Cm In Group Research Articles

P692 Exploring relationships between microbiome, faecal calprotectin and healthy eating index in patients with ulcerative colitis: Interim analyses of a randomised controlled trial

Abstract Background This study explored relationships between gut microbiome, faecal calprotectin (FCP) and an adapted Canadian healthy eating index (CHEI) in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients enrolled in a randomised controlled dietary intervention trial. Methods Patients with both active and quiescent disease were recruited from the Foothills Medical Center in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and randomised to either an 8-week reduced sulfur anti-inflammatory diet intervention (INT; n = 14) or conventional management control group (CM; n = 10). Each INT patient met with a registered dietitian for diet teaching, in person at baseline, over the phone at 2 weeks, and in person at 4 weeks. Stool samples and 24-h dietary recalls were collected at baseline and 8 weeks. DNA from stool samples was extracted and the V4 region of the 16S gene was sequenced. FCP was extracted and analyzed using the EK-CAL ELISA. An adapted CHEI was generated from diet recalls using previously validated scoring guidelines. Relationships between variables were analyzed using analysis of variance and chi-squared. Results Mean age of the sample was 36.3 (SD=8.7) and 58% were male. Baseline medications included aminosalicylates (71%), steroids (50%), biologics (33%), immunosuppressants (25%) and 21% of patients had taken antibiotics within the last 3 months. Α-diversity, or within-community diversity, significantly increased in the CM group and remained stable in the INT group over time (p = 0.005). Β-diversity, or between-community diversity appeared to increase in the intervention group over time (p < 0.01); however, this may have been influenced by antibiotic use in five patients. Significant differential features between the CM and INT groups (p < 0.01) at the genus level were identified in the phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, specifically Catenibacterium, Parvimonas, Coprococcus_2 and Desulfovibrio. FCP appeared to be different between the groups (p = 0.05) with a greater percentage of INT patients moving from high FCP (>250 mg/g) to low FCP (<250 mg/g); 50% of INT patients and 20% of CM patients normalised FCP levels. As CHEI increased in the whole sample, indicating higher diet quality, FCP decreased significantly (p = 0.04). Conclusion In an interim analysis, a dietary intervention shows efficacy in manipulating the microbiome. Higher diet scores representing a healthier diet were also related to lower faecal calprotectin levels.

A Comparative Study Between Frayer Model And Concept Mapping Strategy to Enhance Students’ Vocabulary Acquisition

Abstract
 This study intends to find out what is the initial knowledge of the students before they were treated using Frayer Model and Concept Mapping Strategy, ascertain of the significant difference between these two teaching strategies, and to know the responses of the students after they were taught using Frayer Model and Concept Mapping Strategy are the aims of this research. This is a quantitative study with comparative design to know the students’ vocabulary acquisition test. The research instrument of this study is pre-and-post-test. This study was conducted among eleventh grader students at SMAN 1 Parongpong. The results of this study showed that the initial score for both respondents are quite similar with the score for FM group which is 30.50 and for CMS group which is 33.40. It is also known that there is a significant difference in students’ vocabulary acquisition between students who are taught with Frayer Model and those who are taught with Concept Mapping Strategy showed by the result of the mean differences from both groups are 0.000 < 0.05. The questionnaire’s result also supports that both teaching strategies are eligible to be applied in teaching active and passive voice construction with the score for FM class which is 55% and for the CMS class which is 80%, it can be categorized as “Good”. It implies that the implementation of Frayer Model and Concept Mapping Strategy enhances student’s vocabulary acquisition.
 
 Keywords: Language Proficiency, Vocabulary Acquisition, Frayer Model, Concept Mapping Strategy

Effect of customized mineral supplement on blood biochemical profile, antioxidant indices and immunity in kids

The study was carried out to examine the effects of customized mineral supplement on blood-biochemical profile, antioxidant indices and immunity in kids. Kids (18) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 kids in each group in a CRD. The kids were randomly allocated into CON, CMM and CMS groups. In CON group, kids were offered a concentrate mixture without mineral mixture; however, kids in CMM and CMS groups were provided concentrate mixture having commercial and customized mineral supplement, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 135 days. Haematocrit and serum glucose levels were significantly lower in CON as compared to CMS and CMM groups. The mean Hb was significantly higher in CMS relative to CON. Total protein was significantly higher in CMS group as compared to CMM and CON, while serum urea, albumin, globulin, A:G, serum enzymes (ALT and AST) did not differ significantly among treatments. The LPO levels were decreased in CMS group than CON. The CAT and GSH levels were comparable irrespective of treatments, however, SOD levels increased significantly in CMS followed by CMM and CON groups, respectively. The CMI response was significantly higher in CMS than CON and CMM groups. The mean antibody titer (log base2) against chicken RBC was significantly higher in CMS and CMM groups relative to CON. It may be concluded that the supplementation of customized mineral supplement considerably improved the haematological parameters, antioxidant indices and immune response in kids.

Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells conditioned media inhibits hypoxia-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells by activation of the survival protein Akt

This work aimed to study the beneficial role of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cellconditioned medium (MSC-CM) in hypoxia-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, in which the serine/heroine kinases (Akt) pathway would be involved. For this, CM was collected by culturing MSCs in serum-free DMEM medium for 24 h, and paracrine factors were analyzed by protein chip. H9c2 cells were divided into the following groups: control group, hypoxia group, MSC-CM intervention group (CM group), MSC-CM + Akt phosphorylation inhibitor (LY294002) group (LY group). Apoptosis of the H9c2 cells was tested with chromatin dye Hoechst 33342 and FITC-conjugated Annexin V apoptosis detection kit by flow cytometer after a hypoxia/serum deprivation (H/SD) for 24 h. The apoptosis-related proteins were evaluated by Western blot. MSC-CM displayed significantly elevated levels of growth factors, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis cytokines. On Hoechst 33342 apoptosis staining, the H9c2 cell morphology displayed a lower proportion of apoptosis in the CM group than those in the hypoxia group, while apoptosis was increased in LY group. Flow cytometer analysis revealed the apoptosis ratio in the CM group was lower than the hypoxia group (12.34 ± 2.00% <i>vs</i>. 21.73 ± 2.58%; <i>p</i> < 0.05), while the LY group was significantly higher (22.54 ± 3.89%). Active caspase-3 expression was increased in hypoxia group than control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05), but decreased in CM group (<i>p</i> < 0.01). Umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned media secrete multiple paracrine factors that are able to inhibit hypoxia-induced H9c2 cardiomyoblasts apoptosis, and in which the activation of Akt phosphorylation is involved to achieve the protective effect.

Effects of soft tissue grafting prior to orthodontic treatment on preventing gingival recession in dogs.

PurposeThis study was conducted to assess the efficacy of prophylactic gingival grafting in the mandibular anterior labial area for preventing orthodontically induced gingival recession.MethodsEight mongrel dogs received gingival graft surgery at the first (I1) and third (I3) mandibular incisors on both sides based on the following group allocation: AT group (autogenous connective tissue graft on I1), AT-control group (contralateral side in the AT group), CM group (xenogeneic cross-linked collagen matrix graft on I3) and CM-control group (contralateral side in the CM group). At 4 weeks after surgery, 6 incisors were splinted and proclined for 4 weeks, followed by 16 weeks of retention. At 24 weeks after surgery, casts were made and compared with those made before surgery, and radiographic and histomorphometric analyses were performed.ResultsDespite the proclination of the incisal tip (by approximately 3 mm), labial gingival recession did not occur. The labial gingiva was thicker in the AT group (1.85±0.50 mm vs. 1.76±0.45 mm, P>0.05) and CM group (1.90±0.33 mm vs. 1.79±0.20 mm, P>0.05) than in their respective control groups.ConclusionsThe level of the labial gingival margin did not change following labial proclination of incisors in dogs. Both the AT and CM groups showed enhanced gingival thickness.

Continuous versus pulsed microwave ablation in the liver: any difference in intraoperative pain scores?

BackgroundThis study prospectively compared intraoperative pain scores during percutaneous microwave ablation of the liver in patients randomized between continuous and pulsed energy delivery algorithms.MethodsDuring a 12-month period, 20 patients who underwent microwave liver ablation were prospectively randomized between 2 different energy delivery modes: “continuous mode” (CM, n=10) and “pulsed mode” (PM, n=10). All ablation sessions were performed using the same microwave ablation platform under computed tomographic guidance and intravenous analgesia. Within 30 min post ablation, all patients completed a questionnaire assigning a numeric pain intensity score from 0 (no pain) to 10.ResultsMean pain scores were 8.17±1.850 in the CM group and 4.50±1.567 in the PM group, with a statistically significant difference of 3.667±2.807 pain units (P=0.001). The mean procedure time was 53.5±20.90 min in the PM group vs. 58.5±17.44 min in the CM group (P=0.279). The mean size of the lesions was 2.81±0.95 cm in the PM group and 2.81±0.85 cm in the CM group (P=0.984). On a per-lesion basis, technical success was achieved in all evaluable tumors in both groups. No difference was noted in the local tumor control on the 6-month imaging evaluation. No complications were observed in the CM arm, while small perihepatic hemorrhagic fluid collections were reported in the PM group.ConclusionsBoth algorithms for microwave energy delivery have comparable treatment effects in terms of 6-month local tumor control for liver lesions <3 cm in diameter. PM treatments compared to CM appear to induce significantly less pain in patients undergoing percutaneous liver ablation under intravenous analgesia.

Comparative study between C-MAC, Air Traq laryngoscope, and Air Q in adult patients

Introduction Airway management is one of the cornerstones of anesthesia. The role of airway assessment is very important for airway management. So many devices have been introduced to improve tracheal intubation such as C-MAC video laryngoscopes (C-MAC VL) and Air Traq. Also, some of supraglottic airway devices have been modified for endotracheal intubation like Air Q intubating laryngeal mask airway. Aim The aim of the study was to compare C-MAC, Air Traq laryngoscopes, and Air Q in terms of hemodynamic changes such as primary outcome, and ease of intubation, success rate and intubation time, number of attempts, complications, and incidence of esophageal intubation such as secondary outcome, in patients who need tracheal intubation for elective surgeries. Patients and methods A total of 60 adult patients aged 21–65 years, with the American Society of Anesthesiology I, II, Mallampati I, II scheduled for elective tracheal intubation, were divided into three equal groups in a randomized controlled manner: group CM (n=20) intubation was done with C-MAC VL; group AT (n=20) intubation was done with Air Traq; group AQ (n=20): intubation was done with Air Q. Results There was statistically significant prolongation in the duration of intubation in the AQ group followed by AT group and then CM group. Ease of intubation, decrease in the number of attempts, and success rate were similar in CM, AT groups. In contrast, the AQ group showed difficulty in intubation and the failure rate was 15% (P=0.043). No complication or incidence of esophageal intubation occurred during intubation with the CM group or AT group, but AQ group showed increased incidence of esophageal intubation in 15% of patients. Conclusion We concluded that C-MAC VL is a more superior, easier, and protective method of safe intubation followed by Air Traq optical laryngoscope proved by ease of intubation, shorter time of intubation, and number of intubation needed with no incidence of esophageal intubation than Air Q intubating laryngeal mask.

Smartphone ECG Monitoring System Helps Lower Emergency Room and Clinic Visits in Post–Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Patients

Aim:To evaluate the effectiveness of using a smartphone-based electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring device (ECG Check) on the frequency of clinic or emergency room visits in patients who underwent ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods:Two groups of patients were identified and compared: The conventional monitoring group (CM group) included patients who were prescribed conventional event monitoring or Holter monitoring systems. The ECG Check group (EC group) included patients who were prescribed the ECG Check device for continuous monitoring in addition to conventional event monitoring. The primary outcome was the number of patient visits to clinic or emergency room. The feasibility, accuracy, and detection rate of mobile ECG Check were also evaluated.Results:Ninety patients were studied (mean age: 66.2 ± 11 years, 64 males, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score: 2.6 ± 2). In the EC group, forty-five patients sent an average of 52.8 ± 6 ECG records for either routine monitoring or symptoms of potential AF during the follow-up period. The rhythm strips identified sinus rhythm (84.7%), sinus tachycardia (8.4%), AF (4.2%), and atrial flutter (0.9%). Forty-two EC transmissions (1.8%) were uninterpretable. Six patients (13%) in the EC group were seen in the clinic or emergency room over a 100-day study period versus 16 (33%) in the standard care arm (P value < 0.001).Conclusions:Use of smartphone-based ECG monitoring led to a significant reduction in AF-related visits to clinic or emergency department in the postablation period.

Beneficial effects of green coffee and green tea extract combination on metabolic syndrome improvement by affecting AMPK and PPAR-α gene expression.

Effect of green coffee and green tea extract on metabolic syndrome. To explore green coffee and green tea extract combination effect on metabolic profile and blood pressure improvement through adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α (PPARα) gene expression modulation. Experimental laboratory research with pre- and post-control group design. Twenty-five metabolic syndrome rats model were grouped into five groups (n = 5): standard control (normal), metabolic syndrome (SM), green coffee extract (GC), green tea extract (GT), and combination green coffee and green tea extract (CM). The extract was given during 9 weeks. Serum glucose, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and systolic blood pressure level were analyzed before and after the extract administration. At the end of the study, PPAR-α and AMPK-α2 gene were analyzed. Independent t-test. CM group had significantly higher PPAR-α, and AMPK-α2 gene expression compared to those of SM, GC, and GT group. Green coffee and green tea extract combination administration improved metabolic profile and blood pressure on metabolic syndrome through affecting PPAR-α and AMPK-α2 gene expression.

The effect of repetitive exposure to intravenous anesthetic agents on the immunity in mice.

Introduction: This study was designed to assess the effect of repetitive exposure to intravenous anesthetic agents on the immunity in mice.Materials and Methods: The mice were divided into six groups: three intravenous anesthetic agents groups (dexmedetomidine, midazolam and propofol groups), and three corresponding control groups (CD, CM, and CP groups). The intravenous injections were administered once per day for 5 days. The immunity of mice was checked after the last intravenous injection. Histopathology and immunochemistry of liver and kidneys were evaluated. Cytokine levels in the blood was also checked. vs. evaluated with cytokine levels in the blood.Results: Cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ T cells were significantly less expressed in dexmedetomidine and propofol groups, compared with the corresponding control groups [34.08 ± 5.63% in the dexmedetomidine group vs. 59.74 ± 8.64% in the CD group, p < 0.05; 25.28 ± 7.28% in the propofol group vs. 61.12 ± 2.70% in the Cp group, p < 0.05]. Apoptosis of CD4+ T cells was increased significantly in dexmedetomidine and propofol groups, compared with the corresponding control groups. Histopathological findings of liver and kidneys did not show any specific differences of any of three intravenous anesthetic agents groups with their corresponding control groups, although immunohistochemical examination indicated significantly lower expression of Toll-like receptor-4 from liver and kidneys in dexmedetomidine and propofol groups. The cytokine levels were not different between the groups.Conclusion: Repetitive exposure to dexmedetomidine and propofol reduced the expression of CD4+ T cells but did not induce any significant liver or kidney injuries.

Discussion on the surgical methods of radiation-induced encephalopathy mainly featured with cystic change in the temporal lobe

Objective To assess the clinical outcomes of various surgical methods of radiation-induced encephalopathy (REP) mainly featured with cystic change in the temporal lobe. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on the clinical data of 56 patients with REP mainly featured with cystic change in the temporal lobe who underwent surgery at Department of Neurosurgrey, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2010 to December 2016. Among them, 24 peoples underwent merely lesionectomy (control group), while the other 32 peoples underwent lesionectomy and cistern opening (experimental group). According to the postoperative outcome, KPS (Karnofsky performance status) score, the volume of lesion on MRI and clinical follow-up , we compared the surgical effect between the 2 groups. Results In control group, 7 patients (29.2%) reported relief of chief complaint, while 23 patients (71.9%) in experimental group had relief. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The KPS score was 70.13±19.10 in control group and 84.16±13.47 in experimental group, which had significant difference (P<0.05). The volume of lesion post surgery was (32.35±20.85)cm3 in group and (13.31±6.44)cm3 in experimental group, which had statistical difference (P<0.05). The follow-up data showed that the readmission rate in experimental group (18.7%, 6/32) was lower than that in control group (75.0%, 18/24). which had significant difference(P<0.05). Conclusion For REP mainly featured with temporal lobe cyst, the surgical operation should include further dissection of cisterna ambiens and cisterna interpeduncularis in addition to merely lesionectomy, which could help prevent the formation of isolated cyst cavity with space-occupying effect and achieve better therapeutic results. Key words: Temporal lobe; Radiation encephalopathy; Neurosurgical procedures; Treatment outcome

Comparison of Intraoperative Outcomes and Initial Results of Antegrade Laser Fenestration Versus Company-Manufactured Stent Grafts in Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Introduction: Laser fenestrated endografting (LfEVAR) has been recently described as a potential alternative in patients presenting with complex (CAAAs) or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) or type I endoleaks (T1ELs) who could not benefit from a company-manufactured stent graft (CM). The aim of this study was to compare the initial outcomes of LfEVAR and CM for the treatment of CAAAs, TAAAs and T1ELs. Methods: A single-institution retrospective review of all LfEVAR and Zenith (Cook) CM was performed. The cohort was analyzed by device type (LfEVAR and CM) after matching of cases using the following criteria: number of target vessels, extend of the aneurysm, aneurysm diameter, ASA score and age. Patients were deemed for open or hybrid repair by a multidisciplinary staff. The LfEVAR procedures were performed under fusion technique using a steerable sheath positioned inside the stent graft in front of each target vessel ostium. After graft puncture, fenestrations were dilated and bringing stents were placed and flared. Preoperative features, postoperative outcomes and reinterventions were compared. Outcomes at 6 months were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Between January 2012 and December 2018, 54 patients were identified and matched using a 2:1 ratio. The cohort included 18 LfEVAR and 36 CM who underwent repair of 43 CAAAs (LfEVAR, 11; CM, 32; p=.03), five TAAAs (LfEVAR, 1; CM, 4; p=.65) and six T1Els (LfEVAR, 6, CM, 0; p=< .0001). Indications of LfEVAR included painful aneurysms (n=3), > 65mm aneurysms (n=6), anatomical constrains and/or presence of previous renal stents (n=7) or cases declined by manufacturer planning center (n=2). The number of target vessel per patient was of 2.89 in the LfEVAR group and 2.83 in the CM group (p=.77). The median ischaemic time was of 35 minutes for the superior mesenteric artery, 66 and 67 minutes for the renal arteries and 81.5 minutes for the celiac artery. Intraoperative adverse events were recorded in 50% of cases (n=9) in the LfEVAR group vs 5.5% (n=2) in the CM group (p< .0001). Rates of in-hospital mortality and postoperative complications were respectively of 6% (n=1) in the LfEVAR group vs 3% in the CM group (p=1) and 44% (n=8) vs 30% (n=11) in the CM group (p=.37). The follow-up duration was respectively of 14 +- 11 months in the LfEVAR group and 36 +-20 months in the CM group. The estimate of global survival, freedom from reintervention and target vessel patency at 6 months were respectively of 94% in the LfEVAR group vs 92% in the CM group (p=.65), 58% in the LfEVAR group vs 83% in the CM group (p=.11) and 94.4% in the LfEVAR group vs 94.3% in the CM group (p=.98). Conclusion: In our study, the differences between LfEVAR and CM related to intraoperative adverse events with a trend to more early reinterventions in the LfEVAR group. Despite study low power and short follow-up duration, our initial results of LfEVAR offer acceptable early results compared to CM devices in cases where a CM device is not available or possible, at the cost of frequent reinterventions. Disclosure: Nothing to disclose

A randomized controlled trial of contingency management for smoking abstinence versus contingency management for shaping cessation: One-year outcome.

This study analyzed whether a contingency management (CM) for shaping cessation period implemented prior to an abstinence-only period (CMS) improves outcomes relative to CM that reinforces only a fixed abstinence criteria (CMA) among treatment-seeking patients in a community setting. A total of 110 patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment conditions: CMA (N = 55) or CMS (N = 55). All participants received cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) implemented in 6 group-based sessions. CMA participants earned voucher-based incentives contingent on providing biochemical evidence of smoking abstinence. CMS reinforced closer approximations to smoking abstinence. At posttreatment, patients assigned to the CMA group achieved the same rates of smoking abstinence (point-prevalence) as those in the CMS group (94.5%; p > .05). At the 6-month follow-up, 43.6% of the patients who received CMA maintained smoking abstinence in comparison to 32.7% in the CMS group (p > .05). At the 12-month follow-up, 40% of the participants assigned to the CMA group were abstinent, in comparison to 29.1% who received CMS (p > .05). There were no statistically significant differences in continuous smoking abstinence between the treatment conditions in any of the follow-ups (p > .05). These results offer a novel contribution by suggesting that CM was associated with enduring effects up to 12 months after the end of treatment and that CM for shaping cessation period implemented prior to an abstinence-only period (CMS) improves outcomes relative to CM that reinforces only a fixed abstinence criteria (CMA) among treatment-seeking patients in a community setting. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

An investigation of oxidant/antioxidant balance in patients with migraine: a case-control study

BackgroundIn recent years, the role of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in migraine pathogenesis has achieved considerable interest; however, to date findings are equivocal. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate biomarkers of oxidative stress in episodic and chronic migraineurs (EM and CM patients) and controls.MethodsForty-four patients with EM, 27 individuals with CM and 19 age-sex-matched controls were enrolled. After collecting data on demographic and headache characteristics, blood samples were collected and analyzed to detect serum levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO)); total antioxidant capacity using Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay; and antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1)).ResultsSerum levels of CAT and SOD were significantly lower in the CM group than the EM group and controls. However, serum GPx-1 levels of the CM patients were slightly higher than the EM patients and controls (P-value≤0.001). CM patients had lower mean TEAC values than EM patients and controls. In addition, serum levels of NO and MDA were significantly elevated among subjects with CM compared to EM and control individuals (P-value≤0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed negative correlations between the number of days of having headaches per month and serum concentrations of the two antioxidant enzymes CAT (r = − 0.60, P-value< 0.001) and SOD (r = − 0.50, P-value< 0.001) as well as TEAC values (r = − 0.61, P-value< 0.001); however, there were positive correlations between headache days and serum GPx-1 levels (r = 0.46, P-value< 0.001), NO (r = 0.62, P-value< 0.001), and MDA (r = 0.64, P-value< 0.001).ConclusionPresent findings highlighted that chronic migraineurs had lower total non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity and higher oxidative stress than episodic migraineurs and control individuals. Although more studies are needed to confirm these data, applying novel prophylactic medications or dietary supplements with antioxidant properties could be promising in migraine therapy.

Nurse-Led Collaborative Management Using Telemonitoring Improves Quality of Life and Prevention of Rehospitalization in Patients with Heart Failure.

The effects of disease management using telemonitoring for patients with heart failure (HF) remain controversial. Hence, we embedded care coordination and enhanced collaborative self-management through interactive communication via a telemonitoring system (collaborative management; CM). This study evaluated whether CM improved psychosocial status and prevented rehospitalization in patients with HF in comparison with self-management education (SM), and usual care (UC).We randomly allocated 59 patients into 3 groups; UC (n = 19), SM (n = 20), and CM (n = 20). The UC group received one patient education session, and the SM and CM groups participated in disease management programs for 12 months. The CM group received telemonitoring concurrently. All groups were followed up for another 12 months. Data were collected at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.The primary endpoint was quality of life (QOL). Secondary endpoints included self-efficacy, self-care, and incidence of rehospitalization. The QOL score improved in CM compared to UC at 18 and 24 months (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences among the 3 groups in self-efficacy and self-care. However, compared within each group, only the CM had significant changes in self-efficacy and in self-care (P < 0.01). Rehospitalization rates were high in the UC (11/19; 57.9%) compared with the SM (5/20; 27.8%) and CM groups (4/20; 20.0%). The readmission-free survival rate differed significantly between the CM and UC groups (P = 0.020).We conclude that CM has the potential to improve psychosocial status in patients with HF and prevent rehospitalization due to HF.

In vivo 2-hydroxyglutarate-proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (3 T, PRESS technique) in treatment-naïve suspect lower-grade gliomas: feasibility and accuracy in a clinical setting.

To investigate the clinical feasibility of MRS for in vivo detection and quantification of 2HG on consecutive treatment-naïve suspect LGG patients and to compare MRS accuracy with tissue IDH1/2 analysis. MRS spectra at 3 T were acquired with 1H-MRS single-voxel PRESS 2HG-tailored sequences with TE 30 (group 1) or TE 97 (groups 2A and B). Voxel sizes were 1.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 cm3 for group 1 (n = 13) and group 2A (n = 14) and 2 × 2 × 2 cm3 for group 2B (n = 32). Multiple metabolites' concentrations were analyzed with LCModel. Tumors were assessed for IDH status and main molecular markers. 2HG levels in urine/blood were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The larger voxel TE 97 sequence resulted in highest specificity (100%), sensitivity (79%), and accuracy (87%). Urine and blood 2HG did not result predictive. Our data confirm that 2 × 2 × 2-cm3 voxel TE 97 MRS shows high accuracy for 2HG detection, with good sensitivity and 100% specificity in distinguishing IDH mutant gliomas. Main limits of the technique are small tumor volume and low cellularity. Integrating 2HG-MRS with other metabolites may help non-invasive diagnosis of glioma, prognostic assessment, and treatment planning in clinical setting.

Pore Structure as a Response to the Freeze/Thaw Resistance of Mortars.

In this paper, the resistance to the freeze/thaw cycles for four groups of mortars (lime—LM, lime based—LBM, cement—CM, and aerated cement—ACM mortars) with different amount of mortar components within each group is quantified via a ratio of flexural/compressive strength after and before exposure to freeze/thaw cycles. Using a pore system obtained by three different methods (mercury intrusion porosimetry, X-ray micro-computed tomography analysis, and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis), an attempt was made to explain why some mortars achieved better resistance to freeze/thaw cycles than others. The mortars with lime as a binder in the composition (LM and LBM groups) did not survive the freezing and thawing regime, while no visible damage was recorded in samples of the CM and ACM group. It is concluded that the low initial value of the mechanical properties of the LM and LBM mortars, as well as the higher proportion of harmful pores (pores greater than 0.064 μm) compared to CM and ACM mortars are responsible for their poor durability. According the results of nanotomography, it is concluded that the most important factor influencing freeze/thaw resistance is pore connectivity—the higher the connectivity of the macropores, the higher the freeze/thaw resistance of the mortar. SEM analysis proved to be a very useful method for aerated cement mortars as it revealed the pore sizes that were not covered by mercury porosimetry and nanotomography.

Relation between temporal bone pneumatisation and middle-ear barotrauma in aircrew members.

This study aimed to assess the potential role of pneumatisation of the mastoid and its communicating air cells in the development of middle-ear barotrauma in aircrew members. Seventy-nine aircrew members (158 ears) underwent temporal computed tomography. All were assessed before flying by clinical examination and audiology evaluation, followed by post-flight examination to detect barotrauma. Aircrew members' ears were divided into 3 groups based on barotrauma and temporal bone pneumatisation: 33 ears with barotrauma and temporal bone pneumatisation of 71 cm3 or greater (group A); 12 ears with barotrauma and temporal bone pneumatisation of 11.2 cm3 or lower (group B); and 113 ears with no barotrauma (group C). Mean pneumatisation volumes were 91.05 cm3, 5.45 cm3 and 28.01 cm3 in groups A, B and C, respectively. A direct relationship was observed between volume of temporal bone pneumatisation of 71 cm3 or greater and barotrauma grade. Pneumatisation volume of the mastoid and its communicating air cells that ranges from 11.3 cm3 to 70.4 cm3 serves as a reliable predictor of the avoidance of middle-ear barotrauma associated with flying in aircrew members who have normal resting middle-ear pressure and good Eustachian tube function.

The iron record of asteroidal processes in carbonaceous chondrites

AbstractThe valence of iron has been used in terrestrial studies to trace the hydrolysis of primary silicate rocks. Here, we use a similar approach to characterize the secondary processes, namely thermal metamorphism and aqueous alteration, that have affected carbonaceous chondrites. X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy at the Fe‐K‐edge was performed on a series of 36 CM, 9 CR, 10 CV, and 2 CI chondrites. While previous studies have focused on the relative distribution of Fe0 with respect to oxidized iron (Feox = Fe2+ + Fe3+) or the iron distribution in some specific phases (e.g., Urey–Craig diagram; Urey and Craig 1953), our measurements enable us to assess the fractions of iron in each of its three oxidation states: Fe0, Fe2+, and Fe3+. Among the four carbonaceous chondrites groups studied, a correlation between the iron oxidation index (IOI = [2(Fe2+) + 3(Fe3+)]/[FeTOT]) and the hydrogen content is observed. However, within the CM group, for which a progressive alteration sequence has been defined, a conversion of Fe3+ to Fe2+ is observed with increasing degree of aqueous alteration. This reduction of iron can be explained by an evolution in the mineralogy of the secondary phases. In the case of the few CM chondrites that experienced some thermal metamorphism, in addition to aqueous alteration, a redox memory of the aqueous alteration is present: a significant fraction of Fe3+ is present, together with Fe2+ and sometimes Fe0. From our data set, the CR chondrites show a wider range of IOI from 1.5 to 2.5. In all considered CR chondrites, the three oxidation states of iron coexist. Even in the least‐altered CR chondrites, the fraction of Fe3+ can be high (30% for MET 00426). This observation confirms that oxidized iron has been integrated during formation of fine‐grained amorphous material in the matrix (Le Guillou and Brearley 2014; Le Guillou et al. 2015; Hopp and Vollmer 2018). Last, the IOI of CV chondrites does not reflect the reduced/oxidized classification based on metal and magnetite proportions, but is strongly correlated with petrographic types. The valence of iron in CV chondrites therefore appears to be most closely related to thermal history, rather than aqueous alteration, even if these processes can occur together (Krot et al. 2004; Brearley and Krot 2013).

Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Conditioned Medium Promotes Wound Healing in Deep Second-Degree Burns in Male Rats

Burn wound treatment is difficult and one of the most challenging problems in the clinic. Researchers have examined the applications of mesenchymal stem cells as a cell-based therapy for skin regeneration. But the role of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium (hBM-MSC-CM) in the treatment of burn injury remains unclear. This research aims at detecting whether hBM-MSC-CM can increase the wound healing of deep second-degree burns in male rats. In this study, 32 adult male rats per each time point were randomly divided into four groups: (1) control group, (2) sham group (DMEM), (3) common treatment group (CT), and (4) conditioned media group (CM). A 3 × 3 cm circular burn was created on the back of the rats. On postsurgical days 7, 15, and 28, the wound closure area of each wound was measured and then the skin samples were removed and analyzed using stereological methods. Wound closure area was significantly increased in the CM and CT groups on the 15th and the 28th day after burn injury compared to the control and DMEM groups. The stereological parameters and immunohistochemistry analysis of the wounds revealed significantly improved healing in the CM group compared to the control and other groups. It is concluded that these findings indicate that hBM-MSC-CM promotes skin wound healing by increasing cell proliferation, regulating collagen synthesis and collagen composition, and inducing angiogenesis at the injury site.