HD Group Research Articles

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AFTER PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of arterial hypertension (AH) and dyslipidemia on the severity, cardiovascular events and death in patients hospitalized for pneumococcal community acquired pneumonia (CAP). Design and method: Retrospective, cohort, multicenter, epidemiologic study. All adult inpatients of 4 different centres in Portugal, with microbiological and clinical documented pneumococcal CAP were included. Demographic data, comorbidities, antibiotic therapy, hospital length of stay, need for ICU admission, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and renal replacement therapy (RRT) were collected. All patients were monitored until death or 1-year of follow up. Risk factors for short- and long-term all-cause mortality, including cardiovascular events, were computed. Patients were divided into 3 groups: H) with isolated AH; HD) with both AH and dyslipidemia; Control) without AH or dyslipidemia. The significance level was defined as p <0.05. Results: 797 patients were included in this study, 53.6% male, mean age 72.4±16.5 years. Comparing the 3 groups, females were prevalent in H and HD groups (52% and 54.3% vs 40.6% Control; p<0.002). Mean age was higher in H and HD (78.2±12.6 and 78.4±10.7 years; vs Control 67.5±18.2 years, ANOVA p<0.001). 18.8% patients required ICU admission, 6.7% IMV and 13.1% RRT. H required more IMV (7.5%, p = 0,5) and HD more RRT (16.6%, p = 0.2). The overall in-hospital mortality was 17.8%. During the follow up, H and HD groups were more readmitted to the emergency department due to cardiovascular events than Control group (11.7% and 13.4% vs. 6.5%, OR 1,91 p = 0.04 and OR 2.26 p = 0.016, respectively); also required more hospitalization for cardiovascular events than Control group (14.4% e 12.6% vs. 6.2%; OR 2.49, p = 0.002; and OR 1.99, p = 0.02, respectively). One-year all-cause mortality was higher in H group (39.2%; p = 0.026). Conclusions: Prevalence of arterial hypertension was 47.4%, higher than the national rate. H group resorted, with or without dyslipidemia, more often to the emergency department, requiring more hospitalization and with higher mortality rates, without difference in hospital mortality. It's crucial to control cardiovascular risk factors, providing greater cardiovascular protection to reduce the risk of long-term mortality.

Effects of Stocking Density on the Growth Performance, Physiological Parameters, Antioxidant Status and Lipid Metabolism of Pelteobagrus fulvidraco in the Integrated Rice-Fish Farming System.

Pelteobagrus fulvidraco is a freshwater fish commonly raised in rice fields, yet the optimal stocking density for this species remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the appropriate stocking density of P. fulvidraco in integrated rice-fish farming systems. Three different stocking densities--low density (LD, 125 g/m2), middle density (MD, 187.5 g/m2), and high density (HD, 250 g/m2)--were set up to evaluate P. fulvidraco's growth performance, stress indices, immune function, antioxidant status, and lipid metabolism after 90 days of farming. The results indicated that HD treatment had a detrimental effect on P. fulvidraco's growth parameters. HD treatment led to an increase in cortisol (Cor) and lactate (La) levels, but a decrease in glucose (Glu) content in serum. After 90 days of farming, an immune response accompanied by the increase of complement 3 (C3), C4, and immunoglobulin M (IgM) was observed in the HD group. Meanwhile, HD treatment induced oxidative stress and altered antioxidative status evidenced by the levels of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum or liver. Additionally, the lipid metabolism-related genes including lipoprotein lipase (lpl), peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor (pparα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (cpt-1), and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (srebp-1) were markedly downregulated in the HD and/or MD group after 90 days of farming. In conclusion, this study contributes to a better understanding of P. fulvidraco's response to different stocking densities in integrated rice-fish farming systems. We suggest that the appropriate stocking density for P. fulvidraco in these farming systems should be below 250 g/m2, considering both fish growth and physiological responses.

Comparison of image quality, arterial depiction, and radiation dose between two rapid kVp-switching dual-energy CT scanners in CT angiography at 40-keV

PurposeTo compare the quantitative parameters and qualitative image quality of dual-energy CT angiography (CTA) between two rapid kVp-switching dual-energy CT scanners.Materials and methodsBetween May 2021 and March 2022, 79 participants underwent whole-body CTA using either Discovery CT750 HD (Group A, n = 38) or Revolution CT Apex (Group B, n = 41). All data were reconstructed at 40-keV and with adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo of 40%. The two groups were compared in terms of CT numbers of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, and the iliac artery, background noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the artery, CT dose-index volume (CTDIvol), and qualitative scores for image noise, sharpness, diagnostic acceptability, and arterial depictions.ResultsThe median CT number of the abdominal aorta (p = 0.04) and SNR of the thoracic aorta (p = 0.02) were higher in Group B than in Group A, while no difference was observed in the other CT numbers and SNRs of the artery (p = 0.09–0.23). The background noises at the thoracic (p = 0.11), abdominal (p = 0.85), and pelvic (p = 0.85) regions were comparable between the two groups. CTDIvol was lower in Group B than in Group A (p = 0.006). All qualitative scores were higher in Group B than in Group A (p < 0.001–0.04). The arterial depictions were nearly identical in both two groups (p = 0.005–1.0).ConclusionIn dual-energy CTA at 40-keV, Revolution CT Apex improved qualitative image quality and reduced radiation dose.

Impact of dietary dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand. -Mazz.) supplementation on carcase traits, breast meat quality, muscle fatty and amino acid composition and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens

This trial was performed to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of dry dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand. -Mazz.) on carcase traits, breast meat quality, muscle fatty and amino acid composition and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. A total of 120 Arbour Acres broiler chickens were randomly allotted to three groups and fed basal diet (CON), basal diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg (LD) or 1.0 g/kg (HD) of dandelion. The results showed that compared with LD group, the eviscerated percentage of HD group tended to be higher (p = 0.090), while the abdominal fat yield tended to be lower (p = 0.078). In addition, dandelion quadratically increased redness, water loss rate, the proportion of C20:2, C20:4n-6, C22:6n-3 and the sum of n-3 PUFA and decreased cooking loss of Pectoralis major (PA) muscle (p < 0.05). The crude protein content of PA muscle showed a linear decrease trend with increasing dandelion levels (p = 0.057). The thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values on d 3 and d 5 were linearly and quadratically decreased (p < 0.05). The results indicated that dandelion could be used as natural antioxidant in broiler chickens’ diets to benefit meat quality and lipid oxidative stability. Highlights Dietary dandelion quadratically increased redness value and proportion of PUFA, while decreased cooking loss of Pectoralis major muscle. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values of Pectoralis major muscle on d 3 and d 5 were linearly and quadratically decreased by dietary dandelion supplementation. The beneficial effect of 0.5 g/kg of dandelion was superior to 1.0 g/kg.

External beam radiotherapy inhibits stent related granulation hyperplasia in rabbit trachea

Endobronchial stent exacerbates the formation of granulation tissue. Radiotherapy maybe a durable treatment option for granulation hyperplasia. In this study, we explore the results of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for granulation hyperplasia after airway stent placement. A total of 30 New Zealand rabbits were assigned in three groups, Control group (n = 12), low dosage (LD, 12 Gy in 4 fractions and twice a week) group (n = 9) and high dosage (HD, 20 Gy in 4 fractions and twice a week) group (n = 9). Post-stenting 1 week, LD and HD group started to receive EBRT. Bronchoscopy, Haematoxylin–eosin (HE), Masson’s trichrome (MTS), Safranin O (SO) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining protocols were performed to evaluate the histopathological changes of trachea. A total of 30 stents were successfully implanted in 30 rabbits. No procedure-related death and complications happened. Post-stenting 4 w, 8 w and 12 w, the ventilate area ratio (VAR) and qualitative histological scoring (QHS) in the LD group and HD group lower than the Control group. Post-stenting 12w, the immunohistochemical results revealed that the positive percentage of TGF-β and VEGF in the LD group and HD group were lower than the Control group. In conclusion, the present study investigated the efficacy of EBRT in reducing stent related granulation tissue formation in the rabbit trachea. Higher dosage EBRT with a better result in inhibiting granulation hyperplasia.

Protective effect of resveratrol on mitochondrial biogenesis during hyperoxia-induced brain injury in neonatal pups

BackgroundNeonatal hyperoxic brain injury is caused by exposure to hyperphysiological oxygen content during the period of incomplete development of the oxidative stress defence system, resulting in a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and causing damage to brain tissue. Mitochondrial biogenesis refers to the synthesis of new mitochondria from existing mitochondria, mostly through the PGC-1α/Nrfs/TFAM signalling pathway. Resveratrol (Res), a silencing information regulator 2-related enzyme 1 (Sirt1) agonist, has been shown to upregulate the level of Sirt1 and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). We speculate that Res has a protective effect on hyperoxia-induced brain injury through mitochondrial biogenesis.MethodsSprague-Dawley (SD) pups were randomly divided into the nonhyperoxia (NN) group, the nonhyperoxia with dimethyl sulfoxide (ND) group, the nonhyperoxia with Res (NR) group, the hyperoxia (HN) group, the hyperoxia with dimethyl sulfoxide (HD) group, and the hyperoxia with Res (HR) group within 12 h after birth. The HN, HD, and HR groups were placed in a high-oxygen environment (80‒85%), and the other three groups were placed in the standard atmosphere. The NR and HR groups were given 60 mg/kg Res every day, the ND and HD groups were given the same dose of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) every day, and the NN and HN groups were given the same dose of normal saline every day. On postnatal day (PN) 1, PN7, and PN14, brain samples were acquired for HE staining to assess pathology, TUNEL to detect apoptosis, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting to detect the expression levels of Sirt1, PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1), nuclear respiratory factor 2 (Nrf2) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in brain tissue.ResultsHyperoxia induced brain tissue injury; increased brain tissue apoptosis; inhibited Sirt1, PGC-1α, Nrf1, Nrf2, TFAM mRNA expression in mitochondria; diminished the ND1 copy number and ND4/ND1 ratio; and decreased Sirt1, PGC-1α, Nrf1, Nrf2, and TFAM protein levels in the brain. In contrast, Res reduced brain injury and attenuated brain tissue apoptosis in neonatal pups and increased the levels of the corresponding indices.ConclusionRes has a protective effect on hyperoxia-induced brain injury in neonatal SD pups by upregulating Sirt1 and stimulating the PGC-1α/Nrfs/TFAM signalling pathway for mitochondrial biogenesis.

Comparing Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients for Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Objective: The purpose of this research was to compare gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in ESRD patients receiving PD and HD to see whether there were any significant changes. Methods: After the ethical approval from the institute review board, this crossectional study was conducted at shahida Islam medical complex ,lodhran. From 01/01/22 to 30/06/22. A modified 15-item gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) questionnaire was used to assess GI symptoms; this questionnaire included questions on eating dysfunction. Age, a etiology of ESRD, and most recent adequacy evaluation of dialysis were collected through the follow-up database, patient interviews, and chart reviews. Results: Total seventy patients were included in the present study, N=35 was on hemodialysis and N=35 on peritoneal dialysis. HD and PD patients were similar with respect to age, sex, the occurrence of diabetes mellitus, and average dialysis duration. In ESRD patients’ overall prevalence of GI symptoms (GSRS &gt;1) was 68.5% (48/70 patients). Patients with a GSRS &gt; 1 were more common among those with HD group (28/35; 80%) than those with PD (57%; 20/35) (P 0.058*). In the HD group, more patients suffered from abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea (74%, 60% and 68.5%, respectively), compared with those in the PD group (34%, 28.5% and 32%, respectively; P value is 0.003, 0.001, and 0.008 respectively) Conclusion: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms vary in frequency, intensity, and variety across HD and PD individuals. Keywords: Gastrointestinal symptom, Hemodialysis, Peritoneal dialysis, End-stage renal disease

Post-Weaning Exposure to Sunset Yellow FCF Induces Changes in Testicular Tight and Gap Junctions in Rats: Protective Effects of Coenzyme Q10.

Studies on adverse health consequences of azo dyes are limited and conflicting. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation has been shown to have benefits associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics on several body systems. This work investigates the possible toxic effects of the widely used food additive sunset yellow and the probable protective effects of CoQ10 on testicular tight and gap junctions in rats by assessing molecular, immunohistochemical, and histopathological changes. Sixty Sprague-Dawley male weanling rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10). The rats received their treatments via daily oral gavages for 6weeks. The treatments included as follows: low dose of sunset yellow (SY-LD) (2.5mg/kg/day), high dose of sunset yellow (SY-HD) (70mg/kg/day), CoQ10 (10mg/kg/day), CoQ10 with low dose of sunset yellow (CoQ10 + LD), CoQ10 with high dose of sunset yellow (CoQ10 + HD), and distilled water as the control treatment. At the end of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized, and the testes were removed for molecular (real-time quantitative PCR), immunohistochemical, and histopathological (H & E staining) assessments. Claudin 11 and occludin gene expression significantly decreased in HD and CoQ10 + HD groups compared with the controls. Connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in the control and CoQ10 groups was significantly higher than in the HD group. The immunohistochemical and histopathological data were largely in line with these findings. The results showed that exposure to a high dose of sunset yellow led to disturbances in cell-to-cell interactions and testicular function. Simultaneous treatment with CoQ10 had some beneficial effects but did not completely improve these undesirable effects.

Complex probiotics alleviate ampicillin-induced antibiotic-associated diarrhea in mice.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common side effect during antibiotic treatment, which can cause dysbacteriosis of the gut microbiota. Previous studies have shown beneficial effects in AAD treatment with Bifidobacterium lactis XLTG11, Lactobacillus casei Zhang, Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8661, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Probio-M9. However, no studies have been conducted on the immunomodulatory effects and protective intestinal barrier function of four complex probiotics. The aim of our study is to investigate the alleviation effects of complex probiotics on ampicillin-induced AAD. Thirty-six BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups: normal control group (NC), model control group (MC), low-, medium-, and high-dose probiotics groups (LD, MD, and HD), and positive drug (Bifico, 1 × 107 cfu) control group (PDC; Bifico, also known as Bifidobacterium Triple Live Capsule, is composed of Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis). An AAD model was established by intragastric administration of ampicillin, by gavage of different doses of complex probiotics and Bifico. The weight gain, fecal water content, loose stool grade, intestinal permeability, total protein and albumin levels, intestinal barrier, cytokine levels, and gut microbiota were determined. The results showed that complex probiotics significantly decreased the fecal water content, loose stool grade, intestinal permeability, and ileum tissue damage. Their application increased the weight gain, SIgA, TP, and ALB levels. Additionally, complex probiotics significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased those of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression levels of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1, and MUC2 were significantly upregulated in the probiotic-treated group. Furthermore, the complex probiotics increased the gut microbiota diversity and modulated the changes in the gut microbiota composition caused by ampicillin. At the phylum level, the abundance of Proteobacteria in the HD group was lower than that in the MC group, whereas that of Bacteroidetes was higher. At the genus level, the abundances of Klebsiella and Parabacteroides in the HD group were lower, whereas those of Bacteroides, Muribaculaceae, and Lactobacillus were higher than those in the MC group. Moreover, Spearman's correlation analysis also found that several specific gut microbiota were significantly correlated with AAD-related indicators. We found that complex probiotics improved the diarrhea-related indexes, regulated gut microbiota composition and diversity, increased the expression levels of intestinal protective barrier-related genes, preserved the intestinal barrier function, and relieved inflammation and intestinal injury, thereby effectively improving AAD-associated symptoms. Graphical Abstract.

Long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of secukinumab in children and adolescents with severe chronic plaque psoriasis: Two-year results from a Phase III double-blind, randomised controlled trial.

Secukinumab has previously demonstrated sustained efficacy and favourable safety up to 52-weeks in paediatric patients (children and adolescents aged 6-<18 years) with severe chronic plaque psoriasis (NCT02471144). To investigate the long-term (104 weeks) efficacy and safety of secukinumab. After 52 weeks, patients continued to receive secukinumab low dose (LD [75/150 mg]) or high dose (HD [75/150/300 mg]). Patients on etanercept (0.8 mg/kg) until Week 52 entered follow-up. Data for patients receiving secukinumab LD from the beginning and those switching to secukinumab LD from placebo ('Any secukinumab' LD) and patients receiving secukinumab HD from the beginning and those switching to secukinumab HD from placebo ('Any secukinumab' HD) are presented. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, PASI (75/90/100) responses, Investigator's Global Assessment modified 2011 (IGA mod 2011) 0/1 response, Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) score, and CDLQI 0/1 response up to Week 104, and, safety up to Week 104 for all patients and up to 4 years for some patients (~320 patient-years [PY] of treatment). Secukinumab-treated patients showed sustained PASI 75/90/100 and IGA mod 2011 0/1 responses up to Week 104. Throughout the second year of treatment, efficacy was similar for the 'Any secukinumab' LD and HD groups for PASI 75 and IGA mod 2011 0/1 responses. PASI 90/100 responses were mostly comparable between the dose groups up to Week 88, but higher in the 'Any secukinumab' HD than the 'Any secukinumab' LD group at Week 104. Patients achieved a sustained CDLQI 0/1 response that was similar between the 'Any secukinumab' LD (61.1%) and HD (65.0%) groups. Safety data was consistent with the established safety profile of secukinumab. Secukinumab demonstrated sustained long-term efficacy (up to 2 years) and a favourable safety profile (~320 PY of treatment) in paediatric patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

The Relationship Between Serum Selenium Level, Cognitive Functions, and Depression in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Introduction Impairment of cognitive functions can commonly develop in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and increase morbidity and mortality. The antioxidant activity of selenium reduces cognitive decline by protecting neurons from free radical damage. We aimed to explore the associations between serum selenium levels, cognitive impairment, and depression in CKD patients in this research. Methods In this prospective cross-sectional research, 100 participants between the ages of 20 and 65 were included, and four groups of 25 patients each were formed (control group, stage 3-4 CKD, peritoneal dialysis [PD], hemodialysis [HD]). The Standardized Mini Mental Test (sMMT) was used to measure cognitive skills, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was utilized to diagnose depression. Simultaneously, measurements of serum selenium levels were done from collected blood samples. Results Cognitive impairment was detected in 4% of the control group, 16% of CKD patients (n=75), and 30% of the dialysis patients (n=50). Depression was found in 16% of the control group, 40% of the stage 3-4 CKD group,50% of the PD group, and 44% of the HD group. In the control group, sMMT scores were higher than the other groups (p<0.001 for all), while the BDI score was statistically significantly lower (p=0.003). Serum selenium levels were found to be higher than HD and PD groups in patients with non-dialysis CKD and control groups in the post hoc analyses (p=0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion Depression and cognitive impairment are particularly prevalent in CKD and dialysis patients. Our results indicate serum selenium insufficiency may be related to depression and cognitive impairment in this patient group. Nonetheless, these findings need to be confirmed by larger-scale studies.

Gochujang Consumption Prevents Metabolic Syndrome in a High-Fat Diet Induced Obese Mouse Model

High-fat and high-salt diets are risk factors for metabolic syndrome development. However, gochujang, which has a high salt content, possesses antiobesity properties in cell and animal models. We aimed to evaluate the effects of Sunchang traditional and modern factory produced gochujang on metabolic syndrome factors in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. For 14 weeks, 4-week-old C57BL/6J male mice were separated into five groups and fed a normal diet (ND), a high-fat diet only (HD), a HD with salt (SALT), a HD with traditional Sunchang gochujang (TS), and HD with modern factory made Sunchang gochujang (FS). Compared to HD and SALT groups, the gochujang groups had lower body weight, blood leptin, and insulin levels with reduced Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index and improved serum and liver lipid profiles. In addition, gochujang supplemented groups exhibited a significant reduction in mRNA expression of anabolic lipid metabolism related factors; PPARγ, CEBPα, and FABP4, and a significant increase in mRNA expression of energy expenditure-related factors; PPARα and CPT1. Protein expressions of SREBP1 were downregulated in the gochujang fed groups. TS and FS intakes improved obesity in HFD-induced obese mice. Compared to the gochujang groups, the SALT group did not exhibit any of those benefits suggesting that the high salt content of gochujang has different effects compared with added salt alone. Our findings provide evidence that gochujang could be a functional food to attenuate metabolic syndrome.

Diagnostic performance of Mac-2-binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) as a liver fibrosis marker in chronic hepatitis C patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis

Liver fibrosis assessment is essential to determine the initiation, duration, and evaluation of chronic hepatitis C treatment. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the role of Mac-2-binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) as a biomarker to measure liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis. This study used a cross-sectional design. Serum M2BPGi level and transient elastography results were evaluated in 102 chronic hepatitis C patients with CKD on HD, 36 CKD on HD patients, and 48 healthy controls. ROC analysis was conducted to identify the optimal cutoff values to assess significant fibrosis and cirrhosis among chronic hepatitis C patients with CKD on HD. In chronic hepatitis C patients with CKD on HD, the level of serum M2BPGi had a moderately significant correlation with transient elastography (r = 0.447, p < 0.001). The median serum M2BPGi was higher among CKD on HD patients compared to healthy controls (1.260 COI vs. 0.590 COI, p < 0.001) and was even higher in chronic hepatitis C patients with CKD on HD compared to CKD on HD group (2.190 COI vs. 1.260 COI, p < 0.001). It is also increased according to the severity of liver fibrosis: 1.670 COI, 2.020 COI, and 5.065 COI for F0-F1, significant fibrosis, and cirrhosis, respectively. The optimal cutoff values for diagnosing significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 2.080 and 2.475 COI, respectively. Serum M2BPGi could be a simple and reliable diagnostic tool for evaluating cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis C patients with CKD on HD.

Effects of dietary Cetobacterium somerae on the intestinal health, immune parameters and resistance against Nocardia seriolae of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), one of the most important freshwater commercial fish species has been widely cultivated in China. In recent years, the nocardiosis caused by Nocardia seriolae has greatly damaged the M. salmoides industry and there is no effective treatment at present. Currently, Cetobacterium somerae, the predominant bacteria in the gut of many freshwater fishes has been reported to be associated with fish health. However, whether the native C. somerae could protect the host from N. seriolae is unclear. In this study, M. salmoides were fed with three different diets, including control diet (CD), low C. somerae diet (106 CFU/g as LD) and high C. somerae diet (108 CFU/g as HD). After 8-week feeding, growth performance, gut health index, serum enzyme activities and the expression of inflammation-related genes were tested. Results showed that the LD and HD diets had no adverse effects on the growth performance. Moreover, dietary HD enhanced gut barrier and reduced intestinal ROS and ORP, as well as increased serum enzyme activities including ACP, AKP, SOD and LZM compared to the CD group. In addition, the HD diet significantly up-regulated the expression of TNF-α, IL8, IL-1β and IL15, while down-regulating the expression of TGF-β1 and IL10 in kidney. Moreover, the expression of antibacterial genes was significantly increased in HD group after being challenged by N. seriolae. And the fish fed HD diet exhibited higher survival rate (57.5%) than that in CD (37.5%) and LD groups (42.5%). To summarize, our study demonstrates that dietary HD can enhance gut health, improve immune response and strengthen pathogen resistance, suggesting that C. somerae is a potential probiotic for defending against N. seriolae infection in M. salmoides.

Scopoletin Improves Glucose Homeostasis in the High-Fructose High-Fat Diet-Induced Diabetes Model in Wistar Rats.

Antihyperglycemic action of scopoletin needs to be validated before considering it for clinical trials. The present study explored antihyperglycemic action of scopoletin in high-fructose high-fat diet (HFHFD)-induced diabetes in rats. The animal study was performed using 48 rats, 6 in each group. HFHFD was administered for model induction for 74 days. Rats in Group I (normal control [NC]) and group II (experimental control [EC]) received normal saline and HFHFD, respectively, throughout the study. Groups III, IV, V, and VI received oral scopoletin (1 mg/kg [low dose, LD], 5 mg/kg [medium dose, MD], 10 mg/kg [high dose, HD]), and metformin (250 mg/kg; positive control [PC] for efficacy), respectively, once daily from day 60 to 74, in addition to HFHFD. Group VII (10 mg/kg oral scopoletin safety group) and VIII (0.1 mg/kg oral warfarin; PC for safety) were separately used for bleeding time-clotting time (BTCT) assessment on days 60, 68, and 74. Groups I, VII, and VIII rats were studied for safety assessment. Later, animals were sacrificed for histological examination. Scopoletin-treated groups showed a significant decline in glucose levels, especially in the MD (5.18 ± 0.12) and HD group (5.271 ± 0.11) in comparison to the EC (6.37 ± 0.05) on day 74 (P < .05). Two weeks after scopoletin treatment, β-cell function significantly improved (53.073 ± 4.67) in the MD group versus 29.323 ± 8.505 in the NC group (P < .05). A statistically significant difference was observed when the MD group (53.07 ± 4.67) was compared to the metformin-treated group (24.80 ± 3.24; P < .05). The safety assessment in the form of BTCT findings did not observe a difference among groups I, VII, and VIII (P > .05). The study showed that scopoletin dose-independently reversed insulin resistance. Consequently, scopoletin can be a potential candidate for antidiabetic drug development.

Is retina affected in Huntington's disease? Is optical coherence tomography a good biomarker?

Comparative cross-sectional study of retinal parameters in Huntington's disease and their evaluation as marker of disease progression. Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with dominant motor and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Involvement of sensory functions in HD has been investigated, however studies of retinal pathology are incongruent. Effect sizes of previous findings were not published. OCT data of the subjects in previous studies have not been published. Additional examination of structural and functional parameters of retina in larger sample of patients with HD is warranted. This is a prospective cross-sectional study that included: peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) and total macular volume (TMV) measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) of retina, Pelli-Robson Contrast Sensitivity test, Farnsworth 15 Hue Color discrimination test, ophthalmology examination and Unified Huntington's disease Rating Scale (UHDRS). Ninety-four eyes of 41 HD patients examined in total 47 visits and 82 eyes of 41 healthy controls (HC) examined in total 41 visits were included. Analyses were performed by repeated measures linear mixed effects model with age and gender as covariates. False discovery rate was corrected by Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. HD group included 21 males and 20 females (age 50.6±12.0 years [mean ± standard deviation], disease duration 7.1±3.6 years, CAG triplet repeats 44.1±2.4). UHDRS Total Motor Score (TMS) was 30.0±12.3 and Total Functional Capacity 8.2±3.2. Control group (HC) included 19 males and 22 females with age 48.2±10.3 years. There was no statistically significant difference between HD and HC in age. The effect of the disease was not significant in temporal segment RNFL thickness. It was significant in the mean RNFL thickness and TMV, however not passing false discovery rate adjustment and with small effect size. In the HD group, the effect of disease duration and TMS was not significant. The Contrast Sensitivity test in HD was within normal limits and the 15-hue-test in HD did not reveal any specific pathology. The results of our study support possible diffuse retinal changes in global RNFL layer and in macula in Huntington's disease, however, these changes are small and not suitable as a biomarker for disease progression. We found no other structural or functional changes in retina of Huntington's disease patients using RNFL layer and macular volume spectral domain OCT and Contrast Sensitivity Test and 15-hue-test. Current retinal parameters are not appropriate for monitoring HD disease progression.

Effects of Intravenous Pimobendan on Cardiovascular Parameters in Healthy Sedated Cats

This study aimed to investigate the effects of intravenous pimobendan on cardiovascular function and to determine the appropriate dose for clinical usage in cats. Six purpose-bred cats received one of the following treatments: intravenous pimobendan at a single dose of 0.075 mg/kg (low dose [LD] group), 0.15 mg/kg (middle dose [MD] group), 0.3 mg/kg (high dose [HD] group), or saline at 0.1 mL/kg (placebo group). Echocardiography and blood pressure measurements were performed before and 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minute after drug administration for each treatment. In the MD and HD groups, the fractional shortening, peak systolic velocity, cardiac output, and heart rate increased significantly. There were no significant differences in blood pressure among the groups. Intravenous pimobendan at 0.15-0.3 mg/kg increased the fractional shortening, peak systolic velocity, cardiac output in healthy cats.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of standard- and high-dose daptomycin: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Standard doses of daptomycin at 4 and 6mg/kg were used for the treatment of skin and soft tissue for infections and bacteraemia, respectively. However, increased doses of daptomycin are recommended for complicated infections by Gram-positive organisms. A systematic review was conducted using 4 databases. We compared treatment success between standard-dose (SD, 4-6mg/kg) and high-dose (HD, >6mg/kg) daptomycin in patients with all-cause bacteraemia, complicated bacteraemia, infective endocarditis, osteomyelitis and foreign body/prosthetic infection as the primary outcome. We also compared the success between SD and HD2 (≥8mg/kg) daptomycin treatments in patients with these diseases as the secondary outcome. The incidence of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation was evaluated as safety. In patients with complicated bacteraemia and infective endocarditis, the treatment success was significantly lower in the SD group than in the HD group (odds ratio [OR] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30-0.76 and OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30-0.82) and HD2 group (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.21-0.69 and OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.15-0.60), respectively. A significant difference was demonstrated only in the HD2 group in patients with bacteraemia, including simple infection. SD did not decrease the success rate for the treatment of osteomyelitis and foreign body/prosthetic infection. The incidence of elevated CPK was significantly lower in SD group than in HD group. SD daptomycin was associated with significantly lower treatment success than HD in patients with complicated bacteraemia/infective endocarditis. The CPK elevation should be considered in patients treated with high daptomycin doses.

Anti-diabetic effects of fungal Ergosta-4, 6, 8(14), 22-tetraen-3-one from Pholiota adiposa

ObjectivePholiota adiposa is a valuable edible and medicinal fungus. In this research, Ergosta-4, 6, 8(14), 22-tetraen-3-one (ETO) was obtained from Pholiota adiposa which is the first time to study the anti-diabetic and related mechanism. MethodsErgosta-4, 6, 8 (14), 22-tetraen-3-one (ETO) was defined by IR and NMR. Relevant biochemical indicators were detected by ELISA assay, hematoxylin-eosin staining (H & E), fasting glucose levels (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), tissue homogenate biochemical measurements, immunohistochemical staining and western blot. ResultsIn this research, the ETO treatment groups exhibited a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, the High dose group (HD) was about 10 mmol/L lower than the diabetic control group (DC), and increase in body weight, the HD group weighed about 5 g more than the DC group on average. Also, the levels of triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were found to be decreased, while the levels of high-density superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-C), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were increased in the ETO treatment groups. The pancreatic and liver sections of diabetic control group (DC) exhibited several histopathological changes, but the ETO treatment groups exhibited improvements. ETO treatment led to the significant restoration of islet morphology and function. Moreover, the results of the western blot analysis indicate that ETO could be used for the treatment of diabetes, since it modifies part of the IRS1 / PI3K / AKT signaling pathway.

Resveratrol influences pulmonary mechanics and inflammatory response in a porcine ARDS model

AimsInfluencing the inflammatory response represents an important branch in ARDS research. The naturally occurring polyphenol derivative resveratrol has already been confirmed to have strong anti-inflammatory effects on the cardiac and metabolic system. In the present study, we investigated the propagated anti-inflammatory effects of intravenous resveratrol in a porcine ARDS model. Main methods20 domestic pigs (30 ± 2 kg; approval G20–1-135), divided into three groups: 1. resveratrol high dose (HD; n = 8), single bolus of 20 mg/kg over 15 min. 2. resveratrol low dose (LD; n = 8), single bolus of 10 mg/kg over 15 min. 3. Vehicle (n = 4), with the carrier solution DMSO over 15 min administered after ARDS induction. ARDS induction: using BAL/oleic acid and a subsequent test period of 8 h. Measurement parameters: Hemodynamics/spirometry data were collected continuously, BGA/laboratory parameters repetitively. Post-mortem: analysis of pulmonary inflammatory markers. Statistics: Two-way analysis of variance (repeated measurement) and Student-Newman-Keuls method. Key findingsResveratrol HD significantly reduced the expression of TNF-alpha in lung tissue compared to the LD group (p < 0.05). A significantly increased functional residual capacity (FRC) could be demonstrated for the HD group at the end of the test (p < 0.05 for HD vs. LD/vehicle). Further, resveratrol HD reduced statistically the EVLWI compared to LD/vehicle (p < 0.05 at T4/T8). SignificanceIn this study, resveratrol HD ameliorated pulmonary mechanics as reported for the FRC and EVLWI. Further, the proposed anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol, a significant reduction in the expression of TNF-alpha was observed in the HD group.