Beneficiary Effects Research Articles

Smooth muscle relaxant activity of Crocus sativus (saffron) and its constituents: possible mechanisms.

We praise the article by Mokhtari-Zaer et al. (2015) published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine on the effects of saffron on smooth muscle activity (Mokhtari-Zaer et al., 2015). It was a well-designed and interesting study on the therapeutic properties of Crocus sativus which is a precious plant cultivated in our country. We do believe that along with all other medicinal effects, saffron or its active constituents, primarily crocin and crocetin, could also have some clinical implications in the gynecology field. Historically and particularly in traditional Persian medicine, saffron has been regarded as an abortifacient agent (Hosseinzadeh and Nassiri-Asl, 2013; Schmidt et al., 2007). Farmer women exposed to saffron had increased rates of miscarriage (Ajam et al., 2014). This could be due to the fact that saffron stimulates uterine contractions. However, in Table 1 of the article by Mokhtari-Zaer et al. (2015), a relaxant effect of saffron on uterine contraction was mentioned (Mokhtari-Zaer et al., 2015). Concerning various components of saffron including crocin, picrocrocin, crocetin, and safranal, each could have different actions on muscular tissue. As an antispasmodic, saffron is used for stomach pain by helping digestion and improving appetite. It also reduces tension and alleviates symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and renal colic (Agha-Hosseini et al., 2008; Moshiri et al., 2006; Kashani et al., 2018). In one study, the impact of saffron on cervical ripening in term pregnant women was evaluated for the first time in the form of a clinical trial (Sadi et al., 2016). They concluded that saffron could induce cervical priming which is a perquisite for vaginal delivery by improving the bishop score. Cervical ripening caused by prostaglandins such as misoprostol or prostaglandin E1 is associated with simultaneous increase in uterine muscle contractility which is apparently in contrast with the effects of saffron as a relaxing agent (Vahdat et al., 2015). In a study by Sadraei et al, the effects of Crocus sativus extracts on uterus contractions were assessed in vitro. Following removal of the uteri of rats, spontaneous rhythmic contractions were induced using potassium chloride (KCL). According to their results, Crocus sativus increased these contractions and showed spasmodic action on muscle fibers (Sadraei et al., 2003). Likewise, in other studies, saffron had stimulatory effects on uterus as a result of myogenic and neurogenic actions resulting in prolonged bleeding, premature birth and abortion (Tafazoli et al., 2004; Modaghegh et al., 2008). This stimulatory effect of saffron on uterine musculature, however, is sometimes desirable in obstetrics to enhance the process of labor and also in gynecology for facilitating the surgical procedures on the uterus (Sadi et al., 2016; Vahdat et al., 2015). Thus, the exact mechanism of action of saffron derivatives on uterus and cervix has not been fully elucidated yet. In all the studies mentioned, the effects of the plant extract were assessed without purifying or differentiating its different elements which could have different or even opposing actions. With the availability of saffron tablets in Iran which mainly consists of crocin, with the brand name of Krocina, we believe that it would be much easier to assess the impact of this particular component of saffron on uterine or cervical tissue to clarify the exact mechanisms underlying abortion or induction of labor. In the end, we congratulate Mokhtari-Zaer et al on their article and we appreciate the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine editorial board for their judicious concern on this topic. We hope to read well-controlled randomized clinical trials regarding the beneficiary effects of saffron in future

The Beneficiary Effects of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine on the Duration of Spinal Anesthesia in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South Kerala

The Beneficiary Effects of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine on the Duration of Spinal Anesthesia in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South Kerala

Beneficiary effect of a-lipoic acid supplementation on C-reactive protein level among adults

PurposeClinical evidence has suggested that alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a potent antioxidant, seems to have some effects on inflammatory process. However, these results are equivocal. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of association between ALA and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level by pooling the results from clinical trial studies.Design/methodology/approachRelevant studies were identified by systematic literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Sciences and Cochrane library up to September 2016 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the impact of ALA supplementation on CRP. The pooled data were summarized as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95 per cent confidence interval (CI). Effect sizes of eligible studies were pooled using random- or fixed-effects (the DerSimonian–Laird estimator) depending on the results of heterogeneity tests.FindingsOf 212 papers, 15 were eligible RCTs according to inclusion criteria. The selected studies comprised 1,408 cases and 457 controls. The dose of ALA supplement ranged from 300 to 1,200 mg, and the duration of follow-up was from 1 to 48 weeks. ALA supplementation significantly reduced the levels of circulating CRP (WMD: −0.088, 95 per cent CI: −0.131, −0.045, p < 0.001) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 73.4 per cent, p < 0.001). Populations with age younger than 50 years (PMD: −0.060 mg/dl), receiving doses less than 600 mg/day (PMD: −0.057 mg/dl), having cardiovascular disease (PMD: −0.105 mg/dl), hemodialysis (PMD: −0.209 mg/dl), diabetes (PMD: −0.021 mg/dl) and otherwise healthy subjects (PMD: −0.045 mg/dl) were sources of heterogeneity.Originality/ValueThis meta-analysis of RCTs suggests that ALA supplementation seems to significantly reduce circulating CRP level.

Protective effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on atherosclerotic and hemocytic parameters in obese patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the change in the body mass index following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on the vascular morphology structure and biochemical and hemocytic parameters. A prospective evaluation of 60 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy was conducted. The relationship was evaluated between the vascular morphological parameters and biochemical and hemocytic inflammatory variables of the patients preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively. Compared to the baseline values, a significant decrease was determined in the carotid intima media thickness at 6, 12, and 18 months (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). The compliance and distensibility values were observed to increase over time (p<0.05, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). A statistically significant difference was determined in the carotid intima media thickness values according to gender, with males (n:7) measuring 0.618±0.123 mm and females (n:53) measuring 0.506±0.113 mm (p<0.01). When patients were grouped as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≤2.54 (n:41) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio>2.55 (n:19), the increasing neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio values were observed to be in proportion to the carotid intima media thickness, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). When factors affecting the vascular morphology parameters measured at baseline and throughout the study were evaluated with the correlation analysis, there was observed to be a positive correlation between the baseline carotid intima media thickness thickness and neutrophil percentage (r=0.736, p<0.001) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (r=0.676, p<0.001), and between the negative correlation and lymphocyte percentage (r=-0.628, p<0.001). Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is not only a cosmetic procedure reducing the body mass index values, but it also has a beneficiary effect on vascular morphology, biochemical, and hemocytic parameters.

An investigation on the influence of yogic methods on heart rate variability.

The role of underlying mechanisms of yogic strategies which exert beneficiary effects on cardiac autonomic control is poorly understood. We have performed heart rate variability (HRV) analysis on subjects performing yogic methods and control subjects who mimic them through paced breathing and focused attention tasks using external cues. Heart rate (HR) time series is generated from electrocardiogram measured from subjects of yogic group (YG); performing yogic practices (n=15), paced breathing group (PBG); involved in breathing exercises cued at breathing rates (BR) from 3 to 15 cycles per minute (cpm) (n=23), normal breathing group (NBG) under regular breathing (n=15), and subjects performing three different cognitive tasks designated as focused attention group (FAG), (n=24). HRV is analyzed using coherence plots, spectrograms, HRV parameters, and instantaneous frequency recurrence plots (IFRP). HRV is similar among YG and PBG (at BR <12cpm) and significantly different for YG vs. NBG (p<0.001) and PBG vs. NBG (p<0.001). Regularity of breathing oscillations observed in HR is quantified using IFRP and is identical among FAG, PBG, and YG and significantly different for YG vs. NBG (p<0.01), PBG vs. NBG (p<0.01), and FAG vs. NBG (p<0.05). Low-frequency breathing (BR <12cpm) plays a primary role in eliciting physiologically significant changes in HRV. By identifying a similarity in breathing oscillations of HR of FAG, YG, and PBG, the results recognize the coexistence of attention and breathing strategies and postulate their joint role in sustaining autonomic benefits, while effects induced by breathing alone on HRV could be attained even intermittently.

Metabolomics and chemometric study for identification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor(s) from the flower extracts of Nymphaea pubescens

Inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Initial screening revealed that the edible flowers of N. pubescens inhibited AChE. This finding motivated us to identify the contributory bioactive metabolite(s) responsible for inhibition AChE using Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry based metabolomics and chemometric approach. The metabolite levels as well as AChE inhibitory activity varied in different flower samples collected from different districts of West Bengal in the monsoon season. Different multivariate analyses differentiated the extracts with low activity (< 45% inhibition) from that of higher activities (> 45% inhibition). Chemometric analysis revealed gallic acid, a previously reported metabolite, to be one of the contributors significantly related to the inhibition of AChE by the flower extracts. Kaempferol, although negatively correlated, inhibited AChE. A probable synergistic action of metabolites is suggested for the AChE inhibitory property of N. pubescens flower extracts. Practical applications Nymphaea pubescens flower is edible in different countries. The flowers also have different medicinal properties. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. As the flower extracts of this plant inhibited acetylcholinesterase, although the activity of the flower extracts varied with locality of collection. The level of metabolites also varied. A detailed study was made to identify the active constituents. Gallic acid and kaempferol were found to have high acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. The study suggested that consumption of this edible part of the plant may have beneficiary effect on memory function.

The importance of phospholipids combined with long-chain PUFA in formulated diets for pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larvae.

Dietary phosphoglycerides and n-3 long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) play important functions in the development of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larvae. This study aimed to determine optimal dietary levels of soyabean lecithin (SBL)-derived phospholipids (PL) in starter feeds for pikeperch larvae 10-30 d post-hatch (DPH) and examine performance and ontogeny by additional supplementation of n-3 LC-PUFA in the form of Algatrium DHA 70 (glyceride product; 660-700 mg/g DHA; EPA 60-75 mg/g). In total, six isoproteic and isoenergetic extruded diets were formulated with increasing levels of PL (3·7, 8·3 or 14·5 % wet weight (w.w.), respectively); however, three of the diets were supplemented with three levels of Algatrium DHA 70 (0·6, 2·0 or 3·4 %, respectively). Liver proteomic analyses of larvae at 30 DPH were included for effects of PL and primarily DHA on performance, physiological expression and interactions in larval proteins. In addition, bone anomalies, digestive enzymatic activity, candidate gene expression and skeleton morphogenesis were examined. Results confirmed the importance of dietary PL levels of at least 8·2 % w.w., and an additional beneficiary effect of supplementation with DHA plus EPA. Thus, combined supplementation of SBL (up to 14·51 % w.w. PL) and n-3 LC-PUFA (1·004 % DM DHA and 0·169 % DM EPA) in the form of TAG resulted in highest growth and lowest incidence of anomalies, improved digestive enzyme activity and had differential effect on liver proteomics. The results denote that essential fatty acids can be supplemented as TAG to have beneficial effects in pikeperch larvae development.

From chemo-prevention to epigenetic regulation: The role of isothiocyanates in skin cancer prevention.

Skin cancer incidence is rapidly growing over the last decades and is generally divided into malignant melanoma and non-melanoma (NMSC) with the latter being subdivided into squamous (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Among them, melanoma is the most aggressive type with high mortality rates. On the other hand, aberrant gene expression is a critical step towards malignant transformation. To this end, epigenetic modifications like changes in DNA methylation patterns and miRNA expression profile as well as histone modifications are all capable of inducing an altered gene expression profile involved in various cellular cascades including cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis. In general, there is an interest about the beneficiary effect of various phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of skin malignancies. Among them, glucosinolates are an important type of compounds, abundant in cruciferous vegetables, which are hydrolysed by an endogenous enzyme called myrosinase to a range of bioactive compounds including isothiocyanates (ITCs). These are the major biologically active products capable of mediating the anti-cancer effect of cruciferous vegetables. Their chemo-preventive action is mainly attributed to a plurality of anti-cancer properties including regulation of the epigenetic machinery. Current evidence supports the view that ITCs are potent compounds in interacting with the epigenome in order to restore the normal epigenetic landscape in malignant cells. This review article summarizes the current state of knowledge on the epigenetic modifications that lead to malignant transformation and the role of ITCs with respect to their ability to restore the epigenetic landscape that contributes to skin carcinogenesis.

Emerging Trends On Drug Delivery Strategy of Momordica charantia against Diabetes and its Complications.

The incidence of diabetes mellitus has increased drastically over the past few decades. This oxidant-antioxidant imbalance resulting in complication of diabetes mellitus includes macro- and microvascular complications. Resistance to conventional treatment and patient compliance has paved the way to the usage of effective natural products and supplements. Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) is widely consumed in many parts of Malaysia as a vegetable. Momordica charantia (MC) is mainly used in the management of diabetes mellitus. The present review discusses the literature concerning the antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of MC focusing on the complication of diabetes mellitus along with its mode of delivery. We found that among the whole part of MC, its fruit extract has been widely studied, therapeutically. The evidence based analysis of the beneficiary effects of MC on the different organs involved in diabetes complication is also highlighted. This review elucidated an essential understanding of MC based drug delivery system in both clinical and experimental studies and appraised the great potential of the protein based MC extract against diabetes mellitus. The review paper is believed to assist the researchers and medical personnel in treating diabetic associated complications.

Exercise Mitigates Cognitive Impairment in High Fat Diet Fed Mice via Metabolic and Epigenetic Dysregulation

High‐fat diet (HFD) induced obesity is a risk factor for cognitive impairment. The average American diet is rich in saturated fats, refined sugars and cholesterol. Excessive intake of this diet may lead to the disruption of neuropeptide expression within the brain, in turn causing metabolic and epigenetic alterations. According to clinical recommendation, regular practice of exercise (EX) has been found to be effective in treating obesity and obesity‐related conditions, as well as can reduce the risk of cognitive degeneration. However, the role of exercise on brain functions needs to be further explored. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of regular exercise accompanied by a HFD with special emphasis on metabolic dysregulation, neuroinflammation and epigenetic modulation. In our study, 8–10 week old male/female C57BL/6 wild‐type mice were grouped as follows according to their diet and exercise (EX) category: (i) standard nonfat diet NFD (6%); (ii) NFD + EX; (iii) HFD (42%); (iv) HFD + EX. The NFD and HFD were given for a period of three months. The selected mice were exercised for this 12 week duration on a treadmill, with controlled speeds of 7 meters/min the first week, 9 meters/min the second week and 11 meters/min the following weeks for a total of 330 meters each day, 5 days per week. After every 110 meters, the mice were given rest for 10 minutes. Active monitoring was performed to ensure movement of the mice. To assess the memory‐related behavior of the experimental mice, the Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT), Passive Avoidance Task (PAT) and two Y‐maze tests (Spontaneous Alternation and Two‐Trial Recognition) were performed. At the end of each experimental protocol, the mice were sacrificed and the brains were isolated for the assessment of proteins, mRNA expression as well as brain tissue imaging of metabolic indicators Glucose Transporters 1 and 4 (GLUT‐1, GLUT‐4), neuronal activity markers Synapse‐Associated Proteins 90 and 97 (SAP‐90, SAP‐97), inflammatory indicator Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF‐α) and epigenetic markers including, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT‐1), Histone Deacetylase 1 (HDAC‐1) and Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) via Western Blot, real‐time PCR and Immunohistochemistry. Behavioral test data suggest a significant improvement in cognitive function in the HFD fed group treated with exercise, as compared to the non‐exercised HFD fed group. We found significant downregulation in neuronal, epigenetic and metabolic protein expression of SAP‐90, SAP‐97, BDNF, SIRT‐1, GLUT‐1 and GLUT‐4 and up‐regulation in inflammatory protein expression of TNF‐α in mice consuming a HFD. Interestingly, exercised prevented the detrimental effects of a HFD. In conclusion, our results indicated numerous beneficiary effects of exercise over cognitive, metabolic, neuroinflammatory and epigenetic alterations in obesity induced by a HFD. Thus, the regulatory role of exercise in cognitive and brain functions in the obese condition cannot be underestimated.Support or Funding InformationThis work is financially supported by the National Institutes of Health grants AR‐067667 and HL‐107640‐NT and are greatly acknowledged.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

The Impact of Phosphorus Supply on Selenium Uptake During Hydroponics Experiment of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum) in China.

Selenium (Se) is a necessary trace element for humans and animals, and Se fertilization is an efficient way to increase Se concentration in the edible parts of crops, thus enhance the beneficiary effects of Se in human and animal health. Due to the similarity of physical and chemical properties between phosphate () and selenite (), phosphorus (P) supply often significantly impacts the absorption of Se in plants, but little is known about how P supply influences the subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Se. In this study, the effects of P supply on subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Se in winter wheat were investigated in a hydroponic trial with medium Se level (0.1 mg Se L-1). P was applied with three concentrations (0.31, 3.1, and 31 mg P L-1) in the experiment. The results showed that increasing P supply significantly decreased the concentration and accumulation of Se in the roots, stems, and leaves of winter wheat. An increase in P supply significantly inhibited Se accumulation in the root cell wall, but enhanced Se distribution in the organelles and soluble fraction of root cells. These findings suggest that increased P supply inhibited the root-to-shoot transport of Se. An increase in P supply enhanced Se accumulation in the cell wall of plant stems (both apical and axillary stem) and cell organelles of plants leaves, but inhibited Se distribution in the soluble fraction of stems and leaves. This suggests that P supply enhances Se transportation across the cell membrane in shoots of winter wheat. In addition, increased P supply also altered the chemical forms of Se in tissues of winter wheat. These findings will help in understanding of the regulation grain Se accumulation and provide a practical way to enhance Se intake for humans inform Se-enriched grains.

Evolution of secondary mitral regurgitation.

Secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) drives adverse remodelling towards late heart failure stages. Little is known about the evolution of MR under guideline-directed therapy (GDT) and its relation to cardiac remodelling and outcome. We therefore aimed to assess incidence, impact, and predictors of progressive secondary MR in patients under GDT. We prospectively enrolled 249 patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction receiving GDT in this long-term observational study. Of patients with non-severe MR at baseline 81% remained stable whereas 19% had progressive MR. Those patients were more symptomatic (P < 0.001), had higher neurohumoral activation (encompassing various neurohumoral pathways in heart failure, all P < 0.05), larger left atrial size (P = 0.004) and more tricuspid regurgitation (TR, P = 0.02). During a median follow-up of 61 months (IQR 50-72), 61 patients died. Progression of MR conveyed an increased risk of mortality-univariately (HR 2.33; 95% CI 1.34-4.08; P = 0.003), that persisted after multivariate adjustment using a bootstrap-selected confounder model (adjusted HR 2.48; 95% CI 1.40-4.39; P = 0.002). In contrast, regression of MR was not associated with a beneficiary effect on outcome (crude HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.30-2.30; P = 0.73). Every fifth patient with chronic heart failure suffers from MR progression. This entity is associated with a more than two-fold increased risk of death even after careful multivariable adjustment. Symptomatic status, left atrial size, TR, and neurohumoral pathways help to identify patients at risk for progressive secondary MR in an early disease process and open the possibility for closer follow-up and timely intervention.

Formal Traffic Characterization of LTI Event-Triggered Control Systems

Unnecessary communication and computation in the periodic execution of control tasks lead to overprovisioning in hardware design (or underexploitation in hardware utilization) in control applications, in particular, in networked control systems. To address these issues, researchers have proposed a new class of strategies, named event-driven strategies. Despite their beneficiary effects, matters such as task scheduling and appropriate dimensioning of communication components have become more complicated with respect to traditional periodic strategies. In this paper, we present a formal approach to derive an abstracted system that captures the sampling behavior of a family of event-triggered strategies for the case of LTI systems. This structure approximately simulates the sampling behavior of the aperiodic control system. Furthermore, the resulting abstract system is equivalent to a timed safety automaton. In the construction of the abstraction, the state space is confined to a finite number of convex regions, each of which represents a mode in the quotient system. An LMI-based technique is deployed to derive a sampling time interval associated with each region. Finally, reachability analysis is leveraged to find the transitions of the abstract system.

The effect of pregnancy on endometriosis-facts or fiction?

It is not uncommon for women with endometriosis to be advised that becoming pregnant might be a useful strategy to manage their symptoms and reduce disease progression. Consequently, many women diagnosed with endometriosis and motivated to become pregnant, may also have expectations regarding improvement of symptoms and the disease. However, study results on the effect of pregnancy on endometriosis are controversial and pregnancy in women with endometriosis is not always associated with improved symptoms. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that endometriosis may interfere with a successful pregnancy outcome. The objective was to evaluate the evidence on whether pregnancy and lactation has a beneficiary effect on growth characteristics and symptoms of endometriosis diagnosed prior to pregnancy. A search for articles containing keywords related to pregnancy and endometriosis was performed via PubMed. Manuscripts dealing with a potential effect of pregnancy on endometriosis were systematically reviewed. We included English, French and German language publications on human studies from 1966 to May 2017. Bibliographies of these manuscripts were searched for further relevant literature. Five small observational studies were identified concerning the longitudinal development of endometriotic lesions during and after pregnancy, four of medium and one of low quality. Eleven publications reported measurements of endometriomas during pregnancy and the postpartum period (the five studies just mentioned and six case reports). Another 22 case reports/small case series (maximum of five cases), six studies on histology of endometriotic lesions in pregnancy, plus eight studies on the role of pregnancy in initial development and recurrence of endometriosis were included. Few studies of very limited quality are available to evaluate the effect of pregnancy and the postnatal period on the development of endometriosis. The development of endometriosis is variable and there is no evidence that pregnancy can be expected to generally reduce the size and number of endometriotic lesions. Growth and structural changes of lesions during pregnancy may occur with decidualization. Results on the association between pregnancy and symptoms of endometriosis are controversial and strongly biased. Available data on the development of endometriosis during and after pregnancy show fewer beneficial effects than previously reported. Therefore, women aiming for pregnancy on the background of endometriosis should not be told that pregnancy may be a strategy for managing symptoms and reducing progression of the disease.

Resveratrol-Induced Changes in MicroRNA Expression in Primary Human Fibroblasts Harboring Carnitine-Palmitoyl Transferase-2 Gene Mutation, Leading to Fatty Acid Oxidation Deficiency.

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-2 (CPT2) is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in long-chain fatty acid entry into mitochondria for their β-oxidation and energy production. Two phenotypes are associated with the extremely reduced CPT2 activity in genetically deficient patients: neonatal lethality or, in milder forms, myopathy. Resveratrol (RSV) is a phytophenol produced by grape plant in response to biotic or abiotic stresses that displays anti-oxidant properties, in particular through AP-1, NFκB, STAT-3, and COX pathways. Some beneficiary effects of RSV are due to its modulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression. RSV can enhance residual CPT2 activities in human fibroblasts derived from CPT2-deficient patients and restores normal fatty acid oxidation rates likely through stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis. Here, we report changes in miRNA expression linked to CPT2-deficiency, and we identify miRNAs whose expression changed following RSV treatment of control or CPT2-deficient fibroblasts isolated from patients. Our findings suggest that RSV consumption might exert beneficiary effects in patients with CPT2-deficiency.

Impact of Breastfeeding on Lactating Women Bone Health: A Survey based Study in Northern Region of Saudi Arabia

Bone fitness is considered as an important public health problem especially in post-menopausal women. Numerous studies have investigated to understand beneficiary effects of mother milk on the baby but very few studies have been conducted to understand the effect of breastfeeding on the bone health of lactating women. We hypothesized that high calcium demand during pregnancy and lactation and low estrogenic state support may affect on the bone health immediately after child birth and later in the life. Based upon this theory we have conducted a survey based study in the Northern region of Saudi Arabia to assess the health status of the lactating mothers. Total 376 lactating mothers were interviewed during the period of 16 Nov 2016 to 23 March 2017. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was provided at their homes to collect information. The result revealed that among 376 participants, 7% complaining about generalized pain, 41% suffering from joint pain, 24%, suffering from lower back pain and 1% of mothers suffered from fracture. This survey highlights important but ignored aspect of the bone health of lactating women in the Northern region of Saudi Arabia. During pregnancy, women consume calcium supplements to satisfy their requirement of developing baby but after child birth, they stop calcium supplement though it's needed. Based upon this study we state that there is a need to prepare and follow guidelines for the use of calcium supplement for the lactating women to maintain bone health.

A sulphonated oil for stabilisation of expansive soils

ABSTRACTThe efficiency of a commercially manufactured sulphonated oil (SO) agent in treating a highly expansive soil was investigated through an extensive experimental program. A total of six SO to water mass concentrations, i.e. 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25 and 2.5%, were examined. The test program included swell–load oedometer, unconfined compressive strength and cyclic wetting and drying tests. SO-stabilisation amended the soil’s mechanical behaviour through improvements achieved in swelling and strength characteristics. The reduction in swelling potential and swelling pressure was dependent on SO concentration, while the effect of curing time was found to be insignificant. A similar dependency was concluded for the unconfined compressive strength and stiffness of the stabilised soil. Both dependencies suggested an SO concentration of 1.25% capable of yielding an optimal stabilisation scheme. Results of the cyclic wetting and drying tests indicated that the beneficiary effects of SO-stabilisation at optimum concentration, particularly in ameliorating the adverse effects of swell–shrink-related volume changes and to some extent increasing the strength, are strongly preserved under the influence of alternate wetting and drying.

Effect of post-cessation hyperglycemia on cardiovascular disease and mortality among middle-aged men: an eight-year longitudinal study

Smoking cessation reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but also elevates fasting serum glucose (FSG) levels. The effect of post-cessation hyperglycemia on cardiovascular disease is unknown. The study population consisted of 127,066 men without type 2 diabetes from the Korean National Health Insurance System – Health Screening Cohort database. Change in smoking habits and FSG was determined by the difference in smoking status and FSG levels from the first (2002 and 2003) and second (2004 and 2005) health examinations. Continual smokers, quitters, ex-smokers, and never smokers were stratified according to FSG elevation. The study participants were followed-up for CVD and CVD-related death from 2006 to 2013. Compared to continual smokers, quitters had decreased risk of CVD among those without FSG elevation (hazard ratio, HR, 0.76, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.66–0.86) and with FSG elevation (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72–0.96). Similarly, quitters had a tendency towards reduced risk of CVD-related death among those without FSG elevation (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.51–1.09) and with FSG elevation (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.46–1.03). Post-cessation hyperglycemia did not attenuate the beneficiary risk-reducing effects of quitting on CVD and CVD-related death.

Folic acid intake and folate status and colorectal cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate the controversies among the studies assessing the association between folic acid intake or folate status and colorectal cancer risk. PubMed, Cochrane library and references of related articles were searched from January 2000 to September 2016. Studies on folic acid intake or folate status and colorectal cancer or adenoma risk were included. Full text review was conducted for potentially eligible studies. Quality assessment was performed. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate risk ratio and 95% Confidence Intervals. Analysis was conducted by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Folic acid supplement intake showed no significant effect on colorectal cancer risk in meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, RR: 1.07(95% CI: 0.86-1.43). The effect on risk was not significant in cohort studies either; RR=0.96(95% CI: 0.76-1.21). However, there was significant reduced colorectal cancer risk in total folate intake in cohort studies; 0.71 (95% CI: 0.59-0.86). Odds Ratio was also significantly reduced in case control studies; 0.77 (95% CI: 0.62-0.95). Nevertheless once folate status was measured as Red Blood Cell folate content, no significant effect on colorectal cancer risk was observed; 1.05 (95% CI: 0.85-1.30). The differences in bioavailability and metabolism of synthetic folic acid and natural dietary folate as well as variation in the baseline characteristics of subjects and various methods of folate status assessment might be the main reasons for these controversies. Findings of present study highlightthe importance of individualized folic acid supplement intake given the fact that the beneficiary effects of long term folic acid supplementation is not confirmed.

Use of antibiotics in newborns with maternal history of premature rupture of membrane

Background: The premature rupture of membrane is a major risk factor for the early onset sepsis in neonates. It increases the risk of serious neonatal infection to one percent, compared to 0.5% for women with intact membrane. There is a conventional practice of using antibiotics in most of the babies with maternal history of premature rupture of membrane &gt;18 hours. It is noticed that all the babies may not need prophylactic antibiotics in these conditions and there should be judicial use of antibiotics in babies with maternal history of premature rupture of membrane.Objectives: To identify the risk factors for use of antibiotics in newborn babies born at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital with maternal history of premature rupture of membrane and to observe the outcome of the babies.Method: This is a prospective observational study done at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital. All newborns with maternal history of premature rupture of membrane for more than 18 hours were screened for neonatal sepsis and managed according to the treatment protocol. Ethical clearance was obtained and data were analyzed in statistical package for social science 16.Results: Among 160 cases included, 99 (62%) mothers received antibiotics for premature rupture of membrane and only 54 (35%) babies’ required antibiotics. Among them 30 babies required oral antibiotics, 20 babies required injectable antibiotics and four babies required both antibiotics(oral and injectable), which is statistically signifi cant (p value 0.03 ).Conclusion: This study has highlighted that every babies may not need antibiotics with maternal history of premature rupture of membrane. The use of antibiotics to mother for PROM before delivery has a signifi cant benefi ciary effect to babies reducing incidence of sepsis.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 5, No. 1, Issue 15, Jan.-Mar., 2016, Page: 3-10