In Vitro Growth- and Encystation-Inhibitory Efficacies of Matcha Green Tea and Epigallocatechin Gallate Against Acanthameoba Castellanii.

We examined the inhibitory effect of matcha green tea (Camellia sinensis) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg; the most abundant catechin in tea) on the vegetative growth and encystation of Acanthamoeba castellanii T4 genotype. The sulforhodamine B (SRB) stain-based colorimetric assay and hemocytometer counting were used to determine the reduction in A. castellanii trophozoite proliferation and encystation, in response to treatment with C. sinensis or EGCg. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy was used to analyze chemical changes in the trophozoites and cysts due to C. sinensis treatment. Hot brewed and cold brewed matcha inhibited the growth of trophozoites by >40% at a 100 % concentration. EGCg at concentrations of 50 to 500 µM significantly inhibited the trophozoite growth compared to control. Hot brewed matcha (100% concentration) also showed an 87% reduction in the rate of encystation compared to untreated control. Although 500 µM of EGCg increased the rate of encystation by 36.3%, 1000 µM reduced it by 27.7%. Both percentages were not significant compared to control. C. sinensis induced more cytotoxicity to Madin Darby canine kidney cells compared to EGCg. FTIR chemical fingerprinting analysis showed that treatment with brewed matcha significantly increased the levels of glycogen and carbohydrate in trophozoites and cysts.

Impact of Hurricane Ike on the call volumes of Houston Fire Department emergency medical services.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the capacity and activity of emergency medical services (EMS) during large-scale disasters. This article provides a case study of the role of EMS in one large urban city during a major hurricane. METHODS: The authors analyzed changes in call volume data from the City of Houston Fire Department's EMS during Hurricane Ike. Descriptive and statistical analyses are used to explain surges and statistical differences in volumes. RESULTS: Demand for EMS care can increase approximately 40 percent during surges in the disaster cycle, placing extreme burdens on system capacity and workload. The largest increase in demand came from respiratory problems, falls, and chest pains, with the largest decrease in calls from motor vehicle accidents. CONCLUSIONS: A strategy for managing surges in prehospital care from major disasters is a requirement for modern EMS.