Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad 

About: Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad is an academic journal published by Ayub Medical College. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Population. It has an ISSN identifier of 1025-9589. Over the lifetime, 3123 publications have been published receiving 25486 citations. The journal is also known as: JAMC & Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbotabad, Pakistan.

Oral and intraperitoneal LD50 of thymoquinone, an active principle of Nigella sativa, in mice and rats.

Abstract: Background Thymoquinone is the major active principle of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) and constitutes about 30% of its volatile oil or ether extract. N. sativa oil and seed are commonly used as a natural remedy for many ailments. Using modern scientific techniques, a number of pharmacological actions of N. sativa have been investigated including immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antihistaminic, antiasthmatic, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial and antiparasitic. There are only few reports regarding the toxicity of thymoquinone. Methods The present study was carried out to determine LD50 of thymoquinone both in mice and rats, orally as well as intraperitoneall, by the method of Miller and Tainter. Autopsy and histopathology of liver, kidney, heart and lungs were also determined. Results The LD50 in mice after intraperitoneal injection was determined to be 104.7 mg/kg (89.7-119.7, 95% confidence interval) and after oral ingestion was 870.9 mg/kg (647.1-1094.8, 95% confidence interval). Whereas, LD50 in rats after intraperitoneal injection was determined to be 57.5 mg/kg (45.6-69.4, 95% confidence intervals) and after oral ingestion was 794.3 mg/kg (469.8-1118.8, 95% confidence intervals). The LD50 values presented here after intraperitoneal injection and oral gavages are 10-15 times and 100-150 times greater than doses of thymoquinone reported for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer effects. Conclusion Thymoquinone is a relatively safe compound, particularly when given orally to experimental animals.

Application of alvarado scoring system in diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Abstract: Background : In conditions like acute appendicitis it is impractical to have definitive diagnosis by gold standard test (histopathology) before surgery, we would like a simple test like Alvarado scoring system which depends on the presence and absence of certain variables and which provides an accurate guide to whether or not the patient has the condition. This study was conducted to evaluate Alvarado scoring system for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in our set up. Methods : 100 consecutive patients with suspected acute appendicitis admitted in Surgical B unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, during the period from July to December 2003 were included in the study. They were given specific scores according to the variables of Alvarado scoring system and then divided into 3 groups. Group 1 patients (score 7 or more) underwent surgery, group 2 patients (score 5-6) were admitted for observation and group 3 patients (score 4 or less) were discharged home. Patients from group 2 with increased symptom intensity (score 7 or more) in reevaluation underwent surgery. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. Reliability of scoring system was assessed by calculating negative appendicectomy rate and positive predictive value. Results : Out of a total 100 patients 64 patients underwent surgery and appendicitis was confirmed in 54 cases, thus giving negative appendicectomy frequency of 15.6% (male 12%, female 17.9%). Perforation rate was 7.8%. Positive predictive value was 84.3% (males 88%, females 82.1%). Conclusion : This scoring system is easy, simple and cheap complementary aid for supporting the diagnosis of acute appendicitis especially for junior surgeons. Key words: Acute appendicitis, Appendicectomy, Scoring system.

Calculation of LD50 values from the method of Miller and Tainter, 1944.

Abstract: Dear Editor, Acute toxicity of a drug can be determined by the calculation of LD50, i.e., the dose that will kill 50% of animals of a particular species. Recently, we reported the LD50 of thymoquinone, an active principle of Nigella sativa, in mice and rats by the method described by Miller and Tainter, 1944. Since then some post-graduate students and investigators have asked us to explain the details of calculation of LD50 by this method, as the original article, being very old, is not easily available in the literature. We also faced problem in the calculations, however, we found some details for the calculation of LD50 in the Fundamentals of Experimental Pharmacology by Ghosh, which also is not easy to obtain in many parts of the world. Therefore, few lines are written, on behalf of the other authors, to elaborate the calculation of LD50 by the method of Miller and Tainter for the benefit of young researchers.

Characteristics of dengue fever in a large public hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract: Background: This study aims to determine demographic, clinical and laboratory profile along with disease outcome of all confirmed cases of dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) admitted in King Abdulaziz Hospital & Oncology Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We also want to highlight the significance of implementing a well targeted community based disease prevention program. Methods: All patients admitted from May 2004 till April 2005 with a suspected diagnosis of DF and DHF were followed. All cases confirmed by a positive serology (IgM alone or IgM and IgG) to dengue fever were studied in detail to determine age, gender, ethnicity, monthly distribution, clinical and laboratory profile. Results: A total of 80 patients were admitted with a suspected diagnosis of DF. Among these, 39 (48.75%) patients were confirmed by positive serology to have the disease. Male to female ratio was 3.3:1. Their ages ranged from 2 to 60 years with a mean of 27.6 + 11.2. Twelve patients were Saudis, while the rest were non-Saudis coming from different countries in Asia, Africa and Middle East. Maximum number of patients (48.72%) was seen in the summer months of June, July and August. Commonest presentation was fever (100%), headache (48.72%), myalgias (66.7%) and vomiting (25.64%). Rash, hemorrhagic manifestations and positive tourniquet test were relatively uncommon. Only two patients fulfilled WHO criteria of DHF. Main hematological abnormalities were thrombocytopenia (79.49%) and leucopenia (48.72%). Significant elevation of PTT was observed in 25.64% of patients. Abnormal liver function tests with high transaminases were seen in about 66.7% of patients, whereas 33.33% of patients had significantly elevated creatine kinase. All patients improved clinically with improvement of chemical and hematological parameters. None of the patients died in this series. Conclusion: DF continues to be a significant health problem in Western region of Saudi Arabia. Large number of pilgrims coming from disease endemic areas all over the world facilitates the continued introduction of dengue virus with different strains. Fortunately there has been no serious outbreak of dengue fever in recent years. A sharp vigilance is required by concerned authorities to prevent and minimize any future outbreak. It is extremely important to implement and maintain an effective, sustainable and community based disease prevention program. Key Words: Dengue fever, Dengue hemorrhagic Fever, Headache, Rash, Thrombocytopenia

Occupational stress and its effect on job performance. A case study of medical house officers of district Abbottabad.

Abstract: Background: Doctors especially house officers are under a great deal of stress related to a variety of occupational stressors. Occupational stressors contribute to organizational inefficiency, high staff turnover, absenteeism due to sickness, decreased quality, and quantity of practice, increased costs of health care, and decreased job satisfaction. One of the organizational outcomes that affected by occupational stress is job performance. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of job stress on job performance. Methods: The universe of the study is District Abbottabad and the complete population of house officers was targeted which were present at that time were 55. The data obtained through questionnaire was analyzed using the statistical methods including descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation and multiple regression. Results: The analysis showed strong support for the hypothesis that there is an inverse relationship between job stress and job performance indicating that there is high job stress in the house officers, resulting in low job performance. Conclusion: Correct stress management should start from improved health and good intrapersonal relationships. The prevention and management of workplace stress requires organizational level interventions, because it is the organization that creates the stress. Success in managing and preventing stress will depend on the culture in the organization. A culture of openness and understanding, rather than of criticism, is essential. Those house officers who had high level of job stress had low job performance. All the factors affected male house officers more than the female house officers.