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Analytical Methods : Advancing Methods... Jun 2024The objective of the current study was to develop a simple method to measure fatty acid soaps, making use of FT-IR, representative for the soap formation observed in...
The objective of the current study was to develop a simple method to measure fatty acid soaps, making use of FT-IR, representative for the soap formation observed in clinical trials. Calcium soaps have a unique coordination which leads to a typical double-splitting of the antisymmetric and symmetric carboxylate peaks. Absorbance values of these carboxylate peaks were used together with the absorbance of the hydrocarbon -CH antisymmetric and symmetric peaks to calculate the calcium soap absorbance. Based on the linear correlation between the calcium soap absorbance and the calcium soap concentration measured with GC-FID, a model was set-up and subsequently successfully validated to quantify calcium soap concentrations in faecal samples from clinical trials with this FT-IR method. With as well as digestion an inverse correlation between the long chain saturated fatty acid part of milk fat containing fat blends used for the infant formulas, and the formation of fatty acid soaps after digestion and defaecation could be observed. There is a clear link between the amount of long chain saturated fatty acids at the -1/3 position and their release as free fatty acid after lipolysis with the appearance of fatty acid soaps. These insights enable future development of fat blends for infant nutrition to optimize fatty acid soap formation and thereby gut discomfort in infants. These insights can be used to predict the soap formation capacity of a newly designed fat blend and thereby the improvement of infant nutrition products.
PubMed: 38940534
DOI: 10.1039/d4ay00177j -
Polski Przeglad Chirurgiczny Jun 2024<b>Introduction:</b> Hemorrhoidal disease is the most common disease treated in proctology ambulatories. Conservative treatment is the basic form of...
<b>Introduction:</b> Hemorrhoidal disease is the most common disease treated in proctology ambulatories. Conservative treatment is the basic form of treatment for this disease. One of the elements of treatment may be preparations with myoand phlebotropic effects.<b>Aim:</b> To assess the effect of a multi-ingredient myophlebotropic dietary supplement used as an adjunct on the rate and effectiveness of symptom relief in patients with stage II and III hemorrhoidal disease.<b>Material and method:</b> Patients with stage II and III hemorrhoidal disease with clinical symptoms such as pain, burning, itching and bleeding were qualified for the study. The patients were divided into two groups. The control group (Group I) of 29 patients receiving standard local treatment plus placebo and the study group (Group II) of 32 patients receiving the same local treatment and a six-component myophlebotropic product. Symptoms were analyzed at the time of inclusion in the study (day 0), after 4 and 10 days of therapy. The severity of hemorrhoidal disease and the feeling of relief were assessed on the day of inclusion (W0) and after 30 days of therapy.<b>Results:</b> There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of disease advancement, age, gender, and duration of symptoms. Compared to the moment of inclusion in the study (W0), after 4 days (W1), after 10 days (W2) of taking the multi- -component product, there was a statistically significant improvement in the VAS scale: spontaneous pain and pain during defecation. In the qualitative assessment (yes/no), there were statistically significantly fewer cases of burning in the anus and itching. The treatment did not affect the rate of spontaneous bleeding, which was low at the beginning of the study, but significantly reduced the rate of bleeding during defecation. After 30 days of observation, it was found that the improvement in the severity of hemorrhoidal disease symptoms was significantly higher in the group using the tested preparation. Relief after a month of the study (one-question method) was noted in the group of patients receiving the tested product.<b>Conclusions:</b> The tested six-component myophlebotropic product proved to be effective in reducing the severity of symptoms such as spontaneous pain, pain during defecation, burning/burning in the anus and bleeding during defecation. Statistical significance was demonstrated in the symptom's relief and reduction in the severity of hemorrhoidal disease.
Topics: Humans; Hemorrhoids; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Dietary Supplements; Aged
PubMed: 38940246
DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0054.6443 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Jun 2024Constipation is among the most common symptoms prompting a consultation with a paediatric gastroenterologist. While most patients will respond to lifestyle and dietary...
BACKGROUND
Constipation is among the most common symptoms prompting a consultation with a paediatric gastroenterologist. While most patients will respond to lifestyle and dietary changes and conventional therapy, some may require diagnostic studies.
AIM
To review the diagnostics studies used to evaluate children with functional constipation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
There is no evidence to support the routine use of abdominal X-rays in the evaluation of paediatric constipation. Colon transit by radiopaque markers (ROM) should be indicated when medical history does not match clinical findings, to guide colon manometry (CM) performance and to discriminate between faecal incontinence from functional constipation and non-retentive faecal incontinence. Colon scintigraphy may be useful as an alternative to ROM. Lumbar spine MRI may be indicated to evaluate for spinal abnormalities. The role of defecography has not been properly evaluated in children. Anorectal manometry in children is indicated primarily to evaluate anal resting pressure, presence and quality of the recto-anal inhibitory reflex and simulated defecation manoeuvres. The CM is indicated to guide surgical interventions after failing medical therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
The goal of these studies is to identify treatable causes of constipation. Most of these studies are designed to evaluate anatomy, transit and/or colon/rectum motility function and are primarily indicated in those who fail to respond to conventional therapy.
PubMed: 38940015
DOI: 10.1111/apt.17857 -
Open Forum Infectious Diseases Jun 2024Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to infectious disease control, particularly among recently hospitalized children. We sought to determine the prevalence...
BACKGROUND
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to infectious disease control, particularly among recently hospitalized children. We sought to determine the prevalence and mitigating factors of resistance in enteric among children discharged from health facilities in western Kenya.
METHODS
Between June 2016 and November 2019, children aged 1 to 59 months were enrolled at the point of discharge from the hospital. was isolated by microbiological culture from rectal swabs at baseline. β-Lactamases and macrolide resistance-conferring genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. A modified Poisson regression model was used to assess the predictors (A) and CTX-M-type extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL).
RESULTS
Of the 238 children whose isolates were tested, 91 (38.2%) and 109 (45.8%) had detectable CTX-M-type ESBL and (A) genes, respectively. Antibiotic treatment during hospitalization (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 2.47; 95% CI, 1.12-5.43; = .025), length of hospitalization (aPR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.00-2.01; = .052), and the practice of open defecation (aPR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.40-4.36; = .002) were independent predictors for CTX-M-type ESBL and (A) genes. Pneumococcal vaccination was associated with a 43% lower likelihood of CTX-M-type ESBL (aPR, 0.57; 95% CI, .38-.85; = .005), while measles vaccination was associated with a 32% lower likelihood of (A) genes (aPR, 0.68; 95% CI, .49-.93; = .017) in isolates.
CONCLUSIONS
Among children discharged from the hospital, history of vaccination, shorter hospital stay, lack of in-hospital antibiotic exposure, and improved sanitation were associated with a lower likelihood of AMR genes. To mitigate the continued spread of AMR, AMR control programs should consider strategies beyond antimicrobial stewardship, including improvements in sanitation, increased vaccine coverage, and the development of novel vaccines.
PubMed: 38938894
DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae307 -
Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing :... Jun 2024Preoperative oral carbohydrate loading is a component of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of preoperative...
PURPOSE
Preoperative oral carbohydrate loading is a component of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate loading on postoperative clinical outcomes in spinal surgery patients.
DESIGN
This is a prospective case-control study.
METHODS
This study was conducted with patients who underwent spinal surgery from October 1, 2020 to October 1, 2021 in a neurosurgery clinic of an education and research hospital. The intervention group (n = 46) ingested 800 mL oral carbohydrate drinks at least 8 hours before surgery. The postoperative clinical outcomes were nausea, vomiting, antiemetic and analgesic drug medication, inflammation, and bleeding. The first flatus and defecation time, oral intake time, mobilization time, and length of stay in hospital were assessed postoperatively. Adverse events were monitored up to 24 hours postoperatively. The control group (n = 46) underwent routine fasting protocols.
FINDINGS
Lower rates of vomiting and bleeding during and after surgery and earlier defecation time and first mobilization time were determined in the intervention group, and the difference compared with the control group was statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative oral carbohydrate loading is a nonpharmacological intervention that has a positive effect on postoperative clinical outcomes in patients who underwent spinal surgery and should be included in the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol.
PubMed: 38935011
DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2024.03.002 -
Indian Journal of Dental Research :... Jan 2024Expanding knowledge on tobacco use and quitting outcomes in Chhattisgarh, India, is crucial. Limited data hinder the assessment of tobacco use prevalence and quitting...
INTRODUCTION
Expanding knowledge on tobacco use and quitting outcomes in Chhattisgarh, India, is crucial. Limited data hinder the assessment of tobacco use prevalence and quitting outcomes in the region. This household-based cross-sectional study aimed to assess smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and quit behaviour among village dwellers aged 35-44 and 65-74 years in Jamul, Chhattisgarh.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A survey was conducted among 450 participants, utilising a pretested questionnaire and data analysis using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v23.
RESULTS
The study revealed that among the survey participants, 61.1% were males and 38.9% were females. The prevalence of SLT use was found to be 67.8%, with 59.1% of current SLT users reporting daily use. Middle-aged individuals predominantly chose gutkha, while khaini was more common among the elderly. Tobacco and paan with tobacco were also commonly used forms. Gudakhu, a popular SLT product for oral hygiene and easy defecation, was reported by 71.34% of participants. Television warnings and SLT packages proved to be successful methods for disseminating information about the dangers of SLT use. However, SLT users who attempted to quit independently reported encountering one or more withdrawal symptoms, which posed significant obstacles to quitting SLT.
CONCLUSION
Community-based awareness programmes are implemented via regional television (TV) channels, coupled with cessation initiatives, including professional counselling, pharmaceutical interventions and support of peer. Changing attitudes against SLT use and promoting tobacco-free environments are prioritized. These strategies will effectively address SLT use and improve quitting outcomes in Jamul, Chhattisgarh, fostering a healthier community.
Topics: Humans; Tobacco, Smokeless; Female; Male; India; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Aged; Rural Population; Tobacco Use Cessation; Tobacco Use; Surveys and Questionnaires; Prevalence
PubMed: 38934741
DOI: 10.4103/ijdr.ijdr_596_23 -
Ecology and Evolution Jun 2024In the intricate web of plant-animal interactions, granivore birds can play a dual antagonist-mutualist role as seed predators and dispersers. This study delves into the...
In the intricate web of plant-animal interactions, granivore birds can play a dual antagonist-mutualist role as seed predators and dispersers. This study delves into the ecological significance of the house sparrow () as seed disperser by endozoochory. A sample of individual droppings and faecal pools were collected from a communal roost in central Spain to examine the presence of seeds. Seed viability was determined using the tetrazolium test. Our findings revealed that around 22% of the analysed droppings contained seeds, contradicting the prevalent notion of house sparrow solely as seed predator. Viability tests demonstrated that 53.9% of the defecated seeds were viable, although it varied between plant species, including those from fleshy-fruited common fig and five species of dry-fruited herbs. This study challenges the traditional perspectives on the ecological role of the house sparrow, and glimpses on their contribution to seed dispersal. Understanding the nuanced roles of granivore species like the house sparrow is crucial for developing holistic conservation and management strategies in urban and agricultural landscapes. Future studies are encouraged to unravel the actual role of this cosmopolitan species as disperser of a likely broad spectrum of wild, cultivated and exotic plants.
PubMed: 38932975
DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11556 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024Atresia Ani (AA) is a rare congenital anomaly in companion animals affecting rectal and anal development. Its incidence in cats remains unreported. This retrospective...
Atresia Ani (AA) is a rare congenital anomaly in companion animals affecting rectal and anal development. Its incidence in cats remains unreported. This retrospective study aimed to characterize age, body condition, fistula size, and perioperative outcomes in Type IV Atresia Ani (with recto-vaginal fistula) in female cats. Surgical intervention is the primary treatment. Conducted over 2 years, the study included nine female cats diagnosed with Type IV Atresia Ani and recto-vaginal fistula undergoing surgery. Statistical analysis used the R program (version 4.2.1) with Rstudio extension. Significant results were observed at a 95% confidence interval and < 0.05. The condition had an incidence of 4.7% among the 192 cats evaluated over a 2-year period. The findings suggest that a body condition score of 3, an age of 3 to 4 weeks, and a fistula length of 1 to 2 mm correlated with better surgical outcomes, reducing the likelihood of fecal incontinence and anal stenosis development, and enhancing defecation awareness during the perioperative period. This study is the first to report the disease incidence in cats undergoing surgery, according to the authors' knowledge.
PubMed: 38929357
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121738 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Pediatric colorectal specialists care for patients with a variety of defecation disorders. Anorectal (AR) manometry testing is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and...
BACKGROUND
Pediatric colorectal specialists care for patients with a variety of defecation disorders. Anorectal (AR) manometry testing is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of these children. This paper provides a summary of AR manometry techniques and applications as well as a review of AR manometry findings in pediatric patients with severe defecation disorders referred to a pediatric colorectal center. This is the first study describing multi-year experience using a portable AR manometry device in pediatric patients.
METHODS
An electronic medical record review was performed (1/2018 to 12/2023) of pediatric patients with defecation disorders who had AR manometry testing. Demographics, diagnostic findings, and outcomes are described.
KEY RESULTS
A total of 297 unique patients (56.9% male, = 169) had AR manometry testing. Of these, 72% (n = 188) had dyssynergic defecation patterns, of which 67.6% (n = 127) had fecal soiling prior to treatment. Pelvic rehabilitation (PR) was administered to 35.4% (n = 105) of all patients. A total of 79.5% (n = 58) of the 73 patients that had fecal soiling at initial presentation and completed PR with physical therapy and a bowel management program were continent after therapy. AR manometry was well tolerated, with no major complications.
CONCLUSIONS
AR manometry is a simple test that can help guide the management of pediatric colorectal surgical patients with defecation disorders. As a secondary finding, PR is a useful treatment for patients with dyssynergic stooling.
PubMed: 38929233
DOI: 10.3390/children11060654 -
Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G,... Jun 2024In horses, parturition is characterized by the fact that any delays may rapidly result in the death of the foal. Therefore, birth monitoring and the rapid detection of... (Review)
Review
In horses, parturition is characterized by the fact that any delays may rapidly result in the death of the foal. Therefore, birth monitoring and the rapid detection of dystocia are of great importance. For this purpose, the differentiation between behavior associated with physiological parturition and activities related to difficult parturition is important. The aim of this publication is to present the physiological behavior of mares during parturition on the basis of a literature review. The behavior of mares in the opening phase of parturition is highly individual. In general, it is characterized by an increase in movement activity. In this phase of parturition, 13 different behaviors have been described (e. g. lying down and standing up, cessation of feed intake, local sweating, frequent defecation and urination). Mares show a more uniform pattern of behavior in the expulsion phase and the following phase of expulsion of the fetal membranes and placenta. More than 95% of mares give birth in the lateral position. A mare usually remains in recumbency for several minutes following the expulsion of the fetus. Immediately after standing up, the mare begins to intensely interact with the foal. The expulsion of the fetal membranes and the placenta usually takes place in a standing position. From a clinical point of view, it is important to give consideration to the difficulty in recognizing the opening phase of parturition due to the mares' individual behavior patterns.
Topics: Horses; Female; Animals; Parturition; Pregnancy; Behavior, Animal
PubMed: 38925128
DOI: 10.1055/a-2321-4422