A STUDY OF MYOCARDIAL FUNCTION BY ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN ELDERLY SUBJECTS

Back ground and Objectives: Age related changes in cardiovascular function are known to occur in elderly subjects and the prevalence of diastolic abnormality is substantially higher than systolic component. The prevalence rate is about 3% in normal population. Due to various age related changes myocardial stiffness occurs which manifests as failure of myocardium to relax fully. This results in diastolic dysfunction, which may even progress to diastolic failure. This study was undertaken to determine age related changes in myocardial function in elderly subjects by Doppler echocardiography. Methods: 100 subjects in the age group of 25 years to 65 years and above underwent 2D Echocardiography and Doppler testing. Results: The results showed that there is a decrease in velocity of early diastolic filling (MF -E wave), ejection fraction, heart rate, and increase in velocity of late diastolic filling (MF -A wave), diameter of left atrium, left ventricle end systolic and end diastolic diameters, thickness of inter ventricular septum and posterior wall of left ventricle, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and pulse pressure, (P value < 0.0001 for all parameters). interpretation and Conclusion: All these changes indicate the presence of diastolic dysfunction in elderly age group which is a prelude to diastolic failure. Early interventions at this stage may prove to be more beneficial. KEYWORDS: Doppler, 2D-Echocardiograhpy, diastolic dysfunction, elderly, myocardial function. Quick Response cod

Effect of food matrix and processing on release of almond protein during simulated digestion

Abstract The aims of the present work were to assess digestibility of almond protein in the upper gastrointestinal tract, evaluate the effects of food matrix on protein release and assess the persistence of immunoreactive polypeptides generated during simulated digestion. Prunin, the most abundant protein in almond flour, was sensitive to pepsin, with complete digestion after 20 min in the gastric phase. Addition of the surfactant phosphatidylcholine did not affect the rate and kinetic of digestion, as observed by SDS-PAGE analysis and HPLC, in the stomach and the small intestine of either natural or blanched almond flour. However, incorporation of almond flour into a food matrix, such as chocolate mousse and Victorian sponge cake, decreased the rate of almond protein degradation by pepsin and immunoreactivity of almond polypeptides detected by dot blots and sandwich ELISA retained better. Most of the almond protein identified by in-gel tryptic digestion and MALDI-TOF analysis corresponded to prunin, with pI values of 5–7. Further human sera studies are warranted to investigate the relationship between food matrix and almond allergy

Recent advances in microfluidic platform for physical and immunological detection and capture of circulating tumor cells

CTCs (circulating tumor cells) are well-known for their use in clinical trials for tumor diagnosis. Capturing and isolating these CTCs from whole blood samples has enormous benefits in cancer diagnosis and treatment. In general, various approaches are being used to separate malignant cells, including immunomagnets, macroscale filters, centrifuges, dielectrophoresis, and immunological approaches. These procedures, on the other hand, are time-consuming and necessitate multiple high-level operational protocols. In addition, considering their low efficiency and throughput, the processes of capturing and isolating CTCs face tremendous challenges. Meanwhile, recent advances in microfluidic devices promise unprecedented advantages for capturing and isolating CTCs with greater efficiency, sensitivity, selectivity and accuracy. In this regard, this review article focuses primarily on the various fabrication methodologies involved in microfluidic devices and techniques specifically used to capture and isolate CTCs using various physical and biological methods as well as their conceptual ideas, advantages and disadvantages.Department of Science & Technology | Ref. TDP/BDTD/32/2019Department of Science and Technology | Ref. DST/TDT/DDP-31/2021Taif University | Ref. TURSP-2020/04European Commission | Ref. H2020, n. 89422