First report of molecular confirmation and phylogenetic analysis of ocular seteriasis in buffalo in India using 12S rRNA.

An adult Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) presented with corneal opacity, irritation, and excessive lacrimation from the left eye in the Referral Veterinary Polyclinic-Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (RVC-TVCC), Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar. Clinical examination revealed a whitish thread-like worm in the left eye's anterior chamber. The worm was surgically removed from the eye with supportive nerve blocks. Light microscopy was used for parasite morphological identification, which provided insight into the worm as female Setaria sp. Genomic DNA was isolated, and polymerase chain reaction amplification of 12S rRNA was conducted for molecular confirmation of the parasite. The amplicon was sequenced and analysed by bioinformatics software. Sequence data showed an amplicon size of 243 bp. Phylogenetic analysis with reference data from the NCBI Genbank database revealed the worm was S. digitata, with a similarity of 99.17%. The common predilection site of S. digitata is in the peritoneal cavity of natural hosts like cattle and buffalo and is mostly non-pathogenic. The aberrant migration of the parasite larva to the brain and eye commonly occurs in goats, sheep, and horses, causing clinical conditions like cerebrospinal nematodiasis (lumbar paralysis) and ocular setariasis, respectively. Nevertheless, until now, there have been no reports of ocular setariasis in buffalo. This report is the first unusual occurrence of ocular setariasis in buffalo and its molecular confirmation and phylogenetic analysis using 12S rRNA.

The conundrum of olecranon aperture and its relation to the distal end of the humerus in a modern Indian population: An anatomical and surgical perspective.

PURPOSE: We aimed to clarify the morphology of the olecranon aperture (OA) of the humerus with its relationship to the distal end of the humerus (epicondylar width) and the width of the medullary canal. METHODS: In total, 156 dry adult humeri were examined for the presence of OA. When present, we reported their shape, measured transverse (TD) and vertical diameter (VD), the distance from its medial border to the tip of medial epicondyle (D1), lateral border to the tip of lateral epicondyle (D2) and lower border to the tip of trochlea (D3). The epicondylar width (EW) and the width of the medullary canal were also measured in all the humeri. RESULTS: OA was reported in 32 humeri (20.6%) with left side predominance, translucent septum in 35.8%, and opaque septum in 43.6%. The most typical shape noted was oval. On right side, mean VD and TD was 4.30±0.54mm and 5.85±0.45mm, respectively, whereas on left, these value were 4.21±0.56mm and 5.64±0.43mm, respectively. The mean of D1, D2 and D3 was 25.86±0.43mm, 26.50±0.28mm and 15.07±0.53mm on right and 24.80±0.41mm, 26.84±0.21mm and 15.81±0.31mm on left with significant difference (P<0.05). The medullary canal was significantly smaller in humeri with OA. CONCLUSION: Topographic location of OA may have possible role in determining safe zone for retrograde nailing in supracondylar humeral fractures. Since OA has a direct relation to the size of the intramedullary canal, it is crucial during preoperative planning and choosing an adequate surgical approach involving lower segment of humerus.

Effect of dietary synbiotic supplementation on growth, immune and physiological status of Labeo rohita juveniles exposed to low pH stress.

In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary Bacillus circulans PB7 (BCPB7) and fructoligosaccharide (FOS), used singly or in combination for evaluation of growth, immune and physiological status of Labeo rohita (rohu) juveniles reared under low pH and normal pH for 60 days. Experimental fishes were distributed in two sets such as one set continuously exposed to low pH (5.5) and other reared under normal pH (7.0), and fed with four iso-nitrogenous diets viz. basal (control), Bacillus circulans PB7 (BCPB7, 106 cfug-1), 1% fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and their combination. The effect of such pre, pro and synbiotics dietary treatments on growth performance (weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio), immune response (hematological indices, serum biochemistry, lysozyme, NBT activity), antioxidative status in the form of antioxidant enzyme (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase), acetylcholine esterase (AChE), Na+ K+ ATPase and stress bio-markers (cortisol, glucose and HSP-70) were examined. The group treated with low pH and fed with control diet (without supplementation) was found to be inhibited (p  <  0.05) in growth and immuno-physiological function. However, supplementation of BCPB7 and FOS was non-significant (p < 0.05) on growth performance and physiological process but their concurrent feeding remarkably improved (p < 0.05) growth and immune-physiological function when exposed to low pH. Overall results indicate that dietary combination of BCPB7 and FOS can be considered an effective synbiotic formula against low pH stress in culture practices of L. rohita juveniles.

Ontogeny of the digestive tract in stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) larvae.

Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) is an important candidate species for diversification of freshwater aquaculture in India. However, high mortality rate during larval rearing is the most serious bottleneck in commercial production of this species. A proper understanding of the ontogenic development of digestive system provides the basis to understand the nutritional physiology of larvae and develop appropriate feeding strategies. In the present study, the ontogenical development of the digestive tract in H. fossilis larvae was studied from hatching until 30 day post-hatching (dph) at 29 °C. At hatching (2.8 ± 0.2 mm standard length, SL), the digestive tract was undifferentiated and attached dorsally to the yolk sac. At 1 dph (2.9 ± 0.2 mm SL), the mouth opened and oral valves were visible. At 2 dph (3.0 ± 0.3 mm SL), goblet cells were observed in the buccoparyngaeal cavity. At this age, exogenous feeding started and the intestine was differentiated into the anterior and posterior regions, and the rudimentary liver and pancreas were also seen. Small supranuclear vacuoles were observed in the enterocytes of the posterior intestine at 2 dph. Zymogen granules were observed in acinar cells of pancreas by 3 dph, and islets of Langerhans were visible at 4 dph (3.5 ± 0.1 mm SL). At the same age, most of the yolk sac reserves were consumed, whereas they were completely exhausted by 5 dph (3.9 ± 0.5 mm SL). Between 4 and 6 dph, the liver elongated in size and started to accumulate lipids in the hepatocytes. Gastric glands were detected at 4 dph, and the pyloric sphincter was completely differentiated at 9 dph (6.1 ± 0.4 mm SL) as an epithelial fold that separated stomach from the anterior intestine. By 13 dph (8.6 ± 0.2 mm SL), profuse gastric glands were visible inside longitudinal mucosal folds of the stomach. The formation of gastric glands and their development were noticed as the last events in the development of the digestive tract in H. fossilis. This indicated the end of the larval period and the commencement of the juvenile stage. Considering these observations, it is suggested that H. fossilis larvae have a morphologically complete digestive tract by 13 dph. The findings of the study on the development of the digestive system in H. fossilis may help in synchronising the larval stage of development and feeding strategies and would be helpful in improving larval rearing techniques for catfish species.

Comparison of two multifraction radiotherapy schedules in management of painful bone metastases: A single institution prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic disease of bone is a common complication of most of the advanced malignancies. The majority of patients with bone metastases (BM) experience pain during their disease course and pain control can significantly improve their quality of life. Radiotherapy (RT) is an important modality in the management of BM and different schedules are followed worldwide. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare two multi-fractionated RT regimens (30Gy in 10 fractions and 20Gy in 5 fractions) with respect to the patient's performance, response and pain score in palliative management of painful BM. METHODS: This prospective observational study was undertaken between October 2015 and September 2017 at a government medical college in central India. Two fractionation regimens (30 Gy/10 fractions and 20 Gy/5 fractions) were used to treat 50 patients with painful BM (n = 25 in each arm). Patients were treated on telecobalt machine and response assessment done in terms of complete/partial/intermediate response and pain progression. Assessment was performed at one, two and three months post treatment. Statistical analysis was done using Fisher's exact test, student t-test and Chi-square test. A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There were 9 males (36%) and 16 females (64%) in arm A, and 15 males (60%) and 10 females (40%) in arm B. The median age was 47.50 years (range 28-81 years) in arm A and 54 years (range 34-85 years) in arm B. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of pain palliation at a 1 month (p = 0.73), 2 month (p = 0.75) or 3 month (p = 0.71) follow up. In addition, the mean performance scores at the end of 3rd month in the 2 arms did not show any statistically significant difference (p = 0.51). CONCLUSION: A shorter treatment schedule (5 fractions) was equally efficacious as the standard schedule (10 fractions) in our setting. With the advantage of shorter overall treatment time and avoidance of re-irradiation, this schedule may be favourable for high volume centres.

Does a first-case on-time-start initiative achieve its goal by starting the entire process earlier or by tightening the distribution of start times?

BACKGROUND: We explored whether a previously successful initiative to improve first-case on-time starts succeeded because (i) preoperative steps started earlier (but the process did not necessarily improve) or (ii) the process was brought into better control. METHODS: We analysed 35 months of data comprising 28 882 first cases to calculate the difference of the time a patient entered the operating room (OR) vs the scheduled entry time. Median and inter-quartile range were used to evaluate changes in distribution parameters. A statistical process-control methodology was used to compare the differences in performance between the pre- and post-intervention phases. RESULTS: Post-intervention first cases entered the OR on average within 4 min [95% confidence interval (CI): 4-5 min] of the scheduled start time, as opposed to within 8 min (95% CI: 8-8 min) in the pre-intervention period. The median delay decreased from 5 min (95% CI: 5-5 min) to 2 min (95% CI: 2-2 min). The inter-quartile range of the difference between the scheduled start time and the first case in room time decreased from 13 min (95% CI: 13-13 min) to 10 min (95% CI: 9-10 min). CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in inter-quartile range demonstrates that improvement in on-time starts resulted from the process being in better control. The start time of preoperative preparatory activities did not move earlier, which means that OR and preoperative staff do not need to arrive at work earlier. Improvements resulting from the process being in control were sustained.

Correlation of Serum Vitamin A Levels with Disease Activity Indices and Colonic IL-23R and FOXP3 mRNA Expression in Ulcerative Colitis Patients.

Genome-wide association studies have identified IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) as a susceptibility locus for the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), which is characterized by exaggerated Th2/Th17 response. Studies have shown that vitamin A (VA) reduces disease progression by promoting FOXP3⁺ T cells and curbing Th17 cells. In this study, we explored the association of colonic IL-23R and FOXP3 expression in fifty-one UC patients (23 in remission and 28 with active disease) with serum VA levels and disease activity. We observed that decreased serum VA levels were associated with increased disease activity. However, there was no significant difference in mucosal IL-23R and FOXP3 expression in UC patients with moderate-to-severe disease activity compared to those in remission. Also, no significant correlation was drawn between serum VA levels and mucosal IL-23R and FOXP3 expression. Our study suggests that even after an established role of VA in inhibiting Th17 responses in mice models and humans, serum VA levels and disease activity do not correlate with FOXP3 and IL-23R expression in colonic mucosa of UC patients.

Pulmonary Hypoplasia Wrongly Diagnosed and Treated as Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Pulmonary hypoplasia (PH), a rare congenital anomaly is observed with incomplete development of the lung, and may be associated with anomalies in other body systems. The clinical presentation varies with the extent of hypoplasia and the patient may be asymptomatic or may present with severe respiratory distress in the neonatal, infancy or childhood period. A six year old girl suffering from right sided hypoplasia was hospitalized with common presenting chest symptoms. She had taken antituberculosis treatment for past three years and was thought to be an MDR suspect. The child was thoroughly investigated was diagnosed to be a case of PH and is under followup.

Inhalation Score - a Novel Technique for Assessing Severity of Inhalational Burns in Correlation to Bronchoscopic Findings.

Airway edema following burns is a typical occurrence. It poses a threat, independent of percent Total Burn Surface Area (TBSA), to the life of the patient. Fiber optic bronchoscopy is the gold standard in its diagnosis and is preferred if the facilities are present. Its availability remains a problem in the majority of burn centers in developing countries like India. Ascoring system based on clinical findings, if formulated in a manner that reflects bronchoscopy results, may help not only with diagnosis but also with airway management in inhalation burns. One hundred patients suffering from facial burns were included in the study. They were observed clinically and bronchoscopically and airway was managed on the basis of clinical, biochemical and bronchoscopic findings. Fifty patients who showed significant bronchoscopic findings on day 1 were followed up. Clinicobronchoscopic correlation revealed a positive correlation of various clinical variables as well as bronchoscopic grading with subsequent need for endotracheal intubation. Edema of tongue/floor of the mouth and palatal edema showed a positive correlation with subsequent need for tracheostomy. This clinicobronchoscopic correlation was then used retrospectively to formulate the Safdarjung Hospital 'INHALATION' score. This score can be used for predicting impending airway compromise when bronchoscopy facilities are not readily available.

La survenue d'un œdème des voies aériennes est un classique après une brûlure, entraînant un risque indépendant de la surface atteinte. L'endoscopie bronchique est l'examen diagnostique de référence et doit être réalisée si le matériel est disponible, ce qui est problématique dans les pays en développement dont l'Inde. Un score reflétant les données endoscopiques peut aider non seulement au diagnostic mais aussi au traitement des lésions d'inhalation. Cette étude a porté sur 100 patients ayant une brûlure faciale, ayant bénéficié d'un examen clinique et endoscopique et traités selon ces données et celles de la biochimie. La moitié des patients avaient des anomalies endoscopiques au premier examen. Les données cliniques (dont un œdème de la langue, du plancher buccal ou du palais) et endoscopiques prédisaient bien la nécessité d'une trachéotomie. Ces corrélations nous ont permis de développer le score INHALATION de l'hôpital Safdarjung, qui peut permettre de prédire une complication ventilatoire quand l'endoscopie n'est pas disponible.

Dielectric, structural and Raman studies on (Na(0.5)Bi(0.5)TiO(3))((1 - x))(BiCrO(3))(x) ceramic.

Dielectric, structural and Raman investigations were carried out on a perovskite-based solid solution of (NBT)((1 - x))(BiCrO(3))(x) (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15). The crystal structure is rhombohedral, R3c, for these compositions and the anti-phase (a( - ) a( - ) a( - )) tilt angle decreases with increasing BiCrO(3) content. The temperature and frequency dependent dielectric measurements show that the phase transition temperatures T(d) and T(R - T) decrease, while T(m) increases, almost linearly with an increase in BiCrO(3) content. An anomalous increase in the relative dielectric permittivity is observed at higher temperature (T > T(d)) and higher BiCrO(3) content. However, at lower temperature (T < T(d)) the dielectric permittivity decreases with an increase in BiCrO(3) content. These effects are explained on the basis of the dynamics of oxygen defects produced due to charge compensation. The defect related bands are observed in the Raman spectra of (NBT)((1 - x))(BiCrO(3))(x).

Source identification and management of perennial contaminated groundwater seepage in the highly industrial watershed, south India.

Perennial contaminated groundwater seepage is threatening the downstream ecosystem of the Kazipally Pharmaceutical industrial area located in South India. The sources of seepage are unknown for the last three decades that challenging the regulatory authorities and industries. In general, water quality monitoring and geophysical techniques are applied to identify the sources. However, these techniques may lead to ambiguous results and fail to identify the seepage sources, especially when the area is urbanized/paved, and groundwater is already contaminated with other leakage sources that have similar chemical compounds. In the present study, a novel and multidisciplinary approach were adopted that includes satellite-based Land Surface Temperature (LST) observations, field-based Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), continuous Soil Electrical Conductivity (SEC) and Volumetric Soil Moisture (VSM%) measurements along with groundwater levels monitoring to identify the sources and to control the seepage. The integrated results identified that the locations with the Standard Thermal Anomaly (STA) in the range of -0.5 to -1 °C, VSM% >50%, SEC > 1.5 mS/cm, bulk resistivity < 12 Ω m with shallow groundwater levels < 3 m below ground level (bgl) are potentially contaminated perennial seepage sources. Impermeable sheet piles have been installed across the groundwater flow direction to control the seepage up to 1.5 m bgl, where groundwater frequently intercepts land surface. The quantity of dry season groundwater seepage has been declined by 79.2% after these interventions, which in turn minimized the treatment cost of 1,96,283 USD/year and improved the downstream ecosystem.

Detection and potential early warning of catastrophic flow events with regional seismic networks.

Early warning is a critical potential tool for mitigating the impacts of large mass wasting and flood events, a major hazard in the Himalaya. We used data from a dense seismic network in Uttarakhand, India, to detect and track a fatal rockslide to mass flow to flood cascade and examine the potential for regional networks to provide early warning for extreme flow events. Detection limits of the 7 February 2021 event depend on the nature of the active process and on the anthropogenic and environmental seismic noise levels at each station. With the existing network, a seismic monitoring system could have detected all event phases from up to 100 kilometers and provided downstream warnings within minutes of event initiation.

Performance and Stability of Pearl Millet Varieties for Grain Yield and Micronutrients in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of India.

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is grown under both arid and semi-arid conditions in India, where other cereals are hard to grow. Pearl millet cultivars, hybrids, and OPVs (open pollinated varieties) are tested and released by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet (AICRP-PM) across three zones (A1, A, and B) that are classified based on rainfall pattern. Except in locations with extreme weather conditions, hybrids dominate pearl millet growing areas, which can be attributed to hybrid vigor and the active role of the private sector. The importance of OPVs cannot be ruled out, owing to wider adaptation, lower input cost, and timely seed availability to subsidiary farmers cultivating this crop. This study was conducted to scrutinize the presently used test locations for evaluation of pearl millet OPVs across India, identify the best OPVs across locations, and determine the variation in grain Fe and Zn contents across locations in these regions. Six varieties were evaluated across 20 locations in A1 and A (pooled as A) and B zones along with three common checks and additional three zonal adapted checks in the respective zones during the 2019 rainy season. Recorded data on yield and quality traits were analyzed using genotype main effects and genotype × environment interaction biplot method. The genotype × environment (G × E) interaction was found to be highly significant for all the grain yield and agronomic traits and for both micronutrients (iron and zinc). However, genotypic effect (G) was four (productive tillers) to 49 (grain Fe content) times that of G × E interaction effect for various traits across zones that show the flexibility of OPVs. Ananthapuramu is the ideal test site for selecting pearl millet cultivars effectively for adaptation across India, while Ananthapuramu, Perumallapalle, and Gurugram can also be used as initial testing locations. OPVs MP 599 and MP 600 are identified as ideal genotypes, because they showed higher grain and fodder yields and stability compared with other cultivars. Iron and zinc concentration showed highly significant positive correlation (across environment = 0.83; p < 0.01), indicating possibility of simultaneous effective selection for both traits. Three common checks were found to be significantly low yielders than the test entries or zonal checks in individual zones and across India, indicating the potential of genetic improvement through OPVs.

A method to produce radiation hybrids for the D-genome chromosomes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Radiation hybrid (RH) mapping is based on radiation-induced chromosome breakage rather than meiotic recombination, as a means to induce marker segregation for mapping. To date, the implementation of this mapping approach in hexaploid (Triticum aestivum L.; 2n = 6x = 42; AABBDD) and tetraploid (T. turgidum L.; 2n = 4x = 28; AABB) wheat has concentrated on the production of mapping panels for individual chromosomes. In order to extend the usefulness of this approach, we have devised a method to produce panels for the simultaneous mapping of all chromosomes of the D subgenome of hexaploid wheat. In this approach, seeds of hexaploid wheat (AABBDD) are irradiated and the surviving plants are crossed to tetraploid wheat (AABB) to produce a mapping panel based on quasi-pentaploids (AABBD). Chromosome lesions in the A and B genomes are largely masked in the quasi-pentaploids due to the presence of A- and B-genome chromosomes from the tetraploid parent. On the other hand, the chromosomes from the D-genome are present in one copy (hemizygous) and allow radiation hybrid mapping of all D-genome chromosomes simultaneously. Our analyses showed that transmission of D-genome chromosomes was apparently normal and that radiation-induced chromosome breakage along D-genome chromosomes was homogeneous. Chromosome breakage levels between D-genome chromosomes were comparable except for chromosome 6D which suffered greater chromosome breakage. These results demonstrate the feasibility of constructing D-genome radiation hybrids (DGRHs) in wheat.

Fabrication of silver nanoparticles by Phoma glomerata and its combined effect against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

AIMS: We report extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) from Phoma glomerata and its efficacy against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bacteria exhibiting resistance to various antibiotics showed remarkable sensitivity, when used in combination of antibiotics and Ag-NPs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Biosynthesis of Ag-NPs was carried out by challenging the fungal cell filtrate with 1 mmol l(-1) silver nitrate. The Ag-NPs were characterized with the help of UV-Visible spectrophotometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out to detect the size of Ag-NPs. Evaluation of the combined effect(s) was studied by disc diffusion method against E. coli, Staph. aureus and Ps. aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONS: The biosynthesis route seems to be eco-friendly and easy to scale up the process. Thus, these Ag-NPs may prove as a better candidate for drugs and can potentially eliminate the problem of chemical agents because of their biogenic nature. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The bacterial resistance against antibiotics has been increasing with alarming rate. To overcome this problem, there is a pressing need to develop bactericidal agents. Ag-NPs may prove to be an answer to drug-resistant bacteria.

An evaluation of the referral transport system of Patna, Bihar.

OBJECTIVES: The key objective of the study was to evaluate the coverage and functioning of the referral transport system under NRHM in block PHCs of district Patna in Bihar. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted during October-November, 2008 in 16 block PHCs in Patna. In-depth interviews were conducted at 811 households where there was an occasion to transfer a patient to a hospital in the previous two months time. Medical officer in-charge and civil surgeon of the district were also interviewed. Besides, focus group discussions were conducted with the community members and leaders regarding the functioning of referral transport. RESULTS: Availability of the referral transport services was irregular mainly due to deputation of the vehicles for flood relief activities or other purposes. 93 (11.5%) of respondents used the PHC transport facilities, of which 52.7% got it instantaneously. 'Dial an ambulance 102' services were mainly used by urban clients. The system was following an arbitrary cost structure. 84.2% of the clients belonging to below poverty line had to pay for the service and are afraid of availing the services. CONCLUSION: Inadequate number of ambulances in PHCs, unequipped ambulances, lack of life saving equipments, 24 hours duty by single driver, arbitrary cost frame work and urban preference for services were some of the factors leading to unpopularity of the scheme.

An assessment of functioning of mobile medical units in Jharkhand.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: A scheme of Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) has been initiated under NRHM in Jharkhand state from the year 2008 in an effort to take healthcare to doorstep of the public in rural areas, especially in underserved areas. The objective of the study was to assess the functioning of Medical Mobile Units in Jharkhand through rapid assessment mode. METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in three selected districts of Jharkhand state during September-December 2008. Data was collected through in-depth interview using semistructured schedules with State Programme Managers, Chief Medical Officers, District programme managers, staff of MMU and beneficiaries. RESULTS: The scheme provided curative and diagnostic facilities like X-ray, ultra sound, and blood test to the poor and under-served areas. More than 90% of clients reported availability of medicines in MMUs. However, more than 90% of them had no prior information about the day and time of visits by the MMUs. Some of the operational difficulties being faced by the scheme were reported to be vibrations of generator disturbing the lab investigations, poor condition of the road, unwillingness of doctors to go in far-off areas and heavy workload. CONCLUSION: The scheme of MMUs has been successful in providing health services to the poor and under-served areas.

Assessment of utilization of RCH services and client satisfaction at different level of health facilities in Varanasi District.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the various factors influencing utilization and non-utilization of RCH services and extent of client satisfaction. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during October to December 2008 at two selected blocks of Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh. Principal study subjects were 509 women having children less than 12 months old, selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through in-depth interview and Focus Group Discussions conducted among the beneficiaries of the services. RESULTS: The study revealed that utilisation of the RCH services in the government facilities was higher among the backward classes than the general category; higher the level of education the lower was the utilisation of government services. Over all, 16% of the respondents were not satisfied with government facilities. 25% of the SC category was not satisfied with the services in spite of being the main users. Among RCH services utilization was highest (89%) for antenatal care services (ANC). 41.6% respondents did not receive any Post Natal Care (PNC) after their most recent birth. About 30% deliveries were at home out of which only 10% received PNC whereas out of 70% institutional deliveries about 80% received PNC. Overall 16.3 % of the respondents were not satisfied with the services provided by government health facilities. Around 16% and 14% were not satisfied with the behavior of medical officer and the health workers respectively and non-satisfaction was highest among SC category. CONCLUSION: All health facilities need to be made functional according to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) of NRHM.

A comparative study of the health record cards in primary schools of Delhi.

A comparative study was undertaken to understand the various measures required to strengthen and improve the health record cards (HRC) of various schools that subsequently help in improving the medical examination of children. By using a multi stage stratified random sampling method, 24 schools from Delhi, eight each from three broad categories of (i) corporation schools, (ii) other government schools, (iii) private schools were included in the study. The study finding revealed that in most of the government schools the health record cards were properly developed and structured as per the recommendations of various committee, though they are always in short supply.