The effects of grape seed extract on glycemic control, serum lipoproteins, inflammation, and body weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins, inflammation and body weight. Two independent authors systematically searched online databases including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until May 30, 2019. Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of included trials. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I2) statistic. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size. Fifty trials were included in this meta-analysis. Pooling effect sizes from studies demonstrated a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (WMD): �2.01; 95 confidence interval (CI): �3.14, �0.86), total cholesterol (TC; WMD: �6.03; 95 CI: �9.71, �2.35), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (WMD: �4.97; 95 CI: �8.37, �1.57), triglycerides (WMD: �6.55; 95 CI: �9.28, �3.83), and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (WMD: �0.81; 95 CI: �1.25, �0.38) following GSE therapy. Grape seed did not influence HbA1c, HDL cholesterol levels, and anthropometric measurements. This meta-analysis demonstrated that GSE intake significantly reduced FPG, TC, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and CRP levels. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Antibody–Drug Conjugate that Exhibits Synergistic Cytotoxicity with an Endosome–Disruptive Peptide

Antibody–drug conjugates are an important class of cancer therapeutics. These agents generally bind a specific cell surface receptor, undergo receptor-mediated endocytosis, and enter the endosomal–lysosomal system, where the environment in these organelles facilitates the release of a membrane-permeable cytotoxin. By using a membrane-impermeable cytotoxin, we describe here a method that allows the cytotoxicity of an antibody conjugate to be triggered by co-administration with an endosome-disruptive peptide that exhibits low toxicity. This approach was validated by conjugation of an anionic derivative of the tubulin-binding cytotoxin colchinol methyl ether to lysine residues of the HER2-targeting antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) via a disulfide. When this antibody binds HER2 on SKBR3 breast cancer cells and undergoes endocytosis, the membrane-impermeable cytotoxin is released, but it becomes trapped in endosomes, resulting in relatively low cytotoxicity (IC50 > 1 μM). However, co-administration with an essentially nontoxic (IC50 > 10 μM) cholesterol-linked endosome-disruptive peptide promotes the release of this small molecule into the cytoplasm, conferring subnanomolar cytotoxic potency (IC50 = 0.11 ± 0.07 nM). Studies of a structurally related fluorophore conjugate revealed that the endosome-disruptive peptide does not substantially enhance cleavage of the disulfide (t1/2 = 8 ± 2 h) within endosomes, suggesting that the mechanism of endosomal escape involves the efflux of some small molecules without facilitating substantial influx of reduced glutathione

Radio jets and gamma-ray emission in radio-silent narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies

We have detected six narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies at 37 GHz that were previously classified as radio silent and two that were classified as radio quiet. These detections reveal the presumption that NLS1 galaxies labelled radio quiet or radio silent and hosted by spiral galaxies are unable to launch jets to be incorrect. The detections are a plausible indicator of the presence of a powerful, most likely relativistic jet because this intensity of emission at 37 GHz cannot be explained by, for example, radiation from supernova remnants. Additionally, one of the detected NLS1 galaxies is a newly discovered source of gamma rays and three others are candidates for future detections.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure, 37 GHz data available in electronic form at the CDS. Accepted in A&

Ethylene and Anti-Ethylene Treatment Effects on Cut "First Red" Rose

Studies were conducted to determine the effects of ethylene and anti-ethylene treatments on postharvest life of cut "First Red" rose flowers. Effects of exogenous ethylene at 1, 10 and 100 ul l-1 for 48 h at 22 C on cut "First Red" rose flowers were investigated. Ethylene at different concentrations reduced postharvest life, with 100 ul l-1 having the greatest effect. Ethylene production measurements suggested that "First Red" rose is climacteric during senescence. Pre-treatment of "First Red" rose flowers with 0.5 mM silver thiosulfate (STS) for 2 h at 22 C increased vase life, but pre-treatment with 1 ul l-1 1- methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) did not. Pre-treatment of "First Red" rose with 0.5 mM STS and, to a lesser extent, 1 ul l-1 1-MCP for 2 h at 22 C, protected flowers from subsequent exposure to 10 ul l-1 ethylene. Maximum vase life in both ethylene-treated and non-ethylene-treated "First Red" rose flowers was obtained with 0.5 mM STS

The effects of magnesium and vitamin e co-supplementation on parameters of glucose homeostasis and lipid profiles in patients with gestational diabetes

Background: Magnesium and vitamin E are known to exert multiple beneficial effects, such as anti-glycemic and anti-lipidemic properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation on metabolic status of women with gestational diabetes (GDM). Methods: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 subjects diagnosed with GDM, aged 18-40 years. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups to receive 250 mg/day magnesium oxide plus 400 IU/day vitamin E supplements or placebo (n = 30 each group) for 6 weeks. Participants' blood samples were taken to determine their metabolic profiles. Results: Subjects who received magnesium plus vitamin E supplements had significantly lower fasting plasma glucose (β - 5.20 mg/dL; 95 CI, - 7.88, - 2.52; P = 0.002), serum insulin levels (β - 2.93 μIU/mL; 95 CI, - 5.68, - 0.18; P = 0.02) and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (β - 0.78; 95 CI, - 1.42, - 0.14; P = 0.01), and higher quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (β 0.01; 95 CI, 0.005, 0.02; P = 0.002) compared with placebo. In addition, magnesium plus vitamin E supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum triglycerides (β - 50.31 mg/dL; 95 CI, - 67.58, - 33.04; P < 0.001), VLDL- (β - 10.06 mg/dL; 95 CI, - 13.51, - 6.60; P < 0.001), total- (β - 26.10 mg/dL; 95 CI, - 41.88, - 10.33; P = 0.004), LDL- (β - 15.20 mg/dL; 95 CI, - 29.50, - 0.91; P = 0.03) and total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (β - 0.46; 95 CI, - 0.72, - 0.19; P < 0.001) compared with placebo. Magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation did not affect HDL-cholesterol levels. Conclusions: Overall, magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation for 6 weeks in women with GDM significantly improved glycemic control and lipid profiles, except for HDL-cholesterol levels. Clinical trial registration number: http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20170513033941N24. © 2018 The Author(s)

The effects of magnesium and vitamin e co-supplementation on parameters of glucose homeostasis and lipid profiles in patients with gestational diabetes

Background Magnesium and vitamin E are known to exert multiple beneficial effects, such as anti-glycemic and anti-lipidemic properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation on metabolic status of women with gestational diabetes (GDM). Methods This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 subjects diagnosed with GDM, aged 18–40 years. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups to receive 250 mg/day magnesium oxide plus 400 IU/day vitamin E supplements or placebo (n = 30 each group) for 6 weeks. Participants’ blood samples were taken to determine their metabolic profiles. Results Subjects who received magnesium plus vitamin E supplements had significantly lower fasting plasma glucose (β − 5.20 mg/dL; 95% CI, − 7.88, − 2.52; P = 0.002), serum insulin levels (β − 2.93 μIU/mL; 95% CI, − 5.68, − 0.18; P = 0.02) and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (β − 0.78; 95% CI, − 1.42, − 0.14; P = 0.01), and higher quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (β 0.01; 95% CI, 0.005, 0.02; P = 0.002) compared with placebo. In addition, magnesium plus vitamin E supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum triglycerides (β − 50.31 mg/dL; 95% CI, − 67.58, − 33.04; P < 0.001), VLDL- (β − 10.06 mg/dL; 95% CI, − 13.51, − 6.60; P < 0.001), total- (β − 26.10 mg/dL; 95% CI, − 41.88, − 10.33; P = 0.004), LDL- (β − 15.20 mg/dL; 95% CI, − 29.50, − 0.91; P = 0.03) and total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (β − 0.46; 95% CI, − 0.72, − 0.19; P < 0.001) compared with placebo. Magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation did not affect HDL-cholesterol levels. Conclusions Overall, magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation for 6 weeks in women with GDM significantly improved glycemic control and lipid profiles, except for HDL-cholesterol levels

Effect of vermicompost on functional response of the parasitoid wasp Aphidius colemani (Hym., Braconidae) to the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii (Hem., Aphididae)

Changing of host plant quality via agricultural practices such as application of fertilizer may influence the behavioral traits of natural enemies. In this study, the effect of improving cucumber plants with different vermicompost: soil ratios (0:100 (control), 10:90, 20:80 and 30:70 % by volume) were studied on the functional response of the parasitoid wasp Aphidius colemani Viereck to the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover. The logistic regression analyses revealed that the functional response of the parasitoid wasp to the melon aphid was type II in all treatments. The different vermicompost: soil ratios were differently affected the parameters of the functional response of the wasp. The results suggest that A. colemani can be efficiently used in integrated management programs against the melon aphid using vermicompost

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination and Assisted Reproduction Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and female assisted reproduction outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: We searched Medline (OVID), EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov on January 11, 2023, for original articles on assisted reproduction outcomes after COVID-19 vaccination. The primary outcome was rates of clinical pregnancy; secondary outcomes included number of oocytes retrieved, number of mature oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, and live-birth rate. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers independently screened citations for relevance, extracted pertinent data, and rated study quality. Only peer-reviewed published studies were included. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Our query retrieved 216 citations, of which 25 were studies with original, relevant data. Nineteen studies reported embryo transfer outcomes, with a total of 4,899 vaccinated and 13,491 unvaccinated patients. Eighteen studies reported data on ovarian stimulation outcomes, with a total of 1,878 vaccinated and 3,174 unvaccinated patients. There were no statistically significant results among our pooled data for any of the primary or secondary outcomes: clinical pregnancy rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% CI 0.88-1.01, P=.10), number of oocytes retrieved (mean difference -0.26, 95% CI -0.68 to 0.15, P=.21), number of mature oocytes retrieved (mean difference 0.31, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.75, P=.18), fertilization rate (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.87-1.11, P=.83), implantation rate (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.84-1.00, P=.06), ongoing pregnancy rate (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.86-1.06, P=.40), or live-birth rate (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.78-1.17, P=.63). A subanalysis based on country of origin and vaccine type was also performed for the primary and secondary outcomes and did not change the study results. CONCLUSION: Vaccination against COVID-19 is not associated with different fertility outcomes in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42023400023

Investigation on the Effects of Carbon Nanotubes and Kinetin on Growth and Regeneration of Salvia nemorosa under in vitro Conditions

Introduction The use of medicinal plants has surged in recent times, with a substantial portion of modern medicines derived from botanical sources. This surge in demand underscores the potential of cultivating and producing medicinal plants to not only bolster public health but also significantly contribute to a society's economic well-being.Salvia nemorosa is an herbaceous, perennial, and medicinal plant. This valuable plant belongs to the Labiatae family. The aerial parts of the plant, especially the leaves, contain essential oils. Furthermore, S. nemorosa contains chemical compositions such as saponin, organic acids, diterpenes, triterpenes, polyphenols, and a bitter substance called picrosalvin. In the plant tissue culture, the preparation of culture medium and formulation compatible with the tissue of the tested plant is vital for efficient regeneration and plant growth. Generally, no specific culture medium can be recommended for the growth of explants, and is necessary to make changes in the culture medium in order to better respond to different types of explants. Carbon nanotubes are nanomaterials that can be added to the culture medium and increase the growth rate of different parts of the plant such as roots, stems, and branches. Cytokines also commonly participate in cell divisions and proliferate shoots by removing terminal dominance. Considering the mentioned importance, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of carbon nanotubes, kinetin, and their interactions on some morphophysiological and phytochemical properties of S. nemorosa under in vitro conditions.   Materials and Methods This experiment was carried out in the tissue culture and biotechnology laboratory of the Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. This study was conducted based on factorial design (completely randomized design) with five replications. The treatments included five levels of carbon nanotubes (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L CNT) and three levels of kinetin (0, 2, and 4 mg/L CK). The seeds of S. nemorosa were sterilized with 70% ethanol for 40 seconds and then 2.5% hypochlorite sodium for 15 minutes (then the seed were washed with deionized water three times 3, 5, and 15 minutes). The sterilized seeds were planted in MS medium containing 30 g/L sucrose and 8 g/L agar, and then transferred to a growth chamber. After 40 days, the obtained seedlings were cut into single nodes by removing leaves and transferred to the main treatment medium. After that, some traits such as fresh weight, number of branches, number of leaves, number of roots, leaf area, root length, seedlings height, viability rate, germination rate, chlorophylls a, b, carotenoid content, phenol content, and flavonoid content were examined. The obtained data related to the experiment were analyzed with SAS software, the comparison of data means was done with Duncan's test, and the graphs were plotted using Excel software. Results and Discussion The results indicated that the interaction effect of carbon nanotubes and kinetin on the indices of fresh weight, number of branches, number of leaves, number of roots, leaf area, root length, seedling height, survival percentage, germination percentage, pigment content photosynthesis was not significant. On the contrary, the interaction effect of two treatments on the content of total flavonoid and total phenol showed a significant difference. The highest phenol content was obtained in the treatment combination of 80 mg/L of carbon nanotubes and 4 mg/L of kinetin. On the other hand, increasing the concentration of carbon nanotubes up to 80 mg/L, the average shoot production, number of leaves, leaf area, plant height, root number, root length, chlorophyll a, b, carotenoid, phenol and flavonoid content. increased significantly. Also, by increasing the concentration of kinetin (4 mg/liter), the number of branches, the content of chlorophyll a and b increased significantly. Conclusion The characteristics of the S. nemorosa plant, except for fresh weight, significantly increased under the influence of carbon nanotube treatments. However, under the influence of kinetin treatment, only the number of branches, chlorophyll a, b, phenol content, and flavonoid content showed a significant increase. Based on the results of this study, carbon nanotubes can be used for proliferation and increasing the secondary metabolites of S. nemorosa. Despite the results of this study, it is still possible to use higher concentrations of carbon nanotubes in future research in order to increase the phytochemical properties and productivity of other medicinal plants

In vitro cytotoxicity against K562 tumor cell line, antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal and catalytic activities of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using Sophora pachycarpa extract

In the present study, we demonstrate the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Sophora pachycarpa extract (S. pachycarpa; SPE) as capping, reducing, and stabilizing agents. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (SPE-AgNPs) were tested for catalytic, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activities. The affecting parameters (the concentration of silver nitrate, the temperature of the reaction, and time of reaction) on the synthesis process were optimized. The biosynthesized SPE-AgNPs were studied by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The FESEM and TEM results revealed spherical and oval-like morphology with sizes ranging from 30 to 40 nm. Photocatalytic performance experiments of SPE-AgNPs were determined by the rapid degradation of the eriochrome black T (EBT) and methylene blue (MB) under sunlight and UV irradiations. The results showed that SPE-AgNPs degraded more than 90% and 80% of both dyes under UV and sunlight irradiations, respectively. In addition, the SPE-AgNPs exhibited good antibacterial and antifungal properties against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, E. faecalis, and C. albicans with MIC values of 6.25, 6.25, 0.78, 0.39, 0.78, 1.56 and 0.78 µg/ml. The green synthesized SPE-AgNPs were found to inhibit the activity of DPPH free radicals efficiently. Eventually, the SPE-AgNPs exhibited significant in vitro cytotoxicity against K562 tumor cell line (IC50 = 19.5 µg/ml). All these studies indicated that AgNPs synthesized using S. pachycarpa extract have applications in the environmental and biomedical fields