Tea tree oil, a vibrant source of neuroprotection via neuroinflammation inhibition: a critical insight into repurposing Melaleuca alternifolia by unfolding its characteristics / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Over the past few decades, complementary and alternative treatments have become increasingly popular worldwide. The purported therapeutic characteristics of natural products have come under increased scrutiny both in vitro and in vivo as part of efforts to legitimize their usage. One such product is tea tree oil (TTO), a volatile essential oil primarily obtained from the native Australian plant, Melaleuca alternifolia, which has diverse traditional and industrial applications such as topical preparations for the treatment of skin infections. Its anti-inflammatory-linked immunomodulatory actions have also been reported. This systematic review focuses on the anti-inflammatory effects of TTO and its main components that have shown strong immunomodulatory potential. An extensive literature search was performed electronically for data curation on worldwide accepted scientific databases, such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and esteemed publishers such as Elsevier, Springer, Frontiers, and Taylor & Francis. Considering that the majority of pharmacological studies were conducted on crude oils only, the extracted data were critically analyzed to gain further insight into the prospects of TTO being used as a neuroprotective agent by drug formulation or dietary supplement. In addition, the active constituents contributing to the activity of TTO have not been well justified, and the core mechanisms need to be unveiled especially for anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects leading to neuroprotection. Therefore, this review attempts to correlate the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of TTO with its neuroprotective mechanisms.

Mental health outcomes of quarantine and isolation for infection prevention: a systematic umbrella review of the global evidence / 한국역학회지

Objectives@#Transmission of infectious diseases is often prevented by quarantine and isolation of the populations at risk. These approaches restrict the mobility, social interactions, and daily activities of the affected individuals. In recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, quarantine and isolation are being adopted in many contexts, which necessitates an evaluation of global evidence on how such measures impact the mental health outcomes among populations. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on mental health outcomes of quarantine and isolation for preventing infectious diseases. @*Methods@#We searched nine major databases and additional sources and included articles if they were systematically conducted reviews, published as peer-reviewed journal articles, and reported mental health outcomes of quarantine or isolation in any population. @*Results@#Among 1,364 citations, only eight reviews met our criteria. Most of the primary studies in those reviews were conducted in high-income nations and in hospital settings. These articles reported a high burden of mental health problems among patients, informal caregivers, and healthcare providers who experienced quarantine or isolation. Prevalent mental health problems among the affected individuals include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychological distress, posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, fear, stigmatization, low self-esteem, lack of self-control, and other adverse mental health outcomes. @*Conclusions@#This umbrella review found severe mental health problems among individuals and populations who have undergone quarantine and isolation in different contexts. This evidence necessitates multipronged interventions including policy measures for strengthening mental health services globally and promoting psychosocial wellbeing among high-risk populations.

Mental health outcomes of quarantine and isolation for infection prevention: a systematic umbrella review of the global evidence / 한국역학회지

Objectives@#Transmission of infectious diseases is often prevented by quarantine and isolation of the populations at risk. These approaches restrict the mobility, social interactions, and daily activities of the affected individuals. In recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, quarantine and isolation are being adopted in many contexts, which necessitates an evaluation of global evidence on how such measures impact the mental health outcomes among populations. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on mental health outcomes of quarantine and isolation for preventing infectious diseases. @*Methods@#We searched nine major databases and additional sources and included articles if they were systematically conducted reviews, published as peer-reviewed journal articles, and reported mental health outcomes of quarantine or isolation in any population. @*Results@#Among 1,364 citations, only eight reviews met our criteria. Most of the primary studies in those reviews were conducted in high-income nations and in hospital settings. These articles reported a high burden of mental health problems among patients, informal caregivers, and healthcare providers who experienced quarantine or isolation. Prevalent mental health problems among the affected individuals include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychological distress, posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, fear, stigmatization, low self-esteem, lack of self-control, and other adverse mental health outcomes. @*Conclusions@#This umbrella review found severe mental health problems among individuals and populations who have undergone quarantine and isolation in different contexts. This evidence necessitates multipronged interventions including policy measures for strengthening mental health services globally and promoting psychosocial wellbeing among high-risk populations.

Formulation and stability evaluation of immediate release antioxidant tablet

Oxidative stress plays an important part in the development of human diseases. Pharmaceutical strategies are required to be work out in order to fight against such oxidative damages. Designing of new formulations that can protect human beings from the undesirable effects, consequence of oxidative stress, the crucial cellular and molecular processes, along with recurring oxidative damage and diseases is to be expedited

The main objective of present work was to design a rapidly releasing synthetic antioxidant tablet dosage form comprising of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc in combination with lecithin [a phospho-lipid] that can fulfill human health and nutritional requirement and to perform stability studies. Beside active ingredients, the excipients used in present formulation were; Avicel pH 102, starch pregelatinized, silicon dioxide colloidal and polyethylene glycol 8000 milled magnesium stearate, acid stearic fine powder and aq.opa dry coating material

The immediate release formulation of antioxidant was prepared by wet granulation method

Three different trials were developed. Vitamin C was selected as tracer for detection and evaluation of tablet dosage form. When the resulting formulation was evaluated by USP 24 / NF 19, 2000 guidelines and later by stability studies, it was found that their quality can be maintained over a storage period of 24 months

Assessment of pregnancy outcome with and without antenatal care

Women with poor attendance for antenatal care, have an increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. Antenatal care is an effective method of preventing adverse outcomes in pregnant women and their babies. To assess and compare the pregnancy outcome in women with and without antenatal care and to see its effects on maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. A descriptive observational study was carried out in Allied hospitals [Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi General Hospital and District Head Quarter Hospital of Rawalpindi Medical College] for a period of 2 months in 2008. All women coming to labor rooms, wards and emergency department of these hospitals for delivery were included in the study. Women who had at least 3 antenatal visits were categorized as [with antenatal care], while those with less than 3 antenatal visits as [without antenatal care]. A total of 170 mothers were seen at these hospitals in 2 months. Of the total, 137 [80%] received antenatal care and 33 did not. Of those who received antenatal care, 85% were immunized and 15% mothers who did not receive antenatal care were also immunized. Majority of women with antenatal care have had regular monitoring of blood pressure, weight monitoring, blood and urine tests during pregnancy. Forty seven percent mothers with antenatal care had spontaneous vaginal delivery with episiotomy as compared to 57.6% mothers without antenatal care who were delivered by caesarean section. Ninety seven percent and 85% newborns were delivered alive in the two groups respectively. Among mothers who received antenatal care, 87% had satisfactory pregnancy outcome and 13% had unsatisfactory outcome. Pregnancy outcome in women taking antenatal care is far better and healthy than those without antenatal care. Awareness about the effectiveness of antenatal care in safe mother and child delivery should be enhanced through various methods including media

Knowledge about leprosy in doctors of teaching hospitals of Rawalpindi

To assess the knowledge of doctors about leprosy. This was a qualitative study. Specially designed questionnaire based interviews were carried out in three teaching hospitals [Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi General Hospital and District Head Quarter Hospital of Rawalpindi Medical College] over 2 months [May-June 2008]. Doctors were interviewed irrespective of their qualification and experience using convenience sampling. A total of 136 doctors were included in the study, out of which 96 were simple MBBS, 34 had done FCPS-I and 6 were FCPS-II. Of the total 68 doctors, 38.2% had seen a case of leprosy whereas 61.8% had never examined a case of leprosy. Majority knew the commonly used drugs for leprosy and only 2.9% did not know them. Eighty two percent doctors knew the management of a suspected case of leprosy. Doctors had adequate knowledge about leprosy that was independent of their qualification and experience. Though leprosy has been eradicated from Pakistan but students and doctors still need to educated on this subject to keep them abreast about the subject

Awareness of AIDS related public health facts in medical students: a survey in a medical college of Rawalpindi - Pakistan

The incidence of HIV infection is rising and Pakistan is considered a high-risk country. The key intervention to this threat, at present, is increased awareness of the population. This study was designed to assess awareness of medical students about HIV infection It was a cross sectional survey conducted on students of a Medical College of Rawalpindi in December 2005. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess awareness levels. A total of 648 students responded. Out of these 242 [37.35%] were males and 406 [62.65%] were females. A total of 595 [91.8%] students agreed that AIDS is a national threat. Six hundred and twenty five [96.4%] students were sure about HIV transmission modes. Four hundred and twenty eight [66%] students considered close contact safe, 544 [84%] knew that sharing swimming pools was not a risk and 511[78.9%] students knew that mosquitoes have no role in HIV transmission. A total of 321 [79.1%] female students were aware that condoms acted as barrier to HIV transmission compared to 217 [89.7%] males, [p < 0.05]. Cumulative awareness on AIDS was 83.9%, and observed difference between groups' overall level of awareness was not significant [p > 0.5]. Although students demonstrated a high level of knowledge concerning AIDS and HIV, considerable misconceptions were also noted. A need was felt to enhance awareness programs among students in medical colleges on AIDS

Serological profile of patients with liver cirrhosis in northern Pakistan

To evaluate the role of hepatitis B and C in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis. An observational study. The present study was conducted in the medical wards of Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from Ist January 2002 to 24th September 2004. Patients and Six hundred and fifty patients admitted in the medical wards of Military Hospital Rawalpindi were evaluated for seromarkers of Hepatitis B and C. Viral markers studied were anti HCV, HBs Ag anti HDV, anti HBcIgG, anti HBs, and HBeAg. One hundred and eighty two out of 650 patients were positive for HBsAg positive and 468 patients were negative for HBsAg. Anti HBcIgG was positive in 345 and anti HBs in 322 of HBsAg negative patient. HBeAg was present in 45 and anti HDV in 26 of HBsAg positive patients. Anti HCV was positive in 455 [70%] patients and no seromarkers were seen in 52 patients. It was evident from the seromarkers that exposure to hepatitis B and C had occurred but which one was responsible for cirrhosis was hard to determine. In as much as vaccine against hepatitis B is available, mass vaccination in the population may be consideration to prevent cirrhosis due to hepatitis B virus

Risk factors in development of multi drug resistant tuberculosis in the hospitalized patients

The emergence of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis [MDR-TB] is becoming a global threat. A study was carried out to determine the frequency and risk factors associated in the development of MDR-TB in the hospitalized patients. It was a retrospective study in which five hundred patients of tuberculosis, admitted in the TB wards of Military Hospitals Rawalpindi, were include. Diagnosis of MDR-TB was established based on susceptibility pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Agar diluted method on Lowenstein Jensen Medium. The isolates which showed simultaneous resistance to INH and Rifampicin either with or without resistance to other drugs were labeled as MDR-TB. Out of 500 diagnosed patients of tuberculosis, 40 [8%] patients developed MDR-TB. Smokers were at high risk to develop MDR-TB [12.9%] as compared to non-smokers [5.6%]. MDR-TB was found more in extra pulmonary tuberculosis [35%], secondary tuberculosis [21.4%] and patients taking irregular anti tuberculosis treatment [36.6%] as compared to pulmonary tuberculosis [6.9%], primary cases [1.8%] and patients taking regular treatment [2.4%] respectively [p<0.05]. smoking, extra pulmonary tuberculosis secondary tuberculosis and poor compliance to the anti-tuberculosis treatment are the main contributing factors in MDR-TB. The development of MDR-TB in community can be reduced by modifying these MDR-TB associated risk factors

study of prevalence, distribution and risk factors of intestinal helminthic infestation in district Bagh [Azad Kashmir]

Infestations due to intestinal helminthes are common throughout the tropics, posing serious public health problem in developing countries. The prevalence and risk factors associated in intestinal helminthiasis were studied. It was a cross sectional coproparasitologic study conducted during the month of Jun - July 2003 in District Bagh [Azad Kashmir]. Place selected was two hospitals, DHQ Hospital, Bagh and THQ Hospital, Kahoota. 140 patients with abdominal complaints were selected. Their stool samples were examined microscopically using direct smear, formol ether concentration and Zinc Sulphate flotation techniques. Isolates with positive result for intestinal helminthes were labeled as cases and isolates with negative result were selected as controls. Results revealed 21.7% prevalence of infestation with highest incidence of Ascaris lumbricoides [51.72 %] and zero incidence of hook worms. Hymenolepis nana was the second commonest helminthe [27.59 %]. Entrobius vermicularis [13.79 %], trichuris trichura [3.45 %] and taenia sagineta were recorded [3.45%]. It was revealed that age group of 5 - 15 years, poor socio-economic status, large family size, low educational level and poor environmental sanitation are the major contributory factors. Gender seems to play no role. Level of prevalence can be reduced by children targetted treatment programmes and school based deworning programmes

Knowledge, attitude and practice of immunization in an urban population

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers regarding Expanded Programme on Immunisation, [EPI] in an urban setting. A cross sectional survey was conducted in urban area of Hummak Town from January to March 2000. The study revealed that 88% of the parents had knowledge about EPI programme. The benefits of EPI were correctly enumerated by 77% of the parents. 92% of the parents had positive attitude towards EPI after some further information provided by the surveyor and 90% were ready to pay for it after knowing its benefits. Out of all respondents, 71% had immunized their children. Out of these 65% had complete vaccination and received all the doses. The most common reason for not immunizing the children was laziness [72%] on the part of the respondents. The other reasons for not vaccinating their children were non-cooperative husband, wrong concepts about EPI and poor quality of care at the health facility. This study concludes that there is need for more clear and appropriate health education messages regarding vaccination of children as well as adequate and quality outreach services of vaccination to counter the cause of laziness

Trends of breast feeding; current assessment

To carry out an assessment of breast feeding practice in an urban setting. DESIGN: Cross sectional descriptive study. This study was conducted in two teaching hospitals of Rawalpindi. These were the Holy Family Hospital HFH and Rawalpindi General Hospital [RGH]. January 1998 to April 1998. 200 mothers who had their babies admitted in the paediatric department of these hospitals were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. It was found that alt least 95% mothers started breast-feeding right at birth out of these 33% discontinued breast feeding before four months. 38% of the women who discontinued breast feeding [n=64] explained that they had not received proper guidance or counseling at the hands of health personnel. 60% babies were given some pre lacteal feed. The study emphasizes the need for proper counseling in order to prevent early termination of breast feeding along with proper health education to discourage the habit of pre lacteal feeding and proper nursing attention to be provided right after birth

study to assess the variations in the management of childhood diarrhoea in rural and urban settings of Rawalpindi district

The study looks at the variation in the management of childhood diarrhoea in an urban and rural community of Rawalpindi District. The study aims to assess if place of residence has a bearing on how people manage episodes of diarrhoea in their offsprings. The study found that use of oral rehydration salt [ORS] and recommended home fluid use was more in the urban areas. The method of preparation of ORS and the use of antidiarrhoeals was the same in both communities. The study showed that breast feeding was more commonly practiced in the rural areas