Group HM Research Articles

Identifying the oral microbiome of adolescents with and without dental fluorosis based on full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Dental fluorosis, resulting from long-term environmental exposure to fluoride, is prevalent among diverse populations worldwide. Severe fluorosis not only compromises the aesthetic appeal of teeth but also impairs their functionality. This study aims to investigate the oral microbiome in dental fluorosis and the health individuals of adolescents living in the endemic fluorosis area of Guizhou, China through full-length 16S rDNA sequencing. Fourty-six individuals meet the sampling criteria, and we divided these samples into the following groups: a healthy group (H = 23) and a dental fluorosis group (F = 23), and two subgroups of Miao ethnicity: a healthy Miao group (Hm = 13) and a dental fluorosis Miao group (Fm = 15). A total of 660,389 high-quality sequences were obtained, and 12,007 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were identified, revealing significant variations in oral microbiome between Fm and Hm groups. The composition of oral microbiota was similar between the H and F groups. At the genus level, Pseudopropionibacterium and at the species level, Streptococcus oralis_subsp.dentisani_clade_058 were less abundant in group F than in group H (P < 0.05). Further analysis revealed that the abundance of Capnocytophaga gingivalis and Kingella denitrificans was significantly lower in Fm fluorosis patients than in the Hm group (P < 0.05). Based on the LEfSe analysis, the potential core biomarkers in the oral of Fm fluorosis patients were identified at different taxonomic levels, ranging from phylum to species. These include Gammaproteobacteria, Prevotella sp_HMT_304, Gemella sanguinis, and Gracilibacteria_(GN02). Network analysis revealed that the microbiota in the fluorosis group exhibited more complex interactions with each other than the healthy group. Notably, within the Hm group, the potential biomarkers Capnocytophaga gingivalis and Kingella denitrificans exhibited a positive correlation. Finally, we employed PICRUSt2 analysis to explore the abundance clustering of the top 30 functional units in each sample, and we found that the metabolic pathway compositions of the four groups were similar. In summary, our findings suggest that the microbial composition of plaque in Hm patients with dental fluorosis is significantly altered, and we identified the potential marker microorganisms that contribute to these changes.

Testicular heat shock protein effects of Methanolic and Phenolic extracts of N. sativa seed in chronic heat-stressed male Wistar rats

In order to evaluate the efficacy of crude methanolic and phenolic extracts of Nigella sativa seed in modulating protective role response in mammals under chronic heat stress. Forty nine mature male Wister rats (weighted: 250 ± 10 g, aged: 8 weeks) has been randomly divided into 7 equal groups. Four groups were reared under normal room temperature (20±1ºC) which included negative control (Nc) was reared without any treatment, positive control (C) was drenched with drinking water, treated group (M) was drenched with metanolic extract of N. sativa (1 g/ kg bw), and treated group (P) was drenched with phenolic extract of N. sativa (0.3 g/ kg bw). Other three groups has been reared under high room temperature (35 ± 1 cº) which included heated positive control (Hc) was drenched drinking water, heated treated group (Hm) was drenched with methanolic extract of N. sativa (1 g/ kg bw), and heated treated group (Hp) was drenched with phenolic extract of N. sativa (0.3 g/ kg bw). The experiment extended for 18 days.Twenty four hours after the last day of experiment, male rats has been sacrificed and body organs testis was removed and weighted .Testis samples (100 mg) were quickly obtained and putted in liquid nitrogen for heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene expression analysis using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Revealed insignificant differences in testes weights among the experimental groups. RT-PCR results showed that level of mRNA expression of HSP70 gene in testis tissues in treatment groups methanolic extract (M, Hm) (1g/ kg, BW, daily) and phenolic compound (P, Hp, 0.3g/ kg, BW, daily) of Nigella sativa seed was significantly higher than that of non-treated groups (Nc, C, and Hc). We have suggested that crude methanolic extract and phenolic compounds obtained from Nigella sativa seed have an efficient role in modulating protective role response of mammals under chronic heat stress in mature male Wistar rats.

Hydroxyzine Dihydrochloride Premedication Is a Necessity for Pediatric Patients Undergoing Strabismus Surgery: An Observational Prospective Clinical Trial.

Objective In this single-blind, observational prospective clinical trial, we aimed to determine and compare the effects of premedication with hydroxyzine plus midazolam and midazolam alone on the incidence of oculocardiac reflex (OCR). Methods Forty-five patients were divided into three groups. Group M received 0.5 mg/kg midazolam alone, Group H received 0.5 mg/kg hydroxyzine plus 0.5 mg/kg midazolam, and Group HM received 1 mg/kg hydroxyzine plus 0.5 mg/kg midazolam. The Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS), the heart rates (HR1: after induction of anesthesia; HR2: before retraction of orbital muscle; and HR3: right after retraction of orbital muscle), the muscles with OCR, and the incidence of OCR (20% decrease of the HR right after the traction) were recorded and compared between the three groups. Results The mean HR1, HR2, and HR3 values were significantly increased (p=0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001) and the incidence of OCR (p=0.004) was significantly decreased in Group H and in Group HM (for all, p < 0.01) compared to Group M. The most common orbital muscle in which OCR occurred was the rectus medialis. Conclusion Premedication with a combination of 0.5 or 1 mg hydroxyzine with 0.5 mg midazolam significantly reduced the incidence of OCR compared to premedication with midazolam alone. This study was registered on https://clinicaltrials.gov/ with number NCT03806270.

Evaluation of the flexural strength of metal frameworks fabricated by sintering-based computer-aided manufacturing methods

Statement of problemSintering-based computer-aided metal manufacturing strategies have been proposed as an alternative to hard metal milling. While these fabrication methods have been evaluated in terms of marginal and internal discrepancies and bond strength to porcelain, limited information on metal frameworks is available regarding their flexural yield strength. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the flexural yield strength of 3-unit cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) metal frameworks fabricated by hard metal milling (HMM), presintered soft metal milling (PSMM), and direct metal laser melting (DMLM) with 25-μm and 50-μm layer thicknesses. Material and methodsThree-unit master metal die models were prepared. A total of 40 metal frameworks (n=10) were fabricated by using HMM (group HM), PSMM (group PSM), and DMLM with 25-μm (group LM25) and 50-μm layer thicknesses (group LM50). Metal frameworks were cemented to the master die and then subjected to a 3-point bend test. The flexural yield force was used to calculate the flexural yield strength. The data were statistically analyzed (α=.05). One metal framework from each group was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy for microstructural analysis. ResultsThe group LM50 exhibited the lowest significant (P<.001) flexural yield strength values. The group HM exhibited higher flexural yield strength values than the other groups. No significant difference was found between the groups LM25 and PSM (P=.954) or between the groups PSM and HM (P=.111). ConclusionsThe fabrication method significantly affected the flexural yield strength of metal frameworks. Metal frameworks fabricated by DMLM with a 50-μm layer thickness exhibited considerably lower flexural yield strength values.

Effect of prenatal different auditory environment on learning ability and fearfulness in chicks.

ObjectiveEarly environmental enrichment in life can improve cognition in animals. The effect of prenatal auditory stimulation on learning ability and fear level in chick embryos remained unexplored. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of prenatal auditory stimulation on the learning ability and fear level of chicks.MethodsA total of 450 fertilized eggs were randomly divided into 5 groups, including control group (C), low-sound intensity music group (LM), low-sound intensity noise group (LN), high-sound intensity noise group (HN) and high-sound intensity music group (HM). From the 10th day of embryonic development until hatching, group LM and group LN received 65 to 75 dB of music and noise stimulation. Group HN and group HM received 85 to 95 dB of noise and music stimulation, and group C received no additional sound. At the end of incubation, the one-trial passive avoidance learning (PAL) task and tonic immobility (TI) tests were carried out, and the serum corticosterone (CORT) and serotonin (5-HT) concentrations were determined.ResultsThe results showed that compared with the group C, 65 to 75 dB of music and noise stimulation did not affect the PAL avoidance rate (p>0.05), duration of TI (p>0.05) and the concentration of CORT (p>0.05) and 5-HT (p>0.05) in chicks. However, 85 to 95 dB of music and noise stimulation could reduce duration of TI (p<0.05) and the concentration of CORT (p<0.05), but no significant effect was observed on the concentration of 5-HT (p>0.05) and PAL avoidance rate (p>0.05).ConclusionTherefore, the prenatal auditory stimulation of 85 to 95 dB can effectively reduce the fear level of chicks while it does not affect the learning ability.

Efficiency of GnRH-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for Inducing LH Secretion and Fertile Ovulations in Protocols for Artificial Insemination in Rabbit Does.

Simple SummaryNano-drug delivery systems can be employed for improving ovulation induction prior to artificial insemination (AI) in rabbits. In this study, different routes of administration and different doses of GnRH–loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GnRH–ChNPs) were assessed for inducing ovulation in rabbits, proving their usefulness to reduce the GnRH dose and animal handling and improving AI outcomes. The use of GnRH–ChNPs allows for the reduction of the conventional intramuscular GnRH dose to half without compromising fertility. However, the addition of GnRH–ChNPs to semen extenders, although successfully inducing ovulation, has negative impacts on fertility. Thus, more studies are needed to allow further adjustments.Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)–loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GnRH–ChNPs) were used at different doses and routes of administration to induce ovulation in rabbits as an attempt to improve artificial insemination (AI) procedures and outcomes. In this study, the characteristics (size, polydispersity, loading efficiency, and zeta-potential) of GnRH–ChNPs and the GnRH release pattern were determined in an in vitro study. A first in vivo study assessed the pituitary and ovarian response to different GnRH–ChNPs doses and routes of administration (two i.m. doses, Group HM = 0.4 µg and Group QM = 0.2 µg, and two intravaginal doses, Group HV = 4 µg and Group QV = 2 µg) against a control group (C) receiving bare GnRH (0.8 µg). The HM, QM, and HV treatments induced an earlier LH-surge (90 min) than that observed in group C (120 min), whilst the QV treatment failed to induce such LH surge. The number of ovulation points was similar among treatments, except for the QV treatment (no ovulation points). A second in vivo study was consequently developed to determine the hormonal (progesterone, P4, and estradiol, E2) profile and pregnancy outcomes of both HM and HV treatments against group C. The treatment HM, but not the treatment HV, showed adequate P4 and E2 concentrations, conception and parturition rates, litter size, litter weight, and viability rate at birth. Overall, the use of GnRH–ChNPs allows for a reduction in the conventional intramuscular GnRH dose to half without compromising fertility. However, the addition of GnRH–ChNPs to semen extenders, although successfully inducing ovulation, has negative impacts on fertility. Thus, more studies are needed to explore this point and allow further adjustments.

Infinite Paths of Minimal Length on Suborbital Graphs for Some Fuchsian Groups

In this study, we work on the Fuchsian group Hm where m is a prime number acting on mℚ^ transitively. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for two vertices to be adjacent in suborbital graphs induced by these groups. Moreover, we investigate infinite paths of minimal length in graphs and give the recursive representation of continued fraction of such vertex.

Does Sterilization Affect the Push Out Bond Strength of Experimental Dentin Posts?

The purpose of this preliminary study is to evaluate the push-out bond strength (PBS) of experimental dentin posts (EDPs) obtained from human and bovine teeth sterilized by autoclaving and gamma radiation. Eighty-four mandibulary premolars were obturated and divided into three post groups: the glass fiber group (Fb) human EDP group (Hm) and the bovine EDP group (Bv). Three subgroups (n=12) were obtained for each EDP groups according to the sterilization methods; no sterilization (Cnt), steam autoclaving (Aut), and gamma radiation (Rad) a total dose of 25 kGy. All posts were cemented to root canals using a dual cured resin cement (Panavia SA). After the micro slices (1mm in thickness) were obtained of each subgroup, PBS test was performed. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison tests (α=.05). The post type and sterilization method was significantly effective on the PBS values according to the ANOVA (P&lt;.001). No sterilization apllied EDP groups showed significantly higher PBS values than the sterilized groups (P&lt;.001). Bv_Cnt (9.42 ±1.31) showed significantly lower PBS values than both Fb (12.36 ±1.54) and Hm_Cnt (11.06 ±1.38) groups (P&lt;.001). Both steam autoclaving and gamma radiation affect the PBS values and fracture modes of EDPs negatively. The bovine EDPs are not as effective as human EDPs with regard to the PBS to the root dentin.

Effects of aerobic exercise combined with chlorella pyrenoidos of disintegrated cell wall on some indicators of lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet

To study the effects of aerobic exercise combined with chlorella pyrenoidos of disintegrated cell wall on the lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet. Fifty-five male Wistar rats were subjected to adaptive feeding for 4 days and weight-free swimming training for 3 days, 20 min/d. After eliminating 5 rats that were not suitable for swimming training, the other rats were randomly divided into 5 groups according to their body weight:control group (C group), high fat diet group (H group), high-fat diet + chlorella group(HC group), high fat diet + aerobic exercise group (HM group), high fat diet + chlorella + aerobic exercise group (HMC group), 10 in each group. The HM and HMC group were subjected to 60 min/d swimming training for 6 weeks with non-weight-bearing. Group C were fed regular diet. The other groups were fed with high-fat diet, the rats in group HC and HMC were intragastrically treated with chlorella pyrenoidos of disintegrated cell wall at the dose of 3.9 g/(kg·d), the volume was 5 ml/kg, and the other groups are given equivalent saline. The Lee's index and biochemical indexes of blood and liver were measured after 6 weeks. Compared with group C, Lee's index, serum levels of free fatty acids(FFA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), liver FFA and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were increased significantly (P<0.01), the serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) was decreased significantly (P<0.01) in group H. Compared with group H, Lee's index, serum FFA, IL-6, TNF-α, TC, TG, LDL-c, liver FFA and IL-10 were decreased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01), serum level of HDL-c was increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in group HC, HM and HMC. Compared with group HC and HM, Lee's index, serum FFA, IL-6, TNF-α, TC, TG, LDL-c, liver FFA and IL-10 were decreased significantly (P<0.05), serum level of HDL-c was increased significantly (P<0.05) in group HMC. Aerobic exercise and chlorella pyrenoidos of disintegrated cell wall can improve lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet and reduce the lipid toxicity caused by obesity. Joint intervention is more effective than single intervention.

Effect of hydromorphone postconditioning on electrophysiological stability during ischemia-reperfusion in isolated rat hearts

Objective To evaluate the effect of hydromorphone postconditioning on the electrophysiological stability during ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in isolated rat hearts. Methods Healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 2-3 months, weighing 280-360 g, were heparinized and anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium.Their hearts were excised and perfused in a Langendorff apparatus with K-H solution saturated with 95% O2-5% CO2 at 37 ℃.Twenty-four Langendorff-perfused hearts were divided into 3 groups (n=8 each) using a random number table: control group (group C), I/R group and hydromorphone postconditioning group (group HM). The isolated hearts were subjected to 60 min ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion to establish the model of isolated heart I/R injury.The isolated hearts were perfused with K-H solution containing 4.1 ng/ml hydromorphone for 10 min starting from onset of reperfusion in group HM.Heart rate, electrocardiogram, coronary flow, and monophasic action potential amplitude, in the left ventricular endocardium, mid-myocardium and epicardium the maximal increase rate (Vmax) at the 0 phase, and monophasic action potential duration at 50% and 90% repolarization (MAPD50 and MAPD90, respectively) were recorded at 20 min of stabilization (T0) and 10, 25, 40 and 60 min of reperfusion (T1-4). The transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) was calculated, and the time for restoration of spontaneous heart beat was recorded. Results There was no significant difference in the heart rate, coronary flow or monophasic action potential amplitude between the three groups (P>0.05). Compared with group C, Vmax in the epicardium was significantly decreased, MAPD50 and MAPD90 in the three transmural layers were prolonged, and TDR was prolonged in group I/R (P 0.05). Conclusion Hydromorphone postconditioning is helpful in maintaining the electrophysiological stability during I/R in isolated rat hearts. Key words: Hydromorphone; Myocardial reperfusion injury; Cardiac electrophysiology; Ischemic postconditioning

Effect of different physical activities on blood pressure in elderly patients with hypertension

Objectives To investigate the effect of different physical activities on the blood pressure in elderly patients with hypertension, and to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of hypertension. Methods 256 elderly patients with grade 1, 2 hypertension and no other complications, and 256 healthy elderly people were selected as the control subjects.According to the blood pressure and the level of physical activity, the patients were divided into hypertension combined with low physical activity group(HL group), hypertension combined with middle physical activity group(HM group), normal blood pressure combined with low physical activity group(NL group)and normal blood pressure combined with middle physical activity group(NM group). The changes of blood pressure were compared in quiet, during and after physical activity. Results The diastolic blood pressure(DBP) and systolic blood pressure(SBP) measured at rest, peak exercise and 5 minutes after exercise were significantly higher in group HL and HM group than in NL group and NM group, and the differences between groups were statistically significant(SBP: F=11.846、18.337、10.976, all P<0.001 for all; DBP: F=13.182、11.694、11.453, all P<0.05). The DBP and SBP in HL group at rest and 5 minutes after exercise were significantly higher than those in the HM group, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). The change magnitudes of DBP and SBP were significantly lower in HL group than in the HM group, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusions Taking part in an appropriate exercise can improve blood pressure level and a recovery capability of post-exercise blood pressure in elderly patients with hypertension. Key words: Hypertension; Motor activity

Shear bond strength of ceramic and metallic orthodontic brackets bonded with self-etching primer and conventional bonding adhesives.

IntroductionAdult patients typically require high-quality orthodontic treatment for ceramic brackets, but some clinicians remain concerned about the bond strength of these brackets. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the shear bond strength and de-bonding characteristics of metallic and ceramic brackets bonded with two types of bonding agents.MethodsIn an experimental study done in 2013 in Babol, Iran, 120 extracted human maxillary premolar teeth were randomly divided into four groups as follows: HM group: metallic bracket/conventional bonding agent; SM group: metallic bracket/Transbond self-etching primer; HC group: ceramic bracket/conventional bonding agent; SC group: ceramic bracket/Transbond self-etching primer. Twenty-four hours after thermocycling (1000 cycle, 5 °C–55 °C), the shear bond strength values were measured. The amount of resin remaining on the tooth surface (adhesive remnant index: ARI) was determined under a stereomicroscope. Enamel detachment index was evaluated under a scanning electron microscope. To perform statistical analysis, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and Tukey post-hoc tests were applied. The level of significance was set at p <0.05.ResultsThe mean shear bond strength values (MPa ± SD) were group HM=12.59, group SM=11.15, group HC=7.7, and group SC=7.41. Bond strength differences between groups HM and SM (p=0.063) and between HC and SC (p=0.091) were not statistically significant. There were significant differences between HM and HC and between SM and SC groups (p < 0.05). Insignificant differences were found in ARI among all groups.ConclusionOur findings indicated that the metallic brackets had higher bond strengths in comparison with ceramic brackets. In addition, self-etching primer was able to produce fewer bonds compared with the conventional technique. Many samples showed the bracket-adhesive interface failure or failure inside the adhesive.

Prognostic factors after pulmonary metastasectomy of colorectal cancers: influence of liver metastasis.

BackgroundOur objective was to evaluate the influence of liver metastasis on survival after pulmonary metastasectomy in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a total of 524 patients and were classified into two groups based on the presence of liver metastasis. Group HM + PM (n = 106) included patients who previously received a hepatic metastasectomy and then received pulmonary metastasectomy. Group PM (n = 418) included patients who only received pulmonary metastasectomy with no liver metastasis.ResultsThere were more male patients (70 vs. 57 %; P = 0.02) and more patients with colon cancer (60 vs. 42 %, P = 0.001) in group HM + PM than in group PM. Otherwise, there was no significant difference between the two groups in clinicopathologic characteristics and extent of surgery. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 58 and 31 %, respectively. There was no significant difference in OS (group HM + PM, 54 % vs. group PM, 59 %; P = 0.085) and in DFS (group HM + PM, 28 % vs. group PM, 32 %; P = 0.12). For the entire patient cohort, a multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of liver metastasis, CRC T and N stages, disease-free interval, and number and size of lung metastases were significantly associated with OS and DFS.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that previous or present liver metastasis should not exclude a patient from pulmonary metastasectomy. When lung metastasis is detected in patients with a history of hepatic metastasectomy, pulmonary metastasectomy is still a viable treatment option especially in patients with a long disease-free interval and a small number of lung metastases.

Biochemical and immunological responses of young turkeys to vaccination against Ornithobacterium rhinotraheale and different levels of dietary methionine

The objective of this study was to verify the hypothesis that increasing levels of dietary methionine can stimulate the mechanisms of cell-mediated and humoral immunity in young turkeys. The blood and organs involved in cell-mediated and humoral immune responses were analyzed in 8-week-old turkeys that had been vaccinated against Ornithobacterium rhinotraheale (ORT) infection (on days 17 and 48). The birds were fed diets with a low (LM), medium (MM) and high (HM) methionine content (0.45 and 0.40%, 0.60 and 0.51%, 0.71 and 0.57% in weeks 1 - 4 and 5 - 8, respectively). Dietary methionine supplementation led to a significant increase in body weights of turkeys at 56 days of age, from 3532 g in group LM to 3720 g in group MM and 3760 g in group HM (p=0.001). A significant increase in vaccine-induced antibody titers against ORT was noted in group HM relative to group LM (p=0.006). Increasing levels of methionine had no significant effect on total serum IgG nor IgM levels and most serum biochemical parameters, TP, ALB, GLOB, GLU, AST, ALP, P and Ca. In comparison with group LM, group HM turkeys were characterized by a lower percentage of IgM⁺ B cell subpopulation in the blood and bursa of Fabricius. The percentages of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell subpopulations in the bursa of Fabricius in group HM were significantly different from those found in groups LM and MM. The highest percentages of CD4⁺ T cells and CD8⁺ T cells in the spleen were observed in groups LM (p<0.001) and HM (p=0.04), respectively. The differences were statistically significant relative to the remaining groups. Turkeys of group LM were characterized by a lower CD4⁺ T cell percentage in the thymus (p<0.001) and a lower CD8⁺ T cell percentage in the cecal tonsils (CTs) (p<0.01). Vaccination against ORT resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of CD4⁺CD8⁺ T cell subpopulation and a decrease in the percentage of CD8⁺ T cell subset in the spleen.

Bounding Cohomology for Finite Groups and Frobenius Kernels

Let G be a simple, simply connected algebraic group defined over an algebraically closed field k of positive characteristic p. Let σ :G → G be a strict endomorphism (i.e., the subgroup G(σ) of σ-fixed points is finite). Also, let Gσ be the scheme-theoretic kernel of σ, an infinitesimal subgroup of G. This paper shows that the dimension of the degree m cohomology group Hm(G(σ),L) for any irreducible kG(σ)-module L is bounded by a constant depending on the root system Φ of G and the integer m. These bounds are actually established for the degree m extension groups \( Ext^{m}_{G(\sigma )}(L,L^{\prime })\) between irreducible kG(σ)-modules \(L,L^{\prime }\), with a similar result holding for Gσ. In these Extm results, the bounds also depend on the highest weight associated to L, but are, nevertheless, independent of the characteristic p.

Randomized Clinical Trial: The Clinical Effects of Herb-Partitioned Moxibustion in Patients with Diarrhoea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Objective. To explore the efficacy of Herb-partitioned moxibustion in treating IBS-D patients. Method. 210 IBS-D patients were randomly assigned on a 3 : 3 : 2 basis to group HM, group FM, or group PB for 4-week treatment. The change of GSRS total score at weeks 4 and 8, the changes of GSRS specific scores, and adverse events were evaluated. Results. Patients in group HM and group FM had lower GSRS total score at week 4 (1.98 ± 0.303, 2.93 ± 0.302 versus 3.73 ± 0.449) and at week 8 (2.75 ± 0.306, 3.56 ± 0.329 versus 4.39 ± 2.48) as compared with patients' score in group PB. However, there was no significant difference of GSRS total score between group HM and group FM. The effect of HM was significantly greater than that of orally taking PB in ameliorating the symptoms of rugitus (0.38 versus 0.59, P < 0.05), abdominal pain (0.28 versus 0.57, P < 0.01), abdominal distension (0.4 versus 0.7, P < 0.01), and increased passage of stools (0.06 versus 0.25, P < 0.01) at the end of treatment period. In the follow-up period, patients' therapeutic effect in group HM remained greater than that in group FM (in abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and increased passage of stools) and that in group PB (in loose stools). Conclusions. HM appears to be a promising, efficacious, and well-tolerated treatment for patients with IBS-D.

On the number of relations in free products of abelian groups

We consider the finitely generated groups constructed from cyclic groups by free and direct products and study the question of the smallest number of relations for a given system of generators. This question is related to the relation gap problem. We prove that if m and n are not coprime then the group Hm,n = (ℤm × ℤ) * (ℤn × ℤ) cannot be defined using three relations in the standard system of generators. We obtain a similar result for the groups Gm,n = (ℤm × ℤm) * (ℤn × ℤn). On the other hand, we establish that for coprime m and n the image of Hm,n in every nilpotent group is defined using three relations.

Prophylactic administration of haloperidol plus midazolam reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting better than using each drug alone in patients undergoing middle ear surgery

Aims:The efficacy of using midazolam or haloperidol for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) has been investigated before. The main object of the present study was to evaluate the anti-emetic effects of combining administration of intravenous haloperidol with intravenous midazolam on PONV in patients underwent middle ear surgery in comparison with using each drug alone.Methods:Study design was randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled. 80 patients, aged 18-60 years, scheduled for middle ear surgery in Kashani Hospital Medical Center under general anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were divided into 4 groups of 20 each and received haloperidol 2 mg i.v. (Group H); midazolam 2 mg i.v. (Group M); haloperidol 2 mg plus midazolam 2 mg i.v. (Group HM); saline i.v. (Group C). The incidences of PONV and complete response were evaluated at 0-2 hours after arrival to the PACU and 2-24 hours after arrival to the ward in 4 groups.Results:Patients in group HM had significantly lower incidence of PONV compared with groups H, M, and C throughout 0-24 h (P<00.5). The HM group had the lowest incidence of PONV (0-2, 2-24, and 0-24 h) and the highest incidence of complete response. Postoperative anti-emetic requirement was significantly less in group HM compared with group M or H (P<0.05).Conclusion:Combine administration of haloperidol 2 mg plus midazolam 2 mg significantly reduced PONV better than using each drug alone in patients underwent middle ear surgery under general anesthesia.

Effect of volume therapy with 6 ％ hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 on mesenteric microcirculation in a rabbit model of hypovolemia

Objective To investigate the effect of volume therapy with 6％ hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 on mesenteric microcirculation in a rabbit model of hypovolemia.Methods Sixty-four adult male rabbits,weighing 2.0-2.3 kg,were randomly divided into 4 groups( n =16 each):control group (group C),hypovolemia group (group HM),Ringer's solution group (group RS) and 6％ HES 130/0.4 group (group HES).The animals were anesthetized with sodiun pentobarbital 3.0-3.5 mg/kg.Femoral artery,femoral vein and right internal jugular vein were cannulated for MAP monitoring,blood withdrawing and fluid adminstration.Hypovolemia was induced by withdrawing blood from femoral vein of 30％ blood volume in 30 min in groups HM,RS and HES.In group C,no blood was withdrawed.In group RS,Ringer's solution 3 times of the volume of blood withdrawn was infused,while 6％ HES 130/0.4 equal volume of blood withdrawn was infused via right internal jugular vein immediately at the end of blood withdrawing.MAP and HR were recorded and femoral artery and femoral vein blood samples were taken before blood withdrawing (T0),immediately at the end of blood withdrawing(T1 ),immediately at the end of volume therapy(T2 ) and 30 min after volume therapy(T3 ).DO2,VO2 and ERO2 were calculated.Diameter and blood flow speed of microvessel were determined.Results Compared with group C,HR was significantly increased,MAP decreased,diameter and blood flow speed of microvessel were decreased at T1～3,DO2 was increased at T1 in group HM.Compared with group HM,MAP was significantly increased at T2,HR decreased at T2,3,DO2and VO2 were increased at T1～3,diameter of arteriole was increased at T2 whlie decreased at T3,diameter of veinule and blood flow speed of microvessel were increased at T2,3 in group RS,MAP was significantly increased at T2,HR was decreased whlie DO2 and VO2 were decreased,VO2,ERO2,diameter and blood flow speed of microvessel were increased at T2,3 in group HES.Compared with group RS,DO2,VO2 and ERO2 were significantly decreased at T3 in group HES.Conclusion Volume therapy with 6％ HES 130/0.4 can improve mesenteric microcirculation,organ perfusion and oxygen metabolic in a rabbit model of hypovolemia. Key words: Hetastarch ; Fluid therapy ; Hypovolemia; Microcirculation

Effect of implant–abutment connection design on reliability of crowns: regular vs. horizontal mismatched platform

To evaluate the reliability and failure modes of regular and horizontal mismatched platforms for implant-abutment connection varying the implant diameter. Regular (REG, n = 21, 4.0-mm-diameter implant) and horizontal mismatched (HM, n = 21, 4.6-mm-diameter implant) platform Ti-6Al-4V implants were restored with proprietary identical Ti-6Al-4V abutments and metal crowns (cobalt-chrome, Wirobond 280, BEGO, Bremen, Germany) cemented. Mechanical testing comprised step-stress accelerated-life testing, where crowns were distributed in three loading profiles for fatigue in water, producing timely and clinically relevant fractures. The probability of failure vs. cycles (95% two-sided confidence intervals) was calculated and plotted using a powerlaw relationship for damage accumulation, Weibull modulus (95% two-sided confidence intervals) and then the reliability for a mission of 50,000 cycles at 125 N load (95% two-sided confidence interval) were calculated. Fractography was performed in the scanning electron microscope. The β-value for group REG (β = 1.37) indicated that fatigue was a factor accelerating the failure, whereas load alone dictated the failure for group HM (β = 0.71). The Weibull parameter contour plot showed no significantly different Weibull modulus for REG (10.24) compared to HM (10.20) and characteristic strength of 162.6 and 166.8 N, respectively (P > 0.91). The calculated reliability for a mission of 50,000 cycles at 125 N load was not significantly different (0.71 for REG and 0.73 for HM). Abutment screw failure was the chief failure mode. Reliability was not significantly different between groups and failure modes were similar.