ABSTRACT
A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the vaccination status and barriers to vaccination among the university students by utilizing a simple random sampling technique in the largest public sector university of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. The participants comprised 380 university students. Data was collected by a self-designed questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Chi-square Test and Fischer Exact test were applied to assess the impact of demographics on vaccination status, and barriers to vaccination. Out of 380 participants, 328 (86.31 pewrcent) were males and 52 (13.68) females. The immunization status of university students against various diseases was variable: 97.10 percent (n=369) were vaccinated against poliomyelitis, 58.68 percent (n=223) against BCG, 44.21 percent (n=168) against hepatitis B, 49.21 percent (n=187) against diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus and 55.26 percent (n=210) against measles vaccine. The barriers to vaccination were unwillingness 15.0 percent (n=57), inaccessibility 17.10 percent (n=65), financial issues 4.47 percent (n=17) and unawareness 63.42 percent (n=241). Moreover, 31 percent (n=118) of the participants considered that the use of vaccines is unsafe. The vaccination status of the university students in Southern Punjab, Pakistan is alarming as most of the students were unvaccinated. The unawareness and perception of the unsafety of vaccines were the biggest barriers to vaccination(AU)
Se realizó un estudio transversal para determinar el estado de vacunación y las barreras a la vacunación entre los estudiantes universitarios, mediante la utilización de una técnica de muestreo aleatorio simple, en la universidad más grande del sector público del sur de Punjab, Pakistán. Los participantes fueron 380 estudiantes universitarios. Los datos se recopilaron mediante un cuestionario de diseño propio. Se utilizó el Paquete Estadístico para Ciencias Sociales (SPSS) para el análisis de datos. Se aplicaron la prueba de chi-cuadrado y la prueba exacta de Fischer para evaluar el impacto de la demografía en el estado de vacunación y las barreras para la vacunación. De 380 participantes, 328 (86,31por ciento) fueron hombres y 52 (13,68 por ciento) mujeres. El estado de inmunización de los estudiantes universitarios frente a diversas enfermedades fue variable: 97,10 por ciento (n = 369) fueron vacunados contra poliomielitis, 58,68 por ciento (n = 223) contra BCG, 44,21por ciento (n = 168) contra hepatitis B, 49,21 por ciento (n = 187) contra la difteria, tos ferina y tétanos y 55,26 por ciento (n = 210) contra la vacuna contra el sarampión. Las barreras para la vacunación fueron la falta de voluntad 15,0 por ciento (n = 57); la inaccesibilidad 17,10 por ciento (n = 65); los problemas económicos 4,47 por ciento (n = 17) y el desconocimiento 63,42 por ciento (n = 241). Además, el 31por ciento (n = 118) de los participantes consideró que el uso de vacunas no es seguro. El estado de vacunación de los estudiantes universitarios en el sur de Punjab, Pakistán, es alarmante ya que la mayoría de los estudiantes no estaban vacunados. El desconocimiento y la percepción de la inseguridad de las vacunas fueron las mayores barreras para la vacunación(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Young Adult , Education , Pakistan , Cross-Sectional Studies , COVID-19 Vaccines/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Objective: To discover the mechanism behind ameliorative effects of Michelia champaca (M. champaca) in gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. Methods: Anti- spasmodic potential was evaluated by trying the M. champaca extract (aqueous:ethanolic) on rabbit aorta, trachea and jejunum in vitro. Isotonic and isometric transducers coupled with Power Lab data acquisition system was used to record the responses of isolated tissues. Results: M. champaca extract relaxed the spontaneous and high K
ABSTRACT
Objective:To discover the mechanism behind ameliorative effects of Michelia champaca (M. champaca) in gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders.Methods:Anti- spasmodic potential was evaluated by trying the M. champaca extract (aqueous:ethanolic) on rabbit aorta, trachea and jejunum in vitro. Isotonic and isometric transducers coupled with Power Lab data acquisition system was used to record the responses of isolated tissues.Results:M. champaca extract relaxed the spontaneous and high KConclusion:M. champaca possesses spasmolytic, airways relaxant and vasodilator actions mediated perhaps due to blocking of Ca
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Objective To investigate the pharmacological basis of its uses of Phyla nodiflora (P. nodiflora) for the treatment of anomalies predominantly by smooth muscle containing tissues such as gastrointestinal/vascular/broncho spasm and cardiovascular modulation. Methods The crude hydroalcoholic extract of P. nodiflora (Pn.Cr) and its fractions were evaluated on isolated rabbit jejunum, rat trachea, aorta and atrium. To access the contractile or relaxant effects of testing materials, the tissues were mounted in isolated organ bath and responses were recorded with transducers coupled with data acquisition system. BALB/c mice were challenged with castor oil for the assessment of in-vivo antidiarrheal activity. Normotensive rats were used for in-vivo hypotensive study. Results Hydroalcoholic extract of Pn.Cr at variable concentrations inhibited the natural spontaneous rhythm and 80 mmol/L K
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the pharmacological basis of its uses of Phyla nodiflora (P. nodiflora) for the treatment of anomalies predominantly by smooth muscle containing tissues such as gastrointestinal/vascular/broncho spasm and cardiovascular modulation.@*METHODS@#The crude hydroalcoholic extract of P. nodiflora (Pn.Cr) and its fractions were evaluated on isolated rabbit jejunum, rat trachea, aorta and atrium. To access the contractile or relaxant effects of testing materials, the tissues were mounted in isolated organ bath and responses were recorded with transducers coupled with data acquisition system. BALB/c mice were challenged with castor oil for the assessment of in-vivo antidiarrheal activity. Normotensive rats were used for in-vivo hypotensive study.@*RESULTS@#Hydroalcoholic extract of Pn.Cr at variable concentrations inhibited the natural spontaneous rhythm and 80 mmol/L K mediated contractions in isolated segment of jejunum with EC values of 3.18 and 1.91 mg/mL respectively. Verapamil, a Ca channel blocker, demonstrated akin pattern in jejunum and therefore possibly suggesting calcium blocking activity. On isolated rat tracheal tissue, Pn.Cr showed relaxation of high-K and carbachol mediated contractions (EC values: 1.24 and 2.42 mg/mL). Pn.Cr treatment relaxed the rat aortic ring in a cumulative doses with high-K and phenylephrine-induced contractions (EC values 0.25 and 0.92 mg/mL). Activity based fractionation of Pn.Cr showed that dichloromethane fraction was more potent for relaxing the tissues spasm compared to aqueous fraction. In-vivo experiments, significant protection by Pn.Cr (P < 0.05) was observed in castor oil-induced diarrhea (50-500 mg/kg) whereas hypotensive effect in anesthetized rats was seen at the dose range of 1-10 mg/kg of Pn.Cr (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#This study suggests the blockage of calcium channel in the smooth muscles as a pharmacological application to make usage of P. nodiflora in the management of diarrhea, asthma and hypotensive effect.
ABSTRACT
Background: Single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] within tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha] gene promoter [-308G/A TNFA] is associated with higher gene expression. The role of this SNP as a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth has been assessed in some regions and the findings were significantly different between race and ethnic groups
Aim: To provide the scientific evidence whether allele A within SNP -308G/A TNFA promoter is a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth among Acehnese ethnic or not
Subjects and methods: In this case-control study, the genotypes of SNP -308G/A TNFA among 40 patients with spontaneous preterm birth and 40 patients with term birth were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]. The concentrations of TNF-alpha from blood were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. The differences in genotype distributions, dominant and recessive models, and allele frequencies between case and control groups were analyzed with Chi-squared test. Deviation of genotype frequencies from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium [HWE] was assessed by Fisher's exact test
Results: This study found that the concentration of TNF-alpha between preterm and control groups was not statistically different, 5.5 +/- 2.9 mg/dL vs. 10.1 +/- 17.9 mg/dL, p = 0.112. The level of TNF-alpha had no strong association with either genotype distribution or allele frequency of SNP -308G/A TNFA. Furthermore, there was no association between mutant genotypes and spontaneous preterm birth [OR: 0.32; 95%CI: 0.08-1.33, p = 0.096] and between mutant allele and spontaneous preterm birth [OR: 0.35; 95%CI: 0.09-1.37, p = 0.105]
Conclusion: SNP -308G/A TNFA is not associated with spontaneous preterm birth in Acehnese ethnic group
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adult , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha , Polymorphism, Genetic , Ethnicity , Case-Control Studies , Polymorphism, Single NucleotideABSTRACT
Single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] - 148C/T which is located in fibrinogen gene [FGB] promoter has correlation with fibrinogen levels; however, the association of SNP 148C/T and ischemic stroke in young adult patients is contradictory. To determine the association of SNP 148C/T in FGB promoter with plasma fibrinogen levels and ischemic stroke in young adults. In this case-control study, SNP -148C/T among 107 ischemic stroke patients and 94 controls were evaluated by PCR-RFLP with restriction enzyme Hindlll and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Physical and neurological examinations, brain computed tomography, plasma fibrinogen levels and blood biochemistry tests were assessed within seven days after the onset of symptoms. Genotype distributions and allele frequencies were analyzed by chi-squared test. This study found that the level of fibrinogen was significantly higher in ischemic stroke group than control [419.2 mg/dL vs. 351.1 mg/dL, p < 0.000] and the level of fibrinogen associated with ischemic stroke [OR, 2.28; 95%CI, 1.28-4.07,p = 0.005]. Mutant genotypes [CT and TT] and T allele had a significant association with hyperfibrinogenemia [OR, 2.58; 95%CI, 1.39-4.76 and OR, 1.6; 95%CI, 1.60-2.41, respectively] and ischemic stroke [OR, 2.46; 95%CI, 1.37-4.41 and OR, 1.80; 95%CI 1.19-2.73, respectively]. In addition, analysis adjusted for other risk factors found that mutant genotypes correlated with hyperfibrinogenemia and ischemic stroke [OR, 2.27; 95%CI, 1.21-4.25 and OR, 2.16; 95%CI, 1.19-3.94, respectively] There was a significant association between SNP ---148C/T and fibrinogen levels, SNP -148C/T and ischemic stroke, and fibrinogen levels and ischemic stroke
ABSTRACT
Recurrent urinary tract infection [UTI] is common among young women and one of its risk factors is genetic. Polymorphisms in promoter region [G-800A [rs 1800468] and C-509T [rsl800469]] of transforming growth factor-[beta1 [TGF-beta1] gene play pivotal roles in several infection diseases but the association of these polymorphisms with recurrent UTI remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of TGF-beta1 G-800A and C-509T polymorphisms with recurrent UTI in young women. TGF-beta1 G-800A and C-509T polymorphisms among 34 recurrent UTI patients and 34 healthy subjects, aged 15-50 years old, were evaluated with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism [PCR-RFLP] and confirmed by DNA sequencing. At position -800, genotypes showed no significant differences between recurrent UTI patients [GG 97.1%; GA 2.9%; AA 0%] and normal control [GG 97%; GA 0%; AA 2.9%] young women. Dominant and recessive model analyses did not find significant correlation between recurrent UTI patients and normal control young women. At position -509, allelic and genotypic frequencies showed no significant differences between recurrent UTI patients [CC 20.6%; CT 61.8%; TT 17.7%] and control individuals [CC 2.9%; CT 73.6%; TT 23.5%]. This study found that there is no strong correlation between polymorphisms of TGF-beta1 G-800A and C-509T and recurrent UTI
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , /blood , Female , Polymorphism, GeneticABSTRACT
Present study was conducted to determine the effects of honey on blood hemostasis, in-vitro effect of honey was observed on platelet aggregation and blood coagulation employing, activated partial prothrombin time [aPTT], prothrombin time [PT], thrombin time [TT] and fibrinogen levels in blood. Honey samples showed moderate inhibition of platelet aggregation with IC[50] 5-7.5%. The coagulation assays showed that at higher concentrations [>/= 15%] honey samples increased whole blood clotting time. When assayed in platelet poor plasma [PPP], honey samples significantly [P >/= 0.005] prolonged aPTT, PT, and TT. The honey samples [at 3.75% and 7.5% concentrations] cause mean increment of aPTT = 19 +/- 10% and 62 +/- 10%; PT 6 +/- 5% and 40 +/- 5%; TT 35 +/- 15% and 112 +/- 30% respectively. Moreover, PPP isolated from whole blood pre-incubated with honey samples [9.0% for 10 minutes] showed mean prolongation of aPTT, PT and TT of 45 +/- 21%, 26 +/- 9% and 105 +/- 24% respectively. Interestingly, incubation of honey at 6.25% and 11.75% concentrations in PPP considerably [P >/= 0.005] reduced fibrinogen levels i.e. 13 +/- 4% and 86 +/- 30% respectively. The present study outlines the inhibitory effect of natural honey on platelet aggregation and blood coagulation. These observations provide first line data for modulatory role [s] of honey on process of hemostasis