SS Group Research Articles

Subclinical atherosclerosis profiles in rheumatoid arthritis and primary Sjögren's syndrome: the impact of BAFF genetic variations.

RA and primary SS carry increased atherosclerotic risk, while B-cell activating factor holds a vital role in disease pathogenesis and atherosclerosis. We aimed to compare subclinical atherosclerosis profiles between the two clinical entities and define whether BAFF genetic variants alter atherosclerotic risk. DNA from 166 RA, 148 primary SS patients and 200 healthy controls of similar age and sex distribution was subjected to PCR-based assay for the detection of five single nucleotide polymorphisms of the BAFF gene (rs1224141, rs12583006, rs9514828, rs1041569 and rs9514827). Genotype and haplotype frequencies were determined by SNPStats software and statistical analysis was performed by SPSS and Graphpad Software. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined by the presence of carotid/femoral plaque formation and arterial wall thickening. Atherosclerotic plaque formation was more frequently detected in the RA vs primary SS group (80.7% vs 62.2%, P-value <0.001), along with higher rates of family CVD history, current steroid dose and serum inflammatory markers. The TT genotype of the rs1224141 variant was more prevalent in RA but not primary SS patients with plaque and arterial wall thickening vs their counterparts without. Regarding the rs1014569 variant, among RA patients the TT genotype increased the risk for plaque formation while in primary SS patients the AT genotype conferred increased risk. Haplotype GTTTT was protective in the RA cohort, while TATTT and TTCTT haplotypes increased susceptibility for arterial wall thickening in the primary SS cohort. Increased inflammatory burden, higher steroid doses and distinct BAFF gene variations imply chronic inflammation and B-cell hyperactivity as key contributors for the augmented atherosclerotic risk among autoimmune patients.

Perceptions and benefits of static and dynamic stretching in dancers: Qualitative and quantitative aspects

The present study investigated the beneficial effects induced on dancers by the two types of stretching protocol: static and dynamic stretching, in order to elevate the aesthetics of the figures and body positions to the highest level. The subjects were 20 young female dancers divided into two groups: Group DS (n=10), which performed dynamic stretching, and Group SS (n=10), a static stretching, both for six months. A survey, with the aim of assessing perceptions about the benefits induced by the type of stretching performed, and a Sit and Reach Test were administered to the dancers to assess both qualitative and quantitative aspects of flexibility. An independent samples t-test was performed to assess the differences in flexibility between DS and SS group before and after six months, and a Fisher's exact test to analyse their perceptions on the benefits induced by two training protocols. Result was statistically significant after six months and four associations were found (P &lt;0.05). Dynamic stretching brought greater benefits both qualitatively and quantitatively. From the results of the study, it was possible to state that dancers in terms of induced benefits and satisfaction with the performance result achieved, preferred dynamic stretching.

Intravenous calcitriol treatment benefits the homeostasis of CD4+ T cells and attenuates kidney injury in obese mice complicated with polymicrobial sepsis

ObjectivesSepsis is a lethal clinical condition with dysregulated cluster of differentiation (CD) 4+ T cells that leads to inflammation and multiorgan injury. Low vitamin D levels are commonly seen in patients with sepsis. Obesity is a state with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Both obesity and low vitamin D levels are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with sepsis. This study investigated the effects of calcitriol on CD4+ T-cell polarization and kidney injury during sepsis. MethodsMice were fed a high-fat diet to induce obesity. One group of obese mice served as the control group and in the other two groups (SS and SD) were performed cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce sepsis. Mice in the SS group were injected with saline and those in the SD group with calcitriol 1 h after CLP via tail vein. Mice with sepsis were euthanized at 12 h and 24 h after CLP, respectively. ResultsSepsis led to a decrease in circulating CD4+ T-cell percentage, and T helper (Th) 2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cell percentages were upregulated. Compared with the SS group, the SD group maintained blood CD4+ T-cell levels, and were reduced the Th2 and Th17 percentages as well as the Th17:Treg ratio. Also, plasma levels of cathelicidin increased, but inflammatory chemokines and kidney injury markers were reduced. Higher arginase-1 and lower inducible nitric oxide synthase expressions in the SD group indicated M1 macrophage polarized toward the M2 type. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that intravenous calcitriol administration after sepsis modulates the homeostasis of CD4+ T-cell subpopulations associated with alleviating sepsis-induced kidney injury in obese mice.

Effect of Dietary Organic and Inorganic Sulfur on the Performance of Coccidiosis Vaccine Challenged Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryCoccidiosis is a parasitic disease in poultry that causes significant economic losses. It is understood that natural or synthetic antioxidants including plant extracts, vitamin E, and selenium have been proved to lessen the gut severity of Eimeria infection in chickens. Sulfur is an essential element and exhibits beneficial activities including parasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. These functional features of sulfur might play a role in inhibiting the negative effect of chicken coccidiosis and, if proved, sulfur could be used as an anticoccidial agent. We tested dietary sulfur of both organic and inorganic forms with beneficial antioxidant properties in a mild coccidiosis disease broiler chicken model.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary sulfur from either organic (methyl sulfonyl methane, MSM) or inorganic (sodium sulfate, SS) sources on the growth performance of broiler chickens challenged against a high-dose coccidiosis vaccine. A total of 320 day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly placed into 32 pens of 10 birds each (keeping 16 pens/control group and 8 pens/treatment group until 21 days post-hatch) and reared for 28 days. The experimental diets were formulated by mixing a corn and soybean meal-based control diet with MSM or SS. At 21 days post-hatch, half (n = 8) of the control and all of the sulfur-added diet-fed (i.e., MSM and SS) groups were challenged with a 30-fold dose of a commercially available Eimeria vaccine (Livacox® T coccidiosis vaccine). Unchallenged control chicks (n = 8) were considered as the negative control group. At 21 days (before coccidiosis vaccine challenge), the production parameters and cecal short-chain fatty acids were not affected by dietary treatments. The concentrations of total antioxidant capacity in liver samples were elevated in both the MSM and SS groups compared with the control group (p = 0.001). During 21 to 28 days (i.e., one week post coccidiosis vaccine challenge), challenge tended to lower body weight and feed intake by an average of 5.3% (p = 0.262) and 2.8% (p = 0.504), respectively, but to increase the feed conversion ratio by an average of 2.7% (p = 0.087) compared with the non-challenged control groups. None of dietary sulfur groups affected the body weight gain, feed intake, or feed conversion ratio of vaccine-challenged chickens. Mild Eimeria-specific lesions were noted in duodenum (p = 0.006), jejunum (p = 0.017), and ceca (p = 0.047), but dietary sulfur treatments did not affect the Eimeria-induced gut lesion scores. At 28 days, Eimeria challenge significantly impaired (p = 0.001) the apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein and crude ash compared with the naïve control group. Dietary MSM increased the apparent ileal digestibility of crude ash by 15.5% on average compared with the coccidiosis vaccine control group. We conclude that dietary antioxidant sulfur of organic or inorganic origins at the inclusion level (i.e., 0.7 g sulfur/kg of diet) has a limited effect on the growth performance of chickens challenged with coccidiosis vaccine.

SAVI Scout® System for Excision of Non-Palpable Breast Lesions.

The standard localization of non-palpable breast masses is wire/needle localization (WL). Newer technologies have evolved, allowing more efficient scheduling and improving surgeon and patient experiences. These include Radioactive Seed, MagSeed®, and SAVI Scout® (SS). We adopted SS at our program in July of 2017. We are reporting our experience comparing SAVI Scout® with needle localization. This is a retrospective study comparing SS and wire localization techniques for the excision of both benign and malignant lesions. Chart reviews of localized patients between 7/1/2017 and 6/30/2019, recording the age of the patient, date of procedure, localization method, pathology of lesion postexcision, number and status of margins, guidance method (mammogram vs. ultrasound), specimen size, and distance of reflector from biopsy clip, were completed to compare these localization methods with the aim of asserting their equality. There were 48 wire and 64 SS localized excisions. Successful lesion excision was achieved in 100% of cases for both techniques. There were 1 SS and 4 WL re-excisions for margin clearance not reaching statistical significance. 51 additional margins were obtained in the SS cases compared to 36 margins in the WL cases without a statistically significant difference. 1- Both SS and WL achieved 100% excision of targeted lesions 2- SS localization was successfully implemented, offering more convenience for patients and providers 3- More re-excisions in the WL group as compared to the SS group did not reach statistical significance and requires further investigation 4- A prospective controlled trial comparing the different localization techniques can address questions related to effectiveness, cost, patient and provider experiences.

Efficacy of semi-solidification of enteral nutrients for postoperative nutritional management with a nasogastric tube.

ABSTRACTPostoperative nutritional management with a nasogastric tube is often used to prevent malnutrition after oral and maxillofacial surgery. However, enteral nutrients (EN) may cause various complications due to their liquid formulation. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of semi-solid EN with a xanthan gum thickener through a nasogastric tube and examined patients’ complications, nutritional status, and quality of life. We established two groups: an L group (n=20) to which we administered liquid EN, and an SS group (n=20) to which we administered semi-solidified EN. The primary outcome was the occurrence of gastrointestinal complications. The secondary outcome was a change in nutritional status based on body weight and controlling nutritional status. The other outcome was the improvement in the patients’ quality of life, assessed by the administration time. During nutritional management with a nasogastric tube, the median daily administration time in the L group was 9.0 hours, and 9 patients experienced diarrhea. In the SS group, the median daily feeding time was 2.3 hours, and only 2 patients experienced diarrhea. Both groups exhibited a decrease in body weight while controlling nutritional status scores were maintained. Semi-solidification of EN may be useful for postoperative nutritional management after oral and maxillofacial surgery by reducing complications, maintaining nutritional status, and shortening administration time.

Higher hepatic advanced glycation end products and liver damage markers are associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may be associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from stimulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. We hypothesized that patients with NAFLD would have a lower concentration of soluble AGEs receptor and higher quantity of serum and liver AGEs and an increase in hepatic smooth muscle actin alpha (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) compared with a control group. We compared the presence of hepatic and serum AGEs, AGE soluble receptor (sRAGE), and markers associated with hepatic damage between NAFLD patients and controls without disease. Histological characteristics, plasma biochemical parameters, serum AGEs, serum receptor sRAGE, and liver proteins (α-SMA, TGF-β1, AGEs, immunohistochemistry) were assessed in participants aged 18 to 65 years, with NAFLD (simple steatosis [SS]: n = 7; steatohepatitis [NASH]: n = 15) and controls (n = 11). NASH patients presented higher glycated hemoglobin levels (%) (5.7; 5.4-6.3) compared with SS (5.4; 5.2-5.7) and controls (5.4; 5.3-5.5). The NAFLD activity score (NAS) for NASH patients was 4.9 ± 1.3; for SS patients, 2.0 ± 1.0. NASH patients showed higher hepatic AGEs, TGF-β1, and α-SMA compared with SS and control groups. The NAS score indicates that patients with 5 to 8 had higher hepatic AGEs, TGF-β1, and α-SMA compared with a NAS of 1 to 4 and 0. For α-SMA, a NAS of 1 to 4 was higher than NAS 0. No difference was found in serum AGEs and sRAGE between groups. Higher hepatic AGEs, TGF-β1, and α-SMA were observed with increasing disease severity (according to NAS); therefore, endogenous liver AGEs may participate in hepatic damage progression.

Black soldier fly larvae meal and fat as a replacement for soybeans in organic broiler diets: Effects on performance, body N retention, carcass, and meat quality

ABSTRACT 1. Due to the increasing global demand for more sustainably produced animal protein, there is an intensive search for feeds to replace soybeans. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) appear to have great potential for replacing soybeans in poultry diets. The main objective of this study was to determine if the nutritional value of BSFL is superior to soybeans when feeding organic broilers, since smaller amounts of BSFL could replace the soybean content in the feed, thus saving even more resources. 2. Eighty Hubbard S757, a slow growing organic broiler type, were fattened for 63 days, spending the last 49 days on one of five diets. Two soybean cake- and soybean oil-based diets (SS, SS-) were compared with three diets based on partially defatted BSFL meal and BSFL fat from two origins (AA-, AB-, BB-). Different from diet SS, diets SS-, AA-, AB-, and BB- were designed with approximately 20% less lysine and methionine. Growth (n = 16), metabolisability, body nitrogen retention, carcass, and meat quality (n = 8) were evaluated. 3. Broilers of the insect-based feeding groups, AA- and AB-, grew similarly well compared to those of group SS. They also retained more nitrogen in the body than those fed BB- and SS-. Breast meat yield was higher with AA- and AB- than with BB- and SS-, but still lower than with SS. Dietary variations in physicochemical meat quality were of low practical relevance. Diet BB- resulted in a more yellow skin and meat. The fatty acid profile of the breast meat lipids reflected the high lauric acid proportion of the BSFL lipids, resulting in up to 80 times higher proportions than when feeding the soybean-based diets. 4. The results indicate that high-quality BSFL, depending on their origin, may indeed be superior to soybean protein, but that the meat lipids from BSFL-fed broilers can contain significant amounts of lauric acid, which, from a human nutrition perspective, could have a negative impact on meat quality.

The Construction of radicalism and communication in groups that are considered radical

This study aims to determine the conditions that encourage the construction of radicalism in Bengkulu and how it affects the formation of communication patterns in the SS group who are considered exposed to radicalism. The theory used to understand the formation of the narrative of radicalism is the construction of social reality from Berger and Luckman. The research method uses a constructivist paradigm with a case study approach. Data collection techniques using interviews, observation, and literature review. The results of the study found that the construction of radicalism in the SS group was formed by two factors– the first was the SS group's rejection of long-standing community traditions such as tahlilan, grave pilgrimage, and yasinan; the second is the factor of the mass media showing terrorist actors who use the same symbols as the symbols worn by the SS group. The impact of the radicalism label is that the communication formed in the SS group is exclusive, while the village community applies one-way communication in understanding the SS group.

Effects of intrathecal injection of IRF8 SiRNA on pain threshold and activation of spinal cord microglia in rats with postoperative persistent pain

Objective: To investigate the effects of intrathecal injection of IRF8 SiRNA on the pain threshold and activation of spinal cord microglia in rats with postoperative persistent pain. Methods: One hundred and twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (SH, n=12), SMIR group (SM, n=48), SMIR + DEPC group (SD, n=12) and SMIR + irf8 SiRNA group (SS, n=48). In the SM group, the persistent postsurgical pain(PPsP) model was established according to the skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR), and the SH group was only incised without retracted. The SD group and SS group received intrathecal catheterization one week before SMIR, the SS group was injected with 20 μl of IRF8 SiRNA solution (dissolved in DEPC-treated water, 150 pmol) intrathecally on the 5th and 6th day after SMIR, and the SD group was injected with the same amount of DEPC-treated water. The paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) of each group was measured and recorded before SMIR and on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 12th, 22nd and 33rd days after SMIR. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Iba-1 in the dorsal horn of spinal cord on the 12th days after SMIR, and the saphenous nerves in the SH group and SM group were collected to observe their ultrastructural changes under electron microscope. The flow cytometry was used to detect the activation of microglia in spinal cord dorsal horn before SMIR and on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 12th, 22nd and 33rd days after SMIR in the SM group and SS group. Results: Compared with D0, the PWT of SM group was decreased on the 1th to 22nd day after SMIR (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01), and returned to normal level on the 33rd day after SMIR (P＞ 0.05). Compared with the SH group, the PWT of the SM group was decreased on the 1th to 22nd day after SMIR (P＜0.05 or P＜ 0.01). However, compared with the SD group, the PWT of the SS group was increased on the 7th to 22nd day after SMIR (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Compared with SH group, the PWT of SS group was decreased on the 7th to 22nd day after SMIR (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). The average thickness of saphenous nerve myelin was (377.0 3±69.60) nm in the SH group and (369.50±73.26) nm in the SM group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P＞0.05). Compared with the SH group, the expression level of Iba-1 was increased significantly (P＜0.01) in the SM group. Compared with the SD group, the expression of Iba-1 was inhibited (P＜0.05) in the SS group, and compared with the SH group, the expression of Iba-1 was also statistically different (P＜0.05) in the SS group, while the expression of Iba-1 was not statistically significant between the SM group and the SD group (P＞0.05). Compared with D0, the activation ratio of microglia was increased significantly on the 3rd to 22nd day after SMIR (P＜0.01) in the SM group , while the activation of microglia reached a peak on 3rd day after SMIR (P＜0.01) in the SS group. After intrathecal administration, the activation rate of microglia in the spinal dorsal horn of the SS group was decreased significantly, and compared with the SM group, it was decreased significantly on the 7th to 12th day after SMIR (P＜0.01). Conclusion: The significant and persistent mechanical hyperalgesia in PPsP induced by SMIR was caused non-obvious peripheral nerve injury, which may be mediated by the activation of microglia in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. IRF8 SiRNA administrated by intrathecal injection could inhibit the activation of microglia and reverse SMIR-induced hyperalgesia.

Research of the influences of utilization of sediment and exogenous materials on the changes of SDOM and WSOC of soil

As mankind pays attention to environmental protection and reuse of resources, more and more exogenous materials are being utilized for soil improvement, such as straw, sediment, etc. However, further research is needed on the mechanism of how sediments and other exogenous materials change soil properties. In this study, the changes of soil water soluble organic carbon (WSOC) and soil dissolved organic matter (SDOM) in the process of resource utilization of sediment and other exogenous materials were investigated. Different exogenous substances such as river sediment (RS), lake sediments (LS), straw (SS), algae (AS), Myriophyllum verticillatum L. submerged plants (MS) and livestock manure (FS) were added to the soil, and fluorescence spectroscopy combined with parallel factor analysis was used to explore the characteristics of WSOC changes and SDOM sources in the treated soil. The results showed that the SDOM fluorescence intensity changes show the total fluorescence intensity of the three groups of SS, FS, and MS was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than the control group. After 50 days of culture, the content of WSOC in the 6 groups was: MS (72.2 mg/kg) > LS (58.2 mg/kg) > FS (45.6 mg/kg) > RS (44.8 mg/kg) > AS (41.4 mg/kg) > SS (39.4 mg/kg) > CK (32.7 mg/kg). the MS group increased the most, reaching a percentage of 220%. The parallel factor analysis of SDOM three-dimensional fluorescence spectra showed that SDOM in soil mainly contains three components, groups contain protein-like, humus-like and tyrosine-like amino acids. In the initial stage, protein-like substances are the main components, and after 50 days, humus-like substances become the main components of SDOM in each treated soil. Among them, the FS group has the highest humus-like content. According to the fluorescence intensity, the SS, FS and MS groups have significant effects on increasing the content of soil water-soluble organic matter, and the SS group has the strongest effect. In summary, sediment and straw, algae, Myriophyllum verticillatum L., livestock manure can change the content of SDOM and WSOC in the soil can change the content of SDOM and WSOC in the soil, enhance the degree of soil vitality, increase the vitality of the soil, and improve the structure, composition, and quality of the soil. This research provided theoretical guidance and technical support for the resource utilization of sediment, straw, algae, submerged plants and livestock manure.

Explore the Link between the Improvement of Metabolic Indicators in Diabetic Rats with Sleeve Gastrectomy and Changes in the Composition of Intestinal Flora.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a major medical and health problem in my country and even the world. Doctors and patients have gradually realized that a new type of metabolic surgery is a way to treat diabetes. The operation is relatively simple, and the effect of the operation is no less than that of the gastric shunt. The initial hypothesis could not fully explain the blood pressure and blood sugar reduction mechanism in waist and abdominal surgery. According to requirements, they were divided into the sleeve gastrectomy group (SG group, n = 10) and sham operation group (SS group, n = 10), and corresponding measures were taken. Observe their weight changes; perform an oral glucose tolerance test (GB) before surgery and at 2, 8, and 16 weeks after surgery to evaluate the effect of surgery on improving the glucose metabolism. The postoperative GLP-1 specificity curve was detected in the two groups of patients; the immunohistochemical method was used to detect the postoperative changes of the digestive tract l cells in the two groups; RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA transcription level of the digestive tract GLP-1 receptor. The bodyweight was significantly different 4 weeks after the operation. Food intake and bodyweight were not significantly different between the SG and SS groups. FBG: one week after operation, the SG group was significantly smaller than the SS group. The SS group was significantly lower than the SG group at 12 weeks after operation, and the SS group was significantly lower than the SG group at 14 weeks after operation. The transcription levels of c-kit mRNA and SCF mRNA in jejunum and ileum tissues are significantly different: the transcription levels of c-kit mRNA and SCF mRNA in the SG group are higher than those in the SS group, jejunum and ileum in the SG group. The number of cell 1 was significantly greater than that of the SS group. Sleeve gastrectomy can improve the regulation of the glucose metabolism in diabetic rats. The increase in small bowel motility may be related to the increase in ICC cells, intestinal cells, and GLP after gastric sleeve resection. The increase is in -1R and faster insoluble CHM in bowel motility. It has better contact with cell 1 and GLP-1R and stimulates cell 1 to secrete GLP-1.

Is Detection of Relapse by Surveillance Imaging Associated With Longer Survival in Patients With Rhabdomyosarcoma?

We investigated whether surveillance imaging had an impact on post-relapse survival in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). We hypothesized that relapse detected by imaging (group IM) would be associated with longer survival compared with relapse detected with a clinical sign or symptom (group SS). We performed an observational multi-institutional study in 127 patients with relapsed RMS comparing overall survival (OS) after relapse using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses. Relapse was detected in 60 (47%) group IM and 67 (53%) SS patients. Median follow-up in survivors was 4 years (range 1.0 to 16.7 y). Four-year OS rates were similar between group IM (28%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14%-40%) and SS (21%, 95% CI: 11%-31%) ( P =0.14). In multivariable analyses accounting for institution, age at diagnosis, time to relapse, risk group at diagnosis, and primary site, not receiving chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR]: 6.8, 95% CI: 2.8-16.6), radiation (HR: 3, 95% CI: 1.7-5.3), or surgery (HR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.6-4.8) after relapse were independently associated with poor OS. These results on whether surveillance imaging provides survival benefit in patients with relapsed RMS are inconclusive. Larger studies are needed to justify current surveillance recommendations. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery to treat recurrence prolong OS.

A randomized clinical trial of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor mouthwash for oral mucositis in head and neck cancer.

Oral mucositis (OM) is a significant problem for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). The purpose of this double-blind, randomized clinical trial (RCT) was to evaluate the effectiveness of the granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) mouthwash compared to Salt and Soda mouthwash for both the prevention (prior to onset of OM) and treatment (beginning at the onset of OM to its healing) of radiation therapy (RT)-induced OM. A total of 91 patients with HNC were randomized to receive: GM-CSF throughout both the prevention and treatment phases (GG group); Salt and Soda throughout both phases (SS group) or Salt and Soda during the prevention phase followed by GM-CSF at the onset of OM (SG group). Three groups were compared on the occurrence and grades of OM, functional status, pain, chewing, and swallowing during and after RT. No significant differences were found in the occurrence and grades of OM in the patients who used GM-CSF vs. Salt and Soda in the prevention phase. In addition, no differences were seen among the three groups in functional status, pain, chewing, and swallowing during and after RT. Given that GM-CSF was no more effective than Salt and Soda mouthwash for the prevention or treatment of OM, the readily available and cheaper mouthwash can be used at considerable cost savings.

Effects of Perioperative Oral Nutrition Supplementation in Malaysian Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery for Breast and Colorectal Cancers-A Randomised Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of preoperative and an extended 90-days postoperative use of ONS among patients undergoing elective surgery for breast and colorectal cancers. Ninety-one patients were randomised into (i) Group SS received ONS up to 14 days preoperatively and postoperatively up to discharge, (ii) Group SS-E received ONS up to 14 days preoperatively, postoperatively up to discharge and for an extended 90-days after discharge and (iii) Group DS received ONS postoperatively up to discharge. Preoperatively, SS had significantly higher body weight (66.1 ± 15.3 kg vs. 62.5 ± 12.0 kg, p = 0.010) and BMI (26.8 ± 6.8 kg/m2 vs. 26.1 ± 6.7 kg/m2, p = 0.022) than DS when adjusted for baseline values. Postoperatively, SS-E had significantly higher handgrip strength (26 ± 9 kgF vs. 24 ± 6 kgF, p = 0.044) than DS at 90-days post-discharge after adjusted for preoperative values. At 90-days post-discharge, the proportions of patients in SS with albumin < 35 g/d, CAR ≥ 0.1, mPINI ≥ 0.4, mGPS score 1 or 2 were significantly reduced while in SS-E, the reduction in proportions of patients with high hsCRP and mPINI ≥ 0.4 was significant compared to upon discharge. Preoperative ONS had modest benefits in attenuating weight loss whilst postoperative supplementation up to 90-days post-discharge improved handgrip strength and inflammatory prognostic markers.

Changes of insulin resistance status and development of complications in type 1 diabetes mellitus: Analysis of DCCT/EDIC study

AimThere is no longitudinal study regarding the changes of insulin resistance (IR) status and the development of complications in type 1 diabetes (T1D). By analyzing data sets from DCCT/EDIC study, we investigated the associations of IR status changes and diabetic complications in T1D. Materials and MethodsEstimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) was calculated at entry of DCCT and in EDIC year 12 (average 18.5 years later) to represent IR. The participants (n = 957) were divided into four groups based on IR changes from baseline: RR group (stayed resistant; n = 49), RS group (became sensitive; n = 42), SR group (became resistant; n = 197), and SS group (stayed sensitive; n = 669). The association of diabetic complications were analyzed by using multivariable logistic regression models. ResultsThe improved IR decreased the risk of peripheral neuropathy, whereas the deteriorated IR increased the risk of diabetic complications including hypertension, peripheral artery disease, coronary artery calcification, retinopathy, albuminuria, peripheral neuropathy, and cardiac autonomic neuropathy (P < 0.05). Moreover, RR group (HR = 3.59, 95% CI (2.05–6.32)), RS group (HR = 2.27, 95% CI (1.11–4.64)) and SR group (HR = 1.90, 95% CI (1.24–2.92)) had higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to SS group (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of IR changes represented by eGDR in the development of diabetic complications. Patients with T1D and IR may require intensive therapy.

Intravenous calcitriol administration modulates mesenteric lymph node CD4+ T-cell polarization and attenuates intestinal inflammation in obese mice complicated with polymicrobial sepsis.

Sepsis is a lethal syndrome with T-cell dysregulation, imbalanced inflammatory reactions, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Obesity coexistent with sepsis can cause more-deleterious disease outcomes. Vitamin D is a nutrient with immunomodulatory ability and helps maintain intestinal homeostasis. This study investigated treatment with calcitriol on mesenteric lymph node (MLN) CD4+ T-cell polarization and intestinal injury in obese mice with sepsis. Mice received a high-fat diet for 10 weeks; then, mice were separated into an obese control group without sepsis and sepsis groups that underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Septic mice were subdivided into a group that was injected with saline (SS group) or a group that was injected with calcitriol (SD group) via a tail vein 1 h after CLP. Obese mice with sepsis were euthanized at 12 or 24 h post CLP. Sepsis resulted in increased percentages of type 2 T helper (Th2), Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cells in MLNs. Also, inflammation-associated genes were upregulated and tight junction genes downregulated in the intestines after CLP. Compared with the SS group, the SD group exhibited reduced Th2, Th17, and Treg percentages in MLNs. Also, intestinal inflammatory chemokine expressions were reduced, whereas MUC2, ZO-1, and occludin had increased after CLP. Lower inflammatory cytokine levels in peritoneal lavage fluid in the ileum were also noted in the SD group. Intravenous calcitriol treatment after sepsis can elicit more-balanced CD4 T-cell subsets in lymph nodes near the intestines and alleviate intestinal inflammation and injury in obese mice complicated with sepsis.

Comparison between single-dose suxamethonium and rocuronium after pretreatment with dexmedetomidine in rapid sequence induction

BackgroundRapid sequence induction is a well-established anesthetic procedure used in patients with a high risk of gastric aspiration. Suxamethonium has been the drug of choice; however, it carries potential risks and sometimes fatal outcomes. The aim of our study was to compare rocuronium after pretreatment with dexmedetomidine, to suxamethonium in providing excellent intubating conditions in rapid sequence induction in adults. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups, of 120 each. Control group (SS), patients received pretreatment with 10 ml 0.9% saline over 10 min and suxamethonium 1mg/kg. Experimental group (DR), received pretreatment with dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg in 10 ml 0.9% saline over 10 min and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. Our primary endpoint was the number of patients who scored “excellent” on intubation conditions score, while secondary outcomes were hemodynamics and adverse events.ResultsThe rate of excellent intubating conditions in the DR group 46% was insignificantly less (P value = 0.548) than that of the SS group 49% (relative risk (RR) of DR compared to SS = 1.04, with a confidence interval (CI) of 0.91–1.48. The percentage of patients with adverse events in the SS group was (30%) nearly more than twofold higher than that of the DR group (11%). A significant difference (P value = 0.016) in the incidence of excellent intubating conditions was higher in the female gender 59% compared to the male gender 38% (adjusted RR = 0.98, with a confidence interval of 0.79–1.1).ConclusionA combination of dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg and standard intubating dose of rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg provided comparable endotracheal intubation conditions to suxamethonium 1 mg/kg during RSI and might be used as an alternative to suxamethonium in situations where suxamethonium is contraindicated.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04709315

Topical Eucalyptol Ointment Accelerates Wound Healing and Exerts Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Rats' Skin Burn Model.

Eucalyptol is a major volatile constituent among well-known wound healing medicinal plants. The current study evaluated eucalyptol wound healing activity in the rat's third-degree skin-burn model. The parameters, i.e., skin-healing, oxidative/antioxidant markers, pro-/anti-inflammatory markers, were evaluated after 1- and 2-weeks of treatment regimens with 5% eucalyptol ointment. Eucalyptol-loaded ointment base of 5% w/w strength was formulated using fusion method and physically evaluated for consistency, stability, and homogeneity. A 25-rats were divided randomly into intact, negative control (untreated), silver sulfadiazine (SS, positive control), 1-week, and 2-weeks treated eucalyptol groups. Using an aluminum cylinder (120℃, 10 second duration), 3rd-degree skin burns were created on the rat's dorsum. Skin biopsies were collected at the end of the experiment for biochemical and histological investigations. Compared to the negative group; time-dependent wound size reduction and decreased edema were observed in eucalyptol-treated animals. Histopathological examinations demonstrated epidermis integrity, decreased neutrophil, and increased capillaries number in the 2-weeks and SS groups, compared to the negative and 1-week treated eucalyptol groups. Compared to the untreated animals, the 1- and 2-weeks eucalyptol treated groups' demonstrated significantly increased antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD, p=0.002 and p=0.003, respectively) and reduced lipid peroxide (LP, p=0.005 and p=0.0006, respectively). However, a significant increment of catalase (CAT, p=0.0009) was found only in the 2-weeks of eucalyptol group at a level of 2.42 ± 0.39 ng/g compared to 1.14 ± 0.04 ng/g in the untreated animals. Also, significant reductions in the cytokines, IL-1b, IL-6, and TNF-α (p < 0.05); and increase in the pro-angiogenic marker, IL-10, were detected in the 2-weeks (p=0.001) and SS (p=0.002) treated animals compared to the negative and 1-week eucalyptol treated groups. The study concluded that eucalyptol induced significant duration-based wound healing properties attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

A microfluidic-informatics assay for quantitative physical occlusion measurement in sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic condition that causes abnormalities in hemoglobin mechanics. Those affected are at high risk of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), which can induce life-threatening symptoms. The development of measurements related to vaso-occlusion facilitates the diagnosis of the patient's disease state. To complement existing readouts, we design a microfluidic-informatics analytical system with varied confined geometries for the quantification of sickle cell disease occlusion. We detect an increase in physical occlusion events in the most severe hemoglobin SS group. We use bioinformatics and modeling to quantify the in vitro disease severity score (DSS) of individual patients. We also show the potential effect of hydration, clinically recommended for crisis management, on reducing the disease severity of high-risk patients. Overall, we demonstrate the device as an easy-to-use assay for quick occlusion information extraction with a simple setup and minimal additional instruments. We show the device can provide physical readouts distinct from clinical data. We also show the device sensitivity in separate samples from patients with different disease severity. Finally, we demonstrate the system as a potential platform for testing the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies (e.g. hydration) on reducing sickle cell disease severity.