Editorial Team

Omar Akramur Rab, MBBS, FCGP, FIAGP, FRSH (UK) 
Latifa Nishat, MBBS  Shaokat Zaman, MBBS
Thwe Thwe Prue, 
Web Developer

 Reply Mode : e-square@squaregroup.com 

Hair Growth!

New avenue for hair growth.                                                Back to Features

Researchers found the short activation of a certain protein may induce new hair growth. That protein, called â-catenin, induced new hair growth in mice. Researchers studied mice with an inactive version of the protein. Then, researchers shaved the backs of those mice along with the backs of mice that had an active version of the protein. A topical treatment called 4-OHT(4-hydroxytamoxifen) was applied once. The treatment activated â-catenin. Within 15 days, the mice with the active protein did not grow any hair but the mice that had an inactive version of the protein grew new hair. Furthermore, the new hair was indistinguishable from normal hair and continued to grow as usual.

SOURCE: Genes & Development, 2003;17:1219-1224

Tonsillectomy for Kids

New tonsil procedure for kids                                              Back to Features

A new study shows reducing tonsils by radiofrequency is safe and effective and could be a better alternative than surgery for children. Temperature-controlled radiofrequency works by heating the tissue through an electrode, which causes the tissue to shrink. The current study included 10 children who needed their tonsils and adenoids removed because of a sleep-related breathing disorder. The patients all had radiofrequency to reduce their tonsils, along with surgery to remove their adenoids. The doctor looked at the tonsil size reduction, evaluated symptoms, and followed up with the patients after one year. Researchers found the average tonsil size reduction was 75 percent without any evidence of regrowth. After the procedure, all of the children were drinking liquids in the recovery room and most were eating some soft foods within six hours. On average, the children returned to normal activities after four days. Researchers also report 89 percent of the children had improvements in snoring. There were no major complications reported.

SOURCE: Archives of Otolaryngology, 2003;129:533-537

DASH!

The diuretic diet                                                                                 Back to Features 

A new study reveals how a diet that has been shown to help reduce high blood pressure does the trick. “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension” (DASH) diet works much like old-fashioned diuretics -- by promoting the elimination of salt from the body. DASH is a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Results from an initial study six years ago found people who followed the diet had lower blood pressures, but researchers were not sure how the diet achieved these goals. A subsequent study looked at the diet in people who consumed varying levels of salt. The study showed it had the most impact on people who ate the most salt. The research involved 375 adults with normal to mildly elevated blood pressure. Study participants were assigned to eat either the DASH diet or a control diet for three 30-day periods. Salt levels were varied during each period so researchers could compare each diet’s impact on salt excretion. Results showed the DASH diet did, indeed, have a greater impact when people were fed more salt. Not only did they excrete more salt, as measured by urine tests, they lowered their blood pressure. When they were fed less salt, the impact of the diet on blood pressure declined.

SOURCE: Ivanhoe Newswire

Try Iron

Unexplained fatigue                                                          Back to Features

Iron supplements may benefit non-anemic women between ages 18 and 55 with unexplained fatigue. However, the effect may be restricted to women with low ferritin, a protein that stores iron and is found especially in the liver and spleen. Researchers gave 136 women either 80 milligrams a day of iron or a placebo for four weeks. The study shows the level of fatigue after one month decreased by 29 percent in the iron group compared to 13 percent in the placebo group. The difference in depression was not statistically different between the two groups, but a greater decrease in anxiety was observed in the iron group. Investigators found a significant response only in patients with a baseline ferritin concentration of 50 micrograms per liter. In adolescent females, iron supplements improved mood and the ability to concentrate in one study and verbal learning and memory in another study.

SOURCE: British Medical Journal, 2003;326:1124

Chronic Sinusitis  

Help for chronic sinusitis                                                    Back to Feature

In a new study, researchers report treatment with interferon gamma resulted in marked improvement in treatment-resistant sinus infections. Researchers discovered patients with treatment resistant chronic rhinosinusitis had decreased production of interferon gamma. Based on this observation, they treated CRS (Rhinosinusitis) patients with interferon and say they responded well. Researchers include 10 patients with CRS who were retrospectively evaluated by assessing the clinical outcomes when treated with interferon gamma relative to clinical and laboratory findings before interferon gamma therapy. Study results indicate nine out of 10 patients improved markedly on the interferon therapy. One patient had a suspected catheter-related infection and therapy was discontinued. Exogenous interferon gamma may be a therapeutic option in a subset of patients with treatment-resistant chronic rhinosinusitis and evidence of dysregulation of interferon production.

SOURCE: Archives Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, 2003;129:563-569

            Product                                    Tazid
            Generic Name                         Ceftazidime
            Strength                                  250mg,500 mg, 1 gm IV/IM
            Dosage form                           Injection IV/IM
            Therapeutic Category           Cephalosporin          

            Product                                     Melcam
            Generic Name                          Meloxicam BP
            Strength                                   7.5 & 15 mg
            Dosage form                            Suppository
            Therapeutic Category            NSAID 

            Product                                     Flexi
            Generic Name                          Aceclofenac BP 
            Strength                                   100 mg
            Dosage form                            Tablet
            Therapeutic Category            NSAID