Relevance of Small Laboratory Animals as Models in Translational Research: Challenges and Road Ahead.

Translational research using small laboratory animals is being done to demonstrate proof of concept, to study pharmacokinetics as well as to understand efficacy and safety of new drug molecules. During the evaluation of a drug candidate, the assessment of efficacy and safety is normally performed in different experiments using various animal models. In such experiments, efficacy is assessed by mimicking the disease state in animal model while safety is investigated in healthy animals. Inventing new drugs using biotechnological and nanotechnological approaches is becoming a major thrust area in drug research. Apart from this, the development of medicine from traditional knowledge like Ayurveda has emerged as major area for drug industry. Use of conventional in-vivo approaches may not prove useful to answer many questions. Transgenic/knock-out/knock-in animals are now getting space in pharmaceutical research for target identification and validation. Predictability of in-vivo research depends on scientific protocols and methods adopted for model selection and development. Various alternative approaches for in-vivo research are being followed. It is a fact that no animal model is 100 % capable of mimicking the complex human body but still, researchers have not yet found any alternative model which can completely replace in-vivo models. This review is a holistic approach explaining the various animal models being used for translational research, animal ethical issues, alternative approaches available and provides a critical analysis of major issues/challenges faced in translational research using in-vivo approaches.

Frequency of Non-Firearm Fatalities in Interior Sindh

Objectives: To observe the frequency of non-firearm fatalities in interior of Sindh

Study Design: Observational / descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Mortuary of Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad [LUH] from 1st January, 2015 to 31st December, 2015

Materials and Methods: Fatality records were obtained from mortuary of [LUH] Hyderabad, which comprises of police inquest reports and postmortem reports

During study period 217 cases of Medico legal deaths were brought for postmortem examination in the mortuary of LUH. All cases were sorted according to age, sex and cause of medico legal / unnatural deaths and data was analyzed

Results: The most common type of unnatural death found in every age group was homicide. Among 155 homicidal deaths, road traffic accidents seen in 57 cases [36.77%] as the major cause of death mostly accidental but sometimes may be homicidal. Next cause is sharp weapons which engulf lives of 30 [19.35%] humans. Only 02 [1.29%] cases of suicide were brought to medico legal section. In 05 [3.22%] cases cause of death remains undetermined

Out of total 155 cases, 118 were males [76.12%] and females were 37[23.87%]. The age group most commonly involved was of 21-40years; next group with majority is between ages of 41-60 years while death in 01-20 years of age is equal to deaths in age group of 61-80 years

Conclusion: Our study concludes that among the homicidal deaths non firearm fatalities are predominately due to road traffic accidents followed by sharp weapons

Metal II complexes of ethambutol as good enzyme inhibitor and promising antioxidant

Ethambutoldihydrogenchloride [EMB] with chemical formula C[10]H[24]N[2]O[2].2HCl is ethane-1,2-diamine in which one hydrogen attached to each of the nitrogen is substituted by a 1-hydroxybutan-2-yl group [S,S-configuration]. It is an FDA approved drug and has been used for treatment of tuberculosis since 1960's. Prolong use of EMB has a side effect of visual impairment and in literature it is related with the depletion of Zn metal from the body. As it is a good chelating agent, many metal II complexes have been synthesized with anti-tubercular activity. The purpose of this work was to synthesize metal II complexes of EMB and to evaluate their antioxidant activity along with enzyme inhibition activity [acetylcholine esterase and protease]. The metals used for complex formation were Co, Zn, Fe, Cu and Ni. IR spectral data and physical parameters supported the complex formation. The obtained results showed the synthesized complexes as notable antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors

Isolated fallopian tube torsion: a case report

In children right iliac fossa pain is a common presentation and has a lot of differentials. Of the uncommon differentials, fallopian tube torsion is a rare entity. It is usually not suspected and found peroperatively. We had a 12 years old patient who presented with right iliac fossa pain and was found having isolated fallopian tube torsion. Patient underwent right salpingectomy and is doing well to date

Comparison of sensitivity and specificity of blue yellow primetry versus standard automated primetry in early / glaucoma suspect patients

Purpose: To compare the sensitivity and specificity of short wavelength automated Perimetry [SWAP] with standard automated perimetry [SAP] using the SITA program to detect early or glaucoma suspect patients

Study Design: Cross sectional prospective and comperitative study of perimetric diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of two perimetric methods in early or glaucoma suspect patients

Study Duration: June 2010 - May 2012

Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with ocular hypertension, early glaucoma or suspect patients were enrolled for the perimetric tests. After complete ophthalmic examination, each patient was tested with the standard automated perimetry [SAP], 30-2 thrice and then on short wavelength automated perimetry [SWAP; 24-2] once

Results: The average MD in the SWAP group was significantly higher than in the SAP Group [SWAP - 6.55ds SAP- 2.60db P<0.001]. A significant difference also existed in PSD between the two groups [SWAP: 3.50db, SAP 2.50db, P<0.001]. The test time was longer in the SWAP group than in the SAP group [SWAP: 15min, SAP 13min P<0.001]. However the sensitivity indices were in normal limits. There were significant differences in number of depressed test point locations between two tests strategies. The number of eyes showing cluster of significantly depressed points were more with the SWAP test strategy than with SAP

Conclusion: The SITA, SWAP identified at least much earlier glaucomatous visual field defects than SITA, SAP. The study showed that greater MD and PSD with SWAP

Work-family conflict and burnout among lecturers of public sector colleges

The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between work-family conflict and burnout among the lecturers of Govt. Colleges. Work-family Conflict Scale [Carlson, Kacmar, and Williams, 2000] and Maslach Burnout Inventory [Maslach and Jackson, 1986] were administered on the present sample. A purposive sample of lecturers [N = 200] including male [n = 100] and female [n = 100] was selected from different colleges of Faisalabad Division. Age range of the sample was 26-60 years [M = 41.20]. Pearson correlation was applied to study the relationship among study variables. The findings of the study indicate that Work-family conflict has significant positive correlation with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment, and burnout. Time-based conflict, strain-based conflict, and behavior-based conflict exhibited significant positive correlation with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization of' others, reduced personal accomplishment, and overall burnout. Finally, practical implications are discussed

Relationship between emotional intelligence and academic achievement among higher secondary school students

The main objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and academic achievement among students of higher secondary schools. The secondary objective was to examine the role of various demographic variables of the students including gender socio economic status, parental education and geographical origin in emotional intelligence. The Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory was for data collection. Academic achievement of the participants was measured through their annual results. Pearson correlation and t-test was applied to test the hypotheses. Findings are in line with the hypotheses. Significant relationship found between the two constructs. First born students scored high on emotional intelligence as compared to later born students. Students with literate parents scored high as compared to students with illiterate parents. Students from urban areas scored high as compared to students from rural areas. Students from upper socio-economic students scored high on emotional intelligence as compared to students from lower socio-economic status. Female students scored high as compared to male students

Healthcare waste management [HCWM] in Pakistan: current situation and training options

Hospitals in Pakistan produce about 250,000 tons of waste per year. Hospital waste has been reported to be poorly handled and managed by the hospital staff and administration respectively. This leads to environmental and health consequences within hospitals as well as to outside population. Our study aimed to describe the qualitative results of observations of ten large private and public hospitals in the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Pakistan. The qualitative data was obtained through direct and indirect observations on hospital staff including doctors, nurses, sweepers and persons in administration and the way they handled the waste. Also direct observations of the hospitals premises inside and outside were made and noted. We also describe the process of involving the hospital staff for trainings. Our results showed that almost all of the hospitals did not have practice of HCWM on their priority. Segregation, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of waste were below WHO and Pakistan bio-safety rules 2005 standards. The ten hospitals did not have HCWM rules and regulations in place hence the staff do not follow the best practices in this regard which causes numerous health and environmental consequences not only within the catchment area but also to patients and staff. Our study highlights the lack of HCWM practices within the ten public and private hospitals in two major cities in Pakistan. There is need of trainings of hospital staff in Pakistan. We also found that such trainings are highly feasible if accompanied with incentives to participants

Familial duane's syndrome

To describe a family suffering from Duane's Syndrome. Case series studies. Diagnosis and Research department of Ophthalmology, Allied Hospital, PMC, Faisalabad Oct 2009 [One month]. A Gentle man, 65 years old, shopkeeper, resident of Jaranwala, Faisalabad, presented with his four children two male and two female with complaint of asymmetry of their unilateral eyes, since birth. There was no history of maternal intake of drugs, or smoking during pregnancy. There was no history of trauma or surgery. On examination the unaided vision of all the study cases was 6/6, 6/6. The cornea, conjunctiva, lens, iris, pupil, vitreous and retina of all the subjects was normal. The IOP of the all was also with in normal range. The ocular motility and lid fissure narrowing was noted in different ocular gazes. The lymph nodes and thyroid gland examination was done. The Hiss screen test was done to quantify individual muscle action. The levator function test, cover tests, papillary reactions, slit lamp examination, fundus examination were performed. The lids fatigue ability tests and strength of hands grip was estimated at the last. All cranial nerves were examined. Urine, blood and thyroid tests were requested and documented. The all the cases had lid fissure narrowing in one of their horizontal gazes. The all of them had under action of one of their horizontal muscles. So all the children had been proved to be suffering from unilateral Familial Duane's Syndrome. In our clinical practice the Familial DS is rarely found. None of the study patients showed amblyopia, diplopia, upshots or down shoots phenomenon. Similarly no associated systemic anomalies were seen

Screening in a school for visual acuity and amblyopia

To detect the visual acuity by Snellen visual acuity chart and then to find out the incidence of amblyopia. A descriptive and observational study. School health section of Divisional public school and eye department of Allied Hospital, PMC, Faisalabad. 15 December, 2008 to 31 March, 2009. A total of 2600 school children between age 8 to 16 years were included in the study. The visual acuity at 6 meters was checked. The pin hole vision and vision with glasses was done of each student for each eye [right and left]. The cover, uncover, alternate cover-uncover tests, Hirschberg test [to observe the deviation] and ocular movements were done for each child. Distance direct ophthalmoscopy, and Bruckner's test[to confirm the deviation] were performed at the same setting. Children having defective vision were checked further at Eye department of Allied Hospital, PMC, Faisalabad. Here slit lamp examination was done to role out corneal, lens or vitreous opacities. The anterior chamber activity was noted Cycloplegic refraction and fundus examination of the selected subjects was done. All the findings were entered in the Proforma. Out of 2600 children, 383 [14.73%] had glasses and normal 6/6, 6/6 vision. Seven children [0.27%] had defective vision. 13 children [0.50%] without glasses had vision less than normal. A total of 20 children [0.77%] were found to be having amblyopia. The total children with glasses were 390[15%] while 2210 children [85%] were without glasses and having normal 6/6, 6/6 vision. Anisometropic amblyopia was found in 8 children [0.31%], isoametropia in 6 children [0.23%], strabismic amblyopia in 3 children [0.12%] and stimulus deprivation amblyopia in 3 children [0.12%]. The study showed that amblyopia is found about 1% in the educated families. This can be further eliminated or decreased with routine or periodical check up of the children not only in school but also at the pre school age

Normal conjunctival flora

To determine the prevalence of normal conjunctival flora and its types. An observational study. At Ophtha-lmological Department, DHQ/Allied Hospital, PMC, Faisalabad, from November 2006 to February 2007. This study was performed on 500 patients, aged form 20 years to 70 years with normal looking eyes. The samples of sterile stuart's swab were made on conjunctiva of patients, without touching eyelashes or lid margins. The swabs were touched with conjunctiva of both eyes and placed in stuart's transparent media to shift to microbiological laboratory. Out of 500 swabs 412 [82.4%] showed no growth while 78 [15.6%] showed microbial growth. Out of these 78 swabs, there were 44 [56.41%] having normal flora, while 34 [43.59%] had other pathogens. The normal looking eyes harbour different types of the organisms. Any trauma, accidental hurt or elective surgical procedure is not free from risk of conjunctival infection, keratits or endophthalmitis etc

Cataract surgery; Axial length variation

eajaved@hotmail.com. To describe the variation of axial length in patients undergoing cataract surgery. A retrospective case series. At Opthalmological Department, Allied Hospital, PMC, Faisalabad from May 2006 to June 2007. The axial length of 566 patients who were admitted for cataract surgery were measured with A. scan [Axis II, Quantel]. The eleven patients with age below 15 years and above 90 years and with history of trauma, corneal scarring were excluded. So there were 555 patients for this study. A careful history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, trauma, previous history of surgery, glaucoma and uveitis was taken, and slit lamp examination, tonometry, pupillary reactions, perception and projection of light was done. The data collected was entered in specially designed Performa. An average of ten readings of axial lengths with A-Scan for each patient was taken. Out of 555 patients, there were 350 male [63.06%] and 205 female [36.94%] patients. There were 250[45.05%] patients having age between 46 to 60 years. There were 27[4.86%] patients having age between 15 to 30 years and the same number 27[4.86%] of patients was seem having age between 76 to 90 years. The most of the patients 273[49.18%] had axial length between 23 mm to 25 mm. There were only 3 patients with axial length between 29.01 to 31 mm. There were a significant number of patients, 230[41.45%] having axial length between 21.01 to 23mm. The biometry depends upon axial length, kratometry and anterior chamber depth. Most of the formulae supposed for IOL calculations depend upon only two factors, the axial length and the keratometry. In our community, short and long eyes are very rare and so SRK-T formula for IOL calculations provides satisfactory postoperative results. The axial length carries more importance as its variation causes a gross change in IOL power and postoperative refractive errors

Nd: yag laser capsulotomy and complications

To evaluate the complications of Nd: Yag laser when applied on postoperative posterior capsule opacification [PCO], following extra capsular cataract extraction [ECCE] with intraocular lens [IOL]. Analytical and descriptive study. Eye OPD of DHQ Hospital, PMC and Clinic of Professor Zia ud Din Ahmad, Faisalabad. From Jan 2006 to Jan 2007. There were 120 patients; age ranged from 15 years to 80 years with post operated extra capsular cataract extraction with posterior capsular opacification. A Proforma was made which included detailed history of diabetes, hypertension, time period of cataract extraction, other relevant surgical or medical history, and examination e.g. Visual acuity, slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure measurement [applanation tonometry] dilated posterior capsule examination and slit lamp biomicroscopy etc. The patients were kept under observation for 5 hour and called for follow up after one week. Out of 120 patient s 70 eyes showed visual improvement from 6/18 to 6/6 [58.34%], while 30 Shown visual acuity improvement from count figures to 6/24 [25%], mild anterior uveitis occurred in 8 cases [6.67%], corneal damage in 2 cases [1.6%] while transient raised Intraocular Pressure [IOP] in 7 cases [5.83%]. The damage to IOL observed in 3 [2.5%], the corneal damage was seen in 2 cases [1.67%]. The Nd; Yag Laser is very effective, cheap and easy mode of treatment for PCO with minimal post laser complications

Release of sFasL by monocytes and lymphocytes triggered by betaglucan and zymosan

Polysaccharides have long been used as immune-modulators in various pathologic conditions including inflammation and solid malignancies. To evaluate the effects of Zymosan and Betaglucan on cytotoxic reactions in an effectortarget conjugate system. Blood was obtained from 20 healthy subjects; purified mononuclear leukocytes [monocytes and lymphocytes] were extracted and cultured as effector cells by a cytotoxic method. Both adherent and non-adherent cells interacted with the K562 myeloid cell line. The effector-target [E:T] ratio was 1:1, 1:10, and 1:20. To evaluate stimulatory effects of Betaglucan and Zymosan on cytotoxic reactions, samples were divided into case and control groups based on the presence or absence of Betaglucan and Zymosan. MTT assay and sFas ligand [sFasL] concentrations were used to assess the increased killing capacity of effector cells. Our results revealed that Zymosan and Betaglucan can induce cytotoxic responses in macrophages and lymphocytes [P<0.05]. The best result was achieved with E:T ratio of 1:1. Both macrophages and lymphocytes produced sFasL following stimulation by Zymosan and Betaglucan, however, the level of production was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. Zymosan and Betaglucan can be used as enhancers of the killing capacity of the immune cells; therefore, Betaglucan and Zymosan can be applied as systemic stimulators of the immune response in inflammation and chronic infection

Bread wheat varieties as influenced by different nitrogen levels / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different nitrogen levels on four bread wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum L.) viz. Inqilab-91, Daman-98, Dera-98 and Punjab-96 at Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan (NWFP), Pakistan during 2000 approximatey 2001. The experiment was laid out in split plot design having four replications using a net plot size of 2 m x 5 m. Nitrogen doses used were 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg/ha. The results showed that different nitrogen levels had significant effects on plant height, total number of plants/m(2), number of grains/spike, number of spike/m(2), spike weight, biological yield, grain yield and grain protein content. Maximum plant height, total number of plants/m(2), number of spikes/m(2), spike weight, biological yield and grain protein content were observed at 200 kg N/ha. Among wheat varieties Daman-98 had maximum plant height, spike weight, grains/spike, 1000-grain weight, biological yield and grain yield. Inqilab-91 had heavier grains and the most grain protein content, while Dera-98 had the maximum plant population and spikes/m(2). Grain yield and biological yield were statistically similar at doses of 150 kg N/ha and 200 kg N/ha. However, dose of 200 kg N/ha, compared to dose of 150 Kg N/ha, significantly increased the protein content.