The impact of intradialytic cycling on the removal of protein-bound uraemic toxins: A randomised cross-over study

The evidence on impact of intradialytic exercise on the removal of urea, is conflictive. Impact of exercise on kinetics of serum levels of protein-bound uraemic toxins, known to exert toxicity and to have kinetics dissimilar of those of urea, has so far not been explored. Furthermore, if any effect, the most optimal intensity, time point and/or required duration of intradialytic exercise to maximise removal remain obscure. We therefore studied the impact of different intradialytic cycling schedules on the removal of protein-bound uraemic toxins during haemodialysis (HD). This randomised cross-over study included seven stable patients who were dialysed with an FX800 dialyser during three consecutive midweek HD sessions of 240 min: (A) without cycling; (B) cycling for 60 min between 60th and 120th minutes of dialysis; and (C) cycling for 60 min between 150th and 210th minutes, with the same cycling load as in session B. Blood and dialysate flows were respectively 300 and 500 mL/min. Blood was sampled from the blood inlet at different time points, and dialysate was partially collected (300 mL/h). Small water soluble solutes and protein-bound toxins were quantified and intradialytic reduction ratios (RR) and overall removal were calculated per solute. Total solute removal and reduction ratios were not different between the three test sessions, except for the reduction ratios RR60–120 and RR150–210 for potassium. In conclusion, we add evidence to the existing literature that, regardless of the timing within the dialysis session, intradialytic exercise has no impact on small solute clearance, and demonstrated also a lack of impact for protein-bound solutes.

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Impact of Blood and Dialysate Flow and Surface on Performance of New Polysulfone Hemodialysis Dialyzers

The International Journal of Artificial Organs ◽

10.1177/039139880302600204 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 113-120 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

S. Mandolfo ◽

F. Malberti ◽

E. Imbasciati ◽

P. Cogliati ◽

A. Gauly

Keyword(s):

Blood Flow ◽

Surface Area ◽

Reduction Rate ◽

Independent Effect ◽

High Flux ◽

Dialysate Flow ◽

The Impact ◽

Small Solute ◽

Solute Clearance

Optimization of hemodialysis treatment parameters and the characteristics of the dialyzer are crucial for short- and long-term outcome of end stage renal disease patients. The new high-flux membrane Helixone® in the dialyzer of the FX series (Fresenius Medical Care, Germany) has interesting features, such as the relationship of membrane thickness and capillary diameter which increases middle molecule elimination by convection, as well as higher capillary packing and microondulation to improve the dialysate flow and distribution. Blood flow, dialysate flow and surface area are the main determinants of the performance of a dialyzer, however the impact of each parameter on small and middle molecule clearance in high flux dialysis has not been well explored. In order to find the best treatment condition for the new dialyzer series, we evaluated urea, creatinine, phosphate clearances and reduction rate of ß2-microglobulin in ten stable patients treated with different blood flows (effective Qb 280 and 360 ml/min), dialysate flow (Qd 300 or 500 ml/min) and dialyzer surfaces (1.4 and 2.2 m2, FX60 or FX100). KoA and Kt/V were also calculated. Blood flow, dialysate flow and surface area demonstrated a significant and independent effect on clearance of urea, creatinine and phosphate, as well as on Kt/V. Small solute clearance was stable over the treatment. In contrast to small solutes, reduction rate of ß2-microglobulin was related to increasing dialyzer surface only. The new dialyzer design of the FX series proves highly effective due to improved dialysate distribution and reduced diffusive resistance as shown by the small solute clearance. A high reduction rate of ß2-microglobulin is favored by improved fiber geometry and pore size distribution. These findings have potential long-term benefits for the patient

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Genetic Variation: Impact on Folate (and Choline) Bioefficacy

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831/a000040 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 80 (45) ◽

pp. 319-329 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Allyson A. West ◽

Marie A. Caudill

Keyword(s):

Carbon Metabolism ◽

Genetic Variants ◽

Plasma Homocysteine ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Gene Interactions ◽

Dietary Folate ◽

Methyl Donors ◽

Common Genetic Variants ◽

One Carbon Metabolism ◽

The Impact

Folate and choline are water-soluble micronutrients that serve as methyl donors in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Inadequacy of these nutrients can disturb one-carbon metabolism as evidenced by alterations in circulating folate and/or plasma homocysteine. Among common genetic variants that reside in genes regulating folate absorptive and metabolic processes, homozygosity for the MTHFR 677C > T variant has consistently been shown to have robust effects on status markers. This paper will review the impact of genetic variants in folate-metabolizing genes on folate and choline bioefficacy. Nutrient-gene and gene-gene interactions will be considered along with the need to account for these genetic variants when updating dietary folate and choline recommendations.

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The impact of biometric parameters of a hydromacrophyte habitat on the structure of zooplankton communities in various types of small water bodies

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies ◽

10.2478/v10009-009-0026-4 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 38 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Natalia Kuczyńska-Kippen ◽

Barbara Nagengast ◽

Tomasz Joniak

Keyword(s):

Water Bodies ◽

Small Water ◽

Biometric Parameters ◽

Zooplankton Communities ◽

The Impact ◽

Small Water Bodies

The impact of biometric parameters of a hydromacrophyte habitat on the structure of zooplankton communities in various types of small water bodies

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Desiccation time and rainfall control gaseous carbon fluxes in an intermittent stream

Biogeochemistry ◽

10.1007/s10533-021-00831-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Maria Isabel Arce ◽

Mia M. Bengtsson ◽

Daniel von Schiller ◽

Dominik Zak ◽

Jana Täumer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Soluble ◽

Intermittent Flow ◽

Dry Period ◽

Intermittent Stream ◽

Aerobic Activity ◽

Water Soluble Organic Carbon ◽

Soluble Organic Carbon ◽

Microbial C ◽

Global Biogeochemical Cycles ◽

The Impact

AbstractDroughts are recognized to impact global biogeochemical cycles. However, the implication of desiccation on in-stream carbon (C) cycling is not well understood yet. We subjected sediments from a lowland, organic rich intermittent stream to experimental desiccation over a 9-week-period to investigate temporal changes in microbial functional traits in relation to their redox requirements, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC). Concurrently, the implications of rewetting by simulated short rainfalls (4 and 21 mm) on gaseous C fluxes were tested. Early desiccation triggered dynamic fluxes of CO2 and CH4 with peak values of 383 and 30 mg C m−2 h−1 (mean ± SD), respectively, likely in response to enhanced aerobic mineralization and accelerated evasion. At longer desiccation, CH4 dropped abruptly, likely because of reduced abundance of anaerobic microbial traits. The CO2 fluxes ceased later, suggesting aerobic activity was constrained only by extended desiccation over time. We found that rainfall boosted fluxes of CO2, which were modulated by rainfall size and the preceding desiccation time. Desiccation also reduced the amount of WSOC and the proportion of labile compounds leaching from sediment. It remains questionable to which extent changes of the sediment C pool are influenced by respiration processes, microbial C uptake and cell lysis due to drying-rewetting cycles. We highlight that the severity of the dry period, which is controlled by its duration and the presence of precipitation events, needs detailed consideration to estimate the impact of intermittent flow on global riverine C fluxes.

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A prospective, observational clinical trial on the impact of COVID-19-related national lockdown on thyroid hormone in young males

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-86670-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Giulia Brigante ◽

Giorgia Spaggiari ◽

Barbara Rossi ◽

Antonio Granata ◽

Manuela Simoni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Stressful Event ◽

Italian Population ◽

Reference Ranges ◽

Endocrine Regulation ◽

Before And After ◽

Hpt Axis ◽

The Impact

AbstractTrying to manage the dramatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection spread, many countries imposed national lockdown, radically changing the routinely life of humans worldwide. We hypothesized that both the pandemic per se and the consequent socio-psychological sequelae could constitute stressors for Italian population, potentially affecting the endocrine system. This study was designed to describe the effect of lockdown-related stress on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in a cohort of young men. A prospective, observational clinical trial was carried out, including patients attending the male infertility outpatient clinic before and after the national lockdown for COVID-19 pandemic. The study provided a baseline visit performed before and a follow-up visit after the lockdown in 2020. During the follow-up visit, hormonal measurements, lifestyle habits and work management were recorded. Thirty-one male subjects were enrolled (mean age: 31.6 ± 6.0 years). TSH significantly decreased after lockdown (p = 0.015), whereas no significant changes were observed in the testosterone, luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol and prolactin serum levels. No patient showed TSH serum levels above or below reference ranges, neither before nor after lockdown. Interestingly, TSH variation after lockdown was dependent on the working habit change during lockdown (p = 0.042). We described for the first time a TSH reduction after a stressful event in a prospective way, evaluating the HPT axis in the same population, before and after the national lockdown. This result reinforces the possible interconnection between psychological consequences of a stressful event and the endocrine regulation.

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Association of Genetic Polymorphisms and Serum Levels of IL-6 and IL-8 with the Prognosis in Children with Neuroblastoma

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13030529 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 529

Author(s):

Silvia Selene Moreno-Guerrero ◽

Arturo Ramírez-Pacheco ◽

Luz María Rocha-Ramírez ◽

Gabriela Hernández-Pliego ◽

Pilar Eguía-Aguilar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Overall Survival ◽

Genetic Polymorphisms ◽

Poor Prognosis ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Control Group ◽

Mexican Children ◽

Genotype Frequencies ◽

Pcr Rflp ◽

The Impact ◽

Circulating Levels

There is evidence that high circulating levels of IL-6 and IL-8 are markers of a poor prognosis in various types of cancer, including NB. The participation of these cytokines in the tumor microenvironment has been described to promote progression and metastasis. Our objective was to evaluate the prognostic role of genetic polymorphisms and serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in a cohort of Mexican pediatric patients with NB. The detection of the SNPs rs1800795 IL-6 and rs4073 and rs2227306 IL-8 was carried out by PCR-RFLP and the levels of cytokines were determined by the ELISA method. We found elevated circulating levels of IL-8 and IL-6 in NB patients compared to the control group. The genotype frequencies of the rs1800795 IL-6 and rs4073 IL-8 variants were different between the patients with NB and the control group. Likewise, the survival analysis showed that the GG genotypes of rs1800795 IL-6 (p = 0.014) and AA genotypes of rs4073 IL-8 (p = 0.002), as well as high levels of IL-6 (p = 0.009) and IL-8 (p = 0.046), were associated with lower overall survival. We confirmed the impact on an adverse prognosis in a multivariate model. This study suggests that the SNPs rs1800795 IL-6 and rs4073 IL-8 and their serum levels could be promising biomarkers of a poor prognosis, associated with overall survival, metastasis, and a high risk in Mexican children with NB.

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Prognostic role of docetaxel-induced suppression of free testosterone serum levels in metastatic prostate cancer patients

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-95874-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Paula Kappler ◽

Michael A. Morgan ◽

Philipp Ivanyi ◽

Stefan J. Brunotte ◽

Arnold Ganser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Metastatic Prostate Cancer ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Specific Antigen ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Free Form ◽

Total Testosterone ◽

The Impact

AbstractTo date, only few data concerning the biologically active, free form of testosterone (FT) are available in metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) and the impact of FT on disease, therapy and outcome is largely unknown. We retrospectively studied the effect of docetaxel on FT and total testosterone (TT) serum levels in 67 mPC patients monitored between April 2008 and November 2020. FT and TT levels were measured before and weekly during therapy. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were prostate-specific antigen response and radiographic response (PSAR, RR), progression-free survival (PFS), FT/TT levels and safety. Median FT and TT serum levels were completely suppressed to below the detection limit during docetaxel treatment (FT: from 0.32 to < 0.18 pg/mL and TT: from 0.12 to < 0.05 ng/mL, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analyses identified requirement of non-narcotics, PSAR, complete FT suppression and FT nadir values < 0.18 pg/mL as independent parameters for PFS. Prior androgen-receptor targeted therapy (ART), soft tissue metastasis and complete FT suppression were independent prognostic factors for OS. FT was not predictive for treatment outcome in mPC patients with a history of ART.

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POS0329 GASTROINTESTINAL INVOLVEMENT IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: PATHOGENETIC ROLE OF GUT MICROBIOME, CYTOKINES AND ADIPOKINES

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.1904 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 392.1-392

Author(s):

E. Pigatto ◽

M. Schiesaro ◽

M. Caputo ◽

M. Beggio ◽

P. Galozzi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systemic Sclerosis ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Serum Levels ◽

High Serum ◽

Healthy Population ◽

Gastrointestinal Involvement ◽

Degrading Bacteria ◽

Gi Symptoms ◽

Low Levels ◽

The Impact

Background:Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is very common in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The pathophysiology of GI manifestations has not yet been defined. Cell-mediated immunological reactions appear to lead to endothelial damage resulting in fibrosis. The risk of developing malnutrition reinforces the need to better understand GI pathophysiology in these patients.Objectives:The study aimed to evaluate GI symptoms (GIT 2.0) and malnutrition status (MUST) and to determine specific bacterial changes in gut microbiome by investigating the possible presence of positive hot spots in bacterial species in SSc patients and their potential role in the disease progression. We also evaluated serum levels of adipokines and cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of SSc and their role, in addition to gut microbiome, in predicting the onset of GI involvement and malnutrition in SSc patients.Methods:We enrolled 25 scleroderma patients (EULAR/ACR 2013 criteria). UCLA-SCTC GIT 2.0 questionnaire to evaluate GI symptoms and MUST to investigate the risk of malnutrition were used. Gut microbiome was analyzed and the samples were subjected to extraction for the 16S rRNA gene (Earth Microbiome Project and the NIH-Human Microbiome Project). The microbiome was investigated at phenotypic and genotypic level. Serum levels of cytokines and adipokines (adiponectin and leptin) were evaluated by ELISA.Results:79.9% of patients had GERD and 63.5% abdominal distension at GIT 2.0 questionnaires. 48% of patients had moderate risk of malnutrition (MUST=2) and 12% had high risk (MUST=3). Gut microbioma: 19 patients (76%) had low similarity and 11 (44%) low diversity compared to the healthy population. The prevailing enterotypes of gut microbiome was Bacteroides (80%) and Prevotella (20%). The genotypic evaluation showed a reduced concentration of: gluten-digesting (Lactobacillus); lactose-digesting (Faecalibacterium); vitamin K-producing (Enterococcus, Desulfovibrio and Veillonella); acetaldehyde-degrading bacteria. 24 patients (96%) showed a reduction in bacteria devoted to maintaining weight control (Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus). The patients had an altered intestinal permeability with less mucolytic bacteria (Bacteroides) and reduced production of LPS (Enterobacter and Escherichia). Low levels of butyrate (Eubacterium and Clostridium), acetate and propionate were found for SCFA-producing bacteria. Potentially pathogenic bacteria were also investigated: Salmonella was found in 14 (56%), Klebsiella in 9 (36%) and Enterococcus Faecalis in 3 (12%) patients. 11 (44%) patients had elevated serum levels of IL10 and IL12; 4 (16%) had high value of leptin. Correlation was found in patients who had a reduced concentration of gluten-digesting bacteria and MUST. Elevated MUST was correlated with serological increase in IL17A and IFN-α. Serum levels of IL12 and IL10 were found to correlate with specific bacteria alterations: high concentration of acetaldehyde-producing bacteria and low levels of acetaldehyde-degrade bacteria (also correlated with high serum levels of IL6), mucolytic bacteria and producers of hydrogen sulphide, acetate and propionate. Finally, reduced levels of mucolytic bacteria and acetate producing bacteria correlated with high serum leptin levels.Conclusion:The relationship between the gut microbiome and SSc seems to be multifactorial. In our study genotypic changes of gut microbioma might play a role in damaging the permeability of the mucosa and increasing risk of malnutrition. The evaluation of gut microbiome and cytokine profile is probably going to be of value in the follow-up of SSc. However, further studies are needed to clarify the impact of GI dysbiosis on the immune system in SSc.References:[1]Patrone V. et al. Gut microbiota profile in systemic sclerosis patients with and without clinical evidence of gastrointestinal involvement, Sci Rep. 2017; 7: 14874Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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A non-toxic, reversibly released imaging probe for oral cancer that is derived from natural compounds

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-93408-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Magda Ghanim ◽

Nicola Relitti ◽

Gavin McManus ◽

Stefania Butini ◽

Andrea Cappelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oral Cancer ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Intraoperative Imaging ◽

Critical Role ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Stem Cell Marker ◽

Squamous Cells ◽

Tissue Identification ◽

Tumorigenic Potential ◽

The Impact

AbstractCD44 is emerging as an important receptor biomarker for various cancers. Amongst these is oral cancer, where surgical resection remains an essential mode of treatment. Unfortunately, surgery is frequently associated with permanent disfigurement, malnutrition, and functional comorbidities due to the difficultly of tumour removal. Optical imaging agents that can guide tumour tissue identification represent an attractive approach to minimising the impact of surgery. Here, we report the synthesis of a water-soluble fluorescent probe, namely HA-FA-HEG-OE (compound 1), that comprises components originating from natural sources: oleic acid, ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid. Compound 1 was found to be non-toxic, displayed aggregation induced emission and accumulated intracellularly in vesicles in SCC-9 oral squamous cells. The uptake of 1 was fully reversible over time. Internalization of compound 1 occurs through receptor mediated endocytosis; uniquely mediated through the CD44 receptor. Uptake is related to tumorigenic potential, with non-tumorigenic, dysplastic DOK cells and poorly tumorigenic MCF-7 cells showing only low intracellular levels and highlighting the critical role of endocytosis in cancer progression and metastasis. Together, the recognised importance of CD44 as a cancer stem cell marker in oral cancer, and the reversible, non-toxic nature of 1, makes it a promising agent for real time intraoperative imaging.

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Ice Coverage Induced by Depositing a Water Drop onto the Supercooled Substrate at Extreme Low Vapor Pressure

Crystals ◽

10.3390/cryst11060691 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 691

Author(s):

Yugang Zhao ◽

Zichao Zuo ◽

Haibo Tang ◽

Xin Zhang

Keyword(s):

Vapor Pressure ◽

Substrate Temperature ◽

Water Drop ◽

Industrial Processes ◽

Aircraft Icing ◽

Ice Coverage ◽

Fundamental Understanding ◽

Order Of Magnitude ◽

The Impact ◽

Kinetics Of

Icing/snowing/frosting is ubiquitous in nature and industrial processes, and the accretion of ice mostly leads to catastrophic consequences. The existing understanding of icing is still limited, particularly for aircraft icing, where direct observation of the freezing dynamics is inaccessible. In this work, we investigate experimentally the impact and freezing of a water drop onto the supercooled substrate at extremely low vapor pressure, to mimic an aircraft passing through clouds at a relatively high altitude, engendering icing upon collisions with pendant drops. Special attention is focused on the ice coverage induced by an impinging drop, from the perimeter pointing outward along the radial direction. We observed two freezing regimes: (I) spread-recoil-freeze at the substrate temperature of Ts = −15.4 ± 0.2 °C and (II) spread (incomplete)-freeze at the substrate temperature of Ts = −22.1 ± 0.2 °C. The ice coverage is approximately one order of magnitude larger than the frozen drop itself, and counterintuitively, larger supercooling yields smaller ice coverage in the range of interest. We attribute the variation of ice coverage to the kinetics of vapor diffusion in the two regimes. This fundamental understanding benefits the design of new anti-icing technologies for aircraft.

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