Heavy Meal Research Articles

Influence of Cooking by Boiling on Lead and Cadmium in Meat and Liver of Chickens

Heavy meals are widely known as environmental pollutants due to their toxicity, heat stability, long staying in the atmosphere, and their capability to accumulate in the body. The current experiment investigates the concentration of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), which are considered heavy metals in the liver and meat of fresh and imported frozen chicken, by studying the effect of cooking process using the boiling method. A total of 80 samples were randomly collected and examined: 40 frozen (10 from each of the liver and meat) before and after cooking) and 40 fresh (10 from each the liver and meat) before and after cooking) from different regions in AL-Karkh Province, Baghdad. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry device was used to evaluate the concentration of Pb and Cd. The results revealed that, in the concentration of Pb in the frozen cooked liver was significantly higher 321.8 ppm in comparison to fresh uncooked liver was 84.20 ppm. In contrast, meat samples indicated that neither cooking nor storage significantly affected the concentrations of Pb. The results also indicated that Cd concentration in meat tissue was significantly higher in fresh cooked (133.7 ppm) compared to frozen cooked (24.30 ppm). For correlation, a non-significant correlation between Pb and Cd concentration at the 0.05 level in liver and meat before and after cooking was recorded. The present study concluded that cooking by boiling method which is a traditional method that is used in Iraqi kitchens, can cause an increase in Pb, and Cd concentration. High concentrations of Pb or Cd in meat and liver may come from the environment, food consumed by chickens, cooking procedures, pans used, and sources of water may affect metal concentrations‎‎‎.

Analisis varians biaya dalam mengukur efektivitas pengendalian biaya operasional pada Usaha Fellow Coffee Manado

Cost variance is the difference between budgeted costs and actual costs incurred. Operating costs are the expenses incurred by an organization to carry out its activities. When variances occur, controlling the costs associated with these variances is very important for the sustainability of business operations. Fellow Coffee Manado, as the object of research, is a cafe that sells coffee and non-coffee beverages as well as heavy meals. The purpose of this research is to measure the effectiveness of operational cost control at Fellow Coffee Manado using cost variance analysis. The research method used is qualitative descriptive, which aims to describe the effectiveness of operational cost control at Fellow Coffee Manado through cost variance analysis. The results of this study indicate the presence of cost variance in several components of operational costs, both favorable and unfavorable variances (unfavorable). The operational costs for the year 2023 that experienced unfavorable variances occurred in October, while favorable variances took place from January to September and from November to December. The causes of the variances in these costs should also be noted. For the control of the company's operating costs to be good and effective, it is due to the preparation of the budget and efforts to improve the budget and actual performance of Fellow Coffee Manado. The researcher hopes that in the future, the company will continue to prepare a better budget, along with monitoring and evaluation.

9337 Postprandial And “Fasting” Hypoglycemia In A Patient With A History Of Gastric Bypass Surgery And Carcinoid Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: S. Ntelis: None. M. Pennant: None. Background: Hypoglycemia is an increasingly recognized complication of bariatric surgery that can occur years after the procedure. Episodes most commonly occur 1-3 hours after meals. Fasting hypoglycemia is not typical and raises concerns for other etiologies, including adrenal insufficiency and other causes of endogenous hyperinsulinism. Clinical Case: A 51-year-old woman with a history of carcinoid tumor of unknown origin with liver metastases, treated with monthly octreotide injections, and history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass presented with multiple episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia up to 24 mg/dl. Symptoms included tremor and diaphoresis and improved with juice. Morning cortisol was 22.7 mcg/dL (n > 19.4 mc/dL), ruling out adrenal insufficiency. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) was placed, and she was advised to have frequent low-carbohydrate meals mixed with healthy fats and protein. She was also advised to add cornstarch to meals, until mixed-meal testing could be performed. She was hospitalized for a seizure provoked by hypoglycemia after a heavy high-carbohydrate meal, and treatment with acarbose 25 mg three times daily was started. Mixed-meal testing was consistent with post-prandial hyper-insulinemic hypoglycemia, with elevated insulin (58 mcIU/ml, n: 2.6-24.9 mcIU/ml) and c-peptide (11.2 ng/ml, n: 1.1-4.4 ng/ml) levels during an episode of symptomatic hypoglycemia (glucose 22 mg/dL) 2.5 hours after the patient’s meal. CGM showed hypoglycemia mostly occurring after meals and some episodes of hypoglycemia early in the morning, that occurred after late-night snacks. Clinical picture and laboratory testing were suggestive of post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia. Poor hepatic glycogen reserve, secondary to the liver metastases, was considered a contributing factor. Interestingly, although hypoglycemia was mediated by hyperinsulinemia, treatment with a somatostatin analogue provided no benefit. The frequency of hypoglycemia decreased with adherence to a low-carbohydrate diet, and episodes mostly occurred when acarbose use was delayed. Octreotide was transitioned to lantreotide. Due to persistence of early-morning low glucose values on follow-up, further work-up was pursued to rule out etiologies of fasting hypoglycemia. Glucose values remained >70 mg/dl during 72 hours of fasting. IGF-I (115 ng/ml, n: 53-287 ng/ml) and IGF-II (608 ng/ml, n: 267-616 ng/ml) levels were normal, and insulin antibodies were undetectable. Post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia was confirmed and acarbose dose was increased to 50 mg three times daily. Conclusion: Postprandial hypoglycemia is a late complication of bariatric surgery. Early-morning hypoglycemia can also be seen after bariatric surgery in patients who have late-night meals and snacks. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Peran Penulis Naskah Dalam Pembuatan Program Feature Kuliner “Rasa Nusantara” Edisi Warung Mjs

Abstract ­- Indonesia can be said to be a place rich in culinary delights because there are various types of cuisine in each region, both in the form of heavy meals and snacks. The progress of increasingly modern times has more or less influenced the decline in the popularity of several typical Indonesian foods. Television must develop more creativity in Indonesian culinary feature programs. Therefore, a culinary feature program entitled "Rasa Nusantara" Warung MJS edition was created. This feature program will provide information about unique culinary locations in the archipelago with an exploration of the themes of these places which are characteristic. This program is not only informative, but has the impact of inviting the audience to learn more about the variety of typical Indonesian foods. In this program, the creator of the work acts as a script writer, where his duties involve the ability to develop an idea into a script, create a treatment, create a list of questions for interviewing sources, and compose the script. The general benefits include adding to Indonesian culinary tourism shows, as well as providing alternative entertainment for viewers of this program. The creator of the work hopes that with this culinary feature program the younger generation will participate in preserving Indonesia's culinary riches. Keywords: program feature, culinary, scriptwriter

Exploring the Role of Circadian Rhythms in Sleep and Recovery: A Review Article.

Sleep is essential for every living organism. Humans spend about one-third of their lives sleeping. Sleep has been studied extensively, and the role of sleep in psychological, mental, and physical well-being is established to be the best. The rhythm of the brain between wakefulness and sleep is called the circadian rhythm, which ismainly controlled by melatonin and the pineal gland. The imbalance of this rhythm can lead to devastating effects on health. Vigorous workouts close to bedtime can interfere with falling asleep. Meal timing and composition can significantly affect sleep quality. It is advised to avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime. Heavy meals close to bedtime can lead to poor sleep and hormone disruption. By following these guidelines enumerated in the article, individuals can improve sleep quality and overall health. Sleep cycles, especially rapid eye movement sleep, have a profound influence on mental and physical health. Adhering to recommended sleep practices enhances bodily restoration, fortifies the immune system, and upholds metabolic equilibrium. Sleep hygiene aligned with circadian rhythms is crucial for disease prevention and well-being. Healthcare professionals should prioritize sleep optimization strategies for patient care and public health.

Optimalisasi Seating Space Layout pada Groovy Space Coffee and Kitchen di Kota Bogor

Groovy Space Coffee and Kitchen is a coffee shop located in the Bogor City area that serves several types of drinks such as coffee and tea and several foods, both snacks and heavy meals. This research aims to optimize the layout of the sitting room at Groovy Space Coffee and Kitchen using the Activity Relationship Chart (ARC) method based on the results of the Total Cleseness Rating (TCR) calculation. The ARC method is used to determine optimal seating space layout arrangements by considering the shape of the room and the available area. Meanwhile, the TCR method is used to overcome potential conflicts in the use of seating space, such as the density of visitors at certain times. The application of these two methods is expected to produce a seating space layout that is efficient, comfortable, and able to better accommodate the number of visitors. The results of this research show that the new layout is more effective and efficient compared to the previous layout with the results showing that the new layout includes additional seating in the outdoor area and also a change in concept from outdoor to semi-outdoor.

Rupture of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in a young adult male: A case report

Rupture of the sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a surgical emergency. It can be fatal if not treated properly and on time. In this report, we present a 39-year-old male patient with no known disease who was admitted to the emergency department with complaints of pressure-such as chest pain, chest tightness, and an inability to breathe easily after a heavy meal at night. Thoracic and abdominal computed tomography angiography was performed to better evaluate the vascular structures; the ascending aorta diameter was 71 mm (wider than normal). Hemorrhagic fluid was observed in the pericardial space and paracardiac recesses. The preliminary diagnosis was a rupture of the right SVA, and emergency surgery was performed. The posterior aorta was found to have ruptured at the level of the right sinus of Valsalva, and anastomosis was performed on the torn portion. The patient was extubated 8 h after surgery. On the 7th post-operative day, transthoracic echocardiography was within normal limits, and he was discharged from the hospital on the 8th day in good condition with stable vital signs.

Review of Metabolic Syndrome (Santarpana Janya Vyadhi) and its Management by Virechana Karma and Vyoshadi Saktu

Ayurveda, considered the oldest form of healthcare globally, aligns individuals with the inherent principles of nature to maintain overall well-being by harmonizing body, mind, and spirit. In the contemporary age of rapid modernization and hectic lifestyles, people lead busy and stressful lives, marked by a growing consumption of high-calorie fast food. The prevalence of sedentary habits contributes to an increase in total body fat and cholesterol. It leads to health issues such as hypertension, heart diseases, hyperlipidemia, and truncal obesity. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a disorder of energy and storage containing of risk factor for various complications such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardio vascular disease. Being an alarming disease, it requires effective management. In recent years several synthetic drugs have been introduced for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Clinical trials have shown that antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antilipidemic drugs alone have limited long term efficacy and one cannot avoid major side effects such as drug dependence, drug resistance, sedation etc. Ayurvedic medicine provides a range of measures. In Ayurvedic literature, Acharya Charaka has mentioned group of diseases which arises due to over intake of heavy meals and sedentary life style collectively called as Santarpana Janya Vyadhi which can be symptomatically co-related with metabolic syndrome. Acharya Charaka has specified treatment methods involving substances (Dravyabhuta Chikitsa) and non-substances (Adravyabhuta Chikitsa) for conditions caused by over-nourishment, such as Vaman, Virechana, Raktmokshana, Vyayama (exercise), Dhooma(fumigation), Swedana(sudation), and Rooksha Anna Sewana (intake of dry substances). This paper aims to review metabolic syndrome in Ayurveda and its corresponding management strategies.

Optimizing Blood Glucose Regulation in Type 1 Diabetes Patients via Genetic Algorithm-Based Fuzzy Logic Controller Considering Substantial Meal Protocol

Effective management of blood glucose levels in individuals with type 1 diabetes, especially after meals, is crucial for diabetes care. Artificial pancreas systems (APS) perform automated insulin delivery in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). In this study, an optimized fuzzy logic controller was designed to achieve a euglycemic range after a substantial meal intake. All in silico simulations were performed using the MATLAB/Simulink environment, leveraging control variability grid analysis (CVGA), and the performance of the controller was evaluated. The proposed controller is based on a fuzzy-logic control law designed in three stages. First, a nonlinear framework of the glucose-insulin regulatory system was identified based on the heavy meal protocol of three patients given as follows: for subject ID 117-1, a total of 295 gCHO; for subject ID 126-1, 236 gCHO; and subject ID 128-1, 394 gCHO over a day. Then, an iterative tree structure was employed to establish a stabilizing control rule for insulin delivery, integrating inputs from two Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) objects. Finally, a genetic algorithm refines the control system by fine-tuning the uncertainty of the fuzzy membership functions. Two scenarios were considered for three patients to assess the performance of the proposed controller. The results indicated its effectiveness under various conditions, achieving a time in the range of 61.25%, 71% and 61.10% respectively for the three subjects. The obtained results are analyzed and compared with IMC and multi-objective output feedback controllers. The findings of the study reveal that the proposed controller shows promising advancements in tailored strategies for type 1 diabetes patients, outperforming the other controllers in terms of blood glucose regulation.

Efficient heavy metal ion removal by fluorographene nanochannel templated molecular sieve: a molecular dynamics simulation study

Environmental water contamination, particularly by heavy metal ions, has emerged as a worldwide concern due to their non-biodegradable nature and propensity to accumulate in soil and living organisms, posing a significant risk to human health. Therefore, the effective removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater is of utmost importance for both public health and environmental sustainability. In this study, we propose and design a membrane consisting of fluorographene (F-GRA) nanochannels to investigate its heavy metal ion removal capacity through molecular dynamics simulation. Although many previous studies have revealed the good performance of lamellar graphene membranes for desalination, how the zero-charged graphene functionalized by fluorine atoms (fully covered by negative charges) affects the heavy metal ion removal capacity is still unknown. Our F-GRA membrane exhibits an exceptional water permeability accompanied by an ideal heavy metal ion rejection rate. The superior performance of F-GRA membrane in removing heavy metal ions can be attributed to the negative charge of the F-GRA surface, which results in electrostatic attraction to positively charged ions that facilitates the optimal ion capture. Our analysis of the potential of mean force further reveals that water molecule exhibits the lowest free energy barrier relative to ions when passing through the F-GRA channel, indicating that water transport is energetically more favorable than ion. Additional simulations of lamellar graphene membranes show that graphene membranes have higher water permeabilities compared with F-GRA membranes, while robustly compromising the heavy meal ion rejection rates, and thus F-GRA membranes show better performances. Overall, our theoretical research offers a potential design approach of F-GRA membrane for heavy metal ions removal in future industrial wastewater treatment.

Fenugreek Leaves and Lemon are Mild to Moderately Effective Hypolipidemic Herbs to Lower Total Plasma Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and LDL Cholesterol in Primary and Secondary Hyperlipidemic Patients

In recent decades, some researchers assert that other newer lipid measurements, including non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, apoB, and lipid ratios, are superior to traditional LDL-C in predicting adverse outcomes in general population. Some researchers even suggest that apoB can replace the standard “lipid profile” as a target for motoring and therapy in at-risk patients. High plasma lipids interact with free radicals in human body leading to develop coronary artery disease. We in this study have compared hypolipidemic effects of Fenugreek, Curcuma longa, and Lemon. Study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore-Pakistan from January 2022 to May 2022. Ninety hyperlipidemic patients of age group 19 to 70 were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were diabetic, alcoholic additives, hypertensive patients and those whose kidney or liver functions were impaired. Consent was taken from all participants. Their base line lipid profile was taken in biochemistry laboratory of the hospital. They were divided in three groups i.e. 30 patients in each group. Group-I was advised to take 500 mg of Curcuma longa (haldi) mixed in fresh milk without cream, thrice daily for two months. Group-II patients were advised to take 100 grams of Fenugreek leaves mixed with salad in each meal (thrice daily) for the period of two months. Group-III patients were advised to take 40 ml of fresh lemon juice mixed with 40 ml mineral water thrice daily for two months. They all were advised not to take heavy meal rich with any type of fat like junk food etc. One hour daily brisk walk was advised to all participants. 15 days follow up visit was scheduled for them. After two months their lipid profile was re-determined. When results were compiled and statistically analyzed by applying paired ‘t’ test, it revealed that Curcuma longa decreased total cholesterol, TG, LDL cholesterol 16.10, 20.01, and 17.59 mg/dl respectively. Fenugreek decreased total cholesterol, TGs, and LDL cholesterol 14.70, 17.33, and 17.06 mg/dl respectively. Lemon in two months therapy decreased total cholesterol, TGs, and LDL cholesterol 15.45, 10.13, and 11.97 mg/dl respectively. None of the above mentioned herbs raised HDL cholesterol significantly. It was concluded from this research work that Curcuma longa, Fenugreek leaves and Lemon are mild to moderately effective hypolipidemic herbs to lower total plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol but have no potential to raise HDL cholesterol when analyzed biostatistically.

Sensory acceptability and nutritional quality of composite bread with added puree from biofortified beans in Malawi

AbstractOf late, the global supply of wheat is increasingly becoming lower and lower due to the continuing Russia–Ukraine war, blockages of major seaports as a result of the war and climate change. Importing countries are hardest hit as prices skyrocket. Millions of people relying on bread as staple food are affected in multiple ways. New methods to prepare composite bread that meets sensory and nutritional needs of consumers are needed to help address the problem. This study modified the standard recipe and developed bread with 20%, 30% and 50% of the wheat flour substituted by puree from NUA 45 biofortified beans. Ascorbic acid was added to improve the functionality of the yeast and the quality of the bread. Testers rated the 20% bean puree bread as the most acceptable. The appearance, flavour and taste imparted by the bean puree and lemon juice were the major sensory attributes for acceptance, accounting for over 65.79% of the variance in the principal component analysis. Although the test bread was slightly denser than the traditional one with 100% wheat flour, the bean puree enhanced the nutritional quality with average proximate values of protein found to be 1.66 ± 0.18, fat 7.42 ± 0.36, carbohydrates 57.19 ± 0.27, iron 2.04 ± 0.03 and zinc 2.25 ± 0.02 per 100 g of sample. The study concludes that puree from beans can be used to replace 20%–30% of wheat flour in bread making. The bread can be an option for people interested in variety, heavier meals and nutrition.

Analisis Dampak Kehadiran Layanan Go-Food Terhadap Pendapatan dan Laba UMKM di Banjarmasin Timur

This study aims to determine and describe the impact of Go-food services on the income and profit of culinary MSMEs in East Banjarmasin. The respondents of this study were 36 MSME culinary entrepreneurs with data collection techniques through questionnaires, observation, and documentation. The data analysis technique used was the Mann-Whitney test, a test to see the difference in the median of the two groups. If the data is interval or ratio, then the distribution is abnormal. The results of this study are that Gofood significantly affects the income and profit of culinary MSMEs in the field of snacks and heavy meals.

Relasi Kuasa Antara Pimpinan Dan Barista Chord Café Tidar Kabupaten Jember

Cafes or also known as coffee places among today's society, especially teenagers. Cafes are used as a place to hang out and become a business to meet the needs of consumers. In this era of development, many cafes are competing to provide a comfortable place and atmosphere to attract customers, making it suitable as a place to relax, chat or gather. One example is Chord Cafe, this cafe is very strategically located so it is easy to reach and has a comfortable place. Chord Cafe also has many choices of coffee and non-coffee menus as well as snacks and heavy meals. This cafe has baristas who are very skilled in making various kinds of coffee and other drinks. As a fairly large cafe, Cord Cafe often holds live music, this is one way to attract customers to come to the café.

Web Profile Unit Usaha Universitas Pembangunan Panca Budi

Panca Budi Development University has many business units that serve students / I to buy and obtain lectures and food and beverage needs. The UNPAB business unit is located in the middle of the campus. The UNPAB business unit has several businesses including Photo Copy, Home Cafe, Padi Mart and Laziz Canteen. Photo Copy provides learning and teaching equipment, laminating, binding and so on. Café Beranda provides various types of snacks such as soup, french fries. Padi Mart provides minimarket snacks. And the Laziz Canteen provides heavy meals such as fried rice with other side dishes, there is also a water depot. The problem that occurs is that the whereabouts of all UNPAB Business Units are unknown apart from staff, lecturers, students and UNBAP students, so sales do not increase and cause unstable turnover considering that many business unit operational needs must be paid for, this can cause the business unit to not develop. Therefore a way is needed so that the UNPAB Business Unit is better known and known by the wider community. This research makes a web Profile application so that the UNPAB Business Unit can be known by the wider community. The application is made using web programming which consists of two users, namely business unit data managers and the community. Business unit data managers serve as servers and the public serve as users. This application uses data management media, namely the MySQL Database. With the UNPAB Business Unit Web Profile, the UNPAB Business Unit is better known and known by the wider community.

Sleep and circadian hygiene practices association with sleep quality among Brazilian adults

ObjectiveTo investigate the association of sleep and circadian hygiene practices (sleep-promoting and sleep-disturbing behaviors) with sleep quality indicators. MethodsParticipants (n = 2050; 18–65 y) were part of virtual population-based research. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess differences in the OR (95% CI) of poor quality with sleep-promoting/disturbing practices (time-of-day of exercise, pre-bedtime routine, naps, electronic devices with illuminated screens, caffeine and alcohol consumption, and smoking). Linear regression analyses evaluated differences in sleep duration, latency, and awakenings associated with the same variables. Restricted cubic splines were used to study the shape of the association of screen time before bed with sleep duration, latency, and awakenings. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, region, marital status, educational level, evening diet quality, and BMI. ResultsEvening use of electronic devices with illuminated screens showed a negative effect on all sleep parameters. Reporting dinner as the largest meal and evening caffeine consumption was associated with shorter sleep duration and longer sleep latency. Smokers had higher odds of longer latency. A protective effect of morning exercises was demonstrated on sleep quality, latency, and awakenings. Alcohol consumers presented lower odds of poor quality and lower frequency of awakenings. Pre-bedtime practices showed no or negative effect on sleep outcomes. ConclusionsRecommendations to promote sleep quality and prevent sleep-related problems, with corresponding circadian health benefits, should include engaging in regular exercise, preferably in the morning, and avoiding naps, heavy meals close to bedtime, caffeine, smoking, and evening screen exposure.

SAT449 Clinical Characteristics Of Patients With Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis; An Experience From A Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract Disclosure: T. Park: None. I. Goak: None. H. Jin: None. K. Lee: None. Y. Kim: None. Backgrounds: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a life-threatening complication characterized recurrent episodes of hypokalemia and muscle weakness in the setting of thyrotoxicosis. The present study aimed to describe clinical manifestation and outcome of patients admitted for TPP in emergency department (ED). Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 42 patients with TPP who were admitted ED from January 2000 through December 2020 in a single tertiary referral hospital. Their clinical characteristics were reviewed retrospectively. Results: 42 patients with TPP were identified. The mean age of the patients was 35.0±12.4 years; all were males. The month in which the most patients occurred paralysis symptoms was February (16.7%), followed by October (14.3%). 5 patients had a history of severe exertion, 7 patients had ingested a heavy carbohydrate meal, one patient had an infection, 5 patients had ingested alcohol, but more than half of the patients (57.1%) were without a precipitating cause. TPP was the first presentation of thyrotoxicosis in 85.7% of patients. The most common cause of thyrotoxicosis in TPP patients was Graves' disease (88.1%). At the time of admission, the mean potassium level was 2.77±0.93 mmol/L (reference, 3.5-5.5), mean ionized calcium level was 1.17±0.15 mmol/L (1.13-1.32), mean Free T4 level was 43.36±16.92 pmol/L (11.5-22.7). About half of the patients (47.6%) suffered at least one further attack of TPP. 28 patients (66.7%) diagnosed with Graves’ disease had anti-thyroid drugs alone and 5 patients (11.9%) with thyrotoxic relapses eventually underwent radioactive iodine therapy. None of the patients underwent surgery. Conclusions: TPP can be the presenting feature of previously undiagnosed thyrotoxicosis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute onset of motor paralysis. At the time of the TPP attack, a detailed interview and inquiry with a thorough physical examination usually provide clues to the diagnosis. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

#4179 DIFFERENCES IN PROTOCOLS FOR MEASURING GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE USING IOHEXOL

Abstract Background and Aims When assessing kidney function, measurement of glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) using an exogenous marker such as iohexol is the gold standard. In this study, we aim to identify similarities and differences between iohexol-based mGFR protocols. Method Detailed data on iohexol measurement protocols were obtained using a standardized survey sent to centres in Europe and the US. It was completed by 15 participants. Data are reported as number and percentage (n, %). Results In the participating centres, measurements are performed after referral by a nephrologist (n=6, 40%), other specialties (n=5, 33%) or for research purposes (n=4, 27%). Most common indications for mGFR are evaluation of kidney donors (n=5, 33%), drug dosing (n=4, 27%), abnormal body composition (n=3, 20%) and transplant evaluation (n=4, 27%). Most participants perform measurements in the morning (n=10, 67%), with patients withholding caffeine (n=5, 33%), fasting (n=4, 27%) or avoiding heavy meals (n=3, 20%). Most centres use an IV iohexol dose of 5 mL 300 mg I/mL (n=10, 67 %) or a dose based on weight (n=2, 13%). The timing of sample collection is shown in Figure 1, most often a single sample per time point (n=12, 80%). Iohexol is measured by LC-MS (n=8, 53%) or LC-UV (n=7, 47%). Within-assay variability ranges between <2% (n=3, 20%) and 6-8% (n=1, 7%) and the between-assay variability ranges between <2% (n=2, 13%) and 6-8% (n=2, 13%). When asked about assumptions and corrections, most centres make a one-compartment assumption in their PK model (n=8, 53%), others making two-compartment (n=2, 13%) or measurement-dependent (n=1, 7%) assumptions. mGFR is standardized for body surface area according to the DuBois-formula (n=6 (40%), Haycock and Schwarz formula (n=2, 13%) or not-specified (n=7, 47%). Some participants correct their measurements for eGFR (n=9, 60 %). Most centres participate in external quality control (Equalis, n=12, 80%). Conclusion There is a large variation in protocols for iohexol-based mGFR, which highlights the need for a standardized mGFR protocol before widespread use in clinical routine.

Curcumin from turmeric is an extremely efficient agent in increasing cholesterol uptake by the liver cells

Medicinal plants have a long history of usage and today, they are being extensively used for various diseases. There are several reasons for increasing the use of medicinal plants. Many plants from different parts of the world have been investigated for hypolipidemic effects. Based on strong epidemiological evidence on the relationship between high LDL-C and an increased risk of CVD, treatment and control of elevated LDL-C are as primary goals of CVD prevention in guidelines. In the meantime, both epidemiological and experimental studies confirm the protective effect of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) on the onset of CAD despite LDL-C level, owing to the reverse cholesterol transport process of HDL-C. However, in recent decades, some researchers assert that other newer lipid measurements, including non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein (apo)A-I, apoB, and lipid ratios, are superior to traditional LDL-C in predicting adverse outcomes in general population. Some researchers even suggest that apoB can replace the standard “lipid profile” as a target for motoring and therapy in at-risk patients. High plasma lipids interact with free radicals in human body leading to develop coronary artery disease. We in this study have compared hypolipidemic effects of Fenugreek, Curcuma longa, and Lemon. Study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore-Pakistan from January 2018 to May 2018. Ninety hyperlipidemic patients of age group 19 to 70 were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were diabetic, alcoholic additives, hypertensive patients and those whose kidney or liver functions were impaired. Consent was taken from all participants. Their base line lipid profile was taken in biochemistry laboratory of the hospital. They were divided in three groups i.e. 30 patients in each group. Group-I was advised to take 500 mg of Curcuma longa (haldi) mixed in fresh milk without cream, thrice daily for two months. Group-II patients were advised to take 100 grams of Fenugreek leaves mixed with salad in each meal (thrice daily) for the period of two months. Group-III patients were advised to take 40 ml of fresh lemon juice mixed with 40 ml mineral water thrice daily for two months. They all were advised not to take heavy meal rich with any type of fat like junk food etc. One hour daily brisk walk was advised to all participants. 15 days follow up visit was scheduled for them. After two months their lipid profile was re-determined. When results were compiled and statistically analyzed by applying paired ‘t’ test, it revealed that Curcuma longa decreased total cholesterol, TG, LDL cholesterol 16.10, 20.01, and 17.59 mg/dl respectively. Fenugreek decreased total cholesterol, TGs, and LDL cholesterol 14.70, 17.33, and 17.06 mg/dl respectively. Lemon in two months therapy decreased total cholesterol, TGs, and LDL cholesterol 15.45, 10.13, and 11.97 mg/dl respectively. None of the above-mentioned herbs raised HDL cholesterol significantly. It was concluded from this research work that Curcuma longa, Fenugreek leaves and Lemon are mild to moderately effective hypolipidemic herbs to lower total plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol but have no potential to raise HDL cholesterol when analyzed biostatistically.

The Effects of Heavy Metal Contamination on Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Oxidative Stress in the Earthworm Perionyx excavates

This research work was carried out to ascertain the toxic effects of heavy metals mercuric chloride, copper sulphate and zinc sulphate their combination on anti-oxidative enzymes viz. Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione-S- transferase in Perionyx excavates. The worms for this work were collected and were exposed to different concentrations of heavy meals. The lower and higher concentration calculated were 25 and 30 mg/kg dry soil for mercuric chloride, 60 and 150 mg/kg of dry soil for copper sulphate and 140 and 350 mg/kg of dry soil for zinc sulphate respectively for 5 days. A dose and time dependent increase in activities of these enzymes was observed. Mercuric chloride was found to be more toxic at its highest concentration followed by the highest concentration of combination of both metals Copper sulphate and zinc sulphate.