BS Group Research Articles

Probiotic Bacillus subtilis QST713 improved growth performance and enhanced the intestinal health of yellow-feather broilers challenged with coccidia and Clostridium perfringens

In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus subtilis (QST713) on the performance and intestinal health of yellow feather broilers under Coccidia and Clostridium perfringens (CP) challenge or CP alone. One-day-old yellow-feathered broiler roosters (n = 600) were randomly assigned to 5 groups (6 replicates with 20 roosters per replicate): the Con blank group, the CIC.p group (d24 Coccidia+d28-30 of CP challenge), the CIC.p + BS group (CIC.p +100 mg/kg B. subtilis), the C.p group (d 28-34 of CP challenge), and the C.p +BS group (C.p +100 mg/kg B. subtilis). The experiment lasted 80 d. The birds were evaluated for parameters such as average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed efficiency (F/G), intestinal lesion score, villus histomorphometry, intestinal tight junctions, inflammatory factors, and cecal microorganisms. The results revealed that 1) C.p. increased the F/G of broilers from 22 to 42 d (P < 0.05), whereas CIC.p. significantly decreased the 42 d and 80 d body weights (BW) and 22-42 d and 1-80 d ADG (P < 0.05) and significantly increased the 22 to 42 d and 1 to 80 d F/G (P < 0.05). The number of intestinal lesions significantly increased at 35 d and 42 d (P < 0.05). CIC.p significantly decreased the jejunum and ileum villus height (VH) and the ileum villus height/crypt depth (P < 0.05) at 35 d. The challenge significantly upregulated the expression of Claudin-1 and IL-4 mRNAs in the jejunum at 35 d and significantly downregulated the expression of IL-10 mRNA in the ileum at 35 d (P < 0.05); the number of unique OTUs in the challenge group decreased significantly after challenge treatment, and the relative abundances of Romboutsia at 35 d and Cladomyces and Lactobacillus at 42 d decreased significantly (P < 0.05). 2) Compared with the challenge groups, the addition of BS decreased the F/G of broilers from 22 to 42 d. Compared with the CIC group, the addition of BS significantly increased the F/G of broilers from 22 to 42 d. Compared with that in the CIC.p group, the addition of BS significantly increased the VH in the jejunum and ileum at 35 d (P < 0.05). Compared with the challenge groups, the BS groups presented significantly lower mRNA expression levels of Claudin-1 (P < 0.05) in the jejunum at 35 d. The Shannon and Chao indices suggested that BS increased the alpha diversity of cecum microorganisms in broilers. Dietary supplementation with B. subtilis can alleviate the damage to intestinal morphology and intestinal barrier function, as well as the altered cecal flora structure in broilers caused by Coccidia and C. perfringens infections.

Local delivery of pamidronate with collagen matrix mitigates buccal bone resorption following immediate implant placement - An experimental invivo study.

The aim of this experimental invivo pilot study was to evaluate the effect of the local delivery of pamidronate within a collagen membrane on the changes in the buccal soft and hard tissue dimensions at the time of immediate implant placement and whether this effect was influenced by the placement of bone substitutes. In six beagle dogs, the distal roots of the third and fourth premolars were extracted, and immediate implants were placed. Treatment groups were randomly allocated to each socket: (i) covering the buccal bone with pamidronate-soaked collagen membrane (BP group), (ii) filling the gap defect with synthetic bone substitute (BS group), (iii) filling the gap defect with synthetic bone substitute and covering the buccal bone with pamidronate soaked collagen membrane (BP/BS group), (iv) no treatment (control group). Intraoral scanning was performed immediately after the surgery and at 20 weeks. Histomorphometric and micro-computed tomography (CT) outcomes were evaluated at 20 weeks. The micro CT analysis demonstrated that the BP group showed no apparent difference in vertical bone level with residual mesial root area, while control group showed significant buccal bone resorption at the implant site. The histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that the vertical bone level of buccal plate was significantly differed between the BP and control group (0.34 ± 0.93 and 1.27 ± 0.56 mm, respectively; p = .041). There was no statistically significant difference in the horizontal ridge width (HRW 1, 2, 3) among the groups. Also, the thickness, height and buccal contours of the soft tissue did not reveal significant changes among the groups. The local delivery of pamidronate to the outer surface of the buccal wall at the time of immediate implant placement effectively limits buccal bone resorption. The results from the present investigation should be interpreted with caution, as well as its clinical translatability. Further investigation is needed to understand the pamidronate binding and releasing kinetic, as well as the ideal carrier of this drug for its topical application.

Multiple effects of dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri and Bacillus subtilis on the growth, immunity, and metabolism of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Probiotics play an essential role in the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) aquaculture sector. They aid the fish in sickness prevention, intestinal structure improvement, food absorption, and immune system strengthening. In this experiment, Bacillus subtilis (BS, 107 CFU/g) and Lactobacillus reuteri (LR, 107 CFU/g) were added to the feed and then fed to M. salmoides for 35 days. The effects of two probiotics on the growth, immunity, and metabolism of M. salmoides organisms were studied. The results revealed that the BS group significantly increased the growth rate and specific growth rate of M. salmoides, while both the BS and LR groups significantly increase the length of villi M. salmoides intestines. The BS group significantly increased the levels of AKP, T-AOC, and CAT in the blood of M. salmoides, as well as AKP levels in the intestine. Furthermore, the BS group significantly increased the expression of intestinal genes Nrf2, SOD1, GPX, and CAT, while significantly decreasing the expression of the keap1 gene. M. salmoides gut microbial analysis showed that the abundance of Planctomycetota was significantly different in both control and experimental groups. Analyzed at the genus level, the abundance of Citrobacter, Paracoccus, Luedemannella， Sphingomonas, Streptomyces and Xanthomonas in the both control and experimental groups were significantly different. The BS group's differentially expressed genes were predominantly enriched in oxidative phosphorylation pathways in the intestine, indicating that they had a good influence on intestinal metabolism and inflammation suppression. In contrast, differentially expressed genes in the LR group were primarily enriched in the insulin signaling and linoleic acid metabolism pathways, indicating improved intestine metabolic performance. In conclusion, B. subtilis and L. reuteri improve the growth and health of M. salmoides, indicating tremendous potential for enhancing intestinal metabolism and providing significant application value.

Bacillus subtilis Feed Supplementation Combined with Oral E. coli Immunization in Sows as a Tool to Reduce Neonatal Diarrhea in Piglets.

To investigate the effects of B. subtilis on the specific immune response of lactating sows to E. coli and the diarrhea rate in suckling piglets, thirty large white sows with similar farrowing dates were randomly divided into two groups: a feedback feeding (i.e., feeding a homogenate of intestinal contents and tissues from E. coli-infected piglets to sows; FB) group and a feedback feeding with B. subtilis (FB + BS) group. Serum, colostrum, and intestinal tissues from sows and piglets were collected to assess the immune response and intestinal barrier function at weaning. T and B cells from Peyer's patches (PPs) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) in lactating mice (with treatments consistent with the sows') were isolated to explore the underlying mechanism. The results showed that, compared with the FB group, the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of their offspring were effectively improved in the FB + BS group. Moreover, the levels of IgG/IgA and those of IgG/IgA against E. coli in the serum and colostrum of sows in the FB+BS group were increased (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+, CD4+CXCR5+PD1+, and B220+IgA+ cells in MLNs and PPs, and the IgA levels in the mammary glands of mice, were also increased in the FB + BS group (p < 0.05). Notably, in suckling piglets in the FB + BS group, the diarrhea rate was decreased (p < 0.05), and the intestinal barrier function and intestinal flora composition at weaning were significantly improved. Overall, these results indicated that B. subtilis feed supplementation combined with feedback feeding in pregnant and lactating sows can reduce diarrhea in suckling piglets by enhancing the maternal immune response against E. coli and intestinal barrier function in their offspring, improving survival rates and pre-weaning growth.

Presence and distribution of voids after using the single cone obturation technique with different sealer placement methods in canals with an isthmus

Background/purposeThe obturation of canals with irregular structures is still a challenge for single cone obturation technique (SC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence and distribution of voids using SC with different sealer placement methods in the canal with a simulated band-shaped isthmus. Materials and methods3D-printed root canal models with band-shaped isthmuses were randomly divided into four groups according to different obturation methods. Group 1: sealer placement by single cone passively (SCP); Group 2: bi-directional spiral-supported sealer placement (BS); Group 3: ultrasound-supported sealer placement (U). Group 4: vertical compaction obturation (VC). In each group, 10 of 14 models were sliced and the remaining four were scanned by micro-CT. The percentage area of voids (PAV) and the percentage volume of voids (PVV) of fillings were calculated. ResultsAt all slice levels, using BS and U to support sealer placement reduced voids with an average PAV of 21%, and in the VC and SCP groups were 33% and 45% respectively. Based on the micro-CT scans, nearly half of the porosity decreased by the BS and ultrasound in the isthmus with PVV of 25% and 29% respectively, compared with 46% in the SCP group. However, in the main canal, when the PVV was 22% in the SCP group, the porosity decreased to 14% in the U group and 18% in the BS group. ConclusionBi-directional spiral or ultrasound-supported sealer placement can improve the performance of single cone obturation in canals with an isthmus.

Transcriptome Analysis of Juvenile Black Rockfish Sebastes schlegelii under Air Exposure Stress

The study aimed to uncover the molecular response of juvenile Sebastes schlegelii to air exposure stress by identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that may underlie their anti-stress mechanisms. Juvenile Sebastes schlegelii were subjected to varying durations of air exposure stress. The total RNA was extracted from whole tissues and sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. The transcriptome data were analyzed to identify DEGs through pairwise comparisons across a control group and two experimental groups exposed to air for 40 s and 2 min 30 s, respectively. The comparative DEG analysis revealed a significant number of transcripts responding to air exposure stress. Specifically, 5173 DEGs were identified in the 40 s exposure group (BS) compared to the control (BC), 6742 DEGs in the 2 min 30 s exposure group (BD) compared to the control (BC), and 2653 DEGs when comparing the BD to the BS group. Notably, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed an enrichment of DEGs associated with peptidase activity and extracellular regions, suggesting a role in the organism’s stress response. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis pointed to the involvement of metabolic pathways, which are crucial for energy management under stress. The upregulation of protein digestion and absorption pathways may indicate a physiological adaptation to nutrient scarcity during stress. Additionally, the identification of antibiotic biosynthesis pathways implies a potential role in combating stress-induced infections or damage. The identified DEGs and enriched pathways provide insights into the complex anti-stress response mechanisms in juvenile Sebastes schlegelii. The enrichment of peptidase activity and extracellular region-related genes may reflect the initiation of tissue repair and immune response following air exposure. The connection between protein digestion and absorption pathways and anti-stress capabilities could be interpreted as a metabolic readjustment to prioritize energy-efficient processes and nutrient assimilation during stress. The role of antibiotic biosynthesis pathways suggests a defensive mechanism against oxidative stress or microbial invasion that might occur with air exposure.

Impact of pancreatic and biliary stent on post-endoscopic papillectomy complications: A single-center retrospective study.

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is recommended as the first-line therapy for ampullary tumors, despite a relatively high incidence of complications. Pancreatic and/or biliary stents are placed at the endoscopist's discretion to prevent post-EP complications. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different stents. A total of 117 patients who underwent EP and met the criteria between June 2006 and October 2022 were enrolled in the study. These patients were divided into a pancreatic stent group (PS group, n = 47), a biliary stent group (BS group, n = 38), and a two-stent group (PBS [PS and BS] group, n = 32). Relevant clinical data were collected and compared among the three groups. Multivariate logistic analyses were performed to explore risk factors for post-EP complications. The incidence of all complications was 37.6% (44/117). Pancreatitis and hemorrhage were the two most common complications with incidence rates of 14.5% (17/117) and 17.9% (21/117). The incidence rates of post-EP pancreatitis were 10.6% (5/47), 23.7% (9/38), and 9.4% (3/32) in the PS group, BS group, and PBS group, respectively, with no significant differences. There were also no significant differences in other complications among the three groups. Age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91-0.99; P = 0.022) was independently associated with post-EP pancreatitis while tumor size (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.06-2.60; P = 0.028) was independently associated with post-EP hemorrhage. While pancreatic stenting is the first choice to prevent post-EP pancreatitis, biliary stenting could also be considered as a substitute for patients with difficulties in pancreatic cannulation. Two-stent (biliary and pancreatic stent) placement is unnecessary unless it is required due to other concerns.

Bacillus siamensis Improves the Immune Status and Intestinal Health of Weaned Piglets by Improving Their Intestinal Microbiota.

Previous studies on the early interference of gut microbiota by Bacillus siamensis (B. siamensis) in weaned piglets are rarely reported, and the present trial is a preliminary study. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of B. siamensis supplementation on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, immune response, fecal short-chain fatty acids and microbiota of weaned piglets. Sixty weaned piglets were randomly divided into a control group (CON) and a B. siamensis group (BS), which were fed a basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 5 × 1010 CFU B. siamensis per kg, respectively. Each group had 3 replicates and 10 piglets per replicate. The trial lasted for 28 days. The results showed that B. siamensis significantly increased the serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in piglets. Compared with the CON group, the levels of serum immunoglobulin and inflammatory factors in the BS group were significantly improved. In addition, the serum concentrations of zonulin and endotoxin (ET) in the BS group were lower. The dietary addition of B. siamensis significantly increased fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in piglets. Notably, B. siamensis improved the microbial composition by increasing beneficial genera, including Weissella, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Bifidobacterium, and decreasing pathogenic genera, including Pantoea, Fusobacterium and Gemella, in piglet feces. Correlation analysis showed that the benefits of dietary B. siamensis supplementation were closely related to its improved microbial composition. In summary, the addition of B. siamensis can improve the immunity function, inflammatory response, gut permeability and SCFA levels of weaned piglets, which may be achieved through the improvement of their microbiota.

The effectiveness of hesperidin on bisphenol A-induced spinal cord toxicity in a diabetic rat model

The potential health risks of bisphenol A (BS) and diabetes (DI) has sparked public concern due to be ubiquitous worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the detrimental impact of BS (200 mg/kg) on the spinal cord tissue in a rat diabetic model. We also evaluated the antioxidant capacity of hesperidin (HS) (100 mg/kg) on spinal cord in BS-treated diabetic rat. Seventy male Wistar albino rats, weighing 180–230 g and 8 weeks old, were randomly chosen, and assigned into seven groups of 10 rats: Control (KON), BS, DI, BS + DI, HS + BS, HS + DI, HS + BS + DI. At the end of the 14-day experimental period, all samples were examined using stereological, biochemical, and histopathological techniques. Our biochemical findings revealed that the SOD level was significantly lower in the BS, DI, and BS + DI groups compared to the KON group (p < 0.05). Compared to the KON group, there was a significant decrease in the number of motor neurons and an increase in the mean volume of central canals in the BS, DI, and BS + DI groups (p < 0.05). In the HS + BC group than the BS group and in the HS + DI group than the DI group, SOD activity and the number of motor neurons were significantly higher; also, the mean volume of spinal central canal was significantly lower (p < 0.05). The novel findings gathered from the histopathological assessment supported our quantitative results. Our speculation was that the exposure to BS and DI was the main cause of neurological alteration in the spinal cord tissues. The administration of HS had the therapeutic potential to mitigate spinal cord abnormalities resulting from BS and DI. However, HS supplementation did not alleviate spinal cord complications in BS-treated diabetic rats.

Assessing muscle strength following massive weight loss: a preliminary study in patients who desired body contouring surgery

Background Sarcopenia, which is commonly associated with ageing, is increasingly prevalent among individuals with significant obesity and massive weight loss (MWL). This study aimed to evaluate the muscle strength of MWL patients who desired body contouring surgery (BCS) due to the excess skin. Methods This prospective study enrolled 23 patients with MWL who were eligible for BCS. Participants underwent three distinct muscle strength tests with age- and gender-related references: the hand grip strength test (HGS), the squatting test, and the dynamic muscle strength of the body (DMSoB). Results The cohort comprised 18 (78.3%) women and five (21.8%) men with a mean age of 45.7 years and body mass index (BMI) of 26.9 kg/m2. Among the participants, 17 (73.9%) had previously undergone bariatric surgery (BS group), while six (26.1%) had achieved weight loss through the non-surgery method (non-BS-group). In the HGS test, 87% of the participants reached only the lowest (poor) or second lowest (fair) fitness levels. In the squatting test, 73.8% of the participants reached above the intermediate level or better. Only 8.7% of the participants had a lower fitness level. In the dynamic muscle strength test, 69.7% of the participants reached the lowest (poor) level. Conclusions This preliminary study showed that patients with prior MWL exhibited lower muscle strength than the age- and gender-matched general population. In particular, the HGS results suggested the possibility of sarcopenia.

Comparison of hemodynamic and analgesic effects of interscalene block with bupivacaine versus bupivacaine-dexmedetomidine combination for shoulder arthroscopy under general anesthesia

Background: The interscalene block in shoulder arthroscopy is a well-established procedure. Many drugs have been used as adjuvants to local anesthetics to increase the quality of block in regional anesthesia, with variable results. Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine during interscalene block in terms of intraoperative hemodynamic changes and postoperative analgesia. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients, aged 20–55 years of either sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II, scheduled for shoulder arthroscopic surgery for &lt;2 h, were allocated into two equal groups to receive inj. bupivacaine (0.25%) with inj. dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg (Group BD, n=15) or inj. bupivacaine (0.25%) with 1 mL normal saline (Group BS, n=15), total volume 20 mL in each case. After settlement of the interscalene block, both groups received general anesthesia as per standard protocol. Hemodynamic parameters (heart rate [HR] and systolic blood pressure [SBP]) were assessed in the intraoperative period, and postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analog scale score in the postoperative period at stipulated time points. Results: The mean values of HR and SBP were considerably low at all observed time points in the intraoperative period (i.e., at 10 min, 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, and120 min), in comparison with the saline group (P&lt;0.0001). VAS scores between the two groups were considerably lower only at 8, 12, and 18 h in patients receiving dexmedetomidine (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant with bupivacaine can achieve a better hemodynamic profile (lower HR and SBP) in the intraoperative period. Also, the use of dexmedetomidine provides better postoperative analgesia profiles in the later part of the postoperative period (8–18 h), and the effect usually wanes by 24 h.

Role of gut microbiota and metabolomics in the lipid-lowering efficacy of statins among Chinese patients with coronary heart disease and hypercholesterolemia.

Statins, being the primary pharmacological intervention for hypercholesterolemia, exhibit a notable degree of interpatient variability in their effectiveness, which may be associated with gut microbiota. This study sought to identify the biomarkers for evaluating differences in statin efficacy. A quasi case-control study was conducted among participants with hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease taking rosuvastatin essential. According to the level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), participants was divided into the "Up to standard" (US) group and the "Below standard" (BS) group. 16S rDNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were applied to detected the information of gut microbiota and related metabolites. A total of 8 US and 8 BS group matched by age and sex were included in the final analysis. 16S rDNA sequencing results indicated that the characteristic strains of the US group were f-Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes and g-Papillibacter, while the characteristic flora of the BS group were o-C0119, g-Pseudolabrys, s-Dyella-Marensis and f-Xanthobacaceae. Metabolomic results suggested that the levels of chenodeoxycholic acid-3-β-D-glucuronide, 1-methylnicotinamide and acetoacetate in stool samples of the US group were significantly higher than those of the BS group. By identifying the differentially abundant bacterial taxa, the gut microbiota could modulate the efficacy of statins through producing enzymes involved in cholesterol metabolism. The findings suggest that the difference in statin efficacy may be related to gut microbiota strains that can produce short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids and affect the efficacy of statins by regulating the activities of cholesterol metabolite-related proteins. Metabolites related to short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids in the gut are expected to be biomarkers indicating the efficacy of statins.

SELECTION OF SURFACTANT COMPOSITIONS FOR EXTRACTION RESIDUAL OIL RESERVES IN THE CONDITIONS OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE RESERVOIRS OF THE NEOCOMIAN DEPOSITS OF THE BS GROUP FORMATIONS OF WESTERN SIBERIA

Maintaining stable production at fields in the final stage of development requires the use of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods that allow the mobilization of residual oil in the reservoir. The introduction of EOR based on surfactant compositions in our country is complicated by the shortage of effective thermostable reagents, which are both expensive and difficult to access. Accordingly, the issues of their import substitution are quite acute. In this work, on the basis of available anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants, it was possible to compose two multicomponent surfactant compositions (high- and low-concentrated) for the mobilization of residual oil in the conditions of high-temperature reservoirs of the neocomian sediments of the BS group of Western Siberia. To substantiate the the components of the composition and the method of its injection, a set of experimental physico-chemical and filtration testing methods was used. In particular, the interfacial tension, the kinetics of oil film washing, the phase behavior in the oil-watersurfactant system, as well as the pre-displacement of oil after flooding using a linear composite core model of the reservoir were determined. The developed surfactant composition is a synergistic mixture that reduces the interfacial tension at the water/oil boundary to ultra-low values (5·10–3 mN/m at 0.5 % surfactant), which makes it possible to form a low-viscosity medium phase of a type III microemulsion according to the Winsor classification and effectively solubilize oil. A method of injection of surfactant compositions is proposed, according to which a rim of sulfonated polyacrylamide (PAA) with the addition of diethanolamine is injected into the oil reservoir after surfactant edging. Analysis of the dynamics of oil displacement from the linear model of the reservoir after flooding suggested that as a result of the action of a surfactant composition with subsequent injection of a polymer solution with diethanolamine, capillary-trapped oil is first mobilized, and then film oil.

Effects of glass-ceramic produced by the sol-gel route in macrophages recruitment and polarization into bone tissue regeneration.

Effective bone substitute biomaterials remain an important challenge in patients with large bone defects. Glass ceramics produced by different synthesis routes may result in changes in the material physicochemical properties and consequently affect the success or failure of the bone healing response. To investigate the differences in the orchestration of the inflammatory and healing process in bone grafting and repair using different glass-ceramic routes production. Thirty male Wistar rats underwent surgical unilateral parietal defects filled with silicate glass-ceramic produced by distinct routes: BS - particulate glass-ceramic produced via the fusion/solidification route, and BG - particulate glass-ceramic produced via the sol-gel route. After 7, 14, and 21 days from biomaterial grafting, parietal bones were removed to be analyzed under H&E and Massons' Trichome staining, and immunohistochemistry for CD206, iNOS, and TGF-β. Our findings demonstrated that the density of lymphocytes and plasma cells was significantly higher in the BS group at 45, and 7 days compared to the BG group, respectively. Furthermore, a significant increase of foreign body giant cells (FBGCs) in the BG group at day 7, compared to BS was found, demonstrating early efficient recruitment of FBGCs against sol-gel-derived glass-ceramic particulate (BS group). According to macrophage profiles, CD206+ macrophages enhanced at the final periods of both groups, being significantly higher at 45 days of BS compared to the BG group. On the other hand, the density of transformation growth factor beta (TGF-β) positive cells on 21 days were the highest in BG, and the lowest in the BS group, demonstrating a differential synergy among groups. Noteworthy, TGF-β+ cells were significantly higher at 21 days of BG compared to the BS group. Glass-ceramic biomaterials can act differently in the biological process of bone remodeling due to their route production, being the sol-gel route more efficient to activate M2 macrophages and specific FBGCs compared to the traditional route. Altogether, these features lead to a better understanding of the effectiveness of inflammatory response for biomaterial degradation and provide new insights for further preclinical and clinical studies involved in bone healing.

Effect of Binaural Beat Stimulation on Auditory and Visual Sustained Attentions in Young People with Normal Hearing

Background and Aim: Numerous studies have investigated the effect of binaural beat stimulation on visual attention. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of binaural beats on both auditory and visual sustained attention of young people with normal hearing.&#x0D; Methods: Thirty normal-hearing people with mean age of 27.77±6.85 years were divided into two groups of Sham-Binaural beat (SB, n=15) and Binaural beat-Sham (BS, n=15). The participants in each group performed the Integrated Visual and Auditory-2 Continuous Performance Test (IVA-2 CPT) twice on different days. The SB group performed the IVA-2 CPT first under sham condition and then in the presence of binaural beats. In the BS group, the order was reversed in terms of stimuli presentation. The binaural beat stimulus was an audio file that induced beats at a frequency of 16 Hz by presenting 400 and 416 Hz stimuli to the right and left ears, respectively. The sham stimulus was a pure tone of 400 HZ. A mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means.&#x0D; Results: The results showed the significant effect of binaural beat stimulation on auditory sustained attention (p&lt;0.001). However, its effect on visual sustained attention was not significant (p=0.061).&#x0D; Conclusion: Stimulation with binaural beats of 16 Hz may improve the auditory sustained attention in young people with normal hearing. It cannot improve their visual sustained attention.&#x0D; Keywords: Binaural beat stimulation; visual; auditory; sustained attention

Chemical and Physical Properties of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fillet Following Prolonged Feeding with Insect Meal-Based Diets.

A 25-week experiment was undertaken to explore the effect of partial replacement of dietary fishmeal (FM) with black soldier fly meal (Hermetia illucens) (BS), mealworm meal (Tenebrio molitor) (MW), and a 1 : 1 mixture of both insect meals (BSMW) on fillet quality in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). A total of 96 fish with an average initial body weight of 248 ± 28 g were stocked into a recirculating aquaculture system and fed in four different dietary groups (control, BS, MW, and BSMW). No mortality was recorded in any of the groups. At the end of the feeding period, 24 fish (n = 6 for each treatment, weight between 690 and 822 g) were used for analysis. There was no alteration in filleting yield or other slaughter indices within experimental groups, except the hepatosomatic index. Among quality attributes, pH 24 hr postmortem exhibited a significant difference (p < 0.05). In respect of the fatty acid profile, the n-6/n-3 ratio ranged between 1.17 and 1.40 but was not significantly modified by the partial replacement of FM. Similarly, the proximate composition of the fillets was not significantly different between the control and experimental diet groups. The ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acid to saturated fatty acids ranged between 0.67 and 0.79 in the fillets, without significant differences between groups. The atherogenic index was increased in the BS group, as compared to the others; however, the thrombogenicity index of fillets was not significantly affected. Similarly, the conventional quality traits of the fillet, such as cooking, drip, and thawing losses, did not differ within treatments. This study demonstrates that the dietary inclusion of black soldier fly and/or mealworm meals used for African catfish at the tested inclusion level has negligible impact on fillet properties.

Bariatric surgery prior to elective shoulder arthroplasty: a Nationwide Inpatient Sample analysis

BackgroundObesity has been linked to adverse outcomes after various orthopedic procedures, and bariatric surgery is an effective surgical treatment for morbid obesity. This study assesses whether prior bariatric surgery is associated with differences in hospital length of stay (LOS), discharge destination, and inpatient complication rate for elective shoulder arthroplasty. MethodsThe Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried from years 2003 to 2014 for all elective anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty cases. Two groups were defined: morbidly obese without prior bariatric surgery (MO cohort) and prior bariatric surgery without morbid obesity (BS cohort). Outcome measures were LOS (extended if greater than the 75th percentile), discharge destination (home or non-home), and any inpatient complication. Patients under age of 18 years and those with missing information were excluded. National estimates were calculated using weights provided by the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Chi-squared tests were performed for demographics and comorbidities. Binomial multivariate logistic regression was performed using significant demographics and comorbidities. ResultsA weighted-total of 19,877 patients were included in the study, of which 2783 were in the BS cohort and 17,094 were in the MO cohort. The BS group was younger (62.9 years vs. 66.0 years), had more females (73% vs. 69%), and was more likely to be anemic (15% vs. 10%). The MO group was more likely to have diabetes (40% vs. 22%), hypertension (83% vs. 65%), and peripheral vascular disease (3% vs. 1%). Multivariate analysis showed that the BS cohort had decreased odds of extended LOS (odds ratio [OR], 0.68), non-home discharge destination (OR, 0.67), and developing any inpatient complication (OR, 0.42). ConclusionIn the setting of anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasties, patients with prior bariatric surgery and without morbid obesity had more favorable hospital LOS, discharge destination, and inpatient complication rate than morbidly obese patients with no prior bariatric surgery. Further studies are warranted to better elucidate the relationship between bariatric surgery and shoulder arthroplasty.

Effects of long-term administration of various dietary prebiotic supplements on the growth, immune cell activity and digestive tract histology of juvenile vimba (Vimba vimba).

The experiment was set to determine the effects of long-term (55-day) use of three commercial prebiotics including Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived β-glucans and one including inulin on juvenile vimba (Vimba vimba) reared intensively under controlled conditions. Six-month-old fish were fed commercial feed (Control group, n = 90), or the same feed supplemented with 0.02% Leiber Beta-S (BS group, n = 90), 0.20% Biolex MB40 (MB group, n = 90), 0.30% CeFi (CE group, n = 90) or 1.00% inulin Orafti GR (IN group, n = 90) for 55 days. In the BS group, the final growth parameters were significantly lower than in the Control group, while the feed conversion ratio was significantly higher. No significant differences were found between any other group and the Control group in the respective parameters. The respiratory burst activity of the head-kidney phagocytes was significantly lower in all fish groups fed the prebiotic-supplemented diets compared to the Control group. The proliferative response of the head-kidney lymphocytes stimulated by concanavalin A was lower in the BS group than in the Control group, while in other groups this response was not affected. No significant differences were found in histopathological analyses of the digestive tract, liver or pancreas. The long-term supplementation of fish diets with prebiotics can negatively influence the growth, feed conversion, nonspecific cellular resistance and proliferative activity of the T lymphocytes of vimba juveniles.

COMPARISON OF BUPIVACAINE-DEXMEDETOMIDINE VS BUPIVACAINE-FENTANYL VS BUPIVACAINE -SALINE FOR UNILATERAL SPINAL ANAESTHESIA IN LOWER LIMB SURGERY

Introduction: Addition of adjuvants like Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl to hyperbaric Bupivacaine has been proposed to improve the quality of spinal anaesthesia. Aims and Objectives: The aim of current study was to compare the effects of adding Dexmedetomidine, Fentanyl and saline to low dose hyperbaric Bupivacaine (1 ml, 0.5%) on the properties of unilateral spinal anaesthesia. Methods and Materials: 120 patients divided into three groups. The spinal anaesthetic agent in each of the three groups was 1 mL bupivacaine 0.5% (5 mg). In groups BD, BF and BS, 5mcg of Dexmedetomidine, 25mg of Fentanyl and 0.5 mL saline were added, respectively. The duration of the motor and sensory blocks in both limbs and the assessment of pain during 24 h after surgery were noted. Results: Duration of motor and sensory block were significantly longer in the BF and BD groups than the BS group. Mean total number of rescue analgesic required were less in group BD and BF compared to group BS. Conclusions: Addition of Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl to low dose Bupivacaine in unilateral spinal anaesthesia increase the duration of the motor, sensory block and post op analgesia.

The effect of addition of magnesium sulfate or dexamethasone to bupivacaine on the post-operative analgesic duration of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block in open abdominal surgeries: a comparative study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of addition of 500-mg magnesium sulfate (MgSo4) or 8-mg dexamethasone to bupivacaine in bilateral ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB), on the duration of post-operative analgesia, the patient’s hemodynamic parameters, the severity of post-operative pain, number of patients who required rescue analgesia, the total dose of pethidine given, the number of patients who maintained post-operative analgesia for 36 h, and the time to first ambulation. Sixty-six patients, 18 to 65 years old, with body weight 60–90 kg, scheduled to undergo elective open abdominal surgeries under general anesthesia, were randomly divided into three equal groups: the Bupivacaine-Magnesium QLB group (BM) patients, the Bupivacaine-Dexamethasone QLB group (BD) patients, and the Bupivacaine-Saline QLB group (BS) patients.ResultsThe post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and with movement was comparable between patients in the three groups: upon arrival to the post-operative care unit (PACU), in the PACU, and in the post-operative 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 36 h. At 30 post-operative hours, the VAS at rest and with movement was statistically significantly lower in group BD 2 (0–4) and 2.75 (2–4.5) than in group BM 2.25 (0–4) and 3 (0–4.5), than in group BS 3.25 (3–4) and 4 (3.5–5), respectively, with P-value ˂ 0.001. Although 100% of patients in group BS received pethidine, versus 68.2% of patients in group BM and 63.6% of patients in group BD, with P-value 0.007, the cumulative total pethidine doses given, the duration of post-operative analgesia, and the number of patients who maintained post-operative analgesia for 36 h were comparable between the three groups with P-value 0.170, 0.239, and 0.231, respectively.ConclusionsIn bilateral ultrasound-guided QLB in open abdominal surgeries, the addition of dexamethasone or MgSo4 to bupivacaine reduced the VAS scores and the number of patients experiencing moderate pain at 30 post-operative hours, with fewer patients receiving pethidine and less cumulative total pethidine doses given, with dexamethasone showing better results.