Search Results (89)

Background: Intraoperative high-volume diuresis is a frequent but underrecognized complication in cardiac surgery, potentially leading to hypovolemia, electrolyte imbalances, and hemodynamic instability. Its mechanisms remain poorly defined. This study investigated the hormonal and biochemical regulation of urine output during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG). Methods: For this single-center observational cohort study, 70 patients undergoing OPCABG were enrolled (diuresis: urine output > 5 mL/kg/h, n = 38; normal, n = 32). Hormonal markers and osmolality parameters were measured perioperatively. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used to assess model performance. Results: Intraoperative high-volume diuresis occurred in 54.2% of patients. Logistic regression identified a low Body Mass Index (BMI) (OR 0.72, p = 0.002), reduced albumin (OR 0.75, p = 0.014), and lower copeptin (OR 0.43, p = 0.037) as independent predictors (AUC 0.855). Perioperatively, NT-proBNPT0 rose in both groups, aldosterone increased only in the diuresis group, and copeptin showed a slight nonsignificant rise. Plasma sodium was higher in cases of diuresis at the end of surgery (148.4 vs. 144.9 mmol/L, p < 0.001). Despite greater urine output and fluid infusion, the rates of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and hospital stays were similar. Conclusions: Intraoperative high-volume diuresis in OPCABG is strongly associated with reduced antidiuretic hormone activity, suggesting a partial central diabetes insipidus-like mechanism. Although not affecting short-term outcomes, it posed challenges for intraoperative fluid and electrolyte management. Larger multicenter studies are needed for validation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cinnamon leaves, an important source of the functional compound cinnamaldehyde (CA), have been shown to be effective in improving type II diabetes and Parkinson’s disease (PD) in rats following the incorporation of cinnamon leaf extract into a nanoemulsion. However, the effect of a cinnamon leaf extract nanoemulsion (CLEN) on improving Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent type of dementia, remains unexplored. The objectives of this study were to determine functional compounds in cinnamon leaves by UPLC-MS/MS, followed by the preparation of a nanoemulsion and its byproducts to study their effects on AD and PD in rats. Methods: Oven-dried (60 °C for 2 h) cinnamon leaf powder and hydrosol, obtained by steam distillation of cinnamon leaf powder, were stored at 4 °C. After determination of basic composition (crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrate, moisture and ash) of cinnamon leaf powder, it was extracted with 80% ethanol with sonication at 60 °C for 2 h and analyzed for bioactive compounds by UPLC-MS/MS. Then, the CLEN was prepared by mixing cinnamon leaf extract rich in CA with lecithin, soybean oil, tween 80 and ethanol in an optimal ratio, followed by evaporation to form thin-film and redissolving in deionized water. For characterization, mean particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and surface morphology were determined. Animal experiments were done by dividing 90 male rats into 10 groups (n = 9), with groups 2–8 being subjected to mini-osmotic pump implantation surgery in brain to infuse Amyloid-beta 40 (Aβ40) solution in groups 2–8 for induction of AD, while groups 9 and 10 were pre-fed respectively with cinnamon powder in water (0.5 g/10 mL) and in hydrosol for 4 weeks, followed by induction of AD as shown above. Different treatments for a period of 4 weeks included groups 1–9, with group 1 (control) and group 2 feeding with sterilized water, while groups 3, 4 and 5 were fed respectively with high (90 mg/kg), medium (60 mg/kg) and low (30 mg/kg) doses of cinnamon leaf extracts, groups 6, 7 and 8 fed respectively with high (90 mg/kg), medium (60 mg/kg) and low (30 mg/kg) doses of nanoemulsions, groups 9 and 10 fed respectively with 10 mL/kg of cinnamon powder in water and hydrosol (0.5 g/10 mL). Morris water maze test was conducted to determine short-term memory, long-term memory and space probing of rats. After sacrificing of rats, brain and liver tissues were collected for determination of Aβ40, BACE1 and 8-oxodG in hippocampi, and AchE and malondialdehyde (MDA) in cortices, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) and MDA in both cortices and livers, and dopamine in brain striata by using commercial kits. Results: The results showed that the highest level of CA (18,250.7 μg/g) was in the cinnamon leaf powder. The CLEN was prepared successfully, with an average particle size of 17.1 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.236, a zeta potential of −42.68 mV, and high stability over a 90-day storage period at 4 °C. The Morris water maze test revealed that the CLEN treatment was the most effective in improving short-term memory, long-term memory, and spatial probe test results in AD rats, followed by the cinnamon leaf extract (CLE), powder in hydrosol (PH), and powder in water (PW). Additionally, both CLEN and CLE treatments indicated a dose-dependent improvement in AD rats, while PH and PW were effective in preventing AD occurrence. Furthermore, AD occurrence accompanied by PD development was demonstrated in this study. With the exception of the induction group, declines in Aβ40, BACE1, and 8-oxodG in the hippocampi and AchE and MDA in the cortices of rats were observed for all the treatments, with the high-dose CLEN (90 mg/kg bw) exhibiting the highest efficiency. The antioxidant enzyme activity, including that of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, in the cortices of rats increased. In addition, dopamine content, a vital index of PD, was increased in the striata of rats, accompanied by elevations in SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px and decreased MDA in rat livers. Conclusions: These outcomes suggest that the CLEN possesses significant potential for formulation into a functional food or botanical drug for the prevention and treatment of AD and/or PD in the future. Full article

Acetate is naturally produced in the rumen through feed degradation and fermentation. It serves as a primary energy source for ruminants and as a key substrate for de novo fatty acid synthesis in the mammary gland. The interaction of exogenous acetate with different animal and dietary factors is an area of growing interest, as it may have significant implications for milk fat synthesis. This study aimed to assess the effect of two diet fermentability levels on the short-term response of lactation to acetate supplementation in dairy cows. Eight ruminally cannulated multiparous European Holstein cows were randomly assigned to treatments in a crossover design that tested the effect of diet fermentability, acetate supply, and their interaction. Using corn silage as the only forage source and a constant forage-to-concentrate ratio, high-fermentability (HF) and low-fermentability (LF) diets were formulated. Acetate supply was investigated by infusing ruminally 10 moles of sodium acetate/d (ACE) or an equimolar infusion of control (CON). Therefore, the treatments were as follows: LF + CON; LF + ACE; HF + CON; and HF + ACE. No interactions between acetate and diet fermentability were found on performance variables. Acetate infusion decreased dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and milk protein yield and content but did not affect milk fat yield; however, it increased milk fat concentration, and this response tended to be more pronounced in the HF diet. Acetate infusions increased plasma β-hydroxybutyrate in the HF diet, but not in the LF diet, and increased plasma non-esterified fatty acid, which was likely a lipolysis response to reduced DMI and decreased energy balance. This study demonstrates that acetate availability can be a constraint on mammary lipogenesis, even with adequate dietary fiber. Full article

Background/Objectives: Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) commonly occurs in patients undergoing urologic surgery and significantly affects patient comfort and recovery. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of continuous local ropivacaine infusion using a specialized multi-porous urethral catheter in reducing postoperative CRBD. Methods: This multicenter, prospective, randomized, single-blind trial enrolled 136 male patients undergoing short-term catheterization after urologic surgery. Participants were randomized into three groups—a control group receiving saline infusion, Group 1 receiving 0.5% ropivacaine at 1 mL/h, and Group 2 receiving 0.5% ropivacaine at 2 mL/h—for up to 48 h via a multi-porous urethral catheter. The primary outcome was the incidence of CRBD at 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included changes in urethral pain assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS), urinary symptom scores, complication rates, and patient-reported catheter inconvenience and reuse intention using Likert scales. Results: The incidence of CRBD was significantly lower in Group 1 (19.6%) and Group 2 (11.1%) compared to the control group (44.4%; p = 0.001), demonstrating a clear dose–response relationship. Changes in urethral pain scores (VAS) from baseline were significantly lower in the ropivacaine groups compared to the control (p = 0.023). Complication rates were similar among groups (control 13.3%, Group 1 6.5%, Group 2 15.6%; p = 0.378), although catheter leakage occurred more frequently in Group 2, without statistical significance (p = 0.122). Conclusions: Continuous local ropivacaine infusion using a multi-porous urethral catheter effectively reduces the incidence of postoperative CRBD without increasing side effects. This approach may improve patient comfort during perioperative catheter management. Full article

Background/Objectives: In short bowel syndrome adults (SBS), about 50% of patients on parenteral support (PS) are weaned off. However, micronutrient deficiency prevalence has never been studied in weaned patients. We aimed to assess the prevalence of micronutrient depletions and potential risk factors, more than a year after PS weaning. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on our 161 weaned SBS patients between January 2011 and December 2021. Only 42 of them had an assessment of their plasma micronutrient status more than a year after PS weaning. Results: 40/42 patients had at least one micronutrient depletion, with an average of 4.0 ± 1.9 depletions per patient. Depletions in vitamins D, E, selenium, copper, and zinc were the most frequent, present for >50% of patients. In 75% of cases, patients depleted in vitamin B12 and D were already supplemented. Long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and duration on PS was associated with ≥ three depletions (p = 0.02). A daily mean of the total energy infused per week > 20 kcal/kg/day at the time of weaning was associated with more depletions (5.8 ± 1.6 vs. 3.7 ± 1.7 depletions, p = 0.02). Other factors (digestive anatomy, particularly SBS type, or associated chronic disease) were not predictive of depletion. Conclusions: Nearly all patients with SBS have at least one micronutrient depletion after PS withdrawal. This study suggests that a long-term monitoring of micronutrients status is needed for SBS patients weaned off PS. A larger-scale study would be necessary to generalize these results. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic disorder that cause premature aging due to LMNA mutations and progerin accumulation. Although lonafarnib, an FDA-approved farnesyltransferase inhibitor, offers modest extension of life, the disease remains progressive. As progeria is associated with stem cell depletion and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has shown efficacy in treating atherosclerosis, we aimed to evaluate its efficacy and safety in HGPS. Methods: A 7-year-old male with classic HGPS and preexisting severe cerebrovascular disease received four intravenous infusion of bone marrow-derived MSCs (2.5 × 10⁵ cells/kg) over 8 months. Growth, metabolic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, auditory, and inflammatory cytokines were monitored throughout the study. Prophylactic enoxaparin was administered to prevent vascular complications. Results: MSC therapy was associated with improved lean body mass (11.5%), bone mineral density (L-spine z-score: 0.55 → 2.03), reduced arterial stiffness (9.98% reductionin pulse wave velocity), joint range of motion, dentition, and decreased sICAM-1 levels. However, Cardiovascular deterioration continued, and the patient passed away 10 months after the fourth dose, likely due to progression of the underlying vascular disease. No severe adverse effects were attributed to MSC therapy. Conclusions: MSC therapy may offer short-term benefits in arterial stiffness, bone health and inflammation in HGPS without notable safety concerns. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings, explore earlier intervention, and determine long-term efficacy and optimal dosing strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Current evidence suggests that levosimendan may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of acute heart failure (AHF) or cardiogenic shock following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, there is a paucity of data on the use of levosimendan prior to PCI. Therefore, our pilot study aimed to assess the short-term prognosis of a new therapeutic protocol involving preprocedural infusion of levosimendan in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction undergoing high-risk PCI for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: The study is a retrospective observational study, and the population includes all subjects who received levosimendan infusion prior to high-risk PCI for ACS. Subjects requiring urgent revascularization (cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest) or with mechanical complications of ACS were excluded. Results: The study cohort consisted of 90 subjects, predominantly men (91.1%) with significantly reduced left ventricular function (28.7% (12)) and advanced coronary artery disease, mean SYNTAX Score 25.8 (19.3–33). During in-hospital follow-up, we observed 2 primary outcomes—death. The major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) rate was 7.8%. Two clinical adverse events that did not lead to discontinuation were observed during the in-hospital period. Both were related to hypotension. Conclusions: In short-term observation, novel therapeutic approach in the management of high-risk PCI in ACS patients—pre-procedural levosimendan—was a relatively safe approach. No significant adverse events were reported. Full article

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a leading cause of morbidity in children with both short- and long-term neurological, cognitive, cerebrovascular, and emotional deficits. These deficits have been attributed to ongoing pathophysiological cascades that occur acutely and persist post-injury. Given our limited understanding of the transcriptional changes associated with these pathophysiological cascades, we studied formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from the frontal cortex (FC) and the hippocampus + amygdala (H&A) regions of swine (N = 40) after a sagittal rapid non-impact head rotation (RNR). We then sequenced RNA to define transcriptional changes at 1 day and 1 week after injury and investigated the protective influence of cyclosporine A (CsA) treatment. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were classified into five temporal patterns (Early, Transient, Persistent, Intensified, Delayed, or Late). DEGs were more abundant at 1 week than 1 day. Shared significant gene ontology annotations in both regions included terms associated with neuronal distress at 1 day and neurorecovery at 1 week. CsA (20 mg/kg/day) infused for 1 day (beginning at 6 h after injury) accelerated 466 DEGs in the FC and 2794 DEGs in the H&A, such that the CsA-treated transcriptional profile was associated with neurorecovery. Overall, our data reveal the effects of anatomic region and elapsed time on gene expression post-mTBI and motivate future studies of CsA treatment. Full article

Introduction: The management of sedation during percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG-J) placement in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) is challenging due to the complex interactions between PD treatment, anesthetic agents, and the disease’s motor and non-motor symptoms. This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of a target-controlled infusion (TCI) propofol protocol in the context of PEG-J placement in advanced PD patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 169 patients diagnosed with advanced Parkinson’s disease (Hoehn and Yahr stages 4 and 5) who underwent PEG-J placement at Târgu Mureș County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Romania. Sedation was induced and maintained using TCI propofol, with additional benzodiazepines and short-acting opioids, while muscle relaxants were not used. Procedural success rates and adverse outcomes were assessed for 30 days post-procedure. Results: The sedation protocol demonstrated a high procedural success rate. No deaths were reported within 30 days post-procedure. Conclusion: This study highlights the feasibility and clinical applicability of a TCI propofol protocol for PEG-J placement in patients with advanced PD (stages 4 and 5). While no deaths were recorded within the 30-day follow-up, the sample size is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions regarding long-term safety. Full article

Intravenously administered nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) constitute a crucial component of multimodal analgesia strategies in surgical settings. This narrative review aims to provide an up-to-date evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and clinical use of intravenous (IV) NSAIDs for perioperative pain management in adults and children. The NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs) approved in Europe for the short-term symptomatic treatment of acute, moderate perioperative pain via IV infusion in adults and/or children have been influenced by US and global guidelines and practice: the drugs primarily reviewed here are ibuprofen, ketorolac, ketoprofen, naproxen, paracetamol, and acetylsalicylic acid. Furthermore, intravenous ibuprofen is authorized for the short-term symptomatic treatment of fever. In contrast to intravenous ketoprofen, intravenous ibuprofen is authorized for administration to children over 6 years of age or weighing more than 20 kg. Overall, IV ibuprofen had a more favorable profile with regard to peri- and postoperative opioid sparing and pain relief. Oral ibuprofen and IV ibuprofen have similar levels of efficacy, although IV ibuprofen has a shorter onset of action and is required in patients who are unable to take oral medications. The frequency of significant adverse events appears to be similar for ibuprofen and paracetamol. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses report that intravenous NSAIDs reduce postoperative opioid consumption by approximately 20–60%, improving pain management with fewer opioid-related side effects. In indications in infants, the choice of medication is limited, and the oral route is not always feasible; IV formulations of ibuprofen are preferred in this setting. Topics for further research should include head-to-head trials of IV NSAIDs. Full article

Objective: Intrauterine resuscitation (IR) may be employed during labor to reduce emergency deliveries with concerns for fetal wellbeing emanating mostly from increased uterine contraction frequency and/or intensity. However, there is no standard definition of what constitutes IR, and how its impact is assessed. Here, we have created two measures of relative IR effectiveness, determined over a two-hour time frame after Pitocin was first initiated, and asked how fetal risk severity at the time of its initiation impacted IR effectiveness and the clinical decisions made. Methods: We analyzed 118 patients receiving Pitocin who underwent IR at least once during labor. Retrospectively, we assessed risk levels using our Fetal Reserve Index version 2 (FRI v2) scores that were calculated in 20 min timeframes. FRIv2 scores include various maternal, obstetric, and fetal risk factors, uterine contraction frequency, and FHR baseline rate, variability, accelerations, and decelerations. We define 3 IR scenarios to assess relative IR effectiveness. (1) No reduction in PIT infusion rates (PITSAME), (2) decreased PIT infusion rates (DPIT), or (3) PIT turned off (PIT OFF). Maternal repositioning and oxygen administration are nearly universal across all types and, therefore, are not considered in groupings. We then created two measures of IR effectiveness by classifying changes in FRI v2 scores over six 20 min windows coincident with and following IR use as (1) “Improvement” (improvement relative to the FRIv2 score at IR initiation) and (2) “Stabilization” (no further decrease in FRI score relative to the FRIv2 score in the sixth 20 min epoch after IR initiation). We evaluated the relative effectiveness of the three PIT options, and to test whether the level of fetal risk at the time of IR initiation affected its short-term effectiveness, FRI v2 risk scores were assigned to one of three groups (Green [1.00–0.625]; Yellow [0.50–0.25]; Red 0.25–0.0]). Higher scores indicate lower risk. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA and t- tests. Results: Overall, the first and/or the only initiation of IR resulted in improvement in 71% of cases and stabilization in 78% of cases. The remaining 22% were failures, meaning that the FRIv2 score in the 6th 20 min period was lower than the score at the time of initiation. There were modest, but not statistically significant, differences in effectiveness (improvement or stabilization) by type of IR. There was a trend toward lower IR effectiveness of PIT OFF during IR initiation when compared to PIT continuation or decreased groups. Conclusions: IR initiation or type did not vary significantly by retrospectively calculated levels of fetal risk, showing that wide variation in clinician practices, not necessarily correlated with what we believe actual risk was, determine how IR was used. The FRI provides contextualization of FHR elements by adding maternal, fetal, and obstetric risk factors, and increased uterine activity enables a more rigorous and reproducible approach to analysis of emerging fetal compromise and IR effectiveness. As practice has shifted from the over-aggressiveness of PIT use to now premature discontinuations with any tracing variation, we need better metrics. FRIv2 further improves its physiologic underpinnings. Thus, we propose a new approach to the overall assessment of IR practice. Full article

Background: Preterm infants (PIs) are more susceptible to neurodevelopmental impairment compared with term newborns. Adequate postnatal growth has been associated with improved neurocognitive outcomes; therefore, optimization of nutrition may positively impact the neurodevelopment of PIs. Objective: This study focused on macronutrient parenteral nutrition (PN) intake during the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stay and their associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes in PIs in the first two years of life. Methods: The Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the following subject headings and terms (MeSH): “premature infants”, “parenteral nutrition”, “growth”, “brain”, “neurodevelopment”, and “central nervous system diseases”. All relevant papers’ reference lists were manually searched. PN and neurodevelopment studies concerning the first two years of life were collected and analyzed. Results: 275 potential studies were retrieved, 64 were selected for full-text reading, and 22 were included (12 randomized controlled trials). While glucose intakes should be immediately provided and strictly monitored avoiding hyperglycemia, the long-term outcomes of aggressive PN caloric intakes are uncertain. Early amino acid (AA) supplementation is mandatory and improves short-term growth, though it is questionable whether increased AA and better neurodevelopment are directly related. Lipid infusion should be initiated right after birth, and further investigation will enable us to ascertain the potential impacts of lipid emulsions, particularly fish oil, on PI neurodevelopment. Conclusions: An aggressive PN and its possible metabolic complication could not favor neurodevelopment; the way forward could be a customized approach, depending on the patient’s clinical state and tolerance. Long-term follow-up studies and the search for specific markers of tolerance are warranted. Full article

Background: Adolescent treatment resistant depression (TRD) is increasing in recent years. While ketamine showed rapid antidepressant effects in adult TRD studies, research on its effectiveness in adolescents is limited. Methods: This study examines the effects of intravenous ketamine vs. midazolam on depressive and anxiety symptomatology assessed by the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) at two time points—2 h after initial infusion (T0+2h) and 24 h after the end of the treatment (Te+24h) in a sample of 55 adolescent TRD females (27 receiving ketamine, 28 midazolam). Results: At T0+2h, within-group comparisons revealed a significant reduction in MADRS and HAM-A scores compared to baseline in the ketamine and midazolam groups. At Te+24h, both groups demonstrated similar significant reductions in MADRS, HAM-A, and CDI scores compared to baseline. The MADRS assessment in the ketamine group showed 33% and 59% responders, and in the midazolam group, 14% and 46% responders at T0+2h and Te+24h, respectively. HAM-A evaluation in the ketamine group revealed 33% and 56% responders, and in the midazolam group, 11% and 39% responders at T0+2h and at Te+24h, respectively. CDI rating discovered 11% and 44% responders in the ketamine group and 4% and 21% responders in the midazolam group at T0+2h and Te+24h, respectively. Moreover, inner tension significantly decreased in ketamine compared to the midazolam group at Te+24h. Conclusions: Ketamine showed a reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms during a short-term period with particular efficacy in alleviating inner tension over midazolam, suggesting its potential advantages in specific symptom relief in rarely studied adolescent TRD. Full article

In the domain of maritime surveillance, the continuous tracking and monitoring of vessels are imperative for the early detection of potential threats. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) database, which collects vessel movement data over time, including timestamps and other motion details, plays a crucial role in real-time maritime monitoring. However, it frequently exhibits irregular intervals of data collection and intricate, intersecting trajectories, underscoring the importance of analyzing long-term temporal patterns for effective vessel tracking. While Kalman Filters and other physics-based models have been employed to tackle these issues, their effectiveness is limited by their inability to capture long-term dependence and non-linearity in the historical data. This paper introduces a novel approach that leverages Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), a type of recurrent neural network, renowned for its proficiency in recognizing patterns over extended periods. Recognizing the strengths and limitations of the LSTM model, we propose a hybrid machine-learning algorithm that integrates LSTM with a physics-based model. This combination harnesses the physical laws governing vessel movements alongside data driven pattern mining, thereby enhancing the predictive accuracy of vessel locations. To assess the performance of standalone and hybrid models, various scenarios with different levels of complexity are generated. Furthermore, to simulate real-world data loss conditions often encountered in maritime tracking, temporal data gaps are randomly introduced into the scenarios. The competing approaches are then evaluated using both with time gap and without time gap conditions. Our results show that, although the LSTM model performs better than the physics-based model, the hybrid model consistently outperforms both standalone models across all scenarios. Furthermore, while data gaps negatively impact the accuracy of all models, the performance reduction is minimal for the physics-infused model. In summary, this study not only demonstrates the potential of combining data-driven and physics-based approaches but also sets a new benchmark for maritime vessel tracking. Full article

This study evaluated short-term immune responses of dairy ewes supplemented with barley β-glucan (BG) following an intramammary Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In the adaptation period, 36 ewes were fed an alfalfa hay diet ad libitum and barley grain cv. Hispanic (3.8% BG). Then, ewes were assigned into three experimental groups: (1) Control (CON), the same previous diet (13.3 g BG/d); (2) high β-glucans barley (HBG), new barley (cv. Annapurna) containing 10% BG (35 g BG/d); (3) intraperitoneally injected (INP) with a 1.4% BG solution dose (2 g BG/ewe). At d 9, all ewes were infused with an E. coli LPS or saline solution in each udder half. After the challenge, rectal temperature (RT), milk yield and composition, somatic cell count (SCC), and plasma interleukins (IL-1α and IL-1β) were monitored daily. The INP treatment revealed a transitory increase in RT and decreased milk yield by 38%. Milk fat, protein, and SCC increased in LPS-treated udders but not by BG treatment. The IL-1α plasma concentration was similar among groups but INP ewes showed a lower IL-1β concentration suggesting a lower inflammatory response. The BG administration appears more effective intraperitoneally than orally, which needs additional study. Full article