Serum concentration of zinc in healthy pregnant women versus pre-eclamptic pregnant women: a case control study in Lahore, Pakistan

Objective: To find out serum zinc level in healthy pregnant women and pre-eclemptic pregnant women

Study Design: Ramdomized controlled trial study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Department of Pathology, Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore and at Lahore College for Women University, Lahore from March 2015 to September 2015

Materials and Methods: Size of sample was determined statistically by using table and119 [102 experimental group[51 pre-eclamptic pregnant women and 51 normal pregnant women] and 17 control group] blood samples were collected randomly

Results: The average zinc concentration in healthy pregnant group was found 1.44 +/- 0.14 mg/l as compared to pre- eclamptic pregnant group 0.25 +/- 0.02 mg/l. In pregnant women average zinc concentration was found to be decreasing with trimester. The average systolic blood pressure in healthy pregnant women was 113.83 +/- 1.74 mm/Hg as compared to the pre-eclamptic pregnant women was 145.34 +/- 1.68 mm/Hg. Average diastolic blood pressure in healthy pregnant women, was found 75.23 +/- 1.46 mm/Hg as compared to pre-eclamptic pregnant women, which was 92.76 +/- 1.80 mm/Hg

Conclusion: Zinc level in the blood serum of pre-eclamptic pregnant women was found lower as compared to healthy pregnant women. Low blood serum zinc level is associated with the elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure also

Analysis of insect toxicity and repellent activity of phytochemicals from [Skimmia laureola, Nair] against [Black garden ant, Lasius niger] of Pakistan

A study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity and repellency of essential oils from root, stem and leaves of Nazar panra, Skimmia laureola [DC.] Zucc. Ex Walp. of family [Sapindales: Rutaceae] ver. Nair of Pakistan. The oils were tested at three concentrations i.e. 1, 5 and 10Black garden ant, Lasius niger L. [Hymenoptera: Formicidae] of Pakistan were selected and exposed to essential oils at room temperature. All essential oils showed Insecticidal activity with LC50=10.15, while dose dependant effect was significant with R2=0.98. It can be concluded that the three Essential oils in this study have both Insecticidal as well as repellent effect