AE Group Research Articles

Mood, Activity Participation, and Leisure Engagement Satisfaction (MAPLES): results from a randomised controlled pilot feasibility trial for low mood in acquired brain injury

BackgroundAcquired brain injury (ABI) is linked to increased depression risk. Existing therapies for depression in ABI (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy) have mixed efficacy. Behavioural activation (BA), an intervention that encourages engaging in positively reinforcing activities, shows promise. The primary aims were to assess feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of two 8-week BA groups.MethodsAdults (≥ 18 years) recruited from local ABI services, charities, and self-referral via social media were randomised to condition. The Activity Planning group (AP; “traditional” BA) trained participants to plan reinforcing activities over 8 weeks. The Activity Engagement group (AE; “experiential” BA) encouraged engagement in positive activities within session only. Both BA groups were compared to an 8-week Waitlist group (WL). The primary outcomes, feasibility and acceptability, were assessed via recruitment, retention, attendance, and qualitative feedback on groups. The secondary outcome, potential efficacy, was assessed via blinded assessments of self-reported activity levels, depression, and anxiety (at pre- and post-intervention and 1 month follow-up) and were compared across trial arms. Data were collected in-person and remotely due to COVID-19.ResultsN = 60 participants were randomised to AP (randomised n = 22; total n = 29), AE (randomised n = 22; total n = 28), or re-randomised following WL (total n = 16). Whether in-person or remote, AP and AE were rated as similarly enjoyable and helpful. In exploring efficacy, 58.33% of AP members had clinically meaningful activity level improvements, relative to 50% AE and 38.5% WL. Both AP and AE groups had depression reductions relative to WL, but only AP participants demonstrated anxiety reductions relative to AE and WL. AP participants noted benefits of learning strategies to increase activities and learning from other group members. AE participants valued social discussion and choice in selecting in-session activities.ConclusionsBoth in-person and remote group BA were feasible and acceptable in ABI. Though both traditional and experiential BA may be effective, these may have different mechanisms.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT03874650. Protocol version 2.3, May 26 2020.

Intestinal injury and vasculitis biomarkers in cats with feline enteric coronavirus and effusive feline infectious peritonitis.

To investigate intestinal injury, repair and vasculitis biomarkers that may illuminate the progression and/or pathogenesis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) or feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) infection. A total of 40 cats with effusive FIP (30 with abdominal effusion, AE group; 10 with thoracic effusion, TE group) and 10 asymptomatic but FECV positive cats (FECV group), all were confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction either in faeces or effusion samples. Physical examinations and effusion tests were performed. Trefoil factor-3 (TFF-3), intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), myeloperoxidase-anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) and proteinase 3-ANCA (PR3-ANCA) concentrations were measured both in serum and effusion samples. Rectal temperature and respiratory rate were highest in the TE group (p<0.000). Effusion white blood cell count was higher in the AE group than TE group (p<0.042). Serum TFF-3, IAP and I-FABP concentrations were higher in cats with effusive FIP than the cats with FECV (p<0.05). Compared with the AE group, TE group had lower effusion MPO-ANCA (p<0.036), higher IAP (p<0.050) and higher TFF-3 (p<0.016) concentrations. Markers of intestinal and epithelial surface injury were higher in cats with effusive FIP than those with FECV. Compared to cats with abdominal effusions, markers of apoptosis inhibition and immunostimulation to the injured epithelium were more potent in cats with thoracic effusion, suggesting the possibility of a poorer prognosis or more advanced disease in these patients.

Expression of Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway and CD8+T cells and related factors in patients with cystic echinococcosis

ObjectiveOne of the primary reasons for the successful patriotization of Echinococcus multilocularis in patients is its ability to induce host immune tolerance. This study examined the expression of the immunosuppressive Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway, CD8+T cells, and related factors in AE patients. The aim was to analyze the relationship between the Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway and CD8+T cells in this disease and further understand the mechanism of immune tolerance induced by cystic echinococcosis. MethodsUsing flow cytometry, we evaluated the expression of CTL, CD8+CD28-T cells, CD8+CD28 + IFN-γ + T cells, CD8+CD28+perforin + T cells, CD8+CD28+granzyme B + T cells, CD8+CD28-IL-10 + T cells, CD8+CD28-TGF-β+T cells, and Tim-3 expression on CD8+T cells in the peripheral blood of control (n = 30) and AE patients (n = 33). qRT-PCR was used to measure CD107a and Tim-3/Galectin-9 mRNA levels in PBMCs from the control and AE groups. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect IL-10, TGF-β, and Tim-3/Galectin-9 expressions in the infected livers of AE patients. ResultsAE patients exhibited a significant decrease in peripheral blood CTL ratio (P < 0.001) and an increase in CD8+CD28+IFN-γ+T cell ratio (P < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the ratios of CD8+CD28+perforin + T cells (P = 0.720) and CD8+CD28+granzyme B + T cells (P = 0.051). The proportions of CD8+CD28-T cells (P < 0.001), CD8+CD28-IL-10 + T cells (P < 0.001), and CD8+CD28-TGF-β+T cells (P < 0.001) were notably higher than in the control group. The expression of Tim-3 on CTL and CD8+CD28-T cells in AE patients was significantly upregulated (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). AE patients displayed a substantial decrease in peripheral blood PBMC CD107a mRNA levels (P < 0.001) and significant elevations in Tim-3/Galectin-9 mRNA levels (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). A negative correlation was observed between CD107a mRNA levels and both Tim-3 (r^2 = 0.411, P < 0.001) and Galectin-9 (r2 = 0.180, P = 0.019) mRNA levels. Expressions of IL-10 (P < 0.001), TGF-β (P < 0.001), and Tim-3/Galectin-9 (P < 0.001, P < 0.001) in AE patient-infected livers were significantly higher than in uninfected regions. IL-10 and TGF-β expressions showed a positive correlation with Tim-3/Galectin-9. ConclusionThis study suggests that the high expression of Tim-3 on CD8+T cell surfaces in AE patients might promote an increase in CD8+CD28-T cells and related factors, while suppressing CTL and related factor expressions. This potentially induces the onset of immune tolerance, which is unfavorable for the clearance of Echinococcus multilocularis in patients, leading to the exacerbation of persistent infections.

Aerobic Treadmill Exercise Upregulates Epidermal Growth Factor Levels and Improves Learning and Memory in d-galactose-Induced Aging in a Mouse Model.

Previous studies have demonstrated that exercise improves cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease mice but the exact mechanism needs further studies. This research aimed to study the effects of aerobic treadmill exercise on epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels and learning and memory in d-galactose-induced aging in a mouse model. Forty male Kunming mice were analyzed in this study and randomly divided into 4 groups: control (C group), aerobic exercise (AE group), d-galactose (D-gal group), and d-galactose + aerobic exercise (D-gal + AE group). The C and AE groups received a daily mid-scapular subcutaneous injection of .9% saline for 40days. Mice in the D-gal and D-gal + AE groups were subcutaneously injected with d-galactose (1.25mg/kg) once daily for 40days. The mice in the AE group and D-gal + AE group completed 40days of aerobic treadmill exercise. Learning and memory were evaluated by step-down tests. Specifically, 24h after the behavioral test, blood was collected and brain tissue was extracted, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acetylcholinesterase activities were detected. The neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus were counted by Nissl staining. The number of EGF-positive cells was observed by immunohistochemical methods. In the learning test, the reaction time in the D-gal group increased significantly (P < .05), while the error numbers in the D-gal group tended to decrease compared with AE, D-gal + AE, and C groups. In the memory test, the latency of mice in the D-gal group was lower, while the error in this group was higher than in the other groups (P < .05). The activities of SOD and acetylcholinesterase were lower in the D-gal group than in the other groups (P < .05). The number of EGF-positive cells and neurons in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions in the D-gal + AE group was higher compared to those in the D-gal group (P < .05), and lower in groups with mice that were not injected with d-galactose. Aerobic treadmill exercise inhibited SOD activity, increased EGF-positive cells, and decreased neuronal death and apoptosis, thereby improving learning and memory in the mouse model of d-galactose-induced aging.

Serum Prolactin Concentration in Patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris

Background: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune bullous disorder characterized clinically by blisters and erosions of the skin and/or mucous membranes. Serum prolactin plays a role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris. Objective: The study aims to observe the serum prolactin concentration in patients with pemphigus vulgaris. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology &amp; Venereology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, between May 2017 and April 2018. A total of 35 patients were included in the study. A consecutive type of sampling technique was used. The dermatological examination was done to ascertain the extent of involvement of the disease. Results: Among 35 patients, 31.4% belonged to 30-50 years age group, while 62.9% belonged to &gt;50 years and 5.7% patients belonged to &lt;30 years ae group. The mean age was found 42.7±11.8 years with ranged from 19-65 years. The majority of the patients (57.1%) were male, and 42.9% patients were female. It was observed that 30(85.7%) had vesicles, 25(71.4%) had bulla, 35(100%) had erosions and 6(17.1%) had other types of lesions. 28 patients (80.0%) had scalp, 32(91.4%) had extremity, 35(100.0%) had trunk and 31(88.6%) had mucous membrane as the sites of involvement. The mean duration of disease was 9.0±12.7 months with a range from 0.5 to 36 months. It was observed that 9 patients (25.7%) had hyperprolactinemia, while 26 patients (74.3%) had normal levels of prolactin. The mean serum prolactin level was found 28.7±16.7 ng/ml with a range from 1.64 to 51.04 ng/ml. Conclusion: Since serum prolactin plays a role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris, it may offer a novel therapeutic target for treatment of PV. Thus, we may reduce morbidity and mortality rate in PV patients by modifying their serum prolactin levels. Mugda Med Coll J. 2023; 6(1): 20-24

Erythritol Can Inhibit the Expression of Senescence Molecules in Mouse Gingival Tissues and Human Gingival Fibroblasts.

Oral aging causes conditions including periodontal disease. We investigated how the sugar alcohol erythritol, which has anti-caries effects, impacts aging periodontal tissues and gingival fibroblasts in mice and humans in vivo and in vitro. Mice were classified into three groups: control groups of six-week-old (YC) and eighteen-month-old mice (AC) and a group receiving 5% w/w erythritol water for 6 months (AE). After rearing, RNA was extracted from the gingiva, and the levels of aging-related molecules were measured using PCR. Immunostaining was performed for the aging markers p21, γH2AX, and NF-κB p65. p16, p21, γH2AX, IL-1β, and TNFα mRNA expression levels were higher in the gingiva of the AC group than in the YC group, while this enhanced expression was significantly suppressed in AE gingiva. NF-κB p65 expression was high in the AC group but was strongly suppressed in the AE group. We induced senescence in cultured human gingival fibroblasts using H2O2 and lipopolysaccharide before erythritol treatment, which reduced elevated senescence-related marker (p16, p21, SA-β-gal, IL-1β, and TNFα) expression levels. Knockdown of PFK or PGAM promoted p16 and p21 mRNA expression, but erythritol subsequently rescued pyruvate production. Overall, intraoral erythritol administration may prevent age-related oral mucosal diseases.

Effects of Aerobic vs. Resistance Exercise on Vascular Function and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Older Women.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of exercise (aerobic vs. resistance) on vascular function and vascular endothelial growth factor in older women. Forty-three older women, aged 65-75 years old, voluntarily participated in this study. All participants were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups: aerobic exercise (AE; n = 14), resistance exercise (RE; n = 15), and control (CG; n = 14) groups. All participants in the exercise groups performed their respective exercises for 60 min/day, three days/week, for 16 weeks. The intensity of aerobic and resistance exercises was determined using the individual heart rate reserve (40-60%) and RPE (12-13), respectively. The vascular function test included the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV), carotid artery blood flow volume, and velocity. Participants' blood samples were collected to analyze the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). A significance level of 0.05 was set. Our results showed that ba-PWV improved following both AE (14.5%) and RE groups (11.1%) (all p < 0.05). Increases in carotid blood flow volume (AE: 15.4%, RE: 18.6%) and total artery peak velocity (AE: 20.4%, RE: 17%) were observed in AE and RE groups (p < 0.05), while flow total artery mean velocity (36.2%) and peak velocities (20.5%) were only increased in the aerobic exercise group (p < 0.05). VEGF was increased after resistance exercise (p < 0.05). Overall, aerobic exercise provides greater benefits on vascular function than resistance exercise but further research is needed on VEGF regarding whether this change is associated with vascular function improvement in older women.

P-266 Study on the mechanisms of ovol1/2 during the morula-to-blastocyst transition

Abstract Study question Screen the key gene groups that determine the development of blastocyst. Explore the effect of ovol1/2 gene on early embryonic development. Summary answer We founded that there were insufficient activation of the Major ZGA genes in the AE group,and focused on candidate gene ovol1/2. What is known already At present, the clinical success rate of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is less than 50%. A large number of embryos cultured in vitro can not develop to blastocyst, and there are cleavage or morula stage arrest. The developmental arrest of preimplantation embryos is an important reason for treatment failure of infertile patients. However, the cause of early embryonic development arrest is not clear, and there is also a lack of effective methods to improve embryo quality. Study design, size, duration In this study, fertilized embryos were obtained through ICSI and a single cell from eight-cell embryo was biopsied through micromanipulation for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Subsequently, we tracked the developmental potential of remaining cells and divided them into high-quality blastocyst(Bla) group and high-quality eight-cell failed blastocyst formation(arrest embryo, AE) group. In addition,we employed a RNAi approach to study the function of candidate gene ovol1/2, by injecting ovol1/2-targeting small interfering RNAs (siovol1/2) into wild-type (WT) zygotes. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study collected 21 human blastocysts and 5 arrest embryos. Human immature oocytes from ICSI treatments were clinically discarded and donated by women after signing informed consent by donors. C57B6 background mouse strains were used in this study. Mice were maintained under specific pathogen free conditions in a controlled environment of 20–22 °C,with a 12/12 h light/dark cycle, 50–70% humidity, and food and water provided. Main results and the role of chance The results showed that the gene expression of embryos in AE group was significantly different from that of Bla group: 79.5% of differential expression genes were down-regulated, including 48.3% of the Major ZGA gene. Then we focused on the candidate gene ovol1/2. When ovol1/2 were knocked down alone, there was no significant difference in the development rate of embryos from 2-cell to blastocyst between knockdown group and normal control group. When ovol1/2 were knocked down at the same time, there was no significant difference in the development rate of embryos among three groups before the morula stage. But in the morula developed to the blastocyst stage, there were significant differences among three groups of embryos: about 73% of embryos in the normal control group formed blastocyst; about 39% of the embryos in the low-dose knockdown group; the high-dose knockdown group embryos were all arrested in the morula stage. Further investigation revealed that the number of inner cell mass(ICM) cells in low-dose knockdown group did not change significantly, while the number of trophoblastic ectoderm(TE) cells significantly decreased. In addition, the TE functions of low-dose knockdown group such as blastocyst cavity size, paved area, hatching and adhesion rate were damaged. Limitations, reasons for caution Further research of the mechanisms is needed. Wider implications of the findings This is significant to understand molecular mechanisms of early embryonic development, and will provide important theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and intervention of embryonic development arrest. Our study provides clues for the causes of abnormal blastocyst formation and new ideas for possible clinical improvements in the success rate of ART. Trial registration number not applicable

THE EFFECT OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE MEAT PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY ON THE FLESH QUALITY OF BROILERS FED WITH ASTRAGALUS EXTRACT AND GLYCYRRHIZA EXTRACT

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of high-temperature processing of meat raw materials technology on the flesh quality of broilers fed with Astragalus extract and Glycyrrhiza extract and their combination. Also at the same time, was investigated the effect of feeding, extracts of plant Astragalus extract and Glycyrrhiza extract were used to improve the quality and taste of meat of broiler chickens. Analysing influence of high-temperature processing of meat raw materials technology on the content of nutrients in chicken flesh it is necessary to note, that Compared with CON group, CP in AE group, GE group, AE+GE Ⅰ group and AE+GE Ⅱ group was significantly increased (P &lt; 0.05). There were no significant differences in EE, Ash, Ca and P among all groups (P &gt; 0.05). By this study, it was found that, compared with the control group, the crude protein content in the meat treated with Astragalus extract and Glycyrrhiza extract was significantly increased after high temperature treatment, indicating that Astragalus extract and Glycyrrhiza extract could improve the nutritional value of meat after high temperature treatment, and the effect was better than use the antibiotics.Also, high-temperature technology processing of meat raw materials had an effect on such an indicator as fatty acid content in chicken. Compared with CON group, PUFA content in AE group, GE group, AE+GE Ⅰ group and AE+GE Ⅱ group and MUFA content in AE+GE Ⅰ group and AE+GEⅡ group were significantly increased (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in SFA content among all groups. It is also necessary to note the influence of technology high-temperature processing on processing of meat raw materials on such an indicator as flesh colour and shear force. Compared with CON group, a* in AE group, GE group, AE+GE Ⅰ group and AE+GE Ⅱ group was significantly increased, while b* and shear force were significantly decreased (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in L value among all groups (P &gt; 0.05). By this study, the L value of meat color in each group did not change significantly after high-temperature technology processing, but the a* value of meat color in the groups treated with Astragalus and Glycyrrhiza was significantly increased, and the b* value was significantly decreased, indicating that the consumption of Astragalus extract and Glycyrrhiza extract of high temperature treatment could improve the meat color after after such treatment. In summary, the following can be noted adding Astragalus extract and Glycyrrhiza extract, and their combination, can improve the meat quality and flavour of broilers.

Genetic characteristics of a novel HIV-1 recombinant lineage (CRF103_01B) and its prevalence in northern China.

During the routine surveillance of HIV-1 pretreatment drug resistance in Beijing, five men who have sex with men (MSM) and a woman were observed to get infected by newly identified CRF103_01B strain. To elucidate the genetic characteristics, the near full-length genome (NFLG) was obtained. Phylogenetic inference indicated that CRF103_01B NFLG was composed of six mosaic segments. Segments IV and V of CRF103_01B were located among the clusters subtype B and CRF01_AE (group 5), respectively. The CRF103_01B strain was deduced to originate from Beijing MSM population around 2002.3-2006.4 and continued to spread among MSM population at a low level, then to the general population via heterosexual contact in northern China. Molecular epidemiology surveillance of CRF103_01B should be reinforced.

Frequency of Breast Abscess among Lactating Women Presenting to Ambulatory Care of Tertiary care Hospital

Background: The excruciating build-up of pus in breast tissue is known as a breast abscess. This condition is more common in lactating women and is caused by bacterial infection at the nipple zone, which is primarily brought on by biting the child while breastfeeding, poor sanitation, blockage of the milk ducts, and the development of lumps that may be cancerous. Mastitis to abscess development is at different levels of severity for breast abscesses. Breast abscesses can be central or perieolar in location. Acute cases are readily treatable, but surgical intervention is required for chronic cases. Aim: To determine the frequency of breast abscess among lactating women presenting to ambulatory care of tertiary care hospital of Peshawar. Study design: Cross-sectional observational study. Place and duration of study: Department of General Surgery, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar from 1st March 2021 to 1st September 2021. Methodology: Three hundred and thirty four patients of ae groups 15–45 years old, lactating mothers up to 40 days after childbirth, and all women presenting with mastalgia (more than 3 on visual analogue scale) were included. Patients with an alternate infection site identified through clinical examination, those with diabetes (FBS &gt;120mg/dl), those with other immunosuppressive conditions like HIV, and those with a history of steroid use within the previous month were excluded. Results: There were 49(14.7%) cases belong to age group of 19-30 years, while 31(9.3%) belongs to &gt;30 years age (p 0.049). Thirty six (10.8%) of abscess was noted in those who had parity of 1-2 while 44(13.2%) had parity 3-4. The mean BMI of the study sample was 26.6+3.5kg/m2 amongst whom 29(8.7%) frequency of breast abscess was observed in 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, 36(10.8%) had BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2 and 15(4.5%) had &gt;30kg/m2. The mean postpartum day was 12.1±4.1 day. Fifty four (16.2%) abscess was noted in 6-12 postpartum day, while 26(7.8%) was noted in &gt;12-19 postpartum day. Conclusion: Breast abscess was fairly common (24%) in postpartum women and significantly associated with age of the patient (&gt;30 years). Keywords: Breast abscess, Parity, Lactating women, Post-partum, Body mass index

Comparison of Clinical and Laboratory Findings at Different Clinical Stages in Cats Naturally Infected with Feline Coronavirus

Abstract Feline coronavirus (FCoV) infections occur commonly in cats, with entrocyte and monocyte-macrophage tropism. Most FCoV-infected cats remain asymp tomatic, but up to 10% develop fatal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). This study aims to investigate the diagnostic utility of clinical and laboratory examinations including serum and effusion AGP levels in cats either with symptomatic effusive FIP or asymptomatic feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). The study included 40 cats with effusive FIP and 10 cats with FECV infection. The FIP group was divided into two subgroups: abdominal (AE; n=30) and thoracic effusion (TE; n=10). Clinical and laboratory examinations, including serum or effusion AGP measurement, were performed. Among all the groups, TE group had higher body temperature, heart and respiratory rates (P&lt;0.000). Compared with the FECV group, the FIP group had lower pH and HCO3 levels and higher base excess and lactate levels (P&lt;0.05). The leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were higher and the hematocrit was lower in the AE group among all the groups (P&lt;0.023). MCV was lower in the FIP group compared to the FECV group (P&lt;0.002). In the AE group, total protein level was the lowest and the AST, GGT, total bilirubin and cholesterol levels were the highest (P&lt;0.032) among all the groups. Magnesium level was lower in the FIP group compared to the FECV group (P&lt;0.044). Although the serum AGP level was highest in the TE group among all groups (P&lt;0.004), the AGP levels of cats with FECV were similar to the AE group (P&gt;0.05). Since FECV-positive cats will likely develop FIP, differences in clinical and laboratory findings in FECV-positive cats were identified. Among them, pH, HCO3, base excess, lactate, MCV and magnesium were found to be important in the course of the disease, and AGP in the evaluation of the presence of an inflammatory state. It was concluded that clinical, laboratory and serum AGP evaluation could be used in the index of suspicion of development of FIP and FECV.

A comparative study of chronic spontaneous urticaria and chronic mast cell mediated angioedema

Background: Mast cell-mediated angioedema (MC-AE) is considered a form of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Objective: To investigate the clinical and laboratory features that distinguish MC-AE from antihistamine-responsive CSU (CSU), and antihistamine-resistant CSU (R-CSU) with and without concomitant AE. Methods: A retrospective observational study using the electronic patient record data base of patients with MC-AE, CSU, R-CSU, and sex- and age-matched control group (control), with a case-control ratio of 1:2. Results: A total of 986 subjects in the CSU group, 148 in the R-CSU group, 64 in the MC-AE group, and 1198 in the control group were compared. The R-CSU group without AE was characterized by lower total IgE levels (118.5 ± 84.7 IU/mL) and higher High sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels (138.9 ± 94.2 IU/mL, p = 0.027; and 7.4 ± 6.9 mg/L versus 5.1 ± 6.8 mg/L, p = 0.001) than the CSU without AE group. The R-CSU group with AE was characterized by lower total IgE levels (112.1 ± 81.3 IU/mL) than the CSU group with AE (141.7 ± 89.5 IU/mL; p < 0.001), higher hs-CRP levels (7.1 ± 6.1 mg/L versus 4.7 ± 5.9 mg/L; p < 0.001). There were fewer female subjects in the MC-AE group (31 [48.4%]) than in the CSU with AE and in the R-CSU with AE 223 (67.8%) and 18 (66.7%), respectively; p = 0.012). MC-AE group was characterized by less eyelid/perioral/facial involvement and more limb involvement than in the CSU with AE and R-CSU with AE groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Low IgE in MC-AE and higher IgE in CSU may signify two distinct types of immune dysregulation. Due to clinical and laboratory differences between MC-AE and CSU, we suggest questioning the assumption that MC-AE is a form of CSU.

Evaluating the effects of dietary allicin-rich extract on the production performance, egg quality, caecal bacterial population and lipid profile of laying hens

Abstract Consumers' need to prefer pathogen-free animal products has led nutritionists to increasingly look for alternatives to synthetic additives, of which garlic has been considered as a natural additive. Therefore, a 12-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the potential of the dietary allicin-rich extract on the performance of laying hens. Eight hundred and forty (840) 28 weeks old Bovans Brown laying hens were randomly allotted to two experiments; the first study had four dietary treatments with 6 replicates and 20 birds and the second study had three treatments with 6 replicates and 20 birds per pen using a completely randomised design. The dietary treatments consisted of a negative control (Ncon./C, standard diet without antibiotics), positive control (Pcon./C +, standard diet + 1.0Â g/l oxytetracycline), allicin-rich extract with low concentration (AEL, Ncon. + 0.5Â ml/kg), allicin-rich extract with high concentration (AEH, Ncon. + 1.0Â ml/kg) and allicin-rich extract in drinking water (AE/C - + 1.0Â ml/l of fresh drinking water). No statistical differences (PÂ >Â 0.05) were observed in feed consumption and egg weight among all the treatments but egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved (PÂ <Â 0.05) by the addition of allicin-rich extract at 0.50Â ml/kg. Albumen was significantly superior (PÂ <Â 0.05) in the AE group compared to the positive control group. With age, viable total coliform, E. coli and Clostridium perfringens were significantly lower (PÂ <Â 0.05) in the experimental groups compared to the negative control group. Significantly lower (PÂ <Â 0.05) concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein were recorded in the AE group. It can be concluded that the incorporation of dietary allicin-rich extract reduced pathogenic bacteria and boosted feed efficiency, egg production and blood lipid depending on the mode of application.

The balance between lung regulatory T cells and Th17 cells is a risk indicator for the acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease after surgery: a case-control study

BackgroundAcute exacerbation (AE) of interstitial lung disease (ILD) (AE-ILD) is a life-threatening condition and the leading cause of 30-day mortality among patients who underwent pulmonary resection for lung cancer in Japan. This study was conducted to clarify the characteristics of the immune environment of lung tissues before the onset of AE-ILD.MethodsThis retrospective matched case-control study compared the immune phenotypes of helper T cells in lung tissues from patients with and without AE-ILD after surgery. In total, 135 patients who underwent surgical resection for lung cancer and were pathologically diagnosed with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) at our institute between 2009 and 2018 were enrolled. Thirteen patients with AE-IIP and 122 patients without AE (non-AE) were matched using a propensity score analysis, and 12 cases in each group were compared. We evaluated the percentages of T helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17, regulatory T (Treg), and CD8 cells in CD3+ T cells and the Th1:Th2, Th17:Treg, and CD8:Treg ratios in patients with AE by immunostaining of lung tissues in the non-tumor area.ResultsWe found a significant difference in the lung Th17:Treg ratio between the AE and non-AE groups (1.47 and 0.79, p = 0.041). However, we detected no significant differences in the percentages of lung Th1 (21.3% and 29.0%), Th2 (34.2% and 42.7%), Th17 (22.3% and 21.6%), Treg (19.6% and 29.1%), and CD8+ T cells (47.2% and 42.2%) of CD3+ T cells between the AE and non-AE groups.ConclusionThe ratio of Th17:Treg cells in lung tissues was higher in participants in the AE group than in those in the non-AE group.Clinical Trial RegistrationThis study was approved by the ethics committee of our institute (2,016,095).

Evaluation of Choroidal Vascular Structure in Hyperopic Anisometropic Amblyopia.

The aim of the study was to investigate the choroidal structure of patients with anisohypermetropic amblyopia compared to that of healthy eyes in controls of the same age. The study comprises three groups: One group was the amblyopic eyes of patients with anisometropic hypermetropia (AE group), another group was the fellow eyes of patients with anisometropic hypermetropia (FE group), and a final group of healthy controls. Both the choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) values were obtained using the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) method of improved depth imaging (EDI-OCT; Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Spectralis, Germany, Heidelberg). This study included 28 anisometropic amblyopic patients (AE and FE groups) and 35 healthy controls. Regarding the distribution of ages and sexes (p=0.813 and p=0.745), the groups were the same. The mean best-corrected visual acuity in AE, FE, and the control group was 0.58±0.76, 0.008±1.30, and 0.004±1.20 logMAR units, respectively. There was a significant difference in terms of CVI, luminal area (LA), and all the CT values between groups. Post hoc univariate analyses indicated that CVI and LA were significantly higher in AE compared to FE and the control group (p<0.05, for each). The temporal, nasal, and subfoveal CT values were considerably higher in AE compared to FE and the control groups (p<0.05, for each). However, there was no difference between FE and the control group (p>0.05, for each). The AE group had larger LA, CVI, and CT values compared to the FE and control groups. These results show that choroidal changes in amblyopic eyes in children are permanent in adulthood if untreated and are involved in the pathogenesis of amblyopia.

Effect of aerobic exercise training on EEG: event-related potential and neuropsychological functions in depressed elderly with mild cognitive impairment.

This study aimed to identify the potential benefits of AE on neurophysiological and neuropsychological functions. A total of 30 depressed older adults (AE group: n=15; control group (CG): n=14) were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The AE group was subjected to an 8-week-period AE program (3 times/week for 30 min per session) at moderate intensity, determined using heart rate maximum (HRmax). The training intensity was set at 50% HRmax and increased by 5% in subsequent weeks. Pre- and post-training measures for neurophysiological function were tested using ERP-P300 (amplitude-μV and latency-ms) and also for neuropsychological functions using the trail making test (TMT), mini mental status examination (MMSE), and everyday cognition questionnaire (ECog). In the experimental group, statistically significant improvements were observed when analyzed for all 3 (group-by-time interaction effect, main effect of time, and main effect of group), in both neurophysiological functions (*p<0.001) and neuropsychological functions (*p<0.001), except for ECog scores, where the results were insignificant for the main effect of a group. Correlation analysis demonstrated no association between neurophysiological and neuropsychological functions (*p>0.05). Findings showed that 8 weeks of AE training may be a promising approach to improve cognitive functions in depressed older adults. However, considering relatively small number of patients, the question arises for effectiveness in other populations.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for Covid-19 associated severe acute respiratory distress syndrome

COVID-19 caused significant mortality worldwide, including in Vietnam. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the treatment of COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). From January 1, 2022 to March 31, 2022, the COVID-19 hospital admitted 395 critical patients, including 10 patients required veno-venous Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). This descriptive study revealed relatively high survival rate of 60% (6/10 patients) with the median duration of ECMO was 11.5 days. The study group's SOFA and RESP scores were 6 and 4, respectively. Time from symptom onset to mechanical ventilation, duration of NIV and/or HFNC before mechanical ventilation, time from symptom onset to ECMO of the study patients were 9.5, 0 and 11.5 days, respectively. The most common complication in ECMO patients was nosocomial infection (70%), in addition to bleeding, embolism, or both at the same time. This preliminary research showed that ECMO was effective in the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with COVID-19.

Altered fecal microbiome and metabolome in adult patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

BackgroundEmerging experimental and epidemiological evidence highlights a crucial cross-talk between the intestinal flora and the lungs, termed the “gut-lung axis”. However, the function of the gut microbiota in bronchiectasis remains undefined. In this study, we aimed to perform a multi-omics-based approach to identify the gut microbiome and metabolic profiles in patients with bronchiectasis.MethodsFecal samples collected from non-CF bronchiectasis patients (BE group, n = 61) and healthy volunteers (HC group, n = 37) were analyzed by 16 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing. The BE group was divided into two groups based on their clinical status: acute exacerbation (AE group, n = 31) and stable phase (SP group, n = 30). Further, metabolome (lipid chromatography-mass spectrometry, LC-MS) analyses were conducted in randomly selected patients (n = 29) and healthy volunteers (n = 31).ResultsDecreased fecal microbial diversity and differential microbial and metabolic compositions were observed in bronchiectasis patients. Correlation analyses indicated associations between the differential genera and clinical parameters such as bronchiectasis severity index (BSI). Disease-associated gut microbiota was screened out, with eight genera exhibited high accuracy in distinguishing SP patients from HCs in the discovery cohort and validation cohort using a random forest model. Further correlation networks were applied to illustrate the relations connecting disease-associated genera and metabolites.ConclusionThe study uncovered the relationships among the decreased fecal microbial diversity, differential microbial and metabolic compositions in bronchiectasis patients by performing a multi-omics-based approach. It is the first study to characterize the gut microbiome and metabolome in bronchiectasis, and to uncover the gut microbiota’s potentiality as biomarkers for bronchiectasis.Trial registration: This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04490447.

The effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus mouse femoral bone achieved by anti-osteoporosis exercise interventions.

Exercise therapy and key regulators of bone quality exert anti-hyperglycemic effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice. A number of programs have been reported to have an effect on bone disease in T2DM. Major unanswered questions concern the potential correlation of exercise with the improvement of bone quality in T2DM mice and how the nonlinear optical properties of bone are correlated with changes to its crystal structure. Subjects were randomly divided into six groups: 1) control (C) group, which was fed a normal diet (n=8); 2) T2DM quiet group, which was given a high-fat diet and quiet (n=8); 3) T2DM plus swimming (T2DM+S) group, which received T2DM and swim training (n=8); 4) T2DM plus resistance exercise (T2DM+RE) group, which was given T2DM and resistance exercise (n=8); 5) T2DM plus aerobic exercise (T2DM+AE) group, with T2DM and medium-intensity treadmill exercise (n=8); and 6) T2DM plus high-intensity interval training (T2DM+HIIT), with T2DM and high-intensity variable-speed intervention (n=8). The levels of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osterix (OSX), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as the bone microstructure and morphometry, were measured at the end of the 8-week exercise intervention. Compared with the C group, the bone microstructure indexes [bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), cortical thickness (Ct.Th), and connectivity density (Conn.D)], the bone biomechanical properties (maximum load, fracture load, yield stress, and elastic modulus), and the osteogenic differentiation factors (RUNX2, OSX, and BMP2) of the T2DM group were significantly decreased (all p<0.05). Compared with the T2DM group, there were obvious improvements in the osteogenic differentiation factor (OSX) and Th.N, while the separation of trabecular bone (Tb.Sp) decreased in the T2DM+AE and T2DM+HIIT groups (all p<0.05). In addition, the bone microstructure indicators BV/TV, tissue mineral density (TMD), Conn.D, and degree of anisotropy (DA) also increased in the T2DM+HIIT group, but the yield stress and Ct.Th deteriorated compared with the T2DM group (all p<0.05). Compared with the T2DM+S and T2DM+RE groups, the BV/TV, trabecular number (Tb.N), Tb.Sp, and Conn.D in the T2DM+AE and T2DM+HIIT groups were significantly improved, but no significant changes in the above indicators were found between the T2DM+S and T2DM+RE groups (all p<0.05). In addition, the BMD and the expression of ALP in the T2DM+AE group were significantly higher than those in the T2DM+HIIT group (all p<0.05). There was a significant deterioration in femur bone mass, trabecular bone microarchitecture, cortical bone geometry, and bone mechanical strength in diabetic mice. However, such deterioration was obviously attenuated in diabetic mice given aerobic and high-intensity interval training, which would be induced mainly by suppressing the development of T2DM. Regular physical exercise may be an effective strategy for the prevention of not only the development of diabetes but also the deterioration of bone properties in patients with chronic T2DM.