Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Bone Mineral Density, Bone Metabolism Markers and Inflammatory Markers in Healthy Post-menopausal Women: a Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial

AbstractIntroduction: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to positively influence on calcium and bone metabolism in experimental animals and cell culture, but there are limited human data available.Material and Methods: This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study was done on 76 healthy post-menopausal women (aged 55.1) which randomly assigned to receive daily four CLA capsules G80 containing 3.2 g isomer blend (50:50% cis-9, trans-11: trans-10, cis-12 isomers) or four capsules containing high oleic sunflower oil as placebo for 12 weeks. Urine and blood samples were collected at weeks 0 and 12 and were analyzed for biomarkers of calcium and bone metabolism and inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6). Subjects completed 3-day dietary records during the trial, in weeks 0 (baseline), 6 and 12.Results: supplementation with 3.2 g CLA isomer blend (50:50% cis-9,trans-11:trans-10,cis-12 isomers) for 12 weeks had no significant effects on bone formation markers (serum osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) or bone resorption (urine C-telopeptide-related fraction of type 1 collagen degradation products), parathyroid hormone (PTH), urinary calcium, urinary creatinine and CTP to creatinine ratio. But serum interlukine-6 did not change significantly over 12 weeks in postmenopausal women.Conclusion: Under the conditions tested in postmenopausal women, 3.2 g CLA isomer blend (50:50% cis-9, trans-11: trans-10, cis-12 isomers) did not affect markers of bone metabolism and calcium

Ultrasound-Engineered fabrication of immobilized molybdenum complex on Cross-Linked poly (Ionic Liquid) as a new acidic catalyst for the regioselective synthesis of pharmaceutical polysubstituted spiro compounds

A novel supported molybdenum complex on cross-linked poly (1-Aminopropyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide) entrapped cobalt oxide nanoparticles has been successfully fabricated through two different procedures, i.e. ultrasound (US) irradiations (100 W, 40 kHz) and reflux. The efficiency of the two different methods was comparatively investigated on the fundamental properties of proposed catalyst using diverse characterization techniques. Based on the obtained results, the ultrasonication method provides controlled polymerization process; as a result, well connected polymeric network is formed. In addition, the use of ultrasound waves turned out to be able to increase the particles uniformity, specific surface area (from 79.19 to 223.83 m2/g), and the onset thermal degradation temperature (Td) value (from 248 to 400 °C) of the prepared catalyst which intensifies the catalytic efficiency. Besides, US-treated catalyst demonstrated high chemical stability and maintained its cross-linked network after eight cycles recovery, while the cross-linked network of catalyst obtained under silent condition was completely disrupted. Furthermore, the ultrafast multi-step fabrication procedure was performed in less than 6 h under ultrasonic condition while a similar process promoted by a mechanical stirring method came to a conclusion after 5–6 days. Accordingly, the utility of the ultrasound irradiation was proved, and US-treated catalyst was applied for improved synthetic methodology of spiro 1,4-dihydropyridines and spiro pyranopyrazoles through different acidic active sites. Due to the significant synergistic influence between the proposed catalyst and US irradiation, a variety of novel and recognized mono-spiro compounds were fabricated at room temperature in high regioselectivity

Association of Food Allergies, Cow’s Milk Allergy, and Asthma With Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

There are controversies on the association of childhood allergic diseases with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The aim of this study was to examine the association between food allergy, cow’s milk allergy (CMA), and asthma with pediatric IBD in Iranian population. This case-control study was conducted on 200 individuals less than 18-year-old (100 with IBD and 100 as control group). Medical records, clinical presentation, and laboratory and para-clinical findings related to food allergy, CMA, and asthma were reviewed for all participants in both groups and were recorded. Among 100 children with IBD, 40 had Crohn's disease, and 60 had ulcerative colitis. The frequency of food allergy, cow's milk allergy, and asthma in children with IBD was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.001). Asthma in children with Crohn's disease was significantly more prevalent than children with ulcerative colitis (P=0.008). Food allergy (OR: 22.1, 95% CI: 5.1-95.05, P<0.001), CMA (OR: 15, 95% CI: 3-67, P<0.001), and asthma (OR: 10, 95% CI: 3-37.05, P<0.001) were significantly associated with increased risk of IBD in children. Food allergy, CMA in infancy and asthma are more prevalent in children with different subtypes of IBD. The diagnosis of these risk factors is associated with increased risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

A caffeine pre-treatment and sole effect of bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived conditioned media on hyperglycemia-suppressed fertilization

As a common metabolic disorder, hyperglycemia (HG) affects and disrupts the physiology of various systems in the body. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been used to control the complications of disease. Most of the therapeutic properties of MSCs are attributed to their secretome. This study aimed to investigate the effects of conditioned media extracted from sole or caffeine pre-treated bone-marrow-derived MSCs on hyperglycemia-induced detrimental impact on some aspects of reproduction. The HG was induced by intraperitoneally injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (110 mg/kg). Twenty-four male Wistar rats (190 ± 20 g) were divided into control, HG, and the hyperglycemic groups receiving conditioned media of proliferated MSCs solely (CM) or MSCs pre-treated with caffeine (CCM). During the 49-day treatment, body weight and blood glucose were measured weekly. Finally, HbA1c, spermatogenesis development, sperm count, morphology, viability, motility, chromatin condensation, and DNA integrity were examined. Also, testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde, sperm fertilization potential, and pre-implantation embryo development were evaluated. A one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests were used to analyze the quantitative data. The p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The CM and with a higher efficiency, the CCM remarkably (p < 0.05) improved body weight and HG-suppressed spermatogenesis, enhanced sperm parameters, chromatin condensation, DNA integrity, and TAC, reduced HbA1c, sperm abnormalities, and malondialdehyde, and significantly improved pre-implantation embryo development versus HG group. The conditioned media of MSCs solely (CM) and more effectively after pre-treatment of MSCs with caffeine (CCM) could improve spermatogenesis development, sperm quality, pre-implantation embryo development, and testicular global antioxidant potential during hyperglycemia

The Effect of Aggregate-Forming Minerals on Thermodynamic Parameters Using Surface Free Energy Concept and Its Relationship with the Moisture Susceptibility of Asphalt Mixtures

Moisture damage is known to be a key factor influencing the durability of asphalt pavements. This phenomenon will reduce the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures due to its destructive effects on the adhesion of the bitumen-aggregate system and the cohesion of the bitumen membrane. The mineral properties of the aggregates of asphalt mixtures are one of the factors affecting moisture susceptibility. Therefore, the surface free energy (SFE) method, as one of the thermodynamic methods, and indirect tensile strength test (ITST) have been used to determine the failure mechanism and the rate of change of adhesion properties of asphalt mixtures under the influence of mineralogical characteristics. Prior to the above tests, an X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) test was performed to identify aggregate-forming minerals in eight different types of aggregates with various minerals from eight mines, and also the apparent bitumen film thickness was measured. XRF test results showed that most parts of the aggregates in mines 1– 6 were composed of SiO2, which had strong acidic properties, according to the SFE results. ITST results showed that samples constructed with aggregates of mine 7 and 8 (with high CaO mineral content) experienced a higher TSR than other mixtures in all freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles. Results of the SFE method showed that aggregates with more calcareous properties had a smaller acidic component and a larger basic component. In mines 7 and 8, where the nonpolar component of their aggregates was larger, the tendency of the aggregates to adherence and wettability by water decreased. The adhesion free energy (AFE) between bitumen and aggregates with higher CaO and less SiO2 amounts was more than AFE between bitumen and aggregates with lower CaO and higher SiO2 amounts, in dry conditions. The presence of higher amounts of CaO in aggregates increased AFE of bitumen-aggregate in presence of water from a negative value to zero. In linear regression analysis, due to the positive regression coefficient of the CaO mineral, this mineral had a positive impact on TSR; on the other hand, due to the negative regression coefficient of the SiO2 mineral, this mineral had a negative impact on the TSR of asphalt mixtures

Association of Food Allergies, Cow’s Milk Allergy, and Asthma With Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

There are controversies on the association of childhood allergic diseases with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The aim of this study was to examine the association between food allergy, cow’s milk allergy (CMA), and asthma with pediatric IBD in Iranian population. This case-control study was conducted on 200 individuals less than 18-year-old (100 with IBD and 100 as control group). Medical records, clinical presentation, and laboratory and para-clinical findings related to food allergy, CMA, and asthma were reviewed for all participants in both groups and were recorded. Among 100 children with IBD, 40 had Crohn's disease, and 60 had ulcerative colitis. The frequency of food allergy, cow's milk allergy, and asthma in children with IBD was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.001). Asthma in children with Crohn's disease was significantly more prevalent than children with ulcerative colitis (P=0.008). Food allergy (OR: 22.1, 95% CI: 5.1-95.05, P<0.001), CMA (OR: 15, 95% CI: 3-67, P<0.001), and asthma (OR: 10, 95% CI: 3-37.05, P<0.001) were significantly associated with increased risk of IBD in children. Food allergy, CMA in infancy and asthma are more prevalent in children with different subtypes of IBD. The diagnosis of these risk factors is associated with increased risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

Association of Food Allergies, Cow’s Milk Allergy, and Asthma With Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract- There are controversies on the association of childhood allergic diseases with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The aim of this study was to examine the association between food allergy, cow’s milk allergy (CMA), and asthma with pediatric IBD in Iranian population. This case-control study was conducted on 200 individuals less than 18-year-old (100 with IBD and 100 as control group). Medical records, clinical presentation, and laboratory and para-clinical findings related to food allergy, CMA, and asthma were reviewed for all participants in both groups and were recorded. Among 100 children with IBD, 40 had Crohn's disease, and 60 had ulcerative colitis. The frequency of food allergy, cow's milk allergy, and asthma in children with IBD was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.001). Asthma in children with Crohn's disease was significantly more prevalent than children with ulcerative colitis (P=0.008). Food allergy (OR: 22.1, 95% CI: 5.1-95.05, P<0.001), CMA (OR: 15, 95% CI: 3-67, P<0.001), and asthma (OR: 10, 95% CI: 3-37.05, P<0.001) were significantly associated with increased risk of IBD in children. Food allergy, CMA in infancy and asthma are more prevalent in children with different subtypes of IBD. The diagnosis of these risk factors is associated with increased risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. © 2018 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved. Acta Med Iran 2018;56(5):329-333. Keywords: Asthma; Child; Crohn disease; Food hypersensitivity; Milk hypersensitivity; Ulcerative colitis

Desalination of Saline and Brackish Waters using Carbon Aerogel Technology

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Background and Objectives: The increasing demand for drinking water has led scientists to the use of saline waters, but existing desalinating processes are very expensive. carbon aerogel is a type of organic aerogel that is suitable&amp;nbsp;for desalination owing to its unique&amp;nbsp;porous structure. Low potential&amp;nbsp;of fouling&amp;nbsp;and&amp;nbsp;deposits, very&amp;nbsp;low wastewater production, electrostatic regeneration of aerogels and, in turn, no need to&amp;nbsp;acid consumption, and lower power consumption are some&amp;nbsp;of this technology benefits.Materials and Method: In this experimental- analytical study, the purpose&amp;nbsp;was survey&amp;nbsp;of saline and brackish water&amp;nbsp;desalination&amp;nbsp;using carbon aerogel technology and its&amp;nbsp;comparison with electrolysis.The community studied was synthetic salt water samples, using of TDS and EC indicators. The minimum synthetic samples were 243. In&amp;nbsp;this&amp;nbsp;regard, after polymerization&amp;nbsp;of Resorsinol and&amp;nbsp;Formaldehyde compounds under ambient pressure conditions and then its pyrolysis, we fabricated plates of&amp;nbsp;carbon aerogel.Result: With manufacturing in the pilot-scale, the effect of&amp;nbsp;different&amp;nbsp;parameters, including input salt concentration, current, water&amp;nbsp;flow, distance of between&amp;nbsp;electrodes and pH, on NaCl sorption amount of carbon aerogel electrodes were studied. Generally, adsorption amount increased with&amp;nbsp;increasing&amp;nbsp;of current and NaCl concentration and decreased with increasing of distance electrodes, flow and pH.&amp;nbsp; Results: Fabricating reactor at pilot-scale, we studied the effect of&amp;nbsp;different&amp;nbsp;parameters, including input salt concentration, current, water&amp;nbsp;flow, intra-distance of&amp;nbsp;electrodes, and pH on the NaCl sorption using carbon aerogel electrodes. Generally, adsorption capacity increased with&amp;nbsp;increasing&amp;nbsp;of current and NaCl concentration in the inlet&amp;nbsp;flow, and it decreased with increasing intra-distance of electrodes, flow, and pH.Conclusion: Under the most optimal conditions, our results showed that the NaCl adsorption rate on carbon aerogel electrodes was about 1.43&amp;times;10-4 M NaCl per g of carbon aerogels indicating its cost-effectiveness. /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;

Hesperidin as radioprotector against radiation-induced lung damage in rat: A histopathological study

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated by ionizing radiation, and one of the organs commonly affected by ROS is the lung. Radiation-induced lung injury including pneumonia and lung fibrosis is a dose-limiting factor in radiotherapy (RT) of patients with thorax irradiation. Administration of antioxidants has been proved to protect against ROS. The present study was aimed to assess the protective effect of hesperidin (HES) against radiation-induced lung injury of male rats. Fifty rats were divided into three groups. G1: Received no HES and radiation (sham). G2: Underwent γ-irradiation to the thorax. G3: Received HES and underwent γ-irradiation. The rats were exposed to a single dose of 18 Gy using cobalt-60 unit and were administered HES (100 mg/kg) for 7 days before irradiation. Histopathological analysis was performed 24 h and 8 weeks after RT. Histopathological results in 24 h showed radiation-induced inflammation and presence of more inflammatory cells as compared to G1 (P < 0.05). Administration of HES significantly decreased such an effect when compared to G2 (P < 0.05). Histopathological evaluation in 8 weeks showed a significant increase in mast cells, inflammation, inflammatory cells, alveolar thickness, vascular thickness, pulmonary edema, and fibrosis in G2 when compared to G1 (P < 0.05). HES significantly decreased inflammatory response, fibrosis, and mast cells when compared to G2 (P < 0.05). Administration of HES resulted in decreased radiation pneumonitis and radiation fibrosis in the lung tissue. Thus, the present study showed HES to be an efficient radioprotector against radiation-induced damage in the lung of tissue rats