Association between short birth spacing and child malnutrition in Bangladesh: a propensity score matching approach.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the effects of short birth spacing (SBS), which is defined as a period of less than 33 months between two successive births, on multiple concurrent forms of child malnutrition (MCFCM) and at least one form of child malnutrition (ALOFCM) using propensity score matching (PSM). METHODS: This study used data extracted from the 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. PSM with four different distance functions, including logistic regression, classification and regression tree, single hidden layer neural network and random forest, were performed to evaluate the effects of SBS on MCFCM and ALOFCM. We also explored how the effects were modified in different subsamples, including women's empowerment, education and economic status (women's 3E index)-constructed based on women's decision-making autonomy, education level, and wealth index, and age at marriage, and place of residence. RESULTS: The prevalence of SBS was 22.16% among the 4652 complete cases. The matched samples of size 2062 generated by PSM showed higher odds of MCFCM (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.25, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.56, p=0.038) and ALOFCM (AOR=1.20, 95% CI=1.01 to 1.42, p=0.045) for the SBS children compared with their counterparts. In the subsample of women with 3E index≥50% coverage, the SBS children showed higher odds of MCFCM (AOR: 1.43, 95% CI=1.03 to 2.00, p=0.041] and ALOFCM (AOR: 1.33, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.74, p=0.036). Higher odds of MCFCM (AOR=1.27, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.58, p=0.036) and ALOFCM (AOR=1.23, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.51, p=0.032) for SBS children than normal children were also evident for the subsample of mothers married at age≤18 years. CONCLUSION: SBS was significantly associated with child malnutrition, and the effect was modified by factors such as women's autonomy and age at marriage.

Prevalence, trend and associated factors of obesity-related cancers among U.S. adults with metabolic syndrome: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2018.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the prevalence, associated factors and trends in the prevalence of obesity-related cancer (ORC) among U.S. adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and age ≥20 years. METHODS: This study used cross-sectional data from the 2001-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The total period analyses included prevalence estimation, chi-square tests for comparing ORC vs non-ORC within subgroups, and a multivariable-logistic regression model to evaluate associated factors of ORC. For trend analysis, the total period was divided into three time periods: 2001-2006, 2007-2012 and 2013-2018. Age-standardized prevalence of ORC in each time period was calculated. RESULTS: The ORC prevalence was 35.8% representing 4463614 adults with MetS. A higher odds of ORC was observed among females (OR = 7.1, 95% CI = 4.9-10.3) vs males, Hispanic (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.7-4.8) and non-Hispanic Black (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.8-4) vs non-Hispanic White, age ≥60 (OR = 5.4, 95% CI = 1.9-15.4) vs age 20-39 years. Individual ORCs were thyroid (10.95%), breast (10%), uterine (9.18%), colorectal (7.86%), ovarian (5.74%), and stomach (0.80%). The age-standardized prevalence of ORC was observed stable in three time periods (30.6%, 30.3% and 30.7%). However, an increasing trend was seen for thyroid, uterine, colorectal and ovarian cancers while decreasing trend for breast cancer. Hispanic people showed a significant increasing trend of ORC (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: ORC was found significantly higher among female, Hispanic, non-Hispanic black and older people with MetS. The stable temporal trend of overall ORC, with an increasing trend in certain ORCs, makes the disease spectrum a public health priority. The findings imply the importance of intensifying efforts to reduce the burden of MetS comorbidities among U.S. adults.

Quality attributes of the developed banana flour: Effects of drying methods.

The study aims to investigate the effects of different drying methods on the changes in functional properties, physicochemical composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, sensory attributes, and microstructural quality of the banana flours. Two local banana cultivars, Mehersagar and Sabri, were dried to produce flour using four distinct drying methods: freeze drying (FD), cabinet drying (CD), microwave oven drying (MOD), and forced air oven drying (FOD). The functional properties of the developed banana flours were observed where the findings were as water holding capacity (0.93 ± 0.06-2.74 ± 0.04 g water/g dry sample), oil absorption capacity (0.87 ± 0.06-2.22 ± 0.10 g oil/g dry sample), swelling capacity (4.62 ± 0.02-5.05 ± 0.03 g paste/g dry sample), bulk density (0.54 ± 0.04-0.81 ± 0.02 g/ml), tapped density (0.62 ± 0.04-0.93 ± 0.03 g/ml) and Carr's Index (9.38 ± 0.47-13.58 ± 0.43%). Freeze-dried Mehersagar cultivar's flour showed the leading functional properties with good flowability and cohesiveness. The physicochemical parameters of the flours also revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in lightness (L*) (50.51 ± 1.49-72.21 ± 1.05), moisture content (3.96 ± 0.09-7.74 ± 0.13%), protein (2.72 ± 0.07-3.93 ± 0.06%), crude fat (0.11 ± 0.01-0.36 ± 0.04%), crude fiber (0.64 ± 0.03-1.22 ± 0.03%), carbohydrate (84.15 ± 0.24-88.26 ± 0.15%) and energy content (354.25 ± 0.57-370.02 ± 0.39 kcal/g). Total flavonoid content (21.44 ± 0.04-34.34 ± 0.03 mgQE/100g) and phenolic content (29.91 ± 0.01-71.46 ± 0.03 mgGAE/100g) was observed, while the highest retention of bioactive compounds was exhibited in Mehersagar cultivar's flour. In terms of appearance, fineness, taste, flavor, color, and overall acceptability, the dried banana flour of both the cultivars obtained from freeze-dried scored overall acceptability 8.04 ± 0.02 and 7.92 ± 0.17, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of the microstructure of flour granules from each sample revealed a diverse morphological configuration in particle size and shape. According to the findings of this study, the freeze-drying technology is superior to others, and the Mehersagar banana cultivar is more satisfactory in terms of quality characteristics. Moreover, the quality parameters of banana flour may facilitate the formulation of different flour-based gluten-free baked products and food supplements.

A bioinformatics approach to characterize a hypothetical protein Q6S8D9_SARS of SARS-CoV.

Characterization as well as prediction of the secondary and tertiary structure of hypothetical proteins from their amino acid sequences uploaded in databases by in silico approach are the critical issues in computational biology. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which is responsible for pneumonia alike diseases, possesses a wide range of proteins of which many are still uncharacterized. The current study was conducted to reveal the physicochemical characteristics and structures of an uncharacterized protein Q6S8D9_SARS of SARS-CoV. Following the common flowchart of characterizing a hypothetical protein, several sophisticated computerized tools e.g., ExPASy Protparam, CD Search, SOPMA, PSIPRED, HHpred, etc. were employed to discover the functions and structures of Q6S8D9_SARS. After delineating the secondary and tertiary structures of the protein, some quality evaluating tools e.g., PROCHECK, ProSA-web etc. were performed to assess the structures and later the active site was identified also by CASTp v.3.0. The protein contains more negatively charged residues than positively charged residues and a high aliphatic index value which make the protein more stable. The 2D and 3D structures modeled by several bioinformatics tools ensured that the proteins had domain in it which indicated it was functional protein having the ability to trouble host antiviral inflammatory cytokine and interferon production pathways. Moreover, active site was found in the protein where ligand could bind. The study was aimed to unveil the features and structures of an uncharacterized protein of SARS-CoV which can be a therapeutic target for development of vaccines against the virus. Further research are needed to accomplish the task.

Genetic Analysis in Grain Legumes [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] for Yield Improvement and Identifying Heterotic Hybrids.

Six mungbean parental lines and their fifteen F1s produced from half-diallel mating design were investigated for combining ability and heterosis in terms of a yield and its components. Results showed highly significant variations among the parents and F1s, suggesting a wide genetic variability for the studied characters. Analysis of variance indicated that genotypes mean square values, general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) for all measured traits except for days to flowering, days to maturity, and pod length indicating genetic diversity of parents and both additive and non-additive gene effects in the inheritance of the measured traits. A higher effect of SCA than GCA for plant height and seeds per pod suggests the preponderance of non-additive gene effects in the expression of characters. Based on per se performance and GCA, BARI Mung-1, PS-7, and BMXK1-14004 were the best general combiners for yield per plant. In the context of SCA, hybrids BMXK1-14004 × Sonali mung, BMXK1-14004 × PS-7, BMXK1-14004 × BINA Mung-8, Sukumar × PS-7, and BARI Mung-1 × BINA Mung-8 were good specific combiners. BMXK1-14004 × Sonali mung and BMXK1-14004 × PS-7 were the best heterotic hybrids for yield and yield-contributing traits. These parents and crosses could be utilized for further use in breeding programs to improve yields in mungbean crops.

Literacy and stigma of suicide in Bangladesh: Scales validation and status assessment among university students.

BACKGROUND: Increased suicide literacy and reduced stigma toward suicide facilitate the care-seeking for suicidal behavior. However, no attempt has been identified to determine these two vital aspects in Bangladesh. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to validate the literacy of suicide scale and stigma of suicide scale into Bangla along with the determination of the level of suicide literacy and stigma toward suicide. METHODS: We conducted this study between April and June 2021. Data were collected from medical school and university students by Google form. We used a questionnaire consisting of four segments (i.e., sociodemographic questionnaire, a questionnaire for suicidal behavior, Bangla literacy of suicide scale [LOSS-B], and Bangla stigma of suicide scale [SOSS-B]) for data collection. We tested the psychometric properties of the scales in a sample of 529 students and examined factors associated with suicide stigma and literacy. RESULTS: The mean age of the students was 22.61 ± 1.68 (range 18-27) years, 274 (51.8%) were males, 476 (89.9%) were graduate students, and 490 (92.6%) were unmarried. The mean score of LOSS was 4.27 ± 1.99 ranging from 0 to 10. Factor analysis revealed acceptable psychometric properties of SOSS-B. The literacy was significantly higher in females, students of medicine, having a family history of suicidal attempts, and a history of student nonfatal attempts, while stigma was significantly lower among the females and a history of past attempts. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the level of literacy and stigma and culturally tested the psychometric properties of the LOSS-B and SOSS-B among university students in Bangladesh.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and C-reactive protein in non-fatal suicidal attempts: A cross-sectional pilot study in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Precise identification of risk factors for suicide has been found as fundamentally challenging for the stakeholders. In search of that, the determination of potential biological markers of suicide has been scrutinizing in recent days. However, replicative studies across the culture and time are warranted to utilize the biomarkers in decision-making while considering suicide prevention. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to measure the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in non-fatal suicidal attempts. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2020 to May 2021. Data were collected from 26 hospitalized patients after an immediate non-fatal suicidal attempt. We collected blood samples and assessed the complete blood count, NLR, and CRP. Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Science version 24.0 and Microsoft Excel software. We performed the independent Mann-Whitney U test to determine the variations between the groups. A value <.05 was considered as the level of significance. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 24.1 (±7.3), more than half of them (n = 19, 73.1%) were female. The mode of attempt was either hanging (n = 13, 50.0%) or poisoning (n = 13, 50.0%). The previous attempt was noted in 12 (46.2%) cases. The mean CRP level was 16.8 (±30.2) mg/L and the mean NLR level was 8.3 (±6.8) for the total sample. Both the CRP and NLR were significantly higher among those who attempted hanging (P = .019 and .001). CONCLUSIONS: The current study revealed preliminary findings on CRP and NLR among non-fatal suicides in Bangladesh where both of the parameters were significantly higher in non-fatal hanging.

Electrochemical Detection of Neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are important chemical messengers in the nervous system that play a crucial role in physiological and physical health. Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters have been correlated with physical, psychotic, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia, addiction, depression, and schizophrenia. Although multiple neurotechnological approaches have been reported in the literature, the detection and monitoring of neurotransmitters in the brain remains a challenge and continues to garner significant attention. Neurotechnology that provides high-throughput, as well as fast and specific quantification of target analytes in the brain, without negatively impacting the implanted region is highly desired for the monitoring of the complex intercommunication of neurotransmitters. Therefore, it is crucial to develop clinical assessment techniques that are sensitive and reliable to monitor and modulate these chemical messengers and screen diseases. This review focuses on summarizing the current electrochemical measurement techniques that are capable of sensing neurotransmitters with high temporal resolution in real time. Advanced neurotransmitter sensing platforms that integrate nanomaterials and biorecognition elements are explored.

Challenges in Design and Fabrication of Flexible/Stretchable Carbon- and Textile-Based Wearable Sensors for Health Monitoring: A Critical Review.

To demonstrate the wearable flexible/stretchable health-monitoring sensor, it is necessary to develop advanced functional materials and fabrication technologies. Among the various developed materials and fabrication processes for wearable sensors, carbon-based materials and textile-based configurations are considered as promising approaches due to their outstanding characteristics such as high conductivity, lightweight, high mechanical properties, wearability, and biocompatibility. Despite these advantages, in order to realize practical wearable applications, electrical and mechanical performances such as sensitivity, stability, and long-term use are still not satisfied. Accordingly, in this review, we describe recent advances in process technologies to fabricate advanced carbon-based materials and textile-based sensors, followed by their applications such as human activity and electrophysiological sensors. Furthermore, we discuss the remaining challenges for both carbon- and textile-based wearable sensors and then suggest effective strategies to realize the wearable sensors in health monitoring.

Real-Time PCR Assay for the Analysis of Alternative Splicing of Immune Mediators in Cancer.

Alternative splicing evolved as a very efficient way to generate proteome diversity and to regulate cell homeostasis from a limited number of genes. Moreover, changes in the relative amounts of different splice variants derived from the same pre-mRNA are a hallmark in cancer, and aberrant expression of alternatively spliced mRNAs has been linked to cancer initiation and progression. Therefore, splice variants are critical tools to assess disease progression and clinical prognosis, and hold great promise as potential targets for therapeutic intervention. In order to understand the role that such splice variants play in cancer, it is vital to be able to accurately quantify their expression levels in different cell types and organs, both in normal conditions and in disease. In this chapter we describe a protocol to efficiently detect, analyze, and quantify alternative splicing patterns of immune mediators such as chemokines, cytokine and their receptors and ligands in cancer by quantitative PCR.

Predicting and Designing Epitope Ensemble Vaccines against HTLV-1.

The infection mechanism and pathogenicity of Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) are ambiguously known for hundreds of years. Our knowledge about this virus is recently emerging. The purpose of the study is to design a vaccine targeting the envelope glycoprotein, GP62, an outer membrane protein of HTLV-1 that has an increased number of epitope binding sites. Data collection, clustering and multiple sequence alignment of HTLV-1 glycoprotein B, variability analysis of envelope Glycoprotein GP62 of HTLV-1, population protection coverage, HLA-epitope binding prediction, and B-cell epitope prediction were performed to predict an effective vaccine. Among all the predicted peptides, ALQTGITLV and VPSSSTPL epitopes interact with three MHC alleles. The summative population protection coverage worldwide by these epitopes as vaccine candidates was found nearly 70%. The docking analysis revealed that ALQTGITLV and VPSSSTPL epitopes interact strongly with the epitope-binding groove of HLA-A*02:03, and HLA-B*35:01, respectively, as this HLA molecule was found common with which every predicted epitope interacts. Molecular dynamics simulations of the docked complexes show they form stable complexes. So, these potential epitopes might pave the way for vaccine development against HTLV-1.

Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring Algorithm using Laser Doppler Flowmetry.

A novel machine learning algorithm is introduced to estimate continuous blood pressure monitoring using Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF). LDF provides instantaneous, continuous, and noninvasive measurements of blood flow in a small tissue sample. The proposed algorithm segments the continuous blood flow profile based on heartbeat cycles to subsequently extract multiple features. The beat-to-beat blood pressure was estimated from a multi-layer neural network algorithm using the extracted features. The algorithm was also validated with clinically proven cuff based continuous blood pressure sensors. Mean average error values of 4.54 \sim5.37 mmHg were observed, which conform to a Grade B/C category per the IEEE standard 1708-2014 for cuffless blood pressure measuring devices.

Screening of Human Proteins for Fluoride and Aluminum Binding.

Previous studies showed that prolonged exposure to fluoride (F-) and aluminum (Al3+) ions is associated with numerous diseases including neurological disorders. They don't have any known biological function. But they can bind with proteins that interact with ions similar to them. Such unwanted interactions affect the normal biological function of the target proteins, as well as their downstream protein-protein interactions. Several studies show the detrimental effects posed by them including Alzheimer's disease. However, their target proteins have never been reported. Here, we have screened for the human protein targets subjected to F- and Al3+ interactions by using data-driven prediction tools. We have identified 20 different proteins that directly bind with them (10 interact with fluoride and 10 with aluminum). In addition, protein-protein interaction has been explored to find the proteins that indirectly interact with F- and Al3+. We have found 86 indirect targets for F- and 90 for Al3+. Furthermore, 19 common protein targets have been identified, including proteins (9 out of 19) associated with neurodegenerative disorders. However, wet lab experiments are beyond our scopes to validate the binding networks. Additional studies must be warranted.

The Trypanosoma brucei dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase TbDAT is dispensable for normal growth but important for synthesis of ether glycerophospholipids.

Glycerophospholipids are the most abundant constituents of biological membranes in Trypanosoma brucei, which causes sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in cattle. They are essential cellular components that fulfill various important functions beyond their structural role in biological membranes such as in signal transduction, regulation of membrane trafficking or control of cell cycle progression. Our previous studies have established that the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase TbGAT is dispensable for growth, viability, and ester lipid biosynthesis suggesting the existence of another initial acyltransferase(s). This work presents the characterization of the alternative, dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase TbDAT, which acylates primarily dihydroxyacetonephosphate and prefers palmitoyl-CoA as an acyl-CoA donor. TbDAT restores the viability of a yeast double null mutant that lacks glycerol-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase activities. A conditional null mutant of TbDAT in T. brucei procyclic form was created and characterized. TbDAT was important for survival during stationary phase and synthesis of ether lipids. In contrast, TbDAT was dispensable for normal growth. Our results show that in T. brucei procyclic forms i) TbDAT but not TbGAT is the physiologically relevant initial acyltransferase and ii) ether lipid precursors are primarily made by TbDAT.

Environmental factors associated with the distribution of visceral leishmaniasis in endemic areas of Bangladesh: modeling the ecological niche.

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic infection (also called kala-azar in South Asia) caused by Leishmania donovani that is a considerable threat to public health in the Indian subcontinent, including densely populated Bangladesh. The disease seriously affects the poorest subset of the population in the subcontinent. Despite the fact that the incidence of VL results in significant morbidity and mortality, its environmental determinants are relatively poorly understood, especially in Bangladesh. In this study, we have extracted a number of environmental variables obtained from a range of sources, along with human VL cases collected through several field visits, to model the distribution of disease which may then be used as a surrogate for determining the distribution of Phlebotomus argentipes vector, in hyperendemic and endemic areas of Mymensingh and Gazipur districts in Bangladesh. The analysis was carried out within an ecological niche model (ENM) framework using a maxent to explore the ecological requirements of the disease. RESULTS: The results suggest that VL in the study area can be predicted by precipitation during the warmest quarter of the year, land surface temperature (LST), and normalized difference water index (NDWI). As P. argentipes is the single proven vector of L. donovani in the study area, its distribution could reasonably be determined by the same environmental variables. The analysis further showed that the majority of VL cases were located in mauzas where the estimated probability of the disease occurrence was high. This may reflect the potential distribution of the disease and consequently P. argentipes in the study area. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are expected to have important implications, particularly in vector control strategies and management of risk associated with this disease. Public health officials can use the results to prioritize their visits in specific areas. Further, the findings can be used as a baseline to model how the distribution of the disease caused by P. argentipes might change in the event of climatic and environmental changes that resulted from increased anthropogenic activities in Bangladesh and elsewhere.

Fabrication of sensitive enzymatic biosensor based on multi-layered reduced graphene oxide added PtAu nanoparticles-modified hybrid electrode.

A highly sensitive amperometric glucose sensor was developed by immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) onto multi-layer reduced graphene oxide (MRGO) sheets decorated with platinum and gold flower-like nanoparticles (PtAuNPs) modified Au substrate electrode. The fabricated MRGO/PtAuNPs modified hybrid electrode demonstrated high electrocatalytic activities toward oxidation of H2O2, to which it had a wide linear response that ranged from 0.5 to 8 mM (R2 = 0.997), and high sensitivity of 506.25 µA/mMcm2. Furthermore, glucose oxidase-chitosan composite and cationic polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA) were assembled by a casting method on the surface of MRGO/PtAuNPs modified electrode. This as-fabricated hybrid biosensor electrode exhibited high electrocatalytic activity for the detection of glucose in PBS. It demonstrated good analytical properties in terms of a low detection limit of 1 µM (signal-to-noise ratio of 3), short response time (3 s), high sensitivity (17.85 µA/mMcm2), and a wide linear range (0.01-8 mM) for glucose sensing. These results reveal that the newly developed sensing electrode offers great promise for new type enzymatic biosensor applications.

A Fully Integrated and Miniaturized Heavy-metal-detection Sensor Based on Micro-patterned Reduced Graphene Oxide.

For this paper, a fully integrated and highly miniaturized electrochemical sensor was designed and fabricated on a silicon substrate. A solvothermal-assisted reduced graphene oxide named "TRGO" was then successfully micro-patterned using a lithography technique, followed by the electrodeposition of bismuth (Bi) on the surface of the micro-patterned TRGO for the electrochemical detection of heavy metal ions. The fully integrated electrochemical micro-sensor was then measured and evaluated for the detection of cadmium and lead-heavy metal ions in an acetic-acid buffered solution using the square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) technique. The fabricated micro-sensor exhibited a linear detection range of 1.0 µg L(-1) to 120.0 µg L(-1) for both of the metal ions, and detection limits of 0.4 µg L(-1) and 1.0 µg L(-1) were recorded for the lead and cadmium (S/N = 3), respectively. Drinking-water samples were used for the practical assessment of the fabricated micro-sensor, and it showed an acceptable detection performance regarding the metal ions.

Respiratory Burst Enzymes, Pro-Oxidants and Antioxidants Status in Bangladeshi Population with ß-Thalassemia Major.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is intimately associated with many diseases, including ß-thalassemia. AIM: The study was to estimate the status of respiratory burst enzymes, pro-oxidants, and antioxidants in ß-thalassemia major patients in Bangladesh and to compare with apparently healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 49 subjects were recruited which included 25 patients (age range 5 to 40 years) with ß-thalassemia major and 24 controls (age and sex matched). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) represented respiratory burst enzymes; malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxide (LHP), and xanthine oxidase (XO) were measured as pro-oxidants; and glutathione S transferase (GST), vitamin C (Vit.C), and glutathione (GSH) were the measured antioxidants. RESULTS: The activity of SOD was significantly (P < 0.001) increased by about 79% and the activity of CAT was significantly (P < 0.001) decreased by more than 34% in the blood of ß-thalassemia major patients compared to the control group. The content of pro-oxidants such as MDA, LHP, and XO was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in patients by about 228%, 241.3% and 148.1% respectively compared to control group. The level of GSH and Vit.C were significantly (P = 0.000) decreased in patients by about 59% and 81% versus the healthy group, respectively; and GST activity was significantly (P < 0.001) declined by 44.25% in patients group. CONCLUSION: ß-thalassemia major patients demonstrate raised oxidative stress compared to healthy subjects.

Effect of spirulina intervention on oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and lipid profile in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress is intimately associated with many diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Study objectives include a comparison of the oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and lipid profile between COPD patients and controls and evaluation of the effect of spirulina intervention on oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and lipid profile of COPD patients. METHODS: 30 patients with COPD and 20 controls with no respiratory problems were selected. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria were served as the basis of COPD diagnosis. The serum content of malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxide, glutathione (GSH), vitamin C, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) was measured. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) was also measured. Two different doses, (500 × 2) mg and (500 × 4) mg spirulina, were given to two groups, each of which comprises 15 COPD patients. RESULTS: All targeted blood parameters have significant difference (P = 0.000) between COPD patients and controls except triglyceride (TG). Spirulina intake for 30 and 60 days at (500 × 2) mg dose has significantly reduced serum content of MDA, lipid hydroperoxide, and cholesterol (P = 0.000) while increasing GSH, Vit C level (P = 0.000), and the activity of SOD (P = 0.000) and GST (P = 0.038). At the same time, spirulina intake for 30 and 60 days at (500 × 4) mg dose has favorable significant effect (P = 0.000) on all targeted blood parameters except for HDL (P = 0.163).