Background
Spices are susceptible to surface microbial contamination. Countries’ ban on ethylene oxide fumigation due to possible residual toxicity encouraged the usage of irradiation. Surface ...sterilization with low doses of ultraviolet radiation has been extensively researched as a safe, eco-friendly, and fast route. This study examines the quality of
Apiaceae
spices for consumption, including anise, fennel, caraway, and cumin, in response to germicidal ultraviolet radiation using a developed sterilization unit.
Methods
The influence of UV-C (254 nm, 10.5 mW/cm
2
) on the fungal and microbial count, germination percentage, respiration rate, phenolic content, essential oil, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes was investigated at exposure durations of 0–45 min in increments of 5 min. The treated seeds were packed in polyethylene bags in a naturally aerated storage room for 30 days before the inspection.
Results
The obtained data showed that UV-C stimulated seeds germination and increased respiration rate for all studied types. The 25 min of exposure exhibited the highest significant values compared to the control, considered a good indicator of seed vigor. In addition, UV-C exposure between 20 and 35 min promoted the accumulation of phenolic compounds and increased the oil content as a defense mechanism against radiation. Conversely, higher exposure to UV-C led to a significant reduction in phenolic and oil contents. Furthermore, the exposure to UV-C radiation enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes in terms of peroxidase and catalase, which progressively increased with increasing exposure durations, reached their peak at 25–30 min, and subsequently declined with extended exposure time was extended. In a similar pattern, exposure to UV-C radiation increased polyphenol oxidase activity to its highest level at 25 min, owing to the development of antioxidant protective mechanisms against oxidative stress.
Conclusion
UV-C irradiation in the range of 25–30 min is the most appropriate pretreatment to maintain the vitality of the examined seeds.
Graphical Abstract
AbstractThis paper presents a linear programming model for solution of the time-cost tradeoff problem. Although several analytical models have been developed for time-cost optimization (TCO), many of ...them mainly focused on projects where the contract duration is fixed. The optimization objective is therefore restricted to identify the minimum total cost only. Another group has primarily focused on project duration minimization. The model presented here considers scheduling characteristics that were ignored in prior research. In the new formulation, variability of funding and uncertainty of project duration are considered together. A chance-constrained programming is used to incorporate the variability of funding, which is quantified by the coefficient of variation. Financial feasibility is expressed as a stochastic constraint, which is transformed into a deterministic equivalent at a prespecified confidence level. Also, project duration uncertainty is incorporated into the model by applying the program evaluation and review technique (PERT) in scheduling and then the uncertainty is quantified by the coefficient of variation at a prespecified confidence level. A system of an objective function, which is minimizing direct cost, and the group of constraints are solved using the Lindo 6.1 software. Two examples are conducted to demonstrate the model’s performance and its contributions. Four scenarios were adopted in solving the example problems to reflect the effect of each on funding variability and time uncertainty of project cost and duration. The results revealed that with a 95% confidence level, 10% variability in funding versus omitting it, would increase direct cost by approximately 20% for a prespecified project deadline. Also, 10% variability in time versus omitting it would increase duration in the range of approximately 16.5 to 30% for prespecified direct cost. On the other hand, considering 10% variability in funding and time would increase direct cost by more than 25% for a prespecified project deadline. At the same time, an increase in project duration of more than 30% will occur for a prespecified direct cost.
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major health concern in developing countries, and these see an increased incidence in pregnant women and children in particular. The contribution of dairy products ...as natural products in drug delivery approaches is inspiring. This study aimed to analyze the application of iron (Fe) and folic acid (FA) bovine serum albumin-nanoparticles (BSA-NPs) as anti-anemic pharmacological agents that fortify stirred functional yogurt (SFY), comparing these with a plain control and SFY fortified with Fe and FA in free forms. The physicochemical, cytotoxicity, microbiological, viscosity, oxidative interactions, microstructural, sensorial analyses, and bioavailability properties of IDA-induced Albino rats were examined. The Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Zetasizer, and Scan Electron Microscope (SEM) were applied. Nanocapsule-fortified SFY showed an enhanced apparent viscosity, water-holding capacity, microstructure, least lipid oxidation, and overall sensorial acceptability. Feed that included Fe + FA nanocapsule-fortified SFY (G6) succeeded in restoring hemoglobin (16.53 gdL
), iron (109.25 μgdL
), ferritin (33.25 μgdL
), and total protein (8.6 gdL
) at the end of the 4-week feeding period, with significant competition revealed in calcium and zinc absorbance. Nanocapsule-fortified SFY showed no adverse effects or architectural alterations in the liver, kidney, or spleen, as indicated by biochemical and histological examinations. Bovine serum albumin-nanoparticles (BSA-NPs) of iron (Fe) and folic acid (FA) can be recommended as anti-anemia supplements in different functional food applications.
The effects of different treatments with zinc sulfate (Zn(2+)) on the cytology and growth of Nigella sativa and Triticum aestivum were investigated. Five concentrations of zinc sulfate ranging from 5 ...to 25mg/l were applied for 6, 12, 18, and 24h. The treatments reduced the germination percentages of N. sativa seeds and T. aestivum grains and inhibited the root growth of both plants. Concentrations higher than 25mg/l of Zn(2+) applied for 24h were toxic for both plants. The non-lethal concentrations of Zn(2+) showed an inhibitory effect on cell division in root tips of both plants and caused a decrease in their mitotic index values. The reduction in MI in root tips of T. aestivum was more evident than that of N. sativa. All treatments changed the frequency of mitotic phases as compared with the control values. The total percentage of abnormalities in N. saliva was more than that in T. aestivum. Zn(2+) treatments produced a number of mitotic abnormalities in dividing cells in root tips of both plants resulting from its action on the spindle apparatus such as C-metaphases, lagging chromosomes and multipolar anaphases and telophases. Also, Zn(2+) induced vacuolated nuclei and irregular prophases. The induction of chromosomal stickiness and chromosomal aberrations such as bridges and breaks indicates its action on the chromosome. These abnormalities (chromosome breaks and chromosomal bridges at ana-telophases) indicate true clastogenic potential of the ions tested.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
An active fraction extracted from Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 cell-free spent medium (LAla-5AF) was incorporated in a dairy matrix and tested to assess its antivirulent effect against ...enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). Mice in experimental groups were fed for 4 days with yogurt supplemented with LAla-5AF. On the fifth day, mice were challenged with a single dose (10(7) CFU per mouse) of E. coli O157:H7. The clinical manifestations of the infection were significantly less severe in mice fed the yogurt supplemented with LAla-5AF. EHEC attachment and colonization was attenuated by LAla-5AF. Tumor necrosis factor alpha production was down-regulated, which might indicate a protective effect in the kidney during EHEC infection. To investigate the mechanisms associated with the in vivo effects observed, LAla-5AF was tested by reverse transcription real-time PCR to confirm its effects on the expression of several virulence genes of EHEC O157. The results showed that these fractions were able to down-regulate several virulence genes of EHEC, including stxB2, qseA, luxS, tir, ler, eaeA, and hlyB.
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CEKLJ, GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Aim This prospective study was designed to assess the utility of the dual time point imaging technique using 2- 18 F-fluoro-2-deoxy- d- glucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography/computed tomography ...(PET/CT) to detect primary breast cancer and to determine whether it is useful for the detection of small and non-invasive cancers, as well as cancers in dense breast tissue. Methods One hundred and eleven patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer underwent two sequential PET/CT examinations (dual time point imaging) for preoperative staging. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of FDG was measured from both time points. The percentage change in SUVmax (ΔSUVmax%) between time points 1 (SUVmax1) and 2 (SUVmax2) was calculated. The patients were divided into groups: invasive ( n = 82), non invasive ( n = 29); large (>10 mm; n = 80), small (≤10 mm; n = 31); tumours in dense breasts ( n = 61), and tumours in non-dense breasts ( n = 50). The tumour:background (T:B) ratios at both time points were measured and the ΔSUVmax%, ΔT:B% values were calculated. All PET study results were correlated with the histopathology results. Results Of the 111 cancer lesions, 88 (79.3%) showed an increase and 23 (20.7%) showed either no change 10 (9%) or a decrease 13 (11.7%) in the SUVmax over time. Of the 111 contralateral normal breasts, nine (8.1%) showed an increase and 102 (91.9%) showed either no change 17 (15.3%) or a decrease 85 (76.6%) in the SUVmax over time. The mean ± SD of SUVmax1, SUVmax2, Δ%SUVmax were 4.9 ± 3.6, 6.0 ± 4.5, and 22.6 ± 13.1% for invasive cancers, 4.1 ± 3.8, 4.4 ± 4.8, and −2.4 ± 18.5% for non-invasive cancers, 2.3 ± 1.9, 2.7 ± 2.3, and 12.9 ± 21.1% for small cancers, 5.6 ± 3.7, 6.8 ± 4.8, and 17.3 ± 17.1% for large cancers, 4.9 ± 3.7, 5.8 ± 4.8, and 15.1 ± 17.6% for cancers in dense breast, and 4.5 ± 3.6, 5.4 ± 4.5, and 17.2 ± 19.2% for cancers in non-dense breast. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis suggested ΔSUVmax% of 8% as the only significant cut-off for discrimination between invasive and non-invasive cancer (sensitivity 84.1%, specificity 75.9%, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Dual time point FDG-PET/CT improves the discrimination between non-invasive and invasive cancers, and provided superior sensitivity for the detection of small cancers and cancers in dense breast.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Background
Patient-ventilator asynchrony is a common problem in mechanically ventilated patients. It is associated with adverse effects including increased work of breathing, patient discomfort, ...increased need for sedation, prolonged mechanical ventilation, weaning difficulties, and weaning failure. The purpose of the present was to describe patient-ventilator asynchrony and its impact on weaning outcomes in mechanically ventilated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.
Results
One hundred mechanically ventilated COPD patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Weaning failure (need of NIV or reintubation within 48 h) was noticed in 27 (27%) patients while 73 (73%) patients had successful weaning. Patients with failed weaning had significantly higher asynchrony index (A.I) and ineffective trigger index (ITI) in comparison with those with successful weaning (7.69 ± 3.71, 3.46 ± 2.59 versus 6.27 ± 3.14, 2.47 ± 2.08, respectively;
P
value< 0.04). Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation.
Conclusion
High asynchrony index and high ineffective trigger index may be early predictors of weaning failure in mechanically ventilated COPD patients.
It is a common knowledge that GH exhibits a large number of metabolic effects, involving lipid and glucose homeostasis. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of one year GH therapy on ...metabolic parameters and adipokines in GH deficient (GHD) children. Sixteen prepubertal children (11 M and 5 F) with complete GHD (age range: 3.4-14.7 years) and 20 (13 M and 7 F) age and sex-matched healthy children (age range: 4.6-12.3 years) were studied. Blood was collected from patients before starting GH therapy (0.025 mg/kg/day) and one year later, and from healthy children to measure adiponectin, leptin, osteoprotegerin, resistin, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels, and other glucose and lipid metabolism parameters. Adiponectin and resistin levels were significantly higher (49980 ng/ml vs. 14790 ng/ml and 11.0 pg/ml vs. 6.3, respectively) in GHD children before GH therapy than in controls. Serum IGF-I levels (p=0.0001) and height SDS (p<0.0001) significantly increased after 12 months' of GH therapy. There was a loss of body fat reflected by a significant decline in tricep (p=0.0003) and subscapular skinfold thickness SDS (p=0.0023). After 12 months, there was a significant rise in insulin (p=0.0052) and leptin levels (p=0.0048) and a significant decrease in resistin (p=0.0312) and TNF-α (p=0.0137). We observed that lipid and glucose metabolisms are only slightly affected in GHD children. Growth hormone replacement therapy affects some factors, such as leptin, resistin and fat mass, suggesting that also in children, GH treatment has a role in the regulation of factors secreted by adipose tissue.
Phytochemicals are natural plant extracts with a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer characteristics by acting as a cell signalling modulator. This study aims to evaluate the effect ...of a commercial cocktail of phytochemicals “Breast safeguard” (BSG) in upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes to counteract signalling pathways that promote Ehrlich cells progression. The potent antioxidant activity and total phenolics and flavonoids contents of BSG was chemically validated, BSG treated mice showed a significant reduction at the tumor size, along with significant reduction in the expression of prognostic markers CEA and TNFα and induction of cell cycle arrest at G1/S phase as well as downregulation of Ki67. BSG supplementation significantly diminished H2O2, NO, MDA levels and upregulated the expression of SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH antioxidant enzymes in plasma and tumor tissues. BSG treatment markedly activated P53/Bax/Bcl2/c-caspase 3 signalling for cell apoptosis and attenuated the expression of antiapoptotic survivin protein. Meanwhile, BSG significantly diminished the expression of VEGF as an indication of angiogenesis inhibition.
In conclusion, BSG exerted a significant upregulation of antioxidant enzymes which may be involved in upregulating P53/Bax/c-caspase 3 expression and attenuation of cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
Phytochemicals, Oxidative stress, Ehrlich, Adenocarcinoma, Apoptosis
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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