Acupuncture Effect on Reaction-Time Changes in Parkinson's Disease Patients-Case Study Series.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition associated with deficit in reaction time which can lead to falls, resulting in limited independence, diminished quality of life, heightened rates of institutionalization and increased healthcare costs. We aimed to examine the effects of an acupuncture protocol in motor time response after an auditory stimulus. : This study employed a case series design.

Exploring the antimicrobial potential of Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin - an in vitro study.

This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Candida albicans (ATCC 90028). Infections can hinder wound healing posing challenges. L-PRF's potential for regeneration and antimicrobial action has been studied.

Comprehensive analysis of L-PRF exudate components and their impact on whole blood platelets.

Objective: This study assessed the cellular composition and effects of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) exudate on whole blood platelets from healthy volunteers. Key objectives included evaluating leukocyte subpopulations, platelet activation markers, platelet-leukocyte interactions and quantifying inflammatory cytokines within the L-PRF exudate.

Materials And Methods: L-PRF was obtained from 20 healthy donors.

A Review on Acupuncture Efficiency in Human Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome.

Objectives: Human Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a frequent endocrine pathophysiology among women of fertile age, is associated with woman's lifespan endocrine, metabolic and psychological implications. Long-term usage side effects of allopathic strategies and their low efficacy made complementary medicine treatments a relevant subject for these patients. The main aim of this work is to review the efficiency of the acupuncture treatment reported in the latest studies on literature regarding PCOS patients.

Occupational Health: Physical Activity, Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Quality of Life in Computer Workers: A Narrative Review.

Computer work has assumed a very important role for many companies, but specific occupational and health symptoms associated with the use of computers can appear. According to the literature, physical activity is considered a key player in the prevention and control of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, contributing to a better quality of life in computer workers. The principal aims of this review are to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship among sedentary behavior, physical activity and quality of life of computer workers; to outline the importance of promoting the development of an educational program for Occupational Health directed at computer workers at the level of quality of life, musculoskeletal symptoms, and physical activity; and to call for attention to the factors needed to initiate and maintain a health program that involves the active participation of workers who must be concerned about their health.

Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Parkinson's Disease Symptoms-A Systematic Review.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Several pharmacological and surgical therapies have been developed; however, they are accompanied by some adverse effects. As a result, many patients have been resorting to complementary medicine, namely acupuncture, in the hope of obtaining symptomatic improvements without having disruptive side effects.

Acupuncture in Women with Human Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: Human polycystic ovary/ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is linked to endocrine, metabolic, and psychological complications. We propose a randomized controlled pilot study for an acupuncture protocol regarding the management of PCOS symptoms based on TCM diagnosis; (2) Methods: We will randomly allocate 120 women diagnosed with PCOS into two groups. The study group will be treated with acupuncture for points known to act upon the autonomous regulation of the hormonal, metabolic and emotional components.

and Its Potential Antiplatelet Effect.

Background: (HP) is currently one of the most consumed medicinal plants in the world. In traditional Chinese medicine, the herb hypericum () belongs to the group of plants that clarify heat. It is also used to treat various types of infection and inflammation.

The Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Perception of Physical Activity and on the Perception of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Computer Workers: Comparative Longitudinal Study Design.

Lockdown resulting from the pandemic led to a change in the health habits of the computer workers community. Sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic leads to impacts on physical activity (PA) and can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Aim(s): Understand the effects of lockdown on the perception of physical activity levels and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms, over periods of 12 months and 7 days, in computer workers.

Positive Effects of an Online Workplace Exercise Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Quality of Life Perception in Computer Workers: A Quasi-Experimental Study Design.

Unlabelled: Computer workers' sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a high risk for many chronic diseases, leading to a decrease in health-related quality of life (QoL). Workplace exercises consist of a set of physical exercises, implemented during work breaks, that have multiple benefits for workers' health.

Aim: To assess the impact of online workplace exercises on computer workers' perception of quality of life.

Influence of the Fly Ash Content on the Fresh and Hardened Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag Pastes with Admixtures.

A study on the influence of the inclusion of slag or fly ash and five types of superplasticizers on the fresh and hardened properties of alkali-activated cements is presented. Three alkali-activated slag formulations with different fly ash content (0, 15, and 30%) in the presence of five admixtures (vinyl copolymer, melamine, and three polycarboxylates with different chain lengths) were assessed for fluidity control and setting adjustment without loss of mechanical properties. Solid sodium metasilicate was used as an alkaline activator.

Acute effects of acupuncture in balance and gait of Parkinson disease patients - A preliminary study.

Introduction: Balance and gait disorders are relevant symptoms in the quality of life of Parkinson's patients. Currently, there is no therapy to reverse or treat this condition. Acupuncture treatment is believed to improve motor ability through the cortico-basal-thalamus-cortical-ganglia.

Occupational Health: Does Compliance with Physical Activity Recommendations Have a Preventive Effect on Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Computer Workers? A Cross-Sectional Study.

A lack of physical activity in computer workers (CW) can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). (i) Evaluate MSS over a 12 month and 7 days period, (ii) determine physical activity (PA) levels and compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) PA recommendations, and (iii) assess the relationship between compliance with WHO PA recommendations and MSS. A cross-sectional observational study comprising 119 computer workers.

Platelet activation and antimicrobial activity of L-PRF: a preliminary study.

Leukocyte and platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF) is one of the platelet concentrates used to support regeneration and healing process. Many studies showed possible immunological and antibacterial properties of L-PRF. We perform an in vitro study to analyze the effect of L-PRF on platelet activation, platelet-leukocytes interactions and antimicrobial activity, important components in the healing process.

Regulation of senescence-associated protease genes by sulphur availability according to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) phenological stage.

Background And Aims: Proteases are responsible for protein degradation during leaf senescence, allowing nutrients to be redirected to sink tissues. In a previous work, we reported that sulphur deficiency produced a delay in the leaf senescence of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants, at both vegetative and reproductive stages.

Subtilase activity and gene expression during germination and seedling growth in barley.

Proteases play a main role in the mobilization of storage proteins during seed germination. Until today, there is little information about the involvement of serine proteases, particularly subtilases, in the germination of barley grains. The aims of the present work were to study the contribution of serine proteases to the total proteolytic activity induced during germination of barley grains and evaluate the specific involvement of subtilases in this process.

Influence of slag composition on the stability of steel in alkali-activated cementitious materials.

Among the minor elements found in metallurgical slags, sulfur and manganese can potentially influence the corrosion process of steel embedded in alkali-activated slag cements, as both are redox-sensitive. Particularly, it is possible that these could significantly influence the corrosion process of the steel. Two types of alkali-activated slag mortars were prepared in this study: 100% blast furnace slag and a modified slag blend (90% blast furnace slag + 10% silicomanganese slag), both activated with sodium silicate.

Liposomes or traditional adjuvants: induction of bactericidal activity by the macrophage infectivity potentiator protein (Mip) of Neisseria meningitidis.

Currently, one of the main approaches to achieve a vaccine for serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis is based on outer membrane proteins with low antigenic variability among strains. Since these proteins tend to be minor components of the outer membrane, recombinant production is required to obtain them in sufficient amounts for evaluation and development of vaccines. In this study, we analysed the ability of recombinant macrophage infectivity potentiator (rMip) protein to induce protective bactericidal activity in mice.

Effects of Acupuncture on Gait of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Multiple sclerosis is considered a complex and heterogeneous disease. Approximately 85% of patients with multiple sclerosis indicate impaired gait as one of the major limitations in their daily life. Acupuncture studies found a reduction of spasticity and improvement of fatigue and imbalance in patients with multiple sclerosis, but there is a lack of studies regarding gait.

Identification and expression analysis of 11 subtilase genes during natural and induced senescence of barley plants.

Subtilases are one of the largest groups of the serine protease family and are involved in many aspects of plant development including senescence. In wheat, previous reports demonstrate an active participation of two senescence-induced subtilases, denominated P1 and P2, in nitrogen remobilization during whole plant senescence. The aim of the present study was to examine the participation of subtilases in senescence-associated proteolysis of barley leaves while comparing different senescence types.

Influence of genetic variations in platelet glycoproteins and eNOS in the development of arterial ischaemia of lower limbs in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Endothelial and platelet dysfunction increase the atherothrombotic risk in diabetes mellitus patients. Therefore, arterial ischaemia of lower limbs is an important complication in diabetes mellitus. In the present work, type 2 diabetic patients were classified by a podiatrist into presence or absence of arterial ischaemia of lower limbs.

Stratification of ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients based on soluble CD40L longitudinal changes.

Involvement of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) in thrombosis and inflammation on the context of coronary artery disease is currently being revised. In that perspective, we had studied the association of sCD40L with markers of platelet activation and markers of endothelial and vascular function. On that cohort, a stratification of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) 1 month after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was observed based on concentrations of sCD40L.

Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Alkali Activated Colombian Raw Materials.

Microstructural and mechanical properties of alkali activated binders based on blends of Colombian granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and fly ash (FA) were investigated. The synthesis of alkali activated binders was conducted at 85 °C for 24 h with different slag/fly ash ratios (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80, and 0:100). Mineralogical and microstructural characterization was carried out by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

Changes of soluble CD40 ligand in the progression of acute myocardial infarction associate to endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms and vascular endothelial growth factor but not to platelet CD62P expression.

Reported in vitro data implicated soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) in endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis. However, whether sCD40L could exert that influence in endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis after injury in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients remains unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the association of sCD40L with markers of platelet activation, endothelial, and vascular function during a recovery period early after AMI.

Antimicrobial potential of cauliflower, broccoli, and okara byproducts against foodborne bacteria.

The antimicrobial potential of cauliflower, broccoli, and okara byproducts was assessed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Bacillus cereus, and Listeria monocytogenes serovar 4b growth behavior was assessed under exposure to 5% vegetable byproducts added to the reference medium, buffered peptone water (0.1% [wt/vol]), at 37°C.