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This study aims to determine the biochemical compositions and the in vitro antitumour effect of the parotoid gland secretions (PGS) of the Egyptian toad (Bufo regularis). The total protein, lipid, carbohydrate contents, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) profile, amino acid analysis, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis and minerals were determined in PGS. The in vitro antitumour effect of PGS against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and normal lung fibroblast (WI-38) cell lines were determined. The total protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents of PGS were 250 ± 15 mg/g D.W, 33 ± 3.2 mg/g D.W and 5 ± 0.65 mg/g D.W, respectively, while its TAC was 16.56 ± 0.12 mg/g D.W and the IC50 of DPPH was 51.95 ± 2.95 mg/mL. Six protein bands varied between 10 and 50 kDa were found in PGS. Among amino acid profile, arginine showed the highest content in PGS. GC-MS analysis showed that 11-octadecenoic acid methyl ester was the highest concentrations in PGS. The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of PGS against HepG-2, MCF-7 and WI-38 cells were 131.82 ± 6.14, 189.71 ± 8.95 and 685.65 ± 33.1 μg/mL, respectively. In vitro study showed that treatment of HepG-2 and MCF-7 cells with PGS increased the percentages of early and late apoptotic. While the percentages of early and late apoptotic WI-38 cells after treatment with PGS were 2.1% and 3.7%. Cell cycle analysis showed that PGS treatment arrested HepG-2 and WI-38 in S-phase, while arrested MCF-7 cells in G2/M phase. The present study concluded that PGS has a potent antioxidant activity with in vitro antitumour effect against HepG-2 and MCF-7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Bisphenol S (BPS) is a substitute for bisphenol A in plastic manufacturing and, as a potential endocrine disruptor, may alter the physiology of the oviduct, in which fertilization and early embryo development take place in mammals. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a daily dietary exposure to BPS combined with a contrasted diet on the oviduct fluid proteome using an ovine model. Results Eighty adult cyclic ewes were allotted to four groups (20/group): overfed (OF) consuming 50 µg/kg/day of BPS in their diet, underfed (UF) consuming 50 µg/kg/day of BPS, and non-exposed controls in each diet group. After three months, the mean body condition score, plasma levels of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids were significantly higher in OF than in UF females. The proteins in collected OF samples (50 µg) were analyzed by nanoliquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS). Overall, 1563 proteins were identified, among which 848 were quantified. Principal component analysis of the data revealed a clear discrimination of samples according to the diet and a segregation between BPS-exposed and non-exposed females in overfed ewes. Hierarchical clustering of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) identified two clusters of 101 and 78 DAPs according to the diet. Pairwise comparisons between groups revealed a stronger effect of BPS in OF than in UF females (70 vs. 24 DAPs) and a stronger effect of the diet in BPS-exposed than non-exposed females (56 vs. 36 DAPs). Functional analysis of DAPs showed an enrichment in metabolic processes, immune system, cell response to stress, and reproductive processes. Conclusions This work highlights for the first time the important impact of BPS on the oviduct proteome, with larger effects seen in OF than UF females. These results, together with previous ones, raise health concerns for everyone and call for a greater regulation of BPS in the food industry.

Background: Bisphenol S (BPS) is a substitute for bisphenol A in plastic manufacturing and, as a potential endocrine disruptor, may alter the physiology of the oviduct, in which fertilization and early embryo development take place in mammals. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a daily dietary exposure to BPS combined with a contrasted diet on the oviduct fluid proteome using an ovine model. Results: Eighty adult cyclic ewes were allotted to four groups (20/group): overfed (OF) consuming 50 µg/kg/day of BPS in their diet, underfed (UF) consuming 50 µg/kg/day of BPS, and non-exposed controls in each diet group. After three months, the mean body condition score, plasma levels of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids were significantly higher in OF than in UF females. The proteins in collected OF samples (50 µg) were analyzed by nanoliquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS). Overall, 1563 proteins were identified, among which 848 were quantified. Principal component analysis of the data revealed a clear discrimination of samples according to the diet and a segregation between BPS-exposed and non-exposed females in overfed ewes. Hierarchical clustering of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) identified two clusters of 101 and 78 DAPs according to the diet. Pairwise comparisons between groups revealed a stronger effect of BPS in OF than in UF females (70 vs. 24 DAPs) and a stronger effect of the diet in BPS-exposed than non-exposed females (56 vs. 36 DAPs). Functional analysis of DAPs showed an enrichment in metabolic processes, immune system, cell response to stress, and reproductive processes. Conclusions: This work highlights for the first time the important impact of BPS on the oviduct proteome, with larger effects seen in OF than UF females. These results, together with previous ones, raise health concerns for everyone and call for a greater regulation of BPS in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Open respiratory secretion suctioning with a catheter causes pain and tracheobronchial mucosal injury in intubated patients. The goal of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is to move secretions proximally and noninvasively by generating a high peak expiratory air flow. Nebulized hypertonic saline with hyaluronic acid (HS-HA) may facilitate suctioning by hydration. We assessed the safety and tolerance of a single session of airway clearance with MI-E and HS-HA in critically ill intubated patients. METHODS: Adults with a cuffed artificial airway were randomized to (1) open suctioning, (2) open suctioning after HS-HA, (3) MI-E, or (4) MI-E with HS-HA. Adverse events, pain and sedation/agitation scores, and respiratory and hemodynamic variables were collected before, during, and 5-min and 60-min post intervention. RESULTS: One-hundred twenty subjects were enrolled and completed the study. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score was 22 (16--28); median (IQR) age was 69.0 (57.0--75.7) y, and 90 (75%) were male. Baseline respiratory and hemodynamic variables were comparable. Adverse events occurred in 30 subjects (25%), with no between-group differences. Behavioral pain equivalents and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale were higher during suctioning in groups 1 (P < .001) and 2 (P < .001). Independent predictive variables for higher pain and agitation/sedation scores were study groups 1 and 2 and simultaneous analgosedation, respectively. Noradrenaline infusion rates were lower at 60 min in groups 2 and 4. PaO2/FIO2 had decreased at 5 min after open suctioning in group 1 and increased at 60 min in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: We observed no difference in adverse events. MI-E avoids pain and agitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical tumor invasion and metastasis process. EMT enables tumor cells to migrate, detach from their original location, enter the circulation, circulate within it, and eventually exit from blood arteries to colonize in foreign sites, leading to the development of overt metastases, ultimately resulting in death. EMT is intimately tied to stromal cells around the tumor and is controlled by a range of cytokines secreted by stromal cells. This review summarizes recent research on stromal cell-mediated EMT in tumor invasion and metastasis. We also discuss the effects of various stromal cells on EMT induction and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which several significant stromal cells convert from foes to friends of cancer cells to fuel EMT processes via their secretions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As a result, a better knowledge of the role of stromal cells in cancer cells’ EMT may pave the path to cancer eradication.

• The occurrence and proliferation of ARGs in rhizosphere environment were reviewed. • Plant root secretion and volatiles can mediate the ARGs proliferation in soil-plant system. • Effect of the root secretions on the proliferation of ARGs remains controversial. • VOCs deliver resistance signals to neighbors, thereby enhancing their ARG expression. The exponential growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in soil-crop systems in recent years has posed a great challenge to ecological security and human health. While many studies have documented the residues of ARGs in soils and crops, but little is known about who drives the proliferation of ARGs in farming systems and what their underlying mechanisms are. Herein, we explored the occurrence and proliferating behavior of ARGs in soil-crop environments in terms of root secretions and plant volatiles. This review highlighted that plant root secretions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) served as key substances mediating the development of antibiotic resistance in the soil-crop system. Still, there is controversy here as to plant root secretions promote the ARGs proliferation or inhibit. Some studies indicated that root secretions can suppress the colonization of ARGs, mainly attributed by the production of blunted metabolic enzymes and blocking of cellular exocytosis systems. Whereas the others have evidenced that root secretions can promote ARGs proliferation, primarily by altering the structure of microbial communities to influence species interactions and thus indirectly affect the proliferation of ARGs. Also, VOCs can act as molecular signals to convey antibiotic resistance information to their neighbors, which in turn drive the up-regulation of ARGs expression. Even so, the mechanism by which VOC-driven antibiotic resistance acquisition and proliferation need to be further probed. Overall, this review contributed to the development of products and technologies to impede the ARGs proliferation in agricultural environment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a main risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes, play an important role in tumor development and metastasis, including regulation of HBV-related HCC. In this study, we have characterized exosome microRNA and proteins released in vitro from hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC cell lines SNU-423 and SNU-182 and immortalized normal hepatocyte cell lines (THLE2 and THLE3) using microRNA sequencing and mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics, including functional enrichment and network analysis, combined with survival analysis using data related to HCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, were applied to examine the prognostic significance of the results. More than 40 microRNAs and 200 proteins were significantly dysregulated (p < 0.05) in the exosomes released from HCC cells in comparison with the normal liver cells. The functional analysis of the differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs (i.e., mir-483, mir-133a, mir-34a, mir-155, mir-183, mir-182), their predicted targets, and exosomal differentially expressed proteins (i.e., POSTN, STAM, EXOC8, SNX9, COL1A2, IDH1, FN1) showed correlation with pathways associated with HBV, virus activity and invasion, exosome formation and adhesion, and exogenous protein binding. The results from this study may help in our understanding of the role of HBV infection in the development of HCC and in the development of new targets for treatment or non-invasive predictive biomarkers of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some paragonimiasis patients in Chongqing, southwest China, have recently exhibited pleural effusions (PEs) with massive viscous secretions. This study aimed to investigate their clinical characteristics, thereby promoting effective treatments. A 3-year retrospective review of paragonimiasis patients who were admitted for nonhomogeneous PEs at Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital was conducted. Epidemiological data, symptoms, laboratory and imaging findings, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed. Twenty-eight patients were identified, of which 22 (78.6%) were males and 22 (78.6%) were rural residents. Respiratory (85.7%) and constitutional (57.1%) symptoms were common. Paragonimus-specific ELISA was positive in all patients. Eosinophilia was detected in all patients in peripheral blood and PEs. Irregular hyperdense signals were observed in PEs by chest CT scans (96.4%) and ultrasonography (100.0%). Thoracic closed drainage failed in 10 patients (conservative group) because of tube blockage and was eventually replaced by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Eighteen patients (surgery group) initially underwent VATS, or thoracotomy surgery, without complications. Massive secretions, described as "bean-dregs" or "egg-floccule," were detected intraoperatively, which explained the imaging findings and tube blockage. All patients recovered well after 2–3 courses of postoperative praziquantel treatment. Viscous secretions in paragonimiasis patients warrant great concern. Irregular hyperdense signals in effusions are important characteristics in CT scans and ultrasonography. Treatments such as thoracic closed drainage may fail due to viscous secretions blocking the tube; therefore, surgeries should be considered. In-depth multidisciplinary research may help determine the optimal treatment strategy and reveal the origin of these secretions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millipedes as saprophagous epigeic fauna members are involved in the decomposition of organic debris. Diplopod's activity improve circulation of nutrients, elements and accelerate environmental reclamation. Beyond mentioned above Diplopoda can provoke sanitary and epidemiological threats especially during swarming or seasonal migrations activities. Considering following aspects: contact with defensive secretions, pseudo-parasitic activity that imitates helminthiasis or passive transmission of pathogens, we can discuss direct or distant effects on human health. Education and proper prophylactic remain neglected. Variety of substances from millipedes are checked for their medical action: direct body extracts and active chemical components from defensive secretion. Millipedes may serve as source for zoo-pharmacology and zoo-indication development. This issue review shows that both pros and cons of the Diplopod's influences should be considered. Literature was carried out from middle of 20th century article till recent papers. The nowadays literature were found in Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline search base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cumulus oophorus is a structure that surrounds the mammalian egg and plays a key role in fertilization. However, very little is known with regards to how secretions from the cumulus cells can specifically promote fertilization. We hypothesized that secretions from bovine cumulus cells, and the reduction of oxygen stress by metabolic change, would enhance the fertilization capacity of sperm during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. To prove our hypothesis, sperm were pre-incubated in chemically defined capacitation media containing methyl-beta-cyclodextrin and used to inseminate cumulus cell oocyte complexes, or denuded oocytes, with some components. While sperm capacitation was induced in capacitation media, fertilization was impeded by the removal of cumulus cells from cumulus cell oocyte complexes. Secretions from cumulus cells promoted the formation of two pronuclei via a filter and the fertilization of denuded oocytes was dramatically enhanced with hyaluronate, low oxygen concentration, or progesterone in fertilization media (P < 0.05). This demonstrates that these factors-maintained sperm motility and capacitation or enhanced the hyper-activation of capacitated sperm (P < 0.05). We conclude that cumulus cells secrete progesterone, hyaluronate and undergo metabolic events to reduce oxidative stress in fertilization media. These phenomenons help to improve the fertilization capacity of sperm. We believe that this study makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the function of cumulus cells during fertilization in animals and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(Ar) معبودات إفرازات الجسد فى النصوص الدينية القديمة يعد الماء هو أصل كل شيء حيث خرج الكون من مفهوم المصري القديم من المحيط الأزلي نون ، والذى كان فى حد ذاته معبوداً لدى العقيدة المصرية القديمة .يساعد الماء على أجراء الكثير من العمليات الهامة للنشاط الحيوي للإنسان فهو يساعد على الهضم وتوزيع العناصر الغذائية على الجسم وعلى عملية الأخراج ، كما يساعد الماء على توازن جسم الأنسان ، ويكون الماء المكون الرئيسي فى الجسد من دم ، سائل لمفاوى ، سائل منوى ، نخاعي كذلك دخل فى افرازات الجسد مثل اللبن ، الدموع ، البول ، العرق، حيث حملت أفرازات الجسد رمزية هامة ودلاله عظيمة فى النصوص الدينية المصرية القديمة حيث شكلت وسيلة للحماية من الشرور والأخطار، ومن عقوبة المعبودات كذلك تسببت الأفرازات فى أنعاش القلب وعدم أنهاكه . وكانت الأفرازات تطلق من الجسد لأزاله العلل والأمراض وتساعد على القدسيه والتجسد بهيئة المعبودات، وتساعد فى حشد المعبودات من أجل المتوفى . ايزيس ، شو ، حور ، حو ، دواور ( Dwa – wr ) معبودات الـ HHw الثمانيه . كما تساقطت الأفرازات التى تخرج من الأرواح لتملأ البحيرات والأنهار . ارتبطت الأفرازات بالأساطير مثل اساطير الخلق والمواقع الأسطورية مثل " روستاو" وجزيرة النار .لعبت الأفرازات أيضاً دوراً كبيراً حيث ارتبطت بالمعبودات وبعقبات العالم الآخر ، وتمنى المتوفى ألا يكون له افرازات كريهه تفسد جسده وتسبب فى فنائه أو تدميره . هذا وقد كان الجسد يطرد الأفرازات السيئة للتخلص من الروائح المنتنة ولينعم بالعطور والروائح الحسنة بعدها . (ُEN) Water is considered the origin of everything, as, in the concept of the Ancient Egyptian, the universe came from the Eternal Ocean ‚Nun‛ which was in itself a god in the Ancient Egyptian Ideology. Water helps in performing many vital operations for human beings, as it helps in swallowing, digestion, distributing nutritious elements, and the process of excretion. Water helps in the balance of the human body, and it is the main component in the body of blood, Lymphatic fluid, Seminal fluid, Cerebrospinal fluid, as well as being part of the Body Secretions such as milk, tears, urine, sweat,

Hany Mahmoud,1 Ahmed Hamody,2 Hesham M Hefny,3 Dalia Tohamy,4 Islam Awny5 1Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt; 2Anesthesia Department, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt; 3Clinical Pathology Department, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt; 4Ophthalmology Department, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt; 5Department of Ophthalmology, Sohag University, Sohag, EgyptCorrespondence: Hany MahmoudDepartment of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, EgyptTel +20 1024368111Email drhanymahmoud@gmail.comPurpose: To assess the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA in the conjunctival secretions of confirmed COVID-19 patients by nasopharyngeal swabs and correlate its presence with the severity of the disease, patient’s age, sex and ocular symptoms.Methods: This study included 44 positive COVID-19 patients confirmed with nasopharyngeal swabs during the period 17– 28 February 2021 at Sohag Tropical Medicine Hospital. Tears and conjunctival secretions were examined for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA.Results: While non-reactive results are strongly correlated to low titre and vice versa, severity showed significant correlation with neither IgA reactivity nor titre. Meanwhile, IgA reactivity did not show significant correlation with either age or sex. The reactivity and IgA titre are correlated with ocular symptoms.Conclusion: The anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA could be found in ocular secretions in SARS-CoV-2 patients. There is no correlation with age or sex or severity of the disease; however, they are correlated with ocular symptoms.Keywords: anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA, ocular, secretions, swab

Mesenchymal stem cells are a continually expanding area in research and clinical applications. Their usefulness and capacity to differentiate into various cells, particularly neural types, has driven the research area for several years. Neural differentiation has considerable usefulness. There are several successful differentiation techniques of mesenchymal stem cells that employ the use of small molecules, growth factors and commercially available kits and supplements. Phenotyping, molecular biology, genomics and proteomics investigation revealed a wealth of data about these cells during neurogenic differentiation. However, there remain large gaps in the knowledge base, particularly related to cytokines and how their role, drive mechanisms and the downstream signalling processes change with their varied expression throughout the differentiation process. In this study, adult mesenchymal stem cells were induced with neurogenic differentiation media, the cellular changes monitored by live-cell microscopy and the changes in cytokine expression in the intracellular region, secretion into the media and in the extracellular vesicle cargo were examined and analysed bioinformatically. Through this analysis, the up-regulation of key cytokines was revealed, and several neuroprotective and neurotrophic roles were displayed. Statistically significant molecules IFN-G, IL1B, IL6, TNF-A, have roles in astrocyte development. Furthermore, the cytokine bioinformatics suggests the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway is upregulated, supporting differentiation toward an astroglial lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the modification of methods for producing enzymatic preparations (EP) of peroxidases and catalases of extra- and intracellular finding from fungal cultures are presented. Strains of Flammulina velutipes F-vv, Lentinula edodes 523 and Pleurotus ostreatus P-01 were used as producers of oxidoreductases. The producers were cultured in glucose-peptone medium, modified for each strain. Protein fractionation was carried out by leaching with ammonium sulfate at a saturation of 40–70% for peroxidases and 80% for catalases. The obtained solutions of protein fractions were additionally subjected to purification by dialysis, gel filtration on Molselect G-50 and G-75 granules, and also freeze drying. The yield of enzymatic preparations per unit mass of mycelium and the volume of culture fluid were calculated. The individual characteristics of EP – enzymatic activity, the mass percentage of protein and associated amino acids, the ratio of the latter in groups depending on the nature of the radicals (amphotericity) of protein molecules are established. It was proved that the amino acid content in the proteins of fungal EP catalases and peroxidases indicates their acidic nature and this is confirmed by the pH values of aqueous solutions. Examination and toxicity testing of enzymatic preparations were carried out in certified laboratories, which confirmed their characteristics and compliance with safety requirements. The therapeutic properties of amino acids that are part of proteins or are in a free state in enzyme preparations are analyzed. In this way, the methods have been developed for producing enzymatic preparations of peroxidases and catalases of extra- and intracellular location, which allow new antioxidant enzymes with individual properties to be obtained, and, as a result, bring prospects for use in various industries and scientific research.

Abstract Background It is hypothesised that being a blood-feeding ectoparasite, Argulus foliaceus (Linnaeus, 1758), uses similar mechanisms for digestion and host immune evasion to those used by other haematophagous ecdysozoa, including caligid copepods (e.g. sea louse). We recently described and characterised glands associated with the feeding appendages of A. foliaceus using histological techniques. The work described in the present study is the first undertaken with the objective of identifying and partially characterising the components secreted from these glands using a proteomic approach. Methods Argulus foliaceus parasites were sampled from the skin of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), from Loch Fad on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, UK. The proteins from A. foliaceus secretory/excretory products (SEPs) were collected from the supernatant of artificial freshwater conditioned with active adult parasites (n = 5–9 per ml; n = 560 total). Proteins within the SEPs were identified and characterised using LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD016226. Results Data mining of a protein database translated from an A. foliaceus dataset using ProteinScape allowed identification of 27 predicted protein sequences from the A. foliaceus SEPs, each protein matching the criteria of 2 peptides with at least 4 contiguous amino acids. Nine proteins had no matching sequence through OmicsBox (Blast2GO) analysis searches suggesting that Argulus spp. may additionally have unique proteins present in their SEPs. SignalP 5.0 software, identified 13 proteins with a signal sequence suggestive of signal peptides and supportive of secreted proteins being identified. Notably, the functional characteristics of identified A. foliaceus proteins/domains have also been described from the salivary glands and saliva of other blood-feeding arthropods such as ticks. Identified proteins included: transporters, peroxidases, metalloproteases, proteases and serine protease inhibitors which are known to play roles in parasite immune evasion/induction (e.g. astacin), immunomodulation (e.g. serpin) and digestion (e.g. trypsin). Conclusions To our knowledge, the present study represents the first proteomic analysis undertaken for SEPs from any branchiuran fish louse. Here we reveal possible functional roles of A. foliaceus SEPs in digestion and immunomodulation, with a number of protein families shared with other haematophagous ectoparasites. A number of apparently unique secreted proteins were identified compared to other haematophagous ecdysozoa.

Objective: Dysphagia is common in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS shows significant phenotypic variability. It is characterized by progressive weakness and/or spasticity of muscles. Dysphagia symptoms vary. Aspiration is often silent and cognitive dysfunction is common. The purpose of the study was to evaluate tongue strength measurements, dysphagia questionnaire, the presence of pharyngeal secretions, and FEES findings in dysphagia management in ALS.Methods: Twenty-five patients completed the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), had their Maximum Isometric Tongue Pressure (MITP), and endurance measured and underwent Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) providing 31 examinations.Results: Out of 25 patients, 76% were self-reported as dysphagic (EAT-10≥3) with a mean EAT-10 at 14.95 (±7.96). ALS patients had significantly decreased tongue strength (mean MITPanterior: 31.69 ± 17.32kPa). Comparing examinations of dysphagic and non-dysphagic status the mean MITPa of non-dysphagic was significantly greater (52.33 ± 10.97 kPa versus 20.6 ± 12.67 kPa), p<0.001. FEES detected aspiration in 10 out of 31 examinations [Penetration Aspiration Scale(PAS) ≥6]. Aspirator status examinations showed statistically significantly worse cough (p = 0.001), tongue strength (p = 0.001) and endurance (p = 0.003), pharyngeal secretions (p<0.001), velopharyngeal sufficiency (p = 0.006), pharyngeal squeeze (p = 0.009), vocal cords' movements (p = 0.001), pharyngeal pooling (p<0.001), EAT-10 (p = 0.001) and bulbar subscale of ALS Functioning Rating Scale-Revised (b-ALSFRS-R) scores (p = 0.014) compared to non-aspirator status. Correlation analysis indicated that the feeding status had strong statistically significant correlations with the EAT-10 score (rho = -0.816), anterior tongue strength (rho = 0.735), secretions (rho = -0.811), pharyngeal pooling (rho = -0.712) and PAS (rho = -0.676) at FEES, and b-ALSFRS-R score (rho = 0.791), all p<0.001. The EAT-10 had strong statistically significant correlations with the MITPa (r = -0.794, p<0.001), secretions (rho = 0.668, p<0.001), and b-ALSFRS-R score (rho = -0.766, p = 0.001). The FEES findings had strong statistically significant correlations with the anterior tongue strength (pooling: rho = -0.784), and secretions (PAS: rho = 0.723; pooling: rho = 0.671), all p<0.001. For the questionnaire, tongue strength and pharyngeal secretions, ROC analysis assessed cut-off points and discriminating ability to predict aspiration status (Area Under the Curve: 0.838; 0.845 and 0.93, respectively). EAT-10 with a cut-off at 8 was able to predict aspirator status with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 42.9% (negative predictive value-NPV = 100%). A cut-off value of 22KPa for the MITPa discriminated aspirator status (sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 89.5%, NPV = 89.5%). The quantity of secretions observed upon endoscopy with a cut-off value at 1 was able to predict aspirator status (sensitivity = 90%, specificity = 80%, NPV = 94.1%).Conclusion: Reduced tongue strength, questionnaire-reported symptoms, pharyngeal secretions, and FESS findings can guide identification of patients with ALS at risk of inefficient and unsafe swallowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric secretions are crucial for food breakdown during digestion. Changes in intragastric pH due to gastric secretions are influenced by meal properties, such as composition, particle size, structure, buffering capacity, and mixing of the meal with gastric secretions. The use of in vitro digestion models has increased recently, however more physiologically-relevant digestion models are needed to better mimic the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this study was to examine different gastric secretion conditions using a dynamic in vitro digestion model to understand their impact on intragastric pH and protein digestion. Whey protein dispersions were made at two protein concentrations (10% w/v and 30% w/v) and were subjected to gastric digestion. Gastric secretions were set to be at constant rate (2.75 mL/min) or variable rate (1.5 – 9.0 mL/min; based on the intragastric pH). In digestions of 30% w/v dispersion, the digesta pH after 60 min was high (average 4.3 ± 0.3), resulting in low pepsin activity (5.6 ± 0.1% of the maximum) and protein degree of hydrolysis (0.3 ± 0.0% degree of hydrolysis), compared to digestions of 10% w/v dispersions. After 90 min of digestion, the pepsin activity in digesta of 30% w/v dispersions increased to 56.1 ± 0.2%, mainly due to the decrease in the emptied digesta pH (average 2.7 ± 0.2). Protein concentration and gastric emptying played an important role on intragastric pH. Further work is needed to develop a mechanistic understanding between food initial properties, gastric emptying rate, gastric secretions, pH changes, and nutrient digestibility during digestion to study the impact of hydrocolloid dispersions properties on human health.

Introduction: Accumulation of secretions in an endotracheal tube can increase the resistance to flow resulting in an increased patient work of breathing when the patient is interacting with the ventilator. Retained secretions can also serve as an infection risk. Standard suction catheters are limited in their ability to keep the lumen of the endotracheal tube clear. A novel closed-suction catheter has been introduced that incorporates a balloon at its distal end that, when inflated, physically scrapes secretions out of the endotracheal tube (CleanSweep catheter (CSC), Teleflex, Morrisville NC). We hypothesized that the CSC would be more efficient at removing secretions from inside the endotracheal tube than a standard suction catheter (SSC). Methods: We performed a bench study examining resistive pressures across different sizes of endotracheal tubes when cleaned by the CSC as compared with an SSC. This study was followed by a prospective crossover study again comparing the CSC with an SSC in intubated intensive care unit patients receiving mechanical ventilation and requiring frequent suctioning. Results: For the bench study the CSC was significantly better in reducing airway resistive pressures (P < 0.001). In the prospective crossover study the CSC over 2 h also removed significantly more secretions than the SSC (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Both our bench and crossover clinical study demonstrated improved clearance of secretions with the CSC vs an SSC. Further research is needed to ascertain the clinical outcome benefits of enhanced secretion removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil is used for the construction of structures by many animals, at times admixed with endogenous secretions. These additives, along with soil components, are suggested to have a role in biocementation. However, the relative contribution of endogenous and exogenous materials to soil strength has not been adequately established. Termite mounds are earthen structures with exceptional strength and durability including weathering resistance to wind and rain. With in situ and laboratory-based experiments, we demonstrate that the fungus-farming termite Odontotermes obesus which builds soil nest mounds, when given a choice, prefers soil close to its liquid limit for construction. At this moisture content, the soil–water mixture alone even in the absence of termite handling undergoes self-weight consolidation and upon drying attains a monolithic, densely packed structure with compressive strength comparable to the in situ strength of the mound soil; however, the soil–water mixture alone has lower resistance to water erosion than the in situ mound samples, suggesting that termite secretions impart weathering resistance and thereby long-term stability to the mound. Therefore, weathering resistance and compressive strength are conferred by different aspects of termite soil manipulation. Our work provides novel insights into termite mound construction and strength correlates for earthen structures built by animals.

Despite evidence from anatomy, behavior and genomics indicating that the sense of smell in turtles is important, our understanding of chemical communication in this group is still rudimentary. Our aim was to describe the microanatomy of mental glands (MGs) in a freshwater turtle, Mauremys leprosa (Geoemydidae), and to assess the chemical composition of their secretions with respect to variation among individuals and between sexes. MGs are paired sac-like organs on the gular region of the neck and are dimorphic in this species with males having fully functional holocrine glands while those of females appear non-secretory and vestigial. In adult males, the glandular epithelium of the inner portion of the gland provides exocytotic products as well as cellular debris into the lumen of the gland. The contents of the lumen can be secreted through the narrow duct portion of the gland ending in an orifice on the surface of the skin. Females have invaginated structures similar in general outline to male glands, but lack a glandular epithelium. Using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, we identified a total of 61 compounds in mental gland secretions, the most numerous being carboxylic acids, carbohydrates, alkanes, steroids and alcohols. The number of compounds per individual varied widely (mean (median) ± SD = 14.54 (13) ± 8.44; min = 3; max = 40), but only cholesterol was found in all samples. We found that the relative abundances of only six chemicals were different between the sexes, although males tended to have larger amounts of particular compounds. Although the lipid fraction of mental gland secretions is rich in chemical compounds, most occur in both sexes suggesting that they are metabolic byproducts with no role in chemical signaling. However, the relative amounts of some compounds tended to be higher in males, with significantly larger amounts of two carboxylic acids and one steroid, suggesting their putative involvement in chemical communication.

Mesenchymal stem cells are a continually expanding area in research and clinical applications. Their usefulness and capacity to differentiate into various cells, particularly neural types, has driven the research area for several years. Neural differentiation has considerable usefulness. There are several successful differentiation techniques of mesenchymal stem cells that employ the use of small molecules, growth factors and commercially available kits and supplements. Phenotyping, molecular biology, genomics and proteomics investigation revealed a wealth of data about these cells during neurogenic differentiation. However, there remain large gaps in the knowledge base, particularly related to cytokines and how their role, drive mechanisms and the downstream signalling processes change with their varied expression throughout the differentiation process. In this study, adult mesenchymal stem cells were induced with neurogenic differentiation media, the cellular changes monitored by live-cell microscopy and the changes in cytokine expression in the intracellular region, secretion into the media and in the extracellular vesicle cargo were examined and analysed bioinformatically. Through this analysis, the up-regulation of key cytokines was revealed, and several neuroprotective and neurotrophic roles were displayed. Statistically significant molecules IFN-G, IL1B, IL6, TNF-A, have roles in astrocyte development. Furthermore, the cytokine bioinformatics suggests the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway is upregulated, supporting differentiation toward an astroglial lineage.

Fusarium is usually thought to cause soybean root rot, which results in a large quantity of annual yield loss in soybean production, by its secretions including Fusarium toxins and cell wall degrading enzymes, but not by the conidia themselves that do not underlie any virulence so far. Here we report that the conidia of one Fusarium solani isolate are able to be virulent to soybean and make soybean seedlings wilted alone. We isolated them from the wilted plants in a soybean-production field and molecularly identified 17 Fusarium isolates through phylogenetic analysis. Of them, except for one isolate that showed diversity of virulence to different soybeans (virulent to one soybean whereas avirulent to another soybean), the others were all virulent to the two tested soybeans: both conidia cultures and secretions could make soybean seedlings wilted at 5 days post infection, and their virulence had dosage effects that only conidia cultures of at least 5×106 conidia mL–1 could show virulence to soybean; however, the sole conidia of the F. solani isolate #4 also exhibited virulence to soybean and could make soybean seedlings wilted. Finally, we developed the specific cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) markers to easily differentiate Fusarium isolates. The isolate #4 in this work will likely be used to investigate the new mechanism of virulence of Fusarium to soybean.

In everyday life, emotional stress is closely related to physical activity. In the process of work, muscle tension is in constant unity with emotional manifestations. Motor activity in combination with positive emotions counteracts hypokinesia, monotony, the development of fatigue, the occurrence of various diseases and helps to increase the overall resistance of the body. Emotional stress has a significant effect on all body systems. Any human activity is accompanied by certain feelings, sensations and experiences. All these psychophysiological states with individual specifics are usually called emotional. It has been experimentally confirmed that the development of emotional stress is always associated with the significance, strength and duration of the action of emotional stress, as well as with the personality of the subject, his heredity, the nature of education, education and socio-psychological climate at the time of emotional stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite evidence from anatomy, behavior and genomics indicating that the sense of smell in turtles is important, our understanding of chemical communication in this group is still rudimentary. Our aimwas to describe the microanatomy of mental glands (MGs) in a freshwater turtle, Mauremys leprosa (Geoemydidae), and to assess the chemical composition of their secretions with respect to variation among individuals and between sexes. MGs are paired sac-like organs on the gular region of the neck and are dimorphic in this species with males having fully functional holocrine glands while those of females appear non-secretory and vestigial. In adult males, the glandular epithelium of the inner portion of the gland provides exocytotic products as well as cellular debris into the lumen of the gland. The contents of the lumen can be secreted through the narrow duct portion of the gland ending in an orifice on the surface of the skin. Females have invaginated structures similar in general outline to male glands, but lack a glandular epithelium. Using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, we identified a total of 61 compounds in mental gland secretions, the most numerous being carboxylic acids, carbohydrates, alkanes, steroids and alcohols. The number of compounds per individual varied widely (mean (median) ± SD = 14.54 (13) ± 8.44; min = 3; max = 40), but only cholesterol was found in all samples. We found that the relative abundances of only six chemicals were different between the sexes, although males tended to have larger amounts of particular compounds. Although the lipid fraction of mental gland secretions is rich in chemical compounds, most occur in both sexes suggesting that they are metabolic byproducts with no role in chemical signaling. However, the relative amounts of some compounds tended to be higher in males, with significantly larger amounts of two carboxylic acids and one steroid, suggesting their putative involvement in chemical communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is hypothesised that being a blood-feeding ectoparasite, Argulus foliaceus (Linnaeus, 1758), uses similar mechanisms for digestion and host immune evasion to those used by other haematophagous ecdysozoa, including caligid copepods (e.g. sea louse). We recently described and characterised glands associated with the feeding appendages of A. foliaceus using histological techniques. The work described in the present study is the first undertaken with the objective of identifying and partially characterising the components secreted from these glands using a proteomic approach. Methods: Argulus foliaceus parasites were sampled from the skin of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), from Loch Fad on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, UK. The proteins from A. foliaceus secretory/excretory products (SEPs) were collected from the supernatant of artificial freshwater conditioned with active adult parasites (n = 5–9 per ml; n = 560 total). Proteins within the SEPs were identified and characterised using LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD016226. Results: Data mining of a protein database translated from an A. foliaceus dataset using ProteinScape allowed identification of 27 predicted protein sequences from the A. foliaceus SEPs, each protein matching the criteria of 2 peptides with at least 4 contiguous amino acids. Nine proteins had no matching sequence through OmicsBox (Blast2GO) analysis searches suggesting that Argulus spp. may additionally have unique proteins present in their SEPs. SignalP 5.0 software, identified 13 proteins with a signal sequence suggestive of signal peptides and supportive of secreted proteins being identified. Notably, the functional characteristics of identified A. foliaceus proteins/domains have also been described from the salivary glands and saliva of other blood-feeding arthropods such as ticks. Identified proteins included: transporters, peroxidases, metalloproteases, proteases and serine protease inhibitors which are known to play roles in parasite immune evasion/induction (e.g. astacin), immunomodulation (e.g. serpin) and digestion (e.g. trypsin). Conclusions: To our knowledge, the present study represents the first proteomic analysis undertaken for SEPs from any branchiuran fish louse. Here we reveal possible functional roles of A. foliaceus SEPs in digestion and immunomodulation, with a number of protein families shared with other haematophagous ectoparasites. A number of apparently unique secreted proteins were identified compared to other haematophagous ecdysozoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bovine embryo develops in contact with the oviductal fluid (OF) during the first 4–5 days of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to decipher the protein interactions occurring between the developing embryo and surrounding OF. In-vitro produced 4–6 cell and morula embryos were incubated or not (controls) in post-ovulatory OF (OF-treated embryos) and proteins were then analyzed and quantified by high resolution mass spectrometry (MS) in both embryo groups and in OF. A comparative analysis of MS data allowed the identification and quantification of 56 embryo-interacting proteins originated from the OF, including oviductin (OVGP1) and several annexins (ANXA1, ANXA2, ANXA4) as the most abundant ones. Some embryo-interacting proteins were developmental stage-specific, showing a modulating role of the embryo in protein interactions. Three interacting proteins (OVGP1, ANXA1 and PYGL) were immunolocalized in the perivitelline space and in blastomeres, showing that OF proteins were able to cross the zona pellucida and be taken up by the embryo. Interacting proteins were involved in a wide range of functions, among which metabolism and cellular processes were predominant. This study identified for the first time a high number of oviductal embryo-interacting proteins, paving the way for further targeted studies of proteins potentially involved in the establishment of pregnancy in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-parasitic nematodes are one of the nature's most successful of all parasites. These tiny animals have been reported from all terrains of all continents. In spite of having one of the simplest body forms, these animals have diversified them to acquire almost all possible niches and their feeding habits. Several important features present with them greatly help them to have upper hand compared to other pathogens in nature. Even in the absence of amphimixis in certain plant-parasitic nematodes, these animals have tremendous genetic diversity. Plant-parasitic nematodes have developed sophisticated strategies to cross-talk with their host. Several important proteins effectors from nematode and also, proteins from host faithfully co-ordinates this sophisticated dialogue between host-pathogens. It has also been reported that plant-parasitic nematodes have acquired / borrowed genes from bacteria through a process of horizontal gene transfer. Painstaking researches have led to identification of the parasitism genes which encodes the proteins required for successful completion of life-cycle. Although responsible for more than $175 billion annually to worldwide agriculture, we have only a handful method to control the damage caused by them. Our limited understanding of the biology of these nematodes severely limits our progress towards designing novel control strategies. With introduction of the several new molecular tools in field of plant nematology, have opened up new vistas in our understanding and also offered unparallel opportunity to look beyond traditional control methods and have a look in secret world of plant-parasitic nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aim: Although trachea-bronchial suctioning (TBS) is one of the important nursing procedures in intensive care units (ICU), it may be associated with some complications. Using closed system suctioning (CSS) is one of the ways to decrease the rate of complications due to continued ventilation and oxygenation at the time of suctioning. However, CSS' secretion removal is not efficient enough. Higher values of suction pressure have been recommended to enhance the efficacy of CSS. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two levels of negative suction pressure in secretion removal of CSS used for mechanically ventilated (MV) patients. Materials & Methods: Fifty eligible adult MV patients (twenty in each group) with Random allocation participated in this clinical trial study with cross-over design. Each patient was suctioned using CSS, connected to a central suction device, with 100 and 200 mmHg pressures with a two-hour interval. Efficacy of suctioning was measured by the absence of secretion flow at the end of suctioning. Volume of the secretions was measured and compared in each suctioning. Statistical analyses were done using Minitab and SPSS software considering the significance level of 0.05. Results: CSS using 200 mmHg resulted in an efficacy of 96% for removing secretions, compared to 34% for 100 mmHg (P =

BACKGROUND: Clinicians may use adventitious breath sounds on lung auscultation and a "sawtooth" pattern on the ventilator expiratory flow waveform as indicators of the need for chest physiotherapy for airway-secretion clearance in mechanically ventilated patients. This study seeks to identify potential clinical and novel indicators of the weight of airway secretions cleared from a single session of chest physiotherapy in mechanically ventilated subjects. METHODS: We recorded airway crackles using artificial airway acoustic sound monitoring and computerized lung-sound amplitude using artificial airway acoustic sound detection and compared them to standard clinical assessments in 71 mechanically ventilated subjects immediately prior to a single session of chest physiotherapy. Correlational analyses were undertaken between the weight of airway secretions obtained after the single session of chest physiotherapy as the dependent variable and novel assessments, clinical assessments, patient characteristics, and ventilator parameters as the independent variables. Multiple linear regression analyses were then used to determine the best model to predict the weight of airway secretions obtained from the single chest physiotherapy session. Data are reported as mean and median as appropriate. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: 71 mechanically ventilated subjects were included for analysis. Statistically significant associations with the weight of airway secretions included the presence of a sawtooth waveform on expiration and the novel assessment of average airway crackles during inspiration. The best predictive model of the weight of airway secretions included the presence of the sawtooth waveform on expiration and ventilator tidal volume. CONCLUSIONS: Simple clinical assessments used in this study were able to independently predict the weight of airway secretions cleared during a single session of chest physiotherapy. The novel assessments used in this investigation did not add any further value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paediatric palliative care and neurodisability are two relatively new, evolving paediatric sub-specialities that have increasing relevance in the current paediatric landscape. For many people palliative care has been synonymous with end of life care, but in paediatrics it encompasses much more and is for all children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, from the point of diagnosis. This breadth of focus is demonstrated well through the interface between paediatric palliative care and paediatric neurodisability. In this article we explore this unique interface through the three domains of complex symptom management, advanced care planning and end of life care. We describe the practicalities involved in all three areas and highlight the importance of early referral and the process of "dual" or "parallel" planning. We cover in more depth the specific management of the symptoms: dystonia/abnormalities of muscle tone, seizures, pain, agitation, secretions, respiratory failure, and gut failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem cells are an undifferentiated cell population that has the ability to develop into many different cell types and also has the ability to repair damaged tissues in some cases. For a long time, the stem cell regenerative paradigm has been based on the assumption that progenitor cells play a critical role in tissue repair by means of their plasticity and differentiation potential. However, recent works suggest that the mechanism underlying the benefits of stem cell transplantation might relate to a paracrine modulatory effect rather than the replacement of affected cells at the site of injury. This paracrine modulatory effect derives from secretome which comprises a diverse host of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, angiogenic factors, and exosomes which are extracellular vesicles that are produced in the endosomal compartment of most eukaryotic cells and are from about 30 to several hundred nanometers in diameter. The role of these factors is being increasingly recognized as key to the regulation of many physiological processes including leading endogenous and progenitor cells to sites of injury as well as mediating apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. In reality, the immunomodulatory and paracrine role of these factors may mainly account for the therapeutic effects of stem cells and a number of in vitro and in vivo researches have proved limited stem cell engraftment at the site of injury. As a cell-free way for regenerative medicine therapies, stem cell secretome has shown great potential in a variety of clinical applications including prevention of cardiac disfunction, neurodegenerative disease, type 1 diabetes, hair loss, tumors, and joint osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The New Zealand Secretion Scale (NZSS) has been developed for comprehensive assessment of accumulated secretions during endoscopy. The scale rates secretion severity under the subcategories location, amount and response. This study describes the scale's development and reliability when used by experts and untrained raters. Method: One expert scored 254 endoscopy videos using the NZSS and performed repeat measures on 100 randomly selected videos one month later. These 100 videos were scored by a second expert in a randomised order. In a second arm of the study, 28 raters scored 10 endoscopy videos, without training on the NZSS. Seventeen had experience in endoscopy (mean 1.8 years, SD = 1.0). Reliability was calculated across the entire cohort and as a function of experience interpreting endoscopy. Result: Strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.88), and high inter-item (>0.60) and corrected item-total correlations (>0.70) were established. Inter-rater (ICC = 0.99) and intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.95) of the experts was excellent. Inter-rater reliability of the untrained raters ranged from ICC = 0.65–0.79, with no significant influence of experience on reliability. Conclusion: The NZSS is a reliable assessment of secretion severity during endoscopy and can be used without training. This comprehensive scale will support research evaluating the predictive value of accumulated secretions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most harvestmen emit secretions from scent glands as a secondary defence mechanism. Prior studies of Phareicranaus calcariferus described the general morphology of the ozopore, noted jet emission as the mechanism for the release of secretions, but did not investigate intraspecific variation in emissions or the morphology of the ozopore. In this study, we compared the modes of emission by adult females and alpha males and found that when seized by forceps, approximately 50% of adults emitted enteric fluids (colourless, odourless), globules of secretions near the ozopores, or jets of fluid that were directed upwards and backwards or laterally. Individuals that used jet emissions usually released secretions from one scent gland and in a single burst. We observed considerable intersexual variation with respect to the type of emissions. Females emitted jets 32% of the time (n = 28), whereas males produced jets in only 4% of our observations (1 out of 26). Males more frequently produced enteric fluid (31%) in comparison to females (14%). Our SEM-based investigation of ozopore morphology did not reveal intersexual differences in microanatomy. However, we observed intraspecific variation in the morphology of the dorsal openings and dorsal channels of the ozopores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Cough assist (CA) is a device to improve bronchial hygiene of patients with secretion in the airways and ineffective cough. Aims: To compare the physiological effects and the volume of secretion of mechanical insufflation--exsufflation (CA device) with isolated endotracheal suctioning in mechanically ventilated patients. Settings and Design: Randomized crossover trial. Materials and Methods: The patients were randomly allocated to the first technique, then the following technique was performed in the next day. We collected the variables related to oxygen saturation, hemodynamics (heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure [MAP]), and respiratory mechanics (tidal volume, minute volume, respiratory rate, and lung compliance and resistance), pre- and postimplementation (immediately and after 15 and 30 min), and the aspirated volume of secretion. Statistical Analysis Used: We used two-way analysis of variance followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls t-test to compare the variables at different time points. Student's t-test was used to compare secretion volumes. All data were stored and analyzed in SPSS for Windows Version 19.0. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: Forty-three patients were included in the study. When we compared the results before and after the application of the techniques, we observed no significant difference in lung compliance, pulmonary resistance, MAP, peripheral oxygen saturation, and secretion volume in both groups. Conclusions: The mechanical insufflation-exsufflation does not alter respiratory mechanics and hemodynamic stability, and it does not improve airway clearance in mechanically ventilated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cationic antimicrobial proteins are an important part of innate nonspecific immunity. It is the first defensive level, which is inherent in almost all living organisms. The main objective of such proteins is the destruction of dangerous microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasites etc.). The skin of amphibians is a rich source of these molecules, which are produced and stockpiled in skin glands, which are usually located on the dorsal side of the body. Basically, they are spread over the surface of the body or grouped in special morphological structures – parotids. Currently the host defensive proteins were found in members of all families of amphibians, that suggests a connection among them with evolutionary advantages. Moreover, amphibian antimicrobial proteins can be used in modern medicine. Amphibians can become a rich source of biologically active agents and usage of them is very beneficial for pharmaceutical industry. These substances appeared to have much more abilities than it was believed before. For example, they can be used in methods of blood folding or antiviral therapy. Taking this into account, it is very promising to study antimicrobial proteins in Ukraine (from 15 anuran species of 5 families (Pelobatidae, Hylidae, Bufonidae, Ranidae and Bombinatoridae). This article describes the chemical structure and properties of the antimicrobial proteins presently known from the studies and their presence in different families of Anura. The main aim of the work is to show the variability of these substances in anurans to create a background for further investigations of amphibians' antimicrobial proteins in Ukraine and studying of their pharmaceutical potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]