Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
6948891480
Δευτέρα 12 Σεπτεμβρίου 2016
Functional Foods : Did you know that certain foods or food components may provide health and wellness benefits? These foods, also known as “functional foods,” are thought to provide benefits beyond basic nutrition and may play a role in reducing or minimizing the risk of certain diseases and other health conditions. Examples of these foods include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fortified foods and beverages and some dietary supplements. Functional characteristics of many traditional foods are being discovered and studied, while new food products are being developed to include beneficial components. By knowing which foods can provide specific health benefits,you can make food and beverage choices that allow you to take greater control of your health. http://www.foodinsight.org/Content/3842/Final%20Functional%20Foods%20Backgrounder.pdf
EmboTrap II Clot Retriever for Acute Ischemic Stroke Cleared in Europe
Based on the original EmboTrap that came to market in Europe last year, the new device is intended to treat a greater range of clot lengths via a .021″ microcatheter.
"The EmboTrap platform has been a great addition to my clinical practice. In my first nine cases using the device, I was able to get TICI 2b-3 reperfusion in one pass. Now with the EmboTrap II, I've had comparably good results when treating longer occlusions," said Christian Taschner, M.D., professor of Radiology, University of Freiburg, Germany, in a press release. "In fact, in early evaluations of the EmboTrap II 5×33 at six centers, 16 of 17 cases resulted in TICI 2b-3 flow. The open design of the device helps trap clot inside and also makes it quite flexible, which is important when removing clot from the arteries of the brain."
Product page: emboTrap II…
Press release: Neuravi…
This post EmboTrap II Clot Retriever for Acute Ischemic Stroke Cleared in Europe appeared first on Medgadget.
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Baseline morning cortisol level as a predictor of pituitary-adrenal reserve: A comparison across three assays
Abstract
Context
The short ACTH stimulation test (250μg) is the dynamic test most frequently used to assess adrenal function. It is possible that a single basal cortisol could be used to predict the dynamic response, but research has been hampered by the use of different assays and thresholds.
Objective
To propose a morning baseline cortisol criterion of three of the most commonly-used modern cortisol immunoassays - Advia Centaur (Siemens), Architect (Abbott) and the Roche Modular System (Roche) - that could predict adrenal sufficiency.
Design
Observational, retrospective cross-sectional study at two centres.
Patients and Measurements
Retrospective analysis of the results of 1019 SSTs with the Advia Centaur, 449 SSTs with the Architect, and 2050 SSTs with the Roche Modular System assay. Serum cortisol levels were measured prior to injection of 250μg Synacthen and after 30 minutes. Overall, we were able to collate data from a total of 3518 SSTs in 3571 patients.
Results
Using receiver-operator curve analysis, baseline cortisol levels for predicting passing the SST with 100% specificity were 358 nmol/l for Siemens, 336 nmol/l for Abbott and 506 nmol/l for Roche. Utilising these criteria: 589, 158 and 578 SSTs respectively for Siemens, Abbott and Roche immunoassays could have been avoided.
Conclusions
We have defined assay-specific morning cortisol levels that are able to predict the integrity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. We propose that this represents a valid tool for the initial assessment of adrenal function and has the potential to obviate the need for dynamic testing in a significant number of patients.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Reversal of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in a man with Kallmann syndrome due to SOX10 mutation
Abstract
Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) with either normal olfaction or anosmia (Kallmann syndrome (KS)) is a cause of pubertal failure secondary to pituitary gonadotropin deficiency. It appears during fetal life and persists throughout the postnatal, pre- and post-pubertal periods (1). For many years KS was considered to be a genetic disorder in which CHH persists throughout life, but case series of KS/CHH reported over the past 15 years show that gonadotropin and testicular functions can recover spontaneously, partially or completely (2,3).
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Herpesviral-bacterial co-infection in mandibular third molar pericoronitis
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to assess the presence of herpesviruses and periodontopathic bacteria and to establish their potential association with pericoronitis.
Materials and methods
Fifty samples obtained with paper points (30 from pericoronitis and 20 controls) were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. A single-stage and nested PCR assays were used to detect herpesviruses: human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and six periodontopathic anaerobic bacteria: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Parvimonas micra, Treponema denticola, and Tannarella forsythia.
Results
Pericoronitis samples harbored HCMV and EBV at significantly higher rates than the control group (70 vs. 40 % and 46.7 vs. 15 %, P = 0.035, P = 0.021, respectively). P. micra and T. forsythia (66.7 vs. 0 %, and 40 vs. 10 %, P = 0.001, P = 0.021, respectively) were significantly more common in pericoronitis compared to the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of T. forsythia was associated with pericoronitis development (OR 7.3, 95 % CI, 1.2–43.2, P = 0.028).
Conclusion
The occurrence of HCVM and EBV extends our previous knowledge on microbiota in pericoronitis. These PCR-based findings demonstrated that bacterial and viral DNA occurred concomitantly in pericoronitis samples. T. forsythia appeared to be significantly associated with pericoronitis development in the examined sample.
Clinical relevance
Herpesviral-bacterial co-infections might exacerbate the progression of pericoronitis.
http://ift.tt/2cijMld
Herpesviral-bacterial co-infection in mandibular third molar pericoronitis
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to assess the presence of herpesviruses and periodontopathic bacteria and to establish their potential association with pericoronitis.
Materials and methods
Fifty samples obtained with paper points (30 from pericoronitis and 20 controls) were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. A single-stage and nested PCR assays were used to detect herpesviruses: human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and six periodontopathic anaerobic bacteria: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Parvimonas micra, Treponema denticola, and Tannarella forsythia.
Results
Pericoronitis samples harbored HCMV and EBV at significantly higher rates than the control group (70 vs. 40 % and 46.7 vs. 15 %, P = 0.035, P = 0.021, respectively). P. micra and T. forsythia (66.7 vs. 0 %, and 40 vs. 10 %, P = 0.001, P = 0.021, respectively) were significantly more common in pericoronitis compared to the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of T. forsythia was associated with pericoronitis development (OR 7.3, 95 % CI, 1.2–43.2, P = 0.028).
Conclusion
The occurrence of HCVM and EBV extends our previous knowledge on microbiota in pericoronitis. These PCR-based findings demonstrated that bacterial and viral DNA occurred concomitantly in pericoronitis samples. T. forsythia appeared to be significantly associated with pericoronitis development in the examined sample.
Clinical relevance
Herpesviral-bacterial co-infections might exacerbate the progression of pericoronitis.
http://ift.tt/2cijMld
Improving and accelerating the differentiation and functional maturation of human stem cell-derived neurons: role of extracellular calcium and GABA
Abstract
Neurons differentiated from pluripotent stem cells using established neural culture conditions often exhibit functional deficits. Recently, we have developed enhanced media which both synchronise the neurogenesis of pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors and accelerate their functional maturation; together these media are termed SynaptoJuice. This pair of media are pro-synaptogenic and generate authentic, mature synaptic networks of connected forebrain neurons from a variety of induced pluripotent and embryonic stem cell lines. Such enhanced rate and extent of synchronised maturation of pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells generates neurons which are characterised by a relatively hyperpolarized resting membrane potential, higher spontaneous and induced action potential activity, enhanced synaptic activity, more complete development of a mature inhibitory GABAA receptor phenotype and faster production of electrical network activity when compared to standard differentiation media. This entire process - from pre-patterned neural progenitor to active neuron - takes 3 weeks or less, making it an ideal platform for drug discovery and disease modelling in the fields of human neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or Schizophrenia.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
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Regenerative potential of human airway stem cells in lung epithelial engineering
Publication date: November 2016
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 108
Author(s): Sarah E. Gilpin, Jonathan M. Charest, Xi Ren, Luis F. Tapias, Tong Wu, Daniele Evangelista-Leite, Douglas J. Mathisen, Harald C. Ott
Bio-engineered organs for transplantation may ultimately provide a personalized solution for end-stage organ failure, without the risk of rejection. Building upon the process of whole organ perfusion decellularization, we aimed to develop novel, translational methods for the recellularization and regeneration of transplantable lung constructs.We first isolated a proliferative KRT5+TP63+ basal epithelial stem cell population from human lung tissue and demonstrated expansion capacity in conventional 2D culture. We then repopulated acellular rat scaffolds in ex vivo whole organ culture and observed continued cell proliferation, in combination with primary pulmonary endothelial cells. To show clinical scalability, and to test the regenerative capacity of the basal cell population in a human context, we then recellularized and cultured isolated human lung scaffolds under biomimetic conditions. Analysis of the regenerated tissue constructs confirmed cell viability and sustained metabolic activity over 7 days of culture. Tissue analysis revealed extensive recellularization with organized tissue architecture and morphology, and preserved basal epithelial cell phenotype. The recellularized lung constructs displayed dynamic compliance and rudimentary gas exchange capacity. Our results underline the regenerative potential of patient-derived human airway stem cells in lung tissue engineering. We anticipate these advances to have clinically relevant implications for whole lung bioengineering and ex vivo organ repair.
Graphical abstract
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Bamboo (Acidosasa edulis) shoot shell biochar: Its potential isolation and mechanism to perrhenate as a chemical surrogate for pertechnetate
Publication date: December 2016
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 165
Author(s): Hui Hu, Bangqiang Jiang, Huixiong Wu, Jubin Zhang, Xiaohui Chen
In this work, a biochar was prepared from bamboo (Acidosasa edulis) shoot shell through slow pyrolysis (under 300–700 °C). Characterization with various tools showed that the biochar surface was highly hydrophobic and also had more basic functional groups. Batch sorption experiments showed that the biochar had strong sorption ability to perrhenate (a chemical surrogate for pertechnetate) with maximum sorption capacity of 46.46 mg/g, which was significantly higher than commercial coconut shell activated carbon and some adsorbents reported previously. Desorption experiments showed that more than 94% of total perrhenate adsorbed could be recovered using 0.1 mol/L KOH as a desorption medium. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the recovery of perrhenate by the biochars was mainly through surface adsorption mechanisms involving both high hydrophobicity and high basic sites of biochar surface.
Graphical abstract
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Chemical fractionation of radium-226 in NORM contaminated soil from oilfields
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 165
Author(s): Jamal Al Abdullah, Mohammad Said Al-Masri, Yusr Amin, Ibrahim Awad, Zuhair Sheaib
Contamination of soil with 226Ra is a common problem in the oilfields, leading to costly remediation and disposal programmes. The present study focuses on the chemical fractionation and mobility of 226Ra in contaminated soils collected from an oilfield using a three-step sequential extraction procedure (BCR). The total activity concentrations of 226Ra in contaminated soils were measured and found to be in the range from 1030 ± 90 to 7780 ± 530 Bq kg−1, with a mean activity concentration of 2840 ± 1840 Bq kg−1. The correlation between the total concentration of 226Ra and soil properties, mainly pH, LOI, Corg, clay and Ca, was investigated using the principal component analysis method (PCA). The chemical fractionation of 226Ra was studied using the sequential extraction method (BCR). The highest fraction of 226Ra (27–65%) was found to be in the acid-reducible fraction, which suggests that 226Ra is mainly bound to FeMn oxides. The BCR method showed that high percentages of 226Ra were found to be in mobile soil phases (between 45 and 99%). Consequently, groundwater contamination could occur due to the remobilization of 226Ra from soils under normal environmental conditions. However, the obtained results could be useful to reduce the volume of NORM wastes generated from the oilfields and decision-making process for final treatment and disposal of NORM-contaminated soil.
http://ift.tt/2coHR9C
Studying factors affecting the indoor gamma radiation dose using the MCNP5 simulation software
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 165
Author(s): M. Orabi
Different factors and parameters affecting the indoor gamma radiation dose are considered and investigated. The change of the dose with different positions inside the room is discussed. The relative doses are also calculated for different changes; with different room dimensions, different wall thicknesses, and different building material densities. Some other factors are also discussed. The study is carried out by executing some models designed by the MCNP version 5 simulation software. The calculations of the dose rates are performed by adopting a simple and convenient calculation model which is based on the obtained relative changes of the dose rates with the different factors.
http://ift.tt/2c9hRBZ
Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 267: Bioactivation and Regioselectivity of Pig Cytochrome P450 3A29 towards Aflatoxin B1
Due to unavoidable contaminations in feedstuff, pigs are easily exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and suffer from poisoning, thus the poisoned products potentially affect human health. Heretofore, the metabolic process of AFB1 in pigs remains to be clarified, especially the principal cytochrome P450 oxidases responsible for its activation. In this study, we cloned CYP3A29 from pig liver and expressed it in Escherichia coli, and its activity has been confirmed with the typical P450 CO-reduced spectral characteristic and nifedipine-oxidizing activity. The reconstituted membrane incubation proved that the recombinant CYP3A29 was able to oxidize AFB1 to form AFB1-exo-8,9-epoxide in vitro. The structural basis for the regioselective epoxidation of AFB1 by CYP3A29 was further addressed. The T309A mutation significantly decreased the production of AFBO, whereas F304A exhibited an enhanced activation towards AFB1. In agreement with the mutagenesis study, the molecular docking simulation suggested that Thr309 played a significant role in stabilization of AFB1 binding in the active center through a hydrogen bond. In addition, the bulk phenyl group of Phe304 potentially imposed steric hindrance on the binding of AFB1. Our study demonstrates the bioactivation of pig CYP3A29 towards AFB1 in vitro, and provides the insight for understanding regioselectivity of CYP3A29 to AFB1.
http://ift.tt/2cGnq9f
Are some agents less likely to deposit gadolinium in the brain?
Source:Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Author(s): Alexander Radbruch
In December 2013, a groundbreaking study by Kanda et al. was published showing that the serial injection of gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCAs) is correlated with a signal intensity increase in the dentate nucleus (DN) and the globus pallidus (GP) on unenhanced T1 weighted MR images. Subsequent studies by Kanda et al. and McDonald et al. on brain tissue from deceased patients provided evidence that the reported signal intensity increase in the brain correlates with gadolinium deposits in the brain tissue. In the following, multiple retrospective patient studies and animal studies assessed the potential of the marketed GBCAs to cause hyperintensities or gadolinium deposits in the brain, respectively. This review summarizes the evidence provided by these studies and additionally takes into account data from in vitro studies on the stability of GBCAs. The author concludes that there is a body of evidence suggesting that the potential of a GBCA to cause hyperintensities or gadolinium deposition in the brain corresponds with its stability and is particularly depending on the group of the specific GBCA as either linear or macrocyclic.
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What is the effectiveness of the negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in patients treated with open abdomen technique? A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: The open abdomen technique may be used in critically ill patients to manage abdominal injury, reduce the septic complications, and prevent the abdominal compartment syndrome. Many different techniques have been proposed and multiple studies have been conducted, but the best method of temporary abdominal closure has not been determined yet. Recently, new randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials have been published on this topic. We aimed to perform an up-to-date systematic review on the management of open abdomen, including the most recent published randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, to compare negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with no NPWT and define if one technique has better outcomes than the other with regard to primary fascial closure, postoperative 30-day mortality and morbidity, enteroatmospheric fistulae, abdominal abscess, bleeding, and length of stay. METHODS: According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, an online literature research (until July 1, 2015) was performed on MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Library databases. The MeSH terms and free words used "vacuum assisted closure" "vac;", "open abdomen", "damage control surgery", and "temporary abdominal closure". No language restriction was made. RESULTS: The initial systematic literature search yielded 452 studies. After a careful assessment of the titles and of the full text was obtained, eight articles fulfilled inclusion criteria. We analyzed 1,225 patients, of whom 723 (59%) underwent NPWT and 502 (41%) did not undergo NPWT, and performed four subgroups: VAC versus Bogota bag technique (two studies, 106 participants), VAC versus mesh-foil laparostomy (two studies, 159 participants), VAC versus laparostomy (adhesive impermeable with midline zip) (one study, 106 participants), and NPWT versus no NPWT techniques (three studies, 854 participants) in which it is not possible to perform an analysis of the different types of treatment. Comparing the NPWT group and the group without NPWT, there was no statistically significant difference in fascial closure (63.5% vs 69.5%; odds ratio [OR], 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27–2.06; p = 0.57), postoperative 30-day overall morbidity (p = 0.19), postoperative enteroatmospheric fistulae rate (2.1% vs 5.8%; OR, 0.63; 95% CIs, 0.12–3.15; p = 0.57), in the postoperative bleeding rate (5.7% vs 14.9%; OR, 0.58; 95% CIs, 0.05–6.84; p = 0.87), and postoperative abdominal abscess rate (2.4% vs 5.6%; OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.13–1.34; p = 0.14). On the other hand, statistical significance was found between the NPWT group and the group without NPWT in the postoperative mortality rate (28.5% vs 41.4%; OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.23–0.91; p = 0.03) and in the length of stay in the intensive care unit (mean difference, −4.53; 95% CI, −5.46 to 3.60; phttp://ift.tt/2btkCwv
DESIGN AND DOCKING STUDY OF SOME (E)-N'-(SUBSTITUTED-BENZYLIDENE)-2-(2-CHLORO-4-FLUOROPHENYL) ACETOHYDRAZIDE COMPOUNDS FOR ANTI-MICROBIAL ACTIVITY
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Ajit Kumar Mishra*, Neha Singh, Manju Kumari, Binita Kumari, Birendra Kumar, Divya Mishra.
In this work, we collected the three dimensional structure of Enterotoxin B which plays an important role in staphylococcus pathway. The protein structures were collected from PDB data bank. From the 3D structures of the proteins, the targeted derivatives were designed. Docking studies was performed with designed ligands from the drug. The drug derivatives docked to the protein by hydrogen boding interactions and these interactions play an important role in the binding studies. Docking results showed the best compounds among the derivatives.
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FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FAST MOUTH DISSOLVING CHEWABLE TABLET OF ALBENDAZOLE
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Dr. O. G. Bhusnure*, Shaikh Faisal Ekbal, Mane Jyoti, Sayyed Sarfaraz Ali, Hucche Bhimashankar, Surkute Ganesh.
Fast dissolving tablet format is designed to allow administration of an oral solid dose form in the absence of water or fluid intake. Such tablets readily dissolve or disintegrate in the saliva. Albendazole is anthalmentic agent which is used in disease like worms. As a vermicidal,albendazole causes degenerative alterations in the intestinal cells of the worm by binding to the colchicine-sensitive site of tubulin, thus inhibiting its polymerization or assembly into microtubules. It is a BCS class II drug. It exhibits poor bioavailability of about
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DEVELOPMENT OF VALIDATED SPECTROFLUORIMETRIC METHOD FOR THE ESTIMATION OF BUCLIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE FROM THE TABLET DOSAGE FORM
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
A. Suganthi*, A. Fathimunnisa, S. Sumithra and T.K. Ravi.
Buclizine hydrochloride from its tablet dosage form was estimated by developing a novel validated indirect spectrofluorimetric method. Here the Buclizine hydrochloride was derivatized into nitro compound using nitrating mixture with an aid of heat which showed good fluorescence in water at 446 nm after excited at 350 nm. The calibration graph showed linear over the range 200-1000 ng/ml. The assay of buclizine hydrochloride in marketed formulations was found to be 98.96 ± 0.1586. Recovery values were close to 100% with the % RSD values of 0.432% and 0.673% at 50% and 100% level respectively. From the results of validation it was observed that the method was found to be simple, accurate, sensitive and reproducible. Hence the proposed method can be used for routine quality control analysis.
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FATTY ACID BINDING PROTEIN-1 (FABP-1) OF ECHINOCOCCUS GRANULOSUS- A PROMISING VACCINE CANDIDATE- AN IN SILICO ANALYSIS
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Varun Chauhan, Gurjeet Kaur, Naveen, Kapil Goyal, Rakesh Sehgal.
E. granulosus responsible for causing Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a highly pathogenic infection, is causing considerable morbidity and mortality in humans. Fatty Acid Binding Proteins have been suggested to be promising vaccine candidates against several parasitic Platyhelminthes. The present study was thus aimed to identify HLA class I (HLA*A-02:01) restricted T cell epitopes, one of the most common occurring HLA Class I allele in human population, and B cell epitopes by screening of FABP-1 protein of E. granulosus using in-silico approach. The most promising predicted T cell epitopes were docked with HLA-*A 02:01 allele in order to ascertain the binding pattern of the identified peptides and HLA allele. The identified B and T cell epitopes were confirmed by visualizing there locations on the 3D model of FABP-1 protein. We believe that the present study will further help the researchers in better understanding the immune responses generated in an intermediate host in response to FABP protein of the parasite and may provide a platform to facilitate subunit vaccine design.
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NOVEL RP-HPLC-PDA METHOD FOR THE ESTIMATION OF CHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE IN BULK AND DOSAGE FORMS
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Ramya.V, Vijaya Lakshmi .M*, Pravallika .M, Buchi N. Nalluri.
A simple, precise and accurate RP-HPLC-PDA method has been developed and validated for the estimation of Chlorpheniramine Maleate, an antihistaminic in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms. It is a synthetic first generation alkylamine developed for the treatment of allergic conditions. Chromatography was carried out on an Inertsil C18 (250 x4.6mm, 5μm) column with a mobile phase combination of 10mM Ammonium Acetate and Acetonitrile in the ratio of 40:60v/v. The detection wavelength was carried out at 220 nm. The flow rate is 1.2 ml/min. The retention time is 5.122 minutes. The linearity was found in the range of 5-25μg/ml (r=0.999) and percent RSD is less than 2. The mean recoveries obtained for Chlorpheniramine Maleate were in the range of 98.77-99.42%. The LOD and LOQ values were found to be 0.315μg/ml and 0.949μg/ml. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines and can be applied for quality control analysis of Chlorpheniramine Maleate in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms.
http://ift.tt/2cCL9Z4
IDENTIFICATION OF NATURAL LEAD MOLECULES OF CENTELLA ASIATICA AND AZADIRACHTA INDICA TARGETING CHOLERA TOXIN THROUGH STRUCTURE BASED DRUG DESIGN
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Kishore Sarma, Biswajyoti Borkakoty*, Pratap Parida, Sudipta Sankar Bora, P. K. Mohapatra, Dipanakar Biswas, Jagadish Mahanta.
Vibrio cholerae, the causative organism of cholera, infects the small intestine causing severe diarrhea that can lead to death if untreated. Cholera toxin (CT) is primarily responsible for exhibiting the cholera symptoms. Although in numerous study, anticholera activity of Centella asiatica and Azadirachta indica has been evaluated and proved, the active principles and their modes of action are still elusive. In order to unveil the active principles of Centella asiatica and Azadirachta indica as potential inhibitor of CT, a ligand library of the reported compounds from these two plants was prepared and was used for molecular docking against three putative drug targets of CT. Progressive knowledge of computer aided drug designing approach was employed to screen out novel lead candidates. Comparative molecular docking analysis inferred that kaempferol 7-O-glucoside, a flavonol glucoside of Centella asiatica had the highest binding affinity with two of the selected drug targets and third best binding affinity with the third drug target of CT. In silico ADME/Tox profiling showed least toxicity with low bioavailibility. This study suggested that kaempferol 7-O-glucoside has the highest binding affinity with the identified ligandable sites of active CT and may be considered as a candidate inhibitor of CT in the lumen of gastrointestinal tract. Further clinical trials of kaempferol 7-O-glucoside may lead to a candidate drug molecule to fight against cholera infection.
http://ift.tt/2cCKAON
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL EMULGEL OF LANTANA CAMARA LEAVES EXTRACT FOR WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY IN DIABETIC RATS
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Sk. Shaheda Sultana*, G.Swapna, G. Sai Sri Lakshmi, S. Swathi, G. Nirmala Jyothi, A. Seetha Devi.
The main aim of this work was to formulate the leaf extract of Lantana camara in to an emulgel and investigate their excision wound healing activity in Diabetic rats. Ethanolic extract of dried leaves of Lantana camara were subjected to preliminary phytochemical evaluation. Emulgel formulations were prepared using different types of gelling agents: Carbopol 934, Na CMC, HPMC, HPMC K15M, and HEC. The influence of the type of the gelling agent on the drug release from the prepared emulgel was investigated. The prepared emulgel were evaluated for their physical appearance, pH, Viscosity, Spreadability, in-vitro drug release, pharmacological activity and stability. From the results it was found that the formulation EGF2 with 1%w/w Sodium CMC shows better drug release (92.8% at 8 h) and higher pharmacological activity compared to other formulations. Herbal emulgel of ethanolic extract of Lantana camara shows significant improvement in excision wound contraction and hence this is a promising candidate for wound healing in diabetic rats.
http://ift.tt/2cSyTpq
MONITORING OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS (ADR) IN CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA (CML) PATIENTS TREATED WITH IMATINIB AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Thanmaya S., Geetha K.M*.
Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and potently inhibits protein tyrosine kinases which include BCR-ABL which is constitutively active in CML. It targets the ATP binding site of receptors. The present investigation was carried out to monitor the adverse reactions of the drug Imatinib mesylate prescribed for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients of different phases. All subjects defined as per the inclusion criteria were included in the study after obtaining the written informed consent. Detailed histories of the patients were gathered by discussions held with the doctors, nurses and the patient attendees. Disease responses were assessed with respect to BCR-ABL. Patients were then checked for the preexisting adverse reactions and were first treated for that before they were included in the study. Later these patients were treated with Tab Imatinib 400 mg once daily. With regular visit and interaction with the patients and by studying the reports, adverse reactions were recorded with the guidance of doctors. Adverse drug reactions (ADR s) of Imatinib were classified based on various criteria viz. gender, phases of CML, age, hematological and non- hematological adverse events and it was observed that there were no significant correlation with age and phases of CML. Out of 83 patients who were included in the study, it was found that CML is more common in males and between the age group of 30-39 yrs. Most of the patients were diagnosed when they were in chronic phase. The common non- hematological adverse effects that were observed was abdominal pain, head ache, GI disturbances etc. and few patients experienced hematological adverse effects such as thrombocytopenia, anemia etc.
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EVALUATION OF MEDICATION ADHERENCE AND IMPACT OF PATIENT COUNSELING ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS SUFFRING FROM TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Nally Suman Raj, A.J. Rocky, A. Chandrakanth, C. Praneeth, Dr. B.V.S. Lakshmi, Mr. T. Praveen Kumar.
India is the diabetes capital of the world. Diabetes is growing alarmingly in India, home to more than 65.1 million people with the disease, compared to 50.8 million in 2010. Adherence to medication is a crucial part of patient care and indispensable for reaching clinical goals. The WHO, in its 2003 report on medication adherence, states that increasing the effectiveness of adherence interventions may have a far greater impact on the health of the population than any improvement in specific medical treatment. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate medication adherence of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus and counsel them towards improving of quality of life. This was a prospective observational study, conducted over 6 months period from December 2015 to June 2016, in a tertiary care hospital. A total 300 patients were studies for the evaluation of their medication adherence and were counselled accordingly. Moriskys 8 item medication adherence scale was used to measure the adherence of the subjects. After counselling them KAP questionnaire was used to assess the outcome of the counselling. We found that patient counselling played an important role in the patients adherence towards medication which resulted in better therapeutic outcome which was noticed from their laboratory parameters. Thus, patient counselling plays a major role in medication adherence and therefore in improvement of quality of life.
http://ift.tt/2cSyT8U
MYCOSYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES BY ALTERNARIA SP ISOLATED FROM BARK PART OF CALOPHYLLUM APETALUM
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
C P Chandrappa, M Govindappa, N Chandrasekar, Sonia Sarkar, Sepuri Ooha, R Channabasava, C P Ramesh.
The present study described the formation of silver nanoparticles by the extract of Alternaria sp. obtained from bark part of Calophyllum apetalum Willd. Alternaria extract have mixed with silver nitrate to synthesize silver nanoparticles. Synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Scaning electron microscopy and X-Ray diffraction studies. Silver nanoparticles have acquired Surface plasmon reverberation spectra at 425nm and round shapes of the silver nanoparticles have determined by SEM analysis. X-ray diffraction studies confirm that the synthesized nanoparticles by Altenaria extract were crystalline silver. This approach is one of the primary, efficient and rapid strategies to synthesize silver nanoparticles at ambient temperature without application of hazardous agents.
http://ift.tt/2cCKZkF
TRANSDERMAL UNANI FEMALE CONTRACEPTIVE FORMULATION: DESIGNING AND IN-VITRO TRANSDERMAL ACTIVITY EVALUATION
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Tarannum*, Mohammad Idris.
The transdermal drug delivery system has an important place in the medical field. This delivery system has several advantages over the oral and parental route of drug administration. The concept of transdermal drug delivery system was already exists in the Unani system of medicine. Several dosage forms for transdermal drug delivery system in single as well as in compound formulation were mentioned in the classical literature of Unani system. Unani medicine is enriched with several drugs honored to possess antifertility property. Unani antifertility agents are recommended for both- male and female as oral and/or local application. Several single drugs as well as compound formulations are mentioned in Unani classical literature to control the fertility. With this background an effort was made with two objectives. First was to design a transdermal Unani female contraceptive formulation (TUFCF) based on four ingredients i.e. Leaves of Henna (Lawsonia inermis), rhizome of Pakhanbed (Bergenia ciliata), Sibr (Latex of Aloe barbadensis) and Khar-e-Chirchita (Achyranthes aspera). Secondly to evaluate in-vitro transdermal penetration potential of the TUFCF by Franz diffusion cell method, qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitatively the test formulation reveals significant presence of phytochemicals by chemical test method. Quantitatively it showed 35.07% release across the membrane. Hence, it was concluded that the test formulation possessed the transdermal activity.
http://ift.tt/2cSzxDj
LOCAL INFILTRATION TECHNIQUE IN UNILATERAL TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Ardeshna A Nishita, Bashwanth Pasupulati, Dr. Basavaraj CM, Dr. Vinay Pawar.
INTRODUCTION: The most effective treatment for osteoarthritis is TKR and THR but sizeable patient experience chronic pain causing discomfort. There has been shift in the usage of local anesthesia technique (LIA) over the general anesthesia in orthopedic surgeries mainly TKR. Pain control is important post surgery which includes opioid use, and other analgesics. LIA technique has taken increased focus due to early rehabilitation in patients with TKR and THR. METHOD: It was prospective, non-interventional and observational study. RESULTS: Outcomes were assessed with regards to the pain score and analgesic use post LIA. Patients with this technique experienced early mobilization and better pain control after surgery. There was decreased in the opioid usage and increased patient satisfaction. Break-through pain was also found to have decreased with LIA comparatively with only analgesic usage. CONCLUSION: The use of preoperative patient education as an important component in their fast-track recovery program. LIA protocol can achieve meaningful results and can be easily implemented both in tertiary care centers & community hospitals.
http://ift.tt/2cCLeMf
“EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF RUTIN AND BERBERINE”
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
S. Viswanth Reddy*, Kappera Swetha, G. Avinash.
The aim of study is to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal activity of natural compounds like Rutin (bioflavonoid) and Berberine (isoquinoline alkaloid) by using disc diffusion method. Antibacterial activity was determined using two gram positive cultures (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and two gram negative cultures (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli). Antifungal activity was evaluated against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides fungal cultures. Both Rutin and Berberine were tested at concentration of 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml. The isoquinoline alkaloid Berberine at 50μg/ml has significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. At 100 μg/ml it has highly significant antibacterial activity against all cultures compared to control group. Rutin has no significant antibacterial activity at 50 μg/ml however at 100 μg/ml it has shown significant activity against Bacillus subtilis. Rutin has no significant antifungal activity at both the doses. Berberine at 50 μg/ml did not show any significant activity against Aspergillus flavus but it was shown lower significant activity against Fusarium verticillioides however at higher concentration (100 μg/ml) it has shown highly significant activity against both the cultures. Berberine has shown higher anti-bacterial and antifungal against all cultures and the activity was better when compared to Rutin. It was concluded that the antibacterial and antifungal potential of these natural products might be due to interference of microbial protein synthesis, so these natural compounds might be better therapeutic targets for bacteria and fungi clinically for development of safe and efficacious antimicrobials.
http://ift.tt/2cSyfIG
“EVALUATION OF ANTIDEPRESSANT ACTIVITY OF RUTIN AND BERBERINE IN DIFFERENT BEHAVIORAL MODELS”
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
S. Viswanth Reddy*, Kappera Swetha.
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders reported in all the parts of Globe. The existing pharmacological therapy with N-methyl D-aspartate antagonists and tricyclic antidepressants has shown good efficacy in increasing neurotransmission in the brain but they are also associated with various unwanted effects. Hence, alternative therapeutics such as nutraceuticals with low side effect profile were investigated as new safe antidepressant agents. In the present study nutraceutical products Rutin and Berberine were screened for in vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH free radical scavenging assay and NBT superoxide scavenging assay. These compounds have shown good inhibitory activity in all in vitro assays, based on these results in vivo studies were conducted. Antidepressant activity of Rutin and Berberine was evaluated by using forced swim test in mice, tail suspension test in rats. These compounds (250, 500 mg/kg bd. wt.) decreased the immobility periods in dose dependent manner in both tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST). The expected mechanism of action the activity probably through increased monoamine transmission in the brain. From the results it was found that Rutin and Berberine have significant antidepressant activity.
http://ift.tt/2cCKaIz
GASTRORETENTIVE IN SITU GEL FORMULATION SYSTEM
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Mrs. Sushma Singh, Ragini L. Tandle*.
The design of controlled drug delivery systems (DDS) should be primarily subjected to aim and to achieve more predictable and increased bioavailability. In-situ gel refers to polymer solution which can be administered as liquid & undergoes a phase transition to semisolid gel upon exposure to physiological environment. The oral gastro-retentive in-situ gel forming polymeric drug delivery systems are designed with an objective to retain in stomach for an extended time period and also for achieving systemic drug effects over than other pharmaceutical dosage forms. The formulation is introduced to overcome the rapidly increasing cost and to reduce the time required in the development works over than the other pharmaceutical dosage forms. Many natural, biodegradable, biocompatible and synthetic polymers like alginic acid, pluronic F127, xyloglucan, gellan gum, carbopol, pectin, chitosan, poly (DL lactic acid), poly (DL-lactide-coglycolide) and poly-caprolactone etc. are used in the preparation of in situ gelling system. The present study was based on the development of stomach specific drug delivery systems using various approaches like gastro-retentive oral in-situ gel formulation. [1, 2]
http://ift.tt/2cSzt6I
ABC –VED ANALYSIS OF DRUG STORE IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL FOR YEAR 2013-14
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Dr. Amrita Singam, Dr. S. Dudhgaonkar, Dr.Abhishek Mamarde* Dr.Kartik J Salwe*, Dr. Huma Khan*.
Introduction- In government hospital, about one-third of the annual budget is spent on buying medicines. Effective inventory management is required to balance inventory expenditure against demands for medicines. In hospital inventory management, VED analysis has been commonly used together with ABC analysis. So our aim is to analyze the annual drug expenditure (ADE) & Identification of the drug categories requiring greater supervisory monitoring using ABC and VED analysis. Material and Method-Study was conducted in Indira Gandhi Government Medical Collage and Hospital Nagpur of central India, a 594 bed tertiary care hospital. The data of annual consumption and cost on each drug from Medical store, for financial year 2013- 2014 was obtained. ABC analysis done. The data was arranged in Excel sheet. The ABC-VED matrix (combination) was formed by cross tabulating ABC and VED. Results are expressed as %. Result- On ABC analysis it was found that category A consisted 26 drugs i.e.(13.19%) similarly we calculated for categories B and C which came out as, in category B 36 drugs i.e. (18.2%) and for category C 135 drugs i.e.(68.52%).On VED analysis it was found that ,Vital drugs (V)were 60 i.e. (30.96%), Essential drugs (E) were 79 that was (39.08%) and Desirable drugs(D) were 58 (29.94%) were found out of 197 total drugs. On vital drugs (V) the expenditure was 1,07,75,813 (61.63%),Essential drugs (E) expenditure was 51,64,273.52 (29.53%)and on Desirable (D) expenditure was 1544434.03 (8.83%) of the total budget. Conclusion From present study we may conclude that there is a need for conducting such analysis regularly, and applying the inventory management tools for effective and efficient management of the medical stores.
http://ift.tt/2cCL6MK
PHYSIO CHEMICAL STANDARDIZATION OF THE SIDDHA HERBO MINERAL DRUG – AMIRTHARASA MATHIRAI
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Kumar S., Paechiyammal. S. Maanickha chelvi K S.
The standardization of any drug before administration to human beings is mandatory in nowadays Amirtharasa mathirai (AM) is one of the drug belongs to siddha system of medicine which is made up of herbals and metals. The aim of the study is to standardize this preparation. The physio chemical properties are black colour solid material, Total ash value is 9.73%w/w , moisture content is 8.82%w/w and pH value is 7.7% which yield 45%w/w. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) revealed that toxic metals like mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead were below detective limit.(BDL). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis shows that particles of size 0.25 -0.50μm.
http://ift.tt/2cSyWl2
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TOWARDS SAFE INDUCED ABORTION IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN ILU ABABORA ZONE, OROMIYA, ETHIOPIA
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Ebissa Negera.
Background: In Ethiopia, in 2005, even though, abortion law has been revised to include provision for conducting abortion, it remained in accessible for large majority of women. Provider attitude, stigma and passive resistance remain insidious barriers to the full realization of reproductive equality. Objective: To assess knowledge and attitude of health professionals towards safe induced abortion at public health facilities of Ilu Ababora zone. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15, 2011- February 29, 2012. A total of 395 health professionals (General practitioners, mid-wifery, health officers and nurses) selected by simple random sampling method were involved in the study. Data were collected using structured Afan Oromo Version self administered questionnaire. Analysis was done using bivariate and multi-variate techniques. Results: The proportions of health professionals knowledgeable about safe induced abortion were (58%) and fifty one percent (51%) had favorable attitude towards safe induced abortion. Only (28.4%) of health professionals were trained on safe termination of pregnancy. Knowledge about safe induced abortion was significantly associated with marital status (OR= 1.73; 95% CI 1.07-2.8) and training on safe induced abortion (OR=0.31; 95% CI 0.17-0.5). Attitude towards safe induced abortion was significantly associated with sex (OR=0.32; 95% CI 0.2-0.53), marital status (OR=2.32; 95% CI 1.4-3.88) and training on safe induced abortion (OR=0.26; 95% CI 0.14-0.4). Conclusion: The present study revealed that, while overall awareness on safe induced abortion was high (81.8%), the actual knowledge and attitude towards safe induced abortion is low among health professionals in Ilu Ababora zone.
http://ift.tt/2cCKQgV
INTEGRATION OF FAMILY PLANING SERVICES WITH ABORTION CARE AT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITIES IN METTU TOWN, SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Ebissa Negera, Geremew Tolesa.
Complications of unsafe abortion contribute to 13% of global maternal mortality and have received less attention than other obstetric emergencies discourses. Timely and appropriate treatment of unsafe abortions and incomplete spontaneous abortions can prevent maternal death and morbidity. Counseling post-abortion care patients on family planning and facilitating their access to family planning methods help to prevent unwanted pregnancies and repeat abortions. The objective of this study was to assess the integration of Family planning services with abortion care at public and private health facilities that provided abortion care service in Mettu town. Facility based cross sectional study was employed. The study was conducted at public and private health facilities those providing abortion care service in Mettu town from February to March 2014. A total of 274 women who got services were interviewed. The response rate was 94.2%. One hundred ninety three (70.44%) of the respondents reported that they have got contraceptive counseling/ information from the service providers .Among them 113 (41.24%) left the health facility with contraceptive methods. Significant proportion of women who got abortion services left the health facility without getting family planning counseling and contraceptive methods. Due attention should be given the ways to integrating women who got abortion services at each health facilities.
http://ift.tt/2c9dA1d
FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THEOPHYLLINE HYDRO GELS USING FREEZE THAW AND CHEMICAL POLYMERIZATION METHODS
2016-09-12T01-57-19Z
Source: Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Nagamani Bolla*, V. Ramalingeswa Rao, GSN Koteswara Rao T. Amruta Rai, P. Uma Devi.
The development of topical formulations has been a challenge to formulation scientists because solubility, permeability, half life of the drug etc governs the absorption of the drug. Hydrogels are three-dimensional, hydrophilic, polymeric networks capable of imbibing large amounts of water or biological fluids and are held together by chemical or physical bonds. Theophylline is used as a bronchodilator but in lower concentrations it can be used as an analgesic. Theophylline hydrogels were formulated using two different techniques, Chemical Polymerization (crosslinking agent - borax in different concentrations) and Freeze thaw technique. Sodium hyaluronate and polyvinyl alcohol as polymers with gelatin base and PEG 600 as a permeation enhancer. This was the first report on Theophylline anti inflammatory hydrogels formulated using sodium hyaluronate using different methods, Sodium hyaluronate, one of the polymers which is a safer polymer present in the connective tissue of human body and can be used without causing any toxic effect to the skin.
http://ift.tt/2coAb7m
Evidence for feasibility of fetal trophoblastic cell-based noninvasive prenatal testing
Abstract
Objective
The goal was to develop methods for detection of chromosomal and subchromosomal abnormalities in fetal cells in the mother's circulation at 10-16 weeks gestation using analysis by array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and/or next-generation sequencing (NGS).
Method
Nucleated cells from 30 ml of blood collected at 10-16 weeks gestation were separated from red cells by density fractionation and then immunostained to identify cytokeratin positive and CD45 negative trophoblasts. Individual cells were picked and subjected to whole genome amplification, genotyping, and analysis by array CGH and NGS.
Results
Fetal cells were recovered from most samples as documented by Y chromosome PCR, short tandem repeat analysis, array CGH, and NGS including over 30 normal male cells, one 47,XXY cell from an affected fetus, one trisomy 18 cell from an affected fetus, nine cells from a trisomy 21 case, three normal and one trisomy 13 cells from a case with confined placental mosaicism, and two chromosome 15 deletion cells from a case known by CVS to have a 2.7 Mb de novo deletion.
Conclusion
We believe that this is the first report of using array CGH and NGS whole genome sequencing to detect chromosomal abnormalities in fetal trophoblastic cells from maternal blood. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2coyret
Markers associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are present in Mexico City children chronically exposed to concentrations of fine particulate matter PM2.5 above the current EPA USA standards
Mexico City (MC) children have lifetime exposures to concentrations of air pollutants above the current USA standards, including fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). Metropolitan Mexico City is an example of extreme urban growth and serious environmental pollution including high exposures to PM 2.5, ozone, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), metals, endotoxins, tobacco smog, open waste dumps, highly polluting heavy duty trucks (not subjected to any pollution controls), etc., resulting in millions of children involuntarily exposed to harmful air neurotoxic substances every day since conception.
The results of this study including the significantly low concentrations of Aβ 1-42 and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in MC children versus controls, suggests that major changes in key neural proteins playing major roles in neurotoxicity, cell survival, axonal and dendritic growth, and synaptic plasticity are evolving in urban MC children. Decreased levels of BDNF are associated with the development of obesity, depression, mood disorders, and neurodegeneration. Interestingly, Mexico City children increased their levels of total prion protein (TPrP) with cumulative PM2.5 up to 5 μg/m3 and then decreased, regardless of cumulative value or age. The low values of this key protein are likely detrimental given its protective effects against oxidative stress and its role in cell signaling, metal interactions, memory, myelin maintenance, axonal growth and neuronal development. Total synuclein showed an increment in childhood years related to cumulated PM2.5, followed by a decrease after age 12 years, while the abnormal synuclein associated with Parkinson's disease exhibited a tendency to increase with cumulated PM2.5.
Mexico City children, teens, and young adults have shown a key marker of Alzheimer disease (AD): hyperphosphorylated tau along significant brain and intrathecal neuroinflammation, dysregulated immune responses, breakdown of epithelial and endothelial barriers, damage to the neurovascular unit, and brain accumulation of metals associated with combustion. Moreover, seemingly healthy children in Mexico City have olfaction deficits, dysregulation of feeding regulatory hormones, deficiencies in attention and short-term memory, and below-average scores in Verbal and Full Scale IQ compared to low air pollution children.
"Researchers are very concerned young Mexico City urbanites exhibit evidence of spectral markers of neurodegeneration that are often seen in adults with mild cognitive impairment, in Alzheimer patients and in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease" said Dr. Lilian Calderón-Garcidueňas.
"Our concern about Parkinson's disease is also increased when we observed children and teens with early autonomic dysfunction and in brainstem materials, extensive accumulation of α- synuclein in key nuclei including auditory nuclei and the dorsal nucleus of the vagus" said authors.
"These results add to growing data from our laboratory and others, suggesting urban residents with chronic high exposures to ozone and fine particulate matter have a higher risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (Jung et al., J Alzheimers Dis, 44, 573-584, 2015) and the potential key role of environmental magnetite nanoparticles in the brains of Mexico City residents (Maher et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, early edition) commented Dr. Calderón-Garcidueňas.
Air pollution is a serious public health issue and exposures to concentrations of air pollutants at or above the current standards have been clearly linked to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
There is an urgent need for studying air pollution interactions impacting children's brains and their responses, which could provide new avenues for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease prevention.
The authors concluded: "We have a 50-year window of opportunity between the time urban children experience the detrimental effects we are describing here and when they will present with mild cognitive impairment, dementia, tremor or all of the above. Our efforts should be aimed to identify and mitigate environmental factors influencing the early development of neurodegenerative diseases and to neuroprotect high risk children. Unfortunately, to date there has been no support for studying the detrimental neurodegenerative effects of air pollution on the pediatric brain."
# # #
Contact:
Lilian Calderón-Garcidueňas, MA, MD, PhD
Biomedical Sciences
University of Montana
+1 406 243 4785
lilian.calderon-garciduenas@umontana.edu
ABOUT THE JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE (JAD)
The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease is an international multidisciplinary journal to facilitate progress in understanding the etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, genetics, behavior, treatment and psychology of Alzheimer's disease. The journal publishes research reports, reviews, short communications, book reviews, and letters-to-the-editor. Published by IOS Press.
http://ift.tt/2cl5eU8
Efficacy and Safety of Crocus Sativus L in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: One Year Single-Blind Randomized, with Parallel Groups, Clinical Trial
Scientists from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), the Greek Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (GAADRD) and the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas/Information Technologies Institute (CERTH/ITI) have succeeded in making the shift to MCI therapy via robust natural remedies that can be used in order to forestall cognitive deterioration. In an article published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, the researchers have indicated that 0,125 gr/ per day lead to better cognitive performance after 12 months as revealed in neuropsychological assessment, ERP response, and 3 Tesla MRI. P300 latency was measured by a HD-EEG [EGI 300 Geodesic EEG system (GES 300) using a 256-channel HydroCel Geodesic Sensor Net (HCGSN)]. A small volume increase on the left inferior temporal gyrus, an area close to medial temporal lobe (MTL) and hippocampus, was found in experimental group. Thus, this study highlighted how Crocus can change brain activation, striatal volume of specific brain regions, neuropsychological performance and cognitive processing in aMCI patients whereas control group exhibited worse performance after 12 months. Consequently, patients with MCI can hopefully have better cognitive functioning by taking Crocus Sativus L. on a daily basis.
It is widely known that no conventional or alternative therapy is currently available and approved to treat MCI patients. Current therapeutic strategies for cognitive impairment in AD, is symptomatic with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) including donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist memantine. The discovery of new natural compounds with neuroactive properties for the management of Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) has gained much attention recently. Since no drug treatment is available to prevent the development of NDs, studies have shown that diet or plant-based extracts with antioxidant properties may have beneficial effects on improving brain function in NDs.
Nevertheless, preclinical and clinical pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Crocus sativus crude extracts and purified chemicals of it have anti-tumor effects, radical scavenging activity, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties, inhibitory activity on Amyloid beta aggregation, reduce atherosclerosis and hepatic damage, counteract hyperlipidemia, protect from myocardial injury, display antihypertensive action, and finally it is safe and effective in mild to moderate AD as revealed from this study. More specifically, crocins and crocetin (molecules of Crocus sativus L.) have a wide range of activities including antioxidant effects, neuroprotective activities in memory impairment and antioxidant capacities. Also, crocin acts on NMDA receptors and on tracheal muscles β2-adrenoceptors, with a possible inhibitory effect on histamine (H1) receptors. More specifically, in vitro and in silico studies also suggest that crocetin can inhibit acetylcholinesterase, a main AD medicinal target.
Our study revealed in all measures we used better performance of treatment group compared with control group in the second assessment after 12 months of follow-up. Until today there is no other study which has proved that any kind of medication can be considered as an effective solution for patients with MCI. The same organizations are also focused on developing other novel pharmaceutical natural compounds that respond to a number of clinical needs in the effort against neurocognitive disorders.
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Contact-Principal Investigator:
Magda Tsolaki
Professor of 3rd Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Chair of Greek Federation of Alzheimer's disease in Greece
Scientific Director of Daily Alzheimer's centers in Thessaloniki, Greece
E-mail: tsolakim1@gmail.com
Tel: +306942918933, +302310234239
Fax: +30 2313 307332
About the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is the largest university in Greece. It comprises 7 faculties that consist of 33 schools, 5 faculties that consist of one school each, as well as 4 independent schools. About 81,500 students study at the Aristotle University (72,140 in undergraduate programs and 8,360 in postgraduate programs). There are 2,150 faculty members: 739 professors, 435 associate professors, 634 assistant professors, and 342 lecturers. There are also 11 teaching assistants, 58 research fellows, 248 members of the Special Laboratory Teaching Personnel (S.L.T.P.), as well as 15 foreign language teachers and 4 foreign instructors. Faculty members are also assisted by 213 members of the Special Technical Laboratory Personnel (S.T.L.P.).
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki conducts research projects, participates in European research programs, cooperates with international institutions and organizations and attracts outstanding researchers from within Greece and abroad. The Aristotle University supports research projects in a wide variety of disciplines related to the environment (natural and built), computing, new technologies and nanotechnology, telecommunications, industrial technologies, transport, biotechnology, biomedicine and health, agriculture, forestry and fishery, education and language, history and archaeology, social studies and economics.
About the Greek Association of Alzheimer's disease and Related Disorders (GAADRD)
The Greek Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1995 by relatives of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, doctors of all specialties (mainly neurologists and psychiatrists) and other experts (such as psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists, etc.) who deal with the problems caused by this disease and other types of dementia. The Association operates 2 day centers in Thessaloniki and has over 4.000 members. It is a member of Alzheimer Europe and Alzheimer's disease International (ADI) and has successfully participated in various national and European research projects producing new scientific knowledge and innovative interventions for cognitive disorders.
The aim of the Association is to offer information and advice concerning the care of patients with cognitive disorders and provide services for patients and their families. It also strives to offer help and support to caregivers in order to reduce the social, economic and emotional burden deriving from the long term care of people suffering from dementia. Lastly, the Association attempts to publicize the social needs of the affected population and inform the public on issues related to dementia and cognitive disorders in general.
About the Information Technologies Institute (ITI)-Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH)
The Information Technologies Institute, formerly Informatics and Telematics Institute, was established in 1998 in Thessaloniki as a non-profit research organization under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Research and Technology (GSRT) of the Greek Ministry of Development. Since 2000, ITI has joined the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH). The main objective of the Institute is to be a research institution of excellence, identifying promising fields for the future and creating an environment that will allow the transfer of basic, applied and technological research in the growth of the digital economy of the 21st century. CERTH/ITI has developed spheres of excellence and critical mass in research and technology in several strategically important fields in a number of areas: Image and Signal Processing, Computer Vision, Human Computer Interaction, Virtual and Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Security and Surveillance, Biomedicine – Bioinformatics, Robotics, ICT for Environment Monitoring, Geosciences and Remote Sensing, Social Network Analysis, Networks and Communications, Cultural and Educational Technology.
About Journal of Alzheimer's disease (JAD)
The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease is an international multidisciplinary journal to facilitate progress in understanding the etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, genetics, behavior, treatment and psychology of Alzheimer's disease. The journal publishes research reports, reviews, short communications, book reviews, and letters-to-the-editor. Groundbreaking research that has appeared in the journal includes novel therapeutic targets, mechanisms of disease and clinical trial outcomes. The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease has an Impact Factor of 4.151 according to Thomson Reuters' 2014 Journal Citation Reports. The Journal is published by IOS Press.
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References
[1] Pitsikas N (2015) The effect of Crocus sativus L. and its constituents on memory: basic studies and clinical applications. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015, 926284.
[2] Howe AS, Bani-Fatemi A, De Luca V (2014) The clinical utility of the auditory P300 latency subcomponent event-related potential in preclinical diagnosis of patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Brain Cogn 86, 64–74.
http://ift.tt/2cdEyYs
Midlife physical activity is associated with better cognition in old age
The association was studied first in all individuals of the cohort, and then by comparing later cognition in pairs where one twin was more physically active than the other.
Increasing the volume of physical activity was not, however, associated with increased memory-protecting benefits. Instead, quite a moderate amount of physical activity was found to be sufficient for memory-protecting benefits, and only the most inactive group of twins stood out with a significantly higher risk for cognitive impairment.
Overall, the study shows that moderately vigorous physical activity, meaning more strenuous than walking, is associated with better cognition after an average of 25 years.
This finding is in accordance with earlier animal model studies, which have shown that physical activity increases the amount of growth factors in the brain and improves synaptic plasticity.
The prevalence of dementia has increased with aging populations both in Finland and globally. Although the incidence of dementia seems to have decreased in less senior generations, the total prevalence of dementia is still expected to rise. No cure for dementia exists, but during the last decade research has produced an abundance of new information on dementia prevention. The traditional vascular risk factors (elevated blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, diabetes and lack of exercise) have also been associated with dementia risk. However, few long-term, high-quality, follow-up studies on physical activity and cognition have been published, and it has remained unclear what type and amount of exercise is needed to safeguard cognition.
The study was conducted by scientists at the universities of Helsinki, Jyväskylä and Turku. The twins provided information on physical activity through questionnaire surveys from 1975 and 1981 (mean age in 1981: 49 years), while cognition was assessed by validated telephone interviews conducted between 1999 and 2015.
An early online version of this paper detailing the findings has been published. The full article is scheduled for publication in the 54(4) issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 2016; 54(4), DOI 10.3233/JAD-160377).
Further information:
Researcher, M.D. Paula Iso-Markku, paula.iso-markku@helsinki.fi, tel. +358 50 428 4611
Professor Urho Kujala, urho.m.kujala@jyu.fi, tel. +358 40 805 3567
http://ift.tt/2cl6QwS
ROLE OF MIRNA-122 AND MIRNA-200B IN INTRATUMOR HETEROGENEITY FORMATION AND HUMAN BREAST CANCER PROGNOSIS
2016-09-12T01-16-32Z
Source: International Journal of Current Research and Review
Lukianova N., Borikun T., Yalovenko T., Chekhun V..
Aim: To determine the features of miR-122 and -200b expression signature in BC patients due to major clinical-pathological characteristics of the disease. Methodology: The expression levels of miR-122 and -200b and ER, PR, Her2/neu, Ki-67, E-cadh, N-cadh, FTH1, Hepc were analyzed in cancer tissue and sera of BC patients. Relative expression levels of the miR-122 and -200b were examined using qRT-PCR (Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR), protein expression was measured by immunohistochemical analysis. Results: Correlation between miR-122 and -200b expression clinical-pathological characteristics of BC was established. Prognostic value of miR-122 and -200b was estimated. Discussion and Conclusion: Changes of miR-122 and -200b expression in tumor tissue and sera of BC patients provide information about major clinical-pathological characteristics of BC.
http://ift.tt/2c996Ig
STUDY OF LABORATORY PARAMETERS IN HEMOPHILIA PATIENTS
2016-09-12T01-16-32Z
Source: International Journal of Current Research and Review
T. B. Sadaria, H. M. Goswami, Safal Patel.
Introduction: Haemophilia is X- linked congenital bleeding disorder with a frequency of about one in 10,000 births. Haemophilia is caused by deficiency of coagulation factor VIII (haemophilia A) or factor IX (haemophilia B) related to mutations of clotting factor gene. Objectives: To check effectiveness of various screening and confirmatory tests for diagnosis of haemophilia. Methods: Retrospective study of laboratory diagnosis of haemophilia was conducted in our haematology section of pathology department of Tertiary Care Teaching Centre from 1 August 2014 to 30 July 2016. Patients in the age group of 0 year to 55 years with factor VIII and factor IX level below 50% of normal were included in the study. Routine haematological tests like haemoglobin and platelet count and coagulation profile of patient for prothrombin time, activated partial prothrombin time, factor VIII and factor IX level were analysed. Results: Out of 122 cases, 97 cases were of haemophilia A while 25 cases were of haemophilia B. Haemoglobin count of patients ranged from6gm% to 14.2 gm%. Platelet count and PT (prothrombin time)of patients were within normal limits. APTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) was prolonged (41.6 sec. to 124 sec) in all patients. Factor VIII level was reduced (
http://ift.tt/2coutm7
AN ANTHROPOMETRIC STUDY OF STATURE ESTIMATION AMONG MALES FROM THE MEASUREMENTS OF FEET IN UDAIPUR DISTRICT OF RAJASTHAN
2016-09-12T01-16-32Z
Source: International Journal of Current Research and Review
Charu Taneja, Hitesh Babel, L.K. Jain.
Background: Estimation of stature has a very significant role to play in forensic anthropometry for personal identification. Objective: To discover out the correlation among proportions of feet with stature in tribals of Udaipur district in Rajasthan (India). Material and Methods: The present study was conducted on a total number of 481 male tribals of Udaipur district by using standard anthropometric techniques. Results: There was a high correlation between height and right (0.184) foot length & left (0.186) Foot Length in males. Conclusion: Linear regression equations were deduced in males out of which lowest standard error of estimate was experienced in combined foot length of males.
http://ift.tt/2c9a6Mf
Tumescent Liposuction without Lidocaine
Background: Our previous study demonstrated that lidocaine has a negative impact on adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) survival. Currently for large-volume liposuction, patients often undergo general anesthesia; therefore, lidocaine subcutaneous anesthesia is nonessential. We hypothesized that removing lidocaine from tumescent might improve stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and ASC survival from the standard tumescent with lidocaine. Ropivacaine is also a commonly used local anesthetic. The effect of ropivacaine on ASC survival was examined. Methods: Adults who underwent liposuction on bilateral body areas were included (n = 10). Under general anesthesia, liposuction on 1 area was conducted under standard tumescent with lidocaine. On the contralateral side, liposuction was conducted under the modified tumescent without lidocaine. Five milliliters of lipoaspirate were processed for the isolation of SVF. The adherent ASCs were counted after 24 hours of SVF culture. Apoptosis and necrosis of SVF cells were examined by Annexin/propidium iodide staining and analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Average percentage of live SVF cells was 68.0% ± 4.0% (28.5% ± 3.8% of apoptosis and 3.4% ± 1.0% of necrosis) in lidocaine group compared with 86.7% ± 3.7% (11.5% ± 3.1% of apoptosis and 1.8% ± 0.7% of necrosis) in no-lidocaine group (P = 0.002). Average number of viable ASC was also significantly lower (367,000 ± 107) in lidocaine group compared with that (500,000 ± 152) in no-lidocaine group (P = 0.04). No significant difference was found between lidocaine and ropivacaine on ASC cytotoxicity. Conclusions: Removing lidocaine from tumescent significantly reduced SVF and ASC apoptosis in the lipoaspirate. We recommend tumescent liposuction without lidocaine, particularly if patient's lipoaspirate will be used for fat grafting.http://ift.tt/2c0NKxX
Radiofrequency-assisted Liposuction for Neck and Lower Face Adipodermal Remodeling and Contouring
Background: The purpose of this study is to report our experience using radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) for neck and face contouring. This article details the operative technique, selection, complications, third-party surgeon appraisal, and patient satisfaction survey. Methods: From November 2009 to November 2013, 55 patients who underwent RFAL treatment were enrolled in the study. Postoperative patient satisfaction surveys were conducted, and 2 independent plastic surgeons evaluated contour and skin quality with randomized preoperative and postoperative photographs at 6 months postoperatively. The different parameters recorded involved age, sex, weight, body mass index, operative time, amount of fat aspirated and energy delivered, complications, and aesthetic outcome in 1 and 4 weeks and 3 and 6 months. Our longest follow-up was 4 years. Patients were asked 6 months postoperatively to grade their satisfaction as poor, no change, moderate, good, and excellent. Results: The mean age was 51 years (range, 35–61 years), and the mean amount of fat aspirated was 30 mL (range, 10–200 mL). Five out of 55 patients (9.1%) developed tissue hardness that resolved with massage. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. Eighty-five percent of patients were satisfied with their contouring result and degree of skin tightening (48/55 patients). Two independent plastic surgeons considered the improvement in contouring and degree of skin tightening good to excellent in 52 of 55 cases. Conclusions: In appropriately selected patients, RFAL neck and face contouring represent a safe procedure to achieve significant improvement of the skin laxity and fat deposits of the cervicomental zone and jowls.http://ift.tt/2c0OQKb
Direct Hospital Cost of Outcome Pathways in Implant-Based Reconstruction with Acellular Dermal Matrices
Background: Current cost data on tissue expansion followed by exchange for permanent implant (TE/I) reconstruction lack a necessary assessment of the experience of a heterogenous breast cancer patient population and their multiple outcome pathways. We extend our previous analysis to that of direct hospital cost as bundling of payments is likely to follow the changing centralization of cancer care at the hospital level. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis (2003–2009) of TE/I reconstructions with or without an acellular dermal matrix (ADM), namely Alloderm RTM. Postreconstructive events were analyzed and organized into outcome pathways as previously described. Aggregated and normalized inpatient and outpatient hospital direct costs and physician reimbursement were generated for each outcome pathway with or without ADM. Results: Three hundred sixty-seven patients were analyzed. The average 2-year hospital direct cost per TE/I breast reconstruction patient was $11,862 in the +ADM and $12,319 in the −ADM groups (P > 0.05). Initial reconstructions were costlier in the +ADM ($6,868) than in the −ADM ($5,615) group, but the average cost of subsequent postreconstructive events within 2 years was significantly lower in +ADM ($5,176) than −ADM ($6,704) patients (Phttp://ift.tt/2bZkeDS
The Safety, Effectiveness, and Efficiency of Autologous Fat Grafting in Breast Surgery
Background: For years, the safety and effectiveness of autologous fat grafting (AFG) for breast reconstruction have been in question, with particular concern over fat necrosis, calcifications, cyst formation, and interfering with the detection of breast cancer. However, increasing evidence suggests that the complication rates and clinical results are generally acceptable to both clinicians and patients. The emerging challenge is the numerous AFG techniques and systems, where there are limited knowledge and data. The objective of this study was to conduct a literature review that focuses on the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of various AFG techniques as applied to the breast. Methods: A PubMed search using terms related to AFG was performed over a 5-year period (April 1, 2010–April 30, 2015). Original articles focused on AFG to the breast, with outcomes on safety, effectiveness, and efficiency, were included. Results: Five hundred ninety-eight articles were identified with 36 articles included (n = 4306 patients). Satisfaction rates were high although the prevalence of complications was low—similar to previous findings. Seven studies reported average operating room time with an overall mean of 125 minutes (range: 40–210). The mean volume of fat harvested was 558 mL (range: 120–1299), and fat injected was 145 mL (range: 20–607). A positive association between injection volume and operating time was observed. Conclusions: This review validates previous findings on the safety and effectiveness of AFG to the breast and highlights its efficiency. The efficiency data available, although limited, suggest that there is an opportunity to achieve time and cost savings while not sacrificing safety and effectiveness.http://ift.tt/2cCAIEQ
Anatomy of the Gynecomastia Tissue and Its Clinical Significance
Background: Gynecomastia is a very common entity in men, and several authors estimate that approximately 50% to 70% of the male population has palpable breast tissue. Much has been published with regard to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of gynecomastia. However, the anatomy of the gynecomastia tissue remains elusive to most surgeons. Purpose: The purpose of this article was to define the shape and consistency of the glandular tissue based on the vast experience of the senior author (MB). Patients and Methods: Between the years 1980 and 2014, a total of 5124 patients have been treated for gynecomastia with surgical excision, liposuction, or a combination of both. A total of 3130 specimens were collected with 5% of the cases being unilateral. Results: The specimens appear to have a unifying shape of a head, body, and tail. The head is semicircular in shape and is located more medially toward the sternum. The majority of the glandular tissue consists of a body located immediately deep to the nipple areolar complex. The tail appears to taper off of the body more laterally and toward the insertion of the pectoralis major muscle onto the humerus. Conclusions: This large series of gynecomastia specimens demonstrates a unique and unifying finding of a head, body, and tail. Understanding the anatomy of the gynecomastia gland can serve as a guide to gynecomastia surgeons to facilitate a more thorough exploration and subsequently sufficient gland excision.http://ift.tt/2c0PnvM
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