Effect of nigella sativa oil extract on lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Improvement of lipid abnormalities are important in the prevention of diabetes complications. The study aimed to determine the effect of nigella sativa oil extract oil on blood lipid abnormalities in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 43 men and women with type 2 diabetes who were randomized to the intervention [n=23] and placebo [n=20] groups were studied and compared. The intervention group received 2 capsules daily, [500 mg extract of Black Seed Oil] while the control group took 2 capsules [500 mg, placebo daily] for 8 weeks, respectively. Lipid profiles were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention. Mean age and body mass index of participants was 53.7 +/- 6.0 y and 28.6 +/- 5.4 kg/m2, respectively. At the end of the eighth week, the concentrations of serum triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and LDL to HDL cholesterol of the intervention group were compared to the placebo group, and a significant reduction [P<0.05] was found. However concentrations of HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio, at the of the end eighth week in the intervention group and the control group showed no significant difference. Black Seed Oil extract improves lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients

Comparing levels of serum IgA, IgG, IgM and cortisol in the professional bodybuilding athletes and non-athletes

Bodybuilding athlete's bodies are placed under much pressure in during the exercise, which is causing changes in the immune and hormone system in the long term. The purpose of this study was to compare levels of serum immunoglobulin A [IgA], immunoglobulin G [IgG], immunoglobulin M [IgM] and cortisol in the professional bodybuilding athletes [BA] and the non-athletes [NA] male. This study was a descriptive-analytic and 29 volunteer subjects in the professional BA and NA men participated. Levels of serum IgA, IgG, IgM using Single Radial Immunodiffusion [SRID] and levels of serum cortisol using Radioimmunoassay [RIA] were measured with blood sampling from brachial vein at rest and fasting. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test [p<0.05]. There were not any significant differences between the mean levels of serum IgA, IgG, IgM in the BA than the NA [p>0.05], while, the levels of serum cortisol [22.10 +/- 2.60 vs. 15.41 +/- 3.44 micro g/dl, U=0.001, p=0.001] significantly greater in the BA than the NA. The results of this study showed that participation in training and competitions bodybuilding has no effect on serum levels of IgG, IgA, IgM, but increased levels of serum cortisol

Study of the association between activity level at onset of symptoms and patient outcome of first acute myocardial infarction

This study sought to compare the clinical features and outcome of a first acute myocardial infarction [AMI] with onset of symptoms during or within 30 minutes of exercise, at rest and in bed.Information collected using a standard questionnaire was used to relate activity at the onset of symptoms and in-hospital outcome in 500 consecutive patients admitted to our heart center with a first AMI between 2000-2002.Patients with exercise-related onset were more likely to be younger and male. Those with onset in bed were more likely to be older and have a history of stable or unstable angina. By way of comparison between patients whose symptoms began at rest and exercise, those with exercise-related onset had lower in-hospital mortality after adjusting for age and gender [odd's ratio [OR] 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-0.93 [p= 0.03]]. Compared with patients whose symptoms began at rest, patients with onset in bed had a higher mortality rate [OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.03 - 1.98 [p= 0.028]].The incidence of moderate or severe left ventricular dysfunction was also lower for exercise-related onset [OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.6-1.01 [p=0.32-but not statistically significant]] and higher when onset was in bed [OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.77 [p= 0.039]].There is an association between activity at onset and outcome of AMI. Differences in pathophysiology or in the population at risk could explain this observation

Chemical warfare agents

The subject of chemical warfare [CW] Agents has gained importance in recent years. Research is on-going on different chemicals. This paper highlights anticholinesterases, the nerve agents, which present the main threat. Emphasis has been laid upon the clinical manifestatins, decontamination and treatment with enzyme reactivators, atropine and anticonvulsants. Ocular treatment has also been stressed. Decontamination of the casualties is an important measure which should be dealt with speedily and effectively. Lack of clinical experience precludes proper diagnosis of such casualties in the theatre of war, thus precious time is wasted before the casualty is recognized and treated. Certain recommendations have also been made keeping in view the geoplitical scenario and our preparation to combat CW threat