BI Group Research Articles

Plant growth-promoting bacteria belonging to the genera <em>Pseudomonas</em> and <em>Bacillus</em> improve the growth of sorghum seedings in a low-nutrient soil

Background: Deficiency in sorghum growth in ecosystems of low-nutrient soils has been scarcely studied. This soil deficiency can be overcome by the addition of plant growth-promoting bacteria which increase sorghum growth. Questions and/or Hypotheses: indole acetic acid (IAA) producing and phosphate solubilizing bacteria can promote sorghum growth under nutritional stress. Studied species: Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Study site and dates: Mexico City, 2018. Methods: Of the twelve bacterial strains utilized, three produce IAA (group BI), two strains produce IAA and siderophores (BIS group), four strains produce IAA and solubilize phosphate (BIP group), and three strains produce IAA, solubilize phosphate, and produce siderophores (BIPS group). Hydroponic bioassays and low-nutrient soil bioassay were used. Results: In hydroponic bioassays, for BI and BIS groups, five strains significantly increased the growth parameters with respect to the control, and for the BIP and BIPS groups, two strains promoted stem development and shoot dry weight. In a low-nutrient soil bioassay, Pseudomonas sp. BI-1 (from BI group) was the one that presented the highest percentages 32, 48, 140 and 79 % in stem diameter, height and dry weight of the shoot and dry weight of the root, respectively, followed by the P. mohnii BIPS-10 strain (from BIPS group) that exhibited similar results. Conclusions: IAA producing Pseudomonas strains improve the sorghum growth in a low-nutrient soil and suggest thatPseudomonas sp. BI-1 and P. mohnii BIPS-10 could be used as potential bioinoculants for sorghum.

Effectiveness and safety of Bifidobacterium and berberine in human hyperglycemia and their regulatory effect on the gut microbiota: a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, parallel-controlled study

BackgroundBerberine and Bifidobacterium have been reported to improve glucose tolerance in people with hyperglycemia or other metabolic disorders. This study aimed to assess the hypoglycemic effect and the regulation of the gut microbiota caused by berberine and Bifidobacterium and the possible additive benefits of their combination.MethodsThis was an 18-week, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled study of patients newly diagnosed with hyperglycemia. After a 2-week run-in period, 300 participants were randomly assigned to the following four groups for 16 weeks of treatment: berberine (Be), Bifidobacterium (Bi), berberine and Bifidobacterium (BB), and placebo group. The primary efficacy endpoint was the absolute value of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) compared with baseline after 16 weeks of treatment.ResultsBetween October 2015 and April 2018, a total of 297 participants were included in the primary analysis. Significant reductions of FPG were observed in the Be and BB groups compared with the placebo group, with a least square (LS) mean difference of − 0.50, 95% CI [− 0.85, − 0.15] mmol/L, and − 0.55, 95% CI [− 0.91, − 0.20] mmol/L, respectively. The Be and BB groups also showed significant reductions in 2-h postprandial plasma glucose. A pronounced decrease in HbA1c occurred in the BB group compared to the placebo group. Moreover, compared with the Bi and placebo groups, the Be and BB groups had more changes in the gut microbiota from the baseline.ConclusionsBerberine could regulate the structure and function of the human gut microbiota, and Bifidobacterium has the potential to enhance the hypoglycemic effect of berberine. These findings provide new insights into the hypoglycemic potential of berberine and Bifidobacterium.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03330184. Retrospectively registered on 18 October 2017

Exploring the Experiences and the Nutritional Supports of LGBTQ+ Canadians during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, and other groups (LGBTQ+) within Canada. This research aimed to explore the experiences of LGBTQ+ Canadians in relation to their nutritional needs, practices, and supports during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: The qualitative study was framed within a poststructuralism and queer theory paradigm and consisted of an online questionnaire. Participants were recruited and asked to complete open-ended questions. Responses were coded using thematic analysis.Results: Seventy participants completed the questionnaire. Data analysis resulted in 3 major themes, including (i) (dis)comforts of food and eating, (ii) shifting views of food and food practices, and (iii) what supports? The themes revealed that many LGBTQ+ individuals experienced stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time in which their views and practices of food, cooking, and eating were changed. Nutritional supports were discussed in terms of family, friends, and partners.Conclusion: The findings highlight the complexity to the meanings people give to food, cooking, and eating during stressful times. It is recommended that dietitians familiarize themselves with the experiences of LGBTQ+ people, especially during times of global health emergencies to ensure equitable health care for LGBTQ+ communities.

Factors prolonging the period of sobriety in young patients with alcohol use

Alcohol beverages became a regular part of the everyday life of society. This is particularly true for those in social environments when alcohol is using for socializing. Due to this fact, it is easy to fail to notice the health and social damage caused by alcohol drinking.
 In the pilot study we examined the feasibility and initial efficacy of a brief intervention on reducing risky drinking among emerging adults in Ukraine. Patients were evaluated in 3 months after the brief motivational intervention (BMI).
 We included patients who successfully completed the pilot study (all of them had an opportunity to visit our clinic after completing the study for free if necessary). We had 2 groups of participants: (1-st group - young patients of Railway Clinical Hospital, with risky drinking (AUDIT-C> 5); and, 2-nd group - students of the National Medical University OO Bogomolets, with risky drinking (AUDIT-C> 5). All participants were evaluated using set of tests (Structured Interview (personal data, substance use, substance use treatment history, medical history), AUDIT-C, RAPI, DMQ, Quality of Life Scale (O. Chaban, 2009), BSSS, PHQ-9, GAD-7, BPAQ-SF) in 4 years after taking part in a pilot study when they obtained BMI. We also evaluated many factors including the frequency of participants’ visits to our clinic after completing the pilot study.
 Participants from the university setting were significantly younger, and single (as opposed to married), with fewer children comparing to participants in the hospital setting. Regression analyses were conducted, separately for each setting, predicting alcohol outcomes (consumption and consequences). In both settings, the brief intervention group (BI group) showed significantly less alcohol consumption and consequences after 4 years period compare to the control group (p<0.001). However university group showed more cases of sobriety disruption during this period. Among the BMI sample showed lower level of depressive and anxiety symptoms according to PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales, relative to the control group. Also, the brief intervention group showed a higher level of quality of life relative to the control group. Also the aggression level was different in BMI and control groups (control group showed higher level of aggression). However, there are some differences between patients and students samples with BMI in the results of quality of life scale. This result can be related to the quality of sobriety period in these groups and to the presence of higher level of aggression (including indirect aggression - guilty feelings, according to BPAQ-SF) in students sample.
 The data obtained indicate that BMI are promising for reducing risky drinking among emerging adults in the Ukraine in both settings (patient hospital and university).

Conventional bicortical pin substitution with a novel unicortical pin in external fixation: A biomechanical study

IntroductionAs most patients with polytrauma or open fractures are converted from temporary external fixation to definite stabilization, the prevention of complications such as infection is especially important. To overcome the high risk of infection associated with the use of the conventional bicortical pin for temporary external fixation, the authors developed a novel unicortical pin and analyzed it in a biomechanical study. MethodsThe unicortical pin consisted of an inner screw, purchasing the cortical bone, and an outer sleeve with 6 spikes. A bicortical pin was used for the purpose of comparison. A fracture gap model was stabilized using a monoplanar configuration. Both the unicortical pins (Uni group) and bicortical pins (Bi group) underwent axial compressive and torsional load testing using a servo-hydraulic testing machine. Stiffness, load to failure, and mode of failure were documented. ResultsStiffness and load to failure of the Uni group (average, 40.5 N/mm and 1098.4 N, respectively) were greater than that of the Bi group (average, 33.7 N/mm and 968.6 N, respectively) in the axial compressive load test (P = 0.008 and 0.032). Stiffness and load to failure of the Uni group (average, 1.2 Nm/degree and 1.7 Nm, respectively) were also significantly higher than those of the Bi group (average, 0.8 Nm/degree and 0.6 Nm, respectively) in the torsional load test (P = 0.008 and 0.016). All pins in the Bi group were bent at the pin-synthetic bone interface without synthetic bone failure. Contrarily, the Uni group did not show any pin bending or failure. However, in the axial compression test, partial cracks in the synthetic bone were found at the interface with spikes in the outer shell. In addition, in the torsion test, incomplete fractures were seen through the inner screws' holes. ConclusionCompared with the conventional bicortical pin, the newly designed unicortical pin significantly increased fracture stability under both axial compressive and torsional loads. The unicortical pin can be considered an alternative biomechanical solution to obtain adequate stability when performing external fixation of fractures.

Immuno-protective efficiency of feed-based whole-cell inactivated bivalent vaccine against Streptococcus and Aeromonas infections in red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis mossambicus)

Streptococcosis and motile aeromonad septicemia (MAS) are well-known diseases in tilapia culture, which cause mass mortality with significant economic losses. The development of feed-based bivalent vaccines in controlling these diseases has been initiated, however, the mechanisms of immunities and cross-protection in fish remain unclear. This study was conducted to assess the immuno-protective as well as the cross-protective efficacy of a newly developed feed-based bivalent vaccine against Streptococcus and Aeromonas infections in red hybrid tilapia. A total of five groups of fish were vaccinated orally through two different techniques; bivalent vaccine (inactivated Streptococcus iniae and Aeromonas hydrophila) sprayed on feed pellets (BS group); bivalent vaccine (inactivated S. iniae and A. hydrophila) incorporated in feed (BI group); monovalent inactivated S. iniae and A. hydrophila vaccine separately incorporated into feed as monovalent S. iniae (MS group) and monovalent A. hydrophila (MA group); and control group (without vaccine). The feed-based vaccine was delivered orally at 5% of body weight for five consecutive days. The booster doses were given in the same manner on weeks 2 and 6. Serum and skin mucus samples were collected to assess the IgM responses using indirect ELISA. The first administration of the feed-based vaccine stimulated the IgM levels that lasted until week 3, while the second booster ensured that the IgM levels remained high for a period of 16 weeks in the BI, MS and MA groups. The BI group developed a strong and significantly (P < 0.05) higher systemic and mucosal IgM responses against both S. iniae and A. hydrophila and also cross-protective antigen S. agalactiae and A. veronii compared to the BS and control groups. Quantitative real-time PCR results also showed that the relative expressions of IL-8, INF-γ and IgM in the BI immunized fish spleen, head kidney and hindgut exhibited various significant (P < 0.05) rising trends following both the vaccination and the challenge phase. On weeks 10, all fish were challenged through the intraperitoneal route, where relative percent survivals (RPS) of 82.22 ± 3.85% when challenged with S. iniae, 77.78 ± 3.85% when challenged with A. hydrophila and 77.78 ± 3.85% when co-challenged with both S. iniae and A. hydrophila were observed in the BI group, which were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to the other groups. The BI group also showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher partial cross-protections following challenges with S. agalactiae (RPS at 60.00 ± 6.67%) and A. veronii (RPS at 57.78 ± 7.70%). This study demonstrated that immunization with feed-based BI vaccine elicited immune responses that were capable of protecting red hybrid tilapia against streptococcosis and MAS.

Deep-blue high-efficiency triplet-triplet annihilation organic light-emitting diodes using donor- and acceptor-modified anthracene fluorescent emitters

Deep-blue organic electroluminescence (EL) emitters are important for full-color display and solid-state lighting applications of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology. Triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) is one efficient approach for realizing efficient deep-blue EL. In this study, a PPI donor and a BI acceptor are connected via an anthracene (AN) bridge to obtain a bipolar deep-blue TTA emitter, PPI-AN-BI. The effects of the donor and the acceptor moieties are studied by comparing photophysical properties of molecules obtained by replacing either the PPI or the BI group with a phenyl (P) group to obtain BI-AN-P or PPI-AN-P. Non-doped OLEDs based on the three molecules display high-performance deep-blue EL. Using PPI-AN-BI as a non-doped emitter, a trilayer device exhibits a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 8.4% with a CIE index of (0.15, 0.15), and a bilayer device exhibits a maximum EQE of 6.9% with a CIE index of (0.15, 0.15). It is experimentally and theoretically demonstrated that triplet pair transition and enhanced oscillator strength can be the main reasons contributing to high performances. This work would provide an efficient method for designing deep-blue non-doped EL emitters.

Efficacy of modified face lift incision for the resection of benign parotid gland tumor located anteriorly or superiorly

ObjectivesThe goals of resection of benign parotid gland tumor are complete resection of lesion and preservation of the facial nerve function. Traditionally, the bayonet-shaped incision (Blair incision: BI) and the modified face lift incision (mFLI) are commonly used for parotidectomy. However, concerns exist about the adequacy of exposure and identification of the facial nerve in anterior or superior parotid lesions. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes between BI and mFLI and to evaluate the adequacy, possible indications, and limitations of mFLI for the resection of benign parotid gland tumors located anteriorly or superiorly. MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 175 patients with various types of benign parotid tumor who underwent partial parotidectomy via BI (97 patients) or mFLI (78 patients). Tumors were divided into five categories depending on their location: anterior, superior, inferior, middle, and deep lobe tumors. The outcomes of operation were analyzed according to tumor location between the incision types. ResultsTumor locations were not significantly different between the two groups. Transient facial palsy occurred in 23 out of 152 patients (15.1%); permanent palsy was not observed in either group. The incidence rates of facial palsy were higher among patients with superior and deep lobe tumors; in the mFLI and BI groups, proportions of superior tumors were 22.2% and 27.2%, respectively, and those of deep lobe tumors were 35.7% and 23.5%, respectively. With regard to superior and anterior tumors, the incidence rate of postoperative facial palsy was insignificantly lower in the mFLI group (10.5%) than in the BI group (18.2%). ConclusionsThere were no differences in the incidence rates of postoperative facial palsy between mFLI and BI for any tumor location. Use of the mFLI is feasible for the resection of most benign parotid tumors located anteriorly or superiorly.

Pengaruh Metode Demonstrasi terhadap Perilaku Sosial Anak di Kelompok B1 TK Kartika XX-32 Palu

The demonstration method is a very important method in showing the development of children's social behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of demonstration methods in developing social behavior of children in the Kartika XX-32 Palu Kindergarten BI Group, with a sample of 19 children enrolled in the 2019/2020 school year. The observed indicators are responsibility, courtesy, and help. The results of the study are the effect of demonstration methods on children's social behavior through the application of one-group pretest-posttest design and descriptive data analysis with calculations based on percentages. The proof is that there is a development of children's social behavior from an average of 0% before treatment to 15.78% after treatment for the category of Very Good Developing, from 10.52% to 42.1% the category of Developing as Expected, from 56.13% to 29.81% in the category of Developing, and from 33.32% to 12.27% in the category of Not Developing.

Effects on congestion, natriuretic peptides, diuretic efficiency, and renal function during different dose and administration of intravenous loop diuretic: preliminary data of DIUR-AHF Trial

Abstract Background Although loop diuretic is the cornerstone of treatment in acute heart failure (AHF) there is no consensus about the best modality and amount to be used during acute phase. Current Guidelines do not provide specific insights regarding timing course and target dose. Usually physicians double the oral domestic amount when they start intravenous infusion, but a precise algorithm does not exist. Aims To compare admission and pre discharge clinical congestion and BNP trend in relation to furosemide amount and modality administration; 2- to evaluate diuretic efficiency and renal function in the four arms and the potential effects on outcome. Methods This is a multicentre prospective Trial (DIUR-AHF) designed in order to clarify the correct loop diuretic target avoiding potential side effects. The study enrolled patients with AHF BNP level &amp;gt;100 pg/ml and congestion signs. Patients were divided in four arms in accordance with modality administration: Continuous (Ci) vs Bolus (Bi) and dose administered Low (LD) vs High (HD) considering a cutoff 125 mg/die. All patients executed a clinical congestion evaluation and Chest radiography at admission and pre discharge, BNP sample and renal function were measured during the first 12 hours and before discharge. Diuretic efficiency (DE) defined as weight change per 40 mg of furosemide during infusional period. DE was estimated as the net fluid output produced per 40 mg of furosemide equivalents, Follow up were obtained by direct visit or phone contact at 30 and 60 days after discharge Results We included 268 hospitalized patients with a mean BNP level 987±440 pg /ml, mean congestion score (3.5±2) creatinine and GFR value were 1.6±0.7 mg/dl; and 48±20 ml/min/m2 respectively. At admission BNP and Creatinine were modestly increased in HD (P&amp;lt;0.01) compared with all other groups. Pre discharge Congestion score were increased in Bi and HD groups (2.5±1 vs 1±1), similarly BNP levels were increased in Bi and HD with respect to Ci and LD (454±215 and 413±223 vs 288±170 and 312±248 p&amp;lt;0.05). Whereas DE were significantly increased in Ci compared with the other arms (−1.23 vs −0.55 p&amp;lt;0.01). In all groups, low DE, residual congestion and BNP reduction &amp;lt;30% resulted in escalation of diuretic strategies and impaired outcome (HR 1.88 [1.16–204]; 2.1 [1.4–2.8]; 1.3 [0.88–2.1]). A significant correlation between poor DE and residual congestion was recruited (r=0.76). Worsening Renal function (WRF) occurred much more in HD and Ci compared to LD and Bi (HD 44%, Ci 35% vs LD 33% and Bi 23% p&amp;lt;0.01) without significant effects on outcome. Conclusions HD and Bi of furosemide are both related with reduced congestion and invreased BNP level before discharge. In all groups low DE residual congestion and poor BNP reduction appear associated with higher rate of adverse events. Current data provide additional features for AHF patients during intravenous loop diuretic administration Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Treatment with Bifidobacteria can suppress Aβ accumulation and neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice.

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD), being a complex disorder, is affected either by genetic or environmental factors or both. It is observed that there is an excessive accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) in the extracellular space of the brain. AD is the first neurodegenerative disease in the elderly, and so far there is no effective treatment. In recent years, many studies have reported that Alzheimer’s disease has a relationship with gut microflora, indicating that regulating gut microbiota could offer therapeutic intervention for AD. This study explored the effect Bifidobacteria has in averting AD.MethodsWT and APP/PS1 mice were used for the experiments. The mice were randomly assigned to four groups: WT group, WT + Bi group, AD group (APP/PS1 mouse) and AD + Bi group (Bifidobacteria-treated APP/PS1 mouse). Treatment with Bifidobacteria lasted for 6 months and mice were prepared for immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Thioflavin S staining, Western blotting, PCR and Elisa quantitative assay.ResultsThe results show that after 6 months of treatment with Bifidobacteria signiis to be lesficantly reduces Aβ deposition in cortex and hippocampus of AD mice. The level of insoluble Aβ in the hippocampus and cortex of AD+Bi mice was decreased compared with AD mice. Meanwhile, a significant decrease in the level of soluble Aβ in the cortex of AD+Bi mice but not in the hippocampus was observed. The activation of microglia and the release of inflammatory factors were also determined in this study. From the results, Bifidobacteria inhibited microglial activation and reduced IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 and INF-γ release. Altogether, these results implied that Bifidobacteria can alleviate the pathological changes of AD through various effects.

Bimodal Stimulation in Children With Bilateral Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Suitable Intervention Model for Children at the Early Developmental Stage.

To evaluate the auditory and speech benefit of bimodal stimulation for prelingual deafened cochlear implantation recipients. Retrospective and comparative study. Tertiary referral center. Fifty-six children with bilateral prelingual profound sensorineural hearing loss were enrolled, including 28 consecutive children with unilateral cochlear implantation (CI group), and 28 consecutive children with bimodal stimulation (BI group) who used an additional hearing aid (HA) in the contralateral ear. Hearing assessments included the Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-MAIS) and Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP). Speech evaluations included the Meaningful Use of Speech Scale (MUSS), and Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR). These measurements were evaluated at the first mapping of cochlear implants and 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months after. Data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis. The mean ages of BI and CI groups were similar (17.6 ± 6.87 vs 19.0 ± 8.10 months, p = 0.497). The initial scores for hearing and speech assessments showed no differences between the two groups, apart from IT-MAIS (2.46 ± 0.631 in BI group vs 0.50 ± 0.279 in CI group, p = 0.004). The auditory and speech development over time were different in the two groups as seen in IT-MAIS (p < 0.001), CAP (p = 0.029), MUSS (p < 0.001), and SIR (p < 0.001). A continuing but stable difference was observed in CAP, MUSS, and SIR at 3, 18, and 12 months after the first mapping, respectively. In addition, the BI group had better IT-MAIS scores at 3 and 6 months compared with the CI group; however, the difference was not significant after 12 months. Bimodal stimulation is beneficial for prelingually deafened CI recipients who have minimal contralateral residual hearing when bilateral CIs are not available. Hearing aid use in the contralateral ear might be recommended for children after unilateral cochlear implantation to facilitate the development of auditory and speech skills.

Pengaruh Metode Demonstrasi terhadap Perilaku Sosial Anak di Kelompok B

The demonstration method is a very important method in showing the development of children's social behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of demonstration methods in developing social behavior of children in the Kartika XX-32 Palu Kindergarten BI Group, with a sample of 19 children enrolled in the 2019/2020 school year. The observed indicators are responsibility, courtesy, and help. The results of the study are the effect of demonstration methods on children's social behavior through the application of one-group pretest-posttest design and descriptive data analysis with calculations based on percentages. The proof is that there is a development of children's social behavior from an average of 0% before treatment to 15.78% after treatment for the category of Very Good Developing, from 10.52% to 42.1% the category of Developing as Expected, from 56.13% to 29.81% in the category of Developing, and from 33.32% to 12.27% in the category of Not Developing.

Occurrence and transmission of flu-like illness among neighboring bonobo groups at Wamba

Infectious diseases constitute one of the major threats to African great apes. Bonobos (Pan paniscus) may be particularly vulnerable to the transmission of infectious diseases because of their cohesive grouping and frequent social and sexual interactions between groups. Here we report two cases of a flu-like illness and possible transmission of the illness among neighboring wild bonobo groups at Wamba, DR Congo. The first flu-like outbreak started in the PE group on July 28, 2013, 2days after they had encounters with the BI and PW groups. All PE members, except for one infant, subsequently developed flu-like symptoms, including coughing and running nose. The second flu-like outbreak occurred in the E1 group on October 14, 2013, after E1 had encountered the PE group and the two groups stayed together from October 7 to 11. Eleven out of the 15 observed party members developed symptoms over the next 4days. The pathogens underlying the two outbreaks may have been related as two temporary immigrant females, who had previously shown symptoms while in the PE group, stayed briefly in the E1 group during the second outbreak, but did not show any symptoms.

A pragmatic study of mid-mixture insulin and basal insulin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled with oral antihyperglycaemic medications: A lesson from real-world experience.

BackgroundChinese guidelines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) recommend basal or premixed insulins as insulin starters after failed oral antihyperglycaemic medication (OAM). This pragmatic study compared effectiveness and safety of add‐on basal insulin analog (BI) and mid‐mixture insulin analog (MMI; 50:50 premixed insulin) as starter insulin regimens in Chinese patients with T2D in a real‐world setting.Materials and MethodsThis was a multicentre, open‐label, randomized, parallel, pragmatic trial. Patients receiving OAMs were randomized 1:1 to BI (n = 410) or MMI (n = 404) for 24 weeks. Insulin titration and OAM adjustment were determined by investigators following usual standard‐of‐care. The primary outcome was change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline.ResultsLeast‐squares mean changes in HbA1c from baseline to week 24 were −2.00% and −2.15% for BI and MMI groups, respectively (P = .13). The MMI group demonstrated a greater reduction in concomitant OAM therapies used than BI group (53.8% vs. 35.3%, respectively; P < .001). Very limited daily insulin dose increments were observed from baseline to week 24 in both BI and MMI groups (2.5 U/day and 1.8 U/day, respectively). Although both insulin analogs were well‐tolerated without severe hypoglycaemia, small weight gains were seen with both treatments. Higher total hypoglycaemia rates were noticed with the MMI group, while nocturnal hypoglycaemia events were comparable.ConclusionsIn real‐world settings, BI and MMI provided similar improvement in glucose control without conceding hypoglycaemia. The BI group received a greater number of OAMs in real‐world settings. Limited insulin dose titration was observed, while more adjustments occurred with OAM usage.

Electron diffraction study of the space group of Bi5Ti3FeO15 multiferroic ceramic.

Bi5Ti3FeO15 (pentabismuth trititanium iron pentadecaoxide), which is a multiferroic four-layer Aurivillius phase compound, has received much attention in recent years. However, three mutually inconsistent orthorhombic space groups, i.e. A21am, Fmm2 and Pnn2, have been reported for the room-temperature phase of Bi5Ti3FeO15 by X-ray and neutron diffraction investigations. Here, electron diffraction results are presented and discussed for the first time to unambiguously clarify the room-temperature space group of ceramic Bi5Ti3FeO15. It has been found that all the observed reflections from the ceramic agree with those expected in A21am, while the observed reflections 011, 013 and 015 should be forbidden in the case of Fmm2, and no 107 and 109 reflections were observed although allowed for Pnn2. The present study has demonstrated that the space group of Bi5Ti3FeO15 ceramic is A21am rather than Fmm2 or Pnn2, an identification that proved to be a challenge for X-ray diffraction. On the basis of the space group A21am, the lattice parameters of the Bi5Ti3FeO15 ceramic were calculated from its X-ray diffraction data.

Continuous infusion versus intermittent bolus injection of propofol during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Background/AimsIt is unclear whether continuous infusion or intermittent bolus injection of propofol is better for achieving adequate sedation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of continuous infusion and intermittent bolus injection of propofol during therapeutic ERCP.MethodsIn this prospective study, we randomly assigned 232 patients undergoing therapeutic ERCP to either continuous infusion (CI group, n = 113) or intermittent bolus injection (BI group, n = 119) of propofol. The primary outcome was the quality of sedation as assessed by the endoscopist. Other sedation-related parameters included sedation induction time, total dose of propofol, recovery time, involuntary patient movement, and adverse events.ResultsOverall satisfaction with sedation by the endoscopist and monitoring nurse were significantly higher in the CI group than the BI group (mean satisfaction score, 9.66 vs. 8.0 and 9.47 vs. 7.96, respectively, p < 0.01 for both). However, patients in the CI group had a significantly longer sedation induction time (5.28 minutes vs. 4.34 minutes, p < 0.01) and received a higher dose of propofol than patients in the BI group (4.22 mg/kg vs. 2.08 mg/kg, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in adverse events between the two groups.ConclusionsContinuous infusion of propofol during therapeutic ERCP had the advantage over intermittent bolus injection of maintaining a constant level of sedation without increasing adverse events. However, it was associated with an increased total dose of propofol and prolonged sedation induction time.

Capillary (Laplace) pressure and superconductivity of nano-sized crystalline particles of semimetals

The possibility to the superconducting state transition at temperatures close to room temperature for nanoscale crystals of bismuth and antimony semimetals, as well as their alloys is discussed. All physical reasoning, as well as the estimates given in the paper, are based on the classical thermodynamics laws, as well as on the quantum theory of superconductivity (BCS theory) conclusions, which is based on the idea of electrons pairing (the Cooper pairs formation) as a result of electron-phonon interaction.It is shown that in nanocrystalline particles internal capillary compressive stresses act, the magnitude of which is sufficient for the transformation of semimetals into metals. This transition is accompanied by a change in the energy spectrum of electrons: non-degenerate semiconductors become metals in which the gas of degenerate electrons is characterized by a low Fermi energy. The latter circumstance causes an increase in the density of electronic states and enhances the electron-phonon interaction in metallized semimetals.As the initial chemical elements from which superconducting compounds can be synthesized under pressure, substances that allow the collectivization of electrons can be used. The most suitable substances for this are elements of the fifth group of the periodic system Bi, Sb, As, graphite, etc. They are characterized by a slight overlap of the valence and conduction zones, which leads, on the one hand, to the fact that they remain high conductors of electricity up to the absolute zero temperature, and on the other hand, they have a significantly lower density of charge carriers compared to metals.In addition, a specific structural state is formed in bismuth and antimony alloys at certain concentrations, which leads to a change in the nature of the phonon spectrum (the number of high-frequency phonons increases), which also enhances the electron-phonon interaction.All these changes in the energy spectrum and structural state of semimetals make it possible for nanocrystals to transition to the superconducting state at a temperature of 300K.

Augmented immune responses to a booster dose of oral cholera vaccine in Bangladeshi children less than 5 years of age: Revaccination after an interval of over three years of primary vaccination with a single dose of vaccine

We have earlier reported that a single dose of oral cholera vaccine (OCV) is protective in adults and children ≥5 years of age and sustained for 2 years. We enrolled participants (n = 240) from this study, between March-September 2017, over 3 years after receiving a primary single dose. Immune responses were measured in placebo group (Primary Immunization group: PI) and compared with those who received a single dose (Booster Immunization group: BI). The children were 4 to <5 years, 5 to <18 years and adults >18 years. Blood was collected at day 0 (before vaccination) and after receiving 1st and 2nd doses of OCV. Overall, the BI and PI groups showed vibriocidal antibody response after 1st and 2nd dose of vaccination in all age groups to V. cholerae O1 and O139. Young children in the BI group showed significantly higher vibriocidal antibody response two weeks after receiving the first dose as compared to PI group to LPS. Elevated plasma IgA responses to LPS after the first dose were observed among the BI group compared to the PI group among the young children. Mucosal antibody responses measured in fecal extracts showed similar increases as that of vibriocidal and LPS responses in the BI group. These results suggest a single boosting dose of OCV generated immune response in primed population >5 years of age who had earlier received OCV. However, young children who had received OCV earlier, boosting after a single dose, resulted in increased immune responses compared to the PI group. Further studies are needed to assess protection obtained from different strategies, especially for young children and to determine the numbers of primary and booster doses needed. In addition, more information is needed regarding the optimum interval between primary and booster doses to plan future interventions for cholera control.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT 02027207.

Comparison of Normal Saline, Ringer's Lactate, and Sodium Bicarbonate for Prevention of Contrast-induced Nephropathy in Patients with Coronary Angiography: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is one the most important renal complications following contrast injection in percutaneous coronary intervention. We compared the protective effect of normal saline (NLS), Ringer's lactate (RL), and sodium bicarbonate (Bi). In this study, patients with coronary angiography indication were divided into three groups by simple randomization method: NLS, RL, and Bi solution groups. Creatinine (Cr) alterations, glomerular filtration rate, and urine pH were evaluated prior and after the procedure. Data were analyzed with SPSS and P value less than 0.05 was taken as significant. In this study, 300 patients [150 men (50%), mean age 59.1 ± 10.6 years] were studied. The CIN incidence overall was 10% (30 patients): 8.3% (8 patients) in NLS; 16.5% (17 patients) in RL; and 5% (5 patients) in Bi group. It was significantly different among three groups (P = 0.018), and CIN incidence was significantly lower in Bi vs. RL group (P = 0.012). Baseline Cr clearance was higher in patients who developed CIN (78.4 ± 26.0 vs. 69.8 ± 21.6 mL/dL, P = 0.044). Urine pH after trial in CIN group was lower than the patients without CIN (5.5 ± 1.4 vs. 6.3 ± 1.8 mL/dL, P = 0.024). Higher urine pH and its change during study were seen in Bi group (P < 0.05). Cr at the initiation of study and the use of RL vs. Bi may be prognostic factors in CIN progression (P < 0.002). Sodium barcarbonate as fluid had more protective effect than NSL or RL on prevention of CIN in patients undergoing coronary angiography. The risk factors for CIN in our study were higher baseline serum Cr and use of RL as hydration fluid.