Quantification of phenolic compounds, evaluation of physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of four date [Phoenix dactylifera L.] varieties of Oman

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and to quantify the phenolic compounds by colorimetric and High Performance Liquid Chromatography [HPLC] analytical methods of four dates palm varieties cultivated in Oman. The sun-dried mature fruits [Tamer stage] of Bunarinja, Khasab, Fard and Khalas date cultivars were collected from Al-Dakhiliya and Al-Sharqiya regions, Oman at the beginning of the 2013 harvest season. The antioxidant activities of date fruits were investigated by 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] free radical scavenging method. Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric and HPLC methods were used to determine the total phenolic content [TPC] and to quantify the phenolic acids, respectively in the hydroalcoholic date fruit extracts. A preliminary HPLC analysis of the date fruits showed the presence of phenolic acids like Gallic acid, Vanillic acid, Caffeic acid, p-Coumaric and Syringic acid in different proportions. The TPC of all four varieties ranged from 32.24 mg to 35.84 mg Caffeic acid equivalents/100 g of fresh weight. All varieties exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity [28.78-70.62%] in a concentration dependent manner. The present study confirms that Omani dates are a rich source of phenolic compounds and posses good antioxidant properties. HPLC also revealed the Gallic acid as the predominant phenolic acid in all date cultivars

Pharmacognostical studies of the Unani drug Kamala [Mallotous philippinensis MuelL-Arg

In the present paper an attempt has been made to find out, botanical, physico-chemical and phytochemical characteristics of the powdery covering of ripe fruits obtained from Kamala [Mallotus philippinensis Muell.-Arg.]. The important parameters are studied macro-microscopically characters, pH values, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water insoluble ash, sulphated ash, qualitative ash, analysis for inorganic constituents, qualitative analysis of different extractives for organic chemical constituents, successive extractive values, thin layer chromatography of different extracts and their analysis has also been performed. Detailed Phytochemical studies have been further confirmed that the main organic compound in the powder studied is [Rottlerin]. The compound has been found in dark brown rhombic crystal m.p. 203-05°C It is an important medicinal tree, which is used traditionally for the treatment of ringworm, scabies, herpes and other parasitic skin diseases. Kamala powder alone is applied over syphilitic ulcers

Frequency of osteoporosis in patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and hepatitis C: a study of 100 cases

Osteoporosis is the disease of bone that affected King David of Israel 3000 years ago. This condition is no long considered to be due to aging alone and is increasingly recognized as a major health concern and accounts for about 1.5 million fractures annually in United States. Objective of this study was to see the frequency of osteoporosis in patients with cirrhosis due to Hepatitis B and C, and any correlation between the Bone Mineral Density [BMD] and duration and stage of the liver disease. The study was conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from January 2008 to December 2008. All patients from the OPD or Ward fulfilling the criteria and consenting were included. Physical examination, with special emphasis on any signs of chronic liver disease was performed. Full blood count, platelet count, prothrombin time and INR, liver function tests including serum albumin, and renal function tests were done on all patients. Viral serology was checked for those patients who were either newly diagnosed as cirrhotic or were cirrhotic but not screened for viral markers. Abdominal sonogram was recorded on all patients. The child's score was calculated for each patient using the clinical and lab parameters. The BMD was calculated for all patients using computer based ultrasound probe. Calcaneum was used for evaluation of BMD. The information collected was entered on structured data collection sheets and was analysed using SPSS version 11. Osteoporosis was found in 26% of subject and osteopenia in 42%, while 32% had BMD in the normal range. The mean T score was -1.483 [ +/- 1.29]. The mean duration of liver disease was 3.77 [ +/- 1.56] year. Majority of the patients [81%] were in Child's Class C, followed by Class B and A [16% and 3% respectively]. Fifty-nine percent of the patients were males with a mean age of 37.65 years, while 41% were females with mean age of 37.76 years. Osteoporosis is a common finding in patients with cirrhosis due to Hepatitis B and C. Osteoporosis is more frequent in patients with long duration of liver disease but there is no significant correlation between the aetiology or severity of liver disease and osteoporosis

Carcinoma cheek: regional pattern and management

Oral cancer varies globally and regionally, and is closely linked with geographical, social, economical, biological, ethnic, dietary and environmental factors. In western countries it accounts for about 2-5% while in the south-east Asia for about 40% of all cancers. In Pakistan it is second commonest tumour after bronchogenic carcinoma in males and breast carcinoma in females. The objectives of this study were to find out the pattern of carcinoma cheek in our region, its etiological associations, management and prognosis. This study was conducted in the Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Department of Civil Hospital, Karachi from April 1995 to December 1998. It was prospective study. Forty-five cases of primary carcinoma cheek were diagnosed and investigations including OPG and CT scan were carried out along with other required investigations to evaluate the extension of tumour, bony erosion and metastasis. TNM staging was done. All patients were treated surgically, sent for post-operative radiotherapy or chemoradiation and followed up for 3 years. Among 45 cases of oral cancer, 28 were females and 17 were males. Common presenting symptom was growth or ulcer. It was more common in 41-50 years of age. Squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] was found in 95.5% of the cases. Most of the patients 31[68%] were in T4 stage. Surgical excision was done in all cases with reconstruction in 23 cases and neck dissection in 39 cases. In the follow up for 3 years, 30 patient remained disease free. Carcinoma cheek is a common entity in our region and now it is seen in relatively younger patients. Oral cancer is a self preventable disease. What is required is to develop awareness of oral hygiene and discourage the habit of social carcinogens use. Early diagnosis and treatment offers better chance of cure whereas advance disease has a poor prognosis

Unconfirmed reactive screening tests and their impact on donor management

To determine the percentage of false positive testing for transfusion transmitted infections [TTIs] using immunochromatographic test [ICT] as first line of screening tests and its effect on loss of volunteer blood donors. Over a period of three months, samples from blood bags of donors undergoing phlebotomy at teaching hospital blood banks in Lahore were screened for human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], hepatitis B [HBV] and hepatitis C [HCV] by immunochromatographic tests. Those found positive on initial screening were re-tested by ELISA method at the screening laboratory of the Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Service, Punjab. Lahore. Out of a total of 62090 voluntary blood donors, 469 donors were found to be initially reactive for either HIV, HBV or HCV. Amongst these 96 [0.15%] blood donors were found to have tested falsely positive for HIV, HBV or HCV as compared to testing by ELISA. False positive testing rate of 0.15% or 96 out of a total of 62090 donors is rather small in terms of loss of voluntary donors and appropriate utilization of available resources. Although immunochromatographic testing is not the gold standard, however it serves an important purpose of initial donor screening

comparative study of the aerial parts of punarnava [Trianthema portulacastrum Linn.] commonly used in traditional medicine and its adulterator boerhaavia diffusa Linn

The aerial part of Trianthema portulacastrum Linn, [white variety] is used in Unani Medicine to treat inflammation, asthma, dropsy, bronchitis, ascites, orchitis, and migraine. The practitioners of Ayurveda and Unani also employ it for diuretic action. Even involuntarily, Trianthema portulacastrum may be adulterated by Boerhaavia diffusa. The morphoanatomic features having diagnostic value for the identification of both species in their state of crude drug are evaluated. The important parameters are also studied as qualitative ash analysis for inorganic constituents, qualitative analysts of different extractives for organic chemical constituents, successive extractive values, thin layer chromatography of different extracts, total ash, acid insoluble and water soluble ash and their analysis have been performed

Ethno-botanical distribution and cultivation of some traditional medicinal plants of Delhi [India]

A survey has been carried out on the ethno-botanical distribution and cultivation of medicinal plants used by local people in various parts of Delhi [India] and its suburbs. The paper highlights experimental demonstrations and cultivation practices of some important medicinal plants of Delhi [India] viz., Chirchita [Achyranthes aspera Linn.], Atibala [Abutilon indicum L., Sweet], Greater ammi [Ammi majus Linn.], and Vasaka [Adhatoda vasica Nees.] etc. The species focused belong to families Amaranthaceae, Malvaceae, Apiaceae, Acanthaceae, Liliaceae, Cannabinaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Lamiaceae and Plantaginaceae and grow in Delhi and its outskirts. Thus, twenty-five medicinal plants belonging to eighteen families are described in alphabetical order along with the ethno-botanical distribution, cultivation, mode of administration, flowering and fruiting

Estimation of p53 antibodies in malignant effusions

To detect the presence of antibodies against p53 protein in the sera and cytologically positive malignant effusions. Cross-sectional study. Department of Pathology, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore from March 1997 to November 1999. Forty cancer patients were selected with different types of malignancies and having cytologically positive effusions. Both sera and respective effusion fluid were collected and stored at '20°C. Anti-p53 ELISA was then carried out by using commercially available ELISA kit. according to the manufacturer's instructions. A positive p53 antibody level corresponded to the presence of antibodies against mutant p53 protein produced as a result of a mutation of p53 gene in the said cancer. Positivity for anti-p53 antibodies was observed in 27 out of 40 sera [67.5%] and in 19 out of 40 effusions [47.5%] of patients with different types of cancers. The comparison revealed a significant difference with a p value of < 0.05. Out of these, 18 subjects had positive anti-p53 antibodies in both the sera and in respective effusion fluids, yielding an overall sensitivity of 66.6% and specificity of 92.3%. The present study demonstrates the usefulness of anti-p53 antibody estimation both in the serum and in effusions, as a marker of neoplasia and as an adjunct to conventional diagnostic cytopathological techniques especially in those tumours in which p53 gene mutations occur

Medial perforator flap for coverage of defects around the ankle

Wounds around the ankle with exposed bones, tendons and nerves are very common in our practice and their reconstruction remains a challenge for the plastic surgeons. They often lead to infection and mal-union if early vascularized cover is not provided. To evaluate efficacy of medial perforator flap for reconstruction of this difficult area. A total number of 40 patients with injuries around the ankle were studied between December 2004 to December 2006 and all of them underwent reconstruction with medial perforator flaps. The Medial perforator flap is a quick, versatile, reliable reconstructive option and has minimal donor site morbidity

Pharmacognostical studies on the bark ofalstonia scholaris R.Br. [Chatiun]

Alstonia scholaris R.Br. [Chatiun] is an important evergreen tree used in the disorders of heart and blood. Its bark is used in various ailments like asthma, leucoderma, ulcers, tumors and dysentery in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Therefore, in the present communication the detailed pharmacognostical studies have been carried out for the standardization of the stem bark of this species. The study includes qualitative and quantitative microscopy of the stem bark; its powder analysis; moisture content determination; ash and total extractive values determination. The histochemical tests of the stem bark and preliminary phytochemical screening of different extracts have shown the presence of starch, lignins, alkaloids, flavonoids and proteins. In the successive extractive values determination, the maximum extract was observed in water and minimum in chloroform; in quantitative estimation of the organic components, 0.200% total alkaloids, 0.07% steroids and 0.44% resins have been determined in the studied bark. Thin layer chromatographic studies show maximum six spots in methanolic extract and minimum two spots in acetone extract. The above pharmacognostical parameters of the drug may be helpful in the identification of genuine sample, as there are increasing incidences of adulteration of this drug in the market samples

Evaluation of primary pulmonary malignancies in central Punjab, Pakistan

To study the clincopathological findings of Primary Pulmonary Malignancy in central Punjab, Pakistan. Three hundred patients of primary malignancies of the lung from Gulab Devi Chest Hospital and other hospital of Lahore were studied. The history of the Patients and their clinical findings were recorded. The sections of all the cases were stained with Haematoxyllin and eosin whereas all large cell carcinomas were stained with Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid- Schiff [AB-PAS] stain. There were 255 males and 45 females with a male to female ratio of 5.7:1. The age ranged from 10-90 years with a mean age of 54.17 +/- 3.46 years. Different tumors were significantly more [p<0.001] in males than in females. The mean age in squamous cell carcinomas cases was significantly high [P<0.001] as compared with adenocarcinoma. Small cell carcinoma cases had significantly low [P<0.02] mean age as compared with squamous cell carcinoma. The difference of mean age in cases of adenocarcinoma approached significant level [0.1>P>0.05] as compared with small cell carcinoma. The primary lung carcinoma is more common in males. Its prevalence is increasing in young ages

Cleft lip and palate surgery "where do we stand in the 21st century?" based on study of referral patterns to a tertiary care cantre

A prospective study was carried out over the period of six years including 215 patients. The objective of this study has been to evaluate the types of the clefts, their predisposing factors, age at first presentation and need for revisional surgery and to compare these with published studies on the subject and to draw conclusion about the epidemiology and the facilities available for its surgical correction. Prospective, observational study. 215 patients were evaluated over a period of six years by filling a proforma, which was entered into database. Different parameters were evaluated. There are a significant number of cleft patients presenting for first time above the age of 10 years. A large number of inappropriately treated patients require revisional surgery because of lack of properly trained cleft surgeons. Due to lack of specialized cleft care teams in our country no patient in this study could get comprehensive care for this deformity. It is need of the hour to pr ovide multidisciplinary care to these patients

Comparative study of primary repair versus ileostomy in patients of typhoid perforation

To evaluate the better surgical option in cases of typhoid perforation comparing ileostomy and the primary repair. It was a cross sectional comparative study. Department of Surgery, Nishtar hospital Multan during December 2003 to November 2004. A total of 50 cases of typhoid perforation which presented in less than 24 hours after perforation. The patients were divided into two groups of 25 patients each in double blind randomized pattern. In one group ileostomy was done and in the other group primary repair was done. The mortality rate in the ileostomy was 8% and the morbidity rate was 56%. In the patients with primary repair the mortality rate was 12% and the morbidity rate was 24%. If patient present within 24 hours after perforation provided that the patient is in good general health and with no other concomitant illness primary repair of the typhoid perforation should be done in every patient

Recent advancement in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

The etiology, assessment and the pharmacotherapy of patients with Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting are reviewed. In the clinical practice of oncology, adverse drug reactions due to chemotherapy have become almost synonymous with the treatment themselves. The low therapeutic index of chemotherapy and the predictable and common adverse events with cancer treatments means that these events are seen as an un-avoidable component of treatment. Supportive care therapies are critical to the physical and emotional well being of the patient with cancer, which increases the chance, that chemotherapy and radiation can be administered at the optimal dose and on schedule. Approximately 70% to 80% of patients who receive chemotherapy; experience nausea and vomiting [N and V], which can disrupt their lives in numerous ways. The emetogenicity of the chemotherapy regimen greatly affects the patient's risk for developing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting [CINV]. In addition to established and emerging pharmaco logical approaches to managing CINV, many complementary and integrated modalities may be the options. Progress in CINV management must include a better understanding of its etiology and focus on prevention

Pheochromocytoma - an institutional experience

The present study envisages evaluating the clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, with particular reference to pharmacological and anesthetic considerations, and outcome in patients with pheochromocytoma. A retrospective study. The study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal, India from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2003. Seventeen patients diagnosed to have pheochromocytoma were included for this study. Our assessment of age at presentation, sex, presenting complaints with details of hypertension [HT], diagnostic tests, surgical procedure and follow-up was based on patient records. Peak incidence was observed in 40-50 years age group, with male preponderance. All the patients had diastolic HT of more than 100 mm of Hg at presentation. Systolic blood pressures [SBP] were between 150 mm Hg to 230 mm Hg, with mean of 170 mm Hg; nine patients presented with persistent HT and seven had paroxysmal HT. One patient infact presented with hypotension due to septic shock and was incidentally detected to have an adrenal tumor. Computed tomography [CT] scan and urinary levels of vanillylmandelic acid [VMA] were mainstay of diagnosis. These patients had adequate preoperative control of HT. All patients underwent exploration of the tumor by an extraperitoneal approach. 70% tumors were on the right and 30% were on the left side. Histopathologically, all the tumors were benign except for one, which was malignant. An average of three to five units of blood transfusion was required and mean operating time was 4.5 hours. Six patients had extensive intra-operative blood pressure [BP] fluctuation, but were adequately managed by the anesthetic team. One patient with post-operative pulmonary edema died in our series; rest all the patients are on regular follow-up, till date and doing well. Pheochromocytoma is an important cause of endocrine HT. Elevated urinary VMA is diagnostic of this tumor with imaging studies used to localize the tumor. Adrenalectomy results in complete cure of HT with an excellent long-term outcome

Balneology: a concept of public health-bath houses in Arabian life

Although Hippocrates was famous for corpus, Aphorismi, de aere, aquis including balneology and Romans were practicing public health with the development of baths. Arabs have been given credit for the implementation of preventotherapeutic application of public bath houses in their life. This paper will put stress on preventive and therapeutic value of balneology, model of public health-bath houses in Arabs and role of bather and bathmen in regimental therapy and recommended advises related to bath

Common ethnomedicinal uses of leaves of some less known plants occurring in South Delhi, India

The present study takes into account the medicinal value of leaves of forty two plant species belonging to thirty families of angiosperms. Plants are listed in the alphabetical order alongwith the significant macroscopic characters of leaves, prominent therapeutic uses and their mode of administration

Should we do hepatitis B and C screening on each patient before surgery: analysis of 142 cases

To see the prevalence of hepatitis B and C in surgical cases undergoing elective surgery. A prospective observational study. Surgical Unit-I Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from January 2003 to June 2003. A total of 142 patients above the age of 20 years undergoing elective surgery were screened for hepatitis B and C. majority of them were females [63.74%] and among them 11.26% were found Hepatitis C and 2.11% Hepatitis B positive. It is concluded that every case under going surgery should be screened for Hepatitis B and C. Awareness regarding Hepatitis B and C should be created among doctors and paramedical staff

Diagnosis of enlarged thyroid - an analysis of 250 cases

Thyroid enlargement is a common problem faced both by clinicians and histopathologists. In an effort to determine the incidence of its various causes in our population, 250 cases were analyzed. There was a marked female preponderance [M:F ratio 1:3.8]. Multinodular goiter was the commonest final diagnosis whereas 4 cases showed malignant thyroid neoplasms. Microscopic examination remained the golden path to the final diagnosis. The results as well as the relative efficacy of the various diagnostic modalities are discussed

Lichtenstien repair of inguinal hernia under local anaesthesia - day case surgery

This prospective study was carried on 250 patients to study the complication and recurrence rate associated with Lichtenstien repair of inguinal hernia in our clinical and socioeconomic settings. The cost effectiveness and return to work after surgery were the other outcome measures. Two hundred and fifty patients underwent mesh repair of inguinal hernia at two different centers over a period of two years. All the patients were operated under local anesthesia. A bolus dose of preoperative antibiotic was given intravenously. The patients were followed up for two years and their post operative course was assessed according to a prescribed proforma. The rate of minor complications was in the range of 11.8%. The recurrence rate was 1.2%.There was minimal pain and the procedure was cost effective in terms of operative cost and less economic loss due to early return to work. It is concluded that Lichtenstien repair as a day case is safe and effective procedure to be performed by a trained general surgeon under local anesthesia. The infection rate and the recurrence rate are low. The compliance and acceptability of the patient and ease of carrying out the procedure under local anesthesia by surgeon is acceptable. In our view this type of hernial repair is an appropriate method in district hospital and tehsial headquarter hospitals where provision of anaesthesia facilities are yet to be fully developed and hospitals cater a major hernial load due to elderly patients with background of farming professions being admitted. The patient can be sent home on same day after surgery