Immunostimulatory activity of brown seaweed-derived fucoidans at different molecular weights and purity levels towards white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)in shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

2016-10-02T06-42-59Z
Source: Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science
Ellya Sinurat, Endang Saepudin, Rosmawaty Peranginangin, Sumi Hudiyono.
White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is one of the virulent pathogens and causes big economic losses to shrimp aquaculture (Flegel, 2011). In general, most crustaceans have no immune system memory and only rely on innate immunity to protect themself against pathogen infection and other external factors that constantly threatens their lives (Sarathi et al., 2007). Research in the immune response of shrimp has flourished because of its importance in aquaculture and the increasing number of pathogens that arise are found, which may affect an organism's defense system (Bachere et al., 2000). To fight these pathogens, the shrimp using a variety of specific immune mechanisms, including haemocytes mobilization (Johansson and Soderhall, 1989); prophenoloxidase cascade formation (Sritunyalucksana and Soderhall, 2000). The immune system of shrimp is intimately related to its blood (hemolymph), because it contains haemocytes involved in cell's defense mechanisms such as phagocytosis, lysis of foreign units and encapsulation (Soderhall and Smith, 1983; Fuhua and Jianhai, 2013; Dechamag et al., 2006). Prophenoloxidase (proPO) system is an important defense mechanism in crustaceans. This system involves a complex molecular cascade triggered by components of the surface of immunostimulants. A number of immunostimulants that have been used in aquaculture are from the class of polysaccharides derived from bacteria and fungi such as -glucan, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan, Cynodon dactylon and herbal immunostimulant. In addition to that, there are also immunostimulants derived from seaweeds such as alginate, carrageenan, laminarin and fucoidan. Generally immunostimulatory substances that have been reported so far were less pure or in the form of crude extracts (Chin et al., 2013). Fucoidan has no direct effect on virion, but it plays a role in the defense system through cellular and the humolar mechanisms to fight the virus. Mechanism of antiviral activity of fucoidan is to inhibit the absorption of viruses and the formation of virus-induced syncytium (Mandal et al., 2007). The biologic activities of fucoidans are closely related to their molecular structures, which include fucose linkage, the sugar type, sulfate content, and molecular weight. Among these, molecular weight is one of the most important factors determining the biological activities of polysaccharides.


http://ift.tt/2dQRnr5

Evaluation of focal liver lesions by magnetic resonance imaging and correlation with pathology

2016-10-01T06-28-21Z
Source: International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
Uma Maheswara Rao M., Lakshman Rao Ch..
Background: The goals of imaging in focal liver lesions is to assess the number, size, location and characterize the lesions as benign / malignant with newer imaging modalities and confirmation of pathology by Fine needle aspiration cytology or by biopsy. This is essential for treatment planning and prognosis. Methods: A total of 42 patients detected to have focal lesions in liver on ultra-sonogram were characterized on MRI on the basis of morphology, signal characteristics, enhancement patterns. Extra hepatic spread is suggested by capsular breach, peritoneal metastases and lymph node enlargement. Tissue diagnosis was obtained by fine needle aspiration cytology/ Tru cut biopsy/ surgery. Hemangiomas and simple cysts were followed up for an average period of 7.5 months by imaging without biopsy. Results: Out of 42 patients, 28 were males (68%) and 14 were females (32%). The age range was 20 to 70 years with a mean age of 51 years for malignant lesions. The right lobe of liver was involved in 26 (62%), left lobe in 7 (17%) and both lobes in 9(21%) cases. There were 24 benign and 18 malignant lesions. The mean ADC value was 2.092 X 10-3 sec/ mm2 and 1.241 X 10-3 sec/ mm2 for benign and malignant lesions respectively. The difference in mean ADC values in both the groups was significant (p


http://ift.tt/2dt1t0q

IJERPH, Vol. 13, Pages 971: Spatial Distribution Balance Analysis of Hospitals in Wuhan

The spatial distribution pattern of hospitals in Wuhan indicates a core in the central urban areas and a sparse distribution in the suburbs, particularly at the center of suburbs. This study aims to improve the gravity and Huff models to analyze healthcare accessibility and resources. Results indicate that healthcare accessibility in central urban areas is better than in the suburbs, where it increasingly worsens for the suburbs. A shortage of healthcare resources is observed in large-scale and high-class hospitals in central urban areas, whereas the resources of some hospitals in the suburbs are redundant. This study proposes the multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) analysis model for the location assessment in constructing new hospitals, which can effectively ameliorate healthcare accessibility in suburban areas. This study presents implications for the planning of urban healthcare facilities.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cGpuN5
via IFTTT

About Diode Laser Stapedotomy.

About Diode Laser Stapedotomy.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Oct;155(4):719

Authors: Poletti AM

PMID: 27683356 [PubMed - in process]

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cQmS2z
via IFTTT

Highlights from the Current Issue: October 2016.

Highlights from the Current Issue: October 2016.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Oct;155(4):545-6

Authors: Krouse JH

PMID: 27683355 [PubMed - in process]

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2ds5izi
via IFTTT

Efficacy of Perioperative Lumbar Drainage following Endonasal Endoscopic Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair: A Meta-analysis.

Efficacy of Perioperative Lumbar Drainage following Endonasal Endoscopic Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair: A Meta-analysis.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Sep 27;

Authors: Ahmed OH, Marcus S, Tauber JR, Wang B, Fang Y, Lebowitz RA

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Perioperative lumbar drain (LD) use in the setting of endoscopic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repair is a well-established practice. However, recent data suggest that LDs may not provide significant benefit and may thus confer unnecessary risk. To examine this, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effect of LDs on postoperative CSF leak recurrence following endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea.
DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search was performed with the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE (1947 to November 2015), EMBASE (1974 to November 2015), Cochrane Review, and PubMed (1990 to November 2015).
REVIEW METHOD: A meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS: A total of 1314 nonduplicate studies were identified in our search. Twelve articles comprising 508 cases met inclusion criteria. Overall, use of LDs was not associated with significantly lower postoperative CSF leak recurrence rates following endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea (odds ratio: 0.89, 95% confidence interval: 0.40-1.95) as compared with cases performed without LDs. Subgroup analysis of only CSF leaks associated with anterior skull base resections (6 studies, 153 cases) also demonstrated that lumbar drainage did not significantly affect rates of successful repair (odds ratio: 2.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.64-11.10).
CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support that adjunctive lumbar drainage significantly reduces postoperative CSF leak recurrence in patients undergoing endoscopic CSF leak repair. Subgroup analysis examining only those patients whose CSF leaks were associated with anterior skull base resections demonstrated similar results. More level 1 and 2 studies are needed to further investigate the efficacy of LDs, particularly in the setting of patients at high risk for CSF leak recurrence.

PMID: 27677601 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cQl1L3
via IFTTT

Effect of Preoperative Counseling on Hospital Length of Stay and Readmissions after Total Laryngectomy.

Effect of Preoperative Counseling on Hospital Length of Stay and Readmissions after Total Laryngectomy.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Sep 27;

Authors: Shenson JA, Craig JN, Rohde SL

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Total laryngectomy (TL) is a high-cost procedure with patients at risk for significant postoperative health care use. Face-to-face preoperative counseling provided by speech-language pathologists is a relatively inexpensive intervention that may improve care quality and decrease costs. We evaluated if preoperative counseling for patients undergoing TL was associated with differences in length of stay (LOS), use of the emergency department (ED), or unplanned readmissions within 30 days of discharge. A secondary analysis identified predictors of these 3 outcomes.
STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review.
SETTING: Academic medical center in the United States.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients were included if they underwent TL from 2011 to 2015. Patient demographics and comorbidities, surgical characteristics, and perioperative care data were retrieved and analyzed for 116 patients. Univariate and multivariate models were constructed for 3 outcomes.
RESULTS: LOS was significantly lower for patients receiving counseling (-3.0 days, P = .02). No differences were observed in rates of 30-day ED visits or unplanned readmissions. Care provided by high-volume surgeons was associated with decreased LOS (P = .005), while having postoperative complications increased LOS (P < .001). High rates of ED visits (12.1%) and readmissions (20.6%) were observed. Discharge to inpatient rehabilitation and the patient's home distance from the institution were predictors of ED visits. TL as salvage therapy and occurrence of postoperative complications were risk factors for readmission.
CONCLUSION: Preoperative counseling was associated with marked reduction in LOS following TL without increased readmissions, which suggests that it may promote safe, earlier patient readiness for discharge.

PMID: 27677600 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2ds4Hh5
via IFTTT