Prunus domestica alters functions of frog's heart

Prunes could exert cardiovascular protective effects. Trials have demonstrated antihypertensive effects of Prunus domestica. The aim of this study was to find out if prunes could alter cardiac functions that may help understanding the mode of control of hypertension. Changes in rate and contractile force of frogs' heart were recorded using Power Lab. Effects of prunes' extracts: aqueous [10, 20, 40%]; methanolic, acetonic, ethanolic and chloformic [10%]; were evaluated and compared with other drugs. We tested effects of acetylcholine and atropine [10-5], adrenaline, propranolol, verapamil and diltiazem [10[-3]]; NaC1, KCl, CaC1[2], MgC1[2] [10% w/v] on frog's heart alone and with prunes/drugs. All extracts of prunes significantly reduced HR and contractile force. Prunes combined with acetylcholine, propranolol or verapamil significantly enhanced bradycardia; whereas it blocked tachycardia produced by epinephrine, atropine or calcium; moreover prunes blocked the significant increase in HR and cardiac contractility produced by CaCl[2]; and reduced HR along with MgC1[2]. NaCl and KCl alone or with prunes had non-significant effects on frog's heart. In conclusion, Prunus domestica plays a key role in modification of intracellular Ca+2 concentration resulting in negative ionotropic and chronotropic effects [similar to cholinergic stimulation and adrenergic or calcium channel blockade] that could lead to hypotensive effects

Frequency of hypovitaminosis D and its associated risk factors in newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients

Objective: To find out the frequency of hypovitaminosis D and its associated risk factors in newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients prior to administration of standard anti tuberculosis therapy

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases-DUHS. After approval from BASR and following written informed consent eighty newly diagnosed, as per WHO criteria, tuberculosis patients were enrolled. Prior to the initiation of anti tuberculosis therapy, the serum vitamin D level was determined by 25-OH Vitamin D kit using the chemiluminescent immunoassay [CLIA] method. A cut off value of >30 ng/mL of serum vitamin D was taken as normal whereas a range between 10-30 ng/ mL and <10 ng/mL were considered insufficient and deficient respectively. Frequency of socio-demographic associated risk factors of hypovitaminosis D was also determined

Results: Out of eighty newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients 33 [41.25%] were males and 47[58.75%] were females with their ages ranging from 18-50 years. 54 patients [26 male and 28 female patients] were smokers. BMI of all the patients was found to be less than the normal ranges. Hypovitaminosis was present in all the cases. Vitamin D insufficiency was found in 49 participants [20 male and 29 female] whereas 31 patients [13 male and 18 female] were found to be vitamin D deficient

Conclusion: Prevalence of serum vitamin D level derangement is very high in newly diagnosed patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in our local setting which necessitates administration of adjuvant vitamin D along with standard anti tuberculosis therapy

Streamlining learning process through introduction of learner's log for medical students of pre-clerkship years

To follow students' daily learning activities, ensure active participation in learning process and provide immediate feedback to students, facilitators and course directors on daily performance. This study was conducted at Shifa College of Medicine in an ongoing module of first year medical students for a period of two weeks. Learner's log was developed and piloted in three study groups [n = 35] of first year medical students and facilitators [n = 9] of multidisciplinary modular team of Shifa College of Medicine [SCM], Pakistan. The learner's log focused on developing the learner as a Scholar, Communicator, Collaborator, Manager, Health Advocate and Professional [Adapted from Can MEDS Physic-ians Competency Framework]. Students' and faciIitators' questionnaires, comprising of a series of statements and an option for open comments/suggestions, were designed and distributed at the end of study. Analysis showed an appreciating attitude of students and mixed response of facilitators towards learner's log. Sixty percent students and eighty five percent facilitators agreed that this type of learning strategy could be a good tool for self assessment and to keep track of their progress. Fifty seven percent facilitators and fifty three percent students considered it helpful to maintain fair attendance record. A total of 70% students found it helpful in maintaining the log of daily activities whereas 57% facilitators considered it cumbersome and disagreed with its effectiveness as a timely feedback instrument for students. The results support that effective utilization of learner's log could reflect students' performance on daily basis and provide a motivational drive to do better by reviewing their progress and giving them appropriate feedback on their performance. The apprehensions of the facilitators and students about learner's log could be minimized by training of facilitators and sensitization of students to learner's log in pre-clerkship years

How undergraduate medical students reflect on instructional practices and class attendance: a case study from the Shifa College of Medicine, Pakistan / 보건의료교육평가

The goal of this study was to assess student perceptions of a variety of instructional practices and attitudes toward class attendance. Data were obtained and analyzed by administering a questionnaire to students of the Shifa College of Medicine, Pakistan in 2011 and 2012. The subjects positively assessed most instructional practices, and in particular felt that teaching sessions conducted in small groups were more valuable than formal lectures in large groups. Students did not like having to give presentations, quizzes, panel discussions, and journal club. A positive correlation was found between the perceived importance of attendance and levels of academic motivation. Of the students surveyed, 11.8% were against mandatory attendance, saying that it reduced motivation and that attendance should be optional. In conclusion, the students had a positive perception of a range of instructional practices, and felt especially positively about practices that involve student activity in small groups. Programmatic improvement in instructional practices might increase class attendance.