Therapeutic effect of ginger garlic powder in rats with induced diabetes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential hypoglycemic effects of administering ginger (Zingiber officinale) and garlic (Allium sativum) to rats with induced type 2 diabetes. A total of forty-five male adult albino rats were randomly assigned to five groups. The groups were named Normal Control, Diabetic Control, Ginger group, Garlic group and a combination group of ginger and garlic. Diabetes was produced in all groups, except the normal control group, using an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at a dosage of 60 mg/body weight. During the course of two months, rats were administered varying amounts of ginger and garlic powders as part of their treatment After the experiment concluded, measurements were taken for glycated hemoglobin, serum glucose, insulin, cholesterol, high density protein, low density protein and liver glycogen levels. These groups exhibited considerably greater serum insulin and high-density lipoprotein concentrations (P<0.05) compared to the diabetic control group. Conversely, body weight, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and glycated hemoglobin levels were significantly lower (P<0.05) in all groups compared to the diabetic control group. A statistically significant increase (P<0.05) increase shown in liver glycogen levels. This study proposes that the utilization of ginger and garlic powders improve the condition of type 2 diabetes and maybe reduce the risk of subsequent diabetic complications.

A compact point-of-use water purification cartridge for household use in developing countries.

Simple, low-cost household interventions are known to be effective in lowering the incidence of waterborne diseases in developing countries. However, high costs along with operational and maintenance issues have prevented the successful adoption of these interventions among the affected communities. To address these limitations, a cost-effective, gravity-driven water purification cartridge has been developed by employing the synergistic disinfection action of low concentrations of silver and chlorine on bacteria and viruses. The silver and chlorine treatment components within the cartridge have been developed using inexpensive materials and integrated with a life indicator and auto-shut-off-mechanism within a compact form factor. The antibacterial as well as antiviral performance of the cartridge was tested by using ground water spiked with Escherichia coli and MS2 bacteriophage. The results show that, although individually, the silver and chlorine treatment systems were unable to inactivate the test strains, the integrated cartridge inactivates both bacteria as well as viruses up to the log reduction requirement of the USEPA guide standard for microbiological water purifiers over its designated life of 2,000 liters.

A Multiaxial Fracture of Ecoflex Skin with Different Shore Hardness for Morphing Wing Application.

The use of elastomer-based skins in morphing wings has become increasingly popular due to their remarkable stretchability and mechanical properties. However, the possibility of the skin fracturing during multiaxial stretching remains a significant design challenge. The propagation of cracks originating from flaws or notches in the skin can lead to the specimen breaking into two parts. This paper presents an experimental study aimed at comprehensively evaluating crack propagation direction, stretchability, and fracture toughness of silicone-based elastomeric skin (Ecoflex) for morphing wing applications, using varying Shore hardness values (10, 30, and 50). The findings show that the lower Shore hardness value of 10 exhibits a unique Sideways crack propagation characteristic, which is ideal for morphing skins due to its high stretchability, low actuation load, and high fracture toughness. The study also reveals that the Ecoflex 10 is suitable for use in span morphing, with a fracture toughness of approximately 1.1 kJ/m2 for all thicknesses at a slower strain rate of 0.4 mm/min. Overall, this work highlights the superior properties of Ecoflex 10 and its potential use as a morphing skin material, offering a groundbreaking solution to the challenges faced in this field.

Tween 80-Based Self-Assembled Mixed Micelles Boost Valsartan Transdermal Delivery.

Valsartan (Val) is an important antihypertensive medication with poor absorption and low oral bioavailability. These constraints are due to its poor solubility and dissolution rate. The purpose of this study was to optimize a mixed micelle system for the transdermal delivery of Val in order to improve its therapeutic performance by providing prolonged uniform drug levels while minimizing drug side effects. Thin-film hydration and micro-phase separation were used to produce Val-loaded mixed micelle systems. A variety of factors, including the surfactant type and drug-to-surfactant ratio, were optimized to produce micelles with a low size and high Val entrapment efficiency (EE). The size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and drug EE of the prepared micelles were all measured. The in vitro drug release profiles were assessed using dialysis bags, and the permeation through abdominal rat skin was assessed using a Franz diffusion cell. All formulations had high EE levels exceeding 90% and low particle charges. The micellar sizes ranged from 107.6 to 191.7 nm, with average PDI values of 0.3. The in vitro release demonstrated a uniform slow rate that lasted one week with varying extents. F7 demonstrated a significant (p < 0.01) transdermal efflux of 68.84 ± 3.96 µg/cm2/h through rat skin when compared to the control. As a result, the enhancement factor was 16.57. In summary, Val-loaded mixed micelles were successfully prepared using two simple methods with high reproducibility, and extensive transdermal delivery was demonstrated in the absence of any aggressive skin-modifying enhancers.

Flood hazards and livelihood vulnerability of flood-prone farm-dependent Bait households in Punjab, Pakistan.

Pakistan is one of the most climate change- and natural disaster-affected country of the world where livelihood and lives of inhabitants are often affected due to these disasters. In the scenario of various disasters and risks, flood disasters are the most recurrent hazards that cause Bait households' livelihood to be more vulnerable. Hence, this research work has focused to investigate livelihood vulnerability of flood-prone Bait households in southern Punjab of Pakistan. This study used multistage sampling technique for collection of the cross-sectional data of 398 flood disasters vulnerable Bait household's respondents from three high-risk flood-prone districts Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. Face-to-face interview procedure and well-developed pre-tested questionnaire were used for data collection in this research work. This study applied vulnerability framework of LVI-IPCC and LVI in the direction of comparing the level of vulnerabilities in preferred three Bait district households. Empirical estimates of LVI major components and framework of IPCC vulnerability have indicated Bait households of Muzaffargarh more vulnerable owing to higher exposure and sensitivity and lower adaptive capacity than other districts. In contrast to other districts, Muzaffargarh households have investigated more vulnerable to flood disasters more particularly in LVI sub-components such as health (0.460), water (0.360), and food (0.515) access. These research findings will be helpful to policymakers to work out and put into practice effectual programs and strategies such as constructing more water reserves, developing overhead infrastructure, easy access of institutional loans, and generating off-farm income sources. These local-based feasible measures will be helpful for native inhabitants to reduce frequency of floods in the direction of lessened vulnerability and increased resilience via recovering generally the livelihood of vulnerable Bait households in Punjab Pakistan and particularly the district Muzaffargarh.

Flood hazards and agricultural production risks management practices in flood-prone areas of Punjab, Pakistan.

Climate induced disasters, more specifically floods, have caused severe damage to the agriculture sector in Pakistan. These climatic risks have constrained the farming community to adopt risk management strategies to overcome such climate change risks. This research work attempted to examine the association of risk management tools with farmers' perception of risk, risk averse attitude, and various socioeconomic factors. The study has employed the sample data of 398 farmers from two high-risk flood-prone districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The multivariate probit model was used in this study to investigate the association of dependent and independent variables. The findings of the study indicated that small farmers consider heavy rains and floods severe risks to their agricultural production and are more risk averse than large farmers. Estimates of a multivariate probit model interpreted as age of farmer (0.036), heavy rains risk perception (0.597), and landholding size (0.114) were positively related with the risk management tool of depletion of assets. Farmers' education (0.056), off-farm income (3.47), age (0.018), and risk averse attitude of farmer (0.687) were positive, whereas experience of farming (-0.037) was negatively linked with reduction of consumption. Furthermore, experience of farming (0.005), risk averse attitude (0.493), heavy rains (0.481), and flood risk perception (0.536) were positively related with diversification adoption. The flood-prone farming community is more vulnerable to these climatic risks and rely on traditional strategies for risk management. There is a need to adopt crop diversification based on developing research capacity for innovative crop varieties having resistance to floods and climate change affects. Some significant policy measures, such as a more resilient scenario of climate change and floods, need to stimulate activities of enterprise diversification, opportunities of diversifying employment, and strengthening activities of off-farm employment for the sound livelihood of flood-prone farmers and to minimize severe affects of climatic risks.

Flood risk public perception in flash flood-prone areas of Punjab, Pakistan.

Floods due to higher severity of destruction are considered the most destructive natural hazards in the world. Initiating the appropriate strategies of disaster risk reduction is necessary to understand risk perception. This study attempted to examine the flood risk public perception in flash flood-prone areas of Punjab, Pakistan. A simple random sampling technique was used for collecting the data of 560 household respondents, and a logistic regression model was employed to make out the factors of flood risk perception. In classification of low and high perceived risk of relevant indicators, flood risk perception index was constructed. Risk perception is significantly influenced by socioeconomic factors which have a direct impact on disaster preparedness and potential adaptive capacities. After that, potential correlation of risk perception with the demographic status of respondents was investigated in this study. Empirical estimates indicated as respondents' schooling, ownership of house, size of household, employment status and past flood experience significantly influence flood risk perception. Risk perception determinants also diverse among both communities portray spatial differences. Inadequate protection measures from public authorities and institutions, limited preparedness regarding actions of private mitigation, reduced intensity of reliance in institutions and authorities are major reasons for high risk and lower mitigation in these flash flood-prone areas. The outcomes of this research can facilitate to understand flood risk perception and its factors for conniving appropriate management plan of flood risk and communication strategies. Furthermore, this research can help consider multidimensional flood risks and its spatial vibrancy from the perspective of social science.

Synchronized agricultural credit and diversification adoption to catastrophic risk manage for wheat production in Punjab, Pakistan.

In developing countries, particularly in agrarian economies like Pakistan, agricultural production is severely affected by successive incidences of adverse catastrophic risks. Inadequate and limited risk management measures from farming community to overcome such severe financial, production, and marketing risks not enough so need of adoption farm-based feasible risk management strategies. In addressing this research gap, this study investigated the potential association and implementing synchronized agricultural credit and diversification adoption to catastrophic risk manage for wheat production in Punjab, Pakistan. The study used the data of 480 wheat farmers' respondents and employed multinomial and bivariate probit regression models for empirical analysis. Empirical estimates illustrated the significant association in adoption of multiple risk management strategies as addressing the adoption single risk management strategy motivates farmers to adopt another strategy at same time. Furthermore, results also indicated as farmer schooling, age, family return, ownership of land, farm size, and farmer risk oppose character were highlighted the most influenced features for adopting various risk management strategies. Policy makers and state-based authorities can be assisted by these outcomes to evaluating plans of risk management and willingness of farmer in accept government supported regarding implementation of these catastrophic risk managing strategies.

Flood hazards vulnerability and risk of food security in Bait community flood-prone areas of Punjab Pakistan: In SDGs achievement threat.

Climate change in the global perspective has increased the occurrence of natural disasters, which subsequently decreased agricultural production and intensified the issue of food security. Developing countries, such as Pakistan, are facing severe food security issues, where most of the population still experiences poverty and hunger in their daily lives. Flood disasters ruin valuable land, cause agricultural production losses, and interrupt livelihood routines as expected household livelihood becomes more vulnerable. This research work focused on investigating the flood hazards vulnerability and risk of food security in the Bait community flood-prone areas of Punjab, Pakistan, with a broader aspect in contrast to previous research work. A constructed food security index composed of several IPCC and FAO factors with correlated dimensions of food security was used for the empirical estimation in this study. A composite food security index was developed through polychoric principal component analysis. To estimate the influence on the overall food security condition in the study area, a food security index was regressed on various independent variables. Estimates of the study indicated that three-fourths of household respondents in the study area are confronted with the issue of food security with changeable scale. Financing schemes, physical assets, and family type illustrated the positive influence on respondents' food security level, whereas respondents suffering property losses owing to floods had a negative influence. The study findings suggested integrated strategies must be adopted to effectively deal with issues of food security in the scenario of increasing severity of flood disasters. Policymakers and disaster-concerned institutions need to develop disaster risk mitigation strategies by constructing new water reserves and clearing river encroachments to deal with flood disasters. Agricultural research and development authorities need to provide climate friendly seed varieties and promote particular food crops for flood prone areas to ensure food security and reduce livelihood vulnerability, specifically for the flood-prone communities.

Multiaxial Deformations of Elastomeric Skins for Morphing Wing Applications: Theoretical Modeling and Experimental Investigations.

An elastomeric class of flexible skin-based polymorphing wings changes its configuration to maximize performance at radically different flight conditions. One of the key design challenges for such an aircraft technology is the multiaxial deformation characterization and modeling of nonlinear elastomeric skins of polymorphing wings. In the current study, three elastomeric materials, Latex, Oppo, and Ecoflex, are experimentally characterized and modeled under all possible deformation modes such as uniaxial, pure shear, biaxial, and equibiaxial relevant for flexible skin-based morphing wing applications. Additionally, a novel material model with four material constants is proposed to model the considered elastomers-based morphing wings keeping all the material parameters constant for all the possible deformation modes. The present experimental and theoretical study provides a concise comparative study of the three elastomers used in the morphing wings tested in all possible deformation modes.

Effects of Mesembrrybryanthemum forsskalei Hochst seeds in lowering glucose/lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The aim of present investigation was to study the effects of Mesembryanthemum forsskalei Hochst (Samh) seeds in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Thirty rats were administrated with streptozotocin to induce diabetes and 6 rats were used as untreated diabetic control. Diabetic rats were fed with 5 and 15% Samh seed alone and in combination with fatty diet i.e. 2% Cholesterol for 6 weeks. Effects of Samh seed on blood glucose levels, lipid profiles and enzyme activities of diabetic rats were examined. In addition, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined. Diabetic rats treated with 15% Samh seed diet were significantly decreased the level of TC (40%), TG (46%) and HDL-C (31%) respectively. Whereas, there was no significant effects observed in the glucose level in 15% Samh seeds treated rats for 6 weeks. A decrease in enzymes levels, AST (58.2%), LDH (1.6%), ALT (24.3%) and ALP (5.38%) in 5% Samh seeds diet treated rats were observed and were found near to untreated control. Findings from present study demonstrated that non fatty Samh seeds diet could have hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects in diabetic rats and could be useful model for the treatment of diabetic patients.

Flood hazards, human displacement and food insecurity in rural riverine areas of Punjab, Pakistan: policy implications.

Rural communities inhabited on riverbank areas are frequently facing the ever-increasing psychological, social and economic distress due to negative effects of riverbank erosion. This study focused to investigate the impact of climate-based hazards particularly riverbank erosion on human displacement, food security and livelihood of rural riverine households and how vulnerable households act in response. The survey data of 398 households of erosion-prone riverbank area were collected, and group discussions connecting household heads from this area were also used for this study. In human displacement scenario of the last ten years due to riverbank erosion, almost 60% households lost their homestead once while 38% more than three times and forced to displaced. Empirical estimates of households' food security status indicated the value of Food Security Index 2.11, highlighting households face issue of food security all over the year. Food security issue of vulnerable households is highly related with migration because these households have insufficient employment chances, and coupled with limited or no farming land, they are highly prone to migration. In conclusion, this study estimated that riverbank erosion risk is a co-exist reason of population displacement, increasing rural environmental vulnerability and obstacles to psychological, cultural and socioeconomic development. Implications of local-based proper policy interventions such as developing advance research regarding infusion of agro-based technology packages for emerging Bait areas for developing resilience, human capital development, credit access and institution service are necessary for improving livelihood and food security of these riverbank erosion households. State-based institutions and local community mutually need to focus increasing forestry specifically in riverbank areas to save fertile land from riverbank erosion and reducing environmental pollution. Convalescing livelihood and food security for erosion riverbank households, more employment opportunity needs to provided, investing more in training and education programmes to promoting income-generating activities that subsequently will develop livelihood and food security of households.

Rapid and Sensitive Liquid Chromatographic Method for Determination of Anastrozole in Different Polymer-Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles.

Anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor drug, is used for the treatment of breast cancer in pre- and postmenopausal women. Anastrozole's incorporation into nanoparticulate carriers would enhance its therapeutic performance. To perceive the exact loaded amount of drug in nanocarriers, a valid analytical method is required. The reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated by using the C18 column, 150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm particle size, in isocratic mobile phase composed of 50:50 V/V (volume/volume) acetonitrile-phosphate buffer (pH 3) flowing at a rate of 1.0 mL/min, and a diode array detector (DAD) set at λmax = 215 nm. The validation parameters such as linearity, accuracy, specificity, precision, and robustness have proven the accuracy of the method, with the relative standard deviation percentage (% RSD) values < 2. The limit of detection of the method was found equal to 0.0150 µg/mL, and the limit of quantitation was 0.0607 µg/mL. The percent recovery of sample was in the range of 98.04-99.25%. The method has the advantage of being rapid with a drug retention time of 2.767 min, specific in terms of resolution of peaks void of interference with any of the excipients, and high reproducibility. This makes it highly applicable for quality control purposes.

Comparative Analysis of the Heavy Metals Content in Selected Colored Cosmetic Products at Saudi Market.

Heavy metal impurities in cosmetics are common due to their natural abundance. However, they should be kept to a minimum wherever technically feasible. Although human external contact with a substance rarely results in a significant systemic exposure, local exposure to cosmetics may pose a risk of heavy metal contamination. In this study, we sought to investigate the heavy metal concentration present in various cosmetic products from different brands and qualities that are available in the Saudi Market, also to analyze and compare the determined values relative to the reported permissible levels according to international standards. In this study, we have selected several facial cosmetics from the Saudi market and classified their quality into three main classifications based on their price. This was followed by an analysis and reporting of heavy metal content using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. We found that three metals were below the permissible limits (Pb, As, and Cd) for cosmetics according to the Saudi Food and Drug Administration and Canadian Standards, besides (Cr) which was also below the limit of the United States Food and Drug Administration. The level of (Ni) exceeded the recommended range in the three-class classifications. On contrary, Pb, Cr, As, and Cd have all exceeded the acceptable levels based on European standards. Further assessment and careful selection of heavy metals content in cosmetics are urgently needed, as there are fluctuations in values between different international standards which might pose a potential harmful effect to human health from the daily use of cosmetics containing heavy metals impurities.

Climate change adaptation impact on cash crop productivity and income in Punjab province of Pakistan.

Assessing the current farm-level efforts of climate change adaptation is essential to distinguish their usefulness and implying policy level advance measures for future. The present study investigated cotton farmers' climate change adaptation and its impact on increasing cotton productivity and net cotton income in Punjab province of Pakistan. A pretested and well-structured questionnaire was used for data collection of 480 cotton farmers from three major cotton-producing divisions of cotton-wheat zone of Punjab, Pakistan. Logistic regression analysis approach was used in this study to find out the factors of adaptation and propensity score matching method employed to identify connecting adaptation impact on cotton productivity and cotton income. Empirical estimates of this study indicated as owing to some external and internal constraint farmers were limited focused on adaptation while conscious about adverse effects of climate change. Usage of required and recommended types of fertilizer, variation in planting dates, and changing varieties of crop were main adaptation strategies implemented by cotton farmers. Cotton farmers' adaptation decision was significantly influenced by some major factors as weather forecasting, market information, easy access to agricultural extension services, farming experience, and education of cotton farmer. Farm-level increase in cotton productivity and net cotton crop income was direct while overall increases in national output and improving rural area farmer well-being were indirect and significant outcomes of implementing climate change adaptation of cotton farmers. Cotton farmers were using various combinations of adaptation strategies and achieving more benefits regarding their crop productivity and net returns. Findings of the study suggest need for larger investment in farm-level extension services, farmers' schooling, and develop climate change institutional setup for enhancing farmers' adaptation capability to increasing cotton productivity, improving well-being of farming community, and securing agriculture from future climatic uncertainties. Future policies must deal with farm-level limitations of advanced adaptation measures like making available information and sustaining sponsoring soil conservation practices, launching climate smart varieties and advanced adaptation measures based on various agro-ecological zones.

Flood hazards and factors influencing household flood perception and mitigation strategies in Pakistan.

Pakistan is ranked among the most climate change adversely affected countries of the world due to facing higher frequency of extreme natural hazards events as floods, drought, and earthquakes. Inadequate mitigation measures regarding severity and consecutive events of floods have badly affected millions of households' livelihoods. Pakistan has experienced five consecutive floods in the current decade from 2010 to 2015. These floods severely affected the mostly districts of Punjab province among these three most flood-affected districts Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, and Rajanpur were selected for this research work. This study used the cross-sectional data of 840 flood-affected households from these three districts. Empirical estimates indicated the study area households major adaptation measures were foundation strengthen, elevated ground floor, precautionary saving, and construction of the house with reinforced material. Probit model estimates signified age, gender, location, and family size; monthly income, physical disability, education, and house ownership were major factors influencing mitigation strategies of households' level. Limited resources, inadequate planning for land use, lack of advanced and early warning system, and inadequate sound financial status were major obstacles regarding households' level adaptation of mitigation strategies. In addressing household level obstacles regarding advanced adaptation measures, development requires for local disaster policies such as ample spatial planning, codes of house building, practices of building infrastructure, propagation and forecasting updated flood information, and advanced and updated early warning system.

Environmental risks among rice farmers and factors influencing their risk perceptions and attitudes in Punjab, Pakistan.

Farming community confronted with sundry type of risks while production and environmental risks are more significant. Farms management decisions and operations are considerably influenced by farmers' perceptions and attitude to risks. Risk management issues specific to cereals crops not properly focused in developing countries specifically to Pakistan, so this gap tried to address in this study. This research work was spotlighted to quantify farmers' perception and attitude of diverse form of risks toward rice crop in Pakistan. The present study used cross-sectional data of 450 rice farmers categorized as low, medium, and high production base six rice districts of Punjab, Pakistan. In attempting to identify farmers attitude to risk, the study used Equally Likely Certainty Equivalent approach, as farmers' perception were ranked in four catastrophic risk basis, rice diseases, high input prices, drought, and heavy rainfall and hail, by risk matrix. In estimating the factors influencing farmers' attitude and perceptions to risk, the study used Probit model. Farmers believe heavy rainfall and hails, high input prices, drought, and rice disease major threats for rice crop while mostly farmer is risk-averse behavior as indicated in the results of the study. Estimates of the study signified as education, gender, size of farm, religious, age, credit, off-farm income, farmer livestock, and experience of farming significantly influences farmer risk perception and risk attitude. This research provided applied and suitable investigation for farming community, extension services, researchers, agricultural policymakers, and insurance institutions. Farmers confronting risk and their attitude need to understand by researcher and policymakers' access them accurate information regarding sophisticated tools of risk management and risks to make sure the provision of advance extension services and agricultural finance. In formulating applied policy measures, it is prerequisite for researchers and policymakers to accurate understanding of local environmental conditions, crop-related threats, and farmers' perceptions and attitude.

Comparison of calcium acetate with calcium carbonate as phosphate binder in patients on maintenance haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperphosphatemia is common in end-stage renal disease patients. Objective of this study is to compare the hypercalcaemic effect and phosphate binding power of calcium acetate and calcium carbonate in end-stage renal disease patients on maintenance haemodialysis. METHODS: This randomised control trial was conducted in four phases with calcium acetate or calcium carbonate. Sixty-four patients on haemodialysis were randomly divided into 2 groups. After a washout period of 2 weeks, each group was given calcium acetate or calcium carbonate for 2 months. After another washout period the patients were crossed over and again received these drugs for 2 months. Serum Calcium, phosphate, and albumin were analysed on Selectra E auto analyser at completion of each phase of study. Hypercalcaemic effect was defined as serum calcium > 2.54 mmol/l, and phosphate binding power as serum phosphate < 1.61 mmol/l. RESULTS: Forty-one patients completed the study. Though lower dose of calcium acetate was used, it resulted in equally good control of hyperphosphatemia as compared with calcium carbonate therapy [1.37 mmol/l (SD 0.33) vs. 1.46 mmol/l (SD 0.34), p = 0.16]. Incidence of hypercalcaemia was higher with calcium carbonate therapy (2.73 +/- 0.67 mmol/l vs. 2.32 +/- 0.28 mmol/l, p < 0.01). Both drugs were well tolerated, but patients more frequently complained of muscle cramps while taking calcium acetate. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that calcium acetate has similar effect on serum phosphate levels as compared to calcium carbonate in patients on maintenance haemodialysis. However, calcium acetate results in lesser frequency of hypercalcaemia as compared to calcium carbonate. Tolerance to both drugs was similar, though patients complained of more muscle cramps while taking calcium acetate.

Antitumor Potential of Thevetia peruviana on Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma-Bearing Mice.

Methanol extracts of Thevetia peruviana (METP) (Apocynaceae) fruit showed antitumor activity against Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell line in Swiss albino mice. The METP-treated group's tumor volume, tumor weight, and viable cell count were decreased compared to the EAC control group. Tumor volumes were 3.62±0.12 ml, 2.88±0.23 ml, and 1.34±0.17 ml for the EAC control group and the METP-treated groups (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight), respectively. Nonviable cell counts were 4.44%±0.42%, 18.57%±3.07%, and 68.12%±5.32% in the EAC control group and the METP-treated groups (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight), respectively. METP-treated EAC cell-bearing mice had an increased life span (48.69% and 83.78%) compared to the EAC control group. Hematological and serum biochemical profiles were restored to normal levels in METP-treated mice compared to the EAC control group. METP significantly (P<0.001) decreased lipid peroxidation and recovered reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase toward normal levels compared to the EAC control group. In summary, METP exhibited remarkable antitumor activity in Swiss albino mice, which is plausibly attributable to its augmentation of endogenous antioxidant mechanisms.

MDM2 (RS769412) G>A Polymorphism in Cigarette Smokers: a Clue for the Susceptibility to Smoking and Lung Cancer Risk.

Cigarette smoke contains oxidants and free radicals which are carcinogens that can induce mutations in humans. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most frequent genetic alterations found in the human genome. In the present study, we have examined the ability of the murine double minute 2 (Mdm2) (rs769412) A>G polymorphism in cigarette smokers to predict risk of cancers. Our results showed that of smokers, 87% were found with AA genotype, 10% with heterozygous AG genotype, and 3% with GG genotype. The heterozygous AG genotype was observed in a lower percentage of smokers (10%) as compared to non-smokers (18%), whereas, homozygous AA genotype was observed in lower percentage of non-smokers (81%) as compared to the smokers (87%). The results from present study support the association with an allele and AG genotype in non-smokers. However, further studies are required to establish the role of Mdm2 (rs769412) C>T in cigarettes smokers and diseases.