000598   Narula G;et al (Pediatrics Dep, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai-400 012, Email: kurkurepa@tmcmail.org) : Clinico-biological profile of langerhans cell histiocytosis: a single institutional study. Indian J Cancer 2007, 44(3), 93-8.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare atypical cellular disorder characterized by clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells leading to myriad clinical presentations and highly variable outcomes. There is a paucity of Indian studies on this subject. This is a retrospective observational study of patients with LCH who presented at the Tata Memorial Hospital between January 1987 and December 2002. Fifty-two patients with LCH were treated in the study period. Due to the long observation period and variability in diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, the patients were risk-stratified based on present criteria. The disease pattern, management approaches and treatment outcomes of patients were recorded. Statistical analyses were done using Student's 't'test, test for proportion and survival estimates based on the Kaplan-Meier method. The median age at presentation was 3 years and more than 48% of the patients had Group I disease. Skeleton, skin and lymphoreticular system were the commonly involved organs. Majority (80%) required some form of therapy. The projected overall survival is 63% at 10 years and mean survival is 118 months. Seventeen percent of surviving patients developed long-term sequelae. The clinico-biologic profile of LCH patients in India is largely similar to international patterns except a higher incidence of lymphoreticular involvement. Majority of the patients respond favorably to therapy and have a good outcome, except a subset of Group I patients who warrant enrolment in clinical trials with innovative therapeutic strategies to improve outcome.

4 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

000597   Nandi A P (Parasitology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Burdwan Univ, Burdwan-713 104, Email: nandizoolbu@yahoo.com) : Scanning electron microscope study of two avian nematodes: Ascaridia triabium (Linstaw, 1904) and Torquatoides balanocephala (Gendre, 1922). J parasitic Dis 2007, 31(2), 103-7.

Morphology of two avian nematodes viz. Ascaridia trilabium and Torquatoides balanocephala, recovered from Centropus sinensis and Merops orientalis, respectively, from Burdwan, West Bengal, India was studied by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Apparently, this is the first study of these nematodes by using SEM. Scanning electron micrographs of A. trilabium provided detailed information about the nature of cephalic papillae, amphids, caudal papillae and phasmids. SEM study of T. balanocephala provided detailed information about the nature of cephalic plates.

12 illus, 8 ref

000596   Naithani U;Purohit D;Bajaj P (NO, , II-238, OTC Scheme, Charak Marg, Udaipur, Rajsthan) : Public awareness about anaesthesia and anaesthesiologist: a survey. Indian J Anaesth 2007, 51(5), 420-6.

Though the role of anaesthesiologist is crucial, the public knowledge of anaesthetic practice is limited. It is thus important for us to think that why the importance of this speciality is not known and how to make people aware about the vital role played by an anaesthesiologist in medical set up. The present study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital, on 150 adult surgical patients posted for elective surgery to assess patient's knowledge about the role of anaesthesiologist, their preoperative concerns related to anaesthesia, post operative complaints and level of satisfaction regarding anaesthesia services. A majority (92.67%) of patients felt that anaesthesia was necessary for surgery, only 42.67% knew that it was given by an anaesthesiologist. Only 27.33% of the patients knew that besides anaesthetizing, anaesthesiologists monitors & takes care of vita! signs throughout surgery. Patients were not much aware of their role in ICU (7.33%), painless labour (12.67%) & pain clinic (4.67%). Only 15.33% patients had knowledge about anaesthesia risks given in consent form. Though people with higher literacy levels had greater knowledge about anaesthesia compared with the lower literacy group (P<0.001), even their mean scores fell in average range. The statistical association between past exposure to anaesthesia and knowledge about anaesthesia was not significant (P>0.1). Contribution of anaesthesiologists in patients knowledge was the least (1.33%). The number of patients having preoperative fears was much more (61.33%) than the actual number of patients having discomfort during surgery (16.67%). Large majority of patients were satisfied with the quality of anaesthesia services (99.33%), and showed willingness to know about their anaesthesiologist in case of any future surgery (70%). Concludes that there is a widespread misconception amongst the public about the role of anaesthesiologists inside and outside the operating room, however services provided were considered satisfactory. Therefore, sufficient time should be given to educate the patients about anaesthesia and the various role an anaesthesiologist plays. Meeting during the preanaesthetic examination should be used to fulfill this purpose.

4 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

000595   Murhekar K M;Majhi U;Mahajan V;Satheesan B (pathology and Surgical Oncology Dep, Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai-600 020, Email: gabas9@rediffmail.com) : Penile metastasis from rectal carcinoma. Indian J Cancer 2007, 44(4), 155-6.

Penile metastases are infrequent and often originate from genitor-urinary organs including bladder and prostate. In the present communication, reports an unusual case of penile metastasis from rectal adenocarcinoma. Though uncommon, this presentation is not unknown. A review of literature of penile metastases in colorectal cancers is also summarized here.

2 illus, 11 ref

000594   Munshi A;Jain S;Budrukkar A;Jalali R;Sarin R (Radiation Oncology Dep, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, Email: anusheel18@hotmail.com) : Radiotherapy-induced depigmentation in a patient with breast cancer. Indian J Cancer 2007, 44(4), 157-8.

Vitiligo is a common dermatological disorder, A middle-aged woman with preexisting vitiligo was diagnosed with breast carcinoma. After surgery and chemotherapy she received regional radiotherapy. Six months after the completion of radiotherapy she developed depigmentation in the irradiated area. This article discusses the etiology for this phenomenon and the literature in this regard.

1 illus, 11 ref

000593   Munshi A;Dutta D;Mazumdar D;Jalali R (Radiation Oncology Dep, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai-400 012, Email: anusheel18@hotmail.com) : Atypical presentation of recurrent temporal lobe meningioma with external auditory canal mass. Indian J Cancer 2007, 44(3), 119-21.

Extracranial spread of recurrent meningiomas involving the middle ear is rare. Presents the case of a 59-year-old woman with headache and swelling of scalp over the right temporal region. MRI revealed a lesion in the right temporal lobe suggestive of meningioma. She underwent complete surgical excision of the lesion followed by post-operative radiotherapy. After 1 year, presented with right-sided otalgia and a middle-ear mass extruding into the external auditory canal. She was re-operated and histopathology was anaplastic meningioma. Discussings this unusual pattern of recurrence in our patient with a review of literature.

2 illus, 6 ref

000592   Mukhopadhyay A K (NO, National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Regional Filaria Training, Rajahmundry-533 105, Email: ashomukhopadhyay1952@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of vector control programmes like indoor residual spray and insecticide-treated bed nets in a malaria endemic area of east Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. J parasitic Dis 2007, 31(2), 128-33.

The use of indoor residual spray (IRS) and insecticide-treated bed nets (ITBN) is the most important chemical control tool for vector control, and thereby interrupting the transmission of malaria and other vector borne diseases. In ten tribal dominated malarious Primary Health Centers of East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, 134 human dwellings of 15 villages were searched. Satisfactory IRS with malathion was done in only 11.2% houses. Of the 303 living rooms examined, IRS was done only in 13.2% rooms and 76.1% verandahs. Refusal rate in living rooms was noted as 86.7%. This was mainly due to lack of knowledge regarding the importance of IRS and reluctances among villagers to remove domestic articles and dislike of the smell of malathion. Techniques of IRS were found unsatisfactory during concurrent supervision. Only 40% tribal villagers were using ITBN at night. A 60% ITBN retention rate was noted. Out of nine anopheline species in the study area, three vectors of malaria, i.e., Anopheles culicifacies,An.fluviatilis and An. annularis were noted in both human dwellings and outdoors. Poor coverage (13.2%) and high refusal rate (86.7%) of IRS with malathion along with high retention rate (60%) among ITBN users are the main causes for increasing trend of malaria. This is due to lack of knowledge and motivation in receptor population. High density of three vector species in outdoor sampling was noted.

3 tables, 9 ref

000591   Mitra J K;Jain V;Sharma D;Parabhakar H;Dash H H (Neuroanaesthesiology Dep, All Inida Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110 029, Email: drhh_dash@yahoo.com) : Survey on use of nitrous oxide in current anaesthetic practice in India. Indian J Anaesth 2007, 51(5), 405-8.

In anaesthetic practice, exposure to a hazardous substance should be eliminated or controlled where practicable. Over the past few years, the use of nitrous oxide has become debatable. To assess the current anaesthetic practice in India on the use of nitrous oxide, a total of 400 questionnaires constituted by 15 questions on three topics- use of nitrous oxide, medical air and TIVA(total intravenous anaesthesia)- were distributed. Anaesthesiologists were selected randomly and requested to fill up the questionnaire. Of the 400 questionnaires, 40 questionnaires were discarded due to incomplete answer, leaving a total of 360 valid returned questionnaires, a 90% response rate. 27.22% respondents stated that the use of nitrous oxide had decreased. Whenmedical air was available, 66.67% felt that they would use it frequently. A total of 214 (59.44%) stated that theyused total intravenous anaesthesia occasionally. The results showed that although anaesthesiologists had reduced their use of nitrous oxide, this was due to medical considerations rather than concerns over health and pollution issues arising from the use of nitrous oxide.

17 ref

000590   Mekala P;Hariharan P;Punniamurthy N (Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology Dep, Veterinary College & Research Institute, Namakkal-673 001, Email: mekskathir@yahoo.com) : Inhibition of aflatoxin induced liver damage in broilers by curcumin and silymarin. Toxic int 2007, 14(2), 147-51.

The study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of curcumin and silymarin alone and in combination, against aflatoxicosis in male broiler chicken. Liver damage was assessed by quantifying the serum levels of Total Protein, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) supported by histopathological examination. Aflatoxin administration at 1 ppm level resulted in increase in serum ALT and AST, decrease in total serum protein with varying degrees of liver damage ranging from diffuse vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes, necrosis and tendency for fibrosis. Curcumin (10mg, 20mg) and silymarin (500ppm, 1000ppm) produced dose dependant improvement in all the parameters studied and they were more or less similar in their hepatoprotective effect. The combined effect of both the drugs, Curcumin 10mg + Silymarin 500ppm and Curcumin 20mg + Silymarin 1000ppm, produced better results in a dose dependant manner indicating the synergistic effect of the two flavonoids.

4 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

000589   Mathur M;Mehtani R;Mathur M (Dep of Home Science, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur) : Impact of gender, age and social class on mental ability performances of children in 7-11 years.. Behavioural Scient 2008, 9(1), 47-53.

Examined the general mental ability performance of children on a sample of one hundred children inclusive of 50 boys and 50 girls, equally drawn purposively from middle and low-income groups. Children from middle-income group showed significantly higher scores on GMATC. No gender differences were reported, however, the mental ability performance increases with increases of age. Children performed better on non-verbal part of the test as compared to its verbal part. Children also performed almost equally well on analogy, classification, number series, reasoning problem and absurdities.

1 illus, 5 tables, 26 ref

000588   Mariappan T;Snehalatha K S;Vijaya Kumar K N; Krishnamoorthy K (Vector Control Research Centre (Indian Councial of Medical Research), , Pondicherry) : Socio economic factors as indicators of various risk groups for bancroftian filariasis, Cochin, Kerala, India. J Commun Dis 2007, 39(3), 197-9.

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000587   Mali S;Bachewar N;Thawani V;Dudhagaonkar S (Pharmacology Dep, Government Medical College, Nagpur-440 003) : Sitagliptin - a versatile agent in type II diabetes management. Antiseptic 2008, 105(1), 13-14.

2 illus, 10 ref

000586   Malhotra D;Rafiq M;Qazi S;Gupta S D (Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Dep, Govt. Medical College Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, Email: edineshm69@rediffmail.com) : Vertilatory obstruction with spiral embedded tube- are they as safe?. Indian J Anaesth 2007, 51(5), 432-3.

Spiral embedded tubes are routinely being used in anaesthetic practice these days as a preventive measure in cases where kinking of the endotracheal tube is anticipated. In spite of this advantage spiral embedded tubes can at times lead to disaster since any deformity in these tubes is permanent and leads to occlusion of a patent airway. Presents a case of 40-year-male, who underwent popliteal artery anastomosis for a tear after fire arm injury, under general anaesthesia with spiral embedded tube in prone position. Surgical procedure and anaesthesia was uneventful but before extuba-tion, patient bite on the tube created permanent deformity resulting in occlusion, leading to hypoxia and desaturation. The deformed tube was removed and replaced with an LMA, thereafter the patient was managed without any complications or sequelae and a lesson was learnt.

1 illus, 11 ref

000585   Mahto A K;Prasad S R;Mitra S K (R & D Center, Himalaya Drug Company, Bangalore-526 123) : Evalution of efficacy and safety of gasex syrup in functional dyspepsia. Antiseptic 2008, 105(1), 35-40.

The study was planned to-.evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Gasex syrup in functional dyspepsia. Dyspepsia is a symptom complex of upper abdominal pain or discomfort believed to originate in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia remains uncertain. However, regardless of the cause, the treatment effects have generally not been impressive. The study was an open clinical trial, conducted as per the ethical guidelines of Declaration of Helsinki. All patients suffering from pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen with associated bloating, belching, nausea, and heartburn were included in the study, patients having severe vomiting and diarrhea, and those suffering with gastric or duodenal ulcer, cancer or varices disease were excluded from the study. A thorough history, symptomatic evaluation and clinical examination was done for all patients before treatment and during follow-up visits every week till the end of treatment on Day 28 along with recording the occurrence of any adverse event/s. The predefined primary endpoints were rapid symptomatic relief from upper abdominal pain, heart burn and bloating. The predefined secondary endpoints were short- and long-term safety, and overall compliance to the drug treatment. A total of 50 patients were enrolled into the trial and all the patients completed the study. A significant reduction (p<0.0001) in the mean symptom score of upper abdominal pain, heartburn, abdominal bloating, belching, fullness of stomach after meals, and nausea were observed after 28 days of treatment with Gasex syrup. There were no clinically significant adverse events, either reported or observed, during the entire study period. Therefore, it may be concluded that Gasex syrup is clinically safe and effective in the management of functional dyspepsia.

8 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

000584   Mahajan A;Sharma R;Singh J B;Jamil-ul-Hussain (General Medicine Dep, Govt. Medical College, Jammu-180 001) : Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: controversies. J Indian Acad Clin Med 2007, 8(1), 65-71.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are one of the most widely prescribed class of drugs in rheumatology and the gastrointestinal complications are the major cause of mortality and morbidity among the consumers. Hence, COX-2 selective inhibitors were developed with assumption of better safety profile (renal and gastrointestinal) than non-selective NSAIDs. However, recent evidences of cardiovascular and renal complications with their use have raised a question on their status in rational therapeutics. Moreover, recent reports from population-based studies indicated increased risk of myocardial infarction, death, and recurrent congestive cardiac failure in patients prescribed NSAIDs or rofecoxib than celecoxib. At present, the logical therapeutic approach is to prescribe NSAIDs at the lowest effective dose, for short duration, and without concomitant use of corticosteroids and anticoagulants. Pro-drugs, NO-NSAIDs having a nitric oxide moiety linked to a conventional NSAID, a competitive inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and COX and combining COX-2 inhibitors with essential fatty acids (that lead to the formation of cardioprotective lipoxins and resolvins) are some of the options under trial.

1 table, 33 ref

000583   Madhuri S;Pandey G;Shrivastav A B;Sahni Y P (Pharmacology and Toxicology Dep, College of Veterinary Science & A.H., Jabalpur-482 001, Email: drmadhurig8@yahoo.co.in) : Ovarian cytotoxicity by oestrogen in rat. Toxic int 2007, 14(2), 143-5.

Ethinyl oestradiol was administered to the rats of groups 2, 3 and 4 @ 250, 500 and 750 μg/kg body weight, respectively orally once a week for 8 weeks and to the rats of groups 5, 6 and 7, respectively for 12 weeks. At the 9^th week, mild to severe congestion along with infiltration of lymphocytes in the interstitial tissue of the ovaries was observed in groups 2ª4. At the 13^th week (groups 5-7), these changes were more prominent. In higher dose group (EO @ 750 ?g/kg), swelling of endothelial cells, thickening of blood vessel walls, degeneration and fibrous tissue proliferation were also observed. The extent and severity of ovarian damage were found to be dose and time dependent, suggesting that the higher dose and prolonged duration of oestrogen administration successively, may cause more cytotoxic changes in the ovary. The standard cytotoxic doses of oestrogen were assessed to be 500 to 750 μg/kg, orally weekly for a period of 12 weeks.

1 table, 12 ref

000582   Louahabi T;Drighil A;Habbal R;Azzouzi L (NO, , 6, rue Abou Alaa Zahr, Appt 18, Quartier des Hopitaux, Casablance, Morocco, Email: taoufikl@caramail.com) : Infective endocarditis complicating hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.. Indian J Cardiol 2006, 9(1-2), 61-3.

Infective endocarditis is a rare complication of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It's estimated incidence is 1.4 per 1000 person-year in all patients and it increases to 3.8 per 1000 person-year in patients with left ventricle outflow obstruction. Report a case of a 43-year-old man who was admitted for mitral infective endocardiris resulting in severe mitral regurgitation complicating an hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. The patient underwent mitral valve replacement. Post-operative outcome was good with relieve of symptom and resolution of left ventricular outflow obstruction. Literature data is reviewed. Although rare, infective endocarditis may complicate an hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, especially when outflow tract obstruction is present at basal conditions.

^ccr2 illus, 10 ref

000581   Loo W T Y;Chow L W C (Comprehensive Centre for Breast Diseases, UNIMED Medical Institute, 10/F, Luk Kwok Centre, 72 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, Email: iwcchow@unimed.hk) : Factors predicting seroma formation after mastectomy for Chinese breast cancer patients. Indian J Cancer 2007, 44(3), 99-103.

Seroma formation after mastectomy typically delays recovery and adds to morbidity. This retrospective review was undertaken to identify factors which predict development of seroma after mastectomy for breast cancer patients. 119 consecutive patients intended for mastectomy for the treatment of primary breast cancer were included. Factors taken into consideration were epidemiological, peri-operative in nature and those related to wound drainage output. Total mastectomy was performed and axillary sampling was taken. All patients were reviewed within two weeks after leaving hospital, unless seroma formation was detected before discharge.The diagnosis of seroma was made clinically when a collection was detected beneath the skin flaps. Student's t test was used with continuous variables and the X² test for categorical situations. Fisher's exact test was applied when small numbers were encountered. A two-tailed test of P<0.05 was considered significant. Univariate analyses were performed. The incidence of seroma formation was eight per cent. Five factors were identified to be significantly related to seroma formation: i) age over 45 years; ii) hypertension; iii) total drainage output exceeding 500 ml in the first three postoperative days; iv) drainage for more than eight days. Immediate breast reconstruction prevents the formation of seroma. The presence of hypertension in a patient over 45 years should alert the surgeon to possible seroma formation, particularly when the post-operative drainage exceeded 500 ml in the first three days. Appropriate preventive measures should then be implemented.

5 tables, 16 ref

000580   Lakshmi Kalpana V;Sudhakar G;Pathi T L;Varun Chaitanya G (Human Genetics Dep, ANdhra Univ, Visakapatnam-530 003, Email: kalpanaveerathu@yahoo.com) : Sex chromosomal aneuploidy in mentally defective people. South Asian Anthrop 2008, 8(1), 57-60.

Sex chromosomal aneuploidy is one of the major cause of mentally retarded people. To findoutthe presence of Sex chromosomal aneuploidy, chromosomal analysis as well as sex chromatin, Demography, Anthrapometry, ultrasonography and I.Q tests were performed in 50 mentally retarded or defective people. Observed clinical features and secondary sexual characters and note down the result It was found that out of 50 individuals, one female with age 18 years was found to be having 47,XXX chromosome complement with sex chromatin double positive. She was admitted to a mental hospital because of her subnormal behaviour.Except the subnormal behaviour, are general health is good. Her mother was 21 and father was 27 years of age at the time of the patients birth. To her mother menarche has occurred at the age of 13 years. But for her menarche has occurred at the age of 15 years and since then her periods were very irregular. Her physical development is normal. Body proportions of the patient does not show any disproportion. Her IQ was very low, being that of a mentally defective person of very low grade. Author does not show any of the abnormal clinical features. Pubic hair, axillary hair and breast development are normal. The external genitalia is normal. Uterus is smaller in size and there is no consistent abnormality of ovary.

1 illus, 11 ref

000579   Kumari P;Thakur S;Kumar B (Animal Nutrition Dep, Ranchi Veteribnary College, Birsa Agricultural Univ, Ranchi-834 006) : Intake and utilization of nutrient in rabbits fed with deoiled kosum seed cake (Schleichera oleosa). J Res-Birsa Agric Univ 2006, 18(2), 301-04.

^ssc2 tables, 9 ref

000578   Kumar P;Tiwary B K;Singh S K;Shekhar P;Shee N C (Veterinary Microbiology Department, RVC BAU, Kanke, Ranchi-634 006) : Effect of an adaptogenic herbal perparation on humoral immune response and on some economic traits in broiler chicks. J Res-Birsa Agric Univ 2006, 18(2), 295-300.

The study was undertaken to assess the effect of a herbal preparation on humoral immune response and on feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broiler chicks. The herbal preparation containing aqueous extracts of Asparagus racemosus, Tinospora cordifolia Picrorrhiza kurroa and Withama somnifera was fed @ 50 gm per 100 kg of feed. The chicks were vaccinated with Lasota strain of Ranikhet Disease virus (RDV) on 7th and 28th day of their ages as per standard managemental practices. The sera samples collected at weekly intervals after primary vaccination on 7th day of their ages, were put to haemagglutmation inhibition test. The herbal preparation fed group recorded a significantly (P< 0.01) higher mean haemagglutination inhibition antibody titre than the control group for all the experimental periods. This group also recorded a significantly (P> 0.01) higher body weight and FCR (1901.6±10.774 gm and 2.19: 1, respectively) than the control group 1795.00±10.476 gm and 2.29:1, respectively) on 42nd day of their ages.

2 tables, 9 ref

000577   Krupanidhi A M;Vagdevi H M;Shreedhara C S; Vaidya V P;Muralikrishna K S (NO, Bapuji Pharmacy College, Davangere, Karnataka-577 002, Email: vagdevihm@yahoo.co.in) : Investigation of neuropharmacological activites of ethanolic extract of Dodonaea viscosa seeds. J nat Remedies 2007, 7(2), 263-8.

To study the neuropharmacological activities of the ethanolic extract of Dodonaea viscosa seeds. Neuropharmacological activities includes behavioural assessment, pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time, motor coordination activity and locomotor activity of the Dodonaea viscosa seeds ethanolic extract was evaluated at the dose of 30 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg (p.o.) respectively. Ethanolic extract of Dodonaea viscosa seeds potentiated phenobarbitone - induced sleeping time, reduced locomotion and the same extract did not induce motor in coordination at dose levels of 30 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg (p.o.). The results of present study have revealed that the ethanolic extract of Dodonaea vsiscosa showed excellent neuropharmacological activities and there is a scope for further envisage.

3 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

000576   Krishna M V;Shivakumar N S (Medicine Dep, M.S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore-560 085) : Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal Axis in septic shock. J Indian Acad Clin Med 2007, 8(1), 42-4.

Sepsis and SIRS (systemic inflammatory response sydrome) is the most common cause of acute adrenal insufficiency. Several studies have been published in western literature on the incidence and outcome of acute adrenal insufficiency in patients with septic shock. As very little Indian data is available on this aspect, this study was carried out to (a) assess the integrity of HPA axis, in patients with septic shock, and (b) to study the cortisol levels in survivors and non-survivors. Twenty-eight consecutive patients admitted in medical ICU with diagnosis of septic shock were studied. Septic shock was defined as per ACCP/SCCM consensus conference criteria. Illness severity at admission was assessed by APACHE-II scoring system. Venous blood samples were taken for estimation of stress cortisol levels at admission. A random cortisol level of ≥ 15 μgm/dl was taken as normal. Twenty-eight patients (16 men and 12 women) were studied. The primary diagnoses were pneumonia (10), gastroenteritis (4), acute pyelonephritis (4), acute cholecystitis (2), pelvic abscess (4), and cellulitis (4). Six patients (2 women and 4 men) succumbed to the illness. The APACHE-II score was higher in non-survivors (n = 6) (28.33 ± 2.08) compared to survivors (n = 22) (19.73± 1.56). The mean random cortisol was the same in both groups (32.0 μg/dl ± 8.24). HPA axis is activated in septic shock. None of our patients studied had absolute adrenal insufficiency. There was nc significant difference in the cortisol level of survivors and non-survivors.

12 ref

000575   Krishna M V;Gowri Sankar D (Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance Division, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Email: marothu_vamsi@rediffmail.com) : Simple spectrophotometrid determination of torsemide in bulk drug and in formulations. E J Chem 2008, 5(3), 473-8.

A simple and cost effective spectrophotometric method is described for the determination of torsemide in pure form and in pharmaceutical formulations. The method is based on the formation of blue colored chromogen when the drug reacts with Folin-Ciocalteu (F-C) reagent in alkaline medium. The colored species has an absorption maximum at 760 nm and obeys beer's law in the concentration range 30 - 150 μg mL^{-1. The absorbance was found to increase linearly with increasing concentration of TSM, which is corroborated by the calculated correlation coefficient value of 0.9999(n=8). The apparent molar absorptivity and sandell sensitivity were 1.896x103 L mor-1 cm-1 and 0.183 μg cm-2, respectively. The slope and intercept of the equation of the regression line are 5.4xl0-3 and l.00xl0-4 respectively. The limit of detection was 0.94. The optimum experimental parameters for the reaction have been studied. The validity of the described procedure was assessed. Statistical analysis of the results has been carried out revealing high accuracy and good precision. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of TSM in pharmaceutical formulations.}

3 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

000574   Kohli S;Malhotra S (Dep of Psychology, M.D. University, Rohtak) : Type a behaviour pattern and stressful life events as risk factors for coronary heart disease. Behavioural Scient 2008, 9(1), 9-14.

Role of psychological psycho behavioural factors may be equally important in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD). An ex post facto study was conducted to investigate the role of Type A behaviour pattern and stressful life events in pathogenesis of coronary heart disease. Jenkins Activity Survey and Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale were administered on 200 subjects (100 CHD patients and 100 healthy controls) of 30-55 years age group. Data were statistically analysed by using t-test. The patients and healthy controls significantly differed on Type A behaviour pattern and stressful life events scores of whole life and last one year. Further, the comparisons were made amongst the diffeent groups to establish the role of behaviour patterns in mediating the effects of life events in CHD. Results indicate that Type A behaviour pattern and presence of the stressful life events were found to be independent precursors to onset of CHD.

1 table, 19 ref

000573   Khwaja G A;Chaudhry N;Singla G;Saxena A;Koche S;Mehndiratta M M (Neurology Dep, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi-110 002) : Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia and dementia-a rare association. J Indian Acad Clin Med 2007, 8(1), 93-6.

A wide range of neurological complications have been described in association with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia (CFFD). The clinical, neuroimaging, and SPECT findings of a case of CFFD with dementia are discussed, and the possible link between the two conditions debated in the backdrop of the defined pattern of fibrous dysplasia.

3 illus, 6 ref

000572   Khwaja G A;Chaudhry N (Neurology Dep, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi-110 002) : Current and emerging therapies for painful diabetic neuropathies. J Indian Acad Clin Med 2007, 8(1), 53-64.

3 tables, 18 ref

000571   Khatkab A;Singh U K;Dewan S K;Gagoria J;Srita (NO, K.N. Modi Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Modi Nagar) : Microwave assisted synthesis of some 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles and their antimicrobial activities. Oriental J Chem 2007, 23(2), 623-8.

A variety of 2,5 - disubstituted 1,3,4 -oxadiazoles have been synthesized from Isoniazid and the corresponding aromatic acids both in the presence and in the absence of Mont morillonite K-10 clay catalyst. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activities. Better results were obtained in the presence of the catalysts.

2 sch, 3 tables, 10 ref

000570   Khan F Y;Lotf A Q;AlSamawi M S (Dep of Medicine, , Hamad General Hospital, doha-Qatar, Email: fakhanqal@yahoo.co.uk) : Rhabdomyolysis and hepatitis associated with pravastatin therapy. Indian J Cardiol 2006, 9(1-2), 56-8.

Sixty five-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus type II, hypercholesterolaemia and depressive disorder, admitted to the hospital with one-week hostory of generalized weakness and fatigability. Her medications included gliclazide, pravastatin, prozac, Hydroxyzine hydrochloride and Lorazepam. Clinical examination was unremarkable. Both myoglobin and creatine kinase (CK) level were elevated as well as liver enzymes. The urine myoglobin test result was positive. The patient was diagnosed with pravastatin induced rhabdomyolysis and hepatitis. Pravastatin was stopped and rhabdomyolysis was managed with vigorous hydration and urine alkalinization. On the following days the level of creatine kinase, liver enzymes and s.creatinine returned to normal and consequently she was discharged.

^ccr1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

000569   Kenjale R D;Shah R K;Sathaye S S (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Mumbai Univ Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai-400 019, Email: ssathaye@udct.org) : Anti-stress and anti-oxidant effects of roots of Chlorophytum borivilianum (Santa Pau & Fernandes). Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(11), 974-9.

The aqueous extract of C. borivilianum (250 mg/kg for 7 days) significantly reverted the elevated levels of plasma glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and serum corticosterone and also reduced the ulcer index, adrenal gland weight more as effectively as the standard drug (diazepam) in rats. At 125 mg/kg po, it showed a mild anti-stress activity. Under in vitro 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and lipid peroxidation assay the extract considerably inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the levels of DPPH free radicals and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, respectively thus showing significant antioxidant property. The results suggested that it could be used for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced disorders.

3 tables, 34 ref

000568   Katke P H;Sonkusare K R;Baig M S;Gade P R; Khandelwal P N (Pharmacology Dep, Govt. Medical College, Aurangabad-431 001) : Drug prescribing pattern in pediatric and Geriatric population. Antiseptic 2008, 105(1), 28-33.

13 tables, 11 ref

000567   Karnik A (Sonosight Imaging Centre, , 1st Floor A Wing, Sitldevi Coop HSG society, Op Nagar, D N Nagar. Andh, Email: drakarnik@rediffmail.com) : Hip utrasonography in infants and children. Indian J Radiol Imag 2007, 17(4), 280-9.

22 illus, 5 tables, 20 ref

000566   Kar M;Roy R (Medical Oncology and Haematology Dep, Cancer Centre Welfare Home and Research Institute, Kolkata-700 063) : Raynaud's phenomenon. J Indian Acad Clin Med 2007, 8(1), 23-5.

^ccr1 illus, 11 ref

000565   Kaliaperumal S;Tiroumal S;Rao V A (Ophthalmology Dep, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry-605 006, Email: subadoc@sify.com) : Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma: a case series. Indian J Cancer 2007, 44(3), 104-7.

Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common orbital malignancy of childhood with the common presentation of rapidly evolving unilateral proptosis. Studies six patients who were diagnosed and treated for rhabdomyosarcoma between January 1999 and June 2004. The age of the patients ranged from 4 to 29 years. Four patients presented with acute onset proptosis associated with signs of inflammation, mimicking orbital cellulitis. One patient presented with lid mass. Another patient presented with a soft, blind eye that was pushed superotemporally by a large inflammed, vascularised mass. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma was the commonest histopathological type in our series found in five patients. One patient was completely cured with chemotherapy alone whereas two patients were treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Three patients in our series required exenteration.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

000564   Jain A P;Chauhan B;Bhat A D (NO, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha-442 102) : Sociodemographic and clinical profile of headache-A rural hospital-based study. J Indian Acad Clin Med 2007, 8(1), 26-8.

Headache is one of the most common maladies to affect humans beings. 76 % of women and 57% of men report at least one significant headache per month; more than 90% experience at least one noteworthy headache in their lifetime. Study the profile of headache of patients attending a hospital located in rural surroundings. This will help in identifying the aetiology of the malady and hence relief measures. Subjects include patients more than 12 years age and with complaints of headache for more than 3 months attending the out-patients department or indoor at Kasturba hospital, Sewagram, Wardha. Patients underwent thorough clinical examination and psychiatric evaluation and clinical investigations were done as and when required. Majority of patients (n = 202) had primary headache (92.5%) which included tension type (47%), and migraine (44%). Secondary headaches constituted 7.5% of the total patients, and these include post-traumatic headache, refractive error, central nervous system lesions, cervical spondylosis, trigeminal neuralgia, and hypertension, in the order of descending frequency. Primary type headaches were common among housewives (40.1%), married persons (69.3%), those belonging to socioeconomic class II (47%), and in nuclear families (75.25%). Education does not have any significant role to play. Secondary headache profile could not emerge out of this study due to the small sample size.

1 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

000563   Isibor J O;Ayanlere M K;Eyaufe A (NO, , P.O. Box 2535, Benin City, 300001, Benin City, Edo State. Nigeria, Email: joe_isibor@yahoo.com) : Intestinal parasitic infections in patients attending a government hospital in Benin city, Nigeria. J parasitic Dis 2007, 31(2), 137-40.

Investigated the prevalence of parasitic infections in hospital patients having gastrointestinal complaints. The study covered a three-year period (January 2001-December 2004). Stool samples were collected from 485 patients (240 males and 245 females) who reported at Central Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Each stool sample was examined microscopically for the presence of ova and cysts, using iodine and formol-ether concentration methods. Overall, 43 (8.86%) stool samples were positive for intestinal parasites, with the rates of infection in the following decreasing order: hookworm (41.86%), Ascaris lumbricoides (32.6%), Entamoeba coli (6.97%), E. histolytica (6.97%), Trichuris trichiuris (6.97%), Taenia solium (4.65%) and Giardia lamblia (2.32%). Patients within the first four decades of their life had the highest prevalence of infection. All the mixed infections were found in females. Although females (10.6%) were more infected than the male patients (7.08%), the difference was not statistically significant (χ2=1.56; p > 0.05). The poor sanitary conditions within several areas of the city, coupled with inconsistent approach of government's de-worming campaign programmes, may be responsible for the continuous presence of helminthic and protozoal infections.

^ssc3 tables, 17 ref

000562   Indrajit I K;Verma B S (Radiodiagnosis and Imaging Dep, Army Hospital (Research and Referral), Delhi Cantt-110 010, Email: inji63@gmail.com) : Digital imaging in radiology pratice: an introduction to few fundametal concepts. Indian J Radiol Imag 2007, 17(4), 230-6.

1 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

000561   Hza H (NO, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt, Email: hishamaayan@yahoo.com) : Cutaneous pancreatic metastasis: a case report and review of literature. Indian J Cancer 2007, 44(3), 111-14.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal human cancers and continues to be a major unsolved health problem as we enter the 21st century. This is the case despite advances in imaging technology and surgical management. Indeed, 80-90% of pancreatic cancers are diagnosed either at the locally advanced stage or metastatic stage. Cutaneous metastases originating from pancreatic cancer are relatively rare. The most common site of cutaneous metastasis is the umbilicus, and it is known as the Sister Joseph's nodule. Very few patients have been reported with cutaneous lesions disclosing pancreatic carcinoma at sites other than the umbilical area. To our knowledge, there were no previous reports on cutaneous pancreatic metastasis in Egypt. This is a report of a patient with cutaneous pancreatic metastases at the neck, followed by a review of reported non-umbilical cutaneous metastases from pancreatic carcinoma in the literature.

3 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

000560   Hipparagi S M;Majumder U K;Suresh Kumar V; Parikshit B;Geethavani M (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Dep, K.L.I.E.'s College of Pharmacy, Rajajinagar, Banglore-560 010) : Microwave assited synthesis of 7-substituted-6-fluoro-benzothiazolo-tetrazole for antimicrobial studies. Oriental J Chem 2007, 23(2), 635-9.

7-Chloro-6-fluoro-benzothiazol-2-yl-amine was synthesized from 3-Chloro-4-fluoro phenylamine, which on reaction with hydrazine hydrate in a modified microwave oven containing a reflux condenser, magnetic stirrer, and thermostat control yielded 7-chloro-6-fluoro-benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine as the intermediate that is ultimately converted to 7-chloro-6-fluoro-benzothiazolo[2,3-d]-1,2,3,4-tetrazole by cyclization with sodium nitrite. Various derivatives were prepared by replacing the chlorine atom of 7-chloro-6-fluoro-benzothiazolo[2,3-d]-1,2,3,4-tetrazole with benzamideandalkoxides. Oxidation of the sulphur of the benzothiazole moiety resulted in sulfone and sulfoxide derivative of benzothiaozolo-tetrazole, which were subjected to chlorine substitution to yield the sulfone and sulfoxide derivatives of 7-substituted-6-fluoro-benzothiazolo[2,3-d]-1,2,3,4-tetrazole. The synthesized compounds have been characterized by analytical and spectral studies (IR and 1H NMR) and screened for their antimicrobial activity. The yield of the compounds synthesized by using microwave oven was more when compared to conventional method.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

000559   Helvaci M R;Akcay B;Seyhanli M (Internal Medicine Hospital of the Dumlupinar University, , The Central Campus, 43100 Kutahya, Turkey, Email: mramihelvaci@hotmail.com) : Is there any increased risk of coronary artery disease in autoimmune thyroiditis. Indian J Cardiol 2006, 9(1-2), 13-16.

Many autoimmune disorders cause coronary involvement. Autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in society. Thyroidal autoantibodies, thryroid peroxidase (TPO) and/or thyroglobulin (Tg), together with an abnormal thyrotropin concentration are usually enough for diagnois. Eighty one patients with AT, 26 with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 87 controls have been taken consecutively. Hypertensives, smokers, high body mass index having cases (>30), persons with a family history of early death from myocardial infarction (<55 years), and permanently hypertriglyceridaemics or hyperbetalipoproteinemics or persons having a low high-density lipoprotein value, even after normalization of thyrotropin concentration have been excluded. Student test has been used as method of statistical analysis. Six patients of CAD have been detected in AT (7.40%), whereas 13 cases in the control groups (14.94%) (p>0.05). One case of AT has been found in 26 cases of cad (3.84%), whereas this rate has been 13.79% among the controls (p>0.05). Additionally, positivities of TPO and/or TgAbs have been found as 36.7% and 19.23% in control and CAD groups, respectively. Although coronary involvement is frequent in many autoimmune disorders and presence of many proofs about additional autoimmune nature of CAD, we could not find a statistically significant relationship between AT and CAd. Additionally, even the six-fold higher prevalence of AT in females against the male dominance of CAd and the difference between their dominant decades may be some otherevidences of theetiopathogenetic differences of them.

4 tables, 14 ref

000558   Hasan A;Ahmad S;Mahi S;Siddiqui M S;Chauhan T K (Medicine Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 001) : Familial hypercholesterolaemia. J Indian Acad Clin Med 2007, 8(1), 104.

4 illus

000557   Hari Prasad T P N;Shetty N J (Centre Applied Genetics, Jnanabharathi Campus, Bangalore University, Bangalore-560 056, Email: shetty_nj@yahoo.com) : Dark larva a new autosomal larval colour mutant in the malaria mosquito, Anopheles stephensi Liston. J Commun Dis 2007, 39(3), 147-51.

Anopheles stephensi is an important urban malaria vector, which is widely distributed throughout the Indian subcontinent. The said vector species has developed resistance to various insecticides and therefore, it is desirable to develop alternative strategies including genetic methods for its control. One of the requirements for such strategy is to establish morphological mutants and to establish the genetic basis of the same. Such mutant markers could be used in the construction of genetically modified strain/s in the genetic control programme of An. stephensi. The dark colour expresses in all larval stages and pupae with full penetarence and uniform expression in both the sexes. The viability of the mutant is as good as the wild type. The genetic studies of the dark larva revealed that the gene da is mono-factorial autosomal and recessive to the wild type. The gene da is an excellent marke for An. stephensi.

1 table, 18 ref

000556   Gupta U;Bansal N;Tandon A (Obstetrics & Gyneology Dep, SGRR Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, SMI Hospital, Patelnager, Dehradum-248 001) : Demographic study of women undergoing medical abortion. Antiseptic 2008, 105(1), 25-7.

The demographic pattern of patients seeking medical termination of pregnancy was evaluated. The mean age of the cases was 25.07 years. Maximum cases (67.72%) were from urban area, Hindu (90.45%). Formally educated (76.82%) and Housewives (54.54%). Maximum cases were from middle and lower middle class (74.53%) with one or two living children (88.62%). The main indication for termination of pregnancy was failure of contraceptive (70.62%).

7 tables, 12 ref

000555   Gupta P K;Rishi S;Jain S K;Dhillon S (Vety Pharmacology & Toxicology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, Email: rishi.sushma@gmail.com) : Evaluation of prophylactic potential of Withania somnifera for chlorpyrifos-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Toxic int 2007, 14(2), 163-9.

Studies were conducted to evaluate the protective potential of Withania somnifera root for chlorpyrifos-induced changes in neurobehavioral profile and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in adult male wistar rats. The Withania somnifera root extract given @ 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg i.p. daily for 21 days before chlorpyrifos administration @ 85 mg/kg i.p. did not prevent neurobehavioral toxicity, rather aggravation of symptoms alongwith more inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme in dose dependent manner was observed.

4 tables, 15 ref

000554   Gupta N;Goyal S;Agarwal A (NO, , F-254, Sarita Vihar, Near Apollo Hospital, New Delhi-110044) : Diabetic heart disease-cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Indian J Cardiol 2006, 9(1-2), 41-3.

^ssc17 ref

000553   Gulati K;Catalano O A;Sahani D V (Abdominal and Interventional Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, MA 02114, USA, Email: dsahani@partners.org) : Review: advances in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: from morphology to functional imaging. Indian J Radiol Imag 2007, 17(4), 247-53.

13 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

000552   Grover V K;Babu R;Bedi S P S (NO, , H. No. 53 Sector 24 A, Chandigarh-160 023, Email: vinodgrover@gmail.com) : Steroid therapy - current indications in practice. Indian J Anaesth 2007, 51(5), 389-93.

Steroids are a widely used group of drugs in anaesthesia practice, sometimes with definite indication and sometimes without indication. When used judiciously they have proved to be of immense help. There has been a renewed interest in the use of steroids in modem day perioperative medicine. In the following article the recent trends, relevance and consensus issues on the use of steroids as adjunct pharmacological agents in relation to anaesthesia have been discussed, along with emphasis on important clinical aspects of their perioperative usefulness.

2 tables, 21 ref

000551   Grover A;Pal Singh T;Vijayvergiya R (Dep of Cardiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh) : Coronary revascularization strategies in diabetes mellitus. Indian J Cardiol 2006, 9(1-2), 35-40.

^ssc52 ref

000550   Goyal N;Wajifdar H;Jain A (NO, , C/o Sh. Surinder Goyal, House No. 112, New Sukhdev Nagar, Panipat-132, Email: navdeep13878@yahoo.co.in) : Anaesthetic management of a case of parkinson's disease for emergency laparotomy using enternal levo-dopa intraoperatively. Indian J Anaesth 2007, 51(5), 427-8.

Parkinson's disease is a relatively common neurological disorder. Few case reports are available regarding optimal anaesthetic management of patients with Parkinson's disease. Presents successful anaesthetic management of a case of suspected ileal perforation with Parkinson's disease for emergency laparotomy. Enteral route of levo-dopa administration was used through out general anaesthesia.

12 ref

000549   Gokhroo R K;Gokhroo K (Dep of Cardiology, J.L.N.Medical College, Ajmer) : Longest survival after ventricular septal rupture following anterior myocardial infarction. Indian J Cardiol 2006, 9(1-2), 31-4.

A case of post myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture with five year survival is being reported. Such a long survival following myocardial infarction has not been reported in the literature. Patient is still alive.

^ccr3 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref