28th Day Research Articles

Concentrations of Glypican-4, Irisin and Total Antioxidant Status in Women with Metabolic Syndrome: Influence of Physical Activity.

Glypican-4 belongs to a group of poorly understood adipokines, with potential importance in people with metabolic syndrome, especially in groups of patients with glucose metabolism disorder. This study aimed to assess the effect of physical activity on serum glypican-4 and irisin levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma and saliva in women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Seventy-two Caucasian women aged 25-60 were included in the study (36 women with MetS and 36 women without MetS (control group, CONTR)). The glypican-4 and irisin concentrations, total antioxidant status, glycemia, lipid profile, anthropometric parameters, and blood pressure were analyzed before and after 28 days of controlled physical activity. Serum glypican-4 and plasma TAS levels were higher (p = 0.006 and p = 0.043, respectively) on the 28th day than on the first day of the study only in the CONTR group. In the MetS group, 28 days of physical activity caused a reduction in body fat mass (p = 0.049) without changes in glypican-4, irisin, or TAS levels. In both groups, glypican-4 levels correlated positively with irisin levels and negatively with Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), while irisin levels correlated positively with High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and negatively with waist circumference (WC) and WHR values on the 28th day of the study. To summarize, a 28-day moderate training, accompanied by a reduction in body fat mass, stabilized glypican-4 levels and TAS in female patients with MetS.

The Effect of Packaging Type and Storage Time on the Quality Characteristics of Chicken Nugget with Jack Bean (Canavalia ensiformis L.) Tempeh Flour Substitution

Chicken nuggets with jack bean tempeh flour substitution are a type of perishable food, thus having a short shelf life. The shelf life of chicken nuggets with jack bean tempeh flour substitution and its quality were affected by the storage conditions. This study aimed to determine the effect of packaging type and storage time during 20 days of cold storage on the quality characteristics of chicken nuggets with jack bean tempeh flour substitution. The research design consisted of two factors, the first factor was packaging type (nylon/polyethylene (PE), nylon-polyethylene (PE)/polyamide (PA), and polyethylene (PE)/polyamide (PA)) and the second factor was storage time (0 day, 5 days, 10 days, 15 days, and 20 days). The results showed that the packaging type and storage time significantly affected the quality characteristics of chicken nuggets with jack bean tempeh flour substitution. In conclusion, PE/PA was more effective in maintaining the quality characteristic of chicken nuggets with jack bean tempeh flour substitution on the 20th day of storage based on pH of 6.43, cooking loss of 9.85%, moisture content of 39.46%, protein content of 24.51%, and TPC of 5.36 log cfu/g. Meanwhile, the result of the sensory evaluation showed that scores for attributes were color 3.63, taste 3.5, texture 3.29, and overall 3.53 (like slightly) on the 20th day of storage.

Isoflurane increases the activity of the vascular matrix metalloproteinase-2 in non-pregnant rats and increases the nitric oxide metabolites in pregnancy.

Surgeries that require general anesthesia occur in 1.5-2% of gestations. Isoflurane is frequently used because of its lower possibility of affecting fetal growth. Therefore, we examined the isoflurane anesthesia-induced effects on maternal hemodynamic and vascular changes. We hypothesized that isoflurane would enhance endothelium-dependent vasodilation as a consequence of increased nitric oxide and decreased metalloproteinases (MMPs). Female rats (n=28) were randomized into 4 groups (7 rats/group): conscious (non-anesthetized) non-pregnant group, non-pregnant anesthetized group, conscious pregnant group, and pregnant anesthetized group. Anesthesia was performed on the 20th pregnancy day, and hemodynamic parameters were monitored. Nitric oxide metabolites, gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and the vascular function were assessed. Isoflurane caused no significant hemodynamic changes in pregnant compared with non-pregnant anesthetized group. Impaired acetylcholine-induced relaxations were observed only in conscious non-pregnant group (by approximately 62%) versus 81% for other groups. Phenylephrine-induced contractions were greater in endothelium-removed aorta segments of both pregnant groups (with or without isoflurane) compared with non-pregnant groups. Higher nitric oxide metabolites were observed in anesthetized pregnant in comparison with the other groups. Reductions in the 75 kDa activity and concomitant increases in 64 kDa MMP-2 isoforms were observed in aortas of pregnant anesthetized (or not) groups compared with conscious non-pregnant group. Isoflurane anesthesia shows stable effects on hemodynamic parameters and normal MMP-2 activation in pregnancy. Furthermore, there were increases in nitric oxide bioavailability, suggesting that isoflurane provides protective actions to the endothelium in pregnancy.

Features of oxygen-independent metabolism of neutrophils in the animals sensitized with non-agglutinogenic Brucella strain

The results of evaluation of the peculiarities of functioning of non-enzymatic systems of neutrophils of peripheral blood of guinea pigs before immunization and on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 42nd, 55th, 69th, 125th days after immunization with Brucella R-strain are presented. Two groups of agouti guinea pigs were formed for the study: control and experimental. The experimental animals were immunized with a suspension of Brucella abortus strain 16/4 at a dose of 1 billion CFU/ml subcutaneously; the control pigs were intact to brucellosis. The activity of antimicrobial systems was evaluated by determining the indices of cationic proteins by photometric method in spontaneous and induced variants. Experimental samples of brucellosis antigens were used as specific inducers in the reaction procedure. It was found that the use of Brucella disintegrans at a concentration of 50 μg/ml and corpuscular antigens at a concentration of 100 μg/ml by protein in the test with cationic proteins as inducers of disintegrants has a stimulating effect on the intensity of cationic protein production in the cell suspension of leukocytes. Stimulation indices were calculated at all observation periods as the ratio of the index of the stimulated sample to the index of the sample without antigen load. Two peaks of stimulating activity of cationic proteins were observed in the course of the study: the maximum rise of stimulation indices was observed on the 14th day after immunization and a less pronounced rise on the 28th day. The peak of agglutinating antibody production was on the 21st day after immunization, complement-binding antibodies – on the 21st-28th day, less intensive rise in titers of agglutinating and complement-binding antibodies was noted on the 69th day. In these terms, a decrease in the stimulated activity of neutrophil cationic proteins was observed. The peak activity of non-enzymatic cationic proteins of neutrophils was found to be ahead of the peak of humoral immune response.

Effect of telephone reminders on adherence to anti-rabies vaccine amongst animal bite patients in North India: A randomised, single-blind, parallel-group, single-centre, interventional superiority trial

ObjectivesRabies is a highly infectious viral zoonotic disease of the central nervous system with a near 100% fatality rate. Vaccine adherence is an integral part of achieving effective treatment. India accounts for 27% of the global deaths from rabies yearly. Rabid dog bites are responsible for 99% of these deaths. This study aimed to assess the effect of reminder calls on compliance with the anti-rabies vaccine among animal bite patients. MethodsAn interventional, randomised, single-blinded, parallel-group, single-centre study was conducted at the Anti Rabies Clinic, Rajindra Hospital, Government Medical College, Patiala, a city located in Punjab, India, with a population of approximately 19 lakhs. A sample of 400 patients was enrolled and divided into two groups by lottery method. After obtaining written and informed consent from patients, data were collected using a validated pre-tested, semi-structured proforma. The intervention group received reminder calls before each dose. At the end of the study, complete information regarding compliance was obtained from both groups and analysed. ResultsThe median age group of the animal bite patients was 21-40 years, with most being male (69.50%). Most of the bites were on the lower extremities (64.0%), followed by the upper extremities (29.0%) and the face (3.25%). Out of 153 patients who delayed the dose, 137 (89.54%) delayed a single dose. The 4th dose on the 28th day was the most frequently delayed dose (75.16%). Reminder calls increased the vaccine compliance rate from 53.5% in the non-intervention group to 70% in the intervention group (adjusted odds ratio=2.28; P=0.0002). There was no effect of gender, area, educational qualification, or marital status on the compliance. ConclusionsReminder calls were found to have significant effect on the adherence to the anti-rabies vaccine. This simple, cost-effective, and patient-friendly intervention must be integrated within the health care system to ensure timely and complete administration of the anti-rabies vaccine to reduce the risk of rabies.

Bioremediation experiments and dynamic model of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil

Clarifying the occurrence and morphological characteristics of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) in soil can facilitate a comprehensive understanding of their migration and transformation patterns in soil/sediment. Additionally, by establishing the dynamic transformation process of each occurrence state, the ecological impact and environmental risk associated with PHs in soil/sediment can be assessed more precisely. The adsorption experiments and closed static incubation experiments was carried out to explore the PHs degradation and fraction distribution in aged contaminated soil under two remediation scenarios of natural attenuation (NA) and bioaugmentation (BA) by exogenous bacteria through a new sequential extraction method based on Tenax-TA, Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and Rhamnolipid (HPCD/RL), accelerated solvent extractor (ASE) unit and alkaline hydrolysis extraction. The adsorption experiment results illustrated that bioaugmentation could promote the desorption of PHs in the adsorption phase, and the soil-water partition coefficient Kd decreased from 0.153 L/g to 0.092 L/g. The incubation experiment results showed that compared with natural attenuation, bioaugmentation could improve the utilization of PHs in aged soil and promote the generation of non-extractable hydrocarbons. On the 90th day of the experiment, the concentrations of weakly adsorbed hydrocarbons in the natural attenuation and bioaugmentation experimental groups decreased by 46.44% and 87.07%, respectively, while the concentrations of strongly adsorbed hydrocarbons and non-extractable hydrocarbons increased by 77.93%, 182.14%, and 80.91%, and 501.19%, respectively, compared their initial values. We developed a novel dynamic model and inverted the kinetic parameters of the model by the parameter scanning function and the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method based on the Bayesian approach in COMSOL Multiphysics® finite element software combined with experimental data. There was a good linear relationship between experimental interpolation data and model prediction data. The R2 for the concentrations of weakly adsorbed hydrocarbons ranged from 0.9953 to 0.9974, for strongly adsorbed hydrocarbons from 0.9063 to 0.9756, and for non-extractable hydrocarbons from 0.9931 to 0.9982. These extremely high correlation coefficients demonstrate the high accuracy of the parameters calculated using the Bayesian inversion method.

Effect of Packaging Methods and Storage Temperatures on the Quality of Erzurum Cheese Halva

Erzurum cheese halva is a traditional food registered with a geographical indication with its own taste and flavor, which is produced with saltless fresh civil cheese, fresh cream and flour mixture. This study was conducted to investigate the changes in the physical, chemical and microbiological properties of Erzurum cheese halva in different packaging and storage tempareture. The produced cheese halva samples were stored for two months in two different packaging methods (aerobic and vacuum packaged) and at three different storage temperatures (room temperature, +4℃ and -18℃). Some microbiological, chemical, physicochemical and sensory analysis of cheese halva samples were investigated during storage period. Furthermore, the dry matter, ash, protein, fat, salt and aw contents of cheese halva samples were determined on the 0th day of storage. The most obvious sign of deterioration were moldiness on aerobic packaged samples both the room temperature and +4℃ stored, and they were spoiled on the10th and 15th day of storage, respectively. It was observed that the acidity has increased and consumability has decreased in vacuum packaged samples stored at +4°C. Although neither chemical nor microbiological deterioration occurred in the vacuum packaged cheese halva samples stored on -18°C, negatively affects in the fibrous structure of the product and reduces the overall acceptability of the product. For this reason, future studies must be carried out that is necessary to search for more suitable packaging methods (e.g. modified atmosphere packaging) to protect the product's typical textural structure during the shelf life.

A Nutraceutical Combination of Bromelain and Boswellia Serrata Casperome® in Siben®: Effects on the Postoperative Course of Inguinal Hernioplasty with Mesh at One Year Follow up. A Randomized Multicentric Study.

We investigated the potential benefits of administering a nutraceutical combination of Bromelain (200 mg) and Boswellia serrata Casperome® (200 mg) on post-operative outcomes of hernioplasty with mesh. One hundred eighty patients (27 females, 153 males) were enrolled to undergo open tension-free hernioplasty with the use of Progrip®. Patients were randomized to receive either one tablet of Siben® (study group) or placebo (control group) on an empty stomach, every twelve hours for eleven postoperative days. All patients filled out a medical questionnaire focused on postoperative pain, based on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scale and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, at time T0 (day of surgery) and T28 (28th day after surgery). One-year results showed a significant improvement in the primary postoperative outcome in the study group. Perception of pain was significantly reduced in the Siben® group compared with controls, both on the seventh (p < 0.05) and the twenty-first (p < 0.05) postoperative day. Patients included in the Siben® group also resumed daily activities and returned to work earlier than the controls. Moreover, results of the SF-36 indicated better Quality of Life (QoL) scores in the study group compared to the placebo group. Our analysis effectively demonstrates that the use of Siben® in open inguinal hernia mesh repair may improve short- and long-term surgical outcomes, contributing to a better QoL.

Effect of acupuncture on tic disorder: a randomized controlled clinical trial based on energy metabolomics and infrared thermography

BackgroundAcupuncture is a method for treating tic disorder. However, there is a lack of sufficient clinical objective basis in regards of its treatment efficacy. Indeed, there are structural abnormalities present in energy metabolism and infrared thermography in children with tic disorder. Therefore, this study proposes a clinical trial scheme to explore the possible mechanism of acupuncture in treating tic disorder.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial will recruit a total of 90 children, in which they will be divided into non-intervention group and intervention group. The non-intervention group consists of 30 healthy children while the intervention group consists of 60 children with tic disorder. The intervention group will be randomly allocated into either the treatment group or the control group, with 30 children randomly assigned in each group. Children either received acupuncture treatment and behavioral therapy (treatment group) or sham acupuncture treatment and behavioral therapy (control group), 3 treatment sessions per week for a period of 12 weeks, with a total of 36 treatment sessions. Outcome measures include YGTSS, urinary and fecal metabolomics, infrared thermography of body surface including governor vessel. For the intervention group, these outcome measures will be collected at the baseline and 90th day prior to intervention. Whereas for the non-intervention group, outcome measures (excluding YGTSS) will be collected at the baseline.DiscussionThe main outcome will be to observe the changes of the severity of tic condition, the secondary outcome will be to observe the changes of structural characteristic of infrared thermography of body surface/acupoints along the governor vessel and to evaluate the changes of urinary and fecal metabolomics at the end of the treatment, so as to analyze the relationship between them and to provide further knowledge in understanding the possible mechanism of acupuncture in improving the clinical symptoms via regulating and restoring the body metabolomics network, which in future it can develop as a set of clinical guideline (diagnosis, treatment, assessment, prognosis) in treating tic disorder. ChiCTR2300075188(Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, http://www.chictr.org.cn, registered on 29 August 2023).

Recanalization of port-superior mesenteric vein thrombosis with long-term anticoagulant therapy after failed early anticoagulant therapy

BackgroundAnticoagulant therapy with heparin is the first-line treatment for acute mesenteric vein thrombosis and is effective in improving outcomes. Conversely, patients with failed early anticoagulant therapy occasionally develop bowel infarction requiring surgery. The efficacy of long-term anticoagulant therapy on recanalizing mesenteric vein thrombosis in patients with failed early anticoagulant therapy remains unclear. Herein, we report a patient who achieved recanalization of port-superior mesenteric vein thrombosis treated with anticoagulant therapy for 10 years after failed early anticoagulant therapy, followed by bowel resection.Case presentationA 38-year-old male patient visited an outpatient clinic due to acute exacerbation of abdominal pain that had persisted for a month. He was diagnosed with port-superior mesenteric vein thrombosis on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan and was transferred to our institution. Although he presented with abdominal pain, his respiration and circulation were stable upon hospital arrival. Anticoagulant therapy with heparin was started, and the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit. However, the patient’s abdominal pain worsened, and he began to develop signs of peritonitis. Repeat CT scan revealed bowel infarction. Thus, the patient underwent bowel resection 6 h after admission. The initial surgery was completed with open abdomen management. Bowel anastomosis was performed on the second-look surgery on the first postoperative day. Finally, the abdomen was closed on the third postoperative day after confirming the absence of bowel ischemia progression. The patient had prolonged impaired bowel function with paralytic ileus, but was discharged on the 60th postoperative day. He was then diagnosed with protein C and S deficiency based on the tests performed. Anticoagulant therapy with warfarin was initiated. He also received anticoagulant therapy in the outpatient setting. The patient’s port-superior mesenteric vein thrombosis had improved gradually with warfarin during the follow-up period. At 10 years after surgery, total occlusion of the port-superior mesenteric vein was recanalized with improvement of the portal collateral vessels. In addition, no gastric or esophageal varices were observed.ConclusionsLong-term anticoagulation therapy could affect the recanalization of extensive thrombus in multiple segments in patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis.

Improving electrical and mechanical properties of cement composites by combined addition of carbon black and carbon nanotubes and steel fibers

A cost-effective cement composite material has been developed for grounding systems, utilizing carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and steel fibers as conductive dopants. The electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, and fluidity of cement composites are investigated, and the synergetic mechanism of multiple conductive dopants in cement composites is revealed based on microscopic means. The results show that the combination of carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and steel fibers facilitates the establishment of efficient conductive networks in cement composites. The addition of 5 % carbon black, 0.3 % carbon nanotubes (by weight of cement), and 0.6 % steel fibers (by volume of composite) reduced the resistivity of the cement composite from 5568 Ω·cm to 310 Ω·cm after 28 days of curing. Then, it decreased to 267 Ω·cm after natural drying in laboratory environment until the 90th day. In addition, the resistivity of cement composites varies less than 5 % in environments ranging from −20°C to 50°C. Furthermore, the compressive and flexural strengths were 30.06 MPa and 6.17 MPa, and the flow diameter was 167 mm, which provided good mechanical strength and workability for conventional engineering applications. This paves an effective way for the further application of cement composites in grounding systems.

Effect of Pleurotus ostreatus Water Extract Consumption on Blood Parameters and Cytokine Values in Healthy Volunteers

Objective Our aim in this study is, does 29-day regular consumption of Pleurotus ostreatus water extract by volunteer individuals who meet the study criteria have an effect on blood and cytokine values? Method In accordance with the purpose of the study, volunteers were asked to consume 100 ml of the extract every morning for 29 days. Three tubes of blood samples were taken from the volunteers on the 15th and 29th days of the study. Biochemical and hematological analysis of the blood samples were performed and immunomodulatory effects through cytokines were examined. The values obtained from 3 tubes of blood obtained from volunteers before the use of mushroom extract were used as control. The chemical composition and β-glucan content of 100 ml of mushroom water extract were also analyzed. Result IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13 could not be detected because the values were below the lowest standard value. TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-1β 15th and 29th day values decreased compared to the 1st day (control) values (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference observed between the 15th and 29th day. No abnormalities were observed in biochemical and hematological values. Also, the β-glucan content of extract was found 38.12 mg/100 ml. Conclusion The frequency range of kidney and liver function test results confirmed that P. osreatus is a reliable food source. Considering the cytokine values these results indicate that P. ostreatus water extract has an anti-inflammatory effect. As no significant difference was observed in 29 days of use, it is thought that 15 days of daily consumption of the extract may be sufficient for the anti-inflammatory effect to occur. However, a large number of qualified clinical trials are needed to support the issue.

Development of Ultrasound-Processed Poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.) Sherbet Enriched with Bee Bread Using Response Surface Methodology: Changes in Shelf Life.

This research aimed to investigate the effects of ultrasound treatment on the quality characteristics of optimized functional bee bread-enriched poppy sherbet. Antioxidant activity capacity, antimicrobial activity, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, organic acid and sugar composition, and sensory properties were performed under storage conditions. The present research was the first to express the effect of ultrasound on the bioactive components in a functional poppy sherbet enriched with bread, using the response surface methodology (RSM) optimization. The maximum optimization, radical scavenging activity (DPPH), total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and general acceptability values were determined. When comparing the 0th- and 21st-day samples of bee bread-fortified functional poppy sherbets, it was observed that the TPC was decreased (p < 0.05). It was also noted that there was no significant decrease in the total flavonoids on day 21. In storage, a decrease in anthocyanin content was observed. Among phenolic compounds, gallic acid had the highest content. While citric acid was found in the highest amount of organic acid, sucrose (6.25 g/L) was found in the highest amount of sugar components 0th day, while MIC values against Micrococcus luteus were lower. The data from this study will be important input for future work.

Glutamic-N,N-Diacetic Acid as an Innovative Chelating Agent in Microfertilizer Development: Biodegradability, Lettuce Growth Promotion, and Impact on Endospheric Bacterial Communities

The search for new biodegradable fertilizers to increase the productivity of agricultural plants is an urgent task. In this study, a complex microfertilizer was developed based on a chelating agent—glutamic-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA). The evaluation encompassed assessments of biodegradability and effectiveness in fostering lettuce plant growth in hydroponic and conventional soil settings. The impact on endospheric bacteria, a sensitive indicator, was also examined. Results indicated a 59.8% degradation rate of the GLDA complex on the 28th day. The most notable positive effects were observed in above-ground plant biomass, with a 4.6-fold increase for hydroponics and 1.5 to 1.8-fold increases for root and foliar treatments in soil. In hydroponics, GLDA-treated plants showed 24 and 45 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) for leaves and 272 and 258 for roots (GLDA-treated and control plants). In soil, the OTU counts were 270 and 101, 221 and 111, and 198 and 116 in the leaves and roots of GLDA-treated and control plants (under root and foliar treatments), respectively. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA) demonstrated significant distinctions in endospheric communities between substrates (hydroponics and soil) in the presence of GLDA. Importantly, GLDA use simplified the composition of endospheric bacterial communities.

Potential pathogenetic role of a novel ABCC8 missense variant on both transient neonatal diabetes mellitus and fetal growth restriction: a case report.

The diagnosis of neonatal diabetes can be problematic in preterm infants with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Growth restricted fetuses may have impaired insulin production and secretion; low birthweight infants may have a reduced response to insulin. We report a novel missense ABCC8 variant associated with a clinical phenotype compatible with transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM) in a fetal growth restricted preterm infant. A preterm growth restricted infant experienced hyperglycemia from the first day of life, requiring insulin therapy on the 13th and 15th day of life and leading to the diagnosis of TNDM. Glycemic values normalized from the 35th day of life onwards. Genetic screening was performed by next generation sequencing, using a Clinical Exon panel of 4800 genes, filtered for those associated with the clinical presentation and by means of methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis to identify chromosomal aberrations at 6q24. Genetic tests excluded defects at 6q24 and were negative for KCNJ11, SLC2A2 (GLUT-2) and HNF1B, but revealed the presence of the heterozygous missense variant c.2959T > C (p.Ser987Pro) in ABCC8 gene. The presence of the variant was excluded in parents' DNA and the proband variant was then considered de novo. In our infant, the persistence of hyperglycemia beyond 3 weeks of life led us to the diagnosis of TNDM and to hypothesize a possible genetic cause. The genetic variant we found could be, most likely, the main cause of both FGR and TNDM.

The effect of favipiravir on fracture healing.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of favipiravir on fracture healing. Forty-eight female rats which had a femur fracture with intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation performed were divided into 6 groups; 2 control groups (C1, C2) and 4 experimental groups (F1, F2, F3, F4). The control groups (C1, C2) received physiological saline by oral gavage for 14 days. Two of the experimental groups (F1, F2) received favipiravir by oral gavage for 5 days, whereas the other groups (F3, F4) received it for 14 days. C1, F1 and F3 groups were sacrificed and evaluated on the 14th day, and C2, F2 and F4 groups were sacrificed and evaluated on the 28th day. The fracture sites were assessed for healing radiologically using the Lane and Sandhu scoring system, and assessed histologically using the Huo et al. scoring system. There was no difference between the groups regarding radiological and histological evaluations made on the 14th day (P > .05, P=.216, respectively). On the 28th day, the radiological scores were found to be significantly higher in the control group when compared to the experimental groups (P < .05). Histologically, the control group demonstrated better fracture healing than the groups that had favipiravir administered (P < .001). This study has shown that favipiravir can have negative effects on fracture healing both radiologically and histologically.

Ultrasound-driven piezoelectret-based nanogenerator stimulates vagus nerve for myocardial infarction treatment

Myocardial infarction (MI) stands as the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality within the spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, with an unfavorable long-term prognosis. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) emerges as a potential clinically significant intervention for alleviating myocardial remodeling after MI, offering promise as a therapeutic approach. However, challenges persist in addressing the fundamental issues of flexibility, miniaturization, and the long-term use of VNS devices. Here, we devised an implantable ultrasound-driven piezoelectret-based nanogenerator (UPN) as a wireless-powered and battery-free vagus nerve stimulator. The UPN with the features of flexibility and lightweight exhibited a maximum output of 10.68 V and 261 μA (peak to peak) under an ultrasonic probe setup at 700 mW cm−2. In the in vivo efficacy study, VNS therapy resulted in a notable improvement in cardiac function with the treatment of UPN, a 20.42 % enhancement in left ventricular ejection fraction and an 11.76 % increase in fractional shortening on the 28th day were realized. Concomitantly, inflammatory responses, myocardial fibrosis, and sympathetic nerve remodeling witnessed a significant reduction. Particularly noteworthy is the observed therapeutic effect linked to the inhibition of the IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways. In summary, this study introduces a novel strategy for nerve stimulation, offering a potential avenue for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

Analysis of 18 elements in Alpine goat milk in the first third of lactation

The research objective was to examine the influence of the first third of the lactation stage on 18 mineral elements in Alpine goat milk. The research was carried out on 20 goats of the French-Alpine breed, which were on average 5 years old and in the fourth lactation. The goats were monitored on the 30th and the 90th day of lactation. Their milk was analysed for chemical composition by the infrared spectroscopy. By means of inductively coupled plasma (ICP), a total of 18 minerals were analysed (Ca, P, K, Na, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Se, Mn, Mo, Co, Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, As and Hg). The period of milk sampling in the first third of lactation significantly influenced the changes in concentrations of Na, Se, Mo, Cr, Ni and As. Significantly higher concentrations of Na and As were determined in milk sampled on the 90th day, while lower concentrations of Se, Mo, Cr and Ni were determined in milk sampled on the 30th day of the first third of lactation. Analysis of the correlation coefficients between the investigated trace elements and the selected toxic elements in Alpine goat milk showed a significantly positive correlation between Ca:Mg, Ca:P, Ca:Co, Ca:Ni, Ca:Mo; Mg:P, Fe:As, Pb:Cd and P:Ni. In the first third of lactation, Alpine goat milk contained a very low concentration of heavy metals. The described changes indicate that Alpine goat milk is rich in essential elements, while the concentration of toxic elements is very low in the first third of lactation.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF DOGS SKIN WITH ATOPIC DERMATITIS AFTER TREATMENT USING ECO ENZYME

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common diseases in dogs that is multifactorial and usually attacks dogs aged between 6-36 months. This study was aimed to determine the histopathological appearance of the skin of dogs suffering from atopic dermatitis after treated with eco enzyme. Eco enzyme is a liquid product resulting from the fermentation of organic kitchen waste product such as fruit and vegetable dregs, molasses, and water. This study used five dogs suffering from atopic dermatitis which were divided into two groups. Group A: three dogs samples were bathed with 10% eco enzyme liquid every three days for 28 days. In Group B: two samples of dogs were bathed with 10% eco enzyme every three days until the 9th day, followed by a 2% eco enzyme bath once a week (13th, 20th, 27th day). Both treatment groups started from day 0 until day 28. Skin samples were taken using the biopsy method and histopathological changes were observed by making histopathological skin preparations stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Observations of the preparations were carried out using a light microscope. Data were analyzed using the Analysis of Variance test followed by the Duncan multiple range test and the Kruskall Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney test, then the data was explained descriptively. The results of the Anova test showed that the thickness of the dogs epidermis treated with 2% and 10% eco enzyme was significantly different (P&lt;0.05). The Kruskall Wallis test for scoring inflammatory cell infiltration and degeneration showed that there was a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in the administration of 2% and 10% eco enzyme. Eco enzyme liquid is able to reduce atopic dermatitis lesions in dogs. Giving eco enzyme at a concentration of 10% and followed by a concentration of 2% with an extended application time can return the histological structure of the dog’s skin to normal, especially the thickness of the epidermis, reduce inflammatory cell infiltration, and reduce degeneration.

Effectiveness of novel facial stretching with structured exercise versus conventional exercise for Bell’s palsy: a single-blinded randomized clinical trial

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of a novel technique involving facial stretching of the unaffected side along with a structured exercise for the affected side on facial symmetry and facial functions as compared to conventional exercise. A hospital-based parallel-group randomized trial was completed among patients with acute Bell’s palsy in Mangalore, India. Participants were randomized to receive facial stretching and a structured exercise program (experimental group) or the conventional exercise regimen (conventional group). Primary outcomes were facial symmetry and voluntary movement; assessed by the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS). Both regimens were given for 3 weeks, with baseline, 10th day, and 20th day assessments. Out of 31 participants screened, 24 were eligible and 12 participants each were assigned to experimental and conventional groups. Change scores revealed greater improvement in the SFGS score (p = 0.002) for the experimental group participants. Facial stretching and structured exercise program exhibited promising results in enhancing facial symmetry and function in acute Bell’s palsy when compared to conventional exercise regimen.