BACKGROUND: Many traditional treatments have been recommended in the alternative system of medicine for treatment of diabetes mellitus; however, the mechanism of most of the herbals used has not been defined. AIMS: This study was carried out to clarify the effect of fenugreek, garlic and onion, recommended in Persian folklore medicine as beneficial in the treatment of diabetes, on blood glucose and their possible effect on pancreatic tissue. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Diabetes mellitus was induced in 20 out of 25 adult male albino rats, using intraperitoneal injection of 185 mg/kg BW alloxan. The diabetic rats were divided into four groups, three of which were fed a diet containing 12.5% BW Allium sativum (garlic), Allium cepa (onion) or Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) for 15 days. The fourth group (positive control) received an ordinary diet. The remaining non-diabetic rats (negative control group) received neither alloxan nor the mentioned plants. Following consumption of plants, blood glucose was measured every day and on the last day the pancreas were removed and stained with H&E and Gomeri aldehyde fuchsin (GAF). Morphology of the pancreatic sections and the following morphometric factors were studied: volume density of B cells, volume density of islets, percent of B cells, number of islets per square millimeter, average area of islets and average volume density of B cell in whole pancreas. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test and Duncan's multiple range tests were used to evaluate the data. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that only garlic was able to reduce blood glucose significantly compared with the control group (P<0.05). In the control positive group all the mentioned morphometric factors were significantly changed in comparison with the control negative (normal health) group, but the same did not show significant change between treated and untreated diabetics.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background : The exact pro-oxidant and antioxidant status in osteoarthritis patients is still not clear. To add a new insight to the question, changes in the erythrocyte lipid peroxidation products (MDA), levels of glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid and plasma vitamin E (nonenzymatic antioxidant parameters); and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase in erythrocytes and plasma glutathione - S - transferase (GST) were measured in patients with osteoarthritis. Aim: This work was undertaken to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients with osteoarthritis. Settings and design: The study was conducted in 20 patients and compared to controls. Levels of erythrocyte MDA, GSH, ascorbic acid, plasma vitamin E; and activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured in patients with osteoarthritis. materials and Methods: Erythrocyte GSH was measured by the method of Beutler et al. Ascorbic acid levels were measured by the method of Tietz. Plasma vitamin E levels were measured by the method of Baker et al. MDA was determined as the measure of thio barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). SOD activity in the hemolysate was measured by the method of Misra and Fridovich. Activity of catalase was measured by the method of Beers and Sizer. GPX activity was measured as described by Paglia and Valentine in erythrocytes, and Plasma GST activity was measured as described by Warholm et al. These parameters were measured in 20 patients and compared to controls. Statistical analysis: Statistical analysis between group 1 (controls) and group 2 (patients) was performed by the student's t - test using the stat -view package. Results: It was observed that there was a significant increase in erythrocyte MDA levels; SOD, GPX and plasma GST activities; and a significant decrease in erythrocyte GSH, ascorbic acid, plasma vitamin E levels and catalase activity in patients with osteoarthritis when compared to controls. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest higher oxygen-free radical production, evidenced by increased MDA and decreased GSH, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and catalase activity, support to the oxidative stress in osteoarthritis. The increased activities of antioxidant enzymes may be a compensatory regulation in response to increased oxidative stress.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

50 cases of breast malignancy constituted the study group. 26 age and sex matched formed the control group. Serum and tissue trace element viz copper, zinc, selenium and molybdenum levels were estimated by atomic absorption photometry. The study group showed significant hypercupremia and molybdenemia, hypozincaemia and hyposeleniamia. The reversal of trend was documented after therapy. The tissue level of copper and molybdenum was high and zinc and selenium was low. An association between serum and tissue level of trace element, stage, histological differentiation was observed. It was postulated that levels of trace elements may help in diagnosis and prognosis of disease.

[ABSTRACT]   Full text not available    [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]    [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Antimicrobial resistance is a natural biological phenomenon of response of microbes to the selective pressure of an antimicrobial drug. Resistance may be inherent, which explains the phenomenon of opportunistic infection or acquired. Concern about the resistance increased in the late 1990's and since then, many governmental and agency reports have been published regarding the agricultural use of antibacterials, advising less use of antibacterials, appropriate choice of antibacterials and regimens, prevention of cross-infection and development of new antibacterials. The emergence of multidrug resistant strains of Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Acinetobacter, Salmonella species) and Gram-positve organisms (Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus species) is the more worrisome in the present therapeutic scenario. Multidrug - resistant tuberculosis is another serious public health problems. Resistance to some agents can be overcome by modifying the dosage regimens (e.g., using high-dose therapy) or inhibiting the resistance mechanism (e.g., beta-lactamase inhibitors), whereas other mechanisms of resistance can only be overcome by using an agent from a different class. It is urgently required to ban the sale of antibiotics without prescription, to use antibiotics more judiciously in hospitals by intensive teaching of the principles of the use of antibiotics and to establish better control measures for nosocomial infections. Thus, it is highly recommended that practicing physicians should become aware of the magnitude of existing problem of antibacterial resistance and help in fighting this deadly threat by rational prescribing.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

objective: To determine the impact of Human Deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) on the quality of life (QOL) on such patients in North India. Design: A cross sectional study. Setting: Outpatient setting and wards, Department of Medicine at a premier tertiary health care center, North India. Participants: Sixty-eight consecutive HIV/AIDS patients attending Medicine out patient department and/or admitted to the wards of All India Institute of Medical Sciences were administered a structured questionnaire by the HIV nurse coordinator. QOL was evaluated using the WHOQOL-Bref (Hindi) instrument. Analysis: One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to find out significant difference between the clinical categories and socio-demographic variables on QOL domains. Results: The overall QOL mean score on a scale of 0-100 was found to be 25.8. Similarly, on the scale of 0-100 the mean scores in the four domains of QOL in descending order were social (80.9); psychological (27.5); physical (17.7) and environmental domain (11.65). There was a significant difference of quality of life in the physical domain between asymptomatic patients (14.6) and patients with AIDS (10.43) defining illnesses (p<0.001) and asymptomatic and early symptomatic (12) patients (p=0.014). QOL in the psychological domain was significantly poorer in early symptomatic (12.1) (p<0.05) and AIDS patients (12.4) (p<0.006) as compared to asymptomatic individuals (14.2). A significant difference in QOL scores in the psychological domain was observed with respect to the educational status (p<0.037) and income of patients (p<0.048). Significantly better QOL scores in the physical (p<0.040) and environmental domain (p<0.017) were present with respect to the occupation of the patients. Patients with family support had better QOL scores in environmental domain. Conclusions: 0 In our study, QOL is associated with education, income, occupation, family support and clinical categories of the patients.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Human Immunodeficiency viruses are the initial causative agents in AIDS, but most of the morbidity and mortality in AIDS cases result from opportunistic infections, Identification of such pathogen is very important for clinicians and health planners to tackle the AIDS epidemic in more effective manner. The present study describes the clinical and laboratory profile of 100 AIDS causes who presented to a referral hospital. Oral candidiasis (59.00%) was found to be the most common opportunistic infection, followed by tuberculosis (56.00%), Cryptosporidium infection (47.00%) and Pneumocystis carinii (7.00%). Presence of oral candidiasis and weight loss is highly predictive of low DC4 count and can be considered as a marker of HIV disease progression. The patients coinfected with HIV and tuberculosis are also on rise. Recognition of dual infection and taking adequate steps to deal with this epidemic is needed. As Cryptosporidium infection was detected in large number, provision of safe drinking water and maintaining good hygiene is important for prevention. Early diagnosis of opportunistic infection and prompt treatment, delays the progression towards AIDS. 91.00% of patients were infected with HIV1 and 4.00% had HIV2 infection and 5.00% were dully infected. 87.00% of patients were males and 13.00% were belonging to 21-40 years of age. Majority of them were belonging to lower socioeconomic status and heterosexual route of transmission was the commonest mode of spread.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]    [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

The Metabolic syndrome is a widely prevalent and multi-factorial disorder. The syndrome has been given several names, including- the metabolic syndrome, the insulin resistance syndrome, the plurimetabolic syndrome, and the deadly quartet. With the formulation of NCEP/ATP III guidelines, some uniformity and standardization has occurred in the definition of metabolic syndrome and has been very useful for epidemiological purposes. The mechanisms underlying the metabolic syndrome are not fully known; however resistance to insulin stimulated glucose uptake seems to modify biochemical responses in a way that predisposes to metabolic risk factors. The clinical relevance of the metabolic syndrome is related to its role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Management of the metabolic syndrome involves patient-education and intervention at various levels. Weight reduction is one of the main stays of treatment. In this article we comprehensively discuss this syndrome- the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical relevance and management. The need to do a comprehensive review of this particular syndrome has arisen in view of the ever increasing incidence of this entitiy. Soon, metabolic syndrome will overtake cigarette smoking as the number one risk factor for heart disease among the US population. Hardly any issue of any primary care medical journal can be opened without encountering an article on type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia or hypertension. It is rare to see type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity or hypertension in isolation. Insulin resistance and resulting hyperinsulinemia have been implicated in the development of glucose intolerance (and progression to type 2 diabetes), hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, polycystic ovary yndrome, hypercoagulability and vascular inflammation, as well as the eventual development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease manifested as myocardial infarction, stroke and myriad end organ diseases. Conversely, treatment and consequent improvement of insulin resistance have been shown to result in better outcomes in virtually all of these conditions.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

BACKGROUND: Ciprofloxacin replaced chloramphenicol (C), the best choice of antibiotic in the treatment of enteric fever, when C-resistant enteric fever emerged and caused outbreaks in different parts of the world. C-sensitive S. enterica serovar Typhi emerged again due to withdrawal of the antibiotic pressure. AIMS: To assess the in vitro efficacy of C against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolates (1991-2003). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 464 blood culture isolates of S. enterica serovar Typhi were subjected to C susceptibility by disc diffusion and agar dilution methods using Mueller-Hinton agar. The antibiotic susceptibility of S. enterica serovar Typhi isolates obtained in the year 2002 and 2003 was determined using ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, ceftriaxone and cefotaxime, in addition to C. Escherichia coli strain ATCC 25922 was used as the control. Changes in C sensitivity of the isolates were analyzed using 2 test with Yates correction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: All the isolates of 1991 were C-resistant with minimum inhibitory concentration values (MICs) of 2000-5000 mg/ml. In the following years decrease in frequency of C resistance was noticed: 1992 (50%), 1993 (32%), 1994 (27%) and 1995 (05%). The isolates of 1996-99 and 2001 were 100% C-sensitive. In 2000, sensitivity was also high (79%). The strains isolated in the year 2002 and 2003, showing reduced susceptibility of ciprofloxacin, were nalidixic acid resistant, but sensitive to the third-generation cephalosporins (ceftriaxone and cefotaxime). The MICs for C-sensitive isolates (1991-2003) ranged 0.1-5 g/ml. Results suggest the necessity for re-evaluation of C therapy in typhoid fever.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) is recommended in Ayurvedic texts for prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers, dyspepsia and as a galactogogue. A. racemosus has also been used successfully by some Ayurvedic practitioners for nervous disorders, inflammation, liver diseases and certain infectious diseases. However, no scientific proof justifying aforementioned uses of root extract of A. racemosus is available so far. Recently few reports are available demonstrating beneficial effects of alcoholic and water extracts of the root of A. racemosus in some clinical conditions and experimentally induced diseases, e.g. galactogogue effect, antihepatotoxic and immunomodulatory activities. The present article includes the detailed exploration of pharmacological properties of the root extract of A. racemosus reported so far.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have implicated the abnormalities in the -aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmmiter system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. There are also evidences indicating that steroids of central or peripheral origin may modulate GABAergic system through direct interaction with the GABAA receptor complex. These raise the possibility that alternations in serum steroid hormones may contribute to the pathophysiological process in the schizophrenia. AIMS: The purposes of this study were first, to determine whether alternations in steroid serum levels occur in schizophrenic patients, and secondly to determine whether such alternations normalize with clinical improvement. Methods and material: Serum concentrations of testosterone (T), estradiol (E), progesterone (P) and cortisol (C) were determined in male schizophrenic patients (N=49) before treatment, during treatment and after recovery and in age-matched healthy male subjects (N=17). All steroid hormones were assayed by ELISA method. Statistical analysis used: Differences in steroids concentrations between groups were assayed by One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's post hoc test. The level of significance was considered at P<0.05. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The serum concentrations of E, P and C were significantly (P<0.05) lower in male schizophrenic patients in all three stages of the study, compared with healthy subjects. Serum concentrations of T were significantly (P<0.05) lower in male schizophrenic patients before and during treatment, but not after recovery, compared with healthy subjects. These findings support the occurrence of abnormal steroid concentrations in schizophrenic patients and suggest that lower T level in this disorder is related to the illness and normalizes with remission, while trait-related factors may contribute to lower serum E and C levels in schizophrenia.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue infections require a judicious combination of antimicrobial therapy in addition to surgical debridement to limit tissue loss and preserve life. AIMS: To study the bacterial etiology of soft tissue infections and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Settings and design: A single institutional retrospective study of one year duration from January to December 2002. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 5039 consecutive pus samples received in the Bacteriology Laboratory was analyzed from the records. RESULTS: There were a total of 2783 bacterial isolates comprising of 1504 gram negative bacilli and 1279 gram positive cocci. Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest isolate followed by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas species. Methicillin resistance in S. aureus was found to be 38.56%, high level aminoglycoside resistance was observed in 53.3% enterococci and 66.75% of the gram negative bacilli were extended spectrum beta-lactamase producers. Rifampicin and vancomycin showed best activity for S. aureus; for gram-negative bacilli, piperacillin-tazobactam combination showed best activity. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in individual settings together with their judicious use is emphasized to minimize emergence of drug resistant bacteria.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

50 mg of Saffron dissolved in 100 ml of milk was administered twice a day to 20 human subjects. Lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility (LOS) was estimated initially and after 3 and 6 weeks. There was a constant decrease in LOS during this period. From a mean of 66.4 +/- 3.18 it decreased to 38.3 +/- 2.8 in 10 healthy individuals and from 76.0 +/- 3.72 to 48.8 +/- 3.0 in 10 patients of CAD. The significant fall (P < 0.001) in LOS indicates the potential of Saffron as an antioxidant.

[ABSTRACT]   Full text not available    [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

BACKGROUND: Pelvic inflammatory disease is a common problem faced by the gynecologists in there out patient department. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of three treatment combinations in the syndromic management of pelvic inflammatory disease in the out patient setting. SETTING DESIGN: In the medical college hospital patients presenting in gynecology out patient department were enrolled. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty five women with diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease were randomized into three equal groups getting ciprofloxacin (500 mg) and tinidazole (600 mg) combination twice daily for 7 days (Group 1), a kit containing fluconazole (150 mg), azithromycin (1 gm) and secnidazole (2 mg) as one time dose (Group 2) and Doxycycline 100mg twice daily and metronidazole 200 mg thrice daily for seven days (Group 3). Severity score was determined on first visit and after 1 week and 4 weeks when patients were called for follow up. Statistical Analysis: Chisqare test, Krusker wallis test and Mann Whitney test. RESULTS: There was significant reduction in severity score after 1 week of treatment, which was further reduced after 4 weeks in all the three groups. Cure rate was highest in-group 1 (96%) followed by group 2 (93.5) and group 3 (91.3%) but the difference was not statistically significant. Resolution of inflammatory mass was highest in group 1. The incidence of side effects was highest and compliance was lowest in the doxycycline -metronidazole group, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: All the three treatment combinations were found to be equally effective in the syndromic management of pelvic inflammatory disease.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Evidence regarding health benefits of physical activity is overwhelming and plays a critical role in both the primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD). Epidemiological investigations show approximately half the incidence of CAD in active compared to sedentary persons. A sedentary lifestyle is considered by various national and international organizations to be one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Fortunately, a moderate level of occupational or recreational activity appears to confer a significant protective effect. Once coronary artery disease has become manifest, exercise training can clearly improve the functional capacity of patients and reduce overall mortality by decreasing the risk of sudden death. Well-designed clinical investigations, supported by basic animal studies, have demonstrated that the beneficial effects of exercise are related to direct and indirect protective mechanisms. These benefits may result from an improvement in cardiovascular risk factors, enhanced fibrinolysis, improved endothelial function, decreased sympathetic tone, and other as-yet-undetermined factors. Hence physical fitness, more than the absence of ponderosity or other factors, is the major determinant of cardiovascular and metabolic risk and long-term disease-free survival, in effect linking health span to life span. It is obviously in every individual's interest to assume the responsibility for his or her own health and embrace this extremely effective, safe, and inexpensive treatment modality. The need for a comprehensive review of this particular topic has arisen in view of the high prevalence of physical inactivity and overwhelming evidence regarding CVD risk reduction with regular physical activity.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Dried extract of C Indica in doses of 500 mgm/kg body weight were administered orally to 30 diabetic patients for six weeks. Blood samples were collected 15 minutes after administration of 10 IU heparin for estimation of LPL, before and after treatment with C. Indica Non heparinised samples were utilized for estimation for G-6-p (ase), LDH and blood sugar. Severity of disease were assessed by the findings of blood sugar level. Mild diabetes had no effect on LPL, LDH and G-6-P (ase). But, reduced activity of enzyme LPL and raised level of G-6-P (ase) and LDH in plasma of severe diabetics were found to be highly significant (p < 0.001). The alteration in these parameters in untreated diabetics were restored after treatment with C. indica Hence, it can be postulated that the ingredients present in the extract of C. indica, act like insulin, correcting the elevated enzymes G-6-p (ase), LDH in glycolytic pathway and restore the LPL activity in lypolytic pathway with the control of hyperglycemia in diabetes.

[ABSTRACT]   Full text not available    [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]    [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Phyllanthus niruri has been found to exhibit marked inhibitory effect on hepatitis B virus evident by its exhaustive utility in cases of chronic jaundice. However, till date, research has not been focused on identification and validation of active pharmacophores of Phyllanthus niruri responsible for the reported inhibitory effect of its aqueous extract on anti-human immunodeficiency virus. The present investigation examines the anti-HIV effects of the alkaloidal extract of Phyllanthus niruri in human cell lines. The inhibitory effect on HIV replication was monitored in terms of inhibition of virus induced cytopathogenecity in MT-4 cells. The alkaloidal extract of Phyllanthus niruri showed suppressing activity on strains of HIV-1 cells cultured on MT-4 cell lines. The CC50 for the extract was found to be 279.85 microgmL(-1) whereas the EC50 was found to be 20.98 microgmL(-1). Interestingly the Selectivity Index (SI) was found to be 13.34, which showed a clear selective toxicity of the extract for the viral cells. The alkaloidal extract of Phyllanthus niruri was thus found to exhibit sensitive inhibitory response on cytopathic effects induced by both the strains of human immunodeficiency virus on human MT-4 cells in the tested concentrations.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: Domestic violence against pregnant women in the Indian context, violence against women is frequently by family members other than the spouse/intimate partner/husband. Aims : To study the incidence of domestic violence in pregnant North Indian women and the demographic features which put women at high risk for domestic violence. Study design : A prospective study at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh from January 2004 to December 2004. Participants: Nine hundred and ninety-one pregnant women admitted to the pregnant women admitted to the antenatal ward were interviewed. Statistical Analysis: Test of significance used was Chi-square test. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Results: The incidence of domestic violence in this study was 28.4%. The violence was more when the husband was educated up to Class 10 level or lower (OR 2.07 (95%) CI 1.54 to 2.79), was habituated to alcohol (OR 2.31 (95%) CI 1 - 71 to 3.11) or to chewing tobacco (OR 2.77 (95%) CI 1.46 to 3.27) or to smoking cigarettes (OR 2.23 (95%) CI 1.59 to 3.11). The incidence of domestic violence was drastically high in women who were socially unsupported (OR 98.9 (95%) CI 43.65 to 235.68). The level of education and employment of the woman had no effect on the incidence of the abuse. The perpetrator of the abuse was the intimate partner (husband) in 48.2%, the husband's mother in 61.3%, and the husband's sister in 22.6%. Most often the abuse was by more than one person. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of abuse was more when the male partner was less educated or in the habit of taking alcohol, opium or tobacco and in socially unsupported women. The level of education and employment of the woman had no effect on the incidence of abuse

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Context: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most prevalent public health problems worldwide (especially in developing countries). Aims: This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and its co-infection with hepatitis D (HDV) and C (HCV) viruses in the northeastern part of Iran. Setting and Design: A population-based cross-sectional study in Iran. Materials and Methods: As many as 1,850 subjects were explored for HBsAg. Anti-HDV and anti-HCV antibodies were assessed in HBsAg-positive cases. Statistical Analysis Used: Proportions were compared by Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results: The mean age of subjects was 43.86 ± 11.2 years. The age- and sex-standardized prevalence for HBsAg positivity was 9.7%. It was higher in males than in females (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.9-1.7). The risk of infection in singles was significantly higher than in married cases (OR: 2.13). Eight (5.8%) of HBsAg-positive cases were infected with HDV, and 17 (12.3%) were positive for anti-HCV antibody. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the prevalence of HBsAg seropositivity in Golestan province of Iran is higher than the levels reported by WHO and previous studies from Iran. It is very important, especially for health providers and policy makers, to recognize the risk factors of HBV infection and its co-infection with HDV and HCV in this area and design effective preventive programs.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

1. This report shows that in a group of 40 physical education teachers who already had an average of 8.9 years physical training, 3 months of yogic training produced significant improvement in general health (in terms of body weight and BP reduction and improved lung functions). 2. There was also evidence of decreased autonomic arousal and more of psychophysiological relaxation (heart rate and respiratory rate reduction), and improved somatic steadiness (decreased errors in the steadiness test). 3. The changes at the end of 3 months in volar GSR in different directions (increase/decrease/no change), depending on the initial values, suggests that practising yoga may help to bring about a balance in different autonomic functions, so that functioning is optimised.

[ABSTRACT]   Full text not available    [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the pattern of injuries among non-fatal cases of road traffic accidents? OBJECTIVE: To study the pattern of injuries among non-fatal cases of road traffic accidents. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Nagpur, a city in central India. PARTICIPANTS: 423 non-fatal cases of road traffic accidents reporting for treatment to Indira Gandhi Medical College, Nagpur during 1999-2000. STUDY VARIABLES: Demographic characteristics, accident characteristics. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Percentages, proportions, Chi-square test. RESULTS: Out of total 423 subjects, 363 (85.8%) were male while only 60 (14.2%) were female subjects. Majority of the victims (75%) were in the age group 18- 37 years. Sideways collision was the most common type of accident seen in 269 (63.59%) cases. Two wheelers and LMV were the common vehicle being involved in accidents (69.97%) and these accidents were almost equally distributed in both half of the day. Fracture of the bones was the common injury afflicted to the victims followed by multiple injuries like blunt injury, abrasions and lacerations. Lower extremity was involved in 192 (45.39%) cases while multiple sites were affected in 114 (26.95%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the fractures were the commonest injury among the victims of non-fatal road traffic accidents.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Clinicians should be cognizant of potential drug drug interactions and become familiar with the substrates, inhibitors and inducers of the common enzymatic pathways responsible for drug metabolism. Our knowledge of and ability to predict drug interactions have improved with growing understanding of substrates, inhibitors and inducers of cytochrome P450 (CYP-450) isoenzymes. These isoenzymes are a major determinant of the pharmacokinetic behavior of numerous drugs. In addition to inhibition and induction, microsomal drug metabolism is affected by genetic polymorphisms, age, nutrition, hepatic disease and endogenous chemicals. Prescribing physicians by understanding the unique characteristics of these isoenymes may better anticipate and manage drug drug interactions.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]    [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]