Pakistani Subjects Research Articles

Radiochemical neutron activation analysis for trace elements evaluation of human milk

Summary The principal objective pursued in this study is to establish the base-line data on the status of elemental composition in human milk from Pakistani subjects of Rawalpindi/Islamabad area. Radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA) methodology was developed and successfully employed to determine the concentration of 18 minor and trace elements (essential, toxic and nonessential) in human milk. This methodology has significantly improved the detection limits of most of these elements due to suppression of Compton background. The data provide the base-line values of these elements in human milk of low- and medium-income group subjects of the region. The results obtained show good compatibility with the data reported by the WHO on elemental composition of human milk from different geological regions.

Assessment of essential fatty acid and ω3-fatty acid status by measurement of erythrocyte 20:3ω9 (Mead acid), 22:5ω6/20:4ω6 and 22:5ω6/22:6ω3

Background. Early suspicion of essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) or ω3-deficiency may rather focus on polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) or long-chain PUFA (LCP) analyses than clinical symptoms. We determined cut-off values for biochemical EFAD, ω3-and ω3/22:6ω3 [docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)]-deficiency by measurement of erythrocyte 20:3ω9 (Mead acid), 22:5ω6/20:4ω6 and 22:5ω6/22:6ω3, respectively. Methods. Cut-off values, based on 97.5 percentiles, derived from an apparently healthy omnivorous group (six Dominica breast-fed newborns, 32 breast-fed and 27 formula+LCP-fed Dutch low-birth-weight infants, 31 Jerusalem infants, 33 Dutch 3.5-year-old infants, 69 omnivorous Dutch adults and seven Dominica mothers) and an apparently healthy group with low dietary LCP intake (81 formula-fed Dutch low-birth-weight infants, 12 Dutch vegans). Cut-off values were evaluated by their application in an EFAD suspected group of 108, mostly malnourished, Pakistani children, three pediatric patients with chronic fat-malabsorption (abetal-ipoproteinemia, congenital jejunal and biliary atresia) and one patient with a peroxisomal β-oxidation disorder. Results. Erythrocyte 20:3ω9, 22:5ω6/20:4ω6 and 22:5ω6/22:6ω3 proved age-dependent up to 0.2 years. Cut-off values for ages above 0.2 years were: 0.46mol% 20:3ω9 for EFAD, 0.068mol/mol 22:5ω6/20:4ω6 for ω3-deficiency, 0.22mol/mol 22:5ω6/22:6ω3 for ω3/DHA-marginality and 0.48mol/mol 22:5ω6/22:6ω3 for ω3/DHA-deficiency. Use of RBC 20:3ω9 and 22:5ω6/20:4ω6 cut-off values identified 20.4% of the Pakistani subjects as EFAD+ω3-deficient, 12.9% as EFAD+ω3-sufficient, 38.9% as EFA-sufficient+ω3-deficient and 27.8% as EFA-sufficient+ω3-sufficient. The patient with the peroxisomal disorder was classified as EFA-sufficient, ω3-sufficient (based on RBC 22:5ω6/20:4ω6) and ω3/DHA-deficient (based on RBC 22:5ω6/22:6ω3). The three other pediatric patients were classified as EFAD, ω3-deficient and ω3/DHA-deficient. Conclusion. Use of the combination of the present cut-off values for EFA, ω3 and ω3/DHA status assessment, as based on 97.5 percentiles, may serve for PUFA supplement intervention until better concepts have emerged.

Attitudies reguarding genetic counseling issues of the pakistani population at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn

Maimonides Medical Center is located in an area of racial and ethno-cultural diversity. Approximately 15% of the patients in the medical genetics division originate from Pakistan and many practice a conservative form of Islam. Abortion, autopsy and prenatal diagnosis are generally considered to be forbidden by Islam. In our experience, many patients adhere to this belief system, while others seem to make reproductive decisions independent of religious influences. We have developed a survey designed to examine demographic and social parameters and how those factors may influence response to three scenarios: prenatal diagnosis, abortion, and autopsy. The Pakistani subjects and their partners (when present at the counseling session) were asked to fill out the questionnaire and respond to what they would likely do in such a situation. The questionnaire was also presented to pregnant Pakistani couples NOT referred io genetics, and controls consisting of non-Pakistani genetics patients of various ethnic and religious backgrounds living in Brooklyn. The response of this population on critical genetic counseling issues as well as possible correlations to demographic/social variables and previous experience with genetics services will be presented.

Spirometric standards for non-smokers and smokers of India (eastern region).

Three hundred thirty-four healthy male non-smokers and 300 healthy male smokers of the age range 20-60 years were investigated for their spirometric lung functions by the method and technique recommended by American Thoracic Society. It was found that FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, FEF 200-1,200, FEF 25-75%, FEF 75-85%, MVV, and PEFR were significantly lower in smokers. When the subjects were blocked into several half decades these differences persisted. These functions deteriorated with age both in smokers and non-smokers, but in the former group the functions were reduced to a greater extent. Significant negative correlation was obtained between lung functions and smoking histories. Separate multiple regression equations were developed separately for non-smokers and smokers. The sensitivity of the tests was determined. The FEF 25-75% and FEV1 were found to be most sensitive in detecting early airway obstruction. When comparison of lung function was made among American, European, Jordanian, Negro, and Pakistani subjects, it was found that the former three groups are superior to the remaining. Negroes and Pakistanis are comparable to Indians in respect to their lung function. These differences in these functions between the nations of developed countries and the underdeveloped or developing countries might be attributable to the differences in their life-style, physical activity status, nutritional status, environmental condition, and race and ethnicity. The spirometric functions of Indians in the Eastern region of India are comparable to North-West Indians and superior to Southern Indians.

Prevalence of primary adult lactose malabsorption in Pakistan.

Lactose absorption capacity was examined in 414 apparently healthy, adult Pakistani subjects. In a subgroup of 44 subjects, the lactose tolerance test was performed using both blood glucose and breath hydrogen determination. The remaining 370 probands were examined using a field version of the breath hydrogen test. In the total sample of 414 probands, 248 lactose malabsorbers were identified (60%). This result differs considerably from previous reports of very low frequencies of lactose malabsorption in Pakistan and neighbouring areas.

Prediction values for the ventilatory capacity in male West Pakistani workers in the United Kingdom.

The ventilatory functions (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and peak expiratory flow rate) of West Pakistani immigrants working near Manchester were measured. There were 198 `normal9 healthy adult workers aged 25 to 60 years and 129 workers aged 16 to 24 years. The subjects were considered `normal9 if they did not admit to persistent cough and phlegm. The regression equations on age and height for the two groups are presented together with the corresponding nomograms for the adult group. Ventilatory function reached its maximum between the ages of 25 and 30 years; smokers and dust-exposed subjects did not differ significantly from non-smokers and non-dust-exposed subjects (P>0·1). This was probably due to their relatively light smoking habits and the short duration of dust exposure. The effects of age, in workers over the age of 25 years, and the predominant effects of height on the FVC, FEV 1·0 , and PEFR are similar to those found in other studies. The ventilatory capacity of the subjects was found to be somewhat lower than that of Caucasians, about equal to that of Negroes living in America, and higher than that of Indians of Asian origin living in Guyana or of Bantu Negroes in South Africa. The predicted FEV 1·0 /FVC% in the West Pakistani subjects is a little higher than any calculated from the results of other authors, but its regression on age is consistent with the findings of other studies and, therefore, can be used in clinical practice to assess the pulmonary conductance.

Significant association of serum creatinine with HbA1C in impaired glucose tolerant Pakistani subjects.

Objective:The present study was conducted to assess the serum concentration of creatinine and determine its relationship with potential risk factors of diabetes in Impaired Glucose tolerance subjects.Methods:This cross sectional study was conducted on 100 IGT patients who attended Amin Hayat diabetic center in Lahore from January 2011- June 2011. Patients with age group 34-67 years, (both sexes) were included in the study. Different demographic parameters as age, BMI, WHR, B.P, personal history and socioeconomic status were recorded. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test was performed. The biochemical parameters including HbA1c, lipid profile, urea, uric acid, creatinine and bilirubin level were measured by chemistry analyzer.Results:A strong correlation between creatinine and HbA1c was observed. The level of creatinine was also significantly associated with age in IGT subjects. Creatinine is non-significantly correlated with Cholesterol, LDL-Chol and TG while negatively significantly associated with BMI, fasting blood glucose and HDL-Chol.Conclusion:The present study concluded significant association of serum creatinine with HbA1c, BMI and HDL cholesterol.