Alpha Concentrations Research Articles

Investigation of the relationship between diastolic notching in uterine artery Doppler and serum salusin alpha and beta concentrations in the first trimester

Objective Studies have shown that members of the salusin family regulate the migration and proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells and increase the tendency to atherosclerosis through fibrosis and calcification in the vascular wall. However, the effect of salusins on the uterine artery has not yet been investigated. This study was conducted to investigate whether serum salusin alpha and beta concentrations in the first trimester are associated with diastolic notching in uterine artery Doppler. Methods This non-interventional cohort study was conducted on 88 pregnant women, 44 of whom had diastolic notching on unilateral or bilateral uterine artery Doppler, and 44 of whom did not have diastolic notching on uterine artery Doppler. The uterine artery notch positive and negative groups were compared in terms of serum salusin alpha and beta concentrations. Results The two groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics (p < 0.05). The median salusin alpha concentration was found to be 689.4 pg/ml in the uterine artery notch positive group, while it was 734.6 pg/ml in the uterine artery notch negative group (p = 0.608). The median salusin beta concentration was found to be 674.5 pg/ml in the uterine artery notch positive group, while it was 693.8 pg/ml in the uterine artery notch negative group (p = 0.453). Participants were regrouped into normal and high uterine artery resistance and compared in terms of serum salusin alpha and beta concentrations. The median salusin alpha concentration was found to be 994.5 pg/ml in the high uterine artery PI group, while it was 685.2 pg/ml in the normal uterine artery PI group (p = 0.698). The median salusin beta concentration was found to be 1,100.8 pg/ml in the high uterine artery PI group, while it was 669.1 pg/ml in the normal uterine artery PI group (p = 0.584). Conclusion Although the sample size was too small to draw a definitive conclusion, our results indicate that uterine artery diastolic notching or increased resistance in the uterine artery does not appear to be associated with serum salusin alpha or beta concentrations.

Serum cytokine concentrations correlate with the severity of imiquimod and IL-23-induced psoriatic inflammation in mice

&lt;p&gt;Plaque psoriasis is dominated by a T helper cell-mediated autoimmune response, while interleukin (IL)-36 and neutrophil-induced autoinflammation underlies generalized pustular psoriasis; these pathomechanisms are characterized by similar dysregulation of cytokine circuits. Thus, monitoring serum cytokine concentrations seems to have a great diagnostic value. However, the exact relationship between serum cytokine levels and disease severity in psoriatic patients is not established, and no data are available on this relationship in mouse models of psoriasis. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the correlation between serum cytokine concentrations and severity of psoriatic inflammation induced in female C57BL/6 mice with either imiquimod (IMQ) or IL-23. To better reflect the heterogeneity of the systemic course of psoriasis, we diversified the study mouse population by jointly analyzing both models at two different time points and by calculating the cumulative score that simultaneously described the modified psoriasis area severity index (mPASI), ear swelling response, and splenomegaly index for each mouse separately. Compared to intradermally injected IL-23, topically administered IMQ causes significantly more severe psoriatic inflammation characterized by higher serum cytokine levels, mPASI scores, and ear swelling response together with spleen enlargement. Accordingly, serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and p40 subunit of IL-12 and IL-23 positively correlated with disease severity, while IL-6 showed a negative correlation. Moreover, the mPASI value was not the only predictor of serum levels of these cytokines, which highlights the importance of assessing other clinical and laboratory parameters in psoriasis monitoring. This approach would enable a comprehensive analysis of systemic autoinflammatory and autoimmune reactions in psoriasis, determine the risk of complications and comorbidities, and select targeted therapy.&lt;/p&gt;

Increased concentration of tumour necrosis factor alpha in the plasma of glaucoma patients

Background/Aim. Changes in the concentration of various mediators of inflammation in blood, aqueous humor, or eye tissues support the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Inflammatory biomarkers have a great potential for application in clinical practice. The aim of the study was to determine concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-? in the plasma of patients with OAG and subjects without glaucoma and examine the correlation between the TNF-? concentration in plasma in glaucoma patients and specific clinical parameters. Methods. The study included 87 participants (87 eyes) divided into three groups: 35 subjects (35 eyes) with primary OAG (POAG) with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) ? hypertension glaucoma (HTG) (POAG-HTG), 23 subjects (23 eyes) with pseudoexfoliative OAG (XFG), and 29 subjects in the control group (healthy subjects) matched with the patient groups in terms of age and gender. We performed a complete clinical examination, including standard automated perimetry and determination of changes in the participant?s repeated visual field, optical coherence tomography and determination of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. The concentration of TNF-? in participants? plasma was measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ? ELISA. Results. The concentrations of TNF-? in the plasma of glaucoma patients (POAG-HTG 2.04 ? 1.98 pg/mL and XFG OAG 2.05 ? 1.48 pg/mL) were significantly higher than in healthy subjects (1.43 ? 2.00 pg/mL, p &lt; 0.05). In none of the groups of subjects suffering from glaucoma was there a statistically significant correlation of TNF-? concentration in the plasma with any of the clinical parameters, including IOP, cup/disk ratio, mean deviation, average RNFL, and RNFL in the superior and inferior quadrant. Conclusion. The concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-? in the plasma is significantly higher in glaucoma patients compared to non-glaucomatous subjects, and it confirms the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of glaucoma as one of the non-inflammatory ocular diseases. The concentrations of TNF-? in the plasma of glaucoma patients did not correlate with any of the examined clinical parameters; hence, it cannot be considered a measure of progression and damage in glaucoma.

Assessment of natural radioactivity in soil and olive mill pomace utilizing nal (TI) gamma-ray spectrometry and low background alpha/beta counting system

The study conducted in the northwest region of Jordan aimed to assess the levels of natural radioactivity in soil and olive mill pomace (OMP) samples. The researchers used Nal (TI) gamma-ray spectrometry to measure the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs in the samples. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs in the soil samples were found to be 18.624 ± 5.82, 12.276 ± 5.728, 518.33 ± 212.57, and 0.140 ± 0.09 (Bq,kg−1), respectively. In the OMP samples, the average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 7.272 ± 4.386, 3.454 ± 1.503, and 169.997 ± 81.873 (Bqkg−1), respectively, and no 137Cs was detected.The study also investigated fundamental parameters associated with radon, specifically the radon emanation coefficient (RnEC) and radon mass exhalation rate (Ex). The RnEC values ranged from 0.621 to 0.78 (Bqkg−1), with an average value of 0.71 ± 0.06 (Bqkg−1). The estimated Ex from the soil samples ranged from 65.83 to 124.86 (mBqkg−1h−1), with an average value of 99.74 ± 21.73 (mBqkg−1h−1).Regarding radiological hazards, the study examined various parameters, including radium equivalent activity, external and internal hazard indices, gamma and alpha indices, absorbed gamma dose rate, and excess lifetime cancer risk. All of these assessed values were found to be below the worldwide recommended limits for radiological safety.Additionally, the study analyzed the concentrations of gross alpha and gross beta radioactivities in soil and OMP samples. The soil samples had an average gross alpha activity of 4.642 ± 1.04 (Bqkg−1) and an average gross beta activity of 48.13 ± 14.50 (Bqkg−1). The OMP samples showed an average gross alpha activity of 0.32 ± 0.27 (Bqkg−1) and an average gross beta activity of 59.19 ± 12.94 (Bqkg−1).Overall, the obtained results are crucial for evaluating the radiological risks associated with natural radioactivity in the northwest region of Jordan. The findings establish baseline data for comparison and reference for radioactivity levels in the environment.

CIRCULATING SASP FACTORS ARE ELEVATED IN PATIENTS WITH POSTOPERATIVE DELIRIUM

Abstract Aging, a major risk factor for delirium, is associated with accumulation of senescent cells in many tissues of the body. Senescent cells produce a host of proinflammatory and tissue remodeling factors collectively termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which are secreted into circulation. The relationship between increased senescent cell burden and risk of delirium is not known. This study aimed to determine whether changes in circulating SASP proteins are associated with increased risk of postoperative delirium in cognitively intact older adults. Participants were recruited among patients scheduled for surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement, and blood was obtained at the presurgical visit. SASP factors were measured using commercially available multiplex magnetic bead immunoassays based on Luminex xMAP multianalyte profiling platform and analyzed on a MAGPIX system. Activin A concentration was determined by a Quantikine ELISA kit. Delirium cases were identified by manual chart abstraction, utilizing the problem list, ICD-10 codes, clinical notes, and nursing flowsheets. Eight of 62 (12.9%) of patients within the cohort developed postoperative delirium. Length of stay was significantly longer for patients who developed delirium (10.6 days) versus patients without delirium (6 days). Concentrations of SASP factors Activin A and PAPP-A were significantly higher in plasma of patients with delirium vs. those who did not develop delirium. IL-1 alpha concentration was significantly lower in patients with delirium vs without delirium. Other SASP factors measured were not statistically different between groups. More study is needed to determine whether these changes are directly related to increased senescent cell burden.

Increased Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines and Discogenic Neck Pain.

Although neck pain has become a serious economic and social problem worldwide, the etiology remains poorly understood. The aim of current study is to explore the possible pathogenesis of discogenic neck pain by analyzing the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and discogenic neck pain and provide a valuable reference for the prevention and treatment of discogenic neck pain. A total of 111 cervical disc samples were collected between October 1, 2021, and October 1, 2022: 38 samples from the discogenic neck pain group, 41 samples from the symptomatic control group, and 32 samples from the normal control group. The concentration of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in each sample, and the degeneration degree of the target discs were evaluated using T2-weighted sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to the Miyazaki disc degeneration grading system. Whether the differences among the three groups were statistically significant was tested using one-way analysis of variance and an unpaired t-test, respectively. The differences of the baseline characteristics were not statistically significant between the discogenic neck pain group and the symptomatic control group (p > 0.05). The expression of inflammatory cytokines in disc samples from the discogenic neck pain group (NO: 9.89 ± 1.75, IL-1β: 10.74 ± 1.92, IL-6:31.65 ± 2.46, and TNF-α: 5.96 ± 1.91) was increased in comparison with the disc samples from both the symptomatic control group (NO: 7.15 ± 2.78, IL-1β: 8.03 ± 1.87, IL-6: 25.79 ± 2.12, and TNF-α: 4.18 ± 2.87) and the normal control group (NO: 6.11 ± 1.37, IL-1β: 5.84 ± 2.25, IL-6: 20.65 ± 1.26, and TNF-α: 2.05 ± 0.58). The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Further, there were no statistical differences in the degree of degeneration between discogenic neck pain group and symptomatic control group. The increased expression of inflammatory cytokines in diseased cervical intervertebral discs might play a key role in the pathogenesis of discogenic neck pain. Although inflammation is involved in intervertebral disc degeneration, there is no linear positive correlation between the concentration of inflammatory cytokines and the degree of disc degeneration.

Unveiling COVID-19 Secrets: Harnessing Cytokines as Powerful Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Predicting Severity.

In coronavirus disease (COVID-19), inflammation takes center stage, with a cascade of cytokines released, contributing to both inflammation and lung damage. The objective of this study is to identify biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting the severity of COVID-19. Cytokine levels were determined in the serum from venous blood samples collected from 100 patients with COVID-19 and 50 healthy controls. COVID-19 patients classified based on the Modified Early Warning (MEWS) score. Cytokine concentrations were determined with a multiplex ELISA kit (Bio-Plex Pro™ Human Cytokine Screening Panel). The concentrations of all analyzed cytokines were elevated in the serum of COVID-19 patients relative to the control group, but no significant differences were observed in interleukin-9 (IL-9) and IL-12 p70 levels. In addition, the concentrations of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2Rα, IL-6, IL-12 p40, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were significantly higher in symptomatic patients with accompanying pneumonia without respiratory failure (stage 2) than in asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic patients (stage 1). The study revealed that IL-1ra, IL-2Rα, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 p40, IL-16, and IL-18 levels serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers in COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, elevated IL-1α levels proved to be valuable in assessing the severity of COVID-19.

The large-scale velocity field from the Cosmicflows-4 data

ABSTRACT The reconstruction of the large-scale velocity field from the grouped Cosmicflows-4 (CF4) database is presented. The lognormal bias of the inferred distances and velocities data is corrected by the Bias Gaussianization correction scheme, and the linear density and velocity fields are reconstructed by means of the Wiener filter and constrained realizations (CRs) algorithm. These tools are tested against a suite of random and constrained Cosmicflows-3-like mock data. The CF4 data consist of three main subsamples – the 6dFGS and the SDSS data – and the ‘others’. The individual contributions of the subsamples have been studied. The quantitative analysis of the velocity field is done mostly by the mean overdensity (ΔL(R)) and the bulk velocity (Vbulk(R)) profiles of the velocity field out to $300\, {{h^{-1}\, {\rm Mpc}}}$. The Vbulk(R) and ΔL(R) profiles of the CF4 data without its 6dFGS component are consistent with the cosmic variance to within 1σ. The 6dFGS sample dominates the Vbulk (ΔL) profile beyond $\sim 120\, {{h^{-1}\, {\rm Mpc}}}$, and drives it to roughly a 3.4σ (−1.9σ) excess (deficiency) relative to the cosmic variance at $R\sim 250\ (190)\ \, {{h^{-1}\, {\rm Mpc}}}$. The excess in the amplitude of Vbulk is dominated by its Supergalactic X component, roughly in the direction of the Shapley Concentration. The amplitude and alignment of the inferred velocity field from the CF4 data are at $\sim (2{-}3)\, \sigma$ discrepancy with respect to the Lambda cold dark matter model. Namely, it is somewhat atypical but yet there is no compelling tension with the model.

196 Serum Trace Minerals and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Concentrations in Prolapsed and Non-Prolapsed Sows

Abstract Since 2014, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has become a growing concern in the U.S. swine industry. Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the three leading causes of sow mortality today. While research has increased over the years investigating the cause and occurrence of POP, the reason for the increase in POP is not fully understood. Trace mineral status is one area of interest proposed to be associated with POP. We conducted a study to determine if there was a difference in serum trace minerals and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentration between prolapsed and non-prolapsed sows. The study utilized 44 prolapsed sows and 44 non-prolapsed sows of the same parity, location, management, and stage of production. Blood was collected from the prolapsed and non-prolapsed sows upon discovery and processed at a local lab where serum was collected and stored until further analyses were performed. Serum samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for trace mineral content (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, P, Se, and Zn). Additionally, TNF-α concentration was determined from the serum using ELISA testing. Data were analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX procedure in SAS. Prolapsed sows had decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Fe (2.77 vs 3.76 ppm), Mo (9.22 vs 13.02 ppb), and Zn (1.07 vs 1.19 ppm) trace mineral concentration in the serum compared with the non-prolapsed sows. However, Mg was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in prolapsed sows compared with non-prolapsed sows (23.24 vs 21.36 ppm). Selenium was marginally (P = 0.08) less in prolapsed sows compared with non-prolapsed sows (191 vs 206 ppb). There were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) between prolapsed and non-prolapsed sows trace mineral concentrations for Ca (97.1 vs 99.1 ppm), Cu (2.07 vs 2.03 ppm), Mn (3.77 vs 3.72 ppb), P (52.5 vs 50.2 ppm), and K (264 vs 264 ppm). There was a difference (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in TNF-α concentration between the prolapsed and non-prolapsed sows (233.1 vs 178.9 pg/mL). This study suggests that there is a decreased concentration of various serum trace minerals found in prolapsed sows compared with non-prolapsed sows and an increased TNF-α response in prolapsed sows.

Human BBB-on-a-chip reveals barrier disruption, endothelial inflammation, and T cell migration under neuroinflammatory conditions.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective barrier that ensures a homeostatic environment for the central nervous system (CNS). BBB dysfunction, inflammation, and immune cell infiltration are hallmarks of many CNS disorders, including multiple sclerosis and stroke. Physiologically relevant human in vitro models of the BBB are essential to improve our understanding of its function in health and disease, identify novel drug targets, and assess potential new therapies. We present a BBB-on-a-chip model comprising human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) cultured in a microfluidic platform that allows parallel culture of 40 chips. In each chip, a perfused HBMEC vessel was grown against an extracellular matrix gel in a membrane-free manner. BBBs-on-chips were exposed to varying concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) to mimic inflammation. The effect of the inflammatory conditions was studied by assessing the BBBs-on-chips' barrier function, cell morphology, and expression of cell adhesion molecules. Primary human T cells were perfused through the lumen of the BBBs-on-chips to study T cell adhesion, extravasation, and migration. Under inflammatory conditions, the BBBs-on-chips showed decreased trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER), increased permeability to sodium fluorescein, and aberrant cell morphology in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, we observed increased expression of cell adhesion molecules and concomitant monocyte adhesion. T cells extravasated from the inflamed blood vessels and migrated towards a C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 12 (CXCL12) gradient. T cell adhesion was significantly reduced and a trend towards decreased migration was observed in presence of Natalizumab, an antibody drug that blocks very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) and is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. In conclusion, we demonstrate a high-throughput microfluidic model of the human BBB that can be used to model neuroinflammation and assess anti-inflammatory and barrier-restoring interventions to fight neurological disorders.

C-phycocyanin extracted from Spirulina using a green solvent approach presents an anti-obesity characteristic in mice fed a hyperlipidic diet

The effects of C-phycocyanin extract, obtained from Spirulina biomass using a sustainable method with water as solvent, on the white adipose tissue of male mice fed a high-fat diet were evaluated. The normolipid diet and C-phycocyanin groups were similar regarding body mass gain, leptin concentration and phosphorylated protein nuclear factor kappa B p-50 subunit expression. The C-phycocyanin group showed a notable reduction in serum resistin (88.18 ± 31.54, normolipid diet 158.5 ± 52.43) (pg/mL) and the concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (p < 0.05) in 16 weeks of treatment within the retroperitoneal white adipose tissue. The high-fat diet has been associated with obesity development, and the utilization of artificial dyes has been linked to adverse effects. However, C-phycocyanin, a natural pigment, demonstrated promising outcomes. Our findings suggest that the C-phycocyanin extract effectively inhibited body mass gain, regulated leptin and resistin levels, and prevented the increase a pro-inflammatory state.

The changes of Treg and Th17 cells relate to serum 25(OH)D in patients with initial-onset childhood systemic lupus erythematosus.

T helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T cells (Treg) are known to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Improving the balance between Treg and Th17 cells can be a promising new therapeutic target in SLE patients. Vitamin D has a significant impact on the immune inflammatory process and the immune cells involved in this process. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between Th17, Treg, cytokines, and serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in patients with initial-onset childhood SLE. A total of 82 children aged <18 years with initial-onset SLE were included, as well as 60 healthy subjects during the same period at the Pediatrics Department of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University. The chemiluminescence method was performed to detect serum 25(OH)D levels. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate Treg and Th17 cells. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to evaluate plasma interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17, IL-10, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations. The serum 25(OH)D levels in patients with initial-onset childhood SLE were significantly lower than those in the healthy controls. The proportion of lupus nephritis (LN) was higher in the vitamin D insufficiency group (71.4%) compared with the vitamin D sufficiency group (30.3%) (p < 0.05). The SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was higher in the vitamin D insufficiency group (median = 14) than that in the vitamin D sufficiency group (median = 9) (p < 0.05).The 25(OH)D level was positively correlated with the Treg ratio (r = 0.337, p = 0.002), and it was negatively correlated with the Th17 cell ratio (r = -0.370, p = 0.001). The serum 25(OH)D level had a negative correlation with IL-23 (r = -0.589, p < 0.001), IL-17(r = -0.351, p = 0.001), TNF-α (r = -0.283, p = 0.01), IL-6 (r = -0.392, p < 0.001), and IL-10 (r = -0.313, p = 0.004) levels. The serum 25(OH)D levels decreased in patients with initial-onset childhood SLE. There was a negative correlation between the serum 25(OH)D levels and SLEDAI. The serum 25(OH)D levels in patients with initial-onset childhood SLE were negatively correlated with the Th17 ratio and related cytokines, while positively correlated with the Treg ratio.

Monitoring physiological processes of fast-growing broilers during the whole life cycle: Changes of redox-homeostasis effected to trassulfuration pathway predicting the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

In the broiler industry, the average daily gain and feed conversion ratio are extremely favorable, but the birds are beginning to approach the maximum of their genetic capacity. However, as a consequence of strong genetic selection, the occurrence of certain metabolic diseases, such as myopathies, ascites, sudden cardiac death and tibial dyschondroplasia, is increasing. These metabolic diseases can greatly affect the health status and welfare of birds, as well as the quality of meat. The main goal of this study was to investigate the changes in the main parameters of redox homeostasis during the rearing (1-42 days of age) of broilers with high genetic capacity, such as the concentrations of malondialdehyde, vitamin C, vitamin E, and reduced glutathione, the activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, and the inhibition rate of superoxide dismutase. Damage to the transsulfuration pathway during growth and the reason for changes in the level of homocysteine were investigated. Further, the parameters that can characterize the biochemical changes occurring in the birds were examined. Our study is the first characterize plasma albumin saturation. A method was developed to measure the levels of other small molecule thiol components of plasma. Changes in redox homeostasis induce increases in the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha and inflammatory interleukins interleukin 2, interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 in broilers reared according to current large-scale husbandry technology and feeding protocols. A significant difference in all parameters tested was observed on the 21st day. The concentrations of cytokines and homocysteine increased, while the concentrations of glutathione and cysteine in the plasma decreased. Our findings suggest that observed changes in the abovementioned biochemical indices have a negative effect on poultry health.

Influence of probiotic supplementation on the growth performance, plasma variables, and ruminal bacterial community of growth-retarded lamb.

Growth-retarded lambs would reduce the economic incomes of sheep farming. Nutritional interventions are supposed to promote gastrointestinal health and the compensatory growth of growth-retarded lambs. This study evaluated the effects of probiotic supplementation on the growth performance, plasma characteristics and ruminal bacterial community of growth-retarded lambs. Twenty-four 50-days old male Hu lambs, including 8 healthy lambs (13.2 ± 1.17 kg) and 16 growth-retarded lambs (9.46 ± 0.81 kg), were used in this study. The 8 healthy lambs were fed the basal diet and considered the positive control (GN), and the other 16 growth-retarded lambs were randomly assigned into 2 groups (basal diet without probiotic [negative control, GR] and basal diet supplementation with 1 g/kg concentrate feed probiotic [GRP]), with each group having 4 replicate pens. The feeding trial lasted for 60 days with 7 days for adaptation. The results showed that dietary supplementation with probiotic increased (p < 0.05) the average daily gain and dry matter intake of growth-retarded lambs. For growth-retarded lambs, supplementation with probiotic increased (p < 0.05) the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as the concentrations of growth hormone and immunoglobulin G. Furthermore, the highest (p < 0.05) concentrations of interleukin-6, interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha were observed in the GR group. The concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and acetate in growth-retarded lambs were increased by probiotic supplementation (p < 0.05). The relative abundances of Ruminococcus, Succiniclasticum and Acidaminococcus were lower (p < 0.05) in growth-retarded lambs. However, probiotic supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the relative abundances of these three genera. These results indicate that dietary supplementation with probiotic are promising strategies for improving the growth performance of growth-retarded lambs by enhancing immunity and altering the ruminal microbiota.

Influence of atmospheric circulation and local parameters on activity concentration of gross alpha and gross beta in Granada, Spain

This work analyses the influence of local meteorology and air mass origin on radioactivity levels measured in Granada (Southern Spain). To the scope, gross α and gross β activities at ground-level air were weekly recorded from 2006 to 2021, by collecting aerosol filters and successively analysing them by low-level proportional counting. Time series decomposition shows a strong correlation between the seasonal components of gross α and gross β and the local meteorological parameters, in particular temperature and wind speed. Back trajectories reaching the study area during the sampling, calculated at three height levels (750 m, 1500 m, and 3000 m a.s.l.), were analysed by three methods with the aim to determine the main characteristics of air masses reaching Granada, and their impact on airborne radioactivity levels. The results of the residence time and clustering analyses showed that an increase in the radioactivity levels in the southeast of Spain is connected with air masses coming from the Mediterranean at 750 m and from the South (Sahara Desert) at 3000 m. In line with the outcomes obtained by the cluster analysis, the Concentration Weighted Trajectory (WCWT) results highlight that the air masses transported from Mediterranean and African regions are a potential source of gross α and gross β. Moreover, the findings of the WCWT bring a new aspect by revealing that the southern France region can also have a significant contribution to gross alpha and beta activities.

Evaluation of Interleukin-1β and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Concentration in a Sample of Endodontic Patients in Hillah City, Iraq

Abstract Background: Endodontic illness, one of the most common chronic infectious diseases in the world, is brought on by an infected and inflamed dental pulp, which results in bone destruction around the tooth root, excruciating pain, and tooth loss. Objectives: This study aimed to determine levels of pro-inflammatory (interleukin-1β [IL-1β] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay in the saliva of patients with endodontic infection against the gender and age groups. Materials and Methods: From November 2021 to March 2022, 60 patients (n = 60) were referred to specialized dentistry centers and private clinics in Hillah City, Iraq, with 32 (53.33%) females and 28 (46.67%) males, and 20 (n = 20) healthy adults serving as study controls, all of whom were between the ages of 20 and 50. Results: There were no major differences between girls and males in both groups, according to the findings of this study. In comparison to the control group, however, patients showed higher significant differences in measuring (IL-1β) and (TNF-α) concentrations (180.8), (119.44) (P ≤ 0.05), respectively. Furthermore, the amounts of IL-1β and TNF-α in female saliva were substantially greater than in male saliva. Conclusion: Pro-inflammatory IL-1β and TNF-α were shown to be higher in patients with primary endodontic disease than in normal subjects.

Physiological Change of Interleukin-1 Alpha (IL-1α) in Iraqi, Thi-Qar Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Background: A frequent and significant pro-inflammatory cytokine is IL-1α. In healthy cells, the IL-1α precursor is essentially present in almost all cell types, but it becomes a bioactive mediator upon necrotic cell death. IL-1α is also expressed by infiltrating myeloid cells within injured tissues. Aim and Objective: In this review, we focus on the biology of IL-1, its relationship to polycystic ovarian syndrome, and its developing role in the development and maintenance of the inflammatory processes that underlie the pathophysiology of PCOS women. Between the ages of (16 and 43), the 75 female patients enduring polycystic ovary syndrome are compared to the (50) healthy emales in the oversight group. IL- - alpha concentrations were noticeably greater in PCOS women compared to the control group, with p-values between (0.05-0.01)indicating a significant difference. These findings examined a non-significant difference in IL- levels between PCOS women and the control group, according to BMI. The research showed that PCOS women had considerably more IL-1 than women without PCOS in all BMI groups. IL-1-, however, in PCOS women and the Control Group The present findings looked at a non-significant variation in IL-1- concentration between PCOS women and the control group, according to Age. According to Age, the current results investigated at a non-significant difference in the concentration of IL-1- in PCOS women and the control group. When comparable age groups for women with (PCOS) and controls were examined, the results showed a significant rise in PCOS cases at p. value &lt; 0.05.

Oxidative Biomarkers Associated with the Pulmonary Manifestation of Post-COVID-19 Complications.

The role of mitochondria in post coronavirus disease 2019 (post-COVID-19) complications is unclear, especially in the long-term pulmonary complications. This study aims to investigate the association between post-COVID-19 pulmonary complications and mitochondrial regulatory proteins in the context of oxidative stress. Patients who had recovered from COVID-19 were enrolled. According to the evidence of persistent interstitial lung lesions on computed tomography (CT), patients were divided into a long-term pulmonary complications group (P(+)) and a control group without long-term pulmonary complications (P(-)). We randomly selected 80 patients for investigation (40 subjects for each group). Biomarkers levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum concentrations of mitochondrial regulatory proteins were significantly higher in the P(+) group, including PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1): 1.62 [1.02-2.29] ng/mL vs. 1.34 [0.94-1.74] ng/mL (p = 0.046); Dynamin-1-like protein (DNM1L): 1.6 [0.9-2.4] ng/mL IQR vs. 0.9 [0.5-1.6] ng/mL (p = 0.004); and Mitofusin-2 (MFN2): 0.3 [0.2-0.5] ng/mL vs. 0.2 [0.1-0.3] ng/mL IQR (p = 0.001). Patients from the P(+) group also had higher serum levels of chemokine ligand 18 (PARC, CCL18), IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) cytokines than the P(-) group. The concentration of interferon alpha (IFN-α) was decreased in the P(+) group. Furthermore, we observed statistically significant correlations between the advanced glycation end product (sRAGE) and TNF-α (Pearson's factor R = 0.637; p < 0.001) and between serum levels of DNM1L and IFN-α (Pearson's factor R = 0.501; p = 0.002) in P(+) patients. Elevated concentrations of mitochondrial biomarkers in post-COVID-19 patients with long-term pulmonary complications indicate their possible role in the pathobiology of COVID-19 pulmonary sequelae. Oxidative stress is associated with the immune response and inflammation after COVID-19. TNF-α could be a promising biomarker for predicting pulmonary complications and may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention in patients with post-COVID-19 complications.

Quality assessment of japonica brown rice J02 (Oryza sativa L. J02) and its hydrolysis ability for the production of a rice-based drinkcontaining an abundance of dextrin

Plant-based beverages have become very popular in recent emerging markets. Brown rice milk offers several important health benefits because of its various nutritional ingredients such as proteins, carbohydrates, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and essential vitamins and minerals. Brown rice milk is also low in fats and cholesterol and free of lactose. In this study, japonica brown rice J02 from Thanh Hoa Province presented high nutrition with high protein (8.6% dm) and lipid (2.2% dm) contents as calculated from dry matter and GABA contents of 32 mg/100 g, which is suitable for the plant-based milk processing. J02 rice is also capable of hydrolysis to obtain high molecular sugar in the liquor with slow digestion ability (dextrose equivalent - DE&lt;40) and high hydrolysis efficiency (up to more than 90%). The results obtained from HPLC analysis indicated that the hydrolysis conditions for the rice drink at 75oC and 150 g/l starch produced Spezyme alpha concentrations at 0.024%w/w and low content in low molecular oligosaccharide (DP&lt;10) in the solution. The results indicated that Japonica rice J02 is a good candidate for the production of a rice-based drink.

#3195 PATIENTS ON HD WITH CENTRAL CATHETERS LOCKED WITH TAUROLIDINE HAVE A SIMILAR INFLAMMATORY PROFILE TO SUBJECTS WITH NATIVE ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA

Abstract Background and Aims Inflammation is a near-universal condition in haemodialysis (HD) patients, which contributes to increased complications, morbidity and mortality. The inflammatory profile is enhanced in subjects who need a central venous catheter (CVC) as vascular access in comparison with patients with native arteriovenous fistula (AVF), the optimal vascular access for HD. The aim of the present study was to analyse the inflammatory profile of HD patients according to their vascular access (CVC vs AVF), and to evaluate whether Taurolidine-citrate-heparin lock solution (TCH; taurolidine 1.35%, citrate 4% and heparin 500 IU) is able to modulate the inflammatory state of patients with CVC towards an inflammatory profile similar to that observed in subjects with AVF. Method A total of 109 patients with AVF or tunneled CVC under regular haemodialysis for more than 6 months were screened. Exclusion criteria included intercurrent infections in the previous 3 months, active inflammatory or immunologic diseases, and treatment with antibiotics or drugs affecting the immune system. Finally, 85 patients were included in the study and classified according to the vascular access: 25 patients with AVF and 60 with CVC. Subsequently, two subgroups were formed from the group of patients with tunneled CVC according to a heparin-containing catheter lock solution with (CVC-TCH) and without taurolidine-citrate (CVC-Hep). Subsequently, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) concentrations in serum and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) gene expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were measured at inclusion and after three months follow-up. Results Altogether eighty-five subjects (42 males and 43 females; mean age 61 ± 9 yrs; 39% diabetics) were initially included in the study. In 25 subjects the vascular access was AVF, while the rest used tunneled CVC; of these 31 used standard CVC-Hep and 29 used CVC-TCH. Five patients dropped out the study and thus 80 patients completed the 3-month follow-up and were finally evaluated. At inclusion, patients with CVC had significantly higher serum and expression levels of inflammatory parameters compared to subjects with AVF. After 3 months, there were no significant changes in inflammatory markers in subjects with AVF compared to baseline, whereas in subjects with CVC-Hep a significant increase in serum and gene expression of IL-6 could be observed. On the contrary, subjects with CVC-TCH experienced a decrease of all parameters compared to baseline, of which differences in serum IL-6 and gene expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were significant. After 3 months of follow-up there was no significant difference in any inflammatory parameter when comparing patients with CVD-TCH with those with AVF (Table). Conclusion In patients under HD with cuffed tunneled CVC, the use of TCH lock solution after each HD session is associated with a significant improvement in the inflammatory serum and gene expression state. Thus, the inflammatory profile of patients with CVC using TCH does not differ from that of patients with native AVF after at least three months of CVC-TCH use.