Nut

Abstract: A swivel nut assembly consists of a nut formed of a pair of pivotally interconnected U-shaped disks each forming a U-shaped recess. The disks can be pivoted from an open position with the U-shaped recesses disposed in spaced relation to a closed position where the disks overlap and a portion of each of the recesses combine to provide the threaded opening through the nut. Each disk has an extension projecting from it toward the other disk. In the closed position the disks can be locked together.

Abstract: Betel quid chewing is an ancient practice common in many countries of Asia and among migrated communities in Africa, Europe and North America. It enjoys complete social acceptance in many societies and is also popular among women. In its most basic form, betel quid consists of betel leaf (Piper betel), areca nut, the main psychoactive ingredient, and slaked lime (calcium hydroxide). Areca nut is said to be the fourth most commonly used psychoactive substance in the world, after caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. There are a great variety of ingredients and ways of preparing betel quid in different countries. In some, particularly in India, tobacco is added to the quid. In recent years, commercially-manufactured non-perishable forms of betel quid (pan masala or betel quid mixtures and gutka), not containing betel leaf, have been marketed. Within a short period of about 2 decades, this industry has risen in value to several hundred US million dollars. Use of areca nut in any form is not safe for oral health; the use of commercially manufactured forms seems even riskier.

Abstract: A split nut has two halves securely fastened to one another by magnets. The magnets may be attached to the nut or the nut itself can be magnetized. The magnets secure the two halves together so that the threads of each half are in alignment and the nut may be moved along a threaded shaft. The nut may be attached to a threaded shaft anywhere along the length of the shaft. The nut has the ability to realign or reform a damaged portion of the threaded shaft. The nut can also be used for tightening, in the manner of a conventional nut. Moreover, the nut can be used for extracting by pushing, as for example in removing steering wheels for a steering column. Also, if provided with a gasket, the nut can stop leaks.

Abstract: Areca nut is widely consumed by all ages groups in many parts of the world, especially south-east Asia The objective of this review is to systematically review and collate all the published data that are related to the systemic effects of areca nut The literature search was performed by an electronic search of the Pubmed and Cochrane databases using keywords and included articles published till October 2012 We selected studies that covered the effect of areca nut on metabolism, and a total of 62 studies met the criteria There is substantial evidence for carcinogenicity of areca nut in cancers of the mouth and esophagus Areca nut affects almost all organs of the human body, including the brain, heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive organs It causes or aggravates pre-existing conditions such as neuronal injury, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, hepatotoxicity, asthma, central obesity, type II diabetes, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, etc Areca nut affects the endocrine system, leading to hypothyroidism, prostate hyperplasia and infertility It affects the immune system leading to suppression of T-cell activity and decreased release of cytokines It has harmful effects on the fetus when used during pregnancy Thus, areca nut is not a harmless substance as often perceived and proclaimed by the manufacturers of areca nut products such as Pan Masala, Supari Mix, Betel quid, etc There is an urgent need to recognize areca nut as a harmful food substance by the policy makers and prohibit its glamorization as a mouth freshener Strict laws are necessary to regulate the production of commercial preparations of areca nut