Variations in blood glucose and lipid profile during Ramadan fasting in male

The purpose of study was to evaluate the effect of Ramadan Fasting on blood glucose and lipid profile. 30 healthy, non-obese, non-smoker, male volunteers who observed fast during the whole month of Ramadan were included in the study. Blood samples were collected aseptically by venipuncture from all subjects on day 1, 10, 20 and 29 of Ramadan. Blood glucose, Cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c and TAG tests were conducted on serum. The study was carried out during October-November/2005 at Abbottabad, Pakistan. Blood glucose, Cholesterol, TAG and LDL-c levels decreased significantly while HDL-c level rose considerably at the end of Ramadan. The beneficial changes observed during the month of Ramadan can be maintained if the dietary habits of Ramadan are continued onwards

Trace elements in drinking water in district west of Karachi

Several trace elements are present in drinking water. They play various important roles in the body, provided their level remains within the specification/ recommendation given from time to time by WHO. The study was carried out during the year 2005. Drinking water samples were collected from different sources and localities of District West of Karachi. After collection of samples, the concentration of the trace elements i.e. Lead, Arsenic, Copper, Iron, Mercury, Chromium, Manganese, Nickel, Cadmium and Zinc were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Concentrations of lead and nickel were found to be highly significantly elevated as compared to WHO recommended levels in all the three sources of water [Piped water, Hand pump water and Tanker water supply] in District West of Karachi. Chromium was found to be raised as compared with the WHO recommended level in hand pump water of District West. Arsenic and Mercury were not detected in any source of water in District West. Copper, iron, manganese, cadmium and zinc were found to be within the safe limits set by WHO in all the three sources of water of District West. Concentrations of lead and nickel were found to be highly significantly elevated as compared to WHO recommended levels in all the three sources of water [Piped water, Hand pump water and Tanker water supply] in District West of Karachi. Chromium was found to be raised as compared with the WHO recommended level in hand pump water of District West

Comparison of smoking pattern between citizens of Karachi, Multan and Abbottabad

Smoking is a pollution and injurious to health. More than 4,000 individual compounds have been identified in tobacco and tobacco smoke. Among these are about 60 compounds that are carcinogens, tumor initiators [substances that can result in irreversible changes in normal cells] and tumor promoters [substances that can led to tumor growth once cell changes begin]. Some of these compounds are tar, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, phenols, ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, nitrosamine, and nicotine. We have already carried out population survey of cigarette smoking in Karachi, Multan and Abbottabad. In this paper we present comparison of smoking pattern between Karachi, Multan and Abbottabad. The study was carried out on 3000 subjects residing in different localities of Karachi, Multan and Abbottabad. A specifically designed questionnaire was filled. Out of the study population, 43.53% citizens of Karachi, 40.02% citizens of Multan and 33.00% citizens of Abbottabad were found to be indulged in smoking. It is suggested that smokers should decide to quit the smoking once for all