High Cholesterol Level As A Marker of Allergic Rhinitis Severity

Background There is some evidences illustrated the relation between abnormal blood lipid profile and atopy. But, the evidence about relation between allergic rhinitis (AR) and cholesterol level is conflicting. We aimed to assess correlation between Cholesterol level and severity of AR. Methods 50 AR patients were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Blood samples for blood cholesterol level were drawn from all patients. Results There was a statistically significant positive correlation between TC and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Conclusion High cholesterol level in AR patients can be a marker of disease severity.

The Role of Cholesterol in Amyloidogenic Substrate Binding to the γ-Secretase Complex

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder and is characterized by the presence of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques in the brain. The γ-secretase complex, which produces Aβ, is an intramembrane-cleaving protease consisting of four membrane proteins. In this paper we investigated the amyloidogenic fragments of amyloid precursor protein (substrates Aβ43 and Aβ45, leading to less amyloidogenic Aβ40 and more amyloidogenic Aβ42, respectively) docked to the binding site of presenilin, the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase. In total, we performed 9 μs of all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of the whole γ-secretase complex with both substrates in low (10%) and high (50%) concentrations of cholesterol in the membrane. We found that, at the high cholesterol level, the Aβ45 helix was statistically more flexible in the binding site of presenilin than Aβ43. An increase in the cholesterol concentration was also correlated with a higher flexibility of the Aβ45 helix, which suggests incompatibility between Aβ45 and the binding site of presenilin potentiated by a high cholesterol level. However, at the C-terminal part of Aβ45, the active site of presenilin was more compact in the case of a high cholesterol level, which could promote processing of this substrate. We also performed detailed mapping of the cholesterol binding sites at low and high cholesterol concentrations, which were independent of the typical cholesterol binding motifs.

Turmeric Oil Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and their Antioxidant Activity

The number of medical applications of silver nanoparticles is constantly increasing due to their high bactericidal properties coupled with low toxicity towards living cells. Because of this expanding use of silver nanoparticles, novel methods of synthesis have been developed in order to achieve nanoparticles preparation through inexpensive and environmentally friendly process.1 Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles is an approach that meets those requirements. Nanoparticles are an intermediate between bulk materials and individual atoms with unique properties. Nanoparticles have been employed in various fields such as catalysis, ceramics, drug delivery and diagnostics and therapies of oncology.2 Several studies have described the controlled synthesis of metal nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes mediated by bio molecules, which is nontoxic and minimises environment damage. Antioxidants have been widely used as additive to provide protection against oxidative degradation of foods.3 Although many synthetic chemicals, such as phenolic compounds are found to be strong radical scavengers, they usually have serious side effects.4 In view of this, antioxidant substances obtained from natural sources will be great interest. Turmeric is extensively used as spice, as a colouring agent for textiles, pharmaceuticals, confectionary and cosmetics.5 In Indian system of medicine, turmeric is used in stomach-ache, as a blood purifier, carminative, appetiser and tonic.5,6 Turmeric is also used in drugs against cancer, dermatitis, AIDS (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome) and high cholesterol level.7 During the course of this study, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles using turmeric oil and characterised them using UV-vis spectroscopic analysis and checked for their antioxidant activity

Is depression a cause of metabolic abnormality? A European Small State experience

Background A relationship between depression and metabolic syndrome has been reported. Considering the diabesity rates effecting the small state of Malta it was considered appropriate to explore for links between these diseases, their metabolic determinants with depression. Methods A national health examination survey was conducted. A validated questionnaire note down (1) self-reported depression (2) anti-depressive medication (3) PHQ-9 depression symptoms score (>5 positive for depression). Participants with the presence of one or more of these variables were labelled as having depression. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Blood testing for fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipid profile were performed. The biochemical (FBG, Lipid profiles) and anthropometric profiles (BMI, WC, BP) of the depression population were compared to those without this disease. Univariant and multivariant binary logistic regression models were performed. Results The depression population (17.2% of the total population) had significantly higher median LDL, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels when compared to those without the disease (p = <0.01). On univariant modelling each variable (LDL OR:1.15 p = 0.01; TG OR:1.16 p = 0.01; TC OR:1.64 p = <0.01) showed a positive association with having depression even after adjusting for confounding factors (sex, age, education, smoking, alcohol habits). On multivariant modelling only an increase in TC was associated with increased risk of having depression (OR: 1.36 CI95%: 1.05-1.76 p = 0.02) after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions The various components of the metabolic syndrome appeared not to be associated with a diagnosis of depression. Only high cholesterol level exhibited a metabolic link with depression. Although further research is merited, it is suggested that physicians incorporate a depression screening tool as part of their consultation when examining high-risk patients. Key messages A metabolic syndrome profile is not linked with depression. A high cholesterol level is linked with depression, making these individuals susceptible to potential cardiovascular disease.

THE COGNITIVE IMPPAIRMENT AND ITS RELATED FACTORS AMONG FACTORS AMONG ELDERLY HYPERTENSIVE IN TWO RURAL DISTRICTS AREAS, MALAYSIA

As cognition declines with age, cognitive impairment rates are expected to increase ranging from 100% to 300% in this region. It could be higher among elderly who had any chronic diseases. The aim of the present work was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of cognitive impairment among elderly with hypertension. A clinic-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at several community clinics in Sabak Bernam and Hilir Perak districts from July to December 2015. A total of 480 patients were recruited. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 13.13% (95%CI: 13.11, 13.15). Factors associated with cognitive impairment among elderly hypertensive were no formal educational level [OR: 3.95 (95%CI: 1.80, 8.67)]; history of high cholesterol [OR: 3.24 (95%CI: 1.15, 9.16)]; underweight [adj. OR: 4.88 (95%CI: 1.34, 17.67)]; and increasing age [OR: 1.03 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.06)]. Public health policy makers and geriatric practitioners should emphasise on early cognitive function assessment among elderlies who are hypertensive, unemployed, poor educational background, males, high cholesterol level and underweight to enhance the quality of geriatric services. Earlier establishment of diagnosis may prevent from greater rate of decline in cognitive functioning among this vulnerable group.

Importance of Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce as a Medicinal Plant: A Review

Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce (Family Leguminosae, Sub-family Mimosoideae) is known as “Khejri tree”. It is a deep rooted, nitrogen fixing, multipurpose endemic tree to the hot deserts of India. It has been used since ancient times, particularly for medicinal purposes, traditionally and socially. Traditionally paste, gum, smoke from leaves and pods are applied for antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial purposes. Phytochemical component of Prosopis such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, quinones or phenolic compounds demonstrate various biofunctions, such as analgestic, anthelmintic, antibiotic, antimetic, microbial antioxidant, antimalarial, anti-protozoal, antipustule and antiulcer activities. Dry pods of Prosopis cineraria are also known as sangria pods and it is the main part of Rajasthani dishes and also have a broader range of pharmaceutical applications like in pain, high cholesterol level, diabetes, an anemia, kidney and liver disorders. The Prosopis cineraria plays an important role in the socio-economic development of the farmers. The review explores the use of Prosopis cineraria across the all disciplines for its medicinal value and deals with cultivation, nutrition, commercial and prominent pharmacological properties of the “wonder tree”. KEYWORDS: - Prosopis cineraria, antimicrobial activity, phytochemicals, khejri tree, sangri pods, pharmacological properties.

Preoperative assessment of cognitive function and risk assessment of cognitive impairment in elderly patients with orthopedics: A cross-sectional study.

Background Preexisting cognitive impairment is emerging as a predictor of poor postoperative outcomes in seniors. Nevertheless, cognitive impairment in a large proportion of geriatric patients has not been well identified and diagnosed.Methods This is a cross-sectional study. Mini-mental state examination scale was used to assess cognitive function of elderly patients aged ≥ 65 years undergoing orthopedic surgery preoperatively. The baseline, living habits and laboratory examination results of the two groups were compared, and multivariate Logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of preoperative cognitive impairment.Results A total of 374 elderly patients with orthopedics met the inclusion criteria, and 28.61% with preoperative cognitive impairment. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR=1.089, P<0.001), subjective sleep disorders (OR=1.996, P=0.021), atherosclerosis (OR=2.367, P=0.017), high cholesterol level (OR=1.373, P=0.028) were independent risk factors for preoperative cognitive impairment, while high education level performed as a protective factor (Compared with illiterate group, primary school group: OR=-0.885, P=0.009; middle school or above group: OR=-2.118, P<0.001).Conclusions The prevalence of preoperative cognitive dysfunction in geriatric elective orthopedic surgical patients was high. Our study identified venerable age, low level of education, subjective sleep disorders, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol level as risk factors for preoperative cognitive impairment in these patients. Understanding these risk factors contribute to assist in prevention and directed interventions for the high-risk population.

Simulation modeling for heart attack patient by mapping cholesterol level

<p>Cholesterol is a complex structural material made up of four-fused hydrocarbon rings. There is a hydrocarbon tail linked at one end of the structure, while the hydroxyl group linked to each other on the other end. To one end of the structure, a hydrocarbon tail linked and to the other end, a hydroxyl group linked to each other. High cholesterol level is one among the major risk factors of a heart attack. It is feasible to compute and control the cholesterol level of a cardiovascular patient by making use of intended Mathematical modeling in System Dynamics (S.D.). Moreover, by simulating proposed set of equations for a heart attack patient, recovery accomplished at a faster pace. Because of S.D., a substantial amount of reduction in the patient's Cardiovascular Disease achieved by control over the sterol level of the heart patient. This simulation modeling is an attempt made in translational research domain and is useful in the healthcare industry health care industry. It will minimize the risk of heart stroke and maintain a healthy life.</p>

Design and Development of Integrated Stationary Cycling Charger for Promoting Healthy Lifestyle

A powerful smartphone with all the high-end features has becomes one of the basic necessitie in today’s modern life. People use the smartphone not only for communication purpose, but for other things such as entertainment, education, and work. As our life has becomes very much dependent on this kind of technological gadget which makes everything easier and faster to access, it becomes a main reason for our lack of daily physical activities which poses potential health issues such as obesity, high cholesterol level and high blood pressure. Despite various brands and models of a smartphone, one thing in common is the use of battery to power the device, where it needs to be recharged over time. The movement of wheel with a motor installed able to generate electricity thus powering the battery. In this research, the enjoyable and healthy activity of cycling is further upgraded to become what is known as a “cycling charger” as a way of promoting a healthy lifestyle within the community. It focuses on the conceptual design and prototype development of a stationary cycling charger which can be located everywhere within the public area for easy access and usability. The specification and parameters of the cycling charger are determined based on the average potential users, including the electrical capacity and device protection. It is then followed by the modelling and simulation works using a software to determine the feasibility before proceeding to the prototyping stage where all the designed circuitries are fabricated and integrated with sensors and microcontrollers for processing information and providing user interface. Lastly, several measurement and operation verification are conducted to ensure a satisfactory operation of the developed cycling charger. It is verified the developed prototype can be operated at a minimum cycling speed a low as 8 km/h which is good for wide range of user with different cycling ability. Its size which is basically based on the available stationary cycling exercise platform and together with an independent battery supply for all its operation make it easier and flexible to be installed within the public area.

Consumer Evaluation of the Role of Functional Food Products in Disease Prevention and the Characteristics of Target Groups

Our research explores the methods consumers would consider using in order to prevent non-communicable diseases, with consuming functional food products being one of these methods. Previous research has pointed out the importance of missing information such as which diseases worry consumers and what they would use to avoid them. We conducted a personal survey with 1027 people in Hungary about 13 diseases and four prevention methods. We analyzed the results with descriptive statistical methods, binary logistic regression, and random forest. According to our results, the highest proportion of worried respondents think it is justified to consume functional foods for the prevention of digestive problems, a weakened immune system, and high cholesterol level. Our results help to characterize the target group for these three diseases. Completed education plays a key role in choosing functional foods to prevent a weakened immune system. Those with tertiary education are the most likely to choose this prevention method. With the other two diseases, age played a crucial role. All age groups over 36 would be more likely to choose functional foods to prevent digestive problems, whereas in case of high cholesterol level, the 36–50 age group would be more likely to apply this method.