The effects of nutrition bio-shield superfood powder on immune system function: A clinical trial study among patients with COVID-19

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Nutrition Bio-shield Superfood (NBS) powder on the immune system function and clinical manifestations in patients with COVID-19. We compare the effects of NBS powder on the immune system function and clinical manifestations among two different groups: 1) intervention group receiving standard treatment scheduled according to treatment guidelines plus NBS powder, and 2) control group receiving only the same standard treatment. The serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, IFNgamma, and TNFalpha were determined after four weeks of treatment by specific ELISA kits according to the manufacturer's instructions. Finally, the level of immune system stimulation and inflammatory markers were compared at baseline and after intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22). A p-value of </= 0.05 was set as significant. A total of 47 patients with COVID-19 (24 patients in the intervention group and 23 patients in the control group) were included in this study. Results showed that the differences in the mean decrease of IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in the intervention group in comparison to the control group were 0.93, 10.28, and 8.11 pg/ml, respectively (P<0.001). On the other hand, there was no difference in IL-17, IFNgamma, monocytes, eosinophil, and other inflammatory indices between the intervention and control groups. Although NBS powder was able to significantly decrease the levels of some proinflammatory cytokines in patients with COVID-19, however, it is noteworthy that the course of the disease was to large part unaffected by NBS power and there was a reduction independent of treatment. The present study indicates that NBS powder could provide a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect in patients with COVID-19. Hence, NBS in treating patients with COVID-19 shows promise as an adjuvant to the current standard antiviral treatment of such patients. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.irct.ir, identifier IRCT20200426047206N1

Electrochemical preparation and characterization of polypyrrole/stainless steel electrodes decorated with gold nanoparticles

The electrosynthesis and characterization of polypyrrole(PPy)/stainless steel electrodes decorated with gold nanoparticles and the performance of the composite electrode for sensing applications is described. PPy films were grown in potassium perchlorate and sodium salicylate solutions under comparable electropolymerization conditions. Polymer films prepared in the presence of perchlorate ions exhibited wormlike structures, whereas columnar structures were obtained in salicylate-containing solutions. Voltammetric response of PPy films prepared in salicylate solutions was more reversible. PPy films were decorated with gold nanoparticles obtained by a double step potentiostatic electrodeposition routine that allowed fine control of deposit characteristics. Analysis of deposits was performed by means of SEM and confocal Raman spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of the Au/PPy electrodes was assessed for the electro-oxidation of hydrazine and hydroxylamine. Results showed a successful optimization of the route of synthesis that rendered nanocomposite electrode materials with promising applications in electrochemical sensing.Fil: Gutiérrez Pineda, Eduart Andrés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ingenieria. Departamento de Mecanica. Laboratorio de Invest.de Metalurgia Fisica; ArgentinaFil: Alcaide, Francisco . CIDETEC. Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Guipúzcoa; EspañaFil: Rodriguez Presa, Maria Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Bolzán, Agustín Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Gervasi, Claudio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ingenieria. Departamento de Mecanica. Laboratorio de Invest.de Metalurgia Fisica; Argentin