Therapeutic evaluation of kalonji [nigella sativa] in dyslipidemia - a randomized control trial

Dyslipidemia is one of the most common risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. An increased level of cholesterol is responsible for atherogenesis, which ultimately leads to the development of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular diseases. According to a survey report, 36.3% patients are dyslipidemic; therefore, the problem is increasing day by day as a huge cause of morbidity and carries economic burden for society. These days, dyslipidemia is treated using lipid-lowering agents with lifestyle intervention; however, lipid-lowering agents produce various side effects. In Unani system of medicine, several drugs are used as lipid-lowering agents, which are comparatively safe. However, such drugs are still not validated on scientific parameters. Thus, a clinical trial was conducted with the objective to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Unani drugs in the management of dyslipidemia. The study was designed as single-blind, randomized with standard control. Thirty patients of dyslipidemia were selected and randomly assigned to control and test groups, the test group comprising 20 patients and the control group comprising 10. The test group received the powder of Kalonji in the form of capsule [two capsules twice a day] and the control group received Lipotab[R] [two tablets once a day for 60 days]. All the patients were assessed on subjective and objective parameters. The result was analyzed statistically using appropriate statistical tests. The test drug shows significant results on few subjective and objective parameters in comparison to the control drug. Overall, improvement was observed in the test group without any clinically and statistically significant side effects or toxicity. The compliance to the treatment was found good. The study revealed that the comparative analyses of both test and control drugs were not statistically significant, but improvements in subjective and objective parameters were present in both groups

Anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extracts of Cassia pumila Lamk

Aqueous extracts of Cassia pumila Lamk obtained by continuous hot percolation were given orally to study their effects on the exudative and proliferative phases of the inflammatory reaction, using the technique of carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. The anti-inflammatory activity was compared with Indomethacin, The aqueous extracts of leaves of Cassia pumila showed highly significant anti-inflammatory activity

Prevalence of low back pain in computer users

To study the prevalence of low back pain in computer users and how different age groups behave under prolong sitting posture on axial loading against time. A multicenter cross sectional study by initial screening questionnaire followed by further clinical examination and evaluation. Survey among students of computer institutes and the data from hospital base practice in the city of Karachi.Main out come measures: Variation in the pattern of low back pain in response to duration of work, age and gender against time was noted. Low back pain in computer users is more common in the younger age group [16-18 yrs] with a second surge [23-30 yrs] specially at the beginning of their carrier with a prevalence rate of 6.7%, mean age 30.29, std. deviation 12.744 and a frequency of male to female 223:95, novice to professional 182:136, single to married 192:127, about 44% of VDU users developed LBP in 4 hours and 35% in 3 hours about 50% of them found to have lax back muscles.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Low back pain is a common condition in computer users in all age groups. Working for long in faulty position; inappropriate ergonomics, old age and lack of physical exercises result in laxity of ligaments which are the main causes of back pain. Symptomatic conservative treatment with NSAIDS, muscle relaxant and regular back muscle exercises are extremely helpful

Plastimation technique for museum specimens

The museum specimens are commonly stored in formalin solution and create problems like transportation shrinkage and discoloration of the specimens. Formalin irritates sensitive mucous membranes and irritates allergic reactions in the skin. To overcome these difficulties a new technique of Plastination of Dr. Gunther Van Hagens has been followed to check the suitability of the procedure and to introduce it in Pakistan. It is concluded that the procedure is simple, easily reproduceable and only worthwhile if practised regularly

case of gastric bezoar

A case of gastric bazoar is described in a 3 years old girl. The patient presented with a history of repeated attacks of abdominal pain and vomiting On palpation of abdomen, a mass was palpable in the epigastrium. Ultrasound examination and barium meal revealed a mobile mass in the stomach in keeping with a gastric bezoar, which was confirmed at surgery