Insignificant Changes Research Articles

Mannitol versus mannitol with hypertonic saline for brain relaxation during craniotomies using ultra-sonographic optic nerve sheath diameter

ABSTRACT Background This study compared the effect of conventional doses of mannitol alone versus combined lower doses of mannitol-hypertonic saline on brain debulking during elective craniotomies. Patients and methods Sixty participants aged 18–60 years, ASA class I or II, who were scheduled for elective supratentorial brain tumor surgery, were randomly separated into 2 equal groups. Group (M) received 5 ml/kg of 20% mannitol at the onset of the surgical incision over 15 min. Group (MH) received 2.5 ml/kg of 20% mannitol plus 2.5 ml/kg 3% hypertonic saline (HTS) at the onset of the surgical incision over 15 min. Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), brain relaxation score, serum lactate, electrolytes, and surgeon’s satisfaction were measured. Results Both groups yielded similar results concerning demographic and tumor characteristics. The Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) was considerably lower in group MH compared to group M just before and immediately after dural incision (p = <0.001, and 0.001) respectively. The brain relaxation was considerably more adequate in group MH when compared to group M (p = 0.001). Group MH showed significant elevation in serum sodium, chloride, and osmolarity at 60 min and at the end of surgery with negligible changes at 12- and 24-hrs postoperatively. Moreover, group M showed a significant increase in serum potassium and lactate at 60 min and at the end of surgery, with insignificant change at 12- and 24-hrs postoperatively. Surgeons were more noteworthy satisfied in group MH. Conclusion Optic nerve sheath was comparable to brain relaxation score (BRS) for assessing the brain relaxation. In comparison to mannitol alone, lower prescribed doses of mannitol in combination with hypertonic saline (HTS) have provided better intraoperative brain debulking, clinically accepted electrolyte changes, and more surgeons’ satisfaction during supratentorial brain tumor surgery.

Spatial and temporal distribution of Ixodes scapularis and tick-borne pathogens across the northeastern United States

BackgroundThe incidence of tick-borne diseases is increasing across the USA, with cases concentrated in the northeastern and midwestern regions of the country. Ixodes scapularis is one of the most important tick-borne disease vectors and has spread throughout the northeastern USA over the past four decades, with established populations in all states of the region.MethodsTo better understand the rapid expansion of I. scapularis and the pathogens they transmit, we aggregated and analyzed I. scapularis abundance and pathogen prevalence data from across the northeastern USA, including the states of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont, from 1989 to 2021. Maine was the only state to collect data during the entire time period, with the other states collecting data during a subset of this time period starting in 2008 or later. We harmonized I. scapularis abundance by county and tick season, where the nymph season is defined as May to September and the adult season is October to December, and calculated I. scapularis pathogen infection prevalence as the percentage of ticks that tested positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Borrelia miyamotoi. We then explored temporal trends in I. scapularis abundance and pathogen prevalence data using linear models.ResultsThe resulting dataset is one of the most spatially and temporally comprehensive records of tick abundance and pathogen prevalence in the USA. Using linear models, we found small or insignificant changes in the abundance of nymphs and adults over time; however, A. phagocytophilum, B. microti and B. burgdorferi prevalence in both nymphs and adults has increased over time. For the period 2017–2021, the statewide average prevalence of B. burgdorferi ranged from 19% to 25% in I. scapularis nymphs and from to 49% to 54% in I. scapularis adults. The statewide average prevalence of all other pathogens in I. scapularis for 2017–2021, including A. phagocytophilum (4–6% for nymphs, 4–9% for adults), B. microti (4–8% for nymphs, 2–13% for adults) and B. miyamotoi (1–2% for nymphs, 1–2% for adults), was considerably less.ConclusionsOur efforts revealed the complications of creating a comprehensive dataset of tick abundance and pathogen prevalence across time and space due to variations in tick collection and pathogen testing methods. Although tick abundance has not changed along the more southern latitudes in our study over this time period, and only gradually changed in the more northern latitudes of our study, human risk for exposure to tick-borne pathogens has increased due to increased pathogen prevalence in I. scapularis. This dataset can be used in future studies of I. scapularis and pathogen prevalence across the northeastern USA and to evaluate models of I. scapularis ecology and population dynamics.Graphical

On some distinct characteristics of reactive and normal flash sintering: A case study using low-temperature synthesized p-type cuprous delafossite, CuCrO2

We report the rapid synthesis of the high temperature cuprous delafossite (CuCrO2) through a single-step Reactive Flash (RF) method at furnace temperature, Tf=270 ℃ and dc electric field, E≈160 V/cm in ≈ 6.5 min from mixed oxides of Cu and Cr. Besides successful synthesis, we also investigate the larger question of the effect of external dc fields and current on nucleation and growth (N-G) type systems with accompanying compositional changes, typical of chemical reactions. CuCrO2 powders obtained from a hydrothermal route with an abundance of product nuclei were used to investigate the effect on N-G systems with insignificant compositional change (fine-grained/amorphous → coarse-grained). Temperature dependent current measurements towards the end of stage I indicate processes with activation energies of ∼3 eV, suggesting incipient electrochemical and ionic activity. In both scenarios (nucleation, growth, and chemical reactions), the influence of the E-field (Stage I) is far surpassed by the electric current (Stage III) yielding almost single-phase microstructures and p-type conductivity with [h] ≈1014/cm3. Subtle distinctions are identified in the flash characteristics using descriptors including widths of diffraction peaks and average voltage fluctuations.

Lipid Fatty Acid Profile of Asplenium scolopendrium Gametophytes Modulated by Light Spectral Composition.

We investigated the total lipid fatty acid (FA) composition of the fern Asplenium scolopendrium gametophyte, representing 25 individual FA species, for the first time. Conjugated octadecadienoates-18:2(10,12), rarely found in plant tissues-were identified. The possibility of modulating the lipid FAs composition under the action of light of different wavelengths on in vitro cultured gametophytes was demonstrated. Thus, exposure to blue (450nm) and red (660nm) light resulted in only insignificant changes in the minor FAs. This stability can be attributed to the fact that these wavelengths of light are necessary for photosynthesis and therefore optimal for the fern gametophyte. Green (GL, 525nm) and far-red (FRL, 730nm) light caused dramatic changes in the FA profile-the triene FAs decreased and the very-long-chain (VLC) FAs increased, mainly at the expense of saturated even-VLCFAs. This resulted in a dramatic decrease in the unsaturation index, indicating a decrease in membrane fluidity under GL and FRL illumination conditions. These changes indicate a significant rearrangement of the lipid metabolism of the A. scolopendrium gametophyte at light wavelengths not directly involved in photosynthetic processes (GL and FRL), in particular by triggering β-oxidation and blocking the plastidial pathway of FA synthesis.

Assessing the characteristics of extreme floods in Nepal

Abstract. This study examines the characteristics (magnitudes, trends, and frequency of occurrences) of extreme floods in Nepal, a country that is at significant risk from floods. Daily discharge data from 1980 to 2015 of three gauging stations (Chisapani of Karnali Basin, Devghat of Narayani Basin, and Chatara of Koshi Basin) were used to assess the largest 1 % of flows, the annual top five high flows, and floods of different return periods (2-, 5-, 10-, 20-, and 100-year). In addition, temporal trend analysis of the flood peaks was carried out using the Mann–Kendall test and Sen's slope estimates. Results show that the magnitudes of the largest 1 % flows range from 6310 to 17 900, from 6967 to 12 100, and from 6080 to 9610 m3 s−1 at Chisapani, Devghat, and Chatara, respectively. The monsoon, especially from mid-June to early September, consistently witnesses over 90 % of 1 % extreme flows, with August registering more than 51 % of these occurrences. July and August combine for 81 % of the top five flow events, predominantly in August. Despite insignificant flow changes at a 95 % confidence level, extreme floods (2-, 5-, 10-, 20-, and 100-year return periods) are concentrated heavily in July and August, with August's second fortnight recording the most flood events. This assessment emphasizes July and August as critical months for extreme floods, aiding Nepalese authorities in planning dynamic resource allocation, disaster response, and effective flood management.

Lifelong learning in rural communities in China and its impact on adult subjective well-being

At present, lifelong learning is becoming an increasingly important topic in the context of rapid sociocultural and economic changes. In Chinese rural communities with potential limitations in access to education and developed resources, this approach may be of particular importance for improving the quality of life and community development. This research examined the impact of a lifelong learning program in Chinese rural communities on subjective well-being. The authors randomized participants into experimental and control groups (N = 214), used the WHO-5 Well-Being Index to measure well-being, and performed a statistical analysis using a t-test. They compiled and implemented a 6-month program: Rural Communities on the Move: A Program for Continuous Development. Data analysis demonstrated a significant well-being increase in the experimental group after the program completion (P = 0.00) and insignificant changes in the control group. These findings point to the program's effectiveness in improving the subjective well-being of rural residents and can be an important contribution to the development of social programs and educational initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life and maintaining well-being in rural communities not only in China but also in other countries.

The Enigma of the Motor Nerve Conduction Study.

In motor nerve conduction studies (MNCS), proximal stimulation should give a longer duration and lower amplitude compound muscle action potential (CMAP) due to higher temporal dispersion. Yet the CMAP waveforms at the distal and proximal stimulation sites appear remarkably similar. The objective of this study was to confirm this anomaly and investigate its possible cause by studying the median and ulnar nerves. Recordings from 50 subjects with normal electrodiagnostic studies were reviewed. The conduction velocity (CV) was measured using different points on the negative phase of the CMAP including its peak and baseline crossing. Collision studies were performed in three healthy subjects to measure the dispersion when nerve action potentials (APs) propagated from elbow to wrist. CV was relatively unaffected by the measurement point on the CMAP. The CMAP duration with elbow stimulation increased minimally compared to wrist stimulation. This was inconsistent with the dispersion of the AP from wrist to elbow measured in collision studies. The insignificant change in the CMAP in spite of axon AP dispersion is an enigma. We hypothesize that the terminal conduction time (TCT) (i.e., conduction in terminal axon branches, neuromuscular transmission, etc.) is independent of axon CV, represents a significant portion of the latency, masks AP dispersion, and reduces CMAP dispersion. This yields similar CMAPs with distal and proximal stimulation. The onset latency at the distal stimulation site does not depend on CV. Thus, onset latency and CV may not reflect the conduction properties of the fastest conducting axons.

Multigenerational impact of global change: Increased mercury toxicity in a marine copepod

A multi-generational experiment (F1-F4) was conducted for a marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus to investigate its physiological and molecular responses to mercury (Hg) pollution and/or its combination with ocean acidification (OA) plus ocean warming (OW). The projected future scenario, i.e., OA plus OW (AW) significantly increased methylmercury accumulation in copepods by 1.14 times, despite insignificant change for total Hg bioaccumulation. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that copepods initiated several detoxification defense processes, including reactive oxygen species metabolic process, glutathione metabolism, and protein refolding, in response to increased Hg toxicity under combined exposure of AW and Hg; meanwhile, inhibited energy metabolism was observed in this case, linking to reduced number of nauplii/clutch but accelerated development in copepods probably due to an energetic trade-off. Increased Hg toxicity due to AW could also be ascribed to the impairment in immune defense (e.g., lysosome and vitamin metabolism) and reproduction-related processes (e.g., growth factor activity). Collectively, this study reveals the multi-generational response mechanism of copepods to Hg pollution under global change, emphasizing an exacerbated adverse effect of Hg, and it provides a scientific basis for an accurate understanding of the potential impact of Hg pollution on marine ecosystems.

Effects of TABATA Exercise Volume and Royal Jelly Supplementation on NLRP3 Inflammasome and lncRNA-H19 Expression in Obese Men

Background: Both coding and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as vital regulators in almost every cellular process, and their expression can be modulated by external stimuli, such as physical exercise. Objectives: The current research aimed to investigate the effects of different volumes of TABATA-high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises combined with royal jelly (RJ) supplementation on the NLRP3 inflammasome and lncRNA-H19 expression in obese males. Methods: Forty-two healthy men [Body Mass Index (BMI) = 30 kg/m², waist-to-hip ratio = 0.95, age range: 40 - 60 years] volunteered to participate in the study. The individuals were randomly divided into five experimental groups (N = 35) and one control + placebo group (N = 7). The high-volume (HV) or low-volume (LV) TABATA exercise programs were performed twice a week for 8 weeks. Participants in the RJ supplementation groups received a 1000 mg capsule once a day for 8 weeks. The expression of NLRP3 and lncRNA-H19 genes was evaluated using the real-time PCR method. Results: The NLRP3 gene expression in the Bruce test, measured before and after the 8-week exercise interventions and RJ supplementation, showed insignificant changes across the different groups. However, the H19 gene expression in the Bruce test showed a significant reduction in the HV-TABATA HIIT intervention groups, which was more pronounced than in the LV groups after 8 weeks: HV group (P = 0.004), RJ group (P = 0.001), HV + RJ group (P = 0.007), and LV + RJ group (P = 0.002). After 8 weeks of non-pharmacological interventions involving exercise training and supplementation, a significant decrease in NLRP3 and a significant increase in H19 gene expression were detected in the HV group compared to the LV group (P = 0.05 and P = 0.010). Significant improvement was also found in the resting H19 levels between the RJ and LV groups (P = 0.011) and the LV + RJ group (P = 0.44). Moreover, a significant reduction in resting NLRP3 gene expression was observed between the RJ + LV and LV groups (P = 0.038). Conclusions: Chronic HV TABATA HIIT exercise, when combined with RJ supplementation, is effective in attenuating inflammatory responses to acute stress.

Room‐Temperature Reversible Hydrogen Storage in Scandium‐Decorated [6]Cycloparaphenylene: Computational Insights

ABSTRACTThis study discusses the hydrogen storage and delivery capacity of Sc‐decorated [6]cycloparaphenylene ([6]CPP) using dispersion‐corrected density functional theory calculations (DFT + D3). The scandium atoms are decorated over [6]CPP via Dewar coordination with an average binding energy of 1.33 eV. Each Sc atom stores up to 5H2 molecules in quasi‐molecular form at an average adsorption energy ranging from 0.23 to 0.36 eV/H2. The system's stability before and after H2 adsorption is checked using reactivity parameters. The maximum hydrogen gravimetric capacity of the system is found to be 7.68 wt% at low temperatures at 1–60 bar pressure. With an increase in temperature (300–420 K), the gravimetric density is more than 5.5 wt% (US‐DOE target) below 60 bar. Atom‐Centered Density Matrix Propagation (ADMP)‐molecular dynamics (MD) simulations reveal that the desorption of H2 molecules from [6]CPP starts at around 300 K/1 bar, and complete desorption occurs above 480 K. The minimum Van't Hoff desorption temperature for [6]CPP‐Sc is 296.9 K at 1 atm pressure. Insignificant change in the structure of [6]CPP‐Sc during adsorption and desorption processes promises stability and reversibility of the system. Hence, we believe that Sc‐decorated [6]CPP can be a promising candidate for hydrogen storage applications.

A Comparative Study of Columellar Strut and Septal Extension Grafts for Tip Support in Rhinoplasty.

Background: Rhinoplasty is one of the most common aesthetic surgical procedures. Columellar strut and septal extension grafts are commonly used for tip support, but their long-term effectiveness and stability remain debated. This study aims to compare the long-term postoperative stability of these two techniques. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients underwent primary rhinoplasty using either columellar strut or septal extension grafts between March 2021 and March 2022 was conducted. Nasal tip projection and rotation stability were analyzed through photographic evaluations conducted preoperatively, as well as at 6 and 18 months postoperatively. Additionally, participant's satisfaction and the incidence of postoperative complications were assessed. Results: Both grafting techniques exhibited an initial increase in tip projection, followed by a slight regression at later stages. However, this change was not statistically significant for either group. A distinct difference emerged in tip rotation, as measured by the nasolabial angle. The columellar strut group experienced a notable increase in tip rotation initially, followed by a significant decrease, while the septal extension graft group exhibited minimal and statistically insignificant changes in tip rotation over the same period. Conclusion: Nasal tip rotation was more stable in cases with septal extension grafts compared to those with columellar strut grafts.

Evaluation of some haematological and coagulation profiles of occupationally heat stress individuals of bakery industries in Kano, Nigeria

Bakers are exposed to heat stress in their work places, which can result in a variety of outcomes ranging from mild heat cramps to heat stroke. There is paucity of published data on the wallop of heat stress on haematologic and haemostatic parameters of individuals occupationally exposed to heat stress from bakery industries. This study attempted to evaluates some haematological and coagulation parameters of bakery workers who are occupationally exposed to heat stress in the baking industries. One hundred (100) individuals who consented to participate among which are: 70 bakers and 30 non-bakers were enrolled into the study. Blood samples were obtained using aseptic venepuncture and assessed for haematologic and haemostatic parameters by Haematology-analyser for full blood count parameters and manual standard coagulation method for Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) respectively. The data obtained was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. The results are presented as mean and standard deviation and p-value was set at ≤0.05as statistically significant. Platelets, red and white blood cells counts and their indices were counted along with some coagulation parameters (PT and aPTT). A statistically significant increase (p≤0.05) in platelets counts were observed in bakers compared with controls. Similarly, some coagulation parameters were found to be reduced and was statistically significant (p≤0.05) in bakers compared with non bakers as controls. The findings of the study showed insignificant changes in haematologic parameters coupled with altered coagulation parameters. This may be suggestive that individuals occupationally exposed to heat stress are prone to hypercoagulable state and its attending consequences.

Optimizing lipid nanoparticles for fetal gene delivery in vitro, ex vivo, and aided with machine learning

There is a clinical need to develop lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver congenital therapies to the fetus during pregnancy. The aim of these therapies is to restore normal fetal development and prevent irreversible conditions after birth. As a first step, LNPs need to be optimized for transplacental transport, safety on the placental barrier and fetal organs and transfection efficiency. We developed and characterized a library of LNPs of varying compositions and used machine learning (ML) models to delineate the determinants of LNP size and zeta potential. Utilizing different in vitro placental models with the help of a Random Forest algorithm, we could identify the top features driving percentage LNP transport and kinetics at 24 h, out of a total of 18 input features represented by 41 LNP formulations and 48 different transport experiments. We further evaluated the LNPs for safety, placental cell uptake, transfection efficiency in placental trophoblasts and fetal lung fibroblasts. To ensure the integrity of the LNPs following transplacental transport, we screened LNPs for transport and transfection using a high-throughput integrated transport-transfection in vitro model. Finally, we assessed toxicity of the LNPs in a tracheal occlusion fetal lung explant model. LNPs showed little to no toxicity to fetal and placental cells. Immunoglobin G (IgG) orientation on the surface of LNPs, PEGylated lipids, and ionizable lipids had significant effects on placental transport. The Random Forest algorithm identified the top features driving LNPs placental transport percentage and kinetics. Zeta potential emerged in the top driving features. Building on the ML model results, we developed new LNP formulations to further optimize the transport leading to 622 % increase in transport at 24 h versus control LNP formulation. To induce preferential siRNA transfection of fetal lung, we further optimized cationic lipid percentage and the lipid-to-siRNA ratio. Studying LNPs in an integrated placental and fetal lung fibroblasts model showed a strong correlation between zeta potential and fetal lung transfection. Finally, we assessed the toxicity of LNPs in a tracheal occlusion lung explant model. The optimized formulations appeared to be safe on ex vivo fetal lungs as indicated by insignificant changes in apoptosis (Caspase-3) and proliferation (Ki67) markers. In conclusion, we have optimized an LNP formulation that is safe, with high transplacental transport and preferential transfection in fetal lung cells. Our research findings represent an important step toward establishing the safety and effectiveness of LNPs for gene delivery to the fetal organs.

Good Formability Despite High Accompanying Element Content of a Modified 20MnB4 Quenched and Tempered Steel

Abstract This article provides a comparative characterization of the mechanical and technological properties of a modified 20MnB4 quenched and tempered steel that are important for further processing. The aim of the modification was to represent the steel as a secondary steel with a significantly increased holding of accompanying elements to be assumed in the future. The aim was to check whether the increased hardening tendency due to increasing levels of accompanying elements can be compensated for by a targeted reduction in the Mn content without negatively affecting through-hardenability and tempering resistance. An industrially available steel was used as a reference condition. The results showed that the reduction of the Mn content contributed to the increase in cold formability, while a strong decrease in effective hardening depth occurred with an insignificant change in tempering behavior.

Regulating the Electronic Structure of Cu Single-Atom Catalysts toward Enhanced Electro-Fenton Degradation of Organic Contaminants via 1O2 and •OH.

Heterogeneous electro-Fenton degradation with 1O2 and •OH generated from O2 reduction is cost-effective for the removal of refractory organic pollutants from wastewater. As 1O2 is more tolerant to background constituents such as salt ions and a high pH value than •OH, tuning the production of 1O2 and •OH is important for efficient electro-Fenton degradation. However, it remains a great challenge to selectively produce 1O2 and improve the species yield. Herein, the electronic structure of atomically dispersed Cu-N4 sites was regulated by doping electron-deficient B into porous hollow carbon microspheres (CuBN-HCMs), which improved *O2 adsorption and significantly enhanced 1O2 selectivity in electro-Fenton degradation. Its 1O2 yield was 2.3 times higher than that of a Cu single-atom catalyst without B doping. Meanwhile, •OH was simultaneously generated as a minor species. The CuBN-HCMs were efficient for the electro-Fenton degradation of phenol, sulfamethoxazole, and bisphenol A with a high mineralization efficiency. Its kinetic constants showed insignificant changes under various anions and a wide pH range of 1-9. More importantly, it was energy-efficient for treating actual coking wastewater with a low energy consumption of 19.0 kWh kgCOD-1. The superior performance of the CuBN-HCMs was contributed from 1O2 and •OH and its high 1O2 selectivity.

Computational Design of 3D Lantern Organic Framework.

This study employed a computational approach, particularly Density Functional Theory at B3LYP-D3/6-31+G(d) level to design two new classes of three-dimensional (3D) Lantern Organic Frameworks (LOFs) materials based on trisilasumanene and porphyrin core building units. Particularly, we detail strategies for transitioning from 1D-LOF nanowires to extended 3D structures: first by connecting planar-molecule base units of trisilasumanene or porphyrin using benzene-based linkers, and then connecting silicon anchoring atoms on the bases with other bases that are vertically stacked by sp3-hydrocarbon chains. The 3D-LOF structures are designed to have different pore sizes through the use of various bases, bridges, and linkers. Comparisons of electronic properties of these 3D structures lead to one designing rule. That is, the gap between highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the 3D materials depends only on its base and is nearly independent of the stack size or the length of the sp3-hydrocarbon bridges. Additionally, connecting base units with linkers also extends π-electron conjugation system leading to a reduction in HOMO-LUMO gap. For instance, linking two trisilasumanene molecules significantly narrows HOMO-LUMO gap by 1.75 eV while stacking these bases vertically and connecting them by linear pentane-based bridges yield insignificant change to the gap.

Accumbal Dopamine Responses Are Distinct between Female Rats with Active and Passive Coping Strategies.

There is a gap in existing knowledge of stress-triggered neurochemical and behavioral adaptations in females. This study was designed to explore the short-term consequences of a single social defeat (SD) on accumbal dopamine (DA) dynamics and related behaviors in female Wistar rats. During the SD procedure, rats demonstrated different stress-handling strategies, which were defined as active and passive coping. The "active" subjects expressed a significantly higher level of activity directed toward handling stress experience, while the "passive" ones showed an escalated freezing pattern. Remarkably, these opposite behavioral manifestations were negatively correlated. Twenty-four hours following the SD exposure, decreased immobility latency in the Porsolt test and cognitive augmentation in the new object recognition evaluation were evident, along with an increase in electrically evoked mesolimbic DA release in passive coping rats. Rats exhibiting an active pattern of responses showed insignificant changes in immobility and cognitive performance as well as in evoked mesolimbic DA response. Furthermore, the dynamics of the decline and recovery of DA efflux under the depletion protocol were significantly altered in the passive but not active female rats. Taken together, these data suggest that female rats with a passive coping strategy are more susceptible to developing behavioral and neurochemical alterations within 24 h after stress exposure. This observation may represent both maladaptive and protective responses of an organism on a short timescale.

Telerehabilitation Program Impact on Overactive Bladder Symptoms and Metabolic Health in Obese Women: a Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION. Overactive bladder syndrome is caused by many factors including obesity, insulin resistance and poor dietary habits. Since it is a chronic disease and needs time to be treated, introducing telepilates in addition to Mediterranean diet would encourage better adherence and results to the treatment program. AIM. To assess the impact of a virtual group-based telerehabilitation program on overactive bladder symptoms and metabolic health in women with obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Eighty obese women (BMI 30.0–34.9 kg/m2) between the ages of 35 and 45 were allocated into two equal groups, 40 for each: (A) supervised telepilates and (B) unsupervised telepilates. The supervised group participated in a 12-week Pilates workout program over videoconference platforms three times a week. Meanwhile, the unsupervised group only received four online meetings. The groups’ diet was the Mediterranean style. The Hemostatic Model of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), Patient Perception of Urgency Scale (PPIUS), Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form (OAB-q SF), and Telehealth Usability Scale (TUS) were measured. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The supervised telepilates group exhibited statistically significant amelioration of overactive bladder symptoms and a reduction in HOMA-IR (p 0.001), while the unsupervised telepilates group showed insignificant changes in these measures (p 0.05). Furthermore, the supervised telepilates group showed significantly greater reductions in BMI and WC (p 0.001) than the unsupervised telepilates group (p 0.05). Additionally, the supervised telegroup outperformed the unsupervised telegroup on all parameters of TUS (p 0.001) CONCLUSION. Women with obesity experienced decrease in overactive bladder symptoms and improved metabolic health after completing a 12-week telepilates training program.

Retrieval of Normal Sleep for Two Weeks Normalized Adiposity and Minimized Insulin Resistance Induced by 4-Week Insomnia in Aged Female Rats

Abstract Background Insomnia affects the energy metabolism components which may alter the body’s metabolic functions. Sleep disturbances, both quantitative and qualitative, may increase the risk of developing chronic conditions, such as obesity, metabolic disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Aim This study was carried out to investigate the effect of insomnia on glucose homeostasis in aged female rats, and to elucidate the possible underlying mechanism(s), as well as the potential metabolic recovery after retrieval to the normal sleep pattern. Methods 60 Sprague Dawley aged female rats were randomly divided into two main groups: Control group (C) and Insomnia group (I). The latter was further subdivided into two subgroups, 10 rats each: Group Iins. which was subjected to insomnia four hours daily, five days /week for 4 weeks, and Group Іins, Rec. that was subjected to insomnia like Iins. group with retrieval to normal sleep for two weeks. Rats in all groups were subjected to estimation of Body weight (BW), Body mass index (BMI) and Waist circumference at the beginning of the study. The intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was measured at the beginning of the study and was monitored every two weeks. By the end of fourth week (for groups C and Iins.) &amp; By the end of the sixth week (for group Iins.rec). BW, BMI, Waist circumference, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), peak glycemia (PG) and area under the curve (AUC), Fasting blood glucose (FBG), Insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA- IR), Total cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Adiponectin, IL6 and Caspase 3 were estimated. Results After four weeks, Iins. rats exhibited a significantly higher change in BW, BMI, WC, FBG, blood glucose levels at 30 min., 60 min, 90 min., 120 min, PG and AUC of IPGGT, insulin level and HOMA-IR, serum (TGs), (TC), (LDL-C), serum IL6 &amp; caspase3 but showed significant decrease in serum level of (HDL-C) and adiponectin in comparison to C rats, After two week recovery from insomnia, Iins.rec. rats exhibited a significantly lower values of WC, FBG, insulin, HOMA-IR, (TGs), (TC), (LDL-C), serum IL6 &amp; caspase3 with insignificant change in BW, BMI, blood glucose levels at 30 min., 60 min, 90 min., 120 min, PG, AUC of IPGGT &amp; serum (HDL-C) with significantly higher values of adiponectin when compared to Iins.rats, and exhibited insignificant change in BW, BMI, WC, FBG, blood glucose levels at 60 min. and at 90 min, (TC), (LDL-C) and adiponectin with significantly higher values of blood glucose levels at 30 min., 120 min, PG and AUC of IPGGT insulin level, HOMA-IR, serum (TGs), serum IL6 &amp; caspase3 with significantly lower values serum (HDL-C) in comparison to the C rats. Conclusion Four-week insomnia in aged female rats resulted in increased blood glucose, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and enhanced inflammatory and apoptotic states. Retrieval of normal sleep for two weeks normalized body adiposity, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and LDL-C and minimized the insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia and the decrease in HDL-C as well as inflammation and apoptosis.

Evaluation of the Effect of Phacoemulsification Surgery on Retinal and Choroidal Microvasculature in Diabetic Patients Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Abstract Aim To evaluate the effect of phacoemulsification surgery on retinal and choroidal microvasculature in diabetic patients using optical coherence tomography angiography. Settings and Design A prospective comparative case control study performed at the Ophthalmology department of Ain Shams University hospital, between November 2020 and November 2022. Methods and Material 50 eyes of 35 cataractous patients were included in this prospective study divided into two groups: the control group (25 eyes of 19 patients) and the diabetic group (25 eyes of 16 patients with mild non proliferative diabetic retinopathy). All patients underwent routine ophthalmic examination, OCT and OCTA scans of the macula before phacoemulsification surgery and 1week 1month, 3months and 6months after the surgery. Results The BCVA significantly improved in both group by ∼ 0.26 logMAR units in control and diabetic groups (p &amp;lt; 0.001 for both). the mean change in CST was 23.44±43.7 vs 13.6±22 um (p = 0.3) in the control group and the diabetic group, respectively but statistically insignificant. There was insignificant change in each group in all vascular parameters during the follow up period. In addition, there was insignificant difference between 2 groups at each visit in most vascular parameters of SVD, DVD, and choriocapillaris VD. On the other hand, the diabetic groups has significantly lower SVD of whole image and perifovea at 1 week than controls (42.92 ± 4.54 % vs 46.16 ± 3.98 %, p = 0.01 in whole image respectively) (44.29 ± 4.87 % vs 47.32 ± 3.85 %,p=0.018 in perifovea respectively). The diabetic group also showed significantly higher parafoveal DVD than the control group at 1 month postoperatively : 52.67 ± 4.00 vs 47.24 ± 9.85 % (p = 0.014) that levelled up on month 3 and 6 (p = 0.397, 0.538 respectively). the diabetic group showed lower CC VD of whole image than the control group at 1 week postoperatively: 70.60 ± 2.87 vs 72.22 ± 1.98 % respectively (p = 0.025), and also significantly lower CC VD of perifovea than the control group at 1 week: 71.19 ± 2.82 vs 72.72 ± 2.20 % (p = 0.038), 1 month: 71.08 ± 2.87 vs 72.78 ± 2.61 % (p = 0.033) and 3 months: 71.35 ± 2.63 vs 72.83 ± 2.52 %(p = 0.048). Those values levelled up at the last postoperative visit at month 6 (p = 0.152). Conclusion Phacoemulsification surgery may lead to the transient and mild reduction of choroidal blood flow in diabetic eyes rather than retinal blood flow. Most of choroidal and retinal vascular change happened in the perifoveal area within 1 week to 1 month postoperatively and rarely extended to 3months. Further research is needed to detect its influence on diabetic retinopathy progression.