Fucoidans are a class of fucose-rich sulfated polysaccharides derived from brown macroalgae that exert a range of biological activities in vitro and in vivo. To generate an unbiased assessment of pathways and processes affected by fucoidan, a placebo-controlled double-blind pilot study was performed in healthy volunteers. Blood samples were taken immediately before and 24 h after ingestion of a single dose of 1 g of Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan (UPF) or placebo. Levels of isolated miRNAs were analyzed using Taqman Open Array Human MicroRNA panels. Out of 754 miRNAs screened, UPF affected a total of 53 miRNAs. Pathway analysis using the TALOS data analysis tool predicted 29 different pathways and processes that were largely grouped into cell surface receptor signaling, cancer-related pathways, the majority of which were previously associated with fucoidans. However, this analysis also identified nine pathways and processes that have not been associated with fucoidans before. Overall, this study illustrates that even a single dose of fucoidans has the potential to affect the expression of genes related to fundamental cellular processes. Moreover, it confirms previous data that fucoidans influence immunity, cancer cells, inflammation, and neurological function.
This study examines the stability of both components of the antibacterial combination, cotrimoxazole (trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole) in peritoneal dialysis fluid stored in polyvinyl chloride bags and glass ampoules at room temperature for up to nine days. Greater than 10% loss of trimethoprim occurred within three days for admixtures stored in plastic bags, whereas the original concentration remained virtually unchanged after nine days for similar solutions stored in glass ampoules. This indicated that the loss of trimethoprim observed in solutions stored in plastic bags was associated primarily with the nature of the container, presumably due to some form of uptake by or loss through the plastic. Greater than 10% loss of sulphamethoxazole occurred within two days for all admixtures examined, stored in either glass or plastic containers. This degree of loss was achieved within 12 h for one admixture stored in plastic. There was also the time-dependent appearance of an additional peak in HPLC analyses of these solutions, indicating that loss of sulphamethoxazole was due to chemical decomposition of the drug in the peritoneal dialysis fluid. The shelf-life of such admixtures would be limited by the stability of the sulphamethoxazole component, with the available data suggesting a shelf-life of 12 h for solutions stored at room temperature.
There is a growing interest outside the United States in obtaining Magnet® accreditation. King Fahad Specialist Hospital–Dammam became the 1st Ministry of Health hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be recognized as a Magnet®-accredited institution. Understanding the return on investment of Magnet accreditation is important and speaks to the value of Magnet for international hospitals. Data from a peer hospital will aid nurse executives when presenting the business case for Magnet accreditation.
This report shows how a positive approach was employed to the need to draw nonpractising occupational therapists back into the profession. A survey was undertaken to determine the potential response to a refresher course, as well as the number of vacancies. The content and other aspects of the course are discussed, and the results of an evaluation questionnaire provided. The report concludes that the refresher course has highlighted the support districts can give to those wishing to return to work.
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