Effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on oxidative energy metabolism in rat liver mitochondria—A comparative study of early and late effects

The reports in the literature on effects of diabetes on mitochondrial energy-linked functions are conflicting. Hence we carried out systematic studies to evaluate the effects at the early and the late stages of the disease using STZ-diabetic rat as a model. At the end of one week, after induction of diabetes, respiration rates with glutamate and succinate as the substrates increased; respiration rates with other substrates e.g. β-hydroxybutyrate, pyruvate + malate and ascorbate + TMPD were not affected despite substantial decrease in the β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity and cytochrome b and c+c₁ contents. Insulin treatment brought about increase in the cytochrome contents beyond control values. The ATPase activity was generally low in the diabetic animals and was not restored by insulin treatment. At the end of one month, the respiratory activities with all the substrates were generally low. Insulin treatment either restored or stimulated the respiration rates beyond control values. The content of cytochromes was differentially affected in the diabetic animals, but insulin treatment caused significant increase beyond control levels. The pattern for ATPase activity was similar to the early effects. At both the stages i.e. early and late stages of diabetes the mitochondria were tightly coupled. The ADP/O ratios were in normal expected ranges and the respiratory control ratios were comparable with the control groups. Insulin treatment resulted in apparent restoration of respiratory activity. However, the effects on the cytochromes and dehydrogenases activities were differential. Taken together the two observations would suggest that the mitochondria were not re-instated to normality despite apparent restoration of respiratory function.     

“Air Anatomy” – Teaching Complex Spatial Anatomy Using Simple Hand Gestures

Spatial understanding of complex anatomical concepts is often a challenge for learners, as well as for educators. It is even more challenging for students with low mental spatial abilities. There are many options to teach spatial relationships, ranging from simple models to high-end three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality tools. Using a randomized controlled trial design, this study explored the use of a unique combination of deictic and iconic hand gestures to enhance spatial anatomical understanding, coining the term “Air Anatomy”. The control group (n = 45) was given a lecture on the anatomy of extraocular muscles, while the intervention group (n = 49) received the same lecture including “Air Anatomy” hand gestures. When compared to the control group, the post-test scores for the intervention group were significantly higher for basic recall (P < 0.001; Mann–Whitney U test) and for the application of knowledge (P = 0.015; Mann–Whitney U test). Students with low to moderate spatial ability (as assessed by a mental rotation test) were found to benefit most by this technique. Students in the intervention group also reported a lower extrinsic cognitive load and higher germane load, when compared to the control group. An instructional skills questionnaire survey indicated the effectiveness of this technique in improving overall classroom experience. Feedback of the students in the intervention group was also favorable for instruction using “Air Anatomy”. The study suggests that “Air Anatomy” is a useful, “no-cost”, accessible method that aids spatial understanding of anatomical concepts.     

亚太地区教育质量保障注册制（APQR）评审研究

亚太地区教育质量保障注册制（APQR）作为对教育质量保障机构的一种国际性、非政府、自律性的约束和规制活动,在评估质量保障方面起到了重要作用。根据8家教育质量保障机构对APQR评审满意度的分析,发现APQR评审符合“第四代评估理论”的理念。从评审依据来看,APQR是建构主义的动态化评审;从评审重点来看,APQR重点审视质量保障机构开放、包容以及公信力三大方面;从评审结果来看,APQR灵活运用四个等级来进行综合判断。APQR具有可供借鉴的评审经验,但仍存在需要改进之处以更好实现可持续发展。     

Leucine amino peptidase a better indicator of carcinoma of liver, biliary tract and pancreas

Serum levels of leucine amino peptidase (LAP) was studied along with bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the ratio of AST/ALT and GGT/AST in 25 healthy subjects and 52 patients with hepatobiliary malignancies of which 12 were with hepatocellular carcinoma, 12 with liver metastasis, 6 with obstructive jaundice, 9 with carcinoma of gall bladder, 6 with carcinoma of pancreas and 7 with periampullary carcinoma. 24 Of the 52 patients studied had jaundice and 28 were without jaundice. LAP as compared to the other enzymes AST, ALT, GGT, ALP and AST/ALT ratio and GGT/AST ratio showed 100% elevation in obstructive jaundice, carcinoma of gall bladder and pancreas and periampullary carcinoma, 91.7% elevation in hepatocellular carcinoma and 83.3% elevation in liver metastasis. On comparing the levels of these enzymes in non jaundiced and jaundiced groups, LAP was elevated in both jaundiced and non jaundiced groups in 95.8% and 92.9% cases respectively whereas the other enzymes AST showed increase from 67.9% to 100%, ALT from 21.4% to 83.3%, GGT from 71.4% to 95.4% and ALP from 82.1% to 100% in non jaundiced and jaundiced groups respectively indicating that LAP rises in hepatic dysfunction due to hepatobiliary malignancy whereas the other liver function enzymes showed increased hepatic dysfunction due to hepatobiliary malignancy with the onset of jaundice thereby indicating that LAP is a better indicator of hepatobiliary malignancy as compared to other enzymes. The quantitative methods used for determination are reliable, accurate, simple, rapid and cost effective and therefore have better application in a clinical setting.     

Studies on serum amylases in carcinoma of liver,biliary tract and pancreas

Total amylase activity, its isoenzymes and pancreatic to salivary ratio were studied in 33 healthy subjects and 52 patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies of which 12 were with hepatocellular carcinoma, 12 with liver metastases, 9 with carcinoma of gall bladder, 6 with obstructive jaundice, 7 with periampullary carcinoma and 6 cases with carcinoma of pancreas. Total amylase was found to be elevated in carcinoma of pancreas and periampullary carcinoma compared to normal whereas in obstructive jaundice the values were decreased significantly (p<0.001). P (Pancreatic) fraction was found to be elevated significantly in all except in carcinoma of pancreas and obstructive jaundice. S (Salivary) fraction was decreased significantly in all except in carcinoma of pancreas. P/S ratio was elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma, obstructive jaundice, metastatic liver disease, gall bladder carcinoma and periampullary carcinoma (p<0.001) but in carcinoma of pancreas P/S ratio was low as compared to normal. This simple test of total serum amylase, P fraction and S fraction, P/S ratio can be utilised in differentiating various hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies.