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Toxins Jun 2021As milk provides both micro- and macronutrients, it is an important component in the diet. However, the presence of aflatoxin B (AFB) in the feed of dairy cattle results...
As milk provides both micro- and macronutrients, it is an important component in the diet. However, the presence of aflatoxin B (AFB) in the feed of dairy cattle results in contamination of milk and dairy products with aflatoxin M (AFM), a toxic metabolite of the carcinogenic mycotoxin. With the aim to determine AFM concentrations in milk and milk products consumed in Bangladesh, in total, 145 samples were collected in four divisional regions (Sylhet, Dhaka, Chittagong, and Rajshahi). The samples comprised these categories: raw milk (n = 105), pasteurized milk (n = 15), ultra-high temperature (UHT)-treated milk (n = 15), fermented milk products such as yogurt (n = 5), and milk powder (n = 5). AFM levels in these samples were determined through competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, AFM was present in 78.6% of milk and milk products in the range of 5.0 to 198.7 ng/L. AFM was detected in 71.4% of raw milk (mean 41.1, range 5.0-198.7 ng/L), and in all pasteurized milk (mean 106, range 17.2-187.7 ng/L) and UHT milk (mean 73, range 12.2-146.9 ng/L) samples. Lower AFM levels were found in yogurt (mean 16.9, range 8.3-41.1 ng/L) and milk powder samples (mean 6.6, range 5.9-7.0 ng/L). About one-third of the raw, pasteurized, and UHT milk samples exceeded the EU regulatory limit (50 ng/L) for AFM in milk, while AFM levels in yogurt and milk powder samples were well below this limit. Regarding regions, lower AFM contamination was observed in Chittagong (mean 6.6, max 10.6 ng/L), compared to Sylhet (mean 53.7, max 198.7 ng/L), Dhaka (mean 37.8, max 97.2 ng/L), and Rajshahi (mean 34.8, max 131.4 ng/L). Yet, no significant difference was observed in AFM levels between summer and winter season. In conclusion, the observed frequency and levels of aflatoxin contamination raise concern and must encourage further monitoring of AFM in milk and milk products in Bangladesh.
Topics: Aflatoxin M1; Animals; Bangladesh; Cattle; Dairy Products; Environmental Monitoring; Food Contamination; Seasons
PubMed: 34202130
DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070440 -
Polish Archives of Internal Medicine Aug 2021Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can experience micronutrient deficiency regardless of disease activity and extent.
INTRODUCTION
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can experience micronutrient deficiency regardless of disease activity and extent.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to evaluate serum concentrations of selected trace elements in adult patients with IBD in clinical remission with involvement limited to the colon who received immunosuppressive treatment.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We enrolled 32 patients with IBD (mean [SD] age, 41 [15.2] years) and 30 healthy controls (mean [SD] age, 39.1 [11.8] years). Serum selenium, iron, copper, and zinc levels as well as complete blood count were measured in both groups.
RESULTS
Patients with IBD had lower zinc concentrations than controls (mean [SD], 0.76 [0.13] mg/l vs 0.83 [0.13] mg/l; P = 0.047). No differences were observed for selenium (mean [SD], 0.90 [0.24] μmol/l vs 0.93 [0.19] μmol/l) and copper levels (mean [SD], 1.03 [0.27] mg/l vs 0.97 [0.22] mg/l). Compared with controls, patients with IBD had lower red blood cell count (mean [SD], 4.4 [0.6] 106/μl vs 4.7 [0.4] 106/μl; P = 0.03), hemoglobin (mean [SD], 12.7 [2.2] g/dl vs 14.3 [0.8] g/dl; P = 0.001), and iron levels (mean [SD], 14.2 [9.4] μmol/l vs 23.4 [2.7] μmol/l; P = 0.0001). Patients with IBD showed a positive correlation between selenium and iron (R = 0.499; P = 0.004) as well as selenium and hemoglobin levels (R = 0.579; P = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with IBD, despite maintaining clinical remission, should undergo systematic laboratory test for anemia or micronutrient deficiencies.
Topics: Adult; Copper; Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Micronutrients; Trace Elements; Zinc
PubMed: 34002971
DOI: 10.20452/pamw.15999 -
American Journal of Veterinary Research Mar 2017OBJECTIVE To determine cardiorespiratory responses of Thoroughbreds to uphill and downhill locomotion on a treadmill at identical gradients. ANIMALS 5 highly trained...
OBJECTIVE To determine cardiorespiratory responses of Thoroughbreds to uphill and downhill locomotion on a treadmill at identical gradients. ANIMALS 5 highly trained Thoroughbred geldings. PROCEDURES Thoroughbreds were exercised for 2-minute intervals on a treadmill at 1.7, 3.5, 6.0, 8.0, and 10.0 m/s at a 4% incline, 0% incline (horizontal plane), and 4% decline in random order on different days. Stride frequency, stride length, and cardiopulmonary and O-transport variables were measured and analyzed by means of repeated-measures ANOVA and Holm-Šidák pairwise comparisons. RESULTS Horses completed all treadmill exercises with identical stride frequency and stride length. At identical uphill speeds, they had higher (vs horizontal) mass-specific O consumption (mean increase, 49%) and CO production (mean increase, 47%), cardiac output (mean increase, 21%), heart rate (mean increase, 11%), and Paco (mean increase, 1.7 mm Hg), and lower Pao (mean decrease, 5.8 mm Hg) and arterial O saturation (mean decrease, 1.0%); tidal volume was not higher. Downhill locomotion (vs horizontal) reduced mass-specific O consumption (mean decrease, 24%), CO production (mean decrease, 23%), and cardiac output (mean decrease, 9%). Absolute energy cost during uphill locomotion increased linearly with speed at approximately twice the rate at which it decreased during downhill locomotion. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that for Thoroughbreds, downhill locomotion resulted in a lower energy cost than did horizontal or uphill locomotion and that this cost changed with speed. Whether eccentric training induces skeletal muscle changes in horses similar to those in humans remains to be determined.
Topics: Animals; Blood Gas Analysis; Cardiac Output; Exercise Test; Heart Rate; Horses; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Physical Exertion; Tidal Volume
PubMed: 28240953
DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.78.3.340 -
Journal of AOAC International Aug 2018Estimation of measurement uncertainty (MU) has been extensively addressed in documents from standard authorities. In microbiology, bacterial counts are log transformed...
Estimation of measurement uncertainty (MU) has been extensively addressed in documents from standard authorities. In microbiology, bacterial counts are log transformed to get a more normal distribution. Unfortunately, the difference between using original and log-transformed data appears to not have been investigated even in publications focusing on MU estimation. Statistical formulae inferencing and estimation of MU using real bacterial enumeration datasets. Both mean and SD calculated from original data carry the same scale and unit as the original data. However, the mean of log-transformed data becomes a geometric mean in log, and the SD becomes the logarithm of a ratio. Furthermore, calculation of RSD obtained by dividing the SD by the mean is meaningless and misleading for log-transformed data. The ratio, the antilog of the SD of log-transformed data, copes with multiplicative and divisive relationships to geometric mean (without log), instead of the arithmetic mean. The ratio can be converted to an analog ratio, which is similar or almost identical to the RSD of the untransformed data, especially when the within-subject variation is small. When MU is estimated from multiple samples with different measurands, the calculated RSD of original data is independent of the mean and can be pooled; however, for log-transformed data, the SD can be combined to estimate the common uncertainty. Calculation and use of RSD of log-transformed data are meaningless and misleading. Procedures outlining the estimation and interpretation of MU from log-transformed data require re-evaluation.
PubMed: 30097072
DOI: 10.5740/jaoacint.18-0161 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Jul 2022Knowledge about lower-back aesthetics is very limited, especially regarding surgical techniques that improve its appearance. Thus, this study aimed to describe a...
BACKGROUND
Knowledge about lower-back aesthetics is very limited, especially regarding surgical techniques that improve its appearance. Thus, this study aimed to describe a high-definition liposuction technique with intramuscular grafting of erector spinae muscles (longissimus).
METHODS
A total of 15 female patients 25-48 years of age were recruited between November 2021 and January 2022, who underwent body contouring surgery and subsequently underwent a low-back lipodefinition and echo-guided intramuscular erector spinae (longissimus) fat graft to complement the procedure. As part of the study, measurements were performed before surgery and in the immediate postoperative period. The data were stored in a database and analyzed with the SPSS Version 25 statistical software.
RESULTS
The patients' ages ranged from 25 to 48 years (mean: 37 years), with a body mass index of 18.6-29.3 (mean: 25.5). The surgical times ranged between 1 and 8 hours (mean: 3.73 hours); hospitalization times were 0.7-1 days (mean: 0.940 days). Lipograft was performed on the erector spinae muscles (longissimus), the right one with a range of 20-60 cm (mean: 43.33 cm) and percentage increase of 65.3% ( < 0.0001). Regarding the left erector, similar volumes between 20 and 60 cm (mean: 44.67 cm) were grafted with a percentage increase of 66.4% ( < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
XPINE-FAT is a safe technique that allows an increase in the immediate intramuscular thickness of the erector spinae muscles (longissimus). We observed no adverse events during the study.
PubMed: 35923990
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000004424 -
Clinical Physiology and Functional... Mar 2023The purpose of this study is to examine the acute muscular and cardiovascular responses to applying blood flow restriction (BFR) before high-load training.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to examine the acute muscular and cardiovascular responses to applying blood flow restriction (BFR) before high-load training.
METHODS
Forty trained individuals visited the lab on three occasions. On Visit 1, participants completed paperwork and performed strength assessments. During Visits 2 and 3, participants completed four exercise conditions (one in each arm during each visit) as follows: (1) traditional resistance training (TRAD), (2) low load training with BFR (LLBFR), (3) low repetition high load training with pre-exercise BFR (PreBFR), and (4) low repetition traditional training (LRTRAD). Blood pressure, muscle thickness (MT), and isometric strength (ISO) were measured before and after exercise.
RESULTS
Data are displayed as means (SD). Immediately following exercise, MT in TRAD was greater compared with PreBFR (mean difference = 0.18[0.30] cm, p < 0.001) and LRTRAD (mean difference = 0.28[0.30] cm, p < 0.001). In addition, LLBFR demonstrated greater MT compared with PreBFR (mean difference = 0.24[0.30] cm, p < 0.001]. Immediately following exercise, ISO was lower in TRAD compared with PreBFR (mean difference = 33.8[46.9]N, p < 0.001) and the LRTRAD condition (mean difference = 32.8[50.4]N, p < 0.001). In addition, ISO was lower in LLBFR compared with PreBFR (mean difference = 43.9 [47.4]N, p < 0.001) and LRTRAD (mean difference = 42.9 [43.8]N, p < 0.001). Immediately following exercise, systolic blood pressure was greater in TRAD compared with PreBFR and LRTRAD.
CONCLUSION
The application of BFR before engaging in high-load training does not seem to augment the muscular responses to exercise when compared with traditional high loads alone; however, it may pose less demand on the cardiovascular system.
Topics: Humans; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscle Strength; Regional Blood Flow; Hemodynamics; Cardiovascular System; Resistance Training
PubMed: 36401343
DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12799 -
European Journal of Applied Physiology Feb 2020To examine the interactive effects of VM and isometric resistance exercise on cerebral haemodynamics.
PURPOSE
To examine the interactive effects of VM and isometric resistance exercise on cerebral haemodynamics.
METHODS
Eleven healthy participants (mean ± SD 28 ± 9 years; 2 females) completed 20-s bilateral isometric leg extension at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction with continued ventilation (RE), a 20-s VM at mouth pressure of 40 mmHg (VM), and a combination (RE + VM), in randomised order. Mean beat-to-beat blood velocity in the posterior (PCAv) and middle cerebral arteries (MCAv), vertebral artery blood flow, end-tidal partial pressure of CO and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured. RE data were time aligned to RE + VM and analysed according to standard VM phases.
RESULTS
Interaction effects (VM phase × condition) were observed for MCAv, PCAv, vertebral artery blood flow and MAP (all ≤ 0.010). Phase I MCAv was greatest for RE [88 ± 19, vs. 71 ± 11 and 78 ± 12 cm s for VM (P = 0.008) and RE + VM (P = 0.021), respectively]. Greater increases in MCAv than PCAv occurred in phase I of RE only (24 ± 15% vs. 16 ± 16%, post hoc P = 0.044). In phase IIb, MAP was lower in RE than RE + VM (115 ± 15 vs. 138 ± 21 mmHg, P = 0.004), but did not reduce MCAv (78 ± 8 vs. 79 ± 9 cm s, P = 0.579) or PCAv (45 ± 11 vs .46 ± 11 cm s, P = 0.617). Phase IIb MCAv and PCAv was lowest in VM (66 ± 6 and 39 ± 8 cm s, respectively, all P < 0.001), whereas in Phase IV, MCAv, PCAv and MAP were greater in VM than in RE and RE + VM (all P < 0.020).
CONCLUSION
RE and RE + VM produce similar cerebrovascular responses despite different MAP profiles. However, the VM produced the greatest cerebrovascular challenge afterward.
Topics: Adult; Blood Flow Velocity; Female; Humans; Isometric Contraction; Male; Middle Cerebral Artery; Resistance Training; Valsalva Maneuver; Young Adult
PubMed: 31912226
DOI: 10.1007/s00421-019-04291-7 -
Medicine Jul 2015To provide an overview of the medical literature on giant splenic artery aneurysm (SAA).The PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Google databases were searched using... (Review)
Review
To provide an overview of the medical literature on giant splenic artery aneurysm (SAA).The PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Google databases were searched using keywords to identify articles related to SAA. Keywords used were splenic artery aneurysm, giant splenic artery aneuryms, huge splenic artery aneurysm, splenic artery aneurysm rupture, and visceral artery aneurysm. SAAs with a diameter ≥5 cm are considered as giant and included in this study. The language of the publication was not a limitation criterion, and publications dated before January 15, 2015 were considered.The literature review included 69 papers (62 fulltext, 6 abstract, 1 nonavailable) on giant SAA. A sum of 78 patients (50 males, 28 females) involved in the study with an age range of 27-87 years (mean ± SD: 55.8 ± 14.0 years). Age range for male was 30-87 (mean ± SD: 57.5 ± 12.0 years) and for female was 27-84 (mean ± SD: 52.7 ± 16.6 years). Most frequent predisposing factors were acute or chronic pancreatitis, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cirrhosis. Aneurysm dimensions were obtained for 77 patients with a range of 50-300 mm (mean ± SD: 97.1 ± 46.0 mm). Aneurysm dimension range for females was 50-210 mm (mean ± SD: 97.5 ± 40.2 mm) and for males was 50-300 mm (mean ± SD: 96.9 ± 48.9 mm). Intraperitoneal/retroperitoneal rupture was present in 15, among which with a lesion dimension range of 50-180 mm (mean ± SD; 100 ± 49.3 mm) which was range of 50-300 mm (mean ± SD: 96.3 ± 45.2 mm) in cases without rupture. Mortality for rupture patients was 33.3%. Other frequent complications were gastrosplenic fistula (n = 3), colosplenic fistula (n = 1), pancreatic fistula (n = 1), splenic arteriovenous fistula (n = 3), and portosplenic fistula (n = 1). Eight of the patients died in early postoperative period while 67 survived. Survival status of the remaining 3 patients is unclear. Range of follow-up period for the surviving patients varies from 3 weeks to 42 months.Either rupture or fistulization into hollow organs risk increase in compliance with aneurysm diameter. Mortality is significantly high in rupture cases. Patients with an evident risk should undergo either surgical or interventional radiological treatment without delay.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aneurysm; Angiography, Digital Subtraction; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Splenic Artery; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 26166071
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000001016 -
Cureus Oct 2023Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a hereditary cardiac disorder characterized by abnormal thickening of the left ventricular myocardium. This can lead to various...
BACKGROUND
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a hereditary cardiac disorder characterized by abnormal thickening of the left ventricular myocardium. This can lead to various clinical manifestations, including sudden death.
AIM
To investigate the cardiac remodeling and functional changes in patients with HCM over a specific time period and explore the impact of different treatment regimens on disease progression.
METHODS
We conducted a prospective longitudinal observational study involving 100 patients diagnosed with HCM. Baseline clinical data, including demographics, medical history, and echocardiographic measurements, were collected. Follow-up assessments were performed at regular intervals over 24 months to track changes in cardiac structure, function, and clinical status. Statistical analysis, including paired t-tests and subgroup analysis, was conducted to identify significant associations and differences between treatment groups.
RESULTS
A total of 100 patients (mean age = 55 years, 50% male) were enrolled in the study. At baseline, echocardiography revealed increased left ventricular wall thickness (mean = 18.5 mm), left atrial dimensions (mean = 39 mm), and ventricular mass (mean = 230 g). During the follow-up period, there was a progressive increase in left ventricular wall thickness (mean change = 1.0 mm/year, p < 0.001), left atrial dimensions (mean change = 3.0 mm/year, p < 0.001), and ventricular mass (mean change = 8 g/year, p = 0.003). Additionally, alterations in diastolic and systolic function parameters were noted, with a decline in E/A ratio (mean change = -0.1 units/year, p = 0.008) and a reduction in ejection fraction (mean change = -2.0% per year, p = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Our longitudinal observational study provides important insights into the cardiac remodeling and functional changes in patients with HCM over time. The progressive increase in cardiac parameters indicates ongoing disease progression. Additionally, beta-blocker therapy was associated with a slower rate of left ventricular wall thickening. These findings contribute to a better understanding of HCM's natural history and may guide targeted therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes.
PubMed: 37936986
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46610 -
Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao = the... Nov 2023We explored the relationship between climate factors (mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature) and the contents and stoichiometry of soil carbon (C),...
We explored the relationship between climate factors (mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature) and the contents and stoichiometry of soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) at different soil depths (0-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-50, 50-70, and 70-100 cm) temperate steppe of Longzhong. The results showed with the increases of soil depth, soil C, N contents, C:P, and N:P gradually decreased from 21.88 g·kg, 1.84 g·kg, 33.6 and 3.1 to 7.67 g·kg, 0.59 g·kg, 12.5 and 1.0, respectively. Soil C:N showed an increasing trend from 12.2 to 13.9, while soil P content remained stable with an average of 0.61 g·kg. Soil C, N, C:P, and N:P were significantly positively correlated with mean annual precipitation and negatively correlated with mean annual temperature. Soil P content and C:N were not correlated with mean annual precipita-tion and mean annual temperature. With the increases of soil depth, the total explanatory power of the changes in soil C, N and P contents by mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature decreased and then increased, and that in soil C:P, N:P and C:N did not change significantly. The changes of soil C, N and P contents on the temperature steppe were mainly influenced by mean annual precipitation. The effects and relative contributions of mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature on the variations of soil nutrient contents and stoichiometry of C, N and P differed at different soil depths.
Topics: Soil; Temperature; China; Nitrogen; Carbon; Phosphorus
PubMed: 37997411
DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202311.002