Calcium levels in the maxillae of human foetuses / Niveles de calcio en los maxilares de fetos humanos

Calcium along with phosphorus and carbonate imparts hardness and strength to skeletal system. Most of the human studies in this context are based on informations in postnatal life. There are different theories to explain the manner in which the matrix of bone becomes impregnated with the two inorganic salts, calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. In our study, 29 human foetuses were obtained from the museum section of Department of Anatomy, J .N. Medical College, Aligarh, and divided into five groups. Maxillae were cleaned by separating the soft tissue and dissolved in concentrated nitric acid to determine calcium. Results were analysed by using Student's 't' test. The most striking feature of our findings was a reduction in aforementioned relative calcium in subsequent groups of foetuses. This decrease was highly significant in foetuses of last three groups i.e. III, IV and V. On the other hand, when total amount of calcium in foetal maxillae of adjacent groups were compared, a steady rise in concentration of calcium was noticed but no definite pattern was observed. Sexual dimorphism could be considered only in groups IV and V foetuses due to lack of female foetuses in first three groups. Some scientists did consider the human foetal bones but their interests were confined to parietal bone, femur and teeth. None of the earlier studies considered calcium concentration in maxillae of human foetuses. Therefore, our study aimed at measuring the level of calcium in maxillae of developing human foetuses in different age groups to find pattern, if any, during development for medicolegal purposes.

El calcio junto con el fósforo y el carbonato otorgan la dureza y la fuerza al sistema esquelético. La mayoría de los estudios en seres humanos se basan en la información de la vida postnatal. Existen diferentes teorías para explicar la manera en que la matriz del hueso se impregna con las de sales inorgánicas, fosfato de calcio y carbonato de calcio. Fueron utilizados 29 fetos humanos del Museo del Departamento de Anatomía, Facultad J. N. Medical, Aligarh, divididos en cinco grupos. Los maxilares fueron limpiados separando los tejidos blandos, luego se disolvieron en ácido nítrico concentrado para determinar el nivel de calcio. Los resultados se analizaron a través de la prueba t de Student. La característica más notable fue la reducción de calcio en los grupos subsecuentes de los fetos. Esta disminución fue muy significativa en los fetos de los tres últimos grupos es decir, III, IV y V. Por otro lado, cuando se comparó la cantidad total de calcio en maxilares fetales de los grupos adyacentes, se observó un aumento constante en la concentración de calcio, sin ningún patrón definido. El dimorfismo sexual pudo ser considerado sólo en los grupos IV y V de los fetos, ya que la falta de fetos femeninos en los primeros tres grupos impidió su comparación. Algunos científicos han examinado los huesos del feto humano, pero sus intereses se limitan a los huesos parietales, al fémur y los dientes. Ningún de los primeros estudios considera la concentración de calcio en los maxilares de los fetos humanos. Así el objetivo de este estudio fue medir el nivel de calcio durante desarrollo de fetos humanos en maxilares de fetos de diferentes edades para determinar algún patrón, si los hubiera, con fines médico-legales.

Noise level in different places of Dhaka Metropolitan City (DMC) and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in Dhaka City dwellers.

A cross sectional, exploratory study was designed at "National Center for Hearing and Speech for Children" (NCHSC), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from May 2001 to June 2002, with a view to determine the average noise level in different places of Dhaka Metropolitan City (DMC), and also aiming at evaluating the extent of Noise-induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in different groups of city dwellers and finally a base line information. A total of 32 places in DMC were selected randomly. The highest noise level recorded 104 dB at Sayedabad bus terminal and the lowest 68 dB in Banani and Baridhara residential area. In silent zone of DMC, average noise level was 79 dB, in residential zone 72 dB, in commercial zone 90 dB, and in mixed zone average noise level was recorded at 91 dB. Measured noise levels were more than acceptable and permissible levels in all places of DMC. A total of 312 persons aged between 15-45 years (mean age- 24.64 years) were enrolled for the study as per inclusion criteria. Gender-wise male were 211(67.62%) and female were 101(32.57%). Profession-wise Automobile drivers were 57(18.26 %), Garment workers 58(18.55 %), City dwellers 72(23.07%), Students 72(23.07%), Traffic polices 12(3.85%), Hawkers and Road side shopkeepers were 41(13.1%). Definite noise notch (>25dB) at 4KHz observed in 33(10.58%) audiogram of persons under study. Automobile drivers, Traffic polices, Road side hawkers and Shop keepers, Garment workers are mostly affected were 17.54%, 16.4%, 12.09% and 12.06% respectively. A total of 201 persons (64.42%) were not aware of their hearing impairment, 244(78%) of the person had poor level of knowledge regarding bad effects of noise on health and about protective means available. Amongst persons (33) found to have NIHL did not use any protective device.

Screening--a unique way of better health care delivery for ENT patients.

A few Ear Camps were carried out amongst 25 schools and madrashas of Dhaka City having 10,102 pupils, to see the prevalence of ENT diseases and hearing impairment. A primary screening was done by the Bangladesh Council for Child Welfare (BCCW) with the possibilities of suffering from ear, nose & throat diseases with the help of questionnaire and clinical examination by qualified doctor. The word "Screening" is used in this paper not in the epidemiological sense but to imply primary selection. 1,403 (13.89%) were issued registration card for ENT consultation. Five otolaryngologist, one audiometrician, two ancillary staffs, BCCW workers, local volunteers and school teachers conducted the 3 days long camp. Secondary screening by the otolaryngologists revealed pathology in 1,101 students (10.89%). 26 children (0.26%) were attending schools with severe hearing loss. ENT diseases appeared to be common in urban school children and screened proved to be an efficient method for health care delivery.

Role of dietary fibre on platelet adhesiveness.

Fifty five adult patients of diabetes mellitus and fourteen normal healthy subjects matched for age and sex were studied to see the effect of dietary fibre on platelet adhesiveness. In patients of diabetes mellitus the platelet adhesiveness 2 1/2 hrs. after a load of glucose was significantly higher (p = less than 0.001) as compared to normal individuals under the same conditions. After a glucose load with fibre the platelet adhesiveness in patients with diabetes mellitus fell significantly (p = less than 0.001). Although there was a fall in platelet adhesiveness in normal subjects also, it was statistically not significant. Supplements of fibre in the diet of diabetic patients may prevent or delay the vascular complications.