The effects of beta-glucan isolated from Aureobasidium pullulans were observed on acute xylene-induced inflammation. beta-glucan at a dose of 62.5, 125 or 250 mg/kg were administered once orally to xylene-treated mice (0.03 mL of xylene was applied on the anterior surface of the right ear to induce inflammation), and the body weight change, ear weight, histological profiles and histomorphometrical analyses of ear were conducted upon sacrifice. The xylene was topically applied 30 min after dosing with beta-glucan. The results were compared to those of diclofenac, indomethacin and dexamethasone (15 mg/kg injected once intraperitoneally). All animals were sacrificed 2 h after xylene application. Xylene application resulted in marked increases in induced ear weights compared to that of intact control ear; hence, the differences between intact and induced ear were also significantly increased. The histological characteristics of acute inflammation, such as severe vasodilation, edematous changes of skin and infiltration of inflammatory cells, were detected in xylene-treated control ears with marked increase in the thickness of the ear tissues. However, these xylene-induced acute inflammatory changes were significantly and dose-dependently decreased by beta-glucan treatment. We conclude that beta-glucan from A. pullulans has a somewhat favorable effect in the reduction of the acute inflammatory responses induced by xylene application in mice.

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Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate whether point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for intussusception screening streamlines the workflow of clinically nonspecific intussusception (CNI), an intussusception presenting with only 1 manifestation of the classic triad, and/or vomiting. Methods We reviewed 274 consecutive children with intussusception, aged 6 years or younger, who visited a tertiary care hospital emergency department between May 2012 and April 2016. This period was dichotomized by May 2014 (the “PRE” and “POST” groups), starting point of implementation of the POCUS protocol for intussusception screening. All children with CNI who had positive results on or forwent POCUS underwent radiologist-performed ultrasound (US). We measured and compared emergency department length of stay (EDLOS), the sum of door-to-reduction and observation times, and the frequency of POCUS and positive US results between the 2 groups. Results Of 160 children with CNI, 93 visited the emergency department since May 2014. The POST group showed a shorter median EDLOS (856 vs 630 minutes, P < 0.001), door-to-reduction time (137 vs 111 minutes, P = 0.002), and observation time (700 vs 532 minutes, P < 0.001). The POST group had a higher frequency of POCUS (12% vs 60%, P < 0.001) with positive US results (33% vs 59%, P < 0.001). The PRE group had a higher frequency of severe bowel edema (16% vs 1%, P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the severity, recurrence, admission, and surgery. One child had a false-negative result on POCUS. Conclusions Point-of-care ultrasound could streamline the workflow of CNI via decrease in EDLOS and unnecessary referrals for US.