A Complementary Therapy with Whey Protein in Diabetes: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and its complications can cause severe morbidity and mortality. The researchers and clinicians’ attention has been toward finding the efficient treatment for T2DM to decrease its heavy burden on the people and countries. Whey protein (WP) is a known glucose-lowering treatment of traditional Persian medicine. This randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the WP on the improvement of the glycemic index of the patients with T2DM in Fars, Fasa, Iran. A total of 58 people with T2DM met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: intervention or placebo. For 12 weeks, they were given 1 sachet of WP or 1 sachet of placebo. Before and after the trial, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, and liver enzymes were tested. Finally, 35 patients completed the study (18 in the whey group and 17 in the placebo group). The mean ± standard deviation of age, BMI, and the disease duration in placebo group were: 52.1±9.2 years, 26.8±3.9 kg/m2 and 102.9±67.7 months and in WP group were 51.2±8.2 years, 25.7±3.7 kg/m2 and 74.2±51.1 months. There were no significant differences among the study groups at the beginning (P>0.05). Meanwhile, the WP and placebo groups were the same by means of the amount of anti-diabetic drugs that participants consumed (P=0.242). After 12 weeks: the fasting blood sugar (FBS) and hemoglobin A1C amounts showed important decreases in the WP group compared to its starting point (P=0.011 and P=0.001 respectively), while in the placebo group, there was no significant difference in this matter (P>0.05).  No severe complications were reported in both groups. In conclusion, we found that whey protein would be a promising complementary therapy to control hyperglycemia in the patients with T2DM

Long non-coding RNAs and JAK/STAT signaling pathway regulation in colorectal cancer development

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the main fatal cancers. Cell signaling such as Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling substantially influences the process of gene expression and cell growth. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play regulatory roles in cell signaling, cell proliferation, and cancer fate. Hence, lncRNAs can be considered biomarkers in cancers. The inhibitory or activating effects of different lncRNAs on the JAK/STAT pathway regulate cancer cell proliferation or tumor suppression. Additionally, lncRNAs regulate immune responses which play a role in immunotherapy. Mechanisms of lncRNAs in CRC via JAK/STAT regulation mainly include cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, adhesion, and control of inflammation. More profound findings are warranted to specifically target the lncRNAs in terms of activation or suppression in hindering CRC cell proliferation. Here, to understand the lncRNA cross-talk in CRC through the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, we collected the related in vitro and in vivo data. Future insights may pave the way for the development of novel diagnostic tools, therapeutic interventions, and personalized treatment strategies for CRC patients

Designing the model of identity status based on the parent - child relationship, locus of control, and perfectionism

Background and Aim: The period of adolescence and youth, which is associated with rapid physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral changes, is extremely important in the life span. The aim of the current research was to design an identity status model based on the parent-child (mother-child) relationship, locus of control and perfectionism. Methods: The current research method was correlation and structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of students aged 18 to 35 studying in various fields of medicine, technical engineering, and basic sciences in universities affiliated to the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology located in Tehran. A sample consisting of 365 male and female students was selected from this population using a multi-stage random sampling method. The research data were collected using the extended questionnaire of the objective assessment of the identity base of Bennion and Adams (1998), the parent-child relationship model questionnaire, the internal-external control scale of Rutter (1966), and the perfectionism questionnaire of Hill et al. (2004). The data obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique in Lisrel software. Results: The results showed that the control-orbit dimension only explains non-adaptive perfectionism (β=0.15, P<0.001) and its effect on other endogenous variables of the model is not significant. On the contrary, the free-orbit dimension on locus of control (β= 0.32, P< 0.001), unsuccessful identity (β=0.21, P<0.001), and maladaptive perfectionism (β=0.34, P< 0.001) was direct and significant and inverse on other endogenous variables. The results also showed that the locus of control had an inverse and significant effect on adaptive perfectionism (β=-0.71, P<0.001), and a direct and significant effect on maladaptive perfectionism (β=0.28, P<0.001). In addition, according to the results, the effect of non-adaptive perfectionism on unsuccessful identity was direct and significant (β=0.26, P<0.001), and the effect of adaptive perfectionism on successful identity was indirect and significant (β=-0.52, P<0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the model of identity status, based on parent-child relationship (mother-child), locus of control and perfectionism, was suitable

Studying the microbial, chemical, and sensory characteristics of shrimp coated with alginate sodium nanoparticles containing Zataria multiflora and Cuminum cyminum essential oils

Abstract Retardation of quality loss of seafood has been a new concept in recent years. This study's main objective was to evaluate the microbial, chemical, and sensory attributes of shrimp coated with alginate sodium nanoparticles containing Zataria multiflora and Cuminum cyminum essential oils (EOs) during refrigerated storage. At the end of storage time (15 days storage at 4°C), the pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) amounts in shrimps coated with the alginate nanoparticles were 7.62, 1.14 mg MDA/kg, and 117 mg/100 g which were significantly (p < .05) lower than the control groups. The count of all bacteria groups was also lower in this treatment, which was 2–2.74 Log CFU/mL on day 15 of cold storage. This combined treatment also obtained the highest sensory scores (around 7) and the lowest melanosis score (2.67) due to the effective delaying microbial and oxidation activities. Therefore, this edible coating could substantially retard microbial and chemical changes and improve the organoleptic properties of shrimp under refrigerated storage

New solid phase methodology for the synthesis of biscoumarin derivatives: experimental and in silico approaches

Abstract The simple and greener one-pot approach for the synthesis of biscoumarin derivatives using catalytic amounts of nano-MoO3 catalyst under mortar-pestle grinding was described. The use of non-toxic and mild catalyst, cost-effectiveness, ordinary grinding, and good to the excellent yield of the final product makes this procedure a more attractive pathway for the synthesis of biologically remarkable pharmacophores. Accordingly, biscoumarin derivatives were successfully extended in the developed protocols. Next, a computational investigation was performed to identify the potential biological targets of this set of compounds. In this case, first, a similarity search on different virtual libraries was performed to find an ideal biological target for these derivatives. Results showed that the synthesized derivatives can be α-glucosidase inhibitors. In another step, molecular docking studies were carried out against human lysosomal acid-alpha-glucosidase (PDB ID: 5NN8) to determine the detailed binding modes and critical interactions with the proposed target. In silico assessments showed the gold score value in the range of 17.56 to 29.49. Additionally, molecular dynamic simulations and the MM-GBSA method of the most active derivative against α-glucosidase were conducted to study the behavior of selected compounds in the biological system. Ligand 1 stabilized after around 30 ns and participated in various interactions with Trp481, Asp518, Asp616, His674, Phe649, and Leu677 residues

Antimicrobial Activity and Wound Healing Properties of Aloe Arborescens Extract: An in Vivo Study

Background & Objective: Burn is one of the prominent causes of death around the world, however drug discovery attempts for burn healing has not been entirely successful. Aloe arborescens (A. arborescens), is effective in the burning wounds healing and growth inhibition of bacterial pathogens. Our objective was to assess the wound healing and antibacterial effects of A. arborescens in vivo. Materials & Methods: Thirty healthy Wistar rat animals were enrolled. The treatment process continued for 21 days and sampling was conducted on days 14 and 21 and the tissue slides were sent to the pathology laboratory for testing. The bactericidal activity of A. arborescens extract was evaluated using the disc diffusion method. Results: A. arborescens demonstrated a significant effect on the healing of burn wounds. Furthermore, the antibacterial effects of the A. arborescens extract against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) was significantly higher than that against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus) bacterial species. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study indicated that A. arborescens extract had an improving effect on the healing process of third degree burns without toxicity to the tissue

Nano-scaled emulsion and nanogel containing Mentha pulegium essential oil: cytotoxicity on human melanoma cells and effects on apoptosis regulator genes

Abstract Background Topical drug delivery using nanoemulsions and nanogels is a promising approach to treating skin disorders such as melanoma. Methods In this study, the chemical composition of Mentha pulegium essential oil with five major compounds, including pulegone (68.11%), l-menthone (8.83%), limonene (2.90%), iso-pulegone (2.69%), and iso-menthone (1.48%) was first identified using GC-MS (Gas chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) analysis. Afterward, a nano-scaled emulsion containing the essential oil with a droplet size of 7.70 ± 1 nm was prepared. Nanogel containing the essential oil was then prepared by adding (2% w/v) carboxymethyl cellulose to the nano-scaled emulsion. Moreover, the successful loading of M. pulegium essential oil in the nano-scaled emulsion and nanogel was confirmed using ATR-FTIR (Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier Transform InfraRed) analysis. Then, human A375 melanoma cells were treated with different concentrations of samples, the MTT assay evaluated cell viability, and cell apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry. In addition, the expression of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes, including Bax and Bcl-2, was evaluated using the qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique. Results The results showed that cell viability was reduced by 90 and 45% after treatment with 300 μg/mL of the nanogel and nano-scaled emulsion. As confirmed by flow cytometry, this effect was mediated by apoptosis. Furthermore, gene expression analysis showed up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 genes. Therefore, the prepared nanogel, with high efficacy, could be considered a potent anticancer agent for supplementary medicine and in vivo research

Nanoliposomes containing three essential oils from the Artemisia genus as effective larvicides against Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi

Abstract Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi have challenged human health by transmitting several infectious disease agents, such as malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. Larvicides, especially in endemic regions, is an effective approach to the control of mosquito-borne diseases. In this study, the composition of three essential oil from the Artemisia L. family was analyzed by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. Afterward, nanoliposomes containing essential oils of A. annua, A. dracunculus, and A. sieberi with particle sizes of 137 ± 5, 151 ± 6, and 92 ± 5 nm were prepared. Besides, their zeta potential values were obtained at 32 ± 0.5, 32 ± 0.6, and 43 ± 1.7 mV. ATR-FTIR analysis (Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform InfraRed) confirmed the successful loading of the essential oils. Moreover, The LC50 values of nanoliposomes against Ae. aegypti larvae were 34, 151, and 197 µg/mL. These values for An.stephensi were obtained as 23 and 90, and 140 µg/mL, respectively. The results revealed that nanoliposomes containing A. dracunculus exerted the highest potential larvicidal effect against Ae. aegypti and An. stephensi, which can be considered against other mosquitoes

Nickel Nanoparticles: Applications and Antimicrobial Role against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has evolved vast antibiotic resistance. These strains contain numerous virulence factors facilitating the development of severe infections. Considering the costs, side effects, and time duration needed for the synthesis of novel drugs, seeking efficient alternative approaches for the eradication of drug-resistant bacterial agents seems to be an unmet requirement. Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) have been applied as prognostic and therapeutic cheap agents to various aspects of biomedical sciences. Their antibacterial effects are exerted via the disruption of the cell membrane, the deformation of proteins, and the inhibition of DNA replication. NiNPs proper traits include high-level chemical stability and binding affinity, ferromagnetic properties, ecofriendliness, and cost-effectiveness. They have outlined pleomorphic and cubic structures. The combined application of NiNPs with CuO, ZnO, and CdO has enhanced their anti-MRSA effects. The NiNPs at an approximate size of around 50 nm have exerted efficient anti-MRSA effects, particularly at higher concentrations. NiNPs have conferred higher antibacterial effects against MRSA than other nosocomial bacterial pathogens. The application of green synthesis and low-cost materials such as albumin and chitosan enhance the efficacy of NPs for therapeutic purposes

Bilosomes as Nanocarriers for the Drug and Vaccine Delivery against Gastrointestinal Infections: Opportunities and Challenges

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) environment has an intricate and complex nature, limiting drugs’ stability, oral bioavailability, and adsorption. Additionally, due to the drugs’ toxicity and side effects, renders are continuously seeking novel delivery systems. Lipid-based drug delivery vesicles have shown various loading capacities and high stability levels within the GIT. Indeed, most vesicular platforms fail to efficiently deliver drugs toward this route. Notably, the stability of vesicular constructs is different based on the different ingredients added. A low GIT stability of liposomes and niosomes and a low loading capacity of exosomes in drug delivery have been described in the literature. Bilosomes are nonionic, amphiphilic, flexible surfactant vehicles that contain bile salts for the improvement of drug and vaccine delivery. The bilosomes’ stability and plasticity in the GIT facilitate the efficient carriage of drugs (such as antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and antifungal drugs), vaccines, and bioactive compounds to treat infectious agents. Considering the intricate and harsh nature of the GIT, bilosomal formulations of oral substances have a remarkably enhanced delivery efficiency, overcoming these conditions. This review aimed to evaluate the potential of bilosomes as drug delivery platforms for antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic GIT-associated drugs and vaccines