AN Group Research Articles

Using cerebral regional oxygen saturation and amplitude-integrated electroencephalography in neonates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: preliminary experience from a single center

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the application value in neurological outcome of cerebral regional oxygen saturation (CrSO2) and amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) monitoring during neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) courses.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 18 neonates receiving veno-arterial ECMO (V-A ECMO) support at our hospital from July 2021 to December 2022. Continuous monitoring of CrSO2 and brain electrical activity was conducted using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and aEEG throughout the ECMO treatment. We collected and analyzed related clinical data.ResultsAmong the 11 survivors, 5 were categorized as the normal group (N group) and 6 as the abnormal group (AN group) based on post-ECMO brain MRI outcomes. The N group exhibited shorter time percentage of significant CrSO2 reduction (> 25% from baseline or absolute value < 40%), better fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) rates, and more stable mean percentage changes in CrSO2 compared to the AN group. Neonates in the N group predominantly showed mildly abnormal aEEG readings, with one patient displaying disrupted sleep-wake cycles. This particular patient also had more significant CrSO2 reduction and poorer FTOE compared to others in the N group. Additionally, the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) scores indicated hypoevolutism in this patient before discharge, while others in the N group had normal TIMP scores. In the AN group, 4 exhibited moderate and 2 severe aEEG abnormalities; 5 had hypoevolutism TIMP scores, and 1 with moderate aEEG abnormalities maintained a normal TIMP score, exhibiting lesser CrSO2 reduction and improved FTOE.ConclusionCrSO2 and aEEG monitoring show potential as routine assessments for neurological outcomes during neonatal ECMO. In our cohort, a tendency was observed where neonates with greater reductions in CrSO2 and more severe aEEG abnormalities experienced poorer neurological outcomes.

Blood Parameters in Children and Adolescents With Underweight and Atypical Anorexia Nervosa.

This study aimed to identify biochemical, hematological, and endocrinological abnormalities in a sample of children and adolescents with underweight AN and atypical AN and to compare these results between the two groups. Based on the 5th BMI-percentile admission, adolescents with underweight AN (n = 520) and atypical AN (n = 255) were included and medical records were reviewed. Low prealbumin (35%) and neutropenia (39%), and several abnormalities in endocrinological parameters (50%) were the most common alterations found in the whole sample. Compared to the atypical AN group, the underweight AN group had significantly higher frequencies of elevated cholesterol (OR = 2.50; p < 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (OR = 0.22; p = 0.005) and of reduced insulin-like growth (IGF) factor-1 (OR = 0.29; p < 0.001), T3 (OR = 0.46; p < 0.001), luteinizing hormone (OR = 0.24; p < 0.001), follicle stimulating hormone (OR = 0.58; p = 0.004), and 17b-estradiol (OR = 0.39; p < 0.001). However, other blood parameters showed similar alterations in both groups. Both groups showed abnormalities in the same blood parameters, but some abnormal parameters were more common in the underweight AN group. These results suggest that atypical AN and underweight AN could present similar risks of certain medical complications.

Serum lipidomic profiling of dairy calves fed milk replacers containing animal or vegetable fats

Vegetable fat blends are commonly used as fat sources in milk replacers (MR) for calves, but their composition differs considerably from that of bovine milk fat. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum lipid profile of pre-weaned calves fed twice-daily MR containing 30% fat (% DM). Upon arrival, 30 male Holstein-Friesian calves (BW = 45.6 ± 4.0 kg, age = 2.29 ± 0.8 d) were randomly assigned to 2 experimental diets (n = 15 per treatment): one MR was derived from either vegetable fats (VG; 80% rapeseed and 20% coconut fats) or animal fats (AN; 65% Packer's lard and 35% dairy cream). The 2 MR formulas contained 30% fat, 24% CP, and 36% lactose. Calves were housed indoors in individual pens with ad libitum access to chopped straw and water. Daily milk allowances were 6.0 L from d 1 to 5, 7.0 L from d 6 to 9, and 8.0 L from d 10 to 35, divided into 2 equal meals and prepared at 13.5% solids. An untargeted liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) method was employed to analyze the lipid profiles in the serum of calves sampled from the jugular vein at 35 d of age. In total, 594 lipids were characterized, comprising 25 different lipid classes. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed significant separation between VG and AN, indicating different lipid profiles in the serum. An orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) classification model was used to further validate the distinction between the 2 treatment groups. The model exhibited a robust class separation and high predictive accuracy. Using a Volcano plot (fold change threshold ≥1.5 and false discovery rate ≤0.05), it was observed that calves fed AN had higher levels of 39 lipid species in serum than calves fed VG, whereas 171 lipid species were lower in the AN group. Lipid classes, such as phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), sphingomyelin (SM), triglycerides (TG), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), were different. In particular, PC and PE were observed at lower levels in calves fed AN, possibly indicating shifts in cell membrane characteristics, intracellular signaling, and liver functions. In addition, a decrease in certain triglyceride (TG) species was observed in calves fed AN, including a decrease in TG species such as TG 36:0 and TG 38:0, possibly related to variations in the content of certain fatty acids (FA) within the AN MR, such as C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, and C18:0 compared with the VG MR. Calves fed AN had lower levels of LPC and LPE, and lyso-phosphatidylinositol (LPI), SM, and phosphatidylinositol (PI) species than calves fed VG, suggesting shifts in lipoprotein and lipid metabolic pathways. In conclusion, these results deepen the understanding of how lipid sources in MR can modulate the serum lipidome profiles of dairy calves.

Exacerbated interfacial impacts of nanoplastics and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate by natural organic matter in adult zebrafish: Evidence through histopathology, gut microbiota, and transcriptomic analysis

Nanoplastics (NPs) interact with cooccurring chemicals and natural organic matter (NOM) in the environment, forming complexes that can change their bioavailability and interfacial toxicity in aquatic organisms. This study aims to elucidate the single and combined impacts of 21-day chronic exposure to low levels of polystyrene NPs (size 80 nm) at 1 mg/L and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (Cl-PFAES or F53B) at 200 μg/L in the presence and absence of NOM (humic acid-HA and bovine serum albumin-BSA at 10 mg/L) in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Our findings through multiple bioassays, revealed that the mixture group (M), comprising of NPs, F53B, HA, and BSA, caused a higher level of toxicity compared to the single NPs (AN), single F53B (AF), and combined NPs+F53B (ANF) groups. The mixture exposure caused the highest level of vacuolization and nuclear condensation in hepatocytes, and most of the intestinal villi were fused and highly reduced in villi length and crypt depth. Further, the T-AOC levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05), while the MDA levels in the liver and intestine were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the M group with downregulation of nfkbiaa, while upregulation of prkcda, csf1ra, and il1b apoptosis genes in the liver. Pairwise comparison of gut microbiota showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) abundances of various genera in the M group, including Gordonia, Methylobacterium, Tundrisphaera, GKS98, Pedomicrobium, Clostridium, Candidatus and Anaerobacillus, as well as higher abundance of genera including pathogenic strains, while control group showed higher abundance of probiotic genus ZOR0006 than exposed group (p < 0.01). The transcriptomic analysis revealed highest number of DEGs in the M group (2815), followed by the AN group (506) and ANF group (206) with the activation of relaxin signaling pathway-RSP (slc9a1, slc9a2) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway (plin1), and suppression of the toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway (tlr4a, tlr2, tlr1), cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction (CCRI) pathway (tnfb, il21r1, il21, ifng1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) pathway (pfkfb3). Overall, toxicity in the M group was higher, indicating that the HA and BSA elevated the interfacial impacts of NPs and F53B in adult zebrafish after chronic environmentally relevant exposure, implying the revisitation of the critical interaction of NOM with co-occurring chemicals and associated impacts

Assessment of anorexia nervosa according to the DSM-5 alternative personality model using the SCID-5-AMPD diagnostic interview system

IntroductionAnorexia nervosa (AN) is a chronic disease that significantly impairs the quality of life, with a low (less than 50%) remission rate, the incidence of which is increasing and it appears at younger and younger ages.ObjectivesOur aim is to facilitate effective and targeted therapy for anorexia nervosa by identifying personality traits and endophenotypes that aid diagnosis and identification of psychotherapeutic targets.MethodsAN patients aged 18-45 years (N=14 female patients in the current study) completed online questionnaires on personality traits (PID-5), eating disorder (EDI-1), emotion regulation style, mentalization (MZQ), dissociation (DIS-Q), current emotional and mood state (SCL-90, PHQ-9), and past traumatic events (CTQ) after MINI and SCID-5-AMPD interview. Results were compared with a matched healthy control sample.ResultsApart from AN, the most common comorbidity was depressive episode, and anxiety disorders were also present. In the SCID-5-AMPD interview, high scores were obtained for several domains describing personality dysfunction in the AN group. Among self-report questionnaires, we observed significant differences in scores on the SCL-90-R, and no difference in CTQ in the AN patients compared to healthy controls.ConclusionsBased on the results of our study, the AN group showed more severe personality trauma, especially in the functional domains of identity and intimacy, and more psychological distress. The above may help to identify personalised psychotherapeutic treatment targets in AN patients, which may significantly improve effectiveness and reduce the time spent in therapy.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Exploring Alcohol-Related Behaviours in an Adult Sample with Anorexia Nervosa and Those in Recovery.

While individuals with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) often present with a higher rate of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) than the general population, it is unclear whether this extends to AN. This cross-sectional study examined differences in alcohol-related behaviours, measured using the Alcohol Use Identification Test (AUDIT), between AN participants (n = 58), recovered AN (rec-AN) participants (n = 25), and healthy controls (n = 57). Statistical models controlled for age and ethnicity. The relationship between alcohol-related behaviours with ED psychopathology and with depression was also assessed. The findings indicated that acute AN participants were not at greater risk of AUD than healthy controls. However, rec-AN participants displayed greater total audit scores than those with acute AN, and more alcohol-related behaviours than healthy controls. Acute AN participants consumed significantly less alcohol than both the healthy control group and rec-AN group. No associations were found between ED psychopathology and alcohol-related behaviours in the AN group or rec-AN. This highlights alcohol as a potential coping mechanism following AN recovery. Clinicians should consider assessments for AUD and targeted interventions aimed at encouraging healthy coping mechanisms in this group. Future studies should look at alcohol use as a moderating factor for AN recovery.

Responses of the Serum Lipid Profile to Exercise and Diet Interventions in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

This study aimed to assess the response patterns of circulating lipids to exercise and diet interventions in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The 8.6-month four-arm randomized controlled study comprised 115 NAFLD patients with prediabetes who were assigned to aerobic exercise (AEx; n = 29), low-carbohydrate diet (Diet; n = 28), AEx plus low-carbohydrate diet (AED; n = 29), and nonintervention (NI, n = 29) groups. Hepatic fat content (HFC) was quantified by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Serum lipidomic analytes were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. After intervention, the total level of phosphatidylcholine (PC) increased significantly in the AEx group ( P = 0.043), whereas phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and triacylglycerol decreased significantly in the AED group ( P = 0.046 and P = 0.036, respectively), and phosphatidylserine decreased in the NI group ( P = 0.002). Changes of 21 lipid metabolites were significantly associated with changes of HFC, among which half belonged to PC. Most of the molecules related to insulin sensitivity belonged to sphingomyelin (40 of 79). Controlling for the change of visceral fat, the significant associations between lipid metabolites and HFC remained. In addition, baseline serum lipids could predict the response of HFC to exercise and/or diet interventions (PE15:0/18:0 for AED, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.97; PE22:6(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)/0:0 for AEx, AUC = 0.90; and PC14:1(9Z)/19:1(9Z) for Diet, AUC = 0.92). Changes of lipidome after exercise and/or diet interventions were associated with HFC reductions, which are independent of visceral fat reduction, particularly in metabolites belonging to PC. Importantly, baseline PE could predict the HFC response to exercise, and PC predicted the response to diet. These results indicate that a circulating metabolomics panel can be used to facilitate clinical implementation of lifestyle interventions for NAFLD management.

Fibroblasts and osteoblasts behavior after contact with different titanium surfaces used as implant abutment: An in vitro experimental study

BackgroundThe goal of this in vitro study was to compare three different surfaces: two types of implant surfaces commercially available ([a] smooth/machined and [b] acid-treated surface) versus (c) anodized surface. Discs were manufactured with commercially pure titanium (CP) grade IV, which were subsequently analyzed by scanning microscopy and fibroblastic and osteoblastic cell cultures. MethodsNinety-nine discs (5 × 2 mm) were manufactured in titanium grade IV and received different surface treatments: (i) Mach group: machined; (ii) AA group: double acid etch; and (iii) AN group: anodizing treatment. Three discs from each group were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to obtain surface topography images and qualitatively analyzed by EDS. Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts and pre-osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1 lineage) were used to investigate each group's biological response (n = 10/cellular type). The data were compared statistically using the ANOVA one-way test, considered as a statistically significant difference p < 0.05. ResultsThe AA group had numerous micropores with diameters between 5 and 10 μm, while nanopores between 1 and 5 nm were measured in the AN group. The EDX spectrum showed a high titanium concentration in all the analyzed samples. The contact angle and wetting tension were higher in the AA, whereas similar results were observed for the other groups. A lower result was observed for base width in the AA, which was higher in the other two groups. The AN showed the best values in the fibroblast cells, followed by Mach and AA; whereas, in the culture of the MC3T3 cells, the result was precisely the opposite (AA > Mach > AN). There was similar behavior for cell adhesion for the test groups (Mach and AN), with greater adhesion of Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts compared to MC3T3 cells; in the AA group, there was greater adherence for MC3T3 cells compared to Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that different surface characteristics can produce different biological responses, possibly cell-line dependent. These findings have important implications for the design of implantable medical devices, where the surface characteristics can significantly impact its biocompatibility.

The positive impact of targeted modulating food intolerance on immune-related recurrent pregnancy loss

Background It has been proven that immune disorders are one of the vital risk factors of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and the presence of food intolerance seems to play an essential role in this. However, the impact of immune status induced by food intolerance on RPL has not been reported. This study utilized a targeted diet avoiding food intolerance as much as possible for each participant to investigate their effects on pregnancy outcomes in RPL patients with positive autoimmune markers. Methods From January 2020 to May 2021, fifty-eight patients with RPL were enrolled. They were divided into two groups based on the presence of autoantibodies: the autoantibody-positive group (AP, n = 29) and the autoantibody-negative group (AN, n = 29). Their food-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies for 90 foods were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of immune parameters and the presence of gastrointestinal discomforts (diarrhea or constipation, eczema, and mouth ulcers) were recorded before and after dietary conditioning, followed by the analysis of pregnancy outcomes. Results Compared to the AN group, the patients in the AP group showed immune disorders at baseline, such as reduced levels of IL-4 and complement C3, and increased levels of IL-2 and total B cells. These parameters within the AP group were significantly improved after dietary conditioning that avoided food intolerance, while no significant changes were observed in the AN group. Patients in the AP group had significantly higher food-specific IgG antibodies for cow’s milk (89.66% vs. 48.28%, p < .001), yolk (86.21% vs. 27.59%, p < .001), bamboo shoots (86.21% vs. 44.83%, p < .001) compared to those in the AN group. Additionally, gastrointestinal discomforts including diarrhea or constipation, eczema, and mouth ulcers were more common in the AP group than in the AN group. After 3-month dietary conditioning, these significantly improved characteristics were only observed in the AP group (p < .001). Finally, the baby-holding rate was higher in the AP group compared to the AN group (p < .05). Conclusions The RPL patients in the AN group did not exhibit immune disorders, whereas those in the AP group experienced immune disorders and gastrointestinal discomforts. For patient with positive autoantibodies, dietary intervention may mitigate immune disorders and gastrointestinal discomforts, presenting a promising approach to enhance pregnancy outcomes.

Distinguishing probable atypical anorexia nervosa from weight loss alone in a national sample of U.S. Military Veterans: Disentangling the roles of weight suppression and cognitive concerns.

Veterans are at high risk for eating disorders (EDs), and specifically for atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN). The current study aimed to better understand this under-studied disorder and how it differs from weight loss without ED cognitive features. Secondary analyses were conducted with data from a national study of Veterans (N = 882, 49.4% women). Participants were categorized into four mutually exclusive groups using the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale 5: probable atypical AN, a cognitive concerns group (Cog Only), a weight suppressed group (WS Only), and a no ED control group. Adjusted regression models were used to compare groups on measures of eating pathology and mental health. Three weight suppression thresholds (5%, 10%, and 15%) for probable atypical AN were also tested. The sample was comprised of 12% probable atypical AN, 23.6% Cog Only, 16.3% WS Only, and 48.1% Control. The probable atypical AN group was most like the Cog Only group except for higher levels of dietary restraint. Atypical AN fared worse and was least like the Control group followed by the WS Only group. All weight suppression thresholds significantly predicted dietary restraint, with 5% being the best predictor. Results found that probable atypical AN is a distinct clinical entity and that the exact weight suppression threshold associated with atypical AN is less important than having any weight suppression. Findings highlight the clinical significance of atypical AN and the importance of gaining a better understanding of how to address this clinical entity. Atypical anorexia nervosa is a relatively underexamined but highly prevalent eating disorder in the Veteran population. Results show that ED cognitive features are more closely linked to clinically significant eating pathology and poor mental health than weight suppression alone suggesting that negative thinking about weight gain and appearance, regardless of the presence or severity of weight loss, may signal the need for specialized intervention.

Examining anxious temperament in anorexia nervosa: Behavioural inhibition and intolerance of uncertainty and their contribution to trait anxiety in adolescents with anorexia nervosa

BackgroundAnorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious and complex psychiatric disorder yet treatment results are suboptimal. Insight into the etiology of this illness is much needed. Research highlights the implication of anxiety-related traits in the development and maintenance of AN. This study investigates firstly, behavioural inhibition and intolerance for uncertainty (IU) in adolescents with and without AN, and secondly relations between these traits. MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 165 adolescent girls (AN = 94, HC = 71) completed questionnaires measuring behavioural inhibition, IU and trait anxiety. ANOVAs tested differences between AN and HC groups, and mediation models with IU as a mediator between behavioural inhibition and trait anxiety were run. ResultsAN adolescents reported significantly higher levels of behavioural inhibition, IU and trait anxiety compared to their peers. In both AN and HC, a direct and a total effect of behavioural inhibition on trait anxiety was found. However, only in the AN group IU partially mediated the relation between behavioural inhibition and trait anxiety. LimitationsData is cross-sectional and longitudinal studies are required. A mean illness duration of nearly 2 years may mean early effects of malnourishment and habituation and future studies should include patients with shorter illness duration. ConclusionsResults highlight that behavioural inhibition and IU may contribute to anxiety in AN whilst their peers may have developed better executive and social-emotional skills to manage uncertainty. Adolescents with AN may benefit from interventions targeting behavioural inhibition and IU.

Evaluation of subjective visual vertical and horizontal in patients with acoustic neuroma based on virtual reality

ObjectiveTo investigate potential differences in absolute deviation values of subjective visual vertical and horizontal between unilateral acoustic neuroma patients and healthy young adults under varying degrees of static head tilt, as well as the impact of proprioception on these values, with the aim of determining the effect of acoustic neuroma on gravity sensory pathway function in patients.MethodsWe recruited 22 patients diagnosed with unilateral acoustic neuroma and 25 healthy young adults and employed virtual reality technology to assess the absolute deviation values of subjective visual vertical (SVV) and subjective visual horizontal (SVH) under eight different static tilted head positions (Head centered (0° tilt), PdP, Head tilt 15°, 30°, 45° to the left and right), then compare and analyze intergroup differences.ResultsIn the Head-centered position, both SVV and SVH absolute deviated values were significantly higher in the AN group compared to healthy young adults. The AN group exhibited significantly higher absolute deviation values of SVV compared to the healthy group when tilting their head 30° left and right. Additionally, when tilting their heads to the right at 15° and 45° the AN group showed significant increases in SVH absolute deviated values compared to healthy adults. The SVV and SVH absolute deviation values of LAN and SAN groups did not reach statistical significance. The results of the SVV test for PDP position did not show any significant differences among all groups. However, the SVH test revealed that the absolute deviation values of the LAN group was significantly higher than that of healthy individuals.ConclusionOur study shows that the gravity sensing function of patients with unilateral acoustic neuroma is affected to different degrees, however, the degree of gravity sensing function damage of patients has little relationship with tumor size. When acoustic neuroma is larger than 2 cm, the effect of proprioception on patients’ SVH outcome is noteworthy. So, we should pay attention to the postoperative follow-up of patients with acoustic neuroma and the evaluation of vestibular rehabilitation effect. Meanwhile, for patients opting for conservative treatment, it is imperative to monitor the dynamic changes in vestibular function and seize timely opportunities for intervention.

Effects of wearing masks during COVID-19 pandemic on the composition and diversity of skin bacteria and fungi in medical workers

BackgroundAlthough studies have shown that wearing masks can affect the skin microbiome, more detailed and comprehensive research on wearing masks needs to be further explored.ObjectiveThis study aimed to characterize the influence of mask wearing on the diversity and structural characteristics of the facial skin microbial community of medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic by means of metagenomic sequencing (mNGS).MethodsA total of 40 samples were taken by swabbing the cheek in the 2 × 2 cm2 area before and after wearing the masks. DNA was extracted for metagenomic sequencing.ResultsA statistically significant decrease was found in the α diversity between BN and AN groups and between B2 h and A2 h groups. BN and AN mean groups before and after 8 h of wearing the medical protective mask (N95), including 10 volunteers, respectively. B2 h and A2 h mean groups before and after 8 h of wearing masks, including 10 volunteers changing mask every 2 h, respectively. The β diversity was found to be statistically reduced between BS and AS groups (p = 0.025), BN and AN groups (p = 0.009), and B2 h and A2 h group (p = 0.042). The fungal beta diversity was significantly decreased in every group before and after wearing masks. The main bacteria on the face before and after wearing masks were Cutibacterium (68.02 and 71.73%). Among the fungi, Malassezia predominated the facial skin surface before and after wearing masks (35.81 and 39.63%, respectively).ConclusionWearing different types of masks and changing masks according to different frequency will have different effects on the facial skin’s microbiota.

Effects of ammonia and roxithromycin exposure on skin mucus microbiota composition and immune response of juvenile yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

As an inevitable factor in aquaculture, ammonia plays a critical role in macrolide antibiotic resistance, leading to accumulating of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in fish skin mucus. In this study, four experimental groups were implemented to test the effects of ammonia alone or in combination with roxithromycin for 28 days on skin mucus microbial composition and the immune response of yellow catfish: CON (control), AN (50.00 mg L−1 total ammonia nitrogen, TA-N), ROX (100 μg L−1 roxithromycin), and HR (50.00 mg L−1 TA-N, 100 μg L−1 ROX). This study demonstrated that ammonia or roxithromycin exposure resulted in increased plasma ammonia content and decreased total antioxidant capacity. Compared with AN group, the combined exposure of ammonia and roxithromycin inhibited the skin mucus immune response. Microbial composition analysis showed that combined exposure of ammonia and roxithromycin had no significant effect on skin mucus α-diversity as compared with CON group. The abundance of Cetobacterium, Rhizobiales_Incertae_Sedis_uncultured and Acinetobacter was increased significantly with the combined effect of ammonia and roxithromycin, these bacteria may be potentially antibiotic-resistant. As compared with CON group, the combined exposure of ammonia and roxithromycin did not affect skin goblet cell counts. This study suggests that combined exposure to ammonia and ROX increases the risk of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Effect of artificial intelligence on novice-performed colonoscopy: a multicenter randomized controlled tandem study

Background and aimsThe efficacy and safety of AI-assisted novices performed colonoscopy remain unknown. Here, we aim to compare the lesion detection capability of novices, AI-assisted novices and experts. MethodsThis multi-center, randomized, non-inferiority, tandem study was conducted across three hospitals in China from May 1, 2022, to November 11, 2022. Eligible patients were randomized into one of three groups: CN group (control novice group, withdrawal performed by a novice independently), AN group (AI-assisted novice group, withdrawal performed by a novice with AI assistance), or CE group (control expert group, withdrawal performed by an expert independently). Participants underwent a repeat colonoscopy conducted by an AI-assisted expert to evaluate the lesion miss rate and ensure lesion detection. The primary outcome is the adenoma miss rate (AMR). Results685 eligible patients were analyzed with 229 in the CN group, 227 in the AN group, 229 in the CE group. Both AMR and polyps miss rate (PMR) were lower in the AN than in the CN group (18.82% vs 43.69%, P＜0.001; 21.23% vs 35.38%, P＜0.001, respectively). The non-inferiority margin was met between AN and CE group of both AMR and PMR (18.82% vs 26.97%, P=0.202; 21.23% vs 24.10%, P＜0.249, respectively). ConclusionAI-assisted colonoscopy lowered the AMR of novices, making them non-inferior to experts. Withdrawal technique of new endoscopists can be enhanced by AI-assisted colonoscopy; ClincialTrials.gov, NCT05323279.

ZAG (Zinc-Alpha 2 Glycoprotein) Serum Levels in Girls with Anorexia Nervosa

The objectives of the study were: (1) the evaluation of the blood serum concentration of ZAG (Zinc-alpha 2 Glycoprotein) in girls with anorexia nervosa, as well as in girls with simple obesity and healthy girls; and (2) the valuation of the relationship between the blood level of ZAG and the duration of AN and anthropometric parameters, parameters of the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, thyroid hormones, and cortisol in the blood in all study subjects. Materials and methods: The study covered 87 girls (aged 11–17.9 years). The studied group (AN) contained 30 girls suffering from anorexia nervosa, and the control groups contained 30 healthy girls (H) and 27 girls with simple obesity (OB), respectively. Results: The mean concentration of ZAG in the blood serum in the AN group was significantly higher than in the OB and H groups. Accumulatively, the level of ZAG in the entire studied group correlated negatively with the parameters of their nutritional status. The mean concentrations of ZAG in the entire group correlated positively with the concentrations of HDL and cortisol and negatively with insulin, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, and hsCRP. Conclusions: The higher blood concentrations of ZAG in girls with AN compared to healthy subjects seemed to constitute a secondary adaptation mechanism in response to the undernourishment status. ZAG blood concentration values correlated negatively with body mass, BMI, Cole’s index, the level of insulin, and the HOMA-IR score, whereas they correlated positively with the level of cortisol. Increased ZAG levels in AN patients may result from increased levels of cortisol, manifesting in malfunction along the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which in effect can promote body weight loss.

Exploratory graph analysis (EGA) of the dimensional structure of the eating disorder examination-questionnaire (EDE-Q) in women with eating disorders

This study examined the dimensional structure of the German Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) in clinical groups of women with Anorexia Nervosa (AN; N = 821), Bulimia Nervosa (BN; N = 573), and Binge-Eating Disorder (BED; N = 359) using Exploratory Graph Analyses (EGA). The EGA yielded a 12-item-four-dimension structure for the AN group (subscales “Restraint”, “Body Dissatisfaction”, “Preoccupation”, “Importance”), a 20-item-five-dimension structure for the BN group (subscales “Restraint”, “Body Dissatisfaction”, “Eating Concern”, “Preoccupation”, “Importance”), and a 17-item-four-dimension structure for the BED group (subscales “Restraint”, “Body Dissatisfaction”, “Concern”, “Importance”). This first investigation of the EDE-Q's dimensional structure using EGA suggests that the original factor model may be suboptimal for specific clinical ED samples and that alternative scoring should be considered when screening specific cohorts or evaluating the effects of interventions.

Association of anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol concentrations with clinical features and body mass index in eating disorders and obesity.

Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) play a pivotal role in stimulating motivational behavior toward food and energy metabolism. Aberrant functioning of the endocannabinoid system has been observed in extreme weight conditions (EWCs), suggesting it may influence pathophysiology. Then, we aimed to analyze fasting AEA and 2-AG plasma concentrations among individuals with EWC (i.e., anorexia nervosa [AN] and obesity with and without eating disorders [EDs]) compared with healthy controls (HCs), and its association with clinical variables and body mass index (BMI). The sample included 113 adult women. Fifty-seven belonged to the obesity group, 37 without EDs (OB-ED) and 20 with ED (OB+ED classified within the binge spectrum disorders), 27 individuals from the AN group, and 29 from the HC group. Peripheral blood samples, several clinical variables, and BMI were evaluated. Unlike 2-AG, AEA concentrations showed significant differences between groups (p<0.001). Increased AEA was observed in the OB-ED and OB+ED compared with both HC and AN group, respectively. Likewise, AEA was differentially associated with emotional dysregulation, general psychopathology, food addiction, and BMI in all clinical groups. These results support the interaction between biological and clinical factors contributing to delineating vulnerability pathways in EWC that could help fit personalized therapeutic approaches.

A comparative assessment of artificial and natural energy drinks in the epididymal and testicular milieu

"Artificial and natural energy drinks are both taken for increased energy, physical stamina, and alertness, although they differ in composition. This study investigated the effects of artificial and natural energy drinks on the testicular milieu in male pubertal rats. Eighteen Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 rats each and all animals had access to food ad libitum. Group 1: (control) received water only; Group 2: (artificial energy drink- AED) received AED; Group 3: (natural energy drink- NED) received NED. A dose of 1.41ml/day/150g animal was administered and this lasted for 28 days. Sperm and testicular variables, biochemical parameters, and hormonal assays were carried out. There were significant decreases in the levels of testosterone, Lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and 17β- Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities in AED and NED groups when compared to the control group. There was a marked increment in sperm abnormalities in the NED group when compared to AED and control groups. Also, the intake of AED led to an elevated level of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase compared to the control while a significant reduction was observed in the NED group when compared to the AED group. Artificial and natural energy drinks although consumed for strength and vigor distorted epididymis and testicular integrity via alteration of the testicular metabolism, lowering sperm quality and androgenic hormones in pubertal male Wistar rats. Keywords: energy drink, jaggery, sperm quality, steroidogenic enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase."

Central Autonomic Network Alterations in Anorexia Nervosa Following Peripheral Adrenergic Stimulation

BackgroundAnorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by low body weight, disturbed eating, body image disturbance, anxiety, and interoceptive dysfunction. However, the neural processes underlying these dysfunctions in AN are unclear. This investigation combined an interoceptive pharmacological probe, the peripheral β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine whether individuals with AN relative to healthy comparison participants show dysregulated neural coupling in central autonomic network brain regions. MethodsResting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 23 weight-restored female participants with AN and 23 age- and body mass index–matched healthy comparison participants before and after receiving isoproterenol infusions. Whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) changes were examined using central autonomic network seeds in the amygdala, anterior insular cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex after performing physiological noise correction procedures. ResultsRelative to healthy comparison participants, adrenergic stimulation caused widespread FC reductions in the AN group between central autonomic network regions and motor, premotor, frontal, parietal, and visual brain regions. Across both groups, these FC changes were inversely associated with trait anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait), trait depression (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire), and negative body image perception (Body Shape Questionnaire) measures, but not with changes in resting heart rate. These results were not accounted for by baseline group FC differences. ConclusionsWeight-restored females with AN show a widespread state-dependent disruption of signaling between central autonomic, frontoparietal, and sensorimotor brain networks that facilitate interoceptive representation and visceromotor regulation. Additionally, trait associations between central autonomic network regions and these other brain networks suggest that dysfunctional processing of interoceptive signaling may contribute to affective and body image disturbance in AN.