Control Subgroups Research Articles

Fisetin Treats Kidney Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Rat Diarrhea.

Diarrhea is the increase in the excretion of human water; meanwhile, fisetin, a bioactive flavonol molecule, is widely used in the treatment/prevention of gastrointestinal disorders. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-diarrheal activity of fisetin by restoring kidney function, antioxidant activity, inflammatory markers, Na+/K+-ATPase level, apoptosis, and protein content in diarrheal rats. A total of 36 male rats were distributed into two groups (18 rats/group): normal and diarrheal. The normal group was further divided into three subgroups (6 rats/subgroup): Control, fisetin, and desmopressin drug subgroups, consisting of normal rats orally treated once a day for 4 weeks with 1 mL distilled water, 50 mg/kg fisetin, and 1 mg/kg desmopressin drug, respectively. A lactose diet containing 35% lactose was fed to the normal rats for a month. The diarrheal rats were also divided into three subgroups (6 rats/subgroup): diarrheal rats, diarrheal rats + fisetin, and diarrheal rats + desmopressin drug groups, whereby the diarrheal rats were orally treated once a day for 4 weeks with 1 mL distilled water, 50 mg/kg fisetin, and 1 mg/kg desmopressin drug, respectively. Fisetin significantly decreased serum urea (41.20 ± 2.6-29.74 ± 2.65), creatinine (1.43 ± 0.05-0.79 ± 0.06), and urinary volume (1.30 ± 0.41-0.98 ± 0.20), while significantly increasing kidney weight (0.48 ± 0.03-0.67 ± 0.07), sodium, potassium, and chloride balance in both serum and urine. Fisetin significantly increased the antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase (1170 ± 40-3230 ± 50), glutathione peroxidase (365 ± 18-775 ± 16), catalase (0.09 ± 0.03-0.14 ± 0.06), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) oxidase activity (8.6 ± 1.31-10.5 ± 1.25), while significantly decreasing malondialdehyde (19.38 ± 0.54-9.54 ± 0.83), conjugated dienes (1.86 ± 0.24-1.64 ± 0.19), and oxidative index (0.62 ± 0.04-0.54 ± 0.05)), alongside the inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α (65.2 ± 2.59-45.3 ± 2.64), interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 (107 ± 4.5-56.1 ± 7.2), and interleukin-10) in the diarrheal rats to values approaching the control values. Fisetin also restored the Na+/K+-ATPase level, apoptosis, protein content, and kidney architecture in diarrheal rats to be near the control group. Fisetin treated diarrhea in rats by restoring kidney function, antioxidant activity, inflammatory markers, apoptosis, proteome content, and histology.

Effect of lactoferrin on enamel characteristics of primary and permanent teeth: an in-vitro study

BackgroundLactoferrin, a glycoprotein naturally found in breast milk, is known for its bactericidal and antiviral properties, as well as its capacity to modulate the immune system; therefore, pediatricians routinely recommend it as dietary support. The objective of this study was to determine how lactoferrin oral suspension could affect the enamel surface characteristics of primary and permanent teeth.MethodsThis research was conducted on 40 unidentified extracted teeth, including primary and permanent teeth. Experimental teeth were free of cracks or enamel defects, as confirmed by careful examination using a dental operating microscope. The crowns were bisected into 80 specimens and assorted into two groups based on the type of dentition. Group DM included 40 specimens of second deciduous molars, while Group PM contained 40 samples of first premolars. Each of the DM and PM specimens was subsequently split based on the type of dispersion medium into two subgroups: a control subgroup (artificial saliva) and a test subgroup (lactoferrin suspension). The specimens were immersed in lactoferrin suspension for two minutes, then kept in artificial saliva for the rest of the 24 h for 30 successive days. This is a pioneering study about the effect of orally supplemented lactoferrin on teeth; therefore, we examined enamel hardness, ultra-morphology, and mineral contents.ResultsOur findings indicated a highly significant decrease (p < 0.01) in the microhardness of the lactoferrin subgroup in Group DM (second deciduous molars) and a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the microhardness of the lactoferrin subgroup in Group PM (premolars). Calcium weight% was not statistically different (p > 0.05) compared with a significant decline (p < 0.05) in phosphorus weight% in lactoferrin subgroups in both DM and PM groups. The enamel surface of lactoferrin subgroups in both DM and PM groups was demineralized and porous, with the enamel of deciduous teeth being more affected by lactoferrin than permanent teeth.ConclusionLactoferrin suspension decreased the microhardness of enamel and both calcium and phosphorus weight percentages. Both dentitions exhibited erosions in the enamel surface, with primary teeth being more affected than the permanent teeth.

Type-I interferon pathway and DNA damage accumulation in peripheral blood of patients with psoriatic arthritis.

The abnormal DNA damage response is associated with upregulation of the type-1 interferon (IFN-I) pathway in certain rheumatic diseases. We investigated whether such aberrant mechanisms operate in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). DNA damage levels were measured by alkaline comet assay in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 52 PsA patients and age-sex-matched healthy individuals. RNA expression of IFIT1, MX1 and IFI44, which are selectively induced by IFN-I, was quantitated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and their composite normalized expression resulted in IFN-I score calculation. RNA expression of IL1β, IL6, TNF, IL17A and IL23A was also assessed in PsA and control subgroups. In PsA, DNA damage accumulation was increased by almost two-fold compared to healthy individuals (olive tail moment arbitrary units, mean ± SD; 9.42 ± 2.71 vs 4.88 ± 1.98, p<0.0001). DNA damage levels significantly correlated with serum C-Reactive-protein and IL6 RNA expression in PBMCs. Despite increased DNA damage, the IFN-I score was strikingly lower in PsA patients compared to controls (-0.49 ± 6.99 vs 4.24 ± 4.26; p<0.0001). No correlation was found between IFN-I pathway downregulation and DNA damage. However, the IFN-I score in a PsA subgroup was lower in those patients with higher IL1β expression, as well as in those with higher TNF/IL23A PBMCs expression. DNA damage in PsA correlates with measures of inflammation but is not associated with the IFN-I pathway induction. The unexpected IFN-I downregulation, albeit reminiscent to findings in experimental models of spondyloarthritis, may be implicated in PsA pathogenesis and explained by operation of other cytokines.

Evaluation of The Effect of Applying Anodal tDCS in The LPFC and RPFC Regions and 10x10, 25x25 and 50x50 Protocols on The Acquisition of Fear Extinction Memory and The Time Latency of The Activation of Fear Memory: An Animal Study of PTSD

tDCS method is considered as the first clinical method for the treatment and control of many mental disorders, including PTSD. In treatment of PTSD, the first step is to use a psychotherapy method called PE, which is based on creating fear extinction memory. In this research, we investigated the effect of tDCS method with TD=18, LPFC and RPFC areas and 10x10, 25x25 and 50x50 protocols on the acquisition of fear extinction memory and the time latency the fear memory activation. 90 NMRI male mice were used in the age range of 9-11 weeks. The mice were divided into three groups A, B and C. Each group was classified into three subgroups: Control, LPFC and RPFC. Results: except for group A, in groups B and C, there is a significant difference between LPFC and RPFC subgroups and the control subgroup It was also shown that a change in the protocol for formation fear extinction memory can cause a significant change in the ability to acquisition fear acquisition memory. Also, these results showed that tDCS stimulation of the LPFC and RPFC regions can cause opposite and significant changes in the time delay of fear memory activation. Conclusion: training protocols with more repetition and anodal tDCS in the LPFC can strengthen the formation of fear extinction memory and increase the time latency in the activation of the fear memory in the test or retrieval phase, and anodal tDCS in the RPFC and the use of training protocols with less repetition can produce the opposite results. Due to the importance of the obtained results, please refer to the suggestions section of the article.&#x0D;

Absence of higher order association based mnemonic percepts in Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundEveryday learning involves higher order associations (HOA) across new and old experiences when a response is encoded without reinforcement. However, the neural and behavioral mechanisms of HOA‐based learning during remote memory retrieval are unknown.MethodWe implement novel behavior to test the neural and behavioral mechanisms of HOA during remote memory retrieval. We train the animals in context A and sequentially test these animals for remote retrieval in same (A), similar(B), or novel (C) context, while invoking HOA‐based learning to investigate the neural correlates of HOA using hippocampal lesions, chemo genetics, and 2‐photon in vivo imaging.ResultCohorts of AD mice show overall differences in freezing vs. controls (1‐w ANOVA, P&gt;F = 1.48E‐11, n = 5). Subgroups of AD (n = 12) and control (n = 14) mice during remote retrieval in BAC show overall difference (1‐w ANOVA, P&gt;F = 4.59E‐6), with AD mice showing similar freezing in B and A (t = ‐0.70). Freezing in C is different for control mice in ABC vs. BAC order (P&gt;F = 1.84E‐8, n = 5,14) whereas, interestingly, AD mice show similar increase in C freezing on Day3 of remote testing for ABC vs. BAC testing orders (P&gt;F = n.s, n = 5, 12). AD (n = 3) and WT (n = 4) mice were trained with tone and tested after 70 days. Freezing before and during the tone was significantly different for WT mice (1‐t Paired‐sample‐t‐test, P&lt;t = 0.015). Discrimination‐index indicates better discrimination ability for WT as compared to AD mice (1‐t two‐sample‐t‐test, P&lt;t = 0.026). We further evaluate the neural correlates of such behavior in WT mice by timed‐hippocampus lesions, chemogenetic inhibition of PVcre interneurons in dorsal CA1, and longitudinal 2p‐in vivo imaging.ConclusionWe find that PVcre neurons are necessary for HOA during remote learning in WT mice and there is a loss of specificity in HOA‐based new learning during remote memory retrieval with AD mice. Our novel findings establish a basis for early behavioral and neural markers for predicting AD diagnosis to assist with early medical interventions.

The effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on blood interleukin-6 concentration: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundThe low-grade chronic inflammation in diabetes plays an important role in development of cardiovascular and renal complications. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are recognized as protective agents for cardio-renal complications. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is positively associated with the pathophysiology of metabolic-related pathologies. The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on blood IL-6 concentration in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).MethodsEmbase, PubMed, and Scopus were systematically searched up to 1st of November 2023. The eligible studies were RCTs with adult population that had provided blood IL-6 for both control and intervention groups. Cochrane risk-of-bias tool were for study quality assessment. Data were analyzed using random effect model via Stata statistical software.ResultsEighteen studies with a total of 5311 patients were included. Of which 3222 and 2052 patients were in intervention and control arm, respectively. Of the total population, 49.7% were men. The study durations ranged from 8 to 52 weeks. The pooled analysis showed a significant association between the use of SGLT2 inhibitors and lower IL-6 levels (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.04, Confidence Interval (CI): -1.48; -0.60, I2 = 96.93%). Dapagliflozin was observed to have a higher IL-6-lowering effect (SMD = -1.30, CI: -1.89; -0.71, I2 = 92.52) than empagliflozin or canagliflozin. Sub-group analysis of control groups (SMD = -0.58 (-1.01, -0.15) and -1.35 (-2.00, -0.70 for the placebo and active control sub-groups, respectively) and duration of interventions (SMD = -0.78 (-1.28, -0.28) and -1.20 (-1.86, -0.55) for study duration of ≤ 12 and > 12 weeks, respectively) did not change the results. Meta-regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the level of HbA1c and IL-6-lowering efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors.ConclusionIL-6 levels are significantly reduced with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors with HbA1c as the only marker influencing such reductions, and dapagliflozin had the highest potency. The anti-inflammatory effect of SGLT2 inhibitors supports their broader use to address diabetic complications related to inflammatory responses.

Associated Risks and Pathogenic Effects of Consumption of Calcium Carbide-Ripened Banana Before and/or During Pregnancy on Maternal and Neonatal Livers

Calcium carbide (CaC2) is a commonly used ripening agent, although its primary use is in welding. Use of CaC2 in ripening fruits is considered harmful because it contains traces of phosphorous and arsenic. Aim of this study was to investigate associated risks and pathogenic (biochemical and histological) effects of consuming CaC2-ripened banana as a meal, before and/or during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal livers of adult female wistar rats. 36 healthy-looking, nulliparous, adult female wistar rats weighing between 150-200g were utilized. Rats were divided into 2 groups namely Group A and Group B. Each group had 4 subgroups (A1, A2, A3 and A4) for Group A as well as (B1, B2, B3 and B4) for Group B. Rats in group A received CaC2-ripened banana blended into their meal before and during pregnancy while group B rats received the same meal during pregnancy only. Subgroups A1 and B1 (positive control) received a naturally ripened banana with 0% CaC2, subgroups A2 and B2 received 1% CaC2-ripened bananas whereas subgroups A3 and B3 received 2% CaC2-ripened bananas. Subgroups A4 and B4 received CaC2-ripened bananas (bought from the market) randomly. The two groups A and B had one common negative control group which did not receive any banana (CaC2-ripened or non-CaC2-ripened) blended meal. Liver enzyme assay for group A showed that the positive control subgroup (A1) had mean AST (26.00±2.00 iu/L), ALT (33.00±3.00 iu/L), albumin (3.80±0.20 g/dL), direct (conjugated) bilirubin (1.10±0.10 mg/dL), and total bilirubin (1.95±0.15 mg/dL). These values were not significantly different (p≥0.05) compared with their respective values in the negative control subgroup except for ALT (p&lt;0.05). Group B showed that subgroups B2, B3, and B4 had mean AST, ALT, albumin, direct bilirubin and total bilirubin values which were not significantly different (p≥0.05) compared with their respective values in the negative control subgroup. Histological findings confirm a damaging effect on the liver’s histoarchitecture of both mother and neonate. Consumption of CaC2-ripened banana before and/or during pregnancy has associated risks and pathogenic effects on maternal and neonatal livers.

Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Mechanical Properties of Two Dental Materials Commonly Used in Primary Teeth.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of radiotherapy on flexural strength, microhardness, and surface roughness of bulk fill composite (X-tra fil) and glass ionomer (EQUIA Forte HT). A total of 40 specimens were prepared for each test and were divided into two groups according to the material used (composite or glass ionomer cement), and each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 10) according to radiation condition, irradiated subgroup, subjected to 50 Gy by multienergy linear accelerator delivered in one shot and control subgroup. Control samples of flexural strength and microhardness had a significantly higher value than irradiated samples in both materials. Regarding the surface roughness, irradiated samples had a significantly higher value than the control samples in both materials. Irradiation with a linear accelerator had a negative impact on the flexural strength and microhardness of both materials. Moreover, it increased the surface roughness for both materials. Bulk fill composite is the dental restorative material of choice in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy due to its high mechanical properties before and after radiation. Nagi BM, El-Korashy DI, Amin A El-S, et al. Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Mechanical Properties of Two Dental Materials Commonly Used in Primary Teeth. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):758-762.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of novel reperfusion method in patients of acute st elevation myocardial infarction during primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Objectives This study was conducted to explore the feasibility, clinical safety and potential effects of a novel reperfusion method, Volume-Controlled Reperfusion (VCR) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Background Reperfusion injury is associated with larger infarct size (IS) and drawback of long-term overcome. Microvascular obstruction (MVO) as detected on late gadolinium-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) is the most used index for assessment of reperfusion injury. To date, there is no feasible gradual reperfusion method in primary PCI setting. VCR is an original reperfusion method feasible in primary PCI for both accurate gradual reperfusion and intermittent flow. Methods A total of 60 patients with STEMI presenting within 12 h of symptom onset undergoing PPCI were randomized enrolled, 30 patients in VCR group and 30 patients in control group with routine PCI only. VCR was performed with the dual catheter technique, 10ml of artery blood diluted with10ml of heparin saline infused via manual aspiration catheter at speed of 20ml/min for 10 rounds after suspending the antegrade flow using a prophylactic inflated balloon. Then, routine PCI procedure as usual. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during hospitalization, the main second endpoint was the MVO extent difference measured on day 5-7 post-procedure. Results Baseline characteristics were well matched between two groups. No major adverse cardiac events (MACE) found in-hospital or 30 days followed up. There were no complications associated with VCR procedure. 43 patients had LGE-CMR exam (22 in Control group, 21 in VCR group, among them, 14/22 were anterior wall control and 14/21 VCR). There was no significant difference in infarct size, MVO or CMR-LVEF in total patients between VCR and control. However, significant difference in CMR-LVEF was noted between control and VCR anterior wall subgroup (40.53 ± 7.39 vs50.55 ± 7.55; P=0.002), the average of MVO and MVO of infarct size were smaller in VCR group while no significant difference. Conclusions This is the pilot RCT study showed VCR method was feasibility and clinical safe among patients with acute STEMI during PPCI and 30 days followed up, indicated potential attenuate effect in reperfusion injury as well. Staged II study is needed to verify clinical benefit.VCR illustrationLGE-CMR figure

Myocardial T1 dispersion in fabry disease: comprehensive evaluation of a novel measurement of cardiovascular disease severity

Abstract Background The cardiovascular manifestations of Fabry disease are common and represent the leading cause of death. Myocardial T1 dispersion has recently emerged as a robust predictor of adverse cardiac outcome in Fabry disease but the relationship between T1 dispersion and other cardiovascular manifestations has not been studied. Objective To evaluate the relationship between myocardial T1 dispersion and other cardiovascular manifestations of Fabry disease, and identify its determinants. Methods Prospective longitudinal cohort study including 181 participants with Fabry disease and 30 controls undergoing clinical cardiovascular magnetic resonance. T1 dispersion was assessed in relation to other structural and functional cardiovascular biomarkers and examined in Pre-hypertrophic, Hypertrophic and Fibrotic phenotypic sub-groups. Determinates of T1 dispersion were investigated using multivariable linear regression. Results T1 dispersion was similar in the Control, Pre-hypertrophic and Hypertrophic sub-groups, but was significantly elevated in the Fibrotic sub-group. Independent determinates of T1 dispersion were age, body surface area-indexed left ventricular mass, indexed left ventricular end diastolic volume, global longitudinal strain, native myocardial T1, non-ischaemic late gadolinium enhancement, and extracellular volume fraction (R2 0.414). T1 dispersion was consistently higher in females than males. Conclusions Myocardial T1 dispersion appears sensitive to both the T1 shortening effect of globotriaosylceramide accumulation and T1 lengthening effect of fibrosis, and accordingly increases as Fabry disease progresses. In conjunction with recent data showing it to be a robust predictor of adverse cardiac outcome, myocardial T1 dispersion is advocated as a key cardiovascular biomarker in Fabry disease.Figure 1Figure 2

Post-covid syndrome in women of different ages with laboratory-proven and non-confirmed COVID-19

Background. It is of interest to study in detail the consequences of COVID-19 in women, since there is evidence that female sex is a risk factor for post-COVID syndrome. The aim of the study. To study the subjective and laboratory manifestations of post-COVID syndrome in women depending on age and results for SARS-CoV-2. Materials and methods. One-time retrospective analysis of 281 medical records of women aged 20 to 91 was performed; WHO age groups are divided into test and control subgroups (confirmed and unconfirmed COVID-19, respectively). The questionnaire for post-covid syndrome, biochemical and clinical blood tests were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney test, Pearson’s χ2, analysis of variance, Spearman’s correlation. Results. Women with proven COVID-19 were 1.5–2.0 times more likely to report a decrease in quality of life, exercise tolerance, cough, cardiac symptoms, edema, hair loss, skin rash, arthralgia. Laboratory-proven COVID-19 is associated with the severity of COVID-19, most of the above symptoms, increased ESR. The test subgroup of young women had higher ALT levels. In the test subgroup of middle age, a decrease in the quality of life and working capacity, hair loss and skin rash were 1.5 times more common. In the test subgroup of the elderly, diabetes mellitus was detected 2 times more often, and lower platelet counts were observed. Old women of the test subgroup have higher ESR, D-dimer and lower hemoglobin. Conclusions. The severity of post-COVID syndrome in women depends on the severity and laboratory confirmation of the transferred COVID-19, in contrast to the duration of its subjective manifestations. The greatest decrease in the quality of life after a significantly transferred COVID-19 is observed in middle-aged women. The control of laboratory parameters in post-covid syndrome in women should be differentiated depending on age.

Significant up-regulation of lncRNAs in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an immune-related demyelinating defect. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) might influence the pathobiology and progression of NMOSD. The current study assessed expression level of NEAT1, PANDAR, MEG3 and TUG1 lncRNAs in the peripheral blood of NMOSD patients compared with healthy individuals. All mentioned lncRNAs were shown to be over-expressed in total NMOSD cases, male NMOSD cases and female NMOSD cases compared with the matching control subgroups. MEG3 had the most robust over-expression in patients subgroups compared with normal subjects. There was no noteworthy difference in the expression of any of lncRNAs between female and male patients. MEG3 had an ideal performance in the differentiation of NMOSD cases from healthy persons (Sensitivity and specificity values = 100%). Other lncRNAs could also efficiently separate NMOSD cases from control subjects (AUC values = 0.97, 0.89 and 0.88 for PANDAR, NEAT1 and TUG1, respectively). Cumulatively, NEAT1, PANDAR, MEG3 and TUG1 lncRNAs can be considered as appropriate disease markers for NMOSD.

Cuspal Deflection and Marginal Gap of Class II MOD Using Preheating Bulk-Fill Composite with Different Application Techniques

The novel bulk-fill composite to reduces time consumption and overcomes sensitive incremental techniques. Cuspal deflection and marginal gap are the common problems of composite material restoration. This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the cuspal deflection and marginal gap of CL II MOD cavity restored with preheated One bulk-fill composite resin applied with different application techniques. Methodology: 48 upper 1st premolar teeth were prepared as CL II MOD cavities to be restored with One bulk-fill restorative composite resin without (Group A) or with preheating (Group B). Each group (n=24) was subdivided into three subgroups (n=8): A1 and B1 were restored in one increment, A2 and B2 were restored using two increments, and A3 and B3 were filled using a sublayer of a flowable composite resin. The intercuspal distance of the buccal and palatal cusps was recorded before preparation, after 5 minutes, and 24 hours from the restoration. The cuspal deflection (CD) was calculated by subtracting intercuspal distance after restorat ion (5 minutes or 24 hours) from before preparation for all subgroups. The marginal gaps were recorded from images by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for both the proximal and gingival margins. The mean values of the data we re analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA and paired t -test at p&lt;0.05. Preheating of One bulk-fill resin did not pr oduce a significant effect on cuspal deflection compared with the control (p&gt;0.05) however, the incremental layering of One bulk-fill composite recorded significantly lower cuspal deflection with or without preheating. While preheating of bulk-fill produced a significant decrease of both marginal gaps compared with the control subgroups (p≤0.05). Preheating One bulk-fill composite before cu ring did not influence the cuspal deflection while imp roved marginal adaptation in different application techni ques. The incremental technique significantly reduced cuspal deflection and marginal gap.

Outcome of preventive nursing intervention, prophylactic anticoagulation and the use of the Caprini score on venous thromboembolism after varicose vein surgery.

This research was devoted to estimate the outcome of preventive nursing intervention on venous thromboembolism (VTE) after varicose vein surgery in lower extremities. A total of 516 subjects with varicose veins of lower extremities (from January 2020 to January 2022) treated in our hospital were separated into observation subgroup (n = 258) and control subgroup (n = 258) at random. The conventional nursing intervention was applied in the control subgroup, preventive nursing intervention, prophylactic anticoagulation and the use of Caprini score was applied in the observation subgroup. The levels of blood indexes [hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (PLT) and D-dimer (D-D)] were compared between the two subgroups before operation and 7 days postoperative, the occurrence of subcutaneous congestion, lower limb swelling and pain, VTE and nursing satisfaction of the subject 4 (four) weeks after discharge. After intervention, the levels of PLT and D-D in the observation subgroup were notably lower than those in the control subgroup. Four weeks after discharge, the incidence of subcutaneous congestion, lower limb swelling and pain, there had no notable difference in two subgroups Versus the control subgroup, VTE in the observation subgroup was notably lower and nursing satisfaction was higher. Preventive nursing intervention can reduce the level of PLT and D-D, restrain in the incidence of VTE and improve the nursing satisfaction of subjects with varicose veins of lower extremities after varicose vein surgery of lower limb.

Alterations of ocular surface parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

This study aimed to evaluate changes in ocular surface parameters among obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients. 44 healthy volunteers (88 eyes) and 27 OSAS patients (54 eyes) were recruited in our cross-sectional study. 14 patients were classified as mild&moderate OSAS, and 13 patients were classified as severe OSAS. For evaluating the ocular surface, the following tests were conducted: the height of tear meniscus (TMH), first non-invasive tear break-up time (FNITBUT), mean non-invasive tear break-up time (MNITBUT), the score of Meibomian gland dropout area (Meiboscore), the tear test of anesthesia-free Schirmer I (SIT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), partial blinks rate (PBR), the lipid layer thickness (LLT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI). The results obtained from the study were analyzed and compared among the groups. FNITBUT, MNITBUT, and TMH were lower. OSDI, CFS, Meiboscore and PBR were higher in the OSAS group than those in the control group. The mild&moderate as well as the severe OSAS subgroups had statistically significantly lower TMH, and higher OSDI and PBR than the control group. Meanwhile, we found there were no significant differences between two OSAS subgroups. CFS was higher in the severe OSAS group than the mild&moderate OSAS group. Significantly lower FNITBUT, MNITBUT and higher Meiboscore were observed in the severe OSAS subgroup than in the control group, and MNITBUT was higher in severe OSAS objects than in the mild&moderate OSAS objects. LLT and SIT did not exhibit significant differences among control and OSAS subgroups. FNITBUT and MNITBUT showed significantly negative correlations with BMI, while Meiboscore showed a significant positive correlation with AHI. Patients with OSAS have a tendence of dry eyes, whereas control subjects do not. This indicates us that the OSAS patients should pay more attention to ocular surface care.

Antioxidant Capacity of Melatonin against Oxidative Stress Caused by Exercise-Induced Weight Loss in Rats

Antioxidant supplements such as melatonin are used to prevent oxidative stress during exercise. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant capacity of melatonin supplementation against oxidative stress induced by the weight loss observed during exercise. Forty Wistar Albino male rats were subjected to 10 days of jogging exercises. Two groups were formed based on weight loss. Two subgroups were created in each group. Melatonin (5 mg/kg) was administered to each subgroup in each group. The other subgroups were designated as control subgroups. Blood samples were collected after 10 d. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase, melatonin, and malondialdehyde levels were analyzed in blood samples. SOD, glutathione peroxidase, TAS, and melatonin levels in the melatonin subgroup were higher than those in the control subgroup in the non-weight loss group. In contrast, the malondialdehyde levels were lower. Melatonin levels in the melatonin subgroup were higher than those in the control subgroup in the weight loss group. Conversely, the SOD and TAS levels were lower. In addition, there was a positive correlation between weight loss and malondialdehyde levels and a negative correlation with SOD, TAS, and melatonin levels. Melatonin (5 mg/kg) supplementation showed antioxidant capacity in exercise without weight loss, but was insufficient in exercise with weight loss.

Interactive effect of booster vaccination and vitamin D status on antibody production of Omicron variant-infected adults: A real-world cohort study.

Effect of booster vaccination and vitamin D status on antibody production of Omicron variant-infected adults need to be further explored. A retrospective, longitudinal, real-world cohort study was performed. All included cases were divided into vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and non-VDD (control) groups according to baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration and then into unvaccinated, routinely vaccinated, and booster vaccinated VDD and control subgroups according to vaccination status. Antibody dynamics were observed within six time periods during hospitalization. A total of 204 adult cases were included, of which 121 (59%) were males; 23 (11%), 31 (15%), and 26 (13%) or 50 (25%), 35 (17%), and 39 (19%) were unvaccinated, routinely vaccinated, and booster vaccinated VDD cases or controls, respectively. The median (interquartile range) for age and baseline 25(OH)D concentration was 42.5 (31-53.5) years and 21.5 (18-25.4) ng/mL, respectively. The IgM titers within 3 to 7days and 7 to 14 days increased rapidly to 1.8-fold (P < 0.001) and 3.6-fold (P < 0.001) those within the first day; the IgG titers increased to 5.8-fold (P < 0.001) and 10.9-fold (P < 0.001). Booster vaccinated controls had higher first IgG titers compared with unvaccinated controls (3.1-fold; P = 0.001) or booster vaccinated VDD cases (2.1-fold; P = 0.02). Booster vaccination and non-VDD status may have an interactive boosting effect on IgG production of Omicron variant-infected adults. Further randomized clinical trials may be needed to determine whether booster vaccination combined with VDD correction improves the humoral immunity to Omicron variants.

The safety and immunogenicity to inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in patients with hyperlipemia.

It is of urgent need to understand the safety and effectiveness of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)-inactivated vaccine in patients with hyperlipidemia (HLD). However, data on the safety and immune response of SARS-CoV-2-inactivated vaccine in HLD patients are limited. In this prospective study, 105 patients with HLD and 74 healthy controls (HCs) were selected. Within 16-168 days after inoculation-inactivated vaccine, the anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) were evaluated, respectively. Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate RBD-specific B cells and memory B cells. There was no significant difference between HLD patients and HCs in adverse events (AEs) within 7 days after vaccination, and no serious AEs occurred. The seropositivity rates and titers of two Abs (anti-RBD IgG and CoV-2 NAbs) were lower in HLD patients than in HCs (all, p < 0.05). HLD showed significantly lower frequencies of RBD-specific B cells than HCs (p = 0.040). However, in high cholesterol, high triglyceride, mixed (MiX), and lipid control (HC) subgroups, there was no significant difference in the seropositivity rates and titers of the both Abs. Through mixed factor analysis shows that days between the second dose and sample collection/antibody measurement were associated with the lower anti-RBD IgG antibody levels. In conclusion, inactivated COVID-19 vaccine is safe and well tolerated for HLD patients, but the humoral immune may be limited.

Nestin, CD44, Ki-67, GS and AQP4 expression in the brain neurogenic niches of deceased patients with liver cirrhosis of different degree

The aim of the study. Immunohistochemical study of Nestin, CD44, Ki-67, GS, AQP4 expression in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle and hippocampus of deceased patients with liver cirrhosis depending on the age and Child–Pugh score. Materials and methods. The brains of 90 deceased patients aged 65 ± 3 years with non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis (LC) Child–Pugh class A, B and C were studied, which comprised 3 groups: group “A” – 30 deceased patients with compensated LC; “B” – 30 deceased patients with subcompensated LC (“mild decompensation”); “C” – 30 deceased patients with decompensated LC. Control group included brains of 30 patients died from acute cardiovascular failure and did not have liver disease. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups: patients ≤59 y. o. and patients ≥60 y. o. Grade 1–4 hepatic encephalopathy was detected in 59 out of 90 (65.55 %) patients with LC. The immunohistochemical levels of Nestin, CD44, Ki-67, GS and AQP4 were evaluated in paraffin tissue sections of the subventricular zones (SVZ) of the anterior and lower horns of the brain lateral ventricles, as well as the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus (DG) and other structures of hippocampus in standardized fields of view of the microscope Scope A1 Carl Zeiss (Germany) using Videotest-Morphology 5.2.0.158 software. Results. In SVZ of control subgroups, Nestin+ astrocyte-like stem cells were localized mainly in subventricular glial nodules (SGN) and to a lesser extent in astrocytic ribbon. In brains of patients with compensated and subcompensated LC, there was increased Nestin expression compared to control (by 61.36 % and 208.74 %, respectively) due to increased numbers of Nestin+ cells in astrocytic ribbons. In the hippocampus of control and cirrhotic patients, Nestin expression was determined mainly in astrocyte-like cells of the fimbria-fornix, “glial plates” around the blood vessels entering the choroid plexus and subpial zone. In the SVZ of patients with subcompensated LC, the expressions of Nestin, CD44, and Ki-67 were maximally increased (by 208.74 %, 37.83 %, and 3 times, respectively), moreover, in the areas of periventricular reparative astrogliosis, in small foci of encephalolysis in the head of caudate nucleus, among GS+ and CD44+ astrocytes clusters of astrocyte-like Nestin+ and CD44+ cells were detected. In patients with decompensated LC, a significant decrease in Nestin and CD44 expression and absence of Ki-67 were observed in the SVZ, with a simultaneous maximum increase in the expression of GS and AQP4. Conclusions. In the neurogenic niches of the lateral ventricles and hippocampus of patients with compensated and subcompensated LC, there are signs of activation of neural stem cells and niche astrocytes with increased expression of Nestin, CD44, and Ki-67, which reaches maximum in subcompensated LC. Clusters of astrocyte-like Nestin+ and CD44+ cells appear in foci of periventricular repair, which probably migrate from active adjacent subventricular niche. In the brains of the patients with decompensated LC and severe Grade 3–4 hepatic encephalopathy, deep astrocytic dysmetabolic dystrophy is associated with substantial decrease in the activity of subventricular stem niche and expected astrocytogenesis.

The Long-COVID autonomic syndrome in hospitalized patients: A one-year prospective cohort study

Long-COVID syndrome is characterized by fatigue, orthostatic intolerance, tachycardia, pain, memory difficulties, and brain fog, which may be associated with autonomic nervous system abnormalities. We aimed to evaluate the short and long-term course of COVID-19 autonomic symptoms and quality of life (QoL) after SARS-CoV-2 infection through a one-year follow-up combined with validated questionnaires. Additionally, we aimed to identify patients with worsening autonomic symptoms at 6 and 12 months by dividing the patient cohort into two sub-groups: the Post-COVID healed Control sub-group (total score<16.4) and the Long-COVID autonomic syndrome sub-group (total score>16.4). This prospective cohort studied 112 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients discharged from Humanitas Research Hospital between January and March 2021. Autonomic symptoms and QoL were assessed using the composite autonomic symptom scale 31 (COMPASS-31) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires at various time points: before SARS-CoV-2 infection (PRE), at hospital discharge (T0), and at 1 (T1), 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months of follow-up. COMPASS-31 total score, Orthostatic Intolerance and Gastrointestinal function indices, QoL, physical functioning, pain, and fatigue scores worsened at T0 compared to PRE but progressively improved at T1 and T3, reflecting the acute phase of COVID-19. Unexpectedly, these indices worsened at T6 and T12 compared to T3. Subgroup analysis revealed that 47% of patients experienced worsening autonomic symptoms at T6 and T12, indicating Long-COVID autonomic syndrome. Early rehabilitative and pharmacological therapy is recommended for patients at the T1 and T3 stages after SARS-CoV-2 infection to minimize the risk of developing long-term autonomic syndrome.