The resin-embedded cornea prepared via rapid processing protocol: A good histomorphometric target for clinical investigation in opthalmology and optometry

This study illustrates and quantifies the changes on corneal tissue between the paraffin-embedded and resin-embedded blocks and thus, selects a better target in investigational ophthalmology and optometry via light microscopy. Corneas of two cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were used in this study. The formalin-fixed cornea was prepared in paraffin block via the conventional tissue processing protocol (4-day protocol) and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The glutaraldehyde-fixed cornea was prepared in resin block via the rapid and modified tissue processing procedure (1.2-day protocol) and stained with toluidine blue. The paraffin-embedded sample exhibits various undesired tissue damage and artifact such as thinner epithelium (due to the substantial volumic extraction from the tissue), thicker stroma layer (due to the separation of lamellae and the presence of voids) and the distorted endothelium. In contrast, the resin-embedded corneal tissue has demonstrated satisfactory corneal ultrastructural preservation. The rapid and modified tissue processing method for preparing the resin-embedded is particularly beneficial to accelerate the microscopic evaluation in ophthalmology and optometry.

The use of epidural analgesia in elective lower segment caesarean section at North Okkalapa General Hospital

A prospective study on the use of epidural anaesthesia in lower segment caesarean section at NOGH was carried out on 41 patients who had been admitted to NOGH from the 1st May 1995 to the 30th April 1996. All the necessary preoperative assessments were done. Epidural analgesia, but using a combination of 0.5 per cent Marcaine and 2 per cent lignocaine was given. the mean duration of induction delivery period was 15 minutes, mean one-minute Apgar score was 7.95. About seventy three per cent (73.17 per cent) of the patients could start breast feeding soon after delivery in the operation theatre and the remaining patients could breast feed their babies soon after leaving the theatre. No serious complication was encountered apart from 7.3 per cent of the patients who had minor complications. The mean duration of postoperative analgesia was 10.46 hours and the mean pain score 1.6. Among these, 39.02 per cent did not require any post-operative analgesia, 39.02 per cent were relieved by placebo injection, 12.19 per cent by injection Diazepam, 7.33 per cent by injection volteran while 2.44 per cent required injection morphine.

The use of epidural analgesia in elective lower segment caesarean section at North Okkalapa General Hospital

A prospective study on the use of epidural anaesthesia in lower segment caesarean section at NOGH was carried out on 41 patients who had been admitted to NOGH from the 1st May 1995 to the 30th

Serum calcium in normal and preeclamptic pregnant Myanmar women

To study the changes during normal pregnancy and in preeclampsia, serum calcium concentration was measured in 26 apparently healthy pregnant Myanmar women and in 15 preeclamptic patients. They were 20-40 years of age. In healthy pregnant women, serum total calcium levels measured at 24th week, 28th week, 32nd week and 36th week of gestation were 2.45 + or - 0.30 mmol/1, 2.47 + or - 0.29 mmol/1, 2.41 + or - 0.29 mmol/1 and 2.46 + or - 0.29 mmol/1 respectively and ionized calcium levels at these periods were 1.24 + or - 0.15 mmol/1, 1.23 + or - 0.14 mmol/1, and 1.20 + or - 0.16 mmol/1 respectively. In preeclamptic patients, the mean serum total calcium level (2.26 + or - 0.24 mmol/1) was significantly lower than that (2.52 + or - 0.23 mmol/1) of 0.27 mmol/1) and ionized calcium level (1.23 + or - 0.14 mmol/1) of preeclamptic patients were not significantly different from those (2.43 + or - 0.24 mmol/1 and 1.24 + or - 0.13 mmol/1 respectively) of control.

Comparison of the effect of combinations of parentral artemisinin derivatives (I/M artemether, I/V artesunate) plus oral mefloquine with intravenous quinine plus oral tetracycline on patients with cerebral malaria: A multicentre trial (Preliminary Report)

In order to find out the best drug combination for treatment of cerebral malaria at less equipped hospitals, 105 cases of cerebral malaria belonging to Mawlamyine, Pyin Oo Lwin and North Okkalapa hospitals were studied in a controlled trial of three regimens. (1) Intramuscular artemether total dose 480 mg plus mefloquine 750 mg in a single dose given through nasogastric tube at day 0. (2) Intravenous artesunate total dose 240 mg plus mefloquine 750 mg as in regimen 1. (3) Intravenous quinine dighdrochloride 600 mg in 180 ml infusion of dextrose saline given over 4 hours. The dose is repeated every 8 hours until the patient can swallow the tablets. Then oral quinine sulphate tablets were given 600 mg 8 hourly. Total period of quinine therapy is 7 days. Tetracycline 250 mg capsules were given 6 hourly for 7 days (started via nasogastric tube while the patient is unconscious). There was no significant difference in overall mortality rate, mean parasite clearance time, mean fever clearance time and mean time to regain consiousness between the three groups. Thus quinine-tetracycline (if necessary to supplement with artemether-mefloquine at 48 hours if the patient failed to respond to initial treatment) is suggested, as the drug of first choice for the management of cerebral malaria in Myanmar.

Social determinants of induced abortion: A qualitative study

The purpose of the study was to explore the community perceptions of the socio-economic, socio-cultural and socio-psychological determinants of women with induced abortion. Qualitative data was obtained by means of focus group discussions with induced abortion patients admitted to Gynaecological Ward of the North Okkalapa General Hospital. Future sub-grouping of patients with respect to parity and contraceptive usage was done. Content analysis of focus group discussion revealed the following data. Regarding family formation, the best age at first union was 20 years, the desired number of children was two to three and the ideal birth interval two to three years. With respect to family planning, they felt that most pregnancies were unplanned. They were aware of traditional and modern contraceptive methods but most were uncertain of correct methods of usage. Information regarding contraception was obtained mainly from lay persons.

Maternal influences on low birth weight

A total of 2613 babies delivered in North Okkalapa General Hospital (N.O.G.H) during 9 months period from January 1990 to September 1990 were studied with the view to determine maternal influences on low birth weight. Maternal variables assessed and recorded were completed age, parity, height, education, smoking, last birth interval. Fetal variables assessed and recorded were birth weight and gestational age in weeks. The incidence of L.B.W in N.O.G.H during the study period was 21.0 percent, 18.1 percent due to intrauterine growth retardation and 2.9 percent due to preterm. The highest proportion of L.B.W was found in the < 20 years age group, parity one, last birth interval > 3-4 years, maternal height < = 145cm., maternal education 1-4 years and in smoking group. Increased risk and significant association with L.B.W was found among teenage (< 20 years) pregnancies, primiparity, maternal height < = 145 cm, smokers and maternal education < = 8 years. Odds ratio > 1 but no significant association with L.B.W was found among maternal age > 35 years, last birth interval< = 1 year and > 3 years, and parity 5 + groups.

The preliminary report on the ultrasonic measurement of foetal femur length and placental maturity for assessment of fetal gestational age

Foetal femur length and placental maturity was measured with with a real time ultrasound scanner in fifty gravind patients from 3 per cent to 42 weeks gestation. In all these cases, the antenatal measurements of the ultrasound fetal femur length corresponds well with the fetal gestational age and in combination with the ultrasonographic placental maturity appears to be superior to other measurements of fetus.

Thyroid dysfunction following irradiation to the neck

Thyroid functions (serum T3, T4 and TSH) were studied among 35 patients who had external radiation of the neck involving the thyroid gland within the past 10 years, and 10 control patients who had radiation else where in the body but not in the thyroid region. Findings were presented, compared with previous reports and discussed. Routine TFTs one year after radiotherapy was recommended and replacement therapy for patients with raised serum TSH is encouraged.