[ effect of shoots of allium sativum L., ferula assa-foetida aqueous extract and low frequency electromagnetic field on angiogenesis in chick chorioallantoic membrane [in vivo]]

Background: Inhibition of angiogenesis is one of the goals of cancer treatment. In traditional medicine, Allium sativum L. and Ferula assa-foetida are consider as the important medicinal plants. The effect of electromagnetic field [EMF] on different aspects of cell growth has been confirmed

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of shoots of Allium sativum L., Ferula assa-foetida extract and low frequency EMF on angiogenesis

Methods: 100 fertilized eggs were randomly divided into 10 groups: control [treated with distilled water], sham one [normal saline], sham two [EMF off], experimental one [shoot of Allium sativum L. extract], experimental two [shoot of Ferula assa-foetida], experimental three [combination of Allium sativum L. and Ferula assa-foetida], experimental four [EMF with intensity of 100 gauss], experimental five [Allium sativum L. + EMF], experimental six [Ferula assafoetida + EMF], experimental seven [combination of Allium sativum L. and Ferula assa-foetida + EMF]. Extract was injected on the 8th day of incubation and samples were exposed to EMF on 10th day. On 12th day, Chorioalantoic membrane was photographed and the length and numbers of vessels were measured

Results: There was a significant decrease in mean number and length of vessels in experimental groups one, two, four, five and six compared with the control group. The most significant decrease was created in group three, especially in group seven [P<0.05]. In addition, extract of Ferula assa-foetida has anti-angiogenesis effect more than Allium sativum L

Conclusion: Allium sativum L. and Ferula assa-foetida have inhibitory effects on angiogenesis and these effects amplifying by EMF

[ effects of different doses of atorvastatin on angiogenesis of chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryo]

Statins promote the proliferation, migration and survival of endothelial cells and bone marrow -derived endothelial progenitor cells [Angioblasts]. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a dynamic and complex activity which is needed for embryogenesis and other physiological processes. However, in many pathological conditions such as solid tumor progression, the disease appears to be associated with persistent upregulated angiogenesis. In this research we used atorvastatin [0.1microm] and [10 microm] on angiogenesis of chick embryo. In this experimental study 42 Ross fertilized eggs were randomly divided into 3groups as follows: 1] control group, 2] group treated with atorvastatin [0.1microm], 3] group treated with atorvastatin [10microm]. In day 2 a window was opened on eggs in sterile condition and In day 8 gelatin sponge was placed on chorioallantic membrane [CAM] and was soaked with 10 microliters atorvastatin [0.1microm] and [10 microm] in group 2 and group 3. In day12 CAMs were examined and photographed by research photo-stereomicroscope in all cases. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey tests. The average number and length of vessels in control and the group treated with atorvastatin [0.1microm] showed a significant increase [P<0.05] and the average number and length of vessels in the group treated with atorvastatin [10 microm] showed a significant decrease compare to control group [P<0.05]. The results of this study showed that atorvastatin has a stimulatory effect on angiogenesis in CAM and atorvastatin [10 microm] has an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis in CAM. It is suggested that astatine can be used as a new medicine for angiogenesis balancing in treat ment of diseases related to angiogenesis

Psychiatric morbidity in children reporting at a tertiary care hospital

The study is designed to assess the psychiatric morbidity in children reporting at psychiatry OPD, of National Institute of Child Health [NICH], Karachi. Simple descriptive study. This study was conducted during the period of two years from January 2005 to January 2007 at National Institute of Child Health [NICH] Karachi. All consecutive patients who reported in child psychiatry clinic were enrolled in this study if they fulfilled the inclusion criteria having age of 3 years to 15 years of either sex. Cases excluded in the study were psychiatric presentation associated with physical illness and symptoms related to drug side effects. The facility received direct referrals from other professional colleagues, and from parents, school teachers who have been sensitized to child psychiatric issues. Semi-structured interview based on DSM-IV along with an open ended slot of question were used for evaluation. Data regarding demographic characteristics, referral source, reasons for referral and diagnostics based on clinical judgment were collected. Five hundred and seventy new cases were inducted in this study over a period of two years. Males outnumbered females with the ratio of 1.7:1. Majority [42.28%] of children were in the age range from 11-15 years. Standard deviation of age was 6.8 years for male and 3.5 years for female children. Most [69.6%] of the referrals were made from professionals working in pediatric medicine. The most common reason for referral was disruptive behaviour [26.32%], followed by behavioural problem with fits [15.79%] and physical over activity [7.89%]. Other presenting complaints [reasons for referral] included slow learner, self injurious behaviour, aggression, speech delay, unexplained physical symptoms, bed wetting, emotional problems poor attention and tics etc. Mental retardation with behavioural problem was the most frequent [36.14%] provisional diagnosis. About 16.14% of cases related to seizure disorder with behavioural problem while 10.53% were attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]. Other diagnoses made were depressive illness, conversion disorder, functional enuresis and autism. After mental retardation, one third of cases comprised of seizure disorder with behavioral problem, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], and depressive illness. It is therefore recommended that professionals at primary health care level should be trained to identify psychiatric illness in children so that early intervention, proper referral and effective management may be possible

synergic effects of rapamycin and extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a dynamic and complex activity which is needed for embryogenesis and other physiological processes. However, in many pathological conditions such as solid tumor progression, the disease appears to be associated with persistent up-regulated angiogenesis. In this research we used 0.04 T [tesla] electromagnetic field as a synergic treatment with rapamycin on angiogenesis. In this experimental study, 70 Ross fertilized eggs were randomly divided into 5 groups as following: 1] control, 2] sham-exposed, 3] a group treated with rapamycin, 4] a group treated with electromagnetic field and 5] a group treated with both rapamycin and electromagnetic field. In day 2, a window was opened on eggs in sterile condition. In day 8 a gelatin sponge was placed on chorioalantoic membrane [CAM] and was soaked with 5 micro l rapamycin in group 3 and group 5. Groups 4 and group 5 were placed in 400 Gauss magnetic field for 4 hours in day 10. In day 12, CAMs were examined and photographed by research photo-stereomicroscope in all cases. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Mann-Whitney tests. Comparison between average number and length of vessels in controls and sham-exposed didn't show any significant differences. In group 3 and 4, a significant decrease was shown in the average number and length compared with controls. Finally, comparison between group 3 and group 5 showed a significant decrease in the average number and length of vessels in group 5 which had been treated with both rapamycin and 400 [Gauss] G electromagnetic field. The results of this study showed that 0.04 T magnetic field has an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis in CAM and can enhance the effect of rapamycin as an anti-angiogenesis drug

Profile of patients presenting with heartburn and treatment of erosive esophagitis with esomeprazole- an experience

It's a descriptive analytical study done at Lahore Gut and Liver Centre during March 2005 to February 2006. 260 patients who presented with heartburn were included in the study. Their symptoms are recorded and graded a/c to severity. Upper GI Endoscopy done to grade the mucosal injury a/c to LA Classification. First forty patients who were having Erosive Esophagitis were started on Esomeprazole 40mg once daily. Patients reviewed after every 2 weeks for symptom improvement and adverse events. After 8 weeks UGIT Endoscopy repeated to see mucosal improvement in those patients in which mucosal break was recorded at the start of therapy [a/c to LA Classification]. Dose increment to 40 mg twice a day made, if no symptomatic improvement in 2 weeks. 260 patients in the range of 16 to 75 years, with mean age 37 years, with male to female 1:1.4, mean BMI 29%. 40% were smokers and 10% taking regular Alcohol [25 units/week], 12% got DM. 3% got Chronic Liver Disease due to HCV infection. Regurgitation 75%, Nausea/Vomiting 30% Chest Pain. 20% dysphagic 10%, water brash 60%, Epigastric pain 30%, Early Satiety 35%, Bloating 20%. 95 patients [36.53%] had Erosive Esophagitis; 155 patients [59.6%] no evidence of mucosal injury; 10 patients [3.84%] got Barret's Eshophegitis. First forty patietns who showed Erosive Esophagitis has age range of 16-60 years. 38 patients completed the therapy, 2 patients lost to follow up. Main age was 35 years with male to female ratio of 1.2:1.45% patients were smokers, average BMI of 30. An improvement trend in symptoms by at least 2 levels a/c scale was seen in 20% in 2 weeks, 50% by 4 weeks and 95% by 8 weeks. At the end of study [8 weeks] improvement in mucosal change is 100%. The adverse events noted are bloating 45% and loose stools and headache 20% each. Various overlap symptoms are common in GERD. Endoscopic negative GERD is common, Esomeprazole is effective in GERD

Comparison of treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] by family physician and consultants

The goal of the study is to determine whether care for COPD patients is more consistent with guidelines when a Consultant rather than a Family Physician treat the patients. We use the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease Guidelines as a standard 1. We studied seven parameters, offering Pulmonary Function Test, Smoking cassation guidance, vaccination, use of oral steroid, inhaled steroids, inhaled Impratropium bromide, and symptom documentation. We concluded that both Family Physicians and Consultants are not fully following the guidelines. In compression Consultants are better than Family Physicians

Comparison of dyslipidemias in controlled and uncontrolled type II diabetics

There were two groups of 60 patients each, comprising controlled and uncontrolled patients, depending on their HbA1c levels. All the patients had their lipid profiles checked after a overnight fast. All lipid fractions were found to be deranged in both the groups, more so in the patients with uncontrolled diabetes. It was concluded that dyslipidemias are common in diabetics. The abnormal lipid values though improve with good control of diabetes, but do not reach normal state