Albumin Index Research Articles

Role of Viral Infections in Multiple Sclerosis Pathogenesis among Indian Population.

The role of viral infections in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis is unclear. Certain neurotropic viruses previously linked with MS among white population were studied including Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and MS-associated retrovirus (MSRV). Sixty-two MS patients (37 had a recent clinical relapse) and 65 controls with other neurological disorders were included. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were obtained and processed with the primary objective of determining whether there was intrathecal multiplication of viruses under study (EBV, HHV6 A and B and human endogenous retrovirus) or a breach in blood-brain barrier associated with viral presence in both peripheral blood and CSF. Evidence of breach in blood-brain barrier was seen in 86.5% of patients as evidenced by abnormal CSF/serum albumin index and or MRI. EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA1 IgG) was seen in 89% of MS patients and 58% controls (P = <0.001). However, HHV6 IgG was similar in both groups (85% versus 81%; P = 0.45). In affinity immunoblotting reaction intrathecal IgG synthesis against EBNA1 antigen was demonstrable in 26% (16/62) of patients and none against HHV6. A subset of patients showed significant elevation in mean copy number of plasma EBV DNA during relapse and there was a trend for the same among patients harboring HHV-6B. No evidence of isolated intrathecal viral presence or multiplication was seen. The results of our study suggest that viruses studied namely EBV and HHV6 have a role in triggering relapses through a peripheral mechanism, rather than a direct role through intrathecal multiplication.

Poređenje efikasnosti uklanjanja uremijskih toksina srednje molekulske mase između visokopropusne hemodijalize i postdilucione online hemodijafiltracije

Introduction. Conventional high-flux hemodialysis effectively removes uremic toxins of medium molecular weight of 0.5-15 (20) kDa, while postdilution online hemodiafiltration effectively removes uremic toxins of medium molecular weight in the range of 0.5-60 kDa. AIM. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of b2-microglobulin removal from the patient serum during a single session of conventional high-flux hemodialysis and postdilution online hemodiafiltration. METHOD. Eighty-five patients treated with conventional high-flux hemodialysis and thirty patients treated with postdilution online hemodiafiltration were examined. The main parameter for assessing the removal efficiency of medium molecular weight uremic toxins was serum b2microglobulin concentration before and after a single session of conventional high-flux hemodialysis and postdilution online hemodiafiltration. The following were used for statistical analysis: Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student's T test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS. In patients treated with postdilution online hemodiafiltration, the average total convective volume was 21.38 ± 2.97 liters per session. The b2-microglobulin reduction index for the FX CorDiax 600 dialysis membrane was 61.76 ± 7.32%, while for the FX CorDiax 800 dialysis membrane it was 74.69 ± 6.51%. The albumin reduction index for the FX CorDiax 600 membrane was 3.48 ± 1.28%, and for the FX CorDiax 800 dialysis membrane it was 6.01 ± 2.97%. There is a highly statistically significant difference between the reduction index of b2-microglobulin and albumin, for two different dialysis modalities and two different dialysis membranes (p &lt; 0.01). CONCLUSION. Postdilution online hemodiafiltration is more efficient in removing b2-microglobulin from patient serum, compared to conventional high-flux hemodialysis. Albumin loss during a single session of high-flux hemodialysis is lower compared to a single session of postdilution online hemodiafiltration. With both dialysis modalities, albumin loss is less than 4.0 g/4h. High-flux hemodialysis effectively prevents the development of dialysis-related amyloidosis, while postdilution online hemodiafiltration effectively prevents not only the development of dialysis-related amyloidosis, but also the development of resistance to erythropoietin and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in the population treated with regular dialysis.

Effect of preoperative nutritional supplementation on postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for cancer: a systematic review protocol.

This review aims to present the best available evidence related to the effect of preoperative nutritional supplementation on postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for cancer. Pancreaticoduodenectomy surgery is the only curative option for early head of pancreas and periampullary cancers. This complex, high-risk procedure is associated with significant morbidity, making opportunities to improve outcomes paramount. Nutritional supplementation in the preoperative period may enhance the body's ability to withstand the stress of major surgery and reduce postoperative complications. This review will consider studies of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for cancer who are provided preoperative nutritional supplementation in any form for a minimum of 48 hours. Randomized and quasi-randomized trials that compare any form of preoperative nutritional supplementation to standard care in these patients will be included. Outcome data will include hospital length of stay, mortality, infections, delayed gastric emptying, pancreatic fistula, anastomotic leak, hemorrhage, weight loss, body mass index, serum albumin, lymphocyte levels, and nutrition risk index score. Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library) and trial registers will be searched for published and unpublished articles. All articles from database inception to present, published in any language will be included. One reviewer will perform the literature search, screen texts for inclusion, and extract data. Two authors will assess methodological quality of the literature using the JBI critical appraisal tool. Authors will be contacted where additional data or clarification is required. Statistical meta-analysis through synthesis and pooling of data for each intervention will be completed where meaningful. PROSPERO CRD42020215307.

The effect of dried white mulberry (Morus alba) pulp supplementation in diets of laying quail

Objective. This study was conducted to research the effects of different levels of dried white mulberry (Morus alba) pulp supplementation in diets of laying quail on yield performances, egg quality, blood parameters, yolk fatty acid profiles and cholesterol concentrations. Materials and Methods. A completely randomized experimental design, with four treatments and four replicates, was applied. The experimental treatments were M0: control diet; M4: dietary inclusion of 4% mulberry pulp; M8: dietary inclusion of 8% mulberry pulp; M12: dietary inclusion of 12% mulberry pulp. This experiment was carried out for 4 weeks, and 128 7-week-old female quail were used. Results. Addition of dried mulberry pulp to the diet significantly affected weekly feed intake, egg yield, albumin index, yolk weight, triglyceride, LDL, serum cholesterol and yolk cholesterol levels (p&lt;0.05, p&lt;0.01). The feed conversion ratio, egg weight, and egg yolk fatty acid profile were not significantly affected by the dried mulberry pulp in the diet. Conclusions. As a result, it may be stated that adding dried mulberry pulp up to 8% of the diets of laying quail does not cause any adverse effects and may be used without any problems.

English

In a 56 days experiment, 432-day old chicks were used to determine the influence of varying levels of calorie:protein ratio on the growth performance and haematology of two strains of commercial pullet chicks. Each of the strains, (i)Nera Black (NB) and (ii)Isa Brown (IB) were randomly allocated to three dietary levels of calorie:protein ratio designed to contain normal calorie:protein ratio (NC:P), high calorie:protein ratio (HC:P) and low calorie:protein ratio (LC:P). This gave a total of six treatments, replicated thrice to give 18 replicates comprised 24 birds each. Results showed that strain effect was significantly (p<0.05) higher in NB for average daily feed intake (ADFI) 27.81g and average daily weight gain (ADWG) 9.20g and lower (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) 2.99 than corresponding values for IB. Strain effect also influenced (p<0.05) all haematology indices except haemoglobin, red blood cell and basophils. It also affected the serum indices at higher (p<0.05) values for glucose, calcium, and phosphorus in NB chicks. Calorie:Protein ratio effect was significantly higher (p<0.05) in ADFI (29.64g) for birds fed HC:P while those on NC:P recorded ADWG (9.32g) and FCR (2.72). All the haematological and serum indices values were influenced (p<0.05) by the calorie protein ratio effect whereas other determined parameters were not. Strain x Calorie Protein effect on the growth performance showed NB chicks fed HC:P recorded highest (p<0.05) ADFI (30.52g), while those on LC:P had highest ADWG (9.61g). Best FCR (p<0.05) was observed among chicks fed LC:P (2.74) while NB chicks on HC:P showed the best PER (1.51). All the haematology parameters except basophils and serum indices albumin and total protein were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by the strain x calorie:protein ratio. The study showed that Nera Black strain performed optimally than Isa Brown in the tropical zone where the trial was conducted. Key words: Commercial pullet, high calorie: protein ration: Low Calorie:protein ratio. Normal Calorie:protein ratio.

Using a generic definition of cachexia in patients with kidney disease receiving haemodialysis: a longitudinal (pilot) study.

Research indicates that cachexia is common among persons with chronic illnesses and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, there continues to be an absence of a uniformed disease-specific definition for cachexia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patient populations. The primary objective was to identify cachexia in patients receiving haemodialysis (HD) using a generic definition and then follow up on these patients for 12 months. This was a longitudinal study of adult chronic HD patients attending two hospital HD units in the UK. Multiple measures relevant to cachexia, including body mass index (BMI), muscle mass [mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MUAMC)], handgrip strength (HGS), fatigue [Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)], appetite [Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy (FAACT)] and biomarkers [C-reactive protein (CRP), serum albumin, haemoglobin and erythropoietin resistance index (ERI)] were recorded. Baseline analysis included group differences analysed using an independent t-test, dichotomized values using the χ2 test and prevalence were reported using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 24 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Longitudinal analysis was conducted using repeated measures analysis. A total of 106 patients (30 females and 76 males) were recruited with a mean age of 67.6 years [standard deviation (SD) 13.18] and dialysis vintage of 4.92 years (SD 6.12). At baseline, 17 patients were identified as cachectic, having had reported weight loss (e.g. >5% for >6 months) or BMI <20 kg/m2 and three or more clinical characteristics of cachexia. Seventy patients were available for analysis at 12 months (11 cachectic versus 59 not cachectic). FAACT and urea reduction ratio statistically distinguished cachectic patients (P = 0.001). However, measures of weight, BMI, MUAMC, HGS, CRP, ERI and FACIT tended to worsen in cachectic patients. Globally, cachexia is a severe but frequently underrecognized problem. This is the first study to apply the defined characteristics of cachexia to a representative sample of patients receiving HD. Further, more extensive studies are required to establish a phenotype of cachexia in advanced CKD.

Fermentation of Carrot Juice Waste (Daucus carota L) with Probiotics and Utilization in Races of Chicken Layers on Egg Production and Quality

The aim of this study was to test the use of carrot juice fermentation with probiotics in rations with different levels on the production performance and quality of egg-laying hens. The material used was Lohman Brown strain of laying hens, 27 weeks old with an average initial body weight of 1.69 kg, as many as 45 birds. The research was conducted with experimental methods and used a Complete Design Acal (CRD). The treatment tested was the use of Carrot Extract Fermentation (FLSW) with probiotic SOC in the feed consisting of T1 = 100% basal ration, T2 = basal ration (97.5%) + FLSW (2.5%): T3 = basal ration ( 95%) + FLSW (5%); T4 = basal ration (92.5%) + FLSW (7.5%); T5 = basal ration (90%) + FLSW (10%). The variables observed were production performance (consumption, egg production (HDA / Hen Day Average), egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion and income over feed cost) and egg quality variables (albumin index, yolk index, Haugh Unit (HU), yolk color, albumin pH, yolk pH). The results of the analysis of variance showed that the use of carrot extract fermentation (FLSW) with different levels had a significant effect on feed consumption (Sig.115) and HDA (Sig.063), yolk index value (Sig.087) and yolk color (Sig. 000). , and not significantly different on feed conversion (Sig. 403), albumin index value (Sig. 522), and Haugh Unit (Sig. 259). The conclusion of the research showed that the use of fermented carrot juice waste (FLSW) in the feed of laying hens had an effect on feed consumption, egg production (Hen Day Averag / HDA), yolk index and yolk brightness (yolk color), but had no effect on conversion. feed, Haugh unit and albumin index value. Key words : probiotics, fermentation, carrot juice waste, production performance, egg quality

Prognostic role of nutritional status in elderly patients hospitalized for COVID-19: a monocentric study

BackgroundSymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection incidence is higher in the elderly patients. Pre-existing geriatric conditions such as comorbidity and frailty seem related to worse hospital outcomes.AimsTo assess the role of nutritional status as an independent prognostic factor for in-hospital death in elderly patients.MethodsConsecutive elderly patients (age > 65 years) hospitalized for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were enrolled. Demographics, laboratory and comorbidity data were collected. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). Uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses to evaluate predictors for in-hospital death were performed.ResultsOne hundred and nine hospitalized elderly patients (54 male) were consecutively enrolled. At univariate analysis, age (HR 1.045 [CI 1.008–1.082]), cognitive impairment (HR 1.949 [CI 1.045–3.364]), C-reactive protein (HR 1.004 [CI 1.011–1.078]), lactate dehydrogenases (HR 1.003 [CI 1.001–1.004]) and GNRI moderate–severe risk category (HR 8.571 [CI 1.096–67.031]) were risk factors for in-hospital death, while albumin (HR 0.809 [CI 0.822–0.964]), PaO2/FiO2 ratio (HR 0.996 [CI 0.993–0.999]) and body mass index (HR 0.875 [CI 0.782–0.979]) were protective factors. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed a significative higher survival in patients without GNRI moderate or severe risk category (p = 0.0013).At multivariate analysis, PaO2/FiO2 ratio (HR 0.993 [CI 0.987–0.999], p = 0.046) and GNRI moderate–severe risk category (HR 9.285 [1.183–72.879], p = 0.034) were independently associated with in-hospital death.ConclusionNutritional status assessed by GNRI is a significative predictor of survival in elderly patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The association between GNRI and PaO2/FiO2 ratio is a good prognostic model these patients.

Effects of enteral nutrition intervention on immune and nutritional indexes of patients with gastric malignant cancer during postoperative chemotherapy

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate changes in nutritional status and related indexes in patients with Nutritional Risk Score (NRS) ≥ 3 gastric cancer after nutritional support treatment. Methods A total of 50 patients with gastric cancer were divided into two groups according to the different nutritional support treatment they received during postoperative chemotherapy: immune-enhanced enteral nutrition group (n = 25) and conventional enteral nutrition group (n = 25). Changes in patient’ body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin (HB), serum total protein (TP), serum albumin (ALB), and immune indexes (CD3+, CD4+/CD8+, CD3+/CD8+) were monitored before and after chemotherapy. At the same time, the incidence and classification of gastrointestinal adverse reactions after chemotherapy were assessed. Results Compared with the conventional enteral nutrition group, the nutritional and immune indexes in the immune-enhanced enteral nutrition group were significantly improved. After chemotherapy, the incidence of adverse reactions in the digestive tract was relatively lower and the grade was reduced. Conclusion Immune-enhanced enteral nutrition support can significantly improve the nutritional status of patients, improve immune function, increase the susceptibility of cancer patients to chemotherapy, reduce toxicity and adverse effects, and improve the quality of life of tumor patients compared with conventional enteral nutrition support.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the CSF, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and neurological outcome: Studies in 8 stuporous and comatose patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the pathophysiologic mechanism of encephalopathy and prolonged comatose or stuporous state in severally ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsEight COVID-19 patients with signs of encephalopathy were tested for antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the serum and CSF using a Food and Drug Administration-approved and independently validated ELISA. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and immunoglobulin G (IgG) intrathecal synthesis were further tested using albumin and IgG indices. The CSF was also tested for autoimmune encephalitis antibodies and 14-3-3, a marker of ongoing neurodegeneration.ResultsAll patients had anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in their CSF, and 4 of 8 patients had high titers, comparable to high serum values. One patient had anti–SARS-CoV-2 IgG intrathecal synthesis, and 3 others had disruption of the blood-brain barrier. The CSF in 4 patients was positive for 14-3-3-protein suggesting ongoing neurodegeneration. In all patients, the CSF was negative for autoimmune encephalitis antibodies and SARS-CoV-2 by PCR. None of the patients, apart from persistent encephalopathic signs, had any focal neurologic signs or history or specific neurologic disease.ConclusionsHigh-titer anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in the CSF of comatose or encephalopathic patients demonstrating intrathecal IgG synthesis or BBB disruption. A disrupted BBB may facilitate the entry of cytokines and inflammatory mediators into the CNS enhancing neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The observations highlight the need for prospective CSF studies to determine the pathogenic role of anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and identify early therapeutic interventions.

The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and Albumin as Prognostic Predictors in Laryngeal Carcinoma

Background Systemic inflammation via host-tumor interactions is currently recognized as the seventh cancer hallmark. The purpose of this study was to detect whether pretreatment peripheral indexes were associated with aggressive behavior and prognosis of laryngeal carcinoma patients. Methods The pretreatment peripheral indexes such as albumin and systematic immune-inflammation index (SII) in 338 patients with laryngeal carcinoma were retrospectively recorded, the relationships between them and clinicopathological features and prognosis were analyzed. Results A high SII value was significantly positively associated with age (P = 0.01), N stage (P = 0.022) and tumor differentiation (P = 0.001). A low albumin value was significantly negatively associated with age (P = 0.01), tumor location (P = 0.001) and T stage (P = 0.015), N stage (P = 0.001) and tumor differentiation (P = 0.001). Univariate and multivariate survival analysis showed that a high SII (HR: 2.415, 95% CI 1.400-4.184; P = 0.002), a low blood albumin content (HR: 3.194, 95% CI 2.030–5.025; P = 0.001) independently predicted poor overall survival (OS). However, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and platelet distribution width (RDW) were not independent prognostic factors. Conclusion Pretreatment peripheral indexes SII and albumin could function as inexpensive indicators of aggressive behavior and be feasible and promising predictive biomarkers for prognosis in laryngeal carcinoma patients. Quantification of pretreatment SII and albumin may help physicians to design more effective management and follow-up strategies in laryngeal carcinoma patients.

Hashimoto's Encephalopathy: A Case Report and Literature Review of an Encephalopathy With Many Names.

We present the case of a male patient, initially treated for myxedema coma secondary to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, who was discharged on levothyroxine and a low-dose steroid taper but was re-admitted for the treatment of status epilepticus. During the second admission, the patient developed encephalopathy and cognitive dysfunction. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies (Abs) were elevated and the patient was treated with high-dose steroids with clinical improvement. The patient was determined to have Hashimoto’s encephalopathy (HE) due to the clinical picture as well as the response to high-dose glucocorticoid therapy. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis demonstrated elevated protein, immunoglobulin G (IgG) index, and IgG synthesis rate; however, albumin index was elevated, indicating a disrupted blood-brain barrier. We suggest that HE be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with seizures, coma, stroke-like symptoms, behavior changes, and unexplained encephalopathy. After ruling out more common pathologies, HE should be considered by testing for anti-TPO Abs.

The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index is a powerful predictor of adverse outcome in the elderly emergency surgery patient.

The degree to which malnutrition impacts perioperative outcomes in the elderly emergency surgery (ES) patient remains unknown. We aimed to study the relationship between malnutrition, as measured by the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing ES. Using the 2007 to 2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, all patients 65 years or older undergoing ES were included in our study. The GNRI, defined as (1.489 × albumin [g/L]) + (41.7 × [weight/ideal weight]) was calculated for each patient in the database. Patients with missing height, weight, or preoperative albumin data were excluded. Patients were divided into four malnutrition groups: very severe (GNRI < 73), severe (GNRI, 73-82), moderate (GNRI, 82-92), and mild (GNRI, 92-98). Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index greater than 98 constituted the normal nutrition group. Risk-adjusted multivariable logistic regressions were performed to study the relationship between malnutrition-measured using either GNRI, albumin level, or body mass index less than 18.5 kg/m-and the following postoperative outcomes: 30-day mortality, 30-day morbidity (including infectious and noninfectious complications), and hospital length of stay. The relationship between GNRI score and 30-day mortality for six common ES procedures was then assessed. A total of 82,725 patients were included in the final analyses. Of these, 55,214 were malnourished with GNRI less than 98 (66.74%). Risk-adjusted multivariable analyses showed that, as malnutrition worsened from mild to very severe, the risk of mortality, morbidity, and the hospital length of stay progressively increased (all p < 0.05). Patients with very severe malnutrition had at least a twofold increased likelihood of mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.57-3.03), deep vein thrombosis (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.77-2.42), and respiratory failure (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.81-2.11). Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index predicted mortality better than albumin or body mass index alone for ES. Malnutrition, measured using GNRI, is a strong independent predictor of adverse outcomes in the elderly ES patient and could be used to assess the nutrition status and counsel patients (and families) preoperatively. Prognostic study, Level IV.

Nonlinear optical characteristic curve of protein (BSA)

The third-order nonlinear optical property, nonlinear refractive index ( $$n_2$$ ) of Bovine Serum Albumin has been measured with the reagent Coomassie Brilliant Blue (R-250) by varying the incident laser intensity at the wavelength 514 nm. The closed aperture Z-scan technique, with a chopped laser, has been used to measure $$n_2$$ and the obtained results are of the order of $$\sim 10^{-7}$$ esu. A variation of one order is also observed with the increase in the dye (R-250) concentration. An approach to determine the optical biomarker is also described with the help of a characteristic curve.

Preoperative hypoalbuminemia: Poor functional outcomes and quality of life after hip fracture surgery.

Hip fracture patients have severe deterioration of their quality of life and function after their injury. Markers of malnutrition such as low albumin and low body mass index (BMI) have been shown to increase mortality and complication rates but their effect on recovery of quality of life and function after hip fracture surgery is unclear. The main aim of this paper is to further investigate if low albumin affects recovery after hip fracture surgery, while additionally studying low BMI as a possible risk factor for poor recovery. Retrospective analysis of 971 patients who underwent surgery for fragility hip fractures between January 2012 and December 2016 was performed. Demographic data, preoperative serum albumin and haemoglobin levels, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), type of surgery (fixation vs replacement) and site of surgery were obtained. Patients were assessed using the Parker Mobility Scale (PMS), Harris Hip Score(HHS), Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF36) at pre-fracture, 6weeks and 6months after surgery. HHS was not available pre-operatively. Patients were grouped according to their albumin levels (low ≤35g/L or normal) and BMI (underweight <18.5 or normal). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the association between albumin and BMI and 6-month scores. On univariate analysis, patients with low albumin ≤35g/L had lower baseline PMS and SF36 Physical Functioning (PF) score. On multivariate analysis, preoperative hypoalbuminemia was associated with lower 6-month HHS, PMS and SF36 PF scores even after accounting for baseline scores and other confounders. BMI had no effect on 6-month scores. Low albumin (≤35g/L) is prevalent in elderly hip fracture patients and is associated with slower recovery of function and quality of life after surgery. Low albumin can be a useful prognostic tool to identify patients with poor recovery for further intervention or rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery.

PENGARUH PERENDAMAN DALAM LARUTAN EKSTRAK TANIN BIJI ALPUKAT TERHADAP KUALITAS INTERNAL TELUR AYAM RAS

THE EFFECT OF IMMERATION IN TANIN EXTRACT SOLUTION OF AVOCADO SEED ON THE INTERNAL QUALITY OF CHICKEN EGGS. This research was conducted with the aim of knowing the use of the tannin extract solution of avocado seeds on the internal quality of eggs. The materials used were one day old chicken eggs, avocado seeds, aquades. The treatments in this study consisted of R1: eggs without immersion stored for 14 days, R2: eggs without immersion were stored for 21 days, R3: eggs were soaked with a concentration of 10% stored for 14 days, R4: eggs were soaked with a concentration 10% was stored for 21 days, R4: eggs were soaked at a concentration of 20% stored for 14 days, R5: eggs were soaked with a concentration of 20% stored for 21 days, R7: eggs were soaked at a concentration of 30% stored for 14 days and R8: Eggs were soaked at a concentration of 30% are stored for 21 days. This research was conducted for 21 days. Eggs were immersed for 1 day with a solution of avocado seed tannin extract and stored for 14 and 21 days of observation at room temperature. The variables measured consisted of albumin index (IPT), yolk index (IKT), haugh units (HU), percentage of egg weight reduction. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. The research design used a completely randomized design with 8 treatments and 4 replications. To test the difference in the average treatment using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results of research showed that storage for 14 days and 21 days showed different results (P&lt;0.05) for both immersed and non-immersed eggs for all study variables. There was a difference in quality between eggs immersed and not treated (P&lt;0.05). Meanwhile, the difference in the concentration of avocado seed extraction, namely 10, 20, and 30%, did not show any difference (P&gt;0.05) on the quality of eggs, both stored for 14 days and 21 days. The conclusion of this study is that at 14 days of storage, eggs are still considered good when soaked with a solution of avocado seed extract at a concentration of 10-30%. Keywords: eggs, avocado seeds, internal quality of egg

Prognostic significance of preoperative serum albumin, albumin-to-globulin ratio, and prognostic nutritional index for patients with glioma: A meta-analysis.

Background:The serum albumin, albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) have been recommended to represent the nutritional and inflammatory status. Thus, they may be potential prognostic biomarkers for cancer. However, contradictory results were reported in different studies on glioma. The goal of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to re-evaluate their prognostic potential for glioma.Methods:Databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to enroll all the studies investigating the prognostic significance of albumin, AGR, and PNI for glioma. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using STATA 13.0 software to indicate the intensity of association.Results:Eleven studies with 2928 cases were included. Overall meta-analysis showed that the prognostic values of albumin, AGR, and PNI were limited for glioma (P > .05). However, subgroup analysis demonstrated a high preoperative serum albumin was significantly related with excellent OS of patients with GBM (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.99, P = .018), while high PNI (HR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.43–0.73, P < .001) and AGR (HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34–0.96, P = .034) may be a protective factor of favorable OS for patients with high-grade gliomas. Furthermore, integration of all studies with multivariate analysis and clear cut-off also proved reduced preoperative serum albumin, AGR, and PNI were predictors of poor prognosis for patients with gliomas.Conclusion:Preoperative serum albumin, AGR, and PNI may represent promising biomarkers to predict the prognosis in patients with glioma, especially for high-grade.

Correlation of Pancreatic T1 Values Using Modified Look-Locker Inversion Recovery Sequence (MOLLI) with Pancreatic Exocrine and Endocrine Function.

Quantifying myocardial T1 values has been useful for detecting and characterizing fibrotic appearance in myocardial infarction, focal scars, and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. Since pancreatic exocrine function decreases with chronic pancreatic fibrosis advancement, this study examined the correlation between pancreatic T1 values and pancreatic exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. Methods: Thirty-two patients underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced MRI in our department between October 2017 and February 2019. We evaluated the T1 values of the pancreas using a modified Look-Locker inversion recovery sequence (MOLLI), pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) by fecal elastase 1 (FE1) values, and pancreatic endocrine insufficiency using fasting insulin and blood glucose levels to calculate the HOMA-β. This trial is registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN 000030067. Results: The median cohort (9 males and 23 females) age was 71 (range: 49–84) years. Eighteen patients had pancreatic cysts, three had alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis, three had pancreatic cancer, and eight possessed other pancreatic features (two patients each with autoimmune pancreatitis, acute pancreatitis, or a bile duct tumor, one with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis, and one healthy control with negative findings). The median pancreatic T1 value measured by the MOLLI was 857.5 ms (597–2569). A significant negative correlation was found between the T1 mapping and FE1 values (r = 0.69, p < 0.01), with none for the T1 with HOMA-β or serum albumin, triglycerides, or body mass index. Conclusions: the pancreatic T1 values correlated significantly with pancreatic exocrine function and might be useful in PEI diagnosis.

Shenkang Injection protects against diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mice through enhancement of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and possible mechanisms of Shenkang Injection (SKI) on the diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced mice. MethodsSTZ with the feeding of high fat diet (HFD) was used to induce diabetic mice. The balb/c mice and diabetic mice were then randomly divided into five groups: (1) control group, (2) model group, (3) alprostadil (Alp, 1.5 μg/kg) group, (4) SKI (30 ml/kg) group, (5) Alp (1.5 μg/kg) + SKI (15 ml/kg) group. After six weeks' treatment, blood, urine and kidney tissues were collected for biochemical assay, ELISA assay, and pathological analysis. ResultsDiabetic mice exhibited evident manifestations of diabetic nephropathy (DN), as indicated by increased 24-h urine volume, urinary albumin and kidney weight index (P < 0.01), which could be attenuated by SKI treatment (P < 0.01). SKI was further found to improve abnormal morphology in glomerulus with increased glomerular volume and to decrease urinary N-acetyl-b-D-glucpsaminidase (NAG), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), and kidney injury molecules-1 (KIM-1) levels (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Plasma levels of anti-oxidant enzymes significantly reduced in the diabetic mice, and those decreases could be reversed by SKI and Alp treatments. Additionally, SKI obviously suppressed the diabetes-induced increases of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α) (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, SKI was found to effectively attenuate the diabetes-induced coagulation dysfunction, as evidenced by lengthening prothrombin and thrombin time, and decreasing plasma levels of fibrinogen (FIB), 6-K-PGF1α and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). With SKI and Alp combined treatment, the anti-oxidant activities and improvements of coagulation dysfunction were enhanced. ConclusionSKI possesses a remarkable property to prevent diabetic nephropathy. The improvements of kidney function and hypercoagulability by SKI were enhanced with Alp combined treatment. The molecular mechanisms underlying the protection of SKI against DN may be related to enhancing the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and improving the coagulation dysfunction.

Comparative long-term outcomes for pancreatic volume change, nutritional status, and incidence of new-onset diabetes between pancreatogastrostomy and pancreatojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

The difference in volume change in a pancreatic remnant according to the type of pancreaticoenterostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for long-term follow-up is unknown. Also, there are few studies that evaluate the difference in general nutritional status and pancreatic endocrine function, including new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) depending on the type of pancreaticoenterostomy. This study aimed to compare serial pancreatic volume changes in pancreatic remnants between pancreatogastrostomy (PG) and pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) after PD and to evaluate the difference in general nutritional status and incidence of NODM between PG and PJ. This study enrolled 115 patients who had survived for more than 3 years after PD. They were divided into the PG group and the PJ group. Their clinicopathologic factors were collected and analyzed. We calculated serial pancreas volume and pancreatic duct size precisely from preoperative stage to 5 years after surgery by image-processing software specifically designed for navigation and visualization of multimodality and multidimensional images. Consecutive changes of albumin and body mass index (BMI) as related to general nutritional status were compared between the PG and PJ groups. To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of NODM following PD, subgroup analysis was performed in 88 patients who did not have diabetes preoperatively. Most patient demographics were not significantly different between the PG group (n=45) and PJ group (n=70). There was no significant difference in volume reduction between the groups from postoperative 1 month to 5 years (PG group -18.21±14.66 mL versus PJ group -14.43±13.05 mL, P=0.209). But there was a significant difference in increased pancreatic duct size between the groups from postoperative 1 month to 5 years (PG group 1.66±2.20 mm versus PJ group 0.54±1.54 mm, P=0.007). There was no significant difference in the increase of total serum albumin between the groups for 5 years after surgery (PG group 0.51±0.47 g/dL, 14.3% versus PJ group 0.42±0.60 g/dL, 11.3%, P=0.437). There was also no significant difference in BMI decrease between the groups (PG group -1.13±3.12, -4.9% versus PJ group -1.97±2.01, -8.7%, P=0.206). On the whole, NODM was diagnosed in 19 patients out of the 88 patients (21.6%) who did not have DM preoperatively. The incidence of NODM was not significantly different between the groups (PG group 21.6% versus PJ group 21.5%, P=0.995). In addition, pancreaticoenterostomy was not an independent risk factor for NODM by logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 0.997, 95% CI: 0.356-0.2.788, P=0.995). No other risk factors for NODM were found. PG and PJ following PD induced similar pancreatic volume reduction during long-term follow-up. There was no difference in general nutritional status or incidence of NODM between the groups after PD.