LH Group Research Articles

A new, easy-to-make pectin-honey hydrogel enhances wound healing in rats

BackgroundHoney, alone or in combination, has been used for wound healing since ancient times and has reemerged as a topic of interest in the last decade. Pectin has recently been investigated for its use in various biomedical applications such as drug delivery, skin protection, and scaffolding for cells. The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a pectin-honey hydrogel (PHH) as a wound healing membrane and to compare this dressing to liquid honey.MethodsThirty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and a 2 × 2 cm excisional wound was created on the dorsum. Animals were randomly assigned to four groups (PHH, LH, Pec, and C): in the PHH group, the pectin-honey hydrogel was applied under a bandage on the wound; in the LH group, liquid Manuka honey was applied; in the Pec group, pectin hydrogel was applied (Pec); and in the C group, only bandage was applied to the wound. Images of the wound were taken at defined time points, and the wound area reduction rate was calculated and compared between groups.ResultsThe wound area reduction rate was faster in the PHH, LH, and Pec groups compared to the control group and was significantly faster in the PHH group. Surprisingly, the Pec group exhibited faster wound healing than the LH group, but this effect was not statistically significant.ConclusionThis is the first study using pectin in combination with honey to produce biomedical hydrogels for wound treatment. The results indicate that the use of PHH is effective for promoting and accelerating wound healing.

Effects of dynamic feeding low and high methionine diets on egg quality traits in laying hens

This study was conducted to investigate effects of dynamic feeding low and high methionine (MET) diets on performance, egg quality traits, and serum metabolites in laying hens. A total of 180 laying hens (Brown Hy-line, 41 wk old) were allocated into 3 equal groups with 6 replicates each. The average egg production (EP) of each group was around 87% during one-week statistics before the formal experiment (P = 0.989). The control group (CON) received the control diet (contained 0.30% MET) at both 07:30 h and 15:30 hours. The low-high group (LH) received a low MET diet (containing 0.27% MET) at 07:30 h and high MET diet (containing 0.33% MET) at 15:30 hours. The high-low group (HL) received a high MET diet at 07:30 h and low MET diet at 15:30 hours. After 10 wk, blood samples were collected at 4-hour intervals in a daily cycle initially starting at 07:30 h before feeding. Results showed that the MET intake of a d was not influenced by the treatments (P > 0.05), respectively. The EP of the LH and HL group increased by 2.28 and 2.45% when compared with the CON group (P > 0.05). The hens in the LH group had a lower albumen ratio and thicker eggshell thickness than both CON and HL groups. Egg yolk ratio of the LH group was higher than the HL group (P < 0.05). The serum total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), total protein (TP), and calcium (Ca) of the LH group was significantly lower at 07:30 h than the CON and HL groups, and the serum TG of the HL group was lower at 07:30 h than the CON group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the LH group also had the lowest value of serum TP at 23:30 h and 03:30 h (P < 0.05). These results demonstrated that dynamic feeding low and high MET diets might alter the circadian variation of serum TC, TG, TP, and Ca, which is consistent with the change of component ratio of egg albumen and yolk and eggshell thickness.

Left hepatectomy is associated with enhanced liver regeneration after resection for colorectal liver metastases

Objective: Hepatectomy remains the only curative treatment for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Depending on tumor location, right or left hepatectomy may be indicated. As the implications of resection type on liver regeneration have not been well-studied, we aimed to examine them in the present study. Methods: Liver regeneration rates of patients who underwent hepatectomy for CRLM between 2003 and 2015 were assessed. The early and late regeneration indexes were defined as the relative increase in liver volume (RLV) within 2[(RLV2m − RLVp)/RLVp] and 7 months [(RLV7m − RLVp)/RLVp] from surgery. The right (RH) and left (LH) hepatectomy (both formal and extended) groups were compared with respect to liver regeneration; multivariable analysis was then performed. Results: Preoperative chemotherapy details and volumetric data were available for 69 patients. The RH group consisted of 51 patients (73.9%); the LH group included 18 (26.1%). Baseline characteristics and frequency of middle hepatic vein resection were similar across both groups; however, resected liver volume was significantly greater in the RH group [Right: 52.3% (IQR: 45.3–58.8) vs. Left: 21.8% (IQR: 16.2–28.0), p ;< 0.001].On univariable analysis, the RH group exhibited higher early [44.4% (20.7%–64.0%) vs. 7.4 (−3.8%–19.0%);p = 0.001] and late regeneration rate[66.0% (37.6%–92.0%) vs. 13.0 (−7.0%–23.6%); p < 0.001]. However, after adjusting for potential confounders – portal vein embolization, resected volume, and bevacizumab – this effect reversed for both the early (23.7% increase for LH vs RH; p = 0.062) and late (52.1% increase for LH vs RH; p = 0.001) regeneration indexes. Liver failure occurred exclusively in the RH group (n = 6). Conclusion: Left hepatectomy was associated with greater regeneration than right hepatectomy after adjusting for potential confounders on multivariable analysis. This finding should be confirmed in future studies.

Headache in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis revisited: Exploring the role of vascular congestion and cortical vein thrombosis.

Background and purpose Headache constitutes the most common symptom of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), but its pathophysiology is unclear. We sought to investigate the potential mechanism for headache genesis in patients with CVST based on its imaging correlates. Methods A subgroup of CVST patients having headache as the predominant symptom without significant parenchymal lesion were retrospectively analysed for imaging features of vascular congestion (VC), in addition to cortical venous (CVT) and dural sinus thrombosis (DST) on magnetic resonance imaging. Headache and imaging patterns were classified into lateralized and nonlateralized phenotypes and their correlation was sought. Results Among 41 patients included, 28 had lateralized headache (LH group; 15 males; mean age 32.25 ± 9.19 years) while 13 had nonlateralized headache (non-LH group; six males; mean age 27.15 ± 8.65 years). Headache characteristics in both the groups were quite similar. Imaging showed VC in 39 of 41 and CVT among 35 of 41 patients, which were lateralized in 23 of 39 and 18 of 35 patients, respectively. Nearly all lateralized imaging patterns (21 of 23 for VC and 17 of 18 for CVT) occurred in the LH group and ipsilateral to (concordant) headache, while the non-LH group showed lateralized VC and CVT in only two and one patient respectively. Sinus thrombosis was lateralized in both groups irrespective of headache laterality. Whole cohort headache-imaging laterality (including patients with nonlateralized headache and nonlateralized imaging) concordance was 31 of 39, 24 of 35 and 18 of 41 for vascular congestion, cortical vein thrombosis and dural sinus thrombosis respectively. Conclusion Co-localization of VC and CVT with overlying headache might provide a possible explanation of headache and its laterality in patients with CVST.

Characteristic of Poor Responder Patients and the success rate of biochemical pregnancy in the administration of adjuvant recombinant Luteinizing Hormones in Yasmin Clinic, Jakarta

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction:&lt;/strong&gt; Management for poor response patients is still a challenge for clinician engaged in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Various protocols have been proposed to improve the outcome for patients, though no RCT can provide the evidence based of success rate of one protocol among others.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; Our purpose is to find the basic data of poor responder patients in Yasmin Clinic, Jakarta and to assess the IVF cycle outcome after the addition of recombinant Luteinizing Hormones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Material and methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This is a cohort retrospective study taken from medical records of IVF patients at Yasmin Clinic, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital between January 2012 to January 2015.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Result :&lt;/strong&gt; Two hundreds and eighty-one poor response patients were selected for ART during January 2012 to January 2015, were divided into four main group. Control group received gonadotrophin protocol, while group II received additional recombinant Luteinizing hormones (rLH), Group III received additional Growth hormones (GH) and Group IV received additional rLH and GH both.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Discussion:&lt;/strong&gt; Our study demonstrated the follicle count, the oocyte count and the cleavage rate were statistically significant difference between control group and LH group. Where the oocyte count and follicle count were significantly higher, but the cleavage rate with LH showed negative correlation compare with control group.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion : &lt;/strong&gt;In this study we found that with adjuvant therapy with &lt;em&gt;recombinant Luteinizing Hormones, &lt;/em&gt;produced higher follicles count and oocyte count.

The effect of a Live-high Train-high exercise regimen on behavioural temperature regulation.

Acute hypoxia alters the threshold for sensation of cutaneous thermal stimuli. We hypothesised that hypoxia-induced alterations in cutaneous temperature sensation may lead to modulation of the perception of temperature, ultimately influencing behavioural thermoregulation and that the magnitude of this effect could be influenced by daily physical training. Fourteen men were confined 10 days to a normobaric hypoxic environment (PIO2=88.2±0.6mmHg, corresponding to 4175m elevation). Subjects were randomly assigned to a non-exercising (Live-high, LH, N=6), or exercising group (Live-high Train-high, LH-TH, N=8) comprised of 1-h bouts of cycle ergometry, twice daily, at a work-rate equivalent to 50% hypoxic peak power output. A subset of subjects (N=5) also completed a control trial under normoxic conditions. The thermal comfort zone (TCZ) was determined in normoxia, and during hypoxic confinement days 2 (HC2) and 10 (HC10) in both groups using a water-perfused suit in which water temperature was regulated by the subjects within a range, they deemed thermally comfortable. Mean skin temperature and proximal-distal temperature gradients (two sites: forearm-fingertip, calf-toe) were recorded each minute throughout the 60-min protocol. The average width of the TCZ did not differ between the control group (9.0±6.9°C), and the LH and LH-TH groups on days HC2 (7.2±4.2°C) and HC10 (10.2±7.5°C) of the hypoxic exposure (p=0.256). [Formula: see text] was marginally higher on HC2 (35.9±1.0°C) compared to control (34.9±0.8°C, p=0.040), but not on HC10 (35.6±1.0°C), reflecting the responses of hand perfusion. There was a little systematic effect of hypoxia or exercise training on TCZ magnitude or boundary temperatures.

Effect of losartan combined with amlodipine or with a thiazide on uric acid levels in hypertensive patients.

A total of 60 hypertensive patients were randomized in two groups; group LA received losartan/amlodipine (100/5 mg) once a day, whereas LH group received losartan hydrochlorothiazide (100/12.5 mg) once a day for 3 months. In both groups serum uric acid levels were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Patients were evaluated monthly for blood pressure (BP) and adverse events. Statistical analysis was performed with a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. All patients experienced a significant reduction of BP to the same extent (LA 155/94 to 123/79, LH 157/92 to 124/78 mmHg, p > 0.05). In the LA group, serum uric acid decreased from 6.5 ± 1.6 to 4.6 ± 1.3 mg/ml ( p = 0.0001), whereas in the LH group there was a nonsignificant increase from 5.82 ± 1.4 to 5.85 ± 1.5 mg/ml, ( p = 0.936). When both groups were compared, we found a significant reduction ( p < 0.00013) on serum uric acid levels in the LA group. Both combinations decrease BP values to the same extent, however, LA combination showed a reduction on serum uric acid levels, which may contribute to a reduction in the metabolic risk in hypertensive patients.

Influence of Lime Juice on the Pink Discoloration and Quality of Sous-Vide Processed Chicken Breast During Refrigerated Storage

Effect of lime juice on pink discoloration of sous-vide chicken in refrigerated storage is reported. Chicken breasts were marinated with 0.9% NaCl solution (CON), citric acid 1% (CIT), lime juice 0.5% (LL) and lime juice 1% (LH) for 12 h before sous-vide cooking. The pH values in the CIT and LH groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of CON and LL groups. Expressible drip in the LL group was significantly (P < 0.05) higher. The pink color of drip and thiobarbituric acid values were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in treatment groups. Volatile basic nitrogen of LL group was significantly (P < 0.05) lower. Redness of CIT and LL groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower. No significant difference observed in sensory scores of the treatment and control. Coliform count was under log 0.83 CFU/g and treatment groups had lower counts than control and Salmonella was not detected in any of the groups. Practical Applications Lime juice treatment for sous-vide cooked chicken breast improved the meat quality by inhibiting pink discoloration and bacterial growth as much as citric acid treatment. Lime juice usage can lead to consumer satisfaction due to the increase in consumer preference for natural food additives. Furthermore, lime juice contains citric acid and vitamin C, which are believed to prolong shelf-life by reducing lipid oxidation and protein degradation and to provide other positive health effects. Lime juice can be used to prevent pink discoloration of chicken breast processed with sous-vide cooking and protect the quality at refrigerator up to 14 days.

Frequency of low serum LH is associated with increased early pregnancy loss in IVF/ICSI cycles

The role of LH during ovarian stimulation remains uncertain. Previous studies defined the low LH group using a single LH measurement on a predefined day of stimulation possibly not reflecting the entire follicular phase. This study retrospectively collected data from 619 IVF/ICSI cycles with GnRH antagonist and recombinant FSH. The low LH group was defined as LH concentration ≤0.8 mIU/ml at any time during the cycle. Pregnancy results were compared between patients with one episode of low LH or more than two episodes of low LH (study group) and those without low LH (control group). There was no difference in fertilization rates between the two groups (67.5 ± 1.7% versus 68.8 ± 1.0%, respectively). The implantation rates (20.4% versus 25.2%), clinical pregnancy rates (43.9% versus 45.2%) and live-birth rates (LBR) (23.7% versus 30.4%) appeared lower in the study group, but the differences were not significant. In the study group, there were significantly increased early pregnancy loss rates (31.1% versus 16.3%, P = 0.012). The odds of early pregnancy loss increases by 1.55 fold for increased episodes of low serum LH (P = 0.029). Whether the adverse outcome is due to impaired oocyte quality or an endometrial component deserves further investigation.

Colonic Inflammation Accompanies An Increase of β‐Catenin Signaling and Lachnospiraceae/Streptococcaceae in the Hind Gut of High‐Fat Diet‐Fed Mice

Consumption of an obesigenic/high‐fat (HF) diet isassociated with an increase of inflammation‐related colon cancer risk and mayalter the gut microbiota. To test the hypothesis that a HF feeding accelerates inflammatory processes and changes gut microbiome composition, C57BL/6mice were fed a HF (45% energy) or low‐fat (LF) (10% energy) diet for 36 weeks. At the end of the study, body weights in the HF group were 35% greater than those in the LF group. These changes were associated with dramatic increases in inflammatory cell infiltration, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein concentration and cell proliferation marker (Ki67) in ileum and colon. Similarly, β‐catenin expression was increased in colon (but not ileum). Consistent with these gut inflammation phenotypes, we also found that plasma IL6 and tumor necrosisfactor‐α concentrations were also elevated in mice fed the HF diet, indicative of chronic inflammation. Fecal DNA was extracted and the V1–V3 hypervariable region of the microbial 16S rRNA gene amplified using primers suitable for 454‐pyrosequencing. Compared to the LH group, the HF group had high proportions of bacteria from the phylum Firmicutes, especially the family Lachnospiraceae which is known to be involved in the development of metabolic disorders, diabetes and obesity. Taken together, long‐term HF consumption not only increases inflammatory cell infiltration/molecular markers (e.g., iNOS), but also accompanies an increase of the Lachnospiraceae/Streptococcaceae in the hindgut of C57BL/6 mice.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by USDA‐ARS, CRIS project (5450‐51000‐050‐00D).

Cigarette smoking complements the prognostic value of baseline plasma Epstein-Barr virus deoxyribonucleic acid in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing intensity-modulated radiation therapy: a large-scale retrospective cohort study.

We evaluated the combined prognostic value of cigarette smoking and baseline plasma Epstein-Barr virus deoxyribonucleic acid (EBV DNA) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Of consecutive patients, 1501 with complete data were eligible for retrospective analysis. Smoking index (SI; cigarette packs per day times smoking duration [years]), was used to evaluate the cumulative effect of smoking. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS); progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasisfree survival (DMFS) and locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS) were secondary end-points. Both cigarette smoking and baseline plasma EBV DNA load were associated with poorer survival (P<0.001). Patients were divided into four groups: low EBV DNA and light smoker (LL), low EBV DNA and heavy smoker (LH), high EBV DNA and light smoker (HL), and high EBV DNA and heavy smoker (HH). The respective 5-year survival rates were: OS (93.1%, 87.2%, 82.9%, and 76.3%, P<0.001), PFS (87.0%, 84.0%, 73.9%, and 64.6%, P<0.001), DMFS (94.1%, 92.1%, 82.4%, and72.5%, P<0.001), and LRFS (92.8%, 92.4%, 88.7%, and 84.0%, P=0.012).OS and PFS were significantly different between the LH and HL groups and HL and HH groups, but not LL and LH groups (pairwise comparisons). The combined risk stratification remained an independent prognostic factor for all endpoints (all Ptrend<0.001; multivariate analysis). Both cigarette smoking and baseline plasma EBV DNA were independent prognostic factors for survival outcomes. Combined interpretation of EBV DNA with smoking led to the refinement of the risks stratification for patient subsets, especially with improved risk discrimination in patients with high baseline plasma EBV DNA.

DNA methylation in a Scottish family multiply affected by bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.

BackgroundBipolar disorder (BD) is a severe, familial psychiatric condition. Progress in understanding the aetiology of BD has been hampered by substantial phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. We sought to mitigate these confounders by studying a multi-generational family multiply affected by BD and major depressive disorder (MDD), who carry an illness-linked haplotype on chromosome 4p. Within a family, aetiological heterogeneity is likely to be reduced, thus conferring greater power to detect illness-related changes. As accumulating evidence suggests that altered DNA methylation confers risk for BD and MDD, we compared genome-wide methylation between (i) affected carriers of the linked haplotype (ALH) and married-in controls (MIs), (ii) well unaffected haplotype carriers (ULH) and MI, (iii) ALH and ULH and (iv) all haplotype carriers (LH) and MI.ResultsNominally significant differences in DNA methylation were observed in all comparisons, with differences withstanding correction for multiple testing when the ALH or LH group was compared to the MIs. In both comparisons, we observed increased methylation at a locus in FANCI, which was accompanied by increased FANCI expression in the ALH group. FANCI is part of the Fanconi anaemia complementation (FANC) gene family, which are mutated in Fanconi anaemia and participate in DNA repair. Interestingly, several FANC genes have been implicated in psychiatric disorders. Regional analyses of methylation differences identified loci implicated in psychiatric illness by genome-wide association studies, including CACNB2 and the major histocompatibility complex. Gene ontology analysis revealed enrichment for methylation differences in neurologically relevant genes.ConclusionsOur results highlight altered DNA methylation as a potential mechanism by which the linked haplotype might confer risk for mood disorders. Differences in the phenotypic outcome of haplotype carriers might, in part, arise from additional changes in DNA methylation that converge on neurologically important pathways. Further work is required to investigate the underlying mechanisms and functional consequences of the observed differences in methylation.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13148-016-0171-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Altered Expression of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Associated Genes in Hippocampus of Learned Helpless Rats: Relevance to Depression Pathophysiology.

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an evolutionarily conserved defensive mechanism that is used by cells to correct misfolded proteins that accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum. These proteins are misfolded as a result of physical stress on a cell and initiate a host of downstream effects that govern processes ranging from inflammation to apoptosis. To examine whether UPR system plays a role in depression, we examined the expression of genes that are part of the three different pathways for UPR activation, namely GRP78, GRP94, ATF6, XBP-1, ATF4, and CHOP using an animal model system that distinguishes vulnerability (learned helpless, LH) from resistance (non-learned helpless, NLH) to develop depression. Rats were exposed to inescapable shock on days 1 and 7 and were tested for escape latency on day 14. Rats not given shock but tested for escape latency were used as tested control (TC). Plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels were measured. Expression levels of various UPR associated genes were determined in hippocampus using qPCR. We found that the CORT level was higher in LH rats compared with TC and NLH rats. Expression of GRP78, GRP94, ATF6, and XBP-1 were significantly upregulated in LH rats compared with TC or NLH rats, whereas NLH rats did not show such changes. Expression levels of ATF4 and CHOP showed trends toward upregulation but were not significantly altered in LH or NLH group. Our data show strong evidence of altered UPR system in depressed rats, which could be associated with development of depressive behavior.

Protective effect and mechanism of hydrogen treatment on lung epithelial barrier dysfunction in rats with sepsis.

This study aimed to explore the protective effect of hydrogen and to investigate the underlying mechanism of its preliminary effect on the alveolar epithelial barrier function in septic rats. Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into three groups (N = 15): control [saline injection (intraperitoneal, ip), air drawing; SA], acute lung injury group [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection (ip, 15 mg/kg), air drawing; LA], and acute lung injury combined with hydrogen drawing group [LPS injection (ip, 15 mg/kg), 2% hydrogen drawing; LH]. The rats were euthanized after 6 h of treatment, and the extravascular lung water (EVLW), pulmonary alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure (A-aDO2), and respiratory index (RI) of each group were measured. The aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) protein expression in the lung tissues was detected using immunohistochemistry and western blotting, and the correlation between the EVLW and AQP-1 was analyzed. The lung morphology was observed with light and electron microscopy. In the LA group, EVLW (0.87 ± 0.17), A-aDO2 (113.21 ± 13.92), RI (0.65 ± 0.26), and AQP-1 expression increased. Additionally, thickened alveolar walls, significant invasion of inflammatory cells around the vessels, capillary ectasia, hyperemia/hemorrhage in the alveolar space, significantly swollen mitochondria, and increased vacuolar degeneration were observed. A significant negative correlation between AQP-1 expression and EVLW was observed (R2 = 0.8806). Compared with the LA group, EVLW (0.71 ± 0.19), A-aDO2 (132.42 ± 17.39), RI (0.75 ± 0.24), and inflammatory reaction decreased and AQP-1 expression increased in the LH group. The damage to pulmonary epithelial cells improved after hydrogen treatment in rats with sepsis; hydrogen could protect the pulmonary epithelial barrier function by acting on AQP-1.

Outcomes of laparoscopic hepatic resection versus percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma located at the liver surface: A case-control study with propensity score matching.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (P-RFA) therapy is a widely applied treatment for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, local recurrence is a major issue of HCC located at the surface of the liver (surface HCC). The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of laparoscopic hepatic resection (LH) and P-RFA for surface HCC in case-control patient groups using the propensity score. Between 2011 and 2013, 40 and 52 patients underwent LH and P-RFA for surface HCC (≤3cm, 1-3 nodules). To correct the difference in clinicopathological factors between the two groups, propensity score matching was used at a 1:1 ratio, which resulted in a comparison of 27 patients/group. We compared outcomes between the two groups, with special reference to local recurrence. Clinicopathological variables were well balanced between the two groups. One patient in the LH group was converted to open surgery due to adhesion. The incidence of complications was 0% in the P-RFA group and 15% (four patients) in the LH group (P = 0.11); however, none of these four patients in the LH group sustained severe complications. The duration of hospitalization following treatment was longer in the LH group than in the P-RFA group (12.6 vs 7.6days, P <0.01). The incidence of local recurrence was lower in the LH group (0%) than in the P-RFA group (eight patients [30%], P = 0.004). LH is an effective treatment for surface HCC with regard to control of local recurrence.

Combination effects of dietary EPA and DHA plus alpha-tocopherol: effects on performance and physiological status of Caspian brown trout (Salmo trutta caspius) fry

The effects of dietary n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] with α-tocopherol on growth, non-specific immune response and oxidative status were investigated in Caspian brown trout, Salmo trutta caspius, fry. Six experimental diets containing three different dietary levels of n-3 HUFAs (low: 1 + 0.5% of total fatty acids, DHA+ EPA, medium: 2 + 1%, DHA + EPA, high: 4 + 2%, DHA + EPA) with two different levels of α-tocopherol (low: 300 and high: 1000 mg kg−1 diet) were prepared and named: LL, LH, ML, MH, HL and HH (HUFA/α-tocopherol) groups, respectively. Diets were fed to triplicate groups of 60 fry with an initial weight of 600 ± 25 mg for 10 weeks. Results showed that increase in dietary DHA and EPA up to high level improved fry growth in terms of the body weight and specific growth rate, particularly when dietary α-tocopherol levels were high, suggesting a higher antioxidant protection value when these fatty acids are high. At all dietary n-3 HUFA levels, increase in α-tocopherol from low to high level enhanced the alternative complement (ACH50) activity. Fry fed diets medium and high n-3 HUFA displaying significantly higher lysozyme activity (P < 0.05). Moreover, fish fed medium or high levels of n-3 HUFA had significantly lower prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) than those fed low n-3 HUFA (P < 0.05). Significant differences in antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase) activity were also observed between groups, with higher activity in high levels of n-3 HUFA (P < 0.05). Results of this study suggest that the effect of dietary n-3 HUFA on examined non-specific immunity parameters are not uniform; however, these impacts are closely related to the α-tocopherol supplement and their interaction. In conclusion, increased dietary levels of n-3 HUFA and α-tocopherol would enhance growth performance and welfare of this species.

Outcomes of Pure Laparoscopic versus Open Hepatic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Patients: A Case-Control Study with Propensity Score Matching

Background/Purpose: Laparoscopic hepatic resection (LH) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has gradually gained ground as a safe and minimally invasive treatment, although LH for cirrhotic patients remains challenging. Methods: Between January 2007 and August 2014, 28 and 57 patients with histologically proven cirrhosis (histological activity index, fibrosis score 4) underwent pure LH and open hepatic resection (OH; less than segmentectomy), respectively, for peripheral HCC ≤5 cm. To correct the difference in clinicopathological factors, including difficulty scores, between the two groups, propensity score matching was used at a 1:1 ratio, which resulted in a comparison of 20 patients per group. We compared the short- and long-term outcomes of LH and OH to investigate the efficacy of LH. Results: Clinicopathological variables, including difficulty scores, were well balanced between the two groups. The incidence of complications and mean intraoperative blood loss were lower in the LH group than the OH group (0 vs. 45% and 180 vs. 440 ml, p = 0.001 and 0.04, respectively). The 3-year disease-free survival rate was 42% in the LH group and 30% in the OH group (p = 0.533), whereas the 5-year overall survival rates were 46 and 60%, respectively (p = 0.606). Conclusions: LH is a safe and effective treatment option for cirrhotic patients with HCC in terms of intraoperative blood loss and morbidity.

Role of heparanase in endotoxemia-induced destruction of vascular endothelial glycocalyx in rats

Objective To evaluate the role of heparanase in endotoxemia-induced destruction of vascular endothelial glycocalyx in rats. Methods Forty-eight pathogen-free male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 200-250 g, were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=16 each)using a random number table: control group(group C), lipopolysaccharide(LPS)group(group L)and LPS+ heparin group(group LH). Endotoxemia was induced by intravenous LPS 15 mg/kg in L and LH groups, and heparin sodium 100 U·kg-1· h-1 was infused simultaneously in group LH.At 3 and 6 h after LPS injection, blood samples were collected from the femoral vein for determination of the serum concentrations of serum heparin sulfate(HS), syndecan-1, E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)concentrations.The rats were then sacrificed, and lungs were removed for microscopic examination and for determination of wet/dry lung weight ratio(W/D ratio). Results Compared with group C, the serum HS, syndecan-1, E-selectin and ICAM-1 concentrations and W/D ratio were significantly increased in group L, and the serum HS and ICAM-1 concentrations were increased in group LH(P<0.05). Compared with group L, the serum HS, syndecan-1, E-selectin and ICAM-1 concentrations and W/D ratio were significantly decreased in group LH(P<0.05). The pathological changes of lungs were obvious in group L, and were significantly mitigated in group LH. Conclusion Heparanase is involved in endotoxemia-induced destruction of vascular endothelial glycocalyx in rats. Key words: Heparin lyase; Endotoxemia; Glycocalyx; Endothelial cells

Open Versus Laparoscopic Inguinal Herniotomy in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Focusing on Postoperative Complications.

There is an ongoing debate about whether laparoscopic or open herniorrhaphy (LH or OH) is the best choice for inguinal hernia in children. The aim of this study was to compare both of the surgical strategies as regards operative time, recurrence rate, postoperative complications by means of a systematic review, and meta-analysis of the available literatures. A systematic search for randomized clinical trials comparing OH and LH was conducted. Studies were reviewed for quality, inclusion and exclusion criteria, operative time for bilateral and unilateral hernias, recurrence, and complications. Five randomized clinical trials with a total of 553 children (OH 278, LH 275) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this review. Compared with OH, shorter operative time for unilateral hernias was noted in extraperitoneal approaches' group [95% confidence interval (CI), -6.71 to -3.71; I2=0%] as well as for bilateral hernias (95% CI, -12.18 to -3.79; I2=82%). Besides, less total postoperative complications was found in LH group, especially for major postoperative complications in male children (95% CI, 0.01-0.78; I2=0%). However, no significant difference was observed between LH and OH in patients' recurrence. This meta-analysis favors LH in the repair of bilateral hernias and for unilateral hernias in extraperitoneal approaches' group. Total postoperative complications were significantly reduced in LH, especially for major postoperative complications in male children.

The contribution of cardiovascular mortality to long term outcomes in a relatively young demographic following acute pulmonary embolism: A validation study

BackgroundLong-term studies following acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remain limited in the current era. A recent study from our collaborative group, in a contemporary adult population, showed substantially increased cardiovascular mortality following PE. We sought to evaluate the contribution of cardiovascular mortality to long-term outcomes in a different demographic that comprised of a significantly younger PE cohort. Methods and resultsDemographic and clinical characteristics were retrospectively collected for this cohort, and similar methods and outcome measures were applied as detailed in the original study. We compared a population from a different metropolitan area (LH: Liverpool Hospital) to that from the original study (CRGH: Concord Hospital) over a similar time period. A total of 815 patients comprised this cohort with mean 5.3±3.8year follow-up. There were similar demographics between the two cohorts, though the mean age was significantly younger in LH group (60 vs 68years, p<0.001). Prior history of cardiovascular disease in the LH group was half of that present in the CRGH cohort. The overall mortality was 7.4% per patient-year. Patients with underlying cardiovascular disease when presenting with an acute PE had a 2.3-fold increased risk of death during follow-up compared to those without. Multivariate analysis showed that older age, male gender, malignancy, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic pulmonary disease were independent predictors of post-discharge mortality. ConclusionsDespite our cohort being significantly younger with a lower incidence of pre-existing cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease was still a significant contributor to long-term outcomes and an important predictor of mortality following acute PE.