Medical education: time for a change

The system of medical education has not changed much over the years. This article discusses the present method of teaching of medical students. Suggestions for change in the methods have been suggested in order to produce better doctors.

Preconception counseling in the prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome: a unique window of opportunity

The role of alcohol in the causation of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) has been firmly established. In most cases events leading to its occurrence have been set into motion prior to conception. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the sole causative agent of FAS, can therefore be prevented even prior to conception by implementation of preconception counseling (PCC). The present review examines the important issues involved in the implementation of PCC for the prevention of FAS which can be of immense help to the affected population.

Anatomico-radiological study of asymmetrical articular facets on occipital condyles and its clinical implications

The articular facets on the inferior aspect of the occipital condyles, articulate with the superior articular facets of the first cervical (atlas) vertebra, to form the atlanto-occipital joint. The present case, reports the asymmetrical dimensions of the facets on the occipital condyles of a human dried skull. The anatomico-radiological study of asymmetrical articular facets on the occipital condyles, may be helpful for academicians, neuro-surgeons, clinicians and radiologists in day to day clinical practice.

Localization of m2 muscarinic receptor protein in parvalbumin and calretinin containing cells of the adult rat entorhinal cortex using two complementary methods

We investigated parvalbumin (PV) and calretinin (CR) containing interneurons in the rat entorhinal cortex. RNA amplification following single cell dissection of immunohistochemically labeled cells from layers II to VI revealed that PV cells, in contrast to CR cells, express the m2 muscarinic receptor (M2AchR) protein. Double immunostaining to confirm the results of RNA amplification indicated that the majority of PV cells contain M2AchR protein, whereas only a small proportion of CR cells do. In contrast, a large number of layer I CR cells, which are mostly Cajal-Retzius cells, were positive for M2AchR. RNA amplification following dissection of these cells also revealed that they contain the M2AchR protein. These findings emphasize that there are significant differences in the expression of different proteins, even among similar neuronal types in the same brain region. This highlights the importance of accurately collecting single cells, and knowledge of anatomical details in molecular biological studies.

Unusual clinical features of foetal alcohol syndrome

Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a collection of signs and symptoms seen in children of women who consume alcohol during pregnancy. With the increasing incidence of FAS, there is a great variation of its clinical features different from that described in the standard textbooks. This article aims to report on the unusual clinical features of FAS. It also aims to explain the mechanism of action of alcohol as a teratogenic agent.

A review of experimental evidences that could warn of possible dangers of alcohol consumption by pregnant mothers

Most of the features of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) have been replicated in experimental models. They provide an insight into the effects of alcohol on the developing embryo, however, satisfactory explanations for these effects are still not available. Certain maternal characteristics of children with FAS have been identified. However, it is not absolute as at times the most unlikely women are susceptible to problems of maternal alcoholism. The levels of awareness of FAS among the general public and health workers are inadequate. Measures need to be taken to remedy this condition.

Blood brain barrier and infection

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is a highly dynamic structure and consists of endothelial cells, which are characterized by the presence of tight junctions and relative lack of endocytic vesicles. The tight junctions are reinforced by the foot processes of the astrocytes. The BBB functions through these specialised structures, to maintain the environment of the brain in a steady state by regulating the influx and efflux of substances. The protective effect of the BBB is however, lost during bacterial and viral infections. The primary mechanism operative are an increase in the permeability of the BBB and/or direct invasion of the brain by microorganisms. Since the BBB is relatively impermeable to chemotherapeutic agents the treatment of CNS infections is difficult. This paper aims to examine the various mechanisms by which infection spreads to the brain, and suggest measures for successful drug delivery into the brain during infections.

An analysis of the teratagenic effects that could possibly be due to alcohol consumption by pregnant mothers

It can be concluded that alcohol is definitely harmful to the developing fetus. The effect can manifest in various ways, the most extreme of which is a condition called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). The diagnosis of maternal alcoholism leading onto cases of FAS is difficult due to absence of accurate diagnostic tests. The diagnosis of FAS in a child is easier by a proper examination. There is no specific treatment of FAS in a child. The only management is by institution of corrective and rehabilitative measures. The exact mechanism of the teratogenic action of alcohol is not known. It is probably due to the harmful effect of alcohol on the epiblast layer of the bilaminar germ disc. In the absence of adequate knowledge regarding FAS, not much can be done to remedy the deleterious effects of alcohol. Hence, a word of advice to all pregnant women is to avoid drinking during pregnancy.

Alcohol and the developing fetus--a review

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a collection of signs and symptoms seen in some children exposed to alcohol in the prenatal period. It is characterized mainly by physical and mental retardation, craniofacial anomalies and minor joint abnormalities. However, with the increasing incidence of FAS, there is a great variation in the clinical features of FAS. This article describes in detail these clinical features. Due to ethical reasons it is not possible to perform experiments on pregnant women. Hence to study the effects of alcohol, various animal and avian experimental models have been chosen. The various experimental findings and human correlation are described. The exact mechanism by which alcohol induces its teratogenic effects is not known. The possible mechanisms are discussed. Measures to prevent the occurrence of FAS have been suggested.