Background:Haemodialysis patients are at risk of developing trace elements imbalance and lipid peroxidation. The present study was aimed to assess plasma levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and malondialdehyde (MDA) of haemodialysis patients and to investigate the possible effect of haemodialysis on these trace elements and MDA imbalance. Methods: Blood samples of fifty hemodialysis patients and forty healthy controls subjects were analyzed for determination of hemoglobin, albumin, creatinine, urea and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Cu, Zn and Se were determined in plasma (before and after hemodialysis) and erythrocytes and MDA in plasma before and after hemodialysis. Results: The study showed that, plasma Zn and Se concentrations were lower in haemodialysis patients compared to that of healthy controls, while plasma Cu, MDA and Cu/Zn ratio were higher. Plasma Cu/Zn ratios were positively correlated to MDA and weakly correlated to hs-CRP levels whereas plasma Se concentrations were inversely correlated to MDA. In addition, MDA levels increased after haemodialysis session. Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study regarding the imbalance of trace elements in haemodialysis patients, it seems reasonable to periodically assess the trace elements status and consider possible correctional therapy in case of deficiency.

The World Health Organization defines health a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This includes the capability to be productive both socially and economically. The functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a heterogenous group of chronic conditions that are considered to have no structural or biochemical abnormalities that account for the symptoms. They are supposed to originate from malfunction of the gut with respect to the nervous mis perception. In these cases, anxiety and or depression could be present mainly in the ‘state’ and or ‘current’ form, reactive to the symptoms. Aim: Descriptive study to assess the socio demographic profile of patients with gastrointestinal disorders. To study the psychiatric morbidity in gastrointestinal disorder patients attending gastrointestinal clinics. Objectives: To study the relationships between factors attributable to gastrointestinal disorders and psychiatric morbidity. To study the effectiveness of GHQ as a screening instrument for psychiatric morbidity in gastrointestinal patients. Sample: 52 patients with gastrointestinal problems of all kinds who attended OPD with age group of 15-65 years. Methods: General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) standardized tool was used. Results: Married patients had higher GAD and MDD compared to unmarried patients. Unemployed and retired people had higher rates of GAD and MDD compared to employ. Students with GI disease had no psychiatric morbidity. All subscales of GHQ showed correlation significantly.

We present to you a case series of a group of individuals who presented to us with a history of intravenous drug abuse of repurposed oral tapentadol. Tapentadol is a synthetic benzenoid with a dual mode of action, as an agonist for the μ-opioid receptor and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, with potential anti-nociceptive activity. The prevalence of current opioid use in India is reported to be 4% in males and 0.2% in females. Limited availability and difficulty in procuring the recommended drugs for detoxification and maintenance therapy in opioid dependence give reasons to consider treatment alternatives for the same. This case series aims to address the need and effectiveness of evidence-based treatment in opioid dependence.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) is clinical threat to healthy individuals around the world. Risk of disease and related complications are high among immunocompromised individuals and those with pre-existing chronic diseases. Aim: To assess the fear of Covid-19 among patients having chronic diseases and to determine its relationship with preventive practices among them. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Community Medicine, HITEC Hospital Taxila from 1st September2020 to 31st March 2021. Methodology: Three hundred and seventeen patients having chronic diseases were included. Fear of Covid-19 scale used to assess the fear level and questions related to preventive practices. Results: Fear of Covid-19 was high among females, hypertensive, diabetics and those having cardiovascular disease. Fear was found among 133 (42%) participants. Regarding Covid-19 preventive practices, 8(2.5%) had unsatisfactory, 115 (36.3%) had satisfactory and 194(61.2%) had good preventive practices. Covid precautions were significantly practiced among those having fear. Statistically significant positive correlation was found between mean Covid fear and practices scores (r=.30, p=.001) Conclusion: Fear of Covid is a recognized risk factor for anxiety and depression among people. However, fear is found to promote risk perception and health related preventive behaviors among chronic patients that can positively ensure safety, decrease the risk of infection and serious complications among chronic patients. Keywords: SARS-CoV-19, Fear for Covid-19, Preventive Practices, Chronic diseases.