Introduction of Methods to Reduce and Remove Patulin from Food Products

Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by different species of fungi of the genus Penicillium and Aspergillus, found in several species of fruit, and significant in apples. The purpose of this investigation is to the theoretical study of food contamination mechanisms by patulin and hazard of patulin for health. Various methods of determination of patulin and the possibility of reducing its level in apple-based products were analyzed. To reduce and remove patulin, several methods have been proposed that include post-harvest patulin control in products, pre-treatment control, and control by using physical and chemical methods, post-processing control such as packaging and using methods such as activated carbon or lactic acid bacteria. The standards and comparing the amount of patulin with them can be an important help in controlling this substance throughout the production processing of safe food

Exercise training as S-Klotho protein stimulator in sedentary healthy adults: Rationale, design, and methodology

Aims: The secreted form of the α-Klotho gene (S-Klotho), which is considered a powerful biomarker of longevity, makes it an attractive target as an anti-ageing therapy against functional decline, sarcopenic obesity, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. The S-Klotho plasma levels could be related to physical exercise inasmuch physical exercise is involved in physiological pathways that regulate the SKlotho plasma levels. FIT-AGEING will determine the effect of different training modalities on the S-Klotho plasma levels (primary outcome) in sedentary healthy adults. FIT-AGEING will also investigate the physiological consequences of activating the klotho gene (secondary outcomes). Methods: FIT-AGEING will recruit 80 sedentary, healthy adults (50% women) aged 45–65 years old. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to a non-exercise group, i.e. the control group, (n=20), a physical activity recommendation from World Health Organization group (n=20), a high intensity interval training group (n=20), and a whole-body electromyostimulation group (n=20). The laboratory measurements will be taken at the baseline and 12 weeks later including the S-Klotho plasma levels, physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength), body composition, basal metabolic rate, heart rate variability, maximal fat oxidation, health blood biomarkers, free-living physical activity, sleep habits, reaction time, cognitive variables, and health-related questionnaires. We will also obtain dietary habits data and cardiovascular disease risk factors.The study is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education (FPU14/04172 and FPU15/03960). The study was partially supported by the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES)

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the main cause of visual impairment in preterm newborn infants. Objective: This study was conducted to determine whether insulin-like growth factor binding protein -3 (IGFBP-3) is associated with proliferative ROP and has a role in pathogenesis of the disease in premature infants. Materials and Methods: A total of 71 preterm infants born at or before 32 weeks of gestation participated in this study. Studied patients consisted of 41 neonates without vaso-proliferative findings of ROP as the control group and 30 preterm infants with evidence of severe ROP in follow up eye examination as the case group. Blood samples obtained from these infants 6-8 weeks after birth and blood levels of IGFBP-3 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The mean gestation age and birth weight of the studied patients were 28.2±1.6 weeks and 1120.7±197 gram in the case group and 28.4±1.6 weeks and 1189.4±454 gram in the control group (P=0.25 and P=0.44 respectively). The infants in the case group had significantly lower Apgar score at first and 5 min after birth. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein -3 (IGFBP-3) was significantly lower in the patients with proliferative ROP than the patients without ROP [592.5±472.9 vs. 995.5±422.2 ng/ml (P=0.009)]. Using a cut-off point 770.45 ng/ml for the plasma IGFBP-3, we obtained a sensitivity of 65.9% and a specificity of 66.7% in the preterm infants with vasoproliferative ROP. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that the blood levels IGFBP-3 was significantly lower in the patients with ROP and it is suspected that IGFBP-3 deficiency in the premature infants may have a pathogenetic role in proliferative ROP

Evaluation of mineral content and heavy metals of dromedary camel milk in Iran

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the amount of major mineral compounds and heavy metals of camel milk in Iran. For this purpose camel milk samples were collected from seven regions of Iran include Qazvin, Golestan, Semnan, Sistan-Baluchestan, Khuzestan, Bushehr and Tehran. The samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) method. The results showed that among the mineral contents, iron and zinc of camel milk were greater than bovine milk. Based on the codex standard 193-2007 standards, the maximum acceptable limit for lead and cadmium is 20 µg/kg and 10 µg/kg, respectively. The results of this study showed that the measured amounts of lead, cadmium and nickel in all samples were less than the acceptable limit for bovine milk. Bovine milk and dairy products are a poor source of iron, while the obtained data revealed that camel milk is a major source of minerals, especially iron. The camel milk’s iron was 10 times more than bovine milk. However, variations in mineral content in camel milk could be due to feed, stage of lactation, milk collection time, drought conditions, environmental conditions and associated analytical methods. Camel milk recommended as a valuable source of food for the human

Study on the prognostic value of p53 and PTEN immunomarkers for endometrial cancer using immunohistochemistry

Introduction: Mutation in p53 and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) genes are reported to be prevalent in endometrial cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of p53 and PTEN proteins in endometrial cancer among women with hysterectomy. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 40 paraffin-embedded endometrial cancer samples were collected during 2015 to 2016, from women with hysterectomy in Al Zahra Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. The histopathological observation was performed to confirm endometrial cancer and its grade. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was done for p53 and PTEN biomarkers. Data were analyzed by SPSS. Results: Thirty-three (82.5%), six (15.0%) and one (2.5%) out of 40 samples were endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma, serous carcinoma and clear cell adenocarcinoma, respectively. Furthermore, 5, 16 and 19 out of 40 studied samples belonged to grade I, II and III, respectively. The IHC observation showed that p53 expression in 9 (22.5%) was positive, while the rest 31 (77.5%) samples were p53 negative. Moreover, PTEN expression was observed in 10 (25%) samples and 30 (75.0%) samples were PTEN negative. The sensitivity of p53 and PTEN for diagnosis of endometrial cancer was calculated as 56.3% and 80%, respectively. Conclusion: The IHC markers, p53 and PTEN, show heterogeneous results as diagnostic and prognostic markers for endometrial carcinoma and are suggested to be used along with other markers for such purposes

Evaluation of mineral content and heavy metals of dromedary camel milk in Iran

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the amount of major mineral compounds and heavy metals of camel milk in Iran. For this purpose camel milk samples were collected from seven regions of Iran include Qazvin, Golestan, Semnan, Sistan-Baluchestan, Khuzestan, Bushehr and Tehran. The samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) method. The results showed that among the mineral contents, iron and zinc of camel milk were greater than bovine milk. Based on the codex standard 193-2007 standards, the maximum acceptable limit for lead and cadmium is 20 µg/kg and 10 µg/kg, respectively. The results of this study showed that the measured amounts of lead, cadmium and nickel in all samples were less than the acceptable limit for bovine milk. Bovine milk and dairy products are a poor source of iron, while the obtained data revealed that camel milk is a major source of minerals, especially iron. The camel milk’s iron was 10 times more than bovine milk. However, variations in mineral content in camel milk could be due to feed, stage of lactation, milk collection time, drought conditions, environmental conditions and associated analytical methods. Camel milk recommended as a valuable source of food for the human

Heavy Metal Bioremediation Potential of Autochthonous Lactic Acid Bacteria for Use in Edible Leafy Vegetables

Heavy metals are well-known as destructive environmental pollutants that cause serious health problems. The use of bacterial biological biosorption has been proposed as a practical and environmentally friendly solution for the removal of heavy metals. The current study was conducted in in vitro and in situ conditions. Initially, seven strains of lactic acid bacteria with probiotic properties (Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus helveticus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus) were screened for their ability to bind cadmium, lead, and nickel in an aqueous solution. Three of the potent probiotic strains that showed the highest biosorption efficiency at this stage were selected for further analysis. The effect of these bacteria mixed at a ratio of 1 : 1 : 1 on the removal of toxic metals in fresh leaves of edible vegetables including coriander, leek, and parsley was evaluated within 15 and 30 minutes. During in vitro analysis, the sorption percentage of Pb and Cd appeared higher than 99% during 15 minutes of initial contact, while increasing contact time (30 minutes) had no significant effect on the removal of these metals. While during in situ analysis, Ni sorption by the selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates was significantly enhanced with increasing contact time, such that the highest biosorption rate was recorded in coriander leaves at 30 minutes (91.15%). Overall, E. faecium showed the highest sorption of Pb, Cd, and Ni (79.75 ± 0.11, 75.28 ± 0.05, and 83.99 ± 0.10%), respectively. The combination of three bacterial strains had a synergistic effect on the toxic metal binding capacity compared to the single state of these bacteria, and the biosorption level increased to 99.94 ± 0.02, 99.91 ± 0.01, and 93.75 ± 0.04%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed that the majority of Pb, Cd, and Ni were bound to the surface of the bacterial cell

Timing to perform VATS for traumatic-retained hemothorax (a systematic review and meta-analysis)

Purpose: In this systematic review, we analyzed the optimal time range to evacuate traumatic-retained hemothorax using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and the U.S. National Library of Medicine clinical trials database up to February 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with relevant data were included. Data were extracted from studies that reported the success, mortality, or length of hospital stay (LOS) after using VATS during at least two out of three of our time-ranges of interest: days 1�3 (group A), days 4�6 (group B), and day 7 or later (group C). Results: Six cohort studies with 476 total participants were included in the meta-analysis. The patients in group A had a significantly higher success rate than those in group C (RR = 0.42; 95 CI = 0.21�0.84, p = 0.01). The total LOS for patients whose retained hemothorax was evacuated in group A was 4.7 days shorter than that for those in group B (95 CI = � 5.6 to � 3.8, p = 0.006). Likewise, group B patients were discharged 18.1 days earlier than group C patients (95 CI = � 22.3 to � 14, p < 0.001). Short-term mortality was not decreased by early VATS. Conclusions: Our results indicate that VATS should be considered within the first three days of admission if this intervention is the clinician's choice to evacuate a traumatic-retained hemothorax. Protocol registration number in PROSPERO: CRD42017046856 © 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature

An update on renal involvement in hemophagocytic syndrome (macrophage activation syndrome)

Context: Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is mainly characterized by massive infiltration of bone marrow by activated macrophages and often presents with pancytopenia. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is also present with thrombocytopenia and renal involvement. Both conditions could coexist with each other and complicate the condition. Evidence Acquisition: Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Science with keywords relevant to; Hemophagocytic syndrome, macrophage activation syndrome, interferon-gamma and thrombotic microangiopathy, have been searched. Results: Viral infection, rheumatologic disease and malignancies are the main underlying causes for secondary HPS. calcineurin inhibitors and viral infections are also the main underlying causes of TMA in transplant recipients. In this review, we discussed a 39-year-old male who presented with pancytopenia and renal allograft dysfunction. With the diagnosis of HPS induced TMA his renal condition and pancytopenia improved after receiving intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and plasmapheresis therapy. Conclusions: HPS is an increasingly recognized disorder in the realm of different medical specialties. Renal involvement complicates the clinical picture of the disease, and this condition even is more complex in renal transplant recipients. We should consider the possibility of HPS in any renal transplant recipient with pancytopenia and allograft dysfunction. The combination of HPS with TMA future increases the complexity of the situation

Immunohistochemical Profile of Uterine Leiomyoma With Bizarre Nuclei; Comparison With Conventional Leiomyoma, Smooth Muscle Tumors of Uncertain Malignant Potential and Leiomyosarcoma

Purpose: To assess the immunohistochemical profile of the atypical nuclei in leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei and compare with benign and malignant counterparts. Methods: 26 cases of uterine smooth muscle tumors including 12 leiomyosarcoma(LMS), 10 leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei (LBN) and 4 smooth muscle tumor with uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) were selected using whole tissue sections for this study and analysis. Six cases of ordinary leiomyoma were included as benign control group. All representative section were stained for P53, Ki67 , estrogen receptor and progestrone receptor. Analysis was carried out using SPSS 16.0 for windows software. Results: Six out of 12 cases of LMS showed strong and diffuse nuclear staining with p53 antibody (50%). In contrast none of STUMPs and only one case of LBN cases showed focal positive reaction with P53. Percentage of positive cells for ki67 in LMS was 14.92 while only 0.85% of cells in LBNs was labeled with Ki67 proliferative marker. (P<0.001). Regarding steroid hormone receptors a significant loosing trend was found in these receptors from benign toward malignant tumors through LBN and STUMP cases. Conclusion: Loss of inhibitory function of wild type P53 gene in leiomyosarcoma is an essential event that discriminate frankly malignant tumors from STUMP and atypical leiomyoma