This paper reviews the possibility and limits for increasing the content and bioavailability of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and calcium (Ca) in edible parts of staple crops, such as cereals, pulses, roots and tubers as a way to combat mineral de®ciencies in human populations. Theoretically, this could be achieved by increasing the total level of Fe, Zn and Ca in the plant foods, while at the same time increasing the concentration of compounds which promote their uptake (ascorbic acid), and/or by decreasing the concentration of compounds which inhibit their absorption (phytic acid or phenolic compounds). The content of Zn and Ca in grains and fruits can in some cases be increased through soil and/or foliar applications of Zn and Ca fertilisers. Plant breeding and genetic engineering techniques, however, have the greatest potential to increase Fe and Zn content in grains, roots and tubers. The possibility of enhancing Ca and ascorbic acid content in plant foods by plant breeding and genetic engineering remained to be explored. The critical factor is to ensure that the extra minerals have an adequate bioavailability for man. Given the important role of phytic acid and polyphenols in plant physiology, reducing the levels of these compounds in the edible parts of plants does not appear to be wise although introduction of phytases which are active during digestion is an exciting possibility.

-Liposomes are lipid based vesicular systems that offer novel platform for versatile drug delivery to target cell. Liposomes were first reported by Bangham and his co-workers in 1964 (1). Since then, liposomes have undergone extensive research with the prime aim to optimize encapsulation, stability, circulation time and target specific drug delivery. Manipulation of a liposome's lipid bilayer and surface decoration with selective ligands has transformed conventional liposomes into adaptable and multifunctional liposomes. Development of liposomes with target specificity provide the prospect of safe and effective therapy for challenging clinical applications. Bioresponsive liposomes offer the opportunity to release payload in response to tissue specific microenvironment. Incorporation of novel natural and synthetic materials has extended their application from stable formulations to controlled release targeted drug delivery systems. Integration and optimization of multiple features into one system revolutionized research in the field of cancer, gene therapy, immunotherapy and infectious diseases. After 50 years since the first publication, this review is aimed to highlight next generation of liposomes, their preparation methods and progress in clinical applications.

Objectives: We sought to evaluate the geometric changes of the mitral leaflets, local and global LV remodeling in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and varying degrees of Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR).Background: Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) occurs as a consequence of systolic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction caused by ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Mitral valve repair in ischemic MR is one of the most controversial topic in surgery and proper repairing requires an understanding of its mechanisms, as the exact mechanism of FMR are not well defined.

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