Group G2 Research Articles

HBeAg-positive patients hepatic tissue inflammatory activity and influencing factors during normal ALT and indeterminate phases

Objective: To analyze the hepatic tissue inflammatory activity and influencing factors in HBeAg-positive patients during normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and indeterminate phases so as to provide a basis for evaluating the disease condition. Methods: Patients with HBeAg-positive with normal ALT and HBV DNA levels below 2 × 10(7) IU/ml from January 2017 to December 2021 were selected as the study subjects. A histopathologic liver test was performed on these patients. Age, gender, time of HBV infection, liver function, HBsAg level, HBV DNA load, genotype, portal vein inner diameter, splenic vein inner diameter, splenic thickness, and others of the patients were collected. Significant influencing factors of inflammation were analyzed in patients using logistic regression analysis, and its effectiveness was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Of the 178 cases, there were 0 cases of inflammation in G0, 52 cases in G1, 101 cases in G2, 24 cases in G3, and one case in G4. 126 cases (70.8%) had inflammatory activity ≥ G2. Infection time (Z=-7.138, P<0.001), γ-glutamyltransferase (t =-2.940, P=0.004), aspartate aminotransferase (t =-2.749, P=0.007), ALT (t =-2.153, P=0.033), HBV DNA level (t =-4.771, P=0.010) and portal vein inner diameter (t =-4.771, P<0.001) between the ≥G2 group and < G2 group were statistically significantly different. A logistic regression analysis showed that significant inflammation in liver tissue was independently correlated with infection time [odds ratio (OR)=1.437, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.267-1.630; P<0.001)] and portal vein inner diameter (OR=2.738, 95% CI: 1.641, 4.570; P<0.001). The area under the curve (AUROC), specificity, and sensitivity for infection time and portal vein inner diameter were 0.84, 0.71, 0.87, 0.72, 0.40, and 0.95, respectively. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of HBeAg-positive patients have inflammation grade ≥G2 during normal ALT and indeterminate phases, pointing to the need for antiviral therapy. Additionally, inflammatory activity has a close association with the time of infection and portal vein inner diameter.

Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of different doses of LT4 in pregnant women with high-normal TSH levels and TPOAb positivity in the first half of pregnancy.

The objective was to investigate the efficacy of different doses of levothyroxine therapy among pregnant women exhibiting high-normal thyroid stimulating hormone levels and positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies throughout the first half of pregnancy. Pregnant women exhibiting high-normal thyroid stimulating hormone levels and thyroid peroxidase antibodies positivity throughout the initial half of pregnancy were selected from January 2021 to September 2023. Based on the different doses of levothyroxine, the pregnant women were categorized into the nonintervention group (G0, 122 women), 25µg levothyroxine intervention group (G25, 69 women), and 50µg levothyroxine intervention group (G50, 58 women). Serum parameters, gastrointestinal symptoms, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared after the intervention among the three groups. After the intervention, in the G25 and G50 groups, the thyroid stimulating hormone, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein levels were notably less in contrast to those in the G0 group (P < 0.05). The rates of abdominal distension and SIBO in the G25 and G50 groups were notably lower in contrast to the G0 group (P = 0.043 and 0.040, respectively). The G50 group had a lower rate of spontaneous abortion and premature membrane rupture than the G0 group (P = 0.01 and 0.015, respectively). Before 11+ 2 weeks of gestation and at thyroid peroxidase antibodies levels ≥ 117 IU/mL, in contrast to the G0 group, the G50 group experienced a decreased rate of spontaneous abortion (P = 0.008). The G50 group had significantly higher newborn weight than the G0 group (P = 0.014), as well as a notably longer newborn length than the G0 and G25 groups (P = 0.005). For pregnant women with high-normal thyroid stimulating hormone levels and thyroid peroxidase antibodies positive during the first half of pregnancy, supplementation with 50µg levothyroxine was more effective in improving their blood lipid status and gastrointestinal symptoms, reducing the incidence of SIBO and premature rupture of membranes, and before 11+2 weeks, TPOAb ≥ 117IU/mL proved more beneficial in mitigating the risk of spontaneous abortion.

Effect of Pure Corn Oil on Growth Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica)

In recent years, consecutive research has been conducted on the nutrient requirements of the quails to find an optimum and affordable legitimate growth promoter. Different types of vegetable oil have been tested so far. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pure corn oil (PCO) on growth performance and live body weight gain in Japanese quails. A total of 80 four-day-old quail chicks were divided into two groups: control (20 checks) and experimental (60 checks). The experimental group was subdivided into three subgroups (G1, G2, and G3) of 20 chicks per group. All the control and experimental group chicks were fed a commercial grower quail diet in all three growth phases. Despite the commercial diet, the G1, G2, and G3 experimental groups were fed 1, 3, and 5% PCO, respectively. The values for live body weight did not significantly change after adding PCO to the quail’s diet. According to the study's findings, adding PCO to the commercial diet of Japanese quails in various amounts had no beneficial effects on feed consumption and growth rate. Additionally, it had an insignificant (p&gt;0.05) detrimental impact on the growth performance of the quails compared to control groups. In conclusion, we can say that adding PCO to quail's commercial diet in the hot months of the year under Afghanistan's climate has no positive impact on growth and further slows down the rate of body weight gain.

Impacts of urban emissions and air quality in São Paulo State, Brazil.

Daily violations of air quality have an impact on urban populations and cause damage to the environment. Thus, the study evaluated the violations of the daily concentrations of SO2, NO2, and PM10, in regions of the State of São Paulo (SSP), based on the National Environment Council (CONAMA) resolution no 491/2018 and the World Health Organization (WHO - World Health Organization. (2016). Ambient air pollution: a global assessment of exposure and burden of disease.) criteria. Daily SO2, NO2, and PM10data from 6 air quality stations operated by Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo CETESB (1996-2011) were organized and submitted to quality control, with data faults (gaps) being identified. The imputation of data via spline proved satisfactory in filling in the gaps (r > 0.7 and low values of Standard Error of the Estimate (SEE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The cluster analysis (CA) applied to SO2 formed only one homogeneous group (G1). Contrariwise, NO2 and PM10 formed two homogeneous groups (G1 and G2) each. The stations that showed the greatest similarity according to the CA were Cerqueira Cesar and Osasco. The cophenetic matrix generated for SO2 (0.83), NO2 (0.79), and PM10 (0.77) indicate a satisfactory adjustment of the dendrograms. The exploratory statistics applied to groups G1 and G2 point to the high variability of outliers. The WHO criteria are more restrictive than CONAMA regarding daily violations, with a reduction in SO2 and an increase in specific years for NO2 and PM10. Such variability is due to the adoption of public policies by the SSP and the influence of meteorological systems, being confirmed by the Run test that indicated oscillations in the time series, mainly in PM10, and also recognized well-defined biannual cycles.

Use of Plant Extracts in Polymeric Scaffolds in the Regeneration of Mandibular Injuries.

Severe loss of bone mass may require grafting, and, among the alternatives available, there are natural biomaterials that can act as scaffolds for the cell growth necessary for tissue regeneration. Collagen and elastin polymers are a good alternative due to their biomimetic properties of bone tissue, and their characteristics can be improved with the addition of polysaccharides such as chitosan and bioactive compounds such as jatoba resin and pomegranate extract due to their antigenic actions. The aim of this experimental protocol was to evaluate bone neoformation in experimentally made defects in the mandible of rats using polymeric scaffolds with plant extracts added. Thirty rats were divided into group 1, with a mandibular defect filled with a clot from the lesion and no graft implant (G1-C, n = 10); group 2, filled with collagen/chitosan/jatoba resin scaffolds (G2-CCJ, n = 10); and group 3, with collagen/nanohydroxyapatite/elastin/pomegranate extract scaffolds (G3-CHER, n = 10). Six weeks after surgery, the animals were euthanized and samples from the surgical areas were submitted to macroscopic, radiological, histological, and morphometric analysis of the mandibular lesion repair process. The results showed no inflammatory infiltrates in the surgical area, indicating good acceptance of the scaffolds in the microenvironment of the host area. In the control group (G1), there was a predominance of reactive connective tissue, while in the grafted groups (G2 and G3), there was bone formation from the margins of the lesion, but it was still insufficient for total bone repair of the defect within the experimental period standardized in this study. The histomorphometric analysis showed that the mean percentage of bone volume formed in the surgical area of groups G1, G2, and G3 was 17.17 ± 2.68, 27.45 ± 1.65, and 34.07 ± 0.64 (mean ± standard deviation), respectively. It can be concluded that these scaffolds with plant extracts added can be a viable alternative for bone repair, as they are easily manipulated, have a low production cost, and stimulate the formation of new bone by osteoconduction.

Safety and efficacy of delayed completion lobectomy following wedge resection vs. segmentectomy-a retrospective cohort study.

Data regarding the safety and efficacy of delayed completion lobectomy (CL) following sublobar resections remain scant. We evaluated the technical difficulty and short-term outcomes of CL occurring at least 3 months following the anatomical segmentectomy or wedge resection. Consecutive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who underwent a second resection within the same lobe at least 3 months after their initial resection from January 2013 to December 2019 at the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital were retrospectively included. The patients were divided into a segmentectomy group (SG group) and a wedge resection group (WR group) based on their initial resection strategy. Baseline characteristics and short-term outcomes after CL between the two groups were compared. Twenty-five patients undergoing CL were included, nine in the SG group and 16 in the WR group. No deaths occurred within 30 days postoperatively, and the rate of overall postoperative complications was 28.0% (7/25). Statistically significant differences were found in rates of postoperative complications between the two groups (SG: 55.6% vs. WR: 12.5%, P=0.03) and in the use of bronchoplasty or angioplasty during the CL (SG: 33.3% vs. WR: 0.0%, P=0.04). After CL, no significant differences were found in 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) (WR: 66.7% vs. SG: 61.0%, P=0.31) or overall survival (OS) (WR: 93.8% vs. SG: 66.7%, P=0.06) between two groups. Delayed CL occurring over 3 months after sublobar resection is a safe and effective procedure, with no deaths occurring within 30 days postoperatively. As compared to a segmentectomy at the time of the index operation, a wedge resection may portend less morbidity, with a decreased risk of needing adjunctive bronchoplasty or angioplasty procedures during CL. After CL, 5-year RFS and OS were comparable between WR and SG groups.

Treatment with Raloxifene Induces the Expression of Kisspeptin, Insulin, and Androgen Receptors in Bones of Castrated Adult Female Rats.

Objective To evaluate the effects of estrogen, raloxifene and genistein on the expression of KISS1 (kisspeptin), KISS1R (kisspeptin receptor), AR (androgen receptor) and INSR (insulin receptor) in the bones of ovariectomized rats. Methods Forty-eight adult rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, containing 8 animals each: G1-nonovariectomized control; G2-ovariectomized and treated with conjugated equine estrogens (50 µg/Kg/day); G3-ovariectomized and treated with raloxifene (0.75 mg/kg/day); G4-ovariectomized animal that received soy extract with genistein (300 mg/kg/day); G5-ovariectomized animal that received estrogen and genistein; and G6-ovariectomized animal that received estrogen and raloxifene. Three months after surgery, the castrated animals received the drugs orally daily for 120 days. All animals were sacrificed after this period, by deepening the anesthesia. The left tibia was removed for total RNA extraction and analysis of gene expression of KISS1 , KISS1R , AR and INSR , by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results KISS1 was not detected in any of the treated groups. KISS1R , INSR and AR showed higher expression in the G3 group ( p < 0.001), while lower levels of transcripts for these genes were observed in G4 and G5. G2 animals showed hypoexpression of the evaluated genes. Conclusion The results indicate that raloxifene, alone or combined with estrogen, was able to induce the expression of genes associated with the recovery of bone tissue homeostasis in ovariectomized rats.

Identification and Validation of Novel Metastasis-Related Immune Gene Signature in Breast Cancer.

Distant metastasis remains the leading cause of death among patients with breast cancer (BRCA). The process of cancer metastasis involves multiple mechanisms, including compromised immune system. However, not all genes involved in immune function have been comprehensively identified. Firstly 1623 BRCA samples, including transcriptome sequencing and clinical information, were acquired from Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE102818, GSE45255, GSE86166) and The Cancer Genome Atlas-BRCA (TCGA-BRCA) dataset. Subsequently, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed using the GSE102818 dataset to identify the most relevant module to the metastasis of BRCA. Besides, ConsensusClusterPlus was applied to divide TCGA-BRCA patients into two subgroups (G1 and G2). In the meantime, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to construct a metastasis-related immune genes (MRIGs)_score to predict the metastasis and progression of cancer. Importantly, the expression of vital genes was validated through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression pattern of 76 MRIGs screened by WGCNA divided TCGA-BRCA patients into two subgroups (G1 and G2), and the prognosis of G1 group was worse. Also, G1 exhibited a higher mRNA expression level based on stemness index score and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion score. In addition, higher MRIGs_score represented the higher probability of progression in BRCA patients. It was worth mentioning that the patients in the G1 group had a high MRIGs_score than those in the G2 group. Importantly, the results of RT-qPCR and IHC demonstrated that fasciculation and elongation protein zeta 1 (FEZ1) and insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) were risk factors, while interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) was a protective factor. Our study revealed a prognostic model composed of eight immune related genes that could predict the metastasis and progression of BRCA. Higher score represented higher metastasis probability. Besides, the consistency of key genes in BRCA tissue and bioinformatics analysis results from mRNA and protein levels was verified.

Clinicopathological Findings and Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Primary Hepatobiliary Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Retrospective Single-institution Analysis.

Objective Primary hepatobiliary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare tumors exhibiting several morphological and behavioral characteristics. Considering the lack of relevant data on this topic, we evaluated the clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of patients with primary hepatobiliary NENs. Methods/Patients We examined 43 consecutive patients treated at the National Cancer Center Hospital with pathological diagnoses of primary hepatobiliary NEN between 1980 and 2016. Results Nine patients were diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumor (NET) G1, 9 with NET G2, and 25 with neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) based on the World Health Organization 2019 classification. Patients with NEC had primary sites across the hepatobiliary organs, although sites in patients with NET G1 and NET G2 only included the liver and ampulla of Vater. Patients with primary extrahepatic bile duct or ampulla of Vater NENs tended to be diagnosed earlier than patients with primary gallbladder NENs. The median survival times in the NET G1, NET G2, and NEC groups were 167.9, 97.4, and 11.1 months, respectively. A good performance status, absence of distant metastases, and low tumor grade were identified as independent predictors of a favorable prognosis. Conclusion The NET-to-NEC ratio and tumor stage distribution at the diagnosis differed depending on the primary site. Patients with G1 and G2 NETs who underwent surgical resection had good prognoses, whereas those with NEC exhibited more advanced disease and poorer prognoses. The performance status, staging classification, and tumor grade are important factors to consider when devising an appropriate treatment strategy and predicting the prognoses of patients with primary hepatobiliary NEN.

Histopathological Effects of Nicotine on Rats Pulmonary Cell Treated with Zinc and Vitamin D

The present study sought to determine the role of vitamin D and zinc in protecting against nicotine stress by altering the alveolar response and modulating antioxidant mechanisms. Thirty mature adults Wistar rats, used as a model for mammals, were maintained at 23 ± 2 C°, randomly divided into five equal groups, and then given therapy for 14 days. G1: Nicotine was administered at a dose of 0.0015g/kg b.w. I.P., G2: zinc was administered orally at 0.06 g/kg b.w., G3: Orally administration vitamin D at 250 µg/kg b.w., and G4: both zinc and vitamin D were administered orally at the same dose as nicotine, 0.0015g/kg b.w. I.P. Rats were anesthetized with ketamine at the end of the treatment period. All groups of rats had lung samples extracted rapidly; alveolar groups of samples were cleaned and placed in physiological used 10% of neutral buffered formalin for tissue fixation. Then lung suction were repaired for histopathological study. The results showed highly significant protective effects of zinc and vitamin D in the tissues of the lung in G4. Zinc and vitamin D group G4 decreased the effectiveness of nicotine when compared with the G1 nicotine group. Protective effect of zinc and vitamin D by decreased MNCS infiltration with thickening and slightly congested pulmonary blood vessels without emphysema and pulmonary edema

Comparison Of Knowledge and Attitude Towards Chat GPT In First and Final-Year Dental Students

Objective: This study aimed to examine the knowledge and attitude towards Chat-GPT among first and final-year dental students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative study conducted at the Rawal Institute of Health Sciences RIHS Islamabad. The duration of the study was 3 months after approval by the Ethical Committee from June 2023 to August 2023. An electronic questionnaire was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude of first-year (G1) and final-year (G2) dental students studying at RIHS. The respondents had to agree or disagree with each statement of the questionnaire. The frequency and percentage for each response were calculated. All the items of the knowledge and attitude questionnaire were assessed for the difference in response between G1 and G2 groups with the help of the Chi-square test. Results: The knowledge assessment section showed that both first-year and final-year student groups (G1, G2) had inadequate knowledge and discouraging attitudes toward Chat-GPT. 90.6% and 86.7% of G1 and G2 students knew about what Chat-GPT is and this was the only response that showed good knowledge in both groups. 71.1% of first-year students agreed to use Chat- GPT in education as compared to 60% of final-year students. The response of any group could not exceed 70% for any of the attitude questions. The difference in knowledge and attitude response was statistically insignificant between the G1 and G2 groups showing no relationship between the responses of the two groups. Conclusion: These results highlight that there is a strong need to improve knowledge and a positive attitude towards the use of AI tools like Chat-GPT in dental students. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Chat-GPT, Dental education, Dental students, Knowledge, Attitude.

Effects of Grape Pomace on Growth Performance, Nitrogen Metabolism, Antioxidants, and Microbial Diversity in Angus Bulls.

Polyphenol-rich grape pomace (GP) represents a valuable processing by-product with considerable potential as sustainable livestock feed. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of GP on the growth performance and nitrogen utilization efficiency, antioxidant activity, and rumen and rectum microbiota of Angus bulls. Thirty Angus bulls were allocated three dietary treatments according to a completely randomized design: 0% (G0), 10% (G10), and 20% (G20) corn silage dry matter replaced with dried GP dry matter. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of the G0 group and G10 group was higher than that of the G20 group (p < 0.05); urinary nitrogen levels decreased linearly with the addition of GP (linear, p < 0.05). In terms of antioxidants, the levels of catalase (CAT) in the G10 group were higher than in the G0 and G20 groups (p < 0.05), and the total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) was significantly higher than that in the G20 group (p < 0.05). In addition, in the analysis of a microbial network diagram, the G10 group had better microbial community complexity and stability. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into the potential benefits of incorporating GP into the diet of ruminants.

Quality of Life of Patients submitted to Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life between patients who have already undergone the TKA surgery and those who have not. Methodology: 118 patients [60 undergoing TKA (G1) and the remaining 58 awaiting the procedure (G2)] answered questions about QoL using the WOMAC and SF-36 protocols. The comparison was performed using the chi-square test and Student's t-test, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: with regard to clinical aspects, there was a higher level of pain in Group G2, as well as greater frequency in the use of medications, especially for pain relief. In the QoL evaluation, significant difference was observed in all the domains of the generic questionnaire SF-36 and in WOMAC, estando a capacidade functional do G2 reduzida e abaixo do nível observado nos pacientes do G1. Conclusion: patients with advanced knee arthrosis who underwent TKA, compared to those who did not undergo the procedure, had better quality of life in all domains assessed by both the general SF-36 questionnaire and the WOMAC questionnaire.

Determining the Usage Properties of Some Natural Substrate Materials in submerged macrophyte Vallisneria sp. culture

In this research, which targets removing nutrients resulting from the metabolic wastes of fish and unconsumed feed from the environment in aquarium systems where fish, plants, and ground material are used in the same environment and use them as plant nutrients, it was aimed to determine the usage properties of zeolite, leonardite and diatomite materials on the growth parameters of the Vallisneria sp. plant. &#x0D; The study was conducted in three stages for 8 months. The first step of the study was planned as the plant adaptation phase, and no fish were added to the environment. In the second step, fish was introduced. The third step was designed to determine the adsorbent mixture's plant nutrient storage capacity (effective usage period). In the experimental aquariums, no plant nutrient or fertiliser other than fish food was used at all stages. The effects and using duration on the growth of the Vallisneria sp plant of adsorbed nutrients from unconsumed feed by leonardite and zeolite mixture were investigated in three stages in aquarium condition. Trial groups were formed by adding the adsorbent mixture of the feed having a 40% protein value to the first group (G1), the adsorbent mixture of the feed having a 33% protein value to the second group (G2), and the adsorbent mixture without feed to the third group (G3).&#x0D; When the SGR values at the end of the experiment were compared, there was no statistical difference between the G1 and G2 groups, which contained 40% and 33% protein (P&gt;0.05). On the other hand, both groups (G1, G2) showed significantly higher (P

The nongenomic neuroprotective effects of estrogen, E2-BSA, and G1 following traumatic brain injury: PI3K/Akt and histopathological study.

Studies suggest that both genomic and nongenomic pathways are involved in mediating the salutary effects of steroids following traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study investigated the nongenomic effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) mediated by the PI3K/p-Akt pathway after TBI. Ovariectomized rats were apportioned to E2, E2-BSA (E2 conjugated to bovine serum albumin), G1 [G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor agonist (GPER)] or their vehicle was injected following TBI, whereas ICI (classical estrogen receptor antagonist), G15 (GPER antagonist), ICI+G15, and their vehicles were injected before the induction of TBI and injection of drugs. Diffuse TBI was induced by the Marmarou model. Evans blue (EBC, 5 h), brain water contents (BWC), histopathological changes, and brain PI3K and p-Akt protein expressions were measured 24 h after TBI. The veterinary comma scale (VCS) was assessed before and at different times after TBI. The results showed a reduction in BWC and EBC and increased VCS in the E2, E2-BSA, and G1 groups. Also, E2, E2-BSA, and G1 reduced brain edema, inflammation, and apoptosis. The ICI and G15 inhibited the beneficial effects of E2, E2-BSA, and G1 on these parameters. All drugs, following TBI, prevented the reduction of brain PI3K/p-Akt expression. The individual or combined use of ICI and G15 eliminated the beneficial effects of E2, E2-BSA, and G1 on PI3K/p-Akt expressions. These findings indicated that PI3K/p-Akt pathway plays a critical role in mediating the salutary effects of estradiol on histopathological changes and neurological outcomes following TBI, suggesting that GPER and classic ERs are involved in regulating the expression of PI3K/p-Akt.

The effects of boccia training load on emotional intelligence and quality of life in individuals with cer-ebral palsy

The aim of this research was to determine the correlation between the load (volume) of boccia training and emotional intelligence and quality of life in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). 165 individuals with CP who had severe activity limitations in their legs, arms and trunk (BC1) were voluntarily enrolled in this study. The type of design is characterized by being sectional-correlational. The participants were assigned to one of the boccia groups: G2 (2 hours/week), G4 (4 hours/week) and G6 (6 hours/week). The Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) and WHOQOL-Bref world health organization's quality of life questionnaire assessed these patients' emotional intelligence and quality of life of these patients respectively. To determine the degree of association, the Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used, and one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni were applied to compare the variables between the groups. The normality of the sample was tested through the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Results showed how the training load is a conditioning factor for the levels of quality of life and emotional intelligence, identifying that the greater the load, the better the levels of the indicated parameters. The dimensions of quality of life: physical and psychological health are those with the greatest difference between group G2 (physical health: 19.61±6.83; psychological= 18.71±5.37) and group G4 (physical health: 58.25±16.61; psychological= 54.17 ±16.24) and G6 (physical health: 61.56±8.85; psychological= 56.29±3.48). Regarding emotional intelligence, we must highlight the emotion perception dimension as the one that is most influenced by the weekly training load (G2: 27.78±3.51, G4: 38.20±1.90, G6: 39.76±2.66). The results have indicated a moderate to strong evaluation between boccia training volume and emotional intelligence (0.842&gt;r&gt;0.744). and quality of life (0.899&gt;r&gt;0.770). Based on the results, and with the aim of optimizing the effects, it is recommended to practice Boccia in individuals with CP for four days a week. Keywords: Para-sport, Physical exercise, Brain impairment, Emotional.

Implant Stability and Histomorphometric Analysis Comparing Two Different Implant Macrogeometries Placed in Fresh Sockets: An Experimental Study in Sheep.

The aim of the present animal study was to examine the impact of two implant designs that promote different insertion torque values on implant stability and evaluate, histomorphometrically, the bone healing for immediate implant placement in fresh sockets. Twelve female sheep (35.0±5.0kg) and 48 conical Morse-taper dental implants divided into two groups (n = 24 per group): G1 group, where the implants present a design that can provide high insertion torque values; and G2 group, where the implants present a design that can provide low insertion torque values. Both had the same surface treatment, and dimensions (4.0 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length). The first two posterior teeth (both sides) were extracted carefully. Sequentially, there were osteotomies in the mesial socket of each molar tooth. The final implant position was 2 mm below the buccal bone crest level. On the right side, implants of the G1 were placed anteriorly, followed by implants of the G2; and, on the left side, it was the reverse. A digital torquemeter was used to measure the maximum final insertion torque value (f-IT). The initial implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured immediately after the implant insertion (T0) and immediately after the euthanasia and removing the mandibles with the implants. The animals were euthanized (n=6 animals/ time) at 21 days (T1) and 35 days (T2). The t-test was used to compare statistical differences for each intragroup parameter analyzed. Pearson's correlation was used to analyze possible correlations: f-IT and BIC%, f-IT and ISQ, and ISQ and %BIC. Regarding the insertion torque, the G1 presented higher values than the G2, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.0001). The ISQ mean values were higher in the B-L direction than those obtained for M-D for both groups. %BIC measurements showed higher values in samples from G2 than G1 at both times and in both directions. New bone, medullary spaces, and collagen matrix had statistical differences between the groups at each evaluation time. Using implants with a modified macrogeometry plays a significant role in implant stability and the healing process of bone tissue around the implant. It is important for clinicians to carefully consider implant macrogeometry when planning dental implant surgery to achieve optimal implant stability and successful osseointegration, mainly in cases of immediate implant placement.

A comprehensive analysis of CD47 expression in various histological subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma: exploring novel opportunities for macrophage-directed treatments

PurposeThe CD47 molecule, often referred to as the “do not eat me” signal, is frequently overexpressed in tumor cells. This signaling pathway limits phagocytosis by macrophages. Our objective was to determine CD47 abundance in various soft tissue sarcomas (STS) to investigate whether it could serve as a potential evasion mechanism for tumor cells. Additionally, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of CD47 expression by examining its association with different clinicopathological factors. This study aimed to elucidate the significance of CD47 in the context of emerging anti-tumor targeting approaches.MethodsIn this retrospective study, formalin-fixed paraffine-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues of 55 treatment-naïve patients were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for the abundance of CD47 molecule on tumor cells. The categorization of CD47 positivity was as follows: 0 (no staining of tumor cells), 1 + (less than 1/3 of tumor area positive), 2 + (between 1/3 and 2/3 of tumor area positive), and 3 + (more than 2/3 of tumor area positive for CD47). Next, we compared CD47 abundance between different tumor grades (G1–3). We used Kaplan–Meier survival curves with log-rank test to analyze the differences in survival between patients with different CD47 expression. Moreover, we performed Cox proportional hazards regression model to evaluate the clinical significance of CD47.ResultsCD47 is widely prevalent across distinct STS subtypes. More than 80% of high grade undifferentiated pleiomorphic sarcoma (UPS), 70% of myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) and more than 60% of liposarcoma (LPS) samples displayed a pattern of moderate-to-diffuse positivity. This phenomenon remains consistent regardless of the tumor grade. However, there was a tendency for higher CD47 expression levels in the G3 group compared to the combined G1 + G2 groups when all LPS, MFS, and UPS were analyzed together. No significant associations were observed between CD47 abundance, death, and metastatic status. Additionally, high CD47 expression was associated with a statistically significant increase in progression-free survival in the studied cohort of patients.ConclusionThis study highlights the potential of the CD47 molecule as a promising immunotherapeutic target in STS, particularly given its elevated expression levels in diverse sarcoma types. Our data showed a notable trend linking CD47 expression to tumor grade, while also suggesting an interesting correlation between enhanced abundance of CD47 expression and a reduced hazard risk of disease progression. Although these findings shed light on different roles of CD47 in STS, further research is crucial to assess its potential in clinical settings.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes of French prospective multicenter cohort study COVIPREG during the first two COVID-19 waves

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant women was the subject of many questions since the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsWe aim to assess maternal and neonatal outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection contracted during 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy during the first two COVID-19 waves across a prospective French multicenter cohort study. Patients were included between April 2020 and January 2021 in 10 maternity hospitals in Paris area with two groups (i) pregnant women with a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal RT-PCR between [14WG; 37WG[(symptomatic infection), (ii) pregnant women with a negative serology (or equivocal) at delivery and without a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal RT-PCR at any time during pregnancy (G2 group) Main findings2410 pregnant women were included, of whom 310 had a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal RT-PCR and 217 between [14WG; 37WG[. Most infections occurred between 28 and 37 weeks of gestation (56 %). Most patients could be managed as outpatients, while 23 % had to be hospitalized. Among women with a positive RT-PCR, multiparous women were over-represented (OR = 2.45[1.52;3.87]); were more likely to deliver before 37 weeks of gestation (OR = 2.19[1.44;3.24]) and overall cesarean deliveries were significantly increased (OR = 1.53[1.09;2.13]). ConclusionsThis study highlights the maternal, obstetrical, and neonatal burden associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections during the first two pandemic waves before availability of vaccines. Trial registrationNCT04355234 (registration date: 21/04/2020)

The Effect of Vermicompost Enriched with Ulva Lactuca on Germination of Cucumber Seeds

Vermicompost was obtained from farmyard manure compost enriched with sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca), which grows naturally on the Ordu coast, and its effects on the germination of cucumber seeds were investigated. The seaweeds collected from the sea and dried and composted in the natural environment together in 5 different groups with cattle manure after grinding. Eisenia fetida, known as Red California Worm, was used as worm species.The composts obtained were fed to earthworms according to different dose ratios. These dose ratios were determined as G1 group 9000 gr 100 % Ç.G (farm manure), G2 group 8100 gr Ç.G + 900 gr U.L (Ulva lactuca), G3 group 7200 gr Ç.G + 1800 gr U.L, G4 group 6300 gr Ç.G + 2700 gr U.L. and G5 group 5400 gr Ç.G + 3600 gr. U.L. The vermicompost was applied directly to the soil. The experiment was designed according to the randomised plots experimental design with one control and three replicates. The experiment was carried out with local Cucumis sativus (cucumber) seeds in plastic containers in open field. Including the control group, 15 saddles were used. Sowing was done by hand at a depth of 5-6 cm with 7 seeds/saddle. The 6-day development process of the seeds was observed and germination rates were analysed. At the end of the study, significant differences were found between the groups.