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Introduction: Cancer tissue absorbs 3-8 times more glucose than normal tissue. Therefore, we developed a gadobutrol-glucose solution for 7.0T magnetic resonance imaging to visualize whole cancerous regions at high contrast. Methods: The contrast medium consists of gadobutrol and glucose solutions, and these solutions are mixed before the vein infusion. We used readily available solutions, and the concentrations of the gadobutrol and glucose solutions were 60% and 5.0%, respectively. To visualize the cancerous region, we used two rabbits with VX7 thigh cancer. First, vein injection was carried out using a gadobutrol-saline solution containing 0.3 ml gadobutrol, and T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) was performed. Twenty-four hours after the first experiment, we performed T1WI of the VX7-cancer region using 50.3 mL gadobutrol-glucose solution including 0.3 ml gadobutrol. Results: Compared with T1WI using the gadobutrol-saline solution, the signal intensity of the cancerous region substantially increased using the gadobutrol-glucose solution. Conclusion: We confirmed significant signal-intensity increases in the whole VX7-cancer region of a rabbit thigh utilizing vein infusion of gadobutrol-glucose solution since the gadobutrol molecules were absorbed throughout the cancerous region along with glucose molecules. Keywords: 7.0T magnetic resonance imaging, angiographic effect, cancer visualization, gadobutrol glucose, hypoxic cancer, T1-weighted imaging, Author(s): Manabu Watanabe [1]; Eiichi Sato (corresponding author) [2]; Jiro Sato [1]; Kazuki Ito [1]; Hodaka Moriyama [1]; Osahiko Hagiwara [1]; Toshiyuki Enomoto [1]; Ryoko Yoshida [3]; Susumu Hayakawa [3]; [...]

Conventional autoverification rules evaluate analytes independently, potentially missing unusual patterns of results indicative of errors such as serum contamination by collection tube additives. This study assessed whether multivariate anomaly detection algorithms could enhance the detection of such errors. Multivariate Gaussian, k-nearest neighbours (KNN) distance, and one-class support vector machine (SVM) anomaly detection models, along with conventional limit checks, were developed using a training dataset of 127,451 electrolyte, urea, and creatinine (EUC) results, with a 5 % flagging rate targeted for all approaches. The models were compared with limit checks for their ability to detect atypical EUC results from samples spiked with additives from collection tubes: EDTA, fluoride, sodium citrate, or acid citrate dextrose (n=200 per contaminant). The study additionally assessed the ability of the models to identify 127,449 single-analyte errors, a potential weakness of multivariate models. The KNN distance and SVM models outperformed limit checks for detecting all contaminants (p-values <0.05). The multivariate Gaussian model did not surpass limit checks for detecting EDTA contamination but was superior for detecting the other additives. All models surpassed limit checks for identifying single-analyte errors, with the KNN distance model demonstrating the highest overall sensitivity. Multivariate anomaly detection models, particularly the KNN distance model, were superior to the conventional approach for detecting serum contamination and single-analyte errors. Developing multivariate approaches to autoverification is warranted to optimise error detection and improve patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 27-year-old female presented with persistent right medial plantar pain that developed over six months following an ankle sprain. The pain, described as sharp and radiating to the toes, progressively worsened, affecting her ability to walk. An initial ultrasound examination suggested medial plantar nerve compression by a lipoma, prompting her referral for ultrasound-guided hydrodissection. During the pre-procedure assessment, sono-palpation (palpation using the ultrasound transducer) localized the pain to the Master Knot of Henry—where the medial plantar nerve, artery, and flexor tendons intersect. No lipoma but a normal fat pad was observed. Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection with 5% dextrose mixed with lidocaine and saline was performed. After two sessions, her pain significantly decreased, with her visual analogue scale score dropping from 8 to 5 after the first session and to 2 after the second, allowing her to resume normal activities. This case highlights the value of ultrasound in accurately diagnosing and treating conditions involving the Master Knot of Henry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsicum (Capsicum annum var. grossum Sendt.) is a popular and widely cultivated vegetable crop. The leaves showing white to grey irregular spots were collected. The organism was isolated and cultured on potato dextrose agar from the diseased samples. The pathogenicity was proved on capsicum seedlings by inoculating hyphal suspension of the organism and koch's postulates were proved by re-isolating the pathogen. The pathogen was identified as Stemphylium lycopersici based on morphological, cultural and molecular investigation (ITS, gapdh and cmdA). This is the first report of Stemphylium lycopersici causing leaf spot of capsicum in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dairy cattle research, in vitro assessment of innate immune function is commonly evaluated by flow cytometry via the quantitative analysis of circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) functionalities specifically focusing on the capacities for phagocytosis (PC) and oxidative burst (OB). Variations in these PMN functions, however, may not only be influenced by the health status of the animals but also by technical, non-animal related factors. Our objectives were to assess the PMN viability, PC and OB capacities from blood samples collected in tubes coated with different anticoagulants (acid citrate dextrose (ACD) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)) and stored for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h at 4°C (to mimic transportation timeframe). Furthermore, we evaluated the PMN functionalities (PC and OB) in samples incubated in culture medium with glucose (7.2 mM) versus no glucose. Over five replicates, coccygeal blood samples were collected from three nulliparous Holstein heifers (5 ACD and 5 EDTA per heifer) and allocated in a refrigerated container (4°C) for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h. At each time point, PMN were isolated using gradient centrifugation. Immunolabeled PMN (CH138A) were subjected to a tricolor fluorescent staining to evaluate their viability (viable, apoptotic, and necrotic PMN). Phagocytosis and OB were assessed by incubating PMN with fluorescent beads and by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulation, respectively. The effects of anticoagulant type, storage time, and presence of glucose in the culture medium on PMN viability and function parameters were fitted in mixed linear regression models. The proportion of viable PMN at 0 h was similar for ACD and EDTA (92 ± 4.6% and 93 ± 4.6%, respectively) but it decreased to 78 ± 4.6% for ACD and 79 ± 4.6% for EDTA after 6 h of storage. The proportion of viable PMN was not different between ACD and EDTA at any time point. The proportion of PMN that engulfed beads (PC percentage) and the PC median fluorescence intensity (MFI) reached their highest value after 3 h of storage compared with the other time points. However, the anticoagulant type (ACD versus EDTA) and the presence of glucose in the culture medium did not influence these PC parameters. Oxidative burst MFI was higher in PMN incubated in glucose-supplemented culture medium versus no glucose. We demonstrated that technical factors interfere with the evaluation of PMN viability and functionality, which can potentially lead to bias in the findings of a research hypothesis. To conclude, the present study showed that the optimal timeframe for performing PMN function analyses is within 3 hours after blood sampling. Furthermore, the presence of 7.2 mM glucose in the culture medium, a common concentration in formulation of cell culture medium, increases the in vitro OB capacity, potentially masking any impairments in in vivo PMN dysfunctionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of 10% dextrose prolotherapy in the management of temporomandibular joint disorder. Thirty patients aged between 18 and 62 years, diagnosed with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) persisting for more than six months and unresponsive to other conservative treatments, were enrolled in the study. Over four subsequent visits, spaced six weeks apart, each patient received injections of 3 ml of 10% dextrose solution into the temporomandibular joint space. Parameters assessed included pain levels, frequency of luxations/dislocations, episodes of locking per month, maximal mouth opening, and clicking, evaluated every six weeks for a duration of three months. All patients exhibited improvements in Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs), manifested as reduced pain, clicking sounds, locking episodes, and increased maximal mouth opening, following prolotherapy treatment. These improvements were found to be statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). Dextrose prolotherapy is a treatment method with broad applications and should be considered prior to resorting to long-term pharmacotherapy or surgical interventions. The use of 10% dextrose prolotherapy presents a promising treatment modality for temporomandibular joint disorders, as evidenced by its therapeutic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aimed to investigate the interaction between 2‐phenylethanol (2‐PE) signalling molecule and volatile flavour compounds, as well as how 2‐PE would affect Saccharomyces cerevisiae 31 (Sc 31) growth and metabolism. Succession of 2‐PE in sour fish with and without Sc 31, as well as volatile flavour compounds, and its influence on cell morphology in yeast extract peptone dextrose (YPD) medium were determined. Spearman showed that the content of 2‐PE had a positive correlation with inoculated Sc 31 (r = 0.785), esters (r = 0.885), and alcohols (r = 0.758). Moreover, Sc 31 growth rate was positively impacted by 2‐PE up to 500 μm in YPD medium. This could significantly increase the production of biofilm (P < 0.05) and also partially damage the cell wall and membrane. As a result, 2‐PE might affect exchange of substances between Sc 31 and the environment, which could promote the flavour generation during fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Maltodextrin is a crucial ingredient in food and pharmaceutical sectors. Traditional quality assessment methods for maltodextrin are destructive and time consuming. This study aimed to employ near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics to differentiate maltodextrin variants and measure their quality parameters efficiently. NIR spectra were recorded in the range of 12 000–4000 cm−1 using the transflectance mode. The classification model effectively distinguished maltodextrin types based on their dextrose equivalent (DE) values using techniques such as partial least squares‐discriminant analysis and supervised self‐organising map (SSOM). Moreover, quality parameters including moisture content, DE value, maltose, maltotriose, pH, and SO2 were quantitatively assessed using partial least squares regression (PLSR) and SSOM models. Particularly, PLSR provided better results, with residual predictive deviation values exceeding 2.5 for moisture content, DE values, maltose, and maltotriose. These models can be applied for use in both laboratory settings and industrial monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both Candida albicans and Issatchenkia orientalis have been isolated from different types of infections over the years. They have the ability to form communities of microorganisms known as biofilms. It has been demonstrated that the medium employed in studies may affect the biofilm development. The aim of this study was to investigate the arrangement of dual-species biofilms of C. albicans and I. orientalis cultivated on either RPMI-1640 or Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB), as well as the inhibitory effect of Voriconazole (VRC). For the experiments performed, ATCC strains were used, and yeast-mixed suspensions were inoculated in 96-well plates with either RPMI-1640 or SDB, in the presence or absence of VRC. The results were observed by counting the number of CFU obtained from scraping off the biofilms produced and plating the content on CHROMagar Candida medium. It was observed that for all conditions tested the medium chosen affected the arrangement of dual-species biofilms: when RPMI-1640 was used, there was a prevalence of C. albicans, while the opposite was noted when SDB was used. It could be suggested that the medium and environment could regulate interactions between both yeast species, including the response to different antifungal drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postbiotic metabolites produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains isolated from Malaysian food have been extensively reported for their positive effects on health. Understanding the effects of different combinations of carbon and nitrogen sources on the growth and corresponding characteristics of postbiotic metabolites produced by different strains of L. plantarum is important for various applications. Hence, the effects of different combinations of carbon (glucose, lactose, sucrose and dextrose) and nitrogen (X-SEED Kat, X-SEED Peptone, X-SEED Nucleo Advanced, Nucel875 MG, FM888 and FM902) sources on the growth of six strains of L. plantarum (RG11, RG14, RI11, RS5, TL1 and UL4) and the functional characteristics (bacteriocin inhibitory activity, antioxidant activity and lactic acid concentration) of their respective postbiotic metabolites were investigated in this study. UL4 produced the highest viable cell population with sucrose and Nucel875 nitrogen source. The UL4 strain also produced the strongest bacteriocin inhibitory activity with dextrose and FM888 nitrogen source. In comparison, the RI11 strain produced the highest lactic acid concentration with dextrose and Nucel875 nitrogen source and the highest reducing power of RS5 and TL1 postbiotic metabolites was achieved with MRS medium. In the combination of sucrose and X-Seed KAT nitrogen source, RG14 produce the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The effects of different combinations of carbon and nitrogen sources on the viable cell population of L. plantarum strains and the respective functional characteristics of postbiotic metabolites were strain dependent. The current study also revealed that fermentation media were an important factor that greatly impacted the functionalities of postbiotic metabolites due to the presence of various bioactive compounds that contributed to high antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The results of this study will facilitate the subsequent medium design and optimisation for the development and production of specific postbiotic metabolites produced by the respective L. plantarum strain for their applications in various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic ultra‐high pressure microfluidization technology is employed to enhance the application of common enzymatic hydrolysis potato starch (PS)‐based fat mimetic through ultrafine particle treatment. The individual effects of treatment pressure, repetition, and feed concentration on the particle size and polymer dispersion index (PDI) of the resulting ultrafine PS‐based fat mimetics are assessed using PS‐based fat mimetics with a dextrose equivalent (DE) value of 2.4. Additionally, the physicochemical properties of the PS‐based fat mimetics obtained before and after ultrafine treatment are compared. The results indicate that the optimum ultra‐micronization parameters are subject to ten treatments at 200 MPa with a feed concentration of 3%. The optimal ultrafine fat mimetic has an average particle size of 532.40 nm and a PDI of 0.448, in comparison to enzymatically hydrolyzed fat mimics. Compared with the enzymatically hydrolyzed PS‐based fat mimetic, the oil‐holding capacity, emulsification index (E1), and emulsion stability index are improved, while the apparent viscosity, transparency, and retrogradation decrease in the fat mimetic obtained under the optimal ultra‐micronization treatment. The optimal treatment not only alters the surface morphology of the PS‐based fat mimetic particles but also significantly decreases the particle size and the number of spherical particles, with the underlying chemical structure remaining unaffected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey conducted in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons, sunflower heads showing symptoms of dry rot were collected from 80 fields in the semi‐arid Pampa region of Argentina. A total of 72% of the fields examined in 2021, 71% in 2022 and 63% in 2023 showed the presence of the disease. The highest incidence was recorded as 70% in 2021. Phomopsis head rot began as dry, brown spots on the back of the head, progressing to necrosis and twisting of adjacent leaves. Infected head tissue samples were surface sterilised, cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C for 14 days. Diaporthe helianthi was identified based on cultural and morphological characteristics as well as molecular data. A phylogenetic analysis was performed. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1‐α (ef1‐α) and β‐tubulin sequences were deposited in GenBank, showing the identity with the ex‐type D. helianthi strain CBS 592.81. Pathogenicity experiments confirmed the presence of similar disease symptoms in inoculated sunflower heads, and D. helianthi was consistently reisolated from these organs. Our Koch's postulates testing results on heads constitute the first confirmed report that D. helianthi is the cause of Phomopsis head rot on sunflower in Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Industrial starch hydrolysis allows the production of syrups with varying functionality depending on their Brix value and dextrose equivalent (DE). As the current methods for evaluating these products are labor‐intensive and time‐consuming, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential of near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for classifying the different tapioca starch hydrolysis products. RESULTS: NIR spectra of samples of seven products (n = 410) were recorded in transflectance mode in the 12 000–4000 cm−1 range. Next, orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) regression models were built to predict the Brix and DE values of the different samples. To classify the different starch hydrolysis products, support vector machines (SVM) were trained using either the raw spectra or latent variables (LVs) obtained from the OPLS models. The best classification accuracy was obtained by the SVM classifier based on the LVs from the OPLS model for DE prediction, resulting in 95% correct classification over all classes. CONCLUSION: These results show the potential of NIR spectroscopy for classifying tapioca starch hydrolysis products with respect to their functional properties related to the Brix and DE values. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Brooklyn Hall is a first-grader who enjoys spending time on the tennis court. She has a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes--an enormous burden for anyone, let alone a child. She [...]

Purpose: The combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions is strongly recommended by current guidelines for knee osteoarthritis. However, few systematic reviews have validated their combined efficacy. In this study, we investigated the effects of the combination of pharmacological agents and exercise on knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Randomized controlled trials that investigated the efficacy of pharmacological agents combined with exercise for knee osteoarthritis were searched in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to February 2024. The network meta-analysis was performed within the frequentist framework. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI was estimated for pain and function. Grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations were used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Results: In total, 71 studies were included. The combination therapy outperformed pharmacological or exercise therapy alone. Among the various pharmacological agents combined with exercise, mesenchymal stem cell injection was ranked the best for short-term pain reduction (SMD: −1.53, 95% CI: −1.92 to −1.13, high certainty), followed by botulinum toxin A, dextrose, and platelet-rich plasma. For long-term pain relief, dextrose prolotherapy was the optimal (SMD: −1.76, 95% CI: −2.65 to −0.88, moderate certainty), followed by mesenchymal stem cells, platelet rich in growth factor, and platelet-rich plasma. Conclusion: Exercise programs should be incorporated into clinical practice and trial design. For patients undergoing exercise therapies, mesenchymal stem cell, dextrose, platelet-rich plasma, platelet rich in growth factor, and botulinum toxin A may be the optimal agents.

Author(s): Toru Kawada[sup.1], Hiromi Yamamoto[sup.2], Masafumi Fukumitsu[sup.1], Takuya Nishikawa[sup.3], Hiroki Matsushita[sup.1], Yuki Yoshida[sup.1], Kei Sato[sup.1], Hidetaka Morita[sup.1], Joe Alexander[sup.4] and Keita Saku[sup.1,5] Introduction Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been [...], Although sympathetic suppression is considered one of the mechanisms for cardioprotection afforded by sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, whether SGLT2 inhibition acutely modifies sympathetic arterial pressure (AP) regulation remains unclear. We examined the acute effect of an SGLT2 inhibitor, empagliflozin (10 mg/kg), on open-loop baroreflex static characteristics in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic and control (CNT) rats (n = 9 each). Empagliflozin significantly increased urine flow [CNT: 25.5 (21.7-31.2) vs. 55.9 (51.0-64.5), STZ: 83.4 (53.7-91.7) vs. 121.2 (57.0-136.0) [mu]L*min.sup.-1*kg.sup.-1, median (1st-3rd quartiles), P < 0.001 for empagliflozin and STZ]. Empagliflozin decreased the minimum sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) [CNT: 15.7 (6.8-18.4) vs. 10.5 (2.9-19.0), STZ: 36.9 (25.7-54.9) vs. 32.8 (15.1-37.5) %, P = 0.021 for empagliflozin and P = 0.003 for STZ], but did not significantly affect the peripheral arc characteristics assessed by the SNA-AP relationship. Despite the significant increase in urine flow and changes in several baroreflex parameters, empagliflozin preserved the overall sympathetic AP regulation in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The lack of a significant change in the peripheral arc may minimize reflex sympathetic activation, thereby enhancing a cardioprotective benefit of empagliflozin. Keywords: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2, Sympathetic nerve activity, Arterial pressure, Urine flow, Equilibrium diagram

Prolotherapy is a treatment that induces tissue regeneration. Traditionally, various stimulants have been used as proliferative agents, but currently, high-concentration dextrose solutions, which have relatively excellent safety and effectiveness, are mainly used. Prolotherapy induces inflammation by injecting a proliferant into a weakened ligament or tendon enthesis and uses the process of proliferation and remodeling of the damaged tissue. The effectiveness of prolotherapy for different musculoskeletal diseases has been reported, but each author reported a different protocol because the method, number of procedures, and cycle have not been standardized. Therefore, the authors conducted a systematic literature review on prolotherapy to analyze the protocols and clinical outcomes of prolotherapy. This paper presents the current knowledge on the diseases targeted by prolotherapy and the treatment methods for each disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phyllosticta citricarpa, the citrus black spot causal agent, requires both mating types, designated as MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2, to produce ascospores. Mating‐type ratio in some citrus‐growing areas has been characterized but remains little known in the São Paulo (SP) citrus belt, the largest sweet orange producer worldwide. A protocol for in vitro ascospore production was developed recently; however, there are few studies regarding the optimal conditions for their production. Thus, this study aimed to determine the mating‐type ratio in SP and quantify ascospores produced under different conditions in vitro. The mating types were identified by duplex PCR, and ascospore production was assessed in five culture media: potato dextrose agar (PDA), ½ PDA, malt extract agar (MEA), oatmeal agar (OMA) and citrus agar (CA), and at temperatures from 10 to 30°C. The ratio of MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2 was similar to 1:1. Ascospore production reached peaks of 8.0, 7.0 and 3.0 × 103 ascospores/mL in MEA, PDA and ½ PDA, respectively. There were no ascospores observed in OMA and CA. P. citricarpa ascospores were observed only at 15, 20 and 25°C in PDA, with peaks of up to 2.0 × 103 ascospores/mL at 42, 35 and 21 days, respectively. There were no ascospores observed at 10 and 30°C. Both mating types are similarly distributed in the SP citrus belt, and in vitro ascospore production may be optimized by using MEA at 25°C. These data provide a better understanding of P. citricarpa sexual reproduction and a background for further studies with ascospores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the current work was to optimize the growth parameters needed to manufacture agarase enzyme from a non-marine PI strain of Bacillus subtilis on an agar-based medium. Using Plackett–Burman design (PBD), nine process parameters were evaluated, and agar, peptone, and yeast-extract were identified as the most significant independent factors influencing agarase production with confidence levels more than 90%. To evaluate the optimal concentrations of the indicated process parameters on agarase production, the Box–Behnken design (BBD) was applied. After optimization, B. subtilis strain PI produced 119.8 U/ml of agarase, representing a 1.36-fold increase. In addition the agar hydrolysate fermented products contain the liberated oligosaccharide acts as strong antioxidant which has 62.4% scavenging activity. Also, the agarase yields increased (1141.12, 1350.253, 1684.854 and 1921.863 U/ml) after substitution the agar with algal biomass of Carolina officinalis at different concentrations (2, 5, 10 and 15%), respectively. After completing the saccharification process, the resulted hydrolysate was used to produce ethanol through fermentation with Pichia pastoris yeast strain as an economical method giving yields (6.68317, 7.09748, 7.75648 and 8.22332 mg/ml), that are higher than using yeast extract peptone dextrose (YPD) medium (4.461 mg/ml). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the equilibrium state diagram of maltodextrins with varying dextrose equivalents (DE 10 and 30) for quercetin microencapsulation. Using XRD, SEM, and optical microscopy, three transition regions were identified: amorphous (aw 0.07–0.437), semicrystalline (aw 0.437–0.739), and crystalline (aw > 0.739). In the amorphous region, microparticles exhibit a spherical morphology and a fluffy, pale-yellow appearance, with Tg values ranging from 44 to −7 °C. The semicrystalline region shows low-intensity diffraction peaks, merged spherical particles, and agglomerated, intense yellow appearance, with Tg values below 2 °C. The crystalline region is characterized by fully collapsed microstructures and a continuous, solid material with intense yellow color. Optimal storage conditions are within the amorphous region at 25 °C, aw 0.437, and a water content of 1.98 g H2O per g of dry powder. Strict moisture control is required at higher storage temperatures (up to 50 °C) to prevent microstructural changes. This research enhances understanding of maltodextrin behavior across diverse dextrose equivalents, aiding the development of stable microencapsulated products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five phylogenetic lineages were observed by present author in the eleven Tethyan Maastrichtian planktic foraminiferal species of the genus Plummerita. These lineages help to define the major faunal changes from the species throughout of three groups of the Plummerita. The first group (P. haggagae group) belongs to the four-chambered volition (4-ch) with axially pointed spine-like prolongation evolved to another species of five-chambered volition (5-ch) (P. hantkeninoides group), to another species of six-chambered volition (6-ch) (P. reicheli group). The five lineages are: (1) The Plummerita elkefensis (4-ch) to P. hantkeninoides (5-ch), (2) P. haggagae (4-ch) to P. costata (5-ch) to P. spainica (6-ch), (3) P. inflata (5-ch) to P. tunisica (6-ch) (4) P. kellerae (5-ch) to P. caribbeanica (6-ch), (5) P. premolisilvae (5-ch) to P. reicheli (6-ch). Unfortunately, most of these lineage are uncompleted from four to five to six-chamber volution, while only one of them is completed (no. 2). In spite of this uncompleted lineages situation, it seems that we must await further study to complete these lineages by another unknown taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to forecast the effects of the fungi on humans, this study was conducted to isolate and identify the fungi in three distinct samples in the college of science cafeteria. In order to obtain well-isolated colonies, the power plate method with Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) was used to isolate and identify various fungal species. The results show the identity and the total colony forming units (CFU) for fungi. The most frequently isolated fungi were Cladosporium, Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus Sp, Alternaria, Yeast, Penicillium. While the less frequently detected fungi species were Trichocladium, Drecheslera sp.and Botrytis sp. According to the fungi the higher numbers of fungi were isolated on menu and containers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Occipital neuralgia is a debilitating condition, and traditional treatments often provide limited or temporary relief. Recently, ultrasound-guided hydrodissection of the greater occipital nerve (GON) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive approach. Objectives: To describe two novel ultrasound-guided hydrodissections with 5% dextrose for GON and discuss their advantages, disadvantages, and considerations. Methods: Two cases are reported. Case 1 describes a lateral decubitus approach for hydrodissecting the GON between the semispinalis capitis (SSC) and obliquus capitis inferior (OCI) muscles. Case 2 details a cranial-to-caudal approach for hydrodissecting the GON within the SSC and upper trapezius (UT) muscles when the GON passes through these two muscles. Results: Both patients experienced significant and sustained pain relief with improvements in function. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided GON hydrodissection using 5% dextrose is a promising treatment for occipital neuralgia. The lateral decubitus and cranial-caudal approaches provide additional options to address patient-specific anatomical considerations and preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), conservative management did not show satisfactory results, and some patients required revision surgery due to persistent or recurrent symptoms. Ultrasound (USG)-guided median nerve (MN) hydrodissection with a 5% dextrose injection is an advanced approach for treating symptoms of CTS. We prospectively investigated the patients to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of this approach. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effect of USG-guided nerve hydrodissection using single injection of 5% dextrose on pain, MN conduction parameters, and functional status in patients with CTS of mild–to-moderate grade. The study also predicts about the safety of the procedure. Materials and Methods: A study was performed in the pain clinic of the tertiary care teaching institute of India for one year. The study included 15 patients diagnosed with mild-to-moderate CTS. The diagnosis was done on the basis of history, physical examination, and a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) study. Patients were given analgesics and NSAIDS and enrolled in the procedure. Parameters used for statistical analysis were Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, NCV study data (sensory conduction velocity [SNCV] and distal motor latency [DML]), and Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ) scores. Pre-injection parameters were compared with parameters 3 months after the injection to show the usefulness of this procedure. Results: A statistically significant reduction in VAS score was found in 74% of the cases (P<0.05). The nerve conduction study parameters have shown significantly higher SNCV and lower DML latency in 60% of cases (P=0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). Improved BCTQ scores were found in 80% of cases (for the symptom severity scale, P=0.001 and for the functional status scale, P<0.01). No complications such as allergic reactions, sensory loss, or paresis were recorded post-injection. However, transient injection site pain was present in all patients which did not last for more than 24 h. Conclusion: MN hydrodissection using a single injection of 5% dextrose under USG is a safe and effective approach offering pain relief, better MN conduction, and improved functional status in patients with CTS of mild-to-moderate grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of probiotics consumption on the declination of oral Candida spp. In the elderly. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was performed on thirty older adults. Participants consumed either a daily probiotic supplement (L. paracasei TISTR 2688) or a placebo. Oral pH and salivary Candida counts were measured using the Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA) incubation method. These measurements were taken at four time points: at the beginning of the run-in period, and on days 7 and 14. Statistical analysis was carried out using paired t-tests and percentage differences. Total 30 qualified volunteers including 6 males and 24 females. Age range 65-79 years old (mean age 70.53±4.26 years). Subjects receiving probiotic products exhibited a statistically significant increase in mean oral pH on days 7 and 14 (p=0.010) and a significant reduction in Candida spp. counts compared to the placebo group on the same days (P=0.001). In the probiotic group, a reduction of 88.52% in oral Candida spp. was observed after 7 days, with a further decrease of 6.12% noted by day 14. This study suggests that L. paracasei probiotics may effectively raise salivary pH and control oral Candida spp. in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We overview of our whole room indirect calorimeter (WRIC), demonstrate validity and reliability of our WRIC, and explore a novel application of Bayesian hierarchical modeling to assess responses to small carbohydrate loads. To assess WRIC validity seven gas infusion studies were performed using a gas blender and profiles designed to mimic resting and postprandial metabolic events. Sixteen participants underwent fasting and postprandial measurements, during which they consumed a 75-kcal drink containing sucrose, dextrose, or fructose in a crossover design. Linear mixed effects models were used to compare resting and postprandial metabolic rate (MR) and carbohydrate oxidation. Postprandial carbohydrate oxidation trajectories for each participant and condition were modeled using Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling. Mean total error in infusions were 1.27 ± 0.67% and 0.42 ± 0.70% for VO2 and VCO2 respectively, indicating a high level of validity. Mean resting MR was similar across conditions (x¯ = 1.05 ± 0.03 kcal/min, p = 0.82, ICC: 0.91). While MR increased similarly among all conditions (~13%, p = 0.29), postprandial carbohydrate oxidation parameters were significantly lower for dextrose compared with sucrose or fructose. We provide evidence validating our WRIC and a novel application of statistical methods useful for research using WRIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The primary objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the impact of dextrose prolotherapy on individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: To conduct a thorough investigation, a variety of leading international databases were checked, including PubMed (Medline), Scopus, Web of Sciences, EMBASE (Elsevier), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library. The search covered a period from January 2000 to the end of June 2023, which facilitated the collection of relevant studies. Results: The findings of the study revealed that when the studies utilizing the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Index tool (WOMAC) were combined, patients with KOA who received prolotherapy experienced an improvement in function compared with those who received other treatments (SMD: 0.20; 95% Confidence Interval [1]: −0.11, 0.51; p value SMD = 0.221; I2: 78.49%; pheterogeneity < 0.001). Additionally, there was a decrease in mean pain and stiffness among patients who received prolotherapy compared with those who received other treatments or a placebo [(SMD: −0.95; 95% CI: ‐1.14, −0.76; p value SMD < 0.001; I2: 59.35%; pheterogeneity = 0.070) and (SMD: −0.21; 95% CI: −0.32, −0.10; p value SMD < 0.001; I2: 88.11%; pheterogeneity < 0.001)]. Furthermore, based on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, there was a reduction of 0.81 units out of 10 in mean pain for patients with KOA who received prolotherapy (SMD: −0.81; 95% CI: −5.63, 4.10; p value SMD = 0.693; I2: 48.54%; pheterogeneity = 0.08). Conclusion: Drawing from the data analysis performed in this meta‐analysis, it is apparent that dextrose prolotherapy exhibits promising effectiveness in reducing joint pain and stiffness, as well as improving functional performance in individuals suffering from KOA. Furthermore, it is recommended that forthcoming studies incorporate follow‐up periods to guide decisions concerning the duration of prolotherapy's effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]