Neuroprotective role of Bacopa monnieri extract in modulating depression in an experimental rat model.

Background: Depression is a common illness with no definite treatment.

Methods: The study involved 2 experimental periods; 45-day (P1) followed by 30-day (P2). 40 adult albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups.

Maternal early pregnancy serum level of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To assess if early pregnancy (≤14 weeks of gestation) 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level is associated with risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: A nested case-control study (60 women in each arm) was conducted at Saad Abualila Hospital (Khartoum, Sudan) during the period of January to November 2017. Clinical and obstetrical data were gathered, 25(OH)D concentration was measured at the first prenatal visit, and a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was performed at 24-28 weeks of gestation.

High haemoglobin levels in early pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus among Sudanese women.

A longitudinal study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and risk factors (including haemoglobin levels) for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Khartoum, Sudan. The study was carried out at Saad Abuelela Hospital (Khartoum, Sudan) during February to November 2017. Pregnant women in early pregnancy (gestational age <14 weeks) were enrolled in the study.

Heart rate variability and hematological parameters in pregnant women.

Background: There are few researches on hematological parameters (hemoglobin, red cell distribution width [RDW], white blood cells [WBCs], mean platelets volume [MPV], and heart rate variability [HRV]). There are no published data on this concept (HRV and hematological parameters) during pregnancy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Saad Abul Ela hospital in Khartoum, Sudan during the period of July to August 2018.

Effects of Roselle on arterial pulse pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients.

Objective: To characterize the effects of regular Roselle ingestion on blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with established moderate essential hypertension.

Methods: This non-randomized quasi-experimental study was conducted in Kafr El-Shaikh, Egypt, for 8 weeks, from September 2012 to November 2012. The effects of a 4-week period of regular Roselle ingestion followed by a 4-week recovery period on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), and heart rates (HR) was studied in 2 equal, gender- and age-matched groups (n=50 each; average age - 50+/-5 years) of normotensive subjects, and patients with moderate essential hypertension.