Sudanese medical students and scientific research

Most of developing countries face problems in assessment of their public health practices. Gain of this knowledge is orchestrated by research. Medical students can play an essential role in improving public database. to explore knowledge, attitude and skills of medical students in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences [FMHS], Omdurman Islamic University [OIU] towards research. This is a descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional, institution-based study. A total of 442 students, equally from each batch participated in the study. Equal numbers of male and female were considered to eliminate gender and seniority bias. Structured pretested questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were fed to Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] version 15. Means, standard deviation and correlations were done where appropriate. Statistical significance was taken at P=0.05.The mean knowledge score was 37% and attitude was positive in 77.1% of the students. Only 18.3% had attended research methodology workshop. The rate of internet navigation is directly proportional to the social class. Only 14.7% knew the engines used for finding medical literature. The low knowledge score is due to lack of application of research in the academic curriculum; however, the students have a fairly positive attitude. The knowledge is expected to improve with the intended policy to include practical research in the curriculum

Silymarin administration protects against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in adult male albino rats. [histological and immunohistochemical study]

Cisplatin is one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutics for cancer treatment, but its use is limited because of its nephrotoxicity Several evidences suggested that cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is partially mediated by reactive oxygen species. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether silymarin administration as an antioxidant before cisplatin could afford protection against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. This study was performed on 30 adult male albino rats that were divided into 5 groups. Group 1: served as control group. Animals of other groups received a single intraperitoneal [IP] injection of the following treatments: Group II received 0.1ml of normal saline+1% w/v methylcellulose, Group III received silymarin [50 mg/kg BW], Group IV: Received cisplatin [7.5 mg/kg BW] and Group V: Received silymarin 6 h before cisplatin injection. Kidneys were excised 5 days after the end of the experiment biopsies were processed for light microscopic studies. Immunohistoehemical expression of Bak protein was investigated. Renal cortex of group IV showed extensive renal tubularnecrosis, intratubular casts, desquamated renal tubular cells, cytoplasmic degeneration and mononuclear cellular infiltration. The cells of proximal convoluted tubules [PCT] were severely affected. Also, there was a decrease in the PAS +ve material at brush borders of the PCT and a positive cytoplasmic reaction of Bak protein in renal tubular cells. There were statistical significant differences regarding these changes when compared to the other groups. In group V, the renal cortex of examined animals appeared similar to control group. Silymarin pretreatment prevented the histopathological changes caused by cisplatin. Therefore, silymarin can be used as an effective protecting agent against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

protective role of alpha-Lipoic acid against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in male albino rats [a light and transmission electron microscopy study]

Doxorubicin [DOX] is an important anti-neoplastic agent. Cardiotoxicity, which mediated by free radicals, is the main side effect of it, leads to induce left ventricular systolic dysfunction and congestive heart failure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the postulated preventive role of alpha-lipoic acid [LA] which is capable of neutralizing a wide variety of free radicals against doxorubicin [DOX]-induced cardiotoxicity. Twenty adult male albino rats were used in this study. They were randomized into four groups [5 rats! group]. Group I [control] received a single intraperitoneal [IP] injection of 3 ml of sterile distilled water. Group II [control LA] received a single IP injection of 3 ml of sterile distilled water and LA [100 mg/kg BW!day] orally for 7 days. Group III [Dox-injected group] received a single IP dose of Dox [1 5mg/kg BW in 3 ml of sterile distilled water]. Group IV received LA as in group II for 5 days before and 2 days after DOX injection. Animals were sacrificed 48 hours after DOX injection. Specimens from the left ventricle of the heart were processed for histological [H and E; Masson's trichrome] and ultra-structural study. Quantitative measurements [cardiomyocyte diameter and color area percentage of collagen] were done using image analyzer [Super eye-Heidi soft]. Group I and II showed no changes. Light microscopic results of group III showed damage and necrosis of cardiomycytes in addition to congestion and mononuclear cellular infiltration. The cardiomyocytic diameter and the surrounding fibrous tissue were significantly increased in this group compared to other studied groups. Ultrastructural results showed loss of cross striation and mitochondrial degeneration. These deleterious changes were significantly improved in group IV. DOX induced cardiotoxicity can be protected by using LA

Influence of low frequency electric and magnetic fields exposure on albino rat placentation following maternal exposure during early and late periods of embryogenesis

Background: with the phenomenal growth in the use of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields EMFs, there has been a surge of interest concerning the possible harmful biological effects of electromagnetic fields EMFs with a frequency of 50-60 Hz on the human body

Aim of the work: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the histological changes in the placenta after exposure to low frequency electric and magnetic fields during two different critical periods of embryogenesis

Methods: twenty-four pregnant albino rats were randomly divided into three equal groups: control, early exposed and late exposed. Both exposed groups were exposed to 50 Hz magnetic field of intensity 1.5G and a strong electric field of intensity 10KV/m. The EMFs exposure started from gestational day 6 through day 10 in the early exposed group and from gestational day 11 through day 15 in the late exposed group. Twenty day full term placenta were then collected and examined histological through light microscopy using hematoxylin and Eosin stains

Results: The present study indicated that 50Hz EMFs exposure the low frequency EMFs exposure in the early and late period affect the placentation of albino rats. Also EMFs exposure in the early period cause changes in rat placenta more than that occurred in the late exposure except the deciduas was more affected in late exposure

Conclusions: So it is suggested that exposure to appliances that producing EMFs must be limited especially during pregnancy

Craniofacial bones development in albino rat fetuses following maternal exposure to low frequency electric and magnetic fields during early and late periods of embryogenesis

Background: With the progressive development of the electrical industry, several workers have studied the effects of electromagnetic fields on cells, organs and tissues through animal studies to investigate the possible harmful biological effects on the human body

Aim of the work The aim of the present study is to evaluate the frequency and pattern of craniofacial bones ossification of 18 and 20-day albino rat fetuses, following maternal exposure to low frequency electric and magnetic fields in the early and late periods of embryogenesis

Methods: Forty eight pregnant albino rats were randomly divided into two age groups [18 and 20 day] each of them was subdivided into three equal groups: control, early exposed and late exposed. Both exposed groups were exposed to 50Hz magnetic fields of intensity 1.5G and a strong electric field of intensity 10KV/m. The EMFs exposure started from gestational day 6 through day 10 in the early exposed group and from gestational day 11 through day 15 in the late exposed group. 18 and 20-day fetuses were then collected and their skeletons were stained with Alizarin red for their evaluation

Results: The present study indicated that 50 Hz EMFs exposure decreased the craniofacial bones development either in the early or late exposed groups but more marked and more delayed in the early exposed group in 18-day fetuses. The early period of embryogenesis was the most critical period for ossification of craniofacial bones

Conclusion: So it is suggested that exposure to appliances that producing EMFs must be limited especially during early period of pregnancy

Narrow-band UVB decreases epidermal thickness, mast cell density and downregulates IL-8 expression in psoriatic lesions histological and immunohistochemical study

The increased epidermal thickness and number of early activated cutaneous mast cells is a typical feature of psoriatic inflammation. Over expression of IL-8 and its receptor CXCR2 is typically observed in psoriasis lesions and is thought to contribute to keratinocyte dysfunction and to influx of T cells, neutrophils and mast cells. This study was conducted to evaluate epidermal thickness, mast cell density and IL-8 expression in psoriatic lesions before and after narrow-band ultraviolet B [NB-UVB] therapy using histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Twenty five psoriatic patients referred from Dermatology Outpatient Clinics for NB-UVB phototherapy were enrolled in this study. Patients received irradiation with NB-UVB [312 nm, Philips TL01] on the whole body. Four groups were included in this study; control group [1]: normal skin from 5 healthy volunteers], control group [2]: non-lesional control group; normal skin from psoriatic patients,Pre-NB-UVB group: twenty five psoriatic patients and Post- NB-UVB group: psoriatic patients after NB-UVB treatment. Skin biopsies were taken, fixed, processed and stained to assess general skin structure: and epidermal thickness, mast cell density and IL-8 expression by using histological and immunohistochemical procedures. After NB-UVB therapy; there was significant improvement in PASI score and significant decrease in epidermal thickness, mast cell density and optical density of IL-8. NB-UVB therapies targeting epidermal thickness, mast cells or IL-8 should be considered in the treatment of psoriasis

Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among blood donors at Military Hospital, Sana'a, Yemen

The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen [HbsAg] carrier rate in Yemen is reported to be high. This study was undertaken to record the prevalence of HbsSAg among military blood donors in Sana'a using ELISA test. One thousand five hundred and forty military blood donors were included in this screening test, 121 cases were found to be positive for HbsAg, giving a prevalence rate of 7.8%. There was a consistent increase of HbsAg with increasing age, indicating that horizontal spread of HBV in this country could be more important than vertical transmission. The difference between this result and previous studies are discussed. In the light of these results, an immunization programme against HBV in the country needs to be reviewed

Studies of the effect of additions of some elements on the electrical conductivity of strontium titanate

The AC conductivity as a function of temperature was measured in the temperature range of 298-748K at a frequency of 20 kHz for pure and doped SrTiO3. The plots of log sigma showed that all curves had the same feature in common whatever the type or concentration of dopants. The curves possessed two horizontal plateaux where the values of sigma did not change with temperature. There were three linear parts where the conductivity increased as a function of temperature. The values of activation energy for conduction delta E1, delta E2 and delta E3 were calculated for these parts. A further increase of dopants created imperfections

Contribution of interleukin 12 [IL-12] to immunologic responses in bronchial asthma and other lung diseases

Interleukin 12 [IL-12] is an important cytokine produced by monocytes and macrophages. It up regulates Th1 cytokines production especially IFNgamma and inhibits the expression of Th2 cytokines, so, its main function is the regulation of the bias of the immune system towards Th1 or Th2 response through a balance with IL-4 early in the immune response. This work was done to evaluate the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] IL-12 in asthmatic patients compared with tuberculous patients and patients with primary lung cancer, to assess the impact of IL-12 on Th1-Th2 cytokines profile which determine the type of the response in these different diseases and to propose its potential clinical usefulness. The study included 4 groups: group I consisted of 20 asthmatic patients, group II: 10 patients who had pulmonary TB, group III: 10 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma, and group IV: 20 normal individuals. For all groups IL-12 was estimated in serum and [BAL] fluid using ELISA technique. Considering the results, IL-12 was significantly decreased in asthmatic patients and it increased with hyposensitiz ation, highly significantly increased in active pulmonary TB and significantly increased in localized bronchogenic carcinoma. It was concluded that IL-12 plays a central role on Th1-Th2 cytokines balance, being decreased in allergic conditions, i.e., producing immunological Th2, shift which is corrected to Th1 pathway by hyposensitization, hence, it may be of diagnostic and therapeutic values in bronchial asthma

Some dielectric properties of strontium titanate doped with some metal oxides.

SrTio3 and SrTiO3 doped with CeO2, Gd2O3 and CuO were prepared according to the recommended procedure using the ceramic method. The doping concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 5 mole% and the prepared materials were structurally investigated by X-ray diffraction and IR absorption spectrum. The dielectric constant and loss were measured within the frequency band 105 to 107 Hz and the temperature range from 20 to 50 degree. The dielectric relaxation proces and its thermodynamic parameters, the activation enthalpy and the entropy changes [delta H epsilon and delta S epsilon] were calculated using the usual rate equations. The results were correlated with the structure of the titanates and the effect of doping was discussed

Infrared absorption spectra of pure and doped SrTiO[3]

The infrared absorption spectra of pure SrTiO[3] and when doped by CuO, Gd[2]O[3] or CeO[2] with different concentrations namely [0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 Mole percent] have been measured. The I.R absorption measurements in the range 200-4000 cm[-1] revealed two main absorption bands in the ranges 380-400 cm[-1] and 540-610 cm[-1], which were assigned to two TiO[6] octahedral normal modes. Some bands at 217, 237 and 260 cm[-1] which were due to cation-TiO[3] vibration are also observed. Two absorption bands at 1020, 1100 cm of higher intensities were observed due to metal-oxygen bond. The main bands still present in all samples with slight shift and broadening in band positions with increasing dopant concentrations which favour the formation of the tetragonal modification

Thermal properties studies on chromium trioxide and some of its suboxides

Compounds of transition metals represent a large group of materials with various with various types of chemical bond and crystal structure, and consequently with widely divergent physical, electrical, magnetic, thermal and mechanical properties. Owing to this behaviour, many of these compounds have a considerable use in electronic devices

Sick sinus syndrome, inferior myocardial infarct and stroke: a case report

This is a case report about a 35 years old male farmer, who presented to the neurology outpatient clinic, of a 510 bed teaching hospital in Sanaa - Republic of Yemen -On 19.12.1991, with right sided weakness, inability to speak [stroke]. He spent 6 days out before being admitted by a Neurologist into the general medical ward on 25.12.1991. After his reassessment and investigations, he was found to have a slow pulse 24/min. ECG No. 1 on 25.12.1991 revealed sick sinus syndrome, 1st degree AV block, and inferior infarct. Repeat ECG No. 2 on 30.12.1991 after Atropine injections did not show any improvement in the rate. His mild left ventricular failure responded to amiloride hydrochlorthiazide combination [Moduretic]. The right sided hemiparesis and aphasia improved over three weeks on piracetam [Nootropil], Aspirin and Dipyridamole [Persantin]. On 8.1.1992 he was transferred to the intensive care unit for Halter's monitoring to watch any brady-tachyarrhythmia syndrome and re-evaluate atropine responses ECG No. 3 showed sinus arrest typical of sick sinus syndrome without response to atropine 0.5 mg Q.D.S. No bradytachycardia syndrome was recorded over one week on monitor. Salbutamol 2 mg Q.D.S. was started after stopping atropine orally which increased the heart rate by 25-50 percent i.e. the pulse 24 beat/min. became 30-36 beats/min ECG No 4. Many biochemical, blood tests were normal, chest P.A. film showed borderline cardiomegaly with mild pulmonary conjestion, ECHO did not show any valvular lesion. CAT scan was out of order, No pace maker. Patient was discharged to go abroad for more investigations and Pace-marker