Food-grade titanium dioxide decreases hematocrit and hemoglobin and increases compulsive-like behavior in male mice

Food-grade titanium dioxide (E171) is widely used as a food additive, and it is known that after oral consumption, E171 is translocated into the bloodstream reaching the highest titanium level at 6 h. E171 is accumulated in some organs triggering toxicity, but the effects on the blood parameters after oral consumption have been less studied. Recently, evidence shows that oral exposure to E171 induces behavioral signs of anxiety and depression. The relation between blood alterations and psychiatric disorders has been previously demonstrated. However, the oral exposure to E171 effects on alterations in blood parameters and effects linked to alterations in animal behavior has not been explored. In this short communication, we aimed to investigate the effects of E171 on specific blood parameters (hematocrit, hemoglobin, number of erythrocytes, and leukocytes) and anxiety and compulsive-like behavior in males and females orally exposed to ~5 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The results showed that E171 decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin in male but not in female mice while leukocyte and erythrocyte count remained unaltered. Oral consumption of E171 decreased the levels of anxiety-like behavior in females but not in male mice, while compulsive-like behavior was increased in both male and female mice.     

A new aspect of in vitro antimicrobial leukocyte- and platelet-rich plasma activity based on flow cytometry assessment

The current literature suggests that the antibacterial effect of leukocyte- and platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) is directly related to platelet and leukocyte concentrations. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of L-PRP against selected bacterial strains in vitro, and second, to correlate this effect with leukocyte and platelet content in the final concentration. Blood was collected from 20 healthy males, and L-PRP, acellular plasma (AP), and autologous thrombin were consecutively prepared. Flow cytometry analysis of the blood, L-PRP, and AP was performed. The L-PRP gel, liquid L-PRP, and thrombin samples were tested in vitro for their antibacterial properties against seven selected bacterial strains using the Kirby–Bauer disk-diffusion method. There was notable antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial strains. No statistically significant correlations between antimicrobial activities and the platelet concentration in L-PRP were observed. Statistically significant positive correlations between selected leukocyte subtypes and antimicrobial activity were noted. A negative correlation was found between elevated monocyte count and antimicrobial activity of L-PRP against one bacterial strain studied. L-PRP possesses antimicrobial activity and can be potentially useful in the fight against certain postoperative infections. The bactericidal effect of L-PRP is caused by leukocytes, and there exists a relationship among selected leukocyte subtypes and L-PRP antimicrobial activity.     

Buried Bumper Syndrome: A common complication of levodopa intestinal infusion for Parkinson disease

BackgroundPercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is required for Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel (LCIG) delivery in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) as well as for enteral feeding in a variety of neurological disorders. Buried Bumper Syndrome (BBS) is a serious complication of PEG. The frequency of BBS in patients receiving LCIG treatment has never been reported.ObjectivesTo compare the frequency of BBS in patients on LCIG treatment or on enteral feeding over the past 12 years and identify possible risk factors.MethodsWe reviewed prospectively recorded data from 2009 to 2020 on two case-series: LCIG-treated PD patients and non-PD patients on enteral nutrition. We identified all BBS incidences. Patients’ characteristics, clinical manifestations, BBS management, possible risk factors and outcomes were analyzed.ResultsDuring the 12 years, 35 PD patients underwent PEG insertion for LCIG infusion, and 123 non-PD patients for nutritional support. There were eight cases of BBS in six PD patients (17.1%). Six of them were effectively managed without treatment discontinuation. Of the enteral feeding patients, only one developed BBS (0.8%) (p < 0.001). We identified inappropriate PEG site aftercare, weight gain, early onset PD, longer survival, treatment duration, dementia and PEG system design as potential risk factors for BBS development.ConclusionsBBS occurs more frequently in LCIG patients than in patients receiving enteral feeding. If detected early, it can be successfully managed, and serious sequalae or treatment discontinuation can be avoided. Regular endoscopic follow-up visits of LCIG-treated patients and increased awareness in patients and clinicians are recommended.     

Short-Duration Prednisolone in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome Relapse: A Noninferiority Randomized Controlled Trial

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2例胰岛素自身免疫综合征临床病例分析

通过回顾分析我院2例确诊为胰岛素自身免疫综合征(IAS)患者的临床资料,并复习相关文献,总结发病机制及治疗方法,探讨IAS患者的临床特点,提高对低血糖症的诊治水平。