The effect of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on growth indices of healthy neonates

Abstract Therapeutic touch is emphasized by healthcare professionals for improvement of neonates' growth and development. However, inconsistencies exist regarding effects and methods of massage in neonates. The purpose of this clinical trial is to assess and comprise intervention and control groups regarding the effects of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation (TKS) by mothers on growth indices of healthy term neonates. Sixty healthy term neonates were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. Mothers of neonates in the experimental group were trained to perform TKS for their newborns at home before feeding for at least 28 consecutive days, two times a day, and 15 min each time. Neonates in the control group were not required to receive this intervention. The neonates’ growth indices were measured within 24 h after birth, and then at days 14 and 28. During the study and the three consecutive measurements, no significant difference was found between the mean weights, heights, and head circumferences of the neonates in the two groups (p > 0.05). Keywords: Tactile-kinesthetic stimulation Growth indices Neonates Mother's touc

Presence of Caffeic Acid in Flaxseed Lignan Macromolecule

Phenolic compounds were extracted from defatted flaxseeds using ethanol-dioxane (1:1, v/v). The crude extract obtained was purified using Amberlite XAD-16 column chromatography with water and methanol as mobile phases. RP-HPLC and SE-HPLC showed a lignan macromolecule (LM) as a dominant phenolic compound in the purified extract. After the alkaline hydrolysis of LM caffeic acid glucoside (CaAG) was isolated using a semi-preparative HPLC and its structure was confirmed by LC-ESI-MS. In LM of the investigated flaxseed, one molecule of caffeic acid corresponded with five molecules of p-coumaric acid and two molecules of ferulic acid. The presence of caffeic acid in the lignan molecule might be very beneficial due to its high antioxidant activity

Flaxseed supplementation improved insulin resistance in obese glucose intolerant people: a randomized crossover design

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Obesity leads to an increase in inflammation and insulin resistance. This study determined antioxidant activity of flaxseed and its role in inflammation and insulin resistance in obese glucose intolerant people.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using a randomized crossover design, nine obese glucose intolerant people consumed 40 g ground flaxseed or 40 g wheat bran daily for 12 weeks with a 4-week washout period. Plasma inflammation biomarkers (CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6), glucose, insulin, and thiobaribituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) were measured before and after of each supplementation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Flaxseed supplementation decreased TBARS (p = 0.0215) and HOMA-IR (p = 0.0382). Flaxseed or wheat bran supplementation did not change plasma inflammatory biomarkers. A positive relationship was found between TBARS and HOMA-IR (r = 0.62, p = 0.0003).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results of the study weakly support that decreased insulin resistance might have been secondary to antioxidant activity of flaxseed. However, the mechanism(s) of decreased insulin resistance by flaxseed should be further determined using flaxseed lignan.</p

Phenolics content and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of legume fractions

Two faba bean (Vicia faba L.) subspecies major and minor and lentil seeds grown in Algeria were separated into cotyledons and hulls. These fractions, togethe

Bioactivity of flaxseed lignans

The lignans derived from flaxseed possess a number of pharmacological properties, both in vitro and in vivo. The ability of these lignans to reduce oxidative stress likely contributes to many of these biological properties. However, it is likely that flaxseed-derived lignans also provide pharmacological activity as a result of their interactions with specific receptors and enzymes within these biological systems. In order to better understand the therapeutic role that flaxseed and flaxseed lignans may play, further studies into the mechanisms of action is warranted. A better understanding of the pharmacology of flaxseed lignans will ultimately lead to appropriate recommendations for their therapeutic use, either as stand-alone therapies or as adjuvants with other pharmaceutical or natural products

Bioactivity of flaxseed lignans

The lignans derived from flaxseed possess a number of pharmacological properties, both in vitro and in vivo. The ability of these lignans to reduce oxidative stress likely contributes to many of these biological properties. However, it is likely that flaxseedderived lignans also provide pharmacological activity as a result of their interactions with specific receptors and enzymes within these biological systems. In order to better understand the therapeutic role that flaxseed and flaxseed lignans may play, further studies into the mechanisms of action is warranted. A better understanding of the pharmacology of flaxseed lignans will ultimately lead to appropriate recommendations for their therapeutic use, either as stand-alone therapies or as adjuvants with other pharmaceutical or natural products