Variations in semen analyses of 177 males over a 1 year period were assessed. The average means of total counts, motility, morphology, total motile count and non-motile % were determined for 5 classes of patients ranging from azoospermic to normospermic. Positive relationships between a falling sperm count, a decrease in motility and total motile counts were seen. Also, increasingly, abnormal forms were found with lower sperm counts.

Percent body fat content was found in apparently normal healthy 30 young (17-20 Yrs.) and 30 middle aged men (30-46 Yrs.) by measuring the skinfold and girth. None of the subjects were athletes or did regular physical exercise. Body density was calculated using mean of the four skinfold measurements as per the equations advocated by Durnin and Womersley, while percent body fat content was calculated from the body density by the Siri's equation. The mean % body fat content by this method in young men was 15.87 +/- 3.85% and in middle aged men was 24.75 +/- 3.55%. Ten percent of the young subjects and 90% of the middle aged subjects were found to be obese. Percent body fat content was also calculated from the girth measurements as advocated by McArdle et al. The mean of % body fat content with this method was 14.91 +/- 3.82% in young men and 24.30 +/- 3.35% in middle aged men. On comparison, the difference in percent body fat content calculated by both the methods was found to be significant in young men but not for middle aged men. The correlation, coefficient between girth method and skinfold method was 0.95 in case of young men and 0.90 for middle aged men. Therefore, we advocate that girth measurements can be used to determine percent body fat content, main advantage being simplicity of technique and requirement of inexpensive instruments for measurement.

Blood flow velocity waveforms were recorded by color Doppler ultrasound from intraplacental villous and umbilical arteries in 20 normal and 23 severe preeclamptic pregnancies. The results of the resistance index measurements in intraplacental villous arteries were 0.51 +/- 0.037 and 0.55 +/- 0.052 in healthy controls and preeclamptics respectively, which was not significantly different. Resistance indices showed a decrease through the umbilical cord from fetus to placenta in both groups. We also noted that Doppler examination of the umbilical cord might be an early indicator of fetal compromise. Detectable intraplacental villous flows were in normal limits even in patients with abnormally high umbilical resistance indices and failure to detect villous artery color Doppler flow signals is probably associated with fetal compromise. We conclude that Doppler measurements from the intraplacental arteries cannot be used in clinical management of patients with severe preeclampsia.

Picrorhiza kurroa (Pk), a known hepatoprotective plant, was studied in experimental and clinical situtations. The standardization of active principles--Picroside 1 and 2 was done with High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Picroside 1 ranged from 2.72 to 2.88 mg/capsule and picroside 2 from 5.50 to 6.00 mg/capsule. In the galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats, Pk at a dose of 200 mg/kg p.o. showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in liver lipid content, GOT and GPT. In a randomised, double-blind placebo controlled trial in patients diagnosed to have acute viral hepatitis (HBsAg negative), Pk root powder 375 mg three times a day was given for 2 weeks (n = 15) or a matching placebo (n = 18) was given. Difference in values of bilirubin, SGOT and SGPT was significant between placebo and Pk groups. The time in days required for total serum bilirubin to drop to average value of 2.5 mg% was 75.9 days in placebo as against 27.44 days in Pk group. The present study has shown a biological plausability of efficacy of Pk as supported by clinical trial in viral hepatitis, hepatoprotection in animal model and an approach for standardizing extracts based on picroside content.

Gap non-union of tibia following traumatic bone loss or infection dramatically emphasizes the limitation of conventional reconstructive techniques. With presence of significant skin loss or poorly vascularised recepient bed, complications and failure rate increase and solution often lies in amputation. Vascularised ipsilateral fibular grafting offers a viable alternative to this. This is a series of 16 cases of gap non-union of tibia treated by tibialisation of fibula at KEM Hospital, Bombay. All the cases were secondary to osteomyelitis following compound fracture of tibia-fibula or hematogenous osteomyelitis with a large sequestrum. 15 cases had good results with good hypertrophy of bone after union. One case had poor result with fracture going into delayed union with no hypertrophy. We discuss the technique, complications and results of this procedure.

Skin necrosis and wound problems complicate surgical release of severe neglected clubfoot. This is primarily due to excessive tension on the skin edges and a poor understanding of abnormal vascular anatomy in clubfoot. We report a technique of primary skin closure using a local rotation fasciocutaneous flap using the conventional posteromedial skin incision (Turco). Primary uncomplicated wound healing was achieved within 2 weeks in all 16 rigid and neglected clubfeet (1-7 years) operated by this technique. This flap is scientifically logical, technically easy and ensures primary wound healing.

Eosinophilic enteritis or gastroenteritis is a rare disease characterised by tissue eosinophilia which can affect different layers of bowel wall. It can affect any area of gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum, although stomach and small intestine are sites most frequently reported. It is important to recognize this disease early and institute the necessary treatment. An eight year old girl presented with acute intestinal obstruction. Exploration revealed a structure of proximal jejunum. Histopathology demonstrated eosinophilic jejunitis. The case is reported owing to this rarity and relevant literature is reviewed.

We report three sibs with mild autosomal recessive variety of osteopetrosis. The prominent clinical features were short stature, malocclusion of teeth, hepatosplenomegaly and a typical facial appearance. The only atypical features were microcephaly, a normal upper segment to lower segment ratio and a normal arm span.

Lid tumours are fairly common. However, pleomorphic adenoma (chondroid syringoma) is quite rare. In a series of 207 eyelid tumours and tumour like lesions, pleomorphic adenoma was observed in a male aged 41 years; its incidence being 0.48%.

Morbid Obesity (MO) is associated with various pathophysiological changes which affect the outcome of anaesthesia and surgery. We report here anaesthetic management of a fit morbidly obese patient for transcervical resection of endometrium (TCRE) under spinal subarachnoid block. The preoperative preparation, intraoperative and postoperative management is described and the various problems in morbidly obese patients are discussed.