Effects of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Ipomoea batatas L on mineral contents level [calcium and magnesium] in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

In diabetic patients, electrolyte disorders frequently occur with the characteristic changes in minerals like calcium and magnesium etc. Several medicines are used to manage diabetes mellitus but they exert adverse effects. Plants are a valuable alternative to synthetic medicines because they are easily available, economical and have fewer side effects. Ipomoea batatas L is a well-known antidiabetic plant [sweet potato] but its effects on calcium and magnesium concentration have not studied. The prime focus of this study is to estimate the potential of Ipomoea batatas L peel-off on magnesium and calcium level in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Alloxan monohydrate was mixed in 0.9% NaCl solution and administrated [150 mg/kg [S/C]] to male Wistar rats to induce diabetes. After three days blood samples were collected and blood glucose level was recorded. Wistar rats having a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dl and above were selected for the study. Methanol and water extract of Ipomoea batatas L peel–off was given orally with a dose rate of 4g/day. Calcium and magnesium estimation was done using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Our results revealed an increase in both the calcium and magnesium level in heart, brain, liver, hind limb, and forelimb after Ipomoea batatas extract treatment. In kidneys decreased calcium level was noted as they excrete calcium. Mineral [Calcium, magnesium] level was increased in all organs except kidney after both extracts treatment. Ipomoea batatas being anti-diabetic in nature also maintain the homeostasis of calcium and magnesium in diabetes. Therefore, we propose the long-term use of such agents might help in the prevention of diabetes-associated complications. However, the validation of these results to human population needs further extensive study

Medical school dermatology curriculum - are our graduates adequately prepared and aligned to community needs?

Background: There is paucity of research based information regarding the dermatology learning needs and their fulfilment in primary care physicians

Objective: To determine skin diseases burden in the community AND adequacy of preparedness of Primary Care Physicians to deal with skin diseases

Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted from 1[st] January 2015 to 31[st] December 2016 at Dermatology Outpatient Department of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital [SZMC/H], Rahim Yar Khan, for burden of skin diseases and feedback from Primary Care Physicians of both SZMC/H and Primary Health Care setups [BHUs and RHCs] of District Rahim Yar Khan regarding adequacy of their preparedness to deal with skin disease patients. Records from a tertiary care teaching hospital was sought from OPD to assess skin disease burden and Primary Care Physicians from tertiary care hospital and BHU and RHC of district were surveyed regarding content AND teaching adequacy of undergraduates through their dermatology curriculum. Data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20

Results: A total of 356 doctors participated in this study. Of these 233 [65.4%] were males. It was found that 10% of patients attending OPD in Sheikh Zayed Hospital [A tertiary care teaching hospital] suffered from skin disease. Frequencies of "Common skin diseases" in the community were; eczema 12.9%, scabies 10.8%, fungal infection 9%, bacterial infection 8% and acne 7%. Of all participants, 274 [77%] reported that <10% of their patients suffered from skin disease and only 30 [8.4%] of them were fully confident while treating skin disease patients and only 36 [10.1%] reported that most of their patients were cured. It was noted that 145 [40.7%] participants could name only 1-3 of the common skin diseases in the community, 182 [51.1%] named 4-6 while only 12[3.4%] could name 7 or more and 17[4.8%] had no knowledge of even a single common skin disease in the community. Only 92[25.8%] participants rated that their undergraduate training was adequate while 264[74.2%] rated it to be inadequate

Conclusion: This study concluded that primary care physician were not adequately prepared for managing common skin diseases during their undergraduate training. Appropriate exposure and adequate teaching in dermatology throughout undergraduate medical curriculum is essential because skin presentations manifest throughout all aspects of medicine, and most often dermatological problems are dealt with exclusively by non-dermatologists

[131]I-MIBG on diagnostic and therapeutic frontiers in extra-adrenal abdominal paragangliomas: a case report with mini review

Paraganglioma are tumors originating from paraganglial system and may be associated with parasympathetic [head, neck and anterior mediastinum tumors] or sympathetic [adrenal or extraadrenal or posterior mediastinal tumor] system. Majority of sympathetic paraganglioma and minority of parasympathetic tumor are functional and [131I or [132]I labeled MIBG [Meta Iodio Benzyl Guanidine] is a well established tool with good sensitivity and exceedingly high specificity. We are presenting a case report of a large extradrenal paraganglioma with extensive bony metastases and raised serum Chromogranin-A level. In this case [131]-MIBG was not only helpful in revealing the true burden of functional disease but also showed an overwhelming therapeutic response proven on post-therapy MIBG scan and normalization of serum Chromogranin-A level. This case report is followed by a mini-review about pathology, genetic mutation, diagnosis and treatment of focused on extraadrenal paragangliomas

Isolated metastatic involvement of sternum in breast cancer: a case report with mini review

Solitary metastasis involving sternum in breast cancer is very uncommon and less is known about the possible mechanism. Similarly, clinical significance of this uncommon presentation is elusive. We are presenting a case of breast cancer with isolated sternal metastasis on radionuclide bone scan which was also documented on chest CT study. In this mini-review we will be discussing the possible mechanisms for isolated sternal metastasis in breast cancer, its clinical significance and therapeutic approaches used

Early bone scan imaging protocol: a pragmatic approach to maintain patients throughput in a busy Nuclear Medicine Section

Radionuclide bone scan are acquired 3-4 hours after Technetium-99m Methylene Diphosphonate [[99m] Tc MDP] injection to ensures a better contrast between bone and soft tissue. However, in a busy department with limited gamma cameras this imaging protocol is the limiting factor for reduced patient throughput. Compare the image quality of early [1.5 hr] and delayed [3 hr] acquired bone scans in same patients for image quality and lesion detection efficiency. This prospective study was conducted at Section of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from 1st August 2011 till 15th September 2011. We recruited 12 patients [age range: 18-75 years] with a male: female ratio of 4:8, who were pain free, cooperative and mobile. [99m]Tc MDP was injected intravenously. Patients were asked to have at least 250 cc of water after every 15 minutes] and void urine frequently to minimize bladder dose. At 1.5 hour and 3 hour post-injection, whole body imaging were acquired under a double head, gamma camera [ECAM, Siemens, Germany] with same acquisition parameters for both images. These images were read by an experienced nuclear physician who evaluated the scans for over all image quality [subjective] and lesion detection efficiency [estimation of lesion appreciable on a scan]. The image quality of early [1.5 hr] and delayed scans were labeled as acceptable [fair bone to soft tissue contrast] and good [good bone to soft tissue contrast] respectively by the reader. Twenty three [23] lesions were identified on early scan and all of these lesions were appreciable on delayed studies as well and no discordance was identified. In a busy nuclear medicine section, to maintain patients' throughput, imaging at 1.5 hour may be used safely in those patients who are cooperative and mobile