Rohit Kumar Verma

Review on treatment of premenstrual syndrome: from conventional to alternative approach.

Abstract Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the most common problem associated with women’s health. Most women take alternative therapies for the treatment of PMS along with conventional therapies. A literature search was conducted which investigated various conventional and alternative therapies for the treatment of PMS. Web- and manual-based literature surveys were conducted to assess the information available on conventional and alternative treatment of PMS. Pubmed, Scopus, and Google scholar databases were screened, using the terms ‘PMS and its management’, ‘pharmacotherapy of PMS’, ‘Alternative therapies for the treatment of PMS’. Publications with abstract/full articles and books were reviewed. Based on the available literature, there have been randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and high levels of evidence studies. The review addressed that drosperinone with ethinylestradiol has shown great improvement in symptoms of PMS in various RCTs. Among the alternative therapies use of micronutrients and herbs were found effective in treatment for symptoms of PMS.

An evaluation of medication appropriateness and frailty among residents of aged care homes in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Aging is significantly associated with the development of comorbid chronic conditions. These conditions indicate the use of multiple medications, and are often warranted by clinical guidelines. The aim of the present study was to evaluate medication appropriateness and frailty among Malaysian aged care home residents with chronic disease. The participants were 202 elderly (≥65 years) individuals, a cross-sectional sample from 17 aged care homes. After ethics approval, each participant was interviewed to collect data on sociodemographics, frailty status (Groningen Frailty Indicator [GFI]), medication appropriateness (Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI), the 2015 Beers’ criteria (Potentially Inappropriate Medication [PIM]), and 2014 STOPP criteria (Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing [PIP]). The findings show that 81% (n = 164) and 42% (n = 85) were taking medications for cardiovascular and central nervous system-related conditions, respectively, and 34% were using medications for diabetes (n = 69). Each participant had a mean of 2.9 ± 1.5 chronic diseases, with an average GFI score of 6.4 ± 3.6. More than three-quarters of the participants (76%) were frail and polypharmacy was a factor in nearly half (48%); 41% and 36% were prescribed at least one PIP and PIM, respectively, whereas the average MAI score was 0.6 (range: 0–6). The number of medications used per participant correlated significantly and positively (0.21, P = .002) with GFI score. These findings reinforce the need for participants of aged care homes to receive periodic medication review aimed at minimizing morbidity associated with inappropriate pharmacotherapy.

Role of complementary and alternative medicine in geriatric care: A mini review

Since time immemorial homo sapiens are subjected to both health and diseases states and seek treatment for succor and assuagement in compromised health states. Since last two decades the progressive rise in the alternative form of treatment cannot be ignored and population seems to be dissatisfied with the conventional treatment modalities and therefore, resort to other forms of treatment, mainly complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The use of CAM is predominantly more popular in older adults and therefore, numerous research studies and clinical trials have been carried out to investigate the effectiveness of CAM in the management of both communicable and non-communicable disease. In this current mini review, we attempt to encompass the use of CAM in chronic non-communicable diseases that are most likely seen in geriatrics. The current review focuses not only on the reassurance of good health practices, emphasizing on the holistic development and strengthening the bodys defense mechanisms, but also attempts to construct a pattern of self-care and patient empowerment in geriatrics. The issues of safety with CAM use cannot be sidelined and consultation with a health care professional is always advocated to the patient. Likewise, responsibility of the health care professional is to inform the patient about the safety and efficacy issues. In order to substantiate the efficacy and safety of CAMs, evidence-based studies and practices with consolidated standards should be planned and executed.

Sociodemographic Correlates of Unipolar Major Depression among the Chinese Elderly in Klang Valley, Malaysia: An Epidemiological Study

Background. Depression, as one of the most disabling diseases around the world, had caught the global concern with its rising prevalence rate. There is a growing need of detecting depression, particularly in the old age population which is often left being overlooked. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional community-based study which included 150 Chinese elderly aged 60 and above within Klang Valley area. We obtained the sociodemographic profiles and assessed the status of well-being, depression, and cognitive function of the participants with the help of instruments: WHO Five-Item Well-Being Index, Major (ICD-10) Depression Inventory, and 6-Item Cognitive Impairment Test. Results. We found that the prevalence of depression among the Chinese elderly within Klang Valley region was 10.7%. With multiple logistic regression, decision to consult doctor on depressed mood or memory problem and presence of cognitive impairment were shown to be significantly associated with unipolar major depression, whereas wellbeing status was also found to be statistically correlated with depression in univariate analysis. Conclusion. The prevalence of unipolar depression among Chinese elderly within Klang Valley, Malaysia presented that there was an increased trend compared to the previous studies.

An Assessment of the Level of Awareness, Attitudes, and Opinions of the Medical Students Concerning HIV and AIDS in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION Human Immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has become one of the most serious health problems in the world. Medical students awareness, attitudes and opinions must be assessed as they are leading health care professionals who provide treatment and care to the HIV and AIDS individuals. This survey was conducted to assess the level of awareness, attitudes and opinions of third year till fifth year medical students concerning HIV and AIDS from universities around Klang Valley area, Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 327 medical students of third to fifth been took part in the survey. Self prepared and self validated questionnaire was used to assess the study outcomes. Students were asked to fill the consent forms before filling the questionnaires. The results were analyzed by using SPSS version 17. A cross-sectional study among medical students was performed. Data was analyzed with non-parametric spearmans correlation test to find the difference at p-value < 0.05. RESULTS A great majority knew that HIV can be spread via tattoo or body piercing (89.3%), from mother to child (97.9%), being a homosexual (93.3%) and even having circumcision for protection (71.9%). Also, they were aware that HIV cannot be transferred via sneezing and cough (95.1%), swimming pools (89.0%), and toilet seats (89.6%). However, only a few were aware of other modes of transmission, such as visiting the barbers (41.3%) , and having blood splashed on outer body surface including mouth and eyes (49.2%). Only a few negative attitudes were shown such as being unsure about keeping close vicinity to HIV patients and being unsure of whether HIV negative people should be allowed to marry HIV positive patients (median=3). CONCLUSION An optimal plan of education with awareness campaign and preclinical experiences should be made in the future curriculum to increase the knowledge, confidence and minimize phobia among students.

Association between beliefs about medicines and self-medication with analgesics among patients with dental pain

Self-medication with analgesics in dental pain management is a common practice as most of these medicines are available over-the-counter (OTC). The study aims to examine the relationship between beliefs about medicines and self-medication with analgesics in dental pain management in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study was conducted among conveniently sampled patients attending dental clinics, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to assess association between self-medication with analgesics and patient’s beliefs about medicines via Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire. Participants were evaluated for their self-medication practices via 4 items. Further assessment was done via Quantitative Analgesic Questionnaire (QAQ) regarding the analgesics taken. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 24, with 0.05 as level of significance. The prevalence of self-medication with analgesics was 29.4%, with 95.6% of the participants took analgesics when necessary. Participants practising self-medication for dental pain reported more positive beliefs in General-Necessity (13.04 vs. 9.98, p = 0.001) than those not practising self-medication. However, these participants had weaker beliefs in General-Harm (12.00 vs. 10.29, p = 0.006) and General-Overuse (11.38 vs. 10.31, p = 0.032) than those not practising self-medication. Participants beliefs in General-Harm (r = -0.243; p = 0.003) and General-Overuse (r = -0.203; p = 0.012) were negatively correlated with total QAQ point. The study found that individuals who practised self-medication had stronger beliefs about the benefits of medicines and weaker beliefs in viewing medicines as harmful and overused. Findings can guide public education to improve the safety aspects of self-medication with analgesics in dental practice.

Knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS among students of a technical institution.

Abstract Background: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a major health problem worldwide. The number of infected people is increasing daily. Knowledge and awareness toward prevention and control of the disease is necessary among both educated and illiterate people. Objective: This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge and awareness about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS among undergraduate students studying in a technical institute in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among youths aged 15–30 years studying in a technical institution in Gorakhpur. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire developed with the help of existing literature, from 250 participants (students). Results: The main source of information was the television; knowledge about the difference between HIV/AIDS was satisfactory. The findings showed that the knowledge about modes of prevention (blood checkup, needle/syringe sterilization) was satisfactory. There were several misconceptions about the modes of transmission of the disease, such as through mosquito bites, eating/drinking, and kissing. Conclusion: The knowledge of the study population was satisfactory, and there is a need for innovation and comprehensive education to impart better knowledge and understanding about HIV/AIDS.

Effect of Rosiglitazone, a PPAR‐γ Ligand on Haloperidol‐Induced Catalepsy

Rosiglitazone (Ros) is a commonly prescribed insulin-sensitizing drug with a selective agonistic activity on the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-c). Rosiglitazone, currently approved for use in type II diabetes, was recently shown to cross the blood–brain barrier in mice, suggesting that it might be suitable for testing neuroprotective effects of PPAR-c agonists in the CNS. Moreover, the presence of PPAR-c has been detected both in neuronal and glial cells [1]. By binding to DNA on promoter regions, PPAR-c can regulate the expression of several genes, including inflammatory cytokines, TNF-a, COX, iNOS. Furthermore, Ros attenuated the striatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration by anti-inflammatory mechanism, which is relevant to the cataleptic state [2]. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effect of the Ros on motor symptoms in an animal model of haloperidol (HAL)-induced catalepsy. Adult male Swiss albino mice (25–30 g) that were obtained from Himachal Institute of Pharmacy, Paonta Sahib (H.P), India, were used. The study was approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. The mice were maintained at 27°C with 12:12 h light-dark cycle for a period of 7 days prior to the study. They were fed with standard rat chow and water ad libitum. The animals were divided into six groups (n = 6). Group I served as control receiving normal saline, Group II served as negative control receiving HAL 2 mg/kg, Group III served as standard receiving Scopolamine 1.0 mg/kg + HAL 2 mg/kg. Group IV and V received Ros 25 and 50 mg/kg + HAL 2 mg/kg, while Group VI received Ros 50 mg/kg alone. All the drugs were administered orally for 15 days except HAL. Haloperidol was given to the appropriate groups on fifth, tenth, and fifteenth day. The Scopolamine or the Ros was given 30 min prior to the administration of the HAL, according to the individual groups. Catalepsy was assessed by means of a standard bar test on every fifth, tenth, and fifteenth day of the drug treatment, as shown in Table 1.