A first comprehensive estimate of electronic waste in Canada.

Detailed analysis of electronic waste (e-waste) generation and composition is of utmost importance for the proper management of growing e-waste stream worldwide, containing both hazardous and valuable materials. Considering the absence of such comprehensive and up-to-date studies in Canada, this work presents the first estimate of put-on-market electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), the in-use stocks of EEE and e-waste generation in Canada from 1971 to 2030 for 51 product categories comprising 198 product types. Using a dynamic material flow analysis (MFA), the put-on-market EEE is estimated based on trade data retrieved from national and international import and export statistics, and the in-use stocks of EEE and the resulting e-waste are calculated using the Weibull distribution function. The results show that the total mass of EEE within the 60-year period is estimated to be 42.3 million tonnes, with an annual average growth rate of approximately 0.5%. By 2030, the total accumulated in-use stock of EEE is estimated to exceed 13 million tonnes. The estimated e-waste over the 60-year timespan is 29.1 million tonnes. The total annual e-waste generation in Canada is calculated to be 252 kilo tonnes (kt) and 954 kt in the years 2000 and 2020 respectively, which is estimated to reach 1.2 million tonnes by 2030. The e-waste generation per capita increased from 8.3 kg in 2000 to 25.3 kg in 2020 and is estimated to reach 31.5 kg by 2030. This quantification provides valuable insights to policymakers for setting up targets for waste reduction and identifying the resource circularity potential for efficient management of e-waste.

Development of a diagnostic indirect ELISA test for detection of Brucella antibody using recombinant outer membrane protein 16 kDa (rOMP16).

Brucellosis is considered as one of the important global zoonotic diseases that causes medical as well as economic problems especially in tropical countries. The illness has no specific pathognomonic signs; therefore, the rapid and accurate diagnosis of the disease has a very important role in preventing the Brucella spillover and treatment. The purpose of this study was to design a new indirect ELISA test for detection of human brucellosis based on using recombinant Brucella abortus outer membrane protein 16 kDa (rOMP16) as an antigen. OMP16 gene of B. abortus was initially synthesized and cloned in pET-21d vector and then expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The expression was confirmed by the SDS-PAGE, western blotting and dot blotting. The purified protein was coated in ELISA plates and an indirect ELISA was performed on 70 human serum samples. The results were evaluated with a commercial IgG ELISA kit and Rose Bengal plate agglutination tests as reference tests. Diagnostic performance of designed OMP16 ELISA test in comparison with Rose Bengal plate test revealed 100% of sensitivity, 95.00% of specificity and good Fleiss kappa agreement, whereas, where it was compared to commercial ELISA kit, it revealed very good kappa agreement with 100% of sensitivity and 100% of specificity in cut-off value of 0.13. It was concluded that OMP 16 kDa could be acceptable alternative antigen for detecting Brucella IgG antibody with high accuracy.

Effect of resilient architecture in an ancient windmill in the Sistan region on natural ventilation enhancement.

Over centuries different elements have been developed in architectures for ensuring adequate natural ventilation in residential units. This study assesses the different components of an ancient windmill in Sistan, Iran, on the structure's indoor air quality (IAQ) enhancement. Several climatic scenarios have been defined by the wind analysis of Sistan meteorological data and analyzed by CFD. The site measurements confirm the accuracy of the simulation results. In the windmill, two deflectors facing the prevailing wind are the significant elements which, in addition to directing wind toward the entrance, could form vortices near the east and west openings leading to suction ventilation. Alteration of the wind speed and angle from 10 to 15 m/s and 30° to 17° would increase the air change per hour (ACH) by 150% and 110%, respectively. Meanwhile, the ACHs were higher than the ASHRAE desired level (ACH > 0.35).

Lactobacillus casei displaying Clostridium perfringens NetB antigen protects chickens against necrotic enteritis.

Necrotic enteritis is a serious economical disease of poultry caused by Clostridium perfringens. NetB toxin of Clostridium perfringens is considered the causative agent of necrotic enteritis. Following the withdrawal of in-feed antibiotic growth promoters, there has been an urgent need to develop alternative approaches such as vaccination. Currently, there are no commercially available vaccines to control necrotic enteritis especially in broiler chickens as the target population. In the present study, we constructed a recombinant Lactobacillus casei strain expressing NetB protein of C. perfringens on the cell surface and used this probiotic-based vaccine strain to immunize broiler chickens orally against experimental induction of necrotic enteritis. The birds immunized with the oral vaccine strain were significantly protected against necrotic enteritis challenge and developed strong serum anti-NetB antibody responses to NetB protein. Furthermore, the immunized birds showed higher body weight gains during the challenge experiment compared with control birds. This study showed, for the first time, that a probiotic-based vector vaccine could be a promising vaccine candidate to provide protection against necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens. KEYPOINTS: • The probiotic L. casei carrying pT1NX-netB plasmid displayed NetB antigen on the cell surface. • The LC-NetB vaccine strain induced high anti-toxin antibody response in broiler chickens. • The LC-NetB vector vaccine provided significant protection against experimental NE challenge.

Strategies for the direct oxidative esterification of thiols with alcohols.

This review paper provides an overview of the main strategies for the oxidative esterification of thiols with alcohols. The review is divided into two major parts according to final products. The first includes the methods for the synthesis of sulfinic esters, while the second contains the procedures for the fabrication of sulfonic ester derivatives.

The prevalence of refractive error in schoolchildren.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Information on the refractive error prevalence in school-aged children will result in delivering the optimal eye health service to this group. BACKGROUND: Understanding the prevalence of refractive error in school-aged children is crucial to reduce the consequences of uncorrected refractive error. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of refractive error among school-aged children in Shiraz, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional population-based study, 2001 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years participated. All participants underwent cycloplegic refraction. Spherical equivalent (SE) of -0.50 dioptre or more was considered as myopia, SE of +2.00 dioptre or more as hyperopia, and astigmatism as cylinder power of 0.75 dioptre or more. The difference of 1.00 dioptre or more between two eyes defined as anisometropia. RESULTS: The prevalence of myopia was 11.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.2-13.1%), hyperopia 6.7% (95%CI: 5.6-7.9%), and astigmatism 28.9% (95%CI: 26.9-31.0%), out of which 82.1% had with the rule astigmatism. Anisometropia was detected in 4.0% (95%CI: 3.2-5.0%) of children. Astigmatism and anisometropia were significantly higher in boys (p < 0.001, p = 0.03 respectively). The SE decreased significantly with increasing age (p < 0.001) indicating an increase in myopia with age. In addition, the rate of myopic astigmatism increased with age (p < 0.001). Among studied schoolchildren 97.0% could achieve the best-corrected visual acuity of 6/6 and 3.0% could not in the better eye. CONCLUSION: Astigmatism was the most common refractive error among primary school children. The prevalence of myopia was relatively higher than other studies conducted in Iran, and it increased with age. These results may highlight the role of lifestyle changes and increased near work activities on the myopic shift in school-aged children. The findings provide information for screening programmes in school-aged children.

Real-time radial tagging for quantification of left ventricular torsion.

PURPOSE: To develop a real-time radial tagging MRI for accurate measurement of rotational motion and twist of the left ventricle (LV). METHODS: A FLASH-based radial tagging sequence with an undersampled radial reading scheme was developed for both single and double-slice imaging in real-time. The Polar Fourier Transform was used for reconstruction to push the undersampling artifacts out of a reduced FOV. The developed technique was used to image five normal subjects during rest, plus one during both exercise and rest conditions. LV rotational motions were estimated for five consecutive cardiac cycles in all cases. The process was validated using a numerical phantom. The real-time measurement of global rotational motion was compared with those measured from a non-real-time exam using linear regression analysis and the Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: The real-time acquisition was performed successfully with a temporal resolution of 46.2 ms. Image quality was sufficient for the reproducible calculation of rotation at rest and exercise. The feasibility of double-slice acquisition on human was further studied and a real-time twist of the left ventricle was demonstrated. The difference between LV global rotations from real-time and non-real-time approaches was 0.27 degrees. A significant reverse recoiling, induced by exercise, was reproducibly measured by the technique. CONCLUSION: A real-time radial tagging MRI technique was developed based on the undersampled radial acquisition and Polar Fourier Transform reconstruction, for accurate measuring of the heart rotational motion and twist. The technique was able to extract a meaningful change of diastolic recoiling under stress test conditions during physical activities (cycling).

The Prevalence and Causes of Low Vision and Visual Impairment in School-Aged Children: The Shiraz Pediatric Eye Study.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment (VI) in Shiraz schoolchildren aged between 6 and 12 years. Methods: In the present population-based study, stratified random sampling was used to select 2400 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years from all four educational districts of Shiraz, Iran. Using the definitions of the World Health Organization, VI was defined as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≤0.5 logMAR (20/60) in the better eye, and blindness as BCVA worse than 1.3 logMAR (20/400) in the better eye. The low vision was defined as BCVA equal to or worse than 0.5 logMAR (20/60) in either eye. Data were recorded from a detailed interview and ocular examination of each eligible student. Results: The mean age of the students was 9.1 ± 1.6 years. The prevalence of VI was 3/2001 (0.14%). The cause of VI in all these three patients (100%) was amblyopia due to high refractive errors (high ametropia and astigmatism). Regarding the main refractive errors leading to VI among these three patients, one patient had bilateral high hyperopia (compound hyperopic astigmatism), one of them had bilateral high astigmatism, and the other one had compound myopic astigmatism. According to a visual acuity of less than or equal to 20/60 in at least one eye, 9/2001 (0.4%) of children had low vision. Conclusions: This study revealed a low prevalence of VI in a sample of 6- to 12-year-old school-aged children. Amblyopia in the setting of high ametropia and astigmatism were the most common causes of VI.

Efficacy of Different Ibuprofen Formulations with Two Prescription Methods on Post Endodontic Pain of Teeth with Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Pain management during root canal therapy and after that is of great importance in endodontics. This study aimed to compare the effect of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); ibuprofen and ibuprofen lysine with two methods of prescription on pain after single-visit root canal treatment of first and second mandibular molar teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Materials and Methods: This randomized study recruited subjects experiencing moderate to severe pain from a tooth diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (n=120). Subjects were randomized to receive 400 mg ibuprofen acid or 400 mg ibuprofen lysine regularly or on demand. The primary objective was to measure changes in pain scores at post-operative time frames of 6, 12, 18, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the root canal treatment on a 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS). Independent T-test, Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis Test and Friedman Test were used to analyze the data. Results: Kruskal-Wallis analysis showed a significant difference in NRS score between on-demand ibuprofen group and regular ibuprofen group and also between regular ibuprofen lysine group and regular ibuprofen group at 6 hours after the treatment (P<0.05). But no remarkable difference was observed in the recorded mean pain intensity of four study groups in the other time frames (P>0.05). Conclusions: Based on this randomized clinical trial, there was no significant difference in the pain intensity of patients using ibuprofen and ibuprofen lysine. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the degree of pain between the on-demand and regular groups, despite the fact that patients in the on-demand group used less medications. Due to the multiple negative effects of NSAIDs, it would be wise to prescribe ibuprofen on demand.

Comparison of the Effect of Nifedipine Alone and the Combination of Nifedipine and Sildenafil in Delaying Preterm Labor: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: Recently, sildenafil as a drug effective in relaxing smooth muscles can be used as an adjunct to delay the onset of uterine contractions and therefore the occurrence of preterm labor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nifedipine combination with sildenafil on preterm delivery compared with nifedipine alone. Materials and methods: This randomized double-blinded clinical trial was performed on pregnant women with a gestational age of 26-34 weeks with singleton pregnancy and symptoms of preterm delivery. The mothers were randomly assigned into two groups receiving nifedipine plus sildenafil or those receiving nifedipine alone. The time of delivery, maternal and neonatal complications were compared between the two groups. Results: Mothers who received the combination therapy experienced significantly lower preterm delivery within 72 hours of intervention compared to nifedipine alone (4.5% versus 27.3%, p = 0.002). The rate of delivery during the first 7 days after discharge was 7.6% and 31.8% in nifedipine plus sildenafil and nifedipine alone, respectively (P = 0.001). The prevalence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) as well as mean birth weight was higher in the nifedipine group alone. Treatment protocol with nifedipine and sildenafil compared with nifedipine alone was associated with a significant increase in preterm delivery delay (beta =-5.819, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The use of sildenafil in addition to nifedipine causes more delay in delivery in cases of preterm labor, followed by lower risk for RDS, reduces neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and preserves neonatal birth weight.

Investigating the in vitro photothermal effect of green synthesized apigenin-coated gold nanoparticle on colorectal carcinoma.

Applying toxic chemical to the synthesis of stable gold nanoparticles is one of the limitations of gold nanoparticles for therapeutic applications such as photothermal therapy. Plant compounds such as apigenin (API) with therapeutic potential can be applied in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. API-coated gold nanoparticles (Api@AuNPs) with an average size of 19.1 nm and a surface charge of -4.3 mV have been synthesized by a simple and efficient technique. The stability of Api@AuNPs in the biological environment was verified through UV-Vis spectroscopy. Based on Raman and FTIR spectroscopy analysis, chemical binding of API on the surface of Api@AuNPs through hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups was found to be the main reason for the stability of the Api@AuNPs in comparison with citrate-coated gold nanoparticles (Cit@AuNPs). The synthesized Api@AuNPs do not cause major toxic effects up to 128 ppm. Api@AuNP-mediated photothermal therapy leads to the indiscriminate eradication of almost half of both mouse fibroblastic (L929) and colorectal cancer (CT26) cells. Flow-cytometry analysis revealed that the cell death mechanism is mainly apoptosis. In the apoptosis triggered cell death in photothermal treatment, Api@AuNPs are preferred over commonly used gold nanoparticles in photothermal treatments which mostly trigger the necrosis cell death pathway.

Effect of pomegranate juice on vascular adhesion factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and insulin resistance demonstrate elements of functional impairment of the endothelium. Treatment of endothelial dysfunction with natural products, such as pomegranate, can open new ways in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. PURPOSE: The present meta-analysis provides information in highlighting the role of pomegranate in endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: Various databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, were searched up to July 2020 using relevant keywords. We have selected the studies that investigated the effects of pomegranate on vascular adhesion factors, including intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6). MD with 95% CrI with 100,000 iterations by using Markov chain Monte Carlo code were used. RESULTS: Pooled effect size of articles in human studies indicated that pomegranate juice was not significantly effective on ICAM-1 [MD: -0.42; CrI: (-1.01, 0.17)], VCAM-1 [MD: -0.20; CrI: (-1.95, 1.40)], and E-selectin [MD: -0.21; CrI: (-1.62, 1.21)] compared to the control group. But it can significantly reduce IL-6 [MD: -1.07; CrI: (-1.90, -0.19)]. CONCLUSION: Generally, present study showed that pomegranate juice has no significant effect on vascular adhesion factors, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin, but can reduce IL-6 significantly. Future prospective randomized clinical trials with longer intervention duration are warranted to obtain a precise conclusion.

Distribution of intraocular pressure in healthy Iranian children: the Shiraz Pediatric Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To describe the mean and normal range of intraocular pressure (IOP) and its associations in healthy Iranian school children using the noncontact tonometer. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study as part of the Shiraz Pediatric Eye Study, a stratified random sampling was performed among elementary school children of Shiraz, Iran. Basic demographics and socioeconomic status of households, past medical history, drug history, and eye health history were collected for each eligible student. Children underwent complete ophthalmic examination. Axial length, corneal curvature, and anterior chamber depth were measured using the IOL-Master 500. RESULTS: Of 2,001 eligible children, 1,901 (95.0%; 3,802 eyes) with a mean age of 9.1 ± 1.6 years (standard deviation; range, 6-12 years) had reliable IOP. The mean spherical equivalent refraction was 0.5 ± 1.3 D for the right eye and 0.6 ± 1.2 D for the left eye. Mean IOP in the right eye was 15.1 ± 2.5 mm Hg (median, 15.0; range, 8.0-27.0 mm Hg); in the left eye, 15.2 ± 2.5 mm Hg (median, 15.0; range, 9.0-28.0 mm Hg). In multiple regression analyses, the mean IOP was significantly lower among asthmatic children compared to normal participants (P = 0.007). The measured IOP was significantly higher in myopic participants than hyperopic patients (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a useful normative IOP database using the noncontact tonometer for healthy Iranian school children.

Natural polymeric nanoparticles as a non-invasive probe for mesenchymal stem cell labelling.

Non-invasive tracking of stem cells after transplant is necessary for cell therapy and tissue engineering field. Herein, we introduce natural and biodegradable nanoparticle to develop a highly efficient nanoprobe with the ability to penetrate the stem cell for tracking. Based on the use of (Gd3+) to label stem cells for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) we synthesized nanoparticle-containing Gd3+. Gd3+ could be used as t1-weighted MRI contrast agents. In this study, chitosan-alginate nanoparticles were synthesized as a clinical Dotarem® carrier for decreased t1-weighted. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilized for nanoprobe characterization and ICP analysis was performed for Gd3+ concentration measurement. The results illustrate that nanoprobes with spherical shape and with a size of 80 nm without any aggregation were obtained. Relaxivity results suggest that r1 in the phantom was 12.8 mM-1s-1 per Gd3+ ion, which is 3.5 times larger than that for Dotarem® (r1 ∼3.6 mM-1s-1 per Gd3+ ion) and this result for synthesized nanoprobe in stem cells 3.56 mM-1s-1 per Gd3+ ion with 2.16 times larger than that for Dotarem® was reported and also enhanced signal in in-vivo imaging was observed. Chitosan-alginate nanoparticles as a novel biocompatible probe for stem cell tracking can be utilized in tissue engineering approach.

High protection of mice against Brucella abortus by oral immunization with recombinant probiotic Lactobacillus casei vector vaccine, expressing the outer membrane protein OMP19 of Brucella species.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease threatening the public health and hindering the trade of animals and their products, which has a negative impact on the economic development of a country. Vaccination is the most effective way to control brucellosis. The recombinant vector vaccines are promising candidates for immunization in humans and animals. In this study, the gene encoding OMP19 antigen was primarily amplified and cloned into an expression vector called pT1NX, and then transformed to L. casei cell via electroporation technique. The expression was confirmed using specific antibody against the recombinant protein via immunological screening tests such as western blot and immunofluorescence assay. Finally, recombinant L. casei was orally fed to mice and the results were further recorded, indicating that the mice group which received OMP19 through L. casei based vaccine represented a very good general and mucosal immune responses protective against challenges with virulent B. abortus 544 strain compared with negative control recipient groups. Therefore, the vaccine produced in this research plan can be a very good candidate for protection against brucellosis.

Effects of cinnamon on controlling metabolic parameters of polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cinnamon as a traditional medicine has been widely used in various disorders such as headache, toothache, common cold, diarrhea, flatulence, fever, amenorrhea frigidity. However, the effect of cinnamon supplementation on metabolic parameters of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients has not been fully assessed. AIM OF THE STUDY: Clinical trials have shown contradictory effects of cinnamon supplementation on metabolic parameters of polycystic PCOS patients. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of cinnamon supplementation on metabolic parameters of PCOS patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, Scopus and Web of Science databases (until August 2019) were searched to identify potential clinical trials with information on cinnamon supplementation on metabolic parameters among PCOS patients. Weighted Mean Differences was pooled using a random-effects model. Standard methods were used for assessment of heterogeneity, publication bias and sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Pooling five clinical trials (five treatment arms) together did not show any significant effect on body weight (WMD: -0.74 kg, 95% CI: -3.17 to 1.69) and body mass index (BMI) (WMD: -1.47, 95% CI: -4.07 to 1.12). Our results illustrated that a significant decrease of fasting blood sugar (WMD: -5.32, mg/dL95% CI: -10.46 to -0.17), fasting insulin (WMD: -4.10, µIU/dL95% CI: -6.76 to -0.144) and HOMA-IR (WMD: -0.69 95% CI: -1.37 to -0.004) were observed after cinnamon treatment. Moreover, our findings demonstrated that oral cinnamon supplementation in PCOS patients led to significant reduction of serum level of LDL-C, total cholesterol, and triacylglycerol. Besides, an improvement of serum concentration of HDL-C was shown by cinnamon supplementation. CONCLUSION: Generally, present study indicated that cinnamon supplementation may help PCOS patients to manage their metabolic parameters. Future prospective randomized clinical trials with longer intervention duration are warranted to obtain a precise conclusion.

Wide Dynamic Range, Angle-Sensing, Long-Wave Infrared Detector Using Nano-Antenna Arrays.

We present a new technique for designing angle-sensing, long-wave infrared (LWIR) detectors. Angle detection in the proposed detector is achieved by measuring the ratio of the absorbed power in two closely-spaced, directive infrared antennas. Each directive LWIR antenna is in the form of a three-element Yagi-Uda array sharing a common reflector element with its neighbor. The structure of each antenna is optimized to act both as the collector of the infrared energy from the desired direction and as a distributed bolometer that senses the received radiation. The resistivity of each bolometer-antenna changes as a function of the absorbed power by the antenna. This change of resistance is sensed by biasing each antenna with a constant DC voltage and measuring the change of current passing through the antenna. Following this approach, by measuring the ratio of the resistance change in the two antennas, the angle of arrival of the LWIR signal can be determined. We present the design, fabrication, and measurement results of an angle-sensing detector optimized to operate at the wavelength of λ = 10.6 µm. The proposed detector has subwavelength dimensions occupying an aperture having dimensions of approximately 0.6 λ0 × 0.4λ0. The response of the detector was measured and shows the angle sensing dynamic range of 22 dB within the field of view of ±60°.

Effects of genistein on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Genistein (4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone) is a phytoestrogen with potential health benefits in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, the evidence regarding its effects on hypertension has not been conclusive. Therefore, we examined the impact of oral genistein supplementation on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) via a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus and the Cochrane library databases (until August 2019) were searched to identify potential RCTs with information on genistein supplementation and hypertension. Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) was pooled using a random-effects model. Pooling four RCTs (four treatment arms) together did not show any significant reduction of SBP (WMD: -5.32 mmHg, 95% CI: -14.59 to 3.96) and DBP (WMD: -2.06 mmHg, 95% CI: -6.41 to 2.28) compared to that of the placebo group. However, subgroup analysis by intervention duration suggested that more than 6 months genistein supplementation in metabolic syndrome patients can significantly decrease SBP (WMD: -13.73 mmHg, 95% CI: -18.10 to -9.37) and DBP (WMD: -5.18 mmHg, 95% CI: -6.62 to -3.74). Generally, present study indicated that genistein supplementation had no effect on hypertension, but it seems that longer intervention duration of more than 6 months especially among metabolic syndrome patients may lead to the effectiveness of genistein.

New nanoprobe for breast cancer cell imaging based on low-density lipoprotein.

Many malignant cancers have an increased demand for lipoprotein due to the requirement for lipids for the rapid proliferation of the tumours and which is met by the increased availability of LDL through upregulation of LDL transporters. This unique phenomenon is the basis for the use of LDL based nanoparticles for cell imaging. In this study, a novel MR-active LDL nanoparticle was synthesised as the MRI probes. This MR-active LDL was characterised by using different techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The intracellular uptake of Gd3+ and cytotoxicity was measured by ICP-AES and MTT assay respectively. Results suggest that this nanoprobe with spherical shape and size of 55 nm has reduced relaxation time compared to commercial contrast agent and is introduced as an appropriate imaging probe. The amount of reabsorption of nanoprobe increased up to 6 h and given that the connection of the chelator does not have an effect on reabsorption proves that entry through transporter of APO section has done. This study lays the basis for exploring a personalised medicine strategy by directing a patient's own LDL to cancer cell imaging in the early stages.

Effects of resveratrol supplementation on bone biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The current study presents a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on resveratrol and bone health biomarkers. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (until September 2018) were searched to identify the potential RCTs with information on resveratrol supplementation and bone metabolism biomarkers. Mean differences (MD) were analyzed using a random-effects model. Pooling six RCTs (eight treatment arms with 264 subjects) together identified no significant reduction of serum Ca, osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, and procollagen I N-terminal propeptide values after resveratrol supplementation over placebo treatment. However, a significant increase in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (MD: 5.69 mg/mL, 95% CI: 3.58-7.80, I2  = 95.7%, P < 0.001) and bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) (MD: 10.57 mmHg, 95% CI: 5.36-15.78, I2  = 99.2%, P < 0.001) values was observed after resveratrol treatment relative to placebo. The findings of this study indicate that resveratrol supplementation increased some key bone biomarkers, such as ALP and BAP. Further precise clinical trials of the effects of resveratrol supplementation on bone health should be conducted.