Fast Decrease Research Articles

Досвід застосування засобу «Біоплазмікс спрей для горла» в комплексному лікуванні гострих вірусних фарингітів у дітей з атопічним фоном

The problem of therapy of acute respiratory infections in children remains relevant. The most common infectious pathology of the upper respiratory tract in both children and adults is acute viral pharyngitis. Irrational prescribing of antibiotics leads to medication-induced side effects and the spread of resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics in society. Topical application of respiratory probiotics may be an important component in the supportive treatment of acute respiratory infections and reducing antibiotic dependence. The use of probiotics in children with an atopic background is of particular importance due to the possible occurrence of adverse reactions. Purpose - to assess the safety and effectiveness of the local application of Bioplasmix throat spray in the complex treatment of acute viral pharyngitis in children with an atopic background. Materials and methods. 45 children aged 6-18 years with acute viral pharyngitis took part in the study. 2 research groups were formed: the Group I - main (n=25) - received protocol treatment + Bioplasmix throat spray locally and the Group II - comparison (n=20) - only protocol treatment. All patients were assessed for the severity of clinical symptoms (fever, headache, sore throat, scratching, cough) and oropharyngoscopy data (hyperemia, swelling of the mucous membrane of the oropharynx, granularity of the back wall of the pharynx) on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th days of using the product. Results. The use of the local application of Bioplasmix throat spray for acute pharyngitis in children ensures a faster reduction in the severity of the main clinical manifestations and signs of inflammation of the oropharynx. In the Group I, compared to the Group II, there were better indicators of a decrease in the severity of cough (1.2±0.91 points vs. 1.76±0.85 points), a scratching (1.12±0.92 points vs. 1.7±0.86 points), sore throat (1.6±0.81 points vs. 2.23±0.76 points) and hyperemia of the pharynx (1.4±0.7 points vs. 2.1±0.9 points) from the 3rd day, swelling of the pharynx (1.22±0.86 points vs. 1.8±1.04 points) from the 4th day. Adverse reactions were not noted during the use of the local application of Bioplasmix throat spray. Conclusions. Local probiotic therapy is an important component of the complex therapy of acute pharyngitis, the use of bacteria of the genus Bacillus in the form of Bioplasmix throat spray shows a positive effect on the course of acute viral pharyngitis in children, which manifests by a faster decrease in the severity of subjective symptoms of pharyngitis and inflammatory signs of the oropharynx. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.

Role of clinical pharmacists in multidisciplinary collaborative management of blood glucose in COVID-19 patients with hyperglycemia

BackgroundDuring the ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19, the association between hyperglycemia and COVID-19 infection has emerged as a notable concern. Therefore, finding effective methods to manage hyperglycemia in patients with COVID-19 is crucial. ObjectiveTo introduce the clinical pharmacists participating in multidisciplinary collaborative whole hospital blood glucose management mode, and to explore its effect on blood glucose control in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 infection and complicated with hyperglycemia. MethodsPatients with COVID-19 treated at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from December 2022 to January 2023 were assigned to routine diagnosis and treatment group and whole hospital blood glucose management group according to the blood glucose management plan received by patients. The groups were compared in regards to their adherence to management advice, blood glucose levels, fluctuation, inflammation-related indicators, medical service-related indicators, and incidence of hypoglycemia and adverse events. ResultsAfter 5 days of glucose management, both groups showed a decrease in fasting and postprandial blood glucose. Postprandial blood glucose in the whole hospital glucose management group was significantly lower than the routine group (P < 0.05). The whole hospital glucose management group showed a significant increase in compliance rate, improved inflammation-related indicators, and higher detection rates for hemoglobin and islet function (P < 0.05). Implementation rates for medical orders and treatment plans were also higher in the whole hospital group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse events. ConclusionsMultidisciplinary blood glucose management is highly recommended for patients with COVID-19 who have hyperglycemia due to its effectiveness, standardization, safety, and improvement of inflammation indicators.

Typical X-Ray Outburst Light Curves of Aql X-1

We show that the typical X-ray outburst light curve of Aql X-1 can be reproduced by accretion onto a neutron star in the frame of the disk instability model without invoking partial accretion or the propeller effect. The knee and the subsequent sharp decay in the X-ray light curve can be generated naturally by taking into account the weak dependence of the disk aspect ratio, h/r, on the disk mass-flow rate, Ṁin , in the X-ray irradiation flux calculation. This Ṁin dependence of h/r only slightly modifies the irradiation temperature profile along the hot disk in comparison to that obtained with a constant h/r. Nevertheless, this small difference has a significant cumulative effect on the hot disk radius, leading to a much faster decrease in the size of the hot disk and thereby to a sharper decay in the X-ray outburst light curve. The same model also produces the long-term evolution of Aql X-1, consistent with its observed outburst recurrence time and typical light curve. Our results imply that the source accretes matter from the disk in the quiescent state as well. We also estimate that the dipole moment of the source μ ≲ 4 × 1026 G cm3 (B ≲ 4 × 108 G at the surface).

Periodic Determination of Physical and Physiological Responses to High Temperature Stress in cv. Narince Grapes

Stress is a condition that affects or even inhibits growth, development and metabolism in plants. The type of stress, duration of application and severity also affect plants significantly. In this study, the weekly responses of Narince, a wine grape variety, to high temperature stress (HTS) in in vitro conditions were followed and stress was applied in two different periods, for 12 and 18 hours at 40°C. Some growth development (viability, fresh shoot weight, dry shoot weight, number of leaves, shoot length), physiological (ion flow and relative water content (RWC)) and biochemical (malondialdehyde (MDA)) analyses were done, with weekly follow-ups after the applications. In addition, the damage was graded visually. At the end of the application of both stresses, the percentage viability rate started to decrease. This rate decreased more slowly during HTS for 12 hours, while a faster decrease was observed in HTS for 18 hours. The number of healthy plants to be evaluated could not be reached after the fourth week. Growth and development parameters – fresh shoot weight (g), dry shoot weight (g) and shoot length (mm) – decreased after both stress applications, and these values were found to be statistically significant. After 12 hours of HTS application, the highest MDA value was determined at 0.274 nmol in the sixth week, while the lowest MDA value was determined in the first week, at 0.137 nmol. After 18 hours of HTS application, the highest MDA value was determined in the fourth week, at 0.263 nmol, while the lowest MDA value of 0.103 nmol was determined in the first week.

The effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus,Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium longum probiotics on bilirubin levels of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia

Hyperbilirubinemia, a common illness in newborns that can lead to hospital readmission, has been treated with blue light phototherapy. This treatment, either on its own or in combination with probiotics, has shown fast and significant decreases in bilirubin levels in the blood, helping to speed up the fading of jaundice. This study aims to examine the effects of combining phototherapy with probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium longum on newborns with hyperbilirubinemia. The study was conducted at Sultan Agung Islamic Hospital (RSI Sultan Agung), Semarang, using a randomized controlled trial design. It included newborns who were hospitalized between August and November 2022. The control group was administered phototherapy, whereas the treatment group received both phototherapy and probiotics for 7 days. SPSS software analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in average levels of total and indirect bilirubin in the intervention group (6.50 mg/dl and 7.20 mg/dl) compared to the control group (6.70 mg/dl and 7.48 mg/dl). These findings highlight the potential effectiveness of the combined approach in controlling hyperbilirubinemia. The study proposes using probiotics as a safe additional treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, showing that it is well-tolerated and safe for the participants. Although the combination of probiotics and phototherapy did not show a significant difference compared to phototherapy alone, it did result in a faster average decrease in hyperbilirubinemia. This could reduce the necessity for hospital readmissions to manage this condition. The findings underscore the potential of probiotics as a helpful supplement to established treatment methods for newborn hyperbilirubinemia.

Effect of layer thickness for the bounce of a particle settling through a density transition layer.

We study numerically a spherical particle settling through a density transition layer at moderate Reynolds numbers Re_{u}=69∼259 for the upper fluid. We investigate how the transition layer thickness affects the particle's bouncing behavior as it crosses the interface. The previous intuitive understanding was that the bounce occurs when the relative thickness of the transition layer, L/D, which is characterized by the ratio of the layer thickness L to the particle diameter D, is small. Indeed, we report no bounce phenomenon for very thick interfaces, i.e., L/D>10 in the current parametric range. However, we argue that the bounce can also be inhibited when L/D is too small. Upon a fixed upper layer Reynolds number Re_{u}=207 with varying L/D, we examine the flow evolution of these cases. We propose that this inhibition is attributed to two mechanisms. First, as the interface thickness decreases, the detachment of the attached lighter fluid from the upper layer occurs more rapidly, resulting in a faster decrease in buoyancy. Second, in the case of a very thin interface (L/D=0.5-3.0), the residual light fluid accumulates and undergoes a secondary detachment, separating from the particle at an angle relative to the central axis. This secondary detachment reduces the drag force and effectively prevents the particle from experiencing a rebound motion.

Global trend analysis of diabetes mellitus incidence, mortality, and mortality-to-incidence ratio from 1990 to 2019

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a common chronic disease and a public health challenge worldwide. The present study aimed to analyze the trend in DM incidence, mortality, and mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) world over 30 years. The age-standardized DM incidence and mortality rates for both genders and different countries of the world from 1990 to 2019 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study and the Human Development Index (HDI) was obtained for all countries from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) database. The mean trends for the indicators for developing countries, developed countries, and all countries were evaluated using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) and the spline model. The estimates showed that the global mean trend of DM incidence from 1990 to 2019 followed an upward trend with an annual increase of 3.73 cases per 100,000 people. The global mean of DM mortality followed an upward trend with an annual increase of 0.43 cases until 2005 followed by a downward trend after this year with an annual decrease of 0.14 and the global mean MIR followed a downward trend during the same period with an annual decrease of 0.001 per 100,000 people. Besides, the mean incidence of DM in developing countries followed an upward trend similar to the trend in developed countries. Additionally, the mean mortality rate due to DM in developing countries increased with a slope of 0.62 until 2005 and then decreased with a slope of 0.02, and the mean MIR trend in the developed and developing countries showed a downward trend. Thus, developed countries followed a relatively faster decrease in MIR than developing countries.The data from the present study show the increased incidence of DM has made it one of the most important health concerns in the world, and if this issue is not addressed, this disease can cause more concerns for communities in the coming years. This being so, more DM prevention and control programs need to be put into practice.

Amplification of Coupled Hot‐Dry Extremes Over Eastern Monsoon China

AbstractHigh air temperatures and low atmospheric humidity can result in severe disasters such as flash droughts in regions characterized by high humidity (monsoon regions). However, it remains unclear whether responses of hot extremes to warming temperature are amplified on dry days as well as the response of dry extremes on hot days. Here, taking eastern monsoon China (EMC) as a typical monsoon region, we find a faster increase in air temperature on drier summer days, and a faster decrease in atmospheric humidity on hotter days, indicating “hotter days get drier” and “drier days get hotter” (i.e., coupling hotter and drier extremes), especially in southern EMC. The southern EMC is also a hotspot where the coupling hot‐dry extremes has become significantly stronger during the past six decades. The stronger hot‐dry coupling in southern EMC is associated with anomalies in large‐scale circulations, such as reduced total cloud cover, abnormal anticyclones in the upper atmosphere, intense descending motion, and strong moisture divergence over this region. Land‐atmosphere feedback enhance the hot‐dry coupling in southern EMC by increasing land surface dryness (seen as a decrease in the evaporation fraction). The decreasing evaporation fraction is associated with drying surface soil moisture, controlled by decreases in pre‐summer 1‐m soil moisture and summer‐mean precipitation. Given hot extremes are projected to increase and atmospheric humidity is predicted to decrease in the future, it is very likely that increasing hot‐dry days and associated disasters will be witnessed in monsoon regions, which should be mitigated against by adopting adaptive measures.

Longitudinal change of plasma biomarkers with incident mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease in a multi‐ethnic cohort

AbstractBackgroundThe utility of plasma‐based Alzheimer’s biomarkers in differentiating cognitively healthy individuals from those with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been widely investigated in cross‐sectional studies. There are fewer data on longitudinal change of these biomarkers over time, particularly in multi‐ethnic cohorts.MethodBased on a community‐based, multi‐ethnic cohort study, the Washington Heights Inwood Columbia Aging Project, we included 610 cognitively normal individuals with three plasma samples collected over a mean period of 6.7 years. We used AD biomarkers, including Aβ40, Aβ42, tau, phosphorylated tau‐181 (P‐tau181), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL), and two calculated ratio measures (Aβ42/Aβ40, P‐tau181/Aβ42). During the follow‐up, 156 individuals developed MCI, 50 developed AD, and 404 remained cognitively unimpaired. We used generalized estimating equations to examine whether those who developed MCI and AD had different rates of change in plasma biomarkers than controls. Analyses were adjusted for age, years of education, sex, race and ethnicity, and APOE ɛ4 status. Similar analyses were performed to examine whether the rate of biomarker change differed by race and ethnicity, sex, and APOE ɛ4 status.ResultThe initial mean age of individuals was 73.1 (SD = 5.6) years, 419 (69%) were women, and 25.9% carried APOE e4. Individuals self‐identified as non‐Hispanic White (28.9%), non‐Hispanic Black (25.4%), or Hispanic (45.7%). Compared to controls, individuals with incident MCI had an accelerated increase in P‐tau181 (b = 0.029, p = 0.048), NfL (b = 0.027, p = 0.010), GFAP (b = 0.029, p = 0.002), and a more rapid decrease in Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio (b = ‐0.015, p = 0.033). Individuals with incident AD also had a greater increase in NfL (b = 0.041, p = 0.027) and GFAP (b = 0.04, p = 0.006) than controls. Hispanics had a faster increase in NfL (b = 0.033, p = 0.002) and GFAP (b = 0.034, p&lt;0.001), and Black participants had a faster increase in NfL (b = 0.028, p = 0.023), compared to Whites. Neither sex nor APOE ɛ4 genotype affected rates of biomarker changes.ConclusionLongitudinal change in plasma biomarkers may have clinical utility, since incident MCI and AD are accompanied by faster increases in P‐tau181, NfL, and GFAP, and a faster decrease in Aβ42/ Aβ40 ratio. The trajectories of AD biomarker change may also vary by race and ethnicity.

Improved Perceptions of Parental Support for Physical Activity and Healthy Eating among Young Adolescents During COVID 19 pandemic

Family routines play a key role in promoting child health behaviors. This study aims to 1) describe changes in children’s perceptions of physical activity (PA) and healthy eating family routines across three time points: pre-pandemic (2017-2020), early pandemic (2020), and mid-pandemic (2021); and 2) explore the role of pandemic-related economic stressors on these changes. Children’s perceptions of family routines were assessed using four scales adapted from the Comprehensive Home Environment Survey: PA-policies, Diet-policies, Diet-rules, and PA-Diet-role-model. Child age and sex were assessed at pre-pandemic, and household members’ employment loss and poverty levels were assessed during pandemic. Linear mixed models were used to assess changes and associated factors for each scale. Children (N=277) aged 8-13 y were enrolled pre-pandemic. Children’s perceptions of PA-policies and Diet-policies increased significantly from pre-pandemic to early-pandemic (b=0.9 and 2.4, respectively) and pre- to mid-pandemic (b=0.8 and 1.2, respectively). Diet-rules decreased significantly from pre- to early (b=-1.5) and pre- to mid-pandemic (b=-2.3), with no PA-Diet-role-model changes. Older children, compared to younger, had a faster decrease in Diet-policies from pre- to early pandemic. Females, compared to males, had a faster decrease in Diet-rules from pre- to mid-pandemic. Economic stressors were not associated with changes in perceived routines. Overall, children reported increased parental policies to support PA and healthy eating and decreased parental rules to regulate child eating behaviors during the pandemic. Future mixed methods research is needed to understand how changes in parental support on family routines relate to PA and healthy eating behaviors.

Effect of edible film gelatin nano-biocomposite packaging and storage temperature on the store quality of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa var.duchesne)

An edible film is a type of bioplastic packaging that can be used to package strawberries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the packaging effect using nanobiocomposite edible film based on gelatin/nanocrystalline cellulose with the addition of antioxidants nanopropolis and storage temperature on the quality and shelf life of strawberries. The strawberries fruit were packed with edible film nanobiocomposite and stored at 5 °C, 10 °C, and 30 °C. The parameters analyzed were water content, Vitamin C, hardness, total dissolved solids, pH, and shelf life. The results showed that the water content ranged from 23.95 to 65.89%w/b at the end of the storage period and was stable at 5 °C and 10 °C. The decrease in water content occurs very quickly at a storage temperature of 30 °C and control. Furthermore, hardness at the end of storage ranged between 0.265 – 0.431 kg/cm² and the fastest decrease in hardness occurred at storage at a temperature of 30 °C. All treatments experienced a decrease in Vitamin C content during storage. The total dissolved solids content at the end of storage was 5.92–12%Brix, with a shelf life ranging from 3 to 21 days of storage, as determined by all treatment parameters. Bionanocomposite edible gelatin film packaging with added nanopropolis can increase shelf life to 21 days of storage. These results showed that bionanocomposite edible film gelatin packaging can increase the shelf life of strawberries.

Study of deep transportation and plugging performance of deformable gel particles in porous media

Deformable gel particles (DGPs) possess the capability of deep profile control and flooding. However, the deep migration behavior and plugging mechanism along their path remain unclear. Breakage, an inevitable phenomenon during particle migration, significantly impacts the deep plugging effect. Due to the complexity of the process, few studies have been conducted on this subject. In this paper, we conducted DGP flow experiments using a physical model of a multi-point sandpack under various injection rates and particle sizes. Particle size and concentration tests were performed at each measurement point to investigate the transportation behavior of particles in the deep part of the reservoir. The residual resistance coefficient and concentration changes along the porous media were combined to analyze the plugging performance of DGPs. Furthermore, the particle breakage along their path was revealed by analyzing the changes in particle size along the way. A mathematical model of breakage and concentration changes along the path was established. The results showed that the passage after breakage is a significant migration behavior of particles in porous media. The particles were reduced to less than half of their initial size at the front of the porous media. Breakage is an essential reason for the continuous decreases in particle concentration, size, and residual resistance coefficient. However, the particles can remain in porous media after breakage and play a significant role in deep plugging. Higher injection rates or larger particle sizes resulted in faster breakage along the injection direction, higher degrees of breakage, and faster decreases in residual resistance coefficient along the path. These conditions also led to a weaker deep plugging ability. Smaller particles were more evenly retained along the path, but more particles flowed out of the porous media, resulting in a poor deep plugging effect. The particle size is a function of particle size before injection, transport distance, and different injection parameters (injection rate or the diameter ratio of DGP to throat). Likewise, the particle concentration is a function of initial concentration, transport distance, and different injection parameters. These models can be utilized to optimize particle injection parameters, thereby achieving the goal of fine-tuning oil displacement.

Mechanical properties and fracture behavior in copper-brass heterostructured fibers

Inspired by natural structures like bamboo and bone, the incorporation of heterogeneous fibrous structure plays a significant role in skillfully optimizing their mechanical properties. A set of copper-brass heterostructured fibers has been successfully designed and fabricated by a novel strategy, named DRA (diffusion welding, rotary swaging and annealing). This leads to a significant improvement in the synergy between strength and ductility, which can be attributed to the HDI (hetero-deformation induced) hardening effect caused by the high density of hetero-interfaces. The experimental results found that once the GND (geometrically necessary dislocations) density around the hetero-interface reaches the saturation, some GNDs can spread into the adjacent copper and brass zones to alleviate partial stress concentration. The presence of four-sides interfaces in the fibrous composite restricts the dislocation storage capacity of individual fiber, thereby abundant GNDs accumulating near the hetero-interface to produce significant stress concentration and HDI stress. Simultaneously, the severe stress concentration promotes the initiation and propagation of micro-cracks at the hetero-interfaces. These results lead to a more significant HDI hardening while a faster decrease in the work hardening rate of the hetero-fiber during the later stage of tension. Our findings have significantly enhanced our understanding of the deformation mechanism of heterostructured materials. Additionally, this innovative structural design strategy has proven to be highly valuable in the development of heterostructured materials with substantial potential for various applications.

Garcinia cambogia Extract Increased Hepatic Levels of Lipolysis-Stimulated Lipoprotein Receptor and Lipids in Mice on Normal Diet.

Garcinia cambogia extract (GCE) is a popular weight-loss supplement that also lowers plasma triglyceride (TG) levels. We hypothesized that GCE-mediated inhibition of ATP citrate lyase and thereby hepatic TG production could lead to compensatory mechanisms, including increased hepatic TG uptake via lipoprotein receptors. GCE (20 mg/day) administered 40 days orally to female C57BL/6Rj mice on a standard chow diet led to a decrease in both plasma fasting and post-prandial TG-rich lipoprotein levels, but with no significant change in body weight gain. Lipolysis stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR) protein levels, but not those of LDL-receptor, were increased as compared to controls. Mouse Hepa1-6 cells treated with the GCE active ingredient, hydroxycitrate, also led to increased LSR protein levels. Hepatic total cholesterol, TG, and muscle TG contents were higher in GCE-treated animals as compared to controls, whereas adipose TG levels were unchanged. LSR and LDL-receptor protein levels were correlated with liver total cholesterol, but only LDL-receptor was associated with liver TG. These results show that GCE treatment in mice on a standard chow diet led to significantly increased liver and muscle lipids, with no significant change in adipose tissue TG levels, which should be considered in the long-term use of GCE.

Plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein as a biomarker of disease progression in Parkinson’s disease: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundReactive astrogliosis has been demonstrated to have a role in Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, astrocyte-specific plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)’s correlation with PD progression remains unknown. We aimed to determine whether plasma GFAP can monitor and predict PD progression.MethodsA total of 184 patients with PD and 95 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this prospective cohort study and followed-up for 5 years. Plasma GFAP, amyloid-beta (Aβ), p-tau181, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were measured at baseline and at 1- and 2-year follow-ups. Motor and non-motor symptoms, activities of daily living, global cognitive function, executive function, and disease stage were evaluated using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part III, UPDRS-I, UPDRS-II, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scales at each visit, respectively.ResultsPlasma GFAP levels were higher in patients with PD (mean [SD]: 69.80 [36.18], pg/mL) compared to HCs (mean [SD]: 57.89 [23.54], pg/mL). Higher levels of GFAP were observed in female and older PD patients. The adjusted linear mixed-effects models showed that plasma GFAP levels were significantly associated with UPDRS-I scores (β: 0.006, 95% CI [0.001–0.011], p = 0.027). Higher baseline plasma GFAP correlated with faster increase in UPDRS-I (β: 0.237, 95% CI [0.055–0.419], p = 0.011) and UPDRS-III (β: 0.676, 95% CI [0.023–1.330], p = 0.043) scores and H&Y stage (β: 0.098, 95% CI [0.047–0.149], p < 0.001) and faster decrease in MoCA (β: − 0.501, 95% CI [− 0.768 to − 0.234], p < 0.001) and FAB scores (β: − 0.358, 95% CI [− 0.587 to − 0.129], p = 0.002). Higher baseline plasma GFAP predicted a more rapid progression to postural instability (hazard ratio: 1.009, 95% CI [1.001–1.017], p = 0.033).ConclusionsPlasma GFAP might be a potential biomarker for monitoring and predicting disease progression in PD.

263 Dietary Supplementation of Tryptophan, Threonine, and Methionine Improves the Growth and Immune Status for Lighter Body Weight Pigs But Not for Heavier Pigs Under a Sanitary Challenge

Abstract Great variability in growth performance and blood metabolites is observed between animals and within the same group. This variation may exist between individuals due to the initial body weight (BW) which may determine different abilities to cope with a sanitary challenge (SC). Besides, supplementing tryptophan (Trp), threonine (Thr), and methionine (Met) above NRC requirements supports the immune system and growth performance costs during a SC. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of initial BW on changes in body composition, and blood metabolites of growing pigs housed under poor SC and receiving Trp, Thr, and Met at 100 or 120% of NRC recommended levels. Twenty gilts were categorized into two groups according to initial BW: light (22.5 ± 0.8 kg) and heavy (28.5 ± 1.0 kg). Both BW groups were group-housed for a 28-d trial. Pigs were orally inoculated with 2 × 109 CFU of Salmonella typhimurium, and manure from a commercial pig farm was spread on the floor. Two dietary treatments were provided: control (CN) or supplemented (AA+) diet with Trp, Thr, and Met:Lysine 20% above the NRC (2012) requirements. Serum albumin and urea, along with BW were measured on days 0, 14, and 28. Body composition was estimated by dual-energy X-ray densitometry on days 0, and 28 to obtain protein (BP, % of BW) and lipid (BL, % of BW) masses. A linear mixed regression considering repeated measures in time was used to compare the slopes of the BW groups, day, and their interaction within dietary treatments. The BW and BP increased, whereas BL decreased with time (P &amp;lt; 0.10; Table 1). However, light pigs had greater BL than heavy pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.10). Dietary treatment influenced BW differently, and BL changes over time within BW groups (Figure 1). Light pigs fed the CN diet had a faster decrease in BL and a slower increase in BW over time than heavy pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.10), which was not observed in pigs fed AA+ diet. Light pigs fed CN diet had greater serum urea than heavy pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.10), with no differences for pigs fed AA+ diet. No changes in serum albumin were observed between BW within diets. Heavier pigs tend to adapt and cope better under a SC and may not need AA supplementation above the requirement. On the other hand, increasing AA improved ability of lighter pigs to cope with the SC allowing for a greater growth potential under a poor SC.

The Impact of Isatuximab Regimens on Hypogammaglobulinemia Occurrence, Recovery, and Associated Infections in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Introduction: Isatuximab (Isa) is an immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 monoclonal antibody targeting a CD38 transmembrane glycoprotein in multiple myeloma (MM). Isa is approved for use in multiple countries to treat adults with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) when given in combination with either pomalidomide-dexamethasone (Pd) or carfilzomib-dexamethasone (Kd). Hypogammaglobulinemia (HGG; polyclonal IgG &amp;lt;4 g/L) and the associated infection risk is a potential complication for patients (pts) with MM treated with immunotherapies. High infection and HGG rates have been reported during treatment (tx) with antimyeloma therapies, and in particular, recently, with anti-B cell maturation antigen-directed therapies. 1,2 Here, we explore the impact of Isa monotherapy on Ig levels, and of approved Isa combinations (Isa-Pd and Isa-Kd) on Ig levels and the incidence, severity, and clinical significance of HGG, including the incidence of infections depending on concomitance of HGG or not, in pts with RRMM. Methods: Pts with RRMM with central lab Ig data from 3 monotherapy studies were pooled (across dose levels, most &amp;gt;10 mg/kg) to retrospectively explore Ig levels throughout tx with Isa monotherapy until disease progression, intolerable toxicity, or withdrawal.We performed a side-by-side analysis of pts from the Phase 3 ICARIA-MM (Isa-Pd vs Pd) and IKEMA (Isa-Kd vs Kd) studies with/without HGG at baseline and concomitance of HGG with infections. Pts were analyzed overall and according to the heavy chain of the monoclonal protein at study entry, where IgG consisted of monoclonal IgG (M-spike in g/dL *1000) subtracted from total quantitative IgG (mg/dL) to obtain the true polyclonal IgG level, and non-IgG consisted of other Ig or light chain subtypes. Recovery was defined as &amp;gt;6 g/L (complete) or ≥4 g/L (partial) after having &amp;lt;4 g/L at any time. Results: Isa monotherapy analyses revealed a fast decrease in non-involved IgA levels after 1 month, followed by stabilization, which has also been reported with daratumumab monotherapy. Isa monotherapy did not induce decreased IgG levels. In ICARIA-MM, more pts with non-IgG vs IgG MM at study entry had HGG during tx (54.0% vs 14.4%, Isa-Pd; 39.6% vs 12.7%, Pd), whereas incidences were similar in IKEMA (11.7% vs 8.9%, Isa-Kd; 15.5% vs 11.4%, Kd). A smaller proportion of pts with HGG vs without HGG at any time during the study had definitive tx discontinuation in both ICARIA-MM and IKEMA; discontinuations related to adverse events (AEs) were less frequent in pts with HGG vs without HGG (Table). Of these AEs, infections led to discontinuation in 33.3% to 46.2% of patients with HGG at any time, regardless of tx (Table). In ICARIA-MM, 70.9% (Isa-Pd) and 55.5% (Pd) of pts without HGG at baseline developed HGG post-baseline; in IKEMA, 90.6% (Isa-Kd) and 82.0% (Kd) developed HGG post-baseline. Among pts who received Isa-Pd, those who had IgG MM at study entry experienced a larger proportion of recovery (9.1%, complete; 26.0%, partial) than those with non-IgG MM (6.8%, complete; 15.9%, partial); similar results were seen with Pd in pts with (21.9%, complete; 40.6%, partial) and without IgG MM (4.8%, complete; 19.0%, partial). Pts who had IgG MM at study entry and received Isa-Kd experienced a larger proportion of recovery (17.0%, complete; 33.0%, partial) than those with non-IgG MM (3.8%, complete; 7.5%, partial); similar results were seen with Kd in pts with (14.7%, complete; 25.3%, partial) and without IgG MM (3.1%, complete; 3.1%, partial). Infections of any grade concomitant with HGG were reported in 28.2% of pts in ICARIA-MM and 59.2% in IKEMA, with a larger proportion of pts receiving Isa combinations reporting infections of any grade and Grade ≥3 (Table). Respiratory infections of any grade concomitant with HGG were more frequent in pts receiving Isa-Pd vs Pd and Isa-Kd vs Kd (Table). There were low proportions of pts with Grade ≥3 respiratory infections concomitant with HGG regardless of tx arm (Table). Conclusions: Monotherapy with Isa had little impact on Ig levels. Among pts treated with Isa monotherapy, there is an early drop in non-involved IgA levels, followed by stabilization. In ICARIA-MM and IKEMA, HGG did not contribute to increased Grade ≥3 infections. Isa added to backbone tx is safe with a low rate of Grade ≥3 infections despite the decrease in Ig levels. Funding: Sanofi.

Activated vortex lattice transition in a superconductor with combined sixfold and twelvefold anisotropic interactions

Numerical simulations are used to examine the transition dynamics between metastable and ground state vortex lattice phases in a system with combined sixfold and twelvefold contributions to the vortex–vortex interactions. The system is initially annealed using a twelvefold anisotropy, yielding domains of two different orientations and separated by grain boundaries. The vortex–vortex interaction is then suddenly changed to a sixfold anisotropy, rendering the twelvefold state metastable. Applying a drive that mimics an oscillating magnetic field causes the metastable state to decay, indicated by the structure factor that evolves from twelve to six peaks. The results fit the behavior seen in recent small-angle neutron scattering studies of the vortex lattice in MgB2. At higher drive amplitudes, the decay exhibits a two step process in which the initial fast decrease is followed by a slower regime where avalanches or bursts are correlated with dislocation annihilation events. The results are compared to other types of metastable systems with quenched disorder that decay under a periodic external drive.

Variability of cardioinhibition in vasovagal syncope: differences between subgroups during cardioinhibition and beyond

PurposeWe compared hemodynamic parameters between subjects with marked, intermediate and minimal cardioinhibition during vasovagal syncope.MethodsThe study included subjects with a decrease in heart rate while experiencing a complete vasovagal syncope during tilt-table testing. The subjects were classified as having marked, intermediate or minimal cardioinhibition, based on tertile values of the decrease in heart rate. Hemodynamic parameters between these groups were compared before tilt in the supine position, shortly after tilt and during cardioinhibition.ResultsA total of 149 subjects with a median age of 43 (interquartile range 24–60) years were included in the study. Among the three groups with different levels of cardioinhibition, the highest heart rate was observed in subjects with marked cardioinhibition both before and shortly after tilt and at the start of cardioinhibition. The heart rate decrease in these subjects was both larger and faster compared to subjects with minimal and intermediate cardioinhibition.ConclusionSubjects with marked cardioinhibition have both a larger and faster decrease in heart rate compared to subjects with intermediate and minimal cardioinhibition, as early as from the start of cardioinhibition. Marked cardioinhibition is related to differences in hemodynamic profiles already present well before the start of cardioinhibition.

In Situ Visible Spectroscopic Daily Monitoring of Senescence of Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) Leaves.

The degradation of green leaves in autumn after their photosynthetic activities is associated with decreases in chlorophylls and increases in anthocyanins. However, the sequential orders of these processes are not well understood because of a lack of continuous monitoring of leaves in the same positions. Therefore, the senescence processes of Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) leaves were followed daily in the same positions for approximately 60 days using visible spectroscopy with an original handheld visible-near-infrared spectrometer. The obtained reflection spectra were converted to absorption spectra and band areas of chlorophyll a and anthocyanins were determined. Decreases in the chlorophyll a band area with time show two-step exponential decreases corresponding to slow and fast first-order decrease rates. A rapid decrease in chlorophyll a started after an increase in anthocyanin. Therefore, the leaf senescence started through a slow decrease in chlorophyll a (20-30 days), followed by a rapid increase in anthocyanins (~20 days), followed by a rapid decrease in chlorophyll a (10-20 days). The formation of anthocyanins has been proposed to protect leaf cells from losing chlorophylls through solar radiation damage. The obtained sequential changes of pigments support this light screen hypothesis. (199 words < 200 words).