Research Article
Jul 28, 2020
Post Pulmonary Tuberculosis: The Right Heart Story
Background: We frequently come across patients whose debility had worsened even after completing pulmonary tuberculosis treatment. Data on the aftermath of tuberculosis from all over the world is insufficient. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done retrospectively at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan. All the patients above 15 years of age who were correctly diagnosed and treated for pulmonary TB were taken from the last one year’s hospital files. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure was measured through trans-thoracic echocardiography. Results: 88.9% patients had pulmonary hypertension of varying degrees; most of which fell in the mild and moderate category (44% and 42% respectively). Mean pulmonary artery pressure was 58.83 ± 18.45 mmHg. The estimated mean ± SD time of hospital-survival without PH was 16 ± 1.9 days whereas with PH it was 23.6 ± 1.9 days. Conclusion: Since a substantial number of patients develop pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary tuberculosis, clinicians should thus maintain a high degree of suspicion with regard to pulmonary hypertension when following them.
Research Article
Jul 27, 2020
Human Energetic Light System
On the basis of the latest biophysical ideas, the mechanisms of light influence on biological structures at the molecular, organ and information levels are discussed, which allows explaining the practical effects of light applications in a wide spectral range in medical practice for therapy and diagnostics. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of laser radiation
Research Article
Jul 10, 2020
Hepatotoxicological Studies of an Ayurvedic Medicine “Brihat Khadir Batika” on Biological System of ... m of Male Sprague–Dawley Rats
“Brihat Khadir Batika” (BKD) is an ayurvedic preparation used as a traditional medicine in gingivitis in the rural population. To find out the toxicological characteristics of BKD on liver function, it was administered chronically to the male Sprague-Dawley rats at a dose of 40 mg/kg. After 28 days of chronic administration of the BKD preparation, the following effects on the hepatic function were noted. In this experiment, plasma protein, albumin, serum bilirubin, and various serum enzymatic parameters were evaluated. The results of the liver function tests are given below. There is a very highly statistically significant (P = 0.001) decrease in the total protein in the serum of the male rat [12.67% decrease] and statistically insignificant (P = 0.558) [2.24%] increase was observed in the albumin level in the serum of the male rat. There is a statistically highly significant (P = 0.002) decrease in the globulin level in the serum of the male rat [28.44% decrease]. The albumin: globulin ratio is found to be statistically highly significant (P = 0.007) increase in the serum of the male rat [39.04% increase]. The bilirubin level in the serum of the male rat is increased by [12.50%], the increase though not significant, yet it was prominent (P = 0.170). The serum ALT level of the male rat is found to increase, which is statistically significant (P = 0.023) [35.15% increase]. There is an [9.58%] increase in the serum AST level of the male rat, the increase though not significant, yet it was prominent (P = 0.231). Moreover, there is a statistically significant (P = 0.027) decrease in the serum LDH level of the male rat [35.76% decrease]. The serum alkaline phosphatase level of the male rat is found to show statistically insignificant (P = 0.514) [9.32%] decrease level. There is a negligible [2.20%] increase in the serum GGT level of the male rat, which was statistically not at all significant (P = 0.892). From the study on ratio of different enzyme activities it was noted that change in ALT was the most prominent, followed by AST and the GGT
Research Article
Jun 30, 2020
Predictive Medicine Evolution
Genetic Health Chart (GHCh) also known in the Russia as Genetic Pass (GP) is now considered as a major practical guide for predictive, preventive and personalized medicine (PPPM) which reflects basic achievements of human genome studies and makes major advances in line with spectacular advances of molecular technologies of human genome endeavor. Since its birth in 2000 GP has been treated as a bank for collection of personal genetic data important for prediction, prevention and for treatment of inherited and inborn disorders. Major steps of PPPM, its main problems, disappointments and advances as well as their impact in evolution of GP are briefly outlined. The basic goal of the currant genomic studies as emphasized concerns the urgent need for correct interpretation of the clinical value of genetic testing and its applicability for routine clinical practice. Feasible paths towards the gradual implementation of personal genetic data, in line with other laboratory tests, for the individualized clinical trials are discussed.
Research Article
Jun 30, 2020
Analysing Covid-19 Epidemic Trajectories: are Countries Flattening the Curve?
Introduction: We evaluated COVID19 epidemic trajectories of different countries in terms of relative trajectory steepness and anticipated epidemic duration, in other words “flatness of the curve”. Methods: We used open-domain data on COVID-19 reported cases and deaths per country per day. A subset of 47 countries was analysed. Data were fitted with an analytical model following Gompertz equation. Uncertainty pertaining to the model forecasts was also quantified. To relate differences in epidemic trajectories of different countries to the mitigation approach taken by governments of those countries, we made use of the COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index developed and published by Oxford University and Blavatnik School. Results: Acceptable quality fits were obtained for all the countries with R2 mostly in excess of 0.98. Uncertainty on the final Cases and/or Deaths count is typically a factor of two early in the epidemic but this quickly reduces as the epidemic progresses. Uncertainty on Epidemic Duration also reduces but less fast. Statistics on key parameters like Epidemic Duration, Epidemic Peak and Final Mortality Rate were obtained and then cross-correlated with the rigor of government measures as recorded in the Stringency Score. Most significantly, we find a clear trend of decreasing Peak Epidemic height (and to a less extent, shorter Epidemic Duration) with increased Government Stringency at the epidemic onset. We also find that Final Mortality Rate decreases with increased Stringency of Government Testing and Contact-Tracing. Conclusions: Whilst COVID-19 epidemic trajectories for most countries are similar, some countries do have flatter and less severe trajectories than others. Our analysis suggests that mitigation measures taken by a government at the very initial stage of a COVID-19 outbreak might significantly impact severity and to a less extent duration of the epidemic.
Research Article
Jun 19, 2020
Preclinical Blood Chemistry Safety Profile Studies of “Pijusaballi Rasa” on the Kidney Function Af ... n After Chronic Administration to Male Sprague-Dawley Rats
Pijusaballi Rasa (PJB) is an Ayurvedic preparation used as a traditional medicine in the treatment of edema in the rural population in Bangladesh. The acute pharmacological test of PJB recorded no death or any signs of toxicity even at the highest dose of 4000 mg/kg body weight. To find out the effect of chronic administration of PJB on serum chemistry profile, it was administered chronically to the male Sprague-Dawley rats at a dose of 400 mg/kg. After 28 days of chronic administration of the PJB preparation, the serum chemistry profile, composed of a battery of tests, allowed for evaluation of several body systems and assessment of metabolic disturbances. The results of the effect of chronic administration of PJB on serum chemistry profile were as follows. There was a statistically highly significant (p = 0.003) decrease in the total protein in the serum of the male rats (9.45% decrease). There was a statistically highly significant (p = 0.010) increase in the albumin level in the serum of the male rats (24.66% increase). There was a statistically very highly significant (p = 0.001) decrease in the globulin level in the serum of the male rats (45.50% decrease). There was a statistically significant (p = 0.015) increase in the albumin/globulin ratio in the serum of the male rats (175.19% increase). There was a statistically significant (p = 0.014) increase in the uric acid level in the serum of the male rats (25.16% increase).
Short Communication
Feb 03, 2020
Retrospective Review of 374 Samples, Circulating DNA; As a Biomarker Assay to Support Clinical Man ... agement in Solid Tumors Treated with Multi Targeted Epigenetic Therapy (MTET)
Here in this abstract we retrospectively review preliminary findings on 374 samples of circulating DNA extracted from 173 patients treated by multi targeted epigenetic therapy (MTET), which is a combination of natural histone deacetylase inhibitors and DNMT methyltransferase inhibitors. This therapy could dynamically interrupt the expression of altered genes, in a variety of solid tumor types, both in in vitro and in vivo models. We hypothesize that serial monitoring of the circulating DNA provides a feasible option for therapeutic decisions making based on presence of the driver genes in these cases. We also were able to track the antineoplastic response in these groups of patients by monitoring their tumor circulating DNA mutated allele fractions and propose a direct correlation with interim epigenetic therapy effectiveness.
Review Article
May 20, 2019
Viral Musicality in Harmony with Nature
In this manuscript we describe a biological system that deals with herpes simplex virus in the context of an in vitro infection in the presence of carrageenan, from a novel point of view by comparing our system to the Ligeti's symphonic poem of 100 metronomes. Metronomes (from ancient Greek μέτρον-métron, "measure" and νέμω-némo, "I manage", "I lead"), as a measuring instrument of “tempo” links us with the viral replication cycle to define, through sound, a metaphorical construction of life (as vibration and movement, impermanence and constant change). The changes detected in viral populations, in time and space, in a similar way to the artistically experienced in Ligeti's symphonic poem enable us a trans disciplinary view, creating networks of cooperation that favor the renewal of the conceptual bases of biology enriching our perception and understanding of the biology and evolution of viruses.
Research Article
May 06, 2019
Investigation on the Pattern of Intestinal Parasites Present in Refuse Dumps and Abattoir Wastes in ... Ile-Ife, Nigeria
This project work focuses on the investigation of pattern of intestinal parasites present in refuse dumps and abattoir wastes in Ile-Ife. Samples were collected from 5 abattoirs in Ile-Ife and 5 refuse sites. The collection of samples covered a period of 4 months from March to June 2009. The samples were processed using concentration methods (Simple sedimentation and saturated salt floatation techniques). 64 ova and cyst of intestinal parasite were recovered from abattoir waste and 31 from refuse dumps. Trohozoites of protozoa and larvae of some helminths recovered are 95. In refuse dump samples; Entamoeba histolytica 18 (28.1%) Entamoeba coli 12 (18.8%), Balantidium coli 2 (3.1%), Taenia spp. 2 (3.1%), Hymenolepis nana 3 (4.2%), Hookworm 2 (3.1%) are recovered while in abattoir wastes Ascaris lumbricoides 17 (54.8%), Hookworm 9 (29.0%), Balantidium coli 5 (16.1%) and trophozoite of Balantidium coli 15 (15.8%), Trichomonas hominis 56 (58.9%), larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis 13 (13.7%) and Hookworm 11 (11.6%) were recovered from abattoir effluents. The public is encouraged to take good sanitary and hygienic habits; wastes from our houses should be properly disposed either by burning or burying deep in the soil. Protective material like shoe and hand gloves is suggested for workers that will be having contact with night soil and any waste water, effluents and slurries that will be used as manure or to irrigate farm products should be treated before use and any infected individual should be well treated and prevented from infecting others.
Review Article
Apr 01, 2019
The Effects of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors (SGLT2-i) on Fatty Liver, Steato-Hepatiti ... s, Liver Fibrosis, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma-A Review
The drug category of Sodium-Glucose co-transporters 2 inhibitors (SGLT 2 inhibitors) is a newer class of pharmaceutical agents for the management of type-2 diabetes mellitus, with a proved promising cardio-protective effects. In addition to above beneficial effects, Sodium-Glucose co-transporters 2 inhibitors showed their effectiveness to reduce abdominal fat content, amount of fat in liver tissues and progression of inflammation and fibrosis in experimental as well as clinical studies. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases (NAFLD) are common among patients with type 2 diabetes patients and includes fatty liver, Non-Alcoholic Steato-Hepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis and when present together these disorders exacerbates each other deleterious consequences. This review article is carried out with an objective to find out the effects of Sodium-Glucose co-transporters 2 inhibitors on non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, steato-hepatitis, fibrosis liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. The authors identified 21 relevant articles including twelve experimental and nine clinical studies with inclusion of 15152 patients, in study period ranges from 20-104 weeks. The analysis of these studies showed beneficial effects SGLT 2 inhibitors on fatty liver, liver function and NASH development, hepatic fibrosis and prevention and regression of hepatocellular carcinoma and concluded that SGLT-2 inhibitors may protect or reduce the incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, steato-hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis in type 2 diabetes patients.
Research Article
Feb 09, 2019
Effect of Chandraprabha Batika on Thyroid Hormone Profile in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats
Chandraprabha Batika (CPB) is an Ayurvedic preparation that is used in the rural population for different purposes as traditional medicine. In this study, the effect of CPB on thyroid hormone profile was evaluated after chronic administration of this drug to male Sprague-Dawley rats. The acute pharmacological test of CPB recorded no death or any signs of toxicity even at the highest dose of 4,000 mg/kg body weight. For chronic pharmacological evaluation, the animals were divided into two groups. The first group was given CPB preparation at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight for 28 days while the second group that served as the control received water for the same period. After 28 days of chronic administration of the CPB preparation, the following effects on the thyroid hormone panel were noted: a statistically insignificant decrease in the serum circulating total thyroxine (tT4) and total triiodothyronine (tT3) levels of the male rats; a decrease in the serum circulating free thyroxine (fT4) level of the male rats, the increase though not significant yet it was prominent; a statistically insignificant increase in the serum circulating free triiodothyronine (fT3) level of the male rats; an increase in the serum circulating thyroid-stimulating hormone level of the male rats, the increase though not significant yet it was prominent.
Short Communication
Jan 24, 2019
Involving Men Volunteers to Effectively Respond to the Problem of Gender-Based Violence in Myanmar: ... United Nations Population Fund
Gender-based violence has been regarded as one of the major social public health concerns affecting women from all walks of life across the world. Moreover, the incidence of the problem increases enormously in regions which are facing humanitarian emergencies. In order to respond to the problem of violence against women living in a displacement camp in Myanmar, the United Nations Population Fund started a new initiative to develop a network of male volunteers to prevent violence and adequately respond to assist the victims. To conclude, the problem of gender based violence cannot be eliminated unless men are actively involved in the drive. The current strategy of developing a network of men and involving them to counter this menace is quite an effective approach and the program managers from different parts of the world should aim to take a leaf out of it and replicate the same in their settings for a better and a favorable outcome.
Short Communication
Jan 24, 2019
Involving Men Volunteers to Effectively Respond to the Problem of Gender-Based Violence in Myanmar: ... United Nations Population Fund
Gender-based violence has been regarded as one of the major social public health concerns affecting women from all walks of life across the world. Moreover, the incidence of the problem increases enormously in regions which are facing humanitarian emergencies. In order to respond to the problem of violence against women living in a displacement camp in Myanmar, the United Nations Population Fund started a new initiative to develop a network of male volunteers to prevent violence and adequately respond to assist the victims. To conclude, the problem of gender based violence cannot be eliminated unless men are actively involved in the drive. The current strategy of developing a network of men and involving them to counter this menace is quite an effective approach and the program managers from different parts of the world should aim to take a leaf out of it and replicate the same in their settings for a better and a favorable outcome.
Review Article
Dec 29, 2018
The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Body
MMPs are Zn dependent proteases. All of MMPs kind is multi-domain proteins and their activities are regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. The prevention of the pathologies which is created by MMPs used some synthetic and naturally inhibitors. This review will explain the attitude MMPs and some chemical and physical factors which to being high level and low could affect to MMPs activity and synthesis as caffeine, one of snake venom components, melatonin, serotonin, stress factor, E and C vitamins.
Research Article
Dec 29, 2018
The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Body
MMPs are Zn dependent proteases. All of MMPs kind is multi-domain proteins and their activities are regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. The prevention of the pathologies which is created by MMPs used some synthetic and naturally inhibitors. This review will explain the attitude MMPs and some chemical and physical factors which to being high level and low could affect to MMPs activity and synthesis as caffeine, one of snake venom components, melatonin, serotonin, stress factor, E and C vitamins.
