001382   Boruah P;Barman B;Talukdar A;Mishra J;Sangma N;Animesh M (Cardiology Dep, NEIGRIHMS, Mawdiangdiang, Shillong-12) : Prevalence of rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease in Meghalaya state: a hospital base study. Indian J Cardiol 2006, 9(3-4), 24-6.

2 tables, 6 ref

001381   Blok B F M;Corcos J (Urology Dep, Jewish General Hospital, McGill Univ, 3755 Cote Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Quebec Canada H3T 1E2, Email: jcorcos@uro.jgh.mcgill.ca) : Surgery for stress urinary incontinence in women: A 2006 review. Indian J Urol 2007, 23(2), 148-52.

The surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence is a rapidly changing field. This review discusses recent advances in various injectables, minimally invasive techniques and open procedures. It particularly evaluates data from long-term outcome studies and describes peri- and postoperative complications from several procedures, such as bulking agents, tension-free vaginal tape and its modifications (TOT, TVT-O) as well as open and laparoscopic colposuspension.

4 illus, 26 ref

001380   Biswas S C;Dey R;Jana R;Chattopadhyay N (NO, , BL 89, Salt Lake City, Sector II, Kolkata-700 091, Email: subh_ranu@vsnl.net) : Comparative study of intravaginal misoprostol and extra amniotic ethacridine lactate instillation for mid trimester pregnancy termination. J Obstet Gynec India 2007, 57(3), 210-12.

To compare acceptability, safety, efficacy, complications and induction-abortion interval of misoprostol and ethacridine-lactate(0.1%) for midtrimester pregnancy termination. Twenty-five women of 13-20 weeks pregnancy were randomized in two groups. In group-I, 600 μg misoprostol was given vaginally followed by 400 μg 8 hourly upto a maximum 48 hours. In group-II, 150 ml of ethacridine was instilled extraamniotically. Success rate, induction-abortion interval, complications and satisfaction were studied and analyzed using unpaired t-test. Misoprostol was 92 % effective as compared to ethacridine with 80% effectiveness. Mean induction-abortion interval in group-I was 13.94 hours and in group-II, it was 28.86 hours (p < 0.0001). In group-I, 84% aborted within 24 hours, and 92% within 36 hours whereas in group-II 16% aborted within 24 hours and 68% within 36 hours while 32% women in group-I and 44% in group-II experienced complications. Misoprostol is safer, more effective and acceptable than ethacridine for mid trimester termination of pregnancy.

s, 3 tables, 13 ref

001379   Bhatt D C;Mishra D N (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Guru Jambheshwar Univ of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana-125 001) : Comparison of the effect of fatty acids on in vitro transdermal permeation of diltiazem hydrochloride across rat and porcine skins". Agric biol Res 2008, 24(1), 49-63.

Diltiazem hydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker drug used widely in the management of hypertension and angina pectoris. However it undergoes extensive hepatic first pass metabolism and has a short elimination half life which necessitates frequent dosing to attain adequate therapeutic blood levels. The rat and porcine skins are used widely as model animal membranes to evaluate the in vitro permeation of drugs from transdermal formulations. Various transdermal permeation enhancement techniques have been developed to increase the number of drugs which can be delivered into the systemic circulation through the skin. However, the stratum corneum acts as a barrier to drug penetration, thereby limiting transdermal bioavailability of a large number of drugs. In this investigation, the permeation enhancing effects of fatty acids on the excised porcine skin and rat skin were studied for a more effective therapeutic controlled delivery of Diltiazem Hydrochloride. The in vitro skin permeation studies were carried out in the Franz diffusion cell using the full thickness skin as a model membrane. Based on the literature reports, a series of fatty acids was selected to study its permeation enhancement effects. Ethanol and water mixture (60:40) was used as a vehicle in these studies. All the fatty acids showed a significant increase in the transdermal flux of the drug compared to the control (p< 0.05). The permeation enhancing effects of fatty acids did not show any correlation with the increase in carbon chain length. The maximum transdermal flux was observed with oleic acid across both the skins. The results of this study indicate that the oleic acid in the ethanolic vehicle could be used as an effective percutaneous permeation enhancer for carrying out further formulation development work.

5 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

001378   Bhardwaj R;Kandoria A;Sood A (NO, , House no 24, Block 3, US Club Shimla-171 001) : Origin of left circumflex artery from right coronary artery. Indian J Cardiol 2006, 9(3-4), 54.

Origin of left coronary artery from right coronary artery is not uncommon. Reports a case of strongly positive TMT with normal coronary angiogram with anomalous origin of left coronary artery from right coronary artery.

^ccr2 illus, 2 ref

001377   Bhardwaj R;Kandoria A;Sood A (NO, , 131/1/7, Gunu ghat Bazar, Nahan Himachal Pradesh-173 001) : Univentricular heart. Indian J Cardiol 2006, 9(3-4), 50-1.

Univentricular Heart of right ventricular type is a rare among cyanotic congenital heart diseases. Presents a case of univentricular heart of right ventricle type with a slit like chamber of left ventricular trabeculations, became symptomatic in third decade. Large ventricular septal defect and absence of pulmonary stenosis may had contributed for the delayed onset of signs and symptoms.

^ccr7 ref

001376   Bhardwaj R;Kandoria A;Marwah R;Vaidya P;Sood A (NO, , House No.24, Block 3, US Club Shimla-171 001) : PTCA in acute coronary syndromes in a centre without surgical back up. Indian J Cardiol 2006, 9(3-4), 8-11.

For elective per cutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), in house surgical back-up is usually requested except for in a few countries like France, Germany. Great Britain and Switzerland. Lookes into the safety of PTC A in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in our centre, when it did not have surgical back up till one year ago. 118 patients admitted with ACS were subjected to PTCA. 94 were males and 24 were females. Mean age was 56.45±8.89 years. 44 had acute myocardial infarction (MI) with post MI angina, while 55 were having unstable angina (USA) and 19 presented with old MI with USA. 15 patients had failed thrombolysis. 4 patients were in cardiogenic shock, 21 patients had left ventricular dysfunction. Angiographic success was achieved in 115(97.4%) patients. There were 6 in-hospital deaths (5.08%). None of the patients required emergency coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). PTC A is safe in ACS even in centres without surgical back up and with the availability of stents, hardly any patient requires emergency CABG. So PTCA should not be denied on the pretext of absence of surgical back up, especially in situations where risk of shifting to a centre with surgical back up is more than absence of surgical back up.

3 tables, 13 ref

001375   Bener A;Al-Ansari A;Afifi M;Krishna P V (Medical Statistics and Epidemiology Dep, Hamad Medical Corporation Weill Cornell Medical College Qatar, PO Box, 2050, Doha-State of Qatar, Email: abener@hmc.org.qa) : Erectile dysfunction among hypertensive men in a rapidly developing country. Indian J Urol 2007, 23(2), 109-13.

Previous studies have supported the association between hypertension and erectile dysfunction (ED). In addition, a significant correlation between hypertension in men and ED has been well established. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ED, its severity and other sexual function domains in hypertensive patients in Qatar. Design and Setting: Cross-sectional study conducted between January and December 2006 at the Hamad General Hospital. Subjects: Qatari and non Qatari nationals 25 to 75 years of age were approached to participate in this study, 642 (75.5%) gave their consent. Qatari and nonQatari men aged 25 to 75 years who gave consent were interviewed face-to-face. Sexual function was evaluated with the International index of erectile function. A total of 642 (75.5%) men responded, mean age of subjects was 57.1 ± 11.9 years. The prevalence of ED in hypertensive patients was 58.3%. 21.2% of hypertensive men reported severe ED, 20.7% moderate ED and 16.4% mild ED. The comorbidities and risk factors were significantly more prominent in ED patients than in those with normal ED for hypercholesterolemia (P=0.009), diabetes (P=0.022) for hypertriglyceridemia (P=0.033) and myocardial ischemia (P=0.042). Rsults have shown a greater prevalence of ED in the hypertensive men in the population of Qatar. The presence of another risk factor in addition to elevated blood pressure can increase the likelihood of ED.

4 tables, 26 ref

001374   Behera C;Rautji R;Lalwani S;Millo T (Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Dep, AIIMS, New Delhi-110 029) : Accidental asphyxial deaths (1996-2005): a study from south Delhi. Indian Internet J Forensic Med Toxicol 2007, 24(1), 15-18.

Two hundred and fifty-six accidental asphyxial deaths (1996-2005), were studied retrospectively from autopsy reports, relevant medical and toxicological reports in the department of Forensic medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences. New Delhi, which constituted 15.9% of all asphyxial deaths. Males outnumberd females in total number of accidental asphyxial deaths [Males 214 (83.6%): Females 42 (16.4%)]. Commonest age group involved was 20-29 years (33.6%), followed by 10-19 years which contributed another 20. 7%. The least common age group being geriatric age group (60 years and above), which contributed only 5 (2.0%) cases. Among the different methods of accidental asphyxial deaths, deaths due to drowning (57.4%) was the commonest followed by deaths due to choking and aspiration (16.0%), traumatic asphyxia (12.9%) carbon monoxide poisoning and environmental suffocation (9.4%). Drowning deaths were common in rainy season (40.8%), followed by spring and summer (32.5%), autumn and winter season (26.8%). No significant seasonal difference was found in other modes of accidental asphyxial deaths.

3 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

001373   Bapat S;Umranikar S;Satav V;Bapat A;Joshi A (NO, , Janhavi, 797/4 Bhandarkar Inst. Road, Pune-411 004, Email: shivadeo@gateway.ip.com) : Comparison of fluid absorption during transurethral resection of prostate and holmium-yag laser enucleation of benign adenoma of prostate using breath ethanol concentration. Indian J Urol 2007, 23(2), 126-9.

Conducts a study to detect, quantify and compare irrigation fluid absorption in transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), using EEC. The study included 50 patients of lower urinary tract symptoms, secondary to benign enlargement of prostate. The patients were nonrandomly allocated to undergo TURP and HoLEP. Twenty-six patients underwent TURP and the remaining 24 underwent HoLEP. Sterile water tagged with 1% ethanol w/v was used for irrigation. Absorption was detected and quantified every 10 min by EEC levels. Data was analyzed using standard nomograms. In HoLEP, 14/24 had no fluid absorption. The remaining 10/24 showed fluid absorption ranging from 95 ml to 300 ml. In TURP, all had fluid absorption ranging from 250-980 ml. Three TURP patients developed overt symptoms, while none did in the HoLEP group. Fluid absorption observed in our study in the HoLEP group was lower than in the TURP group.

2 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

001372   Bandyopadhyay A;Tripathy S;Kamal R B;Basak A K (Physiology Dep, Institute of Dental Sciences, Pilibhit By Pass Road, Bareilly-243 006, Uttar Pradesh, Email: bamit74@india.com) : Peak expiratory flow rate in college students of Uttar Pradesh, India. Indian Biol 2007, 39(1), 71-5.

PEFR was measured by Wright's peak flow meter in 180 healthy non-smoking middle class college students (18-22 years of age, boys = 86, girls = 94) of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. Boys exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.001) PEFR value than the girls (562.27 ± 53.27 liter/min and 425.20 ± 32.00 liter/mm, respectively). American and European counterparts have higher PEFR values than the present observation, which in turn is higher in comparison to Nigerian and South Indian counterparts. Due to significant correlation of PEFR with body height (r = 0.68, P < 0.001) and age (r = 0.44, P < 0.001), the prediction equation for PEFR from height and age has been computed (PEFR in liter/min = 0.49 x Height in cm - 17.09 x Age in years + 742.44, R = 0.68, R² = 0.46, SEE = 59.33). The study indicates that young college students of Bareilly in UP, India, have normal range of PEFR value and the prediction norm would be of immense help in diagnosis, follow up and treatment of any respiratory abnormality.

2 tables, 25 ref

001371   Bakht M A;Islam M;Siddiqui A A (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New delhi-110 062283-6) : Synthesis and antifungal activity of some azole derivatives. Oriental J Chem 2007, 23(1), 283-6.

Some azole derivatives possessing nitrogen and oxygen atoms have been synthesized and screened for antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans by cup plate method.

2 tables, 10 ref

001370   Asiri M;Moghazy K M;Alsaif H S;Al-Qahtani M S (College of Medicine, King Khalid Univ, Abha, Saudi Arabia, Email: masli11@hotmail.com) : Dermatobrosarcoma protuberance. Biomed Res 2008, 19(2), 141-4.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberance (DFSP) is a relatively uncommon soft tissue tumor with intermediate-to-low grade malignancy. There is paucity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan literature on the appearance of DSFP. Describes the imaging findings of another rare case of DFSP in a 35 year diabetic male with progressive left arm painless swelling over seven months. CT scan and MRI were performed and reveal a mass lesion originating from the skin and embedded in the subcutaneous mass. Excisional biopsy was done and the histopathology confirmed the diagnosis DFSP.

2 illus, 8 ref

001369   Asayesh A;Maroufi M (Textile Engineering Dep, Amirkabir Univ of Technology, Tehran, Iran, Email: a_asayesh@aut.ac.ir ) : Effect of yarn twist on wicking of cotton interlock weft knitted fabric. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2007, 32(3), 373-6.

The effect of yarn twist on the wicking rate of cotton interlock weft knitted fabrics has been studied. It is observed that using the yarn linear density of 30tex, the wicking rate decreases with an increase in the amount of yarn twist. An equation 'h=cT+d' is found to be a good estimate of the maximum wicking height (h) for cotton interlock weft knitted fabrics measured over yarn twist (T). Also, an equation 'h=atk+bt which is a modified version of Washhurn-Laughlin's equation, is a good estimate of wicking height (h) for these fabrics measured over time (t).

^ssc2 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

001368   Ariaratnum S;Ambigga Devi;Gurpreet Kaur; Sinniah D;Suleiman A;Thambu M;Ismail F (Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Tekonologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: dr.suthahar_a@yahoo.com) : Psychiatric morbidity and survival in newly diagnosed treatmentnaive cancer patients-a study from Malaysia. Biomed Res 2008, 19(2), 113-16.

Investigates the relationship between psychiatric morbidity and survival of cancer patients. Eighty newly diagnosed treatment-naive patients with cancer were prospectively studied using self-administered questionnaires. Subsequent follow-ups were carried out at 0.5 year and between 1 to 2 years. The prediction of survival time was determined using Cox model. Depression (p = 0.001), stage 4 cancer disease (p = 0.016), neurological (p = 0.032), gastrointestinal tract (p = 0.04), head & neck (p = 0.011), gynecological (p = 0.005) and bone & soft tissue (p = 0.030) malignancies were independent and statistically significant prognostic factor of survival. Depressed patients have almost four fold greater risk of dying than non-depressed patients. Patients with stage 4 cancer illness have five fold greater risk of dying than patients with stage 1 disease. Patients with neurological, gynecological, head and neck, bone & soft tissue and gastro intestinal tract malignancies were found to have approximately thirty-six, twenty-five, twenty-two, sixteen and seven fold greater risk of dying, respectively when compared to subjects with genitourinary cancers. Depression has significant impact on survival of patients with cancers.

1 tables, 17 ref

001367   Antartani R;Kiran A (Obstetrics and Gynecology Dep, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli, Karnataka-580 002, Email: kiranadr@yahoo.co) : Vault prolapse - A clinical study. J Obstet Gynec India 2007, 57(3), 245-7.

To study the clinical parameters of patients who present with vault prolapse and the modalities of its treatment. A retrospective study of 13 cases of vault prolapse seen during the 5 year period from 1999 to 2004 was carried out. The data regarding the clinical parameters like age, parity, symptomatology, POP-Q staging, type of previous hysterectomy and the interval between hysterectomy and the onset of symptomatic vault prolapse were collected and analyzed. The commonest symptom after a mass protruding from the vagina is difficulty in voiding urine. Most patients present with Stage II of POP Q system. The patients are equally distributed about the median value of Stage II (Normal distribution). Greater degrees of vault prolapse follow vaginal hysterectomy, compared to abdominal hysterectomy. The utilization of sacrospinal colpopexy is significantly less despite its various advantages.

4 illus, 1 table, 2 ref

001366   Ansari M A;Khan Z;Khan I M (Community Medicine Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : Hospital based study on breast feeding practices in Aligarh. Indian J Prev Soc Med 2007, 38(1-2), 69-74.

The study was carriedout to ascertain time of initiation of breastfeeding; to assess the impact of literacy level on breastfeeding practices and to find out the impact of health education on breastfeeding practices. In cases of full term normal deliveries, breastfeeding was initiated within half hour in only 3.4% of the babies while majority of mothers (69.5%) put their babies to their breasts between half and five hours followed by more than 5 to 24 hours (12.2%). In cases of caesarean and other type of deliveries, maximum numbers of babies were given breastfeed between half hour to five hours. In comparatively more educated mothers, early initiation of breast feeding was observed. Bottle-feeding practice was noticed only in 4% of the babies, mostly in middle social class. Majority of the mothers (88.8%) received health education on various aspects of breastfeeding by health professionals during their stay in the hospital. In informed mothers, breastfeeding was started earlier as compared to the non-informed group of mothers. Efforts are needed to motivate the mothers to attend antenatal clinics where they should be informed on various aspects of breastfeeding. Health professionals are to be trained especially on counselling skills to bring the change in attitude of the community on breastfeeding practices.

5 tables, 10 ref

001365   Aneja V;Suthar A;Verma S;Kalkunte S (Swinburne University of Technology, Swinburne Univ, Victoria, 3122, Australia, Email: skalkunte@wihri.org) : Phyto-pharmacology of Hemidesmus indicus. Pharmacog Rev 2008, 2(3), 143-50.

Plants have been the basis of many traditional medicines throughout the world for thousands of years and continue to provide new remedies to mankind. Plants are one of the richest sources of compounds. Hemidesmus indicus is one of the plants used in Ayurveda for several remedies. It is used as a tonic, alternative, demulscent, diaphoretic, and diuretic, in the treatment of syphilis, chronic rheumatism and urinary disorders. Scientific evidence suggests its versatile biological functions that support its traditional use in the orient. Aims to highlight the ethnobotany, pharmacognostic and pharmacological uses of Hemidesmus indicus.

70 ref

001364   Anant Kumar;Jha M S;Singh M;Gupta N;Raina P; Dudey D;Srivastava A (Urology and Renal Transplantation Dep, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science, Lucknow-226 014, Email: a_kumar99@yahoo.com) : Radio-median Cubital/radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula at elbow to prevent vascular steal syndrome associated with brachiocephalic fistula: review of 320 cases. Indian J Urol 2007, 23(3), 261-4.

Radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) at wrist is the vascular access of choice for dialysis. In the absence of a suitable vein at the wrist, a brachiocephalic fistula at elbow is usually constructed. In order to avoid the complication of vascular steal syndrome associated with the brachiocephalic fistula, an alternative operative technique involving the creation of radio-median cubital vein/radiocephalic fistula at elbow was evaluated. Between January 1990 and October 2005, 320 patients underwent creation of radio-median cubital vein/radiocephalic AVF at elbow as a primary procedure or following failure of a fistula at the wrist. A transverse skin incision was made 4cm below the elbow crease, centering in line with the brachial artery pulsation. The median cubital vein/cephalic vein was anastomosed to the radial artery in end to side fashion. The surgical complications and patency of the fistulae were analyzed in the immediate and late postoperative period. Mean operative time was 55 ± 7.15 min. There were no major intraoperative complications. Immediate patency and a palpable distal radial pulse were present in all the patients. Mean time to fistula maturation was 26 ± 5.2 days. No patient developed a vascular steal syndrome at a median follow-up of 54 months (range 12-168 months) Early fistula failure was seen in 16 (5%) patients whereas eight (2.5%) fistulas failed at a later date. Pseudoaneurysm of the arterialized vein at the fistula site developed in only one (0.3%) patient. Pseudoaneurysm proximal to the anastomosis developed in three (0.9%) patients. Sixteen (5%) patients requested for closure of the fistula following successful renal transplant due to unsightly dilated veins and continuous noisy murmur disturbing their sleep. The radio-median cubital vein/radiocephalic AV fistula at elbow is safe and is a better vascular access procedure for hemodialysis than brachiocephalic fistula because it leads to the dilatation of both the cephalic and the basilic veins with no incidence of vascular steal phenomenon in the experience. Patency and flow rates are similar to brachiocephalic fistula.

3 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

001363   Amrute K V;Vanderbrink B;Badlani G H (Urology Dep, Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest University Bapist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, Email: gbdlani@wfubmc.edu) : What is the prevalence of overactive bladder symptoms in a lower socioeconomic female population? A suggestion for a study in India. Indian J Urol 2007, 23(2), 192-4.

Although it is suggested that in the United States overactive bladder affects one out of six individuals, this estimation may represent a subset of the population. Using a Pubmed literature search, many studies do not address those in a lower socioeconomic strata and the prevalence of overactive bladder may be higher. Overactive bladder symptoms may be under-reported in this population due to social stigma, lack of education or inaccessibility to medical care. This paper proposes to perform an epidemiological study incorporating validated incontinence questionnaires to assess the prevalence of overactive bladder symptoms among Indian women.

13 ref

001362   Al-Khateeb B F;AL-Gelban K S (Family and Community Medicine Dep, College of Medicine, King Khalid Univ, P O Box-641, Abha, Saudi Arabia, Email: khaligelban@hotmail.com) : Dietary habits in a Suburban Saudi community. Biomed Res 2008, 19(1), 55-9.

The aim of the study was to determine the dietary-related habits among adults in a Saudi suburban population. A cross-sectional study was conducted during June and July 2002 in Khashm Al-aan area (a suburban community west of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Out of the ten satellite clinics in this area, five were selected randomly. All consecutive attendees older than 18 years were interviewed using a prepared questionnaire. A total of 451 people were included. Their ages range from 18 to 77 years (1:2 male to female ratio). The lunch was the most meal people try to be punctual with (91.7%), while breakfast was the meal most skipped. Around half of the participants eat extra meals regularly. More than three quarters (78%) do not take meals from outside, and (84.5%) do not take fast food. Most of participants were skim chicken but did not trim meat. Chicken were the most frequently type of meat, while camel, fish, and beef meat were not served commonly. The quantity of salt, and oil used in cooking were mostly moderate in quantity (59.9%). The type of fat and oil used were mostly of vegetables source (83.9%). Juices were not served at all by 39.3%, while only 10.3%) drank it seven times or more per week. There is a growing need to study and define knowledge and attitude of this type of community, in order to lead them towards a healthy diet.

4 tables, 15 ref

001361   AL-Frayh A;Abba A;Iskandarani A;Shaker D S; Zaitoun F;Shahrabani L;Khan M;Riachy M;Dham R (Pediatrics Dep, College of Medicine, King Saud Univ, P O-2925, Riyadh 11461,Saudi Arabia, Email: alfrayh@yahoo.com) : Establishing therapeutic bioequivalence of a generic albutamol (Butalin®) metered dose inharler to ventolin. Biomed Res 2008, 19(1), 61-8.

Inhaled beta-adrenergic receptor agonist plays an important role in the management of bronchial asthma especially in the acute setting and still salbutamol (albuterol, USAN) is the most widely prescribed drug in this class. In a randomized, open label, crossover, multicenter study, one and two actuations (100, 200 μg) of Ventolin and Butalin inhaler were administered in 4 alternative different consequences for patients suffering from mild to moderate asthma for 4 days trial compares forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) at (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) at (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 240, 360 minutes) to prove equivalent pharmacodynamics, equipotency and safety. Eighty-nine patients completed the study of which 61.8% were male. There was no significant difference between Ventolin and Butalin concerning the average of Ln transformed records for the FEV1 and PEF, and the AUFC0.1h for the 100 and 200, μg were (96.89-101.07) and (92.69-104.77) respectively, same for the PEF AUC_8.4h that came with the ranges of (99.20-104.24) and (90.25-100.49) respectively. No significant difference was noted between the two products in regard of onset and duration of action, and the same was true when assessing products potency. Concluding that both products are clearly equivalent and equipotent with similar safety profile.

2 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

001360   Ahmed S;Ansari S H;Ali M;Bhatt D;Ansari F (Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Dep. Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard Univ, New Delhi-110 062, Email: shansaril189@rediffmail.com) : Phytochemical and biological investigations on Curcuma aromatica. Pharmacog Rev 2008, 2(3), 151-6.

Curcuma aromatica, commonly known as 'Jangli Haldi' is a widely cultivated plant in India for its rhizomes. It is commonly used as condiments and as flavouring agents. Medicinally, it has been proven to possess various pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, anti-angiogenic activity, cholerectic activity, anthelminitic activity, antitumour activity, wound healing activity, cytoprotective activity, anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant effects. Further, studies reveal the presence of various phytochemical constituents mainly essential oils (1,8- cineole, carvone, camphor, borneol, limonene etc.) with curcumin, curcumene and xanthorrhizol. These studies reveal its beneficial therapeutic effects and encourage finding its new uses. It also emphasizes on the fact that these results are made more fruitful by conducting clinical trials.

^iia72 ref

001359   Ahmad R (Zoology Dep, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 001, Email: riazzool@rediffmail.com) : Quantitative and qualitative expression of Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme genes: evolutionary implication in genus Channa (Channidae: Channiformes). Biomed Res 2008, 19(2), 87-91.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH: 3.1.1.27) is a tetrameric enzyme participating in carbohydrate metabolism by catalyzing the oxidation of lactate and reduction of pyruvate. In this study, LDH isoenzymes analysis of three air-breathing species; namely, Channa punctata, C. gachua and C. striata was performed by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and following software analysis of scans of PAGE profiles results have been tabulated. The results display species and tissue specificity. Despite adaptation to the same habitat, isoenzyme activities of the selected congeneric species showed remarkable qualitative and quantitative variations. In addition, the expression of LDH-C in C. gachua has been demonstrated for the first time. Specific evolutionary and adaptive strategies of channids as a specialized lineage of teleosts have been discussed.

2 tables, 22 ref

001358   Agrawal S;Jha M S;Khurana N;Ansari M S A; Dubey D;Srivastava A;Kapoor R;Kumar A;Jain M;Mandhani A (Urology and Renal Transplantation SGPGI Dep, , Lucknow, Email: anees772000@yahoo.com) : Nephron sparing surgery: A single institution experience. Indian J Urol 2007, 23(1), 23-7.

Reported experience in managing various benign and malignant renal tumors with nephron-sparing surgery. Records of patients who underwent nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) either through open or laparoscopic approach between May 1997 and June 2006 at our institution were reviewed. Patient and tumor-related characteristics, treatment modality and complications were noted. There were 26 patients (29 renal units), including three with bilateral lesions who underwent nephron-sparing surgery. Mean age at surgery was 47.0 years (range 16-67 years). Mean tumor size was 4.7 cm (range 2-7.5 cm). Mean warm ischemia time was 41 min and 32.5 min, operative time 158 min and 186 min and blood loss 2ooml and 85 ml in open (n=24) and laparoscopic approach (n=2) respectively. Complications were seen in five (19.2%) patients of whom two had postoperative bleeding requiring nephrectomy in one and angioembolization in another. One patient with persistent urinary leak required intervention. Local wound infection in one patient and incisional hernia in another were surgically managed. Histopathological profile revealed 13 (44.8%) benign lesions which included angiomyolipoma (eight), simple cyst (two), cortical adenoma (one), metanephric adenoma (one) and myelolipoma (one). The remaining 16 (55.2%) malignant lesions included renal cell carcinoma (15) and metastatic adenocarcinoma (one). At a mean follow-up of 38.6 months (range 1-91) no patient had local recurrence or distant metastasis. Cancer-specific survival was 100% and overall survival was 92.3%. Nephron-sparing surgery is a safe and effective alternative to nephrectomy in both benign and malignant lesions of the kidney.

3 illus, 15 ref

001357   Agrawal S;Fatma A;Singh C M (Obstetrics & Gynecology Dep, Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh) : Knowledge and attitude of adolescent girls towards reproductive health and related problems. Indian J Prev Soc Med 2007, 38(1-2), 36-41.

Adolescence is a phase of storm and stress and is the most vulnerable group to suffer various health problems, specially if they lack knowledge about reproductive health. Objectivs of the study are to assess the awareness of adolescent girls about reproductive health. (2) To find out the reproductive health related problems among adolescent girls, and (3) To know the felt needs for reproductive health and sex education amongst adolescent girls. The study was a cross sectional study amongst the school going girls of age group 15-19 years. They were asked a set of 33 questions related to various aspects of reproductive health. About two third (75.6%) of the girts were aware about all the signs of adolescence and 88.8% were aware about the needs of healthy life. Majority (80%) had idea about various aspects of sex education. 80.4% of girls had sex education. Most of the girls (90.4%) wanted sex education to be included in the curriculum and 52.8% wanted it to be started at 13-15 years of age. About one third (32.8%) thought doctors to be the best person to discuss such issues. 65.2% of girls were aware about atleast one contraceptive. Emergency contraceptives was known only to 19.6%. 91.6% were aware that STD's could be prevented by the use of condoms. Only 51.2% were aware about right legal age of marriage for girls. Various menstrual problems prevalent were irregular cycle (48.4%), oligomenorrhoea (10.4%), Menorrhagia (15.6%), polymenorrhoea (3.6%), dysmenorrhoea (84.%), pathological vaginal discharge (10%). Adolescents girls need extensive and supportive education program to improve their awareness and thus reproductive health status.

5 tables, 12 ref

001356   Agarwal M M;Singh S K;Mandal A K (NO, , 202 A, Sector 24 A, Chandigarh-160 023, Email: drmayank_22@yahoo.co.in) : Penile gangrene in diabetes mellitus with renal failure: A poor prognostic sign of systemic vascular calciphylaxis. Indian J Urol 2007, 23(2), 208-10.

Penile gangrene associated with chronic renal failure is very uncommon. A 52-year-old man with diabetes mellitus, diffuse atherosclerosis, ischemic cardiomyopathy and end-stage renal disease presented with blackening of distal penis for 10 days. His general condition was poor and gangrene of prepuce and glans was noted. Doppler and magnetic-resonance angiography revealed bilateral internal iliac artery obstruction. He underwent trocar suprapubic cystostomy and was planned for partial penectomy. But he died of severe diabetic complications in the interim period. Penile gangrene is a manifestation of widespread vascular calcifications associated with end-stage renal disease and is a marker of poor prognosis.

^ccr2 illus, 5 ref

001355   Adeneye A A (Pharmacology Dep, Lagos State University College of Medicine, P M B 21266, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, Email: ademeye2001@yahoo.com) : Haematopoetic effect of methanol seed extract of Citrus paradisi Macfad (grape fruit) in Wistar rats. Biomed Res 2008, 19(1), 23-6.

The study was undertaken to evaluate the blood-forming effects of (100% methanol seed extract) of Citrus paradist Macfad in adult Wistar rats for 30 days as a way of evaluating its traditional use in the treatment of blood deficiencies. Acute oral toxicity study was also conducted using limit dose test of the Up and Down Procedure statistical program (AOT425PgmStat, Version 1.0) at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight/oral route. Results showed significant (p<0.05) progressive and dose dependent elevations in total leucocyte count (TLC), lymphocyte differentials (Lymph.), red blood count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell count (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelet count (PL). Reversed effect was recorded for the neutrophil (Neutro.) and monocyte (Mono.) differentials which were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the treated rats. Acute oral toxicity showed the extract to be relatively safe at 2000 mg/kg on acute exposure. Thus, the overall results lend support to its folkloric use.

2 tables, 19 ref

001354   Abdulazeez A A;Alo E B;Rebecca S N (Biological Sciences Dep, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria, Email: abuazeez1962@yahoo.com) : Carriage rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among different ABO and rhesus blood groups in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Biomed Res 2008, 19(1), 41-4.

Carriage rate of HIV infection among ABO and rhesus blood groups was conducted on one thousand five hundred and twenty subjects randomly selected from fifteen health institutions in Adamawa State. Prior to the enrollment of the subjects in the study, ethical approval of the health institutions was obtained and the informed consent of the subjects sought. One thousand and thirty apparently healthy subjects were enrolled as test group while another 490 known subjects were enrolled as control group. 5ml of blood sample was collected from each subject, out which 3ml was put in plain container to extract serum needed for HIV serotyping, while the remaining 2ml was put in EDTA container for blood grouping. Analysis of ABO blood group system showed a higher distribution (50.6%) of group O and the lowest (11.7%) of group AB individuals. Statistical analysis however showed no significant difference in the distribution of ABO blood groups in the state (P>0.05). The overall prevalence of HIV infection was 12.6%. Statistically, there was significant difference in the prevalence of HIV sero-types in the state (p<0.05). Also, Blood group AB recorded the highest rate of HIV-2 infection (71.4%) and the least prevalence of HIV-1 (7.1%) whereas seroprevalence of HIV sero-type was significantly higher among rhesus D positive subjects than their rhesus D negative counterparts (p<0.05).

4 tables, 15 ref

000669   Zokaitluangi; (Dep of Psychology, Mizoram University, Aizawl-796 012) : Personality patterns of mizo male alcoholics. Behavioural Scient 2008, 9(1), 37-42.

One twenty Mizo male alcoholics (chronically involved in alcoholic consumption) and control served as subjects for the study. Three age group of subjects (20-25, 30-35 and 40-45 yrs) for both the control and alcoholic served as subject, folowed by multi-stage-sampling procedure. The study aimed two way classification of variables of `drug' (contorl and alcoholics) and `levels of alcohol consumption' (low, moderate and high) on personality patterns of Mizo males. The Psychological Screening Inventory (PSI) was employed. 2x3 ANOVA (2 drug x 3 levels of alcohol consumption) and post-hoc mean comparisons revealed greater scores in alcoholics than in contorl on alienation, social non-conformity, discomfort and defensiveness measures of PSI. Analysis revealed greater scores in low, and moderate level of alcoholics as compare to the three compare groups.

3 tables, 21 ref

000668   Zaveri M;Jain S (Pharmacology Dep, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Email: sunitalmcp@yahoo.com) : Gastroprotective effects of root bark of Oroxylum indicum, Vent.. J nat Remedies 2007, 7(2), 269-77.

Study was designed, to evaluate the gastroprotective effects of root bark of Oroxylum indicum, against gastric ulcers. Oxidative stress is considered to be important factors in the pathogenesis of gastric ulcers. The 50% alcoholic extract of root bark of Oroxylum indicum and its different fractions viz. petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol were studied (p.o.) against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. Further, n-butanol fraction was also studied in Water Immersion Plus Restraint Stress (WIRS) - model. The parameters studied include ulcer index, score for intensity intraluminal bleeding and antioxidant activity. Alcoholic extract (300 mg/kg) and its different fractions (100 and 300 mg/kg) showed significant reduction in gastric ulceration against ethanol-induced gastric damage. Out of all these fractions, n-butanol fraction showed significant maximum (99%) inhibition of gastric lesions. In WIRS- model, pretreatment with n-butanol fraction showed significant antiulcer and antioxidant activity in gastric mucosal homogenates, where it reversed the increase in ulcer index (UI), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in superoxidedismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels induced by stress. The study reveals significant gastroprotective effect of n-butanol fraction against both ethanol and WIRS-induced gastric ulcers in rats. The ulceroprotective activity of n-butanol fraction could be mediated through its antioxidant activity, vasodilatation, and gastric cytoprotection.

3 tables, 38 ref

000667   Yadav C L;Vatsya S;Garg R;Kumar R R;Banerjee P S;Rajesh Godara (Veterinary Parasitology Dep, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145) : Seasonal prevalence of Fasciola gigantica infection in sheep and goats in western Uttar Pradesh. J parasitic Dis 2007, 31(2), 141-4.

Epidemiological studies were conducted to establish the prevalence of Fasciola gigantica infection in sheep and goats of western Uttar Pradesh, from January 2001 to December 2004. An overall prevalence of 1.85 % (1.69% sheep and 2.02% goats) was recorded with peak prevalence (2.61%) of the infection in rainy season. In sheep, peak prevalence of Fasciola infection was recorded during the month of July (5.1%), whereas in goats, peak prevalence was observed in the month of March (13.3%). Animals of Bareilly division were most infected (4.75%), followed by those of Moradabad (3.50%), Meerut (0.79%) and Agra (0.35%) divisions. Examination of Lymnaea auricularia snails revealed that 1.57% of the 1,905 snails examined were harbouring life cycle stages of F. gigantica. The prevalence of the infection in snails was highest (4.18%) during rainy season (July-October), whereas it was lowest (0.76%) during summer (March-June). The results of the present study may help to devise an effective control strategy against fasciolosis in western Uttar Pradesh.

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000666   Xindao Y;Liping W;Lingquan L;Taisheng Z; Qianzhi W;Jianping G (Radiology Dep, Nanjing First Hospital, (Nanjing Medical Univ, Nanjing), Jiangsu Provinc P.R. China 210006, Email: yinxindao1965152@sohu.com) : Role of combining MR cholangiopancreatography and T1W imaging in detecting common bile duct micro-stones. Indian J Radiol Imag 2007, 17(4), 242-6.

Assesses the role of adding T1W images to MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in detecting common bile duct (CBD) micro-stones, From January 2005 to December 2006, a total of 104 patients with CBD stones were preoperatively studied by routine MRI and MRCP, Micro-stones, measuring less than 5 mm, were proven at surgery or ERCP following the MRI scans, within one to five days in 56/104 patients. Routine MRI scans included RF-FAST axial T1W images (TR/TE 155 ms/3.4 ms) and EXPRESS axial T2W (15000 ms/81 ms) as well as coronal T2W (15000 ms/81 ms) images. Features of CBD micro-calculi on T1W and MRCP images and the sensitivities of T1W images and MRCP for the diagnosis of CBD micro-stones were analyzed. Among these 56 patients, gallbladder stones coexisted with choledocholithiasis in 30 patients and 7 patients had a past history of cholecystectomy for gallstones.The signal intensities of CBD micro-calculi on T1W images were high, relative to the low signal intensity of the bile in 47 patients. Filling defects on MRCP images were shown in 33 patients. Both T1W images alone and a combination of MRCP with T1W images had a higher sensitivity in detecting CBD micro-calculi than MRCP alone. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the combination of MRCP with T1W images and MRCP alone in the ability to detect micro-stones (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.01). Conclusion: For MRCP, adding a T1W sequence is helpful in increasing the sensitivity for diagnosing micro-calculi of the common bile ducts.

4 illus, 15 ref

000665   Wani S A;Ahmad F (Zoology Dep, The Kashmir Univ, Srinagar-190 006, Email: showkat_aish@yahoo.co.in) : Plasma proteins in children with helminth infections. J parasitic Dis 2007, 31(2), 165-8.

The effect of helminth infections on the nutrition, growth and physiology of children still remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of helminth infections on plasma proteins in children. Stool and blood samples were collected from 382 school children, both male and female, in the age group of 5-15 years from Kashmir valley. Blood samples were analyzed for the estimation of plasma proteins like albumin, globulin and total proteins by BIURET and BCG methods, and the stool samples were processed by using both simple smear and zinc sulphate concentration methods. Of the 382 children surveyed, 299 (78.27%) were infected with either Ascaris lumbricoides or Trichuris trichiura or both. Children infected with helminths were found to have lower mean values of plasma albumin and total proteins but higher mean values of globulin than uninfected children. The present study revealed that geohelminths were abundant among children of Kashmir valley, which have a negative effect on the plasma protein values, and suggests implementation of control measures to prevent geohelminthiasis.

^ssc1 table, 20 ref

000664   Verma Y;Gautam K;Rana S V S (Toxicology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut-250 004, Email: sureshvs_rana@yahoo.com) : Biological monitoring of exposure to inorganic lead with special reference to women - a case study of Indian bangle makers. Toxic int 2007, 14(2), 123-31.

Gender differences in the toxicity of lead have been observed in a selected human population engaged in glass industries of Firozabad (India). Duration of exposure, age, food habits and alcohol intake were found to be confounding factors affecting lead toxicity in women. Lead concentration in urine was found to be higher in male subjects than female workers. Contrarily, δ-amino levulinic acid concentration in urine was higher in females than male workers. It is concluded that women of all ages (premenopausal and postmenopausal) release lead more slowly than males. Therefore, we suggest that both the parameters in both the sexes should be applied for health risk assessment. Further, studies on Ii-amino levulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) genetic polymorphism are needed so as to confirm susceptible and protective genotypes.

2 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

000663   Verma S K;Mitchell D G (Radiology Dep, Thomas Jefferson Univ Hospital Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA, Email: medskv@yahoo.com) : Images: monolobar caroli's disease. Indian J Radiol Imag 2007, 17(4), 254-6.

3 illus, 13 ref

000662   Venkata Krishnan P;Anuradha S;Bhattacharjee J;Gaiha M (Medicine Dep, Maulana Azad Medical College and Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi-110 002) : Effect of low dose omega-3 fatty acids on platelet function and coagulation profile in Indian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with vascular complications: A prospective, preliminary study. J Indian Acad Clin Med 2007, 8(1), 45-52.

To evaluate the effects of low-dose omega-3 fatty acids on platelet functions and coagulation profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with vascular complications. The study was a prospective single blind placebo controlled randomised study comprising 40 type 2 DM patients and 20 normal healthy controls. Following a washout period of 2 weeks, glycaemic parameters, serum lipid profile, coagulation profile studies (serum fibrinogen level, prothrombin time, and PTTK) and platelet function tests (platelet malondialdehyde [MDA], platelet aggregation to ADP and collagen) were assessed in all subjects. Subsequently, the type 2 DM patients (40) were randomised into 2 groups: group 1 (20 cases) received 1.2 g/d of omega-3 fatty acid and group 2 (20 cases) received a placebo, and both the groups were advised the same dietary modifications with particular reference to fats to maintain a near-normal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (8:1). At the end of 6 weeks (study period), all the baseline parameters were repeated in both groups. Compared to normal healthy controls, the type 2 DM patients had a significantly higher mean fibrinogen levels and hyper-functioning platelets at baseline. The groups 1 and 2 were comparable at the start of the study period. At the end of the study period, mean 5. fibrinogen levels decreased from 3.67 ± 0.58 g/l to 3.29 ± 0.51 (p > 0.001) in group 7 (10.6%), while levels remained unchanged in group 2 (3.4 ± 0.06 to 3.43 ± 0.07, p = 0.06). Statistically significant (p > 0.001) reductions were also observed in mean percentage platelet aggregation to ADP (70.5 ±2.16% to 59.9 ± 4.04%); to collagen (68.6 ± 2.44% to 58.1 ± 3.57%) and mean platelet MDA levels (3.64± 1.49 mmol/l to 3.11 ± 1.38) in group 1 only.There was no statistically significant change observed in these parameters at the end of the study period in group 2. It may be concluded that low dose (1.2 g/d) substitution of omega-3 fatty acid alongwith dietary modifications results in significant beneficial effects on coagulation profile and platelet functions in type 2 DM patients with vascular complications, with marginal favourable effects on glycaemic status and lipid profile.

8 tables, 18 ref

000661   Varma A K;Whitchurch D (Surgery Dep, General Hospital, Tata Tea Ltd, Munnar, Kerala-685-612) : Eosinophilic gastroenteritis with large bowel obstruction. Antiseptic 2008, 105(1), 9-10.

11 ref

000660   Vamsi Krishna M;Gowri Sankar D (Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance Division, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Email: marothu_vamsi@rediffmail.com) : Spectrophotometric determination of gemifloxacin mesylate in pharmaceutical formulations through Ion-pair complex formation. E J Chem 2008, 5(3), 515-20.

Four simple and sensitive ion-pairing spectrophotometric methods have been described for the assay of gemifloxacin mesylate (GFX) either in pure form or in pharmaceutical formulations. The developed methods involve formation of colored chloroform extractable ion-pair complexes of the drug with safranin 0 (SFN 0) and methylene blue (MB) in basic medium; Napthol blue 12BR (NB 12BR) and azocaramine G (AG) in acidic medium. The extracted complexes showed absorbance maxima at 525, 650, 620 and 540 nm for SFN 0, MB, NB 12BR and AG, respectively.Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration ranges 3-15, 4-20,2-10 and 2-10 μg/mL with molar absorptivity of 2.81 x 10⁴, 2.20 X 10⁴,4.02 X 10⁴ and 4.15 x 10⁴ L mole^-1 cm^-1 and relative standard deviation of 0.077,0.104, 0.080 and 0.103% for SFN 0, MB, NB 12BR and AG, respectively. These methods have been successfully applied for the assay of drug in pharmaceutical formulations. No interference was observed from common pharmaceutical adjuvants. Results of analysis were validated statistically and through recovery studies.

5 tables, 8 ref

000659   Vamsi Krishna M;Gowri Sankar D (Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance Division, College of Pharamaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Email: marothu_vamsi@rediffmail.com) : Utility of σ and π-acceptors for the spectrophotometric determination of gemifloxacin mesylate in pharmacetutica formulations. E J Chem 2008, 5(3), 493-8.

In this study, four simple, fast, accurate and sensitive spectrophotometric methods have been developed for the determination of gemifloxacin mesylate in pharmaceutical formulations. The methods are based on the charge transfer complexation reaction of the drug as n-electron donor with sigma (μ)-acceptor iodine, and the pi (π)-acceptors 2, 3-dichloro-5, 6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ)-7, 7 ,8,8-tetra cyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and tetracyanoethylene (TCNE). The obtained charge transfer complexes were measured at 290nm for iodine (in 1, 2-dichloro ethane), at 470, 840 and 420 nm for DDQ, TCNQ and TCNE (in acetonitrile), respectively. Optimization of different experimental conditions is described. Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration range of 6-30,2-10,2.5-12.5 and 1-5 μg mL^-1 for iodine, DDQ, TCNQ and TCNE methods, respectively. The proposed methods were applied successfully to the determination of GFX in pharmaceutical formulations with good accuracy and precision.

3 tables, 14 ref

000658   Turk U O;Tengiz Y;Nalbantgil S;Nart D;Buket S;Ercan E (Dep of Cardiology, , Central Hospital, Bayrakly-Izmir, Turkey) : Catastrophic consequence of weight-lifting: a family with marfan syndrome. Indian J Cardiol 2006, 9(1-2), 53-5.

Marfan syndrome is one of the common hereditary connective tissue disorders. The complications associated with aortic dilatation determine the survey of the syndrome. Isometric exercises such as weight-lifting lead significant hemodnamic stress on the aortic wall which may result in aortic dissection or rupture in patient with Marfan syndrome. In this report a carrier family with Marfan syndrome is described.

^ccr3 illus, 8 ref

000657   Turakhia S;Majmudar A S;Juthani P (4, Nanduprasad Mahadeviya Society, Near Sanghavi High School, Vijaynagar Road, Naranpura, Ahmedabad-380 013, Email: dranandmajmudar181280@yahoo.co.in) : Case report: pediatric duodenal Burkitt's lymphoma. Indian J Radiol Imag 2007, 17(4), 257-9.

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000656   Trigunayat A;Raghavendra M;Singh R K; Bhattacharya A K;Acharya S B (Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Pharmacology Dep, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: sbacharya@rediffmail.com) : Neuroprotective effect of Withania somnifera (WS) in cerbral ischemia-reperfusion and long-term hypoperfusion induced alterations in rats. J nat Remedies 2007, 7(2), 234-46.

Study investigates the effect of Withania somnifera (WS), a well known adaptogenic agent in Indian system of Medicine, on acute cerebral repertusion and long-term cerebral hypoperfusion in rats. Acute ischemia-reperfusion (30 min occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries followed by 45 min reperfusion) and Long-term cerebral hypoperfusion (for 15 days) in C.F. strain rats were produced following standard technique. WS, Indian chemotype-1, rich in withanolide glycosides (= sitoindosides) was used for the present study. Effect of WS on lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, cyclic AMP level and histopathological changes in forebrain regions in acute ischemia - reperfusion and on long-term cerebral hypoperfusion induced behavioral and histopathological alterations were evaluated. WS pre-treatment (50 mg/kg p.o. for 5 days) attenuated the reperfusion induced biochemical and histopathological alterations. Long term hypoperfusion induced anxiety and listlessness (open field paradigm) accompanied by deficits in learning and memory (Morris' water maze testing) along with histopathological changes in rat forebrains were attenuated with WS treatment. The results suggest that WS may be useful in cerebrovascular insufficiency conditioas.

8 illus, 4 tables, 53 ref

000655   Talapatra I;Tymms D J;Lloyd D (Medicine Dep, Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Institution, Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 2NN, UK) : Assay interference of hormones leading to erroneous results: two case reports. J Indian Acad Clin Med 2007, 8(1), 97-8.

Heterophilic antibodies in the human serum can react with the immunoglobulins included in the assay components and cause anomalous results. We describe below two cases where spurious hormone results were obtained that led to wrong treatment in one patient. The first patient was found to have low plasma cortisol and was treated with steroids with no clinical improvement. Subsequently, investigations in other hospitals showed that the patient had no cortisol deficiency, and was therefore taken off steroid replacement therapy. The second patient had a normal thyroid stimulating hormone level with very high free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels in the serum. However, investigations in a different hospital showed that the serum thyroid hormone levels were normal.

6 ref

000654   Syed Ismail T;Parveen Sulthana A (Chemistry Dep, Sadakathullah Appa College, Tirunelveli-627 011, Email: e_syedismail@yahoo.com) : Standardization of Morinda umbellata Linn. - An effective crude drug for diarrhoea. E J Chem 2008, 5(3), 652-8.

Morinda umbellata Linn. (Family Rubiaceae) is commonly known as "Nuna" in Tamil and "Pitadaru" in Sanksrit. The leaves in conjunction with certain aromatics in the form of decoction are used in diarrhoea and dysentry. The genuine sample of M. umbellata was collected. As part of the study genuine leaf, stem and root samples were collected and subjected to anatomical investigations. The air-dried leaf powder was extracted with different solvent systems such as petroleum-ether (40-60°C), benzene, chloroform, ethanol and sterile water and preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extracts including TLC and paper chromatographic assays were done and the R_f values were determined. Physico-chemical characters, fluorescence characters and extractive values of the leaf powder in different solvent systems were also determined. The pharmacognostical parameters studied, may be used as a tool for the correct identification of the plant and also to test the adulterants if any.

4 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

000653   Surendran S N;Kajatheepan A;Kannathasan S (Zoology Dep, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, Jaffna, Sri Lanka) : Evaluation of the effectiveness of lambdacyhalothrin (ICON) indoor residual spraying against sand fly populations: a field based study in delft island, Sri Lanka. J Commun Dis 2007, 39(3), 189-91.

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000652   Sundare S K;Periyanayagam K;Ismail M (Pharmacognosy Dep, Madurai Medical College, Madurai-20) : Mosquit larvicidal properties of various extract of leaves and fixed oil from the seeds of Caesalpinia bonduc (L) Roxb. J Commun Dis 2007, 39(3), 153-7.

A Preliminary laboratory trial was undertaken to determine the efficacies of petroleum ether, ethanolic, aqueous extracts of dried leaves and fixed oil from the seeds of Caesalpinia bonduc (L). Roxb (Family: Caesalpiniaceae) at various concentrations against the fourth instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus by following the WHO guidelines. Hundred per cent mortality was observed in 1% concentration of petroleum ether and ethanolic extract of leaf, whereas it was 55% in 2.5% concentration of aqueous extract and 92.6% in 2.5% concentration of fixed oil. The active constituent responsible for the mortality is to be isolated to come up with a promising larvicidal agent, which will be economic, non pollutant and ecofriendly.

2 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

000651   Srivastava R K;Raghuvanshi S;Goel D;Bansal K K;Kusum A (Radiology Dep, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Ram Nagar, Doiwala, Dehradun, Email: rajendraradiologist@yahoo.com) : Case report: intradural extramedullary bronchogenic cyst. Indian J Radiol Imag 2007, 17(4), 260-3.

^ccr6 illus, 8 ref

000650   Srinivasan R;Chandrasekar M J N;Nanjan M J; Suresh B (TIFAC CORE in Drugs, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ootacamund-643 001, Email: mjnanjan@gmail.com) : Free Radical scavenging activity of Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker-Gawl. J nat Remedies 2007, 7(2), 184-8.

To evaluate the free radical scavenging activity of Ipomoea obscura (L.) whole plant belonging to the family Convolvulaceae. Three successive whole plant extracts (petroleum ether, methanol and water) of Ipomoea obscura were prepared and the total phenolic content was estimated. The extract were screened for their in vitro antioxidant activity using 2,2'-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethyl-benzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals by p-mtroso dimethyl aniline (p-NDA) and deoxyribose assays and the IC₅₀ values were calculated. The total phenol content in methanol and water extracts was found to be 18.15 mg/g and 9.12 mg/g, respectively. Among the three extracts tested, the methanol extract showed maximum activity with IC₅₀ values 53,12 ± 0.33, 108.40 ± 2.15, 107.90 ± 1.20 and 424.00 ± 2.90 μg/ml, for ABTS, DPPH, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide radical inhibition assays, respectively. The water and petroleum ether extracts showed moderate to low activity compared to methanol extract when tested for ABTS, DPPH, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide radical inhibition assays. All the three extracts showed less activity at high concentrations when tested against superoxide and hydroxyl radical inhibition assays. The successive methanol extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity and merits further investigations in animal models and isolation of its active constituents.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

000649   Sood R;Premi H K;Gupta K B;Sharma B R (Obstetrics Gynaecology Dep, Indira Gandhi Medical College (Kamal Nehru hospital), Simla) : Preoperative cervical priming with PGF₂α in first trimester and early secound triester termination of pergnancy. Antiseptic 2008, 105(1), 15-17.

Pre evacuation cervical priming with single intramuscular injection of prostodin [15(s)-l5-methyl PGF₂α) in a dose of 250ug 2-3 hours prior to evacuation of uterus in first trimester MTPs is method which reduce the complications of mechanical dilatation of cervix and also reduces the blood loss significantly. Side effects of the drug are within acceptable range.

6 tables, 17 ref