Hypoglossal nerve; Neurons contributing the sensory fibers in albino rats - Horseradish peroxidase [HRP] study

To study the neurons contributing sensory fibers to the hypoglossal nerve. Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. From 1992 to 1995. Experimental animal study. Under general anaesthesia the required hypoglossal nerves of twenty four albino rats were exposed and cut in the neck. Horse radish Peroxidase [HRP] crystals were applied to the central cut ends of the nerves and allowed to travel for about 48 hours. After transcardial fixation with 1.25% gluteraldehyde and 1% paraformaldehyde solution, serial sections of upper cervical Dorsal Root Ganglia [DRG] were made on a freezing microtome, treated with Tetramethylbenzidine [TMB] and counterstained by 1% neutral red. The number, size and segmental distribution of HRP labeled neurons were observed with the help of light microscope. In most of the animals, the HRP labeled sensory neurons forming the right and the left hypoglossal nerves and their branches were localized ipsilaterally in [Cervical] C1 DRG [more than 90%] whereas in remaining cases labeled sensory neurons were observed in C2 DRG. Size spectrum for sensory neurons of the hypoglossal nerve and its branches ranged from 9 to 52:m, but more than 75% were less than 40 microns. Neurons of DRG of C1and 2 contribute sensory fibers to the hypoglossal nerve of the same side

Perception of gastroesophageal reflux disease in urban population in Pakistan

To determine the frequency and health care seeking behavior of patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms using American College of Gastroenterology [ACG] questionnaire for gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]. Cross-sectional study. Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from April 2002 to November 2003. A total of 1267 persons above 15 years of age were interviewed using a modified questionnaire for GERD from the American College of Gastroenterology [ACG], which previously validated in our section as a screening tool in an urban population in Pakistan. Nine hundred and sixty-three individuals responded to the questionnaire. Mean age of the surveyed sample was 24 ' 9.3 years. Using the ACG criteria, the overall frequency of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms was 24% [228/963] with 58% [133/228] males and 42% [95/228] females. Symptoms experienced frequently were reflux from the stomach, 58% [133/228], with a bitter, acid taste in the mouth. Seventy-four percent [169/228] experienced this postprandially. Symptoms were associated with spicy fried food in 71% [161/228]. Sixty-seven percent [152/228] did not seek health care advice, 32% [74/228] practiced self-medications and 33% [76/228] consulted a physician. Gastroesophageal reflux is a common problem in the urban population of Pakistan

Trend of cigarette smoking among the college students, medical students and doctors

Smoking trend is increasing in both developed as well as under-developed countries. The students of high school, colleges, even medical colleges, disease healers and teachers of preventive/community medicine were also found to be engaged in smoking. Therefore this survey was designed for students and doctors of Abbotabad and Rawalpindi. 700 students and 100 doctors were randomly selected from high schools, colleges, Medical Colleges of Abbottabad and Rawalpindi. A smoking survey questionnaire was designed and filled on individual interview. The percentage of students of schools and colleges engaged in smoking was high as compared to medical students and doctors. There was no girl student found to be engaged in smoking. The trend of cigarette smoking is much higher in students of schools and colleges as compared to medical students and doctors which is an alarming situation for health, life and economy of the nations. Therefore the campaign should be moved to prevent this trend especially in the young generation and literate population