A B S T R A C TBackground: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major cause of disability throughout the world. It is the most common irreversible job-related hazard in the world with a higher burden in the developing countries. Certain occupations are at high risk for NIHL. Traffic wardens could be considered highly vulnerable group as they are exposed to long hours of traffic noise. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of noise induced hearing loss among traffic wardens of Lahore city. Material and Methods: It was a cross-sectional, descriptive study, carried out from 1 st December 2018 to 31 st May 2019, in which 329 traffic wardens appointed in 34 beats/sectors of Lahore city were included. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire, followed by Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) of all the subjects. Results: A total of 329 traffic wardens were selected for this study. Mean age of the traffic wardens was 35.35 ± 1.21 years. NIHL was present in 174 (52.9%) traffic wardens, out of which, 138 (79.3%) had mild, 32 (18.4%) moderate, and 4 (2.3%) had moderately severe degree of hearing loss. Among the 329 traffic wardens, 165 (50.2%) had exposure to noise between 7am to 3pm (morning shift) and 42 (12.8%) had some problem with their hearing. Only 12 (3.6%) had ringing in the ears or tinnitus, 140 (42.6%) wore any hearing protection during duty hours and 42 (12.8%) said they had difficulty in hearing and frequently asked people to repeat themselves. Conclusion: In this study a high frequency of noise induced hearing loss was reported among traffic wardens of Lahore city with most of them having mild to moderate degree of hearing loss.
Background: Diazinon is a globally used pesticide. Morus nigra (Black Mulberry) possesses flavonoids and phenols, which act as antioxidants. The objective of this study was to determine the possible protective effects of Morus nigra leaf extract on Diazinon-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Material and Method: It was an experimental study conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. A total of 36 healthy male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups with 12 rats in each group. Group I was the control group. Group II was treated with 60 mg/kg body weight (bw) Diazinon daily for 4 weeks through orogastric intubation. Group III was treated with Diazinon 60 mg/kg bw daily along with 350 mg/kg bw of Morus nigra extract daily for 4 weeks through orogastric intubation. Blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture, for estimation of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels. Liver dissection was done, slides of the hepatic tissue were prepared and studied under light microscope. The histology of hepatocytes, portal lobule, portal vein and sinuosoids was observed. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test was applied to establish difference among groups with P-value ≤0.05 considered as statistically significant. Results: Histology of Liver tissue in group I showed normal morphology while group II revealed hypertrophy and vacuolization of hepatocytes, congested central vein and sinusoids and presence of necrotic foci. These toxic effects were reversed by the co-administration of Diazinon with Morus nigra in group III which showed normal histology of the hepatic tissue. Similarly, Diazinon administration resulted in significant elevation of ALT and AST levels (P-value<0.05), while, Morus nigra resulted in a considerable decline in the levels of these enzymes (P-value <0.05). Conclusion: Morus nigra extract has hepatoprotective effects against liver toxicity induced by Diazinon.
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019 has become a pandemic. In comparison to its ancestors the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, the novel corona virus SARS-CoV-2 has a faster spread. The transmission of disease is through inhalation of infected droplets. Fever, sore throat, dry cough, body pain and malaise are the common symptoms. Shortness of breath leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome is observed in worse situation. Diagnosis is made through detection of the virus in respiratory secretions. Treatment is symptomatic. COVID-19 has badly affected over 209 countries including Pakistan. According to WHO there are 8,006,427 cases and 436,899 deaths reported due to COVID-19, as of 16th June 2020. Prevention includes isolating the suspected cases while the strict infection control measures must be at employed at the hospitals. Being a neighbor to China and Iran, Pakistan was most vulnerable to COVID-19. In Pakistan first case of COVID-19 was reported on 25 February 2020. 78% COVID-19 positive cases were the pilgrims returning from Iran. To control the spread of the disease, the Government of Pakistan announced the suspension of international and domestic flights. All the educational institutions were closed and a partial lockdown was imposed across the country. Hand hygiene, wearing of face masks and the social distancing was stressed upon. Uptil now, no vaccine against COVID-19 is reported. However, clinical trials are being conducted all over the world. The article throws some light on the origin, pathogenicity, symptoms, diagnostics along with possible therapeutic strategies of the virus and situation of COVID-19 in Pakistan.
Aim and Objective: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used as a flavor enhancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of aloe vera gel on reproductive toxicity induced by MSG in female albino rats. Study design: Experimental study. Place of study: Anatomy department of Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Material and Method: 36 female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group A was the control group, it was given distilled water. The experimental group B was treated with 200 mg/kg b.w of MSG dissolved in 1.5 ml of distilled water, for 14 days by gastric intubation. While the experimental group C was provided with 400 mg/kg b.w of aloe vera gel extract, along with 200 mg/kg body weight of MSG dissolved in 1.5 ml of distilled water by gastric intubation for 14 consecutive days at an interval of 24 hours. The rats were dissected on the 15th day and their ovaries were removed. Light microscopic examination was done to study the histological changes. Results: The ovaries demonstrated deformed secondary and graafian follicles with vacuolization and there was a significant decrease in the diameters of secondary follicles (p value= 0.018) in group B. Histopathological changes induced by MSG in the ovaries were improved by co-administration of aloe vera gel in group C (p value=0.003). Conclusion: Aloe vera gel when consumed with MSG minimizes its harmful effects.
Aim and Objective: Widely and commonly grown plant, Aloe vera has numerous health benefits. The breast fed neonates of mothers consuming the plant as dietary supplement are exposed to its effects. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effects of Aloe vera extract on growth of rat pups. Study design: Experimental study. Place of study: Anatomy department of Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Material and Method: A week old Wistar albino rats were fed with extracts of Aloe vera (low dose 50mg/kg b.w and high dose 500mg/kg b.w) daily for ten days through oral gavage. The weight of the pups was recorded and after euthanasia the lower limb region was dissected and tibia were removed. The length and weight of the bone was noted. Results: Pups fed with a high dose of Aloe vera extract showed a significant increase in their body mass (p<0.05) and also demonstrated a significant increase in the length of tibia (p<0.001). Conclusion: 500mg/kg b.w of Aloe vera extract resulted in a significant increase in the body weight and promoted the tibial bone growth.
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