AG Group Research Articles

Imbalance in the ratio between mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and neurodegeneration in the dentate gyrus of aged dogs.

Cortisol binds to mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) found in the hippocampus. The balanced expression of these receptors is essential to neuronal survival as MR and GR activations have antiapoptotic and proapoptotic effects, respectively. Given the aging changes in dogs' dentate gyrus (DG) and the possible involvement of cortisol receptors in this process, this study aimed to evaluate the expression of MR and GR and neuronal degeneration in this hippocampal region of aged dogs. This study included cadaveric histologic hippocampus sections from six dogs aged 10 years and older (AG group) and 12 young/adult dogs aged up to 8 years (YAd group). Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry were performed to identify cells and investigate MR and GR expression, respectively. Furthermore, fluorescent labeling (fluoro-Jade B) was used to detect degenerating neurons. The AG group's polymorphic layer of the DG had a lower cell count (16%) and more degenerating neurons than the YAd group. In addition to these cellular changes, the AG group had lower MR immunoreactivity and MR-to-GR ratio. Furthermore, the lowest MR expression was associated with neuronal degeneration in the polymorphic layer of the DG of dogs. An imbalance in the MR-to-GR ratio was observed in the polymorphic layer of the DG of aged dogs, along with lower MR expression and a greater number of degenerating neurons. These findings have clinical implications for understanding the decline in hippocampal memory formation associated with cognitive changes in aged dogs.

Comparison of Surface Roughness and Color Stability of Different Denture Characterizing Composite Resins: The Effect of Different Surface Treatments.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of surface treatment and type of composite resin material on the color stability and surface roughness of different denture characterizing composites. Two nanohybrids [Gradia Plus Gum, (GP) and SR Nexco Paste Gingiva, (SR)] and one microhybrid gingiva-colored composite resin [Amaris Gingiva, (AG)] were investigated. A total of 120 disk-shaped samples were prepared, 40 of each material. Samples were divided into two groups (n = 20) for each material according to the surface treatmentapplied: conventional polishing (control) and coated with a sealant in addition to the surface polishing. All groups were thermocycled. The surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a profilometer after thermal cycling. The samples were then divided into 2 subgroups (n = 10) and stored for 7 days in distilled water or coffee solution. Color differences (ΔE00 ) were calculated with a spectrophotometer. Results were evaluated with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U statistical analysis. The type of denture characterizing composite material and surface treatment method revealed statistically significant differences for the ΔE00 (after immersion both in coffee and distilled water) and the Ra values of denture characterizing composite (p < 0.001 for both). All sealed groups showed significantly higher Ra than the all polished groups. Both in the polished groups and the sealant applied groups, the GP had the highest mean Ra values (0.29 ±0.05μm and 0.47 ±0.09μm, respectively). It was followed by SR (0.23 ±0.06μm and 0.41 ±0.10μm, respectively), and AG groups (0.20 ±0.06μm and 0.39 ±0.09μm, respectively). According to the mean ΔE00 results, all composite groups showed significantly higher ΔE00 values immersed in coffee solutions compared to distilled water. In coffee solutions, the highest ΔE00 was observed in the polished GP (1.90 ±0.40), and the lowest ΔE00 was observed in the polished SR (0.97 ±0.36). The sealed groups showed higher ΔE00 than the polished groups, except for GP. The surface roughness value of sealant applied groups were significantly higher than those of the polished groups. The surface sealant applicationsignificantly increased the staining of all composite groups compared to conventional polishing, except for GP.

Trans-Species Fecal Transplant Revealed the Role of the Gut Microbiome as a Contributor to Energy Metabolism and Development of Skeletal Muscle.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the exogenous gut microbiome at early life stages on the development of mice skeletal muscle in adulthood. First, the characteristics of skeletal muscle and the gut microbiota composition of the gut microbiota donors—Erhualian (EH) pigs (a native Chinese breed)—were studied. EH pigs had significantly higher fiber densities and thinner fiber diameters than Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire crossed (DLY) pigs (p < 0.05). The expression levels of genes related to oxidized muscle fibers, mitochondrial function, and glucose metabolism in the skeletal muscle of EH pigs were significantly higher than those in DLY pigs (p < 0.05). Moreover, the abundances of 8 gut microbial phyla and 35 genera correlated with the skeletal muscle fiber diameters and densities exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05) between EH and DLY pigs. Subsequently, newborn mice were treated with saline (CG) and fecal microbiota suspensions collected from EH pigs (AG), respectively, for 15 days, starting from the day of birth. In adulthood (60 days), the relative abundances of Parabacteroides, Sutterella, and Dehalobacterium were significantly higher in the feces of the AG mice than those of the CG mice. The microbes contribute to improved functions related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The weight, density, and gene expression related to the oxidized muscle fibers, mitochondrial function, and glucose metabolism of the AG group were significantly higher than those of the CG group (p < 0.05), whereas the fiber diameters in the skeletal muscle of the AG mice were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of the CG mice. These results suggested that intervention with exogenous microbiota at early stages of life can affect the fiber size and energy metabolism of their skeletal muscle.

Probiotic Lactobacilli ameliorate alcohol-induced hepatic damage via gut microbial alteration.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which includes fatty liver, cirrhosis, steatosis, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, is a global health problem. The probiotic effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are well-known; however, their protective effect against ALD remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, our objective was to assess the protective effects of LAB on ALD. To this end, mice were fed either a normal diet or an alcohol diet for 10 days (to induce ALD) accompanied by vehicle treatment (the NC and AC groups) or kimchi-derived LAB (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSR J266 and Levilactobacillus brevis DSR J301, the AL group; or Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, the AG group). Our results showed that mice in the AC group showed significantly higher serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels than those in the normal diet groups; however, their levels in the AL and AG groups were relatively lower. We also observed that the AL and AG groups showed relatively lower interleukin-6 levels than the AC group. Additionally, AC group showed the accumulation of several fat vesicles in the liver, while the AL and AG groups showed remarkably lower numbers of fat vesicles. The relative abundance of Enterococcus feacalis, which showed association with liver injury, significantly increased in the AC group compared with its levels in the normal diet groups. However, the AG group showed a decreased relative abundance in this regard, confirming that LAB exerted an improvement effect on gut microbial community. These findings suggested that via gut microbiota alteration, the ingestion of LAB can alleviate the ill effects of alcohol consumption, including inflammation, liver damage, gut dysbiosis, and abnormal intestinal nutrient metabolism.

Association of new SNPs at DGAT1 gene with milk quality in Egyptian Zaraibi goat breed

This study aimed to detect putative genomic loci in candidate genes associated with milk composition in Egyptian Zaraibi goats. A total number of 50 samples were tested to detect polymorphism in exons 15 and 16 of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) gene. The PCR products were sequenced and aligned. Sequence analysis showed three new genotypes in the studied samples: T1C1 (T12C SNP), T2C2 (T84C), and AG (G219A), then three groups were created: the first group was BB with C1T1 and AG genotypes, the second was DD which contains C2T2 and AG genotypes, and the third was AG with only AG genotype. GLM showed that the DD group with C84T and G219A SNPs had significantly the highest fat percent. Meanwhile, the BB group with C84T and G219A SNPs recorded significantly the highest total solids levels. On the other hand, the AG group which has G219A SNP showed a non-significant effect on milk components. Those new SNPs were submitted to GenBank and approved to be published. Moreover, translation of those sequences showed that the G219A SNP causes a substitution of Glycine to Serine in exon 16 at position 106. This SNP (G106S) was predicted to be tolerated by SIFT with a score of 0.48.

Genç Badmintoncularda Ağırlık Yeleği Kullanılarak Yapılan Dirençli Pliometrik Antrenmanın Çeviklik Performansı Üzerine Etkisinin Antrenman Programının Bitiminde ve Detraining Döneminde İncelenmesi

Bu çalışmanın amacı genç badmintonculara uygulanan sekiz haftalık pliometrik antrenman ve ağırlık yeleği kullanılarak yapılan dirençli pliometrik antrenmanın çeviklik performansı üzerine etkisinin antrenman programının bitiminde ve detraining döneminde incelenmesidir. Araştırmaya 24 kadın, 24 erkek olmak üzere toplam 48 sporcu katılmıştır. Katılımcıların yaş ortalamaları 16,06±0,78 yıl, vücut ağırlıkları ortalamaları 58,70±7,45 kg, boy ortalamaları 168,60±5,95 cm’dir. Sporcular, her bir grupta toplam 16 sporcu olmak üzere antrenman protokollerine göre kontrol grubu (KG), pliometrik antrenman grubu (PG) ve ağırlık yeleği kullanılarak yapılan dirençli pliometrik antrenman grubu (AG) olarak 3 gruba ayrılmıştır. Sporcuların çeviklik testi T testi kullanılarak ölçülmüş ve test, çalışmanın başında ve sonunda tekrarlanmıştır. Çalışmada ayrıca antrenman programının tamamlanmasını takiben detraining ölçümü için sporcular 4 hafta boyunca pliometrik ve ağırlık yelekli pliometrik antrenmana ara vermiştir. Belirtilen sürenin sonunda sporculardan tekrar çeviklik testi ölçümü alınmıştır. Veri analizinde SPSS 22.0 paket programı kullanılmıştır. Gruplar arası karşılaştırmada varyans analizi, ölçümler arası karşılaştırmada t testi kullanılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda gruplar kendi aralarında karşılaştırıldığında PG ve AG gruplarında uygulanan 8 haftalık antrenman programının çeviklik performansını önemli ölçüde kısalttığı (p

Effect of taxifolin on acrylamide-induced oxidative and proinflammatory lung injury in rats: Biochemical and histopathological studies

Purpose: To examine the probable beneficial effects of taxifolin against acrylamide damage in lung tissue.Methods: 18 male albino Wistar rats were divided into healthy (HG), acrylamide (AG) and taxifolin + acrylamide (TAG) groups. Once a day for 30 days, acrylamide was orally administered to the AG group (50 mg/kg), while ACL (50 mg/kg) and TAX (20 mg/kg) were orally administered to TAG group. Protein concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total glutathione (tGSH) levels as well as oxidant and antioxidant molecules concentrations of the rat lung tissues were measured. In addition, degree of mononuclear (MN) cell infiltration and bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) hyperplasia was evaluated by the degree of hyperplasia (absent, mild, moderate, severe). The histopathological andbiochemical data the groups were compared.Results: When compared in terms of MDA levels, it was found that the AG group had high MDA levels, and the TAG group had low MDA levels. (p &lt; 0.001). TAG group was found to have a higher tGSH level than the AG group (p &lt; 0.001). Compared to the AG group, lower TOS and higher TAS levels were obtained in the TAG group (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, when TOS levels of TAG and HG groups were compared, the TOS levels between the two groups were statistically insignificant (p = 0.213). It has been observed that TAX administration prevents the increase in NF-ƘB level. When the NF-ƘB levels of the AG and TAG groups were compared with each other, there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). In the AG group, severe MN cell hyperplasia and BALT hyperplasia were observed histopathologically. It was determined that these findings were alleviated in the TAG group. A histopathologically significant difference was found between AG and TAG groups (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Taxifolin has beneficial effects against lung injury caused by acrylamide, a healthdamaging environmental factor. Regular use of taxifolin can be recommended, especially in people who are known to have intense contact with acrylamide. There is a need for research studies on this subject.

Antimicrobial Properties of Amino-Acid-Derived N-Heterocyclic Carbene Silver Complexes.

Complexes {Ag[NHCMes,R]}n (R = H, 2a; Me, 2b and 2b’; iPr, 2c; iBu, 2d), were prepared by treatment of imidazolium precursor compounds [ImMes,R] (2-(3-mesityl-1H-imidazol-3-ium-1-yl)acetate, 1a, (S)-2-alkyl(3-mesityl-1H-imidazol-3-ium-1-yl)acetate, 1b–d, and (R)-2-methyl(3-mesityl-1H-imidazol-3-ium-1-yl)acetate, 1b’, with Ag2O under appropriate conditions. They were characterised by analytical, spectroscopic (IR, 1H, and 13C NMR and polarimetry), and X-ray methods (2a). In the solid state, 2a is a one-dimensional coordination polymer, in which the silver(I) cation is bonded to the carbene ligand and to the carboxylate group of a symmetry-related Ag[NHCMes,H] moiety. The coordination environment of the silver centre is well described by the DFT study of the dimeric model {Ag[NHCMes,H]}2. The antimicrobial properties of these complexes were evaluated versus Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and P. aeruginosa. From the observed MIC and MBC values (minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration, respectively), complex 2b’ showed the best antimicrobial properties (eutomer), which were significantly better than those of its enantiomeric derivative 2b (distomer). Additionally, analysis of MIC and MBC values of 2a–d reveal a clear structure–antimicrobial effect relationship. Antimicrobial activity decreases when the steric properties of the R alkyl group in {Ag[NHCMes,R]}n increase.

Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Parameters Between Patients With Different Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease.

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue because of the rising number of patients with the risk of progression to end-stage renal disease. The retinal micro-vasculatures provide a unique window to assess systemic microcirculation. Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) parameters may provide a non-invasive method for systemic correlation. This research aims to compare the association of OCTA parameters in different causes of CKD.MethodsThis is a single-center cross-sectional study on patients with CKD at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre over 2 years. Patients with CKD were divided into three groups: DM group (diabetic CKD), HPT group (hypertensive CKD), and AG group (autoimmune-related glomerulonephritis CKD). The OCTA parameters, namely, the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vascular density (VD), perfusion density (PD), and macular volume (MV), were measured and recorded using OCTA. Blood and urine analyses were taken as the patient’s CKD profile. The demographic data, the OCTA parameters and the CKD profiles, were analyzed using SPSS version 23.ResultsThe right eyes of 232 patients were included. The median age of the control and CKD subjects were 36 and 61 years old respectively. The proportion of the subjects under the control, diabetes mellitus (DM), HPT, and AG group were 30.6, 53.4, 5.6, and 10.4% respectively. There was no significant difference in FAZ, but there is a significant difference in the VD, PD, and MV between the control and CKD groups. There was a statistically significant difference between the three different causes of CKD in VD and PD (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). When compared with the control group for VD and PD, there were significant differences between the DM-control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) even when the age variable was considered, but no significant difference when comparing the HPT-control and the AG-control. There was a significant correlation between age, FBS, and HbA1c with VD and PD. There was no significant association between CKD profile and FAZ.ConclusionOur study showed the meaningful reduction of VD and PD in patients with diabetes and CKD. However, the use of OCTA to screen or predict CKD in patients living with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or autoimmune nephritis was not shown to be useful.

Comparison of COVID-19 characteristics in Egyptian patients according to their Toll-Like Receptor-4 (Asp299Gly) polymorphism

Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 plays a vital role in recognizing viral particles, activating the innate immune system, and producing pro-inflammatory cytokines.This cross-sectional study aimed to compare COVID-19 severity, progression, and fate according to TLR-4 (Asp299Gly) polymorphism in Egyptian patients.A total of 145 COVID-19 patients were included in this study. TLR-4 (Asp299Gly) genotyping was done using the PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approach.The most commonly encountered TLR-4 genotype in relation to the amino acid at position 299 was the wild-type AA (73.1%); meanwhile, the homozygous mutant GG genotype (8.3%) was the least encountered. At hospital admission, 85.8% of the AA group had free (with no ground glass opacities) chest computed tomography (CT) examination, and 16.0% were asymptomatic. On the other hand, of the AG and GG groups, 81.5% and 83.3%, respectively showed bilateral ground-glass opacities in chest CT, as well as 25.9% and 75.0%, respectively were dyspneic. Values of the total leucocytic count, C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, and D dimer increased in the AA<AG<GG sequence. In contrast, hemoglobin values and the absolute lymphocyte counts decreased in the AA>AG>GG sequence. ICU admission (83.3%) and in-hospital death (33.3%) rates were significantly higher in the GG group.In COVID-19 patients, the TLR-4 mutant G allele may be associated with a more aggressive disease course and in-hospital death. New therapeutic alternatives could be aimed at this area.

Anthraquinone acted as a catalyst for the removal of triphenylmethane dye containing tertiary amino group: Characteristics and mechanism

Herein, we found that anthraquinone (AQ) acted as a catalyst for the rapid and effective removal of triphenylmethane dye containing tertiary amino group (TDAG). Results showed that AQ had an enhanced catalytic reactivity towards the removal of TDAG compared to hydro-quinone, which was further proved and explained using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. AQs could achieve a TDAG removal efficiency and rate of approximately 100% and 0.3583 min−1, respectively, within 20 min. Quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) tests indicated that the superoxide radical (O2•−) generated through the catalytic reduction of an oxygen molecule (O2) by AQ contributed to the effective removal of the TDAG. In addition, it was found that the electrophilic attack of the O2•− radical on the TDAG was the driving force for the dye degradation process. Decreasing the pH led to protonation of the substituted group of AG, which resulted in formation of an electron deficient center in the TDAG molecule (TDAG-EDC+) through delocalization of the π electron. Therefore, the possibility of the electrophilic attack for the dye by the negative O2•- radical was significantly enhanced. This study revealed that the H+ and the O2•− generated by the catalytic reduction of O2 have synergistic effects that led to a significant increase in the dye removal rate and efficiency, which were higher than those obtained through persulfate oxidation.

The Efficacy and Safety of PD-1 Inhibitors Combined with Nab-Paclitaxel Plus Gemcitabine versus Nab-Paclitaxel Plus Gemcitabine in the First-Line Treatment of Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Retrospective Monocentric Study.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PD-1 inhibitor combined with nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (AG) chemotherapy versus AG chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.Patients and MethodsThis study included the application of AG treatment and PD-1 combined with AG treatment with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from September 2018 to July 2020. Clinical information and next-generation sequencing (NGS) reports of patients were collected to compare the effectiveness and adverse events of the two treatments and analyze the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients.ResultsThere was no difference in PFS between the AG group and the PD-1+AG group (4.9 months vs 5.0 months, P = 0.154), but the difference in OS was statistically significant (9.3 months vs 12.1 months, P < 0.001). Compared with the AG group, the PD-1+AG group reduced the risk of death about 20.0% (HR = 0.203, 95% CI, 0.090−0.459, P < 0.001). In terms of safety, the incidence of hypothyroidism and reactive skin capillary hyperplasia in PD-1 + AG group was higher than that in AG group (P < 0.050) in grade 1–2; grade 3–4 adverse reactions were mainly hematologic AEs and abnormal liver function. The incidence of grade 3–4 adverse reactions in the two groups was 38.7% (95% CI, 20.5–56.9%) and 35.3% (95% CI, 10.0–60.6%), respectively. In addition, PD-1+ AG regimen improved the OS of patients with KRAS and TP53 co-mutations (8.0months vs 10.2 months, P = 0.004).ConclusionPD-1 inhibitors combined with AG chemotherapy have shown good efficacy and safety in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This regimen similarly improved OS in patients with KRAS and TP53 co-mutations.

Influence of oxygen effect in coating layer on tensile bond strength of PMMA

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a widely used denture base material in dental practice and the improvement of its properties is important for improving the quality of treatment. The aim of this study is to increase the tensile bond strength between PMMA and soft liner with Thermionic Vacuum Arc. Surface properties were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis, and Atomic Force Microscope after the tensile bond strength test. As a result, the ZnO coating with TVA positively affects the PMMA surface properties compared to Ag and SnO2 groups and promising for clinical use.

Dual electroactive AgM (M=Ru, Pt) NPs for double electroanalysis of HER2 and EpCAM

Parallel multiple detections of tumor markers is of significant for the efficient and accurate early monitoring of related cancers. Electrochemical aptasensors possess excellent selectivity and sensitive quantitative detection while maintaining multiple detection ability. The study of high and different electrochemical beacons is urgent to achieve multiple-level parallel detection. In this work, electroactive AgRu NPs and AgPt NPs were explored to exhibit electrooxidation peaks at 0.8 V and − 0.7 V, respectively. Plasmonic AgRu NPs and AgPt NPs harvested light energy and exhibited amplified electrooxidation activity under local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) excitation. Plasmon-enhanced electrooxidation principle was proposed for AgM (M=Ru, Pt) NPs owing to the distinct imaginary part of dielectric constants between Ag and platinum group metals (PGM). The strong and non-interference electrooxidation peaks at 0.8 V and − 0.7 V enabled AgRu NPs and AgPt NPs to be different electroactive beacons for the sensitive and reliable quantitative dual detection of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). The LODs were 0.3 pg mL−1 (7.5 amol mL−1) for EpCAM and 0.6 pg mL−1 (3.2 amol mL−1) for HER2. The proposed plasmon-promoted electrooxidation principle provides a novel route for the design of multiple electroactive plasmonic metal-PGM composite electrochemical beacons for simultaneous electroanalysis applications.

Anti-Bacterial effect, fluoride release, and compressive strength of a glass ionomer containing silver and titanium nanoparticles.

Many attempts have been made to enhance the anti-cariogenic properties of the conventional glass ionomer through incorporation of variable materials. However, most importantly, the incorporation of such materials should not jeopardise the physical or mechanical properties of the final restoration. To investigate the effect of adding silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) to conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) on its anti-bacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), fluoride ion release, and compressive strength (CS). This study was an in vitro investigation where 30-disc specimens were prepared in each of the three studied groups. The specimens were categorized into the control group (Group C), in which conventional GIC was used, and Group Ag and Group Ti, in which 5 wt% of Ag-NP and TiO2-NP were added, respectively, to GIC powder. In each group, the anti-bacterial effect against S. mutans, fluoride ion release at 24 hours and 14 and 28 days, and CS were assessed. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey honest significant difference post-hoc test. Both Ag and Ti groups showed a significantly higher anti-bacterial effect than the control group. Ag-NP increased fluoride ion release, whereas TiO2-NP decreased fluoride release; however, cumulative ion release of both experimental groups did not differ significantly compared to the control group. Adding Ag-NP and TiO2-NP increased CS, yet only the Ti group showed the highest CS mean value that was statistically significant compared to other groups. Adding 5 wt% TiO2-NP or Ag-NP to conventional GIC significantly increased its anti-bacterial effect and its CS without affecting fluoride release.

A Comparative Study between the Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and Silver-Releasing Foam Dressings in the Management of Diabetic Ulcers

AbstractIntroduction Diabetic foot ulcers are one among the most commonly encountered complication of diabetes mellitus tackled by the surgical department worldwide. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and silver-releasing foam dressings are effective modalities for the treatment of ulcers. This study compares the two treatment modalities.Methods Sixty adult patients admitted with diabetic foot ulcers undergoing NPWT (vacuum-assisted closure [VAC]) or silver-releasing foam dressing (Biatain Ag) treatment were included in the study. Patients undergoing either of the treatment modalities were observed and followed up on a weekly basis prospectively. Wounds were routinely examined for the size of ulcer in area (cm2) and time taken for wound healing. Patients were also assessed qualitatively by means of a questionnaire to find out patient satisfaction and compliance.Results Time taken for wound healing among Biatain Ag group was found to be 24±9.483 days compared with only 19.73±7.575 days in the VAC group. Decrease in size ulcer measured in area was found to be 38.79% in Biatain Ag group, whereas in the VAC group it was found to be 26.56%. Patients were satisfied with both modalities of treatment; however, patient compliance was better for the Biatain Ag Group due to decrease in restriction of mobility and decrease in cost.Conclusion Overall, both modalities of treatment were found to be comparable and can be used with similar efficacy. It can be concluded that silver-releasing foam dressing can act as a beneficial alternative to NPWT in the treatment of diabetic ulcers.

6M50LSG Scoring System Increased the Proportion of Adequate Excess Body Weight Loss for Suspected Poor Responders After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Asian Population.

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the predictive tool, 6M50LSG scoring system, to identify suspected poor responders after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The 6M50LSG scoring system has been applied since 2019. Suspected poor responders are defined by EBWL at 1month < 19.5% or EBWL at 3months < 37.7% based on the 6M50LSG scoring system. Our analysis included 109 suspected poor responders. Based on the date of LSG, the patients were separated into two groups: the 2016-2018 group (before group, BG, with regular care) and the 2019-2020 group (after group, AG, with upgrade medical nutrition therapy). At the end of the study, the AG group had a significantly higher proportion of adequate weight loss, which was defined as EBWL ≥ 50% at 6months after LSG, than that in the BG group (18.92% in BG vs. 48.57% in AG, p = 0.003). The AG group demonstrated significantly more 3-months-TWL (BG: 15.22% vs. AG: 17.54%, p < 0.001) and 6-months-TWL (BG: 21.08% vs. AG: 25.65%, p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses and adjustments, the scoring system (AG) resulted in significantly higher chances of adequate weight loss in suspected poor responders (adjusted OR 3.392, 95% CI = 1.345-8.5564, p = 0.010). One year after LSG, suspected poor responders in AG had a significantly higher weight loss than those in BG (BG vs. AG: TWL 27.17% vs. 32.20%, p = 0.014) . This study confirmed that the 6M50LSG scoring system with upgraded medical nutrition therapy increased the proportion of suspected poor responders with adequate weight loss after LSG.

Serum Vitamin D, Folate and Fatty Acid Levels in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Vitamin and fatty acid deficiency in children diagnosed with autism has been linked to the etiology and course of the disease but the results have been inconsistent. In our work, we present a narrative review, which includes 20 observational studies that provide data on the blood levels of vitamin D, folate, or fatty acids of children diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder—AG group), and of a control group (children without this disorder—CG group). The main characteristics and results are presented in a summary table. Of the 20 above-mentioned studies, a meta-analysis of vitamin D and folate levels was carried out in 14 of them, with a total of 2269 children (AG = 1159, CG = 1110). Vitamin D levels were lower in AG compared to CG: SMD, 95% CI = − 0.83 [− 1.15, − 0.50]. In terms of folate levels, a total of 299 children (AG = 148, CG = 151) were analyzed, finding no significant differences with the control group: SMD, 95% CI = − 0.16 [− 0.63, 0.32]. Only one study that provided data on fatty acids in children with ASD was included in the review although it was not possible to include it in the meta-analysis. We conclude that the nutritional status (vitamin and fatty acid levels) of patients diagnosed with ASD should be taken into account, as correct adjustment of these levels—may produce an improvement in the course of the disease and could also reduce the risk of its development.

Role of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch-Derived Cellulose in Improving the Sonocatalytic Activity of Silver-Doped Titanium Dioxide.

In this study, a novel cellulose/Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite was successfully synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The cellulose extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) could address the disposal issue created by OPEFB biomass. Characterization studies such as FESEM, EDX, HRTEM, XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis DRS, PL, XPS, and surface analysis were conducted. It was observed that the incorporation of cellulose could hinder the agglomeration, reduce the band gap energy to 3 eV, increase the specific surface area to 150.22 m3/g, and lower the recombination rate of the generated electron-hole pairs compared to Ag/TiO2 nanoparticles. The excellent properties enhance the sonocatalytic degradation efficiency of 10 mg/L Congo red (up to 81.3% after 10 min ultrasonic irradiation) in the presence of 0.5 g/L cellulose/Ag/TiO2 at 24 kHz and 280 W. The improvement of catalytic activity was due to the surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag and numerous hydroxyl groups on cellulose that capture the holes, which delay the recombination rate of the charge carriers in TiO2. This study demonstrated an alternative approach in the development of an efficient sonocatalyst for the sonocatalytic degradation of Congo red.

Abstract P192: Orthostatic Tolerance Before And After 60 Days Of Strict Head Down Tilt Bedrest With And Without Daily Artificial Gravity Training

Background: Orthostatic intolerance occurs after space flight, immobilization and in patients with autonomic diseases, so there is a need for more effective countermeasures. We hypothesized that daily artificial gravity elicited through short-arm centrifugation attenuates plasma volume loss and orthostatic intolerance following 60 days of HDTBR, which models cardiovascular responses to weightlessness. Methods: We studied 24 healthy persons (8 women, 33.4±9.3 yr, 24.3±2.1 kg/m2) exposed to 60d HDTBR. Subjects were assigned to 30 min/d continuous short arm centrifugation (cAG), 6x5 min short arm centrifugation (iAG), or a control group (ctr, no countermeasures). Head-up tilt testing (15 min of 80°) followed by incremental lower body negative pressure (-10 mmHg every 3 min) until presyncope was performed before and at the end of HDTBR. Plasma volume was measured (CO rebreathing) 12-2 days before and after 56d of HDTBR. Stroke volume was measured by cMRI. Norepinephrine, epinephrine, aldosterone, and renine plasma levels were measured before and after HDTBR. Results: Time to presyncope decreased in all groups following bedrest (ctr: 22:56 min pre and 9:35 min post, cAG 15:34 min pre and 10:11 min post; iAG 14:56 min pre and 10:00 min post, p&lt;0.001). The significant interaction (p=0.025) between bedrest and intervention was explained by greater baseline orthostatic tolerance time in the ctr. AG Data was pooled analysis. The reduction in stroke volume (ctr, pre: 93±19 ml, HDTBR: 69±13 ml, AG, pre: 88±20 ml, HDTBR: 67±17 ml) and plasma volume was similar (ctr, pre: 4155±1085 ml, HDTBR: 3855±1087 ml, AG, pre: 4114±1250 ml, HDTBR: 3674± 1313 ml). Catechols and aldosterone did not change significantly during bedrest. The increase in renine was similar between groups (ctr pre: 18±12 mE/L, HDTBR: 21±8 mE/L, AG pre: 21±10 mE/L, HDTBR: 31±12 mE/L). Conclusions: 30 min daily AG didn’t prevent a reduction in orthostatic tolerance following 60d HDTBR. Whether numerically smaller reductions in orthostatic tolerance in the AG groups indicate efficacy or result from baseline differences can’t be ascertained. A stronger AG stimulus or combination with other countermeasures might be required to maintain orthostatic tolerance and to attenuate the volume reduction.