Journal of clinical and diagnostic research https://www.jcdr.net/back_issues.asp JCDR Tinea Capitis among Iraqi Children: Public Health Implication Al SAMARAI A G M <b>Background: </b> Recent observations on tinea capitis cases in Iraq suggest that there has been a change in the pattern of infection, with a recent and significant rise in the incidence of infection due to anthropophilic dermatophytes. <b>Objectives:</b>The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence rate and identify factors that might affect the spread of infection of tinea capitis in Iraq. <b>Patients and Methods: </b> There were 40,384 children from 6 to 16 years of age included in the study. The children were from two different geographical areas. <b>Results: </b>The prevalence rate of clinically diagnosed tinea capitis was 1.25%, while the mycological prevalence rate was 0.86%. The above difference between clinical and mycological prevalence rates was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In addition, the prevalence rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in males (1.08%) as compared to females (0.96%) and in rural areas (2.06%; P < 0.0001) as compared to urban (0.62%) areas. Animal contact and family history of tinea capitis were important risk factors in disease transmission. The prevalence of tinea capitis was 86.3% in age group of 6–10 years (P < 0.0001). The non-inflammatory type of infection was found in 87.5% of cases (P < 0.0001). The frequency of isolation of anthropophilic dermatophytes was reported in 73.3% of cases (P < 0.001). The predominant causative agent was <i>Trichophyton tonsurans</i> (26%), followed by <i>T. verrucosum </i>(25.1%). The isolated species was distributed in urban and rural areas. <b>Conclusion: </b> This study indicated a shift in the epidemiologic patterns of tinea capitis in Iraq. <i>T. tonsurans</i> was the most prevalent cause of tinea capitis in Iraq. There was a significant role for influence of infection for sex, residence, animal contact, and hair type. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=476-482&id=132 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.132 Profile of Suicidal Autopsies in a Militancy-Affected State of India KHAJURIA B*, SHARMA R**, BHARTI O C***, KUMAR D**** <b>Background:</b> Suicidal behavior is a major public health problem. <b>Aims:</b> To know the socio-demographic factors affecting suicidal attempts and the modes of suicidal death. <b>Design:</b> The retrospective observational study. <b>Setting:</b> Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department of a tertiary care hospital. <b>Subjects and Methods:</b> All autopsies performed between January 2001 to December 2005 were analysed for total number of autopsies performed, allegedly suicide autopsies, mode of suicidal deaths, variation in suicidal deaths in relation to age, sex, place of residence and religion. <b>Statistical Analysis Used:</b> Chi-square test was used to analyse the variability of suicidal deaths with age, sex, place of residence and religion. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. <b>Results:</b> Out of total 3485 autopsies 16.24% (566) were allegedly suicidal autopsies. 335 (59.18%) and 231 (40.82%) victims were males and females respectively (p=0.080). 223 (39.39%) and 343 (60.61%) victims were from urban and rural area respectively (p=0.030). Majority of the victims [373 (65.90%)] were between 20-40years of the age. 463 (81.80%), 64 (11.30%), 37 (3.54%) and 2(0.35%) victims were from Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christian religion (p< 0.0001). Poisoning was found to be the most common mode of suicide [243 (42.93%)], followed by burns [168 (29.69%)], hanging [52 (9.18%)], railway trauma cases [23 (4.06%)] and gunshot [23 (4.06%)]. <b>Conclusion:</b> It is important to have awareness about trends, risk factors and methods used for committing suicide in order to make remedial measures against this preventable cause of death. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=505-510&id=134 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.134 Malnutrition among Under-Six Children in Chandigarh: Scarcity in Plenty BHATIA V, PURI S, SWAMI H M, GUPTA M, SINGH G India has shown remarkable progress and a number of nutrition intervention programmes have been implemented, but malnutrition remains highly prevalent in poor states of the country. Chandigarh is one of the most literate among union territories/states of India, having highest per capita income. <b>Objective</b>: The present study was conducted in one of the largest slums, with the objective to find out the prevalence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) and some of the associated factors among children under the age of 6 years (under-six children). <b>Methodology:</b> This community-based cross-sectional study is a representative of 26 slums, with 1.5–2 lakh population living in the slum areas of a modern city. Three hundred and thirteen under-six children were selected by systematic sampling technique. <b>Results:</b> The overall prevalence of PEM was observed as 62.62%, which was higher among boys (65.87%) as compared to girls (58.90%). The peak prevalence was found in the age group of 6–12 months. A significant association between acute ailments (diarrhoea, ARI, and fever with rash) and PEM was observed (p < 0.001). Prevalence of worm infestation on the basis of history was recorded as 35.67%. Over half (58.4%) of the children were anaemic. <b>Conclusion:</b> Prevalence of malnutrition along with worm infestation, anaemia, and common ailments in an urban slum of India’s modern city highlights the significance of developing integrated child illness management programmes for urban poor and strengthening nutrition intervention programmes. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=483-487&id=136 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.136 Effects of a Composite of Tulsi Leaves, Amla, Bitter Gourd, Gurmur Leaves, Jamun Fruit and Seed in Type 2 Diabetic Patients MITRA A Traditional treatment applies different herbal principles used as a composite in food, serving as an effective measure against different diseases like diabetes in economically backward rural India lacking in health service infrastructure. The present study intends to observe the effects of a composite of Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) leaves, Amla (Emblica Officinalis), Bitter Gourd (Momordica Charantia), Gurmur (Gymnema sylvestre) leaves and Jamun (Syzygium Cumini) fruit and its seed, on mild diabetic patients. 120 patients whose Fasting Blood Sugar values is below 180mg/dl and without any complications of diabetes, and free from other diseases, are screened out of 2607 cases from hospitals at and around Kharagpur by random selection (lottery), divided into two groups of 60 patients each (lottery). The experimental group receives the composite of the above substances mixed with Soybean Sattu and used as a breakfast item for three months. The parameters like fasting blood sugar and lipid profile values for both experimental and control groups are measured at monthly intervals and compared statistically. Insulin resistance pictures are calculated. Application of the composite results in reduction of fasting blood sugar, bad cholesterols and Insulin resistance and increase in good cholesterol. Normal distribution method is used to analyse the data. The composite in this study causes beneficial changes in the blood bio-chemic parameters with reduction of Insulin resistance in the patients and needs to be supported by long-term experimentations. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=511-520&id=137 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.137 Prenatal Diagnosis (PND) of β-Thalassemia in the Khuzestan Province, Iran RAHIM F* **, KEIKHAEI B**, ABERUMAND M*** &#946; -Thalassemia is present in practically every caste group in Iran. Khuzestan is located in the southern part of the geographical region of Iran. The &#946;-thalassemia incidence in the Khuzestan province is between 2.6-3.7%, as reported by different researchers. Reverse dot blot hybridization and Amplification Refractory mutation Analysis (ARMS), were used to scan the entire &#946; -globin gene to localize the mutation, followed by DNA sequencing for characterization. The DNA samples from 254 subjects (127 thalassemia patients and 127 choronic villi samples) had been referred to us at the Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies of Ahwaz Jondishapur University of medical sciences, Iran. According to our study, CD 36/37 (-T) and IVS 2-1 (G to C) were the most frequent mutation types (14.7 %) in our province, the same as in other geographical regions of Iran. Also, the most predominant mutations which lead to termination of pregnancy of those couples in the first trimester of first pregnancy, CD 6 or HbS (22.5 %), IVS 2-1 (17.5%), CD 36/37 (15%), CD 44(12.5%), and IVSI-110 (12.5 %) mutations, were detected in 40 foetuses, and compound heterozygosity was detected in various combinations for IVSI-110, IVSII-745, IVSI-6, IVSI-1, IVSII-1, IVSI-5, IVSI-130, CD 8. HbS mutations were detected in 13 foetuses, who were later aborted, with the written permission of their families. In conclusion, our preliminary results show the heterogeneity of the &#946; -thalassemia mutations in the province of Khuzestan. Our data is valuable, in that it includes the mutation screening of patients for prenatal diagnosis in Khuzestan and nearby towns and villages, one of the regions with the highest frequency of &#946; -thalassemia mutations in Iran. In addition to discovering novel and rare mutations in the rich genetic pool of our region, this study was carried out in order to reduce the frequency of consanguineous marriages and haemoglobinopathies, to educate the population, and to inform the physicians in our region. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=454-459&id=139 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.139 Role of Chlamydia trachomatis in the Aetiological Profile of Chronic Conjunctivitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital VANATHI M*, SHARMA A**, SATPATHY G**, PANDA A*, ANGRA S K* <b>Background:</b> The aetiological profile of chronic conjunctivitis in North-Indian patients is poorly understood; and clinical assessment remains the diagnostic criteria without supportive laboratory investigations. This study was conducted to find out the presence of <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> and other bacteria in the conjunctiva of patients with clinically diagnosed chronic conjunctivitis, attending the out-patient department of a tertiary eye-care hospital in Delhi. <b>Methods: </b> One hundred eyes from 50 patients of chronic conjunctivitis and an equal number of apparently healthy controls were included in the study. Conjunctival swabs were collected from the superior/inferior palpebral conjunctiva and eye-lid margins with a sterile wet cotton swab for chlamydial antigen detection by direct immunofluorescence (DFA), bacterial culture, and cytology. <b>Results: </b> Patients with chronic conjunctivitis revealed 38% positivity for <i>C.trachomatis</i> antigen alone, and 15% for mixed bacterial and chlamydial infections, while in the control group, only 2 eyes were positive for chlamydial antigen, and 19 for other bacterial flora. Among bacterial isolates (28), coagulase –ve staphylococci (21) predominated, followed by coagulase +ve staphylococcus (4), dipheroids (2), and aerobic spore-bearing bacilli (1). In cytology (with geimsa stain), inflammatory response was observed; the combination of polymorphs with lymphocyts (62) outnumbered the combination of polymorphs with eosinophils (37) in the case of chronic conjunctivitis. <b>Conclusions: </b> Findings of the present study suggest that <i>C.trachomatis</i> continues to be the leading cause of chronic conjunctivitis in North India. However, surveillance involving larger groups of patients is warranted to further augment our observation. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=500-504&id=145 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.145 Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Hypoxic Respiratory Failure in Preterms: Audit of Ten Years of Practice SEHGAL A*, CALLANDER I**, STACK J**, JAIN H**, STERLING-LEVIS K*** <b>Objective: </b> We set out to ascertain the patient profile and practice pattern regarding use of inhaled Nitric Oxide (iNO) in preterm population with oxygenation failure in last ten years. Furthermore, we aim to identify characteristics of patients who respond to iNO. <b>Study Design and Setting: </b> Retrospective chart review in a tertiary teaching referral hospital. <b>Subjects and Intervention: </b> All preterm babies less than 34 weeks gestation with oxygenation failure who were treated with iNO were assessed for inclusion. Response to iNO therapy was defined as decline in oxygenation index by 50% 4 hours after start of iNO. <b>Results: </b> iNO was administered to 26 preterm babies during the study period. Of these, 23 (88.5%) met the inclusion criteria. Total of 13 (56%) infants survived. The iNO responders had a higher gestation age (29 weeks Vs 26.5 weeks), birth weight (1279g Vs 999g), lower initial oxygenation index (38.7 Vs 58), earlier initiation of therapy (20 hours Vs 41.4 hours) and less mortality (25% Vs 86%) when compared to non-responders. <b>Conclusions: </b> Although the infants were at a higher end of spectrum for severity of respiratory illness, nitric administration was successful in improving oxygenation. Characteristics of responders might help in better patient selection and optimize timing of intervention, in case use of Nitric Oxide therapy is being considered. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=460-466&id=146 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.146 Nasal screening and survey of pre-clinical medical students from Malaysia for nasal carriage of coagulase positive MRSA and rate of nasal colonization with <i>Staphylococcus </i>species SANTHOSH DV, SHOBHA K L, BAIRY I, RAO G, ANAND K M, D’SOUZA J <b>Background:</b> MRSA has long been implicated in the spread of nosocomial and community acquired infections which pose a threat for the emergence of carriers among the community and hospitals. This study was aimed at screening for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in students hailing from Malaysia, and characterizing the rate of carrier state along with nasal colonization with Staphylococcus species, among the different ethnicities of pre-clinical medical students before their entry into the clinical phase of their study. <b>Methods: </b> 157 students were involved in the study. Samples were collected from the anterior nares of student volunteers. Biochemical tests were done to isolate Staphylococcus aureus. Species confirmation for Staphylococcus aurues was done using the tube coagualse test and the DNase test. Coagualse positive Staphylococci were subjected to oxacillin agar screen method to screen for MRSA. <b>Results: </b> Out of 157 specimens, Staphylococcus species were isolated from 156 (99.3%) specimens, and one specimen showed no isolation of Staphylococcus species; 37 (23.7%) were Coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus (CoPS), and 119 (76.2%) were Coagualse negative Staphylococcus species (CoNS). Of the total of 37 isolates of Coagualse positive Staphylococcus aureus, none were found to be resistant to methicillin (0%). All the 37 (100%) strains of CoPS isolated were methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). The nasal carriage of CoPS among ethnic student communities were observed to be 22 (34.3%) in the Chinese; followed by Indians 12 (16.0%), and Malay 3 (17.6%). <b>Conclusions: </b> The study revealed that out of the total specimens collected from student volunteers, none were carriers for MRSA. The highest percentage of nasal carriage for CoPS among the three main ethnicities of Malaysia was observed to be among the Chinese. All CoPS obtained were MSSA, while the highest rate of nasal colonisation with CoNS was observed in the Indian community. Screening should be made an essential protocol in order to assess and curb the in-flux of carrier transmitted drug resistant strains of Staphylococci from the community to the hospital setting. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=494-499&id=150 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.150 Systemic Immunomodulation and Hypocholesteraemia by Dietary Probiotics: A Clinical Study PAWAN R**, BHATIA A.* Probiotics intake has been associated with beneficial effects on the hyporcholesteremia and gut immune system. This improves disease resistance, gut infection and diminished risk were documented. In one of our experimental study in mice, probiotics was found to modulate the immune response and at the same time it decreased cholesteremia. The present study was extended to human beings, male healthy volunteers, to find out whether probiotics given in the form of fermented milk product <i>‘Dahi’</i> and <i>‘Lassi’</i> show similar effect i.e. enhanced immune response and hypocholesterolemia. The immune response was checked before and after feeding of probiotics by employing INOs and NBT reduction tests. In addition the effect of probiotics on hypertension and cholesteremia was also observed. The results show significantly enhanced immune response by probiotic consumption and non significant reduction in cholesterol level, HDL-C in the human subjects and decrease in systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients by the consumption of <i>‘Dahi’</i> and <i>‘Lassi’</i> was also observed. It is suggested that probiotic diet therapy can be a safe additive or alternative to existing drug therapy. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=467-475&id=155 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.155 Hassles and Quality of Life in Myocardial Infarct Patients KOHLI A,* GROVER A,** GROVER K,** KAUR M* Acute myocardial infarction (AMI or MI), commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious, sudden heart condition, usually characterised by varying degrees of chest pain or discomfort, weakness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and arrhythmias, sometimes causing loss of consciousness. Psychological factors preceding and consequent to MI need attention. <b>Aim:</b> The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) and daily hassles in myocardial infarct patients. <b>Method:</b> Thirty consecutive outpatients with diagnosis of myocardial infarction, both males and females, in the age range of 28–70 years, belonging to all educational groups, were recruited from the In-patient Department of Cardiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. Thirty normal controls were recruited for comparative purposes. Both the groups were administered Daily Hassles Scale and WHOQOL Bref version. <b>Results:</b> Analysis of Hassles Scale and WHOQOL Scale assessing various areas (general, physical, psychological, environmental, and social) was done to find out the impact of daily hassles on the QOL of cardiac patients. Results show that QOL is affected after MI, compromising in the areas of general well-being, physical health, psychological functioning, and environmental dimensions. No significant differences were found on hassles experienced by MI patients as compared to the normal controls. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=488-493&id=157 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.157 Puvasol Induced Bullous Pemphigoid In A Case Of Psoriasis KUMAR P, JAIN R K, SHARMA P K, KAR H K Psoriasis is a chronic scaly disease of unknown aetiology. There are many theories for its causation and similarly there is no cure for it. There are multiple therapies for its treatment yet the results are different for different patients. A 60-years-old male suffering from Psoriasis for decades developed Bullous Pemphigoid after the initiation of PUVASOL therapy https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=537-539&id=163 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.163 Carcinoma Vallecula with Pleural Metastasis: A Rare Presentation MUNSHI A,* PANDEY K C,* CHANDER B** The majority of cases of head and neck malignancies have disease failure either locally or in the regional lymphatics. We are presenting a case of carcinoma vallecula who after the treatment of the primary in base of tongue presented with findings suggestive of pleural metastasis. We are discussing this unusual presentation with a relevant literature review. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=525-528&id=151 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.151 Bilateral Disc Edema in Familial Mediterranean Fever KUMAR S I report a case suffering from Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) who presented with complaints of blurred vision. This report illustrate that possible diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri should be considered as a cause of poor vision in FMF. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=521-524&id=152 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.152 Peripheral Oedema due to S–Amlodipine – A Report of Three Cases PAUDEL R*, PALAIAN S** ***,KISHORE P V*, RAVI SHANKAR P***, MISHRA P** *** S-amlodipine is a stereoisomer of Amlodipine, a dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB) used in angina and hypertension. This drug is expected to produce a lesser incidence of pedal oedema, as compared to Amlodipine, based on the limited data available from clinical trials. However, conflicting results have been noted with this drug, in relationship to the occurrence of pedal oedema. We report three cases, where the patients either did not recover from pedal oedema, or had a worsening of pedal oedema after substituting S-amlodipine in place of other CCBs that caused pedal oedema. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=533-536&id=153 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.153 Giant Cell Tumour of the Tibia with Xeroderma Pigmentosum REKHA A,* RAI D K** Xeroderma pigmentosum is known to be associated with cutaneous malignancies due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanism.An association with giant cell tumour of the bone is not reported.A review of literature of these rare lesions is presented and analysed to see if this is an association or is a chance coincidence. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=529-532&id=154 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.154 Biologicals in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Current Concepts SHARMA R Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease involving spinal and sacroiliac joints. Anti-TNF (tumour necrosis factor)-&#945; agents have been found very effective for the treatment of both peripheral and axial symptoms in patients with AS. Etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab are approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for AS. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus syndrome, demylinating diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, pancytopenia, severe infections, cardiovascular diseases etc. are some of the important side-effects reported with TNF-&#945; blockers. TNF-&#945; plays an important role in the host defense against mycobacterial infection, particularly in granuloma formation and inhibition of mycobacterial dissemination. There are recent reports of reactivation of tuberculosis after anti-TNF therapy. FDA recommended a black box for tuberculosis on the product labeling of infliximab. It is highly recommended to consider prophylactic anti- tubercular therapy (with isoniazid or isoniazid and rifampicin combination) before starting anti- TNF&#945; therapy in patients with evidence of past history of tuberculosis or abnormal chest x-ray suggesting tuberculosis. However, extensive post-marketing surveillance is necessary to re-evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of these biologic therapies. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=540-545&id=138 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.138 Prebiotics and health: Clinical implications BHATIA A*, RANI U** Prebiotic agents have been shown to have significant clinical beneficial effects in the prevention and management of gastrointestinal and non- gastrointestinal conditions. Prebiotics are short chain fatty carbohydrates that alter the composition or metabolism, of the gut microbiota in a beneficial manner. It is therefore expected that prebiotics will improve health in a way similar to probiotics, whilst at the same time being cheaper, and carrying less risk and being easier to incorporate into the diet than probiotics. These observations have led to work demonstrating that an important mechanism of these agents in their close interaction with the gut associated lymphoid tissue [GALT]. The preliminary finding of several recent human clinical trials reviewed in this article indicates that prebiotics may indeed prove to be beneficial dietry supplement, in the context of novel nutritional strategies for the management and systemic conditions. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=546-554&id=162 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.162 Cholesterol-Lowering Activity of the Aqueous Fruit Extract of Trichosanthes dioica Roxb (L.) in Normal and Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats SHARMILA BANU G*, KUMAR G**, RAJASEKARA PANDIAN M* <b>Background:</b> The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of single and repeated oral administration of the aqueous fruit extract of Trichosanthes dioica (TD) at a dose of 50 ml/kg b.w in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. <b>Material-Methods:</b> The aqueous fruit extracts of TD (50 ml/kg) were administered orally for 15 days, to normal and diabetic rats. The effect of the fruit extracts on cholesterol and triglycerides, were studied. The body weights of the rats were observed. The effect of the fruit extract was compared with vanadate, a reference drug. <b>Result:</b> In normal rats, the aqueous fruit extract of TD induced significant decrease of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations 6hrs after a single oral administration (P< 0.05), and also in 2 weeks after repeated oral administrations (p< 0.05). TD treatment caused significant decrease of plasma cholesterol levels after a single administration (p<0.01), and after repeated (p<0.01) oral administrations. Significant increase of triglyceride levels was observed 6hrs after a single oral administration of the TD aqueous fruit extract (p< 0.01). One week after repeated oral administration of aqueous extract of TD, the plasma triglyceride levels were significantly decreased (p <0.005). The decreasing trend continued even after 2 weeks (p <0.01). On the other hand, repeated oral administration of TD aqueous fruit extract, caused significant decrease of body weight after 2 weeks of treatment in both normal (p <0.001) and diabetic (p <0.01) rats. <b>Conclusion:</b> The present study indicates that the aqueous fruit extract of TD exhibits cholesterol and body weight-lowering activities in both normal and hyperglycaemic rats. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=561-569&id=164 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.164 Effects of Forced Treadmill Exercise on Pain Threshold in Morphine-Addicted Rats SARKAKI A R*, SAADIPOUR Kh*, BADAVI M*, ALAEI H**, RAHIM F*** <b>Background:</b>Animal models comparing rat behaviours are often used in studies characterizing addiction and stress. Aim of this study was evaluation of five or ten days forced treadmill exercise effect on morphine addiction-induced hypoalgesia in young male rats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> In this study we used twenty four male Wistar rats weighing 200–300 g. Addicted and non-addicted rats have run as forced exercise on motorized treadmill one hour daily for ten days. Tail-flick latency was tested for each rat three times daily with 10 min intervals at a day before, 5 and 10 days after running on treadmill. A sham group consisted of animals placed on treadmill while its motor was off but electrical shock turned on. Mean of tail-flick latencies was analyzed statistically in sham, ran addicted and non-addicted rats. <b>Results:</b> The tail-flick latencies were no significant alteration between all groups during 24 hours before forced running (1080 m distances daily). Animals ran 5400 m and 10800 m during 5 and 10 days on treadmill, respectively. Tail-flick latencies showed that pain reflex latency was increased significantly (p<0.001) in E.nA, nE.A, and exercised addicted group (E.A) groups in comparison to nE.nA rats after 5 and 10 days of addiction alone or with forced exercise, but it is significantly reduced in E.A vs. nE.A after 10 days of exercise (p<0.001). <b>Conclusion:</b> Our data showed that treadmill forced exercise increased pain threshold in non-addicted rats, as well as morphine administration enhanced tail-flick latency in addicted groups after 5 and 10 days of exercise. This finding suggests that elevated stress hormones release followed by forced running and opioid receptor sensitivity associated with morphine administration could be the underlying reason why addicted runners have low pain threshold after 10 days of exercise. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=555-560&id=141 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.141 Academic Pediatrics and practicing pediatricians in India GARG P https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=570-571&id=161 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.161 Medical Journals SHANKAR P R The internet has revolutionized most aspects of biomedical communication, including biomedical journals. Many journals have their own websites. The Manuscript Submission process has been automated and manuscripts can be submitted online, obviating the need for paper copies. The open access initiative has revolutionized the field of publishing. Many journals are following a system of open peer review where the reviewer and the author know each other’s identity. Many journals offer personalized work areas to registered authors. PLoS one has started the system of post-publication peer review of published articles. Article proofs and reprints of published articles are usually sent online. BioMedCentral publishes an article immediately on acceptance. “Online early” is a system followed by many journals to decrease publication delays. Blogs allow for informal communication and quicker publication of responses. Open choice publication is beginning to be offered by publication houses. Voice files of articles may be accessible, and the summary of the journal may be available in audio format. Rapid responses and e-letters are becoming popular. Prepublication sites have not become really popular in the field of medicine. Systems like HINARI offer access to many medical journals, to authors in developing countries. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=572-576&id=147 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.147 Response Letter to <i>“Study of clinical profile of malaria at KMC hospital, Attavar, India”</i> published in JCDR July 2007 issue SHAH V N https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=581-&id=148 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.148 Amniotic Band Syndrome GHRITLAHAREY R K https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=586-588&id=135 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.135 <i>Serratia rubidaea</i> in Urinary Tract Infection SHOBHA K L <i>Serratia rubidaea</i> causing urinary tract infection is presented here. Although many research studies have shown this organism causing invasive disease, however urinary tract infection by it is rare. An adult presented with symptoms of urinary tract infection and urine sample collected showed cloudy urine. On microscopy, gram-negative coccobacilli were seen with pus cells. Inoculation into culture medium, biochemical tests for identification, and antibiotic sensitivity test showed S. rubidaea susceptible to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, TMP/SMX, netilmycin, amikacin, and cefotaxime. Patient was treated effectively with ciprofloxacin.Serratia rubidaea causing urinary tract infection is presented here. Although many research studies have shown this organism causing invasive disease, however urinary tract infection by it is rare. An adult presented with symptoms of urinary tract infection and urine sample collected showed cloudy urine. On microscopy, gram-negative coccobacilli were seen with pus cells. Inoculation into culture medium, biochemical tests for identification, and antibiotic sensitivity test showed S. rubidaea susceptible to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, TMP/SMX, netilmycin, amikacin, and cefotaxime. Patient was treated effectively with ciprofloxacin. https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=589-590&id=133 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.133 Fixed drug eruption-remains a question BANKAR R N https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=582-583&id=159 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.159 Premature Greying of Hairs, Premature Ageing and Predisposition to Cancer in Jajjal, Punjab: A Preliminary Observation HALDER A https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=577-580&id=160 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.160 Blood Culture for Febrile Illnesses in Iron-Deficient Indian Children GARG P https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=584-585&id=156 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.156 Pharmacovigilance in Nepal: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals SHANKAR P R https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2007&month=December&volume=1&issue=6&page=591-592&id=149 https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2007/.149