Stabilization studies of sunflower oil with antioxidants extracted from green and black cardamom

Abstract: Extracts from green and black cardamom have been used to evaluate their antioxidant potential for sunflower oil samples for a period of 45 days. Synthetic antioxidants BHA/ BHT were also used parallel over a period of 45 days for comparison. Antioxidant potential of natural and synthetic antioxidants were evaluated by measuring free fatty acids [FFA], peroxide value [PV] and iodine value [IV] values by ambient storage of sunflower oil. The results showed that green cardamom extracts were more effective compared to black cardamom extracts. However compared to BHA and BHT [200ppm], these were found to be effective at higher concentrations

Risk factors in various subtypes of ischemic stroke according to TOAST criteria

To identify the frequency of risk factors in various subtypes of acute ischemic stroke according to TOAST criteria. Cross-sectional, observational study. Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi, from January to December 2007. Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi, from January to December 2007. Patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled. Studied variables included demographic profile, history of risk factors, physical and neurological examination, and investigations relevant with the objectives of the study. Findings were described as frequency percentages. Proportions of risk factors against subtypes was compared using chi-square test with significance at p< 0.05. Out of the 100 patients with acute ischemic stroke, mean age at presentation was 63.5 years. Risk factor distribution was hypertension in 85%, Diabetes mellitus in 49%, ischemic heart disease in 30%, dyslipedemia in 22%, smoking in 9%, atrial fibrillation in 5%, and previous history of stroke in 29%. The various subtypes of acute ischemic stroke were lacunar infarct in 43%, large artery atherosclerosis in 31%, acridoembolic type 8%, stroke of other determined etiology in 1% and stroke of undetermined etiology in 18%. Hypertension and Diabetes were the most association was found with ischemic heart disease [p=0.01]. Importance and relevance of risk factors evaluated for subtypes rather than ischemic stroke as a whole should be reflected in preventive efforts against the burden of ischemic stroke

Hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis following organophosphate poisoning

To determine the frequency of hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis following organophosphate poisoning. This is a descriptive study conducted at the Medicine Department, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Karachi during the period of six months from 16th June 2006 to December 2006. All patients of both sexes and ages above 15 years admitted with a positive history of organophosphate poisoning [OP] were included in the study. A special Proforma was designed to enter all the collected data containing the basic information about the patient, history of recent event and the past history, physical examination and the relevant investigations like complete blood count, serum amylase and lipase, alanine aminotransferase [ALT], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] and ultrasound abdomen. Among 90 patients, hyperamylasemia was found in 28 [31%] patients. Hyperlipasemia was seen in nine [10%] patients and pancreatitis was seen in two [2.2%] patients. Hyperamylasemia is more frequently seen in organophosphate poisoning while two patients proved to have acute pancreatitis as a complication