Herbal medicine IMOD suppresses LPS-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines in human dendritic cells

Traditional medicines that stimulate or modulate the immune system can be used as innovative approaches to treat immunological diseases. The herbal medicine IMOD has been shown to strongly modulate immune responses in several animal studies as well as in clinical trials. However, little is known about the mechanisms of IMOD to modulate immunity. Here we have investigated whether IMOD modulates the immunological function of human dendritic cells (DCs). IMOD alone did not induce DC maturation nor production of cytokines. Notably, IMOD decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-12 p70 and TNFα by LPS-activated DCs at both mRNA and protein levels in a dose dependent manner. In contrast, treatment with IMOD did not affect LPS induced-production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Furthermore, IMOD inhibited T cell activation/proliferation by LPS-treated DCs and skewed T-cells responses towards the T helper type 2 polarization. These data strongly indicate that IMOD has a potent immunomodulatory ability that affects TLR signaling and thereby modulates DC function. Insight into the immunomodulatory effect of herbal medicine IMOD may provide innovative strategies to affect the immune system and to help combat various disease

Evaluation of Service-Oriented Nursing Supervisor Strategy Based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)

Background: This study introduced a service-oriented nursing supervisor strategy to increase the performance efficiency of different hospital wards. The efficiency of this strategy in 12 wards under the supervision of 12 supervisors was evaluated using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Materials and Methods: The efficiency of the service-oriented nursing supervisor strategy was evaluated using DEA. This study aims to evaluate the relative efficiency of hospital wards before and after implementing the service-oriented nursing supervisor strategy at Milad hospital. Data were evaluated using two basic models of data envelopment analysis technique, i.e., CCR and BCC output-oriented methods. Then, the relative performance efficiencies of 12 wards in 2 periods, including the first half of 2020 (before service-oriented nursing supervisor strategy) and the second half of 2020 (after service-oriented nursing supervisor strategy) were analyzed. Finally, efficient wards were ranked using the Anderson-Peterson method based on the results. Results: According to the CCR output-oriented method, after implementing service-oriented nursing supervisor strategy, Urology, Gastroenterology, and Neurosurgery wards, as well as ENT, had the highest and lowest efficiency rates, respectively. Based on the BCC output-oriented method, Urology, Renal Transplant, Neurosurgery, and Gynecology wards had the highest efficiency in performance, while ENT had the lowest efficiency. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study offer a service-oriented nursing supervisor strategy that improves the efficiency of different wards of the hospital

Prognostic Serum Factors in Traumatic Brian Injury: A Systematic Review

Background & Aim: Traumatic brain injury is one of the main causes of death and disability. The aim of this study is to systematically review the articles which assessed some serum factors of traumatic brain injury patients in relation to their outcomes. Methods & Materials/Patients: Databases were searched for relevant publications from 2005 to 2014. Selection criteria were:Studies which evaluate the factors affecting the outcome after TBI, TBI defined as “acute changes in brain function resulting in a strong external force to the head”.Resultswere measured by Glasgow Outcome Score or a comparable measure.Factors were measured in first month after injury and the prognosis was addressed. All papers were checked and approved by a specialist and expert in that field. A systematic review was performed for prognostic factors. Results: Sixty-three studies were included. Most studies used Glasgow Outcome Score at 6 months post-injury as outcome measure, sometimes in combination with other outcome measures. Strong evidence for predicting outcome was found for serum concentration of S100 protein, NSE, MBP, NF-H, GFAP, UCH-L1, blood glucose levels, serum levels of LDH, sodium level, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, D.dimer, HSP 70, serum levels of IL-8, number of circulating EPCs, and  DNA levels in serum. Moderate evidence for predicting outcome was found for high serum MMP9. Strong evidence of no association was found for WBC count and serum cortisol levels. Moderate evidence of no association was found for serum total cholesterol for other determinants, inconclusive or no evidence or limited evidence was found. Conclusion: S100 protein, NSE, MBP, NF-H, GFAP, UCH-L1, blood glucose levels, serum levels of LDH, sodium level, prothrombin time, Partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, D.dimer, HSP 70, serum levels of IL-8, number of circulating EPCs, and  DNA levels in serum predicted outcome after traumatic brain injury. WBC count, serum cortisol levels, total cholesterol and MMP9 did not have predictive value