Search results for "ARTICLES"
showing 10 items of 9626 documents
Tips and tricks for flow cytometry-based analysis and counting of microparticles
2015
Submicron-sized extra-cellular vesicles generated by budding from the external cell membranes, microparticles (MPs) are important actors in transfusion as well as in other medical specialties. After briefly positioning their role in the characterization of labile blood products, this technically oriented chapter aims to review practical points that need to be considered when trying to use flow cytometry for the analysis, characterization and absolute counting of MP subsets. Subjects of active discussions relative to instrumentation will include the choice of the trigger parameter, possible standardization approaches requiring instrument quality-control, origin and control of non-specific ba…
Mesoporous Silica-Based Materials with Bactericidal Properties
2019
[EN] Bacterial infections are the main cause of chronic infections and even mortality. In fact, due to extensive use of antibiotics and, then, emergence of antibiotic resistance, treatment of such infections by conventional antibiotics has become a major concern worldwide. One of the promising strategies to treat infection diseases is the use of nanomaterials. Among them, mesoporous silica materials (MSMs) have attracted burgeoning attention due to high surface area, tunable pore/particle size, and easy surface functionalization. This review discusses how one can exploit capacities of MSMs to design and fabricate multifunctional/controllable drug delivery systems (DDSs) to combat bacterial …
ANMCO/ELAS/SIBioC Consensus Document: Biomarkers in heart failure
2017
Abstract Biomarkers have dramatically impacted the way heart failure (HF) patients are evaluated and managed. A biomarker is a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological or pathogenic processes, or pharmacological responses to a therapeutic intervention. Natriuretic peptides [B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP] are the gold standard biomarkers in determining the diagnosis and prognosis of HF, and a natriuretic peptide-guided HF management looks promising. In the last few years, an array of additional biomarkers has emerged, each reflecting different pathophysiological processes in the development and progression of HF: …
Electrocardiographic Indices of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Repolarization Phase Share the Same Genetic Influences: A Twin Study
2009
Background: Both left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and repolarization phase (RP) are known to be attributable to genetic influences, but less is known whether they share same genetic influences. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent individual differences in electrocardiographic (ECG) LVH and RP are explained by genetic and environmental influences and whether these influences are shared between these two traits. Methods: Resting ECG recordings were obtained from 186 monozygotic and 203 dizygotic female twin individuals, aged 63 to 76 years. Latent factors, called LVH and RP, were formed to condense the information obtained from LVH indices (Cornell voltage and Cornell pr…
Is Persistent Thick Copious Mucus a Long-Term Symptom of COVID-19?
2020
Introduction The typical clinical picture of COVID-19 is gradually becoming clearer, both in the acute phase and in the long-term. However, new symptoms are gradually being identified. We describe a long-term symptom that has not yet been reported. Case description A 49-year-old man consulted for persistent asthenia. The general practitioner found a fever (39.2°C), and COVID-19 was confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction test. Further symptoms appeared, notably thick, white, painless tracheal hypersecretion for 3 months before diminishing, without disappearing. Conclusion Non-inflammatory tracheal hypersecretion, not yet reported in COVID-19, may be an additional long-term symptom. The h…
Should Contact Bans Have Been Lifted More in Germany?
2020
Abstract Many countries consider the lifting of restrictions of social contacts (RSC). We quantify the effects of RSC for Germany. We initially employ a purely statistical approach to predicting prevalence of Covid-19 if RSC had been upheld after 20 April. We employ these findings and feed them into our theoretical model. We find that the peak of the number of sick individuals would have been reached already end of April. The number of sick individuals would have fallen below 1000 at the beginning of July. If restrictions had been lifted completely on April 20, the number of sick should have risen quickly again from around 27 April. A balance between economic and individual costs of RSC and…
Prevalence estimation of celiac disease in the general adult population of Latvia using serology and HLA genotyping
2015
Background: Prevalence estimates for celiac disease (CD) depend on the method used. The role of deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) and genetic testing in epidemiological studies and diagnostic settings of celiac disease (CD) has still to be established. Objectives: The objective of this article is to assess the prevalence of CD in Latvia by combining serological tests with DQ2.5/ DQ8 testing. Methods: A total of 1444 adults from a randomly selected cross-sectional general population sample were tested by ELISA for tTG IgA, DGP IgA and IgG antibodies (QUANTA Lite, Inova Diagnostics Inc). Samples with tTG IgA 20U were tested for EMA IgA by indirect immunofluorescence assay, and all specimens wi…
Genetic influences on resting electrocardiographic variables in older women: a twin study.
2009
Background: Previous studies in young and middle-aged men and women have shown that resting electrocardiographic (ECG) variables are influenced by genetic factors. However, the extent to which resting ECG variables are influenced by genetic factors in older women is unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the relative contribution of genetic and environmental influences to individual differences in resting ECG variables among older female twins without overt cardiac diseases. Methods: Resting ECG recordings were obtained from 186 monozygotic and 203 dizygotic twin individuals, aged 63–76 years. Quantitative genetic modeling was used to decompose the phenotypic variance in each …
Glucose 6-P dehydrogenase delays the onset of frailty by protecting against muscle damage.
2021
Background: Frailty is a major age-associated syndrome leading to disability. Oxidative damage plays a significant role in the promotion of frailty. The cellular antioxidant system relies on reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) that is highly dependent on glucose 6-P dehydrogenase (G6PD). The G6PD-overexpressing mouse (G6PD-Tg) is protected against metabolic stresses. Our aim was to examine whether this protection delays frailty. Methods: Old wild-type (WT) and G6PD-Tg mice were evaluated longitudinally in terms of frailty. Indirect calorimetry, transcriptomic profile, and different skeletal muscle quality markers and muscle regenerative capacity were also investigate…
Reduction of Gender Identity Stigma and Improvements in Mental Health Among Transgender Women Initiating HIV Treatment in a Trans-Sensitive Clinic in…
2021
Purpose: Stigma toward transgender women (TGW) increases psychosocial vulnerability, leading to poor mental health and affecting access and retention in HIV care. Trans-sensitive health care (TSHC) has the potential to mitigate this adverse impact. This study aimed to describe baseline characteristics in gender identity stigma (GIS), mental health, and substance use among TGW living with HIV initiating antiretroviral treatment and to analyze changes after 6 months in HIV care in a TSHC clinic in Argentina. Methods: Sixty-one TGW living with HIV responded to the following questionnaires at baseline and after 6 months in TSHC: sociodemographic, experiences of GIS (in health care, police, etc.…