IL8 and EDEM3 gene expression ratio indicates peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) quality.

Background: Uncontrolled preanalytical variables can reduce the accuracy and reproducibility of downstream analytical results from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Methods: PBMCs were isolated from EDTA and citrate-anticoagulated blood samples, obtained from healthy subjects and patients with inflammatory and infectious conditions. PBMC-derived RNA samples were examined for gene expression changes induced by extended blood pre-centrifugation delays at 4 °C and RT.

[Geriatrics from the 19th to the 21st century. 150 years of geriatric medicine: from increasing life expectancy to improving quality of life for the very old].

With the world further aging, geriatric medicine clearly became a necessity: in the 21th century many more people reach older ages by means of continued medical success in expanding lifespan. 150 years ago life expectancy was between 30 to 40 years, but today close to 800 million people are 60 yeas old or more. During the last century aging has been associated with decline and decay, but gradually more people lived ably and healthily in older ages.

[The reduction of stroke risk, risk of myocardial infarction and death by healthy diet and physical activity].

There is no doubt that a healthy diet and regular physical activity improve risk factors for cerebro-cardio-vascular disease and death. However, there is less evidence from prospective randomised controlled trials that they also reduce the actual risk of stroke, myocardial infarction and death. The only evidence from randomised controlled trials is, that a mediterranean diet with nuts and/or native olive oil considerably reduces stroke risk by 47% respectively 31%, however not the risk of myocardial infarction and death.