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The microbiota stability, diversity, and composition are pillars for an efficient and beneficial symbiotic relationship between its host and itself. Microbial dysbiosis, a condition where a homeostatic bacterial community is disturbed by acute or chronic events, is a predisposition for many diseases, including local and systemic inflammation that leads to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and some types of cancers. Classical dysbiosis occurs in the large intestine. During this period, pathogenic strains can multiply, taking advantage of the compromised environment. This overgrowth triggers an exaggerated inflammatory response from the human immune system due to the weakened integrity of the intestinal barrier. Such inflammation can also directly influence higher polyp formation and/or tumorigenesis. Prebiotics can be instrumental in preventing or correcting dysbiosis. Prebiotics are molecules capable of serving as substrates for fermentation processes by gut microorganisms. This can promote returning the intestinal environment to homeostasis. Effective prebiotics are generally specific oligo- and polysaccharides, such as FOS or inulin. However, the direct effects of prebiotics on intestinal epithelial and immune cells must also be taken into consideration. This interaction happens with diverse prebiotic nondigestible carbohydrates, and they can inhibit or decrease the inflammatory response. The present work aims to elucidate and describe the different types of prebiotics, their influence, and their functionalities for health, primarily focusing on their ability to reduce and control inflammation in the intestinal epithelial barrier, gut, and systemic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory disease and one of the most common skin diseases. Isotretinoin is the best treatment for severe nodulocystic acne compared to other systemic medicine. Although serum lipids elevation is one of the side effects of this medicine; recent studies have shown controversial results. This study aimed to assess the serum lipid profile in adolescents and adults with acne vulgaris receiving isotretinoin. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on 65 adolescents and adults older than 16 years old (55 females and 10 males) with moderate to severe degrees of acne vulgaris under a fixed low dose of 20 mg/day Isotretinoin treatment for 120 days. We analyzed the data using the SPSS software Version 16 using paired sample t-test, Wilcoxon, and ANCOVA test. Results: In this study, 65 records of patients with a mean age of 22.21±6.25 years were assessed. There was a significant elevation in Cholesterol and LDL levels, but in HDL and triglyceride levels no significant change occurred. A significant change in cholesterol levels was noticed in the adolescent age group, the female sex, and the normal weight group. Triglyceride had a significant change in the female sex and normal weight group and HDL significantly increased in male patients. Conclusion: Although a low dose of isotretinoin can be used with minimal concern for changes in lipid profile in acne vulgaris patients, in the long-term follow-up and treatment, it seems that we have to administer it cautiously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Casein is among the most abundant proteins in milk and has high nutritional value. Casein's interactions with polysaccharides, polyphenols, and metal ions are important for regulating the functional properties and textural quality of dairy foods. To improve the functional properties of casein-based foods, a deep understanding of the interaction mechanisms and the influencing factors between casein and other food components is required. This review started by elucidating the interaction mechanism of casein with polysaccharides, polyphenols, and metal ions. Thermodynamic incompatibility and attraction are the fundamental factors in determining the interaction types between casein and polysaccharides, which leads to different phase behaviors and microstructural types in casein-based foods. Additionally, the interaction of casein with polyphenols primarily occurs through non-covalent (hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, van der Waals forces, and ionic bonding) or covalent interaction (primarily based on the oxidation of proteins or polyphenols by enzymatic or non-enzymatic (alkaline or free radical grafting) approaches). Moreover, the selectivity of casein to specific metal ions is also introduced. Factors affecting the binding of casein to the above three components, such as temperature, pH, the mixing ratio, and the fine structure of these components, are also summarized to provide a good foundation for casein-based food applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over time, humanity has addressed microbial water contamination in various ways. Historically, individuals resorted to producing beer to combat the issue. Fast forward to the 19th century, and we witnessed a scientific approach by Robert Koch. His groundbreaking gelatine plating method aimed to identify and quantify bacteria, with a proposed limit of 100 colony‐forming units per millilitre (CFU/mL) to avoid Cholera outbreaks. Despite considerable advancements in plating techniques through experimentation with media compositions and growth temperatures, the reliance on a century‐old method for water safety remains the state‐of‐the‐art. Even though most countries succeed in producing qualitative water at the end of the production centres, it is difficult to control, and guarantee, the same quality during distribution. Rather than focusing solely on specific sampling points, we propose a holistic examination of the entire water network to ensure comprehensive safety. Current practices leave room for uncertainties, especially given the low concentrations of pathogens. Innovative methods like flow cytometry and flow cytometric fingerprinting offer the ability to detect changes in the microbiome of drinking water. Additionally, molecular techniques and emerging sequencing technologies, such as third‐generation sequencing (MinION), mark a significant leap forward, enhancing detection limits and emphasizing the identification of unwanted genes rather than the unwanted bacteria/microorganisms itself. Over the last decades, there has been the realization that the drinking water distribution networks are complex ecosystems that, beside bacteria, comprise of viruses, protozoans and even isopods. Sequencing techniques to find eukaryotic DNA are necessary to monitor the entire microbiome of the drinking water distribution network. Or will artificial intelligence, big data and machine learning prove to be the way to go for (microbial) drinking water monitoring? In essence, it is time to transcend century‐old practices and embrace modern technologies to ensure the safety of our drinking water from production to consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the effects of Zumba and Pilates training on functional performance, mood, and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women. Fifty-four postmenopausal women, aged 55–65, were randomly allocated to a control group (CG), a Pilates group (PG), or a Zumba group (ZG). Functional performance factors, in terms of walking speed, lower body muscle strength, dynamic balance, and functional mobility, as well as mood and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), were assessed before and after the intervention period. As results, both training modalities significantly improved the walking speed (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)), strength (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.05)), dynamic balance (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)), and functional mobility (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)), as well as mood (PG (p < 0.01)/ZG (p < 0.001)). Additionally, both intervention programs significantly improved their HRQol [physical function (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)) domain and SF36 total scores (PG (p < 0.01)/ZG (p < 0.001))] with better performance following Zumba training. However, the domains of social function (p < 0.001), mental health (p < 0.001), and role limitation due to emotional problems (p < 0.05) significantly enhanced only for the ZG. In conclusion, Pilates or Zumba training appears to be an ideal exercise for promoting functional performance, mood, and HRQoL in postmenopausal women. However, Zumba training seems to be more effective, resulting in optimal scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A prevalent liver condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may progress into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cause life-threatening complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. The development and progression of NAFLD has been linked to the make-up and functioning of the gut microflora. This article reviews the clinical studies reported to investigate the connection between changes in the gut microbiota and metabolic markers in NAFLD patients. According to the study findings, dysbiosis of the gut microflora were observed in NAFLD patients, which are manifested by variations in the proportions of particular bacterial species. These changes are linked to fibrosis, liver inflammation, and metabolic abnormalities. The article also discusses various treatments targeting the gut microbiota, including dietary modifications, exercise, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. These therapies are intended to enhance NAFLD outcomes and reestablish the healthy gut microflora. While some studies have shown promising results, further research is needed to establish the optimal approaches, long-term safety, and efficacy of these treatments for NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maximal number of repetitions that can be completed at various percentages of the one repetition maximum (1RM) [REPS ~ %1RM relationship] is foundational knowledge in resistance exercise programming. The current REPS ~ %1RM relationship is based on few studies and has not incorporated uncertainty into estimations or accounted for between-individuals variation. Therefore, we conducted a meta-regression to estimate the mean and between-individuals standard deviation of the number of repetitions that can be completed at various percentages of 1RM. We also explored if the REPS ~ %1RM relationship is moderated by sex, age, training status, and/or exercise. A total of 952 repetitions-to-failure tests, completed by 7289 individuals in 452 groups from 269 studies, were identified. Study groups were predominantly male (66%), healthy (97%), < 59 years of age (92%), and resistance trained (60%). The bench press (42%) and leg press (14%) were the most commonly studied exercises. The REPS ~ %1RM relationship for mean repetitions and standard deviation of repetitions were best described using natural cubic splines and a linear model, respectively, with mean and standard deviation for repetitions decreasing with increasing %1RM. More repetitions were evident in the leg press than bench press across the loading spectrum, thus separate REPS ~ %1RM tables were developed for these two exercises. Analysis of moderators suggested little influences of sex, age, or training status on the REPS ~ %1RM relationship, thus the general main model REPS ~ %1RM table can be applied to all individuals and to all exercises other than the bench press and leg press. More data are needed to develop REPS ~ %1RM tables for other exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Urinary tract infections (UTI), which are among the most frequent cases of infectious diseases, mainly affect women. The most common treatment approach involves the use of antibiotics, although this solution is not always the most suitable, mainly because of the resistance that bacterial strains develop. Proanthocyanidins are a class of polyphenols, abundantly contained in cranberry extracts, which have shown beneficial effects in the treatment of urinary tract infections, due to their anti-adhesive properties toward bacteria, with respect to the membranes of the cells of the urothelium and intestine, thus reducing their virulence. In this work, we demonstrate via microscopy and scattering measurements how a mixture of cranberry and chondroitin sulfate can form a crosslinked structure with barrier properties. By using a design of experiment (DOE), we optimized the mass ratio to obtain a precipitate between cranberry extract and chondroitin sulfate in the presence of N-acetylcysteine and hyaluronic acid. By using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) chambers, we confirmed the barrier properties of the best mixture obtained with the DOE. Lastly, the antibiofilm action was investigated against five strains of Escherichia coli with different antibiotic sensitivity. The precipitate displayed a variable inhibitory effect in biofilm formation with major effects in UTI with an antibiotic resistance profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile anaesthetics are potent greenhouse gasses but contemporary workstations enable considerable savings while improving patient safety. Institutions may provide this technology to reduce the ecological footprint but proper training and motivation is required to maximize their ecologic and financial benefit. This study aims to compare the sevoflurane consumption of 22 anaesthesiologists in a medium sized hospital 4 years after flow-i workstations (Getinge, Sweden) entered into service, in three airway approaches: intubated patients, laryngeal mask ventilation, and mask anaesthesia. Typical sevoflurane consumption for each anaesthesiologist was defined as the mean cumulative consumption in the chronologically first 50 cases meeting the inclusion criteria for each airway group in 2019. The potential savings, if everyone were to adopt the approach of the more economical anaesthesiologists (15th percentile), was calculated. The CO2 equivalent emissions were calculated using a GWP20 of 702 and a GWP100 of 195. The median [range] consumption after 45 min was 10.9 [7.5–18.4] ml in intubated patients and 9.0 [7.4–15.3] ml in patients with laryngeal mask, and 9.9 [3.4–20.9] ml after 8 min with mask ventilation. This corresponds to a double to six fold consumption between the least and most wasteful approach. The typical CO2 equivalent emissions (GWP20) per anaesthesiologist varied between 8.0 and 19.6 kg/45 min in intubated airways, between 7.9 and 16.3 kg/45 min in LMA, and between 3.6 and 22.3 kg/8 min in mask ventilation. Despite using the same workstations in the same hospital, the typical sevoflurane consumption differed dramatically between 22 anaesthesiologists. In addition to providing advanced workstations, proper education is required to achieve the behavior change needed to reduce the pollution and financial waste associated with volatile anaesthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact worldwide, resulting in long-term health effects for many individuals. Recently, as more and more people recover from COVID-19, there is an increasing need to identify effective management strategies for post-COVID-19 syndrome, which may include diarrhea, fatigue, and chronic inflammation. Oligosaccharides derived from natural resources have been shown to have prebiotic effects, and emerging evidence suggests that they may also have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, which could be particularly relevant in mitigating the long-term effects of COVID-19. In this review, we explore the potential of oligosaccharides as regulators of gut microbiota and intestinal health in post-COVID-19 management. We discuss the complex interactions between the gut microbiota, their functional metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, and the immune system, highlighting the potential of oligosaccharides to improve gut health and manage post-COVID-19 syndrome. Furthermore, we review evidence of gut microbiota with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression for alleviating post-COVID-19 syndrome. Therefore, oligosaccharides offer a safe, natural, and effective approach to potentially improving gut microbiota, intestinal health, and overall health outcomes in post-COVID-19 management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic venous congestion syndrome (PVCS) is a common, but underdiagnosed, cause of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women. PVCS occurs usually, but not exclusively, in multiparous women. It is characterized by chronic pelvic pain of more than six months duration with no evidence of inflammatory disease. The patients present to general practitioners, gynaecologists, vascular specialists, pain specialists, gastroenterologists and psychiatrists. Pain of variable intensity occurs at any time but is worse in the pre-menstrual period, and is exacerbated by walking, standing, and fatigue. Post coital ache, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, bladder irritability and rectal discomfort are also common. Under-diagnosis of this condition can lead to anxiety and depression. A multidisciplinary approach in the investigation and management of these women is vital. Non-invasive imaging (US, CT, MRI) are essential in the diagnosis and exclusion of other conditions that cause CPP as well in the definitive diagnosis of PVCS. Trans-catheter venography remains the gold standard modality for the definitive diagnosis and is undertaken as an immediate precursor to ovarian vein embolization (OVE). Conservative, medical and surgical management strategies have been reported but have been superseded by OVE, which has a reported technical success rates of 96–100%, low complication rates and long-term symptomatic relief in between 70–90% of cases. The condition, described in this paper as PVCS, is referred to by a wide variety of other terms in the literature, a cause of confusion. There is a significant body of literature describing the syndrome and the excellent outcomes following OVE however the lack of prospective, multicentre randomized controlled trials for both investigation and management of PVCS is a significant barrier to the complete acceptance of both the existence, investigation and management of the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varicose vein is one type of venous insufficiency that presents with any dilated, elongated, or tortuous veins caused by permanent loss of its valvular efficiency. Destruction of venous valves in the axial veins results in venous hypertension, reflux, and total dilatation, causing varicosities and transudation of fluid into subcutaneous tissue. The first documented reference of varicose veins was found as illustrations on Ebers Papyrus dated 1550 B.C. in Athens. Evidence of surgical intervention was found in the 1860s. However dramatic advances of varicose vein management occurred in the latter half of twentieth century. Varicose veins affect from 40 to 60% of women and 15 to 30% men. Multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors including age, gender, pregnancy, weight, height, race, diet, bowel habits, occupation, posture, previous DVT, genetics, and climate are considered to be the predisposing factors for formation of varicose vein. Other reported factors are hereditary, standing occupation, chair sitting, tight underclothes, raised toilet seats, lack of exercise, smoking, and oral contraceptives. Common symptoms are unsightly visible veins, pain, aching, swelling, itching, skin changes, ulceration, thrombophlebitis, and bleeding. The signs of varicose vein disease are edema, varicose eczema or thrombophlebitis, ulcers (typically found over the medial malleolus), hemosiderin skin staining, lipodermatosclerosis (tapering of legs above ankles, an "inverted champagne bottle" appearance), and atrophie blanche. Varicose vein is classified according to CEAP classification, the components of which are clinical, etiological, anatomy, and pathophysiology. The revised CEAP classification was published on 2020 based on four principles which were preservation of the reproducibility of CEAP, compatibility with prior versions, evidence-based medicine, and practicality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta‐review aimed to appraise and synthesise findings from existing systematic reviews that measured the impact of compression therapy on venous leg ulcers healing. We searched five databases to identify potential papers; three authors extracted data, and a fourth author adjudicated the findings. The AMSTAR‐2 tool was used for quality appraisal and the certainty of the evidence was appraised using GRADEpro. Data analysis was undertaken using RevMan. We identified 12 systematic reviews published between 1997 and 2021. AMSTAR‐2 assessment identified three as high quality, five as moderate quality, and four as low quality. Seven comparisons were reported, with a meta‐analysis undertaken for five of these comparisons: compression vs no compression (risk ratio [RR]: 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34‐1.78; P <.00001; moderate‐certainty evidence); elastic compression vs inelastic compression (RR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.96‐1.08; P <.61 moderate‐certainty evidence); four layer vs

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are part of proteoglycan family. They are composed of heparan sulfate (HS)-type glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains covalently linked to a core protein. By interacting with growth factors and/or receptors, they regulate numerous pathways including Wnt, hedgehog (Hh), bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) pathways. They act as inhibitor or activator of these pathways to modulate embryonic and adult stem cell fate during organ morphogenesis, regeneration and homeostasis. This review summarizes the knowledge on HSPG structure and classification and explores several signaling pathways regulated by HSPGs in stem cell fate. A specific focus on hair follicle stem cell fate and the possibility to target HSPGs in order to tackle hair loss are discussed in more dermatological and cosmeceutical perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of optimized recovery during a sport competition is undisputed. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of recovery drinks comprising either carbohydrate only, or a mix of native whey proteins and carbohydrate to maintain physical performance and minimize muscle damage during a simulated rugby sevens (rugby 7s) tournament. Twelve well-trained male rugby players participated in three simulated rugby 7s tournament days with a week's interval in between. Each tournament comprised a sequence of three simulated matches, interspersed with 2 h of recovery. Three different recovery drinks were tested: a placebo (PLA, nonenergetic chocolate-flavored drink), a carbohydrate drink (CHO, 80 g of carbohydrate) or an isoenergetic carbohydrate–protein drink (P-CHO, 20 g of Pronativ®, native whey protein and 60 g of carbohydrate). A different recovery drink, consumed after each match, was tested during each simulated tournament. Physical performance, muscle damage and muscle pain were assessed before and after each simulated tournament. Regarding physical performance, both P-CHO and CHO drinks had a positive effect on the maintenance of 50 m sprint time compared to the PLA drink (effect sizes large and moderate, respectively). Regarding muscle damage, the P-CHO supplement attenuated the creatine phosphokinase increase at POST6 compared to PLA (effect size, moderate). Finally, P-CHO and CHO drinks reduced the exercise-induced DOMS (effect size, moderate), compared to the PLA condition (effect size, large), while P-CHO only reduced pain on muscle palpation and pain when descending stairs compared to PLA 24 h post-tournament (effect size, small). This study suggests that consuming a recovery drink containing native whey proteins and carbohydrate or carbohydrate only after each match of a rugby 7s tournament may attenuate the exercise-induced increase in markers of muscle damage and maintain physical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces boulardii are common probiotic supplements. Colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts (cSEMFs) are actively involved in mucosal wound healing and inflammation. cSEMFs, isolated from healthy individuals, were stimulated with 102 or 104 cfu/mL of these probiotic strains alone and in combination, and their effect on chemokine and wound healing factor expression was assessed by qRT-PCR, ELISA and Sircol Assay, and on cSEMFs migration, by Wound Healing Assay. These strains remained viable and altered cSEMFs' inflammatory and wound healing behavior, depending on the strain and concentration. cSEMFs treated with a combination of the four probiotics had a moderate, but statistically significant, increase in the mRNA and/or protein expression of chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL4, CXCL8, CXCL10, CCL2 and CCL5, and healing factors, collagen type I and III, fibronectin and tissue factor. In contrast, when each strain was administered alone, different effects were observed, with greater increase or decrease in chemokine and healing factor expression, which was balanced by the mixture. Overall, this study highlights that the use of multiple probiotic strains can potentially alert the gut mucosal immune system and promote wound healing, having a better effect on mucosal immunity than the use of single probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synbiotics, mixtures of live microbes and substrates selectively utilized by host organisms, are of considerable interest due to their ability to improve gastrointestinal health. However, formulating synbiotics remains challenging, due in part, to the absence of rational strategies to assess these products for synbiotic activities prior to clinical trials. Currently, synbiotics are formulated as either complementary or synergistic. Complementary synbiotics are made by combining probiotics and prebiotics, with each component acting independently and with the combination shown to provide a clinical health benefit. Most commercial synbiotics as well as those used in clinical trials have been of the complementary type. In contrast, synergistic synbiotics require that the added microbe is specifically stimulated or it's persistence or activity are enhanced by the cognate substrate. Although several innovative examples have been described in the past few years based on this principle, in practice, relatively few synbiotic studies have tested for synergism. In this review, selected recent examples of complementary and synergistic synbiotics and the rationale for their formulation will be described. In addition, pre-clinical experimental approaches for identifying combinations that provide a basis for satisfying the requirements for synergism will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The colon harbours a dynamic and complex community of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota, which constitutes the densest microbial ecosystem in the human body. These commensal gut microbes play a key role in human health and diseases, revealing the strong potential of fine-tuning the gut microbiota to confer health benefits. In this context, dietary strategies targeting gut microbes to modulate the composition and metabolic function of microbial communities are of increasing interest. One such dietary strategy is the use of prebiotics, which are defined as substrates that are selectively utilised by host microorganisms to confer a health benefit. A better understanding of the metabolic pathways involved in the breakdown of prebiotics is essential to improve these nutritional strategies. In this review, we will present the concept of prebiotics, and focus on the main sources and nature of these components, which are mainly non-digestible polysaccharides. We will review the breakdown mechanisms of complex carbohydrates by the intestinal microbiota and present short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as key molecules mediating the dialogue between the intestinal microbiota and the host. Finally, we will review human studies exploring the potential of prebiotics in metabolic diseases, revealing the personalised responses to prebiotic ingestion. In conclusion, we hope that this review will be of interest to identify mechanistic factors for the optimization of prebiotic-based strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Investigating the cardiovascular system is challenging due to its complex regulation by humoral and neuronal factors. Despite this complexity, many existing research methods are limited to the assessment of a few parameters leading to an incomplete characterization of cardiovascular function. Thus, we aim to establish a murine in vivo model for integrated assessment of the cardiovascular system under conditions of controlled heart rate. Utilizing this model, we assessed blood pressure, cardiac output, stroke volume, total peripheral resistance, and electrocardiogram (ECG). Hypothesis: We hypothesize that (i) our in vivo model can be utilized to investigate cardiac and vascular responses to pharmacological intervention with the α1-agonist phenylephrine, and (ii) we can study cardiovascular function during artificial pacing of the heart, modulating cardiac function without a direct vascular effect. Methods: We included 12 mice that were randomly assigned to either vehicle or phenylephrine intervention through intraperitoneal administration. Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane and intubated endotracheally for mechanical ventilation. We measured blood pressure via a solid-state catheter in the aortic arch, blood flow via a probe on the ascending aorta, and ECG from needle electrodes on the extremities. Right atrium was electrically paced at a frequency ranging from 10 to 11.3 Hz before and after either vehicle or phenylephrine administration. Results: Phenylephrine significantly increased blood pressure, stroke volume, and total peripheral resistance compared to the vehicle group. Moreover, heart rate was significantly decreased following phenylephrine administration. Pacing significantly decreased stroke volume and cardiac output both prior to and after drug administration. However, phenylephrine-induced changes in blood pressure and total peripheral resistance were maintained with increasing pacing frequencies compared to the vehicle group. Total peripheral resistance was not significantly altered with increasing pacing frequencies suggesting that the effect of phenylephrine is primarily of vascular origin. Conclusion: In conclusion, this in vivo murine model is capable of distinguishing between changes in peripheral vascular and cardiac functions. This study underlines the primary effect of phenylephrine on vascular function with secondary changes to cardiac function. Hence, this in vivo model is useful for the integrated assessment of the cardiovascular system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic wounds, including leg ulcers, constitute an important medical problem among older patients. Dystrophic calcifications (DC) are associated with a variety of disorders, including leg ulcers. The aim of this study was to report the clinical and biological characteristics of older patients with DC in leg ulcers and to determine the morphology and chemical composition of these calcifications. We conducted a prospective monocentric study in our Geriatric-Wound and Healing ward, Rothschild Hospital, Paris, from January 2018 to December 2019. Patients with leg ulcers were screened for DC by palpation. Patients' clinical, biological, and radiological findings were collected. DC morphology was analyzed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and chemical composition was analyzed using µFourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and X-ray Fluorescence. Ten (7%) of the 143 patients hospitalized for leg ulcers presented DC. Older patients with DC were more likely to have leg ulcers with venous insufficiency (p = .015), colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p = .026), with a longer healing evolution (p = .0072) and hypercalcemia (p = .041). Five DC were extracted from ulcers: 2 presented 500 nm lacunar spheres and intermingled fibrils of about 10 nm in diameter, consistent with bacterial and biofilm imprints. DC were always composed of calcium-phosphate apatite and associated to the presence of zinc. Our analyses were consistent with the involvement of microorganisms and inflammatory process in DC formation. Early management of venous insufficiency, treatment of chronic bacterial colonization and use of calcium-solubilizing drugs seem to be rational strategies for calcified leg ulcer management in older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hereditary multiple exostoses (HMEs) syndrome, also known as multiple osteochondromas, represents a rare and severe human skeletal disorder. The disease is characterized by multiple benign cartilage-capped bony outgrowths, termed exostoses or osteochondromas, that locate most commonly in the juxta-epiphyseal portions of long bones. Affected individuals usually complain of persistent pain caused by the pressure on neighboring tissues, disturbance of blood circulation, or rarely by spinal cord compression. However, the most severe complication of this condition is malignant transformation into chondrosarcoma, occurring in up to 3.9% of HMEs patients. The disease results mainly from heterozygous loss-of-function alterations in the EXT1 or EXT2 genes, encoding Golgi-associated glycosyltransferases, responsible for heparan sulfate biosynthesis. Some of the patients with HMEs do not carry pathogenic variants in those genes, hence the presence of somatic mutations, deep intronic variants, or another genes/loci is suggested. This review presents the systematic analysis of current cellular and molecular concepts of HMEs along with clinical characteristics, clinical and molecular diagnostic methods, differential diagnosis, and potential treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soccer-specific speed-endurance training induces short-term neuromuscular fatigue and performance deterioration over a 72-h recovery period, associated with elevated markers of exercise-induced muscle damage. We compared the effects of whey vs. soy protein supplementation on field activity, performance, muscle damage and redox responses following speed-endurance training in soccer players. Methods: Ten well-trained, male soccer players completed three speed-endurance training trials, receiving whey protein (WP), soy protein (SP) or an isoenergetic placebo (PL; maltodextrin) according to a randomized, double-blind, crossover, repeated-measures design. A pre-loading period was applied in each trial during which protein supplementation was individually adjusted to reach a total protein intake of 1.5 g/kg/day, whereas in PL protein intake was adjusted at 0.8–1 g/kg/day. Following pre-loading, two speed-endurance training sessions (1 and 2) were performed 1 day apart, over a 3-day experimental period. During each session, field activity and heart rate were continuously monitored using global positioning system and heart rate monitors, respectively. Performance (isokinetic strength of knee extensors and flexors, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, speed, repeated sprint ability, countermovement jump), muscle damage (delayed-onset of muscle soreness, creatine kinase activity) and redox status (glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, protein carbonyls) were evaluated at baseline (pre), following pre-loading (post-load), and during recovery from speed-endurance training. Results: High-intensity and high-speed running decreased (P ≤ 0.05) during speed-endurance training in all trials, but WP and SP mitigated this response. Isokinetic strength, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, 30-m speed, repeated sprint ability and countermovement jump performance were similarly deteriorated during recovery following speed-endurance training in all trials (P ≤ 0.05). 10 m speed was impaired at 24 h only in PL. Delayed-onset of muscle soreness, creatine kinase, total antioxidant capacity and protein carbonyls increased and glutathione decreased equally among trials following speed-endurance training (P ≤ 0.05), with SP inducing a faster recovery of protein carbonyls only at 48 h (P ≤ 0.05) compared to WP and PL. Conclusions: In conclusion, increasing daily protein intake to 1.5 g/kg through ingestion of either whey or soy protein supplements mitigates field performance deterioration during successive speed-endurance training sessions without affecting exercise-induced muscle damage and redox status markers. Trial registration: Name of the registry: clinicaltrials.gov. Trial registration: NCT03753321. Date of registration: 12/10/2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic venous disease (PeVD) are one of the most important causes of chronic pelvic pain in women resulting from the pathological venous flow in ovarian and pelvic veins. Pelvic vein embolization is the method of choice for treatment of PeVD caused by primary reflux in ovarian and internal iliac veins. In this review, we discuss possible complications and side effects after embolization therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Muscle pump dysfunction is an essential component of chronic venous disease (CVD) pathology. Aging reduces muscle strength which further weakens the venous return. However, the epidemiology of CVD and its relationship with the physical performance in older persons is poorly studied. We studied the prevalence of CVD in subjects aged over 70 years and its association primarily with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and 10 m walk test.Methods: An accurate clinical leg examination was performed and the Clinical-Etiological-Anatomical-Pathophysiological-classification (CEAP, clinical classification of chronic venous disorders, C1-C6) determined by dermatologists in 552 subjects aged between 70 and 93 years belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 - Parents' Study (NFBC-PS). Linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between CVD and functional tests and anthropometric measurements.Results: The prevalence of CVD (C1-C6) was 54.3%. C1 was diagnosed in 22.1% (n=84), C2 in 15.2% (n=45), C3 in 8.2% (n=45), C4 in 7.8% (43), C5 in 0.4% (n=2) and C6 in 0.5% (n=3). The prevalence and severity of CVD increased with increasing age (p<0.05). Males presented more with severe stages of CVD (C4-C6) (p<0.001). Subjects with CVD had significantly lower total SPPB scores and longer times in the 10 m walk test (p<0.001). The association between CVD severity and SPPB remained statistically significant in females after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI) and number of children. The 10 m walk test times were associated with CVD when adjusted for sex and age but not after adjusting for BMI.Conclusions: It is recommended that detailed skin examination of legs should be performed by physicians treating older subjects in order to improve early diagnosis of CVD. We highlight the importance of physical activity in older persons - lower limb activation of older persons with CVD may improve venous return and therefore prevent progression of CVD. We found an association between CVD and gait speed, however, there may exist bidirectional relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common condition in women that carries with it significant morbidity. It is commonly seen in patients presenting to obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic visits. CPP is a presenting symptom of various pathologies including pelvic varicocele, pelvic adhesions, spastic colon syndrome, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and psychosomatic disorders. Pelvic congestion syndrome has more recently been termed "pelvic venous insufficiency (PVI)" due to the underlying retrograde flow through incompetent ovarian and pelvic veins that are thought to cause the symptoms of CPP. Pelvic varices can commonly present alongside vulvar, perineal, and lower extremity varices. There are some predictable "escape pathways" for these varices that may present for interventional treatment. This article introduces the reader to current terminology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with pelvic varices due to PVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soccer-specific speed-endurance training induces short-term neuromuscular fatigue and performance deterioration over a 72-h recovery period, associated with elevated markers of exercise-induced muscle damage. We compared the effects of whey vs. soy protein supplementation on field activity, performance, muscle damage and redox responses following speed-endurance training in soccer players. Methods: Ten well-trained, male soccer players completed three speed-endurance training trials, receiving whey protein (WP), soy protein (SP) or an isoenergetic placebo (PL; maltodextrin) according to a randomized, double-blind, crossover, repeated-measures design. A pre-loading period was applied in each trial during which protein supplementation was individually adjusted to reach a total protein intake of 1.5 g/kg/day, whereas in PL protein intake was adjusted at 0.8–1 g/kg/day. Following pre-loading, two speed-endurance training sessions (1 and 2) were performed 1 day apart, over a 3-day experimental period. During each session, field activity and heart rate were continuously monitored using global positioning system and heart rate monitors, respectively. Performance (isokinetic strength of knee extensors and flexors, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, speed, repeated sprint ability, countermovement jump), muscle damage (delayed-onset of muscle soreness, creatine kinase activity) and redox status (glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, protein carbonyls) were evaluated at baseline (pre), following pre-loading (post-load), and during recovery from speed-endurance training. Results: High-intensity and high-speed running decreased (P ≤ 0.05) during speed-endurance training in all trials, but WP and SP mitigated this response. Isokinetic strength, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, 30-m speed, repeated sprint ability and countermovement jump performance were similarly deteriorated during recovery following speed-endurance training in all trials (P ≤ 0.05). 10 m speed was impaired at 24 h only in PL. Delayed-onset of muscle soreness, creatine kinase, total antioxidant capacity and protein carbonyls increased and glutathione decreased equally among trials following speed-endurance training (P ≤ 0.05), with SP inducing a faster recovery of protein carbonyls only at 48 h (P ≤ 0.05) compared to WP and PL. Conclusions: In conclusion, increasing daily protein intake to 1.5 g/kg through ingestion of either whey or soy protein supplements mitigates field performance deterioration during successive speed-endurance training sessions without affecting exercise-induced muscle damage and redox status markers. Trial registration: Name of the registry: clinicaltrials.gov. Trial registration: NCT03753321. Date of registration: 12/10/2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a photometric analysis of edge-on spiral galaxies in three blue fields of the Hubble Space Telescope (HDF-N, FDF-S, HUDF) are discussed. It is shown that galaxies at z ≈ 0.5 have lower values of the radial exponential scales hr of the stellar disks compared to nearby galaxies. The observed variation in the scales of the disks is consistent with a n hr ∝ (1 + z)–n law, where n ≈ 1. Indications are found of a significant reduction in the fraction of galaxies with B/PS bulges from z=0 to z=1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin disorders, affecting more than eighty percent of individuals around puberty. Because of the adverse effects on the patient’s appearance, the disease may have detrimental psychological impacts such as low self-esteem and social isolation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate factors affecting self-esteem in patients with acne vulgaris in Hamadan. Methods: Patients with acne vulgaris referred to the dermatology clinic of Hamadan’s Sina Hospital (as the case group), and their healthy accompanying persons (as the control group) were included in the study. After obtaining written informed consent, demographic data were recorded and participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire. To assess the severity of acne, Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) was used. In addition, Coopersmith Inventory was applied to measure the self-esteem of the participants. In data were analyzed using STATA 14.0 software. Results: Overall, 184 patients with acne and 177 controls were included in this study. The mean age of patients and controls was 17.89+3.13 and 17.72+2.94, respectively. Independent samples t-test showed that the mean Self-Esteem Index of patients was significantly lower than controls (32.04+8.29 vs. 34.85+7.73, P<0.001). The severity of acne was inversely correlated with self-esteem; one score increase in GAGS would result in 0.1 unit decrease in self-esteem index (P<0.001). Conclusion: Acne vulgaris is associated with low self-esteem and the severity of acne is inversely correlated with selfesteem level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study corporate real estate frictions and their effect on firm dynamics and labour demand. We build and simulate a general equilibrium model with heterogeneous firms that predicts the response of firms to a productivity shock in the presence of fixed adjustment costs on real estate. Using a large firm-level database merged with local real estate prices, we then exploit variations in the tax on capital gains to document a causal effect of adjustment costs on firms' labour demand and derive new results on the causes and implications of firms' local relocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A variety of energy‐based devices have been used to treat acne. However, all studies have been subjective and have not involved double‐blind and randomized controlled studies. Aims: We undertook a randomized controlled study evaluating the use of a 650 usec 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser compared with a sham in the treatment of acne. Patients/Methods: A total of 20 subjects with moderate‐to‐severe acne were randomized to receive either 650 usec 1064nm Nd:YAG laser or sham treatment. All subjects received 3 treatments, two weeks apart, plus an additional session undertaken 4 weeks after the 3rd treatment. Subjects were evaluated for investigator global improvement, improvement in inflammatory lesions, improvement in comedonal lesions, total porphyrin score, and total sebum score. Results: The laser‐treated group showed an Investigator's Global Assessment Scale (IGA) improvement of 26% compared with 7% for the sham group (a 271% improvement over sham treatment group). The treatment group also showed a decrease in the number of inflammatory lesions of 42% compared with 26% in the sham group (a 62% improvement over sham). The laser‐treated cohort also experienced a reduction in total number of comedones similar to that seen with inflammatory lesions and a decrease in total porphyrin score. There was also an 18% reduction in sebum production in the treated group, compared with 9% in the sham group (a 100% improvement). Conclusion: This is the first study that has compared laser treatment of acne compared with a sham treatment. A 650 usec 1064nm Nd:YAG laser can effectively treat acne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of incorporating different legume flours (faba bean, lentil or split pea flours) on the pasta protein network and its repercussion on in vitro protein digestibility, in comparison with reference dairy proteins. Kinetics and yields of protein hydrolysis in legume enriched pasta and, for the first time, the peptidomes generated by the pasta at the end of the in vitro gastric and intestinal phases of digestion are presented. Three isoproteic (21%) legume enriched pasta with balanced essential amino acids, were made from wheat semolina and 62% to 79% of legume flours (faba bean or F-pasta; lentil or L-pasta and split pea or P-pasta). Pasta were prepared following the conventional pastification steps (hydration, mixing, extrusion, drying, cooking). Amino acid composition and protein network structure of the pasta were determined along with their culinary and rheological properties and residual trypsin inhibitor activity (3–5% of the activity initially present in raw legume flour). F- and L-pasta had contrasted firmness and proportion of covalently linked proteins. F-pasta had a generally weaker protein network and matrix structure, however far from the weakly linked soluble milk proteins (SMP) and casein proteins, which in addition contained no antitrypsin inhibitors and more theoretical cleavage sites for digestive enzymes. The differences in protein network reticulation between the different pasta and between pasta and dairy proteins were in agreement in each kinetic phase with the yield of the in vitro protein hydrolysis, which reached 84% for SMP, and 66% for casein at the end of intestinal phase, versus 50% for L- and P-pasta and 58% for F-pasta. The peptidome of legume enriched pasta is described for the first time and compared with the peptidome of dairy proteins for each phase of digestion. The gastric and intestinal phases were important stages of peptide differentiation between legumes and wheat. However, peptidome analysis revealed no difference in wheat-derived peptides in the three pasta diets regardless of the digestion phase, indicating that there was a low covalent interaction between wheat gluten and legume proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lower extremity varicose veins (LEVVs) are a common venous disorder of venous dilation and tortuosity. The functional integrity of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the majority of the cells in venous tissues, and their phenotypic differences play important roles in the occurrence and development of LEVV. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Methods: The expression of estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ and G-protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) in LEVV tissues and the role of GPR30 in VSMC phenotypic switching were examined by Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. Finally, the related mechanisms underlying LEVVs were explored by Western blotting. Results: The serum estradiol content was increased in LEVV patients compared with normal control patients, but the mRNA levels of ERα and ERβ were not significantly different. GPR30 was overexpressed in LEVVs, and high expression of GPR30 promoted the maintenance of a synthetic phenotype in which OPN, MMP-1 and MMP-9 were highly expressed and α-SMA was poorly expressed in VSMCs. Finally, the mechanism by which GPR30 promotes the phenotypic switching of VSMCs is dependent on the ERK1/2 and AKT pathways. Conclusion: GPR30 may contribute to the pathogenesis of LEVVs by promoting the maintenance of a synthetic phenotype in VSMCs by activating the ERK1/2 and AKT pathways, and GPR30 might be a novel therapeutic target for clinical LEVV treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Radio Electronics, Computer Science, Control is the property of Zaporizhzhia National Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We have produced a sample of 58 edge-on spiral galaxies at redshifts z ~ 1 selected in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. For all galaxies we have analyzed the 2D brightness distributions in the V606 and i775 filters and measured the radial (hr) and vertical (hz) exponential scale lengths of the brightness distribution. We have obtained evidence that the relative thickness of the disks of distant galaxies, i.e., the ratio of the vertical and radial scale lengths, on average, exceeds the relative thickness of the disks of nearby spiral galaxies. The vertical scale length hz of the stellar disks of galaxies shows no big changes at z = 1. The possibility of the evolution of the radial scale length hz for the brightness distribution with redshift is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whey protein (WP) is a highly nutritious, commercially available alternative food source that is used primarily as a food supplement by athletes and physically active individuals to provide them with essential amino acids and bioactive peptides, and additional benefits have been attributed to WP consumption. In this context, the objective of this review was to explore current evidence regarding the consumption of different WP supplements in sports nutrition to elucidate their efficiency in affecting muscle hypertrophy, physical performance, response to muscle injury, weight loss, and body composition changes. Furthermore, these effects were assessed by comparing whey protein hydrolysate (WPH), whey protein concentrate (WPC), and whey protein isolate (WPI) supplementation. Supplementation with WPI or WPC was related to increased muscle protein synthesis (MPS), and WPH caused muscle hypertrophy and improved physical performance. Compared to WPC and WPI, WPH improved peak torque associated with strength training without reducing the creatine kinase (CK) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) levels in this type of physical activity, and the decreases in CK and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) associated with aerobic exercise were significant. Supplementation with WPC resulted in weight loss, satiety, and improved body composition, without compromising whole-body lean mass loss. WPH was more effective than WPC and WPI regarding improved peak torque and muscle hypertrophy associated with strength training, and WPH reduced muscle damage associated with aerobic exercise via decreased CK levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was planned to study the phenotypic characterization of Extended Spectrum Betalactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) in poultry. North-Eastern region of Karnataka was selected for the study. Samples were collected from broiler farms (n=98), layer farms (n=99), backyard poultry (n=67) and poultry retail shops (n=133). Samples like cloacal swab, litter, soil, water, feed, hand swabs of butcher, processing table, cutting knives were collected. The samples were inoculated in McConkey broth followed by McConkey agar plates. The plates showing pink coloured tiny colonies were further inoculated on EMB agar plates. The EMB plates showing tiny, dark purple coloured colonies with metallic sheen were considered as positive further confirmed by biochemical tests. The phenotypic identification of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase producing E. coli was carried by subjecting the E.coli isolates to antibiotic sensitivity test using Ceftazidime (30 mcg) alone and Ceftazidime(30mcg) in combination with Clavulanic acid(10mcg). In the present study out of 397 samples, 163(41.05%) samples were positive for ESBL E.coli. In broilers out of 98 samples, 51 (52.04%) were found positive, in layers out of 99 samples 54(54.54%) were found positive, in backyard poultry out of 67 samples 21(31.34%) were found positive and in poultry retail shops out of 133 samples 47(41.59%) were found positive. It was concluded that the ESBL producing E.coli is prevalent in North-Eastern region of Karnataka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess if native whey protein (NW) supplementation could promote recovery and training adaptations after an electrostimulation (ES) training program combined to plyometrics training. Participants were allocated into three groups, supplemented 5 days/week, either with 15 g of carbohydrates + 15 g of NW (n = 17), 15 g of carbohydrates + 15 g of standard whey protein (SW; n = 15), or placebo (PLA; 30 g of carbohydrates; n = 10), while undergoing a 12-week ES training program of the knee extensors. Concentric power (Pmax) was evaluated before, immediately after, as well as 30 min, 60 min, 24 h, and 48 h after the 1st, 4th and last ES training session. The maximal voluntary contraction torque (MVC), twitch amplitude, anatomical cross-sectional area (CSA) and maximal voluntary activation level (VA) were measured before (T0), and after 6 (T1) and 12 weeks of training (T2). P max recovery kinetics differed between groups (p < 0.01). P max started to recover at 30 min in NW, 24 h in SW and 48 h in PLA. Training adaptations also differed between groups: MVC increased between T0 and T2 in NW (+11.8%, p < 0.001) and SW (+7.1%, p < 0.05), but not PLA. Nevertheless, the adaptation kinetics differed: MVC increased in NW and SW between T0 and T1, but an additional gain was only observed between T1 and T2 in NW. VA declined at T1 and T2 in PLA (−3.9%, p < 0.05), at T2 in SW (−3.5%, p < 0.05), and was unchanged in NW. CSA increased, but did not differ between groups. These results suggest that NW could promote a faster recovery and neuromuscular adaptations after training than SW. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain to be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bezmialem Science is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pelvic venous insufficiency is now a well-characterized etiology of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). The prevalence of CPP is 15% in females aged 18 to 50 years in the United States and up to 43.4% worldwide. In addition to individual physical, emotional, and quality-of-life implications of CPP, there are profound healthcare and socio-economic expenses with estimated annual direct and indirect costs in the United States in excess of 39 billion dollars. PCS consists of clinical symptoms with concomitant anatomic and physiologic abnormalities originating in venous insufficiency. The etiology of PCS is diverse involving both mechanical and hormonal factors contributing to venous dilatation (>5 mm) and insufficiency. Factors affecting the diagnosis of PCS include variance of causes and clinical presentations of pelvic pain and relatively low sensitivity of noninvasive diagnostic imaging and laparoscopy to identify insufficiency compared with catheter venogram. A systematic review of the literature evaluating patient outcomes following percutaneous treatment of PCS is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of acne, especially severe acne, remains a challenge to dermatologists. Therapies include retinoids, antibiotics, hormones, lights, lasers, and various combinations of these modalities. Acne is currently considered a chronic rather than an adolescent condition. The appropriate treatment depends on the patient and the severity of disease. The purpose of this study was to review current therapies for acne of all severities and to introduce the 650-μs 1064-nm laser for the treatment of acne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent cosmological hydrodynamical simulations suggest that baryonic processes, and in particular supernova feedback following bursts of star formation, can alter the structure of dark matter haloes and transform primordial cusps into shallower cores. To assess whether this mechanism offers a solution to the long-standing cusp-core controversy, simulated haloes must be compared to real dark matter haloes inferred from galaxy rotation curves. For this purpose, two new dark matter density profiles were recently derived from simulations of galaxies in complementary mass ranges: the DC14 halo (1010 < Mhalo/M☉ < 8 × 1011) and the coreNFW halo (107 < Mhalo/M☉ < 109). Both models have individually been found to give good fits to observed rotation curves. For the DC14 model, however, the agreement of the predicted halo properties with cosmological scaling relations was confirmed by one study, but strongly refuted by another. A next important question is whether, despite their different approaches, the two models converge to the same solution in the mass range where both should be appropriate. To investigate this, we tested the DC14 and coreNFW halo models on the rotation curves of a selection of galaxies with halo masses in the range 4 × 109M☉ - 7 × 1010M☉ and compared their predictions. We further applied the DC14 model to a set of rotation curves at higher halo masses, up to 9 × 1011M☉, to verify the agreement with the cosmological scaling relations. Both models are generally able to reproduce the observed rotation curves, in line with earlier results, and the predicted dark matter haloes are consistent with the cosmological c-Mhalo and M*-Mhalo relations. We find that the DC14 and coreNFW models are also in fairly good agreement with each other, even though DC14 tends to predict slightly less extended cores and somewhat more concentrated haloes than coreNFW. While the quality of the fits is generally similar for both halo models, DC14 does perform significantly better than coreNFW for three galaxies. In each of these cases, the problem for coreNFW is related to connection of the core size to the stellar half-mass radius, although we argue that it is justifiable to relax this connection for NGC 3741. A larger core radius brings the coreNFW model for this galaxy in good agreement with the data and the DC14 model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is associated with a loss of muscle mass and functional capacity. Present study was designed to compare the impact of specific dairy proteins on muscular function with or without a low-intensity physical activity program on a treadmill in an aged rat model. We investigated the effects of nutritional supplementation, five days a week over a 2-month period with a slow digestible protein, casein or fast digestible proteins, whey or soluble milk protein, on strength and locomotor parameters in sedentary or active aged Wistar RjHan rats (17–19 months of age). An extensive gait analysis was performed before and after protein supplementation. After two months of protein administration and activity program, muscle force was evaluated using a grip test, spontaneous activity using an open-field and muscular mass by specific muscle sampling. When aged rats were supplemented with proteins without exercise, only minor effects of different diets on muscle mass and locomotion were observed: higher muscle mass in the casein group and improvement of stride frequencies with soluble milk protein. By contrast, supplementation with soluble milk protein just after physical activity was more effective at improving overall skeletal muscle function in old rats compared to casein. For active old rats supplemented with soluble milk protein, an increase in locomotor activity in the open field and an enhancement of static and dynamic gait parameters compared to active groups supplemented with casein or whey were observed without any differences in muscle mass and forelimb strength. These results suggest that consumption of soluble milk protein as a bolus immediately after a low intensity physical activity may be a suitable nutritional intervention to prevent decline in locomotion in aged rats and strengthen the interest to analyze the longitudinal aspect of locomotion in aged rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]