Modified Amplitude of Gravitational Waves Spectrum

The spectrum of thermal gravitational waves is obtained by including the high frequency thermal gravitons created from extra-dimensional effect and is a new feature of the spectrum. The amplitude and spectral energy density of gravitational waves in thermal vacuum state are found enhanced. The amplitude of the waves get modified in the frequency range (10$^{-16}$ -10 $^{8}$ Hz) but the corresponding spectral energy density is less than the upper bound of various estimated results. With the addition of higher frequency thermal waves, the obtained spectral energy density of the wave in thermal vacuum state does not exceed the upper bound put by nucleosynthesis rate. The existence of cosmologically originated thermal gravitational waves due to extra dimension is not ruled out.Comment: 18 pages, 4 figures, to appear in Classical and Quantum Gravity. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:astro-ph/0503162, arXiv:astro-ph/0501329 by other author

ECEL1 novel mutation in arthrogryposis type 5D: A molecular dynamic simulation study.

BACKGROUND: ECEL1 has been presented as a causal gene of an autosomal recessive form distal arthrogryposis (DA) which affects the distal joints. The present study focused on bioinformatic analysis of a novel mutation in ECEL1, c.535A>G (p. Lys179Glu), which was reported in a family with 2 affected boys and fetus through prenatal diagnosis. METHODS: Whole-exome sequencing data analyzed followed by molecular dynamic (MD) simulation of native ECEL1 protein and mutant structures using GROMACS software. One variant c.535A>G, p. Lys179Glu (homozygous) on gene ECEL1 has been detected in proband which was validated in all family members through Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: We demonstrated remarkable constructional differences by MD simulation between wild-type and novel mutant of ECEL1 gene. The reason for the lack of the Zn ion binding in mutation in the ECEL1 protein has been identified by average atomic distance and SMD analysis among the wild-type and mutant. CONCLUSION: Overall, in this study, we present knowledge of the effect of the studied variant on the ECEL1 protein leading to neurodegenerative disorder in humans. This work may hopefully be supplementary to classical molecular dynamics to dissolve the mutational effects of cofactor-dependent protein

Association between the microbiota and women's cancers � Cause or consequences?

Breast, ovarian and uterine cancers are the most common neoplasms among women. Several mechanisms may be involved in oncogenesis and these include environmental and genetic factors. Bacteria may affect the development of some cancers, with bacterial components, their products and metabolites interacting with susceptible tissues. Commensalism and dysbiosis are important potential mechanisms involved in oncogenesis, and an effective strategy for diagnosis and treatment is required. The purpose of this review was to analyze the complex associations between these cancers in women, and the microbiota, specifically bacterial microbes. However, several cancers have an increased prevalence among individuals with HIV and HPV so the relationship between viral infections and malignancies in women is also referred to. We described how different phylum of bacteria, particularly in the gut, mammary tissue and vaginal microbiome may be involved in carcinogenesis; and we discuss the potential pathways involved: (I), that lead to cell proliferation, (II), immune system perturbation, (III), cell metabolic changes (e.g., hormonal factors), and (IV), DNA damage. Studies investigating the differences between the composition of the bacterial microbiota of healthy women compared to that present in various conditions, and the clinical trials are summarized for the few studies that have addressed the microbiota and related conditions, are also reviewed. © 2020 The Author

The effects of curcumin on glycemic control and lipid profiles among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were performed to determine the effects of curcumin intake on glycemic control and lipid profiles among patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related disorders. Methods: We searched the following databases up until January 2018: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The relevant data were extracted and evaluated for quality of the studies in accordance with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as standardized mean difference (MDs) with 95 confidence intervals (95 CI). Results: Twenty-six trials with 1890 participants were included in the current meta-analysis. The findings demonstrated the significant association between curcumin intake and reduced fasting glucose levels (SMD-0.78; 95 CI,-1.20,-0.37; P<0.001), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (SMD-0.91; 95 CI,-1.52,-0.31; P=0.003) and HbA1c (SMD-0.92; 95 CI,-1.37,-0.47; P<0.001). In addition, curcumin supplementation was significantly associated with triglyceride (SMD-1.21; 95 CI,-1.78,-0.65; P<0.001) and total cholesterol reduction (SMD-0.73; 95 CI,-1.32,-0.13; P= 0.01). However, curcumin intake significantly increased insulin levels (SMD 0.92; 95 CI, 0.06, 1.78; P=0.036). We found no significant effect of curcumin supplementation on LDL-(SMD-0.52; 95 CI,-1.14, 0.11; P=0.10) and HDL-cholesterol levels (SMD 0.28; 95 CI,-0.22, 0.77; P=0.27). Conclusion: Overall, curcumin consumption was associated with a significant reduction in fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels among patients with MetS and related disorders, but did not affect LDL-and HDL-cholesterol levels. © 2018 Bentham Science Publishers

Acute toxicity, brine shrimp cytotoxicity and relaxant activity of fruits of callistemon citrinus curtis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Callistemon citrinus </it>Curtis belongs to family Myrtaceae that has a great medicinal importance. In our previous work, fruits of <it>Callistemon citrinus </it>were reported to have relaxant (antispasmodic) activity. The current work describes the screening of fractions of the crude methanol extract for tracing spasmolytic constituents so that it shall help us for isolation of bioactive compounds. Acute toxicity and brine shrimp cytotoxicity of crude methanol extract are also performed to standardize it.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The crude methanol extract was obtained by maceration with distilled water (500 ml) three times and fractionated successively with <it>n-</it>hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and <it>n-</it>butanol (300 ml of each solvent). Phytochemical analysis for crude methanol extract was performed. Acute toxicity studies were performed in mice. Brine shrimp cytotoxicity studies were performed to determine its cytotoxicity and standardize it. In other series of experiments, rabbits' jejunum preparations were used in screening for possible relaxant activities of various fractions. They were applied in concentrations of 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/ml on spontaneous rabbits' jejunum preparations. In similar fashion, fractions were also tested on KCl (80 mM) -induced contractions. Calcium chloride curves were constructed in K-rich Tyrode's solution. The effects of various fractions were tested on calcium chloride curves at concentrations 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/ml. Curves of verapamil used as reference drug at concentration 0.1 μM and 0.3 μM were also constructed. The curves were compared with their respective controls for possible right shift.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Methanol extract tested strongly positive for saponins and tannins. However, it tested mild positive for presence of proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates and phenolic compounds. LD₅₀value for crude methanol extract is 476.25 ± 10.3 (470-481, n = 4) mg/ml. Similarly, EC₅₀value for brine shrimp cytotoxicity is 65.5 ± 7.28 (60.8- 69.4, n = 4) mg/ml. All the fractions relaxed the spontaneous and KCl-induced contractions. EC₅₀values (mg/ml) for effects of ethyl acetate fraction on spontaneous and KCl induced contractions are 2.62 ± 0.78 (2.15-3.0, n = 4) and 3.72 ± 0.86 (3.38-4.28, n = 4) respectively. Respective EC₅₀values (mg/ml) for <it>n-</it>butanol fraction are 3.59 ± 0.2(3.07-3.9, n = 4) for spontaneous, and 5.57 ± 0.2 (5.07-6.11, n = 4) for KCl- induced contractions. EC₅₀value for control calcium chloride curve (without extract) is -2.73 ± 0.19 (-2.6 - -2.81, n = 4) while EC₅₀for curves treated with 5.0 mg/ml of chloroform is -2.22 ± 0.02 (-2.16 - -2.3, n = 4). EC₅₀value for ethyl acetate treated (1.0 mg/ml) tissues is -1.95 ± 0.10 (-1.88 - -2.0, n = 4) <it>vs</it>. control EC₅₀= -2.71 ± 0.08 (-2.66 - -2.76, n = 4). All the fractions, except <it>n-</it>hexane, showed a right shift like that of verapamil (EC₅₀= -1.72 ± 0.15 (-1.62 - -1.8, n = 4) vs. Control EC₅₀= -2.41 ± 0.06 (-2.38 - - 2.44, n = 4), a standard drug that blocks voltage operated calcium channels.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Relaxant constituents were more concentrated in ethylacetate fraction followed by chloroform, <it>n -</it>butanol and aqueous fractions that warrant for its isolation. The crude methanol extract is safe at concentration 250 mg/ml or below and results of brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay imply the plant specie may be a source of cytotoxic agents.</p

Avaliação da qualidade de cápsulas de sinvastatina de farmácias magistrais

OBJETIVO: Validar metodologia por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência para determinação do teor de sinvastatina em cápsulas manipuladas. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 18 amostras de cápsulas de sinvastatina 40 mg de farmácias magistrais de São Paulo, Guarulhos, São Bernardo do Campo e Campinas, SP, prescritas para pacientes fictícios. As análises basearam-se na Farmacopéia Brasileira e no método da cromatografia, otimizado e validado de acordo com as normas nacionais e internacionais, para os ensaios de identificação, e quantificação em cápsulas manipuladas. RESULTADOS: O peso médio das cápsulas variou de 70 mg a 316 mg; quatro amostras apresentaram variação de peso em desacordo com a especificação. O teor de sinvastatina nas cápsulas estava de acordo com a especificação em 11 amostras; em seis, esse teor variou entre 4% e 87% do valor declarado, descumprindo os requisitos de teor do princípio ativo; a determinação do teor e uniformidade de conteúdo de uma amostra não foram realizadas. No teste de uniformidade de conteúdo, 15 amostras apresentaram valores menores que 85% e com os desvios-padrões relativos maiores que 6%; três farmácias atendiam a especificação desse ensaio. No ensaio de dissolução, oito amostras apresentaram resultados insatisfatórios no primeiro estágio do ensaio e as demais apresentaram resultados inconclusivos. CONCLUSÕES: O método utilizado mostrou boa adequação para aplicação em controle de qualidade, revelando a falta de qualidade de cápsulas de sinvastatina produzidas por algumas farmácias de manipulação

Global Effect of Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Lifetime Estimates

BACKGROUND: Five risk factors account for approximately 50% of the global burden of cardiovascular disease. How the presence or absence of classic risk factors affects lifetime estimates of cardiovascular disease and death from any cause remains unclear. METHODS: We harmonized individual-level data from 2,078,948 participants across 133 cohorts, 39 countries, and 6 continents. Lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease and death from any cause was estimated up to 90 years of age according to the presence or absence of arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, underweight and overweight or obesity, diabetes, and smoking at 50 years of age. Differences in life span (in terms of additional life-years free of cardiovascular disease or death from any cause) according to the presence or absence of these risk factors were also estimated. Risk-factor trajectories were analyzed to predict lifetime differences according to risk-factor variation. RESULTS: The lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease was 24% (95% confidence interval [CI], 21 to 30) among women and 38% (95% CI, 30 to 45) among men for whom all five risk factors were present. In the comparison between participants with none of the risk factors and those with all the risk factors, the estimated number of additional life-years free of cardiovascular disease was 13.3 (95% CI, 11.2 to 15.7) for women and 10.6 (95% CI, 9.2 to 12.9) for men; the estimated number of additional life-years free of death was 14.5 (95% CI, 9.1 to 15.3) for women and 11.8 (95% CI, 10.1 to 13.6) for men. As compared with no changes in the presence of all risk factors, modification of hypertension at an age of 55 to less than 60 years was associated with the most additional life-years free of cardiovascular disease, and modification of smoking at an age of 55 to less than 60 years was associated with the most additional life-years free of death. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of five classic risk factors at 50 years of age was associated with more than a decade greater life expectancy than the presence of all five risk factors, in both sexes. Persons who modified hypertension and smoking in midlife had the most additional life-years free of cardiovascular disease and death from any cause, respectively. (Funded by the German Center for Cardiovascular Research [DZHK]; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05466825.)