Additional Beneficial Effects Research Articles

In search of optimal psychoactivation: stimulants as cognitive performance enhancers.

An increasing number of people, students in particular, seek substances that improve their cognitive functioning. The most popular group of pharmacological cognitive enhancers (PCEs) are stimulants. Available studies suggest a small beneficial effect of methylphenidate and amphetamine on memory, executive functions, and processing speed. However small, this effect can make the difference between success and failure. In recent years, research has focused on the additional beneficial effect on the emotional state, increased motivation, and placebo-induced cognitive enhancement. This paper briefly reviews the latest and most important research on the relationship between popular stimulants and cognitive enhancement. One cannot understand this relationship without understanding the Yerkes-Dodson law, which explains the relationship between the degree of arousal and performance. It suggests that the effect of stimulants is a dose-dependent continuum. This law has repeatedly been confirmed by studies in which an optimal level of psychoactivation for cognitive enhancement was obtained with low stimulant doses, whereas exceeding the effective dose resulted in cognitive deficits, psychomotor agitation, and addiction. A separate section has been devoted to modafinil, an increasingly popular stimulant that differs from the rest in neurochemical profile and behavioural effects.

Se and I status in pregnant ewes from a pastoral system and the effect of supplementation with Se and I or only Se on wool quality of lambs

Australian Merino ewes and lambs producing fine fibre wool for export are raised in the north-west of Uruguay in pasture-based systems. We studied the status of selenium and iodine in pregnant Merino ewes (10 per treatment) grazing in natural pasture, in natural pasture and supplemented with Se (0.1 mg Se/kg dry matter intake) and I (1 mg I/kg dry matter intake), or in natural pasture and supplemented with Se alone (0.1 mg Se/kg dry matter intake), during the last 30 days of gestation. Further, we evaluated the performance and wool quality of their offspring. Content of Se and I in natural pasture, in the sera of pregnant ewes, and in the wool of their offspring and levels of thyroidal hormones—TSH, T4, and free T3 (FT3)—in the sera of pregnant ewes were determined. The performance of lambs and the commercial parameters of fine fibre wool produced were measured. Results showed normal Se levels in serum (0.12–0.15 mg/l) in the ewes grazing in natural pasture (0.07–0.09 mg/kg DM) during late pregnancy. The observed increase in Se content in the pasture at lambing (0.11–0.16 mg/kg DM) improved serum Se levels (0.216 mg/l); however, the serum levels were not affected by the supplementation.I content in pasture showed adequate levels (0.50–0.60 mg/kg DM), which were reflected in the blood serum values 30 days prior to lambing (0.197–0.208 mg/l). However, at lambing, the I content in blood serum decreased (0.150 mg/l). Further, the supplementation did not modify the serum I levels (0.163–0.175 mg/l). An increase in FT3 levels in ewes at lambing could be associated with the increase in Se content in pasture and/or the adequate I content in pasture. No effect of supplementation was observed. Lambs showed good results regarding the quality of fine fibre wool and performance after supplementation with Se and I or Se alone and exhibited slightly improved Se and I content in wool. In conclusion, natural pasture provides adequate status in Se and I for the Merino ewes and their offspring without any additional beneficial effects of supplementation with Se and I or only Se.

Combined use of oestradiol and progesterone to support luteal phase in antagonist intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles of normoresponder women: a case-control study

We evaluated the effect of combined use of oral oestrogen (E2) and vaginal progesterone (P) to support luteal phase in antagonist intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. We analysed data from 176 patients who underwent ICSI cycles with antagonist protocol. P 90 mg vaginal gel once a day and micronised E2 of 4 mg/day, were started from the day of oocyte pick up and continued to the 12th day of embryo transfer. Group 1 (n = 79) patients received E2 + P for luteal phase support. In group 2 (n = 97) patients, only P 90 mg vaginal gel was used for luteal phase support. There were no significant differences between group 1 and group 2 patients in terms of clinical pregnancy rates (PRs) (26.58% vs. 20.62%, p = .352), early pregnancy loss rates (6.33% vs. 6.19%, p = .969), incidence of luteal vaginal bleeding (8.86% vs. 8.25%, p = .885) and implantation rates (22.8% vs. 16.9%, p = .298). In conclusion, our study showed no beneficial effect of addition of E2 to luteal phase support on clinical PR in antagonist IVF cycles.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Luteal phase deficiency is defined as a disruption in progesterone and oestrogen production after ovulation. It is clear that, luteal phase supplementation to improve the outcomes in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles is mandatory. As an iatrogenic complication of assisted reproductive technique, decreased luteal oestrogen and progesterone levels lead to decreased pregnancy rates (PRs) and implantation rates.What the results of this study add? In this study, we aimed to present the role of luteal phase oestrogen administration in GnRH antagonist cycles. A total of 176 cases received progesterone vaginal gel form for luteal phase support. Study group received 4 mg oral oestradiol hemihydrate in addition to progesterone. Compared to previous studies, our study consisted of larger number of patients and we used oestradiol through oral route. We found out that luteal oestradiol support did not improve the clinical PR.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study showed no beneficial effect of addition of oestradiol to luteal phase support on clinical PR in antagonist IVF cycles.

Protein kinase Cδ mediates methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity in mice via activation of microsomal epoxide hydrolase

We previously demonstrated that activation of protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) is critical for methamphetamine (MA)-induced dopaminergic toxicity. It was recognized that microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) also induces dopaminergic neurotoxicity. It was demonstrated that inhibition of PKC modulates the expression of mEH. We investigated whether MA-induced PKCδ activation requires mEH induction in mice. MA treatment (8 mg/kg, i.p., × 4; 2 h interval) significantly enhanced the level of phosphorylated PKCδ in the striatum of wild type (WT) mice. Subsequently, treatment with MA resulted in significant increases in the expression of cleaved PKCδ and mEH. Treatment with MA resulted in enhanced interaction between PKCδ and mEH. PKCδ knockout mice exhibited significant attenuation of the enhanced mEH expression induced by MA. MA-induced hyperthermia, oxidative stress, proapoptotic potentials, and dopaminergic impairments were attenuated by PKCδ knockout or mEH knockout in mice. However, treating mEH knockout in mice with PKCδ inhibitor, rottlerin did not show any additive beneficial effects, indicating that mEH is a critical mediator of neurotoxic potential of PKCδ. Our results suggest that MA-induced PKCδ activation requires mEH induction as a downstream signaling pathway and that the modulation of the PKCδ and mEH interaction is important for the pharmacological intervention against MA-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity.

Exploitation of sourdough lactic acid bacteria to reduce raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) content in breads enriched with chickpea flour

Wheat baked goods fortification with chickpea flour can improve their overall nutritional quality. However, some antinutritional factors, such as raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), of this legume limit its supplementation in bread. The reduction of some of these drawbacks can be achieved using sourdough technology. Therefore, the aim of this study was to obtain a sourdough bread possessing the beneficial effect of chickpea flour addition together with a reduced content of RFOs, thanks to the activity of selected lactic acid bacteria. Sixty sourdough lactobacilli were screened for the capability of growing in a medium with raffinose as unique carbohydrates source. The most promising strains were inoculated in liquid chickpea sourdoughs. Lactobacillus plantarum M8 decreased up to 63.22% the initial amount of RFOs hence it was selected for the manufacture of wheat breads with different percentage of pre-fermented chickpea flour (0, 5, 10 and 20% on total flour). Chickpea flour addition significantly (p > 0.05) increased free amino acids, lysine and total phenolic content of breads compared to a control bread made only with wheat flour. Furthermore, RFOs total amount decreased in breads with increased percentage of pre-fermented chickpea flour in the recipe, confirming the ability of the selected L. plantarum M8 strain to reduce RFOs.

Additional effects of erythropoietin pretreatment, ischemic preconditioning, and N-acetylcysteine posttreatment in rat kidney reperfusion injury

Background/aimSince the nature of ischemia/reperfusion (IR)-induced tissue damage is multifactorial and complex, in the current study, the effects of multiple treatment strategies via concomitant administration of erythropoietin (EPO) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) with an ischemic preconditioning (IPC) regimen on renal IR injury were examined.Materials and methods Thirty male Wistar rats were subjected to bilateral occlusion of the renal pedicles for 50 min followed by reperfusion. EPO (1000 IU/kg) was administered for 3 days, as well as IPC before the IR and NAC (150 mg/kg) administration for 4 days after IR. The animals were randomly allocated into 6 groups (n = 5): sham, IR, EPO+IR, IPC+IR, NAC+IR, and EPO+IPC+NAC+IR. Kidney tissues and blood samples were obtained for oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines, and renal functional evaluations.Results IR caused significant inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and reduced renal function. Treatment with EPO, IPC, and NAC or a combination of two of them attenuated renal dysfunction and reduced the oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Rats treated with the combination of EPO, IPC, and NAC showed a higher degree of protection compared to the other groups.Conclusion These results showed that concomitant administration of EPO and IPC along with posttreatment NAC may have additive beneficial effects on kidney IR injury during IR-induced acute renal failure.

Clinical impact of T cells, B cells and the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in muscle invasive bladder cancer: a comparative study of transurethral resection and cystectomy specimens

ABSTRACTIn patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) prior to radical cystectomy has improved survival but there is an urgent unmet need to identify prognostic and predictive biomarkers to stratify patients who will benefit from treatment. This study aimed to examine the composition of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in MIBC, with particular reference to the clinical outcome and the potential modifying effect of NAC. To this end, the expression of CD8+ and FoxP3+ T cells, CD20+ B cells, PD-1+ and PD-L1+ immune cells and PD-L1+ tumor cells was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays with paired transurethral resection (TURB) specimens, cystectomy specimens and lymph node metastases from 145 patients, 65 of whom had received NAC. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were applied to assess the impact of investigated cell subsets on time to recurrence (TTR). In cystectomy specimens, high infiltration of the investigated immune cell populations, but not PD-L1+ tumor cells, were independently associated with a prolonged TTR, whereas in TURB specimens, this association was only seen for CD8+ lymphocytes. An additive beneficial prognostic effect of NAC was seen for the majority of the cell subsets but there was no significant interaction between any immune marker and NAC in relation to TTR. Furthermore, no differences in cell densities prior to NAC treatment were observed between complete and non-complete responders, or pre- and posttreatment in non-complete responders. In conclusion, immune cell infiltration provides important prognostic information in both pre- and postsurgical samples of MIBC, independently of NAC.

FISSION YEAST SCHIZOSACCHAROMYCES POMBE AS A MODEL SYSTEM FOR ULTRASTRUCTURAL INVESTIGATIONS USING TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

The unicellular fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe) has become a prominent model system to elucidate a various range of biological processes which are highly conserved in mammalian cells. Ultrastructure of the cells related to the organelle morphology is useful in the generation of the comprehensive overview of the cell function. Transmission electron microscopy provides a unique tool to study cell architecture under physiological conditions, as well as ultrastructural changes of the cells due to toxic or beneficial effects of diverse additives. In recent years, S. pombe has also proved to be a suitable cell system for transmission electron microscopy investigations. In the current study, general features of S. pombe are described. In addition, conventional specimen preparation technique and the important discoveries of cell architecture emerging from transmission electron microscopy studies of S. pombe are summarized.

Lactobacillus reuteri V3401 Reduces Inflammatory Biomarkers and Modifies the Gastrointestinal Microbiome in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: The PROSIR Study.

Previous studies have reported that probiotics may improve clinical and inflammatory parameters in patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Lactobacillus (L.) reuteri V3401 has shown promising results on the components of MetS in animal studies. We aimed to evaluate the effects of L. reuteri V3401 together with healthy lifestyle recommendations on adult patients with MetS. Methods: We carried out a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled, single-center trial in which we included 53 adult patients newly diagnosed with MetS. Patients were block randomly allocated by body mass index (BMI) and sex to receive a capsule containing either the probiotic L. reuteri V3401 (5 × 109 colony-forming units) or a placebo once daily for 12 weeks. Anthropometric variables, biochemical and inflammatory biomarkers, as well as the gastrointestinal microbiome composition were determined. Results: There were no differences between groups in the clinical characteristics of MetS. However, we found that interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) diminished by effect of the treatment with L. reuteri V3401. Analysis of the gastrointestinal microbiome revealed a rise in the proportion of Verrucomicrobia. Conclusions: Consumption of L. reuteri V3401 improved selected inflammatory parameters and modified the gastrointestinal microbiome. Further studies are needed to ascertain additional beneficial effects of other probiotic strains in MetS as well as the mechanisms by which such effects are exerted.

Novel pendrin inhibitor attenuates airway hyperresponsiveness and mucin expression in experimental murine asthma

Novel pendrin inhibitor attenuates airway hyperresponsiveness and mucin expression in experimental murine asthma

Mud-bath treatment of seronegative spondyloarthritis: experience at the Euganean Thermal Area.

Mud-bath therapy (MBT) has been used as a treatment for rheumatic diseases and musculoskeletal complaints in the Euganean Thermal Area (near Padova, Italy) since ancient time. There is no consensus about the use of MBT in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, although experimental studies have suggested a beneficial effect of MBT on chronic articular inflammation. To evaluate the effects of MBT in patients affected by seronegative spondyloarthritis, very common chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases,randomized controlled trials (RCT) performed in the Euganean Thermal Area have been reviewed. A significant improvement of spondylitis parameters was observed in enteropathic spondylitis, without bowel symptom exacerbation. A long-term amelioration of clinical evaluation indices was found in ankylosing spondylitis. A significant improvement of cutaneous lesions, arthritis activity, and patient's functional ability was observed in psoriatic arthritis. MBT was usually well tolerated and adverse side effects were rarely reported. The review of the RCT suggests that MBT may exert additional beneficial effects in patients with seronegative spondyloarthritis treated with pharmacological therapy.

The combined effect of Parathyroid hormone (1\u201334) and whole-body Vibration exercise in the treatment of postmenopausal OSteoporosis (PaVOS study): a randomized controlled trial

SummaryTreatment effects of combining teriparatide and whole-body vibration exercise (WBV) vs teriparatide alone in twelve months were compared using bone mineral density (BMD), bone microarchitecture, and bone turnover markers. We found an increased effect in lumbar spine BMD by adding WBV to teriparatide in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.IntroductionThe parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogue teriparatide is an effective but expensive anabolic treatment for osteoporosis. Whole-body vibration exercise (WBV) has been found to stimulate muscle and bone strength in some studies. Animal data demonstrate a beneficial effect on bone when combining PTH with mechanical loading. The aim of this study was to investigate if combining WBV exercise and teriparatide treatment gives additional beneficial effects on bone compared to teriparatide alone in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.MethodsThe PaVOS study is a randomized controlled trial where postmenopausal osteoporotic women starting teriparatide 20 μg/day were randomized to WBV + teriparatide or teriparatide alone. WBV consisted of three sessions a week (12 min, including 1:1 ratio of exercise:rest). Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microarchitecture, bone turnover markers, and sclerostin measurements were obtained. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed regression model with adjustment for baseline values or robust cluster regression in an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis.ResultsThirty-five women were randomized (17 in teriparatide + WBV group and 18 in teriparatide group). At 12 months, both groups increased significantly in BMD at the lumbar spine. The teriparatide + WBV group increased by (mean ± SD) 8.90% ± 5.47 and the teriparatide group by 6.65% ± 5.51. The adjusted treatment effect of adding WBV to teriparatide was statistically significant at 2.95% [95% CI = 0.14–5.77; P = 0.040]. Markers of bone turnover increased significantly in both groups at three and six months with no significant difference between groups. No other treatment effects were observed in hip BMD, bone microarchitecture parameters, or sclerostin levels in either group.ConclusionTwelve months of WBV and teriparatide had a significant clinically relevant treatment effect in lumbar spine BMD compared to teriparatide alone in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.ClinicalTrials.gov:(NCT02563353).

Enhanced Durability of Graphene-Based Epoxy Films

Graphene-based nanoparticles are suitable to enhance toughness related to impact, fracture and fatigue of epoxy nanocomposites to make them able to meet industrial requirements. The increase in the mechanical performance of graphene-based films is well known in the literature. This paper highlights an additional beneficial effect of graphene-based nanoparticles, which is related to the increase of the photooxidative resistance of polymeric films. Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) have been incorporated, at different weight percentages, in the epoxy films. Unfilled and nanofilled films (30 ± 1.5 μm thick) have been subjected to the accelerated photo-oxidative degradation by exposing them to UV-A radiation (295–380 nm). AFM-Harmonix modulus maps at the micro and nanoscale level have been detected to investigate the effect of graphene nanoparticle on the mechanical properties of untreated and UV treated unfilled and nanofilled samples. SEM analysis has been used to analyse the effect of graphene on morphological features of the film surface. UV irradiation determines relevant damages of the mechanical properties and morphological feature of the unfilled sample. The experiments carried out on the nanofilled films show that GNPs, dispersed in the epoxy-based films, determine a strong decrease in the entity of the damages of the film surfaces.

Ameliorative Effect of Exercise Training on Age-Related Vascular and Biochemical Changes in Rats

AbstractBackground: Physical exercise is suggested as a life style modification to improve the age related patho-physiologic heamodynamic alterations.Aim of Study: The present study was designed to evaluate the possible ameliorating role of aerobic exercise training in improving age associated vascular dysfunction and hemody-namic disturbance.Material and Methods: Thirty male albino rats of local strain were used for this study. Rats were divided into three main groups: The young control (aged 3-4 months, weighing 150-200gm) (n=10), aged sedentary (aged 22-24 months, weighing 300-400gm) (n=10) and aged exercised group (aged 22-24 months, weighing 300-400gm) (n=10). Rats in the aged exercised group practiced moderate intensity treadmill exercise for 5 days/week for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks rats were subjected for rat tail-measurement of SBP. Then, fasting retro-orbital blood samples were collected for measuring serum lipid profile (TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C and TGs) and inflammatory cytokine (TNF-a). Lastly, rats were sacrificed and abdominal aorta was exposed for assessing MNV and RP using Doppler ultrasound.Results: In aged sedentary group, there were significant increase in SBP, RP, serum (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C) and serum TNF-a associated with significant decrement in MNV when compared to the corresponding values in the young control ones. Exercise training for six weeks significantly restored age-related vascular and biochemical changes except for HDL-C and TC there was insignificant diffrence when compared to the corresponding values in aged sedentary group.Conclusion: Regular exercise training in aging has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular functions by accelerating blood flow and decreasing resistance to blood flow, also it has an additive beneficial effect on the associated dyslipidemia and chronic inflammatory state in aging.

Safety and Efficacy of a Non-Invasive High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field (HIFEM) Device for Treatment of Urinary Incontinence and Enhancement of Quality of Life.

Background and ObjectivesUrinary incontinence is a common and distressing condition which interferes with everyday life. Patients frequently experience discomfort related to urine leakage and the subsequent need to use absorbent pads. Since the continence mechanism is primarily maintained by a proper function of pelvic floor muscles (PFM), many treatment methods focused on strengthening of the PFM have been introduced in the past. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a high‐intensity focused electromagnetic technology (HIFEM) for treatment of urinary incontinence with emphasis on effects on prospective patients’ quality of life.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThe study followed an institutional review board approved protocol. A total of 75 women (55.45 ± 12.80 years, 1.85 ± 1.28 deliveries) who showed symptoms of stress, urge, or mixed urinary incontinence were enrolled. They received six HIFEM treatments (2 per week) in duration of 28 minutes. Outcomes were evaluated after the sixth treatment and at the 3‐month follow‐up. The primary outcome was to assess changes in urinary incontinence by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF) and changes in the number of absorbent pads used per day. The secondary outcome was subjective evaluation of the therapy and self‐reported changes in quality of life. The statistical analysis was conducted by paired T‐test and Pearson correlation coefficient ( α = 0.05).ResultsAfter the sixth session, 61 out of 75 patients (81.33%) reported significant reduction of their symptoms. The average improvement of 49.93% in ICIQ‐SF score was observed after the sixth treatment, which further increased to 64.42% at the follow‐up (both P < 0.001). Individually, the highest level of improvement was reached in patients suffering from mixed urinary incontinence (69.90%). The reduction of absorbent pads averaged 43.80% after the sixth treatment and 53.68% at 3 months (both P < 0.001), while almost 70% of patients (30 out of 43) reported decreased number of used pads. At the follow‐up, a highly significant medium correlation (r = 0.53, P < 0.001) was found between the ICIQ‐SF score improvement and the reduction in pad usage. A substantial decrease in the frequency of urine leakage triggers was documented. Patients reported no pain, downtime or adverse events, and also reported additional beneficial effects of the therapy such as increased sexual desire and better urination control.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that HIFEM technology is able to safely and effectively treat a wide range of patients suffering from urinary incontinence. After six treatments, an improvement in ICIQ‐SF score and reduction in absorbent pads usage was observed. Based on subjective evaluation, these changes positively influenced quality of life. © 2019 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A preventive effect of the combination of albendazole and pomegranate peel aqueous extract treatment in cystic echinococcosis mice model: An alternative approach

To investigate the preventive effect of the combination of albendazole (ABZ) and pomegranate peel aqueous extract (PGE) treatment in cystic echinococcosis, we assess in vivo the antihydatic and the anti-inflammatory effects of the combination of ABZ/ PGE in cystic echinococcosis mice model. To evaluate the in vivo efficacy, mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with viable protoscolices and then treated with ABZ and/or PGE during cystic echinococcosis development. Mice were randomly allocated into eight groups: ABZ/CE group, PGE/CE group, (ABZ+PGE)/CE group, CE group, and control groups (Ctrl, PBS, ABZ, and PGE groups). Drugs in diverse treated groups were orally administered daily during CE development for two months. Mice were then euthanized and associated indications were investigated to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Cyst development and hepatic damage were macroscopically and histologically analyzed. The hepatic expression of iNOS, TNF-α, NF-κβ, vimentin, and CD68 was examined. Interestingly, the association of ABZ and PGE enhanced a significant reduction of the rate of hydatid cyst growth inhibition in comparison to the infected or ABZ-treated groups. This effect was strongly related to the histological structure of liver improvement. A significant iNOS, TNF-α, NF-κβ, vimentin, and CD68 decrease expression was observed in liver tissue of (ABZ+PGE)-treated group compared with infested and ABZ-treated groups. PGE treatment indicates a significant beneficial additive antihydatic effect with a reduction of the liver side effects. The combination of albendazole and PGE treatment is more efficient and suggests its potential preventive value against Echinococcus granulosus infection.

Suppressive Effect of Everolimus on IL-2, IL-10, IL-21, and IFNγ Levels: Implications for the Successful Minimization of Calcineurin Inhibitor Use in Transplantation.

Success with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) such as cyclosporine A (CSA) and tacrolimus (TAC) in organ transplantation has demonstrated that cytokine suppression is a key factor in patient management. However, the exact effects of recently introduced immunosuppressive agents other than CNI on cytokine expression remain unknown. In this study, the action of the mTOR-inhibitor everolimus (EVR) and that of the antimetabolite mycophenolic acid (MPA) on the transcription of several cytokines was investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from healthy volunteers were stimulated with anti-CD3/28 microbeads in the presence of CSA, TAC, EVR, and/or MPA for 8 hours. The mRNA levels of each cytokine were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. MPA had no inhibitory effect on any of the cytokines tested. EVR showed moderate inhibition of IL-2, IL-10, IL-21, and IFNγ levels. These cytokines were further analyzed to investigate the additive effect of EVR in combination with CNI. The beneficial effect of EVR addition was seen at low concentrations of CSA or TAC, while no additive effect was observed at high concentrations. EVR might effectively inhibit the activation of recipient immune cells in combination with a low dose of CNI, maximizing clinical benefit by preventing graft rejection and alleviating CNI-induced adverse effects.

No Effect of an Automated Bolus Calculator in Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes on Multiple Daily Injections: The Expert Kids Study

Background: This multicenter crossover study investigated the potential beneficial effect of an automated bolus calculator (ABC) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) treated with multiple daily injections (MDI). Methods: Participants were randomized to either begin or end with a 5 months intervention versus their regular treatment regimen (control), separated by a 2 months washout period. During the intervention participants were carefully instructed to use the ABC (Accu-Check Aviva Expert) versus manual insulin calculations during the control period. Participants between 8 and 18 years of age with T1D were recruited from clinics in Denmark, Belgium, and Spain. Inclusion criteria included T1D for >1 year, a minimum of 3 months MDI treatment before inclusion, and HbA1c of 7.5%-11% (57-97 mmol/mol). Improvement in HbA1c was the main outcome, and improved quality of life (QoL) and glucose variability (time spent in target glucose) were secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 65 patients with a mean age of 13.25 years and a mean HbA1c of 8.25% (66.7 mmol/mol) were included. Midway evaluation after 2 months of intervention showed no significant difference from the standard care (0.297, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.645 to 0.054; P = 0.10). The difference remained insignificant after the 5 months of intervention (-0.143 [95% CI: -0.558 to 0.272; P = 0.51]). Using the ABC did not change the time spent in target glucose range, nor did it change the QoL. Conclusions: Our study did not demonstrate beneficial additive effects of an ABC in children and adolescents with T1D treated with MDI neither in HbA1c, nor in any other endpoint investigated.

Effect of silsesquioxane addition on the protective performance of fluoropolymer coatings for bronze surfaces

Two types of innovative coatings based on fluoroethylene/vinylether alternating copolymers are investigated as protective systems for bronze works-of-art. The influence of a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), i.e. open-cube trisilanol-heptaisooctyl-POSS, on the surface, mechanical, optical and electrochemical properties of coatings is examined. It is found that the isooctyl groups in the organic shell of POSS cause an increase in the hydrophobicity of the surface. On the other hand, nanoindentation tests show that the reduced modulus, hardness and plasticity index decrease with the addition of POSS, while abrasion resistance is slightly improved. Haze of coatings increases when POSS nanoparticles are present. More importantly, a beneficial effect of POSS addition on the protective efficiency against corrosion is assessed by exposure of coatings to acidic vapours and electrochemical treatments. In this regard, potentiodynamic polarisation clearly shows that the protective efficiency is systematically larger for coatings comprising POSS. The ex situ IR reflection-absorption spectroelectrochemistry shows that cuprous oxide can eventually form at the coating|bronze interface, which is identified through the spectroelectrochemistry of unprotected bronze.

Effects of whole-body vibration exercise for non-specific chronic low back pain: an assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial

Objective: To confirm the benefits of whole-body vibration exercise for pain intensity and functional disability in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient. Subjects: Eighty-nine patients with non-specific chronic low back pain met the inclusion criteria, they were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n = 45) or the control group (n = 44). Intervention: The intervention group received whole-body vibration exercises three times a week for 12 weeks. The control group received general exercise protocol three times a week for 12 weeks. Main outcomes: The primary outcome measures were pain intensity and functional disability measured by the visual analog scale scores and Oswestry Disability Index. The secondary outcome measures included lumbar joint position sense, quality of life (Short Form Health Survey 36) and overall treatment effect (Global Perceived Effect). Results: A total of 84 subjects completed the 12-week study program. After 12 weeks, compared with the control group, the mean visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores decreased by additional 1 point (95% confidence interval (CI) = –1.22 to −0.78; P < 0.001), 3.81 point (95% CI, −4.98, −2.63; P < 0.001) based on adjusted analysis in the intervention group. And the intervention group provided additional beneficial effects for in terms of lumbar joint position sense (P < 0.05), quality of life (P < 0.05), and Global Perceived Effect (P = 0.012). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that whole-body vibration exercise could provide more benefits than general exercise for relieving pain and improving functional disability in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain.