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Effect of Probiotic, Prebiotic, and Synbiotic Supplementation on Cardiometabolic and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
No full textPurpose: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem worldwide. Evidence supporting the use of probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation in the management of CKD is mixed, although some studies suggest they may be useful. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation for improving cardiometabolic and oxidative stress parameters in patients with CKD. Methods: A comprehensive key word search was performed in EMBASE, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and Web of Science until April 2020. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of probiotic, synbiotic, and prebiotic supplementation for the management of adults with CKD were included. Primary outcomes were measures of cardiometabolic parameters such as cholesterol and fasting blood glucose. Secondary outcomes were measures of oxidative stress (eg, malondialdehyde levels) and body mass index. Random effects meta-analyses were used to estimate mean treatment effects. Results are reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95 CIs. Findings: Fourteen articles were included. In patients with CKD, probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (SMD, �0.25; 95 CI, �0.46 to �0.04; I2 = 00.0), fasting blood glucose (SMD, �0.41; 95 CI, �0.65 to �0.17; I2 = 00.0), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (SMD, �0.63; 95 CI, �0.95 to �0.30; I2 = 43.3), insulin levels (SMD, �0.49; 95 CI, �0.90 to �0.08; I2 = 65.2), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (SMD, �0.52; 95 CI, �0.81 to �0.22; I2 = 52.7), and malondialdehyde levels (SMD, �0.79; 95 CI, �1.22 to �0.37; I2 = 69.8) compared with control interventions. Supplementation significantly increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (SMD, 0.78; 95 CI, 0.51 to 1.05; I2 = 00.0), total antioxidant capacity (SMD, 0.42; 95 CI, 0.18 to 0.66; I2 = 00.0), and glutathione levels (SMD, 0.52; 95 CI, 0.19 to 0.86; I2 = 37.0). Implications: Probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation seems to be a promising intervention for improving cardiometabolic and oxidative stress parameters in patients with CKD. © 2021 Elsevier Inc
Effects of curcumin supplementation on blood glucose, insulin resistance and androgens in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
No full textBackground: Curcumin is a biologically active phytochemical ingredient found in turmeric. It has several pharmacologic effects that might benefit patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Objective: We hypothesized curcumin to be effective in improving blood sugar levels, insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in individuals with PCOS. Methods: In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, individuals with PCOS were treated with curcumin (500 mg three times daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. Primary outcome measures were fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FI), sex hormone levels, and hirsutism (Ferriman-Gallwey mFG score). Secondary outcomes included anthropometric measurements. Results: Of 72 randomized individuals, 67 completed the trial. The two groups were comparable at baseline. At the end of the study, FPG and Dehydroepiandrosterone levels had decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to control (difference of change (post-pre) between intervention and placebo groups: -4.11 mg/dL; 95% CI: -8.35, -0.35 mg/dL; p = 0.033 and -26.53 microg/dL; 95% CI: -47.99, -4.34 µg/dL; p = 0.035, respectively). We also observed a statistically non-significant increase (p = 0.082) in Estradiol levels in the intervention group compared to control. No serious adverse events were reported throughout the trial. Conclusions: Curcumin might be a safe and useful supplement to ameliorate PCOS-associated hyperandrogenemia and hyperglycemia. However, longer trials investigating different dosages in longer durations are needed to underpin these findings. © 202
A new dendrimer-functionalized magnetic nanosorbent for the efficient adsorption and subsequent trace measurement of Hg (II) ions in wastewater samples
No full textA new dendrimer-functionalized magnetic nanosorbent for the efficient adsorption and subsequent trace measurement of Hg (II) ions in wastewater samples was successfully synthesized. The synthesis is accomplished via the Michael addition reaction of the amino groups of the silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (APTES-modified Fe3O4@SiO2) with the double bond of methyl acrylate followed by the amidation of the resulting methyl ester with ethylene diamine. Following that, some donor functional groups were attached to the dendrimer via a specific chemical reaction to offer a further selectivity to the dendrimer-based nanosorbent. Once the synthesis is accomplished, the as-prepared nanosorbent was characterized by several analytical techniques such as FT-IR, SEM, VSM, TGA and EDX. Following that, Hg (II) ions were adsorbed onto the active sites of the sorbent through the complexation with the dentates (-N, -S) of the dispersed sorbent, which seems to be the cornerstone of the adsorption process. In the next step, the ions were desorbed off the sorbent and measured by a cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometer (CV-AAS). The impact of a number of influential variables such as pH, sorbent dosage, adsorption time, elution features were assessed and subsequently optimized. Under the optimal conditions, a relatively wide linearity was obtained for the analyte of interest in the range of 0.08�6.0 μg/L with the correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.9922 and the method detection limit (MDL) was determined to be 0.03 μg/L. Satisfactory relative recoveries of the analyte varied within 90.0�106.7 with the relative standard deviations (RSD) of 2.1�5.3. In addition, a number of experiments with regard to the equilibrium adsorption isotherms of the target ion was performed which well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model. Finally, the results indicated that the whole method was sensitive, effective and practical for the adsorption and trace measurement of Hg (II) in wastewater samples. © 202
A methylation signature at the CpG island promoter of estrogen receptor beta (ER-β) in breasts of women may be an early footmark of lack of breastfeeding and nulliparity
No full textAlthough little is known regarding the mechanisms behind the onset of breast cancer (BC) through reproductive risk factors, new researches have highlighted some early tumor-related methylation footmarks in the breast tissue of apparently clinically healthy women as their potential epigenetic mechanism. Previous evidence supports that the estrogen receptor beta (ER-β), whose anti-cancer roles had already been revealed in BC, is downregulated in the breasts of healthy nulliparous women. Nevertheless, data on such a link about its methylation alterations have not been reported. The goal of current study was to determine possible methylation alterations at CpG island promoter of the ER-β gene, including promoter 0 N and exon 0 N, in relation to aspects of reproductive history in the healthy breasts. The DNA was extracted from the breasts of 120 subjects undergoing cosmetic mammoplasty. Thereafter, the methylation levels of targeted regions in ER-β gene were determined by using MeDIP-qPCR assay. The results revealed that ER-β exon 0 N had no methylation in 84.2 of the women, whereas the rest, comprising 2.5 and 13.3 of the samples, showed a lower and higher of its methylation, respectively. Interestingly, nulliparous women were found to have an elevated methylation level of the ER-β exon 0 N than parous women (P = 0.036). Moreover, we observed a high methylation of the ER-β exon 0 N in the breasts of non-breastfeeding women compared to breastfeeding subgroup (P = 0.048). Likewise, the non-breastfeeding subgroup showed exon 0N high methylation in comparison to women with breastfeeding >24 months (P = 0.023). Finally, although we found that 6.67 of the samples had a high methylation level at the promoter 0N, no any relationship was found between its methylation and reproductive history. These results may provide key clues to revealing the epigenetic mechanism through which the nulliparity and lack of breastfeeding influencing the risk factor of BC as well as introducing the potential new early prediction and prevention strategies. Although further investigations need to be done in order to gain a better understanding the roles of these epigenetic signatures. © 2020 Elsevier Gmb
Functionalization of polymers and nanomaterials for water treatment, food packaging, textile and biomedical applications: a review
Full text linkThe inert nature of most commercial polymers and nanomaterials results in limitations of applications in various industrial fields. This can be solved by surface modifications to improve physicochemical and biological properties, such as adhesion, printability, wetting and biocompatibility. Polymer functionalization allows to graft specific moieties and conjugate molecules that improve material performances. In the last decades, several approaches have been designed in the industry and academia to graft functional groups on surfaces. Here, we review surface decoration of polymers and nanomaterials, with focus on major industrial applications in the medical field, textile industry, water treatment and food packaging. We discuss the advantages and challenges of polymer functionalization. More knowledge is needed on the biology behind cell�polymer interactions, nanosafety and manufacturing at the industrial scale. © 2020, The Author(s)
Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells to megakaryocyte lineage by using 3D bioreactor, microfluidic system and acellular rat lung
No full textBackground: Induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are reprogrammed cells that can develop into all human cell types, including megakaryocytes. Extracellular matrix plays a crucial role in the differentiation of hiPSCs into megakaryocytes. Therefore, we aimed to prepare a suitable natural acellular scaffold, and 3D bioreactor for in-vitro proliferation, and differentiation of hiPSCs into megakaryocytes. Methods: The rat lung was extracted, and the decellularization process was performed in order to eradicate cellular and nuclear materials, and lung three-dimensional (3D) structure with the protein contents remained intact. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and 4�, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining were used to verify tissue decellularization, and to ensure the integrity of the tissue structure. The 3D polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based bioreactor was designed, and the recellularization of the acellular lung was performed by hiPSCs. Decellularized rat lung vessels were used to deliver culture media as a microfluidic system. Differentiation of hiPSCs to megakaryocytes was assessed by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Results: H&E, DAPI staining, and SEM analysis confirmed the integrity of the 3D lung structure. Flow cytometry and RT-PCR analysis revealed the presence of megakaryocyte markers in differentiated cells. Conclusion: It seems that natural acellular scaffold and microfluidic 3D bioreactor provides a suitable natural cost-benefit microenvironment for hiPSCs differentiation into megakaryocytes. © 2020 Elsevier B.V
Acute coronary syndrome following arteriovenous fistula creation in a post CABG patient: A steal phenomenon from coronary artery to subclavian artery
No full textA 70-year-old man with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting 15 years back and arteriovenous (AV) fistula creation in the left arm 1 month back presented with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). He had not received dialysis before his referral. We felt the most likely etiology for these complaints was increased cardiac oxygen demand from an increased cardiac output related to the newly formed left AV fistula. Coronary angiography was done to detect any significant stenosis in the native or grafted vessels. This revealed that the left subclavian artery was totally occluded in the ostioproximal segment and the coronary arteries did not have occlusions to explain the ACS setting. CT angiography confirmed the angiographic findings of the totally occluded left subclavian artery followed by a well-developed and patent left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery. This led to the consideration of a steal syndrome from the coronary artery by the subclavian artery distal to the occlusion. A successful percutaneous endovascular intervention on the left subclavian artery occlusion was performed. Subsequently, the patient became asymptomatic and experienced a dramatic increase in left ventricular ejection fraction. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LL
Medication Adherence and Drug Attitude Amongst Male Patients with the Methamphetamine-Induced Psychotic Disorder After Discharge: A Three Months Follow Up Study
No full textMedication adherence and attitudes toward psychiatric medication affect treatment outcome. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect and interaction of psychotic symptoms, sociodemographic factors, and attitudes concerning medication use with a three-month follow-up among methamphetamine-induced psychotic male patients. In this prospective, descriptive study, 42 male patients diagnosed with a methamphetamine-induced psychotic disorder were selected on the last day of their admission period in Iran Psychiatry Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Each patient was evaluated using the Persian version of the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI-10), Medication Possession Ratio (MPR), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), as well as a sociodemographic questionnaire immediately, one month and three months after discharge. There was a significant difference in MPR between the first and third months. Moreover, the frequency of patients with a positive attitude toward their medications increased over time. Indeed, all participants stated a positive attitude at the last follow-up based on the DAI-10 cutoff. Based on our findings, medication adherence of male patients with methamphetamine-induced psychotic disorder should be an essential aspect of treatment after discharge from psychiatry inpatient wards, more specifically, through the first months. © 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
The effect of inhalation aromatherapy of geranium on pain and physiological indices after appendectomy: A double-blind randomized clinical trial
Full text linkIntroduction: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of inhalation aromatherapy with sweet-scented geranium essential oil on pain and physiological indices after appendectomy. Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was performed on 120 patients undergoing appendectomy. Aromatherapy was performed with 1 sweet-scented geranium and sweet almond oil in the experimental placebo groups, respectively. Physiological symptoms were recorded before induction of anesthesia, before surgery, 30 min and 4 h after surgery. The control group received no intervention and only pain intensity and physiological indices were recorded in the mentioned stages. The placebo group underwent sweet almond essential oil aromatherapy. Data collection tools included demographic information form, physiological index checklist, and visual pain scale. Results: Results of 7 measurements showed significant differences between the experimental and placebo groups as well as the experimental and control groups in terms of mean heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood oxygen percentage, and pain (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Results of the present study showed that the effect of inhalation aromatherapy with sweet-scented geranium essential oil after appendectomy reduces pain and physiological indices. Therefore, the above aromatherapy can be used as a complementary treatment along with other treatments. © 2020 The Author
Two Challenging Cases with COVID heart
Full text linkCOVID-19 affects the heart through various pathways. It can increase thrombotic complications that ultimately lead to myocardial infarction even in patients without a history of underlying heart disease. © 2020 The Authors. Clinical Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Lt