Effect of carvedilol on adrenaline-induced changes in serum electrolytes in rat.

Circulating catecholamine that is increased in early phase of myocardial infarction alters serum electrolyte levels which might predispose to serious ventricular arrhythmias. In this study the effect of pretreatment of carvedilol on adrenaline-induced changes in the serum electrolytes (Mg2+, K+, Ca2+, Na+) was evaluated in rats. Adrenaline was administered at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight subcutaneously 2 injections 24 hours apart and serum electrolytes were estimated at 12 hours, 24 hours and 7 days after the 2nd injection of adrenaline. Adrenaline administration initially caused hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia and hyponatremia, which were restored to normal spontaneously within 7 days. Pretreatment of carvedilol orally at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight for 2 weeks significantly prevented initial reduction in serum electrolyte levels induced by adrenaline. It was concluded that prophylactic use of carvedilol might prevent the serious consequences of myocardial infarction as sudden cardiac death due to arrhythmia caused by electrolyte changes.

Protective effect of tomato against adrenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

Lycopene, a carotenoid rich in tomato fruit (ripe), is an effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger. In this study n-hexane extract of tomato was evaluated for its protective action against oxidative stress in experimental myocardial infarction induced by administration of adrenaline in rats. Adrenaline produced significant elevation of malondialdehyde content of heart, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, with a significant rise in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level and different grades of necrotic changes in myocardium. Rats were treated with two doses of n-hexane extract of tomato, intragastrically daily for one month prior to administration of adrenaline on the 31st and 32nd day. Pretreatment of tomato extract (1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg) and vitamin E (50 mg/kg) significantly reduced the malondialdehyde concentration in heart and significantly lowered the serum AST level in adrenaline treated rats. Myocardial necrosis was significantly prevented by pretreatment. These results suggest that n-hexane extract of tomato possesses antioxidative property that may protect heart against catecholamine induced myocardial infarction.

Role of print and audiovisual media in cervical cancer prevention in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid (VIA) is offered at 252 centers in 64 districts of Bangladesh. VIA+ve women are managed at colposcopy clinics of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and 14 Medical College Hospitals (MCHs). This research work has been supported by 'UICC Cancer Prevention Campaign' programme. OBJECTIVES: This study explored the role of print materials and electronic media to improve cervical cancer screening in the present socio-cultural context of Bangladesh. METHODS: This study was performed from January to August 2011 at two upazilas of Bangladesh (Singair with screening facility and Sonargaon without screening facility). Data were collected by focus group discussion (FGD) with women, husbands and community people before and after intervention. Information on cervical cancer screening and VIA camps was disseminated using advertisement through local cable line of the television, microphone announcement, service providers and leaflet throughout the week prior to a VIA camp. Three-day VIA camps were organized at the upazila health complex (UHC) of both upazilas. Quantitative data was gathered from women at the camps on source of information on VIA and the best method of awareness creation. RESULTS: The population was aware of "cancer" and a notable number knew about cervical cancer. Baseline awareness on prevention and VIA was low and it was negligible where screening services were unavailable. Awareness was increased fourfold in both upazilas after interventions and half of the women and the majority of the community people became aware of screening and available facilities. Cable line advertisement (25.5%), microphone announcement (21.4%), and discussion sessions (20.4%) were effective for awareness creation on VIA. Television was mentioned as the best method (37.4%) of awareness creation. CONCLUSION: Television should be used for nation-wide awareness creation. For local awareness creation, cable line advertisement, microphone announcements and health education at Uthan Baithaks/ EPI sessions can easily be adopted by the government.