COMPARISON BETWEEN BROMINE, CALCIUM, CHLORINE, IODINE, POTASSIUM, MAGNESIUM, MANGANESE, AND SODIUM CONTENTS IN MACRO- AND MICRO-FOLLICULAR COLLOID GOITER

Objective: Colloid nodular goiter (CNG) is the most common disease of the thyroid, even in non-endemic regions, but the etiology of CNG is unclear. It is known that not merely iodine (I) but other chemical elements (ChE) are involved in goitrogenesis. The current study was performed to clarify the preferential accumulation of some ChE either in the colloid or in cells of the thyroid gland. Methods: Eight ChE: Bromine, calcium, chlorine (Cl), I, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and sodium (Na) in the thyroid tissues with diagnosed CNG were prospectively evaluated in 16 patients with macrofollicular CNG and 13 patients with microfollicular CNG. The control group included thyroid tissue samples from 105 healthy individuals. Measurements were conducted using non-destructive instrumental neutron activation analysis with high-resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides. Results: It was found that in macrofollicular CNG, the mass fraction of Cl and Na was 2.57 and 1.82 times, respectively, higher than in tissues of the normal thyroid. In microfollicular CNG, the mass fraction of I was 59% lower, whereas the mass fraction of Na was 67% higher than in tissues of the normal thyroid. The level of I in macrofollicular goiter was 2.08 times higher than in microfollicular goiter Conclusion: There are substantial changes in ChE contents in the goitrous transformed tissue of the thyroid, which depend on the histology of the goiter.

PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL EFFECT OF LEAD ACETATE ON THE HISTOLOGY OF FRONTAL CORTEX AND MOTOR ACTIVITY IN WISTAR RATS

Objectives: The objective of this study was to find the histologic and motor activity effect of lead on prenatally and postnatally exposed Wistar rats. Methods: In this study, twelve Wistar Rats were used and grouped into four groups of two females and one male. Group I rats served as the control and allowed feed and water freely. The rats in Group II were administered 500ppm of Pb through drinking water from gestation day 8 (GD8) to parturition (GD21). While Group III rats were given 500ppm of Pb in drinking water from postnatal day 1 (PND1) to PND21. The rats in the fourth group (Group IV) were given 500ppm of Pb from GD8 to PND21. Palmer grasp reflex was conducted to assess the motor activity of the rat pups. The animals were then humanely sacrificed and the frontal cortices were isolated for routine histological processing. Results: The histological study has shown normal neurons in the control group while degenerating cells exhibiting karyolysis, pyknosis, karyorrhexis, vacuolation were seen in the lead-treated groups. Group II and Group IV showed considerate deficit in their motor activity while Group III showed mild effect. Conclusion: From this study, lead exposure of Wistar rats at both prenatal and postnatal period of development has effect on the histology of the frontal cortex as well as on their motor activity.

NOVEL HOMOZYGOUS VARIANT OF TBC1 DOMAIN FAMILY MEMBER 8 GENE IN FOUR LIBYAN SIBLINGS WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY WITHOUT EPILEPSY

Objective: Recent progress in genetic analysis and investigations have enabled researchers to identify potential genetic changes that may play a role in ASD. The number of genes connected with autism is growing. Whole exome sequencing(WES) identified the homozygous TBC1D8 variant. Aim to report for the first time a TBC1D8 missense variant (c.1883G>A, p. (Arg628Gln) in 4 Libyan children (3 homozygous,1 heterozygous) with severe neurodevelopmental phenotypes ASD and intellectual disability ID . Based on the data of HGMD and ClinVar, variants in only a few autosomal recessive intellectual disability ARID genes seem to be reported frequently. Method: Molecular genetic analysis of (WES) was carried out on blood samples from these children. The outcome of the genetic investigations was interpreted within the context of clinical finding, family history, and suspected mode of inheritance. Results: The number of genes associated with autism is increasing. WES identified the TBC1D8 variant. According to the longest isoform (NM_001102426.1),the nomenclature of this variant is c.1883G>A, p. (Arg628Gln) in TBC1D8 which leads to an amino acid exchange. This variant has not previously reported or described in the literature (PubMed, HGMD). Conclusion: we have provided evidence for a connection between TBC1D8 variant and ASD and ID; however, this evidence should be considered preliminary in the context of a single case report and such findings need to be replicated to gain insight in order to determine if ASD and ID are a characteristic of this variant.

EFFECTS OF HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOR ON COMPLIANCE OF LONG-TERM TREATMENT AMONG GLAUCOMA PATIENTS

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the level of non-compliance with long-term glaucoma therapy in patients presenting in glaucoma department of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital and to identify the health-seeking predictors affecting it. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 5 months was conducted on glaucoma patients who are taking follow-up visits in glaucoma department for 6 months or more. The level of compliance with glaucoma medication (dependent variable) was assessed through a scale at first and further transformed into binary variable afterward. Chi-square test of independence was used followed by logistic regression to find out the predictors of compliance. Results: A total of 200 patients participated in the study. Majority of them were from urban background (n=125, 62.5%) and were diagnosed with glaucoma 1–5 years (n=104, 52%) back. Almost 16.00% of patients were not giving follow-up on given appointment. Moreover, 10.00% were not taking proper medications and prescribed dosage of medications was not taken by 21.5%. Intraocular pressure was higher than normal limits in 13.00%. Self-medication (χ2 (df) =5.44(1), 0.01, OR=0.28 (0.09–0.81) and doctor-patient communication (χ2(df)=18.25(1), 0.03, OR= 2.27 (1.06– 4.86) were significant health-seeking predictors of glaucoma treatment compliance. Conclusion: Blindness due to glaucoma is an avoidable condition if underlying factors such as self-medication is discouraged and doctor-patient communication can be improved in the glaucoma department.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL EFFECT IN THE COMBINATION OF ALCOHOL AND BENZENE ON THE KIDNEY OF RATTUS NOVERGICUS

Objective: This study investigated the use of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which is said to possess anti-inflammatory components as an ameliorative substance for the induced inflammation. Methods: Forty-eight female Wistar rats were used for this study. They were divided into eight (1–8) groups (n=6); Control, Ethanol, Benzene, E+B, E+O, B+O, E+B+O with the administration of 25% Ethanol, 200 mg/kg/b.w Benzene, 2 ml (O) EVOO in respect to the tagged grouping names. Animals were euthanized through cervical dislocation after the last day of administration and the liver was excised and part was fixed in formalin solution of 10% for histological processing and the other part was homogenized for biochemical assay in phosphate buffer before centrifugation. Results: Histological evidence creates an understanding of the nephrons in which benzene and ethanol manifest likewise the mitigated ability of EVOO. The relative organ weight provides information on the extent of the damage on nephrons. The kidney test level is significantly expressed. Conclusion: Ethanol and benzene in combination cause serious damage; also, they separately induce nephrons dysfunction. EVOO was shown to mitigate these nephrons damages.

EPIDERMAL INCLUSION CYST OF THE PERIANAL REGION: REPORT OF A RARE CASE

Epidermal cysts are congenital lesions that originate from embryonal tissue remnants. It requires histopathology for its diagnosis. In this case, we report a young male with no comorbidities presenting with perianal swelling. He was evaluated and taken up for surgery. Post operative period was uneventful and he was discharged on 2nd post operative day. He is doing well at 4 months of follow up.

IMPLICATIONS OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE-19 ON CLINICAL CLERKSHIP AND HOSPITAL POSTINGS

The coronavirus pandemic hit the world sweeping through all parts of the world, crumbling economies, and overwhelming health systems. Undergraduate medical education has been totally disrupted and put to a stop. As Nigeria braces to open on medical schools and clinical rotation about to begin, the palpable panic that accompanies patients-students spread of the virus will definitely affect undergraduate medical education in Nigeria. At present, little is known in Nigeria about the long-term effects of Coronavirus disease-19 on clinical clerkship and undergraduate medical education and adaptations to juxtapose future pandemics with medical education. This review accesses risks, plans, and policies in place and how they will affect undergraduate medical education.

TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF ADOLESCENTS REGARDING THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL NETWORKING AT S.G.R.R PUBLIC SCHOOL, PATEL NAGAR, DEHRADUN, UTTRAKHAND

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and attitude of adolescents regarding the adverse effects of social networking. Methods: A descriptive research design was adopted for the study, conducted at S.G.R.R Public School, Patel Nagar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Non-probability purposive sampling technique is used for data collection, knowledge questionnaire and Likert scale is used for the study. Results: The study results reveals that 2.5% of participants were having adequate knowledge. Moderate knowledge score was 92.5%. Inadequate knowledge score was 5%. Likert scale shows that 42% of adolescents are agree, 35.2% are strongly disagree, 28.8% are strongly agree, 28.4% are neutral, and 26.4% are disagree. Conclusion: The conclusion of the study reveals that the moderate knowledge score was 92.5% and in Likert scale highest percentage, 42% of adolescents are agree, so the attitude regarding adverse effects of social networking is positive.

PREVALENCE OF TSST PRODUCING COAGULASE-NEGATIVE STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN WOUND SAMPLES AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MRSA AGAINST TEA EXTRACT

Objective: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a potential pathogen for hospital-acquired infections. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of MRSA using tea extract. Methods: All S. aureus isolates obtained from wound samples were studied for antibiotic resistance pattern using 23 different antibiotics. Based on coagulase negative, S. aureus isolates were identified for toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST) gene and analyzed using PCR method. The antibacterial activities of tea extract were tested against MRSA using agar well-diffusion method. Results: A total of 100 wound samples were collected from hospital, where 75% of samples showed presence of S. aureus. About 100% resistance to cefoperazone, ampicillin, penicillin, rifampicin, novobiocin, and vancomycin antibiotics was observed. The isolates showed less resistance <50% toward chloramphenicol (30%), ciprofloxacin (25%), gentamycin (52%), amikacin (38%), and imipenem (33%). Twenty-five isolates were selected for MRSA characterization based on multiple drug resistance pattern. Coagulase-negative S. aureus isolates showed presence of TSST gene. Tea extract (2%) showed effective antibacterial activity against MRSA strains. Conclusion: The study showed the presence of MRSA at higher level and suggesting to out further epidemiological study on such infections. However, cost-effective and easily available tea extract was found to be the best antimicrobial agent for preventing such bacterial infection and to reduce the risk of emerging resistance.

TEAM-BASED LEARNING VS LECTURE-BASED LEARNING IN MEDICAL EDUCATION

Objective: The objective of the study is to determine better mode of learning for medical graduates by comparing team-based learning (TBL) and lecture-based learning methods. Study Design: Comparative analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: Surgical Ward 25 of Endocrine and General surgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, in April 2019. Methodology: This comparative study was based on the principles of TBL; the control program used the traditional lecture-based approach. Both programs were aimed at investigating the knowledge and performance of the two groups. Thirty surgical interns were included in this study. Two groups were made by random selection of surgical interns, 15 in TBL group and other 15 in traditional teaching group. TBL group (Group A) was given the topic of thyroid diseases for self-study followed by 1 h discussion amongst the group members. Lecture-based group (Group B) was given 1 h powerpoint presentation on similar topic. As the main outcome measures, questionnaire containing twenty best choice questions was given to both groups. Performance of the two groups was checked and results calculated as total, average, and standard deviation. Results: Group A participants’ total score (147) was higher than Group B (131) but the p-value was not found to be significant (0.144). Conclusion: Both forms of learning methods are effective and productive in medical education.