Effects and action mechanisms of lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera) ethanol extract on gut microbes and obesity in high-fat diet-fed rats.

Objective: The present study aimed to clarify the effect of the lotus leaf ethanol extract (LLEE) on the mechanism of antiobesity and the intestinal microbiota of obese rats. Methods: A total of 40 specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were split into the blank control group, the model control group, the Orlistat capsule control group, and the LLEE group. All the groups were intervened and fed specific diets for 5 months. During the experiment, we evaluated the rats' body weight, length, serum biochemical indicators, and inflammatory factor levels. After dissection, the liver; epididymal and perirenal white adipose tissue (WAT); and the contents of the cecum were collected for pathological evaluation and intestinal flora analysis. Results: Lotus leaf alcohol extract can significantly reduce the serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. It also decreases the accumulation of fatty deposits in the liver of rats and the levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α and increases the level of IL-10. Lotus leaf alcohol extracts significantly increased the abundance of Muribaculaceae in the intestinal flora of rats, reduced the abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria Firmicutes, and relieved fatty liver and other inflammation and diseases caused by a high-fat diet. Besides, the ethanol extract of the lotus leaf significantly regulated the abundance of Ruminococcus, suggesting that the ethanol extract of the lotus leaf may prevent hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: We elucidated the effects and action mechanisms of LLEE on obesity in high-fat diet-fed rats to provide suggestions for regulating intestinal flora through dietary intervention and thus improving blood lipid metabolism.

Pre-calving energy density and rumen protected lysine impacted blood metabolites and biomarkers of liver functions in dairy cows during the transition period.

Dairy cows usually face negative energy balance and disorders of normal organ function due to a mismatch between energy intake and energy demand. Negative energy balance directly affects liver function and blood metabolites because the liver is used as source of energy supply and a center of metabolic activity. This study was aimed to determine the effect of pre-calving energy density and rumen-protected lysine on blood metabolites and biomarkers of liver functions in the dairy cows during the transition period. Forty 3rd lactation Holstein cows going to enter their 4th lactation were randomly allocated to one of the four dietary treatments (high energy with rumen-protected lysine (HERPL) = 1.53NEL plus 40 g Lys, high energy without lysine (HECK) = 1.53NEL, low energy with rumen-protected lysine (LERPL) = 1.37NEL plus 40 g Lys, and low energy without lysine (LECK) = 1.37NEL arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Blood samples were collected during the transition period, and concentrations of blood metabolites and biomarkers of liver function were measured. Interaction between pre-calving high-energy diet and rumen-protected lysine tended to increase plasma albumin, numerically increased glucose, decreased triglyceride, total bilirubin, and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations. The result revealed that pre-calving high-energy density increased insulin, albumin and decreased blood urea nitrogen and total bilirubin concentrations and substantial favor liver functions during the transition period.

Growing skull fracture stages and treatment strategy.

OBJECT: A growing skull fracture (GSF) is a rare but significant late complication of skull fractures, usually occurring during infancy and early childhood. Delayed diagnosis and improper treatment could exacerbate this disease. The aim of this study was to introduce a new hypothesis about, describe the stages of, and discuss the treatment strategy for GSF. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective review of 27 patients with GSF, who were grouped according to 3 different GSF stages. RESULTS: Over a period of 20 years, 27 patients with GSF (16 males and 11 females) were treated in the authors' department. The mean follow-up period was 26.5 months. Six patients were in the prephase of GSF (Stage 1), 10 patients in the early phase (Stage 2), and 11 in the late phase (Stage 3). All patients underwent duraplasty. All 6 patients at Stage 1 and 5 patients at Stage 2 underwent craniotomy without cranioplasty. Five patients at Stage 2 and all of the patients at Stage 3 underwent cranioplasty with autologous bone and alloplastic materials, respectively. Among all patients, 5 underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Symptoms in all patients at Stages 1 and 2 were alleviated or disappeared, and the cranial bones developed without deformity during follow-up. Among patients with Stage 3 GSF, no obvious improvement in neurological deficits was observed. Three patients underwent additional operations because of cranial deformation or infection. CONCLUSIONS: The authors identify the stages of GSF according to a new hypothesis. They conclude that accurately diagnosing and treating GSF during Stages 1 and 2 leads to a better prognosis.