Characterization of avian adenovirus type-4 causing hydro-pericardium syndrome in broilers in Karachi, Pakistan

Avian adenovirus was isolated from naturally infected birds during 1990 to 2003 in the vicinity of Karachi, Pakistan. The virus is known to cause hydro-pericardium syndrome [HPS] in poultry The mortality was recorded 20-50% in commercial broilers. Fifty field samples were collected; however, six samples were selected for molecular studies. These isolates were grown and characterized by cell culture using chicken embryo liver cell culture, chicken embryo pathogenicity, agar gel precipitation [AGP], serum neutralization test, DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and restriction enzyme analysis [REA]. Reference strain J2-A [ATCC VR-829] was used to confirm that HPS isolates belongs to avian adenovirus type-4. The disease was reproduced in 28-day-old broilers by intramuscular inoculation of cell extracts. Typical hydropericardium was observed in experimental chickens 72 h post-inoculation. The 50% neutralization endpoint of pooled sera of these isolates was not recorded more than 1:40. The results showed that there was no difference in PCR product of 1319 bp with H3/H4 primer on agarose gels, which is characteristic of group I avian adenovirus [AA]. Restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP] analysis of PCR products using restriction enzyme Hpa II resulted in five bands confirming the presence of AA in the analyzed samples

Chloroquine: a drug with multiple uses

Chloroquine besides being an antimalarial, has been used in rheumatoid arhtritis, primary GougerotSjogren, Photo lesions, necrobiosis lipoidica, verrucous from of chilblain, Lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous lupus arthematosus, lupus pregnancy, porphyria cutanea tarda, and lepromatous reaction, extra-intestinal amoebiasis, photo reactions and infectious mononucleosis. Resistance to chloroquine is being developed for treatment of malaria. Chloroquine may produce toxicity and adverse effects like halos around the eyes, photophobia, retinopathy, maculopathy and sensoneural hearing loss have been reported. Other adverse effects include prutitus, intermittent porphyria, arrhythmias and mental disturbances. It may also produce achromotrichia albinism, transient, edema, exfoliative dermatitis and fixed drug eruptions

Is it the social class or education that influences breast cancer screening among pakistani women?

Breast cancer screening leads to early diagnosis and decreased morbidity. Women's partici-pation in screening depends on their knowledge and attitudes. Certain factors are known that influence the knowledge, attitudes, and practice. A convenience sample of 179 women living in Karachi age 20 and older was studied. Proforma were filled by interviews. Questions related to breast screening knowledge, attitude and practices were asked from women with various levels of education. Out of the total of 179 female respondents, 12.8% [23] were illiterate, 7% [13] were educated upto primary level, 4% [17] up to Matric level, 21%[38] up to intermediate level and 49%[88] had education till graduate level or above. There was a significant difference in the age, marital status, occupation and number of children of the respondents of the three groups. Overall 46% are aware of mammogram, among which 2.5% are illiterate, 30% had education upto intermediate level and 67% were of graduate or more level [p<.000] Only 50% [89]ofthe females knew that breast cancer runs in the family. 63% [113] of the women did not perform the self breast examination [BSE]. 86% [155] of the women had not seen an awareness video or movie [p .312] however only 40% [73] had read literature on breast cancer screening [p< .000]. Higher the educational level better is the knowledge, attitude and practice of the breast cancer screening. However issues like BSE and general awareness through mass communication is still required to educate all the women with variable educational background from the society

Prevalence and patterns of headache in school children in Karachi

To determine the prevalence of headache, its different patterns and associated symptoms in school children. A population based, cross-sectional, questionnaire study, followed by interviews of selected cases and their opthalmoscopic examination was conducted in eight secondary schools from different parts of Karachi to cover all socioeconomic groups. A total of 1211 school children aged 12 to 20 years, were included. The main outcome measures studied were, prevalence of headache, associated symptoms and impact of positive family history. The estimated prevalence rate of headache in school children was 85.5%. Of them 43.1% had mild, 46.6% had moderate and 8.8% had severe headache. Nearly half of them [49.6%] had a frequency of 3 or less episodes per month. Majority [58.7%] had no warning symptoms. The most common symptom prior to headache was subjective weakness [19.0%] followed by sensitivity to light [11.5%]. The most common site was frontal headache [30.4%] and in 66.7% of the cases it was aching in character. Complaint of noise and light intolerance during headache was reported by 38.2%, 17.1% sought medical advice and only 0.4% needed hospitalization ever. Of those taking medicines [n =424 [41%] majority [82.3%] were self medicated. A positive family history was present in 52.5% children. All selected study subjects were found to have normal optic discs on ophthalmoscopic examination. Headache is a major health problem in school children. It is inappropriately treated and there is strong impact of family history