Days In Treatment Group Research Articles

Efficiency of balneotherapy with highly mineralized sodium chloride water in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

AIM. To study the effectiveness of including baths with natural mineral sodium chloride water in a complex of sanatorium-resort treatment on the dynamics of pain syndrome in people with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS. In the conditions of Sanatorium Chuvashiyakurort, 59 people received sanatorium-resort treatment: 1st (main group, 35 people), in which, in addition to the standard program of sanatorium-resort treatment, they received a course of mineral baths with natural sodium chloride water; in the 2nd group (comparison group, 24 people) they received physical therapy, dry carbon-dioxide baths, enteral oxygentherapy, halotherapy; massage, consultations with a psychologist. The examination included an assessment of pain using validated scales, a visual analogue scale (VAS), an assessment of joint function, the severity of anxiety and depression, and quality of life parameters. RESULTS. Upon admission to the sanatorium, patients complained of pain in the knee joint when moving (average VAS value 61.5±5.6 mm). The average score on the Lequene scale was 6.25±0.8 points. In the dynamics, a decrease in pain during movement was revealed: in patients of group 1 by the 10th day by 39% according to VAS from the initial level (p0.05), by the 21st – by 60% (p0.05), in patients of the control group - by 21% (p0.05) and 44%, respectively. CONCLUSION. The use of mineral baths improved indicators of psycho-emotional state: by the 21st day of treatment in group 1, signs of depression were leveled out in 51% of women and in 69% of men, the level of anxiety normalized in 60% of patients (p0.05). In group 2, anxiety levels decreased in more than half of the patients, and depression levels decreased in 30% of patients. On the scale of physical functioning, an improvement was noted by 40% (p0.05), in general health – by 35% (p0.05). The greatest changes were noted on the scales of emotional-role functioning and mental health.

Computational Studies Using COMSOL Multiphysics on Dielectrophoretic Characterization and Separation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Undergoing Tenogenic Differentiation

Stem cells have unique self-renewal and differentiation capacities, which are advantageous for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. Stem cells can recreate cells needed to repair injured tissues and organs in the body, for example, by regenerating connective tissues, which provide support, protection, and a structural framework for various organs and other tissues. However, a significant limitation is the susceptibility of tendons to injury with long-term loss of function. Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapies are promising for healing tendon injuries and tears but controlling stem cell differentiation and generating homogeneous tenogenic stem cell populations remains challenging. Therefore, separating differentiating and non-differentiating MSCs to collect homogenous cells is critical for further tissue repair after transplantation. To substantiate our hypothesis that differentiating and non-differentiating stem cells have unique dielectric properties, we focused on characterizing-obtaining dielectric signatures for differentiating tenogenic and non-tenogenic MSCs on the third day of differentiation using dielectrophoresis (DEP) focused on crossover frequencies [1, 2]. The estimated values for membrane capacitance, conductivity, and permittivity after 3-day treatment of undifferentiated cells differentiating into tenogenic MSCs are 2.46±0.1 pF, 0.82±0.01 S/m, and 1.97±0.05, respectively, and cytoplasm conductivity 0.82±0.02 S/m. The treated stem cells undergo differentiation, but the untreated cells don’t. The results showed a significant difference between the 3-day treatment and no-treatment group. The estimated properties from the dielectrophoretic characterization studies are crucial in designing a DEP-based enrichment microdevice to collect homogeneous differentiated stem cell populations for tendon repair. Using particle tracing, creeping flow (transport of diluted species model), and electric current physics in COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software, we designed a microdevice that achieves 100% separation of untreated and treated mesenchymal stem cells undergoing differentiation towards tendon. Applying dielectrophoresis to the microdevice architecture demonstrated high selectivity and yield, processing one million treated and untreated stem cells in 6.4 and 27.8 hours, respectively.

Antibacterial therapy for acute streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis: results of a randomized comparative clinical trial with amoxicillin + clavulanic acid EXPRESS

Acute tonsillopharyngitis is one of the most common types of respiratory tract infections. In case of bacterial etiologies of the disease, penicillin antibiotics are prescribed, in particular amoxicillin + clavulanic acid. Dispersible forms of antibiotics have a number of advantages over film-coated tablets and are characterized by better pharmacokinetic parameters that increase the effectiveness and safety of treatment, as well as patient compliance. To compare the effectiveness and safety of Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid EXPRESS in the form of dispersible tablets and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid in film-coated tablets in the treatment of acute streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis. A randomized comparative clinical study involved 60 adult patients diagnosed with acute streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis. Group 1 (n=30) received the Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid EXPRESS, dispersible tablets, 875+125 mg 2 times a day at the beginning of meals. Group 2 (n=30) received Amoxiclav, film-coated tablets, 875+125 mg 2 times a day at the beginning of meals. The duration of the treatment was 10 days. The following procedures were performed to all participants: general clinical and otorhinolaryngological examinations, an express test to detect group A streptococcal antigens in a smear from the posterior pharyngeal wall (streptatest), assessment of symptoms of acute tonsillopharyngitis on the McIsaac scale, severity of sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the throat, measurement of body temperature, assessment of the clinical global impression of the therapy, adherence to treatment, frequency of the adverse reactions before treatment, 3 days after the beginning of therapy and after the course completion (day 10). Recovery occurred in 96.6% of patients in group 1 according to examination on the 10th day of treatment and in 93.3% of patients in group 2. The rate of fever regression was higher in group 1 - on the 3rd day of treatment, normalization of temperature was observed in 36.6% and 30% of patients in the comparison group. Pain syndrome, symptoms of throat swelling and difficulty swallowing significantly (p<0.01) regressed by the 10th day in patients of both treatment groups. The incidence of adverse reactions on the 10th day of treatment in group 1 was 10%, in group 2 - 33.3% (p=0.03). Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid EXPRESS has high therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of acute streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis, comparable to the Amoxiclav in film-coated tablets. At the same time, dispersible tablets of Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid EXPRESS demonstrated a significantly higher safety profile compared to the simple tablet form.

COENZYME Q10 EFFECT ON NMDA RECEPTOR EXPRESSION AND RETINAL GANGLION CELL DENSITY (Experimental Study in Traumatic Optic Neuropathy Model of Wistar Rat)

Abstract&#x0D; Introduction &amp; Objectives : Traumatic optic neuropathy is a visual disturbance condition after acute injury to optic nerve. This injury results in retinal ganglion cells ischemic leading to excitotoxicity and apoptosis. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant and cofactor in electron transport within mitochondria that inhibits glutamate excitotoxicity and thereby preventing retinal ganglion cell apoptosis. This research aims to prove the effect of coenzyme Q10 on NMDA receptor expression and retinal ganglion cell density in rat model of traumatic optic neuropathy.&#x0D; Methods : This study use post-test only randomized controlled groups design. Traumatic optic neuropathy wistar rats model was made by optic nerve crushed method, then given oral CoQ10 100mg/kgBW after 1 hour for 14 days in treatment group. Retinal histopathological specimen was made with immunohistochemistry and Haematoxyllin-eosin staining and examined under microscope with 400x magnification. Data was verified and statistically analyzed.&#x0D; Results : The NMDA receptor expression in the treatment group was significantly lower than control (p=0.009). The retinal ganglion cell density in the treatment group was significantly higher than control (p=0.009). There was a significant correlation between NMDA receptor expression and retinal ganglion cell density in the treatment group (p = 0.012) with a strong negative correlation direction (r = - 0.652).&#x0D; Conclusion : Administration of CoQ10 in traumatic optic neuropathy model rats affects NMDA receptor expression and retinal ganglion cell density. NMDA receptor expression was lower with higher retinal ganglion cell density in the treatment group. NMDA receptor expression was inversely proportional to retinal ganglion cell density in the treatment group.

Modern pharmacotherapy of acute bacterial sinusitis: results of an open randomized clinical trial of the therapeutic equivalence of Cefixime EXPRESS and Suprax Solutab

Acute bacterial sinusitis is one of the most common causes of prescribing systemic antibacterial drugs in otorhinolaryngology. With bacterial etiology of the disease, beta-lactam antibiotics are prescribed, in particular cefixim. Cefixim in the form of dispersible tablets has high clinical and bacteriological efficiency, as well as good tolerability in patients with acute sinusitis. To study the therapeutic equivalence of two drugs of cefixim (reproduced drug Cefixim Express and reference drug Suprax Solutab) in patients with acute bacterial sinusitis. 60 adult patients with a diagnosis of acute bacterial sinusitis took part in a randomized open comparative clinical study. Patients of group 1 (n=30) received the drug Cefixim Express in the form of dispersible tablets 400 mg once a day. Group 2 (n=30) received Suprax Solutab in the form of dispersible tablets 400 mg once a day. The duration of treatment course was 7 days. All patients conducted general clinical and otorhinolaryngological examinations, assessment of symptoms of acute sinusitis, assessment of the general clinical impression of the therapy, tolerance of treatment, analysis of the frequency of unwanted phenomena before treatment, 3 days after the beginning of therapy and after the course completion (7 days). Recovery occurred in 63.3% of patients in group 1 according to the inspection on the 7th day of treatment and in 66.67% of patients in group 2. The rate of clinical symptoms regression by the end of therapy was comparable in the comparison groups. Hyperemia of the nasal mucosa, purulent nasal discharge and difficulty in nasal breathing (p<0.01) regressed by the 7th day in patients of both treatment groups. The incidence of adverse reactions on the 7th day of treatment in group 1 was 10%, in group 2 - 6.7% (p>0.05). The drug Cefixim Express has high therapeutic effectiveness in the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis, comparable to Suprax Solutab. Cefixime EXPRESS has demonstrated a good tolerability and a favorable safety profile.

Wistar Rat Parietal Lobe Cell And Pain Perception Changes After Frequent Of Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Wave Expose

Background: The increasing number of mobile phone users raises concerns about the effects. Mobile phone electromagnetic wave radiation harms pain perception due to granular cell changes in the cerebral parietal cortex. Objective: To determine the effect of exposure to electromagnetic waves mobile phone on pain perception due to changes in the granular cells of the cerebral parietal cortex Wistar rats. Methods: Experimental research using randomized posttest with control group design. Samples were 28 rats divided into 4 groups. The control group was not exposed, the treatment group was exposed to 2100 MHz electromagnetic waves for 2 hours/day with a distance of 3 cm for 15 days in treatment group 1, for 30 days in treatment group 2, and 45 days in treatment group 3. Measurement of pain onset using the hot method. Changes in pain threshold were taken from the difference in pain onset after exposure to before exposure. Granular cell changes in the cerebral parietal cortex were assessed from the total score with the provisions of normal cells (sumx0), hydropic degenerated cells (sumx1), and necrotic cells (sumx2). Results: The longer the exposure to mobile phones, the higher the pain threshold and the cerebral parietal cortex granular cell damage score. There was a significant difference in pain threshold and changes in cerebral parietal cortex granular cells between groups (p=0.000). There was a significant relationship between changes in the parietal cerebral cortex granular cells and pain threshold in Wistar rats exposed to electromagnetic waves (p=0.000). Conclusion: Exposure to mobile phone electromagnetic waves affects pain perception due to changes in the granular cells of the cerebral parietal cortex in wistar rats.

A comparative study of visual outcome in patients with optic neuritis treated with five or seven days of intravenous corticosteroid treatment.

Optic neuritis (ON), a major cause of visual impairment in young adults, is generally associated with rapid visual recovery when treated with intravenous methylprednisolone treatment (IVMPT). However, the optimal duration of such treatment is unknown, ranging from three to seven days in clinical practice. We aimed to compare the visual recovery in patients treated with 5-day or 7-day duration IVMPT. We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with ON in São Paulo, Brazil, from 2016 to 2021. We compared the proportion of participants with visual impairment in 5-day and 7-day treatment schedules at discharge, at 1 month and between 6 and 12 months after the diagnosis of ON. The findings were adjusted to age, severity of the visual impairment, co-intervention with plasma exchange, time from symptom onset to IVMPT and the etiology of the ON to mitigate indication bias. We included 73 patients with ON treated with 5 or 7-day duration of 1g/d intravenous methylprednisolone therapy. Visual impairment at 6-12 months in the 5-day or the 7-day treatment groups was similar (57% x 59%, p > 0.9, Odds Ratio 1.03 [95% CI 0.59-1.84]). The results were similar after adjusting for prognostic variables and when observed at different time points. Visual recovery is similar in patients treated with 5-day and 7-day duration treatments of 1g/day intravenous methylprednisolone, suggesting a ceiling effect. Limiting the duration of the treatment can reduce hospital stay and costs, without interfering with clinical benefit.

Comparing 7-Day Versus 6–8-Day Penicillin Treatment Intervals Among Pregnant People With Syphilis of Late or Unknown Duration: No Difference Found in Incidence of Congenital Syphilis

Abstract Background Guidelines recommend that pregnant patients with syphilis of late/unknown duration be treated with benzathine penicillin G, dosed as 3 weekly intramuscular injections (BPGx3) given ideally at strict 7-day intervals. Given limited pharmacokinetic data, it is unknown whether more flexible BPG treatment intervals might be effective in preventing congenital syphilis (CS). Methods We used California surveillance data to identify birthing parent/infant dyads wherein the pregnant parent had syphilis of late/unknown duration between January 1, 2016 – June 30, 2019. We divided the dyads into 3 groups based on prenatal treatment: (1) BPGx3 at strict 7-day intervals, (2) BPGx3 at 6-8 day intervals, and (3) no/inadequate treatment. We then compared CS incidence among infants in each group. Results We analyzed 1,092 parent/infant dyads: 607 (55.6%) in the 7-day treatment group, 70 (6.4%) in the 6–8 day treatment group, and 415 (38.0%) in the no/inadequate treatment group. The incidence proportion of infants meeting CS criteria in each group was, respectively, 5.6%, 5.7%, and 36.9%. Compared with BPGx3 at 7-day intervals, the odds of CS were 1.0 [95% CI 0.4–3.0] in the 6–8 day group and 9.8 [95% CI 6.6–14.7] in the no/inadequate treatment group. Conclusions Prenatal BPGx3 at 6–8 days was no more likely to lead to CS in infants than 7-days. These findings hint that 6-8-day intervals might be adequate to prevent CS among pregnant people with syphilis of late/unknown duration. Consequently, it is possible that CS evaluation beyond an RPR at delivery may be unnecessary in asymptomatic infants whose parents received BPGx3 at 6–8 days.

ANALYSIS OF INTERLEUKIN-6 AND TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA EXPRESSION AFTER THERAPY OF ROSELLE FLOWER EXTRACT (HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L) ON THE INCISION WOUND LIPS WISTAR RAT

ABSTRACTBackground: The healing of wounds in the lip region is impeded by the fact that chewing food and speaking can exert pressure and attract the wound. Rosella flowers were chosen because they contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, and saponins, as opposed to chemical medications for wound healing that often induces negative effects. Purpose: This study's objective was to assess the influence of 15% roselle flower extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) in a paste formulation on the expression of IL-6 and TNF Alpha during the incision wound healing phase. Method: The method is experimental analytic research with post-test-only control group design. There were two groups: control group and the treatment group. Each group contains 3 Rattus Norvegicus. They were incisions in the upper labial mucosa using blade with a length of 5 mm and a depth 1 mm. Roselle flower extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) 15% was applied two times per day for three days in treatment group. After the treatment, the rats were sacrificed to check the expression of IL-6 and TNF Alpha using the Immunohistochemistry method. Result: The results of the analysis of the ANOVA-test show that for TNF Alpha expression it has a significant value (p) of 0.054 or p &gt; 0.05, meaning that there is no significant difference. Meanwhile, the IL-6 expression obtained a significant value (p) of 0.009, meaning that there was a significant difference between the control and treatment groups. Conclusion: The study concluded that 15% rosella flower petal extract in a paste reduced IL-6 expression during the inflammatory but not TNF Alpha. Keyword : Roselle flower; Interleukin 6 (IL-6); TNF Alpha, Oral mucosa; Wound healing

The expression of BMP4 and FGF2 in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) post application of gourami fish (Osphronemus goramy) collagen

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the periodontal tissue that is characterized by alveolar bone resorption. This occurs due to an imbalance of osteoblast and osteoclast during the bone formation and resorption processes. In order to obtain complete regeneration of periodontal tissue, bone grafting is frequently used in periodontal surgical therapy. Although each material has disadvantages, safe graft materials derived from animal sources can be employed as an alternative to bone graft materials. Osteoblast, osteoclast, calcified bone matrix, type I collagen, osteonectin, and hydroxyapatite can all be found in gourami scales, a form of food waste. BMP4 has osteoinduction functions, which are important in bone metabolism. Through angiogenic activity, FGF2 also contributes to periodontal regeneration. Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the expression of BMP4 and FGF2 after the treatment group had been given gourami fish scale extract. Methods: Thirty-two experimental three-month-old male Wistar rats (150-200g) were randomly divided into four groups: a seven-day control group, a seven-day treatment group, a 14-day control group, and a 14-day treatment group. One mandibular incisor was extracted from each Wistar rat. The post-extraction socket was filled with blood for the control group and collagen extract for the treatment. Results: The one-way ANOVA test showed a significance level of 0.000 (p = &lt;0.05). Conclusion: The expression of BMP4 and FGF2 increased after the application of collagen extract from gourami scales.

Short Antibiotic Treatment Duration for Osteomyelitis Complicating Pressure Ulcers: A Quasi-experimental Study.

Osteomyelitis-complicating pressure ulcers are frequent among patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), and the optimal management is unknown. In our referral center, the current management is debridement and flap coverage surgeries, followed by a short antibiotic treatment. We aimed to evaluate patients' outcomes a year after surgery. We performed a quasi-experimental retrospective before/after study on SCI patients with presumed osteomyelitis associated with perineal pressure ulcers. We included all patients who underwent surgery with debridement and flap covering, followed by effective antibiotic treatment, between May 1, 2016, and October 30, 2020. The effective antimicrobial treatment duration included the 10 days leading up to January 1, 2018 (before period), and the 5 to 7 days after (after period). We also compared the efficacy of 5-7-day vs 10-day antibiotic treatment and performed uni- and multivariable analyses to identify factors associated with failure. Overall, 415 patients were included (77.6% male patients; mean age ± SD, 53.0 ± 14.4 years). Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) were involved in 20.7% of cases. Favorable outcomes were recorded in 69.2% of cases: 117/179 (65.3%) in the 10-day treatment group vs 169/287 (71.9%) in the 5-7-day treatment group (P = .153). The only factor associated with failure in the multivariate analysis was a positive culture from suction drainage (odds ratio, 1.622; 95% CI, 1.005-2.617; P = .046). Effective treatment duration >7 days and intraoperative samples negative for MDROs were not associated with better outcomes (P = .153 and P = .241, respectively). A treatment strategy combining surgical debridement and flap covering, followed by 5 to 7 days of effective antibiotic treatment seems safe.

Antimicrobial Effects of Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma on Oral Microcosm Biofilms.

We comparatively evaluated the antibacterial effects of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) on oral microcosm biofilms. Oral microcosm biofilms, which are derived from inoculation with human saliva, were cultured on 48 hydroxyapatite disks for 6 days. The prepared biofilms were divided into three different daily treatment groups: distilled water for 1 min, 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) for 1 min, and NTAPP for 5 min. Using a quantitative light-induced fluorescence-digital camera, the red fluorescence intensity of the biofilms was measured as red/green ratios (RatioR/G) before and after treatment. Total and aciduric bacteria were counted as colony-forming units. Using live/dead bacterial staining, bacterial viability was calculated as the RatioG/G+R. RatioR/G was approximately 0.91-fold lower in the NTAPP group than in the CHX group on day 1 of treatment (p = 0.001), and approximately 0.94-fold lower on both days 2 and 3 (p < 0.001). The number of total bacteria was higher in the NTAPP group than in the CHX group, but not significantly different. The number of aciduric bacteria was lowest in the CHX group (p < 0.001). However, bacterial viability was lowest in the NTAPP group. Restricted bacterial aggregation was observed in the NTAPP group. These findings suggest that NTAPP may more effectively reduce the pathogenicity of oral microcosm biofilms than 0.12% CHX.

Clinical efficacy of mucoactive therapy with 7% hypertonic saline in patients with acute bronchitis

Introduction. Respiratory viruses are the overwhelming etiological agents of acute bronchitis in adults. However, the routine management of such patients often includes the prescription of antibiotics. The primary treatment for acute bronchitis is the administration of mucoactive agents to liquefy and improve sputum flow.The aim is to investigate the efficacy and safety of 7% hypertonic solution in patients with acute bronchitis.Materials and methods. A total of 50 patients were enrolled, of whom 25 participants received Ingasalin® forte (7% hypertonic solution) and 25 patients formed a second control group in which participants received other drugs as mucoactive therapy (routine clinical practice).Results. Severity of productive cough in Group 1 patients equaled 2,24 ± 0,4 points, in Group 2 – 2,4 ± 0,5 points. On the 4th day there was a significant reduction in the severity of both daytime and nighttime cough in the vast majority of patients. At the same time, severity of daytime cough on the 4th day of treatment in Group 1 was equal to 1,36 ± 0,5, and in Group 2 – to 1,7 ± 0,5. During the same period, the number of AB patients with a significant reduction in cough severity in group 1 was 16 (64%), while in group 2–8 (32%).Conclusion. Thus, the use of 7% hypertonic solution was accompanied by a good effect in the form of a pronounced cough regression in patients with AB.

Better design leads to better results - Importance of virological outcome design in clinical trials for antiviral treatment of coronavirus disease 2019.

Better design leads to better results - Importance of virological outcome design in clinical trials for antiviral treatment of coronavirus disease 2019.

The cure rate of 10-day bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication is equivalent to 14-day: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a major cause of duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer. However, the optimal duration for H. pylori eradication therapy remains controversial. Most studies have mainly focused on triple therapy, and there is insufficient research on bismuth-containing quadruple therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effect of the 10-day bismuth-containing quadruple treatment regimen with the 14-day regime in eradicating H. pylori. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials published in English until May 2022 according to the eligibility criteria. Summary risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for eradication rates, adverse effects, and compliance were calculated for included studies. Four studies, involving 1173 patients, were eligible for inclusion. The eradication rate was similar in the 10-day treatment group and the 14-day treatment group in the intention-to-treat analysis (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.01). Meanwhile, the incidence of adverse effects was lower in patients who received 10days of treatment than in those who received 14days of treatment and patients' compliance was almost the same between two groups. Compared to the 14-day bismuth-containing quadruple regimens, 10-day regimens had similar efficacy and lower incidence of adverse effects. Therefore, the 10-day regimen is safe and well-tolerated and should be recommended for H. pylori infection.

Infrared Thermography for Early Identification and Treatment of Shoulder Sores to Improve Sow and Piglet Welfare.

Shoulder sores in sows cause pain, may lead to early weaning and resultant piglet distress, and premature culling. Early detection and intervention is key to avoid these substantial production and welfare imposts. In this experiment we tested infrared thermography (IRT) to identify shoulder sores before wound eruption, and effectiveness of four wound healing treatments; mānuka honey (n = 11); Derisal® (n = 11); Chloromide® (n = 13) and Repiderma® (n = 16), all of which contain no antibiotics. Three hundred and ten sows (parity 2.3 ± 0.2) were monitored daily from entry to the farrowing sheds until weaning using a thermal camera. IRT successfully detected 88% of shoulder sores as hot spots and provided a lead in time of 7 days. Sixteen percent of all sows had a hotspot detected and were randomly allocated to one of four daily treatment groups. At the end of the treatment period, sore diameter was significantly reduced for all treatments, except the Repiderma® group. Sow traits had little influence on susceptibility to shoulder sores. There may be a link between prewean mortality and shoulder sores, but this requires further investigation. The use of IRT to monitor for hotspots for early intervention is validated. Future work should concentrate on methods to prevent wound eruption after detection with IRT to improve the health and welfare of both the sow and her litter.

Experimental Study of Using Aloe Vera Gel to Treat Diabetic Chronic Cutaneous Ulcers in Bama Miniature Pigs

To investigate the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of topical application of aloe vera gel (AVG) to treat diabetic chronic cutaneous ulcers in Bama miniature pigs. The Bama miniature pig model of diabetic chronic skin wounds was constructed and the model pigs were randomly assigned to AVG daily administration group (AVG QD), aloe vera gel every-other-day administration group (AVG QOD), and diabetic control group (DC). A non-diabetic chronic skin wounds model pig was set as the non-diabetic control group (NDC). Treatment efficacy was evaluated based on the amount of time needed for complete healing of the wounds, healing rates, granulation growth rates, and skin histopathological changes. Safety was evaluated according to whether adverse reactions were observed. In addition, the dynamic changes of the relative expression levels of miR21, miR29a, miR126, miR146a, miR155, and miR210 in wound granulation tissues were examined. 1) Efficacy and safety: The amount of time needed for complete healing of the wounds was shorter in the NDC group than those of the three other groups, DC group, AVG QD group, and AVG QOD group (all P<0.05). The amount of time needed for complete healing of the wounds was shorter in the AVG QD group and AVG QOD group than that of DC group (all P<0.05). The amount of time needed for complete healing of the wounds was shorter in the AVG QOD group than that of AVG QD group (all P<0.05). No adverse reactions were detected in the whole process of AVG topical treatment. The granulation growth rate of NDC group was higher than those of DC group, AVG QD group, and AVG QOD group (all P<0.05). The wound healing rate of NDC group was higher than those of DC group, AVG QD group, and AVG QOD group (all P<0.05); the wound healing rate of AVG QOD group was higher than those of DC group and AVG QD group (all P<0.05). 2) Histopathology: The results of HE staining light microscopy showed that collagen fiber production increased, and that microvascular formation with slight inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the dermal interstitium at the initial stage of wound healing after AVG treatment. One year of after complete healing, pathological examination results of wound healing skin showed that the epidermal keratinization was complete, that collagen was arranged neatly and orderly, and that many microvessels were found in the interstitium. The results of picric acid celestite scarlet staining showed that, after AVG treatment, type Ⅰ collagen mainly increased in the initial stage of wound healing, type Ⅲ collagen gradually increased when the wound healed completely, and the collagen was arranged neatly during the whole process. 3) The relative expression of microRNAs: The relative expression of miR21, miR126, and miR210 in NDC group, AVG QD group, and AVG QOD group were higher than that in DC group (all P<0.05). The relative expression of miR29a and miR155 in NDC group, AVG QD group, and AVG QOD group was lower than that in DC group (all P<0.05). The relative expression of miR146a in NDC group was higher than that in DC group ( P<0.05). AVG topical application can shorten the time needed for complete healing of diabetic chronic wounds in Bama minipigs. The wound healing speed of the alternate-day treatment group was faster than that of the daily treatment group. No adverse reactions were observed over the course of the treatment. The mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of the expressions of miR21, miR126, and miR210 and the down-regulation of miR29a and miR155 in wound granulation tissue.

Advantages of an alternate-day glucocorticoid treatment strategy for the treatment of IgG4-related disease: A preliminary retrospective cohort study.

Alternate-day glucocorticoid (GC) therapy is a treatment option that can reduce GC-associated adverse events. We investigated the safety and efficacy of alternate-day GC therapy in patients with immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD).Medical records of patients with IgG4-RD who were followed for at least one year at St. Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, from 2004 to 2020 were reviewed. Patients who fulfilled comprehensive IgG4-RD diagnostic criteria were divided into alternate-day or daily GC treatment groups based on their treatment protocol. The effect of alternate-day GC therapy on glucocorticoid toxicity index (GTI) score was evaluated using multilinear analysis with adjustments for cumulative GC doses until each assessment point and propensity scores (PS) for alternate-day GC therapy. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the efficacy of alternate-day GC therapy for disease control.Among the 67 patients with IgG4-RD, patients with alternate-day (n = 13) and daily (n = 31) GC treatments were analyzed after excluding 23 ineligible patients. The median (interquartile range) age was 64 (60–70) years, 29 (65.9%) were male patients, 26 (59.1%) patients had positive biopsy results, and the median follow-up period was 1643 days. Significantly more patients with alternate-day GC treatment used concomitant immunosuppressants (11 [84.6%] vs 11 [35.5%]; P = .007). The alternate-day strategy significantly lowered the GTI score after adjusting for cumulative GC dose until the assessment and PS (adjusted coefficient: −29.5 [−54.3, −4.8], P = .021 at 12 months; −20.0 [−39.8, −0.1], P = .049 at 24 months). Serious infections were numerically less frequent in the alternate-day group (incidence ratio [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45 [0.05, 3.63], P = .45). Most patients (92.3%) in the alternate-day GC treatment group and all patients in the daily GC treatment group showed treatment responses in the remission induction therapy. The PS-adjusted hazard ratio of alternate-day GC treatment for disease flares was not significant (1.55 [0.53, 4.51]; P = .43).The alternate-day treatment strategy significantly reduced GC-related adverse events regardless of the cumulative GC dose. Alternate-day GC treatment is a feasible option for patients with IgG4-RD, without a significant increase in disease flares particularly when combined with immunosuppressants.

Long-term gamma transcranial alternating current stimulation improves the memory function of mice with Alzheimer's disease.

BackgroundThe main manifestation of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in patients and animal models is impaired memory function, characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition and impairment of gamma oscillations that play an important role in perception and cognitive function. The therapeutic effect of gamma band stimulation in AD mouse models has been reported recently. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is an emerging non-invasive intervention method, but at present, researchers have not completely understood the intervention effect of tACS. Thus, the intervention mechanism of tACS has not been fully elucidated, and the course of treatment in clinical selection also lacks theoretical support. Based on this issue, we investigated the effect of gamma frequency (40 Hz) tACS at different durations in a mouse model of AD.Materials and methodsWe placed stimulating electrodes on the skull surface of APP/PS1 and wild-type control mice (n = 30 and n = 5, respectively). Among them, 20 APP/PS1 mice were divided into 4 groups to receive 20 min 40 Hz tACS every day for 1–4 weeks. The other 10 APP/PS1 mice were equally divided into two groups to receive sham treatment and no treatment. No intervention was performed in the wild-type control mice. The short-term memory function of the mice was examined by the Y maze. Aβ levels and microglia in the hippocampus were measured by immunofluorescence. Spontaneous electroencephalogram gamma power was calculated by the average period method, and brain connectivity was examined by cross-frequency coupling.ResultsWe found that the long-term treatment groups (21 and 28 days) had decreased hippocampal Aβ levels, increased electroencephalogram spontaneous gamma power, and ultimately improved short-term memory function. The treatment effect of the short-term treatment group (7 days) was not significant. Moreover, the treatment effect of the 14-day treatment group was weaker than that of the 21-day treatment group.ConclusionThese results suggest that long-term gamma-frequency tACS is more effective in treating AD by reducing Aβ load and improving gamma oscillation than short-term gamma-frequency tACS.

Carvedilol attenuates brain damage in mice with hepatic encephalopathy

Brain injury is the most common and serious consequence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Excessive inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic responses are the major mechanisms involved in the progression of brain injury induced by HE. Carvedilol is an adrenergic receptor antagonist with pronouncedantioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The present study aimed to investigatethe effects and underlying mechanisms of carvedilol on HE-induced brain damage in mice. Experimental model of HE was induced by the injection of thioacetamide (200 mg/kg) for two consecutive days and then mice were treated with carvedilol (10 or 20 mg/kg/day, orally) for 3 days in treatment groups. After the behavioral test, animals were sacrificed and the brain tissues were collected for biochemical, real time PCR and immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed that carvedilol improved locomotor impairment and reduced mortality rate in mice with HE. Carvedilol treatment decreased the brain levels of oxidative stress markers and induced Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Carvedilol inhibited the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL1β and IL-6 in the brain tissues. Treatment of mice with carvedilol caused a significant reduction in the brain levels of iNOS/NO, myeloperoxidase (MPO), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and chemokine MCP-1 as proinflammatory mediators in HE. Moreover, the ratio of Bcl2/Bax was increased and apoptotic cell death was decreased in the brain of mice treated with carvedilol. In conclusion, carvedilol exerted protective effect against HE-induced brain injury through increasing antioxidant defense mechanisms and inhibitionof inflammatory and apoptotic pathways.