scholarly journals Chemical characterization and effects of volatile oil of Alpinia zerumbet on the quality of collagen deposition and caveolin-1 expression in a muscular fibrosis murine model

2024 ◽  
Vol 84 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. S. C. Batista ◽  
G. S. Barros ◽  
F. C. Damasceno ◽  
E. A. F. Cândido ◽  
M. V. A. Batista

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of the volatile oil of Alpinia zerumbet (VOAz) on caveolin-1 gene expression and muscular fibrosis. The rats were immobilized to induce fibrosis of the gastrocnemius muscle, and they were treated with VOAz. Collagen quality was assessed by histology and the expression of the caveolin-1 (CAV-1) gene was evaluated using qPCR. Histomorphological analysis indicated a significant reduction in the perimeter, width, and intensity of collagen in the treated groups, thus showing that the oil was effective in regulating the quality of collagen at the three concentrations. The results of expression levels suggested a decrease in the lesioned group and in two treatment groups (0.0115 µg/g and 0.009 µg/g). However, with the lowest concentration (0.0065 µg/g), no significant difference was observed, with levels similar to those found in healthy tissue. Therefore, the results showed that VOAz has the potential to be a non-invasive and low-cost alternative to aid in the treatment of muscular fibrosis.

2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
MS Rana ◽  
MA Hashem ◽  
S Akhter ◽  
M Habibullah ◽  
MH Islam ◽  
...  

The research was conducted to study the effect of heat stress on carcass characteristics and meat quality in indigenous sheep. Nine sheep were divided into three groups which were almost similar in age, sex and weight. Three groups were divided as zero hour (T0), four hours (T4) and eight hours (T8) heat exposure to direct sunlight. During experimental period temperature–humidity index (THI) value was calculated as 27.09 which indicated T4 and T8 groups were subjected to heat stress condition for at least four hours and eight hours respectively every day. Slaughter weight, body length and heart girth had no significant difference among the treatment groups. Dry matter, ash and ether extract had no significant difference (p>0.05) among the treatment groups but crude protein were increased with the increase of heat stress from T0 to T8 group (p<0.05). Drip loss was increased (p<0.05) in non-exposure group than treated groups but there is no significant result (p>0.05) found in pH and cooking loss. Carcass weight and eye muscle area had no significant difference (p>0.05) among the treatment groups but dressing percentage was decreased with the increase of time in heat treated groups (p<0.01). Significant difference (p<0.05) were found in weight of heart, kidney, lung + trachea and pluck between control and heat treated groups. The significant difference (p>0.05) in empty gut was found in gut with content and gut fill in heat treated groups. It can be concluded that heat stress had significant changes on carcass characteristics and meat quality of indigenous sheep.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i2.20717 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (2): 147-153


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richa Sharma ◽  
Robert Drummond ◽  
William Wiltshire ◽  
Robert Schroth ◽  
Milos Lekic ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate adolescent orthodontic patient experiences and quality of life with fixed appliances compared to Invisalign. Materials and Methods Adolescent patients in active treatment with Invisalign or fixed appliances for a minimum of 6 months were provided with the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form 19 questionnaire, along with additional items of interest that were assessed separately. Pearson's χ2 test was used to compare responses (P &lt; .05), and unpaired t-tests (P &lt; .05) were used to test for differences in mean satisfaction, quality of life, and domain scores. Results In total, 74 patients (37 in each treatment group) participated. Overall, no significant differences were noted in the mean quality of life, satisfaction, or domain scores between the two groups. A significant difference was noted in the time taken to adjust to appliances, with the Invisalign group demonstrating faster adaptation. Additionally, the fixed appliance group was 3.8 times more likely to report missing school because of their appliance (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2, 12.5) and 2.7 times more likely to report having difficulty eating certain foods (95% CI: 1.1, 7.1). When the sample of females between the ages of 14 and 18 was analyzed, the Invisalign group reported feeling attractive more often than the fixed appliance group. Conclusions Both treatment groups were generally very satisfied with their treatment modality. The overall quality of life of adolescent orthodontic patients undergoing treatment with fixed appliances and Invisalign for a minimum of 6 months was similar.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca C Reader ◽  
Bruce A Barton ◽  
Amanda L Abelson

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the quality of sedation and recovery, and ease of venipuncture following sedation for feline blood donation using two intramuscular (IM) sedation protocols: alfaxalone/butorphanol (AB) and dexmedetomidine/butorphanol (DB). Methods This was an experimental randomized, blinded, crossover study. Ten client-owned healthy cats were recruited to participate in the study. Cats were sedated with AB (alfaxalone 2 mg/kg and butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg) for one donation and DB (dexmedetomidine 10 μg/kg and butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg) for another. Reaction to injection, quality of sedation and quality of recovery were assessed by a blinded observer. Time to lateral recumbency, number of venipuncture attempts, time required for blood collection and time to return to sternal recumbency were recorded. Cats were monitored for evidence of gastrointestinal distress. Each donation consisted of a maximum of 53 ml whole blood drawn over 3–22 mins. Donors received 100 ml subcutaneous lactated Ringer’s solution in recovery. Owners, unaware of sedation protocol, were asked to complete a questionnaire evaluating their cat’s behavior following sedation. Results IM injections were well tolerated by both treatment groups. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in sedation scores for posture ( P = 0.30) or behavior ( P = 0.06). Cats sedated with DB had significantly higher muscle relaxation scores ( P = 0.03) compared with AB. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in time to lateral recumbency ( P = 0.12), number of venipuncture attempts ( P = 0.91) and time for blood draw ( P = 0.29). There was no difference in quality of recoveries between treatment groups based on simple descriptive scores ( P = 0.18) and owner evaluation 24 h following sedation. One cat vomited following administration of DB. Conclusions and relevance Alfaxalone is a suitable alternative to dexmedetomidine when combined with butorphanol and used as part of an IM sedation protocol for cats undergoing blood donation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J Durr ◽  
Shivang R Dave ◽  
Daryl Lim ◽  
Sanil Joseph ◽  
Thulasiraj D Ravilla ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo assess the quality of eyeglass prescriptions provided by an affordable wavefront autorefractor operated by a minimally trained technician in a low-resource setting.Methods and Analysis708 participants were recruited from consecutive patients registered for routine eye examinations at Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, India, or an affiliated rural satellite vision centre. Visual acuity (VA) and patient preference were compared between trial lenses set to two eyeglass prescriptions from (1) a novel wavefront autorefractor and (2) subjective refraction by an experienced refractionist.ResultsThe mean±SD VA was 0.30±0.37, –0.02±0.14 and −0.04±0.11 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units before correction, with autorefractor correction and with subjective refraction correction, respectively (all differences p<0.01). Overall, 25% of participants had no preference, 33% preferred eyeglass prescriptions from autorefraction, and 42% preferred eyeglass prescriptions from subjective refraction (p<0.01). Of the 438 patients 40 years old and younger, 96 had no preference and the remainder had no statistically significant difference in preference for subjective refraction prescriptions (51%) versus autorefractor prescriptions (49%) (p=0.52).ConclusionAverage VAs from autorefractor-prescribed eyeglasses were one letter worse than those from subjective refraction. More than half of all participants either had no preference or preferred eyeglasses prescribed by the autorefractor. This marginal difference in quality may warrant autorefractor-based prescriptions, given the portable form factor, short measurement time, low cost and minimal training required to use the autorefractor evaluated here.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-106
Author(s):  
Olya Scannell ◽  
Valerie O’Neill ◽  
Mary Dunne ◽  
Caroline Baily ◽  
Amira Salih ◽  
...  

Background: Uveal melanoma and its treatment can influence the physical and psychological well-being of patients in a way that differs from other cancers. Factors influencing quality of life (QOL) include visual impairment, changes in appearance, day-to-day functioning, ocular discomfort, and worry regarding disease recurrence. Objective: We aimed to study both general and disease-specific QOL in uveal melanoma patients in Ireland and compare QOL between a plaque radiotherapy group and an enucleation treatment group. This information was sought to enhance our understanding of QOL issues for uveal melanoma patients, in the context of improving care and providing appropriate psychosocial support. Method: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL questionnaires QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OPT30 were completed by patients with uveal melanoma treated by enucleation or brachytherapy. Results: 138 of 206 patients completed the questionnaires. There was no significant difference in QOL scores between treatment groups. Thirty-two percent of patients reported concerns about tumour recurrence elsewhere in the body. The brachytherapy group had a significantly higher “role functioning” score (p = 0.030). Enucleation patients were more likely to have problems with appearance (p < 0.0005). Younger patients (12–54 years of age) were more likely to report headaches (p < 0.0005) and problems with reading (p = 0.042), and they had a lower cognitive functioning score (p = 0.003) than those aged ≥55 years. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in reported QOL between treatment groups. Our data identified a number of vulnerable patient subgroups. By anticipating which patients are more likely to suffer in terms of certain aspects of their QOL, we are better able to provide appropriate and timely psychosocial support.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adesola C. Odole ◽  
Oluwatobi D. Ojo

This study investigated effect of a 6-week telephysiotherapy programme on quality of life (QoL) of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Fifty patients with knee OA were randomly and equally assigned into two treatment groups: clinic group (CG) and telephysiotherapy group (TG). The CG received physiotherapist-administered osteoarthritis-specific exercises in the clinic thrice weekly for 6 weeks while the TG received structured telephone monitoring with self-administered osteoarthritis-specific exercises for the same duration at home. Participants’ QoL was assessed using WHOQoL-Bref at baseline, second, fourth, and sixth week of intervention. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and independent Student’st-test. Within-group comparison showed significant improvements in physical health domain (P=0.00*for TG and CG) and psychological domain (P=0.02*for TG;P=0.00*for CG) of WHOQoL following six-week intervention. However, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in TG and CG’s social relationship and environment domains. Between-group comparison showed no significant differences (P>0.05) between CG and TG’s physical health, psychological, and social relationships domains of WHOQoL following 6-week intervention. However, there was significant difference in the environment domain (P<0.05). Telephysiotherapy using telephone medium improved QoL in patients with knee OA comparable to clinic based treatment.


2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 18548-18548
Author(s):  
C. F. Pollera ◽  
F. Nelli ◽  
T. Gamucci ◽  
I. Sperduti ◽  
A. M. Giampaolo ◽  
...  

18548 Background: Direct comparison of EA vs EB vs DE has never been performed. In order to define the efficacy, impact on quality of life (QL) and pt’s preference, a prospective observational comparison of erythropoietic agents has been carried out. Methods: Anemic pts (hgb <11 gr/dL) scheduled to receive at least 3 cycles of CT were stratified according to 5 factors (platinum-based CT vs non-platinum; hgb ≤9,5 vs >9,5; PS ≤0–1 vs >1; previous CT vs upfront CT; and previous antianemic therapy vs not) and were autonomously assigned by 15 investigators to EA (3 times a week) or EB (3 times a week and only in pts receiving platinum-based CT) or DE (once a week) therapy. Efficacy by hgb level changes and transfusion needing was evaluated after each cycle of CT, QL by Fact-An questionnaire after 1 and 3 cycles of CT, and pt’s preference for standard vs weekly schedule at least once thereafter. Results: From 09/04 to 12/05 177 pts were recruited: 41%, 39% and 20% were assigned to DE, EA and EB, respectively. Severe anemia at baseline (≤9,5) was reported in 29% of pts, whereas 47% received platinum-based CT. Stratifying categories were well balanced among the treatment groups. Baseline mean hgb values were 9.7, 9.9, and 10 for DE, EA and EB, respectively. As of the general population, DE produced higher subsequent mean hgb increase in respect to EA and EB (Mean increase [gr/dL] for DE: 0.84, 1.58, 2.03; EA: 0.34, 0.84, 1.68; EB: 0.76, 1.54, 1.17). No difference was observed neither among pts receiving platinum-based CT, (mean increase: DE: 0.34, 1.76, 2.8; EA: 0.7, 1.27, 2.14; EB: 0.76, 1.54, 1.71) nor among pts with severe anemia at baseline (DE: 0.98, 2, 2.6; EA: 1.24, 1.94, 3.13; EB: 1.25, 2.25, 2.75). Transfusion needing ranged from 7% for DE to 3% for EB without any significant difference. To date 67% of pts completed at least one subsequent QL valuation, whereas 62% gave their preference for treatment schedule. Conclusions: Early results of our prospective analysis show that antianemic therapy with D is at least as effective as standard schedule of EA or EB. Efficacy of DE seems confirmed in pts with bad prognostic categories for anemia. Major data on QL and pt’s preference will be presented. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 527-527
Author(s):  
Nita S. Nair ◽  
Nishu Singh Goel ◽  
Rohini W Hawaldar ◽  
Shabina Siddique ◽  
Vani Parmar ◽  
...  

527 Background: Yoga has been tested in multiple small-randomized studies for its impact on quality of life (QOL) on breast cancer (BC). We propose to study the effect of yoga on disease free survival as the primary endpoint in women with operable breast cancer. (Study methodology details refer to NCT02161900). Methods: Women with non-metastatic BC were randomized to yoga and conventional exercise (YCE) versus conventional exercise only (CE) in addition to standard therapy. Over and above documentation of recurrence and death, QOL was assessed in these women using the EORTC QLQC30, BR23, Brief fatigue inventory (BFI), Visual pain scores (VPS) and a spirituality questionnaire (SQ). EORTC QLQ was assessed at baseline (BL), 6-9 months (mo), 18-21 mo. BFI and VPS at BL, 6-8 mo and 12-15 mo and SQ at BL and 12-15 mo. We report the first interim analysis of QOL in 605 patients randomized to the study with atleast 1 year of follow up. The groups were balanced in both arms with respect to clinico-pathological factors. Results: At 6-9 mo (completion of adjuvant therapy), there was no significant difference in global QOL scores (p = 0.08), however 52% women on YCE showed an improvement from baseline compared to 42% in CE. At 18-21 mo emotional function scores were better in YCE (p = 0.002); with lesser systemic side effects in YCE arm (44% vs 56% p = NS). The median score of fatigue after adjuvant therapy measured by QLQ C30 was lower in YCE (17.37vs22.22, p = 0.003) which was similar to that observed by BFI at 12-15 mo (1.6vs 2, p = 0.04). Also in YCE there was lower reporting of detriment in general activity (41%vs 59%) and mood (34%vs66%) (p = NS). In VPS at 12-15mo, the median scores for pain intensity (p = 0.042), pain on movement (p = 0.038), pain on mobilization (p = 0.008) were lower in YCE. Lastly SQ assessed spirituality and showed no difference, but less deterioration compared to baseline scores in YCE. Conclusions: Yoga did not show a significant difference in global QOL but had a major benefit reaching statistical significance in fatigue, emotional score and pain. Yoga is a low-risk, low-cost complementary therapy that may improve compliance to therapy by improving parameters that can affect day-to-day activity in women with breast cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT02161900.


Author(s):  
Farhad Nanaei ◽  
Hadi Bahrami ◽  
Aziz Kasani

Background and Aim: Regarding the controversial results on the effects of anesthetics, especially thiopental sodium, on the duration and severity of seizure and the lack of adequate information on the use of doses of anesthetic and paralysing drugs during ECT, this study was designed to determine the effect of repetitive doses of succinylcholine and Thiopental sodium was administered on the duration and severity of seizure during ECT. Materials and Methods: The present study was a one-blind randomized clinical trial on patients admitted to the psychiatric ward of Dezful Ganjavian Hospital. The research samples were selected after informed consent and entry criteria. Then, the samples were randomly assigned to two groups. In one group, succinylcholine dose was repeated (one third of the initial dose), and in the other group, the dose of thiopental sodium was repeated (one third of the initial dose). In all patients, seizure duration based on EEG monitoring and severity of seizure was determined by the psychiatrist based on the symptoms of the patient during seizure. Results: There was a significant difference between the quality of seizure in the two treatment groups after the intervention. There was a strong and good seizure in the thiopental sodium group (p <0.0001). There was a significant difference between the variables of seizure status in comparison with the previous shock in the two treatment groups after the intervention (p <0.0001). The duration of seizure was higher in thiopental sodium treatment group, but no significant difference was observed (p = 0.82). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the duration and quality of seizure was better in patients requiring repetitive doses of hypnotic drugs (Thiopental Sodium), which was used to repeat the dose of muscle relaxant (succinylcholine).


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6036
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Randazzo ◽  
Jacopo Ferretti ◽  
Eros Pasero

Every year cardiovascular diseases kill the highest number of people worldwide. Among these, pathologies characterized by sporadic symptoms, such as atrial fibrillation, are difficult to be detected as state-of-the-art solutions, e.g., 12-leads electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter devices, often fail to tackle these kinds of pathologies. Many portable devices have already been proposed, both in literature and in the market. Unfortunately, they all miss relevant features: they are either not wearable or wireless and their usage over a long-term period is often unsuitable. In addition, the quality of recordings is another key factor to perform reliable diagnosis. The ECG WATCH is a device designed for targeting all these issues. It is inexpensive, wearable (size of a watch), and can be used without the need for any medical expertise about positioning or usage. It is non-invasive, it records single-lead ECG in just 10 s, anytime, anywhere, without the need to physically travel to hospitals or cardiologists. It can acquire any of the three peripheral leads; results can be shared with physicians by simply tapping a smartphone app. The ECG WATCH quality has been tested on 30 people and has successfully compared with an electrocardiograph and an ECG simulator, both certified. The app embeds an algorithm for automatically detecting atrial fibrillation, which has been successfully tested with an official ECG simulator on different severity of atrial fibrillation. In this sense, the ECG WATCH is a promising device for anytime cardiac health monitoring.


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