Tylophora hirsuta L. leaf extract attenuates alloxan-induced diabetes in mice by suppressing oxidative stress and α-Amylase

Objective: To evaluate the antidiabetic potential of leaf extracts of Tylophora hirsuta (T. hirsuta). Methods: The methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of T. hirsuta leaves were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography. In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by ferric ion reduction, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging methods. In vitro alpha amylase (α-Amylase) inhibitory activity of the plant extracts was assessed. In vivo antidiabetic potential was determined in alloxan-induced diabetic mice to assess glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), oral glucose tolerance, serum amylase, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and body weight. Histopathological lesions of the pancreas, liver and kidney were observed. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase were also determined. Results: Quercetin, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, and m-coumaric acid were found in the plant extracts. The methanolic plant extract exhibited higher in vitro antioxidant activities than the ethyl acetate extract. Moreover, methanolic plant extract exhibited (83.90±1.56)% α-Amylase inhibitory activity at 3.2 mg/ mL concentration. Animal study showed that the methanolic extract of T. hirsuta improved the levels of fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, serum α-Amylase, lipid profile, liver function biomarkers, and kidney functions of diabetic mice. Moreover, the methanolic extract ameliorated diabetes-related oxidative stress by increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and decreasing peroxidase and malondialdehyde levels. Histopathological examination showed that the plant extract had improved the integrity of pancreatic islets of Langerhans and reduced the pathological lesions in the liver and kidney of diabetic mice. Conclusions: The methanolic extract of T. hirsuta exhibits pronounced antidiabetic activity in mice through reduction of oxidative stress. The plant extract has several natural antioxidants such as phenolic acids. T. hirsuta extract could serve as a nutraceutical for managing diabetes mellitus.

Tylophora hirsuta L. leaf extract attenuates alloxan-induced diabetes in mice by suppressing oxidative stress and α-Amylase

Objective: To evaluate the antidiabetic potential of leaf extracts of Tylophora hirsuta (T. hirsuta). Methods: The methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of T. hirsuta leaves were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography. In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by ferric ion reduction, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging methods. In vitro alpha amylase (α-Amylase) inhibitory activity of the plant extracts was assessed. In vivo antidiabetic potential was determined in alloxan-induced diabetic mice to assess glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), oral glucose tolerance, serum amylase, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and body weight. Histopathological lesions of the pancreas, liver and kidney were observed. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase were also determined. Results: Quercetin, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, and m-coumaric acid were found in the plant extracts. The methanolic plant extract exhibited higher in vitro antioxidant activities than the ethyl acetate extract. Moreover, methanolic plant extract exhibited (83.90±1.56)% α-Amylase inhibitory activity at 3.2 mg/ mL concentration. Animal study showed that the methanolic extract of T. hirsuta improved the levels of fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, serum α-Amylase, lipid profile, liver function biomarkers, and kidney functions of diabetic mice. Moreover, the methanolic extract ameliorated diabetes-related oxidative stress by increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and decreasing peroxidase and malondialdehyde levels. Histopathological examination showed that the plant extract had improved the integrity of pancreatic islets of Langerhans and reduced the pathological lesions in the liver and kidney of diabetic mice. Conclusions: The methanolic extract of T. hirsuta exhibits pronounced antidiabetic activity in mice through reduction of oxidative stress. The plant extract has several natural antioxidants such as phenolic acids. T. hirsuta extract could serve as a nutraceutical for managing diabetes mellitus.

The effective transfection of a low dose of negatively charged drug-loaded DNA-nanocarriers into cancer cells via scavenger receptors / 药物分析学报

DNA-nanotechnology-based nano-architecture scaffolds based on circular strands were designed in the form of DNA-nanowires(DNA-NWs)as a polymer of DNA-triangles.Circularizing a scaffold strand(84-NT)was the critical step followed by annealing with various staple strands to make stiff DNA-triangles.Atomic force microcopy(AFM),native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(PAGE),UV-analysis,MTT-assay,flow cytometry,and confocal imaging were performed to assess the formulated DNA-NWs and cisplatin(CPT)loading.The AFM and confocal microscopy images revealed a uniform shape and size distribution of the DNA-NWs,with lengths ranging from 2 to 4 μm and diameters ranging from 150 to 300 nm.One sharp band at the top of the lane(500 bp level)with the loss of electrophoretic mobility during the PAGE(native)gel analysis revealed the successful fabrication of DNA-NWs.The loading efficiency of CPT ranged from 66.85％to 97.35％.MTT and flow cytometry results showed biocompatibility of the blank DNA-NWs even at 95％concentration compared with the CPT-loaded DNA-NWs.The CPT-loaded DNA-NWs exhibited enhanced apoptosis(22％)compared to the apoptosis(7％)induced by the blank DNA-NWs.The release of CPT from the DNA-NWs was sustained at＜75％for 6 h in the presence of serum,demonstrating suitability for systemic applications.The IC50 of CPT@DNA-NWs was reduced to 12.8 nM CPT,as compared with the free CPT solution exhibiting an IC50 of 51.2 nM.Confocal imaging revealed the targetability,surface binding,and slow internalization of the DNA-NWs in the scavenger-receptor-rich cancer cell line(HepG2)compared with the control cell line.

Metabolite profiling and antidiabetic attributes of ultrasonicated leaf extracts of Conocarpus lancifolius

Objective: To profile the secondary metabolites and to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of hydroethanolic leaf extracts of Conocarpus lancifolius. Methods: The various hydroethanolic extracts of Conocarpus lancifolius leaf were prepared by ultrasonication assisted freeze-drying. Total phenolic contents, flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitions of leaf extracts were determined. The metabolite profiling was accomplished by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. The antidiabetic assessment of the most potent extract was carried out by measuring the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect in the high fat diet-fed diabetic albino mice. The blood glucose level, haemoglobin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) were determined. Results: The 60% ethanolic extract exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents of (349.39 ± 2.13) mg GAE/g dry extract and (116.95 ± 2.34) mg RE/g dry extracts, respectively, and the highest DPPH scavenging activity with an IC50 value of (32.87 ± 1.11) μg/mL. The IC50 values for α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitions were (38.64 ± 0.93) μg/mL and (44.80 ± 1.57) μg/mL, respectively. UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis confirmed the presence of gallic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin, kaempherol-3-O-rutinoside, caffeic acid derivative, isorhamnetin and galloyl derivatives in the 60% ethanolic extract. Plant extract at a dose of 450 mg/kg body weight reduced blood glucose level, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL, and increased haemoglobin in alloxan-induced diabetic mice, Conclusions: Conocarpus lancifolius leaves are proved as a good source of biologically functional metabolites and possess antidiabetic activity which may be further explored to treat diabetes.

Chemical characterization, docking studies, anti-arthritic activity and acute oral toxicity of Convolvulus arvensis L. leaves

Objective: To evaluate acute oral toxicity and anti-arthritic activity of the methanolic extract of Convolvulus arvensis L. leaves. Methods: Safety was assessed by acute oral toxicity (OECD 425) study. Anti-arthritic activity was explored by in vitro (inhibition of protein denaturation) and in vivo (Complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis and carrageenan-induced inflammation) methods. Antioxidant potential was determined by assessing ferric reducing power, DPPH inhibition, and H

Seasonal variation of acute appendicitis

Objective: To determine the seasonal variation of acute appendicitis

Methods: A total of 320 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after getting the written informed consent. Appendectomies were performed by consultant surgeons and residents. After surgery histopathological examination of specimens was performed by consultant Histopathologists at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi and CMH Peshawar. The patients presenting in different four seasons September to November as autumn, December to February as winter, March to May as spring, June to August as summer, were compared to determine seasonal variations

Results: In our study out of all 320 patients 188 [58.75%] were males and 132 [41.25%] were females. Sixty patients [18.75%] presented in autumn season [Sep-Nov], 52 patients [16.25%] in winter season [Dec-Feb], 78 [24.25%] patients in Spring season [Mar-May].130 [40.62%] patients presented in Summer season [Jun-Aug]. There was almost 24.37% increased incidence in summer as compared to winter season, 21.87% increased incidence as compared to autumn season, 16.37% increased incidence as compared to spring season

Conclusion: Acute appendicitis incidence is increased in summer months in Pakistan. Preventive measures can be taken during summer season [June to Aug] to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with this disease

Comparison of lateral anal sphincterotomy with 0.2% GTN in chronic anal fissure

Objective: To compare fissure healing and complications in chronic anal fissure with use of lateral anal sphicterotomy and 0.2% GTN. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi and Combined Military Hospital Kohat over a period of 15 months

Material and Methods: Chronic anal fissure was treated with use of lateral anal sphicterotomy after admission to surgical ward and by application of 0.2% glyceryltrinatrate as an outdoor case on 202 patients over a period of 15 months. Sample size was calculated by sample size calculator. Pain was measured using visual analog scale and incontinence to flatus and faeces was inquired from the patients. All cases were called for regular follow up visits but 10 patients failed to report back. Informed written consent was taken from each patient. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed. Analysis was done by SPSS version 13 and Chi Square test was applied

Results: Total 202 patients were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups of 101 patients each using random numbers table. Both GTN and sphincterotomy groups revealed significant, but comparable results. Pain relief, fissure healing and incontinence were significantly higher in group B [Lateral anal sphincterotomy] as compared to group A [0.2% GTN]. At the end of 8th week pain relief and incontinence became comparable between both the groups but fissure healing remain significantly higher in group B as compared to group A

Conclusion: GTN when applied to patients produces comparable results if used in long term i.e. eight weeks. It produces adequate symptomatic control and healing of the anal fissures and can be considered equivalent to and one of the recommended treatment options along with lateral anal sphincterotomy in treatment of chronic anal fissure if use for more than 8 weeks. Lateral anal sphincterotomy gives early resolution of symptoms and healing

Frequency of infection after immediate intramedullary nailing versus external fixator in open tibial shaft fractures

Objective: The purpose of this study was to have a comparison of frequency of infection between two procedures i.e immediate intramedullary nailing and external fixation in the treatment of type II open fracture of shaft of tibia

Study Design: The study design was a randomized controlled trial

Place and Duration of Study: The study was done at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore over 1-year period from January 2017 through December 2017

Methodology: This included 40 patients of both genders aged between 19-51 years with type II [Gustilo and Anderson] open fracture of shaft of tibia. These patients were randomly divided in two groups with draw methods with AandB Groups. The patients who were put in group A were treated with External fixator with two half pins on either side of the fracture and patients with Group B allocation were treated with intramedullary nailing. The Frequency of infection was noted and compared between two groups in first 4 weeks after injury. Before including each patient in study a written informed consent was taken

Results: The age of the patients ranged from 19 years to 51 years. There were 32 [80.0%] male and 8 [20.0%] female patients in the study cohort with a male to female ratio of 4:1. Infection was observed in 3 [7.5%] patients. The frequency of infection with IM nail was lower than that of external fixator [5.0% vs. 10.0%; p=0.759]. Similar insignificant difference was observed across various age and gender groups

Conclusion: Frequency of infection was lower in intramedullary nailing group as compared to external fixation group so immediate intramedullary nailing is preferred method in type II open tibial fractures

Agreement between Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction studies in assesment of severity of Carpal Tunnel syndrome

Objective: To determine the agreement between ultrasonography and nerve conduction studies in the assessment of severity of carpal tunnel syndrome

Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at Radiology Department Combined Military Hospital Lahore, from Aug 2014 to Feb 2015

Material and Methods: Cases were selected from the Rehabilitation Medicine OPD of Combined Military Hospital Lahore. Total 130 cases of NCS positive carpal tunnel syndrome were included in the study selected on non probability convenience sampling technique. Ultrasound of wrist was conducted and results compared with nerve conduction study findings. Measurements were taken for the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet proximally. Patients were distributed in mild, moderate and severe grades according to ultrasound and nerve conduction studies. Agreement was determined using statistical analysis. Data entry and analysis was done by using SPSS version 20

Results: The average percentage of agreement between Ultrasound wrist and nerve conduction studies for assessment of severity of carpel tunnel syndrome is 63.4 percent.

Conclusion: Ultrasound is an additional noninvasive modality for assessment of severity of carpal tunnel syndrome having results comparable to nerve conduction studies

Accuracy of Ca-125 concentration as predictor of peritoneal dissemination of colo-rectal carcinoma

Objective: To determine the association of CA-125 levels with the peritoneal dissemination among the patients of colo-rectal carcinoma at a tertiary care surgical oncology unit of Pakistan

Study Design: Observational study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Surgical Oncology, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi. Duration of ten months, from Jan 2018 to Oct 2018

Patients and Methods: A total of 83 cases of colorectal carcinoma were included in the study, which were diagnosed by consultant oncologist after relevant histological and radiological investigations. Peritoneal dissemination was confirmed during the surgery. CA-125 levels were assessed before the surgery and cut off of 35U/mL was used. Relationship of age, gender, raised CA-125, tumor metastasis and tumor differentiation was assessed with the presence of peritoneal dissemination among the patients suffering from colo-rectal cancer

Results: Fifty nine patients were males and 24 were females. Mean age of the patients was 51.17 [+/-3.395]. Out of 83 patients of colo-rectal cancer, 37.3 percent showed the presence of peritoneal dissemination while 62.7 percent had no peritoneal dissemination at the time of surgery. Forty one patients had raised levels of CA-125 while 42 had levels within the normal range. After applying the logistic regression we found that raised levels of CA-125 and metastatic illness had significant association with the presence of peritoneal dissemination among the patients of colo-rectal cancer

Conclusion: CA-125 concentration emerged as a strong predictor of peritoneal dissemination of colo-rectal cancer in our study analysis. Routine checking of levels of this marker among the patients of Colon cancer may help in early recognition of the advancement of disease and help the surgical oncologists to manage it in a more effective way

Folic acid effect on artemether-induced cardiac anomalies in mice embryos

Objective: To determine the role of folic acid in preventing the adverse effects of artemether, on fetal heart in Albino mice

Study Design: Experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, from July 2011 to January 2012

Methodology: Eighteen pregnant Albino mice were randomly divided into three groups A, B, and C of six mice each. The control group A was treated with intramuscular injection of solvent arachis oil 10.7 mg/kg, group B was given intramuscular injection of artemether 10.7 mg/kg, and group C was given intramuscular injection of artemether 10.7 mg/kg and folic acid 4.93 mg/kg, dissolved in 0.1 ml. of distilled water orally, from 6th to 10th day of pregnancy. On 18th gestational day, the mice were sacrificed, and dissected to deliver live fetuses of group A [n=46], group B [n=16], and group C [n=20] were delivered. After dissection of the fetuses, the hearts were isolated and fixed in 10% formalin and processed in a usual way for histological examination with the light microscope after H and E staining, using X4, X10, and X40 objectives. The sections were evaluated for presence of septal defects, thickness of ventricular and atrial septa was calculated by micrometery. For statistical analysis, SPSS version 18 was used

Results: Post-Hoc Tukey's test indicated statistically significant difference in mean atrial septal thickness between groups A and B [p < 0.001], groups B and C [p=0.015], and insignificant difference between groups A and C [p=0.178]. There was statistically significant thinning of ventricular septa between groups A and B [p < 0.001], groups B and C [p < 0.001], and groups A and C [p < 0.001]

Conclusion: Folic acid protected the toxic effects of artemether on the development of heart

Vocal cord paralysis: what matters between idiopathic and nonidiopathic cases?

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with idiopathic and non-idiopathic vocal cord paralysis [VCP]

Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of ENT Combined Military Hospital Quetta and Rawalpindi, from 10 Dec 2012 to 31 Dec 2015

Material and Methods: The study was a descriptive cross sectional study. The study was conducted after approval by the ethical committee. Patients with fixed vocal cords due to some growth of glottic region were enrolled. All the patients presenting with hoarseness of voice in ENT outpatient department CMH Quetta and Rawalpindi undergoing indirect laryngoscopy and the patients with vocal cord paralysis were selected. Informed written consent was taken and gender, age, name, hospital record number, address and phone number of each individual was noted. Every patient was evaluated by detailed history and thorough clinical examination. Patients were not investigated further if cause were revealed after some investigation. Follow-up of patients was done regularly in ENT OPD. CT scans/US neck was done by radiologist and FNAC/biopsy was reported by histopathologist. Data collected were recorded on proforma

Results: In our study, out of 245 cases, 47.76% [n=117] were 16-40 years old and 52.24% [n=128] were 41-80 years, mean +/- SD was calculated as 41.23 +/- 11.25 years, 45.71% [n=112] male and 54.29% [n=133] were females. Frequency of causes of vocal cord paralysis was recorded as 15.92% [n=39] for idiopathic, 46.53% [n=114] had iatrogenic, 33.06% [n=81] had malignant neoplasm while 4.49% [n=11] had radiation

Conclusion: Vocal cord paralysis is a common clinical condition with substantial morbidity. Awareness on the clinical characteristics and identification of the underlying etiology are keystones for foreseeing complications and determining the required therapeutic modality

Nigella sativa [prophetic medicine]: a review

The present report is a significant effort to explore detail description of N. Sativa, its pharmacognostic characteristics, morphological characteristics, and mechanism of actions, doses and medicinal uses. Nigella sativa [N. Sativa] is greatest form of healing medicine. It is also known as Prophetic Medicine as its use has been mentioned in Prophetic Hadit, as natural remedy for all the diseases except death. It is recommended on daily basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi [Prophetic Medicine]. Hazrat Abu Hurairah States ''I have heard from Rasool Allah [PBUH] that there is cure for every disease in black seeds except death and black seeds are shooneeze''. Salim Bin Abdullah narrates with reference to his father Hazrat Abdullah Bin Omar that Rasool Allah [PBUH] said, 'Let all the black seed upon you, these contain cure of all diseases except death'. N. sativa claimed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, gastro-protective and other useful properties. Biological and pharmacological effects are attributed to its two important constituents Thymoquinone [TQ] and Nigella sativa oil [NSO]. TQ has interaction with human serum albumin. Seeds containing volatile oils mainly Melanthin showed toxicity at larger doses. This report is a reference for all pharmaceutical researchers, physicians and biologists researching on N.Sativa and will open a door towards novel agent

Analysis of identifiable risk factors precipitating acute encephalopathy in chronic liver disease, at PNS Shifa Karachi

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy is one of the most debilitating manifestations and frequent complication in patients suffering from chronic liver disease

Objective: To determine the frequency of identifiable risk factors precipitating hepatic encephalopathy in patients with chronic liver disease, at PNS Shifa Karachi and their correlation with grades of hepatic encephalopathy, length of hospital stay and mortality. Study Design: It was a cross sectional study Period: 24 Oct 2014 to 31 Aug 2015

Methods: during which 96 patients of clinically diagnosed hepatic encephalopathy associated with CLD were enrolled. Hepatic encephalopathy was graded and precipitating factors identified based on history, clinical examination and relevant laboratory investigations. Management was carried out according to the latest guidelines. Patients were followed up till discharge/death from the hospital and duration of hospital stay. Mortality was recorded

Results: Majority of patients [57.3%] had one precipitating factor; more than one factor was found in 43.5%. Gastrointestinal bleed was the most common precipitating factor identified in 42 [44%] patients followed by Infection in 36 patients [38%], diuretic therapy in 10 patients associated with electrolyte imbalance [11%], constipation in 8 [9%] patients, use of high protein diet in 7[6.72%], sedative /tranquilizers in 4[3.84 %] and large volume paracentesis in 4 [3.84%] were least common factors, Mean hospital stay was 11 +/- 1.8 days. Mortality was 15 % with 14 patients expiring during the hospital stay. There was no statistically significant correlation between the various precipitating factors and grade of hepatic encephalopathy, length of hospital stay and mortality [p >0.05]

Conclusion: Commonest precipitating factors of hepatic encephalopathy in patients of liver cirrhosis are, gastrointestinal bleed, infection, electrolyte imbalance and constipation. There is no correlation between the various precipitating factors and grade of hepatic encephalopathy, length of hospital stay and mortality. There is a need to improve the awareness of patients and attendants about the precipitating factors and their avoidance. This also includes effective control measures against rising cases of hepatitis C and hepatitis B as it is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis in Pakistan

Eye donation: awareness in urban population of Pakistan: an analysis

Objectives: To evaluate the awareness and willingness of an eye donation among urban population of Pakistan

Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among urban population of Pakistan to access the awareness and concern about eye donation. For this a convenient sampling technique was used and a self-administrative questionnaire was administered. Participants were selected from 3 provinces and 5 major cities of Pakistan. A total of 1520 responded, 52.6% were males and 47.4% were females

Results: 530[66.2%] out of 800 male and 463[64.3%] out of 720 female participants were aware about eye donation. Willingness to donate eyes after death was only seen in about 54/800 [6.7%] males and 58/720 [8%] females. Mass media, television, radio were the most common source of information for both male 342/800 [42.7%] and female 316/720 [43.8%] regarding eye donation. At the end nobility was treated the most common influencing factor for both male 102/800 [12.7%] and female 145/720 [20%] participants

Conclusion: Awareness of eye donation among urban population was not found to be adequate and the willingness for eye donation is too much low. This may be because of lack of high literacy rate in Pakistan, no government eye banks, very few NGO's eye bank and lack of eye donation awareness campaigns

Biased expression, under the control of single promoter, of human interferon alpha-2b and Escherichia coli methionine amino peptidase genes in E. coli, irrespective of their distance from the promoter

Human interferon alpha-2b and Escherichia coli methionine amino peptidase genes were cloned independently as well as bicistronically in expression plasmid pET-21a [+]. Production of human interferon alpha-2b was comparable to that of E. coli methionine amino peptidase when these genes were expressed independently in E. coli BL21-CodonPlus [DE3]-RIL. However, human interferon alpha-2b was produced in a much less amount whereas there was no difference in the production of methionine amino peptidase when the encoding genes were expressed bicistronically. It is important to note that human interferon alpha-2b was the first gene in order, after the promoter and E. coli methionine amino peptidase was the next with a linker sequence of 27 nucleotides between them

Shabbir syndrome: a case report and review of its genetic basis

Shabbir syndrome is a rare, progressive, multisystem disorder with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. It mainly afflicts children from Punjabi Muslim families of Pakistan and India. The genetic anomaly has been mapped as a mutation in LAMA3 gene on chromosome 18q 11.2

A 17-year-old male presented to us with history of recurrent skin ulcers, nail dystrophy andlaryngeal obstruction. Fresh ulcers, older crusted ulcers and cicatrisation in his head and neck area were strikingly obvious. Skin biopsy was submitted and revealed characteristic exuberant granulation tissue with a mixed acute and chronic cell infiltrate. Other features are also described. LAMA3 gene is responsible for the production of laminin a3 which is one of the three components of laminin, a heterotrimeric. Laminin is an important part of the cell membrane and extends into the dermis. Its presence is a signal to the dermis that the basement membrane is intact and the production of granulation tissue is kept in check. Abnormal laminin fails to do it resulting in excessive, undesirable granulation tissue production. Understanding this feedback mechanism may enable us to control the production of granulation tissue in Shabbir syndrome as well as other diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and chronic venous ulcers

Risk factors for hypertension in serving uniform personnel of Pakistan navy

Objective: to highlight the risk factors relevant to hypertension in Naval set up and to submit recommendations for a better control of these risk factors

Study Design: a retrospective study

Place and Period of study: the study was conducted over a three years period at PNS SHIFA and PNS RAHAT hospitals, Karachi, Pakistan, from Feb 2012 to Feb 2015

Subjects and Methods: medical record of 118 diagnosed cases of Essential hypertension was retrieved from Pakistan Navy Medical Record Section [PNMRS] and was scrutinized. Interviews were arranged when and where found necessary/possible. Based upon detailed history, physical examination and investigations the risk factors responsible for their hypertension were identified and recorded

Results: out of 118 patients studied, 45% were found to be sailors followed by officers [32%] and chief petty officers [23%]. Age group most affected was 31-40 years [36%]. Smoking, sedentary lifestyle, stress of service conditions and high caloric diet were found to be the most common factors contributing to high blood pressure

Conclusion: general awareness of healthy life style, avoidance of smoking, alleviation of unnecessary stresses, and dietary modifications along with ample opportunities for recreation could control the emergence of hypertension in serving personnel of Pakistan Navy

Appraisal of Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C prevalence

Objective: to asses prevalence of HBV and HCV among healthy blood donors

Study Setting: Blood Transfusion Services Center DHQ Hospital Faisalabad. [Blood donation record of blood donors]

Study Design: retrospective review of blood donation record of blood donors, who attended this center from 1[st] Jan 2014 to 31[st] Dec 2014

Materials and Methods: the blood donation record of 32028 persons was reviewed who visited BTSC DHQ Hospital Faisalabad for donation of blood. The donors were selected according to International donor selection criteria. All the blood donors were screened for HBV and HCV by "Rapid Method."

Results: review and analysis of blood donation record of 32028 screened blood donors showed that 11.16% blood donors were female [ n= 3574 ] and 88.84% were male [n=28454].Among total, 609 blood donors were HBV positive i.e.1.90% and 2724 were HCV positive i.e. 8.50%

Conclusion: this study concluded that the prevalence of HBV and HCV among healthy blood donors of this area, HBV to be in low endemic group [<2 %] while HCV in high endemic group [>8%]. Female donors are proportionately less than male donors

Personality traits of the adjusted and maladjusted medical students in punjab medical college, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Objective: The study was designed to examine the association between the personality traits and adjustment level of medical students

Method: 190 medical students from Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad participated in this study through purposive convenient sampling technique. Personality traits were measured through Gordon Personal Inventory [GPI] and Gordon Personal Profile [GPP], while adjustment and mal adjustment was assessed through Rotter's Incomplete Sentences Blanks [RISB]. The results were obtained through chi square statistics on SPSS version 17

Results: Results showed that out of 190 medical students 173 students [91%] were well adjusted. While 17 students [9%] obtained RISB scores above the cutoff point hence they were labeled as mal adjusted. Hypothesis testing with Chi square test has shown statistically significant differences in the scores on the trait of responsibility, cautiousness, personal relationship and vigor among adjusted and mal adjusted medical students. Mal adjusted students were seen associated with below average scores on all previously mentioned traits

Conclusion: The traits of responsibility, cautiousness, personal relationship and vigor are crucial for the adjustment in the society. So the parents and teachers should play their part in improving the fabric of the society by the means of building and emphasizing upon the sense of responsibility, cautious behavior, balance in personal relationships, and vigor in daily tasks among their children and students so that they may become well-adjusted in the society