PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF ARTOCARPUS HIRSUTUS AND ITS ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL

Objective: In the present study, the effort was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical components, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity of Artocarpus hirsutus fruit and leaf. Methods: Each plant materials were extracted with two suitable solvents such as acetone and ethanol. Then, the extracts were tested for the presence of active phytoconstituents and antimicrobial activity. Then, it was subjected to antimicrobial activity against fungal and bacterial strains. Results: The present study suggested that the selected plant extracts of A. hirsutus exhibit major phytoconstituents, such as alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, phenols, and saponins. Furthermore, the results showed that acetone fruit extract of A. hirsutus and ethanolic fruit extract of A. hirsutus exhibited significant antimicrobial activity with a maximum zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus tamarii. Conclusion: The present study also exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity against all the test microorganisms due to the presence of major bioactive phytochemical

Exploring the “Weekend Effect” on the Care of Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Many studies have described differences in in-hospital outcomes and length of stay between patients treated for major cardiac conditions on weekdays versus weekends.1 Our study aimed to explore the “weekend effect” on in-hospital care among patients with left ventricular assist devices. Using data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, with a weighted estimate of more than 35 million admissions per year.2 We identified patients 18 years or older with an ICD code signifying presence of a LVAD. Characteristics, comorbidities and clinical outcomes were compared between patients admitted on a weekend versus patients admitted on a weekday. The outcomes of interest were in-hospital all-cause mortality and length of hospital stay (LOS). Patients admitted on weekend days were younger, otherwise both groups were similar with respect to comorbidities. Patients admitted on weekend days were more likely to have cardiogenic shock, septic shock and respiratory failure. They were also more likely to require mechanical ventilation and undergo cardiac transplantation. Patients admitted on a weekend day however had a shorter hospital median hospital stay. This remained significant after multivariate analysis (OR .81 95% CI .72-.91, p\u3c.01). Our data analysis from this large database demonstrates no effect of weekend admission on all-cause mortality among patients with LVADs, although patients admitted on weekend days were more likely to have shorter hospital stay

Trends in the Incidence and In-Hospital Outcomes of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Complicated by Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) can present with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The incidence, characteristics, outcomes, and treatment of this subgroup of patients with AF remains poorly studied. Using data from the National Inpatient Sample database, we (1) compared baseline characteristics of patients with AF with/without NSTEMI, (2) evaluated their outcomes and associated trends over the study period (2004-2013), and (3) evaluated revascularization (by percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft [CABG]) and the impact on patient outcomes. Of the 3 923 436 patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of AF, 47 785 (1.2%) had a secondary diagnosis of NSTEMI. In this subgroup with AF and NSTEMI, there was a significant trend toward a decrease in mortality ( P = .002), stroke ( P \u3c .001), and gastrointestinal bleeding ( P \u3c .001) during the study period. Compared to unrevascularized patients, revascularized patients were more likely to be younger (72.2 ± 10.2 vs 77.0 ± 11.8 years old, P \u3c .001), male (57.8 vs 42.7%, P \u3c .001), and had a much higher incidence of coronary risk factors. Revascularization was associated with increased survival in multivariable analysis (odds ratio: 0.562, 95% confidence interval: 0.334-0.946, P = .03). In conclusion, among patients admitted with AF, 1.2% were diagnosed with NSTEMI. A minority of patients with AF and NSTEMI underwent revascularization and had better in-hospital outcomes