Anti-oncogenic perspectives of spices/herbs

Contemporary nutrition regime has focused the attention of the researchers on phytochemicals enriched spices to mitigate various oncological threats. Numerous chemopreventive strategies against malignancy have been developed considering the anticancer perspectives of allied nutraceutical constituents. Current evidences have proven an inverse association of spices with that of oncological incidences. The high antioxidant activity of spices derived bioactives triggers the free radicals scavenging ability at cellular level thereby alleviating various metabolic syndromes. Promising compounds including curcumin and curcuminoids (turmeric), limonene (cardamom), allicin, allyl isothiocyanate (garlic), cinnamic aldehyde, 2-hydroxycinnamaldehyde and eugenol (cinnamon), gingerol, zingiberone, zingiberene (ginger), dipropyle disulfides and quercetin (onion), piperidine piperine, limonene, α- and β-pinene (black pepper), crocetin, crocin and safranal (saffron) have been identified as chemopreventing agents against various malignancies. Chemopreventive properties of spices are mediated by functional bioactive ingredients that arrest the activity of cytochrome P450 and isozymes CYP 1A1, cyclooxygenase-2, reducing activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) and signal transducer. They are closely associated with tumorigenesis activated by interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptors and epidermal growth factor (EGF) relate to an array of tumors. The bioactive constituents altering the expression of protein involved in cell cycle, activating caspases killer and suppressing Kappa-B activation. Alongside, they also restrain causative agents of cell structure damage as in lipid and protein membrane system and DNA that shifting healthy body towards cancerous state. Spices phytochemicals have established as carcinogenesis blockers by modulating cell proliferation pathways transformation, inflammation, metastasis etc. Furthermore, spices as functional ingredients may act as immune boosters and diminish inflammatory disorders. The current review is inevitably an affirmative approach in the development of novel guidelines against cancer by using dietary species to maintain good health

Watermelon lycopene and allied health claims

Presently, functional foods and nutraceuticals are gaining immense importance in the prevention of various maladies through dietary regimen module. Consumption of fruits and vegetables based diet has pursuit a range of bioactive components, especially phytochemicals targeting life threatening ailments. In this context, lycopene is an extensively studied antioxidant potentially present in watermelon, tomato, pink guava etc. Watermelon is one of the unique sources having readily available cis-isomeric lycopene. The distinctive aroma of watermelon is imparted by medium- and short-chain fatty acids along with geranial, β-ionone and neral. Its consumption has been escalated owing to rich nutritional profile and allied health benefits. It is effective in reducing the extent of cancer insurgence, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and macularm diseases. The structural characteristics, physiochemical properties and therapeutic effects of lycopene are the limelight of the manuscript. However, further research investigations are still needed to address the health enhancing potential of watermelon lycopene

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) fruit: hidden phytochemicals and health claims

Currently, nutrition and health linkages focused on emerging strategy of diet based regimen to combat various physiological threats including cardiovascular disorders, oxidative stress, diabetes mellitus, etc. In this context, consumption of fruits and vegetables is gaining considerable importance as safeguard to maintain human health. Likewise, their phytochemicals and bioactive molecules are also becoming popular as promising demulcent against various ailments. The current review is an effort to sum up information regarding persimmon fruit with special reference to its phytochemistry and associated health claims. Accordingly, the role of its certain bioactive molecules like proanthocyanidin, carotenoids, tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanidin, catechin, etc. is highlighted. Owing to rich phytochemistry, persimmon and its products are considered effective in mitigating oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The antioxidant potential is too responsible for anti-malignant and anti-melanogenic perspectives of persimmon functional ingredients. Additionally, they are effectual in soothing lifestyle related disparities e.g. cardiovascular disorders and diabetes mellitus. There are proven facts that pharmacological application of persimmon or its functional ingredients like proanthocyanidin may helps against hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. Nevertheless, astringent taste and diospyrobezoars formation are creating lacuna to prop up its vitality. In toto, persimmon and its components hold potential as one of effective modules in diet based therapy; however, integrated research and meta-analysis are still required to enhance meticulousness

Association of NOTCH4 Gene Polymorphism with the Susceptibility to Psoriasis Vulgaris in Pakistan

Background: Psoriasis Vulgaris (PsV) is one of the most severe chronic, immune mediated skin diseases. The Notch signaling pathway, a key regulator for epidermal renewal, contributes in differentiation, proliferation and survival of keratinocytes. Alterations in the NOTCH4 gene disrupts Notch pathway. The current study aimed to find out the association of NOTCH4 gene polymorphism(s) in Pakistani psoriatic patients. Methods: A case control study, 390 DNA samples (190 samples of Psoriasis Vulgaris and 200 healthy control individuals), from January-December 2019, were selected from Rawalpindi Leprosy Hospital and healthy population, respectively. For amplification of (rs387071) SNP of NOTCH4 gene, lab standard protocols for T-ARMS-PCR were followed. Frequencies of genotype and allele were calculated by using Hardy Weinberg theorem. Data were analyzed by using SPSS and p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 34.6±14 while among control subjects it was 32.8±10.0. In cases, genotype homozygous A/A119 (62.6%) was more prevalent, followed by heterozygous A/G171 (90%) while homozygous G/G19 (10%) was the least prevalent between cases and controls. Allele A frequency in diseased subjects was 0.76 while, for controls it was 0.78. In addition, allele G frequency in patients and controls was 0.24 and 0.22 respectively. Based on Hardy Weinberg equilibrium, no association of (rs387071) NOTCH4 gene with psoriasis cases was found. Conclusion: NOTCH4 gene (rs387071) polymorphism was not significantly associated with patients of psoriasis Vulgaris in Pakistan. Larger studies are required to establish ethnic-specific markers for psoriasis in Pakistani population. Keywords: Psoriasis Vulgaris; PCR; NOTCH4; Polymorphism

Effect of early tranexamic acid administration on mortality, hysterectomy, and other morbidities in women with post-partum haemorrhage (WOMAN): an international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background Post-partum haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Early administration of tranexamic acid reduces deaths due to bleeding in trauma patients. We aimed to assess the effects of early administration of tranexamic acid on death, hysterectomy, and other relevant outcomes in women with post-partum haemorrhage. Methods In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited women aged 16 years and older with a clinical diagnosis of post-partum haemorrhage after a vaginal birth or caesarean section from 193 hospitals in 21 countries. We randomly assigned women to receive either 1 g intravenous tranexamic acid or matching placebo in addition to usual care. If bleeding continued after 30 min, or stopped and restarted within 24 h of the first dose, a second dose of 1 g of tranexamic acid or placebo could be given. Patients were assigned by selection of a numbered treatment pack from a box containing eight numbered packs that were identical apart from the pack number. Participants, care givers, and those assessing outcomes were masked to allocation. We originally planned to enrol 15 000 women with a composite primary endpoint of death from all-causes or hysterectomy within 42 days of giving birth. However, during the trial it became apparent that the decision to conduct a hysterectomy was often made at the same time as randomisation. Although tranexamic acid could influence the risk of death in these cases, it could not affect the risk of hysterectomy. We therefore increased the sample size from 15 000 to 20 000 women in order to estimate the effect of tranexamic acid on the risk of death from post-partum haemorrhage. All analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis. This trial is registered with ISRCTN76912190 (Dec 8, 2008); ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00872469; and PACTR201007000192283. Findings Between March, 2010, and April, 2016, 20 060 women were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive tranexamic acid (n=10 051) or placebo (n=10 009), of whom 10 036 and 9985, respectively, were included in the analysis. Death due to bleeding was significantly reduced in women given tranexamic acid (155 [1·5%] of 10 036 patients vs 191 [1·9%] of 9985 in the placebo group, risk ratio [RR] 0·81, 95% CI 0·65–1·00; p=0·045), especially in women given treatment within 3 h of giving birth (89 [1·2%] in the tranexamic acid group vs 127 [1·7%] in the placebo group, RR 0·69, 95% CI 0·52–0·91; p=0·008). All other causes of death did not differ significantly by group. Hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (358 [3·6%] patients in the tranexamic acid group vs 351 [3·5%] in the placebo group, RR 1·02, 95% CI 0·88–1·07; p=0·84). The composite primary endpoint of death from all causes or hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (534 [5·3%] deaths or hysterectomies in the tranexamic acid group vs 546 [5·5%] in the placebo group, RR 0·97, 95% CI 0·87-1·09; p=0·65). Adverse events (including thromboembolic events) did not differ significantly in the tranexamic acid versus placebo group. Interpretation Tranexamic acid reduces death due to bleeding in women with post-partum haemorrhage with no adverse effects. When used as a treatment for postpartum haemorrhage, tranexamic acid should be given as soon as possible after bleeding onset. Funding London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Pfizer, UK Department of Health, Wellcome Trust, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Ageing ovaries and endometrium in PCOS

Objective: to measure the outcome of age on ovarian and uterine morphology in women with primary infertility due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) Materials and Methods: It was an observational cross sectional study. Two hundred primary infertile women with PCOs were subdivided into age groups (years) 20-30 (group I) and 31- 40 (group II). The ovarian volume (OV), follicles count (FC) and size (FS), uterine area (UA) and endometrial thickness (Endo) were determined by trans- abdominal (TAS) and trans -vaginal scan (TVS) using the ultrasound machine. Unpaired t-test was applied to evaluate the result Results: Comparison between group I and group II was made to evaluate the outcome. A significant raise was noted in the uterine morphology of group II. The UA was 89.99±5.83 v/s 119.0±23.33 (0.001) and endometrial thickness was 0.48±0.11 v/s 0.59±0.13 (0.001). A significant decline was noted in the ovarian morphology of group II; the OV (TAS) was 15.36± 2.56 v/s 10.57±12 (0.001) and TVS showed 15.74±2.23 v/s 10.37±1.08 (0.001). The FC was 14.05±1.56 v/s 12.47±0.89 (0.022) and FS was 9.45±7.98 v/s 4.33±5.88 (0.00). Conclusion: The OV, FC and FS (ovarian morphology) variables decreases in the elder infertile group with PCOs but the uterine morphology variables showed an increase in area with thickening of endometrium in the elder group

سلینگ اور اردو سلینگ: چند مباحث

This paper is a depiction of a new research topic the scholar takes the book of Dr Rauf parekh or Urdu slang, who is renowned Urdu scholar and editor of Urdu dictionary and his debate with another respected linguist.Dr parekh does not agree to accept the slang as informal language and excluded abusive language from his dictionary .Dr AttashDurrani opinion that Urdu there's no slang in its vast language areas .Often the words like slang are depicted as public, local Jargon, specific Bazar abusive, laborers language. Dr Parikh published his book as first urdu slang dictionary. Dr attash to reflected that he gave up a joint venture of editing Urdu slang with Dr sabirkaluravi both stated that there are no slang words spoken in Urdu rather one .they say that when slang is used in literature and thus entered in dictionaries ,is no means remains slang rather referred. The scholars shows the research to get more confident and specific strong results, after a deep analysis of the words entries labelled as slang .Both the linguists did not use term  slanguage.' so it is necessary to did out the actuals.</p

Advanced synthetic and pharmacological aspects of 1,3-oxazoles and benzoxazoles

833-853Broad bio-spectrum of 1,3-oxazole and benzoxazole has created an attractive platform for synthetic chemists to introduce structural modification in its nucleus by straight forward access to new approaches. Owing to its fascinating features and interesting pharmacological activities, many researchers have proved that oxazole is an active agent in treating different diseases. Based on this fact, this article outlines intramolecular and two component intermolecular cyclization to oxazoles and benzoxazoles. The theme is well documented in this review article covering the era from 2007 till present. Moreover, bioactivity and mechanistic insights are provided with different synthetic approaches, encompassing various pathways

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Tetrahydrocarbazole Linked 1,2-Diazoles in Aqueous-Brønsted Acid Catalytic System

A new series of tetrahydrocarbazole coupled 1,2-diazoles 4/5/6(a–o) in moderate to excellent yield was synthesized successfully via multicomponent reaction approach by adopting Michael type-addition of hydrazines on in situ generated α,β-unsaturated ketones via aldol type strategy under synthetic microwave radiations and conventional heating. Structural confirmations of all the prepared compounds were achieved by spectroscopic techniques. The best results were achieved when equal amounts of water-acetic acid were used in microwave conditions in 4 minutes