Effects of physical fitness training on metabolic syndrome among military personnel in Taiwan.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes but can be prevented with regular physical activity. This study aimed to assess the impact of a physical fitness training programme on MS among military personnel. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included volunteer army soldiers who underwent annual health examinations between 2011 and 2014. In 2011, the reformed physical fitness training programme and physical fitness test were introduced to the participants. MS evaluation and physical fitness performances were evaluated before and after implementing the training programme using a mixed-effects model and generalised estimating equation, adjusted for sex, age and smoking. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2014, 1720 soldiers underwent the annual health examination. In 2011, before the fitness programme, 246 soldiers (14.3%) had MS. After implementation, decreases in blood pressure and fasting glucose levels were observed and maintained for 3 years. Running performance was negatively correlated to triglycerides (ß=-11.37; p<0.001) and waist circumference (ß=-0.42; p<0.001) and positively correlated to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (ß=2.14; p<0.001). The severity of MS was reduced following introduction of the physical fitness programme. CONCLUSIONS: MS and its components improved after introducing the reformed fitness programme, with running performance proving to be most relevant to MS. Clinicians should encourage increased physical activity to prevent MS among military personnel.

Evaluation of inhibitors of intestinal UDP-glucuronosyltransferases 1A8 and 1A10 using raloxifene as a substrate in Caco-2 cells: Studies with four flavonoids of Scutellaria baicalensis.

UDP glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) of the gastrointestinal tract play a crucial role in protection against the toxic effects of xenobiotics in the environment. UGTs such as UGT1A8 and UGT1A10 are predominantly expressed in gastrointestinal tissues. In this study, we examined the phase II metabolism of raloxifene in differentiated Caco-2 monolayers by inducing UGT1A8 and UGT1A10 expression in these cells. The present study evaluated the following four flavonoids of Scutellaria baicalensis as model herbal compounds: scutellarein, salvigenin, baicalein, and wogonin. All test compounds, endpoint substrates, and their metabolites were quantified using liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The transepithelial electrical resistance values for the individual compounds were comparable regardless of whether they were measured individually. Salvigenin significantly inhibited UGT1A8 and UGT1A10 activities in a concentration-dependent manner. All individual compounds except scutellarein inhibited UGT1A8 and UGT1A10 activity at a concentration of 100 µM. In addition, all individual flavonoids at 100 µM, except wogonin, significantly increased the amount of raloxifene in the basolateral chambers. The positive control, canagliflozin, significantly inhibited both UGT1A8 and UGT1A10 activities. These findings suggest that the Caco-2 assay can be utilized for identifying UGT1A8 and UGT1A10 inhibitors and indicate the potential of salvigenin for enhancing the pharmacological effects of UGT substrate drugs.

High Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis after a Suicide Attempt with Cyanide: The Rebirth of Cyanide Poisoning.

A 33-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency department in a state of unconsciousness after attempting suicide with unknown substances. Severe metabolic acidosis (pH: 6.81), with a high anion gap (36.2) and high lactate level (20.2 mmol/L), was observed. After four hours of intensive medical treatment, the patient regained consciousness, with a return of the arterial pH to 7.42. Finally, cyanide intoxication was diagnosed based on the detection of a serum cyanide level of 3.5 mg/L. The presence of a high anion gap associated with severe lactic acidosis is a clue for making a rapid differential diagnosis of acute cyanide intoxication. Providing intensive and immediate supportive management is also crucial, even in cases without obtainable specific antidotes.

A case of recurrent, bilateral ovarian mature teratoma in a young woman.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian mature cystic teratomas are common, benign, pelvic tumors that are easily detected by pelvic ultrasonography. However, patients with recurrent teratomas are rarely noted, and cases of bilateral teratomas are even less common. CASE PRESENTATION: A young woman with a recurrent, right ovarian teratoma had previously undergone surgical removal 2 times. After the second surgery, she underwent regular out-patient follow-up, and no residual tumor was observed. However, 3 years after the second surgery, she developed recurrent, bilateral ovarian teratomas, in conjunction with elevated carbohydrate antigen-125 levels. CONCLUSION: Routine checking of the contralateral ovary during the surgical procedure along with frequent postoperative pelvic sonography for both ovaries in the patient at high recurrence rich is necessary. Additionally, the features of that kind tumor may mislead the surgeon into performing more extensive surgery that might compromise the fertility of young patients.

Large pelvic mass in a 46-year-old woman.

Were we dealing with a malignant tumor, or something else?