Effect of an Artificial Sweetener on Rat’s Pancreas and Body Weight

Objective: To observe the effects of an artificial sweetener on rat’s pancreas and body weight.Material and Methods: This Laboratory based randomized control trial was carried out at Anatomy department, Army Medical College Rawalpindi, in collaboration with NIH, Islamabad, from March to May 2014. Forty male and female Sprauge dawley rats were used in the experiment. Ten males and 10 females served as control group C and 10 males and 10 female served as an experimental group E (n = 20 animals in each group). The rats were randomly allocated by using a random selection table. Control group C was given normal diet for two months whereas experimental group E was provided artificial sweetener (sodium cyclamate) 60mg/kg/day through oral gavage tube for two months. Animals were weighed before and at the end of experiment. Pancreas were dissected out, examined and weighed. Histological sections of pancreas were studied under light microscope. Fatty infiltration was calculated in three slides per specimen. Results were analyzed on SPSS version 20.Results: The pancreas of rats showed fatty infiltration and weight of animals were significantly higher in experimental group.Conclusion: Artificial sweetener brings significant fatty infiltrations in rat’s pancreas and also induces weight gain in animals

The Effects Of Simvastatin On Islets Of Langerhans In The Pancreas Of Rats: A Histological And Biochemical Study

Objective: This study explored the effect of simvastatin on the histomorphology of islets of Langerhans, glucose and insulin levels in rats. Study Design: The study was a one-year laboratory-based experimental control trial. Place and duration of study: It was conducted at Army Medical College Rawalpindi, in collaboration with the National Institute of Health Islamabad and Armed Force Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi. Methods: A one-year, laboratory-based, two-group experimental control trial was conducted. Thirty rats were assigned to each group: a control group receiving saline injections, and a simvastatin group receiving a simvastatin 60 mg/kg/day. Histological analysis of pancreatic islets, and measurements of blood glucose and insulin levels were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using independent sample t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.005. Results: While simvastatin treatment did not affect the number of islets of Langerhans, The area of pancreatic islets of Langerhans was significantly higher in the simvastatin treatment group compared to control (52,664±38,871 μm2 vs 24,643±16,256 μm2, p=0.001). Serum insulin levels were also significantly elevated with simvastatin treatment (21.49±7.03 μIU/ml) compared to control (16.72±5.38 μIU/ml) (p=0.005). There were no significant differences in weekly fasting blood glucose levels at 4 or 12 weeks between groups (p>0.05). These findings suggest potential modulation of pancreatic islet function by simvastatin without affecting glycemic control in this model. Conclusions:  These findings demonstrate that simvastatin treatment significantly impacts the morphology and function of pancreatic islets in rats, increasing insulin secretion without affecting blood glucose levels. Further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of these observations.

The Perceptions of Medical Students Regarding Professionalism, a qualitative study

Introduction: The elements of humanity and understanding the social values is significantly important for the health care workers to ensure positive health outcomes and patient’s safety, as care and empathy during the treatments are provided innately according to the standards, preferences and values of the individual.  Aim: Our goal is to prepare finest quality physicians who will serve as role models for future medical practitioners. The aim of this study is to find out student’s perception regarding professionalism in order to design curricular contents and matching instructional strategies aiming at enhancement of professionalism, understanding, practice and behavioral change.  Method: The study has been conducted at a private medical college in Islamabad after taking ethical approval. In order to collect data, a qualitative cross-sectional study design had been used. Focus group interview was conducted on semi structured questions. Data was recorded, transcribed, themes were extracted and analyzed by manual thematic analysis.  Results: the study identified fundamental themes regarding professionalism. Students had fair knowledge regarding professionalism but lack deep understanding. It was suggested to practice role modelling in order to inculcate professionalism among medical students.  Conclusion: The findings of the study indicated that the professionalism is the core of medical education and necessary for adequate practice therefore, we cannot rely on hidden curriculum for development of professional identity. The study suggests dire requirement for incorporation of study of professionalism and it applications in medical curriculum. Key words: Perceptions, Professionalism, Medical students

Medical students’ attitudes towards the clinical importance of embryology

Objective of study: The objective of the study is to identify the attitudes of medical students towards the clinical importance of embryology. Methodology: The cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted at a private medical college of Sialkot, Islam Medical College from September 2019 to November 2019. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Research and Ethics Committee prior to the study. Hundred First year and 100 final year medical students of Islam Medical College, participated in the survey. Thurdstone and Chave attitude analysis scoring was used to assess the attitudes.  The questionnaire consisted of 20 statements. Students had to tick only those statements with which they were in full agreement. Prior to conducting the study a median score was taken out of 50 anatomy teachers, showing their opinion toward each statement. Results: The results of the study showed that the medical students do appreciate the importance of embryology in the early years and to a more extent in the clinical years. The attitude scores remained on the positive side. Female students showed better attitudes towards embryology in both years. Conclusion:  To understand the importance of embryology efforts are required by the teachers teaching anatomy, and medical educationalists, to inform medical students of the relevance of embryology in attaining clinical competence. Key words: Attitude, Clinical, Embryology, Continuous..