Clinical impacts of the rapid diagnostic method on positive blood cultures.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of short-term incubation (STI) protocol on clinical outcomes of bloodstream infection (BSI) patients. METHODS: A total of 1363 positive blood culture records from January 2019 to December 2021 were included. The main clinical outcomes included pathogen identification turnaround time (TAT), antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) TAT, and length of total hospital stay. RESULTS: The TAT of pathogen identification and AST significantly decreased after implementing the STI protocol (2.2 vs 1.4 days and 3.4 vs 2.5 days, respectively, with P < .001 for both). Moreover, for patients with Gram-negative bacteria (GNB)-infected BSIs, the length of total hospital stay decreased from 31.9 days to 27.1 days, indicating that these patients could be discharged 5 days earlier after implementing the STI protocol (P < .01). CONCLUSION: The protocol led to a significant reduction in TAT and improved clinical outcomes, particularly for GNB organisms. The findings suggest that the STI protocol can improve patient outcomes and hospital resource utilization in the management of BSIs.

Sodium sulfate addition increases the bioresource of biologically active sulfated polysaccharides from Antrodia cinnamomea.

Fungal sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) have been used in the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, sodium sulfate was employed as an elicitor to induce stress on the mycelia of Antrodia cinnamomea for the biosynthesis of SPS with high sulfate content. Sodium sulfate treatments increased the yield of SPS to 4.46 % and increased the sulfate content to 6.8 mmol/g of SPS. SPS were extracted from A. cinnamomea cultured with 500 mM sodium sulfate; these SPSs are denoted as Na500. Na500 exhibited the highest sulfate content and dose-dependent inhibitory activity against LPS-induced production of macrophage interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß). Mechanistically, Na500 hindered the phosphorylation of transforming growth factor-ß receptor II (TGFRII), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), and protein kinase B (AKT) expression. A purified 7.79 kDa galactoglucan, Na500 F3, augmented the anti-inflammation activity by inhibiting LPS-induced TGFß release. Additionally, Na500 F3 restrained the LPS-induced phosphorylation of p-38, ERK, AKT, and TGFRII in RAW264.7 cells. Na500 F3 impeded the proliferation of lung cancer H1975 cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, ERK, and Slug. The anti-inflammation and anticancer properties of Antrodia SPS contribute to its health benefits, suggesting its utility in functional foods.

Advanced culture strategy shows varying bioactivities of sulfated polysaccharides of Poria cocos.

This study compares the bioactivity of six sulfated polysaccharides derived from glucose- and sucrose-feeding extracted from P. cocos. Anti-inflammatory potentials of these polysaccharides were evaluated by pretreating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells. Of the tested polysaccharides, the sulfated polysaccharide derived from sucrose-feeding at the concentration of 40 g/l (referred to as "suc 40") exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity, of 83 %, and 33 % inhibition of IL-6 and TNF-α secretion, respetively. It achieved this by inhibiting the p-38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK signaling pathways. On the other hand, the sulfated polysaccharide derived from glucose-feeding at a concentration of 20 g/l (referred to as "glc 20") demonstrated the greatest anti-lung cancer activity. This was achieved by inducing apoptotic-related molecules, such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and CHOP. Furthermore, glc 20 had the highest contents of sulfate, fucose, and mannose compared to the other tested polysaccharides. This suggests that the composition of monosaccharide residues are critical factors influencing the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of these sulfated polysaccharides. Overall, this study highlights the potential of sulfated polysaccharides derived from P. cocos to function as bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

A branched 2-O sulfated 1,3-/1,4-galactoglucan from Antrodia cinnamomea exhibits moderate antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activities.

A sulfated galactoglucan (3-SS) was discovered in Antrodia cinnamomea with antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activities. Chemical identification of 3-SS resulted in the determination of a partial repeat unit as a 2-O sulfated 1,3-/1,4-linked galactoglucan with a two-residual 1,6-O-ß-Glc branch on the 3-O position of a Glc. by monosaccharide analysis and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The anti-inflammation effects of 3-SS on RAW264.7 macrophage cells, such as IL-6 inhibition, restoration of LPS-induced IκB protein degradation, and inhibited LPS-induced TGFRII protein degradation, were confirmed to occur via AKT, ERK1/2, and p-38. In addition, 3-SS impaired the proliferation of H1975 lung cancer cells through EGFR/ERK/slug signaling. This is the first finding of 2-O sulfated 1,3-/1,4-galactoglucan with 1,6-ß-Glc branches with dual functions of anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities.

SPS, a sulfated galactoglucan of Laetiporus sulphureus, exhibited anti-inflammatory activities.

Laetiporus sulphureus is an edible and medicinal mushroom. A sulfated galactoglucan (SPS) was isolated by the papain method. Polysaccharides (PS) were isolated by hot water and ethanol precipitation. The medium molecular weight SPS of 100 to 1000 kDa accounted for over half of the SPS mixture. Fucose, galactose, glucose, and mannose were the major monosaccharides in SPS and PS. The amount of sulfate in SPS was 1.09 mmol/g. SPS showed inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) release and reversed IκB degradation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. The suppression of TNF-α secretion by SPS was through inhibiting the phosphorylation of AKT/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). A purified SPS, named SPS-3, was proven to inhibit the LPS-induced phosphorylation of AKT, ERK, and p-38 in RAW264.7 cells. The suppression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor beta (TGFß) secretion by PS was through inhibiting LPS-induced phosphorylation of p-38 and TGF-ß receptor II (TGFRII) signaling pathways. This study demonstrates that the isolated SPS and PS from L. sulphureus possessed good anti-inflammatory activity for dietary supplements and functional food.

Minimizing complications following transinguinal preperitoneal modified Kugel mesh herniorrhaphy: a double blind prospective randomized clinical trial.

Transinguinal preperitoneal (TIPP) single-layer mesh herniorrhaphy has been proven effective. Mesh manufacturers make either a single-unit, two-layer mesh design or a separate optional onlay with the pre-peritoneal mesh. For peace of mind, most surgeons still incorporate the optional onlay. This study evaluated any counterproductive effects of adding the onlay to single-layer TIPP mesh herniorrhaphy and compared the long-term efficacy. This prospective, single-surgeon, single-center, randomized trial compared two groups of 50 consecutive patients at a 1 to 1 ratio. The control group received a single-layer modified Kugel mesh in the preperitoneal space, while the study group received the optional onlay mesh in the inguinal canal with preperitoneal mesh placement. A single surgeon performed the same operation to place the preperitoneal mesh in both groups, the only difference being the placement of the optional onlay mesh in the study group. A blinded researcher performed post-operative interviews using a series of questions at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, and another unblinded researcher organized and performed statistical analysis of the peri-operative and post-operative data. The primary endpoints included foreign body sensation, pain, and any other discomfort in the inguinal region following surgery; and the secondary endpoints included recurrence and any complications related to surgery. The patient demographics were similar between the two groups. The average follow-up period was 29 months. Two patients in the 1-layer group and one patient in the 2-layer group were lost to follow-up. Postoperative pain, numbness and soreness were similar between groups. No patients experienced a foreign body sensation after 3 months in the 1-layer group, while five patients still had a foreign body sensation at 12 months in the 2-layer group. No recurrence was noted in either group during the follow-up period. Adequate dissection of the preperitoneal space is the key to a successful single-layer TIPP herniorrhaphy. With decreased materials in the inguinal canal, single-layer TIPP has a lower rate of long-term postoperative discomfort without increasing the risk of future recurrence.Trial registration: ISRCTN 47111213.

Structural changes, and anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer potential of polysaccharides from multiple processing of Rehmannia glutinosa.

Polysaccharides play important roles in the bioactivities of Rehmannia glutinosa. This study examined the physiochemical structure and biological activity of the polysaccharides of R. glutinosa during nine steps of processing. Characteristic study showed galactose, glucose, and fructose were the major sugars in the polysaccharides. The percentage of the high-molecular weight polysaccharide increased after processing. In addition, polysaccharides from repeated steam and dry processing of R. glutinosa can effectively increase the anti-inflammatory activity. Secretions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and transforming growth factor (TGF)ß after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation were detected in RAW264.7 macrophages because of its anti-inflammatory activity. RG-B9, a polysaccharide of the ninth steam and dry processing, showed the strongest inhibitory activity on bacterial LPS-induced macrophage IL-6 and TGFß production. Mechanically, RG-B9 down-regulated the phosphorylation of AKT/ERK. The anti-inflammation of RG-B9 involved AKT/ERK/JNK signaling. In addition, RG-B9 inhibited the viability of lung cancer cells via EGFR/AKT signaling.

Effect of carbohydrate-feeding strategy on the production, physiochemical changes, anti-inflammation activities of polysaccharides of Poria cocos.

The aim of this research was to physiochemically characterize the structure and study the pharmaceutical benefits of the polysaccharide (PS) produced by Poria cocos using two selected carbohydrates (sucrose, and potato dextrose broth) in the in vitro culture system. A direct dosage effect was shown as sucrose- or PDB-based medium on the PS yield of Paragalago cocos. Very low-molecular-weight PS (<1 kDa) were largely synthesized by sucrose and PDB feeding. Sucrose-feeding mycelia of P. cocos results in a direct dosage effect in the fructose component in the PS. Sucrose and PDB feeding increased the glucose content but decreased the galactose content of PS. This study examined the anti-inflammatory activities of PS in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. At 100 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL, PS from 10 g/L PDB- treatment, denoted as PDB 10, pretreatment showed maximal inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 release, respectively. Mechanically, PDB10 attenuated IκB from degradation in LPS-induced macrophages, and down-regulated LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK/AKT/p-38. PDB10 showed dose-dependent inhibition of the LPS induced TGFRII signaling pathways.

Structural sequencing and anti-inflammatory, anti-lung cancer activities of 1,4-α/ß-sulfomalonoglucan in Antrodia cinnamomea.

Antrodia cinnamomea is a precious Polyporaceous fungus with various bioactivities. This study reports the chemical identification and biological activities of sulfomalonoglucan, a sulfated polysaccharide (SPS), from the sodium sulfate enriched medium of the title fungus. The SPS-containing fraction was separated by gel filtration chromatography (GFC) to give the title SPS (denoted as Na10_SPS-F3). By analyzing the evidence for key inter-glycosidic linkages in the 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data, one possible repeat unit was proposed as: Na10_SPS-F3 inhibited the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in RAW264.7 macrophages. Mechanistically, Na10_SPS-F3 downregulated TGFRII also attenuated the LPS-induced IκB-α degradation. Moreover, Na10_SPS-F3 inhibited lung cancer cell H1975 EGFR/ERK signaling. This is the first paper reporting a 3-O-sulfomalonyl glucan (Na10_SPS-F3) with eight 1,4-ß-Glc moieties connected with ten 1,4-α-Glc moieties from Antrodia cinnamomea and its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities.

Production, characterization, and functions of sulfated polysaccharides from zinc sulfate enriched cultivation of Antrodia cinnamomea.

This research utilized zinc sulfate enriched cultural conditions to produce sulfated polysaccharides from Antrodia cinnamomea (denoted as ZnFSPS) and physiochemically characterize functional and mechanical investigations of ZnFSPS. The maximum SPS yield reached a value of 6.68% when A. cinnamomea was fed zinc sulfate with 250 mM (denoted as Zn250). Zn250 had a maximal inhibitory effect on LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) release in RAW264.7 macrophage. Zn250 contained the highest area percentage of molecular weight of 178.5, 105.1, and 1.56 kDa at values of 19.08, 15.09, and 5.04. Zn250 contained three times the sulfate content as compared with the control. Mechanism studies revealed a novel finding that Zn250 inhibited the LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophage inflammation and selectively blocked pAKT, pERK and p38. Zn250 also attenuated the LPS-induced IkB-α degradation. In addition, ZnFSPS interfered with lung cancer cell H1975 TGFRI/FAK/Slug signaling. These results suggest ZnFSPS plays roles in regulating inflammatory and anti-lung cancer activity.

Comparison of knee biomechanical characteristics during exercise between pinnacle and step trainers.

BACKGROUND: A novel stair-climber called a pinnacle trainer (PT) provides both sagittal and frontal plane exercise, making it different from a step trainer (ST), which provides only sagittal plane exercise. Exercise with different trajectories may produce different biomechanical responses. There are currently no guidelines for choosing between a PT and a ST for different training or rehabilitation purposes. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: Are there differences in the electromyographic patterns of lower extremity musculature and biomechanical responses of the knee joint during exercise between using a PT and a ST? METHODS: This study utilizes a prospective observational study design. Eighteen healthy males participated in the study. A six-axis force and torque transducer embedded in the machine pedal synchronized with a three-dimensional motion capture system were utilized to measure kinematic and kinetic data of the right knee during the stepping movement. The activities of six lower extremity muscles of the same limb were captured with surface electromyography during exercise on the two trainer types. RESULTS: The co-activation index of the vastus lateralis (VL) and the biceps femoris (BF) recorded during ST exercise was significantly greater than that for the PT exercise. Moreover, exercise using the ST produced a significantly greater knee downward force compared to that for the PT. Exercise with the PT produced a significantly greater internal knee varus moment compared to that for the ST. SIGNIFICANCE: The ST provided greater co-activation of the BF and VL and a greater knee joint downward force, which may decrease the antero-posterior displacement of the tibia relative to the femur. Exercise with the PT produced a significant internal knee varus moment and a more balanced muscular activation on the vastus medialis and VL compared to that for the ST, which may decrease the maltracking of the patella.

Physiochemical changes and mechanisms of anti-inflammation effect of sulfated polysaccharides from ammonium sulfate feeding of Antrodia cinnamomea.

Antrodia cinnamomea is an important medicinal fungus in Taiwan. This study demonstrates changes of complex sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) by fungus A. cinnamomea after ammonium sulfate-feeding and evaluates its anti-inflammatory activities. The addition of 1 mM ammonium sulfate showed maximal sulfate content of SPS in value of 1.82 mmol/g. Ammonium sulfate changes the physiochemical properties of SPS in that area percentage of SPSs (361 kDa) was increased for 1 mM ammonium sulfate to the value of 26 percentage area. SPS of 1 mM ammonium sulfate-fed A. cinnamomea (AM-SPS) had maximal inhibition of LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) release in RAW264.7 macrophage. Iκ-B degradation induced by LPS in macrophages was reversed by AM-SPS. Suppression of NF-κB activation might have been responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects. Meanwhile, the inhibition was also due to suppressing the AKT, and ERK signaling pathway. Our finding suggests that ammonium sulfate is a useful nutrient for production of SPS for neutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

Spin-splitting calculation for zincblende semiconductors using an atomic bond-orbital model.

We develop a 16-band atomic bond-orbital model (16ABOM) to compute the spin splitting induced by bulk inversion asymmetry in zincblende materials. This model is derived from the linear combination of atomic-orbital (LCAO) scheme such that the characteristics of the real atomic orbitals can be preserved to calculate the spin splitting. The Hamiltonian of 16ABOM is based on a similarity transformation performed on the nearest-neighbor LCAO Hamiltonian with a second-order Taylor expansion k at the Γ point. The spin-splitting energies in bulk zincblende semiconductors, GaAs and InSb, are calculated, and the results agree with the LCAO and first-principles calculations. However, we find that the spin-orbit coupling between bonding and antibonding p-like states, evaluated by the 16ABOM, dominates the spin splitting of the lowest conduction bands in the zincblende materials.

Current development and patents on high-brightness white LED for illumination.

In this paper, we reviewed the current development and patents for the application of high-brightness and high-efficiency white light-emitting diode (LED). The high-efficiency GaN nanostructures, such as disk, pyramid, and rod were grown on LiAlO(2) substrate by plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy, and a model was developed to demonstrate the growth of the GaN nanostructures. Based on the results, the GaN disk p-n junction was designed for the application of high brightness and high efficiency white LED.