Comparative study of selected organically and conventionally vegetables

Due to the growing interest in organic products, a comparison between the chemical and biological safety of organic and conventional vegetables was undertaken. Organic and conventional potato, tomato and cucumber were the products purchased from Sekem Company, Cairo, Egypt. Moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrates, phosphorus, vitamin C, heavy metals such [Nickel, cadmium.cobalt and lead], and pesticides residues were determined in all investigated samples. The biological experiment was done on 42 adult male albino rats. Rats were divided into 7 groups. Group [1] fed on basal diet [control group], group [2] fed on basal diet with organic tomato [2.5%], group [3] fed on basal diet with conventional tomato [2.5%], group [4] fed on basal diet with organic cucumber [2.5%], group [5] fed on basal diet with conventional cucumber [2.5%], group [6] fed on basal diet with organic potato [5%], group [7] fed on basal diet with conventional potato [5%]. At the end of the experimental period [4 weeks] rats were scarified and blood samples were collected to separate serum for estimating liver and kidney functions and lipid profile. The results illustrated that, the nutritional value of organic vegetables was higher than the conventional vegetables. The level of pesticides residues in organic vegetables was very low comparing to conventional vegetables. In addition, the heavy metals [cadmium, nickel, and lead] were found in both organic and conventional vegetables but they were higher in conventional vegetables than organic vegetables. The organic tomato significantly increased serum HDL-C. Organic cucumber significantly decreased serum VLDL-C and TG. While all organic and conventional did not affect serum LDL-C. Total cholesterol and kidney functions. Conventional cucumber caused a significant increase in serum uric acid. On the other hand, all tested conventional vegetables significantly increased serum ALT. While organic tomato and cucumber did not affect liver enzymes but, organic potato led to slightly increase in liver enzymes. In conclusion, the present study suggests that regular survey of organic vegetables should be done in order to assure food safety and to protect the end users from food risks that might injure their health

rare case of thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anaemia syndrome: a disorder of high-affinity thiamine transport

A three years old boy presented with sensory neural hearing loss since birth, Diabetes mellitus and anaemia. On investigation he was found to be suffering from Thiamine Responsive Megaloblastic Anaemia [TRMA] a very rare condition diagnosed in our settings

Evaluation of red cell transfusion triggers

To conduct a retrospective audit of red cell transfusion triggers in medical patients. Total number of medical patients admitted from August to November 2003 in the Military Hospital Rawalpindi. The historical record of the patients was evaluated for different parameters. Only those patients who had received red blood cell transfusions were selected. The cases were further sub-divided into different age and disease groups. The transfusion triggers and their justifications by the clinicians were recorded. They were compared with standard guidelines for red cell transfusions. Percentages of rational and unnecessary transfusions were calculated. Haemoglobin was the sole parameter used in ordering all red cell transfusions. A total number of 1244 transfusions were given to a 1000 patients. Maximum number of transfusions was given to an age group of 21-31 years. A total of 690 transfusions were given to patients who presented with pregnancy-induced anaemia. House officers ordered 92% of transfusions as per patients historical record.568 single unit transfusions were given to female patients who presented with pregnancy related problems. The male to female ratio for the number of transfusions was almost similar. 14.2% [n=185] red cell transfusions were against standard guidelines