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Obesity Facts Jun 2024Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is an escalating health concern linked to obesity...
INTRODUCTION
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is an escalating health concern linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Despite liver biopsy being the gold standard, its invasiveness underscores the need for non-invasive diagnostic methods.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was performed to assess MASLD using the non-invasive OWLiver® serum lipidomics test in a cohort of 117 patients with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery, comparing outcomes with liver biopsy. Exclusions (n = 24) included insufficient data, liver disease etiology other than MASLD, corticosteroid treatment, excessive alcohol consumption, low glomerular filtration rate and declination to participate. Comprehensive laboratory tests, demographic assessments and liver biopsies were performed. Serum metabolites were analyzed using OWLiver®, a serum lipidomic test that discriminates between healthy liver, steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and MASH with fibrosis ≥2 by means of three algorithms run sequentially.
RESULTS
Liver biopsy revealed a MASLD prevalence of 95.7%, with MASH present in 28.2% of cases. OWLiver® demonstrated a tendency to diagnose more severe cases. Body mass index (BMI), rather than the presence of type 2 diabetes, emerged as the sole independent factor linked to the probability of concordance. Therefore, the all-population concordance of 63.2% between OWLiver® and liver biopsy notably raised to 77.1% in patients with a BMI <40 kg/m². These findings suggest a potential correlation between lower BMI and enhanced concordance between OWLiver® and biopsy.
CONCLUSION
This study yields valuable insights into the concordance between liver biopsy and the non-invasive serum lipidomic test, OWLiver®, in severe obesity. OWLiver® demonstrated a tendency to amplify MASLD severity, with BMI values influencing concordance. Patients with BMI < 40 kg/m² may derive optimal benefits from this non-invasive diagnostic approach.
PubMed: 38934179
DOI: 10.1159/000538765 -
Heliyon Jun 2024(PC) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and food as well as an important essential oil plant in China. PC essential oil exerts pharmacological effects such as...
GC-MS method for simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetic investigation of five volatile components in rat plasma after oral administration of the essential oil extract of .
(PC) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and food as well as an important essential oil plant in China. PC essential oil exerts pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-platelet, anti-thrombotic, and anti-depressant. This study established a reliable and sensitive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the simultaneous determination of the pharmacokinetics of patchouli alcohol, β-elemene, β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, and farnesol in the plasma of rats after oral administration of PC essential oil extract. Using ethyl acetate to prepare the plasma samples, and p-menthone was used as the internal standard (IS). An HP5-MS column (0.25 μm × 0.25 mm × 30 m) was used for chromatographic separation, and detection was performed in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The accuracies of intra-day and inter-day for all analytes displayed a range of -6.7 %-9.2 %, with precision below 12.5 %. Extraction recoveries for analytes ranged from 74.0 to 106.4 % and matrix effects ranged from 92.4 to 106.9 %. Stability results have demonstrated that the relative standard deviations (RSD) of analytes were below 12.1 %. Therefore, the developed GC-MS method successfully evaluated the pharmacokinetics of five volatile components in PC essential oil extract administered orally to rats.
PubMed: 38933986
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32444 -
Frontiers in Chemistry 2024Development of low temperature catalytic pyrolysis technology for heated tobacco sheets is expected to increase the aroma of heated tobacco products and improve their...
Development of low temperature catalytic pyrolysis technology for heated tobacco sheets is expected to increase the aroma of heated tobacco products and improve their overall smoking quality. In this study, the low temperature pyrolysis performances of heated tobacco sheets catalyzed by various anionic sodium salts were investigated using TG-DTG, Py-GC-MS technology and smoke routine chemical composition analysis. The results showed that the total weight loss between 100°C and 300°C increased by 7.8%-13.15% after adding various anionic sodium salts, among which, sodium acetate and sodium tartrate showed a relatively higher weight loss. The relative content of free hydroxyacetone, furfuryl alcohol, butyrolactone and megastigmatrienone in the pyrolysis gas increased, while the relative content of free nicotine decreased. With the change of anionic species, the catalytic decomposition ability of cellulose, lignin, and other substances may change, resulting in the distribution alteration of compounds in the pyrolysis gas. After adding sodium acetate and sodium citrate, the release of total particulate matter (TPM), glycerol, and nicotine in flue gas increased. Overall, the addition of sodium acetate and sodium citrate showed a higher low temperature pyrolysis performance of heated tobacco sheets. The research results in this paper provide data support for changing the low temperature catalytic pyrolysis performance of heated tobacco sheets by adjusting the type of anions in sodium salts.
PubMed: 38933929
DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1425244 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Rhubarb is a popular food that relieves constipation and aids with weight loss. The traditional method of preparation, includes steaming and sun-drying rhubarb nine...
INTRODUCTION
Rhubarb is a popular food that relieves constipation and aids with weight loss. The traditional method of preparation, includes steaming and sun-drying rhubarb nine times (SDR-9) to reduce its toxicity and increase efficacy.
METHODS
Flavor analysis includes odor analysis by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry and taste characterization using an electronic tongue.
RESULTS
Odor analysis of the samples prepared through SDR-9 identified 61 volatile compounds, including aldehydes, esters, alcohols, ketones, acids, alkenes, and furans. Of these, 13 volatile components were the key substances associated with odor. This enabled the process to be divided into two stages: 1-5 times of steaming and sun-drying and 6-9 times. In the second stage, SDR-6 and SDR-9 were grouped together in terms of odor. Analysis using electronic tongue revealed that the most prominent taste was bitterness. A radar map indicated that the bitterness response was the highest for raw rhubarb, whereas that for processed (steamed and sun-dried) rhubarb decreased. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) clustering results for SDR-6 and SDR-9 samples indicated that their tastes were similar. Anthraquinones were analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography; moreover, analysis of the taste and components of the SDR samples revealed a significant correlation.
DISCUSSION
These results indicate that there are similarities between SDR-6 and SDR-9 in terms of smell, taste, and composition, indicating that the steaming and sun-drying cycles can be conducted six times instead of nine.
PubMed: 38933883
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1406430 -
Indian Journal of Community Medicine :... 2024Breast cancer incidence has overtaken that of cervical cancer among women in India according to the Globacon 2020 reports. Cancer management is also being streamlined at...
A Pilot Study to Show Longitudinal Trends in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in a Cohort of Breast Cancer Patients Under Treatment at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Bhubaneswar, India.
INTRODUCTION
Breast cancer incidence has overtaken that of cervical cancer among women in India according to the Globacon 2020 reports. Cancer management is also being streamlined at the Center and district levels, such that comprehensive integrated management is offered to cases to optimize the best results. In breast cancer, there are two modes of surgery namely Breast Conservation Surgery(BCS) and Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) now over 2 decades, with recommended Chemo radiation depending on the extent of the disease. HRQOL (Health-related Quality of Life) studies have been done in these groups of patients, due to their added relevance in terms of the loss of a vital organ like the breast. EORTC 30 and BR23 are standardized and detailed tools that have been seen to estimate QOL, keeping in mind a whole array of domains that are affected by the disease.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the "Body Image" and "Quality of life" (QOL) in operated breast cancer patients using BR -23 and EORTC - QLQ- questionnaire at 1month (after surgery) and then 3 to 4 months after surgery.
METHODS
This article attempts to draw a comparison among of EORTC30 and BR 23 scores calculated for 46 breast cancer patients operated during the pandemic time in one center and consenting to repeat the measures at pre-decided three time periods during the course of management.
RESULTS
No significant differences are noted in the mean scores for EORTC 30 and BR23 for the two types of surgeries. Visit 1 scores for both modes of surgery are over 75 and by Visit 3 become less than 55 for EORTC. BR 23 (which measures the symptoms core to Breast cancer) at all 3 visits are between 45 to 55. Friedman's test shows that the scores are not significant for age groups, the number of living children, or lifestyle factors like alcohol or tobacco chewing, though quadratic graphs depict the distinct variations in the scores at the 3 times reinforcing the need for follow-up of mental health in these subjects at intervals. The study largely brings out a strong need for repeated follow-up and counseling at regular and short intervals, post-surgery in breast cancer patients. EORTC 30 and BR 23 tools are excellent to use to essay information on the mental health of patients with breast cancer.
PubMed: 38933792
DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_390_23 -
Cureus May 2024While Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is mostly caused by thiamine deficiency secondary to chronic alcohol use, other conditions that may affect one's nutritional status,...
While Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is mostly caused by thiamine deficiency secondary to chronic alcohol use, other conditions that may affect one's nutritional status, such as bariatric surgery, hyperemesis gravidarum, chronic gastrointestinal disease, HIV/AIDS, and certain malignancies, may also lead to this outcome. We are discussing one such case, WE, in a young man with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who underwent chemotherapy. The patient presented with blurred vision, paresthesia, weakness, and vomiting. Although he denied alcohol abuse, his symptoms, physical exam findings, and MRI results were consistent with WE. Treatment with thiamine resulted in a significant improvement in his visual disturbances and mental status. The authors highlight the importance of recognizing WE in non-alcoholic patients, particularly those undergoing prolonged hospitalization and chemotherapy, as nutritional deficiencies can develop. They recommend thiamine supplementation for patients receiving chemotherapy and those with poor oral intake. The case underscores the need for high clinical suspicion and early intervention in atypical cases of WE.
PubMed: 38933646
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61184 -
Cureus May 2024Phytotherapeutics derived from medicinal plants treat various illnesses, including viral infections such as SARS, MERS, and SARSCoV-2, as well as bacterial and fungal...
INTRODUCTION
Phytotherapeutics derived from medicinal plants treat various illnesses, including viral infections such as SARS, MERS, and SARSCoV-2, as well as bacterial and fungal diseases. It highlights ongoing research into the chemical compositions of plant components for developing new drugs, with a particular emphasis on anti-cytotoxic agents for anticancer drugs. Traditional extraction methods have limitations, leading to the exploration of environmentally friendly technologies such as ultrasound-assisted, supercritical fluid, microwave-assisted, and accelerated solvent extraction. The paragraph concludes by stating the aim of a specific study to optimize extraction conditions of bioactive compounds from in Kurdistan, comparing conventional and non-conventional extraction methods, solvents, and extraction times.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted between June 2022 and August 2022, fresh leaves and stems of plant were collected and sequentially underwent four extraction methods (maceration, Soxhlet, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) by using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, and distilled-water as solvents.
RESULTS
The results highlighted significant variations in the yields of bioactive compounds based on the extraction method, solvent type, and duration. Among conventional methods, Soxhlet was the most powerful method and had the most extraction yields, while maceration had the lowest yields. The modern techniques surpassed the conventional methods by producing high extraction yields within a shorter time (a few minutes) and using a lesser amount of solvent. Consequently, UAE and MAE emerge as the most efficient techniques. Hence, MAE effectively produced the highest extraction yields and is considered the preferred technique. The choice of solvents significantly influenced the extraction yields, with ethanol consistently emerging as an effective solvent across various extraction methods. In contrast, petroleum ether demonstrated the lowest efficacy as a solvent. Furthermore, the results unveiled the impact of extraction time on yields, indicating a correlation between increased time and extraction yield in certain cases.
CONCLUSION
Extraction is a very critical step in the study of medicinal plants. The amount of extracted compounds is significantly affected by the extraction method, solvent, and time. Ethanol stands out as the most effective solvent, producing the highest yields of bioactive compounds, while petroleum ether yields the least. Additionally, extraction yield shows a direct relation with extraction time. Soxhlet being the most powerful among conventional methods and maceration yields the least. Modern techniques, particularly UAE and MAE, surpass conventional methods by achieving high yields in shorter times with less solvent. MAE, in particular, offers advantages such as shortened extraction time, increased efficiency, reduced labor, and enhanced selectivity, making it the preferred method for extracting bioactive compounds from aerial parts .
PubMed: 38933631
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61146 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024It is known that exposure to the natural environment may positively modulate mental processes and behaviors; in particular, it can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive...
INTRODUCTION
It is known that exposure to the natural environment may positively modulate mental processes and behaviors; in particular, it can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. This suggests a potential integration of "nature experience" into the treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) since various types of addiction are associated with anxiety and depression. Considering that only one study has been reported to date in patients with alcohol use disorder, the effect of nature experience in SUD patients' needs to be further investigated. This study aimed to test the effects of exposure to a natural lagoon environment on craving and measures of wellbeing in SUD patients in comparison to exposure to an urban environment.
METHODS
Twenty-four SUD patients were divided into three groups of eight participants and exposed to two walking sessions (interspersed with a 1-week wash-out period) in a natural environment typical of the Venetian lagoon, an Urban walk, or staying at the residential center based on a Latin-square design. Before and after each session, drug craving, mood, wellbeing, agency, openness to the future, and restorativeness were assessed.
RESULTS
The Nature walk significantly decreased craving in participants compared to their pre-walk values, and compared to craving after the Urban walk, with the latter significantly increased vs. pre-walk values. The Nature walk significantly decreased negative mood and increased wellbeing and agency. Openness to the future and restorativeness measures showed significant improvement after the Nature walk compared to the Urban walk. On the other hand, craving scores after the Urban Walk positively correlated with negative mood and a Sense of Negative Agency values and negatively correlated with wellbeing scores.
DISCUSSION
Our results confirm that "nature experience" may improve mood, wellbeing, attention, stress relief, openness, and sense of being active in SUD patients. Moreover, we also showed a specific effect on drug craving-a key symptom of SUD.
PubMed: 38933590
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1356446 -
Frontiers in Reproductive Health 2024In 2016, UNAIDS set ambitious targets to reduce global HIV infections by 75% by 2020 and 90% by 2030, based on the 2.1 million new infections reported in 2010. However,...
INTRODUCTION
In 2016, UNAIDS set ambitious targets to reduce global HIV infections by 75% by 2020 and 90% by 2030, based on the 2.1 million new infections reported in 2010. However, by 2022, new HIV infections had only decreased by 38%, from 2.1 million in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2022, raising concerns about reaching the 2030 goal. Female sex workers (FSWs) in sub-Saharan Africa face a disproportionately high risk of HIV acquisition, contributing 5%-20% of all new infections in several countries in the region. This analysis investigates HIV seroconversion and associated factors among FSWs, offering insights into critical interventions for preventing HIV transmission in this population and advancing the goal of ending the HIV pandemic by 2030.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 17,977 FSWs who initially tested HIV negative upon enrollment in the Sauti project between October 2016 and September 2018. HIV incidence rates were calculated by dividing the number of new HIV cases by observed person-time within the cohort. Cox regression analysis identified factors associated with seroconversion.
RESULTS
The study revealed an HIV incidence rate of 8.6 per 100 person-years among FSWs [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.1-9.1]. Factors independently associated with HIV seroconversion included age 35 years or older [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 2.53; 95% CI: 2.03-3.14], unprotected sex (aHR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.13-1.42), STI symptoms (aHR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.67-2.38), and alcohol consumption before sex (aHR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.07-1.34).
CONCLUSION
Targeted interventions are vital in curbing HIV transmission among FSWs, with a focus on expanding access to primary HIV prevention services, particularly for older FSWs who face heightened risk. Tailored sexual health education programs are imperative to encourage consistent condom use and enable informed decision-making. Accessible and timely STI screening and treatment services are crucial to mitigate HIV transmission risk. Collaborative partnerships between healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies are essential in implementing these interventions among FSWs.
PubMed: 38933455
DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1332236 -
Health Science Reports Jun 2024Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second most common cause of death after ischemic heart disease worldwide. Understanding predictors of early poststroke...
Predictors of 30-day mortality following the first episode of stroke among patients admitted at referral hospitals in Dodoma, central Tanzania: A prospective longitudinal observational study.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second most common cause of death after ischemic heart disease worldwide. Understanding predictors of early poststroke mortality provides opportunities for interventions and favorable outcomes. This study aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of 30-day mortality among patients admitted with the first stroke at referral hospitals in Dodoma.
METHODS
A prospective longitudinal observational design enrolled patients with acute stroke confirmed by CT scan or MRI admitted at referral hospitals in Dodoma. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale was used to assess stroke severity at baseline. A comparison of risk factors, clinical profiles, and mortality was done using the Chi-square test. A logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of 30-day mortality in patients with the stroke while the 30-day probability of survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.
RESULTS
Out of 226 patients with first-ever stroke, 121(54%) were males, and the population mean age was 63(15) years. The 140(62%) had Ischemic stroke, and 154(68%) survived at the 30th day. Patients with a history of smoking 2.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) (1.0-5.6), = 0.048], loss of consciousness 2.7 [95% CI (1.2-6.4; = 0.019] and unequal pupil size 13.7 [95% CI (4.1-58.1, < 0.001 were significantly more associated with mortality within 30 days. The median survival was 7 (3-9) days, whereas alcohol drinkers and those aged above 60 years had a shorter time to mortality compared to non-alcohol drinkers and those aged <60 years.
CONCLUSION
The study showed a high incidence of mortality within 30 days after the first stroke episode, with the highest proportion dying within 7 days of being hospitalized. Advanced age of ≥60 years, smoking, alcohol use, and severe stroke at admission warrant special attention.
PubMed: 38933419
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2198