13 research outputs found
Development and characterization of PLA nanoparticles for pulmonary drug delivery:Co-encapsulation of theophylline and budesonide, a hydrophilic and lipophilic drug
Utilização de diferentes estratégias nutricionais por praticantes de musculação em uma academia na região norte do Rio Grande do Sul
Os praticantes de musculação estão mais suscetÃveis a informações sobre alimentação. Estudos cientÃficos atuais evidenciam que são explÃcitas as formas de busca pelo corpo perfeito em ambientes esportivos. Nesse contexto, cresce a procura por estratégias nutricionais para auxiliar nos resultados desejados, como alimentações especiais e/ou dietas que forneçam resultados rápidos. Todavia, as informações obtidas nem sempre são de fontes fidedignas, tampouco individualizadas e balanceadas do ponto de vista nutricional, podendo gerar um desequilÃbrio de nutrientes. Em vista disso, este projeto objetivou a análise da utilização de diferentes estratégias nutricionais por esses indivÃduos, avaliando os possÃveis benefÃcios à saúde e comparando os resultados obtidos com a literatura cientÃfica. Foram convidadas 64 pessoas, matriculadas em uma academia situada no norte do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Para tanto, utilizou-se um questionário abordando dados sobre as estratégias nutricionais realizadas. A média de idade dos participantes foi de 27,3 anos. A estratégia nutricional mais frequente entre estes foi o Jejum Intermitente (32,8%), seguido da Dieta PaleolÃtica (18,75%). Os sintomas mais citados foram irritabilidade e fraqueza. Em relação ao tempo de permanência com o peso reduzido, quando este era o objetivo, apenas 1,56% se manteve dessa forma por mais de um ano. Diante disso, sugere-se que a participação do profissional nutricionista é fundamental para auxiliar na obtenção de melhores resultados, na prevenção de doenças e melhora da qualidade de vida. No entanto, poucos ainda têm consciência sobre a importância desse profissional no tratamento. ABSTRACTUse of different nutritional strategies by resistance training practitioners in a gym in the northern region of Rio Grande do SulResistance training practitioners are more susceptible by eating information. Current scientific studies show that the search for the perfect body in sporting environments is explicit. In this context, there is a growing demand for nutritional strategies to achieve the desired results, such as special meals and / or diets that provide rapid results. However, the information obtained is not always reliable, neither individualized nor nutritionally balanced, it might lead to an unbalaced diet of nutrients. Consequently, this project had the goal to analyze the use of different nutritional strategies by these practitioners, evaluating the possible health benefits and comparing the results obtained with the scientific literature. Sixty-four indivduals were invited and enrolled in a gym located in the north of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Therefore, a form was used to address data on nutritional strategies. The practitioners average age was 27.3 years. The most frequent nutritional strategy among the participants was Intermittent Fasting (32,8%), followed by the Paleolithic Diet (18,75%). The most frequently mentioned symptoms were irritability and weakness. Regarding the time of keeping with the reduced weight, when this was the goal, only 1.56% remained with this weight for more than a year. Therefore, it is suggested that the supervision of a nutritionist is essential to help get better results, to prevent disease and to improve the quality of life. However, few are still aware of the importance of the professional in this treatment
Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Anthropometric Measures and some Biochemical Parameters among Type2 Diabetic Patients in Gaza Governorate, Gaza Strip
Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of Ramadan fasting on anthropometric measures and some biochemical parameters among type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients in Gaza Governorate, Gaza Strip. Materials and methods: The design of the study is a case control (2:1). The study was carried out during the last Ramadan (late of July to August, 2011) in Gaza Governorate. A total of 80 patients suffering from the diabetes type 2, aged 40 to 65 years, have no history of diabetic complications or other diseases and treated with the same of oral hypoglycemic drugs (OHD), and compared with 40 healthy individuals as control. Anthropometric and biochemical analysis were carried out one week before Ramadan and one week before its end. Data (obtained through questionnaire interview) were analyzed using SPSS version 14. Results: The mean (± SD) of age of the participants was 53.21 (± 7.459) years for diabetic patients and 54.84 (± 6.798) years for controls (p>0.05). When the results were summed up and compared statistically, there was a statistically significant reduction in the mean of body weight (p=0.038 and p=0.000 respectively) and body mass index (BMI) (p=0.001 and p=0.000 respectively) at the end of Ramadan month in both groups as compared to pre-Ramadan. This study also found a statistically reduction in the mean (± SD) of serum fasting blood glucose (FBG) during Ramadan as compared to values before Ramadan in both groups (p=0.000 and p=0.000, respectively). A statistically significant increase in the mean (± SD) of serum triglycerides (TG) levels was also observed at the end of fasting among diabetic group (p-value=0.000). Among diabetic group, the mean (± SD) of HDL-C levels also showed significant reduction (P=0.000), while significant elevation in control group was observed (P=0.000) during Ramadan as compared to values before Ramadan. There was also statistically significant elevation in the mean (± SD) of serum total cholesterol (TC) (p-value=0.000 in both groups) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p-value=0.000 in both groups) during the period of fasting as compared to the period before fasting in both groups. In addition, during the two periods, there were no statistical differences in the mean (± SD) of serum creatinine (p=0.0.193 and p=0.147 respectively) and urea levels (p=0.560 and p=0.143 respectively) in both groups. Concerning the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), the results also showed no statistical differences in the mean (± SD) of HbA1c levels (p=0.133 and p=0.905 respectively) in both groups. Conclusion: Ramadan fast is relatively safe among type 2 diabetic patients provided that they should be properly educated about drug regimen adjustment, diet control, daily activities and possible sudden complications. Keywords: Ramadan fasting, Biochemical parameters, Type 2 diabetes, Anthropometric measurement, Gaza Strip, Palestine
Study of novel nanoparticle transport and drug release for cancer treatment.
Nano-scale particles sized 10—400 nm administered systemically preferentially extravasate from tumor vasculature due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Therapeutic success remains elusive, however, because of inhomogeneous particle distribution within tumor tissue. Insufficient tumor vascularization limits particle transport and also results in avascular hypoxic regions with non-proliferating cells, which can regenerate tissue after nanoparticle-delivered cytotoxicity or thermal ablation. In this study, gold nanoparticles were functionalized with phosphatidylcholine (two-layer) or phosphatidylcholine and HDL (three-layer) in the formation of “layered” nanoparticles. The diffusivity of both two- and three layered colloidal gold nanoparticles and silica gold nanoshells were examined in 3D cell cultures. Both two- and three layered nanoparticles showed enhanced diffusivity in comparison to previously developed PEGylated nanoparticles. As the two layer nanoparticles displayed enhanced diffusivity in comparison to three layer nanoparticles, the two layered nanoparticles were further examined in vivo using mice implanted with orthotopic pancreatic adenocarcinomas. The two layer colloidal gold nanoparticles showed enhanced diffusivity in comparison to silica gold nanoshells in vivo, suggesting that smaller nanoparticles were able to localize and diffuse from vasculature better than larger nanoparticles. Overall accumulation of solid gold nanoparticle accumulated in the tumor and filtering organs (liver and spleen) was 2X higher than silica gold nanoshells. Thus, two layer colloidal gold nanoparticles were loaded with cisplatin or paclitaxel to determine optimal drug release kinetics. Drug release from paclitaxel-loaded nanoparticles displayed a slower release while cisplatin-loaded nanoparticles experienced an initial burst of drug release followed by a slower release of remaining drug. Lastly, drug-loaded colloidal gold nanoparticles were tested in 3D cell cultures to determine their cytotoxicity. Both two and three layer nanoparticles loaded with cisplatin orpaclitaxel showed similar efficacy to drug alone, suggesting their viable use in vivo for cancer treatment. This study has demonstrated the potential use of layered nanoparticles for increasing the delivery of chemotherapeutics deeper into tumor tissue
Current Insights on Lipid-Based Nanosystems
Lipid-based nanosystems, including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), cationic lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and liposomes, have been extensively studied to improve drug delivery through different administration routes. The main advantages of these systems are their ability to protect, transport, and control the release of lipophilic and hydrophilic molecules (either small-molecular-weight molecules or macromolecules); the use of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) excipients that minimize the toxicity of the formulations; and the possibility to modulate pharmacokinetics and enable the site-specific delivery of encapsulated payloads. In addition, the versatility of lipid-based nanosystems has further been demonstrated for the delivery of vaccines, the protection of active cosmetic ingredients, and the improvement of moisturizing properties of cosmetic formulations.Lipid-based nanosystems are well established and there are already different commercially approved formulations for various human disorders. This success has paved the way for the diversification of the pipeline of development, to address unmet medical needs for several indications, such as cancer, neurological disorders, and autoimmune, genetic, and infectious diseases.This Special Issue aims to update readers on the latest research on lipid-based nanosystems, both at the preclinical and clinical levels. A series of 15 articles (six reviews and nine studies) is presented, with authors from 12 different countries, showing the globality of the investigations that are being carried out in this area
Current Insights on Lipid-Based Nanosystems
Lipid-based nanosystems, including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), cationic lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and liposomes, have been extensively studied to improve drug delivery through different administration routes. The main advantages of these systems are their ability to protect, transport, and control the release of lipophilic and hydrophilic molecules (either small-molecular-weight molecules or macromolecules); the use of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) excipients that minimize the toxicity of the formulations; and the possibility to modulate pharmacokinetics and enable the site-specific delivery of encapsulated payloads. In addition, the versatility of lipid-based nanosystems has further been demonstrated for the delivery of vaccines, the protection of active cosmetic ingredients, and the improvement of moisturizing properties of cosmetic formulations.Lipid-based nanosystems are well established and there are already different commercially approved formulations for various human disorders. This success has paved the way for the diversification of the pipeline of development, to address unmet medical needs for several indications, such as cancer, neurological disorders, and autoimmune, genetic, and infectious diseases.This Special Issue aims to update readers on the latest research on lipid-based nanosystems, both at the preclinical and clinical levels. A series of 15 articles (six reviews and nine studies) is presented, with authors from 12 different countries, showing the globality of the investigations that are being carried out in this area
The effects of exercise and diet on selected physiological and biochemical parameters in a sedentary Indian male cohort.
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Durban-Westville, 1995.In common with other expatriate Indian Populations, the Indian community of South Africa
has a high incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). Little information is available on the
effects of exercise and diet on risk factors in this group. The present study is directed at the
functional changes occurring as a result of a moderate aerobic physical activity programme,
comprising 30 minutes of supervised exercise, three times per week for 15 weeks. Healthy
male volunteers were recruited from the staff of the University of Durban-Westville, who
were not on any lipid lowering medication and were not involved in any programme of
physical activity for at least 12 weeks before the start of the project. The 41 subjects were
assigned into one of three groups: exercise only (E) (15 subjects); exercise and diet (ED) (14
subjects) and a control (C) (12 subjects) group on no intervention. Besides laboratory
investigations all participants were subjected to standardized fitness and
anthropomorphological evaluation, a brief family history for coronary artery disease and a
detailed dietary history was compiled.
Baseline lipid results indicate that only 7 of the 41 subjects had normal lipid profiles using
as cut-off points 5.2 mmol/l for cholesterol, 1.5 mml!l for triglyceride and 0.9 mmol/l for
HDL-C. Obesity was moderately prevalent before intervention, with a mean decrease of 25%
in body fat in both E and BD groups(p~0.05). The experimental subjects became leaner.
After the intervention programme an average 20 percent increase was evident in physical
working capacity as measured by peak V~ in both experimental groups (p~0.01). The
controls showed little variation over the 15 weeks. The indices of muscular endurance and
flexibility showed statistically significant changes (P~ 0.05) in both experimental groups
after intervention. This certainly indicates elevated levels of fitness after the intervention. The
lipid profiles show little alteration in total cholesterol, with a 7.3% decrease in triglyceride
levels in the E group (which was not statistically significant) compared with a 14.7% increase
in the controls. HDL-C showed an increase in both experimental groups (p~0.01). The
total cholesterol to HDL-C ratio had an average fall of 11.9% in the experimental groups
(P~0.05) compared with a 5.6% decrease in the control group.
These data support the claim that regular, moderate exercise reduces the risk of heart disease
through its effects on coronary risk factors in a high risk South African population
Dietary Risk Factors and Eating Behaviors in Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Dietary risk factors play a fundamental role in the prevention and progression of atherosclerosis and PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease). The impact of nutrition, however, defined as the process of taking in food and using it for growth, metabolism and repair, remains undefined with regard to PAD. This article describes the interplay between nutrition and the development/progression of PAD. We reviewed 688 articles, including key articles, narrative and systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical studies. We analyzed the interaction between nutrition and PAD predictors, and subsequently created four descriptive tables to summarize the relationship between PAD, dietary risk factors and outcomes. We comprehensively reviewed the role of well-studied diets (Mediterranean, vegetarian/vegan, low-carbohydrate ketogenic and intermittent fasting diet) and prevalent eating behaviors (emotional and binge eating, night eating and sleeping disorders, anorexia, bulimia, skipping meals, home cooking and fast/ultra-processed food consumption) on the traditional risk factors of PAD. Moreover, we analyzed the interplay between PAD and nutritional status, nutrients, dietary patterns and eating habits. Dietary patterns and eating disorders affect the development and progression of PAD, as well as its disabling complications including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE). Nutrition and dietary risk factor modification are important targets to reduce the risk of PAD as well as the subsequent development of MACE and MALE
The effect of fasting and fluid restriction on performance
Hypohydration and fasting are used as means to achieve body mass loss and Ramadan fasting is practised by millions of Muslims as a religious custom. Although both hypohydration and fasting have been studied extensively, the effect of hypohydration and Ramadan style fasting on many aspects of human performance is still unclear. In Chapter 3, the effect of exercise-induced hypohydration on muscle performance was evaluated. The protocol was developed to eliminate masking and exacerbating factors such as changes in muscle glycogen storage, muscle temperature, fatigue and fluid distribution change and acid base status. Muscle strength and endurance decreased due to hypohydration equivalent to 2% of body mass. This suggests that hydration status itself can affect adversely athletes' performance. In Chapter 4, the effect of one day (11 h) of Ramadan style fasting on some aspects of exercise performance during the day was investigated. Participants were tested three times throughout the day: at 7:00 am, 12:00 noon and 7:00 pm. 11 h of Ramadan style fasting decreased body mass by 2.1%. No change was found in exercise performance measurements. The results of this study suggest that this short period of fasting has no measurable effects on performance and/or that any effects are compensated by the circadian rhythm throughout the day. However, most athletes use more intense fasting or several consecutive days of fasting to achieve their weight reduction goal. In Chapter 5, the effect of Ramadan fasting (one month long intermittent fasting) on some aspects of exercise performance of athletes (weight category and non-weight category sports) and recreationally active individuals was studied. Participants were tested before, during (after the first week and in the last week) and after the month of Ramadan. Ramadan style living (involving a change in timing of food intake and sleep pattern) affects most of the anthropometric and physical performance parameters of the athletes and of the recreationally active subjects, with no difference in the pattern of change between groups. Almost all of the differences were recovered a week after the end of fasting. Chapter 6 contains the results of three studies focused on the effects of fasting on cognitive function (study A- breakfast elimination; study B- one day (11 h) of Ramadan style fasting; and study C- one month of Ramadan fasting). Results of these studies make a logical conclusion that fasting has a detrimental effect on memory, reaction time and accuracy of responses. The pattern of the effects showed differences that may be related to various participants' characteristics (age group, gender) and the nature of intervention. In summary, Ramadan style fasting may affect performance of some mental and physical tasks in some, but perhaps not in all individuals.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo