bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protection of renal function by four selected plant extracts during Plasmodium berghei infection
Authors: Adetutu Adewale , Olorunnisola Olubukola Sinbad , Iyanda Kazeem
Published: December 2019

Background: Weakening of renal function from reactive oxygen species generated during malaria infection is one of the prominent causes of death in prevalent regions. The potential toxicity of free radical generated by malaria parasites are counteracted by a large number of cytoprotective phytochemicals. Therefore, this study examined the influence of extracts of five selected antimalarial plants (Azadirachta indica, Parquetina nigrescens, Citrus paradisi, and Khaya senigalensis) on reduction of inflammation in renal tissue, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels during malaria infection using Plasmodium berghei infected Swiss albino mice. For in vivo assay, mice were inoculated with 1 × 107 parasitized erythrocytes and plant extracts were subsequently administered orally at 100 mg/kg body weight once a day for 17 consecutive days. The chemo-suppressive and prophylaxis effects of the plant extracts against P. berghei were investigated and compared with those of standard antimalarial drug, chloroquine. Tail bleeding was performed to check the percentage parasitaemia by making a thin film smear on a slide, stained in Giemsa. The numbers of parasited cells against the unparasitised cells were counted using a microscope. The effect of malaria infection on renal tissue was assessed by histological analysis and measurement of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels in plasma. At 100 mg/kg per body weight, aqueous extract of K. senegalensis, A. indica, C. paradisi and P. nigrescens exhibited significant (p<0.05) percentage inhibition and chemo-suppressive effects in comparison with the chloroquine treated mice. The result of the untreated group showed that there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the level of plasma urea while the level of the groups treated with plants extract stabilized the level of urea and creatinine in the blood. Also there was a pathological lesion on the kidney tissue of untreated group whereas the group treated with aqueous extract of A. indica, Khaya senegalensis and C. paradisi showed no lesion. It can be established that the extracts can protect and preserve renal function during malaria infection. These findings justified the use of the extracts in traditional medicine practice, for the treatment of malaria infection.  Keywords: Plasmodium berghei, antimalarial plants, renal function, antiplasmodium
Nutritional characteristics and consumer acceptability of sausages with different combinations of goat and beef meats
Authors: Malekian Fatemeh , Khachaturyan Margarita , Gebrelul Sebhatu , Henson James
Published: December 2019

Background: Obesity and cardiovascular heart diseases are growing problems in the United States.  This is partially due to the consumption of the primary red meats such as pork and beef. Goat meat has the potential to replace these traditionally consumed meats. Rice bran is a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin E and can be utilized as a binder in meat and meat products.Methods: Goat meat/beef sausages were formulated to contain either 50/50, 75/25 or 100/0 percent goat meat/beef, with either no added rice bran (NRB) or 3 percent stabilized rice bran (RB). Proximate analysis, fatty acids, 𝛼-tocopherol and cholesterol concentrations of the six cooked formulations were determined. The six sausage formulations were compared in a consumer acceptability taste test.Results: The fat concentration of the NRB and RB formulations decreased linearly with increasing percentages of goat meat (p < 0.001). The sum of the saturated fatty acids decreased linearly with increasing percentages of goat meat (p < 0.01). Polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid and conjugated linoleic acid concentrations increased linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing percentages of goat meat in both the NRB and RB sausage formulations. The α-tocopherol concentration of the NRB formulations did not change across the goat meat percentages, but in the RB formulations it increased linearly with increasing percentages of goat meat (p < 0.001).  The cholesterol concentration decreased linearly with increasing percentages of goat meat in both the NRB and RB formulations (p <0.01, < 0.05 respectively). The tasters preferred the NRB with higher goat meat percentage to the RB formulations.Conclusions: The NRB and RB sausage formulations with higher percentages of goat meat had higher concentrations of 𝛼-tocopherol, CLA (18:2 cis 9 Trans 11), total n-3, total PUFA, total n-3/total n-6 ratio, and a lower cholesterol concentration. The RB sausage formulations with higher percentages of goat meat had lower total saturated and an acceptable ratio of (C18:0 + C18:1) to C16:0. The NRB formulations with greater percentage of goat meat were more acceptable by the taters than the RB formulations.Key words: Goat meat; rice bran; fatty acids; 𝛼-tocopherol; cholesterol
Randomized study of nutritional status and treatment toxicities of oral arginine, glutamine, and Omega-3 fatty acids during concurrent chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Chitapanarux Imjai
Published: December 2019

Background: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) are at high risk of dysphagia, malnutrition, and immunosuppression.  Arginine, glutamine, and Omega-3 fatty acidsare immune-enhanced nutrition that can promote cellular immunity.We aimed to examine the impact of immunonutrition diet on nutritional status, and CCRT toxicities, in this group of patients.Methods: Forty patients with HNC who treated with curative CCRT were randomized to: group A (n = 20), patients who received a regular diet and dietary counselingby a protocol dietician; group B (n = 20), patients who received a regular diet plus immune-enhanced nutrition supplements and dietary counseling by the same protocol dietician. Outcome measures were weight loss, protein and energy intake, serum pre-albumin and albumin, and toxicities of CCRT were evaluated at baseline, weekly and at the end of treatment.Results:Both groups were well balanced at baseline.One patient from group A (1/20) withdrew consent.  Seven patients from group B (7/20) withdrew from the study; 1 patient could not tolerate the side effect of chemotherapy and 6 patients could not tolerate the taste of oral immune-enhanced nutrition.A significant loss in total body weight was observed in group A patients (p<0.001), whereas not significant loss in group B (p=0.109). Median percentage change from baseline of energy intake was 19.6%, and 22.9% at the end of treatment for group A, and B, respectively. The circulating levels of nutritional markers, pre-albumin and albumin decreased after CCRT in both groups. There was a significantly decreased level of albumin in group A more than group B, at the end of treatment.  During CCRT; 4 patients (20%) in group A and 1 patient(5%) in group B developed  grade 3 mucositis, respectively. One patient (5%) in group A had grade 3 radiation dermatitis. Grade 3 – 4 hematologic toxicities, mainly in absolute neutrophil count (ANC) were significant higher in group A than group B; 20% versus 0% (p=0.035).Over the 7-week period of CCRT, both intention to treat analysis and per protocol analysis revealed similar in scaled for all endpoints.Conclusions: Nutritional counseling and immuno-nutrition can reduce the deterioration of nutrition status and also significantly reduced hematologic and non-hematologic toxicity of CCRT in head and neck cancer.Keywords : immune-enhanced nutrition, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, head and neck cancer
Effectiveness of aronia berries for reduction of mild fibrosis and gene expression analysis in livers from mice fed a high-fat diet with aronia berries
Authors: Yamane Takuya , Kozuka Miyuki , Yamamoto Yoshio , Nakano Yoshihisa , Nakagaki Takenori , Ohkubo Iwao , Ariga Hiroyoshi
Published: December 2019

Background: Aronia berries have many potential effects on health, including an antioxidant effect, effect for antimutagenesis, hepatoprotection and cardioprotection, an antidiabetic effect and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Previous human studies have shown that aronia juice may be useful for treatment of obesity disorders.Objective: To reveal relationship between beneficial effect and the gene expression change by aronia berries, we analyzed mice livers using RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR.Method: At 28 days after starting a normal diet, a high fat diet and a high-fat diet containing 10% freeze-dried aronia berries, serum was obtained from veins of mice after isoflurane anesthesia, and liver tissues were isolated and weighed. Triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were measured and total RNAs were extracted. cDNA libraries were prepared according to Illumina protocols and sequenced using an Illumina HiSeq2500 to perform 100 paired-end sequencing. RNA-sequence reads mapping was performed using a DNA nexus. Gene expression analysis was performed. The liver tissue specimens were fixed and embedded in paraffin. After 5-mm-thick paraffin sections had been cut, they were stained with hematoxylin-eosin using the standard procedure and also with Sirius Red.Results: In this study, we found that mild fibrosis induced by a high-fat diet was reduced in livers of mice fed a high-fat diet containing aronia berries. RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that gene expression levels of Igfbp1 and Gadd45g were increased in livers from mice fed a high-fat diet containing aronia berries. Furthermore, results of an enzyme-linked immunoassay showed that a secreted protein levels of FABP1 and FABP4 were reduced in serum from mice fed a high-fat diet containing aronia berries. The results suggest that aronia berries have beneficial effects on mild fibrosis in liver.Conclusion: Aronia berries have a beneficial effect on liver fibrosis. The recovery from liver fibrosis is associated with expression levels of Gadd45g and Igfbp1 in the liver. The beneficial effects of aronia berries on liver fibrosis reduce the risk of liver cancer diseases and insulin resistance, resulting in reduction of serum FABP1 and FABP4 levels.Keywords: aronia; fibrosis; liver; Igfbp1; Gadd45g
Nutritional components of the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra
Authors: Sroyraya Morakot , Hanna Peter J. , Siangcham Tanapan , Tinikul Ruchanok , Jattujan Prapaporn , Poomtong Tanate , Sobhon Prasert
Published: December 2019

Background: Holothuria scabra is one of the most commercially important species found in the Pacific region. The sea cucumber extracts have been widely reported to have beneficial health effects. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional compositions of H. scabra, and compare its important nutritional contents with that of other species.Methods: The sea cucumbers were dissected, sliced into small pieces, and then freeze-dried. The nutritional compositions, including proximate composition, amino acids, fatty acids, collagen, GABA, Vitamin A, C, and E of the whole body and body wall of H. scabra, were analyzed.Results: H. scabra contained a high quantity of protein (22.50% in whole body and 55.18% in body wall) and very low lipids (1.55% in whole body and 1.02% in body wall). The three most abundant amino acids found in both the whole body and body wall were glycine, glutamic acid, and proline. The main fatty acids found in the whole body were stearic acid and nervonic acid, and in the body wall were arachidonic acid and stearic acid. The whole body and body wall also contained high levels of essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, and collagen, in addition to moderate amounts of vitamin E and low amounts of GABA and vitamin C.Conclusions: The sea cucumber, H. scabra, contained high quantity of protein and very low lipid. It contained high essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, nervonic and arachidonic acids, and collagen, which also contained GABA, vitamin C, and vitamin E.Keywords: sea cucumber; Holothuria scabra; nutrition components; functional food
Seaweed Fucoxanthin Supplementation Improves Obesity Parameters in Mild Obese Japanese Subjects
Authors: Hitoe Shoketsu , Shimoda Hiroshi
Published: December 2019

Background: Fucoxanthin is a seaweed xanthophyll that has demonstrated an anti-obesity effect in rodents. However, clinical investigations of its influence on mildly obese subjects has not been performed. We conducted a clinical trial of fucoxanthin supplementation in Japanese obese subjects. Methods: We examined the effect of fucoxanthin (1 or 3 mg daily) in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Capsules containing fucoxanthin or placebo capsules were administered for 4 weeks to male and female Japanese adults with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 25 kg/m2. Before and after treatment, the body weight, body composition, abdominal fat area, and the circumferences of the neck, arm, and thigh were evaluated.Results: There was significant reduction of the relative (ratio versus before treatment) body weight, BMI, and visceral fat area in the 3 mg/day fucoxanthin group compared to the placebo group. Relative values of total fat mass, subcutaneous fat area, waist circumference, and right thigh circumference were also significantly lower in the 1 mg/day fucoxanthin group than the placebo group. A significant decrease of the absolute right thigh circumference was noted in the 1 mg/day fucoxanthin group compared to the placebo group. In the subjects ingesting fucoxanthin, there were no abnormalities of the blood pressure, pulse rate, blood parameters, and urinalysis parameters, which thereby suggests adverse effects. Conclusions: Fucoxanthin reduced body weight, BMI, and abdominal fat by acting on both visceral and subcutaneous fat. Consequently, Fucoxanthin may be able to improve a moderate overweight state in both men and women. Keywords: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial; fucoxanthin; body mass index; body weight; subcutaneous fat; adipose tissue
Anti-aging effects of black raspberry extract on cataract, alopecia, skin whitening, and weight loss
Authors: Dan Katsuaki , Takada Atsushi , Kanaho Yasunori , Kusumi Yuko , Banno Harutaka
Published: December 2019

Background: To maintain good health, it is important to eliminate extra reactive oxygen generated in the body. Furthermore, ingesting foods containing antioxidants is beneficial. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values for black raspberry extract (BRE), blueberry extract (BBE), and raspberry extract (RBE) are 62, 66, and 49 µM Trolox equivalents (TE)/g respectively. These values are higher than those for typical antioxidant foods that have been discovered so far (3–30 µM TE/g). Our aim was to find new functionality from the food with the high ORAC value. Therefore, we have prepared these four berry extracts and examined whether they have anti-aging effects and if those effects correlate with their antioxidant activities.Methods: We studied the following effects of 4 berry extracts: 1) lens cell protective effects; 2) effects against alopecia; 3) induction of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1), a regulator of fat and energy consumption in adipocytes, and stimulation of irisin secretion from skeletal muscle cells; and 4) inhibitory effects on melanocyte tyrosinase activity. The evaluation method was based on below; 1) a-crystallin, type 17 collagen, heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), UCP1 and Irisin - mRNA by qRT-PCR, 2) the amount of the UCP1 and Irisin protein by ELISA. 3) Inhibition of tyrosinase activity was measured by dopachrome production using L-tyrosine.Results: In lens cells, a-crystallin mRNA expression was induced 1 hour after treatment of the cell with Blabina (a powdered formulation containing BRE) and BRE. The extracts of all four berry species promoted the growth of follicle dermal papilla cells by 3-20% in a concentration-dependent manner. These berry extracts were also discovered to markedly induce the expression of mRNAs of type 17 collagen and HSP47 in the hair follicle stem cell and elevate the expression levels of UCP1 mRNA and its protein in adipocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. BRE and Blabina inhibited 5a-reductase in follicle dermal papilla cells and tyrosinase activity in melanocytes at the concentrations which inhibited dopachrome production by at least 50%. Finally, Blabina was discovered to stimulate the irisin secretion from skeletal muscles.Conclusion: These results suggest that berry extracts, particularly BRE, have anti-aging effects through their higher antioxidant activities.Keywords: Anti-aging; antioxidant; alopecia; black raspberry; weight loss; oxygen radical, absorbance capacity; skin whitening
Comparative study of the antioxidant and immunomodulant activities between yeast and lab fermented papaya
Authors: Caliceti Cristiana , Fortini Francesca , Aquila Giorgio , Pagnotta Eleonora , Ugolini Luisa , Simoni Patrizia , Calabria Donato , Ferrari Roberto , Roda Aldo , Rizzo Paola
Published: December 2019

Background: Dietary supplements of Carica papaya Linn fermented with yeast using a biotechnological process have well recognized positive effects on immunological, hematological, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters, utilized as biomarkers of chronic and degenerative diseases. Although many natural products fermented with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have shown beneficial effects on the immune system and on antioxidant defenses, formulations of papaya fermented with LAB have not yet been studied.Aims: The aims of this study were to investigate the immunomodulatory activity linked to the type of papaya fermentation (yeast vs LAB) in macrophages and to evaluate whether the type of fermentation differently modulates oxidative stress both in cell free system and in a model of embryonic brain cells.Methods: Cytotoxicity was evaluated through cell proliferation kinetic and lactate dehydrogenase release assays; immunomodulatory activity through the transcriptional activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα) by qRT-PCR in RAW 264.7 macrophages; antioxidant capacity was assessed, in cell free system and in pheochromocytoma cells embryonic brain cells, by measuring the intracellular ROS levels through a fluorescent dye.Results: Our data showed that all the formulations studied are safe at low concentrations (3-6 mg/ml); the LAB- fermented formulations promoted the expression of iNOS and TNFα more efficiently than yeast-fermented papaya preparation (p <0.001). In a cell free system, the LAB-fermented formulation acted as mild scavengers of ROS while, in cells, both formulations didn’t show any significant effect.Conclusions: This study corroborates previous reports showing the efficacy of yeast fermented papaya as a potent immunostimulant and highlights the beneficial contribution of lactic bacteria fermentation.Keywords: papaya, lactic fermentation, immunostimulant activity, antioxidant activity
Protective effects by co-administration of eicosapentaenoic acid, capsaicin, and dextrin against obesity-related metabolic dysregulation in ob/ob mice
Authors: Hirotani Yoshihiko , Ueyama Rina , Urashima Yoko , Kato Ryuji , Ikeda Kenji
Published: December 2019

Background: Obesity and its related metabolic syndrome are closely associated with major risk factors for chronic diseases, including dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. We investigated whether a combination of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), capsaicin (Cap), and indigestible dextrin (Dx) could protect mice against obesity and its related metabolic disorders.Methods: We fed male C57BL/6J and genetically obese ob/ob mice various diets for 10 weeks. The normal group was standard chow (SC; 5.3% fat content)-fed C57BL/6J mice. The control group was SC-fed ob/ob mice. The experimental groups were SC-fed ob/ob mice whose diets were supplemented with either 4% (w/w) EPA (EPA group), a combination of 4% (w/w) EPA and 0.01% (w/w) Cap (EPA+Cap group), or 4% (w/w) EPA, 0.01% (w/w) Cap, and Dx (EPA+Cap+Dx group).Results: We discovered that the weight of body and fat tissue, levels of serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were significantly higher in the control group than in the normal group (P < 0.05 for all parameters). However, the weight of body and fat tissue, the serum glucose, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase levels, and the HOMA-IR index were lower in the EPA+Cap+Dx group than in the EPA and EPA+Cap groups.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the co-administration of EPA, Cap, and Dx may suppress the progression of obesity-related metabolic dysregulation and subsequent complications.Keywords: eicosapentaenoic acid/capsaicin/dextrin/mice/obesity
The influence of local loosening of the soil on soybean productivity
Authors: Pashchenko V. F , Syromyatnikov Y. U.N , Hramov N. S , Vojnash S. A
Published: December 2019

The task of the chisel paws is to ensure a given stroke depth in conditions of increased soil density, and also to create conditions for improving the accumulation of moisture and air in the soil. There is no need to overlap deformations in the soil, which are distributed under the action of the chisel paws. The method of subsurface cultivation of the soil, which creates favorable conditions for the growth and development of soybeans and provides high grain yields in comparison with plowing, is studied. The influence of local processing on the conditions of growth, development and formation of plant productivity is determined in comparison with traditional processing. The technology of soybean cultivation in experiments, excluding the studied factors, was generally accepted for the eastern foreststeppe of Ukraine. The effectiveness of local loosening of the soil for soybean sowing is determined in comparison with the dump cultivation. The moisture content in the soil by the beginning of spring field work in all areas where local loosening of the soil was carried out in autumn was 0,4-1,3 % higher compared to plowing. The highest density of plants and field germination were on the variant of local loosening of the soil to a depth of 40 cm with the placement of paws through one meter, being equal 76,6 %. The difference in moisture content in the heap and non-heap tillage persisted until the flowering phase. The moisture content in this period in the areas of local loosening of the soil was 0,6-4,8 % higher compared to plowing, this improved the conditions for soybean growth, which height of plants on the variants of local loosening of the soil was 2,1-3,8 cm. In all variants of subsurface tillage the grain yield was higher than in the control by 0,03-0,07 t/ha. The highest yield was on the options for subsurface tillage to a depth of 40 cm - 1,03 t/ha.
Stability of blow-up solution for the two component Camassa–Holm equations
Authors: Li Xintao , Huang Shoujun , Yan Weiping
Published: November 2019

This paper studies the wave-breaking mechanism and dynamical behavior of solutions near the explicit self-similar singularity for the two component Camassa–Holm equations, which can be regarded as a model for shallow water dynamics and arising from the approximation of the Hamiltonian for Euler’s equation in the shallow water regime.
Co-contraction of the core muscles during Pilates exercise on the Wunda Chair
Authors: Panhan Ana Carolina , Gonçalves Mauro , Eltz Giovana Duarte , Villalba Marina Mello , Cardozo Adalgiso Coscrato , Bérzin Fausto
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND: The co-contraction of the core muscles has been reported as the key mechanism towards spinal stability. Classic Pilates exercises aimed at these muscles are known to improve the stability and strength of the trunk without damaging the deep structures of the spine. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the co-contraction of the mobilizing (rectus abdominis; longissimus) and stabilizing (multifidus; internal oblique) trunk muscles during Pilates exercises – going up front, mountain climber, and swan. METHODS: Sixteen women, all Pilates practitioners, participated in the study. The stabilizing and mobilizing muscles of the trunk (right side) were submitted to electromyography to calculate the percentage of co-contraction during the exercises. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to verify the difference in %COCON between stabilizers and mobilizers among the three exercises. The post-hoc Bonferroni test (P< 0.01) was applied when necessary. The paired t-test (P< 0.01) was used to verify the difference in %COCON between stabilizers and mobilizers separately for each exercise. RESULTS: The co-contraction values of the stabilizers were higher than those of the mobilizers for all exercises. The going up front (stabilizers) and the swan (mobilizers) exercises showed the highest %COCON values. CONCLUSIONS: The Pilates method is effective for either rehabilitating pathologies or training the trunk muscles in healthy individuals and athletes.
Overweight explains the increased red blood cell aggregation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Sinnapah Stéphane , Cadelis Gilbert , Waltz Xavier , Lamarre Yann , Connes Philippe
Published: December 2019

Sleep apnea patients and obese subjects are overexposed to cardiovascular diseases. These two health conditions may be associated with hemorheological alterations which could increase the cardiovascular risk. The present study investigated the hemorheological characteristics in patients with overweight and/or sleep apnea to identify the main predictor of red blood cell (RBC) abnormalities in sleep apnea patients. Ninety-seven patients were subjected to one night sleep polygraphy to determine their sleep apnea status. Body mass index (BMI) and the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) were determined for categorization of obesity and sleep apnea status. Blood was sampled for hematocrit, blood viscosity, RBC deformability, aggregation and disaggregation threshold measurements. BMI and AHI were positively associated and were both positively associated with RBC aggregation. Analyses of covariance and multiple regression analyses revealed that BMI was more predictive of RBC aggregation than AHI. No association of BMI classes and AHI classes with RBC deformability or blood viscosity was observed. This study shows that increased RBC aggregation in sleep apnea patients is caused by overweight. Therapies to improve blood rheology in sleep apnea patients, and therefore reduce the risk for cardiovascular disorders, should focus on weight-loss.
T lymphocytes alterations are associated with oxidized LDL, troponin T, white blood cells and C-reactive protein during acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Napoleão Patrícia , Selas Mafalda , Freixo Cláudia , Carmo Miguel Mota , Viegas-Crespo Ana Maria , Ferreira Rui Cruz , Pinheiro Teresa
Published: December 2019

This article has been retracted.

The correct version of this article has been published in: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation 55 (3) (2013), 349-358, DOI: 10.3233/CH-121644.http://iospress.metapress.com/content/30h6436676866520/.
Early micro-rheological consequences of single fraction total body low-dose photon irradiation in mice
Authors: Szluha Kornelia , Lazanyi Kornelia , Furka Andrea , Kiss Ferenc , Szabo Imre , Pintye Eva , Miko Iren , Nemeth Norbert
Published: December 2019

Despite of the studies on widespread biological effects of irradiation, surprisingly only little number of papers can be found dealing with its in vivo hemorheological impact. Furthermore, other studies suggested that low-dose irradiation might differ from high-dose in more than linear ways. On Balb/c Jackson female adult mice hematological and hemorheological impacts of total body irradiation were investigated 1 hour following 0.002, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 Gy dose irradiation. In case of 0.01 Gy further groups were analyzed 30 minutes, 2, 4, 6, 24 and 48 h after irradiation. According to the results, it seems that the dose-dependent changes of blood micro-rheological parameters are not linear. The irradiation dose of 0.01 Gy acted as a point of ‘inflexion’, because by this dose we found the most expressed changes in hematological parameters, as well as in red blood cell aggregation, deformability and osmoscan data. The time-dependent changes showed progressive decrease in pH, rise in lactate concentration, further decrease in erythrocyte aggregation index and deformability, with moderate shifting of the optimal osmolarity point and modulation in membrane stability. As conclusion, low-dose total body irradiation may cause micro-rheological changes, being non-linearly correlated with the irradiation dose.
Skin microvascular morphology and hemodynamics during treatment with veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Wester Torjus , Awan Zaheer Ahmed , Kvernebo Tobias Skylstad , Salerud Göran , Kvernebo Knut
Published: December 2019

Objectives: To explore the potentials of microcirculatory assessments for predicting outcome of patients treated with extra corporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiogenic shock. Methods: Eight patients with acute cardiogenic shock treated with ECMO and eight healthy controls were examined with skin vital microscopy and laser Doppler perfusion measurements. Results: Three patients died on ECMO (group 1). Five patients were successfully weaned off ECMO (group 2). Four patients were discharged from hospital and one died after successful weaning from bleeding complications. Patients surviving ECMO (group 2) had microcirculatory findings comparable with healthy controls. Patients in group 1 showed major skin microvascular pathology: pericapillary bleedings (n = 1), pericapillary dark haloes (n = 2) and capillary micro thrombi (n = 1). As compared with survivors they had lower functional capillary density (FCD) (n = 3), higher heterogeneity of functional capillary density (n = 3) and significantly reduced capillary mean flow-categorical velocity (n = 2). Laser Doppler measurements in group 1 had non-significant lower laser Doppler flux values as compared with survivors and controls. Conclusion: Skin microvascular pathology as detected with video microscopy (pericapillary bleedings or haloes, micro-thrombi/capillaries with “no flow”, low FCD with high spatial distribution heterogeneity or low mean flow-categorial velocity) seems to be associated with poor prognosis.
Anatomical remodelling of the anterior abdominal wall arteries in obesity
Authors: Macchi Veronica , Tiengo Cesare , Porzionato Andrea , Busetto Luca , Morra Aldo , Martini Romeo , Bassetto Franco , De Caro Raffaele
Published: December 2019

Obesity is associated with structural alterations in subcutaneous small resistance arteries. The aim of the present work is to study modifications of perforators vessels of abdominal wall and subcutaneous tissue characteristics in obese patients after massive weight loss. An anatomo-radiologic study was carried out on 15 patients (5M, 10F, mean age 54.9y), who underwent abdominoplasty after massive weight loss. Their pre-operative Computed Tomographic (CT) results of the anterior abdominal wall were compared with CT of 15 normal weighted controls. Anatomo-microscopic and morphometric examinations were conducted on full-thickness specimens of panniculectomy samples. 10 right panniculectomy were sampled from donor cadavers. All the measurements were taken on transverse sections. In patients, at CT the mean luminal diameter (LD) and standard deviation of perforator branches of the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) was 3.7 ± 0.4 mm (control 2.2 ± 0.1 mm; p < 0.05). At microscopic examination, the wall thickness of perforator arteries was 212.7 μ ± 83.9 versus 143.9 ± 32.8 (p < 0.05) deep to the superficial fascia and 120.4 μ ± 74.8 versus 72.3 ± 23.5 (p < 0.05) superficial to it. A thickening of the muscular layer was observable and the tunica media represented 71.4% ± 5.6 of the whole area of the wall (controls 37.1% ± 3.5, p < 0.0001). Our data demonstrate that the major LD of the perforators in patients matches with hypertrophy of the tunica media and we think that the major thickness of perforator walls can facilitate the microsurgical technique in free microsurgical flap reconstruction.
Anti-inflammatory effect of acetylharpagide demonstrated by its influence on leukocyte adhesion and transmigration in endothelial cells under controlled shear stress
Authors: You Yun , Wang Jinyu , Tong Yan , Hao Qingxiu , Li Yujie , Yang Hongjun , Huang Luqi , Liao Fulong
Published: December 2019

This research was aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of acetylharpagide extracted from Ajuga decumbens Thunb. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 were employed as experimental materials. The MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) was used to determine the safe dose range of acetylharpagide. TNF-α (20 ng/ml) was used to model THP-HUVECs adhesion/transmigration and trypsin was used to model wounding of HUVECs under controlled shear stress of 0.1 Pa and 0.2 Pa (5 h) by Bioflux1000 assays accordingly. Effects of acetylharpagide were dynamically monitored by microscopic time-lapse photography. Acetylharpagide within the concentration of 0-200 μM showed no sign of toxicity to HUVECs and THP-1. Acetylharpagide dose-dependently inhibited THP-1 adhesion to TNF-α activated HUVECs monolayer with an IC50 of 171 μM under static conditions. Acetylharpagide at 200 μM inhibited leukocyte adhesion and transmigration to HUVECs monolayer activated by TNF-α under 0.1 Pa shear stress (P < 0.05). The compound at 200 μM also inhibited HUVECs migration under 0.2 Pa in the wound healing model compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory effects of acetylharpagide are possibly related to inhibiting leukocytes adhesion and transmigration. Moreover, acetylharpagide also inhibits the endothelial cells migration notably, which might be the additional action responsible for its effect in reliving-chronic inflammatory progress.
Endothelialized and preconditioned natural umbilical arteries with long term patency open the route for future human uses
Authors: Paternotte Estelle , Kerdjoudj Halima , Kokten Tunay , Stoltz Jean-Francois , Kearney-Schwartz Anna , Voegel Jean-Claude , Menu Patrick
Published: December 2019

The major challenge of vascular tissue engineering is to develop a small calibre vascular graft with a high patency rate. In native vessels, the thrombosis is prevented by the endothelium located at the luminal site of the vessel. The aim of this study was to develop a resistant endothelial lining on the inner surface of vascular graft using a polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) film. Umbilical arteries were de-endothelialized, coated with 3.5 bilayers of poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS)/poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and then cellularized with endothelial cells. The grafts were cultured for a week in static condition and preconditioned by exposure to a shear stress of at 1 Pa for three hours before implantation on the rabbit carotid site. Histological and confocal microscopy in vitro investigations showed that PEMs films improve cell adhesion and retention on the luminal surface after shear stress preconditioning. In vivo Doppler data showed that graft preconditioning is a crucial factor for graft patency. Indeed, preconditioned grafts remained over the whole experimental period, whereas unpreconditioned grafts were obstructed after only one week of implantation. These results open the route toward the development of a new generation of vascular substitutes having a long term patency.
Preoperative diagnosis of thyroid adenomas using high resolution contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)
Authors: Agha A. , Jung E.M. , Janke M. , Hornung M. , Georgieva M. , Schlitt H.J. , Schreyer A.G. , Strosczcynski C. , Schleder S.
Published: December 2019

To evaluate the impact of high-resolution contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), Color Coded and Power Doppler Sonography (CCDS/PD), in the preoperative recognition of thyroid adenomas. A total of 64 patients (36 female, median age 54 years) underwent surgery for thyroid adenoma. CEUS with linear multifrequency probes (6–9 or 6–15 MHz) and CCDS/PD was performed in all patients preoperatively by an experienced examiner and images were stored in PACS. Reading of the ultrasound images was performed in consensus by two experienced radiologists. Histopathology was achieved as standard of reference in all patients. Median diameter of the tumor lesions was 27 mm. 31 nodules were found on the left side. In B-Scan mode 13 (20%) adenomas showed complex cystic echo pattern and 44 (69%) had a complete and sharp hypoechoic edge. 43 (67%) thyroid adenomas had strong hypervascularization in CCDS/PD. In 61 (95%) adenomas early contrast enhancement was present in CEUS and 50 (78%) adenomas proved no wash-out or central wash-out with persisting edge enhancement. In 47 (73%) cases early contrast enhancement was combined with no washout or with central wash-out with persisting edge enhancement. 45 (70%) thyroid lesions had preoperatively been classified as benign lesions correctly. Dynamic evaluation of microcirculation by CEUS and CCDS/PD enables a more reliable preoperative characterization of thyroid adenomas.
Distribution of actin of the human erythrocyte membrane cytoskeleton after interaction with radiographic contrast media
Authors: Franke R.P. , Scharnweber T. , Fuhrmann R. , Krüger A. , Wenzel F. , Mrowietz C. , Jung F.
Published: December 2019

A type-dependent chemotoxic effect of radiographic contrast media on erythrocytes and endothelial cells was reported several times. While mechanisms of toxicity are still unclear the cellular reactions e.g. echinocyte formation in erythrocytes and the buckling of endothelial cells coincided with deterioration of capillary perfusion (in patients with coronary artery disease) and tissue oxygen tension (in the myocardium of pigs). Whether the shape changes in erythrocytes coincide with changes in the arrangement of actin, the core of the actin-spectrin cytoskeletal network and possible actor in membrane stresses and deformation is not known until now. To get specific informations actin was stained using two different staining methods (antibodies to β-actin staining oligomeric G-actin and polymeric F-actin and Phalloidin-Rhodamin staining polymeric F-actin only). In addition, an advanced version of confocal laser scanning microscopes was used enabling the display of the actin arrangement near substrate surfaces. Blood smears were produced after erythrocyte suspension in autologous plasma or in two different plasma/RCM mixtures. In this study an even homogenous distribution of fine grained globular actin in the normal human erythrocyte could be demonstrated. After suspension of erythrocytes in a plasma/Iodixanol mixture an increased number of membrane protrusions appeared densely filled with intensely stained actin similar to cells suspended in autologous plasma, however, there in less numbers. Suspension in Iopromide, in contrast, induced a complete reorganization of the cytoskeletal actin: the fine grained globular actin distribution disappeared and only few, long and thick actin filaments bundled and possibly polymerized appeared, instead, shown here for the first time.
Nitric oxide metabolites and erythrocyte deformability in a group of subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Canino Baldassare , Hopps Eugenia , Calandrino Vincenzo , Montana Maria , Lo Presti Rosalia , Caimi Gregorio
Published: December 2019

Our aim was to evaluate nitric oxide metabolites (nitrite and nitrate), expressed as NOx, and erythrocyte deformability, expressed as elongation index, in a group of subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). We enrolled 48 subjects (36 men and 12 women; mean age 50.3 ± 14.68 yrs) with OSAS diagnosed after a 1-night cardiorespiratory sleep study. OSAS severity was assessed evaluating the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and subjects were subdivided in two subgroups: Low (L = AHI <30) and High (H = AHI >30). NOx was examined converting nitrate into nitrite with a nitrate reductase and then assessing nitrite with spectrophotometry after the addition of Griess reagent. The elongation index was obtained using the diffractometer Rheodyn SSD of Myrenne at shear stresses of 30 and 60 Pa and it was expressed as elongation index (EI). We found no difference in NOx among the entire group of OSAS subjects and normal controls, while we observed a NOx decrease in the H subgroup in comparison with L subgroup, but not in comparison with normal controls. We noted a significant decrease in EI at each shear stress in the entire group and also in the two subgroups in comparison with controls. The decrease in NO bioavailability and in erythrocyte deformability might contribute to explain the increased cardiovascular risk in OSAS subjects.
Technical aspects of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations: Tips and tricks
Authors: Greis C.
Published: December 2019

Ultrasound contrast agents have substantially extended the clinical value of ultrasound, allowing the assessment of blood flow and distribution in real-time down to microcapillary level. Selective imaging of contrast agent signals requires a contrast-specific imaging mode on the ultrasound scanner, allowing real-time separation of tissue and contrast agent signals. The creation of a contrast image requires a specific interaction between the insonated ultrasound wave and the contrast agent microbubbles, leading to persistent oscillation of the bubbles. Several technical and procedural parameters have a significant influence on the quality of CEUS images and should be controlled carefully to obtain good image quality and a reliable diagnosis. Achieving the proper balance between the respective parameters is a matter of technical knowledge and experience. Appropriate training and education should be mandatory for every investigator performing CEUS examinations.
Impact of methylene blue in addition to norepinephrine on the intestinal microcirculation in experimental septic shock
Authors: Nantais Jordan , Dumbarton Tristan C. , Farah Nizam , Maxan Alexander , Zhou Juan , Minor Samuel , Lehmann Christian
Published: December 2019

Methylene blue (MB) has been used with some success as a treatment for the vasoplegia of vasopressor-refractory septic shock. The putative mechanism of action of MB is the inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide within the microvasculature and improved responsiveness to endogenous catecholamines (norepinephrine (NE)). However, to date, no study has demonstrated the microcirculatory effect of methylene blue in septic shock. The objective of this randomized, controlled, animal study was to show, in an experimentally-induced, septic shock model in rats, the effects of MB and NE on global hemodynamics and the microcirculation. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was drastically reduced following bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) administration in animals not receiving vasopressors. Only the combination of NE + MB restored MAP to control levels by the end of the three hour experiment. Intravital microscopy of the microcirculation was performed in the terminal ileum in order to examine functional capillary density in intestinal muscle layers and the mucosa, as well as leukocyte activation in venules (rolling, adhesion to the endothelium). Untreated LPS animals showed a significant increase in leukocyte adhesion and a decrease in capillary perfusion in the intestinal microcirculation. In groups receiving NE or NE+MB, we observed a significant decrease in leukocyte adhesion and improved functional capillary density, indicating that microvasculature function was improved. This study suggests that methylene blue may be able to improve hemodynamics while preserving microvascular function in septic shock.
Modulation of hemorheological parameters by the erythrocyte redox thiol status
Authors: Almeida José Pedro , Carvalho Filomena Almeida , Freitas Teresa , Saldanha Carlota
Published: December 2019

Background: There is growing knowledge about the association between hemorheological blood disorders and compromised microcirculation in erythrocyte abnormalities. Effects of the non-neuronal cholinergic elements, especially acetylcholinesterase, on the erythrocyte hemorheological parameters were characterized in the past. However, alterations of these parameters have not been studied under the influence of the cellular redox thiol status.

Methods: Aliquots of venous blood from ten healthy male subjects were incubated in vitro with increasing concentrations of a thiol reducer agent (dithiothreitol 1, 10, 50 μM final concentrations) in the presence and absence of acetylcholinesterase substrate (acetylcholine) or inhibitor (velnacrine maleate). The following parameters were determined in all blood samples aliquots: erythrocyte aggregation, erythrocyte deformability and lipid membrane fluidity. Blood smears were performed.

Results: Dithiothreitol induces no significant changes on the hemorheological behaviour of human red cells. Upon intracellular thiol stimulation, the presence of AChE effectors (either acetylcholine or velnacrine) decreases erythrocyte aggregation and elongation indexes.

Conclusion: The addition of DTT to blood samples aliquots, contributing to the redox thiol status, is not directly involved in the modulation of erythrocyte rheological properties. However, upon acetylcholinesterase modulation by its substrate or inhibitor, changes on the hemorheological parameters are triggered by DTT. Associated pharmacological interest is considerable to address the hemorheology–hemostasis–microcirculation triad disorders.
The combinations C1 esterase inhibitor with coagulation factor XIII and N-acetylcysteine with tirilazad mesylate reduce the leukocyte adherence in an experimental endotoxemia in rats
Authors: Birnbaum Jürgen , Klotz Edda , Spies Claudia D. , Hein Ortrud Vargas , Mallin Katja , Kawka Renata , Ziemer Sabine , Lehmann Christian
Published: December 2019

The study's objective was to determine the effects of the administration of combinations of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) with coagulation factor XIII (F XIII) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) with tirilazad mesylate (TM) on leukocyte adherence and on intestinal functional capillary density during experimental endotoxemia in rats. In a prospective, randomized, controlled animal study, 40 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 (CON group) served as control group. Group 2 (LPS group), group 3 (C1-INH+F XIII group) and group 4 (NAC+TM group) received endotoxin infusions (10 mg/kg/h for 2 h). In C1-INH+F XIII group, 100 U/kg b.w. C1-INH and 50 U/kg b.w. F XIII were administered after the first 30 min of endotoxemia. In the NAC+TM group, 150 mg/kg b.w. N-acetylcysteine and 10 mg/kg b.w. Tirilazad mesylate were administered after 30 min of endotoxemia. Leukocyte adherence at venules of the intestinal submucosal layer and functional capillary density in the villi intestinales and in the longitudinal and circular muscle layers were estimated by intravital fluorescence microscopy (IVM). C1-INH+F XIII reduced the count of firmly adherent leukocytes that was increased after LPS administration in the V3 venules (CON group 69 (17–160)/mm2; LPS group 635 (556–814)/mm2; C1-INH+F XIII group 503 (337–646)/mm2). NAC+TM reduced the firmly adherent leukocytes in the V3 venules (NAC+TM group 403 (309–572)/mm2) and in the V1 venules (CON group 55 (16–131)/mm2; LPS group 368 (306–475)/mm2; NAC+TM group 270 (216–308)/mm2) as well. FCD was not impaired after LPS challenge and there was no influence of both combinations on the FCD. We conclude that both drug combinations can reduce the leukocyte adherence in a sepsis model in rats.