In vitro Antioxidant Activity and In vivo Anti-inflammatory Effect of Ricinus communis (L.) and Withania somnifera (L.) Hydroalcoholic Extracts in Rats

Abstract Ricinus communis L. and Withania somnifera L. have traditionally been used as analgesic and anti-inflammatory remedies. The current study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory activity of hydroalcoholic extract of R. communis leaves (RCE) and W. somnifera roots (WSE) in Wistar rats. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified and in vitro antioxidant activity of extracts was determined through DPPH* scavenging, superoxide anion scavenging and reducing power activities, while anti-inflammatory activity was observed by xylene-induced ear edema and paw edema induced by egg albumin and carrageenan. RCE and WSE demonstrated considerable antioxidant activity in DPPH* scavenging (IC50: 250.10 and 309.42 µg/mL), superoxide anion scavenging (IC50: 193.42 and 206.81 ug/mL), and reducing power (maximum absorbance: 1.47±0.01 O.D and 1.28±0.01 O.D at 500 ug/mL) activities, respectively, with high phenolic and flavonoid contents. Both extracts showed dose-dependent edema inhibition in inflammation models. A maximum ear edema inhibitions by RCE (51.49±2.54%) and WSE (49.28±1.90%) at 500 mg/kg were observed when compared to indomethacin (56.42±13.17%) in xylene-induced ear edema. RCE and WSE showed a maximum percentage of paw edema inhibitions of 46.62±8.98% and 43.00±12.44%, respectively as compared to chlorpheniramine (62.02±12.21%) after 4 h in the egg albumin model. In carrageenan-induced paw edema, RCE (72.88±13.79%) significantly inhibited paw edema in comparison to WSE (57.81±17.43%) against diclofenac (89.93±18.53%). Conclusively, both plants have shown plausible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that might be due to high phenolic and flavonoid contents. Moreover, RCE demonstrated more promising effects than WSE.

Molecular detection and characterization of ovine herpesvirus-2 using heminested PCR in Pakistan

Background@#Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a highly fatal lymphoproliferative disease of cattle, deer, bison, water buffalo, and pigs caused by the gamma-herpesviruses alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 (AlHV-1) and ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2). @*Objectives@#This study aimed to determine the prevalence of OvHV-2 in sheep, goats, cattle, and buffalo in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, by applying molecular and phylogenetic methods. @*Methods@#Blood samples were aspirated from sheep (n = 54), goat (n = 50), cattle (n = 46) and buffalo (n= 50) at a slaughterhouse and several farms. The samples were subjected to heminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the OvHV-2 POL gene and the OvHV-2 ORF75 tegument protein gene. @*Results@#The highest percentage of MCF positive samples was in sheep (13%), whereas goat, cattle, and buffalo had lower positive percentages, 11%, 9%, and 6.5%, respectively. Four OvHV-2-positive PCR products obtained from sheep samples were sequenced. The sequences obtained were submitted to the NCBI GenBank database (MK852173 for the POL gene;MK840962, MK852171, and MK852172 for the ORF75 tegument protein gene). Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close similarity of study sequences with those of worldwide samples. @*Conclusions@#This study is the first cross-sectional study on the prevalence and molecular detection of OvHV-2 in apparently healthy cattle and buffalo that could be carrying OvHV-2 acquired from OvHV-2-positive sheep and goats. The results indicate that OvHV-2 is circulating in Pakistan. Further studies are needed to characterize OvHV-2 and elucidate further its prevalence.

Molecular detection and characterization of ovine herpesvirus-2 using heminested PCR in Pakistan

Background@#Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a highly fatal lymphoproliferative disease of cattle, deer, bison, water buffalo, and pigs caused by the gamma-herpesviruses alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 (AlHV-1) and ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2). @*Objectives@#This study aimed to determine the prevalence of OvHV-2 in sheep, goats, cattle, and buffalo in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, by applying molecular and phylogenetic methods. @*Methods@#Blood samples were aspirated from sheep (n = 54), goat (n = 50), cattle (n = 46) and buffalo (n= 50) at a slaughterhouse and several farms. The samples were subjected to heminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the OvHV-2 POL gene and the OvHV-2 ORF75 tegument protein gene. @*Results@#The highest percentage of MCF positive samples was in sheep (13%), whereas goat, cattle, and buffalo had lower positive percentages, 11%, 9%, and 6.5%, respectively. Four OvHV-2-positive PCR products obtained from sheep samples were sequenced. The sequences obtained were submitted to the NCBI GenBank database (MK852173 for the POL gene;MK840962, MK852171, and MK852172 for the ORF75 tegument protein gene). Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close similarity of study sequences with those of worldwide samples. @*Conclusions@#This study is the first cross-sectional study on the prevalence and molecular detection of OvHV-2 in apparently healthy cattle and buffalo that could be carrying OvHV-2 acquired from OvHV-2-positive sheep and goats. The results indicate that OvHV-2 is circulating in Pakistan. Further studies are needed to characterize OvHV-2 and elucidate further its prevalence.

Co-Occurrence of Autosomal Recessive Lamellar Ichthyosis and X-Linked Recessive Ichthyosis in a Consanguineous Pakistani Family

No abstract available.

Pattern of cause of death and injuries in unknown dead bodies

Aims and Objectives: To establish the identify and to study the pattern of injuries and cause of deaths in these cases

Study Design: Retrospective Study

Setting: Autopsy unit of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department Faisalabad Medical University Faisalabad, Pakistan

Duration of Study: 3 years from 1-1-2013 to 31-12-2015

Sample Size: 134 cases

Sampling Technique: Convenient Sampling

Data Collection Procedure: Unknown dead bodies brought in autopsy unit of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology department of Faisalabad Medical University Faisalabad during the period of three years 2013 to 2015. Data regarding these cases was compiled from the postmortem reports, Police papers and limiting counseling with different Investigating officers and Forensic Experts

Results: The number of cases were 134/1007 cases out of which 80% male 20% were female and most vulnerable age group is 21-50 years and maximum cases were reported in summer session. In maximum cases, death was due to vehicular injuries 23 [17.1%], gunshot deaths were 18[13.4%] and by blunt means, 10 cases [7.46%] 18 cases [13.4%] were by poisoning and 2 cases [1.4%] where due to Ischemic heart disease while in 23 cases [17.1%] were declared undetermined [negative autopsy]

Conclusion: The identification and cause of death can be find out by keen attention and interest of Forensic Experts and investigating officer along with the help of DNA and finger printing techniques

Comparison of the urinary flow rate improvement after transurethral incision and transurethral resection of prostate for small sized symptomatic benign enlargement

Objective: To compare the mean improvement in urinary flow rate after transurethral resection of prostate [TURP] and transurethral incision of prostate [TUIP] for small sized symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement [SBE]

Study design: Randomized controlled trial

Duration of study: January 2016 to December 2017

Setting: Department of Urology Institute of Kidney Diseases Hayatabad Peshawar

Methodology: A total of 216 patients presenting to our OPD having lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement were included in the study. Their medical history, physical and digital rectal examination were performed. Urine analysis, urine C/S, Blood Complete, Serum Creatinine Prostate Specific Antigen, Uroflowmetry and Ultrasound were performed. All patients were randomized into two groups; Group A [TURP] and Grouped B [TUIP]

Results: Our study shows that in Group A [TURP] mean age was 57 years with standard deviation +/- 3.78 while in Group B [TUIP] mean age was 60 years with standard deviation +/- 3.13. The status of uroflowmetry[post-operative] among two groups was analyzed as in Group A [TURP] 5[5 percent] patients had uroflowmetry<15 ml while 103[95 percent] patients had uroflowmetry>15 ml. Mean uroflowmetry was 17 ml with standard deviation +/- 3.64. Where as in Group B [TUIP] 9[8 percent] patients had uroflowmetry<15 ml while 99[92 percent] patients had uroflowmetry>15 ml. Mean uroflowmetry was 16 ml with standard deviation +/- 3.55. Mean urinary flow rate was compared between TURP and TUIP in which showed that there is no significant difference between the two surgical procedures in term of urinary flow rate

Conclusion: Our study concludes that there was no significant difference between TURP and TUIP in term of mean urinary flow rate for small sized symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement

Potential risk factors for congenital malformations in neonates: a case series study in two tertiary care hospital of Lahore city

Objective: 1.To Study the potential risk factors for congenital malformations in neonates admitted at two tertiary care hospitals of public sector in Lahore city. 2.To find out the frequency of systems affected in congenital anomalies

Methods: It was a "case series" study conducted at Children hospital and Services hospital Lahore. All the congenital malformations from 1st April to 30th April, 2013, in neonates admitted in these institutions were included in the study. Mothers of 40 cases of congenital malformations were interviewed after taking verbal consent, using self-administered, pre-tested questionnaire. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 14

Results: The frequency of cousin marriages in parents with congenitally malformed children was considerably high i.e. 65%. Majority of mothers i.e. 62.5% were below metric, 87.5% belonged to low income group, 62.5% did not made an increase in diet during pregnancy, 35% suffered from stress during pregnancy and 30% had previous abortion. The number of anomalies of urogenital system and GIT were higher with frequency of 45% and 30% respectively with a cumulative frequency of 75%

Conclusion: The frequency of congenital malformations was considerably higher among parents with consanguinity, in low income groups, mother's education less than metric and paternal age greater than 30 years. The number of anomalies of urogenital system and GIT were higher in our subjects with frequency of 45% and 30% respectively with a cumulative frequency of 75%

Prevalence of pityriasis versicolor and its association of abo blood groups in opd patients of islam teaching hospital sialkot

Objective: The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of pityriasisversicolor and its association with ABO blood groups in out patients' department of Dermatology at Islam teaching hospital Sialkot

Study Design: Prospective analytical

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out the Department of Dermatology, Islam Teaching Hospital, Sialkot; from December 2012 to December. 2015

Materials and Methods: All patients reporting to our OPD during a period of 3 years were included. The patients with mixed infections were excluded and those did not get their blood grouping and less than 3 months treatment and follow up were excluded from the study. All rashes were examined with wood's lamp. Skin scrapings were taken for KOH examination. Blood samples of all the patients were sent for blood group typing. Data of patients was analyzed using SPSS version 22

Results: Out of 6423 patients attending skin OPD, 197 patients were diagnosed as having Pityriasis versicolor; only 170 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Male to female ratio 71: 29. Most of the patients fell in age group 15-50 years. Commonest rash was in multiple areas while followed by Upper trunk only

The prevalence of pityriasisversicolor was more with blood group B and O

Conclusion: The pattern of distribution of rash is most commonly mixed while upper trunk involvement is next in our patients. The study depicts strong association of Pityriasis Versicolor with blood group B and O

Short term outcome of laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for rectal prolapsed

Objective: To find out the short term outcomes of effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for rectal prolapsed

Methods: It was a descriptive case series study of 31 consecutive patients of rectal prolapse in Colorectaldivision of Ward 2, Department of General surgery, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, Karachi, from November 2009 to November 2015. These patients were admitted through outpatient department with complains of something coming out of anus, constipation and per rectal bleeding. All patients were clinically examined and baseline investigations were done. All patients underwent laparoscopic repair with ventral mesh placement on rectum

Results: Among 31 patients, mean age was 45 years range [20 - 72]. While females were 14[45%] and males 17[55%]. We observed variety of presentations, including solitary rectal ulcers [n=4] and rectocele [n=3] but full thickness rectal prolapse was predominant [n=24]. All patients had laparoscopic repair with mesh placement. Average hospital stay was three days. Out of 31 patients, there was one [3.2%] recurrence

Port site minor infection in 3[9.7%] patients, while conversion to open approach was done in two [6.4%], postoperative ileus observed in two [6.4%] patients

One[3.2%] patient developed intractable back pain and mesh was removed six weeks after the operation. One[4.8%] patient complained of abdominal pain off and on postoperatively. No patient developed denovo or worsening constipation while constipation was improved in 21 patients [67%]. Sexual dysfunction such as dysperunia in females and impotence in males was not detected in follow up

Conclusions: This study provides the limited evidence that nerve sparing laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is safe and effective treatment of external and symptomatic internal rectal prolapse. It has better cosmetic and functional outcome as advantages of minimal access and comparable recurrence rate

Intravenous lignocain 2% [plain] efficacy in attenuation of stress response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation with impact on in-hospital morbidity and mortality

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of plain lignocain in attenuation of stress response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation with impact on in-hospital mortality or morbidity

Study Design: A randomized control trial

Place and Duration of Study: Our study was carried out from December 2013-14, at tertiary-care hospital

Material and Methods: Patients [n=100 total] were randomized, using non-probability convenient sampling, dividing the population in two groups. Group A [n=50] as control, and in group B [n=50] Injection lignocain plain 2% 1.5 mg/kg was used 3 minutes prior to intubation. Both the groups were observed for changes in hemodynamic parameters i.e. heart rate [HR] systolic and diastolic blood pressure, Mean Arterial Pressure for every minute after baseline [0] and for 5 consecutive minutes [1, 2, 3, 4, and 5]. Deviation of >20% from baseline was considered significant. The mortality [death within hospital, irrespective of cause] and morbidity [defined as emergence of 4 condition as hypertensive encephalopathy, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Lab proven Myocardial Infarction and negative pulmonary edema] within 10 days of hospitalization were noted

Results: Statistically significant [p-value extremely significant at confidence interval of 98 degrees] results were obtained in the effect of study drug; however, 10 days of hospitalization remained inconclusive for emerging morbidity categories strictly due to the intubation reflexes. We consider few technicalities in peri-operative management resulted in such events

Conclusion: Lignocain is effective in blunting the pressor response towards laryngoscopy and intubation. However the impact on mortality/ morbidity for four conditions remained inconclusive

Frequency of metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Objective: To determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Study Design: Case-series

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Neurology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from January to June 2012

Methodology: Seventy-five [64 females and 11 males] patients with clinically diagnosed and electrodiagnostically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome were inducted. Their waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, fasting triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were recorded. Patients were categorized having metabolic syndrome according to Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, if any 3 were present out of hypertension, elevated fasting triglycerides, reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated fasting blood glucose, and elevated waist circumference

Results: Mean age of the patients was 42.04 +/- 9.31 years, mean waist circumference was 95.32 +/- 9.03 cm, mean systolic blood pressure was 134.13 +/- 13.72 mmHg, mean diastolic blood pressure was 89.13 +/- 8.83 mmHg, mean fasting blood glucose was 94.35 +/- 21.81 mg/dl, mean fasting triglycerides was 177.48 +/- 48.69 mg/dl, and mean high density lipoprotein cholesterol was 41.95 +/- 11.17 mg/dl. Metabolic syndrome was found in 54 [72%] patients including 9 [16.7%] males and 45 [83.3%] females. Out of 75 patients, 54 [72%] had elevated waist circumference, 52 [69.3%] had elevated blood pressure, 19 [25.3%] had elevated fasting blood glucose, 53 [70.6%] had elevated fasting triglycerides and 54 [72%] had reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Highest frequency of metabolic syndrome was found in age range of 40 - 49 years in both genders

Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is frequently found in the patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of anticancer drugs in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients after their simultaneous administration

A pharmacokinetic study of anticancer drugs was carried out in 18 Hodgkin's lymphoma male patients. The anticancer drugs were administered to the patient by a standard procedure and a validated HPLC method was used for plasma concentration determination. Maximum plasma concentration [C[max]] of Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine and Dacarbazine [ABVD] were 7.71, 4.32, 7.95 and 6.51 micro g/ml respectively. Adriamycin and Dacarbazine exhibited longer T[max] compared to Bleomycin and Vinblastine. Area under the curve values of ABVD were 118.30, 82.11, 245.54 and 86.62 micro g/ml h. The elimination rate constant of Dacarbazine was highest. Vinblastine exhibited highest half-life and mean residence time. Clearances of ABVD were 346.69, 2499.44, 45.90 and 5800.05ml/h. The apparent volume of distribution was highest for Dacarbazine and lowest for Vinblastine. The pharmacokinetic parameters can be utilized for monitoring of plasma concentrations, therapeutic drug monitoring and dosage adjustments to optimize anticancer efficacy in patients of Hodgkin's lymphoma

Sarcasm of quality and efficiency: an evaluation of inpatient bed utilization in services hospital Lahore Pakistan

Objective: to determine inpatient bed utilization in the Pediatrics Ward of Services Hospital, Lahore as average daily census and Bed Occupancy Rate

Methods: a cross sectional study was conducted in the Pediatrics Medicine Ward of Services Hospital Lahore which is a tertiary care hospital attached with Services Institute of Medical Sciences Lahore, Pakistan. A 'midnight census' was conducted by 4th year MBBS, Medical Students for the children admitted from 6 to 12 May, 2015. The data for inpatient service utilization was analyzed for estimation of average daily census and bed occupancy rate

Results: the average daily census was 69 patients per day and the Bed Occupancy Rate was found to be 137.7%. This rate was higher than 100% that shows the over-utilization of beds leading to quality compromise for the provided services

Conclusion: high bed occupancy rate indicates a scarcity of beds in the Pediatric Ward which highlights a disparity between the supply and demands of pediatric medical services. A change in policy and increase in number of beds would help provision of quality health services to the children

Frequency of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and hypoalbuminemia

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP] is one of the complications in patients of cirrhosis. These patients when exposed to infection are likely to develop SBP. Various studies refer its frequency to around 30%, yet no study has estimated its frequency in hospitalized cirrhotic patients with serum albumin <3.5 g/dl

Objectives: To find out the frequency of SBP in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and hypoalbuminemia

Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in Medical wards of Mayo hospital, Lahore from August 2010 to January 2011. A total of 110 cirrhotic patients recently hospitalized and having serum albumin < 3.5 g/dl in their initial investigations were investigated. Relevant history, examination and investigations were carried out and recorded in the proforma

Results: Of 110 patients under study, 60 were males[54.5%] and 50 were females[45.5%]. Total 54 patients [49.1%] had SBP. Patients having SBP were older [52.6 +/- 12.8 years] compared to others [45.4 +/- 10.2 years]. Among those having SBP, 38[70%] patients were > 40 years of age. The mean ascitic fluid white cell count in SBP patients was 884 +/- 260 cells/uL versus 236 +/- 108 cells/uL. The mean neutrophil count in ascitic fluid was 643 +/- 181 cells/uL versus 137 +/- 65 cells/uL. HCV was the commonest etiology of cirrhosis 59 [54%], HBV in 29 [26%], combined HBV and HCV in 10 [9%], and non-viral in 12 [11%]

Conclusion: SBP is a common complication of cirrhosis and its frequency is higher in those cirrhotic patients who also have hypoalbuminemia [<3.5gm/dl]

Surgical outcome of scleral buckling versus pars plana vitrectomy in primary pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal ditachment

Objective: to evaluate anatomical and visual outcome of scleral buckling surgery versus pars plana vitrectomy in pseudophakic patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Material and Methods: sixty patients having rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited for study. The patients were divided randomly in two groups of thirty patients each. In group [A] 30 patients underwent conventional scleral buckling and in group [B], 30 patients with retinal detachment had pars plana vitrectomy done. Almost all patients were having macula off, with history of decreased visual acuity ranging between one week to eight weeks. The patients with grade C proliferative vitreo-retinopathy [PVR], previous scleral buckling / vitrectomy, posterior vitreous detachment and pseudophakic with posterior capsular rupture were also excluded. After detailed preoperative assessment and surgical plan, standard scleral buckling procedure including encircling and local explants with cryo-therapy, was used to repair all primary rhegmatogenous detachments in group A. Sub-retinal fluid [SRF] drainage was performed, as needed. In group B, 20G pars plana vitrectomy was performed in all pseudophakic retinal detachments. All the per-operative and postoperative complications were recorded. The outcome measures of study were visual outcome and anatomical status of retina, after retinal re-attachment surgery. The patients were followed at least six months after surgery regarding, visual acuity, intra-ocular pressure, retinal re-attachment

Results: thirty eyes in group A were treated by scleral buckling and cryotherapy, while 30 eyes in group B were managed by primary pars plan a vitrectomy. All retinal detachments were macula off, with grade A or B, PVR. Anatomical success rate in Scleral buckling group was 86.66 % and 13.33 % patients had re-detachment, so pars plana vitrectomy was performed. One patient was managed with intra-vitreal SF6 gas injection and 360 degree laser barrage. Anatomical success rate in pars plana vitrectomy group was 90 %, while 10 % patients were managed by second surgery. No significant complication was noted in both types of surgeries

Conclusion: pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachments can be managed effectively by pars plana vitrectomy and scleral buckling, with comparable visual and anatomical outcome

Assessment of determinants of decrease in tendency for breast feeding in Mothers Visiting Services Hospital Lahore

Objective: assesment of the determinants of decrease in tendency for breast feeding among mothers visiting Gynae and Peads OPD of Services Hospital Lahore

Material and Methods: this was a cross sectional, descriptive study, carried out at Services Hospital, Lahore. Study duration was 3 months from June 2014 to August 2014. Study population included all mothers before menopause in Gynae and Paeds OPD of Services Hospital Lahore. A predesigned structured questionnaire was used to collect data from mothers. Data was entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Consent was obtained on the form beforehand

Results: breastfeeding practices were more in the mothers who had knowledge about benefits of breastfeeding. The percentage of women having knowledge of benefits had increased tendency to start breastfeed their child within 30 minutes of birth and to continue it for 2 years. Mothers who had breastfeeding as a family tradition were provided with more suitable environment which led to increased tendency for breast feeding. On contrary the mothers who we're not provided with a suitable environment and did not have breastfeeding as family tradition had decreased tendency to breast feed their children. Mothers who were in good health condition had increased tendency to breastfed their children. Breast feeding practice in women who did not consider breastfeeding as old fashion and did not think breast feeding to affect their figure was more than the mothers who preferred top feeding as a fashion. The breastfeeding practice in women who had a good health status i.e. did not have systemic disease ,breast abnormality and felt healthy after breast feeding is more than the mothers who had poor health status

Conclusion: from the results it was concluded that lack of knowledge about benefits of breastfeeding, misconceptions about taboos regarding breastfeeding affecting figure and is an old fashioned practice, poor health status of mothers, increased work load on the part of mothers and lack of suitable environment to breastfeed led to decrease in tendency for breastfeeding

Cranial measurements; estimation of stature from cranial measurements

Human body exhibits regular age, sex and race dependent proportions amongst its various segments relative to its height. Knowledge of the cranial morphometry is important from clinical and forensic view point. The stature of a person being genetically predetermined is an inherent characteristic, the estimation of which is considered to be important assessment in identification of human remains. Norms of regression formulae for calculation of height are required for different populations. To document norms for cranial dimensions and present linear regression formulae for stature prediction in adult male and female population of Southern Punjab. The study was conducted at the Multan Medical and Dental College, Multan and took about fourteen months to complete. The study was conducted on 672 adult individuals [430 males and 242 females] from in and around the city of Multan in Punjab. Measurements of the head including maximum cranial length [glabella-inion length], maximum cranial breadth [maximum bi-parietal diameter] and maximum auricular head height were taken. Results were expressed as mean +/- SD. Height was measured in standing anatomical position. Correlation coefficient of Pearson was used to find the relationship between various cranial dimensions using which the linear regression formulae to predict the stature were derived. The mean height of the study population was found to be significantly different between genders. The males appeared to be considerably taller than females. The mean cranial length, cranial breadth and auricular head height the measurements were larger significantly in the males as compared to females. Pearson's correlation coefficient between stature and cranial measurements was found to be highly positive for both sexes. Linear regression formulae to predict the stature from the cranial dimensions were derived. The study is conducted to document norms for cranial dimensions and it presented gender specific linear regression models for stature prediction in adult South Punjab population

Demographic data on the characterization of oral clefts in Malaysia

The aim of this study was to investigate current epidemiology of several types of oral clefts among the patients receiving treatment at two tertiary care hospitals, namely University Malaya Medical Centre [UMMC] Kuala Lumpur, and Hospital Kota Bharu / Hospital Raja Perumpuan Zainab II [HKB/ HRPZII] Kelantan. This study evaluated the records of 526 cleft lip and palate [CLP] patients with or without additional malformations, who came for treatment during 2003 to 2007. Of the total 526 patients registered in the study hospital records during the study period, 338 were from HKB/ HRPZ II and 188 from UMMC. Majority 86.7% of these patients were in the age group

Knowledge and practices of breast feeding among nurses working in public sector hospitals of Bahawalpur City

Background: Knowledge of breast feeding is essential among healthcare providers

Objective: To determine level of knowledge and practices of breastfeeding among nurses working in public sector pediatric and obstetric units of Bahawalpur City

Methodology: Study design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration: Public sector hospitals of Bahawalpur City from 1 [st] June to 31[st] December 2013. All nurses working in Pediatric and Obstetrics departments for more than one month were included in the study after taking verbal consent. Information was collected through a structured questionnaire. Questions for assessing level of knowledge were feeding of colostrum, initiation of breastfeeding within half hour after delivery, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, total duration of breastfeeding, maximum interval between two feeds, continuation of breastfeeding during adverse health conditions of mother like fever, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis [B, C], active pulmonary tuberculosis and continuation of breastfeeding in adverse health conditions of children like, diarrhea, fever, respiratory tract infections and malnutrition. Practices of breastfeeding were evaluated among married nurses having one a live child of less than 2 years of age by asking breastfeeding her child currently, initiated breastfeeding within half hour after birth of her child, fed colostrum to infant or discarded, exclusively breastfed till age of 6 months and maximum interval between two feeds. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 17. Scoring method was used to assess level of knowledge and practices of breastfeeding. One mark was given for correct answer and zero for incorrect. Knowledge was categorized into good if score was more than 70%, transitory if score between 50- 70% and below 50% were labeled as having poor knowledge

Results: Out of 13 aspects asked about knowledge of breastfeeding highest knowledge was found about continuation of breastfeeding if child is suffering from diarrhea [79.31%] followed by correct knowledge about feeding of colostrum [75.86%] and about exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months [68.10%]. The duration of service was directly related with level of knowledge [p=0.0000]. Our study revealed that 29.16% nurses initiated breastfeeding within half hour of delivery, 16.66% were breastfeeding her child currently, 12.5% Fed colostrum to her child and practices of exclusive breastfeeding till age of 6 months and correct interval between two feeds was not observed by any study participant

Conclusion: There was poor knowledge and lack of proper practices of breastfeeding among nurses

Chronic experimental diabetes mellitus; quantitative changes in dorsal root ganglion cells

Background: multiple factors operate in the development of diabetic neuropathy. Sensory neurons are not protected by blood-brain or blood-nerve barrier; also the dorsal root ganglion cells [DRG] have a higher metabolic requirement than the nerve trunks. Oxygen level at the dorsal root ganglions also appears to be lower. All these physiological characteristics suggest that DRG may be particularly susceptible to damage in prolonged diabetic conditions

Objectives: to observe the quantitative cellular changes in dorsal root ganglion cells in rats with prolonged experimental diabetes

Study Design: an experimental study

Setting: Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Umm al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Period: fifteen months to complete

Material and methods: observations were made on six control and six streptozotocin-treated male Sprague-Dawley rats after 12 months of diabetes. Cell count was done on silver-stained paraffin sections. DRG cells were arbitrarily grouped as large A-type and small B-type. Statistical examination of the cell count was done using a two-tailed t-test. Values were considered significant at P

Results: in the control group of animals the mean total number was 15856.33 +/- 552.538 while in the diabetic animals it was 11836.666 +/- 583.177; the reduction in the number of cells was significant. The number of A-type and B-type cells and their percentages in the control group and the diabetic group of animals were 2753.833 +/- 257.683 [17.36%], 13102.5 +/- 443.092 [82.63%] and 1202.833 +/- 87.082 [10.16%], 10633.833 +/- 517.900 [89.83%] respectively. The differences in the number of A-type and B-type of cells when compared between control and diabetic groups of animals were statistically highly significant

Conclusion: selective cells damage to DRG cells may be the harbinger of diabetic neuropathy in experimentally induced diabetic rats