This work investigates Ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) microparticles for prolonged delivery of Metformin HCl.The microparticles were synthesised by emulsion solvent evaporation technique; characterized for encapsulation efficiency, particle size, flow properties, surface morphology, FTIR, PXRD and drug release pattern; and investigated for the effect of formulation parameters like EC:PEG ratio, drug to polymers ratio and stirring speed on various properties of the microparticles. The drug entrapment efficiency, percent yield, particle size and drug release behaviour were found to be influenced by various formulation parameters.SEM images and size analysis confirmed formation of spherical shaped microparticles, with slightly rough surface and good flowability. FTIR revealed absence of any drug-polymer interaction and PXRD confirmed the molecular dispersion of drug with in microparticles. All the formulations showed sustained drug release pattern at pH 6.8, up to 91.34% ±1.68 metformin was released in 12 h with fickian diffusion mechanism. The designed microparticles could possibly be advantageous in terms of prolonged release, to achieve reduced dose frequency and improved patient compliance.

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In the suburbs of big cities, the vegetables are commonly irrigated with effluents due to paucity of good quality water. These effluents are loaded with toxic or heavy metals which may cause environmental or health hazard. The present study was performed in pot experiments to investigate the impacts of different effluents on the growth, yield, and heavy metals concentration of turnip (Brassica rapa). Pots were arranged in a completely randomized design with six treatments replicated four times. The treatments included 10% effluents of sugar mill, sewage water, soap factory, ghee mill, slaughterhouse, and control. Data on the weight of root plant −1 (g), root length, root diameter, yield ha −1 , and heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cd) concentrations in roots were recorded and analyzed statistically. Results revealed that higher yield and related traits were recorded with sewage water followed by slaughterhouse wastage and sugar mill effluent. Application of sewage water enhanced 11.2% yield while the increment with slaughterhouse wastage and sugar mill effluent was 7.8% and 2.3%, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations were increased with all types of effluents. The transfer factors showed that accumulation of metals was in the order of Pb > Cd > Zn > Fe > Ni.

Background: Malnutrition continues to be a major public health problem in developing and underdeveloped countries. The objectives of the study were to determine the determinants of nutritional status of under 5 years children in our population. Materials & Methods: This analytical cross sectional study was conducted by the Department of Public Health, Islamabad, Federal College, Islamabad, from November 2016 to March 2017. Sample size was 200 selected by convenient sampling. Demographic variables were sex, age-groups, socio-economics status, family structure. Research variable was nutritional status. The data collection was done in urban slums of Islamabad on a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS software. Results: Out of 200 children, 117(58.5%) were boys and 83(41.5 %) were girls. One hundred (50%) children were of 6 to 24 months and 100(50%) were of 25 to 59 months of age. Eighty three (41.5%) were rich and 117(58.5%) were poor. One hundred and fifty eight (79%) children were from joint family system and 42(21%) were living in nuclear family system were children. One hundred and fifty one (75.50%) were normal, 39(19.50%) were mild and 10(5%) were having severe malnutrition. Conclusion: Except age all the other factors including sex, socio-economics status and family structure were associated with nutritional status of under 5 year children.