Brewers spent grain protein hydrolysate as a functional ingredient for muffins: Antioxidant, antidiabetic, and sensory evaluation

This study assessed the fortification of muffins with 2, 4, and 6 % of brewer's spent grain protein hydrolysates to enhance their in vitro antioxidant, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibitory activities. In addition, oxidative stability, hardness, color and sensory properties of fortified muffins were investigated. The fortification of muffin formulations with 6 % hydrolysates increased antioxidant activity six times higher than that of the control sample. As the hydrolysate increased to 6 %, the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition also increased to 88 and 40 %, respectively. The 6 % fortified muffins exhibited lower peroxide and thiobarbituric acid values during a 14 day storage than the control muffins, while higher hydrolysate levels darkened the color and softened the texture. Sensory evaluation indicated that muffins with 2% hydrolysates achieved similar overall acceptance as the control. It can be concluded that brewer's spent grain hydrolysate is suitable for functional bakery products.

The effectiveness of mobile-based ecological momentary motivational enhancement therapy in reducing craving and severity of cannabis use disorder: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Objective

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of Ecological Momentary Motivational Enhancement Therapy (EM-MET) in reducing craving and severity of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) among young adults.

Methods

This multicenter, single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted over a period of 11 weeks. Eighty patients with CUD will be randomly assigned to two equal-sized parallel groups, either the Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) group or the EM-MET group. All participants will receive four individual face-to-face sessions of MET (twice a week). The MET group will not receive any other treatments after these sessions; however, in the EM-MET group, the top triggers of patients will be assessed using mobile-based Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) five times a day within three weeks (after face-to-face sessions) and they will receive a call from the therapist who provides them with EM-MET (in the form of an emergency telephone helpline) as soon as they report experiencing triggers of cannabis use that are assessed using EMA in their everyday lives. Primary outcomes including CUD severity and the severity of craving will be evaluated using the Leeds Dependence Questionnaire and the Self-efficacy and Temptation Scale, respectively. These assessments will be conducted at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and a six-week follow-up.

Discussion

If proven feasible and effective, the results of this study will offer clinicians an evidence-based treatment approach to address craving and dependency in patients with CUD. Moreover, these patients will receive effective treatment in real time and in real life, when and where it is most needed. However, it is important to consider the limitations of this study, such as the specific population studied in Tehran, Iran, which may affect the generalizability of the results. Nevertheless, the implementation of Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMIs) in real-life settings holds promise for timely and effective treatment.Trial registration: This trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 21 February 2023. Registry No. IRCT20221224056908N1.

Dual-Centre Harmonised Multimodal Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Image Radiomic Features and Machine Learning Algorithms for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Histopathological Subtype Phenotype Decoding

AIMS

We aimed to build radiomic models for classifying non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) histopathological subtypes through a dual-centre dataset and comprehensively evaluate the effect of ComBat harmonisation on the performance of single- and multimodality radiomic models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A public dataset of NSCLC patients from two independent centres was used. Two image fusion methods, namely guided filtering-based fusion and image fusion based on visual saliency map and weighted least square optimisation, were used. Radiomic features were extracted from each scan, including first-order, texture and moment-invariant features. Subsequently, ComBat harmonisation was applied to the extracted features from computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) and fused images to correct the centre effect. For feature selection, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) and recursive feature elimination (RFE) were investigated. For machine learning, logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM) and AdaBoost were evaluated for classifying NSCLC subtypes. Training and evaluation of the models were carried out in a robust framework to offset plausible errors and performance was reported using area under the curve, balanced accuracy, sensitivity and specificity before and after harmonisation. N-way ANOVA was used to assess the effect of different factors on the performance of the models.

RESULTS

Support vector machine fed with selected features by recursive feature elimination from a harmonised PET feature set achieved the highest performance (area under the curve = 0.82) in classifying NSCLC histopathological subtypes. Although the performance of the models did not significantly improve for CT images after harmonisation, the performance of PET and guided filtering-based fusion feature signatures significantly improved for almost all models. Although the selection of the image modality and feature selection methods was effective on the performance of the model (ANOVA P-values <0.001), machine learning and harmonisation did not change the performance significantly (ANOVA P-values = 0.839 and 0.292, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the potential of radiomic analysis on PET, CT and hybrid images for histopathological classification of NSCLC subtypes.

Outpatient vs inpatient induction of labor with oral misoprostol: A retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Induction of labor is one of the most common obstetrical procedures today, with a successively rising rate. With a limited number of hospital beds, the option of starting induction at home has gained increasing attention. The primary aim of this study was to compare the proportion of women achieving vaginal delivery and the duration of hospital stay before delivery in induction of labor with oral misoprostol starting at home and induction with oral misoprostol at the hospital, in a low-risk population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Women with home induction (n = 282) were individually matched to controls induced at the hospital during the same time period regarding parity, age, body mass index, labor unit and indication for induction.

RESULTS

The rates of vaginal birth were similar in outpatients and inpatients (84.8% vs 86.2%; p = 0.5). Time from hospital admission to delivery in the outpatient group was significantly shorter than in the inpatient group (12.8 vs 20.6 h; p < 0.001), as was total hospital stay (2 vs 3 days; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in neonatal or maternal outcomes. One patient undergoing outpatient induction had an unplanned home birth.

CONCLUSIONS

Starting induction at home reduced the time spent in hospital without affecting the vaginal delivery rate. Although underpowered to assess safety, this study did not show any differences in adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes between inpatients and outpatients. Further research is needed to evaluate the safety of outpatient induction of labor with misoprostol.

The Relationship between Traumatic Life Events and Polysubstance Use: Examining the Mediating Role of DSM-5 Level of Personality Functioning and Maladaptive Personality Traits

The experience of traumatic events in childhood is an important risk factor for the initiation and continuation of polysubstance use. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of DSM-5 level of personality functioning and maladaptive personality traits in the relationship between traumatic life events and polysubstance use. We used a mixed sample (N = 290; M_age = 40; SD_age = 12.26; 75.2% males) of patients with substance use disorder (SUD; including 90 mono-drug users and 113 polysubstance users) and non-users (including 87 university students) recruited using convenience sampling method from harm reduction-oriented drug treatment centers and universities respectively in Tehran, Iran. Participants completed the Level of Personality Functioning Scale-Brief Form, the Personality Inventory for DSM 5-Brief Form, and the Life Events Checklist-Revised. The results of structural equation modeling showed that DSM-5 level of personality functioning and maladaptive personality traits partially mediated the relationship between traumatic life events and polysubstance use. Experiencing traumatic events may contribute to the risk of polysubstance use through the effect of global personality dysfunction and specific personality traits. This proposed mediational model must be replicated using a longitudinal design across different populations.

Estimating the parameters of a dependent model and applying it to environmental data set

In this paper, a new dependent model is introduced. The model is motivated using the structure of series-parallel systems consisting of two series-parallel systems with a random number of parallel sub-systems that have fixed components connected in series. The dependence properties of the proposed model are studied. Two estimation methods, namely the moment method, and the maximum likelihood method are applied to estimate the parameters of the distributions of the components based on observing the system's lifetime data. A Monte Carlo simulation study is used to evaluate the performance of the estimators. Two real data sets are used to illustrate the proposed method. The results are useful for researchers and practitioners interested in analyzing bivariate data related to extreme events.

Proteome Analysis of Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia by Two-dimensional Blue Native/Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Gel Electrophoresis

Background

Despite the significant progress in the treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in children, it still remains as one of the most challenging malignancies in adults. Identification of new biomarkers may improve the management of adult ALL. Proteins expressed on the cell surface can be considered as disease-associated biomarkers with potential for diagnosis and targeted therapies. Thus, membrane proteome studies give essential information about the disease-related biomarkers.

Methods

We applied 2-dimensional blue-native SDS-PAGE technique followed by MALDI-TOF/TOF-mass spectrometry to study the cell membrane proteome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of adult B-ALL patients in comparison to that of the healthy controls.

Results

Sixty seven differentially expressed protein spots were detected, among them 52 proteins were found to be up-regulated but the other 15 proteins were down-regulated in B-ALL. Five differentially expressed proteins, involved in energy metabolism pathways, were detected in B-ALL patients compared to the healthy control group.

Conclusion

Differentially expressed proteins provide an insight into the molecular biology of B-ALL. Further studies must be done to confirm our data to be considered as potential targets for detection and treatment of B-ALL.

Sublingual misoprostol vs. oral misoprostol solution for induction of labor: A retrospective study

Introduction

Induction of labor (IOL) is one of the most common obstetrical procedures, with an increasing rate. The prostaglandin E1 analogue misoprostol is frequently used as a primary method of labor induction. The optimal dose and route of administration is yet to be ascertained.

Aim

To compare efficiacy and safety between a regimen of sublingually administered misoprostol and a regimen of orally administered misoprostol, with cesarean delivery as primary outcome.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted including women carrying a live, singleton fetus in a cephalic position with labor induced at >37 + 0 gestational weeks at Skåne University hospital, Lund, between January 1st 2013 to December 31st 2017. Data was obtained from computerized obstetrical charts.

Results

Totally 2,404 women were included; 974 induced with sublingual misoprostol and 1,430 with oral solution. In primiparous women the cesarean delivery rate was lower in primiparous women induced with oral compared to sublingual misoprostol (20.5% vs. 28.6%, p < 0.001), whereas in parous women the rates did not differ significantly 4.9% vs. 7.5%; NS). The increased risk of caesarean remained after controlling for potential confounding factors (adjusted odds ratio 1.49 (1.14–1.95). Women induced with sublingual misoprostol had a shorter time to vaginal delivery when compared to oral solution (primiparous median 16.7 h vs. 21.7 h; p < 0.001, parous median 9.9 h vs. 13.3 h; p = 0.01), and a higher rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h (primiparas 77.7% vs. 63.3%, p < 0.001, parous 93.2% vs. 84.2%; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

IOL with oral misoprostol solution was associated with a significantly higher vaginal delivery rate when compared to sublingual misoprostol, whereas sublingual misoprostol was associated with a significantly shorter time from induction to vaginal delivery. Oral administration is considered the most safe and efficient administration of misoprostol, although more studies are needed to find the optimal route and dosage of misoprostol for IOL.

Optimization of novel multigrain pasta and evaluation of physicochemical properties: using D-optimal mixture design

D-optimal mixture design looked to be a priceless tool for optimizing the influences of semolina flour (SF), defatted soy flour (DSF), whole quinoa flour (WQF), whole rye flour (WRF), whole oat flour (WOF), whole barley flour (WBF), and rice flour (RF) on the quality attributes of multigrain pasta (MP). Multigrain flours were considered as the independent variables evaluated with respect to three response variables containing hardness and the amount of protein and fiber. Quadratic, linear, and linear models were chosen to explain the hardness and the amount of protein and fiber of the MPs, respectively. In optimal formulation of MP, that is, SF (57.34%,), DSF (14%), WQF (11%), WRF (7.54%), WOF (5.61%), WBF (2.51%), and RF (2%), the content of fiber and protein enhanced more than 4.12 and 1.34 times compared with SP, respectively. Therefore, according to the European Union law, it can be claimed that this pasta is a source of fiber. As the amount of protein and fiber increased, the hardness and optimal cooking time decreased, while the cooking loss increased. After cooking, MP was murkier and less yellow in color. The 2, 2- diphenyl- 1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition activity of the MP was about 2.5 times higher than the SP. Analysis of the antioxidant properties of the samples after cooking showed that the DPPH inhibition activity of the SP and MP reduced. The results indicated that the overall acceptability of MP was higher than SP. Based on our findings, these multigrain flours are probable to be applied as nutritious complements in the pasta industry to improve the functional characteristics.

Comparison of psychological symptoms and cognitive functions in patients under maintenance treatment with methadone or buprenorphine, current opioid users and healthy subjects

Methadone and buprenorphine can affect the psychological symptoms and cognitive functioning of substance users. This study aimed to compare psychological symptoms and neuropsychological functioning in methadone maintenance patients (MMP), buprenorphine maintenance patients (BMP), current opioid users, and healthy subjects. One hundred and twenty participants (30 in each group) matched for age, sex, and education completed the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and a battery of neuropsychological tests including the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-IV), and Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT) assessing executive functioning, working memory, and attention, respectively. Overall, opioid users showed more severe psychological symptoms compared to healthy subjects. MMP and BMP had intermediate scores in SCL-90-R subscales; however, BMP had fewer severe symptoms compared to the MMP group. In terms of cognitive functioning, healthy subjects and current users demonstrated the best and the worst performance, respectively. Also, BMP outperforms MMP on executive functions and attention. However, the MMP had a better performance in WMS (visual memory). Patients receiving maintenance treatment had fewer psychological symptoms and better cognitive performance compared to opioid users. BMP had a better profile in all psychological symptoms and better performance in executive functions and selective attention compared to the MMP suggesting buprenorphine may be a better choice for the treatment of opioid-dependent patients.

Optimization of athletic pasta formulation by D-optimal mixture design

The aim of this study was to produce an athletic pasta by the addition of various sources of protein. For this purpose, D-optimal mixture design used for optimization of formulation of athletic pasta and protein with considering the hardness as main parameter. Various properties of the optimized formulation were evaluated. The optimal formulation contained 45.41% of semolina, 24% of pea protein isolate (PPI), 18% of oat flour (OF), 5% of soy protein isolate (SPI), 5% whey protein isolate (WPI), and 2% of gluten (G). In optimized formulation, the protein content increased by more than 2.9 times compared to control with the hardness in the range (569 g). Hardness, optimal cooking time, and cooking loss of products increased as the level of protein increased. The optimal formulation had a higher sensory acceptance than the control, which is probably related to color changes. Due to the amount and biological value of the proteins used and the high acceptance obtained, this formulation can be suggested for athletes. The obtained results indicated that production of athletic pasta with high biological value by using mixture of SPI, PPI, WPI, OF, and G is possible.

Monitoring the quality of frozen-thawed venous segments using bioimpedance spectroscopy

OBJECTIVE

Storage at temperatures as low as -80 °C and below (cryopreservation) is considered a method for long-term preservation of cells and tissues, and especially blood vessel segments, which are to be used for clinical operations such as transplantation. However, the freezing and thawing processes themselves can induce injuries to the cells and tissue by damaging the structure and consequently functionality of the cryopreserved tissue. In addition, the level of damage is dependent on the rate of cooling and warming used during the freezing-thawing process. Current methods for monitoring the viability and integrity of cells and tissues after going through the freezing-thawing cycle are usually invasive and destructive to the cells and tissues. Therefore, employing monitoring methods which are not destructive to the cryopreserved tissues, such as bioimpedance measurement techniques, is necessary. In this study we aimed to design a bioimpedance measurement setup to detect changes in venous segments after freezing-thawing cycles in a noninvasive manner.

APPROACH

A bioimpedance spectroscopy measurement technique with a two-electrode setup was employed to monitor ovine jugular vein segments after each cycle during a process of seven freezing-thawing cycles.

MAIN RESULTS

The results demonstrated changes in the impedance spectra of the measured venous segments after each freezing-thawing cycle.

SIGNIFICANCE

This indicates that bioimpedance spectroscopy has the potential to be developed into a novel method for non-invasive and non-destructive monitoring of the viability of complex tissue after cryopreservation.

A Relative Bioavailability Study of Two Misoprostol Formulations Following a Single Oral or Sublingual Administration

Introduction

Misoprostol (Cytotec) was primarily made for treating gastric ulcers. However today it is mostly used for abortion, treating postpartum hemorrhage, and for induction of labor. The tablet contains 200 µg of misoprostol, yet the dosages used for induction of labor are much smaller (25–50 µg), leading to uncertainty of dosage in daily use.

Aim

To evaluate and compare the relative bioavailability of two misoprostol products (Angusta 25 µg and Cytotec 200 µg tablets) administered orally or sublingually given in a daily clinical setting to women admitted for induction of labor at term.

Methods

Women carrying a live, singleton fetus in a cephalic position and with a gestational age between 259 and 296 days were included. Blood samples were collected at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 120, 180, and 240 minutes. A serum analytical assay was performed and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. Patients were assigned to one of three groups.

Results

A total of 72 patients were included. No significant differences demographic characteristics were found. The ratios for AUC, AUC (_0−t), and C_max were similar in all three groups, but CI-values were outside the required 80–125%. Sublingual administration yielded a 20–30% higher bioavailability and a 50% higher C_max than compared to the oral route.

Conclusion

The relative bioavailability between Angusta and Cytotec could not be confirmed as being equal at the 25 µg or 50 µg level because the 90% CI-values when comparing the ratios for AUC, AUC_(0−t), and C_max were wider than accepted. The reason for this could be the real-life, non-standardized circumstances in which the study was conducted. Sublingual administration seems to have higher bioavailability than oral administration. More studies are needed to ascertain an optimal dosage regime balancing both safety and efficacy for mother and child.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02516631.

Finite Element Simulation of the Impedance Response of a Vascular Segment as a Function of Changes in Electrode Configuration

Monitoring a biological tissue as a three dimensional (3D) model is of high importance. Both the measurement technique and the measuring electrode play substantial roles in providing accurate 3D measurements. Bioimpedance spectroscopy has proven to be a noninvasive method providing the possibility of monitoring a 3D construct in a real time manner. On the other hand, advances in electrode fabrication has made it possible to use flexible electrodes with different configurations, which makes 3D measurements possible. However, designing an experimental measurement set-up for monitoring a 3D construct can be costly and time consuming and would require many tissue models. Finite element modeling methods provide a simple alternative for studying the performance of the electrode and the measurement set-up before starting with the experimental measurements. Therefore, in this study we employed the COMSOL Multiphysics finite element modeling method for simulating the effects of changing the electrode configuration on the impedance spectroscopy measurements of a venous segment. For this purpose, the simulations were performed for models with different electrode configurations. The simulation results provided us with the possibility of finding the optimal electrode configuration including the geometry, number and dimensions of the electrodes, which can be later employed in the experimental measurement set-up.

Quantum transport through the edge states of zigzag phosphorene nanoribbons in presence of a single point defect: analytic Green's function method

Zigzag phosphorene nanoribbons have quasi-flat band edge modes entirely detached from bulk states. We analytically study the electronic transport through such edge states in the presence of a localized defect for semi-infinite and finite ribbon widths. Using the tight-binding model, we derive analytical expressions for the Green's function and transmission amplitude of both pristine and defective nanoribbons. We find that the transmission of ribbons with both semi-infinite and finite width is sensitive to the location of a single impurity defect with respect to the edge. By the presence of an impurity on the outermost edge site of the ribbon, the transmission through the edge channel, similar to a one-dimensional chain, strongly suppresses for the entire energy spectrum of the quasi-flat band. In contrast, the transmission of low-energy [Formula: see text] states, is robust as the impurity is moved one position far away from the edge on the same sub-lattice. The analytical calculations are also complemented by exact numerical transport computations using the Landauer approach.

Structure of DSM-5 and ICD-11 personality domains in Iranian community sample

AIM

Personality disorders (PD) have been deemed the most problematic diagnostic grouping in terms of validity and utility, which particularly applies to non-Western societies. The current study evaluated the structural validity of PD trait domains in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) Section III and the proposed International Classification of Diseases-11 (ICD-11) in the Iranian population.

METHODS

Community-dwelling adults (n = 285; 66% women) were administered the Personality Inventory for DSM-5, whereas the proposed ICD-11 trait domains were delineated using an algorithm for Personality Inventory for DSM-5 trait facets. The five-factor organization and higher-order hierarchical structure of both models were examined using exploratory structural equation modelling analyses.

RESULTS

The five-factor exploratory structural equation modelling loadings overall resembled international findings on DSM-5 Section III traits (including Psychoticism), whereas the ICD-11 five-factor structure aligned with the proposed ICD-11 domain features (including Anankastia). Additionally, we identified a hierarchical structure from one to five factors for both models that conceptually aligned with established models of personality and psychopathology.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided initial support for the structural validity of DSM-5 and ICD-11 PD trait models in Iranian culture. Future research warrants replication in larger samples and clinical populations. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Littoral Cell Angioma of the Spleen: An Additional Report of Four Cases with Emphasis on the Association with Visceral Organ Cancers

Aims and background

Littoral cell angioma (LCA) is an uncommon vascular tumor of the spleen recently described and interpreted as the tumoral counterpart of the normally present littoral cells lining the splenic sinus channels of red pulp. The diagnosis of LCA is suggested by a quite characteristic morphology and confirmed by the demonstration of a hybrid endothelial/histiocytic phenotype.

Methods

Four original and previously unreported cases of LCA are presented. All four splenic vascular tumors were investigated by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry for endothelial and histiocytic markers.

Results

All four cases were associated with visceral epithelial malignancies (colorectal adenocarcinoma in two cases, renal and pancreatic adenocarcinoma in one case each). One case was also associated with an intracranial tentorial meningioma.

Conclusions

We consider our findings as a novelty and signal the possible existence of a clinical syndrome. Five of a total of 21 previously reported cases in the literature were also described as being associated with other cancers (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in two cases, two not further specified tumors of the liver and brain, an epithelial ovarian cancer, and a non-small cell lung cancer in one case each). Close follow-up and careful investigation in search of a second visceral neoplasm are strongly recommended in cases of LCA, but further clinical observations and more in-depth genetic and molecular studies are needed before any valid conclusions can be drawn.

Applications of Bioimpedance Measurement Techniques in Tissue Engineering

Rapid development in the field of tissue engineering necessitates implementation of monitoring methods for evaluation of the viability and characteristics of the cell cultures in a real-time, non-invasive and non-destructive manner. Current monitoring techniques are mainly histological and require labeling and involve destructive tests to characterize cell cultures. Bioimpedance measurement technique which benefits from measurement of electrical properties of the biological tissues, offers a non-invasive, label-free and real-time solution for monitoring tissue engineered constructs. This review outlines the fundamentals of bioimpedance, as well as electrical properties of the biological tissues, different types of cell culture constructs and possible electrode configuration set ups for performing bioimpedance measurements on these cell cultures. In addition, various bioimpedance measurement techniques and their applications in the field of tissue engineering are discussed.

Relationship among temporary separation, attachment styles, and adjustment in first-grade Iranian children

If mothers work outside the home, some degree of mother–child separation will be experienced and mother–child attachment will be affected. In this study, regarding the attachment styles, sociobehavioral problems in first-grade children with experience of preschool and in those taught by their mothers at-home are compared. A casual-comparative method was used to compare children in the two groups. A total of 320 first-grade children participated in the study. The study measures included a separation anxiety test, an adaptive behavior scale, and a children’s symptom inventory. Data were analyzed using multivariate statistics. Secure attachment in the group with experience of preschool was significantly higher than that in the at-home group. None of the variables, including parents’ education and father’s income, significantly affected attachment style. Neither father’s education, father’s income, or attachment significantly influenced adjustment. Father’s education significantly influenced children’s symptoms. Attachment style and hours of preschool attendance had no effect on Child Symptom Inventory scores. Associations among age at joining preschool, attachment style, and behavioral and adaptive problems in first-grade children were nonlinear and multivariate. By taking into account parents’ awareness, sensitivity, and responsiveness, relative welfare, appropriate quality of child-care centers, and having fewer hours of preschool attendance, the risk factors for early parent–child separation and institutional care can be reduced.

Synthesis of N, N-dimethyl N-ethyl Chitosan as a Carrier for Oral Delivery of Peptide Drugs

N, N-dimethyl N-ethyl chitosan (DMEC), a quanternized derivative of chitosan was synthesized based on a modified two-step method via a 22 factorial design to optimize the preparative conditions. The degree of deacetylation of the starting chitosan was determined by FTIR and NMR methods and was 95%. In the first step of the synthesis, mono-ethyl chitosan was prepared by introducing an ethyl group onto the amine group of chitosan via a Schiff base and in the next step methyl iodide was added to produce DMEC which was water soluble in a pH range of 4-8. The DMEC polymers with different degrees of quaternization were obtained and fully characterized using FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopic methods. Based on 1H-NMR calculations, the degree of quaternization was 52% by optimizing the two-step process.

Optimized Synthesis and Characterization of N-Triethyl Chitosan

Chitosan exhibits poor solubility at pH values above 6 which prevents its enhancing effects at drugs absorption of sites. In the present work, N-triethylated chitosan (TEC) was prepared based on a modified one-step process via a 22 factorial design to optimize the preparative conditions. TEC polymer with different degree of quaternization for pharmacological and pharmaceutical experiments was achieved. Ethyl iodide and sodium hydroxide concentrations were chosen as independent variables. The degree of deacetylation of the starting chitosan was predetermined by pH-metric titration, infrared, and NMR methods. TEC chloride was fully characterized using FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopies. Based on NMR calculations, a high degree of quaternization was achieved through the optimized one-step process. These highly N-triethylated chitosan chlorides were soluble in water at room temperature.

The relationship between five-factor model and diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder-fifth edition personality traits on patients with antisocial personality disorder

Background:

Despite the fact that new criteria of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-fifth edition (DSM-5) were resulted from five-factor model (FFM), there is a small amount of studies that investigate the relations between proposed personality traits and FFM. Also, cross-cultural study in this field continuously would be needed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relation between the FFM and DSM-5 ASPD pathological traits.

Materials and Methods:

This study was a cross-sectional study design. The participants consisted of 122 individuals with ASPD that selected from prisoners (73.0%), outpatients (18.0%), and inpatients (9.0%). They were recruited from Tehran Prisoners, and Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry Clinics of Razi and Taleghani Hospitals, Tehran, Iran, since 2013-2014. The Sample was selected based on judgmental sampling. The structured clinical interview for DSM-IV axis II disorders-Personality Questionnaire, NEO-Personality Inventory-Revised, and DSM-5 personality trait rating form were used to diagnosis and assessment of personality disorder. Pearson correlation has been used for data analysis. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 16 software.

Results:

The results indicate that neuroticism (N) has positive significant relationship with hostility (r = 0.33, P < 0.01), manipulativeness (r = 0.25, P < 0.01), deceitfulness (r =.23, P < 0.01), impulsivity (r = 0.20, P < 0.05), and negative relation with risk taking (r = −0.23, P < 0.01). Also, there was significant relationship between extraversion (E) with manipulativeness (r = 0.28, P < 0.01) and deceitfulness (r = 0.32, P < 0.01). Agreeableness and conscientiousness have negative significant relation with DSM-5 traits. In addition, results showed that there is positive significant relationship between FFM and DSM-5 personality traits with DSM-fourth edition-text revision (DSM-IV-TR) ASPD symptoms (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Except manipulativeness, deceitfulness, and callousness, there is positively significant relationship between DSM-5 ASPD traits and DSM-IV-TR ASPD symptoms. The present study helps to understand the adequacy of dimensional approach to evaluation of ASPD pathology, specifically on Iranian sample.

Enhanced Cellular Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Activity of 18-β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid by Albumin-conjugated PLGA Nanoparticles

The aim of the present work was to encapsulate 18-β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GLA) in albumin conjugated poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles by a modified nanoprecipitation method. Nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by different drug to polymer ratios, human serum albumin (HSA) content, dithiothreitol (as producer of free thiol groups) content, and acetone (as non-solvent in nanoprecipitation). NPs with a size ranging from 126 to 174 nm were achieved. The highest entrapment efficiency (89.4±4.2%) was achieved when the ratio of drug to polymer was 1:4. The zeta potential of NPs was fairly negative (-8 to -12). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry proved the conjugation of HSA to PLGA NPs. In vitro release profile of NPs showed 2 phases: an initial burst for 4 h (34-49%) followed by a slow release pattern up to the end. The antibacterial effects of NPs against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were studied by microdilution method. The GLA-loaded NPs showed more antibacterial effect than pure GLA (2-4 times). The anticancer MTT test revealed that GLA-loaded NPs were approximately 9 times more effective than pure GLA in Hep G2 cells.