BL Group Research Articles

Black Lentil Aqueous Extract Attenuates Colitis-Associated Colon Carcinogenesis in Mice (OR04-06-19)

ObjectivesThe objective was to compare the efficacy of a black lentil aqueous extract (BL) and a semi-purified anthocyanin (ANC) extract to prevent tumor development and inflammatory processes and impact on immune response in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) mouse model. MethodsBL was obtained from an overnight soak of organic beluga black lentils (1:2 w/v) in water, filtered, frozen, and freeze-dried. The major ANC identified was delphinidin 3-O-(2-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-α-l-arabinopyranoside (D3G). Seven and a half week old C57BL/6 mice were randomly separated into four groups: healthy control (n = 6), disease control (n = 14), BL (n = 12), and D3G (n = 12). After a one week acclimation, the mice were given treatments for 11 weeks, either placebo or BL: 600 or D3G: 41 mg/kg body weight (equivalent to D3G in a BL extract) using a voluntary jelly administration every morning throughout the study. Following the first week of treatments, mice received an AOM injection of 10 mg/kg body weight. Three cycles of DSS in water started one week later. The first cycle had 2% DSS for one week; the second and third cycles had 1%. Each cycle had two weeks of regular water post-DSS. Inflammation, progression, and immune markers were analyzed in the colon, spleen, and plasma by histology, gene expression, ELISA, and protein arrays. ResultsBL had total ANC concentration of 21.3 mg D3G equivalent/g dry extract and total polyphenol concentration of 264.9 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry extract. BL group had a lower disease activity index (DAI), throughout and at the end, of 2.4 compared to 6.3 of the disease control and 4.0 of D3G group (P < 0.05). Mice in the BL group had an average of 7.8 neoplasms while the disease control had 12.8 and D3G had 12.1 (P < 0.05). BL group had a lower relative spleen weight and colon weight to length at 5 and 59 mg/cm compared to 10 and 82 mg/cm and 10 and 83 mg/cm of the disease control and D3G groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Based on colon cancer cell results, BL lowered expression of inhibitory immune markers, like PD-L1 (P < 0.05). ConclusionsBL attenuated the DAI and helped mice maintain their weight throughout the AOM/DSS treatment. BL also resulted in a lower total and lower large neoplasm number, relative lower spleen weight, and colon weight to length ratio compared to the disease control. BL showed anti-carcinogenic anti-inflammatory properties. Funding SourcesUSDA-NIFA-HATCH project 1014457.

Mechanical fatigue behaviour of different lengths screw-retained restorations connected to two designs prosthetic connection level.

The aim of this work is to compare the mechanical fatigue behaviour of different crown heights of single crown implant restorations made over two different internal hexagonal titanium dental implant connection levels. Two different groups of internal hexagonal connection were studied: (a) TL group (N=26) included implants with a transmucosal connection (12.2mm height and 4.8mm width) and (b) BL group (N=26) composed by implants at a bone level connection (10mm height and 3.8mm width). Two subgroups (N=13) were established for each connection level according to crown heights (TL10=10mm, TL15=15mm, BL12=12mm, BL17=17mm). Dynamic load tests were carried out according to ISO Norm 14801. Failed samples and fracture surfaces were analysed with an optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The fatigue limit and the fatigue strength degradation (fatigue strength exponent) decreases with increasing crown height (5mm) in both groups of internal hexagonal titanium dental implant connection levels. Consequently, themechanical integrity of internal hexagonal dental implants varies with the height of the crown. An increase of 5 millimetres in the crown height appears to significantly decrease the fatigue life of both types of dental implants.

Bacillus subtilis B21 and Bacillus licheniformis B26 improve intestinal health and performance of broiler chickens with Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis.

This study investigated the influence of Bacillus-based probiotics on performance and intestinal health in broiler challenged with Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis. One-day-old Arbor Acre (n=480) were randomly assigned to four treatments with 10 cages of 12 birds: (a) basal diet negative control (NC), with no probiotics nor antibiotics formulated to contain 2,930 and 3,060kcal/kg with 24.07 and 15.98% CP, for starter and finisher diet, respectively, (b) basal diet+enramycin (5mg/kg), an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP); (c) basal diet+Bacillus subtilis B21 at 2 × 109 CFU per g (BS); (d) basal diet+Bacillus licheniformis B26 at 2 × 109 CFU per g (BL); growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal lesion scores, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and mucosal barrier tight junction's (TJ) mRNA expression were assessed. NC- and BL-fed groups showed higher (p=0.005) average daily feed intake from d1 to d21 than AGP and BS, whereas BS- and AGP-fed groups showed higher average daily weight gain from d22 to d42 and d1 to d42 of age. Higher mortality rate of (12.5%) and lower of (5.5%) were recorded in AGP and NC fed-groups respectively, lesion score was higher in BS and BL than in AGP, while no lesion was observed in NC group, results revealed higher duodenum and jejunum villus height to crypt depth (VH:CD) compared with NC and BS. Probiotics-fed groups showed higher total (SCFAs), acetic and butyric acid concentrations at d21 post-challenge (PC) than other groups. The expression of claudin-1 was upregulated in duodenum (d7) PC and in jejunum (d7) and (d21) PC in BL group, while at d21 PC, the expression of occludens was higher in jejunum and ileum by AGP and BL. The present study indicated both BS and BL have some similarity with AGP in preventing or partially preventing NE effect in broilers.

Stimulus intensity determined by dose-titration versus age-based methods in electroconvulsive therapy in Thai patients.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the accuracy of the stimulus intensity (SI) calculated by age-based methods with that using the dose-titration method.MethodsThe initial seizure threshold (IST) was determined using a standardized dose titration in hospitalized Thai patients treated with right unilateral (RUL, n=32) and bilateral (BL, n=57) electrode placement. The correlation between the IST and clinical variables was analyzed. The estimated SI based on the patient’s age was compared with the SI determined by dose titration.ResultsAge was highly predictive of the IST for both groups (RUL, P=0.012; BL, P=0.045). Gender (P=0.006) and anticholinergic drug use (P=0.025) predicted the IST for the BL group. For the RUL group, the mean±SD (median) SI estimated using the half-age and age methods was 158±46 (169) mC and 315±92 (338) mC, respectively. The SI determined using the dose-titration method was higher compared with the half-age method and lower compared with the age method. For the RUL group, 31% of subjects using the half-age method and 22% of subjects using the age method would have received an SI within ±20% of that computed using dose titration. Additionally, 19% of subjects using the half-age method and 19% using the age method would have received unacceptably low (<50%) or high (>200%) intensities. For the BL group, 18% of subjects using the half-age method and 32% using the age method would have received an SI within ±20% of that computed using dose titration. Additionally, 39% with the half-age method and 18% with the age method would have received an unacceptably low or high SI, respectively.ConclusionAge strongly predicts the IST, but it does not robustly predict the SI compared with dose titration because the SI calculated using age-based methods results in an unacceptably low or high SI that is associated with a marked risk of adverse effects or inadequate response. We recommend the dose-titration method to determine the SI.

Ropivacaine plus lidocaine versus bupivacaine plus lidocaine for peribulbar block in cataract surgery: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center, comparative clinical study

Background and Aims:Cataract surgery in ophthalmology is usually done under peribulbar block with a mixture of 0.5% bupivacaine and 2% lidocaine. Several case reports of fatalities associated with bupivacaine has necessitated a search for alternative safe agents. The aim of this study was to compare peribulbar block characteristics using a mixture of 0.5% bupivacaine and 2% lidocaine with a mixture of 0.5% ropivacaine and 2% lidocaine.Material and Methods:Eighty patients were allocated to two random groups of 40 each. Patients of groups BL and RL were given 4 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and 4 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine each in a mixture with 4 ml of 2% lidocaine and 100 IU of hyaluronidase respectively. Block characteristics, hemodynamic variables, adverse drug interactions and other complications were recorded.Results:Demographic characteristics were comparable in both the groups. Duration of onset of the block and the side effect profile was comparable in both the groups but the total duration of the block and the time for first rescue analgesia was found to be longer in group BL than in group RL.Conclusions:Ropivacaine 0.5% and lidocaine 2% as a 1:1 mixture in a volume of 8 ml with 100 IU of hyaluronidase is as effective as a 1:1 mixture of bupivacaine 0.5% and lidocaine 2% in a volume of 8 ml with 100 IU of hyaluronidase with regards to onset and total duration of the block and side effects and hemodynamic changes.

Obtaining superhard composites of the BL group in the cBN(Al)-SiB4-WC system under high pressure and high temperature conditions

Obtaining superhard composites of the BL group in the cBN(Al)-SiB4-WC system under high pressure and high temperature conditions

766: Bloody amniotic fluid during labor – the association with placental abruption and adverse neonatal outcome

In the last 10 years we have implemented an institutional protocol that requires obstetricians/midwives to report their subjective impression of the color of amniotic fluid (clear, meconium stained, bloody) during labor. We aimed to study the correlation between bloody amniotic fluid (BAF) and adverse outcomes. The medical records, and neonatal charts of all deliveries at ≥ 370/7 weeks between 10/2008 to 7/2018 were reviewed. The cohort was divided into two groups: clear AF (CL group) BAF (BAF group). Cases with meconium stained amniotic fluid were excluded. Adverse neonatal outcomes included: Umbilical Ph ≤ 7.1, seizures, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, intra- ventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, mechanical ventilation, meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, phototherapy, sepsis, or transfusion. The primary outcome was a composite of one or more of the above complications. Multivariate regression analysis models were used to identify the independent association of BAF and various adverse outcomes. Overall, 20,983 deliveries were reviewed, 20,666 (98.5%) in the CL group and 317 (1.5%) in the BAF group. The rate of composite adverse neonatal outcome (primary outcome) did not differ between the BL group (2.2%) and the CL group (2.1%), however there were higher rates of MAS (p=0.002) in the BAF group, and this association remained after controlling for background confounders (aOR= 11.8, 95% CI 3.3-42.0) - table 1. The rate of placental abruption did not differ between the groups (1.3% in the BAF and 1.9% in the CL groups), however BAF was associated with higher rates of labor induction (p=0.002), cesarean deliveries (p=0.03), and slightly lower birth weights (p=0.03) – table 2. BAF observed in labor was not associated with composite adverse neonatal outcome, nor with placental abruption. BAF was associated with higher rates of labor induction, cesarean deliveries, and slightly lower birth weights.

Speech perception in noise by young sequential bilingual children.

SUMMARYThe objective of this study was to ascertain the effects of competitive noise on second language perception skills of sequentially bilingual children and to compare the results with those relating to matched monolingual peers. Fifteen bilingual immigrant children (aged 6-10 years) (BL) learning through their second language (L2), which was Italian, were matched with 15 peers who only spoke Italian (IO). All immigrant children had arrived in Italy and were exposed to L2 after their 4th year of life. The speech-to-noise ratio (SNR) needed to obtain 50% intelligibility – the speech reception threshold (SRT) – for Italian words was measured against the Italian version of ICRA noise, using an adaptive method. Moreover, presentation of phrases against a contralateral continuous discourse (informational masking) was carried out to exclude possible biases due to differences in memory, attention, or other central auditory processing disorders between groups. The SNR was -2.7 dB (SD 1.7; range: -5.5 to + 0.9) for the BL group and -5.3 dB (SD 2.3; range: -8.8 to -0.9) for the IO group (p < 0.01). With contralateral continuous discourse presentation the SNR were -32.8 dB (SD 2.4; range: -36.1 to -28.2) for the BL group and -27.8 dB (SD 2.1; range: -31.7 to -24.1) for the OI group (p < 0.01). Even sequential bilingual individuals exposed to L2 at 4 years old had worse speech perception in noise than their matched IO peers. On the other hand, the BL group demonstrated superior divided attention skills in tests with competitive contralateral discourse (p < 0.01).

216. Step-down Therapy With Oral Fluoroquinolones vs. Oral β-Lactams for Hospitalized Adult Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Multi-Hospital Cohort Study

BackgroundCommunity-acquired pneumonia (CAP) guidelines recommend transition to an oral (PO) β-lactam (BL) regimen or fluoroquinolone (FQ) when patients are clinically stable. Due to collateral damage associated with FQs, stewardship efforts often focus on reducing initial FQ use for CAP therapy. We hypothesized that FQ use remains prevalent in CAP treatment despite initial intravenous (IV) BL therapy, and examined factors associated with switching to a PO BL vs. an FQ and the impact on outcomes.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, data were collected from January 2016 through February 2018 on non-ICU medical patients admitted with CAP at 46 Michigan hospitals. Patients were included if they received IV BL (ceftriaxone or ampicillin-sulbactam) plus macrolide/doxycycline by hospital day 2 and switched to a PO respiratory FQ or BL by therapy day 4. Exclusions included positive culture, concomitant infection, HCAP, unstable on day 4, or severe immune deficiency. Data were analyzed using logistic generalized estimating equation models, accounting for hospital-level clustering; outcomes were adjusted using the inverse probability of treatment weighting by propensity scores. Results. Of 555 included patients, 54.4% were switched to a PO BL vs. 45.6% to an FQ by day 4 of therapy. The groups had similar durations of therapy (8 days), time to clinical stability, prior antibiotics, and COPD, but the BL group was older, with a higher Pneumonia Severity Index, CURB-65, and more cardiovascular (CV) disease (Figure 1). In multivariable analysis, CV disease and higher CURB-65 were more common and diabetes (DM) less common in the PO BL group (Figure 2). Sharing antibiotic use data with providers were associated with less FQ use (83.1% vs. 70.8%, OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.27, 0.97, P = 0.04). On adjusted analysis there were no differences in patient outcomes (Figure 3). Conclusion. Among CAP patients started on an IV BL regimen, nearly half were switched to a PO FQ by therapy day 4, including more patients with DM. Although there were sicker patients in the BL group, there were no differences in outcomes between cohorts. To reduce FQ use, stewardship programs should share antibiotic use data and provide guidance for step-down therapy in clinically stable CAP patients. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Validation of a clinical decision tree to predict if a patient has a bacteraemia due to a β-lactamase producing organism

Background: In recent years, several scores and algorithms have been developed in order to guide empirical antibiotic treatment in patients with gram-negative bacilli (GNB) bacteraemia according to the risk of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (BL) producing. Some of these algorithms do not have easy applicability or present some limitations in their validation. The aim of our study was to validate a recently designed decision tree in our prospective cohort of bacteraemia due to gram-negative bacilli.Methods: We prospectively identified and analyzed all bacteraemia due to gram-negative bacilli in adult patients in our centre between January 2015 and December 2016. Previously developed clinical decision tree was used to classify patients in each of the terminal nodes. Patients were classified as BL group according to whether they were producers of any type of BL. The statistical power of the tree was analyzed by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and by calculation of C-statistics.Results: A total of 448 episodes of bacteraemia were included; 132 (29.5%) were BL group; 68 (15.1%) ESBL producing, 43 (9.6%) due to AmpC and 21 (4.7%) isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The original clinical decision tree was modified according to the results of our multivariate analysis. The modified tree has a sensitivity of 71%, specificity of 92%, predictive positive value (PPV) of 79% and predictive negative value (NPV) of 88% generating an ROC curve with a C-statistic of 0.76.Conclusions: An easy-to-apply clinical decision tree could be used at the exact moment of diagnosis and adjust the empirical antibiotic treatment in patients with gram-negative bacilli bacteraemia.

Effect of alternative positions of neonates prior to delayed cord clamping on placental transfusion: a randomized control trial

Objective: To determine the effect of alternative positions (relative to placenta) of normal term neonates, prior to the recommended delayed cord clamping, on placental transfusion and short-term neonatal outcome.Methods: Normal term neonates born vaginally were randomly assigned to be placed either on mother’s abdomen (Group AL, n = 97) or 20 cm below the introitus (Group BL, n = 102) for 90 seconds after delivery. Subsequently the cord was clamped. Outcome measures were anthropometry, hematological profile including ferritin at birth and at 3–4 months; and adverse effects, polycythemia, and jaundice.Results: Both groups had comparable outcome measures at birth. At 3–4 months, mean hemoglobin (AL: 12.0 ± 0.9 g/dl, BL: 12.3 ± 1.1 g/dl; p = .02, 95% CI: 0.03–0.58) and hematocrit (AL: 36.1 ± 2.7%, BL: 37 ± 3.2%; p = .01, 95% CI: 0.1–1.75) were significantly higher in BL group. Anthropometry, serum ferritin, incidence of anemia and iron deficiency at 3–4 months were similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in polycythemia, jaundice requiring phototherapy or respiratory distress between the two groups.Conclusions: Placing the baby below the placenta resulted in a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit at 3–4 months without any adverse outcomes. However, this meager quantum of increase did not translate into reduction of risk of anemia or improvement in iron stores.

Does Adding Lidocaine to Intrathecal Bupivacaine Affect Hemodynamic Parameters during Hip Fracture Surgery

Hip fracture is one of the most common problems in elderly that needs surgical repair. As, the majority of these patients have chronic diseases, they are at increased risk of peri-operative mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine vs bupivacaine in combination with lidocaine in terms of hemodynamic changes in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. This double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 292 patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture under spinal anesthesia. Patients were allocated into two groups of B (10 mg of hyperbaric 0.5% Bupivacaine) and BL (5 mg hyperbaric Bupivacaine 0.5% plus 50 mg Lidocaine 5%). Sensory and motor block and hemodynamic changes were consecutively measured before spinal anesthesia (T0), immediately after spinal injection (T1), every 5 minutes for half an hour (T2- T7), and at 45 minutes (T8) and 60 minutes (T9) after injection. Patients in the two groups were homogeneous in demographic characteristics including age, sex, BMI, ASA Class, baseline blood pressure and heart rate. The onsets of sensory and motor blocks in group BL were faster than group B (P=0.0001). Also, the durations of sensory and motor blocks in group B were significantly longer than group BL (P=0.0001). The BL group had a significantly lower systolic blood pressure in all periods (P<0.05). Although the heart rate in the BL group was lower than group B at all time points, this difference was only significant during T2-T3 (P=0.033 and P=0.0001, respectively). Group BL had significantly more episodes of hypotension, bradycardia, nausea and vomiting (P=0.0001, P=0.023, P=0.003, and P=0.033, respectively). According to our findings, using Lidocaine 50 mg in combination with Bupivacaine 5 mg, compared with Bupivacaine 10 mg alone for spinal anesthesia in hip fracture fixation surgeries was associated with more hypotension and bradycardia. As a result, combination of Bupivacaine with Lidocaine at this dose is not recommended for induction of anesthesia in these patients.

Long-term electroacupuncture stimulation prevents osteoporosis in ovariectomised osteopaenic rats through multiple signalling pathways.

The pathogenic mechanisms of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) development are complex and are related to multiple cellular signalling transduction pathways. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at GV4/GV6 versus BL20/BL23 on the bones in ovariectomised (OVX) rats to explore the pathways that mediate the effects of EA on bone. Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to one of four groups (n=10 rats each) that received sham surgery (Sham group), OVX surgery only (OVX group), OVX surgery plus EA at GV4/GV6 (GV group) and OVX surgery plus EA at BL20/BL23 (BL group). Bone turnover markers osteocalcin (OC) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b) were measured in serum, and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae and histomorphology of the femur were evaluated. Moreover, the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) was detected by ELISA. The expression of lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) 5, β-catenin, runt-related transcription factor (Runx) 2 involving Wnt/β-catenin signalling and p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 involving mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling were determined by Western blotting. The two EA-treated groups demonstrated increased levels of OC and the BMD of lumbar vertebrae, decreased levels of TRACP 5b and improved bone microstructure in the femur, compared with the untreated OVX group (P<0.05). Histomorphology analysis showed that EA treatment significantly increased the values of the trabeculae (µm), trabecular area (%) and trabecular bone number (per mm) and reduced trabecular separation (mm), compared with the OVX group. In addition, the ratio of OPG to RANKL and LRP5, β-catenin and Runx2 expression were significantly upregulated, while the expression of phosphorylated (p)-p38 and p-JNK were downregulated in EA-treated groups compared with the OVX group. EA attenuates PMOP and it appears that the mechanism involves the regulation of multiple targets and pathways.

Effects of microRNA‑210 on the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of microRNA-210 (miR-210) in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Venous blood was collected from 30 prostate cancer patients, that were treated in the Medical Group of Ping Mei Shenma General Hospital (Pingdingshan, China) from June 2013 to May 2015, and 20 healthy men. The miR‑210 expression levels in patients and healthy men was quantified. Primary prostate cancer cells were placed in three treatment groups: i)NC group, untreated; ii)BL group, empty vector; and iii)anti‑miR‑210 group, miR‑210 inhibitor‑transfected. Cell proliferation and apoptotic rate were detected by MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression levels of miR‑210 and regulator of differentiation 1 (ROD1) were detected by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) and the ROD1 protein expression in each group was detected by western blotting. Cell proliferation rate of the anti‑miR‑210 group was significantly reduced when compared with the NC and BL groups (P≤0.05); however, the apoptotic rate of the anti‑miR‑210 group was significantly increased compared with the NC and BL groups (P≤0.05). RT‑qPCR revealed that the expression level of miR‑210 and ROD1 in the anti‑miR‑210 group was significantly reduced when compared with the NC and BL groups (P<0.05). MiR‑210 was overexpressed in the serum of prostate cancer patients and transfection with an miR‑210 inhibitor was able to effectively inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells and promote apoptosis.

Mechanical and Surface Properties of Monolithic Zirconia

This study compared monolithic zirconia with conventional ones based on mean roughness (Ra), Vickers hardness (VHN), topography, transmittance, grain size, flexural strength (FS), Weibull modulus, and fractographic behavior. One monolithic (Prettau Zircon [PR group]) and two conventional (ICE Zirkon Transluzent [IZ group] and BloomZir [BL group]) zirconias were used. Specimens were tested using a profilometer, a microhardness tester, a scanning electron microscope, a spectrophotometer, and a Universal Testing Machine (EMIC DL 2000). Ra, VHN, grain size, and transmittance were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test associated with Dunn test (α=0.05). FS was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with the Tukey honestly significant difference test (α=0.05). Means and standard deviations of roughness, after sintering (Ra, in μm) and VHN, were, respectively, 0.11 ± 0.01, 1452.16 ± 79.49, for the PR group; 0.12 ± 0.02, 1466.72 ± 91.76, for the IZ group; and 0.21 ± 0.08, 1516.06 ± 104.02, for the BL group. BL was statistically rougher ( p<0.01) than PR and IZ. Hardness was statistically similar ( p=0.30) for all groups. Means and standard deviations of FS (in MPa) were 846.65 ± 81.97 for the PR group, 808.88 ± 117.99 for the IZ group, and 771.81 ± 114.43 for the BL group, with no statistical difference ( p>0.05). Weibull moduli were 12.47 for the PR group, 7.24 for the IZ group, and 6.31 for the BL group, with no statistical differences. The PR and BL groups had higher transmittance values and grain sizes than the IZ group ( p<0.05). Although the BL group had some fractures that originated in the center of the tensile surface, fractographic analyses showed the same fracture pattern. All tested zirconia showed similar VHN, and the monolithic zirconia had similar roughness compared to one of the conventional zirconias. In addition, the monolithic zirconia showed similar flexural strength and Weibull modulus compared to the others even though its mean grain size was larger. The total transmittance of monolithic zirconia was higher than only one of the conventional zirconias tested.

Relationships Among C-Reactive Protein, Alanine Aminotransferase, and Metabolic Syndrome in Apparently Healthy Chinese Subjects.

Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are tightly associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, it is unclear whether the combination of normal CRP and ALT increases probability of the presence of MetS. We enrolled 433 Chinese in health screening with both CRP and ALT in normal range. They were divided into four groups: both low (BL, both low baseline CRP and ALT), only high CRP (HCRP), only high ALT (HALT), and both high (BH, both high baseline CRP and ALT) in different genders. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used for comparing the sensitivity and assessing the cutoff point. The BH group had more numbers of MetS components than the BL group. Addition of CRP and ALT did not further increase the accuracy of predicting MetS with a sensitivity of 65.1% and a specificity of 59.1% in men, and a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 60.2% in women. The area under curve for ALT was greater than that for CRP (0.62 vs. 0.524 in men; 0.663 vs. 0.598 in women). After adjusting for age, ALT could significantly predict the incidental MetS in both genders; nevertheless, CRP failed to demonstrate prediction. The formula of probability of occurrence of MetS was established on CRP and ALT. Healthy subjects with high baseline ALT may be at risk of developing MetS, and early recognition and prevention are important for health providers. We concluded that local liver inflammation is significantly associated with the presence of MetS compared with systemic inflammation in health screening subjects.

Usage of density analysis based on micro-CT for studying lung injury associated with burn–blast combined injury

BackgroundBurn–blast combined injury is a kind of injury caused by heat and blast at the same time. The lung injury after burn–blast combined injuries is of primary importance, and investigation of lung injury is needed in the clinical care of patients. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the standard tools used to observe the anatomical basis and pathophysiology of acute lung injury. MethodsWe applied a method of fast 3D (three-dimensional) reconstruction to calculate the density value of the lung injury by CT analysis. Blast-injury group (BL group), burn-injury group (B group), burn–blast combined injury group (BBL group), and sham control group (C group) were established. Each group had 16 rats. The three-dimensional images of the lung tissue were obtained at 6h, 24h, and 48h according to the CT value. The average density of the whole lung, left lung, and right lung were measured. The lung tissues were paraffin-embedded and HE stained. Smith scoring was performed according to the pathological findings. ResultsIn the BBL group, the density of the lung tissue was higher than those of the BL group and B group (P<0.01). The lung tissue density values at 24h after injury were higher than those at 6h and 48h after injury (P<0.01). Pathological results confirmed the changes of density analysis of the lung tissue. ConclusionThe results have indicated that density analysis through a CT scan can be used as a way to evaluate lung injury in a burn–blast injury.

Effects of enhanced UV-B radiation on the content of flavonoids in mesophyll cells of wheat

The content of flavonoids in mesophyll cells of wheat was studied under the condition of enhanced UV-B radiation intensity. In this experiment, four groups of six days of control were treated with He-Ne laser group (L), enhanced UV-B radiation group (B), He-Ne laser and UV-B combined treatment group (B + L ), Normal light group (CK). Since the flavonoids carry some unsubstituted hydroxyl or glycosyl groups, it is a polar compound. By the 'similar compatibility' principle, they have some level of solubility in polar solvents, such as methanol, ethanol, n-butanol, propanol, and water. In this experiment, 70% ethanol was used to extract flavonoids. Finally, the total content of flavonoids in mesophyll cells was determined by visible spectrophotometry. The OD value of flavonoids was determined by rutin reagent 'The standard curves because rutin is a representative of flavonoids, it scavenging the role of free radicals significantly. The results showed that when the UV-B UV radiation intensity was enhanced, the content of flavonoids in wheat mesophyll cells increased, that is, the content of flavonoids in wheat leaves was higher than that in UV-B Strength was positively correlated. The results showed that the content of flavonoids in the mesophyll cells of the four control groups was the same as that of the B group&gt; BL group&gt; CK group&gt; L group. With the prolonging of the treatment time of wheat, the content of flavonoids in wheat leaves at jointing-booting stage was significantly higher than that in seedling stage and panicle stage. This means that flavonoids are a protective substance that absorbs UV-B in plants, that is, the absorption of UV-B by flavonoids reduces the damage of UV-B to organs in plants [8] [10]; UV-B The smaller the damage, the less the content of flavonoids; laser damage caused by UV-B have a certain role in the repair. In this study, we further studied the effect of enhanced UV-B radiation on the content of flavonoids in mesophyll cells of wheat. The effects of UV-B radiation on the content of flavonoids in wheat were studied. Whether it has a very important significance for wheat has become a stress [5].

The effect of paclitaxel (taxol) on the reproductive system and the semen parameters as well as on other organs of male rats.

The effect of the administration of paclitaxel on the male reproductive organs as well as on several semen parameters and other organs of Wis tar rats was studied. To 14 weeks old rats 12,4 mg paclitaxel/kg b.w.were administered i.p. once a week for 4 weeks. Six days after the last injection of paclitaxel ten animals, five (n=5) test (group Al) and five control animals (group A2) were sacrificed. Another ten animals, five (n=5) test (group Bl) and five (n=5) control animals (group B2) were sacrificed eleven weeks after the last injection of paclitaxel. The weights of the testes, the epididymis and the prostate gland of the test animals (group Al) were decreased as compared to the control animals (group A2). The number and the motility of the test animal spermatozoa were decreased, and many of them were abnormal. Histologically, the dividing cells and round spermatids were most affected. Leydig cells appeared degenerated. The epithelium of the ductucs epididymis was cuboidal and cell microvilli were absent. There was infiltration of neutrophils. The prostate gland was cystic with degeneration and desquamation of the epithelial cells. In the adrenals cellular degeneration and histiocytic infiltration were observed. In the spleen myeloid metaplasis and in the liver local allergic reaction around the interlobular bile ducts were observed. The weights of the testes, the epididymis and the prostate glands of the test animals (group Bl) were normal as compared with the control animals (group B2). The sperm motility was also normal but the number of spermatozoa was still decreased as compared with the control animals (group B2). Histologically, all examined organs were similar to those of the control animals.

MicroRNA-375 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cancer cells by inhibiting CTGF-EGFR signaling pathway.

To evaluate the correlation between miRNA-375 and cell proliferation and apoptosis in glioma cancer cell. Collecting 30 cases of glioma cancer patients and 30 cases of cerebral infarction patients. The miRNA-375 and CTGF protein expressions were evaluated by ISH and IHC methods. In the cell experiment, the U87 cells were divided into 3 groups: NC group (the cells were treated with normal method); BL group (the cells were transfected with empty vector) and miRNA group (the cells were transfected with miRNA-375). The U87 cell proliferation and apoptosis rates and cell cycle of the different groups were measured by MTT and flow cytometry. The relative proteins (CTGF, EGFR, AKT, Erk and P21) expressions were measured by WB assay. The miRNA-375 and CTGF expressions of glioma cancer tissues were significantly different compared with those of no-cancer tissues (p < 0.05, respectively). In the cell experiments, the cell proliferation of miRNA group was significantly decreased compared with that of NC group (p < 0.05); the cell apoptosis and G1 phase rate of miRNA group was significantly decreased compared with NC group (p < 0.05, respectively). Depending on the WB assay, the CTGF, EGFR, AKT, Erk and P21 proteins expressions of miRNA group were significantly different compared with proteins expressions of NC group (p < 0.05, respectively). miRNA-375 over-expression suppresses glioma cancer cells development via CTGF-EGFR pathway (Fig. 3, Ref. 30).