Nephrostomy-free or tubeless PCNL reduces postoperative urinary leakage and local pain related to the drainage tube. It also minimizes hospital stay; the majority of patients were discharged from the hospital in fewer than 24 hours.

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Context: Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal (Solanaceae) has long been used as an herb in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine and has received intense attention in recent years for its chemopreventive properties. Objective: The present study focuses on the effect of W. somnifera root powder on the behavioral and radiological changes in collagen-induced arthritic rats. Materials and methods: The rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control, arthritic control, arthritic rats treated with W. somnifera root powder (at dose levels 600 and 800 mg kg À1) and arthritic rats treated with methotrexate (at dose level 0.3 mg kg À1). The treatment with W. somnifera (daily) and methotrexate (weekly) was initiated from the 20th day post collagen immunization and continued up until the 45th day. Arthritis was assessed macroscopically by measuring paw thickness, ankle size and body weight. Arthritic pain was assessed by toe-spread and total print length of the affected paw. Functional recovery due to the oral treatment of W. somnifera and methotrexate was assessed by sciatic functional index and rota rod activity. Results: Administration of W. somnifera root powder (600 mg kg À1) to the arthritic rats significantly decreased the severity of arthritis by effectively suppressing the symptoms of arthritis and improving the functional recovery of motor activity and radiological score. Discussion and conclusion: W. somnifera root has a protective effect against collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. The results suggest that W. somnifera root powder acts as an antiinflammatory and antioxidant agent in decreasing the arthritic effects in collagen-induced arthritic rats.

Background: Neck circumference is a simple screening measure for identifying overweight and obese patients. The present study is planned to determine if NC is a valid measure of obesity in rural Indian population. Aims: To determine whether a single measure of NC might be used to identify overweight patients and to define NC cutoff levels for overweight and obesity according to existing BMI cutoff levels. Settings and Design: A prospective cross-sectional study from rural medical college at Wardha in central India. Materials and Methods: Main indicators included NC, weight, and height and body mass index according to WHO guidelines. Statistical Analysis: Chi squire test (dichotomous) and t test (continuous) had been done while making these comparisons using statistical software STATA 10.0. Results:Pearson's correlation coefficients indicated a significant association between changes in NC and changes in body mass index. In men, BMI correlated positively with NC (Corr.coeff = 0.59, p < 0.01) and weight (Corr.coeff = 0.60, p < 0.01). In women also, BMI correlated positively with NC (Corr.coeff = 0.74, p < 0.01) and weight (Corr.coeff = 0.82, p < 0.01). ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for NC and BMI >25 kg/m 2 was 0.89 for men, 0.91 for women, respectively. NC ≥ 38 cm for men and ≥ 34.7 cm for women were the best cutoff points for determining subjects with overweight. Conclusion: NC measurement is a simple and time-saving screening measure that can be used to identify overweight and obese patients. Patients with NC >36.6 cm for men and >32.1 cm for women require additional evaluation of overweight or obesity status.

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