Effect of Gymnema sylvestre Administration on Glycemic Control, Insulin Secretion, and Insulin Sensitivity in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance

Luis A Gaytán Martínez,Luis A Sánchez-Ruiz,Laura Y Zuñiga,Manuel González-Ortiz,Esperanza Martínez-Abundis 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.1

Gymnema sylvestre, a plant typical of India, has long been known for its hypoglycemic effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of G. sylvestre administration on glycemic control, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 30 patients with IGT. Fifteen patients randomly received G. sylvestre in doses of 300 mg b.i.d. and the other 15 received placebo in the same way. Before and after the intervention, anthropometric and metabolic measurements were taken, including 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (2-h OGTT), fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c (A1C), and the lipid profile panel. Areas under the curve of glucose and insulin were calculated, as well as the insulinogenic, Stumvoll, and Matsuda indices. Wilcoxon, Mann–Whitney U, and chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were performed, and a P-value ≤.05 was considered statistically significant. There was a significant reduction in 2-h OGTT (9.1 ± 1.2 vs. 7.8 ± 1.7 mmol/L, P = .003), A1C (5.8 ± 0.3% vs. 5.4 ± 0.4%, P = .025), body weight, body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the G. sylvestre group, with an increment in the Matsuda index (1.8 ± 0.8 vs. 2.4 ± 1.2, P = .008). At the end of the intervention, 46.7% of the patients obtained normal values in A1C. In conclusion, G. sylvestre administration in patients with IGT decreased 2-h OGTT and A1C, increasing insulin sensitivity. There were also improvements in anthropometric measures and the lipid profile.

The Effect of Agave tequilana Weber Inulin on Postprandial Ghrelin Concentration in Obese Patients

Betsabe Contreras-Haro,Jose A. Robles-Cervantes,Manuel Gonzalez-Ortiz,Esperanza Martinez-Abundis,Claudia Espinel-Bermudez,Martha P. Gallegos-Arreola,Karina C. Morgado-Castillo 한국식품영양과학회 2017 Journal of medicinal food Vol.20 No.2

This study was performed to investigate the effect of Agave tequilana Weber inulin on postprandial ghrelin levels in obese patients. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over design was performed. A total of 14 patients were allocated into two groups: one group received a drink that contained 500 mL lemon water, 24 g of A. tequilana Weber inulin, and 75 g glucose and the other group received a placebo drink with 500 mL lemon drink and 75 g of glucose. After a 7-day washout period, the groups were crossed. The primary outcome measure was postprandial ghrelin levels between minute 240 and minute 270. A. tequilana Weber inulin did not change postprandial ghrelin concentration in obese patients.

Dietary encapsulated Bifidobacterium animalis and Agave fructans improve growth performance, health parameters, and immune response in broiler chickens

Hernández-Granados María José,Ortiz-Basurto Rosa Isela,Jiménez-Fernández Maribel,García-Munguía Carlos Alberto,Franco-Robles Elena 아세아·태평양축산학회 2022 Animal Bioscience Vol.35 No.4

Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis, Agave fructans, and symbiotic of both encapsulated on growth performance, feed efficiency, blood parameters, and immune status in broiler chickens, and to compare these with diets including antibiotic growth promoters and without additives.Methods: A comparative experimental study was carried out with 135 male Ross 308 broiler chickens. Each trial was divided into 5 equal groups. Control group (CON) received a standard diet without growth promoter; GPA, a standard diet with colistin sulfate and zinc bacitracin (0.25 g/kg of feed); PRE, a standard diet with 1% Agave fructans; PRO, a standard diet with Bifidobacterium animalis (11.14±0.70 log CFU/g); SYM, a standard diet with B. animalis and Agave fructans.Results: A significant decrease in food consumption was found for the GPA, PRE, and SYM, compared to the CON group. The results show a better feed conversion index in PRE and GPA with respect to the CON group with the highest conversion index. Interestingly, the weight of the gastrointestinal tract shows a statistically significant difference between GPA and PRE groups. Moreover, the length of the gastrointestinal tract of the GPA group was less than the PRE group. In the total leukocyte count, there was a statistically significant increase in the GPA group compared to the CON, PRE, and PRO groups, and the heterophiles-lymphocytes index was lower in PRO. Regarding the cytokines, interleukin 10 (IL-10) decreased in PRO compared to CON and PRE, while IL-1β increased in the SYM group.Conclusion: Alternative treatments were shown to achieve similar productive results as growth-promoting antibiotics and showed improvement over diet without additives; however, they have immunomodulatory properties and improved the development of the gastrointestinal tract compared to the treatment of growth-promoting antibiotics. Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis, Agave fructans, and symbiotic of both encapsulated on growth performance, feed efficiency, blood parameters, and immune status in broiler chickens, and to compare these with diets including antibiotic growth promoters and without additives. Methods: A comparative experimental study was carried out with 135 male Ross 308 broiler chickens. Each trial was divided into 5 equal groups. Control group (CON) received a standard diet without growth promoter; GPA, a standard diet with colistin sulfate and zinc bacitracin (0.25 g/kg of feed); PRE, a standard diet with 1% Agave fructans; PRO, a standard diet with Bifidobacterium animalis (11.14±0.70 log CFU/g); SYM, a standard diet with B. animalis and Agave fructans. Results: A significant decrease in food consumption was found for the GPA, PRE, and SYM, compared to the CON group. The results show a better feed conversion index in PRE and GPA with respect to the CON group with the highest conversion index. Interestingly, the weight of the gastrointestinal tract shows a statistically significant difference between GPA and PRE groups. Moreover, the length of the gastrointestinal tract of the GPA group was less than the PRE group. In the total leukocyte count, there was a statistically significant increase in the GPA group compared to the CON, PRE, and PRO groups, and the heterophiles-lymphocytes index was lower in PRO. Regarding the cytokines, interleukin 10 (IL-10) decreased in PRO compared to CON and PRE, while IL-1β increased in the SYM group. Conclusion: Alternative treatments were shown to achieve similar productive results as growth-promoting antibiotics and showed improvement over diet without additives; however, they have immunomodulatory properties and improved the development of the gastrointestinal tract compared to the treatment of growth-promoting antibiotics.

Matrices similar to centrosymmetric matrices

Benjamin A. Itza-Ortiz,Ruben A. Martinez-Avendano 대한수학회 2022 대한수학회지 Vol.59 No.5

In this paper we give conditions on a matrix which guarantee that it is similar to a centrosymmetric matrix. We use this conditions to show that some $4 \times 4$ and $6 \times 6$ Toeplitz matrices are similar to centrosymmetric matrices. Furthermore, we give conditions for a matrix to be similar to a matrix which has a centrosymmetric principal submatrix, and conditions under which a matrix can be dilated to a matrix similar to a centrosymmetric matrix.

Analysis of thermal and damage effects over structural modal parameters

Ortiz Morales, Fabricio A.,Cury, Alexandre A. Techno-Press 2018 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.65 No.1

Structural modal parameters i.e. natural frequencies, damping ratios and mode shapes are dynamic features obtained either by measuring the vibration responses of a structure or by means of finite elements models. Over the past two decades, modal parameters have been used to detect damage in structures by observing its variations over time. However, such variations can also be caused by environmental factors such as humidity, wind and, more importantly, temperature. In so doing, the use of modal parameters as damage indicators can be seriously compromised if these effects are not properly tackled. Many researchers around the world have found numerous methods to mitigate the influence of such environmental factors from modal parameters and many advanced damage indicators have been developed and proposed to improve the reliability of structural health monitoring. In this paper, several vibration tests are performed on a simply supported steel beam subjected to different damage scenarios and temperature conditions, aiming to describe the variation in modal parameters due to temperature changes. Moreover, four statistical methodologies are proposed to identify damage. Results show a slightly linear decrease in the modal parameters due to temperature increase, although it is not possible to establish an empirical equation to describe this tendency.

Numerical and experimental studies of a building with roller seismic isolation bearings

Ortiz, Nelson A.,Magluta, Carlos,Roitman, Ney Techno-Press 2015 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.54 No.3

This study presents the validation of a numerical model developed for dynamic analysis of buildings with roller seismic isolation bearings. Experimental methods allowed validation of the motion equations of a physical model of a building with and without roller bearings under base excitation. The results are presented in terms of modal parameters, frequency response functions (FRFs) and acceleration response. The agreement between numerical and experimental results proves the accuracy of the developed numerical model. Finally, the performance of the constructed seismic protection system is assessed through a parametric study.

A Higher Manometric Esophageal Length to Height Ratio in Achalasia Explains the Lower Prevalence of Hiatal Hernia

Enrique Coss-Adame,Janette Furuzawa-Carballeda,Andric C Perez-Ortiz,Ana López-Ruiz,Miguel A Valdovinos,Josué Sánchez-Gómez,José Peralta-Figueroa,Héctor Olvera-Prado,Fidel López-Verdugo,Sofía Narváez-C 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2023 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.29 No.4

Background/AimsThe evidence suggests that a shorter esophageal length (EL) in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients is associated with the presence of hiatal hernia (HH). However, there are no reports of this association in patients with achalasia. The aim is to (1) determine the prevalence of hiatal hernia in achalasia patients, (2) compare achalasia EL with GERD patients and healthy volunteers (HV), (3) measure achalasia manometric esophageal length to height (MELH) ratio, and (4) determine if there are differences in symptoms between patients with and without hiatal hernia. MethodsThis retrospective and cross-sectional study consist of 87 pre-surgical achalasia patients, 22 GERD patients, and 30 HV. High-resolution manometry (HRM), barium swallow, and upper endoscopy were performed to diagnose HH. The EL and MELH ratio were measured by HRM. Symptoms were assessed with Eckardt, Eating Assessment Tool, and GERD–health-related quality of life questionnaires. ResultsThe HH in GERD’s prevalence was 73% vs 3% in achalasia patients (P < 0.001). Achalasia patients had a longer esophagus and a higher MELH ratio than HV and GERD patients (P < 0.001). GERD patients had a lower MELH ratio than HV (P < 0.05). EAT-10 (P < 0.0001) and Eckardt (P < 0.05) scores were higher in achalasia without HH vs HH. ConclusionsThe prevalence of HH in achalasia is significantly lower than in GERD. The longer EL and the higher MELH ratio in achalasia could explain the lower prevalence of HH. Despite the low prevalence of HH in achalasia patients, the surgeon should be encouraged not to rule out HH since the risk of postoperative reflux may increase if this condition is not identified and corrected.

Numerical and experimental studies of a building with roller seismic isolation bearings

Nelson A. Ortiz,Carlos Magluta,Ney Roitman 국제구조공학회 2015 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.54 No.3

This study presents the validation of a numerical model developed for dynamic analysis of buildings with roller seismic isolation bearings. Experimental methods allowed validation of the motion equations of a physical model of a building with and without roller bearings under base excitation. Theresults are presented in terms of modal parameters, frequency response functions (FRFs) and acceleration response. The agreement between numerical and experimental results proves the accuracy of the developed numerical model . Finally, the performance of the constructed seismic protection system is assessed through a parametric study.

Analysis of thermal and damage effects over structural modal parameters

Fabricio A. Ortiz Morales,Alexandre A. Cury 국제구조공학회 2018 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.65 No.1

Structural modal parameters i.e. natural frequencies, damping ratios and mode shapes are dynamic features obtained either by measuring the vibration responses of a structure or by means of finite elements models. Over the past two decades, modal parameters have been used to detect damage in structures by observing its variations over time. However, such variations can also be caused by environmental factors such as humidity, wind and, more importantly, temperature. In so doing, the use of modal parameters as damage indicators can be seriously compromised if these effects are not properly tackled. Many researchers around the world have found numerous methods to mitigate the influence of such environmental factors from modal parameters and many advanced damage indicators have been developed and proposed to improve the reliability of structural health monitoring. In this paper, several vibration tests are performed on a simply supported steel beam subjected to different damage scenarios and temperature conditions, aiming to describe the variation in modal parameters due to temperature changes. Moreover, four statistical methodologies are proposed to identify damage. Results show a slightly linear decrease in the modal parameters due to temperature increase, although it is not possible to establish an empirical equation to describe this tendency.

Transcription Factors Tec1 and Tec2 Play Key Roles in the Hyphal Growth and Virulence of Mucor lusitanicus Through Increased Mitochondrial Oxidative Metabolism

Alejandre-Castañeda Viridiana,Patiño-Medina J. Alberto,Valle-Maldonado Marco I.,García Alexis,Ortiz-Alvarado Rafael,Ruíz-Herrera León F.,Castro-Cerritos Karla Viridiana,Ramírez-Emiliano Joel,Ramírez-D 한국미생물학회 2023 The journal of microbiology Vol.61 No.12

Mucormycosis is a lethal and difficult-to-treat fungal infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales. Mucor lusitanicus, a member of Mucorales, is commonly used as a model to understand disease pathogenesis. However, transcriptional control of hyphal growth and virulence in Mucorales is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of Tec proteins, which belong to the TEA/ATTS transcription factor family, in the hyphal development and virulence of M. lusitanicus. Unlike in the genome of Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes, which have a single Tec homologue, in the genome of Mucorales, two Tec homologues, Tec1 and Tec2, were found, except in that of Phycomyces blakesleeanus, with only one Tec homologue. tec1 and tec2 overexpression in M. lusitanicus increased mycelial growth, mitochondrial content and activity, expression of the rhizoferrin synthetase-encoding gene rfs, and virulence in nematodes and wax moth larvae but decreased cAMP levels and protein kinase A (PKA) activity. Furthermore, tec1- and tec2-overexpressing strains required adequate mitochondrial metabolism to promote the virulent phenotype. The heterotrimeric G beta subunit 1-encoding gene deletant strain (Δgpb1) increased cAMP-PKA activity, downregulation of both tec genes, decreased both virulence and hyphal development, but tec1 and tec2 overexpression restored these defects. Overexpression of allele-mutated variants of Tec1(S332A) and Tec2(S168A) in the putative phosphorylation sites for PKA increased both virulence and hyphal growth of Δgpb1. These findings suggest that Tec homologues promote mycelial development and virulence by enhancing mitochondrial metabolism and rhizoferrin accumulation, providing new information for the rational control of the virulent phenotype of M. lusitanicus.