Med Sci Monit Basic Res [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Role of Calcium/Creatinine Ratio in Urine Compared with Proteinuria and Uric Acid in Predicting Preeclampsia: A Study from Kosovo.
Ibrahimi L, Paçarada M, Latifi Hoxha S … +2 more , Bimbashi A, Ademi Ibishi V
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2021 Mar · PMID 33642563 · Full text
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a common complication of pregnancy and a major cause of morbidity and mortality of mothers and babies worldwide. This study aimed to explore what the role of calcium/creatinine ratio is in urin...
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a common complication of pregnancy and a major cause of morbidity and mortality of mothers and babies worldwide. This study aimed to explore what the role of calcium/creatinine ratio is in urine compared with proteinuria and uric acid in predicting preeclampsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this prospective case-control study, 200 pregnant women who participated in the study were consecutively divided into 3 groups: a group of 59 women with preeclampsia, 61 women with pregnancy-induced hypertension, and a control group of 80 normotensive pregnant women. A 24-h urine sample was collected for estimation of calcium/creatinine ratio and proteinuria and a blood sample for estimation of uric acid at a gestational age of 24-34 weeks of pregnancy. RESULTS The study found that the sensitivity of proteinuria as a predictor of preeclampsia was 96.6% (P=0.000) and specificity was 21.3%. The sensitivity of uric acid as a predictor was 96.6% (P=0.000) and the specificity was 48.8%; whereas for the 24-h urine calcium/creatinine ratio, the sensitivity was 87.9% (P=0.000) and the specificity 40.7%, which corresponds to a value of 0.105 (cutoff). Women with a calcium/creatinine ratio <0.105 have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia (87.9% confidence interval, P=0.000). CONCLUSIONS The role of the calcium/creatinine ratio in urine is inferior to proteinuria and uric acid in predicting preeclampsia.
Relationship Between Composition of Fatty Acid in Platelet Phospholipid Membrane and Markers of Oxidative Stress in Healthy Men and Men After a Myocardial Infarction.
Bikulčienė I, Garjonytė N, Žėkas V … +7 more , Matuzevičienė R, Žymantienė Ž, Baublytė A, Hendrixson V, Karčiauskaitė D, Utkus A, Kaminskas A
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2021 Feb · PMID 33583940 · Full text
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress (OS) is known to be extremely damaging for phospholipids in cell membranes, especially their polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). OS is known to be associated with increased platelet activatio...
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress (OS) is known to be extremely damaging for phospholipids in cell membranes, especially their polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). OS is known to be associated with increased platelet activation and thrombosis, which lead to cardiovascular lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate how changes in the composition of fatty acids (FAs) in the platelet phospholipid membrane correlate with OS in healthy men and in men who have experienced a myocardial infarction (post-MI men). MATERIAL AND METHODS FA methyl esters from the platelet phospholipid membrane of 79 apparently healthy and 20 post-MI men were identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in the blood serum using high-performance liquid chromatography, and platelet-white blood cell aggregates (PWAs) were analysed based on whole-blood flow cytometry. The composition of platelet membrane FAs was compared to MDA concentration (µg/l) and the percentage of PWA formation between healthy men and individuals who had suffered a myocardial infarction (MI). RESULTS Statistically, post-MI patients had a significantly higher concentration of blood serum MDA than those in the control group (p=0.000). The level of PUFAs was also higher in the platelet phospholipid membrane of post-MI patients than in healthy individuals (p=0.016). However, the percentage of PWA formation was lower in patients compared with the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS A higher level of blood serum MDA concentration due to OS stimulates platelets to incorporate more PUFAs into the phospholipid membrane, thereby affecting platelet activation. This may lead the individual to develop cardiovascular diseases in the future.
The Levels of Lactate, Troponin, and N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Are Predictors of Mortality in Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
Alataby H, Nfonoyim J, Diaz K … +9 more , Al-Tkrit A, Akhter S, David S, Leelaruban V, Gay-Simon KS, Maharaj V, Colet B, Hanna C, Gomez CA
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2021 Feb · PMID 33518698 · Full text
BACKGROUND Serum lactate, troponin, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have been proposed to be useful prognostic indicators in patients with sepsis and septic shock. This study aimed to evaluate t...
BACKGROUND Serum lactate, troponin, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have been proposed to be useful prognostic indicators in patients with sepsis and septic shock. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of these biomarkers and assess how their prognostic utility may be improved by using them in combination. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective review of the medical records of 1242 patients with sepsis and septic shock who were admitted to the Richmond University Medical Center between June 1, 2018, and June 1, 2019, was carried out; 427 patients met the study criteria and were included in the study. The primary outcome measures included 30-day mortality, APACHE II scores, length of hospital stay, and admission to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). RESULTS High levels of lactate (>4 mmol/L), troponin (>0.45 ng/mL), and NT-proBNP (>8000 pg/mL) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality, with an adjusted odds ratio of mortality being 3.19 times, 2.13 times, and 2.5 times higher, respectively, compared with corresponding reference groups, at 95% confidence intervals. Elevated levels of lactate, troponin, and NT-proBNP were associated with 9.12 points, 7.70 points, and 8.88 points in higher APACHE II scores, respectively. Only elevated troponin levels were predictive of a longer length of hospital stay. In contrast, elevated lactate and troponin were associated with an increased chance of admission to the MICU. CONCLUSIONS Elevated levels of serum lactate, troponin, and NT-proBNP are independent predictors of mortality and higher APACHE II scores in patients with sepsis and septic shock.
Examining the Beneficial Aspects of Nutritional Guidance Using Estimated Daily Salt Intake in Cancer Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease.
Aoyama T, Oyakawa T, Notsu A … +4 more , Oiyama E, Hashimoto M, Suzuki R, Iida K
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2021 Jan · PMID 33462172 · Full text
BACKGROUND The outcomes associated with nutritional guidance for patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing cancer treatment have not been explored. We examined the effects of nutritional guidance using estimated da...
BACKGROUND The outcomes associated with nutritional guidance for patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing cancer treatment have not been explored. We examined the effects of nutritional guidance using estimated daily salt intake in cancer patients with ischemic heart disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS We examined the data from physical examinations and laboratory assessments of 27 patients with suspected excessive salt intake who underwent coronary angiography for the first time and received nutritional guidance on their next visit to the Department of Cardiology of Shizuoka Cancer Center between May 2018 and March 2020. Salinity measurement was not used in the nutritional guidance method, but the patients were instructed to reduce consumption of salt-containing foods. We compared the frequency of the estimated daily salt intake with the frequency of categories requiring salt control (food, cooking, and table salts). RESULTS The median age of the participants was 74 (range, 63-86) years. The estimated daily salt intake and the rate of change in the triglyceride level were negatively correlated (r=-0.61, P<0.01). The estimated daily salt intake was reduced in 16 cases; there was a relative decrease in the frequency of food intake among categories requiring salt control compared with that in the nonimproved cases (P<0.01). No difference was found between the cancer stage and the affected site of the digestive system in either group (P=0.64, P=0.39). CONCLUSIONS Nutritional guidance on dietary habits without using salinity measurement was beneficial in preventing ischemic heart disease and food intake reduction in cancer patients.
A Southeast Asian Perspective on the COVID-19 Pandemic: Hemoglobin E (HbE)-Trait Confers Resistance Against COVID-19.
Papadopoulos KI, Sutheesophon W, Manipalviratn S … +1 more , Aw TC
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2021 Jan · PMID 33397841 · Full text
As of November 25, 2020, over 60 million people have been infected worldwide by COVID-19, causing almost 1.43 million deaths. Puzzling low incidence numbers and milder, non-fatal disease have been observed in Thailand an...
As of November 25, 2020, over 60 million people have been infected worldwide by COVID-19, causing almost 1.43 million deaths. Puzzling low incidence numbers and milder, non-fatal disease have been observed in Thailand and its Southeast (SE) Asian neighbors. Elusive genetic mechanisms might be operative, as a multitude of genetic factors are widely shared between the SE Asian populations, such as the more than 60 different thalassemia syndromes (principally dominated by the HbE trait). In this study, we have plotted COVID-19 infection and death rates in SE Asian (SEA) countries against heterozygote HbE and thalassemia carrier prevalence. COVID-19 infection and death incidence numbers appear inversely correlated with the prevalence of HbE and thalassemia heterozygote populations. We posit that the evolutionary protective effect of the HbE and other thalassemic variants against malaria and the dengue virus may extend its advantage to resistance to COVID-19 infection, as HbE heterozygote population prevalence appears to be positively correlated with immunity to COVID-19. Host immune system modulations induce antiviral interferon responses and alter structural protein integrity, thereby inhibiting cellular access and viral replication. These changes are possibly engendered by HbE carrier miRNAs. Proving this hypothesis is important, as it may shed light on the mechanism of viral resistance and lead to novel antiviral treatments. This development can thus guide decision-making and action to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Low Dose of β-Carotene Regulates Inflammation, Reduces Caspase Signaling, and Correlates with Autophagy Activation in Cardiomyoblast Cell Lines.
Lesmana R, Felia Yusuf I, Goenawan H … +4 more , Achadiyani A, Khairani AF, Nur Fatimah S, Supratman U
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 Dec · PMID 33361744 · Full text
BACKGROUND Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) stimulate mitochondrial damage that causes degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). ß-carotene (BC), a natural antioxidant able to counteract free rad...
BACKGROUND Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) stimulate mitochondrial damage that causes degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). ß-carotene (BC), a natural antioxidant able to counteract free radicals, acts as a cytoprotective agent. However, knowledge of the role of BC on cardiomyoblasts is limited. In this study, we explored its role on COX4, Tom20, Nfr1, Nrf2, Nf-kappaB, LC3, p62, caspase 3, and caspase 9 and its association with cardiomyoblast viability and survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS H9C2 cell lines were seeded, cultivated until 90% to 100% confluency, and treated with various doses of BC: 10 µM, 1 µM, 0.1 µM, and 0.01 µM. After 24 h, the cells were harvested, lyzed, and tested for specific related protein expressions from each dose. RESULTS Low-dose BC induced autophagy most effectively at 1 µM, 0.1 µM, and 0.01 µM, as indicated by a decrease of LC3II and p62 levels. We observed that Nf-kB protein levels were suppressed; Nrf2 was stimulated, but Nrf1 was not altered significantly. Further, low-dose BC might stimulate cell viability by reducing apoptotic signals of caspase 3 and 9. Notably, low-dose BC also showed potential to increase Tom20 protein levels. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose BC supplementation shows beneficial effects, especially at 0.01 µM, by reducing inflammation through the suppression of Nf-kappaB and increase of Nrf2 level. Autophagy as a cellular maintenance mechanism was also stimulated, and the amount of the mitochondria marker Tom20 increased. Taken together, results showed that specific low-dose BC is effective and might improve cell viability by stimulating autophagy, inhibiting proinflammatory factors, and suppressing apoptosis.
Paclitaxel Ameliorates Palmitate-Induced Injury in Mouse Podocytes.
Son SS, Kang JS, Lee EY
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 Dec · PMID 33323915 · Full text
BACKGROUND Palmitate, a common saturated free fatty acid, is increased in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Excessive palmitate in kidney is known to cause proteinuria and fibrosis. Several studies have demonstrat...
BACKGROUND Palmitate, a common saturated free fatty acid, is increased in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Excessive palmitate in kidney is known to cause proteinuria and fibrosis. Several studies have demonstrated that paclitaxel has anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects on kidney disease. However, whether paclitaxel can relieve podocyte injury is unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS Immortalized mouse podocytes were used as an in vitro system. Palmitate was used to induce podocyte injury. Podocytes were divided into 4 groups: bovine serum albumin, palmitate, palmitate+1 nM paclitaxel, and palmitate+5 nM paclitaxel. The effects of paclitaxel on palmitate-induced podocyte injury were analyzed by western blot and real-time PCR. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and podocyte cytoskeletons were analyzed using CM-H2DCF-DA and phalloidin staining. RESULTS Paclitaxel restored downregulated expression of nephrin and synaptopodin and upregulated VEGF expression after injury induced by palmitate. Remarkably, palmitate-induced actin cytoskeleton rearrangement in podocytes was repaired by paclitaxel. Four endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, ATF-6alpha, Bip, CHOP, and spliced xBP1, were significantly increased in palmitate-treated podocytes compared with control podocytes. Such increases were decreased by paclitaxel treatment. Palmitate-induced ROS generation was ameliorated by paclitaxel. Elevated Nox4 expression was also improved by paclitaxel. Paclitaxel alleviated the expression levels of the antioxidant molecules, Nrf-2, HO-1, SOD-1, and SOD-2. The paclitaxel effects were accompanied by inhibition of the inflammatory cytokines, MCP-1, TNF-alpha, TNF-R2, and TLR4, as well as attenuation of the apoptosis markers, Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3. Furthermore, paclitaxel suppressed the palmitate-induced fibrosis molecules, fibronectin and TGF-ß1. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that paclitaxel could be a therapeutic agent for treating palmitate-induced podocyte injury in DN.
An In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Apical Leakage Using Different Root Canal Sealers.
Vula V, Ajeti N, Kuçi A … +2 more , Stavileci M, Vula V
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 Nov · PMID 33235182 · Full text
BACKGROUND Successful endodontic therapy requires a fluid-tight apical seal. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the apical sealing ability of 3 root canal sealers: Apexit Plus, AH Plus, and Resilo...
BACKGROUND Successful endodontic therapy requires a fluid-tight apical seal. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the apical sealing ability of 3 root canal sealers: Apexit Plus, AH Plus, and Resilon/Epiphany sealers. MATERIAL AND METHODS Samples of 152 single-rooted teeth were divided into 2 test groups, and each group was divided into 3 subgroups based on the preparation and obturation technique. After preparation with the step-back technique, the first group of root canals were obturated with lateral gutta-percha compaction in combination with AH Plus sealer or Apexit Plus or with the Resilon/Epiphany system alone. In the second group, preparation was done with the crown-down technique and root canals were then obturated with Thermafil obturator in combination with AH Plus or Apexit Plus or with Resilon/Epiphany sealer alone. Apical leakage was determined using a dye leakage test observed with a stereomicroscope. The degree of dye leakage was assessed using the t test to comparing the arithmetic averages of the groups. RESULTS In the groups prepared with the step-back technique, the average dye leakage was lower in samples obturated with Resilon/Epiphany, than in those filled with AH Plus/lateral gutta-percha compaction or Apexit Plus/lateral gutta-percha compaction. In groups prepared with the crown-down technique and obturated with the Resilon/Epiphany system, the average dye leakage was lower than in those filled with AH Plus/Thermafil obturation and those filled with Apexit Plus/Thermafil obturation. CONCLUSIONS Although all preparation and obturation techniques showed dye penetration, the crown-down technique paired with the Resilon/Epiphany system showed the least leakage.
Reference Ranges and Determinant Factors for Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide in a Healthy Saudi Adult Population.
Habib SS, Alzoghaibi MA, Habib SH … +1 more , Al-Regaiey KA
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 Aug · PMID 32830193 · Full text
BACKGROUND Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) has emerged as a promising marker in respiratory research. The aim of this study was to determine the reference range values of FENO for healthy Saudi adults and the fact...
BACKGROUND Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) has emerged as a promising marker in respiratory research. The aim of this study was to determine the reference range values of FENO for healthy Saudi adults and the factors associated with FENO levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2016 to August 2017. A total of 429 healthy Saudi adults were initially recruited. The final selection included 412 participants, consisting of 307 men and 105 women. FENO measurements were performed according to the current recommendations of the American Thoracic Society. RESULTS We observed that the FENO levels of women were significantly lower than those of men (18.6 vs. 21.3, P=0.009). In women, the measured FENO ranged from 5.7 ppb to 42 ppb, and in men from 5.0 ppb to 55.0 ppb. The mean FENO level in the entire study population was 20.6, with a range of 5.0 ppb to 55.0 ppb. The difference became non-significant when we calculated the FENO after adjusting for body surface area by different percentile distributions. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that body surface area and weight were significant predictors of FENO levels. CONCLUSIONS In this study, FENO levels were significantly affected by demographic variables. Therefore, it is important to consider the factors influencing FENO values to make a valid clinical interpretation.
Effects of Cognitive Task Training on Dynamic Balance and Gait of Patients with Stroke: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Study.
Hong SY, Moon Y, Choi JD
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 Aug · PMID 32773732 · Full text
BACKGROUND The decreased postural control ability of stroke patients affects their ability to balance in various postures such as sitting and standing. This study aimed to determine whether cognitive task training for st...
BACKGROUND The decreased postural control ability of stroke patients affects their ability to balance in various postures such as sitting and standing. This study aimed to determine whether cognitive task training for stroke patients is effective in improving walking and balancing abilities. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventeen stroke patients (10 males, 7 females) were randomized by ballot to be assigned to the cognitive task group (CBT) or the general task group (GBT). For the cognitive task training, a dual task of balance and cognition using traffic signals, a familiar form to the subjects, was applied as a program. In both groups the interventions were performed for 30 min a day, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks. The timed up and go test (TUG), the Berg balance scale (BBS), and gait ability evaluation were performed to compare the therapeutic effects. RESULTS After the intervention, the BBS showed significant differences in both groups (p<0.05). The cognitive task training group had significant improvement in all outcome scores after the intervention (p<0.05). The TUG score of the CBT group significantly decreased to 6.17 s (p<0.05), but that of the GBT showed no statistically significant change. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive task training could be used in clinical rehabilitation as a more effective intervention method to improve balance and gait ability of stroke patients.
Biochemical Feature of LMO2 Interactome and LMO2 Function Prospect.
Wang W, Chen Y, Chang Y … +1 more , Sun W
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 Jul · PMID 32713935 · Full text
BACKGROUND LMO2 belongs to the LIM-Only group of LIM domain protein superfamily. It is ubiquitously expressed in different types of tissues and locates either in the nucleus or in the cytoplasm depending on the tissue ty...
BACKGROUND LMO2 belongs to the LIM-Only group of LIM domain protein superfamily. It is ubiquitously expressed in different types of tissues and locates either in the nucleus or in the cytoplasm depending on the tissue type. Till now the unique function of LMO2 was considered to be serving as a bridging or blocking molecule that mediates extensive protein-protein interactions. However, the exactly biological features of LMO2 interactome as well as LMO2 function spectrum remain largely unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, yeast 2-hybrid assay was firstly performed using LMO2 as the bait and the characteristic of LMO2 protein interactome was analyzed according to the yeast 2-hybrid data and other relative biological information primarily using bioinformatic method. RESULTS Our data indicated that LMO2 favored interacting with peptides containing ß-sheet structure and having relatively unstable confirmation. Moreover, several LMO2 favored interacting domains were identified, including WD40 repeat, coiled-coil, Ankyrin repeat, Zinc finger, PDZ, and SH3, and functions of these domain-containing members were dramatically enriched in some types of cancers. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed a LMO2 favored protein-interaction pattern in both secondary structure and domain level, and concentrated LMO2 function in kinds of cytoplasmic metabolism pathways as well as multiple types of cancers.
Effects of Adenovirus-Mediated Overexpression of JAZF1 on Chronic Inflammation: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study.
Meng F, Hao P, Du H … +1 more , Zhou Z
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 Jul · PMID 32655126 · Full text
BACKGROUND Insulin sensitivity and inflammation can be affected by juxtaposition with another zinc finger gene 1 (JAZF1), but its precise role in chronic inflammation is unclear. In this study, JAZF1-overexpression adeno...
BACKGROUND Insulin sensitivity and inflammation can be affected by juxtaposition with another zinc finger gene 1 (JAZF1), but its precise role in chronic inflammation is unclear. In this study, JAZF1-overexpression adenovirus plasmids were transfected into macrophages, CD4⁺ T cells, and C57BL/6J mice to assess the role of JAZF1 in chronic inflammation. MATERIAL AND METHODS JAZF1 was cloned into an adenovirus skeleton plasmid and transfected in HEK293 cells to package and enrich the virus particles. In vitro, the JAZF1 overexpression adenovirus vector (PAD-JAZF1) was cultured with peritoneal macrophages and peripheral blood CD4⁺ T cells of C57BL/6J mice, and samples were evaluated using flow cytometry. In vivo, PAD-JAZF1 was introduced into C57BL/6J mice, and livers were collected to evaluate factors related to inflammation by hematoxylin & eosin and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS In vitro, PAD-JAZF1 decreased total macrophages, CD11c⁺ macrophages, and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, but increased CD206⁺ macrophages. It also decreased total CD4⁺T cells, active T cells, memory T cells, and the secretion of IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ, but increased Treg cells and restrictive T cells. In vivo, compared to those in the control group transfected with the adenovirus skeleton vector, mice transfected with the PAD-JAZF1 recombinant adenovirus had fewer CD11c⁺ ATMs and CD4⁺ T cells, lower levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6, and higher IL-10 concentrations in the liver. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that JAZF1 limits chronic inflammation by reducing macrophage and CD4⁺T cell populations, altering subtype differentiation, and regulating the secretion of immune-related factors.
Clinical Utilization of Blood and Urine Cultures and Incidences of Bacteremia and Bacteriuria in a Hospital in Thailand.
Lekskulchai V
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 Jun · PMID 32595203 · Full text
BACKGROUND To effectively treat sepsis and urinary tract infection (UTI), blood and urine cultures should be used appropriately and relative to incidences of bacteremia and bacteriuria. This study aimed to investigate th...
BACKGROUND To effectively treat sepsis and urinary tract infection (UTI), blood and urine cultures should be used appropriately and relative to incidences of bacteremia and bacteriuria. This study aimed to investigate the use of blood and urine cultures and incidences of bacteremia and bacteriuria in a hospital in Thailand. MATERIAL AND METHODS Medical records of patients admitted from 2016 to 2018 were randomly selected and data in the records were anonymously extracted for investigation. RESULTS From 12 000 records, data on blood and urine cultures were extracted from 9% and 4% of them, respectively. The negative rate of blood culture was 87.48%. Bacteremia was detected in 10.22%. The positive rate of urine culture was 27.38% and the contamination rate was 31.26%. Escherichia coli was the most common cause of community-onset bacteremia and bacteriuria. Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci and Acinetobacter baumannii were the most common cause of hospital-acquired bacteremia while yeasts were the most common cause of hospital-acquired UTI. CONCLUSIONS A high negative rate of blood culture may result not only from its low sensitivity but also from liberal test use to identify sepsis in some conditions. Improper urine collection is the main problem with use of urine culture.
Discoloration of Resin Composites Induced by Coffee and Tomato Sauce and Subjected to Surface Polishing: An In Vitro Study.
Assaf C, Abou Samra P, Nahas P
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 Jun · PMID 32536683 · Full text
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare color stability of 3 resin based restorative materials when immersed into staining media at 0, 3, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days, and to assess the efficacy of sur...
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare color stability of 3 resin based restorative materials when immersed into staining media at 0, 3, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days, and to assess the efficacy of surface polishing in reducing possible discoloration. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ninety composite discs were prepared in a custom-made mold (5 mm diameter and 2 mm thick) from 3 different light cured composites (Filtek™ Z250, Harmonize™, and G-aenial). Color differences of all specimens were measured by a spectrophotometer according to the CIE L*a*b* system. After baseline color measurements, 30 discs from each composite group were randomly divided into 3 subgroups of 10 specimens each. Subgroups (n=10) were immersed for 75 days into different staining solutions: coffee, tomato sauce, and distilled water (control). Solutions were changed every week and color measurements were repeated every 15 days. At day 75, color measurements of the specimens were performed before and after surface polishing with aluminum oxide discs. The experimental data were statistically evaluated using repeated measures one-way ANOVA test followed by Tukey's multiple pairwise comparison with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS Of the 3 composites, G-aenial reported the highest color change deviation when immersed into coffee (ΔE=8.674), and tomato sauce (ΔE=7.737) at day 75, followed by Harmonize that also exhibited a significant difference for coffee (ΔE=4.7) and tomato sauce (ΔE=3.8) when compared to distilled water. While Filtek™ Z250 did not show any significant difference between the 3 storage solutions (P>0.05). Only G-aenial had significant color change (P<0.05) after polishing with aluminum oxide discs for all tested samples, whereas Filtek™ Z250 and Harmonize presented no significant difference after surface polishing (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Under the tested experimental conditions, Filtek™ Z250, among the 3 resin-based composites, exhibited the highest color stability when subjected to coffee and tomato sauce as well. Whereas, G-aenial presented the highest color deviation when immersed in both staining media. Surface polishing effectively reduced coffee and tomato sauce discolorations for G-aenial's specimens and had no significant effect regarding Filtek™ Z250 and Harmonize.
Anti-Alzheimer's Disease Molecular Mechanism of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma Based on Network Pharmacology.
Zhang Y, Wu Y, Fu Y … +5 more , Lin L, Lin Y, Zhang Y, Ji L, Li C
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 Jun · PMID 32475979 · Full text
BACKGROUND Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (ATR), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is a worldwide degenerative brain disease. The aim of this study was to identify the pot...
BACKGROUND Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (ATR), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is a worldwide degenerative brain disease. The aim of this study was to identify the potential mechanism and molecular targets of ATR in AD by using network pharmacology. MATERIAL AND METHODS The potential targets of the active ingredients of ATR were predicted by PharmMapper, and the targets of Alzheimer's disease were searched by DisGeNET. All screened genes were intersected to obtain potential targets for the active ingredients of ATR. The protein-protein interaction network of possible targets was established by STRING, GO Enrichment, and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses using the Annotation of DAVID database. Next, Cytoscape was used to build the "components-targets-pathways" networks. Additionally, a "disease-component-gene-pathways" network was constructed and verified by molecular docking methods. In addition, the active constituents ß-asarone and ß-caryophyllene were used to detect Aß₁₋₄₂-mediated SH-SY5Y cells, and mRNA expression levels of APP, Tau, and core target genes were estimated by qRT-PCR. RESULTS The results showed that the active components of ATR participate in related biological processes such as cancer, inflammation, cellular metabolism, and metabolic pathways and are closely related to the 13 predictive targets: ESR1, PPARG, AR, CASP3, JAK2, MAPK14, MAP2K1, ABL1, PTPN1, NR3C1, MET, INSR, and PRKACA. The ATR active components of ß-caryophyllene significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels of APP, TAU, ESR1, PTPN1, and JAK2. CONCLUSIONS The targets and mechanism corresponding to the active ingredients of ATR were investigated systematically, and novel ideas and directions were provided to further study the mechanism of ATR in AD.
Network Pharmacology to Uncover the Molecular Mechanisms of Action of LeiGongTeng for the Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.
Mi JL, Liu C, Xu M … +1 more , Wang RS
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 May · PMID 32448862 · Full text
BACKGROUND Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common head and neck cancer epidemic in southern China and southeast Asia. LeiGongTeng has been widely used for the treatment of cancers. The purpose of this study was to de...
BACKGROUND Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common head and neck cancer epidemic in southern China and southeast Asia. LeiGongTeng has been widely used for the treatment of cancers. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacological mechanism of action of LeiGongTeng in the treatment of NPC using a network pharmacological approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS The traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to identify active ingredients and associated target proteins for LeiGongTeng. Cytoscape was utilized to create a drug-disease network and topology analysis was conducted to analyze the degree of each ingredient. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) online tool was applied for the construction and analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, while Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment and Gene Ontology (GO) functional analyses were utilized to determine drug-disease common genes. RESULTS 22 active ingredients including kaempferol, nobiletin, and beta-sitosterol, and 30 drug-disease common genes including VEGFA, CASP3, ESR1, and RELA were identified. GO analysis indicated that 94 biological processes, including RNA polymerase II, apoptotic process, response to drug, cell adhesion, and response to hypoxia, were found to be associated with NPC. The KEGG enrichment analysis showed that 58 pathways, including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, microRNAs in cancer, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway and pathways in cancer were found to be associated with NPC. CONCLUSIONS LeiGongTeng exerts its therapeutic effect through various biological processes and signaling pathways since it acts on several target genes. Systematic pharmacology can be used to predict the underlying function of LeiGongTeng and its mechanism of action in NPC.
Analysis of Psychological and Sleep Status and Exercise Rehabilitation of Front-Line Clinical Staff in the Fight Against COVID-19 in China.
Wu K, Wei X
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 May · PMID 32389999 · Full text
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to understand the changes in psychological factors and sleep status of front-line medical staff in the fight against COVID-19 and provide evidence of exercise interventions to relieve...
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to understand the changes in psychological factors and sleep status of front-line medical staff in the fight against COVID-19 and provide evidence of exercise interventions to relieve psychological stress and improve sleep status for medical staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS A survey study was conducted among 120 front-line medical staff in the fight against COVID-19, of which 60 medical staff worked at the designated hospital (experimental group) and 60 medical staff worked at the non-designated hospital (control group). The Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) were used to assess mental status. Sleep status was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS SCL-90 scores of somatization, depression, anxiety, and terror were higher than normal in front-line medical staff at the designated hospital. The SAS (45.89±1.117), SDS (50.13±1.813), and PCL-C (50.13±1.813) scores in the experimental group were higher than the normal control group, and were significantly different from those in the control group on SDS and PCL-C scales (P<0.05). The total average PSQI of the experimental group was 16.07±3.761, indicating that the sleep quality was poor. Among them, participants with moderate insomnia reached 61.67%, and participants with severe insomnia reached 26.67%. CONCLUSIONS There are psychological symptoms and sleep symptoms in front-line medical staff who participate in the fight against COVID-19, and they affect each other. Hospitals should improve emergency management measures, strengthen psychological counseling for clinical front-line medical staff, strengthen exercise intervention, and improve their sleep quality and mental health.
Biomonitoring of Aluminum in Urine of Young Lebanese Children Living in Beirut.
El-Majzoub R
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 May · PMID 32362651 · Full text
BACKGROUND Aluminum (Al) is a ubiquitous, toxic metal to which infants and young toddlers are highly vulnerable. High Al exposure has been associated with various human pathologies. The aim of the present biomonitoring (...
BACKGROUND Aluminum (Al) is a ubiquitous, toxic metal to which infants and young toddlers are highly vulnerable. High Al exposure has been associated with various human pathologies. The aim of the present biomonitoring (BM) study was to provide a background for the levels of urinary aluminum (Al) in children ages 7 months to 4 years living in Beirut. MATERIAL AND METHODS We collected and analyzed 120 urine specimens using the Shimadzu Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer-6300 system equipped with an electrothermal atomization, and using a GFA-EX7i graphite furnace. RESULTS The mean and standard deviation of Al level in urine revealed 8.978±12.275 μg/L, which is within the lower range of each of populations in Germany, Taiwan, and Poland. Vitamin intake, powder rice, and the use of Al utensils proved to be major determinants for Al level in urine (significant at 95%). CONCLUSIONS The Shimadzu Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer-6300 system proved again to be an optimal and reliable instrument that can be used for the determination of Al level in urine, especially if using a GFA-EX7i pyrolytic graphite furnace. High levels of Al were found in the urine of Lebanese children. However, the frequent consumption of canned food did not prove to be a significant factor in determining the Al level in urine.
Metformin Prevents H₂O₂-Induced Senescence in Human Lens Epithelial B3 Cells.
Zhang C, Chen M, Zhou N … +1 more , Qi Y
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 Apr · PMID 32336745 · Full text
BACKGROUND The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of metformin against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cellular senescence and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of lens ep...
BACKGROUND The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of metformin against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cellular senescence and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of lens epithelial cell senescence. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used H₂O₂ to establish senescence in human lens epithelial B3 cells. The cells were exposed to H₂O₂ for different numbers of days to mimic aging. Senescence was assessed by senescence-associated ß-galactosidase staining, and the molecular mechanism was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis. The cultured cells were exposed to 150 μM H₂O₂ for 7 days with or without metformin to detect the underlying molecular mechanism of lens epithelial cell senescence. RESULTS The lens epithelial cells exposed to 150 µM H₂O₂ for 7 days exhibited senescence. The expression levels of senescence-related markers were increased in H₂O₂-treated cells. Metformin prevented H₂O₂-induced cellular senescence in human lens epithelial B3 cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that senescence marker expression is increased in the cells exposed to H₂O₂. Metformin protects human lens epithelial B3 cells from H₂O₂-induced senescence.
Outcome of 24 Weeks of Combined Schroth and Pilates Exercises on Cobb Angle, Angle of Trunk Rotation, Chest Expansion, Flexibility and Quality of Life in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis.
Rrecaj-Malaj S, Beqaj S, Krasniqi V … +2 more , Qorolli M, Tufekcievski A
Med Sci Monit Basic Res · 2020 Apr · PMID 32280133 · Full text
BACKGROUND This study aimed to quantify the outcomes of combining Schroth and Pilates exercises on the Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), chest expansion, flexibility (trunk flexion), and quality of life (QoL) in...
BACKGROUND This study aimed to quantify the outcomes of combining Schroth and Pilates exercises on the Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), chest expansion, flexibility (trunk flexion), and quality of life (QoL) in adolescents with mild and moderate idiopathic scoliosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-nine adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis aged 10-17 years, presenting with a Cobb angle of 10-45º were enrolled in this study. The treatment protocol, including selected exercises from Schroth and Pilates methods, was performed over 24 weeks and consisted of 2 periods of 2-week treatment regimens performed daily for 60 minutes. Each of treatment periods was then followed by the same home program treatment for 10 weeks. Cobb angle (x-rays), ATR (Scoliometer), chest expansion (cm), trunk flexion (cm, distance between C7 to S2 with measuring tape), and QoL (SRS-22r Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire) were assessed pre-treatment, at 12 week, and at 24 weeks. RESULTS Significant improvements (P<0.05) were found in both groups of patients wearing and not wearing a brace for Cobb angle (from 21.97±4.99° to 18.11±6.39°; from 14.19±3.11° to 11.66±2.73°), angle of trunk rotation (from 7.19±1.36° to 5.36±1.66°; from 4.72±1.04° to 3.58±0.94°), chest expansion (from 2.56±0.84 cm to 3.46±0.72 cm; from 2.57±0.87 cm to 3.52±0.72 cm), trunk flexion (from 9.55±1.95 cm to 14.33±2.40 cm; from 9.82±2.61 cm to 13.98±2.18 cm) and QoL (from 3.50±0.27 to 3.82±0.2; from 3.42±0.24 to 3.78±0.23) respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that combined exercises provided benefit on the Cobb angle, ATR, chest expansion, trunk flexion and QoL in adolescents with mild and moderate idiopathic scoliosis.
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