Efficacy of learning through play plus intervention to reduce maternal depression in women with malnourished children: A randomized controlled trial from Pakistan.

Background: The risk factors and adverse outcomes related to maternal depression and child malnutrition are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) including Pakistan. Above 25% of women suffer from maternal depression. Up to 50% children are under-nourished which contributes to 35% of all under-5 deaths in the country.

In vivo study to compare the effects of Choline with Fluoxetine and Clozapine for the modulation of cognitive behavior (Learning Memory and Exploratory Behavior).

Cognitive behavior is associated with physiological processes that affect the working performance of an individual. Cognitive control is used to override self-serving impulses and behave in socially desirable manner. The objective of the study is to compare the effects of Choline with Fluoxetine and Clozapine for the modulation of cognitive behavior including learning, memory, locomotor, exploratory behavior and anxiety.

Psychosocial correlates, psychological distress, and quality of life in patients with medically unexplained symptoms: a primary care study in Karachi, Pakistan.

Objective: To examine the psychosocial correlates and association of psychological distress and quality of life (QOL) in patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) compared to those with medically explained symptoms (MES) in a primary care setting in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 472 patients attending GP clinics between March and August 2009 in Karachi. Participants completed questionnaires to assess demographic details, somatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, and QOL.

Biomarkers in risk assessment of asbestos exposure.

Developments in the field of molecular epidemiology and toxicology have given valuable tools for early detection of impending disease or toxic condition. Morbidity due to respiratory distress, which may be due to environmental and occupational exposure, has drawn attention of researchers worldwide. Among the occupational exposure to respiratory distress factors, fibers and particles have been found to be main culprits in causing diseases like asbestosis, pleural plaques, mesotheliomas and bronchogenic carcinomas.

Biological markers for metal toxicity.

Exposure assessment is often considered the weakest link in risk assessment. It is important for investigators to continue to utilize the full potential of biomarkers for chemicals whose exposure is of global concern. This review is concerned with the biomarkers of metal toxicity, as the overall exposure to metals encountered occupationally or in the environment would continue causing indirect, delayed effects therefore ecoepidemiology, using designed molecular probes and noninvasive diagnostics will be the leading component for future management of environmental health.

Convergence of clinical toxicology and epidemiology in relation to health effects of chemicals.

An integrated approach of clinical toxicology and epidemiology is an essential ingredient in environmental health risk management through molecular epidemiology and environmental genomics. The last decade has also seen the emergence of several biochemical markers useful in chemical risk assessment and in epidemiological studies. An appraisal of the concepts involved, the approaches required, and the potential scope of this approach is attempted here.