The Role of Alternative Medicine in Managing Type 2 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review.

Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood glucose levels, is increasingly prevalent globally, significantly impacting health-related quality of life. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), characterized by insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production, presents a substantial public health challenge, necessitating comprehensive management strategies. Conventional treatments, including lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy, are essential for glycemic control and preventing complications. However, adherence to these treatments is often limited, highlighting the need for alternative strategies. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) offers potential cost-effective and accessible approaches for managing T2DM. Key herbal remedies like cinnamon, fenugreek, and bitter melon, along with dietary supplements like chromium, magnesium, and vanadium, have shown promise in glycemic control. Mind-body therapies, including yoga, tai chi, and meditation, contribute to improved hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose levels. Research supports the integration of CAM with conventional therapies, demonstrating enhanced clinical efficacy and reduced economic burden. However, challenges such as standardization, quality control, and potential risks of herbal medicines need careful consideration. Regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations are essential to ensure patient safety and informed decision-making. Patient education and effective communication between healthcare providers and patients are crucial for integrating CAM into diabetes management. Empowerment-based interventions and collaborative approaches can enhance self-management skills and clinical outcomes. Overall, integrating CAM with conventional treatments offers a holistic approach to managing T2DM, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

[Injection of cefuroxime into the vitreous cavity leading to toxic retinal damage: a case report].

A 36-year-old male patient presented with a decrease in vision after undergoing scleral suturing for a left eye injury caused by an iron hook, combined with intravitreal injection of cefuroxime. Ocular examination revealed extensive gray-white edematous areas in the macular region, along with focal serous shallow retinal detachment in the posterior pole. Following admission, comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were conducted, leading to the diagnosis of toxic retinal damage in the left eye. Treatment with oral corticosteroids and interventions to improve microcirculation were initiated, resulting in improved visual acuity. At the six-month follow-up, the patient's visual acuity had recovered to 0.5.

Retinoids in the treatment of photoageing: A histological study of topical retinoid efficacy in black skin.

BACKGROUND: Photoageing describes complex cutaneous changes that occur due to chronic exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The 'gold standard' for the treatment of photoaged white skin is all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA); however, cosmetic retinol (ROL) has also proven efficacious. Recent work has identified that black skin is susceptible to photoageing, characterized by disintegration of fibrillin-rich microfibrils (FRMs) at the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ). However, the impact of topical retinoids for repair of black skin has not been well investigated. OBJECTIVES: To determine the potential of retinoids to repair photoaged black skin. METHODS: An exploratory intervention study was performed using an in vivo, short-term patch test protocol. Healthy but photoaged black volunteers (>45 years) were recruited to the study, and participant extensor forearms were occluded with either 0.025% ATRA (n = 6; 4-day application due to irritancy) or ROL (12-day treatment protocol for a cosmetic) at concentrations of 0.3% (n = 6) or 1% (n = 6). Punch biopsies from occluded but untreated control sites and retinoid-treated sites were processed for histological analyses of epidermal characteristics, melanin distribution and dermal remodelling. RESULTS: Treatment with ATRA and ROL induced significant acanthosis (all p < 0.001) accompanied by a significant increase in keratinocyte proliferation (Ki67; all p < 0.01), dispersal of epidermal melanin and restoration of the FRMs at the DEJ (all p < 0.01), compared to untreated control. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that topical ATRA has utility for the repair of photoaged black skin and that ROL induces comparable effects on epidermal and dermal remodelling, albeit over a longer timeframe. The effects of topical retinoids on black photoaged skin are similar to those reported for white photoaged skin and suggest conserved biology in relation to repair of UVR-induced damage. Further investigation of topical retinoid efficacy in daily use is warranted for black skin.

Detection of novel drug-adverse drug reaction signals in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: analysis of Korean real-world biologics registry data.

This study aimed to detect signals of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and targeted therapies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. Utilizing the KOrean College of Rheumatology BIOlogics & Targeted Therapy Registry (KOBIO) data, we calculated relative risks, excluded previously reported drug-ADR pairs, and externally validated remaining pairs using US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and single centre's electronic health records (EHR) data. Analyzing data from 2279 RA and 1940 AS patients, we identified 35 significant drug-ADR pairs in RA and 26 in AS, previously unreported in drug labels. Among the novel drug-ADR pairs from KOBIO, 15 were also significant in the FAERS data. Additionally, 2 significant drug-laboratory abnormality pairs were found in RA using CDM MetaLAB analysis. Our findings contribute to the identification of 14 novel drug-ADR signals, expanding our understanding of potential adverse effects related to biological DMARDs and targeted therapies in RA and AS. These results emphasize the importance of ongoing pharmacovigilance for patient safety and optimal therapeutic interventions.

Effectiveness of next-generation sequencing for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a population-based registry study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the management of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), there is little evidence that its use leads to improved clinical outcomes. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of NGS with that of single-gene testing (SGT) alone in patients with advanced NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted on patients diagnosed with advanced lung adenocarcinoma between 2017 and 2018 from a nationwide, population-based database. We identified patients who had SGT exclusively (SGT group) or underwent upfront NGS or NGS following SGT as an initial evaluation (NGS group). Patients were followed up until death or the end of the study (31 December 2019). The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for death was estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model. The factors affecting the adoption of NGS were identified. RESULTS: Of 8566 patients diagnosed with advanced lung adenocarcinoma, 402 and 6932 patients were assigned to the NGS and SGT groups, respectively. More NGS was carried out in younger patients, those with higher incomes, and those living in urban areas. After balancing these confounders through matching, no difference was observed in the median overall survival and risk of death between the NGS and SGT groups [18.5 versus 19.7 months, log-rank P = 0.783; aHR 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84-1.14, respectively]. Only in a subgroup for whom epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors were not indicated, NGS was associated with better survival outcomes (14.1 versus 9.0 months, log-rank P = 0.006; aHR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: In the real world, NGS for all-comers in patients with advanced NSCLC did not increase survival outcomes. When health care resources to support equal access to NGS are limited, upfront SGT followed by NGS may be a more efficient strategy.

Casp11 Deficiency Alters Subgingival Microbiota and Attenuates Periodontitis.

Periodontitis (PD) is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g), a keystone pathogen, has been identified as a crucial contributor to this process. Pyroptosis activation in PD is acknowledged, with accumulating evidence underscoring the crucial role of Caspase-11 (described as Caspase-4/5 in humans)-mediated noncanonical pyroptosis. However, the mechanism behind its impact on PD remains unclear. In this study, we delved into the interplay between the Caspase-11-mediated noncanonical pyroptosis, subgingival microbiota alteration, and macrophage polarization. Clinical samples from PD patients revealed heightened expression of Caspase-4, gasdermin-D, and their active fragments, pointing to the activation of the noncanonical pyroptosis. Single-cell sequencing analysis linked Caspase-4 with gingival macrophages, emphasizing their involvement in PD. In vitro cell experiments confirmed that P.g-induced pyroptosis was activated in macrophages, with Casp11 deficiency attenuating these effects. In an experimental PD mouse model, Casp11 deficiency led to an alteration in subgingival microbiota composition and reduced alveolar bone resorption. Casp11-/- mice cohousing with wild-type mice confirmed the alteration of the subgingival microbiota and aggravated the alveolar bone resorption. Notably, Casp11 deficiency led to decreased M1-polarized macrophages, corresponding with reduced alveolar bone resorption, uncovering a connection between subgingival microbiota alteration, macrophage M1 polarization, and alveolar bone resorption. Taken together, we showed that Caspase-11 fulfilled a crucial role in the noncanonical pyroptosis in PD, potentially influencing the subgingival microbiota and linking to M1 polarization, which was associated with alveolar bone resorption. These findings underscored the pivotal role of the Caspase-11-mediated noncanonical pyroptosis in PD pathogenesis and may provide critical insights into potential therapeutic avenues for mitigating PD.

Association between Fiber Intake and Risk of Incident Chronic Kidney Disease: The UK Biobank Study.

OBJECTIVES: Dietary fiber intake is associated with a lower risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. However, it is unknown whether dietary fiber has a beneficial effect on preventing the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Using the UK Biobank prospective cohort, 110,412 participants who completed at least one dietary questionnaire and had an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio <30 mg/g, and no history of CKD were included. The primary exposure was total dietary fiber density, calculated by dividing the absolute amount of daily total fiber intake by total energy intake (g/1,000 kcal). We separately examined soluble and insoluble fiber densities as additional predictors. The primary outcome was incident CKD based on diagnosis codes. RESULTS: A total of 3,507 (3.2%) participants developed incident CKD during a median follow-up of 9.9 years. In a multivariable cause-specific model, the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for incident CKD were 0.85 (0.77-0.94), 0.78 (0.70-0.86), and 0.76 (0.68-0.86), respectively, for the second, third, and highest quartiles of dietary fiber density (reference: lowest quartile). In a continuous model, the aHR for each +∆1.0g/1,000 kcal increase in dietary fiber density was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95-0.99). This pattern of associations was similar for both soluble and insoluble fiber densities and did not differ across subgroups of sex, age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and inflammation. CONCLUSION: Increased fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of CKD in this large well-characterized cohort.

[The implementation and management of disease risk reduction claims in the European Union and the United States].

The improvement of food labeling can improve consumers' health awareness, reduce the burden of chronic diseases on the health and economy, and promote the development of the healthy food industry. Disease Risk Reduction Claim has been developed in European Union and the U.S. for over 20 years, with mature management methods and experience, but it is still lacking in China. Learning and drawing on the international management experience of food disease risk reduction claims can assist China to establish food disease risk reduction claims and improve the food health claims and labeling system.

First-principles evaluation of dopant impact on structural deformability and processability of Li7La3Zr2O12.

Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) and related ceramic solid electrolytes feature excellent stability and reasonable ionic conductivity, but processing remains challenging. High-temperature co-sintering is required for successful integration with the electrode, which is energetically costly and can lead to unacceptable cathode degradation. The introduction of dopants can promote lower-temperature processing by improving deformability and disrupting lattice integrity; however, an unbiased, systematic study correlating these properties to the dopant chemistry and composition is lacking. Here, we rely on a set of static and dynamic metrics derived from first-principles simulations to estimate the impact of doping on LLZO processability by quantifying LLZO structural deformability. We considered three distinct dopants (Al, Ba, and Ta) as representatives of substitutional incorporation on Li, La, and Zr sites. Our descriptors indicate that doping in general positively impacts lattice deformability, although significant sensitivities to dopant identity and concentration are observed. Amongst the tested dopants, Al doping (on the Li site) appears to have the greatest impact, as signaled across nearly the entire set of computed features. We suggest that these proxy descriptors, once properly calibrated against well-controlled experiments, could enable the use of first-principles simulations to computationally screen new ceramic electrolyte compositions with improved processability.

Delayed immune-mediated hepatitis after three cycles of pembrolizumab for the treatment of sinonasal melanoma.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies that induce the anti-tumor effects of T cells by targeting co-inhibitory immune checkpoints. The development of ICIs has revolutionized the clinical practice of oncology, leading to significant improvements in outcomes; therefore, ICIs are now standard care for various types of solid cancers. Immune-related adverse events, the unique toxicity profiles of ICIs, usually develop 4-12 weeks after initiation of ICI treatment; however, some cases can occur >3 months after cessation of ICI treatment. To date, there have been limited reports about delayed immune-mediated hepatitis (IMH) and histopathologic findings. Herein, we present a case of delayed IMH that occurred 3 months after the last dose of pembrolizumab, including histopathologic findings of the liver. This case suggests that ongoing surveillance for immune-related adverse events is required, even after cessation of ICI treatment.

Effects of an Acidic Environment on the Strength and Chemical Changes of Resin-based Composites.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the aging effects of long-term exposure to acidic beverages on the flexural strength (FS) and chemical reactions of two resin-based composites (RBCs) and one giomer. The FS of composite specimen bars (2 mm × 2 mm × 25 mm) was measured using a universal testing machine at various levels of thermocycling (TC; 0, 10,000, 50,000, and 100,000 cycles) in two beverages with different pH values (distilled water [DW], pH 7.0; Coca-Cola, pH 2.4-2.8). The FS data were analyzed using three-way analysis of variance with the post hoc Tukey test and t-test at a significance level of a=0.05. In DW, the FS of an RBC and a giomer did not decrease until 10,000 cycles. The other RBC, Z250, decreased rapidly until 50,000 cycles (p<0.05), followed by no additional decrease until 100,000 cycles. In Coca-Cola, the FS of two RBCs and a giomer decreased more rapidly than in DW from 10,000 cycles (t-test, p<0.05). In Coca-Cola, the increased porosity observed in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, the changes of the hydroxyl peak at 3340 cm-1 and ester peak at 1730-1700 cm-1 in Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR) spectra, and the continuous increase of the Si-O/Si-C peak height ratio from 10,000 cycles to 100,000 cycles in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) suggested an increased loss of silane-carbon bond between the matrix and fillers of the Z250 RBC, compared to those in DW. In conclusion, when TC was performed in DW, unreacted monomers and a coupling agent were washed out, which caused porosity and reduced FS. In Coca-Cola, acidic conditions accelerated the removal of the matrix through the hydrolysis reaction at the ester groups, resulting in more porosity and a faster decrease in FS than in DW.

Effect of food additives on key bacterial taxa and the mucosa-associated microbiota in Crohn's disease. The ENIGMA study.

Food additives have been linked to the pro-inflammatory microbial dysbiosis associated with Crohn's disease (CD) but the underlying ecological dynamics are unknown. Here, we examine how selection of food additives affects the growth of multiple strains of a key beneficial bacterium (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii), axenic clinical isolates of proinflammatory bacteria from CD patients (Proteus, Morganella, and Klebsiella spp.), and the consortia of mucosa-associated microbiota recovered from multiple Crohn's disease patients. Bacterial growth of the axenic isolates was evaluated using a habitat-simulating medium supplemented with either sodium sulfite, aluminum silicate, carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose, polysorbate 80, saccharin, sucralose, or aspartame, intended to approximate concentrations found in food. The microbial consortia recovered from post-operative CD patient mucosal biopsy samples were challenged with either carboxymethylcellulose and/or polysorbate 80, and the bacterial communities compared to unchallenged consortia by 16S rRNA gene amplicon profiling. Growth of all F. prausnitzii strains was arrested when either sodium sulfite or polysorbate 80 was added to cultures at baseline or mid-exponential phase of growth, and the inhibitory effects on the Gram-negative bacteria by sodium sulfite were conditional on oxygen availability. The effects from polysorbate 80, saccharin, carrageenan, and/or carboxymethylcellulose on these bacteria were strain-specific. In addition to their direct effects on bacterial growth, polysorbate 80 and/or carboxymethylcellulose can drive profound changes in the CD mucosa-associated microbiota via niche expansion of Proteus and/or Veillonellaceae - both implicated in early Crohn's disease recurrence. These studies on the interaction of food additives with the enteric microbiota provide a basis for dietary management in Crohn's disease.

Global treatment rate and barriers to direct-acting antiviral therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 146 studies and 1 760 352 hepatitis C virus patients.

BACKGROUND: Global data on the treatment rate with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are sparse. We aimed to evaluate the CHC treatment rate and barriers to treatment in the DAA era. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane from inception to 5 August 2021, for relevant articles. Patients treated with DAAs without interferon (IFN) therapy were categorized as IFN-free DAAs. Patients receiving DAA with IFN or unclear IFN status were categorized as DAA/IFN. RESULTS: We identified and analysed data from 146 studies (1 760 352 CHC patients). DAA/IFN treatment rate was 16.0% (95% CI: 9.9-23.3, 49 studies, 886 535 patients). IFN-free DAA treatment rate was 52.3% (95% CI: 46.2-58.4, 123 studies, 1 276 754 patients): 45.4% in North America, 64.2% in South America (1 study), 90.4% in Africa (most data from Egypt), 54.4% in Europe, 60.7% in Australia and 60.5% in Asia, (p < .0001); 49% with hepatitis B co-infection and 32.3% with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Treatment was not a priority in 22.8% of patients in Europe and 16.7% in Australia, compared to only 4.8% in North America and 2.1% in Asia (p < .0001). Poor adherence to clinical follow-up was the cause of no treatment in 74.7% of patients in Australia, 37.0% in North America, 7.9% in Europe and 14.3% in Asia (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: Though a marked improvement from IFN/DAA, the treatment rate with IFN-free DAA remains suboptimal (52.3% overall, 32.3% in HCC patients). Non-adherence to clinical follow-up and lack of disease awareness were treatment barriers.

Enhancer activation via TCP and HD-ZIP and repression by Dof transcription factors mediate giant cell-specific expression.

Proper cell-type identity relies on highly coordinated regulation of gene expression. Regulatory elements such as enhancers can produce cell type-specific expression patterns, but the mechanisms underlying specificity are not well understood. We previously identified an enhancer region capable of driving specific expression in giant cells, which are large, highly endoreduplicated cells in the Arabidopsis thaliana sepal epidermis. In this study, we use the giant cell enhancer as a model to understand the regulatory logic that promotes cell type-specific expression. Our dissection of the enhancer revealed that giant cell specificity is mediated primarily through the combination of two activators and one repressor. HD-ZIP and TCP transcription factors are involved in the activation of expression throughout the epidermis. High expression of HD-ZIP transcription factor genes in giant cells promoted higher expression driven by the enhancer in giant cells. Dof transcription factors repressed the activity of the enhancer such that only giant cells maintained enhancer activity. Thus, our data are consistent with a conceptual model whereby cell type-specific expression emerges from the combined activities of three transcription factor families activating and repressing expression in epidermal cells.

Risk of transmission of COVID-19 from healthcare workers returning to work after a 5-day isolation, and kinetics of shedding of viable SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron).

BACKGROUND: There have been limited data on the risk of onward transmission from individuals with Omicron variant infections who return to work after a 5-day isolation. AIM: To evaluate the risk of transmission from healthcare workers (HCWs) with Omicron variant who returned to work after a 5-day isolation and the viable-virus shedding kinetics. METHODS: This investigation was performed in a tertiary care hospital, Seoul, South Korea. In a secondary transmission study, we retrospectively reviewed the data of HCWs confirmed as COVID-19 from March 14th to April 3rd, 2022 in units with five or more COVID-19-infected HCWs per week. In the viral shedding kinetics study, HCWs with Omicron variant infection who agreed with daily saliva sampling were enrolled between February and March, 2022. FINDINGS: Of the 248 HCWs who were diagnosed with COVID-19 within 5 days of the return of an infected HCW, 18 (7%) had contact with the returned HCW within 1-5 days after their return. Of these, nine (4%) had an epidemiologic link other than with the returning HCW, and nine (4%) had contact with the returning HCW, without any other epidemiologic link. In the study of the kinetics of virus shedding (N = 32), the median time from symptom onset to negative conversion of viable virus was four days (95% confidence interval: 3-5). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the residual risk of virus transmission after 5 days of isolation following diagnosis or symptom onset is low.

Comparative efficacy evaluation of disinfectants against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2.

BACKGROUND: Disinfection is one of the most effective ways to block the rapid transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Due to the prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, disinfectants have become crucial to prevent person-to-person transmission and decontaminate hands, clothes, facilities and equipment. However, there is a lack of accurate information on the virucidal activity of commercial disinfectants. AIM: To evaluate the virucidal efficacy of 72 commercially available disinfectants constituting 16 types of ingredients against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: SARS-CoV-2 was tested with various concentrations of disinfectants at indicated exposure time points as recommended by the manufacturers. The 50% tissue culture infectious dose assay was used to calculate virus titre, and trypan blue staining and CCK-8 were used to assess cell viability after 3-5 days of SARS-CoV-2 infection. FINDINGS: This study found that disinfectants based on 83% ethanol, 60% propanol/ethanol, 0.00108-0.0011% sodium dichloroisocyanurate and 0.497% potassium peroxymonosulfate inactivated SARS-CoV-2 effectively and safely. Although disinfectants based on 0.05-0.4% benzalkonium chloride (BAC), 0.02-0.07% quaternary ammonium compound (QAC; 1:1), 0.4% BAC/didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), 0.28% benzethonium chloride concentrate/2-propanol, 0.0205-0.14% DDAC/polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB) and 0.5% hydrogen peroxide inactivated SARS-CoV-2 effectively, they exhibited cytotoxicity. Conversely, disinfectants based on 0.04-4% QAC (2:3), 0.00625% BAC/DDAC/PHMB, and 0.0205-0.14% and 0.0173% peracetic acid showed approximately 50% virucidal efficacy with no cytotoxicity. Citric acid (0.4%) did not inactivate SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that most commercially available disinfectants exert a disinfectant effect against SARS-CoV-2. However, re-evaluation of the effective concentration and exposure time of certain disinfectants is needed, especially citric acid and peracetic acid.

Lanzhou Lily polysaccharide fragment protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells from radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy is widely used in the treatment of tumors. However, while killing tumor cells, radiation may also cause damage to the surrounding normal tissues. Therefore, it is very important to find safe and effective radiation protection agents. PURPOSE: To investgate the radiation protection effect of Lanzhou Lily polysaccharide fragments (LLP). Methods: The crude polysaccharides of Lanzhou Lily were extracted from the dried bulb powder of Lilium lilium by ultrasonic-assisted hot water method, and then five different fragments were separated from the polysaccharides by DEAE-52-cellulose column. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay, neutral comet and immunofluorescent staining were used to investigate the effect of LPe fragment on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) survival and the possible radioprotective mechanism. RESULTS: The LPe fragment (composing of mannose and glucose, with a ratio of 5.5:2.9, and the average molecular weight is 8629.8 Da), significantly promoted the proliferation of HUVECs and protected cells from X-ray-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA, in which pretreatment with the LPe fragment at 100 µg/mL showed the most pronounced protection. In addition, the occurrence of X-ray-induced γH2AX foci was significantly reduced by treatment with the LPe fragment at 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL. Furthermore, caffeine or wortmannin in combination with the LPe fragment at 25 µg/mL significantly reduced the number of X-ray-induced γH2AX foci, indicating phosphoinositide-3 kinases (PI3K) is involved in H2AX phosphorylation in HUVECs. CONCLUSION: These results indicate the LPe fragment has a protective effect against radiation-induced DSBs and may be used as a natural antioxidant agent.

Postoperative evaluation of modified abductor pollicis longus suspensionplasty using two anchors: Preliminary results.

Among the various surgical treatments for basal joint arthritis, we modified abductor pollicis longus (APL) suspensionplasty by using two anchors. We hypothesized that this modification would prevent not only subsidence but also lateral migration of the first metacarpal. Thirteen thumbs that underwent APL suspensionplasty were investigated. Mean follow-up was 25 months (range, 12-69 months). Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Progression of subsidence (trapezial space) and lateral migration of the first metacarpal were investigated sequentially and with the thumb abducted or adducted against stress in a specifically designed mold. Clinical improvement was assessed by decrease in QuickDASH score (from 49.6 to 19.7). The immediate postoperative trapezial space decreased significantly by 39% (p = 0.003), and lateral migration was improved significantly by 14% (p = 0.007). At final follow-up, subsidence and lateral migration had not significantly progressed (p = 0.059 and 0.278, respectively). Under stress, the trapezial space ratio decreased significantly with the thumb in abduction (from 0.63 to 0.59, p = 0.011). APL suspensionplasty using two anchors in patients with basal joint arthritis maintained the position of the first metacarpal bone, and especially lateral subluxation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.