Evaluation of Serum Prostate Specific Antigens in Breast Cancer.

Serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is an established tumor marker for prostate cancer but its “specificity” for prostatic diseases was challenged after its extra prostatic sources and its presence in female serum was detected. Various studies showed the association of Total PSA (TPSA) and Free PSA (FPSA) with breast cancer in females. The present study was conducted to evaluate the status of TPSA and FPSA as a tumor marker in breast cancer patients. 54 breast cancer cases with 36 fibroadenoma patients along with 40 controls were selected for the study. Their blood samples were analyzed for estimation of serum Testosterone, TPSA and FPSA along with routine biochemical parameters. 34 breast cancer with 20 fibroadenoma cases were reevaluated for TPSA and FPSA 6 months after tumor removal by surgery. Our observations revealed high TPSA in the patient group compared to controls and raised FPSA specifically in breast cancer cases. FPSA was also found to be the predominant molecular form in breast cancer cases. A significant positive association was documented between serum Testosterone and PSA level in the study group. Both the parameters registered a significant decline after surgery. On statistical analysis TPSA and FPSA were found to possess high specificity for breast cancer cases but were deficient in the desired sensitivity to be considered as an ideal tumor marker.

Determination of Solubility and Thermophysical Properties of Tetracycline Hydrochloride and Ciprofloxacin Antibiotics in Different Solvents System.

In this research article, we have described to establish a comparison between the solubility of the hydrochloride and non-hydrochlorideforms of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline in relevant solvents. For that purpose the solubility ofciprofloxacin and tetracycline were measured in water, methanol, propanol,and acetone, in the temperature range between 293.20 and 323.20 K for ciprofloxacin and between 288.20and 303.20 K for tetracycline. The solubility of the hydrochloride form in water is about 2 orders of magnitude higherthan those of the respective base forms. In acetone, we see the opposite effect. For methanol and propanolthe influence of the hydrochloride group of the antibiotic on the solubility in the alcohol is much smaller thanfor water and acetone. The experimental data was correlated with good results using two different activitycoefficient models, NRTL and UNIQUAC, with UNIQUAC giving better results, particularly for ciprofloxacin.The performance of COSMO-RS model to describe the studied systems was also evaluated.The dependence of these properties with temperature are shown. Theresults are interpreted in terms of solute-solvent interaction.

Kocher debre semelaigne syndrome: a rare case report with orofacial manifestations

Kocher Debre Semelaigne Syndrome is a rare syndrome with clinical manifestation of hypothyroidism associated with pseudomuscular hypertrophy. Very few cases have been reported on kocher-debre semelaigne syndrome in the literature with the incidence reported to be less than 10%. As per our knowledge; until now, only one case of oro-facial manifestations has been reported. Here we report one such case of Kocher debre semelaigne syndrome in an 11 year old boy, showing features of macroglossia, multiple impacted teeth, puffed lips and anterior open bite

Oxidative status in workers engaged in recycling of plastic: Occupational hazard.

Recycling plastic industry is on rise. Plastic waste in environment is a pollutant so recycling of it can save environment and is economical too. However its recycling is associated with harmful effects on workers engaged in it. The present study was designed to elucidate the role of free radicals and cytochrome c in pathogenesis of polypropylene associated diseases. Thirty workers from plastic recycling factory occupationally exposed to polypropylene between the age of 18-40 years and working for atleast 8 hours a day for more than a year but less than 10 years were selected for the study. A trend in increase of FRAP and decrease of MDA was observed but they could not reach the level of significance. The level of serum cytochrome c, which is an indirect marker of oxidative stress, was also detectable in only two subjects. Since the number of subjects in the study was less, the result needs to be confirmed on larger number. More over cause of pulmonary dysfunction and carcinomas in these workers needs to be investigated.

Morpho-anatomical and physicochemical studies of Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study morpho-anatomical characters and physicochemical analysis of Fumaria indica (F. indica) (Hausskn.) Pugsley, (Fumariaceae), an important medicinal plant used extensively for treating a variety of ailments in various system of indigenous medicine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Evaluation of the different parts of the plant was carried out to determine the morpho-anatomical, physicochemical, phytochemical and HPTLC fingerprinting profile of F. indica and other WHO recommended methods were performed for standardization.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Morpho-anatomical studies showed compound and pinnatifid leaf, 4 to 6 cm in length, linear and oblong in shape and anomocytic arrangement of stomata, thin walled parenchymatous cells, scattered, sclerenchymatous, capped vascular bundles and radiating medullary rays. Physicochemical studies showed foreign matter 0.2%, loss on drying 6.8%, total ash 16.77%, alcohol and water soluble extractives 8.92% and 20.26%, respectively, sugar 17.75%, starch 22.97% and tannins 2.37%. Phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of carbohydrate, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and sterol. Thin layer chromatography was carried out with different solvents and the best solvent system was chloroform and methanol in 80:20 ratio and revealed 12 spots with different Rf value under UV light 366λ.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results of the study can serve as a valuable source of information and provide suitable standards for identification of this plant material for future investigations and applications.</p>

Worth of Traditional Herbal System of Medicine for Curing Ailments Prevalent Across the Mountain Region of Uttarakhand, India.

The present study deals with 40 medicinal plant species used to cure a variety of ailments through traditional health care system by the local healers (Vaidyas). These plants were checked and verified from the available literature which revealed that the uses of these plants were newly recorded. Depth studies of 40 new recorded medicinal plants were documented with their different parts being used in herbal medicines. It was also found that one species or some times more species were used for curing one or many diseases together. The nature and type of symptoms of diseases reported of human beings were found varying across the region. All these different kinds of diseases were grouped in to three categories i.e. serious, moderate and common based on the risk factor and seriousness of disease in consultation with doctors practicing different streams of treatment i.e. Vaidyas, Ayurvedic and Allopathic. About more than 40% of local inhabitants were consulted, so as to reveals their perceptions on ranking of 10 common ailments prioritized by the local people based on their preference for opting herbal system of treatments. The traditional herbal system of medicine is one of the most important prevailing systems in the area where modern health care centre are rare or in very poor conditions.

Errors in drug labeling and medico-legal awareness.

The importance of drug labels can not be overlooked. Many a times drug labels are missing which may lead to toxicological effects catastrophic accident and medico -legal implication. The objective of the present study was to learn and highlight the problems faced by the medical practitioner, pharmacist and the patients as regards to drug label it’s, medico- legal problems and suggest remedial measures. 55 medical practitioner of Government Medical College, Haldwani and 40 pharmacist of Haldwani town were surveyed through a questionnaire. The 90% of medical practitioners and 80% of pharmacist had faced problem with label related errors. None had been charged for malpraxis and negligence. Remedial measures suggested were barcoding (96%, 60%) colour coding, prefilled syringes (90%, 30%), increasing font sizes and more awareness about medico-legal liability, ethical issue and punishment. Drug label errors are an important cause of patient morbidity, mortality and medico-legal liabilities of medical practitioners. Improved and correct labeling understanding medico-legal importance and communication is the key element in minimising errors. Bar code generated labels, embossing, waterproof labels, improving quality of stickers, increasing font sizes, overcoming language barriers and sense of responsibility will readdress these deficiencies in services.

Novel ideas and approaches to learning medical sciences.

Medicine is a progressive discipline for medical students who are going to be future doctors. Therefore to determine the opinion of students regarding the 2nd Professional M.B.B.S. subject, teaching methodology, reforms to be introduced, computer and Internet use and its application in teaching learning process this study was done. 475 students were given a questionnaire which consisted of 2-5 options. Questionnaire consisted of 2 parts. First part was about demographic characteristic, second part was about the subject 465 students in the age group 19-24 yr with male female ration 1:1, mostly from northern India were included in the study. Forensic Medicine emerged as the favorite subject followed by Pharmacology, Pathology and Microbiology. 40.86% (190) wanted more of clinically oriented classes, problem based learning and use of audiovisual aids. 72.04% (335) wanted integrated teaching curriculum. So in our opinion we can adopt a curriculum which is clinically oriented, integrated, revised pattern with computer application and internet use. This will make the teaching learning process in the medical sciences more effective and relevant to the health of the society.

Age of menarche in girls of Uttarakhand.

Menarche is a physiological and developmental phenomenon significant in the life of a female. It occurs between the ages of 10 to 16 years. Study suggests that menarche tends to appear earlier in life as the social, nutritional and economic condition of society improves. There is paucity of information about menarchial age in hilly regions of Uttarakhand. Therefore, this research was undertaken to determine age of menarche and its variation with geographical, seasonal and nutritional status. This study was carried out through a questionnaire in 450 girl students between age 17-26 years at Uttarakhand Forest Hospital Trust, Medical College, Haldwani, India. The mean age of onset of menarche was 13.6 (+ 1.1) years. The monthly occurrence of menarche had peaks in May-June. The mean menarchial age of girls belonging to plain area was 13.18+ 1.31 years, which showed significantly earlier onset as compared to girls from hilly area (14.21 + 1.46 years). In hilly areas girls having vegetarian diet had significantly higher age of menarche (14.60 + 1.33 years), compared to girls having non-vegetarian diet (14.09 + 1.56 years). Therefore altitude, season and nutritional status have bearing on the mean menarchial age in girls of Uttarakhand.

Effect of training on physiological and biochemical variables of soccer players of different age groups

To find out the effect of training on selected physiological and biochemical variables of Indian soccer players of different age groups. A total of 120 soccer players volunteered for the study, were divided [n=30] into 4 groups: [i] under 16 years [U16], [ii] under 19 years [U19], [iii] under 23 years [U23], [iv] senior [SR]. The training sessions were divided into 2 phases [a] Preparatory Phase [PP, 8 weeks] and [b] Competitive Phase [CP, 4 weeks]. The training program consisted of aerobic, anaerobic and skill development, and were completed 4 hrs/day; 5 days/week. Selected physiological and biochemical variables were measured at zero level [baseline data, BD] and at the end of PP and CP. A significant increase [P<0.05] in lean body mass [LBM], VO [2 max], anaerobic power, grip and back strength, urea, uric acid and high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]; and a significant decrease [P<0.05] in body fat, hemoglobin [Hb], total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG] and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] were detected in some groups in PP and CP phases of the training when compare to BD. However, no significant change was found in body mass and maximal heart rate of the players after the training program. This study would provide useful information for training and selection of soccer players of different age groups

Complaints arising from a mismatch between school furniture and anthropometric measurements of rural secondary school children during classwork

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>The present investigation aimed to evaluate the extent of mismatch between different dimensions of school furniture and the respective anthropometric measures of school children. Assessment of health problems as well as postural pattern among the school children while attending their classes in relation to the classroom furniture was the other aim of this study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>For this purpose, 621 male school children (age range 10-15 years) were selected at random from rural secondary schools (n = 20) in nine districts in the state of West Bengal, India. The subjective evaluation of health problems of the school children was made by questionnaire technique. Postural analysis of the children during classwork was made by video-photographic method as well as direct observation method. Anthropometric measures of the school children were taken by an anthropometer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>School children suffered from various discomforts/problems during classwork because of the school furniture. Anthropometric dimensions of the school children were found to increase with age, but most of the dimensions of the school furniture in different grades (V to X) remained more or less the same. The school children were found to change postures frequently while using such classroom furniture.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Mismatches between the dimensions of school furniture and body dimensions might be the reason for the occurrence of discomfort/problems in various parts of school children's bodies. It can be concluded that an ergonomic intervention is required to redesign the classroom furniture for school children of different age groups in order to reduce furniture-related health complaints.</p>

Consumer protection act (CPA / COPRA) related to medical profession.

With the fast pace of commercialization and globalization on all spheres of life, the medical profession is no exception. Since the passing of the Consumer Protection Act in 1986, the doctor-patient’s relationship has deteriorated significantly and litigation against doctors is increasing day by day. This review article enlightens medical practitioners regarding Consumer Protection Act and how to prevent litigations.