285 research outputs found

    sj-pdf-1-jva-10.1177_11297298231202538 – Supplemental material for Radial artery patency outcomes with saline flushing of the radial sheath after coronary intervention: A prospective cohort study

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    Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-jva-10.1177_11297298231202538 for Radial artery patency outcomes with saline flushing of the radial sheath after coronary intervention: A prospective cohort study by Aatika Habib, Waleed Abbasi, Abair ul Haq, Sadaf Shabbir Kiani, Parversh Kumar Rathi, Sidra Sheikh, Usha Rathi, Amin Mehmoodi and Jahanzeb Malik in The Journal of Vascular Access</p

    Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19: the never-ending story

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    The anti-malarial drugs chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have been suggested as promising agents against the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that induces COVID-19 and as a possible therapy for shortening the duration of the viral disease. The antiviral effects of CQ and HCQ have been demonstrated in vitro due to their ability to block viruses like coronavirus SARS in cell culture. CQ and HCQ have been proposed to reduce immune reactions to infectious agents, inhibit pneumonia exacerbation, and improve lung imaging investigations. CQ analogs have also revealed the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in treating viral infections and related ailments. There was, moreover, convincing evidence from early trials in China about the efficacy of CQ and HCQ in the anti-COVID-19 procedure. Since then, research and studies have been massive to ascertain these drugs' efficacy and safety in treating the viral disease. In the present review, we construct a synopsis of the main properties and current data concerning the metabolism of CQ/HCQ, which were the basis of assessing their potential therapeutic roles against the new coronavirus infection. The effective role of QC and HCQ in the prophylaxis and therapy of COVID-19 infection is discussed in light of the latest international medical-scientific research results. KEY POINTS: • Data concerning metabolism and properties of CQ/HCQ are discussed. • The efficacy of CQ/HCQ against COVID-19 has been the subject of contradictory results. • CQ/HCQ has little or no effect in reducing mortality in SARS-CoV-2-affected patients

    The role of diet and supplementation of natural products in COVID-19 prevention

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    Recently, a discussion has begun on the global management strategy against COVID-19 based on the hypothesis that individuals' macro- and micronutrient status combined with antiviral drugs and herbs can be an ally against the&nbsp;infection. The hypothesis is that people's nutritional and oxidative scavenging capacity may provide fundamental data to predict severe and acute pulmonary distress following SARS-Cov2 infection. Consequently, the scientific community has addressed the role of balanced diets, nutritional supplements, and micronutrients, including folk herbal formulations, in reducing hospitalization and the severity of pulmonary impact in COVID-19 by preventing the most serious forms of the infection. This led to an animated debate on the potential effectiveness of some vitamins, micronutrients, and traditional Chinese medicine in preventing COVID-19, with some authors convinced that plant extracts could act oppositely, exacerbating the effect of the infection. While current research is still far to assess the suggestions and issues raised in this short communication, it is undoubtedly true that determining an individual's current metabolic status, including macro- and micronutrients, is an essential factor in defining any individuals' deficiencies, which will need to be addressed urgently through a proper diet, specific personalized nutritional supplementation, and lifestyle changes

    Documenting the Burushaski language: Issues in data collection, transmission, preservation, and revitalization

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    As globalization increases so does the loss of world languages. Two most common reasons for language endangerment are: (1) there are few living native speakers, and (2) many children do not learn the language of their parents because other languages are considered more helpful or powerful. While the first scenario leads to rapid extinction, the second scenario, quite common in South Asia and the developing world, leads to slow language attrition and eventual death. The two types of endangered languages are under pressure to differing degrees and in different ways in relation to language maintenance. Many linguists across the world are seeking to document and preserve the so-called “endangered” languages. Taking advantage of the latest state-of-the-art technologies, documentary linguists are making efforts towards documenting and recording oral and written linguistic traditions, translating and annotating documentation materials, compiling grammatical descriptions and dictionaries, and preparing pedagogical materials for language teaching/learning for the ethnic population which claims ownership of the language. The aim of this paper is to discuss the various steps, methods, and challenges in the documentation and revitalization of Burushaski – a linguistic isolate spoken by about 90,000 people in Gilgit, Pakistan (Ethnologue 2005), and (by approximately 300 speakers) in Srinagar, India (first author 2006). Burushaski is primarily orally-preserved and literacy in the native language is practically zero. Its survival is greatly threatened by multilingualism and language shift. Documentation efforts have been conducted by western scholars, but because their publications are mostly in foreign languages (Berger 1974-1998, Tiffou 1999), they are inaccessible to Burushos who are (mainly) literate in Urdu – the prestigious language. Recently, some Pakistani scholars have produced pedagogical materials for the promotion of Burushaski but, because of limited resources and lack of training, such efforts are yet to produce substantial results. Awaiting official standardization, local rivalries have also resulted in a number of competing writing systems. Burushaski is spoken in a socio-culturally conservative and a politically volatile region and documentation efforts by non-natives encounter many obstacles. Presenting a progress report of an ongoing project (starting 2003), this paper examines the various issues in documenting Burushaski, such as: initial encounters in encouraging community participation; social, cultural, political, and financial obstacles in data collection; effective use of information technologies without disrupting community traditions; and different challenges in revitalization efforts. To meet the various project goals, we propose steps in developing an integrated framework sensitive to the issues unique to this particular situation

    The Role of Astaxanthin as a Nutraceutical in Health and Age-Related Conditions

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    The current review provides an up-to-date analysis of scientific data on astaxanthin (ASX) sources and experimental studies on its health benefits as a potent antioxidant in the aging process. ASX is a liposoluble carotenoid nutrient and reddish-orange pigment, naturally synthesized by numerous microalgae, yeasts, and bacteria as secondary metabolites. Provides a reddish hue to redfish and shellfish flesh that feed on ASX-producing microorganisms. The microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is the most important source for its industrial bioproduction. Due to its strong antioxidant properties, numerous investigations reported that natural ASX is a more significant antioxidant agent than other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and &beta;-carotene. Furthermore, several data show that ASX possesses important nutraceutical applications and health benefits, especially in healthy aging processes. However, further studies are needed for a deeper understanding of the potential mechanisms through which ASX could lead to its effective role in the healthy aging process, such as supporting brain health and skin homeostasis. This review highlights the current investigations on the effective role of ASX in oxidative stress, aging mechanisms, skin physiology, and central nervous system functioning, and shows the potential clinical implications related to its consumption

    Polyphenols in Metabolic Diseases

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    Polyphenols (PPs) are a large group of phytochemicals containing phenolic rings with two or more hydroxyl groups. They possess powerful antioxidant properties, multiple therapeutic effects, and possible health benefits in vivo and in vitro, as well as reported clinical studies. Considering their free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties, these substances can be used to treat different kinds of conditions associated with metabolic disorders. Many symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MtS), including obesity, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, elevated blood sugar, accelerating aging, liver intoxication, hypertension, as well as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, are substantially relieved by dietary PPs. The present study explores the bioprotective properties and associated underlying mechanisms of PPs. A detailed understanding of these natural compounds will open up new opportunities for producing unique natural PP-rich dietary and medicinal plans, ultimately affirming their health benefits

    Design thinking

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    Policy Analysi

    Aluminium Roofing Products Ltd Marketing to the Public Sector, UK

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    This management project was undertaken on behalf of Aluminium Roofing Products Ltd ™ (ARP), a young, entrepreneurial company associated predominantly with aluminium products. The project brief was initially untaken by Ian Dunbar - one of the marketing segmentation gurus in the UK. As a result of his investigation, the company aimed to target the public sector in the UK in order to increase their market share. The project was fairly broad and identified several areas of the public sector which required investigation. The brief ranges from investigating the operational and strategic concerns to the viability of marketing to the public sector, studying relationships in different levels of the government with a view to understanding their marketing or buying behaviour. The author worked with ARP from June to September 2009 and during this time, attended numerous meetings, workshops and conferences in order to gain more knowledge about the processes of decision making in the authorities and also meet key stakeholders. Moreover, the author interviewed key stakeholders to establish their understanding of the aluminium products and also mapped out the key influencers and decision makers in buying processes. From this research findings several important issues have been identified that require the immediate attention of ARP. Although aluminium rainwater products have suffered from a low market share compared to their rival product (plastic) it is now experiencing a transformational stage. With ARP’s commitment, enthusiasm and great passion for being ‘socially responsible’ they will almost certainly experience growth which will in turn increase both their contribution to society and their appeal to a new and wider range of consumers
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