Ninety-six cases of exomphalos or gastroschisis managed at The children's Hospital, Sheffield, during the period 1964-74 are analysed. There were 306 cases with minor lesions, 30 with major lesions, 27 with a ruptured exomphalos and only 3 with gastroschisis. The overall mortality rate was 46-9 percent. Survival could be closely correlated with the birth weight, the nature of the primary lesion, the presence or absence of liver within the sac and the presence and severity of associated congenital anomalies. A "scoring system" based on these criteria is proposed to predict the prognosis of an infant with an exomphalos.

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Melatonin or N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, the fascinating molecule secreted by the pineal gland. Melatonin has a close interaction with hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In non-seasonal breeders like rat its exact role in reproduction is controvertible. So it is worth to explore the possible role of melatonin on the onset of puberty in male albino rats. Two groups of male rats aged 5 and 10 days were used for the study. In each group, there were three subgroups, each receiving melatonin for 5 days, 10 days or till the day of descent of testes. Similar subgroups were used as controls. Without handling, animals were observed daily for the onset of puberty. On the day of descent of testes, body weight of the animal was noted, blood was collected, serum was separated and used for radio immunoassay. For histomorphometric analysis, all morphometric measurements were done using an occular micrometer. Volume fraction of seminiferous tubules, intertubular connective tissue of testes, cortex and medulla of thymus were estimated by point count method. In both the age groups melatonin advanced the age on descent of testes, increased the body weight, organ weight. It also increased the serum hormone levels. So, in conclusion this study indicates that exogenous melatonin advances the onset of puberty in male albino wistar rats and this effect is more pronounced in the younger animals.

Background: The medicinal plant's role is well established in folklore medicine in India. Among numerous health complications, infertility is a crucial condition that bothers modern society. The traditional practitioners are using various parts of plants to overcome infertility in women. One such plant is Syzygium cumini (stem bark), used by traditional practitioners for pro-fertility in females without the scientific literature endorsing the fact. Material and Methods: Wistar rats approximately six months age and weighing 190-210 g were used for the experimental study. The rats were treated with 500 mg/kg body weight of Syzygium cumini stem bark ethanol extract with a vehicle through oral administration. The ether anaesthesia was given on the day of sacrifice and noted the body weight. The ovaries were carefully dissected, cleaned, weighed and processed for histological studies. Results: The body and ovarian weights were slightly increased in the treated group but not statistically significant. The microscopic structure of the ovary showed a normal histo-architecture. The ovarian corpora lutea number increased and was statistically significant in the treated group when compared to control. Conclusions: So, from the present study, it can be concluded that the ethanolic extract of stem bark of Syzygium cumini brings about the pro-fertility effect on the female reproductive system in Wistar rats. KEY WORDS: Estrous cycle, Hormones, Reproductive system, Syzygium cumini.