Age and growth assessment of the near-threatened fish Rita rita (Siluriformes: Bagridae) in the Ganges basin

Introduction: Rita rita is a freshwater catfish under threat of extinction, mainly from loss of breeding and nursing grounds. A reliable method for age and growth estimation is needed by fishery managers. Objective: To identify the best body structure for age and growth estimation. Methods: We assessed estimates precision based on Average Percent Error (APE), Coefficient Variation (CV), and Percent Agreement (PA) between readers separately analyzed each calcified structure. We used 390 fish samples from three rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Ramganga, from September 2018 to August 2019. Results: The three indicators favored the use of vertebrae for age estimation; the growth band seems to be annual and formed from May to September. The growth equations were Lt = 90.19(1-e-0.145(t+0.51)) for Ganga; Lt = 91.19 (1-e-0.14(t+0.59)) for Yamuna and Lt = 89.63 (1-e-0.15(t+0.68)) for Ramganga. Conclusion: This species reaches moderate growth in these rivers, where vertebrae are the recommended age estimation structure, followed, in case of need, by sectioned otoliths, whole otoliths and opercular bones. Pectoral spines should be avoided, especially in older fish.

Introducción: Rita rita es un pez de agua dulce bajo amenaza de extinción, principalmente por la pérdida de sitios de reproducción y crianza. Un método fiable para las estimaciones de edad y crecimiento es necesario para los administradores de recursos pesqueros. Objetivo: Identificar la mejor estructura corporal para estimaciones de edad y crecimiento. Métodos: Evaluamos la precisión de las estimaciones mediante el Porcentaje de Error Promedio (APE), Coeficiente de Variación (CV), y Porcentaje de Acuerdo (PA) entre lecturas para cada estructura calcificada. Usamos 390 muestras de peces de tres ríos, Ganga, Yamuna y Ramganga, de setiembre 2018 hasta agosto 2019. Resultados: Los tres indicadores favorecieron el uso de vértebras para la estimación de edad; la banda de crecimiento parece ser anual y se forma entre mayo y setiembre. Las ecuaciones de crecimiento fueron Lt = 90.19(1-e-0.145(t+0.51)) para Ganga; Lt = 91.19 (1-e-0.14(t+0.59)) para Yamuna y Lt = 89.63 (1-e-0.15(t+0.68)) para Ramganga. Conclusión: La especie alcanza un crecimiento moderado en estos ríos, dónde las vértebras son la estructura de estimación etaria recomendada, seguido de, en caso de ser necesario, los otolitos segmentados, otolitos enteros y huesos operculares. Debe evitarse el uso de espinas pectorales, especialmente en peces de mayor edad.

Using otolith weight to predict the age of different stocks of Sperata aor (Siluriformes: Bagridae) from the River Ganga

Estimation of accurate fish age is considered as an essential step for the understanding of life history characteristics, population dynamics, and the management of the fisheries resources. The otolith weight keeps on increasing because of continuous deposition of material on the otolith surface; therefore, otolith measurements are successfully used to infer fish age. The present study was conducted to estimate the relationship between otolith weight and observed age (estimated by counting annuli on the sectioned otoliths) for the stocks of Sperata aor. A total of 315 samples were collected from January 2016 to April 2017 from three different stocks of S. aor i.e. Narora-Kanpur, Varanasi and Bhagalpur from the River Ganga. Linear regression analysis was applied between otolith weight and observed age to predict the age of the fish of each stock from otolith weight. Significant relationships between otolith weight and fish age were observed for the three stocks of the selected fish species from the River Ganga (R2 > 0.9, P 0.05). Overall, 88.5, 88.8, and 87.2 % of the predicted ages were correctly classified to their observed ages for Narora-Kanpur, Varanasi, and Bhagalpur stock, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that the relationship between otolith weight and fish age can provide a surrogate method of age estimation, and can be used to examine the age structure of the three stocks of S. aor from the River Ganga.

La estimación precisa de la edad de peces es considerada un paso esencial para la evaluación de su historia natural, dinámica de población y manejo de pesquerías. El otolito sigue creciendo debido a la continua deposición de material en la superficie; por lo tanto, las medidas del otolito son un buen indicador para inferir la edad del pez. En este estudio se evaluó la relación entre el peso de los otolitos y la edad observada (estimada contando los anillos de los otolitos seleccionados) de individuos de Sperata aor. En total se recolectaron 315 muestras entre enero 2016 y abril 2017 en tres zonas de S. aor en el Río Ganga (Narora-Kanpur, Varanasi y Bhagalpur). Se aplicó un análisis de regresión lineal entre el peso de los otolitos y la edad observada para predecir la edad de los peces de cada zona a partir del peso de los otolitos. Se observaron relaciones significativas entre el peso de los otolitos y la edad de los peces de las zonas del Río Ganga (R2 > 0.9, P 0.05). En general, 88.5, 88.8 y 87.2% de las edades predichas se clasificaron correctamente con respecto a las edades observadas para Narora-Kanpur, Varanasi y Bhagalpur, respectivamente. Se puede concluir que la relación entre el peso de los otolitos y la edad de los peces puede proveer un método para la estimación de la edad y puede ser usado para examinar la estructura de edades en tres stocks de S. aor en el Río Ganga.

Quadriceps Tendon and Patellar Ligament; a morphometric study

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] is commonly injured especially in sportsmen. Autografts using tissue from various sources including the quadriceps tendon and patellar ligament are popular but still controversial due to varying degree of success. The morphological characteristics of the quadriceps tendon and the patellar ligament are of prime importance for this purpose

Objectives: This cadaveric study was undertaken to evaluate the morphometric characteristics of the quadriceps tendon and patellar ligament as an autograft for ACL reconstructive surgery

Study design: Qualitative cadaveric study

Material and Methods: The morphometric observations of the quadriceps tendon and patellar ligament on 36 [18 male and 18 female] adult formalin fixed cadavers were recorded by dissection. The observations included the length, breadth and thickness of the quadriceps tendon and the patellar ligament and were recorded on both sides separately in the male and female subjects. The data were tabulated, compared and statistically analyzed

Results: There was no significant difference in measurements on the right and left sides both in the male and in the female specimens. However the length and width of the quadriceps tendon was more in the males as compared to the females. The patellar ligament was significantly longer in the male specimens as was its width. Thickness of the patellar ligament, however, was not significantly different in the two genders

Conclusion: Both the quadriceps tendon and the patellar ligament are safe and convenient sources of autograft tissue for reconstruction of the ACL

Optimum reckoning of contra lateral breast dose using physical wedge and enhanced dynamic wedge in radiotherapy treatment planning system

It was intended to investigate the effect of physical wedge [PW] and enhanced dynamic wedges [EDW] on contralateral breast dose during primary breast irradiation in radiotherapy treatment, using high energy photon beams. The Varian's Clinac dual mode linear accelerator model 2100 C/D and Siemen's Primus accelerators were used for radiation doses with 6 MV and 15 MV. Doses were delivered using Tangential field techniques and asymmetric collimator jaws. Eclipse three-dimensional Treatment Planning System [3DTPS] was used to measure contralateral breast dose for all fiend settings. Sixty five patients [with cancerous breast as well as chest wall] were taken and their contralateral breast doses were measured at a point 5 cm across, at 2 cm depth from the end of the medial field. The contralateral breast dose mean difference was 0.25 cGy and 0.24 cGy during the comparison of PW and EDW on Varian's Clinac and 0.19 cGy and 0.18 cGy were found for medial EDW and without medial EDW for the same machine in breast cases and chest wall cases respectively as per total prescribed dose. The mean difference for PW [Clinac] and PW [Primus] was found 0.08 cGy and 0.31 cGy and during the comparison of medial PW and without medial PW on primus machine this mean difference was 0.25 cGy and 0.51 cGy in breast cases and chest wall cases respectively as per total prescribed dose. The investigation demonstrates the significance that the EDW produces less scattered dose, which can cause second breast malignancy, compared to PW. Furthermore, the medial wedge, too, can cause second breast malignancy and should be avoided in planning

Complications in laparoscopic and open mesh repair of ventral hernias in a tertiary care hospital

Ventral hernias are defects in the abdominal wall. They are normally classified by aetiology and location. The main reason of ventral hernias can be prior surgery [incisional] or spontaneously [umbilical, epigastric, spigelian, or lumbar hernias]. Ventral hernia repair is one of the most common operations performed by general surgeons. The purpose of this study was to compare the complications rate, post-operative pain, hospital stay and time to return to normal activity in laparoscopic and open mesh repair of ventral hernias. The study was conducted from October, 2010 to February, 2011 in surgery department Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. In this randomised clinical trial a total of 160 patients were selected by taking approval from hospital ethical committee and informed written consent from each patient. The admitted patients for elective surgical repair of ventral hernia were randomly allocated to Group A [laparo-scopy] and B [open repair] including 80 patients in each group. Information regarding study parameters was recorded on a predesigned perfonna. The mean age in laparoscopic group was 41.20 +/- 5.44 years and in open repair group it was 43.32 +/- 4.31 years. In laparoscopic group there were 61 females [76.25%] and in open mesh repair group there were 63 [78.75%] females. The post-operative pain was significantly [p-value = 0.000] less in laparoscopic group [3.59 + 1.58] as compared to open repair group [5.49 +/- 1.59]. The mean hospital stay was also significantly greater in open mesh repair group [31 +/- 5.8 vs. 39 +/- 7.36, p-value = 0.001]. The time to resume work activities for the laparoscopic group was significantly [p-value = 0.046] shorter [median, 21.0 days; inter-quartile range, 24 days] compared with that for the open repair group [32.5 days; 36 days]. There was significantly greater complication rate in open mesh repair group [48.75% vs 33.4%, p-value = 0.032] as compared to laparoscopic group. Intra-operative complications were noted higher in laparoscopic group as compared to open mesh repair group. The laparoscopic management of ventral hernia repair has less post-operative pain, less complications, shorter hospital stay and shorter time of return to normal activity work

Evaluation of diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer

Dissection of the axillary lymph nodes is considered as one of the common measures in management of breast cancer. Edema and limitation in hand movement are accompanied with dissection of axillary lymph nodes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be used to evaluate axillary metastasis. This study was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast cancer. This descriptive study was performed on 30 selected patients with breast cancer less than 5 cm without any involvement of axillary lymph nodes in Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, North-East of Iran during 2009 -10. Initially, the lymphoscintigraphy was performed. Subsequently, prior, to the surgery, the blue dye as a marker was injected for detecting sentinel lymph node and with the use of probe gamma counter and observing blue color on lymph nodes, the sentinel node was determined and separated. Finally, axillary dissection was performed for removing the lymph nodes of I and II level in all patients. Among 30 patients who were evaluated for sentinel lymph nodes and axillary dissection, false negative were observed only in two cases [6.6%]. The sensitivity rate was determined to be 84.6%. Considering the high success rate of detection of sentinel lymph node and limited false negative cases, sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended in cases of breast cancer without axillary involvement

Stevens johnson syndrome associated with lamotrigine

Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome [SJS] is an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity reaction and has been linked as an adverse side effects to many drugs. Lamotrigine, an anticonvulsive medication and also a commonly used mood stabiliser, can be associated with this adverse reaction. Although this has not been reported very commonly, SJS has high mortality and morbidity and requires careful attention as the use of Lamotrigine is increasing in clinical practice. We present a case where the patient developed Stevens -Johnson Syndrome three weeks after being started on Lamotrigine. The case is discussed for its relevance to the use of Lamotrigine which is currently prescribed very commonly in psychiatric practices

Frequency and common forms of smoking in female students of universities of Islamabad

Objective: To determine frequency and common forms of smoking in female students of universities of Islamabad

Study Design: Across sectional study

Place And Duration: Duration carried out in six months from August 2010 to January 2011, including female students studying in four different Higher Education Commission [H.E.C] recognized universities of Islamabad

Methodology: A total of 380 students were selected by two stage sampling. In the first stage out of 16 H.E.C recognized universities, four universities were selected by simple random sampling and in the second stage female students were selected on the basis of consecutive sampling. Study tool was a self developed questionnaire which was amended in the light of pilot study

Results: Prevalence of smoking in University going female students was 17.6%. The average age of students was 20.43 +1.8 years. Sheesha smoking was the most common mode of smoking 62% [n=42]. Majority of the students started smoking between 15-19 years 63% [n=42] Highest percentage 24.2% [n=9] of smoking was in the students doing bachelors in fashion designing [B.F.D] followed by students doing bachelors in business administration [[B.B.A] 22.6% [n=41]

Conclusion: As smoking is on rise amongst young females, there is dire need to make policies to effectively control its growing rate

Study of lymphedema risk factors among patients with invasive breast cancer after the initial treatment

Introduction: Upper limbs lymphedema is one of the rather common and debilitating sequels of breast cancer treatment. The incidence of this sequel has been reported in different sources to be from 25% to 38%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and the risk factors of lymphedema following invasive breast carcinoma treatment

Materials and Methods: Recorded data of breast cancer patients referred to Mashhad Omid Hospital between 1997 and 2005 were evaluated for the incidence and risk factors of lymphedema. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate the risk factors using a logistic regression model

Results: Out of 312 patients entering the study 101 patients [32.4%, 95% CI: 27.2-37.6] developed lymphedema. Univariate analysis did not show a statistically significant difference between the rates of lymphedema in radical mastectomy when compared to other types of surgery such as lumpectomy with axillary dissection. Obesity according to body mass index significantly affected the development of lymphedema [p=0.03]. The average number of metastatic nodes was 4.56 +/- 4.05 in patients who had and 2.48 +/- 3.19 in patients who did not have lymphedema [p<0.01]. The average percentage of metastatic to excised nodes was%54.59 +/- 37.48 in patients who had and%34.67 +/- 34.84 in patients who did not have lymphedema [p<0.01]. Age, the number of excised nodes, the stage of disease, hormonal therapy, adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy had no correlations with lymphedema

Conclusion: According to our findings, body mass index, the number of metastatic nodes and the percentage of metastatic to excised nodes were correlated with the development of lymphedema

Radical scavenging and antibacterial activity of Arnebia benthamii methanol extract

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activity of methanolic extract of Arnebia benthamii (A. benthamii) whole plant.@*METHODS@#Plasmid damage was analyzed by agarose gell electrophoresis. Calf thymus DNA was monitored by TBARS formation. DPPH, reducing power and lipid peroxidation was evaluated by using standard procedures. Antibacterial assay was monitored by disc diffusion method.@*RESULTS@#DPPH radical scavenging and hydroxyl radical scavenging potential of the plant revealed that the extract to be active radical scavenger. Reducing (Fe(3+)-Fe(2+)) power and lipid peroxidation inhibition efficiency (TBARS assay) of the extract was also evaluated and the extract showed promising activity in preventing lipid peroxidation and might prevent oxidative damages to biomolecules. The extract offered a significant protection against plasmid and calf thymus DNA damage induced by hydroxyl radicals. The extract was also evaluated on different bacterial strains and the maximum antibacterial activity was exhibited against Escherichia coli (E. coli) when compared with standard drug.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These findings demonstrate that the methanol extract of A. benthamii has excellent anti-oxidant activities and could be considered as a potential source of lead molecules for pharmaceutical industries.

Bacterial sensitivity in neonatal sepsis

To determine the bacterial sensitivity and resistance patterns to different antibiotics in neonatal sepsis. A descriptive study including indoor patients [neonates] of Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad from March, 2009 to September, 2009. A structured Performa was used to collect the information for the baseline characteristics like age, gender, birth weight, gestational age, mode of delivery of the neonate and age of onset of illness. The sensitivity and resistance patterns were checked by standard disc diffusion method of all the organisms found with Ampicillin, Cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, Amikacin, imipenam, Ofloxacin, Azetreonam and in some cases Vancomycin. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS version 12.0. A total of 50 Neonates with blood culture proven neonatal sepsis were included in the study by consecutive sampling. 27[54%] children presented with late onset neonatal sepsis and 23 [46%] with early neonatal sepsis. The most common organism was Enterobactor [48%] followed by Escherichia coli [16%] and Klebsiella [14%]. The highest resistance of Staphylococcus aureus was with cefotaxime [80%] followed by Enterobactor [58%]. Majority of the organisms were resistant for ceftazidime [100% by Staphylococcus, 79.2% by Enterobactor, 75% by Escherichia coli and 71% by klebsiella]. Ceftriaxone was found highly resistant for most of the organism's i.e. Klebsiella [71.4%], Enterobactor [70.8%], Staphylococcus aureus [60%] and Escherichia coli [50%]. The sensitivity of the Staphylococcus with these antibiotics was almost zero, only with vancomycin with which it was 100% sensitive. Most common organisms were Enterobactor [48%] followed by Escherichia coli [16%] and Klebsiella [14%]

Evaluation of treatment planning system monitor unit calculations for three intensity modulated radiotherapy delivery techniques

We have validated the monitor unit calculations from a commercially available treatment planning system [TPS] for three intensity modulated radiotherapy [IMRT] planning techniques for tangential breast irradiation by using ionization chamber measurements. Treatment plans were generated for forty-two breast patients by a forward planned field in field technique, electronic tissue compensation [ETC], and an inverse planned sliding window technique. We also performed a reproducibility of delivery and dose linearity analysis for each technique. The treatments were delivered to a phantom using a Varian CL21EX linear accelerator. A 2571 0.6 cm3 Farmer type ionization chamber and Farmer 2570/1 electrometer from NE Technology was used to measure output of the linear accelerator and the dose at predefined point in the verification plan. The agreement between the measured and calculated dose was-0.87% +/- 0.54% for field in field technique,-0.74% +/- 0.23% for electronic tissue compensators, and-1.26% +/- 0.48% for the inverse planning technique and. In terms of reproducibility the mean deviation was-1.10% +/- 0.44% for the field in field technique,-0.38% +/- 0.42% for electronic tissue compensators,-1.04% +/- 0.42% for inverse planning technique. Dose linearity experiments showed no significant variations for clinical situations but a breakdown was observed in relative dose for very low monitor units. We have found that the monitor unit calculations for all three planning techniques are correct to the order of 1%, and that the plans can be delivered in a reproducible and accurate manner

Evaluation of depth dose characteristics of superficial X-rays machine using different kVp and applicators diameter

Radiotherapy Treatment Planning requires different dosimetric quantities as input in order to calculate a desired dose distribution. This study has been focused to evaluate the depth dose characteristics of superficial X-rays being used for radiotherapy treatment. Computerized 3-D water phantom of multi-data system was used. The measurements were made through PTW [Physikalirsch-Technische Werkstalten] farmer type NT-30006 waterproof ionization chamber of 0.6cc, and PTW electrometer for digital dose rate reading in Gy/min using five different diameter applicators and filters at five different values of accelerating potentials [kVps]. The dose rate at various kVp X-ray beams was observed to decrease significantly with increasing depth in water phantom for all applicator diameters from 98% [at 0.1cm depth] down to 43% [at 2cm i.e. reference condition]. The dose rate increases by increasing the value of kVp with a maximum at 150 kVp [1.6 and 0.93 Gy/min for respective applicator diameters 2.5cm and 10cm]. Applicator with 2.5cm diameter demonstrates better dose rate at 85kVp at different depths. PDD decreases lower than 50% for all combination of applicators and kVps at/or above 2cm depth so these measurements should not be considered for treatment planning. Higher energy X-rays are suggested to be used for applicators of higher diameters and smaller energy X-rays for applicators having smaller diameters

Children with clinical presentation of Hirschsprung's disease - a clinicopathological experience

Enteric neuronal abnormalities include Hirschsprung's Disease [HD], hypoganglionosis, intestinal neuronal dysplasia [IND Type A and B], and immaturity of ganglion cells. All of these are mostly present with the same clinical features of the HD. A total of 92 patients presented with the clinical features of HD were recruited to this study from two tertiary care Children Hospitals from March 2009 to October 2009. They either had their first presentation or called for definitive surgeries with clinical presentation of HD. After applying exclusion criteria, 84 patients were finally left for the study. Among 84 patients, 13 [15.5% proved to be normally ganglionic on rectal biopsies and 71 [84.5%] showed enteric neuronal abnormalities. In these, 51 [71.8%] children had Hirschsprung's disease, 9 [12.7%] revealed immaturity of ganglion cells [IGC], 9 [12.7%] belonged to isolated hypoganglionic group and 2 [2.8%] showed isolated IND type B. In HD group, M: F ratio was 4.1:1, mean age at diagnosis was 1.9 years and the presenting complaints were in the descending order i.e., abdominal distention, constipation, vomiting and delayed passage of meconium. Among the group that showed IGC, M: F ratio was 2: 1, mean age at diagnosis was 12 days of life. The presenting complaints were same as that in HD in a similar order. In isolated hypoganglionic group, M: F ratio was 3.5.: 1, mean age at diagnosis was 2.3 years. The presenting complaints included constipation [88.9%], abdominal distension [77.8%], vomiting [33.3%] and delayed passage of meconium [33.3%]. In isolated IND type B, both patients were males, they came with constipation, abdominal distension and vomiting whereas one of them had history of delayed passage of meconium. HD was the most common enteric neuronal abnormality. Other neuronal abnormalities included isolated hypoganglionosis, immaturity of ganglion cells and isolated hyperganglionos [IND Type B]. Most common presenting complaints were abdominal distension, constipation, vomiting and delayed passage of meconium in all the groups

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

[ 30-year evaluation of the agreement between clinical and histopathological diagnoses of peripheral epithelial and mesenchymal lesions in Mashhad Dental School: 1976-2006]

Statement of Problems: Sufficient knowledge, experience and careful examination usually lead to appropriate clinical diagnosis. However, lesions with similar clinical features present a diagnostic challenge. Therefore, a confirmatory histopathological examination can be helpful to reach the final diagnosis

Purpose: The present study was conducted to evaluate the agreement between clinical and histopathological diagnoses of oral epithelial and mesenchymal lesions in a period of 30-years [1976-2006] at Mashhad Dental School

Materials and Methods: The percentage of concurrence and discrepancy between clinical and histopathological diagnoses of 625 epithelial and 2480 mesenchymal lesions was compared. Clinical data including the patient's gender and age and the lesion's location were also evaluated in cases with discrepancy. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, T-Test, Chi-Square, Likehood Ratio, Fisher's Exact and Kappa tests

Results: An overall agreement between clinical and histopathological diagnoses was seen in 71/4% of epithelial lesion cases, with maximum parity in squamous cell carcinoma and papilloma. In 57/1% of the mesenchymal cases, the diagnosis was in total agreement. Denture hyperplasia, epulis fissuratum, and pregnancy tumor showed the highest concurrence, respectively

Conclusion: Although histopathological examination leads to final diagnosis, in some cases proper strategies and more attention to clinical features of the lesion are necessary to minimize the discrepancy, especially for those with non-specific clinical presentation

Comparison of serum sodium before and after use of reduced osmolarity ors solution in children with acute water diarrhea

Background: Oral rehydration salt [ORS] solution has reduced childhood deaths from diarrhea. Recent studies suggest that ORS solutions with reduced osmolarity may be more effective. However, there is concern about hyponatremia with reduced osmolarity ORS. Objectives: To compare the serum sodium level before and after the use of reduced osmolarity ORS solution in children with acute watery diarrhea [AWD]

Patients and Methods: This comparative cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics Unit-I, King Edward Medical University/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore from March to August 2009. Sample was collected by non probability purposive sampling. After consent, a total of 100 children of age 2 to 60 months, consistent with clinical case definition of AWD [passage of 3 or more loose stools/day with duration of less than 14 days] were enrolled. Those children with severe dehydration or having clinical evidence of systemic infection were excluded from the study. Each child was offered reduced osmolarity ORS solution. Serum sodium level was measured before and 6 hour after use of ORS. Data was entered in SPSS 17 and paired sample t-test was applied to compare serum sodium level before and after use of ORS

Results: Mean serum sodium level before and 6 hour after use of reduced osmolarity ORS solution was 133+/-3.4mEq/L and 133+/-2.9mEq/L, respectively. There was statistically insignificant change in serum sodium level after use of reduced osmolarity ORS solution.[p value 0.173] Similar results were found for subgroups of age and gender

Conclusion: Reduced osmolarity ORS solution has no statistically significant risk of hyponatremia in children with AWD

Multisectoral development for improved health outcomes: evaluation of community-based initiatives in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Community-based initiatives [CBI] are based on integrated multisectoral socioeconomic development with community participation and intersectoral support to improve the health and quality of life of the people. During 2005-06 the World Health Organization supported an evaluation of CBI in the Islamic Republic of Iran by collecting information from intervention villages on social capital and other indicators, with validation of the findings. The data showed some positive changes in the intervention areas compared with control villages. The evaluation suggests that the CBI approach is a useful tool for improving health and social indicators and providing mechanisms for community-based participation and intersectoral collaboration for health and development at the local level

Prevalence and pattern of congenital missing teeth in a group of Iranian adolescents

Congenital missing tooth in the condition of having genetically one or more missing teeth which cannot be observed clinically or in radiographic images. This is one of the most prevalent anomalies in dental development that occurs either individually or as symptoms of a syndrome. Moreover, for permanent teeth, it is common with a reported prevalence of between 1.6-9.6%. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence rate and the pattern of congenital missing teeth in adolescents referring to Mashhad School of Dentistry. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 600 panoramic radiographs related to the subjects aged 9-14 years [351 girls and 249 boys] were analyzed. The data were recorded in the related forms, and the analyzed using Chi-square and Exact rests. Among 600 panoramic radiographs, 94 teeth were found to be missing. The most and the least frequent missing teeth were the mandibular second premolars and the maxillary central incisors [observed in only 1 subject], respectively. The most commonly absent teeth were the mandibular second premolars, the mazillary lateral incisors, the mandibular central incisors, and the maxillary second premolars in order of the frequency. This study revealed that the frequency o missing tooth in girls to higher than that in boys. Thus, due to the girls' more aesthetic sensibility and also intricate treatment of such anomaly, accurate and frequent examination of adolescents' particularly girls' teeth for on-time diagnosis is crucial

Factors influencing outcome of head injury patients at a tertiary care teaching hospital in India

Trauma is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in people younger than 45 years and head injury is mostly highly weighted predictor of outcome in trauma population, anything than can improve the outcome from severe head injury has the potential of improving the lives of many accident victims. A study regarding factors influencing outcome of traumatic brain injury patients was conducted at a tertiary care hospital of Srinagar [India]. The basic predictors in this study included age, sex, rural/urban, time taken from site of trauma to arrival at hospital, mode of transportation, referral from other hospitals, referral to other hospitals, and Glasgow Coma Scale. Traumatic Brain Injury [TBI] patients [n 547] were taken prospectively by simple random sampling method for a period of one year [2004] for this study. Majority of patients belonged to age group 0 to 10 years [25.5%] and a maximum death [8] were seen in age group 51 to 60 years. Maximum number of patients were males [75.9%] and [71.1%] TBI patients were from rural areas. [26.7%] reached this hospital within a period of one hour. [66%] were shifted through ambulance service. 6.4% expired after treatment. Factors responsible for improved outcome in severe head injury patients are improvement in early recognition, resuscitation and triage, coupled with prompt computed tomography [CT] scanning and aggressive surgical management