Prevalence of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency among hospitalized Children at tertiary care Hospital in Eastern Part of Nepal

Introduction: Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is the most significant enzyme defect. It is X linked inherited disorder that affects males and females are rarely affected by lyonization. Severe jaundice, anemia and hemolytic crisis following ingestion of fava beans and certain drugs are known to occur in children with G6PD deficiency.  Therefore, routine neonatal and child screening programs to facilitate the identification and effective management of children with G6PD deficiency is paramount. Objective:  The main objective of this study is to find out the  hospital prevalence of G6PD deficiency in hospitalized children at Birat Medical College teaching Hospital. Methodology: This is a hospital based cross sectional study carried out in the Department of Paediatric, Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital  from30th  November 2020 to 30th May 2021. Three hundred children  upto to ten years of age admitted in department of  pediatrics were included in this study.  This study was performed on hospitalized children who were screened for G6PD deficiency. The test was carried out using the Randox G6PD quantitative in vitro test to determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency among the admitted children upto 10 years of age.Data was analysed using SPSS version 16. Results:  This study was performed on 300 children, in which male babies (n=192; 64%) outnumbered the female babies (n=108; 36%). The majority of children were in the age group of < 1 years (n=131; 43.7%).The overall prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 9.3% of which 96.4% were moderately deficient while 3.6% was severely deficient.The highest proportion was noted in the age group of 1 to 5 years. The frequency of this disorder in males and females were 13.5% and 1.9% respectively which was statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusion:  The present study confirms the high prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Eastern Region of Nepal. Therefore, we need to establish routine screening and educational programs in order to prevent grave complications in future.

Prevalence of Anemia among Children Diagnosed with Pneumonia Attending Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital, Morang, Nepal

Introduction: Childhood pneumonia is the leading cause of serious illness and death worldwide. In developing countries, pneumonia is the biggest single cause of childhood death under the age of 5 years. Globally, anemia is a major nutritional problem of immense public health significance. Iron deficiency anemia in children occurs most frequently between the age of 6 months and 3years, the same period of age when repeated infections occur. Objective: The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of anemia among children diagnosed with pneumonia. Methodology: This is a hospital based cross sectional study carried out in the Department of Paediatrics, Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital, from 15th February 2020 to 15th August 2020. This study was performed on 150 pneumonic children between 6 to 60 months of age. History regarding fever, cough and fast breathing was taken.  All the data were recorded in the preformed proforma. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results:  This study was performed on 150 pneumonic children, in which male babies (n=93; 62%) outnumbered the female babies (n=57; 38%). The majority of children were in the age group of 6 to 24 month (n=85; 56.7%). The mean hemoglobin level was 9. 49±1.39 gm/dl. The hemoglobin level less than 11 gm/dl was seen in 102 (68%) cases. Microcytic hypochromic anemia was present in 73 (71.6%) children. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia among the pneumonic children of 6-60 months is 68% that is higher than the national data (52.6%) of prevalence of anemia in the same age group. While treating childhood pneumonia, checking hemoglobin on regular basis will be very useful to diagnose and manage concurrent anemia

Incidence of Acute Renal Failure in Full Term Neonates with Birth Asphyxia

Introduction: Birth asphyxia is an eventuality having far reaching consequences in the neonatal period. Hypoxia and ischemia can cause damage to almost every tissue and organ in the body and various target organs involved. Renal insult is a recognized complication of birth asphyxia and carries a poor prognosis. Timely detection of renal dysfunction and appropriate management may favorably alter the prognosis in many neonates with birth asphyxia. Objective: The present study was done to find out the incidence of acute renal failure in the full term neonates with birth asphyxia. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted at Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital, Morang, Nepal from 1st September 2017 to 28th February 2018. Fifty full term neonates born with Apgar score of <6 at 5 minutes and fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Asphyxiated neonates having Serum creatinine >1.5gm/dl or urine output<1ml/kg/hr were labeled as cases of Acute Renal Failure. Blood sample for serum creatinine was collected at 24hrs, 48 hrs and 72 hrs of life. Results A total of 50 term asphyxiated neonates were enrolled in the present study. Among them 54% and 46% were males and females respectively with male to female ratio of 1.2:1. In the present study 62% of cases developed acute renal failure in either of the first three days of life with mean urine output 1.02±0.27ml/kg/hr and mean serum creatinine of 1.49±0.32 mg/dL. The incidence of oliguric renal failure was 52% and non oliguric renal failure was 48%.The association between serum creatinine and urine output was statistically significant. Conclusion: In the present study birth asphyxia has been an important cause of neonatal acute renal injury, revealing 31 (62%) cases. Monitoring urine output and serum creatinine has helped in detecting the asphyxiated neonates with acute renal injury in the early stage.

Assessment of Hyponatremia in Pneumonia in Children

Introduction: Pneumonia has been the leading cause of mortality in children. Among the various complications of pneumonia, hyponatremia has often been overlooked which incidentally happens to be the commonest and life threatening as well. There are several reports on high prevalence of hyponatremia in the western countries as an indicator of severity of pneumonia. These researches have been lacking in Nepal. Objectives: The objectives of this study was to determine the prevalence of hyponatremia in children between 2 months to 5 years of children with radiologically or clinically proven pneumonia admitted at Birat Medical College & Teaching Hospital (BMCTH) and also to investigate the relationship between serum sodium level and other laboratory parameters. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at BMCTH on children aged 2 months to 5 years admitted with pneumonia. Those who met the inclusion criteria were included. History and physical examination was done to confirm diagnosis and classify the severity of pneumonia on the basis of WHO classification. A 2ml blood sample was then withdrawn from the patient and taken to the laboratory for serum sodium as well as other relevant parameters. Results: A total of 50 children of age ranging from 2 months to 5 years who were admitted with clinical or radiological diagnosis of pneumonia were enrolled in the study. Cough was present in 76% of studied children while fever was present in 92%. Clinical diagnosis revealed majority of children with severe pneumonia (40%).Leukocytosis was seen in 70% of children while acute phase reactants CRP was positive in 86% of the children. Hyponatremia was revealed in 80% of the children with pneumonia. Among children between 2 months to 12 months 20% had severe hyponatremia while children in age group between 1 to 3 years 6% had severe hyponatremia and between 3 to 5 yrs of children 8% had severe hyponatremia. The relation was statistically not significant. Leukocytosis was demonstrated in 58% of children with hyponatremia . The relation however was not statistically significant. CRP was found positive in 76% of children with hyponatremia. This was statistically significant. There were 18% of the children who had very severe pneumonia along with severe hyponatremia. While 14% with severe hyponatremia had severe pneumonia and only 2% of the children with severe hyponatremia had pneumonia. In children with moderate hyponatremia 16% of them suffered from moderate pneumonia and 10% had very severe pneumonia and 4% had pneumonia. Among children with pneumonia 12% had pneumonia only while 2% had severe pneumonia and 6% had very severe pneumonia. Conclusion: Children admitted with clinical or radiological diagnosis of pneumonia and were assessed for sodium level. Hyponatremia was detected in children with pneumonia which was statistically significant. Hence along with management of pneumonia, hyponatremia should also be cautiously addressed in these patients. 

X-Ray Diffraction of different samples of Swarna Makshika Bhasma

INTRODUCTION

Shodhana and Marana are a series of complex procedures that identify the undesirable effects of heavy metals/minerals and convert them into absorbable and assimilable forms. Study on the analytical levels is essential to evaluate the structural and chemical changes that take place during and after following such procedures as described in major classical texts to understand the mystery behind these processes. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) helps to identify and characterize minerals/metals and fix up the particular characteristics pattern of prepared Bhasma.

AIM

To evaluate the chemical changes in Swarna Makshika Bhasma prepared by using different media and methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, raw Swarna Makshika, purified Swarna Makshika and four types of Swarna Makshika Bhasma prepared by using different media and methods were analyzed by XRD study.

RESULTS

XRD study of different samples revealed strongest peaks of iron oxide in Bhasma. Other phases of Cu2O, FeS2, Cu2S, FeSO4, etc., were also identified in many of the samples.

CONCLUSION

XRD study revealed that Swarna Makshika Bhasma prepared by Kupipakwa method is better, convenient, and can save time.

Doxorubicin induced histomorphometric changes in testes of albino rat

Anticancer drugs like doxorubicin have been found to affect male gonads thereby leading to infertility. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of doxorubicin over short, mid and long term on testes of male albino rats. Sixty male albino rats aged 6-8 weeks were taken for study. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of experimental (each group containing 10 rats) and 3 groups of control (each group containing 10 rats). The experimental groups were given a single dose of doxorubicin i.e. 10 mg/kg body weight intra-peritoneally and sacrificed after 3 different duration for each group (second week, eighth week and sixteenth week). All rats under 3 control groups were given a single intra-peritoneal dose of 2.5 ml/kg body weight normal saline and sacrificed with their respective experimental groups. Significant difference in diameters (p=0.029) and cross-sectional area (p=0.028) of seminiferous tubules was observed between short term experimental and short term control rats. For both between midterm experimental and midterm control group, and between long term experimental and long term control group, a significant difference in right testis weight (p<0.001 for both), left testis weight (p<0.001 for both), volume of testis (p<0.001 and p=0.038), diameter (p<0.001 for both) and area (p<0.001 for both) of seminiferous tubules was observed. As compared to short term experimental group, midterm experimental group and long term experimental group had significantly lower right testis weight (p<0.001 for both), left testis weight (p<0.001 for both), diameter of seminiferous tubule (p<0.001 for both) and cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubule (p<0.001 both). Cross-sections of the seminiferous tubules of all the control groups had normal architecture. However, there was progressive destruction of seminiferous tubules structure across the experimental groups. Doxorubicin has deleterious effect on seminiferous tubules of albino rat testis.Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Dec. 2015 Vol. 3, No. 1: 10-14

Analytical study of raw Swarna Makshika (Chalcopyrite) and its Bhasma through TEM and EDAX

Ayurveda, the Indian System of Medicine deals with a number of metals and minerals. Swarna Makshika (SM), a chalcopyrite one such minerals has iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and sulphur (S) as major ingredients along with other trace elements of therapeutic importance. Studies related with characterization of SM are very few. In the current study SM and SM Bhasma were analysed through Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX). Analysis reveals the presence of iron, copper, and sulphur in SM. In addition to these elements, SM Bhasma found to contain Potassium, Magnesium, Aluminum, and Silicon in trace amount. TEM study reveals that, grain size of the SM (5-10 microns) is significantly reduced in SM Bhasma to 50-200 nm.

Physicochemical characterization of Ayurvedic bhasma (Swarna makshika bhasma): An approach to standardization

Swarna makshika [SM], a mineral having various therapeutic uses, has been used since long in Ayurveda. The present study was conducted to generate a fingerprint for raw and processed SM using techniques which can be used by pharmacies. Powdered SM was heated in an iron pan by adding lemon juice for 3 days, till liberation of sulfur fumes stopped. Bhasma of this shuddha SM was obtained by triturating it withit with shuddha gandhaka and lemon juice. It was then subjected to heat in 09* putas, and for firing in each puta, 4 kg cow dung cakes were used. To assure the quality of bhasma, rasa shastra quality control tests like nischandratva, varitara, amla pariksha, etc., were used. After the bhasma complied with these tests, the bhasma was analyzed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis of raw SM and SM bhasma revealed that raw SM contains CuFeS₂, and SM bhasma contains Fe₂O₃, FeS₂, CuS and SiO₂. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) studies showed that the grains in SM bhasma were uniformly arranged in agglomerates of size 1-2 microns as compared to the raw SM which showed a scattered arrangement of grains of size 6-8 microns. It may be concluded that raw SM is a complex compound which gets converted into a mixture of simple compounds having very small particle size after the particular process of marana. This is the first report of fingerprinting of SM bhasma prepared using this particular method.

A critical study of Rasamritam and it's applied aspects

Historical studies of Rasa shastra reveal the use of metals and minerals, both for alchemical and therapeutical purposes in ancient past. But, gradually the alchemical use of the subject, declines and the therapeutical use takes over. Rasamritam is the latest doctrine in the field of Rasa shastra which compiles the extract of the older books and adopted some new and contemporary concepts. The practical aspects of this text influence both the academicians as well as physicians in large extent. Keeping the wealthier, timely concept of this text in mind, we are trying to review and analyze it critically for the benefit of researchers and practitioners and hope the idea will be fruitful.

Standard manufacturing procedure of Rajata Bhasma

Rasa Shastra is a branch of Ayurveda which deals with the processing of minerals and metals having therapeutic importance. Rajata comes under the group of metals having high therapeutic value. Minerals and metals are mostly used in the form of Bhasma. During the medieval period Rasacharyas extensively worked and developed a number of processing methods for a single drug. They all are standard manufacturing procedures (SMP) which ensure the quality, safety, efficacy and reproducibility of the product. Earlier Ayurvedic physicians were producing medicines by themselves according to their need. Now a day, due to commercialization of Ayurvedic medicines and ignorance of classical methods, quality of drugs has deteriorated. Presently, the demand of Ayurvedic drugs in the global market is increasing day by day. Hence it is the need of time to develop SMP for Ayurvedic products for global acceptability. This paper aims at providing SMP for the manufacture of Rajata Bhasma and also attempts to study the effect of Shodhana process on Rajata. Rajata was obtained from the local market of Varanasi. Rajata Bhasma was prepared and it was observed that during the preparation of Rajata Bhasma, use of Muffle Furnace instead of conventional Puta is more advantageous due to better temperature control. Use of mercury and sulphur together acts as best medium in the preparation of Rajata Bhasma.

Nerve Conduction study in healthy individuals, a preliminary age based study

Background Nerve conduction study assesses peripheral nerve functions and has clinical implication. Objectives To study the effect of age on nerve conduction study variables in healthy adults. Methods Cross sectional study was done from Jan 2006 to Dec 2006 in department of Physiology, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. The study was done in 34 (younger, n= 18, 17 to 29 years; older, n= 16, 30 to 57 years) consenting healthy adults of either sex. The compound muscle action potential and sensory nerve action potential were recorded using standard technique. Due to the non-normal distribution of data, the effect of age on nerve conduction study variables was analyzed using Mann Whitney U test. Results Younger vs. older individuals: older had lower Compound Muscle action potential amplitude (mV) in all motor nerves except radial and left ulnar nerves. Compound Muscle action potential duration (ms) was shorter in older (p<0.05) in ulnar, tibial, right median and left common peroneal motor nerves than the younger: right median (6.92±1.3 vs. 8.5±1.88), right ulnar (7.09±1.54vs. 8.2±1.31), left ulnar (10.56±1.44 vs. 12.06±1.5), right tibial (6.28±0.81vs. 7.28±1.12), and left tibial (9.58±1.52vs.10.78±1.71). Sensory nerve actional potential amplitude (?V) was smaller in older as compared to younger: right median (19.01±7.83 vs. 26.97±10.63), right ulnar (10.9±3.44 vs.16.09±5.85) and right radial (14.31±4.34 vs.19.72±6.47). SNAP duration (ms) was longer in older: right ulnar (1.34±0.17 vs.1.26± 0.18), left ulnar (1.46±0.14 vs. 1.29±0.26), and left median (1.11± 0.14 vs. 1± 0.14). Conclusions Age has definite effects on amplitude and duration of motor and sensory nerves. Different nerves have different timing of aging. Without adjustment for age, the sensitivity and specificity of nerve conduction study will decrease whenusing the same reference data in patients with different age.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v8i3.6218 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2010;8(3):311-6

Evaluation of the effect of conventionally prepared swarna makshika bhasma on different bio-chemical parameters in experimental animals

Swarna makshika (chalcopyrite) bhasma (SMB) has been used for different therapeutic purposes since long in Ayurveda. The present study is conducted to evaluate the effect of conventionally prepared SMB on different bio-chemical parameters in experimental animals, for providing scientific data base for its logical use in clinical practice. The genuine SMB was prepared by following classical techniques of shodhana and marana most commonly used by different Ayurvedic drug manufacturers. Shodhana was done by roasting raw swarna makshika with lemon juice for three days and marana was performed by 11 putas. The experimental animals (rats) were divided into two groups. SMB mixed with diluted honey was administered orally in therapeutic dose to Group SMB and diluted honey only was administered to vehicle control Group, for 30 days. The blood samples were collected twice, after 15 days and after 30 days of drug administration and different biochemical investigations were done. Biochemical parameters were chosen based on references from Ayurvedic classics and contemporary medicine. It was observed that Hb% was found significantly increased and LDL and VLDL were found significantly decreased in Group SMB when compared with vehicle control group. This experimental data will help the clinician for the logical use of SMB in different disease conditions with findings like low Hb% and high LDL, VLDL levels.

Therapeutic uses of Swarnamakshika Bhasma (A Critical Review)

Mineral drugs play an important role in Ayurvedic therapeutics. Looking to the superiority of the metals and minerals to that of herbal and animal drugs, the Rasavaidyas went on experimenting clinical trials over lot of metals and minerals and systematically separated some of them which were exclusively active therapeutically. Swarnamakshika is one such mineral which after proper purification and incineration become highly potent and utilised for diseases like Jwara, Pandu, Prameha, Shwasa, Kasa, Kushtha, Anidra, Apasmar etc.

Cranio facial anthropometric measurements among Rai and Limbu community of Sunsari District, Nepal

Anthropometry is applied to obtain measurements of living subjects for identifying age, stature, and various dimensions related to particular race or an individual. Population based cross sectional study was carried out in Dharan and its neighbouring areas with the help of departments of Anatomy and Community Medicine, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan. This study included 444 healthy people aged 25-50 years belonging to pure race of Rai and Limbu communities. Head length, nasal ergonomics and total stature were measured for each selected individual. Student't' test was applied to identify significance of the variables. Except nasal breadth of Limbu, the results showed a significant variation (p < 0.001) in all parameters between male and female of both the communities. It was also revealed that Limnbu males and females were taller with larger head length, longer nasal length and nasal height. Similarly nasal breadths of Limbu females were broader where as in males, Rai had broader nose than that of the Limnbu. Therefore it was concluded that anthropometric measurements can play significant role in determining the sex and ethnicity of characteristic pure races of national importance.

Cytogenetic analysis of children with suspected genetic disorder

OBJECTIVES

To analyze chromosomes in children with suspected genetic disorder and to categorize the chromosomal basis of genetic disorder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty children were selected from the patients attending genetic clinic, Department of Pediatrics, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences presenting with dysmorphic feature, mental retardation, short stature, congenital malformations and ambiguous genitalia with age between 0-15 years. Cytogenetic analysis was carried using standard peripheral blood lymphocyte culture method and G-banding technique in Cytogenetic laboratory of Department of Anatomy, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences.

RESULTS

Chromosomal disorders were identified in 33.34% (10) of children. The most common chromosomal abnormality was Down syndrome (26.67%) followed by Turner syndrome (6.67%).

CONCLUSION

The cytogenetic analysis of children with suspected chromosomal aberration is important to uncover the contribution of chromosomal disorder in genesis of dysmorphisms, mental retardation, short stature, sexual ambiguity and congenital malformation in children and prevent further potentially unpleasant investigation being undertaken.

Effect of prenatal exposure of alcohol in the morphology of developing rat embryo

The objective this study was to observe the morphological changes in developing rat embryo exposed to alcohol in utero. Virgin female Wistar rats in experimental group (n=15) were given 20% (v/v) alcohol two weeks before mating and throughout the gestational period through oral route. The controls (n=15) were also maintained and were given the tap water. On gestational day 15 (GD15) and 19 (GD19), five rats from each group were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the abdomen was incised to expose the uterine horn. The number of implantation sites and resorptions were counted and recorded. The body weight and length of the fetuses were also recorded. The litter size and body weight of the newborn were also recorded at the time of birth from the remaining dam. The incidence of resorption was higher in alcohol treated group than in control which was found to be 25% and 8.7% at days 15 and 19 respectively. The body weight and length of fetuses were found to be decreased and was significant at GD15 (p<0.001 for weight and p<0.05 for length). Similarly, the litter size and body weight of newborn were also found to be decreased significantly (p<0.05 for litter size and p<0.01 for body weight). The present study shows that the maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy has adverse effect on fetal viability and development of growing embryo.

Utility of phenotypic dermal indices in the detection of Down syndrome patients

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common cause of mental retardation. The frequency of DS patients is about 1:800 and is mainly because of the presence of extra copy of chromosome number 21. Dermatoglyphic has been well established as a diagnostic aid in number of diseases having hereditary basis. Dermatoglyphic data was obtained by the use of ink and prints on a paper, from 15 cytogenetically confirmed patients of Down syndrome attending to the genetic clinic at BPKIHS. The data were correlated and compared with equal number of controls. Dermatoglyphic prints were used to evaluate the variation in the fingerprint patterns, the presence of simian crease and the difference in 'atd' 'dat' and 'adt' angles between the control and the DS patients. The results showed that both the 'atd' and 'adt' angles differed significantly from the control group. The dactylography study revealed higher incidence of loops and lower incidence of whorls in the DS patients as compared with the controls. This method is non-invasive and cost effective. The observed changes in the 'atd' and 'adt' angles plus the fingerprint patterns in the dermatoglyphic study proved that this simple technique could be a valuable tool for selecting patients of DS for cytogenetics analysis.

Karyotype revealed 47, xxy chromosome (Klinefelter syndrome): a case report

The Klinefelter syndrome is most common chromosomal cause of male infertility. However, the many cases of the syndrome remain undiagnosed due to variations in clinical presentation. A patient attended to surgical OPD with complaints of loss of secondary sexual characteristics and infertility. Physical examination revealed tall stature, thin built, small testes size, and absence of beard and pubic hairs. Karyotype and biochemical tests were performed to detect chromosomal abnormality as well hormonal level to confirm the diagnosis of androgen deficiency syndrome. Chromosomal complement confirmed the case of Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) causing androgen deficiency. Timely detection of Klinefelter syndrome is important to formulate further treatment modalities for the benefit of the patient.

Historical review of Svarna Măksika

The old age Ayurvedic claim about the therapeutic importance of metals and mineral bhasmas are time tasted. To make available the evidence for use of metals and minerals in therapeutics and to provide the knowledge of processing techniques in ancient India it is very much necessary to look over the history. Rasa săstra is the branch of Ayurvedic science which deals with the pharmaceutical processings of the metals and minerals. Svarna Măksika is one of the most important materials described in various Rasa literatures as well as in Sarmhităs and in other Ayurvedic texts. Going through the different literatures its different features, geological distributions and various processing techniques like sŏdhana, mărana are found. In Samhită period only the features were described but during 7th Cen. AD & onwards its processings were found. Now a day Svarrna Măksika is correlated with chalcopyrite by modern metallurgists. The features of chalcopyrite are also given to assist the more study in this regard. In the current paper it is tried to collect and compile all the related area about Svarna Măksika from all possible ancient literary resources as well as from possible modern texts, to facilitate further research.

Etiology and clinical profile of pediatric cataract in a tertiary care center of Eastern Nepal

Cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness in children. There are very few studies from Nepal on pediatric cataract. The present study is an attempt to get information on clinical profile and etiology of cataract in pediatric age group with an emphasis on preventable factors. A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out in a tertiary referral hospital in Eastern region of Nepal. After obtaining detail history, all children upto 14 years of age with cataract underwent examination under slit lamp or the operating microscope. Cataract is broadly classified into traumatic and non-traumatic groups. TORCH test for rubella, random blood sugar, urine reducing substance, chromosomal analysis were done in children with non-traumatic cataract Out of 172 children 34 (88%) had non-traumatic and 65 (12%) traumatic cataract. The mean age was 5.63 +/- 3.59 years and 7.39 +/- 3.94 years in non-traumatic group and traumatic group respectively. 8 (9.82%) patients with non-traumatic cataract were below the age of one year. Among non-traumatic cataract, 42 (37.50%) had hereditary, 9 (8.03%) had systemic syndromes, 5 (4.46%) had cataract due to maternal infection, 3 (2.67%) had metabolic disorder. While 11 (9.82%) cataract were associated with other ocular dysmorphology, cause was not ascertained in 31 (idiopathic). 11 (9.82%) had complicated cataract. 24.1% (n=27) of children with bilateral cataract had nystagmus at the time of presentation to hospital. In traumatic group, play related injuries were more common than household injuries. A very few children were below one year of age at the time of presentation to hospital. Establishing pediatric vision screening program in the primary health posts, genetic counseling, maternal immunization, health education to school children and use of safety glasses are some important measures that could prevent cataract blindness in our children.

Knowledge about human genetics among school students of eastern Nepal

School students from 10 to 19 years of age are adolescents. Adolescent girls are usually exposed to consequences of early marriage, pregnancy and increased responsibility. Genetic disorders are important issues to persons of the reproductive age group. History-taking and screening-tests could uncover risk factors that require diagnostic testing during pregnancy. Therefore, the present survey was conducted among 707 school students (55.6% males, 44.4% females) to find out their knowledge about human genetics. Data were collected as written responses to a close-ended questionnaire. The knowledge of students about human genetic was found to be poor. The majority of students was not aware of the prevalence of genetic disorders in the community. Many students (75%) felt that genetic laboratory facilities and counseling services are necessary in this country. More than half of the students did not know the name of a hospital where genetic laboratory services are available. The study indicates that there is a need to introduce the basics of human genetics in the school curriculum and to implement strategies for awareness programs about genetic disorders and their early detection for possible intervention.

Can homemade alcohol (Raksi) be useful for preserving dead bodies? An experiment on wistar albino rats

INTRODUCTION

Embalming is the through disinfection and art of preserving bodies after death using chemical substances. It keeps a body life like in appearance during the time it lies in a state prior to funeral.

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of Raksi in sacrificed rats in arresting postmortem changes and establishing scientific fact whether Raksi can be an alternative to standard embalming constituent if it is not available.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

50 albino rats were systematically randomized into control and experiment groups. Raksi and distilled water were injected for embalming purpose intraventricularly in experiment and control groups of rats respectively and kept for 48 to 96 hours for observation for postmortem changes.

RESULT

Observations made at 48 and 72 hours of embalming revealed that Raksi can arrest postmortem changes in the rats up to 72 hours (3rd day) successfully in the experimental group whereas moderate to severe postmortem changes were seen in the control group. The experimental group showed mild degree of putrefactive changes, liberation of gases and liquefaction of tissues only at 96 hours (4th day) of embalming.

DISCUSSION

The Raksi used in this experiment contained 34% of alcohol, which was determined by an alcohol hydrometer. Experiment clearly demonstrated from its result that raksi can be utilised temporarily for embalming since it contains alcohol and has preservative, bactericidal and disinfectant properties.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded from the study that this knowledge if applied to dead human subjects, may preserve dead bodies temporarily allowing delayed funeral.

Diagnostic role of conventional cytogenetics and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in chronic myeloid leukemia patients

INTRODUCTION

The limitation of cytogenetic analysis is that the Ph chromosome cannot be detected in clumped metaphase or in interphase cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a highly sensitive molecular genetic technique, which enables to detect break point cluster region--Abelson (BCR-ABL) complex and minimal residual disease in all Ph positive CML patients not only in metaphase but also in interphase cells.

AIMS

To detect Ph chromosome in CML patients by the use of conventional cytogenetics and FISH.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The bone marrow samples were collected in heparinised syringe from 35 diagnosed CML patients and transported to cytogenetic laboratory for chromosomal analysis. Conventional karyotype was prepared by direct harvesting and short-term culture. The FISH analysis was carried out on interphase cells of two patients to confirm the cytogenetic diagnosis.

RESULTS

Out of 35 CML patients, 17 (49.9%) were 100% Philadelphia positive, 10(28.5%) were 50-70% Ph+ mosaics and 3(9%) were 100% Ph negative. In 5 patients (14.25%) cytogenetic analysis failed to confirm the presence or absence of Ph chromosome. FISH was carried out in interphase cells from bone marrow preparations of two patients. The signals for BCR-ABL fusion gene was absent in Ph- negative CML patients. In Ph positive patients, the FISH analysis detected BCR-ABL fusion gene seen as a yellow signal on interphase cells.

CONCLUSION

Conventional cytogenetics is a useful method for detection of Ph chromosome in metaphase stage of cell division. FISH can be used in interphase stage of cell division for the same purpose.

Effect of chronic low dose of methotrexate on cellular proliferation during spermatogenesis in rats

This study was conducted to evaluate cellular proliferation of germinal and non-germinal elements of seminiferous tubules following continuous Day 1 to Day 17 exposure of methotrexate (12.5 microgram) in male rats. There was significant decrease in the diameter of seminiferous tubules (P < 0.10) followed by increase of interstitial space (P < 0.01). The size of various stages of primary, secondary spermatocytes, and spermatids was altered significantly compared to controls. Vacuolization/decondensation of "chromatin-mass" in spermatocytes changed from rounded to oval. The size of the Sertoli and Leydig cells were reduced significantly. Basement membrane at some places seems to be disrupted and thin in experimental testis. Methotrexate induced cytotoxicity on the proliferation of cellular contents of seminiferous tubules elucidating the mechanism of dose-dependent drug induced testicular damage during spermatogenesis.

Nerve Conduction Study in Healthy Individuals: a Gender Based Study

Background: Nerve conduction study (NCS) assesses peripheral nerve functions and has clinical implication. Objective: To study effect of gender on NCS variables in healthy adults. Settings and Design: Department of Physiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. Material and Method: The study was done in 34 (m=19, 32±11 years; f=15, 32±12 years) consenting healthy adults. The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) were recorded. Statistical analysis: The effect of gender on NCS variables was analyzed using Mann Whitney U test. Results: Male vs. female: males had increased CMAP and F-wave latencies (ms) in all tested motor nerves. CMAP duration (ms) was longer in males (p<0.05) in all tested motor nerves: right median (5.9±1.3 vs. 4.92±0.65), left median (5.54±0.91 vs. 4.72±0.57), right ulnar (5.55±1.01 vs. 4.56±0.59), left ulnar (5.71±0.97 vs. 4.64±0.51), right tibial (6.58±0.95 vs. 5.95±0.71), and left tibial (6.98±1.31 vs. 6.21±0.78). Females showed higher sural SNAP amplitude (µV) (23.26±9.23 vs. 15.94±8.42). SNAP duration (ms) was longer in males: right ulnar (1.16±0.19 vs. 1.03±0.06). SNAP latencies (ms) were also longer in males: right sural (2.61±0.44 vs. 2.21±0.36). Males had greater height (165.9±4.74 vs. 149.3±7.24) and weight (60.4±7.2 vs. 53±7.2).Conclusion: Gender has definite effects on NCS variables. Males had higher CMAP amplitude, longer latencies and duration. SNAP latencies and duration were longer in males whereas amplitude was higher in females. Without adjustment for these factors, the sensitivity and specificity of NCS will decrease when using the same reference data in patients with different gender. Keywords: compound muscle action potential; gender; nerve conduction study; sensory nerve action potential DOI: 10.3126/hren.v8i3.4210Health Renaissance, September-December 2010; Vol 8 (No.3);169-175