Group Sp Research Articles

Impact on quitting smoking of cognitive impairment in stroke patients

IntroductionSmoking is a well-established risk factor for strokes, leading to a high incidence of cognitive deficits. Since the impact of cognitive impairment on the effectiveness of interventions for smoking cessation is not yet known, we considered important to assess it. MethodsWe compared, from April 2012 to November 2015, the success rate of quitting smoking in two groups of acutely hospitalised adult smokers. The first group consisted of stroke patients (SP, n = 54) with lesions confirmed by cerebral imaging. The second used as a control group (NSP, n = 38), included patients hospitalised for any reason other than stroke and characterised by normal global cognition. All participants were assessed twice, in acute phase (T0) and 3 months later (T1), using exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) and several questionnaires. ResultsAt T1, we observed in SP group an inverse correlation between the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and CO (r = −0.33, p = 0.015). Amongst patients who continued smoking, a higher increase in CO between T0 and T1 was observed in SP group (average 20 ± 15, p < 0.001) than NSP (average 9 ± 13, p = 0.002). ConclusionsThe inverse correlation between CO and cognitive parameters at T1 in SP group suggests an increased susceptibility to tobacco dependency in case of residual cognitive impairment. The global cognitive assessment should thus be taken into consideration when providing assistance with quitting smoking, especially in case of stroke patients.

Characteristics of Sagittal Spinopelvic Alignment Changes After Symptom Relief After Simple Lumbar Decompression.

Sagittal spinopelvic alignment (SSPA) parameters are essential for the diagnosis of adult spinal deformities (ASDs) and their progression. Certain clinical symptoms that occur in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) may distort the SSPA and mimic ASD. To differentiate SSPA in symptomatic patients from asymptomatic patients within 10 minutes in the standing position. This retrospective cohort study evaluated changes in SSPA after simple lumbar decompression surgery in patients with LSS and HNP. Relative sagittal alignment (RSA), relative pelvic version, relative lumbar lordosis (RLL), Lordosis Distribution Index (LDI), and global alignment and proportion (GAP) values were calculated using the conventional Schwab classification method. First, the preoperative and postoperative SSPA parameters were compared. Second, patients were subgrouped into symptomatic within 10 minutes of standing (SP group) and other symptoms of LSS and HNP as controls. Changes in SSPA parameters after symptom relief after simple lumbar decompression surgery were compared between the two groups. Overall, all SSPA parameters improved after surgery. However, after subgrouping, patients in the control group did not show significant SSPA alterations, except for LDI, whereas patients in the SP group significantly improved in terms of their RSA, RLL, LDI, and GAP values after symptom relief after surgery. Patients with pain on standing within 10 minutes showed significant correction in RSA, RLL, and GAP values after simple lumbar decompression. Therefore, it is important to observe such clinical symptoms to avoid misdiagnosis of ASD.

Salvadora persica extract attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatorenal damage by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in rats

ObjectiveSalvadora persica (SP) is used as a food additive and is a common ingredient in folk medicine. This study investigates the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and beneficial effects of SP against cyclophosphamide (CYP) toxicity in rats. MethodsIn a 10-day study, 32 male rats were equally allocated into 4 groups (8 rats/group) as follows: the normal control (NC group), normal rats that only received oral aqueous extract of SP (100 mg/[kg·d]; SP group), animals treated with intraperitoneal CYP injections (30 mg/[kg·d]; CYP group), and the CYP + SP group that concurrently received CYP with SP aqueous extract. Serum samples were collected to measure the liver and renal biochemical profiles, as well as antioxidant and oxidative stress markers and the concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Hepatic and renal tissues were also harvested for histopathology and to measure apoptosis using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling technique, alongside tissue levels of oxidative stress markers. ResultsLiver enzymes, total bilirubin, creatinine and urea, as well as serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB increased significantly, whilst total protein, albumin, calcium, IL-10 and AMPK declined in serum of the CYP group relative to the NC group. The hepatorenal concentrations of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and catalase declined markedly in the CYP group, whereas malondialdehyde, protein adducts, and apoptosis index increased compared with the NC group. By contrast, the hepatorenal biochemistry and apoptosis index of the SP group were comparable to the NC group. Interestingly, the CYP + SP group had significant improvements in the liver and renal biochemical parameters, enhanced anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and marked declines in hepatic and renal apoptosis relative to the CYP group. Moreover, all monitored parameters were statistically indistinguishable between the CYP + SP group and the NC group. ConclusionThis study suggests that the aqueous extract of SP could be a potential remedy against CYP-induced hepatorenal damage and may act by modulating the AMPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and promoting anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Subacute toxicity studies of meals prepared from genetically modified potato overexpressing the StDREB1 or the VvWRKY2 transcription factor in rats.

Potato tubers from genetically modified plants overexpressing the StDREB1 or the VvWRKY2 transcription factors that exhibited improved tolerance to salt and resistance to Fusarium solani infection were characterized and evaluated for safety in a 30 day rat feeding study. Male Wistar rats were split into four groups and provided with a diet composed of 33% (w/w) of either one of the two genetically modified potatoes (GMPs), 33% of the commercial Spunta variety (Sp), or a control group fed with the basal rats' diet. The influence of the GMPs on rat behavior and overall health parameters was evaluated and compared with that of commercial potato (i.e. the Sp group) and control diet. Small differences were noticed in the chemical composition of the different tubers, but all the diets were adjusted to an identical caloric level. Results showed no sign of toxic or detrimental effects on the rats' overall health as a result of these diets. The rats fed with the GMPs meal showed hematological and biochemical compositions of the plasma comparable to the control groups. No histopathological damage nor any structural disorganization, severe congestion, or acute inflammation were noticed in the rats' tissues. Under these study conditions, the GMP diets did not induce any apparent or significant adverse effects on rats after 30 days of dietary administration in comparison with rats fed diets with the corresponding non-transgenic diet and the standard diet group. These two GMPs were therefore considered to be as safe as their commercial comparator. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

MP36-02 SINGLE PORT ROBOTIC VERSUS OPEN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION: A COMPARISON OF OUTCOMES

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022MP36-02 SINGLE PORT ROBOTIC VERSUS OPEN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION: A COMPARISON OF OUTCOMES Aaron Kaviani, Mohamed Eltemamy, Yi-Chia Lin, Mahmoud Abou Zeinab, Alp Tuna Beksac, Ethan Ferguson, Alvin Wee, and Jihad Kaouk Aaron KavianiAaron Kaviani More articles by this author , Mohamed EltemamyMohamed Eltemamy More articles by this author , Yi-Chia LinYi-Chia Lin More articles by this author , Mahmoud Abou ZeinabMahmoud Abou Zeinab More articles by this author , Alp Tuna BeksacAlp Tuna Beksac More articles by this author , Ethan FergusonEthan Ferguson More articles by this author , Alvin WeeAlvin Wee More articles by this author , and Jihad KaoukJihad Kaouk More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002590.02AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: We introduced the single-port robot-assisted kidney transplantation (KTP) using the da Vinci SP platform in 2019. Herein, we aimed to compare the perioperative and follow-up outcomes of the initial series of patients who underwent this procedure with the standard open KTP. METHODS: We compared a prospective cohort of 12 patients who underwent SP robotic KTP from Oct 2019 to Oct 2021 with a retrospective cohort of 12 matched patients who had open KTP at our institute. Patients were matched for donor type, the kidney donor profile index (KDPI) in deceased donors, recipient age, and history of diabetes. Perioperative data were retrieved from our institutional review board (IRB) approved database. Normality of data was tested with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test when indicated. The comparison of normal data was performed using a T-test. Comparison of percentages was performed using the "N-1" Chi-squared test. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics and perioperative data of these patients are presented in Table 1. No patients in SP arm were converted to open surgery. Mean (SD) revascularization time in SP and open arms were 72.75 (11.93) and 36.25 (9.39) minutes respectively (P < 0.0001). There were no intra or postoperative complications greater than Clavien grade 2 in either group. The morphine milligram equivalents (MME) score during admission was 44.91 (40.15) in SP and 149.16 (119.70) in open groups (P = 0.0091). 6-, and 12-month graft and patient survival were 100% in both arms. There was no significant difference in mean creatinine level at 1, 6, and 12 months between SP vs. open group. There were no vascular or surgical complications during follow-up in either arm. CONCLUSIONS: Single port robotic kidney transplantation offers a minimally invasive approach with similar safety and allograft function compared to open kidney transplantation with the added benefit of less postoperative narcotics requirement. Larger series are required in this setting. Source of Funding: None © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e596 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Aaron Kaviani More articles by this author Mohamed Eltemamy More articles by this author Yi-Chia Lin More articles by this author Mahmoud Abou Zeinab More articles by this author Alp Tuna Beksac More articles by this author Ethan Ferguson More articles by this author Alvin Wee More articles by this author Jihad Kaouk More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

MiR-21 Regulates Immune Balance Mediated by Th17/Treg in Peripheral Blood of Septic Rats during the Early Phase through Apoptosis Pathway.

Objective To study the mechanism by which miR-21 regulates the differentiation and function of Th17/Treg cells in sepsis. Methods A rat model with sepsis was made by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Then, some of the septic rats were transfected with miR-21 mimic or inhibitor by liposome. At 48 hours, lymphocytes and plasma from septic rats were isolated for further experimental detection. The expression of miR-21 in lymphocytes was detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); the differentiation of Th17/Treg cells was counted by flow cytometry; lymphocyte apoptosis was observed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The caspase-3/9 proteins were tested by Western blot; IL-10 and IL-17 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Compared with the sepsis group (SP group), the Th17 cells increased significantly, the Treg cells decreased significantly, the apoptosis rate of lymphocytes decreased significantly, the mRNA and proteins of caspase-3/9 decreased significantly, the IL-17 decreased, and the IL-10 increased in the sepsis group transfected with miR-21 (SP + miR-21 mimic group). After transfection of miR-21 inhibitor, the results were almost opposite to those of SP + miR-21 mimic group. Conclusions The differentiation and function of Th17/Treg cells were regulated by miR-21 in sepsis through caspase pathway.

The Need for Oral Hygiene Care and Periodontal Status among Hospitalized Gastric Cancer Patients.

Poor oral hygiene leads to the accumulation of dental plaque, thus contributing to the initiation of periodontal disease (PD). Local infections can lead to systemic inflammatory responses, which are essential mediators for the evolution of systemic conditions or cancer tumorigenesis. Often, patients hospitalized with life-threatening and incapacitating disorders such as gastric cancer (GC) might lose interest in keeping their mouth healthy. This study evaluates oral hygiene, periodontal status, and the need for oral care and medical personnel to assist in achieving it in patients hospitalized with GC. This study was carried out on 25 patients with a diagnosis of GC, divided into two groups (GP—14 patients from the Gastroenterology Department, and SP—11 patients from the 1st Department of Surgery). Patients were examined on the day of admission (T0), the day of the medical procedure of endoscopy or surgery (T1), and the day of discharge (T2), recording the number of absent teeth, dental plaque (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depths (PPD), frequency of toothbrushing, and if the oral hygiene had been self-performed or assisted. Data were subjected to statistical analysis. Our results showed that, in both the GP and the SP group, there were strong and statistically significant correlations between PI and BOP measured on the last day of hospitalization and the period of hospitalization after the medical procedure. Longer hospital stays and the presence of surgery were risk factors for changing toothbrushing frequency. Results also highlight the need for a dentist to diagnose and eventually treat periodontal disease before and after hospitalization, and for a trained nurse who should help take care of the patient’s oral hygiene during hospitalization.

Comparison of two protocols for steroid pulse therapy in patients with IgA nephropathy: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundSteroid pulse (SP) therapy is one of the immunosuppressive therapies for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Although there are various protocols of SP therapy in IgAN, the intermittent SP (ISP) and consecutive SP (CSP) protocols are prevalently performed in clinical settings. However, there is a lack of evidence of comparisons of the effects on IgAN between these two protocols.MethodsA total of 189 patients with IgAN who had received SP therapy were included in this study. They were divided into two groups according to the SP protocols into the intermittent SP (ISP) or consecutive SP (CSP) group as follows: ISP; three-times SP therapy in alternate months, CSP; three-times SP therapy in three consecutive weeks. Kidney function, remission of urinary findings, and side effects of SP therapy were compared between the two groups. The observational period was 12 months after the initiation of SP therapy.ResultsThere was no significant difference in kidney function between the two groups during the observational period. The remission rate of proteinuria and hematuria at 12 months also did not significantly differ between the two groups. Furthermore, even after the adjustment of clinical characteristics using propensity score matching, the remission rate of proteinuria and hematuria at 12 months was similar between the two groups. At 2 months, the remission rate of proteinuria was significantly higher in the CSP group than in the ISP group. There were no critical side effects in both groups.ConclusionThe effects of SP therapy on IgAN were similar between the ISP and CSP group at 12 months although CSP therapy could remit proteinuria faster than ISP therapy.

Reduction in Diarrhoea and Modulation of Intestinal Gene Expression in Pigs Allocated a Low Protein Diet without Medicinal Zinc Oxide Post-Weaning.

Simple SummaryPost-weaning diarrhoea in pigs can be a challenge and medicinal zinc oxide can decrease the need for antibiotic treatment. Low protein diets decrease diarrhoea post-weaning and soy protein concentrate improves protein digestion when compared to a soybean meal based diet. The aim of this study was to test the effect of low protein diets with different protein sources as an alternative to medicinal zinc oxide. The study demonstrated that low protein diets can decrease diarrhoea-related antibiotic treatments but also reduces growth performance. Additionally, the study presented a difference in gut nutrient metabolism when feeding very low protein levels.Weaning comprises a challenging period for pigs, but dietary tools can be implemented to avoid excess antibiotics usage. Therefore, we tested the effect of a 17.6% crude protein (CP) diet on growth and diarrhoea and investigated the effect of a 15.5% CP diet post-weaning on transcriptomic responses, growth, and diarrhoea-related antibiotic treatments. At weaning, pigs were divided into five dietary treatment groups in a three-phase diet from weaning to 30 kg bodyweight. The diets included a positive control group (PC) with medicinal zinc oxide, a negative control group (NC), a 17.6% CP diet based on soy protein concentrate (SP), a 17.6% CP diet based on soybean meal (SB), and a 15.5% CP diet with additional amino acids (XLA). Growth performance and the occurrence of diarrhoea were similar between the SP and SB groups. The XLA pigs had a reduced weight gain and fewer antibiotics treatments caused by diarrhoea, as well as a reduced level of blood proteins. Intestinal tissue samples from the XLA pigs displayed decreased expression of genes involved in nutrient metabolism and immune responses relative to the PC group. In conclusion, a very low CP diet reduces antibiotics treatments, but also adapts gut nutrient metabolism and reduces growth performance.

Injection laryngoplasty of human adipose-derived stem cell spheroids with hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel improves the morphological and functional characteristics of geriatric larynx

AimAs the geriatric population increased, the need of treatment for laryngeal atrophy and dysfunction increased. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of injection of human adipose-derived stem cell (hASC) spheroid-loaded catechol-conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA-CA) hydrogel on therapeutic rejuvenation of the geriatric larynx.MethodsStem cell spheroids with hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel were injected into the laryngeal muscles of 18-month-old Sprague–Dawley rats. The effects of hASC spheroids were examined in the following four groups: SHAM, injected with PBS; GEL, injected with HA-CA hydrogel; MONO, injected with single hASCs in HA-CA hydrogel; and SP, injected with hASCs spheroids in HA-CA hydrogel. The rejuvenation efficacy in geriatric laryngeal muscle tissues at 12 weeks postinjection was evaluated and compared by histology, immunofluorescence staining, and functionality analysis.ResultsTotal myofiber cross-sectional area and myofiber number/density, evaluated by detection of myosin heavy chain with antibodies against laminin and fast myosin heavy chain, were significantly higher in the SP group than in the other groups. The lamina propria of the larynx was evaluated by alcian blue staining, which showed that the HA was increased significantly in the SP group compared to the other groups. In functional analysis, the glottal gap area was significantly reduced in the SP group compared to the other groups. The phase difference in the vocal fold during vibration was also smaller in the SP group than in the other groups, but the difference did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionInjection of hASC spheroids with hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel improves the morphological and functional characteristics of geriatric larynx.Graphical abstract

A randomized, controlled trial on the effect of anesthesia on chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty.

Aim: The study sought to evaluate the influence of anesthesia on chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: This was a single-center, randomized controlled study, with patients receiving a spinal anesthetic (SP) alone or a general anesthetic (GA) with femoral block, with follow-up at 3 and at 6 months. The primary outcome was the WOMAC® score at 6months. Results: 199 patients were enrolled. Group SP had better function (WOMAC: GA: 16.9 vs SP: 14.4, p =0.015) and less pain (WOMAC pain: GA: 3.04 vs SP: 2.69, p =0.02) at 3 months, but not at6months. Overall, 11% of patients had chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP), with Group GA having a higher incidence of CPSP at 6months. Neuropathic pain increased during the follow-up and was more common in patients with CPSP. Conclusion: An SPreduces pain and incidence of CPSP after TKA. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04206046 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Investigation of punching shear behavior of flat slabs with different types and arrangements of shear reinforcement

Punching shear behavior is experimentally investigated through testing a total of thirteen reinforced concrete flat slabs. Four different types of punching shear reinforcement configurations are examined, namely, ordinary closed rectangular stirrups (ST group), rectangular spiral stirrups (RSP group), advanced rectangular spiral stirrups (ARSP group), and circular spiral stirrups (SP group). Each configuration included three different spacings of 100, 150 and 200 mm. In addition, a reference slab specimen is cast without any punching shear reinforcement. The test results indicated that the circular spiral reinforcement scheme has the highest enhancement with regard to the punching shear capacity compared to the other reinforcement schemes. The percentage of enhancement of the SP group compared to the reference specimen ranges between 23% and 30%. For the other three different rectangular schemes, the enhancement of the punching shear strength for the RSP group and the ARSP group is in the range of 15–23% and 16–25%, respectively. Finally, the punching shear capacity of the ST group increased by 9–13% compared to the reference specimen. The shear carrying capacity of the specimens is also calculated using the ACI 318-19 code and Eurocode 2 equations. The results showed that both codes are capable of predicting the shear carrying capacity for all the schemes. Also, although both codes are conservative, the Eurocode 2 gives a better estimate of the shear carrying capacity than the ACI 318-19 code.

Auto-correlation functions of Sato–Tate distributions and identities of symplectic characters

The Sato–Tate distributions for genus 2 curves (conjecturally) describe the statistics of numbers of rational points on the curves. In this paper, we explicitly compute the auto-correlation functions of Sato–Tate distributions for genus 2 curves as sums of irreducible characters of symplectic groups. Our computations bring about families of identities involving irreducible characters of symplectic groups Sp(2m) for all m∈Z≥1, which have interest in their own rights.

Overhead Shoulder Position Versus Scapular Retraction Position to Normalize the Electromyographic Signal of the Lower Trapezius Muscle.

This study aimed to compare electromyographic response of the lower trapezius muscle during maximal voluntary isometric contractions under two conditions: overhead shoulder position versus scapular position, rating the pain after each condition. Twenty-six participants with shoulder pain (SP; n = 15; Shoulder Pain and Disability Index-Pain = 34 [range 6-66]) and without shoulder pain (nSP; n = 11; Shoulder Pain and Disability Index-Pain = 0 [range 0-14]) performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions in those 2 conditions while the lower trapezius was monitored using surface electromyography. Pain was rated using the visual analog scale. The nSP group experienced no pain, whereas the SP group reported pain in both conditions with higher pain during the overhead movement. No differences were observed for muscle excitation between conditions, but higher levels were observed for the nSP group compared with the SP group. The overhead condition was more painful for the SP group (visual analog scale: SP = 4 vs nSP = 1.09, P = .036). Scapular position showed the same levels of LT excitation than overhead position. The scapular position is preferable, compared with overhead positioning, to normalize the lower trapezius instead of overhead positioning.

Cerebral Oximetry after Low Pressure versus Standard Pressure Pneumoperitoneum in Laparoscopic Nephrectomy.

To evaluate whether pneumoperitoneum pressure lower than the standard pressure would allow higher cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) during laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN). Randomised controlled trial. Ondokuz Mayis University Hospital, Samsun, Turkey, from January to November 2020. Sixty-two patients (aged 18-65 years; ASA I-III) scheduled for LN were equally divided into a low-pressure (LP; 8 mmHg) and standard-pressure (SP; 14 mmHg) group. Mechanical ventilator settings were adjusted to maintain 32-37 mmHg ETCO2 and >96% SpO2 throughout the surgery. The rSO2 was evaluated by near-infrared spectroscopy before and one minute after induction and then every five minutes until patient transfer to the recovery unit. Oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures, pH, and haemoglobin, recorded at five minutes after induction, five and 30 minutes after insufflation, and 10 minutes after desufflation, were examined for correlations with rSO2. Both groups had similar rSo2, arterial blood gas, and haemoglobin values at all measurement times. The LP group showed no differences between the preoperative values and the values obtained at the different time points. In contrast, the SP group showed significant differences between the preoperative and the measured values (except at 25, 30, and 35 minutes) (p = 0.001). Four patients (12.9%) in both groups showed cerebral desaturation. The rSO2 values were moderately correlated with the CO2 and haemoglobin values. Low insufflation pressure offered no advantages over standard pressure in terms of haemodynamics, arterial blood gases, cerebral oxygen saturation during LN, and CO2 insufflation did not change rSO2 levels. Key Words: Pneumoperitoneum, Spectroscopy, Oximetry, Nephrectomy, Surgery, Laparoscopic nephrectomy.

The Effect of Brown Algae (Sargassum sp) Extract on Wound Healing

Backgroud: The wound care method that is currently developing uses the principle of moisture balance which is also known as the modern dressing method. Seaweed is a potential commodity in Indonesia, which has been widely used as a medicinal ingredient. However, the use of seaweed in the form of hydrogel ointment in the treatment of burns has not been widely studied. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of giving seaweed extract (Sargassum sp.) in the form of hydrogel ointment to burns. Methods: The design in this study was an experimental study with a randomized post-test only control group design, using musmusculus mice. This study was divided into 4 groups, group 1 was a negative control without treatment, group 2 was a group with burns and was given bioplacenton, group 3 was a burn group treated with 5% Sargassum sp extract hydrogel ointment and group 4 was a burn group given 5% ointment. Sargassum sp extract hydrogel ointment 10%. The treatment was carried out for 14 days and evaluated the diameter of the burn and the percentage of burn healing. Results: The results of this study showed that the difference in burn diameter at 0 days and after 14 days in the negative control group experienced a difference of 1.2 cm with a healing percentage of 44.85%. In treatment group 1, there was a difference in diameter of 1.2 cm, with a healing percentage of 49.41%, the 2-day treatment group obtained a difference in diameter of 1.2 cm, with a healing percentage of 50.31%, and in the positive control group a wound diameter of 1.0 cm, while the percentage of cure is 55.75%. The results of statistical tests on the percentage of wound healing between groups were not significantly different. Conclusion: In this study the seaweed extract (Sargassum sp.) formed in the hydrogel ointment did ot affect the healing of burns, this may be due to the long duration of administration.

Let It Beat: How Lifestyle and Psychosocial Factors Affect the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death-A 10-Year Follow-Up Study.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the lifestyle and occurrence of psychosocial factors in patients with a high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and to explore their effect on the occurrence of the adequate therapy of an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD). (2) Methods: In this retro-prospective single-centre study, a group of patients aged 18–65 years old, who underwent the first ICD implantation for primary (PP) or secondary (SP) prevention between 2010–2014, was studied. The control group consisted of pair-matched (age ± 5 years, gender) respondents without a high risk of SCD. Information was obtained using a self-reported questionnaire and hospital electronic health records. The adequacy of ICD therapy was evaluated regularly until 31 January 2020. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to assess the risk of SCD. (3) Results: A family history of SCD, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus and depression significantly aggravated the odds of being at a high risk of SCD. The occurrence of an appropriate ICD therapy was significantly associated with being in the SP group, BMI, education level and TV/PC screen time. (4) Conclusions: Lifestyle and psychosocial factors have been confirmed to affect the risk of SCD. Early identification and treatment of coronary artery disease and its risk factors remain the cornerstones of preventive effort. Further research is needed to evaluate the complex nature of psychosocial determinants of cardiac health.

Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Potency of Selenium-Enriched Probiotic Mutants in Mice with Induced Ulcerative Colitis

Selenium-enriched Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium longum mutants were used as a protector against Piroxicam-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, 32 BALB/c male mice were distributed to four groups: the control group, the Piroxicam group which was given 0.8 mg Piroxicam, SP and SB groups which were given 0.8 mg Piroxicam, and plus Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium longum selenium-enriched mutants, respectively. Bodyweight; serum content of IgG, IgM, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10; CBC; myeloperoxidase enzyme activity; histopathological examination of colon and spleen; and expression of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 genes in colon and spleen with qRT-PCR were determined. Bodyweight was found to reduce in the Piroxicam group and then recovery in the SB group. Serum content of IgG, IL-2, and IL-10 reduced in the Piroxicam group, whereas IgG, TNF-α, and IL-6 increased in the Piroxicam group in comparison to the other groups. Myeloperoxidase activity witnessed a significant increase in the Piroxicam group compared with the other groups. No significant differences were observed between all groups in measurements of red cells, hemoglobin, neutrophil, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil in blood. Meanwhile, the white blood cells and platelets recorded the highest and lowest value, respectively, in the Piroxicam group. The colon of the Piroxicam group showed a noticeably massive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lamina propria. These inflammations were mildly reduced in the SP group, while the reduction in the SB group was significant. In the Piroxicam group, splenic parenchyma saw an increase in the number of melanomacrophages, while hypertrophic plasma cells were observed in the SP group. The spleen of the SB group exhibits a nearly normal form. TNF-α and IL-6 genes had significantly upregulated in the colon of the Piroxicam group compared to the control group, while they were significantly downregulated in the SB group. In contrast, IL-2 and IL-10 genes had upregulated in the colon of the SB group compared to the control groups, while they had downregulated in the Piroxicam group. The expression of these genes had not recorded significant differences between all groups in the spleen. Therefore, this study recommends Bifidobacterium longum selenium-enriched mutants as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory supplements.

A remarkable dynamical symmetry of the Landau problem

We show that the dynamical group of an electron in a constant magnetic feld is the group of symplectomorphisms Sp(4, R). It is generated by the spinorial realization of the conformal algebra so(2,3) considered in Dirac’s seminal paper ”A Remarkable Representation of the 3 + 2 de Sitter Group”. The symplectic group Sp(4,R) is the double covering of the conformal group SO(2,3) of 2+1 dimensional Minkowski spacetime which is in turn the dynamical group of a hydrogen atom in 2 space dimensions. The Newton-Hooke duality between the 2D hydrogen atom and the Landau problem is explained via the Tits-Kantor-Koecher construction of the conformal symmetries of the Jordan algebra of real symmetric 2 × 2 matrices. The connection between the Landau problem and the 3D hydrogen atom is elucidated by the reduction of a Dirac spinor to a Majorana one in the Kustaanheimo-Stiefel spinorial regularization.

Clues from the intestinal mucus proteome of Atlantic salmon to counter inflammation

Intestinal inflammation in Atlantic salmon was studied by profiling the intestine mucus proteome, employing iTRAQ and 2D LC-MS/MS approach. Two fish groups were fed soy saponin-containing (inflammation inducer) diets (SO and SP) and two control fish groups were fed diets devoid of soy saponin (CO and CP) for 36 days. The CP and SP diets contained a health additive. Inflammation characteristics in the intestine were milder in the SP-fed fish compared to the SO-fed fish. The SO group was characterised by alterations of many proteins. KEGG pathways such as phagosome and lipid binding were possibly affected in the SO group due to the higher abundant proteins like Integrin beta 2 precursor, Coronin 1A, Cathepsin S precursor, Vesicle-trafficking protein, and Neutrophil cytosol factors. On the other hand, the SP group had fewer altered proteins and inflammation characteristics; aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and ribosome in the fish group were plausibly changed due to the higher abundance of many large and small subunit of ribosomes. Elevation of the abundance of ribosomal proteins, aminoacyl-tRNA ligases, and appropriate abundance of Glycogen phosphorylase and Glutamine synthetase could possibly alleviate intestinal inflammation.Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD027922 and PXD029849. SignificanceIntestinal inflammation, caused by dietary factors, can be considered as a non-infectious disease. Hence, researchers are gathering clues to avert the associated health issues. The present study was conducted to infer the alterations in the intestine mucus proteome induced by a dietary health additive to counter intestinal inflammation in farmed Atlantic salmon. The reduction in the number of affected proteins and their alterations point to mechanisms evoked by the premix. Our knowledge on inflammation associated proteome in fish is limited and the present study not only highlights the changes, but also opens the possibility to avert the dysfunction of the organ through a dietary approach.