Probiotic Formulations Containing Fixed and Essential Oils Ameliorates SIBO-Induced Gut Dysbiosis in Rats.

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is associated with the pathogenesis of intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and metabolic disease states such as allergies, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes. SIBO is a condition characterized by an increased number (>1 × 103 CFU) of abnormal bacterial species in the small intestine. Interest in SIBO has gained importance due to increased awareness of the human microbiome and its potential relationships with human health and disease, which has encouraged new work in this area. In recent years, standard antibiotic regimens (rifaximin and metronidazole) have been used to treat SIBO, but solo antibiotics or their derivatives are insufficient. In this study, the therapeutic effects of the probiotic form, which contains coconut oil and traces of peppermint-lemon-patchouli essential oil, were evaluated on the Dysbiosis-Based Rat SIBO Model. There are significant differences between sick and healthy rats (p = 0.014), between sick rats and rats treated with the oil mix plus probiotic mix protocol (p = 0.026), and between rats treated with only the probiotic and only oil protocols (p = 0.030) in the evaluation of TNF-α levels. Histologically, villi distortion and loss of crypts, epithelial shedding and necrotic changes in the apical regions of the villi, and inflammatory cell infiltrations extending to the lamina propria and submucosa were observed in sick rats. Mitotic figures in villus epithelium and crypts were observed in rats treated with 9.2 × 109 CFU/1000 mg/coconut oil + trace amounts of peppermint-lemon-patchouli essential oil and a probiotic mixture (oil + probiotic mix protocol). A regression of inflammatory reactions and an increase in goblet cells were observed. A decrease was observed in inflammation markers in sick rats. On the other hand, the oil plus probiotic mix protocol recovered digestive system defects in the animals caused by dysbiosis. In the future, these treatment approaches can be effective in the treatment of SIBO.

Next-Generation Natural Baby Barrier Cream Formulations: Physicochemical Analysis and Safety Assessment.

The background of this article is to develop formulations consisting of natural raw materials that are effective in diaper rash by taking advantage of the medicinal properties of zinc oxide, natural oils, and beeswax. The purpose of this research was to determine the appropriate amounts of the constituents of the formulation and to determine the optimum formulation by comparing the margin of safety (MoS), and microbiological and physicochemical properties of the best formulation. For this purpose, parameters such as pH, rheological behavior, hydrophilic and lipophilic balance (HLB), zeta potential, and polydispersity index were analyzed and evaluated to determine the optimum formulation. Besides, microbiological reproduction and 3-month stability studies of the developed product were carried out, and it has been proven that the developed product maintains both microbiological and stability properties throughout its shelf life. Furt hermore, whether each raw material used in the selected optimum formulation remained within MoS values was evaluated according to exposure doses in the literature. Whether it maintains the desired properties throughout the shelf life was evaluated by stability studies. In this article, eight different zinc oxide-based formulations for preventing diaper rash were developed, and their physicochemical properties were examined to optimize cream formulations. baby barrier cream (BBC)-8 was chosen as the ideal formula by comparing all the parameters obtained as a result of the analysis. As a result of the optimization studies of the BBC-8 formulation, the pH value was 7.2, the viscosity property was pseudoplastic-type flow, the particle size was 533.2 nm ± 6.93, and the zeta potential was -30.9 mV ± 0.72. The theoretical safety assessment of each constituent has been made according to the European Union Cosmetics Directives. According to the calculations made on each raw material in BBC-8 according to the directives, the MoS value was found to be more than 230. For the stability studies, no microbiological growth was observed at the end of the 3-month stability studies at 25 and 40°C. In terms of the development of future natural cosmetic product formulations and the defi nition of "natural formulation," it gives hope to prepare a safer cosmetic product for baby rash creams that do not contain preservatives, perfumes, and dyes and consists of natural oils and zinc oxide.

Evaluation of corrosion resistance of Co-Cr alloys fabricated with different metal laser sintering systems.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the specimens produced by five different commercial metal laser sintering (MLS) systems with their recommended Co-Cr alloy powders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MLS machines and the alloy powders used were, ProX 100-ST2724G (St-Pro), Mysint 100-EOS SP2 (SP2-Mys), EOSINT 270-EOS SP2 (SP2-EOS), SLM 100-Starbond CoS (SB-SLM), and MLab Cusing-Remanium® Star (RS-MLab), respectively. Eight specimens from each group were prepared. Open circuit potential (Eocp) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements of polished surfaces of the specimens were conducted in a three-electrode cell using a potentiostat-galvanostat in Fusayama-Meyer artificial saliva (AS). Specimens from each group were immersed in AS and de-ionized water for seven days. Eocp, charge transfer resistance (Rct) values, and released ions (µg/cm2 × 7d) in different solutions were determined. The specimen surfaces were observed with SEM/EDS. Results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Eocp values have shifted to potentials that are more positive over time. Steady-state Eocp values were from high to low as follows, SB-SLM, SP2-Mys, SP2-EOS, RS-MLab, and ST-Pro, respectively. After 60 mins, RS-MLab specimens had the highest Rct value, followed by SP2-Mys, SB-SLM, SP2-EOS, and ST-Pro. In all groups, ion release was higher in AS than that in de-ionized water. CONCLUSION: There were small differences among the corrosion resistances of the Co-Cr alloy specimens produced with MLS systems; meanwhile, the corrosion resistances were quite high for all specimens.

Food policy, nutrition and nutraceuticals in the prevention and management of COVID-19: Advice for healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND: The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) represents an ongoing major global health crisis with a potentially unprecedented death toll and socio-economic impact in the modern era. Measures taken to reduce the rate of transmission are too unprecedented, but are deemed necessary. The extensive strain on public health services has meant that individual agency is increasingly called for. To support this, there is a need to review policy and procedure governing the food and commerce industries in particular. Additionally, it is necessary to convey a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of relevant diet and lifestyle factors to both healthcare practitioners and the general public. SCOPE AND APPROACH: To our knowledge, a review of possible additional measures for healthcare proffesionals, which includes the possible nutritional management COVID-19 pandemic does not yet exist.Key Findings and Conclusions: This review identifies i) changing trends in consumer awareness and purchasing patterns in response to COVID-19, and their potential future implications for the food and food-commerce industry ii) problematic elements of policy relevant to the outbreak of COVID-19, including the handling of wild-life and food-commerce, ii) newly emergent technologies in food science which represent viable and cost-effective means to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus, such as anti-microbial packaging, iii) important nutritional considerations with regard to coronavirus disease prevention and management, including nutrition in early infancy, and the role of select micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), phytochemicals and probiotics in conferring protection against both viral infection and pathogenicity.

Role of erythropoietin and its receptor in the development of endometriosis in rats

Objective: Besides its hematopoietic function, erythropoietin (EPO) may protect tissues from degenerative disorders. As such, EPO and its receptors were revealed in nonhematopoietic cells, including stromal and endometrial epithelial cells. However, the role of EPO in endometrial disorders is still unknown. Here, we aimed to examine the role of EPO and its receptor activation in the development of endometriosis in rats. Material and Methods: Animals were treated with EPO, darbepoietin (the synthetic form of EPO) or EPO's receptor activator, methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (MIRCERA), after development of endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced by estrogen-administration following surgical attachment of endometrial surface on the inner abdominal wall. Treatments were started 3 weeks after induction of endometriosis and continued for the following 3 weeks. For the analysis of recurrence of endometriosis, additional analyses were conducted 3 weeks after cessation of treatments. Results: As compared with vehicle-treated animals, lesion size was reduced significantly and recurrence of endometriosis was not observed in all treatment groups. Histopathologic examination revealed that EPO and darbepoietin were more effective than MIRCERA- and vehicle-treated animals. Conclusion: Here we provide evidence that EPO is a promising candidate for the treatment of endometriosis. Our histopathologic results in particular indicate that EPO is more effective than its receptor activator MIRCERA in the development endometriosis.

Protective effect of resveratrol against oxidative damage to ovarian reserve in female Sprague-Dawley rats.

An increased accumulation of intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species with time may play an important role in the process of ageing. The antioxidant properties of resveratrol are dependent upon the up-regulation of endogenous cellular antioxidant systems. We evaluated whether resveratrol has protective antioxidant effects on ovarian damage related to oxidative stress in a rat model. Twenty-four female rats were randomly divided into three groups and were given saline (group 1: control); intraperitoneal cisplatin, 4.5 mg/kg, two weekly doses in total (group 2); or cisplatin, 4.5 mg/kg plus intraperitoneal resveratrol 10 mg/kg/day, 24 h before the administration of cisplatin (group 3). Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations were significantly lower in group 2 than in group 3 (P < 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively). The evaluation of the atretic and antral follicle counts revealed statistically significant differences between the groups (P = 0.04 and P < 0.01, respectively). A statistically significant difference was observed in the follicle count positive for AMH between the groups (P = 0.01). Oxidative stress plays an important role in the process of ovarian ageing. Because of its natural antioxidant properties, resveratrol may be an effective option in protecting ovarian tissue against oxidative damage.

Liposome, gel and lipogelosome formulations containing sodium hyaluronate.

The moisture-imparting effect of sodium hyaluronate (Na-HA) was investigated in liposome, gel and lipogelosome topical formulations. Sixteen liposome formulations were prepared with or without Na-HA (45 kDa) using various ratios of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylglycerol, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and phospholipon 100H. The liposomes were characterized in terms of their structure, composition, zeta potential, Na-HA-entrapment capacity and stability. In particular, scanning electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy, dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy were utilized to probe appearance, size and size distribution and lamellarity. The work was then extended to gels using the gelling agents poloxamer (PXM 188 or 407) and Carbopol or Ultrez 21 (U-21), yielding liposome-loaded gel formulations (i.e. lipogelosomes). The in vitro release kinetics of Na-HA from liposomes, lipogelosomes and commercial Na-HA reference formulations were studied via a flow-through cell method. Among the liposomal formulations tested, L6, comprising of Na-HA-loaded phospholipon 100H:stearylamine:cholesterol (7:1:2), displayed optimal traits. The mean particle size, zeta potential and entrapment capacity of L6 were determined as 1900 nm, -20.9 mV and 15.0%. The optimum lipogelosome, LG4, was obtained by incorporating liposome L6 into a U-21 gel at a ratio of 1:1 (w/w). In clinical trials, in-house formulations were applied twice daily to 15 female volunteers. The two-week benefits were assessed against a commercial product; and in all cases, changes of skin humidity, sebum content, pH and wrinkle depth were promising. In particular, the LG4 lipogelosome-based formulation had significantly improved skin hydration and compliance, as evidenced by a moisture content gain of 30.4%.

Normalization of endothelial dysfunction following renal transplantation is accompanied by a reduction of circulating visfatin/NAMPT. A novel marker of endothelial damage?

Endothelial dysfunction is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease and outcome of patients with chronic kidney disease. We hypothesized that decreased inflammatory activity and increased adiponectin following transplantation could be one mechanism for a better endothelial health. Fifty-eight living donor kidney transplant non-diabetic recipients, 31 (23 male, 29 +/- 5 yr) on cyclosporine A and 27 (10 male, 26 +/- 5 yr) on tacrolimus immunsupression, were studied longitudinally. Visfatin, adiponectin, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, brachial artery flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and nitroglycerine mediated dilatation were measured before transplantation and on the 30th and 90th day after transplantation. Pre-transplantation visfatin, adiponectin and FMD values of patients were significantly higher than those of the controls (p < 0.001 for all). All values decreased significantly 30 and 90 d post-transplantation. Plasma visfatin and adiponectin, correlated negatively with FMD levels 90 d both before and after kidney transplantation (p < 0.001 for both). Endothelial function improved during the first month after transplantation, and the degree of improvement correlated to reductions in circulating visfatin, adiponectin and hsCRP levels. Of interest, the intracellular enzyme visfatin was the strongest predictor of FMD both before and after kidney transplantation and may thus reflect endothelial cell damage directly.

Late presentation of blunt right diaphragmatic rupture (hepatic hernia).

Diaphragmatic rupture occurs in 0.8% to 3.6% of patients after blunt or penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma, and the preoperative diagnosis is difficult. The diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture may be made on initial presentation or at any time later. Right-sided diaphragmatic rupture is rare and occurs in approximately 5% to 20% of all diaphragmatic disruptions. The incidence of herniation of the intra-abdominal organs into the pleural cavity is also low, observed in only about 19% of right-sided diaphragmatic ruptures. We present a case of right-sided traumatic rupture of the diaphragm diagnosed 15 years after the initial blunt trauma. A 22-year-old male patient fell 15 years before and was symptom-free since then. He was referred to our hospital with the signs of herniation of the right diaphragm, which was manifested in the chest x-rays. The definite diagnosis was made through thoracoabdominal computed tomography. The diaphragmatic rupture was repaired via abdominal approach.

Endothelial functions improve with decrease in asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels after renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased cardiovascular events. The relationships between the markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were investigated both before and after living donor kidney transplantation. METHODS: Twenty-seven renal transplant patients were studied. Eleven patients (six male, five female) were on cyclosporine A, whereas 16 patients (nine male, seven female) were treated with tacrolimus based regimes. Twenty-seven subjects (12 males, 15 females) were studied as controls. Plasma adiponectin, high sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP), Asymetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) levels were studied before transplantation and on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28. The brachial artery flow mediated dilatation (FMD) was studied before transplantation and on the 28th day. RESULTS: Serum hsCRP and ADMA levels decreased significantly from the first posttransplantation day on each measurement (P<0.001 for all) while the decrement of plasma adiponectin started in the third day (P<0.001 for all). The FMD was lower in the patients than the control group (P<0.001) and improved significantly in the 28th day of transplantation (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that ADMA is associated with FMD in CKD both before and after kidney transplantation. Endothelial functions improve at the very beginning of the posttransplantation period with accompanying reduction in ADMA and hsCRP levels.