Search results for "Method"
showing 10 items of 13253 documents
Pancreatic islets from non-heart beating donor pig: Two-layer preservation method in an in vitro porcine model
2011
Purpose Pancreata from non-heart beating donors could represent an unlimited source of islets if their cell viability can be efficiently preserved during the time necessary to process the organs by the use of a better solution of preservation compared to the classic University of Wisconsin solution. The aim of this study was to determine whether it is possible to obtain functioning “alive islets” from non-heart-beating donors by comparing, on a porcine model, the classic “UW ice-store” method with a two-layer cold storage method (TLM) using oxygenated Perfluorocarbons (PFC) and UW. Methods Whole pancreata were harvested from 20 NHBDs female pigs with similar characteristics and preserved fo…
Economic evaluation of caspofungin vs liposomal amphotericin B for empirical therapy of suspected systemic fungal infection in the German hospital se…
2007
As antifungal agents are frequently used in hematology and oncology, economic data on the empirical therapy of suspected systemic fungal infection are pivotal. Data were analyzed according to: (1) the rate of nephrotoxicity related to treatment with caspofungin in comparison to liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) from a randomized clinical trial, (2) the effect of nephrotoxicity on length of hospital stay from a European observational study, and (3) an example of total bottom-up cost in a department of hematology in Germany. All estimates include 95% confidence intervals (CI) using two-stage Monte Carlo simulation on binominal and Gaussian random variables from separate studies with comparable…
Effects of polymorphisms in endothelial nitric oxide synthase and folate metabolizing genes on the concentration of serum nitrate, folate, and plasma…
2015
Abstract Objectives A number of studies have explored the effects of dietary nitrate on human health. Nitrate in the blood can be recycled to nitric oxide, which is an essential mediator involved in many important biochemical mechanisms. Nitric oxide is also formed in the body from l -arginine by nitric oxide synthase. The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic polymorphisms in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and genes involved in folate metabolism affect the concentration of serum nitrate, serum folate, and plasma total homocysteine in healthy individuals after folic acid supplementation. Methods In a randomized double-blind, crossover study, participants were given …
3D reconstruction techniques made easy: know-how and pictures
2005
Three-dimensional reconstructions represent a visual-based tool for illustrating the basis of three-dimensional post-processing such as interpolation, ray-casting, segmentation, percentage classification, gradient calculation, shading and illumination. The knowledge of the optimal scanning and reconstruction parameters facilitates the use of three-dimensional reconstruction techniques in clinical practise. The aim of this article is to explain the principles of multidimensional image processing in a pictorial way and the advantages and limitations of the different possibilities of 3D visualisation.
Ocular counterrolling. Some practical considerations of a new evaluation method for diagnostic purposes.
1986
Ocular counterrolling (OCR) data taken from the literature (12 publications) were used to test the best fit (least-square fit) of these measurements with respect to three mathematical models: a sine relation between OCR and the lateral tilt stimulus, a complex cosine-square relation, and a logarithmic relation between OCR gain and tilt. The latter proved to be the best fitting function. On the basis of this model, we attempted to define a physiological transfer function between OCR gain and tilt, which could serve as a reference of normal population, assuming healthy subjects for the investigations applied. Comparison of this physiological range with pathological data demonstrated marked di…
Minor salivary gland biopsy in Sjögren's syndrome: a review and introduction of a new tool to ease the procedure
2013
Objectives: To review the existing techniques for minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) in the lip and to suggest a new approach to ease the procedure and reduce post-operative complications. Study Design: A comprehensive literature review and a descriptive study of a new surgical technique. Results: Diverse incisions have been suggested for MSGB with different designs (ellipse, circular, linear), different directions (parallel, oblique, vertical) and a wide range of lengths (from 1 mm up to 3 cm), but no comparative studies supporting the advantages of a particular type of incision over the others could be retrieved. A variety of features of the existing techniques for MSGB are linked to unde…
Progression of Gastric Acid Production in Preterm Neonates: Utilization of In-vitro Method
2018
Background: There have been limited studies done regarding ability to produce gastric acid in preterm infants. Most studies have used in vivo method of assessing gastric pH. Objectives: The objectives of the study was to assess the feasibility of using an in vitro method of measuring gastric pH in babies ≤ 28 weeks gestational age (GA) and determine whether changes in gastric pH differ with gestational age, mode of delivery, and use of antenatal steroids. Design/Methods: Prospective study that enrolled extremely low birth weight (ELBW) babies. Gastric aspirate was collected before feeding. In vitro testing of gastric aspirates for pH were done on days of life 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 28 by using…
The effectiveness of the Feldenkrais method: a systematic review of the evidence
2014
The Feldenkrais Method (FM) has broad application in populations interested in improving awareness, health, and ease of function.This review aimed to update the evidence for the benefits of FM, and for which populations. A best practice systematic review protocol was devised. Included studies were appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias approach and trial findings analysed individually and collectively where possible. Twenty RCTs were included (an additional 14 to an earlier systematic review). The population, outcome, and findings were highly heterogeneous. However, meta-analyses were able to be performed with 7 studies,finding in favour of the FM for improving balance in ageing populati…
Bisoprolol and captopril effects on insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity in essential hypertension.
1998
Angiotension converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-blockers have been reported to possess disparate effects on insulin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to study the effects of the selective beta-1 blocker bisoprolol and of the ACE inhibitor captopril on cellular insulin action in hypertensive individuals. After washout, 12 mild to moderate essential hypertensives were randomized in a double-blind manner to 5 mg bisoprolol daily or 25 mg captopril twice daily for 8 weeks. Erythrocyte insulin binding and insulin-stimulated tyrosine kinase (TK) activity were measured before and after therapy. Both agents decreased diastolic blood pressure significantly (bisoprolol 96.5+/-0.9 to 87.…
Genistein in the Metabolic Syndrome: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial
2013
Context: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of genistein on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in Caucasian postmenopausal subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Objective: Our objective was to assess the effects of genistein on surrogate endpoints associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Design and Setting: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at 3 university medical centers in Italy. Patients: Patients included 120 postmenopausal women with MetS according to modified Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Tre…