aqueous samples. Results were quantified with the help of a simple desktop scanner and Photoshop software. Sarin achieved a linear response in the two concentration ranges of 20-100 mM and 100-500 mM, whereas the response of sulfur mustard was found to be linear in the concentration range of 10-75 mM. Results were precise enough to establish the µ-PADs as a valuable tool for security personnel fighting against chemical terrorism.

Detection and identification of alkylphosphonic acids by positive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry using a tricationic reagent.

The retrospective detection and identification of degradation products of chemical warfare agents are of immense importance in order to prove their spillage and use. A highly sensitive liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (LC/ESI-MS/MS) method--using an imidazolium-based tricationic reagent--was developed for the detection and identification of the anionic degradation products of nerve agents. A commercially available solution of 1,3-imidazolium-bis-(1-hexylbenzylimidazolium) trifluoride (IBHBI) formed adducts with alkylphosphonic acids (APAs), allowing detection of the APAs by positive mode ESI-MS. Tandem mass spectrometry was used for the unambiguous identification of the APAs. Parameters influencing the formation and stability of these adduct during mass spectrometric analysis, such as solvent composition, concentration of IBHBI, effect of pH and interferences by salts, were optimized. The absolute limits of detection (0.1 ng) for achieved for the APAs were better than those previously reported, and linear dynamic ranges of 10-2000 ng mL(-1) were achieved. The method was repeatable with a relative standard deviation ≤7.3%. APAs present in aqueous samples provided by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons during the 22(nd) and 24(th) Official Proficiency tests were detected and identified as IBHBI adducts. The added advantage of this method is that low-mass analytes are detected at higher mass, thus obviating the problem with background noise at low mass.

Dispersive solid-phase extraction for in-sorbent Fourier-transform infrared detection and identification of nerve agent simulants in analysis for verification of chemical weapon convention.

The combination of dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is presented for detection and quantification of markers and simulants of nerve agents. Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) sorbent was used for extraction and enrichment of organophosphonates from water. When the extraction efficiency of DSPE was compared with that of conventional solid-phase extraction (SPE), DSPE was more efficient. Extraction conditions such as extraction time, and type and quantity of sorbent material were optimized. In DSPE, extracted analytes are detected and quantified on the sorbent using FTIR as analytical technique. Absorbance in FTIR due to P-O-C stretching was used for detection and quantification. Infrared absorbance of different analytes were compared by determining their molar absorptivities (ε (max)). Quantitative analyses were performed employing modified Beer's law, and relative standard deviations (RSDs) for intraday repeatability and interday reproducibility were found to be in the range 0.30-0.90% and 0.10-0.80% respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) was 5-10 µg mL(-1). The applicability of the method was tested with an unknown sample prepared by mimicking the sample obtained in an international official proficiency test.

Polymorphic Hh genes in the HLA-B(C) region control natural killer cell frequency and activity.

We demonstrated earlier that individuals homozygous for conserved major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-extended haplotypes have low natural killer (NK) activity as measured by cytolysis of the K562 tumor cell lines. In the present study, we investigated the segregation and MHC linkage of NK activity in families in which MHC haplotypes of human histocompatibility leukocyte antigens (HLA)-A, -C, and -B, complotype, and DR specificities are known. In two informative families, low activity was inherited as a recessive trait linked to the MHC. By using individuals homozygous for specific fragments of extended haplotypes or for HLA-B alleles, we found that the HLA-C and -B and not the complotype or HLA-DR region contains genes controlling NK activity. The majority of the unrelated individuals with low NK activity were homozygous or doubly heterozygous for HLA-B7 (Cw7), B8 (Cw7), B44 (Cw5), B18, or B57 (Cw6). Thus, these alleles form one complementation group designated NKB1. Another less frequent group, NKB2, was also identified, and consisted of individuals homozygous for B35 (Cw4). NK activity was correlated with the number of circulating NK (CD16+ CD56+) cells. Individuals homozygous for the NKB complementation groups have fewer circulating NK cells than individuals heterozygous for these alleles and alleles of other complementation groups, possibly explaining the low activity of cells in these subjects. These findings suggest that during the maturation of NK cells there is NK cellular deletion in donors homozygous for NKB genes resulting in low NK cell numbers and activity.

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes as efficient adsorbent for solid-phase extraction of chemical warfare agents and related chemicals from water.

Optimization of extraction and enrichment parameters of chemical warfare agents and their related chemicals from water are presented using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as solid-phase extractant. Selected analytes were O,O'-dialkyl alkylphosphonates, nerve agent and mustards. Extraction parameters, including sample volume, nature and volume of washing and eluting solvent, were optimized. Recoveries of analytes were determined by GC-MS and ranged from 81 to 104%. A comparison with C(18), hydrophilic-lipophilic balance and active carbon sorbents demonstrated the superiority of MWCNTs for non-toxic analogues of nerve agents. Optimized conditions involve 40 mg MWCNTs as the sorbent, 5.0 mL water as the washing solvent, 3 mL ethyl acetate as the eluent and sample loading of 10 mL water spiked at 0.1 µg/mL. The limits of detection (LOD) were achieved down to 1 and 0.05 ng/mL in full scan and selected ion-monitoring modes, respectively.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in ectopically located kidneys and in patients with musculoskeletal deformities.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility, safety and results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in ectopically located kidneys and in patients with musculoskeletal deformities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen such patients underwent PNL between June 2005 and May 2008. Mean stone size was 27.4 mm (16-37 mm). Six patients had severe kyphoscoliosis, 2 patients each had achondroplasia, cross-fused ectopia and pelvic ectopic kidney, and 1 patient had thoracic kidney. All had a preoperative CT scan of the abdomen. Preoperative ultrasound- or CT-guided percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) was done in 10 patients. Three patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted PNL. All underwent standard PNL. The stone-free rate, complication rate and need for secondary intervention were evaluated. RESULTS: PNL was successfully completed in all. A second ultrasound-guided intraoperative puncture was required in 2 patients. Re-look PNL was required in 1 patient and the same patient later required shock wave lithotripsy for complete stone clearance. The remaining 12 patients (92.3%) were rendered stone-free in a single sitting. CONCLUSION: PNL is a feasible and effective modality in anomalous kidneys. Preoperative planning with CT and image-guided PCN is helpful in these situations. Laparoscopic-assisted PNL can be safely performed in patients where access to a renal collecting system by fluoroscopy or image-guided assistance (ultrasound or CT scan) is not possible.

Geo-spatial analysis of land-water resource degradation in two economically contrasting agricultural regions adjoining national capital territory (Delhi).

The present study was aimed at characterizing the soil-water resource degradation in the rural areas of Gurgaon and Mewat districts, the two economically contrasting areas in policy zones-II and III of the National Capital Region (NCR), and assessing the impact of the study area's local conditions on the type and extent of resource degradation. This involved generation of detailed spatial information on the land use, cropping pattern, farming practices, soils and surface/ground waters of Gurgaon and Mewat districts through actual resource surveys, standard laboratory methods and GIS/remote sensing techniques. The study showed that in contrast to just 2.54% (in rabi season) to 4.87% (in kharif season) of agricultural lands in Gurgaon district, about 11.77% (in rabi season) to 24.23% (in kharif season) of agricultural lands in Mewat district were irrigated with saline to marginally saline canal water. Further, about 10.69% of agricultural lands in the Gurgaon district and 42.15% of agricultural lands in the Mewat district were drain water irrigated. A large part of this surface water irrigated area, particularly in Nuh (48.7%), Nagina (33.5%), and Punhana (24.1%) blocks of Mewat district, was either waterlogged (7.4% area with 0.05 ppm). In fact, sub-surface drinking waters of some areas around battery and automobile manufacturing units in Gurgaon and Pataudi blocks were associated with exceptionally high (>0.1 ppm) Ni concentrations. In general, the ground waters of waterlogged or potentially waterlogged areas in the rural areas of Mewat were more contaminated than the ground waters in the rural areas of Gurgaon district with deeper (>5 m) water depths.Though Cr concentrations in the surface and sub-surface irrigation waters of both Gurgaon and Mewat districts were far above the maximum permissible limit of 1 ppm, their bio-available soil-Cr concentrations were well within permissible limit. Even bio-available Ni concentrations in agricultural lands of Gurgaon district associated with Ni contaminated sub-surface irrigations were well within desirable limit of 0.20 ppm. This was primarily attributed to the calcareous nature of the soils of the study area. About 35% of Gurgaon district and 59% of Mewat district irrigated with poor quality waters were salt-affected. These waterlogged/potentially waterlogged calcareous-salt affected soils of Mewat district were having acute zinc (Zn) deficiency (<0.6 ppm). Some areas with extremely high iron (Fe: 20-25 ppm) and Mn (10-25 ppm) concentrations were also noticed in the Gurgaon, Nuh and Punhana blocks. Generation of reduced conditions owing to paddy cultivation in areas with 3-3.5 m water depths appeared to be the main cause of such point contaminations. Extensive cadmium (Cd) contamination was also noticed in the waterlogged sodic agricultural lands of Nagina village in Mewat district associated with a large scale scrap automobile and battery business. The study could document the processes and provide spatially accurate information to the managers (e.g., National Capital Region Planning Board) and the concerned citizen groups. It could, in fact, clearly point out that dumping of industrial and domestic wastewaters especially from NCT-Delhi into river Yamuna and, to some extent, from NCT-Delhi re-located hazardous industrial units into Najafgarh drain tributaries at Delhi-Gurgaon boundary, and poor "off-farm" water management practices were the main reasons for extensive (point/non-point source) land-water degradation in Gurgaon and Mewat districts of NCR.

Status of birth preparedness & complication readiness in Rewa District of Madhya Pradesh.

OBJECTIVE: To assess status of birth preparedness & complication readiness among recently delivered and pregnant mothers in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted during September-November 2008 among a sample of 2022 study subjects (pregnant women in second/third trimester and/or mothers who have delivered within one year) selected through 30 cluster sampling technique. Investigators collected data using pre-designed schedule by house to house visit. 7 indicators were derived from elements of birth preparedness (BP)/complication readiness (CR). Mean of 7 indicators was taken as BP/CR Index. RESULTS: Among 2022 women, 632 were pregnant and 1390 were recently delivered. BP/CR index was found to be 47.5. BP/CR index was significantly high in above poverty line families (50.9), higher educational level (63.6) and in service and business group (59.3). BP/CR were significantly higher in primi-para (50.9) as compared to multipara (40.1). Some indicators for example knowledge of danger sign (18.6%), about transportation facilities (18.6%) and 1st trimester ANC (24.1%) was very low.

Application of cation-exchange solid-phase extraction for the analysis of amino alcohols from water and human plasma for verification of Chemical Weapons Convention.

The analysis of nitrogen containing amino alcohols, which are the precursors and degradation products of nitrogen mustards and nerve agent VX, constitutes an important aspect for verifying the compliance to the CWC (Chemical Weapons Convention). This work devotes on the development of solid-phase extraction method using silica- and polymer-based SCX (strong cation-exchange) and MCX (mixed-mode strong cation-exchange) cartridges for N,N-dialkylaminoethane-2-ols and alkyl N,N-diethanolamines, from water. The extracted analytes were analyzed by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) in the full scan and selected ion monitoring modes. The extraction efficiencies of SCX and MCX cartridges were compared, and results revealed that SCX performed better. Extraction parameters, such as loading capacity, extraction solvent, its volume, and washing solvent were optimized. Best recoveries were obtained using 2 mL methanol containing 10% NH(4)OH and limits of detection could be achieved up to 5 x 10(-3) microg mL(-1) in the selected ion monitoring mode and 0.01 microg mL(-1) in full scan mode. The method was successfully employed for the detection and identification of amino alcohol present in water sample sent by Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the official proficiency tests. The method was also applied to extract the analytes from human plasma. The SCX cartridge showed good recoveries of amino alcohols from human plasma after protein precipitation.

Congenital posterior urethral diverticula causing bladder outlet obstruction in a young male.

We present a case of 26-year-old male presenting with mild renal failure. Ultrasound findings were suggestive of posterior urethral valve, but micturating cystourethrogram and endoscopic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of posterior urethral diverticulae. Transurethral resection of diverticulae was performed. Patient is voiding well and his renal function has stabilized.