[Mammary tumor associated Hspb1 mutation and screening of eight cat populations of the world]

Current research highlights the Hspb1 based screening of eight cat populations of the world to investigate the association of newly found locus within cat mammary tumors. Total 180 cats were screened on the basis of Hspb1 4 bp deletion locus [1514-1517del4] which was observed in six mammary tumor cases in Siamese cat breed. Case-control association study revealed the non-significance with P=0.201 and an overall mutant allele frequency of 0.30 ranging from 0.20-0.40 was observed in other cat populations. Similarly, HWE was also obeyed in combined population samples with P=0.860 and found non-significant with range of 0.429-0.708 in other non-Pakistani cat populations as well. These results might be helpful to understand the association of this novel locus in a better way with large sample size of cases and may also serve as a potential marker for mammary tumor diagnosis, particularly in cats and generally in all other animal populations in comparative genetics and genomics context

Convergence of technologies: the print, web and multimedia united to deliver an integrated basic medical sciences course in a resource limited setting

This mixed methodology study was conducted at Shifa College of Medicine to see if study guide, module website and multimedia compact disk can be used to deliver an integrated basic sciences course while introducing the concepts of evidence based medicine and how it translates in students' performance. The study guide focused on the management of learning, activities and provision of information. The website was used to introduce evidence based medicine while the multimedia disc provided pictures, videos and animations for organs of special senses. Feedback questionnaire and end of module result were used to evaluate the module and its learning tools. The students agreed that the study guide, module website and multimedia compact disc facilitated their learning experience

Injectable anal bulking agent for the management of faecal incontinence

This study was conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of injectable bulking agents. A total of 13 procedures were performed on 11 patients with faecal incontinence during 2002 to 2007. Patients with internal anal sphincter defect and low incontinence score [Cleveland score < 10] revealed improvement. Patients with higher incontinence score and external sphincter defect secondary to obstetric damage required further intervention. At a median follow-up of 43 months, 7 [63%] patients showed improvement in incontinence score and 4 [32%] showed marked improvement in their symptoms. Fifty six percent of the patients described this as an effective procedure, though the level of effectiveness varied from person to person. Anal injectable collagen was found safe and effective in the management of faecal incontinence. Long-term follow-ups are required to re assess and consider definitive procedure in failed cases

Risk to household contacts of tuberculous patients based on Mantoux test and antibody titre

Tuberculosis, being an infectious disease, carries a risk of infection to contacts attending tuberculous patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the risk for household contacts of tuberculous patients as compared to non-contacts. The study was conducted at PGMI, Gulab Devi Hospital and Defence Housing Authority Lahore. The study included 120 household contacts and 80 non-contacts. A Cross sectional study for evaluation of antituberculous antibodies levels by ELISA method in two groups; Mantoux positive household contacts 49, Mantoux negative household contacts 71 and normal healthy persons 'non contacts' 80. Routine Haematological investigations like HB, TLC and ESR were done by conventional methods and all the sera of 200 subjects included in the study were tested for IgM, IgG and IgA anti tuberculous antibodies by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay [ELISA].Purified protein derivative 0.1 ml containing 5 TU was injected intradermally. The test was read after 72 hours by measuring the induration around injection site of forearm. There was no difference in the average age of the household contacts and non-contacts. The complaints of pyrexia, night sweats and weight loss were more in house hold contacts as compared to non-contacts. The awareness about BCG vaccination was equal in both. There were 49 contacts with positive Mantoux test while negative Mantoux test was found in 71 contacts. There were only three Mantoux positive among eighty non-contacts. There was no significant difference in the presence of IgM among household contacts as compared to non-contacts. However both IgG and IgA were present in significantly higher number of household contacts compared to non-contacts. Household contacts of patients suffering from active pulmonary tuberculosis have more chances of being infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis as compared to the healthy non-contact, as shown by the higher levels of antituberculous antibodies and positivity of Mantoux test

comparison of skin test reactions in patients with allergic and vasomotor rhinitis

Background: Allergic and vasomotor rhinitis are the most common forms of noninfectious rhinitis with similar signs and symptoms. Various environment allergens have been held responsible for allergic type of rhinitis

Aims: To find out the common environmental allergens responsible for sensitivity in patients with allergic rhinitis and compare the findings in vasomotor rhinitis patients

Methods: Ninety subjects were selected for the present study. Out of these, 30 were patients with allergic rhinitis, 30 were patients with vasomotor rhinitis and 30 were healthy subjects as control. Patients were labeled as allergic rhinitis on the basis of eosinophils in nasal smears. Sensitivity to common environmental allergens was determined by skin prick test using Ben Card allergy test kit, strictly following manufacturer's instructions

Results: Common environmental allergens responsible for sensitivity in allergic rhinitis patients were house dust [86.6%], house dust mites [70%], mixed thrashings [80%], straw dust [56.6%], hay dust [66.6%], mixed feathers [43.3%], cat fur [53.3%], cotton flock [50%], tree pollens [40%] and grass pollens [43,3%]. Sensitivity to these allergens was observed in significantly less [p>0.01] percentage of vasomotor rhinitis and control groups. Sensitivity to house dust, house dust mites and cat fur was of severe degree in majority of allergic rhinitis patients. While sensitivity to mixed thrashings, straw dust, hay dust and mixed feathers was of moderate to severe degree in majority of these patients

Conclusion: Skin prick tests provide an effective method to find out sensitivity to different allergens in cases with allergic rhinitis to differentiate these from patients with vasomotor rhinitis. Based on these findings the physicians can manage the patients in better way

Evaluation of primary pulmonary malignancies in central Punjab, Pakistan

To study the clincopathological findings of Primary Pulmonary Malignancy in central Punjab, Pakistan. Three hundred patients of primary malignancies of the lung from Gulab Devi Chest Hospital and other hospital of Lahore were studied. The history of the Patients and their clinical findings were recorded. The sections of all the cases were stained with Haematoxyllin and eosin whereas all large cell carcinomas were stained with Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid- Schiff [AB-PAS] stain. There were 255 males and 45 females with a male to female ratio of 5.7:1. The age ranged from 10-90 years with a mean age of 54.17 +/- 3.46 years. Different tumors were significantly more [p<0.001] in males than in females. The mean age in squamous cell carcinomas cases was significantly high [P<0.001] as compared with adenocarcinoma. Small cell carcinoma cases had significantly low [P<0.02] mean age as compared with squamous cell carcinoma. The difference of mean age in cases of adenocarcinoma approached significant level [0.1>P>0.05] as compared with small cell carcinoma. The primary lung carcinoma is more common in males. Its prevalence is increasing in young ages

Relationship of ABO blood group in patients with oral cancers

Present study was designed to find the association of ABO blood groups with oral cancers. In this study 50 diagnosed cases of oral cancers and 50 healthy controls were selected. ABO blood grouping, complete blood examination was performed in all these subjects. Out of 50 patients 16 were blood group A, 11 group 'B', 8 group 'AB' and 15 belong to group 'O' as compared to controls who were, 14, 15, 3, 18 for blood groups A, B, AB and O respectively. Conclusions: No relationship is found between Oral Cancers and ABO Blood groups

Evaluation of anti tuberculous antibodies in healthy contact and non contacts persons

This study was conducted to see the presence of the antimycobacterial antibodies in healthy household contacts of tuberculous patients and healthy normal subjects who have never been in contact with tuberculous patients. A total of 200 subjects, 120 with history of household contact and 80 without such history were included in the study. Routine Haematological investigations were performed and all the sera of 200 subjects were tested for IgM, IgG and IgA anti tuberculous antibodies using ELISA technique. There was no difference in the average age of the household contacts and non-contacts. The complaints of pyrexia, night sweats and loss of weight was more in house hold contacts as compared to non-contacts. The awareness about BCG vaccination was equal among the household contacts and non-contacts. The combined serological positivity of the household contacts was 65.8% and the combined serological positivity for non-contacts was 34.1%. There was no statistically significant difference in the presence of I gM among household contacts as compared to non-contacts. However both IgG and IgA were present in significantly higher number of household contacts as compared to non-contacts. This study concludes that the persons living in the house with a patient suffering from active pulmonary tuberculosis [household contact] have more chances of being infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis as compared to the healthy non-contacts

Evaluation of nucleolar organizer region in normal brain tissues and astrocytic gliomas

This study was performed to evaluate the importance of Ag NORs in different grades of Astrocytic Gliomas. It was a descriptive study and was performed at Lahore General Hospital and Sheikh Zayad Hospital, Lahore. A total of 50 cases were collected within one year, and AgNOR staining was performed on 50 brain tumors and specimens were selected randomly. AgNOR was low, high, higher and highest in Astrocytic Gliomas, grade I [Pilocytic], II, III, and IV respectively as compared to normal brain tissue. AgNOR staining technique is a simple, quick and a cheap method to assess proliferative index in astrocytic Proliferative activity is a good parameter to assess the disease outcome in astrocytic glioma

Changes in serum lipid profile of albino rats fed on canola oil supplemented with atherogenic elements: 18 weeks study

Amongst lipid lowering factors, the dietary intervention for treating hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis associated ailments is physiological and gratifying. Canola is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and is locally cultivated and cost effective. The criterion of the study was to determine the status of serum lipid profile in albino rats fed on canola oil diets for prolonged period of 24-weeks and to compare the same with those fed on canola oil supplemented with atherogenic elements. Results demonstrate that moderate amounts of canola oil [2.9% in diet] has triglyceride and cholesterol lowering effects. Both moderate and high amounts of canola oil [20%] decrease serum LDL-c profiles and resist lowering of HDL-c levels in rats fed with canola oil alongwith atherogenic elements. Conclusions: These findings reveal canola oil amongst the important supplement of monounsaturated fatty acids in animals and these findings may be generalized for humans

Statistical analysis of astrocytic glioma

Fifty patients of both sexes of Astrocytic Glioma from Sheikh Zayed Hospital and Lahore General Hospital Lahore were included in this study. Ten normal brain tissues [control] were taken from accident cases. Out of 50 study cases there were 16 [32%] were low grade [I-II] Astrocytic Glioma and 34 [68%] were high grade Astrocytic Glioma. The male to female percentage was found out to be 26 [52%] and 24 [48%] respectively. Among the males, 11 [22%] were in grade I-II while 15 [30%] were in grade III-IV Astrocytic Glioma, while 5 [10%] females were in grade I-II and 19 [38%] were in grade No statistical sex difference was seen in the ratio of male and female who developed Astrocytic Glioma [P>0.05]. The ages of the patients ranged from 10 to 76 years with maximum number of cases in the age group 30-49 years. In this age group, 11 [22%] patients had grade I-II while 20 [40%] were in grade type of Astrocytic Glioma. The statistical difference of age in different groups was found to be highly significant, [P<0.01]. The most common presenting complaints were headache, vomiting, weakness of limbs, loss of orientation and giddiness. These were observed mainly in grade III-IV Astrocytic tumors. The complaints of difficulty in speech, papilloedema and fits were observed often with an almost equal ratio in all grades of Astrocytic Glioma. The loss of consciousness was observed only in Grade III-IV tumors. The most common site of Atstorcytic Glioma was Parietal lobe and Fronto-parietal lobe constituting 9 [18%] in grade I-II and 15 [30%] in grade HI-IV Astrocytic Gliomas, that is statistically significant, [P<0.05]. The most common site of Astrocytic Glioma was Parietal lobe, 17 out of 50 [7 in grade I-II and 10 in grade III-IV], while the second most common site of this tumor was Temproparietal region, [4 in grade I-II and 6 in grade III-IV]. There were 29 Astrocytic Gliomas in right lobe [10 in grade I-II, and 19 in grade III-IV], while 18 in left lobe [5 in grade I-II and 13 in grade III-IV]. This was statistically highly significant, [P<0.01]. High grade Astrocytic Glioma was also present in Thalamus, mid brain, and Interventricular septum

Relationship of secretor status in patients with oral cancers

Present study was designed to find the association of secretor status with oral cancers. In this study 50 diagnosed cases of oral cancers and 50 healthy controls were selected. Secretor status on saliva sample was performed in all these subjects. 39 [78%] subjects were secretors and 11 [22%] were non secretors in control group. 28 [56%] patients with oral cancers were secretors and 22 [44%] were non secretors. Oral cancer was found to be associated with non-secretor status

Quantification of fetomaternal hemorrhage

Background: Fetomatemal hemorrhage [FMH] can affect fetus in different ways. It can cause fetal distress, fetal death or neonatal anemia. The red cells of Rh-positive fetus may sensitize the Rh-negative mother, hence producing anti-Rhesus antibodies in the mother. Mode of delivery and removal of placenta may affect the extent of fetomatemal hemorrhage

Methods: One hundred and fifty subjects having Cesarean section and 347 subjects have SVD were studied. Similarly 166 subjects having manual removal of placenta and 334 subjects having spontaneous removal of placenta were also evaluated in the study. Blood samples were taken within four hours of delivery from mothers. Kleihauer[2] test was perfumed from samples. Adult blood and cord blood was used to prepare control slides

Results: incidence of FMH was 18.66% in Caesarean section and 14.08% in simple vaginal delivery. In 18.07% and in spontaneous removal of placenta it is 14.07%

Conclusion: Caesarean section and manual removal of placenta increase the incidence of FMH as compared to sample vaginal delivery and spontaneous removal of placenta

correlation of serum inhibin with sperm count and sperm motility in fertile and infertile males

Inhibin is produced by Sertoli cells of the testis, provides negative feedback on FSH secretion, and may prove to be an important marker for the functioning of seminiferous tubules. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the spermatogenic function of the tests of subfertile men and the plasma concentrations of inhibin. The study was carried out on twenty infertile [or subfertile] males and ten age-matched control subjects with proven fertility. Infertile subjects were subdivided into oligospermie, normospermie and azoospermic on the basis of their sperm count. In infertile subjects mean serum inhibin concentration [30.4 +/- 22.2 pg/ml] was higher as compared to fertile subjects [25.2 +/- 8.5 pg/ml], although the difference was not statistically significant [p > 0.05]. Among the subgroups of infertile subjects mean serum inhibin level in azoospermics, who showed testicular atrophy on biopsy, was 8.2. +/- 1.1 pg/ml, which was significantly lower [p < 0.002] than fertile subject. The mean sperm count of infertile subjects way significantly lower than fertile subjects [p < 0.01]. The mean percentage of progressively active sperm was significantly lower in infertile than fertile subject [p > 0.001] while mean percentage of immotile sperms was significantly higher in infertile than fertile subjects [p < 0.001]. Sluggishly motile sperms did not show a significant difference between two groups. No significant correlation of serum inhibin with either sperm count or sperm motility was observed in both, fertile as well as infertile subjects. These results indicate that serum inhibin concentration is decreased in case of damage to the seminiferous tubules, however absence of any correlation of serum inhibin with sperm count and sperm motility questions its validity in place of traditional parameters used, for assessment of male infertility

Histological changes in renalvessels of albino rats fed on canola oil and hyperlipidaemic diet

To evaluate and compare the atheroscIerotic changes with intake of dietary monounsaturated fatty acid [canola oil] and hyperlipidaemic diet on the renal arteries of albino rats. Design: It was an experimental study conducted at Postgraduate Medical lnstitute [PGMI] Lahore for 24 weeks. Materials and Methods Sixty albino rats of 8 weeks age, equal number of males and females were divide in to five groups of 12 animals each.[Group DO-4]. Different diets were prepared and given to the animals for 24 weeks. Renal arteries were taken to see changes. Gross and microscopic changes for atherosclerosis were studied in animals sacrificed after one week [Group DO] and in animals scarified after 24 weeks of experiment [Groups 1-4]. Only one animal showed atherotic lesion in-group D 2, while all other animals remained lesion free. Our study proved that canola oil was one of the beneficial diets. Canola oil was not only effective when used alone in the diet but it also protected and prevented the atherosclerotic changes of other atherogenic diets

Serum immunoglobulin G and haematological parameters in goitrous thyroid disease treated by radioiodine and surgery

They were aimed at determining the serum immunoglobulin G [IgG] and hematological parameters in goitrous patients treated by radioiodine and thyroid surgery. This prospective clinicopathologic study was conducted in Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Blood samples of 20 patients with toxic diffuse goiter [TDG] and 30 with non-toxic nodular goiter were analyzed for serum IgG, hemoglobin [Hb], total and differential white cell counts [TLC and DLC] at 0, 10d and 6-8 weeks of radioiodine or surgical treatment. Twenty age-and.sex-mulched healthy individuals were included as reference population. Goitrous patients had significantly higher IgG that was detected after sub total thyroidectomy in cases of nodular goitre. Patients with TDG showed significantly increased IgG after radioiodine therapy [p<0.01]. Hb level in patients was lower as compared to control group [p<0.05], Hb showed a significant increase after 6-8 weeks of therapy [p<0.05]. Changes in TLC and DLC were not significant. Serum IgG in goitrous patients was significantly higher than healthy controls. Patients with TDG showed an increase in IgG after radioiodine therapy. Changes in Hb, TLC, DLC were mostly insignificant after treatment with radioiodine as well as surgery

Effect of variable incubation temperatures and salt concentration on susceptibility testing of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]

The effect of variable incubation temperatures and variable salt concentration in the sensitivity agar on susceptibility testing of MRSA was evaluated. For this purpose 58 MRSA strains were tested. For each MRSA strain nine Mueller Hinton agar plates, three plates each with 2%, 5% and 7.5% sodium chloride [NaCl] supplement were inoculated. One plate from each of the salt concentration was incubated at 30°C, 37°C and 40°C. It was found that with increase in temperature of incubation the size of inhibition zones increased. In the presence of 2% NaCl supplement in the sensitivity agar, 5 MRSA appeared falsely intermediate sensitive on incubation at 40°C. While on incubation at 37°C although all MRSA remained methicillin resistant, statistical analysis revealed the effect on inhibition zone size to be approaching significance level [0.1 > P > 0.05]. The effect of incubation temperature on inhibition zone size was statistically insignificant [P>0.05] if 5% or 7.5% NaCl was incorporated in the sensitivity agar. Therefore we recommend the use of 5% NaCl supplemented sensitivity agar and incubation temperature of 37°C for the accurate detection of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus au aureus

Gestational trophoblastic disease a study

A total of 27 cases of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease [GTD] including 24 of hydatidiform mole and 3 of choriocarcinoma were seen during a three year period. During this time, 5702 pregnant patients were admitted giving a rate per pregnancy of 1:211 or 4.74 per 1000. Of the 27 cases, 9 [33.33%] mothers and 12 [44.44%] fathers were 40 years or over in age. Nineteen women [70.37%] were gravida 5 or over. No relation to specific dietary factors, age of menarche, contraception, blood groups or weight was elicited. No patient had pre-eclampsia, thyrotoxicosis or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Only one patient had excessive vomiting. None had metastatic disease. Twenty-two [81. 48%] patients were anaemic, and 15 [55.55%] required at least two units of blood transfusion. Of patients with hydatidiform mole 16 [59.26%] had primary suction curettage, 7D and C and 1 primary hysterectomy. Later, 1 patient with residual GTD required methotrexate, and another a hysterectomy. The three cases of choriocarcinoma were diagnosed on diagnostic D and C and were given MAC regimen. One later required a hysterectomy. Monitoring and follow-up of all except first five cases of GTD was done by serial serum beta HCG levels