Ameliorative impact of cinnamon against high blood pressure; an updated review

High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension is a vital people health challenge in both developed countries and economically developing ones. By commencing a few novel food habits, containing counting calories and observing portion sizes, individuals can lower their BPs and modulate administered drugs to regulator high BP better. Additionally, some herbal drugs may be able to lower BP. Over the past centuries, cinnamon has been consumed as a traditional remedy in China. Cinnamon, the everlasting tree of tropical medication, belongs to the Lauraceae clan. In fact, cinnamon is one of the most main spices consumed daily by people globally. The accessible in vitro and preclinical data suggest that cinnamon has anti-antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, cholesterol-lowering, cardiovascular protecting, and immuno-modulatory effects. Likewise, numerous researches have demonstrated its beneficial effects on BP. In this review, therapeutic effects of cinnamon particularly on BP and on patients having type II diabetes mellitus will be reviewed

Improving the physicochemical and antioxidative properties of fermented goat milk using carob molasses and some probiotic strains

Fermented goat milk samples, processed by adding 0, 2, and 4% carob molasses, and Bifidobacterium bifidum DSMZ or Lactobacillus helveticus CH5, were evaluated for their physicochemical, antioxidative, and sensory properties along with probiotic viability during storage. pH and viscosity gradually decreased over the storage period whereas their values increased with the increased amount of carob molasses. Bifidobacterium bifidum DSMZ or Lactobacillus helveticus CH5 kept higher viable numbers. Lactobacillus helveticus CH5 strain recorded higher viability. Increasing the added amount of carob molasses increased the total phenolic content, which in turn is reflected in the increase in antioxidant activity. Adding carob molasses participated in the partial masking of the goaty flavor and had no significant effect on the product’s acceptability, which was strongly influenced by the progress of cold storage. Therefore, fermented goat milk described by its enhanced physicochemical and antioxidative properties could be obtained by adding carob molasses and probiotics.<br/

An update on diabetic kidney disease, oxidative stress and antioxidant agents.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that is defined by relative or absolute deficiency of insulin secretion. Diabetic kidney disease seems to be one of the most frequent complications of diabetes mellitus. Based on evidence, increased free-radical formation and/or diminished antioxidant defenses induce oxidative stress that is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease. It is evident that diabetic state induces oxidative stress through different signaling pathways as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation that attributes to the activation of various downstream signaling cascade leading to structural the way to structural and functional changes in kidney

Analysis of the Impact of Fintech Firms’ Lending on the Expansion of Service Base Companies in Jordan

The purpose of this research was to analyze the impact of lending by fintech firms on the expansion of service- based companies in Jordan. The studys population included 210 service-based enterprises located in Jordan. The research used a sample size of 136 respondents from registered service-based enterprises in Jordan. The researchers used a structured questionnaire to gather data from the participants. The data acquired in this study were evaluated using a combination of basic percentage calculations and Pearson product moment analysis. The research has reached the conclusion that the lending activities of Fintech firms have a noteworthy impact on the expansion of service-based companies in Jordan. The study suggests that it would be advantageous for the Fintech service provider to engage in advertising efforts aimed at promoting their services, with the goal of increasing the adoption of their mobile money product among a wider range of business professionals. This would lead to an increased number of entrepreneurs using Fintech as a means to augment the expansion of their businesses. The scope of the research was limited to a small number of service-based organizations. However, it is important to include other service-based companies that were not included in this study. To get a comprehensive understanding, a comparison study should be conducted to explore other characteristics that were not addressed in the current research. The field of financial technology (fintech) has seen significant growth in recent years. This growth can be measured by the degree of utilization observed in various fintech applications and services

Problems and Functional Disabilities Among Patients with Cervical Disc and Relationship with Low Back Pain

Background: cervical disc disorder is associated with many  problems and functional disabilities which affect quality of life for patients. Neck pain is as common as low back pain which are considered from associated problems with cervical disc. Aim: This study was conducted to assess problems and functional disabilities among patients with cervical disc and relationship with low back pain. Design and Setting: A descriptive exploratory correlational study design was used and data were collected from Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department and it's affiliated out patient clinic of Tanta Main University Hospital. Sample: Purposive sampling of (90) patients from previous mentioned setting during follow-up period. Tools: Three tools were used for data collection: Tool (I); Sociodemographic and Medical data of the patients, Tool (II); Neck Disability Index scale to examine the degree of disability resulted from cervical disc and its effect on daily activities. Tool (III); Roland-Morris Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire to assess pain-related disability resulting from low back pain.  Results: As a result of this study, the majority (66.7%) of the patients had complete level of neck disability and (82.2%) of them had high level of disability due to low back pain. Moreover the majority of the patients (67.6%) had high level of disability due to low back pain associated with complete neck disability due to cervical disc. Significant positive correlation was noted between total score of neck disability index and total score of roland-morrislow back pain and disability.Conclusion and Recommendation: These results indicate that majority of the patients had complete level of neck disability and high level of disability due to low back pain. Significant positive correlation was noted between total score of neck disability index and total score of roland-morrislow back pain and disability. Further research must be done in many settings to evaluate whether disability prevention or interventions can improve functional disabilities. Keywords: Cervical disc, functional disability, Low Back Pain. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/61-05 Publication date: April 30th 201

Effect of some essential oils against Aeromonas hydrophila artificially inoculated into raw Nile Tilapia fish fillets during refrigeration storage.

Aeromonas spp. is one of the emerging foodborne pathogens that gained importance during the last decades because of its zoonotic potential and as one of the specific spoilage organisms in seafood products. Agar well-diffusion assay revealed that cinnamon EO-Trans Cinnamaldehyde- (TC) and garlic Eos (GEO) showed the highest zone of inhibition against Aeromonas strains 18 mm for each at 0.5 % followed by thyme EO (TEO) (12 mm). While Clove EO (CEO) and onion EO (OEO) didn’t inhibit the growth of Aeromonas spp. Resazurin microtiter plate assay indicated that the MIC values were 3.125 mg/ml for GEO, 6.25 mg/ml for TC, 12.5 mg/ml for CEO, 50 mg/ml for TEO, and 75 mg/ml for OEO. The application of cinnamon, clove, garlic, thyme, and onion Eos against Aeromonas spp. on tilapia fish fillets stored at 4oC showed that among the low concentration of Eos (25 mg/ml), cinnamon and clove Eos showed a significant reduction in Aeromonas counts. Also, the higher concentration of CEO (25 mg/ml) caused a significant reduction rate. Counts of A. hydrophila in tilapia fish fillets of Eos treated samples were significantly different compared to the initial counts. EOS showed a significant reduction in the PH value of fish fillets except for the lower concentrations of TEO & OEO (alpha =0.052, P>0.05). A shelf-life extension of 2-3 days was achieved with essential oils treatment. They could be recommended as natural antimicrobial control of A. hydrophila in fish fillets

Cancer Cells Treated by Clusters of Copper Oxide Doped Calcium Silicate

Purpose: Different compositions of copper oxide (CuO)-doped calcium silicate clusters wereused to treat the cancer cells.Methods: The influence of CuO content on the morphology, drug delivering ability,physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity was investigated.Results: The microcrystalline structure revealed the decrement of the size from (20-36 nm) to(5-7 nm) depending on the copper content percentages. Drug delivering ability of doxycyclinehyclate (Dox) was down regulated from 58% to 28%in the presence of the CuO. The inclusionof CuO and Dox didn’t show any remarkable changes on the physicochemical properties of theCuO-doped calcium silicate nanoparticles.Conclusion: The CuO-doped calcium silicate sample (5 weight %) exhibited great cytotoxicityagainst the tested cell lines compared to the CuO-free sample. CuO-doped materials displayedsignificant anticancer effect; this sheds light on its implication in the treatment of cancer

Management of hepatitis C virus genotype 4: recommendations of an international expert panel.

HCV has been classified into no fewer than six major genotypes and a series of subtypes. Each HCV genotype is unique with respect to its nucleotide sequence, geographic distribution, and response to therapy. Genotypes 1, 2, and 3 are common throughout North America and Europe. HCV genotype 4 (HCV-4) is common in the Middle East and in Africa, where it is responsible for more than 80% of HCV infections. It has recently spread to several European countries. HCV-4 is considered a major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation in these regions. Although HCV-4 is the cause of approximately 20% of the 170 million cases of chronic hepatitis C in the world, it has not been the subject of widespread research. Therefore, this document, drafted by a panel of international experts, aimed to review current knowledge on the epidemiology, natural history, clinical, histological features, and treatment of HCV-4 infections

Association of HCV with diabetes mellitus: an Egyptian case-control study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The highest Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) prevalence in the world occurs in Egypt. Several studies from different parts of the world have found that 13% to 33% of patients with chronic HCV have associated diabetes, mostly type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM). In Egypt the prevalence of DM is 25.4% among HCV patients. Therefore, it is important to identify the magnitude of the problem of diabetes in order to optimize the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate the prevalence of DM and other extrahepatic (EH) manifestations among patients with different HCV morbidity stages including asymptomatic, chronic hepatic and cirrhotic patients. In this study, 289 HCV patients older than 18 were selected as cases. Also, 289 healthy controls were included. Laboratory investigations including Liver Function tests (LFT) and blood glucose level were done. Also serological assays including cryoglobulin profile, rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody, HCV-PCR were performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Out of 289 HCV cases, 40 (13.84%) were diabetic. Out of 289 healthy controls, 12 (4.15%) were diabetic. It was found that the diabetic HCV group mean age was [48.1 (± 9.2)]. Males and urbanians represented 72.5% and 85% respectively. Lower level of education was manifested in 52.5% and 87.5% were married. In the nondiabetic HCV group mean age was [40.7 (± 10.4)]. Males and urbanians represented 71.5% and 655% respectively. secondary and higher level of education was attained in 55.4% and 76.7% were married. Comparing between the diabetic HCV group and the non diabetic HCV group, age, residence and alcohol drinking were the only significant factors affecting the incidence of diabetes between the two groups. There was no significant difference regarding sonar findings although cirrhosis was more prevalent among diabetic HCV cases and the fibrosis score was higher in diabetic HCV patients than among the non diabetic HCV cases.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The diabetic patients in the HCV group were older, more likely to have a history of alcohol drinking than the non diabetic HCV cases. Age and alcohol drinking are factors that could potentially contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Logistic regression analyses showed that age and residence in urban regions were the predictive variables that could be associated with the presence of diabetes. Alcohol consumption was not a significant predictive factor.</p