Embryonic neural stem cells (eNSCs) could differentiate into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. This study was aimed to determine the effect of safflower seed oil, which contains linoleic acid (LA), oleic acid (OA), and palmitic acid (PA), on cultured eNSC proliferation and differentiation, in comparison to linoleic acid alone. Results showed that safflower seed oil, but not LA, increased significantly the viability and proliferation of eNSCs. Moreover, treatment of NSCs by safflower seed oil, but not LA, resulted in a significant increase in mRNA levels of notch1, hes1, and Ki-67, and protein levels of notch intracellular domain (NICD), in comparison to controls, indicating an enhancement of stemness. Finally, safflower seed oil, but not LA, caused an increase in the number of oligodendrocytes (MBP+), astrocytes (GFAP+) and neurons (β-III tubulin+) of which only the increase in β-III tubulin positive cells was statistically significant. In summary, OA and PA, present in safflower seed oil may prove beneficial for the enhancement of eNSCs and their neuronal differentiation.

: Studies have documented criteria for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia as more information has become available about its symptoms and complications. Similar to other coronavirus-induced cases of pneumonia, COVID-19 pneumonia causes acute respiratory problems. The chest CT scan, which is easily available in almost all areas, is a common imaging technique for diagnosing pneumonia. Its findings, which are accompanied by high speed, quality, and accuracy, allow the radiologist to easily identify affected areas of the lungs and to determine typical radiological features of patients with pneumonia caused by COVID-19. These features include ground-glass opacity, multifocal patchy consolidation, and interstitial changes with the peripheral distribution. The highest incidence occurs in the 4th and 5th lobes, where about 50% to 75% of the lesions observed. For infected patients, the CT scan protocol includes administration of HRCT technique in the inspiration phase with spiral 4-slice devices and higher. Scan parameters also include KV: 100 - 120, and mAs: 20 - 30, thickness = 1 - 2 mm, spiral, single breath-hold, and Pitch = 0.8 - 1.5, which are determined for all patients. Since there are restrictions on using ionizing radiation for pregnant women, it is recommended to initially conduct PCR tests. If necessary, typical radiography with an abdominal shield can be used for women in the first trimester of pregnancy, and the HRCT technique in low doses can be used for those in the second and third trimesters.

Adult neurogenesis has been reported in the hypothalamus, subventricular zone and subgranular zone in the hippocamp. Recent studies indicated that new cells in the hypothalamus are affected by diet. We previously showed beneficial effects of safflower seed oil (SSO), a rich source of linoleic acid (LA; 74%), on proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro. In this study, the effect of SSO on hypothalamic neurogenesis was investigated in vivo, in comparison to synthetic LA. Adult mice were treated with SSO (400 mg/kg) and pure synthetic LA (300 mg/kg), at similar concentrations of LA, for 8 weeks and then hypothalamic NSCs were cultured and subsequently used for Neurosphere-forming assay. In addition, serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Administration of SSO for 8 weeks in adult mice promoted the proliferation of NSCs isolated from SSO-treated mice. Immunofluorescence staining of the hypothalamus showed that the frequency of astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein + cells) are not affected by LA or SSO. However, the frequency of immature (doublecortin + cells) and mature (neuronal nuclei + cells) neurons significantly increased in LA-and SSO-treated mice, compared to vehicle. Furthermore, both LA and SSO caused a significant increase in the serum levels of BDNF. Importantly, SSO acted more potently than LA in all experiments. The presence of other fatty acids in SSO, such as oleic acid and palmitic acid, suggests that they could be responsible for SSO positive effect on hypothalamic proliferation and neurogenesis, compared to synthetic LA at similar concentrations.