Evaluation and comparison of SYBR Green I Real-Time PCR and TaqMan Real-Time PCR methods for quantitative assay of Listeria monocytogenes in nutrient broth and milk

Specific traditional plate count method and real-time PCR systems based on SYBR Green I and TaqMan technologies using a specific primer pair and probe for amplification of iap-gene were used for quantitative assay of Listeria monocytogenes in seven decimal serial dilution series of nutrient broth and milk samples containing 1.58 to 1.58×107 cfu /ml and the real-time PCR methods were compared with the plate count method with respect to accuracy and sensitivity. In this study, the plate count method was performed using surface-plating of 0.1 ml of each sample on Palcam Agar. The lowest detectable level for this method was 1.58×10 cfu/ml for both nutrient broth and milk samples. Using purified DNA as a template for generation of standard curves, as few as four copies of the iap-gene could be detected per reaction with both real-time PCR assays, indicating that they were highly sensitive. When these real-time PCR assays were applied to quantification of L. monocytogenes in decimal serial dilution series of nutrient broth and milk samples, 3.16×10 to 3.16×105 copies per reaction (equals to 1.58×103 to 1.58×107 cfu/ml L. monocytogenes) were detectable. As logarithmic cycles, for Plate Count and both molecular assays, the quantitative results of the detectable steps were similar to the inoculation levels

Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of sub mucosal Partial Inferior Turbinectomy and Out fracture of Inferior Turbinate in the Nasal Respiratory Function of Rhinoplasty Patients

INTRODUCTION: The inferior turbinate is a critical and dynamic structure during rhinoplasty in the internal valve. Many surgeons try to preventively reduce its resistance against the path in the post-rhinoplasty period. To this end, the two methods of "sub mucosal partial inferior turbinectomy" and "inferior turbinate out fracture" are compared in the present study. METHODS: In this clinical study, 110 rhinoplasty candidates were randomly divided into two groups, namely sub mucosal partial inferior turbinectomy and out fracture of the inferior turbinate. To assess the complications, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) was used prior to surgical intervention, and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months following the rhinoplasty procedures. RESULTS: Based on the results of this clinical study and according to the SNOT-22 questionnaire, there was no significant difference between the two groups prior to surgery and a month following the surgery (P > 0.05). However, the average SNOT-22 score for the sub mucosal partial inferior turbinectomy group was significantly lower than that of the group with the out fracture of the inferior turbinate, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months following the surgery. CONCLUSION: Both "sub mucosal partial inferior turbinectomy" and "out fracture of inferior turbinate" are effective methods in improving the respiratory function of rhinoplasty patients, yet the former method is more effective than the latter as regards improving the respiratory function of patients

Sulfur dioxide reduces hippocampal cells death and improves learning and memory deficits in rat model of transient global ischemia/reperfusion

Objective(s): According to recent the findings, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is produced by the cardiovascular system, influencing some major biological processes. Based on previous research, SO2 exhibits antioxidant effects and inhibits apoptosis following cardiac ischemia/reperfusion. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to examine the neuroprotective impact of SO2 following global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Materials and Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats that weighed 260�300 g, were randomly allocated into 4 groups: sham group (n=12), I/R group (n=12), and I/R+SO2 groups (NaHSO3 and Na2SO3; 1:3 ratio; 5 and 10 μg/kg, respectively; for 3 days, n=12). Cerebral ischemia model was prepared by occlusion of both common carotid arteries for 20 min. Saline as a vehicle and SO2 donor at doses 5 μg/kg (intraperitoneally) were injected for 3 days after reperfusion. Four days after ischemia, the passive avoidance memory test was carried out in four groups, and after behavioral assessment, necrosis, apoptosis, and antioxidant enzyme analysis were carried out. Results: SO2 treatment could significantly improve memory impairments in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) (P<0.05). An increase in both superoxide dismutase and glutathione and a reduction in malondialdehyde were reported in the SO2 group versus the ischemic group (P<0.05). Moreover, SO2 could significantly decrease necrotic and apoptotic cells in the CA1 region (P<0.01). Conclusion: According to the findings, SO2 exerts significant neuroprotective effects on cerebral I/R due to its antioxidant activity. © 2018, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Baseline characteristics of patients in the reduction of events with darbepoetin alfa in heart failure trial (RED-HF)

<p>Aims: This report describes the baseline characteristics of patients in the Reduction of Events with Darbepoetin alfa in Heart Failure trial (RED-HF) which is testing the hypothesis that anaemia correction with darbepoetin alfa will reduce the composite endpoint of death from any cause or hospital admission for worsening heart failure, and improve other outcomes.</p> <p>Methods and results: Key demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings, along with baseline treatment, are reported and compared with those of patients in other recent clinical trials in heart failure. Compared with other recent trials, RED-HF enrolled more elderly [mean age 70 (SD 11.4) years], female (41%), and black (9%) patients. RED-HF patients more often had diabetes (46%) and renal impairment (72% had an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Patients in RED-HF had heart failure of longer duration [5.3 (5.4) years], worse NYHA class (35% II, 63% III, and 2% IV), and more signs of congestion. Mean EF was 30% (6.8%). RED-HF patients were well treated at randomization, and pharmacological therapy at baseline was broadly similar to that of other recent trials, taking account of study-specific inclusion/exclusion criteria. Median (interquartile range) haemoglobin at baseline was 112 (106–117) g/L.</p> <p>Conclusion: The anaemic patients enrolled in RED-HF were older, moderately to markedly symptomatic, and had extensive co-morbidity.</p&gt

A review of the positive and negative effects of cardiovascular drugs on sexual function: a proposed table for use in clinical practice

Several antihypertensive drugs, such as diuretics and β-blockers, can negatively affect sexual function, leading to diminished quality of life and often to noncompliance with the therapy. Other drug classes, however, such as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are able to improve patients’ sexual function. Sufficient knowledge about the effects of these widely used antihypertensive drugs will make it possible for cardiologists and general practitioners to spare and even improve patients’ sexual health by switching to different classes of cardiac medication. Nevertheless, previous data (part I) indicate that most cardiologists lack knowledge about the effects cardiovascular agents can have on sexual function and will thus not be able to provide the necessary holistic patient care with regard to prescribing these drugs. To be able to improve healthcare on this point, we aimed to provide a practical overview, for use by cardiologists as well as other healthcare professionals, dealing with sexual dysfunction in their clinical practices. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature was performed. The eight most widely used classes of antihypertensive drugs have been categorised in a clear table, marking whether they have a positive, negative or no effect on sexual function

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans count in patients with adult periodontitis

  Periodontal infections are categorized into various groups based on patient’s age or bacteria presented in dental pockets. There are Juvenile periodontitis, rapidly progressing periodontitis and adult periodontitis. Adult periodontitis is known as the most prevalent cause of tooth loss in adult patients. In current study, 100 teeth of patients who suffered from adult periodontistis were selected, cultured in kapnophil media and analyzed for containing Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans bacteria. 34 teeth of 17 patients contained this bacteria. Further discussions are mentioned in the article about sex,age and location of infection in these patients in association to the bacteria presence

Effect of intramuscular administration of dexamethasone on the duration of labor

Objective: To evaluate the effect of dexamethasone administration on labor duration. Method: In this controlled trial 122 nulliparous women with a full-term pregnancy and a Bishop score of 7 or greater were randomly assigned to receive a single 8-mg dose of dexamethasone or placebo 6 hours before initiation of labor induction. Results: The interval between initiation of labor induction and beginning of the active phase of labor was shorter in the dexamethasone than in the control group (3.09 ± 1.5 hours vs. 4.21 ± 1.8 hours; P = 0.001). The duration of the second stage of labor was also shorter in the dexamethasone group (22.23 ± 16.09 minutes vs. 29.01 ± 15.32 minutes; P = 0.014). Conclusion: The administration of dexamethasone was found to shorten labor duration. © 2008 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics