Effectiveness of residents as teachers, researchers and role models: a unique program at SUMS

Background and purpose: Residents across the world spend several hours every week teaching medical students and junior residents. Workshops developed with the aim of improving resident teaching skills are becoming increasingly common in the various fields of medicine. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of a resident-as-teacher educational intervention on the resident's knowledge of medical education

Methods: The study was performed in SUMS, Iran, in 2010-2011 on all the junior residents from the different fields, including 104 men and 66 women. For data collection, a questionnaire [pre-test, post-test] was used with 40 questions on medical education. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, tables and t test employing the SPSS software

Results: In total, 120 participants completed the questionnaires. According to the pre-test and post-test results, residents received extremely low scores in different subjects before the course implementation, whereas after it was implemented their scores had significantly increased fairly well. The comparison between the participants, average scores before and after the program indicates that the "resident-as-a-teacher, researcher and role model" course has been meaningful and significantly effective in improving their knowledge in this area

Conclusions: A few residency programs had instituted the resident teacher training curricula. A resident teacher training workshop was perceived as beneficial by the residents, and they reported improvement in their teaching skills

influence of type I diabetes mellitus on dentition and oral health of children and adolescents attending two diabetic centers in Erbil city

The aim was to determine the effect of type I diabetes mellitus on eruption time of dentition and to evaluate the dental caries, debris, calculus and gingival index in two groups. Type I diabetic children and adolescents with age range [6-14] years who were attending to Layla Qasim Center for Diabetes and The Diabetic Child Association Center in Erbil city were included in this study from December 2010 to March 2011. The dentition of all participants was examined for eruption. Besides, the DMF/dmf index, debris index [DI], gingival index [GI] and calculus index [CI] were evaluated. Data obtained from each group were compared statistically. When compared to the non-diabetic group, we observed that dental development was as early as [1.6] years in diabetic group. Results also showed that the total mean value of caries experienced [dmft, dmfs,DMFT and DMFS] by the diabetic group was less than that of the control group with significant differences. The gingival index among diabetic group was higher than the control group. The total mean value of simplified debris index in control group was higher than the diabetic group. In contrast, simplified calculus index was less in diabetic group with a significant difference between them. The findings showed that patients with type I diabetes mellitus had an earlier tooth eruption and plays an important part in the oral health of children

Dynamic behavior modeling of cigarette smoke particles inside the car cabin with different ventilation scenarios

Dynamic behavior of cigarette smoke particles inside the cabin of cars is investigated and the respirable suspended particles concentration during and after smoking cigarette is predicted in this study. The model is based on mass balance equations. The mechanisms of deposition on the surfaces and the exchange of air in the cabin are considered as sinks for emitted particles. The coagulation is accounted as a sink for smaller particles and as a source for larger particles. The various scenarios of smoking in the cars available in the literature are simulated in this study. Good agreement between the results of the present model and the experimental data, as well as the predictions of other available models, is reached. The mean respirable suspended particles concentration in different scenarios is estimated and compared with Environmental Protection Agency health-based standards in order to specify the situations with respirable suspended particles concentrations exceeding the allowable limits. The results show that the concentration of particles due to the smoke of a single cigarette in a stationary medium-sized car with the air conditioner off is 33.6 microg/m3 and nearly reaches the limits appointed by the Environmental Protection Agency for a 24-h incremental exposure [35 microg/m3]. Corresponding values for moving cars have also been calculated and compared with the standards

shortcomings of the first series of long distance MPH education at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, from the academics viewpoint

The first series of long distant MPH [Master of Public Health] education in Iran started at Kerman University of Medical sciences by enrolling 30 students from February 2008. It seemed necessary to document the experience of this program, in order to use the results for tailoring and establishing similar long distance programs in other medical fields and universities. This study was a descriptive phenomenology qualitative study. All academics involved in the long distance education program were interviewed. Open and semi-structured questions were asked. The collected data was then coded and categorized to enable further analysis by using theme analysis. The final text was given to two participants for reading and commenting on the validity. Two main themes emerged from the data. The first was the concern of most of the academics about the quality of education; for example the academics thought the student have not learned as well as the face to face education students, their questions remain unanswered, problem solving is difficult and they procrastinate their reading material. The second theme was the problems of the academics themselves, such as the difficulty of teaching of the comprehensive and practical materials, the fact that preparing materials and communication through telephone and email is more time consuming and lack of a face-to-face contact hinders academics from getting instant feedback from their students. They also thought that academics should have been trained and that the infrastructure of long distance education, such as video-conferencing should have been established in advanced. Long distant education is still taking its first steps in Iran and in order to establish successful courses, appropriate planning is essential. Preparing the proper infra-structure, proper familiarization for students and academics before launching the course and continuous research and education-quality evaluation seems necessary

Prevalence of the HFE gene mutation in the liver transplanted and primary hemochromatosis patients in the southern Iran

Primary hemochromatosis is an inherited disorder. Mutation in this gene is accompanied with iron overload in the body leading to organ failure that primarily affects liver. Individuals with homozygote HFE gene mutation are prone to developing the end stage liver disease. Concomitance heterozygote HFE mutation with the other hepatic risk factors may accelerate hepatic damage, leading to cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to find out the spectrum and frequency of the HFE gene mutations in the liver transplantation [end-stage liver disease [ESLD]] candidate groups. Totally, 170 individuals were studied for HFE gene mutations including 87 ESLD patients with various etiologies from Division of Liver Transplant in Nemazee Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Seventy four randomly selected healthy blood donors were evaluated as the control group, and 9 hemochromatosis patients who referred to our lab for genetic analysis due to their high serum ferritin levels and clinical diagnosis were surveyed in a period of one year. HFE gene mutation was found in 57 [approx 33%], 14 [approx 9%], and 15 [approx 83%] chromatids of the ESLD group, control sample, and hemochromatosis patients, respectively. The allele frequency of H63D is about 0.085 among these people. The HFE mutation H63D in the ESLD is significantly higher than that of the control group [W/H63D: odds ratio 5.70, 95%Cl= 2.6-12.55; H63D/H63D: odds ratio 6.39, 95% Cl= 0.77-53.1]. In compliance with our previous report, the C282Y mutation is very uncommon in the southern population. This prevalence could be due to a significant aggravating effect of H63D for liver disease in these patients and may contribute to the poor liver transplantation outcome

Effects of exchange transfusion and phototherapy on neonatal thyroid functions

Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common problems encountered in term newborns. Phototherapy or exchange transfusion may be indicated for treatment at certain bilirubin levels. Aim of the work: Is to study the effects of exchange transfusion and phototherapy on thyroid functions in full term neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia by assessing thyroid functions before and after exchange transfusion and during phototherapy. The present study was carried on 60 full term neonates who were grouped as follows: Group I: Included 20 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia reaching the level that indicated exchange transfusion. Group II: included 20 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia at the level of treatment by phototherapy. Group Ill: included 20 healthy neonates as a control group. All studied groups were subjected to full medical history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations including Free T3, Free T4, TSH before, immediately after and 4 days after exchange transfusion in group I, Free T3, FreeT4, TSH before and 2 days after the beginning of phototherapy in group II, Free T3, Free T4, TSH in group Ill, Free T3, T4, and TSH levels were assessed in donor blood bags prepared for exchange transfusion. In addition liver function tests, complete blood count, Coombs' test, C reactive protein, blood group of baby and mother were assessed for neonates in group I and II. We found that the levels of thyroid functions [FT3, FT4, TSH] were statistically significantly higher in neonates before exchange transfusion than immediately after exchange while there was no statistical significant difference in levels of thyroid functions before exchange transfusion and 4 days post exchange transfusion. Furthermore, the study revealed no significant differences between thyroid function tests before and during phototherapy. Moreover, there were no significant correlations between thyroid function tests and either bilirubin or hemoglobin levels of group I before exchange transfusion and group II before phototherapy. We found that exchange transfusion causes a decrease in thyroid functions immediately after exchange than before exchange and they return to normal levels four days post exchange. On the other hand, phototherapy does not affect thyroid function tests

role of Thrombomodulin, IL-12, transforming growth factor-beta2 in early onset preeclamsia: a potential biomarker for disease severity

Early onset Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific heterogeneous syndrome with genetic predisposition ranging from hypertension, proteinuria and edema to severe preeclampsia with complications. A defective implantation and placentation, circulating factors including proinflammatory molecules, cytokines and adhesion molecules have been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Was to assess the clinical value of assaying maternal serum concentration of thrombomodulin [TM] interleukin-12 [IL-12] and transforming growth factor beta-2 [TGF-beta 2], in normotensive, mild and severe preeclamptic pregnant women, and to evaluate the correlation between these factors and the blood pressure, uric acid and creatinine. The second objective was to look for differences between mild and severe early onset preeclampsia, compared with a healthy pregnant and non pregnant cross sectional investigated groups. Serum TM, IL-12 and TGF-beta 2 were measured using enzyme linked immunoassay [ELISA] and enzyme immunoassay respectively in 45 women with preeclampsia divided into 24 mild and 21 severe preeclamptic patients and compared with 21 pregnant normotensive and 20 non pregnant controls. Serum uric acid and creatinine were measured as well. Severe preeclamptic women had significantly increased levels of TM [p<0.01], IL-12 [p<0.01] and TGF-beta 2 p<0.01] compared with women with normal pregnancy and non pregnant women. Serum creatinine and uric acid co1Icentrations were significantly higher in severe preeclamptic patients [1.35 +/- 0.17mg/dL, 7.43 +/- 0.74mg/dL, respectively, mean +/- SD] and did not change significantly in mild preeclamptic women compared with those of healthy normotensive pregnant women. Significant positive correlations existed between serum TGF-beta 2 concentrations and mean arterial blood pressure, TM. serum creatinine and uric acid concentrations in severe pre peclamptic patients. Conclusion: Increase concentration of thrombomodulin, II-12 and TGF-beta 2, in severe preeclamptic patient might explain the shallow placentation, endothelial cell dysfunction and renal involvement described in severe preeclampsia. Measurement of maternal plasma of TM, IL-l2, TGF-beta 2 levels in preeclampsia can be useful biomarker for the assessment of the severity of the disease

effect of educational intervention on the knowledge and participation of administrative health personnel in colorectal cancer screening program at Shiraz university of medical sciences Shiraz 2003

Health care providers play an important role in planning and implementing policies to improve health behavior in the general population and increase participation in screening programs for early detection of cancer. This study was conducted to examine the effect of education on knowledge and the rate of participation of official administrative personnel with average risk for colorectal cancer, [age> 40 years], in colorectal cancer screening program at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. In the first stage of the research, 156 subjects were selected based on predefined criteria using a questionnaire. They were then randomly divided in two groups, experimental and control groups with 78 subjects in each group. Demographic data, level of knowledge, willingness and perceived barriers to participate in screening programs were examined via two separate questionnaires. They were also asked to give stool samples to test for occult blood. In the second stage of the research, the intervention program, [based on health belief model] was conducted for the experimental group. An educational booklet and necessary information regarding colorectal cancer and screening programs were provided to them in two to three sessions. All subjects were asked to submit the stool samples to the laboratory for occult blood test; if a subject did not comply, a reminder was sent to him/her. In the third stage, knowkdge, [post-test] and the rate of subjects' participation in the screening program was analyzed. The results of the study revealed that most people are not interested in colorectal tests. Reasons given for disinclination for occult blood test and colonoscopy were lack of time and feeling healthy, respectively. Knowledge in both experimental and control groups regarding colorectal cancer was improved, this improvement was significantly higher in the experimental group, [p<0.001]. Furthermore, participation of the experimental group in the screening program was significantly higher than that of the control group [p<0.001]. Educating the subjects regarding colorectal cancer and sending reminders regarding stool tests may result in an increase in the knowledge and participation of subjects in screening programs for colorectal cancer

Studies on evaluation of inactivated lyophilized equine influenza vaccine in Egypt

Two batches of egg adapted monovalent inactivated freeze dried equine influenza vaccine [EIV] were evaluated. There was no abnormal appearance of the freezed disc, prepared from locally isolated strains. The efficacy was tested by lab animal [Guinea pigs] and target animal [horse], The vaccine proved to be safe and potent for both guinea pigs and horses. The mean haemagglutination inhibition [HI] antibodies of the vaccine reconstituted in DEAE-Dextran solution [as a solvent and adjuvant] were 120.4 and 153.7 in G. pigs, 179.2 and 230.4 in horses for the two batches of vaccine respectively. The keeping quality of the local prepared vaccine was studied. Shelf validity was stable at 4°C for one year, could be kept at -20°C for 3 years and 10 months at 40°C

Angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] l/D gene polymorphism in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

Various genetic markers have been studied to predict susceptibility and course of nephrotic syndrome. The Angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] gene carries insertion [I] and deletion [D]polymorphism within its intron 16. The presence of D-allele in the ACE gene has been reported as a probable genetic risk factor for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome [INS] and may be also related to poor responsiveness to steroids which is the single most important clinical parameter in determining the course of the disease. The aim is to determine the distribution of the ACE gene insertion/deletion [l/D] polymorphism, and its effect on clinical, laboratory, histological findings and therapeutic response in childhood INS. Fifty one nephrotic syndrome patients [35 males and 16 females] were enrolled in the study. All patients received oral steroids as in initial therapy for their nephrotic syndrome. The pattern of response to steroid therapy was determined and patients divided into 2 groups: steroid sensitive [SS] and non-steroid sensitive [non-SS]. The non-SS group was further divided into steroid dependent [SD] and steroid resistant [SR] patients. Clinical, laboratory and histological features were determined. Fifty unrelated healthy adults were recruited as controls. The genotypes for ACE l/D polymorphism were analyzed by using a PCR based method. Twenty patients were SS and 31 were non-SS, of the non-SS group, 18 were SD and 13 were SR. The presence of hypertension at presentation was significantly related to steroid unresponsiveness. Among the SS group the frequencies of the Ii, ID, and DD genotypes of the ACE gene were 20%[n=4], 65%[n=13] and 15%[n=3], respectively, while the frequencies among the Non-SS group were 19.4%[n=6], 74.2%[n=23] and 6.5%[n=2], respectively. The differences between the two groups were statistically insignificant [Chi square=0.59]. The corresponding incidence for control was 12%, 68% and 10% respectively. The differences between controls versus the entire patient group, the SS group and the non-SS group were not statistically significant [p value>0.05 in all]. The frequency of D+genotype was 80%[n=16] in the SS group compared to 80.6%[n=25] in the Non-SS group, the difference between the two groups was statistically insignificant [Fisher's exact=1]. The pattern of the ACE gene polymorphism showed insignificant correlation with age of onset of the disease, hypertension at presentation, stability of renal functions and renal biopsy results. The current study on Egyptian children with INS reveals no association between ACE gene l/D polymorphism and clinical, histological findings, steroid responsiveness, or progression of the disease These results are at variance with reports from other parts of the world suggesting that the impact of ACE gene polymorphism on pediatric INS is likely to be influenced by the ethnic origin. Results of this study revealed an association between hypertension at presentation and non-responsiveness to steroid. Patients with steroid non responsiveness were more liable to develop impaired renal function

High thoracic epidural analgesia improves postoperative cardiac outcome in ischemic patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Postoperative cardiac morbidity and mortality continue to pose considerable risks to surgical patients. High thoracic epidural analgesia [HTEA], owing to its selective blockade of cardiac sympathetic innervation, has been used for treatment of medically or surgically refractory angina pectoris. However; its use in patients with coronary artery disease [CAD] undergoing non cardiac surgery has not been adequately investigated. The aim was to investigate the effect of HTEA on postoperative cardiac morbidity in patients with symptomatic CAD undergoing major abdominal surgery as opposed to a technique with comparable analgesic effect namely: Low thoracic epidural analgesia [LTEA]. After approval, thirty patients with symptomatic CAD undergoing major abdominal surgery were included. Before general anesthesia, they were randomly allocated to have HTEA or LTEA for both intra and postoperative pain relief. In addition to haemodynamic measurements, postoperative cardiac morbidity was investigated by comparing the preoperative ECG, echocardiography and troponin I with the postoperative ones done one the first, third and seventh days. Data were expressed as mean [SE]. Cardiac morbidity was only diagnosed in 13.3% of patients in the HTEA group. In the LTEA group, 53.3% were found to have new ischemic changes and 13.3% developed postoperative MI. No cardiac mortality was reported in either group. Absolute risk reduction was 53.3% and the number needed to treat was found to be 2. HTEA in patients with CAD undergoing non-cardiac surgery has resulted in a reduced postoperative cardiac morbidity. It may be worthwhile establishing this technique, unless contra indicated, in such patients

Altered bone metabolic markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus: impact of glycemic control

To study the influence of glycemic control on bone minerals and biochemical markers of bone metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A Case-control study was conducted at Uhod Hospital, KSA from October 2003 to August 2004 to study 60 premenopausal, multipareous female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for >5 years, under oral anti-diabetics, with no diabetic complications. They were divided according to their glycemic control into: controlled group [n=22] and poorly controlled group [n=38] and were compared to 30 age matched healthy women. Osteocalcin [OC], urinary deoxypyridinoline [Dpd], Parathyroid hormone [PTH] were measured by chemiluminescent enzyme immunometric assay and 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25 OH-D] was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. In both diabetic groups, there were higher ALP [177 +/- 39.88 and 287 +/- 41.4 mg/dl] and PTH [49 +/- 9.87 and 56.25 +/- 12.3 Pg/ml] than in controls [144 +/- 22.54 mg/dl, 26.9 +/- 5.60 Pg/ml respectively], but lower serum calcium [8.87 +/- 0.3 and 8.79 +/- 0.7 mg/dl], and 25 OH-D [50.9 +/- 12.6, 45.4 +/- 18.9 micro g/l] and osteocalcin [4.09 +/- 1.48 and 1.89 +/- 0.24 ng/ml] than controls [9.96 +/- 1.9l, 57.9 +/- 13.6 micro g/l, 6.5 +/- 1.5 ng/ml respectively], Urinary calcium and urinary Dpd were higher [270.66 +/- 41.7 and 300.56 +/- 55.67 mg/d and 10.8 +/- 4.6, 12.06 +/- 5.12 nM/mM creatinine] than in controls [244.23 +/- 51.5 mg/d, 6.2 +/- 0.8 nM/mM creatinine]. Glycemic indices [FBG, HbA1C] showed significant positive correlation with ALP [r=0.290 and 0.294], urinary calcium [r=0.340 and 0.260] and Dpd [r=0.468 and 0.228]. Our data give evidence of altered bone metabolic markers in both controlled and uncontrolled female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with more significant alterations in the uncontrolled group. This could reflect the strong impact of glycemic control on diabetic bone turnover

study into the expression of the tumor suppressor gene p53 and the oncogene bcl-2 in human breast cancer

In this study, the protein expression of the mutant tumor suppressor gene p53, and oncogene bcl-2 was evaluated in 50 female breast cancer patients using two different techniques, ELISA and western blotting, the relation between these two techniques in relation to protein expression was detected, and the correlations between the expression of these two proteins and the different prognostic parameters of cancer breast were studied. The mean value of bcl-2 in breast cancer patients was statistically significantly higher than those of normal healthy controls using both ELISA and western blotting techniques. A significant positive correlation was found between bcl-2 and both the tumor size and the stage of the tumor which signifies its important role as a prognostic factor in breast cancer. Also over-expression of mutant p53 was detected using both ELISA and western blotting techniques when compared to the normal healthy controls. The only statistically significant correlation between mutant p53 expression and the different prognostic parameters of breast cancer was found to be between p53 the stage of the tumor. When taking predictive cut off levels of bcl-2 at 75U/ml, and mutant p53 at 2.16U/ml, bcl-2 showed the highest sensitivity, specificity anti diagnostic accuracy of [88%, 90%, and 90%] respectively, while mutant P53 showed its highest sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy [80%, 100%, and 85.7%] at the chosen cut offs. When done in either abnormal and both abnormal double combinations with the same cut offs, the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy in the either abnormal combination have improved than either parameter singly, [92%, 100% and 94.29%] respectively, while in both abnormal combination the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy are [64%, 90% and 71.43] respectively. When studying the correlation between the 2 techniques [ELISA and western blotting] used in determination of bcl-2 and P53 expression in breast cancer patients all samples which showed over-expression for mutant P53 and bcl-2 using ELISA technique, also demonstrated over-expression using western blotting technique. The percent of positive expression the mutant P53 and the bcl-2 proteins were higher [76%] and [88%] respectively using western blotting technique when compared to ELISA technique [70%] and [80%] respectively. The results of both techniques were statistically significantly correlated for both P53 and bcl-2. Although western blotting technique has a higher sensitivity compared to ELISA, it has many disadvantages as cost, reproducibility, time consumption and the requirement for high skills

Detection of genetic variabiltiy in non - human isolates of fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica by the RAPD - PCR Technique

The present study showed the molecular characterization of Fasciola gigantica and F. hepatica isolates collected from cows and sheep, using the random amplified polymorphic DNA fragments-polymerase chain reaction [RAPDs-PCR] technique. Optimal standardization of amplification conditions and thermocyclation were made, using genetic markers. The methodology used compared the genetic patterns of the two species [interspecies] and inside each species [intra-species] between cow and sheep and the amplification fragments were between 135 and 741 base pairs of marker. The results showed genetic variations [polymorphisms] of Fasciola gigantica and F. hepatica with amplification fragment based on a 500-400 base pair [bp]. Inside each species, there were genetic variations in bovine and ovine and the amplification fragments were between 600 and 400 base pairs [bp]

Molecular identification of coproantigens of Cryptosporidium parvum compared to conventional staining techniques

To compare the immunologic techniques with the conventional staining methods [mainly modified Ziehl-Neelsen, MZN], 93 children [65 immunocompromised and 28 immunocompetent] potentially at risk of Cryptosporidium parvum were studied. Using MZN, a prevalence of 10.7% in diarrheic children was found. ELISA coproantigen and detection of 23 kDa band of immunoblotting by serum IgG were sensitive and specific. They gave 85.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% diagnostic accuracy, 100% positive predictive value and 98.9% negative predictive value. ELISA detection of serum IgG gave 85.7% sensitivity, 97.7% specificity, 96.8% diagnostic accuracy, 75% positive predictive value and 98.9% negative predictive value. So, it was concluded that 23 kDa band determined by ELISA is a valuable sensitive and specific mean of diagnosing cryptosporidiosis, as this antigen is a consistent target of the humoral immune response

Serum vitamin B12 in neural tube defects: a factor behind folate deficiency

Neural tube defects [NTDs] are the most common congenital anomalies of the central nervous system, resulting from failure of the neural tube to close between 3rd - 4th week of gestation. NTDs result from multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors including maternal folate deficiency. Although clear evidence exists on preventability of a large proportion of neural tube defects by periconceptional folk acid intake, however the exact cause of this deficiency is not established. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine possible risk factors for the occurrence of NTDs. The relation between maternal serum folate and vitamin B[12] and their infant's levels. Patients and methods: Clinical history and examination, and serum folic acid and vitamin B[12] concentrations [by Radioimmunoassay] were assessed for 20 neonates with neural tube defect [36-39 week of gestation, 11 females and 9 males] and their mothers. They were compared to 20 healthy neonates and their mother as a control group. Infants with NTDs have significantly lower serum levels of folic acid and vitamin B12, compared to healthy infants [p = 0.02 and p = 0.001] respectively. Serum level of vit B12 was significantly lower in mothers of infants with NTDs than mothers of healthy infants [p = 0.01], but there was no significant difference between serum level of folic acid in mothers of infants with NTDs and mothers of healthy infants. There was no significant difference between males and females as regards serum levels of both folic acid and vit B12. Positive correlation was found between gestational age and serum level of folic acid [p = 0.01]. Also, statistically significant positive correlation was found between serum level of vitamin B12 of infants With NTDs and their momers. [p =0.031]. There was significant correlation between serum level of folic acid and serum level of vitamin B12 in mothers of healthy infants [p<0.05]. The study demonstrated that not only folate is deficient in infants with neural tube defects, but vitamin B12 is also deficent in them and their respective mothers. This finding focuses light on the pivotal role vit.B12 deficiency as a corner stone of folate deficiency So deficiency of vitamin B12 rather than folic acid during pregnancy might play a role in the genesis of neural tube defects

effect of calcium modifying agents on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

In this study, preparation of heart mitochondria was isolated from the heart of adult female Wistar rats. The integrity of mitochondrial preparation was assessed by application of the following tests: Respiratory activity, respiratory control index [RCI], ADP: O ratio [relationship between phosphorylation and respiration] and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. The determination of mitochondrial protein concentration and measurement of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation using Clark-type oxygen electrode were assessed for isolated mitochondria. Verapamil [100-200mu M], bepridil [50-200muM] and palmitoyl DL-carnitine [50-200 muM] produced a significant inhibition of rat heart mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. The results demonstrated the ability of calcium antagonists to modify mitochondrial integrity and function under physiological conditions and provided a further evidence of potential ability of these compounds to be effective in the prophylactic treatment of ischemia in vivo condition

Histophysiologial changes in renal functions of hypercholesterolaemic ovariectomized adult rat

The current study was designed to elucidate the histophysiological changes in renal functions as well as the structural and ultrastructural changes in renal functions as well as the structural and ultrastructural changes of kidneys in hypercholesterolaemic intract and ovariectomized rats. Sixty female albino rats were used, half of them were fed on high cholesterol diet for four months, while the other half were fed on ordinary diet. Compared to control intact rats either fed on ordinary diet or high cholesterol diet, ovariectomy produced a significant decrease in serum levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL], while serum levels of total cholesterol showed marked elevations. Serum albumin level decreased in both groups after ovariectomy, while albuminurea was present in intact hypercholesterolaemic group and ovariectomized hypercholesterolaemic group. Ovariectomy induced elevation of serum levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and calcium levels in both groups. Body weight and blood pressure significantly increased after ovariectomy in both groups. Also, ovariectomy induced marked elevation in serum levels of luteinising hormone [LH] and follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] in rats fed on ordinary diet and high cholesterol diet. The histological results showed that, in ovariectomized rats fed ordinary diet, many glomeruli remained intact, moderate glomerular mononuclear cell infiltration and minimal tubular dilatation was observed. In hypercholesterolaemic ovaraiectomized group. Glomerular focal atrophy or necrosis with mononuclear cell infiltration was observed. Collagen laydown in the intersitium with atrophic dilated tubules containing the protein casts. We conclude that sex-related factors regulated by the ovaries may play an inhibitory role in the development of glomerulosclerosis

study of histochemical and histological structure on the pancreas of albino rat

In the present study, the postanatal developmend, microvascular and innervation of both indocrine and exocrine parts of the pancreas was done on 180 albino rats of Spargue-Dawley strain of both sexes. 30 animals were adults [60 days-old] while the remaining 150 animals were divided into five groups each consisted of 30 animals of 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days old respectively, and it was observed that: * Exocrine part of the pancreas had different rate of growth than the endocrine part, it was found that in the first 7 days of life the endocrine tissue grows faster than the exocrine tissue, then after that age the exocrine tissues strated to grow rapildy with rate more than that of the endocrine tissues up of age of 28 days, after this age onwards both endocrine and exocrine parts showe constant and slow rate of growth. * The body weight and pancreatic weight were found to increase with increasing age, the rate of growth was rapid during the first week after birth with more increase in body weight than pancreatic weight, after 28 days the rate of growth of both body and pancreas was more slower and both increased nearly propartionally. * The total number of islets per pancreas was found to increase with increasing age up to adulthood, the rate of increase was rapid in the first 28 days of life then became slower after that age. * In one day old rats, it was found the presence of distinct blood supply for exocrine part of the pancreas as well as the endocrine part, small and few glomerular like swellings and insulo-acinar capillaries were detected in this age group. The insular capillaries appear to have the same caliber as that of the acinar capillaries with increasing age of the animal all blood vessels of the pacnreas including intrlobular arteris, intralobular arteries as well as insular and acinar capillaries appeared to increase in size. Also the size and frequency of intra-insular capillaries, glomerular like swellings and insulo-acinar portal vessels were increased with increasing age up to adulthood. * True and pseudocholinesterase positive interlobular nerve trunks were observed to divide repeatedly forming the intrapancreatic nerve plexues [peri-acinar, peri-insular, intrainsular, periductal and peri-vascular nerve plexuses]. All these intrapancreatic nerve plexuses were oberved from the the first week birth up to adulthood, while only scattered nerve fibers without forming nerve plexuses were noticed at one day after birth. * True and pseudocholinesterase positive intrapanceratic genglia and nerve cells were found mostly in the interlobular connective tissue septa, however some ganglia were observed among the aini, adjacent to the main pancreatic ducts and blood vessels and less commonly adjacent to islets of langehans. Succinic dehydrogenase enzyme activity was observed throught the pancreas, the exocrine part had higher enzyme reaction than that of the islets of Langerhans moreover the beta-cells showed higher enzyme activity than the cells of the periphery of the islet [A-cell region] and some A-cells possessed low or no enzyme activity at all. Connective tissue cells had low enzyme activity. The intensity of succinic dehydrogenase enzyme reaction was observed to increase with advanced age throughout the whole pancrease