Omega 3 fatty acids - Potential modulators for oxidative stress and inflammation in the management of sickle cell disease

Abstract Objective Sickle cell disease is characterized by clinical complications resulting in vaso-occlusive crisis with prominent attributes of oxidative stress, inflammation, and pain. Inflammation is an integral part of this disease which further exacerbates the pain during a crisis. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-aggregatory properties and assist in diminishing the slow physiological inactivation. Methods A pilot nutritional interventional study was conducted wherein forty-three children with sickle cell disease aged 5-16 years were supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids for a period of six months. Analysis of oxidative stress, as well as inflammatory parameters, was done pre and post-supplementation. Results Increased free oxygen radical transference values depicting free radical generation is enhanced in these patients along with a reduced antioxidant defense, as seen by decreased free oxygen radical defense values. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids for a period of six months significantly reduced the inflammatory marker homocysteine in all patients, whereas high sensitive C reactive protein was significantly reduced only in females of the age group 11-16years. Simultaneously a significant reduction in oxidative stress parameters with a concomitant increase of antioxidant defense was observed in all patients. Conclusion The authors' findings suggest the regulatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids as cellular activators in alleviating the complications due to sickle cell disease. Omega-3 fatty acids hold promise as future therapeutic candidates in patients with sickle cell disease.

Biochemical and cytogenetic effects of Imazethapyr on Cicer arietinum L.

Weeds are a serious obstacle to the production of chickpea. Imazethapyr (IM) herbicide is used to controlweeds in most of the pulses, including chickpea. Mitotic abnormalities, chromosomal behavior, and proteincontent in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), due to IM treatment, were studied. The chickpea seeds (varietyJG-11) were germinated in sterilized Petri dishes, 9 cm in diameter, on Whatman filter paper moistened with10 ml of either Hoagland nutrient solution (control) or five concentrations of IM (0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 ppm).From the cytologic point of view, observations demonstrated that the mitotic frequency in root meristematiccells diminished, and that abnormality frequency increased parallel to the increase in concentrations of IM.The herbicide was highly mito-inhibitory and induced chromosomal irregularities, such as stickiness, lagging,scattering, and chromosome bridges. The endosperm and root-shoot axis’ protein content decreased withincreasing of the herbicide concentration in all the treatments. It can be argued that IM produces undesirableside effects during mitosis in chickpea’s somatic cells and biochemical parameters

Varying the vegetative and morphological traits of Thymus kotschyanus L. submitted to potassium silicate nanoparticles, superabsorbent hydrogel, effective microorganisms, and animal manure / Variação das características vegetativas e morfológ icas de thymus kotschyanus l. submetida a nanopartículas de silicato de potássio, o hidrogel superabsorvente, os microorgan ismos efetivos e o esterco animal

To study the effects of some new facilitators on the vegetative and morphological traits of Thymus kotschyanus, nine treatments were tested in the experimental rangeland field at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. Treatments included control, potassium silicate nanoparticles (PSN) with two levels of 500 and 1000 mg/lit, superabsorbent hydrogel (SH) with two levels of 10 and 30 g/kg, animal manure (AM) with two levels of 100, 200 g/kg, and effective microorganisms (EM) with two levels of 1 and 2%. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results of mean comparisons of treatments for Thymus kotschyanus characteristics showed that the highest amount of studied traits were observed in the treated SH 30 g/kg. These traits include plant height (19.44 cm), basal area (4.66 cm), canopy cover (99.11%), number of secondary branches (9.44) and depth of rooting (16.49 cm), aerial parts volume (26.77 cm3), root volume (17.66 cm3), aerial parts fresh weight (14.40 g), aerial parts dry weight (7.18 g), root fresh weight (3.98 g), and root dry weight (2.07 g). In general, the impact of treatments on Thymus growth traits were ranked as follows: SH 30 g/kg, PSN 1000 mg/lit, AM 200 g/kg, SH 10 g/kg, PSN 500 mg/lit, AM 100 g/kg, EM 2%, and EM 1%. In addition,the lowest plant traits were found in control. Overall, it is recommended extending the cultivation of this native medicinal plant by considering ecological conditions in each region. In addition, to promote the establishment and facilitate the growth of planted species, it is recommended using the facilitators utilized in the present work.

Para estudar os efeitos de alguns novos facilitadores sobre as características vegetativas e morfológicas de Thymus kotschyanus L., nove tratamentos foram testados no campo experimental de pastagens na Universidade de Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Irã. Os tratamentos incluíram controle, nanopartículas de silicato de potássio (PSN) com dois níveis de 500 e 1000 mg/L, hidrogel superabsorvente (SH) com dois níveis de 10 e 30 g/kg, esterco animal (AM) com dois níveis de 100 e 200 g/kg e microorganismos efetivos (EM) com dois níveis de 1 e 2%. Os dados foram submetidos a uma análise de variância unidirecional (ANOVA). Os resultados das comparações médias dos tratamentos para as características de Thymus kotschyanus L. mostraram que a maior quantidade das características estudadas foi observada no tratamento com SH 30 g/kg. Essas características incluem altura de plantas (19,44 cm), área basal (4,66 cm), cobertura de dossel (99,11%), número de ramos secundários (9,44) e profundidade de enraizamento (16,49 cm), volume de partes aéreas (26,77 cm3), volume de raiz (17,66 cm3), peso fresco de partes aéreas (14,40 g), peso seco de partes aéreas (7,18 g), peso fresco de raiz (3,98 g) e peso seco de raiz (2,07 g). Em geral, o impacto dos tratamentos nas características de crescimento de Thymus foi classificado da seguinte forma: SH 30 g/kg, PSN 1000 mg/L, AM 200 g/kg, SH 10 g/kg, PSN 500 mg/L, AM 100 g/kg, EM 2% e EM 1%. Além disso, as características mais baixas da planta foram encontradas no controle. Em geral, recomenda-se estender o cultivo desta plantamedicinal nativa considerando as condições ecológicas em cada região. Além disso, para promover o estabelecimento e facilitar o crescimento de espécies plantadas, recomenda-se utilizar os facilitadores utilizados no presente trabalho.

Variations in Phytophenol Compounds in Association with Morphological Traits in Trigonella spp. Accessions

Aims: To investigate the interrelationship between morphological traits and several phytophenol compounds as important essential oils in 23 fenugreek (Trigonella spp) accessions. Study Design: The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated in two growing seasons. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Natural Resources, Fars Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Shiraz, Iran in the years 2015 and 2016. Methodology: Several agronomic and morphological traits were measured in the field. Leaf tissue samples were used to extract phytophenol compositions by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Results: The results of analysis of variance revealed that the year × accession interaction was not significant for phytophenol compounds whereas morphological traits were affected by this variance component. Great variations were found for phytophenols. Simple correlation analysis revealed that except quercetin most of phytophenols were not associated with morphological traits but multivariate statistical analysis techniques demonstrated association of these two sets of variables. Trans-ferulic acid, p-Coumaric acid, rutin and hesperidin were the most important phytophenol compounds associated with shoot fresh weight. Several phytophenols had direct and positive relation with shoot fresh weight whereas several others decreased as shoot fresh weight were increased. Quercetin was significantly associated with most of morphological attributes. Conclusion: The outcome of this study provides more options to breeders in terms of several unresolved issues in fenugreek with respect to phytophenol compositions and their associations with important morphological traits.

Micro hardness of dental tissues influenced by administration of aspirin during pregnancy / Microdureza de los tejidos dentales influenciada por la administración de aspirina durante el embarazo

The study is associated with the effect of aspirin (Acetyl Salicylic Acid) on the microhardness of mineralized tissues of the offspring's teeth, in response to the ingestion of the drug during pregnancy. Aspirin is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic medicine, for symptomatic treatment. Misuse of this drug during pregnancy may instigate developmental defects in offspring. An experimental control study was designed, in which female rabbits were taken as representative mammalian models and treated with aspirin during pregnancy. Their offspring's teeth were used to assess the microhardness of dental tissues. The rabbits were alienated into two groups, treated and control, consisting of seven rabbits in each set (n= 7). Microhardness was evaluated in three types of the sample teeth. The total number of teeth examined were, 2x7x12= 168 samples. Vicker's Hardness degree values were measured and recorded vis-à-vis (50 g for 15 s with 3 indentations per specimen on enamel and dentine separately). The range of hardness obtained was statistically analyzed and the Student's t-tests was applied, with the aid of SPSS version 20. The P-values for both enamel and dentine from maxillary incisors and molars were less than 0.05. The same trend was observed in the mandibular teeth. However, a teratogenicity of Acetyl Salicylic Acid was pragmatic in the recent in vivo studies. Based on the analysis, it was evident that the aspirin administration could produce negative effects leading to reduction in the microhardness of dental tissues of the offsprings.

El estudio asocia el efecto de la aspirina (ácido acetil salicílico) sobre la microdureza de los tejidos mineralizados de los dientes de crías, en respuesta a la ingesta del fármaco durante la preñez. La aspirina es un analgésico y antipirético ampliamente utilizado para el tratamiento sintomático. El mal uso de esta droga durante la preñez puede inducir defectos en el desarrollo de las crías. Se diseñó un estudio experimental de control, en el que se tomaron conejas como modelos de mamíferos representativos y fueron tratados con aspirina durante la preñez. Los dientes de sus crías fueron utilizados para evaluar la microdureza de los tejidos dentales. Los animales fueron distribuidos en dos grupos, tratados y control, con siete animales en cada grupo (n= 7). La microdureza se evaluó en tres tipos de dientes de la muestra. El número total de dientes examinados fueron 168 (2x7x12). Se midieron y registraron valores del grado de dureza Vickers vis-à-vis (50 g por 15 s con 3 indentaciones por especimen sobre el esmalte y la dentina por separado). Se analizó estadísticamente la gama de dureza obtenida y se aplicaron pruebas t de Student con la ayuda del programa SPSS versión 20. Los valores de p para el esmalte y la dentina de los incisivos maxilares y molares fueron menores a 0,05. Se observó la misma tendencia en los dientes mandibulares. Sin embargo, teratogenicidad producto del ácido acetil salicílico se encontró en recientes estudios in vivo. De acuerdo al análisis de los resultados, se evidenció que la administración de aspirina provocó efectos negativos que determinaron la reducción de la microdureza de los tejidos dentales de las crías.

Effect of core stability training on static balance of the children with Down Syndrome

Purpose: This research aimed to study the effect of 8 weeks core stability training on static balance of the children with Down syndrome

Methods: A total of 16 children with Down syndrome from rehabilitation center of Noor Abad City were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups of control [n=8] and experimental [n=8]. At the pretest and posttest, subjects' static balances were evaluated by modified stork stand test. The training program was conducted in 8 weeks, 3 times a week, and each session lasted 45-60 minutes. Statistical analysis was done by dependent and independent t-test using SPSS version 21 [P

Results: Our results indicated a 67% progress in static balance [3.64 s] in the experimental group [P=0.0001] and their 84% superiority [4.14 s] over the control group in the post-test [P=0.0001]

Conclusion: According to these results, core stability training improves the static balance of the children with Down syndrome and can be used in their rehabilitation program

SWOT analysis in Sina trauma and surgery research center

The present study was conducted with the aim of identifying and evaluating the internal and external factors, affecting the Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences and propose some of related strategies to senior managers. We used a combined quantitative and qualitative methodology. Our study population consisted of personnel [18 individuals] at Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center. Data-collection tools were the group discussions and the questionnaires. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and SWOT [Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats] analysis. 18 individuals participated in sessions, consisting of 8 women [44.4%] and 10 men [55.6%]. The final scores were 2.45 for internal factors [strength - weakness] and 2.17 for external factors [opportunities - threats]. In this study, we proposed 36 strategies [10 weakness - threat strategies, 10 weakness - opportunity strategies, 7 strength - threat strategies, and 9 strength - opportunity strategies]. The current status of Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center is threatened weak. We recommend the center to implement the proposed strategies

Isokinetic evaluation of quadriceps strength in open and closed kinetic chains in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Strength of knee extension and squat were compared between anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed [ACLR] patients and healthy subjects. Twenty ACLR and twenty control subjects were participated in this non-exprimental study. Isokinetic peak strength of knee extension and squat in involved and uninvolved side of the ACLR patient and control group were measured. Concentric and eccentric knee extension strength of the involved leg was decreased but squat strength showed no difference. In spite of return to sport activity and normal squat strength weakness of knee extensor muscles in the involved side of the ACLR patient was existed

Investigation of Gluteus Medius and Biceps Femoris activity in three plyometric exercises

Purpose: This study was accomplished to investigate the electromyographic activity of 3 plyometric exercises [tuck jump and single leg hop in sagittal and frontal planes] to find out the appropriate procedures for strengthening biceps femoris and gluteus medius muscles

Methods: The kind of study is applied and data were collected from the supervised exercises of 15 male athletes without injury of lower extremity from Tehran University, which participated voluntarily in this research. It was assumed that subjects expend the extreme potential during their activities. Statistical analysis was made using repeated measures ANOVA to investigate the muscle activity in feedforward and feedback phases of landing with SPSS 20

Results: Significant differences [P

Conclusion: According to the results, single leg hop in sagittal and frontal planes could be the most appropriate exercises for improving strength and neuromuscular system of gluteus medius and biceps femoris. We should take special attention to these 2 plyometric exercises in exercise programs. However, tuck jump in comparison with 2 other exercises show less effectiveness

[ effect of a modified perturbation training on muscle activation pattern and function in ACL deficient patients]

A lesion of the anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] is a major trauma of the knee. Neuromuscular control is believed to be a critical factor in dynamic knee stability in ACL deficient [ACLD] patients. Neuromuscular training programs [in particular perturbation training] are increasingly integrated into clinical practice for ACL lesion rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the modified perturbation training on neuromuscular control system and functional improvement in ACLD. 10 professional male athletes with an average of 6.7 +/- 3.19 months after their unilateral ACL rupture participated in this study. Surface Electromyographic [EMG] data were recorded during a cross hop task, from the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, medial head of the gastrocnemius, biceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscles. Muscle activation patterns before and after 10 sessions of perturbation training were compared. Treatment outcome was determined from scores of questionnaires and functional tests. Scores of IKDC subjective questionnaire and functional tests were significantly improved [P<0.05]. Muscle activation patterns were modified. The significant earlier onset and late peak of the rectus femoris resulted in the longer duration from onset-to-peak activity in both of the involved and non involved limbs [P<0.05]. Perturbation training has a central effect that modifies neuromuscular control system through the change in feed-forward control for ACL deficient patients. Rectus femoris activation is not harmful to ACL and causes a protective effect. Optimum activity of this muscle is important for ACL injury prevention and rehabilitation

Panoramic radiological study to identify locally displaced maxillary canines in Bangladeshi population

PURPOSE: This study was performed to determine the prevalence of maxillary canine impaction on a basis of a single panoramic radiograph in Bangladeshi population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of seven hundred panoramic radiographs was collected from the patient record of a dental clinic. All the selected panoramic radiographs were taken from January 2009 to August 2010 by a single panoramic radiograph machine with the same exposure time (19 seconds) for all radiographs. One hundred and twenty panoramic radiographs were excluded to minimize the selection bias. In a dim lit room, an observer assessed the radiographs on a standard radiographic light box. The position of the impacted maxillary canine was recorded in line with the longitudinal axis of a tooth using the edge of a metal ruler. Data were subsequently put on SPSS 11.5 software and chi-square (chi2) tests were applied to find out the association. RESULTS: Among 580 panoramic radiographs it was found that impacted maxillary canines were present in only 7 (1.2%) radiographs. A statistical significant difference was found between the age of the patients and the vertical position of the impacted canines (p=0.000) and between the age of the patients and the horizontal position of the impacted canines (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The prevalence was found to be low compared with the present study from the limitation of panoramic image. Further study needs to include three-dimensional imaging modality.

Prevalence and symptoms of idiopathic hypercalciuria in primary school children of Tehran

Determining prevalence of idiopathic hypercalciuria [IH] in primary school children of Tehran. We evaluated 778 primary school children [age 6-11, mean 9.1 years] in two steps: first [Screening test], we measured urine calcium to urine creatinine ratio [UCa/UCr] and in the second step [Definitive test], for those children who had UCa/UCr ratio more than 0.21 mg/mg we measured 24 hours urine calcium excretion. Children with secondary forms of hypercalciuria were excluded from the study. Children with idiopathic hypercalciuria were evaluated for manifestations of IH. Among 778 children, 195 [25.1%] had UCa/UCr ratio more than 0.21 mg/mg, but from these 195 children only 128 children delivered 24 hours urine samples. Among these 128 children for whom 24 hours urine calcium measurements were done 28 children excreted more than 4mg/kg/day calcium without hypercalcemia or any other known causes of hypercalciuria and we defined them as having idiopathic hypercalciuria. If all 195 suspicious cases of IH had delivered 24-hrs urine samples we would have 42 cases of IH. Prevalence of IH in our children was 5.4% and its manifestations were: hematuria, dysuria, recurrent abdominal pain, urinary incontinence, urgency, urinary tract infections and urolithiasis

Effect of some trace minerals on magnesium, zinc, lipid profile, liver function and kidney function in alloxan diabetic rats

The present work was conducted to study the beneficial effect of magnesium, zinc and their combinations on diabetic rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of two doses of magnesium sulfate, zinc chloride and their combinations on the nutritional value, percent of organs weight / body weight, serum [glucose, magnesium, zinc, cholesterol, triglycerides, kidney and liver functions] of diabetic rats. Sixty-four male Albino rats were divided into two main groups. The first main group [8 rats] fed on basal diet and was considered negative control. The second main group [56 rats] was injected with 150-mg / kg-body weight of recrystallized alloxan to induce hyperglycemia. Diabetic rats was randomly assigned to seven equal subgroups: one of them left as positive control and the other six groups received a basal diet and treated daily orally with [1] 100 mg/kg body weight magnesium sulfate. [2] 200-mg/kg body weight magnesium sulfate. [3] 10 mg/kg body weight zinc chloride. [4] 20 mg/ kg body weight zinc chloride. [5] 100-mg/kg-body weight magnesium sulfate and 10-mg/ kg body weight zinc chloride. [6] 200-mg/kg-body weight magnesium sulfate and 20-mg/ kg body weight zinc chloride. Treating diabetic rats with low and high doses of magnesium, zinc or their combinations resulted in improvement of the nutritional value, in addition to the percent organs weight / body weight. The mean values of serum magnesium and zinc increased in most treated diabetic groups, while the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, urea nitrogen, aspartate amino transferase [AST] and alanine amino transferase [ALT] decreased in all treated groups especially with the high doses, as compared to the positive control groups. The results showed that the best effect on serum parameters in diabetic rats was with high doses of magnesium, zinc and their combinations

Acute myocarditis mimicking acute myocardial infarction

The clinical manifestations of acute myocarditis ranges from an asymptomatic condition to progressive cardiac dysfunction or sudden unexpected death. Myocarditis can mimic acute myocardial infraction [AMI] with chest pain, electrocardigraphic abnormalities, serum creatinine kinas elevation, and hemodynamic instability [1-3]. We present a case of myocarditis treated inappropriately with thrombolysis due to clinical features suggestive of AMI