Aptamers are nucleic acid sequences synthesized through in vitro selection and amplification technique, possessing a broader range of applications in therapeutics, biosensing, diagnostics, and research. Aptamers offer a number of advantages over their antibodies counterpart, one of them is their ability to undergo chemical derivatization to increase their life in the body fluids and bioavailability in animals. Although aptamers were discovered in 1990s, they have become one of the most widely investigated molecules, with a huge number of publications in the last decade. This article presents an overview of the advancements that have been made in aptamers. We mainly focused on articles published since 2005.

Enormous efforts have recognized the importance of analyzing plant extracts for possible medical applications. In this context, Kasni (C. intybus) and Milk thistle (S. marianum), cultivated in Asia, were used to determine diabetes mellitus control. Ethanol extracts of both plants were used after induction of diabetes mellitus in rabbits (with STZ). Blood glucose was measured by the glucose oxidase method. After treatment of the injured pancreas for 60 days, Kasni and Milk thistle showed a decrease in the elevated levels of blood sugar. The coalesce effect of both plants is more than the individual plants whereas Milk thistle has demonstrated a better control than Kasni. To conclude, C. intybus and S. marianum play a positive role in controlling diabetes.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a superbug which is infamous for causing wound infections. Unfortunately it is developing resistance quickly against commonly used antibiotics. Antimicrobial drugs effective against methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus are too expensive to afford by impoverish population in our country. However, herbal medicines are seen to be equally effective with less severe adverse effects. There is need to explore alternative medicines of botanical origin to cure dangerous bacteria. Oenothera biennis contains phytochemicals which have antimicrobial activity against some gram negative and gram positive microorganisms. Objectives: To evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentration of Oenothera biennis seed extract against staphylococcus aureus by using different concentrations. Study Design: In Vitro antibacterial study. Settings: The study was conducted in microbiology laboratory of Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore. Duration: One year. Methodology: Oenothera biennis extract was prepared in 95% Ethanol in biochemistry laboratory of Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Lahore. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were procured from microbiology laboratory and American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains used as quality control for MSSA & MRSA, were purchased from musaji adam and sons Karachi (imports@science-ware.com). The antibacterial activity of oenothera biennis seed extract against staphylococcus aureus was tested by deep well broth microdilution and disc diffusion method. Different concentrations of stock solutions (100μg/10μl to 500μg/10μl of DMSO) were used to test antimicrobial effect to establish dose response relationship. Results: Results were measured and compared according to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute. Oenothera biennis seed extract inhibited growth of methicillin sensitive and methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus isolate from laboratory as well as ATCC strains with minimum inhibitory concentration 530μg/10μl solvent. Whereas other concentrations 50 μg/10μl ,100 μg/10μl ,150 μg/10μl ,200 μg/10μl ,250 μg/10μl ,300 μg/10μl ,350 μg/10μl ,400 μg/10μl ,450 μg/10μl and 500 μg/10μl had no effect at all. Conclusion: Oenothera biennis extract inhibits growth of staphylococcus aureus at concentration of 530μg remarkably. This can inhibit both MSSA & MRSA already proved in our study. This could be beneficial as an alternate medicine. However, further research is needed to be conducted for animal study. Key words: Oenothera biennis, ethanolic extract, Methicillin sensitive, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MSSA, MRSA.

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Objective: To determine clomiphene citrate effect on ovulation induction and its effects and evaluation on inflammation of gingiva. Materials and Methods: This was a clinical trial on 50 patients using clomiphene citrate [CC] for ovulation induction and 50 patients with control. These women were examined for their dental hygiene, and to evaluate the index of gingiva, and index of plaque, gingival crevicular fluid, and how much bleeding occurs when probing, any inflammation and dental caries. All the results were compared with a control group in this evaluation [50 females] who do not use ovulation medicines. Results: Clomiphene citrate is used for ovulation induction. It alters the hormonal level in serum and also leads to gingival inflammation. Although same level of plaque is P > 0.05, females having CC treatment for ovulation induction for more than three to four months with increase inflammation pg gingiva level respectively having value of P < 0.01, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), GCF volume is P <0.001) and bleeding is with P <0.001 as it was compared with control group and to treatment with CC for three months.. Conclusion: It is concluded that hormonal disturbance in infertility and drugs used in present study may cause gingival inflammation. Keyword: Clomiphene citrate, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, inflammation, Gingivitis.