This study aimed to compare phytochemical content and antioxidant activities of eight diverse citrus cultivars grown in Jeju Island depending on their harvest time owing to their health benefits. ...Plant peels, flesh, and leaves were extracted, and their flavonoid contents were measured by HPLC. Flavonoid levels were high in peel followed by leaves and juices. It was highest in immature fruits and rapidly declined during ripening. While total phenolic content in all citrus peels and fleshes reduced during ripening, those of leaves did not significantly decrease. Antioxidant activity matched the total phenolic content. This indicates that immature citrus tissues exhibited the highest flavonoid and phenolic content with high antioxidant activity and can be potentially employed as a readily accessible natural antioxidant source.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Bile duct surgeries are conventionally considered to promote bacterial contamination of the surgical field. However, liver transplantation recipients' bile produced by the newly implanted liver graft ...from healthy living donors may be sterile. We tested bacterial contamination of autologous blood salvaged before and after bile duct anastomosis (BDA) during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In 29 patients undergoing LDLT, bacterial culture was performed for four blood samples and one bile sample: two from autologous blood salvaged before BDA (one was nonleukoreduced and another was leukoreduced), two from autologous blood salvaged after BDA (one was nonleukoreduced and another was leukoreduced), and one from bile produced in the newly implanted liver graft. The primary outcome was bacterial contamination. The risk of bacterial contamination was not significantly different between nonleukoreduced autologous blood salvaged before BDA and nonleukoreduced autologous blood salvaged after BDA (44.8% and 31.0%; odds ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.03–1.86; p = 0.228). No bacteria were found after leukoreduction in all 58 autologous blood samples. All bile samples were negative for bacteria. None of the 29 patients, including 13 patients who received salvaged autologous blood positive for bacteria, developed postoperative bacteremia. We found that bile from the newly implanted liver graft is sterile in LDLT and BDA does not increase the risk of bacterial contamination of salvaged blood, supporting the use of blood salvage during LDLT even after BDA. Leukoreduction converted all autologous blood samples positive for bacteria to negative. The clinical benefit of leukoreduction for salvaged autologous blood on post‐LDLT bacteremia needs further research.
Social difficulties and problems related to eating behaviour are common features of both anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). The aim of this study was to examine the impact of intranasal ...oxytocin on consummatory behaviour and emotional recognition in patients with AN and BN in comparison to healthy controls.
A total of 102 women, including 35 patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), 34 patients with bulimia nervosa (BN), and 33 healthy university students of comparable age and intelligence, participated in a double-blind, single dose placebo-controlled cross-over study. A single dose of intranasal administration of oxytocin (40 IU) (or a placebo) was followed by an emotional recognition task and an apple juice drink. Food intake was then recorded for 24 hours post-test.
Oxytocin produced no significant change in appetite in the acute or 24 hours free living settings in healthy controls, whereas there was a decrease in calorie consumption over 24 hours in patients with BN. Oxytocin produced a small increase in emotion recognition sensitivity in healthy controls and in patients with BN, In patients with AN, oxytocin had no effect on emotion recognition sensitivity or on consummatory behaviour.
The impact of oxytocin on appetite and social cognition varied between people with AN and BN. A single dose of intranasal oxytocin decreased caloric intake over 24 hours in people with BN. People with BN showed enhanced emotional sensitivity under oxytocin condition similar to healthy controls. Those effects of oxytocin were not found in patients with AN.
ClinicalTrials.gov KCT00000716.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Despite their potential as high‐energy‐density lithium battery electrodes, Li metals are still far from practical use mainly due to their insufficient electrochemical reliability. Here, a cholesteric ...liquid crystalline (cLC) cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) nanomembrane as a natural material‐based mechanically robust and precisely defined ion channel strategy for sustainable Li metal electrodes is demonstrated. The cLC‐CNC nanomembrane (1 µm) is designed to achieve a self‐assembled ordered nanoporous structure with optimal tortuosity. This well‐defined cLC structure and high mechanical modulus of CNC, which are difficult to attain with traditional synthetic materials, allow facile/uniform Li‐ion flux toward Li metal electrodes, and simultaneously prevent Li dendrite growth and mitigate volume expansion of the Li metal during Li plating/stripping cycling. Driven by these viable roles of the cLC‐CNC nanomembrane, Li metal full cells (consisting of thin Li metal anodes (20 µm) and high‐capacity LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathodes (3.8 mAh cm–2), capacity excess of the Li metal over the NCM811 = 1.0) exhibit high energy density (890 Wh Lcell–1) along with stable cycling retention, which lie far beyond those achievable with previously reported Li protective layers.
A cholesteric liquid crystalline (cLC) cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) nanomembrane is presented as a beyond‐synthetic‐material strategy for sustainable Li metal batteries. The cLC‐CNC nanomembrane shows a self‐assembled ordered nanoporous structure with optimal tortuosity and high mechanical modulus, thus contributing to facile/uniform Li‐ion flux toward Li metal and suppression of volume expansion of Li metal, leading to a high energy density (890 Wh Lcell−1).
Background:Since the international consensus on primary graft dysfunction (PGD) following heart transplantation (HT) was reported in 2014, few clinical studies have been reported. We aimed to analyze ...the incidence, predictive factors, and clinical implications of PGD following the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplant criteria in a single center.Methods and Results:This study enrolled 570 consecutive adult patients undergoing isolated HT between November 1992 and December 2017. Under a new set of criteria, PGD-left ventricle (PGD-LV) occurred in 35 patients (6.1%; mild, n=1 0.2%; moderate, n=14 2.5%; severe, n=20 3.5%), whereas PGD-right ventricle (PGD-RV) occurred in 3 (0.5%). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that preoperative admission (odds ratio OR 4.20; 95% confidence interval CI 1.24–14.26; P=0.021), preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR 4.03; 95% CI 1.75–9.26; P=0.001), and prolonged total ischemic time (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.02–1.15; P=0.006) were significant predictors of moderate to severe PGD-LV. Moderate to severe PGD-LV was an independent and significant risk factor for early death (OR 55.64; 95% CI 11.65–265.73; P<0.001), with its effects extending up to 3 months after HT.Conclusions:Moderate to severe PGD-LV, as defined by the new guidelines, is an important predictor of early mortality, with effects extending up to 3 months after HT. Efforts to reduce the occurrence of moderate to severe PGD-LV may lead to better outcomes.
(1) Background: The global threat of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues. The diversity of clinical characteristics and progress are reported in many countries as the duration of the ...pandemic is prolonged. We aimed to perform a novel systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on findings about correlations between clinical characteristics and laboratory features of patients with COVID-19. (2) Methods: We analyzed cases of COVID-19 in different countries by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science databases and Google Scholar, from the early stage of the outbreak to late March. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and treatment strategies were retrospectively reviewed for the analysis. (3) Results: Thirty-seven (
= 5196 participants) COVID-19-related studies were eligible for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Fever, cough and fatigue/myalgia were the most common symptoms of COVID-19, followed by some gastrointestinal symptoms which are also reported frequently. Laboratory markers of inflammation and infection including C-reactive protein (CRP) (65% (95% confidence interval (CI) 56-81%)) were elevated, while lymphocyte counts were decreased (63% (95% CI 47-78%)). Meta-analysis of treatment approaches indicated that three modalities of treatment were predominantly used in the majority of patients with a similar prevalence, including antiviral agents (79%), antibiotics (78%), and oxygen therapy (77%). Age was negatively correlated with number of lymphocytes, but positively correlated with dyspnea, number of white blood cells, neutrophils, and D-dimer. Chills had been proved to be positively correlated with chest tightness, lung abnormalities on computed tomography (CT) scans, neutrophil/lymphocyte/platelets count, D-dimer and CRP, cough was positively correlated with sputum production, and pulmonary abnormalities were positively correlated with CRP. White blood cell (WBC) count was also positively correlated with platelet counts, dyspnea, and neutrophil counts with the respective correlations of 0.668, 0.728, and 0.696. (4) Conclusions: This paper is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to reveal the relationship between various variables of clinical characteristics, symptoms and laboratory results with the largest number of papers and patients until now. In elderly patients, laboratory and clinical characteristics indicate a more severe disease course. Moreover, treatments such as antiviral agents, antibiotics, and oxygen therapy which are used in over three quarters of patients are also analyzed. The results will provide "evidence-based hope" on how to manage this unanticipated and overwhelming pandemic.
Commensal bacteria are critically involved in the establishment of tolerance against inflammatory challenges, the molecular mechanisms of which are just being uncovered. All kingdoms of life produce ...aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs). Thus far, the non-translational roles of ARSs have largely been reported in eukaryotes. Here, we report that the threonyl-tRNA synthetase (AmTARS) of the gut-associated bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila is secreted and functions to monitor and modulate immune homeostasis. Secreted AmTARS triggers M2 macrophage polarization and orchestrates the production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 via its unique, evolutionary-acquired regions, which mediates specific interactions with TLR2. This interaction activates the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, which converge on CREB, leading to an efficient production of IL-10 and suppression of the central inflammatory mediator NF-κB. AmTARS restores IL-10-positive macrophages, increases IL-10 levels in the serum, and attenuates the pathological effects in colitis mice. Thus, commensal tRNA synthetases can act as intrinsic mediators that maintain homeostasis.
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•Gut-associated Akkermansia muciniphila secretes threonyl-tRNA synthetase (AmTARS)•Secreted AmTARS targets macrophages and activates the anti-inflammatory TLR2-CREB axis•An evolutionarily acquired region in AmTARS mediates specific interactions with TLR2•AmTARS restores macrophage homeostasis, increases IL-10, and attenuates colitis in mice
Kim et al. report that the gut-associated bacterium A. muciniphila secretes threonyl-tRNA synthetase (AmTARS) to monitor and modulate host immune homeostasis. Secreted AmTARS activates anti-inflammatory signaling, restores macrophage homeostasis, increases IL-10, and attenuates colitis in mice. Commensal tRNA synthetases may act as intrinsic mediators that maintain homeostasis.
Background
This study analyzed the feasibility of laparoscopic living donor hepatectomy compared to open surgery.
Methods
Donors who underwent living donor right from May 2013 to October 2017 were ...included. Comparisons between laparoscopy and open surgery were performed using Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney test, χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, and linear‐by‐linear association.
Results
Among 305 donors, 100 and 205 underwent laparoscopy and open surgery, respectively. The laparoscopy group had more type I (95.0%) bile ducts than the open group (59.5%, P < 0.001) and had longer operation time (378.2 ± 93.5 min vs. 329.1 ± 68.0 min, P < 0.001), while estimated blood loss was smaller (298.3 ± 162.9 ml vs. 344.3 ± 149.9 ml, P = 0.015). Although Clavien‐Dindo grade IIIb complication was higher in the laparoscopy (n = 4, 4.0%) compared to the open group (0.0%, P = 0.011), it was only significant in the initial 25 cases (8.0%, P = 0.011), and became comparable afterwards. Furthermore, grade IIIb complication was comparable when type I bile duct donors were selected (P = 0.072).
Conclusions
Laparoscopic living donor hepatectomy can cause significant complication in the initial stage. Therefore, careful donor selection and well‐established training program are required for introducing the laparoscopic donor program.
Although laparoscopic living donor hepatectomy can be beneficial in terms of donor recovery, it is prone to significant complications in the initial stage. Rhu and colleagues suggested careful donor selection and a well‐established training course for introducing a laparoscopic donor program based on their data of 100 laparoscopic donor cases.
Fluid overload and protein-energy wasting (PEW) are common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and lead to a poor prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the volume and nutritional status of ESRD ...patients and to determine the clinical significance of phase angle (PhA).
This study was a cross-sectional comparison of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) findings in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 (CKD5-ND,
= 80) and age/sex-matched peritoneal dialysis patients (PD,
= 80). PEW was defined as a PhA less than 4.5°.
The PhA was found to be positively associated with a geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI,
= 0.561,
< 0.001), lean tissue index (LTI,
= 0.473,
< 0.001), and albumin (
= 0.565,
< 0.001) while OH/ECW (
= -0.824,
< 0.001) showed an inverse correlation. The CKD5-ND group had more overhydration (
= 0.027). The PD group had significantly higher PhA (
= 0.023), GNRI (
= 0.005), hemoglobin (
< 0.001), and albumin (
= 0.003) than the CKD5-ND group. The cut-off values predicting PEW were found to be 3.55 g/dL for albumin, 94.9 for GNRI, and 12.95 kg/m² for LTI in PD patients.
This study demonstrated that PhA could be used as a marker to reflect nutritional status in patients with ESRD. Since BIS can inform both volume and nutritional status, regular monitoring will provide the basis for active correction of fluid overload and nutritional supplementation, which may improve outcomes in patients with ESRD.
Dimethyl itaconate (DMI) exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect. Activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is implicated in the inhibition of melanogenesis. Therefore, DMI and ...itaconic acid (ITA), classified as NRF2 activators, have potential uses in hyperpigmentation reduction. The activity of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB), an important transcription factor for MITF gene promoter, is regulated by glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and protein kinase A (PKA). Here, we investigated the inhibitory effect of ITA and DMI on alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced MITF expression and the modulatory role of protein kinase B (AKT) and GSK3β in melanogenesis in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. These cells were incubated with α-MSH alone or in combination with ITA or DMI. Proteins were visualized and quantified using immunoblotting and densitometry. Compared to ITA, DMI treatment exhibited a better inhibitory effect on the α-MSH-induced expression of melanogenic proteins such as MITF. Our data indicate that DMI exerts its anti-melanogenic effect via modulation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and AKT signaling pathways. In conclusion, DMI may be an effective therapeutic agent for both inflammation and hyperpigmentation.
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