Neural Toxicology and Pathology of Domoic Acid

Domoic acid is a potent neurotoxin when intake via contaminated seafood in bulk quantity, results in neural tissue necrosis. It caused an outbreak of human poisoning in Canada in 1987 by the consumption of contaminated blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), produced by red alga Chondria armataand and the genus Pseudo nitzschia. Domoic acid targets the glutamate receptors and the poisoning was characterized by memory impairment and brain disorders which led to the name Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP). Domoic acid has intoxicated wild animals and contaminated coastal waters since the 1987 incident. Hence it poses a global health and safety threat to significant human and wild animal lives populated at the shorelines. The present review aims to extend the understandings of ASP, DA induced toxicology and pathology which are critical for human health and wildlife safety. Keywords: Domoic Acid, Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning, Neurotoxicology, Neuropathology

Comparison of sampling adequacy between OPD based pipelle biopsy and in- patient conventional D&C, presented with abnormal uterine bleeding

Objective: To determine agreement on adequacy of sample by pipelle biopsy and conventional dilatation and curettage in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. Study design: Cross sectional studySetting and Duration of Study: Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, Islamic International Medical College Trust, Railway Hospital Rawalpindi. Study was carried out over a period of six months (11-07-2012 to 14-01-2013). Patients and Methods: 84 patients presented with abnormal uterine bleeding age 45 years and older, attended Gynecology department of Railway Hospital Rawalpindi. Who qualified the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study by non-probability consecutive sampling technique. The diagnostic intervention for endometrial sampling was by pipelle device and by conventional D&C. Both procedures were performed in the OT at the same time.First the pipelle sample was taken and was labeled as “A” then conventional D&C was performed and was labeled as “B”. Both samples were sent to the pathologist, who was blinded as to the method of sample collection for histopathology assessment. Adequacy of the sample was assessed as per operational definition. A data base was made in SPSS version 17. Kappa statistics was applied to assess the agreement. Results: Out of 84 patients, 80 (98.8%) of the patients had adequate sample with Pipelle Biopsy as compared to conventional curettage and dilatation (D & C). We therefore recommend the use of pipelle biopsy as a first line tool for endometrial assessment for our setups instead of D&C. Conclusion: Our study concluded that the Pipelle biopsy is a useful and convenient method to the patients and physicians as ompared to D&C performed in the operating theatre. It is useful in obese and high-risk patients with minimum chances of perforation of uterus due to its soft flexible tip

Educating engineering students in Egypt: a stakeholders’ perspective, using narrative qualitative approach

This is part of a series of three papers in a research project examining engineering education in Egypt. After concerns from several stakeholders about the graduates’ knowledge and skills, a fresh look at the phenomenon is attempted. In this manuscript the views of stakeholders, using narrative approach and analysis was carried out. The methodology followed a narrative approach, conducting stakeholder’s analysis with relevant and related people to engineering education (Coulter and Smith 2009; Sfard and Prusak, 2005). The sample included students & fresh graduates, engineers with several years of experience, others with long experiences, academics, parents and administrative staff, were elicited. The responses were collected by asking two questions via social media. The aim was to obtain a quick idea on how stakeholders perceive engineering education in Egypt, and the enhancements they would like to see. Importance of the study comes from both linking with three papers in series exploring engineering education in Egypt, and the in-depth narrative reflections and insights of stakeholders’ point of view. Four clear requests became evident from the stakeholders responses: the application of modern innovative teaching methods; soft skills training; modern software applications training; and practical technical or industrial training

Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of New 1,2- and 1,4-Bis(N’-Substituted Thioureido)benzene Derivatives

Synthesis of two series of 1,2- and 1,4-bis(thioureido)benzene derivatives was accomplished by the treatment of corresponding alkanoyl/aroyl chlorides with potassium thiocyanate in dry acetone to afford the respective isothiocyanates as intermediates. The latter were treated in situ with 1,2- and 1,4-diaminobenzene, respectively, to afford the title compounds in high yields. A total of sixteen new compounds are reported herein. The structures of the products were confirmed by spectroscopic techniques (IR, 1H and 13C NMR, mass spectrometry), elemental analysis and in case of 1d, by X-ray diffraction technique. All the synthesized compounds were also subjected to antibacterial bioevaluation against ten different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterialstrains using levofloxacin as the standard drug and were shown to possess promising activities.KEYWORDS Bis(thioureido)benzene, antibacterial activity, crystal structure