ABSTRACT
COVID-19 virus is a causative agent of viral pandemic in human beings which specifically targets respiratory system of humans and causes viral pneumonia. This unusual viral pneumonia is rapidly spreading to all parts of the world, currently affecting about 105 million people with 2.3 million deaths. Current review described history, genomic characteristics, replication, and pathogenesis of COVID-19 with special emphasis on Nigella sativum (N. sativum) as a treatment option. N. sativum seeds are historically and religiously used over the centuries, both for prevention and treatment of different diseases. This review summarizes the potential role of N. sativum seeds against COVID-19 infection at levels of in silico, cell lines and animal models.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , COVID-19 , Nigella , Pandemics , Pathology, Molecular , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
Cocoa powder has been used widely as a soothing rich chocolate drink, in baking and medical purposes for centuries. It is a rich source of polyphenols. The study was conducted on 48 Albino rats, randomly allocated into 4 groups. The control group was considered as group I in which rats were given normal saline along with standard diet while rats in the experimental group II, III and IV were given low, medium and high dosage of cocoa extract respectively dissolved in water by oral gavage daily along with standard rat chow diet. A 3mm surgical excisional wound was created on both left and right buccal mucosa of rats of all four groups with the help of punch-biopsy procedure. Tissue samples were obtained by sacrificing the rats on 3rd, 7th and 14th day after the surgical procedure. Gene expression of Tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha] was evaluated through Real Time PCR [qPCR] and levels were measured quantitatively. The study concluded that cocoa powder extract in high dosage did have a positive effect in modulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines by decreasing gene expression of TNF-alpha and reducing the inflammatory process
ABSTRACT
Infections due Hepatitis B and C with co-infection tuberculosis are important health issues all over the world. In TB patients, viral hepatitis infection increases risk of drug related hepatotoxicity up to three to five times more than TB patients which do not have viral infection. The study was designed to determine the frequency of Hepatitis B and C among the tuberculous patients admitted at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. This is descriptive and cross sectional study which was conducted at Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan from September 2011 to April 2012.Blood samples were collected from TB patients aseptically from Pulmonology Department Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. HBsAg and anti HCV antibodies were detected using ICT and ELISA techniques according to SOP of the kit manual. Among the 110 TB positive patients,5.5% were positive for HBsAg and 9.1% were positive for anti HCV antibodies using ELISA technique. Whereas, 5.5% HBsAg and 10% anti HCV antibodies were positive using ICT. The transmission of HBV and HCV was expected to have occurred were mostly found in barber shop and during ear nose piercing [30%], blood transfusion [20%], visit to quack [10%] as indicated from the history. Detection rate of HCV using ELISA is greater than ICT method. Male to female ratio 1:1 and age mean was 42 with standard deviation 18.2. We found a relatively increased frequency of HBV and HCV among TB patient. Therefore TB patients should also be screened for HBV and HCV for better management of the conditions
ABSTRACT
Physicians are often confronted with patients who state that they are 'allergic' to a drug. The goal of this review article is to help physicians to develop management plans for patients who present with drug induced diseases. It provides information that allows physicians to differentiate between reactions that are truly allergic in nature and those that are not immunologically mediated. The suggestions which may be helpful in the assessment are discussed and guidance is provided whether a drug may be safely readministered. Unfortunately until we are unable to thoroughly understand the mechanisms responsible for drug induced reactions, our management tools will remain limited