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Polylactic acid (PLA) is the second-highest consumed bioplastic in the world. PVP/PLA-PEO complex nanofibers encapsulating collagen and cefazolin dressing scaffold were fabricated using a coaxial electrospinning method to target the release of the encapsulated compounds. It was observed that in collagen doses of 10 and 20%, the speed of healing showed a significant difference with the control sample, but the dose of 40% caused a decrease in wound healing rate in mice. The nanofibers' morphology and surface roughness were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The mechanical properties and adhesion strength of the scaffolds were investigated. The scaffolds' antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion method against the E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa. The results indicated a positive effect on the antimicrobial activity of the samples. In this study, we were able to prolong the effect of scaffolds by changing the pattern of release of cefazolin from inside the nanofibers. Possible interactions between the polymers and the encapsulated compounds were investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Finally, in-vivo and histological tests were performed to evaluate the efficacy of the scaffolds in accelerating wound healing.

In this study, encapsulation of ursolic acid (UA) in electrosprayed gelatin nanoparticles and structural modification of the particles through adjusting solution properties was carried out. Atomization of a gelatin solution without UA resulted in smooth particles with mean diameter of 570.1 ± 299.3 nm; however, upon the addition of UA, the particles developed with irregular morphologies and the mean diameter increased to 752.3 ± 706.3 nm. Modification of the particle characteristics using sodium dodecyl sulfate and ammonium oxalate resulted in particles with improved morphology uniformity, mean diameter of 702.8 ± 182.8 nm and encapsulation efficiency of ∼87%. FTIR spectra pointed to stabilization of UA in nanoparticles through establishing hydrogen bonds with gelatin molecular chain. XRD patterns showed that upon encapsulation, UA crystalline nature was changed to a more amorphous state. DSC thermograms illustrated that the nanoparticles would be able to maintain stability at the temperatures up to ∼90 °C. Release studies suggested that the encapsulation extended the release period and decelerated the release rate of UA in PBS solution, and improved its bioaccessibility by 945.58% at the end of simulated gastrointestinal tract. The overall results demonstrate the successful enhancement of particle characteristics and also suggest that electrosprayed gelatin nanoparticles could be a suitable carrier for UA.

Purpose A number of studies have examined the association between vitamin D and dry eye disease in different populations, but findings are inconclusive. Herein, available observational studies were systematically reviewed to elucidate the overall relationship between vitamin D and dry eye disease among adult population. Methods PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar and ISI web of science databases were searched until January 2020 for studies assessing the association between vitamin D and dry eye disease. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to examine the quality of each study. Results A total of 14 studies out of 252 met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Serum 25(OH) D3 was lower in dry eye disease subjects compared to healthy ones (WMD −5.93; 95 % CI, −7.47 to −4.40; P Conclusion It was found that serum vitamin D had a significantly lower level in dry eye disease patients, and correlated with ocular surface disease index but no other dry eye disease parameter. The findings add to the existing literature supporting the concept that nutrition especially vitamin D plays an important role in human eye health. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this relationship

In this study, Chitosan-Gelatin biodegradable films loaded with Gallic acid (GA) were developed. Ethanol, tween, and β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) were used to enhance the distribution of GA in the film forming solutions. The effect of the exposure time of UV irradiation on the color, mechanical properties (TS, %E), water vapor permeability (WVP) microstructure and release rate of GA to fatty food simulants investigated. UV irradiation reduced darkness of the films markedly and increased the release rate of the GA. Among the non-irradiated samples the highest and lowest release rate were obtained for the films containing β-CD and ethanol respectively. On the other hand incorporation of β-CD could reduce the increasing effect of UV light on release rate. The UV irradiation for 10 min reduced mechanical strength and barrier properties of the film against water vapor. Microscopic analysis, showed the consistent and uniform microstructure. However, long-term radiation caused some cracks in the films network. The UV irradiation weakened the _OH bending and enhanced the amide I amide II.

The association between major dietary patterns and metabolic health status in adolescents has been understudied, especially in Middle Eastern populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate this association in overweight/obese adolescents.In this cross-sectional study, the usual of 203 overweight/obese adolescents selected by a multistage, cluster random-sampling method was evaluated through a validated food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric indices and blood pressure values were measured. Fasting blood samples were obtained to determine insulin, glucose, and lipid profile concentrations. Two methods (modified International Diabetes Federation [IDF] criteria and IDF criteria along with insulin resistance or homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]gt;3.16) were applied to classify participants into metabolically healthy obese (MHO) or unhealthy obese (MUO).Two major dietary patterns, Mediterranean-like and Western, were identified. After adjustments for potential confounders, high adherence to Mediterranean-like dietary pattern was related to 72% (odds ratio [OR], 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10-0.76) and 67% (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.11-0.98) lower odds for being MUO based on IDF and HOMA-IR definitions, respectively. Higher adherence to the Western dietary pattern was related to higher odds of being MUO, either in the crude or adjusted models in both metabolic status definitions (for IDF definition: OR, 9.85; 95% CI, 2.75-35.19; for HOMA-IR definition: OR, 9.15; 95% CI, 2.02-41.52, in fully adjusted model).We found an inverse association between the Mediterranean-like dietary pattern and odds of MUO in Iranian overweight/obese adolescents, whereas the Western dietary pattern was associated with an increased likelihood of being MUO. Further studies, with a prospective nature, are required to confirm these findings.

Background & aims Existing evidence on the possible effects of pro-/synbiotics on overweight or obese children and adolescents has not been fully established. Therefore, the present review was undertaken to evaluate the overall effects of pro-/synbiotics supplementation on anthropometric indices and metabolic indices in overweight or obese children and adolescents. Methods A systematic computerized literature search of PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of science and Google Scholar databases was conducted up to November 2018. All RCTs using pro-/synbiotics supplements in overweight or obese children and adolescents included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Results Overall 9 randomized trials including 410 subjects were identified for the present meta-analysis. Pooled analysis did not illustrate any significant changes in BMI z-score, waist circumference, weight, body fat, fasting blood sugar and lipid profiles (triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) after supplementation with pro-/synbiotics for 4–16 weeks. However, subgroup analysis by intervention type revealed a significant reduction of BMI z-score in synbiotic subgroups. Conclusion Based on our findings, modulation of gut microbiota composition through pro-/ synbiotic supplements did not have favorable effects to manage overweight or obese children and adolescents. Further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm present findings.

The Maillard conjugation of proteins and reducing saccharides is used to modify the technological functionality of whey proteins. In this study, whey protein isolate (WPI) was conjugated with maltodextrin (at 1:1 ratio and two total solid contents of 100 and 200 mg mL−1) through the Maillard reaction and used to form cold-set gels. The glycation reaction increased the strength of hydrogen bonding of whey proteins and preferentially modified α-lactalbumin, in comparison with β-lactoglobulin. It also increased the reducing power of binary protein-saccharide solution and allowed formation of self-standing cold-set WPI gel at a low protein content (i.e., ≈50 mg mL−1). Microscopic imaging showed micro-phase separated maltodextrin domains, interrupting the protein network, in gels made of protein-maltodextrin physical mixtures, whereas Maillard conjugation resulted in more homogenous microstructures at both total solid contents. The Maillard reaction increased gel firmness and water-holding capacity and caused a reduction in the extent of gel swelling.

A rectangular waveguide equipped with a network analyzer was used to assess the quality indices of shell egg. The scattering parameters of the eggs were acquired in the range of 0.9–1.7 GHz and they were then used to calculate microwave spectra of the samples. PLS and ANN regression methods were implemented to predict the egg quality indices and SIMCA and ANN classification methods were applied to classify the eggs based on their storage time. The best predictive models, however, obtained from ANN analysis where the yolk coefficient, air cell height, thick albumen height, Haugh unit, and albumen pH could be predicted with the residual predictive deviation (RPD) values of 3.500, 3.000, 2.411, 2.033, and 1.829, respectively. To classify the eggs according to their storage time, both SIMCA and ANN analyses resulted in the total accuracy of 100% when return loss spectra were used as the input.

Background & aims Hypertension is a predisposing factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Results of previous clinical trials on the effects of lycopene supplementation on blood pressure are inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials with parallel or cross-over design was conducted to summarize the effects of lycopene supplementation on blood pressure (BP). Methods A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE and ISI Web of Science, without any restrictions on date and language publication to February 2020. Data were pooled using random-effects method and were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The elementary search consisted of 2564 records. Finally, 10 RCTs were included in the study. The pooled results of 10 studies with 16 effect size sizes including 688 participants (case=438 and control=250) showed that lycopene supplementation significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) (weighted mean differences (WMD): − 2.63 mmHg; 95% CI: − 5.17, − 0.09; P = 0.042). Greater effects on SBP were observed in subjects with a baseline SBP≥ 130 mmHg, at the lycopene dosages of ≥ 15 mg, duration≥ 8 weeks, and in hypertensive subjects. The changes observed in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: −1.02 mmHg; 95% CI: −2.51, 0.46; P = 0.179) were not statistically significant. However, subgroup analysis showed that DBP decreased significantly in studies that enrolled hypertensive subjects or with elevated DBP (>80 mmHg). Lycopene supplementation reduced SBP in non-linear fashion based on dosage (P-nonlinearity = 0.04, Coef = −9.68). Conclusion The present study demonstrates the beneficial effects of lycopene supplementation on BP levels.

There has been a significant interest to extract functional ingredients by novel methods such as ultrasound assisted extraction, recently, whereas limited engineering data are available in this regard. The aim of this study was to develop a precise and powerful technique based on inverse parameter estimation of finite volume model to estimate process coefficients of barberry anthocyanin compounds (ACs) ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). For this purpose, anthocyanin concentration over time was determined under different experimental conditions. Then, a new numerical model considering a complex system of dispersion, diffusion and degradation was developed and coupled with a parameter estimation code. Finally, parameters were estimated by minimizing differences between experimental and numerical data. UAE enhanced the extraction rate while degradation of the extracted barberry ACs was occurred. Therefore, it was necessary to understand the rate parameters of the process. The predicted coefficients of overall mass transfer, diffusion (De), dispersion (E), and degradation (kdeg) of the barberry ACs under different conditions were (1.375–2.731 × 10−7 m/s), (2.523–5.012 × 10-11 m2/s), (1.000 × 10−7–1.000 × 10-3 m2/s), and (1.000 × 10−7–5.637 × 10-5 1/s), respectively. A good agreement between the experimental and predicted data were obtained. Sonication was shown to affect both extraction rate and degradation rate. Higher De values were obtained at the presence of sonication while high duty cycles could increase degradation rates.

Chitosan, gelatin and their blended films prepared and compared in some optical, physical and mechanical properties. The release rate of Gallic acid (GA) from the film to food fatty simulant studied. The chitosan- gelatin based films showed appropriate compatibility and desirable properties in comparison with singular gelatin and chitosan film. GA was added using different methods including simple addition, with two concentration of tween, with ethanol, with β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) in physical mixture and encapsulated form. Incorporation of GA causes leads to formation of weak and dark samples. Use of β-CD with GA decreased tensile strength (TS) significantly. Film samples with physical mixture of β-CD and GA indicated lower barrier properties against water vapor and release rate in comparison with their inclusion complex. Incorporation of tween 20, at low concentration leads to higher release rate, elongation at break (EB%) and water vapor permeability (WVP). Due to the lowest release rate observed for samples with ethanol as well as almost good (desirable) physical and mechanical properties, it could be appropriate candidate for fatty food packaging in long period. On the other hand, highest rate related to samples contained GA- β-CD inclusion complex, which are suitable to higher anti-oxidant demands and short-term protection.

This paper characterizes a novel bio-nanocomposite that was synthesized by embedding titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles into the polymeric matrix of Lallemantia iberica mucilage as a new source of polysaccharide. The proposed Lallemantia iberica mucilage/TiO2 (LMT) bio-nanocomposite was prepared by solution mixing process followed by ultrasonic-assisted treatment and casting method. Morphology, intermolecular bondings, and physicochemical properties of the fabricated LMT bio-nanocomposite with respect to its TiO2 dosage were evaluated using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and atomic-force microscopy (AFM). Experimental results indicated that distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles in the LMT bio-nanocomposite matrix was more uniform at low dosages of TiO2 nanoparticle, at which improved mechanical, thermal and barrier properties were observed. Water sorption isotherms of the LMT bio-nanocomposite were modelled using GAB and BET models, indicating that the LMT bio-nanocomposite stable in different humidities. An increased white index was also observed in the LMT bio-nanocomposite compared with the TiO2-free pristine film. The obtained results indicate that the proposed LMT bio-nanocomposite has a good potential for use in bio-degradable packaging industries.

Current evidence is debatable regarding the feasible effects of zinc supplementation on the inflammation and oxidative stress status of adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify this inconclusiveness.Literature search was conducted via online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar until June 2020. The overall effect was presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) at 95 % confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects meta-analysis model. Publication bias was also assessed using Egger's and Begg's statistics.In total, 25 clinical trials (n = 1428) were reviewed, which indicated that zinc supplementation significantly affects the concentration of C- reactive protein (WMD: -0.03 mg/l; 95 % CI: -0.06, 0.0; P = 0.029), interlukin-6 (WMD: -3.81 pg/mL; 95 % CI: -6.87, -0.76; P = 0.014), malondialdehyde (WMD: -0.78 μmol/l; 95 % CI: -1.14, -0.42; P0.001), and total antioxidant capacity (WMD: 95.96 mmol/l; 95 % CI: 22.47, 169.44; P = 0.010). In addition, a significant between-study heterogeneity and a non-significant increment was reported in nitric oxide (WMD: 1.47 μmol/l; 95 % CI: -2.45, 5.40; P = 0.461) and glutathione (WMD: 34.84 μmol/l; 95 % CI: -5.12, 74.80; P = 0.087).According to the results, zinc supplementation may have beneficial anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in adults.

The octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) modification of pullulan (PU) was applied to improve the blend miscibility, compatibility and water-resistance properties of the PU-chickpea protein isolate (CPI) blend films. For this purpose, the effect of degree of substitution (DS) of the modified PU and also the ratio of CPI to PU-OSA on the physical and mechanical properties of the obtained composite films were evaluated. FTIR and XRD results showed that the molecular interactions between CPI and PU-OSA were more than CPI and PU, indicating that these two polymers had more miscibility because of the hydrophobic nature of PU-OSA which also confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) pictures. The findings indicated that the use of PU-OSA instead of PU can significantly improve the mechanical and water-resistance properties of composite films. In this regard, the octenylsuccination of PU decreased the extensibility, moisture content and water vapor permeability, while increased the tensile strength and water contact angle of the produced composite films. The highest values of the tensile strength (8.90 ± 0.10 MPa) and contact angle (91.48 ± 0.34°) were obtained for CPI50–P3 and CPI70–P3 composite films, respectively. Also, the lowest values of the water solubility (21.23 ± 0.96%), moisture content (15.74 ± 0.47%) and water vapor permeability (2.07 ± 0.06 × 10-10 gm-1s-1pa-1) were obtained for CPI70–P3 blend film. Eventually, it can be deduced that the composite films produced by CPI and PU-OSA with DS of 0.06 are the best and can be used as new biodegradable films with excellent properties.

Oxidative stress may play an important role in migraine pathogenesis. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks synbiotic supplementation on the oxidative stress and clinical symptoms of migraine in eighty women. The effect of the intervention on the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), oxidative stress index (OSI), total oxidant status (TOS), migraine index (MI), headache diary result (HDR) and migraine headache index score (MHIS) were investigated using bivariate comparison. Synbiotic supplementation improved TAC (381.77 vs 43.17 nmol/ml, P = 0.034), and reduced NO (-4.62 vs 0.55 nmol/ml, P = 0.021), OSI levels (-0.33 vs 0.0009, P = 0.027), and MI (-8.27 vs −3.20, P = 0.013) compared to placebo. A positive correlation between the severity of migraine headache and NO level was observed following synbiotic supplementation (r = 0.44, P = 0.002). Synbiotics may reduce oxidative stress and improve migraine symptoms in women and help as a supplemental therapy in managing migraine headaches.

In this study some physicochemical properties and elemental analysis of Prunus avium gum exudates were investigated. The gum studied had, on average, 75.14% carbohydrate, 11.3% uronic acids, 1.11% protein, 7.53% moisture content (w.b.) and 3.12% ash. Measured values for the angle of repose, Carr’s index and Hausner ratio showed the good flow ability for the gum powder. The viscosity of 1% aqueous solution of the gum exhibited a Newtonian type of flow and with pH reduction the swelling index was increased. The average molecular weight of the main polysaccharide fraction was about 1.46 × 105 Da (146 kDa). GC analysis showed that the main polysaccharide was composed of four kinds of neutral monosaccharides, namely mannose (Man), arabinose (Ara), galactose (Gal) and xylose (Xyl) with a relative molar ratio of 1.0:14.7:7.1:2.4. FTIR analysis showed the presence of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups and glycosidic linkage. The antioxidant activity of the gum was evaluated by determining DPPH scavenging and total phenolic contents which showed poor antioxidant property.

Many food and drink products have a pH value between 4.0 and 6.0, which is near the isoelectric point (pI) of whey proteins. This study evaluated the modification of whey protein microgel (WPM) through Maillard conjugation with several common saccharides including arabinose, glucose, fructose, lactose, inulin, and maltodextrin in a liquid system, which is considered a potential route to boost the utilization of these protein particles in acidic conditions. Glycation degree (22–31 %), pH decrease, presence of final products, FTIR, and SDS-PAGE confirmed the bonding of carbohydrates to WPMs. The conjugates prepared by lactose, glucose, and inulin, i.e. moderately reactive carbohydrates, rendered lower surface hydrophobicity, higher colloidal stability (∼40−50% at pH 4.0), and improved emulsifying properties in comparison with WPM, heated WPM and other glycoproteins. Foaming capacity of Maillard reaction products was lower or without change relative to the WPM; however, foam prepared by maltodextrin-glycated WPM was substantially more stable (up to 24 h). These findings could open avenues for applicability of these pre-denatured densely-packed particles in a range of food products and soft-matter applications.

In this study, a new acid-induced cold-set gel based on pinto bean protein isolate (PBI) was developed, and then its textural, morphological, rheological, and physical properties were evaluated. Textural and rheological properties of the gels improved when protein and glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) concentrations were increased. Acid-induced gels showed a disordered structure of aggregates. The water holding capacity (WHC) of the gels increased significantly (p

The current systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RTCs) was conducted to summarize the effect of ginger supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in adults. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were systematically searched up to February 2018 to identify eligible RCTs which assessed the effect of ginger on C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation products like malondialdehyde (MDA). Fourteen studies were eligible to be included in the quantitative analysis. Results from meta-analysis suggested that CRP (−0.8 mg/L, 95 % CI: −1.17 to −0.43; I2 = 53 %), IL-6 (−2.26 pg/mL; 95 % CI: −4.00 to −0.52; I2 = 58 %) and TNF-α (−1.33 pg/mL; 95 % CI: −1.85 to −0.80; I2 = 55%) were significantly reduced by ginger supplementation. The pooled effect size indicated a significant increase in blood TAC levels after ginger consumption (1.26 μmol/L; 95 % CI: 0.17–2.35; I2 = 84%). Ginger had no significant effect on MDA (−0.29 μmol/L; 95 % CI: −1.06 to 0.47; I2 =78%). Subgroup analysis showed that the effect of ginger on CRP and TNF-α is more pronounced in studies with >80-days’ intervention. When studies were categorized based on hs-CRP/CRP, the effect of ginger was significant in both subgroups. In conclusion, the present study suggested that supplementation with ginger can improve health status in adults by lowering inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Future trials with high methodological quality are needed to support the beneficial potential (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects) of ginger.

Objective We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) supplementation on glycemic indices in adults. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Science from inception up to January 2020, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of barberry supplementation on glycemic markers including fasting blood sugar (FBS) concentrations, insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) percentage. The results of this meta-analysis were reported, based on the random effects model. Results In total, 7 studies, comprising 452 participants, were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis revealed that barberry significantly reduces insulin levels (Hedges’s: -0.67; 95% CI: -1.31 to -0.03, P = 0.04, I2 = 73.3%). However, no considerable changes was observed for FBS levels (WMD: -8.06 mg/dL; 95% CI: -20.46 to 4.33, P = 0.23, I2 = 96.1%), HbA1c percentage (WMD: -0.83 %; 95% CI: -2.33 to 0.67, P = 0.27, I2 = 88.3%), and HOMA-IR index (WMD: -0.55; 95% CI: -1.60 to 0.50, P = 0.30, I2 = 99.4%). Conclusion The present study suggests that although barberry supplementation significantly improves insulin levels; however, other glycemic indices might not be affected. However, more high-quality RCTs with longer duration are needed to further clarify the effects of barberry on blood glucose control, especially among patients with diabetes.

Summary Background & aims Acute pancreatitis is a systemic immunoinflammatory response to auto-digestion of the pancrease and peri-pancreatic organs. Patients with acute pancreatitis can rapidly develop nutritional deficiency; hence nutritional support is important and critical. Sometimes parenteral nutrition (PN) is inevitable in acute pancreatitis. Due to immunosuppressive and inflammatory nature of the disease, it seems that immunonutrients like glutamine and omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs) added to parenteral formulas may improve the conditions. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of parenteral immunonutrition on clinical outcomes (infectious complications, length of hospital stay (LOS) and mortality) in patients with acute pancreatitis. Methods A computerized literature search on four databases (PubMed, Cochrane, ISI Web of Science, and Iran Medex) was performed to find all the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed the effects of parenteral immunonutrition in acute pancreatitis. Necessary data were extracted and quality assessment of RCTs was performed with consensus in the study team. Fixed effects model was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Results One hundred and ninety four references were found via our search in which 7 articles matched our criteria for enrolling the meta-analysis. Parenteral immunonutrition significantly reduced the risk of infectious complications (RR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39–0.88; p ≤ 0.05) and mortality (RR = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.11–0.59; p ≤ 0.001). LOS was also shorter in patients who received immunonutrition (MD = −2.93 days; 95% CI, –4.70 to −1.15; p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion Immunonutrients like glutamine and ω-3 FAs added to parenteral formulas can improve prognoses in patients with acute pancreatitis.

Results of the studies about association between serum selenium concentration and gestational hyperglycemia are inconsistent. Some studies have demonstrated that women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have lower Se concentrations while contrary results are reported in other studies.The aim of this study is to compare the serum Se concentration in women with GDM and normoglycemic pregnant women via a systematic review and meta-analysis.A computerized literature search on four databases (PubMed, Cochrane register of control trials, Scopus and Google scholar) was performed from inception through August 2013. Necessary data were extracted and random effects model was used to conduct the meta-analysis.Six observational studies (containing 147 women with GDM and 360 normoglycemic pregnant women) were found, which had compared serum Se concentration in women suffering from GDM with normal pregnant ones. Our meta-analysis revealed that serum Se concentration was lower in women with GDM compared to normoglycemic pregnant women (Hedges=-1.34; 95% CI: -2.33 to -0.36; P0.01). Stratified meta-analysis demonstrated that concentration of Se in the sera of women with GDM was lower than normal pregnant women both in second and third trimesters, but the result was not significant in second trimester (second trimester: Hedges=-0.68; 95% CI: -1.60-0.25; P=0.15, third trimester: Hedges=-2.81; 95% CI: -5.21 to -0.42; P0.05). It was also demonstrated that serum Se status was lower in pregnant women with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) compared to normoglycemic pregnant women (Hedges=-0.85; 95% CI: -1.18 to -0.52).The available evidences suggest that serum Se concentration is significantly lower in pregnant women with gestational hyperglycemia compared to normal pregnant women.

This work explores dynamics existing in interactions between players. The dynamic system of games is a new attitude to modeling in which an event is modeled using several games. The model allows us to analyze the interplay capabilities and the feasibility objectives of each player after a conflict with other players objectives and capabilities. As an application, we model relations between the Soviet Union and America after World War II to October 1962, by using the dynamic system of games. The dynamic system of games as an important insight clearly has significant implications for modeling strategic interactions in which player pursue goals for increasing their personal interests. In addition, we introduce a new game in which there is a dilemma which this dilemma occurs in most societies. We investigate depends on the claim that each player in this dilemma is hyper-rational. In the concept of hyper-rational, the player thinks about profit or loss of other actors in addition to his personal profit or loss and then will choose an action which is desirable to him. In this dilemma, a weak trust has been created between players, but it is fragile., 15 pages, 3 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1801.05280

By studying the game theory, we find that many games are related to each other and leave mutual effect on each other. In addition, we find that the Nash equilibrium does not exist in some games or, if there is in one, does not describe a real event. Here we show that the matching pennies game with pure strategy has the solution, but this solution is a game that happens simultaneously with this game. Using this solution, we will answer the Brookings Institution's question of boycotting the election whether the opposition's boycott of elections is, in different circumstances, a defeated strategy. A strategy that its result in most cases is failure and the least possible consequence by the opposition. In response to the Brookings Institution's question, one of the major issues facing political science theorists is whether the realization of democracy requires a consensus and a public agreement on the public sphere. So far, various answers have been given to this question. In this article, we will focus on the two key concepts of agonism and antagonism, while briefly reviewing the answers.

The rational choice theory is based on this idea that people rationally pursue goals for increasing their personal interests. In most conditions, the behavior of an actor is not independent of the person and others' behavior. Here, we present a new concept of rational choice as a \emph{hyper-rational choice} which in this concept, the actor thinks about profit or loss of other actors in addition to his personal profit or loss and then will choose an action which is desirable to him. We implement the hyper-rational choice to generalize and expand the game theory. Results of this study will help to model the behavior of people considering environmental conditions, the kind of behavior interactive, valuation system of itself and others and system of beliefs and internal values of societies. Hyper-rationality helps us understand how human decision makers behave in interactive decisions.

The purpose of this paper is to present a cooperative approach to improve productivity in organizations. To promote teamwork culture, productivity indexes are considered individually and collectively, respectively, and by comparing the scores that each individual employee earns individually and collectively, their differences become apparent. In this approach, the cooperative games model is used in order to improve productivity. The proposed model, in addition to evaluating organization and employees activities, is able to implement all payments including overtime pay, reward and etc., fairly and along with increasing productivity and satisfaction. The cooperative approach creates effective communications between employees and authorities and enhances their motivation for teamwork. Moreover, the results can be used in the decisions related to employees (such as promotion, transition, firing and detachment), analysis of training requirements, employees’ development, and research and plan valuation. The paper provides the new method in which the collaborative coefficient is a key factor in increasing productivity, and has rarely been considered by prior literature.

Purpose The present study aimed to determine the effects of combined supplementation of CoQ10 with L-carnitine on migraine-related disability and depression among patients with migraine. Methods The number of 56 men and women between 20-40 years of age with migraine headache participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 30 mg/day Coenzyme Q10 and 500 mg/day L-carnitine at the same time and or placebo tablets for 8-weeks. The patients completed Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) and Beck Depression Inventory. The measurements were completed at the beginning and end of the study. Results We found a significant reduction in MIDAS scale (changes from baseline in intervention group: -15.20 vs. -4.88 in control group, P= Conclusion This double-blind parallel study provides evidences supporting the beneficial effects of CoQ10 and L-carnitine supplements on migraine-related disability; however, these supplements did not influence depression in 8 weeks.

In the present study, a pilot scale microwave assisted fluidized-bed dryer was designed and used to dry apple cubes. A model was developed to describe heat and mass transfer in apple cubes during drying in a combined microwave-assisted fluidized-bed dryer. A numerical solution based on the finite difference method was used to develop the model for moisture distribution and temperature variation of samples. The model was validated using experimental data, including average moisture content, center and surface temperature at various air temperatures and microwave power densities.