OBJECTIVETo investigate whether lycopene levels in blood and seminal plasma increase after dietar... more OBJECTIVETo investigate whether lycopene levels in blood and seminal plasma increase after dietary supplementation with a natural source of the compound, and whether any potential increase of lycopene levels in semen translates into increased free‐radical trapping capacity in the seminal plasma.METHODSReactive oxygen species are detrimental to the health and function of spermatozoa. Semen contains enzymatic and non‐enzymatic defence mechanisms to combat such species, and lycopene, a dietary antioxidant, forms part of the non‐enzymatic arm. Immuno‐infertile men have significantly lower levels of lycopene in their semen, and oral lycopene therapy can improve various seminal variables in idiopathic infertility. Whether this improvement is a direct consequence of increased lycopene levels in semen, resulting in an increased radical scavenging ability, remains unknown. Blood and seminal lycopene levels were measured in healthy volunteers, using high‐performance liquid chromatography, before and after a period of dietary supplementation. The antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma was also assayed to determine if supplementation results in a measurable increase in seminal radical scavenging ability.RESULTSThere were statistically significant increases in blood and seminal plasma lycopene levels after dietary supplementation. The increase in seminal and blood lycopene levels showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.84, P < 0.05). There was no measurable increase in the total radical scavenging capacity of semen.CONCLUSIONThis study confirms the presence of lycopene in human semen, the levels of which can be significantly increased after dietary supplementation with a natural source of lycopene. Further studies to establish whether this would also be the case in infertile men, with possible associated improvements in their seminal quality, are warranted.
A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and carotenoid database with information onα- and β-carotene... more A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and carotenoid database with information onα- and β-carotene, lutein, lycopene and β-cryptoxanthin was prepared and used to compare the carotenoid intakes in five European countries: UK, Republic of Ireland, Spain, France and The Netherlands. Eighty, age- (25–45 years) and sex-matched volunteers were recruited in each of the five countries. A FFQ and carotenoid database was prepared of the most commonly consumed carotenoid rich foods in the participating countries and the information was used to calculate frequency and intake of carotenoid-rich foods. The median total carotenoid intake based on the sum of the five carotenoids, was significantly higher (P<0.05) in France (16.1 mg/day) and lower in Spain (9.5 mg/day,) than the other countries, where the average intake was approximately 14 mg/day. Comparison of dietary source of carotenoids showed that carrots were the major source of β-carotene in all countries except Spain where spinach was mos...
Introduction Point-of-care simulation is an increasingly used technique to train multi-disciplina... more Introduction Point-of-care simulation is an increasingly used technique to train multi-disciplinary teams in Human Factors, ergonomics and establish reasons for barriers to safer patient care. We investigate if this method could be used to improve care of deteriorating patients. Methods A one-year Health Education England fellowship funded two simulation fellows from nursing and medical backgrounds. An intervention utilising simulation and targeted teaching sessions was performed on assessment units of a university hospital. The sessions included a sepsis micro-teach, medium fidelity simulation and debrief, with discussion of human factors. The primary outcome measure audited was percentage of triggers detected and escalated at baseline, six months and regularly throughout the last six months. Secondary outcome measure was percentage of septic patients, as defined by sepsis guidelines, who had documentation and administration of the ‘Sepsis 6’ bundle. Feedback on the training was also collated. Results approximately 300 educational hours were delivered to 105 doctors, nurses and health care assistants. forty-three sessions were planned, but only 25 (58%) proceeded due to hospital-wide operational pressures. Increased cancellations occurred over winter, which correlated with a decrease in escalation rates. Detection and escalation of yellow triggers increased from 23% to 88%, with amber triggers from 18% to 100% on the medical assessment unit. Delivery of the sepsis bundle was variable and not statistically significant. Feedback was positive with over 90% stating they would like more training and would recommend it to their colleagues. Although success with trigger escalation could not be wholly attributed to the simulation training, there was a Statistical difference and no other interventions took place during the training period. Conclusion We suggest that point-of-care simulation improves awareness of deteriorating patients when delivered to an inter-professional team. Training difficulties relate to staff release and operational pressures.
Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common amongst Ame... more Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common amongst American men. Alongside age and genetic factors, lifestyle and diet have also been implicated as significant factors involved in the pathology of cancer and prostate cancer risk. The tomato-derived antioxidant lycopene has been highlighted as a key protective nutrient amongst various dietary components, with several in vitro studies having reported anti-cancer properties. However, the mechanism of action of lycopene is not fully characterized. We present here a comprehensive investigation of the influence of lycopene on the cell signaling pathway regulating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). NF-κB is a redox-sensitive transcription factor that is believed to play a critical role in the development of the cancer phenotype in cells and has been linked to the early onset and progression of prostate cancer. Phosphorylation of IκB releases NF-κB from sequestration in the cytoplasm, allowing its tra...
In the present research, strontium containing nanobioactive glass (NBG-Sr) was synthesized by sol... more In the present research, strontium containing nanobioactive glass (NBG-Sr) was synthesized by sol-gel method. The morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Different amounts (0.5 to 5 wt%) of NBG-Sr were then added to biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP). They were sintered at different temperatures, i.e., 1100, 1200 and 1300 °C and changes in physical and mechanical properties were investigated. A sharp decrease in pore volume was observed as the temperature increased. The maximum bending strength (~45 MPa) was achieved for BCP which was mixed with 3 wt% NBG-Sr and sintered at 1200 °C. This value was approximately the same when it was sintered at 1300 °C. The bending strength failed when both lower and higher amounts of 3 wt% NBG-Sr were utilized. Therefore, sintering of composites at 1200 °C was economically reasonable. The X-ray results showed that NBG-Sr additive did not change the phase composition of BCP when it was heat treated at 1200 °C. The attachment ...
OBJECTIVETo investigate whether lycopene levels in blood and seminal plasma increase after dietar... more OBJECTIVETo investigate whether lycopene levels in blood and seminal plasma increase after dietary supplementation with a natural source of the compound, and whether any potential increase of lycopene levels in semen translates into increased free‐radical trapping capacity in the seminal plasma.METHODSReactive oxygen species are detrimental to the health and function of spermatozoa. Semen contains enzymatic and non‐enzymatic defence mechanisms to combat such species, and lycopene, a dietary antioxidant, forms part of the non‐enzymatic arm. Immuno‐infertile men have significantly lower levels of lycopene in their semen, and oral lycopene therapy can improve various seminal variables in idiopathic infertility. Whether this improvement is a direct consequence of increased lycopene levels in semen, resulting in an increased radical scavenging ability, remains unknown. Blood and seminal lycopene levels were measured in healthy volunteers, using high‐performance liquid chromatography, before and after a period of dietary supplementation. The antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma was also assayed to determine if supplementation results in a measurable increase in seminal radical scavenging ability.RESULTSThere were statistically significant increases in blood and seminal plasma lycopene levels after dietary supplementation. The increase in seminal and blood lycopene levels showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.84, P &lt; 0.05). There was no measurable increase in the total radical scavenging capacity of semen.CONCLUSIONThis study confirms the presence of lycopene in human semen, the levels of which can be significantly increased after dietary supplementation with a natural source of lycopene. Further studies to establish whether this would also be the case in infertile men, with possible associated improvements in their seminal quality, are warranted.
A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and carotenoid database with information onα- and β-carotene... more A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and carotenoid database with information onα- and β-carotene, lutein, lycopene and β-cryptoxanthin was prepared and used to compare the carotenoid intakes in five European countries: UK, Republic of Ireland, Spain, France and The Netherlands. Eighty, age- (25–45 years) and sex-matched volunteers were recruited in each of the five countries. A FFQ and carotenoid database was prepared of the most commonly consumed carotenoid rich foods in the participating countries and the information was used to calculate frequency and intake of carotenoid-rich foods. The median total carotenoid intake based on the sum of the five carotenoids, was significantly higher (P<0.05) in France (16.1 mg/day) and lower in Spain (9.5 mg/day,) than the other countries, where the average intake was approximately 14 mg/day. Comparison of dietary source of carotenoids showed that carrots were the major source of β-carotene in all countries except Spain where spinach was mos...
Introduction Point-of-care simulation is an increasingly used technique to train multi-disciplina... more Introduction Point-of-care simulation is an increasingly used technique to train multi-disciplinary teams in Human Factors, ergonomics and establish reasons for barriers to safer patient care. We investigate if this method could be used to improve care of deteriorating patients. Methods A one-year Health Education England fellowship funded two simulation fellows from nursing and medical backgrounds. An intervention utilising simulation and targeted teaching sessions was performed on assessment units of a university hospital. The sessions included a sepsis micro-teach, medium fidelity simulation and debrief, with discussion of human factors. The primary outcome measure audited was percentage of triggers detected and escalated at baseline, six months and regularly throughout the last six months. Secondary outcome measure was percentage of septic patients, as defined by sepsis guidelines, who had documentation and administration of the ‘Sepsis 6’ bundle. Feedback on the training was also collated. Results approximately 300 educational hours were delivered to 105 doctors, nurses and health care assistants. forty-three sessions were planned, but only 25 (58%) proceeded due to hospital-wide operational pressures. Increased cancellations occurred over winter, which correlated with a decrease in escalation rates. Detection and escalation of yellow triggers increased from 23% to 88%, with amber triggers from 18% to 100% on the medical assessment unit. Delivery of the sepsis bundle was variable and not statistically significant. Feedback was positive with over 90% stating they would like more training and would recommend it to their colleagues. Although success with trigger escalation could not be wholly attributed to the simulation training, there was a Statistical difference and no other interventions took place during the training period. Conclusion We suggest that point-of-care simulation improves awareness of deteriorating patients when delivered to an inter-professional team. Training difficulties relate to staff release and operational pressures.
Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common amongst Ame... more Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common amongst American men. Alongside age and genetic factors, lifestyle and diet have also been implicated as significant factors involved in the pathology of cancer and prostate cancer risk. The tomato-derived antioxidant lycopene has been highlighted as a key protective nutrient amongst various dietary components, with several in vitro studies having reported anti-cancer properties. However, the mechanism of action of lycopene is not fully characterized. We present here a comprehensive investigation of the influence of lycopene on the cell signaling pathway regulating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). NF-κB is a redox-sensitive transcription factor that is believed to play a critical role in the development of the cancer phenotype in cells and has been linked to the early onset and progression of prostate cancer. Phosphorylation of IκB releases NF-κB from sequestration in the cytoplasm, allowing its tra...
In the present research, strontium containing nanobioactive glass (NBG-Sr) was synthesized by sol... more In the present research, strontium containing nanobioactive glass (NBG-Sr) was synthesized by sol-gel method. The morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Different amounts (0.5 to 5 wt%) of NBG-Sr were then added to biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP). They were sintered at different temperatures, i.e., 1100, 1200 and 1300 °C and changes in physical and mechanical properties were investigated. A sharp decrease in pore volume was observed as the temperature increased. The maximum bending strength (~45 MPa) was achieved for BCP which was mixed with 3 wt% NBG-Sr and sintered at 1200 °C. This value was approximately the same when it was sintered at 1300 °C. The bending strength failed when both lower and higher amounts of 3 wt% NBG-Sr were utilized. Therefore, sintering of composites at 1200 °C was economically reasonable. The X-ray results showed that NBG-Sr additive did not change the phase composition of BCP when it was heat treated at 1200 °C. The attachment ...
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