Significant Decrease In Levels Research Articles

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Professional Dementia Caregivers Burnout

ABSTRACT Objectives: To implement and assess the efficacy of a 6-week Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to reduce anxiety and burnout in healthcare professionals working with dementia, and to increase their psychological flexibility and life satisfaction. Methods: A total of 105 workers from the XXXXX Hospital were randomly assigned to an intervention group (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) or a wait list control group. Psychological Flexibility (AAQ-II), Life Satisfaction (SWLS), Anxiety (STAI-T), and Burnout (MBI) were measured before and after the intervention. Follow-up data were collected 3 months and 12 months post-intervention. Split-plot analyses were performed following intention to treat approach. Results: No significant differences were found in baseline outcome measures. No time effects were found in wait list control group in any variable. In the intervention group, pre-post comparison showed a significant decrease in levels of MBI emotional exhaustion (p = .001) and anxiety (p < .001), and an increase in life satisfaction levels (p < .001) and MBI personal accomplishment (p < .001). These results were maintained at the 3- and 12-month follow-up periods. No significant intervention effects were observed in pre-post flexibility scores; however, data suggest slight progressive increase in flexibility at follow-up. Conclusions: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy showed positive effects in healthcare professionals working with dementia by reducing anxiety and burnout. Clinical implications: The implementation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy could help to increase the psychological well-being of healthcare professionals working with dementia.

The Impact of Epigallocatechin Gallate and Coconut Oil Treatment on Cortisol Activity and Depression in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

(1) Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is pathogenically characterized by high oxidative stress and symptomatically by progressive muscle loss and increased body fat associated with the presence of depression. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (particularly present in green tea) and ketone bodies (in particular beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)), whose main source is coconut oil, have shown emotional benefits and body fat loss. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of EGCG and coconut oil on cortisol activity related to fat loss and depression in MS patients. (2) Methods: The study involved 51 MS patients who were randomly divided into an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received 800 mg of EGCG and 60 mL of coconut oil, which were included in their daily diet for four months. The control group received placebo and all patients followed an isocaloric diet. A blood sample was collected before and after the four-month period, and levels of cortisol, albumin and BHB were measured in serum. In addition, immediately before and after the intervention, anthropometric variables were measured: waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat mass percentage, fat weight, total weight, and muscle mass percentage. Depression was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). (3) Results: No significant changes were obtained in cortisol levels in any of the groups, and there was a significant increase in albumin in the blood of the intervention group only that could lead to a decrease in serum free cortisol. In addition, it was observed a significant decrease in levels of depression and abdominal fat. (4) Conclusions: EGCG combined with coconut oil increase the concentration of albumin in blood and produce less depression in MS patients.

Hormonal profile of patients with deep infiltrative endometriosis

Introduction. About 30 to 50% of women with endometriosis complain of infertility. The incidence of infertility in all localizations of endometriosis is about 3-4 times higher than that in the general population.Objective of the study: estimate the hormonal profile of patients with deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) based on the study of the level of AMH, FSH, LH, progesterone, estradiol, prolactin in the serum of peripheral blood, conduct a comparative analysis of the level of these hormones between groups of patients with DIE and tuboperitoneal infertility.Materials and methods: the main study group consisted of 99 patients of reproductive age (from 18 to 40 years) with DIE, the comparison group consisted of 18 patients with tuboperitoneal infertility. The patients of the main group were divided into 2 subgroups: subgroup IA - DIE with colorectal endometriosis (n = 63), subgroup IB - DIE without colorectal endometriosis (n = 36). AH patients underwent determination of the level of AMH, LH, FSH, progesterone, estradiol, prolactin in the serum of peripheral blood before surgery.Results and discussion: a significant decrease in AMH level was revealed in patients with DIE. The level of AMH in the main and comparison groups was 1.80 and 3.28 ng/ml, respectively (p = 0.01). At the same time, subgroup IA has a more decreased AMH level (1.37 ng/ml) than in the comparison group (p = 0.003). In subgroup IB (the median AMH level - 2.50 ng/ml) were no significant differences with the comparison group (p = 0.14). It was also noted that in the group of patients with colorectal endometriosis (subgroup IA) the percentage of patients with reduced ovarian reserve (AMH 0.01 - 1.0 ng / ml) was significantly higher than in the comparison group (30.2% versus 5, 6%, p = 0.03), there were no significant differences between the subgroups. There were no significant differences in the level of LH, FSH, E2, prolactin in serum between the groups (p&gt; 0.05).Assessment of the level of anti-mullerian hormone, as the most accurate marker of ovarian reserve, revealed a significant decrease in AMH levels in patients with DIE, more decreased in the group of patients with colorectal endometriosis. Every 3rd patient with DIE had an AMH level of less than 1, which is a risk factor for a “poor” response to ovarian stimulation according to the Bologna criteria.Conclusion.A significant decrease in the level of serum AMH, along with a high percentage of previous surgeries for endometriosis, including ovarian resections, may be one of the factors in a decrease in the reproductive potential of patients with DIE.

LncRNA ABCC6P1 promotes proliferation and migration of papillary thyroid cancer cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

BackgroundLncRNAs play an important regulatory function in the occurrence and progression of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 6 pseudogene 1 (ABCC6P1) in PTC.MethodsCancerous and paracancer normal thyroid tissues were collected from 18 patients with PTC, who were operated at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to investigate the levels of ABCC6P1. Cell proliferation was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were performed to examine cell migratory and invasive ability. Western blotting analysis was used to detect the expression levels of EMT-related markers and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins.ResultsThe expression of ABCC6P1 was upregulated in PTC tissues and cells. ABCC6P1 silencing could significantly suppress the proliferation, colony formation ability, migratory and invasive ability in PTC cells. Moreover, knockdown of ABCC6P1 induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of PTC cells by increasing the E-cadherin expression, but downregulating N-cadherin and vimentin expression. In addition, knockdown of ABCC6P1 caused a significant decrease in levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway members (including β-catenin, c-myc, and cyclin D1) in PTC cells.ConclusionsOur study confirms that ABCC6P1 exerts an oncogenic activity in PTC which may be mediated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting that ABCC6P1 may be a promising therapeutic target for PTC.

Hemostatic parameters in pulmonary tuberculosis patients after intensive phase treatment.

Background:Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). This infection causes the release of proinflammatory cytokines that affect hemostasis. Pulmonary TB infection causes an increased activation of procoagulant factors, decreased anticoagulant factors and suppresses fibrinolysis which causes hypercoagulable. Our study is conducted to assess the association between pulmonary TB infection (PTB) with hemostatic parameters before and after intensive phase treatment.Methods:This was an analytic observational prospective cohort design. The study was conducted at the Community Center for Lung Health in South Sulawesi. Studied subjects were recruited by consecutive sampling, in which the patients who met the inclusion criteria received intensive phase of ATD treatment. PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, and D-dimer were measured before treatment and after the intensive phase of ATD. These data were analyzed using the SPSS Version 22.Results:In this study, 30 subjects are new cases of PTB. Prothrombin time, aPTT and D-dimer levels were higher in far advanced lesions and smear-positive sputum group (p<0.001). There was a significant level decrease in PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, D-dimer after intensive phase treatment (p<0.001).Conclusion:Pulmonary tuberculosis infection is associated with hypercoagulability which is characterized by an increase in hemostatic parameters and has significant improvement after intensive phase of ATD treatment.

Positive effects of renal denervation on markers of cardiovascular inflammation and left ventricular mass. 24-months follow-up

Aim. To study the long-term effect of renal denervation (RDN) on left ventricular mass (LVM) and inflammatory markers in resistant hypertensive patients.Material and methods. Forty-one patients with resistant hypertension and 24-h blood pressure (BP) 158,7±15,8/87,3+14,6 mmHg, aged 56,6+10,2 years, were enrolled in the study and undergone RDN. Mean 24-h BP, left ventricular mass (transthoracic echocardiography), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin- 1β (IL­1β), IL-6, IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) were assessed at baseline and 2 years after the RDN.Results. A baseline prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was 90,2%. Two years after RDN LVM and interventricular septum (IVS) decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05 for both). Decrease in myocardial mass (∆LVM &gt;0 g) was documented in 24 patients. The regression of LVM was accompanied by a significant decrease in levels of inflammatory markers — hsCRP by 38,3% (p=0,031), TNF-α by 60,7% (p=0,009), IL- 1β — by 71,1% (p=0,001), and IL-10 by 58,2% (p=0,001). In patients in the absence of LVM regression only TNF-α decreased significantly (-68,8%, p=0,001). There was no correlation between changes of LVM and the inflammatory markers at 24 months after RDN.Conclusion. The RDN in RH patients may have long-term cardioprotective effect in terms of significant regress of LVH, which may be partly attributed to the regress in systemic or myocardial inflammation.

Investigation of Ahrar Irrigation Scheme Characteristics Utilizing Remote Sensing Technique

The data of remote sensing techniques is one of the easiest ways to study irrigation projects’ characteristics. Moreover, it is useful when dealing with irrigation management. ArcGIS and ERDAS Imagine software are versatile applications used in this study to provide a suitable framework by visualizing, manipulating, spatial analysis processes, and creating models, especially when dealing with large areas and complex data. This paper aims to calculate the cultivated areas by computing the vegetation indices (VIs) and calculating the land surface temperature (LST), which assists the decision-makers in managing, developing, and evaluating the project. Besides, present other project characteristics, such as soil and land use/ land cover’s physical properties. The use of Landsat 8 data in estimation VIs and LST for Ahrar irrigation project open an opportunity for researchers to apply these values in several types of researches. This paper’s tool produced completely good results of LST, considering that the precision assessment was done with air temperatures. The selected study area was an Ahrar irrigation project located in Iraq’s center within the rickety pier of Mesopotamia’s plain range. The results showed a high decrease in cultivated areas of Ahrar irrigation project during the Summer season in contrast to Winter. This decrease is due to high temperatures, which led to a significant increase in evapotranspiration and water requirement and this was accompanied by a significant decrease in levels of the Tigris river during that season.

Association of some dietary ingredients, vitamin D, estrogen, and obesity polymorphic receptor genes with bone mineral density in a sample of obese Egyptian women

BackgroundAlthough many environmental factors play an important role in bone mass density (BMD) variation, genetic influences account for 60–85% of individual variance. The aim of this study was to find the interaction between some dietary ingredients, vitamin D, estrogen, and obesity polymorphic receptor genes, among a sample of obese Egyptian women. This was a cross sectional study included 97 women (aged 25–60 years). Data on anthropometry, dietary intake, BMD, biochemical, and genetic analyses were collected. ResultsOsteoporosis was high among women had dominant Taq1 vitamin D receptor gene while osteoporosis was less common among the homozygous Apa1 receptor gene women. Both genes in their two forms did not show any effect on serum vitamin D. Heterozygous types of osteoporotic women carried both genes revealed a slight but significant decrease in level of serum calcium. Xba1 estrogen receptor gene was identified only in a homozygous type while the heterozygous Pvu11 estrogen receptors gene has been identified among both osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic women, this gene was associated with higher BMI in both groups compared to the homozygous receptor gene. Mutant types of genotype FTOrs99 and FTOrs80 obesity receptors genes were less common (4.44%, 11%) among participants. Both of these genes were associated with the highest value of BMI and caloric daily intake, fat, and saturated fatty acid that were more prominent among osteoporotic women. ConclusionThere is significant association between vitamin D, estrogen, obesity receptors genes, special nutrients, and osteoporosis. Increased BMI, calories, and fat intake lead to rise of genetic predisposition and susceptibility to osteoporosis.

Effect of aqueous rosemary extract on some sexual hormones in male rats with high thyroxine level

The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the high level of thyroxine affects on each of the luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) of rats and to estimate the potential effect of the administration of aqueous rosemary extract and propylthiouracil against testicular toxicity induced by levothyroxine in male rats. Negative control group rats were treated with distilled water. Three groups of male rats were treated subcutaneously with 0.5 mg/kg levothyroxine for 12 days: Since day 13th to the 24th day of the experiment first group was regarded as a positive control group that received distilled water, the second group was given propylthiouracil at a dose level of 10 mg/kg b.wt, and the third was given aqueous extracts of rosemary 10 mg/kg b.wt. The results revealed that treatment with aqueous extract of rosemary lead to a significant decrease in the levels of serum testosterone while a highly significant decrease in testosterone, FSH, and LH levels in serum revealed after treatment with propylthiouracil. Thus, it can be concluded that the effect of propylthiouracil and rosemary aqueous extract resulted in dialectical hormonal results in which the favor was to propylthiouracil.

Investigation of interlayer shear failure of concrete bridge deck asphalt overlay utilizing shear strength envelopes

The failure of interlayer between concrete bridge deck and asphalt overlay caused crescent-shaped cracks in the wearing course, resulting in intrusion of moisture into bridge structures and significant decrease in level of service for asphalt wearing course. It is of importance to establish design procedure to select and evaluate the interlayer materials for use in asphalt pavement on concrete bridges.This paper aimed to investigate the shear failure potentials on concrete bridge asphalt overlay using Finite Element (FE) model. The investigation was conducted on a project where a premature shear failure of asphalt pavement on a concrete bridge occurred. Both global and local FE models were established to obtain responses of interlayer under traffic loads. Sensitive analysis was conducted to identify the influence of overlay thickness and modulus on shear failure potentials. The spatial distributions of shear stress and normal stress at interface between concrete deck and asphalt overlay with and without horizontal shear forces were identified. The shear strength envelopes for interlayer were then utilized to evaluate the potential shear failure at interface.Results indicated the increase of overlay thickness may reduce the potential shear failure at interface. The presence of horizontal shear forces on pavement surface significantly increased shear failure at interface. The normal stress influenced the shear strength and needed to be considered in the lab shear test for design of interlayer system. A procedure which associated the load responses at interface with shear strength envelopes was presented. It may be used for evaluating potential interlayer shear failure as well as optimizing interlayer design.

Standard-Volume Plasma Exchange Improves Outcomes in Patients With Acute Liver Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundHigh volume plasma-exchange (HVPE) improves survival in patients with acute liver failure (ALF), but apprehension regarding volume overload and worsening of cerebral edema remain. MethodsIn an open-label randomized controlled trial, 40 consecutive patients of ALF were randomized 1:1 to either standard medical treatment (SMT) or SMT with standard-volume plasma-exchange (SVPE). SVPE was performed using centrifugal apheresis [target volume of 1.5 to 2.0 plasma volumes per session] until desired response was achieved. Cerebral edema was assessed by brain imaging. Results were analyzed in an intention-to-treat analysis. Primary outcome was 21-day transplant-free survival. The levels of cytokines, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and endotoxins were analyzed at baseline and day 5. ResultsALF patients [aged 31.5 ± 12.2 years, 60% male, 78% viral, 83% hyperacute, 70% with SIRS were included. At day 5, SVPE [mean sessions 2.15 ± 1.42, median plasma volume replaced 5.049 L] compared to SMT alone, resulted in higher lactate clearance (p = .02), amelioration of SIRS (84% vs. 26%; P = .02), reduction in ammonia levels [(221.5 ± 96.9) vs.(439 ± 385.6) μg/dl, P = .02) and SOFA scores [9.9(±3.3) vs. 14.6(±4.8); P = .001]. There were no treatment related deaths. SVPE was associated with a higher 21-day transplant free-survival [75% vs. 45%; P = .04, HR 0.30, 95%CI 0.01-0.88]. A significant decrease in levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines along with a decrease in endotoxin and DAMPs was seen with SVPE. ConclusionIn ALF patients with cerebral edema, SVPE is safe and effective and improves survival possibly by a reduction in cytokine storm and ammonia. ClinicalTrial.gov (identifier: NCT02718079)

Lack of Skeletal Muscle Serotonin Impairs Physical Performance.

Low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin have been associated with the onset of depression. While traditional treatments include antidepressants, physical exercise has emerged as an alternative for patients with depressive disorders. Yet there remains the fundamental question of how exercise is sensed by the brain. The existence of a muscle–brain endocrine loop has been proposed: according to this scenario, exercise modulates metabolization of tryptophan into kynurenine within skeletal muscle, which in turn affects the brain, enhancing resistance to depression. But the breakdown of tryptophan into kynurenine during exercise may also alter serotonin synthesis and help limit depression. In this study, we investigated whether peripheral serotonin might play a role in muscle–brain communication permitting adaptation for endurance training. We first quantified tryptophan metabolites in the blood of 4 trained athletes before and after a long-distance trail race and correlated changes in tryptophan metabolism with physical performance. In parallel, to assess exercise capacity and endurance in trained control and peripheral serotonin–deficient mice, we used a treadmill incremental test. Peripheral serotonin–deficient mice exhibited a significant drop in physical performance despite endurance training. Brain levels of tryptophan metabolites were similar in wild-type and peripheral serotonin–deficient animals, and no products of muscle-induced tryptophan metabolism were found in the plasma or brains of peripheral serotonin–deficient mice. But mass spectrometric analyses revealed a significant decrease in levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), the main serotonin metabolite, in both the soleus and plantaris muscles, demonstrating that metabolization of tryptophan into serotonin in muscles is essential for adaptation to endurance training. In light of these findings, the breakdown of tryptophan into peripheral but not brain serotonin appears to be the rate-limiting step for muscle adaptation to endurance training. The data suggest that there is a peripheral mechanism responsible for the positive effects of exercise, and that muscles are secretory organs with autocrine-paracrine roles in which serotonin has a local effect.

Polyherbal Formulation (PDBT Capsules) Containing Extracts of Ayurvedic Plants for Treatment of Prediabetes

In Prediabetes blood sugar levels are found to be higher than normal levels. It is considered as pre stage of diabetes as people with prediabetes, if remain undiagnosed, have chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies show that if diabetes is treated in the prediabetic stage, it results in complete cure of diabetes. The objective of the present study was to investigate effect of PDBT capsules containing extracts of well-known Ayurvedic plants such as <i>Zingiber officinale, Tinospora cordifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Gymnema sylvester</i>, and <i>Momordica charantia</i> on prediabetic condition induced in Wistar rats. High fat fructose diet was fed to male Wistar rats to induce prediabetes. After induction on 11^th week of study, the prediabetic rats were divided in different groups. Treatment groups received Pioglitazone (3 mg/kg) (standard control), test formulation, PDBT capsule (200mg/kg) (test group) along with high fat fructose diet. Normal diet control group received normal diet and high fat fructose diet control group received only high fat fructose diet. The different biochemical parameters, blood glucose levels and body weights were monitored. Animals were sacrificed at the end of study period. Histopathological studies on the major organs such as liver, kidney, pancreas was performed. High fat fructose diet induced of prediabetes in rats. Significant decrease in levels of fasting blood glucose and biochemical parameters in treatment groups was observed. The histopathological study showed no abnormalities. The present research show that PDBT capsules can be efficiently used in prediabetes treatment. Hence, PDBT capsule can be a potential agent for the treatment of prediabetes.

A randomized controlled study in healthy participants to explore the exposure continuum when smokers switch to a tobacco heating product or an E-cigarette relative to cessation.

Cigarette smoking is associated with a number of diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, there has been an increase in the use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) and tobacco-heating products (THPs) as an alternative to cigarettes, which may reduce the health burden associated with smoking. However, an exposure continuum when smokers switch to ECs or THPs compared to complete smoking cessation is not well established. 148 healthy smokers were randomized to either continue smoking cigarettes, switch to using the glo THP or a prototype EC, or completely quit any nicotine or tobacco product use for 5 days, after a 2-day baseline period. During this study breath and 24-h urine samples were collected for Biomarker of Exposure (BoE) analysis. After a 5-day switching period BoE levels showed a substantial significant decrease in levels from baseline in the groups using the glo THP, the prototype EC, and having quit all nicotine and tobacco use. On an exposure continuum, smokers who completely quit nicotine had the lowest levels of assessed BoEs, followed by those who switched to the EC and then those who switched to glo THP use. Participants who continued to smoke had the highest levels of BoEs. THP or EC use over a 5-day period resulted in significant reductions in exposure to smoke toxicants, in some cases to levels similar to those for nicotine cessation. These results show that on an exposure continuum, nicotine cessation gives the greatest reduction in exposure to tobacco smoke toxicants, closely followed by the EC and the glo THP. These significant reductions in exposure to toxicants suggest that the glo THP and EC have the potential to be Reduced Risk Products. ISRCTN80651909.

Selenium Enriched Yeast Modifies the Effects of Methandienone in Male Rabbits on the HPA Axis and Adrenal Gland Oxidative Stress

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes caused by anabolic androgenic steroids (methandienone) in the hypothalamic adrenal axis (HPA) and oxidative status in adrenal glands and a protective role role by using organic selenium (high-selenium yeast) in adult male rabbits which treated with Methandienone in combination with selenium. A total of 20 intact male rabbits were divided into four equal groups (n = 5 for each group):a control group receiving distilled water, the AAS group (T1) receiving Methandienone (oral dose of 0.35 mg / kg.B.W.),the selenium group (T2) receiving high-selenium yeast (3 μg/ kg B.W orally)and the combination group (T3) getting both methandienone and selenium. The dosing every day for 60 days. . The hormones β-endorphin, ACTH and cortisone were measured in serum during two periods, 30 and 60 days of the experiment and the expression levels of Nuclear factor erythroid-2 and related factor-2 (Nrf2) and Translocater protein (TSPO) genes were measured in adrenal gland. a significant increase in beta-endorphin and ACTH and a decrease in cortisone were found in both 30 and 60 day periods in the AAS group (T1) compared with another groups (control, T2 and T3). On the other hand, T3 group shows a decrease in serum β-Endorphin and ACTH and no significant changes in cortisone in both periods .These changes were a compared with to AAS group. Moreover, there is a significant increased in revers transcription (mRNA) of Nrf2 factor and TSPO genes in AAS group(T1) as compared with other groups (T2 and T3). In addition, we observed a significant decrease in levels of Nrf2 and TSPO mRNA in the selenium-yeast group compared to the AAS group (T1). In conclusion, these results showed that organic selenium (high selenium yeast) has a positive effect (protective role) against oxidative damage to the adrenal gland caused by AAS with no effect on the adrenal steroidogenesis, which are affected by AAS.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of Equine Simulator Riding on Low Back Pain, Morphological Changes, and Trunk Musculature in Elderly Women.

Background and objectives: Studies on the effects of an equine riding simulator (ERS) program on back pain, spinal alignment, and isokinetic moments in subjects with chronic low back pain (CLBP) remain limited. The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in elderly women with CLBP who participate in an ERS program. Materials and Methods: The 80 participants were all women aged 61–84 years who were randomly assigned to either the control group (CON) or ERS group (ERSG). ERS exercise was performed for a duration of 12 weeks (three times each week). The degree of pain was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index and the visual analog scale. Body composition and spinal alignment were measured using bioelectrical impedance and raster stereography. The isokinetic moments of trunk extensor and flexor were measured before and after the training period. Results: The ERSG showed a significant decrease in back pain compared to the CON. There was a significant decrease in levels of fat in the ERSG, although no differences were shown in terms of muscle mass. However, there was an increased basal metabolic rate (BMR) in the ERSG. Spinal alignment in the ERSG significantly improved. The peak torques of the trunk extensor in the ERSG were also significantly increased. Conclusion: It can be inferred that the ERS exercise can decrease fat and improve the trunk extensor strength through increased BMR, leading to better spinal alignment and reducing back pain in elderly women with CLBP.

Changes in work stress among doctors in Norway from 2010 to 2019: a study based on repeated surveys

ObjectivesTo explore and discuss the changes in the levels of work stress for Norwegian doctors in different job positions (hospital doctors, general practitioners (GPs), private practice specialists, doctors in academia)...

MYASTHENIA & RELATED DISORDERS: P.37 Autophagy affected in patients with hypokalemic periodic paralysis

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (hypoPP) is an autosomal dominant rare disorder that is caused by mutations in the genes for voltage gated calcium channel CaV1.1 (CACNA1S) and NaV1.4 (SCN4A). Patients with hypoPP may suffer from periodic paralysis alone, periodic paralysis with weakness or permanent weakness. HypoPP has been known to be associated with vacuolar myopathy for decades but the cause of this has not been known. We have investigated a cohort of 14 hypoPP patients with the R528H mutation in the CACNA1S gene for vacuoles and their content. The R528H mutation has previously been demonstrated to cause a Ca2+ leak through CaV1.1 into the cytoplasm, possibly causing disturbance in the calcium homeostasis. Histology and transmission electron microscopy revealed that vacuoles had a very heterogenous content of glycogen, fibrils and autophagosomes/endosomes. Further investigation demonstrated autophagosomes and endosomes were arrested in the autophagic processing pathway between the early and late stages of maturation, as well as large non-fused lysosomes. Expression analysis of proteins associated with endosomes, autophagosomes and lysosomes showed a significant decrease in levels of proteins involved in autophagy such as Rab5, Rab7, p62/SQSTM1, LC3I, Atg5 and LAMP1 in patients with hypoPP suggesting a systemic effect on the protein expression at the gene level, which decreased mRNA expression levels confirmed, possibly through a master regulator of autophagy gene expression. The findings suggest that changes in calcium homeostasis leads to disruptions in autophagic flux and abnormally large endosomes, autophagosomes and lysosomes that contribute to the vacuoles seen in patients with hypoPP.

FTIR spectroscopic analysis and effect of Diplotaxis Acri’s flower extract on pro-inflammatory cytokines in THP-1 human macrophages

Plants and natural compounds are extensively reported for diverse biological activities, including their effects on the inflammation pathway. The annual winter herb Diplotaxis Acris (D.Acris) is found only slopes of sandy and stony valleys in the desert. This research is intended to make a contribution to the literature regarding the employment of the species of plant ethnomedicinally by undertaking FTIR spectroscopic analysis and examining several concentrations of the plant's extract for anti-inflammatory activity in vitro with activated THP-1 human macrophages to examine its mediating effect on inflammation. Cell viability was also evaluated, and there was no severe cytotoxic effect from D.Acris extract with any of the concentrations being assessed on cells. ELISA was used to assess the pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemo kines that were produced. It has been noted that the plant extract led to a significant decrease in levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)- α and IL-6. Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines indicates the anti-inflammatory trends of D.Acris. This plant can be investigated further by isolation of natural compounds from the extract and effects of these compounds can be evaluated on the same inflammatory markers to show the main active constituent responsible for anti-inflammatory activities.

Effect of atorvastatin on inflammatory markers in hemodialysis patients

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is the commonest cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) under maintenance hemodialysis. Dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and low-grade inflammation with increased circulating cytokines are factors that increase the cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease, in addition to traditional risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. We aimed to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory effects of atorvastatin in prevalent hemodialysis patients. Fifty-three stable adult hemodialysis patients were assigned into two groups (a drug group and a control group). Patients in the drug group received 20 mg of atorvastatin daily for 6 months. Serum levels of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured in both groups at baseline and at the end of the study period.ResultsAtorvastatin therapy caused a statistically significant decrease in levels of hs-CRP but no change in levels of IL-6 after 6 months of therapy.ConclusionsIn addition to its favorable effect on lipid profile parameters, atorvastatin therapy can be considered as an effective and safe modality to overcome the problem of chronic inflammation encountered in end-stage renal disease patients.