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Focuses on a community-based program for undergraduate medical students of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India. Epidemiological exercise in the villages; Management of common morbidities with available resources; Implementation of an educational intervention in the community.

Presents a letter to the editor about Indian references in "Neurology India". Alleged lack of adequate efforts by authors to quote significant Indian publications; Examples of papers without Indian references.

Doctors in India are heirs to a ling tradition of ethics from thier pwn forebears and those from the West.This paper discusses ethical aspects of topics of relevance to neurological scientistc such as brain death, neural transplant and whole brain transplant. Many other topics such as ethics in reseach, patients with AIDS,patients in a persistent vegetative state and euthanasia deserve similar considetion and debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of image-guided neurosurgery represents a substantial improvement in the microsurgical treatment of tumors, vascular malformations and other intracranial lesions. Despite the wide applicability and many fascinating aspects of image-guided navigation systems, a major drawback of this technology is they use images, mainly MRI pictures, acquired preoperatively, on which the planning of the operative procedure as well as its intraoperative performance is based. As dynamic changes of the intracranial contents regularly occur during the surgical procedure, the surgeon is faced with a continuously changing intraoperative field. Only intraoperatively acquired images will provide the neurosurgeon with the information he needs to perform real intraoperative image-guided surgery. A number of tools have been developed in recent years, like intraoperative ultrasound and dedicated moveable intraoperative CT units. Because of its excellent imaging qualities, combined with the avoidance of ionizing radiation, MRI currently is and definitely will be in the future for the superior imaging method for intraoperative image guidance. In this short overview, the development as well as some of the current and possible future applications of MRI-guided neurosurgery is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Editorial. Comments on the failure of Indian medical and pharmacological colleges and universities of adjusting their curriculum to reflect the changes and developments in their respective fields. Claim of the absence of a massive sweeping revision required to bring higher education to the practical applications and relevance of real world clinical practices; Decision of the school administration not to consider any curriculum changes wanted by the students; Misinterpretation by the students on the insistence by the Medical Council of India to retain irrelevant pharmacy practicals; Need to reassess the pharmacological aspects needed by undergraduates; Limitations in the restructuring of the pharmacology curriculum.

Presents a letter to the editor commenting on the effectiveness of herbal medicines for various therapies. Examination of the trends of herbal drug research in India using the Indian Journal of Pharmacology as a marker; Conduction of reviews of The Indian Journal of Pharmacology from 1995 to 2003; Establishment of the Herbal Drug Research Trend Index for presentation at conferences and publication; Revelation of the increase of herbal drug research publications; Reflection of the efforts of people searching for an alternative system of medicine.

Part I. Lists various abstracts of research papers related to pharmacology presented during the XXXVI Annual Conference of the Indian Pharmacological Society held on December 5 to 7, 2003 in New Delhi. Title of paper; Research author; Affiliation; E-mail address; Objectives; Methods; Results; Conclusions; Possible anorectic case effect of methanol extract of Benincasa hispida by Kumar A.; Study of ulcerogenic potential of methylene blue by Shah H.; Role of potassium channel agonist and antagonist in ouabain induced arrhythmias by Dhasmana D.C.

Integrity is a necessary attribute expected in practitioners of medicine. Unfortunately there is evidence on hand that academic dishonesty is widely prevalent in many Indian medical colleges and that a proportion of students seem to think that there is nothing wrong in participating in such acts. This practice needs to be discouraged as those indulging in unethical acts during student days are likely to indulge in similar practices while dealing with their patients. It is, therefore, necessary that teachers in medical colleges show 'zero tolerance' to such acts. There is a need for faculty and administrators to be above board in their actions and be role models for ethical behaviour. Hence, acts of academic misconduct committed by faculty and administrators should also be dealt with quickly, fairly and firmly. A milieu of transparency, fairness and student awareness will go a long way in minimizing this pervasive malady. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the epidemiological pattern and risk factors involved in suppurative corneal ulceration in Gangetic West Bengal, eastern India, and to identify the specific microbial agents responsible for corneal infections.Methods: All patients with suspected microbial keratitis presenting to the corneal clinic at Disha Eye Hospital, Barrackpore, West Bengal, India, from January 2001 to December 2003 were evaluated. Sociodemographic data and information pertaining to the risk factors were recorded. After diagnosing infective corneal ulcer clinically, corneal scraping and cultures were performed.Results: Over a three-year period, 1198 patients with suppurative keratitis were evaluated. Ocular trauma was the most common predisposing factor in 994 (82.9%) patients (P< 0.0001), followed by use of topical corticosteroids in 231 (19.28%) patients. Cultures were positive in 811 (67.7%) patients. Among these culture positive cases, 509 (62.7%) patients had pure fungal infections (P< 0.001), 184 (22.7%) patients had pure bacterial infections and 114 (14.1%) had mixed fungal with bacterial infections. Acanthamoeba was detected in 4 (0.49%) patients. The most common fungal pathogen was Aspergillus spp representing 373 (59.8%) of all positive fungal cultures (P< 0.0001), followed by Fusarium spp in 132 (21.2%) instances. Most common bacterial isolate was Staphylococcus aureus, representing 127 (42.6%) of all the bacterial culture (P< 0.0001) followed by Pseudomonas spp 63 (21.1%).Conclusion: Suppurative keratitis in Gangetic West Bengal, most often occurs after a superficial corneal trauma with vegetative or organic materials. Fungal ulcers are more common than bacterial ulcers. Aspergillus spp and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common fungus and bacteria respectively. These "regional" findings have important public health implications for the treatment and prevention of suppurative corneal ulceration in this region of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pan masala is a comparatively recent habit in India and is marketed with and without tobacco. Advertisements of tobacco products have been banned in India since 1st May 2004. The advertisements of plain pan masala, which continue in Indian media, have been suspected to be surrogate for tobacco products bearing the same name. The study was carried out to assess whether these advertisements were for the intended product, or for tobacco products with same brand name.Materials and Methods: The programme of a popular television Hindi news channel was watched for a 24-h period. Programmes on the same channel and its English counterpart were watched on different days to assess whether the advertisements were repeated. The total duration of telecast of a popular brand of plain pan masala (Pan Parag) was multiplied by the rate charged by the channel to provide the cost of advertisement of this product. The total sale value of the company was multiplied by the proportion of usage of plain pan masala out of gutka plus pan masala habit as observed from a different study, to provide the annual sale value of plain pan masala product under reference.Results: The annual sale value of plain Pan Parag was estimated to be Rs. 67.1 million. The annual cost of the advertisement of the same product on two television channels was estimated at Rs. 244.6 million.Conclusion: The advertisements of plain pan masala seen on Indian television are a surrogate for the tobacco products bearing the same name. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent industrialization and globalizations are changing the Indian occupational morbidity drastically. Traditionally labor-oriented markets are on change towards more automation and mechanization, at the same time general awareness about occupational safety, occupational and environmental hazards were not spread in the society. This review will provide an overview of existing evidence from community based epidemiological studies and address the growing needs for evidence-based occupational health research in India. Review of all published results. Occupational research is seen as more complex issue in India, which Includes child labor; poor industrial legislation; vast informal sector; less attention to industrial hygiene and poor surveillance data across the country. While India experiencing economic transition, occupational research approach should balance between understanding the modern industrial exposures and health risks of traditional sectors like agriculture and plantations. Strategies like modern occupational health legislation, enforcement machinery in sub-district level, training to health professionals, need for epidemiological evidence and international collaborations were discussed to deal with the situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a recap of the events that transpired during the 55th National Conference of the International Association of Occupational Health held at Le Meridien Pune in Pune, India from February 4-5, 2005. Number of attendees; Keynote speakers; Programs and activities; Details on the conference sessions; Schedule and venue of the 56th National Conference of the

Comments on the need for medical technology in India, as of June 2005. Need for more radiotherapy machines; Views on the escalation of the costs of radiation therapy.

Presents a list of forthcoming conferences on biosciences to be held in India in October and December 2005.

Presents a summary of the papers which examined lymphatic filariasis. Impact of the prevalence of the disease in India; Clinical manifestations of lymphatic obstruction by microfilaria; Diagnosis of chyluria.

The article presents information on the 7th All India PG Student Convention of the Indian Prosthodontic Society, which was held from August 27, 2005 to August 28, 2005 in Chennai, India. The theme of the convention was "Innovative Learning and Practice of Prosthodontics." The main conference began on August 27, 2005 with a total of 396 students registered for the convention including the spot registration. All the registered delegates were given an extra oral tracer as a complement. There were 9 guest lectures from eminent speakers.

Claims that the pediatric surgery sector in India is not growing. Factors influencing the problem; Overview of a symposium conducted by the Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons about the issue; Suggestions to improve pediatric surgery services in the country.

Presents a narrative of the author's experience at the pediatric surgery unit of Erskine Hospital and Madurai Medical College in India from 1962 to 1967. Overview of its establishment; Delivery of the Curzon Memorial lecture at Madras Medical College in January 1967; Role played by the author in the unit.

The need for training in Occupational Medicine in India is well known. The majority of company doctors cannot leave their work and join a residence program. The question which course delivery mode - residential or blended or distance education — is appropriate to teach working company doctors is therefore an urgent one. Adult education: Adults learners — in contrast to young students — have a lot prior experiences and knowledge which they want to use. They have tight personal schedules and are very practical and goal-oriented. They usually have a fulltime work. Adults need more guides than lecturers. Immediate use, practice by doing and discussion groups are the most powerful tools in teaching. Lecturing seems to be the most ineffective teaching method. Distance education is widely used already in teaching occupational health & safety and occupational medicine (OS H) in other countries. Almost 100% of all post-graduate teaching in occupational medicine is done by distance education in the UK. A "blended" course model seems appropriate for Occupational Medicine teaching. It has contact phases and self-learning phases The Indian Association of Occupational Health could play a leading role in expending high quality teaching in Occupational Medicine. These activities would contribute to the Government's goals to strengthen Occupational Health in India. This article discusses distance education and online-teaching as one viable way to deliver high quality training in Occupational Medicine to working company doctors in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study of silicosis was conducted in 1992-1994, which included a sample of 458 sandstone quarry workers of Jodhpur. To find out the pattern and predictors of mortality among sandstone quarry workers. Houses of all workers were visited and the worker's status was recorded. Standardized mortality ratio (for all causes of death) was calculated. Cox proportional hazard model was applied to study the association of different variables with mortality. Total 97.8% workers could be followed, of whom, 10.9% had died (SMR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.23-2.19). The average age at the time of death of the deceased was 51.8 ± 12.5 years. Mortality was higher among silicotics (SMR = 2.54; 95% CI 1.43-3.66), smokers (SMR = 1.83; 95% CI 1.27 - 2.39), and those showing mixed abnormality in pulmonary function test(SMR = 2.73; 95% CI 1.24 - 4.21). In multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, restriction in spirometery (HR = 13.95; 95% CI 9.14 - 21.29), longer duration (> 15 years) of working in quarries (HR = 7.29; 95% CI 5.19 - 10.24), chronic dyspnoea (HR = 6.48; 95% CI 4.70 - 8.95), silicosis (HR = 6.03; 95% CI 4.85 - 7.51), BMI < 1.75 (HR = 3.50; 95% CI 2.78 - 4.41), and chronic chest pain (HR = 3.28; 95% CI 2.51 - 4.28) emerged as significant predictors of all cause mortality. It can be concluded that sandstone quarry workers died at a younger age. In absence of certified cause of death, these predictors suggest that silicosis, COPD, lung cancer, and tuberculosis might be underlying causes of higher mortality. This study underlines the need for adopting measures among workers for the prevention from exposure to fine dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apparel manufacturing industry in Karnataka has assumed gigantic proportions. A large majority of the workers in this industry are women in the reproductive age group. Some companies have recognized this situation and are taking proactive steps in providing a range of services to the women employees. The objective of this study was to identify the outcomes of the services that are provided to the pregnant women in seven factories belonging to one such company. The study attempted to contact all registered pregnant women who had returned to work, in an attempt to identify the positive features and lacunae in the services that were provided. The results showed that half the workers who had been provided services in the antenatal period had not returned to work. A majority of the workers had availed of adequate antenatal care and most of them had delivered in the local Employees State Insurance (ESI) Hospital. Knowledge of antenatal care was generally good and most information had been received from the Health Care Providers (HCPs). The positive role of the HCPs in these factories has to be recognized and they should be provided with adequate support and training to perform their functions optimally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents information on the activities of the Indian Association of Occupational Health (IAOH)'s Mumbai, India-based branch in 2005. The Mumbai branch has approximately 430 members and 6 new members have recently joined it. The branch, reportedly, has conducted 2 executive committee meetings, 2 special meetings and 2 scientific programmes in 2005. The first scientific programme was held on July 9, during the Occupational Health Day celebration, jointly by the Mumbai branch, the Avert Society and the Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Over 150 occupational health physicians and human resource development managers of renowned industries have participated the event.

Purpose: Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) presents in early adulthood with painless progressive blindness of one or both eyes. Usually there is a positive family history of similar disease on the maternal side. Definitive diagnosis can be established by finding the change in the mitochondrial gene. No molecular studies have been reported from India.Material and Methods: Clinical, ophthalmologic and molecular studies were carried out in two patients from different families and available first degree relatives. The subjects were tested for the three common mutations seen in LHON by molecular techniques of polymerase chain reaction using mutation specific primers.Results: The mutations G3460A and G11778A in the mitochondrial genes MTND1 and MTND4, known to be causative for LHON, were found in one family each.Conclusion: Diagnosis of LHON should be considered in familial cases and in young adults with optic atrophy. Confirmation of diagnosis should be sought by molecular gene analysis. Genetic counselling should be offered to all 'at risk' relatives of a patient harbouring the mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the prevalence, clinical and molecular genetic characteristics of cerebellar ataxia in an ethnic Tamil community in India.Methods: An epidemiological study of cerebellar ataxia was done in two villages in the Indian state of Tamilnadu where its prevalence was observed to be high. All the people were screened and the clinical characteristics of those with ataxia were recorded. Genetic analysis was done in those with ataxia and in two asymptomatic control groups - group I belonging to the affected community and group II belonging to the unaffected community. The clinical and genetic results are correlated. Measures to help the community are suggested.Results: The total population of the two villages was 378. Among them 345 belonged to Vanniyakula Kshatriyar community and 33 to another. Cerebellar ataxia was found in 25 individuals belonging only to the former community (7.2%). The mean age of onset was 39.8 years and the salient features were ataxic gait (100%), dysarthria (100%), pyramidal signs (72%), slow saccades (48%) and bleeding diathesis (12%). Genetic studies were done in 17 of the study group. All showed pathological expansion of CAG repeats above 40, in chromosome 6p, diagnostic of SCA1. 7 of the 18 in the control group (I) and none in control group (II) had CAG repeats above 40.Conclusion: The prevalence of SCA1 is high (7.2%) in this ethnic Tamil community with a large asymptomatic group waiting to manifest. The symptomatic individuals need social support and rehabilitation. Appropriate counseling, prenatal evaluation and therapy will prevent the spread of disease to the next generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the authors' comments on the study "Crohn's Disease Associated Enteropathic Arthritis: An Often-Overlooked Entity." According to the authors' this is the first study of its kind from India where the prevalence of Crohn's Disease (CD) among individuals presenting with enteropathic arthropathy. It was found that 14 of 29 patients studied had histologically confirmed CD. Individuals with CD had symptoms of weight loss, fever, perianal fistula, abdominal pain, dysentery, and uveitis. This study would serve to create a greater awareness among those caring for these individuals regarding the need to perform colonoscopy among those present with manifestations of enteropathic arthritis. Treatment of these individuals has involved the use of a combination of methotrexate and sulphasalazine.

Purpose: To compare the confocal laser tomographic scanning evaluation with photographic measurements of the optic nerve head in a South Indian population.Methods: The prospective comparative clinical non-interventional epidemiologic study included 62 subjects (62 eyes) forming a population-based sample, selected randomly. Mean age was 47.2 +/- 8.9 years, mean refractive error measured was -0.17 +/- 1.10 diopter (range, - 4.50 to + 2.50 diopter). Confocal laser scanning tomographic images on Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT) and colour optic disc photographs were morphometrically analysed and compared. Main outcome measures were morphologic optic disc parameters.Results: The optic disc area measurements were significantly smaller (p < 0.001) in the HRT technique than in the photographic method. In contrast, the HRT as compared to the photographic measurements showed significantly (p < 0.001) larger values for the relative width and relative area of the neuroretinal rim. The differences in measurements between both methods were maximum in the nasal part (p < 0.001) of the optic disc and minimum in the temporal disc region.Conclusion: In normal eyes of South Indians, neuroretinal rim measurements by the HRT and expressed as percentage of disc size measurements are significantly larger than rim measurements on disc photographs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional epidemiological survey of 255 individuals (130 current permanent employees, 64 contract workers, 55 ex-employees and 6 scrap dealers) coupled with a retrospective cohort study of the occupational health of 290 employees (all permanent employees who ever worked in the factory over a span of 15 years) was conducted in a mercury thermometer plant at Kodaikanal in India. The cross-sectional study done in March 2001 was based on a clinical protocol developed by the US Dept. of Labor, Mines Safety and Health Administration and was supplemented by the analysis of mercury in urine (HgU) through Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometry (ICP) and relevant biochemical investigations. Group averages of HgU in this study was 23.8 μg/L and were well within WHO-recommended limits of group means (50 μg/L). Group analysis was supplemented by appropriate individual analysis. The retrospective cohort study (for the years 1988–2001) included clinical evaluation coupled with analysis of biological monitoring done through Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (CVAAS). Group averages of mercury in urine measured between 12.9 to 31.9 μg/L over the working life of the factory, and they too were supplemented by appropriate individual analysis. The protocol for epidemiological surveillance and indeed for the occupational health surveillance conducted over the life of the factory (biological monitoring, workplace environmental monitoring, shop floor health and safety practices and clinical evaluations) have been independently validated by the Netherlands-based TNO, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and the Indian Association of Occupational Health. None of the employees in this factory were found to be suffering from any ill health that could be attributed to Hg exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the problem of unethical publication practices of medical journal editors in India. The "Indian Journal of Pharmacology" is doing own to help address the problem. However, with the increase workload of the periodical, it is calling on all concerned parties to participate in its efforts.

Purpose: To analyze the clinical and microbiological characteristics of eyes with post-traumatic endophthalmitis and factors influencing the visual outcomes in these cases.Methods: We performed a retrospective chart analysis of the clinical and microbiological data of 97 consecutive patients with post-traumatic endophthalmitis presenting to a tertiary eye care hospital in South India.Results: Thirty-nine (40.2%) cases were culture-positive, gram-positive cocci (n=24/42, 57.1%) being the commonest isolates. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeuruginosa were the commonest single isolates (n=10; 23.8%). Majority of the organisms were sensitive to chloramphenicol (n=27) or ciprofloxacin (n=26). Susceptibility to vancomycin (n=3) and amikacin (n=4) was poor. Cases with negative cultures at presentation were more likely to have improvement in visual acuity compared with culture-positive cases (on multivariate analysis, OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1, 9.0).Conclusions: In this series of post-traumatic endophthalmitis, a high prevalence of resistance of the culture isolates to vancomycin and amikacin was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the 33rd Indian Prosthodontic Society conference which was held in Aurangabad, India on November 25-27, 2005. There were a total of 621 delegates who attended the event. It was preceded by seven pre-conference courses, which were attended by 150 students, at four different venues. Among the pre-conference courses are the immediate implant, hands on course on partial denture design and wax, facial prosthesis and complete denture impression.

The author reflects on the successful launching of the program that provides access to quality drugs carried out by the National Capital Region of Delhi. According to the author, the success of the program was attributed to three things: the political will of Harsh Vardhan, the then Minister of Health and Family Welfare; effective administrative support headed by Ranjit Roy Choudhury; and a dedicated independent organization called the Delhi Society for the Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs.

The article presents a medical research that evaluates the Q-T interval of adult, healthy, male Indian subjects sheltered under standardized conditions. The subjects were relaxed and provided the same food and were asked to refrain from caffeine, tobacco and alcohol before the parameters were recorded. It was determined that Q-T prolongation is related to dose based on the close relationship between dose and plasma concentrations.

The article focuses on the role of pharmacologists at present and in the future in India. According to B. B. Gaitonde, pharmacologists must act as consultants to physicians and to the society to improve the quality of medical care. However, the author had observed that the pharmacologist, the physician and the drug industry operate separately without coordination. To promote the importance of pharmacologists in medicine, it is suggested that medical students be taught pharmacology.

Provides information on a proposed new scheme for pediatric surgical training in India, as of April 2006. Reasons for proposing the new system for the training; Factors that contributed to the conflict in the development of the scheme; Features of the new scheme.

Background: About 20,000 men and women are engaged in the production of salt in Rajasthan alone, which is an important unorganized sector. The salt workers are exposed to adversities of environmental conditions as well as salt in the environment. There is a lack of information about their occupational health problems. Aims: The study aimed to identify work-related health problems experienced by the salt workers. Settings and Design: Data were collected in the health camps held near salt sites. Materials and Methods: Workers of salt manufacturing units were invited for their free health examination. Statistical Analysis: Analysis of the data was carried out using Epi-Info 2002 software. Results: Prevalence of ophthalmic symptoms was 60.7%. that of dermatological symptoms was 43.8% and symptoms like headache, giddiness, breathlessness, muscular and joint pains were experienced by 52.1% salt workers. The ophthalmic problems were most common, probably due to irritation by direct sunlight and its glare caused by salt crystals and brine as well as irritation caused by fine salt particles suspended in the air of the working environment. Traumatic ulcers, dermatitis, muscular and joint pains, headache and giddiness were other more common symptoms observed among the workers. Prevalence of hypertension was 12.0%. Conclusions: Looking at the large number of salt workers exposed to salt and facing occupational health problems, there is a need for developing a mechanism for prevention of these problems in them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents schedules on continuing medical education in ophthalmology from September to December 2006 in India.

The article reports on a retrospective study which analyzed the results of neuropathological examinations in 153 patients who have undergone surgery for chronic epilepsy in an Indian neurosurgical center. The study showed that 75 percent of patients have temporal lobe epilepsy while 33 percent have mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS). Also, lesions were found that represent a mix of developmental malformations.

Background: The knowledge of warning symptoms and risk factors for stroke has not been studied among patients with stroke in developing countries. Aims: We aimed to assess the knowledge of stroke among patients with stroke and their relatives. Settings and Design: Prospective tertiary referral hospital-based study in Northwest India. Materials and Methods: Trained nurses and medical interns interviewed patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack and their relatives about their knowledge of stroke symptoms and risk factors. Statistical Analysis: Univariable and mulivariable logistic regression were used. Results: Of the 147 subjects interviewed, 102 (69%) were patients and 45 (31%) were relatives. There were 99 (67%) men and 48 (33%) women and the mean age was 59.7±14.1 years. Sixty-two percent of repondents recognized paralysis of one side as a warning symptom and 54% recognized hypertension as a risk factor for stroke. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, higher education was associated with the knowledge of correct organ involvement in stroke (OR 2.6, CI 1.1- 6.1, P=0.02), whereas younger age (OR 2.7, CI 1.1-7.0, P=0.04) and higher education (OR 4.1, CI 1.5-10.9, P=0.005) correlated with a better knowledge regarding warning symptoms of stroke. Conclusions: In this study cohort, in general, there is lack of awareness of major warning symptoms, risk factors, organ involvement and self-recognition of stroke. However younger age and education status were associated with better knowledge. There is an urgent need for awareness programs about stroke in this study cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article comments on the study to assess knowledge of stroke warning symptoms and risk factors in Northwest Indian stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients and their relatives. According to the article, increase awareness of stroke may lead to improve acute management and better prevention of cerebrovascular diseases. It notes that lower educational status was associated with poor stroke awareness.

AIMS: The present study was done to build a database on prevalence of tobacco use among students of grade 8 to 10 in Chennai city, for the purpose of advocacy of tobacco control and planning tobacco control interventions and evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two-stage stratified probability sample of students in grades 8-10 corresponding to 13 to 15 years of age were selected from private/government aided private schools and purely government aided corporation schools. Data was collected by a pretested, closed-ended self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 1255 students participated in this survey. Among them 64.4 boys and 35.6% were girls. Ever tobacco use was reported by 37.6% of the students (41.6 males and 30.2% females). Current users of tobacco (any products) were reported by 41.1% of the students. Prevalence was more among boy students (46.3%) when compared to that of girl students (31.6%). There existed no significant difference between current users of tobacco based on the zones of the school. Tobacco users prevalence was found more in corporation schools when compared to that of private schools. Parental and friends tobacco use was reported more often by tobacco users compared to never users. Purchasing tobacco products in a store was reported by 82.5% and almost no one was refused because of age. Almost everyone reported watching a lot of cigarette advertisements on TV, whereas about half reported watching advertisements on other medias like outdoor hoardings (45.7%), newspapers (65.3%) and social events (67.4%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that among the 13 to 15-year old school going children (corresponding to grades 8 to 10) in Chennai city, the current tobacco use is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers perspective concerning research in pediatric surgery. The state of pediatric surgery in India is described. Several factors for conducting compulsive research have been due to the non-availability of patient workload for clinical research, increasing density of pediatric surgeons with declining birth rate and minimal patient responsibilities. The scope of pediatric surgical research are detailed.

The author focuses on the Association of Medical Physicists of India (AMPI), founded in 1976 to promote the application of physics in medicine and biology. AMPI also provides a forum for medical physicists during annual conferences and a publication for the exchange of ideas and dissemination of knowledge. The 27th Annual Conference of AMPI will be held in Bhubaneswar, India on November 9-12, 2006 and will be hosted by the Hemalata Hospitals and Research Centre.

The article presents a program of events of the 27th Annual Conference of Association of Medical Physicists of India held at Hotel Mayfair Lagoon in Bhubaneswar, India on November 9-12, 2006. Session 1 lectures of the conference included Radiotherapy for the Prostate Cancer and the study of dose modelling for intensity modulation radiotherapy beamlets. Other sessions focused on diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and brachytherapy.

Aims and Objectives: The alignment of upper and lower cervical spine is presumed to be closely interrelated and the knowledge of this is mandatory when performing occipito-cervical and upper cervical fusions. The aim of this study was to establish standard values for upper and lower cervical spine alignment in the Indian population.Materials and Methods: Five hundred eighteen asymptomatic volunteers (261 males and 257 females) between 12 and 80 years of age underwent lateral radiography with their neck in the neutral position. Angles for occipital to 2nd cervical (Oc-C2), 1st to 2nd cervical (C1-C2) and sagittal alignment of 2nd to 7th cervical vertebrae (C2-C7) were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using a statistical package SPSS 10 for windows and the students 't' test.Results: The mean Oc-C2, C1-C2 and C2--C7 angles were 14.66+9.5 degrees , 25.6+7.9 degrees and 16.8+12.7 degrees in male, while same angles in female were 15.59+8.26 degrees, 26.9+6.8 degrees and 9.11+10.4 degrees respectively. Weak statistically significant negative correlation was observed between the measured angles of the upper (Oc-C2 and C1-C2) and lower (C2-C7) cervical spines, which means if the lordosis of the occiput and upper cervical spine increases (if the Oc-C2 angle increases), the alignment of lower cervical spine becomes kyphotic and vice versa. This negative correlation was stronger between the Oc-C2 and C2-C7 angles than between the C1-C2 and C2-C7 angles.Conclusions: Relationship between alignment of the upper and the lower cervical spine should be taken into consideration when performing cervical fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the significance of screening the content of the manuscripts to be submitted to the "Indian Journal of Pharmacology" before it will be given to the external reviewers in India. He stated that the procedure is limited in deciding the article's scope and checking the format of its contents. The screenings were diversified by the authors' attempts in submitting duplicate publications.

The article comments on pediatric surgery in India and the India Association of Pediatric Surgeons (IAPS). Included in the core values for IAPS that were established is the promotion and maintenance of the quality of education in pediatric surgery in India. The author believes that IAPS should take the leading role in creating the standard pediatric surgical practice guidelines.

The article presents information on the response of Mumbai, India-based King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and Seth GS Medical College to the victims of serial bomb blasts that took place in Mumbai's local trains on July 11, 2006. Considering the need to mobilize adequate manpower, most of the hospital staffs including doctors and medical students rushed to the emergency medical services complex to offer their services.

Eosinophilic meningoencephalitis (EM) is a rare type of meningoencephalitis. The objective of this report is to describe a series of EM identified in a specific geographic area over a short period of time. Materials and Methods: This series of cases are described from a neurological center in Central Kerala occuring in the period between February 2004 and June 2006. Results: During this period we had identified ten patients (eight males and two females) with EM. Their mean age was 37.1 years (range 15-60 years). Main symptomatologies were fever, severe headache, body pain, abdominal pain and arthralgia. One patient was in akinetic rigid state with coma. All patients had peripheral eosinophilia. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of all patients showed eosinophilic pleocytosis. The mean CSF white cell count was 588 cells. CSF differential count showed 50-70% eosinophils. CSF glucose levels were normal but proteins were markedly raised (mean CSF protein was 180 mg/dl). MRI brain showed T2 hyperintensities diffusely in periventricular white matter in the comatose patient. Contrast enhanced CT scan of the brain was normal in others. All eight male patients gave history of eating "raw flesh of Monitor Lizard" (Iguana) some three to fourteen days prior to the onset of symptoms. There was no such history for the female patients. Considering the history of exposure and eosinophilic meningitis we suspected a meningoencephalitis with Angiostrongylus cantonensis and treated them with albendazole, steroid and other supportive measures. All of them recovered. Conclusion: Eosinophilic meningitis (EM) is a rare condition and in this locality, a CNS infection with Agiostrongylus cantonensis is highly likely. AC is a parasite in monitor lizard. Human infection occurs from consumption of uncooked flesh or blood of infected lizards. Physicians need to maintain a high index of suspicion and enquire for any exposure to uncooked meat or blood of monitor lizard when faced with EM. Specific therapy with albendazole offers excellent response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium valproate is a commonly used anticonvulsant. Thrombocytopenia is one of the lesser known adverse effects of valproate. Fever with thrombocytopenia is a frequent clinical presentation especially in tropical countries like India with emerging and reemerging infections like dengue fever. We present here two cases of resistant thrombocytopenia in febrile children which responded dramatically to withdrawing valproate. Both the children had valproate drug level in the normal therapeutic range. Based on the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale a probable association was found between valproate and the thrombocytopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about several issues and report discussed at the 34th Annual Conference of the Indian Prosthodontic Society held on November 2 to 5 2006 at Kanniyakumari, India is presented. The conference was inaugurated by Padma Bhushan V. Gnanagandhi, Program Director at Indian Space Research Organisation and the guest of Honor was Sreethavaj Theerathavaj of Mahidol University. Awards were also presented during the conference which was attended by 650 delegates from India.