Phytochemicals of Periploca aphylla Dcne. ameliorated streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rat

BACKGROUND@#Periploca aphylla is used by local population and indigenous medicine practitioners as stomachic, tonic, antitumor, antiulcer, and for treatment of inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate antidiabetic effect of the extract of P. aphylla and to investigate antioxidant and hypolipidemic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.@*METHODS@#The present research was conducted to evaluate the antihyperglycemic potential of methanol extract of P. aphylla (PAM) and subfractions n-hexane (PAH), chloroform (PAC), ethyl acetate (PAE), n-butanol (PAB), and aqueous (PAA) in glucose-overloaded hyperglycemic Sprague-Dawley rats. Based on the efficacy, PAB (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) was tested for its antidiabetic activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg) in rat. Blood glucose values were taken weekly. HPLC-DAD analysis of PAB was carried out for the presence of various polyphenols.@*RESULTS@#HPLC-DAD analysis of PAB recorded the presence of rutin, catechin, caffeic acid, and myricetin. Oral administration of PAB at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg for 21 days significantly restored (P < 0.01) body weight (%) and relative liver and relative kidney weight of diabetic rats. Diabetic control rats showed significant elevation (P < 0.01) of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, creatinine, total bilirubin, and BUN while reduced (P < 0.01) level of glucose, total protein, albumin, insulin, and HDL in serum. Count of blood cells and hematological parameters were altered in diabetic rats. Further, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and total soluble protein concentration decreased while concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and percent DNA damages increased (P < 0.01) in liver and renal tissues of diabetic rats. Histopathological damage scores increased in liver and kidney tissues of diabetic rats. Intake of PAB (400 mg/kg) resulted in significant improvement (P < 0.01) of above parameters, and results were comparable to that of standard drug glibenclamide.@*CONCLUSION@#The result suggests the antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of PAB treatment in STZ-compelled diabetic rat. PAB might be used as new therapeutic agent in diabetic patients to manage diabetes and decrease the complications.

Pilea umbrosa ameliorate CCl induced hepatic injuries by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress, pro-inflammatory and fibrosis genes in rat

BACKGROUND@#Pilea umbrosa (Urticaceae) is used by local communities (district Abbotabad) for liver disorders, as anticancer, in rheumatism and in skin disorders.@*METHODS@#Methanol extract of P. umbrosa (PUM) was investigated for the presence of polyphenolic constituents by HPLC-DAD analysis. PUM (150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) was administered on alternate days for eight weeks in rats exposed with carbon tetrachloride (CCl). Serum analysis was performed for liver function tests while in liver tissues level of antioxidant enzymes and biochemical markers were also studied. In addition, semi quantitative estimation of antioxidant genes, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) induced stress markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis related genes were carried out on liver tissues by RT-PCR analysis. Liver tissues were also studied for histopathological injuries.@*RESULTS@#Level of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and glutathione (GSH) decreased (p < 0.05) whereas level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), HO and nitrite increased in liver tissues of CCl treated rat. Likewise increase in the level of serum markers; alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin was observed. Moreover, CCl caused many fold increase in expression of ER stress markers; glucose regulated protein (GRP-78), x-box binding protein1-total (XBP-1 t), x-box binding protein1-unspliced (XBP-1 u) and x-box binding protein1-spliced (XBP-1 s). The level of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was aggregated whereas suppressed the level of antioxidant enzymes; γ-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCLC), protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and nuclear erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf-2). Additionally, level of fibrosis markers; transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Smad-3 and collagen type 1 (Col1-α) increased with CCl induced liver toxicity. Histopathological scrutiny depicted damaged liver cells, neutrophils infiltration and dilated sinusoids in CCl intoxicated rats. PUM was enriched with rutin, catechin, caffeic acid and apigenin as evidenced by HPLC analysis. Simultaneous administration of PUM and CCl in rats retrieved the normal expression of these markers and prevented hepatic injuries.@*CONCLUSION@#Collectively these results suggest that PUM constituted of strong antioxidant chemicals and could be a potential therapeutic agent for stress related liver disorders.

Boarding School: A Simple Approach To Reduce Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections In Orang Asli Children Of Sungai Siput, Perak, 2017

@#Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infection is a major public health concern among the indigenous children of Malaysia. Precarious living conditions at home including unavailability of water, drinking of contaminated water, poor sanitation and livestock presence, are known risk factors for the infection. In order to provide better living conditions, these children are enrolled in boarding schools. This study was conducted to determine whether boarding schools is a solution in reducing soil transmitted helminth infection among Orang Asli children in Sg Siput, Perak, Malaysia. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 204 schoolchildren aged 7-17 years from three boarding schools in Sungai Siput, Perak from January to March 2017. Stool samples were collected and examined using direct smear and Kato-Katz technique. Information on sociodemographic and environmental conditions were collected using a modified Demographic Health Survey (DHS) questionnaire. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics Processor 20.0.Out of a total of 204 children, only 48% (n= 97) were infected with at least one type of STH species which showed a reduced prevalence as compared to previous studies conducted among home dwelling schoolchildren with overall prevalence of 78-97%. Majority of the children had monoparasitism (31%; n=63) with moderate intensity by T trichuira (n=51, 25%). Univariate analysis shows that unavailability of water at home has a statistically significant association with STH infection among boarding school children (OR=0.73; 95% CI= 0.56-0.95 p=0.021). Multivariate analysis proves children who had unavailability of water at home has 2.1 times more likelihood of getting an STH infection (OR= 2.08; 95%CI= 1.07-4.07; p= 0.032).This study demonstrates a reduced STH prevalence among Orang Asli boarding school children as better living condition there limits the spread of STH infection among them.

Immature to total neutrophil ratio as an early indicator of early neonatal sepsis

Background and Objectives: Neonatal septicemia is responsible for 1.5 to 2.0 million deaths/year in the under developed countries of the world. Pakistan is number three among these countries and accounts for 7% of global neonatal deaths. The objective of the study was to determine the role of simple hematological parameter, immature to total neutrophil ratio [I/T ratio] in diagnosing early onset neonatal bacterial infection

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry [LCMD] Hospital from January 2016 to January 2017. A total 85 neonates were admitted with clinical suspicion of presumed early onset sepsis or who had potential risk factors for sepsis like prematurity, prolonged rupture of membranes was carried out. After taking informed consent from parents of admitted neonates, data was collected in a structured questionnaire. Laboratory workup included White blood cell count, CRP, absolute neutrophil count, immature neutrophil count while blood C/S was kept as gold standard. Empirical antibiotics started after sample collection for workup. Manual differential count and immature neutrophil count of the peripheral blood smear was performed by a senior technician masked to clinical information. I/T ratio was calculated from WBC, neutrophils and immature neutrophil count by a simple formula

Results: Out of 85 neonates, 13 had positive blood cultures [15.29%]. The mean white blood count was 18761.18 +/- 8570.75 and mean I/T ratio was 0.1622 +/- 0.0419.About 50% of proven sepsis cases had WBC higher than 26000 as compared to 50% of cases for negative diagnoses that had WBC <15500 . The mean I/T in positive CRP 0.204 +/- 0.04 was non-significantly higher as compared to negative CRP 0.151 +/- 0.034 [p =0.084]. Point biserial correlation revealed that I/T ratio was significant strong correlation [rpb = 0.721, p < 0.001] and overall I/T ratio was a good indicator of a positive and negative blood culture result. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV] and negative predictive value [NPV] of I/T ratio were 76.47%, 83.82%, 54.16% and 93.44% respectively. Similarly majority of neonates having high I/T ratio also depicts positive C-reactive protein [CRP] [NPV 91.23%]. Therefore, both I/T and CRP showed a high negative predictive value [I/T = 93.44% and CRP = 91.23%] in this study

Conclusion: I/T ratio is a useful tool for early onset sepsis [EOS] with reasonable specificity but cannot be relied upon as sole indicator. Combination of normal immature to total neutrophil Ratio with negative CRP values in neonates with presumed sepsis is an indicator of non-infected neonate which comprised 78.8% of our study population

Grand multiparity and maternal outcome in absence of adequate antenatal care

Objective: To find out the effect of grand multiparity on maternal outcome in absence of adequate antenatal care

Methodology: All un-booked grand multipara with singleton pregnancy at term admitted to Gynae A Unit, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar were included in the study. Cross sectional study was carried out from 1st June 2012 to 1st Dec 2012. Assessment was done by detailed history, general physical examination, per-abdominal and per-vaginal examination and by obstetrical ultrasound. Mothers were assessed for antenatal and obstetrical complications, mode of delivery and post-partum complications

Results: A total of 50 patients were included in the study. Regarding antenatal complications 6[12%] patients had anemia, 2[4%] had pregnancy induced hypertension, 4[8%] had pre-eclampsia, 2[4%] had eclampsia and 36[72%] didn't had complications. Regarding obstetrical complications 3[6%] patients had placenta previa, 3[6%] had placental abruption, 7[14%] had mal presentation, 3[6%] had obstructed labor and 34[68%] didn't had complications. Regarding post partum complications 5[10%] patients had post partum hemorrhage due to uterine atony, 4[8%] had post partum hemorrhage due to retained placenta, 2[4%] had perineal tears, 3[6%] had subtotal hysterectomy and 36[72%] didn't had complications

Conclusion: In the absence of adequate antenatal care, there was increased likelihood of perinatal complications in grand multiparous women

Prevention of CCl[4] induced hypogonadism with Raphanus sativus seeds in rat

Raphanus sativus seeds are used as condiment and to treat hypogonadism, various ailments of liver and kidneys. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effects of methanol extract of R. sativus seeds [RSME] against hypogonadism induced with carbon tetrachloride [CCl[4]] in Sprague-Dawley male rats. Thirty six rats were divided in to six groups with six animals in each. Animals of Group I were control and treated with saline, Group II, III and IV were given orally CCl[4] [1 ml/kg bw; 10% in corn oil]. Rats of Group III and IV were also simultaneously given RSME at 100 mg/kg bw and 200 mg/kg bw respectively. However, Group V and VI received RSME [100; 200 mg/kg bw, respectively] alone. All treatments were given at alternate days for 15 days. Treatment of CCl[4] to rats decreased [P < 0.001] the level of CAT, POD, SOD, GST, GSH-Px and GSR antioxidant enzymes in testes of rat. Concentration of lipid peroxides [TBARS] was increased [P < 0.001] whereas concentration of GSH was decreased [P < 0.001] in testes of CCl[4] treated animals. Concentration of testosterone, FSH and LH in serum was decreased [P < 0.001] while the level of estradiol and prolactin was increased [P < 0.001] in CCl[4] treated rats. Injuries in seminiferous tubules were determined in histopathology of testes. Administration of RSME, dose dependently, markedly ameliorated the oxidative stress of CCl[4] thereby restoring the level of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxides, reduced glutathione, male hormones and alterations in histopathology

Pistacia chinensis: Strong antioxidant and potent testicular toxicity amelioration agent

OBJECTIVES@#To evaluate in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potency of Pistacia chinensis (P. chinensis) bark and leaves extracts along with its protective role against CCl induced toxicity in testis of the rat.@*METHODS@#Various in vitro models such as DPPH, ABTS, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, hydroxyl and nitric oxide scavenging activities, anti-lipid peroxidation activity, phospho-molybdenum activity, β carotene bleaching assay was used for analysis of antioxidant potential. Experimental groups for in vivo study were: Group Ⅰ (control) untreated, Group Ⅱ (Vehicle control), Group Ⅲ (1 mL/kg b.w 30% CCl), Group Ⅳ (1 mL/kg b.w CCl + Silymarin), Group Ⅴ (200 mg/kg b.w PCBE + CCl), Group Ⅵ (400 mg/kg b.w PCBE + CCl) and Group Ⅶ (400 mg/kg b.w PCBE alone).@*RESULTS@#In vitro antioxidant assays displayed significant results and the highest activity was not specified to a specific extract. However, ethyl acetate extract of bark (PCBE) showed highest results in most of the antioxidant assays i.e. beta-carotene bleaching, hydroxyl radical scavenging, ABTS, lipid peroxidation and superoxide radical scavenging activity. On this base, this fraction was selected for in vivo antioxidant experiment. Testis tissues were analyzed to observe the protective effects of PCBE on antioxidant enzymes; catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and quinone reductase activities and glutathione (GSH) as well as nitrite content. Profile of plasma testosterone was also compared to various treatments. Observation suggests a protective role of P. chinensis against CCl induced toxicity.@*CONCLUSIONS@#It is concluded that some bioactive antioxidants of P. chinensis bark might be a good source to isolate the potent antioxidant components.

Pistacia chinensis: Strong antioxidant and potent testicular toxicity amelioration agent

Objectives To evaluate in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potency of Pistacia chinensis (P. chinensis) bark and leaves extracts along with its protective role against CCl

Significance of Immunohistochemistry in Accurate Characterisation of Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Background: Hodgkin lymphomas are malignant disorders of cells residing in lymphoid tissue and containing Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells and its variants and account for about 0.7% of all new cancers. Hodgkin lymphomas are two types: Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) that is CD30 positive and CD45 negative in specific pattern; Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (LPHL) that is CD30 negative and CD45 positive in specific pattern. Objective: To evaluate the value of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis and accurate characterisation of Hodgkin lymphoma. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the department of Pathology of Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Dhaka from January 2010 to June 2012. Histopathologically diagnosed 45 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma and 5 cases of other than Hodgkin lymphoma were selected and then immunomarkers CD30 and CD45 were applied. Results: Among 50 cases 37 were classical Hodgkin lymphoma and 8 cases were lymphocytepredominant Hodgkin lymphoma histopathologically. When immunomarkers were applied in 50 cases then 33 cases were classical Hodgkin lymphoma and 9 cases were lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry helped in accurate characterisation of Hodgkin lymphoma.

G6PD deficiency; glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency; the case for mass screening in Pakistan

Hyperbilirubinemia due to glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency can cause permanent neurological damage and death in neonates. Screening for the enzyme enables timely diagnosis and treatment in cases of G6PD related kernicterus. Knowledge of patient G6PD status is also important in treatment of malaria, a disease endemic in Pakistan. World Health Organization recommends mandatoryuse of primaquine for radical cure and eradication of malaria. Since, Primaquine, causes hemolysis in G6PD deficient cases, widespread adoption of the drug is viewed with caution. This study assessed frequency of G6PD deficiency in Pakistani noenates and examines the need for its screening based on local disease prevalence and malaria endemicity. A cross sectional study was carried at Hematology Department, Army Medical College [MUST], in collaboration with Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.[January - August, 2011]. The frequency of G6PD deficiency in newborn population was determined by quantitative [spectrophotometric] method. Cord blood [2.5 ml blood in K3EDTA bottle] samples were obtained from 240 newborns [male: female 1.2:1] after informed consent from parents. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS Windows version 17. Frequency of G6PD deficient cases was 4.2%. Among the ten G6PD deficient patients, six had severe enzyme deficiency [<10% enzyme activity]. The local prevalence of G6PD deficiency and its potential complications qualify it as a disease that must be screened for. Also, prior knowledge of patient G6PD status enables the physician to revert to modified treatment regimen for malaria only in enzyme deficient cases and not otherwise

Mode of delivery and fetal outcome in patients with prolonged pregnancy undergoing elective induction at 41 and 41+ weeks

Objective: to determine mode of delivery and fetal outcome in patients with prolonged pregnancy undergoing elective induction at 41 and 41+ weeks

Methodology: this study was carried out on 150 patients at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit "A" Postgraduate Medical Institute Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar. All singleton uncomplicated pregnancies with vertex presentation at 41 weeks and above admitted at ward were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were strictly followed. Gestational age was cal-culated by last menstrual period [LMP] or from first trimester scan. All women with 41 and 41+ week's gestation were offered induction. All the information including neonatal notes was recorded

Results: among 150 patients 135 [90%] were induced with tablet prostaglandin E[2] and 15 [10%] were induced with prostaglandin E[2] gel. Among 150 patients 76 [51%] patient were primigravida, 61 [40%] patient were multigravida and 13 [9%] patient were grand multigravida. 114 [76%] patients had spontaneous vaginal delivery, 14 [9%] patients had vacuum vaginal delivery and 22 [15%] patients had caesarean section. 134 [89%] babies had APGAR Score >7 and 16 [11%] babies had score <7. 13 [9%] babies had birth weight <3kg, 125 [83%] had 3-3.9kg, 10 [7%] had 4-4.4kg and 2 [1%] had more than 4.5kg. Only 3 [2%] babies were admitted to NICU

Conclusion: it can be stated that most of patients undergoing induction of labour at 41 weeks and 41+ weeks gestation delivered by normal vaginal delivery had good fetal outcome

metabolic syndrome and inflammation: role of insulin resistance and increased adiposity

We sought to determine the role of obesity and insulin resistance [IR] in the pathogenesis of inflammation in metabolic syndrome [MetS]. Our study included 100 patients with MetS and 100 age and gender matched control patients who attended a tertiary care laboratory in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Anthropometric data was obtained including height and weight to calculate body mass index. A record of patient's blood pressure [BP], waist circumference [WC] and hip circumference [HC] was made. Biochemical analysis included measurements of fasting glucose, triglycerides [TG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c], insulin, and high-sensitivity C reactive protein [hsCRP]. IR was determined by the homeostasis mode assessment insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] method. The levels of hs-CRP were found to be elevated in all patients with MetS where it correlated significantly with all its components including measures of obesity, fasting insulin and glucose levels, IR, TG and HDL-c. However, on linear regression analysis only WC, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR remained significantly correlated with hs-CRP. MetS is a condition characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, which arises because of increased abdominal adiposity and IR. Large multicenter studies are needed to gain insight into its pathogenesis and derive treatment strategies

Midstream urine isolates: sensitivity pattern of various antibiotics in pediatric patients

The objectives of the study was to determine different microorganisms responsible for causing urinary tract infections UTI in children and to evaluate sensitivity and resistance pattern of different antibiotics used in UTIs. Study was conducted in Children Hospital Complex [CHCM], Multan, Pakistan. Total 125 children having UTI were taken to determine the antibiotic sensitivity and resistance pattern against microorganisms causing urinary tract infections in children. The urine samples were collected in urine bottles and smears were made within 2 hours of sample collection. Urine sample was inoculated on agar media and then incubated for 24 hours. A smear was prepared on a slide form culture of microorganisms and gram testing was conducted. The microorganisms were then characterized by use of API [Analytical Profile Index] MICROBACT TM 24E of Oxoid England. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing of various antibiotics was performed by disc diffusion method. The percentage of Gram +ve bacteria causing urinary tract infections in children was 28%, Gram -ve 62.4% and Yeast 9.6%. The most prevailing species are S. aureus, S. epidermidis and E.coli. Results showed that female children are more prone to UTI than male children. Norfloxacin is effective in S. Aureus UTI while cefaclor is effective in S.epidermidis UTI. Amikacin, Norfloxacin and Cefuroxime are effective in UTI caused by E.coli

Protective effect of Cucurbita pepo fruit peel against CCl[4] induced neurotoxicity in rat

Cucurbita pepo is a common vegetable used all over the world. In folk medicine it is used in gastroenteritis, hepatorenal and in brain anomalies. In the present study, protective effect of Cucurbita pepo fruit peel against CCl[4]- induced neurotoxicity in rats was investigated. In this study, 36 Sprague-Dawley female rats [190 +/- 15 g] were randomly divided into 6 groups of 6 rats each. Group I was given 1 ml/kg bw [body weight] of corn oil intraperotoneally [i.p]; Group II, III and IV were treated with 20% CCl[4] in corn oil [1 ml/kg bw i.p.]. However, animals of Group III and IV were also treated with CPME [methanol extract of C. pepo fruit peel] at 200 and 400 mg/kg bw respectively. Animals of Group V and VI were administered only with CPME at 200 and 400 mg/kg bw respectively. These treatments were administered 3 days a week for two weeks. Administration of CCl[4] cause acute neurotoxicity as depicted by significant depletion [P<0.05] in the activities of antioxidant enzymes; catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, quinone reductase, while enhanced the gamma-glutamyl transferase level in brain samples. CCl[4] intoxication decreased the reduced glutathione [GSH] level whereas markedly [P<0.05] enhanced lipid peroxidation in brain samples. Co-treatment of CPME significantly [P<0.05] protected the brain tissues against CCl[4] constituted injuries by restoring activities of antioxidant enzymes and ameliorated lipid peroxidation in a dose dependent fashion. These neuroprotective effects might be due to the presence of antioxidant constituents

Protective effects of Sonchus asper [L.] against KBrO[3]-induced oxidative stress in rat testis

Sonchus asper is used traditionally in the treatment of kidney inflammation, hormonal imbalance and impotency. Sonchus asper methanolic extract [SAME] was investigated for its possible preventive effect against potassium bromate [KBrO[3]] induced oxidative damages in male rats using biochemical, molecular and histopathological markers in this study. 5 groups, each group of 6 rats were taken kept under standard conditions. Group 1 remained untreated while Group II was given 20 mg/kg KBrO[3] orally [in aqueous saline] and Group III, and IV were treated with 100; 200 mg/kg b.w., of SAME after 48 h of KBrO[3] treatment. KBrO[3] administration in rats significantly altered [P<0.01] the serum level of reproductive hormones, activities of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione contents [GSH], which was significantly reversed P<0.001] by co-treatment of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg b.w., SAME. Administration of SAME in rats also significantly P<0.001] reversed the lipid peroxidation induced by KBrO[3] in rats, which could be due to the presence of some plant bioactive constituents

impact of training interventions on women development: a report from Balochistan

The study was carried out to assess the impact of the major activities of the project on women beneficiaries. In all 63 women on six schemes were interviewed by using a questionnaire. The respondents mostly belonging to the age group of 25-40 have been divided into owner, cultivator and tenants preferably of equal weight. The women were found to be benefiting from the Potable Water Supply PWS, providing them clean drinking water within the house compound. The PWS caused reduction in their work load and the spare time availed is being utilized for other productive purposes and enabling them to create hygienic situation through more water use by the households. The women have also more or less, benefited from the health and Hygiene training where on average the children, women and houses look cleaner than before and water related diseases have decreased on average. The impact of training on malaria was assessed mainly through determining the incidence of malaria which indicates that on average, the incidence has lowered slightly but the knowledge gained by women is the most important benefit accrued. The kitchen gardening training has little impact mainly because of drought. The safe handling of agro chemicals practice trained for has been adopted by women to a greater extent while the grain storage type of practice has not been given much attention as the women on schemes do not realize it a major issue. Though rigorous efforts have been undertaken in terms of women activities in the scheme areas by the project yet the impact on women could be seen more on the knowledge side, gained through training but on adoption side, to cross the psychological barrier requiring trust and confidence built over time, the results are modest. The women could have improved to a satisfactory level provided ample time could have been spent by the project staff to guide, motivate, involve them and sense of ownership created within them. The women within the male dominated society could not develop strength in their voice to influence male counterparts in development process. However, a realization to both male and female has been given about the importance of women involvement in development process but the process thus initiated has been left half way due to the phasing out of the project from the area leaving the women to be on the mercy of the tribal set up in future too

Prevention of CCL[4]-induced oxidative damage in adrenal gland by digera murica ta extract in rat

Digera muricata [L.] Mart, is a weed and commonly found in waste places, road sides and in maize fields during the summer season. It possesses antioxidant capacity and is locally used for various disorders such as inflammation, urination, as refrigerant, aperient and in sexual anomalies. In this study antioxidant potential of Digera muricata methanol extract [DMME] and n-hexane extract [DMHE] was evaluated against CCl[4]-induced oxidative stress in adrenal gland of Sprague-Dawley male rats. 42 rats were equally divided into 7 groups of 6 rats in each. Group I remained untreated, while Group II treated with vehicles. Group III received only CC1[4] [1 ml/kg b.w., 10% in olive oil] once a week for 16 weeks. Group IV and VI received DMME and DMHE at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. along with CC1[4]. Animals of Group V and VII administered with DMME and DMHE alone at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. once a week for 16 weeks. Lipid peroxidation significantly increased while activities of antioxidant enzymes [CAT, SOD, GST, GSR and GSH-Px] were reduced in adrenal gland samples by the administration of CC14. Glutathione [GSH] concentration was significantly decreased whereas DNA fragmentation% and AgNORs count was increased in adrenal gland by CC1[4] administration. Treatment of rat by both the extracts [DMME, DMHE] and CC1[4] increased the glutathione level and activities of antioxidant enzymes while reduced the lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation percent and AgNORs count in adrenal gland. These results indicate that Digera muricata extract is able to ameliorate oxidative stress in adrenal gland induced by CC1[4] in rat

The Prevalence Of Hypertension And Its Associated Risk Factors In Two Rural Communities In Penang, Malaysia

Background: Hypertension is estimated to cause 4.5% of the global disease burden. The prevalence of hypertension in Malaysia is 32.2%. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors in two rural communities in Penang, Malaysia. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among all consenting residents aged 18 years and above from two villages in Penang. Besides the baseline demographic information, blood pressure was measured using a manual sphygmomanometer according to the American Heart Association Guidelines. Results: 50 out of 168 people were hypertensive, giving a prevalence rate of 29.8%. 50.0% of those found with hypertension were undiagnosed and 48.0% of those who were diagnosed with hypertension had uncontrolled blood pressure. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, history of alcohol consumption and BMI were found to be independently associated with hypertension. Conclusions: Age, education level, alcohol consumption and BMI are important risk factors associated with the prevalence of hypertension among the villagers. These risk factors are comparable to those reported in National Health and Morbidity Survery 2006 in Malaysia.

Association and pattern of diastolic dysfunction in patients of metabolic syndrome

Diastolic dysfunction is important predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients with metabolic syndrome. This prospective study is to evaluate an association and pattern of diastolic dysfunction in patients of metabolic syndrome in our population. This cross-sectional study was performed at Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology Rawalpindi for a period of 6 months from 20[th] November 2007 to 20[th] April 2008. One hundred eligible and consenting patients having metabolic syndrome reporting in the OPD were registered. Inclusion criteria included patients of metabolic syndrome with negative ETT and normal systolic function. Exclusion criteria were patients with age above 60 years and valvular heart disease. Data was collected by a structured clinical interview with a physician, ECG and a transthoracic M-mode, 2D and TDI echocardiogram. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to International Diabetes Federation. There was a positive association between the degree of the metabolic syndrome-assessed as number of concurrently present components-and parameters of cardiac structure and function, with a consistent and statistically significant trend for all cardiac variables considered [p=0.000]. There was also a positive association between each parameter and the cardiac diastolic dysfunction grading, e.g., systolic blood pressure [p=0.000], diastolic blood pressure [p=0.005], waist circumference [p=0.004], fasting blood sugar [p=0.008], triglycerides [p=0.006], HDL cholesterol [p=0.001]. Several cardiac functional abnormalities regardless of symptoms increased progressively with increasing degree of metabolic syndrome