scholarly journals Potential Effect of COVID-19 on Maternal and Infant Outcome: Lesson From SARS

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Wang ◽  
Yiliang Wang ◽  
Xiaoxue Han ◽  
Jiazhuo Ye ◽  
Ruiman Li
Keyword(s):  
Potential Effect ◽  
Infant Outcome

Potential effect of pharmaceutical care to improve outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder in Sulaimani dialysis centers

2020 ◽  
pp. 82-94
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Pharmaceutical Care ◽  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Mineral Bone Disorder ◽  
Bone Disorder

Objective: the present study was aimed to evaluate the role of pharmaceutical services in improving the outcome of mineral bone disorder in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Methodology: One hundred and twenty patients with chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) screened for eligibility, seventy-six patients enrolled in the study and randomly allocated into two groups: pharmaceutical care and usual care, both groups interviewed by the pharmacist using specific questionnaire for assessing the quality of life (QoL). All the drug related problems (DRPs) including drug-drug interactions (DDIs) were recorded by the pharmacist. Blood samples were collected and utilized for analyzing the levels of vitamin D, phosphorous, calcium, albumin and parathyroid hormone at baseline and three months after. The pharmaceutical care group received all the educations about their medications and how to minimize DRPs; improve the QoL. Additionally, the pharmaceutical intervention included correcting the biochemical parameters. Results: Pharmaceutical care significantly improved patients QoL and minimized DRPs and DDIs. It was also effective in improving the biochemical parameters. Conclusion: Pharmaceutical care has a positive impact on improving the outcome of patients with CKD-MBD through attenuating DRPs, improving the biochemical parameters and the QoL.

Synergistic Antibacterial Efficacy of Biogenic Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles using Ajuga bractosa with Standard Antibiotics: A Study Against Bacterial Pathogens

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 206-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadia Nazer ◽  
Saiqa Andleeb ◽  
Shaukat Ali ◽  
Nazia Gulzar ◽  
Tariq Iqbal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Green Synthesis ◽  
Bacterial Pathogens ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Multi Drug Resistance ◽  
Phytochemical Screening ◽  
Cell Proliferation Inhibition ◽  
Agar Well Diffusion Assay ◽  
Scanning Electron

Background: Multi-drug resistance in bacterial pathogens is a major concern of today. Green synthesis technology is being used to cure infectious diseases. Objectives: The aim of the current research was to analyze the antibacterial, antioxidant, and phytochemical screening of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Ajuga bracteosa. Methods: Extract of A. bracteosa was prepared by maceration technique. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using A. bracteosa extract and were confirmed by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The antibacterial, anti-biofilm, cell proliferation inhibition, TLC-Bioautography, TLC-Spot screening, antioxidant, and phytochemical screening were also investigated. Results: UV-Vis spectrum and Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the synthesis of green nanoparticles at 400 nm with tube-like structures. FTIR spectrum showed that functional groups of nanoparticles have a role in capping and stability of AgNP. Agar well diffusion assay represented the maximum antibacterial effect of ABAgNPs against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 0.10 g/mL concentration compared to ABaqu. Two types of interactions among nanoparticles, aqueous extract, and antibiotics (Synergistic and additive) were recorded against tested pathogens. Crystal violet, MTT, TLC-bio-autography, and spot screening supported the findings of the antibacterial assay. Highest antioxidant potential effect in ABaqu was 14.62% (DPPH) and 13.64% (ABTS) while 4.85% (DPPH) and 4.86% (ABTS) was recorded in ABAgNPs. Presence of phytochemical constituents showed pharmacological importance. Conclusion: It was concluded that green synthesis is an innovative technology in which natural products are conjugated with metallic particles and are used against infectious pathogens. The current research showed the significant use of green nanoparticles against etiological agents.

Potential Effect of Anti-Inflammatory Treatment on Reducing the Cardiovascular Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 639-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Chighizola ◽  
Tommaso Schioppo ◽  
Francesca Ingegnoli ◽  
Pier Luigi Meroni
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

LC-MS/MS Method Development and Validation for the Determination of Ilexsaponin A1 and Its Application in Intestinal Bacterial Metabolic Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 774-781
Author(s):  
Liang Wu ◽  
An Kang ◽  
Yujie Lin ◽  
Chenxiao Shan ◽  
Zhu Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Method Development ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Metabolic Potential ◽  
Bifidobacterium Adolescentis ◽  
Metabolic Behavior ◽  
And Behavior

Background: Ilexsaponin A1, one of the most representative triterpene saponin components in the roots of I. pubescens, showed its effects in anticoagulation and antithrombosis, attenuating ischemia-reperfusion-induced myocardial, angiogenesis and inhibiting phosphodiesterase. Objective: Reveal the key intestinal bacterial strains responsible for ilexsaponin A1 metabolism, and clarify their metabolic behavior. Methods: An accurate and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the determination of “ilexsaponin A1 in General Anaerobic Medium (GAM) broth” was established and systematically validated. Then it was applied to screen and study the metabolic potential of the intestinal bacterial strains in an anaerobic incubation system. Results: Quantitation of ilexsaponin A1 could be performed within an analytical run time of 14.5 min, in the linear range of 2 - 2000 ng/ml. Enterobacter sakazakii, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium catenulatum, and Bifidobacterium angulatum were identified to have a potential effect to metabolize ilexsaponin A1 to different extents; and further bacterial metabolic studies were performed to clarify their metabolic capacity and behavior. Conclusion: This paper contributes to a better understanding of the intestinal bacterial metabolism of ilexsaponin A1 and provides scientific evidence for its clinical application. Additionally, the importance of intestinal bacterial strains in the disposition of natural products was also highlighted.

Polyphyllin I Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Cell Apoptosis in Human Retinoblastoma Y-79 Cells through Targeting p53

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 875-881 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Zhu ◽  
Ke Wang ◽  
Kai Zhang ◽  
Yi Pan ◽  
Fanfan Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Cycle Arrest ◽  
Cell Apoptosis ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
External Beam Radiation ◽  
Beam Radiation ◽  
P53 Expression ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Human Retinoblastoma

Background: Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignant tumor in childhood. Although external beam radiation and enucleation are effective to control retinoblastoma, eye salvage and vision preservation are still significant challenges. Polyphyllin I (PPI), a natural compound extracted from Paris polyphylla rhizomes, has a wide range of activities against many types of cancers. However, the potential effect of this herbal compound on retinoblastoma has not yet been investigated. Method: In the present study, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of PPI on human retinoblastoma Y-79 cells as well as its underlying molecular mechanism. Our results indicated that PPI treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation, arrested the cell cycle at G2/M phase and induced cell apoptosis of Y79 cells through the mitochondrial- dependent intrinsic pathway. Moreover, p53 is involved in PPI-induced cytotoxicity in human retinoblastoma Y-79 cells. Exposure to 10 μM PPI for 48 h dramatically induced the expression levels of p53, phosphorylated- p53 and acetylated-p53. Furthermore, blockade of p53 expression effectively attenuated PPI-induced cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis in Y-79 cells. Result: These results demonstrated that PPI exhibits anti-proliferation effect on human retinoblastoma Y-79 cells through modulating p53 expression, stabilization and activation. This information shed light on the potential application of PPI in retinoblastoma therapy.

Is There a Civilizing Effect on Citizens? Testing the Pre-Conditions for Body Worn Camera-Induced Behavior Change

2021 ◽  
pp. 109861112199671
Author(s):  
Quin Patterson ◽  
Michael D. White
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Use Of Force ◽  
Police Department ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Mental Capacity ◽  
Systematic Social Observation ◽  
Social Observation ◽  
Gap Data

The cause(s) of reduced use of force and complaints following police body-worn camera (BWC) deployment remain unclear, though some argue that BWCs generate a civilizing effect on citizen behavior. This potential effect rests on four pre-conditions: (1) BWC presence and citizen awareness; (2) BWC activation; (3) Escalated citizen behavior or the potential for escalation; (4) Citizen mental capacity for BWC awareness. Prior research has not established the civilizing effect’s existence, or how often these pre-conditions are met; this study aims to fill that gap. Data was collected during systematic social observation (SSO) of 166 encounters between citizens and officers in the Tempe, Arizona Police Department. The results tell a simple story. Two pre-conditions (activation, citizen mental capacity) are consistently met; awareness and escalated behavior are not. Overall, 1.2% of encounters saw all pre-conditions met. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for research on BWCs.

scholarly journals Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and MicroRNAs in Colorectal Cancer Chemoresistance to FOLFOX

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
Paula I. Escalante ◽  
Luis A. Quiñones ◽  
Héctor R. Contreras
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase ◽  
Acquired Resistance ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Folfox Chemotherapy

The FOLFOX scheme, based on the association of 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin, is the most frequently indicated chemotherapy scheme for patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, development of chemoresistance is one of the major challenges associated with this disease. It has been reported that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in microRNA-driven modulation of tumor cells response to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. Moreover, from pharmacogenomic research, it is known that overexpression of genes encoding dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD), thymidylate synthase (TYMS), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), the DNA repair enzymes ERCC1, ERCC2, and XRCC1, and the phase 2 enzyme GSTP1 impair the response to FOLFOX. It has been observed that EMT is associated with overexpression of DPYD, TYMS, ERCC1, and GSTP1. In this review, we investigated the role of miRNAs as EMT promotors in tumor cells, and its potential effect on the upregulation of DPYD, TYMS, MTHFR, ERCC1, ERCC2, XRCC1, and GSTP1 expression, which would lead to resistance of CRC tumor cells to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. This constitutes a potential mechanism of epigenetic regulation involved in late-onset of acquired resistance in mCRC patients under FOLFOX chemotherapy. Expression of these biomarker microRNAs could serve as tools for personalized medicine, and as potential therapeutic targets in the future.

scholarly journals Accuracy of emergency physicians’ self-estimates of CT scan utilization and its potential effect on an audit and feedback intervention: a randomized trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Celine Larkin ◽  
Alexandra M. Sanseverino ◽  
James Joseph ◽  
Lauren Eisenhauer ◽  
Martin A. Reznek
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Trial ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Audit And Feedback ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
Feedback Intervention ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Ct Utilization

Abstract Background Audit and feedback (A&F) has been used as a strategy to modify clinician behavior with moderate success. Although A&F is theorized to work by improving the accuracy of clinicians’ estimates of their own behavior, few interventions have included assessment of clinicians’ estimates at baseline to examine whether they account for intervention success or failure. We tested an A&F intervention to reduce computed tomography (CT) ordering by emergency physicians, while also examining the physicians’ baseline estimates of their own behavior compared to peers. Methods Our study was a prospective, multi-site, 20-month, randomized trial to examine the effect of an A&F intervention on CT ordering rates, overall and by test subtype. From the electronic health record, we obtained 12 months of baseline CT ordering per 100 patients treated for every physician from four emergency departments. Those who were randomized to receive A&F were shown a de-identified graph of the group’s baseline CT utilization, asked to estimate wherein the distribution of their own CT order practices fell, and then shown their actual performance. All participants also received a brief educational intervention. CT ordering rates were collected for all physicians for 6 months after the intervention. Pre-post ordering rates were compared using independent and repeated measures t tests. Results Fifty-one of 52 eligible physicians participated. The mean CT ordering rate increased significantly in both experimental conditions after the intervention (intervention pre = 35.7, post = 40.3, t = 4.13, p < 0.001; control pre = 33.9, post = 38.9, t = 3.94, p = 0.001), with no significant between-group difference observed at follow-up (t = 0.43, p = 0.67). Within the intervention group, physicians had poor accuracy in estimating their own ordering behavior at baseline: most overestimated and all guessed that they were in the upper half of the distribution of their peers. CT ordering increased regardless of self-estimate accuracy. Conclusions Our A&F intervention failed to reduce physician CT ordering: our feedback to the physicians showed most of them that they had overestimated their CT ordering behavior, and they were therefore unlikely to reduce it as a result. After “audit,” it may be prudent to assess baseline clinician awareness of behavior before moving toward a feedback intervention.

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