Dunn's Multiple Comparison Research Articles

Physical activity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vojvodina, Serbia.

BackgroundThe physical activity (PA) of the youth and adult population underwent changes during the last 2 years due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and all for the purpose of maintaining the health of the population. The purpose of this study was to estimate the levels of PA in the youth population and the adult population (young and old) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the territory of Vojvodina, Serbia, and to determine the differences between them, as well as to compare these results with the results before the pandemic.MethodsA total of 1,117 subjects (age 36.27 ± 15.08 years) from the territory of Vojvodina, Serbia, participated in the study. Subjects were recruited and assigned to one of the three groups according to their age: youth group (N = 395; age 18–24 years), young adults group (N = 347; from 25 to 44 years), and old adults group (N = 375; age 45–65 years). All participants in this study completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form between July and November 2021, during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vojvodina, Serbia. The Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn multiple comparison post-hoc method were used for statistical analyses.ResultsThe youth showed the highest result in total weekly energy expenditure (3,893.72 ± 2,010.01 MET-min/week) compared to young adults (2,528.20 ± 1,804.11 MET-min/week) and old adults (2,369.07 ± 2,084.95 MET-min/week) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vojvodina, Serbia. In addition, adults (young and old) spent more time sitting than youth during the same period. Furthermore, the youth achieved greater results in levels of PA during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the situation before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, adult populations achieved lower results during the COVID-19 pandemic than before the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the youth from Vojovida, Serbia, achieved greater results in PA levels than the adult populations. Based on that, we recommend that it is necessary to take steps toward increasing PA in the adult population, especially old adults.

Phosphorus metabolism in the brain of cognitively normal midlife individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease

Phosphorus metabolism in the brain of cognitively normal midlife individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease

104. Effects of cannabinoids on spinal fusion in a rat model

104. Effects of cannabinoids on spinal fusion in a rat model

UTE-T2* versus conventional T2* mapping to assess posterior cruciate ligament ultrastructure and integrity-an in-situ study.

BackgroundClinical-standard morphologic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is limited in the refined diagnosis of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries. Quantitative MRI sequences such as ultrashort echo-time (UTE)-T2* mapping or conventional T2* mapping have been theorized to quantify ligament (ultra-) structure and integrity beyond morphology. This study evaluates their diagnostic potential in identifying and differentiating partial and complete PCL injuries in a standardized graded injury model.MethodsTen human cadaveric knee joint specimens were imaged on a clinical 3.0 T MRI scanner using morphologic, conventional T2* mapping, and UTE-T2* mapping sequences before and after standardized arthroscopic partial and complete PCL transection. Following manual segmentation, quantitative T2* and underlying texture features (i.e., energy, homogeneity, and variance) were analyzed for each specimen and PCL condition, both for the entire PCL and its subregions. For statistical analysis, Friedman’s test followed by Dunn’s multiple comparison test was used against the level of significance of P≤0.01.ResultsFor the entire PCL, T2* was significantly increased as a function of injury when acquired with the UTE-T2* sequence [entire PCL: 11.1±3.1 ms (intact); 10.9±4.6 ms (partial); 14.3±4.9 ms (complete); P<0.001], but not when acquired with the conventional T2* sequence [entire PCL: 10.0±3.2 ms (intact); 11.4±6.2 ms (partial); 15.5±7.8 ms (complete); P=0.046]. The PCL subregions and texture variables showed variable changes indicative of injury-associated disorganization.ConclusionsIn contrast to the conventional T2* mapping, UTE-T2* mapping is more receptive in the detection of structural damage of the PCL and allows quantitative assessment of ligament (ultra-)structure and integrity that may help to improve diagnostic differentiation of distinct injury states. Once further substantiated beyond the in-situ setting, UTE-T2* mapping may refine diagnostic evaluation of PCL injuries and -possibly- monitor ligament healing, ageing, degeneration, and inflammation.

Comparison of ophthalmic loteprednol etabonate and prednisolone acetate effects on adrenocortical response to ACTH in dogs.

This study served to compare the degree of adrenocortical suppression following a 2-week administration of loteprednol etabonate (LE) and prednisolone acetate (PA) ophthalmic drops. In this prospective double-masked triple-crossover study, 21 clinically healthy dogs were randomized to receive loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5%, prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension 1%, or artificial tears (AT). Each group (LE, PA, and AT) received one drop in each eye every 12 h for 2 weeks, followed by a 3-week washout period between treatment blocks. ACTH stimulation tests were performed before and after each treatment block. Serum cortisol samples were drawn before and 60 min after administration of 1μg/kg cosyntropin IV. Repeated-measurement ANOVA followed by a Tukey's multiple comparisons test (or a Friedman test followed by a Dunn's multiple comparisons test) were used to compare pre- and post-treatment cortisol values between each group. A p-value of ≤.05 was considered significant. A total of 18 dogs completed the study. Prestimulation cortisol values were lower in the PA group compared to the LE (p=.0106), but not AT (p=.0589) groups, and post-stimulation cortisol values were lower in the PA group than either LE (p=.0005) or AT (p=.0002) groups. There was no significant difference detected in pre- or post-stimulation cortisol values after the treatment periods between LE and AT. Based on the reduced suppression of cortisol values, LE caused significantly less hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression than PA. A topical steroid with minimal adrenocortical suppression, such as LE, may be favorable in patients where systemic glucocorticoid effects should be avoided.

Evaluation of Pentoxifylline efficacy in Socket healing in Type-2 Diabetic adult males

Introduction: because of lack of proper documented literature, many oral health professionals in diabetic patients citing reasons like delayed wound healing, dry socket and pain defer minor oral surgical treatments including extractions. All of those factors can have significant implications and negative impacts on the standard of lifetime of the individuals. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Pentoxifylline (PTX) on socket healing after mandibular molar tooth extraction in diabetic males in Syria. Various parameters like post-extraction pain (PeP) and the number of leukocytes and epithelial cells, which are initial parameters for healing socket. Methods: 22 older than 40 years male participants were divided into 3 group. Group 1(Control) was 8 participants, group 2 (Case) was 8 participants and group 3 (Case+Treated) was 6 participants got 400 mg sustained release tablet of PTX once a day for a week before of mandibular molar tooth extraction. For three days after the extraction, non-parametric pain values were as assessed by the participant and dry socket was diagnosed. Non-stimulated mixed saliva samples were collected by draining method to count leukocytes and epithelial cells. The sample was stained with Giemsa’s stain and examined microscopically. The statistical analyses were done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Sidak's multiple comparison test for the parameter data and also the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's multiple comparison test for non-parametric data. Results: on comparing PeP in group 1 against group 2 or group 2 against group 3 was no statistical significance altogether studied days. On comparing dry socket, presence in group 1 against group 2 or group 2 against group 3 was no statistical significance all told studied days. On comparing epithelial cells count in group 1 against group 2 was a statistically significant difference (P value =0.0011) but in group 2 against group 3 was no statistical significance. On comparing leukocytes count in group 1 against group or group 2 against group 3 was a statistically significant difference (P value =0.0140) (P value =0.0458). Conclusion: PTX increased leukocytes number 1 h after extraction, which is critical for socket healing as acute response during a heamostasis and inflammatory phase, but it did not improve of pain or prevent dry socket incidence. The sample of study was small and limited, so larger samples of other research studies are needed to substantiate our findings.

Rinsing postprocessing procedure of a 3D-printed orthodontic appliance material: Impact of alternative post-rinsing solutions on the roughness, flexural strength and cytotoxicity

Rinsing postprocessing procedure of a 3D-printed orthodontic appliance material: Impact of alternative post-rinsing solutions on the roughness, flexural strength and cytotoxicity

Clinicо-psychopathological characteristics of pre-suicidal period on the example of the study of suicidal behavior in a psychiatric hospital

Prevention of suicidal behavior is an essential direction at the stage of inpatient treatment. The study of the features of suicidal genesis within certain nosological categories makes it possible to determine the clinical factors of suicidal risk. A retrospective study of hospital suicidal acts and a comprehensive clinical and psychopathological study of patients with suicidal attempts during hospitalization and in the early stages after discharge were carried out. The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS) were used. In addition, Fisher's exact test and Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's Multiple Comparison post hoc test were used. The paper analyzed the ratio of indicators on the Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI) and the severity of depression with the main variants of the leading syndrome at the time of committing suicidal acts. The periods of increased suicidal risk during hospitalization were considered in relation to the type of leading syndrome in mental status. The data obtained can be used to assess suicidal risk during treatment in a psychiatric hospital and in the early stages after discharge.

Kinetics of cellular and humoral responses to third BNT162B2 COVID-19 vaccine over six months in heart transplant recipients - implications for the omicron variant.

Kinetics of cellular and humoral responses to third BNT162B2 COVID-19 vaccine over six months in heart transplant recipients - implications for the omicron variant.

Gravity assistance enables liver stiffness measurements to detect liver fibrosis under congestive circumstances.

BACKGROUNDAs survival has been prolonged owing to surgical and medical improvements, liver failure has become a prognostic determinant in patients with congestive heart diseases. Congestive hepatopathy, an abnormal state of the liver as a result of congestion, insidiously proceed toward end-stage liver disease without effective biomarkers evaluating pathological progression. Regular measurements of shear wave elastography cannot qualify liver fibrosis, which is a prognosticator in any type of chronic liver disease, in cases of congestion because congestion makes the liver stiff without fibrosis. We hypothesized that the effects of congestion and fibrosis on liver stiffness can be dissociated by inducing architectural deformation of the liver to expose structural rigidity.AIMTo establish a strategy measuring liver stiffness as a reflection of architectural rigidity under congestion.METHODSTwo-dimensional shear wave elastography (2dSWE) was measured in the supine (Sp) and left decubitus (Ld) positions in 298 consecutive cases as they were subjected to an ultrasound study for various liver diseases. Regions of interest were placed at twelve sites, and the median and robust coefficient of variation were calculated. Numerical data were compared using the Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post-hoc multiple comparisons. The inferior vena cava (IVC) diameters at different body positions were compared using the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test. The number of cases with cardiothoracic ratios greater than or not greater than 50% was compared using Fisher’s exact test. A correlation of 2dSWE between different body positions was evaluated by calculating Spearman correlation coefficients.RESULTSThe IVC diameter was significantly reduced in Ld in subjects with higher 2dSWE values in Ld (LdSWE) than in Sp (SpSWE) (P = 0.007, (average ± SD) 13.9 ± 3.6 vs 13.1 ± 3.4 mm) but not in those with lower LdSWE values (P = 0.32, 13.3 ± 3.5 vs 13.0 ± 3.5 mm). In 81 subjects, SpSWE was increased or decreased in Ld beyond the magnitude of robust coefficient of variation, which suggests that body postural changes induced an alteration of liver stiffness significantly larger than the technical dispersion. Among these subjects, all 37 with normal SpSWE had a higher LdSWE than SpSWE (Normal-to-Hard, SpSWE - LdSWE (∆2dSWE): (minimum-maximum) -0.74 - -0.08 m/sec), whereas in 44 residual subjects with abnormal SpSWE, LdSWE was higher in 27 subjects (Hard-to-Hard, -0.74 - -0.05 m/sec) and lower in 17 subjects (Hard-to-Soft, 0.04 - 0.52 m/sec) than SpSWE. SpSWE was significantly correlated with ∆2dSWE only in Hard-to-Soft (P < 0.0001). ∆2dSWE was larger in each lobe than in the entire liver. When Hard-to-Hard and Hard-to-Soft values were examined for each lobe, fibrosis-4 or platelet counts were significantly higher or lower only for Hard-to-Soft vs Normal-to-Hard cases.CONCLUSIONGravity alters the hepatic architecture during body postural changes, causing outflow blockage in hepatic veins. A rigid liver is resistant to structural deformation. Stiff-liver softening in the Ld position suggests a fibrous liver.

The Effect of Breastfeeding Versus Sensorial Saturation on Infants' Behavioral Responses of Pain following Pentavalent Vaccination on 4 and 6 Month Old Infants: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Study.

ABSTRACTBackground: Pain is the fifth vital sign and its proper management in infants is important. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of breastfeeding versus sensorial saturation on infants’ behavioral responses of pain following Pentavalent vaccination on 4 and 6-month old babies.Methods: This single blind randomized controlled clinical trial study was conducted on Shahid Dastgheib Health center in Yasuj, from May to September 2016. Eligible infants (N=180) were selected using convenience sampling method. Then, using block randomization method, we assigned the participants to one of the three groups of Breastfeeding (N=60), Sensorial saturation (N=60), and Control (N=60). The infants’ behavioral responses of pain were measured using the Modified Behavioral Pain Scale (MBPS) and duration of crying following Pentavalent vaccination. Data were analyzed through SPSS software 22 using Chi square, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn ’s multiple comparison tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The results of the study showed that the MBPS mean scores for breast feeding, sensorial saturation, and control groups in 4-month old infants were 6.60±1.60, 5.40±1.30 and 8.90±0.40, and those of 6-month old ones were 7.20±1.10, 6.10±0.90 and 9±0.50, respectively. Also, both the breastfeeding and the sensorial saturation groups scored significantly lower in behavioral responses of pain and crying duration on both 4 and 6-month old infants compared to the control group (P<0.05). Sensorial saturation group significantly scored lower in behavioral responses of pain and crying duration on 4 and 6 month old infants than the breastfeeding group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Both breastfeeding and sensorial saturation could diminish the infants’ behavioral responses of pain following Pentavalent vaccination; however, sensorial saturation was more effective than breastfeeding.Trail Registration Number: IRCT2016051527916N1

Evaluation of digital construction, production and intraoral position accuracy of novel 3D CAD/CAM titanium retainers.

New opportunities have arisen to manufacture three-dimensional computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (3D CAD/CAM) retainers from titanium blocks by digital cutting technology. These novel technologies need to fulfill requirements regarding digital planning and position accuracy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the digital construction, the CAD/CAM production and the intraoral positioning accuracy of custom-manufactured novel 3D CAD/CAM titanium retainers. Atotal of 37prime4me® RETAIN3R (Dentaurum, Ispringen, Germany) retainers were inserted to stabilize the upper anterior front teeth. Following insertion, an intraoral scan was used to record the position. The intraoral position was compared to the virtual setup using 3D superimposition software. Measurement points were evaluated in all three dimensions (horizontal, sagittal and vertical planes). Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's multiple comparison test. Atotal of 185 measurements were performed. The horizontal plane and the sagittal plane demonstrated ahigh level of positioning accuracy between the planned and the intraoral position. Statistically significant deviations between the preceding virtual setup and the intraoral situation were observed in the vertical dimension. Within the retainer, the intraoral positioning accuracy decreased for the measurement points in the direction of the distal retainer segment. Based on the results, the present study shows ahigh level of congruence between the 3D virtually planning and the final intraoral position of the fabricated novel 3D CAD/CAM titanium retainers.

The effect of glide path preparation on the shaping ability of XP-endo® Shaper in simulated canals

Aims: To compare the shaping efficiency of the XP-endo Shaper with or without glide path preparation with sequenced Scout Race files in J-shaped resin blocksMaterial and Methods: Forty simulated J-shaped root canals were classified into two groups (n=20). While the root canals were shaped with XPS after a glide path was created with Scout Race files in Group 1, the same procedures were done without the glide path preparation in Group 2. The pre-and post-instrumentation images were taken and superimposed. Transportation value (TV), centering ability (CA) and the total amount of resin removed (TRR) was calculated by using the obtained images with Adobe Photoshop CS5 software. These parameters were calculated based on 18 reference points (9 inner/9 outer walls) with 1-mm intervals according to 3 sections (coronal, middle, and apical of the canals). The data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and then Dunn's multiple comparison tests (p ≤ 0.05).Results: More resin was removed in Group 2 apical and coronal sections than in Group 1 (p=0.036). In Group 2, a higher transportation value was obtained in apical and middle sections compared to Group 1 (p&lt;0.001). Group 1 showed a higher centering ratio in apical and middle sections than in Group 2 (p&lt;0.001). The centering ability of the instruments was decreased in the curvature part (middle section) of the canals.Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, glide path preparation using Scout Race instruments improved the shaping ability of XPS instrument by leading to less transportation and maintaining centering ability.

Effects of orthodontic treatment on body mass index, food habits and self-esteem of patients: A prospective single-arm cohort study

Effects of orthodontic treatment on body mass index, food habits and self-esteem of patients: A prospective single-arm cohort study

Comparative assessment of morphological alterations in the dentin surface by sodium fluoride, 980 nm diode laser, and their combined application for use in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity

Context: Lasers have been used as one of the most promising new modalities for dentin hypersensitivity. A synergistic action of lasers in association with desensitizing agents can favor the permanence of the desensitizer for a longer time than when they are used alone. Aims: The present study was aimed to evaluate the morphological characteristics of dentin surface by scanning electron microscopy after fluoride application and irradiation with 980 nm diode laser and their combined application. Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted human premolars were collected, prepared, and randomized into three groups. Group A involved tooth treated with sodium fluoride (NaF); Group B involved tooth irradiated by 980 nm GaAlAs (diode) laser; and Group C consisted of tooth sections irradiated by a diode laser with prior application of NaF. The morphological alterations were evaluated and compared using a scanning electron microscope. Statistical Analysis: The Kruskal–Wallis test was used for multiple group comparisons, and the post hoc Dunn's multiple comparison test was used for intergroup comparisons. Results: Group C, the fluoride-laser treated group, showed the lowest diameter of dentinal tubules (0.077 ± 0.021 μm) and had significantly the lowest number of open dentine tubules. Dunn's multiple comparison tests revealed that Group C had statistically significant tubule diameter reduction and had the lowest number of open tubules compared to both Group A and Group B (P &lt; 0.0001 and P = 0.0007, respectively). In addition, Group C had significantly greater intertubular distance when compared to both Group A and Group B (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The 980 nm diode laser presents a promising new potential for treating dentin hypersensitivity, both alone and in conjunction with desensitizing agents. However, clinical trials are required to use it in regular clinical practice.

Glutathione-S-transferase activity in various organs of Crocodylus siamensis and its attenuation role in aflatoxin B1-induced cell apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma cells.

Background and Aim:The crocodile is a model for studying relevant sources of environmental contamination. They were determined an appropriate biomonitoring species for various toxins. The cytosolic and microsomal fraction of crocodiles plays a role in detoxifying xenobiotics. Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) metabolizes aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to aflatoxin M1, while glutathione-S-transferase (GST) catalyzes carcinogenic agents. This study aimed to investigate the GST activity in various organs of Crocodylus siamensis. Further, the fate of microsomal and cytosolic fractions from various crocodile organs against AFB1-induced apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells was investigated.Materials and Methods:The liver, lungs, intestines, and kidneys tissues from a 3-year-old crocodile (C. siamensis) (n=5) were collected. The cytosolic and microsomal fraction of all tissues was extracted, and protein concentrations were measured with a spectrophotometer. Subsequently, a comparison of GST activity from various organs was carried out by spectrophotometry, and the protective effects of CYP450 and GST activity from various crocodile organs were studied. In vitro AFB1-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Comparisons between the metabolisms of the detoxification enzyme in organs were tested using the Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Dunn’s multiple comparison tests. All kinetic parameters were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software version 5.01 (GraphPad Software Inc., San Diego, USA).Results:Total GST activity in the liver was significantly higher than in the kidneys, intestines, and lungs (p<0.05, respectively). The highest GST pi (GSTP) activity was found in the liver, while the highest GST alpha-isoform activity was in the crocodile lung. The kinetics of total GST and GST mu activity in the liver had the highest velocity compared to other organs. In contrast, the kinetics of GSTP enzyme activity was the highest in the intestine. The in vitro study of microsome and cytosol extract against apoptosis induced by AFB1 revealed that the level of messenger RNA expression of the Bax and Bad genes of HepG2 cells decreased in the treatment group in a combination of cytosolic and microsomal fractions of the crocodile liver but not for Bcl-2. Interestingly, the downregulated expression of Bax and Bad genes was also found in the microsome and cytosol of crocodile kidneys.Conclusion:The crocodile liver revealed very effective GST activity and expression of the highest kinetic velocity compared to other organs. The combination of liver microsomal and cytosolic fractions could be used to prevent cell apoptosis induced by AFB1. However, further study of the molecular approaches to enzyme activity and apoptosis prevention mechanisms should be carried out.

Comparative Evaluation of King Vision Video Laryngoscope, McCoy and Macintosh Laryngoscopes in Patients Scheduled for Mucormycosis Surgery: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Introduction: Mucormycosis, an aggressive fungal infection may result in a difficult airway owing to its inflammation. King Vision Video Laryngoscope (KVVL) is a useful addition to a difficult airway armamentarium. McCoy laryngoscope with hinged tip is well-known equipment of difficult airway cart. Conventional Macintosh laryngoscope dominates in anaesthesia practice. Standard, existing and contemporary devices were compared in difficult airways resulting from mucormycosis. Aim: To compare the relative performance of KVVL, McCoy, and Macintosh laryngoscopes based on the ease of intubation and haemodynamic response in patients with mucormycosis. Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomised clinical trial done during June-August 2021 on 90 consenting patients of 18-65 years age, belonging to either sex with microbiologically confirmed mucormycosis undergoing debridement surgery. Group A was intubated with a non channeled KVVL, while group B had McCoy and group C had Macintosh laryngoscope. Primary outcome parameters were Cormack Lehane (CL) grade, time from laryngoscopy to successful intubation, number of attempts, any adjuncts or optimisation maneuvers, and any mucosal injury. Secondary outcome parameters were Heart Rate (HR), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Mean Blood Pressure (MBP) measured on arrival, before induction, after induction, and at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 minutes after intubation. Comparison of quantitative variables not normally distributed were analysed using Kruskal Wallis test. Post-hoc analysis by Dunn's multiple pairwise comparison test. Friedman test followed by pairwise comparison was done to compare haemodynamic parameters within each group. Chi-square test was used for qualitative variables. The p-value ≤0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: CL grade was lowest in group B (1.83±0.38) against group A (1.93±0.25), group C (2.13±0.35) with p-value of 0.029. Time from laryngoscopy to successful intubation was the least in group B (19.5±3.98) against group A (26.07±9.8), group C (21.33±3.74) with p-value of 0.002. No significant difference was there in the number of attempts, airway adjuncts/optimisation maneuvers, mucosal injury. Haemodynamic variables were comparable. Conclusion: McCoy laryngoscope was found to perform best in difficult airways resulting from mucormycosis. It was most effective for glottic visualisation, with the shortest time to successful intubation and, haemodynamic parameters were comparable to KVVL and Macintosh laryngoscopes.

Oxidative damage of canine erythrocytes after treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

To investigate oxidative erythrocyte damage in dogs treated with different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Case-controlled prospective observational study using blood obtained from dogs presenting for lameness examinations or standard surgical procedures to a private referral clinic. Sampling was performed from April 2018 to July 2019. Groups comprised dogs receiving either metamizole (dipyrone) (22 dogs), carprofen (20 dogs) or meloxicam (20 dogs) for a minimum of 10 days. Dogs with gastrointestinal hemorrhage were excluded from the study. A complete hematological, as well as a basic biochemical profile were performed in every dog. Pappenheim stained blood smears were evaluated for eccentrocytes and brilliant cresyl blue stained smears for Heinz bodies. EDTA blood was frozen at -80°C immediately after sampling for measurement of superoxide dismutase and gluthathione peroxidase activity at an external laboratory. Hemoglobin concentration, superoxide dismutase and gluthathione peroxidase activities, reticulocyte count, eccentrocyte and Heinz body numbers were determined prospectively as key parameters for further statistical assessment with Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's multiple comparisons test. Dogs receiving metamizole showed a significant increase in eccentrocyte (median 14.5/500 cells vs. 0/500 cells in the other groups, p < 0.0001) and reticulocyte number (median 191.4 × 109/l vs. 31.6-37.9 × 109/l, p < 0.0001) and a significant decrease in hemoglobin concentration (median 8.4 mmol/l vs. 10.1-10.5 mmol/l, p < 0.0003). No significant difference in superoxide dismutase and gluthathione peroxidase activities was observed between dogs receiving metamizole and the other groups. Heinz bodies were not found in any of the dogs. Treatment with metamizole for 10 or more days resulted in decreased hemoglobin concentration, eccentrocytosis and reticulocytosis in dogs in this study. This might be a sign of increased oxidative damage caused by this drug. Prolonged metamizole therapy should be evaluated critically in patients already affected by severe illness or underlying anaemia.

Energy and mineral metabolism of peripartum mares and foals of the Quarter Horse breed.

Several studies have demonstrated variations in peripartum blood biochemical analytes used to monitor the health status of mares and their foals of different breeds. We aimed to characterize the physiologic changes of peripartum energy and mineral metabolism in healthy Quarter Horse mares and their neonatal foals. Blood samples were initially collected from 17 mares on days 60 and 30 prepartum, and from mares and their foals on the day of parturition (after colostrum ingestion), and on days 15, 30, and 60 postpartum. The serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, total cholesterol (T-Cho), triglyceride, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured using commercial kits. Statistical differences were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (parametric variables) or the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's multiple comparison test (nonparametric variables). Fourteen of 17 healthy Quarter Horse mares and their neonatal foals remained in the study until termination. Serum BHBA, T-Cho, and calcium concentrations in mares showed significant differences during the observation period. Serum BHBA concentrations increased from 60days prepartum to 60days postpartum. Postpartum serum T-Cho and calcium concentrations significantly decreased until day-30 postpartum. In the foals, NEFA, T-Cho, calcium, and magnesium concentrations significantly differed between sampling times. In the foals, serum NEFA concentrations decreased from parturition until day-60 postpartum, while serum T-Cho, calcium, and magnesium concentrations were lowest at day-30 postpartum. The temporal changes observed in the blood biochemical analytes of this study could be used to improve the clinical evaluation of periparturient mare and neonatal foal Quarter Horses.

Efficacy of Microencapsulated Probiotic as Adjunct Therapy on Resolution of Diarrhea, Copper-Zinc Homeostasis, Immunoglobulins, and Inflammatory Markers in Serum of Spontaneous Rotavirus-Infected Diarrhoetic Calves.

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a microencapsulated probiotic as an adjunct therapy in rotavirus-positive diarrhea of neonatal calves that received supportive treatment or supportive along with microencapsulated probiotic treatment, for 5days. We examined whether microencapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC15 probiotic treatment in rotavirus-infected diarrhoetic calves led to faster resolution of diarrhea, amelioration of zinc-copper imbalance, improved the immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G, and decreased the inflammatory markers in serum. Calves with rotavirus-positive diarrhea < 4-week age and fecal scores ≥ 2 were randomly assigned into two groups. The supportive along with microencapsulated probiotic treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased zinc and immunoglobulin A concentrations and decreased copper, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nitric oxide level in serum on days 3 and 5 from pretreatment values; the immunoglobulin G concentration was elevated (p < 0.05) on day 5. The mean resolution time of abnormal fecal score was 5.3 and 3.3days in supportive treatment and supportive along with microencapsulated probiotic groups, respectively, in log-rank Mantel-Cox test. The calves in the supportive along with microencapsulated probiotic treatment group had faster resolution of diarrhea than supportive treatment group in Dunn's multiple comparisons test. This study demonstrates that supportive treatment along with microencapsulated probiotic administered to naturally rotavirus-infected diarrhoetic calves at onset of diarrhea led to faster resolution of diarrhea, improved zinc and immunoglobulin levels, and decreased the inflammatory parameters in serum of rotavirus-infected diarrhoetic calves.