The Effect of Eight Weeks of Aquatic Exercises on Muscle Strength in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Study.

Background: Cerebral palsy in children is considered a non-progressive brain injury due to abnormal brain development. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aquatic exercises on muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on three boys with cerebral palsy with a mean age of 6.5 years. In this research, a single case study method with A1-B-A2 design has been used. After determining the position of the baseline, the intervention began and during 24 sessions of individual intervention, aquatic exercises were presented to the subjects and all three subjects were followed up for 2 consecutive weeks and one month after the end of the intervention. The strength of the flexor muscles of the arms and legs was measured by a power track dynamometer made by JTECK with a threshold of 4.4 N. Results: Based on the indicators of descriptive statistics and visual analysis, the intervention was effective for all three participants in muscle strength, and the strength of individuals after the intervention has improved compared to the baseline stage (percentage). Information overlap for the first and second participant in the strength of right thigh flexors was 75% and for the third participant was 100%. The strength of the upper and lower torso muscles improved after the end of the training compared to the basic stage. Conclusion: Aquatic exercises can increase the strength of children with cerebral palsy and provide a favorable environment for children with cerebral palsy.

The Effects of 4-Week Aerobic Exercise on the Levels of CCl2, CCl5, and their Respective Receptors in Female BALB/C Mice Suffering from Breast Cancer.

Background: The studies reported that chemokines Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) have tumor-promoting roles in breast cancer (BC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of continuous aerobic exercise (AE) on chemokines CCL2 and CCL5 and their relative receptors in animal model of human BC. Materials and Methods: BALB/c mice were divided randomly into four groups included cancer control (CC) and three other groups. The total duration of the experiment was 14 weeks, including 2 weeks of familiarization of mice with treadmills and three of 4-week periods of experiment. Tumor inoculation and formation were performed in the second 4-week period. Group 1 received AE in the first 4-week, Group 2 received AE in the second 4-week and Group 3 in the third 4-week. Results: The CCL2 was reduced significantly in Groups 1, 2, and 3 compared to control (F3,12= 4705, P = 0.0001). In terms of CCL5, a significant decrease was seen only between Group 3 and control. Western blot results showed a significant reduction in C-C chemokine receptor Type 2 (CCR2) between Group 1 versus CC and Group 2 versus CC (F3,20= 1.812, P = 0.004). In terms of C-C chemokine receptor Type 5 (CCR5) a significant decrease was observed between Group 2 versus control and Group 3 versus control (F3,20= 273.3, P = 0.042), (P = 0.004). Conclusion: It can be concluded that 4-week AE significantly reduces the chemokines CCL2 and CCL5 and their respective receptors levels CCR5 and CCR2 in different stages, and it may have an inhibitory effect on tumor growth.

Meta-analysis and health risk assessment of toxic heavy metals in muscles of commercial fishes in Caspian Sea.

Heavy metals from contaminated seafood can have serious consequences for human health. Several studies on the amount of heavy metals in Caspian Sea fish have been conducted to ensure their food safety. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the levels of five toxic heavy metals; Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Chromium (Cr), and Arsenic (As) in muscles of commercial fishes of the Caspian Sea with assessing their health risk of developing oral cancer in terms of fish collection place and fish type. A systematic search was performed, and the random effect model was applied for meta-analysis. Finally, 14 studies with 30 different sets of results were included. Our results showed that the pooled estimates for Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, and As were 0.65 mg/kg (0.52, 0.79), 0.08 mg/kg (0.07, 0.10), 0.11 mg/kg (0.07, 0.15), 1.77 mg/kg (1.26, 2.27), and 0.10 mg/kg (- 0.06, 0.26) respectively. The levels of Pb and Cd were higher than their (FAO/WHO) maximum limits. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of Pb and Cd in Mazandaran, and Hg in Gilan were more than Total Daily Intake (TDI) limits. The consumers' non-carcinogenic risk (THQ) for Hg in Mazandaran and Gilan, and As in Gilan, was unsafe. Carcinogenic risk (CR) for Cr and Cd in all three provinces, and for As in Mazandaran and Gilan, was greater than 1*10 - 4 and was unsafe. The lowest and highest risk levels of oral cancer were for Rutilus kutum and Cyprinus carpio respectively.

Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) intake on human serum lipid profile: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dyslipidemia is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Effect of ginger supplementation on lipid profile in humans remains controversial particularly in diabetic patients. A systematic search was performed covering PubMed, Medline, and Scopus, Web of Science (ISI), and Google scholar from January 2010 to January 2022. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) study design, at least one of lipid profile components triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) measured before and after ginger consumption. For quantitative data synthesis, a random-effects model was applied. Pooled data showed that ginger intake reduced TC (SMD -0.44; 95% CI: -0.86, -0.02; p = 0.025) and TG (SMD -0.61; 95% CI: -1.14, -0.08; p = 0.024) levels significantly, but it has no significant effect on improving HDL-C (SMD 0.40; 95% CI: -0.01, 0.80; p = 0.057) and LDL-C (SMD -0.34; 95% CI: -0.81, 0.13; p = 0.153). Ginger supplementation decreased TG in obese and diabetic subjects more efficiently. In terms of ginger dose, the result of meta-regression found to be significant only for TC, so that increasing daily doses of ginger reduces TC levels by (ß: -0.67; 95% CI: -1.28, -0.07; p = 0.028). Therefore, ginger could be considered as an effective lipid lowering nutraceuticals.

Comorbidities with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH): A Systematic Review.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is linked to high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), atherosclerotic, and aortic stenosis to a lesser extent. We looked at the incidence of prevalent comorbid disorders other than cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension, and cancer in heterozygous FH (HeFH) patients. PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched systematically for studies reporting comorbidities in FH patients. Finally, 23 studies were included after excluding duplicates, papers with unrelated titles, reviews, abstracts, and papers with not sufficient data. Results showed that among the comorbidities that have been studied; FH patients had a greater prevalence of CKD. In terms of diabetes, the data are inconsistent, with some research indicating a higher prevalence of diabetes in FH patients and mostly indicating the opposite. Polymorphism study showed that hypertension has been linked to FH; however, the prevalence of the hypertensive subjects varies among FH groups. In comparison to the general population, cancer was found to have a lower or similar prevalence in FH patients. More research is needed in this area due to the variability of the results of the relationship between diabetes and FH and the small number of studies on cancer. In conclusion only CKD can be considered as an important and prevalent comorbidity in FH population after CVDs.

Viewpoints on the Role of Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin Channels in Cardiovascular System and Disease: A Systematic Review.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) family play critical roles in cardiovascular system. TRPM family as largest TRP subfamily is non-voltage Ca2+-activated selective channels which has 8 members. This study aimed to discuss the role of TRPM family in cardiovascular system and diseases. Systematic search was performed covering PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception until June 2021 using related keywords and Mesh terms for English studies with human, animal and in-vitro subjects. Finally 10 studies were selected for data extraction. Reviewing the articles showed that TRPM2, TRPM4, TRPM5, TRPM6 and TRPM7 play important roles in cardiovascular system and diseases. TRPM2 could be activated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and effects on cardiac injury and cardiac fibrosis. TRPM7 and TRPM6 also have been reported to be associated with cardiac fibrosis and atrial fibrosis development respectively. TRPM4 channels contributed to resting membrane potential of cerebral artery smooth muscle cells and atrial contraction. TRPM5 channels are bitter taste sensors and prevent high salt intake and consequently high blood pressure due to the high salt intake. In conclusion based on the proof of the effectiveness of some members of TRPM family in the cardiovascular system, research on other members of this channel group seems to be useful and necessary to find their possible connection to the cardiovascular system.

Effect of Different Types of Aerobic Exercise on Individuals With and Without Hypertension: An Updated Systematic Review.

High blood pressure (BP) is one of the main modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and preventing it greatly reduces the vascular consequences of aging and, along with intensive treatment of hypertension, eliminates a large portion of the burden of CVD-related mortality. Many meta-analyses and studies proved that regular aerobic exercise (AE) reduces BP but most of these studies consider only hypertensive populations or only AE but not resistant exercise or their combination. In this review, we aimed to study the effect of different types of physical activity (PA)/AE on various populations including normotensive, prehypertensive, primary hypertensive, and resistant hypertensive with different comorbidities. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for English articles with keywords for physical activity, aerobic exercise, and blood pressure from January 2010 until September 2021. Finally, 24 studies were included. Results showed that chronic or acute AE (long-term or short-term), either alone or as combined with different sessions and programs can reduce systolic and diastolic BP in every group including normotensive, prehypertensive, primary hypertensive, resistant hypertensive individuals and diabetic patients and those with kidney problems but not in people with chronic heart failure. Isometric exercise training showed to be useful in reducing BP in all groups either as low intensity or as high intensity but the rate of reduction was different in terms of gender. AE showed to be effective in terms of BP reduction in a different age range. It can be seen that different types and duration of AE independent of the modality and programs and independent of the BP medical situation of individuals have been successful in terms of BP reduction. For those with chronic heart failure, more concern and help might be needed to decrease BP via exercise.

Effect of Oat (Avena sativa L.) Consumption on Lipid Profile With Focus on Triglycerides and High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C): An Updated Systematic Review.

Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for heart disease. The soluble fiber in oat (Avena sativa L.), beta-glucan has been shown to significantly lower serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels but not triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) according to previous studies, reviews, and meta-analyses. However, the effect of oat consumption on the TG and HDL-C is controversial and has not been expanded enough. We did this review study to find out about the effect of oat on lipid profile especially TG and HDL-C more specifically and meticulously with their details. After searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Google scholar we included 17 studies in our review. Our results similar to other reviews showed that oat reduced the TC, VLDL, and LDL-C more significantly than TG. Of 17 included studies 6 studies reported reduction of TG level, and only 1 study reported HDL-C improvement followed by oat consumption. A more detailed review of studies that reported positive effects of oat/ beta-glucan consumption on TG showed that in healthy people with normal lipid profile oat intake might reduce TG effectively and also in overweight people/those with diabetes or metabolic syndrome if a higher amount of oat or/and longer duration applied. Consuming oat in conjunction with calorie-reducing diets or using it with DHA can cause a significant TG reduction. It may be concluded that, in addition to lowering TC and LDL-C, a considerable improvement in TG or HDL-C can be accomplished by adjusting factors such as oat consumption dose or consumption duration or utilizing oat in conjunction with a proper diet program. To conclude, more research on this topic is required.

Effect of Lycopene Supplementation on Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Markers of Endothelial Function in Iranian Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Aim: This study aimed to explore if supplementary lycopene tablets may help heart failure (HF) patients improve their lipid profile, BP, and the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) index for endothelial function. Methods: Fifty patients with ischemic HF with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the lycopene group which received 25 mg lycopene tablets once a day for 8 weeks and the control group which received placebo tablets containing starch once a day for 8 weeks. Results: Our results showed that after two months, the amount of triglyceride (TG) and FMD improved significantly compared to the control, TG decreased (219.27 vs. 234.24), and the mean of FMD increased (5.68 vs. 2.95). Other variables, including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), showed no improvement. Also, only SBP and FMD showed intragroup improvement in the intervention group. In the intervention group, only SBP and FMD exhibited intragroup improvement. Conclusions: It can be concluded that supplementing with lycopene can enhance endothelial function and reduce the TG levels in ischemic HFrEF patients. However, it had no positive effect on BP, TC, LDL-C, or HDL-C. Trial Registration. This clinical trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with IRCT registration number: IRCT20210614051574N4.

Effect and Safety of Castor Oil on Labor Induction and Prevalence of Vaginal Delivery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Castor oil is used in some countries to induce labor, but results on its effectiveness and safety is controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of castor oil on labor induction and prevalence of vaginal delivery along with investigating its safety. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched systematically up to September 2020. Observational studies and Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs), which assessed the effect of castor oil on labor induction in English and Persian languages using different combinations of the related key terms and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms were collected and analyzed independently by two authors. Random effect model was used for meta-analysis. The studies were included in which the Relative Risk (RR) had been reported with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 12 studies consisting 1653 pregnant women were included. The mean age of women who used castor oil was 24.72 years and in control group was 24.67 years. Results showed that labor induction was significantly higher in castor oil group than control group (RR: 3.27; 95% CI (1.96, 5.46)). Prevalence of vaginal delivery was 81% in the castor oil group and 69% in the control group. Conclusions: It can be concluded that use of castor oil has positive effect on labor induction and increases the prevalence of vaginal delivery. None of the studies considered in this meta-analysis reported any serious harmful effects for the use of castor oil.

Cardiovascular Effects of Cydonia oblonga Miller (Quince).

Cydonia oblonga Miller (quince) is a monotypic genus in the Rosaceae family which used to treat or prevent many medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, infections, and ulcer. This review will summarize the current state of knowledge available on botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of this plant with a focus on its effect on some cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, blood pressure, lipid profile, and body weight. Databases of Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and SID were searched systematically for English published articles with no date limitation. There were no human studies found, and all of the studies were conducted on animals or in vitro models. Reviewing of all 12 included articles showed that different types of quince extract have positive effects on cardiovascular-related factors such as blood pressure, diabetes, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, ROS, body weight, liver dysfunction, and thrombosis. An antihypertensive effect of quince showed to be a magnitude that is comparable to captopril and the lipid-lowering effect of quince showed to be a magnitude that is comparable to simvastatin. However, two studies evaluated the effect of quince fruit extract on insulin levels; one of them reported no positive effect, and the other one reported a significant positive effect. It can be concluded that different parts of quince including leaf, seed, and fruit could be used for improving cardiovascular-related factors including blood pressure, glucose metabolism and diabetes, obesity, and lipid-adjusting purposes. Quince was also found to have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity. This study paves the way for further studies on the cardiovascular effect of quince consumption as a beneficial nutraceutical in humans.

Comparison of Equations for the Calculation of LDL-Cholesterol in Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Data from Iranian Registry.

OBJECTIVE: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is the mainstay of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, the most prevalent autosomal domi- nant disorder among humans. Since the reference measurement method (ultracentrifugation) is time-consuming and expensive, many formulas emerged to calculate low-density lipopro- tein cholesterol levels and are commonly used in laboratories. METHODS: To compare the performance of 3 low-density lipoprotein cholesterol calcula- tion equations with a direct method (enzymatic photometric assay), the lipid profiles of 1148 patients of the registry of familial hypercholesterolemia in Iran were analyzed retrospec- tively, 270 of which had a possible or definite familial hypercholesterolemia diagnosis according to Dutch criteria. While measured using the direct method, we calculated the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels using the Friedewald, Chen, and Anandaraja formulas. RESULTS: Our results showed that all 3 formulas are highly correlated with the direct method, and the Chen formula showed the highest intra-class correlation coefficient among all (0.954 among all patients with hypercholesterolemia and 0.947 among the familial hyper- cholesterolemia population). In addition, the Chen formula was the most sensitive, and the Friedewald formula was the most specific formula using a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol cut-off of 100 in familial hypercholesterolemia patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings encourage applying the Chen formula in addition to the Friedewald formula to make better clinical decisions for familial hypercholesterolemia patients.

Prevalence of Return to Work in Cardiovascular Patients After Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the effects of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on the prevalence of return to work (RTW) in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) patients. CR plays a very important role in the management of CVDs and improves the patients' physical activity, quality of life, and a decrease in the cost of healthcare. RTW is the most important goal in the rehabilitation of CVD patients. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google scholar were searched systematically from inception up to January 2021 for English published clinical trials and observational studies. In total, 16 studies were analyzed, of them, 8 were controlled studies. Pooled results showed that the mean age of patients was 52.30 (50.04, 54.57). The prevalence of RTW in the CR attending group was 66% (60%, 71%) and in the control group was 58% (47%, 68%). Subgroup analysis showed that the proportion of RTW was higher in white-collars 76% (73%-79%) compared to. blue-collars 63% (56%-70%). Out-patient CR with 72% (61%-81%) RTW was more effective compared to in-patient CR with 62% (44%- 78%) and usual care (control). It can be concluded that CR especially out-patient CR increases the prevalence of RTW but not much. Improved and appropriate CR programs related to each individual's disease and patient condition which follow the valid guidelines might help to increase the effectiveness of CR in terms of RTW.

Effect of Microalgae Arthrospira on Biomarkers of Glycemic Control and Glucose Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and a higher rate of CVD-related death. In this study, the effects of Arthrospira (Spirulina) a blue-green algae supplementation on biomarkers of glycemic control and glucose metabolism has been evaluated. PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science were searched systematically of English human subjects and PubMed for pre-clinical animal studies (rats and mice) from January 2008 until November 2020. The pooled weighted mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and pooled using a random-effect model. Seven clinical and 27 preclinical studies were included. Pooled results of the clinical studies showed that Arthrospira supplementation significantly reduced the fasting blood sugar (FBS): (0.63- 2.90-) 1.77-, total cholesterol (TC): (0.46- ، 4.61-) 2.54-, triglycerides (TG): (0.89- ، 6.54-) 3.71- and increased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C): (3.86 ، 0.67) 2.27; however, Arthrospira was not significantly effective in terms of reducing the glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C): (1.04 ، 2.23-) 0.59- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Pooled results of preclinical studies showed that Arthrospira supplementation reduced FBS [-10.31 (-12.49, -8.13)] and HbA1C [-5.12 (-8.06, -2.19)] significantly in diabetic animals. Sub-group analysis of clinical studies showed that intervention duration less than 2 months [-2.52 (-4.37, -0.67)] and the dose less than 2 gram [-3.22 (-5.67, -0.76)] showed significant improvement in terms of reducing the FBS in humans. It can be concluded that Arthrospira can be considered as an effective FBS, TG, TC, and HDL-C adjusting nutraceutical agent for diabetes mellitus. Due to the differences in the results of clinical and animal studies in terms of HbA1c, more studies are needed for a definitive conclusion.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Registry Worldwide: A Systematic Review.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common genetic disease which accelerates the development of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) in young adults if remains untreated. The overall prevalence of FH is currently unknown and is usually underdiagnosed and undertreated worldwide. FH registry in different geographical area is a mission that helps early diagnosis of FH patients in the general population. PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched systematically for studies and reports on the FH registry using related keywords. Finally, 27 studies were included in this review. Most of the studies used the CASCADE screening method based on 1 or more than 1 of the 3 well-established FH criteria namely, the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network, Simon Broome Register, or Make Early Diagnosis to Prevent Early Death criteria. Except for a small number of studies that the genetic and molecular methods were used, in other studies only clinical diagnosis was applied. All these studies claimed that the FH registry causes the identification of many new cases as a result of used CASCADE screening and referral to lipid clinics. They concluded that the FH registry increases general and also physician awareness on FH prevalence and its related complications which in the long-term will improve FH management. This indicates that in other parts of the world, the FH registry should be established as well so that more accurate statistics on the prevalence of this disease can be found worldwide which would help in diagnosis and prevention.

Effect of Genistein Intake on Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Genistein, an isoflavone in soybean products has potential cardio-protective effects and is used also as an alternative for estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women. However, results in this regard are inconsistent and also, not all risk factors related to cardiovascular supportive effects have been meta-analyzed. We searched PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception up to October 2020. Random-effects meta-analysis was used for data synthesis. The search included studies with information on genistein supplementation and lipid profile [triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC),low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein HDL-C)], systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP & DBP), body mass index [BMI] and body weight. Pooled results of studies showed that genistein intake significantly reduced TC [95%CI: -0.49(-0.80, -0.18); P=0.002)], LDL-C [95%CI: -0.60(-1.10, -0.10); P=0.018)] and SBP [95%CI: -0.52(-0.90, -0.14); P=0.007)]. DBP, HLD-C, TG, BMI, and body weight showed no meaningful improvement. Subgroup analysis showed that LDL-C and SBP were reduced more effectively in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome. Genistein intake more than 6 months showed a greater effect on lowering cholesterol -0.76(-1.27, -0.24), SBP [-0.39(-0.70, -0.08)] and DBP -0.40(-0.81, -0.00) and increasing TG and LDL-C. This meta-analysis provides consistent evidence that genistein intake reduces the CVD risk factors of TC, LDL-C, and SBP significantly.

Effect of Beetroot Consumption on Serum Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Beetroot has recently become very popular among people as a medicinal superfood that decreases blood pressure and improves athletes' performance. The present meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of beetroot consumption on serum lipid profile. A literature search was conducted covering PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Google scholar of English human subject randomized clinical trials (RCT) up to December 2020. Pooled results showed that beetroot consumption had no significant effect on any of the variables. The mean difference (95% CI) between intervention and control groups for TC was 1.25 (-0.03, 2.53), for TG -0.47 (-1.16, 0.21), for HDL 0.54 (-0.13, 1.21) and for LDL was -0.48(-1.04, 0.09). Subgroup analysis by the health condition of subjects, the form of beetroot consumption, and type of intervention showed no significant differences. It can be concluded that beetroot cannot be categorized as an effective supplementation for adjustment of lipid profile.

Anethum graveolens L. (Dill) Effect on Human Lipid Profile: An Updated Systematic Review.

Dill is an aromatic edible herb, belongs to the genus Anethum in the celery family (Apiaceae or Umbelliferae) with a long history of cultivation from ancient times and two closely related cultivated species, European dill (Anethum graveolens) and Indian dill (Anethum Sowa). We wanted to do this systematic review on the effect of Anethum graveolens intake on lipid profile because the outcomes of multiple research and meta-analyses in this regard were inconsistent. A systematic search for English published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) covering PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Coherence library. The pooled weighted mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and pooled using a random-effects model. Pooled data of 6 RCTs involving 171 intervention cases indicated that dill supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in mean serum total cholesterol (MD 95% CI= -3.71(-5.71,-1.70); P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (MD 95% CI= -1.51(-2.65,-0.47); P = 0.005), TG (triglycerides) (MD 95% CI= -2.48(-3.98,-0.98); P = 0.001) and interestingly high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDL-C) (MD 95% CI= -2.19(-3.58,-0.81); P = 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed that dill use was more effective in lowering triglyceride in both hyperlipidemic patients, MD 95% CI= -3.54(-6.49,-0.60); P = 0.02) and type 2 diabetes (MD 95% CI= -3.64(-5.69,-1.58); P = 0.001). Dill use reduced the LDL levels more effectively in patients with type 2 diabetes (MD 95% CI= -3.54(-6.49,-0.60); P = 0.03). Dill supplementation significantly improved LDL-C, TG, and Total cholesterol (TC) levels but not HDL-C. Further high quality controlled clinical trials on human is needed for more accurate and confirm conclusion.

An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Association of Serum Lipid Profile With Risk of Breast Cancer Incidence.

Background: This meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effect of serum lipids on the risk of breast cancer incidence. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE were searched systematically from January 1998 to April 2019. Inclusion criteria were English observational studies (cohort or case-control) and the concentration of at least one of the lipid profile components (total cholesterol/triglycerides/low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) measured before a diagnosis of breast cancer (BC). The studies were included in which the relative risk (RR) had been reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A random-effects model was used. Results: A total of 25 studies were found, including 2,882,789 participants in cohort studies with 45,481 cases with BC, and 1983 BC cases and 2963 case-control studies. Combined RR of cohort studies for the highest versus lowest for the BC was LDL-C: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.89-1.01), triglycerides (TG): 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91-0.99; P = 0.02), total cholesterol (TC): 0.98 (95% CI: 0.91-1.05), and HDL-C: 0.86 (95% CI: 0.63-1.18). Combined RR of case-control studies for the highest versus lowest was LDL-C: 1.08 (95% CI: 0.78-1.48), TG: 1.73 (95% CI: 0.94-3.18), TC: 1.02 (95% CI: 0.80-1.29), and HDL-C: 0.79 (95% CI: 0.65-0.97). Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that only TG but not TC and/or LDL-C had a significant inverse association with the risk of BC incidence. HDL-C showed a significant protective effect against breast cancer in postmenopausal women and case-control studies.

Bacterial Receiver Prototype for Molecular Communication Using Rhamnose Operon in a Microfluidic Environment.

Bacterial populations are promising candidates for the development of the receiver and transmitter nanomachines for molecular communication (MC). A bacterial receiver is required to uptake the information molecules and produce the detectable molecules following a regulation mechanism. We have constructed a novel bacterial MC receiver using an inducible bacterial L-rhamnose-regulating operon. The proposed bacterial receiver produces green fluorescent protein (GFP) in response to the L-rhamnose information molecules following a quite fast regulation mechanism. To fabricate the receiver, the bacterial population has been transformed using a plasmid harboring L-rhamnose operon genes and gene expressing GFP in a microfluidic environment. We mathematically model the reception process of information molecules and characterize the model parameters by comparing the simulation results of the model in the employed microfluidic environment and the data obtained from the experimental setup. Based on the experimental results, the receiver is able to switch between different low and high concentrations. This work paves the way for the fabrication and modeling of any bacterial operon-based receiver with any proteins rather than GFP. Further, our experimental results indicate that the proposed bacterial receiver has a faster response to information molecules compared to the previous bacterial receiver based on the quorum sensing (QS) process.