Comparative gene expression study between two turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivars

Two turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivars differing in curcumin content viz GNT-2 (4.6 % curcumin) and NDH-98 (1.6% curcumin) were selected for comparative gene expression study in association with total curcumin contents. Sampling was done at six months after planting in open field condition. Differential gene expression patterns were observed between two cultivars by reverse transcription quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and total curcumin contents were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Low curcumin yielding cultivar, NDH-98, exhibited higher expression of DCS and CURS3 whereas lower expression of CURS1 and CURS2. However, opposite pattern was observed in a high curcumin yielding cultivar, GNT-2, where DCS and CURS3 expressions were lower but CURS1 and CURS2 expressions were higher. CURS3 showed similar expression between both cultivars. CURS1 and CURS2 expression patterns showed more closer association than DCS and CURS3 gene expression patterns with each other. Differential gene expression patterns could be predictively associated with differential curcuminoids concentrations in turmeric cultivars

Predicting hospital cost in CKD patients through blood chemistry values

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Controversy exists in predicting costly hospitalization in patients with chronic kidney disease and co-morbid conditions. We therefore tested associations between serum chemistry values and the occurrence of in-patient hospital costs over a thirteen month study period. Secondarily, we derived a linear combination of variables to estimate probability of such occurrences in any patient.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>We calculated parsimonious values for select variables associated with in-patient hospitalization and compared sensitivity and specificity of these models to ordinal staging of renal disease.</p> <p>Data from 1104 de-identified patients which included 18 blood chemistry observations along with complete claims data for all medical expenses.</p> <p>We employed multivariable logistic regression for serum chemistry values significantly associated with in-patient hospital costs exceeding $3,000 in any single month and contrasted those results to other models by ROC area curves.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The linear combination of weighted Z scores for parathyroid hormone, phosphorus, and albumin correlated with in-patient hospital care at p < 0.005. ROC curves derived from weighted variables of age, eGFR, hemoglobin, albumin, creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase demonstrated significance over models based on non-weighted Z scores for those same variables or CKD stage alone. In contrast, the linear combination of weighted PTH, PO4 and albumin demonstrated better prediction, but not significance over non-weighted Z scores for PTH alone.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Further study is justified to explore indices that predict costly hospitalization. Such metrics could assist Accountable Care Organizations in evaluating risk adjusted compensation for providers.</p

Alendronate and atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials

Bone and mineral researc