Neuroprotective potential of polydatin against motor abnormalities and dopaminergic neuronal loss in rotenone induced Parkinson model / Potencial neuroprotector de la polidatina contra las anomalías motoras y la pérdida neuronal dopaminérgica en un modelo de Parkinson inducido por la rotenona

Among the neurodegenerative disorders, Parkinson disease (PD) is ranked as second most common. The pathological hallmark is selective degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the nigro-striatal regions of brain with appearance of the Lewy bodies. Present study explores the neuro-protective potential of polydatin in terms of amelioration of degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in nigro-striatal regions of brain and distorted neuromotor behavior in the rotenone model of Parkinson's disease. Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups. Group A (control), Group B (rotenone treated) and Group C (rotenone+polydatin treated). Rotenone was administrated intraperitoneally (i.p) at a dose of 3 mg/kg/body weight while polydatin was given i.p. at a dose of 50 mg/ kg/body weight for four weeks. Then, animals were sacrificed; substantia nigra (SN) & striatum isolated from brain and five micron thick sections were prepared. Cresyl violet (CV), H&E and Immuno-histochemical staining using anti-TH antibody was done. Motor behavior was assessed weekly throughout the experiment using five different methods. Rotenone treated parkinsonian animals showed deterioration of motor behavior, weight loss, loss of dopaminergic neurons and diminished immune-reactivity in the sections from the nigrostriatal regions of these animals Polydatin+rotenone treatment showed contradicting effects to parkinsonism, with amelioration in weight loss, neuro-motor behavior, dopaminergic loss and immune-reactivity against dopaminergic neurons. Present study revealed a neuro-protective potential of polydatin in animal model of PD by ameliorating the neuro-motor abnormalities and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in nigrostriatal regions.

Entre los trastornos neurodegenerativos, la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) se clasifica como la segunda más común. El sello patológico es la degeneración selectiva de las neuronas dopaminérgicas en las regiones nigro-estriatales del cerebro, con la aparición de los cuerpos de Lewy. El presente estudio explora el potencial de protección neuronal de la polidatina en términos de la mejora de la degeneración de las neuronas dopaminérgicas en las regiones nigro-estriatales del cerebro y el comportamiento neuromotor distorsionado en el modelo de rotenona de la enfermedad de Parkinson. Treinta y seis ratas macho Sprague Dawley se dividieron en tres grupos: Grupo A (control), Grupo B (tratado con rotenona) y Grupo C (tratamiento con rotenona + polidatina). La rotenona se administró por vía intraperitoneal (i.p.) a una dosis de 3 mg/kg/peso corporal, mientras que la polidatina se administró i.p. a una dosis de 50 mg/kg/ peso corporal durante cuatro semanas. Posteriormente, los animales fueron sacrificados. Se aislaron la substantia nigra (SN) y cuerpo estriado de los cerebros y se realizaron secciones de cinco micras de espesor. Se realizó una tinción de violeta de cresilo (CV), H&E y tinción inmunohistoquímica usando anticuerpo anti-TH. El comportamiento motriz se evaluó semanalmente durante todo el experimento utilizando cinco métodos diferentes. Los animales parkinsonianos tratados con rotenona mostraron deterioro del comportamiento motriz, pérdida de peso, pérdida de neuronas dopaminérgicas y disminución de la reactividad inmune en las secciones de las regiones nigroestriadas. El tratamiento con polidatina + rotenona mostró efectos contrarios al parkinsonismo, con mejoría en la pérdida de peso, en el comportamiento motor, en la pérdida dopaminérgica y en la reactividad inmune contra las neuronas dopaminérgicas. El presente estudio reveló un potencial de protección neuronal de la polidatina en el modelo animal de la EP al mejorar las anomalías neuro-motoras y la degeneración de las neuronas dopaminérgicas en las regiones nigroestriatales.

Lithium induced histological alteration in testes of albino rats and theiramelioration with vitamin E

Objective: To evaluate the lithium induced histological alteration in testes of albino rats and their amelioration by Vitamin E

Study Design: Experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at department of Anatomy, Baqai Medical University, Karachi from July 2010 to August 2010

Materials and Methods: The rats were assigned into three experimental groups [eight rats/group]: control group, lithium group and lithium plus vitamin E treated group. Lithium [50 mg/kg/day] and vitamin E [50mg/kg/day] were given intraperitoneally for 21 days. At the end of experiment, rats were sacrificed and testes removed and processed for routine H and E. Slides were studied for histological examination under light microscope

Results: Lithium treated rats showed decreased body and testicular weights, spermatogenic cells such as primary and secondary spermatocytes and spermatids were decreased, very little spermatozoa were seen in lumen of seminiferous tubules, significant increase in tubular count observed while tubular diameter, germinal epithelial thickness, number and size of nuclei of leydig cells were highly significantly reduced. In lithium plus vitamin E treated group, body and testicular weight, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids were restored near to control. Tubular lumen also showed many spermatozoa. Tubular diameter, germinal epithelial thickness, numberand size of nuclei of leydig cells were also returned tocontrol

Conclusion: Our study conclude that lithium causes detrimental effect on testicular morphology through oxidative stress and vitamin E provided protection through its antioxidative property

Effect of previous exposure to HBV on liver histology and treatment response in CHC patients

To analyze the influence of previous exposure to HBV on liver histology and treatment outcomes in chronic hepatitis C [CHC] patients. Case control study. Rawalian Liver Clinic, Department of Medicine, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January 2011 to December 2012. Medical records of CHC patients attending the Rawalian Liver Clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Virological and treatment responses along with histological changes were compared between cases [anti-HBc positive] and controls [anti-HBc negative]. Significance was determined through chi-square test at p < 0.05. Among the 592 CHC patients, 254 [42.9%] had serological evidence of a positive anti-HBc [cases] and 338 [57.1%], patients had negative anti-HBc [controls]. No significant difference was found between ETR, SVR and treatment responses [n=220] between the two groups. Out of 65 patients whose liver biopsy data was available, cases were more likely to respond in the absence of fibrosis [63.2%, [n=24] vs. 36.8%, [n=14], p=0.001]. The controls responded more in the presence of fibrosis [100% [n=9] vs. 0, p=0.001]. There was no significant effect of anti-HBc positivity on grades of inflammation and consequent treatment response [p=0.14]. There are a significant number of CHC patients with markers of previous HBV infection in Pakistani population. Previous HBV [anti-HBc positive] does not seem to have an adverse effect on liver histology and treatment responses in HBV infection

Factors responsible for the prolonged stay of surgical neonates in intensive care units

The length of hospital stay [HS] for patients is a major concern due to its social, economic and administrative implications; this is particularly important for neonates admitted to intensive care units [ICUs]. This study aimed to determine the factors responsible for prolonged HS in surgical neonates. This retrospective study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, in Muscat, Oman. The medical records of 95 neonates admitted to the neonatal ICU who underwent general surgical procedures between July 2009 and June 2013 were reviewed. Mann-Whitney U and Pearson's Chi-squared tests were used for non-parametric numerical and categorical variables, respectively. A multiple regression analysis was performed to find a relationship between the variables and to detect the most important factor responsible for prolonged HS. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Gestational age, birth weight, number of days on a ventilator and postoperative morbidity were associated with prolonged HS. Furthermore, the age of neonates at first full enteral feed was associated with increased HS using both independent and multiple regression analyses. Prolonged HS can occur as a result of many factors. In this study, a number of factors were identified, including low gestational age, low birth weight, increased number of days on a ventilator and postoperative morbidity. Additionally, neonate age at first full enteral feeds also correlated with increased HS. Further research on this topic is suggested to explore this correlation in more detail and to inform future practices

Character Association and Heritability Analysis in Pakistani Elite Bread Wheat Cultivars.

An investigation was done on correlation and heritability analysis for 09 characters on 20 advance bread wheat cultivars which were grown in randomized complete block design with three replications during rabi, 2012-13. The trait grain yield per plant made positive and significant association with productive tillers per plant, spike length, spikelets per spike, grains per spike, seed index, total biomass and harvest index. Indicating a thorough selection for these traits will automatically improve seed yield in wheat because the five yield contributing traits are associated among themselves, selection in one of the traits will wholly result in the improvement of the other traits. Significant and negative correlation was revealed by plant height with productive tillers per plant, spike length, spikelets per spike and seed index, suggesting that dwarf wheat genotypes are by and large good yielders. High heritability estimates were observed for seed index, total biomass, grains per spike and plant height, indicating that these traits were predominantly controlled by additive gene effects and direct selection may be effective for these traits.

experience of open Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty

To document the outcome of open Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty for pelviureteric junction [PUJ] obstruction in terms of renal function and complications. Descriptive study. Department of Urology at Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women Hospital Shaheed Benazir Abad [Nawabshah] from 2007 to 2009. Thirty consecutive cases of pelviureteric junction obstruction were admitted. All patients underwent Anderson-Hynes open pyeloplasty. Complications and outcome were recorded. Most of our patients were male [n=25]. Majority belonged to age group 1-5 year [n=18]. Left side was affected in most of the cases [n=22]. Low incidence of postoperative accepted complications noted. Post operative outcome was excellent In relation to improved drainage and renal function. Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty was safe, with low postoperative complication rate and better renal function preservation

patterns and causes of neonatal mortality at a tertiary hospital in Oman

To report the patterns and causes of neonatal death from a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit over a period of four years. This is a retrospective cohort study where four years data [January 2006 - December 2009] of all inborn neonatal admissions and deaths were collected from the neonatal intensive care unit at Sultan Qaboos University hospital on predesigned forms. All out born admissions and deaths were excluded. The causes of neonatal death were classified using Wigglesworth's classification. The number of inborn live births during the study period was 10064 and the total number of inborn neonatal admissions was 1475. The total deaths [neonatal and post neonatal] at the neonatal intensive care unit was 73 [63 inborn and 10 out born]. Among the inborn, five deaths were post neonatal deaths and hence, excluded from analysis. Among the remaining inborn neonatal deaths [n=58], 34 [59%] were males and 24 [41%] were females. The number of neonatal admissions increased over the years during the study period from 248 to 356, while the number of deaths also increased from 10 deaths in 2006, to 20 deaths in 2009. The primary causes of neonatal deaths were prematurity and its complications 52% [n=30]. Lethal congenital malformations lead to 17 [29%] newborn deaths, specific diagnosis in 7 newborns [12%], and birth asphyxia in four [7%] of cases. There was an increasing trend of neonatal admissions and deaths among inborn babies. Prematurity, with sepsis as its major complication and congenital malformations were the leading cause of neonatal mortality.

Truncated type II isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase from hyperthermophilic achaeon thermococcus kodakaraensis implicates the necessity of its N-terminal amino acid residues in protein thermostability

The enzyme isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase [IDI, EC 5.3.3.2] interconverts isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate. We had previously cloned Tk-idi gene encoding the thermostable Tk-IDI enzyme from Thermococcus kodakaraensis KOD1. Four putative start codons were found on Tk-idi gene at 123, 213, 297 and 321 positions downstream of the first start codon. In the present work four mutants were obtained by deleting 123, 213, 297 and 321 nucleotides from the 5'-end of Tk-idi gene to obtain Tk-idim, Tk-idim1, Tk-idim2, and Tk-idim3, respectively. When we tried to express these truncated genes in Escherichia coli only Tk-idim was expressed in the active form. The product, Tk-IDIM, was purified and characterized. The molecular mass of the enzyme, estimated by gel filtration chromatography, was 300 kDa which indicated that the truncated enzyme retained the octameric form. The removal of 41 N-terminal amino acids did not exhibit a significant effect on the enzyme activity however, the thermostability of the enzyme decreased. The decrease in thermostability of Tk-IDIM correlated well with the results of circular dichroism [CD] analysis and structural modeling

Comparison of pain and bleeding after open and closed haemorrhoidectomy

To compare closed and open haemorrhoidectomy by terms of post-operative pain and bleeding. Comparative study. Department of Surgery Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences, Nawabshah from May 2011 to October 2011. All the patents with established diagnosis of haemorrhoids were divided equally into two groups. The group I was treated with open haemorrhoidectomy while closed haemorrhoidectomy was done in group II. Post-operative pain and bleeding scores were recorded for 3-days in immediate post-operative period and at first and 2[nd] week followups. Pain scores 0-3 [0=none,1=mild, 2=moderate, 3=severe] and bleeding scores 0-2 [0=none, 1=slight, 2=severe] were documented for each patient. Total of 60 patients were recruited. Thirt underwent open and same number had closed haemorrhoidectomy. There were 45 [75%] males and 15 [25%] females. The mean age was 45 year with a male to female ratio of 3:1. Mean pain score for the open haemorrhoidectomy was 1.73 +/- 0.09 [p< 0.0001], while for closed haemorrhoidectomy 0.96 + 0.64 [p< 0.0001]. The mean bleeding score in open group was 1.03 +/- 0.427 [range 0.6 - 1.8] and in closed group 0.52 +/- 0.388 [range 0.2 - 1.6]. Closed haemorhoidectomy was associated with significantly less pain and bleeding than open haemorrhoidecctomy.

Early versus late parenteral nutrition in very low birthweight neonates: a retrospective study from Oman

The aim of this study was to compare the biochemical parameters, weight gain, osteopenia and phosphate supplementation in very low birth weight [VLBW] neonates receiving early versus late parenteral nutrition [EPN versus LPN]. A retrospective study was undertaken in the level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman: from January 2007 to October 2008 [LPN group, n = 47] and from January 2009 to June 2010 [EPN group, n = 44]. Demographic data, anthropometric and laboratory parameters were extracted from the electronic record system. The mean age of PN initiation was LPN = 47.3 hours versus EPN = 14.3 hours. Biochemical parameters analysed during the first week of life revealed a reduction in hypernatraemia [12.7% versus 6.8%] and non-oliguric hyperkalemia [12.7% versus 6.8%] in EPN, with no significant differences in acidosis and urea levels between the two groups. Hyperglycemia >12 mmol/L in <1000g was higher in EPN. Nutritional parameters in 81 babies who survived/stayed in the unit up to a corrected gestational age [CGA] of 34 weeks [40 in LPN and 41 in EPN], revealed a reduction in metabolic bone disease [osteopenia of prematurity [OOP], 17.5% versus 7.3%] and the need for phosphate supplementation [22.5% versus 7.3%] in the EPN group. There was no increase in acidosis or cholestasis. No difference was noted in albumin levels, time to full feeds, time to regain birthweight and mean weight gain per day till 34 weeks corrected CGA. EPN in VLBW newborns is well tolerated and reduces hypernatraemia, non-oliguric hyperkalemia, OOP and the need for phosphate supplementation

comparative study of trans urethral resection versus trans urethral incision for small size obstructing prostate

To compare the results of transurethral resection of prostate [TURP] with transurethral incision of prostate [TUIP] for small size obstructing prostate. Comparative study. Department of Urology, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for women Hospital Nawabshah, from 2008 to 2010. Patients were divided in TURP and TUIP groups with fifty patients in each. Patients of any age with small size [thirty grams or less] prostate needing surgical intervention were included. TURP was done with conventional technique. In TUIP two deep incisions were made at 5 and 7'O clock positions of the bladder neck using Collings knife. Pre-per and postoperative variables were observed and recorded. All patients were followed up to six months post operatively. A total of 100 patients were included in the study. Mean operative time was 12.4 minutes in TUIP and 22.6 minutes in TURP. Retrograde ejaculation and blood transfusions were less in TUIP than TURP. The improvement in maximum flow rate improved in both the groups. TUIP is as effective as TURP in achieving maximum flow rate but TUIP was superior in terms of shorter operative time, less retrograde ejaculation and less need of blood transfusion

Fetomaternal transfusion as a cause of severe fetal anemia causing early neonatal death: a case report

Fetomaternal hemorrhage refers to the entry of fetal blood into the maternal circulation before or during delivery. Very small amount of fetal red cells are normally detectable in all pregnancies. Massive fetomaternal bleed is very rare and even rarer is the resultant severe anemia causing early neonatal death, despite an uneventful normal pregnancy until the end. Antenatal fetomaternal hemorrhage is a pathological condition with a wide spectrum of clinical variation. Secondary to the resultant anemia, fetomaternal hemorrhage may have devastating consequences for the fetus such as neurologic injury, stillbirth, or neonatal death. The Presentation is frequently without an evident precipitating factor. Recognition may become apparent only after injury has occurred, if at all. The most common antenatal presentation is decreased fetal activity and a heightened index of suspicion is warranted in cases of persistent maternal perception of decreased fetal movements

Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of core biopsy for breast lesions with fine needle aspiration cytology

To assess and compare the diagnostic usefulness of fine needle aspiration cytology [FNAC] of trucut biopsy of breast lesion. A comparative cross sectional study. The study was conducted in the surgical and pathology department of CMH Peshawar from February to August 2007. The first eighty two consenting female patients presenting with palpable breast lumps were subjected to FNAC then Trucut biopsy under local anaesthesia and later excision biopsy. Finally the results of FNAC and Trucut biopsy were compared in the light of excision biopsy results. There were 18 malignant and 64 benign cases on histopathology. On FNAC there were 5 in C5 category [confirmed on histopathology], 12 in C4 category [10 malignant on histopathology], 22 in C3 category [1 malignant on histopathology], 27 in C2 category [confirmed on histopathology] and 16 in C1 category [2 malignant on histopathology]. On Trucut 60 were benign and 17 malignant all of which were confirmed on histopathology. Five specimens were inadequate on Trucut [1 malignant on histopathology]. Sensitivities of FNAC and Trucut biopsy were 93.75-% and 100% and specificities were 96% and 100% respectively. Area under Receiver Operating Characteristic [ROC] curve for Trucut biopsy was found to be more than that of FNAC, showing that Trucut biopsy was more accurate than FNAC. Trucut biopsy has significantly higher diagnostic accuracy as compared to FNAC

Efeitos do óleo de Nim (Neem) na estrutura e função de ovários de ratas albinas adultas / Effect of Neem oil on the structure and function of the mature female albino rat ovaries

Objetivo: Esse estudo foi realizado para observar o efeito do tratamento com óleo de Nim sobre a fertilidade, a estrutura microscópica do ovário e as alterações associadas ao nível sérico dos hormônios reprodutivos em ratas albinas adultas. Métodos: Os animais foram divididos em grupos – Grupo A1: fêmeas tratadas com baixa dose (0,6 ml de óleo de Nim/animal); Grupo A2: fêmeas tratadas com alta dose (1,2 ml de óleo de Nim/animal); Grupo A3: controles para Grupo A1, receberam dose equivalente de óleo de amendoim; Grupo A4: controles para Grupo A2, receberam dose equivalente de óleo de amendoim. Os animais foram observados por seis semanas. No fim desse período, os animais foram anestesiados, o sangue coletado por punção cardíaca e, depois, sacrificados. Os ovários foram removidos e fixados em solução de formol a 10% para microscopia e em metanol, para cromatografia líquida de alto desempenho. Rresultados: À microscopia, os cortes dos ovários revelaram diminuição do número de folículos maduros. Alterações significativas nos níveis de hormônios reprodutivos e a presença de concentrações maiores dos componentes ativos do óleo de Nim nas gônadas entre as ratas tratadas, também foram demonstradas neste estudo. Cconclusões: Esses achados permitem concluir que o óleo de Nim tem potencial anticonceptivo dose-dependente em ratas albinas.

Effect of lithium on the developing teeth of rabbits

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the changes in the dimensions of the teeth in new born babies of the mothers who receive lithium for a long time during pregnancy. The incidence of congenital defects due to Lithium was studied because, oral and dental structures are frequently the sites of adverse drug reactions. These include salivary glands, oral mucosa, periodontal tissues, teeth, alveolar bone, and other structures. The study was conducted on the female rabbits, which were kept on this specific drug during pregnancy. The off springs of these treated female rabbits were used for research purpose. They were sacrificed and the teeth were examined for the congenital defects developed during intrauterine life. This study was expected to provide suggestions for the use of this drug during pregnancy. The results showed large variations by analysing statistically in the different teeth i.e. the size reduced in maxillary incisors, first and second molars only. The nature of the insult is unlikely to be determinable and the results are generally not in accordance with the predicted outcome. However, the drugs should be used by doctor's prescription only, especially during pregnancy, avoiding the teratogenic effect on the dentition of the new borns

Role of early soft tissue coverage and bone grafting in management of grade-III-B musculoskeletel trauma-experience of 30 cases

The present study is a review of 30 cases of grade-III B Musculoskeletal trauma treated at Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta. The patient with grade-Ill B Musculoskeletal injury needs soft tissue coverage and bone grafting. The purpose of study was to find out rate of infection, as well as non-union, and functional compromise after early or late re-construction of soft tissue coverage and bone grafting in grade-III B open fractures of bone. Rotational fascio-cuteneous myofascio cutenious or relaxing incision was used for coverage of bear bone. Thirty cases were scheduled each case was properly follow up for a period of six months to two year. The potential benefit of soft tissue coverage and bone grafting is time related. Experience with thirty patients shows that there is significant decrease in rate of infection as well as non-union in patient who had soft tissue coverage and bone grafting within one to two weeks time after the injury, Importance of time factor has been emphasized

Early outcome of operative fixation of tibial pilon fractures

To evaluate the outcome of operative fixation of pilon fracture. It was descriptive, non randomized uncontrolled study. It was conducted at Civil Hospital Quetta. Study included 41 patients out of which 10 patients were excluded from study due to various reasons at the end of study 31 patients were available, whose results were analyzed. A total number of 31 patients entered the study between 15 June 2007 June 20, 2008. The patients that were lost in follow up were not included in the study. Out of the 31 cases in 11 the fibula was fixed with 1/3rd tubular plate with 3 patients having good, 4 fair and 5 poor result. Four cases where ORIF with spoon plate was done on tibia and maintaining fibula length by 1/3 tubular plate had good results [100%]. In 3 cases tibia was fixed by screw only and fibula length was maintained by 1/3 tubular plate one had good one fair and poor results. In cases where tibia was stabilized by external fixator either combined or in single one patients had good 5 fair and 12 poor results

Predictors of intractable childhood epilepsy

To determine the prognosis of seizures in epileptic children and identify early predictors of intractable childhood epilepsy. Case-control study. The Epilepsy Centre of the Children's Hospital Lahore, from February 2005 to April 2007. All children [aged 1 month to 16 years] with idiopathic or cryptogenic epilepsy who were treated and followed at the centre during the study period were included. The patients who had marked seizures even after two years of adequate treatment were labeled as intractable epileptics [cases]. Children who had no seizure for more than one year at last follow-up visit were the controls. Adequate treatment was described as using at least three anti-epileptic agents either alone or in combination with proper compliance and dosage. Records of these patients were reviewed to identify the variables that may be associated with seizure intractability. Of 442 epileptic children, 325 [74%] intractable and 117 [26%] control epileptics were included in the study. Male gender [OR=3.92], seizures onset in infancy [OR=5.27], >/= 10 seizures before starting treatment [OR=3.76], myoclonic seizures [OR=1.37], neonatal seizures [OR=3.69], abnormal EEG [OR=7.28] and cryptogenic epilepsy [OR=9.69] and head trauma [OR=4.07] were the factors associated with intractable epilepsy. Seizure onset between 5-7 years of age, idiopathic epilepsy, and absence seizures were associated with favourable prognosis in childhood epilepsy. Intractable childhood epilepsy is expected if certain risk factors such as type, age of onset, gender and cause of epilepsy are found. Early referral of such patients to the specialized centres is recommended for prompt and optimal management

Short term Neurodevelopmental outcome of asphyxiated newborns at tertiary care unit

To find out the short term neurodevelopmental outcome of asphyxiated newborns. Cross-sectional study using prospective data. Neonatal unit of Children's Hospital, Lahore from August, 2000 to July, 2001. We included 150 cases of birth asphyxia and survivors were followed till the age of six months and neurodevelopmental status was assessed by Denver developmental screening test II [DDST-II]. Severity of asphyxia was categorized as no encephalopathy, three different stages of HIE. During follow up visits, normal to delayed developmental status was expected. Infants were divided into two groups. Group A included neonates without HIE and group B with encephlopathy. Among group B, newborns developmental delay was found in 9 neonates and 48 neonates died while in group A neonates there was no child who had developmental delay and only six newborns died.[P value<0.05] There were 117 [78%] males, 35 mothers [23%] had antenatal visits to trained medical professionals. Majority of mothers [76%] had their visits to non doctor personnel like midwives, lady health visitors or nurse. Majority [61%] of study population were home delivered, 24% at private clinics and maternity homes while only 14% came from hospitals. Different stages of HIE have strong correlation with the outcome of these neonates. More effort and resources should be directed to this preventable community problem

Relationship of zinc concentrations in blood and seminal plasma with various semen parameters in infertile subjects

To find out relationship of zinc concentrations in blood and seminal plasma with various semen parameters between fertile and infertile men. Prospective study. This study was carried out in the Infertility Clinic of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center [JPMC], Karachi and Department of Biochemistry, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, JPMC, Karachi. Fifty eight primary infertile male subjects, without any treatment, who had regular unprotected intercourse for at least 12 months without conception with their partners, aged 20-40 years, were selected from Infertility Clinic Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi. After semen analyses they were grouped as, oligospermic [30], and azoospermic [28]. Twenty five known fertile male selected from general population and after semen analysis were taken as normospermic control group. Semen analyzed according to WHO criteria. Serum and seminal plasma zinc were estimated by 5Br. PAPS Colorimetric method. This study showed significant difference in serum and seminal zinc levels in normospermic, oligospermic [p<0.05] and azoospermic [p<0.005] subjects. Seminal plasma zinc showed a positive correlation with sperm count and negative with sperm motility in normospermic and oligospermic and negative correlation with volume, pH, WBC concentration in all three groups. There was no correlation found with sperm morphology. On the basis of the findings of this study and those of other reports, zinc may contribute to fertility through its significant effects on various semen parameters. It seems that the estimation of seminal plasma zinc may help in investigation and treatment of infertile males