INTRODUCTIONPregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is defined as the hypertension that develops as a direct result of gravid state having blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mm Hg measured twice at least 6 hours apart but not more than 7 days.1 PIH complicates at least 10% pregnancies worldwide.2 In spite of reduction in maternal mortality in many developed countries, PIH is still one of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide. Trace elements calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are essential micronutrients while iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) have antioxidant properties. These elements should be supplemented as a daily requirement in pregnant women. Deficiency or disruption of metabolism of these elements can complicate pregnancy and compromise fetal growth.These days, there has been worldwide upsurge in the incidence of PIH. PIH affects multisystem including coagulation pathways and contributes substantially to perinatal morbidity and mortality of both mother and newborn. High level suspicion about PIH can be guided by epidemiological and clinical risk factors, yet with no specific biomarkers. 4 Its exact pathophysiology is still ABSTRACT Background: Exact pathophysiology of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is still unknown but there is a definite relationship between trace elements and preeclampsia. Several studies in this context have conflicting reports. So, a comparative study of serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), ferritin, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), in PIH and normotensive primipara mothers was conducted. Methods: Study was conducted in

Context:Cancers of the buccal mucosa (CaBM) predominate in India with late- stage diagnosis and poor survival, necessitating optimal management. Aim: Our study aimed at testing the efficacy of combination neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) using cisplatin (CIS), bleomycin (BL) and methotrexate (MTX) for reducing tumour volume prior to surgery.Methodology:Patients with advanced CaBM (stage III, IV, n = 100) were administered 6 rounds of NACT with CIS, BL and MTX. Responses, toxicity and 6-month follow-up was monitored statistically to determine persistence of response.Results:A significant number of patients showed objective response as either complete or partial tumour regression with subjective response as reduced trismus, pain, salivation and foul odour. Moreover, there was mild associated toxicity and tumour regression continued in most patients even after 6-month follow-up.Conclusion:Our study indicates that NACT with CIS, BL and MTX offers a good therapeutic alternative in terms of significant objective and subjective responses, low toxicity, affordable costs and persistent responses.

Infertility constitutes a global health dilemma, affecting approximately 10–15% of all couples. Although semen analysis constitutes the backbone of the diagnosis of male infertility, the contribution of a plethora of hormonal and nutritional factors cannot be ignored, particularly in the setting of normal semen analysis results. The current study sought to determine how serum levels of Testosterone, Estrogen, Prolactin, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), free Thyroxine (fT4), folate, and homocysteine differed between male infertility patients and age-matched controls, as well as their effect on sperm parameters in infertile men. Seventy diagnosed cases of male infertility and 70 age-matched controls were recruited after acquiring informed consent from each subject. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for the above hormones and nutritional parameters by using a chemiluminescence-based automated platform. Serum levels of prolactin (P <0.0001), testosterone (P<0.0001), Estrogen (P<0.0001), TSH (P<0.0001) and homocysteine (P<0.0001) were signicantly higher, while serum levels of fT4 (P<0.0001) and Folate (P = 0.0015) were signicantly lower in infertile males vis-a-vis age-matched controls. Moreover, a signicant positive correlation of serum Estrogen levels with sperm count (r = 0.3300; p = 0.01) and a signicant negative correlation of serum Prolactin with sperm motility (r = -0.5017; p<0.0001) were observed in cases of male infertility. Besides routine semen analysis, various hormonal and nutritional factors can aid in cementing the diagnosis of male infertility. Summary: Ÿ Semen analysis constitutes the backbone of the diagnosis of male infertility. Ÿ However, the contribution of hormonal and nutritional factors cannot be ignored. Ÿ Blood samples were analyzed for hormones and nutritional parameters. Ÿ Various factors aid in cementing the diagnosis of infertility, besides routine semen analysis. Ÿ Correction of these factors may potentially help to improve fertility status in men. Ÿ Semen analysis constitutes the backbone of the diagnosis of male infertility. Ÿ However, the contribution of hormonal and nutritional factors cannot be ignored. Ÿ Blood samples were analyzed for hormones and nutritional parameters. Ÿ Various factors aid in cementing the diagnosis of infertility, besides routine semen analysis. Ÿ Correction of these factors may potentially help to improve fertility status in men.