The perceived experience of adhering to vegan diet: a descriptive phenomenological study.

BACKGROUND: Today, raw vegetarianism is considered one of the most important socio-cultural developments in contemporary societies. In this regard, the present study was conducted to describe the perceived experience of people adhering to a vegan diet through a phenomenological perspective. METHODS: This qualitative study explores the perceived experiences of individuals who follow a vegan diet and are part of the self-care campaign in Kermanshah, Iran. sampling was purposeful and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 individuals who follow a vegan lifestyle. The data were analyzed after being collected using the seven steps of Collizi. MAXQUDA software (version 12) was used for data management. RESULTS: After qualitative data analysis, we identified 567 codes, which were categorized into 15 sub-themes. From these sub-themes, we derived 4 main themes. The main themes include: In pursuit of redemption (Meaningful framework, In awareness path, Unequaled Disappointment, Chronic and complex conditions), Seeking the New World (Starting with doubt and hesitation, The temptation to return, Constant criticism, Unfamiliar appearance), On the path of overcoming difficulties (Associate problems, Matching the new way, Perceived recommendations), and attaining the expected outcomes (Healthy lifestyle, Therapeutic feedback, Enhancing emotional wellbeing, Feeling of youth). CONCLUSION: Based on the participants' experience, despite the challenging journey, the people with a vegetarian diet experienced partial and complete improvement of all the symptoms of the diseases. They had a healthy lifestyle and felt young and energetic. Likewise, this method had a positive effect on people's mental state and mood.

Interleukin-17 and interleukin-23 levels in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION: Interleukin-17 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine with a wide range of protective and destructive effects in periodontitis. The role of IL-23 is stabilisation and expansion of Th-17. The aim of this study was to assess whether patients with aggressive and chronic periodontitis exhibit different gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) concentrations of IL-17 and IL-23 compared with clinically healthy subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: GCF samples were obtained from 32 patients: 10 with chronic periodontitis (CP), 12 with aggressive periodontitis (AgP), and 10 healthy controls (HC). IL-23 and IL-17 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Comparison of study groups was performed with ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between the variables. RESULTS: IL-17 concentration was significantly higher in the healthy group compared to the AgP and CP groups (p < 0.001), but there were no significant differences between the CP and AgP groups. IL-23 levels in the healthy group were significantly higher than that in the AgP group (p < 0.001). Cytokine concentrations did not correlate significantly with probing depths and clinical attachment levels. CONCLUSIONS: Gingival crevicular fluid concentrations of IL-17 and IL-23 were significantly higher in the healthy group compared to periodontitis groups.

Does the administration of melatonin during post-traumatic brain injury affect cytokine levels?

Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines after traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to brain edema and neuronal death. In this study, the effect of melatonin on pro-inflammatory (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines following TBI was investigated considering anti-inflammatory effect of melatonin. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Sham, TBI, TBI + VEH (vehicle), TBI + 5 mg dose of melatonin (MEL5), TBI + 20 mg dose of melatonin (MEL20). Diffuse TBI was induced by Marmarou method. Melatonin was administered 1, 24, 48 and 72 h after TBI through i.p. Brain water content and brain levels of pro-inflammatory (IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines were measured 72 h after TBI. The IL-1ß levels decreased in the TBI + MEL5 and TBI + MEL20 groups in comparison to TBI + VEH group (p < 0.001). The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α also decreased in melatonin-treated groups compared to control group (p < 0.001). The amount of IL-10 decreased after TBI. But melatonin administration increased the IL-10 levels in comparison with TBI + VEH group (p < 0.001). The results showed that melatonin administration affected the brain levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines involving in brain edema led to neuronal protection after TBI.

Changes in growth, blood immune parameters and expression of immune related genes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in response to diet supplemented with Ducrosia anethifolia essential oil.

An 8- week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of Ducrosia anethifolia essential oil on growth, blood immune parameters and immune related genes expression in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish were allocated into 4 groups and fed on diet containing different levels of essential oil (0, 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1%) to apparent satiation in 30 min 3 times daily. Growth and immunological parameters were measured every ten days and tissue samples were taken from kidney and spleen on days 10, 30 and 50 to study the expression of IL-1ß and TNF-α. The changes of measured parameters in different treatments and over sampling time series were statistically analysis based on repeated measurement method (P < 0.05). Results showed that growth did not affected by essential oil at different treatments. The highest level of hematocrit was observed in 0.001 treatment. The mean of RBC showed no significant differences among treatments. The mean of WBC in 0.01 and 0.1 groups were higher than those in 0.001 and control groups. Total protein, albumin and globulin and serum bactericidal activity showed no significant difference in different treatments. Neither treatments nor sampling times affected serum lysozyme activity. The highest mean of respiratory burst activity was observed in 0.01 group. The highest expression of both IL-1ß and TNF-α genes in kidney was observed at 0.001 dose on day 30, while in spleen, the highest expression of IL-1ß and TNF-α was obtained on day 30 at doses 0.1 and 0.01%, respectively. In conclusion the results of this study showed that feeding with lower and medium level of D. anethifolia for 30 days led to immunostimulatory effects in juvenile rainbow trout.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad essential oil attenuate the effects of traumatic brain injuries in rats.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health concern affecting the general public as well as military personnel. However, there is no FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of TBIs. In this work, we investigated the neurotherapeutic effects of the well-known natural Iranian medicine Satureja Khuzistanica Jamzad (SKJ) essential oil (SKEO) on the outcomes of diffused experimental TBI, with particular attention paid to its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Male Wistar rats were treated with doses of 50, 100 and 200 (mg/kg, i.p) SKEO after induction of diffused TBIs. The results showed that injecting SKEO (200 mg/kg) 30 minutes after TBI significantly reduced brain oedema and damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and limited the post-TBI increase in intracranial pressure. The veterinary coma scale (VCS) scores significantly improved in the treatment group. Also, inflammatory marker assays showed reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 and increased IL-10 in the treated groups. Moreover, the immunohistochemical results indicated that SKEO not only reduced neuronal death and BBB permeability but also affected astrocytic activation. Overall, our data indicate potential clinical neurological applications for SKEO.

The brain cytokine levels are modulated by estrogen following traumatic brain injury: Which estrogen receptor serves as modulator?

The present study was designed to explore whether administration of estrogen affects brain cytokine levels in TBI. We also sought determine which one of type of classical estrogen receptors (ERs) is involved. Ovariectomized female rats were divided in to eight groups. Estrogen or vehicle was administered following TBI (E2 and oil groups). Antagonist of ER(ICI 182, 780) or vehicle was also administered following TBI (ICI and DMSO groups). The ICI or vehicle was administered either before induction of TBI and administration of estrogen (ICI+E2 and DMSO+E2 groups). TBI was induced by Marmarou's method. In addition to brain water content, the levels of brain proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured 24 hours post- TBI. Present results demonstrated that, estrogen reduced TBI- induced brain edema. The antiedema effect of estrogen was attenuated by ICI. The brain measures of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α in TBI were also reduced by estrogen. The anti-inflammatory effect of estrogen was attenuated by ICI. The inhibition level of estrogen by ICI was 53.2%, 12.09% and 48.45% for IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α, respectively. Estrogen also elevated IL-10 in TBI. ICI inversely controlled the effect of estrogen on IL-10, by 33.84%. This effect was not observed once ICI was used alone. The estrogen administration following TBI probably results in proinflammatory cytokines reduction, and inversely enhancement of anti-inflammatory cytokines. In our study, the neuroprotective effect of estrogen is proposed to be mediated by both ERα and ERα, and accordingly the inhibition of neuroprotective effect of estrogen by ICI.

The Effects of Estrogen Receptors' Antagonist on Brain Edema, Intracranial Pressure and Neurological Outcomes after Traumatic Brain Injury in Rat.

BACKGROUND: In previous studies, the neuroprotective effect of 17ß-estradiol in diffuse traumatic brain injury has been shown. This study used ICI 182,780, a non-selective estrogen receptor antagonist, to test the hypothesis that the neuroprotective effect of 17ß-estradiol in traumatic brain injury is mediated by the estrogen receptors. METHODS: The ovariectomized rats were divided into eight groups. Brain injury was induced by Marmarou's method. Estrogen was injected 30 minutes after traumatic brain injury, and ICI 182,780 was injected before traumatic brain injury and also before estrogen treatment. In one group only ICI 182,780 was injected. The brain water content and Evans blue dye content were measured 24 and 5 hours after traumatic brain injury, respectively. The neurologic outcomes and intracranial pressure were assessed before, 4, and 24 hours after traumatic brain injury. RESULTS: Brain water content and Evans blue content were less in estrogen-treated group comparison to vehicle group. ICI 182,780 eliminated the effects of estrogen on brain edema and brain blood barrier permeability. Intracranial pressure was increased significantly after trauma, and estrogen decreased intracranial pressure at 4 and 24 hours after traumatic brain injury in comparison to vehicle. This inhibitory effect was also eliminated by treatment with ICI182,780. ICI 182,780 also inhibited the estrogen induced increase in neurologic outcomes following traumatic brain injury. However, the use of ICI 182,780 alone had no neuroprotective effect after traumatic brain injury. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that classical estrogen receptors have probably a role in the neuroprotective function of estrogen following traumatic brain injury.

Rapid detection of coliforms in drinking water of Arak city using multiplex PCR method in comparison with the standard method of culture (Most Probably Number)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyse molecular detection of coliforms and shorten the time of PCR.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rapid detection of coliforms by amplification of lacZ and uidA genes in a multiplex PCR reaction was designed and performed in comparison with most probably number (MPN) method for 16 artificial and 101 field samples. The molecular method was also conducted on isolated coliforms from positive MPN samples; standard sample for verification of microbial method certificated reference material; isolated strains from certificated reference material and standard bacteria. The PCR and electrophoresis parameters were changed for reducing the operation time.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Results of PCR for lacZ and uidA genes were similar in all of standard, operational and artificial samples and showed the 876 bp and 147 bp bands of lacZ and uidA genes by multiplex PCR. PCR results were confirmed by MPN culture method by sensitivity 86% (95% CI: 0.71-0.93). Also the total execution time, with a successful change of factors, was reduced to less than two and a half hour.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Multiplex PCR method with shortened operation time was used for the simultaneous detection of total coliforms and Escherichia coli in distribution system of Arak city. It's recommended to be used at least as an initial screening test, and then the positive samples could be randomly tested by MPN.</p>

Rapid detection of coliforms in drinking water of Arak city using multiplex PCR method in comparison with the standard method of culture (Most Probably Number)

Objective: To analyse molecular detection of coliforms and shorten the time of PCR. Methods: Rapid detection of coliforms by amplification of lacZ and uidA genes in a multiplex PCR reaction was designed and performed in comparison with most probably number (MPN) method for 16 artificial and 101 field samples. The molecular method was also conducted on isolated coliforms from positive MPN samples; standard sample for verification of microbial method certificated reference material; isolated strains from certificated reference material and standard bacteria. The PCR and electrophoresis parameters were changed for reducing the operation time. Results: Results of PCR for lacZ and uidA genes were similar in all of standard, operational and artificial samples and showed the 876 bp and 147 bp bands of lacZ and uidA genes by multiplex PCR. PCR results were confirmed by MPN culture method by sensitivity 86% (95% CI: 0.71-0.93). Also the total execution time, with a successful change of factors, was reduced to less than two and a half hour. Conclusions: Multiplex PCR method with shortened operation time was used for the simultaneous detection of total coliforms and Escherichia coli in distribution system of Arak city. It's recommended to be used at least as an initial screening test, and then the positive samples could be randomly tested by MPN.

Effect of melatonin on intracranial pressure and brain edema following traumatic brain injury: role of oxidative stresses.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of brain edema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). In the clinic it is essential to limit the development of ICP after TBI. In the present study, the effects of melatonin on these parameters at different time points and alterations of oxidant factors as one of the probable involved mechanisms have been evaluated. METHODS: Albino N-Mary rats were divided into five groups of sham, TBI, TBI + vehicle, TBI + Mel5 and TBI + Mel20. Brain injury was induced by Marmarou method. Melatonin was injected i.p. at 1, 24, 48 and 72 h after brain trauma. Brain water and Evans blue dye contents as well as oxidant/antioxidant factors were measured 72 h after TBI. ICP and neurological scores were determined at -1, 1, 24, 48 and 72 h post-TBI. RESULTS: Brain water and Evans blue dye contents in melatonin-treated groups decreased as compared to the TBI + vehicle group (p <0.001). Veterinary coma scale (VCS) at 24, 48 and 72 h after TBI showed a significant increase in melatonin groups (TBI + Mel5: p <0.01 and TBI + Mel20: p <0.001) in comparison to the TBI + vehicle group. ICP at 24, 48 and 72 h after TBI decreased in melatonin groups as compared to the TBI + vehicle group (p <0.001). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities showed a significant increase, whereas malondialdehyde level in these groups was significantly lower in melatonin groups in comparison to the TBI + vehicle group (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Melatonin decreases brain edema, BBB permeability and ICP, but increases VCS after TBI. These effects are probably due to inhibition of oxidative stress.