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OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate the prolidase activity, total oxidant status (TOS) and total anti-oxidant status (TAS) in women who have been diagnosed with benign, pre-malignant and malignant endometrial pathologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety women who underwent endometrial biopsy due to abnormal uterine bleeding were divided into three groups according to their histopathological findings: Benign endometrial pathology (n=65), endometrial hyperplasia (n=12) and endometrial cancer (n=13). These groups were compared with respect to oxidative stress markers and prolidase activity in serum and endometrial tissue. RESULTS: When compared to the benign endometrial pathology group, the endometrium cancer group had significantly higher age, shorter height and higher incidences of menopause and positive family history for gynecological malignancy (p=0.001, p=0.023, p=0.001 and p=0.001). When compared to the benign endometrial pathology group, tissue prolidase activity was significantly higher in the endometrium hyperplasia and endometrium cancer groups (p=0.001 for both). However, tissue prolidase activity was statistically similar in the endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer groups (p=0.166). All study groups had statistically similar serum prolidase activity, serum and tissue TOS, serum and tissue TAS, tissue malondialdehyde and glutathione values. CONCLUSIONS: Prolidase activity in endometrial tissue has enhanced in pre-malignant and malignant endometrial lesions when compared to benign endometrial lesions. The assessment of prolidase activity in endometrial tissue might help to distinguish pre-malignant and malignant lesions in case histopathological characteristics are insufficient for the differentiation of endometrial lesions.

BackgroundLiterature on the effects of second-generation H1-antihistamines on angiogenesis is limited.ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of cetirizine, desloratadine, and rupatadine (second-generation H1-antihistamines commonly used in dermatology clinics) on angiogenesis in an in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model.MethodsThe study was approved by the local ethics committee on animal experimentation. Forty fertilized specific pathogen free eggs were incubated and kept under appropriate temperature and humidity control. Drug solutions were prepared in identical concentrations by dissolving powders in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). On the third day of the incubation, a small window was opened on the CAM and 0.1 mL desloratadine (1.5 mu g/0.1 mL) in the first group, 0.1 mL cetirizine (1.5 mu g/0.1 mL) in the second group, 0.1 mL rupatadine in the third group (1.5 mu g/0.1 mL), and PBS (0.1 mL) in the fourth group were administered by injection. On the eighth day of incubation, the vascular structures of the CAMs were macroscopically examined and standard digital photographs were taken. The digital images were analyzed and data including mean vessel density, thickness, and number were compared between groups. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsVessel densities were similar in the desloratadine, cetirizine, and control groups, whereas they were significantly less in the rupatadine group (p = 0.01). Furthermore, the rupatadine group had significantly lower vessel thickness and number compared with the other groups (p < 0.05 for both).ConclusionsRupatadine showed anti-angiogenic effects in the chick CAM model, compared with desloratadine and cetirizine. The anti-angiogenic effect of rupatadine could be due to its platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor inhibition. Thus, rupatadine could be a treatment agent in pathological processes in which angiogenesis is responsible. Further studies with larger series are needed to clarify this potential., Afyon Kocatepe University Scientific Research Foundation; [17.KARIYER.172], Afyon Kocatepe University Scientific Research Foundation (17.KARIYER.172) provided financial support for the conduct of the research.

The development of new starter cultures is a crucial task for the food industry to meet technological requirements and traditional products are important reservoirs for new starter cultures. In this respect, this study aimed to isolate, identify, and determine the technological characteristics of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus strains originated from traditional yogurt samples. Genotypic discrimination of 200 isolates revealed the presence of distinct 19 S. thermophilus and 11 Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains as potential starter cultures. Strain-specific properties determined the acidification capacity of the yogurt starter cultures and a higher acidification capacity was observed for S. thermophilus strains compared to Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains. Proteolytic activity was found between 0.012-0.172 and 0.078-0.406 for S. thermophilus and Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains, respectively. 4 of S. thermophilus and 3 of Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains were found resistant to all tested bacteriophages. The antibiotic susceptibility tests of the isolates revealed that a very low antibiotic resistance was observed for the yogurt starter cultures. Finally, the growth kinetics of selected strains were determined and the maximum specific growth rate of selected S. thermophilus and Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus was calculated as 0.527 h-1 and 0.589 h-1, respectively. 35848985

There has been increased interest in phytochemical antioxidants to prevent protein damage and aggregate formation in cataract treatment. In this study, the protective effect of different doses of Rb1 (GRb1), one of the ginsenosides of Panax Ginseng, in the experimental cataract model formed in chick embryos was investigated. Five different experimental groups were formed with 100 SPF fertilized eggs: Control (0.9% NaCl to physiological saline), hydrocortisone hemisuccinate sodium (HC), low dose (HC + L-GRb1 (1 mg/kg)), medium dose (HC+). M-GRb1 (2.5 mg/kg)), and high dose (HC + H-GRb1 (5 mg/kg)). All solutions were given to air sack at 15 days of incubation. On the 17th day, the bulbous oculi of the chick embryos were dissected. Cataract formations of the lenses, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant (TAS), total oxidant (TOS) levels, Caspase-3 H-score, and TUNEL index were determined. In addition, crystalline alpha A (CRYAA) gene expression was evaluated. Cataracts were observed in the control, HC, HC + L-GRb1, HC + M-GRb1, and HC + H-GRb1 groups with a frequency of 0%, 100%, 75%, 56.25%, and 100%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the control and HC groups in terms of TAS, TOS, MDA, GSH, Caspase-3 H-score, and TUNEL index (p < .05). When the therapeutic effect of the GRb1 groups was evaluated, the HC group showed significant differences with the HC + L-GRb1 and HC + M-GRb1 groups in almost all parameters (p < .05), while there was no statistical difference with the HC + H-GRb1 group (p > .05). In addition, gene expression levels differed between the groups, although not statistically significant (p > .05). 1 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg GRb1 applications show therapeutic properties on the HC-induced cataract model. This effect is more pronounced at 2.5 mg/kg.

Low vitamin D levels have also been associated with many chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to examine the 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OH-D) level studied Medical Biochemistry Laboratory of Afyon Health Sciences University between January and December 2015 according to age, sex, and season. A total of 7291 individuals (5326 women and 1965 men) who applied to the Afyon Health Sciences University Medical Biochemistry Laboratory for the first time between January 1 and December 31, 2015, were included in the study. The 25OH-D level of the individuals included was retrospectively evaluated according to age, sex, and season. Results: It was observed that 61.7% of the measurements were done in summer and 39.3% in winter. The 25OH-D level was on an average 19.913.27 ng/mL in men and 14.9313.75 ng/mL in women, and an average of 16.4313.54 ng/mL in summer and 16.0214.21 ng/mL in winter. Although a significant correlation was found between the 25OH-D level and sex, no statistically significant correlation was found with the season. When the 25OH-D level was evaluated according to age decades, the lowest value was observed in the tenth decade, with an average of 13.1612.87 ng/mL, and the highest value was observed in the first decade, with an average of 31.6216.89 ng/mL. A statistically significant difference was found between decades. Located in the Aegean region, Afyonkarahisar is suitable for benefiting from the sun due to its latitude and atmospheric structure. Moreover, sun exposure during the day is low due to the lifestyle and clothing style. For this reason, the level of vitamin D synthesized in individuals is affected because ultraviolet-B radiation does not reach the skin. These findings suggest that both nutritional and vitamin D supplements are important for the improvement in vitamin D deficiency in Afyonkarahisar province. [Med-Science 2020; 9(3.000): 614-8]

The study aims to show that ondansetron, which is used safely in pregnant women, can cause serious side effects. Neural tube defects are among the most common congenital malformations of the central nervous system. It is known that genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and some drugs play an important role in the development of neural tube defects. Ondansetron is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist used in the treatment of cancer, nausea, and vomiting during pregnancy and after anesthesia. In the literature studies, it was not found that developmental anomalies were observed. Seventy-five free specific pathogen eggs were incubated for 32 hours and divided into five groups of 15 eggs each, including a control group. Ondansetron was administered to these five groups by sub-blastoderm route in 4 different doses with a Hamilton microinjector. At 48 hours of incubation, the embryos were dissected and examined morphologically and histopathologically. At the end of the study, a significant dose-dependent decrease was observed in crown-rump lengths, somite numbers, and mean the number of silver-dyed nucleolar regulatory regions (AgNOR) and total AgNOR / nuclear area ratios. Statistically significant differences were observed between the experimental groups in terms of neural tube closure (p

Objective: Dietary recommendations, in addition to medications, have recently become important in the treatment of heart failure. Our study aimed to show the positive effects of both milk chocolate and dark chocolate on heart failure through endothelial functions. Methods: Twenty patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction were included in the study. In this randomized, crossover study, some of the patients consumed milk chocolate and some consumed dark chocolate. We recorded the patients' 6-minute walking tests, flow- mediated dilatation values, plasma catechin, epicatechin, and N-terminal pro-brain natri- uretic peptide values before and after chocolate consumption. After 2 weeks, their chocolate consumption was changed. The same parameters were measured again. Results: A significant decrease was observed in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide values after consumption of both milk chocolate (356 ± 54.2 and 310 ± 72.1 pg/mL; P = .007) and dark chocolate (341 ± 57 and 301 ± 60.1 pg/mL;P=.028). Flow-mediated dilation values increased after dark chocolate consumption (8.9 ± 3% and 14 ± 4.5%; P = .019). Conclusion: Chocolate consumption acutely decreases N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic pep- tide values in heart failure. Dark chocolate consumption also seems to improve endothelial functions by increasing flow-mediated dilation values.

Mikroorganizmaların hücre yoğunluğuna bağlı gen düzenleme sistemi çoğunluk algılama (Quorum Sensing) olarak adlandırılan mekanizma tarafından kontrol edilmektedir. Çoğunluk algılama mekanizması (QS) ekzopolisakkarit üretimi, biyofilm oluşumu ve virülans faktörü gibi popülasyon fizyolojisini düzenleyen fenotipleri kontrol eden mekanizmadır. Son yıllarda gıdaların bozulması ve gıda güvenliği alanlarında QS mekanizmasının rolü üzerine araştırmalar artmıştır. Çoğunluk algılama mekanizmasının inaktivasyonu stratejisine, çoğunluk algılama mekanizmasının inhibisyonu (Quorum Quenching-QQ) adı verilmektedir. Yapılan çalışmalar, QQ mekanizmasının mikrobiyel gelişimin inhibisyonunda önemli bir rol oynadığını ve kimyasal koruyucu yerine gıda güvenliğini arttırmak için alternatif bir strateji olabileceğini göstermiştir. Bitkisel materyaller, mikroorganizmaların gelişimini inhibe edici doğal antimikrobiyel bileşikler içerdikleri için potansiyel QS inhibitörü kaynaklarıdır. Bu derlemede, bitkisel materyaller kullanılarak çoğunluk algılama mekanizmasının inhibisyonu (QQ) stratejilerine odaklanılmıştır.

To investigate the effects of bimatoprost, latanoprost and travoprost on angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model in ovo.Fifty fertilized specific-pathogen-free chick eggs were used in this preclinical, prospective, experimental embryo study. Eggs were randomly distributed into 5 groups of ten eggs. Eggs were placed in the incubator after disinfection of their shells with alcohol and monitored appropriate temperature and humidity. On the 3rd day of incubation, a small window was opened on the eggshell. Bimatoprost in group 1, latanoprost in group 2, travoprost in group 3, bevacizumab in group 4, phosphate-buffered-saline (PBS) used in group 5 was applied by injection to CAM. The sterile film was glued onto the broken part of the shell and the eggs were placed in the incubator again. On the 8th day of incubation, eggs were opened and vascular structures on CAMs were examined. Digital photographs were taken, analysed in the ImageJ open source image processing software and differences between groups were evaluated. Thereafter, VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) levels were measured appropriately in the embryo samples.All embryos in the prostaglandin groups and the PBS control group were observed to have life signs confirmed by heart rate. In 8 embryos in the bevacizumab group, no life signs were confirmed, while 2 embryos with life signs showed severe hypoplasia. Vascular density, number of vessels and VEGF levels in the bimatoprost, latanoprost and travoprost groups, there were statistically significantly higher than the PBS control group.This study demonstrates that topical prostaglandin drops increase angiogenesis in the chick CAM model in ovo.

Background: Although electrical and structural remodeling has been recognized to be important in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation, the mechanisms underlying remodeling process are unknown. There has been increasing interest in the involvement of inflammatory molecules and adipokines released from the epicardial fat tissue in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. Objectives: In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of atrial fibrillation with increased epicardial adipose tissue, inflammatory molecules released from this tissue and omentin. Methods: Thirty-six patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of permanent AF at the cardiology outpatient clinic 33 individuals without atrial fibrillation (controls) were included in the study. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness of patients was measured by echocardiography. Serum omentin, IL 6, IL 1 beta, TNF alpha and CRP levels were measured. Man-Whitney U test was performed for comparisons and significance was established at 5% (p

OBJECTIVE: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroids that play an essential role in physiological processes and are valuable therapeutic agents against various diseases. The aim of our study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of piperine (PIP) on steroid-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used 36 fertilized specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicken eggs that were divided into the following 6 groups: group 1 (n=6), phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (pH 7.4 saline solution [0.9%] isotonic); group 2 (n=6), 0.50 µmol hydrocortisone succinate sodium (HC); group 3 (n=6), 0.50 µmol HC and 100 mg/kg piperine (PIP); group 4 (n=6), 0.50 µmol HC and 50 mg/kg PIP; group 5 (n=6), 0.50 µmol HC and 25 mg/kg PIP; and group 6 (n=6), 0.50 µmol HC and 10 mg/kg PIP. Chick embryos were removed from the eggs and the livers dissected from the embryos. The total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]) levels were measured. RESULTS: The highest levels of GSH and TAS in the liver tissues were observed in group 3, with a significant difference from those in group 2 (p

We investigated the potential influence of kefir-induced juglone and resveratrol fractions (JRK) against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) bearing BALB/c male mice. Kefir yeast was grown in the cell culture supplemented with juglone and resveratrol (1:2). After 48 h incubation, JRK solution was applied (0.1 mL/day i.p.) to the EAC-bearing mice throughout five days. Molecular regulatory mechanisms of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic pathway components were evaluated in the plasma of mice and isolated EAC cells with ELISA, qRT-PCR, and immunocytchemical experiments. EAC-induced upregulation in Bcl-2 and downregulation in Caspase-3 were normalized with JRK in the plasma of mice. Additionally, JRK upregulated the expression levels of apoptotic Bax, p53, Caspase-3,8,9, and APAF-1 proteins together with BAX, CASPASE-8, and CASPASE-9 genes in isolated EAC cells. These changes were also associated with decreased expression levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl proteins. Immunocytochemical studies also confirmed the activation of apoptotic pathways and repression of anti-apoptotic proteins in EAC cells with JRK treatment. JRK activates apoptotic pathway and inhibits anti-apoptotic genes and proteins in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma- bearing BALB/c mice that could be beneficial in cancer treatment.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroids that play an essential role in physiological processes and are valuable therapeutic agents against various diseases. The aim of our study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of piperine (PIP) on steroid-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue.We used 36 fertilized specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicken eggs that were divided into the following 6 groups: group 1 (n=6), phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (pH 7.4 saline solution [0.9%] isotonic); group 2 (n=6), 0.50 µmol hydrocortisone succinate sodium (HC); group 3 (n=6), 0.50 µmol HC and 100 mg/kg piperine (PIP); group 4 (n=6), 0.50 µmol HC and 50 mg/kg PIP; group 5 (n=6), 0.50 µmol HC and 25 mg/kg PIP; and group 6 (n=6), 0.50 µmol HC and 10 mg/kg PIP. Chick embryos were removed from the eggs and the livers dissected from the embryos. The total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]) levels were measured.The highest levels of GSH and TAS in the liver tissues were observed in group 3, with a significant difference from those in group 2 (p0.001 and p =0.006, respectively). The lowest levels of MDA and TOS in the liver tissues were observed in group 3, with a significant difference from those in group 2 (p0.001 and p =0.021, respectively).The antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of PIP were observed only at high doses.

OBJECTIVE: The great majority of dementia patients (about 60- 70%) su?er from Alzheimer disease (AD). The distinctive pathological signs of AD are senile plaques (SPs), neurofibrillary tangles (NFTS), synaptic loss and neurodegeneration. In this study; it is aimed to determine the damage caused by Acetylcholine Mustard Aziridin Ion (AF64A), which induces neurological anomalies, and the therapeutic e?ect of antioxidant piperine and betaine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study; 24 Sprague-Dawley male rats were used and 4 groups were formed: Group 1 consisting of healthy rats (control, n = 6); Group 2 (n = 6) with experimental dementia induced by AF64A, group 3 (AF64A betaine, n = 6) treated with betaine and 4 (AF64A piperine, n = 6) treated with piperine. The mRNA levels of mitogen activated protein kinase-1 (MAPK-1) in hippocampus tissue, Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver and blood serum samples and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in liver and erythrocyte samples were investigated. In addition, behavioral di?erences were determined in terms of duration using the morris water maze test. RESULTS: The highest GSH levels in liver and erythrocytes were determined in piperine-treated group 4 (p

AMAÇ: Bu çalışmada graves hastalarının sağlıklı kontrol grubuna göre ortalama trombosit hacmi (MPV) ve kırmızı kan hücresi dağılım genişliği (RDW) değerlerinin karşılaştırılması ve kardiyovasküler risk faktörleri ile ilişkisinin olup olmadığı amaçlandı. GEREÇ VE YÖNTEM: 50 graves hastası ve 50 sağlıklı kontrol hasta retrospektif olarak incelendi. Diabetes mellitus (DM), demir eksikliği anemisi, kronik böbrek hasarı, hipertansiyon (HT), daha önce geçirilmiş myokard infarktüsü, konjestif kalp yetmezliği, kronik inflamatuar hastalığı, malignitesi olan ve antihiperlipidemik ilaç kullanan hastalar çalışmaya dahil edilmedi. Sağlıklı kontrol grubunun başvuru anında, graves grubunun ise tanı anında henüz tedavileri başlanmadan tam kan sayımının içinde rutinde bakılan MPV ve RDW değerleri kaydedildi. Aynı zamanda her iki grubun LDL kolesterol (LDL-C), Hdl kolesterol (HDL-C), trigliserid (TG) değerleri, sigara kullanıp kullanmadığı, boy, kilo ve vücut kitle indeksleri (VKİ) dosyalarından retrospektif olarak incelendi. MPV ve RDW değerlerinin karşılaştırılması student-t testi ile, kardiyovasküler risk faktörleri ile olan ilişkisi pearson korelasyon testi ile değerlendirildi. BULGULAR: Graves hastası olup henüz ilaç tedavisi başlanmamış olan hastaların MPV değerleri ile sağlıklı kontrol grubunun MPV değerleri arasında anlamlı farklılık saptanmadı (p=0.291). İki grup arasında RDW değerlerine bakıldığında; graveslilerin RDW değerleri kontrol grubuna göre anlamlı düşük saptandı (p

We demonstrate a blood analysis routine by observing red blood cells through light and digital holographic microscopy in a microfluidic channel. With this setup a determination of red blood cell (RBC) concentration, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and corpuscular hemoglobin concentration mean (CHCM) is feasible. Cell count variations in between measurements differed by 2.47% with a deviation of −0.26×106 μL to the reference value obtained from the Siemens ADVIA 2120i. Measured MCV values varied by 2.25% and CHCM values by 3.78% compared to the reference ADVIA measurement. Our results suggest that the combination of optical analysis with microfluidics handling provides a promising new approach to red blood cell counts.

The gene regulation system of microorganisms through a cell density-dependent is controlled by a mechanism called Quorum Sensing. Quorum Sensing (QS) mechanism is a population physiology to control many characteristics regulated phenotypes like exopolysaccharide production, biofilm formation and virulence factor. In recent years, there is an increasing number of researches on the involvement of QS mechanism in the spoilage of food products and food safety. The strategy of inactivation of the QS is called Quorum Quenching (QQ). Studies have shown that QQ mechanism which plays a significant role in the inhibition of microbial growth might provide an alternative strategy to chemical preservatives for improving food safety. Plant-derived materials are promising potential sources of QS inhibitor as they can contain natural antimicrobial substances that inhibit the growth of microorganisms. In this review, the inhibition strategies of quorum sensing mechanism (QQ) by using plant-derived materials are focussed on., Mikroorganizmaların hücre yoğunluğuna bağlı gen düzenleme sistemi çoğunluk algılama (Quorum Sensing) olarak adlandırılan mekanizma tarafından kontrol edilmektedir. Çoğunluk algılama mekanizması (QS) ekzopolisakkarit üretimi, biyofilm oluşumu ve virülans faktörü gibi popülasyon fizyolojisini düzenleyen fenotipleri kontrol eden mekanizmadır. Son yıllarda gıdaların bozulması ve gıda güvenliği alanlarında QS mekanizmasının rolü üzerine araştırmalar artmıştır. Çoğunluk algılama mekanizmasının inaktivasyonu stratejisine, çoğunluk algılama mekanizmasının inhibisyonu (Quorum Quenching-QQ) adı verilmektedir. Yapılan çalışmalar, QQ mekanizmasının mikrobiyel gelişimin inhibisyonunda önemli bir rol oynadığını ve kimyasal koruyucu yerine gıda güvenliğini arttırmak için alternatif bir strateji olabileceğini göstermiştir. Bitkisel materyaller, mikroorganizmaların gelişimini inhibe edici doğal antimikrobiyel bileşikler içerdikleri için potansiyel QS inhibitörü kaynaklarıdır. Bu derlemede, bitkisel materyaller kullanılarak çoğunluk algılama mekanizmasının inhibisyonu (QQ) stratejilerine odaklanılmıştır.

We investigated the antioxidant effects of vitamin E on a glucocorticoid (GC) induced model of cataracts in chick embryos. We used 70 fertilized eggs divided into seven groups as follows: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group, olive oil treatment (OO) group, hydrocortisone treatment (HC) group, olive oil and hydrocortisone treatment (OO + HC) group, 50 mg/kg vitamin E and hydrocortisone treatment (HC + VE (50)) group, 25 mg/kg vitamin E and hydrocortisone treatment (HC + VE (25)) group and 15 mg/kg vitamin E and hydrocortisone treatment (HC + VE (15)) group. On day 17, chick embryos were removed from the eggs and lens and liver tissues were excised. Cataract formation was evaluated and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured in lens and liver tissues; MDA was measured only in liver. The lenses in the HC + VE (50) group exhibited significantly higher levels of GPx and TAS, and lower levels of TOS than for HC and OO + HC groups. The livers of the HC + VE (50) group exhibited significantly higher levels of GPx and lower levels of MDA than for the HC and OO + HC groups. The HC + VE (50) group lenses were evaluated as grade 1, because the nuclei were completely free of cataracts, likely due to the antioxidative effect of high dose VE. VE is an effective antioxidant agent that exhibits a dose-response effect, for ameliorating the negative effects of GCs.

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality; large numbers of patients require intensive care, which is placing strain on health care systems worldwide. There is an urgent need for a COVID-19 disease severity assessment that can assist in patient triage and resource allocation for patients at risk for severe disease. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to develop, validate, and scale a clinical decision support system and mobile app to assist in COVID-19 severity assessment, management, and care. METHODS Model training data from 701 patients with COVID-19 were collected across practices within the Family Health Centers network at New York University Langone Health. A two-tiered model was developed. Tier 1 uses easily available, nonlaboratory data to help determine whether biomarker-based testing and/or hospitalization is necessary. Tier 2 predicts the probability of mortality using biomarker measurements (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, D-dimer) and age. Both the Tier 1 and Tier 2 models were validated using two external datasets from hospitals in Wuhan, China, comprising 160 and 375 patients, respectively. RESULTS All biomarkers were measured at significantly higher levels in patients who died vs those who were not hospitalized or discharged (P CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate the validity of the clinical decision support system and mobile app, which are now ready to assist health care providers in making evidence-based decisions when managing COVID-19 patient care. The deployment of these new capabilities has potential for immediate impact in community clinics and sites, where application of these tools could lead to improvements in patient outcomes and cost containment.

The etiopathogenesis of steroid-induced cataracts is unknown. One hypothesis is that the higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels play an important role in the pathogenesis of several disorders, including the evolution of cataracts. This study investigated the antioxidant effects of piperine in our steroid-induced chick embryo lens model.The study included 36 specific pathogen-free (SPF) fertilized eggs divided into six groups: phosphate buffer saline (PBS, pH 7.4 Saline Solution (0.9%) isotonic) group (G1), hydrocortisone succinate sodium (HC)-treated group (G2), 100 mg/kg piperine and HC treated group (G3), 50 mg/kg piperine and HC treated group (G4), 25 mg/kg piperine and HC treated group (G5), and 10 mg/kg piperine and HC treated group (G6). On the 15th day of incubation, the SPF eggs in the six groups were removed from the incubator; all were injected using insulin injectors into the chorioallantoic membrane. On day 17, all of the chick embryos were removed from the eggs and all lenses were dissected from the embryos. Cataract formation was evaluated in all lenses, and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation (MDA, malondialdehyde) levels were measured in all lens.The lenses in the G1 group had higher levels of GSH and TAS (p 0.01), and lower levels of MDA and TOS than the G2 group (p 0.05 and p 0.01, respectively). Group 3 had higher levels of GSH and TAS (p 0.001 and p 0.001 respectively), and lower levels of MDA and TOS than the G2 group (p 0.01 and p 0.001, respectively).Steroid therapy causes a decrease in GSH and TAS levels and an increase in TOS and MDA levels in lens tissues, indicating increased oxidative stress. Piperine exerts its effects as an antioxidant substance, in increasing doses.