AA Group Research Articles

Comparison of Various Antimicrobial Agents for Thermoplastic Polymeric Retainers.

The thermoplastic retainers indicated a rising incidence of cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. A report suggested the case of a patient with severe gingival inflammation and dental caries as a result of inadequate appliance cleaning. This study aims to compare the various antimicrobial agents for thermoplastic polymeric retainers. A minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of acetic acid was determined. Streptococcus mutans biofilm was formed on punched 4-mm copolyester (Essix ACE®) and polyurethane (Vivera®) retainers after they were submerged in 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX group), acetic acid (AA group), Polident Denture Cleanser® (PD group), and Polident Pro Guard & Retainer® (PR group). A crystal violet (CV) test was performed. The biofilm imaging was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The results showed that all chemical disinfectants exhibited statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) compared to the positive control. This novel finding elucidated that 0.625% acetic acid is effective for antimicrobial in both copolyester and polyurethane retainers. However, only the CHX, PD, and PR groups could reduce biofilm mass. In addition, the CV assay cannot provide information about the actual number of living and dead bacteria. Furthermore, the LIVE/DEAD BacLight assay was able to show the bacterial viability.

Immunoexpression of interferon-gamma in the interdental gingiva of chronic periodontitis patients with interferon-gamma (+874A/T) rs62559044 polymorphism.

Interferon-gamma (IFNγ), which is involved in inflammation, has an essential role in the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis (CP). The association of IFNγ +874A/T gene polymorphisms with a higher incidence of CP has been reported previously. We investigated the immunoexpression of IFNγ in human gingiva from CP patients with IFNγ +874A/T gene polymorphisms compared to a healthy group. Biopsies from interdental gingiva (n=60) were obtained from CP patients (n=38) and individuals who had clinically healthy gingiva (n=22). The specimens were classified according to genotypes of IFNγ +874A/T gene polymorphism using amplification-refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) (10AA, 18AT, and 10TT). After tissue processing and slide preparation, we evaluated the expression levels of IFNγ in the interdental gingiva using the immunohistochemistry technique. Values were compared between two study groups by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis analysis. P<0.05 was considered the level of significance. There was a noticeable increase in the immunoexpression of IFNγ in the gingival epithelium, fibroblasts, and capillaries of gingival tissue from CP patients compared to the control group. We found different levels of IFNγ expression in different parts of the gingival epithelium. The highest levels were found in the middle regions of the gingival epithelium in patients with TT genotypes. Immune cells and vascular endothelium of gingiva in the AA group also showed increased expression of IFNγ. Results suggest that IFNγ +874A/T gene polymorphism may change the expression level of IFNγ and subsequently the progression of CP.

Benign regulation of the gut microbiota: The possible mechanism through which the beneficial effects of manual acupuncture on cognitive ability and intestinal mucosal barrier function occur in APP/PS1 mice.

BackgroundGut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal barrier injury play vital roles in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) onset and development. Our previous studies have demonstrated that manual acupuncture (MA) could improve the cognitive abilities of APP/PS1 mice. However, the effect of MA on the intestinal mucosal barrier and the gut microbiota mechanism through which this effect occurs remain to be clarified.MethodsIn the APP/PS1 manual acupuncture (Am) group, MA was applied in Baihui (GV20), Yintang (GV29), and Zusanli (ST36). Mice in the APP/PS1 antibiotic + manual acupuncture (Aa) group were treated with an antibiotic mixture and MA at the same time. Probiotics were delivered to the APP/PS1 probiotics (Ap) group. Alterations in spatial learning and memory, the gut microbiota, the intestinal barrier function, and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and TNF-α were evaluated in each group.ResultsCompared with the C57BL/6 control (Cc) group, cognitive ability was significantly decreased, the gut microbiota structure was obviously disrupted, intestinal barrier integrity was drastically impaired, and the intestinal inflammatory response was enhanced in the APP/PS1 control (Ac) group (P < 0.01). These changes were reversed by MA and probiotics (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), whereas antibiotics inhibited the benign regulation by MA (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05).ConclusionManual acupuncture can benignly modulate gut microbiota dysbiosis, significantly reduce intestinal inflammation, and effectively alleviate the destruction of the intestinal mucosal barrier in APP/PS1 mice, and the effects are comparable to those of probiotics. The gut microbiota may play an important role in the improvement of the cognitive function and intestinal barrier function by MA.

Dietary Supplementation of Crystalline Amino Acid Improves Growth Performance and Health of Yellow Catfish That Reduced by Plant Proteins Replacement of Fishmeal

To evaluate the growth and health of yellow catfish ( 5.50 ± 0.61 g) under the conditions of unbalanced and balanced amino acid composition, an 8-week growth experiment was conducted. Three isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets were formulated with a graded level of fishmeal: control group was formulated with 560.00 g/kg fishmeal, and 25%PP group and 25%PP + AA group were formulated with 420.00 g/kg fishmeal (replace 25% of fishmeal with plant protein), and then 25%PP + AA group was supplemented with threonine, glycine, alanine, methionine, isoleucine, histidine, and lysine. Compared with control group, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and survival (SUR) in 25%PP group were significantly the lowest ( p &lt; 0.05 ), but feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher than those in control group ( p &lt; 0.05 ). After supplementation of crystalline amino acid, the WG, SGR, SUR, and FCR in 25%PP + AA group were recovered to the level of control group ( p &gt; 0.05 ). Compared with control group, the activities of trypsin and lipase were significantly increased in 25%PP group and 25%PP + AA group ( p &lt; 0.05 ). Liver impairment was exhibited in 25%PP group, mainly manifested as significantly increased contents of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) ( p &lt; 0.05 ). Supplementation of crystalline amino acids based on a 25%PP diet significantly reduced activities of AST and ALT ( p &lt; 0.05 ). In addition, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities in 25%PP group increased significantly ( p &lt; 0.05 ). Data from 25%PP + AA group showed that crystalline amino acid supplementation ameliorated antioxidant (T-AOC and SOD) and immune (ACP and AKP) ( p &lt; 0.05 ). One of the characteristics of intestinal damage is shortening of villi height, which was significantly reduced in 25%PP group ( p &lt; 0.05 ). In short, unbalanced amino acid intake can impact growth, survival, and physiological status of yellow catfish. Diet supplemented with unbalanced amino acid can cause abnormal accumulation of amino acid content in muscle, resulting in unnecessary consumption of nutrients. Dietary supplementation of crystalline amino acid improves growth performance and health of yellow catfish that reduced by plant proteins replacement of fishmeal.

Does delaying surgery for “healthy” hip fracture patients have increased complications and mortality?

IntroductionSurgical delay is one of the risk factors for mortality and morbidity in patients with HF. One of the causes of delay is due to admission on Thursday-Friday, weekends, holidays or previous periods. The final objective of this study is to analyze administrative-organizational delay in complication and mortality rates. Material and methodsA total of 607 cases of surgically operated hip fractures were analyzed. Two groups were established, one of them operated on in < 48 h (ND group) and the other surgically delayed for administrative organizational reasons (AA group). Demographic variables related to treatment and fracture were analyzed in both groups, as well as the rates of surgical wound complications, general complications and mortality rate in the first 30 days, in the first year and more than one year after surgery. ResultsWe observed a surgical wound seroma and staining rate of 15.7% in the AA group and 9.6% in the ND group; and a surgical wound surface infection rate of 1.9% in the AA group and 0.8% in the ND group (p = 0.275). General complications occurred in 34.4% (AA group) and 29% (ND group). The 30-day mortality rate was 4.8% in the AA group and 1.9% in the ND group (p = 0.081). ConclusionWe found no statistically significant differences in patients delayed for administrative reasons in terms of mortality and surgical wound and general complication rates. Although the proportion of surgical wound complications and 30-day mortality was higher in the AA group versus the ND group.

Evaluation of Reproductive Hormone, Electrolytes and Serum Protein in Pregnant Women with Different Genotypes

Introduction: Genotype is an inward expression of gene or the combination of alleles, situated on corresponding chromosomes that determines a specific trait of an individual. Sickle Cell Disease is associated with higher clinical and obstetric complications compared to the general population.&#x0D; Aim: This study sought to investigate how different genotypes might affect the levels of hormones, electrolytes and serum proteins in pregnancy.&#x0D; Study Design: A case-Control Study.&#x0D; Methodology: Participants were 120 pregnant women recruited from hospitals in Oyo State and Ekiti State. They were grouped into 40each according to their Genotypes: AA,AS and SS. Blood samples were collected and analytes quantified by standard laboratory methods. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan multiple range test were used to compare variables across the three groups.&#x0D; Results: There was a significant reduction in the levels of Estrogen, and Prolactin in Sickle Cell group when compared to AA and AS group, while the levels of progesterone were not statistically different in the three groups. Also, there was a significant reduction in the levels of Na, K ,Total Protein and Albumin in Sickle Cell Group when compared to Group 1 and 2. However, the levels of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cl and Fe, C-reactive protein were not statistically different in the three groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: Low levels of reproductive hormones, total protein and electrolytes imbalance are associated with pregnancy in Sickle Cell Disease.

Application of thromboelastography in diagnosing normal pregnancies and pregnancies with complications.

BackgroundThis observational study aimed to compare the potential application of thromboelastography (TEG) in diagnosing women with normal pregnancy (NP) and women with threatened abortion (TA), missed abortion (MA), embryo arrest (EA), fetal death (FD), history of abnormal pregnancy (HAP), and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (AA).MethodsAccording to the relevant clinical criteria, patients were divided into groups, and their blood samples were subjected to TEG. Next, the parameters R, K, α‐angle, MA, LY‐30, G, and coagulation index (CI) were analyzed. Partial correlation analysis was used to analyze correlation between groups of data. LSD‐t test and Dunnett's T3 test were used to analyze continuous variables. Ordinal categorical variables were compared using ordinal logistic regression analysis and estimate odds ratio of risk factors. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to detect the ability of TEG to recognize various parameters, and areas under the curve were compared using Delong's test for diagnosing pregnancy‐related diseases.ResultsMA had a negative effect on the MA parameter in TEG; EA had a negative effect on the MA and G parameters; HAP had a negative effect on the CI parameter and a positive effect on the R parameter; AA had a negative effect on the CI parameter. Compared with that of the NP group, the G of the EA (p = 0.014) group and the CI of the TA (p = 0.036) MA (p = 0.08) EA (p = 0.026) HAP (p = 0.000004) and AA (p = 0.002) groups were reduced. In the ordinal logistic regression analysis, compared with that of the NP group, the high R value of the HAP group accounted for more than that of the NP group (OR = 48.76, p = 0.001); the high K value of the AA group accounted for more than that of the NP group (OR = 17.00, p = 0.023); the angle value distributions of the TA and AA groups were different from that of the NP group (OR = 3.30, p = 0.039; OR = 0.14, p = 0.029); the low MA value of the MA, EA, and HAP groups accounted for more than that of the NP group (OR = 0.16, p = 0.03; OR = 0.26, p = 0.005; OR = 0.11, p = 0.008); and the low CI value of the HAP group accounted for more than that of the NP group (OR = 0.09, p = 0.005). In the ROC analysis, there were no significant differences in the TEG parameters of pregnant women belonging to the NP and TA, NP and MA, NP and EA, NP and FD, NP and HAP, and NP and AA groups (p > 0.05).

A Coronal Landmark for Tibial Component Positioning With Anatomical Alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Radiological and Clinical Study.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the value of the lateral point of articular surface of distal tibia (LADT) for anatomical alignment in total knee arthroplasty.MethodsWe reconstructed 148 three-dimensional pre-arthritic tibias and measured the tibial component inclination angle corresponding to the distal landmark of LADT. A retrospective study included 81 TKA recipients divided into the AA group and MA group. Clinical assessments including ROM, HSS, WOMAC, satisfaction for surgery, and radiological assessment were evaluated at one-year follow-up.ResultsThe tibial component varus angle corresponding to the distal landmark of LADT in the male and female groups were 3.4 ± 0.3° (2.6~4.2°) and 3.2 ± 0.3° (2.3~4.0°), respectively (P <0.05). Using LADT as the distal landmark for extramedullary tibial cutting guidance, the medial proximal tibia angle (MPTA) of the AA group was 87.0±1.2° (85.0~90.0°), and the AA and MA technique showed no difference in improvement in postoperative knee functional recovery at final follow-up.ConclusionsThis study preliminarily indicated that LADT can be a reliable and economical landmark for coronal plane alignment of the tibial component.

Effects of Hydrofluoric Acid Concentration and Etching Time on the Bond Strength to Ceramic-coated Zirconia.

To evaluate the effects of different hydrofluoric acid (HF) concentrations and etching times on the surface topography, roughness, and resin bond strength to ceramic-coated zirconia (CC), and to compare them with the effects of alumina air-abrasion combined with 10-MDP (AA). AA and CC specimens were divided into 12 groups (N = 10). The CC groups were etched with HF at different concentrations (5% or 9.5%) for various durations (0 min, 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 5 min or 10 min). The surface morphology was analyzed using SEM. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed for chemical and crystalline-phase analyses. Surface roughness (Ra) and shear bond strength (SBS) were recorded and statistically analyzed. The SBS of CC groups initially increased, but then decreased with etching time for both HF acid concentrations. The 9.5% HF group displayed more marked topographical changes and higher Ra compared with the 5% HF group for the same etching period. Mean SBS was lower in the AA group compared with the CC groups etched with 5% HF for 2-10 min and 9.5% HF for 1-3 min (p < 0.05). Different HF concentrations and etching times influenced the surface topography, roughness, and resin bond strength of/to ceramic-coated zirconia. Etching with 5% HF for 5 min and with 9.5% HF for 2 min, respectively, provided the highest SBS.

Impact of the Acceptance of the Recommendations Made by a Meropenem Stewardship Program in a University Hospital: A Pilot Study.

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) promote appropriate antimicrobial use. We present a 4-year retrospective study that evaluated the clinical impact of the acceptance of the recommendations made by a meropenem-focused ASP. A total of 318 meropenem audits were performed. The ASP team (comprising infectious disease physicians, pharmacists and microbiologists) considered meropenem use in 96 audits (30.2%) to be inappropriate. The reasons to consider these uses inappropriate were the possibility of de-escalating to a narrower-spectrum antibiotic, in 66 (68.7%) audits, and unnecessary meropenem use, in 30 (31.3%) audits. The ASP team recommended de-escalation in 66 audits (68.7%) and discontinuation of meropenem in 30 audits (31.3%). ASP interventions were stratified according to whether or not recommendations were followed. The group in which recommendations were accepted and followed (i.e., accepted audit, AA) included 66 audits (68.7%) and the group in which recommendations were not followed (i.e., rejected audit, RA) included 30 (31.3%) audits. The comorbidity of the AA group (Charlson score) was higher than in the RA group (7.0 (5.0–9.0) vs. 6.0 (4.0–7.0), p = 0.02). Discontinuation of meropenem was recommended in 83.3% of audits in the AA group vs. 62.2% in the RA group (OR 3.05 (1.03–8.99), p = 0.04). Ertapenem de-escalation resulted in a 100% greater rate of follow-up compared with the non-carbapenem option (100% vs. 51.9%, OR 1.50 (1.21–1.860), p = 0.001). Significant differences were observed in the AA group when cultures were taken before antibiotic prescription—98.5% vs. 83.3% (p = 0.01, OR 13.0 (1.45–116.86))—or when screening cultures were taken—45.5% vs. 19.2% (p = 0.03, OR 3.5 (1.06–11.52)). There were no differences between the groups in terms of overall mortality and 30-day mortality, length of stay, Clostridiodes difficile infection, 30-day readmission or hospitalization costs. In conclusion, meropenem ASP recommendations contributed to a decrease in meropenem prescription without worsening clinical and economic outcomes.

Comparison of COVID-19 characteristics in Egyptian patients according to their Toll-Like Receptor-4 (Asp299Gly) polymorphism

Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 plays a vital role in recognizing viral particles, activating the innate immune system, and producing pro-inflammatory cytokines.This cross-sectional study aimed to compare COVID-19 severity, progression, and fate according to TLR-4 (Asp299Gly) polymorphism in Egyptian patients.A total of 145 COVID-19 patients were included in this study. TLR-4 (Asp299Gly) genotyping was done using the PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approach.The most commonly encountered TLR-4 genotype in relation to the amino acid at position 299 was the wild-type AA (73.1%); meanwhile, the homozygous mutant GG genotype (8.3%) was the least encountered. At hospital admission, 85.8% of the AA group had free (with no ground glass opacities) chest computed tomography (CT) examination, and 16.0% were asymptomatic. On the other hand, of the AG and GG groups, 81.5% and 83.3%, respectively showed bilateral ground-glass opacities in chest CT, as well as 25.9% and 75.0%, respectively were dyspneic. Values of the total leucocytic count, C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, and D dimer increased in the AA<AG<GG sequence. In contrast, hemoglobin values and the absolute lymphocyte counts decreased in the AA>AG>GG sequence. ICU admission (83.3%) and in-hospital death (33.3%) rates were significantly higher in the GG group.In COVID-19 patients, the TLR-4 mutant G allele may be associated with a more aggressive disease course and in-hospital death. New therapeutic alternatives could be aimed at this area.

Osteoporosis and its Association with Vitamin D Receptor, Oestrogen α Receptor, Parathyroid Receptor and Collagen Type I alpha Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Bone Mineral Density: A Pilot Study from South Indian Postmenopausal Women of Tamil Nadu.

The involvement of many putative genetic factors makes osteoporosis a complex disease. With increasing longevity of the Indian population,it'snow being realized that, aswithin theWest, osteoporotic fractures are alsoa significantexplanation formorbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women. Studies have suggested thatthegenetic componentliable forbone masscould belinked to single nucleotide polymorphisms.Therefore,thisstudy is aimedto researchthe role of seven gene polymorphisms previously associated with bone phenotype in a cohort of postmenopausal South Indian women from Tamil Nadu. The subjects for the study (n = 300) included 100 osteoporotic women (age 59.3 ± 9.26), 100 osteopenic women (age 55.6 ± 8.17) and 100 non-osteoporotic women as controls (age 55.4 ± 8.85).Genetic polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Case-control genetic association analysis of BsmI of the VDR and BstBI of the PTH gene showed a significant allelic association with low bone mineral density amongst the osteoporotic postmenopausal women. The association of BMD with the VDR gene polymorphisms revealed that the average BMD in the BsmI polymorphism with the recessive genotype GG in osteoporotic women was significantly reduced compared with the average BMD in osteoporotic women with AA and AG genotypes. In the BstBI polymorphism, the BMD in the osteoporotic subjects were significantly lower in the AA group than in the GA and GG groups.These results provide evidence for an independent association between BMD and rs1544410 in VDR and rs6254 in PTH and may contribute in being a possible genetic marker for predicting the disease susceptibility in the population tested.

HSD3B1 polymorphism in patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with abiraterone acetate and prednisone (AAP): Pharmacodynamics and therapeutic implications.

140 Background: AAP prolongs survival in pts with mCRPC. Although it is widely used for mCRPC, no predictive biomarker for response has been identified so far. Methods: This study evaluated HSD3B1 genetic polymorphism and pharmacodynamic parameters from serum samples of mCRPC pts with disease progression after diethylstilbestrol (DES) treated with AAP in the AAP-DES study (NCT02217566). Peripheral blood samples were collected before initiating AAP therapy, after 12 weeks, and at disease progression. Sample analysis included HSD3B1 genotyping, abiraterone acetate (AbA) and D4-abiraterone serum levels, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) ultrasensitive analysis. Clinical characteristics, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and the rate of PSA decline ≥ 50% were assessed considering homozygous wild-type (AA) versus heterozygous variant (AC) + homozygous variant (CC) HSD3B1 genotypes. Results: Serum samples of 42 pts were analyzed. AA and AC + CC HSD3B1 genotypes were 50.0% each (95% CI:34.2-65.8). Mean ages at baseline was significantly higher in the AA group (71.1 years) compared to the AC+CC group (66.3 years) (p=0.047). Gleason score ≥8 was observed for 38.1% and 47.6% of AA and AC+CC genotypes, respectively (p&lt;0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed between AA and AC+CC groups related to testosterone and DHEA-S level at baseline, week 12, and PSA progression. Serum levels of AbA and D4-abiraterone were similar, throughout treatment despite HSD3D1 genotype. Median OS was 21.3 months (95% CI: 14.8 - ; 14 events) for the AA genotype, and it was not reached at the AC+CC genotype group (9 events) (p=0.154). Regarding PFS, median estimates were 7.3 months (95% CI: 4.6 – 9.4; 16 events) for AA genotype and 7.9 months (95% CI: 5.6 – 14.4; 16 events) for AC+CC genotype (p=0.519). PSA decline ≥ 50% was 71.4% for AA genotype and 42.9% for AC+CC genotypes and the chance of PSA response in patients with AA genotype is 3.33 (95% CI: 0.93; 12.11) times greater than that in patients with AC or CC genotypes, despite not statistically significant differences (p=0.0614). Conclusions: In our study, the presence of HSD3B1 (1245C) was not significantly associated with clinical response during AAP treatment, as well as testosterone, DHEA-S, AbA and D4-abiraterone levels. The role of HSD3B1 polymorphism to predict clinical outcome of AR blockade for mCRPC patients still needs to be further analyzed in larger translational studies. [Table: see text]

Evaluation of dermatoscopic findings of alopecia areata and tinea capitis in pediatric patients.

Pediatric patients often reveal localized alopecic foci on the scalp. The essential point upon approaching a child with localized alopecia is distinguishing the two most common causes, alopecia areata and tinea capitis, as their treatments are entirely different. Although potassium hydroxide examination is the preferred method for their clear distinction, dermatoscopy is also emerging as a rapid diagnostic tool. This study aimed to assess and compare the dermatoscopic findings of alopecia areata and tinea capitis. Enrolled in this study were 34 children with tinea capitis and 21 children with alopecia areata admitted to a single-center outpatient clinic between 2017 and 2021. The authors confirmed all children's diagnoses by an integrative evaluation of clinical features, potassium hydroxide examination results, and treatment response patterns. Clinical features and the variables of interest (dermatoscopic findings) were investigated through the medical records and the baseline dermatoscopic images. The most common dermatoscopic finding within the tinea capitis cohort was comma hairs, detected in 33 (97.1%) of the patients. Other findings of the tinea capitis group included squamation (n=31, 91.2%), broken and dystrophic hairs (n=30, 88.2%), corkscrew hairs (n=24, 70.6%), zigzag hairs (n=18, 52.9%), and pigtail hairs (n=9, 26.5%). The most common dermatoscopic finding within the alopecia areata cohort was exclamation mark hairs (n=13, 61.9%), that was followed by black dots (n=9, 42.9%), yellow dots (n=8, 38.1%), vellus hairs (n=6, 28.6%), and broken and dystrophic hairs (n=5, 23.8%). Among the detailed evaluation of dermatoscopic findings of tinea capitis and alopecia areata patients, the only overlapping feature was dystrophic and broken hairs that could be present in both diseases; but were more common within the TC group than within the AA group (88.2% vs. 23.8%).

High-Resolution Intracranial Vessel Wall MRI Findings Among Different Middle Cerebral Artery Territory Infarction Types.

ObjectiveIntracranial atherosclerotic stroke occurs through various mechanisms, mainly by artery-to-artery embolism (AA) or branch occlusive disease (BOD). This study evaluated the spatial relationship between middle cerebral artery (MCA) plaques and perforating arteries among different MCA territory infarction types using vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI).Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled patients with acute MCA infarction who underwent VW-MRI. Thirty-four patients were divided into three groups according to infarction pattern: 1) BOD, 2) both BOD and AA (BOD-AA), and 3) AA. To determine the factors related to BOD, the BOD and BOD-AA groups were combined into one group (with striatocapsular infarction [BOD+]) and compared with the AA group. To determine the factors related to AA, the BOD-AA and AA groups were combined into another group (with cortical infarction [AA+]) and compared with the BOD group. Plaque morphology and the spatial relationship between the perforating artery orifice and plaque were evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively.ResultsThe plaque margin in the BOD+ group was closer to the perforating artery orifice than that in the AA group (p = 0.011), with less enhancing plaque (p = 0.030). In the BOD group, plaques were mainly located on the dorsal (41.2%) and superior (41.2%) sides where the perforating arteries mainly arose. No patient in the AA group had overlapping plaques with perforating arteries at the cross-section where the perforator arose. Perforating arteries associated with culprit plaques were most frequently located in the middle two-thirds of the M1 segment (41.4%). The AA+ group had more stenosis (%) than the BOD group (39.73 ± 24.52 vs. 14.42 ± 20.96; p = 0.003).ConclusionThe spatial relationship between the perforating artery orifice and plaque varied among different types of MCA territory infarctions. In patients with BOD, the plaque margin was closer and blocked the perforating artery orifice, and stenosis degree and enhancement were less than those in patients with AA.

Evaluation of the appendectomy cases performed under emergency conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic and discussed with the pathology reports.

The aim of this study is to examine the cases underwent appendectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic and to discuss the pathology reports of patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pathological reports of the appendectomy materials of 588 patients over the age of 15 who applied to the emergency department between January 1, 2020, and June 1, 2021, were examined. A total of 565 patients with a diagnosis of acute (AA), subacute (SA), or perforated appendicitis (PA) were included and divided into three groups according to diagnosis. Twenty-three patients were excluded from the study due to other pathologies. The age, gender, duration of pain, ASA score, operational technique, operation time, Clavien-Dindo score, hospitalization time, post-operative complications, pre- and post-operative PCR and thoracic tomography findings in suspected cases of COVID-19, and laboratory and radiological findings of patients were retrospectively analyzed. Of 565 patients diagnosed with appendicitis, 464 (82.1%) had AA, 35 (6.2%) SA, and 66 (11.7%) PA. The median age of the PA group was higher than in the AA group (p=0.0139). The incidence of diabetes mellitus in the PA group and of asthma in the SA group were highest among other groups (p=0.004 and 0.0037, respectively). The duration of pain was longer in the SA and PA groups than the AA group (p<0.0001), therefore, the patients applied to hospital later than the acute group. The rate of thorax CT-positive scans was 1.6% in patients suspected for COVID-19 (p=0.066). While laparoscopic surgery was preferred over 70% in all groups, the rate of conventional surgery (21.1%) in the AA group was highest and of transition from laparoscopic to open surgery was highest in the PA group (10.6%) (p<0.0001). Hospitalization duration was longest in the PA group (p<0.0001). COVID-19 pandemic not only changes all routines of social life but also complicates the treatment and manage-ment of cases with AA symptoms applied to hospital under emergency conditions. Follow-up of the appendectomy specimen is crucial in terms of excluding other pathologies.

Incidental appendectomy in surgical treatment of ileocolic intussusception in children. Is it safe to perform?

Surgical treatment of ileo-colic intussusception (ICI) has been reported as the second cause of emergency laparotomy in children. The performance of incidental appendectomy after surgical reduction is currently controversial. The aim is to analyse the outcomes of performing incidental appendectomy after surgical ICI reduction with or without associated bowel resection. A retrospective study was performed in patients with ICI episodes, who underwent surgical treatment in our institution between 2005-2019. Patients were divided in two groups according to the performance of associated appendectomy (AA group) or not (NA group). Subsequently, a stratified analysis was performed according to the need for bowel resection in both groups. Demographic variables, intraoperative findings, surgical time, hospital stay, postoperative complications and recurrences were analysed. A total of 101 patients (77 AA group; 24 NA group) were included, without differences in demographics or intraoperative findings. A total of 36 bowel resections were performed (24 group AA; 10 group NA), with no differences in surgical time (55.7 min in group AA vs. 61.2min in group NA; p=0.587) or hospital stay (median 5 days in both groups). There were also no differences in postoperative complications or recurrences between the two groups. Stratified analysis showed that bowel resection increases operative time, hospital stay and postoperative complications, regardless of whether associated appendectomy was performed or not. Incidental appendectomy during surgical treatment of ICI in children is a safe procedure that does not increase operative time, hospital stay, postoperative complications or recurrence.

In vitro Tissue Culture Techniques and Colchicine-Induced Polyploidy in Banana (Musa, AA Group) ‘Kluai Khai’

In vitro Tissue Culture Techniques and Colchicine-Induced Polyploidy in Banana (Musa, AA Group) ‘Kluai Khai’

Therapeutic Effects of Momordica charantia L. Ethanolic Extract on Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of Momordica charantia L. (MoC) ethanolic extract on ulcerative colitis (UC) and was explored in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into control (C), saline-treated colitis (AA), MoC extract-treated colitis (AA+MoC), and sulfasalazine (SS)-treated colitis (AA+SS) groups. Colitis was induced by acetic acid. MoC extract, SS or saline were given to the related groups for 3 days. Interleukine-1β, malondialdehyde, glutathione levels, myeloperoxidase activity, bax/bcl-2 ratio, caspase-9 and caspase-3 levels were measured in colon and macroscopic and histopathologic examinations were done. Total phenolic/flavonoid content and biological activity of MoC were evaluated by in vitro analysis. Results: Compared to the control group, with acetic acid application interleukin-1β levels, myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels, bax/bcl-2 ratio, caspase-9 and caspase-3 levels were significantly upregulated, while glutathione levels were significantly decreased in the AA group. In contrast, MoC and SS treatments reduced interleukin-1β, malondialdehyde levels, myeloperoxidase activity, bax/bcl-2 ratio, and caspase-9 and caspase-3 levels. Glutathione levels increased upon MoC or SS treatment. Increased macroscopic and microscopic scoring with AA improved with MoC or SS treatment, but the MoC or SS treated groups had higher score values than the control. Also, in vitro results showed that MoC exhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging activity as well as significant antilipoxygenase activity. In addition, MoC extract showed a potent anti-inflammatory activity compared to standard indomethacin. Conclusion: Our biochemical, in vitro and histopathologic analysis indicate that MoC is likely to prove beneficial in UC therapy.

Quantifying Bone Marrow Fat Fraction and Iron by MRI for Distinguishing Aplastic Anemia from Myelodysplastic Syndromes

ROIs were manually drawn at the level containing the largest section of the left posterior superior ilium (A, B, D, E). The zoomed version of the ROIs showed in the upper left corner. (A, D) FF value of AA and MDS is 86.98% and 25.84%, respectively. (B, E) Iron content from R2*image is 117.91 and 147.98/second. (C, F) Histologic sections images of AA and MDS. Compared with MDS group (F), the number of fat cells (black arrow) in the AA group (C) was increased by Zeng et al. (1754–1760) image