Prevalence of faecal incontinence among women with urinary incontinence

Four hundred and sixty-five women attending a urodynamic clinic were interviewed, and completed a detailed bowel questionnaire, about their urinary and bowel symptoms. All the women underwent video-cystourethrography with pressure and flow studies. The reported incidence of faecal incontinence was 15.3% (   n = 71  ) on direct questioning and 26% 0(  n = 121  ) on the postal questionnaire. Faecal incontinence was more common in women with a urodynamic diagnosis of detrusor instability (30'%1 (   n = 26  )) than among women diagnosed as having genuine stress incontinence (21% (   n = 38  )). Denervation and myogenic injuries sustained during childbirth have been suggested as a common cause for genuine stress and faecal incontinence, but there may be an alternative mechanism to explain why women with detrusor instability suffer from faecal incontinence.     

IMPACT OF AGRO CLIMATIC AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC VARIABILITY ON THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF INHABITANTS In THE GARHWAL HIMALAYAS

The Garhwal Himalayas are a part of a unique ecosystem, with sharp agro-climatic variations within a very small geographical area (53,485 km²). The varied agro-climatic situations result in different cropping systems and socio-economic lifestyles that could likely affect the nutritional status of the people living in this region. This article will attempt to explore the impact of these variables (namely, age, family size, education, income, calorie and protein intake, land holding, number of animals, and wheat production) on the body mass index (BMI) of the population residing in the Garhwal Hills. A total of 1,030 subjects were studied from the three agro-climatic zones (406 from the high hills, 292 from the mid hills, and 332 from the low hills). It has been found that the people living in the high hills are the most undernourished, as the lowest percentage of people (52.6 per cent) with an acceptable BMI and the highest percentage of people in the severely malnourished category (11.1 per cent) are found here. People living in urban areas have a better nutritional status. Correlation studies show that the nutritional status of the population improves with age, literacy levels, and small family size. In some cases, calorie and protein intake have a positive impact on the health of the people, whereas size of land holding, number of animals, and income of the family do not have any significant influence on nutritional status.     

CT-Cephalometry—A study in Indian population

Determination of obstructive site in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is of paramount importance is planning the management. Cephalometric evaluation of lateral X-rays when combined with clinical assessment and fibreoptic examination of the airway helps in locating the site of obstruction. The usual technique of cephalometry has been modified so as to give a better delineation of the soft tissues. Holding a 2mm card board in the mouth and using barium paste helped in more accurate calculations. Using our technique, various parameters have been quantified and a number of controls were studied and normal range derived. Further improvement in cephalometry has been done by using C.T. cephlometry topogram technique. A topogram is a scan done on a running table top cranio-caudally. Using the topogram technique 38 OSA patients were evaluated for all the parameters. The technique, its advantages over traditional cephalometry and the values obtained in the study are discussed in this paper.     

Zika Virus and the Eye

Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is the latest global health concern. Transmission is mainly via Aedes mosquitoes and the infection can be diagnosed on molecular or serologic testings. It typically causes a mild self-remitting illness of low-grade fever, maculopapular rash, and myalgia, but when severe, it is associated with neurological deficits and congenital structural defects. Ocular manifestations are usually mild like nonpurulent conjunctivitis in adults, though it may be linked to uveitis, maculopathy, and hypertensive iridocyclitis. Ocular signs seem to be more significant in congenital ZIKV—macular pigment mottling, neuroretinal atrophy with macular involvement, iris coloboma, and changes in retinal vasculature are noted in infants with infected mothers. Risk factors include ZIKV infection in first trimester and smaller cephalic diameter at birth. Hence, ophthalmic examination in newborns is now recommended. Currently, prevention and active surveillance are integral as there is no known vaccine, and treatment is only symptomatic.     

Melatonin and serotonin: Mediators in the symphony of plant morphogenesis

Melatonin and serotonin are important signaling and stress mitigating molecules that play important roles across growth and development in plants. Despite many well‐documented responses, a systematic investigation of the entire metabolic pathway (tryptophan, tryptamine, and N‐acetylserotonin) does not exist, leaving many open questions. The objective of this study was to determine the responses of Hypericum perforatum (L.) to melatonin, serotonin, and their metabolic precursors. Two well‐characterized germplasm lines (#4 and 112) created by mutation and a haploid breeding program were compared to wild type to identify specific responses. Germplasm line 4 has lower regenerative and photosynthetic capacity than either wild type or line 112, and there are documented significant differences in the chemistry and physiology of lines 4 and 112. Supplementation of the culture media with tryptophan, tryptamine, N‐acetylserotonin, serotonin, or melatonin partially reversed the regenerative recalcitrance and growth impairment of the germplasm lines. Quantification of phytohormones revealed crosstalk between the indoleamines and related phytohormones including cytokinin, salicylic acid, and abscisic acid. We hypothesize that melatonin and serotonin function in coordination with their metabolites in a cascade of phytochemical responses including multiple pathways and phytohormone networks to direct morphogenesis and protect photosynthesis in H. perforatum.