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Biomedical subjects

Z Iqbal

Publications and source records attributed to Z Iqbal.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Bovine hypodermosis: prevalence and economic significance in southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Prevalence and economic losses of warble fly infestation (WFI) in cattle and buffaloes were recorded in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajan Pur districts of southern Punjab (Pakistan). A total of 18,000 cattle and 9000 buffaloes were examined in the field and slaughter house. Only one species of Hypoderma, i.e. Hypoderma lineatum was recorded from this area. The prevalence of WFI was higher in slaughter house versus field, cattle versus buffaloes, males versus females, and young versus old animals in both the districts. The highest month-wise prevalence was recorded in December and the lowest in July. Organ-wise prevalence of WFI was highest in oesophagus followed in order by rumen and spleen. The economic losses based on the value of warbled and warble-free hides were estimated as Rs. 22.8 million per annum (currency exchange rate is Rs. 57.5=US 1 dollar).

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

Immunomodulatory effect of various anti-parasitics: a review.

This paper reviews the immunomodulatory effects (immunosuppression or immunoactivation) of various anthelmintics including levamisole, fenvalerate, dieldrin, carbofuran, aminocarb, thiabendazole, fenbendazole, oxfendazole and ivermectin. The induced modulation of immune function may occur via direct and/or indirect mechanisms. The immunomodulatory effects of these anti-parasitics have been studied in a variety of bacterial (e.g. brucellosis, salmonellosis, paratuberculosis, mastitis), viral (e.g. infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, Herpes, foot and mouth disease), parasitic (e.g. onchocerciasis, coccidiosis, ascariasis, schistosomiasis) and neoplastic diseases. Some antiparasitics have also been used to boost immunity in a number of human diseases including leprosy, Hodgkin's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and in adjuvanted therapy of colorectal cancer. The ability to stimulate the immune response of animals offers a new means of disease intervention. Future research on immunomodulatory effects of anti-parasitics, for humans and domestic farm animals, will provide additional methods of treating immunosuppressed subjects. The immunopotentiating or immunosuppressing activity of anti-parasitics will dictate whether co-administration of vaccines and anthelmintics or administration of vaccines during the window of immunoactivation is justified or not.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Heart and mind: (2) psychotropic and cardiovascular therapeutics.

There is a plausible biological basis for the association between psychiatric morbidity and cardiovascular disease. Anxiety, panic disorder, and depression are common in patients with coronary heart disease and hypertension. Despite this evidence there is poor recognition of anxiety disorders and depression in primary care and hospital medical practice. Concern also surrounds the use of psychotropic drugs in patients with cardiovascular disease. In the first of the two articles on this subject, we highlighted the current evidence regarding the association between cardiovascular and psychotropic conditions. In this second article, we discuss the interaction of the drugs used in the management of these two varied but commonly coexistent group of diseases as well as their relative effects on either system. Finally, we summarise the data regarding the safe use of these medications based on the recommendations from the currently available evidence.

Cardiovascular Agents↗
PubMed2004

Mothers' mental health and infant growth: a case-control study from Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies in Pakistan show high rates of depression in women, while rates of malnutrition in children are also high. This study aimed to determine whether poor maternal mental health is associated with an increased risk of infant undernutrition. METHODS: Clinic-based case-control study. A total of 172 consecutive infants and their mothers attending for 9-month measles immunization were recruited over a 3-month period. Eighty-two undernourished infants [weight for age below the National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS)/World Health Organization (WHO) third centile] were matched to 90 controls (weight for age above 10th centile), and their mothers interviewed for mental distress using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (WHO SRQ-20, a psychiatric screening instrument). Infants' exposure to maternal distress (score > or = 10 on SRQ-20) and other potential risk or protective biological, social, socio-economic and family factors were measured. RESULTS: Mental distress determined by WHO SRQ-20 was associated with increased risk of undernutrition in infants (odds ratio 3.91, 95% confidence interval 1.95-7.86). This association remained significant after controlling for birthweight and social factors. CONCLUSION: Exposure to maternal mental distress is associated with undernutrition in 9-month infants in urban Pakistan. These mothers may represent a group whose children are at higher risk of ill health, and potentially be a specific target for advice on infant care. Early recognition and treatment of mental health problems in mothers may help reduce morbidity and mortality rates in children.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2003

Life events, social support and depression in childbirth: perspectives from a rural community in the developing world.

BACKGROUND: High rates of depression associated with childbirth have been reported in many parts of the developing world. However, the prevalence and associations of antenatal and post-natal depression in the rural population remain unknown. Disability associated with depression and its impact on infant health and development could have important public health implications for many developing countries where large proportions of the population are rural. METHOD: All women living in southern Kahuta, Pakistan, in their third trimester of pregnancy were interviewed at 6 weeks before delivery (N = 632) and again at 10-12 weeks after delivery (N = 541), using WHO Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN), Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ) and Brief Disability Questionnaire (BDQ). RESULTS: The point prevalence of ICD-10 depressive disorder was 25% in the antenatal period and 28 % in the post-natal period. Depressed mothers were significantly more disabled, had more threatening life events, and poorer social and family support than non-depressed mothers. Vulnerable mothers were more likely to be depressed during pregnancy, rather than have an onset in the post-natal period. CONCLUSION: Over one-quarter of mothers in a rural sub-district of Pakistan suffer from depression shortly before and after childbirth. Rapidly changing traditional family structures and practices may be increasing the risk of depression in many women. Recognizing and treating depression should be initiated during the antenatal, rather than post-natal period.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Translation and cultural adaptation of health questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: Health research in Pakistan often requires questionnaires in English language developed in the West to be translated into the local language. Many of the factors measured by these questionnaires are complex and apply to a different culture. Simple translations may lead to problems of validity and reliability in the Pakistani setting. This paper describes the strategies adopted for the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ), a screening questionnaire for mental health developed by the World Health Organisation. METHODS: A general protocol was developed for translation of questionnaires into Urdu, describing each step in the translation procedure. Key informant interviews were carried out to obtain better cultural understanding of difficult concepts. The translation was tested and disputed items discussed in a focus group in a structured manner. RESULTS: Modifications were made to the questionnaire in light of the target population's culture and language. CONCLUSION: Simple translations are often insufficient for complex questionnaires. Key informant interviews and focus groups are useful to address conceptual and construct issues in such questionnaires.

Cross-Cultural Comparison↗
PubMed2002

Ethical issues involved in the implementation of a differential reinforcement of inappropriate behaviour programme for the treatment of social isolation and ritualistic behaviour in an individual with intellectual disabilities.

The present case study describes an adult male with a 28-year history of institutional care underpinned by a moderate intellectual disability (ID), and ritualistic behaviour congruent with features of autism or obsessive-compulsive disorder. The subject's ID was recognized early in life and he was provided with a special educational placement at 6 years of age, although his increasingly disturbed behaviour had resulted in several psychiatric admissions by early adolescence, and by the age of 20, his presentation necessitated long-term secure psychiatric care. The present report describes the application and ethical issues pertaining to a differential reinforcement of inappropriate behaviour (DRI) programme for the reduction of ritualistic behaviour and social isolation, the latter being a direct consequence of the former, one year after the subject was admitted to a medium-secure assessment and treatment residential facility. The results suggest that, although the treatment was successful in targeting ritualization and reducing social isolation, ethical concerns extended to care staff concerns about the reinforcer adopted for the programme and the lack of informed consent from the subject. The former resulted in inconsistent application of the programme and its eventual termination. A follow-up assessment of the subject's extent of social isolation and ritualistic behaviour suggested a return to a pre-DRI level of morbidity. Limitations and suggestions for the future treatment of such cases are outlined.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Pharmacological activities of crude acetone extract and purified constituents of Salvia moorcraftiana Wall.

The crude acetone extract of aerial parts of Salvia moorcraftiana Wall. was screened for various biological activities including Lemna bioassay, antifungal, antibacterial, leishmanicidal, insecticidal activities and brine shrimp cytotoxicity. It was found to possess strong phytotoxic activity against Lemna aequinoctials Welve. and moderate antifungal activity against animal and plant pathogens. The purified chemical constituents were tested for enzyme inhibition activity. Two constituents (compounds 3 and 8) were found to be effective inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

The quantification of endogenous steroids in bovine aqueous humour and vitreous humour using isotope dilution GC-NCI-MS.

Pentafluorobenzyloxime-trimethylsilyl derivatives of androgens, progestogens and corticosteroids were prepared and used for the analysis of these steroids in bovine aqueous humour and vitreous humour by GC-MS method. Appropriate deuteriated isotopomers of the parent steroids were labelled with deuterium via simple synthetic procedure and used as internal standards. The concentration (ng ml(-1), +/- S.E.M.) of these steroids in bovine aqueous humour and vitreous humour were found to be as follow: (1) aqueous humour (n = 17); hydrocortisone (n = 17; 2.40 +/- 0.54), progesterone (n = 15; 0.06 +/- 0.01), 4-androstene-3,17-dione (n = 8; 0.15 +/- 0.07) and testosterone (n = 4; 0.14 +/- 0.04); and (2) bovine vitreous humour (n = 19); hydrocortisone (n = 19; 1.78 +/- 0.25), progesterone (n = 18; 0.09 +/- 0.01), 4-androstene-3,17-dione (n = 19; 0.11 +/- 0.02), 11-deoxycorticosterone (n = 12; 29.27 +/- 6.42), 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (n = 6; 5.55 +/- 3.12). The concentration of corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and testosterone and corticosterone were below the limit of detection in aqueous humour and vitreous humour, respectively.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Cognitive approach to depression and suicidal thinking in psychosis. 1. Ontogeny of post-psychotic depression.

BACKGROUND: Depression in schizophrenia is a rather neglected field of study, perhaps because of its confused nosological status. Three course patterns of depression in schizophrenia, including post-psychotic depression (PPD), are proposed. AIMS: We chart the ontogeny of depression and psychotic symptoms from the acute psychotic episode over a 12-month period and test the validity of the proposed course patterns. METHOD: One hundred and five patients with ICD-10 schizophrenia were followed up on five occasions over 12 months following the acute episode, taking measures of depression, positive symptoms, negative symptoms, neuroleptic exposure and side-effects. RESULTS: Depression accompanied acute psychosis in 70% of cases and remitted in line with the psychosis; 36% developed PPD without a concomitant increase in psychotic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The results provided support for the validity of two of the three course patterns of depression in schizophrenia, including PPD. Post-psychotic depression occurs de novo without concomitant change in positive or negative symptoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Cognitive approach to depression and suicidal thinking in psychosis. 2. Testing the validity of a social ranking model.

BACKGROUND: In paper I we reported that depression in the acute stage remitted in line with the psychosis and that 36% of patients developed post-psychotic depression (PPD). AIMS: We apply our cognitive framework to PPD and chart the appraisal of self and psychosis and their link with the later emergence of PPD. METHOD: Patients with ICD-10 schizophrenia (n=105) were followed up over 12 months following the acute episode, taking measures of depression, working self-concept, cognitive vulnerability, insight and appraisals of psychosis. RESULTS: Before developing PPD, these patients felt greater loss, humiliation and entrapment by their illness than those who relapsed or did not become depressed, and were more likely to see their future selves in 'lower status' roles. Upon becoming depressed, participants developed greater insight, lower self-esteem and a worsening of their appraisals of psychosis. CONCLUSIONS: Depression in psychosis arises from the individual's appraisal of psychosis and its implications for his/her perceived social identity, position and 'group fit'. Patients developing PPD feel forced to accept a subordinate role without opportunity for escape. Implications for treatment are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Carbon nanotube actuators

Electromechanical actuators based on sheets of single-walled carbon nanotubes were shown to generate higher stresses than natural muscle and higher strains than high-modulus ferroelectrics. Like natural muscles, the macroscopic actuators are assemblies of billions of individual nanoscale actuators. The actuation mechanism (quantum chemical-based expansion due to electrochemical double-layer charging) does not require ion intercalation, which limits the life and rate of faradaic conducting polymer actuators. Unlike conventional ferroelectric actuators, low operating voltages of a few volts generate large actuator strains. Predictions based on measurements suggest that actuators using optimized nanotube sheets may eventually provide substantially higher work densities per cycle than any previously known technology.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Effect of oral administration of vitamin C on human aqueous humor ascorbate concentration.

AIM: To study oral administration of vitamin C on human aqueous humour ascorbate concentration. METHODS: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with electrochemical detector (ECD) was used. The effect of oral administration of various doses of ascorbic acid, 0 (control), 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0 g, on its concentration in aqueous humour, obtained from volunteer cataract patients was studied. RESULTS: The concentration of ascorbic acid in aqueous humour of control group (without administration of vitamin-C tablet or drug containing ascorbic acid was (254 +/- 119) mg.L-1. This study revealed that the administration of 2.0 g of ascorbic acid saturate the aqueous humour and further increase in the dose (3.0 g and 5.0 g) did not increase its concentration in aqueous humour, although its concentration was increased in plasma. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of 2.0 g of Vc is sufficient to saturate the aqueous humour where it may be helpful in controlling the intra-ocular pressure.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Carbon structures with three-dimensional periodicity at optical wavelengths

Porous carbons that are three-dimensionally periodic on the scale of optical wavelengths were made by a synthesis route resembling the geological formation of natural opal. Porous silica opal crystals were sintered to form an intersphere interface through which the silica was removed after infiltration with carbon or a carbon precursor. The resulting porous carbons had different structures depending on synthesis conditions. Both diamond and glassy carbon inverse opals resulted from volume filling. Graphite inverse opals, comprising 40-angstrom-thick layers of graphite sheets tiled on spherical surfaces, were produced by surface templating. The carbon inverse opals provide examples of both dielectric and metallic optical photonic crystals. They strongly diffract light and may provide a route toward photonic band-gap materials.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Studies on the effects of piperidine derivatives on blood pressure and smooth muscles contractions.

Ten substituted phenacyl derivatives of 4-hydroxypiperidine were synthesized and studied for their effects on the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in normotensive anaesthetized rats and smooth muscles contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum. Two derivatives caused fall in blood pressure at the dose of 10-20 mg/kg and one rise in blood pressure at the dose of 20 mg/kg. Two compounds exhibited biphasic response (hypotensive followed by hypertensive) and one gave triphasic response at 10 mg/kg dose. Rest of four derivatives were found devoid of any effect on mean arterial blood pressure up to the dose of 30 mg/kg. All the derivatives except two caused relaxant effect on the spontaneous contraction of rabbit jejunum at the dose range of 0.1-2 mg/kg.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Cycle helmet ownership and wearing; results of a survey in South Staffordshire.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing evidence indicating that wearing cycle helmets can reduce the severity of head injuries, particularly in children, there is a paucity of local data on cycle helmet ownership and wearing rates. These data together with an understanding of the factors which influence these rates are important in developing appropriate health promotion programmes. METHOD: The objectives were to (1) establish patterns of cycle helmet ownership and wearing rates, and (2) determine factors influencing these rates. A descriptive survey involving a self-completed questionnaire was undertaken and a series of focus groups were also established. The setting was two high schools and four primary schools in each of the six boroughs or district councils within South Staffordshire involving 932 Year 6 and 2005 Year 10 children. RESULTS: The response ratio was 70.9 per cent from Year 6 and 80.9 per cent from Year 10, giving an overall response rate of 77.8 per cent. Most children (86.6 per cent) rode a bicycle and of these 42.8 per cent owned a cycle helmet. Just over a third (36.8 per cent) of Year 6 cyclists wore a helmet always or nearly always, compared with 13.7 per cent of Year 10 cyclists. Although the protective effect of cycle helmets was appreciated, many children did not see themselves as being personally at risk, particularly on short journeys. The appearance and comfort of the helmet appeared to be stronger factors influencing the uptake of helmets compared with cost. Both year groups were similarly concerned with comfort, but Year 10 children appeared more concerned with appearance than Year 6 children. CONCLUSIONS: Cycle helmet ownership and wearing is still disappointingly low, especially amongst older children. The factors influencing patterns of ownership and wearing are numerous and the interrelationships between them are complex, requiring a co-ordinated approach from a range of agencies. Cycle helmet legislation should be considered by the Government.

Bicycling↗
PubMed1997

Determination of molecular weight of hyaluronic acid in bovine vitreous humour and Healon by high performance gel permeation chromatography and its depolymerization with ascorbic acid.

A method has been developed for the determination of the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid by high performance gel permeation chromatography. The molecular weight distribution was determined using three polymeric columns. Columns were calibrated using Pullulan Polymer molecular weight standards. The average molecular weight (+/- SD) of the hyaluronic acid in bovine vitreous humour and Healon were 1.20 x 10(6) Da (+/- 0.49 x 10(6) and 3.01 x 10(6) Da (+/- 0.14 x 10(6), respectively. Furthermore, the depolymerization of the hyaluronic acid in the presence of ascorbic acid (the concentration found in human eye) was studied. Samples incubated in the presence of atmospheric air showed more depolymerization than those where atmospheric air had been flushed-out with nitrogen.

Animals↗