Cardiotonic and vasoconstriction effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Paspalidium flavidum L.

The cardiovascular activity of aqueous methanolic extract of Paspalidium flavidum L. was evaluated on isolated rabbit heart and aorta. Heart rates, force of contraction and perfusion pressure were assessed in the presence of different concentrations of extract and adrenaline by using Langendorff's technique. Moreover, the vasoconstriction effects were studied in rabbit aorta using isolated organ bath. The results indicated that the extract [1ng-100[micro]g/ml] exhibited a significant increase in heart rate, contractility and perfusion pressure of isolated rabbit's heart; with a maximum effect at 1ng/ml, which was comparable to adrenaline [1[micro]g/ml]. Similarly, adrenaline at doses from 1-10[micro]g/ml produced a significant dose dependant increase in all the cardiac parameters. The cardiotonic effects of the extract were significantly blocked by propranolol [10[-5]M] while an increase in perfusion pressure was completely antagonized by verapamil [10[-6]M]. Activity of cardiac marker enzymes was also significantly raised in the perfusate of isolated heart pretreated with the extract. In rabbit aorta, the extract exhibited a dose dependent vasoconstriction effect however it did not increase the tone of aorta when pre-treated with verapamil [10[-6]M]. It is conceivable therefore; that the cardiotonic and vasoconstriction effects of the extract might be due to its agonistic actions on beta-receptors and Ca[+2] channels

Frequency, character, intensity and impact of neuropathic pain in a cohort of spinal cord injury patients

The purpose of this study was to determine frequency, character, approximate location and intensity of neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury and its impact on the quality of life. A cross-sectional survey. Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine [AFIRM], Rawalpindi from Feb 2009 to Feb 2010. Through non-probability convenience sampling 87 patients of both genders diagnosed with spinal cord injury based on American Spinal Injury Association criteria and admitted within a year of injury were included. Those in spinal shock, having poor cognition, inability to communicate, concurrent brain injury and history of chronic pain before injury were excluded. The history, localization and characteristics of the pain and interference with life activities were recorded. Neuropathic pain of patients was evaluated with Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Pain Scale. Visual analogue scale was used to measure the severity of pain. Out 87 [mean age 36.9 years] seventy four were male and 13 were female. Seventy patients [80%] were AIS-A, 6 [7%] were AIS-B and 11 [13%] were AIS-C. Neuropathic pain was present in 57.5% [n=50]. Most of the patients localized their pain below the neurological Ievel of injury [78%] and rated pain intensity as [moderate pain] [54%]. Majority [48%] described the pain as burning fallowed by electric shock like [42%], stabbing [8%] and pricking [2%]. 48% patients reported that their quality of life was affected due to pain. 52% required two analgesics of different groups to relieve pain followed by 40% requiring three Analgesics and 8% requiring one analgesic. Neuropathic pain is prevalent in people with spinal cord injury and adversely affects life quality. Neuropathic pain is primarily described as a burning sensation of moderate intensity mostly referred to below the neurological level of injury

Diabetes mellitus modifying factors; investigation among the inhabitants of Sargodha city, Pakistan

Diabetes mellitus is wide spread non transmissible disease but its prevalence is increasing everyday so this study was conducted with an aim to investigate the factors that are modifying diabetes mellitus among patients at DHQ [District Head Quarter] Hospital Sargodha. A prospective study was carried out by well-trained pharmacists in DHQ Sargodha, Pakistan to assess the factors modifying diabetes mellitus. Data was collected from 110 patients randomly by using convenience sampling method. A well structured questionnaire was designed to collect information from patients and entire procedure was conducted with the permission of concerned authorities of Hospital management. The factors that are considered in present study are medication, treatment, patient physician interaction and society attitude towards diabetic patients which are helpful in halting the progression of diabetes and prevention of co morbidities. The results of study disclose that 74.5% diabetic patients felt better after treatment whereas 56% diabetic patients were satisfied with the information provided by physician to them but still 70% patients were suffering from co morbidities. The survey indicated that 62.7% patients said that exercise proved to be healthy activity in improving diabetes. However 59% diabetic patients were following a proper diet plan which was helpful in modifying their diabetes. The diabetic patients must be informed about importance of regular follow-up in averting long-standing complications. Patients should be guided about importance of dietary recommendations, exercise and strict metabolic control, that can holdup or avert the series of complications allied with diabetes

Gender Identity Disorder

Gender identity disorder is rarely reported in Pakistan. One such case is being described which is fitting into the typical diagnostic criteria of the said disorder. Dilemma remains about the decision of surgical reassignment and its associated complications