The effect of fenugreek (Trigonellafoenumgraecum L.) and lupine (Lupinus termis Forssk.) seeds on the development of experimental diabetes in rats was investigated. Blood glucose and lipid levels of normal and streptozotocin diabetic rats were determined after treatment with supplemented diets containing either 20 % fenugreek or lupine seeds. Animals were placed on the above diets for a period of ten weeks after diabetes induction or five weeks prior to streptozotocin injection, followed by six weeks of feeding with the same diets. In the first category of experiments, where a pretreatment period was not used, both supplemented diets did not improve the diabetic state, as judged by body weight loss, and blood glucose and lipid levels. On the other hand, diabetic animals pretreated with fenugreek diet showed a general improvement in their clinical status, as reflected by blood parameters and body weight gain: hyperglycemia was significantly reduced, free fatty acids, cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly reduced and returned to normal levels. It is therefore concluded that the antidiabetic effect of fenugreek is apparent after a pretreatment period with the supplemented diet. On the other hand, lupine diet did not improve the hyperglycemia nor the above-mentioned blood parameters, except for triglyceride levels which were reduced in both diabetic and control animals.

Background: There are very few population-based studies on the prevalence of eczema among older persons Aims: To estimate the prevalence and types of eczema in those aged 65 years or more in the community and to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based interventions for case finding. Methods: In the first stage of this cross-sectional survey, trained health workers of a non-governmental organization surveyed the eligible population and identified persons likely to have eczema. In the second stage, dermatologists examined such persons to ascertain the diagnosis. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info software version 7. Prevalence of eczema was expressed in percentages. Chi-square test was used for comparing the difference in prevalence of eczema in various age groups and sex. Results: Health workers identified 98 persons as possible cases of eczema after interviewing 385 older persons in the community. Among them 95 persons were examined by dermatologists and 44 were confirmed to have eczema (diagnostic accuracy of health workers = 46.3%).Point prevalence of eczema was 11.4% (44/385). Prevalence was similar in males and females. It was greater (18.2 %) among persons aged 81 years or more. Asteatotic eczema, gravitational eczema and lichen simplex chronicus were the more common types of eczema. Limitations: Possible underestimation of the prevalence rates due to limited medical knowledge of health workers; limited facilities for examination and investigations at the medical camps and home visits. Conclusion: There appears to be a considerable burden of eczema among older persons in the community. A community-based approach involving non-governmental organizations has the potential to identify cases and offer care close to their homes.

No abstract

Demonstration of Treponema pallidum under the dark ground microscope is a rapid onsite method for diagnosis in early syphilis. The steps involve obtaining patient consent, specimen collection from an infective lesion of early syphilis, the adjustments of dark field microscope, and identification of treponemes by virtue of their characteristic morphology and motility.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The prevalence of men who have sex with men (MSM) is showing an increasing trend in general population. MSM being a high risk population are more prone to develop sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<span lang="EN-IN">.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> With the help of Sevana, a nongovernmental organization (NGO), we were able to mobilize 81 MSM for detailed evaluation. All  MSM, after an informed consent were given a behavioural questionnaire, followed by detailed history taking, clinical examination, pre-test counselling and specimen collection.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> All of them were clinically asymptomatic. Of the total 81 MSM in our study, 27(33.3%) had STIs as evidenced by laboratory investigations. Out of these, 3 (3.7%) had multiple STIs. The most common STI in our study group was asymptomatic herpes gentalis (12.4%), followed by latent syphilis (9.9%) and non gonococcal urethritis (8.6%)<span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The high incidence of asymptomatic STIs among MSMs in our study points to the need for strengthening targeted intervention including condom usage and a compulsory medical check-up and serological screening at least once in six months for early detection and treatment of STIs. This in turn would help us in preventing the transmission of STIs including HIV<span lang="EN-IN">.</span></p>

Objectives: The objective of the study was to identify the allergens showing positive patch test reaction (using Indian standard battery of allergens) in cement workers with clinically diagnosed allergic contact dermatitis (CD) to cement attending a tertiary referral center. Materials and Methods: We included cement workers with clinically diagnosed allergic CD to cement who attended the dermatology outpatient clinic of our tertiary referral center from January 2013 to December 2013. We did patch testing in all the cases ( after subsidence of active dermatitis) with Indian standard battery of patch test allergens and documented the allergens that showed a positive reaction. Results: Forty-seven (94%) of the 50 study participants showed a positive reaction to one or more of the allergens. The most common allergen that showed a positive reaction was potassium dichromate (43/50, 86%). Twenty-five patients (50%) showed positive reactions to more than 1 allergen. Four patients (8%) showed positive reactions only to allergens that were not seen in cement. Limitations: Small sample size and lack of information on clinical response of dermatitis to avoidance of identified allergen were the major limitations. Conclusion: Twenty-five (50%) patients showing positive reactions to more than 1 allergen tested and 4 (8%) showing positive patch test reaction to none of the allergens in cement (but to other allergens) highlight the role of patch testing in identifying the probable allergens in patients with clinically diagnosed allergic CD to cement.

Dermatitis artefacta (DA) and trichotemnomania are self-inflicted dermatoses often preceded by psychosocial stressful events. A 38-year-old female presented with sudden loss of hair in the right frontal area along with discoloration and edema of skin. On examination, there was complete loss of hair involving the right frontal area and the lateral half of right eyebrow with skin over that area appearing scalded, edematous, bruised, and discolored. After a detailed medical and psychological evaluation, a clinical diagnosis of DA with trichotemnomania was made. A tactful multidisciplinary approach is essential in managing such patients as outright referral to a psychiatrist could be counterproductive.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Condylomata acuminata (CA) or genital wart is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). As there was little information about the HPV types commonly causing CA in our state, we decided to study the clinico-epidemiological profile of CA with special emphasis on HPV typing.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> We did <span lang="EN-IN">HPV typing in 25 clinically diagnosed cases of CA. The biopsied specimens were sent for HPV typing using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and those with high risk HPV types were histologically analyzed for any dysplastic change. We also evaluated for other STIs which can coexist with CA</span>.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Out of the 25 cases, 18 (72%) were males and 7 (28%) females. Majority of our patients belonged to 21-40 year age group (64%). Clinical types of CA were the classical fleshy exuberant type in 22 patients (88%), flat type in 2 (8%) and keratotic type in 1 (4%). HPV positivity was obtained in 21 (84%). The most common type was HPV 6 in 10 cases (40%) and HPV 11 in 8 (32%) patients. HPV 16 alone was isolated in 1 (4%) case. HPV types 6 and 16 and 11 &amp; 18 were isolated in one case each. Dysplastic changes were observed in two cases with HPV 16 and 18. VDRL and TPHA positivity was found in 2 (8%) males and HBsAg positivity was seen in 1 (4%) male patient. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">This study highlights the importance of HPV typing for identifying the high risk types and to assess the efficacy of HPV vaccines.</span></p>