Physician Compliance with Nutrition Support Team Recommendations: Effects on the Outcome of Treatment for Critically Ill Patients

Purpose Attending physicians in Korea are aware of the existence of the Nutrition Support Team (NST), but even when the NST are consulted, compliance with their recommendations may be low. This study was performed to identify physicians’ compliance with the NST advice and how this affected the outcome of treatment for critically ill patients. Methods This study was a retrospective observational study. Critically ill patients who were older than 18 years, younger than 90 years, and had been admitted and managed in the intensive care unit were selected for this study. Patients were assigned to either the compliance group or the non-compliance group according to physician compliance with the NST advice. Each group were compared using variables such as calorie supply, protein supply, laboratory findings, hospital stay, 30-day mortality, and survival rate. Results The compliance group (81% of cases) was supplied with a significantly higher energy (1,146.36 ± 473.45 kcal vs. 832.45 ± 364.28 kcal, p < 0.01) and a significantly higher protein (55.00 ± 22.30 g/day vs. 42.98 ± 24.46 g/day, p = 0.04) compared with the non-compliance group. There was no significant difference in the basic demographics between groups, although the compliance group had a better outcome in the 30-day mortality rate (8% vs. 26%, p = 0.02), and in survival beyond 1 year (Crude model, hazard ratio: 2.42, CI: 1.11–5.29). Conclusion Critically ill patients whose attending physician complied with the NST advice, received an increased energy intake and supply of protein which was positively associated with survival

TiO2 nanostructures for high performance electric device.

We fabricate TiO2 nanostructures on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) film for low cost and high-performance electric device. RGO sheet is made by Hummus method that allows for the formation of graphene sheet from graphite. Nanostructured polymer template constructed via interference lithography is removed at high temperature (500???) after the infiltration of titanium dioxide precursors. TiO2 nanostructures on graphene sheets have a great potential for the applications of cost-efficient and high-performance solar cells and secondary batteries

Safe Ventilation Methods against Leaks in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Rooms in Homes

Hydrogen, which has a high energy density and does not emit pollutants, is considered an alternative energy source to replace fossil fuels. Herein, we report an experimental study on hydrogen leaks and ventilation methods for preventing damage caused by leaks from hydrogen fuel cell rooms in homes, among various uses of hydrogen. This experiment was conducted in a temporary space with a volume of 11.484 m3. The supplied pressure, leak-hole size, and leakage amount were adjusted as the experimental conditions. The resulting hydrogen concentrations, which changed according to the operation of the ventilation openings, ventilation fan, and supplied shutoff valve, were measured. The experimental results showed that the reductions in the hydrogen concentration due to the shutoff valve were the most significant. The maximum hydrogen concentration could be reduced by 80% or more if it is 100 times that of the leakage volume or higher. The shutoff valve, ventilation fan, and ventilation openings were required to reduce the concentrations of the fuel cell room hydrogen in a spatially uniform manner. Although the hydrogen concentration in a small hydrogen fuel cell room for home use can rapidly increase, a rapid reduction in the concentration of hydrogen with an appropriate ventilation system has been experimentally proven

Effect of adenomyosis on adverse obstetrical outcomes in twin pregnancies achieved with assisted reproductive technology

The incidence of twin pregnancy with adenomyosis (AD) is increasing due to advanced maternal age and infertility treatment. We retrospectively analysed the data of 45 dichorionic twin pregnancies complicated with AD in contrast to a control group of dichorionic twin pregnancies without AD (n = 130). Compared with those in the control group, the AD group had a higher overall foetal loss rate (8.9% vs. 0.8%; adjusted p = .031; odds ratio (OR), 13.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.27–146.3), higher early preterm delivery rate (20% vs. 6.9%; adjusted p = .007; OR, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.47–12.13) and higher rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (26.7% vs. 7.7%; adjusted p = .005; OR, 3.94; 95% CI, 1.5–10.2). Patients in the AD group were significantly more likely to require transfusion during or after delivery (17.8% vs. 5.4%; p = .026) and have smaller babies (2168 g vs. 2399 g; p = .004) compared with those in the control group. This is the first study to report that twin pregnancies with AD may be treated as high-risk for placental dysfunction and may need closer monitoring during pregnancy.Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? The incidence of twin pregnancy with adenomyosis (AD) is increasing due to advanced maternal age and infertility treatment. However, there are very few studies on the effect of AD on pregnancy outcomes. What the results of this study add? This is the first study to report that twin pregnancies with AD have higher rates of early preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and transfusion compared to controls. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The results of this study can be used in counselling twin pregnancies with AD. Further research is needed to confirm the current findings

Tuna by-product meal as a dietary protein source replacing fishmeal in juvenile Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegeli

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the use of tuna by-product meal (TBM) as a substitute for fishmeal in juvenile Korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) diets. Five isonitrogenous (52% crude protein) and isocaloric (4.9 kcal/g) diets were prepared. Control diet (Con) was formulated to contain brown fishmeal, whereas 25, 50, 75, and 100% of fishmeal was substituted with the same percentage of TBM in the TBM25, TBM50, TBM75, and TBM100 diets, respectively. Three replicate groups of fish (initial weight, 29.5 ± 0.6 g) were fed one of the five diets for 12 weeks. The mean weight gain of fish fed the Con and TBM25 diets was significantly higher than that of fish fed the TBM100 diet (P < 0.05), but it was not significantly different from the weight gain of fish fed the TBM50 and TBM75 diets. The feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratios of fish fed the Con diet were significantly higher than those of fish fed the TBM100 diet (P < 0.05), but were not significantly different from those fed the TBM25, TBM50, and TBM75 diets. The TBM25, TBM50, TBM75, and TBM100 diets had significantly (P < 0 .05) lower incidence cost and higher profit index than the Con diet. These results suggest that the tuna by-product meal used in this study could replace up to 75% of fishmeal protein in the diet without reducing growth and feed utilization in juvenile Korean rockfish weighing 29–53 g. By considering feed cost, the TBM 75 diet is recommendable for Korean rockfish farming

Difference in agr dysfunction and reduced vancomycin susceptibility between MRSA bacteremia involving SCCmec types IV/IVa and I-III.

BackgroundDysfunction of agr, with reduced susceptibility or hetero-resistance to vancomycin, is thought to be associated with a worse outcome of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia (MRSAB). However, the difference in agr dysfunction according to the SCCmec type in MRSA infection is undetermined. We compared the prevalence of agr dysfunction, reduced vancomycin susceptibility and the outcomes of SCCmec IV/IVa and I-III MRSAB.MethodsThe study included 307 cases of MRSAB. SCCmec types were determined by multiplex PCR. The clinical and microbiological features and outcomes of 58 SCCmec IV/IVa MRSAB were compared with those of 249 SCCmec I-III MRSAB.ResultsCompared with SCCmec I-III MRSAB, SCCmec IV/IVa MRSAB was associated with lower rates of agr dysfunction (3% vs. 43%), vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 2 µg/mL (3% vs. 15%), and hetero-resistance to vancomycin (0% vs. 8%) (all PConclusionsSCCmec IV/IVa MRSAB was associated with lower rates of agr dysfunction and hetero-resistance to vancomycin and a lower vancomycin MIC, compared with SCCmec I-III MRSAB. However, the outcomes of SCCmec IV/IVa MRSAB did not differ from those of SCCmec I-III MRSAB

Low-dose irradiation could mitigate osteoarthritis progression via anti-inflammatory action that modulates mitochondrial function

© 2022 Elsevier B.V.Purpose: The use of low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) for osteoarthritis (OA) are rarely implemented, except in some European regions. Its clinical effects are controversial but little is known about how LDRT affects actual disease progression. We conducted a preclinical study to reveal the potential underlying mechanisms related to its disease modifying abilities. Methods and Materials: Using primary cultured human chondrocytes and synovium-derived cells obtained from OA patients, the effects of LDRT were measured by quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, and mRNA sequencing. For in vivo validation, a surgically-induced isolated OA model was used after anterior cruciate ligament transection or surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus. Results: LDRT decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory factor matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) in chondrocytes. By contrast, collagen type 2 (COL2) protein expression was increased. LDRT induced large transcriptomic changes in both chondrocytes/synoviocytes, especially in mitochondrial activities. Gene set variation analysis demonstrated inverted U-shaped response in several categories, such as mitochondrial unfolded protein responses and extracellular matrix interactions. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), which is a mitohormetic signaling factor, was increased after LDRT and mediated the anti-inflammatory effects. Aggrecan was increased in synoviocyte&apos;s medium and TNF-α was decreased in chondrocyte&apos;s medium after LDRT. Conversely, knockdown of GDF15 did not result in decreased MMP13 expression by LDRT. Next, OA rats treated with LDRT exhibited a decreased OA severity when compared with the no-irradiation group at 10 weeks post-surgery (mean OARSI score 3.7 in 0 Gy, 2.8 in 0.5 Gy, and 1.8 in 1 Gy; p = 0.003). Osteoclast activity was significantly reduced in the LDRT group. Conclusions: Taken together, these data show that LDRT could mitigate osteoarthritis progression by exerting its anti-inflammatory effects via mitochondrial function modulation.N

Gastroprotective Action of Cochinchina Momordica Seed Extract Is Mediated by Activation of CGRP and Inhibition of cPLA(2)/5-LOX Pathway

Cochinchina momordica seed extract (SK-MS10), which is composed of the major compounds momordica saponins, has been evaluated for its gastroprotective effects in rat models of acute gastric mucosal damage. Ethanol and water immersion restraint stress (WRS) induced gastric damage, including hemorrhages and edema, was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with SK-MS10. In addition, SK-MS10 reduced increases of mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-1 beta, and TNF alpha levels and the expression of cPLA(2), and 5-LOX induced by ethanol or WRS. SK-MS10 also increased hexosamine, adherent mucus, and the expression of MUC5AC. Furthermore, SK-MS10 enhanced the mucosal expression of the CGRP gene and its serum levels. N (G)-methyl L-arginine (L-NMMA) or capsaicin desensitization reversed the SK-MS10-induced gastroprotection effect. These results suggest that SK-MS10 is a gastroprotective agent against acute gastric mucosal damage by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines, down-regulating cPLA2, 5-LOX, and increasing the synthesis of mucus. Furthermore, CGRP-NO pathway was found to play an important role in these gastroprotective effects of SK-MS10.Holzer P, 2007, CURR OPIN PHARMACOL, V7, P563, DOI 10.1016/j.coph.2007.09.004Choi SM, 2007, DIGEST DIS SCI, V52, P3075, DOI 10.1007/s10620-006-9657-4Gambero A, 2007, DIGEST DIS SCI, V52, P425, DOI 10.1007/s10620-006-9487-4Fukushima K, 2006, WORLD J GASTROENTERO, V12, P3031Nam SY, 2005, DIGEST DIS SCI, V50, P2110, DOI 10.1007/s10620-005-3016-8BRZOZOWSKI T, 2005, WORLD J GASTROENTERO, V11, P6450ZAYACHKIVSKA OS, 2005, J PHYSIOL PHARMACOL, V56, P219BRZOZOWSKI T, 2005, INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY, V13, P45GAO XM, 2005, MU BIE ZI SEMEN MOMO, P601Brzozowski T, 2004, J PHYSIOL PHARMACOL, V55, P165Harada N, 2003, AM J PHYSIOL-GASTR L, V285, pG1214, DOI 10.1152/ajpgi.00364.2002Souza MHLP, 2003, AM J PHYSIOL-GASTR L, V285, pG54, DOI 10.1152/ajpgi.00525.2002Vongthavaravat V, 2003, DIGEST DIS SCI, V48, P329Fiorucci S, 2002, GASTROENTEROLOGY, V123, P1598, DOI 10.1053/gast.2002.36558Akiba Y, 2001, AM J PHYSIOL-GASTR L, V280, pG470Guidobono F, 2000, PEPTIDES, V21, P1537Rokutan K, 2000, J GASTROENTEROL, V35, P673Wallace JL, 2000, GASTROENTEROLOGY, V119, P512Akiba Y, 2000, AM J PHYSIOL-GASTR L, V279, pG437Ichikawa T, 2000, AM J PHYSIOL-GASTR L, V279, pG82Ren JY, 2000, DIGEST DIS SCI, V45, P830Nishida K, 1998, JPN J PHARMACOL, V78, P519Matsuda H, 1998, LIFE SCI, V63, pPL245Holzer P, 1998, GASTROENTEROLOGY, V114, P823VANKLINKEN BJW, 1995, AM J PHYSIOL-GASTR L, V269, pG613CLARIA J, 1995, P NATL ACAD SCI USA, V92, P9475HO SB, 1995, GASTROENTEROLOGY, V109, P735MANELA FD, 1995, GASTROENTEROLOGY, V109, P701HO SB, 1995, CANCER RES, V55, P2681LAWSON DC, 1994, DIGEST DIS SCI, V39, P1405KATO K, 1994, AM J PHYSIOL, V266, pR1610LAMBRECHT N, 1993, GASTROENTEROLOGY, V104, P1371ASAKO H, 1992, AM J PHYSIOL, V262, pG903HOLZER P, 1991, AM J PHYSIOL, V260, pG363GYIRES K, 1989, ACTA PHYSIOL HUNG, V73, P149KITAGAWA H, 1986, ARZNEIMITTEL-FORSCH, V36-2, P1240SZABO S, 1985, GASTROENTEROLOGY, V88, P228LACY ER, 1982, GASTROENTEROLOGY, V83, P619