Effects of glucose on cell viability and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of phytochemicals and phytochemically modified membranes.

By virtue of antioxidant and anti-inflammable properties, plant-derived phytochemicals such as mangiferin and genistein have attracted considerable attention for functionalization of polymeric hemodialysis (HD) membranes via solution blending. In-vitro dihydrorhodamine (DHR) assay of the genistein-modified membranes revealed drastic reduction in the level of the reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast, mangiferin-modified HD membrane manifested the pro-oxidant activity.

In vitro investigation of antioxidant, anti-Inflammatory, and antiplatelet adhesion properties of genistein-modified poly(ethersulfone)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) hemodialysis membranes.

Hemocompatibility of genistein-modified poly(ethersulfone)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PES/PVP) hemodialysis (HD) membranes has been investigated in vitro with emphasis on evaluation of cell viability, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet adhesion properties. Genistein modified PES/PVP membranes reveal significant reduction of the reactive oxygen species and also considerable suppression of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in whole blood, but to a lesser extent ininterleukin-6. The incorporation of PVP into the HD membrane reduces platelet adhesion by virtue of its hydrophilicity.

Genistein-modified poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(D,L-lactic acid) electrospun mats with improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Genistein is a phytochemical with a broad range of desirable biological activity for wound healing. However, its poor bioavailability requires developing a new method for fabricating an appropriate carrier vehicle to deliver genistein in a sustained manner. Based on the guidance afforded by the ternary phase diagram of poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and genistein blends, certain selective compositions were electrospun.

In vitro evaluation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of genistein-modified hemodialysis membranes.

Genistein-modified poly(amide):poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PA:PVP/G) hemodialysis membranes have been fabricated by coagulation via solvent (dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO)/nonsolvent (water) exchange. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the unmodified PA:PVP membranes were evaluated in vitro using human blood. It was found that these unmodified PA:PVP membranes were noncytotoxic to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) but raised intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.

Immunologic function in the elderly after injury--the neutrophil and innate immunity.

Background: Aging is associated with a decline in immune function. This may contribute to decreased ability of an elderly patient to mount an appropriate innate inflammatory response when injured. This study examined elderly trauma patients to determine whether there was a difference in neutrophil response to injury when compared with controls.

The incidence of celiac disease antibodies in plasma specimens with low hemoglobin levels.

Antibodies to gliadin and tissue transglutaminase (TTG) are associated with celiac disease. Celiac patients often present with low hemoglobin levels; however, the incidence of celiac disease in patients with low hemoglobin levels is unknown. We investigated the incidence of celiac disease-associated antibodies in plasma obtained from individuals with low and normal hemoglobin levels.

Rise of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates containing both erm(B) and mef(E) genes from an adult tertiary care community hospital system.

The emergence of macrolide- and lincosamide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae is a worldwide concern. Of particular interest is the increasing prevalence of erythromycin and clindamycin-resistant isolates containing both erm(B) and mef genes. This study determined the prevalence of erythromycin and clindamycin resistance in 596 clinical S.

Quantitative image analysis of estrogen receptors in breast fine needle aspiration biopsies.

Objective: To establish whether the results of quantitative evaluation of estrogen receptors (ERs) in cytologic fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of the breast are comparable to the results obtained on excised breast tumors and therefore suitable for making a clinical decision on tamoxifen treatment in women who are not candidates for surgery.

Study Design: We performed a retrospective review of 118 breast FNA specimens that were positive for adenocarcinoma cells, had adequate cell block cellularity and provided subsequent surgical resection tissue. Quantification of ERs was performed on cell block material and follow-up tissue sections by the Chromavision Automated Imaging System, San Juan Capistrano, California, U.