Anencephaly is a common congenital malformation characterised by absence of a major portion of the brain. The sequence of brain degeneration starts around 20 days post fertilization which overlaps with the appearance of optic grooves from the forebrain. A number of ocular malformations associated with anencephaly have been reported. Based on the assumption that eyes, which are derived from the brain, are likely to be abnormal since the organ of origin undergoes degeneration, studies have been carried out on anencephalic retinae. Some of the results have indicated that retinae of anencephalic fetuses are abnormal with absence or diminished presence of ganglion cell layer compared to the fetuses without such a brain malformation. We undertook the present study with an aim to objectively and quantitatively evaluate retinal thickness and numbers of ganglion cell in anencephalic fetuses and fetuses without any malformations. Six anencephalic and six fetuses without malformations were included, all of them from 18 to 21 weeks of gestation. Histopathological evaluation of retinae was done and findings compared. We did not find any atrophy or reduced number of ganglion layer cells in anencephalic fetuses. This evaluation assumes importance since retinae from anencephalic fetuses can be a potential source for retinal tissue or stem cell transplant. Moreover, the contention that normal brain development is essential for retinal development appears to be invalid.

Anemia is a major concern during pregnancy especially in rural areas where females are nutrient deficient. Apart from nutritional deficiency there are many causes of anemia like anemia of chronic diseases, thalassemia, neoplasia etc. Many studies in the past revealed a correlation between blood groups and hemoglobin levels. In this study we have tried to establish the correlation between blood groups and hemoglobin among pregnant females in rural population of Himachal Pradesh. To find out the correlation of hemoglobin level and blood groups during pregnancy. Blood groups and hemoglobin levels are investigated during antenatal checkup. We have taken data of 120 pregnant females visited to the OPD for routine antenatal checkups. Among studied population A positive is the commonest blood group followed by B positive while anemia is most prevalent in B positive blood group. Anemia is a major concern among pregnant females as it effects the outcome of pregnancy. Many females have to go under caesarean section due to anemia related complications. So this study of correlation between blood groups and hemoglobin levels help to screen the pregnant females prone for anemia during first visit itself so that the treatment and the follow-up can be done as per the requirement of the patient.

Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antineoplastic drug. It has been widely used in the treatment of many malignancies including haematological malignancies, soft tissues sarcomas, breast cancer and neuro-blastoma etc. The doxorubicin rat model is an established model which encompasses spectrum of anomalies seen in VACTERAL associations and has similarities to human VACTER anomalies. The aim of present study is to support the anomalies produced by doxorubicin in albino mice embryos. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted in the department of anatomy, IMS, BHU Varanasi, U.P, on fifty female albino mice of an average age of 80 to 100 days, kept in plastic cage with male (3female:1male) in aseptic air condition. After confirming the pregnancy, the drug was administered intraperitoneally on the 8 th day of gestation in a dose of 3mg/kg body weight. The foetuses were collected by exteriorization of uterine horn on 19 th day of gestation and examined for congenital anomalies. Observations: Foetuses were divided into two groups, control and treated. Out of 239 treated foetuses, 25 foetuses were found dead, 106 foetuses showed congenital anomalies and the rest 108 foetuses were found normal. The brains of treated foetuses were smaller and reduced in weight (microcephaly) as compared to average weight and size of brain of control foetuses. On histological examination, cerebrum and cerebellum showed degeneration and aggregation of neuronal cells. Conclusions: The drug was found to be lethal as well as teratogenic in developing mice embryos. Since, mice are the foremost mammal model for researchers; the present study also establishes doxorubicin mouse model support to the well established adriamycine rat model for VACTERL anomalies.