MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytotoxicity for five different concentrations of encapsulated and naked PpIX was measured. Optimum concentration and optimum exposure time of encapsulated and naked PpIX that needed to destroy the cells (Osteosarcoma cells) was measured.
RESULTS: The results showed that the encapsulated PpIX has more efficacy compared to the naked PpIX and the applicability of the encapsulated PpIX-SiNPs was proved on osteosarcoma cells.
CONCLUSION: The results established the important in-vitro photodynamic effectiveness of PpIX-SiNP, which may open a new application for PpIX in its clinical and in-vitro studies.
METHOD: This prospective study targeted those admitted for bariatric surgery. Participants underwent the biweekly pre-habilitation program included an individualized high whey-based protein very low-calorie (VLCHP) enteral regime (600-900 kcal/day) and moderate intensive exercise before bariatric surgery. Body composition and waist circumference were assessed after fortnight. Participants were segregated into morbid obese (MOG) (BMI <49 kg/m2) and super morbid obese group (SMOG) (BMI ≥50 kg/m2) for analysis.
RESULT: Majority of participants were female (71%) with median age 36.0 years old (MOG) and 34.3 years old (SMOG) respectively. SMOG achieved significant greater loss in weight (-7.4 kg vs -4.0 kg), fat percentage (-4.4% vs -1.7%) and fat mass (-9.9 kg vs -3.8 kg); but MOG had a significant increment in muscle mass (3.2 kg vs 2.8 kg) as compared to SOG (p
METHODS: The leaves of P. betle were extracted with solvents of varying polarities (water, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane) and their phenolic and flavonoid content were determined using colorimetric assays. Phenolic composition was characterized using HPLC. Antioxidant activities were measured using FRAP, DPPH, superoxide anion, nitric oxide and hyroxyl radical scavenging assays. Biological activities of the extracts were analysed using MTT assay and antioxidant enzyme (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) assays in MCF-7 cells.
RESULTS: Overall, the ethyl acetate extract showed the highest ferric reducing activity and radical scavenging activities against DPPH, superoxide anion and nitric oxide radicals. This extract also contained the highest phenolic content implying the potential contribution of phenolics towards the antioxidant activities. HPLC analyses revealed the presence of catechin, morin and quercetin in the leaves. The ethyl acetate extract also showed the highest inhibitory effect against the proliferation of MCF-7 cells (IC50=65 μg/ml). Treatment of MCF-7 cells with the plant extract increased activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase.
CONCLUSIONS: Ethyl acetate is the optimal solvent for the extraction of compounds with antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities. The increased activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the treated cells could alter the antioxidant defense system, potentially contributing towards the anti-proliferative effect. There is great potential for the ethyl acetate extract of P. betle leaf as a source of natural antioxidants and to be developed as therapeutics in cancer treatment.
METHODS: This questionnaire is divided into two parts. Part A is to evaluate the clinicians' awareness towards cognitive errors in clinical decision making while Part B is to evaluate their perception towards specific cognitive errors. Content validation for both parts was first determined followed by construct validation for Part A. Construct validation for Part B was not determined as the responses were set in a dichotomous format.
RESULTS: For content validation, all items in both Part A and Part B were rated as "excellent" in terms of their relevance in clinical settings. For construct validation using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for Part A, a two-factor model with total variance extraction of 60% was determined. Two items were deleted. Then, the EFA was repeated showing that all factor loadings are above the cut-off value of >0.5. The Cronbach's alpha for both factors are above 0.6.
CONCLUSION: The CATChES questionnaire tool is a valid questionnaire tool aimed to evaluate the awareness among clinicians toward cognitive errors in clinical decision making.