PS Group Research Articles

Saline versus Plasma Solution-A in Initial Resuscitation of Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Although saline is commonly used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or post-cardiac arrest care, it has detrimental effects. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a balanced crystalloid solution (Plasma Solution-A [PS]) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients and compare it with the efficacy of saline. A randomized, unblinded clinical trial was conducted using PS and saline for intravenous fluid administration during CPR and post-cardiac arrest care of non-traumatic OHCA patients admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital. Patients received saline (saline group) or PS (PS group) within 24 h of hospital arrival. The primary outcomes were changes in arterial pH, bicarbonate, base excess (BE), and chloride levels within 24 h. The secondary outcomes were clinical outcomes including mortality. Of the 364 patients, data from 27 and 26 patients in the saline and PS groups, respectively, were analyzed. Analysis using a linear mixed model revealed a significant difference in BE change over time between the groups (treatment-by-time p = 0.044). Increase in BE and bicarbonate levels from 30 min to 2 h was significantly greater (p = 0.044 and p = 0.024, respectively) and the incidence of hyperchloremia was lower (p < 0.001) in the PS group than in the saline group. However, there was no difference in clinical outcomes. Use of PS for resuscitation resulted in a faster improvement in BE and bicarbonate, especially in the early phase of post-cardiac arrest care, and lower hyperchloremia incidence than the use of saline, without differences in clinical outcomes, in OHCA patients.

Efficacy and safety of fetal posterior cerebral artery stented coil embolization for fetal posterior cerebral aneurysms.

Aneurysms at the origin of the fetal posterior cerebral artery (fPCA) often show fPCA bifurcation from the aneurysm dome, impeding complete embolization and dense coil packing. The recanalization rate for fPCA aneurysms is therefore high. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stenting into fPCA for aneurysms with fPCA incorporated into the aneurysm to determine whether stenting can provide effective embolization results and prevent recanalization. A total of 19 consecutive coil embolization procedures between February 2012 and June 2022 for unruptured fPCA aneurysms with fPCA branching from the dome of the aneurysm were divided into two groups: non-stenting (NS) group (n = 11) and stenting into fPCA (PS) group (n = 8). Data were obtained retrospectively and compared regarding embolization results, complications, and recanalization. Compared with the NS group, the PS group achieved significantly higher complete occlusion rate and packing density (p < 0.001, p = 0.01, respectively). No symptomatic complications were observed in the PS group. Both immediately after stenting and at the 1-year follow-up, no stent kinking, stenosis, occlusion, or malposition were observed in any patients in the PS group. During 1-year follow-up, the cumulative minor and major recanalization-free rate after coil embolization for fPCA aneurysms were significantly higher in the PS group compared with the NS group (p = 0.022, 0.0024, respectively). Stenting into fPCA for aneurysms with fPCA incorporated into the aneurysm achieved high-density complete embolization without increasing complications, and prevented recanalization. The fPCA stent-assisted coil embolization can offer an alternative treatment for fPCA aneurysms.

Effects of triclosan adsorption on intestinal toxicity and resistance gene expression in Xenopus tropicalis with different particle sizes of polystyrene

Microplastics (MPs) are commonly found with hydrophobic contaminants in the water column and pose a serious threat to aquatic organisms. The effects of polystyrene microplastics of different particle sizes on the accumulation of triclosan in the gut of Xenopus tropicalis, its toxic effects, and the transmission of resistance genes were evaluated. The results showed that co-exposure to polystyrene (PS-MPs) adsorbed with triclosan (TCS) caused the accumulation of triclosan in the intestine with the following accumulation capacity: TCS + 5 µm PS group > TCS group > TCS + 20 µm PS group > TCS + 0.1 µm PS group. All experimental groups showed increased intestinal inflammation and antioxidant enzyme activity after 28 days of exposure to PS-MPs and TCS of different particle sizes. The TCS + 20 µm PS group exhibited the highest upregulated expression of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-10, IL-1β). The TCS + 20 µm group showed the highest increase in enzyme activity compared to the control group. PS-MPs and TCS, either alone or together, altered the composition of the intestinal microbial community. In addition, the presence of more antibiotic resistance genes than triclosan resistance genes significantly increased the expression of tetracycline resistance and sulfonamide resistance genes, which may be associated with the development of intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress. This study refines the aquatic ecotoxicity assessment of TCS adsorbed by MPs and provides informative information for the management and control of microplastics and non-antibiotic bacterial inhibitors.

The effects of intrathecal morphine on urinary bladder function and recovery in patients having a cesarean delivery – A randomized clinical trial

IntroductionSpinal anesthesia with intrathecal morphine (ITM) is a common anesthesia technique for cesarean delivery. The hypothesis was that the addition of ITM will delay micturition in women undergoing cesarean delivery. MethodsFifty-six ASA physical status I and II women scheduled to undergo elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were randomized to the PSM group (50 mg prilocaine + 2.5 mcg sufentanil + 100 mcg morphine; n = 30) or PS group (50 mg prilocaine + 2.5 mcg sufentanil; n = 24). The patients in the PS group received a bilateral transverse abdominal plane (TAP) block. The primary outcome was the effect of ITM on the time to micturition and the secondary outcome was the need for bladder re-catheterization. ResultsThe time to first urge to urinate (8 [6−10] hours in the PSM group versus 6 [4−6] hours in the PS group) and the time to first micturition (10 [8−12] hours in the PSM group versus 6 [6−8] hours in the PS group) were significantly (p < 0.001) prolonged in the PSM group. Two patients in the PSM group met the 800 mL criterium for urinary catheterization after 6 and 8 h respectively. ConclusionThis study is the first randomized trial to demonstrate that the addition of ITM to the standardized mixture of prilocaine and sufentanil significantly delayed micturition.

16S rRNA gene sequencing reveals the correlation between the gut microbiota and the susceptibility to pathological scars.

The gut microbiome profile in patients with pathological scars remains rarely known, especially those patients who are susceptible to pathological scars. Previous studies demonstrated that gut microbial dysbiosis can promote the development of a series of diseases via the interaction between gut microbiota and host. The current study aimed to explore the gut microbiota of patients who are prone to suffer from pathological scars. 35 patients with pathological scars (PS group) and 40 patients with normal scars (NS group) were recruited for collection of fecal samples to sequence the 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) V3-V4 region of gut microbiota. Alpha diversity of gut microbiota showed a significant difference between NS group and PS group, and beta diversity indicated that the composition of gut microbiota in NS and PS participants was different, which implied that dysbiosis exhibits in patients who are susceptible to pathological scars. Based on phylum, genus, species levels, we demonstrated that the changing in some gut microbiota (Firmicutes; Bacteroides; Escherichia coli, etc.) may contribute to the occurrence or development of pathological scars. Moreover, the interaction network of gut microbiota in NS and PS group clearly revealed the different interaction model of each group. Our study has preliminary confirmed that dysbiosis exhibits in patients who are susceptible to pathological scars, and provide a new insight regarding the role of the gut microbiome in PS development and progression.

Combined exposure to microplastics and amitriptyline caused intestinal damage, oxidative stress and gut microbiota dysbiosis in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The potential toxicity of microplastics (MPs) and hydrophilic pharmaceuticals to aquatic organisms has recently raised great public concern, yet their combined effects on aquatic organisms remain largely unknown. Herein, the combined effects of MPs and the commonly prescribed amitriptyline hydrochloride (AMI) on the intestinal tissue and gut microbiota of zebrafish (Danio rerio) were investigated. Adult zebrafish were exposed to microplastics (polystyrene, PS, 440 µg/L), AMI (2.5 µg/L), PS+AMI (440 µg/L PS + 2.5 µg/L AMI), and dechlorinated tap water (control) for 21 days, respectively. Our results showed that zebrafish rapidly ingested PS beads and accumulated them in the gut. Exposure to PS+AMI significantly enhanced the SOD and CAT activities compared to the control group, suggesting that combined exposure might increase ROS production in the zebrafish gut. Exposure to PS+AMI led to severe gut injuries, including cilia defects, partial absence and cracking of intestinal villi. Exposure to PS+AMI caused shifts in the gut bacterial communities, increasing the abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota, and decreasing the abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidota and beneficial bacteria Cetobacterium, which caused dysbiosis in the gut microbiota, and subsequently may induce intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, exposure to PS+AMI disordered the predicted metabolic functions of gut microbiota, but functional changes in the PS+AMI group at KEGG level 1 and level 2 were not significantly different from those in the PS group. The results of this study extend our knowledge of the combined effects of MPs and AMI on the health of aquatic organisms, and will be helpful in assessing the combined effects of MPs and tricyclic antidepressants on aquatic organisms.

Lower extremity vascular responses to preexercise intermittent passive stretch and treadmill exercise

Intermittent passive stretch induces local tissue hypoxia with subsequent increases in micro- and- macrovascular shear-rate, a powerful stimulus for nitric oxide generation in endothelial cells. Acute aerobic exercise stress has been associated with decreased endothelial function of the active limb. Whether intermittent passive stretch can reduce endothelial injury and improve endothelial function if performed before exercise has yet to be shown. This work investigated the impact of preexercise intermittent passive stretch on popliteal artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and the post occlusive reactive hyperemic (PORH) response within the gastrocnemius after aerobic exercise. We hypothesized that preexercise intermittent passive stretch of the calf muscles would prevent a decline in micro- and- macrovascular function after treadmill exercise. Sixteen healthy college-aged males and females participated in a single laboratory visit and underwent a PORH test with near-infrared spectrometry and FMD test to assess micro- and- macrovascular function. Participants were split into a PS group and a sham-control group performing minimal stretch. Intermittent passive calf stretching was performed by having participants place their foot in a splinting device for a 5-minute stretch, 5-minute relaxation period, repeated four times. Pre, post treatment, and post exercise time points were used in this investigation for analysis with a two-way repeated measures ANOVA and significance set at (P≤0.05). Following the treatment protocol, participants completed a VO 2 peak test to calculate 65% VO 2 peak and ran at this intensity for 30-minutes with post measurements taking place after a brief 10–20-minute recovery period. PORH with the NIRS revealed that microvascular responsiveness was preserved with the passive stretch group (pre: 0.053±0.009 %/s -1 ), (post: 0.051±0.013 %/s -1 ). There was a significant reduction (p=0.05) in the sham control group (pre: 0.072± 0.015 %/s -1 ), (post: 0.051±0.007 %/s -1 ) after treadmill exercise. Flow mediated vasodilation of the popliteal artery showed similar responses. In the passive stretch group, %FMD (pre: 7.58±0.88 %), (post: 6.40±1.21 %; p=0.27) and shear normalized FMD did not significantly decline after exercise (pre: 7.24 E-04 ±1.50 E-04 ), (post: 5.05 E-04 ±1.25 E-04 ; p=0.83). In the sham-control group %FMD (pre: 9.31±0.72 %), (post: 4.73±1.24 %; p&lt;0.001) and normalized FMD were significantly reduced (pre: 1.06 E-03 ± 1.58 E-04 ), (post: 5.06 E-04 ±1.97 E-04 ; p&lt;0.001). Passive stretch prior to acute exercise preserved popliteal artery endothelial function and gastrocnemius microvascular reperfusion. This vasoprotection was not shown in the sham-control group after acute exercise. Passive stretch is an easy low-cost method to maintain vascular function in the face of an acute exercise stress. Future work investigating adaptations to long term training when combined with preexercise stretch would be a valuable next step. University of Wisconsin- La Crosse Start up funds This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Gingivitis in cattle and supplemental protein diet: Insights from proteomic analysis

Salivary proteins are essencial in the maintenance of oral homeostasis and can reflect systemic and localized processes, like gingivitis. However, little is known about the relationship between diet and the occurrence of gingivitis in cattle. The present study aimed to characterize the salivary proteomic profile of cattle (n = 12) fed hay (112.19 g/kg of crude protein) cultivated in reformed pastures, and, one group received protein supplement (PS, n = 6); the effect of the protein supplement on the gingival health of the cattle was determined by weekly intraoral examination and periodontal evaluation of the eight (deciduous) incisors. The whole saliva proteome of the two groups was evaluated after 20 and 60 days of confinement. In the periodontal clinical evaluation both groups had episodes of gingivitis; however, the average number of affected sites in the PS group was higher on day 60. The cattle fed exclusively hay, presented a lower average of affected gingival sites on day 60. After 60 days of experimentation, nine biological and 11 immunological processes were altered in bovine saliva. Proteins with multiple functions were detected in the saliva of the cattle; however, differences were observed in their regulation between the two groups. SignificanceIn bovine populations, the relationship between diet and increased incidence of gingivitis is theorized. The results of the present pilot study, both diets caused episodes of gingivitis in the primary dentition of cattle and, apparently, diets with protein supplementation stimulate the expression of salivary proteins with a protective role in cattle that can act against infectious-inflammatory processes, such as gingivitis. However, it is plausible that over time, cattle will adapt to these diets and become more vulnerable to gingivitis.

A Compact 1.0–12.5-GHz LNA MMIC With 1.5-dB NF Based on Multiple Resistive Feedback in 0.15-μm GaAs pHEMT Technology

In this paper, a 2-stage compact wideband low-noise amplifier (LNA) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) with multiple resistive feedback (MRFB) is presented. From the DC point of view, the proposed MRFB functions as a self-biasing structure to bias transistors in the optimal condition, improving the noise figure (NF) and linearity. Meanwhile, by employing MRFB with source degeneration and input inductor, the proposed LNA achieves wideband flat gain at the AC side. In comparison with traditional topologies, a wide bandwidth of more than 11.5 GHz with low noise figure of less than 2.5 dB can be achieved. To verify the proposed LNA structure, a chip prototype is fabricated in a 0.15- <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> GaAs E-mode pHEMT process with a compact die size of only 0.75 mm2 including all the testing pads. From the measurement results, the proposed LNA circuit features a 1.0 to 12.5 GHz 3-dB working bandwidth (172% fractional bandwidth), 23.6 peak gain, 1.51 dB minimum NF, 66.7± 15 ps group delay, and 24.3/12.6 dBm best OIP3/OP1dB, respectively. The total DC power is around 87.5 mW from a single 2.5-V power supply.

Long-term seizure outcome with the surgically remediable syndrome of frontal lobe epilepsy associated with superior frontal sulcus-related dysplasia.

To assess the long-term outcome of the surgically remediable syndrome of frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) associated with superior frontal sulcus (SFS)-related dysplasia. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts and surgical features of 31 patients with drug-resistant frontal lobe epilepsy in our centers between 2016 and 2018. All patients underwent surgical resection. According to the epileptogenic zone (EZ), localization and resection extent were classified as (1) pure SFS group (PS group), (2) associated SFS group (AS group), and (3) no SFS group (NS group). The general characteristics, neuroradiological findings, morbidity, pathology, and long-term seizure outcome after surgery were analyzed to extract the potential value of the surgery for SFS-related dysplasia. Of 31 patients with FLE who underwent epilepsy surgery, 15 patients (nine men) were included PS group, five patients (five men) in the AS group, and 11 patients (eight men) in the NS group. Eleven patients detected abnormal focal signals in the presurgical MRI. Six patients in the PS group demonstrated the suspected focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) in the SFS detected with MRI. All patients demonstrated focal abnormal hypometabolism foci in the PET-MR co-registration. Twenty-five patients (80.6%) were seizure-free since surgery, including all 15 patients (100%) of the PS group, three in five patients (60%) of the AS group, and seven in 11 patients (63.6%) of the NS group. The difference in outcome between different groups was significant (p = 0.004, PS vs. AS group; p = 0.005, PS vs. NS group). As of the last follow-up (mean 66.2 ± 9.7months), 25 patients (80.6%) were seizure-free since surgery (Engel's class I). In addition, antiseizure medication was withdrawn in 19 patients (61.3%). Histologic examination of resected specimens revealed FCD in all 31 patients. The percentage of FCD II type was 100, 60, and 63.6% in the three different groups, respectively. SFS-related dysplasia is a neuropathologic entity with a favorable postoperative outcome. FCD II is the most common type of SFS-related dysplasia. FDG-PET co-registered with MRI should be performed in patients with suspected SFS-related dysplasia, since it may depict areas of hypometabolism suggestive of dysplasia in the absence of MRI abnormalities.

Systolic function in dogs with pulmonic stenosis of different severities and the effect of balloon valvuloplasty

Introduction/objectivesPulmonic stenosis (PS) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases in dogs leading to right ventricular (RV) pressure overload, myocardial remodeling, and potential RV dysfunction. Our objectives were to investigate the extent of RV systolic dysfunction in canine PS and to examine the immediate influence of balloon valvuloplasty (BV) on systolic function. Animals, materials and methodsThis prospective study evaluated 72 dogs with PS and 86 healthy dogs. Echocardiographic parameters of systolic function included normalized tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (N-TAPSE), normalized systolic myocardial tissue Doppler velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (N-RVFW-S′), fractional area change, and speckle-tracking longitudinal endocardial RV strain. Forty-four dogs underwent BV and were re-examined after surgery. ResultsSystolic function at the basal segment of the RV was significantly lower in the PS group when compared to healthy dogs (mean N-TAPSE 4.29 ± standard deviation 1.18 mm/kg0.285 vs. 5.60 ± 1.29 mm/kg0.285; median N-RVFW-S′ 5.28 [lower-upper 25% quantile 4.35–6.43 cm/s/kg0.186] vs. 7.82 [6.73–8.79 cm/s/kg0.186]; all P<0.001). Global longitudinal RV endocardial strain showed no significant difference between the two groups (−28.50 ± 6.23% vs. 28.61 ± 4.64%; P=0.886), but segmental strain analyses revealed basal hypo- and potential compensatory hyperkinesis of the apical RVFW. Furthermore, BV affected most parameters of systolic function, but not the segmental strain values and N-TAPSE. ConclusionsRight ventricular basal longitudinal systolic function is decreased in dogs with PS in comparison to a healthy cohort. Regional and global function does not necessarily coincide.

The mediating role of gut microbiota in the associations of prenatal maternal combined exposure to lead and stress with neurodevelopmental deficits in young rats.

Prenatal single and combined exposure to lead (Pb) and stress (Ps) impairs neurodevelopment. Prenatal single exposure to Pb or Ps affects the composition of intestinal microbiota, and bidirectional communication between gut microbiota and central nervous system has been well recognized. However, whether gut microbiota mediated the effects of prenatal Pb+Ps co-exposure on neurodevelopmental deficits remains unclear. This study established rat models with prenatal single and combined exposure to Ps and Pb. We investigated the effects of such prenatal single and combined exposure on hippocampal structures using morphological analyses, on learning/memory using the Morris-water-maze test, and on fecal microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing. The mediating roles of gut microbiota were analyzed using the bootstrap method. The study found both single and combined exposure affected hippocampal ultra-structures and spatial learning/memory, and the most significant impairments were observed in the Pb+Ps group. Prenatal Pb+Ps co-exposure decreased fecal microbial alpha/beta-diversity. Significantly lower levels of B/F-ratio, class-Bacteroidia, order-Bacteroidales, and family-S24–7, and significantly higher levels of class-Bacilli, order-Lactobacillales, family-Lactobacillaceae, and genus-Lactobacillus were observed in the co-exposure group, compared with the controls. Increased relative abundances of genus-Helicobacter mediated the detrimental effect of prenatal Ps+Pb co-exposure on learning/memory [β (95%CI) for the total and indirect effects: − 10.70 (−19.19, −2.21) and − 4.65(−11.07, −1.85)], accounting for 43.47% of the total effect. As a result, increased relative abundances of genus-Lactobacillus alleviated the adverse effects of the co-exposure on learning/memory, and the alleviation effect accounted for 44.55% of the direct effect [β (95%CI) for the direct and indirect effects: − 0.28(−0.48, −0.08) and 0.13(0.01, 0.41)]. This study suggested that prenatal combined exposure to Pb and Ps induced more impairments in offspring gut microbiota and neurodevelopment than single exposure, and alterations in fecal microbiome may mediate the developmental neurotoxicity induced by such prenatal co-exposure.

The response of hippocampal functional connectivity to sustained pain in a pain-sensitive population

Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of pain on functions and the relationship between functional changes in the hippocampus and attention and anxiety in a pain-sensitive population.Methods Fifty-three healthy subjects with no chronic pain were recruited in this study and divided into a pain-sensitive group (PS, n = 26) and a pain-tolerant group (PT, n = 27) according to the cold pressor test (CPT). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with a cold bottle test (cold and control conditions) was performed. The static and dynamic functional connectivity (FC) of the hippocampus was analyzed in both groups for the two conditions.Results Compared with PT, there were fewer static functional connections between the right hippocampus and the bilateral dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus in the PS group. Moreover, reduced functional connections between the hippocampus and brain regions were related to anxiety in the PS group, including the inferior temporal gyrus and the middle temporal gyrus.Significance Our results found that pain disturbed the default mode network in the PS group, which may be related to self-awareness. This result may reflect that people who are sensitive to pain are more likely to feel anxious.Key PointsThe functional connectivity within the DMN in the pain-sensitive group was significantly reduced, indicating the relationship between self-awareness and pain.The functional connectivity in the pain-sensitive group was significantly reduced in the hippocampus and some brain regions associated with anxiety, possibly reflecting the effect of pain on anxiety.

Factors Associated with Sarcopenia in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND Sarcopenia is a recognized complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and increases risk of increased morbidity from cardiovascular events and mortality. This single-center cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia in CKD patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with non-dialysis-dependent (NDD)-CKD were examined for sarcopenia by handgrip strength testing, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and 4-minute gait speed test. We divided 220 patients into 2 groups - No Probable Sarcopenia (NPS; n=120) and Probable Sarcopenia (PS; n=100) - according to muscle strength defined by handgrip strength, then into another 2 groups - No Sarcopenia (NS; n=189) and Confirmed Sarcopenia (CS; n=31) - according to muscle mass defined by BIA. RESULTS Mean age and prevalence of coronary heart disease were significantly higher and mean body mass index (BMI) was lower in the PS and CS groups than that of NPS and NS groups (P.

Repair mechanism of Yishen Tongluo formula on mouse sperm DNA fragmentation caused by polystyrene microplastics

Context Plastics can break down into millions of microplastic (MPs, < 5 mm) particles in the soil and ocean. These MPs can then affect the function of the reproductive system. There is currently no effective solution to this problem aside from traditional Chinese medicine. We have previously used Yishen Tongluo formula (YSTL) to treat sperm DNA damage caused by some toxic substances. Objective To investigate the mechanism underlying the repair of mouse sperm DNA fragmentation caused by polystyrene microplastics by YSTL. Materials and methods An animal model of polystyrene microplastic (PS-MP)-induced sperm DNA damage was replicated by gavage of SPF ICR (CD1) mice PS-MPs at 1 mg/d and treated with YSTL at 11.89, 23.78 and 47.56 g/kg, respectively, for 60 days. The Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of each group was detected and compared. The target genes of YSTL identified by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were validated by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Results The DFI of the PS group (20.66%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (4.23%). The medium and high doses of the YSTL group (12.8% and 11.31%) exhibited a significant repairing effect. The most enriched pathway was PI3K/Akt. TBL1X, SPARC, hnRNP0, Map7D1, Eps8 and Mrpl27 were screened and SPARC was validated. Discussion and conclusions The precise mechanism by which YSTL inhibits PD-MPs DNA damage may be associated with the PI3K/Akt pathway and SPARC. It provides a new direction for using traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and repair reproductive system injury caused by MPs.

Polystyrene microplastics induce endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis and inflammation by disrupting the gut microbiota in carp intestines

Microplastics have been recognized as a widespread new pollutant in nature and have induced an increase in the occurrence of a variety of diseases in carp. An animal model of microplastic ingestion was successfully established in an aqueous environment. The gut microbiota was analysed using a metagenomic approach. The results showed a significant reduction in the relative abundances of Lactococcus garvieae, Bacteroides_paurosaccharolyticus, and Romboutsia_ilealis after PS-MPs treatment. The 16S Silva database was used to predict and analyse the known genes. Intestinal flora disorders related to infectious diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, endocrine and metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and other diseases were found. The intake of PS-MPs resulted in damage to carp intestinal tissue and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells. The levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly increased with the intake of PS-MPs. The gene and protein levels of GRP78, Caspase-3, Caspase-7, Caspase-9, Caspase-12, PERK, IRE1, and ATF6 were further examined in PS group. The occurrence of ERS and apoptosis in carp intestines was confirmed. These results suggest that the accumulation of PS-MPs in the aquatic environment can disturb the carp gut microbiota and induce ERS, apoptosis, and inflammation in the intestinal tissue.

Dietary supplementation with selenium polysaccharide from selenium-enriched Phellinus linteus improves antioxidant capacity, immunity and production performance of laying hens

BackgroundSelenium (Se) plays a beneficial role in the physiological function of humans and animals. Selenium polysaccharide, improving enzyme activity and regulating immunity, is the extraction from selenium-rich plants or mushrooms. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of selenium polysaccharide from selenium-enriched Phellinus linteus on the antioxidative ability, immunity, serum biochemistry, and production performance of laying hens. MethodsThree hundred sixty adult laying hens were randomly assigned to 4 groups. The four groups were divided as follows: CK (control group), PS group (4.2 g/kg polysaccharide), Se group (0.5 Se mg/kg), and PSSe group (4.2 g/kg with 0.5 Se mg/kg, Selenium polysaccharide). ResultsAfter the 8 weeks, the hens were sampled and the antioxidant ability(total antioxidant (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Nitric Oxide (NO)), immunity(Interleukin-2(IL-2), Immunoglobulin M(IgM), Immunoglobulin A(IgA), Immunoglobulin G(IgG) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and secretory Immunoglobulin A(sIgA)), serum biochemistry(total protein, triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, glutamic-pyruvictransaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST)) and production performance were assessed. Compared with the control group, T-AOC, SOD, CAT, GSH, IL-2, IgM, IgA, sIgA, IgG, IFN-γ, total protein, average laying rate, average egg weight, and final body were significantly increased in the PS, Se, and PSSe groups, however, the MDA and NO, triglyceride, cholesterol, glucose, AST, ALT, average daily feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio were significantly decreased in the PS, Se, and PSSe groups. The PSSe group in the immune index, antioxidant ability and serum biochemistry was improved the highest. ConclusionThe result suggested that selenium polysaccharide from selenium-enriched Phellinus linteus can enhance the antioxidant ability and immunity, change serum biochemistry, providing a new method for improving the production performance of laying hens.

Electric field simulations of transcranial direct current stimulation in children with perinatal stroke.

Perinatal stroke (PS) is a focal vascular brain injury and the leading cause of hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Motor impairments last a lifetime but treatments are limited. Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) may enhance motor learning in adults but tDCS effects on motor learning are less studied in children. Imaging-based simulations of tDCS-induced electric fields (EF) suggest differences in the developing brain compared to adults but have not been applied to common pediatric disease states. We created estimates of tDCS-induced EF strength using five tDCS montages targeting the motor system in children with PS [arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) or periventricular infarction (PVI)] and typically developing controls (TDC) aged 6-19 years to explore associates between simulation values and underlying anatomy. Simulations were performed using SimNIBS https://simnibs.github.io/simnibs/build/html/index.html using T1, T2, and diffusion-weighted images. After tissue segmentation and tetrahedral mesh generation, tDCS-induced EF was estimated based on the finite element model (FEM). Five 1mA tDCS montages targeting motor function in the paretic (non-dominant) hand were simulated. Estimates of peak EF strength, EF angle, field focality, and mean EF in motor cortex (M1) were extracted for each montage and compared between groups. Simulations for eighty-three children were successfully completed (21 AIS, 30 PVI, 32 TDC). Conventional tDCS montages utilizing anodes over lesioned cortex had higher peak EF strength values for the AIS group compared to TDC. These montages showed lower mean EF strength within target M1 regions suggesting that peaks were not necessarily localized to motor network-related targets. EF angle was lower for TDC compared to PS groups for a subset of montages. Montages using anodes over lesioned cortex were more sensitive to variations in underlying anatomy (lesion and tissue volumes) than those using cathodes over non-lesioned cortex. Individualized patient-centered tDCS EF simulations are prudent for clinical trial planning and may provide insight into the efficacy of tDCS interventions in children with PS.

Adverse effects of pristine and aged polystyrene microplastics in mice and their Nrf2-mediated defense mechanisms with tissue specificity.

Health hazards associated with microplastics (MPs) remain largely unknown, and the effects of aged MPs, one of their persistent forms, are poorly characterized. Male ICR mice were intratracheally instilled with 0.01 and 1mg/day pristine and ultraviolet (UV)-aged polystyrene microplastics (PS and APS) with an average diameter of 4 - 5μm daily for 1week. UV irradiation caused the PS to have a rough surface, become fragmented, and increase their carbonyl groups. Both PS and APS caused structural damage to the mouse gut, liver, spleen, and testis. Inflammatory infiltration in liver, swollen and congested gut, and loose spleen globules, as well as the loose interstitium of the seminiferous tubules in testis were found in 1mg/day APS group. Increases in serum alanine aminotransferase and immunoglobulin A levels in 1mg/day APS group (p < 0.05) demonstrated that APS exposure could induce greater liver and spleen functional damage than PS. Meanwhile, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in liver were enhanced in 1mg/day APS group (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione contents in 0.01 and 1mg/day APS groups significantly decreased (p < 0.05), which suggesting that PS and APS could interfere with the antioxidant capacity in mice. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in the PS and APS groups showed significant increases in the liver and testis (p < 0.05), and a significant decrease in the spleen (p < 0.05), which were analyzed to get a first survey for Nrf2/HO-1-mediated tissue-specific defense mechanisms. In conclusion, acute exposure to PS and APS induced potential metabolic disorders, and APS could produce more serious immune damage and reproductive toxicity. These findings provide new insights in health risk assessment of aged MPs.

Efficacy of intra-abdominal cytoreductive surgery in advanced endometrial cancer with distant metastasis.

The efficacy of intra-abdominal cytoreductive surgery in patients with endometrial cancer and distant metastasis is equivocal. We investigated the effectiveness of such surgical treatment and whether it should be performed before or after chemotherapy (CT). This study included patients with an International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IVB endometrial cancer who received initial treatment at our hospital between January 2006 and December 2017. We retrospectively reviewed 67 patients with stage IVB endometrial cancer with distant metastases and classified them into preceding surgery (PS, n=23), chemotherapy followed by a surgery (CS, n=27), and CT (n=17) groups. We examined the achievement of resection with [R (1)] or without [R (0)] intra-abdominal macroscopic residue and survival. The median survival time for R (0) was 44 (95% confidence interval [CI]=9-not available [NA]) months in the PS group and 27 (95% CI=11-NA) months in the CS group. The median survival time for R (1) was 9 (95% CI=0-24) months in the PS group and 12 (95% CI=7-19) months in the CS group. The similar prognosis in both groups was worse with R (1) than with R (0). The survival curve for R (1) in the resection groups was similar to that of the CT group. Achieving resection without intra-abdominal macroscopic residue for endometrial cancer with distant metastases, whether before or after CT, could extend patients' survival.