The Influences of Chromium Supplementation on Glycemic Control,Markers of Cardio-Metabolic Risk,and Oxidative Stress in Infertile Polycystic ovary Syndrome Women Candidate for In vitro Fertilization: a Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of chromium intake on glycemic control, markers of cardio-metabolic risk, and oxidative stress in infertile polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women candidate for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done among 40 subjects with infertile PCOS candidate for IVF, aged 18–40 years old. Individuals were randomly allocated into two groups to take either 200 μg/day of chromium (n?=?20) or placebo (n?=?20) for 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and at end-of-trial. Compared with the placebo, taking chromium supplements led to significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (??2.3?±?5.7 vs. +?0.9?±?3.1 mg/dL, P?=?0.03), insulin levels (??1.4?±?2.1 vs. +?0.4?±?1.7 μIU/mL, P?=?0.004), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (??0.3?±?0.5 vs. +?0.1?±?0.4, P?=?0.005), and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+?0.004?±?0.008 vs. ??0.001?±?0.008, P?=?0.03). In addition, chromium supplementation significantly decreased serum triglycerides (??19.2?±?33.8 vs. +?8.3?±?21.7 mg/dL, P?=?0.004), VLDL- (??3.8?±?6.8 vs. +?1.7?±?4.3 mg/dL, P?=?0.004) and total cholesterol concentrations (??15.3?±?26.2 vs. ??0.6?±?15.9 mg/dL, P?=?0.03) compared with the placebo. Additionally, taking chromium supplements was associated with a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (+?153.9?±?46.1 vs. ??7.8?±?43.9 mmol/L, P?<?0.001) and a significant reduction in malondialdehyde values (?0.3?±?0.3 vs. +?0.1?±?0.2 μmol/L, P?=?0.001) compared with the placebo. Overall, our study supported that chromium administration for 8 weeks to infertile PCOS women candidate for IVF had beneficial impacts on glycemic control, few variables of cardio-metabolic risk, and oxidative stress.     

The Effects of Magnesium and Zinc Co-Supplementation on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress,and Gene Expression Related to Inflammation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Magnesium and zinc are known to exert multiple beneficial effects including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. To our knowledge, data on the effects of magnesium and zinc co-supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress and gene expression related to inflammation in subjects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are scarce. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of magnesium and zinc co-supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress and gene expression related to inflammation in subjects with PCOS. This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 subjects with PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria, aged 18–40 years old. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups to take either 250 mg of magnesium oxide plus 220 mg of zinc sulfate (containing 50 mg zinc) supplements (n?=?30) or placebo (n?=?30) twice a day for 12 weeks. Biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed at baseline and at end of treatment. Gene expression related to inflammatory cytokines was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PCOS women with RT-PCR method. After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, magnesium and zinc co-supplementation significantly decreased serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (??1.6?±?2.4 vs. +?0.1?±?0.7 mg/L, P?=?0.001) and protein carbonyl (PCO) (??0.14?±?0.28 vs. +?0.02?±?0.07 mmol/mg protein, P?=?0.002) and significantly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (+?60.7?±?69.4 vs. ??1.5?±?141.5 mmol/L, P?=?0.03). Results of RT-PCR demonstrated that compared with the placebo, magnesium and zinc co-supplementation downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P?=?0.007) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (P?=?0.03) in PBMCs of subjects with PCOS. Overall, magnesium and zinc co-supplementation, compared with the placebo, for 12 weeks among PCOS women had beneficial effects on serum hs-CRP, plasma PCO, TAC, and gene expression of IL-1 and TNF-α. Clinical trial registration number: http://www.irct.ir: IRCT201706075623N121.     

The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue and coronary artery stenosis by sex and menopausal status in patients with suspected angina

Background

Evidence suggests that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is closely related to coronary artery stenosis (CAS). However, sexual dimorphism may be present in adipose tissue, and its influence on CAS between men and women is controversial. We assessed the relationship between EAT and CAS by sex and menopausal status in patients with suspected angina.

Methods

Six hundred twenty-eight consecutive patients (men/women n?=?257/371; mean age = 59.9?±?10.2?years) who had chest pain for angina and underwent coronary angiography were included. CAS was defined as >?50% luminal narrowing of at least one epicardial coronary artery. EAT thickness was measured by transthoracic echocardiography.

Results

Of the 628 patients, 52.1% (n?=?134) of men and 35.3% (n?=?131) of women had CAS. The mean EAT thickness was not different between men and women and was larger in patients with CAS (8.04?±?2.39 vs 6.58?±?1.88?mm, P?<?0.001). EAT thickness was independently associated with CAS in both sexes (P?<?0.001). The odds ratio (OR) of EAT for the presence of CAS was higher in men (OR?=?1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21–1.69) than in women (OR?=?1.24, 95% CI 1.10–1.40). EAT thickness was larger in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women (7.59?±?2.25 vs 5.80?±?1.57?mm, P?<?0.001) and was independently related with CAS (OR?=?1.24, 95% CI 1.09–1.41). This was not the case in premenopausal women.

Conclusion

In patients with suspected angina, an increase in EAT thickness was independently related to the presence of CAS in both men and women, with it being stronger in men. According to menopausal status in women, EAT thickness is significantly associated with CAS only in postmenopausal women.

     

Urine metabolites are associated with glomerular lesions in type 2 diabetes

Introduction

Little is known about the association of urine metabolites with structural lesions in persons with diabetes.

Objectives

We examined the relationship between 12 urine metabolites and kidney structure in American Indians with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Data were from a 6-year clinical trial that assessed renoprotective efficacy of losartan, and included a kidney biopsy at the end of the treatment period. Metabolites were measured in urine samples collected within a median of 6.5 months before the research biopsy. Associations of the creatinine-adjusted urine metabolites with kidney structural variables were examined by Pearson’s correlations and multivariable linear regression after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes duration, hemoglobin A_1c, mean arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate (iothalamate), and losartan treatment.

Results

Participants (n?=?62, mean age 45?±?10 years) had mean?±?standard deviation glomerular filtration rate of 137?±?50 ml/min and median (interquartile range) urine albumin:creatinine ratio of 34 (14–85) mg/g near the time of the biopsy. Urine aconitic and glycolic acids correlated positively with glomerular filtration surface density (partial r?=?0.29, P?=?0.030 and r?=?0.50, P?<?0.001) and total filtration surface per glomerulus (partial r?=?0.32, P?=?0.019 and r?=?0.43, P?=?0.001). 2-ethyl 3-OH propionate correlated positively with the percentage of fenestrated endothelium (partial r?=?0.32, P?=?0.019). Citric acid correlated negatively with mesangial fractional volume (partial r=-0.36, P?=?0.007), and homovanillic acid correlated negatively with podocyte foot process width (partial r=-0.31, P?=?0.022).

Conclusions

Alterations of urine metabolites may associate with early glomerular lesions in diabetic kidney disease.

     

Lower diastolic wall strain is associated with coronary revascularization in patients with stable angina

Background

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction occurs earlier in the ischemic cascade than LV systolic dysfunction and electrocardiographic changes. Diastolic wall strain (DWS) has been proposed as a marker of LV diastolic stiffness. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to define the relationship between DWS and coronary revascularization and to evaluate other echocardiographic parameters in patients with stable angina who were undergoing coronary angiography (CAG).

Methods

Four hundred forty patients [mean age: 61?±?10; 249 (57%) men] undergoing CAG and with normal left ventricular systolic function without regional wall motion abnormalities were enrolled. Among them, 128 (29%) patients underwent revascularization (percutaneous intervention: 117, bypass surgery: 11). All patients underwent echocardiography before CAG and the DWS was defined using posterior wall thickness (PWT) measurements from standard echocardiographic images [DWS?=?PWT(systole)-PWT(diastole)/PWT(systole)].

Results

Patients who underwent revascularization had a significantly lower DWS than those who did not (0.26?±?0.08 vs. 0.38?±?0.09, p?<?0.001). Age was comparable between the two groups (61?±?9 vs. 60?±?11, p?=?0.337), but the proportion of males was significantly higher among patients who underwent revascularization (69 vs. 52%, p?=?0.001). The LV ejection fraction was similar but slightly decreased (60.9?±?5.7 vs. 62.4?±?6.2%, p?=?0.019) and the E/E’ ratio was elevated (10.3?±?4.0 vs. 9.0?±?3.1, p?<?0.001) among patients who underwent revascularization. In multiple regression analysis, lower DWS was an independent predictor of revascularization (cut-off value: 0.34; sensitivity: 89%; AUC: 0.870; SE: 0.025; p?<?0.001).

Conclusion

DWS, a simple parameter that can be calculated from routine 2D echocardiography, is inversely associated with the presence of coronary artery disease and the need for revascularization.

     

Swimming exercise to control precocious maturation in male seabass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dicentrarchus labrax</Emphasis>)

Background

Male European seabass, already predominant (~?70%) in cultured stocks, show a high incidence (20–30%) of precocious sexual maturation under current aquaculture practices, leading to important economic losses for the industry. In view of the known modulation of reproductive development by swimming exercise in other teleost species, we aimed at investigating the effects of sustained swimming on reproductive development in seabass males during the first year of life in order to determine if swimming could potentially reduce precocious sexual maturation.

Methods

Pre-pubertal seabass (3.91?±?0.22 g of body weight (BW)) were subjected to a 10 week swimming regime at their optimal swimming speed (U_opt) in an oval-shaped Brett-type flume or kept at rest during this period. Using Blazka-type swim tunnels, U_opt was determined three times during the course of the experiment: 0.66 m s^??1 at 19?±?1 g BW, 10.2?±?0.2 cm of standard length (SL) (week 1); 0.69 m s^??1 at 38?±?3 g BW, 12.7?±?0.3 cm SL (week 5), and also 0.69 m s^??1 at 77?±?7 g BW, 15.7?±?0.5 cm SL (week 9). Every 2 weeks, size and gonadal weight were monitored in the exercised (N?=?15) and non-exercised fish (N?=?15). After 10 weeks, exercised and non-exercised males were sampled to determine plasma 11-ketotestosterone levels, testicular mRNA expression levels of genes involved in steroidogenesis and gametogenesis by qPCR, as well as the relative abundance of germ cells representing the different spermatogenic stages by histological examination.

Results

Our results indicate that sustained swimming exercise at U_opt delays testicular development in male European seabass as evidenced by decreased gonado-somatic index, slower progression of testicular development and by reduced mRNA expression levels of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (fshR), 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βhsd), 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βhsd), estrogen receptor-beta (erβ2), anti-mullerian hormone (amh), structural maintenance of chromosomes protein 1B (smc1β), inhibin beta A (inhba) and gonado-somal derived factor 1 (gsdf1) in exercised males as compared with the non-exercised males.

Conclusions

Swimming exercise may represent a natural and non-invasive tool to reduce the incidence of sexually precocious males in seabass aquaculture.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">HMG1A</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">PPARG</Emphasis> are differently expressed in the liver of fat and lean broilers

The expression of nine functional candidates for QT abdominal fat weight and relative abdominal fat content was investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the liver, adipose tissue, colon, muscle, pituitary gland and brain of broilers. The high mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMG1A) gene was up-regulated in liver with a ratio of means of 2.90 (P?≤?0.01) in the «fatty» group (relative abdominal fat content 3.5?±?0.18%, abdominal fat weight 35.4?±?6.09 g) relative to the «lean» group (relative abdominal fat content 1.9?±?0.56%, abdominal fat weight 19.2?±?5.06 g). Expression of this gene was highly correlated with the relative abdominal fat content (0.70, P?≤?0.01) and abdominal fat weight (0.70, P?≤?0.01). The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) gene was also up-regulated in the liver with a ratio of means of 3.34 (P?≤?0.01) in the «fatty» group relative to the «lean» group. Correlation of its expression was significant with both the relative abdominal fat content (0.55, P?≤?0.05) and the abdominal fat weight (0.57, P?≤?0.01). These data suggest that the HMG1A and PPARG genes were candidate genes for abdominal fat deposition in chickens. Searching of rSNPs in regulatory regions of the HMG1A and PPARG genes could provide a tool for gene-assisted selection.     

Right ventricular size and function under riociguat in pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (the RIVER study)

Background

Riociguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTPEH). The objective of this study was to evaluate right heart size and function assessed by echocardiography during long term treatment with riociguat.

Methods

Patients who started riociguat treatment (1.0–2.5?mg tid) within the trials phase II, PATENT, PATENTplus, EAS, CHEST and continued treatment for 3–12?months were included in this study. Echocardiography was analysed off-line at baseline, after 3, 6 and 12?months by investigators who were blinded to clinical data. Last and baseline observation carried forward method (LOCF, BOCF) were performed as sensitivity analysis.

Results

Seventy-one patients (45% PAH, 55% CTEPH; 53.5% female; 60?±?13?years, mean pulmonary arterial pressure 46?±?10?mmHg, mean PVR 700?±?282dynes·sec·cm-5) were included. After 6?months, RA and RV area, RV thickness tricuspid regurgitation velocity showed a significant reduction. After 12?months, patients receiving riociguat therapy showed a significant reduction in right atrial (??2.6?±?4.4?cm2, 95% CI -3.84, ??1.33; p?<?0.001, n?=?49) and right ventricular (RV) area (??3.5?±?5.2?cm2, 95% CI -5.1, ??1.9; p?<?0.001; n?=?44), RV thickness (??0.76?±?2.2?mm, 95% CI -1.55, 0.03; n?=?32), and a significant increase in TAPSE (2.95?±?4.78?mm, 95% CI 1.52, 4.39; n?=?45) and RV fractional area change (8.12?±?8.87?mm, 95% CI 4.61, 11.62; n?=?27).Both LOCF and BOCF showed similar results but lower effect sizes.

Conclusion

Patients under long-term treatment with riociguat show significantly reduced right heart size and improved RV function in PAH and CTEPH. Further controlled prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Nibribacter flagellatus</Emphasis> sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hibiscus syriacus</Emphasis> and emended description of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nibribacter</Emphasis>

A Gram-stain negative, aerobic, motile by flagella, rod-shaped strain (THG-T16^T) was isolated from rhizosphere of Hibiscus syriacus. Growth occurred at 10–40 °C (optimum 28–30 °C), at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum 7.0) and at 0–1.0% NaCl (optimum 0%). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the near phylogenetic neighbours of strain THG-T16^T were identified as Nibribacter koreensis KACC 16450^T (98.6%), Rufibacter roseus KCTC 42217^T (94.7%), Rufibacter immobilis CCTCC AB 2013351^T (94.5%) and Rufibacter tibetensis CCTCC AB 208084^T (94.4%). The DNA G+C content of strain THG-T16^T was determined to be 46.7 mol%. DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain THG-T16^T and N. koreensis KACC 16450^T, R. roseus KCTC 42217^T, R. immobilis CCTCC AB 2013351^T, R.tibetensis CCTCC AB 208084^T were 33.5?±?0.5% (31.7?±?0.7% reciprocal analysis), 28.1?±?0.2% (25.2?±?0.2%), 17.1?±?0.9% (10.2?±?0.6%) and 8.1?±?0.3% (5.2?±?0.1%). The polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids, an unidentified aminolipid and three unidentified lipids. The quinone was identified as MK-7 and the polyamine as sym-homospermidine. The major fatty acids were identified as C_16:1 ω5c, C_17:1 ω6c, iso-C_15:0, summed feature 3 (C_16:1 ω7c and/or C_16:1 ω6c) and summed feature 4 (iso-C_17:1 I and/or anteiso-C_17:1 B). On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis, chemotaxonomic data, physiological characteristics, and DNA–DNA hybridization data, strain THG-T16^T represents a novel species of the genus Nibribacter, for which the name Nibribacter flagellatus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-T16^T(=?KACC 19188^T?=?CCTCC AB 2016246^T).     

Characterization and prognosis of estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-negative male breast cancer: a population-based study

Background

The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics and prognostic information of estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-negative (ER+/PR?) male breast cancer.

Methods

Using the US National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we compared the demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcome of estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-positive (ER+/PR+) patients with ER+/PR? male breast cancer patients from 1990 to 2010. Two thousand three hundred twenty-two patients with ER+/PR+ tumors and 355 patients with ER+/PR? tumors were included in our study.

Results

ER+/PR? patients were younger (P?=?0.008) and more likely to be African American (P?<?0.001) while presented with higher histological grade (P?<?0.001), larger tumor size (P?=?0.010), and more invasion to the lymph nodes (P?=?0.034) and distant sites (P?<?0.001), thus later stage (P?=?0.001). Despite higher chance of receiving chemotherapy (51.0% vs 36.5%, P?<?0.001), ER+/PR? patients experienced significantly worse breast cancer-specific survival (BSCC) (P?<?0.001) and shorter overall survival (OS) (P?=?0.003). Multivariate Cox model confirmed that tumor size, lymph node invasion, metastasis, and surgery were independent prognostic factors of both BSCC and OS for ER+/PR? male breast cancer. Age at diagnosis and chemotherapy were significantly associated with OS but not with BSCC.

Conclusion

ER+/PR? male breast cancer was more aggressive and experienced shorter survival than ER+/PR+ patients. The prognosis was mainly associated with tumor size, lymph node invasion, metastasis, and surgery.

     

Maternal care,larviparous and oviparous reproduction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypoaspis larvicolus</Emphasis> (Acari: Laelapidae) feeding on astigmatid mites

Hypoaspis larvicolus (Acari: Laelapidae) (first report from Turkey) occurred together with Sancassania polyphyllae (Acari: Acaridae) on the larvae of the scarab beetle, Polyphylla fullo (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), that were feeding on the roots of strawberry in Aydin, Turkey. Laboratory studies were conducted to (1) observe whether H. larvicolus feeds and completes its life cycle on the various stages of S. polyphyllae or other astigmatid mites, such as Acarus siro, Carpoglyphus lactis and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acaridae), and to determine its population growth when feeding on these prey, and (2) to determine development periods, longevity and fecundity of H. larvicolus feeding on C. lactis. Hypoaspis larvicolus females did not feed on S. polyphyllae, but fed, developed and reproduced when A. siro, C. lactis or T. putrescentiae were provided as prey. Hypoaspis larvicolus is larviparous as well as oviparous. The female lays eggs or gives birth to larvae. If a female gives birth to a larva, it is attached under the female’s venter for 1–2 days, a phenomenon recorded for the first time in Hypoaspis; in fact, for the first time in mites. The results of the population growth experiments revealed that H. larvicolus feeding on C. lactis produced the highest number of eggs, juveniles and adults. The developmental periods of H. larvicolus feeding on C. lactis at life-cycle path I (larva to adult) and II (egg to adult) were 12.2?±?0.3 and 15.6?±?0.6 days (females) and 19.5?±?0.2 and 20.9?±?0.4 days (males), respectively. Longevity of females versus males of H. larvicolus was 120.6?±?7.2 versus 91.6?±?13.1 days (life cycle I) and 110.0?±?27.7 versus 118.3?±?10.9 days (life cycle II), respectively.     

Changes in Immunity,Expression of some Immune-Related Genes of Shabot Fish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tor grypus</Emphasis>, Following Experimental Infection with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aeromonas hydrophila</Emphasis>: Effects of Autochthonous Probiotics

In this study, the effects of orally administrated two native probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulguricus), isolated from the intestine of Shabot fish, Tor grypus, on some immune response parameters and immune-related genes expression against Aeromonas hydrophila in T. grypus were evaluated. Four hundred and eighty juveniles weighing 45?±?10 g were randomly divided into four groups (with three replications) and fed with the experimental diet containing 5?×?10⁷ cfu g^?1 of L. plantarum (G1), Lactobacillus bulgaricus (G2), Lactobacillus casei (G3), and a control diet (without probiotics) for 60 continuous days. At the end of the dietary treatments, fish were challenged with a lethal concentration of A. hydrophila (5?×?10⁸ CFU ml^?1) via intra peritoneal (i.p) injection. Blood and head kidney samples were taken from six fish in each treatment before challenging and 6, 12, 24, and 48 h and also 7 days after injection. The results showed that lysozyme, complement, bactericidal, and NBT activity of probiotic-treated groups were significantly elevated (P?<?0.05). The IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α gene expressions were significantly higher in all probiotic-treated groups (P?<?0.05). Meanwhile, a high direct correlation was observed between serum immune parameters and expression of immune-related genes (P?<?0.0001); furthermore, the highest correlation (R ²?=?0.634, P?<?0.0001) was recorded between IL-1β expression and NBT activity. It can be concluded that not only two native probiotics strains stimulate serum immune responses parameters and immune-related gene expression in T. grypus, but also a high correlation was seen among these indices. The study suggests that gastrointestinal colonization is preferred for host specificity as the strain previously derived from shabot fish displayed better colonization than the non-indigenous bacteria strain such as L. casei. Therefore, these native probiotics bacteria can be accounted as suitable candidates to immune stimulation in fish.     

Factors associated with caregiving burden and mental health conditions in caregivers of patients with anorexia nervosa in Japan

Background

There are no studies about the caregiving burdens in families of patients with eating disorders in Japan, and only limited studies on the role of caregivers’ stress coping, social support, and mental health. This study examines caregiving burdens, mental health conditions, and associated factors in caregivers of anorexia nervosa (AN) patients in Japan.

Methods

Seventy-nine principal caregivers (70 mothers, 5 fathers, 3 spouses and 1 grandmother; mean age 56.0?±?8.0 years) for outpatients with AN (all female; mean age 26.6?±?7.9 years; BMI 14.6?±?3.2 kg/m²) were evaluated using self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional study. The questionnaires included caregiving burden (J-ZBI_8), mental health conditions (GHQ28), stress coping styles (CISS), social support (SNQ), severity of the patient’s symptoms from the family’s perspective (ABOS), and family functioning (GF-FAD). Clinical information about the patients was also obtained.

Results

Mean caregiving burden assessed by J-ZBI_8 score was 12.4?±?7.0 (SD). The total GHQ score was 31.6?±?13.7 (Likert scoring) and 9.2?±?7.0 (GHQ scoring). Of the respondents, 48 (60.7 %) indicated a high risk for mental health problems that exceeded the cutoff point of the GHQ. Significantly higher caregiving burden and poor mental health conditions were shown in the group who had contact with patients?>?6 h a day compared to the group with daily patient contact?<?3 h (F (2, 76)?=?3.19, p?=?0.047 and F (2, 76)?=?9.39, p?<?0.001, respectively). Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the factors that significantly predicted the caregiving burden were severity of the patient’s symptoms from the family’s perspective (β?=?0.47, p?<?0.001) and Emotion-Oriented Coping (β?=?0.38, p?=?0.002) (R²?=?0.401), while predictors of mental health conditions were Emotion-Oriented Coping (β?=?0.522, p?<?0.001), Affective Support (β?=??0.419, p?<?0.001), and contact time with patient (β?=?0.201, p?=?0.042) (R²?=?0.602).

Conclusion

Caregivers of AN patients experienced heavy burdens and manifested poor mental health conditions. The severity of the patient’s symptoms from the family’s perspective and the greater use of emotion-oriented coping were associated with higher burdens. Greater use of emotion-oriented coping, less affective support and longer contact with patients were related to worse mental health conditions. Interventions to promote caregivers’ adaptive coping styles may help reduce their caregiving burden and improve their mental health.

     

Layer-specific strain analysis in patients with suspected stable angina pectoris and apparently normal left ventricular wall motion

Background

Non-invasive imaging tests are widely used in the evaluation of stable angina pectoris (SAP). Despite these tests, non-significant coronary lesions are not a rare finding in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography (CAG). Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking global longitudinal strain (GLS) imaging is a more sensitive and accurate technique for measuring LV function than conventional 2D methods. Layer-specific strain analysis is a relatively new method that provides endocardial and epicardial myocardial layer assessment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate longitudinal layer-specific strain (LSS) imaging in patients with suspected SAP.

Methods

Patients who underwent CAG for SAP were retrospectively screened. A total of 79 patients with no history of heart disease and wall motion abnormalities were included in the study. Forty-three patients with coronary lesions >?70% constituted the coronary artery disease (CAD) group and 36 patients without significant CAD constituted the control group. Layer-specific GLS transmural, endocardium, and epicardium values (GLS-trans, GLS-endo, and GLS-epi, respectively) were compared between the groups.

Results

Patients in the CAD group had significantly lower GLS values in all layers (GLS-trans: -18.2 + 2.4% vs -22.2 + 2.2% p?<?.001; GLS-endo: -20.8 + 2.8% vs -25.3 + 2.6%, p?<?.001; GLS-epi: 15.9 + 2.4% vs -19.5 + 1.9%, p?<?.001). Multivariate adjustment demonstrated GLS-trans as the only independent predictor of CAD [OR:0.472, CI (0.326–0.684), p?<?.001]. Additionally, the GLS values were all lower in myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) true-positive patients compared with MPS false-positive patients (GLS-trans: -17.7?±?2.4 vs. -21.9?±?2.4%, p?<?.001; GLS-endo: -20.2?±?2.9% vs -24.9?±?2.9%, P?<?.001; GLS-epi: 15.4?±?2.6% vs. -19.2?±?1.8%, P?<?.001).

Conclusion

Resting layer-specific strain as assessed by 2D speckle tracking analysis demonstrated that GLS values were reduced in all layers of myocardium with SAP and with no wall motion abnormalities. LSS analysis can improve the identification of patients with significant CAD but further prospective larger scale studies are needed to put forth the incremental value of LSS analysis over transmural GLS.

     

Effects of chocolate containing <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leuconostoc mesenteroides</Emphasis> strain NTM048 on immune function: a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

Background

Previous reports showed that oral administration of Leuconostoc mesenteroides strain NTM048 increases IgA levels and CD4+ T cell population in feces and mice, respectively, as revealed by flow cytometric analysis of splenocytes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chocolate supplemented with L. mesenteroides strain NTM048 (>?1.00?×?10⁹?CFU/day, NTM048) on the immune parameters of healthy subjects, using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study design.

Methods

Participants (mean age: 46.3?years) ingested 28?g of test food daily, at a time of their own choice, for 4?weeks. The immunological parameters of all participants were evaluated two times (pre- and post- ingestion). At the end of the study, various immunological parameters of the participants were measured and scoring of immunological vigor (SIV) was performed using a comprehensive algorithm.

Results

Ingestion of NTM048-supplemented chocolate significantly improved SIV in the NTM048 group (18.6?±?1.6) compared to that in the placebo group (17.8?±?2.0) after 4?weeks (p?=?0.049). Several immunological parameters (CD8⁺T cells, CD8⁺CD28⁺ T cells, and memory T cells) were significantly elevated in the NTM048 group as compared to the placebo group (all p?<?0.05). In addition, T cell proliferation index at post-ingestion significantly increased compared with that at pre-ingestion in the NTM048 (p?=?0.017) and placebo groups (p?=?0.037), although no differences were observed between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that ingestion of chocolate supplemented with NTM048 is effective against the age-related decline in T cell-related immune functions.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000021989. Registered 19 April 2016, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000025321

     

Glutathione Peroxidase 1, Selenoprotein K,and Selenoprotein H May Play Important Roles in Chicken Testes in Response to Selenium Deficiency

The current study was designed to determine the beneficial effects of zinc supplementation on expressed levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) and glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) genes in newborns of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed among 40 women with GDM. Patients were randomly allocated to intake either 233 mg zinc gluconate (containing 30 mg zinc) (n?=?20) or a placebo (n?=?20) for 6 weeks. PPAR-γ and GLUT1 mRNA levels were quantified in umbilical cord blood of newborns of women with GDM. After 6 weeks of intervention, the change in serum zinc levels was greater in women consuming zinc than in the placebo group (+11.1?±?13.4 vs. ?4.8?±?17.3 mg/dL, P?=?0.002). Quantitative results of RT-PCR demonstrated that compared with the placebo, zinc supplementation resulted in a significant increase of expressed levels of PPAR-γ mRNA (P?<?0.001) and GLUT1 mRNA (P?<?0.001) in umbilical cord blood of newborns of women with GDM. Taken together, the current study demonstrated that zinc supplementation for 6 weeks among GDM women increased the mRNA levels of PPAR-γ and GLUT1 in their newborns compared with the placebo group.     

Prevalence of comorbidities in systemic sclerosis versus rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative,multicenter, matched-cohort study

Background

Comorbidities are common in chronic systemic connective tissue diseases and are associated with adverse outcomes, increased morbidity and mortality. Although the prevalence of comorbidities has been well-studied in isolated diseases, comparative studies between different autoimmune diseases are limited. In this study, we compared the prevalence of common comorbidities between patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Between 2016 and 2017, 408 consecutive patients with SSc, aged 59?±?13?years (87% women), were matched 1:1 for age and gender with 408 patients with RA; mean disease duration was 10?±?8 and 9?±?8?years, respectively. Rates of cardiovascular risk factors, coronary artery disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), osteoporosis, neoplasms and depression were compared between the two cohorts.

Results

The prevalence of dyslipidemia (18.4% vs 30.1%, p?=?0.001) and diabetes mellitus (5.6% vs 11.8%, p?=?0.007) and body mass index (p?=?0.001) were lower in SSc compared to RA, while there was no difference in arterial hypertension or smoking. While there was a trend for lower prevalence of ischemic stroke in SSc than in RA (1.1% vs 3.2%, p?=?0.085), coronary artery disease was comparable (2.7% vs 3.7%). No differences were found between patients with SSc and patients with RA in the prevalence of COPD (5.2% vs 3.7%), osteoporosis (24% vs 22%) or neoplasms overall (1.1% vs 1.7%); however lung cancer was the most prevalent cancer in SSc (7/17, 41%), whereas hematologic malignancies (7/19, 36%) and breast cancer (7/19, 36%) predominated in RA. Depression was more prevalent in SSc (22% vs 12%, p?=?0.001), especially in diffuse SSc.

Conclusions

Despite the prevalence of dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus in SSc being almost half that in RA, the cardiovascular comorbidity burden appears to be similar in both. The overall prevalence of neoplasms is no higher in SSc than in RA, but SSc has a more negative impact on quality of life, as clearly, more SSc patients develop depression compared to patients with RA.

     

Associations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">CTLA4</Emphasis> +49 A/G Dimorphism and HLA-DRB1*/DQB1* Alleles With Type 1 Diabetes from South India

The aim of present study was to elucidate the association of CTLA4 +49 A/G and HLA-DRB1*/DQB1* gene polymorphism in south Indian T1DM patients. The patients and controls (n?=?196 each) were enrolled for CTLA4 and HLA-DRB1*/DQB1* genotyping by RFLP/PCR-SSP methods. The increased frequencies of CTLA4 ‘AG’ (OR?=?1.99; p?=?0.001), ‘GG’ (OR?=?3.94; p?=?0.001) genotypes, and ‘G’ allele (OR?=?2.42; p?=?9.26?×?10^?8) were observed in patients. Reduced frequencies of ‘AA’ (OR?=?0.35; p?=?7.19?×?10^?7) and ‘A’ (OR?=?0.41; p?=?9.26?×?10^?8) in patients revealed protective association. Among HLA-DRB1*/DQB1* alleles, DRB1*04 (OR?=?3.29; p?=?1.0?×?10^?5), DRB1*03 (OR?=?2.81; p?=?1.9?×?10^?6), DQB1*02:01 (OR?=?2.93; p?=?1.65?×?10^?5), DQB1*02:02 (OR?=?3.38; p?=?0.0003), and DQB1*03:02 (OR?=?7.72; p?=?0.0003) were in susceptible association. Decreased frequencies of alleles, DRB1*15 (OR?=?0.32; p?=?2.55?×?10^?7), DRB1*10 (OR?=?0.45; p?=?0.002), DQB1*06:01 (OR?=?0.43; p?=?0.0001), and DQB1*05:02 (OR?=?0.28; p?=?2.1?×?10^?4) in patients were suggested protective association. The combination of DRB1*03+AG (OR?=?5.21; p?=?1.4?×?10^?6), DRB1*04+AG (OR?=?2.14; p?=?0.053), DRB1*04+GG (OR?=?5.21; p?=?0.036), DQB1*02:01+AG (OR?=?4.44; p?=?3.6?×?10^?5), DQB1*02:02+AG (OR?=?20.9; p?=?9.5?×?10^?4), and DQB1*02:02+GG (OR?=?4.06; p?=?0.036) revealed susceptible association. However, the combination of DRB1*10+AA (OR?=?0.35; p?=?0.003), DRB1*15+AA (OR?=?0.22; p?=?5.3?×?10^?7), DQB1*05:01+AA (OR?=?0.45; p?=?0.007), DQB1*05:02+AA (OR?=?0.17; p?=?1.7?×?10^?4), DQB1*06:01+AA (OR?=?0.40; p?=?0.002), and DQB1*06:02+AG (OR?=?0.34; p?=?0.001) showed decreased frequency in patients, suggesting protective association. In conclusion, CTLA4/HLA-DR/DQ genotypic combinations revealed strong susceptible/protective association toward T1DM in south India. A female preponderance in disease associations was also documented.