Effect of hexavalent chromium on leydig cells

Objective: This study was designed to analyze the effects of hexavalent chromium on histology of leydig cells of mice

Place of Study: Animal House of Zoology Department, University of the Punjab, Lahore

Materials and Methods: This experiment was performed on mature adult male albino mice, which were divided into eight groups. Control groups were designated as A1, B1, C1 and D1, whereas experimental groups A,B,C and D, received chromium [2mg/kg], i.p., as potassium dichromate on alternate days for two, four, six and eight weeks, respectively

Conclusions: Significant histological changes were recorded in the testes of treated mice, after prolonged exposure of chromium. Leydig cells were reduced in number and size, nuclei of these cells were also reduced in size and were pyknotic. The resultant decrease in size is a matter of concern in young males. In case of chronic exposure more drastic deleterious effects with appear. Future research work will add further information in this regard

Research awareness among medical students: a student's perspective

This is an era of extremely fast growing concepts replacing the old ones with new projections. In this overwhelming world of information [RESEARCH] is the only way to compete and compre-hend new thoughts. The word Research as perceived by general population is making any new discovery. The same goes for methodology of research that it is done in high tech laboratories provided with lot of expertise further adds up to neglect towards research. The lack of awareness, innovation and appreciation on part of both workers and population has limited the number of research projects in our country. 1. To compare the research awareness among students of preclinical [PC] and clinical [C] years 2. To compare the research awareness among students of public and private sector medical colleges. A cross-sectional study. JMDC, Sep-Oct, 2004. Responses to a questionnaire from a total of I 400 students [160 PC and 240 C] were analyzed using percentage and student's t-test methods. Study included response of 10 students from 1[st] till finalyear of MBBS course from three public sector [Pub] [DMC, SMC, KMDC] and five private sector [Pvt] Medical Colleges [JMDC, ZMU, AKUH, Baqai and Hamdard Med University]. Only 54.55% of the students were aware about the description of research, [57.08%, 50.75%clinical and preclinical respectively]. Comparatively more students from Pvt sector were aware about research and its methodologies [Pvt 55.2% vs Pub 48.13% p<0.05]. Students from the clinical years think that lack of awareness to research and its methodologies is the most important cause [C 25.4% vs PC 9.4% p< 0.05] while students from private sector accused unavailability of funds as the major problem [Pvt 36.8% vs Pub 28.0% p<0.05].1. Teaching biostatistics and research methodologies have a crucial outcome on the awareness of research. 2. Implementing COME/PBL in private sector medical colleges has remarkably amplified the knowledge about research in the medical students. 3. Sequentially downhill the students chose lack of supervision, funds and knowledge about the subject as the main reasons for doctors not conducting research

Presentation and precipitating factors of diabetic Ketoacidosis in children

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder caused by absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. It is the most common metabolic disorder of childhood and is caused by deficiency of insulin [type 1]. Its prevalence is 1 per 500-600 children. The incidence is 1.2-1.9 cases per 1000 children. The complications of diabetes are multiple and severe. Immediate complications include Diabetic Ketoacidosis [DKA] and Coma. 10-30% children present with DKA. The main contributing factor is relative lack of insulin. This occurs when there is increased requirement for insulin due to increased physiological stress as seen in infection, trauma, surgery and psychological stress, etc. [1] To identify the frequency of various presentations of DKA in children. [2] To identify the frequency of various precipitating factors of DKA in children. [3] To correlate the incidence of DKA with age and socioeconomic conditions. A cross-sectional study. JMDCH, January 2004 - October 2004. The convenient sample of 50 histories was collected from pediatric departments of various public and private sector hospitals of Karachi. Results were analyzed using MS Excel 2000. A total of 50 cases were analyzed out of which most of the cases were undiagnosed [64%] and belonged to low socioeconomic group [58%]. Mean age of male patients was significantly lower as compared to females [5.5 +/- 2.31 vs. 7.54 +/- 3.05, p<0.05], while status of hydrogen ion concentration [pH] was significantly lower in females [7.16 +/- 1.46 vs. 7.26 +/- 0.08, p<0.05]. Most frequent presenting complaints were vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration and respiratory distress [34%]. The most frequent precipitating factor was fever in 17[34%] cases. More than half of the cases are undiagnosed and belong to low socioeconomic group. The level of awareness towards diagnosis of disease increases with the socioeconomic conditions. DKA affects both the genders equally; males being affected at an earlier age group. Most frequent presenting complaints are vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration and respiratory distress while fever is the chief precipitating factor

Red cell alloimmunization in repeatedly transfused thalassemia major patients

Thalassemia major patients managed by regular transfusion regimen may develop anti-red cell alloimmunization. If the alloantibodies are hemolyzing in nature, transfusion reaction may occur, and provision of blood thereafter requires matching of the relevant blood group in addition to "ABO" and Rh 'D' matching. We investigated 75 cases of multiply transfused thalassemia major patients for development of alloantibodies against red cells by indirect antiglobulin test, using 3-red cell panel, and when required 11-red cell panel. Anti-red cell alloantibodies were detected in 17 [22.7%] patients. Anti-Kp[a] antibodies were the commonest, followed by Anti-e, anti-E and anti-K antibodies, respectively. Anti-k, -C[W], -Fy[b], -Kp[b], -Rh 'D' and -c were detected in one patient each. It is concluded that in multiply transfused patients, alloantibodies develop in a significant number of patients. The hemolyzing nature of antibodies should be determined in patients who develop these antibodies, and transfusion should be arranged accordingly

Hepatitis C virus seropositivity in repeatedly transfused thalassemia major patients

Multiple transfusions in patients of thalassemia major who are conventionally treated by a regular transfusion regimen, are at a risk of developing Transfusion Transmitted Infections [TTIs], including HCV-hepatitis. Strict criteria of safe donor selection have to be adopted in order to minimize the risk of TTIs. The present study was conducted to evaluate the seropositivity of anti-HCV antibodies in multiply transfused thalassemia major patients. A total of 75 patients of thalassemia major who had received at least 10 transfusions were tested for anti-HCV antibodies, using third generation ELISA kits. Amongst these patients, 42% were seropositive for anti-HCV antibodies. This is a high prevalence rate and calls for a critical look into the prevailing transfusion practices and adoption of stricter donor selection criteria