Tag: pubmed

Anal Methods. 2025 Feb 10. doi: 10.1039/d4ay01654h. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cupressus torulosa, an evergreen tree commonly known as the Himalayan or Bhutan cypress, is a significant coniferous species native to the Himalayan regions of Bhutan, northern India, Nepal, and Tibet. In this study, we employed ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) integrated with chemometrics to analyze the metabolite profiles of C. torulosa needles collected from 14 distinct geographical regions. Advanced statistical tools, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), were utilized to identify significant variations in the chemical composition across these locations. Our analysis identified 24 marker compounds consistently present in all samples, screened using stringent filtering criteria including One-way ANOVA, moderated T-test, and multiple testing correction with the Benjamini-Hochberg FDR method. Additionally, for the first time, we established the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in C. torulosa, enhancing the understanding of its metabolic fingerprint. These findings provide critical insights into the phytochemical diversity of C. torulosa and offer valuable tools for quality control, authentication and advancing the application of UPLC-QTOF-MS in natural product research.

PMID:39927411 | DOI:10.1039/d4ay01654h

Open Vet J. 2024 Dec;14(12):3248-3256. doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i12.10. Epub 2024 Dec 31.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) is a zinc finger transcription factor and is widely known to play an important role in regulating growth traits in bovine.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the association of PLAG1 polymorphisms with body weight and measurement traits of Brahman cattle.

METHODS: A total of 57 blood samples of Brahman cattle and their body weight and measurement traits have been collected. Moreover, the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to determine the genotypes of the three polymorphisms in PLAG1, namely g.48308C>T, g.32212 (19 bp indel), and g.45233 T>C. A mix model effect was performed to evaluate the association of PLAG1 with body weight and measurement traits, while the Tukey HSD test was used to compare the means among genotypes.

RESULTS: Genotype variations were observed for the g.48308C>T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and 19 bp indel. In detail, the CC and CT genotypes of g.48308C>T SNP were identified and all possible genotypes of 19 bp indel were also identified. On the other hand, g.45233T>C SNP showed no variation. The statistical analysis revealed that SNP g.48308C>T and 19 bp indel had a significant effect on body weight and chest girth (p < 0.05). Both CC genotypes of g.48308C>T SNP and DD genotype of 19 bp indel of the PLAG1 were favorable for those two traits.

CONCLUSION: Based on these results, the SNP g.48308C>T and 19 bp indel in the PLAG1 could be a candidate marker for body weight and chest girth in the Brahman cattle population at the Center for Superior Animal Breeding and Forage (BPTU-HPT) Sembawa.

PMID:39927368 | PMC:PMC11799629 | DOI:10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i12.10

Open Vet J. 2024 Dec;14(12):3474-3486. doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i12.31. Epub 2024 Dec 31.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) hormone administration can improve semen quality through increased contractility of smooth muscle cells in testicular tissue and increased testosterone hormone. Immunohistochemically, the increase in contractility of smooth muscle cells and testosterone hormone can be measured by an increase in the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and androgen receptor (AR).

AIM: This study aims to determine the distribution and increased α-SMA expression and AR in the testis of Wistar rats after administration of PGF2α which was detected using the immunohistochemistry (IHC) method.

METHODS: A total of 15 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) with body weight 200-250 g and 8-10 weeks old were used in this study. All rats were acclimated for 2 weeks. The rats were divided into five treatment groups (n = 3). The rat in the control group (P0), testicular collection was carried out 30 minutes after injection of 0.5 ml NaCl. In groups P1, P2, P3, and P4, the rats were intraperitoneal injected with 2.5 mg/kg BW of PGF2α (Lutalyze, Zoetis, USA), and the testis collection was performed 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after PGF2α injection, respectively, were processed into histology preparations and stained with IHC staining using avidin-biotin complex peroxidase method. The distribution of α-SMA and AR was analyzed descriptively, while the score difference of α-SMA and AR expression was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U Test.

RESULTS: The results showed that α-SMA was positively detected in peritubular myoid (PTM) cells on the basal membrane of seminiferous tubules, blood vessel (BV) walls, and connective tissue. Statistical analysis showed that α-SMA expression in PTM cells and testicular connective tissue in P2 (60-minute interval) was significantly different than other treatment groups (P0, P1, P3, and P4) (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was found in the BV walls in all treatment groups (p > 0.05). AR was positively detected in connective tissue, PTM cells, Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and BVs. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in AR expression in PTM cells and Sertoli cells (p < 0.05) between P0 and P2, P1 and P2, and P2 and P3 or P4.

CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the administration of PGF2α increases the expression of α-SMA and AR, with the optimal administration interval is 60 minutes for PTM cells and Sertoli cells in Wistar rats testis.

PMID:39927354 | PMC:PMC11799637 | DOI:10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i12.31

Open Vet J. 2024 Dec;14(12):3363-3374. doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i12.21. Epub 2024 Dec 31.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Climate change has a significant impact on livestock farming around the globe. Farmers have adopted different strategies to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change. Females in developing countries are more vulnerable to climate change impacts and have lower adaptive capacity and they bear additional roles and responsibilities in livestock rearing compared to their male counterparts.

AIM: The main aim of this study is to examine the gender perspective on climate change adoption strategies in livestock farming in Gandaki province, Nepal.

METHODS: A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select 1,158 households from five districts in Gandaki province, western Nepal. A household head or household member who was 45 years or older resided in that area for at least 15 years and owned at least one primary livestock at the time of the survey was selected as the ultimate respondent from each selected household. Both structured and unstructured questionnaires were prepared. A structured questionnaire was used for the household survey, while a checklist (guideline) was prepared for focus group discussions. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.

RESULTS: The results revealed that buffalo was the primary livestock among farmers. More than half of farmers, both men and women were aware of the impact of climate change on livestock. While this study did not find significant gender-based differences in adaptation strategies, the odds of adoption are higher among males than females. Jobs other than agriculture and livestock, as well as access to credit, emerged as key determining factors associated with adaptation strategies among farmers in Gandaki province.

CONCLUSION: There is no significant gender-based difference in adaptation strategies; however, employment outside agriculture and livestock, along with access to credit, are the key determining factors associated with adaptation strategies.

PMID:39927352 | PMC:PMC11799652 | DOI:10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i12.21

Open Vet J. 2024 Dec;14(12):3649-3655. doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i12.46. Epub 2024 Dec 31.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumor disease primarily affecting juvenile sea turtles, often characterized by external growths that can regress spontaneously. This study reports the first documented case of total tumor regression in a free-living green turtle (Chelonia mydas) with FP in southern Brazil.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A juvenile green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) was captured and recaptured on Itapirubá Beach, Santa Catarina, Brazil, showing signs of tumor regression with a period of 302 days between captures. At the first capture, photographs of the head and other regions were taken for photoidentification, along with documentation of fibropapilloma sites and tumor scoring. Tumor samples from the initial capture were histopathologically confirmed as fibropapillomas. At the recapture, the turtle showed a slight increase in carapace length, remaining classified as a juvenile. Tumors observed during the first capture were absent at recapture, with only scars remaining in the affected areas. Photoidentification confirmed the recapture, facilitating case monitoring. Tumor regression in this turtle is likely linked to various environmental and ecological factors.

CONCLUSION: Spontaneous regression of FP tumors remains a crucial indicator in the health monitoring of sea turtle populations. This is the first documented case of FP regression in this region of Brazil, suggesting that the turtle’s increasing age and reduced exposure to anthropogenic pressure may have contributed to the tumor’s regression. Although clinical follow-up of free-living sea turtles is challenging, reports of FP tumor regression are vital for understanding the health dynamics of sea turtle populations.

PMID:39927341 | PMC:PMC11799617 | DOI:10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i12.46

Acta Ortop Bras. 2025 Feb 3;33(1):e276452. doi: 10.1590/1413-785220253301e276452. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on elective and emergency hand and wrist surgeries operated in a private orthopedic center.

METHODS: A retrospective study included hand and wrist surgeries in a private orthopedic center. The total surgeries were computed and separated into elective or emergency surgeries. The numbers were analyzed by month, quarter, and year before and after the pandemic (March 2020).

RESULTS: Eight hundred and forty-three surgeries from March 2018 to February 2022 were included. The mean monthly cases of the initial 12 months of the pandemic (15.3) were statistically equal to previous periods (17.3 and 17.2), but the period from March 2021 to February 2022 showed an increase (20.5; p = 0.037). The first four months of the pandemic had a mean (8.3) lower than the previous period (14.0; p = 0.002), but soon there was a significant increase in the following four months (19.3; p = 0.002). As a historical standard, elective surgeries were greater than an emergency in this institution. Still, in the first two quarters of the pandemic, there was a reduction in elective cases, equaling the emergency.

CONCLUSION: An important but relatively brief impact on surgical volume was observed in hand and wrist surgeries during COVID-19. A significant reduction in elective cases happened at the pandemic’s beginning followed by a fast recovery after four months. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo Retrospectivo.

PMID:39927323 | PMC:PMC11801214 | DOI:10.1590/1413-785220253301e276452

Acta Ortop Bras. 2025 Feb 3;33(1):e282483. doi: 10.1590/1413-785220253301e282483. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Understanding the nature of musculoskeletal tumors is crucial for appropriate management and to secure a favorable prognosis. Orthopedists’ ability to identify these pathologies early and accurately is paramount. There is a requirement to raise awareness within the orthopedic community regarding the necessity of referrals to orthopedic oncology specialists, as delays in initiating proper treatment can compromise patient prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the capability of non-specialist orthopedists in identifying bone lesions suggestive of tumors and thus classify them by employing a questionnaire with radiographs and comparison with specialists. We aim to gain an in-depth understanding of their diagnostic competence and provide insights into teaching the subject in orthopedic residency programs.

METHODS: The sample consisted of 90 participants who answered the questionnaire: 18 orthopedic oncology specialists, 58 non-specialist orthopedists, and 14 orthopedic residents.

RESULTS: Specialists achieved an average accuracy of 12.50 ± 1.07, while non-specialists scored 10.00 ± 0.60 (p<0.001). Among non-specialists, there was no statistical significance when comparing whether they underwent specialization internship during residency nor the duration of the year of such training. The period since graduation also indicated no differences.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of referring patients with suspected tumors to specialized orthopedists. Level of Evidence V; Expert Opinion.

PMID:39927315 | PMC:PMC11801212 | DOI:10.1590/1413-785220253301e282483

Acta Ortop Bras. 2025 Feb 3;33(1):e280703. doi: 10.1590/1413-785220253301e280703. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Regular physical exercise promotes pain relief, reducing the central facilitation of pain mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of different frequencies of physical exercise (once, twice, or three times a week) on different modalities (aerobic training, stretching training, and strength training), on the pain in the knee joint, and on the level of independence on people with knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS: Is cross-sectional and used the STROBE-Checklist: cross-sectional studies. A total of 193 elderly people were evaluated, pain and functional independence were analyzed.

RESULTS: For the pain variable, there was a statistical difference in favor of the intervention in the comparisons control versus strength 1 and 2 times a week and stretching 3 times a week already in the Lawton variable, only the comparison control versus aerobic 1 time a week did not prove to be statistically dignified.

CONCLUSION: The exercise modality and the weekly frequency seem to affect the perception of pain, stretching exercises performed three times a week, as well as muscle strengthening exercises, regardless of weekly frequency are efficient in joint pain analgesia. Practicing muscle strength exercises, regardless of weekly frequency and aerobic and stretching exercises at least twice a week, increases and/or maintains IADL. Level of Evidence II; Cross-sectional Study.

PMID:39927314 | PMC:PMC11801204 | DOI:10.1590/1413-785220253301e280703

JAC Antimicrob Resist. 2025 Feb 8;7(1):dlaf008. doi: 10.1093/jacamr/dlaf008. eCollection 2025 Feb.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To monitor the gut colonization by multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria in residents of a single long-term care facility (LTCF) in relation to their clinical evolution, antibiotic consumption and mortality risk.

METHODS: In a total of 187 voluntarily enrolled residents, five rectal swabs samples were recovered over 1 year. Selective media were used to isolate MDR bacteria. Clinical data related to infections, antibiotic consumption and mortality were recovered. Mortality risk among residents who were MDR colonized and non-colonized was compared by Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS: Globally, 25% of residents have gut colonization by ESBL-producing Escherichia coli with a lack of other pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii or Clostridioides difficile. Monitoring of ESBL-producing E. coli colonization for 1 year allowed to us to establish three categories among residents: 48.6% never colonized, 15.5% had a persistent colonization, and the remaining 35.8% presented intermittent colonization. The rates of mortality, infections and antibiotic exposure were comparable among ESBL-producing E. coli colonized and non-colonized residents, except for the intermittent colonization group in which a higher and statistically significant mortality rate was observed. As expected, urinary and respiratory tract infections were the most prevalent infectious pathologies in the LTCF, with amoxicillin/clavulanate and fluoroquinolones being the most prescribed antibiotics. A high percentage of ESBL-producing E. coli (28%), and fluoroquinolone resistance were detected in clinical samples.

CONCLUSIONS: The monitoring of gut colonization by MDR microorganisms in a single LTCF for 1 year demonstrated the predominance of ESBL-producing E. coli. Almost half of the residents were resistant to its colonization, whereas in 15.5% of them gut colonization was stable. Incidence of infectious episodes and antibiotic exposure were comparable between colonized and non-colonized subjects, but the group with the highest risk of mortality was that with intermittent colonization by ESBL-producing E. coli.

PMID:39927311 | PMC:PMC11806259 | DOI:10.1093/jacamr/dlaf008

JAC Antimicrob Resist. 2025 Feb 8;7(1):dlae219. doi: 10.1093/jacamr/dlae219. eCollection 2025 Feb.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To audit the prescribing of antibiotics at a tertiary-level public hospital, in preparation for the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship programme.

METHODS: A retrospective audit of antibiotic prescriptions for the period April 2020 to June 2020 was conducted to ascertain appropriate antibiotic prescribing based on a set of process measures, which included whether cultures were taken before the initiation of empirical antibiotics, the duration of antibiotic therapy, de-escalation to a narrower spectrum antibiotic, the concurrent use of four or more antibiotics, documented indication for antibiotic use, and parenteral to oral conversion. Statistics were calculated using Stata (Version 17).

RESULTS: A total of 380 patient medical charts were reviewed. It was noted that there were no standalone antibiotic charts, and antibiotics were prescribed alongside other medication in one prescription record. There was non-compliance to one or more of the process measures in two-thirds of antibiotic prescriptions audited. Excessive duration of therapy was evident in 3.16% (12) prescriptions. There were 18 (4.74%) instances in which de-escalation to a narrower spectrum antibiotic based on susceptibility results did not occur. Only a small proportion of patients were switched from parenteral to oral antibiotics (n = 12, 3.16%). Some of the additional findings included redundant antibiotic coverage (n = 137, 36.05%) and prescription of an antibiotic that did not align with the susceptibility results (n = 98, 25.79%).

CONCLUSIONS: Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing did occur in some cases. The results from this pre-implementation study highlight the importance of introducing antimicrobial stewardship interventions with process and outcome measures.

PMID:39927310 | PMC:PMC11806261 | DOI:10.1093/jacamr/dlae219