The relationship between resting heart rate and new-onset microalbuminuria in people with type 2 diabetes: An 8-year follow-up study.

AIMS: Microalbuminuria is an indicator of adverse cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease. Studies have described an elevated resting heart rate as a risk factor for microalbuminuria in people with cardiovascular disease, but none have clarified its role in microalbuminuria development in people with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between resting heart rate and new-onset microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A total of 788 people from a glycaemic control trial in Taiwan were enrolled. Microalbuminuria was defined as a fasting urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g in two consecutive urine tests. Resting heart rate and other covariates were measured at baseline. The quartile of resting heart rates, categorized as <70, 70-74, 75-80 and >80 beats/min, was used for analysis. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between resting heart rate and risk of microalbuminuria. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 244 people (31%) developed microalbuminuria. Those who developed microalbuminuria had a longer diabetes duration (median = 3.0 vs. 2.0 years, p < 0.001), higher rate of hypertension (77% vs. 66%, p = 0.003), higher rate of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker treatment (50% vs. 38%, p = 0.001) and higher baseline HbA1c level (70 vs. 64 mmol/mol, 8.6 vs. 8.0%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for demographics, metabolic profiles and inflammatory markers, developing microalbuminuria was significantly associated with baseline resting heart rate of 70-74, 75-80 and >80 beats/min (with hazard ratios [95% CI] of 2.05 [1.32, 3.18], 2.10 [1.32, 3.32] and 1.62 [1.01, 2.59], respectively) compared to resting heart rates <70 beats/min. An average increased risk of microalbuminuria for increment of 10 beats/min was about 24% among those with hypertension (with hazard ratios of 1.24 [1.05, 1.47] in the multivariable Cox model). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective cohort study showed that resting heart rate may be an associative risk factor for developing microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes.

Inter-relationship of risk factors and pathways associated with chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a structural equation modelling analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the inter-relationships and pathogenetic mechanisms among risk factors are still largely unknown. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to test a hypothesis of causal pathways related to CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective observational study. METHODS: A total of 3395 patients with T2DM were enrolled in this study. A hypothesised SEM was applied to assess associations among demographic data, diabetic self-management behaviours, diabetes control, lifestyle, psycho-social, chronic inflammation factors, anthropometric and metabolic variables simultaneously and the risk of CKD. RESULTS: Demographic data (including education, marital status and mini-mental state examination score) (-0.075), white blood cell count (0.084), high blood pressure (0.144), World Health Organisation (WHO) 5 well-being index (-0.082), diabetes control (0.099), triglyceride (0.091) and uric acid (0.282) levels had direct effects on the risk of CKD. The final model could explain 26% of the variability in baseline CKD status. In addition, the same direct and specific indirect factors at baseline CKD status analysis contributed to the risk of CKD at the 12-month follow-up. The final model could explain 31% of the variability in the risk of CKD at the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigates associations between factors obtained from real-world daily practice and CKD status simultaneously and delineates the potential pathways and inter-relationships of the risk factors that contribute to the development of CKD in patients with T2DM.

The effect of plaque control in the treatment of Oral Lichen Planus with gingival manifestations: a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic autoimmune disease that frequently affects the oral mucosa. Patients with OLP tend to present with plaque accumulation which may further exacerbate the lichenoid lesion, thus plaque control may improve the quality of life of patients. The aim of this review was to test the effect of plaque control on OLP with gingival manifestations. METHODS: Systematic review following the PRISMA checklist. A search was conducted through Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library Database up to March 2020 and complemented by a manual search in some relevant journals. Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) reporting plaque interventions and their effects in populations with gingival manifestations of OLP, with a follow-up period of at least 3 months were included. Risk of Bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool in Randomised Trials. RESULTS: The initial search generated 89 sources, resulting in final inclusion of three RCTs following full-text reading. The control groups were asked to continue their regular oral hygiene routine, while test groups received additional tailored oral hygiene advice as the intervention. Two of the included papers had sufficiently similar design to be included in meta-analysis. The oral hygiene intervention was associated with improvements in clinical disease status (Escudier index) and patient-reported outcomes (OHIP-14) from baseline compared with the control group. Differences in visual analogue scores for pain between groups were not statistically different between test and control groups. Two studies were judged to have low risk of bias, while one (not included in meta-analysis) had high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Improvements in disease and patient-reported outcomes can occur as a result of oral hygiene instruction in patients with gingival manifestations of OLP.

Investigation of the antiphase dynamics of the orthogonally polarized passively Q-switched Nd:YLF laser.

The antiphase dynamics of Q-switched orthogonally polarized emissions have been thoroughly investigated. A Nd:YLF crystal with the anisotropic thermal lensing effect is used as the gain medium for achieving dual polarized laser. By using the Cr4+:YAG saturable absorber, the passively Q-switched output shows intriguing switching dynamics, where the number of pulses for both polarized components within one switching period is directly determined by the power ratio between the orthogonally polarized emissions. Experimental results reveal that the pulse energies of every single pulse for both orthogonally polarized states are equal with the maximum value of 223 µJ. The pulse durations for π- and σ-polarization are measured to be 15 ns and 11 ns and the corresponding peak power levels are up to 15.0 kW and 20.3 kW, respectively.

AFP role in predicting recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after living donor liver transplantation in HCV patients.

HCC is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Liver transplantation including living donor transplantation is the best available treatment. We have analyzed our experience with LDLT in patients with HCC and HCV in order to determine if alpha feto-protein (AFP) is a better predictor of recurrence than the tumor burden. We have identified all patients with HCV related liver disease and HCC who have undergone LDLT in one center during the period from December 2000 to December 2014. Outcomes from the prospective database were compared for patients who met Milan criteria (single tumor ≤5 cm, maximum of 3 total tumors with none >3 cm) or not. Uni- and multi-variable analyses of factors influencing recurrence free survival (RFS) were performed. A total of 142 patients with HCC and HCV associated liver disease underwent LDTL during the study period. RFS was 96.4% at 1 years, 91.8% at 3 years and 91.8% at 5 years. Gender, model for End-Stage Liver disease (MELD), pre-transplant therapy, AFP level, tumor number, total tumor size were predictors of recurrence on univariable analysis. On multivariable analysis MELD score (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.16) and Log10 AFP (HR 3.14) were predictors of RFS. In the ROC curve analysis with an AUC of 0.76 the optimal cut-off value of AFP was 26ng/mL. In conclusion MELD score and pre-transplant AFP predict recurrence after LDLT for HCC with HCV infection.

Histologic Lesions Induced by Murine Norovirus Infection in Laboratory Mice.

Murine noroviruses (MNVs) are highly prevalent in laboratory mice, can cause persistent infections, and have been shown to infect macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells. To address the potential impact of MNV infection on research outcomes, numerous studies have been conducted with various mouse models of human disease and have generated mixed results, ranging from no impact to significant disease. Many of these studies included histologic evaluations after MNV infection, and these results have similarly been variable in terms of whether MNV induces lesions, despite the fact that localization of MNV by viral culture and molecular techniques have demonstrated systemic distribution regardless of mouse immune status. The aim of this review is to summarize the histologic findings that have been reported with MNV infection in several mouse models. The studies demonstrate that experimental infection of MNV in wild-type mice results in minimal to no histologic changes. In contrast, immunodeficient mice consistently have detectable MNV-induced lesions that are typically inflammatory and, in the most severe cases, accompanied by necrosis. In these, the liver is commonly affected, with more variable lesions reported in the lung, gastrointestinal tract, mesenteric lymph nodes, brain, and spleen. In specific disease models including atherosclerosis, MNV infection had a variable impact that was dependent on the mouse model, viral strain, timing of infection, or other experimental variables. It is important to recognize the reported MNV lesions to help discern the possible influence of MNV infection on data generated in mouse models.

Inflammatory facial acne during uncomplicated pregnancy and post-partum in adult women: a preliminary hospital-based prospective observational study of 35 cases from Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is associated with significant changes in hormones and metabolism which can also exert impact on the skin. OBJECTIVES: The study was aimed to evaluate the facial acne severity during pregnancy and post-partum period and to identify risk factors for acne in pregnancy. METHODS: A hospital-based prospective study on pregnant women at age ≥18 years was conducted during their routine maternal examination. The severity of inflammatory facial acne was evaluated by the number of acne lesions and Global Acne Severity Scale, based on pictures taken at the three trimesters of pregnancy and post-partum period. Risk factors were identified by review of medical chart and questionnaires. Correlation with acne severity was statistically analysed. RESULTS: Thirty-five pregnant women were included in this study with ages ranging from 25 to 40 years. The average number of facial acne was highest in the second trimester. Primigravida, female gender and low birth weight for gestational age of the newborn were associated with higher numbers of facial acne in the second and third trimester in our series. CONCLUSIONS: Further investigation on a larger population and the relevant hormone changes is required to confirm and explain our findings.

Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of chronic kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, a nationwide longitudinal cohort study.

AIMS: To investigate the temporal relationship between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and the development of chronic kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study and followed up a population with Type 2 diabetes who were chronic kidney disease-free (n = 48,715) using national health insurance claims data in Taiwan. Exposure status to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in 2007 was measured. A total of 6406 subjects with incident chronic kidney disease were identified from the period 2008 to 2011. Multivariable proportional hazards models were applied to determine the temporal relationship between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and the development of chronic kidney disease. RESULTS: We observed a significant temporal relationship between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and the development of chronic kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. Compared with people not taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in 2007, those who were taking such drugs for at least 90 days in 2007 had a higher risk of chronic kidney disease development (adjusted hazard ratio 1.37, 95% CI 1.26-1.49). In subgroup analyses, those people (irrespective of age, sex, various comorbidities and use of anti-hypertensive drugs, aspirin or acetaminophen) who were taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for at least 90 days were more likely to develop chronic kidney disease than people who were not taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that there is a positive temporal relationship between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and increased risk of chronic kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be based on clinical evaluations of benefits and risks, and should be prescribed with caution for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Establishment of a novel, eco-friendly transgenic pig model using porcine pancreatic amylase promoter-driven fungal cellulase transgenes.

Competition between humans and livestock for cereal and legume grains makes it challenging to provide economical feeds to livestock animals. Recent increases in corn and soybean prices have had a significant impact on the cost of feed for pig producers. The utilization of byproducts and alternative ingredients in pig diets has the potential to reduce feed costs. Moreover, unlike ruminants, pigs have limited ability to utilize diets with high fiber content because they lack endogenous enzymes capable of breaking down nonstarch polysaccharides into simple sugars. Here, we investigated the feasibility of a transgenic strategy in which expression of the fungal cellulase transgene was driven by the porcine pancreatic amylase promoter in pigs. A 2,488 bp 5'-flanking region of the porcine pancreatic amylase gene was cloned by the genomic walking technique, and its structural features were characterized. Using GFP as a reporter, we found that this region contained promoter activity and had the potential to control heterologous gene expression. Transgenic pigs were generated by pronuclear microinjection. Founders and offspring were identified by PCR and Southern blot analyses. Cellulase mRNA and protein showed tissue-specific expression in the pancreas of F1 generation pigs. Cellulolytic enzyme activity was also identified in the pancreas of transgenic pigs. These results demonstrated the establishment of a tissue-specific promoter of the porcine pancreatic amylase gene. Transgenic pigs expressing exogenous cellulase may represent a way to increase the intake of low-cost, fiber-rich feeds.

Latent transforming growth factor-ß binding proteins (LTBP-1 and LTBP-2) and gingiva keratinization.

OBJECTIVE: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) proteins are involved in epithelial keratinization. The major function of latent TGF-ß binding proteins (LTBPs) is modulating TGF-ß activity. However, whether LTBP-1 and LTBP-2 play roles in gingiva keratinization remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human keratinized gingiva and non-keratinized alveolar mucosa were processed for LTBP-1, LTBP-2, cytokeratin-1 (K1), cytokeratin-4 (K4), and TGF-ß immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Porcine heterotopically transplanted connective tissues and newly grown epithelia were harvested for IHC staining. The expression levels of LTBP-1 and LTBP-2 were compared between differentiated and undifferentiated human normal oral keratinocytes (hNOK). The expression of LTBP-1 and LTBP-2 was knocked down in a cell line (OEC-M1) to evaluate the effects on the expression of K1, K4, and involucrin (INV). RESULTS: In human and porcine specimens, LTBP-2 expression patterns distinguished keratinized and non-keratinized oral epithelia. Western blotting results showed that K1, LTBP-1, and INV proteins were upregulated in differentiated hNOK. In OEC-M1 cells, LTBP-2 knockdown resulted in upregulated the expression of K1 and INV and downregulated the expression of K4. LTBP-1 knockdown resulted in opposite effects. CONCLUSION: The expression patterns of LTBP-2 differ in keratinized gingiva and non-keratinized mucosa. LTBP-1 and LTBP-2 are involved in the keratinization of oral epithelium; however, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated.

Polymorphisms in the promoter region of myostatin gene are associated with carcass traits in pigs.

Higher average daily gain, more lean meat yield and less fat yield of porcine carcass increase selling profits for animal producers. Myostatin (MSTN), previously called GDF8, is a member of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) superfamily. It is a negative regulator for both embryonic development and adult homeostasis of skeletal muscle. In this study, the genotypes of the previously described SNPs MSTN g.435G>A and g.447A>G SNPs in 66 Duroc pigs, 33 Landrace pigs, 180 Duroc × Landrace (DL) pigs and 155 Duroc × Yorkshire × Landrace (DYL) pigs were determined by Taqman SNP Genotyping Assays. For Duroc and Landrace pigs, MSTN g.435GG/g.447AA individual had greater backfat thickness (p < 0.05) than g.435AA/g.447GG individual, whereas MSTN g.435AA/g.447GG had greater meat (p < 0.05) and meat percentage (p < 0.05) than g.435GA/g.447AG individual. For DL and DYL pigs, the MSTN g.435GG/g.447AA animals were greater in backfat at ultrasound 10th rib (p < 0.05) and carcass 10th rib (p < 0.01) than g.435AA/g.447GG individual. The MSTN g.435AA/g.447GG individual also had higher values than g.435GG/g.447AA for anterior-end meat (p < 0.05), posterior-end meat (p < 0.01), total meat weight (p < 0.01) and meat percentage (p < 0.01). This study confirmed evidence that MSTN g.435G>A and g.447A>G affected carcass traits in pigs. The effects of the mutated alleles were additive with the maximal effects resulting from two copies of the mutated allele. Selection for MSTN g.435A/g.447G allele is expected to increase muscle of limb and total meat production and decrease backfat thickness.

Association between serum ferritin and microalbuminuria in Type 2 diabetes in Taiwan.

AIMS: Serum ferritin has been found closely related with diabetes and glucose metabolism, but its impact on diabetic nephropathy remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the association between serum ferritin and microalbuminuria in Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Eight hundred and fifty-one subjects with Type 2 diabetes were selected from a cohort participating in a glycaemic control study in Taiwan in 2008. We used urine albumin:creatinine ratio to define microalbuminuria; serum ferritin was divided into quartiles for analysis. Logistic regression and trend tests were used to delineate the association between serum ferritin and microalbuminuria. RESULTS: Subjects with diabetes with higher ferritin tended to have more metabolic disorders, higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and higher prevalence of microalbuminuria. Compared with those in the lowest quartile, subjects with diabetes in the highest ferritin quartile were 55% (P = 0.029) more likely to have microalbuminuria. After controlling for demographics, metabolic profiles and other inflammatory markers, the association between serum ferritin levels and microalbuminuria remained significant (P for trend < 0.001). This independent relationship was not changed either for those who had better glycaemic control or those who had not used an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker. CONCLUSIONS: The current study shows hyperferritinemia may be an independent risk factor of nephropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Genetic characterization and in vivo image analysis of novel zebrafish Danio rerio pigment mutants.

This study reports the isolation and characterization of a new type of transparent zebrafish Danio rerio mutant called pinky (pk), which has been visually isolated from a spontaneous mutation in a D. rerio colony. The pk larvae possess complex mutations affecting pigmentation because of missing pigment cells or a dramatic reduction in the chromatophore number. The pk displays a totally colourless phenotype and adult body transplant with no other obvious external morphological abnormalities, except for a red retina. The molecular analysis results in several candidate genes, hps1, ap3m2 and rabggta, implicated in the Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) genes associated with HPS in pk. To demonstrate its applications of deep-tissue imaging, this study examines green fluorescent protein alone or with other fluorescent proteins to investigate their capability for using multilabelling purposes in live adult pk. In this study, pk is particularly valuable for tissue cell labelling and internal organogenesis studies because of its optical clarity in the adult body.

Symptomatic Developmental Venous Anomaly: State-of-the-Art Review on Genetics, Pathophysiology, and Imaging Approach to Diagnosis.

Developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) are the most common slow-flow venous malformation in the brain. Most DVAs are benign. Uncommonly, DVAs can become symptomatic, leading to a variety of different pathologies. DVAs can vary significantly in size, location, and angioarchitecture, and imaging evaluation of symptomatic developmental venous anomalies requires a systematic approach. In this review, we aimed to provide neuroradiologists with a succinct overview of the genetics and categorization of symptomatic DVAs based on the pathogenesis, which forms the foundation for a tailored neuroimaging approach to assist in diagnosis and management.

HbA1c variability is associated with microalbuminuria development in type 2 diabetes: a 7-year prospective cohort study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: HbA(1c) variability has been shown to be an independent risk factor for nephropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between HbA(1c) variability and microalbuminuria development in patients with type 2 diabetes. We also intended to test the applicability of serially measured HbA(1c) over 2 years for this risk assessment. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2005, we recruited 821 middle-aged normoalbuminuric individuals with type 2 diabetes and followed them through to the end of 2010. The average follow-up time was 6.2 years. We defined microalbuminuria as a urine albumin to creatinine ratio of 30 mg/g (3.4 mg/mmol) or higher. HbA(1c) variability was calculated by the SD of serially measured HbA(1c). The Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the association between HbA(1c) SD quartile and development of microalbuminuria. RESULTS: The incidence of microalbuminuria for the overall population was 58.4, 58.6, 60.8 and 91.9 per 1,000 person-years for Q1- to Q4-adjusted HbA(1c) SD, respectively (p for trend = 0.042). Compared with patients in Q1, those in Q4 were about 37% more likely to develop microalbuminuria. The HR derived from a series of 2 year HbA(1c) measurements was similar to that from data collection for longer than 4 years. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: In addition to mean HbA(1c) values, HbA(1c) variability, even measured as early as 2 years, is independently associated with the development of microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Differential gene expression between the porcine morula and blastocyst.

The survival and development of pre-implantation embryos are determinant factors affecting the outcome of animal reproduction. It is essential to transfer the expression of the genetic material from maternal sources, that is the ovum to the zygote before implantation to ensure successful development. Differentiation and transformation of blastomeres initiated during the morula and blastocyst stages is an important step of the embryonic development prior to implantation. We collected morula and early blastocyst samples from pure-bred Landrace pigs in vivo to study the differential gene expression patterns at these two stages. Total RNA was extracted from individual embryos and two rounds of amplification were employed. Two micrograms of antisense RNA, targets, were prepared and hybridized with each of four custom made oligo microarrays representing 24,000 porcine genes. The analyses of replicate hybridizations showed that among the 24,000 genes, 162 genes were expressed fivefold or greater in the morula compared to early blastocysts and 2126 genes were expressed fivefold or greater in early blastocysts compared to the morula. Of these differentially expressed genes, 1429 genes were functionally annotated with related human Gene Ontology terms. In addition to basic metabolic processes, genes related to signal transduction, transportation and cell differentiation were found in both stages and were up-regulated as embryo development proceeded. Real time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to quantify 12 genes differentially expressed in the 2 embryonic stages and validated the reliability of major evidences shown in microarrays. In conclusion, we have obtained a preliminary landscape of genes differentially expressed during the transition from morula to early blastocysts in pigs and showed a generally increased transcriptional activity, perhaps in preparation for implantation. Our results provide an opportunity to study the functions of these genes in relation to the development and survival of pre-implantation porcine embryos.

Age and growth of albacore Thunnus alalunga in the North Pacific Ocean.

The age and growth of North Pacific albacore Thunnus alalunga were investigated using obliquely sectioned sagittal otoliths from samples of 126 females and 148 males. Otolith edge analysis indicated that the identified annulus in a sagittal otolith is primarily formed during the period from September to February. The assessments of the fish age at first annulus formation indicated that the first annulus represents an age of <1 year. This study presents an age estimate (0·75 years) for the formation of the first annulus. The oldest fish ages observed in this study were 10 years for females and 14 years for males. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters of females estimated were L(∞) = 103·5 cm in fork length (L(F) ), K = 0·340 year(-1) and t(0) = -0·53 years, and the parameters of males were L(∞) = 114·0 cm, K = 0·253 year(-1) and t(0) = -1·01 years. Sexual size dimorphism between males and females seemed to occur after reaching sexual maturity. The coefficients of the power function for expressing the L(F) -mass relationship obtained from sex-pooled data were a = 2·964 × 10(-5) and b = 2·928.

Evaluation of functional recovery in the intrinsic and flexor muscles after nerve transfer for ulnar nerve lesion. A new measurement method: The Cha method.

"Supercharge" end-to-side (SETS) nerve transfer for lesions of the proximal ulnar nerve is a recognized novel option, but improvement in motor function after surgery has not been properly evaluated. We therefore propose a modified method for quantitative evaluation of improvement in the intrinsic hand strength. We screened 216 patients with proximal ulnar nerve lesions who presented to our outpatient department from 2012 to 2020. Of these, 101 met our inclusion/exclusion criteria and were evaluated just before surgery. We used a novel method to measure finger abduction ("2nd-abd"), adduction ("5th-add"), and ring and little finger flexion strength ("4,5 grip"), and analyzed correlations with established pinch strength data. The male:female sex ratio was 86:15, and the ratio dominant to nondominant arm involvement was 68:33. All strength measurements were analyzed as percentage affected to contralateral normal side. On Pearson correlation analysis, the strength ratios for "4,5 grip", "2nd-abd", and "5th-add", but not "5 fingers (total) grip", showed significant positive correlation with key and oppositional pinch strength (all p < 0.001). Additionally, linear regression analysis showed identical results for each strength correlation with key/oppositional pinch, except for "5 fingers total) grip" (all, p < 0.001). SETS is a reasonable alternative for lesions of the proximal ulnar nerve. The measurement method we propose is feasible for specific assessment of intrinsic muscle strength, which improves after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, level IV.

Supplementation with heat-inactivated Lacticaseibacillus paracasei K47 ameliorates allergic asthma in mice by regulating the Th1/Th2 balance.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease related to the immune response of type 2 T helper cells (Th2), which affects all age groups. The incidence of asthma is increasing worldwide, and it has become a significant public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of Lacticaseibacillus (formerly Lactobacillus) paracasei K47 on mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy. The consequences of orally administered heat-inactivated K47 in OVA-sensitised/challenged BALB/c mice were evaluated by assessing the serum levels of immunoglobulins (Igs), airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytokine. In addition, the effect of K47 on type 1 T helper cells (Th1)/Th2 cytokine production in splenocytes from OVA-sensitised mice was evaluated. The results revealed that supplementation with K47 remarkably reduced serum levels of total IgE, OVA-specific IgE, and OVA-specific IgG1 in OVA-sensitised/challenged mice. In addition, K47 intervention ameliorated AHR and suppressed the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the BALF of OVA-sensitised/challenged mice. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory ability of K47 was mediated by regulation of the cytokine profile toward the Th1 response in the BALF, and splenocytes of OVA-sensitised mice. Taken together, these results suggested that K47 can modulate the host immune response to ameliorate AHR and inflammation in allergic asthma.

X-Ray spectra and electronic correlations of FeSe(1-x)Te(x).

Critical issues concerning emerging Fe-based superconductors include the degree of electron correlation and the origin of the superconductivity. X-Ray absorption spectra (XAS) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectra (RIXS) of FeSe(1-x)Te(x) (x = 0-1) single crystals were obtained to study their electronic properties that relate to electron correlation and superconductivity. The linewidth of Fe L(2,3)-edges XAS of FeSe(1-x)Te(x) is narrower than that of Fe-pnictides, revealing the difference between their hybridization effects and localization character and those of other Fe-pnictides. While no significant differences exist between the Fe L-edge XAS and RIXS of FeSe(1-x)Te(x) and those of Fe-pnictides, Se K-edge and Te K-edge XAS exhibit substantial edge shift, suggesting that the superconductivity in an Fe-Se superconductor is strongly associated with the ligand states. A comparison of the Se K-edge and Te K-edge spectra reveals that the charge transfer may occur between Se and Te. Given the Coulomb interaction and the bandwidth, the spectral results indicate that FeSe(1-x)Te(x) is unlikely to be a weakly correlated system unlike the Fe-pnictides of the "1111" and "122" families. The spectral results further demonstrate that superconductivity in this class of Fe-based compounds is strongly associated with the ligand 4p hole state.