ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the damaging effect of Lithium carbonate on Purkinje neuron in the light of available literature so this study was under taken to see the toxic effects of Lithium carbonate on permanent Purkinje neuron
Study Design: Experimental study
Place and Duration of study: This study was carried out at Animal House, BMSI, JPMC, Karachi from April 2012 to June 2012
Materials and Methods: Thirty male albino rats of 190-240 grams were selected and divided into two major groups [control] A and B [Lithium Carbonate-treated] comprising of 15 animals each. According to the time period of the study which was 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Group A served as control group which was given normal diet and B was given Li2CO3 in powder form mixed in flour. Lithium carbonate was given at a dose of 20mg/kg/day for two, six and twelve weeks. At the end of 2[nd], 6[th] and 12[th] weeks the cerebellum was removed and fixed in 10% formal saline. After processing in paraffin five micron thick section were prepared four Purkinje cell count
Results: Group A revealed normal Purkinje cell count but the mean values of the Purkinje cell count in group B was highly significantly decreased p-value<0.001 as compared to group A
Conclusion: Our study concludes that acute and chronic ingestion of lithium carbonate at therapeutic level is detrimental to the survival of Purkinje cerebellar neuron and patients who are prescribed lithium carbonate should be monitored carefully
ABSTRACT
Background: Continuing professional education [CPE] or continuous education [CE] is the means by which people maintain their knowledge and skills related to their profession. Mandatory continuing education is a major factor in relicensure that is being licensed to practice for a specific period with the license either getting renewed at the end of that period or forfeited. This study is designed to assess the awareness regarding importance of continuing professional education as a requirement for re-licensing among General Dental Practitioners and Specialists and to identify the role of governing bodies for endorsing re-licensure procedure on the basis of CME
Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted among 450 dentists practicing in Karachi [July 2013 to Dec 2013], divided in to two groups ;General Dental Practitioners [n=350]and Consultant Specialists[n=100]. Simple Random sampling technique was applied thorough lottery from available list of Dentists and Consultants. Data was collected through a self administered questionnaire. SPSS version 20 was used for analysis and Chi -square test to assess associations of categorical variables. P value less than 0.05 was considered as significant
Results: Majority participants n= 250 [55.6%] were aware about re -certification and re-licensing and n= 292 [64.9%]knew the difference between the two. Only n=153 [34%] were of the view that re -certification and re-licensing should be made mandatory in Pakistan
Conclusion: The awareness of CME and re-certification is high among our professionals