Biomonitoring aflatoxin B1 exposure of residents from the Amazon region: a pilot study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
K.M. Higashioka ◽  
A.M. Kluczkovski ◽  
E.S. Lima ◽  
A.C.S. Lucas
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Human Urine ◽  
Bovine Milk ◽  
Normal Diet ◽  
Amazon Region ◽  
Statistical Relationship ◽  
Brazil Nut ◽  
Brazil Nuts ◽  
Before And After

The present study was a pilot study that aimed to evaluate the occurrence of aflatoxins (AF) in the human diets and its presence in human urine as a metabolite (aflatoxin M1; AFM1). Volunteers from the Amazon region were evaluated before and after the consumption of 2 Brazil nuts/day for thirty days. At the end of 30 days (t=30) without the consumption of Brazil nuts, 9 samples (30%) were positive for AFM1. After 30 days (t=30) consuming 2 Brazil nuts per day, there was a reduction to 2 positive samples (7%). Questionnaires were also applied to volunteers, and the foods most often cited as consumed in their normal diet were cereals and bovine milk. However, there was no statistical relationship between these foods and the levels of AFM1 in the urine or in relation to those who already consumed Brazil nuts in culinary preparations or derived products. Despite the reduction of positive samples for AFM1 after 30 days of Brazil nut consumption, we suggest further studies regarding the clinical condition and genetics of individuals from the Amazon region, as well as the nutrient levels of the diet, e.g. for selenium, and which may protect the human body against aflatoxins.

A pilot study on the effect of ulipristal acetate on myoma angiogenesis, measured by 2D ultrasound and VEGF serum levels

2020 ◽  
pp. 19-29
Author(s):  
Patricia Diaz Ortega ◽  
Manuel García Manero
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Power Doppler ◽  
Uterine Fibroids ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Ulipristal Acetate ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Angiogenesis Process ◽  
2D Ultrasound ◽  
Average Size

Introduction: Symptomatic uterine fibroids can cause symptoms that can be disabling. There are many treatments, including ulipristal acetate, whose role in reducing symptoms and decreasing the size of the fibroid is well known. With this preliminary study, we also try to evaluate the correlation between myoma vascularization measured by ultrasound (Power Doppler 2D) and serum VEGF levels, before and after treatment with ulipristal acetate; in patients diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids. Materials and Methods: A preliminary, prospective observational pilot study was designed. Twenty-four premenopausal women, diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids, were included and all of them completed the study. Four cycles of ulipristal acetate were administered according to the dose and indications specified in the data sheet. In order to assess the influence of this treatment on the angiogenesis process of the fibroids, measurements of VEGF serum levels were made and their vascularization was assessed by means of 2D power doppler ultrasound; at the beginning and the end of treatment. In addition, several determinations of the same parameters were made throughout the successive visits. Endpoints were defined as the decrease in VEGF levels from previous levels, the decrease in myoma vascularization on ultrasound, and the reduction in myoma size. Result: 24 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled (n=24). The average size of myomas was reduced from 45,08 ? 24,02mm to 29?16,96mm after treatment. The average VEGF serum level significantly decreased after the first treatment cycle (from 147,17 ? 153,51 pg/ml to 102,04 ? 186,08pg/ml). Vascularization of myomas after treatment with ulipristal acetate was analyzed, and a significantly decrease was achieved in 83,3% of cases. Conclusion: There is a correlation between myoma vascularization and treatment with Ulipristal acetate. SPRMs may provide effective treatment for women with symptomatic fibroids by two ways: supports selective progesterone receptor modulators and reduced angiogenesis. Keywords: Angiogenesis; Ulipristal Acetate; Uterine fibroids; VEGF

scholarly journals Physiological and Psychological Effects of Watching Videos of Different Durations Showing Urban Bamboo Forests with Varied Structures

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3434
Author(s):  
Yuqian Wang ◽  
Mingyan Jiang ◽  
Yinshu Huang ◽  
Zhiyi Sheng ◽  
Xiao Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Skin Conductance ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Stable State ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Psychological Effects ◽  
Physiological Indicators ◽  
Psychological Indicators ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Long Time

This study illustrated the physiological and psychological effects of watching videos of different durations showing bamboo forests with varied structures. Physiological indicators, including EEG (electroencephalogram), blood pressure, skin conductance, and pulse, were monitored in 180 Chinese university students (mean age: 20.72 ± 2.56 years) while they were watching bamboo videos. Before and after watching the videos, their psychological indicators, including positive and negative moods, were measured using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire. After watching the bamboo videos of different durations, all of the physiological indicators responded to the stimulation after only 1 min. The indicators showed different trends at 1, 3 and 5 min. EEG decreased and then was maintained at a stable level after 1 min, and the high β, low β, and α waves had no significant differences between 1, 3 and 5 min. Blood pressure dropped to a stable state after 3 min, and the decline was significantly different greater after 3 min than after 1 min. Skin conductance increased for 1 to 5 min, and it did not stabilize after a long time (5 min). Pulse decreased after 1 min but increased after 5 min. After watching the videos with bamboo of varying structures, the physiological and psychological indicators showed significantly different changes. Skin conductance significantly increased (mean value: 6.78%), and the amount of sweat was more effectively reduced, thereby reducing tension, when the students viewed videos of sympodial bamboo forests compared with monopodial bamboo forests. Bamboo forests with a higher canopy density (0.83–0.85) could significantly decrease α waves (mean value: 1.50 Hz), relaxing the human body. High β and low β waves showed greater decreases, with tension reduced more effectively, when bamboo forests with a low tilt ratio (< 1.5%) were viewed. Bamboo forests with neat undergrowth could have more beneficial physiological and psychological effects on the human body.

scholarly journals THU0642-HPR EVOLUTION OF THE PERCEPTIONS OF RA PATIENTS AFTER EDUCATION PATIENT SESSION TEACHING METHOTREXATE SELF-INJECTION A PROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 566.1-566
Author(s):  
S. Afilal ◽  
H. Rkain ◽  
B. Berchane ◽  
J. Moulay Berkchi ◽  
S. Fellous ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Median Duration ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Education Session ◽  
Prospective Pilot Study ◽  
Mean Delay ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Before And After

Background:Methotrexate is a gold standard for treatment of RA. In our context, RA patients prefer to be injected by paramedics rather than self-injecting. This can be explained by patients’ bad perceptions of self-injection or lack of information. Appropriate self-injection education can therefore be an important element in overcoming these obstacles and improving disease self-management.Objectives:Compare the RA patients’ perceptions on methotrexate self-injection before and after a patient education session.Methods:Prospective pilot study that included 27 consecutive patients (81.5% female, mean age 44.4 years, illiteracy rate 40.7%) with RA (median duration of progression of 4 years, mean delay in referral for specialist of 6 months, median duration of methotrexate use of 1 year). The patients benefited from an individual patient education session to learn how to self-inject with methotrexate subcutaneously. The patient education session was supervised by a nurse and a rheumatologist with a control a week later. Perceptions of the reluctance to self-inject and the difficulties encountered by patients were assessed before the patient education session, after the 1st and 2nd self-injection of methotrexate using a 10 mm visual analog scale. Patients also reported their level of satisfaction (10 mm VAS) after the 1st and 2nd self-injection.Results:The mean duration of patient education session is 13 min.Table I compares the evolution of the degrees of reluctance to self-injection, the difficulties encountered, and the satisfaction experienced by the patients.Table 1.Evolution of RA patients’ perceptions on the methotrexate self-injection. (N = 27)BeforeAfter the 1stself-injectionAfter the 2end self-injectionpVAS reluctance (0-10mm)6,5 ± 3,62,2 ± 2,91,0 ± 2,3<0,0001VAS difficulty (0-10mm)7,5 ± 2,62,5 ± 2,71,0 ± 1,9<0,0001VAS satisfaction (0-10mm)-8,9 ± 1,89,5 ± 1,50,002Conclusion:This study suggests the effectiveness of a methotrexate self-injection patient education session in RA patients. It also highlights the value of patient education in rheumatologic care. A large-scale study is necessary to better interpret and complete these preliminary results from this pilot study.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Plasma Exosomal miRNA Levels after Radiotherapy Are Associated with Early Progression and Metastasis of Cervical Cancer: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2110
Author(s):  
Oyeon Cho ◽  
Do-Wan Kim ◽  
Jae-Youn Cheong
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
Exosomal Mirnas ◽  
Early Progression ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Microenvironmental Factors ◽  
Exosomal Mirna

Plasma exosomal miRNAs are key regulators of cell-cell interactions associated with several biological functions in patients with cancer. This pilot study aimed to investigate the log2 fold change (log2FC) of the expression of exosomal miRNAs and related mRNAs in the blood of patients with cervical cancer to identify prognostic markers better than those currently available. We sequenced plasma exosomal RNA from 56 blood samples collected from 28 patients with cervical cancer, who had been treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Changes in the expression of miRNAs and mRNAs before and after CCRT were represented as log2FC. Their biological functions were studied by miRNA-mRNA network analysis, using ingenuity pathway analysis, after the selection of two groups of miRNAs, each associated with early progression (EP) and metastasis, also described as initial stage. Seven patients experienced EP, three of whom died within four months after progression. Reduced levels of miR-1228-5p, miR-33a-5p, miR-3200-3p, and miR-6815-5p and increased levels of miR-146a-3p in patients with EP revealed unresolved inflammation, with accompanying increased expression of PCK1 and decreased expression of FCGR1A. Increased levels of miR-605-5p, miR-6791-5p, miR-6780a-5p, and miR-6826-5p and decreased levels of miR-16-1-3p (or 15a-3p) were associated with the degree of metastasis and led to the systemic activation of myeloid, endothelial, and epithelial cells, as well as neurons, phagocytes, and platelets. Log2FCs in the expression of miRNAs and mRNAs from plasma exosomes after CCRT are associated with EP and metastasis, reflecting unresolved inflammation and systemic microenvironmental factors, respectively. However, this study, supported by preliminary data insufficient to reach clear conclusions, should be verified in larger prospective cohorts.

Sensitivity of bioelectrical impedance to detect changes in human body composition

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 1643-1648 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Ross ◽  
L. Leger ◽  
P. Martin ◽  
R. Roy
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Bioelectrical Impedance ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Exercise Regimen ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Hydrostatic Weighing ◽  
Human Body Composition

The purpose of this study was to compare the estimates of lean body mass (LBM) and percent body fat (%BF), as predicted by bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and sum of skinfolds (SF), with those derived by hydrostatic weighing (HW) obtained before and after a 10-wk diet and exercise regimen. The experimental (E) group consisted of 17 healthy male subjects; 20 healthy males served as the control (C) group. Post hoc Scheffe contrasts computed on E group data indicated that, for both LBM and %BF, the Lukaski and Segal BIA equations, as well as the Durnin SF equation, derived mean values that were not significantly different (0.05 significance level) from HW in both pre- and postregimen conditions. For LBM, the same equations derived the following significant (P less than 0.01) correlation coefficients for both pre- and postregimen data: Lukaski, 0.87 and 0.85; Segal, 0.89 and 0.87; and Durnin, 0.90 and 0.88. For %BF, the correlation coefficients were slightly lower but remained statistically significant (P less than 0.01). The findings of this study suggest that the BIA method, by use of either the Lukaski or Segal prediction equations, is a valid means of predicting changes in human body composition as measured by the Siri transformation of body density.

scholarly journals Gamma entrainment frequency affects mood, memory and cognition: an exploratory pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan L. S. Sharpe ◽  
Mufti Mahmud ◽  
M. Shamim Kaiser ◽  
Jianhui Chen
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Assessment Scores ◽  
Frequency Group ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Mood Score ◽  
40 Hz

AbstractHere we provide evidence with an exploratory pilot study that through the use of a Gamma 40 Hz entrainment frequency, mood, memory and cognition can be improved with respect to a 9-participant cohort. Participants constituted towards three binaural entrainment frequency groups: the 40 Hz, 25 Hz and 100 Hz. Participants attended a total of eight entrainment frequency sessions twice over the duration of a 4-week period. Additionally, participants were assessed based on their cognitive abilities, mood as well as memory, where the cognitive and memory assessments occurred before and after a 5-min binaural beat stimulation. The mood assessment scores were collected from sessions 1, 4 and 8, respectively. With respect to the Gamma 40 Hz entrainment frequency population, we observed a mean improvement in cognitive scores, elevating from 75% average to 85% average upon conclusion of the experimentation at weak statistical significance ($$\alpha$$ α = 0.10, p = 0.076). Similarly, memory score improvements at a greater significance ($$\alpha$$ α = 0.05, p = 0.0027) were noted, elevating from an average of 87% to 95%. In pertinence to the mood scores, a negative correlation across all populations were noted, inferring an overall increase in mood due to lower scores correlating with elevated mood. Finally, correlation analysis revealed a stronger R$$^2$$ 2 value (0.9838) within the 40 Hz group between sessions as well as mood score when compared across the entire frequency group cohort.

Serum testosterone and testicular hemodynamics before and after infection with SARS-COV-2 (pilot study)

Urologiia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5_2021 ◽  
pp. 5-9
Author(s):  
Kh.S. Ibishev Ibishev ◽  
E.A. Mamedov Mamedov ◽  
Z.R. Gusova Gusova ◽  
A.I. Palenyy Palenyy ◽  
Y.O. Prokop Prokop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Before And After

Abstract P062: Ten Weeks of Daily Consumption of Common Fructose Containing Sugars Does Not Increase Liver Fat Content

Circulation ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Bravo ◽  
Joshua Lowndes ◽  
Zhiping Yu ◽  
James Rippe
Keyword(s):  
Region Of Interest ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Normal Diet ◽  
Liver Fat ◽  
Hepatic Veins ◽  
Ct Scanner ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Liver Fat Content ◽  
Before And After

Purpose: Evaluate the effect of addition of commonly consumed fructose containing sugars to the usual diet on liver fat content. Background: Fructose induced triglyceride synthesis has been argued to be augmented when accompanied by glucose. As the most common sources of fructose, high fructose corn syrup HFCS) and sucrose, also contain glucose such a response would be particularly detrimental to metabolic health due to the known role of excess fat in the liver in the induction of abnormalities in glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance and the subsequent development of type II diabetes. Methods: For ten weeks, sixty-eight individuals (42.16 ± 11.66 years) consumed low-fat milk sweetened with either HFCS or sucrose such that the added sugar matched the 25th, 50th and 90th percentile population consumption levels of fructose. Fat content of the liver was obtained before and after the ten week intervention. Imaging was performed on a Philips 64-slice CT scanner. Region of interest measurements in the four sectors of the liver delineated by the hepatic veins were obtained in all patients, and converted to hepatocellular fat content percentages. Fat content of the liver remained unchanged (13.32 ±10.49 vs 13.32 ± 10.75%, p > 0.05). Group assignment did not affect the result interaction p > 0.05). Conclusions: These data suggest that ectopic fat storage in the liver is not promoted when fructose is consumed as part of a normal diet, even in amounts as high as the 90th percentile consumption level.

scholarly journals Cardio-ventilatory coupling in young healthy resting subjects

2012 ◽  
Vol 112 (8) ◽  
pp. 1248-1257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Friedman ◽  
Thomas E. Dick ◽  
Frank J. Jacono ◽  
Kenneth A. Loparo ◽  
Amir Yeganeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Surface ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Statistical Relationship ◽  
Sinus Arrhythmia ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Respiratory Events ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Degree Of Coupling ◽  
High Test

In this work, cardio-ventilatory coupling (CVC) refers to the statistical relationship between the onset of either inspiration (I) or expiration (E) and the timing of heartbeats (R-waves) before and after these respiratory events. CVC was assessed in healthy, young (<45 yr), resting, supine subjects ( n = 19). Four intervals were analyzed: time from I-onset to both the prior R-wave (R-to-I) and the following R-wave (I-to-R), as well as time from E-onset to both the prior R-wave (R-to-E) and following R-wave (E-to-R). The degree of coupling was quantified in terms of transformed relative Shannon entropy (tRSE), and χ2 tests based on histograms of interval times from 200 breaths. Subjects were studied twice, from 5 to 27 days apart, and the test-retest reliability of CVC measures was computed. Several factors pointed to the relative importance of the R-to-I interval compared with other intervals. Coupling was significantly stronger for the R-to-I interval, coupling reliability was largest for the R-to-I interval, and only tRSE for the R-to-I interval was correlated with height, weight, and body surface area. The high test-retest reliability for CVC in the R-to-I interval provides support for the hypothesis that CVC strength is a subject trait. Across subjects, a peak ∼138 ms prior to I-onset was characteristic of CVC in the R-to-I interval, although individual subjects also had earlier peaks (longer R-to-I intervals). CVC for the R-to-I interval was unrelated to two separate measures of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), suggesting that these two forms of coupling (CVC and RSA) are independent.

scholarly journals Sleep Quality and Levodopa Intestinal Gel Infusion in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Oriol De Fabregues ◽  
Alex Ferré ◽  
Odile Romero ◽  
Manuel Quintana ◽  
José Álvarez-Sabin
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Rem Sleep ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Periodic Leg Movements ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale

Background. Sleep problems in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) have a deleterious impact on quality of life. Objective. To assess the effect of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion on sleep quality in advanced PD patients. Methods. Seven patients participated in a prospective pilot study. Before and after 6 months of LCIG infusion, an overnight polysomnography was performed and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, fatigue scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory, and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale were administered. Results. PSG showed low sleep efficiency. REM sleep without atony was found in 5 patients. After 6 months of LCIG infusion, the percentage of REM sleep decreased as well as the number of arousals especially due to reduction of spontaneous arousals and periodic leg movements during REM sleep, but differences were not statistically significant. Also, scores of all study questionnaires showed a tendency to improve. Conclusion. The results show a trend toward an improvement of sleep quality after 6 months of LCIG infusion, although differences as compared to pretreatment values were not statistically significant. The sleep architecture was not modified by LCIG. Further studies with larger study samples are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

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