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Frontiers in Neurology 2024The optimal placement of a cochlear implant (CI) electrode inside the scala tympani compartment to create an effective electrode-neural interface is the base for a... (Review)
Review
The optimal placement of a cochlear implant (CI) electrode inside the scala tympani compartment to create an effective electrode-neural interface is the base for a successful CI treatment. The characteristics of an effective electrode design include (a) electrode matching every possible variation in the inner ear size, shape, and anatomy, (b) electrically covering most of the neuronal elements, and (c) preserving intra-cochlear structures, even in non-hearing preservation surgeries. Flexible electrode arrays of various lengths are required to reach an angular insertion depth of 680° to which neuronal cell bodies are angularly distributed and to minimize the rate of electrode scalar deviation. At the time of writing this article, the current scientific evidence indicates that straight lateral wall electrode outperforms perimodiolar electrode by preventing electrode tip fold-over and scalar deviation. Most of the available literature on electrode insertion depth and hearing outcomes supports the practice of physically placing an electrode to cover both the basal and middle turns of the cochlea. This is only achievable with longer straight lateral wall electrodes as single-sized and pre-shaped perimodiolar electrodes have limitations in reaching beyond the basal turn of the cochlea and in offering consistent modiolar hugging placement in every cochlea. For malformed inner ear anatomies that lack a central modiolar trunk, the perimodiolar electrode is not an effective electrode choice. Most of the literature has failed to demonstrate superiority in hearing outcomes when comparing perimodiolar electrodes with straight lateral wall electrodes from single CI manufacturers. In summary, flexible and straight lateral wall electrode type is reported to be gentle to intra-cochlear structures and has the potential to electrically stimulate most of the neuronal elements, which are necessary in bringing full benefit of the CI device to recipients.
PubMed: 38756216
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1348439 -
Poultry Science Apr 2024This work aimed to investigate the effects of dietary frankincense oil and ginger on the growth efficiency of growing Japanese quail, including live body weight, body...
This work aimed to investigate the effects of dietary frankincense oil and ginger on the growth efficiency of growing Japanese quail, including live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass traits, and physical characteristics of the meat. In total, 150 unsexed Japanese quail chicks that were 7 d old were utilized in the experiment. The chicks were randomly divided into 5 groups. Each group was divided into 3 replicates with ten birds in a completely randomized design. Group 1 received a basal diet without supplements and was used as a control group. Groups 2 and 3 received basal diets with 250 and 500 mg of ginger per kg of diet, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 received basal diets with 200 and 400 mg of frankincense oil per kg of diet, respectively. Results showed that BW of chicks received 500 mg of ginger and the 2 levels of frankincense oil at 5 wk of age, and 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil at 6 wk significantly increased. BWG was significantly increased by using 500 mg of ginger and 2 levels of frankincense oil at 1 to 3 wk, 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil at 3 to 6 wk, and 1 to 6 wk of age, in comparison with the control group. Treatments insignificantly influenced feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved considerably by using 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense at 3 to 6 wk and 1 to 6 wk of age, respectively. Gizzard% was notably reduced with 200 mg of frankincense oil. The pH value of meat was significantly increased by having 2 levels of ginger. Still, water holding capacity and tenderness significantly decreased owing to 500 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil. We can conclude that adding ginger and frankincense oil to Japanese quail diets may be beneficial.
PubMed: 38749109
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103771 -
PloS One 2024This is the first study to assess longitudinal changes in anthropometric, physiological, and physical qualities of international women's rugby league players. Thirteen...
This is the first study to assess longitudinal changes in anthropometric, physiological, and physical qualities of international women's rugby league players. Thirteen forwards and 11 backs were tested three times over a 10-month period. Assessments included: standing height and body mass, body composition measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a blood panel, resting metabolic rate (RMR) assessed by indirect calorimetry, aerobic capacity (i.e.,[Formula: see text]) evaluated by an incremental treadmill test, and isometric force production measured by a force plate. During the pre-season phase, lean mass increased significantly by ~2% for backs (testing point 1: 47 kg; testing point 2: 48 kg) and forwards (testing point 1: 50 kg; testing point 2: 51 kg) (p = ≤ 0.05). Backs significantly increased their [Formula: see text] by 22% from testing point 1 (40 ml kg-1 min-1) to testing point 3 (49 ml kg-1 min-1) (p = ≤ 0.04). The [Formula: see text] of forwards increased by 10% from testing point 1 (41 ml kg-1 min-1) to testing point 3 (45 ml kg-1 min-1), however this change was not significant (p = ≥ 0.05). Body mass (values represent the range of means across the three testing points) (backs: 68 kg; forwards: 77-78 kg), fat mass percentage (backs: 25-26%; forwards: 30-31%), resting metabolic rate (backs: 7 MJ day-1; forwards: 7 MJ day-1), isometric mid-thigh pull (backs: 2106-2180 N; forwards: 2155-2241 N), isometric bench press (backs: 799-822 N; forwards: 999-1024 N), isometric prone row (backs: 625-628 N; forwards: 667-678 N) and bloods (backs: ferritin 21-29 ug/L, haemoglobin 137-140 g/L, iron 17-21 umol/L, transferrin 3 g/L, transferring saturation 23-28%; forwards: ferritin 31-33 ug/L, haemoglobin 141-145 g/L, iron 20-23 umol/L, transferrin 3 g/L, transferrin saturation 26-31%) did not change (p = ≥ 0.05). This study provides novel longitudinal data which can be used to better prepare women rugby league players for the unique demands of their sport, underpinning female athlete health.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Body Composition; Football; Longitudinal Studies; Basal Metabolism; Young Adult; Anthropometry; Athletes; Absorptiometry, Photon; Exercise Test; Body Mass Index; Rugby
PubMed: 38743656
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298709 -
Cureus Apr 2024The ventricular migration of vitreous silicone oil (SiO) is rare and can easily be mistaken for intraventricular hemorrhage or a ruptured colloid cyst. We report here...
The ventricular migration of vitreous silicone oil (SiO) is rare and can easily be mistaken for intraventricular hemorrhage or a ruptured colloid cyst. We report here the case of an adult male who was misdiagnosed with a ruptured colloid cyst and was subsequently found to have ventricular migration of vitreous SiO. A 57-year-old male presented unresponsive following a respiratory arrest and underwent a head computed tomography (CT) scan that demonstrated multiple ovoid hyperdensities in the ventricular system, which was concerning for a ruptured colloid cyst. He was transferred to our institution for neurosurgical evaluation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed and demonstrated widespread abnormal diffusion restriction throughout the cortex and basal ganglia, consistent with anoxic brain injury secondary to hypoxic respiratory arrest. The MRI also demonstrated an abnormal signal in areas corresponding with the previously identified intraventricular lesions, which did not layer posteriorly. Given that the MRI sequence signals of the lesions in the ventricular system matched perfectly with the signals of the somewhat deflated SiO within the globe, these multiple ovoid lesions on imaging were most consistent with the migration of SiO from the vitreous body of the right globe into the ventricular system. This case demonstrates a diagnostic error that can occur in emergent settings because of the broad differential diagnosis for cerebral ventricular hyperdensities. A ruptured colloid cyst was considered the reason for transfer, with the anticipation of neurosurgical intervention, but further imaging demonstrated that this was an incidental finding in this patient who presented in extremis. Awareness of this rare clinical condition can prevent overutilization of resources and unnecessary interventions.
PubMed: 38738078
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58043 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024Forty-eight Pelibuey × Katahdin male intact lambs (25.12 ± 3.79 kg LW) were used in a 70-d growing-finishing trial. Dietary treatments consisted of total mixed...
Influences of a Supplemental Blend of Essential Oils Plus 25-Hydroxy-Vit-D3 and Zilpaterol Hydrochloride (β2 Agonist) on Growth Performance and Carcass Measures of Feedlot Lambs Finished under Conditions of High Ambient Temperature.
Forty-eight Pelibuey × Katahdin male intact lambs (25.12 ± 3.79 kg LW) were used in a 70-d growing-finishing trial. Dietary treatments consisted of total mixed corn-based diet supplemented with: (1) no feed additives (Control); (2) 150 mg of essential oils blend plus 0.10 mg of 25-hydroxy-Vit-D3/kg diet offered throughout the 70-d experimental period (EOD3); (3) Control diet fed during the first 35 days and zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) supplementation at 6 mg/kg diet offered during the final 35 days of the experiment (32 days with ZH with a withdrawal 3-d before harvest), and (4) basal diet supplemented with EOD3 during first 35 days finishing, and EOD3 in combination with ZH (EOD3 + ZH) during the subsequent 32-days with ZH withdrawal 3 days before harvest. The temperature-humidity index during the experiment averaged 80.4 ± 3.2. There were no treatment interactions ( > 0.20) on growth performance and carcass measures. Supplemental EOD3 did not affect ( = 0.43) dry matter intake (DMI), but increased ( < 0.01) carcass adjusted average daily gain (ADG, 9.2%), gain efficiency (GF, 6.7%), and observed vs. expected dietary net energy for maintenance (NE, 4.8%) and for gain (NE, 6.4%). Supplemental ZH did not affect dry matter intake (DMI, = 0.50) but increased ( < 0.01) carcass adjusted ADG (14.5%), GF (13%) and observed vs. expected dietary NE (9%) and NE (11.7%). Compared to control lambs, the combination of both additives increased ADG (24.9%), GF (21.2%), and observed vs. expected dietary NE and NE (14.2% and 18.9%, respectively). There were no treatment interactions on carcass characteristics, visceral organ mass, or on gene expression of IGF1, IGF2 and mTOR in longissimus muscle (LM). Supplemental EOD3 increased hot carcass weight (HCW; 4.0%, < 0.01) but did not affect other carcass measures. Supplemental EOD3 decreased (3%, = 0.03) intestine mass weight (g intestine/kg empty body weight). Supplemental ZH increased HCW (6%, < 0.01), dressing percentage (1.7%, = 0.04), and LM area (9.7%, < 0.01), and decreased kidney-pelvic-fat percentage (16.2%, < 0.01), fat thickness (14.7%, = 0.03), and visceral fat. Compared to controls, the combination of EOD3 with ZH increased HCW (10.2%). It is concluded that growth performance responses to supplemental EOD3 and ZH are additive. Both supplements can be fed in combination without detrimental effects on expected benefits when fed separately. In addition, ZH supplementation improves carcass traits.
PubMed: 38731393
DOI: 10.3390/ani14091391 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Apr 2024Cidofovir, an antiviral drug approved for cytomegalovirus retinitis, has emerged as an alternative treatment option for virally induced cutaneous and mucocutaneous... (Review)
Review
Cidofovir, an antiviral drug approved for cytomegalovirus retinitis, has emerged as an alternative treatment option for virally induced cutaneous and mucocutaneous conditions, as well as being trialed as a treatment for select neoplasms. In this review, we highlight the existing evidence, clinical uses, and rationale of using cidofovir for the treatment of cutaneous pathologies. A PubMed database literature search was conducted to identify relevant articles for inclusion in this review. Cidofovir has several cutaneous applications in various formulations including intravenous, topical, and subcutaneous administrations. Primarily through case reports, case series, and retrospective reviews, cidofovir has demonstrated efficacy in treating a variety of virally induced conditions-verruca vulgaris, herpes simplex virus, molluscum contagiosum-as well as in adjuvant treatment for select neoplasms. The drug has shown efficacy in immunocompromised and immunocompetent adults and children alike. The body of literature supports the use of cidofovir as an effective and well-tolerated treatment for many viral cutaneous pathologies, and encourages further study for its use as an adjuvant therapy for neoplastic disease.
PubMed: 38730991
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092462 -
BMC Endocrine Disorders May 2024Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a newly discovered small molecule adipocytokine, and research has shown that it is closely related to the occurrence and...
INTRODUCTION
Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a newly discovered small molecule adipocytokine, and research has shown that it is closely related to the occurrence and development of obesity. However, there are currently few research reports on SDF-1 in childhood obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and this study aims to explore the relationship between SDF-1 and obesity related indicators in obese children.
METHODS
Serum SDF-1 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical and biochemical data were collected, such as body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference, blood pressure, liver enzymes, cholesterol, and fasting insulin. Children with NAFLD or not were evaluated through Color Doppler Ultrasound.
RESULTS
Serum SDF-1 concentrations were significantly higher in obese subjects than in non-obese subjects (P < 0.05), and were elevated in the NAFLD obese subjects than in the non-NAFLD obese subjects (P < 0.05). SDF-1 was positively correlated with BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, body fat percentage (BFP), basal metabolic rate (BMR), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), glutyltranspeptidase (GT), and homoeostasis model of HOMA-IR, independent of their uric acid (UA), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), gender and age. BFP and BMR were associated with the serum SDF-1 concentrations in multivariable linear regression analysis.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that SDF-1 levels are elevated in obese children and are associated with NAFLD, indicating that SDF-1 may play a role in the development of childhood obesity and metabolic disorders.
Topics: Humans; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Male; Female; Child; Chemokine CXCL12; Pediatric Obesity; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Adolescent; Case-Control Studies; Insulin Resistance
PubMed: 38730413
DOI: 10.1186/s12902-024-01597-2 -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... May 2024The incidence rates of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) skin cancers are rising, while the current diagnostic process is...
BACKGROUND
The incidence rates of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) skin cancers are rising, while the current diagnostic process is time-consuming. We describe the development of a novel approach to high-throughput sampling of tissue lipids using electroporation-based biopsy, termed e-biopsy. We report on the ability of the e-biopsy technique to harvest large amounts of lipids from human skin samples.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Here, 168 lipids were reliably identified from 12 patients providing a total of 13 samples. The extracted lipids were profiled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS) providing cSCC, BCC, and healthy skin lipidomic profiles.
RESULTS
Comparative analysis identified 27 differentially expressed lipids (p < 0.05). The general profile trend is low diglycerides in both cSCC and BCC, high phospholipids in BCC, and high lyso-phospholipids in cSCC compared to healthy skin tissue samples.
CONCLUSION
The results contribute to the growing body of knowledge that can potentially lead to novel insights into these skin cancers and demonstrate the potential of the e-biopsy technique for the analysis of lipidomic profiles of human skin tissues.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Skin Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Lipidomics; Biopsy; Skin; Female; Male; Electroporation; Middle Aged; Aged; Lipids; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 38721854
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13706 -
Cureus Apr 2024Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an extremely uncommon cause of cerebral calcification. A male patient, aged 45, was admitted to the neurosurgery clinic with a...
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an extremely uncommon cause of cerebral calcification. A male patient, aged 45, was admitted to the neurosurgery clinic with a closed traumatic brain injury, namely a concussion, resulting in symptoms of headache and loss of balance. A CT scan was conducted, which detected bilateral calcifications on the basal ganglia and the tentorium. The blood tests revealed increased levels of serum calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), while vitamin D levels were within the normal range. The patient received symptomatic therapy for the cerebral concussion and was referred for further diagnostic procedures. Based on these exams, it was determined that the patient had a parathyroid adenoma, which was responsible for PHPT characterised by increased levels of calcium, phosphate, and PTH. The patient subsequently underwent a successful parathyroidectomy. Half a year following the surgical procedure, the patient remained free of any indications of neurological conditions, and the levels of PTH and calcium in their body were within the expected range. Whenever trying to identify the cause of cerebral calcification, it is important to explore several possible diagnoses. A possible cause that should be taken into account is PHTP.
PubMed: 38721190
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57826 -
Heliyon May 2024The objective of this study was to develop nanotechnology-mediated paclitaxel (PAC) and curcumin (CUR) co-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (PAC-CUR-SLNs) for the...
The objective of this study was to develop nanotechnology-mediated paclitaxel (PAC) and curcumin (CUR) co-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (PAC-CUR-SLNs) for the treatment of lung cancer, which is a leading cause of death worldwide. Around 85 % cases of lungs cancer constitute non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PAC-CUR-SLNs were prepared via high pressure homogenization. The drug release of PAC-CUR-SLNs was checked followed by their cytotoxic investigation using cell lines. Anticancer effects along with side effects of the synergistic delivery of PAC-CUR-SLNs were studied using BALB/c mice. PAC-CUR-SLNs were nano sized (190 nm), homogeneously disseminated particles with %IE of both PAC and CUR above 94 %. PAC-CUR-SLNs released PAC and CUR in a controlled fashion when compared with free drug suspensions. The cytotoxicity of PAC-CUR-SLNs was higher than individual drug-loaded SLNs and pure drugs. Moreover, the co-delivery displayed synergistic effect, indicating potential of PAC-CUR-SLNs in lung cancer treatment. tumor investigation of PAC-CUR-SLNs exhibited 12-fold reduced tumor volume and almost no change in body weight of BALB/c mice, when compared with the experimental groups including control group. The inhibition of tumor rate on day 28 was 82.7 % in the PAC-CUR-SLNs group, which was significantly higher than the pure drugs and monotherapies. It can be concluded that, encapsulating the co-loaded antitumor drugs like PAC-CUR in SLNs may help in improved targeting of the tumor with enhanced anticancer effect.
PubMed: 38720725
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30290