Antioxidant potential of methanol Root extract of Mentha arvensis L from Kashmir Region.

The study was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential of methanolic root extract of Mentha arvensis L. from Kashmir region. The antioxidant activity of methanol extract of Mentha arvensis L. was evaluated by using 1, 1-diphenyl, 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging, reducing power, metal chelating, nitrous oxide scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content was found to be 9.12 and 32.14 mg/g respectively. The percentage inhibition values of DPPH scavenging for methanol extract were found to be 35.83%. The percentage inhibition values of Nitrous oxide scavenging for extract were found to be 39.11%, the percentage inhibition values of H2O2 scavenging for extract were found to be 21.72%, the percentage inhibition values of metal chelating activity of methanol extract at the concentration of 500 μg/ml was found to be 79.31% and that for standard ascorbic acid was found to be 96% at same concentration and the reducing power of extract was found to be 0.75 at concentration of 0.25mg/ml. The results indicate that the methanolic root extract of Mentha arvensis L. has good antioxidant potential and it can be regarded as promising candidates for natural plant sources of antioxidants with high.

Role of effective communication in management of medical emergencies

Effective and rapid communication in management of day to day medical emergencies can decide between life and death of a particular patient, and life to death of a large number of casualties in case of a major disaster. A systematic approach to develop interpersonal and inter departmental communication needs to be stressed. The newer modes of communication must be incorporated in this system to facilitate speedy approach to the target healthcare facility

Variations in T-helper 17 and regulatory T cells during the menstrual cycle in peripheral blood of women with recurrent spontaneous abortion

Disorders in immune system regulation may result in pregnancy abnormalities such as recurrent spontaneous abortion [RSA]. This study aims to determine the ratio of regulatory T [Treg] and T helper [Th] 17 cells in unexplained RSA [URSA] women during proliferative and secretory phases of their menstrual cycles compared to healthy non-pregnant women. In this case control study, 25 women with URSA and 35 healthy, non-pregnant women were enrolled. The percentage of Th17 and Treg cells in participants peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry. The percentage of Th17 cells and their related cytokines in serum [IL-17A] were higher in the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycles of URSA women compared to the control women. However, a lower percentage of Treg cells and their related cytokines in serum, transforming growth factor [TGF] beta1 and interleukin [IL]-10 were detected in the proliferative but not the secretory phase of the URSA group. The ratio of Th17/CD4+ Treg was higher in the URSA group than the control group. We observed an increased ratio of Th17/CD4+ Treg during the proliferative and secretory phases in URSA women. The imbalance between Th17 and Treg cells during the proliferative phase of menstrual cycles in the URSA group may be considered a cause for spontaneous abortion

A comparative study of visual perception in the elderly residing in Sabzevar

Background: The world's elderly population is increasing and fall is an outcome of ageing. Visual disturbance is one of the internal risk factors of falling. The aim of this study was to compare of the visual perception as a subgroup of visual disturbance in the City of Sabzevar, Iran

Materials and Methods: In the present case-control study, based on convenience sampling method, 89 older adults [46 faller and 43 non-faller] were enrolled. All participants were assessed as follow: dementia [Hachinski ischemia score], fall [fear of fall questionnaire] and visual perception [Developmental test of visual perception adolescence and Adult]. Data were analyzed in SPSS software version 17.0 using Mann-Whitney U test

Results: A significant difference was observed between general visual perception [p<0.001], Motor-Reduced visual perception [p<0.001] and Visual-Motor integration [p<0.001] skills of faller and non-faller older adults

Conclusion: Because the faller older adults had less visual perception ability than non-faller counterparts, it might be assumed that visual perception disorder is one of the causes of fall

Psychiatric disorders; pattern and trends of patients attending out patient department at govt. Sarhad Hospital for Psychiatric Illnesses, Peshawar

The study was conducted to examine the pattern/trend of psychiatric disorders in a hospital based setting. Conducted at Govt. Sarhad Hospital for Psychiatric Diseases, Peshawar in March-April, 2010. Simple Observational. A Retrospective record review was done to determine the disease pattern for patients examined in the OPD [out patient deptt.]. All the patients who attended OPD in year 2010 and 2004 were included.The diseases were coded and classified according to ICD- 9 and 10. Comparison and Statistical analysis of both years was done. The findings of the study suggested that disease pattern seen at hospital, represents mental diseases prevalent in Distt. Peshawar. It showed the predominance of schizophrenic group and neurotic [31 -35%], stress related disorders [30-31%] group over other diseases. Next were the mode effective disorders [12- 16%] and episodal and paroxysmal disorders group [16-17%]. Drug dependence and mental retardation showed low percentage of 2%. Rest of diseases also showed low percentage. Although similar patterns were observed for both years but there were statistically significant difference between the two years. Hospital utilization pattern is a useful guide to the prevalence of mental diseases in general community.The chronic illnesses consisted of major burden of disease. Major groups were Schizophrenic and Neurotic, and Stress related disorders group. Pattern of psychiatric illness have not changed much from 2004 to 2010. Although the hospital is catering a large number of patients, yet there is a dire need of organizing mental health services at community level to reach undiagnosed patients

Medico legal examination of alcoholics

Alcoholism is drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities. The use of alcoholic beverages is very common in western society. To examine alleged alcoholic intake with the objective to assess whether clinical evaluation is sufficient to declare the case as positive for alcoholism. The study includes examination of 100 cases in the office of additional Police Surgeon GMMC Hospital Sukhur over a period of 01 year from January 2009 to December 2009. All the subjects were males and they were 16 - 35 years of age. All the cases belonged to Sukhur city. Majority were from labour class [40%] and followed by business community, and others. Among them 95% were Muslim. Clinically 85% were positive but laboratory tests showed 70% positive cases in 5% the report was misplaced or pilfered. We found that laboratory confirmation should be done before declaring the cases positive; to avoid the pilferage of samples they should be sent to laboratory through proper and fool proof mechanism

[Effect of adjustable wrist hand splint on upper limb spasticity in post stroke patients]

Spasticity is common problem in stroke patients. Spasticity couse dysfunction and restricted activity. The most of patients have hand dysfunction due to stroke. This study was done to determine the effect of adjustable wrist hand splint on upper limb spasticity in post stroke patients. This randomized clinical trial study was carried out on 15 patients with stroke referred to rehabilitation centers in Tehran-Iran during 2009. Patients randomly were divided into interventional [4 female, 3 men] and control [5 female, 3 men] groups. Common occupational therapy practice was carried out for 4 weeks for both groups equally. In treatment group intervention was based on the use of adjustable wrist hand splint moreover common occupational therapy practice. Upper limb spasticity pre and post intervention based on the Modified Ashworth Scale was evaluated. Data were analyzed by SPPS-17 software, pair-t-test and independent t-test. Mean age of patients in interventional and control groups were 61.37 +/- 4.10 and 58.85 +/- 5.01 years respectively. After 4 weeks of treatment, the mean of spasticity was not significant between interventional and control groups, but internal analysis of spasticity were significant in interventional and control groups [P<0.05]. This study showed that the adjustable wrist hand splint is not useful in reduction of upper limb spasticity in post stroke patients

Changing pattern of fabricated injuries in Larkana region

Man has been egotist by nature and from Ancient time man has been endeavouring to bring under power other human beings. With the passage of time and growth of civilization this trend has been increased. Now there are more dangerous ways of violence and torture in use for twisting and turning people around. Inflection of fabricated injuries is one of the ways for fulfillment of his lust. Incidence of fabricated injuries is related with crime rate in any society, and this practice is carried out through out the world. Fabricated Injury is a major problem which forensic expert/causality medical officer face during their duty. Very little literature is available regarding study of fabricated injuries and no authentic criteria has so far been developed for labeling an injury as fabricated one. The present study is about 130 challenged medico-legal cases in Larkana Division which were studied in special medical board held in the Department of Urology Chandka Medical College Larkana. Out of 130 cases 50 were proved to be fabricated. The total number of challenged cases was 130, out of these 50 [38.46%] cases were of fabricated injuries. Out of 50 fabricated cases, 46 [92%] were males and 4 [8%] were female, thus the male to female ratio was approximately 11:1. Maximum cases [25] were from Larkana District, 15 cases were from Shikarpur and 10 cases from Jacobabad. The majority of fabricated injuries from Larkana District were nose injuries as out of 25 fabricated injuries from Larkana district 10 were nasal injuries, while from district Jacobabad and Shikarpur there was no nasal fabricated injury. Most of the fabricated injuries are caused on accessible part of the body like arms, legs, abdomen, chest etc. The pattern of fabricated injuries is changing in Larkana district as out of 25 fabricated injuries in this district 10 were nasal injuries while in District Jacobabad and Shikarpur there was no nasal fabricated injury

Missile diaphragmatic injuries: Kashmir experience

Importance of repairing a diaphragmatic tear due to a missile injury cannot be overemphasized.Even a small diaphragmatic rent should be repaired because of morbidity and mortality caused by subsequent herniation and strangulation. Fifty-three cases with diaphragmatic injuries caused by penetrating missiles were studied from January 1997 to January 2007. All the patients were primarily explored either for thoracic or abdominal penetrating trauma; the diaphragmatic injury was an associated incidental intraoperative finding. Thoracotomy was performed in 18 patients, Laprotomy in 33 patients and in two patients combined thorocoabdominal approach was utilised for managing associated visceral injuries. Overall mortality was 37.7%. Mortality was dependent on associated injuries of thoracic and abdominal viscera. Most patients died due to associated injuries and septicaemia. None of the patients had any sequelae of diaphragmatic repair. Immediate repair of diaphragmatic injury is of paramount importance to prevent subsequent complications of herniation and strangulation

[Survey the addition of sildenafil to alpha- blockers in the management of acute urinary retention related to benign prostatic hyperplasia]

Introduction: acute Urinary Retention [AUR] related to benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH] is an increasingly prevalent condition in men, and the presenting feature in about 25% of men undergoing prostatectomy

Objective: evaluate the efficacy of sildenafil for treating patients with AUR due lo BPH

Materials and Methods: this is a clinical trial, randomized, double blind study. Eighty patients with AUR related lo BPH randomly assigned to receive either 0.4mg tamsulosine hydrochloride and 25mg sildenafil citrate or 0.4mg tamsulosine hydrochloride and placebo. After 48hours, the catheter was removed and ability to void in each group was assessed. Data were analyzed by SPSS 10 and K 2, T test, P<0.05 was considered significant

Results: differences in age, prostate size and residue was not significant between two groups [p=0.791, p=0.587, p=0.364 respectively]. After catheter removal 22 patients [55%] in placebo group and 32 patients [80%] in sildenafil group voided successfully [p=0.017]. After week 19 men [47.5% ] taking placebo and 28men [70%] taking sildenafil could void yet [p=0.041].The difference 1 between two groups was statically significant [p=0.041]

Conclusion: addition of sildenafil citrate to alpha-blockers is effective in successful voiding after catheter removal for AUR related to BPH. Sildenafil may be recommended for reducing the re-catheterization rate

Etiological spectrum of pancytopenia based on bone marrow examination in children

To determine the spectrum of pancytopenia with its frequency, common clinical presentation and etiology on the basis of bone marrow examination in children from 2 months to 15 years. Observational study. Department of Paediatrics, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences [LUMHS], Jamshoro, from October 2005 to March 2007. All patients aged 2 months to 15 years having pancytopenia were included. Patients beyond this age limits, already diagnosed cases of aplastic anemia and leukemia, clinical suspicion of genetic or constitutional pancytopenia, history of blood transfusion in recent past, and those not willing for either admission or bone marrow examination were excluded. History, physical and systemic examination and hematological parameters at presentation were recorded. Hematological profile included hemoglobin, total and differential leucocyte count, platelet count, reticulocyte count, peripheral smear and bone marrow aspiration/biopsy. During the study period, out of the 7000 admissions in paediatric ward, 250 patients had pancytopenia on their peripheral blood smear [3.57%]. Out of those, 230 patients were finally studied. Cause of pancytopenia was identified in 220 cases on the basis of bone marrow and other supportive investigations, while 10 cases remained undiagnosed. Most common was aplastic anemia [23.9%], megaloblastic anemia [13.04%], leukemia [13.05%], enteric fever [10.8%], malaria [8.69%] and sepsis [8.69%]. Common clinical presentations were pallor, fever, petechial hemorrhages, visceromegaly and bleeding from nose and gastrointestinal tract. Pancytopenia is a common occurrence in paediatric patients. Though acute leukemia and bone marrow failure were the usual causes of pancytopenia, infections and megaloblastic anemia are easily treatable and reversible

Effects of exogenous retinoic acid on forelimb and hind limb bud culture of rat in vitro

Retinoic acid [RA], one of the vitamin A derivatives, is used for the treatment of acne, psoriasis and some forms of cancer. It plays an important role in the growth and differentiation during development of vertebrates. In this research the effects of exogenous retinoic acid was investigated on forelimb and hind limb bud culture in vitro. In this experiment, female mice mated with males and observation of vaginal plug was considered as day 0 of gestation. The embryos were removed from uterus at day 12, their limb bud were excised and cultured in Eagle's minimum essential media with 20% human embryo cord serum for two days. Experimental limb bud received RA in three concentrations of 10[-6],10[-5] and 10[-4] M. Sham limb bud, received only alcohol [the solvent] and control did not receive anything. Samples were fixed in the Bouin's solution and stained with Alcian blue for morphological features. Histological studies were morphologically examined. The toxic effects of RA exogenous on the development of limb buds were observed. This toxic effect was greater on fore limb bud. Our results showed that exogenous RA affects the growth and development of limb buds through reducing both the length of proximal-distal axis and the growth of digits in a dose-dependent manner. Microscopic studies revealed that RA hinders chondrogenesis in a dose-dependent manner with higher concentrations significantly reducing the number of limb bud chondrocytes

Burden of malaria in Sindh, Pakistan: a two years surveillance report

To determine the malaria burden in Sindh province of Pakistan and suggest appropriate measures to prevent and control this problem. A descriptive study. All districts of Sindh during January 2004 to December 2005. This study was based on data of provincial malaria control program of Sindh. Active and passive case detection and malariometric survey of population of Sindh are done by health workers of this program in all districts. A monthly report is then sent to the central pool at Hyderabad for compiling and analysis of the data. In years 2004 and 2005, all districts of Sindh were covered by malaria control program. Malaria microscopists observed more than 2.82 million blood slides by all three methods of case collection with an average blood examination ratio of 4. More than 68,000 slides were reported positive for malarial parasite with an average slide positivity rate of 2.41%. Average plasmodium falciparum ratio in years 2004 and 2005 was 33% and 37.2% respectively. Estimated annual parasite incidence was 5.6 per 1000 population and 3.85 per 1000 population in years 2004 and 2005 respectively. In this period, malaria remained endemic in whole of Sindh throughout the year but incidence was relatively higher in coastal areas and rainy and post rainy seasons. Malaria is endemic in whole Sindh province round the year. It becomes high risk in coastal districts in rainy and post rainy seasons. Annual parasite incidence is unacceptably high and plasmodium falciparum ratio is increasing in many districts of Sindh. Hence, effective malaria control under global initiative of Roll Back Malaria Program is the need of hour in this situation

Management of the lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS] due to benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH], with terazosin

This study was designed to assess the efficacy, safety and compliance of terazosin in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Study was conducted in the department of urology, DHQ Hospital Vehari, in about 1-year i-e from July 2004 to June 2005. Sixty patients with an age range of 45-85 years were included in the study. Data was collected prospectively. Patients were assessed according to the international prostate symptom score [I-PSS] at the start of study, during follow up and at the end of study. Out of sixty patients, fifty-two were able to complete the study. It was observed that most of the patients obtained a significant decrease in the prostate symptoms score and improvement in QoL score, with only a few side effects. Terazosin is a safe and effective treatment for BPH with good compliance

Spirulina an overview

Spirulina [family Oscillatoriaceae] is a multicellular, filamentous cyanobacterium, belonging to a blue-green alga of CyanophytaT. Spirulina platensis is one of the oldest alga species on earth and has a history of about 3 billion years'. It grows usually in alkaline waters of Africa, Asia, North and South America3. It has been used for over a thousand years as a source of food because of its high protein content and good amino acid composition. This blue green algae used in daily diets in natives in Africa and America have found to be a good source of carotenoids, micronutrients, tocopherols and beta-carotene. Spirulina contains unusually high levels of gamma-linolenic acid, an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid'. In particular, the blue-green microalgae Spirulina platensis has been used for regulation of immune response, and it still occupies an important place in traditional Chinese medicine'. It is also a source of vitamin A6.7 and vitamin E3

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus and its serotypes in Bahawalpur divison

To find the prevalence of hepatitis C virus serotypes in Bahawalpur division Design: It was a prospective study to asses the frequency of HCV serotyping Settings All the patients coming for the treatment of liver disease from Jan 2000-Dec 2002 in the departments of medicine and consultants in BVH Bahawalpur Subjects and Methods 125 patients of chronic liver disease, with persistently raised SGPT and positive anti HCV and HCV RNA, were included in this study. All these sera were serotyped using Murex Serotyping 1-6 assay system. Of 125 patients sera 105 [84%] were typable and 20 were [16%] untypable, no multiple serotypes were seen. Serotype 3 were 69.6% and serotype 1 [6%]. Serotype 2,4,6 were also detected 4.8%, 2.4% and 0.8 respectively, No serotype 6 was seen. The disease state was compared to different HCV serotypes by and more cirrhosis was observed in serotype 1 as compared to serotype 3. Cirrhosis was also observed in non-typable cases. Risk factors identified from data were transfusions [29%], parentral therapy [20%], Health workers 25[20%], sharing blades, Homosexuality 10 patients [08%], Intravenous drug abusers [04%], previous surgery [6.8%], dentists [7.2%]. No vertical group was seen in this study. Few other miscellaneous risk factors were pricking for ears and noses tattooing [in female groups]. One patient returned from USA, developed cirrhosis due to serotype 1 gave the history of out of family sex contact. No significant difference was noted in different groups of serotypes for HCV. HCV serotypes 3 were more common and serotype 1 was related to more sever disease. Risk factors are more important to control the spread of HCV

Role of surgery in portal hypertension

To evaluate and compare the benefits of surgical shunts/procedures in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Clinical Medicine, K.E. and FJ. Medical Colleges/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. A retrospective study of patients with portal hypertension who underwent various surgical procedures. The results were statistically analysed and significance of distribution of age and sex was tested by using chi square test with one degree of freedom. One hundred and eighty one [181] patients with portal hypertension referred from various teaching hospitals of Lahore and other major cities of Punjab for surgical intervention between 1977-1994. Effectiveness of various surgical shunts in different subgroups of portal hypertension [CPH and NCPH] in recurrent variceal bleeding and ascites. There was a male preponderance among patients undergoing shunt operations. The mean age of noncirrhotics was significantly less as comapred to cirrhotics. Thirty days postoperative mortality was 11.6%. Role of various shunt operations in patients with portal hypertension is mainly palliative. It is of some help in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension but it is certainly much more beneficial in NCPH for prevention of recurrent oesophageal bleeding with improved survival

Plastimation technique for museum specimens

The museum specimens are commonly stored in formalin solution and create problems like transportation shrinkage and discoloration of the specimens. Formalin irritates sensitive mucous membranes and irritates allergic reactions in the skin. To overcome these difficulties a new technique of Plastination of Dr. Gunther Van Hagens has been followed to check the suitability of the procedure and to introduce it in Pakistan. It is concluded that the procedure is simple, easily reproduceable and only worthwhile if practised regularly