scholarly journals Role of Platelet Cytoskeleton in Platelet Biomechanics: Current and Emerging Methodologies and Their Potential Relevance for the Investigation of Inherited Platelet Disorders

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (03) ◽  
pp. 337-347
Author(s):  
Carlo Zaninetti ◽  
Laura Sachs ◽  
Raghavendra Palankar
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Function ◽  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Dynamic Network ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Biomechanical Properties ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Platelet Disorders ◽  
The Impact

AbstractCytoskeleton is composed of more than 100 proteins and represents a dynamic network of the cellular cytoplasm. Cytoskeletal functions include spatial organization of cellular components, structural connection of the cell with external environment, and biomechanical force generation. Cytoskeleton takes part, at different levels, in all phases of platelet biogenesis: megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation, MK maturation, and platelet formation. In addition, it also plays a major role in each stage of platelet function. Inherited platelet disorders (IPDs) are a group of rare diseases featured by low platelet count and/or impaired platelet function. Over the past decade, the investigation of platelet biomechanics has become a major and highly relevant theme of research due to its implications at every stage of development of human life. The initial use of diverse biophysical techniques (e.g., micropipette aspiration, atomic force and scanning ion conductance microscopy, real-time deformability cytometry) started unraveling biomechanical features of platelets that are expected to provide new explanations for physiological and pathological mechanisms. Although the impact of cytoskeletal alterations has been largely elucidated in various IPDs' pathogenesis, the understanding of their impact on biomechanical properties of platelets represents an unmet need. Regarding IPDs, improving biomechanical studies seems promising for diagnostic and prognostic implications. Potentially, these characteristics of platelets may also be used for the prediction of bleeding risk. This review addresses the current available methods for biophysical investigations of platelets and the possible implementations in the field of IPDs.

Analysis of keratopographic and biomechanical corneal indicators with evaluation of the impact of diagnostic results on myopic refraction patient management tactics

2021 ◽  
pp. 196-199
Author(s):  
D.D. Sibakin ◽  
◽  
V.A. Breev ◽  
E.G. Solodkova ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Management ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Clinical Stage ◽  
Biomechanical Properties ◽  
Corvis St ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Biomechanical Parameters ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Biomechanical Measurements ◽  
Corneal Biomechanical Properties

Purpose. To analyse keratopographic and biomechanical corneal indicators with the diagnostic results assessment of the influence on the treatment tactics of myopic refraction patient. Materials and methods. Keratotopographic and biomechanical parameters of the cornea in a patient with mild myopia were evaluated. Results. The Belin/Ambrosio (Enchanced Ectasia Display) - BAD keratoconus screening program was used on Pentacam HR, which did not reveal corneal pathology. According to the results of CBI (Corvis biomechanical index) on Corvis ST (OD - 0.61, OS - 0.48), that was indicating poor corneal biomechanical properties and a high risk of keratectasia development. Conclusion. Ophthalmic examination, using The Corvis ST (Oculus, Germany) biomechanical measurements, makes possible to reveal with greater sensitivity subclinical signs of a keratectatic process at the pre-clinical stage of development. Key words: keratotopography, corneal biomechanics, keratoconus.

scholarly journals Anticoagulation in Patients with Platelet Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (02) ◽  
pp. 112-119
Author(s):  
Carlo Zaninetti ◽  
Thomas Thiele
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Function ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Practical Approach ◽  
Bleeding Diathesis ◽  
Platelet Dysfunction ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Therapeutic Anticoagulation ◽  
Hemorrhagic Risk ◽  
Inherited Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Platelet Disorders

AbstractPlatelet disorders comprise heterogeneous diseases featured by reduced platelet counts and/or impaired platelet function causing variable bleeding symptoms. Despite their bleeding diathesis, patients with platelet disorders can develop transient or permanent prothrombotic conditions that necessitate prophylactic or therapeutic anticoagulation. Anticoagulation in patients with platelet disorders is a matter of concern because the bleeding risk could add to the hemorrhagic risk related to the platelet defect. This review provides an overview on the evidence on anticoagulation in patients with acquired and inherited thrombocytopenia and/or platelet dysfunction. We summarize tools to evaluate and balance bleeding— and thrombotic risks and describe a practical approach on how to manage these patients if they have an indication for prophylactic or therapeutic anticoagulation.

scholarly journals Thymus-Pineal Gland Axis: Revisiting Its Role in Human Life and Ageing

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (22) ◽  
pp. 8806
Author(s):  
Rita Rezzani ◽  
Caterina Franco ◽  
Rüdiger Hardeland ◽  
Luigi Fabrizio Rodella
Keyword(s):  
Pineal Gland ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Dynamic Network ◽  
Dynamical Interaction ◽  
Circadian Oscillators ◽  
The One ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact

For years the thymus gland (TG) and the pineal gland (PG) have been subject of increasingly in-depth studies, but only recently a link that can associate the activities of the two organs has been identified. Considering, on the one hand, the well-known immune activity of thymus and, on the other, the increasingly emerging immunological roles of circadian oscillators and the rhythmically secreted main pineal product, melatonin, many studies aimed to analyse the possible existence of an interaction between these two systems. Moreover, data confirmed that the immune system is functionally associated with the nervous and endocrine systems determining an integrated dynamic network. In addition, recent researches showed a similar, characteristic involution process both in TG and PG. Since the second half of the 20th century, evidence led to the definition of an effectively interacting thymus-pineal axis (TG-PG axis), but much has to be done. In this sense, the aim of this review is to summarize what is actually known about this topic, focusing on the impact of the TG-PG axis on human life and ageing. We would like to give more emphasis to the implications of this dynamical interaction in a possible therapeutic strategy for human health. Moreover, we focused on all the products of TG and PG in order to collect what is known about the role of peptides other than melatonin. The results available today are often unclear and not linear. These peptides have not been well studied and defined over the years. In this review we hope to awake the interest of the scientific community in them and in their future pharmacological applications.

Determination and Treatment of Disorders of Primary Haemostasis

1999 ◽  
Vol 19 (04) ◽  
pp. 168-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Weippert-Kretschmer ◽  
V. Kretschmer
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Function ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Bleeding Complications ◽  
Bleeding Tendency ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Platelet Function Disorders ◽  
Perioperative Bleeding ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Low Sensitivity

SummaryPerioperative bleeding complications due to disorders of primary haemostasis are often underestimated. Routine determination of primary haemostasis is still problematic. The in vivo bleeding time (BT) shows low sensitivity and high variability. In this contribution the results and experiences with the IVBT having been obtained in various studies and during 10 years of routine use are reported. Patients and Methods: Blood donors before and after ASA ingestion, patients with thrombocytopenia as well as congenital and acquired platelet function disorders. Monitoring of desmopressin efficacy. IVBT with Thrombostat 4000 (tests with CaCl2 = TST-CaCl2 and ADP = TST-ADP) and PFA-100 (test cartridges with epinephrine = PFA-EPI and ADP = PFA-ADP). Results and Conclusions: IVBT becomes abnormal with platelet counts <100,000/μl. With platelet counts <50,000/μl the results are mostly outside the methodical range. IVBT proved clearly superior to BT in von Willebrand syndrome (vWS). All 16 patients with vWS were detected by PFA-EPI, whereas with BT 7 of 10 patients with moderate and 1 of 6 patients with mild forms of vWS were spotted. The majority of acquired and congenital platelet function disorders with relevant bleeding tendency were detectable by IVBT. Sometimes diagnostic problems arose in case of storage pool defect. Four to 12 h after ingestion of a single dose of 100 mg ASA the TST-CaCl2 became abnormal in all cases, the PFA-EPI only in 80%. However, the ASA sensitivity of TST-CaCl2 proved even too high when looking for perioperative bleeding complications in an urological study. Therefore, the lower ASS sensitivity of the PFA-100 seems to be rather advantageous for the estimation of a real bleeding risk. The good efficacy of desmopressin in the majority of cases with mild thrombocytopenia, congenital and acquired platelet function disorders and even ASS-induced platelet dysfunction could be proven by means of the IVBT. Thus IVBT may help to increase the reliability of the therapy. However, the IVBT with the PFA-100 is not yet fully developed. Nevertheless, routine use can be recommended when special methodical guidelines are followed.

Forms of physical activity of the elderly

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-228
Author(s):  
Piotr Czarnecki ◽  
◽  
Justyna Podgórska-Bednarz ◽  
Lidia Perenc ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Good Health ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Polish Society ◽  
Central Statistical ◽  
Key Phrases ◽  
The Impact

Introduction. Physical activity is known to be an important factor influencing health throughout human life. This issue has become crucial for public health due to the aging of the population in both developed and developing countries. Aim. is to present a literature review on the forms of physical activity undertaken by the elderly, as well as on issues related to physical activity and the population aging. Material and methods. The study was prepared on the basis of a review of Polish and foreign literature. The following databases and data sources were used: EBSCO, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. An additional source of data were the websites of the Central Statistical Office. Strictly defined key phrases were used during the collection of literature. The work has been divided into thematic subsections on the aging of the society, the impact of physical activity on health and the main topic, i.e. forms of physical activity selected by the elderly. Analysis of the literature. The number of elderly people in Polish society has increased by almost 3.7 million over three decades. Therefore, an important topic is prophylaxis aimed at increasing the number of days in good health, largely covering the broadly understood activation of the elderly. The available data indicate that only 12% of elderly people undertake physical activity once a week. The most common form of spending free time actively is walking (as many as 73% of people in this population declare this form of physical activity in one of the presented studies). Conclusion. Organized forms of physical activity are undertaken much less frequently by the analyzed age group mainly due to financial limitations and limited availability of sports infrastructure.

The Status of Mind and Intellect in Digital Environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-143
Author(s):  
Elena I. Yaroslavtseva
Keyword(s):  
Human Life ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Natural Material ◽  
Human Being ◽  
Connection To Nature ◽  
Digital World ◽  
The Status ◽  
Natural Foundation ◽  
The Impact

The article examines the impact of digitalization on human life and intellectual experience. The development of computer technology demands an understanding of new aspects of human development and requires a capability to overcome not only external conditions but also ourselves. Entering a new level of development cannot imply a complete rejection of previous dispositions, but should be accompanied by reflection on personal experience and by the quest for new forms of interaction in society and with nature. Communicative and cognitive activity of a person has an ontological basis and relies on processes that actually evolve in nature. Therefore, the creation of new objects is always associated with the properties of natural material and gives rise to new points of support in the development of man. The more audacious his projects, the more important it is to preserve this connection to nature. It is always the human being who turns out to be the initiator who knows how to solve problems. The conformity of complex technical systems to nature is not only a goal but also a value of meaningful construction of development perspectives. The key to the nature orientation of the modern digital world is the human being himself, who keeps all the secrets of the culture of his natural development. Therefore, the proposed by the Russian philosopher V.S. Stepin post-non-classical approach, based on the principle of “human-sizedness,” is an important contribution to contemporary research because it draws attention to the “human – machine” communication, to the relationship between a person and technological systems he created. The article concludes that during digital transformation, a cultural conflict arises: in an effort to solve the problems of the future, a person equips his life with devices that are designed to support him, to expand his functionality, but at the same time, the boundaries of humanity become dissolved and the forms of human activity undergo simplification. Transhumanism engages society in the fight against fears of vulnerability and memory loss and ignores the flexibility and sustainability of natural foundation.

Problems of Implementation of an Import Substitution Policy in the Oil Industry

2019 ◽  
pp. 50-57
Author(s):  
Yu. V. Vertakova ◽  
A. S. Evtyukhin
Keyword(s):  
Import Substitution ◽  
Oil Industry ◽  
Investment Climate ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Current Economic Situation ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Substitution Policy ◽  
Investment Process ◽  
The Impact

The presented study addresses the issues of implementation of an import substitution policy in the Russian oil industry. Support of domestic production is a key objective specified in the message of the President of the Russian Federation in 2019. In light of the current economic situation and considering the importance of the oil industry for the Russian economy, an import substitution policy could help achieve the objective set by the President.Aim. The study aims to identify the problems and ways of implementation of an import substitution policy in the Russian oil industry.Tasks. The authors analyze scientific publications on import substitution and the state of the Russian oil industry at the current stage of development; determine the directions and fundamental trends in the development of the oil industry; identify obstacles that hinder the implementation of an import substitution policy in the oil industry; describe conditions that facilitate the development of the  investment process in the oil industry; propose comprehensive methods and ways to intensify investments and optimize costs for enterprises in the oil industry.Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition, comparative and statistical analysis to identify problems in the implementation of an import substitution policy in the oil industry.Results. Examination of the current state and development prospects of the oil industry allows the authors to identify obstacles to the development of import substitution. The study shows their impact on the potential of import substitution, which has a negative effect on the prospects of intensification of investment processes, and proposes comprehensive methods and mechanisms that could neutralize the impact of the identified obstacles, thus facilitating the formation of a positive investment climate. Conclusions. Investment climate is shown to have a decisive impact on the potential of import substitution in the Russian oil industry, and ways of overcoming negative trends in the development of the oil industry are proposed.

Psychology: Volume 1

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Cognitive Capability ◽  
Affective Processes ◽  
Abstract Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cognition And Affect

This survey of research on psychology in five volumes is a part of a series undertaken by the ICSSR since 1969, which covers various disciplines under social science. Volume One of this survey, Cognitive and Affective Processes, discusses the developments in the study of cognitive and affective processes within the Indian context. It offers an up-to-date assessment of theoretical developments and empirical studies in the rapidly evolving fields of cognitive science, applied cognition, and positive psychology. It also analyses how pedagogy responds to a shift in the practices of knowing and learning. Additionally, drawing upon insights from related fields it proposes epithymetics–desire studies – as an upcoming field of research and the volume investigates the impact of evolving cognitive and affective processes in Indian research and real life contexts. The development of cognitive capability distinguishes human beings from other species and allows creation and use of complex verbal symbols, facilitates imagination and empowers to function at an abstract level. However, much of the vitality characterizing human life is owed to the diverse emotions and desires. This has made the study of cognition and affect as frontier areas of psychology. With this in view, this volume focuses on delineating cognitive scientific contributions, cognition in educational context, context, diverse applications of cognition, psychology of desire, and positive psychology. The five chapters comprising this volume have approached the scholarly developments in the fields of cognition and affect in innovative ways, and have addressed basic as well applied issues.

scholarly journals Family reported outcomes, an unmet need in the management of a patient's disease: appraisal of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Shah ◽  
F. M. Ali ◽  
A. Y. Finlay ◽  
M. S. Salek
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Chronic Health Condition ◽  
Family Quality Of Life ◽  
Good Reliability ◽  
Huge Impact ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background A person’s chronic health condition or disability can have a huge impact on the quality of life (QoL) of the whole family, but this important impact is often ignored. This literature review aims to understand the impact of patients' disease on family members across all medical specialities, and appraise existing generic and disease-specific family quality of life (QoL) measures. Methods The databases Medline, EMBASE, CINHAL, ASSIA, PsycINFO and Scopus were searched for original articles in English measuring the impact of health conditions on patients' family members/partner using a valid instrument. Results Of 114 articles screened, 86 met the inclusion criteria. They explored the impact of a relative's disease on 14,661 family members, mostly 'parents' or 'mothers', using 50 different instruments across 18 specialities including neurology, oncology and dermatology, in 33 countries including the USA, China and Australia. These studies revealed a huge impact of patients' illness on family members. An appraisal of family QoL instruments identified 48 instruments, 42 disease/speciality specific and six generic measures. Five of the six generics are aimed at carers of children, people with disability or restricted to chronic disease. The only generic instrument that measures the impact of any condition on family members across all specialities is the Family Reported Outcome Measure (FROM-16). Although most instruments demonstrated good reliability and validity, only 11 reported responsiveness and only one reported the minimal clinically important difference. Conclusions Family members' QoL is greatly impacted by a relative's condition. To support family members, there is a need for a generic tool that offers flexibility and brevity for use in clinical settings across all areas of medicine. FROM-16 could be the tool of choice, provided its robustness is demonstrated with further validation of its psychometric properties.

scholarly journals THU0528 NAILFOLD VIDEOCAPILLAROSCOPY REPORTING IN CLINICAL RESEARCH: INTERNATIONAL DELPHI BASED CONSENSUS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 503.1-504
Author(s):  
F. Ingegnoli ◽  
T. Schioppo ◽  
A. Herrick ◽  
A. Sulli ◽  
F. Bartoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Research ◽  
Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Delphi Consensus ◽  
Research Support ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Research Studies

Background:Nailfold capillaroscopy (NVC), a non-invasive technique to assess microcirculation, is increasingly being incorporated into rheumatology routine clinical practice. Currently, the degree of description of NVC methods varies amongst research studies, making interpretation and comparison between studies challenging. In this field, an unmet need is the standardization of items to be reported in research studies using NVC.Objectives:To perform a Delphi consensus on minimum reporting standards in methodology for clinical research, based on the items derived from a systematic review focused on this topic.Methods:The systematic review of the literature on NVC methodology relating to rheumatic diseases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42018104660) to July 22nd2018 using MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus. Then, a three-step web-based Delphi consensus was performed in between members of the EULAR study group on microcirculation in rheumatic diseases and the Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium. Participants were asked to rate each item from 1 (not appropriate) to 9 (completely appropriate).Results:In total, 3491 references were retrieved in the initial search strategy, 2862 were excluded as duplicates or after title/abstract screening. 632 articles were retrieved for full paper review of which 319 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Regarding patient preparation before the exam, data were scarce: 38% reported acclimatization, 5% to avoid caffeine and smoking, 3% to wash hands and 2% to avoid manicure. Concerning the device description: 90% reported type of instrument, 77% brand/model, 72% magnification, 46% oil use, 40% room temperature and 35% software for image analysis. As regards to examination details: 76% which fingers examined, 75% number of fingers examined, 15% operator experience, 13% reason for finger exclusion, 9% number of images, 8% quality check of the images and 3% time spent for the exam. Then, a three-round Delphi consensus on the selected items was completed by 80 participants internationally, from 31 countries located in Australia, Asia, Europe, North and South America. Some items reached the agreement at the second round (85 participants), and other items were suggested as important to consider in a future research agenda (e.g. temperature for acclimatization, the impact of smoking, allergies at the application of the oil to the nailbed, significance of pericapillary edema, methods of reporting hemorrhages, ramified and giant capillaries). The final agreement results are reported below:Conclusion:On the basis of the available literature the description of NVC methods was highly heterogeneous and individual published studies differed markedly. These practical suggestions developed using a Delphi process among international participants provide a guidance to improve and to standardize the NVC methodology in future clinical research studies.Disclosure of Interests:Francesca Ingegnoli: None declared, Tommaso Schioppo: None declared, Ariane Herrick: None declared, Alberto Sulli Grant/research support from: Laboratori Baldacci, Francesca Bartoli: None declared, Nicola Ughi: None declared, John Pauling: None declared, Maurizio Cutolo Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Actelion, Celgene, Consultant of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Speakers bureau: Sigma-Alpha, Vanessa Smith Grant/research support from: The affiliated company received grants from Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Belgian Fund for Scientific Research in Rheumatic diseases (FWRO), Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co and Janssen-Cilag NV, Consultant of: Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co, Speakers bureau: Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co and UCB Biopharma Sprl

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