BackgroundAir pollution and meteorological factors exert complex nonlinear effects on acute symptoms in the population, with intricate interactions among these factors. Traditional statistical methods struggle to simultaneously address complex nonlinear relationships and multicollinearity issues.ObjectiveTo delineate the dynamic effects of air pollutants and meteorological parameters on acute symptoms in three distinct populations with the multicollinearity being addressed and to generate reliable scientific evidence for prevention and control of health risk factors.MethodsA time-series study design was employed to collect data on air pollution (daily mean temperature, daily precipitation, daily mean relative humidity, and daily mean wind speed), meteorological factors [Air Quality Index (AQI), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and 8-hour maximum ozone (O3)], and acute symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat in Jinan from June to December 2023. Key variables were selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, followed by generalized additive mixed modeling (GAMM) to analyze the health effects of combined environmental exposures to air pollution and meteorological factors. Linear variables were modeled using linear mixed-effects function, nonlinear variables were smoothed using thin-plate regression splines, and variables with interaction effects were smoothed using low-rank scale-invariant tensor product splines. Fluctuations in independent variables following a normal distribution were treated as sampling errors and incorporated as random effects in the GAMM.ResultsFor fever, the daily mean temperature, daily mean relative humidity, daily mean wind speed, and ambient SO2 were statistically significant (P<0.05), with daily mean wind speed being a linear influencing factor. When the daily mean temperature was below 3 °C, each 10 °C increase corresponded to a relative risk (RR) of 2.64 (95%CI: 2.50, 2.79). When the daily mean temperature was ≥3 °C, each 10 °C increase corresponded to an RR of 0.86 (95%CI: 0.83, 0.89). Each 10% increase in daily mean relative humidity was associated with an RR of 0.93 (95%CI: 0.89, 0.97). Each 1 m·s−1 increase in daily mean wind speed corresponded to an RR of 1.06 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.10). Within the concentration ranges of <10 μg·m−3, 10–<12.5 μg·m−3, and ≥12.5 μg·m−3, each 1 μg·m−3 increase in ambient SO2 corresponded to RR values of 1.01 (95%CI: 0.98, 1.05), 1.21 (95%CI: 1.17, 1.24), and 0.97 (95%CI: 0.94, 0.99), respectively. For cough, the daily mean temperature, daily mean relative humidity, PM10, and SO2 were statistically significant (P<0.001), with PM10 being a linear influencing factor. When the daily mean temperature was below 1 °C, each 10 °C increase corresponded to an RR of 1.47 (95%CI: 1.42, 1.52). When the daily mean temperature was ≥1 °C, each 10 °C increase corresponded to an RR of 0.85 (95%CI: 0.82, 0.87). Each 10% increase in daily mean relative humidity was associated with an RR of 0.95 (95%CI: 0.92, 0.98). Each 50 μg·m−3 increase in PM10 concentration corresponded to an RR of 1.05 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.08). Within the concentration ranges of <10 μg·m−3, 10–<12.5 μg·m−3, and ≥ 12.5 μg·m−3, each 1 μg·m−3 increase in ambient SO2 corresponded to RR values of 1.00 (95%CI: 0.97, 1.03), 1.12 (95%CI: 1.09, 1.16), and 0.98 (95%CI: 0.95, 1.00), respectively. For sore throat, the daily mean temperature, daily mean relative humidity, daily mean wind speed, PM10, and SO2 were statistically significant (P<0.05), with daily mean wind speed and PM10 being linear influencing factors. When the daily mean temperature was below 2 °C, each 10 °C increase corresponded to an RR of 1.82 (95%CI: 1.69, 1.96). When the daily mean temperature was ≥2 °C, each 10 °C increase corresponded to an RR of 0.81 (95%CI: 0.77, 0.87). Each 10% increase in daily mean relative humidity was associated with an RR of 0.94 (95%CI: 0.88, 1.00). Within the concentration ranges of <10 μg·m−3, 10–<12.5 μg·m−3, and ≥12.5 μg·m−3, each 1 μg·m−3 increase in ambient SO2 corresponded to RR values of 1.02 (95%CI: 0.97, 1.08), 1.13 (95%CI: 1.08, 1.19), and 0.98 (95%CI: 0.94, 1.02), respectively. Each 1 m·s−1 increase in daily mean wind speed and each 50 μg·m−3 increase in PM10 concentration were associated with RR values of 1.06 (95%CI: 1.00, 1.12) and 1.04 (95%CI: 0.98, 1.10), respectively. An interaction effect was observed between daily mean wind speed and PM10: increasing daily mean wind speed non-linearly reduced the impact of PM10, on sore throat whereas PM10 had no significant effect on wind speed.ConclusionThis study, by combining LASSO and GAMM, largely eliminates the multicollinearity among selected variables. It reveals complex non-linear effects and interactions between air pollutants, meteorological factors, and acute symptoms in different population groups in Jinan. The symptoms like fever, cough, and sore throat are non-linearly associated with daily mean temperature and SO2 concentration, while PM10 and wind speed show a linear relationship or interactive effects. These findings provide a new basis for the precise prevention and control of health risk factors.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic pollutants produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels and biomass. They are highly persistent and can accumulate in the food chain. Honey, a natural product susceptible to atmospheric deposition, has recently been recognized as an important bioindicator for monitoring environmental pollution. This systematic review examined 29 articles published from 2000 to 2025 analyzing the global presence, concentrations, and potential health risks of PAHs in honey. Results showed that the sum of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ΣPAHs) concentrations in honey ranged from below the detection limit to 166.83 µg/kg. Higher levels were observed in urban and industrial areas. Seventeen studies analyzed 16 PAHs prioritized by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) being the most frequently detected, a highly toxic compound. Although most samples met international food safety standards, levels exceeding European regulatory limits were detected in some areas, raising concerns about local health risks. The results of this study emphasize the need for standardized analytical methods and routine monitoring to more accurately assess the exposure risk of PAHs in honey.
Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs), as the oxides of the most abundant elements in rare earths, have been widely used in biomedical and industrial production and other fields that are closely related to human life. China is a large country in resources and production of rare earth, and the impact of CeO2 NPs on human health has been increasingly concerned. In response to the possible health risks of CeO2 NPs, researchers begin to focus on their toxic effects on living organisms, especially on the reproductive system. The male reproductive system is not only responsible for producing sperm and regulating the secretion of testosterone, but also plays a key role in maintaining male sexual characters and function. Any adverse effects on the male reproductive system may lead to reduced fertility and reproductive dysfunction. Some studies have shown that long-term exposure to CeO2 NPs may lead to gonadal damage, sex hormone disorders, and other problems in male animals. Therefore, an in-depth study of the potential effects of CeO2 NPs on the male reproductive system is of great scientific significance and practical value. In this study, we reviewed the male reproductive toxicity of CeO2 NPs in terms of spermatogenic cells, spermatozoa structure, blood-testis barrier, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and functional changes in epididymis, and analyzed the effects of the size and shape of physicochemical parameters of CeO2 NPs on the toxicity to male reproductive system. The findings will provide a theoretical basis and scientific evidence for the rational use of CeO2 NPs.
BackgroundHealthy lifestyle is one of the important factors affecting individual health. How to promote residents' cognition of healthy lifestyle has become an urgent practical problem for the whole society. However, there is no residents' healthy lifestyle cognitive indexes available with consideration of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. ObjectiveTo construct a cognitive index system for providing effective assessment on residents' cognition of healthy lifestyle under the background of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. MethodsBased on the health belief model, a preliminary cognitive index system of residents' healthy lifestyle under the background of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality was proposed after literature study and relevant policy review. Then three rounds of indicator importance evaluation and screening by Delphi method were conducted before the index system was finally constructed. The weights of all levels of indicators were determined using analytic hierarchy process. In addition, a self-assessment questionnaire was developed based on the index system. The questionnaire was utilized to conduct a survey among 200 residents by convenience sampling in Shenyang, Liaoning Province from November to December 2021. The survey was used to examine the reliability and validity of the indicator system. ResultsThe effective recovery rates of the three rounds of Delphi method were all 100%. The authority coefficient was 0.84. The Kendall's W consistency test showed good expert consistency (P<0.001). Finally, a cognitive index system of residents' healthy lifestyle under the background of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality was initially constructed, including 4 first-level indicators, 8 second-level indicators, and 35 third-level indicators. Among them, the weights of the first-level indicators were 0.4541 for practice cognition, 0.2248 for benefit and obstacle cognition, 0.1626 for action clue cognition, and 0.1585 for risk cognition, respectively. The correlation coefficients between each indicator were from 0.586 to 0.977 (P<0.01). The overall Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.95, indicating high reliability. Invited experts agreed that the entries were representative and the content validity of the constructed indicator system was good. The factor analysis also showed that the structure validity was good. ConclusionThe proposed index system for residents' cognition of healthy lifestyle show good reliability and validity, which can be used as an effective assessment tool for residents' healthy lifestyle cognition under the background of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. It can provide a scientific and theoretical basis for promoting residents' cognition and practice of healthy lifestyle.
Abstract Short‐term excessive alcohol consumption easily leads to ethanolic gastric injury. Recent research on bioactive functional factors in preventing and treating ethanol‐induced acute gastric injury has garnered attention. This study explored the direct protective effects of the Tricholoma matsutake‐derived peptide Ser–Ala–Pro–Trp–Gly–Leu–Ala (SAPWGLA) on ethanol‐induced acute gastric damage. The results showed that SAPWGLA showed dose‐dependent protection against gastric mucosal injury, including the regulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function, as well as the enhancement of mucosal barrier integrity. SAPWGLA maintained normal mitochondrial metabolism by alleviating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation; 400 mg/mL SAPWGLA reduced ROS levels by 81.72 ± 1.55% and reversed the decrease of MMP by ethanol to 1.22 ± 0.01 (J‐aggregates/monomer) in GES‐1 cells. Also, SAPWGLA enhanced the tight junctions between GES‐1 cells. In addition, SAPWGLA improved the integrity of the mucosal barrier by maintaining the balance of the mucus layer and regulating the expression of TJ proteins. Daily oral administration of SAPWGLA (50 mg/kg) exhibited a restoration in hexosamine to 10.76 ± 0.73 mg/g prot, a regulation in claudin‐1, occludin, and ZO‐1 (1.21‐, 1.39‐, and 0.73‐fold of the control group). These findings suggest that SAPWGLA can be a potential novel therapeutic approach to dealing with acute gastric injury caused by ethanol.
Food processing and manufacture, Toxicology. Poisons
Gowhar Rashid, Gulzar A. Bhat, Tahseen Bilal Rather
et al.
Background: Cancer remains a significant global health concern, with colorectal cancer (CRC) showing a rising incidence, particularly among younger populations. Most CRC cases are linked to a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily, including enzymes like CYP2A13 and CYP2A6, plays a vital role in metabolizing environmental carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrosamines. Polymorphisms in these genes, alongside phase II glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) involved in detoxification, can influence individual cancer risk. This study focuses on the association between these genetic polymorphisms and CRC risk in the Jammu & Kashmir, population, a region with high exposure to dietary and lifestyle-related carcinogens. Methodology: This hospital-based case-control study was conducted at the Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, J&K, India between March 2019 and March 2022. The study included 246 histopathologically confirmed colorectal cancer (CRC) cases, and an equal number of matched controls based on age (±5 years), gender, and place of residence. Blood samples were collected for DNA extraction, followed by genotyping of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme (XME) genes, including CYP2A13, CYP2A6, and GSTs using standard PCR-RFLP and multiplex PCR methods. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA software to assess the association between gene polymorphisms and CRC risk. Results: The study revealed key associations between genetic and environmental factors and CRC risk. The analysis demonstrated that cases had significantly lower education levels than controls. Family history of cancer, smoking, and dietary factors like red meat and salt tea consumption were more prevalent among cases. Genetic analysis identified significant interactions between various CYP and GST genotypes, and environmental factors such as smoking, pesticide exposure, and diet, with varying effects on CRC risk. Conclusion: The research underscores the influence of genetic and environmental factors on colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Lower educational was associated with a heightened risk of CRC. Certain genotype variants of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XME) were found to increase CRC risk, particularly in conjunction with smoking, pesticide exposure, and sun-dried vegetable consumption. A family history of cancer, especially CRC, further amplified the risk. These findings emphasize the importance of developing personalized CRC prevention and screening strategies that account for gene-environment interactions.
An increasing number of chemicals found in the environment potentially pose a threat to organisms such as fish. Models for risk assessment are vital resources that enable possible measurements of the hazards associated with chemical exposure. Traditional monitoring techniques and experimental procedures, however, are unable to keep up with the compounds that are becoming more and more implicated in environmental problems. Furthermore, a significant amount of data invariably results in inaccuracies. Here, we proposed an integrated approach that combines machine learning and fuzzy logic mathematical methods, assessing the risks associated with chemical exposure from contaminated fish with the least amount of data entry possible. We predicted the concentrations of organic contaminants in the environment, serving as a baseline for quantifying the fuzzy risks during household thermal processing of the fish. With a mean R2 value of 0.78, concentration of chemicals in the aquatic environment emerged as the most influential factor in predicting bioconcentration factors. Heptachlor, Endosulfan-sulfate, Endrin, and Endrin aldehyde are four high-risk pesticides throughout the entire processing process compared to others. The findings underscore the importance of considering processing methods and environmental factors in order to ensure food safety.
BackgroundIn recent years, regional high-temperature weather in summer occurs frequently in China. Heat stroke is the most representative meteorological disease caused by high temperature. In order to improve monitoring, early warning, prevention, and control of heat stroke, it is of great significance to understand the epidemiological characteristics of heat stroke and the associated impact of heatwave. ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological characteristics of heat stroke cases in Jinan City, and to explore the effects of heatwave exposure on heat stroke. MethodsCase reports of heat stroke and daily data of meteorological factors in Jinan City from 2017 to 2022 were collected. We described the temporal, population, and regional distribution characteristics of heat stroke cases in Jinan City, and used a time-stratified case-crossover design combined with conditional logistic regression model to explore the effects of heatwave exposure on heat stroke under 12 heatwave definitions (different combinations of intensity and duration). The cut-off percentiles used for heatwave definitions were the 90th (P90), 95th (P95), 97.5th (P97.5), and 99th (P99) percentiles of daily mean temperature; the durations were ≥ 2 d, ≥ 3 d, and ≥ 4 d, respectively. Pi(k), where i is temperature threshold, and k is duration. For example, the definition of a heatwave was notated as P90(2), indicating that the daily mean temperature is ≥ P90 and lasts for ≥ 2 d. Alternatively, lag01 denotes the cumulative lag effect with a 1 d lag, and so on. ResultsA total of 1394 cases of heat stroke were reported in Jinan City from 2017 to 2022, including 581 mild cases and 813 severe cases, and 85 deaths were reported, with a cumulative fatality rate of 6.10%. The cases of heat stroke reported each year during the study period were concentrated from June to August and peaked in July (665 cases, 47.70%). The sex ratio of males to females in heat stroke cases was 2.02:1. A high incidence of heat stroke was in 50-89 years, with a smaller peak occurring in the age group of 50-59 years and a larger peak in the age group of 70-79 years, respectively. The high-incidence areas of heat stroke were distributed in the western part of Jinan City where city centers situated (Tianqiao District, 274 cases, 19.66%; Huaiyin District, 223 cases, 16.00%) and in the surrounding rural areas (Pingyin County, 254 cases, 18.22%). The effect of heatwave exposure on heat stroke was statistically significant during the study period. The largest effect estimates for the effect on heat stroke occurred under the heatwave definitions of P99(2), P97.5(3), and P97.5(4) at lag04, lag03, and lag04, where corresponding OR (95%CI) values were 9.27 (4.71, 14.24), 8.95 (6.17, 12.98), and 8.22 (4.91, 13.78), respectively. The exposure-response curve showed that the risk of heat stroke tended to increase with the increase of average daily temperature. ConclusionJuly is the key period for the occurrence of heat stroke among Jinan City residents, while male cases are predominant, more serious cases, age concentration in the 50-89 years. The occurrence of heatwave can further increase the risk of heat stroke with a significant lag effect.
Tetsuhiro Tsujino, Tomoni Kasahara, Hideo Kawabata
et al.
Backgroundfluoride is a beneficial ion that has been used in various fields, from industrial products to therapeutics. However, due to its narrow therapeutic index, fluoride sometimes acts as a toxic agent at relatively higher concentrations in the human body. Based on the interest in genetic stability, its cytotoxic effects have been investigated mainly in nucleated, adherent cells, such as fibroblasts. However, the sensitivity of blood cells, especially anucleate platelets, to fluoride is poorly understood. To fill this gap in the literature, we investigated the effects of relatively low levels of fluoride on platelet energy metabolism, function, and viability.MethodsPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) was prepared from 15 non-smoking healthy male adults (age: 28–63) and treated with NaF (0.5 or 1.0 mM) in microtubes for up to 3 days. Platelet function was evaluated based on aggregation and adhesion activities. Platelet energy metabolism was evaluated based on intracellular ATP levels, extracellular lactate levels, and respiration activities. The mitochondrial membrane potential (Em) and localization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were visualized using cytochemical methods. Platelet viability was evaluated by cell counting and tetrazolium reduction.ResultNaF (1 mM) significantly reduced platelet viability and inhibited functions. Behind these phenomena, NaF substantially decreased mitochondrial Em and increased ROS production along with significant decreases in oxygen consumption and ATP levels. Simultaneously, NaF increased the lactate levels. Although not statistically significant, similar effects were observed at 0.5 mM NaF.ConclusionAt relatively low levels, NaF has the potential to attenuate platelet function probably primarily through the inhibition of mitochondrial energy generation. Cytotoxicity may be directly related to ROS production. These findings suggest that when used topically, for example, for caries prevention in the oral cavity, NaF could interfere with wound healing and tissue regeneration by endogenous and exogenously added platelets in the form of PRP.
Background: Micronucleus is a small additional nucleus formed due to chromosomal loss or fragmentation and frequently used as a biomarker of genomic damage. Genetic damage and cancer susceptibility are notable concerns in PCOS. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of micronuclei in lymphocytes and to determine if it can be used as a biomarker of genomic instability in PCOS through flow cytometric analysis. Methods: An observational case control study was conducted among 38 subjects diagnosed with PCOS by Rotterdam’s criteria and 38 controls from September 2018 to March 2020 in VIMS & RC. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from all the subjects for flow cytometric assessment of micronuclei frequency in lymphocytes. Differences between the PCOS group and the control group were examined for statistical significance using two-sample independent t-test. The frequency of micronuclei in lymphocytes was expressed as mean ± SD. A P value of ≤0.05 denoted statistically signifi¬cant difference. Results: The mean ± SD of micronuclei frequencies in lymphocytes was observed to be 1.71 ± 0.88 and 0.43 ± 0.24 (p-value <0.0001) in PCOS and control group, respectively. Conclusion: This study is the first to use flow cytometric analysis in subjects with PCOS to detect micronuclei. The findings indicate that women with PCOS have an increased genomic instability as assessed by micronuclei frequency and thus it can be used a biomarker for genetic damage.
Thalitta Mendes Cavalcante, Vanessa Terezinha Gubert, Carolina de Deus Lima
et al.
Abstract Peripheral facial paralysis (PFP) has been shown to be a neurological manifestation of COVID-19. The current study presents two cases of PFP after COVID-19, along with a rapid review of known cases in the literature. Both case reports were conducted following CARE guidelines. We also performed a systematic review of PFP cases temporally related to COVID-19 using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases on August 30, 2021, using a rapid review methodology. The two patients experienced PFP 102 and 110 days after COVID-19 symptom onset. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in nasal samples through reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) testing. Anosmia was the only other neurological manifestation. PFP was treated with steroids in both cases, with complete subsequent recovery. In the rapid review, we identified 764 articles and included 43 studies. From those, 128 patients with PFP were analyzed, of whom 42.1% (54/128) were male, 39.06% (50/128) female, and in 23 cases the gender was not reported. The age range was 18 to 59 (54.68%). The median time between COVID-19 and PFP was three days (ranging from the first symptom of COVID-19 to 40 days after the acute phase of infection). Late PFP associated with COVID-19 presents mild symptoms and improves with time, with no identified predictors. Late PFP should be added to the spectrum of neurological manifestations associated with the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection as a post COVID-19 condition.
Babić Željka, Kordić Nikolina Benco, Rešić Arnes
et al.
We characterised accidental ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and non-opioid analgesics in children aged 0–5 years between 2009 and 2019 by analysing records of telephone consultations with the Croatian Poison Control Centre (CPCC) and cases treated at the Children’s Hospital Zagreb (CHZ). Among the total of 466 identified cases (411 from CPPCC records and 55 from CHS hospital records), the most frequently ingested drugs were ibuprofen (47 %), paracetamol (20 %), ketoprofen (15 %), and diclofenac (11 %). In 94 % of the cases unsupervised children ingested the drug left within their reach. The remaining 6 % were dosing errors by parents or caregivers and involved liquid formulations as a rule. Our findings can serve as real-life examples informing preventive measures.
Abstract Background Air pollution increases the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Atherosclerosis (AS) is the pathological basis of most CVD, and the progression of atherosclerosis and the increase of fragile plaque rupture are the mechanism basis of the relationship between atmospheric particulate pollution and CVD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of coal-fired fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on the expression levels of atherosclerosis-related proteins (von Willebrand factor (vWF), Endothelin-1 (ET-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and E-selectin, and to explore the role and mechanism of the progression of atherosclerosis induced by coal-fired PM2.5 via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Methods Different concentrations of PM2.5 were given to apolipoprotein-E knockout (ApoE−/−) mice via intratracheal instillation for 8 weeks. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of vWF, ET-1 in serum of mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression and distribution of ICAM-1 and E-selectin in the aorta of mice. Western blot was used to investigate the phosphoylation of proteins relevant to MAPK signaling pathways. Results Coal-fired PM2.5 exacerbated atherosclerosis induced by a high-fat diet. Fibrous cap formation, foam cells accumulation, and atherosclerotic lesions were observed in the aortas of PM2.5-treated mice. Coal-fired PM2.5 increased the protein levels of ET-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin, but there was no significant difference in the vWF levels between the PM2.5-treatment mice and the HFD control mice. Coal-fired PM2.5 promoted the phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in aortic tissues of mice. Conclusion Coal-derived PM2.5 exacerbated the formation of atherosclerosis in mice, increased the expression levels of atherosclerosis-related proteins in mice serum, and promoted the phosphorylation of proteins relevant to MAPK signaling pathway. Thus, MAPK signaling pathway may play a role in the atherosclerosis pathogenesis induced by Coal-derived PM2.5.
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease with a high mortality rate worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), and other small noncoding RNAs, serve as endogenous gene regulators through binding to specific sequences in RNA and modifying gene expression toward up- or down-regulation. miRNAs have become compelling therapeutic targets and play crucial roles in regulating the process of insulin resistance. Fucoidan has shown potential function as an α-amylase inhibitor, which may be beneficial in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In recent years, many studies on fucoidan focused on the decrease in blood glucose levels caused by ingesting low-glucose food or glucose-lowering components. However, the importance of miRNAs as regulators of antidiabetic effects was rarely recognized. Hence, this review emphasizes the antidiabetic mechanisms of fucoidan through regulation of miRNAs. Fucoidan exerts a vital antidiabetic effect by regulation of miRNA expression and thus provides a novel biological target for future research.
Food processing and manufacture, Toxicology. Poisons
Background: We carried out a study for the purpose of comparing the six sigma values of the C-reactive protein (CRP) assay measured by immunonephometry with references of different authorities’ quality criterias and evaluating the performance of the devices in our laboratory. Methods: In our study, internal quality control data of the CRP test performed on two different Siemens BN ProSpec (Dade Behring, Derfield, IL) devices at Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital. Results: According to Ricos ‘desired Total allowable error (TEa) ratio’; all the sigma values of the CRP test in BN ProSpec-1 and BN ProSpec-2 nephelometry devices were calculated as> 6 σ in each of the three periods and the performance of the CRP test was notified as ‘world class’. Also, the sigma value determined according to Ricos 'optimal TEa' ratio was 5.8 σ (3.90 to 8.48 σ in each period) on both devices and CRP test performance was defined as ‘excellent’. Moreover, when we considered the ratio of Rilibak TEa, the mean sigma values were 3.9 σ (between 2.59 and 5.75 σ in all three periods) and the CRP test performance was identified ‘good’. Conclusion: As a consequence, the performance of the CRP test with nephelometry was evaluated as ‘good’ when the Rilibak criteria with the lowest TEa values is taken into consideration. Therefore, it is necessary for the correct quality control analysis to establish the reference TEa% values of our country for the CRP test.
Gyroxin, a thrombin-like enzyme isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom and capable of converting fibrinogen into fibrin, presents coagulant and neurotoxic activities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate such coagulant and toxic properties. Gyroxin was isolated using only two chromatographic steps - namely gel filtration (Sephadex G-75) and affinity (Benzamidine Sepharose 6B) - resulting in a sample of high purity, as evaluated by RP-HPLC C2/C18 and electrophoretic analysis that showed a molecular mass of 30 kDa. Gyroxin hydrolyzed specific chromogenic substrates, which caused it to be classified as a serine proteinase and thrombin-like enzyme. It was stable from pH 5.5 to 8.5 and inhibited by Mn²+, Cu²+, PMSF and benzamidine. Human plasma coagulation was more efficient at pH 6.0. An in vivo toxicity test showed that only behavioral alterations occurred, with no barrel rotation. Gyroxin was not able to block neuromuscular contraction in vitro, which suggests that its action, at the studied concentrations, has no effect on the peripheral nervous system.
Although force platform based Center of pressure (COP) measures of postural steadiness have been used to test the diagnostic significance of various cerebellar and labyrinthine lesions, but very few literature are available on amputees. The aim of this work is to measure the effect of stump length of Trance-Tibial amputee on postural steadiness during quiet stance. The COP variation, which is the major determinant of stability, has been evaluated. Twenty transtibial amputee patients (age: 34±9.57 years) participated in this study. Among them, ten patients were having stump length of (19.33±2.04 cm) and ten patients were having stump length of (9.2±0.91 cm). Postural stability is evaluated considering following factors like, AP range, ML range, RMS distance, mean distance, sway velocity, sway area and mean power frequency. The result shows that the mean value of all the measure parameters are having higher values in case of patients having shorter stump length than there counterpart. Therefore, it is concluded that transtibial amputee with longer stump length has better postural steadiness.
Tityus serrulatus is the most venomous scorpion in Brazil; however, it is not known whether its venom causes any harm to the offspring whose mothers have received it. This study investigates whether the venom of T. serrulatus may lead to deleterious effects in the offspring, when once administered to pregnant rats at a dose that causes moderate envenomation (3mg/kg). The venom effects were studied on the 5th and on the 10th gestation day (GD5 and GD10). The maternal reproductive parameters of the group that received the venom on GD5 showed no alteration. The group that received the venom on GD10 presented an increase in post-implantation losses. In this group, an increase in the liver weight was also observed and one-third of the fetuses presented incomplete ossification of skull bones. None of the groups that received the venom had any visceral malformation or delay in the fetal development of their offspring. The histopathological analysis revealed not only placentas and lungs but also hearts, livers and kidneys in perfect state. Even having caused little effect on the dams, the venom may act in a more incisive way on the offspring, whether by stress generation or by a direct action.
Background: Bradykinin has effects on histaminic response,vessels seepage,cellular reproduction,causing fever, pain and coughs caused by ACE controllers (3,4,6). Noscapin has controlled Bradykinins contractional effects on guinea pigs trachea and rats vazodofran (5,6). noscapin stops the secondary effects of eskimi in brains edema, with antagonizing the responses caused by Bradykinin (3,4,8). Objective: considering that opium’s alkaloids act as agonist of peptide systems like ankephalins and RAS, its interesting to know the effects of this alkaloids and among them Noscapine on B3 Bradykinin receptors on smooth muscle guinea pig trachea? Method: All variables are reported as mean and standard deviation.We have used pair test and the informations were processed by Excel, Statistical analysis with ANOVA (LSD) SPSS 9. Results: we took diagrams in to consideration and indicated that the contract ional effect of Bradykinin decreased dependent on density, in presence of three different amount of noscapines concentration. In this study we could demonstrate that noscapine interact with Bradykenin as a non competitive antagonist.