Evaluación del potencial antioxidante de algunas tinturas madre homeopáticas / Evaluation of the antioxidant potential of some homeopathic mother tinctures

Objetivos: en sistemas homeopáticos de medicina, las tinturas madre se prescriben para varias enfermedades y especialmente para condiciones sépticas y la cura de muchos padecimientos. Este estudio se llevó a cabo para evaluar el potencial antioxidante y antibacterial de las diez tinturas madre homeopáticas que se utilizan con mayor frecuencia. Materiales y métodos: diez tinturas madre fueron preparadas y puestas a prueba contra cinco bacterias de importancia clínica patogénica en los humanos (Sal­ monella typhi [ST], Escherichia coli [EC], Bacillus subtilis [BS], Straphylococus aureus [SA], y Pseudomonas aeruiginosa [PA]) mediante el método de microdilución con ciprofloxacina como control positivo. La actividad antioxidante se estimó con un ensayo de inhibición 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo (DPPH). El ácido ascórbico se tomó como estándar positivo en actividad antioxidante. Resultados: todas las tinturas madre mostraron cierto nivel de actividad antibacterial. Chinchona officinalis tuvo la actividad máxima (inhibición del 89%) contra Salmonella typhi que las demás tinturas madre en el estudio. Pulsatilla nigricans mostró la inhibición más alta de DPPH (85%) entre las demás tinturas madre de origen vegetal. Conclusión: este estudio revela que las tinturas madre ya mencionadas tienen potencial antibacteriano y antioxidante contra el microorganismo particular y 2,2-difenil-1-picrilidracil (DPPH), respectivamente. (AU)

Empirical analysis of deaths due to sharp weapons in faisalabad

Violence is a product of aggressive behavior which leads to a large number of unnatural deaths. A significant number of deaths have been reported due to attacks with sharp weapons as it is one of the most violent and disgusting methods of revenge. This study empirically evaluates the sharp weapon deaths in Faisalabad from different perspectives

Objective: To analyze the deaths by sharp weapons in Faisalabad city regarding incidence, the most vulnerable age groups, gender prevalence, manner of death and parts of body mostly involved

Study Design: Retrospective, non-interventional descriptive study having cross sectional and longitudinal data

Settings: Department of Forensic Medicine, Faisalabad Medical University/Allied Hospital

Duration of Study: 5 years from 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2016

Methodology: This study covered all 96 cases of sharp weapon deaths from a total of 1,692 autopsies conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Faisalabad Medical University. Frequency distribution, descriptive analysis was performed to compute the findings

Results: Frequency of deaths from sharp weapons decreased in the study period. It was the highest in the age group 20-29 [32.29%] in Faisalabad. The ratio of male to female victims was 2:1. All deaths were homicidal in nature. Majority of the attacks were on the neck followed by the abdomen and chest respectively

Conclusion: It was concluded that deaths due to sharp weapon attack on the neck, abdomen and chest were high in the young in Faisalabad. Establishment of more trauma centers may be helpful in reducing the deaths due to sharp edged weapons

Profile of asphyxial deaths in Faisalabad: a 10-year study

Objective: To determine the frequency of violent asphyxial deaths in Faisalabad over a span of a decade; and assessing the age and gender vulnerability. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, from January 2007 to December 2016

Methodology: Cases identified as violent asphyxial deaths according to police inquests and findings of the medico-legal examiners were computed. Age, gender, and cause of asphyxia recorded in predesigned proformas and analysed by SPSS version 12.0

Results: Asphyxial deaths accounted for 7.66% [259 / 3,381] of the medico-legal deaths during the 10-year span. Majority [28.57%] victims belonged to the 20-29 year age group, followed by the 10-19 year age group [20.07%]. Male victims [56%] outnumbered the females [44%] by ratio of 1.3:1. Ligature strangulation was the cause of asphyxia in majority of the victims [40.93%], followed by hanging [28.96%]

Conclusion: Young population between 20-29 years were the predominant victims of violent asphyxial deaths. Homicide due to ligature strangulation was the commonest form of violent asphyxial deaths

Intrathecal tramadol may cause respiratory depression

Opioids such as morphine and fentanyl have been used in neuraxial anesthesia to prolong the analgesic effects since long, but these have frequently been associated with few adverse effects e.g. nausea, vomiting, pruritus and rarely respiratory depression. Tramadol has also been used in epidural as well as spinal anesthesia, and respiratory depression has not been reported with its intrathecal use. We present a case in which 20 mg of intrathecal tramadol produced signs of opioid overdose including respiratory depression. The side effects were reversed with naloxone confirming our suspicion that these were caused by tramadol. We recommend adequate monitoring and vigilance for tramadol as is used for other intrathecal opioids

Mini titanium plates; hearkening the end of nonrigid cranial bone flap fixation

Background and Objective: Craniotomy bone flaps should be replaced for both cosmetic and protective purposes. Different methods are available commercially. The aim of this study was to assess outcome of bone flap fixation using mini titanium plates and screws

Methods: Between March 2011 and March 2014, 71 patients underwent cranial bone flap fixation with mini titanium plates and screws after craniotomy and excision of supratentorial lesions at Combined Military Hospital, Peshawar. There were 42 males and 30 females with a mean age of 40.07. All patients had supratentorial lesions. Intracranial lesion size ranged from 3 cm by 2 cm to 7 cm by 5 cm. The changes of local incision and general condition were observed

Results: Subcutaneous effusion occurred in two patients. One patient developed a mild postoperative wound infection. CT scan showed good repositioning of the flap and edge to edge apposition at two weeks after operation. All the patients were followed up for 12 months post operatively. Skull had good appearance without any discharge and, local deformity or effusion. Repeat CT/MRl showed no subsidence or displacement of cranial flap or artifacts

Conclusion: Mini titanium plate and screw fixation of cranial flaps is a simple, cost effective and safe option for repositioning and immediate stability as compared to traditional sutures

A Neglected Markedly Displaced Medial Epicondyle Fracture with Simultaneous Ulnar Nerve Palsy in an Adolescent

Humeral medial epicondyle fractures constitute around 15% of pediatric elbow fractures. Up to 60% occur in association with elbow dislocations. Knowledge of potential imaging pitfalls when examining acute elbow fractures in children contributes significantly to accurate diagnosis. Nevertheless, management of missed pediatric medial epicondyle fractures has rarely been reported. We present an 11-year-old boy with a neglected and severely displaced medial epicondyle fracture with concurrent ulnar nerve palsy. We performed neural decompression, fragment excision, and muscular and capsuloligamentous reconstruction of the medial elbow. This study demonstrates that the surgical outcome of a late presenting fracture can be satisfactory in terms of function and neural recovery. It also underscores the importance of careful interpretation of elbow imaging including normal anatomic variants.

À espera da seca que vem: capacidade adaptativa em comunidades rurais do semiárido / Waiting for the coming drought: adaptive capacity in rural communities of the Brazilian semiarid / Esperando de la sequía que viene: la capacidad de adaptación de las comunidades rurales en el Semiárido brasileño

Este artigo avalia a disponibilidade de recursos necessários para criação de capacidade adaptativa em comunidades rurais do semiárido brasileiro. A pesquisa utiliza dados primários obtidos por meio de aplicação de questionários. Dada a grande extensão geográfica da região, adota-se como recorte uma amostra de comunidades rurais inseridas em áreas susceptíveis à desertificação no Estado do Ceará. A discussão é feita a partir de um sistema de indicadores definido por meio de consultas a especialistas (método Delphi) e subdividido em quatro dimensões da capacidade adaptativa: capital social, capital econômico, capital humano e capital natural, pressupondo que a capacidade adaptativa é definida pela disponibilidade de um conjunto de recursos capazes de promover o bem-estar local. A análise da distribuição dos indicadores selecionados mostra que as comunidades possuem baixos níveis de recursos necessários para adaptação, sendo que os pontos mais críticos são destacados na dimensão de capital humano. No contexto observado acredita-se que as ações governamentais que poderiam melhorar a capacidade adaptativa das comunidades rurais do semiárido em relação às secas não encontram ambiente social propício para expressarem seu potencial, sendo o maior desafio a adoção de estratégias integradas de educação e capacitação da população que atuem de forma transversal em todas as políticas voltadas para o desenvolvimento local.

Abstract This article evaluates the availability of resources needed to create adaptive capacity in rural communities of the Brazilian semiarid. The research uses primary data obtained with the application of questionnaires. Given the large geographic extent of the region, rural communities inserted in areas susceptible to desertification of Ceará were selected to the sample. The discussion is made based on a system of indicators defined by consulting with experts (DELPHI - Methodology ), and divided into four dimensions of adaptive capacity: social capital, economic capital, human capital and natural capital, assuming that adaptive capacity is the availability of a set of resources to promote local welfare. The analysis of the distribution of selected indicators shows that communities have lower levels of resources needed for adaptation, and the critical points are highlighted in the human capital dimension. It is believed that government actions that could improve adaptive capacity of rural communities in the semiarid does not find user-friendly environment for expressing their potential. The biggest challenge is the adoption of integrated strategies for education, and training of the population, which act crosswise in all public policies aimed to local development.

Resumen Este artículo evalúa la disponibilidad de los recursos necesarios para crear la capacidad de adaptación de las comunidades rurales de la región semiárida de Brasil. La investigación utiliza datos primarios obtenidos mediante la aplicación de cuestionarios. Dada la gran extensión geográfica de la región, se adopta una muestra de comunidades rurales situadas en áreas propensas a la desertificación en el estado de Ceará. La discusión se produce a partir de indicadores definidos con consultas a expertos (Delphi) y divididos en cuatro dimensiones de la capacidad de adaptación: capital social, capital económico, capital humano y capital natural, suponiendo que la capacidad de adaptación se define como la disponibilidad de un conjunto de recursos que puede promover el bienestar de la población. El análisis de la distribución de los indicadores seleccionados muestra que las comunidades tienen niveles bajos de los recursos necesarios para la adaptación, y los puntos más críticos están en la dimensión del capital humano. Se cree que las acciones del gobierno que podrían mejorar la capacidad de adaptación de las comunidades rurales no encuentran un ambiente social propicio para expresar su potencial, siendo el mayor reto la adopción de estrategias integradas de educación y formación de la población actuando de de forma transversal en todas las políticas de desarrollo local.

Formulation design and characterization of a non-ionic surfactant based vesicular system for the sustained delivery of a new chondroprotective agent

Diacerein is used for symptomatic relief and cartilage regeneration in osteoarthritis. Due to gastrointestinal side effects, poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability, its clinical usage has been restricted. The objective of the present study was to enhance its dissolution profile and to attain sustained release by designing a novel delivery system based on niosomes. Five niosomal formulations (F1-F5) with non-ionic surfactant (sorbitan monostearate) and cholesterol in varying ratios of 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2 and 9:1 were developed by the reverse-phase evaporation technique. The size and polydispersivity index (PDI) were found in the range of 0.608 µm to 1.010 µm and 0.409 to 0.781, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the selected formulation (F3) revealed spherical vesicles, and 79.8% entrapment was achieved with F3 (7:3). Dissolution studies using the dialysis method showed sustained release behaviour for all formulations. The optimized surfactant-to-cholesterol concentration (7:3) in formulation F3sustained the drug-release time (T50%) up to 10 hours. Kinetic modelling exhibited a zero-order release (R2=0.9834) and the release exponent 'n' of the Korsmayer-Peppas model (n=0.90) confirmed non-fickian and anomalous release. The results of this study suggest that diacerein can be successfully entrapped into niosomes using sorbitan monostearate and that these niosomes have the potential to deliver diacerein efficiently at the absorption site.

A diacereína é usada para o alívio sintomático e para a regeneração da cartilagem na osteoartrite. Devido aos efeitos adversos gastrointestinais, baixa solubilidade aquosa e biodisponibilidade, o seu uso clínico tem sido restrito. O objetivo do presente estudo foi melhorar o perfil de dissolução deste fármaco e obter liberação prolongada através do planejamento de um novo sistema de liberação designado de niossoma. Cinco formulações distintas de niossomas (F1 a F5) contendo tensoativos não iônicos (monoestearato de sorbitano) e colesterol, em diferentes proporções, de 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2 e 9:1, foram desenvolvidas através da técnica de evaporacão de fase reversa. Os tamanhos e índices de polidispersibilidade (PDI) obtidos variam entre 0,608 e 1,01 µm e entre 0,409 e 0,7781, respectivamente. Imagens de microscopia electrônica de varrimento (SEM) da formulação selecionada (F3) revelaram vesículas esféricas. Obteve-se encapsulação de 79,8% com a formulação F3 (7:3). Estudos de dissolução usando o método de diálise demonstraram padrão de liberacão prolongada para todas as formulações. A proporção de tensoativo e colesterol (7:3) na formulacão F3 prolongou o tempo de liberação do fármaco (T50%) até 10 horas. Estudos de modelação cinética demonstraram ordem de liberacão zero (R2=0,9834) e o expoente de liberação "n" do modelo de Korsmayer-Peppas (n=0.90) confirmou a liberação não-fickiana e anômala. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a diacereína pode ser encapsulada com sucesso no interior de niossomas, utilizando monostearato de sorbitano, o qual tem potencial para liberar, eficientemente, a diacereína no local de absorção.

Incidence of suicide in females of Faisalabad Tehsil

Background: suicide in females is an important and sensitive issue in our society. Suicide is one of the leading cause of death in both genders all over the world. The incidence and pattern of suicide in females vary from country to country. Religious and social values and legal issues play an important role in this regard. Since ours is a male dominating society and female rights are not observed properly as mentioned in Islam. Very few studies about the epidemiology of suicide in females have been conducted in Pakistan. We conducted this study on the patterns of suicide in females by the data of autopsies conducted at Faisalabad from 2002 to 2014. This study will give us an overview of the incidence of suicide in females, more vulnerable age group, most commonly used method and seasonal variation

Materials and Methods: the study includes 69 of suicidal deaths in females belonging to different age groups autopsied at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad. Cases were selected on the basis of information from the scene of crime, police inquest, autopsy findings and interview with the persons pertaining to the victim. Findings were tabulated and analyzed

Results: the study revealed that suicide rate in females was 0.401/100,000, the peak incidence was in age group 20-29 years followed by 10-19 years of age groups. Hanging was the most common method used. A seasonal surge in summer was noted

Conclusion: suicide in females of Faisalabad is much lower as compared to western countries. Female suicide occurs at a younger age in Faisalabad as compared to western countries

Antimicrobial, antitumor and brine shrimp lethality assay of Ranunculus arvensis L. extracts

To investigate the antitumor activity, brine shrimp lethality assay, antibacterial and antifungal activity of Methanol Extract [ME], Water Extract [WE], Acetone Extract [AE], Chloroform Extract [CE], Methanol-Water Extract [MWE], Methanol-Acetone Extract [MAE], Methanol-Chloroform Extract [MCE] of Ranunculus arvensis [L.]. Antitumor activity was evaluated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens [At10] induced potato disc assay. Cytotoxicity was evaluated with brine shrimp lethality assay. Antibacterial activity was evaluated with six bacterial strains including Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Micrococcus luteus and Streptococcus anginosus and antifungal screening was done against five fungal strains including Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigates, Fusarium solani and Mucor species by using disc diffusion method. Best antitumor activity was obtained with ME and WE, having highest IC50 values 20.27+/-1.62 and 93.01+/-1.33µg/disc. Brine shrimp lethality assay showed LC50 values of AE, MAE and ME were obtained as 384.66+/-9.42µg/ml, 724.11+/-8.01µg/ml and 978.7+/-8.01µg/ml respectively. WE of R. arvensis revealed weak antimicrobial result against the tested microorganisms. On the other h and, the antifungal activity of the plant extracts was found to be insignificant. These findings demonstrate that extracts of R. arvensis possesses significant antitumor activity. Further extensive study is necessary to assess the therapeutic potential of the plant.

Microbial biotransformation of beclomethasone dipropionate by Aspergillus niger

In the present research, the steroidal anti-asthmatic drug beclomethasone dipropionate was subjected to microbial biotransformation by Aspergillus niger. Beclomethasone dipropionate was transformed into various metabolites first time from microbial transformation. New drug metabolites produced can act as new potential drug molecules and can replace the old drugs in terms of safety, efficacy, and least resistance. They were purified by preparative thin layer chromatography technique, and their structures were elucidated using modern spectroscopic techniques, such as 13C NMR, 1H NMR, HMQC, HMQC, COSY, and NOESY, and mass spectrometry, such as EI-MS. Four metabolites were purified: (i) beclomethasone 17-monopropionate, (ii) beclomethasone 21-monopropionate, (iii) beclomethasone, and (iv) 9beta,11beta-epoxy-17,21-dihydroxy-16beta-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 21-propionate.

Na pesquisa presente o fármaco esteróide antiasmático dipropionato de beclometasona foi submetido à biotransformação microbiana pelo Aspergillus niger. O dipropionato de beclometasona foi transformado, pela primeira vez, em metabólitos variados por biotransformação microbiana. Novos metabólitos do fármaco produzidos podem agir como novas moléculas potenciais e podem substituir os fármacos antigos em questão de segurança, eficácia e mínima resistência. Eles foram purificados por cromatografia em camada delgada preparativa e as suas estruturas foram elucidadas usando técnicas espectroscópicas modernas, como 13C NMR, 1H NMR; HMQC; HMQC; COSY, NOESY e espectrometria de massas, por exemplo, EI-MS. Purificaram-se quatro metabólitos, denominados (i) 17-monopropionato de beclometasona; (ii) 21-monopropionato de beclometasona: (iii) beclometasona e (iv) 21-propionato de 9beta,11beta-epoxi-17,21-diidroxi-16beta-metilpregna-1,4-dieno-3,20-diona.

Assessment of Impact of Cigarette Cautionary Labels in Warning People about the Smoking Hazards: Survey in Smokers and Non-smokers of Bahawalpur region.

Health warnings on cigarette packages are the widespread means of communicating the health threats of smoking. On the other hand, a small number of investigations have estimated the force of package cautions on customer information about tobacco harm threats.The ultimate goal of the research was to analyze the knowledge of smokers and non smokers in the region of Bahawalpur City of the country Pakistan that it is no longer a significant public health problem for our nation. Active and Passive smoking is very common in that region of country Pakistan.A questioner survey was carried out with 611 adult smokers and non-smokers from the region of Bahawalpur City. Volunteers were asked to state whether they supposed smoking is the reason of heart disease, stroke, impotence, lung cancer in smokers. Volunteers were also asked whether the following chemicals are present in cigarette smoke such cyanide, arsenic & carbon monoxide. Volunteers were also asked whether the warning labels reflected that tobacco products are hazardous and whether the warning labels are useful in quitting smoking. Different parameters also were also included like why it is difficult to quit smoking.Smokers in the Bahawalpur city showed major space in their information of the threats of smoking. Smokers who observed that cautions were considerably more likely to support health cautions, counting lung cancer and heart disease. Not much people were satisfied with the contents of warning labels in Pakistan and images played a important role in quieting smoking. Cigarette pack should contain big prints warning label, at both sides in more than one languages and should contain pictures. It is concluded that Smokers are fairly informed about the risks of smoking. Warnings that are graphic, larger, and more comprehensive in content are more effective in communicating the health risks of smoking.

Pattern of suicidal deaths in faisalabad

Introduction: Suicide in Pakistan has been a long term social issue and is a common cause of un natural deaths. It is among the top three leading cause of death in man developed countries. Pattern of suicidal death varies from country to country

Objectives: To study the pattern of such deaths in Faisalabad, Pakistan and compare it with the other countries

Material and Methods: Study was conducted at Department of Forensic Medicine Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad during the period of January 01, 2007 to December 31, 2011. A total of 73 cases of suicidal deaths were included in the study. Manner of death was decided on the basis of circumstances of death, autopsy findings, visit to the scene of incidence, police investigation and information from the relatives and friends

Results: Suicide formed 4.3% of the total autopsies conducted during the period. Highest incidence was recorded during 2011. Rate of suicide in Faisalabad city is 0.21/100000 of population. Male to female ratio is 3:1. Peak incidence was in the month of February. Firearm was the commonest method used for suicide followed by hanging. Most vulnerable age group in males was 20-29 years while in females 10-19 years

Conclusion: In Faisalabad. Pakistan rate of suicide is less than western countries however, its trend is increasing. Preventive strategies should be designed by identifying the factors leading to suicide

Epidemiology of fatalities in road traffic accidents in Faisalabad during 2008-2009 - an autopsy study

Objective: To evaluate gender and age specific trends as well as pattern of injuries in fatalities due to RTA in Faisalabad

Study Design: Non interventional, Descriptive

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Postmortem unit of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Punjab Medical College Faisalabad over a period of two years [2008 and 2009]

Methodology: Study includes 86 subjects in which cause of death was road traffic accidents. Subjects were selected from the cases of traumatic death brought for autopsy at the Postmortem unit of Department of Forensic Medicine, Punjab Medical College Faisalabad from Faisalabad City and Sadar area. Manner of death was decided on the basis of the circumstances of the death and findings of autopsy examination. The data was tabulated and analyzed on the basis of variables like age and sex of the victim, month and day of the occurrence and pattern of fatal injuries on the body

Results: Out of 86 fatalities due to RTA, 74 [86%] were male and 12 [14%] were females. Most vulnerable age group was 20-29 years as 24.4% victims belonged to this age group. Maximum deaths [23.3%] occurred on Thursday. Head injury caused death in majority of the cases [53.5%]

Conclusion: There is a need to develop preventive strategies to reduce road traffic accidents fatalities considering the magnitude of the problems and groups at high risk

Screening of some ethnobotanically important plants of Nagar area Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Certain species of ethnobotanical importance belonging to families Asteraceae, Berberidaceae, Cupressaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Gentianaceae, Salicaceae and Tamaricaceae, were collected from Gilgit during the months of June and July 2008 and were investigated for the presence of alkaloids, amino acids, anthraquinone [free and as glycosides] ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, coumarins, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, saponins and steroids in their aqueous, ethanol and benzene extracts. Artemisia maritime L. [leaves] showed positive results for carbohydrates, coumarins, phenolics and proteins. Ephedra gerardiana Wall ex. Stapf. [stem] tested positive for alkaloids, ascorbic acid, coumarins, phenolics, proteins, saponins and steroids. Tamarix gallica L. tested positive for alkaloids, amino acids, anthraquinone as glycoside, ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins and steroids in stems, roots and leaves. Salix acmophylla Boiss. showed positive results for alkaloids, amino acids, anthraquinone [free and as glycosides] ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, saponins and natural steroids. Hippophae rhamnoides L. showed positive results for alkaloids, amino acids, anthraquinone [free as glycosides] ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, coumarins, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, saponins and steroids. Berberis glycocarpa Stapf. showed positive results for alkaloids, amino acids, ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins and steroids in stem, roots and leaves. Similarly Juniperus excelsa Wall ex. C.A. Meyer showed positive result for anthraquinone [both free and as glycosides], carbohydrates, phenolics, proteins, saponins and natural steroids

Fatal homicidal violence against women and girls in Faisalabad

Objectives: To determine the pattern of fatal homicidal violence involving the women and girls as victims in Faisalabad regarding the variables of rate, age of victim, methods used for violence and seasonal variation

Study Design: Non interventional, Descriptive

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Punjab Medical College Faisalabad over a period of three years [2007 to 2009]

Methodology: 177 subjects were selected from victims brought for autopsy at the Postmortem unit of Department of Forensic Medicine, Punjab Medical College Faisalabad. Only those cases were included in the study where death of the woman or girl was result of homicidal violence. Manner of death was decided on the basis of the police inquest, autopsy examination and an interview with the relatives of the victim. Victims having some inter sex state were excluded. The data was tabulated and analyzed

Results: Fatal homicidal violence against the women and girls is increasing day by day. Rate of homicide in Faisalabad increased from 2.0 in 2007 to 3.3 per 100,000 females in 2009. Majority of the victims were between the ages of 10-39 years. The commonest weapon of offence used for causing death was firearm. The peak incidence was in the months of March, April and May

Preliminary phytochemical screening of some plants of ethnobotanical importance from district Gilgit of Northern Areas, Pakistan

Seven medicinal plants of ethnobotanical importance belonging to families Elaeganaceae, Gentianaceae, Cupressaceae, Asleraceae, Tamaricaceae, Berberidaceae and Salicaceae were investigated for the presence of alkaloids, amino acids, anthraquinone [free nad as glycosides] ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, coumarins, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, saponins and steroids in their coumarins, phenolics and proteins. Ephedra gerardiana [stem] [family ephedraceae] tested positive for alkaloids, ascorbic acid, coumarins, phenolics, proteins, saponins and steroids. Tamarix gallica [Family Tamaricaceae] tested positive for alkaloids, amino acids, anthraquinone as glycoside, ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins and steroids in stems, roots and leaves. Salix accomophylla [family Silaceae] showed positive results for alkaloids, amino acids, anthraquinone [free and as glycosides] ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, saponins and steroids. Hippophe rhamnoides [family Elaeganaceae] showed positive results for alkaloids, amino acids, anthraquinone [free and as glycosides] ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, coumarins, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, saponins and steroids. Berberis aristata [family Berberidaceae] showed positive results for alkaloids, amino acids, ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins and steroids in stem, roots and leaves, Juniperus excelsa [Family Juniperaceae] showed positive results for anthraquinone [both free and as glycosides], carbohydrates, phenolics, proteins, saponins and steroids

rate of microscopic colitis in patients with chronic watery diarrhea and normal or near normal endoscopic appearance: a retrospective study with review of the literature

Background: microscopic colitis [MC] which includes two distinct but probably related entities namely collagenous colitis [CC] and lymphocytic colitis [LC] is characterized by chronic watery/secretary diarrhea and normal/near normal endoscopic and radiological appearance of colon. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of MC in our patients who seek medical advice because of chronic watery diarrhea and found to have either normal colonic mucosa on endoscopy show minimal nonspecific changes

Material and Methods: a retrospective study on consecutive-colonie-bi0psies-comingJ0Jndus Lab, Lahore for analysis

Results: we reviewed one hundred colonic biopsies and found seven cases of MC, four showed features of LC and three had CC. The two out of four cases of LC were associated with celiac disease. The age distribution was 24 to 65 years. Out of four patients of LC three were female and one male whilst CC was found in one female and two male patients. The two patients of MC associated with celiac disease also complained of failure to thrive/weight loss. One patient with CC had mild abdominal discomfort in addition to chronic watery diarrhea. There was no history of long term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] in any of our patients

Conclusion: MC is a relatively rare but important cause of chronic watery diarrhea and all patients should have multiple endoscopic biopsies taken from different parts of "normal" looking colon to rule out the possibility of MC

audit of forensic autopsies at Faisalabad

Objective: To study the age group and gender of the victims as well as cause and manner of death in forensic autopsies

Material and Methods: This retrospective, descriptive, non interventional and observational study was conducted at department of Forensic Medicine, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad. Period was 01-01-2007 to 31-12-2007. 278 cases of forensic interest brought for autopsy to the postmortem unit of department of Forensic Medicine from different police stations of Faisalabad city and Sadar divisions were included in the study. Data regarding age, sex, cause and manner of death of the victims was tabulated and analyzed

Results: The most common age group of the victims was 2029 years [29.1 %]followed by 30-39 years [28.0%]. Majority of the victims were male [78.4%]. Predominant manner of death was homicidal [79.4%]. The commonest cause of death was firearm injuries [53.2%] followed by sharp force injuries [10.1%]

Conclusion: Very high percentage of homicidal deaths and use of firearm weapons in majority of the deaths is an alarming situation for law enforcement agencies. Strict control over the possession of firearm weapons may improve the existing situation

Pattern of epiphyseal union at knee in the children and young adults of Peshawar

Objectives of the study were to: 1. Determine the age of epiphyseal union at distal end of femur and proximal end of tibia and fibula in the children and young adults of Peshawar. 2. Compare the pattern of epiphyseal union at knee among males and females. Non-interventional descriptive. Department of Forensic Medicine, Khyber Medical College Peshawar. In the study 120 healthy, young volunteer students of both sexes and original residents of NWFP were included. Males were 15-19 years and females were 13-17 years of age. Age was certified by means of birth record, school certificates and interview with the parents. Radiographs of right knee were taken using conventional x-rays apparatus. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. Radiological findings regarding epiphyseal union were classified as follow; a. Stage of non-union b. Stage of partial union c. Stage of complete Union Data was compiled and significance of results was evaluated through statistical analysis of the data using Chi-square and t-test. In males average age of epiphyseal union of femur, tibia and fibula is 16.5, 17 and 17.5 years respectively. In comparison, in females epiphyseal union of femur and tibia takes place at the age of 14 years while that of fibula at the age of 15 years. Epiphyseal union is 2.5 to 3 years earlier in females as compared to males. Epiphyseal union occurs earlier in Pakistan than in European countries. Europeans norms and standards of skeletal growth used for age estimation are not valid for Pakistani children. Further studies on pattern of epiphyseal union must be conducted to develop local reference standard that may be used for age estimation