scholarly journals Effect of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) on Serum Calcium, Inorganic Phosphate, Uric Acid, and Alkaline Phosphatase Concentration of Male Albino Rats

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
Uchenna F. Eneh ◽  
Rita N. Orjionwe ◽  
Chukwuemeka S. Adindu
Keyword(s):  
Alkaline Phosphatase ◽  
Uric Acid ◽  
Serum Calcium ◽  
Inorganic Phosphate ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
African Yam Bean ◽  
And Control ◽  
Sphenostylis Stenocarpa

<p>The effect of African yam bean (<em>Sphenostylis stenocarpa</em>) on serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and uric acid concentration was investigated. Eighteen male Wister albino rats were used for the experiment. The rats were divided into three groups of six rats each viz: the Baseline, Test and Control. The test group was fed with a diet prepared with 16% African yam bean, 50% maize flour, 23% groundnut cake and 10% fishmeal. The Control group received a diet without Africa yam bean but containing other components. The Baseline group was sacrificed at the onset of the study to ascertain the initial conditions. The study lasted for twenty eight days after which the serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and uric acid levels were estimated. The inorganic phosphate and alkaline phosphatase of the test group showed a significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase with the values; 25.154 ± 4.329 and 506.00 ± 51.594 respectively compared to those of the Baseline and Control groups. Also there were significant (p &lt; 0.05) reductions of the serum concentration of calcium and uric acid of the test group compared to those of the Baseline and Control groups. There were no significant (p &gt; 0.05) differences in the serum levels of calcium, alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphate and uric acid of the Baseline and Control groups. These observed effects of African yam bean has gone a long way to provide an insight into the pharmacological potentials of this legume especially in the management of gout and arthritis in addition to the already known nutritional properties.</p>

Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil as Adjunct Therapy in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Nazli Zainuddin ◽  
Nurul Azira Mohd Shah ◽  
Rosdan Salim
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Coconut Oil ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Nasal Symptom ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Virgin Coconut Oil ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Introduction: The role of virgin coconut oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is controversial. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of virgin coconut oil ingestion, in addition to standard medications, on allergic rhinitis. We also studied the side effects of consumption of virgin coconut oil. Methods: Fifty two subjects were equally divided into test and control groups. All subjects received a daily dose of 10mg of loratadine for 28 days. The test group was given 10ml of virgin coconut oil three times a day in addition to loratadine. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were scored at the beginning and end of the study. Results:, the symptom score were divided into nasal and non-nasal symptom scores. Sneezing score showed a significant difference, however the score was more in control group than test group, indicating that improvement in symptom was more in control group. The rest of the nasal symptom and non-nasal symptom score showed no significant difference between test and control groups. Approximately 58% of the test subjects developed side effects from consumption of virgin coconut oil, mainly gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: In the present study, ingestion of virgin coconut oil does not improve the overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis, furthermore it has side effects.

Investigation of the Association Between Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) and Cardiac Risk Factors in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-133
Author(s):  
Zahra Rezaieyazdi ◽  
Sima Sedighi ◽  
Masoumeh Salari ◽  
Mohammadreza H. Fard ◽  
Mahmoud R. Azarpazhooh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Serum Insulin ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Background: The relationship between SLE and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular events was evaluated. Methods: The data regarding sixty patients with SLE and 30 healthy controls (age and sex matched) were gathered using SLEDAI forms. Venous blood (10mL) from all the participants was examined for hs-CRP, homocysteine, VCAM1, CBC, anti-DNA antibody, C3, C4, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, FBS and triglyceride. : The IMT of carotid arteries was determined bilaterally by ultrasound. Other measurements included insulin levels via Elisa (Linco/Millipore Corp) and the HOMA-IR index for insulin resistance. Results: The mean age (in years) in the test and control groups was 28.8±10.3 (18-52) and 33.8±9.13 (18-48), respectively. Results: The mean age (in years) in the test and control groups was 28.8±10.3 (18-52) and 33.8±9.13 (18-48), respectively. : The average IMT in the test group was directly related to serum levels of VCAM1 (p<0.001), homocysteine (p<0.001), cholesterol (p<0.009), LDL (p<0.001), TG (p<0.001), and FPG (p=0.004). The association between other risk factors, insulin resistance, carotid IMT and SLEDAI, was nonexistent. Mean insulin and insulin resistance levels in all the participants were 0.43±2.06 µU/mL and 0.09±0.44, respectively. There was no significant difference between the test and control groups regarding serum insulin and insulin resistance levels (p=0.42 and p=0.9, respectively). None of the risk factors, such as hsCRP, VCAM1, or homocysteine, were shown to be related to insulin resistance (p=0.6, p=0.6, p=0.09, respectively). Conclusion:: Our findings did not show an increase in the prevalence of atherosclerosis in patients with SLE. There was no association between IMT and insulin resistance. However, the former was associated with FPG, total cholesterol, LDL, TG, homocystein and VCAM1.

scholarly journals Clinical and Immunological Efficacy of Mangosteen and Propolis Extracted Complex in Patients with Gingivitis: A Multi-Centered Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2604
Author(s):  
Jin-Young Park ◽  
Kyung-A Ko ◽  
Ji-Yeong Lee ◽  
Jae-Woon Oh ◽  
Hyun-Chang Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Immunological Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
And Control

Background: Mangosteen and propolis extracts (MAEC) have been potential therapeutic agents known to exhibit powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical and immunological efficacy of MAEC as well as safety and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) on gingivitis and incipient periodontitis. Methods: This study was performed on 104 patients diagnosed with gingivitis or incipient periodontitis. At baseline, the participants were randomly allocated to either the test group, with daily intake of a single capsule containing 194 mg of MAEC for eight weeks, or control group, with placebo. Clinical periodontal evaluation and immunological parameters from saliva and gingival sulcular fluid were assessed at baseline, four, and eight weeks. Individual PROMs were assessed by OHIP-14 questionnaires. Results: There was a significant difference of modified gingival index at four and eight weeks between the test and control groups. In the test group, crevicular interleukin (IL)-6 was reduced, and the salivary matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 was increased after eight weeks. PROMs were improved up to four weeks compared to placebo. Conclusion: Oral administration of MAEC would have a potential to reduce gingival inflammation clinically and immunologically in the patients with gingivitis and incipient periodontitis.

Production and control of extracellular enzymes in Micrococcus sodonensis

1974 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecily Mills ◽  
J. N. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Alkaline Phosphatase ◽  
Inorganic Phosphate ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
Extracellular Enzymes ◽  
Synthetic Medium ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
The Other ◽  
Organic Nutrients ◽  
And Control ◽  
Logarithmic Growth

Micrococcus sodonensis has been shown to produce several extracellular enzymes: an alkaline phosphatase, at least two forms of phosphodiesterase, a 5′-nucleotidase, and an alkaline proteinase. The quantitative release of these enzymes into the culture medium during logarithmic growth under all the various culture conditions tested indicates that these enzymes are truly extracellular in nature. Inorganic phosphate repressed the production of the alkaline phosphatase in synthetic as well as in complex media, whereas, the repression of the production of active diesterase and 5′-nucleotidase by inorganic phosphate was partly reversed by the addition of supplemental organic nutrients to the culture medium. Proteinase production was independent of the culture conditions used. A mutant strain of M. sodonensis with an altered production of diesterase was obtained; the other extracellular enzymes were unaffected. These results suggest that the extracellular enzymes of M. sodonensis are not produced in a pleiotropic fashion since the level of one of the enzymes can be changed without affecting a corresponding change in the levels of the other enzymes. An extracellular high molecular weight carbohydrate fraction was shown to be produced by M. sodonensis in synthetic medium. The fraction was also shown to contain glycoprotein.

scholarly journals Effect of an energy-dense diet on the clinical course of acute shigellosis in undernourished children

2000 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 775-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramendra N. Mazumder ◽  
Hassan Ashraf ◽  
Syed S. Hoque ◽  
Iqbal Kabir ◽  
Naseha Majid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Prolapse ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Test Group ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Malnourished Children ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

To date there have been few reports on the impact of dietary intervention on the clinical course of acute shigellosis. Current management of acute shigellosis is primarily focused on antibiotic therapy with less emphasis on nutritional management. In a randomised clinical trial, we examined the role of an energy-dense diet on the clinical outcome in malnourished children with acute dysentery due to shigellosis. Seventy-five children aged 12–48 months with acute dysentery randomly received either a milk–cereal formula with an energy density of 4960 kJ/l (test group) or a milk–cereal formula with energy of 2480 kJ/l (control group) for 10 d in hospital. In both milk–cereal formulas, protein provided 11 % energy. In addition, the standard hospital diet was offered to all children and all children received an appropriate antibiotic for 5 d. The mean food intakes (g/kg per d) in the test and control groups were: 112 (SE 2·28) AND 116 (se 3·48) (P=0·16) on day 1; 118 (se 2·72) and 107 (se 3·13) (P=0·04) on day 5; 120 (se 2·25) and 100 (se 3·83) (P=0·04) on day 10. The mean energy intakes (kJ/kg per d) in the test and control groups respectively were: 622 (se 13·2) and 315 (se 11·3) (P<0·05) on day 1; 655 (se 15·1) and 311 (se 7·98) (P<0·05) on day 5; 672 (se 14·7) and 294 (se 11·1) (P<0·05) on day 10. The food and energy intakes were mostly from the milk–cereal diet. There was no difference between two groups in resolution of fever, dysenteric (bloody and or mucoid) stools, stool frequency and tenesmus. However, vomiting was more frequently observed among the test-group children during the first 5 d of intervention (67 % v. 41 %, P=0·04). There was an increase in the mean weight-for-age (%) in the test group compared with the control group after the 10 d of dietary intervention (6·2 (se 0·6) v. 2·7 (se 0·4), P<0·01). In addition, resolution of rectal prolapse was better (26 % v. 8 %, P=0·04) in the test group v. control group after 5 d, and 13 % v. 6 %, (P=0·08) after 10 d of dietary intervention. Supplementation with a high-energy diet does not have any adverse effect on clinical course of acute shigellosis and reduces the incidence of rectal prolapse in malnourished children.

scholarly journals Efficacy of a herbal toothpaste on patients with established gingivitis: a randomized controlled trial

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Ozaki ◽  
Claudio Mendes Pannuti ◽  
Ana Vitória Imbronito ◽  
Wellington Pessotti ◽  
Luciana Saraiva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

The aim of this randomised, double blind controlled trial was to verify the efficacy of a herbal dentifrice on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis. Forty eight volunteers with established gingivitis were randomly assigned to either a test group (herbal dentifrice) or positive control group (dentifrice with triclosan and fluoride). The dentifrices were distributed in plain white tubes by an independent pharmacy, which revealed the contents of each tube only after the experimental period. Plaque and gingivitis assessments were carried out on baseline and after 28 days of product use. All examinations were conducted by the same calibrated investigator. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth three times daily using their assigned dentifrice for 28 days. There was a significant reduction in plaque levels in both the test and control groups. However, there was no significant difference between the groups. A significant reduction in gingivitis was observed in both groups, although there was no significant difference between them. No adverse reactions were reported. The authors concluded that both dentifrices were effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis in subjects with established gingivitis.

scholarly journals Assessment of anxiety and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients

2004 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 252-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tathiana Pagano ◽  
Luciana Akemi Matsutani ◽  
Elisabeth Alves Gonçalves Ferreira ◽  
Amélia Pasqual Marques ◽  
Carlos Alberto de Bragança Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Outpatient Service ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

CONTEXT: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic, diffuse musculoskeletal pain, and by a low pain threshold at specific anatomical points. The syndrome is associated with other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, morning stiffness and anxiety. Because of its chronic nature, it often has a negative impact on patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life and anxiety level of patients with fibromyalgia. TYPE Of STUDY: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Rheumatology outpatient service of Hospital das Clínicas (Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo). METHODS: This study evaluated 80 individuals, divided between test and control groups. The test group included 40 women with a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The control group was composed of 40 healthy women. Three questionnaires were used: two to assess quality of life (FIQ and SF-36) and one to assess anxiety (STAI). They were applied to the individuals in both groups in a single face-to-face interview. The statistical analysis used Student's t test and Pearson's correlation test (r), with a significance level of 95%. Also, the Pearson chi-squared statistics test for homogeneity, with Yates correction, was used for comparing schooling between test and control groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.000), thus indicating that fibromyalgia patients have a worse quality of life and higher levels of anxiety. The correlations between the three questionnaires were high (r = 0.9). DISCUSSION: This study has confirmed the efficacy of FIQ for evaluating the impact of fibromyalgia on the quality of life. SF-36 is less specific than FIQ, although statistically significant values were obtained when analyzed separately, STAI showed lower efficacy for discriminating the test group from the control group. The test group showed worse quality of life than did the control group, which was demonstrated by both FIQ and SF-36. Even though STAI was a less efficient instrument, it presented significant results, showing that fibromyalgia patients presented higher levels of anxiety, both on the state and trait scales. Thus, patients with fibromyalgia had higher levels of tension, nervousness, preoccupation and apprehension, and higher propensity towards anxiety. CONCLUSION: The three instruments utilized showed efficiency in evaluating fibromyalgia patients. FIQ was found to be the most efficient instrument for discriminating and assessing the impact of fibromyalgia on their quality of life. It can be concluded that such patients have a worse quality of life and higher levels of anxiety.

scholarly journals Staphylococcal sepsis in mothers and newborn babies

1962 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. Spink
Keyword(s):  
Nasal Mucosa ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Bacterial Flora ◽  
Phage Type ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Cross Infection ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Peak Period ◽  
And Control

A serious outbreak of staphylococcal infections in the maternity units in Blackburn was investigated. There were considerably more than one hundred cases of breast abscesses altogether, well over half of which occurred in primiparae. Staphylococcus aureus, phage type 80, was the predominating organism throughout the outbreak and at the peak period during the early part of the outbreak this type was responsible for nearly 80% of the infections.After the introduction of a number of procedures for the general reduction of cross-infection the incidence of breast abscess fell markedly and a controlled trial of an antibacterial cream, containing neomycin and hibitane, which was applied to the nasal mucosa of all infants and mothers in the test group of patients, was undertaken. The conditions obtaining in the test and control groups were identical in every way except that the control patients did not receive the neomycin-hibitane cream. There were about 1250 mothers and infants each in the test and control groups; the incidence of breast abscesses in the test group was 0·8% and in the control group it was 2·7%. The method adopted for the detection and treatment of carriers among the nursing staff broke down on two occasions; this fact and the emergence of an unforeseen source resulted in a larger number of infections than should have occurred. Had it not been for these incidents there is little doubt that the trial would have shown more conclusively the effectiveness of the neomycinhibitane cream, by the method laid down, in reducing cross-infection.Investigation of the bacterial flora on the nasal mucosa of over 1000 infants in the control group yielded results of considerable interest. Of 300 cases where there was early colonization by Staph. albus, this organism established its dominating position in 70% of the cases and it was not subsequently displaced by Staph. aureus. The significance of this observation and the evidence favouring nasal dissemination of Staph.aureus as the most important cause of hospital cross-infection are discussed.

Occlusal Force and Condylar Motion in Patients with Anterior Open Bite

2005 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Miyawaki ◽  
Y. Araki ◽  
Y. Tanimoto ◽  
A. Katayama ◽  
A. Fujii ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temporomandibular Disorders ◽  
Hypothesis Test ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Open Bite ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Anterior Open Bite ◽  
Occlusal Force ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
And Control

Patients with open bite often show a weak occlusal force and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). If these are the main cause of open bite, it may be hypothesized that both pre-pubertal and adult open-bite patients would show a weak occlusal force and abnormal condylar motion. The purpose of this study was to test this hypothesis. Test group subjects consisted of 13 consecutive pre-pubertal and 13 adult patients with anterior open bite. They were compared with age-matched normal subjects. The adult open-bite group showed a weaker occlusal force and a shorter range of condylar motion compared with the control subjects. In the pre-pubertal subjects, however, there were no significant differences in the occlusal force and range of condylar motion between the open-bite and control groups. Therefore, these results suggest that a weak occlusal force or TMDs may not be the main cause of open bite.

Antioxidant potential of thyme extract: alleviation of N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced oxidative stress

2008 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Rana ◽  
G Soni
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Normal Diet ◽  
Lower Degree ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Stress Induction ◽  
And Control

Protective role of thyme extract against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced oxidative stress has been evaluated in albino rats. For this, one group of rats were fed diet supplemented with thyme extract (0.5%) and served as the test group, whereas animals of the other group fed on normal diet served as the control group. The rats were fed on respective diets for a period of 2 weeks after which stress was induced to half the animals of each group by i.p. administration of NDEA at 200 mg/kg body weight. Animals were killed 48 h post stress-induction period. Feed intake and body weight decreased significantly in both test and control groups, the effect being less in test group. Increase in osmotic fragility and in-vitro lipid peroxidation (LPO) on stress induction was of lower degree in the test group. NDEA toxicity was mainly reflected in liver as evidenced by increased activities of plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. The effect was of lower degree in test group as compared with that in the control group. Increase in urea levels observed following NDEA administration was also of lower degree in test groups. Blood glutathione (GSH) levels increased more so in test group compared with control group on stress induction. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (Px), and catalase (CAT) activities decreased significantly on stress induction in erythrocytes. LPO increased in all the tissues through varying degree, and the increase was appreciably of lower degree in test group. The activity of SOD increased significantly in both test and control group on stress induction, whereas activities of Px and CAT decreased following NDEA treatment, and the effects were of lower degree in test group. Thus, supplementation of diet with thyme extract can improve antioxygenic potential and hence help to prevent oxidative stress.

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