Effect of dietary n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio on prostaglandin plasma levels and genes expression peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) in pregnant Sprague Dawley rats

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of nuclear transcription factors thought to act as receptors for polyunsaturated fatty acids and to reduce production of series 2 prostaglandins (PG). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different ratio n-6:n-3 on the PPAR expression of rats endometrial tissue. The findings obtained from this study showed significant induction of PPARδ mRNA levels in endomatral cells treatment 1:1 group by 1.38 fold compared with the PPARδ mRNA levels in endomatral cells treatment 30:1 group. This induction was due to the cellular demands for prostaglandin were high in the endometrial cells when cells were treated with high ratio n6:n3 on 30:1 group, thus, resulting in an increase in both prostaglandin PGE2 and PGF2α production by induction of PPARδ genes. On the other hand, treatment 1:1 group and control group of endometrial cells did not show any significant changes in mRNA level of PPARδ, compared with treatment ratio n6:n3 on 6:1 group and treatment high ratio n6:n3 on 30:1 group of the endometrial cells. These findings show that inhibition of uterine PGF2α synthesis by n-3 fatty acids may depend on the amount of n-6 fatty acids reaching the target tissue. In conclusion, PPARδ function in the response of rat endometrium to long chain n-6:n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.Key words: Polyunsaturated fatty acid, gene expression, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, prostaglandin, pregnancy rat

Effect of n-3 and n-6 fatty acid supplementation on fetal, gestation and parturition in pregnant Sprague Dawley rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different ratio of n-6:n-3 on gestation and parturition as well as to determine the hormone concentration on plasma of the pregnant rats. At the end of the trial period, blood plasma was collected and analysed for progesterone, estradiol and prostaglandin F2α hormone (PGF2α) concentrations, and fatty acids profile. The results indicated that the group with a very low ratio of n-6:n3 fatty acids (diet 1) showed increased concentration of progesterone in the plasma (P<0.05), while the group with high ratio of n6:n3 fatty acids (diet 3) with high arachidonic acid (AA) showed significantly (P<0.05) increased concentration of estradiol and PGF2α in the plasma. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in plasma of diet 1 group were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the other treatment diet groups. The total n-6 PUFA was significantly higher (P<0.05) in diet 3 group as compared to diet 1 group. In contrast, the number of implanted embryos was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the diet 3 group at 15 days of gestation, while, the litter size were significantly lower in the diet 2 group and diet 3 group by 4.57 and 1.00 folds respectively, as compared to the control group (diet 4). In conclusion, for the rat with very low ratio on diet 1, the n-6:n-3 ratio satisfied the requirement for the growth of mother and fetuses but was inadequate for the normal process of parturition, probably through inadequate production of the prostaglandins involved.Key words: n-6:n-3, plasma fatty acids, progesterone, estradiol, prostaglandin production, pregnant rat

Novel approach of using a cocktail of designed bacteriophages against gut pathogenic E. colifor bacterial load biocontrol

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to explore new approaches of animal biocontrol via biological control feed. METHOD: White rats were subjected to 140 highly lytic designed phages specific against E. coli. Phages were fed via drinking water, oral injection, and vegetable capsules. Phage feeding was applied by 24 h feeding with 11d monitoring and 20d phage feeding and monitoring. Group of rats received external pathogenic E. coli and another group did not, namely groups A and B. RESULTS: Phage feeding for 20d via vegetable capsules yielded the highest reduction of fecal E. coli, 3.02 and 4.62 log, in rats group A and B respectively. Second best, feeding for 20d via drinking water with alkali yielded 2.78 and 4.08 log in rats groups A and B respectively. The peak reduction in E. coli output was 5–10 d after phage feeding. Phage control declined after 10(th) day of feeding. CONCLUSIONS: The use of cocktail of designed phages succeeded in suppressing flora or external E. coli. The phage feed biocontrol is efficient in controlling E. coli at the pre-harvest period, precisely at the 6(th)-8(th) day of phage feeding when the lowest E. coli output found

Job satisfaction among Malaysian employees: An application of Spector’s Job Satisfaction Survey in the South East Asian context.

Job satisfaction explains individuals’ reactions towards their jobs. Many studies find that job satisfaction is a well-known construct that is widely used to study work-related well-being; and contributes significantly to employees’ overall quality of life. The current paper examines job satisfaction among Malaysian employees using the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS). In particular, the present study compares the job satisfaction levels of Malaysian samples with those of a previously reported study involving samples from Singapore and the United States. Results of one sample t-test reveals statistically significant differences in pay, promotion, fringe benefits, contingent rewards, supervision, co-workers and nature of work subscales. No cultural influence exists between Malaysian and Singapore samples in terms of perceived operating conditions satisfaction. Similarly, no statistically significant difference exists between Malaysian and the United States perception towards the communication facet. Furthermore, the results of factor analysis support the previous study, suggesting possible cultural differences in the understanding of, and consensus regarding, the structure of the job satisfaction scale

Preparation and Characterization of Isosorbide Mononitrate Hydrogels Obtained by Free-Radical Polymerization for Site-Specific Delivery

Purpose: To prepare and characterize acrylic acid and ethyl cellulose hydrogels of isosorbide mononitrate for site-specific delivery.Methods: Free radical polymerization method was employed using benzoyl peroxide as initiator and N, N’-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) crosslinked copolymer of ethyl cellulose and acrylic acid. Benzyl peroxide and N, N'-Methylenebisacrylamide in varying amounts were dissolved in acrylic acid. The two solutions were mixed together to a final weight of 100 g. Hydrogels were evaluated for sol-gel characteristics, diffusion coefficient, and porosity. Hydrogel formation was examined by FTIR while drug loading efficiency study was carried out using 1 % (w/v) drug solution.Results: Swelling and drug release decreased with increasing acrylic acid and MBA concentrations due to high degree of crosslinking. Increasing acrylic acid content of hydrogel produced a decrease in drug release from 29.89 to 25.79 %, 75.37 to 67.87 % and 84.91 to 75.85 % at pH 1.2, 6.5 and 7.5, respectively. Remarkably, high swelling was observed at higher pH. Gel fraction and porosity results showed that acrylic acid and crosslinker raised gel fraction but reduced porosity, while ethyl cellulose exhibited a reverse effect. FTIR confirmed graft copolymer formation.Conclusion: Isosorbide mononitrate hydrogels prepared with crosslinked copolymer of ethyl cellulose and acrylic acid can be suitably formulated for targeted delivery of the drug to the small intestine.Keywords: N, N'-Methylenebisacrylamide, Ethyl cellulose, Acrylic acid, Isosorbide mononitrate, Free radical polymerization, Graft copolymer, Site-specific delivery, Hydrogel, pH-sensitiv

Spermidine Promotes Human Hair Growth and Is a Novel Modulator of Human Epithelial Stem Cell Functions

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Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Background: Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. // Methods: We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung's disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. // Findings: We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung's disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middle-income countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in low-income countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. // Interpretation: Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Systematic Review of Potential Health Risks Posed by Pharmaceutical, Occupational and Consumer Exposures to Metallic and Nanoscale Aluminum, Aluminum Oxides, Aluminum Hydroxide and Its Soluble Salts

Aluminum (Al) is a ubiquitous substance encountered both naturally (as the third most abundant element) and intentionally (used in water, foods, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines); it is also present in ambient and occupational airborne particulates. Existing data underscore the importance of Al physical and chemical forms in relation to its uptake, accumulation, and systemic bioavailability. The present review represents a systematic examination of the peer-reviewed literature on the adverse health effects of Al materials published since a previous critical evaluation compiled by Krewski et al. (2007). Challenges encountered in carrying out the present review reflected the experimental use of different physical and chemical Al forms, different routes of administration, and different target organs in relation to the magnitude, frequency, and duration of exposure. Wide variations in diet can result in Al intakes that are often higher than the World Health Organization provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), which is based on studies with Al citrate. Comparing daily dietary Al exposures on the basis of “total Al”assumes that gastrointestinal bioavailability for all dietary Al forms is equivalent to that for Al citrate, an approach that requires validation. Current occupational exposure limits (OELs) for identical Al substances vary as much as 15-fold. The toxicity of different Al forms depends in large measure on their physical behavior and relative solubility in water. The toxicity of soluble Al forms depends upon the delivered dose of Al+ 3 to target tissues. Trivalent Al reacts with water to produce bidentate superoxide coordination spheres [Al(O2)(H2O4)+ 2 and Al(H2O)6 + 3] that after complexation with O2•−, generate Al superoxides [Al(O2•)](H2O5)]+ 2. Semireduced AlO2• radicals deplete mitochondrial Fe and promote generation of H2O2, O2 • − and OH•. Thus, it is the Al+ 3-induced formation of oxygen radicals that accounts for the oxidative damage that leads to intrinsic apoptosis. In contrast, the toxicity of the insoluble Al oxides depends primarily on their behavior as particulates. Aluminum has been held responsible for human morbidity and mortality, but there is no consistent and convincing evidence to associate the Al found in food and drinking water at the doses and chemical forms presently consumed by people living in North America and Western Europe with increased risk for Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD). Neither is there clear evidence to show use of Al-containing underarm antiperspirants or cosmetics increases the risk of AD or breast cancer. Metallic Al, its oxides, and common Al salts have not been shown to be either genotoxic or carcinogenic. Aluminum exposures during neonatal and pediatric parenteral nutrition (PN) can impair bone mineralization and delay neurological development. Adverse effects to vaccines with Al adjuvants have occurred; however, recent controlled trials found that the immunologic response to certain vaccines with Al adjuvants was no greater, and in some cases less than, that after identical vaccination without Al adjuvants. The scientific literature on the adverse health effects of Al is extensive. Health risk assessments for Al must take into account individual co-factors (e.g., age, renal function, diet, gastric pH). Conclusions from the current review point to the need for refinement of the PTWI, reduction of Al contamination in PN solutions, justification for routine addition of Al to vaccines, and harmonization of OELs for Al substances