Physiochemical and nutritional evaluation of whole kumquat fruits powder and its protective effect on thyroid hormones and blood sugar levels in diabetic rats

The present study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and hypoglycemic effects of whole kumquat (Ku) powder in diabetic rats fed a high-fat-high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using stable 1,1-diphenyl 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, 2,2´-azinobis (3-ethyl benzo thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Total phenolic content was (51.85 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content was (0.24 mg Cateachin Equivalent, CE/g). DPPH and ABTS values were 3.32 and 3.98 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g where FRAP value was 3.00 mM Fe2+/kg dry material. A total of 90 albino rats were used in the present study. Rats group were as follows: normal diet; normal treated (2, 4, and 6% Ku.), diabetic rats (non-treated), diabetic + HFHC diet (non-treated), HFHC (non-treated), Diabetic (treated), HFHC (treated) and Diabetic + HFHC (treated). The diets were followed for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Serum glucose was recorded and thyroid hormones (T4, Thyroxine and T3, Triiodothyronine) were conducted. Diet supplemented with Kumquat at different concentrations have a hypoglycemic effect and improve the thyroid hormones of both diabetic rats and HFHC diabetic rats.

Study to assess the feedback of COVID-19 patients to nutritional services provided in dedicated COVID hospital

Background: In patients’ overall perception of their hospital experience it is widely recognized that food and other aspects of foodservice delivery are important elements and health care teams have committed to deliver appropriate food to their patients on daily basis. The provision of hospital foodservice should not only meet, but, also exceed patients’ expectations so as to gain the patients’ confidence in hospital food. Nutrition is an important element of care. A balanced nutrition is extremely important for patients who have been infected with COVID-19.Methods: To see the feedbacks of COVID-19 patients admitted in dedicated COVID hospital, the present hospital based cross sectional study was undertaken in various wards of dedicated COVID hospital of metropolitan city of western Maharashtra.Results: Mean age of participants was 41 years. Mean duration of hospital stay was 9.1 days. 60% patients were in age group between 31 to 60 whereas only 3% participants were above 80 years of age. 59% were male, 85% were from urban area. 55% participants were taking mix diet. 54% participants stayed for 8 to 10 days. 58% participants were presented with different co morbidities. 73.07% participants had normal diet during their stay in the hospital. Variables like age, gender and hospital stay had significant association with the feedback to nutritional services (p<0.05).Conclusions: Participants were satisfied towards nutrition and nutritional services provided in dedicated COVID hospital.

The effect of casein glycomacropeptide versus free synthetic amino acids for early treatment of phenylketonuria in a mice model

Introduction Management of phenylketonuria (PKU) is mainly achieved through dietary control with limited intake of phenylalanine (Phe) from food, supplemented with low protein (LP) food and a mixture of free synthetic (FS) amino acids (AA) (FSAA). Casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP) is a natural peptide released in whey during cheese making by the action of the enzyme chymosin. Because CGMP in its pure form does not contain Phe, it is nutritionally suitable as a supplement in the diet for PKU when enriched with specific AAs. Lacprodan® CGMP-20 (= CGMP) used in this study contained only trace amounts of Phe due to minor presence of other proteins/peptides. Objective The aims were to address the following questions in a classical PKU mouse model: Study 1, off diet: Can pure CGMP or CGMP supplemented with Large Neutral Amino Acids (LNAA) as a supplement to normal diet significantly lower the content of Phe in the brain compared to a control group on normal diet, and does supplementation of selected LNAA results in significant lower brain Phe level?. Study 2, on diet: Does a combination of CGMP, essential (non-Phe) EAAs and LP diet, provide similar plasma and brain Phe levels, growth and behavioral skills as a formula which alone consist of FSAA, with a similar composition?. Material and methods 45 female mice homozygous for the Pahenu2 mutation were treated for 12 weeks in five different groups; G1(N-CGMP), fed on Normal (N) casein diet (75%) in combination with CGMP (25%); G2 (N-CGMP-LNAA), fed on Normal (N) casein diet (75%) in combination with CGMP (19,7%) and selected LNAA (5,3% Leu, Tyr and Trp); G3 (N), fed on normal casein diet (100%); G4 (CGMP-EAA-LP), fed on CGMP (70,4%) in combination with essential AA (19,6%) and LP diet; G5 (FSAA-LP), fed on FSAA (100%) and LP diet. The following parameters were measured during the treatment period: Plasma AA profiles including Phe and Tyr, growth, food and water intake and number of teeth cut. At the end of the treatment period, a body scan (fat and lean body mass) and a behavioral test (Barnes Maze) were performed. Finally, the brains were examined for content of Phe, Tyr, Trp, dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole-acetic acid (5-HIAA), and the bone density and bone mineral content were determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results Study 1: Mice off diet supplemented with CGMP (G1 (N-CGMP)) or supplemented with CGMP in combination with LNAA (G2 (N-CGMP-LNAA)) had significantly lower Phe in plasma and in the brain compared to mice fed only casein (G3 (N)). Extra LNAA (Tyr, Trp and Leu) to CGMP did not have any significant impact on Phe levels in the plasma and brain, but an increase in serotonin was measured in the brain of G2 mice compared to G1. Study 2: PKU mice fed with mixture of CGMP and EAA as supplement to LP diet (G4 (CGMP-EAA-LP)) demonstrated lower plasma-Phe levels but similar brain- Phe levels and growth as mice fed on an almost identical combination of FSAA (G5 (FSAA-LP)). Conclusion CGMP can be a relevant supplement for the treatment of PKU.

Tenebrio molitor: possible source of polystyrene-degrading bacteria

Background The excessive use of polystyrene as a packaging material has resulted in a rise in environmental pollution. Polystyrene waste has continually increased water pollution, soil pollution and the closing of landfill sites since it is durable and resistant to biodegradation. Therefore, the challenge in polystyrene disposal has caused researchers to look for urgent innovative and eco-friendly solutions for plastic degradation. The current study focuses on the isolation and identification of bacteria produced by the larvae of beetle Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworms), that enable them to survive when fed with polystyrene foam as their sole carbon diet. Materials and methods The biodegradation of polystyrene by Tenebrio molitor was investigated by breeding and rearing the mealworms in the presence and absence of polystyrene. A comparison was made between those fed with a normal diet and those fed on polystyrene. The mealworms which were fed with polystyrene were then dissected and the guts were collected to isolate and identify the bacteria in their guts. The viability and metabolic activity of the isolates were investigated. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing was used for molecular identification of the isolates. The PCR products were directly sequenced using Sanger’s method and the phylogenetic tree and molecular evolutionary analyses were constructed using MEGAX software with the Neighbour Joining algorithm. The evolutionary distances were computed using the Maximum Composite Likelihood method. Results The decrease in mass of the polystyrene as feedstock confirmed that the mealworms were depending on polystyrene as their sole carbon diet. The frass egested by mealworms also confirmed the biodegradation of polystyrene as it contained very tiny residues of polystyrene. Three isolates were obtained from the mealworms guts, and all were found to be gram-negative. The sequencing results showed that the isolates were Klebsiella oxytoca ATCC 13182, Klebsiella oxytoca NBRC 102593 and Klebsiella oxytoca JCM 1665. Conclusion Klebsiella oxytoca ATCC 13182, Klebsiella oxytoca NBRC 102593 and Klebsiella oxytoca JCM 1665 maybe some of the bacteria responsible for polystyrene biodegradation.

The role of CD36-Fabp4-PPARγ in skeletal muscle involves insulin resistance in intrauterine growth retardation mice with catch-up growth

Background Studies have shown that the high incidence of type 2 diabetes in China is associated with low birth weight and excessive nutrition in adulthood, which occurred during the famine years of the 1950s and 1960s, though the specific molecular mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we proposed a severe maternal caloric restriction during late pregnancy, followed by a post weaning high-fat diet in mice. After weaning, normal and high-fat diets were provided to mice to simulate the dietary pattern of modern society. Methods The pregnant mice were divided into two groups: normal birth weight (NBW) group and low birth weight (LBW) group. After 3 weeks for weaning, the male offspring mice in the NBW and LBW groups were then randomly divided into four subgroups: NC, NH, LC and LC groups. The offspring mice in the NC, NH, LC and LC groups were respectively fed with normal diet, normal diet, high-fat diet and high-fat diet for 18 weeks. After 18 weeks of dietary intervention, detailed analyses of mRNA and protein expression patterns, signaling pathway activities, and promoter methylation states were conducted for all relevant genes. Results After dietary intervention for 18 weeks, the expressions of CD36, Fabp4, PPARγ, FAS, and ACC1 in the skeletal muscle tissue of the LH group were significantly increased compared with the LC and NH groups (P < 0.05). The level of p-AMPK/AMPK in the skeletal muscle tissue of the LH group was significantly decreased compared with the LC and NH groups (P < 0.05). CPT1 and PGC-1α protein expressions were up-regulated in the LH group (P < 0.05) compared to the LC group. Additionally, the DNA methylation levels of the PGC-1α and GLUT4 gene promoters in the skeletal muscle of the LH groups were higher than those of the LC and NH groups (P < 0.05). However, PPARγ DNA methylation level in the LH group was lower than those of the LC and NH groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions LBW combined with high-fat diets may increase insulin resistance and diabetes through regulating the CD36-related Fabp4-PPARγ and AMPK/ACC signaling pathways.

THE PROTECTIVE AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF CORN SILK EXTRACT ON UROLITHIATIC AND HYPERTENSIVE RATS INDUCED BY ETHYLENE GLYCOL

Renal stone is one of the most problems worldwide. They are affected by different factors such as environmental effectors such as nutrient as well as family history. Corn silk (CS) used as antiurolythiasis. This study investigated the impact of corn silk extract as the management of renal stone formation, hypertension, and hepatoprotective. This work has been carried out on rats at Faculty of science Sana’a University, University of Science, and Technology Laboratories. Twenty-four male albino rats with weighing range between (200 g to 250g) were taken. They were divided in four groups (each group consists of 6animals). The first group of rats took normal diet and named as negative control (Co) whereas, the second group took normal diet with ethylene glycol (EG) (0.75%) and 1% ammonium chloride (AC) for 28 days and serve as positive control (Po). The third and fourth groups took the same substances as inPo group with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of corn silk (CS) for 28 days respectively.Blood samples were collected from rats on last day of the experiment. All the tested samples showed a significant antioxidant DPPH radical scavenging activity and a notifiable decrease in serum aldosterone hormone, angiotensin comforting enzyme urea and creatinine levels comparedto positive control. Shown to significantly increased AST, ALT, and LDH in comparison to the urolithiatic group and near of normal group.In conclusion, the present study emphasizes the safe herbal remedies of CS as anti-hypertensive and antioxidants, as well as antiurolithiatic and hepatoprotective.

Video-assisted transthoracic liver resection in patients with marginal liver function: a retrospective cohort study

Purpose: Laparoscopic hepatectomy has been widely performed by hepatobiliary surgeons for malignancy of liver and gained wide acceptance for various liver tumors, thanks to advances in surgical techniques and devices. But, there are some challenges for right side tumor in patients of cirrhotic liver. Especially, tumor located in right upper area is difficult for wedge resection in patients with marginal liver function, because trans-abdominal approach requires normal parenchymal dissection. Radiofrequency wave ablation is also difficult for such a lesion. So, we demonstrate unique technique of video-assisted transthoracic liver resection (VTLR) for overcome right upper side tumor abutting diaphragm.Methods: Four patients underwent VTLR. Four ports in right chest wall were created by a chest surgeon and diaphragm was open. Then traction of the diaphragm was done by suture. After exposure of liver surface, tumor localization was done by ultrasound. The mass excision was done by ultrasonic shear.Results: Four patients were discharged without complications within 11.3 days (range, 6–15 days). On average, patients started to consume a normal diet on an average of 2.4 days (range, 1–4 days).Conclusion: VTLR is could be performed by an experienced surgeon and chest surgeon for right upper liver malignancy abutting diaphragm in patient of marginal liver function.

Kefir as a Prevention of Arsenic-mediated Toxicity in Uterine Female Rats

Background: kefir is a fermented milk product that demonstrates numerous health benefits including antioxidant and immunomodulatory. Aim: to study the protective effect kefir on the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in endometrial stromal cells and endometrial thickness on female rats that were exposed to arsenic. Methods: twenty-five female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into five groups (CRL, As, T1, T2, T3). Control group (given a normal diet), As group (given the normal diet and exposed to arsenic trioxide 2 mg/kgBW/day). The T1; T2; T3 were exposed to arsenic trioxide 2 mg/kgBW/day and treated with different doses of kefir (1.25; 2.5; and 5 mL/kgBW/day, respectively) for 35 days. The rats of group As treated with arsenic trioxide only and group CRL served as control with normal feed in water. Cytological samples were taken after 35 days of treatment and examined every day to see the rat oestrus phase, and the proestrus phase of the oestrous cycle was chosen for termination. Uterine tissue fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for tissue preparation. ERα expression in endometrial stromal cells was analized using immunohistochemistry method, endometrial thickness was observed using histopathological methods. Results: significant reduction of ERα expression in endometrial stromal cells and endometrial thickness in female rats exposed to arsenic were observed in groups on treated rats (p ≤ 0.000; 0.009, respectively). Conclusion: the administration of kefir in female Wistar rats exposed to arsenic had shown significantly differences on ERα expressions and endometrial thickness. The smallest dose of kefir (1.25 mL/kgBW/day) could increase ERα expression and endometrial thickness in female Wistar rats with arsenic exposure. Therefore kefir has protective effect related to female reproductive system.

Protective influence of Costus afer Aqueous Extract In Rats Fed With Crude Oil Contaminated Diet as Measured by Employing Biochemical Indices

The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of harmful impacts of xenobiotics in animals is attracting an increasing attention in recent times. The aim of the current study is to assess the preventive potential of Costus afer aqueous leaves extract (CAAE) in treating metabolic aberrations imposed by crude oil contaminated diet inWistar albino rats. Six groups of rats were treated as follows: A = Normal diet; B=Normal diet + 100 mg/kg body weight of CAAE; C =Normal diet + 200 mg/kg body weight of CAAE; D= Crude oil contaminated diet; E= crude oil contaminated diet + 100 mg/kg body weight of CAAE, F = crude oil contaminated diet + 200 mg/kg body weight of CAAE. After thirty days of exposure to the diet and administration of the corresponding plant extracts, the rats were sacrificed with chloroform and the required organs were excised. The hematological indices, as well as function indicators and levels of drug metabolizing enzymes in the liver and kidney, were investigated with standard protocols. The results indicated that the hematological parameters and kidney and liver function indices were altered in rats fed with crude oil contaminated diet. However, the values came close to those in control rats when Costus afer aqueous extracts were administered. Similarly, the activities of oxidase enzymes (aldehyde oxidase, monoamine oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and sulphite oxidase), following their inhibition by the ingestion of crude oil contaminated diet, equally restored close to control values upon treatment with Costus afer aqueous extract. This study, therefore, was able to establish an aqueous extract of Costus aferleave as an antidote for crude oil intoxication.

Dissociation between Corneal and Cardiometabolic Changes in Response to a Time-Restricted Feeding of a High Fat Diet

Mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) ab libitum show corneal dysregulation, as evidenced by decreased sensitivity and impaired wound healing. Time-restricted (TR) feeding can effectively mitigate the cardiometabolic effects of an HFD. To determine if TR feeding attenuates HFD-induced corneal dysregulation, this study evaluated 6-week-old C57BL/6 mice fed an ad libitum normal diet (ND), an ad libitum HFD, or a time-restricted (TR) HFD for 10 days. Corneal sensitivity was measured using a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. A corneal epithelial abrasion wound was created, and wound closure was monitored for 30 h. Neutrophil and platelet recruitment were assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy. TR HFD fed mice gained less weight (p < 0.0001), had less visceral fat (p = 0.015), and had reduced numbers of adipose tissue macrophages and T cells (p < 0.05) compared to ad libitum HFD fed mice. Corneal sensitivity was reduced in ad libitum HFD and TR HFD fed mice compared to ad libitum ND fed mice (p < 0.0001). Following epithelial abrasion, corneal wound closure was delayed (~6 h), and neutrophil and platelet recruitment was dysregulated similarly in ad libitum and TR HFD fed mice. TR HFD feeding appears to mitigate adipose tissue inflammation and adiposity, while the cornea remains sensitive to the pathologic effects of HFD feeding.