Reduction In Tc Research Articles

Randomized study of the effects of empagliflozin and topiramate dual therapy on anthropometric and metabolic indices in non-diabetic individuals with overweight/obesity on a calorie-restricted diet

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the combined use of empagliflozin (EMPA) and topiramate (TPM) versus a placebo in overweight/obese individuals without diabetes on a calorie-restricted diet.MethodsIn this study, 44 non-diabetic and overweight/obese subjects who were on a calorie restricted diet were randomly assigned into 2 groups: (1) Participants received a 10 mg EMPA tablet daily plus TPM tablet (at the 1st week 25 mg once a day and from the second week 25 mg twice a day); (2) Participants received an empagliflozin placebo (daily) plus a topiramate placebo (as mentioned for topiramate tablet in group 1), for 12 weeks. At baseline and weeks 4, 8, 12, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and body composition were evaluated. Before and after the intervention, blood pressure, C reactive protein, and glucose and lipid profile parameters were measured.ResultsThe EMPA/TPM group, compared to placebo, had a greater percent change of weight at week 12 (− 8.92 ± 1.80 vs. − 4.93 ± 1.17). The intervention group had a greater percent change of fat mass and fat percent at week 12 (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference in the percent of change in fat-free percent between the two groups at week 12 (P = 0.577). Within-group analysis found a significant reduction in SBP, DBP, FBS, insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, LDL, HDL, TG, and CRP in both groups (P < 0.05). At week 12, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in any of mentioned variables (P > 0.05).ConclusionIn non-diabetic overweight/obese individuals, the combination of EMPA/TPM and calorie restriction led to a notable decrease in body weight and was generally well-tolerated. Further research is required to evaluate the potential advantages of utilizing this combination for sustained weight management in the long run.Level I Randomized clinical trial.

Study the Physiological Effects of Palm Heart Extract (PHE) on some Cardiac, Hepatic Enzymes, and Reproductive Hormones in Male Rats

Background: For a long time, researchers have extensively studied the health advantages of natural products derived from plants. Objective: The main goal of this study is to investigate the effects of palm heart extract (PHE) on the lipid profile and various parameters of the heart, liver, and reproductive system in male rabbits. Methods: The male rabbits were divided into four groups by chance; one group was given a standard diet for comparison, while the other three received a PHE supplement. The control group did not get any treatment while three groups were given medium to high doses of PHE daily for 8 weeks. Troponin and lipid profile levels were assessed for health indicators, while liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST, ALP) and total bilirubin were analyzed to evaluate liver function. Furthermore, hormone levels such as testosterone, LH (luteinizing hormone), and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) were also observed during the entire study period. Outcomes: Lipid profile parameters, including cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), were assessed before and after the intervention period. Results: The results indicated a reduction in TC and LDL levels in the treatment group compared to the control group was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05). Nonetheless, there were no changes observed in the levels of TG and HDL in both groups, with a p-value greater than 0.05. These results indicate that heart palm water extract might have the ability to lower lipid levels, especially in decreasing total cholesterol and LDL levels. Testosterone levels showed a small drop in the high dose group when compared to the control group, although there was no statistical significance (p &gt; 0.05). LH levels did not significantly decrease in the medium dose group compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). There were no notable variations in FSH levels among the groups (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, male rabbits showed reduced troponin levels in a dose-dependent manner, indicating potential cardioprotective effects of HDP extract. The administration of HDP extract did not have any impact on liver function. Although reproductive hormone levels varied, additional research is required to understand the effects of heart palm extract on male reproductive health.

Size-Dependent Spin Crossover and Bond Flexibility in Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles.

Size reduction offers a synthetic route to tunable phase change behavior. Preparing materials as nanoparticles causes drastic modulations to critical temperatures (Tc), hysteresis widths, and the "sharpness" of first-order versus second-order phase transitions. A microscopic picture of the chemistry underlying this size dependence in phenomena ranging from melting to superconductivity remains debated. As a case study with broad implications, we report that size-dependent spin crossover (SCO) in nanocrystals of the metal-organic framework (MOF) Fe(1,2,3-triazolate)2 arises from metal-linker bonds becoming more labile in smaller particles. In comparison to the bulk material, differential scanning calorimetry indicates a ∼ 30-40% reduction in Tc and ΔH in the smallest particles. Variable-temperature vibrational spectroscopy reveals a diminished long-range structural cooperativity, while X-ray diffraction evidence an over 3-fold increase in the thermal expansion coefficients. This "phonon softening" provides a molecular mechanism for designing size-dependent behavior in framework materials and for understanding phase changes in general.

Effects of combined methanol extracts of Nauclea latifolia and Voacanga africana leaves on some biochemical indices of alloxan-induced diabetes in albino rats

Diabetes mellitus is a rampant global epidemy of multifactorial aetiology and risk factors. This present study was aimed at investigating the effects of combined methanol extracts of the leaves of N. latifolia and V. africana on some biochemical indices of alloxan-induced diabetes in albino rats. The rats were divided into eight groups of five rats each with group 1 as normal control, group 2 to 8 as treated diabetic control (2.0 mg/kg b.w. of glibenclamide), untreated diabetic control, 500mg/kg body weight. N.L., 500 mg/kg body weight V.A., 250 N.L.: 250 V.A., 375 N.L.:125 V.A and 125 N.L.:375 V.A respectively. The administration of the extracts was by oral (gavage) and the treatment lasted for 21 days. After 21 days, the rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed by cervical dislocation to get blood serum. All the analyses were done using standard analytical methods. The combined extracts exhibited antihyperglycaemic effect especially the 500 mg/kg b.w.N.L. and 375 NL and 125 V.A. The results disclosed that the rats of the normal control, treated diabetic control and the group administered with the 375 N.L.:125 V.A. significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the body weight of the rats. There was significant decrease (p &lt;0.05) in the concentration of MDA in the rats of the treated diabetic control group and test groups when compared with rats of the untreated diabetic control. There was increase in catalase and GPx concentrations in the rats of the test groups when compared to rats of untreated diabetic control. The study also disclosed significant (p &lt; 0.05) reduction in LDL-c, TC, TG and VDL-c, with an increase HDL-c. This study unveiled that the dose ratios of 375 N.L.:125 V.A, 500 mg/kg b.w. N.L and 250 N.L.:250 V.A efficiently reduced the blood glucose concentration and had better effect on the biochemical indices and therefore may be useful in the treatment of diabetes and diabetes-related complications.

3-Pentadecylphenol (PDP) as a Novel Compatibilizer for Simultaneous Toughened and Reinforced PA10,12 Composites.

The utilization of polyamide 10,12 (PA10,12) composites in various industries has been limited constrained by their inherent low toughness, making it a challenge to achieve a balance between toughness and structural integrity through conventional elastomer addition strategies. Herein, we introduce a straightforward method for the concurrent toughening and reinforcement of PA10,12 composites. This is accomplished by blending polyolefin elastomer (POE) and 3-pentadecylphenol (PDP) with the PA10,12 matrix. The incorporation of 5 wt% PDP effectively blurred the PA10,12/POE interface due to PDP's role as a compatibilizer. This phenomenon is attributed to the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds, as evidenced by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Further investigation, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), elucidated the crystallization thermodynamics and kinetics of the resulting binary PA10,12/POE and ternary PA10,12/POE/PDP composites. Notably, the crystallization temperature (Tc) was observed to decrease from 163.1 °C in the binary composite to 161.5 °C upon the addition of PDP. Increasing the PDP content to 10% led to a further reduction in Tc to 159.5 °C due to PDP's capacity to slow down crystallization. Consequently, the ternary composite of PA10,12/POE/PDP (92/3/5 wt%) demonstrated a synergistic improvement in mechanical properties, with an elongation at break of 579% and a notch impact strength of 61.54 kJ/m2. This represents an approximately eightfold increase over the impact strength of unmodified PA10,12. Therefore, our work provides the potential of PDP as a compatibilizer to develop nylon composites with enhanced stiffness and toughness.

Metabolic Consequences of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome on Hepatic Function in High Fat Diet-Fed Rats: Potential Role of Exercise

Abstract Context Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine-metabolic disorder in reproductive-aged women. Since, The current study was designed to elucidate the metabolic comorbidities of polycystic ovarian syndrome, especially the hepatic effect, with or without high fat diet feeding, and to emphases the crucial role of exercise in managing such complications. Materials and Methods This study was carried out on 55 adult female albino Wistar rats, the study duration was 8 weeks. Rats included in the present study were randomly allocated into five equal groups, eleven rats each: Group I: Control group, Group II: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) group, Group III: High fat diet fed polycystic ovary syndrome (HF-PCO) group, Group IV: Exercise-treated polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO-EX) group, Group V: High fat diet fed exercise-treated polycystic ovary syndrome (HF-PCO-EX) group. PCOS was induced in female wistar rats by oral administration of Letrozole (1mg/kg daily by oral gavage for 21 days in groups II, III, IV, V, high fat diet was supplemented to groups III and V. Rats of groups IV and V were subjected to 30 minutes swimming protocol 5 days/ week for 5 weeks after the period of induction. Results All measured values of the OGTT as well as area under the curve, serum fasting glucose (FG), insulin levels and HOMA-IR were all significantly increased in the PCO, HF-PCO when compared to control group. Compared to their corresponding non exercised groups, both PCO-EX and HFPCO-EX groups showed significant reductions in all parameters except for T90 in PCO-EX group. For the lipid profile, the serum level of TG, TC, LDL-C and AI were all significantly increased while HDL-C was significantly decreased in PCO and HF-PCO compared to control group as well as in HF-PCO group compared to PCO group. PCO-EX and HF-PCO-EX groups showed significant reductions in TG, TC, LDL-C and AI and a significant elevation in HDL-C when compared to their corresponding non- exercised groups. For liver enzymes serum level of ALT, AST and GGT were significantly increased in PCO and HF-PCO groups when compared with control group. Compared to their corresponding non exercised groups, both PCO-EX and HF-PCO-EX showed significant reductions in liver enzymes. As regard the hormonal profile, the serum level of estradiol, adiponectin and adiponectin/resistin ratio (A/R) were significantly decreased while serum level of testosterone, LH and resistin were significantly increased in PCO and HF-PCO groups compared to control group. PCO-EX and HF-PCO-EX groups induced significant increases in serum estradiol, adiponectin and A/R as well as significant decreases in serum testosterone, LH and resistin compared to their corresponding non exercised groups. Conclusion We could conclude that both moderate intensity exercise and avoiding high fat diet have beneficial therapeutic potentials in ameliorating the metabolic effects of PCO syndrome in rats especially the hepatic effects and the development of NAFLD.

Infrared spectroscopic study on Nb-ion-irradiated MgB2 thin films

Magnesium diboride (MgB2) is a two-band superconductor with a high superconducting critical temperature (Tc) of approximately 39 K. Owing to the lack of vortex pinning centers, MgB2 exhibits an abrupt decline in the critical current density (Jc) in an applied magnetic field. Here, we prepared 1 MeV Nb ion-irradiated MgB2 thin-film samples with doses of 3×1013, 7×1013, and 9×1013 ions/cm2. Temperature-dependent magnetization and x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were performed to determine the Tc and c-axis lattice constant of each sample. Furthermore, a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed to obtain the infrared properties of the Nb-ion-irradiated MgB2 thin-film samples. The optical conductivity of each sample in the low-energy region was fitted with two (narrow and broad) Drude modes. We found that the spectral weight redistribution from the low-to high-frequency regions and the broadening of the narrow Drude mode caused by irradiation are closely related to the reduction in Tc.

The effect of observing religious or faith-based fasting on cardiovascular disease risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AimsCardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Fasting is common in many religions and is associated with health benefits. This systematic review to compares the impact of different religious fasting practices, on risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Data synthesisThe search covered five databases following PRISMA guidelines to identify papers published in English from inception to March 2023 (updated January 2024). Inclusion criteria were healthy adults in observational studies, who engaged in religious fasting practices, studies were included where data on matched non-fasting individuals was available. Outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and fasting plasma glucose levels. A meta-analysis was conducted, and the review was registered (CRD42022352197). Fourteen studies were met the inclusion criteria with ten studies data being suitable for meta-analysis, reporting on 755 adults participating in fasting practices and 661 non-fasting controls. Religious fasting was associated with a reduction in BMI (−0.40 kg/m2, 95% CI [-0.70, −0.10], p < 0.01). Observance of Ramadan fasting was associated with decreased systolic blood pressure (−3.83 mmHg, 95% CI [-7.44, −0.23], p = 0.04). The observance of Orthodox Christian fasting was associated with a reduction in TC (−0.52 mmoL/l, 95%CI [–0.64, −0.39], p < 0.01). No difference was found for the other outcomes. ConclusionThis review found religious fasting practices which were associated with a reduction in some biomarkers of cardiometabolic diseases risk. Further research on other fasting practices is needed due to limited data.

The effects of vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation on lipid profile in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposePrevious research indicates that vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation may benefit overall health, but current evidence regarding its effects on lipid profile remains unclear. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation on lipid profile (total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], triglyceride [TG] and high-density lipoprotein [HDL]) in adults.Design/methodology/approachIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, relevant studies were obtained by searching the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases (from inception to January 2022). Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were estimated via a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were reported using standard methods.FindingsPooled analysis of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) revealed that vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation yielded significant reductions in TG (p = 0.631). A pooled analysis of five trials indicated a significant association between omega-3 and vitamin D treatment and reductions in TC (p = 0.001) and LDL (p = 0.001). Although, pooled analyses of omega-3 and vitamin D did not significantly affect HDL.Originality/valueThe findings suggest that vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation lowers TG, TC and LDL in adults. Future, large-scale, RCTs on various populations are needed to elucidate further beneficial effects of vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation on lipid profile and establish guidelines for clinical practice.

Highlights on the link between vitamin D and lipid panel in Egyptian multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract Background Diversity of risk factors, namely, vitamin D and lipid panel abnormalities, are connected to multiple sclerosis (MS) etiology and may possess an influential role on disease course. In a cross-sectional study, we correlated the demographic, clinical and radiological characteristics of 111 relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients with their serum levels of vitamin D and lipid profile to evaluate the consequences of their abnormalities on disease activity and/or its progression. Results In the study group, the mean serum level of vitamin D was 18.93 ± 9.85 ng/mL, over 80% had insufficient level ( &lt; 30 ng/mL) and significantly lower in females (P = 0.011). Insufficient vitamin D significantly associated with high relapse frequency (P = 0.005). Measurement the direction of this association showed that each 1 ng/mL increase in vitamin D was correlated with both decrease in annualized relapse rate (ARR) of 0.02 relapse/year (P = 0.017) and with decrease in number of relapses during last 2 years of 0.02 relapse (P = 0.045). Analysis of serum lipid panel showed a direct link between higher levels of TC and LDL to increased total number of relapses (P &lt; 0.001 and 0.003, respectively) and EDSS (P = 0.001 and 0.022), also between higher TG and EDSS (P = 0.001). This link became indirect between HDL and both total number of relapse and EDSS (P = 0.001 and 0.001). Radiologically, positively linked confluent brain lesion to elevated TC and TG levels (P = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively) and cord lesions to elevated TC (P = 0.007). Longer disease duration positively associated with all lipids-related variables. As a direct effect on lipid metabolism, each 1 ng/mL increase in vitamin D was associated with reduction in serum TC of 1.48 mg/dL (P = 0.002) and rise in HDL of 0.35 mg/dL (P = 0.028). Conclusions Management of vitamin D insufficiency may decrease risk of higher ARR and the same for dyslipidemia in reduction of disability and confluent brain T2 lesion. Increasing vitamin D was positively correlated with HDL but negatively with TC.

Therapeutic Role of Polyphenol Extract from Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver.

Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart (P. cerasifera) flourishes uniquely in the arid landscapes of Xinjiang, China. Preliminary studies have revealed the therapeutic potential of its polyphenol extract (PPE) in mitigating liver lipid accumulation in mice fed a high-fat diet. We established a mouse model that was subjected to a continuous high-fat diet for 24 weeks and administered PPE to investigate the effects of PPE on cholesterol and BA metabolism in NAFLD mice. The results showed that PPE administration (200 and 400 mg/kg/day, BW) led to a reduction in liver TC, an increase in liver T-BAs, and normalization of the disrupted fecal BA profile. Concurrently, it decreased levels of lipotoxic BAs and inhibited hepatic cholesterol synthesis (evidenced by reduced HMGCR activity) and intestinal cholesterol absorption (indicated by lower ACAT2 levels) while enhancing intestinal cholesterol efflux (via LXRα, ABCA1, ABCG5, and ABCG8) and stimulating hepatic BA synthesis (CYP7A1, CYP27A1) and secretion (BSEP). PPE thus led to a significant reduction in lipotoxic BAs metabolized by gut microbiota and a downregulation of the BA secretion pathway under its influence. Our findings reveal the therapeutic effect of PPE on NAFLD mice via regulating cholesterol and BA metabolism, providing a theoretical basis for exploring the potential functions of P. cerasifera.

The Magnetism of Nonstoichiometric Sr2Cr1+xRe1-xO6 (0 < x < 0.5) Double Perovskites.

The effect of nonstoichiometry on the cation distribution, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of a series of Cr-rich Sr2Cr1+xRe1-xO6 samples has been investigated. The double perovskite structure is maintained over a wide solid solution range that extends from x = 0 to approximately x = 0.5. For most of the solid solution range, the Cr-rich octahedral site maintains a nearly constant occupancy, 87% Cr and 13% Re, that is comparable to prior studies of Sr2CrReO6, while Cr steadily replaces Re on the other octahedral site. As x approaches 0.5, long-range Cr/Re ordering drops precipitously. Analysis of X-ray powder diffraction peak shapes reveals antiphase boundaries, associated with Cr/Re ordering, the concentration of which increases steadily with increasing x. Neutron powder diffraction studies confirm antiferromagnetic coupling between antisite Cr3+ ions and Cr3+ ions that occupy the normal sites, leading to site-dependent ferrimagnetic ordering. Density functional theory calculations indicate that chromium maintains a +3 oxidation state across the series, while the oxidation state of rhenium increases with increasing x. Calculations are also used to explore the energies of competing magnetic ground states. Except for the most chromium-rich compositions (x ≈ 0.5), site-dependent ferrimagnetism is retained with only a modest reduction in TC. The saturation magnetization steadily decreases as the chromium content increases due to a combination of Cr/Re antisite disorder and antiphase boundaries.

Smartphone-based interventions in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A meta-analysis.

A variety of reviews have indicated the effectiveness of smartphone-based interventions in preventing secondary cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few studies have focused on clinical outcomes. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of application interventions and short message service (SMS) interventions on CVD outcomes. Electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating an application or SMS intervention for secondary CVD prevention. Primary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiovascular death, and cardiac hospitalization. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular risk factors (BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol). A total of 26 RCTs were included, with 16 investigating applications and 10 assessing SMS. Overall, there was no significant difference in MACE, cardiovascular death, and cardiac hospitalization when comparing application interventions with usual care, as well as comparing SMS with usual care. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients who received applications without a medical interface had a significantly lower incidence of MACE (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.98). Participants who received applications with a medical interface showed a tendency towards higher rates of cardiac hospitalization (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 0.85, 4.87). Significant reduction in waist circumference (SMD =-0.80; 95% CI: -1.58, -0.03) was found in application interventions compared to usual care; while significant reductions in SBP (SMD =-0.08; 95% CI: -0.15, -0.01) and TC (SMD =-0.31; 95% CI: -0.57, -0.08) were found in SMS interventions compared to usual care. Smartphone-based interventions, including applications and SMS, have the potential to benefit the secondary prevention of CVD. Applications may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular-related adverse events, while SMS interventions may improve cardiovascular risk factors.

Effect of a probiotic formula on gastrointestinal health, immune responses and metabolic health in adults with functional constipation or functional diarrhea.

Our aim was to determine the efficacy of four-week probiotic supplementation on gastrointestinal health. The secondary objectives were to assess probiotic effects on immune reaction, as well as weight control and metabolic health. We conducted two randomized sub-trials, respectively, among subjects who were diagnosed with functional constipation (FC) or functional diarrhea (FDr) according to the Rome IV criteria. In each sub-trial, 70 eligible Chinese adults were randomized to receive a multi-strain probiotic combination or a placebo. Gastrointestinal symptoms, defecation habits, stool characteristics, blood and fecal biochemistry markers, anthropometrics measures, stress-associated responses, and intestinal flora changes were assessed at baseline and after probiotics intervention. Four weeks of probiotic supplementation reduced overall gastrointestinal symptoms scores in FC participants (p < 0.0001). Their mean weekly stool frequency increased from 3.3 times to 6.2 times; immune response and inflammation markers improved with increases in serum IgA, IFN-γ and fecal sIgA, and decrease in hsCRP; most components of lipid profile were significantly ameliorated, with increases in HDL-C and reductions in TC and TG; body weight, body mass index and basal metabolic rate decreased following probiotics consumption. For FDr participants, probiotics consumption markedly reduced overall gastrointestinal symptom scores (p < 0.0001); decreased stool frequency by 3 times per week; increased IgA, IFN-γ, sIgA concentrations, while lowered hsCRP and IL-4 levels. Both FC and FDr participants had improvement in the scores of defecation habits, anxiety or depression, and perceived stress. Probiotics supplementation promoted the production of all three major short-chain fatty acids. No changes were observed in LDL-C, IgG, IgM, IL-8, IL-10 and motilin. Supplementation with the probiotic formula over a four-week period could help relieving gastrointestinal symptoms, improving satisfaction with defecation habits, emotional state and immune response, and ameliorating dysbacteriosis in participants with FC or FDr. It also had beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and weight control for FC participants.

A Study Of antioxidant capacity of different doses of alcoholic extract of Marticaria Chamomilla flower in comparison with vitamin E in oxidative stressed male rats

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of alcoholic extract of Marticaria chamomilla flowers on the antioxidant status in comparison with vitamin E in male rats. Thirty mature male Albino Wister rats were used in this study, the animals were divided into six groups (5 each), the first group was administered with water only, the second one was subjected to H2O2 0.75% in drinking water. The third group was orally intubated with 50mg/kg vitamin E concurrently with H2O2. The other three groups (T3, T4 and T5) were orally administered with M.Ch.E (40, 80 and 120 mg/kg BW) respectively. Blood samples were taken at zero time and then after 30 days, serum sample were examined for CAT, peroxynitrite radical concentration, TC, TAG, HDL-C, VLDL-C and LDL-C. The results showed a significant elevation in ONOO concentration, TC, TAG, VLDL-C and LDL-C associated with a reduction in CAT and HDL-C in H2O2 treated group in compared with control group, this result may be contributed to oxidative damage associated with long term H2O2 exposure. While other groups (vitamin E group and M.Ch.E treated groups) showed a significant reduction in ONOO concentration, TC, TAG, VLDL-C and LDL-C with an elevation in HDL-C if compared to H2O2 treaded group. This may be contributed to the antioxidant effect of vitamin E and M.Ch.E. However, 120mg/kg BW M.Ch.E treated group recorded the highest positive effect against oxidative stress and its effect seems to be normalizing with vitamin E effect, as well as both groups (vit. E and 120mg/kg BW M.Ch.E) clarified a non-significant different with control group in all experiment parameters. This result pointed to antioxidant effect of M.Ch.E in a dose dependent manner.

CS27109, A Selective Thyroid Hormone Receptor-β Agonist Alleviates Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Murine Models.

Thyroid hormone receptor-β (THR-β) agonists play crucial roles in dyslipidemia and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). We developed a novel oral and liver-targeted THR-β agonist, CS27109, and evaluated its efficacy in the treatment of metabolic disorders. We evaluated in vitro and in vivo efficacy and/or safety of CS27109 along with MGL3196 (a phase III THR-β agonist). CS27109 showed pronounced activity and selectivity to THR-β and favorable PK properties, which was equivalent to MGL3196. In the hamster model, animals treated with a high dose of CS27109 showed equivalent reductions in serum TC and LDL-c with groups treated with MGL3196. In the rat model, CS27109 and MGL3196 reduced serum ALT, TC, TG, LDL-c, liver weight ratio, and liver steatosis. CS27109 simultaneously decreased liver TG and TC, and MGL3196 additionally reduced AST. In the mouse model, CS27109 dose-dependently reduced serum AST, ALT, liver inflammation, and NAS score, and also downregulated TC, LDL-c, liver steatosis, and fibrosis, but not in a dose-dependent manner. MGL3196 revealed an equivalent effect with CS27109 in that model. CS27109 also exhibited tolerable toxicity to the heart. CS27109 shows comparative in vitro and in vivo efficacy with MGL3196, suggesting its potential therapeutic application in the treatment of MAFLD such as dyslipidemia and steatohepatitis.

B-site disorder induced Griffiths phase evolution and high magnetocaloric effect in La0.7Sr0.3A0.05Mn0.95O3 (A= Si, Ti)

We report on evaluation of Griffiths phase and enhanced magnetic entropy change at low magnetic fields in B-site disordered perovskite La0.7Sr0.3A0.05Mn0.95O3 (A= Si, Ti) bulk samples. 5 mol% of Si and Ti doping at the Mn site of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 leads to a decrease in Curie temperature (TC) towards room temperature, which is observed to be 365.2 K and 314.7 K respectively. Griffiths phase arises as a result of doping either Si or Ti in Mn site. Ti doped La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 exhibits higher entropy change (1.08 J/kg K) than Si (0.83 J/kg K) at room temperature. The increase in magnetic entropy change and high reduction in TC towards room temperature caused by Ti doping in the La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 implies that these materials might be exploited for magnetic cooling in low magnetic fields near room temperature. Critical exponent analysis indicates the possibility of 3D Heisenberg spin glass like system in both compounds.

Desk based prompts to replace workplace sitting with stair climbing; a pilot study of acceptability, effects on behaviour and disease risk factors

BackgroundProlonged sitting is associated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Occupational sitting accounts for up to 50 h/week for employees. This pilot study assessed the acceptability of stair climbing as an interruption to sitting throughout working hours, and provided preliminary data of the effects on glucose and lipid profiles.MethodsA quasi-experimental design was conducted involving 16 sedentary office workers (five females and 11 males) for intervention (n = 8) and control groups (n = 8) with mean age of 36.38 (5.58). For the eight-week intervention, a continuous four-floor stair climb and descent was performed eight times/day spread evenly over the working day. A prompt to climb was presented on the participant’s computer eight times/day. Participants in the experimental group recorded daily floors climbed and steps (measured using pedometers) in a weekly log sheet. Blood samples were collected pre and post intervention to test effects on fasting glucose and 2 h plasma glucose, triglycerides, and total (TC), LDL and HDL cholesterol. Experimental participants were interviewed at the end of the study. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the median changes (pre-post) of the dependent variables.ResultsOn average, the experimental group climbed 121 floors/week when prompted. There were significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, TC and LDL, as well as the derived measures of ‘bad’ cholesterol and the TC/HDL ratio in the experimental group. Post-experimental interviews indicated that the interruption to sitting was well tolerated.ConclusionPrompted stair climbing activity had impacts on health outcomes and was found acceptable to employees at work.Trial registrationEthics for this study was approved by Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Ethical Review Committee, University of Birmingham with ethics reference number ERN_15_0491.

On the Impacts of Historical and Future Climate Changes to the Sustainability of the Main Sardinian Forests

The Mediterranean Basin is affected by climate changes that may have negative effects on forests. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of 17 forests located in the Island of Sardinia to resist or adapt to the past and future climate. Sardinia is experiencing a decreasing anthropic pressure on forests, but drought-triggered dieback in trees was recently observed and confirmed by the analysis of 20 years of satellite tree-cover data (MOD44B). Significant negative trends in yearly tree cover have affected the broad-leaved vegetation, while significative positive trends were found in the bushy sclerophyllous vegetation. Vegetation behavior resulted in being related to the mean annual precipitation (MAP); for MAP &lt; 700 mm, we found a decline in the tall broad-leaved stands and an increase in the short ones, and the opposite was found for bushy sclerophyllous vegetations. In forests with MAP &gt; 700 mm, both stands are stable, regardless of the growing trends in the vapor-pressure deficit (VPD) and temperature. No significative correlation between bushy sclerophyllous tree cover and the climate drivers was found, while broad-leaved tree cover is positively related to MAP1990–2019 and negatively related to the growing annual VPD. We modeled those relationships, and then we used them to coarsely predict the effects of twelve future scenarios (derived from HADGEM2-AO (CMIP5) and HadGEM3-GC31-LL (CMIP6) models) on forest tree covers. All scenarios show an annual VPD increase, and the higher its increase, the higher the trees-cover loss. The future changes in precipitation were contrasting. SC6, in line with past precipitation trends, predicts a further drop in the mean annual precipitation (−7.6%), which would correspond to an average 2.1-times-greater reduction in the tree cover (−16.09%). The future changes in precipitation for CMIP6 scenarios agree on a precipitation reduction in the range of −3.4% (SC7) to −14.29% (S12). However, although the reduction in precipitation predicted in SC12 is almost double that predicted in SC6, the consequent average reduction in TC is comparable and stands at −16%. On the contrary, SC2 predicts a turnaround with an abrupt increase of precipitation (+21.5%) in the upcoming years, with a reduction in the number of forests in water-limited areas and an increase in the percentage of tree cover in almost all forests.

The Effects of Intermittent Fasting and Continuous Energy Restriction with Exercise on Cardiometabolic Biomarkers, Dietary Compliance, and Perceived Hunger and Mood: Secondary Outcomes of a Randomised, Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: Excess weight in the form of adiposity plays a key role in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases. Lifestyle modifications that incorporate continuous energy restriction (CER) are effective at inducing weight loss and reductions in adiposity; however, prescribing daily CER results in poor long-term adherence. Over the past decade, intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a promising alternative to CER that may promote increased compliance and/or improvements in cardiometabolic health parameters independent of weight loss. (2) Methods: This paper presents a secondary analysis of data from a 12-week intervention investigating the effects of a twice-weekly fast (5:2 IF; IFT group) and CER (CERT group) when combined with resistance exercise in 34 healthy participants (17 males and 17 females, mean BMI: 27.0 kg/m2, mean age: 23.9 years). Specifically, changes in cardiometabolic blood markers and ratings of hunger, mood, energy and compliance within and between groups were analysed. Dietary prescriptions were hypoenergetic and matched for energy and protein intake. (3) Results: Both dietary groups experienced reductions in total cholesterol (TC; mean reduction, 7.8%; p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; mean reduction, 11.1%; p < 0.001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean reduction 2.6%, p = 0.049) over the 12 weeks. Reductions in TC and LDL-C were greater in the IFT group after adjustment for baseline levels and change in weight. No significant changes in markers of glucose regulation were observed. Both groups maintained high levels of dietary compliance (~80%) and reported low levels of hunger over the course of the intervention period. (4) Conclusions: Secondary data analysis revealed that when combined with resistance training, both dietary patterns improved blood lipids, with greater reductions observed in the IFT group. High levels of compliance and low reported levels of hunger throughout the intervention period suggest both diets are well tolerated in the short-to-medium term.