Divergent Resistance Training Programs, Ramification on the Absolute and Relative Strength and Endurance among College Men

The objective of this research was to scrutinize the impact of three resistance-training programs on absolute andreciprocal durability and muscular strength. Forty-three male subjects were assigned to three groups: highresistance-low repetition group (HRLRG, n=15) performed 3 sets of 6-8 RM (repetition maximum) each session,the medium resistance-medium repetition group (MRMRG, n= 16) performed 2 sets of 30-40 RM per session andthe low resistance-high repetition group (LRHRG, n= 12) worked out a set of 100-150 RM per session. Thetraining for the participants was bench press thrice a week for nine weeks. The data revealed an improvement of20% in maximal strength of the HRLRG and this was greater than 8% and 5 % improvements recorded forMRMRG and LRHRG, respectively. Regarding the absolute endurance, the trends however were reversed asLRHRG registered gains of 41%, MRMRG improved by 39% and HRLRG gained only 28%. The results forrelative endurance assessment reported that HRLRG’s accomplishments essentially was declined by 7 % aftertraining and was considerably inferior to the 22 % and 28 % improvements achieved by other two groups. It wasestablished that skeletal muscles make general and specific modifications to a training stimulus and the stabilityof these adaptations is primarily reliant upon the intensity and duration of the training protocol.

Rapid mycobacterium tuberculosis dna detection on fine needle aspirates from extra pulmonary lymph nodes

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of two rapid methods i.e. Mycobacterium tuberculosis [MTB] Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR] on Fine Needle Aspiration [FNA] samples by comparing with cytology of respective site sample. Cross-sectional comparative study. Department of Microbiology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology [AFIP], Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from July 2010 through November 2013. A total of 105 extra pulmonary lymph nodes aspirates obtained through fine needle aspiration were processed. Cytology and PCR were done on each specimen. Cytology was taken as gold standard. Out of the total 105 samples, 71 [67.6%] were positive for the MTB PCR while 34 [32.4%] showed negative status. According to FNA cytology [FNAC] results, 72 [68.6%] cases were positive for the disease while 33 [31.4%] were negative. Sensitivity of PCR was 90.3%, specificity 81.8%, positive predictive value [PPV] 91.5%, negative predictive value [NPV] 79.4%, with diagnostic accuracy of 87.6%. Area under the curve was 0.860 [p < 0.001]. PCR is a sensitive tool for detection of MTB on FNA samples from EPTB cases. The results are available within few hours which is helpful for the clinicians to initiate therapy

Prevalence of oral mucosal alterations in type 2 diabetesmellitus patients attending a diabetic center

To explore an association between oral mucosal alterations and type 2 Diabetes mellitus. This study was conducted at Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology and Baqai Medical University from September 2010 to September 2012. A total of 800 individuals' 395 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 405 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. An oral clinical examination was carried out for all participants using a mouth mirror, visible light source and cotton gauze. The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was high significantly < 0.0001; odd ratio 2.601, CI 1.929-3.509 in type 2 diabetic as compared to non-diabetic. With respect to specific oral mucosal lesions, highly significant association p < 0.0001; Odd ratio 4.275, CI 2.798-6.534 was found between coated tongue with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study did not find any association [p > 0.05] between type 2 diabetes mellitus and potentially malignant disorders. This study showed that the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was higher in type 2 diabetic than non-diabetics. This study provides evidence that diabetes has a negative influence on oral health

Molecular and serological assessment of chronic HBV carriers and additional burden of applying updated guidelines in Pakistan

To assess the additional burden of the patients eligible for treatment, based on recommendations on viral load, in the light of 2009 version of AASLD guidelines, as compared to 2004 guidelines and to determine the frequency of HBeAg in chronic HBV carriers. Descriptive cross-sectional study. Virology Department, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, from November 2010 to January 2012. Persons with chronic HBV infection, reporting for HBV DNA PCR test, were included in the study and blood samples were collected. HBV DNA load was determined by Real Time PCR. HBsAg and HBeAg were tested by ELISA. Out of the 801 subjects positive for HBsAg, 74 [9.24%] were positive for HBeAg. Out of them, 113 [14.1%] had HBV DNA load > 100,000 copies/ml and were eligible for treatment according to AASLD 2004 guidelines. Forty one [5.1%] had HBV load between 10,000 and 100,000 copies/ml, and were additionally eligible for treatment as per AASLD 2009 guidelines. The 5.1% of 4.5 million estimated HBV carries in Pakistan comes to 229500. There was a low HBeAg positivity and HBV DNA positivity in our chronic HBV infected persons. Moreover, there is an increase of 229500 potential candidates for HBV treatment in Pakistan based on viral load testing, according to the AASLD 2009 guidelines when compared with 2004 guidelines. The increase in the number of candidates for treatment may require an additional expenditure of tens of billions of rupees

Fibroscore for the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis

To evaluate the predictive value of a set of laboratory markers for the assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis patients. Cross-sectional study. Baqai Medical University, Combined Military Hospital, Malir, Karachi, from November 2006 to May 2008. Twenty laboratory parameters were measured in 100 treatment-na‹ve chronic viral hepatitis patients who also had liver biopsy performed. Descriptive statistics, areas under the ROC's curves, and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a fibrosis panel, a set of five most useful markers, for the assessment of stages of fibrosis, stage 0 to stage 4. The fibrosis index, FibroScore, consisted of bilirubin, Gamma glutamyl transferase, Hyaluronic acid, alpha 2 macroglobulin, and platelets evaluation. A score of>0.5 predicted stages 2, 3 and 4, with a sensitivity of 82%, and specificity of 92%. A score>0.5 for stages 3 and 4 had a sensitivity of 85%, and specificity of 89%. At a score of>0.80, for stages 3 and 4, the sensitivity was 70%, specificity was 97%, and PPV 87% [there was>85% possibility of presence of stage 3 or 4]. A score of<0.20 predicted the absence of stages 2, 3, and 4 with a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 86%, and NPV of 96%. Scores from 0.00 to 0.10 almost certainly ruled out the presence of stages 2-4 [NPV=98%]. The areas under the ROC curve were: 0.808 for stage 2; 0.938 for stage 3; and 0.959 for stage 4. A combination of 5 markers is very useful in predicting various stages of liver fibrosis, and is helpful in the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis patients

Effect of erythropoietin on cell lines using methyithiazol tetrazolium assay

To investigate the effect of erythropoietin on cellular proliferation in SCC-25, TR146 and FIBS cells lines. This observational study was carried out at Department of Oral Pathology Barts and the London Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry Queen Mary, University of London in tye year 2004-2005. This study focuses on the effects of Erythropoietin on 3 cell lines [SCC-25, TR146 and FIBS] when applied for 24 hours respectively, Methylthiazol tetrazolium [MTT] assay was carried out using a range of erythropoietin concentrations [1, 10, 25 units]. Serum free medium was used as a control. In this study erythropoietir significantly increased the cell proliferation of SCC-25 and FIBS with 1 and 10 unit/ml but had no effect on TR146 cells, While 25 unit erythropoietin showed very little effect in increase cell viability in both SCC-25 and FIBS. This study has confirmed that all the concentration of erythropoietin used had effect on SCC-25 and FIBS cell viability but erythropoietin had no effect on TR146 cell viability

Frequency of hepatitis C viral RNA in anti-hepatitis C virus non-reactive blood donors with raised alanine aminotransferase

The objective of this study was to find out the frequency of HCV RNA in anti-HCV non-reactive blood donors with raised alanine amino transferase [ALT]. The study was conducted at Baqai Institute of Haematology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, in collaboration with Combined Military Hospital, Malir Cantt, Karachi. The demographic data of blood donors was recorded, and anti-HCV, HBsAg and HIV were screened. Four hundred consecutive donors with raised ALT above the reference range were included in study. HCV RNA RT-PCR was performed on 5 sample minipools using Bio-Rad Real time PCR equipment. HCV RNA was detected in 1/400 [0.25%] blood donors. Finding of raised ALT in blood donors warrants further investigations. In case, if raised ALT is unexplained presence of HCV RNA may be suspected

Role of iron deficiency anemia in the propagation of beta thalssemia gene

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic criterion for beta thalassemia trait (BTT) is elevated Hb-A2 levels. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) reduces the synthesis of Hb-A2, resulting in reduced Hb-A2 levels, so patients with co-pathological conditions BTT with IDA, may have a normal level of Hb-A2. Many socio-economic factors like unawareness, poor diagnostic facilities, and cost of molecular diagnosis (for screening purposes) result in interpretation of these subjects as normal. METHODS: Venous blood samples from 200 unmarried females having a family history of thalassemia were collected, and basic hematological parameters, hemoglobin electrophoresis, and molecular analysis for beta thalassemia were done. Patients with IDA and patients with co-pathological conditions BTT and IDA were treated with oral iron. These subjects were then followed for a period of 20 weeks. RESULTS: Of the 200 females, 34 were found to be anemic. Hemoglobin electrophoresis identified 16 of these patients as BTT. Molecular analysis of all patients confirmed this diagnosis, but identified 8 additional patients with BTT. Eight patients that were not detected with hemoglobin electrophoresis were found to have co-pathology of BTT with IDA. CONCLUSION: Patients with the co-pathological condition BTT with IDA may be interpreted as being normal, as they have normal Hb-A2 levels. These misdiagnosed subjects when marry with BTT have the potential to produce beta thalassemia major in offspring. This is one of the factors playing a major role in the propagation of beta thalassemia gene in Pakistani population, and become a serious hindrance for the thalassemia prevention program in Pakistan.

Frequency of hepatitis C viral RNA in anti-hepatitis C virus non- reactive blood donors with normal alanine aminotransferase

To determine the frequency of HCV RNA in an anti-HCV non-reactive blood donor population with normal ALT, and its cost effectiveness. An observational study. Baqai Institute of Haematology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, and Combined Military Hospital, Malir Cantt, Karachi, from May 2006 to April 2008. After initial interview and mini-medical examination, demographic data of blood donors was recorded, and anti-HCV, HBsAg and HIV were screened by third generation ELISA. Those reactive to anti-HCV, HbsAg and/or HIV were excluded. Four hundred consecutive donors with ALT within the reference range of 15-41 units/L were included in study. HCV RNA RT-PCR was performed on 5 sample mini-pools using Bio-Rad Real time PCR equipment. All 400 donors were male, with mean age 27 years SD + 6.2. ALT of blood donors varied between 15-41 U/L with mean of 31.5+6.4 U/L, HCV RNA was detected in 2/400 [0.5%] blood donors. Screening one blood bag for HCV RNA costs Rs 4,000.00 equivalent to 50 US dollars, while screening through 5 sample mini-pools was Rs. 800.00 equivalent to approximately 10 US dollars. HCV RNA frequency was 0.5% [2/400] in the studied anti-HCV non-reactive normal ALT blood donors. Screening through mini-pools is more cost-effective

Frequency of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetes and its relationship with insulin resistance

The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of various cardiovascular disease risk factors: diabetes and pre-diabetes, abdominal obesity, hyperlipidaemia and high blood pressure. People with metabolic syndrome are twice as likely to die from and three times as likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared with people without the syndrome. The objective of the study was to observe the frequency of metabolic syndrome [MetS] in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and study the relationship of insulin resistance with the metabolic syndrome and its different clinical parameters. The study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital, Malir, in about six months. Hundred and fifty-five patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the study, who were diagnosed after 25 years of age. All those suffering from any liver disease, non diabetic renal disease, thyroid hormonal disorder, advanced cardiac disease and cancers were excluded from the study. Insulin resistance was measured using homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] and International Diabetes Federation [IDF] criteria were used to diagnose metabolic syndrome. Among 155 type 2 diabetic patients, 66.5% were having metabolic syndrome [MetS] according to IDF criteria. This frequency was significantly higher in women [84.7%] as compared to men [44.3%]. Difference of means of HOMA-IR [Insulin resistance] in MetS present and MetS absent cases was statistically significant in men [p=0.02] but not in women [p=0.57], when compared through independent sample t-test. Insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] was not significantly correlated with waist circumference [r=0.24], BMI [r=0.16], triglycerides [r=0.22], HDL cholesterol [r=0.18] and HbA1c [r=0.35] but showed moderate correlation with fasting plasma glucose [r=0.44]. Among 39 patients belonging to the 4th quartile of HOMA-IR, i.e., the most insulin resistant people, 79% patients had MetS according to IDF criteria, and 21% patients did not have MetS. It is concluded that the frequency of MetS is significantly high in patients with type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance as measured through HOMA-IR does not show significant correlation with clinical parameters of MetS in type 2 diabetics

expression of erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor in oral squamous cell carcinoma

The objective of this study is to analyse the in vitro expression of Erythropoietin and Erythropoietin Receptor in pathological biopsies of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The biopsy samples of oral squamous cell carcinoma provided by Barts and the London NHS trust hospital. The samples were taken from buccal mucosa, lip, lateral border of tongue, tonsilor region, oropharynx and nasal columnella. These samples were cut to form the formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue blocks, and immunohistochemistry was performed on each sample, which later on viewed under microscope. In this study erythropoietin staining was present in all the specimens of oral squamous cell carcinoma studied. Within the tumors Erythropoietin staining showed a differential pattern that was related to the differentiation of the tumour. In poorly differentiated tumours, erythropoietin was present in all the tumour cells spread throughout the tissue. In well differentiated tumours, erythropoietin staining was only present in the prickle cell layer. Erythropoietin receptor staining within the tumours showed a differential staining too. In the poorly differentiated tumours, erythropoietin receptor was only present in the muscle plus adjacent inflammatory cells and was absent in the tumour islands. In the well differentiated tumours some islands showed weak staining in the prickle cell layer, while the surrounding inflammatory infiltrate was positive. This study has confirmed that oral squamous cell carcinoma express both erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor. Erythropoietin staining showed a differential pattern that was related to the differentiation of tumour. Erythropoietin receptor was expressed in salivary gland ducts and serous but not in mucous acini. These findings suggest that more studies are needed to explore the functional significance of erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor in oral squamous cell carcinoma and in salivary glands

levels of cytokines - the effect of betel quid/areca nut on oral epithelium

The objectives of this study were to investigate the in vitro effect of betel quid and its components on a stratified epithelium and to evaluate whether there was evidence of a site specific response to their effect. The reconstituted human buccal epithelium model and human gingival epithelium model used in the study which was prepared and supplied by Skin ethic Laboratories, Nice, France. It is a three-dimensional tissue culture model obtained by culturing transformed oral keratinocytes [TR146] derived from a buccal carcinoma and oral keratinocytes derived from healthy gingival. 50 micro ml of freshly prepared aqueous extract of paan, areca, lime, areca/lime mixture, tobacco and PBS [as control] was applied to the surface of the epithelium and the tissue incubated for upto 48 hours at 37 [degree sign] C in 5%. CO[2] in a humidified atmosphere. The tissue was used to access the viability by MTT assay. The culture medium was also collected at 4 and 48 hours and used for the measurement of cytokines /chemokines release using ELISA technique. In this study application of paan and its components caused up-regulation of cytokines and chemokines. On the buccal epithelium model after 4 hours of treatment lime caused increased release of IL-1 alpha [26.9 +/- 14.3 pg/ml] compared to PBS Control [9.5 +/- 4.5 pg/ml], IL-6 [24.9 +/- 8.4 pg/ml] compared to PBS control [8.2 +/- 1.8 pg/ml], IL-8 [437.5 +/- 227.8 pg/ml] compared to PBS control [194 +/- 58.1pg/ml] and TGF-beta after 24 hours [71.3 +/- 10.8 pg/ml] compared to PBS control [49.3 +/- 2.7 pg/ml]. In gingival epithelial model only paan caused increased IL-8 release [305.5 +/- 221.1 pg/ml] compared to PBS control [48.3 +/- 19.4] after 48 hours of treatment. Areca caused increased of IL-1 alpha [81.2 +/- 11.3 pg/ml] compared to PBS control [11.2 +/- 5.9 pg/ml] after 48 hours of treatment, whereas paan caused increased release of IL-6 [16.3 +/- 4.3 pg/ml] compared to PBS control [8.2 +/- 1.7 pg/ml], IL-8 [2333.7 +/- 1252.3 pg/ml] compared to PBS control [294.8 +/- 126.5pg/ml] and TGF-beta [35.8 +/- 0.9, 41.4 +/- 1.4 pg/ml] compared to PBS control [62 +/- 4.2] after 48 hours of treatment. Areca inhibited the viability of buccal epithelial cells. This study has confirmed that lime, areca and paan caused significant changes in cytokine release, viability and histology of the tissue. The release of pro-inflammatory cytokines may suggest that in the initial event of OSF these cytokines can act as a constant source of irritation to underlying tissue. The increase in TGF-beta release suggests that it may act on the underlying fibroblasts and result in increased collagen synthesis, a feature of OSF