Ex-vivo antihypertensive and calcium channel blocking activity of Androsace foliosa n-hexane leaves fraction on isolated rabbit aorta.

Hypertension is persistent elevation in blood pressure for 3-4 weeks. Estimated global prevalence of hypertension suggested that by the Year 2025 (29%) of adult worldwide are suffering from hypertension (1.56 billion). Hypertension complications are hemorrhage, atherosclerosis, renal artery stenosis, angina pectoris end organ damage, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction and retinopathy. Along with other drug class Calcium channel blocker are also used for the treatment of hypertension. In this study the possible action of the n-hexane leaves fraction of the Androsace foliosa on isolated rabbit aorta was examined. Antihypertensive activity was examined in the existence of standard agonist like phenylephrine and antagonist like Verapamil. Phenylephrine (PE 1µM) high K+ was used to steady the tissue materials. Additionally to observe the calcium channel blocking effect the tissues were treated with n-hexane segment of A. foliosa leaves. Aortic tissues were treated 4-5intervals with Ca+2- free preparation earlier to control calcium reaction curve (CRCs). Verapamil is utilized as standard calcium channel inhibitory mediator and is used as an antagonist. The Af. n-hexane leaves fraction completely inhibited the precontractions induced by Phenylephrine (1µM) and K+ (80 mM) precontractions, with EC50 standards of 1.0mM (0.3-1.0mg/mL) and 4.90mM (1-3mg/mL), respectively. Androsace foliosa n-hexane leaves fraction was tested for calcium channel inhibitory effect on isolated rabbit aorta. A. foliosa n- hexane leaves segment at the dosage of 1mg/mL block the calcium channel approximately (35±5%). Consequence indicates that A. foliosa n-hexane leaves segment block calcium channel in the similar manner as compared to the standard calcium channel blocker drug (verapamil).

White Button Mushroom, Agaricus bisporus (Agaricomycetes), and a Probiotics Mixture Supplementation Correct Dyslipidemia without Influencing the Colon Microbiome Profile in Hypercholesterolemic Rats.

Consumption of foods rich in dietary fiber has attracted considerable attention for lowering blood cholesterol and triglycerides through attenuation of gut microbiome. Diets rich in fiber may provide substrates for microbes to digest and proliferate. In response, products of microbial digestion enter systemic circulation and support host energy homeostasis. In the present study, rats with hypercholesterolemia (HC) were supplemented with probiotics (PB) and Agaricus bisporus mushroom to examine the antidyslipidemia effects. Forty adult rats were divided into five treatment groups. The rats in the control group were fed only a chow maintenance diet (CON; n = 8), whereas an atherogenic diet (chow diet supplemented with 1.5% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid) was offered to the remaining rats to induce hypercholesterolemia (HC group; n = 32). Rats developed HC following a 24-day continuous supplementation with the atherogenic diet. From day 25 onward, the HC group was further divided into HC-CON, HC-PB (supplemented with PB at 1 mg/rat/day), HC-AB (supplemented with A. bisporus at 5% of diet), and HC-AB.PB (supplemented with both A. bisporus and PB). After 6 weeks of supplementation, rats were killed to collect blood to determine serum lipid profile, oxidative stress, and for metagenomics analysis of colon contents. Results showed that all supplementations corrected HC-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, A. bisporus supplementation corrected HC-induced dyslipidemia (P ≤ .05). Blautia and Bifidobacterium were the most dominant bacterial genera in HC-AB and HC-PB groups, respectively. Phylum Firmicutes and class Clostridia predominantly occupied the gut microbiome in all groups. However, no significant differences were observed in microbiome diversity and clustering patterns among study groups. In conclusion, supplementation of A. bisporus mushroom and probiotics can lower oxidative stress and dyslipidemia with partial effects on the phylogenetic makeup in the gut microbiome.

How common is the paediatric asthma in sialkot?

This study was conducted to see the parental feedback regarding the prevalence of asthma symptoms in their children. A cross sectional study. This study was conducted in a local school from December 2012 to March 2013. This is a questionnaire based descriptive cross-sectional study. We selected a local school in which there are around 500 students. We had 238 questionnaires back out of 500, showing response rate of 47.6%. We found that 38 students had asthma, almost 16%, and there was male predominance. Night cough was the most common complaint in these students. Parental asthma was noted in 18% of the asthmatics. This questionnaire based study revealed asthma to be more common in this part of Pakistan. More studies are required to see the validity of the observation. Asthma being more common and an important health concern, requires prompt health education of the public and health professionals as well as further research work

Treatment and incidence of recurrence of varicose veins of lower limbs

To study the presentation of varicose veins of lower limbs, treatment in our patients; and to see the causes of recurrent varicose veins at Islam Medical College, Sialkot, Pakistan. Observational and descriptive study. This study was carried out at the Department of Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Sialkot; from June 2007 to August 2010.Department of Surgery, and Islam Teaching Hospital, Sialkot from September 2010 to September 2013. Adult patients referred by general practitioners with varicose veins of lower limb were included in the study. Data of sixty seven patients with varicose veins of lower limb was collected from June 2007 to September 2013. Patients were distributed in four groups depending upon the surgical procedures carried out. Full detailed history, examination, and investigations were done. Results of treatment were assessed by regular follow up. Data of only those patients was included who could complete follow up for at least 6 months. Out of 67 patients included in our study, 25 cases were having recurrence; 8[32%] was recurrent cases from pervious surgeries from somewhere else and 17[68%] cases were diagnosed with recurrence after surgery at our hospitals. So, the incidence of recurrence in our cases exclusive remained to be 29%. Failure or recurrence in "Ligation" only was 38.5%, in ligation and reverse stripping was 30.7%, stab avulsions was 44.44% and in patients who underwent ligation, reverse stripping and stab avulsions was 12.5% after follow up of minimum 6 months. The patients are still on followup and the percentages are likely to increase with time as varicosities could be obvious. The anomalous double great saphenous veins, neovascularisation or missed tributaries of great saphenous vein during surgery and deep venous thrombosis before and after surgery were the most observed finding of recurrence. The recurrence of varicose veins was more in leg only as compared to both leg and thigh. Saphenofemoral ligation with below knee stripping and stab avulsions combined has the least frequency of recurrence, while Trendlenberg operation alone has the highest

Use of intranasal splints to prevent post operative nasal Synechia formation

This study was conducted to see the effect of intranasal splints in preventing post operative nasal synechia in patients who underwent intranasal surgery. Observational and descriptive study. This study was carried out at the Department of ENT, Islam Teaching Hospital, affiliated to Islam Medical College, Pasrur road, Sialkot, Pakistan: from June 2007 to December 2013. Fifty four patients coming to Islam Teaching Hospital Sialkot from September 2012 to December 2013 were selected. Intransal splints were used in all patients after the intransal surgery. Nasal pack was removed on 1[st] or second post operative day. Intranasal splints were removed on 7[th] post operative day in the clinic without anesthesia. Follow up was done on 7[th] post operative day, 2 weeks and then monthly for 3 months. In this study there were 36 cases [66.7%] were among male patients and 18 cases [33.3%] were among female patients. The Maximum age of the patients in this study was 45 years and minimum age of the patients was 9 years and mean age was 25.70. There were 2 cases [3.7%] of septal abscess drainage, 2 cases [3.7%] of septal hematoma drainage, 8 cases [14.8%] of Septoplasty, 2 cases [3.7%] septoplasty and bilateral partial inferior turbinectomy, 6 cases [11.1%] of septoplasty plus bilateral partial inferior turbinectomy, 4 cases [7.4%] of septoplasty plus left inferior turbinectomy and septoplasty plus manipulation of fractured nasal bones, 2 cases [3.7%] of septoplasty plus nasal cauterization, 20 cases [37%] of septoplasty plus right inferior turbinectomy, 2 cases [3.7%] of septoplasty plus right inferior turbinectomy plus trimming of right middle turbinate and septoplasty plus right intranasal polypectomy. There were 10 patients [18.5%] in which the nasal pack was removed on 1[st] day and 44 patients [81.5%] in which nasal pack was removed on 2[nd] day. Intranasal splints made of intravenous fluid bottle soft plastic are well tolerated and they were effective in preventing nasal synechia formation