Hepatoprotective and therapeutic effect of Muravvaq of Mako on rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats just after rainy season [August-September]

The efficacy of Muravvaq of Mako [Frothless juice of Aolanum nigrum leaves] to control hepatic damage induces by Rifampicin was studied in Wistar albino rats. Rifampicin was administered orally as suspension to rats with a daily dose of 50 mg/kg body weight till 30 days with Muravvaq of Mako in concurrent group. In the second phase of study the effect of Muravvaq on established hepatotoxicity was studied by giving it for 20 days after withdrawal of Rifampicin. Hepatic dysfunction was assessed by biochemical and histological parameters. A significant increase observed in serum bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT and Alkaline phosphatase levels in negative control groups. However, there was a significant reduction in increased enzymatic levels in concurrent and treated group of rats, which received Muravvaq alongwith Rifampicin for 30 and 50 days, respectively. Histopathological analysis of liver samples also confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of Muravvaq. These results suggest that Muravvaq of Mako shows hepatoprotective effect against Rifampicin-induced hepatic damage in rats. The study was done in two different seasons, just after rainy [August-September] and in autumn season, to assess the efficacy of seasonal variation

Effect of Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain on hepatotoxicity induced by rifampicin in rats just after rainy season [August-September]

To assess the hepatoprotective activity of Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain frothless juice of Mako [Solanum nigrum] leaves, and Kasni [Cichorium intybus] leaves and collectively leaves of both plants on Rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by Rifampicin given orally as suspension for 30 days. Concurrent group received Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain alongwith Rifampicin. In the second phase of study the effect of Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain on established hepatotoxicity was studied by giving the Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain for 20 days after withdrawal of Rifampicin. Hepatic dysfunction was assessed by biochemical and histological parameters. Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain significantly [p<0.05] prevented changes in the serum levels of bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT and SALP. Similarly it significantly prevented the histological changes as compared to the group receiving Rifampicin. It also significantly reversed the biochemical and histological changes

Hammam an ancient principle of health

The baths or 'hammams' as they are named, are for many, aspects of health not just for external cleanliness. Hammam [bath] is being used as a method of Ilaj-bil-tadbeer [Regimental therapy] advocated in Unani system of medicine since ages. Hammam refers to bath. Hammam refreshes body by dispersing the superfluities and preparing body for assimilation of food. Moreover it guards against discomfort. Unani physicians have mentioned various types of Hammam for different ailments and plays important role in prevention and promotion of health like Wajaul Mafasil [Arthritis], skin diseases, menorrhagia, liver disease etc. This paper is a review of the history, benefits, therapeutic effects and different types of Hammam used and mentioned by old Unani physicians in classical Unani literature. Hammam will also be discussed in the light of modern medicine

Distribution of ABO and Rh D blood groups in the population of Poonch district, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

We evaluated the distribution of ABO and Rhesus [Rh] D blood groups in the population of Poonch district in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The blood group phenotypes were detected by the classic slide method. The ABO blood group system in the total sample showed the same trend of prevalence as for the general Indian subcontinent [B >/= O > A > AB]. The same trend was found among males, but among females the order of prevalence was different [O B > A > AB]. However, the allelic frequencies in both sexes were in the order of O > B > A. The Rh positive and negative distribution trend in both sexes was also similar

Community health and environment

Our community health and environment programme serves to protect the basics: pure food, clean water, fresh air and healthy communities. New issues are always on the rise, so we must stay on the cutting edge to protect our communities, our health and the environment. A EURO symposium in 1966 defined community health as including "all the personal health and environmental services in any human community, irrespective of whether such services were public or private ones". Historical background from ancient India to 20th century will be discussedú in this article which will also enlighten us on the changing concepts in public health, changing global scenario and its effect on community health

Feeding practices among the infants presenting with acute diarrhoea

To study various feeding practices in children who present with acute watery diarrhea. The objective of the study was not only to study the feeding patterns but also draw an association between different feeding patterns and acute diarrheal episodes Outdoor and indoor unit of Department of Paediatrics Jinnah Hospital affiliated with Allama lqbal Medical College Lahore. Two hundred and fifty patients with acute watery diarrhea of less then 14 days between the ages of I month to I year were included in the study. It was a case control cross sectional study. The data related to 250 patients was collected. The required information was obtained from inother/ attendant of the infant in the questionnaire. All the questionnaire were filled by the doctors. The majority of the infants with acute diarrhea were between 4 months to 1 year 195 [78%]. Forty two [17%] were exclusively breastfed while 78 [310/,] exclusively bottle-fed. Fifty five [22%] had both breast feeding as well as bottle feeding. A large number of mothers 112 [44.8%] gave the teason of insufficient milk for the baby. Majority of the infants with acute diarrhea episodes was between and 12 months when either breast milk is being replaced by bottle milk or improper weaning practices are being used. A large number of infants with acute diarrhea were either mixed fed or bottle fed. Because of increased mixed and bottle feeding there is high incidence of diarrhea in our community

Current awareness of mothers regarding the use of ORS: knowledge, attitude and practice

To study the current situation about the knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers regarding the use of ORS in children with diarrhea. Hospital based descriptive study. Diarrhea section of Pediatric Department, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Material and For a period of 2 months [April and May 2003] a single interviewer, according to a pre-designed questionnaire, interviewed mothers of all children aged 1-60 months admitted with diarrhea and signs of some dehydration. Children presenting with severe dehydration, shock, sepsis, or any other primary diagnosis along with accompanying diarrhea like hepatitis, pneumonia, meningitis etc. were excluded. Queries were made regarding mother's education and socioeconomic background, the knowledge of the mother about diarrhea, ORS, source of information regarding ORS use, method of preparation and use of ORS, type and quantity of ORS used. A total of 151 mothers/ caretakers were interviewed. Among the children, 93[61.5%] were males and 58[38.5%] were females, majority [68.9%] is below 12 months of age. Most [41.05%] were from a rural area, and also majority [56.9%] is uneducated. Out of the total, 128 [84.7%] had used ORS, and 23 [15.3%] had never used it. 117 [77.4%] mothers knew that ORS [nimkol] is a rehydration solution. 89 [69.5%] used the commercially available sachet pack, 80 [62.5%] knew the proper method of preparation of ORS sachet pack, while 48 [37.5%] were unable to tell the right way of preparing it. Out of the 23 mothers who had never used ORS, the common reason was lack of knowledge about the use and importance of ORS. 114 [75.8%] mothers came to know about ORS from a health personal, a doctor in majority of cases, but only 28.9% were assessed for the preparation of ORS, and only 45.6% mother were told about the exact quantity of ORS to be used. Conclusions: Majority of children were below I year of age. Majority of mothers, despite being illiterate and having a rural background, knew about ORS use and had used it, but still 47.01% were preparing it wrongly. Although most of them got information from the first medical attendant, but it was rather incomplete, as the quantity of ORS to be used was not told and the mother's knowledge to prepare ORS was not assessed. Sachet pack was the predominant type of ORS used

Feeding practices among the infants presenting with acute diarrhoea

To study various feeding practices in children who present with acute watery diarrhea. The objective of the study was not only to study the feeding patterns but also draw an association between different feeding patterns and acute diarrheal episodes. Outdoor and indoor unit of Department of Paediatrics Jinnah Hospital affiliated with Allama Iqbal Medical College Lahore. Two hundred and fifty patients with acute watery diarrhea of less then 14 days between the ages of 1 month to 1 year were included in the study. It was a case control cross sectional study. The data related to 250 patients was collected. The required information was obtained from mother/ attendant of the infant in the questionnaire. All the questionnaire were filled by the doctors. The majority of the infants with acute diarrhea were between 4 months to 1 year 195 [78%]. Forty two [17%] were exclusively breastfed while 78 [31%] exclusively bottle-fed. Fifty five [22%] had both breast feeding as well as bottle feeding. A large number of mothers 112 [44.8%] gave the reason of insufficient milk for the baby. Majority of the infants with acute diarrhea episodes were between 8 and 12 months when either breast milk is being replaced by bottle milk or improper weaning practices are being used. A large number of infants with acute diarrhea were either mixed fed or bottle fed. Because of increased mixed and bottle feeding there is high incidence of diarrhea in our community

role of white cell count and C-reactive protein in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Despite recent advances in diagnostic medicine, the diagnosis of appendicitis is still doubtful in a number of cases. Majority of the clinicians rely on their clinical examination strengthened by the laboratory tests. This study was carried out to find out the specificity and sensitivity of white cell count [WCC] and C-Reactive Protein [CRP] in diagnosing appendicitis in patients presenting with right iliac fossa pain. A total of 259 patients were included in this study that presented in the hospital with acute right iliac fossa pain and later on operated and had appendicectomy. The histopathology data was collected to find out the frequency of negative appendicectomy. According to the histopathology reports these patients were grouped into three sub-groups as normal appendix, inflamed appendix or perforated/gangrenous appendix. A record was kept of the WCC and CRP levels of these patients on admission. A total of 259 patients were included in this study and out of them 37 had a normal appendix giving an over all negative appendicectomy rate of 14.3%. Out of these 11 were male and 26 were female, male to female ratio being 1:2.3. The age range was 12-73 with a median age of 24. Among the 222 patients who had appendicitis, 96 had a ruptured /perforated appendix and 126 had an inflamed appendix. Over all the WCC was elevated in 185 patients and CRP was elevated in 168 cases. The cut off value for white cell count was 11 x 106 / L. The C reactive protein levels were calculated by immunoturbidimetric test and the cut off value was taken as 1.7mg/dl. The sensitivity and specificity of WCC in this study was 83% and 62.1% and that for CRP was 75.6% and 83.7%. Both the inflammatory markers i.e. WCC and C-reactive protein can be helpful in the diagnosis, when measured together as this increases their positive predictive value

Male breast cancer

To review cases of male breast cancer. Histopathology Section, Department of Pathology, The Aga Khan University, Karachi. Fifty one cases of male breast cancer specimens, received during a period of 10 years, routinely processed and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin were analyzed. Special stains and Immunohistochemistry were used in difficult cases. Male breast cancer affected individuals in the sixth and seventh decades of life with a mean age of 56.2 years. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma [IDC] was the predominant type. Skin involvement was seen in 27.45% of the cases. Breast lump was the most common presenting symptom followed by skin ulceration. At the time of presentation 43.13% patients had a tumour size of more than 3 cm. Male breast cancer is a rare disease. Most of our findings correspond to the published local and international data

Effect of deferoxamine of gentamicin-induced acute renal failure in albino rats

The effect of the iron chelator, deferoxamine, on gentamicin- induced acute renal failure was examined in albino rats. Rats treated with gentamicin alone [100 mg/kg body weight/day by subcutaneous route for 8 consecutive days] developed acute renal failure [plasma urea 171.2 +/- 34.5 mg/dl and creatinine 3.11 +/- 0.53 mg/dl] compared with saline treated controls [plasma urea 39 +/- 13.7 and creatinine 0.26 +/- 0.1 ms/dl]. In contrast, rats treated with gentamicin and deferoxamine [100 mg/kg body weight/day by intraperitoneal route in 2 divided doses] had significantly lower plasma urea and creatinine levels [62.2 +/- 16.3 mg/dl and 0.72 +/- 0.21 mg/dl, respectively] compared with gentamicin only-treated rats. In addition, malondialdehyde content in renal cortical tissue was significantly lower in rats treated with gentamicin plus deferoxamine [2.05 +/- 0.12 nmol/mg protein] when compared with gentamicin only-treated rats [3.7 +/- 0.27 nmol/mg protein]

Fusiform megal ourethra a case report

We report a case of congenital fusiform megalourethra with anorectal agenesis, rectovesical fistula and absent right kidney. The patient also had uremia. We performed pelvic divided colostomy and vesicostomy. Unfortunately, the patient died on fifth day of life due to septicemia

Neurofibrosarcoma of thigh arising in a case of neurofibromatosis a case report

This is a report of 14 year old boy who had neurofibromatosis Type-I, with plexiform neurofibromas, multiple cafe-au-lait spots, papillomas throughout the body and a large diffuse lesion of left thigh. The latter had completely disabled him. Investigations revealed this lesion to be a case of neurofibrosarcoma, which is a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Details of management are discussed in this report. A brief review of literature is also presented

Infantile spasms - EEG findings and response to acth therapy

Twenty patients with infantile spasms were treated with ACTH. 18 cases [90%] had severly abnormal EEG and 2 cases [10%] had relatively milder EEG abnormality. Mental retardation was present in 19 cases [95%], most of them [85%] having this before the start of seizures, only one case [5%] had normal development even during seizures. Thirteen patients [65%] had complete control of seizures with ACTH therapy. 4 patients [20%] responded initially but soon showed recurrence. 3 patients [15%] did not respond at all. Nine patients [45%] developed side effects. Only 4 [20%] had serious but manageable side effects of hypertension and hypokalemia

Multifocal malakoplakia of urinary bladder in a small child a rare occurence: case report with literature review

A 4 year old girl with symptoms of haematuria treated for 2 years as UTI which later proved to be case of malakoplakia. In this article we are reporting malakoplakia as a rare cause of haematuria, its diagnostic pit falls and the pertinent literature has been reviewed

Median cervical cleft

There are very few reports about median cervical cleft in the literature. Unless there is an awareness of this condition this may easily be confused with other congenital conditions like infected thyroglossal tract and acquired conditions like tuberculous sinuses. In the last 20 years of paediatric surgical practice this is the first case that we have come across with typical features of median cervical cleft. The interesting findings of this case and review of literature are discussed