CS Group Research Articles

Secondary stability achieved in dental implants with a calcium-coated sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) surface and a chemically modified SLA surface placed without mechanical engagement: A preclinical study.

To assess the osseointegration of calcium-coated (CS) and chemically modified, sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (MS) dental implants with a lack of primary mechanical stability. Eighteen implants in CS and MS groups each were loosely placed in the mandible of six mongrel dogs and allowed to heal for 2, 4 and 8weeks. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) and implant stability test (IST) values recorded periodically and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and the number of Haversian canals per 1mm2 measured histologically were statistically analysed (p<.05). All CS and MS implants placed survived. Compared with immediately after installation, ISQ and IST values in both groups increased significantly to over 76 at 2weeks (p<.0083) and remained stable thereafter. BIC was significantly greater at 8weeks (61.3±13.6% in CS group; 57.6±5.9% in MS group) compared to 2 and 4weeks in both groups (p<.017). There were no significant intergroup differences in ISQ, IST or BIC at different time points. Significantly more Haversian canals were observed in group CS (6.2±1.0/mm2 ) compared with group MS at 4weeks (3.7±1.8 /mm2 ; p<.05), while intergroup difference was not significant at 8weeks. Both CS and MS implants inserted without primary stability obtained osseointegration within 2weeks, and lamellar bone adjacent to the implants was first observed at 8weeks. The formation of primary osteons was more active at 4weeks in group CS than in group MS.

Cerebral hemodynamics during neonatal transition according to mode of delivery

Cerebral haemodynamics during the immediate transition period in neonates may differ depending on whether delivery is vaginal or by caesarean section. However, these differences have never been confirmed by near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (TRS). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral haemoglobin oxygen saturation (ScO2) between healthy term neonates by mode of delivery. Subjects were 31 healthy term neonates who did not require resuscitation. Thirteen neonates were delivered vaginally (VD group) and 18 were delivered by elective caesarean section (CS group). Absolute oxyhaemoglobin, deoxyhaemoglobin, and total haemoglobin concentrations were measured continuously by TRS; oxyHb × 100/totalHb (ScO2) (%) and CBV (mL/100 g brain tissue) were also calculated. Measurements were started as soon as possible after birth, obtained from 1 to 2 min after birth, and continued until 15 min after birth. CBV was significantly higher in the VD group than in the CS group in the 4 min after birth but not thereafter. There were no significant between-group differences in ScO2 and SpO2. These findings indicate that there is a difference in cerebral haemodynamic patterns in the first 4 min after delivery between term neonates by mode of delivery when CBV is monitored by TRS.

The analysis of Caesarean Section Rate based on 10 groups Robson’s Classification

Introduction: Caesarean Section use is growing in a progressive rate globally. The trend in Albania follows the same pattern with the overall rate rising steadily. Specifically, in “Koco Gliozheni” Hospital the data went up from 29.5% in 2010 to 43.41% in 2020. The World Health Organization recommends the Robson Classification as an effective way of monitoring and analyzing caesarean section . Objective: The aim of this article is to evaluate the cesarean section rate at UHOG “Koco Gliozheni”. Material and method: This is a retrospective cross sectional study conducted at UHOG “Koco Gliozheni” in Tirana from January 2016 to May 2017. Results: 1918 out of 4838 births were performed by caesarean section, which corresponds to a rate of 39.6%. According to Robson classification the largest group was the group 5 with a relative contribution of 31.6%. On second and third place were group 1 and 2 with relative contribution of 22.5% and 16.7% respectively. Groups 1; 2; 5 made an account of relative contribution of 76.2%. All other groups had altogether a contribution of 23.8%.Conclusions: In our study, Robson Groups 5, 1, 2 were identified as the main contributors to the overall CS rate at the UHOG “Koco Gliozheni”. It is important that efforts to reduce the overall CS rate should mainly be focused on the primary CS rate (group 1 and 2) and on increasing vaginal birth trail after CS (group 5).

Beryl as indicator of metasomatic processes in the California Blue Mine topaz-beryl pegmatite and associated miarolitic pockets

Beryl occurs in a wide variety of rare-element pegmatites and has provided significant insights into their evolution. The geochemical signatures of beryl can record igneous and metasomatic processes but rarely could they be studied at the same location in both, the pegmatite body and associated miarolitic pockets. Further, the link between beryl chemistry and the petrogenesis of pegmatites has not yet been established convincingly. This study focuses on the recently discovered topaz-beryl granitic pegmatite deposit at the California Blue Mine in San Bernardino County, California, USA. This pegmatite deposit provides an exceptional opportunity to study microtextural (SEM and WDS-element maps) and major EMPA and trace element LA-ICP-MS concentrations in beryl in the pegmatite body and associated miarolitic pockets. The mineralogy of the pegmatites consists of: quartz + K-feldspar + albite (i.e., cleavelandite variety) + biotite + muscovite ± spessartine ± beryl (i.e., aquamarine variety) ± topaz, with a mineralogic zoning that includes border, wall, intermediate, and core zone. The miarolitic pockets contain gem quality beryl, topaz, and quartz crystals. Two major beryl types were distinguished including a primary (Brl I) and a metasomatic beryl (Brl II). Brl I occurs in the intermediate pegmatite zone and displays a blocky concentric crystal zoning characterized by a core enriched in Al and rims enriched in Na, Rb, K, and Sc. In contrast, Brl II is found mostly in the pegmatite core zone and at the contacts to, or within miarolitic pockets, and is characterized by a distinct enrichment in Cs and Li correlating with an enrichment in Na, B, and As and a depletion in Rb, K, Sc, and Fe. Brl II occurs as two variants including as replacement of Brl I (i.e., dissolution-precipitation microtextures in the pegmatites) and as single hydrothermal crystals (i.e., precipitation in the miarolitic pockets). The contrasting trends between Brl I and Brl II are interpreted to reflect two distinct processes affecting trace element variations in beryl including fractionation from a magma with systematic crystal core to rim zoning (decreasing Li and enrichment in Na, K, Rb, Sc, and Fe), and metasomatism with enrichment in Li, Cs, Na, B and As. An extensive beryl trace element dataset was generated in this study and further compared to beryl of the NYF (Nb-Y-F) and LCT (Li-Cs-Ta) pegmatite families worldwide. A significant link was found between beryl chemistry and the petrogenetic relationships of the pegmatites, which were used to distinguish four major geochemical beryl groups: (i) a low and a high Fe–Mg — alkali group, both displaying a positive alkali vs. Fe + Mg correlation; (ii) a low Fe–Mg — high alkali group displaying a negative alkali vs. Fe + Mg correlation; (iii) a low Li–Cs group; (iv) a high Li–Cs group. The more evolved LCT-type pegmatites generally overlap with the low Fe–Mg — high alkali and high Li–Cs groups (ii and iv). In contrast, NYF pegmatites coincide better with the trends observed for the low Li–Cs group as well as the low/high Fe–Mg — alkali beryl groups displaying a positive Fe + Mg vs. alkali correlation (i and iii). The beryl signatures from the California Blue Mine coincide with the NYF pegmatite classification but a partial overlap with the LCT pegmatites indicates a possible mixed origin or crustal contamination (i.e., hybrid pegmatites). These new insights reveal that beryl signatures provide a significant tool for interpreting the evolution of pegmatites from different geologic settings and permits distinguishing between igneous and metasomatic origins.

Comparison Of The Effect Of Surface Conditioning Methods On The Bond Strength Of Different Zirconia Reinforced Lithium Silicate And Hybrid Ceramics To Resin Cement

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of surface conditioning methods on shear bond strength (SBS) of a resin composite bonded to CAD/CAM materials.&#x0D; &#x0D; METHODS. The zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (Vita Suprinity VS, and Celtra Duo CD) and hybrid ceramics (Vita Enamic, VE and Nacera Hybrid NH) were used. 80 specimens from each material were fabricated following the manufacturer’s instructions and divided into 8 groups according to surface treatments. These were; Gr 1 (control, no treatments (K)), Gr 2 (hydrofluoric acid H), Gr 3 (H+ Silane S), Gr 4 (abraded with 50-micron alumina particles A), Gr 5 (A+ S), Gr 6 (abraded with 30-micron Cojet sand C), Gr 7 (C+S), Gr 8 (S). The average surface roughness (SR) of the specimens was measured. Surface treated specimens were cemented to the resin cement (Panavia F 2.0) for testing the adhesion using the shear bond strength SBS test and were tested. Mean SR and SBS results were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA with the material type and surface treatments as the independent variables. &#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS. The highest surface roughness values were observed in the A and AS groups. Both hybrid ceramics VE and NH showed the highest SR values among surface treatments. The highest SBS values were found usually on the H and HS treated surfaces. The highest values were observed on the CD material in the HS group (18,01MPa) and followed by the VE material (16,25 MPa) in the CS group. The failure mode for CD and VS materials was found adhesive and cohesive failures and for VE and NH materials adhesive, and mixed cohesive failure was observed.&#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION. The surface treatment showed a significant effect on the SR and SBS values. Although, the SR values of the materials are high in the A and AS group, the highest SBS values were observed in the H and HS treated surfaces.

Investigating the flotation performance and interfacial adsorption mechanism of N-benzoyl-N’,N’-diethyl thiourea on chalcopyrite and pyrite

Flotation collectors with strong collecting ability and superior selectivity have important application prospects for recovering complex and refractory copper sulfide resources. Herein, a novel surfactant of N-benzoyl-N’,N’-diethyl thiourea (BDETU) with CO and CS groups is synthesized for separation of chalcopyrite and pyrite. The flotation performance and adsorption mechanism of BDETU to chalcopyrite and pyrite were evaluated by flotation experimental, adsorption experimental, contact angle measurements, UV–vis spectroscopy, as well as FTIR analyses and DFT calculation. By comparing the flotation performances with the traditional flotation collector of O-isopropyl-N-ethyl thionocarbamate (IPETC), it becomes evident that BDETU exhibit stronger collecting ability and excellent selectivity for chalcopyrite against pyrite. These results might be attributed to the facts that BDETU can selectively adsorb on the surface of chalcopyrite and strengthen its surface hydrophobicity, while the hydrophobicity of pyrite surface is not improved with the weak adsorption of BDETU on its surface. The analyses of adsorption mechanism reveal that BDETU is chemically adsorbed on the surface of chalcopyrite by the reactions of the functional groups (CO and CS) to the copper species with the formation of COCu and CSCu structures.

High strength antibacterial membranes consisted of nanofibrous chitosan immobilized silver nanoparticles

AbstractChitosan (CS) has biocompatibility and biodegradability, but the bulk CS hydrogel/membranes with its poor strength and limited antibacterial property could not satisfy the practical application. Here green dissolving/regeneration and in situ reduction strategy was combined to construct high strength antibacterial CS membranes. First nanofibrous CS hydrogels were constructed through dissolving CS in LiOH/KOH/urea aqueous system via freezing–thawing process followed regeneration. Then, Ag NPs were immobilized along CS nanofibers through in situ reductions of Ag + by the NH2 group of CS. The obtained NCM‐Ag composite dry membranes are easy for storing and can quick switch to nanofibrous hydrogels as absorbing water. Size of Ag NPs can be controlled to very small until 2 nm by concentration and limited space network. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer indicated the forceful grasp ability of CS nanofibers to Ag NPs for a stable binding, mechanical property was enhanced over 100Mpa as the nanofibrous structure and chain linked by Ag coordination. The NCM‐Ag membranes had excellent antibacterial activities against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Moreover, such nanofibrous CS membrane exhibited good adhesive ability to tissues. Combining all these properties, NCM‐Ag membranes would be potential as antibacterial adhesion barrier to accelerate wound healing.

Effect of Neurodynamic Mobilisation Plus Core Stability on Pain and Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity in Athletes with Lumbar Radiculopathy

Abstract Introduction. Lumbar radiculopathy (LR) is a common debilitating disorder of neuromuscular origin that affects athletes. Material and Methods. This study was a parallel group design and a total of 24 clinically diagnosed athletes with LR were recruited for the study and randomly assigned to one of the two groups, i.e. neurodynamic mobilisation plus core stability group (NDS plus CS) and core stability group only (CS). NDS plus CS underwent neural mobilisation of the tibial nerve and core stability exercises, while CS group performed core stability for a total of 14 sessions on alternate days. The outcome measures of motor nerve conduction velocity (m NCV) of the tibial nerve and pain intensity were recorded before the start of the intervention, at midpoint (7th session) and at the end of the intervention (14th session). Results. Baseline scores of pain and m NCV (NDS plus CS: 6.75 ± 0.62, 38.10 ± 7.21 and CS: 6.58 ± 0.79, 38.92 ± 6.37) were non-significant. The outcome measures improved significantly during treatment in NDS plus CS group (baseline to 7th session, 7th to 14th session and overall mean change for pain and m NCV was found to be 4.74 ± 0.37 and -6.43 ± 3.08, respectively. Non-significant improvement was reported for CS group. Two-way repeated measures (2 x 3) ANOVA was used to analyse the change in the outcome measures and revealed that NDS plus CS group showed statistically significant main effects for group on pain level (F (2, 5.34) = 0.89, p &lt; 0.001 and m NCV (F (2, 5.21) = 0.40, p &lt; 0.03. Significant time and group x time interaction effects were also found. Conclusions. The findings of the study revealed that neurodynamic mobilisation plus core stability were found effective in improving pain level and motor nerve conduction velocity of the tibial nerve in athletes with lumbar radiculopathy.

MICROBIAL FLORA CHANGES IN CAESAREAN SECTION UTERUS AND ITS POSSIBLE CORRELATION

This study aimed at analyze the differences in uterus microbial flora between women with post-cesarean section scar diverticulum (CS group) and women after vaginal delivery (control group), exploring the correlation between differentially expressed microbial flora and inflammation.

The dilemma of cesarean myomectomy: Is it safe or not?

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of myomectomy during cesarean section. The data of fifty-four pregnant who underwent cesarean myomectomy and twenty-six pregnant with uterine leiomyoma who had cesarean section without myomectomy between the years of 2017 and 2020 in our tertiary clinic were examined retrospectively. There was no significant difference in terms of maternal age, weeks of gestation, gravida, parity, use of additional uterotonics, type of leiomyoma, size of leiomyoma, cesarean indications, blood transfusion requirement, postoperative fever, preoperative hemoglobin (g/dl), change in hemoglobin (g/dl), preoperative hematocrit (%), change in hematocrit (%), length of hospital stay between the two groups (p˃0.05). While no significant difference was observed according to the location of the leiomyomas between the anterior, fundal and posterior location between the two groups, cervical leiomyomas were significantly higher in the CS group (p˂0.05). This study shows that cesarean myomectomy is a safe procedure in selected cases. It also offers the advantage of avoiding a second operation in patients.

Starch supplementation improves the reproductive performance of sows in different glucose tolerance status.

This study was to evaluate the effects of glucose tolerance status, maternal starch supplementation and soybean substitution in diets on the performance of dams and their offspring. Eighty-eight pregnant sows (Landrace × Large White) were selected from an initial total of 120 sows, based on blood glucose test values, and assigned to 4 experimental treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The factors were glucose tolerance status (glucose intolerant [GIT] vs. normal glucose tolerant [NGT]) or dietary treatments (corn starch diet [CS] vs. soybean substitution diet [SS]). A higher area under the curve (AUC) for post-meal glucose was observed (P < 0.05) in the GIT group than in the NGT group on d 109 of gestation. The CS group had a lower value of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance than the SS group (P < 0.05) on d 109 of gestation. Corn starch supplementation for sows decreased the stillbirth rate (P < 0.05), regardless of the sows' glucose tolerance status. The villus height of the jejunum and the villus height to crypt depth ratio of the ileum were greater in normal birth weight piglets from the CS group than from the SS group (P < 0.01), and so was the activity of sucrase in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.01). Compared with the SS group, the CS group showed a reduction in pre-weaning mortality rate, an increase in the number of high-birth-weight piglets, and a decrease in the number of low-birth-weight piglets (P < 0.05) under GIT status. In conclusion, sows fed CS decreased stillbirth rate and improved insulin resistance, as well as improving the intestinal morphology and digestive enzyme activities of their progeny, regardless of glucose tolerance status. Additionally, the CS group improved birth weight distribution and decreased pre-weaning mortality rate of piglets under GIT status.

High-Carbohydrate Diet Alleviates the Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis of Megalobrama amblycephala Following Dietary Exposure to Silver Nanoparticles.

A 12-week feeding trial was performed to evaluate the effects of high-carbohydrate diet on oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis induced by silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) in M. amblycephala. Fish (20.12 ± 0.85 g) were randomly fed four diets (one control diet (C, 30% carbohydrate), one control diet supplemented with 100 mg kg−1 Ag-NPs (CS), one high-carbohydrate diet (HC, 45% carbohydrate) and one HC diet supplemented with 100 mg kg−1 Ag-NPs (HCS)). The results indicated that weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), antioxidant enzyme (SOD and CAT) activities and expression of Trx, Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT and GPx1 of fish fed CS diet were all remarkably lower than those of other groups, whereas the opposite was true for plasma IL 1β and IL 6 levels, liver ROS contents, hepatocytes apoptotic rate, AMP/ATP ratio, AMPKα, P 53 and caspase 3 protein contents and mRNA levels of AMPKα 1, AMPKα 2, TXNIP, NF-κB, TNFα, IL 1β, IL 6, P 53, Bax and caspase 3. However, high-carbohydrate diet remarkably increased WGR, SGR, liver SOD and CAT activities, AMPKα protein content and mRNA levels of antioxidant genes (Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT and GPx1), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL 10) and anti-apoptotic genes (Bcl 2) of fish facing Ag-NPs compared with the CS group, while the opposite was true for liver ROS contents, hepatocytes apoptotic rate, P 53 and caspase 3 protein contents, as well as mRNA levels of TXNIP, NF-κB, TNFα, IL 1β, IL 6, P 53, Bax and caspase 3. Overall, high-carbohydrate diet could attenuate Ag-NPs-induced hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis of M. amblycephala through AMPK activation.

Pregnancy and offspring sex ratio following insemination with SexedULTRA and conventional semen in cows in a commercial beef operation.

Pregnancy rate per AI (PR/AI) and breeding season pregnancy rates between insemination with sexed semen (SS; at 18hr after the onset of oestrus) and conventional semen (CS; at 12hr after the onset of oestrus,) and offspring gender ratio between two groups were compared. Angus cross cows (n=686, during 2019 and 2020 breeding seasons) were oestrus-synchronized using Select-Synch + CIDR protocol and were observed thrice daily for oestrus until 72hr after PGF2α administration. Cows expressed oestrus (n=513) were inseminated with either SS (n=246; SexedULTRA 4M™; y chromosome-bearing sperm) or CS (n=267). Cows (n=173) that failed to express oestrus at 72hr after PGF2α received 100μg of GnRH and CS insemination concomitantly. Two weeks later, cows were penned with natural service sires (bull:cow ratio 1:25) for 45days. Pregnancy was diagnosed 30days after bull removal. Calves' gender was determined at birth. For cows that expressed oestrus, PR/AI did not differ (p>.1) between SS (65.0%) and CS (66.7%) groups. The overall PR/AI differed (p<.05) between SS (65.0%) and CS (56.4%) groups. The natural service PR differed (p<.001) but breeding season PR (p>.05) did not differ between SS vs. CS groups. Bull:heifer gender ratio following AI was 88:12 and 52:48 for SS and CS groups, respectively, with an overall 66:34 ratio. Bull:heifer gender ratio for the two breeding seasons was 79:21 and 52:48 for SS and CS groups, respectively, with an overall 62:38 ratio. In conclusion, the fertility of SS insemination at 18hr after onset of oestrus was 97% of CS insemination at 12hr after onset of oestrus. Though breeding season pregnancy did not differ between SS and groups, preferred calf gender was 25 percentage points greater for SS over CS application. The gender accuracy was 88%.

Impact of having a sibling with cancer or type I diabetes mellitus on psychopathology and self-conscious emotions in adolescents: a comparative study including controls.

OBJECTIVE: Having a child diagnosed with cancer is stressful for the whole family and may cause significant psychological impact on parents and siblings. Chronic, life-altering diseases may also have similar effects in siblings due to the daily life changes in the family to accommodate the child with chronic disease. We investigated the impact of having a sibling with cancer or type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on the psychological features of adolescents, with particular focus on self-conscious emotions such as guilt and shame-which are associated with the development of psychopathologies. Sixty-four children who were siblings of patients diagnosed with cancer (CS group), 54 children who were siblings of patients diagnosed with T1DM (DMS group), and 200 adolescents with siblings who did not have any chronic disease (control group) were included in the study. The CS group was also divided into two subgroups with respect to cancer type (leukemia and non-leukemia). Feelings of guilt and shame were evaluated via the Test of Self-Consciousness Affect for Adolescents (TOSCA-A). The Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to determine the levels of depression and anxiety symptoms. Comparisons between groups were performed and within-group directional relationships between scores were analyzed. Guilt scores were significantly higher in CSs than controls (p = 0.009), and the guilt scores of CSs and DMSs were similar (p = 0.508). Other subdimension scores obtained from the TOSCA-A and the CDI and STAI scores were similar in all three groups. In the CS group, externalization scores of siblings with leukemia were significantly higher than that of siblings with non-leukemia cancer. Although shame scores were similar in the CS, DMS, and control groups, shame scores were found to be positively correlated with CDI and STAI total scores in each group (p < 0.05 for all), whereas guilt scores did not demonstrate any significant correlations. Our results support prior studies in showing that CSs feel a greater level of guilt compared to adolescents without disease-stricken siblings, whereas, interestingly, CSs and DMSs were found to experience similar levels of guilt. Despite lack of significant increase in the CS and DMS groups, shame levels were positively correlated with depression and anxiety scores in all groups, but the lower correlation coefficients for the CS group indicate the presence of other factors influencing this relationship. We believe our results warrant the need for future studies evaluating the needs of the siblings of children with other chronic diseases, preferably with longitudinal follow-up to determine situations associated with need for psychosocial support.

P–286 Uterine vascularity in women with previous caesarean section and its potential role in implantation failure: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Study question Does a previous Caesarean section affect uterine vascularisation the day of embryo transfer? Summary answer 3D vascularisation parameters show less uterine irrigation in patients with previous Caesarean section What is known already A recent retrospective cohort study demonstrates that previous Caesarean section impairs live birth rates after assisted reproductive treatment (ART) compared to a previous vaginal delivery. Furthermore, it has been hypothesized about the mechanisms by which post-cesarean section niche may diminish clinical pregnancy rates. One of the hypothetical process mentioned has been a distorted contractility of the uterus caused by fibrosis, which can influence in the vascularisation of the endometrium. Study design, size, duration We retrospectively studied the uterine contractility and 3D vascularisation parameters in women who had an embryo transfer at the Instituto Bernabeu of Alicante, between 2018 and 2020 with one recurrent implantation failure (at least two good quality blastocysts transferred from egg donation treatment). Participants/materials, setting, methods Patients with large myomas (more than 4 cm), adenomyosis or polyp were excluded. In total, 196 patients were assessed on the day of embryo transfer which 12 patients had a previous caesarean section. Uterine contractility was analyzed using 4D ultrasound after 6 minutes of video recording. Vascularisation index and vascularisation flow index were assessed after the endometrial volume definition. Main results and the role of chance Baseline characteristics of both groups were comparable. 3D vascularization parameters were significantly lower in women with a previous caesarean section. Vascularization Index (VI) reached 0,8% in caesarean section group (CS group) versus 2,3% (p = 0,038) and vascularization flow index (VFI) was 0,2 in CS group versus 0,8 (p = 0,038) Despite uterine peristalsis showed less contractility in those patients with previous caesarean section (0,8 contractions per minute versus 1,1 contractions per minute), non-statistical differences were demonstrated (p = 0,154) Limitations, reasons for caution This study is limited by its retrospective design and the low number of cases. Wider implications of the findings: The lower 3D vascularisation indexes support a post-Caesarean section vascular-related impaired perfusion as a hypothetical mechanism. Its correlation with a possible impairment in the embryo implantation after fertility treatments warrants further studies. Trial registration number Not applicable

Expressional Profiling of TEX11, ESRα and BOLL Genes in Yak under Different Feeding Conditions.

Simple SummaryThe yak (Bos grunniens) is regarded as one of the most magnificent domestic animals in the mountains of Asia, and it is well-adapted to the harsh environment of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Slow growth rate and low production and reproductive potential are the main limitations of yaks. It has been suggested that enhanced nutrition can improve reproductive efficiency in animals; however, this is still unclear for yaks. Hence, this study was designed to observe the effect of supplementary feeding on transcription and expression profiles of different genes related to reproduction. Such characterization under different feeding conditions can provide potential guidance for enhancement of the reproductive efficacy of yaks.Previous studies have demonstrated that nutrition plays a crucial part in improving the reproductive potential of farm animals; however, there is currently no research on the transcription and expression profiling of genes in yaks under different feeding conditions. Therefore, this research was planned to compare the transcription and expression profiles of TEX11, ESRα, and BOLL in yaks under natural grazing with concentrate supplementation (NG + CS) and NG without concentrate supplementation. The transcription and expressional levels of TEX11, ESRα, and BOLL mRNA were explored from the testes of yaks using qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunochemistry. The results of the qPCR illustrated that the transcription levels of TEX11, ESRα, and BOLL were upregulated in the NG + CS group compared to those in the NG group. Moreover, the results of the immunochemistry and immunofluorescence showed that the expression of TEX11, ESRα, and BOLL proteins increased after concentrate supplementation. Meanwhile, ESRα protein levels were lower in the testes and epididymides of yaks in the NG group than in those in the NG + CS group. Similarly, BOLL protein expression was higher in the testes and epididymides of the NG + CS group, but its expression was lower in the epididymides of the NG group. Furthermore, Western blotting showed that the molecular weights of ESRα and BOLL proteins were 64 kDa and 31 kDa, respectively. Finally, in the conclusion we summarize how a proper level of dietary energy supplementation can improve the reproductive potential of yaks by upregulating genes related to reproduction.

Recent Experience: Corticosteroids as a First-line Therapy in Children With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome and COVID-19-related Myocardial Damage.

Cardiovascular complications with myocarditis in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection have been reported, but the optimal therapeutic strategy remains unknown. A retrospective cohort study included 19 patients with acute left ventricular systolic dysfunction associated with MIS-C, average years of age 13.2 ± 3.8, treated from April 2020 to April 2021. Treatment failure (TF) was observed in 8 patients (in the intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIG] group 7/10; in the corticosteroid [CS] group 1/9). The independent risk factor for TF was IVIG treatment (odds ratio [OR] 18.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-222.93, P = 0.02). Patients initially treated with CS became afebrile during in-hospital day 1 (1.5, interquartile range [IQR] 1-2), while IVIG-treated patients became afebrile on in-hospital day 4 (IQR 2-4.25), after CS was added. The C-reactive protein (CRP) significantly declined in CS-treated patients on day 2 (P = 0.01), while in the IVIG group, CRP decreased significantly on the fourth day (P = 0.04). Sodium and albumin levels were higher on third in-hospital day in the CS group than in the IVIG group (P = 0.015, P = 0.03). A significant improvement and normalization of ejection fraction (EF) during the first 3 days was observed only in the CS group (P = 0.005). ICU stays were shorter in the CS group (4, IQR 2-5.5) than in the IVIG group (IVIG group 7, IQR 6-8.5) (P = 0.002). Among children with MIS-C with cardiovascular involvement, treatment with CS was associated with faster normalization of LV EF, fever, laboratory analysis, and shorter ICU than IVIG-treated patients.

Comparative Microbial Profiles of Caries and Black Extrinsic Tooth Stain in Primary Dentition

Extrinsic black tooth stain (BS) is a common oral disease associated with lower caries experience in preschool children, although the microbiotic features contributing to the low risk of caries in this group remain elusive. In this study, we aimed at identifying the dominant bacteria in dental plaque to indicate the incidence of caries in the primary dentition. Subjects were divided into 3 groups based on the clinical examination: group CF, children without pigment who had no caries lesions or restorations (n = 18); group CS, children who were diagnosed with severe early childhood caries (n = 17); and group BS, children with pigment (black extrinsic stain) without caries or restorations (n = 15). The total microbial genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing using an Illumina HiSeq platform. The differential dominant bacteria were determined using Wilcoxon rank-sum testing and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe). Co-occurrence network analysis was performed using sparse correlations for compositional data, calculation and functional features were predicted using PICRUSt. Interestingly, our results showed that the relative abundance of Pseudopropionibacterium, Actinomyces, Rothia, and Cardiobacterium was from high to low and that of Porphyromonas was low to high in the BS, CF, and CS groups, consistent with the clinical incidence of caries in the 3 groups. Moreover, an increased level of Selenomonas_3, Fusobacterium, and Leptotrichia was associated with high caries prevalence. We found that the interactions among genera in the BS and CS plaque communities are less complex than those in the CF communities at the taxon level. Functional features, including cofactor and vitamin metabolism, glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, and translation, significantly increased in caries plaque samples. These bacterial competition- and commensalism-induced changes in microbiota would result in a change of their symbiotic function, finally affecting the balance of oral microflora.

Comparison of steroid injection and platelet-rich plasma injection in the treatment of De-Quervain Tenosynovitis

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of corticosteroid and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in the treatment of De Quervain Tenosynovitis. Methods: The study group comprised of 49 patients with 50 hands divided into two groups. In the corticosteroid group (Group A; n=28), 1 ml of methylprednisolone (40 mg/ml) was injected along with 1 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine. In the PRP group (Group B; n=22), PRP was obtained from the patients’ own blood and injected in a single dose. Patients were evaluated using Visual analogue scale (VAS), the shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH) at baseline, one and three months after the injection. Results: Overall, 44 females and 5 males were included with 28 hands in Group A and 22 hands in Group B. The CS group had better pain relief, hand function tests at 1 month and at 3 months follow-up, the PRP group had better pain relief, hand function tests than CS group. Conclusion: PRP therapy proves to be more effective in relieving pain than corticosteroid injections in treatment of De-Quervain Tenosynovitis.

Chemotactic factor inducing Interleukin-8 (IL8) gene is transcriptionally elevated in experimental enterotoxaemia in goats caused by Clostridium perfringens type D

The current study was designed to analyse the effects of experimental induction of enterotoxaemia through intra-duodenal inoculation of C. perfringens type D culture isolated from spontaneous outbreaks in goats. Twenty goats (6–9 month age) were divided into four groups and C. perfringens type D culture was inoculated intra-duodenally as per following: Group-I (whole cultures-WC), group-II (culture supernatant-CS), group-III (washed cells-WS), and group-IV (uninfected control-C). The treated animals were sacrificed after 72 h post infection (hpi), and necropsy showed gross changes including haemorrhages and congestion in the ileal and colon mucosa, pulmonary congestion and edema in lung. Kidney, brain and spleen exhibited severe to moderate congestion. Microscopic changes like haemorrhages, degenerative and necrotic changes in the mucosal epithelium of intestine and haemorrhages in kidney parenchyma were observed in the H&E stained sections. Lung alveolar sacs were filled with proteinaceous fluid. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive immunolabelling for etx (epsilon toxin) in the mucosa of intestine in WC and CS group. Control animals did not exhibit any significant gross or microscopic changes. PCR amplification of DNA extracted from intestinal tissues of WC and CS groups showed positive for etx gene demonstrating the production of epsilon toxin. Transcriptional responses in experimental groups were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription real time PCR (qRT-PCR). Genes including IL-1β and IL2 showed up-regulation in all the experimental groups (WC, CS&WS). Specifically the toxin-based experimental groups (WC&CS) showed up-regulation of the gene responsible for chemotaxis viz. IL-8, while the washed cells group (WS) showed higher transcriptional response to Cathepsin-L (Cat-L) gene denoting the acute inflammatory response due to neutrophil elastase activity. These results take a cue on the evolving nature of the enterotoxaemia in goats due to various strains circulating in the field. The host response and its modulation due to the novel enterotoxaemia strains throws light on the current challenges in efficient control of the disease in goats.