Saliva has long been known for its diagnostic value in several diseases. It also has a potential to be used in forensic science.Objective:The objective of this study is to compare the quantity and quality of DNA samples extracted from saliva with those extracted from blood in order to assess the feasibility of extracting sufficient DNA from saliva for its possible use in forensic identification.Materials and Methods:Blood and saliva samples were collected from 20 volunteers and DNA extraction was performed through Phenol Chloroform technique. The quantity and quality of isolated DNA was analyzed by spectrophotometery and the samples were then used to amplify short tandem repeat (STR) F13 using the polymerase chain reaction.Results:Mean quantity of DNA obtained in saliva was 48.4 ± 8.2 μg/ml and in blood was 142.5 ± 45.9 μg/ml. Purity of DNA obtained as assessed by the ratio of optical density 260/280, was found to be optimal in 45% salivary samples while remaining showed minor contamination. Despite this positive F13 STR amplification was achieved in 75% of salivary DNA samples.Conclusion:Results of this study showed that saliva may prove to be a useful source of DNA for forensic purpose.

Early surgery in enteric perforation is the only accepted form of treatment in modem day medicine and gives excellent results. Exploratory laparotomy continues to be the mainstay of surgical treatment and several different procedures are recommended in literature. Between January 1998 and November 2001, we have successfully managed 6 consecutive cases of enteric perforation laparoscopically with complete resolution of the disease. There were 4 males and 2 females in our study. The mean time of presentation to us was 38 hours after the perforation (range 22 hours to 63 hours). The mean age was 32 years (range 28 years to 43 years). All patients presented with free air under the diaphragm. A laparoscopic approach was carried out through a 10 mm supraumbilical port and two 5 mm additional ports in the midline infraumbilical area and the left iliac fossa area. Simple one layer closure of the perforation was carried out with 2-0 silk intracorporeally and the peritoneal cavity was washed out and adequately drained. All perforations were localised to the terminal ileum and were single in number. The mean operating time was 54 minutes-(range 42 to 75 minutes). All patients received parenteral ofloxacin and metrogyl. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all patients and there were no major complications. All patients were discharged from hospital by the 4th postoperative day. Follow up over a period of 12 to 16 months revealed all patients to be in normal health. We strongly recommend a first line laparoscopic approach in all patients with typhoid perforation; as it is a safe and effective method of managing such cases.

Panax ginseng extract is capable of enhancing antibody plaque forming cell response and circulating antibody titre against sheep erythrocytes, cell mediated immunity against Semliki forest virus antigen, and natural killer cell activity in mice. It also enhanced production of interferon of both the pH stable and labile types induced by an interferon inducer of fungal origin.

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Diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia due to blunt abdominal trauma requires a high index of suspicion. This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of multidetector computed tomogram (MDCT) in the diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. All patients with thoracoabdominal blunt trauma with diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed on radiologic evaluation during a 3-year period (i.e., from June 2004 to June 2007) were analyzed. Nineteen patients with diaphragmatic injuries in 117 patients with blunt thoracoabdominal injury (16.23%) were studied. Age range was 8-60 years (mean 34 years). Male-female ratio was 18:1. Various features seen on CT scan were diaphragmatic discontinuity in 13 (68.42%), thickened diaphragm in 10 (52.63%), "collar sign" in 8 (42.10%), visceral herniation in 12 (63.15%), dependent viscera sign in 8 (42.10%), and segmental nonrecognition of the diaphragm in 1 patient (5.88%). Two patients presented with delayed rupture. In the rest mean duration between time of injury and performance of CT scan was 44.35 h (range 3-288 h). Fourteen patients underwent operative management. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MDCT scan were 100, 93, and 95%, respectively. Three patients (15.78%) expired. MDCT is a highly accurate modality for detecting traumatic diaphragmatic hernia.