Quantification of DNA through the NanoDrop Spectrophotometer: Methodological Validation Using Standard Reference Material and Sprague Dawley Rat and Human DNA

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Quantification of DNA through the NanoDrop Spectrophotometer: Methodological Validation Using Standard Reference Material and Sprague Dawley Rat and Human DNA Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation This study aimed to validate an analytical method to determine DNA concentration using standard reference material (NIST SRM 2372) and Sprague Dawley rat and human DNA. Microvolumes were used to analyse DNA samples. Linearity showed correlation coefficients higher than R ≥ 0.9950, and the precision value was ≤2% CV. Trueness based on bias and the percentage of recovery showed bias values lower than Z-test with a 95% confidence level and a recovery percentage within the range (% Rec = 100% ± 5%), and the stability of the samples was 60 days (2–4°C). View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Biochemical Constituents of Phaleria macrocarpa (Leaf) Methanolic Extract Inhibit ROS Production in SH-SY5Y Cells Model

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Biochemical Constituents of Phaleria macrocarpa (Leaf) Methanolic Extract Inhibit ROS Production in SH-SY5Y Cells Model Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation Background. Reactive oxygen species generation in mammalian cells profoundly affects several critical cellular functions, and the lack of efficient cellular detoxification mechanisms which remove these radicals may lead to several human diseases. Several studies show that ROS is incriminated as destructive agents in the context of the nervous system especially with advance in age leading to neurodegeneration. Current treatments of this disease are not effective and result in several side effects. Thus, the search for alternative medicines is in high demand. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the reactive oxygen inhibitory effect of Phaleria macrocarpa 80% (leaf) extract. Methods. The leaf was extracted with 80% methanol. Cytotoxicity studies were carried out using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), and ROS inhibitory activities were evaluated using dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay in the SH-SY5Y cells model. Results. The result revealed ROS inhibitory activities of the crude extract with highly significant differences at between the group that were treated with crude extract only, the group treated with crude extract and exposed to H2O2, and the group exposed to H2O2 only as well as the group that were maintained in complete media. Bioactive compounds show the presence of vitexin and isovitexin following the HPLC method. Conclusion. High antioxidant activities and low toxicity effect of this crude revealed its high benefit to be used as natural medicine/supplements. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The Rise of Transradial Artery Access for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes in Australia

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader The Rise of Transradial Artery Access for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes in Australia Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via transradial artery access (TRA) or transfemoral artery access (TFA). Background. Over the last decade, evidence for the benefit of TRA for PCI has grown, leading to a steady uptake of TRA around the world. Despite this, the topic remains controversial with contrary evidence to suggest no significant benefit over TFA. Methods. A retrospective study of consecutive ACS patients from 2011 to 2017 who underwent PCI via TRA or TFA. The primary outcome was Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE), a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularisation (TLR), or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) at 12 months. Secondar y outcomes included Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) bleeding events scored 2 or higher, haematoma formation, and stent thrombosis, in addition to all individual components of MACE. Results. We treated 3624 patients (77% male), with PCI via TFA (n = 2391) or TRA (n = 1233). Transradial artery access was associated with a reduction in mortality (3% vs 6.3%; ), MI (1.8% vs 3.9%; ), CABG (0.6% vs 1.5%; ), TLR (1% vs 2.9%; ), large haematoma (0.4% vs 1.8%; ), BARC 2 (0.2% vs 1.1%; ), and BARC 3 events (0.4% vs 1.0%; ). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, TFA, age ≥ 75, prior PCI, use of bare metal stents, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, and multivessel coronary artery disease were associated with an increased risk of MACE. Conclusion. Despite the limitations secondary to the observational nature of our study and multiple confounders, our results are in line with results of major trials and, as such, we feel that our results support the use of TRA as the preferred access site in patients undergoing PCI for ACS to improve patient outcomes. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Increased Frequencies of Switched Memory B Cells and Plasmablasts in Peripheral Blood from Patients with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Increased Frequencies of Switched Memory B Cells and Plasmablasts in Peripheral Blood from Patients with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation B cells are thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody- (ANCA-) associated vasculitis (AAV). ANCAs have been proposed to cause vasculitis by activating primed neutrophils to damage small blood vessels. We studied a cohort of AAV patients of which a majority were in remission and diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Using flow cytometry, the frequencies of CD19+ B cells and subsets in peripheral blood from 106 patients with AAV and 134 healthy controls were assessed. B cells were divided into naive, preswitch memory, switched memory, and exhausted memory cells. Naive and switched memory cells were further subdivided into transitional cells and plasmablasts, respectively. In addition, serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A, G, and M were measure d and clinical data were retrieved. AAV patients displayed, in relation to healthy controls, a decreased frequency of B cells of lymphocytes (5.1% vs. 8.3%) and total B cell number. For the subsets, a decrease in percentage of transitional B cells (0.7% vs. 4.4%) and expansions of switched memory B cells (22.3% vs. 16.5%) and plasmablasts (0.9% vs. 0.3%) were seen. A higher proportion of B cells was activated (CD95+) in patients (20.6% vs. 10.3%), and immunoglobulin levels were largely unaltered. No differences in B cell frequencies between patients in active disease and remission were observed. Patients in remission with a tendency to relapse had, compared to nonrelapsing patients, decreased frequencies of B cells (3.5% vs. 6.5%) and transitional B cells (0.1% vs. 1.1%) and an increased frequency of activated exhausted memory B cells (30.8% vs. 22.3%). AAV patients exhibit specific changes in frequencies of CD19+ B cells and their subsets in peripheral blood. These alterations coul d contribute to the autoantibody-driven inflammatory process in AAV. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The Importance of the Deep Deltoid Ligament Repair in Treating Supination-External Rotation Stage IV Ankle Fracture: A Comparative Retrospective Cohort Study

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader The Importance of the Deep Deltoid Ligament Repair in Treating Supination-External Rotation Stage IV Ankle Fracture: A Comparative Retrospective Cohort Study Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation Background. The necessity of the deep deltoid ligament repair in the treatment of supination-external rotation (SER) ankle stage IV fracture with deltoid ligament rupture is highly debated. We conducted this retrospective research aimed at exploring the curative effect of the deep deltoid ligament repair in treating SER fracture. Methods. Sixty-three patients with closed SER stage IV fractures received open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), using either deep deltoid ligament repair (the DDLR group, 31 patients) or nondeep deltoid ligament repair (the NDDLR group, 32 patients). The radiographic parameters examined include the talocrural angle (TA), fibular length (FL), tibiomedial malleolar angle (TMMA), medial clear space (MCS), and tibiofibular clear space (TFCS). The functional performance paramete rs examined in the study were visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scales, and range of motion of bilateral ankles (RMBA). Complications, including bone nonunion, infection, and fragment displacement, were also recorded and compared. Results. Similar basic characteristics were found in both cohorts. All patients completed follow-up ranging from 12 to 22 months (mean time: months). The DDLR group had significantly reduced VAS score (), with markedly increased RMBA () compared to the NDDLR group. The two cohorts showed similar follow-up performance at 3 months (), 6 months (), and 12 months (), in terms of parameters including TA, FL, TMMA, MCS, TCS, and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scales. Conclusion. Although similar radiographic performances were achieved in both cohorts, the DDLR group displayed enhanced functional outcome postsurgery, indicating that DDLR may be a better potential for the treatment of SER stage IV fra cture with deltoid ligament rupture. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Matcha Improves Metabolic Imbalance-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Matcha Improves Metabolic Imbalance-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation This study was conducted to assess the protective effect of extract of match (EM) on high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced cognitive deficits in male C57BL/6 mice. It was found that EM improved glucose tolerance status by measuring OGTT and IPGTT with HFD-induced mice. EM protected behavioral and memory dysfunction in Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. Consumption of EM reduced fat mass, dyslipidemia, and inflammation in adipose tissue. Also, EM ameliorated hepatic and cerebral antioxidant systems. EM improved the cerebral cholinergic system by regulating ACh contents and expression of AChE and ChAT. Also, EM restored mitochondrial function in liver and brain tissue. EM attenuated hepatic inflammatory effect, lipid synthesis, and cholesterol metabolism by regulating the protein expression of T NF-α, TNFR1, p-IRS-1, p-JNK, IL-1β, iNOS, COX-2, HMGCR, PPARγ, and FAS. Finally, EM regulated cognitive function and neuroinflammation in the whole brain, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex by regulating the protein expression of p-JNK, p-Akt, p-tau, Aβ, BDNF, IDE, COX-2, and IL-1β. These findings suggest that EM might be a potential source of functional food to improve metabolic disorder-associated cognitive dysfunction. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Prophylaxis of Pain and Fractures within Feet in the Course of Osteoporosis: The Issue of Diagnosing

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Prophylaxis of Pain and Fractures within Feet in the Course of Osteoporosis: The Issue of Diagnosing Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation Background. Considering the enormous risk of fractures in the course of osteoporosis in the area of the feet, an important aspect of prophylaxis is periodic and, in special cases, ongoing monitoring of defects and deformations as well as pressure distribution. The purpose of this article is to indicate the role of the examination of posture and pressure distribution during standing, postural balance, and gait, in the prevention of fatigue fractures in the course of osteoporosis, based on the literature review and examples of patients. Methods. The manuscript consists of two parts; it has a review-analytical character. The first part reviews the literature. The data were obtained using the MEDLINE (PubMed), as well as Cochrane and Embase databases. The database review was carried out focusing mainly on English -language publications, while taking into account the topicality of scientific and research works in the area of osteoporosis. The problem of multiaspects in the area of bone density was pointed out. Considering the above, in the second part, the authors analyzed 11 exemplary patients with osteoporosis, referring to the assessment of foot and lower limb defects using traditional posturological methods and including pedobarography to diagnostic procedures that are used in the assessment of pressure distribution, standing and moving, and an attempt to balance. Results. Analysis of the research and scientific literature proved the lack of unambiguous diagnostic procedures of the locomotor system recommended for the prevention of fatigue fractures in the course of osteoporosis. The main diagnostic recommendations are imaging tests (most often X-ray), which are recommended in the case of specific clinical symptoms. The analysis of exemplary patients with osteoporosis showed numerous diso rders in the distribution of pressure in the plantar part of the feet, which are related, among other things, with their individual defects and lower limbs. Conclusions. Detailed posture diagnostics and gait estimation, along with the analysis of pressure distribution within the feet are a very important aspect of the prevention of structural degradation and fatigue fractures within the feet. An important postulate for further research and scientific work is the elaboration of the procedures that will serve the preventive diagnostics of the locomotor system, aimed at early detection of threats of fatigue fractures. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Glucose Required for Tissue Formation and Its Effects on Cane Yield, Recoverable Sugar, and Sugar Yield

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Glucose Required for Tissue Formation and Its Effects on Cane Yield, Recoverable Sugar, and Sugar Yield Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation Glucose in sugarcane affected cane yield, recoverable sugar, and sugar yield. Glucose is available since the formation of the stems and stored until sugarcane is ready to be harvested. Information regarding the need for glucose to form sugarcane plant tissue is still not widely available. So, research was conducted to determine the quantity of glucose to form sugarcane plant tissue and its relation to cane yield, recoverable sugar, and sugar yield obtained. The research was carried out at the Karangploso Research Station and Laboratory of Plant Chemistry, Indonesian Sweeteners and Fiber Crops Research Institute, in July 2016–September 2017. A split plot design with two factors and three replications was utilized. The main factor was the growth phases, namely, the vegetative phase and maturity phase, while t he other factor was sugarcane varieties, namely, PS-881 (early mature), JR-01 (early-middle mature), Kenthung (early-middle mature), and Bululawang (middle-late mature). The measurements of nitrogen, carbon, and the ash content of the leaves and stems were at 5 months (representing the growth period) and 9 months (representing the ripening period). The results showed that quantities of 1.962–2.160 kg and 2.066–2.113 kg glucose were required to form each kg of leaf and stem tissue depending on the growth phase and variety. Glucose requirements in the maturing phase affected the cane yield, recoverable sugar, and sugar yield as much as by 51.48%, 57.60%, and 58.26%, respectively. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Effects of SMILE Surgery on Intraocular Pressure, Central Corneal Thickness, Axial Length, Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, and Macular Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Effects of SMILE Surgery on Intraocular Pressure, Central Corneal Thickness, Axial Length, Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, and Macular Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation Purpose. To evaluate the change in intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery. Methods. This prospective observational study was conducted in Espace Nouvelle Vision, Ophthalmological Clinic, Paris, France. Fifty eyes of 25 patients were enrolled in this study and underwent SMILE surgeries. IOP, central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length (AL), peripapillary RNFL thickness, and macular GCC thickness were measured before and at 3 months after SMILE. Results. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was −3.15 ± 1.50 diopters (D), and the mean postoperative value was 0.15 ± 0.28 D. After SMILE surger y, IOP decreased from 15.03 ± 2.79 mmHg to 11.02 ± 2.73 mmHg and 10.02 ± 2.21 mmHg at 1 and 3 months, respectively ( for both comparisons). The mean decrease in measured IOP as a function of ablation depth was 0.065 ± 0.031 mmHg/μm. CCT decreased from 545.98 ± 26.61 μm to 478.40 ± 30.26 μm after SMILE surgery (). AL decreased from 24.80 ± 0.84 mm to 24.70 ± 0.83 mm (). There was no statistically significant change in mean peripapillary RNFL or mean GCC thickness after SMILE surgery. Conclusions. SMILE surgery modified IOP measurement, CCT, and AL but did not change peripapillary RNFL and macular GCC thicknesses. The postoperative drop in measured IOP might be explained by the decreased CCT. An accurate re-evaluation of AL should be performed before cataract surgery among post-SMILE patients. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Urgent need to develop evidence-based COVID-19 recommendations for primary schools

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Urgent need to develop evidence-based COVID-19 recommendations for primary schools Via ADC Online First Much has been learnt about the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 since December 2019. Children are not superspreaders of SARS-CoV-2.1 They appear to have far lower rates of infection and lower rates of transmission compared with adults, especially young children below 10–14 years of age.2–4 However, many of these data need to be interpreted with caution because they were collected early in the pandemic, when children had limited exposure to SARS-CoV-2 due to the introduction of national lockdowns and closure of sch ools. Encouragingly, more recent data collected following the reopening of schools in September suggest that rates of SARS-CoV-2 in children remain low compared with adults, even in areas with increasingly high prevalence (figure 1). Schools in most countries across Europe were closed in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is now recognised that the negative impact on... View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Health State Utilities of Patients with Heart Failure: A Systematic Literature Review

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Health State Utilities of Patients with Heart Failure: A Systematic Literature Review Via http://link.springer.com/search.rss?facet-content-type=Article&facet-journal-id=40273&channel-name=PharmacoEconomics Abstract Background and Objectives New treatments and interventions are in development to address clinical needs in heart failure. To support decision making on reimbursement, cost-effectiveness analyses are frequently required. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify and summarize heart failure utility values for use in economic evaluations. Methods Databases were searched for articles published until June 2019 that reported health utility values for patients with heart failure. Publications were reviewed with specific attention to study design; reported values were categorized according to the health states, 'chronic heart failure', 'hospitalized', and 'other acute heart failure'. Interquartile limits (25th percentile 'Q1', 75th percentile 'Q3') were calculated for health states and heart failure subgroups where there were sufficient data. Results The systematic literature review identified 161 publications based on data from 142 studies. Utility values for chronic heart failure were reported by 128 publications; 39 publications published values for hospitalized and three for other acute heart failure. There was substantial heterogeneity in the specifics of the study populations, methods of elicitation, and summary statistics, which is reflected in the wide range of utility values reported. EQ-5D was the most used instrument; the interquartile limit for mean EQ-5D values for chronic heart failure was 0.64–0.72. Conclusions There is a wealth of published utility values for heart failure to support economic evaluations. Data are heterogenous owing to specificities of the study population and methodology of utility value elicitation and analysis. Choice of value(s) to support economic models must be carefully justified to ensure a robust economic analysis. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Effect of manual aspiration thrombectomy using large-bore aspiration catheter for acute basilar artery occlusion: comparison with a stent retriever system

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Effect of manual aspiration thrombectomy using large-bore aspiration catheter for acute basilar artery occlusion: comparison with a stent retriever system Via Latest Results for BMC Neurology Abstract Background A large-bore aspiration catheter can be employed for recanalization of acute basilar artery occlusion. Here we compare the results of mechanical thrombectomy using a stent retriever (SR) and manual aspiration thrombectomy (MAT) using a large-bore aspiration catheter system as a first-line recanalization method in acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Methods The records of 50 patients with acute BAO who underwent mechanical thrombectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were assigned to one of two groups based on the first-line recanalization method. The treatment and clinical outcomes were compared. Results Sixteen (32%) patients were treated with MAT with a large-bore aspiration catheter and 34 (68%) with a SR as the first-line treatment method. The MAT group had a shorter procedure time (28 vs. 65 min; p = 0.001), higher rate of first-pass recanalization (68.8% vs. 38.2%, p = 0.044), and lower median number of passes (1 vs 2; p = 0.008) when compared with the SR group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of any hemorrhagic complication (6.3% vs. 8.8%; p = 0.754) between the groups. However, there were four cases of procedure-related subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in the SR group and one death occurred due to massive hemorrhage. Conclusions Selection of MAT using a large-bore aspiration catheter for acute BAO may be a safe and effective first-line treatment method with higher first-pass recanalization rate and shorter procedure time than SR. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.