PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF CINNAMALDEHYDE AGAINST DMBA-INDUCED SKIN CANCER IN ALBINO MICE

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to assess the pharmacological activity of Cinnamaldehyde (CA) obtained from cinnamon bark in 7, 12-Dimethylbenz antharacene (DMBA)-induced skin cancer in albino mice and to assess the important cell antioxidant enzymes levels which play an important role in cancer. Methods: Cinnamon bark was collected to obtain CA phytochemical screening of extract was performed. Then pharmacological screening of extract was done in albino mice with skin cancer, after 12 weeks of observation, the animal was sacrificed, the skin samples were collected and various parameters were assessed and at the end histopathological studies were performed. Further statistical methods were applied to analyze the results. Results: The results revealed that CA produces significant increase in cell anti-oxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase content. It is also reported that it has inhibited the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and levels of lipid peroxidation at the same time which are responsible for cell damage. Conclusion: The present study shows that CA obtained from cinnamon bark consist of significant anti-cancer activity against DMBA-induced skin cancer in albino mice

Prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies among indoor patients and blood donors attending a tertiary care hospital in North India

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes acute as well as chronic hepatitis such as cirrhosis of liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. The virus is mainly transmitted through blood and blood products. Hence, in order to provide safe blood supply testing of each blood unit for markers of HCV has been made mandatory. The infection is detected by the presence of anti-HCV antibody in the patient’s serum. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among indoor patients and blood donors.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was done from January to June 2016. A total of 1991 subjects comprising of 1649 indoor patients and 342 blood donors were included in the study whose blood samples were screened for presence of anti-Hepatitis C antibody using rapid HCV TRI-DOT and HCV Microlisa.Results: Out of 1649 indoor patients tested, 39 were found to be reactive, and out of 342 blood donors tested, 4 were found to be reactive, hence, the prevalence of anti-HCV antibody was found to be 2.4% among indoor patients and 1.2% among blood donors. The seroprevalence of anti-HCV antibody was found to be more among replacement donors (1.2%) as compared to voluntary donors (1.1%).Conclusions: As blood transfusion is an important mode of transmission of HCV, hence, prevention in the form of proper screening of every unit of blood prior to transfusion is mandatory. As voluntary donors are relatively safe, this should be encouraged by organizing frequent blood donation camps.

Assessment of menopausal symptoms using modified menopause rating scale (MRS) in women of Northern India

Background: Menopause is defined as complete cessation of menses for twelve months or more. It is a normal physiological change experienced by middle aged women and some of the menopausal symptoms experienced by these women can be severe enough to affect their normal daily activities.Methods: An observational cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College and hospital, Lucknow for a period of one year.300 patients who had attained menopause were analyzed. Menopausal symptoms were assessed using Modified Menopause Rating Scale (MRS).Results: Majority of patients attained menopause at the age of 50-54 years and the calculated mean age came to be 50.33±5.26. The most common symptom reported was joint and muscular discomfort (87%), depressive mood (70%), heart discomfort (60.3%), physical and mental exhaustion (60%), sleep problems (56%). The most classical symptom of menopause i. e. hot flushes was reported in 53.3%. Prevalence of other symptoms in decreasing order were irritability (46.6%), anxiety (40.3%), bladder problem (26%), dryness of vagina (23%), sexual problems (20%). The menopausal symptoms were found to be more prevalent in women of lower socio economic strata and those who had no formal education and this difference was found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: There is a high burden of postmenopausal symptoms which have shown an increasing trend with advancement of age. This calls for establishment of specific health intervention for postmenopausal women through the existing health centres by having geriatric clinics

Assessment of menopausal symptoms using modified menopause rating scale (MRS) in women of Northern India

Background: Menopause is defined as complete cessation of menses for twelve months or more. It is a normal physiological change experienced by middle aged women and some of the menopausal symptoms experienced by these women can be severe enough to affect their normal daily activities.Methods: An observational cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College and hospital, Lucknow for a period of one year.300 patients who had attained menopause were analyzed. Menopausal symptoms were assessed using Modified Menopause Rating Scale (MRS).Results: Majority of patients attained menopause at the age of 50-54 years and the calculated mean age came to be 50.33±5.26. The most common symptom reported was joint and muscular discomfort (87%), depressive mood (70%), heart discomfort (60.3%), physical and mental exhaustion (60%), sleep problems (56%). The most classical symptom of menopause i. e. hot flushes was reported in 53.3%. Prevalence of other symptoms in decreasing order were irritability (46.6%), anxiety (40.3%), bladder problem (26%), dryness of vagina (23%), sexual problems (20%). The menopausal symptoms were found to be more prevalent in women of lower socio economic strata and those who had no formal education and this difference was found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: There is a high burden of postmenopausal symptoms which have shown an increasing trend with advancement of age. This calls for establishment of specific health intervention for postmenopausal women through the existing health centres by having geriatric clinics

PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGICAL SCREENING OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LANATA CANARA LINN SEEDS

Objective: To study the skeletal muscle relaxant, antipsychotic and anti anxiety activity of ethanolic extract of Lantana camaralinn seeds in male wistar albino mice. Methods: The extract of the seeds of Lantana camaralinn was prepared by using Soxhlet extraction and the obtained extract is used for the evaluation of antianxiety activity, antipsychotic activity and muscle relaxant activity using male albino wistar mice. Results: The results showed that the high dose (400 mg/kg) of the extract has shown significant anti anxiety, anti psychotic and skeletal muscle relaxant activities than the low dose (200 mg/kg). Conclusion: we concluded that the plant Lantana camaralinn seeds has significant skeletal muscle relaxant, anti anxiety and anti psychotic activities as evidenced by the Rota rod, elevated plus maze, Y maze and acto photometer

Prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies among indoor patients and blood donors attending a tertiary care hospital in North India

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes acute as well as chronic hepatitis such as cirrhosis of liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. The virus is mainly transmitted through blood and blood products. Hence, in order to provide safe blood supply testing of each blood unit for markers of HCV has been made mandatory. The infection is detected by the presence of anti-HCV antibody in the patient’s serum. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among indoor patients and blood donors.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was done from January to June 2016. A total of 1991 subjects comprising of 1649 indoor patients and 342 blood donors were included in the study whose blood samples were screened for presence of anti-Hepatitis C antibody using rapid HCV TRI-DOT and HCV Microlisa.Results: Out of 1649 indoor patients tested, 39 were found to be reactive, and out of 342 blood donors tested, 4 were found to be reactive, hence, the prevalence of anti-HCV antibody was found to be 2.4% among indoor patients and 1.2% among blood donors. The seroprevalence of anti-HCV antibody was found to be more among replacement donors (1.2%) as compared to voluntary donors (1.1%).Conclusions: As blood transfusion is an important mode of transmission of HCV, hence, prevention in the form of proper screening of every unit of blood prior to transfusion is mandatory. As voluntary donors are relatively safe, this should be encouraged by organizing frequent blood donation camps.

COVID-19 vaccine coverage, determinants and inequity amongst refugees and migrants in Pakistan: A cross-sectional study

Objective: Migrants and refugees are at a disadvantage in accessing basic necessities. The objective of this study is to assess the inequity in access, needs and determinants of COVID-19 vaccination among refugees and migrant populations in Pakistan.Design: We conducted a mixed-method study comprising a cross-sectional survey and a qualitative study. In this paper, we will only report the findings from the cross-sectional survey.Setting: This survey was conducted in different cities of Pakistan including Quetta, Karachi and Hyderabad.Participants: A total of 570 participants were surveyed including refugees and migrants, both in regular and irregular situations.Primary and secondary outcome measures: The primary outcome of the study was to estimate the proportion of refugees and migrants, both in regular and irregular situations vaccinated against COVID-19 and assess the inequity. The χ2 test and Fisher\u27s exact test were used to determine the significant differences in proportions between refugees and migrants and between regions.Results: The survey showed that only 26.9% of the refugee and migrant population were tested for COVID-19, 4.56% contracted coronavirus, and 3.85% were hospitalised due to COVID-19. About 66% of the refugees and migrants were fully vaccinated including those who received the single-dose vaccine or received all two doses, and 17.6% were partially vaccinated. Despite vaccination campaigns by the government, 14.4% of the refugee and migrant population remained unvaccinated mostly because of vaccines not being offered, distant vaccination sites, limited access, unavailability of COVID-19 vaccine or due to a difficult registration process. Vaccination rates varied across provinces, genders and migrant populations due to misconceptions, and several social, cultural and geographical barriers.Conclusion: This study highlights the COVID-19 vaccine coverage, access and inequity faced by refugees and migrants during the pandemic. It suggests early prioritisation of policies inclusive of all refugees and migrants and the provision of identification documents to ease access to basi

Health behaviors and care seeking practices for childhood diarrhea and pneumonia in a rural district of Pakistan: A qualitative study.

Diarrhea and pneumonia are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children under five, and Pakistan is amongst the countries with the highest burden and low rates of related treatment coverage. We conducted a qualitative study as part of the formative phase to inform the design of the Community Mobilization and Community Incentivization (CoMIC) cluster randomized control trial (NCT03594279) in a rural district of Pakistan. We conducted in-dept interviews and focused group discussions with key stakeholders using a semi-structured study guide. Data underwent rigorous thematic analysis and major themes identified included socio-cultural dynamics, community mobilization and incentives, behavioral patterns and care seeking practices for childhood diarrhea and pneumonia, infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF), immunization, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and access to healthcare. This study highlights shortcomings in knowledge, health practices and health systems. There was to a certain extent awareness of the importance of hygiene, immunization, nutrition, and care-seeking, but the practices were poor due to various reasons. Poverty and lifestyle were considered prime factors for poor health behaviors, while health system inefficiencies added to these as rural facilities lack equipment and supplies, resources, and funding. The community identified that intensive inclusive community engagement and demand creation strategies tied to conditioned short term tangible incentives could help foster behavior change

Common pediatric surgical conditions and associated health-seeking behaviors in Pakistan: An urban and rural comparative assessment

Approximately five billion people do not have access to necessary surgical treatment globally and up to 85% of children in LMICs are affected with conditions requiring surgical care by the age of 15 years. It is crucial to identify common surgical conditions in children in Pakistan to inform healthcare professionals and policymakers for effective resource allocation. This representative cross-sectional household survey conducted on children aged 5-10 years assessed existing surgical diseases and healthcare-seeking behaviors in the two largest provinces (Sindh and Punjab) of Pakistan. The data was collected through a validated cross-sectional survey tool [Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS)]. Caregivers were asked about their child\u27s recent and past surgical conditions in six distinct anatomical regions and pictures were taken of identified conditions after appropriate consent for further diagnosis. Health-seeking behaviors including the kind of treatment sought, the nature of care received, and the reasons for not receiving care were noted. 13.5% of children surveyed reported a surgical condition, with a similar distribution across urban (13.2%) and rural (13.7) areas and the most common cause was trauma. The greatest number of surgical conditions were found to be on the head and neck region (57.7%), while the back accounted for the least number of conditions (1.7%). Our results outline a need for organizing all entities (governmental, non-governmental, and private) involved in child health to ensure efficient resource allocation to cater to existing surgical problems