Significant Decrease In Levels Research Articles

Administration of vitamin E and C enhances immunological and biochemical responses against toxicity of silver nanoparticles in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the toxic effect of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on biochemical biomarkers, immune responses, and the curative potential effects of vitamin C and E on grass carp. Fish (n = 420) with an average initial body weight of 8.045 ± 0.13 g were shifted to glass aquaria (36 x 18 x 18 inches, filled with 160-L tap water) in triplicates. Aquaria were randomly designated as A, B, C, D with alone Ag-NPs (Control (0), 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 mg/L) and E, F, G with Ag-NPs + Vit. C + Vit. E (0.25+0.25+0.25, 0.50+0.50+0.50, 0.75+0.75+0.75 mg/L). NPs particles were administrated viz, oral and intravenous routes for 7 days. The results indicated that both routes had non-significant effect, but levels of Ag-NPs had significant effect. Treatments C, D and G showed significant decrease in levels of RBC, HGB and HCT except for WBC and NEUT levels, which significantly increased. ALT, ALP, AST, urea, and creatinine showed significant increase in activity in the C, D, and G groups. CAT, SOD decreased significantly in all Ag-NPs alone groups, while significantly increased with vitamin E and C. LYZ, TP, ALB, GLB showed significant low activity in the B, C, and D groups while significantly high activity in the E, F, and G groups. Cortisol, glucose and triglycerides showed significant increase in the B, C, and D groups, while E, F, and G groups showed significant low levels of triglycerides, COR, and GLU. Cholesterol level was same across all treatment groups. In conclusion, vitamin E and C as powerful antioxidants protect the fish against Ag-NPs except high dose level of 0.75mg/L, while 0.25mg/L of Ag-NPs was presumably safe for C. idella.

Evaluation of Glutathione S Transferase ancl Glutathione Levels inSerum of Normal Individuals and Patients lvith Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is considered as a member of oxidative stress syndrome. It is associated with an imbalance between types of free radicals and scavenging system. Sixty patients with DM were studied for the changes in their Glutathione s- Transferase (GSTs) and Glutathjone (GSH) in the blood. Who attended out patient, and Primary health care In Tikrit Teaching Hospital in Tikrit City. This Study concluded that GST activities are significantly higher in serum of patients with type I and II diabetes mellitus disease than that of controls, P<0.05. But there rvas a significant decrease in levels of GSH activity in both types of diabetic patients. Key rvords: Glutathione s- Transferase (GSTs), Glutathione (GSH), & Diabetes Mellitus (DM).

Bombax ceiba Linn. leaf extract rich in phenolic compounds to mitigate non-alcoholic fatty liver-related complications in experimental model.

Obesity, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance (IR), and hypertriglyceridemia are common features observed in non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). There is a critical medical necessity to find novel therapeutics that can halt the development of NAFLD. Bombax ceiba Linn. leaf extract was prepared and its phytochemical profile was determined. Standard and high carbohydrate high-fat diets (HCHF) were prepared. Rats were fed HCHF for 18weeks to induce a non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) model. Forty male rats were divided into control, B.ceiba Linn. leaf extract, NAFL, prophylactic, and treated groups. Serum fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), intelectin-1 (ITLN1), p38 MAP kinase (MAPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were evaluated. Data obtained showed that HCHF-induced NAFL resulting in a significant increase in FBS, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, cholesterol, LDL, TG, ALT, AST, and IL-6 and a significant decrease in serum levels of HDL, ITLN1, p38 MAP kinase, and PPAR-α compared to the control group. The analysis of B.ceiba Linn. leaf extract showed high content of phenol compounds which may cause a significant decrease in the levels of FBS, insulin, HOMA-IR values, lipid profile, and levels of IL-6 while a significant increase in serum levels of LDL, ITLN1, p38 MAP kinase, and PPAR-α compared to the NAFL group. B.ceiba Linn. Leaf extract is a highly protective and promising therapeutic agent against inflammation and oxidative stress in the NAFLD model induced by HCHF.

The impact of nursing phone counseling on depression and anxiety in family caregivers

Introduction: Family caregivers play a large supportive role in the care of patients suffering from special conditions, such as trauma and stroke. This makes them to be at risks of variety of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Effective communication and nursing consulting can play an important role in managing anxiety and depression in family caregivers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tele-counseling on the improvement of depression and anxiety in family caregivers of patients with trauma and stroke. Methods: This is a clinical trial study with 80 caregivers of stroke survivors discharged from Hospital. Inclusion criteria included being the primary caregiver, over 15 years of age, lack of cognitive impairment (dementia and delirium), lack of mourning experience for the past 6 months, and patient care for at least 2 months at home. Study tools included Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory. The data were analyzed using t test, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon and ANOVA tests in SPSS software. Results: In the experimental group, there was a significant decrease in levels of depression and anxiety of family caregivers of traumatic patients, but no significant difference was observed in the control group before and after the intervention. Conclusion: Nursing telephone consulting reduced the level of depression and anxiety of family caregivers of traumatic patients. Therefore, the development of desirable protocols for tele-counseling to support acute and chronic disease caregivers is suggested.

Anti diabetic activity of Cynodon dactylon Linn In streptozotocin induced Diabetic Rats and its comparison with some standard flavonoids

The aim of present investigation is to evaluate Antidiabetic activity of hydroalcohol extract of whole plant of cynodon dactylon Linn. In streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Treatment with Cynodon dactylon hydro alcohol extract at two different dose 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg and its comparison with standard drug gilbencLinnide at dose of 5 mg/g and some flavonoids i.e. quercertin, kaempferol and epicatichin each at dose of 100mg/kg for 15 days, after induction of diabetes by streptozotocin 50 mg/kg , caused significant decrease in level of tri glycerides, total cholesterol and significantly increase in level of HDL and body weight compared to disease control group. It is furthermore Cynodon dactylon Linn at dose of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg shows more significant result than some of standard flavonoids. Thus, whole plant of Cynodon dactylon Linn. may have potential Antidiabetic agent.
 

Design, synthesis, anticancer evaluation, in silico docking and ADMET analysis of novel indole-based thalidomide analogs as promising immunomodulatory agents

In the present work, novel 16 indole-based thalidomide analogs were designed and synthesized to obtain new effective antitumor immunomodulatory agents. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against HepG-2, HCT-116, PC3 and MCF-7 cell lines. Generally, the opened analogs of glutarimide ring exhibited higher activities than the closed ones. Compounds 21a–b and 11d,g showed strong potencies against all tested cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 8.27 to 25.20 µM comparable to that of thalidomide (IC50 values ranging from 32.12 to 76.91 µM). The most active compounds were further evaluated for their in vitro immunomodulatory activities via estimation of human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), human caspase-8 (CASP8), human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and nuclear factor kappa-B P65 (NF-κB P65) in HCT-116 cells. Thalidomide was used as a positive control. Compounds 11g, 21a and 21b showed remarkable significant reduction in TNF-α. Furthermore, compounds 11g, 21a and 21b showed significant elevation in CASP8 levels. Compounds 11g and 21a significantly inhibited VEGF. In addition, derivatives 11d, 11g and 21a showed significant decrease in level of NF-κB p65. Moreover, our derivatives exhibited good in silico docking and ADMET profile. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Role of Routine Markers in the Diagnosis of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease CKD cause different GFR declines (AKI). A gradual, irreversible decline in GFR is a CKD symptom. Diseases impair the kidneys’ ability to concentrate or dilute tubular filtrate, eliminate nitrogenous waste, and maintain acid-base balance. Acute kidney failure (AKF) is a sudden, reversible renal function loss requiring RRT. Chronic kid- ney disease has a 13.4% global prevalence and 1.2 million annual deaths.The Aim Serum creatinine, urea, potassium, chloride, calcium, sodium, and serum uric acid in CKD patients and healthy controls, and how these indicators vary with CKD development.Determination of some trace elements such as copper, zinc, and iron in the sera of patients.Materials and Methods The study included (30 healthy participants) and (60) patients with CKD (control). The participants in this study were people who traveled to Basrah Teaching Hospital aged 25 to 65. From Octo- ber 2020 to February 2021, specialized physicians examined each participant in this study at Basrah Teaching Hospital. Serum potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus, urea, uric acid, and serum creatinine were measured using kits.Results The current study results have shown a signif- icant increase (P < 0.01) in the following biomarkers in CKD patients: serum creatinine, urea, phosphorus, chlo- ride, uric acid, and Cystatin-C. The results also showed a significant decrease in levels following biomarkers in CKD patients: serum calcium and sodium.Conclusion Chronic renal disease raises serum creati- nine, urea, potassium, chloride, and uric acid. Chronic renal disease patients had lower calcium and sodium levels.

Supplementation of Water-Soluble Vitamins Reduces Hyperhomocysteinemia, Insulin Resistance, and High-Sensitivity C-reactive Protein in Prehypertension Subjects.

Prehypertensives are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Hyperhomocysteinemia, insulin resistance, and increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are independent risk factors for the development of cardiovascular complications. In prehypertensives, specific therapeutic approaches can be implemented at the earliest to prevent the onset of overt hypertension. So the present study was performedto study the effect of supplementation of water-soluble vitamins on cardiovascular risk factors like homocysteine, insulin resistance, and C-reactive protein in prehypertensive subjects. Sixty prehypertensive subjects were recruited into the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomized into two groups of 30 each. One group was given a placebo and the other was given water-soluble vitamins for four months. Serum homocysteine, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and hs-CRP were assayed. After four months of treatment with water-soluble vitamins, there was a significant decrease in levels of serum homocysteine, hs-CRP, and HOMA-IR when compared to placebo treatment. After four months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in the levels of hs-CRP, homocysteine, and HOMA-IR in groups treated with water-soluble vitamins compared to the basal levels. In subjects with prehypertension, supplementation of water-soluble vitamins decreases the level of homocysteine, insulin resistance, and hs-CRP.

Effects of Chokeberries (Aronia spp.) on Cytoprotective and Cardiometabolic Markers and Semen Quality in 109 Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Danish Men: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Crossover Trial.

Background: Chokeberries (Aronia spp.) are known to exhibit both direct and indirect antioxidant properties and have been associated with beneficial effects on human health, including cardiovascular risk factors (inflammation, serum lipids, sugars, blood pressure), oxidative stress, and semen quality. This prospective, double-blinded, randomized, crossover clinical trial was conducted to elucidate the effects of Aronia supplementation on these health targets in mildly hypercholesterolemic men. Methods: The standardized Aronia supplementation comprised three wild Aronia spp. (A. arbutifolia, A prunifolia and A. melanocarpa) and the Aronia hybrid × Sorbaronia mitschurinii (standardized to 150 mg anthocyanins daily). Participants (n = 109) were healthy men with respect to all outcome targets except for the total cholesterol level (5.0−7.0 mM). Participants were randomized to supplementation with either Aronia or placebo for 90 days, followed by a wash-out period and lastly the complementary supplementation. Effects on the health parameters were compared among both the whole group of men and in subgroups according to age, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle, dietary habits, and serum glutathione levels at baseline. The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov.: NCT03405753. Results: Glutathione levels were significantly improved after 90 days intake of Aronia supplementation compared to placebo in the subgroup of men with a low level of glutathione at baseline (p = 0.038) and a high coffee intake (p = 0.045). A significant decrease in levels of sperm DNA fragmentation and an increase in the percentage of motile sperm were observed in men aged >40 and in men with BMI > 25. Further, these parameters were significantly improved in the dietary subgroup defined by a high level of coffee intake. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels decreased significantly in men <40 years after Aronia supplementation. No statistically significant effects were observed regarding blood pressure, markers of blood sugar regulation, hemoglobin A1c, superoxide dismutase, catalase, isoprostane levels, high sensitivity C reactive protein, or other semen parameters. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a significant increase in glutathione levels and improvement of cytoprotective targets following Aronia supplementation in specific subgroups of men >40 years of age and BMI > 25 but did not demonstrate a significant effect in the overall analysis. The observed concurrent increase in glutathione levels and improvement of cytoprotective targets following Aronia supplementation in subgroups of men, suggests that the endogenous phase II antioxidant glutathione is involved in the modulation of the observed cytoprotective effects. This study is a good foundation for further investigation of these cytoprotective effects in groups with oxidative stress in a dose−response study.

The results of the use of a combined probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis ВB-12) in children with gastrointestinal and skin manifestations of food allergy

At present, there are sufficient data on the influence of the gut microbiome on the development of food allergy and its progression. Changes in gut microbiome composition could positive impact on the course of allergic diseases by means of regulating the ratio of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as immunoglobulin E level. The purpose of the research was to study the effectiveness of combined probiotic in treatment of food allergies in children. Material and methods. The prospective randomized controlled study included 92 children aged from 4 to 5 years with symptoms of food allergy, involving the skin and gastrointestinal tract. The main group (n=46) took two chewable tablet Bifiform Kids (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG >1x109 CFU, Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis BB-12 >1x109 CFU, thiamine mononitrate 0.40 mg, pyridoxine hydrochloride 0.50 mg per tablet) 2 times per day during 21 days. The control group (n=46) did not take the complex. The dynamics of the severity of food allergy skin symptoms was assessed using the SCORAD index, of gastrointestinal manifestations - on a point scale after 21 days and after 4 and 6 months (visits 2, 3 and 4). The concentration of immunoglobulin E, interleukins IL-17 and IL-10 was determined by enzyme immunoassay in blood serum at the baseline, as well as after 21 days and after 6 months (visits 1, 2 and 4) after the study initiation. Results. The SCORAD index among children from the main group decreased from 12.4±2.3 до 7.6±1.8 (р=<0.05) while taking a combined probiotic. It was significantly lower (р=<0.05) compared to the control group (SCORAD index changed from 12.1±2.4 to 12.2±1.9). On the 21st day, a statistically significant decrease in level of pro-inflammatory IL-17 (by 27%) and a statistically significant increase in the concentration of anti-inflammatory IL-10 (by 38.9%) were recorded. In children from the main group, the severity of such gastrointestinal symptoms as pain, rumbling in the abdomen, belching with air, bloating, gas discharge, increased stool and its unformularity, decreased compare to the control group of patients (р=<0.05), in which the intensity of complaints related to gastrointestinal manifestations did not change. In the main group of patients, the most clinical efficacy was noted immediately after the end of the probiotic intake. In the following five months, the intensity of symptoms increased in individual subjects from the main group, but in general, the intensity of complaints remained significantly lower than before probiotic intake (р=<0.05). Children from the main group showed a significant decrease in IgE level from 184±121 kU/l by 43.5% at visit 2 and by 38.0% at visit 4 (p=<0.05), while in children from the control group its level didn't change, amounting to 176±141, 165±121 and 178±132 kU/l, respectively. Conclusion. The results of the study show the effectiveness of the use of a combined probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis ВB-12) with vitamins B1 and B6 in children with mild forms of gastrointestinal and skin manifestations of food allergy, both in relation to the severity reduction of the clinical symptoms of the disease (skin manifestations, pain, rumbling in the abdomen, belching with air, bloating, gas discharge, increased stool and its unformularity), and in relation to the dynamics of biochemical parameters - a decrease in the level of IgE.

Feel-Own-Move: a psychomotor therapy program for victims of intimate partner violence living in shelter homes. Feasibility and effects on mental health, bodily dissociation, and quality of life.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a worldwide concern, impacting victims' mental health, physical health, and quality of life. High rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, bodily dissociation, and somatic symptoms have been found in victims of IPV, with an important impact on the chronicity of impairments and on the outcomes of psychological interventions. Therapeutic interventions available in shelter homes for victims are scarce in addressing their body-mind needs therefore asking for better empirical research. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effects of Feel-Own-Move (FOM), an 8-week psychomotor therapy program for victims of IPV, on their mental health, levels of bodily dissociation, and general quality of life. A within-subject repeated measures design was used to evaluate the intervention effects, and feasibility results were analyzed. Seventeen women completed the program (mean age 42.8 years, range 21-64). Results showed a significant decrease in levels of bodily dissociation, with FOM having a large effect size. The intervention also had a large effect size at increasing the environment domain of quality of life, although no statistically significant differences were found. FOM ended with excellent rates of reach, adherence, acceptability, and satisfaction. A positive retention rate was also found. In conclusion, FOM seems to be a feasible psychomotor therapy intervention for female victims of IPV living in shelters. Importantly, this program showed to be effective in reducing bodily dissociation among participants, which is suggested to prospectively contribute to their mental health and quality of life.

Synthesis of new thioester derivative of aspirin and study its effect on some biochemical parameters in blood serum of rabbits

This presented work was included synthesis of new thioester derivatives by reaction of Aspirin (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) (NSAIDs) and Captopril as a carrier which is used as an antihypertensive drug and an inhibitor for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Aspirin was converted into acid chloride of aspirin then reacted with SH group of captopril to afforded of 1-(3-((2-acetoxybenzoyl)thio)-2-methylpropanoyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid and characterized by FT-IR and 1HNMR spectroscopy. The effect of synthesized compound was studied on some biochemical parameters in the blood serum of rabbits. Results of this study indicated: significant increase in the level of total fucose, total protein and globulin. Non- significant increase in the level of albumin, creatinine, glutathione and uric acid, significant decrease in level of Triglycerides and non-significant decrease in the level of Cholesterol, and malondialdehyde.

Drug utilization patterns before and during COVID-19 pandemic in Manitoba, Canada: A population-based study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led the Canadian provincial governments to take unprecedented measures, including restrictions to healthcare services and pharmacists. Limited evidence exists on changes in prescription trends in Canada during the pandemic period. To examine the trend of prescription medications' utilization before and during COVID-19, among incident and prevalent users in the general population. We examined 18 major classes of medications. We used the administrative health databases from the province of Manitoba, Canada, to conduct a province-wide cross-sectional study. Incident and prevalent use was compared between two time periods; pre-COVID-19: July 2016-March 2020 and during COVID-19: April 2020-March 2021. Interrupted time series analysis using autoregressive models was used to quantify the change in level and slope in quarterly medication use among incident and prevalent users. The quarterly study population ranged from 1,353,485 to 1,411,630 Manitobans. The most common comorbidities were asthma (26.67%), hypertension (20.64%), and diabetes (8.31%). On average, the pandemic restrictions resulted in a 45.55% and 12.17% relative decline in the aggregated utilization of all drugs among both incident and prevalent users, respectively. Subclass analysis showed a 46.83%, 23.05%, and 30.98% relative drop among incident users of antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs and opioids use, respectively. We observed a significant slope increase during COVID-19 among the quarterly cardiovascular, antidiabetics, alpha-1 blockers, and statins incident users compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. We noted a significant decrease in level among NSAIDs, opioids, and antibiotic prevalent users, however, no significant changes in slope were observed. Our findings show a significant impact of COVID-19 measures on prescription trends in the general population. The observed decline among several medication classes was temporary. Further research is needed to monitor prescription trends and better understand if those changes were associated with increased health services and worsened outcomes.

A novel whole “Joint-in-Motion” device reveals a permissive effect of high glucose levels and mechanical stress on joint destruction

Osteoarthritis (OA) has recently been suggested to be associated with diabetes. However, this association often disappears when accounting for body mass index (BMI), suggesting that mechanical stress may be a confounding factor. We investigated the combined influence of glucose level and loading stress on OA progression using a novel whole joint-in-motion (JM) culture system. Whole mouse knee joints were placed in an enclosed chamber with culture media and actuated to recapitulate leg movement, with a dynamic stress regimen of 0.5Hz, 8h/day for 7 days. These joints were treated with varying levels of glucose and controlled for osmolarity and diffusion. Joint movement and joint space were examined by X-ray fluoroscopy and microCT. Cartilage matrix levels were quantified by blinded Mankin scoring and immunohistochemistry. Culturing in the JM device facilitated proper leg extension and flexion movements, and adequate mass transport for analyzing the effect of glucose on cartilage. Treatment with higher levels of glucose either via media supplementation or intra-articular injection caused a significant decrease in levels of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and an increase in aggrecan neoepitope in articular cartilage, but only under dynamic stress. Additionally, collagen II level was slightly reduced by high glucose levels. High levels of glucose and dynamic stress have permissive effects on articular cartilage GAG loss and aggrecan degradation, implicating that mechanical stress confounds the association of diabetes with OA. The JM device supports novel investigation of mechanical stress on the integrity of an intact living mouse joint to provide insights into OA pathogenesis.

Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Mental Health Visits in Pediatric Primary Care.

Describe the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on pediatric primary care visits for 7 mental health categories before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This interrupted time series analysis compared the rate of mental health visits to pediatric primary care providers in Massachusetts before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three time periods were defined: prepandemic period (January 2019-February 2020), emergency pandemic period (March 2020-May 2020), and pandemic period (June 2020-September 2021). The 7 mental health visit diagnoses included alcohol and substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders, behavior disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders (depressive and bipolar), and stress or trauma disorders. Significant increases in slope (P < .001) were observed for eating disorder visits, with the annualized visit rate increasing from 9.3 visits per 1000 patients per year in the prepandemic period to 18.3 in the pandemic period. For mood disorder visits, the annualized visit rate increased from 65.3 in the prepandemic period to 94.0 in the pandemic period. Significant decreases in level and slope (both P < .001) were observed for alcohol and substance use disorder visits, with the annualized visit rate decreasing from 5.8 in the prepandemic period to 5.5 in the pandemic period. Eating disorder visits and mood disorder visits significantly increased, whereas alcohol and substance use disorder visits significantly decreased during the pandemic period among pediatric patients, highlighting the need to identify and manage mental health conditions in the pediatric primary care setting.

ODP630 Antibiotics Transiently Reduce Circulating Cortisol and Inflammatory Biomarker Levels in Healthy Sprague Dawley Rats

Abstract Introduction Antibiotics are over-used in healthcare, but little is known regarding their effects on cortisol levels in healthy individuals. Furthermore, antibiotics influence the gut microbiome, but the interrelationships between these drugs, cortisol and the microbiome are unknown. Here, we exposed the gut microbiome of rats to a multi-drug antibiotic cocktail and examined effects on circulating cortisol and inflammatory biomarker levels. Methods Male and female (M,F) Sprague-Dawley rats (aged 8 weeks) were housed with phytoestrogen-free bedding, and received a phytoestrogen-free diet with water from glass bottles. Exposed rats received vancomycin (0.5g/L), ampicillin (1g/L), neomycin (1g/L), and metronidazole (1g/L) in their water for 8 days, then returned to normal water for another 13 days. Control rats received normal water throughout the study. Stool and serum samples were collected before starting antibiotics (Abx) (baseline), on day 8 of Abx (AbxD8), and at 13 days post-Abx (PAbxD13). Circulating levels of cortisol and a panel of 12 inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed using MILLIPLEX Hormone Panels and RECYTMAG-65K multiplex panels, respectively. Stool DNA was extracted and 16S V3/V4 libraries were sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq. Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) clustering and taxonomic analyses were performed using CLC Microbial Genomics Module v.2.5 (Qiagen). Results A total of 31 rats (M=16, F=15) received Abx and 17 (M=9, F=8) were controls. At baseline, mean cortisol levels were similar between groups (control=34. 08±10.21ng/mL, exposed=35. 05±9.72ng/mL, P=0.96). On AbxD8, cortisol levels decreased in the exposed group relative to controls (control=29.77±9.34ng/mL, exposed=17.35±8.21ng/mL, P&amp;lt;0. 0001), and returned to normal in the exposed group at PAbxD13 (control=33.88±16.65ng/mL, exposed=36.62±8.68ng/mL, P=0.85). Levels of all 12 inflammatory biomarkers were also decreased at AbxD8, and all except MCP1 returned to baseline levels by PAbxD13. Antibiotic exposure resulted in significant decreases in total stool DNA levels in exposed rats relative to controls on AbxD8 (P&amp;lt;0. 0001), but returned to baseline levels by PAbxD13. Stool microbial diversity was also decreased in exposed rats on AbxD8 relative to controls (P=1e-08 and P&amp;lt;0. 0001, respectively), and gut microbiome alterations were seen at multiple taxonomic levels. At PAbxD13, the stool microbiome of exposed rats remained perturbed, and only one phylum, Bacteroidetes, returned to baseline. Abx exposure changed associations between different phyla and levels of cortisol on AbxD8 relative to baseline, and although most of the associations reestablished at PAbxD13, the RA of phylum Proteobacteria was positively associated with levels of cortisol (R=0.243, P=0. 04), as opposed to baseline (R=-0.144, P=0.4). Conclusions Antibiotic exposure results in significant decreases in levels of cortisol as well as inflammatory biomarkers that are associated with perturbations of the gut microbiome, the majority of which returned to baseline following a 13-day antibiotic recovery period. These interrealtionships between cortisol, the gut microbiome and inflammatory biomarkers may have clinical significance. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Academic productivity in pediatric neurosurgery in relation to elective surgery slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 has not only impacted healthcare systems directly via hospitalizations and resource utilization, but also indirectly via adaptations in healthcare practice, such as the evolution of the academic environment and the rise of telemedicine and virtual education. This void in clinical responsibilities has been filled with academic productivity in various fields. In this study the authors investigate the influence of COVID-19 on the academic focus within pediatric neurosurgery. All data were obtained from the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics (JNS Peds). The number of submissions for each month from January 2017 to December 2021 was collected. Data including number of publications, publication level of evidence (LOE), and COVID-19-related articles were collected and verified. Each publication was categorized by manuscript and LOE according to adaptations from the Canadian Task Force on Periodic Health Examination. Publication groups were categorized as pre-COVID-19 (January 2017-February 2020), peri-COVID-19 (March 2020-July 2020), and post-COVID-19 (August 2020-December 2021). Statistical analysis was performed to compare pre-COVID-19, peri-COVID-19, and post-COVID-19 academic volume and quality. During the study time period, a total of 3116 submissions and 997 publications were identified for JNS Peds. Only 2 articles specifically related to COVID-19 and its impact on pediatric neurosurgery were identified, both published in 2021. When analyzing submission volume, a statistically significant increase was seen during the shutdown relative to pre-COVID-19 and post-shutdown time periods, and a significant decrease was seen post-shutdown relative to pre-COVID-19. LOE changed significantly as well. When comparing pre-COVID-19 versus post-COVID-19 articles, a statistically significant increase was identified only in level 4 publications. When analyzing pre-COVID-19 versus post-COVID-19 (2020) and post-COVID-19 (2021), a statistically significant decrease in level 3 and increases in levels 4 and 5 were identified during post-COVID-19 (2020), with a rebound increase in level 3 and a decrease in level 5 during post-COVID-19 (2021). There was a significant increase in manuscript submission during the initial pandemic period. However, there was no change during subsequent spikes in COVID-19-related hospitalizations. Coincident with the initial surge in academic productivity, despite steady publication volume, was an inverse decline in quality as assessed by LOE.

A baseline studies on the nutritional interplay between HIV drugs and kidney, liver and heart indices in patients receiving HIV treatment in North-Central Nigeria

Malnutrition is one of the major problems among those infected with HIV/AIDS receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Various studies have shown that HIV infection and malnutrition are intricately linked to each other. In the absence of proper nutrition and treatment, HIV infection can lead to malnutrition which in turn impairs the immune system there by progressing HIV to AIDS, conversely use of ART has been reported to have significant effect on people living with HIV. This study aims at assessing the nutritional interplay between HIV drugs and kidney, liver, and heart indices among subjects undergoing HIV treatment at medical out-patient department of Federal Medical Centers in North Central part of Nigeria. A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted where 677 people living with HIV attending the ART clinic were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Nutritional status among these people was assessed through anthropometry Body Mass Index (BMI) and were classified accordingly; Underweight (BMI &lt; 18.5 kg/m2) and overweight/obesity (BMI &gt; 23 kg/m2). Patients information’s including HIV associated risk factors, opportunistic infections, ART regimen, etc. were collected from the medical record department. Socio-demographic data were collected using structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to access kidney, liver and heart indices as well as levels of Vitamin D and trace elements such as Zinc and Selenium. Chi-square was used to test for a significant difference between sociodemographic characteristics and BMI, while ANOVA was used to compare the levels of kidney, liver and heart indices as well as vitamin D, Zn and Se based on BMI status at 95% C.I. Most of the study participants were overweight 201 (29.7%) and obese 211 (31.2%), a large number had a normal BMI 32.9%. The prevalence of underweight was found to be 42(6.2%). there was a significant increase in the level of some kidney, liver and cardiac indices in participants who were overweight and obese compared to those who were normal and underweights, these significant increase was observed in the levels of Na, K, Cl, HCo3, ALP, AST, ALT, Cholesterol, LDL and TG. There was a significant decrease in levels of Vitamin D, Zn and Se in participants who were underweight. Underweight, overweight and obesity are emerging problem among HIV patients on ART. Patients undergoing ART should be placed under strict nutritional monitoring and be subjected to nutritional supplementation to avert untimely death, also effort should be made to address the burden of malnutrition by addressing identified determinants.

Annexin A1 mimetic peptide Ac2-26 alleviates renal inflammatory injury in a diabetic mice model through the suppression of p38MAPK/NF-κB

Purpose: To examine the protective effect of mimetic peptide Ac2-26 of Annexin A1 (ANXA1) against renal inflammatory injury in a diabetic mice model.&#x0D; Methods: Twenty-four mice were randomized into three groups with eight mice per group. These included control group (CG), model group (MG) given intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg), and AC2-26 group (AG) given AC2-26, 72 h after the induction of diabetes. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood lipids, and renal function in the mice were determined by Sysmex-180 Biochemistry Analyzer, while serum inflammatory factors in renal tissue were also determined.&#x0D; Results: Compared with the model group, there was a significant decrease in the levels of FBG, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), as well as in 24 h urinary protein, creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), but a significant increase in body weight in AC2-26 group (p &lt; 0.001). There was a significant decrease in TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels, as well as in mRNA levels and protein expressions of p38MAPK, NF-κBP6, ANXA1 in AC2-26 group when compared with the model group (p &lt; 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Annexin A1 is the target gene of p38MAPK. Annexin A1 mimetic peptide Ac2-26 alleviates renal inflammation by suppressing p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway, thus improving renal function in the diabetic mice model. Hence, the findings of this study provide a potential avenue for the development of an effective treatment for renal disease in diabetics.

Efficacy of Senna Leaves Extract and Rosuvastatin on Blood Parameters of Inducing Hyperlipidemia Laboratory Rats

The current study was conducted at the Department of Food Sciences / College of Agriculture / Tikrit University. This study used 20 albino male rats obtained from College of Veterinary Medicine / Tikrit University: Their ages ranged between (3-4) weeks and weights ranged between (160-175 g); The period of experiment lasted for sixty days starting from (1-4- until 1-6-2021). They were randomly divided into 4 groups and each group consists of 5 rats. The first group considered as the control group. While the second group represented the fat-treated group, in which the rats feedon diet at a concentration of 500 mg.kg-1 weight of the animal. The third group has given the Rosuvastatin which was Effect of hyper pad concentration of 500 mg.kg-1 weight of the animal, and on day 30 it was treated with Rosuvastatin at a concentration of 20 mg.kg-1 weight of the animal for a period of 30 days until the end of the experiment. The fourth group represented the Sana makki, which was fed a high-fat diet at a concentration of 500 mg/kg of animal weight, and on day 30 it was treated with Sana makki at a concentration of 0.5-1mg.kg for a period of 30 days until the end of the experiment. Blood was drawn from all groups from the eye socket at time 0, i.e. before starting the experiment and its treatments, and then after the end of the specified period of the experiment, the rats were prevented from eating for approximately 24 hours, then blood was drawn from the eye socket after placing it in the inventory box to prevent it from moving, as it collected approximately (1-2) ml of blood for the purpose of conducting blood parameters, then the animals were killed, and 3 ml of each animal was taken and placed in tubes containing an anticoagulant substance to separate the serum and conduct biochemical tests. It was observed through the current study that the effect of lipids was clear by causing a significant decrease While Rosuvastatin caused a significant decrease in the level of white blood cells when compared with the control group and when compared with the time of the start of the experiment, while Rosuvastatin caused a significant increase in (total number of red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, platelets and packed cells volume) within the same group when compared with the start time of the experiment. While the aqueous extract of Sana makki had a clear role by returning the levels of blood parameters to their normal status when compared with the fat-treated group. Regarding the biochemical parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) it was found that the use of fat in the ration caused significant increase (0.05) in all parameters except high-density lipoprotein HDL when compared with the control group on the one hand and when compared with the start time of the experiment on the other hand. When using Rosuvastatin, it was noted that it caused a significant decrease (0.05) in cholesterol level, while Rosuvastatin contributed to the return of (triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)) to normal, and Rosuvastatin caused a significant increase in (low-density lipoprotein, LDL, Very high density when compared with the control group on the one hand and when compared with the start time of the experiment on the other hand. The positive effect of the aqueous extract of Sena was clear through its effect on all parameters, causing them to return to their normal values. We conclude through this study that Sena is considered as best natural compound to use for the purpose of controlling most of the biochemical parameters in the body and by preserving blood components from harmful effects, despite the role played by Rosuvastatin, but Sena is considered the best sometimes because it is free of chemical substances.