D3 Group Research Articles

Vitamin D3 alleviates cigarette smoke extract-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibrogenesis by upregulating CC16 expression in bronchial epithelial cells.

Vitamin D3 supplementation has been previously reported to inhibit the occurrence and development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrogenesis have been associated with the development of COPD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential effects and mechanism of vitamin D3 in an in vitro model of cigarette smoke (CS)-induced EMT and fibrosis, with specific focus on the role of club cell protein 16 (CC16). CS extract (CSE) at different concentrations (5, 10 and 20%) was used to treat 16-HBE cells to induce EMT and fibrogenesis following which they were treated with vitamin D3. Subsequently, the 20% CSE group was selected for further experiments, where 16-HBE cells were divided into the following five groups: The control group; the CSE group; the low-dose vitamin D3 group (250 nM); the medium-dose vitamin D3 group (500 nM); and the high-dose vitamin D3 group (1,000 nM). Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression levels of the EMT-related proteins E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Slug and α-SMA, fibrogenesis-related proteins collagen Ⅳ and fibronectin 1, proteins involved in the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway and CC16. Immunofluorescence was used to measure the protein expression levels of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and collagen Ⅳ. Specific CC16 knockdown was performed using short hairpin RNA transfection to investigate the role of CC16. The results of the present study found that vitamin D3 could increase the protein expression level of CC16 to inhibit the activation of the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway; thereby reducing the 20% increase in CSE-induced EMT- and fibrogenesis-related protein expression levels. Following CC16 knockdown, the inhibitory effects of vitamin D3 on EMT- and fibrogenesis-related protein expression were partially reversed. To conclude, these results suggest that vitamin D3 can inhibit the protein expression levels of EMT- and fibrogenesis-related proteins induced by CSE, at least partially through the function of CC16. These findings are expected to provide novel theoretical foundations and ideas for the pathogenesis and treatment of COPD.

Vitamin D supplementation and body composition changes in collegiate basketball players: a 12-week randomized control trial.

ABSTRACTBackgroundVitamin D promotes bone and muscle growth in non-athletes, suggesting supplementation may be ergogenic in athletes. Our primary aim was to determine if modest Vitamin D supplementation augments favorable body composition changes (increased bone and lean mass and decreased fat mass) and performance in collegiate basketball players following 12 weeks of standardized training.MethodsMembers of a men’s and women’s NCAA D1 Basketball team were recruited. Volunteers were randomized to receive either a weekly 4000 IU Vitamin D3 supplement (D3) or placebo (P) over 12 weeks of standardized pre-season strength training. Pre- and post-measurements included 1) serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D); 2) body composition variables (total body lean, fat, and bone mass) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans and 3) vertical jump test to assess peak power output. Dietary intake was assessed using Food Frequency questionnaires. Main outcome measures included changes (∆: post-intervention minus pre-intervention) in 25(OH)D, body composition, and performance.ResultsEighteen of the 23 players completed the trial (8 females/10 males). Eight received the placebo (20 ± 1 years; 3 females) while ten received Vitamin D3 (20 ± 2 years; 5 females). Weekly Vitamin D3 supplementation induced non-significant increases (∆) in 25(OH)D (2.6 ± 7.2 vs. −3.5 ± 5.3 ng/mL; p = 0.06), total body bone mineral content (BMC) (73.1 ± 62.5 vs. 84.1 ± 46.5 g; p = 0.68), and total body lean mass (2803.9 ± 1655.4 vs. 4474.5 ± 11,389.8 g; p = 0.03), plus a non-significant change in body fat (−0.5 ± 0.8 vs. −1.1 ± 1.2%; p = 0.19) (Vitamin D3 vs. placebo supplementation groups, respectively). Pre 25(OH)D correlated with both Δ total fat mass (g) (r = 0.65; p = 0.003) and Δ total body fat% (r = 0.56; p = 0.02). No differences were noted in peak power output ∆ between the D3 vs. P group (−127.4 ± 335.4 vs. 50.9 ± 9 W; NS). Participants in the D3 group ingested significantly fewer total calories (−526.2 ± 583.9 vs. −10.0 ± 400 kcals; p = 0.02) than participants in the P group.ConclusionsModest (~517 IU/day) Vitamin D3 supplementation did not enhance favorable changes in total body composition or performance, over 3 months of training, in collegiate basketball players. Weight training provides a robust training stimulus for bone and lean mass accrual, which likely predominates over isolated supplement use with adequate caloric intakes.

Safety and efficacy of ketamine-dexmedetomidine combination versus dexmedetomidine alone in cirrhotic patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a prospective controlled clinical trial

BackgroundPatients with liver cirrhosis commonly undergo diagnostic and/or therapeutic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE). These fragile patients are at increased risk to develop complications as most sedative drugs are metabolized by the liver.This prospective, randomized controlled trial was performed to compare sedo-analgesia with ketamine-dexmedetomidine combination (KD1) (n = 35) versus dexmedetomidine alone (D2) (n = 35) in cirrhotic patients undergoing UGIE.ResultsUGIE could be performed effectively and safely with the KD1 (n = 35) group compared with the D2 group as no significant change in hemodynamics (HR and MBP) and O2 saturation (SPO2) from baseline values (P value > 0.05) while the D2 group revealed a statistically significant drop in hemodynamic parameters when compared with the KD1 group (P value < 0.001).Also, the induction time was statistically significantly lower in the KD1 group (3.9 ± 0.9 min) compared to the D2 group (5.2 ± 1.1min) (P value < 0.05).Recovery time was statistically significant faster in the KD1 group (4.5 ± 1 min) versus the D2 group (6.1 ± 1.6 min) with P value < 0.05.Endoscopic procedure was highly effective in KD1 (100%) compared with D2 (71.4%) with P value < 0.001.Supplementary fentanyl was given to 10 patients (28.6%) in the D2 group versus 0% in the KD1 group (P value < 0.001).Regarding post-operative adverse effects, there was statistically significant discomfort in D2 (28.6%) compared with KD1 (5.7%) with P value = 0.02. Also, gagging was statistically significant in D2 (22.9%) compared with KD1 (2.9%) with P value = 0.03.ConclusionsThe ketamine-dexmedetomidine sedo-analgesia group is highly effective than the dexmedetomidine-alone group in UGIE procedures with rapid induction time, good hemodynamic stability good recovery profile with less post-operative adverse effects.Trial registeration1. IRB approval: 5 December 2016(Chairperson of Institutional Review Board of Ethics committee of Qena University Hospitals Prof. Ahmed Abuelyosr). The committee reference number is not applicable. 2. This study is registered in the Australian Newzeland Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR) at the number 12615000367549. Trial Id: ACTRN12615000367549, universal trial number(UTN): U1111-1165-6212.

Frozen blastocysts: Assessing the importance of day 5/day 6 blastocysts or blastocyst quality.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the high-quality blastocyst (HB) rate in all embryo frozen cycles and investigate the pregnancy outcomes for day 5/day 6 (D5/D6) blastocysts with respect to the blastocyst quality in programmed single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT). We performed a retrospective study comparing D5/D6 HBs in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) for all blastocyst frozen cycles. Patients were <35 years at the oocyte collection in their first fresh cycle without fresh transfer. A total of 1,560 IVF/ICSI cycles and 5,328 blastocysts were analyzed. The IVF HB rate was higher than that of ICSI (52.7% vs. 42.6%; P<0.05). The D5 HB rate was much higher than the D6 HB rate (61.6% vs. 29.4%; P<0.05). There were 22.4% (349/1,560) cycles that only had D6 blastocysts, of which IVF cycles were lower than ICSI (19.8% vs. 28.5%; P<0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate in the D5 group were significantly higher than these rates in the D6 group (57.4% vs. 46.2%, 58.9% vs. 47.3%; P<0.05). However, the clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate of the D5 HBs were not significantly different from those of the D6 HBs (60% vs. 54.5%, 62% vs. 56.3%; P>0.05). In conclusion, the fertilization method (IVF/ICSI) directly influences the HB rate and blastocyst development rates. When we controlled for patient age, transfer frequency, and endometrium on day 5, it was not the development stage (D5/D6), rather the transfer blastocyst quality that played an important role in pregnancy outcomes.

Mesalazine based topical hydrogel formulation enhances anti-oxidant and cytokine activity in wounded STZ-induced mice

Background: The present study is targeted to elucidate the wound healing potential of mesalazine in STZ induced diabetic mice by comparing various antioxidant, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and other wound healing parameters at 3,7 and 14th day.&#x0D; Methods: Full thickness excisional wounds of 6mm size were created on the dorsal side of STZ induced mice and topical treatment of mesalazine based different hydrogels was applied for 14 days. Wound tissues were excised on day 3, 7 and 14 for various wound healing parameters.&#x0D; Results: Delayed in wound healing was observed in diabetic group which eventually got accelerated after application of ethosome based mesalazine loaded hydrogel designated as D5 in study. Significant wound contraction rate was observed in D5 group and tissue hydroxyproline and tensile strength was also elevated after treatment with mesalazine loaded ethosomal hydrogel. The level of ROS was found to be significantly decreased in SOD, CAT and GSH experiment. LPO level were found to be elevated in D5 group. Finding of levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine suggested significant decrease and showed significant elevation in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). &#x0D; Conclusion: D5 group of ethosome based mesalazine loaded hydrogel showed promising results in controlling all the factors to their normal range and was effective in accelerating wound 51healing in diabetic mice. &#x0D; Keywords: Diabetic wounds; hydrogels; antioxidants; cytokines; VEGF; Mesalazine

D2 lymphadenectomy with complete mesogastrium excision vs. conventional D2 gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer.

Background:The complete mesogastrium excision (CME) based on D2 radical gastrectomy is believed to significantly reduce the local-regional recurrence compared with D2 radical gastrectomy in advanced gastric cancer, and it is widely used in China. This study aimed to explore whether D2 + CME is superior to D2 on surgical outcomes during gastrectomy from Chinese data.Methods:Feasible studies comparing the D2 + CME (D2 + CME group) and D2 (D2 group) published up to March 2020 are searched from electronic databases. The data showing surgical and complication outcomes are extracted to be pooled and analyzed.Results:Fourteen records including 1352 patients were included. The D2 + CME group had a shorter mean operative time (weighted mean difference [WMD] = —16.72 min, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −26.56 to −6.87 min, P < 0.001), lower mean blood loss (WMD = −39.08 mL, 95% CI: −49.94 to −28.21 mL, P < 0.001), higher mean number of retrieved lymph nodes (WMD = 2.13, 95% CI: 0.58–3.67, P = 0.007), shorter time to first flatus (WMD = −0.31 d, 95% CI: −0.53 to − 0.10 d, P = 0.005), and postoperative hospital days (WMD = −1.09, 95% CI: −1.92 to −0.25, P = 0.010) than the D2 group. Subgroup analysis suggested that the advantages from the D2 + CME group were obvious in traditional open radical gastrectomy, proximal gastrectomy, and distal gastrectomy compared with D2 group. The evaluations of post-operative complications showed that the patients who underwent D2 + CME had a lower incidence of post-operative complications than the patients who underwent D2 surgery alone (relative risk [RR] = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.45–0.87, P = 0.003). The D2 radical gastrectomy plus CME improved 3-year overall survival (OS) (RR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.02–1.32, P = 0.020) and lowered the local recurrence rate (RR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.28–0.94, P = 0.030). The patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery or total gastrectomy had more significant advantages compared between D2 + CME and D2 groups in 3-year OS.Conclusion:The data from China show that D2 radical gastrectomy plus CME are reliable procedures and safety compared to D2 radical gastrectomy with faster recovery, lower risk, and better prognosis.

A Loading Dose of Dexmedetomidine With Constant Infusion Inhibits Intraoperative Neuromonitoring During Thoracic Spinal Decompression Surgery: A Randomized Prospective Study.

Background: The effect of a bolus dose of dexmedetomidine on intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) parameters during spinal surgeries has been variably reported and remains a debated topic. Methods: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was performed to assess the effect of dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg in 10 min) followed by a constant infusion rate on IONM during thoracic spinal decompression surgery (TSDS). A total of 165 patients were enrolled and randomized into three groups. One group received propofol- and remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) (T group), one group received TIVA combined with dexmedetomidine at a constant infusion rate (0.5 μg kg−1 h−1) (D1 group), and one group received TIVA combined with dexmedetomidine delivered in a loading dose (1 μg kg−1 in 10 min) followed by a constant infusion rate (0.5 μg kg−1 h−1) (D2 group). The IONM data recorded before test drug administration was defined as the baseline value. We aimed at comparing the parameters of IONM. Results: In the D2 group, within-group analysis showed suppressive effects on IONM parameters compared with baseline value after a bolus dose of dexmedetomidine. Furthermore, the D2 group also showed inhibitory effects on IONM recordings compared with both the D1 group and the T group, including a statistically significant decrease in SSEP amplitude and MEP amplitude, and an increase in SSEP latency. No significance was found in IONM parameters between the T group and the D1 group. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine delivered in a loading dose can significantly inhibit IONM parameters in TSDS. Special attention should be paid to the timing of a bolus dose of dexmedetomidine under IONM. However, dexmedetomidine delivered at a constant speed does not exert inhibitory effects on IONM data.

The effect of diabetes on the tensile bond strength of a restorative dental composite to dentin.

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the tensile bond strength (TBS) of dental composite resin bonding to enamel and dentin of extracted human teeth. Thirty caries-free human premolar teeth (10 from type 1 DM (D1), 10 from type 2 DM (D2), and 10 from non-diabetic individuals (control)) were wet ground and polished to obtain flat surfaces of dentin (n = 10). 37% phosphoric acid was used to etch dentin specimens for 15s. After the application of the adhesive system, the composite resins were applied and cured for 20s. Then, specimens were subjected to TBS testing by Universal Testing Machine (1mm/min). One specimen from each group was prepared and observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a dot map was generated. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests (α = 0.05). The TBS values were significantly higher in the control group compared to the D1 and D2 groups (P < 0.05). Between DM groups, D2 values were significantly higher than those in the D1 group. Unlike DM groups, the zigzag fracture pattern was only noticed in the control group. DM adversely affected the TBS of dental composite resins to dentin; this negative effect is more exaggerated by type 1 DM than type 2 DM.

11: Comparison of intraperitoneal dexamethasone, dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone-dexmedetomidine combination on postoperative nausea, vomiting and analgesics requirement after gynaecological laparoscopy: A randomised clinical trial.

Background and Aims:Female patients undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgery are more prone to postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). We hypothesised that an intraperitoneal administration of dexamethasone, dexmedetomidine and combination would reduce the incidence of PONV and analgesics requirement after laparoscopic hysterectomies.Methods:One hundred ninety-two female patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomies were randomly assigned to four groups. Anaesthesia technique was identical in all the groups. Patients in group D1 received dexamethasone 8 mg, group D2 received dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg, group D3 received dexamethasone 8 mg + dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg combination and group D4 received 20 ml normal saline intraperitoneally at the end of the procedure, before withdrawal of trocar. The primary outcome was the incidence of PONV experienced by the patients within the 24 h postoperative period. The secondary outcome was the analgesic consumption during the first 24 h after surgery, and the need for rescue antiemetic drugs.Results:The incidence of PONV within first 24 h postoperatively was significantly decreased in D1, D2 and D3 group compared to group D4 (p=0.001), however, there was no significant difference among patients in the D1, D2 and D3 groups. The consumption of paracetamol and rescue antiemetic were significantly higher in the group D4 compared to other intervention groups.Conclusion:Intraperitoneal administration of dexamethasone, dexmedetomidine and combination of dexamethasone-dexmedetomidine in laparoscopic hysterectomies significantly reduces the incidence of PONV and also reduces the postoperative analgesics requirement as compared to control group.Table 3Incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting 0-24 hGroup D1Group D2Group D3Group D4P valueNausea incidence No39 (84.8)37(82.2)40(87)27(60)0.006 Yes7(15.2)8(17.8)6(13)18(40)Vomiting incidence No39(84.8)36(80)40(87)26(57.8)0.003 Yes7(15.2)9(20)6(13)19(42.2)PONV incidence No38(82.6)35(77.8)39(84.8)24(53.3)0.001 Yes8(17.4)10(22.2)7(15.2)21(46.7)

Clinical and biomarker modifiers of vitamin D treatment response: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Different 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] thresholds for treatment with vitamin D supplementation have been suggested and are derived almost exclusively from observational studies. Whether other characteristics, including race/ethnicity, BMI, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), should also influence the threshold for treatment is unknown. The aim was to identify clinical and biomarker characteristics that modify the response to vitamin D supplementation. A total of 666 older adults in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) were randomly assigned to 16 wk of oral vitamin D3 (2000 IU/d; n=499) or placebo (n=167). Primary outcomes were changes in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] concentrations from baseline to 16 wk. Among 666 participants randomly assigned (mean age: 72 y; 53% female; 66% racial/ethnic minority), 611 (92%) completed the study. The mean (SD) change in PTH was -3 (16) pg/mL with vitamin D3 compared with 2 (18) pg/mL with placebo (estimated mean difference: -5; 95% CI: -8, -2 pg/mL). Within the vitamin D3 group, lower baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was associated with a larger decline in PTH in a nonlinear fashion. With baseline 25(OH)D ≥30ng/mL as the reference, 25(OH)D <20ng/mL was associated with a larger decline in PTH with vitamin D3 supplementation (-10; 95% CI: -15, -6 pg/mL), whereas 25(OH)D of 20-30ng/mL was not (-2; 95% CI: -6, 1 pg/mL). A segmented threshold model identified a baseline 25(OH)D concentration of 21 (95% CI: 13, 31) ng/mL as an inflection point for difference in change in PTH. Race/ethnicity, BMI, and eGFR did not modify vitamin D treatment response. There was no significant change in 1,25(OH)2D in either treatment group. Of characteristics most commonly associated with vitamin D metabolism, only baseline 25(OH)D <20ng/mL modified the PTH response to vitamin D supplementation, providing support from a clinical trial to use this threshold to define insufficiency. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02925195.

Comparison of D2 versus D1 gastrectomy in Kashmiri patients in a tertiary care cancer centre

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes, survival, morbidity and mortality of D1 and D2 gastrectomy in Kashmiri population in a high-volume tertiary care centre.Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from the prospective database maintained by Department of Surgical Gastroenterology at SKIMS, Kashmir India. We did direct comparison of D1 and D2 gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery between January 2016 to December 2021 and fulfilled the eligibility criteria. A total of 98 patients were included in the study of which 46 underwent a D1 gastrectomy and 52 underwent a D2 gastrectomy.Results: Male-female ratio was 3:1 in both groups with a mean age of 61 years. There was no significant difference in terms of age or gender between D1 and D2 groups (p&gt;0.05). The mean number of harvested lymph nodes (LN) was (7±1.9) in the D1 group compared to (27.6±10.1) the D2 group (p=0.001). Average hospital stay was comparable in both groups. The median survival was 26 months for the D2 and 19 months for the D1 group (p≤0.01). The survival in the D2 group was significantly higher than in the D1 group. There was no difference in postoperative complications between two groups in our study.Conclusions: our study indicates that D2 gastrectomy should be the standard of treatment for advanced stage II /III disease as it improves the survival outcome in these patients without affecting overall hospital stay, morbidity and mortality.

Intestinal Microbes-based Analysis of Immune Mechanism of Childhood Asthma.

This work was developed to explore the relationship between intestinal microflora composition and immune function changes in children with asthma and to provide theoretical references for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Forty-eight children with asthma who received standardized treatment in the outpatient department of pediatric respiratory asthma in Children's Hospital were selected as the research objects, which were rolled into 24 cases of S0 group (complete control) and 24 cases of S1 group (incomplete control group). In addition, ten healthy children with general data matching the research objects were selected as a blank control (D0 group). The intestinal microbial composition and immune function indexes of each group were detected. The results showed that there were differences in the intestinal microbes of the three groups of children with Bifidobacterium, Megasphaera, Oscillibacter, Bilophila, and f_Ruminococcaceae. Among them, the proportions of Bifidobacterium, Megasphaera, and f_Ruminococcaceae in the intestinal microbes of the children in the S1 group were notably less than those in the S0 and D0 groups. The proportion of these three bacterial genera in the S0 group was also considerably smaller than that in the D0 group (P<0.05). In addition, the CD3+ levels of children in the S1 group were notably lower than those in the S0 and D0 groups, while the CD4+ and CD4+/CD3+ were higher than the S0 and D0 groups (P<0.05). The differences between CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD3+ in the S0 and D0 groups were not considerable (P<0.05). The proportions of Bifidobacterium, Megasphaera, f_Ruminococcaceae, and Parasutterella in children with intestinal microbes were significantly positively correlated with CD3+ levels (P<0.05), and significantly negatively correlated with CD4+ and CD4+/CD3+ levels (P<0.05). In short, children with different levels of asthma control had a certain degree of flora disorder and decreased immune function in the intestinal flora. The decrease in the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, f_Ruminococcaceae of Firmicutes, and Parasutterella of Riken Bacteria, and the increase in the relative abundance of Oscillatoria meant the decline of the immune function of the children.

Ascertaining the productivity and economic profitability of broiler chicken fed compound diet supplemented with herbal product

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of herbal liver tonic (superliv) on the growth performance, meat yield, viability and cost benefit analyses of broiler from day-old to 28 days. The chicks were raised on the floor of an open-sided housing condition. Ready-made starter diet (crumble) was fed the birds up to 16 days after that, grower (pellet) diet was fed the broiler from d17 to 28 days. The water was treated with superliv at the rate of (1ml/L), (1.5 ml/L) and (2ml/L), in D2, D3 and D4 groups, respectively, and supplied the birds ad libitum. The data revealed that feed intake (FI) and viability (%) of broilers were unaffected (P&gt;0.05) between treatment on 28 days. Significantly highest body weight (BW) (1661.90 g/b) was found in the bird of superliv supplemented (D2) group. Improved (P

Influences of Partial Substitution of Fish Meal with Defatted Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal in Diets on Growth Performance, Biochemical Parameters, and Body Composition of Juvenile Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis)

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFM) has been widely applied in aquaculture production due to its rich nutritional value, easy availability, and renewability. However, to our knowledge, it has not been used in the diets for turtles. Here, we evaluated the acceptability of partial substitution of fish meal (FM) with defatted BSFM in the diets of juvenile Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis). A total of 225 juvenile turtles were randomly divided into D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 groups, which were fed with BSFM replacing 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% FM, respectively, for 70 days. The results showed that growth performances of groups D2 and D3 were not significantly different ( P &gt; 0.05 ) from that of group D1, whereas the growth performance compromised ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in groups D4 and D5. The activity of serum alkaline phosphatase was higher ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in group D3 relative to other groups, while alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were higher ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in group D4 when compared with groups D1, D2, and D3. Liver lysozyme activity and malonaldehyde level were significantly higher ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in group D1 relative to other groups, whereas total antioxidant capacity activity showed the opposite trend ( P &lt; 0.05 ). The activities of hepatic total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase displayed a linear elevation ( P = 0.011 and P &lt; 0.001 , respectively) from groups D1 to D3. Intestinal amylase and protease activities linearly increased ( P &lt; 0.001 ) with increasing BSFM levels, while intestinal lipase activity showed a quadratic increase and then a decrease with increasing BSFM levels ( P = 0.011 ). Muscle crude protein and fat contents increased ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in group D3 when compared with groups D1 and D2. Muscle phenylalanine, glutamic, tryptophan, and arginine levels increased in group D1 in comparison with the other groups ( P &lt; 0.05 ), whereas the opposite was true for isoleucine and proline levels. The broken-line analysis based on specific growth rate estimated that the optimal level for replacing dietary FM with BSFM is 5.0%, which could elicit benefits on both the growth performance and physiological health condition of the juvenile Chinese soft-shelled turtles.

Effects of Dietary Inositol Supplementation on Growth, Digestive Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, and Body Composition of Golden Pompano (Trachinotus ovatus).

A 56-day culture experiment was performed to evaluate effects of inositol supplementation on growth, digestive performance, antioxidant capacity, and body composition of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). Five experimental diets (D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5) supplemented with 0, 150, 300, 600, and 1,200 mg kg−1 inositol were formulated, respectively. Triplicate groups of 300 fish with an initial weight of (18.78 ± 0.21 g) and 15 seawater cages were used in the feeding experiment. Results indicated that the final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth ratio (SGR), and condition factor (CF) in fish fed with D3–D5 diets were significantly higher than those fed the D1 and D2 diets, and the highest values were detected in D3 diet treatment. The whole-body composition was not significantly affected by different experimental diets. Fish fed with D3-D5 diets showed higher activities of amylase (AMS), lipase (LPS), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and significantly higher than those fed with D1 and D2 diets. In contrast, fish fed with D3–D5 diets showed lower MDA content and significantly lower than those fed with D1 and D2 diets. The mRNA level of glutathione reductase (GR) in fish fed with D3 and D4 diets was significantly higher than those fed with D1, D2, and D5 diets. Likewise, the mRNA level of catalase (CAT) significantly increased in the dietary inositol groups compared with the D1 group. In conclusion, the supplement of inositol not less than 300 mg kg−1 in the diet is indispensable to maintain the rapid growth and promote antioxidative capacity of T. ovatus.

Effects of sintering protocol and dipping time on the optical properties of monolithic zirconia

Statement of problemThe use of monolithic zirconia for restorations has become popular. However, the effects of the coloring process and sintering procedure on the optical properties of monolithic zirconia remain unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of the different sintering protocols and dipping times on the CIELab color parameters, color difference (ΔE00), translucency parameter (TP00), opalescence parameter (OP), and contrast ratio (CR) of monolithic zirconia. Material and methodsOne hundred and fifty monolithic zirconia specimens were prepared and divided into 5 groups according to different dipping times in A2 shade coloring liquid: no immersion (D0), 3 minutes (D3), 5 minutes (D5), 7 minutes (D7), and 9 minutes (D9). The specimens were further divided into 3 subgroups according to different sintering protocols (n=10): classic (C); speed (S); and super-speed sintering (SS). The CIE L∗a∗b∗ values, ΔE00, TP00, OP, and CR values were determined with a spectrophotometer. The data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests (α=.05). ResultsThe effects of the sintering protocol, dipping time, and interaction of the sintering protocol and dipping time were significant for the L∗, a∗, b∗, ΔE00, TP00, OP, and CR parameters (P<.001). The ΔE00 values of the SS groups were significantly higher than those of the C and S groups for all the dipping times assessed. However, only the CD3 and CD5 groups had ΔE00 values below the acceptability threshold (<1.8). Coloring significantly reduced TP00 values and significantly increased OP and CR values in the colored groups compared with those in the D0 groups. The C and S protocols for different dipping times showed similar optical properties in TP00, OP, CR, and ΔE00 (excluding the D0 and D9 groups) compared with the SS protocol. ConclusionsDifferent sintering protocols combined with various dipping times significantly affected the optical properties of monolithic zirconia. However, C and S sintering with a 3-minute and 5-minute coloring process yielded more favorable optical results than SS sintering and prolonged dipping times.

Comparative analysis of different density restrictions reveals the potential influence mechanism on the compensatory growth of Litopenaeus vannamei

Shrimp nursery rearing technology is increasingly being used by aquatic farmers and enterprises. Determining an appropriate density restriction in order to obtain a greater compensatory growth potential is the key to this technology. Based on the industry standards for indoor shrimp farming, three densities for Litopanaeus vannamei nursery rearing were examined (D1 [control] = 10,000 PL/m3, D3 = 30,000 PL/m3, and D5 = 50,000 PL/m3). The results showed that the D5 group had an over-compensation growth effect, whereas the D3 group showed a full-compensation growth effect. A preliminary investigation of the mechanism of compensatory growth was explored. The results showed that during the compensation stage, the SGR (Special Growth Rate) and FCE (Feed Conversion Efficiency) of the D5 group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the control. T-SOD enzyme activity was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the control. Antioxidants such as CAT, GSH-PX and MDA all had compensatory changes. In addition, the relative mRNA expression of several genes was measured. The results showed that growth-related genes (EGFR, MSTN), molting-related genes (MIH), immune-related genes (Toll) and digestion-related genes (α-amylase) had a relative compensation of mRNA expression. Meanwhile, transcriptome analysis of shrimps after different density restrictions in the compensation stage was performed. Totally 237 and 348 differentially expression genes (DEGs) were identified in the D5- and D3-treated shrimps, respectively. In D5-treated shrimps, DEGs were annotated and grouped into nine processes or pathways related to animal metabolic response. With respect to D3-treated shrimps, DEGs were mainly annotated to 15 processes or pathways related to animal metabolic response. Therefore, this study provides a basis for the theory and practice of compensatory growth during the nursery rearing of commercial shrimp.

Is D2 laparoscopic gastrectomy essential for elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer? A propensity score matched analysis

The necessity of the standard D2 gastrectomy for elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC) is controversial because only limited data are available to demonstrate its oncological benefit for them. Our aim was to compare the outcomes of D2 and Non-D2 and to evaluate the survival benefit of D2 laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) in elderly patients. We retrospectively identified 865 patients with GC who underwent radical LG at our hospital between 2011 and 2017. Patients aged ≥75 years who were diagnosed with clinical T1N+ or clinical T2-4 were eligible. The primary outcome was the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate. The confounding factors were minimized using propensity score matching. This study included 119 patients (63 D2 LG and 56 Non-D2 LG), and 52 patients (26 each for D2 LG and Non-D2 LG) were analyzed after matching. Although no significant difference was found in overall major complications (P=1.00), complications tended to occur in the D2 group (D2 vs. Non-D2 =3.9% vs. 0%). No differences in the 3-year OS were noted between the two groups (68.8% vs. 68.8%; HR 1.53, 95% CI: 0.56-3.19). This study demonstrated the possible association between D2 LG and increased complication rate and no survival benefit of D2 LG in elderly patients.

Three-dimensional Quantification of Enamel Preservation in Tooth Preparation for Porcelain Laminate Veneers: A Fully Digital Workflow In Vitro Study.

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the preservation of enamel after tooth preparation for porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) at different preparation depths based on a fully digital workflow. Sixty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth, including 20 maxillary central incisors (MCIs), 20 maxillary lateral incisors (MLIs), and 20 maxillary canines (MCs) underwent microcomputed tomography (CT) scanning, and were reconstructed as three-dimensional (3D) enamel and dentin models. Subsequently, the three-dimensional (3D) enamel models were imported into Materialise, where each enamel model underwent seven types of virtual preparation for PLVs at preparation depths at 0.1-mm increments from 0.1-0.3-0.5 mm (D1) to 0.7-0.9-1.1 mm (D7). The enamel surface was depicted by merging the virtual preparation and, respective, dentin models. The enamel area and prepared surface were measured to calculate the percentage of enamel (R%). The data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α=0.05). The group-wise mean (standard deviation) R values for the MCIs were as follows: D1-D3: 100.00 (0) each, and D4-D7: 74.70 (2.45), 51.40 (5.12), 24.40 (3.06), and 0.00 (0), respectively. The group-wise mean R values for the MLIs were 100.00 (0), 73.70 (3.40), 53.50 (3.44), 25.20 (3.79), and 0.90 (0.99) for the D1-D5 groups, respectively; and 0.00 (0) each for the D6-D7 groups. The group-wise mean (standard deviations) R values for the MCs were as follows: D1-D3: 100.00 (0) each, and D4-D7: 99.00 (1.34), 77.10 (3.28), 74.20 (3.61), and 52.20 (4.09), respectively. The one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between the seven groups in the MCIs, MLIs, and MCs (p<0.05). Our results recommended preparation depths of up to 0.3-0.5-0.7 mm (MCIs), 0.1-0.3-0.5 mm (MLIs), and 0.4-0.6-0.8 mm (MCs) to facilitate complete intraenamel preparation. Moreover, 50% enamel was preserved at preparation depths of 0.5-0.7-0.9 mm (MCIs), 0.3-0.5-0.7 mm (MLIs), and 0.7-0.9-1.1 mm (MCs).

Vitamin D3 Treatment Alters Thyroid Functional Morphology in Orchidectomized Rat Model of Osteoporosis.

Vitamin D plays an essential role in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Thyroid hormones, in addition to vitamin D, significantly contribute to regulation of bone remodeling cycle and health. There is currently no data about a possible connection between vitamin D treatment and the thyroid in the context of osteoporosis. Middle-aged Wistar rats were divided into: sham operated (SO), orchidectomized (Orx), and cholecalciferol-treated orchidectomized (Orx + Vit. D3; 5 µg/kg b.m./day during three weeks) groups (n = 6/group). Concentration of 25(OH)D in serum of the Orx + Vit. D3 group increased 4 and 3.2 times (p < 0.0001) respectively, compared to Orx and SO group. T4, TSH, and calcitonin in serum remained unaltered. Vit. D3 treatment induced changes in thyroid functional morphology that indicate increased utilization of stored colloid and release of thyroid hormones in comparison with hormone synthesis, to maintain hormonal balance. Increased expression of nuclear VDR (p < 0.05) points to direct, TSH independent action of Vit. D on thyrocytes. Strong CYP24A1 immunostaining in C cells suggests its prominent expression in response to Vit. D in this cell subpopulation in orchidectomized rat model of osteoporosis. The indirect effect of Vit. D on bone, through fine regulation of thyroid function, is small.