RC Group Research Articles

Red Clover Isoflavones Influence Estradiol Concentration, Exercise Performance, and Gut Microbiota in Female Mice.

In red clover (Trifolium pratense L.; RC) the main compound is isoflavones, which are selective estrogen receptor modulators for maintaining female health. Isoflavones exert antifatigue effects during exercise in high-temperature environments. This study aimed to investigate the effect of RC supplementation on gut microbiota composition to determine whether it improves intestinal barrier function and exercise performance. Female ICR mice were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) and orally administered RC once daily for 6 weeks at 0 (vehicle), 308 (RC-1X), 615 (RC-2X), and 1,538 (RC-5X) mg/kg. RC supplementation decreased the fat mass and increased exhaustive swimming time, grip strength, and muscle glycogen in female mice. In the RC supplementation group, serum levels of lactate, ammonia, and creatine kinase decreased after swimming. The estradiol and progesterone levels were higher in the RC group than in the vehicle group. Regarding gut microbiota composition, the RC-2X group may increase intestinal health related to the microorganisms Pseudobutyrivibrio and Parabacteroide. Thus, the use of RC supplements as nutraceuticals could have positive effects on athletes' gut and overall health.

Effects of isoflavone-rich red clover extract on blood glucose level: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

High blood glucose is associated with increased risk of various diseases. Red clover (RC; Trifolium pratense L.) is an edible legume whose sprout is rich in isoflavones such as formononetin and biochanin A. We examined the effects of RC extract on postprandial and fasting blood glucose level, using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 36 participants, aged 25 to 64 years, who were randomly assigned to receive either 1.91g of RC extract (containing 8mg formononetin and 1.8mg biochanin A) or placebo. Each participant ingested the assigned test food daily for 8weeks, and at the oral maltose tolerance test (OMTT). Initially, the two groups did not significantly differ in OMTT results. However, fasting insulin levels at 8weeks were significantly lower in the RC group (4.76 μIU/ml at Week 0 to 4.01 μIU/ml at Week 8) with a significant interaction (P=0.046). Subgroup analysis showed that change in blood glucose level (blood glucose ΔC) tended to decrease late in the trial period during OMTT in the ≤50-year-old RC group, as did fasting blood glucose and insulin levels at 8weeks; hemoglobin A1c was also significantly reduced in this subgroup (5.36% at Week 0 to 5.28% at Week 8) with a significant interaction (P=0.040). These results suggest that the daily intake of RC could reduce blood glucose, particularly for those ≤50 years old. Formononetin-an α-glucosidase inhibitor-is considered to be the major functional molecule for these effects. Therefore, intake of RC that contains formononetin might help blood glucose control.

Clash of the calculators: External validation of prostate cancer risk calculators in men undergoing mpMRI and transperineal biopsy.

ObjectiveTo compare the accuracy of the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) RC, MRI‐ERSPC‐RC, and Prostate Biopsy Collaborative Group (PBCG) RC in patients undergoing transperineal prostate biopsy.Patients and methodsWe identified 392 patients who underwent mpMRI before transperineal prostate biopsy across multiple public and private institutions between January 2017 and August 2019. The estimated probabilities of detecting PCa and significant PCa were calculated using the MRI‐ERSPC‐RC, ERSPC‐RC, and PBCG‐RC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for each calculator were generated and the area underneath the curve (AUC) was compared. Calibration and clinical utility were assessed with calibration plots and decision curve analysis, respectively.ResultsPCa was detected in 285 patients (72.7%) with significant PCa found in 200 patients (51.1%). ROC curve analysis found the MRI‐ERSPC‐RC outperformed the ERSPC‐RC and PBCG‐RC. For the prediction of PCa, the AUC was 0.756, 0.696, and 0.675 for the MRI‐ERSPC‐RC, ERSPC‐RC, and PBCG‐RC, respectively. The AUC for the prediction of significant PCa was 0.803, 0.745, and 0.746 for the MRI‐ERSPC‐RC, ERSPC‐RC, and PBCG‐RC, respectively.ConclusionsOur study validated the ERSPC‐RC, MRI‐ERSPC‐RC, and PBCG‐RC in a cohort undergoing transperineal prostate biopsy with the MRI‐ERSPC‐RC performing the best. These RCs may enable improved shared decision making and help to guide patient selection for biopsy.

Evaluation of pain after endodontic retreatment using reciprocating files or ultrasonic inserts for the desobturation of root canals: a randomized clinical study

This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the endodontic retreatment techniques influence using reciprocating files and ultrasonic inserts in relation to the incidence, intensity, and postoperative pain duration. Forty-six patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Reciprocant files (RC group); or the Clearsonic Ultrasonic Insert (CL group;). Participants were asked to report the incidence, duration, and postoperative pain intensity using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 24, 48 and 72 h after retreatment. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the two methods used regarding postoperative pain. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare pain intensity, and Friedman’s test was used to assess the time effect on pain intensity. Finally, ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to assess the odds ratio for pain occurrence at a significance level of 5%. The postoperative pain incidence was significantly lower in the CL group in all experimental periods. Comparing the two techniques, pain intensity was significantly lower in the CL group after 24 and 48 h. For the RC group, pain intensity was significantly greater at 24 h compared with the other periods. The technique used in endodontic retreatment can influence postoperative pain.

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Share Decision Making and Standard Education for Cardiac Catheterization: A Pilot Study

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the second leading cause of death in the top ten leading causes of death in 2018 in Taiwan, and coronary artery disease is one of the main causes.Aim: To compare whether there are differences in patient knowledge, anxiety, and satisfaction between the utilization of patient decision aid for cardiac catheterization and routine health education.Subject and methods: Between July 2020 and September 2020, subjects were recruited in the clinics of the Department of Cardiology in a Veterans hospital in northern Taiwan. An experimental design was used for the study. Subjects were divided into two different education tool groups by randomization table. Subjects filled out the questionnaires before and after the education.Result: The patient knowledge before and after education in the RC group was improved by 2.30 points, and SDM group increased by 1.50 points (p-value<0.05). The score of anxiety decreased by 0.41 points in the RC group after the education, and the score of anxiety decreased by 0.33 points in the SDM group. The levels of satisfaction of the SDM group were all higher than the RC group, but the satisfaction score for the duration of education in both groups was relatively low.Conclusion: Regardless of the standard or SDM education model, the knowledge level of patients can be improved, and there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The anxiety of patients in both groups was reduced. The satisfactions of education in the SDM group were better than those of the RC group. The duration of education was the item with low satisfaction for both groups.Recommendations: Both methods of education can help patients increase their knowledge. The establishment of manpower responsible for education. Allowing patients to receive education before the examination can decrease anxiety and has clinical benefits.

English

BACKGROUND There are many modalities to give postoperative analgesia. Out of them epidural analgesia offers good reliable pain relief. Addition of alpha agonist enhances the onset of analgesia and duration of analgesia is prolonged. This study was done to compare the analgesic efficacy, and the hemodynamic parameters of ropivacaine compared with ropivacaine in combination with clonidine for post-operative epidural analgesia. METHODS 30 patients of age 18 - 70 years with ASA grade of I & II, undergoing elective lower limb and abdominal surgeries were randomly taken into each of the 2 groups. Group R received 0.2 % ropivacaine and group RC received 0.2 % ropivacaine + clonidine (1 mcg / Kg) epidurally.1,2 Patients were monitored for onset, duration, quality of analgesia, cardiorespiratory stability and side effects. RESULTS The onset of analgesia and quality of analgesia were better in the RC group compared to the R group. The duration of analgesia in group RC (9.43 + - 1.17 hours) was found to be significantly prolonged than group R (4.90 + - 1.03 hours) with p < 0.001. Blood pressure was more stable in group RC compared to group R. CONCLUSIONS In this study we found that ropivacaine with clonidine as epidural postoperative analgesia provided superior and more effective analgesia when compared to ropivacaine. The duration of analgesia was significantly longer in group ropivacaine with clonidine. KEYWORDS Ropivacaine, Clonidine, Post-operative Analgesia, Epidural

Remote monitoring and treatment of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is an effective method for optimizing glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). However, the use of CSII does not always result in adequate glycemic control. Telehealth can be applied as one of the methods to improve the effectiveness of treatment. To evaluate the use of remote medical support of children and adolescents with DM1 and its influence on glycemic control, quality of life, and incidence of acute complications of DM1. We conducted a 24-week multi-institutional prospective open-label controlled clinical trial. 180 children and adolescents were included in this study and divided into the following categories: 1) age 8-18 years; 2) DM1 at least 1 year; 3) pump insulin therapy Medtronic Paradigm (Medtronic MiniMed, USA) at least 6 months; 4) self-monitoring of glycemia at least 4 times a day and replacement of the insulin pump infusion system at least once every 3 days; 5) inadequate glycemic control of DM1: the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.5% or higher. Patients were assigned to a remote consultation group (RC; n=100) or a traditional control group (TC; n=80). All patients were trained on the basic principles of DM1 and CSII, and we measured initial HbA1c, then after 12 and 24 weeks, also registered and analyzed glycemic indicators and daily doses of insulin, evaluated and corrected the treatment. Patients or their parents in the RC group sent pump data via the Internet to the pump insulin therapy center at least once every 2 weeks at home and received treatment recommendations in response. The total number of patients included in the study in all institutions was 180 children at 8-18 years. Patients in both groups did not differ in age, gender, duration of DM1 and CSII, and HbA1c level. The total amount of remote consultations for all institutions was 949. The decrease in the level of HbA1c by the end of the study against the initial one was statistically significantly greater in the RC group: 1.17% compared to 0.59% in the TC group (p<0.05). The proportion of patients who reached the target level of HbA1c (<7.5%) was significantly higher in the RC group (32%) compared to the TC group (12.5%, p<0.05). During the study, the incidence of DKA and severe hypoglycemia in the RC group was statistically significantly lower. Remote monitoring in children with DM1 resulted in significant improvements in glycemic control (HbA1c, glycemic variability, and hypoglycemic frequency). The accumulation of evidence on the effectiveness and safety of telehealth in DM should contribute to implementing this approach in practical health care.

Robotic Radical Cystectomy Outcomes after Intervention for Prostate Cancer.

Introduction and Objectives: We evaluated patients who underwent treatment for prostate cancer and then subsequent robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). Our objective was to understand clinical, pathologic, and survival outcomes in these patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 333 male patients underwent RARC with standard intracorporeal urinary diversion from 2009 to 2019. We evaluated patients who underwent a radical prostatectomy (RP) and either external beam radiation or brachytherapy (XRT) before RARC. These patients were compared with patients who underwent RARC without any prior intervention for or history of prostate cancer (radical cystectomy [RC]). Results: Patients in the RP and XRT groups were found to be older than the RC group (p = 0.0108) and also have a greater Charlson comorbidity index (p < 0.001). There was no difference in estimated blood loss, operative time, and length of stay across all three groups. The RP group had a higher rate of positive margins 31.58% compared with RC and XRT at 8.22% and 10.00%, respectively (p = 0.0036). There was also a higher rate of extravesical disease on final pathology report for the XRT group at 60.00% compared with 37.5% and 36.85% for RC and RP, respectively (p = 0.0056). Overall survival was lowest in the XRT group compared with RP and RC (p > 0.001) with no difference in recurrence-free survival. Conclusion: Patients in the RP group have higher rates of positive margin, whereas patients in the XRT group have higher rates of extravesical disease and overall survival after undergoing a RARC. Careful counseling and attention to these parameters is required in these patient populations.

Care for older adults with dementia: PACE day care or residential dementia care units?

BackgroundPersons with dementia (PwD) are at greater risk for various adverse health outcomes, and the best care model remains to be determined. This study aimed to compare the physical and neurocognitive performance of PwD in the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and residential dementia care units. MethodsThis was a case-control study comparing outcomes between care recipients of PACE services (PC group) and residential dementia care (RC group). Demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, physical function, cognitive function, mood status, and behavioral and psychotic symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) were assessed every 3-6 months in both groups, while frailty status and Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT) performance were assessed every 6 months in the PC group only. ResultsOverall, 96 participants (PC group: 25, RC group: 71; mean age: 86.4 ± 6.8 years) were enrolled with the median follow-up period of 43.6 weeks. Lower incidence of hospital admissions was noted in the PC group (0.52 ± 1.12 vs 1.38 ± 2.49 admissions/1,000 person-days, p=0.023), even though the PC group had higher multimorbidity and more severe BPSDs. During the study period, the PC group showed a significant improvement in body mass index, less physical dependence, better cognitive performance and reduced depressive mood. In addition, the PC group showed improvement in frailty, leisure hour activities, and TUGT results. However, participants in the PC group were more likely to experience BPSD deterioration (β coeff.: 0.193, 95% CI: 0.121- 0.265). ConclusionThe PACE services significantly reduced unexpected hospital admissions of PwD, facilitated the maintenance of physical independence, and improved cognitive performance and mood status. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to determine the most appropriate care model for PwD.

Efficacy of Local Anesthetic Wound Infiltration in Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Surgery for Control of Postoperative Pain: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled, and Double-Blinded Trial

This study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of wound infiltration with ropivacaine alone or with adjuvants clonidine or dexamethasone for postoperative pain in temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) surgery. The investigators implemented a randomized controlled trial with 3 parallel groups, among the patients of bilateral TMJA visiting the maxillofacial surgery unit between March 12, 2015 and February 5, 2017. At the completion of surgery, wound infiltration was done with 0.25% of ropivacaine (R group), 0.25% of ropivacaine with 0.5 mcg/kg of clonidine (RC group), 0.25% of ropivacaine with 0.1mg/kg of dexamethasone (RD group), and 0.2mL/kg of drug volume on each side. The primary outcome variables were total opioid consumption (fentanyl in micrograms/kilogram) and visual analog scale for pain at rest and movement for 24hours after surgery. The secondary outcome variables were time (minutes) to first rescue analgesic requirement and patient satisfaction scores. The patients, surgeons, and anesthesiologists collecting the data were blinded to the group allocation. Continuous and qualitative data were summarized using mean (standard deviation) and frequency distribution, respectively. About 45 patients were randomized into 3 equal groups. Mean age of the sample was 17.6±8.04years (males=24 [53%]; females=21 [47%]). Surgery for TMJA included gap arthroplasty (n=17), interpositional arthroplasty (n=24), and total TMJ replacement (n=4). Total fentanyl (micrograms) consumption during 24 hours was comparable between all the 3 groups and statistically not significant (P=.40). The pain scores (visual analog scale at rest and movement) were comparable at all time points. No significant difference was noted for time to first rescue analgesic requirement (P=.31). Patient satisfaction was higher in RC group as compared with R group (P=.009). No adverse effects were noted in any group. Within the confines of the sample size and the absence of power calculation, the study implies that wound infiltration with ropivacaine was as efficacious as when mixed with adjuvants, either clonidine or dexamethasone, for control of postoperative pain for 24hours.

Effects of a modestly lower carbohydrate diet in gestational diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

Lower carbohydrate diets have the potential to improve glycemia but may increase ketonemia in women with gestational diabetes (GDM). We hypothesized that modestly lower carbohydrate intake would not increase ketonemia. To compare blood ketone concentration, risk of ketonemia, and pregnancy outcomes in women with GDM randomly assigned to a lower carbohydrate diet or routine care. Forty-six women aged (mean±SEM) 33.3±0.6 y and prepregnancy BMI 26.8±0.9 kg/m2 were randomly assigned at 28.5±0.4 wk to a modestly lower carbohydrate diet (MLC, ∼135 g/d carbohydrate) or routine care (RC, ∼200 g/d) for 6 wk. Blood ketones were ascertained by finger prick test strips and 3-d food diaries were collected at baseline and end of the intervention. There were no detectable differences in blood ketones between completers in the MLC group compared with the RC group (0.1±0.0 compared with 0.1±0.0 mmol/L, n=33, P=0.31, respectively), even though carbohydrate and total energy intake were significantly lower in the intervention group (carbohydrate 165±7 compared with 190±9 g, P=0.04; energy 7040±240 compared with 8230±320 kJ, P<0.01, respectively). Only 20% of participants in the MLC group met the target intake compared with 65% in the RC group (P<0.01). There were no differences in birth weight, rate of large-for-gestational-age infants, percent fat mass, or fat-free mass between groups. An intervention to reduce carbohydrate intake in GDM did not raise ketones to clinical significance, possibly because the target of 135 g/d was difficult to achieve in pregnancy. Feeding studies with food provision may be needed to assess the benefits and risks of low-carbohydrate diets. This trial was registered at www.anzctr.org.au as ACTRN12616000018415.

After exertional heat stroke, is cooling to &lt;40°C sufficient? Revisiting an established protocol in a mouse model

Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS) is a life‐threatening illness that can lead to multisystem tissue damage and increased mortality. To attenuate these consequences, immediate cooling to &lt;40°C is the current recommendation. It is believed that the rate of cooling is a key factor in preventing tissue injury; however, much is unknown. In this study, we have used a model which allows us to test the effect of different cooling rates on recovery from EHS.METHODSThirteen female mice were randomly assigned to one of two groups, a slow‐cooling group (SC) and the rapid‐cooling group (RC). Both groups underwent emitter implantation surgery which allowed us to monitor core temperature (Tc) in real time. After two weeks of recovery, mice were introduced to free running wheels inside their cages for another two weeks. After that, mice received forced running wheel training for one week. On the day of EHS exposure, mice were placed inside a chamber, kept at 37.5°C/40% humidity. Mice ran at closely controlled speeds until they reached symptom limitation (i.e. loss of consciousness at ~42.3°C). The RC group was immediately taken outside the chamber and allowed to recover at room temperature ~23°C. However, the SC group was kept inside the running wheel enclosure until consciousness (~9 min) and then allowed to recover for another 2 hours inside their home cage at 37.5°C.RESULTSThe total thermal area averaged higher in the SC group, but did not reach statistical significance (P=0.1291). The time mice spent &gt;39.5°C to the maximum Tc (Tc,max), and from Tc,max to 39.5°C was not statistically different. However, the SC group exhibited greater mortality than the RC (P=0.012). In the SC group, the time spent to cool from Tc,max to 37.5°C was statistically significant (P&lt;0.0025). Also, the time from Tc,max to the minimum core temperature was statistically significant (P&lt;0.0001).CONCLUSIONSIn conclusion, this model helped us to distinguish the effect of different cooling rates on mortality. The data suggests that quickly cooling to only 40°C may be insufficient to avoid heat injury or death, but cooling to 37.5°C may improve outcomes.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the BK and Betty Stevens Endowment and a Fellowship from King Saud University, Saudi Arabia

The effect of desflurane on retinal angiogenesis in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an ocular disorder that primarily occurs in premature infants and is the most common cause of vision impairment. This study examined the effect of desflurane on angiogenesis in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Mice were randomly allocated to the control (C), ROP control (Rc), or ROP with desflurane exposure (Rd) group. To induce ROP, 7-day-old mice were exposed to 75% oxygen in a chamber for 5days [postnatal days (P) 7-12], and thereafter returned to room air. Age-matched mice exposed to room air formed the C group. The Rd group was exposed to 8% desflurane for 2h on P12, P13, and P14 with 40% oxygen. To observe changes in angiogenesis of the retina, mice were sacrificed at P16. The ratio of avascular area/total retinal area was not changed significantly in the Rd group, compared to the Rc group. The expression of endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the Rd group and Rc group was not significantly different. Desflurane does not have a significant influence on retinal angiogenesis via HIF-1α and VEGF-A expression in the OIR mouse model. However, these findings are not directly applicable to premature infants, and it is thus necessary to perform further studies to determine the effect of desflurane on angiogenesis.

Frailty has significant impact on treatment selection in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

429 Background: Although measuring frailty is important to estimate risks and to aid shared decision making, the impact of frailty on surgical indication in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the impact of frailty on treatment modality selection in patients with MIBC. Methods: Between October 2013 and September 2019, we underwent frailty evaluation in 149 patients with localized or locally advanced MIBC (T2-4N0-1M0). Frailty evaluation included modified Frailty index (mFI), Fried phenotype (FP), and frailty discriminant score (FDS). Primary purpose was comparison of frailty between the patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC group) and trimodal therapy for bladder preservation (TMT group). Optimal cutoff values of frailty between the RC and non-RC groups was defined by receiver operating characteristic curve. Secondary purpose included overall survival (OS) comparison between in patients with frail and non-frail. Overall survival (OS) was compared using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis. Results: Of 149, 88 and 61 patients were classified to RC and TMT group, respectively. The median age in the TMT group was significantly older than that in the RC group (80 vs. 68 years). A significantly higher prevalence of frailty was observed in the TMT group than that of the RC group in FP ≥3 (5.7% vs. 61%, P &lt; 0.001), mFI ≥2 (22% vs. 61%, P &lt; 0.001), and FDS ≥2.30 (40% vs. 72%, P &lt; 0.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that frailty was significantly associated with TMT. Frailty was significantly associated with overall survival between the RC and TMT groups in the FP and FDS, whereas it was not the case in mFI. Conclusions: Frailty was significantly associated with indication of RC in patients with MIBC. Measuring frailty is important to estimate risks and to aid shared decision making.

Benign Regulation of the Astrocytic Phospholipase A2-Arachidonic Acid Pathway: The Underlying Mechanism of the Beneficial Effects of Manual Acupuncture on CBF.

BackgroundThe astrocytic phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-arachidonic acid (AA) pathway is crucial in understanding the reduction of cerebral blood flow (CBF) prior to cognitive deterioration. In complementary and alternative medicine, manual acupuncture (MA) is used as one of the most important therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The beneficial effects of MA on CBF were reported in our previous study. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely elusive.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of MA on the astrocytic PLA2-AA pathway in SAMP8 mice hippocampi.MethodsSAMP8 mice were divided into the SAMP8 control (Pc) group, the SAMP8 MA (Pm) group and the SAMP8 donepezil (Pd) group. SAMR1 mice were used as the SAMRl control (Rc) group. Mice in the Pd group were treated with donepezil hydrochloride at 0.65 μg/g. In the Pm group, MA was applied at Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29) for 20 min. The above treatments were administered once a day for 26 consecutive days. The Morris water maze was applied to assess spatial learning and memory. Immunofluorescence staining, western blot and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were used to investigate the expression of related proteins and measure the contents of the metabolic intermediates of the PLA2-AA pathway.ResultsCompared with that in the Rc group, the escape latency in the Pc group significantly increased (p < 0.01); whereas, the platform crossover number and percentage of time and swimming distance in the platform quadrant decreased (p < 0.01). The hippocampal expression of PLA2, cyclooxygenase-1, cytochrome P450 proteins 2C23 and the levels of AA, prostaglandin E2 and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids of the Pc group was drastically higher than that in the Rc group (p < 0.01). These changes were reversed by MA and donepezil (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05).ConclusionMA can effectively improve the learning and memory abilities of SAMP8 mice and has a negative regulatory effect on the PLA2-AA pathway. We propose that the increase of the arterial tone, which is induced by the inhibition of vasodilatory pathway, may be a reason for the beneficial effect of MA on CBF.

Effect of dietary raw and fermented sour cherry kernel (Prunus cerasus L.) on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in broiler chickens

Sour cherry kernels are waste products of the fruit juice industry. Solid-state fermentation has great potential for recycling the agro-industrial residues. In the present study, the effect of raw sour cherry kernel (RC) and fermented sour cherry kernel (FC) by Aspergillus niger on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality in broiler chickens was investigated. A total of 343 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to 7 treatments with 7 replicates for each treatment and 7 birds in each replicate. The chicks were fed on a basal diet (control) and basal diet supplemented with RC or FC at the 1, 2, and 4% level. Dietary RC improved (P < 0.001) the feed conversion ratio (FCR) at the 1% inclusion level although chicks fed 2 and 4% RC had lower (P < 0.01) body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed intake (FI) from day 1 to 42, compared with that of the birds in the control group. Dietary FC with 1% inclusion level increased (P ≤ 0.05) BWG from day 22 to 42 and also enhanced (P < 0.001) the FCR from day 1 to 42. However, 4% dietary FC had an adverse effect (P < 0.01) on BW, BWG, FI, and the FCR, compared with the control group. The bursa of Fabricius weight was raised (P < 0.01) as the supplemental FC level increased. Dietary RC and FC elevated gut weight (P < 0.01) and length (P ≤ 0.05). Broilers fed on 2% FC had a higher (P ≤ 0.05) ash level and a lower (P ≤ 0.05) b* value in thigh meat, compared with the 2% RC group. The results indicate that FC can be used in broiler nutrition up to 2% level although RC can be added to broiler diets up to 1% level without a detrimental effect on growth performance. Dietary inclusion of 1% RC or FC can be recommended due to the positive effects on broiler chickens.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles reinforced experimental resin composite for orthodontic bonding

The aim of this laboratory study was to evaluate the effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles reinforced experimental adhesive resin for orthodontic bonding. The experimental resin (bis-Phenol-A free) was prepared using urethane dimethacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, camphorquinone and N, N-cyanoethyl methylaniline. TiO2 nanoparticles were added at 1 weight-% and 3 weight-% of the experimental resin composite and were labeled as RC1 (1 weight-% TiO2) and RC3 (3 weight-% TiO2), and non-reinforced resin composite was used as control (RC). A total of 90 extracted human premolars were randomly assigned into 3 groups. In group RC, metal orthodontic brackets were bonded to the enamel surface using experimental resin (without TiO2). In the group RC1, the brackets were bonded using resin RC1, and in the group RC3, the brackets were bonded using resin RC3. Fifteen randomly selected specimens from each study group were subjected to artificial aging, and the remaining fifteen served for the baseline adhesion strength measurements. Adhesion strength was measured and recorded using a universal testing machine. Fluidity and anti-bacterial activity of the experimental and reinforced resins were determined. The highest adhesion strength at baseline was seen in group RC1 (13.2 ± 1.8 MPa), and the lowest values was seen in the group RC (12.5 ± 1.8 MPa). Following thermo-cycling, the highest adhesion strength was observed in the group RC1 (12.4 ± 2.4 MPa) and the lowest values were seen in the group RC (10.6 ± 1.6 MPa). A significant difference (ANOVA) was observed between the groups (both baseline and thermo-cycled groups) except for group RC1 (p > 0.05). The resin in the RC group demonstrated more fluidity compared to the experimental groups. Among the experimental groups, group RC3 demonstrated less fluidity compared to group RC1. The colony forming units (CFUs) were high in group RC and the least values were found in group RC1. Addition of 1% TiO2 to the BPA and bis-GMA free experimental resin demonstrated promising flow and anti-bacterial effect without compromising the adhesion strength or chemical properties.

Rhodiola/Cordyceps-Based Herbal Supplement Promotes Endurance Training-Improved Body Composition But Not Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Biomarkers: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Study.

Rhodiola crenulata (R) and Cordyceps sinensis (C) are commonly used herbs that promote health in traditional Chinese medicine. These two herbs have also been shown to exhibit anti-inflammation and antioxidant functions. Regular endurance training reveals potent endurance capacity, body composition improvement, and metabolic-related biomarker benefits. However, it is not known whether the combination of Rhodiola crenulata and Cordyceps sinensis (RC) supplementation during endurance training provides additive health benefits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week endurance training plus RC supplementation on body composition, oxidative stress, and metabolic biomarkers in young sedentary adults. Methods: Fourteen young sedentary adults (8M/6F) participated in this double-blind randomized controlled study. Participants were assigned to exercise training with placebo groups (PLA, n = 7, 4M/3F; age: 21.4 ± 0.4 years) and exercise training with the RC group (RC, 20 mg/kg/day; n = 7, 4M/3F; age: 21.7 ± 0.4 years). Both groups received identical exercise training for eight weeks. The body composition, circulating oxidative stress, and blood metabolic biomarkers were measured before and after the 8-week intervention. Results: Improvement in body composition profiles were significantly greater in the RC group (body weight: p = 0.044, BMI: p = 0.003, upper extremity fat mass: p = 0.032, lower extremity muscle mass: p = 0.029, trunk fat mass: p = 0.011) compared to the PLA group after training. The blood lipid profile and systemic oxidative stress makers (thiobarbituric reactive substanceand total antioxidant capacity) did not differ between groups. Although endurance training markedly improved endurance capacity and glycemic control ability (i.e., fast blood glucose, insulin, and HOMA index), there were no differences in these variables between treatments. Conclusions: In this preliminary investigation, we demonstrated that an 8-week RC supplementation (20 mg/kg/day) faintly enhanced endurance training-induced positive adaptations in body composition in young sedentary individuals, whereas the blood lipid profile and systemic oxidative stress states were not altered after such intervention.

P2515Cardiac rehabilitation in patients with refractory angina: preliminary results

Abstract Introduction Refractory angina (RA) implies important impairment of quality of life. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is still not recommended by guidelines due to few evidence regarding its effects in this population. This study evaluated the impact of CR on physical performance and on angina/ischemia threshold. Methods 36 RA patients undergoing optimal medical therapy were randomly assigned to a 12-week exercise based CR program or stablished clinical follow-up (CF). Clinical evaluation, exercise bicycle stress echocardiography (SE) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CP) were performed before and after the protocol. CR group performed in-hospital exercise sessions, and the aerobic training prescription was based on CP parameters or ischemia/ angina threshold. Each CR class was 60 min in duration (5min warm-up, 30min aerobic and 5min cooldown, 15min low load resistance training and 5min stretching). Bonferroni multiple comparison and t test were used in statistical analysis. Results Baseline characteristics didn't differ between groups. In RC group, 40% presented CCS 2, 25% CCS 3 and 35% CCS 4, while in CF group, 41%, 23.5% and 35.5%, respectively (p=0.5). There was no change in CCS between groups after intervention. CR group presented an increase in ischemic threshold in SE when compared to CF group (234.6±87.9s to 293.8±130.9 s vs. 200.9±78.6s to 203.7±93.7s, p=0.044), increase in angina threshold in SE (156.00±62.2s to 260.1±152.8s vs. 190.6±96.6s to 152.9±76, 7s, p=0.041) and increase in CP total duration (347.9±143.2s to 489.8±170.2s vs. 331.7±128.5s to 323.5±101.0s, p=0,016). Baseline characteristics in both groups Variables CR group (n=19) CF group (n=17) p Male sex (%) 63.2 58.8 0.8 Age, years (mean ± SD) 61.2±8.7 62.9±8.8 0.6 LVEF, % (mean ± SD) 55.7±7.3 50.0±10.4 0.08 SBP, mmHg (mean ± SD) 125.6±18.0 122.6±14.5 0.6 DBP, mmHg (mean ± SD) 77.5±9.6 76.2±13,1 0.7 HR, bpm (mean ± SD) 60.5±6.2 60.6±7.1 0.9 BMI, kg/m2 (mean ± SD) 28.8±4.1 26.1±10.9 0.4 Fasting glucose, mg/dl (mean ± SD) 136.4±33.6 153.6±64.7 0.3 HBA1C, % (mean ± SD) 6.8±1.2 7.2±1.6 0.4 LDL-c, mg/dl (mean ± SD) 77.8±29.0 84.7±28.6 0.5 Results CR seems to be an effective adjuvant treatment in RA, increasing ischemia and angina threshold, improving physical performance. Acknowledgement/Funding FAPESP

Decreased cytokeratin 7 expression correlates with the progression of cervical squamous cell carcinoma and poor patient outcomes

To identify potential biomarkers for tumor progression and patient outcomes in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. We examined the expressions of CK7 and CK17 as potential markers of the squamo-columnar junction, and podoplanin as a basal cell marker using surgical and biopsy samples of patients in grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 30), operable invasive carcinoma (OP group, n = 53) and inoperable invasive carcinoma before radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy (RC group, n = 76). The positive rates of CK7 and podoplanin in invasive carcinoma were significantly lower than those in grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (P = 0.001, P < 0.0001). The positive rates of CK7 and podoplanin in the RC group were significantly lower than those in the OP group (P < 0.0001, P = 0.04), while CK17 expression showed significantly higher positivity in the RC group than in the OP group (P < 0.0001). Negative CK7 expression showed a potential impact on overall survival in early-stage patients. In the RC group, the prevalence of cases with post-therapeutic residual carcinoma cells was higher in the CK7-negative group than in the positive group (P = 0.003). We found that decreased expression of CK7 could be a prognostic factor in early-stage cervical cancer patients. This result may provide strategies and suggestions for new treatment options and follow-up practices in managing patients with cervical cancer.