Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Hematological Malignancies Presenting at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan

Background: Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a group of metabolic derangements after the malignant cells die with treatment and leads to complications such as acute renal failure, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, multiple organ failure, and sudden death. TLS is a common potentially preventable complication of hematological malignancies which are the most common cancers in our province. But the data about frequent complications in the course of their management such as TLS is rudimentary. Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine how frequently TLS occurs in our patients. Design and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed and conducted in Pathology Department, King Edward Medical University, Lahore (February 2014-July 2014). Newly diagnosed patients of hematological malignancies were enrolled in the study. The clinical parameters such as age, gender and laboratory parameters such as laboratory diagnosis, Complete Blood Count, Serum Potassium, Serum LDH, Serum Phosphate, Serum Uric Acid, Serum Calcium, and Serum Creatinine were evaluated. Results: A total of 130 patients were enrolled in the study. Eighty were males and 50 were females. Mean age was 47.02 ± 15 years. Thirtytwo patients (25%) fulfilled the criteria for TLS in our setting. TLS was twice more common in females and in 61-80 year age group (36.67%). The frequency of TLS in each hematological malignancy was as follows: ALL 6.15%, AML 5.38%, NHL 5.38%, CML 4.62%, CLL 2.31% and HD 0.77%. Conclusion: TLS is not an uncommon complication of hematological malignancies in our part of the world. It usually occurs after treatment and can be diagnosed and monitored by routinely available biochemical tests. A high index of suspicion is required to optimize the oncology care as this can adversely affect the clinical outcome of these patients

Ocular abnormalities in morbid obesity / Anormalidades oculares na obesidade mórbida

ABSTRACT Purpose: Obesity is associated with eye diseases, but the underlying structural changes and pathogenic mechanisms have not been examined in detail. Here, we assessed the effects of morbid obesity on the morphometric indices of eye disease. Methods: Morbidly obese volunteers (n=101, body mass index [BMI] ³40) and healthy individuals (n=95, BMI: 18.50-24.99) were examined by Goldman applanation tonometry, pachymetry, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth, axial length, central corneal thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, central foveal thickness, and choroidal thickness were compared between groups. Results: Uncorrected intraocular pressure was significantly greater in the morbidly obese group than in the healthy control group (15.5 ± 2.5 vs. 14.5 ± 2.6 mmHg, p=0.009), whereas axial length, anterior chamber depth, and central corneal thickness did not differ between the groups. The mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness at the temporal quadrant was reduced in the morbidly obese group (72.7 ± 13.6 vs. 85.05 ± 52.6 mm, p=0.024). Similarly, the mean retinal thicknesses at nasal and temporal 1500-mm locations were lower in the morbidly obese group (346.6 ± 18.2 vs. 353.7 ± 18.8 mm, p=0.008; 323.1 ± 20.3 vs. 330.0 ± 18.9 mm, p=0.001). The mean choroidal thickness was also reduced in almost all measurement locations (fovea, temporal 500 and 1000 mm, and nasal 500, 1000, and 1500 mm) of the obese group (p<0.05). Weight and BMI were negatively correlated with subfoveal choroidal thickness (r=-0.186, p=0.009; r=-0.173, p=0.015). Conclusion: Morbid obesity is associated with elevated uncorrected intraocular pressure and signs of neuropathy and retinopathy. Obesity may thus increase the risks of glaucoma and glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

RESUMO Objetivo: A obesidade está associada a doenças oulares, mas as mudanças estruturais subjacentes e os mecanismos patogênicos não foram examinados detalhadamente. Aqui avaliamos os efeitos da obesidade mórbida nos índices morfométricos da doença ocular. Métodos: Voluntários obesos mórbidos (n=101, índice de massa corporal ³40) e indivíduos saudáveis (n=95, índice de massa corporal 18,50 a 24,99) foram examinados por tonometria de aplanação de Goldman, paquimetria e tomografia de coerência óptica de domício espectral. A pressão intraocular, profundidade da câmara anterior, comprimento axial, espessura central da córnea, espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina, espessura foveal central e espessura da coroide foram comparadas entre os grupos. Resultados: A pressão intraocular não corrigida foi significativamente maior no grupo com obesidade mórbida do que no grupo controle saudável (15,5 ± 2,5 vs. 14,5 ± 2,6 mmHg, p=0,009), enquanto que o comprimento axial, profundidade da câmara anterior e espessura central da córnea não diferiram entre os grupos. A espessura média da camada de fibras nervosas da retina no quadrante temporal foi reduzida no grupo com obesidade mórbida (72,7 ± 13,6 vs. 85,05 ± 52,6 mm, p=0,024). Da mesma forma, a média das espesuras da retinianas nas localizações nasal e temporal de 1500 m foi menor no grupo com obesidade mórbida (346,6 ± 18,2 mm vs. 353,7 ± 18,8 mm, p=0,008; 323,1 ± 20,3 mm vs. 330,0 ± 18,9 mm, p=0,001). A espessura média da coroide também foi reduzida em quase todos os locais de mensuração (fóvea, temporal 500 e 1000 mm, nasal 500, 1000 e 1500 mm) do grupo obeso (p<0,05). Peso e índice de massa corporal foram negativamente correlacionados com a espessura da coroide subfoveal (r=-0,186, p=0,009; r=-0,173, p=0,015). Conclusão: A obesidade mórbida está associada à elevada pressão intraocular não corrigida e a sinais de neuropatia e retinopatia. A obesidade pode, assim, aumentar os riscos de glaucoma e neuropatia óptica glaucomatosa.

Aberrant renal arteries and their clinical significance

Paired kidneys are located retroperitoneally in para-vertebral gutters and receive 20% of cardiac output. Each kidney is supplied by a single renal artery from aorta in 70% of individuals. Identifying and reporting variations in renal vasculature. This was a case report, from CMH Lahore Medical College, Lahore. Anatomical variations in the vascular pattern of kidneys have been well documented in medical literature. Aberrant renal arteries hold significant importance in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Knowing the possibilities of aberrant renal vessels, provides a better approach to radiological and surgical interventions in cases of nephrectomies, renal tumors, transplants and renal vascular disorders. In this milieu, present case is being reported to highlight multiple variations in renal vascular pattern. There was left sided accessory renal artery originating from aorta along with unusually long and little tortuous principal renal artery. There was hilar congestion due to complex arrangement of unusually long pre-hilar portion of segmental veins draining into short renal vein. On the right side extra-hilar [aberrant] renal arteries combined with complex branching pattern of renal arteries was observed in a 40 years old male cadaver, detected during dissection performed in routine gross anatomy course

First case of bimaxillary transmigration of impactedcanines: report of a rare case and review of literature / Primeiro caso de transmigração bimaxilar de caninosimpactados: relato de um caso raro e revisão da literatura

Objective: To present a rare case of bimaxillary transmigration of impacted canines. Discussion: Preeruptivemigration of a tooth across the midline is termed transmigration. Transmigration typically affectsthe mandibular canines, but occurs rarely in maxillary canines as well. Transmigration of mandibular canineacross the midline is rare. An even less common finding is transmigration of maxillary canine acrossthe midline. The least common finding is bimaxillary occurrence of canines transmigration. Conclusion:Migration of both upper and lower canine teeth on the same side across the midline is called bimaxillarytransmigration, which is a very rare phenomenon of oral and maxillofacial complex, often undetected inroutine dental examination, neither clinical, nor periapical radiographic examination.

Objetivo: Apresentar um caso raro de transmigração bimaxilar de caninos impactados. Discussão: A migraçãopré-eruptiva de um dente através da linha média é denominado transmigração. A transmigraçãotipicamente afeta os caninos inferiores, mas pode ocorrer raramente em caninos superiores também. Transmigraçãode canino inferior através da linha média é rara, porém um achado ainda menos comum é a ocorrênciade transmigração bimaxilar de caninos. Conclusão: A migração de caninos superiores e inferiores nomesmo lado e cruzando a linha média é chamada de transmigração bimaxilar, um fenômeno raro de sistema bucal e maxilofacial, frequentemente diagnosticado em exame clínico odontológico de rotina ou exame radiográficoperiapical.

Breast lumps in adolescent and young female: are all benign?

Objective: To analyze the pattern of presentation and pathology of breast lump in adolescents and young female patients

Methods: Medical records of female patients below 30 years presenting with palpable breast lump at Liaquat University Hospital during August 2008 to July 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients having acute mastitis, inflammatory carcinoma and recurrent malignant or benign lesions were excluded from study

Results: A total of 214 patients were included in study. Mean age was 22.11 years. Approximately 46% of the patients were at the age 20 or less. Most common mode of presentation was painless lump in 61.22% followed by pain and lump in 20.56%.The histopathology of resected specimen showed that fibroadenoma was the most common lump while benign phylloides was the least common. Carcinoma breast was identified in 25 cases, of which 3 cases were at age 20 or less. The commonest histopathology was infiltrating duct cell carcinoma [60%], followed by lobular carcinoma [16%], scirrhous carcinoma [12%] and medullary carcinoma in 8 %. The Paget's disease was found in 4%

Conclusion: We found an increased frequency of breast cancer in comparatively younger age. These findings suggest that any female patient with palpable breast lump should preferably be managed by surgeon with special interest and training in breast diseases

Benign lesions in abdominal hysterectomies in women presenting with menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is a common and debilitating problem. It is one of the major causes leading to hysterectomy in women all over the world. Menorrhagia is most commonly associated with benign pathologies like uterine fibroids, adenomyosis and pelvic infection. Rarely it is secondary to malignant pathology like endometrial carcinoma. Hysterectomy specimens form a major component of histopathological work in Pathology laboratories. The present study was undertaken in Pathology department, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore to find out the morphology and frequency of different benign histopathological lesions in total abdominal hysterectomy specimens in patients presenting with menorrhagia. A descriptive case series study of one hundred total abdominal hysterectomies of patients presenting with menorrhagia carried out. Patients' data and detailed gross examination of specimens were recorded on a proforma. Representative sections were taken for microscopic examination and findings were recorded. The ages of the patients ranged from 30- 59 years with maximum number [73%] of cases in 40 - 49 years age group. Macroscopically fibroids were seen in 69% cases in myometrium. Microscopic examination of cervix revealed features of chronic cystic cervicitis in 100% cases. Endometrial histology showed disordered proliferation [41%] followed by hyperplasia [25%] as the commonest finding. Myometrium revealed foci of adenomyosis in 49% cases. The commonest neoplastic lesion was leiomyoma [69%]. In patients with menorrhagia the commonest neoplastic lesion was leiomyoma [69%], and commonest histopathological cervical lesion as chronic cervicitis [100%]. Endometrial hyperplasia was the most common lesion [41%] on endometrial histology. Myometrium revealed foci of adenomyosis in 49% cases

Efficacy of strictureplasty in tuberculous strictures of small intestine

To assess the efficacy of strictureplasty for tuberculous stricture of small intestine. This is a retrospective descriptive study, conducted at Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro [LUH] during period of 5 years from July 2004 to June 2009. Sixty patients of small intestinal tuberculosis presented with stricture of small intestine and underwent strictureplasty were the subject of this study. The procedure was done conventionally in all cases, in 70% intestine was closed in two layers while in remaining it was done as single layer. Early complications were seen in 23 cases which included anastomotic leakage with fistula formation [9 cases [15%]], burst abdomen [5 cases [8.34%]] and subdiaphragmatic abscess [9 cases [15%]] The late complications observed after mean follow up of two years include intestinal obstruction that necessitated readmission was seen was in 9 cases [15%], however the re-exploration was required in five cases. Incisional hernia was seen in 9 cases [15%].Though the post operative complications are frequent after strictureplasty yet the procedure is safe and simple for tuberculous stricture of small intestine as it requires minimum expertise, less operative time and above all preserve gut's length

Cyclosporin induced effects on foetal kidney in albino mice

Cyclosporin A [CsA] is an immunosuppressive agent which is used to prevent graft rejection and to treat autoimmune disorders. Its teratogenic effects remain unexplored despite its extensive use even during pregnancy. Current study was, therefore, undertaken to investigate the effects of CsA on the developing kidney. Twelve pregnant mice were divided into two groups, A and B, having six animals each. Cyclosporin was freshly prepared in normal saline daily and administered subcutaneously by a single dose of 50 mg/kg in the morning to experimental group B during pregnancy from day 0 to day 18. The control group A was given comparable volume of normal saline only. The pregnant mice were sacrificed at the end of experimental period. The foetal kidneys were dissected and fixed in 10% formalin for histological preparations. The results showed that weight of the foetuses and their kidneys exposed to CsA was consistently reduced. The mean weight of the foetuses exposed to CsA was 1.34 +/- 0.08 g as compared to 1.48 +/- 0.18 g in the control group whereas the mean kidney weight from CsA treated group was 9.47 +/- 0.27 mg when compared to the control having 10.79 +/- 0.53 mg. Morphometric analysis revealed reduction in total number of glomeruli and hypertrophy of remaining glomeruli. The total number of glomeruli/mm[2] in the kidneys from CsA treated group was 26.85 +/- 4.43 as compared to 41.33 +/- 3.66 from the control group and the mean diameter of glomeruli from the foetuses of groups A and B was 7.11 +/- 0.47 mm and 8.66 +/- 0.63 mm respectively; the differences between the groups A and B of the animals on all the parameters above were statistically significant [p<0.000]. The results of the investigation indicated that CsA administration to the pregnant dams produced deleterious effects of on the developing kidney in mice. On the analogy of the results, comparable effects of CsA are expected in case of human; this, however, needs further investigations

Teratogenic effects of lead acetate on kidney

Lead remains a considerable occupational and public health problem, which is known to cause a number of adverse effects in both men and women. Conflicting reports have appeared on lead induced nephrotoxicity in experimental studies in the past. There is hardly any work on its teratogenic effects on kidney. Present study was therefore designed to investigate the effects of lead acetate on developing kidney. Twelve mice were used as experimental model and were divided into two groups of six animals each; group A served as control group and B was used as an experimental group. Lead acetate [10 mg/kg] dissolved in 0.02 ml of distilled water was administered as a single daily dose orally to group B whereas weight related amount of distilled water was given to group A for the entire period of experiment. On 18[th] day of gestation foetuses were dissected free of uterine wall under the dissecting microscope and were sacrificed; kidneys were removed and fixed in 10% formalin, dehydrated in ascending grades of alcohol, cleared in xylene and infiltrated with filtered paraffin. The paraffin blocks were made and five micron thin sections were obtained using a rotary microtome. The sections were stained with Hematoxylin and eosin and, PAS; these were examined under light microscope. Significant decrease in cortical thickness was observed which varied from 578.6 +/- 1.4 micro m in group A to 515.6 +/- 5 micro m in group B [p<0.001]. Diameter of renal corpuscles varied from 57.7 +/- 0.07 micro m in group A to 50.5 +/- 0.07 micro m in group B [p<0.001]. Moderate cortical tubular atrophy showing thickening of endothelial basement membrane in glomeruli, desquamated epithelium with degenerated nuclei in proximal and distal tubules were observed in group B in contrast to group A. The results of the investigation indicated that lead acetate administration to the dams produced deleterious effects on the developing kidney in mice

Protective effects of garlic oil on acetaminophen induced nephrotoxicity in male albino rats

Acetaminophen is a severe hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic drug. This study was undertaken to examine the preventive effects of garlic oil, obtained by steam distillation of crushed garlic, on acetaminophen induced nephrotoxicity in male albino rats. Twenty four albino rats, 6-8 weeks old, weighing 150-200 gm, were used; these were divided into four groups having six rats in each. Group I served as control and was given normal saline 5ml/kg intraperitoneally on 7[th] day of the experiment. Group II was treated with a single dose of acetaminophen [1000 mg/kg] dissolved in 5 ml of normal saline, given intraperitoneally on 7[th] day of the experiment. Group III was given orally garlic oil, 100 mg/kg in 1ml of corn oil, daily for one week before giving an intraperitoneal injection of acetaminophen on 7[th] day of experiment. Group IV was treated with corn oil orally, 1ml/kg for one week. At the end of the experiment, the animals were anaesthetized under chloroform and blood from each animal was drawn by cardiac puncture for renal function tests. The animals were then sacrificed under anaesthesia and the kidneys were removed; these were normal in gross appearance with no significant difference between control and experimental groups. Slides were prepared for histological study; these were stained with H and E and PAS, examined under light microscope, evaluated by using the different parameters including measurement of size of glomeruli and nuclei of epithelial cells of proximal and distal convoluted tubules. Statistical analysis showed that garlic oil pretreatment significantly reduced acetaminophen induced nephrotoxicity as evidenced by amelioration of histological changes in size of glomerulus from 51.50 +/- 3.60 micro in group II to 84.63 +/- 2.89 micro in group III [p<0.001]. Garlic oil also reduced deleterious effects of acetaminophen on tubules of kidney as evidenced by absence of vacuolation and granularity of epithelial cells of proximal and distal convoluted tubules and, protein casts in thick ascending limb of loop of Henle in all rats of group III. Value of serum urea was restored from 95.28 +/- 2.90 mg/dl in group II to 65.15 +/- 2.68 mg/dl in group III [p<0.001] and that of serum creatinine from 2.71 +/- 0.68 mg/dl in group II to 1.73 +/- 0.04 mg/dl in group III [p < 0.03]. It was therefore, concluded from current results that garlic oil is useful in protecting acetaminophen induced nephrotoxicity

Gentamycin induced nephrotoxicity in albino mice

Twelve, male albino mice, aged 6-8 weeks, were injected intraperitoneally, aqueous solution of gentamicin [80 mg / kg / day] for fifteen days and the effects observed on the kidney structure and function. Group A served as control while Group B was given gentamicin. At the end of the experiment, blood was drawn from each animal by cardiac puncture for renal function tests and kidneys were fixed for histological studies. In group B, values of serum urea [66.40 +/- 0.54 mg/dl] and serum creatinine [1.41 +/- 0.08 mg/dl] were significantly increased [p < 0.001] when compared with control group A [34.73 +/- 0.84 and 0.53 +/- 0.04 mg/dl respectively]. Both body weight [p < 0.001] and kidney weight [p < 0.05] decreased significantly in gentamicin treated groups. In histological preparations from group B, the proximal convoluted tubules in cortex were dilated and their epithelial cells showed hydropic changes with cytoplasmic vacuolations in some areas. Loss of brush border, patchy necrosis, presence of cellular debris and accumulation of inflammatory exudates within lumina of proximal convoluted tubules were also observed. The renal medulla from group B, showed an increase in intra-luminal tubular protein casts. Chi-square test showed statistically significant [p < 0.00] association between tubular necrosis and tubular casts. It is concluded that gentamycin is nephrotoxic in albino mice

Epidermoid inclusion cyst of the perineum- a rare case report in a 50 years old male

A 50 year old male presented with a history of mid line painless swelling in the perineum for last 4 years. The patient's only concern was a perineal swelling which was gradually increasing in size. Clinical examination mimics subcutaneous lipoma with soft lobulated surface with positive slip sign. The base line investigations were within normal limits. Complete surgical excision of the cyst performed. Histopathology confirmed epidermal inclusion cyst with no evidence of malignancy. Patient discharged on next day. The follow-up visits were un-remarkable. Perineal epidermal inclusion cyst is a rare entity and only few cases have been reported

Histological changes in fetal liver after maternal treatment with panax ginseng

It is generally believed that 'natural' herbal medicines are better and safer than conventional medicines. Various in vitro studies have proved that Ginsenosides exert direct teratogenic affects on rat and mouse embryos and there is a significant variability in embryotoxic effects of different Ginsenosides. Histological examination revealed signs of hepatocyte degeneration, sinusoidal congestion and erythrocyte infiltration in the sections of liver. The changes encountered in the treated groups were dose dependant; these were marked in the high dose treated group. Ginsenosides present in the commercially available Ginseng products have teratogenic effects in vivo, although results from animal teratogenicity may not reflect the circumstances in humans. Our investigation indicates that Ginseng products have teratogenic effects in vivo and suggest that further investigations and monitoring of effects of Ginsenosides on human embryoes are warranted

Incidence of dengue haemorrhagic fever in local population of Lahore, Pakistan

Dengue virus infection is the most common mosquito born viral disease and is a major public health problem [globally]. More than 2.5 billion people in over 112 countries of the world are at risk from dengue virus. According to WHO, more than 100 million new cases of dengue fever occur world wide including dengue haemorrhagic fever [500,000] cases and Dengue Shock Syndrome [DSS] along with 2.5% mortality rate. In Pakistan incidence of dengue is increasing since 1994 and is becoming an important public health problem. Among the 341 acute cases, 166 [48.7%] were confirmed by IgM dengue specific kit, 27 [7.9%] in gray zone and 148 [43.4%] were negative. IgG was used on 200 suspected re-infected patients. Among them 79 [39.5%] were positive, 3 [1.5%] in gray zone and 118 [59%] were negative. Male to female ration was 1.25:1. Most patients presented typical sign and symptoms of fever, headache, myalgia, anorexia, malaise, skin rash and retroorbital pain in 98, 81, 75, 63, 47 and 41% respectively in descending order. Among 245 confirmed dengue fever patients 43 [17.6%] were considered dengue haemorrhagic fever cases on the basis of lab and clinical findings. More prevalence has been observed in old age [37.8%] as compared to children [7.1%] in age group 1-15 years. Continuous surveillance and education of the clinician is essential for the recognition of the risk factors of dengue haemorrhagic fever for early diagnosis and management

Frequency of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing gram negative bacilli among clinical isolates

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase [ESBL]-producing bacteria are emerging pathogens. They are descended by genetic mutation from native beta-lactamases found in gram negative bacteria, especially infectious strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species. Clinicians, microbiologists, infection control practitioners, and hospital epidemiologists are concerned about ESBL-producing bacteria because of the increasing incidence of such infections, the limitations of effective antimicrobial drug therapy, and adverse patient outcomes. The present study was undertaken to determine the frequency of ESBL producing gram negative bacilli recovered from clinical specimens in our setup. A total of 3099 gram negative isolates recovered from various clinical samples during the period of January 2007 to December 2008 were processed for the detection of ESBL production. Among them 35.5% bacterial strains were found to be ESBL producers. The commonest ESBL producing organism isolated was Escherecia coli [44.8%], followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae [38.6%]. Production of ESBLs by gram negative bacteria is emerging as a widespread problem in our setup. Appropriate infection control and antibiotic management strategies are needed to stem the spread of this emerging form of resistance

Prevention of ethambutol induced changes by memantine in optic nerve of rabbit

This study was designed to evaluate the prevention of ethambutol [EMB] induced toxicity in optic nerve by memantine. Forty optic nerve specimens were obtained from twenty New Zealand albino rabbits; these were divided into four groups, each comprising five animals. Group A, was given distilled water according to their weight, in addition to water ad libitum. Group B was treated with EMB 100 mg/kg/day and groups C and D were treated with memontine [MEM], 1 and 5 mg/kg/day respectively, in addition to EMB for four weeks which was given one hour before administering EMB. Optic nerves were removed after sacrificing the animals under anaesthesia and processed for histological examination. It was observed that the preparations from group B showed marked vacuolation of axoplasm [205.60 +/- 49.33] the difference was statistically significant when compared with groups A [2.80 +/- 0.22], C [2.80 +/- 0.98] and D [1.33 +/- 0.37], It was concluded that EMB induced vacuolar changes could be prevented by using MEM

Vitamin A induced teratogenicity of heart in albino mice

The current study was designed to determine in vivo the embryotoxic potential of retinoic acid during organogenic period of mouse embryo. Retinoic acid [60 mg/kg], was administered orally to pregnant mice on 7[th], 8[th] and 9[th] days of gestation. Animals were sacrificed on the 8[th] day. Fetuses, whose dams had received retinoic acid showed, growth retardation and cardiac malformations. The decrease in mean fetal weight and their CRL was statistically significant. Effects on the heart included enlargement and change in its shape; the myocardium showed myofibrillar disarray, apoptosis and hypoplastic compact zone. Retinoic acid, which is an effective therapy for cystic acne and other dermatological disorders, is highly teratogenic during the period of organogenesis and therefore, should be avoided in early pregnancy

Effects of tribulus terrestris on testicular development of immature albino rats

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of extract of Tribulus terrestris on body weight and testicular development of prepubertal rats. The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore. Two-week old rats were divided into two groups of 10 pups each [A: control and B: experimental]. Group B was given Tribulus Terrestris in an oral dose of 70mg/kg daily for 20 days. Pups were weighed and sacrificed on 34[th] day post-natally; their testes were removed for gross and microscopic studies using 4 micro m thick H and E and PAS stained histological sections. Statistical analysis was done using independent-samples t test. Pups received tribulus terrestris extract showed statistically significant increase in mean body [p<0.05] and paired testes weight [p<0.05] without significant effect on the mean relative tissue body weight index [p>0.05]. Histological slides of the testes showed a significant increase in seminiferous tubules containing early spermatids in the treated group when compared to that of control [p<0.05]. The mean diameter of seminiferous tubules in the treated group was also noticeably increased [p<0.05]. Spermatids of the experimental group were at acrosomal phase of spermogenesis, whereas, those of control group were at Golgi phase, implying thereby that spermatogenesis was present at an advanced stage in the experimental as compared to the control group of animals

Racial polymorphism in talar articular facets of calcaneum

Abstract: Calcaneum is a cancellous, subcutaneous, weight bearing bone that is considered a useful indicator for sex determination, stature estimation, and determination of osteoporosis; however, the role of Calcaneum in racial evaluation is often overlooked

Materials and Methods: In the current study a total of 350 dry calcanei were analyzed; all the bones came from adult Pakistani subjects of both sexes., and on comparison with Indian, Egyptian and Spanish patterns a definite predominance of type 1 talar articular facets was seen in Pakistani population

Conclusion: It is therefore proposed that the pattern of talar articular facets of Calcaneum is a useful indicator for racial differentiation

Corpora amylacea in human cadaveric brain age related differences

The present study was designed to investigate the age related deposits of corpora amylacea [CA] in the human cadaveric brain. It is an observational study which was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore. The duration of the study was two years. Sixty brain specimens [age 19-72 years] from cadavers were collected from the mortuary of the King Edward Medical University, Lahore and were divided into two groups, A and B comprising less than and more than sixty years of age respectively. CA were observed in memory related areas of the brain specially in frontal lobe and hippocampus. The presence and location of CA in two groups were compared with each other. Statistical analysis was carried out, using Chi Square test. The results showed significant increase in the presence of CA in frontal lobe and hippocampus with advancing age and the difference was statistically significance in these locations [p < 0.00005 and p < 0.0001] respectively. The presence and number of CA is age related; it is contended that it interferes with the function of neurons and presumably affects the memory