Concomitant use of pre-emptive analgesia with local and general anesthesia in rat uterine pain surgical model.

Preemptive analgesia is used for postoperative pain management, providing pain relief with few adverse effects. In this study, the effect of a preemptive regime on rat behavior and c-fos expression in the spinal cord of the uterine surgical pain model was evaluated. It was a lab-based experimental study in which 60 female Sprague-Dawley rats; eight to 10 weeks old, weighing 150-300 gm were used. The rats were divided into two main groups: (i) superficial pain group (SG) (with skin incision only), (ii) deep pain group (with skin and uterine incisions). Each group was further divided into three subgroups based on the type of preemptive analgesia administered i.e., "tramadol, buprenorphine, and saline subgroups." Pain behavior was evaluated using the "Rat Grimace Scale" (RGS) at 2, 4, 6, 9 and 24 h post-surgery. Additionally, c-fos immunohistochemistry was performed on sections from spinal dorsal horn (T12-L2), and its expression was evaluated using optical density and mean cell count 2 hours postoperatively. Significant reduction in the RGS was noted in both the superficial and deep pain groups within the tramadol and buprenorphine subgroups when compared to the saline subgroup (p ≤ .05). There was a significant decrease in c-fos expression both in terms of number of c-fos positive cells and the optical density across the superficial laminae and lamina X of the spinal dorsal horn in both SD and DG (p ≤ .05). In contrast, the saline group exhibited c-fos expression primarily in laminae I-II and III-IV for both superficial and deep pain groups and lamina X in the deep pain group only (p ≤ .05). Hence, a preemptive regimen results in significant suppression of both superficial and deep components of pain transmission. These findings provide compelling evidence of the analgesic efficacy of preemptive treatment in alleviating pain response associated with uterine surgery.

Identification of appropriate tools to gauge brain functions in a clinical setup of a developing country: A pilot study.

Objective: To identify the most appropriate tools to measure functions of the brain that can be utilized in the clinical setups of developing countries. Methods: This qualitative research with a three-step approach was carried out from January 2022 to May 2022 at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Pakistan. Firstly, literature was searched to identify main brain faculties, then interviews were conducted with regional field experts to identify appropriate scales for the selected functions. Lastly a rubric was filled using interview transcripts and literature. Results: The identified functions were vision, hearing, cognition, motor and emotions. Based on the rubric the best tests were visual fields (17/24), pure tone audiometry (16/24), Mini-Mental State Exam (20/24), Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (18/24), Romberg's test (19/24) and Manual Muscle Testing (18/24). Conclusion: The clinicians in developing countries can utilize the visual fields, pure tone audiometry, Mini-Mental State Exam, Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, Romberg's test and Manual Muscle Testing for most efficient, feasible, accurate and cost-effective measurement of brain functions.

Neurofeedback Recuperates Cognitive Functions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and behaviors or interests. Besides behavioral, psychopharmacological and biomedical interventions there is increasing evidence of non-invasive treatments like neurofeedback (NFB) that can improve brain activity. In this study, we have investigated whether NFB can improve cognitive functions in children with ASD. Thirty-five children with ASD (7-17 years) were selected by purposive sampling. The subjects underwent 30 sessions of NFB training for 20 min over 10 weeks' period. Psychometric tests i.e. Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), IQ scoring and Reward sensitivity tests were administered at baseline. Pre and post NFB intervention assessment of executive functions, working memory and processing speed were done by NIH Toolbox Cognition Batteries. Friedman test revealed that children showed a statistically significant improvement in the NIH Tool Box cognitive assessments, including the Flankers Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (Pre-test = 3.63, Post-test = 5.22; p = 0.00), the Dimensional Change Card Sorting Test (Pre-test = 2.88, Post-test = 3.26; p = 0.00), the Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test (Pre-test = 6.00, Post-test = 11:00; p = 0.00) and the List Sorting Working Memory Test (Pre-test = 4.00, Post-test = 6:00; p = 0.00), and displayed a trend of improvement at 2-month follow-up (Flankers Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (Post-test = 5.11 ± 2.79, Follow-Up = 5.31 ± 2.67; p = 0.21), the Dimensional Change Card Sorting Test (Post-test = 3.32 ± 2.37, Follow-Up = 3.67 ± 2.35; p = 0.054), the Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test (Post-test = 13.69 ± 9.53, Follow-Up = 14.42 ± 10.23 p = 0.079) and the List Sorting Working Memory Test (Post-test = 6.17 ± 4.41, Follow-Up = 5.94 ± 4.03; p = 0.334). Our findings suggest NFB intervention for 10 weeks produce improvement in executive functions (Inhibitory Control and Attention and Cognitive Flexibility), Processing Speed and Working Memory in ASD Children.

The short-term impact of high energy nutritional supplements on energy balance in underweight primi-gravidae: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of high-energy nutritional supplements on appetite, appetite regulators, energy intake and macronutrients level among underweight primigravidae. Methods: The single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted from April 26, 2018, to August 10, 2019, in tertiary care hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, after approval from the ethics review committee of Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, and comprised underweight primigravidae who were randomly allocated to high energy nutritional supplement group A and placebo group B. Appetite questionnaires were filled and blood samples were obtained in fasting state, at 30, 60, 120, 210 and 270 minutes to measure blood glucose, insulin, peptide YY and cholecystokinin. Breakfast and lunch were served at 30 minutes and 210 minutes after supplementation, respectively. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 36 subjects, 19(52.8%) were in group A and 17(47.2%) were in group B. The overall mean age was 18.66 ± 2.5 years. Energy intake in group A was significantly higher than group B (p<0.001), and so were mean protein and fats (p<0.001). The subjective appetite perceptions for 'hunger' and 'desire to eat' were significantly lower (p<0.001) before lunch in group A. Plasma concentrations of appetite hormones corresponded to the appetite perceptions and were significantly higher in group A after breakfast and lunch for peptide YY, cholecystokinin and insulin compared to group B (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High-energy nutritional supplement was found to have short-term suppressive effect on energy intake and appetite. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ISRCTN 10088578. Registered on 27 March 2018. https://www.isrctn.com/ ISRCTN10088578.

The effects of tobacco and cannabis use on semen and endocrine parameters in infertile males.

Substances such as tobacco and cannabis can negatively modulate seminal parameters and sex hormones and lead to fertility problems in males. The present study aimed to determine the effect of cigarettes, dipping tobacco, and cannabis on semen parameters and sex hormones in infertile males. A total of 160 infertile healthy participants (cigarette smokers n = 40, dipping tobacco users n = 40, cannabis users n = 40 and infertile controls n = 40) were included in the study. Fasting blood samples were collected from all the participants using the aseptic technique, and semen samples were collected by masturbation following sexual abstinence of 2-7 days. The levels of serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined using ELISA. The serum level of FSH was significantly higher in cannabis users relative to the control group (p = 0.043). A mild non-significant decrease in sperm count, serum LH and testosterone levels were observed in all drug users compared to controls. In conclusion, chronic use of tobacco and cannabis mildly modulates semen and hormonal parameters in infertile males.

Treatment with combined resveratrol and myoinositol ameliorates endocrine, metabolic alterations and perceived stress response in women with PCOS: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to assess whether treatment with combined resveratrol and myoinositol is more effective in ameliorating the altered parameters associated with PCOS when compared to the combined metformin and pioglitazone therapy. METHOD: One hundred and ten obese, oligo-anovulatory PCOS women, aged 20-35 years were randomly assigned into two treatment arms. Participants in arm-1 (n = 55), received combination of metformin and pioglitazone (500 mg and 15 mg, respectively), twice daily, while those in arm-2 (n = 55) received combination of resveratrol and myoinositol (1000 mg and 1000 mg, respectively) twice daily for 12 weeks. Evaluations performed at baseline were repeated after 3 months of therapy. The endocrine and metabolic derangements were assessed by measuring serum levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), adiponectin and insulin using ELISA. Cohen's perceived stress scale (PSS) was employed as a subjective measure of stress. RESULTS: Pre-treatment PCOS women in both the arms (arm-1 and arm-2) had remarkably elevated serum testosterone and insulin concentrations, low serum adiponectin and high perceived stress response scores. The treatment reduced the altered endocrine indices in arm-2 (resveratrol and myoinositol) participants, manifested by statistically significant reduction in serum testosterone level (p = 0.001) and notably increased serum adiponectin level (p = 0.001). Interestingly, the hormonal profile, including serum LH and FSH levels also decreased (p < 0.001) along with a marked reduction in the ovarian volume (p = 0.001) in arm-2 participants. There was a significant reduction in weight (<0.001), BMI (p < 0.001) and an improvement in waist-hip ratio (p < 0.001) in arm-2 participants compared to arm-1 group. The PSS scores of the arm-2 subjects improved significantly (p < 0.001) whereas, the Ferrimen-Gallwey score was improved in both the arms (arm-1 and arm-2; p = 0.010 and 0.008 respectively) however, the change was highly significant in arm-2. Interestingly, the menstrual regularity was 81.4% in arm-2 while 18.2% in arm-1. We conclude that the therapeutic intervention with combined resveratrol and myoinositol is more effective in ameliorating altered endocrine, metabolic indices and stress burden and could be of clinical importance in high risk group of obese, oligo-anovulatory married PCOS affected women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTials.gov Trial No: NCT04867252. Registered 24 April, 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04867252.

Efficacy Of Multiple Micronutrients Supplementation On Energy Intake, Calcium And Vitamin D Levels In Underweight Children.

Background: Under-nutrition is a major public health problem worldwide. Several studies have documented the effects of vitamin D and calcium supplements in healthy children and in children with bone abnormalities but the effects of multiple micronutrients supplementation in underweight children is limited in literature. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial 38 participants were recruited and divided into two groups of 19 subjects. On the first day of experimental trial, in fasting state 5cc blood samples were collected from all subjects followed by their anthropometric measurements, and serum levels of calcium and vitamin D. All subjects of one group were given Lipid-based nutritional supplement (LNS) and whereas the other group was given the placebo. After one month of compliance the same measurements were repeated and compared. Results: After one month of supplementation mid-upper arm circumference (p=0.005), weight (p<0.001), height (p=0.000), and BMI-Z score (p=0.002) the energy intake (p<0.001), were significantly increased in LNS as compared to Placebo. However, no improvement was observed in the plasma vitamin D (p=0.44) and calcium levels (p=0.46) of underweight children in both groups. Conclusion: Multi micronutrient supplementations are effective in improving anthropometry in the short duration of time. They also improve the energy intake of underweight children. However, no improvement is observed in levels of vitamin D and calcium in LNS group even after a one-month use.

Micronutrient status and energy intake in moderate acute malnourished children after intake of high Energy nutritional supplements for four weeks: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Undernutrition including micronutrient deficiency results in adverse health-related outcomes in children of low-medium income countries. This study aims to explore the effect of four weeks of Lipid-based nutritional supplement (LNS) on energy intake, anthropometry and micronutrient status in moderate acute malnourished children. METHODS: Thirty-four children with mean age 7.08±1.47 years and a BMI Z score between -2 and -3 SDS were randomized into LNS and Placebo groups in a single blind randomized control trial. Energy intake, fasting blood samples, and anthropometric measurements were obtained prior to and after four weeks of LNS (535 kcal) or Placebo (92kcal) supplementation in addition to their habitual dietary intake. RESULTS: During four weeks of supplementation, energy intake (kcal) [(611±155) to (987±224), p<0.001)], weight (kg) [(17.5±2.83) to (18.1±3.24), p< 0.001], mid-upper arm circumference (cm) [(14.8±0.91) to (15.1±0.84), p=0.005)] and BMI (kg/m2) [(12.9±0.33) to (13.3±0.45), p=0.002] was significantly improved in the LNS group compared to Placebo. A significant increase in hemoglobin (g/ml) [(12.2±1.14) to (13.7±1.69), p<0.01] and iron levels (µg/dl) [(0.36±0.09) to (0.67±0.20), p<0.001] were observed in the LNS group. No significant differences were detected in the copper and zinc levels. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid-based nutritional supplement is effective in improving energy intake, nutritional outcomes and iron but not copper and zinc. The trial was registered at www.isrctn.com under reference: ISRCTN147181521.

Relationship Of Serum Adiponectin Levels With Glycaemic Status In Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin plays an important role in glucose metabolism and released in response to insulin. It helps to decrease glucose levels and insulin resistance; however, this relation is not been studied in pregnant ladies. Objective was to determine serum adiponectin level and glycaemic status in pregnant women belonging to Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and to find any possible relationship between them. METHODS: Hundred pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 100 healthy pregnant women without GDM were randomly selected in a cross-sectional study. After an overnight fast, their blood samples were taken for determination of serum adiponectin, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). The relationship of adiponectin with glycaemic status was determined with Pearson Correlations coefficient (r). RESULTS: Pregnant women with GDM when compared to healthy pregnant women showed significantly low levels of serum adiponectin (µg/mL) (2.2±0.2 vs. 11.25±4.8, p<0.05) and significantly high level of FBG (mg/dl) (182.7±64.2 vs. 93.6±5.9, p<0.05) and HbA1c (%) (7.4±0.1 vs. 5.4±0.1, p<0.05). Serum adiponectin level showed a statistically significant negative correlation with FBG (r = -0.203, p=0.042) and HbA1c (r = -0.744, p=0.000) in pregnant women with GDM. CONCLUSIONS: Serum adiponectin concentration is markedly decreased in pregnant women with GDM which concludes that Hypoadiponectinemia is related with deranged (elevated) glycaemic status in pregnancy. Moreover, adiponectin is associated negatively with FBG and HbA1c in the studied population.

Auditory brainstem response: An overview of neurophysiological implications and clinical applications -A Narrative Review.

Evoked Potentials are electrical potentials that occur in a group of neurons in response to stimulation of a sensory organ which can be recorded by surface electrodes. Testing evoked potentials is useful in assessing the integrity of neuronal pathways both at sensory and motor levels of neural control. Early auditory evoked potentials include cochlear and brainstem auditory-evoked potentials, popularly known as electrocochleogram, and auditory brainstem response. Evoked potential audiometry is a neurophysiogical test to assess auditory pathway function in response to auditory stimuli. Auditory brainstem response mainly assesses brainstem functions and integrity. These evoked potentials are widely used for assessment of the cochlear functions, auditory nerve and the brainstem. Most common indications for auditory evoked potentials include routine newborn hearing screening for auditory pathway deficits, detecting retrocochlear pathologies, intraoperative and intensive care monitoring, frequency-related measurement of auditory sensitivity and for diagnosing some demyelinating disorders in initial stages. The current narrative review was planned to highlight auditory brainstem response recording's basic principles, uses and methods of interpretation in health and disease phases.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Ameliorates Metabolic and Endocrine Alterations in Women with PCOS: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder and the main cause of infertility in women of reproductive age. Affected women suffer from insulin resistance and present with an intense stress response. Treatment with insulin sensitizers alone and in combination is used to ameliorate the signs and symptoms associated with the disease. This study was designed to compare the endocrine and metabolic parameters as well as subjective and objective measures of stress in women with PCOS before and after treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) and metformin plus pioglitazone. METHODS: A total of 147 women with PCOS were randomly assigned into two groups: the combo group (n = 72) received a combination of metformin, pioglitazone, and ALC (500 mg, 15 mg, and 1500 mg, respectively), twice daily; the Met + Pio group (n = 75) received metformin plus pioglitazone (500 mg, 15 mg, respectively) and placebo (citric acid plus calcium carbonate), twice daily for 12 weeks. Medications were discontinued when pregnancy was confirmed. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS14) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) were employed as subjective measures of stress. The endocrine and metabolic functions of women with PCOS were assessed by measuring insulin, leutinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and adiponectin levels in fasting blood samples. Insulin resistance was calculated by Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: Women at baseline had significantly elevated circulating concentration of insulin and low level of adiponectin. Treatment decreased insulin in both groups; however, the combo group showed a significant decrease (p = 0.001). Serum adiponectin level was raised significantly after treatment in both groups (p < 0.001). HOMA-IR also decreased in both groups (both p < 0.001). Testosterone, FSH, and LH significantly improved in both groups. LH also decreased in both groups; however, the change was significant only in the combo (metformin plus pioglitazone plus ALC) group (p = 0.013). Interestingly, there was a significant improvement in body circumference (p < 0.001) in the combo group. The PSS scores of the patients improved significantly (p < 0.001) in the combo group. Interestingly, regular menstrual cycles were found (97.2%) in the carnitine group, but in only 12.9% of the other group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that addition of ALC therapy is superior to metformin plus pioglitazone in ameliorating insulin resistance, polycystic ovaries, menstrual irregularities, and hypoadiponectinemia in women with PCOS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration: clinicalTrial.gov NCT04113889. Registered 3 October, 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04113889 .

Correlation between maternal and neonatal blood Vitamin D level: Study from Pakistan.

In Pakistan, there is limited evidence for the levels and relationship of 25 (OH) Vitamin D (25(OH)D) status in pregnant women and their newborns, while the association between maternal 25(OH)D and newborn anthropometric measurements remains unexplored. Sociodemographic data were collected from 213 pregnant mothers during their visit to a tertiary care hospital at the time of childbirth. Anthropometric measurements were performed on all mothers and their newborns and blood samples collected from both for 25(OH)D levels. Participants were classified into two groups according to their 25(OH)D status: sufficient (25(OH)D ≥50 nmol L-1 ) and deficient (25(OH)D <50 nmol L-1 ). Simple and multiple regression models were used for analysis. Among 213 pregnant women, prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency was 61.5%, and their newborn was 99.5% (mean 25(OH)D levels: 46.3 [11.3] and 24.9 [5.4] nmol L-1 , respectively). Maternal sociodemographic characteristics were similar between 25(OH)D deficient and sufficient mothers, whereas newborn 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in the former (22.60 [4.53] vs. 27.67 [3.82] nmol L-1 , respectively, P < 0.001). There was a strong positive association between maternal and newborn 25(OH)D levels (r, 0.66; r2 , 43%, B [SE], 0.3 [0.02]; P < 0.001). Association of maternal 25(OH)D levels with newborn weight, length and head circumference was not significant (all P > 0.05). Our study shows a high prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in pregnant women and their newborns and a strong positive association between maternal and newborn 25(OH)D levels. Findings of this study indicate the importance of maintaining sufficient 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy.

Comparison Of Serum Testosterone Levels Among Students Studying In Religious Institutions And Non-Religious Institutions.

BACKGROUND: Testosterone levels are shown to be affected by the social environment where individuals spend most of the duration of their daily activities. It has been reported that religion may play a role in reducing harm and contributing to the resilience of young people. Objective of the study was to compare the serum Testosterone level of the College students with that of the Madrassa students of the same age group. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with a total of 145 participants between 18-25 years of age. Subjects from the religious institutions (Madrassa) were 30 and non- religious institutions (Colleges) were 115. Fasting blood samples were obtained from all participants for serum testosterone levels (measured using Radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique). RESULTS: Students studying in religious institutions (Madrassa) have significantly (p=0.001) lower serum Testosterone (6.5±2.01 ng/ml) levels compared to students of the non-religious institution, i.e., 9.08±3.07 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS: The social environment of studies like madrassa or college affects testosterone hormone levels.

Reference Ranges and Determinant Factors for Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide in a Healthy Saudi Adult Population.

BACKGROUND Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) has emerged as a promising marker in respiratory research. The aim of this study was to determine the reference range values of FENO for healthy Saudi adults and the factors associated with FENO levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2016 to August 2017. A total of 429 healthy Saudi adults were initially recruited. The final selection included 412 participants, consisting of 307 men and 105 women. FENO measurements were performed according to the current recommendations of the American Thoracic Society. RESULTS We observed that the FENO levels of women were significantly lower than those of men (18.6 vs. 21.3, P=0.009). In women, the measured FENO ranged from 5.7 ppb to 42 ppb, and in men from 5.0 ppb to 55.0 ppb. The mean FENO level in the entire study population was 20.6, with a range of 5.0 ppb to 55.0 ppb. The difference became non-significant when we calculated the FENO after adjusting for body surface area by different percentile distributions. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that body surface area and weight were significant predictors of FENO levels. CONCLUSIONS In this study, FENO levels were significantly affected by demographic variables. Therefore, it is important to consider the factors influencing FENO values to make a valid clinical interpretation.

Correlation of plasma kisspeptin with total testosterone levels in smokeless tobacco and smoking tobacco users in a healthy cohort: A cross-sectional study.

Human infertility is a worldwide health issue and is the inability to conceive following twelve months of unprotected sexual intercourse. Consistent studies reiterated tobacco abuse to be an important risk factor which adversely effects male fertility. This study aims to determine the correlation of kisspeptin and total testosterone levels in smokeless tobacco, smoking tobacco users and healthy controls. A total of 180 subjects were selected using random sampling technique. Non-fasting blood samples (5 ml) were drawn, and ELISA technique was used for the evaluation of plasma levels of kisspeptin and total testosterone. Total testosterone was found to be significantly high in smokers and smokeless tobacco users, while the level of kisspeptin was found to be significantly high in smokeless tobacco users only as compared to control group. Furthermore, the level of cholesterol was found to be significantly low, whereas HDL and triglycerides were found to be significantly high in smokeless tobacco users relative to control subjects. Findings of this study suggest that tobacco use has impact on HPG axis by affecting kisspeptin level. The increase in kisspeptin level can affect hypothalamic function leading to pituitary and gonadal dysfunction along with impairment of reproduction. The finding that smokeless tobacco significantly raises kisspeptin strengthens the idea that smokeless tobacco use has more potent effects centrally compared to smoking.

Endostatin Concentration In Plasma Of Healthy Human Volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is involved in many cardiovascular and cancerous diseases, including atherosclerosis and is controlled by a fine balance between angiogenic and angiostatic mediators. Endostatin is one of the main angiostatic mediators, and inhibits angiogenesis and prevents progression of atherosclerosis. The available literature shows a broad range of concentrations in relatively small samples of healthy controls and is calculated by using different techniques. This study was aimed to determine the basal endostatin concentration in plasma of healthy volunteers, to fully understand its physiological role. METHODS: Fifty healthy adult volunteers were recruited to the study. Participants were advised not to participate in any physical activity on the day before the blood sampling. The volunteers' physical activity, height, weight, heart rate and blood pressure were recorded. The samples were analysed for plasma endostatin concentration, using ELISA. The participants were divided by gender and ethnic groups to calculate any difference. RESULTS: Endostatin and other variables were normally distributed. Most of the participants had a moderate level of physical activity with no gender related difference (p=0.370). The mean value for plasma endostatin in all samples was 105±12 ng/ml with range of 81-132 ng/ml. For males, it was 107±13 ng/ml, while for females; 102±12 ng/ml. There were no significant gender or ethnicity related differences in endostatin concentration. Moreover, endostatin was not significantly related with any anthropometric and physical variable. CONCLUSIONS: This study gives endostatin levels in normal healthy people and show no gender and ethnicity related differences in endostatin levels. Endostatin was not related with any anthropometric and physical variable.

Evaluation Of Peer Assisted Learning In Evidence Based Medicine Course: A Pilot Study At University Of Glasgow.

BACKGROUND: Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) is a well-established approach in learning and is increasingly being utilized in the medical education system. It is a process where active help of peer group members is taken for learning. This study aimed to look at the impact of peer assisted learning on the students at the end of the session. METHODS: Sixteen Postgraduate students attending Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) course spanning over two semesters (6 months each) were recruited. It was a cross sectional study and non-probability convenience sampling technique was used for gathering data. All students enrolled in EBM course conducted an hour-long PAL session during the coursework. At the end of the semester a link to an online questionnaire was sent to all the participants. A set of both open and closed ended questions were included in the questionnaire. RESULTS: Response rate was 87.5%, 14 out of the 16 students completed the questionnaire. The results showed an affirmative change in the behaviour and attitude of the participants' after the workshops. Majority of the respondents were of the opinion that it was a valuable experience and they benefitted through involvement in the process. Most of the postgraduate students suggested that it should be implemented in post graduate studies especially medical education. CONCLUSIONS: PAL is more interactive and informal way of teaching and it helps in the professional development, if peers from different specialties are gathered. However, study with a larger sample size are suggested to prove the generalizability of this assertion.