Serum Albumin Protein Research Articles

Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein is useful in predicting clinical relapse in patients with Crohn's disease during biological remission.

Serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) is a potential biomarker of Crohn's disease (CD). This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of LRG in predicting clinical relapse in patients in remission with CD. This retrospective observational study assessed the relationships among patient-reported outcome (PRO2), LRG, and other blood markers. The influence of LRG on clinical relapse was assessed in patients in remission with CD. Data of 94 patients tested for LRG between January 2021 and May 2023 were collected. LRG level did not correlate with PRO2 score (ρ = 0.06); however, it strongly correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) level (r=0.79) and serum albumin level (r=-0.70). Among 69 patients in clinical remission, relapse occurred in 22 patients (31.9%). In the context of predicting relapse, LRG showed the highest area under the curve, followed by CRP level, platelet count, and albumin level. Multivariate analysis revealed that only LRG (P= 0.02) was an independent factor for predicting clinical remission. The cumulative non-relapse rate was significantly higher in patients with LRG < 13.8 μg/mL than in patients in remission with LRG ≥ 13.8 μg/mL and normal CRP level (P= 0.002) or normal albumin level (P= 0.001). Cumulative non-relapse rate was also higher in patients with LRG < 13.8 μg/mL compared to those with LRG ≥ 13.8 μg/mL in patients with L3 or B2+B3 of Montreal calcification. LRG is useful in predicting clinical relapse in patients with CD during biological remission. LRG is a useful biomarker for predicting prognosis, even in patients with intestinal stenosis, or previous/present fistulas.

Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein is useful in predicting clinical relapse in patients with Crohn's disease during biological remission.

Serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) is a potential biomarker of Crohn's disease (CD). This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of LRG in predicting clinical relapse in patients in remission with CD. This retrospective observational study assessed the relationships among patient-reported outcome (PRO2), LRG, and other blood markers. The influence of LRG on clinical relapse was assessed in patients in remission with CD. Data of 94 patients tested for LRG between January 2021 and May 2023 were collected. LRG level did not correlate with PRO2 score (ρ = 0.06); however, it strongly correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) level (r=0.79) and serum albumin level (r=-0.70). Among 69 patients in clinical remission, relapse occurred in 22 patients (31.9%). In the context of predicting relapse, LRG showed the highest area under the curve, followed by CRP level, platelet count, and albumin level. Multivariate analysis revealed that only LRG (P= 0.02) was an independent factor for predicting clinical remission. The cumulative non-relapse rate was significantly higher in patients with LRG < 13.8 μg/mL than in patients in remission with LRG ≥ 13.8 μg/mL and normal CRP level (P= 0.002) or normal albumin level (P= 0.001). Cumulative non-relapse rate was also higher in patients with LRG < 13.8 μg/mL compared to those with LRG ≥ 13.8 μg/mL in patients with L3 or B2+B3 of Montreal calcification. LRG is useful in predicting clinical relapse in patients with CD during biological remission. LRG is a useful biomarker for predicting prognosis, even in patients with intestinal stenosis, or previous/present fistulas.

Serum protein albumin and chromium: Mechanistic insights into the interaction between ions, nanoparticles, and protein

The interaction of human proteins and metal species, both ions and nanoparticles, is poorly understood despite their growing importance. These materials are the by-products of corrosion processes and are of relevance for food and drug manufacturing, nanomedicine, and biomedical implant corrosion. Here, we study the interaction of Cr(III) ions and chromium oxide nanoparticles with bovine serum albumin in physiological conditions. This study combined electrophoretic mobility measurements, spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry with principal component analysis. It was determined that neither metal species resulted in global albumin unfolding. The Cr(III) ions interacted strongly with amino acids found in previously discovered metal binding sites, but also were most strongly implicated in the interaction with negatively charged acid residues, suggesting an electrostatic interaction. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was found to bind to the Cr2O3 nanoparticles in a preferential orientation, due to electrostatic interactions between the positive amino acid residues and the negative chromium oxide nanoparticle surface. These findings ameliorate our understanding of the interaction between trivalent chromium ions and nanoparticles, and biological macromolecules.

Pharmacological evaluation of the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of walnut (Juglans regia L.) leaf on 6-mercaptopurine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Chemical hepatotoxicity can cause liver illnesses like hepatitis and cirrhosis. Mercaptopurine, an anti-tumor medication, has potential myelotoxicity. Natural plants contain hepatoprotective phytoconstituents. The study aimed to explore the protective effect of J. Reia hydroalcoholic leaf extract against MTP-induced liver injury in rats. Seven groups of rats were randomly selected: Control received only distilled water and food; MP at 40 mg kg-1 b.w; Silymarin at 50 mg kg-1 b.w; Juglans Leaf extract 400 mg kg-1 b.w; Juglans Leaf extract 400 mg kg-1 and 6-MP 40 mg kg-1; Silymarin 50 mg kg-1 and 6-MP 40 mg kg-1; Juglans Leaf extract (200 mg kg-1); silymarin 25 mg kg-1, and 6-MP 40 mg kg-1. Blood samples were collected on days: zero, 10 and 21 days. Liver injury was assessed by serum biochemical parameters (SGOT, SGPT, ALP), bilirubin, albumin and total protein in addition to histopathology changes. Administration of J. Reia leaf extract significantly lowered SGOT, SGPT, ALP levels and bilirubin in MTP-treated rats. Histopathological evaluation of livers showed that J. Regia leaves extract reduced cell swelling, fatty degeneration, and inflammation in MTP-treated rats. These findings indicate that J. Regia extract has a protective impact on Oxidative injury in rat liver caused by MTP. Moreover, extract is an effective antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent for reducing hepatocellular damage.

Preoperative risk stratification models after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: A multi-center study.

We investigated preoperative patient factors associated with prognosis in 263 bladder cancer (BC) patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). We also developed new risk stratification models for prognosis. This retrospective study included patients treated at Tottori University Hospital and affiliated hospitals between January 2010 and December 2019. The relationship between preoperative patient factors and overall recurrence-free and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was analyzed. The modified Glasgow prognosis score (mGPS) was calculated using serum albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Statistical analyses included the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS), mGPS, and clinical tumor stage independently predicted CSS in multivariate analysis. A new risk stratification model included ECOG-PS ≥2, clinical tumor stage ≥3, serum albumin <3.5 g/dL, and serum CRP >0.5 mg/dL. Risk groups were defined as 0 factors (low risk), 1-2 factors (intermediate risk), and 3-4 factors (high risk). High-risk patients showed significantly poorer 3-year cancer-free survival: 86.9% (low risk), 76.7% (intermediate risk), and 50.0% (high risk). ECOG-PS, clinical tumor stage, and mGPS are predictive of poor cancer-free survival post-RC for BC. Our model offers the potential for prognostic prediction in these patients.

Prognostic Clinical and Biological Markers for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disease Progression: Validation and Implications for Clinical Trial Design and Analysis.

With increasing recognition of the value of incorporating prognostic markers into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) trial design and analysis plans, there is a pressing need to understand which among the prevailing clinical and biochemical markers have real value, and how they can be optimally used. A subset of patients with ALS recruited through the multi-center Phenotype-Genotype-Biomarker study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02327845) was identified as "trial-like" based on meeting common trial eligibility criteria. Clinical phenotyping was performed by evaluators trained in relevant assessments. Serum neurofilament light (NfL) and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy (pNfH), urinary p75ECD, plasma microRNA-181, and an array of biochemical and clinical measures were evaluated for their prognostic value. Associations with functional progression were estimated by random-slopes mixed models of ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) score. Associations with survival were estimated by log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression. Potential sample size savings from adjusting for given biomarkers in a hypothetical trial were estimated. Baseline serum NfL is a powerful prognostic biomarker, predicting survival and ALSFRS-R rate of decline. Serum NfL <40pg/ml and >100pg/ml correspond to future ALSFRS-R slopes of ~0.5 and 1.5 points/month, respectively. Serum NfL also adds value to the best available clinical predictors, encapsulated by the European Network to Cure ALS (ENCALS) predictor score. In models of functional decline, the addition of NfL yields ~25% sample size saving above those achieved by inclusion of either clinical predictors or ENCALS score alone. The prognostic value of serum pNfH, urinary p75ECD, and plasma miR-181ab is more limited. Among the multitude of biomarkers considered, only blood NfL adds value to the ENCALS prediction model and should be incorporated into analysis plans for all ongoing and future ALS trials. Defined thresholds of NfL might also be used in trial design, for enrichment or stratified randomisation, to improve trial efficiency. NIH (U01-NS107027, U54-NS092091). ALSA (16-TACL-242).

A Zwitterionic Anti-Fouling Coating Promotes Electrochemical Biosensing in Complex Media

Biofoulants present in complex media, such as blood, plasma, saliva, etc., can cause an increase in the background of the signal or a reduction in signal-to-noise ratio, due to which most biosensors require a sample processing step. One of the major interactions for biofouling in biosensing platforms is non-specific hydrophobic interactions, which can be prevented using hydrophilic polymeric coatings [1], [2]. However, most hydrophilic polymers are not conductive enough to provide a strong electrochemical current signal, whereas the existing conductive polymers are often hydrophobic. To avoid this, zwitterionic polymers that are both ionically conductive [3] and hydrophilic [3] can be used as anti-fouling polymers for electrochemical biosensing. Additionally, these polymers are highly effective at preventing fouling by electrostatically-induced water structuring [4]. Herein, we report a zwitterionic polymer (bearing thiols, aldehydes and carboxylic acid groups) that forms a thin conductive and hydrophilic layer on the electrodes, while also housing biorecognition layers for capturing target analytes of interest.The polymer was synthesized by free radical copolymerization and coated on gold electrodes to form a thin coating (16 nm when dry), which upon hydration results in a hydrophilic interface (contact angle <15 degrees). Anti-fouling properties were validated by determining the adsorption of radiolabeled human serum albumin (HSA) protein (spiked in plasma) on polymer-coated electrodes. The polymer-coated electrodes showed a ~67% reduction in protein adsorption relative to bare gold electrodes. Additionally, no significant change in anodic current was observed when 1% HSA was incubated on polymer-coated electrodes for 1 hour; whereas an 83% decrease in anodic current was observed on bare-gold electrodes under the same conditions. The polymer-modified electrode was used in detecting redox-labeled DNA sequences with a LOD of 11 nM in buffer and unprocessed plasma. The coating was also utilized to detect COVID-19, where the prepared setup detected 104 cp/mL of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus spiked in 50% unprocessed saliva. Similar coatings created from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were unresponsive toward SARS-CoV-2 spiked in 50% saliva [5]. The anti-fouling polymer coatings developed herein show enhanced performance compared to previously reported strategies, based on self-assembled monolayers, in detecting target analytes in complex media, demonstrating the potential for use in clinical diagnostics.

Structure-Activity Relationship of Hydrazinylthiazole-5-Carbaldehydes as Potential Anti-Diabetic Agents.

Diabetes is an emerging threat to the world due to large number of deaths reported within the last decade. To overcome its spread and complications, herein, we reported synthesis and anti-diabetic potential of twelve novel 2-[(arylidenyl)methylidene]hydrazinyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carbaldehydes (3 a-l). All compounds have shown good to excellent α-amylase inhibitory activity, among them ortho substituted analogues, the compound 3 a (IC50=14.6 mM) and 3 l (IC50=17.9 mM) showed excellent inhibition potential due to the strong electron donating nature of the substituents attached at the aryl ring. The compounds 3 a-3 h (IC50=6.70-10.80 ppm) exhibited excellent anti-glycation potential as compared to standard amino-guanidine (IC50=11.92 ppm). Almost all the tested compounds are found biocompatible and very safe to the human erythrocyte cells at all tested concentrations. The molecular docking results have found that the binding energy score of all the tested compounds against human serum albumin protein (pdb: 1AO6) is between -5.1827 and -6.8661 kcal/mol which is far better than standard amino-guanidine (-4.234 kcal/mol).

Recent Updates on Interaction Studies and Drug Delivery of Antimalarials with Serum Albumin Proteins.

This review focuses on recent trends in the binding study of various antimalarial agents with serum albumins in detail. Serum albumin has a significant role in the transport of drugs and endogenous ligands. The nature and magnitude of serum albumin and drug interactions have a tremendous impact on the pharmacological behavior and toxicity of that drug. Binding of drug to serum albumin not only controls its free and active concentration, but also provides a reservoir for a long duration of action. This ultimately affects drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Such interaction determines the actual drug efficacy as the drug action can be correlated with the amount of unbound drug. With the advancement in spectroscopic techniques and simulation studies, binding studies play an increasingly important role in biophysical and biomedical science, especially in the field of drug delivery and development. This review assesses the insight we have gained so far to improve drug delivery and discovery of antimalarials on the basis of a plethora of drug-serum protein interaction studies done so far.

The Association of Odor Identification With Nutritional Status and Systemic Inflammation in Patients With Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

BackgroundAnorexia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and could lead to protein energy wasting (PEW). An altered sense of smell, a reflection of olfactory dysfunction, is a potential mechanism that exacerbates the impact of anorexia on PEW. In this study, we examined the extent of the altered sense of smell and its association with PEW in patients with moderate to advanced CKD. MethodsWe studied 139 individuals (34 healthy subjects - controls, 50 patients with stage 3-4 CKD, 55 patients on maintenance hemodialysis - MHD) using the odor identification test (Sniffin’ Sticks odor screening test containing 12 different smells). The odor identification test was scored as either correct or incorrect, and each participant's total odor score was calculated. Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS) was used to assess PEW. ResultsPatients with CKD had higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and lower serum albumin concentrations compared to healthy individuals. Total odor scores were different between groups, with controls having the highest scores and MHD patients having the lowest scores. A similar difference was observed in MIS, MHD patients displaying the worst nutritional score (p ≤ 0.001). The number of participants with severe olfactory dysfunction (≤ 6 correct answers) was significantly higher in the CKD and MHD groups compared to the controls (p ≤ 0.01). There was an inverse trend between the total odor score and the MIS score for the study population. However, this relationship was not statistically significant (r = -0.124, p = 0.21). ConclusionThis cross-sectional study suggests that olfactory dysfunction, as assessed by the odor identification test, is altered in patients with advanced CKD, most notably in ones on MHD. Although the diminished sense of smell was observed alongside development of PEW, we explicitly noted that there is no statistically significant correlation.

Efficacy of sugar‐protein non‐membranous dietary system for diapause egg production in Aedes albopictus mosquitoes under short‐day conditions

AbstractThe Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), is a global vector of dengue, chikungunya and zika viruses. With extreme adaptability of survival as diapause eggs, this mosquito has invaded and established in temperate climatic zones. The diapause eggs are specially programmed to overcome the harsh winter conditions in temperate habitats. In the laboratory, diapausing females are reared from early larval instars under short‐day conditions (21°C and 16D:8 L photoperiods). Aedes albopictus is normally fed on Guinea pigs for the rearing of diapause mosquitoes which requires ethical approval from the animal use committee and costly arrangements. Therefore, the present study was conducted to find whether bovine serum albumin protein (10%) with sucrose (5%) solution (SAP‐10) offered through a membrane‐free feeding system would result in an alternative diet for the production of diapause eggs in comparison to blood‐feeding. This feeding system shows a considerable rate of engorgement of diapausing females under short‐day conditions and produced 30.8 diapause eggs/female in comparison to blood‐feeding on a guinea pig (40.9 eggs/female). The diapause rate of viable eggs for the SAP‐10 diet (95.28%) was similar to the blood‐feeding (96.32%). The findings suggest that the present diet feeding system is a promising tool for the rearing of diapause Ae. albopictus mosquitoes under short‐day conditions. Further studies are suggested to evaluate the physiological and developmental aspects of mosquitoes reared on the diet.

Oxidative stress and type 2 diabetes: the development and the pathogenesis, Jordanian cross-sectional study

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can disrupt the antioxidant defense system, leading to oxidative stress that leads to pathological damage to vital human organs, including hormone-producing glands. Normal physiological function is subsequently disrupted and disorders such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) may develop. The critical role of the antioxidant defense system in counteracting ROS and mitigating oxidative stress is fundamental to understanding the pathogenesis of T2DM. In our study, we monitored the oxidant/antioxidant status in a selected Jordanian population to further elucidate this relationship. Our results show higher serum levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA); 0.230 ± 0.05 and 0.207 ± 0.06 μmol/l for the diabetic and the obese groups, respectively, relative to 0.135 ± 0.04 μmol/l for the non-obese healthy group. Lower activity of Catalase (CAT) was recorded among the diabetic (9.2 ± 3.2) and obese groups (11.0 ± 2.8), compared to the non-obese healthy group (12.1 ± 3.5). Significant elevations (P < 0.05) were observed in uric acid concentrations in diabetic and obese subjects: 451 ± 57 mg/dl and 430 ± 51, respectively, versus 342 ± 57 mg/dl in the non-obese healthy group. Moreover, no significant differences were obtained between all the studied groups for the serum albumin and total protein concentrations. Our findings demonstrate the potential role of oxidative stress in the development and occurrence of T2DM.

Holographic surface relief diffraction gratings made of hydrogels for direct label-free biosensing of IgGs

This work describes the development of a label-free (LF) biosensing platform for the direct detection of targets based on diffractive structures fabricated with acrylamide-based hydrogels biofunctionalized with proteins and antibodies. Hydrogels containing Bovine Serum Albumin protein (BSA) with different crosslinking degrees were synthesized and characterized to find the optimal conditions for the suitable fabrication of surface relief gratings (SRGs). The bioavailability of BSA-functionalized hydrogels for the specific recognition of anti-BSA antibodies was verified by fluorescence detection. After the hydrogel-based SRG fabrication, diffraction efficiency measures at two different laser wavelengths were used for the direct LF detection of anti-BSA antibodies. The limit of detection in the sub mg L−1 range was read. Additionally, SRGs were prepared with hydrogels biofunctionalized with anti-rabbit antibodies for the direct detection of IgGs from rabbit serum, obtaining similar analytical performance without the necessity of labeling or applying amplification strategies.

Antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory potential in flowers and seeds of Ochna integerrima (Lour.) Merr

This study explored, for the first time, the antioxidant (total antioxidant content, reducing power, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, hydroxyl radical scavenging, ferrous ion-chelating assays), anti-tyrosinase, anti-inflammatory properties, and hepatoprotective effect in HepG2 cell lines of Ochna integerrima (Loureiro) Merrill flowers and seeds. All extracts except n-hexane exhibited significant antioxidant activity, with high levels of tannin and proanthocyanidins. Luteolin (1), 6-γ,γ-dimethylallylkaempferol7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), 6-γ,γ-dimethylallylquercetin7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), and 6-γ,γ-dimethylallyldihydrokaempferol 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4) were isolated using semi-preparative HPLC. Compounds 1–3 demonstrated good anti-tyrosinase activity. The most active hepatoprotective extracts were found to be aqueous extracts. The flower extracts exhibited greater anti-inflammatory properties by the decrease of NO in RAW 264.7 cells and bovine serum albumin protein. Among them, the n-hexane and EtOAc extracts from flowers displayed promising anti-inflammatory activity. This was predicted by in silico analysis of 1–4. In summary, O. integerrima appears to be a promising natural source for antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-inflammatory applications.

Physiological and Histological Effects of Flaxseed Oil on the Liver and Heart Muscle

Abstract Background: Flaxseeds are the focus of medical nutrition due to their potential benefits for human health. Flaxseed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and has many biological effects. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of flaxseed oil on lipid profile, liver, and heart. Materials and Methods: One hundred mice were randomly divided into 10 groups: 10 mice for each group (either male or female). Ten males and 10 females served as control groups, group 1 received flaxseed oil orally (60 mg/kg body weight/day). Twenty of them (10 of each gender) were treated for 1 week and another 20 mice (10 of each gender) were treated for 2 weeks. In the same way, group 2 was divided and treated with 120 mg/kg/day. Measurements of serum lipid profile, serum lactate dehydrogenase, serum total protein, and albumin were performed along with histological examination of the liver and heart. Results: The comparative data showed that there were statistically significant decreases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), serum albumin, and total protein levels. There were also statistically significant increases in levels of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme. Histological examination revealed striking histological changes in the liver and heart. Conclusion: Consumption of flaxseed oil reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels and increased the levels of VLDL, triglycerides, HDL, and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme. Flaxseed oil in high doses causes damage to the liver and heart muscle.

Role of the Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) as a Prognostic Factor in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

Background This study aims to evaluate the prognostic significance of the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methodology A retrospective analysis was conducted among 65 patients diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer who received treatment and follow-up at the Oncology Department of Elias Emergency University Hospital in Bucharest, Romania, from January 2016 to January 2024. Patient data were collected, including demographic information, tumor characteristics, and laboratory parameters. The mGPS was calculated based on serum albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Patients were stratified into the following three mGPS categories: 0 (normal CRP and albumin), 1 (elevated CRP or hypoalbuminemia), and 2 (elevated CRP and hypoalbuminemia). Results Of the 65 patients included, 33 (50.8%) were male and 32 (49.2%) were female, with a mean age of 63.7 years. According to mGPS, 25 (38.5%) patients scored 0, 30 (46.2%) scored 1, and 10 (15.4%) scored 2. The median overall survival (OS) was 53 months (95% confidence interval (CI) = 23.512-82.488), and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 23 months (95% CI = 19.244-26.756). Although numerical differences in the median PFS and OS were observed between treatment groups, these differences were not statistically significant (PFS: p = 0.292; OS: p = 0.5). Conclusions The mGPS is a useful prognostic tool in mCRC, providing insights into patient survival outcomes. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings and clarify the role of mGPS in guiding clinical decision-making for mCRC patients.

Effect of Early Enteral Nutrition Combined with Probiotics on the Nutritional Status of Patients with Severe Craniocerebral Injury

Objective: To observe the effect of early enteral nutrition combined with probiotics on the nutritional status of patients with severe craniocerebral injury. Methods: Thirty-five patients with severe craniocerebral injury were divided into the study group (17 patients) and the control group (18 patients) according to the method of a randomized numerical table; both groups of patients started enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube within 24–48 hours after admission to the hospital, and probiotics were given in addition to the study group. Hemoglobin, total plasma protein, albumin, prealbumin, cholinesterase, fasting blood glucose, and other indexes were monitored before and early morning after enteral nutrition support, and upper arm circumference (AC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), and upper arm muscle circumference (AMC) were measured, and gastrointestinal response and time to first defecation of the patients were observed and compared with GCS score. Results: The hemoglobin, serum albumin, prealbumin, cholinesterase, and total plasma protein levels in the study group were significantly higher and fasting blood glucose levels were significantly lower than those in the control group after treatment (P &lt; 0.05). The incidence of reflux and constipation in the study group was lower than that in the control group, and the time to first defecation was shorter than that in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). After treatment, AC, TSF, and AMC were higher in the study group than in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). GCS scores were significantly higher in both groups after treatment, but the trend was more pronounced in the study group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with simple enteral nutrition, enteral nutrition combined with probiotics can better correct metabolic disorders after heavy craniocerebral injury and improve the nutritional status of patients.

Prevalence of Malnutrition and Associated Factors in Newly Diagnosed Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients Before Treatment

Introduction: Upper gastrointestinal cancers (UGIC) related malnutrition has been found to harm cancer prognosis and treatment outcomes. The study purposed to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition and associated factors in newly diagnosed upper gastrointestinal cancer patients before treatment. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study included newly diagnosed UGIC patients from October 2020 to March 2022. Sociodemographic, clinical (type, stage, and comorbidities), functional [Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status Scale], anthropometric measures [weight, height, the percentage of weight loss past 1-month], biochemical profiles [full blood count and albumin], total daily energy protein intake, and malnutrition level [Subjective Global Assessment (SGA)] were assessed. Results: The study recruited 409 participants, and 92.1% were malnourished. The mean for age, weight, percentage of weight loss past 1-month, total daily energy and protein intake, SGA score, and serum albumin of participants were 60.3±12.5years, 57.8±15.1kg, -8.2±6.0%, 17±5kcal/ kg/day, 0.7±0.1g/kg/day, 12.2±4.5 and 35.6±6.1g/L respectively. About 88% and 96% experienced vomiting and dysphasia, respectively; 51.3% was ECOG scale 2. According to a multiple linear regression test, the percentage of weight loss past 1 month, serum albumin, dyspepsia, dysphagia, lymphocytes, and gender (male) were the significant factors associated with malnutrition. Conclusion: UGIC patients are especially susceptible to malnutrition which might cause a decrease in therapy sensitivity, quality of life, and survival rate. Currently, proposed factors associated with malnutrition can assist in identifying UGIC-related malnutrition. Early nutrition screening and assessment followed with timely nutrition intervention is important to identify malnutrition and optimize nutrition status before treatment.

Aroylhydrazone‐based nickel(II) complexes: Synthesis and their structural, density functional theory (DFT), biological and catalytic studies

Nickel(II) complexes of tridentate NNO donor aroylhydrazones, viz., di‐2‐pyridyl ketone‐4‐methoxybenzhydrazone monohydrate (DKMBH·H2O) and 2‐acetylpyrazine‐4‐methoxybenzhydrazone monohydrate (APMBH·H2O), were synthesized and characterized using various methods, including spectral techniques (Fourier transform infrared [FT‐IR], UV–vis) and analytical methods (elemental and X‐ray diffraction [XRD] analysis). Single‐crystal XRD was used to elucidate the crystal structures of nickel(II) complexes 1 and 2. The XRD analysis revealed that the respective ligands coordinated to the Ni(II) center through the deprotonated iminolate form in complex 1 and the neutral amido form in complex 2, resulting in distorted octahedral geometries. The ground state electronic configurations of the complexes were studied using the B3LYP/UB3LYP levels of DFT. Using absorption spectral titration methods, the interactions of complexes with CT‐DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein were examined. The observed data demonstrate that the complexes adopt an intercalative binding mode to bind to CT‐DNA and BSA protein. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the nickel(II) complexes and their ligands was determined using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Complex 2 demonstrated the highest radical scavenging activity of the compounds studied (IC50 = 3.81 mM). Furthermore, molecular docking studies were performed to understand how the complexes can interact with the SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease. The results revealed that complex 2 had the highest docking score (−8.18 kcal/mol) when compared with the other complexes under study. Aside from their biological properties, the nickel complexes heterogenized on functionalized SBA‐15 showed promising catalytic activity, achieving 98% yield in the reduction of nitrobenzene, forming exclusively aniline as the end product.

Effects of protein-enriched nutritional support on skeletal muscle mass and rehabilitative outcomes in brain tumor patients: a randomized controlled trial

Patients with brain tumors require extensive and prolonged rehabilitation efforts as they suffer from lesion-induced motor weakness as well as treatment-related side effects, often leading to a significant decline in function. Protein supplements have shown positive effects on promoting muscle strength and physical performance in various tumor etiologies. However, reports on their effects specifically in brain tumor patients remain scarce. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of protein supplements in enhancing rehabilitative outcomes via muscle strengthening and functional gain in brain tumor patients with neurological demise. Sixty brain tumor patients were randomly assigned to either a protein supplement or a control group, receiving either protein supplements or a placebo for 6 weeks, in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation therapy. Assessments before and after the intervention included laboratory tests, anthropometric measures using bioimpedance analysis, and functional assessments, which included the MMSE, the modified Barthel Index, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Brief Fatigue Inventory, the Timed Up and Go test, the 6-min walk test, the isokinetic quadriceps muscle strength test, and the handgrip power. After the intervention, the levels of serum hemoglobin, protein, albumin, and C-reactive protein were improved in both groups, however, the change was significant only in the protein group. The muscle strength was enhanced in both groups, however, the significant increase in pinch grasp power was only noted in the protein group (P < 0.05). The distance on 6MWT was also significantly extended at follow-up in the protein group (P < 0.01). In the subgroup analysis according to nutritional status, the moderate malnutrition group showed greater augmentation of muscle mass than those with adequate nutrition (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the amelioration of malnutrition was observed only the in protein group. This study using protein supplements to promote the rehabilitative potential of brain tumor patients revealed a significant effect on improving hemodynamic nutritional indices, muscle power reimbursement, and functional improvement, especially in malnourished patients. The safety and feasibility of protein supplements in brain tumor patients were affirmative in this study. Further studies with more patients may help confirm the secondary functional gain resulting from increased muscle power.Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered in the Clinical Research Information Service, CRIS no. KCT0009113 on Jan 12, 2024.