Red and White Cabbage Extracts: Antioxidant Effects on Bovines Albumins

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) may cause extensive tissue damages in various disease conditions.It may also induce an irreversible structural and/or functional modification of proteins. Flavonoids and theirderivatives are the largest group in plant polyphenols that are known to have an antioxidant effect. The aim ofthe present study is to evaluate the antioxidant effects of red or white cabbage on bovine serum albumin (BSA).Methods: Fresh leaves of red or white cabbage were washed with distilled water, and sliced into small pieces.Finally, the pieces were dried and extracted with 80% ethanol overnight. The antioxidant activity of cabbageextracts were studied by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and H2O2 scavenging assays. Statisticalanalysis: Statistical significances were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) by using software Rversion 2.8.1 (R Development Core Team, 2008). Significant differences (p < 0.05) are denoted by differentletters. Results: Red and white cabbage extract showed a pronounced antioxidant activity. White cabbageexhibited a highest antioxidant activities compared to red cabbage extract. Conclusion: Both red and whitecabbages have a high antioxidant effects. White cabbage extract had higher antioxidant activity than red cabbageextract.

Associations of Sociodemographic Factors and Body Image With Body Weight Status Among Yemeni Adolescents in Selangor and Putrajaya, Malaysia

@#Introduction: Despite the high prevalence of malnutrition in Yemen, little is known on malnourished Yemeni adolescents in Malaysia. This study aimed to assess the body weight status among Yemeni adolescents in Malaysia and its association with sociodemographic factors and body image. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 364 Yemeni adolescents aged between 12 to 18 years were recruited from four schools in Selangor and Putrajaya, Malaysia. Sociodemographic factors and body image data were collected through face to face interview. Height and body weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 23.6%, with 5.2% of thinness. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that a family income greater than RM5,001 (OR = 3.77, p = 0.004), body shape dissatisfaction (OR = 3.54, p = 0.001) and perception of overweight/obesity (OR = 5.75, p = 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of being overweight and obese. Whereas a positive perception of underweight (OR = 0.23, p = 0.009) was found to be a significant protective factor against overweight and obesity. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity are prevalent among Yemeni adolescents in Malaysia. These findings highlight the need for regular weight status assessments amongst adolescents. Additionally, an obesity intervention program that incorporates body image perception may improve the children’s body weight status.

Antioxidant compounds and capacities of Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) fruits

Objective: To identify and determine the composition of antioxidant compounds, and to evaluate the antioxidant abilities of Gac fruit parts (peel, pulp, seed and aril) grown in Malaysia. Methods: LC-MS/MS was used for identification of antioxidant compounds and UV-Vis for estimation of the contents of phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids. Lycopene and β-carotene were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays were employed to evaluate antioxidant capacities. Results: Phytochemicals were found amongst all the fruit parts. Notably, significant amounts of carotenoids [(107.4 ± 4.5), (85.7 ± 4.4), (110.6 ± 2.1) mg/100 g dry weight (DW)], and relatively high levels of both phenolics [(27.3 ± 1.7), (28.9 ± 2.4), (30.8 ± 2.7) mg/100 g DW] and flavonoids [(38.1 ± 2.2), (8.8 ± 1.3), (24.5 ± 3.3) mg/100 g DW] were found in the fruit's peel, pulp and aril, respectively. Seed part also showed a relatively high level of flavonoids [(18.1 ± 2.3) mg/100 g DW]. Lycopene and β-carotene were found to be significantly high (P < 0.05) in aril [(579.3 ± 22.7) and (621.0 ± 35.0) μg/g DW], followed by peel [(51.0 ± 7.5) and (210.0 ± 12.5) μg/g DW] and pulp [(37.6 ± 10.9) and (205.6 ± 22.1) μg/g DW)]. Antioxidant assays revealed that aril possessed the highest scavenging activity (IC

Gac fruit extracts ameliorate proliferation and modulate angiogenic markers of human retinal pigment epithelial cells under high glucose conditions

Objective: To investigate the impact of the extracts of Gac fruit parts (peel, pulp, seed, and aril) on the cell viability and angiogenesis markers of human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells under high glucose conditions. Methods: The effect of the extracts of Gac fruit peel, pulp, seed and aril on the ARPE-19 cells was determined using MTT viability assay, Trypan blue dye and morphological changes were observed using light microscopy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent-based assay was performed to evaluate the effect of Gac fruit parts on the reactive oxygen species (ROS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigmented epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) secretions. Results: High glucose (HG) at 30 mmol/L increased ARPE-19 cell viability and ROS and VEGF secretions. While, the exposure of ARPE-19 cells in high glucose condition to Gac fruit extracts led to inhibition of cell viability, induced morphological changes, decreased ROS and VEGF secretions, and increased PEDF level. Gac pulp, seed, and aril at 1 000 μg/mL showed significant inhibition activities [(7.5 ± 5.1)%, (2.7 ± 0.5)%, (3.2 ± 1.1)%, respectively] against HG-induced ARPE-19 cell viability. The findings also demonstrated that Gac aril at 250 μg/mL significantly decreased ROS and VEGF levels [(40.6 ± 3.3) pg/mL, (107.4 ± 48.3) pg/mL, respectively] compared to ROS [(71.7 ± 2.9) pg/mL] and VEGF [(606.9 ± 81.1) pg/mL] in HG untreated cells. Moreover, 250 μg/mL of Gac peel dramatically increased PEDF level [(18.2 ± 0.3) ng/mL] compared to that in HG untreated cells [(0.48 ± 0.39) ng/mL]. Conclusions: This study indicates that the extracts of Gac peel, pulp, seed and aril reduced cell viability, minimized ROS generations and showed angiogenic activities. Therefore, our findings open new insights into the potentiality of Gac fruit against HG-related diabetic retinopathy disease.

Nutritional Compositions and Antiproliferative Activities of Different Solvent Fractions from Ethanol Extract of Cyphomandra betacea (Tamarillo) Fruit

Background: This study aims to examine various solvent extracts of Cyphomandra betacea (tamarillo) also known as the tree tomato, for their bioactive constituents and antioxidant activity. The study also aims to examine its effect on cancer cell death using two types of cancer cell lines (liver and breast cancer cell). Methods: The first part of the study evaluates the nutritional composition of tamarillo. Then, phytochemical profiling using GC-MS analysis in ethanolic tamarillo extract was conducted. Different fractions of n-butanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions were obtained from the ethanolic extract of tamarillo. Then, the fractions were subjected to the quantification of total phenol (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC), free radical scavenging activity (SA) and also antioxidant activity (AOX) assayed by beta-carotene bleaching (BCB) assay. Finally, the capability of the ethanolic extract of tamarillo and different fractions were evaluated for their anticancer properties. Results: Findings from this study revealed that the nutritional composition (ash, protein, carbohydrate and total dietary fiber), and mineral levels (calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron) of tamarillo were moderate. The crude ethanol extract of tamarillo contained the highest phenolic and total flavonoid content. FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of alkanes, carboxylic acid, phenol, alkanes, carboxylic acids, aromatics and nitro compounds. Twelve bioactive constituents in tamarillo have been identified through GC-MS analysis. Cytotoxic activity suggests the potential of ethanolic extracts of tamarillo having a chemopreventive effect on breast and liver cancer cells. Conclusion: This study reveals that tamarillo has substantial antioxidant activity as well as anticancer properties.

Acute febrile illness; during the course of oral anticoagulation warrants immediate INR check

Oral anticoagulation is needed in many patients like after prosthetic valves insertion, in atrial fibrillation, clots in LA, clots in LV and DVT etc. It is mainly achieved by warfarin sodium which has many interactions with multiple other drugs and its action varies in different other chronic diseased states. to see the response of acute febrile illness on the chronic stable state of INR on a fixed dose of oral warfarin sodium. All the patients with acutely deranged INR who had a stable and controlled INR previously and a fixed dose of warfarin sodium were admitted in the cardiac surgical ward at FIC and their history was explored and recorded. A total of 966 patients were admitted in [CSW] during the period of April, 2012 to April, 2014 with deranged INR. INR was checked twice or sometimes thrice to rule out the laboratory error. 504 patients were female and 462 patients were male, 56 patients had repeated admission for their INR control, most of them were callous regarding taking dose of warfarin so they were excluded from the study. A total of 631 patients had low INR due to missed dose of warfarin sodium. Out of them 13 patients got stuck valve for which emergency redo prosthetic valve replacement was done. 06 patients died in emergency due to late presentation after the prosthetic valve got stuck. Only 279 patients had high INR on the previous dose of warfarin sodium, out of them 216 patients had out of range INR. They were treated by FFP transfusion and holding the Warfarin sodium dose for certain period of time.76% of the patients give H/o acute febrile states 101-103 with rigor and chills [Malaria, enteric fever, pharangitis, cellulitis, boils and UTI etc. etc.] since last 3-4 days for which they had got treatment from some local Gen. practitioners and gave the H/o bleeding gums, general body malaise, bruising, joint aches and pains. 24% of patients denied any acute febrile illness before their INR got out of range 2 patients died in emergency due to intra cerebral bleed after INR got uncontrolled. Any acute febrile illness even of short duration may cause sudden derangement of previously controlled INR on certain fixed dose of warfarin sodium which can create a life threatening situation like intra-cerebral bleed, haem-arthrosis, excessive menstrual blood loss leading to severe anemia. Other less dangerous situation are gum bleed, bruising, joint aches and pains and general malaise. So, it is always advisable and logical to get INR check when ever any acute febrile illness even of short duration is encountered to avoid grave situations

Valvular patients; post operative course, size of the left atrium can predict the cost effectiveness

Cost effectiveness in any surgical procedure is a major contributory factor in the continuation of medical services in developing countries. Limited data is available in assessing the factors related with the duration of ICU stay and treatment after valvular replacement surgeries. Our aim was to see the correlation of pre operative Left Atrial size of the patient and duration of post operative stay in ICU. Observational Study. March 2010 to April 2014. Faisalabad Institute of Cardialogoy, Faisalabad. A total of 550 consecutive patients with valvular lesions were included in the study. Their Left Atrial size was measured echocardiographically pre-operatively and their stay /course in the ICU was monitored. Three categories were identified in regard with the Left Atrial size and the ICU stay. If LA size is below 60 cm2, the post operative course and stay in ICU is normal and lasts for about 1-2 days. If LA size is between 60-65 mm2, the post operative course may be complicated and prolonged by the atrial fibrillation / flutter for which pharmacological cardio version may be needed and the stay in ICU is prolonged and may last for about 2-3 days. And if pre-operative LA size is more the 65 mm2 the patient may behave in entirely different way. His atrial fibrillation persists in spite of electro cardiovertion or pharmacological cardiovertion and his stay in ICU may last up to 4-5 days and thus the cost of treatment is raised. LA size can predict the post operative behavior of the patient in ICU and duration of stay and expected cost of the treatment. Smaller is the size of LA, shorter is the stay in ICU and thus lesser is the post operative cost and vice versa

Early postoperative valvular patient; modified devaga's repair for moderate to sever TR is a cost-effective maneuver

Rheumatic Heart Disease is affecting the tricuspid valve almost as equally as it affects the other valves of the heart and the fact is that the single valvular disease of the heart is rare in our population. Objectives: To determine the cost effectiveness of modified devagia repair in relief of post operative valvular patient. Period: 2009-2014. Setting: Faisalabad Institute of cardiology Faisalabad, Method: All the patients with mitral valve disease having concomitant tricuspid valve regurgitation operated upon. Average age of 14 years to 45 years without gender discrimination. Result: A total of 380 patients were studied having concomitant mitral and tricuspid disease. Out of which 276 patients had moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation on per-operative digital assessment for which modified DeVaga's repair was essential and done. Only 104 patients had moderate tricuspid regurgitation on per-operative digital assessment which was the main population of address in our study. Out of these, 76 patients were decided for modified DeVaga's repair due to their moderate tricuspid regurgitation and 28 patients were left alone without modified DeVaga's repair due to their mild to moderate tricuspid regurgitation. Then their early post operative course was monitored in terms of ICU stay and their functional recovery after operation. Patients with modified DeVaga's repair for moderate tricuspid regurgitation showed 30-42 hours early weaning of inotropes and mobilization from ICU than the patients without modified DeVaga's repair for mild to moderate tricuspid regurgitation. It is thus evident that modified DeVaga's repair for moderate tricuspid regurgitation saved hours of ICU stay, cost of ICU treatment, man hours of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff showing good post surgical functional recovery as well. Conclusions: Modified DeVaga's repair for moderate tricuspid regurgitation has a cost effective impact in the treatment of valvular patients causing early and good functional recovery after valvular replacement procedures, saving man hours of Cardiac surgeons, Nurses, Paramedical staff, patients and thus their cost of treatment.

Prevalence of contact lens use and its complications among students of Gulf Medical University, Ajman

Increase in cosmetic and prescription use of lenses is proportional to lens- related complications. Lens users in the UAE are particularly at risk of infection due to the foreign bodies and dust particles in the air during occurrences of sandstorms. To estimate the prevalence of contact lens use among university students, to assess the frequency of complications in contact lens users based on the type of lenses used, to assess the level of compliance amongst users regarding hygiene practices and to compare the frequency of complications between contact lens users and non-users. A cross sectional study was done among 241 students of Gulf Medical University, Ajman. The study included students from all the different faculties. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed, after approval by the Ethical Committee. All the data obtained from the questionnaires were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS 20 software. Of the students participating 26.3% were contact lens users. Of the contact lens users, 41% used daily wear contact lenses. Contact lens users suffered most frequently from red eyes, dry eyes, burning and itching. 23.2% non-contact lens users showed dry eyes. 73.3% of contact lens users were found to practice safe hygiene and handling of contact lenses. Contact lens use is not highly prevalent amongst students. The most common eye complications experienced by the students were red eyes, dry eyes, burning and itching. Dry eyes were a frequently experienced symptom by both non-contact lens users and contact lens users. The majority of the students practiced safe handling

role of peripheral neurectomies in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia in modern practice

50 patients were analyzed for indications, advantages and complications of peripheral neurectomies from June 2003 to September 2008 reported to the Department of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. We selected only those patients who were above 40 years. After neurectomies, 35 [70% of patients had excellent pain relie lasting 2-5 years without any medication; 4 [8%] patients experienced occasional pain but no medication required; in 5 [10%] patients pain controlled with medication where as in 6[12%] patients, recurrence of pain appeared in 0-2 years which could not be controlled with medication. These patients were referred to neurosurgeon for MVD [Microvascular Decompression]. Both surgical and medical therapies are effective for trigeminal neuralgia. However, factors such as pain relief, recurrence mates and morbidity and mortality rates should be taken into account when considering which technique to use. It seems proper to start a patient suffering from trigeminal neuralgia with medical therapy but proceed early with surgical treatment if pain control is poor or side effects of medication are intolerable. The loss of sensation along the branch of the trigeminal nerve and recurrence rate are associated with peripheral neurectomy. But it is an effective and safe procedure for elderly patients; particularly those who have short life span. And in centers where facilities are not available for major neurosurgical procedures or patient is not fit for such procedures, neurectomy is-the best choice. It is possible even under local anesthesia