670 research outputs found
In vitro antiglycation activity of Eremurus persicus (Jaub. Et Sp.) Boiss
Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and long-term complications affecting the eyes, nerves, blood vessels, skin and kidneys. Increased glycation of proteins and accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEPs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Glycation and AGEP formation are also accompanied by the formation of free radicals via autoxidation of glucose and glycated proteins. Since this plant Eremurus persicus is used as an antidiabetic agent in Iranian traditional medicine, we were prompted to evaluate the antiglycation activity of this species. Here, we reported the isolation of a known compound, 5,6,7- trimethoxy-coumarinfor the first time for the antiglycation properties of this plant.Key words: Antiglycation, Eremurus persicus, 5,6,7-trimethoxy-coumarin
Socio-economic and Demographic factors associated with injecting drug use among drug users in Karachi, Pakistan
Objective: To identify the socio-economic and demographic factors associated with injecting drug users (IDUs) in Karachi.
Methods: We recruited 242 IDUs (taking drugs through sub-dermal routes) and 231 non-IDUs (taking drugs other than sub-dermal routes) from February through June 1996. IDUs were interviewed regarding sociodemographic factors, economic condition, and social network (marital status, living with spouse). In addition, information regarding location of drug users within the city (districts of Karachi) and current history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were gathered. Moreover, blood samples were also obtained for HIV testing
.Results: Multivariate analysis showed that the income generation via illegal modes [AOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.6], non-sharing of income with family [AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7] and presence of suicidal thoughts [AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.8] were associated with the use of drugs through injections. Further, drug users from districts West, East and Central were more likely to use drug through injection as compared to drug users from district South. The history of genital herpes was also found to be associated with injecting drug use. One IDU was found seropositive for HIV.
Conclusion: The high-risk behaviors, such as illegal modes of earning and presence of suicidal thoughts, among IDUs suggest that the group needs rehabilitation programme. Moreover, non-sharing of income suggest that IDUs are isolated from social network, therefore primary prevention activities with focus on improving socioeconomic conditions and social networking can reduce drug use through injections. Focused interventions on target districts would be helpful in reducing IDU (JPMA 53:511;2003)
A Half-Megasecond Chandra Observation of the Oxygen-Rich Supernova Remnant G292.0+1.8
We report on our initial analysis of a deep 510 ks observation of the
Galactic oxygen-rich supernova remnant (SNR) G292.0+1.8 with the {\it Chandra
X-ray Observatory}. Our new {\it Chandra} ACIS-I observation has a larger field
of view and an order of magnitude deeper exposure than the previous {\it
Chandra} observation, which allows us to cover the entire SNR and to detect new
metal-rich ejecta features. We find a highly non-uniform distribution of
thermodynamic conditions of the X-ray emitting hot gas that correlates well
with the optical [O {\small III}] emission, suggesting the possibility that the
originating supernova explosion of G292.0+1.8 was itself asymmetric. We also
reveal spectacular substructures of a torus, a jet, and an extended central
compact nebula all associated with the embedded pulsar J11245916.Comment: 10 pages including 1 table and 2 figures (both figures are color),
accepted by ApJ Letter
What is the origin of pancreatic adenocarcinoma?
The concept of pancreatic cancer origin is controversial. Acinar, ductal or islet cells have been hypothesized as the cell of origin. The pros and cons of each of these hypotheses are discussed. Based on the world literature and recent observations, pancreatic cells seem to have potential for phenotypical transdifferentiation, i.e ductal-islet, ductal-acinar, acinar-ductal, acinar-islet, islet-acinar and islet-ductal cells. Although the possibility is discussed that cancer may arise from either islet, ductal or acinar cells, the circumstances favoring the islet cells as the tumor cell origin include their greater transdifferentiation potency into both pancreatic and extrapancreatic cells, the presence of a variety of carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes, some of which are present exclusively in islet cells and the growth factor-rich environment of islets
An X-ray and Radio Study of the Varying Expansion Velocities in Tycho's Supernova Remnant
We present newly obtained X-ray and radio observations of Tycho's supernova
remnant using {\it Chandra} and the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array in 2015 and
2013/14, respectively. When combined with earlier epoch observations by these
instruments, we now have time baselines for expansion measurements of the
remnant of 12-15 year in the X-rays and 30 year in the radio. The remnant's
large angular size allows for proper motion measurements at many locations
around the periphery of the blast wave. We find, consistent with earlier
measurements, a clear gradient in the expansion velocity of the remnant,
despite its round shape. The proper motions on the western and southwestern
sides of the remnant are about a factor of two higher than those in the east
and northeast. We showed in an earlier work that this is related to an offset
of the explosion site from the geometric center of the remnant due to a density
gradient in the ISM, and using our refined measurements reported here, we find
that this offset is towards the northeast. An explosion center
offset in such a circular remnant has implications for searches for progenitor
companions in other remnants.Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJ Letter
Effect of noise pollution on testicular tissue and hormonal assessment in rat
Many studies have focused on the effect of noise stress on the health. So far,
few studies have been conducted on the effect of noise on reproductive system.
The aim of study was to investigate the effect of noise pollution on morphometric
parameters of testicular tissue and hormonal assessment (ACTH, cortisol
and testosterone). In this study, 40 male rats were exposed to control, 95,
105 and 115 dB noise intensity for sixty days. At the end of study, blood sampling
was performed and ACTH, cortisol and testosterone concentrations were
assessed. The results showed that noise stress decreased testosterone levels in
the 115 dB-treated group, while it increased the ACTH and cortisol levels. Histological
sections of testis showed that the mean diameter of the seminiferous
tubules and thickness of the germinal epithelium reduced compared to the
control group. Also the ratio of the interstitial tissue area to the total testicular
tissue area was increased significantly. Our study shows that noise stress may
have negative influences on male fertility
The Three-Dimensional Expansion of the Ejecta from Tycho's Supernova Remnant
We present the first three-dimensional measurements of the velocity of
various ejecta knots in Tycho's supernova remnant, known to result from a Type
Ia explosion. Chandra X-ray observations over a 12-year baseline from 2003 to
2015 allow us to measure the proper motion of nearly 60 "tufts" of Si-rich
ejecta, giving us the velocity in the plane of the sky. For the line of sight
velocity, we use two different methods: a non-equilibrium ionization model fit
to the strong Si and S lines in the 1.2-2.8 keV regime, and a fit consisting of
a series of Gaussian lines. These methods give consistent results, allowing us
to determine the red or blue shift of each of the knots. Assuming a distance of
3.5 kpc, we find total velocities that range from 2400 to 6600 km s,
with a mean of 4430 km s. We find several regions where the ejecta knots
have overtaken the forward shock. These regions have proper motions in excess
of 6000 km s. Some Type Ia supernova explosion models predict a velocity
asymmetry in the ejecta. We find no such velocity asymmetries in Tycho, and
discuss our findings in light of various explosion models, favoring those
delayed detonation models with relatively vigorous and symmetrical
deflagrations. Finally, we compare measurements with models of the remnant's
evolution that include both smooth and clumpy ejecta profiles, finding that
both ejecta profiles can be accommodated by the observations.Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJ. Some figures slightly degraded to
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