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Abstract : Cellular Mechanisms of Saline Extract of Alligator Pepper (Zingiberaceae Aframomum melegueta) for Specific Protection against Preeclampsia
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Abstract: Preeclampsia is a clinical syndrome defined as the new onset of hypertension and proteinuria during the second half of pregnancy. Though it is easily diagnosed clinically, affected persons must book in a health service facility for the diagnosis to be made. Furthermore regular screening is necessary during several antenatal visits and skilled attendant’s supervised labor before diagnosis can be made. Predictive tests are not yet well developed and not readily available in developing countries and medically underserved areas where they are needed most. There is therefore a need for specific protection against preeclampsia to be developed. This will ensure that all women are protected even when they choose not to visit an antenatal clinic. Specific protection is potentially capable of preventing preeclampsia in 5 % to 7% of pregnant women, the proportion of pregnant women that are affected by preeclampsia worldwide. This article builds on a previous article on the study of the cellular mechanisms underlying gestational weight gain and litter weight reduction effect of aqueous extract of Alligator pepper and attempts to analyze how the anti-hyperinsulinemic property of the constituents of Alligator pepper in that study can also prevent preeclampsia and suggests the use of some of the constituents of alligator pepper as specific protection (vaccine) for the prevention of preeclampsia. Keywords: Cellular Mechanisms, Alligator pepper, Preeclampsia, Specific protection.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Background: Psychiatrists started using urine pyrroles (hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one, HPL) to diagnose psychiatric disorders many years ago. The biological origins of HPL are not known, nor are the causes of elevated urinary pyrrole excretion well understood. Methods: In the present study we analyzed the level of pyrroles in 148 patients with schizophrenia, 135 patients with bipolar disorder, 97 patients with depression, 119 patients with ADHD and compared these data with the results of pyrrole tests for patients with non-psychiatric conditions and healthy volunteers. Results: According to our data, urinary pyrrole concentrations tended to be high in patients with psychiatric disorders, but elevated level of pyrroles was not specific for only these patients. We found evidence of an allergy related component in the fact that elevated pyrrole levels were significantly more prevalent in subjects with elevated histamine values. A role of intestinal bacteria, or imbalances in intestinal bacterial metabolism, was also suggested based on the found relationship between elevated pyrrole levels and elevations in indicans and urobilinogens. In addition, our data demonstrated that subjects with severely elevated pyrrole levels were deficient in nutrients such as zinc, vitamin B3, and vitamin C. Conclusion: Thus, pyrrole excretion seems to be a component of illness in general and not strictly psychiatric disorders. Keywords: Pyrroles, indicans, urobilinogens, histamine, nutrient deficiency, psychiatric disorders.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Aims: This study examined the dietary and anthropometric components of diabetic patients with or without diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Methods: Eighty-two adult subjects were recruited in Tallahassee, FL (USA) and categorized into one of three groups: subjects without diabetes, patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) but not foot ulcers, and patients with DFU. Twenty-four hour food recalls, foot ulcer history and blood samples were collected from each subject. Dietary intake was evaluated with Food Processor. Biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were measured with ELISA kits. Results: DFU subjects in this study were mostly overweight or obese. DFU had inadequate intakes in protein, fiber, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, and E; calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc. They had excessive intakes in saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium. Conclusions: Malnutrition is very common in the DM and DFU subjects. Protein and vitamin supplementation may be beneficial in prevention and management of DM as well as DFU. Keywords: Diabetes, Diabetic Foot, Wounds, Nutrition, Malnutrition, Protein.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Objective: To analyze the physical, economic, political and sociocultural components of the environment in Kuwait and determine if the country classifies as an obesogenic environment. Design: Observational, cross-sectional study following the ANGELO framework. Data from a popular online food delivery system was accessed and the nutrient composition for these foods was calculated. Setting: Kuwait Results: Meeting the majority of the characteristics required to be identified as such, Kuwait is found to have an obesogenic environment. Availability and accessibility to an almost unlimited amount of food, energy, trans fats and sugars are likely to be significant contributors to obesity and diet-related diseases. Conclusions: In tandem to the diet, harsh climate conditions, sociocultural practices and a lifestyle designed for decreased energy expenditure contribute to the creation of an obesogenic environment. Keywords: ANGELO, obesity, fast food, home delivery, food composition. |
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Abstract: In this paper several approaches are discussed for the direct analysis of the main sugars in different fruit juices. Refractometry, thin layer chromatography, volumetric analysis and high performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detector were tested and the results compared, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Whereas the first method gives generically indications on the whole content of sugar and it doesn’t require any prior manipulation of the sample, thin layer chromatography is useful only for qualitative purpose, on the other hand the third method, after removal of interferences, makes possible the determination of the reducing and not reducing sugar, and the last one allows the qualitative and quantitative determination of the saccharides singularly. It’s very important to have not only knowledge about the chemical analysis of carbohydrates and their physicochemical properties, but especially how the methods can be used in product development for benefit of the public. In the wide range of options for the determination of the mono and disaccharides in beverages, the approach selected must be robust, accurate, powerful and reproducible. Keywords: Sugar composition, fruit juice, high performance liquid chromatography, lane-Eynon analysis.Download Full Article |