Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare disorder in the developed world. However, an upsurge has been seen lately in our part of the world owing to inadequate measles immunization coverage. At the midst of our struggle against polio, we are struggling with the war against other vaccine-preventable childhood illnesses like measles. The increasing numbers of SSPE that we reported over the past half decade suggest an underlying periodic measles epidemic in Pakistan. In addition, children are now presenting with SSPE in early childhood, warranting a relook, reinforcement and strengthening of primary immunization and mandatory two-dose measles vaccination for all children nationwide. Previously undertaken Measles Supplementary Immunization Activity were a failure in terms of providing the expected cover against measles in young children. Intensive surveillance and establishment of SSPE registers at the district level is essential for eradication of this easily preventable disorder. Unless timely efforts are made to achieve global immunization, SSPE is bound to add to the national disability burden.

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Baker's cysts or popliteal cysts are common cystic lesions surrounding the knee joint. These are prevalent among the adult population but rare in children. These are asymptomatic in majority of cases, and are identified incidentally by the parent or physician. We report a case of 15-year boy who presented to the emergency room with symptoms of calf pain and swelling for two weeks. He was in good health previously, and had no underlying knee pathology. Prior to presenting in emergency department (ED), he was suspected as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and referred for evaluation and management. During his evaluation for DVT, the diagnosis of ruptured Baker's cyst was made on ultrasound. This was further confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of knee joint. He responded to conservative management and was discharged home after reassurance.

Tizanidine Hydrochloride is widely used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis spastic diplegia back pain or certaininjuries to the spine or CNS. Objective: The present work aimed at preparing quick release films of tizanidine HClwith the purpose of developing a dosage form for a very quick onset of action, which is beneficial in managingspasms and increased muscle tone, aiding in the enhancement of bioavailability, and is very convenient for administration, without the problem of swallowing and using water. Methods: The films of tizanidine hydrochloridewere prepared by using polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), aseither single polymer or in combination of two, by a solvent casting method. The concentration of Sodium alginate,Glycerol, Tween 80 were kept constant in all formulations. They were evaluated for physical characteristics such asuniformity of weight, thickness, folding endurance, drug content uniformity, surface pH, percentage elongation, andtensile strength, and gave satisfactory results. The formulations were subjected to disintegration, in vitro drug release tests. Results: A marked increase in the dissolution rate was exhibited by fast-dissolving films of Tizanidinehydrochloride containing HPMC as a polymer, when compared to conventional tablets. The formulation ‘F3’ wasfound to be optimized formulation. Conclusions: Fast dissolving films of tizanidine hydrochloride can be considered suitable for clinical use to relieve diplegia, back pain and injuries of spine, where a quicker onset of action for a dosage form is desirable along with the convenience of administration.

The scientific data on ecology of amphibians from Pakistan are scarce. Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) is widely distributed in South Asia, and has been introduced outside its range causing severe ecological problems. We gathered data on morphometrics, habitat and breeding activity of the species in its western edge, North Punjab, Pakistan, of the range. The morphometric measurements of Asian Common Toad showed that the males were 49 ± 3.4 mm in snout vent length while the females were 58 ± 5.5 mm. Of the 13 measurements tested, the factor analysis produced five (head width, forelimb length, femur length, width of upper eyelid and foot length) significant measurements (r 0.80) for male while six (snout-vent length, head width, head length, greatest tympanum diameter, forelimb length, length of tarsus and foot) for female. The substrate of the habitat of Asian Common Toad was recorded as muddy to stony; water with neutral to slightly alkaline pH; dominated by herbs: Cannabis sativa, Parthenium hysterophorus; shrubs: Dodonaea viscosa, Lantana camara; grasses: Cynodon dactylon, Dactyloctenium aegyptium; and hydrophytes Alternanthera sessilis and Centella asiatica. The mean air and water temperature (day) during the breeding period were 27 – 30.5 and 25 – 28.5°C, respectively. The toad species laid eggs in small sized pools with lentic to slow-moving water with the mean depth of 32 – 64 cm. The males were more abundant than females (2.14♂:1♀) at the breeding sites. The advertisement call was of 9.3 ± 0.80 sec duration with a single note and 49.5 ± 6.5 nodes, –7.45 ± 0.95 average amplitude, 776 ± 51.8 Hz minimum frequency and 7011 ± 1680 Hz maximum frequency.