Traditional practices of the ethnoveterinary plants in the Kaghan Valley, Western Himalayas-Pakistan / Prácticas tradicionales etnoveterinarias de las plantas en el valle de Kaghan, Himalaya occidental Pakistán

Introduction: Indigenous people in a far-flung mountainous area without basic facilities, mainly rely on medicinal plants to cope with various veterinary health problems. Objective: The present study was carried out to explore the traditional knowledge of ethnoveterinary practices in Kaghan Valley, district Mansehra, Western Himalayas-Pakistan. Method: Ethnoveterinary data were collected between February to October 2014 from nine villages of the Kaghan Valley by involving 80 local people include traditional healers using a semi-structured interview. Results: A sum of 41 plant taxa of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants was documented for treating livestock ailments. Out of which, herbaceous plants were recorded with high percentage (27 species, 65.8 %). Most of the species were used to treat gastrointestinal diseases (12 taxa), followed by health improvement (7 taxa). The widely used part of plants for livestock aliments was the whole plant (9 species) followed by leaves (7 species), and preparation were paste (18 species) followed by powder with 10 species. The highest used values were recorded for Arisaema costatum (0.82), Primula denticulata (0.76), and high relative frequency citations for Berberis lyceum and Dryopteris ramosa with 0.37 each. Among the plant species Skimmia laureola, Thymus linearis and Phytolacca latbenia were among the taxa with cent fidelity level. Conclusion: The flora used in traditional remedies of the valley was found mostly endemic due to excessive utilization. Thus, further chemical investigation, better utilization and conservation of indigenous use of the reported species should be considered for future work.

Introducción: Los pueblos indígenas de zonas montañosas lejanas sin facilidades básicas dependen principalmente de las plantas medicinales para afrontar problemas de salud de tipo veterinario. Objetivo: Explorar el conocimiento tradicional en las prácticas etnoveterinarias en el valle de Kaghan, distrito de Mansehra, Himalaya occidental-Pakistán. Métodos: Se recopilaron datos etnoveterinarios mediante una entrevista semiestructurada entre febrero y octubre de 2014 en nueve aldeas del valle de Kaghan, con la participación de 80 habitantes locales, incluidos curanderos tradicionales. Resultados: Se documentó un total de 41 taxones de plantas medicinales etnoveterinarias para el tratamiento de enfermedades del ganado. Se registró un alto porcentaje de plantas herbáceas (27 especies, 65.8 %). La mayoría de las especies utilizadas han sido para tratar enfermedades gastrointestinales (12 taxones), y mejora de la salud (7 taxones). Para el tratamiento de enfermedades del ganado, lo más usual fue utilizar la planta entera (9 especies), seguida de las hojas (7 especies), con preparación en pasta (18 especies) y en polvo (10 especies). Las especies registradas con más uso fueron: Arisaema costatum (0.82), Primula denticulata (0.76) y Berberis lyceum y Dryopteris ramosa con la misma alta frecuencia relativa (0.37 cada una). Las especies Skimmia laureola, Thymus linearis y Phytolacca latbenia se reportaron entre los taxones con mayor nivel de fidelidad porcentual. Conclusión: La flora utilizada en los remedios tradicionales del valle de Kaghan fue mayoritariamente endémica. Se propone para trabajos futuros mayor investigación química, y mayor utilización y conservación en las especies de plantas reportadas por los indígenas.

Heavy metals identification and exposure at workplace environment its extent of accumulation in blood of iron and steel recycling foundry workers of Lahore, Pakistan

The determination of heavy metals in blood is an important occupational environmental toxicology screening procedure. The aim of study was to determine the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni in blood samples of iron and steel foundry workplace exposed workers under routine clinical laboratory conditions. The method was employed for the quantitative determination of lead, cadmium, chromium and nickel in workplace environment particulate matter blood samples from iron and steel foundry workers and in unexposed controls. The results indicate that lead, chromium and nickel levels of the exposed workers are significantly higher those of the controls. Nickel Concentration [fig/L] in high P value=0.0306 and Chromium Concentration [microg/L] in P value=0.0295in worker population as compared to controls. Lead showed highest Absorption concentration in serum from particulate matter to Serum 47.3[microg/L]. Absorption concentration of nickel in serum 16.5[microg/L] was lower than lead observed in worker's population. Absorption concentration of cadmium and chromium in serum from particulate matter -152[microg/L] observed very low. The results also show the need for immediate improvements in workplace ventilation and industrial hygiene practices

NS1 antigen: A new beam of light in the early diagnosis of dengue infection

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate NS1 antigen detection ELISA for the early laboratory diagnosis of dengue virus infection.@*METHODS@#The present study was conducted to evaluate the overall positivity of NS1 antigen detection ELISA and its comparison with viral RNA detection via real time PCR and IgM antibodies detection by ELISA.@*RESULTS@#A total of 1270 serum samples were tested 86% (1097/1270) were detected positive by one or more than one diagnostic test. Out of 1 270, 64% (807/1270) were positive by NS1 ELISA and 52% (662/1270), 51% (646/1270) were positive by real-time RT-PCR and IgM ELISA respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#NS1 antigen detection ELISA is highly suitable diagnostic tools and it also has great value for use in outbreak and epidemic situation.

Dengue outbreak in Swat and Mansehra, Pakistan 2013: An epidemiological and diagnostic perspective

OBJECTIVE@#To high light some epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic features of dengue fever during an outbreak and the role of different diagnostic techniques to achieve the highest level of accuracy in results.@*METHODS@#Blood samples (n = 323) were collected along with epidemiological and clinical data from suspected dengue patients who visited different hospitals in Swat and Mansehra district of Pakistan between May-November 2013 during a dengue outbreak. Samples were tested for the detection of viral nucleic acid by real-time PCR, non structural protein-1 (NS1) antigen and IgM antibodies by ELISA.@*RESULTS@#Out of 323 cases with clinical dengue infection, 304 were positive by one or more diagnostic parameter; 201 samples were positive by real-time PCR, 209 were positive by NS1 ELISA and 190 were positive by IgM antibodies. Sensitivities of real-time PCR and NS1 ELISA were comparable for early diagnosis of dengue virus infection, IgM antibody detection assay was found useful for the diagnosis in the samples collected later than day 5 of onset.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The use of real-time PCR or detection of non structural protein NS1 by ELISA followed by IgM antibodies detection can be recommended for early diagnosis of dengue virus infection with a high level of accuracy.

Dengue outbreak in Swat and Mansehra, Pakistan 2013: An epidemiological and diagnostic perspective

Objective: To high light some epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic features of dengue fever during an outbreak and the role of different diagnostic techniques to achieve the highest level of accuracy in results. Methods: Blood samples (n = 323) were collected along with epidemiological and clinical data from suspected dengue patients who visited different hospitals in Swat and Mansehra district of Pakistan between May-November 2013 during a dengue outbreak. Samples were tested for the detection of viral nucleic acid by real-time PCR, non structural protein-1 (NS1) antigen and IgM antibodies by ELISA. Results: Out of 323 cases with clinical dengue infection, 304 were positive by one or more diagnostic parameter; 201 samples were positive by real-time PCR, 209 were positive by NS1 ELISA and 190 were positive by IgM antibodies. Sensitivities of real-time PCR and NS1 ELISA were comparable for early diagnosis of dengue virus infection, IgM antibody detection assay was found useful for the diagnosis in the samples collected later than day 5 of onset. Conclusions: The use of real-time PCR or detection of non structural protein NS1 by ELISA followed by IgM antibodies detection can be recommended for early diagnosis of dengue virus infection with a high level of accuracy.

NS1 antigen: A new beam of light in the early diagnosis of dengue infection

Objective To evaluate NS1 antigen detection ELISA for the early laboratory diagnosis of dengue virus infection. Methods The present study was conducted to evaluate the overall positivity of NS1 antigen detection ELISA and its comparison with viral RNA detection via real time PCR and IgM antibodies detection by ELISA. Results A total of 1270 serum samples were tested 86% (1097/1270) were detected positive by one or more than one diagnostic test. Out of 1 270, 64% (807/1270) were positive by NS1 ELISA and 52% (662/1270), 51% (646/1270) were positive by real-time RT-PCR and IgM ELISA respectively. Conclusions NS1 antigen detection ELISA is highly suitable diagnostic tools and it also has great value for use in outbreak and epidemic situation.

Double J stent removal by trained operation theater nurse under topical anesthesia in female patients

Objective: to document outcome of DJ stent removal by trained operation theater nurse under topical anesthesia in female patients

Study design: descriptive study

Place and Duration of study: department of Urology Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi from June 2015 to February 2016

Methodology: Female patients, for DJ stent removal, who did not give consent for the procedure to be performed by the male doctors, were included. Patients in whom DJ stent placement duration was more than 4 months with radiological evidence of encrustation and those in whom ureteric re-implantation done, were excluded. All double J Stents were removed by trained female senior theater nurse under supervision of consultant urologists. All operative and postoperative problems were recorded

Results: a total of 30 patients underwent DJ stent removal during the study period. Age of the patients ranged from 15 year to 55 year. Mean age was 27 year. Most common indication for DJ stent placement was obstructive renal stones in 36.6%. Out of the total two patients required general anesthesia and ureteroscopy for its removal. In one case there was encrustation around DJ stent and in other patient it was due to broken DJ stent. Minimal complications were noted in follow-up

Conclusion: it was safe to assign the task of DJ stent removal to the female nurse after adequate training. This produced was suited for female patients reluctant to have this procedure done by male doctors in a conservative society like Pakistan

Brirnonidine tartrate 0.1% eyedrops new and effective treatment of rosacea

To determine the efficacy of brimonidine tartrate eye drops for treatment of erythema associated with rosacea. Fifty patients with rosacea [41 females and 9 males, mean age 35 years] were randomized to receive once daily single application of BT or vehicle for 4 weeks. Evaluation at 8 weeks included clinician's erythema assessment [CEA], patient's self-assessments [PSA] and photographic documentation. Based on CEA and PSA, clinical response of 96.5% was seen with BT eyedrops as compared to 20.8% with placebo [p<0.05]. Increased burning sensation and dermatitis was seen with BT in 2 [8.7%] patients, while rebound erythema occurred in 1 [4.3%] after BT use. Single daily application of BT eye drops provides significantly greater efficacy than vehicle for treatment of moderate to severe erythema of rosacea

Plant diversity and conservation status of Himalayan Region Poonch Valley Azad Kashmir [Pakistan]

The plant diversity of Himalayan region has been reduced to greater extent due to environmental degradation and human exploitation

Anthropogenic disturbance was the major factor responsible for fragmentation of forest Eegetation into small patches

Little research has been conducted in the Himalayan region of Poonch Valley of North eastern Pakistan with reference to plants biodiversity and its conservation

The present research was carried out to provide a checklist of vegetation for biodiversity conservation. A total of 430 vascular and 5 nonvascular plant species with 5 species of Bryophytes [5 families], 13 species of Pteridophytes [6 families], 4 species of Gymnosperms [1 family] and 413 species of angiosperms [95 families] were enumerated from the Poonch valley Azad Kashmir

The genera were classified into three categories according to the number of species. 25 plant communities with phytosociological parameters and diversity indices were reported. Present study revealed that there were 145 threatened, 30 endangered, 68 mlnerable and 47 rare species. It is recorded that extensive grazing, uprooting of plants and soil slope erosion intensify the environmental problems

Since there is maximum exploitation of vegetation, the valley showed a decline in plant diversity

The study was also indicated that the main threats to the biodiversity are expansion of settlement and army installations in the forest area of the valley

For sustainable use In-situ and Ex-situ conservation, controlled harvesting and afforestation may be the solution. Moreover, forest area should be declared prohibited for settlements and army installations

Effects L-arginine on the gastric mucosal cell count when given with ibuprofen in albino rats under light microscope

To observe the protective effects of effects of L-Arginine on the gastric mucosal cells when given simultaneously with ibuprofen in albino rats under light microscope. A prospective experimental study. This study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi from 01.04.2008 to 31.5.2008. This study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center Karachi where 45 albino rats of either sex between 90-120 days were selected and were divided into three groups, [A], [B] and [C], containing 15 animals each and were further subdivided into three sub-groups containing 5 animals, according to time of sacrifice, i.e. 4, 6, and 8 weeks respectively. Group [A] served as control. Group [B] received ibuprofen, 70 mg/kg body weight and group [C] received ibuprofen, 70mg and L-Arginine 300 mg, per kilogram body weight per day with feed. Animals were sacrificed at their respective time. The abdomen was opened, stomach was removed and opened along the greater curvature, divided into cardiac, body and pyloric parts, which in turn were fixed in Buffered neutral formalin for 24 hours. Tissues were processed in ascending strength of alcohol, cleared in xylene and infiltrated and embedded with paraffin. Five micron thick sections were made on the rotatory microtome and were stained with Haematoxylin and eosin, Periodic Acid Schiff Orange-G and Alcian blue-Periodic Acid Schiff. No abnormality was noted in gastric mucosal cell. Mean number of surface mucosal cells were decreased and results were moderately significant [P<0.001]. Mean height of surface mucous cell was increased and results were highly significant [P< 0.0001] in Bl, moderately significant [P<0.001] in B2, and significant [P< 0.05] in B3 subgroups. The mean values of mucus neck cells count was insignificant [P >0.05] when compared to control group. The mean values of chief cell count were decreased results were highly significant [P<0.0001] in Bl and B3 and significant [P< 0.05] in B2, The mean values of the parietal cells in the body were increased all these results were moderately significant [P<0.001] to highly significant [P<0.0001], when compared to control. No difference in results was noted when compared to group A. L-Arginine protects gastric mucosal cells from damage when given with ibuprofen

Efficacy of topical 4% liquiritin compared with topical 4% liquiritin mixed in 5% ascorbic acid in the treatment of melisma

To compare the efficacy of topical 4% liquiritin alone with combination of topical 4% liquiritin and topical 5% ascorbic acid for the treatment of melasma. This randomized control study was carried out in the Outpatient, Department of Dermatology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan. The duration of the study was six months. Eighty two patients with epidermal melasma belonging to either sex and 16-45 years of age, were divided into two equal groups. Group A was given topical 4% liquiritin and group B was given topical 4% liquiritin mixed with 5% ascorbic acid. Patients were followed up after 8 weeks of treatment to find out the efficacy of both the treatments. In group A, 25 [61%] patients showed improvement in MASI score and 16 [39%] had no improvement in MASI score. In group B, 36 [87.8%] patients showed improvement in MASI score and 5 [12.2%] were without improvement in MASI score. The observed difference of MASI score improvement between group A and group B was 26.8% [p<0.05]. Topical 4% liquiritin mixed in 5% ascorbic acid is more effective than topical 4% liquiritin alone in the treatment of melasma

morphological study of the effects of X-rays on the melanocytes of the skin, under light microscope

To observe the effects of x-irradiation on the melanocytes of the skin under light microscope. A prospective experimental study. The study was carried out at Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi from 2008 to 2009. Thirty animals were taken and were divided in to two groups. Each group was further subdivided into three subgroups containing five animals each according to the time of sacrifice i.e. 48 hours, 15[th] day and 45[th] day respectively. A single whole body x-irradiation in a dose of 5 Gy was given. Animals were sacrificed under ether anesthesia after completion of their respective periods. Tissues were processed and 4-5 micron thick paraffin embedded sections were cut and stained with Masson's Fontana stain. Insignificant [P>0.05] decrease in number of melanocytes was obtained when compared to control in group B1 animals. In group B2, increase in size and number of melanocytes was noted with long dendritic processes and large amount of melanin seen scattered between the layers of epidermis was present and results were moderately significant [P<0.01] in case of face and abdomen and significant [P<0.05] in case of back. In group B3 Size and number of melanocytes were also increased with large amount of melanin scattered between the layers of epidermis. The results obtained were highly significant [P<0.001] in case of face and moderately significant [P<0.01] in case of abdomen and back. X-irradiated skin of face, abdomen and back of the guinea pig depicted increased number and size of melanocytes with long dendritic processes and large amount of melanin scattered between the layers of epidermis

White hair removal with electro-optical device in Pakistani population

To evaluate the synergistic effect of intense pulsed light [IPL] and bipolar radiofrequency [RF] [Electro-optical device] on white hair in Pakistani population. Twenty eight women with white hair [skin phenotypes III-V] were included in the study. The chin and upper lip were treated with six treatment sessions over 5-6 months. The level ofRF energy was 15-20 J/cm[2], while optical fluences varied from 26 to 38 J/cm[2]. Hair counts and photographic evaluation were obtained at baseline, 4 months and one month after final session. An average hair removal of 63% was observed after sixth session. In lighter coloured hair, combined effect of the two types of energy, radiofrequency and intense pulse light technology offer a promising solution

study of gross anatomical observations of stomach and changes in body weight of albino rats after simultaneous administration of Ibuprofen and L-Arginine

To observe the gross anatomical changes of the stomach and the changes in the body weight in albino rats after oral administration of ibuprofen and L-Arginine. A prospective experimental study. This study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi from 01.04.2008 to 31.7.2008 For this study 45 albino rats of either sex between 90-120 days were taken and divided into three Groups, 'A', 'B' and 'C', containing 15 animals each, which were further sub-divided into three sub-groups containing 5 animals each according to the time of sacrifice, i.e. 4, 6, and 8 weeks respectively. Group 'A' served as control. Group 'B' received ibuprofen at the dose of 70 mg per kilogram body weight per day with feed and Group 'C' received ibuprofen at the dose of 70 mg per kilogram body weight per day with feed and L-Arginine300 mg per kilogram body weight per day with feed. Animals were weighed on Sartorius balance before and after their stipulated time period and then were fixed on a dissecting board, the abdomen was opened with a long midline incision and the stomach was removed and observed for gross anatomical changes. Stomach was then opened along the greater curvature with an incision extending from cardiac to the pyloric end. After removing the contents of the stomach the gastric mucosa was examined by dissecting microscope. The animals of Group 'A' were healthy and active. On gross examination no abnormality was detected. The animals of Group 'B' were weak, sluggish in activities. Their food intake was decreased when compared to control. The gross observation of the external surface of stomach was dull, slightly red and blood vessels were dilated in all subgroups. Under the dissecting microscope the mucosa was red, swollen and erosions were observed in all subgroups. There was a decrease in the final body weight of animals. In subgroup B1 it was moderately significant [P<0.01] and in case of B2 and B3 this decrease was significant [P<0.05] when compared to control. The animals in group C were looking healthy and active at the time of sacrifice. On gross examination of stomach, the surface appeared smooth, shiny and few blood vessels were observed. The mucosal surface was greyish in the cardiac part and pink in the body and pyloric part. Under the dissecting microscope, few blood vessels were observed. Present study concludes that the long term use of ibuprofen can cause gastric mucosal changes and decrease in body weight in albino rats. L-Arginine supplementation can ameliorate the changes

Effects of ibuprofen on gastric mucosa of albino rats and the protective role of L-arginine, a morphological study under light microscope

To observe the effects of Ibuprofen on the gastric mucosa of albino- -rats and the protective role of L-Arginine [if any] under light microscope A prospective experimental study. This study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi from 0 1.04.2008 to 31.05.2008. This study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center Karachi where 45 albino rats of either sex between 90-120 days were selected and were divided into three groups, 'A', 'B' and 'C', containing 15 animals each and were further sub-divided into three sub-groups containing 5 animals, according to time of sacrifice, i.e. 4, 6, and 8 weeks respectively. Group 'A' served as control. Group 'B' received ibuprofen, 70 mg/kg body weight and group 'C' received ibuprofen, 70mg and L-Arginine 300 mg, per kilogram body weight per day with feed. Animals were sacrificed at their respective time. The abdomen was opened, stomach was removed and opened along the greater curvature, divided into cardiac, body and pyloric parts, which in turn were fixed in Buffered neutral formalin for 24 hours. Tissues were processed in ascending strength of alcohol, cleared in xylene and infiltrated and embedded with paraffin. Five micron thick sections were made on the rotatory microtome and were stained with Haematoxylin and eosin, Periodic Acid Schiff Orange-G and Alcian blue-Periodic Acid Schiff. Group A: No ulceration and erosion was found and no abnormality was noted in gastric mucosa Group B: With regards to ulcers and erosion the results were moderately significant [P<0.001] in B1 and B2 and highly significant [P< 0.0001] in B3 when compared to control. Mucosal thickness was decreased, in B1 results were moderately significant [P<0.001] and in B2, B3 results were highly significant [P<0.0001]. Group C: No difference in results was noted when compared to group A. The damaging effects of Ibuprofen on gastric mucosa are minimized when given with L-Arginine

Changing haematological parameters in dengue viral infections

Dengue Fever is the most common arboviral disease in the world, and presents cyclically in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The four serotypes of dengue virus, 1, 2, 3, and 4, form an antigenic subgroup of the flaviviruses [Group B arboviruses]. Transmission to humans of any of these serotypes initiates a spectrum of host responses, from in apparent to severe and sometimes lethal infections. Complete Blood count [CBC] is an important part of the diagnostic workup of patients. Comparison of various finding in CBC including peripheral smear can help the physician in better management of the patient. This cross sectional study was carried out on a series of suspected patients of Dengue viral infection reporting in Ittefaq Hospital [Trust]. All were investigated for serological markers of acute infection. Out of 341 acute cases 166 [48.7%] were confirmed by IgM against Dengue virus. IgG anti-dengue was used on 200 suspected re-infected patients. Seventy-one [39.5%] were positive and 118 [59%] were negative. Among 245 confirmed dengue fever patients 43 [17.6%] were considered having dengue hemorrhagic fever on the basis of lab and clinical findings. Raised haematocrit, Leukopenia with relative Lymphocytosis and presence atypical lymphocytes along with plasmacytoid cells was consistent finding at presentation in both the patterns of disease, i.e., Dengue Haemorrhagic fever [DHF] and Dengue fever [DF]. Changes in relative percentage of cells appear with improvement in the symptoms and recovery from the disease. These findings indicate that in the course of the disease, there are major shifts within cellular component of blood.

Vitamin-E: anti-ulcer activity; beyond the antioxidant functions

To evaluate the anti-ulcer activity of vitamin-E on caecal ulcerogenicity of Diclofenac sodium in Albino rats. A prospective experimental study Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre Karachi during 2003. Diclofenac sodium and Vitamin-E were administered to Albino Rats separately and simultaneously at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight [for each drug] orally once daily for two weeks. These animals were sacrificed, Caeca were identified and removed, opened along mesenteric border and examined under dissecting microscope for dilatation of the blood vessels, blood streaks and hemorrhagic areas. The caeca were fixed in 10% formalin, Embedded in paraplast, 4 um thick sections were cut on rotary microtome, stained with Haematoxylin and eosin stains. The histomorphological Features of caecal mucosa were compared with those in the control animals and analyzed statistically. The study revealed that simultaneous use of vitamin-E administration with [NSAIDs] produced Anti-ulcer activity in caecal ulcers of albino Rats. The results suggest that vitamin-E produced anti-ulcer activity in Caecal ulcers of albino rats

morphometeric study of the effects of ibuprofen on the stomach of albino rats under light microscope

To observe the effects of ibuprofen on the stomach of the albino rats under light microscope and its morphometeric analysis. A prospective experimental study. This study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi during 01.04.2008 to 31.05.2008. Thirty male adult albino rats were taken for the study and were divided into two groups containing 15 animals each. Each group was divided in to three sub groups according to the time of sacrifice i.e. 4,6 and 8 weeks. Group A served as control. Group B received ibuprofen at the dose of 70 mg per kilogram body weight per day orally with feed. After completion of respective period of treatment animals were sacrificed, abdomen was opened. The stomach was removed and opened along the greater curvature, divided into cardiac, body and pyloric parts and was fixed in Buffered neutral formalin for 24 hours. After that tissues were processed in ascending strength of alcohol, cleared in xylene and infiltrated and embedded with paraffin. Five micron thick sections were made on the rotatory microtome, were stained with Haematoxylin and eosin [for general morphology and morphometric study], and with Periodic Acid Schiff Orange-G [for the mucus content of the surface mucus cells and the mucus neck cells], randomly selected every seventh stained section, in three fields were studied. In stained sections of all parts of stomach the lining epithelium was disrupted, exfoliated, and ulcers and erosions were present. The erosive areas contained red blood cells and extended deep in to lamina propria. The results of mucosal thickness and the mean values of number of surface mucous cell count was moderately significant [P < 0.001] to highly significant [[P < 0.0001] in all parts of stomach when compared to control. The mucous content of the surface mucous cell in subgroups 'B'1, 'B'2 and 'B'3 of cardiac and pyloric parts were same marked [++++], while in body part of stomach it was moderate [+++] same as in control animals respectively. Based on present study, it is concluded that Ibuprofen induces gastric mucosal damage

Hepatitis B virus infection and its associated risk factors; assessment in a tertiary care hospital

The present study was carried out to screen for prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus [HBV] infection and its associated risk factors in patients presenting for various complaints at a tertiary care hospital. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Nawaz Sharif social security Hospital, Multan Road Lahore from January 2008 through December, 2009. A total of 15403 patients, aged 14 to 60 years, belonging to low socio-economic group were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen [HbsAg] during the study period. Relevant information was obtained through a pre-designed questionnaire prepared in accordance with the objectives of the study. Patient's serum was tested qualitatively for HbsAg by rapid immunochromatographic technique [ICT devices, Accurate, USA] according to the manufacturer's instructions.All sera showing reactivity were then confirmed with Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA]. HbsAg positivity was found in 488 [3.16%] patients of the screened population. Associated risk factors were: therapeutic injections [25.0%], shaving from community barbers [15.98%], blood or blood product transfusions [10.04%], HbsAg positive sexual partners [7.99%], dental treatment [6.96%], past surgical history [4.91%], occupational exposure [3.07%], pricking nose/ears [3.07%], H/o hemodialysis [2.04%] and medical endoscopy [1.02%]. 5.94% cases revealed no risk factor whereas 13.93% cases had multiple risk factors. A high prevalence of known etiological risk factors for HBV infection in the HBV positive patients documented in our study should not go without serious concern. Public awareness programs should be launched through mass media to discourage the malpractices related to risk factors

Effects of L-arginine on fatty diet induced changes in adrenal cortex: a morphometric study

To study the effects of L-Arginine on high fat diet induced changes in adrenal cortex. A prospective experimental study. This study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre Karachi from August 2008 to October 2008. Thirty male adult albino rats were taken for the study and were divided into three groups according to the dietary regimen. Group A received control diet. Group B received high fat diet with 20% added fat in the form of butter. Group C received high fat diet along with L-Arginine 300mg/kg/ day orally. After the end of the study period that is 8 weeks, animals were weighed and sacrificed. The adrenal glands were removed, fixed in buffered neutral formalin and after processing embedded in paraffin to form blocks. 4 micro m thick sections were cut and stained with H and E and Mallory's trichrome stains for morphometeric study. Highly significant increase in weight [P<0.001] was observed in animals of Group B and moderately significant [P<0.01] decrease was observed in Group c animals when compared to control and group B animals respectively. Cortical enlargement was found in zona glomerulosa and fasciculate and decreased thickness was observed in zona reticularis in group B animals, when compared to control, the results were highly significant [P<0.001]. In group C decreased cortical thickness was noted in zona glomerulosa and fasciculata but in zona Mallory's trichrome stained sections of Group B animals showed dilated blood vessels in the three cortical zones, more numerous in zona fasciculate when compared to control animals. In Group C no marked change was observed in all three cortical zones when compared to control. L-Arginine restricts the excessive weight gain caused by high fat diet. It also ameliorates the hypertrophic and vasodilatory effects on adrenal cortex caused by high fat diet