Serum tumour necrosis factor alpha in osteopenic and osteoporotic postmenopausal females: A cross-sectional study in Pakistan

Objective: To compare biochemical parameters serum tumour necrosis factor alpha, calcium, magnesium, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and vitamin D in postmenopausal women.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from June 2015 to July 2016 at Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, and comprised postmenopausal women. Bone mineral density done by dual energy X-ray absorptiometryscan categorised subjects by World Health Organisation classification into normal (T score \u3e -1) osteopenic (T score between -1 and -2.5) and osteoporotic (T score \u3c -2.5). Biochemical parameters like tumour necrosis alpha, calcium, magnesium, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and vitamin D were measured by solid phase enzyme amplified sensitivity immunoassay method. SPSS 16 was used to analyse the data.Results: Of the 146 women, 34(23%) were normal, 93(67%) were osteopenic and 19(13%) were osteoporotic. There was significant difference in mean body mass index, serum tumour necrosis factor alpha and calcium in all the three groups (p\u3c0.01). Significant mean difference was observed in serum calcium levels between normal and osteopenic, and between normal and osteoporotic group (p\u3c0.05 each) without any significant mean difference between osteopenic and osteoporotic groups (p\u3e0.05). A significant difference was observed for mean tumour necrosis factor alpha values between normal and osteoporotic groups (p\u3c0.05). Tumour necrosis factor alpha showed negative correlation with bone mineral density in osteopenic and osteoporotic groups (p\u3e0.05).Conclusions: Increased bone turnover in postmenopausal osteopenic women can be predicted by increased serum cytokine

Male gender preference, female gender disadvantage as risk factors for psychological morbidity in Pakistani women of childbearing age - a life course perspective

Background: In Pakistan, preference for boys over girls is deeply culturally embedded. From birth, many women experience gendered disadvantages, less access to scarce resources, poorer health care, higher child mortality, limited education, less employment outside of the home and circumscribed autonomy. The prevalence of psychological morbidity is exceptionally high among women. We hypothesise that, among women of childbearing age, gender disadvantage is an independent risk factor for psychological morbidity. Methods: A cross-sectional catchment area survey of 525 women aged 18 to 35 years living in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The effect of gender disadvantage was assessed as a latent variable using structural equation modelling. Indicators were parental gender preference, low parental care, parental overprotection, limited education, early age at marriage, marital dissatisfaction and low autonomy. Psychological morbidity was assessed using the 20 item Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ). Results: Gender disadvantage was independently predictive of psychological morbidity. Among married women, socio-economic status did not predict psychological morbidity, and the effect of education was mediated through gender disadvantage rather than socioeconomic status (SES). The women\u27s own preference for a male child was strongly predicted by their perceptions of having been disadvantaged by their gender in their families of origin. Conclusions: The high prevalence of psychological morbidity among women in Pakistan is concerning given recently reported strong associations with low birth weight and infant stunting. Social action, public policies and legislation are indicated to reduce culturally embedded preferences. Neglect of these fundamentals will entrench consequent inequities including gender bias in access to education, a key millennium development goal

Hepatoprotective effect of leaves of aqueous ethanol extract of Cestrum nocturnum against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity

The hepatoprotective activities of Cestrum nocturnum (Queen of Night) was evaluated against the paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in the mice. Aqueous ethanol (30:70) extract of plant was obtained by maceration. Results showed that aqueous ethanol extract of C. nocturnum (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) produced significant (p<0.05) hepatoprotective activities against paracetamol induced liver injury in Swiss albino mice. Histopathalogical studied of liver further supported the hepatoprotective effects of C. notrunum. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenes, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates and volatile oils. Most of the flavonoids have hepatoprotective activity. Therefore, the hepatoprotective activity of C. nocturnum may be due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic components. It was concluded from the present study that aqueous ethanol extract of leaves of C. nocturnum has hepatoprotective activity against the paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in albino mice

COMPARATIVE CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTIOXIDANT PROFILE OF VITAMIN-E AND RED DATES IN PLACEBO AND TESTED GROUPS OF HYPERLIPIDEMIC PATIENTS

Objective: Antioxidants are nutrients that help minimize free-radical damage to the body. Free radicals are highly reactive compounds that are created in the body during normal metabolic functions or introduced from the environment, such as by exposure to pollution and other toxins. Inherently unstable, free radicals contain "extra" energy which they try to reduce by reacting with certain chemicals in the body, which interferes with the cells' ability to function normally. Current study compared antioxidant characteristics of vitamin-E and red Dates. It was placebo-controlled conducted study conducted at general hospital Methods: Lahore Pakistan from January 2018 to March 2018. LDL-cholesterol was calculated as total cholesterol- HDL-cholesterol-VLDL-cholesterol; VLDL-cholesterol was measured directly after ultracentrifugation. After one month therapy their post treatment lipid profile was determined and analyzed statistically by using SPSS version 2.2.01 2013. Paired ‘t’ test was applied for mean values with SD of the parameters before and after treatment. Results: Results showed highly significant change in LDL-cholesterol of group-II patients but HDL-cholesterol was increased 6.6 mg/dl, still it was significant change with p-value of &lt;0.01. In group-III LDL-cholesterol was decreased 10.9 mg/dl which is significant change with p-value &lt;0.01. HDL-cholesterol in this group was increased 4.2 mg/dl which is non significant with p-value of &gt;0.05. Conclusion: Study concluded that red dates have antioxidant potential by lowering LDL-cholesterol in human plasma. But this effect is not comparable with hypolipidemic effects of Vitamin E as it also increases good cholesterol i.e. HDL-cholesterol. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Peer Review History: Received 14 June 2019;&nbsp;&nbsp; Revised 5 July; Accepted 9 July, Available online 15 July 2019 Academic Editor: Rola Jadallah, Arab American University, Palestine,&nbsp;[email protected] UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia, [email protected] Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed,&nbsp;University of Sadat City, Egypt,&nbsp;[email protected] &nbsp;Similar Articles: PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN-VITRO ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY POTENTIAL EVALUATIONS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF COCOS NUCIFERA (L.) LEAVES ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC AND ANTI-OXIDANT POTENTIAL OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF VITEX THYRSIFLORA LEAVES ON DIABETIC RATS PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-DIABETIC POTENTIALS OF PERSEA AMERICANA MILL. (LAURACEAE) FRUIT EXTRACT ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIC AND ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF GONGRONEMA LATIFOLIUM ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF BAPHIA NITIDA ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF PSIDIUM GUAJAVA. (GUAVA) MEDICINAL PLANT LEAVES USED IN FOLK MEDICINE FOR TREATMENT OF WOUNDS AND BURNS IN HUFASH DISTRICT AL MAHWEET GOVERNORATE–YEME

Prisoners in Karachi -A Health and Nutritional Perspective

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the health and nutritional status of prisoners in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted from September 2012 to February 2013. Convenient sampling technique was used. A sample of 433 prisoners was taken from Karachi prison. Selected inmates were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Prisoners were assessed with measurements of height, weight, body mass index (BMI) status, Blood pressure, Random Blood Sugar levels, dietary pattern, occupational status, source of food, duration of exercise, history of diseases and addictions were recorded. Results: Age of the prisoners varied between 18-65 years. Among 433 prisoners, 39.7% were under weight and 8.3% were malnourished. Exercise was not reported in 80% of prisoners. It was noted that 11.8% prisoners were having respiratory tract infections at time the study was conducted. Among 433 inmates, 386 were addicted to at least one addiction such as smoking, naswar, pan, gutka and manpuri, heroin, ganja (cannabis), charas (hashish form of cannabis), and opium. Conclusions: This study showed that the diet of the prisoners was insufficient and nutritionally imbalanced and has led to malnourished and underweight prisoners. Substance abuse is common among inmates

Male gender preference, female gender disadvantage as risk factors for psychological morbidity in Pakistani women of childbearing age - a life course perspective

BACKGROUND: In Pakistan, preference for boys over girls is deeply culturally embedded. From birth, many women experience gendered disadvantages; less access to scarce resources, poorer health care, higher child mortality, limited education, less employment outside of the home and circumscribed autonomy. The prevalence of psychological morbidity is exceptionally high among women. We hypothesise that, among women of childbearing age, gender disadvantage is an independent risk factor for psychological morbidity METHODS: A cross-sectional catchment area survey of 525 women aged 18 to 35 years living in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The effect of gender disadvantage was assessed as a latent variable using structural equation modelling. Indicators were parental gender preference, low parental care, parental overprotection, limited education, early age at marriage, marital dissatisfaction and low autonomy. Psychological morbidity was assessed using the 20 item Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ). RESULTS: Gender disadvantage was independently predictive of psychological morbidity. Among married women, socio-economic status did not predict psychological morbidity, and the effect of education was mediated through gender disadvantage rather than socioeconomic status (SES). The women's own preference for a male child was strongly predicted by their perceptions of having been disadvantaged by their gender in their families of origin. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of psychological morbidity among women in Pakistan is concerning given recently reported strong associations with low birth weight and infant stunting. Social action, public policies and legislation are indicated to reduce culturally embedded preferences. Neglect of these fundamentals will entrench consequent inequities including gender bias in access to education, a key millennium development goal

Enhancement of Cadmium Phytoremediation Potential of Helianthus annuus L. with Application of EDTA and IAA

The aim of the current study was to assess the cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation potential of Helianthus annuus L. that was exposed to 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg of cadmium for 15, 30, and 60 days with application of EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) in the soil and IAA (indole acetic acid) as a foliar spray. The results indicated that the concentration, duration of exposure, and amount of Cd affect the phytoremediation potential. The maximum Cd was observed at 60 days (32.05, 16.86, and 10.63%) of Cd application, compared to 15 (2.04, 0.60, and 1.17%) or 30 days (8.41, 3.93, and 4.20%, respectively), in a dose-dependent manner. The application of EDTA in the soil and foliar IAA enhanced the Cd accumulation in the plants at 15, 30, and 60 days of exposure, with maximum accumulation at 60 days. Exposed plants with foliar IAA application showed 64.82%, 33.77%, and 25.84% absorption at 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, respectively. Apart from higher absorption, the cadmium translocation to the edible part of the plants ceased, i.e., the seeds had 0% accumulation. The interesting fact was recorded that efficient phytoremediation was recorded at 15 days of exposure, whereas maximum phytoremediation was recorded at 60 days of exposure. To minimize the stress, the host also produced stress-related metabolites (i.e., flavonoids, phenolics, proline, and sugar) and antioxidants (i.e., catalases and ascorbate peroxidases). From the current evidence, it could be assumed that the use of EDTA and IAA, along with hyperaccumulating plants, could be a possible green method to remediate Cd-contaminated soil efficiently in a short period of time

Revisiting the molecular mechanisms and adaptive strategies associated with drought stress tolerance in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Drought is a misfortune for crops. Wheat is a staple crop and its sustainability and adequate supply are vital to food security around the world. The development of drought-tolerant cultivars in wheat is a major challenge to breeders, therefore there is dire need of time to determine the genetic components of drought tolerance in wheat crop. To overcome intense drought stress, wheat plants undergo certain morphological and physiological changes and develop certain genetically adaptive mechanisms. Since wheat is an allotriploid with three sub-genomes, its adaptability molecular mechanisms to drought, particularly needs scientific attention. Here, we systematically and comprehensively reviewed the causes of wheat drought tolerance and the consequences for wheat physiology and genetics. The quantitative trait loci (QTL), which be function on the control of wheat drought tolerance, were comprehensively summarized by a meta-analysis and total 75 meta-QTLs (MQTLs) were identified. In addition, we summarized the genes tightly involved in wheat drought tolerance, and several important genes were selected to elucidate signaling networks related to the wheat drought tolerance. This review is integral to growing suitable strains in the worldwide arid regions to improve wheat yields under recent global climate change scenarios