Efficacy of immunoassay chromatography test for hepatitis-C antibodies detection

To assess the efficacy of commercially available tests device method for anti HCV detection. Total 2000 blood samples for detection of anti HCV were screened initially by immunochromatographic method. Those found positive on initial screening were re-tested by ELISA method at the Biochemistry Laboratory of the Pakistan Medical Research Council, Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore. Out of a total of 2, 000 blood samples, 177 were found to be initially reactive/positive for anti-HCV with immunochromatographic method. When these reactive/positive samples were retested for confirmation with ELISA, 47 blood samples were found to have tested false positive for anti-HCV by immunochromatographic device method. Immunochromatographic device method test is rapid and simple, which can be used in setting with limited facility when rapid testing is required. However it should not be used as sole criteria for diagnosis but should serve the purpose of initial screening only. Further research is required to establish the reliability of such devices for their specificity and sensitivity

Estimation of vasicine and vasicinone in ayurvedic formulations containing adhatoda vasica nees leaf extract using HPLC technique

For carrying out the estimation studies of natural Vasaka leaves [Adhatoda vasica Nees] family Acanthaceae, leaves were subjected to authentication. The marketed formulations containing the leaf extract were obtained from local pharmacies. A literature survey reveals that no specific method has been developed for the determination of amount of vasicine and vasicinone in these complex traditional formulations. The vasicine content of various formulations varied from 86.4 micro g to 22.8 micro g/10 ml of the marketed formulations. This method offers greater selectivity for the determination of the active ingredients and limiting of its oxidative product vasicinone. At the operative chromatographic condition vasicinone was not detected in any of the formulations analyzed. The HPLC technique now allows routine analysis of vasicine containing complex traditional formulation. The technique is rapid, precise and accurate and can be applied to a variety of vasicine containing formulations

Management of soft tissue defects of hand with local [posterior interosseous] flaps

Observational case series study. To evaluate the role of Local Flaps in the management of the soft tissue injuries of hand. Study was conducted at BV Hospital, Bahawalpur from June 2002 to May 2003. In this study, we selected cases in which direct skin closure was not possible due to large defect or skin grafting was contraindicated for example in cases where bones and tendons were exposed, or in certain conditions where some secondary procedures may have to be carried out like tendon repair, tendon grafting nerve repair or fixation of fracture. Patients with severely crushed, non-salvageable hands, manageable with primary suturing and skin grafts and Patients with peripheral vascular disease, Elderly diabetic and Patients medically unfit for anesthesia. A total of 10 patients were treated between June 2002 and May 2003. There were 8 males and 2 females [male to female ratio 4:1]. Mean age of the patients was 26.26 years with range between 10 and 60 years. Most common cause of skin defects was agriculture machine injury [6 cases] followed by roadside accidents [2 cases], blast injury [I cases], and electric burn [1 cases]. In 7 patients there was an uneventful recovery. One flap was lost completely, partial flap loss occurred in one case, marginal necrosis and infection noted in one case. Local [posterior interosseous island] flaps are useful for coverage of the skin defects over the hand when applied with proper indications

Evaluation of fish silage as substitute of animal protein in poultry feed

Fish silage can be used as a substitute of animal protein in normal poultry feed. It exerts positive effects on layer birds and egg production

Incidence of hemiplegia due to cerebrovascular accident in Kuwait in 1989: a retrospective study

Data related to 393 patients admitted to various hospitals in Kuwait with hemiplegia due to cerebrovascular disease during 1989 were analysed of whom 41% were Kuwaitis. The overall annual crude incidence was 3 per 10.000 population and overall admission rate for the year was 2.42 per 1.000 admissions. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor followed by diabetes mellitus, smoking and ischaemic heart disease. The risk factors were more prevalent among Kuwaiti patients. CT scan findings showed a high incidence of cerebral infarctions followed by haemorrhage

Effect of garlic extraction on the bronchial musculature in guinea pigs

Garlic has been in human use since time immemorial. Besides its use and value as condiment and spice, it is reported to be having various pharmacological properties of therapeutic significance. It has been held in great repute by the ancient physicians and was also formerly much used in modern practice. It is employed as a remedy for respiratory tract ailments [Dictionary of Economic Products of India, 1889]. It is said to be expectorant, and decidedly beneficial in bronchial and asthmatic complaints. Therefore, the effect of garlic extract was studied on the bronchial system of guinea pig's respiratory tract to varify and to confirm or contradict the claims made in the literature. Water soluble fraction of alcoholic extract of garlic was used in this study. This fraction has been found to have a stimulant action [broncho-constriction] on bronchial tree. In high doses it further increases respiratory rate and amplitude as a sequence of bronchial constriction, but after the lapse of short duration, the animal regains the normal respiratory rate and amplitude

Effect of garlic extract on myocardial contractions of isolated rabbit's heart

Garlic [Allium sativum L.] has been reported in the literature to be possessing hypotensive property. The effect of the garlic extract was studied on isolated rabbit's heart, as one of the parameters in investigating the mechanism of hypotensive action. Water soluble fraction of alcoholic extract of garlic was used in this study. This fraction has been found to have an inhibitory effect on the isolated rabbit's heart preparation. It decreases the force of cardiac contraction. The degree of inhibition being dose dependent. In high doses [108 mg/kg body wt., and above], produces complete cardiac arrest in partial diastole for 5-6 seconds. Heart then regains the force of contractions quickly in the following 1.6-2.0 minutes. This effect of the extract was not altered by pre-treatment with Atropine. It is also found to have partial antagonistic activity to adrenaline, when administered immediately after adrenaline