Serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in systemic sclerosis and various types of morphea in the Kashmir valley

To find the serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in patients of systemic sclerosis and morphoea in the Kashmir Valley. This was a cross sectional study conducted in the department of dermatology of SKIMS Medical College over a period of one year involving 12 patients of systemic sclerosis and morphea and equal number of healthy controls. All the individuals were taken up for serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels. In patients with systemic sclerosis, the mean levels of copper and ceruloplasmin were increased. No alterations were found in patients with morphea and healthy controls. The increase in serum copper is probably secondary to increase in ceruloplasmin level, which occurs as a nonspecific response to inflammation

impact of the disease early warning system in responding to natural disasters and conflict crises in Pakistan

The disease early warning system [DEWS] was introduced in the immediate aftermath of the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, with the objective to undertake prompt investigation and mitigation of disease outbreaks. The DEWS network was replicated successfully during subsequent flood and earthquake disasters as well as during the2008-09 internally displaced persons'crisis. DEWS-generated alerts, prompt investigations and timely responses had an effective contribution to the control of epidemics. Through DEWS, 1360 reported alerts during 2005-09 averted the risk of disease outbreaks through pre-emptive necessary measures, while the 187 confirmed outbreaks were effectively controlled. In the aftermath of the disasters, DEWS technology also facilitated the development of a disease-surveillance system that became an integral part of the district health system. This study aims to report the DEWS success and substantiate its lead role as a priority emergency health response intervention

Intestinal obstruction due to mesenteric panniculitis

This report describes a case of mesenteric panniculitis in a 40-year-old male who presented with features of intestinal obstruction. Computed tomography scan showed a mass in the mesentery of small bowel. Resection of mass with associated small bowel and anastomosis resulted in complete recovery of the patient

Bulk copolymerization of acrylamide and crotonic acid

Bulk copolymerization of acrylamide and crotonic acid has been carried out. The results indicate that both monomers form copolymer in all monomeric ratios. The induction period is 40 minutes. The increasing concentration of acrylamide and benzoyl peroxide and increase in temperature and time enhance the rate of formation of copolymer. Monomer reactivity ratios of acrylamide and crotonic acid are determined experimentally using the rearranged form of copolymer composition equation. Molecular weight of the copolymer samples show that the copolymer of low molecular weight may be prepared at high temperature. All copolymer samples are white crystalline substances that become light brown at 200-210°C and burn when temperature reaches to 270°C

Comparison of ultrasonography and cholangiography [ERCPL/PTC] differential diagnosis of obstructive jaundice

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography and cholangiography [ERCP/PTC] was compared in determining the site and nature of obstruction in obstructive jaundice. Ultrasound was performed in 50 patients with clinical diagnosis of obstructive jaundice. All patients subsequently underwent ERCP/PTC and/or surgery. ERCP was performed in 38 and PTC in 15 patients. The positive predictive value for the site and etiology of obstruction by ultrasonography was 94% and 86% respectively. In comparison, the cholangiography [ERCP/PTC] had positive predictive value of 100% in site and 98% in etiology. High degree of accuracy and non-invasiveness makes ultrasound as the primary radiological tool in the differential diagnosis of obstructive jaundice. ERCP is the gold standard for determining the precise level and cause of obstruction. PTC adds further to ultrasound based diagnosis of obstructive jaundice particularly in proximal obstruction and in ERCP failure

Intestinal metaplasia in the stomach and its correlation with gastric carcinoma: a study at Asir central hospital

Several studies have indicated a markedly high incidence of gastric cancer in different regions of Saudi Arabia. None of the studies, however, has specified the histologic type of gastric cancer or the existence of precursor lesions in the mucosa of the stomach. Intestinal metaplasia is considered to be a precursor lesion of gastric carcinoma. We studied endoscopic biopsy specimens from 26 cases of gastric carcinoma and 50 cases of chronic gastritis. Intestinal metaplasia was observed in 20 cases of gastric carcinoma and 12 of chronic gastritis. Of 26 gastric carcinomas, 24 were of intestinal type and two diffuse type. A downward time trend in the incidence of intestinal metaplasia has been associated with a decline in the incidence of gastric cancer. Future studies will be able to show whether or not such a downward trend also exists in this region