Toxic Activity of Tinospora bakis (Irg al-hagar) Roots in Wistar Albino Rats

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the toxic effect of Tinospora bakis roots on body weight, hematology, biochemistry and histopathology on rats. Methodology: Twenty four male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups, each of 6. For sub chronic toxicity, the aqueous extract was administered orally at a dose of 50, 500 and 2000 mg/ kg -for four weeks- to group 2, 3 and 4, respectively whereas Group 1 was kept as a control. Clinical signs and mortality were observed daily. The weights of the animals were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected for hematology and biochemistry analysis. Specimens of liver and kidney were kept in 10% formalin for histopathology. Results: The results revealed that all animals in the four groups survived, and no mortality was recorded. The body weights of the animals increased in group 2 and 3, decreased in group 4. The extract had no adverse effects on hematology, biochemistry and histology of rats at doses of 50 and 500 mg/ kg, but caused significant alteration at dose 2000 mg/kg. White blood cells (WBCs) were significantly (P<0.05) increased; Red blood cells (RBCs), Hemoglobin (Hb) and Packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Total protein and albumin were significantly (P< 0.05) decreased whereas Urea, creatinine, Alanin Transaminase (ALT), Asparate Transaminase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase were significantly elevated. These findings correlated with histopathological changes on liver and kidney. Conclusion: The low doses of T. bakis aqueous extract were not toxic, but the high dose cause hepato-renal toxicity.

Toxic Effect of Gardenia ternifolia Fruit on Rats

Aim: This study aims to screen the aqueous extract of Gardenia ternifolia fruit for toxicity in Wistar albino rats by determination of morality, Percentage of weight change, hematology, biochemistry and histopathology. Methodology: Twenty four male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups, each of 6. Group 1 (control), group 2 and 3 (sub-chronic toxicity) and group 4 (acute toxicity). The aqueous extract was administered orally at a dose of 50 and 500 mg/ kg/ day -for four weeks- to group 2 and 3, respectively. Group 4 received 2000 mg/kg once, and group 1 was kept as a control. Clinical signs and mortality were observed daily. The weights of the animals were recorded weekly at week intervals till the end of the experiment. Blood samples were collected for hematology and biochemistry. Specimens of Liver and kidney were kept in 10% formalin for histopathology. Results: The results revealed that no clinical signs of toxicity or mortality were recorded during the experiment in all groups. The percentage of weight gain was lowest in group 4 compared with group 1 (control). The hematology and biochemistry of group 1 and 2 were not affected. However, both were altered in group 4. White Blood Cells (WBC) were significantly (P<0.05) increased; Red Blood Cells (RBC), Hemoglobin (Hb) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) were significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Total protein and albumin were significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Cholesterol, urea, creatinine, Alanin Transaminase (ALT), Asparate Transaminase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly (P<0.05) increased. But, bilirubin was not affected in all groups. Histopathological changes on liver and kidney correlated with the hematological and biochemical alterations. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of G. ternifolia fruit was safe and not lethal to rats at low doses; the highest dose altered the haematology, biochemistry and histology of the tested animals.

In vitro Antitheilerial Activity of Paluther (Artemether 80) Against Theileria lestoquardi.

Aim: The aim of this study was to screen Artemether 80 for activity against Theileria lestoquardi (Apicomplexa: Theileridae) using buparvaquone as a standard drug. Study Design: In vitro study under laboratories conditions. Place and Duration of Study: Veterinary Research Institute, between 2006 and 2008. Methodology: Artemether 80 was screened for the first time to investigate activity against T. lestoquardi at different concentrations. Blood was collected separately from normal sheep and sheep infected naturally with Theileria. Normal lymphocyte cells and lymphocyte cells infected with Theileria were isolated from heparinized blood with Ficoll-paque. Isolated cells were grown in Minimum Essential Medium (MEM), supplemented with 20% calf serum and sub cultured. The parasite was identified with indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA). A volume of 2.7 ml of lymphoblast cell suspension at concentration of 5x104 cell/ ml was distributed in tissue culture plates, and then 0.3 ml of drug at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 10 and 100 mg/L was added separately. A volume of 0.3 ml MEM was added to infected untreated control. Results: The in vitro antitheilerial activity of Artemether 80 against T. lestoquardi 48 h after exposure was 0%, 14%, 30% and 45% at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg/L, respectively as compared with activity of buparvaquone at the same concentrations being 74%, 83%, 92% and 100%, respectively. Both Artemether 80 and buparvaquone caused in vitro partial cytotoxic effect at the highest concentrations. Activity and/ or partial cytotoxic effect of both drugs caused changes in the morphology of macroscizonts and host lymphoblast cells, decreased the number of macroschizonts/cell, mean number of dividing cells, increased the number of cells with extra cellular macroschizonts. Conclusion: It was concluded that Artemether 80 is slightly effective in vitro against T. lestoquardi.

Dental phobia among orthodontic patients

A Phobia is an intense, unpleasant feeling which may prohibit patients from orthodontic treatment. To evaluate different types of dental phobia in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Descriptive cross- sectional study. Peshawar Dental College Hospital, Peshawar. Duration of study was from August, 2014 to February, 2015. Both males and females reporting for orthodontic treatment that consented to participate in the study were included. All patients were interviewed regarding their fears about the said treatment using structured questionnaire. The information was classified into 3 groups as strongly phobic, moderate phobic and not phobic. A total of 110 patients were selected for the study. Strong phobia was observed in 56%, moderate in 18% whereas 26% were not having phobia. Besides, dental phobia was same at different stages of treatment, higher in the adolescent age and more in females as compared to males. Confidence to ask questions from the dentists was observed in 20% patients. Eighty percent patients were satisfied from the attitude and way of treatment of the orthodontists. Orthodontists should recognize the existence of dental phobia in patients coming for treatment. To reduce phobia, they need to develop skill to communicate effectively with the patients before undertaking any treatment

Pattern of cigarette smoking among college students of Mardan

Cigarette smoking habit is mostly acquired during college and later it becomes an addiction leading to high morbidity and premature death. To determine the pattern of cigarette smoking among college students of Mardan and factors that encourages its use. Cross-sectional study, done in 2014 in seven colleges of Mardan over 3 months period. All students were encouraged to participate and fill the questionnaire. The data on smoking pattern, contributing factors to the habit, peak time/ places of smoking, sources of hazards awareness, and number of cigarettes smoked per day, reasons for smoking, not smoking and quitting were collected through a pre-tested questionnaire. The data were entered in the computer and analyzed using means and percentages. A total of 954 students returned the filled questionnaire. Their ages ranged between 17 and 24 years with male to female ratio of 5:1. Out of the total, 31.2% were smokers, 2.2% ex-smokers and 66.6% non-smokers. The habit was found more common in students whose fathers or brothers were smokers and many students acquired this habit for charm and relaxation. Most smokers consumed less than 10 cigarettes per day. No female student was a smoker or ex- smoker. Significantly less smoking [p < 0.05] was observed in one institute as compared to other six institutes because of strict discipline. Most of the smokers started smoking after entry in the college life. Smoking was more in boarding students, those whose mothers were working and those living in the urban areas. Non-smokers and ex-smokers avoided cigarettes either due to family pressure, religion or its adverse effects on health. Females had significantly [p < 0.05] more knowledge about tobacco hazards as compared to males and most students mentioned that doctors were their main source of awareness. Ahnost 31.2% students in various colleges of Mardan were smokers. Smoking was not seen in female students. Most boys [68%] started smoking when they entered the college [first year]. Health awareness, family support, religious knowledge and strict discipline in the colleges were the main reasons to not to smoke or quit smoking

Lethality and Antioxidant Activity of some Sudanese Medicinal Plants’ Fixed Oils.

The objective of the undergoing work is investigating antitumor therapy potential and antioxidant capacity of Sudanese medicinal plants Helianthus annuus L. (Asteraceae), Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae), Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae), Sesamum indicum L. (Pedaliaceae) and Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del (Zygophyllaceae) by studying the plants seeds fixed oils for their cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity. This study was conducted at the Sudan National Research Center, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Research Center, Khartoum, Sudan, in June-August, 2013. The five fixed oils cytotoxicity was studied using Brine Shrimp Lethality and antioxidant activity by DPPH and Iron Chelating Assays. Obtained results showed that Ricinus communis fixed oil has the highest toxicity with LC50 1.7014, followed by Nigella sativa with LC50 606.2, when analyzed by Finney Probit Analysis. Antioxidant activity results of the five fixed oils measured using DPPH showed that Nigella sativa fixed oil showed high antioxidant potential (85%), while Ricinus communis and Helianthus annuus fixed oils showed moderate antioxidant activity (52%) and (51%) respectively. All of the fixed oils showed no activity when using Iron Chelating Assay. Results justify the plants use in folkloric medicine although dosages should be monitored for its safe use. Studies directed towards identification of bioactive compounds are recommended.

Immunological study of type 2 diabetic patients with periodontal disease

To evaluate the IgA, IgG and IgM levels in the serum samples of type 2 diabetic and Periodontal patients of the Peshawar area having different life style set up. Case control study. This study was carried out on subjects who fulfilled our criteria and agreed to participate in the study were included. They were residents of Peshawar area and visited OPDs of Khyber College of dentistry, Peshawar during July, 2012 to June, 2013. Among 120 participants, 30 were healthy, 30 were with periodontitis, 30 had diabetes and the remaining 30 had both diabetes and periodontitis. All of them had at least 20 natural teeth. Diabetic patients had the disease history minimum of five years while the periodontal patients had clinically confirmed the disease. Blood samples were collected from each of the participant and immunoglobulins A, G and M were measured. The observed data were analyzed accordingly through standard statistical methods. Male patients were found more as compared to females [ratio 1: 0.87] in the two diseases. The age range was 35 to 54 years with the mean 44 +/- 5. As per HBA1C results; 40% had good control of diabetes, 26% moderate while in 34% control was poor. Immunoglobulin A and G levels were found significantly higher [p < 0.05] in the three disease groups as compared to control group. Whereas the concentration of IgM was not changed by the said diseases. Besides, the gender has no influence on the levels of the three immunoglobulins. The IgG levels increased with the increase in severity of the Periodontitis disease. While IgA showed slight decrease with the increase in clinical grades of the Diabetes disease. The result of the current study indicates the role of humoral immune response in the two mentioned diseases. The higher levels of immunoglobins particularly IgA and IgG might be due to protective mechanism against the weak immune response and the increased bacterial challenge in diabetes and periodontitis

Insulin resistance in non-diabetic patients of chronic hepatitis C

To determine insulin resistance in non-diabetic chronic hepatitis C patients using Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR]. Patients having anti-HCV positive were included in this study. Patients with diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, hyperlipidemias, hypercortisolism and infective diseases other than hepatitis C were excluded. Age, weight, height and absence of diabetes were documented. Fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels were done. Body mass index and insulin resistance was calculated using the formulas. Patients having insulin resistance using formula HOMA-IR>2.5 were labeled as insulin resistant. Data was analyzed using SPSS-18. One hundred and fifty five patients according to sample size estimation were enrolled, in whom HOMA-IR was calculated, the mean value was found to be 2.47 +/- 1.30. A total of 79 [51%] of patients had HOMA-IR more than 2.5 showing insulin resistance. In a third world country like Pakistan, where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis C infection, the consequences of the disease are also very common. Insulin resistance was found in 51% of patients with chronic hepatitis C

Bone marrow infiltration in "small blue cell tumours"

Small round blue cell tumors present predominantly during childhood and adolescence. They include Ewing's sarcoma, peripheral neuroectodermal tumors, retinoblastoma, nephroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, mesenchymal chondrosarcoma and small cell osteosarcoma. Bone marrow biopsy is indicated for staging the disease, and if marrow infiltration is detected, it is a poor prognostic indicator To evaluate the frequency and pattern of bone marrow infiltration by small round blue cell tumors. A retrospective descriptive study was carried out at Department of Pathology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences from January 2007 to December 2010. Histologically diagnosed and immunophenotypically verified cases of small round blue cell tumors [excluding lymphomas], referred for bone marrow examination were included in the study. Bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy was performed. Age and sex distribution, clinical findings, peripheral blood findings and frequency of bone marrow infiltration in different types of round blue cell tumors was noted and the data were analyzed on SPSS version 14. Amongst 82 cases included in the study, 42 were males and 38 females. Age ranged from 6 months to 22 years with mean age of 4.3 +/- 3.98 SD years. In the cases studied, 16 [19.5%] showed bone marrow infiltration. Bone marrow infiltration was observed in 19.5% of cases of round blue cell tumours

Haematological malignancies in chronic hepatitis C patients referred for bone marrow biopsy

Chronic hepatitis C has a well documented association with hepatic and extra hepatic malignancies. To look into the spectrum of malignancies in chronic hepatitis C patients referred for bone marrow biopsy for having disturbances in haematological parameters. This descriptive crosssectional study was conducted at Department of Pathology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences [P.I.M.S], Islamabad, from July 2009 to June 2011. A total of 90 diagnosed cases of chronic hepatitis C referred with various indications for bone marrow biopsy were included in the study. A detailed account of clinical history and physical examination was taken. All the patients were subjected to peripheral blood counts and bone marrow biopsy. Data were entered on the SPSS 14 and analyzed. Amongst a total of 90 patients, 14 [15.6%] were diagnosed to have various types of haematological malignancies. Among these seven cases were diagnosed as lympho-proliferative disorders, including 3 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 3 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and 1 case of Hodgkin's disease. Chronic myeloid leukemia was observed in 2 cases. Myelofibrosis and myelofibrosis with essential thrombocythemia and multiple myeloma were observed in 1 case each and metastatic lesion was observed in 2 cases

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: an uncommon cause for childhood organomegaly

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare condition with over-reactive histiocytes and haemophagocytosis. It is characterized by peripheral pancytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly and repeated infections. It usually affects children but can be seen at all ages. We present a case of a five months old male child who presented with fever, pancytopenia and hepatosplenomegaly. He was referred for bone marrow examination with suspicion of leishmaniasis or any malignancy. Bone marrow aspiration did not show any atypical cells/blasts or any evidence of leishmaniasis. However there was a marked increase in histiocytes with hemophagocytosis. A diagnosis of haemophagocytic syndrome was made

Acute myeloid leukemia amongst adults

Acute myeloid leukemia is characterized by infiltration of bone marrow and other tissues by abnormal myeloid precursors, often with appearance of these abnormal cells in the peripheral blood. AML comprises about 80% of acute leukemias in adults. Clinical features are generally ascribed to marrow failure as well as infiltration by blast cells. To look into various FAB types of AML and clinically correlate them. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at the department of pathology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad from July 2007 to July 2009. A total of 56 consecutive freshly diagnosed adult patients of AML were included in the study. Clinical data and Complete blood counts were studied. Bone marrow aspiration, and when required trephine biopsy were performed. Blood and bone marrow slides were stained by Wright stain; cytochemical stains were performed whenever required. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 14. Mean and +/- SD were calculated for numerical values and frequencies for string values. In total of 56 adult cases of AML 33 [59%] were males and 23 [41%] were females. The age ranged from 16 to 79 years with mean +/- SD age of 37 + 17.19 years. The most common subtype was AML-M1 [32%] followed by M3, M4 [19.6% each], M2 [14%] and AML-M5 [9%], respectively. AML-M6, M7 and M0 were observed in one patient [1.8%] each. Hepatomegaly was observed in 48% patients, splenomegaly in 45% patients and lymphadenopathy was noted in 38% patients. Tissue infiltration was most common with AML-M4 and AML-M5 subtypes and least frequent with AML-M3 subtype. Majority of patients of AML were found to be anaemic. Leukocyte count more than 1 lack was seen in 13 [16%] patients. Majority of patients [94%] had thrombocytopenia. Pancytopenia was noticed in 13 [15.8%] patients and these included cases of M1, M2, M3 and M0. None of the Patients of AML-M4, M5, M6 and M7 presented with pancytopenia

Portal vein thrombosis in a case of chronic myeloid leukemia- a rare association

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia [CML] in absence of hyperleukocytosis is an unusual cause for hepatic vein thrombosis. We present a case of hepatic vein thrombosis that presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and splenomegaly. Ultrasound and Doppler study findings indicated hepatic vein thrombosis. His thrombophilia profile was normal. However he had slightly raised platelet count and mild leukocytosis at that time. He showed improvement on anticoagulant therapy. However after two years he presented with weakness and was suggested bone marrow biopsy and cytogenetic studies. The findings of these tests were in favour of CML in chronic phase and cytogenetic studies revealed Philadelphia positivity. He was not evaluated for thrombocythemia though he had raised platelet count at the time of presentation. He is now receiving treatment for CML. It is proposed that the patient may have developed essential thrombocythemia in addition to Philadelphia positive CML, thereby making the patient prone to thrombotic episodes even at an early stage of CML. Unfortunately he could not be evaluated for JAK-2 mutation at any stage. It is suggested that in absence of hyperleukocytosis patients with history of thrombosis should be evaluated for myeloproliferative disorders [MPDs] as treatment for these disorders itself reduces the size of thrombus

Miscellaneous liver diseases in infancy and childhood in several hospitals

Most of the liver diseases are different in pediatric age group, as compared to those in adult in many respects. Beside inflammatory, neoplastic and metabolic liver diseases; pediatric liver diseases also exhibit specific features of genetic predisposition, as well as environmental or other acquired diseases. In congenital diseases choledochal cyst, biliary atresia and cholestasis are included. While in environmental or acquired/nutritional diseases, fatty change liver and Kawashiorkor are found. A study is done to overview the miscellaneous congenital and acquired liver diseases in infancy and childhood which are important but less common as compare to inflammatory, metabolic and other liver diseases. Retrospective Study. This study was conducted at Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Science Institute [BMSI], Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi from 1995 to 2004. Slides / paraffin blocks of liver biopsies were taken from patients under 15 years of age. The cases were retrospective. The distribution of 100 cases of miscellaneous liver diseases in infancy and childhood were according to age and sex. Total 48 [48%] cases were encountered in the youngest of 0-5 year's age group, 36 [36%] cases in 6-10 years and only 16 [16%] cases in 11-15 years age group. It is observed that the tendency of miscellaneous liver diseases are higher up till 5 years of age and sexual differentiation showing male predominance with male to female ratio of 3:2. The miscellaneous liver diseases in younger children, may be congenital like biliary atresia, intra hepatic biliary hypoplasia and cholestasis or acquired; like tuberculosis and the Kawashiorkor [malnutrition].These are well known in third world countries and in Pakistan

Pattern of cigarette smoking among college students of Quetta

Cigarette smoking habit is developed more at the young age, hazardous to health and causes premature mortality. To determine the pattern of cigarette smoking and factors contributing to the said habit among college students of Quetta. Randomized study. This study was conducted at the Bolan Medical College, Quetta during the academic year 2010-2011. a total of 850 students from different colleges of Quetta were randomly selected during the academic year 2010-2011. Prevalence and influence of factors associated with the cigarette smoking were recorded on a predesigned questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed with the help of statistical procedures. Out of the total, 122 students were smokers, 23 ex-smokers and 705 non-smokers. Smokers had the habit for charm and relaxation. While non-smokers and ex-smokers avoided cigarettes use due to family blame, religion and its adverse effect on health. Besides, the habit was found more common among students whose fathers and brothers were smokers. Majority of them knew the hazards and very little number was smoking in the public places. Young age and transition period from school to college is a critical time to adopt the habit of cigarette smoking, hence needs an immense attention of the authority designing tobacco control policies. Healthy recreational activities, awareness programs related to its hazards, non-smoking home environment, increased tax and ban on its advertisements are the essential measures, which can minimize the habit. In addition, the present basic work would serve as a template to conduct further advanced studies on this line

Clinical manifestations of acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemias [AML] affect preferentially adults. Clinical manifestations are due to cytopenias and tissue infiltration. Manifestations vary with certain subtypes e.g. bleeding and infections are common with AML-M3, tissue infiltration is more often seen in AML-4 and M5, and bone marrow fibrosis is seen in AML-M7. To study demographic features and clinical manifestations of acute myeloid leukemia. Patients and A cross-sectional study was conducted at department of Pathology, Pakistan Institute of Medical sciences, Islamabad from July 2007 to July 2009. All the cases of AML [diagnosed on bone marrow biopsy] belonging to all age groups and both sexes were included in the study. Age at diagnosis, symptoms and clinical findings in AML and its various subtypes were noted. Results were entered on SPSS version 14 for statistical analysis. In a total of 82 cases of AML, 55% were males and 45% females, with mean age of 27.5 +/- 19.9 years SD. The most common subtype was AML-M1 [33%] followed by M3 [22%] and M4 [18%], respectively. The common presenting symptoms were pallor, fever and bleeding. Hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and gum hyperplasia were also frequent. Tissue infiltration was the commonest in AML-M5 and M4. Acute myeloid leukemia is the malignancy of adults; it is more common in males and manifestations vary with its subtype