Habitual whole grain consumption seems to cause lower body weight by multiple mechanisms such as lower energy density of whole grain based products, lower glycemic index, fermentation of non digestible carbohydrates (satiety signals) and finally by modulating intestinal microflora. In contrast with epidemiological evidence, the
results of few clinical trials do not confirm that a whole grain low-calorie diet is more effective in reducing body weight than a refined cereal diet, but their results may have been affected by small sample size or short duration of the high throughput screening intervention. Therefore, further intervention studies with adequate methodology are needed to clarify this question. For the time being, whole grain consumption can be recommended as one of the features of the diet that may help control body weight but also because is associated with a lower risk to develop type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Introduction and objectives: The aim of the study was to assess and measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes in patients with typical atrial flutter following catheter ablation. The outcome was standardized and normalized
to the Spanish population adjusted by age and sex.
Methods: Ninety-five consecutive patients who had undergone cavotricuspid isthmus ablation were included. The SF-36 questionnaire was self-administered before the procedure and at 1-year follow-up. We used the effect size and the standardized response mean as measures selleck of responsiveness to quantify the change in HRQoL and the minimum clinically important difference to assess the smallest difference in score that patients perceived as beneficial.
Results: Of the 95 patients initially included, 88 completed the 1-year follow-up. We observed a large improvement (effect size >= 0.8) on the physical functioning, role-physical, general health, and vitality
scales and on the physical component summary. We detected a moderate improvement (effect size >= 0.5) on the role-emotional, social functioning, Adavosertib inhibitor and mental health scales and on the mental component summary. On all scales except bodily pain and social activity, the improvement was clinically perceived by patients.
Conclusions: A clinically significant improvement in HRQoL measures was found in patients with typical atrial flutter who underwent cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation. (C) 2010 Sociedad Espanola de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S. L. All rights reserved.”
“Streptococcus pyogenes is a causative agent in wide range of human diseases. To inactivate S. pyogenes by the afterglow of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), we prepared suspensions of the cultured bacterium in liquid (with concentrations of OD600 nm = 0.25 McFarland standard) and solid (with 7.75 x 10(5) spread cells per surface plate) Luria-Bertini (LB) broth media. The influence of DBD exposure on S.