Exploring threatened traditional knowledge; ethnomedicinal studies of rare endemic flora from Lesser Himalayan region of Pakistan

ABSTRACT Himalayas are one among the world biodiversity hotspots harboring many endemic medicinal plants. Despite augmentation in the documentation of ethnopharmacological knowledge of medicinal plant species, information regarding endemic species is still underway. Current paper highlights the traditional medicinal uses of rare endemic and unexplored group of plants having potential for novel chemical constituents with effective pharmacological activities. In total, 142 informants (91 male and 51 female) including seventeen traditional healers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire, personal observations and group discussions. Interviews were taken in field or otherwise photographs were shown for identification. Females were interviewed indirectly through male family members. For data analysis, quantitative analytical approach was adopted using ethnopharmacological indices as Relative frequency of citations and Fidelity Level. In total, 38 endemic plant species belonging to nineteen families were utilized by the local inhabitants. Highest number of endemics was belonging to Ranunculaceae (7), followed by Gentianaceae and Rosaceae (4 each) with respect to number of species. Highest number of endemics was used in fever, wound healing, throat infection and tonic (4 species each). Root was the most widely used part (36.17%) in cure of diseases and the leading mode administered was decoction (25.49%). Highest use reports and RFC values were recorded for Pimpinella stewartii (58 citations, 0.41 RFC), Caltha alba var. alba (52 citations, 0.37 RFC). Endemic plant species considerably contribute toward ethnomedicinal knowledge and despite rarity, the communities prefer their utilization. Conservation of endemics is necessary for future availability to the local communities.

Association of post-traumatic stress disorder and work performance: A survey from an emergency medical service, Karachi, Pakistan / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to explore the association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and work performance of emergency medical services personnel in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: Emergency medical service personnel were screened for potential PTSD using Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Work performance was assessed on the basis of five variables:number of late arrivals to work, number of days absent, number of days sick, adherence to protocol, and patient satisfaction over a period of 3 months. In order to model outcomes like the number of late arrivals to work, days absent and days late, negative binomial regression was applied, whereas logistic regression was applied for adherence to protocol and linear for patient satisfaction scores. RESULTS: Mean scores of PTSD were 24.0±12.2. No association was found between PTSD and work performance measures: number of late arrivals to work (RRadj 0.99; 0.98–1.00), days absent (RRadj 0.98; 0.96–0.99), days sick (RRadj 0.99; 0.98–1.00), adherence to protocol (ORadj 1.01; 0.99–1.04) and patient satisfaction (β 0.001％–0.03％) after adjusting for years of formal schooling, living status, coping mechanism, social support, working hours, years of experience and anxiety or depression. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant association was found between PTSD and work performance amongst EMS personnel in Karachi, Pakistan.

Oral manifestations of chronic kidney disease

Current study was performed to evaluate the oral health status in patients with chronic kidney disease [CKD] on dialysis. This was a descriptive study. Hundred chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis were recruited in the study. Findings of the noninvasive oral examination and completed clinico demographic profile were recorded. Out of hundred patients, 53 were males and 47 were females. Mean age of patients was 51.16 +/- 15.09 years with age range of 22 to 83 years. On oral examination, oral hygiene was found to be poor in 47patients, moderate in 52 and good only in one patient. Xerostomia was present in 87% patients followed by thickened mucosa [12%], angular cheilitis [29%], periodontitis [41%], gingivitis [17%], tooth erosion [40%], tooth mobility [38%], ammonia like odour [Uraemic fetor] [45%], coated tongue [17%], mucosal pallor [37%], metallic taste [48%] and mucosal pigmentation [20%]. Regular oral I dental checkup I referral is needed for the better oral health in these patients and that will improve the compliance to oral drug therapy which in turn will promote the quality of life of CKD patients on dialysis with minimal complications