Effect of Dietary Brown Seaweed (Macrocystis pyrifera) Additive on Meat Quality and Nutrient Composition of Fattening Pigs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary brown seaweed (Macrocystis pyrifera) additive (SWA) on meat quality and nutrient composition of commercial fattening pigs. The treatments were: Regular diet with 0% inclusion of SWA (CON); Regular diet with 2% SWA (2%-SWA); Regular diet with 4% SWA (4%-SWA). After slaughtering, five carcasses from each group were selected, and longissimus lumborum (LL) samples were taken for meat quality and chemical composition analysis. Meat quality traits (except redness intensity) were not affected (p > 0.05) by treatments. Samples from the 4%-SWA treatment showed the lowest a value than those from the 2%-SWA and CON treatments (p = 0.05). Meat samples from the 4%-SWA group contained 3.37 and 3.81 mg/100 g more of muscle cholesterol than CON and 2% SWA groups, respectively (p < 0.05). The SWA treatments affected (p ≤ 0.05) the content of ash, Mn, Fe, and Cu. The LL samples from 4%-SWA had the highest content of ash; however, they showed 0.13, 0.45, and 0.23 less mg/100 g of Mn, Fe, and Zn, respectively, compared to samples from CON (p ≤ 0.05). Fatty acids composition and macro minerals content (Na, Mg, and K) did not show variation due to the SWA treatments. Further studies are needed to understand the biological effects of these components on adipogenesis, cholesterol metabolism, and mineral deposition in muscle.

Determinants of quality of life in Rett syndrome: new findings on associations with genotype.

BACKGROUND: Rett syndrome is a genetically caused neurodevelopmental disorder associated with functional deficits and comorbidities. This study investigated relationships between genotype, functional abilities and comorbidities and quality of life in Rett syndrome. METHODS: The International Rett Syndrome Database, InterRett, was used as a sampling frame for this observational study. Information was collected to describe functional abilities (walking and feeding), health (Sleep Disorder Scale for Children, the Rett Syndrome Behavioural Questionnaire), parental health (12-item Short Form Health Survey) sociodemographic factors (parental employment and education) and quality of life (Quality of Life Inventory-Disability) for 210 individuals with Rett syndrome. Univariate and multivariate regressions were used to analyse the relationships between the independent variables and quality of life. RESULTS: Compared with individuals with the p.Arg270* mutation, those with the p.Arg294* mutation type had the poorest quality of life (coeff -12.81, 95% CI -23.49 to 2.12), despite this being recognised as a clinically milder genotype. Overall better walking and feeding skills and seizure parameters were more associated with better quality of life and poor sleep and behavioural difficulties with poorer quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that genotype, functioning and health each have implications for quality of life and should be considered when counselling families and planning clinical and support management strategies.

Diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced voiding urosonogram using second-generation contrast with harmonic imaging (CEVUS-HI) study for assessment of vesicoureteral reflux in children: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy and safety of contrast-enhanced voiding urosonogram using second-generation contrast with harmonic imaging (CEVUS-HI) in detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) among children. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in March 2018. Relevant comparative studies from Medline, EMBASE, World of Science, Scopus, CENTRAL, WHO trial registry and Clinicaltrials.gov were identified and appraised using QUADAS-2. Diagnostic accuracy parameters were determined using VCUG as the reference standard. Adverse effects related to ultrasound contrast were summarized. The heterogeneity and inter-study variability were determined. After appropriate subgroup diagnostic accuracy parameters were investigated, summarizing receiver operator characteristics was constructed using the bivariate model meta-regression to determine the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: A total of 12 studies with low-high risk of bias, including 1917 ureteral units from 953 patients were assessed for this meta-analysis. The included studies reported no serious adverse events associated with the ultrasound contrast. The pooled diagnostic accuracy parameters of CEVUS-HI in detecting VUR amongst children were: sensitivity 90.43 (95% CI 90.36-90.50), specificity 92.82 (95% CI 92.76-92.87), the calculated (+) likelihood-ratio 12.59 (95% CI 12.49-12.68), (-) likelihood-ratio of 0.103 (95% CI 0.102-0.104) and extrapolated pooled diagnostic odds-ratio was 122.12 (95% CI 120.75-123.49). Heterogeneity with interstudy variability was noted (p < 0.0001, I-squared > 70%). The AUC was determined to be 0.965 for VUR detection. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled diagnostic accuracy parameters from low-moderate quality of evidence have illustrated that the CEVUS-HI study has an excellent safety profile and acceptable diagnostic accuracy. It may be considered as an alternative diagnostic modality for assessment of VUR among children.

Synergistic antifungal effect of chitosan-stabilized selenium nanoparticles synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in liquids against Candida albicans biofilms.

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans is a major opportunistic fungal pathogen. One of the most important virulence factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of candidiasis is its ability to form biofilms. A key characteristic of Candida biofilms is their resistance to antifungal agents. Due to significant morbidity and mortality rates related to biofilm-associated drug resistance, there is an urgency to develop novel nanotechnology-based approaches preventing biofilm-related infections. METHODS: In this study, we report, for the first time, the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles by irradiating selenium pellets by nanosecond pulsed laser ablation in liquid chitosan as a capping agent. Synergy of the fungicidal effect of selenium nanoparticles and chitosan was quantified by the combination index theorem of Chou-Talalay. RESULTS: This drug combination resulted in a potent fungicidal effect against a preformed C. albicans biofilm in a dose-response manner. By advanced electron microscopy techniques, we documented the adhesive and permeabilizing properties of chitosan, therefore allowing selenium nanoparticles to enter as the cell wall of the yeast became disrupted and distorted. Most importantly, we demonstrated a potent quantitative synergistic effect when compounds such as selenium and chitosan are combined. CONCLUSION: These chitosan-stabilized selenium nanoparticles could be used for ex vivo applications such as sterilizers for surfaces and biomedical devices.

Comparative analysis on the efficacy and safety profile of upper calyceal versus lower calyceal access in the percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A retrospective cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: The goal of PCNL is to achieve a high stone-free rate while minimizing complications. Its success results from an interplay of patient, stone and renal anatomical characteristics, the access site and the level of surgical expertise. Data comparing upper versus lower calyceal PCNL as regard to efficacy and safety are limited.OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety outcomes of upper versus lower calyceal access in patients who underwent PCNL at St. Luke's Medical Center.METHODS: A retrospective chart review was done on patients who underwent PCNL at SLMC from January 2010-January 2015. The patients were classified based on the renal access site: Group 1 (upper calyceal) and Group 2 (lower calyceal). The stones were classified according to Guy Stone score and complications were summarized using the modified Clavien classification.RESULTS: A total pf 91 patients underwent PCNL during the study period. Of these, only 84 patients were analyzed. Seven were excluded due to lack or incomplete postoperative imaging on follow up. Forty-one were included in Group 1, while 43 were included in Group 2. According to the Guy Stone score, the stones in Group 1 were 21(IV), 6(III), 7(II) and 6(I) while in Group 2, 18(IV), 5(III), 8(II), 12(I) (p-value=0.52) with a mean stone volume of 38.2± 44.24cm3 and 28.0± 31.04cm3 in Groups 1 and 2 respectively (p-value= 0.23). Success rate was 80.5% and 83.7% for Groups 1 and 2 (p-value=0.70), respectively and mean stone clearance rates of 98.5% and 95.8% (p-value=0.13),respectively. The mean operative time was 181.0±82.26 and 169.5±52.12mins for Groups 1 and 2 (p-value=0.451),respectively. A total of 36 complications (13 from Group 1 and 23 from Group 2) were evaluated. Fever (Grade 1) occurred in 10 (24%) and 17(39%) for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Blood transfusion (Grade 2) was observed in 4(9%) patients and 3(7%) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Two patients (5%) in Group 2 required postoperative double-J sent insertion due to ureteral stone migration (Grade 3). There was no significant difference noted among the groups as regards complication rates (p-value=0.097) and length of hospital stay (p-value=0.687). There was no mortality in either group.CONCLUSION: Based on our experience, both upper and lower calyceal access PCNL achieve equivalent efficacy and comparable safety profile in the treatment of complex renal stones.

Anderson Localization of Thermal Phonons Leads to a Thermal Conductivity Maximum.

Our elastic model of ErAs disordered GaAs/AlAs superlattices exhibits a local thermal conductivity maximum as a function of length due to exponentially suppressed Anderson-localized phonons. By analyzing the sample-to-sample fluctuations in the dimensionless conductance, g, the transition from diffusive to localized transport is identified as the crossover from the multichannel to single-channel transport regime g ≈ 1. Single parameter scaling is shown to hold in this crossover regime through the universality of the probability distribution of g that is independent of system size and disorder strength.

A critical review of recent clinical practice guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: We provide an overview of the quality of recent clinical clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and summarize the recommendations for their diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. METHODS: We systematically searched recent (2008-2013) CPGs for non-neurogenic male LUTS. Eligible CPGs were assessed and appraised using Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool by a CPG-appraisal group. The appraisal scores for each guideline were summarized according to each domain and in total. A recommendation summary was made across the guidelines for diagnostics, conservative management, medical, minimally invasive therapy, and surgical management. RESULTS: A total of 8 guidelines were considered. According to AGREE II appraisal of guidelines, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) consistently scored high on the guideline domains assessed. Recommendations on diagnostics, conservative management, medical, and surgical management were consistent among the top 3 guidelines. However, we noted a discrepancy in recommending minimally invasive therapy as an alternative management of moderate to severe or bothersome non-neurogenic male LUTS secondary to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE); the NICE guideline, in particular, does not recommend using minimally invasive therapy. CONCLUSION: The quality of recent CPGs on non-neurogenic male LUTS was appraised and summarized. The guidelines from NICE, AUA and EAU were considered highly compliant to the AGREE II proposition for guideline formation and development.

Configuration and validation of a novel prostate disease nomogram predicting prostate biopsy outcome: A prospective study correlating clinical indicators among Filipino adult males with elevated PSA level.

OBJECTIVE: To configure and validate a novel prostate disease nomogram providing prostate biopsy outcome probabilities from a prospective study correlating clinical indicators and diagnostic parameters among Filipino adult male with elevated serum total prostate specific antigen (PSA) level. METHODS: All men with an elevated serum total PSA underwent initial prostate biopsy at our institution from January 2011 to August 2014 were included. Clinical indicators, diagnostic parameters, which include PSA level and PSA-derivatives, were collected as predictive factors for biopsy outcome. Multiple logistic-regression analysis involving a backward elimination selection procedure was used to select independent predictors. A nomogram was developed to calculate the probability of the biopsy outcomes. External validation of the nomogram was performed using separate data set from another center for determination of sensitivity and specificity. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the accuracy in predicting differential biopsy outcome. RESULTS: Total of 552 patients was included. One hundred and ninety-one (34.6%) patients had benign prostatic hyperplasia, and 165 (29.9%) had chronic prostatitis. The remaining 196 (35.5%) patients had prostate adenocarcinoma. The significant independent variables used to predict biopsy outcome were age, family history of prostate cancer, prior antibiotic intake, PSA level, PSA-density, PSA-velocity, echogenic findings on ultrasound, and DRE status. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for prostate cancer using PSA alone and the nomogram were 0.688 and 0.804, respectively. CONCLUSION: The nomogram configured based on routinely available clinical parameters, provides high predictive accuracy with good performance characteristics in predicting the prostate biopsy outcome such as presence of prostate cancer, high Gleason prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and chronic prostatitis.

Hormonal therapy using gonadotropin releasing hormone for improvement of fertility index among children with cryptorchidism: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Gonadotropin releasing hormone(GnRH) as an adjunct to orchidopexy for the treatment of cryptorchidism is still controversial. Present evidences were studied through a meta-analysis of comparative clinical trials. METHOD: Systematic literature search was done up to September 30, 2013. Studies were independently appraised by two reviewers. Continuous data of fertility indices were extracted as weighted mean difference (WMD) and standard deviation (SD); while nominal data of fertility indices were extracted as relative risk (RR). Random effects model was used to analyze the pooled effect estimates. Inter-study heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. PROSPERO Protocol registration (CRD42013004922). RESULTS: Ten eligible studies were included. The pooled effect estimates showed that cryptorchid children treated with GnRH when compared with controls, have significantly increased germ cell per tubule (WMD: 0.35; 95% CI 0.07-0.62, P=0.01) and increased RR to have normal value of germ cell per tubule (RR: 2.86; 95% CI 1.73-4.71, P<0.0001). Inter-study heterogeneity was noted, source identified with subgroup analysis. Publication bias was not evident. No GnRH related adverse events were reported in all studies. CONCLUSION: Evidence suggests that a subset of boys with cryptorchidism may benefit from GnRH as adjunctive to orchidopexy in improving the fertility index. However, future studies are recommended to specifically identify subgroup characteristics of cryptorchidism that will clearly benefit from the treatment.

Collecting duct of Bellini renal carcinoma with psoas muscle recurrence: A case report and review of literature.

Collecting duct carcinoma (CDC) is a rare type of renal carcinoma with an aggressive course and poor treatment response. Up to date, there are only few reports of CDC, which may be due to unrecognized or unfamiliarity of its features and characteristics. We report a case of CDC in a 63-year-old male who initially presented with localized disease, and developed psoas muscle metastasis 15 months after partial nephrectomy with good surgical margins. No guidelines currently exist for the management of CDC; however, aggressiveness of the disease warrants close surveillance and consideration of adjuvant therapy even in patients with localized tumours. We postulate that CDC in its localized stage can be managed by partial nephrectomy, while preserving renal function; however, it is also important to consider a good oncologic outcome by administering adjuvant therapy, such as chemotherapy, and targeted therapy for a better prognostic outcome.