Group C1 Research Articles

Identifying typologies of quality of life in patients with moderate to severe hand trauma based on patient-reported outcomes.

This study sought to classify the level of quality of life in patients with moderate to severe hand trauma, and explore differences in their potential profile characteristics based on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). This was a survey research. A convenience sampling method was used to investigate 296 patients with moderate to severe hand trauma. A general information questionnaire (which was used to gather general demographic data and disease-related data) and PROMIS-57 were administered form November 2020 to May 2021. A latent profile analysis and Chi square test were conducted to analyze the data. Based on quality of life, patients with moderate to severe hand trauma were divided into the following 3 groups: (I) Group C1: the psychosocial-pain low-impact group (38.9%); (II) Group C2: the psychosocial-moderate-impact severe-pain group (43.9%); and (III) Group C3: the psychosocial-pain high-impact group (17.2%). There were significant differences in the distribution of age, educational level, marital status, occupation, monthly income, medical insurance type, family role, subsequent financial resources, cause of the injury, satisfaction with the appearance of the hand, degree of the injury, and impact of the injury on daily life among patients in the different groups (P<0.05). The quality of life in patients with moderate to severe hand trauma can be identified to provide precise care.

Quantum theory of the nonlinear Hall effect

The nonlinear Hall effect is an unconventional response, in which a voltage can be driven by two perpendicular currents in the Hall-bar measurement. Unprecedented in the family of the Hall effects, it can survive time-reversal symmetry but is sensitive to the breaking of discrete and crystal symmetries. It is a quantum transport phenomenon that has deep connection with the Berry curvature. However, a full quantum description is still absent. Here we construct a quantum theory of the nonlinear Hall effect by using the diagrammatic technique. Quite different from nonlinear optics, nearly all the diagrams account for the disorder effects, which play decisive role in the electronic transport. After including the disorder contributions in terms of the Feynman diagrams, the total nonlinear Hall conductivity is enhanced but its sign remains unchanged for the 2D tilted Dirac model, compared to the one with only the Berry curvature contribution. We discuss the symmetry of the nonlinear conductivity tensor and predict a pure disorder-induced nonlinear Hall effect for point groups C3, C3h, C3v, D3h, D3 in 2D, and T, Td, C3h, D3h in 3D. This work will be helpful for explorations of the topological physics beyond the linear regime.

Should we be reluctant to perform pancreatectomy in patients with chronic liver disease? A single center 10-year experience

Purpose Many studies have shown extra-hepatic surgery in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) with or without portal hypertension can result in complications. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of major pancreatectomy in patients with CLD including cirrhosis and to evaluate their efficacy and safety. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 319 patients undergoing open pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) or distal pancreatectomy (DP) in our center. Those who received PD and DP in patients without CLD were classified into groups A and D, and those with CLD into groups B and C, respectively. Group B and C were subdivided into groups 1 and 2 according to the presence of portal hypertension. Results Forty-three patients (13.5%) had CLD. Of the 221 patients who received PD, 25 had CLD. Of the 98 patients who received DP, 18 (Group C) had CLD. In the PD group, patients with portal hypertension (group B1) had longer operative time. However, the transfusion rate and complication rate were not significantly different from other groups. There was no mortality in patients with CLD without portal hypertension (group B2) and the complication and mortality rate was comparable to patients with normal liver function (group A). In the DP group, the transfusion rate, complication rate and mortality rate were significantly higher in patients with portal hypertension (group C1). Conclusions Acceptable outcomes were obtainable following pancreatic surgery in cirrhotic, non-portal hypertensive patients with surgical outcomes equivalent to non-cirrhotic patients.

Ex vivo comparison ofhand‐suturedversus circular stapled anastomosis in canine large intestine

To compare leakage pressures of colonic anastomoses performed with circular staplers to conventional hand-sewn techniques in dogs. Ex-vivo study. Colon from 11 canine cadavers. Thirty-two colonic anastomoses were performed. Four segments from each colon were randomly assigned to one of four techniques: hand-sewn colonic anastomoses performed with 4-0 glycomer 631 (G) and 4-0 barbed glycomer 631 (BG), and circular stapled colonic anastomoses using 4.8 mm End-to-End Anastomosis (EEA C4.8mm) and 3.5 mm End-to-End Anastomosis (EEA C3.5mm), 21 mm diameter circular staples in cadaveric canine colon. Leakage pressure was defined as the pressure at which dye-containing solution was first observed to leak from the anastomosis site. Leakage pressures were 49.5 mmHg (range:16-72) in group G, 45.5 mmHg (range:19-80) in group BG, 5.3 mmHg (range:0-31) in group C3.5mm, and 29.5 mmHg (range:23-50.3) in group C4.8mm. Anastomoses leaked at lower pressures when stapled rather than hand-sewn (C4.8mm-G p=.0313, C4.8mm-BG p=.0131, C3.5mm-G p=.0469, C3.5mm-BG p=.0313). Two of the C3.5mm constructs leaked immediately after saline infusion with 4/6 leaking at <5.3 mmHg. End-to-end colonic anastomoses closed with circular stapler leaked at lower pressures than hand-sutured anastomoses. Use of the EEA stapler with a staple height of 3.5 mm did not result in safe colonic anastomoses. These results provide evidence to support hand-suturing colonic anatomoses with G and BG in dogs. The 4.8 mm staples may be considered in anatomical locations difficult to reach.

The role of bcsE gene in the pathogenicity of Salmonella

The effects of the bcsE gene and BcsE protein on bacterial physiology and pathogenicity in SalmonellaTyphimurium and Salmonella Group C1 were investigated. It was observed that biofilm and pellicle formation did not occur in the bcsE gene mutants of wild-type strains. Besides, the 'rdar' (red, dry, rough) biofilm morphotype in wild-type strains changed significantly in the mutants. In terms of the bcsE gene, the swimming and swarming motility in mutant strains showed a dramatic increase compared to the wild-type strains. The Salmonella bcsE gene was cloned into Escherichia coli BL21, and the his-tagged protein produced in this strain was purified to obtain polyclonal antibodies in BALB/c mice. The antibodies were showed labeled antigen specificity to the BscE protein. As a result of immunization and systemic persistence tests carried out with BALB/c mice, BscE protein was determined to trigger high levels of humoral and cellular responses (Th1 cytokine production, IgG2a/IgG1>1). Systemic persistence in the liver and spleen samples decreased by 99.99% and 100% in the bcsE mutant strains. Finally, invasion abilities on HT-29 epithelial cells of wild-type strains were utterly disappeared in their bcsE gene mutant strains.

Effects of Bryophyllum pinnatum Administration on Wistar Rat Pregnancy: Biochemical and Histological Aspects

Introduction: Bryophyllum pinnatum is widely used in folk medicine. It has neuropharmacological, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective effects, among others. It also acts on uterine contractility. It is prescribed by practitioners of anthroposophic medicine for preterm labor, insomnia, and emotional disorders, and has other potential uses in obstetrics. As all drugs currently used in preterm labor have side effects, new tocolytic agents remain an area of active research. Objective: To evaluate the effect of B. pinnatum mother tincture (MT) on albino rats and their offspring throughout pregnancy from a biochemical and histological standpoint. Methods: Longitudinal, prospective, randomized controlled bioassay. This is the second stage of a trial that investigated 60 animals distributed across six equal groups: controls C1 and C2, which received 1 and 25 times the vehicle dose (30% ethanol), B1 and B2 (1- and 25-fold doses of B. pinnatum MT), and B3 and B4 (which received 50- and 100-fold doses of B. pinnatum concentrate). At this stage, blood chemistry parameters (glucose, alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen) were measured in dams, as well as histological aspects of dam liver, kidney, placenta, and uterine tissue and fetal liver, kidney, heart, and brain. Results: No differences were found between group B1 (therapeutic dose) and its control C1 in relation to glucose, AST, ALT, and creatinine. Group B2 exhibited lower glucose levels than groups C1, B3, and B4. There was no difference in AST across groups. Groups B3 and B4 exhibited higher ALT levels than groups C1 and B1. Groups B1–B4 exhibited higher urea nitrogen levels than group C1. Creatinine levels were higher in groups B2 and B3 than group C1. On morphological evaluation, fatty infiltration of the liver was observed in the alcoholic vehicle control groups (C1 and C2). Conclusions: Daily administration of B. pinnatum at therapeutic doses (group B1) to pregnant albino rats appears to be safe, with reduced glucose at dose B2, elevated ALT at doses B3 and B4, and increased urea at doses B1 to B4 and creatinine at B2 and B3, but never exceeding the normal reference range. It was not associated with histological changes in specimens of the maternal or fetal structures of interest.

Comparable study of alternative-level and all-level Arch mini-plate fixation for unilateral open-door laminoplasty

Objectives: To compare the clinical effect of alternative-level and all-level Arch mini-plate fixation in patients undergoing unilateral open-door laminoplasty. Methods: Clinical data of 134 patients administrated in the Peking University International Hospital for multistage cervical spondylotic myelopathy from March 2015 to March 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 63 males and 71 females with an average age of (62±8) years and a mean disease course of (18±7) months (3-37 months). All the patients underwent posterior cervical unilateral open-door laminoplasty with Arch titanium plate fixation. All the patients were divided into two groups according to the different amount of titanium plates used during operation as follow: group A, Arch plates were fixed at the door sides of C3, C5 and C7 (n=68) and group B, Arch plates were fixed at the door sides of C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7 (n=66). Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospitalization days and the cost of consumables, the Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA) score, cervical dysfunction index (NDI), the rates of improved JOA score, cervical curvature index, C2-7 Cobb angle, cervical range of motion, sagittal diameter of vertebral canal, opening angle of laminar, hinges bone healing and surgery related complications (axial symptoms, C5 nerve root palsy, screw loosening, laminar re-closing, cervical kyphosis, etc.) were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results: There was no complications during the operation, and the mean follow-up was (20±8) months (14-48 months). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, course of disease and compression segments (all P>0.05). There was no statistically significant differences between the two groups in operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay too (all P>0.05). The cost of consumables in group A was (34 970±1 325) yuan, and it was (57 450±2 161) yuan in group B, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.01). The JOA and NDI score were significantly improved 3 months and 1 year after operation in both groups (both P<0.05). The sagittal diameter of each segment of the spinal canal at C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7 were all significantly increased in both groups 3 months and 1 year after surgery (all P<0.05). The C2-7 Cobb angle and cervical curvature index were all significantly reduced in both groups 3 months and 1 year after surgery (all P<0.05). The cervical range of motion in both groups was significantly reduced 3 months and 1 year after surgery compared with that before surgery (both P<0.05). The range of motion of the cervical spine in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (P<0.05). The opening angles of C4 and C6 segment lamina in group A 3 months and 1 year after operation were significantly lower than those in group B (all P<0.05). At 3 months after the operation, the hinges healing rate of C4 and C6 in group B was significantly better than that of group A (both P<0.05). At 1 year after the operation, there was no difference in the hinges healing rate of C4 and C6 in the two groups (both P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: The safety and early clinical efficacy of alternative-level and all-level Arch titanium plate fixation in posterior cervical unilateral open-door laminoplasty are comparable, alternative-level fixation can effectively reduce the cost of hospitalization. The open Angle loss and lower early hinges healing rate of the non-fixed segment in the alternative-level fixed group does not lead to laminar re-closing in early period of post operation.

In-Vitro Investigation of Fatigue and Fracture Behavior of Transmucosal versus Submerged Bone Level Implants Used in Fixed Prosthesis

Background: The present in vitro study aimed to investigate the fatigue performance of different dental fixtures in two different emergence profiles. Biological failures are frequently reported because the problem canonly be solved by replacing a failing implant with a new one. Clinicians addressed minor mechanical failures, such as bending, loosening or the fracture of screws, abutment, or the entire prosthesis, by simply replacing or fixing them. Methods: Transmucosal and submerged bone-level dental implants underwent fatigue strength tests (statical and dynamical performance) by a standardized test: UNI EN ISO 14801:2016. Two types of emergence profiles (Premium sub-crestal straight implant with a cylindrical-shaped coronal emergence or Prama one-piece cylindrical-shape implant with transmucosal convergent neck and hyperbolic geometry) were tested, and dynamic fatigue were run to failure. Data was analyzed by a suitable statistical tool. Results: The Wöhler curve of 0.38 cm Premium group c2, appeared to be significantly different from that of the 0.38 cm Prama group c3 (nonparametric one-way ANOVA χ2 = 6; degree of freedom = 1; probability = 0.0043) but not from that of the 0.33 cm Premium group c1 (nonparametric one-way ANOVA χ2 = 0.62; degree of freedom = 1; probability = 0.4328). Fatigue performance of configuration 2 was one and a half times better than that of configuration 3. Group c3 had a better ultimate failure load (421.6 ± 12.5 N) than the other two settings i.e., c1 (324.5 ± 5.5 N) and c2 (396.3 ± 5.6) reaching almost a nonsignificant level. Conclusions: It was observed that a transmucosal implant design could provide the highest resistance to static fracture. On the other hand, an equicrestal implant design could increase dynamic endurance.

Dosage effect of cisatracurium on intubation and intraoperative neuromonitoring during thyroidectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) reduces the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury during thyroid surgery. However, the use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), which are essential to improve intubation conditions, may hinder the electromyographic response during IONM. The aim of this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was to explore the optimal dosage of cisatracurium to produce adequate muscle relaxation for tracheal intubation without significantly affecting evoked potentials of IONM during thyroidectomy. Patients undergoing thyroidectomy with IONM in our institution, with an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade of I-II, aged 18-75 years, and with a body mass index below 32 kg/m2 were enrolled and randomly assigned (by random numbers) to receive 1× (group C1) or 2× (group C2) the effective dose (ED95) of cisatracurium for tracheal intubation. The patients, surgeons, and anesthesiologists in charge were blinded to group assignment. Anesthesia was induced with sufentanil, propofol, and cisatracurium (0.05 mg/kgin group C1, 0.1 mg/kg in group C2). Ease of intubation was evaluated with the intubation condition score (Cooper score) and the intubation difficulty scale (IDS). Amplitudes of evoked potentials during intermittent IONM were compared between groups. The primary outcomes were the Cooper score, the IDS score, and the evoked potentials of IONM. Fifty-three patients were randomized from October 2019 to November 2020, and 52 were analyzed (with 26 patients in each group). The Cooper score was significantly lower in group C1 [median, 8.0 (interquartile range, 7.0-8.3)] than in group C2 [9.0 (9.0-9.0), P<0.001]. The rate of difficult laryngoscopy without external laryngeal pressure was significantly higher in group C1 than in group C2 (61.5% vs. 11.5%, P<0.001). More patients in group C1 required assistance to complete tracheal intubation (16 vs. 4, P=0.001). The IDS score was significantly higher in group C1 [3.0 (0.0-4.0) vs. 1.0 (0.0-1.0), P=0.045]. There were no significant differences between groups in amplitudes of evoked potentials. No serious adverse events were observed. A dose of 2× ED95 of cisatracurium provided better intubation conditions and easier tracheal intubation than 1× ED95, without disturbing IONM. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR1900022884).

EFFECT OF MATERNAL BODY MASS INDEX ON PROGRESS AND OUTCOME OF LABOR IN NULLIPAROUS PREGNANT WOMEN

Background: Obesity is a widely spread health problem the complications of which are too many whether general or obstetric complications. Objective: The aim of this observational study is to evaluate the impact of increased BMI of nulliparous women on progress of labor, incidence of peri-partum complications (1ry outcome) and neonatal outcome of these women (secondary outcome). Patients and Methods: In this prospective observational study, 150 primigravidas in labor were recruited in Mit Ghamr General Hospital between November 1st, 2019 and April 30th, 2020 and categorized into 5 groups according to WHO BMI classification; Group A contained 50 patients with BMI 18.9-24.9, group B 50 patients with BMI 25-29.9, group C1 20 patients with BMI 30-34.9, group C2 20 patients with BMI 35-39.9 and group C3 10 patients with BMI at least 40. Recruited patients were monitored for their progress of labor (in terms of time of cervical dilation from 4 cm to 10 cm, the accordingly calculated rate of cervical dilation and duration of head descent) and their development of peri-partum complications (cervical dystocia, shoulder dystocia, arrest of head descent, the subsequent potential need for CS, 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears, 1ry post-partum hemorrhage, retained placenta). Neonatal outcome was observed by measuring fetal birth weight, APGAR score at 1 minute and 5 minutes, subsequent potential need for NICU admission and occurance of neonatal jaundice. Results: A statistically significant difference was found regarding progress of labor and neonatal outcome with women in obese groups (C1, C2, C3) having slower progress and worse neonatal outcome, while no statistically significant difference was found regarding mode of delivery and peri-partum complications. Conclusion: Obese women in labor considered high-risk cases that required special measures whether on short-term or long-term basis.

Role of Elastin Expression in Thickening the Postpartum Vaginal Wall in Virgin and Postpartum Rat Models

Childbirth induces a number of alterations, including ligament weakening and increased vaginal distensibility. The occurrence of vaginal laxity or distensibility is associated with the vaginal wall and introitus overstretching during vaginal parturition while the pathophysiology is due to increased levator dimension and trauma to the levator ani muscle through avulsion (macrotrauma) or overdistension (microtrauma). Elastin is an extracellular matrix protein that confers elastic properties to organs and tissues, particularly those requiring elasticity. Elastin plays a vital role in the functioning of numerous tissues, such as the lungs, blood vessels, heart valves, ligaments, tendons, and skin. It is also a component of the vaginal mucosa. The aim of the present was to evaluate the role of elastin in the thickening of the postpartum vaginal wall composed of epithelial mucosa, and to understand the mechanism underlying vaginal laxity or distensibility within parous and nulliparous animal models. A total of 32 female white rats (Rattus norvegicus) were used in the present study. They were divided into two groups, each group consisting of 16 rats. The control group (C0) consisted of virgin nulliparous rats, which were sacrificed on the second day after vaginal parturition. Pregnant rats (group C1) were sacrificed on the second day after vaginal parturition. The median elastin expression in group C1 was higher (3 ± 0.56) than group C0 (2.85 ± 0.75). The mean thickness of the vaginal mucosal epithelium in group C0 (56,8 931µm) was greater than group C1 (44,98 349µm). The comparison of vaginal mucosal epithelium thickness between the two groups indicated a significant difference between groups C0 and C1. Elastin levels were significantly correlated with epithelial thickness. The expression of elastin significantly affects the vaginal wall thickness, which further affects vaginal laxity or vaginal distensibility.

A Preliminary Analysis of Inherited Immune Checkpoint Control in Multiple Myeloma: Relative Frequency of Inhibitory or Activating Type Killer Immunoglobulin like Receptors and Their Cognate Ligands HLA-C1 and -C2

Background and Aim: Multiple Myeloma development is under polygenic control and as an evidence for inheritance, we have recently reported positive and negative HLA-myeloma associations with: HLA-C*07:02g (OR:1.27, p=5.27 x 10 -7) and HLA-C*05:01 (OR: 0.85, p=0.039)(Beksac et al Leukemia 2016:1-4). HLA-C*07:02g (Group C1) and HLA-C*05:01 (Group C2) are listed among the KIR ligands, These ligands usually interact with inhibitory KIRs(iKIR) while having weaker binding with activating KIRs(aKIR). KIRs play a major role in regulation of immunity and self-tolerance. Attempts to inhibit the inhibition exerted by immune check point regulators is an evolving field. Such monoclonal antibodies in combination with agents augmenting NK cell activation have exerted acceptable responses. However the distribution of KIRs or their ligands have not been studied extensively in myeloma. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of KIR genotypes and their cognate ligands among myeloma patients comparing with healthy controls.Patients, controls and treatment: 117 myeloma patients admitted to our clinic and consented between Sept 2016-July 2017 were enrolled in the study. Patient characteristics were: 34- 91(median: 61), ISS:I/II/III:46 /45 /25 ; IgG/IgA/Light chain: 67/18 /20 . 65 % of patients had received at least one ASCT. 68 of myeloma cases were on long term remission of min 2-8 years. 49 patients had experienced either early progression within 60 days from the induction or multiple relapses. As a control group 215 healthy subjects and related/unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donors aged 18-65 and screened for HLA and KIR genotyping were included. All controls had KIR and HLA typing but only 172 had HLA-C data available for Group C1 and C2 assessments.KIR and KIR ligand genotyping: The Olerup SSP KIR Genotyping Kit (Olerup, Stockholm, Sweden) enabled us to detect 16 KIRs: KIR2DL1, 2DL2, 2DL3, 2DL4, 2DL5A/B, 2DS1, 2DS2, 2DS3, 2DS4, 2DS5, 3DL1, 3DL2, 3DL3, 3DS1, 2DP1, 3DP1. The Olerup KIR HLA Ligand Detection Kit was used to type HLA-ABw4+, HLA-BBw4+Thr80, HLA-BBw4+Ile80, HLA-BBw4+Asp77,Thr80, HLA-CAsn80, and HLA-CLys80.Statistical analysis: The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 11.5 for Windows, IBM Statistics, USA) was used for data analysis. Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were applied for categorical variables. For continuous variables, t-test was applied. Variables found positive in all subjects of both groups were excluded from analysis.Results: Comparison of healthy controls and all myeloma subjects are summarized in Table1. Myeloma patients had similar median number of aKIR and iKIRs. There were more iKIR (n:7) genes expressed than aKIRs (n:3) among normals and patients. However there were less cases expressing haplotype AA among the myeloma group compared to healthy controls(4.3 vs 12.6%). Overall iKIRs were expressed widely among controls (66-100%) and myeloma (57.2-100%) cases. Among the iKIRs only 2DL3 was found to have a statistically significant difference : less frequent among patients. As for aKIRs only 2DS2 was significantly different: less frequent in myeloma. The ligand for both 2DL3 and 2DS2 is HLA-Group C1. We were able to detect Group C1/C2 heterozygosity to be less frequent and a trend to increase in the frequency of C1 or C2 homozygotes among myeloma patients. Two aKIRs 2DS2, 3DS1 and two iKIRs 2DL2,2DL3 were less frequent among C1/C2 heterozygous myeloma patients.Conclusion: This study, to our knowledge, is the first to compare KIR and KIR ligand genotype frequencies between myeloma patients and healthy controls. The significant difference between patients and controls was a less frequent observation of an aKIR and/or iKIR among patients. The trend to increase in HLA group C1 homozygosity, is compatible with our previous HLA-Myeloma association study. In this preliminary analysis, from one geographical region, we were not able to detect a strong correlation between KIR genotype and myeloma. In future we are planning to analyze the outcome of patients with distinct iKIR or aKIR profiles.Acknowledgment: The study has been supported by Scientific and Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK grant no: 115S579) and Turkish Academy of Sciences. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Study on the effect of antibiotics application in perioperative period on carotid artery and serum interleukin-6 in periodontitis rats with hyperlipidemia or diabetes

Objective: To investigate the effect of antibiotics application in perioperative period on carotid artery and serum interluekin-6 (IL-6) in chronic periodontitis (CP) rats with hyperlipidemia (HL) or diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: The models of CP rats with HL or DM were established in different batches. The rats were divided into groups as follows: A and A' were normal control groups, n=7 in each group; B(HL) and B'(DM) were groups of HL and DM, n=7 in each; C(HL+CP) and C'(DM+CP) were groups of CP with HL and CP with DM, n=21 in each. After the establishment of the models, groups C and C' were divided into C1 and C1' non-intervention group, C2 and C2' simple tooth extraction group and C3 and C3' antibiotic-assisted tooth extraction, with 7 rats in each of the groups. Two time interventions were performed to extract experimental teeth (bilateral maxillary first and second molars) in groups C2, C2', C3 and C3'. Serum samples were collected at 5 time points before and after tooth extraction (T1: before the first tooth extraction; T2: one week after the first tooth extraction; T3, T4, T5: the first, third and fifth week after the second tooth extraction), respectively. The absolute content of IL-6 in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ratio of the absolute content in the experimental groups and control groups were calculated as the relative content of IL-6. At the end of the experiments, all rats were euthanasia and the bifurcation vascular tissues of carotid artery were collected for the observation of the carotid artery pathology and plaque formation and the measurement of the thickness of carotid intimal-medial layer (IMT). Results: Carotid artery pathology observation showed the IMT in group C was significantly thickened and the group C2 was the most thickened one (compared with group A, P＜0.01). Elastic fibers in groups C1 and C2 were disordered or even broken and disappeared, presenting typical atherosclerotic plaques, which were diffuse calcium salt deposits in the intimal-medial layers and protrude into the lumen. Elastic fibers in group C3 were ranged in ordered relatively without obvious fracture and the number of plaques was significantly reduced. The vascular walls in rats of groups B' and C' were incomplete, the IMTs had no obvious changes, elastic fibers were ranged disorderly and broken and the smooth muscle cells had vacuolar changes. In group C2', the vascular wall was significantly thinned and calcified plaques appeared in the artery, which showed multiple calcification lesions penetrating through the intimal-medial layer or even the whole layer. The vascular wall of group C3' was integrity and the elastic fibers arranged relatively clutter-free, the number of plaques was reduced. Results of detections of IL-6 showed the relative contents of IL-6 in groups B, B', C1, and C1' increased with time. At T3 time point, the relative contents of IL-6 in groups C2 and C3 reached the peak, C2 was 10.4 times of group A and C3 was 9.5 times of group A, and then decreased to different low levels. At T5 point, comparisons of the relative contents of IL-6 showed C3 < C2 < C1 (3.2 times, 5.4 times, 9.6 times of group A, respectively). The relative contents of IL-6 in groups C2' and C3' reached the peak at T2 point (4.9 times and 4.5 times of group A, respectively), and then decline with time. At T5 point, comparisons of the relative contents of IL-6 showed C3'< C2'< C1' (1.2 times, 1.4 times and 3.1 times of group A, respectively). Conclusions: Blood vessels were observed more obvious thickened in the tooth extraction without antibiotic of HL+CP rats with calcifications increase. Blood vessels of DM+CP rats became thin and fragile and even the integrity was damaged. Perioperative use of antibiotics might reduce the carotid artery lesions and decrease serum levels of inflammatory cytokines.

The High Potency of Green Synthesized Copper Nanoparticles to Prevent the Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Mice.

Nowadays, due to the lack of an effective vaccine to prevent the toxoplasmosis, chemotherapy with the combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine is considered as the "gold standard" treatment for toxoplasmosis. Recent reports have exhibited that these synthesized chemical drugs are associated with some serious side effects. The present study aims to evaluate the prophylactic effects of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) green synthesized by Capparis spinosa fruit methanolic extract alone and combined with atovaquone against chronic toxoplasmosis induced by the Tehran strain of Toxoplasma gondii in mice METHODS: Mice were then orally administrated with CuNPs at the doses of 2 and 4mg/kg/day and in combined with atovaquone 50mg/kg for 14days. Male BALB/c mice were divided into two seven groups include C1 (non-treated non-infected); C2 (treated with normal saline); C3 (Infected mice treated with atovaquone 100mg/kg/day); Ex1 (treated with CuNPs 2mg/kg/day); Ex2 (treated with CuNPs 4mg/kg/day); Ex3 (treated with CuNPs 2mg/kg/day + atovaquone 50mg/kg/day); Ex3 (treated with CuNPs 4mg/kg/day + atovaquone 50mg/kg/day). On the 15th day, the mice were infected with the intraperitoneal inoculation of 20-25 tissue cysts from the Tehran strain of T. gondii. The mean numbers of brain tissue cysts and the mRNA levels of IL-12, IFN-γ, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in mice of each tested group were measured. CuNPs were green synthesized by C. spinosa methanolic extract. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the particle size of CuNPs was 17 and 41nm with maximum peak at the wavelength of 414nm. The mean number of T. gondii tissue cysts in mice of tested groups of Ex1, Ex2, Ex3, and Ex4, significantly decreased as a dose-dependent response compared with control group. Moreover, in similar to the control group C3, no T. gondii tissue cysts was observed in mice of experimental group Ex3 and Ex4. The mRNA levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, and iNO was measured in mice of all tested groups. The mRNA levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, and iNO was increased in all mice of experimental groups in comparison with the control group C2; however, a significant enhancement was detected in mRNA level of IFN-γ, IL-12, and iNO in the tested groups of Ex3 and Ex4 when compared with control group C3. The obtained results revealed the high potency of CuNPs alone and combined with atovaquone to prevent toxoplasmosis in mice. Although, the prophylactic effects of CuNPs and other properties, such as improved cellular immunity and low toxicity, are positive topics; however, more studies are required to approve these findings especially in clinical settings.

The Effect of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Oil Supplementation on Hematotoxicity Induced by Benzene in Gasoline Vapors from Gas Stations in Male Wistar Rats

This study aimed to prove the effect of black cumin oil supplementation through analysis of levels of CYP2E1, MDA, GSH, and hematological profiles in experimental animals, Wistar rats, which were exposed to benzene in gasoline vapors from gas stations. Sixty-four experimental Wistar rats were divided into eight groups with eight rats each, two control groups (C1 and C2), and six experimental groups (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6). Blood samples of experimental rats were taken through intracardiac with ketamine-xylazineacepromazine anesthesia on day 15 for group C1, C2, T1, T3, and T5; and day 29 for group T2, T4, and T6. The ELISA method measured the levels of CYP2E1, GSH, and MDA in this study, while the hematological profile used a hematology analyzer. This study indicates that benzene in gasoline vapors exposure caused significant hematotoxicity (P &lt;0.05). Supplementation of black cumin seed oil at a dose of 2.5 ml/kg, 5 ml/kg, and 10 ml/kg, all of which have the potential to provide a protective effect against the hematotoxicity of benzene in gasoline vapors through increased internal antioxidants (GSH). The GSH can play a role in the mechanism of vapor metabolism of substances in gasoline vapors in the body through decreased CYP2E1 levels and decreased MDA levels. Further research is still needed with a more extended treatment duration to ascertain the chronic effects of benzene hematotoxicity on the genomic pathway to assess black cumin’s role, whether in the form of oil, powder, or other forms of extraction.

Diabetes Mellitus and the Development of Lumbar Canal Stenosis: Is There Any Relevance?

Study DesignRetrospective study.PurposeTo assess the relationship between the severity of lumbar canal stenosis (LCS) and type-II diabetes mellitus (DM).Overview of LiteratureDM is a multiorgan disorder that has an effect on all types of connective tissues. LCS is a narrowing of the spinal canal with nerve root impingement that causes neurological claudication and radiculopathy. Identification of the risk factors of LCS is key in the prevention of its onset or progression.MethodsLCS patients were divided into three groups as per DM status: group A without DM (n=150); group B patients with well-controlled DM; and group C patients with uncontrolled DM. Groups B and C were subdivided into group B1: patients with DM with a duration of ≤10 years (n=76), group B2: DM with duration of >10 years (n=68), group-C1 DM duration ≤10 years (n=56), and group C2 DM duration >10 years (n=48). The severity of LCS was evaluated using the Swiss Spinal Stenosis Scale (SSSS) and Modified Oswestry Disability score (MODS). Operated patients ligamentum flavum sent for histological staining and quantitative immunofluorescence analysis.ResultsThe demographic data of groups did not show any difference except in age. There was no difference between the mean SSSS and MODS of groups A and B1. Groups B2, C1, and C2 had higher average SSSS and MODS than group A (p<0.05). Groups B2 and C2 had higher SSSS and MODS than groups B1 and C1. Groups C1 and C2 had higher scores than groups B1 and B2 (p<0.05). The severity of LCS was significantly related to the duration of DM in groups B and C (p<0.05). Uncontrolled and longer duration of DM had significant elastin fibers loss and also higher rate of disk apoptosis, high matrix aggrecan fragmentation, and high disk glycosaminoglycan content.ConclusionsLonger duration and uncontrolled diabetes were risk factors for LCS and directly correlate with the severity of LCS.

Eradication therapy for gastric cancer in Inner Mongolia: a single-center study over 10 years

Abstract Objective: To analyze the clinicopathological data of gastric cancer database in The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University for the past 10 years, in order to understand the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer in this area. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 2049 patients with gastric cancer treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University from 2007.1-2017.1 were retrospectively analyzed. All clinical data in the present study were approved by the Ethics Committee of Inner Mongolia Medical University. The efforts were made to keep patient information used in the studies. Results: There were 1619 males (79.01%) and 430 females (20.99%) with an average age of 60.94±10.90. The incidence of gastric antrum was the highest in 830 cases (40.51%) and the proportion of gastric cancer was different in different age groups (c2=58.583, P=0.000). Early stage gastric cancer accounted for 8.83%, while advanced gastric cancer accounted for 91.17%. 922 cases (45.00%) were poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. There were significant differences in the histological types of gastric cancer among different age groups (c2 = 102.866, P = 0.000). There were 130 cases of Mongolian patients with gastric cancer, and the composition ratio of each age group was similar to that of Han ethnicity. However, incidence location was different from that of the Han ethnicity, 55 cases (42.31%) occurred in esophagogastric junction, followed by gastric antrum. Continuous....

Bovine lactoferrin inhibits alveolar bone destruction in an orthodontic rat model with periodontitis

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the effect of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) on alveolar bone destruction and remodelling under orthodontic force (OF) in periodontitis-affected rats. Material and methodsAfter establishing the periodontitis-affected rat model with lipopolysaccharides (LPS), the left maxillary first molars were moved orthodontically under a force of 0.2N. Based on saline or bLF gavage, 54 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into 5 groups: A (blank), P1 (LPS+OF+bLF), P2 (LPS+OF+saline), C1 (OF+bLF), and C2 (OF+saline). Animals were evaluated using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) followed by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, and the LF level was determined using ELISA in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of the experimental teeth. Immunohistochemistry helped to detect expression changes in RANKL, OPG and COX-2. ResultsMicro-CT results indicated that compared with group P2, trabecular number (Tb.N) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) in group P1 were higher and bone surface/bone volume (BS/BV) was lower on day 14, while trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) decreased significantly on Day 5 and Day 14 after bLF gavage (P<0.05). This was supported by changes in H&E and TRAP staining. bLF down-regulated RANKL level at both timepoints and up-regulated OPG level on Day 14 in periodontitis rats (P<0.05). The significant changes mentioned above were not observed between group C1 and C2 (P>0.05). No significant change in COX-2 levels were observed in any group (P>0.05). The lactoferrin level in GCF increased significantly after bLF gavage (P<0.05). ConclusionBovine lactoferrin inhibited LPS-induced bone destruction, but the bone healing effect was independent of orthodontic aseptic inflammatory bone remodelling.

Alexithymia and cortisol awakening response in people with eating disorders

IntroductionAlexithymia, that is the inability to recognize and describe one’s own emotions, is a transdiagnostic feature across eating disorders (EDs) and it has been associated to a prolonged stress exposure.ObjectivesTherefore, we evaluated whether alexithymia affects the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN).MethodsTwenty-six women with AN and 26 with BN participated in the study. Alexithymia was evaluated by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale–20 and eating-related psychopathology was measured by the Eating Disorder Inventory-2. The activity of the HPA axis was assessed by the salivary cortisol awakening response (CAR). Group differences in saliva CAR were tested by repeated measures 3-way ANOVA with diagnosis and alexithymia as between-subject factors.ResultsThe prevalence of alexithymia did not differ significantly between the two diagnostic groups (c2=1.24, p=0.26). Alexithymia was associated with more severe eating-related psychopathology in AN women but not in BN women. A significant reduction in the magnitude of CAR occurred in alexithymic patients with BN compared to non-alexithymic patients with BN (t = 3.39, p = 0.008), but not in alexithymic women with AN (t = 0.67, p = 0.54).ConclusionsThese results confirm the presence of a more severe eating-related psychopathology in alexithymic individuals with AN and show, for the first time, an association between alexithymia and a dampened basal activity of the HPA axis in BN.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Influence of loading protocol on the structural performance of timber-framed shear walls

Timber-framed shear walls are designed to resist the lateral loads on a building from wind and earthquake. Many regions around the world have developed standard test methods for evaluating the performance of timber-framed shear walls. Currently, Australia has no such standard test method for timber-framed shear walls. The aim of this study is to develop a standard loading protocol for evaluating the performance of timber-framed shear walls in Australia that is informed by the concerns of both earthquake engineers and wind engineers. To achieve this aim, the key objective of this study is to compare the performance of a standard timber-framed shear wall under three different monotonic (groups M1, M2 and M3) and four different cyclic (groups C1, C2, C3 and C4) loading protocols according to their respective standards. The number of test panels in each group was three (3) for a total number of 21 individual tests. Structural performance characteristics of the standard test panel, such as ultimate and yield strength and global stiffness, were found to be strongly dependent on the loading protocol. For example, ultimate strength was lower for test panels subject to monotonic loading (i.e., 5.99, 6.41 and 6.34kN/m for groups M1, M2 and M3 respectively) compared to test panels subject to cyclic loading (i.e., 6.70, 6.73, 8.03 and 8.11kN/m for groups C1, C2, C3 and C4 respectively). Internal stiffness was found to be relatively consistent regardless of loading protocol. The higher ultimate and yield performance of group C3 (CUREE protocol) and C4 (Cyclone Testing Station protocol) is statistically significant, at the 5% significance level, compared to results from all other test methods (i.e., AS1720.1, EN 594, ASTM E564, BRANZ P21 and ISO 16670). Differences in boundary conditions between the loading protocols might explain some of the differences in results; however, this hypothesis is not strongly supported by the evidence. These results are used to inform our recommendations for developing an Australian standard test method for evaluating the structural performance of timber-framed shear walls.