Formulation and in vivo evaluation for anti-aging effects of an emulsion containing basil extract using non- invasive biophysical techniques

Skin aging is a complex process induced by constant exposure to ultraviolet [UV] irradiation and damages human skin. UV generates reactive oxygen species leading to collagen deficiency and eventually skin wrinkling. Basil contains a number of phenolics and favonoids which possess antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to formulate and investigate the antiaging potential of a cream containing Basil extract. A single blinded study was conducted using non-invasive methods. Formulation containing 3% of the concentrated extract of Basil was developed by entrapping in the inner aqueous phase of w/o emulsion and base contained no extract. Both creams were stored at different storage conditions of 8°C, 25°C, 40°C and 40°C+ 75% relative humidity to predict their stabilities. The formulation and base were evaluated for their effects on various skin parameters i.e., moisture and trans epidermal water loss [TEWL], volume, energy and surface evaluation of the living skin [SELS]. Significant effects [p

In vitro ciprofloxacin resistance patterns of gram-positive bacteria isolated from clinical specimens in a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia

Over the last few decades the ever-increasing level of bacterial resistance to antimicrobials has been a cause of worldwide concern. Fluoroquinolones, particularly ciprofloxacin has been used indiscriminately for both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infections. The increased use of ciprofloxacin has led to a progressive loss of bacterial susceptibility to this antibiotic. Therefore it is necessary to have update knowledge of resistance pattern of bacteria to this antibiotic so that alternate appropriate antibiotics can be used for ciprofloxacin-resistant bacterial infections. To evaluate the trends of ciprofloxacin resistance pattern in commonly isolated gram-positive bacteria over time in a Saudi Arabian teaching hospital. a retrospective analysis was carried out for ciprofloxacin susceptibility patterns of 5534 isolates of gram-positive bacteria isolated from clinical specimens submitted to microbiology laboratories at King Fahd Hospital of the University [KFHU], Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia during the period from January 2002 to August 2005. Increase in ciprofloxacin resistance rates with some fluctuations, among these isolates, were observed. For Staphylococcus aureus, it varied from 4.62, 1.83, 7.01 and 3.98%, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] 97.92, 97.75, 87.01 and 88.26%, Streptococcus pyogenes 5.35, 4.47, 14.44 and 3.53% during the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively. Cirprofloxacin resistance 30.23, 23.02 and 26.47%; enterococcus group D, 43.05, 20.68 and 57.03% and non-enterococcus group D, 62.96, 76.92 and 87.50% respectively. Ciprofloxacin resistance in gram-positive bacterial clinical isolates particularly Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant increased and ciprofloxacin no more remains the drug of choice of these infections

study of lipid peroxidation status in patients of stroke

During past few years identification of many molecules that participate in neuronal death and particularly apoptosis by various experimental studies, has contributed to the information on pathogenesis of ischemic brain injury and oxidative stress has been regarded as one of the mechanisms. The present study has been undertaken to evaluate a free radical, as a measure of lipid peroxidation in patients with cerebral infarction and haemorrhage and also to correlate its level with lesion size and its outcome in the patient. The study included 50 patients of stroke [25 each with infarction and haemorrhage] while 25 comparable subjects served as control. Serum malondialdehyde [SMDA] levels was estimated on the first day of admission in both the study groups as a measure of lipid peroxidation status in these subjects and the lesion size was measured by computed tomography. The mean SMDA level in thrombotic and haemorrhagic group was 4.16 +/- 0.04 nmol/dL and 4.03 +/- 1.1 nmol/dL while it was 1.9 +/- 0.4 nmol/dL in control. The difference in the mean SMDA levels in the controls and study subjects were statistically significant [p<0.001], while the difference between the thrombotic and haemorrhagic groups was statistically insignificant. The mean size of large lesion in thrombotic group was 13.6 +/- 3.0 cm[2] while it was 5.0 +/- 1.4 cm[2] for small lesions. The corresponding values of SMDA with these lesions were 4.98 +/- 0.9 nmol/dL and 3.23 +/- 0.4 nmol/dL. In haemorrhagic group mean size of large lesion was 13.3 +/- 1.9 cm[2] while that of small lesion was 6.6 +/- 1.9 cm[2]. The respective SMDA levels were 5.0 +/- 0.7 nmol/dL and 3.13 +/- 0.2 nmol/dL. There was marked statistical significance [p<0.001] in the SMDA levels between the small and large lesions in both study groups. A significant correlation existed between serum MDA levels, lesion size and early outcome in patients with stroke [p<0.001]. It is, therefore, concluded that the SMDA levels are raised in patients with acute stroke and hence are an indicator of the involvement of lipid peroxidation in its pathophysiology and can also be used as a prognostic markers in subjects with stroke

Efficacy of topical tacrolimus in atopic dermatitis

Mainstay treatments for atopic dermatitis include cutaneous hydration, antihistamines and topical glucocorticoids. To avoid side effects associated with long term and higher potency topical corticosteroids, further topical immunosuppressive agents should be tried. Topical tacrolimus has been extensively studied and shows promise in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. To determine the safety and efficacy of tacrolimus in atopic dermatitis. In this randomized, case-control study, out of 60 patients with atopic dermatitis [age ranging 2 to 45 years], 30 [case] were treated with tacrolimus [0.03%] ointment twice daily and 30 [control] were treated with vaseline twice daily for up to 3 weeks. Evaluation included per cent body durface area [%BSA] affected, individual signs of atopic dermatitis, the Severity Score of Atopic dermatitis [SCORAD], and the patient's assessment of pruritus. The outcome variables like erythema, edema/papulation, oozing/crusting, excoriation, pruritus, body surface area involved and SCORAD in the case group improved significantly compared to those in the control group [p< 0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.005, <0.001, <0.001 and <0.001, respectively]. After 3 weeks of tacrolimus, all variables except lichenification score responded significantly. Significantly higher number complained of burning sensation in cases [20%] as compared to none in the control group. Topical 0.03% tacrolimus is more effective than the vehicle alone

Laryngeal cancer; experience of 50 cases treatment at Faisalabad

Laryngeal cancer remained the most common malignant tumour of the head and neck despite an increase in the tumours of the oral cavity and oropharynx in the past two decades. However, it is the malignancy which has a high cure rate if diagnosed early and treated correctly. To analyse the results of treatment offered to laryngeal cancer patients. Prospective study. Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery Unit-II Allied Hospital Faisalabad. Nov.2003 to Oct 2005. 50 cases of laryngeal cancer were selected at random who presented with hoarseness and /or respiratory distress in the out patient department. Majority of these patients were smokers. All these 50 cases were analysed from treatment point of view. Out of 50 cases of laryngeal cancer, 12 patients [24%] presented with supra-glottic growth. Only one patient [02%] involved the sub-glottic region. The trans-glottic growth was noted in 16patients [32%]. We had to perform emergency tracheostomy in 19 patients [38%]. 16 patients [32%] underwent total laryngectomy as the primary mode of treatment. 18 patients [36%] were referred to oncology department for primary therapeutic radiotherapy. Salvage total laryngectomy after primary radiotherapy failure was offered to 7 patients [145]. It was noted that recurrence of the lesion was more in those patients who received primary radiotherapy, 9 [18%] shoed recurrence in case of primary radiotherapy while 5 [10%] showed the recurrence after total laryngectomy. Early diagnosis of laryngeal cancer pays a lot of dividends and makes the difference between life and death. Therefore more emphasis should be made on early diagnosis

C-reactive protein as a marker in acute coronary syndromes

As traditional atherogenic risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, dyslipedemia and diabetes mellitus do not fully account for clinical occurrence of Coronary Heart Disease [CHD] in different populations, hence there was an intensive search for potential novel cardiovascular risk factors. During last few years, C-Reactive Protein [CRP] have been implicated as risk factors in causation of coronary heart disease. Present study comprised of eighty-eight subjects admitted to coronary care unit who were subsequently divided into three groups based on their diagnosis: Group A; patients with acute myocardial infarction; Group B patients with unstable angina and Group C-subjects as control. CRP levels were measured at the time of admission using an ELISA kit. The concentration of CRP was elevated in patients with acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina as compared to the Control Group [p<0.001]. And also the incidence of in-hospital recurrent ischaemic events had been observed significantly more in patients with an elevated CRP levels. The study indicates that C-reactive protein levels measured at the time of admission in patients with suspected ischaemic heart disease could be a marker for acute coronary syndromes, and helpful in identifying patients at high risk for recurrent ischaemia. Therefore, it is concluded that measurement of CRP levels may have practical clinical significance in the management of patients hospitalized for suspected acute coronary syndromes

Prevalent age group, cause and site of pediatric facial bone trauma at two tertiary units in Pakistan

The pediatric oro-facial trauma is observed in Indian Subcontinent as well as in developing countries. The school group and teenage group children are frequently involved. Dento-alveolar fractures are common comparative to mandibular fractures whereas middle third of the face is exceedingly rare. The mandible is fractured at variety of sites in pediatric facial trauma. The condylar cartilage, developing permanent teeth and advancing growth, all result in injury at different sites of the mandible and hence the various treatment modalities are required to manage these fractures. In majority, the causes of fractures are accidental falls and road traffic accident [RTA]. 141 patients presented at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Punjab Dental and Children Complex Hospitals, Lahore from September 2003 to December 2005. The age of the patients ranged from infancy to early teenage [>0 years to 15 years] with facial bone injuries. The children were divided into four groups; Group "A " [Infants], Group "B" [Pre-school], Group "C" [School] and Group "D" [Teenage]. After initial examination, different radiographs [orthopantomograph, posterioanterior mandible and occipitomentalis views] were utilized to confirm the site and diagnosis. Different treatment modalities depending upon the site, bone involved and age group of the patients were used to manage the fractures. Few patients were managed conservatively. The dento-alveolar trauma was noticed frequently in group "C" and "D" and it is 50.35% of the total facial bone trauma. The cause of the trauma in majority of the patients was by accidental falls. 40 patients were of maxillary dento-alveolar trauma and nine were of mandible. Twenty-two children had bi-maxillary dento-alveolar trauma. It was observed that the maxillary trauma was common in skeletal /dental class II div I cases. The next common bony trauma was of the mandible [45.39%]. 50% of total mandibular fractures were from group "C". The site of the fracture in these patien ts was the body of the mandible and frequently associated with mandibular condyles [29%] whereas 9.37% of them had unilateral condylar fractures. This group had the highest frequency of mandibular fractures among facial bone fractures. Group 'D' [20.31%] of total mandibular fractures had high male prevalence [80%]. Maxillary fractures were 2.83% of the total facial bone trauma. The patients had Le Fort I or high Le Fort I fractures while one patient [presented 15 days after trauma] had Le Fort III fracture. The Le Fort III patient had fall from double story building and had head injury too. Two patients had trauma due to automobile RTA. All patients of maxillary fracture were from early age group "C" and there was no associated mandibular fracture in these patients. Zygomatic fractures were 1.41% of the total facial bone trauma. One patient had fracture from fall [stairs] and other had RTA. The patterns and sites of pediatric facial bone fracture vary within age groups. Majority of facial bone tr auma results in school going and early teenage groups with definite male predominance. Dento-alveolar and mandibular fractures are frequent with negligible mid face fractures. The pediatric facial bone fractures should be managed at their earliest to avoid complications

Prevalence of pre-menstrual syndrome in young girls

Prevalence of pre-menstrual syndrome[PMS] was determined in 100 girls in age group 16-22 years, belonging to a medical college. Out of total 66.66% had PMS. Major complaints were aches and pains, pre-menstrual dysmenorrhoea and mood swings

Prevalence of hepatitis B in pregnant females

Hepatitis B during pregnancy is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. A study was conducted on 1000 pregnant females at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to find out the prevalence of Hepatitis B in pregnant females. 18 [1.8%] were found to be hepatitis B surface antigen positive thus showing a high prevalence rate for this disease in the study population

Hysterosalpingography as a diagnostic tool in patients with infertility

To evaluate the role of HSG as a diagnostic tool in a tubal factor infertility. HSG was performed on 100 infertile patients after excluding other causes of infertility. Tubal factor was found in 34% of patients as a cause of infertility

Jelly belly test

A technique is described as how to appreciate urethral obstruction prior to attempt at catheterization to avoid injury to urethra. In this technique anesthetic jelly is administered through external urinary meatus, which leads to distension of distal urethra in case of obstruction

Pharmacokinetic studies of ranitidine tablets on healthy human subjects using two binders

Ranitidine is an effective H2 receptor antagonist. Ranitidine is a specific, long acting H2 receptor antagonist. It is indicated for the treatment of duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, GERD and Zollinger Ellison syndrome. In this study two formulations of Ranitidine 300 mg tablets were prepared and film coated. Starch and poly vinyl pyrolidone were used as binding agents to check the effect of the binding materials on the pharmacokinetic parameters of Ranitidine tablets. Different in vitro tests were used to evaluate Ranitidine tablets like disintegration test and dissolution test. Then in vivo evaluation was performed on these two formulations. Tablets were administered to eight normal human subjects comprising of two groups, each group consisted of four normal human subjects one by one in a crossover manner after one week washout period. Blood samples were collected and plasma was obtained and analyzed by HPLC. Statistical analysis was performed and the values for Cmax for formulation 1 were found to be 4.63 +/- 0.47 micro g/ml, and for formulation 2 it was 4.76 +/- 1.02 micro g/ml. The value for Tmax for formulation 1 was found to be 2.0 +/- 0.37 hours, and for formulation 2 it was 1.5 +/- 0.46 hours. The value for AUC for formulation 1 was found to be 18.57 +/- 6.122 micro g/hr/ml and for formulation 2 it was 26.43 +/- 22.38 microg/hr/ml. It was also concluded that different binders affect the bioavailability of the tablets and Ranitidine tablets prepared by polyvinyl pyrolidine have better bioavailability than those tablets prepared by starch as binding agent

Natural environmental radioactivity and estimation of radiation exposure from saline soils

The study was conducted for the investigation of amount of radioactivity in the barren and cultivated soil of Bio saline Research Station in Pakka Anna, established by Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology [NIAB] in 1990, 34 km. away from the city of Faisalabad, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The studies were done on an area of about 100 hectares of two types of virgin and fertilized saline soils. The technique of gamma ray spectrometry was applied using HPGe [high purity germanium] gamma ray detector and a PC based MCA. Activity concentration levels due to 40K, 137Cs, 226Ra and 232Th were measured in 250 saline soil samples collected at a spacing of about 4 hectares at the depth level of 0-25 cm. with a step of 5 cm. depth. Activity concentrations ranges of the concerned radionuclides for both of the soils were as follows: 40K, for virgin and cultivated saline soil was 500-610.2 and Bqkg -1 560.2-635.6 respectively; 137Cs, 3.57-3.63 and 1.98-5.15 Bqkg -1 238U, 26.3-31.6 and 30.3-38.7 Bq.kg -1, and 232Th, 50.6-55.3 and 50.6-64.0 Bqkg -1 respectively. The absorbed dose rate in air lies in the region 63--73 nGyh -1 and 68--83 nGyh -1 for virgin and fertilized soils respectively. This indicates that this region lies in the area of higher radiation background, while comparing with the worlds' average. The slightly higher value of dose in the fertilized farm may be due to the use of fertilizers for cultivation. Before the radiometric measurements, chemical analysis for concentration of Na, Ca and Mg was also carried out along with the measurement of electrical conductivity and pH of the soil samples

Automated detection of malaria: a comparison with microscopy

To compare the automated detection of malaria with microscopy. In this study 250 blood samples submitted for malaria investigation were studied microscopically for malaria parasites. All samples were additionally analyzed for same parameters with automated hematology analyzer, Cell Dyn 3700 [CD3700]. The results from the instrument generated as scatter plots [derived by laser light depolarization], were compared with microscopy results. The atypical depolarizing events or positive patterns were observed in 43 out of 250 samples on cell Dyn 3700, while microscopically 3 7 samples were found to b e positive. Three samples positive on microscopy, were found t o b e negative on CD-3700. Compared with microscopy the sensitivity of CD3700 was 92.5% and specificity was 97.3%. Maximum parasitaemia was 6.5%. Automated detection of malaria by CD3700 automated hematology analyzer is feasible for screening purpose in malaria endemic and non-endemic areas

Association of malaria with thrombocytopenia

In this study, 250 blood samples submitted for malaria investigation were studied microscopically for malarial parasites and platelet count. All samples were additionally analyzed for platelet count with automated haematology analyzer. Thirty seven [37] samples were found to be malaria positive microscopically. Out of 37 cases with malaria positive microscopically, thrombocytopenia was observed in 24 [64%] cases of malaria. So there is association of thrombocytopenia with malaria

Ischemic stroke subtypes in Pakistan: the Age Khan University stroke data bank

Frequency of ischemic stroke subtypes is influenced by ethnic and geographic variables. Our objective was to identify various stroke subtypes and its determinants at a tertiary care hospital. We prospectively collected data on ischemic stroke subtypes admitted to The Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi. A total of 596 patients were enrolled in 22 months in the Aga Khan Universtiy Stroke Registry. These included 393 patients with Ischemic stroke, 126 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, 50 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and others. The ischemic stroke group was classified according to the TOAST criteria and comprised of lacunar 168/393 [42.7%]; large artery atherosclerosis 106/393 [26.9%]; cardioembolic 24/393 [6.1%]; undetermined 80/393 [20.3%]; and other determined types 15/393 [3.8%]. The high proportion of lacunar strokes in our population may be due to high burden of inadequately treated hypertension and diabetes. Clear cut cardioembolic stroke was relatively infrequent in our population. Lacunar stroke is the most common subtype of stroke in our patient population. This is most likely secondary to uncontrolled hypertension

Seasonal variation in bacterial pathogens isolated from stool samples in Karachi, Pakistan

To determine the seasonal variation of the commonly isolated bacterial pathogens in stool samples. A retrospective descriptive study was undertaken of all the stool samples submitted from within Karachi to the Aga Khan University Hospital Laboratory over a period of five years [January 1997- December 2001] in order to determine the commonly isolated bacterial pathogens and to predict their seasonal variation. A total of 16379 stool samples were included in this review. Bacterial isolates were found in 6670 stool samples [culture detection rate=40.7%]. The mean age at the time of culture of each sub-group was <1 year group [6.58 +/- 3.1 months], 1-5 years [2.13 +/- 0.94 years], 5-14 years [8.3 +/- 2.6 yrs] and adults [43.2 +/- 18.5 years]. Male: Female ratio was 1.2:1. Vibrio cholera 01 Ogawa [32.8%], Campylobacter jejuni [17.3%], Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli [9.9%], Salmonella paratyphi b [6.6%] and Shigella flexneri [6.2%] were the most common organisms isolated. These organisms show a distinct seasonal variation with summer predilection. In contrast to the previous studies from South Asia, which have identified E. coli, followed by Vibrio cholerae as the most common enteric isolates, we found Vibrio cholera 01 Ogawa followed by Campylobacter jejuni as the most common enteric pathogens isolated in an urban setting. It is important to consider seasonal variation when empirically treating diarrheal diseases in our region

Neonatal hypoglycemia

Neonatal hypoglycemia was studied in 2876 neonates born in Military Hospital Rawalpindi, over a period of 6 months. On selective screening [plasma glucose concentratioin less then 2.6 mmol/l] was detected in 100 cases having an incidence of 3.5% in total births. In preterm and small for date babies, it was 8% and 6% respectively reflecting an increased risk of having hypoglycemia in these babies. 43 cases of hypoglycemia were symptomatic while 57 cases were asymptomatic. Asymptomatic hypoglycemia had occurred at a relatively earlier postnatal age as compared to symptomatic hypoglycemia. More than 70% of these 100 hypoglycemic babies had one or more risk factors. 30% were small for dates babies and 23% were preterm babies. 5% of hypoglycemic cases were large for gestational age babies, 10% were cases of respiratory distress and 5% were infants of diabetic mothers. Most frequent symptom in symptomatic hypoglycemia was lethargy [53.5%], jitteriness in 29%, cyanosis 19%, hypotonia 16% and seizures 9%, pallor and tachypnoea were noted 7% in each, while poor feeding. high pitched cry and apnoea was 2% of each. Seizures due to hypoglycemia had occurred at blood glucose level of less than 1.5 mmol/l. We did not find any case of persistent hypoglycemia in these 100 cases

Extra-corporeal shock-wave lithotripsy for renal calculi in children

Fifty four children underwent lithotripsy for renal calculi. Out of these sixteen were lost to follow-up. Results of thirty-eight were analysed. They were 2.3% of all the patients undergoing lithotripsy. Male to female ratio was 1.8 : 1. Treatment in 29 cases [76.3%] was declared successful, whereas in 9 cases [23.7%] it was declared failed. About half of the children undergoing lithotripsy had transient haematuria, but no other serious complication was observed. There is however, concern about the long term consequences of lithotripsy in children and its use in growing kidney. Although results to date have shown it to be a safe and effective treatment modality in children