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Tranexamic acid (TXA) is acknowledged for reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements in various surgical specialties, yet its role in orthognathic procedures is less defined. Our study seeks to fill this knowledge gap by reviewing the available data and summarising the efficacy and clinical outcomes of TXA in orthognathic surgery. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching five databases for studies until 16 April, 2023. Our key outcome measures were intraoperative blood loss, postoperative bleeding, and transfusion rate. Previous weaknesses in systematic review and meta-analyses (SRMA) were identified using Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2). The risk of bias was evaluated with the RoB-2 tool. A total of 15 studies were included, involving a combined total of 1060 patients. Compared with the control, the TXA group demonstrated significant reductions in intraoperative blood loss (mean difference −135.60 mL; p < 0.00001; 95% CI, −177.51 to −93.70 mL), Hb level drop (mean difference: 2.67 [−0.63, 5.98]), and improved surgical field visibility [p < 0.00001. (MD −0.99) (CI −1.11 to −0.86)]. No significant differences were observed in postoperative haematocrit levels (mean difference: −0.42 [−2.19, 1.35]; p = 0.003; I2 = 75%), operation duration (p = 0.21), or duration of hospital stay (p = 0.63) between TXA and control groups. In orthognathic surgery, TXA effectively minimises blood loss, demonstrating both safety and efficiency. Well-designed, larger studies and comparisons with other haemostatic agents could solidify TXA evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Increased postural demand modulates the spectral power of intrinsic cortical rhythms. • The significantly increased LOS is relatable to the reduced alpha spectral power. • By externally stimulating the cortical region, rehabilitation time might be reduced. The evidences for demonstrating the contributions of the cerebral cortex in human postural control is increasing. However, there remain little insights about the cortical correlates of balance control in lower-limb amputees. The present study aimed to investigate the cortical activity and balance performance of transfemoral amputees in comparison to healthy individuals during a continuous balance task (CBT). The postural stability of the participants was defined with limit of stability parameter. Electroencephalography (EEG) data were recorded in synchronization with the center of pressure (CoP) data from eighteen individuals (including eight unilateral transfemoral amputees). We anticipated that, due to the limb loss, the postural demand of transfemoral amputees increases which significantly modulates the spectral power of intrinsic cortical oscillations. Using the independent components from the sensorimotor areas and supplementary motor area (SMA), our results present a well-pronounced drop of alpha spectral power at sensorimotor area contralateral to sound limb of amputees in comparison to SMA and the sensorimotor area contralateral to prosthetic limb. Following this, we found significantly higher (p < 0.05) limit of stability (LOS) at their sound limb than at the prosthetic limb. Healthy individuals have similar contribution from both the limbs and the EEG alpha spectral power was similar across the three regions of the cortex during the balance control task as expected. Overall, a decent correlation was found between the LOS and alpha spectral power in both amputee and healthy individuals (Pearson's correlation coefficient > 0.5). By externally stimulating the highlighted cortical regions, neuroplasticity might be promoted which helps to reduce the training time for the efficient rehabilitation of amputees. Additionally, this new knowledge might benefit in the designing and development of innovative interventions to prevent falls due to lower limb amputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expanded-spectrum quinolones (ciprofloxacin) are highly effective against gram-negative bacteria, but significant resistance to quinolones has been increasingly reported. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of gram-negative ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates (CRIs) from our hospital and their mechanism of action. Gram-negative CRIs were identified as per standard procedures and confirmed using the Ezy MICTM Strip (HiMedia). DNA from 67 CRIs was amplified for the quinolone resistance–determining region (QRDR) and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes. Thirty isolates positive for QRDR DNA were sequenced by Sanger's method to detect mutation. Of the isolates, 42.5% were found to be CRIs, the majority (74.42%) from inpatient departments, and E scherichia coli (64.19%) was the predominant isolate. Among the CRIs, 24.55% were ESBL producers and 35.29% were multidrug resistant. The polymerase chain reaction results showed the majority were amplified by QRDR target regions of gyr A (35.4%) while 4.61% were amplified for the plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance region of the qnrB gene. Further sequencing of QRDR-positive genes showed point mutations with amino acid changes at codons Ser83 and Asp87 in the gyr A gene and Ser80, Glu84, and Leu88 positions in the par C gene. Ciprofloxacin resistance observed in our study was mostly due to point mutations. Hence, strategies for rational use of ciprofloxacin and adherence to the dose and duration of treatment could be helpful to prevent selection and spread of mutant CRIs/strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were treated with both ethanolic and hydroethanolic extracts of Ficus palmata stem. Maximum inhibition of both the cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 was observed at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. • The results of MTT assay proved that there were no significant changes in cell viabilities by the extract treatment on RAW264.7 cells with concentrations upto 100 μg/mL. • NO and PGE 2 production was significantly inhibited by the extracts in a dose-dependent manner. • All these data permit that both ethanolic (F1) and hydroethanolic (F2) stem extracts of Ficus palmata could be explored for their potential applications in the management of inflammatory conditions. Abstract Inflammatory diseases are becoming common in ageing societies throughout the world. Clinically used anti-inflammatory drugs suffer from the disadvantage of side effects and high cost of treatment (in case of biologics). Traditional medicines and natural products offer a viable alternative to these drugs. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of a traditional local medicinal plant Ficus palmata from the family Moraceae. Ficus palmata Ficus palmata is used in the treatment of various diseases, such as gastrointestinal disorders, hypoglycemia, tumor, ulcer, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and fungal infections. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of Ficus palmata extracts, both ethanolic and hydroethanolic on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages and the possible underlying mechanisms. In vitro study of the effect of extracts showed potential inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover MTT assay also confirmed the extracts do not affect cell viability up to 100 μg/mL. Other pro-inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) are also inhibited by the extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Selective non-operative management (SNOM) has been proposed as a safe and adequate strategy for penetrating extremity trauma (PET) management. This may reduce unwarranted surgical exploration and enhance cost-effectiveness. Our experience at a UK major trauma centre advocates SNOM-PET as a viable and safe strategy for selected patients. A PET management algorithm is proposed. Methods A retrospective review was undertaken for isolated PET from October 2015 to October 2016. Examination findings were recorded as positive if neurovascular or tendon deficits were elicited. Surgical exploration was recorded as positive if neurovascular or tendon injuries were found. Diagnostic statistics were employed for upper limb (UL) and lower limb (LL) examinations. Results One hundred sixty patients [112 UL and 48 LL PET injuries] were included. Fifty-six out of 112 (50%) patients with UL PET had no examination findings. Twenty-three out of 56 (41%) patients had negative surgical explorations and 33 of 56 (59%) patients had positive surgical explorations. Thirty-four out of 48 patients with LL PET had no examination findings. All 34 patients had negative surgical explorations. The sensitivity (0.61 vs 1.00, p  = 0.005), specificity (0.82 vs 0.97, p  = 0.043) and negative predictive value (NPV; 0.41 vs 1.00, p  < 0.001) were lower for UL PET than for LL PET examinations. There were no statistically significant differences in sensitivity, specificity as well as NPV and positive predictive value between plastic surgery residents and emergency medicine residents for UL and LL examinations. Conclusion This is the first UK evaluation of SNOM-PET. It may be safely utilised for LL PET. UL PET should be surgically explored. SNOM-PET may avoid unwarranted surgical exploration, associated complications and cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Functional brain topology of Bhramari meditators is more integrated during and after the meditation in alpha band. • Findings of this work help meditators to determine the effectiveness of their pranayama practice inducing relaxation. • Graph theory analysis of EEG functional brain networks shows small-world properties in all the frequency bands. • Bhramari pranayama increases the gamma spectral power in the brain's temporal and parietal regions. Bhramari Pranayama, which belongs to the group of pranayama, is a calming breadth practice. In the present study, we aim to investigate the cortical dynamics associated with Bhramari pranayama. We evaluated the power spectral density and cross-spectral density matrices in thirty trained practitioners before, during, and after they performed Bhramari pranayama. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in overall theta (12.64 µV2/Hz and 17.51 µV2/Hz) and alpha spectral power (19.36 µV2/Hz and 26.11 µV2/Hz) in the right temporal region of the brain was found during and after the pranayama. Additionally, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in gamma spectral power in the right (1.99 µV2/Hz) and left temporal (1.66 µV2/Hz) and parietal (1.62 µV2/Hz) regions, was observed during and after the pranayama. The cross-spectral density significantly increases after performing the Bhramari pranayama compared to before the pranayama in the alpha band (p < 0.05). Subsequently, all-to-all functional connectivity between EEG channels in sensor space is presented using circular graphs. Further graph theory analysis is employed to assess the effects of Bhramari pranayama on functional brain networks. These findings reveal that the alpha band's functional network topology of Bhramari meditators is more integrated during and after the meditation. Also, the power spectral changes are more prominent in the temporal region of the brain due to the generation of humming sound. By measuring these changes, meditators can determine the effectiveness of their pranayama practice inducing relaxation. Therefore, these results are valuable for enhancing pranayama practice and help in understanding the cortical mechanisms underlying pranayama. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-ulcer efficacy of the boswellic acids (BA), a triterpenoid known as anti-inflammatory/anti-arthritic agent, which is in clinical use. The reason for the study is that, the known non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are full of side effects especially ulceration which is at the top. BA, although, used as an anti-arthritic agent yet it is not only devoid of ulcer production but protective also. The activity evaluation was done by the following universally accepted animal models viz., pyloric ligation, ethanol–HCl, acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacin and cold restrained stress-induced ulceration in rats. Results of the present study revealed that BA possess a dose dependent antiulcer effect against different experimental models. It showed different degree of inhibition of the ulcer score towards different ulcerogenic agents. The ulcer score against various ulcer inducing agents viz., pyloric ligation, ethanol/HCl, (acute and chronic) acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacin and cold restraint stress, was inhibited by 39%, 38%, 51%, 31%, 37% and 42% respectively at 250mg/kg. From the data it is concluded that BA inhibited ulcer production non-specifically in all the experimental models, whereby, it is not possible to propose a single specific mechanism. Nevertheless it is possible that BA might be acting by increasing the gastric mucosal resistance and local synthesis of cytoprotective prostaglandins and inhibiting the leukotriene synthesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chemical investigations on ethanolic extract of Argyrolobium roseum led to the isolation of Pinitol as the major constituent of the plant. Pinitol is chemically known as 3-O-methyl-D-Chiro-inositol and has been found to possess anti-diabetic activity. It helps in the regeneration of beta cells, present in the areas of the pancreas called as islets – of Langerhans. These cells make and release insulin, a hormone which controls the level of glucose in the blood. Pinitol was isolated from the ethanolic extract of the plant and a sensitive & reliable method, based on Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (PNMR), was developed and used as an analytical tool for quantification and identification of this relatively UV insensitive compound in the alcoholic extract of the plant. The method involves the use of pyrazinamide (an anti-tuberculosis drug), as a reference. Validation of the method was carried out by preparing a known concentration of an artificial mixture of pinitol and pyrazinamide. The recovery of pinitol in the mixture was in the range of 98.5–101.3%. Pinitol in pure form was isolated from the ethanolic extract of A. roseum by repeated column chromatography over silica gel followed by crystallization in methanol. Pinitol isolated from the plant was identified on the basis of 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, DEPT (45°, 90° and 135°) experiments and mass spectral data. The method was successfully applied for the quantitation of pinitol in various extracts of the said plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) are a major cause of nosocomial infections. There are various phenotypic and genotypic methods of detection of glycopeptide resistance in enterococci. This study utilizes multiplex PCR for reliable detection of various glycopeptides resistance genes in VRE. Method This study was conducted to detect and to assess the prevalence of vancomycin resistance among enterococci isolates. From October 2011 to June 2013, a total of 96 non-repetitive isolates of enterococci from various clinical samples were analyzed. VRE were identified by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of all isolates for vancomycin and teicoplanin was determined by E-test. Multiplex PCR was carried out for all enterococci isolates using six sets of primers. Results Out of 96 isolates, 14 (14.6%) were found to be resistant to vancomycin by vancomycin E-test method (MIC ≥32 μg/ml). Out of these 14 isolates, 13 were also resistant to teicoplanin (MIC ≥16 μg/ml). VanA gene was detected in all the 14 isolates by Multiplex PCR. One of the PCR amplicons was sent for sequencing and the sequence received was submitted in the GenBank (GenBank accession no. KF181100 ). Conclusion Prevalence of VRE in this study was 14.6%. Multiplex PCR is a robust, sensitive and specific technique, which can be used for rapid detection of various glycopeptide resistance genes. Rapid identification of patients infected or colonized with VRE is essential for implementation of appropriate control measures to prevent their spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Piperine a trans–trans isomer of 1-piperoyl-piperidine was evaluated for its immunomodulatory activity to enhance the efficacy of rifampicin in a murine model of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In-vitro immunomodulation of piperine was tested on mouse splenocytes for lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine production and macrophage activation. Protective efficacy of piperine was tested in a mice infection model of M. tuberculosis for the activation of Th-1 response and synergistic combination efficacy with rifampicin. Murine splenocytes exposed to piperine exhibited proliferation of T and B cell, increased Th-1 cytokines and enhanced macrophage activation. Piperine (1 mg/kg) in mice infected with M. tuberculosis activated the differentiation of T cells into Th-1 sub-population (CD4+/CD8+ subsets). There was an increase in secretion of Th-1 cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-2) by these cells. The qRT-PCR studies revealed corresponding increases in the mRNA transcripts of IFN-γ and IL-2 in the infected lung tissues. Combination of piperine and rifampicin (1 mg/kg) exhibited better efficacy of and resulted in additional 1.4 to 0.8 log reduction in lung cfu as compared to rifampicin alone. The up-regulation of Th1 immunity by piperine can be synergistically combined with rifampicin to improve its therapeutic efficacy in immune-compromised TB patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Forensic DNA Phenotyping (FDP) has provided better understanding of various phenotypic features (e.g., height, skin colour, eye colour, structure and shape of scalp hair, baldness, facial features etc.) and associated genetic variations. The current study was designed to investigate the genetic variants and their potential contribution towards accurate phenotype prediction systems. Short Tandem Repeat (STR) based DNA typing method can be uninformative or with little potential to solve a crime in absence of suspect DNA profile in the database. Forensic DNA Phenotyping (FDP), prediction of externally visible characteristics (EVCs) from the crime scene DNA would certainly provide a new dimension to personal identification. The aim of this review paper is to highlight the significance and future prospects of FDP.Results: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and similar e-databases with keywords from two main components-phenotype and the associated genetic variants. To ensure a thorough literature review, searches were extended using the snowballing technique from reference lists. Key data extracted were type of study, sample characteristics (sample size, age, geographical location and ancestry), details of SNPs studied and prediction accuracies.Conclusion: Phenotyping tools based on genotyping and statistical analysis for the prediction of human pigmentation are propitious in solving cold cases. This indicates the inevitability of future studies for the identification of new genetic markers for accurate prediction of phenotype or EVCs via genome-wide association study (GWAS) in diverse global populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–qTOF-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid. These analytes were separated on a reverse phase C18 column using a mobile phase of acetonitrile:2% acetic acid in water (75:25, v/v) with a flow rate of 200μL/min. The qTOF-MS was operated under multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using the electrospray ionization (ESI) technique with positive ion polarity. A comparison of three different extraction techniques i.e. accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), extraction under ultrasonic waves (USW) and the classical extraction by percolation (CE) method was done and quantification of these extracts was also carried out by the proposed method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Xylanolytic Bacillus pumilus SS1 grew well at highly alkaline pH (9–11) and at moderately high temperature (25–55°C) and successfully utilized wheat bran as the sole carbon source and produced considerable titer of xylanase. Maximum enzyme production occurred at medium pH 8 and at 45°C. The enzyme purified (2.97-fold) with ammonium sulfate fractionation and carboxymethyl sephadex chromatography, showed molecular weight of 25kDa, low K m (2.7mg/ml) and reasonably good V max (36μmol/mg/min). Enzyme showed maximum activity at pH 6–8, and at 40–50°C. Enzyme was inhibited by HgCl2, CoCl2, MnSO4, MgCl2, phenylmethylsulphonylfluoride and CaCl2, while FeCl2 caused slight stimulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The genotoxic potential of anti-inflammatory/anti-arthritic and anticancer plant based drug molecule Boswelic acids (BA) was studied by in vivo system. Systematic literature survey revealed that studies on the genotoxicity of BA are not available. Although reports on genotoxicity of Boswellia serrata dry extract and modified 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswelic acid are available and these studies were conducted in in vitro systems. The earlier general toxicity study of BA has been conducted by us, revealed it to be non toxic. The genotoxicity was carried out in Wistar rats using different cytogenetic assay system-abnormalities viz. chromosomal aberrations; sperm morphology, micronuclei and comet assays. Six groups of animals, each comprised of five rats, were taken for each study. Group1-4 received BA at 125, 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg p.o., respectively prepared as 2% gum acacia suspension, fifth group received a positive control cyclophosphamide (CP) 40mg/kg p.o. or metronedazole (MTZ) 130mg/kg p.o. or mercuric chloride (HgCl2) 0.864mg/kg p.o. (as per the experiment requirement) whereas the sixth group kept as vehicle control. The results on the bases of the data obtained revealed that BA is quite safe as it did not show any genotoxicity at any dose level up to 1000mg/kg. The positive controls used in different experiments showed highly significant abnormal cytogenetic changes in comparison to the control group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Nanoparticle enhanced ionic liquids (NEILs) or ionanofluid (INF) composed of various nanoparticles are reviewed and discussed. • Heat transfer fluids and their suitable replacement by INFs is included. • Intermolecular interactions occurring between nanoparticles and ionic liquids are discussed. • Experimental and theoretical research works highlighting the application of INFs for heat storage/transfer are included. • Opportunities and challenges of using INFs as heat transfer fluid are also discussed. Background Exceptional physicochemical properties of ionic liquids (ILs) enable these molten salts to be called as "designer solvents". ILs thus have been used for a number of applications ranging from lubricants to heat transfer fluids. Due to the synergistic properties, IL and nanoparticles (NPs) hybrid system called ionanofluid (INF) have shown promising thermophysical properties for heat storage and/or transfer. Methods In this review, we highlighted the recent advances in the field of INFs systems and their energy related applications. INFs synthesized using types of NPs and their thermophysical properties are also discussed. In addition, mathematical modeling for thermal conductivity and viscosity is also highlighted. Significant findings The suitable choice of IL and NPs forming INF are shown to be promising factor for heat transfer or storage applications as evident from temperature dependent physicochemical properties. To avoid performing large number of experiments, the mathematical modeling can be used for determining the efficient heat transfer fluids. The challenges and opportunities for using INFs as heat transfer fluid are also highlighted. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Boswellic acids (BA), a natural mixture isolated from oleo gum resin of Boswellia serrata comprised of four major pentacyclic triterpene acids: β-boswellic acid (the most abundant), 3-acteyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid, and 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, is reported to be effective as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, anti-asthmatic and in Chron''s disease. It inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators in the body, specifically leukotrienes via inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase, the key enzyme of leukotriene synthesis, is the scientifically proved mechanism for its anti-inflammatory/anti-arthritic activity. All previous work on BA for its biological activity has been done through the systemic application but no pre-clinical data reported for its anti-inflammatory activity by topical application. We here by report anti-inflammatory activity of BA through this route by applying different acute and chronic models of inflammation i.e., arachidonic acid and croton oil-induced mouse ear edema, carrageenan-induced rats paw edema and adjuvant-induced developing arthritis in rats. The results of the study revealed that the effect observed through this route is in accordance to the study conducted with the systemic route, thus establishing that BA when used through topical application is as effective as through the systemic route. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Anti-stress activity was carried out on glyco-peptido-lipid (AF) fraction from the alcoholic extract of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaerten and demonstrated against a battery of tests in rats and mice. AF exhibited significant anti-stress activity in dose-related manners in all the parameters studied against different models used to induce non-specific stress viz physical and chemically. The major parameters studied were immobilization induced gastric ulceration, adjuvant-induced trauma (Stress); humoral antibody synthesis in normal and immuno-suppressed mice and delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction, chemically stress-induced alteration in hepatic function and anti-oxidant activity. The extract of Withania somnifera root (a commercial preparation available locally, Dabur India ltd.) was used to compare the results. In the safety evaluation study the maximum tolerance dose (MTD) and oral LD50 were found to be more than 3000mg/kg, with no signs of abnormalities or any mortality observed for 15 days period under observation after single dose of drug administration. Feeding behaviour and fecal output were normal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Piperine (1-Piperoyl piperidine) is a major alkaloid of Piper nigrum Linn. and Piper longum Linn. It is shown to possess bioavailability-enhancing activity with various structurally and therapeutically diverse drugs. The mechanism of enhancing the bioavailability, is, however, not understood. We hypothesize that piperine''s bioavailability-enhancing property may be attributed to increased absorption, which may be due to alteration in membrane lipid dynamics and change in the conformation of enzymes in the intestine. Results of membrane fluidity studies using an apolar fluorescent probe, pyrene (which measures the fluid properties of hydrocarbon core), showed an increase in intestinal brush border membrane (BBM) fluidity. Piperine also stimulated Leucine amino peptidase and Glycyl-glycine dipeptidase activity, due to the alteration in enzyme kinetics. This suggests that piperine could modulate the membrane dynamics due to its apolar nature by interacting with surrounding lipids and hydrophobic portions in the protein vicinity, which may decrease the tendency of membrane lipids to act as stearic constrains to enzyme proteins and thus modify enzyme conformation. Ultra structural studies with piperine showed an increase in microvilli length with a prominent increase in free ribosomes and ribosomes on the endoplasmic reticulum in enterocytes, suggesting that synthesis or turnover of cytoskeletal components or membrane proteins may be involved in the observed effect. In conclusion, it is suggested that piperine may be inducing alterations in membrane dynamics and permeation characteristics, along with induction in the synthesis of proteins associated with cytoskeletal function, resulting in an increase in the small intestine absorptive surface, thus assisting efficient permeation through the epithelial barrier. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sanitary disposal of human excreta in field area in semi permanent camps established by the Armed Forces personnel is extremely important to ensure hygiene and sanitation of these camps. The existing method of constructing deep trench latrines (DTLs) has several practical problems. An improved method of constructing DTLs has been evolved, tested and tried by an Infantiy Division. This method of human excreta disposal has a greater acceptability among the troops. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]