A Retrospective Study To Evaluate The Role Of Laboratory Biomarkers In Determining The Disease Severity And Early Detection Of Progression To Advanced Stage In Covid 19 Patients

Novel corona virus epidemic started in Dec 19 in Wuhan, China and soon it spread globally and became an international emergency Our objective was to study the role of hematological and biochemistry markers in assessing the disease severity and prognosis of laboratory confirmed, hospitalized Covid 19 patients. 130 patients were included in this cross- sectional retrospective study and divided into mild/moderate and severe/critical group. Correlation analysis was done for laboratory biomarkers.We found that mean age, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), S. ferritin, urea, uric acid, D-dimer and S.creatinine of severely ill patients were significantly higher than those of patients with non-severe illness. Leucopenia and neutropenia were also associated with disease severity. Males were affected more than females with both mild and severe illness. Following parameters like S. Ferritin, LDH, TLC, neutrophil % can help in identifying the progression of disease from mild to severe and help in adopting appropriate measures in the management so that progression can possibly be prevented. Rising levels of some parameters like D.dimer, urea, uric acid and creatinine also help in explaining the prognosis of patient.

Cell cannibalism: a diagnostic and prognostic marker of breast cancer

Background: Cell cannibalism (cytophagocytosis) is defined as a tumor cell within a tumor cell, such that smaller tumor cells are found in the cytoplasm of larger tumor cells with crescent shaped nuclei. Aims and Objectives were to study the cytomorphological characters of cell cannibalism in primary and metastatic breast cancer, to correlate the histologic type and grade of tumors with positive rate of cannibalism and to study the role of Cannibalism as an independent prognostic factor in breast cancer.Methods: The study was conducted during the period of July 2003 to June 2005 in the Department of Surgery and Pathology, JNMCH, Aligarh. A total of 42 cases were included in the study. A minimum of 3 FNAC smears per case were assessed for cytophagocytosis. Presence of metastasis was also noted to establish the cytological grade and aggressiveness of the tumor.Results: Out of 42 cases, significant cannibalistic activity was noted in 30 (71.42%) cases. All grade III (33.4%) breast tumors were found positive for cytophagocytosis (4.28/smear), while the rate was much lower (2.33/smear) in grade II and (1.63/smear) in grade I tumors. LN metastasis was confirmed by histopathological examination in all high grade tumors showing significant cannibalistic activity.Conclusions: Cannibalism in breast carcinoma is an indicator of both the anaplastic grade and invasiveness. The rate of cytophagocytosis may have a prognostic significance.

Clinical Profile and Outcome of Neonates Requiring Mechanical Ventilation

Background: Mechanical ventilation is one of the importantadvancement which has contributed to the decline of neonatalmortality in the various parts of the world. Many sick neonatesadmitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) requiremechanical ventilation for different clinical conditions but it isassociated with various complications and the outcome ofthese neonates is unpredictable.Objective: To find out the clinical conditions and immediateoutcome of neonates requiring mechanical ventilation.Methods: This prospective observational study was conductedin Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Department ofNeonatology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University,Dhaka during the period of August 2015 to July 2016.Neonates required to put on mechanical ventilation wereconsecutively enrolled. All babies were monitored for clinicalprofile and outcome as well as complications. The enrolledneonates were divided into two groups. Neonates whoremained successfully extubated for >48 hours and did notrequire re-intubation were grouped as survivors and who diedduring mechanical ventilation or within 48 hours of extubationwere grouped as non-survivors. Clinical, biochemical, ventilatorparameters and occurrence of complications were analyzed tofind out the factors associated with mortality of ventilatedneonates.Results: During the study period 53(8.6%) of admittedneonates in NICU received mechanical ventilation. Out ofthese 53 neonates 69.8% were male with male to female ratio2.3:1.Inborn babies were more (58.5%) than out born (41.5%).Mean age, gestational age and birth weight were3.58±5.45days 33.34±3.40 weeks and 1852.55±513.48grespectively. Commonest condition for initiating mechanicalventilation was refractory apnea (35.8%) followed by severerespiratory distress with Downe score >6 (20.8%) and SpO2<accepted level (17.0%). Disease pattern were sepsis (35.8%),RDS (20.8%), congenital pneumonia (18.9%), perinatalasphyxia (15.1%), meconium aspiration syndrome (3.8%), TTN(1.9%) and Meningitis (3.8%). The survival rate was 35.8%.Factors significantly different in non-survivors were meangestational age, mean birth weight, initial arterial pH, age atadmission and age at initiation of ventilation (p<0.05). Themean maximum PIP requirement was significantly higher innon-survivors (p<0.05). Hospital acquired sepsis (67.9%) wasthe most common complication during mechanical ventilationfollowed by tube block (52.8%) and ventilator associatedpneumonia (26.4%). Shock (64.2%) was the commonest comorbidity followed by dyselectrolytemia (52.8%), sepsis(35.8%) and DIC (28.3%). Hospital acquired sepsis, shock andDIC were associated with mortality (p<0.05). Shock was foundindependent predictor of mortality (p=0.001).Conclusion: The most common condition for initiatingmechanical ventilation was refractory apnea. Sepsis was thecommonest disease for which ventilation required. The survivalrate of ventilated neonates was 35.8% and percentage ofsurvival was more in babies with RDS. Hospital acquiredsepsis was the major complication of ventilated neonates.Presence of hospital acquired sepsis, shock and DIC wassignificantly high in non-survivors. Shock was found asindependent predictor of mortality.

Modeling and Molecular Docking Studies on Alangium salvifolium (Alanginaceae) as a Target for Anti-oxidant Enzyme

Objectives: The present studies pursue at retrieve and draws the active phytocompounds structure of Alangium salvifolium and assessing its simulation anti-oxidant enzyme activities. Methods: Retrieve/draws of the compounds were carried out using chem.-sketch software. The 3-D structures of the Phytocompounds were visualized based upon the UV, NMR spectral data along with their energy simulation studies. The antioxidant and enzyme simulation activity were evaluated in-silico using the ACD labs,PyRx, RASMOL,PYMOL,Aragslab and Discovery 3.1 studio. Key Findings: Phytochemicals structure drawing of A. salvifolium resulted in the structured and recognition of four phytochemicals. The plant phytochemicals showed significant anti-oxidant enzymes activity enhancer and ROS eliminator through binding to its metal domain receptor. Conclusion: Phytochemicals were drawing from A. salvifolium. To the best of our knowledge, among these phytochemicals, were studied anti-oxidant enzymes metals binding domain to increase the ROS scavenging activity for the foremost time from mimic with molecular docking. Moreover, study of phytochemicals simulation was for the first time from this plant. The plant revealed auspicious increase the antioxidant activities virtual screening. This gives thinking to some of its pharmacological properties and suggests additional antioxidant effects, for as a scavenger as well as anti-oxidant enzyme stimulator, which have not been reported yet.

Frequency, Risk Factors and Outcome of Clinical Management of Intrauterine Growth Restricted Infants in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Fetal growth is a complex process whichdepends on nutrient and oxygen availability and transport fromthe mother to the fetus across the placenta. This involveshormones and growth factors as well as maternal and fetalgenes. The failure of the fetus to reach his or her full potentialfor growth is called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) andimplies risk for adverse short- and long-term outcomes.Objective: To study the frequency, risk factors and outcome ofthe clinical management of IUGR infants in the NICU of atertiary care hospital.Methods: This case control study was conducted from August2015 to July 2016 in the department of Neonatology,Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Priorapproval from Institutional Review Board (IRB) for this researchwork was taken.After taking consent from parents/Guardians, particulars of theneonates, antenatal, natal and postnatal history were recordedin a data collection form. All Newborn in the NICU during studyperiod were the study population. Newborn who meet theinclusion criteria were divided into two groups as case group(IUGR babies) and control group (AGA babies). The riskfactors were identified by taking face to face interview ofmother regarding prenatal period whereas the outcome ofclinical management was observed by the caution and carefulNICU follow up of the baby. Data were analyzed by statisticalpackage for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. At firstfrequency of IUGR was found among all admitted newborn.Risk factors were analyzed to calculate the odds ratio. Thenrisk factors were analyzed with chi square test to find outsignificant risk factors. P values less than 0.05 (95% CI) wereconsidered statistically significant.Results: The frequency of IUGR babies in this one year studywas found 11.86%. Congenital malformation (p=0.02) wasfound as significant fetal risk factor. Congenital CMV infectionwas found in 16.3 % case of IUGR babies. Maternal weight(p=<0.001), height (p=<0.001), socioeconomic status of mother(p=0.001), Inter pregnancy Interval (p=0.04), placentalinsufficiency (p=0.001), Pregnancy Induced hypertension(p=0.001) are significant maternal risk factor. Hypoglycemia(p=0.007) and hyperbilirubinemia (p=<0.001) were foundsignificant co-morbidities. Length of hospital stay wassignificantly higher among IUGR babies (p= 0.001) thatproclaim the outcome of clinical management. In case group16.3% and in control 8.2% babies expired even after providingall available standard clinical management. Most of thepatients died due to sepsis in both the groups. But the mortalityshowed no significant differences as outcome of clinicalmanagement.Conclusion: IUGR babies in BSMMU was 11.86%. Maternalweight, height, inter pregnancy interval, socioeconomic status,Pregnancy induced hypertension, placental insufficiency, lessANC visits were maternal risk factors for IUGR babies.

Pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis: a lesson learned

Pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH) is a rare and controversial entity that is known to be a cause of pulmonary hypertension and is microscopically characterized by proliferation of dilated capillary-sized channels along and in the alveolar walls. Clinically, it is mostly seen in adults. Clinical features are characterized by nonspecific findings such as shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, and fatigue. It can be clinically indistinguishable from pre-capillary pulmonary arterial hypertension disorders such as primary pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. However, the diagnostic distinction, which usually requires a multidisciplinary approach, is crucial in order to avoid inappropriate treatment with vasodilator medications usually used for PAH treatment. Prognosis of PCH remains poor with lung transplant being the only definitive treatment. We report an autopsy case of pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis unmasked at autopsy that was treated with a prostacyclin analog, usually contraindicated in such patients. We emphasize that this entity should always be on the differential diagnosis in a patient with pulmonary hypertension and requires great vigilance on the part of the clinician, radiologist and pathologist to make the diagnosis and guide appropriate management.

Awareness of Injectable Polio Vaccine among Doctors of Government Hospitals in Abbottabad

Introduction: IPV was introduced in areas of northern KPK, Quetta, and Karachi. The success of polio eradication and endgame strategic plan 2013-2018 depends upon doctors’ knowledge and approval of IPV. Aim of this study was to assess doctors’ knowledge and perception regarding IPV. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on doctors in government hospitals of Abbottabad, Pakistan from January 2017 to June 2017. A sample size of 250 was calculated using WHO sample size calculator at 95% confidence level. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data after taking informed consent. The analysis was done in SPSS version 21. Results: IPV’s advantage of being administered exclusively as well as a booster dose was known to 36%. Other merits of IPV like, no requirement of special cold chain storage and no incidence of VAPP (Vaccine Associated Poliomyelitis) was known by 7.6% and 56.54% respectively. Only 25% of doctors knew about latest endgame strategic plan 2013-2018 and National Emergency Action Plan. Conclusion: Doctor’s knowledge and acceptance regarding IPV was very low. Most of the doctors still preferred OPV over IPV as they fear injection pain due to IPV and are not much aware of IPV’s advantages over OPV. Thus clear-cut strategies need to be established for sensitization and education of doctors and correspondingly the masses regarding IPV.

A study of waist circumference and waist-hip ratio as markers of type 2 diabetes mellitus in an urban population of district Bareilly

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus belongs to a group of diseases labelled as lifestyle diseases and is on the rise in Asians especially Indians. Hence finding bio-markers is important to warn people and create awareness. Aim of the present study is to estimate waist-hip ratio, waist circumference in type 2 diabetic patients with respect to gender. Methods: A cross-sectional, community based study was conducted from February 2014 to February 2015 among adults in the age group of 30 year and above residing in area covered under UHTC of Bareilly City. A simple random sampling technique was adopted to achieve the desired sample size. 640 is the sample size came out to be by applying 3.8 4𝑃𝑄/d2 formula. Subject’s waist circumference, waist-hip ratio was measured in study samples. House to house survey was done for collecting data. Data tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Prevalence of DM and IFG was more in those who were having high waist circumference and the association was also found to be statistically significant. The association was also found statistically significant between male high waist hip ratio and Diabetes Mellitus but no association was seen between female’s high waist-hip ratio and Diabetes Mellitus.Conclusions: High waist circumference can be a screening procedure for DM individuals in both sexes, but the same scenario we haven’t seen in high waist hip ratio among females and prevalence of DM. Appropriate waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio values are complex because they are likely influenced by gender and other factors.

Outcome of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) For Spondylolisthesis of Lumbar Spine

Background: This retrospective study was performed toassess the radiological and clinical outcome of patients whounderwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) withan interbody cage for spondylolisthesis.Methods: Forty five consecutive patients of spondylolisthesiswho underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)during the period from July 2016 to June 2018 were reviewedretrospectively. Clinical data and radiological data werecollected and analysed. Twenty seven male and eighteenfemale patients underwent the TLIF procedure with a meanage of 48.6 years (24–66 years). The primary pathology was alytic listhesis in 28 patients and degenerative listhesis in 17.There was no multilevel fixation. Two cases were revisionsurgery. The mean blood loss was 290 ml and mean operativetime 160 minutes. No patient need to stay in ICU or HDU.Hospital stay was 4-5 days. Radiological outcome wasassessed by observing the presence of fusion mass at biplanarradiography whereas clinical outcomes were assessed bymeans of the Parker Visual Analog scale (VAS).Results wereclassified into three categories (excellent and good, fair, andpoor) using the Parker criteria. Pain was recorded by usingVisual Analog Scale.Results: There were no intra-operative complications. Twopatients developed neurological deficit in the form of partial footdrop. There were statistically significant improvements frompreoperative VAS to post-operative VAS. Fusion couldbe assessed in all patients. Anterior interbody fusion wasachieved in 78.3% of cases and posterior lateral fusion wasachieved in 69.6%.Four patients showed no fusion at the endof 6 months post operatively.Conclusions: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is a safeand effective method to achieve circumferential fusion. It istechnically challenging and needs to be proficient in thetechnique to avoid catastrophic complications. Clinical scoringconfirmed that satisfactory overall outcome. Complicationsresulting from the procedure is uncommon and generally minorand transient.

Ameliorative effects of MgSO4 on Dexamethasone – induced Histo-chemical alterations in the testes of Albino Rats.

Background: In experimental animal, Dexamethasone-induced impaired spermatogenesis, causes distortion of the normal architecture of seminiferous tubules along with alteration in male sexual hormone, testosterone. Concomitant administration of MgSO4 preserved the cytoarchitecture of testes as well as hormonal regulation in albino rats. Objective: This study was performed to observe the ameliorative effects of MgSO4 on the histology of testes and correlation with serum testosterone level during dexamethasone administration. Duration of study: twenty days (April 2012).Study design: Prospective experimental study.Place of study: Anatomy department Basic Medical Sciences Institute (BMSI), Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi. Methods: thirty healthy adult albino rats were included in this study and divided equally into three groups. Group-A served as control. Group-B received Dexamethasone (intraperitoneally) at the dose of 4.0 mg/kg body weight/24 hours. Group-C received Dexamethasone in the same dose as given in group-B and additionally received MgSO4 (intramuscularly) at the dose of 20mg/kg/24hours. Results: MgSO4 significantly preserved cytoarchitecture of the testes as well as minimized alteration in serum Testosterone level in group-C. Conclusion: This study showed that administration of MgSO4 has ameliorated both the histological and biochemical damaging effects induced by dexamethasone in rats’ testes.

Development, characterization and use of genomic SSR markers for assessment of genetic diversity in some Saudi date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L. ) cultivars

Background: The present study was undertaken towards the development of SSR markers and assessing genetic relationships among 32 date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) representing common cultivars grown in different geographical regions in Saudi Arabia. Results: Ninety-three novel simple sequence repeat markers were developed and screened for their ability to detect polymorphism in date palm. Around 71% of genomic SSRs were dinucleotide, 25% tri, 3% tetra and 1% penta nucleotide motives. Twenty-two primers generated a total of 91 alleles with a mean of 4.14 alleles per locus and 100% polymorphism percentage. A 0.595 average polymorphic information content and 0.662 primer discrimination power values were recorded. The expected and observed heterozygosities were 0.676 and 0.763 respectively. Pair-wise similarity values ranged from 0.06 to 0.89 and the overall cultivars averaged 0.41. The UPGMA cluster analysis recovered by principal coordinate analysis illustrated that cultivars tend to group according to their class of maturity, region of cultivation, and fruit color. Analysis of molecular variations (AMOVA) revealed that genetic variation among and within cultivars were 27% and 73%, respectively according to geographical distribution of cultivars. Conclusions: The developed microsatellite markers are additional values to date palm characterization tools that can be used by researchers in population genetics, cultivar identification as well as genetic resource exploration and management. The tested cultivars exhibited a significant amount of genetic diversity and could be suitable for successful breeding program. Genomic sequences generated from this study are available at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Sequence Read Archive (Accession numbers. LIBGSS_039019).

A Comparative Study On Inhaler Use Among Bronchial Asthma And COPD Patients.

Background: Bronchial Asthma and COPD are among the cause of substantial morbidity and mortality, the treatment and control of which is hampered by incorrect use of inhaler. Methodology: Present study is a part of another hospital based study conducted among the patients using DPI, attending the OPD and IPD of department of TB & Chest diseases, FH Medical College Hospital. The secondary analysis was done to compare the inhaler use technique among Bronchial Asthma and COPD patients. The subjects were selected non-randomly (purposely), and observed by a single observer, while they were using the inhaler. The steps were noted at which the subjects were observed to be performing incorrectly, in a pre-tested structured format. Results: The mean age was observed to be significantly higher in COPD patients (53.5±12.0 years) as compared to that of bronchial asthma patients (46.9±17.5 years). Higher proportion of bronchial asthma patients (20%) were found to be using the inhaler correctly, as compared to COPD patients (11.8%), though it was not found to be statistically significant (p>0.05). Among the bronchial asthma patients, the most frequent mistake was made during breath holding after inhalation (68%), while among COPD patients, most crucial steps were slow exhalation i.e. step 4 and forceful inhalation through the mouth i.e. step 5 (72.9%). Conclusion: Incorrect usage of inhalers is widely prevalent among its users, which is not related to the diagnosis for which it is prescribed.

In silico analysis of indole-3-carbinol and its metabolite DIM as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in platinum resistant ovarian cancer vis a vis ADME/T property analysis.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is one of the four members of the Human Epidermal Receptor (HER) family, which is deregulated and over expressed in platinum resistant ovarian cancer. Thus, targeting EGFR receptor along with platinum drugs is one of the major strategies to increase the platinum drug sensitivity. That‟s why, in this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory activity and binding site analysis of indole-3-carbinol and its active metabolite 3,3'-diindolylmethane by using molecular simulation studies, also metabolic profile had been investigated by SOM prediction. The 3,3'-diindolylmethane showed significant inhibitory activity and binding energy comparing to indole-3-carbinol, also it processed lower toxicity and will undergo aromatic hydroxylation due its high intrinsic activity and Fe accessibility. Though our research study supports previous reports of EGFR inhibition, further in vivo study is necessary for validation of toxicological and pharmacokinetic study. However, the current work tries to address most of the variables in the dynamic drug design process by In silico study in order to boost the potentiality of the selected molecule to serve as good leads in terms of optimum pharmacokinetic and toxicological attributes.

Hand hygiene practices among nursing students: importance of improving current training programs.

Background: Although numerous studies have demonstrated that hand hygiene reduces health care–associated infection rates, adherence to hand hygiene guidelines remains uniformly low among health care workers. The present study was undertaken to assess the hand hygiene practices among the nursing students of Bareilly and to suggest the suitable corrective and preventive measures to be taken in future. Methods: These six months cross sectional study was carried out among the nursing students of Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 50 students participated in the study. A structured, self-administered pretested questionnaire was used to collect detailed information about the subjects‟ self-reported hand washing practices. Knowledge was assessed using 25 questions which included multiple choice and “yes” or “no” questions. A scoring system was used where 1 point was given for each correct response to knowledge, positive attitudes and practices and 0 was given for incorrect knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor practices. Data entry and statistical analysis were performed using the Microsoft Excel and SPSS windows version 14.0 software. Results: Majority of the healthcare workers were females (72.0%), were aged between 31-40 years (60.0%) and had received formal training in hand hygiene in the last 3 years (90.0%). A higher proportion of them routinely used alcohol based hand rub (52.0%). Nearly 28% had poor knowledge and 72% had moderate knowledge regarding hand hygiene. Conclusions: The knowledge about good hand washing practices and compliance of the same according to WHO guidelines amongst health care workers is essential for lowering the health care associated infections. Our study shows the importance of improving the current training programs targeting hand hygiene practices among nursing students.

E-resource Appliance in Medical Services & Healthcare: Bibliographical, Full Text & Open Source Databases

In the present age of World Wide Web, we are linked globally. As we are moving towards the modern era, the knowledge and information is growing in each and every field by the help of electronic sources. In the present scenario, electronics resources are playing an important role and providing unusual/surprising information which can be stored in an electronic device for further usage. Nowadays, online books, online journals and other electronic databases are expanding swiftly, almost in all fields of research and development. These electronic resources deliver functional bunch of information via multimedia tools in short time and space. The aim to write this paper is to educate about the e-resources, available in the world wide in medical and healthcare sector with emphasis over the categories of eresources, its density, advantages, disadvantages, medical open source (free) subscription base and its components.

Utilization of genes encoding osmoprotectants in transgenic plants for enhanced abiotic stress tolerance

Global agriculture in the context of growing and expanding populations is under huge pressure to provide increased food, feed, and fiber. The recent phenomenon of climate change has further added fuel to the fire. It has been practically established now that the global temperature has been on the increase with associated fluctuations in annual rainfall regimes, and the resultant drought and flood events and increasing soil and water salinization. These challenges would be met with the introduction and utilization of new technologies coupled with conventional approaches. In recent years, transgenic technology has been proved very effective in terms of production of improved varieties of crop plants, resistant to biotic stresses. The abiotic stresses such as salt and drought are more complex traits, controlled by many genes. Transgenic plant development for these stresses has utilized many single genes. However, much emphasis has been placed on genes catalyzing the biosynthetic pathways of osmoprotectants. This review focuses on the current status of research on osmoprotectant genes and their role in abiotic stress tolerance in transgenic plants.

A Morphometric Study of the Sella Turcica: Gender Effect.

Background and objective: Precise anatomical knowledge of the sella turcica is important for neurologists and surgeons operating in the region of cavernous sinus or the surrounding structures. The current study was undertaken to record normal morphometric parameters for future reference and to determine if there is any significance difference in the sella turcica morphometry regarding the gender. Methodology: A Morphometric analysis of the Sella Turcica and structures in vicinity were done in thirty six adults’ formalin fixed cadaver’s skulls (22 male and 14 female). Results: The pituitary stalk positions weremiddle inmajority ofmale cases (72.7%), the remaining 27.3% were posterior. Among female; 57.1%weremiddle and the remaining 42.9%were posterior, no anterior position was detected among both genders with no different between male and female (p = 0.494) Normal Optic chiasma position was detected in all female cases and in 63.6% of male cases with no significant differences regarding gender (p= 0.070). No significant different in diaphragma sella shape and opening regarding gender (p.value = 0.170 and 0.914 respectively) No significant difference betweenmales and females concerning linear dimensions of sella turcica (length, depth and Anteroposterior diameters). Concerning diaphragma sella opening; no significant different regarding gender in transverse diameter (p.value= 0.316) while significant different was detected in anteroposterior diameter (p.value= 0.046) For interclinoid (anterior, posterior) diameters, which represented statistically significant different regarding gender in both right and left sides (p.value = 0.004 and 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Present studywill providing the normalmorphometric data for future reference and further studies.

Diabetes mellitus modifying factors; investigation among the inhabitants of Sargodha city, Pakistan

Diabetes mellitus is wide spread non transmissible disease but its prevalence is increasing everyday so this study was conducted with an aim to investigate the factors that are modifying diabetes mellitus among patients at DHQ [District Head Quarter] Hospital Sargodha. A prospective study was carried out by well-trained pharmacists in DHQ Sargodha, Pakistan to assess the factors modifying diabetes mellitus. Data was collected from 110 patients randomly by using convenience sampling method. A well structured questionnaire was designed to collect information from patients and entire procedure was conducted with the permission of concerned authorities of Hospital management. The factors that are considered in present study are medication, treatment, patient physician interaction and society attitude towards diabetic patients which are helpful in halting the progression of diabetes and prevention of co morbidities. The results of study disclose that 74.5% diabetic patients felt better after treatment whereas 56% diabetic patients were satisfied with the information provided by physician to them but still 70% patients were suffering from co morbidities. The survey indicated that 62.7% patients said that exercise proved to be healthy activity in improving diabetes. However 59% diabetic patients were following a proper diet plan which was helpful in modifying their diabetes. The diabetic patients must be informed about importance of regular follow-up in averting long-standing complications. Patients should be guided about importance of dietary recommendations, exercise and strict metabolic control, that can holdup or avert the series of complications allied with diabetes

Temporal changes of Japanese encephalitits virus in different brain regions of rat.

Background & objectives: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection results in acute encephalitic illness. The affinity of JEV to different regions of brain and temporal changes in viral load have not been studied. This study was conducted to describe localization of JEV to different regions of the brain at different stages of disease in a rat model of Japanese encephalitis (JE). Methods: Twelve days old Wistar rats were inoculated intracerebrally with a dose of 3 x 106 pfu/ml of JEV. After 3, 6, 10 and 20 days post-inoculation, brains were dissected out and different regions of brain (cortex, striatum, thalamus and mid brain) were taken. Motor deficit was assessed by the rota rod and JEV RNA copies were evaluated using real-time PCR assay. Results: There was a significant increase in motor deficit in rats inoculated with JEV compared to the controls. JEV RNA copies were present in all studied regions of the brain on days 3, 6 and 10 post-inoculation. Maximum number of JEV RNA copies were present in the mid brain on days 3 and 10 post-inoculation. JEV RNA copies were not detected in any of the brain regions on day 20. Interpretation & conclusions: This study reports JEV RNA load in different brain regions of rat with higher affinity of JEV virus to thalamus and mid brain compared to other regions.

PEFR, FEF25-75 and MVV In Type-1 Diabetic Male And Their Relationships With HbA1c.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and debilitating disease. Its complications give rise to microvascular, macrovascular and neuropathic diseases which affect eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels and also lungs. So, there may be a relationship between type-1 diabetes and reduced lung function. Objectives: To observe PEFR, FEF25-75 and MVV and their relationship with HbA1c in type- 1 diabetic male in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka between 1st January and 31st December 2009. A total 30 type-1 diabetic male subjects, age 18-30 years were taken as study group. Another 30 apparently healthy age, sex, BMI and socioeconomic status matched non-diabetic persons were also included as control. For assessment of lung function PEFR, FEF25-75 and MVV of all the subjects were measured by a digital spirometer. Again, to observe glycemic control serum blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of diabetic patients were also measured by usual laboratory technique. Data were analyzed by unpaired‘t’ test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. Results: PEFR (p<0.001), FEF25-75 (p<0.001), and MVV (p <0.001) were significantly lower in type-1 diabetic patients in comparison to those of apparently healthy non-diabetic male. Again, their PEFR (p < 0.05), FEF25-75 (p>0.05), and MVV (p<0.05) were negatively correlated with HbA1c. Conclusion: The lung functions were lower in type-1 diabetic male in comparison to those of non-diabetic counterpart and this reduction is mainly due to poor glycemic control.