Search Results (82)

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of HIPEC procedures using oxaliplatin and mitomycin C on serum electrolyte, glucose, and lactate levels, with a specific focus on the carrier solutions employed. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 82 patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for colorectal peritoneal metastases. Patients were assigned to one of two groups based on the chemotherapeutic agent used: oxaliplatin (n = 63) or mitomycin C (MMC, n = 19). The oxaliplatin group was further subdivided based on the carrier solution used: 5% dextrose (D5W, n = 29) or peritoneal dialysate (n = 34). The assignment of regimens was based on institutional protocols and surgeon preference. Pre- and post-HIPEC serum levels of sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, glucose, and lactate were compared. Results: Significant biochemical changes were observed across groups, depending on both the chemotherapeutic agent and carrier solution. In the MMC group (peritoneal dialysate), only lactate increased significantly post-HIPEC (p = 0.001). In the oxaliplatin–peritoneal dialysate group, significant changes were observed in bicarbonate (p = 0.009), glucose (p = 0.001), and lactate (p < 0.001), whereas sodium and potassium remained stable. The oxaliplatin–D5W group showed significant changes in all parameters: sodium (p = 0.001), potassium (p = 0.001), bicarbonate (p = 0.001), glucose (p < 0.001), and lactate (2.4 → 7.6 mmol/L, p < 0.001). Between-group comparisons revealed significant differences in sodium, potassium, glucose, and lactate changes (p < 0.05), but not in bicarbonate (p = 0.099). Demographic and clinical characteristics—including age, sex, primary disease, ICU stay, and 90-day mortality were similar across groups. Conclusions: The use of dextrose-containing solutions with oxaliplatin was associated with marked metabolic disturbances, including clinically meaningful hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia in the early postoperative period. These findings suggest that the choice of carrier solution is as important as the chemotherapeutic agent in terms of perioperative safety. Closer postoperative electrolyte monitoring is recommended when using dextrose-based regimens. The retrospective design and sample size imbalance between groups are acknowledged limitations. Nonetheless, this study offers clinically relevant insights and lays the groundwork for future prospective research. Full article

To date, serum biochemical analytes reference intervals (RIs) in Lusitano horses have not been studied. This study aimed to establish the RIs for biochemical analytes following the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines and to compare them with the general equine population’s RIs. Blood samples were collected from 76 clinically healthy adult Lusitano horses, and RIs of 22 biochemical variables were determined using Reference Value Advisor software. Lusitano horse-specific RIs are proposed for the following variables: total protein (3.9–7.0 g/dL), albumin (2.5–3.8 g/dL), globulin (1.1–3.7 g/dL), total bilirubin (1.0–5.6 mg/dL), direct bilirubin (0.09–0.68 mg/dL), indirect bilirubin (0.7–5.2 mg/dL), urea (21.0–38.9 mg/dL), creatinine (0.9–2.0 mg/dL), aspartate aminotransferase (150.7–345.1 IU/L), alkaline phosphatase (60.7–227.4 IU/L), lactate dehydrogenase (247.6–959.0 IU/L), glucose (75.5–131.5 mg/dL), cholesterol (58.6–125.2 mg/dL), sodium (129.0–154.9 mmol/L), phosphorus (1.8–4.5 mmol/L), chloride (90.3–107.0 mmol/L), and calcium (8.9–12.6 mg/dL). Different RIs were identified for healthy adult Lusitano horses for 17/22 serum biochemical analytes tested, emphasizing the need for breed-specific RIs to prevent misinterpretation of laboratory results. Full article

A new spherification of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) was developed for its use as a food supplement. The novelty of this study is the incorporation of fresh Spirulina biomass into alginate spheres formulated with 3% sodium alginate and 1.5% calcium lactate and its addition into yogurt. The spheres and the fortified yogurt were stored at 4 °C for 15 days. The viability of Spirulina, either in contact with the yogurt or not, was evaluated both by OD_550nm measurements and microscopic observations. Furthermore, the effect of Spirulina spheres on Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus was evaluated by enumerating them in standard media. Spirulina retained its viability for up to 15 days when stored separately from the yogurt matrix. Spirulina had a stimulating effect on the lactic acid bacteria: after 15 days, L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus showed a load increase of 2.66% and 1.64%, respectively, compared to the load detected in the unfortified yogurt. Our study has demonstrated the technical feasibility of producing fresh Spirulina spheres, which can be used alone or added to food preparation. Nevertheless, additional investigations—including quantitative assessment of bioactive compounds and comprehensive sensory analysis—are essential to validate the methodology and support its scalability. Full article

To promote environmentally sustainable remediation and resource recovery from ion-adsorption rare earth tailings (IRET), this study comprehensively investigated the previously isolated strain REO-01 by examining its sulfate-reducing performance, Cd(II) immobilization potential, and physiological and biochemical responses under varying environmental conditions. Strain REO-01 was identified as a Gram-negative facultative anaerobe with strong sulfate-reducing activity and effective Cd(II) immobilization capacity. During a 96 h incubation period, the strain entered the exponential growth phase within 36 h, after which the OD₆₀₀ values plateaued. Concurrently, the culture pH increased from 6.83 to 7.5, and the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) declined to approximately −300 mV. Cd(II) concentrations decreased from 0.2 mM to 3.33 μM, corresponding to a removal efficiency exceeding 95%, while sulfate concentrations declined from 1500 mg/L to 640 mg/L, with a maximum reduction efficiency of 66.16%. The strain showed optimal growth at 25–40 °C and near-neutral pH (6–7), whereas elevated Cd(II) concentrations (≥0.2 mM) significantly inhibited cell growth. A sulfate concentration of 1500 mg/L was found to be optimal for cellular activity. Among the tested carbon sources, sodium lactate at 4.67 g/L yielded the most favorable results, reducing ORP to −325 mV, increasing pH to 7.6, and lowering Cd(II) and sulfate concentrations to 3.33 μM and 510 mg/L, respectively. These findings highlight the strong potential of strain REO-01 for simultaneous sulfate reduction and Cd(II) remediation, supporting its application in the in situ bioremediation and resource utilization of rare earth tailings. Full article

We report the synthesis of highly enantiopure perdeuterated poly-L-lactic acid and poly-D-lactic acid polymers with well-defined molecular weight by polymerization of perdeuterated lactides. Enantiopure D- and L-lactic acid-d₄ monomers were synthesized from sodium pyruvate-d₃ using D- and L-lactate dehydrogenase enzymes (D-LDH and L-LDH) as biocatalysts. The reduced form of the co-enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-d₁ (NADH-d₁) was generated in situ from the oxidized form nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) by formate dehydrogenase (FDH)-catalyzed oxidation of sodium formate-d₁ to carbon dioxide with concerted reduction of NAD⁺ to NADH-d₁. For the conversion of the perdeuterated lactic acid monomers to the corresponding lactide dimers, we developed a process for generating these compounds in the high purity needed for the final anionic ring-opening polymerization step. This method enabled the generation of a range of perdeuterated polylactic acid polymers that are highly suitable for the characterization of polymer structure and dynamics using neutron scattering, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy methods that are sensitive to deuterium. Furthermore, these deuterium-labeled polymers are well-suited to the study of the biodegradation of PLA-based plastics. Full article

Background/Objectives: To measure the peri-dialytic serum lactate, sodium, potassium, calcium, and pH and base excess in chronic hemodialysis patients with and without post-dialysis fatigue (PDF). Methods: Patients were asked “Do you feel fatigued after dialysis?” Each patient was invited to rate the intensity, duration, and frequency of PDF from one to five. The recovery time after the hemodialysis session (TIRD) was calculated, and inviting patients were to answer the following single open-ended question: “How long does it take you to recover from a dialysis session?” Pre- and post-dialysis arterial blood was sampled, and pH, bicarbonates, base excess, sodium, calcium, potassium, and lactate were measured. Results: One hundred fifty-eight patients were included in the study. One hundred seventeen patients declared to suffer from PDF and forty-one did not. Median [range] PDF frequency, intensity, duration, and TIRD were 5 (1–5), 4 (1–5), 3 (1–5), and 12 h (1–48), respectively. Seventy patients had a TIRD ≤ 12 h and forty-seven had a TIRD > 12 h. Median post-dialysis and post-dialysis/pre-dialysis difference serum lactate levels (mmol/L) did not differ between patients with and without PDF (p = 0.111 and p = 0.395, respectively). In addition, the distribution of patients according to post-dialysis serum lactate levels was similar in the presence or absence of PDF. The median post-dialysis and post-dialysis/pre-dialysis difference serum lactate concentrations did not differ significantly according to the score of the PDF intensity and PDF duration (p = 0.928 and 0.935, p = 0.610 and 0.548, respectively). Finally, we stratified patients into two groups according to the length of TIRD: ≤12 h and >12 h. The median post-dialysis serum lactate concentrations did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.862) as well as the median post-dialysis/pre-dialysis difference (p = 0.583). Also, the distribution of patients according to post-dialysis serum lactate levels was similar in the two groups. Conclusions: PDF and TIRD are not associated with peri-dialytic changes in serum lactate in patients on chronic hemodialysis. Full article

Background: Long-distance running impacts many organ systems. Aside from musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary events, the gastrointestinal and renal system as well as metabolic homeostasis and electrolyte balance can be affected. A respective medical support strategy enabling rapid diagnosis, triage, and treatment in the context of large sports events is thus of utmost importance. Incidents can be assessed and graded via point-of-care (POC) blood gas analysis (BGA). We thus aimed to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of its use during a large sports event. Methods: All documented patient contacts during the race of the Vienna City Marathon (VCM) 2023 were retrospectively assessed. Additionally, the BGAs conducted in all patients requiring intravenous access were analyzed. Data are presented in a descriptive manner. Results: There were 39,871 participants at the VCM 2023. Of these, 277 (0.7%) required medical support, localized most commonly in the finishing area of the race (n = 239, 86% of all incidents). Fifty-eight (20.9%) patients had to be hospitalized. The most frequent chief complaints were syncope or collapse (24.9%), followed by general pain (20.6%) and trauma (14.8%). Five patients (1.8%) suffered from seizures, and one experienced (0.4%) from spontaneous pneumothorax. Thirty-one patients (11.2%) received venous blood gas analyses, showing mean creatinine levels of 1.82 (±0.517) mg/dL, mean lactate concentrations of 6.03 (±4.5) mmol/L, mean pH of 7.42 (±0.0721), and a mean base excess of −0.72 (±3.72) mmol/L. No cases of hyponatremia occurred in the documented samples. In eight cases (25.8%), sodium concentrations were above 145 mmol/L, with a maximum of 149 mmol/L. No cardiac arrests occurred. Conclusions: The physical exertion during the assessed long-distance running race resulted in numerous contacts with the medical support teams. The use of POC BGA at a large-scale marathon event was shown to be easy and feasible, allowing for more extensive diagnostics on-site. It can be integrated into a medical support strategy and might be beneficial for decision-making regarding patient triage, treatment, hospitalization, or patient discharge. Full article

Bacteriophages can be used as biocontrol agents in agriculture to improve food safety, provided they can remain viable in food environments. The viability of ten Shigella phages (AShi, Shi3, Shi22, Shi30, Shi33, Shi34, Shi40, Shi88, Shi93, and Shi113) was evaluated against different additives and biocides used daily in food applications. In addition, the influence of additives on phage viability in a food matrix was investigated. Treatments with lactic and citric acid were the most effective to inactivate phages. In addition, the acetic acid was the most phage-friendly treatment evaluated. Preservatives such as acetate, lactate, benzoate, sorbate, and propionate proved to be highly compatible with all the phages tested. Regarding the influence of the food matrix on phage viability, an equal or higher viability was found for most phages tested when compared with the corresponding organic acid. Finally, when phages were exposed to sodium hypochlorite, ethanol, quaternary ammonium chloride (QAC), and H₂O₂, most of them were sensitive to long incubations and high concentrations. However, when biocide concentrations employed are low, 10³–10⁴ PFU mL⁻¹ phage particles remains viable. Thus, the phages evaluated could be used in combination with additives and biocides as a biocontrol tool against the foodborne pathogen S. flexneri in agricultural products. Full article

This study aims to explore the impact of adding sodium acetate and sodium butyrate on the composition, blood biochemical parameters, and volatile flavor compounds of lactating mares’ milk. By assessing the influence of these additives on milk flavor enhancement, the findings provide scientific evidence for optimizing flavor characteristics and offer new strategies for improving the sensory attributes of mare milk products. Eighteen lactating Yili mares were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group, a sodium acetate group (85 mg/kg·BM⁻¹), and a sodium butyrate group (85 mg/kg·BM⁻¹). The experiment lasted 90 days, with milk yield recorded on days 0, 30, 60, and 90. Milk samples were collected on day 60 (peak lactation) for compositional analysis, and GC-IMS was employed to identify and quantify volatile compounds. Additionally, blood samples were drawn from the jugular vein before morning feeding on day 60 using heparinized tubes to assess key biochemical markers, including glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and urea. The results revealed the following findings: (1) Milk yield and composition: The addition of sodium acetate and sodium butyrate had no significant effect on milk yield. However, both treatment groups exhibited significantly or extremely significantly higher milk fat content compared to the control group, whereas milk protein and lactose levels remained largely unchanged. (2) Blood biochemical indicators: The sodium butyrate group showed an extremely significant increase in urea levels compared to the sodium acetate and control groups. Glucose levels in the sodium acetate group were also significantly higher than in the control group. Moreover, triglyceride levels were markedly elevated in the sodium butyrate group compared to the sodium acetate group, while total bilirubin concentrations were significantly higher in the sodium acetate group than in the control group. (3) Volatile compounds: The addition of these additives led to a significant increase in the diversity and concentration of volatile compounds in mare milk. Notably, esters, aldehydes, and ketones showed substantial enrichment in both treatment groups. The relative abundance of esters such as butyl acetate, L-lactic acid ethyl ester, 1-pentene-3-ol, pentanol, and 3-pentanone increased, alongside a significant rise in aldehydes and ketones, including 2-heptenal and 3-pentanone. In conclusion, sodium acetate and sodium butyrate enhance milk flavor by modulating milk composition and metabolic parameters, providing a scientific foundation for improving the quality of mare milk products. Full article

This study proposes a compound low-sodium alternative salt (CLSAS) formulation (2.4% sodium chloride, 0.8% K lactate, 0.4% magnesium chloride, 0.4% Ca ascorbate, 0.2% L lysine, and 4% sorbitol) combined with vacuum tumbling for beef marination. The effects of 4% NaCl static marination (F), CLSAS static marination (L), and CLSAS vacuum tumbling (VT-L) on the physicochemical properties, water distribution, and microstructure of marinated beef were evaluated. Compared with F, L maintained similar yield and color, reduced cooking loss, and improved texture while lowering sodium content. VT-L further enhanced product yield, water content, color, texture, and tenderness. Both CLSAS and vacuum tumbling reduced the relaxation time of immobilized water, promoted orderly formation of protein structure, and altered the microstructure of myogenic fibers. VT-L additionally improved the water-holding capacity of myofibrils and further reduced the relaxation times of immobilized and free water. Overall, VT-L could be an effective approach for enhancing the quality of low-sodium meat products, providing a feasible basis for the industrial application of CLSAS for low-sodium marinated meat products. Full article

Ultra-trail events (UTs) pose significant challenges to maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance, with risks of dehydration (DH), overhydration (OH), exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), and exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER). This study examined the effects of ad libitum (ADL) hydration on hydration status and muscle damage during a nine-stage UT (635 km, 40,586 m elevation gain). Four highly trained male athletes participated. Hydration was assessed via body weight loss (BWL), urine specific gravity (U_sg), and serum sodium ([Na+]), while muscle damage markers included creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and calcium (Ca), and liver damage biomarkers included aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Our results showed no cases of EAH or hypernatremia ([Na+] > 145 mmol·L⁻¹), with serum [Na+] maintained above 135 mmol·L⁻¹. BWL exceeded the 2% DH threshold in early stages (p = 0.029), and U_sg remained elevated (>1.020 g·mL⁻¹). LDH and CK significantly increased at all stages (p < 0.05), persisting for 48 h post-event. Correlations showed BWL aggravated muscle damage (r = 0.47 with CK) and hypocalcemia (r = −0.68 with Ca). Elevation gain/loss amplified fluid loss and muscle injury. While ADL hydration mitigated EAH, it did not fully address DH or muscle damage. Personalized hydration and recovery protocols are crucial to optimizing performance and health in UT events. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa rapidly acquires antibiotic resistance and demonstrates increasing tolerance to antiseptics. This study evaluated the activity of eight antiseptics against P. aeruginosa, assessed its ability to develop adaptation to these antiseptics, and, for the first time, determined the Karpinski Adaptation Index (KAI) for this bacterium. Methods: The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), susceptibility to antibiotics, bactericidal time according to EN 1040:2005, adaptation potential, and KAI of P. aeruginosa strains were evaluated. Results: The most effective antiseptics against P. aeruginosa, based on MIC activity, were octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT; mean MIC 11.3 ± 4.5 µg/mL), polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB; MIC 22.6 ± 8.0 µg/mL), and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX; MIC 26.6 ± 14.4 µg/mL). Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethacridine lactate (ET) showed moderate activity, while boric acid (BA), povidone-iodine (PVI), and potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) exhibited the weakest MIC activity. MIC values for NaOCl (95 ± 15.4 µg/mL) and KMnO₄ (>10 mg/mL) were close to or exceeded the clinical concentrations used in commercial products. OCT, CHX, and PVI exhibited the fastest bactericidal effect within 1 min. Bactericidal times were up to 15 min for PHMB, up to 60 min for ET, and more than 60 min for BA, NaOCl, and KMnO₄. The lowest KAI values, indicating a low resistance risk, were observed for OCT (0.12), PHMB (0.19), and BA (0.19). Moderate resistance risk was noted for PVI (0.21), CHX (0.29), and ET (0.47). The highest KAI values, signifying a very high resistance risk, were found for NaOCl (1.0) and KMnO₄ (≥1.0). Conclusions: Antiseptics like OCT, CHX, and partially PVI can be critical in quick antibacterial action on infected wounds, while agents such as PHMB might be reserved for cases where prolonged contact times are possible. Given the rapid adaptation of P. aeruginosa to the clinical concentrations of NaOCl and KMnO₄ currently in use, reconsideration of their effectiveness in treating skin and mucous membrane infections is recommended. Full article

Background: Nutritional supplements are widely used by swimmers, but the effectiveness of various supplements and the identification of the most effective intervention require further investigation. Purpose: This paper evaluated and compared the effectiveness of various nutrition-based interventions on swimming performance through both direct and indirect comparisons. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus databases were thoroughly searched up to 4 April 2024. The risk of bias was judged using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A random-effect model was adopted to compute standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: L-arginine (Arg) demonstrated superior performance to the placebo (SMD = −1.66, 95% CI [−2.92, −0.44]), emerging as the most effective intervention for reducing 100 swimming time (SUCRA = 89.5%). Beta-alanine (BA) was the best intervention for improving blood lactate (SUCRA = 80%). Creatine combined with sodium bicarbonate (Creatine_NaHCO₃) significantly increased blood pH compared to the placebo (SMD = 3.79, 95% CI [1.85, 5.80]), with a SUCRA score of 99.9%, suggesting it is the most effective intervention for this parameter. No prominent differences were noted among the interventions in 50 m time, 200 m time, heart rate, and body mass. Conclusions: Dietary supplements might provide benefits for improving swimming performance. Arg emerged as the most efficacious modality for reducing 100 m time. BA proved to be the preeminent strategy for decreasing blood lactate. Creatine_NaHCO₃ was distinguished as the optimal approach for improving blood pH. Full article

Background/Objectives: Baobab (Adansonia digitate L.) is an underutilized species and edible parts (fruits, leaves and seeds) contribute to food security and human health in tropical areas. Although the fruits have attracted greater research interest and have recently been approved for consumption in EU countries, the leaves are traditionally consumed but they have yet to be studied from an interventional perspective. The aim of this study was to propose a protocol for a dietary intervention using baobab leaves (BLs) to achieve the recommended reference values for proteins and minerals (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn) for different target groups of the Sudanese population. Methods: Dry matter, crude fat, protein and ash content, mineral content (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Mn), total phenolic, and flavonoid compounds were determined in BLs from six different areas. To assess the health and nutrition status in Sudan, time-series data (2013–2023) from the DataBank Health Nutrition and Population Statistics database were used. The reference values for nutrients recommended by the European Food Safety Authority were used to estimate the amount of baobab leaf intake (BLI, g/day). Results: For each nutrient, the study area with the lowest amount of BLs to be consumed is recommended. Leaves from the area of El Gari (BN3) 18.312 g/day and 30.712 g/day are recommended for K and Ca, which are particularly beneficial for children aged 1–3 years and lactating women. Leaves from Kor Tagat (KR1) are suitable for sodium intake, requiring approximately 13–23 g/day across all age groups. Leaves from Kazgil (KR2) (46–81 g/day), (35–66 g/day), (0.48–0.68 g/day), and (4–6 g/day) are optimal for fulfilling the daily requirements of magnesium, iron, manganese, and protein in this order. Conclusions: The systematic inclusion of BLs in the diet can positively support the nutritional status of various demographics. Moreover, the findings of this study demonstrated the foundation for public health and nutritional policy-makers on how they will tackle malnutrition and food insecurity worldwide by incorporating naturally available diets and nutritious alternatives. Recommendation: Further research should focus on assessing the nutritional composition factors that could affect the absorption of nutrients such as phytates and oxalates and investigating the in vitro bioavailability of the elements. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with calcium propionate (CaPr) or sodium propionate (NaPr) on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, and meat quality of finishing lambs. Twenty-seven non-castrated Creole male lambs (24.95 ± 2.15 kg body weight (BW); 4.5 ± 0.5 months old) were randomly assigned to three treatments: (a) CON: basal diet without the addition of CaPr or Na Pr; (b) basal diet + CaPr (10 g/kg DM); and (c) basal diet + NaPr (10 g/kg DM). The data were analyzed using a completely randomized experimental design, with each lamb considered an experimental unit (nine replicates/treatment). Dietary supplementation with CaPr or NaPr did not affect (p > 0.05) growth performance or dietary energetics. However, greater (p = 0.05) apparent dry matter digestibility was observed in the lambs that consumed the diet with NaPr10. Dietary supplementation with CaPr or NaPr did not affect (p > 0.05) ruminal pH or ruminal concentrations of ammonia nitrogen, acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total volatile fatty acids. However, ruminal lactate concentration increased (p = 0.01) in lambs consuming the NaPr diet. Hot carcass weight and yield, backfat thickness, meat pH, meat color (L*, a*, and b*), cooking loss, and water holding capacity were not affected by dietary supplementation with CaPr or NaPr. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 10 g/kg DM of calcium propionate or sodium propionate does not affect growth performance, dietary energetics, ruminal fermentation, and the meat quality of finishing lambs. Full article