Search

Objectives Evidence for the contribution of the brain-gut-microbiota axis to the depression pathophysiology is increasing nowadays. Disturbed gut microbiota equilibrium along with bad dietary habits both lead to kynurenine pathway abnormalities contributing to the depression pathophysiology. In this respect, many studies are found but the interventional clinical trials are limited. The present interventional study aims to evaluate the impact of Bifidobacterium spp. supplementation together with improving dietary intake on depressive mood and well-being and their correlation with kynurenine blood level in adult Egyptian healthy volunteers. Methods A number of 98 healthy female volunteers with a mean age of 46.96 ± 1.82 years were selected and enrolled in this study. They were given yogurt enriched with Bifidobacterium spp. daily for eight weeks. Clinical examination as well as questionnaires for the evaluation of psychological well-being and depression were done at base line and after eight weeks of intervention. Fasting blood samples and stool samples were collected from all subjects at baseline and eight weeks after the intervention for the investigation of serum kynurenine concentration, blood hemoglobin, serum transaminases (ALT & AST) serum urea and creatinine as well as fecal Bifidobacterium count. Results Data revealed that both depression and well-being showed highly significant improvement combined with significant drop in kynurenine blood level after intervention. Also, a significant rise in fecal Bifidobacterium count and a significant improvement in hemoglobin level and activity of liver enzymes were recorded. After intervention, a significant negative correlation was recorded between depression and fecal Bifidobacterium count as well as between serum kynurenine level, and well-being. Conclusion Bifidobacterium spp. supplementation combined with improvement in dietary intake resulted in improvement of depressive mood and well-being and reduced kynurenine blood level.

Objective The main aim of this study is to evaluate the micronuclei scoring as a biomarker for early detection and screening of genotoxic effect of cigarette smoking in the peripheral blood T- lymphocytes. Methods A total number of eligible 148 individuals have participated in the study; 78 Current smokers and 70 never smokers. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay was performed for all the participants in the peripheral blood T-lymphocytes. Assessment of the smoking status of the participants was conducted through the detailed smoking history, Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) scoring, and determination of the urinary cotinine creatinine ratio (CCR). Result A significantly higher frequency of micronuclei in the binucleated T-lymphocytes(BMNi) was identified in the smokers group as compared to the nonsmokers; OR=4.9, 95% CI=1.9-12.5), P-value=0.006. Both of the pack years and the smoking duration of the smokers could significantly predict the BMNi scoring; P-value=0.001, 0.002 respectively. Conclusion Our results indicate the association between BMNi and cigarette smoking, suggesting that BMNi Scoring can be a useful biomarker for early detection and screening of the genotoxic effect of cigarette smoking as a primary preventive measure for various smoking induced cancers. .

Background Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure gained lesser interest than active smoking. There is evidence from previous studies that SHS exposure had negative effects on fetal growth. This study aimed to examine the effect of smoke exposure on pregnancy outcome and to evaluate the level of nicotine urinary end-product cotinine in pregnant women in the late trimester. We included 36 women with a history of SHS exposure and 48 women without a history of exposure; all were in last trimester of pregnancy. We measured cotinine level in urine and followed the two groups until delivery and recorded fetal outcomes. Fetal biophysical parameters and blood flow waveforms were measured using B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography, respectively. Results The total range of the urinary cotinine creatinine ratio (CCR) concentration in the SHS exposed pregnant women was 0.01–0.2, IQR = 0.18 ng/mg.cr, versus 0.01–0.1, and IQR = 0.03 ng/mg.cr in the non-exposed group. The mean value as well as the mean rank of CCR was significantly higher (0.1 ± 0.08 ng/mg.cr., 40.3 respectively) in the exposed pregnant women as compared to the non-exposed pregnant women ((0.04 ± 0.02), 29.3 respectively, p value Conclusions SHS exposure had negative effects on fetal outcomes. Efforts should be utilized to increase awareness of the consequences of secondhand smoke on the fetus and strict follow-up of exposed women for early detection.

Evidence for the contribution of the brain-gut-microbiota axis to the depression pathophysiology is increasing nowadays. Disturbed gut microbiota equilibrium along with bad dietary habits both lead to kynurenine pathway abnormalities contributing to the depression pathophysiology. In this respect, many studies are found but the interventional clinical trials are limited. The present interventional study aims to evaluate the impact ofA number of 98 healthy female volunteers with a mean age of 46.96 ± 1.82 years were selected and enrolled in this study. They were given yogurt enriched withData revealed that both depression and well-being showed highly significant improvement combined with significant drop in kynurenine blood level after intervention. Also, a significant rise in fecal

To evaluate the effectiveness of orange peels (OP) and banana peels (BP) in reducing the toxicity of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), Oreochromis niloticus were exposed to Ag-NPs, Ag-NPs + OP, and Ag-NPs + BP for 24, 48, and 96 h. Time-dependent toxicological impacts of Ag-NPs were recorded. The maximum Ag accumulation was in hepatic and renal tissues after 96 h. A marked decrease in red blood cell count, hemoglobin content, hematocrit ratio, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was observed after 48 and 96 h of Ag-NPs exposure. Silver accumulation resulted in severe histological alterations (ex: congestion, vacuolization, and necrotic degeneration) in gills, livers, and kidneys. The adsorptive capacity of both peels could reduce the bioavailability of Ag-NPs as indicated by decreased Ag content in tissues, insignificant change in the hematological parameters with control groups, and regressive histological alterations based on the frequency of alterations’ existence and the extent of affected parts.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have wide medical and industrial applications; therefore, their release into aquatic environments is a problematic issue. The present study aims to evaluate the removal efficiency of Ag NPs from water using orange peel (OP) and banana peel (BP) to moderate their toxicity on Oreochromis niloticus. Fish were divided into 4 groups: control group (dechlorinated tap water), Ag NPs (4 mg/L) exposed group, Ag NPs (4 mg/L) + OP (40 mg/L) group, and Ag NPs (4 mg/L) + BP (40 mg/L) group for 24 h, 48 h, and 96 h. The adsorptive ability of both peels was confirmed by scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy after the exposure processes. The biochemical results revealed a gradual elevation in plasma glucose, total proteins, globulin, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP), creatinine, and uric acid after Ag NPs exposure, while albumin and total lipid concentrations were significantly decreased. The recorded antioxidant biomarkers in gills, and liver tissues after Ag NPs exposure showed severe oxidative damages (maximally after 96 h) as indicated by marked elevations in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase values, and decreased glutathione reduced content. All studied parameters restored more or less to that of control groups after OP and BP water treatment. The adsorbent abilities of both peels could reduce Ag NPs bioavailability and moderate their toxicological impacts.

Freshwater snails are often used to monitor aquatic pollution. The present study aims to use Biomphalaria alexandrina snails as bio-indicators for three types of NPK fertilisers (high nitrogen, high phosphorus and balanced). Data showed that high phosphorus and high nitrogen fertilisers have a negative impact on the growth rate of juvenile snails. Such observations were supported by determining antioxidant parameters in the digestive gland. Results indicated a significant increase in the catalase activity of snails that were exposed to ½ LC50 concentrations of balanced and high phosphorus fertilisers. Meanwhile, the glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione parameters showed varying results representing an increase or decrease in the activities of all treated groups after both the first and second weeks, according to the type of fertiliser the snails were exposed to.

Health-related stigma is a common phenomenon worldwide. The stigma associated with mental illness is widespread. Stigma is an important barrier to mental health treatment and recovery. Aim: This study aims to determine level of internalized stigma of mentally ill patients and to identify factors associated with high level of internalized stigma of mentally illness. Study Design: quantitative descriptive cross sectional study was used. Setting: This study was carried out at National Center for Mental Health - Fhais Hospital - Jordan. Sample: convenient sample (All available patients with depressive disorders, bipolar mood spectrum disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. at age of 18 years and above. An estimated sample size was estimated about 105 patients which represents approximately of the total number of patient in National Center for Mental Health - Fhais Hospital). Data collection tool: Data was collected through a structured Interviewing questionnaire which composed from two parts. First Part: Personal Health Questions Second Part: Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale. Results: One hundred and five participants participated in the study. The majority of them aged between 15-45 years old and only 22.9% of them were between 46-60 years old. Overall, stigma total score was also closed to the middle point. The intercorrelation between stigma domains it is evident that the first four domains (alienation, stereotype endorsement, discrimination experience, and social withdrawal) had a significant correlation with the stigma total score. Conclusion: Internalized stigma is a major problem among persons with mental illness at National Center for Mental Health - Fhais Hospital - Jordan. Internalized stigma has the potential to substantially affect adherence to medication and is likely to affect the recovery process.

Context:Balanites aegyptiaca Del. (Zygophyllaceae) fruits are traditionally known for the treatment of hyperglycaemia. Several in vitro and in vivo studies proposed some mechanisms of action. However, clinical trials in human beings were never reported to date. Objectives: To investigate the antidiabetic efficacy of the 70% ethanol extract of the pericarps of B. aegyptiaca (BE) within a nutritional intervention in elderly people. Materials and methods: Ultra-performance electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis was used for metabolic profiling of BE which was incorporated in hard gelatine capsules (400 mg/day) and tested on 30 type 2 diabetes (T2D) Egyptian patients for 8 weeks. According to sex, age and body mass index participants were divided into two equivalent groups, placebo and treatment. Results: Thirteen compounds were identified in BE using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis among which five steroidal saponins, seven phenolic compounds and a sterol glucoside. At the end of the 8-week treatment, the treated group showed 26.88% decrease in 2 h postprandial plasma glucose relative to 2.6% increase in the placebo group, while fasting plasma glucose was reduced to 10.3%. Treatment with BE capsules for 8 weeks produced significant reduction in the plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 9.0, 12.76 and 21.35%, respectively, with 29.8% increase in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Plasma alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were reduced by 42.6 and 43.3%, respectively. Discussion and conclusion: Administration of the BE capsules to T2D resulted in significant improvements in the glycaemic markers and the lipid profile, without adverse effects or hypoglycaemia.

various extracts of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves, were reported to possess antiobesity effect in experimental animals models, yet its active doses and mechanism of action are still unclear.The metabolic profiling of 70% ethanol extract of M. oleifera (MO) leaves was performed using HPLC-MS/MS analysis. The antiobesity activity of MO was tested in high fat diet induced obesity in rats at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight orally for 1 month. Total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoproteins (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and adipose tissue index were monitored. In addition, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and HMG-CoA reductase mRNA from liver tissue, Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor alpha (PPARα) and Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) RNA from adipose tissue were quantified using qRT-PCR. MO hard gelatin capsules (400 mg/capsule) were formulated and standardized using HPLC-RP analysis and tested on fifteen female participants, aged 45-55 with a BMI of 29-34 kg/mThirteen metabolites were tentatively identified using HPLC-MS/MS analysis including flavonols, flavones and a phenolic acid. MO 400 showed a prominent effect on reducing the rats' final weights, % weight increase and adiposity index (P 0.05). Glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly reduced and R-QUICKI was significantly increased by MO 400 (P 0.001). Mean tissue level of leptin and vaspin were significantly reduced, adiponectin, omentin and GLUT-4 expression were increased significantly by MO 400 (P 0.01). MO 400 significantly suppressed FAS and HMG-CoA reductase and increased mRNA expression of MC4R and PPAR-α (P 0.01). Eight weeks administration of MO hard gelatin capsules to obese patients showed significant reduction of the average BMI, TC and LDL compared to the baseline values (p 0.05).Our results presented a scientific evidence for the traditional use of M. oleifera leaves as antiobesity herbal medicine.

Many factors may enhance or suppress the molluscicidal activity regardless of their origin. The present study aims to determine the molluscicidal activity of two plants, namely Asparagus densiflorus and Oreopanax guatemalensis besides, Difenoconazole fungicide against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, miracidia and cercariae. The most effective agent was Difenoconazole followed by A. densiflorus and O. guatemalensis against B. alexandrina snails, where the LC90 values after 24 h of exposure reached 2.5, 102, and 188 ppm, respectively. Toxicity of tested agents was more pronounced at high temperatures. A. densiflorus and Difenoconazole showed no changes in their activities after their exposure to sunlight for 6 h. Also, neutral and acidic media were favorable for maintaining their toxic action. The presence of aquatic plants, mud particles, and storage period had negative effects on the activities of the tested agents. Both A. densiflorus and Difenoconazole had a fast effect against miracidia and cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni after 3 h of the exposure. Moreover, the tested agents recorded adverse impact on the total reproductive rate of exposed snails. Such effects were supported by histopathological examinations of the hermaphrodite gland. It showed an abnormal necrosis in male and female gametogenic cells, besides a decrease in the number of ova and other gametogenic stages.