AP Group Research Articles

On the Inertia Conjecture and its generalizations

We study the two-point branched Galois covers of the projective line given by explicit equations and with prescribed branched data. We also obtain several results using formal patching techniques that are useful in realizing new Galois covers. As a consequence, we prove the Inertia Conjecture for the alternating groups Ap+1, Ap+3, Ap+4 when p ≡ 2 (mod 3) is an odd prime and for the group Ap+5 when additionally 4 ∤ (p + 1) and p ≥ 17. We also pose a general question motivated by the Inertia Conjecture and obtain some affirmative results. A special case of this question, which we call the Generalized Purely Wild Inertia Conjecture, is shown to be true for the groups for which the purely wild part of the Inertia Conjecture is already established. We show that if this generalized conjecture is true for the groups G1 and G2 which do not have a common quotient, then the conjecture is also true for the product G1 × G2.

Effect of Berberine on Activation of TLR4-NFκB Signaling Pathway and NLRP3 Inflammasome in Patients with Gout.

To determine the effects of berberine (BBR) on the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor (NF)κB (NF-κB) signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome in patients with gout. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from 24 acute (AP) and 41 non-acute (NAP) phases of primary gout patients, respectively, as well as 30 healthy controls (HC). TLR4, NF-κB (p65), NLRP3, apoptosis-associated specklike protein containing a CARD (PYCARD), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (CASP1), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA expression levels in PBMCs were measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels of TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), NF-κB (p50/65), inhibitor of kappa B kinase α/β (IKKα/β), NF-κB inhibitor α (IKBα), phospho-IKKα/β (p-IKKα/β), NLRP3, PYCARD, and CASP1 were monitored by Western blotting. Serum IL-1β protein level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, PBMCs from HC and macrophages derived from a spontaneously immortalized monocyte-like cell line (THP-1) were stimulated using monosodium urate (MSU, 100 µg/mL), 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide, 25 µmol/L BBR, and 10, 25, and 50 µmol/L BBR+100 µg/mL MSU for different time periods. The protein levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell culture supernatants was measured by ELISA, and the protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB (p50/p65), IKKα/β, I κBβ, p-IKKα/β, NLRP3, PYCARD, and CASP1 in macrophages were analyzed by Western blotting. (1) TLR4, NF-κB (p65), PYCARD, CASP1, and IL-1β mRNA levels in PBMCs were significantly higher in the AP group than in the HC group (P<0.05). The NLRP3 mRNA expression levels in PBMCs were found to be significantly lower in the AP and NAP groups than in the HC group (P<0.05, P<0.01). (2) The protein levels of TLR4, IKKβ, MyD88, NF-κB, p-IKKα/β, PYCARD, and CASP1 in PBMCs were significantly higher, and those of IκBα, IKKα, and NLRP3 were found to be significantly lower in the AP group than in the HC group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). (3) The serum IL-1β protein levels were significantly higher in the AP and NAP groups than in the HC group (P<0.01). (4) The IL-1β protein level was significantly lower in the culture supernatants of the PBMCs stimulated with MSU for 3 and 6 h in the 25 and 50 µmoL/L BBR groups compared with that in the MSU group (P<0.01). (5) The protein levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were also significantly lower in the culture supernatants of macrophages stimulated with MSU for 3 and 6 h in BBR groups compared with those in the MSU group (P<0.01). (6) The protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB (p50, p65, p105), IKKα/β, p-IκBα, p-IKKα/β, PYCARD, and CASP1 were significantly differed between the macrophages stimulated with MSU for 0.5 and 6 h in BBR groups compared with those in the MSU group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Activation of TLR4-NFκB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome by MSU crystals drives the progression of gout inflammation. BBR ameliorates gouty inflammation, which is mechanistically associated with its regulation of TLR4-NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome expression.

운동기술 학습 및 동기 수준에 있어 혼합된 자기통제 연습의 효과

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a mixed design method of task related(amount of practice and task difficulty) and indirectly-related(color) factors using self-controlled practice affects the acquisition and learning motor skills and to analyze the participation motivation on task between group. In Experiment 1, the sport stacking task was used, and APCO, AP, CO, and C groups were used as a mixture of the amount of practice and choice of color. Performance time was used as the dependent variable. As a result, the APCO group showed a better learning effect than the C group and the AP group. In Experiment 2, the baseball throwing task was used, and the DICO, CO, DI, and C groups were used as a mixture of distance difficulty and choice of color. Performance score was used as the dependent variable. As a result, the DICO group showed a better learning effect than the CO, DI, and C groups. The participation motivation on task test used to measure psychological variables through self-control practice did not show a valid difference in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2. The effect of the mixed design method through self-control practice in the autonomy support environment was found to be applicable to various motor skills.

Serulein ile Akut Pankreatit Oluşturulan Ratlara Timokinon Uygulamasının Bazı Sitokinler Üzerine Etkileri

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the possible effects of thymoquinone administration on some cytokine levels in rats with experimental acute pancreatitis. No application was made the animals in group K. TQ group animals were intraperitoneally given 20 mg/kg thymoquinone daily for 9 days. In the AP group animals, acute pancreatitis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of cerulein as first dose 50 µg/kg and 2 hours later 25 µg/kg second dose on the 7th day of the study. Animals in the AP+TQ group were intraperitoneally administered 20 mg/kg thymoquinone daily for 9 days. On the 7th day of the study, after 2 hours from thymoquinone administration, acute pancreatitis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of cerulean as 50 µg/kg and 2 hours later 25 µg/kg. TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, AST and ALT levels were determined in the blood samples taken from all animals. In the study, TNF-α level was found to be importantly higher in the acute pancreatitis group compared to the control group, while TNF-α level was significantly lower in the acute pancreatitis group treated with thymoquinone than the acute pancreatitis group. IL-6 and IL-8 levels were higher in the acute pancreatitis group compared to the control group. IL-6 and IL-8 levels were found to be significantly lower in rats with acute pancreatitis treated with thymoquinone compared to the group with acute pancreatitis. While AST and ALT levels in the acute pancreatitis group were significantly increased when compared with the control group, both enzyme levels in the acute pancreatitis group treated with thymoquinone administration were found to be significantly lower than the rats with acute pancreatitis. In the study, the findings obtained in rats with acute pancreatitis which were pre-treated with thymoquinone can be evaluated as that thymoquinone alleviates inflammation due to pancreatitis.

Biological Mechanism on SIRT1/NLRP3/IL-18 Signaling Pathway of Acupuncture for Treatment of Ischemic Stroke with Center Poststroke Pain.

Objective To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on an animal model of ischemic stroke with central poststroke pain (CPSP) through Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin-18 (IL-18) signaling pathway. Methods Data mining was performed with R package “edgeR,” “limma,” “pathview,” etc., from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 4 groups: sham operation group (Sham group, n = 5), poststroke central pain group (CPSP group, n = 5), poststroke central pain + acupuncture group (AP group, n = 5), central pain after stroke + acupuncture + SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 group (EX527 group, n = 5). Pain behavior testing was performed to determine the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to verify the data mining results from the GEO database. Results The KEGG key pathway map was created using the R package “pathview” package, demonstrating that the expression levels of NLRP3's downstream inflammatory factors IL-18 were downregulated in both of siSIRT1 group compared to the control group and the NLRP3 reconstituted group compared to NLRP3 KO group. QRT-PCR results on animal models of CPSP ischemic stroke showed that the expression levels of SIRT1 were downregulated, the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was upregulated, and the expression levels of IL-18 were upregulated in the brain tissues of the surrounding area of the injury. As the pain threshold of CPSP rats was increased, the expression level of S1RT1 was upregulated, and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome was downregulated. The expression level of IL-18 was downregulated after acupuncture treatment. Conclusion Acupuncture may inhibit CPSP in an animal model of ischemic stroke by upregulating SIRT1 expression levels, inhibition of the activation of the inflammasome, and downregulating IL-18 expression levels.

Symptomatic and asymptomatic pronated feet show differences in the forefoot abduction motion during jogging, but not in the arch deformation

ABSTRACT Pronated feet have been associated with higher risks of running-related overuse injuries than neutral feet. However, it remains unclear why some pronated feet develop running-related injuries, while others do not. This study aimed to examine the differences in foot kinematics during jogging among individuals with symptomatic pronated feet (SP), asymptomatic pronated feet (AP) and asymptomatic neutral feet (AN). Thirty-nine recreational runners were recruited and classified into the SP, AP and AN groups. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) and ANOVA were used to identify kinematic differences among three groups. The SPM results showed that the SP had larger forefoot abduction than the AN and AP during jogging, while three groups had similar rearfoot eversion during jogging. Both the AP and SP had larger forefoot sagittal range of motion (ROM) (mean difference = 3.5 and 4.8 deg, respectively) and smaller rearfoot sagittal ROM (mean difference = 5.0 and 3.5 deg, respectively) than the AN. Forefoot abduction during jogging may have the potential to identify pronated feet at greater risk of injury. Pronated feet, symptomatic or not, have comparable large forefoot sagittal ROM, i.e., arch deformation, compared to neutral feet. The findings could have implications for the injury aetiology and intervention strategies for SP.

Use of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees and risk of pneumonia in hospitalised patients with mild coronavirus disease 2019: A retrospective cohort study.

BackgroundAndrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees (AP) has been widely used in Thailand to treat mild COVID-19 infections since early 2020; however, supporting evidence is scarce and ambiguous. Thus, this study aimed to examine whether the use of AP is associated with a decreased risk of pneumonia in hospitalised mild COVID-19 patients.Materials and methodsWe collected data between March 2020 and August 2021 from COVID-19 patients admitted to one hospital in Thailand. Patients whose infection was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, had normal chest radiography and did not receive favipiravir at admission were included and categorised as either AP (deriving from a dried and ground aerial part of the plant), given as capsules with a total daily dose of 180 mg andrographolide for 5 days or standard of care. They were followed for pneumonia confirmed by chest radiography. Multiple logistic regression was used for the analysis controlling for age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, statin use, and antihypertensive drug use.ResultsA total of 605 out of 1,054 patients (mostly unvaccinated) were included in the analysis. Of these, 59 patients (9.8%) developed pneumonia during the median follow-up of 7 days. The incidence rates of pneumonia were 13.93 (95% CI 10.09, 19.23) and 12.47 (95% CI 8.21, 18.94) per 1,000 person-days in the AP and standard of care groups, respectively. Compared to the standard of care group, the odds ratios of having pneumonia in the AP group were 1.24 (95% CI 0.71, 2.16; unadjusted model) and 1.42 (95% CI 0.79, 2.55; fully adjusted model). All sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main results.ConclusionThe use of AP was not significantly associated with a decreased risk of pneumonia in mild COVID-19 patients. While waiting for insights from ongoing trials, AP’s use in COVID-19 should be done with caution.

Benign regulation of the gut microbiota: The possible mechanism through which the beneficial effects of manual acupuncture on cognitive ability and intestinal mucosal barrier function occur in APP/PS1 mice.

BackgroundGut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal barrier injury play vital roles in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) onset and development. Our previous studies have demonstrated that manual acupuncture (MA) could improve the cognitive abilities of APP/PS1 mice. However, the effect of MA on the intestinal mucosal barrier and the gut microbiota mechanism through which this effect occurs remain to be clarified.MethodsIn the APP/PS1 manual acupuncture (Am) group, MA was applied in Baihui (GV20), Yintang (GV29), and Zusanli (ST36). Mice in the APP/PS1 antibiotic + manual acupuncture (Aa) group were treated with an antibiotic mixture and MA at the same time. Probiotics were delivered to the APP/PS1 probiotics (Ap) group. Alterations in spatial learning and memory, the gut microbiota, the intestinal barrier function, and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and TNF-α were evaluated in each group.ResultsCompared with the C57BL/6 control (Cc) group, cognitive ability was significantly decreased, the gut microbiota structure was obviously disrupted, intestinal barrier integrity was drastically impaired, and the intestinal inflammatory response was enhanced in the APP/PS1 control (Ac) group (P < 0.01). These changes were reversed by MA and probiotics (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), whereas antibiotics inhibited the benign regulation by MA (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05).ConclusionManual acupuncture can benignly modulate gut microbiota dysbiosis, significantly reduce intestinal inflammation, and effectively alleviate the destruction of the intestinal mucosal barrier in APP/PS1 mice, and the effects are comparable to those of probiotics. The gut microbiota may play an important role in the improvement of the cognitive function and intestinal barrier function by MA.

Evidence of Stem Cells Mobilization in the Blood of Patients with Pancreatitis: A Potential Link with Disease Severity.

A growing number of studies indicate the potential involvement of various populations of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) in tissue repair. However, the mobilization of BMSCs to the peripheral blood (PB) in acute and chronic pancreatitis (AP and CP) has not been investigated. A total of 78 patients were assigned into AP, CP, and healthy control groups in this study. Using flow cytometry, we found that VSELs, EPCs, and CD133+SCs were mobilized to the PB of patients with both AP and CP. Interestingly, AP and CP patients exhibited lower absolute number of circulating MSCs in the PB compared to healthy individuals. SC mobilization to the PB was more evident in patients with AP than CP and in patients with moderate/severe AP than mild AP. Using ELISA, we found a significantly increased HGF concentration in the PB of patients with AP and SDF1α in the PB of patients with CP. We noted a significant positive correlation between SDF1α concentration and the mobilized population of CD133+SCs in AP and between C5a and the mobilized population of VSELs moderate/severe AP. Thus, bone marrow-derived SCs may play a role in the regeneration of pancreatic tissue in both AP and CP, and mobilization of VSELs to the PB depends on the severity of AP.

Mechanism of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix combination in regulating type 2 diabetes mellitus through AMPK signaling pathway: based on network pharmacology and experimental verification

This study aims to explore the mechanism of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix(AP) combination in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM) based on network pharmacology and experiment. The effective components and targets of the pair were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and targets of T2 DM from each disease database. On this basis, the common targets of the medicinals and the disease were screened out. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was established based on STRING. Then Cytoscape 3.7.1 was employed for visualization of the common targets and the network topology analysis of key targets, followed by Gene Ontology(GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment of core targets by DAVID. Thereby, the possible molecular mechanism was unveiled. High-fat diet was combined with streptozotocin(STZ, injected into tail vein) for T2 DM rat modeling. Rats were classified into the normal group, model group, positive control group(metformin hydrochloride), AP high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups. After 4 weeks of intragastric administration, serum fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), interleukin(IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α of rats in each group were measured. The expression of insulin receptor substrate-2(IRS-2), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK(p-AMPK), glucose 6 phosphatase(G6 Pase), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxy kinase(Pepck) in rat liver was detected by Western blot. A total of 131 core targets of the combination in the treatment of T2 DM were screened out, among which protein kinase B(AKT) 1, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) 1, TNF-α, IL-6 were more critical. KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that the combination decreased blood glucose mainly through PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. The levels of FBG and FINS were lower and the glycogen level was higher in the AP high-dose and medium-dose groups than in the model group. The levels of AST, ALT, TG, and LDL-C in the three AP groups and the level of TC in AP high-dose and low-dose groups decreased compared with those in the model group. Levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were lower in AP high-dose and medium-dose groups than in the model group. The expression of IRS-2, AMPK, and p-AMPK was higher and that of G6 Pase and Pepck was lower in AP high-dose group than in the model group. Thus, the combination had multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics in the treatment of T2 DM. It may regulate AMPK signaling pathway through IL-6 and TNF-α to influence insulin resistance, glycogen synthesis, gluconeogenesis, islet β cell transport, and inflammatory response, thereby exerting therapeutic effect on T2 DM.

Effect of acupuncture in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a blind randomized clinical trial

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). MethodsIt is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. It was developed at the outpatient clinic of the physiotherapy department at the Federal University of Sergipe. 36 individuals were selected and allocated into 2 groups, but finalized 18 subjects in the Real Acupuncture group (RA) and 17 in the Placebo Acupuncture group (PA), due to an individual not completing the treatment with acupuncture or Placebo Acupuncture, being evaluated the intensity and characterization of pain. Subjects were treated three times a week, on alternate days, totaling 10 sessions. ResultsAfter each of session, pain intensity was significantly lower at rest (p<0.028) and movement (p<0.035) in the RA group. In the PA group, pain intensity at rest (p=0.008) and movement (p=0.038) were significantly lower after 10 sessions. There was a significant reduction in the number of words selected (NWC; Br-MPQ) in the RA group when comparing sessions 1 and 10 (p=0.004). And there was a significant decrease in NWC between 1st and 10th session in the PA group (p=0.017). Regarding the pain classification index (PCI), there was a significant reduction (p=0.001) when comparing the 1st and 10th session in the RA group. When comparing RA and PA groups, the only significant difference was that CST of the right lower back was significantly lower in the AP group after the 1st and 10th sessions (p=0.028). ConclusionIt was concluded that acupuncture on NSLBP patients in the RA group decreased intensity of pain after each session, the NWC and the PCI in the measurement of pain. However, there was no evidence of improvement in sensory tests, psychoemotional aspects and quality of life.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL FOOD ENTERPRISES ON AN INNOVATIVE BASIS

Abstract. The agri-food sector has been and remains the basis of Ukraine’s economy. Today, in the face of industrial decline and the all-encompassing process of deindustrialization of the economy, agri-food enterprises remain stable market players. Despite obstacles to development, agro-holdings have long dominated the agri-food market, accumulating significant land and financial resources. The largest companies are Kernel, UkrLandFarming, MHP, Agroposperis and Astarta-Kyiv, whose land banks exceed 200,000 hectares. These companies employ almost 75,000 workers. Agricultural holdings invest in their own development. One of the priority areas is innovative development. It is innovation that provides stability and a future for companies. The largest innovation fund is owned by Kernel, which spent $ 2.7 million, MHP — 2.5, AP Group — 2, Astarta-Kyiv, Harveast and IC — 1, Epicentr Agro — $ 0.42 million. Among these companies, Harveast and IC made the highest investments in innovative development per 1 hectare of agricultural land — 8.1 dollars, MHP — 6.9 $, Kernel and AP Group — 5 $, Astarta-Kyiv — 4 $ and Epicentr Agro — 3.8 $ per 1 hectare of agricultural land. However, despite these achievements, a mark of $ 50 / ha is considered acceptable. Due to the implementation of innovative measures Astarta-Kyiv saved about 15 million dollars in 4 years, Agroprosperis several times increased the efficiency of decisions made by agronomists, UkrLandFarming increased yields by a quarter. In general, according to experts, 80% of all spending on innovation is spent on computerization and automation of accounting processes, electronic document management, and protection of information from theft. Our study allowed us to analyze the work of company management in terms of areas of innovative development and to derive an indicator of integrated innovative development by segments and individual companies. This approach can be extrapolated to small and medium-sized agri-food enterprises. Keywords: innovation, economic development, agri-food enterprises, business process management, sustainable development. JEL Classification D24, O12, O13, O31 Formulas: 0; fig.: 2; tabl.: 2; bibl.: 25.

Ex Vivo Hydrostatic Pressure Loading of Atrial Tissues Activates Profibrotic Transcription via TGF-β Signal Pathway.

Excessive mechanical stress causes fibrosis-related atrial arrhythmia. Herein, we tried to investigate the mechanism of atrial fibrogenesis in response to mechanical stress by ex vivo approach. We collected atrial tissues from mice and then cultured them as "explants" under atmospheric pressure (AP group) or 50 mmHg hydrostatic pressure loading (HP group) conditions. Pathway-specific PCR array analysis on the expression of fibrosis-related genes indicated that the loading of atrial tissues to 50 mmHg for 24 hours extensively upregulated a series of profibrotic genes. qRT-PCR data also showed that loading atrial tissues to 50 mmHg enhanced Rhoa, Rock2, and Thbs1 expression at different time points. Interestingly, the enhanced expression of Thbs1 at 1 hour declined at 6-24 hours and then increased again at 72 hours. In contrast, an enhanced expression of Tgfb1 was observed at 72 hours. In contrast, daily loading to 50 mmHg for 3 hours significantly accelerated the outgrowth of mesenchymal stem-like stromal cells from atrial tissues; however, we did not observe significant phenotypic changes in these outgrowing cells. Our ex vivo experimental data clearly show the induction of profibrotic transcription of atrial tissues by HP loading, which confirms the common pathological feature of atrial fibrosis following pressure overload.

Outcomes of sacrocolpopexy/sacrohysteropexy with mesh placement targeted to affected compartment

ObjectiveNo recommendation regarding the number of meshes to be implanted in laparoscopic genital prolapse surgery exists. Is it necessary to implant a mesh into a compartment that is not affected to prevent its prolapse in the follow-up? Our objective was to compare the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy according to compartments where mesh was implanted. Study designThis is a retrospective cohort study of 328 patients after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy at our centre in 7/2005 – 3/2021. 294 patients with perioperative data and POP-Q and/or prolapse symptoms in mean follow-up of 42.8 months was available for the outcome analysis. Surgical failure was defined as prolapse beyond hymen, subjective recurrence or retreatment. The women were divided into four groups depending on compartments, where the mesh was implanted. Group A – anterior, group P – posterior, Group AP – compound of patients with anterior or posterior single arm mesh placement and (B), with anterior and posterior arm placement. Groups AP and B were compared for feasibility of single compartment mesh implantation. Comparison of groups A and P allowed assessment of non-inferiority of single anterior vs. posterior compartment placement. The data were compared using Wilcoxon Two Sample test, Chi-square test or Fisheŕs Exact test, p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsA single compartment mesh implantation was associated with shorter operating time and hospital stay and comparable incidence of complications. A statistically significant difference in all POP-Q points in favour of group B was observed, however, with comparable rate of prolapse beyond hymen(6.3%AP vs. 7.8%B). Similar frequency of surgical failure (17.5%AP vs. 13.8%B) and incidence of de novo pelvic floor disorders or pain was observed. Comparison of groups A and P showed higher suspension of point C in group P(−2.6 vs. −4.0, p < 0.05) with no difference in points Ba, Bp, surgical failure rate and de novo pelvic floor disorders. ConclusionImplantation of a single sheet of mesh was not associated with inferior outcome to implantation of mesh to both compartments. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with a single mesh arm placed into the affected compartment along with apical suspension does not induce a de novo prolapse in unoperated compartment.

Sodium Butyrate Attenuates Taurocholate-Induced Acute Pancreatitis by Maintaining Colonic Barrier and Regulating Gut Microorganisms in Mice.

BackgroundAcute pancreatitis (AP) damages the intestinal barrier, which aggravates AP. Butyrate exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in AP, but it is unknown if such a protective effect is associated with the regulation of gut microorganisms. We aim to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) on pancreatic inflammation, colonic barrier, and gut microorganisms.MethodsC57BL/6 mice were divided into groups of sham operation (Sham), AP, 200 mg/kg SB intervention (SB-200), and 500 mg/kg SB intervention group (SB-500). Samples were harvested 24 h after the model was established. The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsPancreatic infiltration of neutrophils, macrophages, and M2-type macrophages was significantly reduced in the SB-500 intervention group. Supplementation of SB-500 improved colon mucosal histology and the expression of ZO-1 and occluding. The relative abundance of Alloprevotella and Muribaculaceae was increased and that of Akkermansia was decreased in the SB-500 group compared with the AP group. Ruminococcaceae was the most significantly increased species and Prevotellaceae was the most significantly decreased species in the SB-500 group compared with the AP group.ConclusionHigh dose of SB inhibits pancreatic inflammation probably by maintaining the intestinal barrier and regulating gut microbiota in mice with AP.

Effects of Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) Extract and Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) Administration on Ki-67 Protein Expression in the Colon Epithelial Cells of Plasmodium berghei-infected Mice

BACKGROUND: Malaria remains a global health concern and an endemic disease in Indonesia. Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) and spirulina (Spirulina platensis) are two potential antimalarial agents which act as antioxidants and antiinflammatories that can suppress morbidities during chronic inflammation in malaria, such as proliferation in the colon. This study aims to investigate the effects of A. paniculata extract and S. platensis administration on Ki-67 expression in medial colon epithelial cells of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice measured by H-score.METHODS: Thirty P. berghei-infected male Swiss-Webster mice were divided into five groups: negative controls (carboxymethyl cellulose/CMC); positive controls (dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine/DHP); A. paniculata extract alone (AP); A. paniculata extract in combination with S. platensis extract (AP+ES); and with S. platensis powder (AP+PS). All mice were infected with P. berghei on day 0. The treatment for each group were given 3 days before infection (D-3) until the day of infection (D0) for 28 days after infection. Colon tissues were processed with immunohistochemistry to detect Ki-67.RESULTS: A difference in Ki-67 expression was observed among the groups (p&lt;0.01). The mean H-score for the CMC control group is 135.503±6.723. The lowest level of Ki-67 expression was observed in the AP+PS group (H-score= 110.941±7.079). AP group did not show a significant difference from the CMC group (p=0.514) and neither did the AP+ES group (p=0.234).CONCLUSION: In conclusion, administration of A. paniculata extract and S. platensis powder lowers Ki-67 expression in medial colon epithelial cells of P. berghei-infected mice.KEYWORDS: malaria, spirulina, Ki-67, Andrographis paniculata, Spirulina platensis

Wavelength-Orthogonal Stiffening of Hydrogel Networks with Visible Light.

Herein, we introduce the wavelength‐orthogonal crosslinking of hydrogel networks using two red‐shifted chromophores, i.e. acrylpyerene (AP, λ activation=410–490 nm) and styrylpyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazine (SPP, λ activation=400–550 nm), able to undergo [2+2] photocycloaddition in the visible‐light regime. The photoreactivity of the SPP moiety is pH‐dependent, whereby an acidic environment inhibits the cycloaddition. By employing a spiropyran‐based photoacid generator with suitable absorption wavelength, we are able to restrict the activation wavelength of the SPP moiety to the green light region (λ activation=520–550 nm), enabling wavelength‐orthogonal activation of the AP group. Our wavelength‐orthogonal photochemical system was successfully applied in the design of hydrogels whose stiffness can be tuned independently by either green or blue light.

Effect of Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium, and Enterococcus faecalis supernatants on serotonin transporter expression in cells and tissues.

BACKGROUND Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium), and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) are probiotics that are widely used in the clinical treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Whether the supernatants of these three probiotics can improve gastrointestinal sensation and movement by regulating the serotonin transporter (SERT) expression needs to be clarified.AIMTo investigate whether B. subtilis, E. faecium, and E. faecalis supernatants can upregulate SERT expression in vitro and in vivo. METHODSCaco-2 and HT-29 cells were stimulated with probiotic culture supernatants for 12 and 24 h, respectively. A male Sprague-Dawley rat model of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) was established and the rats were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (group A) and three probiotics culture supernatants (groups B, C, and D) for 4 wk. The levels of SERT were detected by quantitative PCR and western blotting. RESULTSThe levels of SERT at post-treatment 12 and 24 h were significantly elevated in Caco-2 cells treated with B. subtilis supernatant compared with those in the control group (aP < 0.05). Those levels were markedly upregulated in Caco-2 cells stimulated with E. faecium and E. faecalis supernatants at 24 h (aP < 0.05). In addition, SERT expression in groups B, C, and D was significantly higher than that in group A in the 2nd wk (aP < 0.05). Increased SERT expression was only found in group D in the 3rd wk (aP < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in SERT expression between the groups in the last week (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONThe supernatants of B. subtilis, E. faecium, and E. faecalis can upregulate SERT expression in intestinal epithelial cells and the intestinal tissues in the rat model of PI-IBS.

Frequency of Various Complications in Teenage Pregnancy and Adult-Age Pregnancies: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: A major public health issue in the world is teenage pregnancy and its consequences. Sixteen million birth occurs in teenage pregnant women between 15-19 years of age in the world. Aim/Objectives: To find the frequencies of pre-eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, birth asphyxia, anemia and intrauterine death (IUD) in teenage pregnancy and adult-age pregnancy. Methodology: A total of two hundred patients were booked for ante-natal care and patients were divided into two different groups equally i.e., teenage pregnancy and adult-age pregnancy (TP Group and AP Group). Teenage pregnancy group ranged from 14 to 19 years, and AP Group ranged from 20-30 years. One hundred (100) pregnant ladies were registered for each group. Those pregnant women who had co-morbid were excluded from the study. Pregnant women were booked for ante-natal care from twenty-eight weeks of pregnancy to forty-one weeks of pregnancy for both groups. Result: The mean age of pregnant women was 16.25 ±4.90 years in the teenager pregnancy group (TP Group) and 26.00 ± 5.00 years in the adult-age pregnancy group (AP Group). The mean BMI of patients was 24.50 ± 0.75 kg/m2 in the TP Group while it was 26.25 ± 3.50 Kg/m2 in the AP Group. The concentration of mean hemoglobin was 9.25 ± 0.75 mg/dl in the teenager pregnancy group and it was 12.50 ± 0.50 mg/dl in the adult-age group (AP Group) and the p-value was 0.003 (significant). Mean systolic blood pressure was 130mm of Hg in the TP Group, and 120mm of Hg in the AP Group while mean diastolic blood pressure was 85mm of Hg in Teenage pregnancy and 75mm of Hg in Adult-age pregnancy. Anemia, pre-eclampsia, intrauterine death (IUD), postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and birth asphyxia were more in the teenage pregnancy group as compared to the adult-age pregnancy group. The mean gestational age in teenage pregnancy was 30.75±1.25 weeks and it was 38.80 ± 0.70 week in the adult-age pregnancy group. Conclusion: The frequency of pre-eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, birth asphyxia, intrauterine death and anemia were more in teenage pregnancy (TP Group).

Comparing maternal outcomes in spontaneous singleton pregnancies versus in vitro fertilization conception: Single-center 10-year cohort study.

A successful assisted reproductive technique (ART) cycle is not flawless, and several studies have reported high incidences of maternal complications, but the association is inconclusive. In addition, the racial and ethnic effects of the Asian population undergoing ART on maternal outcomes is not well studied. This study attempts to compare various maternal outcome parameters ART and spontaneously conceived singleton pregnancies from a single high volume tertiary care centre. A retrospective cohort study from a single tertiary infertility center was conducted from January 2011 to September 2020. The study included 1125 IVF conceived singletons (AP group) and 7193 spontaneous conceived singletons (SP group). The groups were compared using the Pearson Chi-square test and the adjusted odds ratio calculated using multivariate analysis. Maternal outcomes like gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes (GDM), oligohydramnios, chorioamnionitis, operative, and instrumental delivery were significantly different in the two groups (p<0.05). The AP group had a significantly increased risk of GDM (aOR 1.093; 95% CI 1.076-1.110) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) (aOR 1.577; 95% CI 1.288-1.930) as compared to the SP group. IVF significantly increases the risk of abruption by 2 times (p=0.028), and independently increases the risk of caesarean section by 3.1-fold (p<0.001). But overall the IVF is the protective factor for oligohydramnios (p=0.024). ART increases the likelihood of pregnancy-related maternal complications, such as PIH, GDM, abruption, chorioamnionitis, and an increased rate of caesarean delivery. Thus, all patients undergoing ART procedures should receive pre-conceptional counselling regarding the associated obstetric risks and consider ART pregnancy as a high-risk pregnancy.