Modulation of Heart and Brain Function by Surah Al-Rehman Recitation Among Distressed Diabetic Patients in Pakistan.

Distress causes psychophysiological alterations that affect autonomic function. The current study explores psychophysiological modulation in diabetic distress in response to Surah Al-Rehman recitation. A single-group experimental study with before and after intervention assessments was conducted during April 2018 to February 2019 in which participants (n = 10) listened to Surah Al-Rehman recitation. Blood pressure, blood glucose, cortisol, ECG and EEG were recorded before and after recitation. Significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, increase in low frequency and absolute alpha power at Fp2 were observed. Heartbeat evoked potentials (HEP) were also significantly modulated at Fp1, Fp2 and F4. These findings suggest that Surah Al-Rehman modulated baroreflex activity thereby reducing sympathetic activity and improved heart brain coherence as reflected by HEP.

Imbalances of Pro-inflammatory cytokines in myocardial infarction patients.

To assess levels of Interleukin-1 ß and CRP, in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Myocardial Infarction patients, prior to and post angioplasty. 200 patients were recruited in the study. MI patients between the age of 40 and 60 years. Patients came to NICVD with complaints of chest pain, positive Troponin T test and ECG was the confirmatory test for MI. They were divided into 2 groups 100 patients each. First group comprised of MI patients without DMT-II and second group comprised of MI patients with DMT-II. Serum triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL and HDL, FBS, by enzymatic kits, Insulin by RIA. HbA1C, Interleukin-1 ß and CRP by ELIZA. Interleukin1ß and CRP were significantly higher (P<0.001) in patients at the time of the infarction, prior to angioplasty as compared post angioplasty levels in both groups, which indicate their importance in development of ischemia and MI. FBS and Insulin were significantly higher (P<0.001), while HDL and HbA1C were significantly lower (P<0.001) in MI without DMT-II when compared to MI with DMT-II. BMI, SBP pressure were significantly higher (P<0.001) in MI patients with DMT-II when compared with MI patients without DMT-II. Interleukin1ß and CRP were found to be significantly higher prior to angioplasty as compared to post angioplasty levels in both groups which confirms their role in development of ischemia and MI.

Socio-Economic Disparities in Use of Family Planning Methods among Pakistani Women: Findings from Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys.

BACKGROUND: Several developing countries like Pakistan step into Sustainable Development Goals period with crucial maternal and child health needs that need to be addressed for improving health outcomes among people. We aim to explore existent socio-economic disparities in use of family planning methods (FPM) among Pakistani women, and compare any such inequalities between the years 2006 and 2013. SETTING: Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHS) 2006-7 (n = 9177) and the most recent 2012-13(n = 13558) data were used to conduct secondary analysis. Participants were ever married women aged between 15 and 49 years. Socio-economic status was assessed by the education level and wealth index. Inequalities were measured through Odds Ratio (OR), Relative Index of inequality (RII), and Slope index of inequality (SII) on non-use of FPM. RESULTS: Although the prevalence of FPM use has increased over time (28% in 2006 versus 54% in 2013), the socio-economic inequalities persistently exist. Comparing results of PDHS 2006 with PDHS 2013, education related absolute inequalities among urban dwellers increased from -0.41 (95% CI -0.67, -0.13, p-value < 0.01) to -0.83 (95% CI -1.02, -0.63, p-value < 0.01); and increased from -0.93 (95% CI -1.21, -0.64, p-value < 0.01) to -0.98 (95% CI -1.20, -0.76, p-value < 0.01) among rural dwellers. Similarly wealth related absolute inequalities are also existent. CONCLUSIONS: Although the FPM use has increased over time, but it is important to note that socio-economic gap in use of FPM persists. Such differences have disadvantaged the poor and the illiterate. Family planning programs may target the disadvantaged subgroups for ensuring well-being of women and children in Pakistan.