AP Group Research Articles

Clinical efficacy of different surgical approaches in the treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis: a multicenter retrospective case-control study with a minimum 10-year follow-up.

To evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy of three different surgical approaches in treating thoracolumbar tuberculosis. A total of 176 patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis, treated with open surgery at two hospitals, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were stratified into three groups based on the surgical approach: anterior-only (AO), posterior-only (PO), and anterior-posterior combined (AP) approaches. Collected data encompassed operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay length, complications, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification, and radiographic measurements of segmental lordotic Cobb angles, correction angles, and correction rates. The minimum duration of follow-up among all patients was 10 years. Postoperatively, all patients experienced a reduction in ESR and CRP, with normalization occurring within 3 months and sustained normal at the last follow-up. The AP group had a longer operative duration and higher intraoperative blood loss than the other two groups. The Cobb correction rates for AO, PO, and AP were (56.33±6.62)%, (72.82±5.66)%, and (74.45±5.78)%, respectively. The correction loss of Cobb angles for AO, PO, and AP were (2.85±1.01)°, (1.42±0.97)°, and (1.19±0.89)°, respectively. Patients in all groups showed significant improvement in VAS scores and ODI postoperatively, with no notable intergroup differences. The neurological recovery rates for the AO, PO, and AP groups were 84.62, 87.10, and 83.72%, respectively, while the complication rates were 12.73, 16.98, and 22.06%, respectively. An anterior-only approach is recommended for cases with localized lesions and smaller angular deformities. For patients with multisegmental lesions and larger angular deformities, a posterior-only or anterior-posterior combined approach is advised, with a preference for the posterior-only approach.

Clinico-Physiological and Haemodynamic Alterations Following Propofol Induction and Premedication with Butorphanol, Dexmedetomidine or Acepromazine in Dogs

The present study was conducted during February-October 2021 at Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Science & A.H. Anjora, Durg (C.G.), India to evaluate the alternations on clinico-physiological and haemodynamic parameters following propofol induction in dogs premedicated with butorphanol or dexmedetomidine or acepromazine. Eighteen adult dogs of either sex were randomly divided into three groups (BP, DP and AP) with six animals in each. Ten minutes prior to the anaesthetic administration, all the dogs were administered glycopyrrolate @ 0.02 mg kg-1 I/M. The animals of group BP, DP and AP were premedicated intramuscularly with butorphanol @ 0.3 mg kg-1 b.wt., dexmedetomidine @ 10 µg kg-1 b.wt. and acepromazine @ 0.4 mg kg-1 b.wt. respectively. General anaesthesia was induced with propofol @ 7 mg kg-1 b.wt. intravenously. Clinical parameters were recorded following induction with propofol. Physiological and haemodynamic parameters were recorded before (0), 5 min. after sedation, induction and at 10, 20, 40, 60 and 120 min. post propofol anaesthesia. The onset of sedation and anaesthesia was quicker in group DP followed by AP and BP. Duration of anaesthesia and complete recovery were significantly (p<0.05) longer in group DP as compared to group BP and AP. The physiological and haemodynamic parameters showed transient changes which were compensated and remained within normal range during the study period without producing any deleterious effect. Thus, propofol can be safely used as induction agent in dogs premedicated with either dexmedetomidine or butorphanol or acepromazine and does not produce any adverse effect on cardiopulmonary system. However, dexmedetomidine-propofol combination provided longer duration of anaesthesia in dogs as compared to other groups.

Effect of Selective 5-Hydroxytryptamine-3 Receptor and Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists on Hemodynamic Changes and Arrhythmogenic Potential in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Retrospective, Observational Study

Background: Prior speculation suggests that selective 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptors and neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists may increase arrhythmia risk and induce electrocardiographic changes. This study examined the effect of anti-emetic medications on arrhythmogenic potential and hemodynamic alterations. Methods: We considered patients aged 18 or above receiving chemotherapy between June 2013 and December 2013. Patients were grouped by anti-emetic medication: intravenous granisetron (Group G), oral aprepitant plus IV granisetron (Group AG), IV palonosetron (Group P), and oral aprepitant plus IV palonosetron (Group AP). We recorded blood pressure and electrocardiography initially and at the thirtieth minute post-medication, focusing on P dispersion, QTc dispersion, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure alterations. Results: The study included 80 patients (20 per group). Baseline systolic/diastolic blood pressure and P dispersion showed no significant variance. However, the baseline QTc dispersion was significantly lower in Groups P and AP than G and AG. The thirtieth-minute systolic/diastolic blood pressures were significantly lower than the baseline for Groups AG and AP, and the heart rates decreased in all groups. Group P showed significantly fewer blood pressure changes. Conclusions: We found no arrhythmogenic potential linked to granisetron, palonosetron, and aprepitant. Hypotension was more frequent at 30 min post-medication in granisetron or aprepitant recipients. Considering no hypotension occurred when using palonosetron alone, this treatment was deemed safer.

Anterior Column Realignment Through Open Pre-posterior Release-Anterior-Posterior Fusion Versus Hybrid Minimally Invasive-Anterior-Posterior Fusion for Dynamic Sagittal Imbalance of the Spine.

Retrospective comparative study. To investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes after anterior column realignment (ACR) through pre-posterior release-anterior-posterior surgery (PAP) and minimally invasive surgery -lateral lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-LLIF) using hybrid anterior-posterior surgery (AP). A total of 91 patients who underwent ACR with long fusions from T10 vertebra to the sacropelvis with a follow-up period of at least 2years after corrective surgery for adult spinal deformity were included and divided into two groups by surgical method: AP and PAP. AP was performed in 26 and PAP in 65 patients. Clinical outcomes and radiological parameters were investigated and compared. A further comparison was conducted after propensity score matching between the groups. The more increase of LL and decrease of PI-LL mismatch were observed in the PAP group than in the AP group postoperatively. After propensity score matching, total operation time and intraoperative bleeding were greater, and intensive care unit care and rod fracture were more frequent in the PAP group than in the AP group with statistical significance. Reoperation rate was higher in PAP (29.2%) than in AP (16.7%) without statistical significance. PAP provides a more powerful correction for severe sagittal malalignment than AP procedures. AP results in less intraoperative bleeding, operation time, and postoperative complications. Therefore, this study does not suggest that one treatment is superior to the other. III.

Caudal fluoroscopic guidance for the insertion of transvenous pacing leads.

Pneumothorax is a well-recognized complication of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) insertion. While AP fluoroscopy alone is the most commonly imaging technique for subclavian or axillary access, caudal fluoroscopy (angle 40°) is routinely used at our institution. The caudal view provides additional separation of the first rib and clavicle and may reduce the risk of pneumothorax. We assessed outcomes at our institution of AP and caudal fluoroscopic guided pacing lead insertion. Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing transvenous lead insertion for pacemakers, defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices between 2011 and 2023. Both de novo and lead replacement/upgrade procedures were included. Data were extracted from operative, radiology, and discharge reports. All patients underwent postprocedure chest radiography. Three thousand two hundred fifty-two patients underwent insertion of pacing leads between February 2011 and March 2023. Mean age was 71.1 years (range 16-102) and 66.7% were male. Most (n = 2536; 78.0%) procedures used caudal guidance to obtain venous access, while 716 (22.0%) procedures used AP guidance alone. Pneumothoraxes occurred in five (0.2%) patients in the caudal group and five (0.7%) patients in the AP group (p = .03). Subclavian contrast venography was performed less frequently in the caudal group (26.2% vs. 42.7%, p < .01). Caudal fluoroscopy for axillary/subclavian access is associated with a lower rate of pneumothorax and contrast venography compared with an AP approach.

Effects of Different Protein Sources on Growth Performance, Muscle Flavor Substances and Quality Structure in Triploid Crucian Carp

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of different dietary protein sources on the growth performance, muscle flavor substances, and quality structure of Triploid Crucian Carp. Three isonitrogenous (32.00%), isolipidic (8.00%), and isoenergetic (18.00 MJ kg−1) practical diets were formulated. These diets consisted of fishmeal as the animal-derived protein source (AP), a combination of soybean meal and rapeseed meal as the plant-derived protein source (PP), and a mixture of fishmeal, soybean meal, and rapeseed meal as the mixed protein source (MP). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate tanks of fish and each tank was stocked with 25 fish (11.5 ± 0.4 g). The fish were fed until apparent satiation twice a day. The results showed a significant enhancement in the growth performance of Triploid Crucian Carp in the AP group compared with both the MP and PP groups (p &lt; 0.05). Dietary plant derived protein can remarkably reduce the crude lipid content and increase the moisture content of the whole body and the dorsal muscle (p &lt; 0.05). The antioxidant ability of fish in the PP group and MP group was better than that in the AP group (p &lt; 0.05). Regarding free amino acids composition of muscle, the contents of glycine, methionine, and lysine were significantly enhanced in the AP group, while the histidine content was significantly increased in the PP group (p &lt; 0.05). In terms of texture, dietary plant protein significantly improved the muscular hardness, gumminess, and chewiness. The activities of intestinal trypsin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of fish in the PP group were significantly higher than that in the AP group (p &lt; 0.05). The expression levels of hepatopancreas TOR and IGF1 genes in the PP group were significantly higher than that in the MP group (p &lt; 0.05). The present results indicate dietary fishmeal significantly improved the growth performance and muscular flavor glycine content, while dietary plant-based protein increased crude protein content, antioxidant ability, and muscular texture performance of Triploid Crucian Carp.

The positive impact of targeted modulating food intolerance on immune-related recurrent pregnancy loss

Background It has been proven that immune disorders are one of the vital risk factors of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and the presence of food intolerance seems to play an essential role in this. However, the impact of immune status induced by food intolerance on RPL has not been reported. This study utilized a targeted diet avoiding food intolerance as much as possible for each participant to investigate their effects on pregnancy outcomes in RPL patients with positive autoimmune markers. Methods From January 2020 to May 2021, fifty-eight patients with RPL were enrolled. They were divided into two groups based on the presence of autoantibodies: the autoantibody-positive group (AP, n = 29) and the autoantibody-negative group (AN, n = 29). Their food-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies for 90 foods were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of immune parameters and the presence of gastrointestinal discomforts (diarrhea or constipation, eczema, and mouth ulcers) were recorded before and after dietary conditioning, followed by the analysis of pregnancy outcomes. Results Compared to the AN group, the patients in the AP group showed immune disorders at baseline, such as reduced levels of IL-4 and complement C3, and increased levels of IL-2 and total B cells. These parameters within the AP group were significantly improved after dietary conditioning that avoided food intolerance, while no significant changes were observed in the AN group. Patients in the AP group had significantly higher food-specific IgG antibodies for cow’s milk (89.66% vs. 48.28%, p < .001), yolk (86.21% vs. 27.59%, p < .001), bamboo shoots (86.21% vs. 44.83%, p < .001) compared to those in the AN group. Additionally, gastrointestinal discomforts including diarrhea or constipation, eczema, and mouth ulcers were more common in the AP group than in the AN group. After 3-month dietary conditioning, these significantly improved characteristics were only observed in the AP group (p < .001). Finally, the baby-holding rate was higher in the AP group compared to the AN group (p < .05). Conclusions The RPL patients in the AN group did not exhibit immune disorders, whereas those in the AP group experienced immune disorders and gastrointestinal discomforts. For patient with positive autoantibodies, dietary intervention may mitigate immune disorders and gastrointestinal discomforts, presenting a promising approach to enhance pregnancy outcomes.

Effects of yeast peptides on the growth, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities, immune function, and diarrhea status of suckling calves.

Yeast peptides, which are small-molecule active peptides extracted from yeast proteins, are known for their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects of yeast peptide on suckling calves remain unclear. In this study, the effects of yeast peptide supplementation on the growth, diarrhea incidence, and immune function of calves during the suckling period were determined. Thirty newborn calves were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (CON) and the treatment group (AP), which received fresh pasteurized milk supplemented with yeast peptides (5 g/day). The experiment lasted for 49 days (7-56 days of age). The dry matter intake, body weight, diarrhea status, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory activity of the calves were analyzed. The AP group had higher dry matter intake, daily weight gain, and feed efficiency than the CON group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the duration and frequency of diarrhea were significantly lower in the AP group than in the CON group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the immune, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory capabilities of the AP group were significantly higher than those of the CON group (P < 0.05). These findings provide valuable insights for the improvement of early health management during calf rearing.

Etiological differences in demographics, clinical course and consequences of acute pancreatitis: a retrospective study.

Aim: The study is intended to consider acute pancreatitis from the point of view of its etiological structure, as well as demographic description, features of the clinical course, distribution of morphological forms, severity and consequences of the disease in different etiological variants. Materials and Methods: The work was based on a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 677 patients with acute pancreatitis who underwent inpatient treatment from 2017 to 2022 in an emergency hospital and a tertiary regional hospital in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. Results: The etiological structure of the general sample was as follows: the alimentary factors - 37,5% of cases, biliary - 18,6%, alcohol - 14,0% and postoperative - 7,8%, respectively. The oldest patients were observed in the group with biliary AP (age [median, interquartile range] 61 [46-72] years), the youngest - in the group with alcoholic AP (age [median, interquartile range] 40 [35-47] years). Men significantly predominated in the groups with alimentary and alcoholic AP. A significant predominance of women was observed in the group with biliary AP (62,7% vs. 37,3%, p=0,0003). The highest mortality was in the alcoholic AP group (22,1%), also here was a significantly lower rate of inpatient bed days (6,0). Edematous AP was dominant in all etiological variants. While infected necrotic pancreatitis was significantly more often found in patients with alcoholic genesis (7,4%). Conclusions: The etiologic variations of acute pancreatitis differ by demographic and clinical indicators and require more detailed study to understand its prognosis, management, and development of effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Mood, Activity Participation, and Leisure Engagement Satisfaction (MAPLES): results from a randomised controlled pilot feasibility trial for low mood in acquired brain injury

BackgroundAcquired brain injury (ABI) is linked to increased depression risk. Existing therapies for depression in ABI (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy) have mixed efficacy. Behavioural activation (BA), an intervention that encourages engaging in positively reinforcing activities, shows promise. The primary aims were to assess feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of two 8-week BA groups.MethodsAdults (≥ 18 years) recruited from local ABI services, charities, and self-referral via social media were randomised to condition. The Activity Planning group (AP; “traditional” BA) trained participants to plan reinforcing activities over 8 weeks. The Activity Engagement group (AE; “experiential” BA) encouraged engagement in positive activities within session only. Both BA groups were compared to an 8-week Waitlist group (WL). The primary outcomes, feasibility and acceptability, were assessed via recruitment, retention, attendance, and qualitative feedback on groups. The secondary outcome, potential efficacy, was assessed via blinded assessments of self-reported activity levels, depression, and anxiety (at pre- and post-intervention and 1 month follow-up) and were compared across trial arms. Data were collected in-person and remotely due to COVID-19.ResultsN = 60 participants were randomised to AP (randomised n = 22; total n = 29), AE (randomised n = 22; total n = 28), or re-randomised following WL (total n = 16). Whether in-person or remote, AP and AE were rated as similarly enjoyable and helpful. In exploring efficacy, 58.33% of AP members had clinically meaningful activity level improvements, relative to 50% AE and 38.5% WL. Both AP and AE groups had depression reductions relative to WL, but only AP participants demonstrated anxiety reductions relative to AE and WL. AP participants noted benefits of learning strategies to increase activities and learning from other group members. AE participants valued social discussion and choice in selecting in-session activities.ConclusionsBoth in-person and remote group BA were feasible and acceptable in ABI. Though both traditional and experiential BA may be effective, these may have different mechanisms.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT03874650. Protocol version 2.3, May 26 2020.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of increased pancreatic enzymes in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome.

The increased pancreatic enzymes have recently been reported in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). However, its significance has not been elucidated clearly. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence, clinical characteristics of elevated pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase) and its association with AP in patients with SFTS. Data of demographics, comorbid conditions, clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters and survival time of patients with SFTS were collected. Patients were assigned into the non-AP and AP groups according to the diagnostic criteria of AP. Patients in the non-AP group were divided into the normal (<upper limit of normal [ULN]), elevated pancreatic enzymes (EPE) (1-3×ULN) and high pancreatic enzymes (HPE) (>3×ULN) groups according to the serum amylase and lipase levels, and then their clinical data were compared. A total of 284 patients diagnosed with SFTS were retrospectively enrolled, including 248 patients in the non-AP group and 36 patients in the AP group. Patients in the non-AP group were composed of 48, 116 and 84 patients in the normal, EPE and HPE groups, respectively. Compared with patients in the normal and EPE groups, patients in the HPE group had higher serum levels of laboratory parameters referring to liver, kidney, heart and coagulation system injury, as well as higher viral load. The cumulative survival rate of patients in the HPE group was significantly lower than that of patients in the normal group. In addition, patients in the AP group also had higher serum levels of laboratory variables reflecting liver, heart, coagulation dysfunction and viral load than patients in the HPE group. The cumulative survival rate of patients in the AP group was significantly lower than that of patients in the HPE group. The increased pancreatic enzymes are very common in patients with SFTS, but they are not always associated with AP. Though AP accounts for the majority of deaths for patients with elevated pancreatic enzymes, patients with pancreatic enzymes >3×ULN except for AP also have a high in-hospital mortality rate.

Effect of different surface treatments on the retention force of additively manufactured interim implant-supported crowns.

To compare the effect of different pre-cementation surface treatments and bonding protocols on the retention force of additively manufactured (AM) implant-supported interim crowns. A total of 50 AM interim crowns (Temporary CB resin) were cemented on implant abutments. Five groups (n = 10) were established based on the different surface pre-treatments performed in the intaglio surface of the specimens: no surface pre-treatment (Group C or control), air-abraded with 50-μm aluminium oxide particles (Group AP), air-abraded with 50-μm aluminium oxide particles followed by the application of silane (Group AMP), silane (Group MP), and air-abraded with 30μm silica-coated aluminum oxide particles followed by the application of silane (Group CMP). Each specimen was cemented into an implant abutment using a composite resin cement (Rely X Unicem2). Afterward, the specimens underwent retention testing with a Universal Instron machine. Pull-off forces (N) and modes of failure were registered. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U tests with Bonferroni corrections for multiple tests (α = .05). The median retention force values were 233.27 ±79.28 N for Group Control, 398.59 ±68.59 N for Group MP, 303.21 ±116.80 N for Group AMP, 349.31 ±167.73 N for Group CMP, and 219.85 ± 55.88 N for Group AP. The pull-off forces were significantly greater for Group MP, while the differences between the remaining groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Group AP showed the lowest retention force values among all the groups. Failure modes after the pull-off testing were predominantly adhesive and substrate failure of the AM interim material. The surface treatment of the intaglio AM crown tested significantly influenced the retention force values measured. Pre-treatment with an MDP-containing silane improved the retentive force values computed, whereas pre-treatment with 50-μm Al2 O3 air-particle abrasion alone is not recommended prior to cementation on a titanium-based implant abutment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Spoilage bacteria growth reduction and microbial community variation of chilled chicken packaged in PA/PE treated with pulsed light

Maintaining the freshness and safe quality of chilled chicken is essential due to its high susceptibility to spoilage. To address this concern, pulsed light treatment, a strategy to reduce microbial loading of meat and extend food shelf life during storage, was studied. The results show that polyamide/polyethylene composite film bags (PA/PE) as packaging materials are suitable for pulsed light treatment with 80.67% energy transmission and high inactivation efficiency of microorganisms. Based on the results of total viable counts, pH, and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), the shelf life of chilled chicken in Group BP (pulsed light irradiation before packaging) and Group AP (pulsed light irradiation after packaging) was extended by 2–3 days compared to Group C (control, without pulsed light treatment). Importantly, the pulsed light treatment had no adverse impact on the odor of chilled chicken, as assessed by volatile organic compounds. The microbial community of chilled chicken was significantly altered by pulsed light treatment. In Group C, the dominant spoilage bacteria were Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas, with a relative abundance of 55.14%. In comparison, the top two relative abundances of Acinetobacter and Myroides in Group BP accounted for 67.93%, while in Group AP, Acinetobacter and Vagococcus were the predominant species, making up 62.80% of the microbial community. The findings suggest that pulsed light treatment is applicable to preserve chilled chicken and extend its shelf life.

Clinical Efficacy of Andrographis paniculata Extracted Scrub Compared With 4% Chlorhexidine Scrub in Burn Wounds: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to compare the healing rate between AP soap and 4% Chlorhexidine solution in superficial second-degree burn wounds. The secondary objectives include the analgesic effect and moisturization of these two products. Materials and Methods: Data was collected between 2019 and 2021. Patients aged 18 years and above, with superficial second-degree burns including at least 20% of TBSA, and admitted to the Burn Unit within 24 hours of injury were included. They were randomly assigned to two groups: Andrographis paniculata with Perilla oil liquid soap group (AP group) and 4% Chlorhexidine group (control group). The measurements included percentage of epithelialization, pain score during wound cleansing, itching score after wound cleansing, and dry skin specified symptoms. All patients received standard care for burn wound treatment. Results: A total enrollment was 23 patients in this study (12 in the AP group and 11 in the control group). The median age was 38.5 years. There were no statistically significant differences in age, %TBSA, and initial wound size between both groups (p &gt; 0.05). Although the healing time was similar in both groups, (18.5 vs. 20.1, p=0.347), the AP group had a significantly lower pain score than the control group (4.7 vs. 5.4, p=0.020). Moreover, the AP group demonstrated significant improvements in itching score and SRRC score at 14 days compared to the control group (5.1 vs. 6.0, p 0.039 and 1.08 vs. 1.55, p 0.020, respectively). There were no adverse effects during this study. Conclusion: Patients treated with Andrographis paniculata with Perilla oil liquid soap experienced less pain and better moisturization compared to those treated with the standard 4% chlorhexidine solution, while achieving a comparable healing rate. A future large-scale prospective trial is recommended.

Construction and evaluation of a nomogram prediction model for aspiration pneumonia in patients with acute ischemic stroke

BackgroundAspiration Pneumonia (AP) is a leading cause of death in patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS). Early detection, diagnosis and effective prevention measures are crucial for improving patient prognosis. However, there is a lack of research predicting AP occurrence after AIS. This study aimed to identify risk factors and develop a nomogram model to determine the probability of developing AP after AIS. MethodA total of 3258 AIS patients admitted to Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University between January 1, 2016, and August 20, 2022, were included. Among them, 307 patients were diagnosed with AP (AP group), while 2951 patients formed the control group (NAP group). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify relevant risk factors for AP after AIS. These factors were used to establish a scoring system and develop a nomogram model using R software. ResultsUnivariate analysis revealed 20 factors significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the development of AP after AIS. These factors underwent multivariate logistic regression analysis, which identified age (elderly), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, dysphagia, atrial fibrillation, cardiac insufficiency, renal insufficiency, hepatic insufficiency, elevated Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP), elevated Neutrophil percentage (NEUT%), and decreased prealbumin as independent risk factors. A nomogram model incorporating these 11 risk factors was constructed, with a C-index of 0.872 (95 % CI: 0.845–0.899), indicating high accuracy. Calibration and clinical decision analyses demonstrated the model's reliability and clinical value. ConclusionA nomogram model incorporating age, NIHSS score, dysphagia, atrial fibrillation, cardiac insufficiency, renal insufficiency, hepatic insufficiency, FBG, CRP, NEUT%, and prealbumin effectively predicts AP risk in AIS patients. This model provides guidance for early intervention strategies, enabling the identification of high-risk individuals for timely preventive measures.

Endo-Periodontal Lesions-An Overlooked Etiology of Odontogenic Sinusitis.

The aim of this study was to analyze the oral etiology of patients with odontogenic sinusitis (ODS) and to compare the differences in demographic data, clinical symptoms, extent of sinus involvement, bone penetration of the maxillary sinus floor (MSF) between different etiologies. A retrospective investigation was conducted on 103 patients with ODS recruited from Beijing TongRen Hospital. All enrolled patients underwent sinus CT, nasal endoscopy, and oral examination. A comparison of the patients' clinical symptoms, the extent of involvement of the sinuses, and bone resorption of the MSF according to odontogenic etiologies was conducted. Follow-up was based on symptoms and clinical examination. The most common odontogenic etiologies were endo-periodontal lesions (EPLs, 49.5%), apical periodontitis (AP, 32.0%), and periodontitis (PE, 8.7%). There were statistically significant differences in age (p = 0.002), sex (p = 0.036), inflammation involving the ethmoid sinus (p = 0.037), and bone penetration of the MSF (p < 0.001) between the AP, EPL, and PE groups. There were no significant differences in sinusitis symptoms (p > 0.005) among patients with different odontogenic etiologies. In conclusion, EPL is a neglected oral etiology with a destructive effect on the bone of the MSF, which deserves more attention in diagnosis and treatment.

Yeast Peptides Improve the Intestinal Barrier Function and Alleviate Weaning Stress by Changing the Intestinal Microflora Structure of Weaned Lambs.

Early weaning stress in lambs leads to decreased feed intake, damage to intestinal morphology, changes in the microbial flora structure, and subsequent complications. Yeast peptides are antimicrobial peptides with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bacteriostasis effects. To study the effects of yeast peptides on relieving weaning stress in lambs, 54 lambs were randomly divided into three groups: ewe-reared (ER), yeast-peptide-treated (AP), and early-weaned (EW) lambs. The body weight and dry matter intake did not significantly differ among all groups. After weaning, the daily gain and feed conversion rate decreased significantly (p < 0.01), but AP showed an upward trend. In the EW group, immunoglobulin (Ig) levels changed significantly post-weaning (IgG decreased; IgA and IgM increased); the villi shortened, the crypt depth increased, and the villi height/crypt depth decreased (p < 0.001). The abundance and diversity of microflora among all groups were not significantly different. A column coordinate analysis showed significant differences in the intestinal microbial structure between the AP and EW groups. Lactobacillus, Aeriscardovia, Ruminosaceae_UCG-014, and Catenisphaera may play key roles in alleviating weaning stress in lambs. Our study provides new clues for alleviating weaning stress in lambs by describing the influence of yeast peptides on the intestinal microflora during weaning.

Modulation of blood redox status by the progression of induced apical periodontitis in rats.

This study aimed to investigate if apical periodontitis in different periods changes systemic levels of the antioxidant and pro-oxidant parameters in Wistar rats. Twenty-four rats were randomly allocated into healthy animals, apical periodontitis at 14days (AP14) and apical periodontitis at 28days (AP28). The first mandibular molars were accessed in the AP groups, and the pulp chamber was exposed to the oral environment, inducing the apical lesion. After 14 and 28days, the animals were anesthetized, euthanized, and hemimandibles were collected for micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis to measure lesion volume, bone volume (BV), percent of bone to total tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), and trabecular space (Tb.Sp). A histological examination of the remaining bone was also performed. Finally, blood samples were collected for oxidative biochemistry analysis, investigating glutathione (GSH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and lipid peroxidation (TBARS). The lesion volume was greater at 28 than at 14days, as shown by micro-CT. AP14 and AP28 had decreased BV and Tb.Th, but only AP28 showed a reduction in BV/TV. Tb.N and Tb. Sp were increased in apical periodontitis at 28 days. In the histopathological analysis, AP14 had focal regions of moderate mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, and AP28 had an intense inflammatory infiltrate with bacterial colonies. In the biochemical evaluation, GSH, TEAC, and TBARS were increased after 14 days. However, GSH returned to control levels, TEAC was similar to AP14, and TBARS increased significantly after 28days. Therefore, the oxidative biochemistry response was modulated according to the progression of periapical damage. After 14days, the organism could still react to the injury. However, at 28days, the antioxidant response decreased, associated with an increase in TBARS.

Zoledronic Acid Modulates Cytokine Expression and Mitigates Bone Loss during the Development of Induced Apical Periodontitis in a Mice Model

IntroductionBisphosphonates are antiresorptive drugs used worldwide to treat systemic bone pathologies. This study aimed to assess the impact of zoledronic acid on the progression of induced apical periodontitis and the expression of cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in a mouse model. MethodsSixteen female isogenic BALB/c mice 6 weeks of age were distributed into 2 groups: mice with induced apical periodontitis (the AP group, n = 8) and mice with induced apical periodontitis treated with zoledronic acid (the AP-ZA group, n = 8). The AP-ZA group received a dose of 125 μg/kg zoledronic acid diluted in sterile saline solution administered intraperitoneally once a week for 4 weeks before pulp exposure, whereas the AP group received only saline solution. Pulp exposures were performed on the maxillary first molars for the induction of apical periodontitis, and mice were euthanized after 7 and 21 days. The jaws were collected; scanned using micro–computed tomographic imaging; and processed for polymerase chain reaction analysis of IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α. The Student t test was performed for parametric data, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for nonparametric data. The level of significance was set at 5%. ResultsMicro–computed tomographic imaging revealed higher bone resorption in the AP group compared with the AP-ZA group at both time points (P < .05). Real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated higher TNF-α expression in the AP group at both time points and higher IL-6 and IL-1β expression in the AP group at the 7- and 21-day time points, respectively, compared with the AP-ZA group (P < .05). No differences were observed regarding IL-10 expression between the groups. ConclusionsZoledronic acid had significant anti-inflammatory and antiresorptive effects on apical periodontitis in mice.

Ascorbic acid modulates testicular toxicity of Ampligo® 150 ZC insecticide in male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of ascorbic acid (AA) against lambda cyhalothrin insecticide formulation Ampligo® (AP)-induced testicular toxicity in rabbit laboratory strain ITELV2006 (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into four equal groups and treated by oral gavage for 21 consecutive days: Group 1 served as a control and received 1 ml of distilled water, group 2 was supplemented with1ml of ascorbic acid (AA) dilution (200 mg/kg b.w), Group 3 was treated with a dose of AP at 20 mg/kg bw (1 µl/1 ml of distilled water/animal), whereas group 4 was co-administered AA and AP as the same dose of group 2 and 3, respectively. Hormonal, histomorphometrical, and immunohistochemical methods were performed at the end of the study to detect testes damage. The results showed that AP exposure significantly reduced body weight, absolute and relative testicular weights, and testosterone levels. AP caused changes in testes tissue, namely incomplete spermatogenic series and necrosis of the spermatogonial cells lining in the seminiferous tubules of rabbits. Co-administrating AA clearly modulated body and testes weights, hormonal parameters, and histopathological damage. Furthermore, the findings revealed a significant increase in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level expression in the testes of the AP group. However, supplementation of the AP rabbits with AA modulated the observed result. Taken together, these data suggest that AA may protect against Ampligo-induced testicular damage.