Improving the production of conjugated linoleic acid from sunflower oil by lactic acid bacteria spp: Effect of calcium carbonate supplementation in fermentation medium

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid with various positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid (LA) present mainly in food items and produced endogenously in non-ruminants and humans or through fermentation process. It is associated with health-beneficial effects and subject to more research on its natural sources (ruminant-derived foods) and strategies to increase the content in various foodstuffs. Although several studies have reported the most common intake value of 0.8 g/day (0.6 to 3.0 g/day), research for raising in situ concentration should focus on strategies such as in vitro bioconversion of its precursors by bacteria and supplementation of LA rich-oils in foods fermentation process. In this study, the ability of some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from diverse samples to produce CLA from sunflower oil and the effect on production yield of fermentation medium supplementation with carbonate calcium were investigated. Results showed that ten Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Enterococcus faecium produced trans-10, cis-12-CLA isomer accounted for at least 85% of total CLA ranging from 4.64 to 5.22 µg/mL. Despite the fermentation medium supplementation with CaCO3 enhanced the production yield, the residual LA inhibitory effect on bacteria growth governing CLA biosynthesis process was not mitigated. So, although our LAB strains can produce CLA, the more the LA concentration goes up, the more the conversion rate downgrades. Further studies on strains behavior in a wide range of LA concentrations will help establish a stable relationship between bacteria and LA in the presence of CaCO3.

Clinical characteristics of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with secondary acute pancreatitis / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) diagnosed with secondary acute pancreatitis(AP). Methods: We collected data from a total of 11 patients with ALL and secondary acute pancreatitis who were treated in Tianjin Children's Hospital from February 2013 to February 2020. All patients followed the China Children's Leukemia Collaborative Group-Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia-2008 (CCLG- ALL 2008) combined regimen. We summarized the patient's risk stratification, primary clinical manifestations, treatment stage, cause of pancreatitis, and cumulative dosage of polyethylene glycol conjugated asparaginase (PEG-ASP). The results from examinations such as pancreatic enzyme index, imaging, blood routine, liver and kidney function, blood lipid and blood glucose, and coagulation function were also compared. Finally, the therapeutic effects and outcomes of the patients were compared; and subsequently their clinical characteristics were analyzed. Results: Among the 11 patients 7 were male, and 4 were female; aged between 1-14 years old, with a median age of 6 years. Ten patients had type B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and 1 had type T acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Pancreatitis was observed in 8 cases within 45 days after start of therapy, in one high-risk case after the second cycle of HR3' chemotherapy and in 2 cases after intensive chemotherapy. It was observed in 10 cases after PEG-ASP treatment, and in one T-ALL case concomitant with tumor lysis syndrome following cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone cytoduction treatment. It manifested primarily as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting in 11 patients; 8 patients had hypocalcemia; 9 patients had low albumin levels; and 8 patients had abnormal coagulation function. No hypersensitivity was observed. Conclusions: Secondary AP occurs in children with ALL during the early stages of combined chemotherapy. Most of the complications are related to the asparaginase treatment. The severity of the disease is not significantly correlated with the risk stratification of the disease and the cumulative dose of asparaginase. Serum pancreatic enzyme (PE) testing and imaging tests can help assess the clinical status and guide the later prognosis and medication.

Stability，in vitro Release and Tissue Distribution of Docetaxel-dihydroartemisinin Conjugated Prodrug Self- assembled Nanoparticles / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the sta bility，in vivo release characteristics and tissue distribution of docetaxel （DTX）- dihydroartemisinin（DHA）conjugated prodrug self-assembled nanoparticles （DTX-S-S-DHA NPs ）. METHODS ：HPLC method was adopted to analyze DTX-S-S-DHA in vitro . The phycial and long-term stability of DTX-S-S-DHA NPs in mediums [water ， saline，phosphate buffer （PBS，pH 7.4）and RPMI 1640 medium] were investigated by using particle size ，polydispersity index （PDI）and encapsulation efficiency （EE）as evaluation indexes. The in vitro release characteristics of DTX-S-S-DHA released from DTX-S-S-DHA NPs was also investigated with small glass method ，using 30％ ethanol solution with or without 10 mmol/L dithiothreitol（DTT）as medium. The small live animal imager was adopted to investigate the tissue distribution and tumor targeting capability of DiR-labeled DTX-S-S-DHA NPs （DTX-S-S-DHA/DiR NPs ）in breast cancer bearing mice. RESULTS ：In stability test，there was no statistical difference in particle size ，PDI and EE of DTX-S-S-DHA NPs incubated in water ，normal saline ，PBS and RPMI 1640 medium for 24 h. When stored at 4 ℃，with the increase of storage time ，the particle size of DTX-S-S-DHA NPs in normal saline gradually increased ，while those in PBS gradually decreased ；EE of both gradually decreased to less than 75％， but there was no significant change in particle size ，PDI and EE of DTX-S-S-DHA NPs in water and RPMI 1640 medium. In the in vitro release experiments ，DTX-S-S-DHA in DTX-S-S-DHA NPs was not released in the release medium containing 10 mmol/L DTT；at 24 h，the cumulative release rate of DTX-S-S-DHA released from DTX-S-S-DHA NPs in release medium without DTT was about 83％，which was in line with first-order kinetic model. In tissue distribution test ，the distribution of DTX-S-S-DHA/DiR NPs in tumor sites of mice was significantly more than in other tissues （heart，liver，spleen，lung and kidney ）. CONCLUSIONS ： DTX-S-S-DHA NPs show good physical stability in different mediums ，especially have good long-term stability in water and RPMI ； 1640 medium；they can quickly release the parent drug in the reduction environment and has good tumor targeting.

Effect of coffee consumption on liver enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase), total and conjugated bilirubin levels among students in Nnewi

Background: Coffee has a number of bioactive compounds that have beneficial effects on human health in general and more importantly is the fact that coffee consumption has positive impact on the liver function. The present study investigated the effect of coffee consumption on liver enzymes: alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB) and conjugated bilirubin (CB) levels among student in Nnewi.Methods: A total of twenty-five (25) apparently healthy participants aged between 18 and 30 years which were randomly recruited from College of Health Sciences’ students to serve as both test and control group. Each participant was advised to abstain from coffee and similar beverages for a period of three weeks prior to the commencement of the study. Subsequently, in addition to their normal diet, each of the subjects was given 2 gm of coffee dissolved in 150 ml of hot water in which 50 mg of non-dairy creamer was added before breakfast daily for 28 consecutive days. 6 ml each of baseline and test samples (after an overnight fast) were collected at day 0 and 29 respectively from each participant. Liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, and ALP activity as well as TB and CB levels was determined using standard laboratory methods.Results: This showed significant reductions in the mean serum AST and ALT activity, TB and unconjugated bilirubin (UB) levels with no significant alterations in the mean ALP activity and CB level in participants studied after short-term coffee consumption.Conclusions: This study revealed the hepatoprotective effect of coffee intake at short term basis.

Seasonal Meningococcal Meningitis Outbreaks in Nigeria: A Need for an Accelerated Introduction of a Conjugated Meningococcal Vaccine into the National Routine Immunization Schedule

Epidemic meningococcal meningitis affects huge populations annually in sub-Saharan Africa with differentially higher death rates among children. Nigeria is one of the twenty-six countries that lie in ‘African meningitis belt’. This paper briefly describes the epidemiology of seasonal recurrent meningococcal meningitis, current efforts to address the epidemics, and then argues for an accelerated introduction of conjugated meningococcal vaccine into routine immunization in Nigeria. This paper also highlights the nature of the epidemics with its attendant impacts on the population; the weaknesses of the current strategies; the emergence of mixed pathogens; the challenges and potential opportunities associated with an introduction of routine vaccination against meningococcal meningitis. The quick introduction of the conjugated meningococcal vaccine into expanded program on immunization (EPI) schedule will mitigate the risk of future massive outbreaks and its attendant morbidity, mortality and larger societal cost. Furthermore, authors suggest the introduction of polyvalent conjugated meningococcal vaccine rather than monovalent (targeting only serotype A), as this will potentially prevent emerging outbreaks of other serotypes such as NmC and W135.

Intramuscular fatty acid composition of steers finished on oat pastures mixture with vetch or cornmeal supplementation / Composição de ácidos graxos da gordura intramuscular de novilhos terminados em pastagem de aveia consorciada com ervilhaca ou suplementados com grão de milho moído

ABSTRACT: The effects of energetic supplementation and mixture vetch (Vica sativa L.) were studied to evaluate the intramuscular fatty acid profile of steers finished on oat (Avena sativa L.) pastures. Eighteen 21-month-old crossbred steers were evaluated. The experiment was carried out in three treatments and six repetitions: oat pasture (OA), oat pasture + vetch (OA + VET), and oat pasture + supplementation (OA + SUP). Supplementation comprised the addition of corn meal at a daily dose of 1% of the animals' body weight. Steers receiving supplementation had higher lipid content in Longissimus lumborum than did those fed with OA + VET (1.25 vs 1.02%), whereas those fed with OA (1.15%) showed intermediate values. Conjugated linoleic acid levels were higher in steers fed OA (0.57%) and OA + SUP (0.59%), whereas the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids was observed in animals fed OA + VET (3.32%). Pasture-finishing without supplementation resulted in a lower ratio of n-6:n-3 (3.14). Steers finished in oat mixture with vetch showed healthier intramuscular fat than did those finished with cornmeal supplementation; importantly, the higher the amount of PUFAs, the better n-6:n-3 ratio.

RESUMO: Os efeitos da suplementação energética e da ervilhaca (Vica sativa L.) foram estudados para avaliar o perfil de ácidos graxos intramusculares de novilhos terminados em pastagens de aveia (Avena sativa L.). Foram avaliados 18 novilhos mestiços com 21 meses de idade. O experimento foi realizado em três tratamentos e seis repetições: pastagem de aveia (OA), pastagem de aveia + ervilhaca (OA + VET) e pastagem de aveia + suplementação (OA + SUP). A suplementação compreendeu a adição de fubá na dose diária de 1% do peso corporal dos animais. Os novilhos que receberam suplementação apresentaram maior teor lipídico no Longissimus lombar do que aqueles alimentados com OA + VET (1,25 contra 1,02%), enquanto aqueles alimentados com AO (1,15%) apresentaram valores intermediários. Os níveis de ácido linoléico conjugado foram maiores em novilhos alimentados com AO (0,57%) e OA + SUP (0,59%), enquanto a maior quantidade de ácidos graxos ômega-3 foi observada em animais alimentados com OA + VET (3,32%). Animais terminados em pastagens sem suplementação apresentaram menor proporção de n-6: n-3 (3,14). Novilhos terminados em pastagem de aveia com ervilhaca apresentaram gordura intramuscular mais saudável do que aqueles terminados com suplementação de milho moído, uma vez que apresentaram maior quantidade de PUFAs e melhor a relação n-6: n-3.

Efecto de la frecuencia de aplicación de estrógenos locales sobre el grosor endometrial en mujeres posmenopáusicas / Effect of local estrogen application frequency on endometrial thickness in postmenopausal women

Resumen Introducción: Los estrógenos conjugados vía vaginal para aliviar la atrofia y sequedad vaginales pueden producir cambios endometriales. Objetivo: Conocer el efecto de la frecuencia de aplicación de estrógenos conjugados vía vaginal en el grosor endometrial en mujeres posmenopáusicas. Método: Se estudiaron 70 mujeres posmenopáusicas con sequedad vaginal que recibieron estrógenos conjugados en crema (0.625 mg/1 g) durante 12 semanas divididas de la siguiente manera según la frecuencia de aplicación: grupo 1, dos veces por semana (n = 35) y grupo 2, tres veces por semana (n = 35). Al inicio y final del tratamiento se determinó el valor estrogénico en la citología vaginal y se realizó ultrasonido endovaginal para medir el grosor endometrial. La comparación entre los grupos se realizó con U de Mann-Whitney y entre los valores pre y postratamiento con prueba de Wilcoxon. Resultados: De 70 mujeres reclutadas solo se estudiaron 38 mujeres, 19 en cada grupo, pareadas por valor estrogénico inicial. No se encontró diferencia entre los grupos, ni antes ni después del tratamiento, en el índice de maduración, valor estrogénico ni grosor endometrial. Conclusión: No hubo diferencias en el grosor endometrial entre las distintas frecuencias de aplicación de estrógenos conjugados en crema.

Abstract Introduction: Conjugated estrogens, when used by the vaginal route for the relief of vaginal dryness and atrophy, can produce endometrial changes. Objective: To know the effect of vaginal conjugated estrogens application frequency on endometrial thickness in postmenopausal women. Method: Seventy postmenopausal women with vaginal dryness who received conjugated estrogen cream (0.625 mg/1 g) for 12 weeks were studied. The women were divided according to application frequency as follows: group 1, twice-weekly (n = 35), and group 2, thrice-weekly (n = 35). At baseline and at end-of-treatment, vaginal cytology was examined to determine the estrogenic value, and an endovaginal ultrasound was performed to measure endometrial thickness. The comparison between groups was carried out with Mann Whitney's U-test, and the comparison between baseline and post-treatment values, with Wilcoxon's test. Results: Of 70 recruited women, only 38 were studied, 19 in each group, paired by baseline estrogenic value. No difference was found between groups, neither at baseline nor after treatment, in the maturation index, estrogenic value or endometrial thickness. Conclusion: There were no differences in endometrial thickness between the conjugate estrogen cream different application frequencies.

Conjugated linoleic acid improves glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic mice / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on glucose and lipid metabolism in obese diabetic (db/db) mice.@*METHODS@#db/db mice were randomized for treatment with saline or CLA mixture administered intragastrically. The changes in body weight, dietary intake, water intake, oral glucose tolerance, triglyceride and total cholesterol were recorded after the treatments. HE staining and oil red O staining were used to assess liver pathologies and fatty acid content. The expression levels of PPARα, PPARγ, CD36, CHREBP and SREBP-1c were detected using real-time PCR and Western blotting. HepG2 cells were treated with CLA and linoleic acid and the expressions of PPARα, ACC, P-ACC, and CD36 were detected; the level of acetyl-CoA in the cell supernatant was detected using ELISA.@*RESULTS@#CLA treatment obviously reduced the dietary and water intake of db/db mice, effectively reduced the body weight and decreased serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels ( < 0.05). CLA significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, increased glucose tolerance, reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver and improved lipid metabolism in db/db mice. The mice showed significantly increased expression of PPARα ( < 0.05) and lowered CD36 expression ( < 0.001) in the liver after CLA treatment. Cellular experiments showed that CLA significantly up-regulated PPARα ( < 0.001) and P-ACC and decreased the expression of CD36 ( < 0.01). ELISA showed that acetyl-CoA was significantly up-regulated in the cells after CLA treatment ( < 0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The mixture of two conjugated linoleic acid isomers can reduce fasting blood glucose, increase glucose tolerance and improve glycolipid metabolism in db/db mice by enhancing the expression of PPARα, increasing P-ACC and inhibiting CD36 expression.

Interactions between Cannabis Fructus and human gut microflora / 中草药

Objective To explore the characteristics of the interactions between traditional laxative medicine Cannabis Fructus and human gut microflora. Methods HPLC method was used to determine the content of the main unsaturated fatty acids linoleic acid and linolenic acid in Cannabis Fructus Decoction. At the same time, solid culture and liquid culture in vitro anaerobic culture method were combined with 16 S rRNA technology to analyze the interactions between Cannabis Fructus Decotion and human gut microflora. Moreover, the metabolits of linoleic acid and linolenic acid in Cannabis Fructus Decoction by human intestinal microflora were determined using HPLC method. At the same time, the possible conjugated linolenic acid and linoleic acid were determined. Results Cannabis Fructus Decoction promoted the growth of Proteobacteria significantly, which showed that Escherichia-shigella was significantly increased (P < 0.01), but the growth of Bacteroidetes was decreased (P < 0.01), and the content of unsaturated fatty acids linoleic acid and linolenic acid in Cannabis Fructus Decoction were reduced after being incubated with human intestinal bacteria, and the metabolites were conjugated linoleic acid and conjugated linolenic acid. Conclusion The interactions between Cannabis Fructus Decoction and human intestinal microflora are obvious. The Chinese medicine can change the structure of the gut microflora, and the gut microflora can metabolize the drug components. This analysis method partially restores the pharmacokinetics process of the oral administration drug in the human intestinal tract. It could provide a new insight of the mechanism research of Cannabis Fructus.

Estrógeno tópico vaginal y dehiscencia de la cúpula vaginal en pacientes con histerectomía total laparoscópica / Topical vaginal estrogen and vaginal vault dehiscence in patients rather than a laparoscopic total hysterectomy

Resumen OBJETIVO: Comparar la frecuencia de dehiscencia de la cúpula vaginal en pacientes tratadas con y sin estrógenos equinos conjugados por vía vaginal antes de la histerectomía total laparoscópica. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Ensayo clínico controlado, comparativo, ciego simple, efectuado en pacientes atendidas entre enero de 2013 y agosto de 2016 en el Hospital Civil de Culiacán con indicación de histerectomía total laparoscópica por enfermedad benigna. Criterios de inclusión: haber recibido durante tres semanas previas al procedimiento estrógenos equinos conjugados por vía vaginal (grupo de estudio) o crema lubricante vaginal como placebo (grupo control). Criterios de exclusión: pacientes con diabetes mellitus tratadas con esteroides y antecedente de un evento tromboembólico reciente. Se evaluó la frecuencia de dehiscencia de la cúpula vaginal a los 7 y 30 días posteriores a la cirugía. Se utilizó la prueba t de Student para comparar medias y la χ2 para la comparación de proporciones, con cálculo de riesgo relativo para evaluar el riesgo de dehiscencia de la cúpula vaginal. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 236 pacientes con edad promedio, en ambos grupos, de 47.1 y 47.7 años, respectivamente (p > .05). Los antecedentes ginecoobstétricos y las indicaciones para histerectomía fueron similares en ambos grupos (p = .340). La incidencia total de dehiscencia de la cúpula vaginal fue de 4.6% (n = 11/236) con frecuencia de 6.8% (n = 8/118) en las pacientes del grupo tratado con lubricante vaginal y de 2.5% (n = 3/118) en el grupo tratado con estrógenos equinos conjugados por vía vaginal, sin diferencias entre ambos grupos (p = .123; RR=.359; IC95%: .093-1.387). CONCLUSIONES: El riesgo de dehiscencia de la cúpula vaginal fue similar entre el grupo que recibió lubricante y el de estrógenos tópicos vaginales, pero con una tendencia menor en la frecuencia de dehiscencia de la cúpula vaginal en el grupo tratado con estrógenos tópicos.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To compare the frequency of vaginal cuff dehiscence in patients managed with and without conjugated equine estrogens vaginally prior to total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a single-blind controlled clinical trial, 236 patients with indications for laparoscopic total hysterectomy for benign pathology at the Hospital Civil de Culiacán and who agreed to participate in the study were randomly assigned to receive vaginally conjugated equine estrogens (study group) or vaginal lubricating cream as a placebo (control group) for 3 weeks prior to the procedure. Patients with diabetes mellitus, treated with steroids and history of a recent thromboembolic event were excluded. The frequency of vaginal cuff dehiscence was evaluated at 7 and 30 days after surgery. The student's t-test was used to compare means and the Chi-square test was used to compare proportions, with relative risk (RR) calculation to evaluate the risk of vaginal cuff dehiscence. RESULTS: We studied 236 patients with average age, in both groups, 47.1 and 47.7 years, respectively (p > .05). The mean age of the patients was similar between the groups (47.1 vs 47.7 years, p>.05). The gynecological-obstetric history and indications for hysterectomy were similar between both groups (p = .340). The incidence of vaginal cuff dehiscence was 2.5% (n = 3) in the group treated with conjugated equine estrogens vaginally and 6.8% (n = 8) in the patients of thse group treated with vaginal lubricant (p= .123; RM= .359; IC95%: .093-1.387). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of presenting vaginal cuff dehiscence was similar between the group of lubricant and topical vaginal estrogens, but with a lower tendency in the frequency of vaginal cuff dehiscence in the group of topical estrogens.

Structure of the Conjugated Linoleic Acid-Paclitaxel Conjugate Self-Assembled Nanoparticles / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To prepare, the conjugated linoleic acid-paclitaxel conjugate self-assembled nanoparticles (CLA-PTX NPs) by nanoprecipitation. METHODS: The Dynamic light scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, raman spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nitrogen element distribution of CLA-PTX NPs were studied. RESULTS: The hydroxyl groups (C-4 and C-10 of PTX) and the acetyl groups (C-1 and C-7 of PTX) were on the surface of CLA-PTX NPs, CLA carbon chain, the benzene ring (C-2 and C-3' of PTX) and the amide bond (C-3' of PTX) were inside the CLA-PTX NPs. CONCLUSION: It is speculated that the self-assembly of CLA-PTX is that the non-polar CLA carbon chain spontaneously aggregates inward due to hydrophobic interaction, and the hydrophilic oxygen-containing groups of PTX (hydroxyl group and carbonyl group) are on the surface of the nanoparticle to form nanoparticles.

Risk Assessment of "Other Substances" – Conjugated Linoleic Acids

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements and energy drinks sold in Norway. VKM has assessed the risk of doses given by NFSA. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis for regulating the addition of "other substances" to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to energy drinks and other foods. VKM has not in this series of risk assessments of "other substances" evaluated any potential beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present report is a risk assessment of conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs), and is based on previous risk assessments of CLAs and articles retrieved from literature searches. According to information from the NFSA, CLAs are ingredients in food supplements sold in Norway, and NFSA has requested a risk assessment of the following doses of CLAs in food supplements: 3.0, 3.25 and 3.5 g/day. The daily intakes in Norway of CLAs range between 20 and 170 mg (MoBa 2008, version 4). The CLAs are mostly studied in overweight and obese subjects because of their claimed effects to reduce body weight. CLAs constitute a group of isomeric fatty acids mostly produced by bacterial fermentation in the gut. In the human diet, meat (mainly isomers c9,t11 and t10,c12) and dairy products (mainly isomer c9,t11) are main sources of CLAs. The various isomers may have different metabolic effects. In the food supplements evaluated by EFSA (EFSA, 2010 a; EFSA, 2010 b; EFSA, 2012), Clarinol® and Tonalin®, the t10,c12 and the c9,t11 isomers are present in about equal proportions. In research articles not all authors are consistent in reporting what they have studied, so in this report we sometimes do not distinguish between these isomers; hence they are referred collectively to as CLAs if it is not specified. Most of the cited studies have tested supplemental CLAs in doses of about 3.5 g/day, but ranging from 0.7 to 6.0 g/day. In most of the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) there have been no significant differences in adverse effects between the placebo and CLA-groups. Concerns about indications of an unfavourable effect on biomarkers of lipid- and carbohydrate metabolism in obese men with metabolic syndrome as well as unfavourable effect on antioxidant status; increased markers of oxidative stress after consumption of supplemental CLAs have been reported in previous studies. No clear dose-response effects have been found. It is concluded that supplemental CLAs may impair lipid- and carbohydrate metabolism in obese men with the metabolic syndrome. Intake of supplemental CLAs by lactating women may reduce fat content in breastmilk, and intake of supplemental CLAs by pregnant women may reduce birth weight and –length among their offsprings. Only one randomised controlled trial has included children (6-10 years). These children were all overweight or obese, subjects likely to have a different CLA-metabolism/-effect than normal-weight subjects. VKM considers that current data are too incomplete to evaluate any doses of CLAs for children and adolescents. There are few long-term studies, and adverse health effects were not primary outcomes in these studies. Based on available data no conclusions can be drawn for supplemental use of CLAs longer than six months. VKM concludes that: In adults (≥18 years), the specified doses 3.0, 3.25 and 3.5 g/day CLAs in food supplements are considered to be unlikely to cause adverse health effects if used for up to six months. CLA may cause lipid- and carbohydrate disturbances in obese men with metabolic syndrome as well as in overweight/obese subjects with type 2 diabetes. Use of CLA supplements in lactating and pregnant women may cause reduction in milk production and in the content on milk fat and cause decreased birth weight andlength in their off-springs. No conclusion can be made for children and adolescents. Data are insufficient to conclude regarding use of CLAs for more than six months.

Incidence Of Silicosis And Silicotuberculosis In Coal And Stone Industry In The State Of Chhattisgarh

Silicosis is an occupational disease reported in silica, stone & mining industry. No proper report on workers in industries using silica in stones and coal has been done from Chhattisgarh till date. Detailed history, lung functions and chest x-ray were done. Diagnosis was made on the basis of radiology & history. Data analysis was done with the help of the statistical package for social sciences software. The Chi-square test was used for determining the relationship between qualitative data and descriptive statistics was used where required. Out of the total 16 reported cases, 13 had respiratory symptoms. Radiological abnormalities were noted in all. Lung functions revealed obstruction in 25%, restriction in 12.5 %, while mixed ventilatory defects in 62.5% subjects. 16 cases of silicosis and silicotuberculosis were reported. They had high respiratory morbidity (81.25%), cough and dyspnea being predominant symptoms. Duration of exposure correlates with radiological findings and increased incidence of silicosis

Composição de ácidos graxos do queijo e leite de vacas alimentadas com casca de banana / Fatty acid composition of cheese and milk of cows fed with banana peel

Objetivou-se avaliar os níveis de casca de banana seca ao sol na dieta de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu sobre o perfil de ácidos graxos do leite e do queijo minas frescal. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de 0, 15, 30, 45 e 60% de substituição da silagem de sorgo pela casca de banana. O delineamento experimental foi em dois quadrados latinos 5 x 5 simultâneos. As amostras de leite e queijo foram analisadas quanto ao perfil de ácidos graxos por cromatografia gasosa. Observou-se efeito quadrático para o somatório de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados do leite, com valor máximo no nível de 23,54% de substituição. Houve efeito linear decrescente para os ácidos graxos C15:0 iso e C16:0 iso. Os ácidos graxos heneicosanoico, linoleico, linoleico conjugado e araquidônico apresentaram efeito quadrático. Não houve efeito das dietas sobre os ácidos graxos no queijo. A substituição de até 60% da silagem de sorgo por casca de banana na dieta de vacas em lactação pode ser alternativa para produção e processamento do leite, quando se considera a melhora no valor nutricional da fração lipídica do leite e o aumento dos teores de ácido linoleico conjugado.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion levels of dry banana peel in the sun in the diet of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows on the profile of fatty acids of milk and Minas fresh cheese. The diets were composed of 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60% replacement of sorghum silage by banana peel. The experimental design was Latin squares, simultaneous, 5 x 5. Samples of milk and cheese were analyzed for fatty acid composition by gas chromatography. Quadratic effect for the sum of milk polyunsaturated fatty acids, with the maximum level of 23,54% replacement. There was a decreasing linear effect for C15:0 iso fatty acids and C16: 0 iso. The heneicosanoic fatty acids, linoleic, conjugated linoleic and arachidonic presented quadratic effect. There was no effect of diets on fatty acids in cheese. Replacement of up to 60% of the sorghum silage of a banana peel in the diet of cows can be an alternative to milk production and processing when considering the improvement in the nutritional value of the milk lipid fraction and increase of the levels of conjugated linoleic acid.(AU)

Estriol vs estrógenos conjugados de origen equino en el tratamiento del síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia / Estriol vs. Conjugated estrogens of equine origin in the treatment of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause

Resumen OBJETIVO Comparar la efectividad y seguridad del estriol vs estrógenos conjugados de origen equino en el tratamiento del síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS Ensayo clínico multicéntrico, doble ciego, controlado, con asignación al azar, efectuado en tres clínicas de Colombia entre los meses de julio de 2015 y septiembre de 2017. Criterio de inclusión: mujeres con síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia tratadas con estrógenos tópicos. Las pacientes se asignaron al azar a dos grupos: A (estriol) y B (estrógenos conjugados de origen equino). Variables de estudio: concentraciones séricas de estradiol, testosterona total, globulina fijadora de hormonas sexuales, porcentaje de satisfacción al disminuir los síntomas y tiempo hasta su desaparición. También se consideraron: pH vaginal menor de 4.5, puntuación del índice de maduración vaginal, intensidad de la sequedad vaginal, necesidad de terapia hormonal sistémica, medición del endometrio, comportamiento sexual y coexistencia de efectos secundarios. RESULTADOS Se estudiaron 387 mujeres: 192 del grupo A, que recibió estriol y 195 del grupo B tratadas con estrógenos conjugados de origen equino. El porcentaje de efectividad en el grupo A fue de 90.6% y en el grupo B de 89.2%; (p = 0.507). Las mujeres del grupo A experimentaron menos efectos secundarios (26.5%) que las del grupo B (38.4%). En las otras variables no se encontraron diferencias. CONCLUSIONES El estriol y los estrógenos conjugados de origen equino son igual de efectivos y seguros para tratar el síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia; sin embargo, el estriol ofrece mayores ventajas porque disminuye más rápidamente los síntomas y origina menores efectos secundarios.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness and safety of estriol vs. conjugated estrogens of equine origin in the treatment of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. MATERIALS AND METHODS Multicentric, double-blind, controlled, randomized clinical trial conducted in three clinics in Colombia between July 2015 and September 2017. Inclusion criteria: women with menopausal genitourinary syndrome treated with topical estrogens. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: A (estriol) and B (conjugated estrogens of equine origin). Study variables: serum levels of estradiol, total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, percentage of satisfaction with decreasing symptoms and time to disappearance. The following were also considered: vaginal pH lower than 4.5, vaginal maturation index score, intensity of vaginal dryness, need for systemic hormonal therapy, measurement of the endometrium, sexual behavior and coexistence of side effects. RESULTS We studied 387 women: 192 of group A, who received estriol and 195 of group B treated with conjugated estrogens of equine origin. The percentage of effectiveness in group A was 90.62% and in group B it was 89.23%; (p = 0.507). In women in group A there were fewer side effects (26.56%) than in group B (38.46%). No differences were found in the other variables. CONCLUSIONS Estriol and conjugated estrogens of equine origin are equally effective and safe in the treatment of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Efeito da adição do ácido linoleico conjugado no cultivo in vitro de embriões F1 Holandês x Zebu na sobrevivência pós-vitrificação / Effect of conjugated linoleic acid addition in in vitro culture medium in F1 Holstein X Zebu embryo survival post vitrification

Avaliou-se o efeito da adição do ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA) ao meio de cultivo in vitro na viabilidade pós-vitrificação de embriões F1 Holandês x Zebu. Foram utilizados três meios de cultivo: controle (n=340 oócitos): meio SOF e soro fetal bovino (SFB), sem o CLA; SFB+CLA (n=359 oócitos): meio SOF, SFB e CLA; CLA (n=339 oócitos): meio SOF e CLA, sem o SFB. Todos os blastocistos produzidos foram submetidos à vitrificação, pelo método de Open Pulled Straw. Quinze blastocistos de cada tratamento foram fixados para quantificação lipídica por coloração com Sudan Black B. Para avaliar a viabilidade embrionária, foi observada a capacidade de reexpansão e eclosão pós-aquecimento dos embriões (controle=27; SFB+CLA=30; CLA=17). Foram realizadas transferências em um ou dois embriões por receptora para avaliação da sobrevivência in vivo: T1 [receptoras que receberam um blastocisto (n=17 embriões, sendo controle=5, SFB+CLA=6 e CLA=6)]; T2 [receptoras que receberam dois blastocistos, (n= 54 embriões, sendo controle=18, SFB+CLA=14 e CLA=22)]. Não houve diferença nas taxas de clivagem (62,1%; 74,0%; 74,0% para controle; SFB+CLA; CLA, respectivamente), produção de blastocistos em relação aos clivados (59,7%; 47,7%; 38,3% para controle; SFB+CLA; CLA, respectivamente) e produção de blastocistos em relação ao total de oócitos (37,1%; 35,4%; 28,3% para controle; SFB+CLA; CLA, respectivamente) (P>0,05). Houve diminuição de gotículas lipídicas nos embriões cultivados em meio suplementado com CLA em relação aos embriões cultivados na presença do SFB e na ausência do CLA (P<0,05). A taxa de reexpansão foi maior no grupo controle (70,4%) em relação ao CLA (47,1%) e menor no grupo SFB+CLA (43,3%) (P<0,05). O CLA foi eficaz em reduzir a deposição de lipídeos intracitoplasmáticos nas células embrionárias, porém não houve diferença de viabilidade após a desvitrificação dos embriões.(AU)

The effect of adding conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to the culture media on the viability after cryopreservation of F1 Holstein X Zebu embryos was evaluated. Three different culture media were tested: control (n = 340 oocytes): SOF medium and fetal bovine serum (FBS) without the CLA; FBS + CLA (n = 359 oocytes): SOF, FBS and CLA; CLA (n = 339 oocytes): SOF and CLA without the FBS. The produced blastocysts were subjected to vitrification, by the Open Pulled Straw method. Fifteen blastocysts per treatment were fixed for lipid quantification by staining with Sudan Black B. Embryo re-expansion and hatching capability were used to assess viability (control = 27; FBS + CLA = 30; CLA = 17). Transfers of one or two embryos to recipients were performed to evaluate in vivo survival: T1 [recipients that received one blastocyst (n=17 embryos, Control=5, FBS+CLA=6 and CLA=6)]; T2 [recipients that received two blastocysts (n =54 embryos, Control=18, FBS+CLA=14 and CLA=22)]. There was no difference in cleavage rate (62.1%; 74%; 74% for Control; FBS + CLA, CLA, respectively), blastocyst production in relation to the cleaved structures (59.7%; 47.7%; 38 3% for Control; FBS + CLA, CLA, respectively) and blastocyst production relative to the total oocytes (37.1%, 35.4%, 28.3% for Control; FBS + CLA, CLA, respectively) between treatments (P> 0.05). A reduction of lipid droplets was observed in embryos cultured in medium supplemented with CLA compared to embryos cultured in the FCS in the absence and presence of CLA (P <0.05). The reexpansion rate was higher in the Control group (70.4%) compared to the CLA (47.1%) and lowest for FBS+CLA (43.3%) (P<0.05). The hatching rates were similar among treatments, 42.1%; 23.1%; 25% for control; SFB + CLA; CLA respectively (P>0.05). Only one pregnancy was observed in early and confirmatory diagnosis, as the result of a Control group embryo transfer. Although embryos cultured with CLA have shown smaller intracytoplasmic lipid content, no difference was observed in viability following vitrification between treatments.(AU)

Bacteriemia oculta en niños atendidos en el Complejo Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Río: experiencia post vacuna neumocóccica conjugada / Occult bacteremia in Sótero del Río Hospital: experience after pneumococcal conjugated vaccine

Background: Occult bacteremia (OB) is one of the possible diagnoses of children younger than 3 years with fever without source in the emergency room. Objective: describe OB in the era after introduction of pneumococcal vaccine in Chile. Patients and Methods: Prospective descriptive review of data of children with possible OB diagnosis, referred from the emergency department between 2010-2013. Results: Possible OB was diagnosed on 391 patients. 233 had focus, mainly respiratory virus and urinary tract infection. On 158 patients, probable BO was diagnosed, 20 had proven OB from which 15 had positive blood culture for Streptococcus pneumoniae. From these, 7 were fully or partially vaccinated. The serotype was identified on 14 cases: 6 were PCV10 vaccine serotypes (none of them vaccinated), 2 were serotype related (both partially vaccinated) and 6 were non vaccine serotypes (partially or totally vaccinated). Discussion: It is necessary to improve diagnostic methods for respiratory viruses and urinary tract infections and try to expand coverage of pneumococcal conjugated vaccines in the pediatric population in order to reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease in Chile.

Introducción: La bacteriemia oculta (BO) es uno de los diagnósticos que se plantean en los niños bajo 3 años de edad que se presentan con fiebre sin foco en el servicio de urgencia. Objetivo: Describir el diagnóstico de BO luego de la introducción de la vacunación universal para Streptococcus pneumoniae en Chile. Materiales y Métodos: Revisión descriptiva de seguimiento prospectivo de datos de niños con diagnóstico de BO posible derivados del SU entre 2010 y 2013. Resultados: Se diagnosticó BO posible en 391 pacientes. En 233 pacientes se encontró foco, siendo infecciones respiratorias virales e infección urinaria las más frecuentes. En 158 pacientes se diagnosticó BO probable, en 20 BO probada y 15 tuvieron hemocultivos positivos para S. pneumoniae. De estos últimos 7 estaban total o parcialmente vacunados. Se identificó serotipo en 14 casos: 6 serotipos vaccinales incluidos en PCV10 (ninguno vacunado), 2 serotipos relacionados (ambos parcialmente protegido) y 6 serotipos no vaccinales (parcial o totalmente vacunados). Discusión: Es necesario mejorar las técnicas diagnósticas de infecciones respiratorias virales e infección urinaria e intentar ampliar la cobertura de las vacunas neumocóccicas conjugadas en la población pediátrica, para reducir el riesgo de enfermedades neumocóccicas invasoras en Chile.

Liver metabolic changes induced by conjugated linoleic acid in calorie-restricted rats

ABSTRACT Objective Complexes like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduce the percentage of body fat by increasing energy expenditure, fat oxidation, or both. The aim of this study was to verify if CLA is able to mimic caloric restriction (CR), and determine the effects of CLA on liver metabolic profile of young adult male Wistar rats. Materials and methods We divided 36 animals into the following groups: 1) Control; 2) CLA (1% of daily food intake, 21 days, orogastric intubation); 3) Restr (fed 60% of the diet offered to controls); and 4) CLA Restr. Liver tissues were processed for biochemical and molecular or mitochondrial isolation (differential centrifugation) and blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses. Results Treatment of the animals for 21 days with 1% CLA alone or combined with CR increased liver weight and respiration rates of liver mitochondria suggesting significant mitochondrial uncoupling. We observed a decrease in adipose tissue leading to insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and hepatic steatosis due to increased liver cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels, but no significant effects on body mass. The expression of hepatic cellular connexins (43 and 26) was significantly higher in the CLA group compared with the Control or Restr groups. Conclusion CLA does not seem to be a safe compound to induce mass loss because it upregulates the mRNA expression of connexins and induces hepatic mitochondrial changes and lipids disorders.

Dynamic changes of taurine-conjugated bile acid levels during the development and progression of type 2 diabetes in OLETF rats / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To observe the changes of serum and fecal taurine-conjugated bile acid levels and its association with glucose metabolism during the spontaneous development of type 2 diabetes in OLETO rats.Methods Twenty male OLETF rats(4 weeks old)were included and 10 male LETO rats of the same age were used as the normal control group.OLETF rats were fed with high fat diet whereas LETO rats were fed with normal diet.Serum and fecal taurine-conjugated bile acid levels of OLETF rats were tested at different stage of diabetes including baseline, normal glucose tolerance, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes periods, and the association of taurine-conjugated bile acid level with body weight, blood glucose, and glucose-regulating hormones were also investigated.Results Compared with LETO rats, the baseline serum levels of taurine-conjugated bile acid in OLETF rats did not change, but the levels of fecal taurine-conjugated bile acid including taurine-conjugated chenodeoxycholic acid(TCDCA), taurocholic acid(TCA)and taurine-conjugated deoxycholic acid(TDCA)were significantly decreased [(14.25±7.18 vs 0.90±0.31)mg/kg,(7.12±4.14 vs 1.30±0.35)mg/kg,(4.30±1.78 vs 1.02±0.14)mg/kg, all P<0.01].During the development of diabetes, the fecal levels of TCDCA, TCA and TDCA were still lower than those in the control rats.TDCA was negatively associated with the level of fasting blood glucose(r=-0.470, P=0.032),but positively associated with the serum level of glucagon-like peptide(GLP)-l(r=0.406, P=0.044).Conclusion The decrease of intestinal taurine-conjugated bile acid level is involved in the development of diabetes in OLETF rats.Intestinal TDCA may regulate the secretion of GLP-1 by paracrine pathway.

Comparative study of cholic acid compounds of bezoar on anti-cerebral infarction and regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress / 药物评价研究

Objective Using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model to observe protective effect of effective components of bezoar on brain damage.To discuss the anti-cerebral ischemia mechanism and compare the efficacy of effective components of bezoar from the endoplasmic reticulum stress intervention angle.Methods Rats were stratified randomly divided into sham group,model group,Qingkailing group (positive drug,3 mL/kg),taurine group,ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA,78 mg/kg) group,taurine-conjugated ursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA,100 mg/kg) group.Through establish MCAO model in rats,observed the scores of the neurologic impairment,measured infarct volume by TTC.Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were Used to detect the content of P-PERK,P-EIF2α,and ATF4.Results Compared with sham group,neurologic impairment scores of model group significantly reduced (P ＜ 0.01).Compared with model group,Qingkailing group,UDCA group,and TUDCA group significantly improved neurological function in rats (P ＜ 0.05,0.01).Compared model group,all the treatment groups could significantly reduce the volume of cerebral infarction (P ＜ 0.01).Compared with sham group,expression of P-PERK,P-EIF2α,and ATF4 was significantly increased (P ＜ 0.01).Compared with model group,all the treatment groups reduced the expression of P-PERK,P-EIF2α,and ATF4 in varying degrees,effect of Qingkailing and TUDCA were more obvious.Conclusion The effective components ofbezoar alleviate cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress,the effect of TUDCA is better than that of taurine and UDCA.