SM Group Research Articles

Connecting the S2 alar-iliac screw head to the satellite rod for surgical correction of degenerative sagittal imbalance.

The S2AI screw technique has several advantages over the conventional iliac screw fixation technique. However, connecting the S2AI screw head to the main rod is difficult due to its medial entry point. We introduce a new technique for connecting the S2AI screw head to a satellite rod and compare it with the conventional method of connecting the S2AI screw to the main rod. Seventy-four patients who underwent S2AI fixation for degenerative sagittal imbalance and were followed up for ≥ 2years were included. All the patients underwent long fusion from T9 or T10 to the pelvis. The S2AI screw head was connected to the satellite rod (SS group) in 43 patients and the main rod (SM group) in 31 patients. In the SS group, the satellite rod was placed medial to the main rod and connected by the S2AI screw and domino connectors. In the SM group, the main rod was connected directly to the S2AI screw head and supported by accessory rods. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were evaluated in both groups. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications, including proximal junctional failure, proximal junctional kyphosis, rod breakage, screw loosening, wound problems, and infection between the two groups. Furthermore, the correction power of sagittal deformity and clinical results in the SS group were comparable to those in the SM group. Connecting the S2AI screw to the satellite rod is a convenient method comparable to the conventional S2AI connection method in terms of radiological and clinical outcomes.

Clay composition patterns and their influence on the adhesive strength of earthen plasters

The clay fraction of earthen plasters is the part responsible for the acquisition of cohesion and adherence that they possess against deterioration factors. Adherence is the property responsible for keeping the plaster together with the wall and is influenced by the percentage content of clay as well as by its mineralogy and the heterogeneity of minerals that may be present. However, it is still unknown in depth how clay minerals perform in the adherent properties of earthen plasters when the composition is heterogeneous in the material. The objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence of the mineralogical complexity of clay mineralogy in the variability of the adherence of earth plasters. To evaluate the variability, considering that the mineralogy of the soils depends directly on the place and the formation processes, eight soils from Tucumán (Argentina) corresponding to different physiographic units were analyzed. A methodology was designed for sample preparation that allows soils to be compared through adhesion tests. They were characterized by XRD to determine their mineralogical composition and by the hydrometric method to determine their granulometry. To evaluate the adherence of mixtures made with the respective soils, it was proposed in the first instance to compensate the granulometry of the soils to equate them and, once the plasters were made, this property was evaluated through shear and pull-off tests. The results showed that they allowed us to identify that the soils presented a pattern of mineralogical composition common to all the physiographic units, made up of the Ill and K pair, the former being predominant. For this pattern, it was observed in particular that there is a positive correlation between the increase in Ill content with the increase in the adhesive strength of the plasters. Clay minerals from the Sm group also contribute to the increase in adherence when the percentage is greater than or equal to 11%. On the contrary, K and Cl do not influence the increase in adhesive strength.The clay fraction of earthen plasters is the part responsible for the acquisition of cohesion and adherence that they possess against deterioration factors. Adherence is the property responsible for keeping the plaster together with the wall and is influenced by the percentage content of clay as well as by its mineralogy and the heterogeneity of minerals that may be present. However, it is still unknown in depth how clay minerals perform in the adherent properties of earthen plasters when the composition is heterogeneous in the material. The objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence of the mineralogical complexity of clay mineralogy in the variability of the adherence of earth plasters. To evaluate the variability, considering that the mineralogy of the soils depends directly on the place and the formation processes, eight soils from Tucumán (Argentina) corresponding to different physiographic units were analyzed. A methodology was designed for sample preparation that allows soils to be compared through adhesion tests. They were characterized by XRD to determine their mineralogical composition and by the hydrometric method to determine their granulometry. To evaluate the adherence of mixtures made with the respective soils, it was proposed in the first instance to compensate the granulometry of the soils to equate them and, once the plasters were made, this property was evaluated through shear and pull-off tests. The results showed that they allowed us to identify that the soils presented a pattern of mineralogical composition common to all the physiographic units, made up of the Ill and K pair, the former being predominant. For this pattern, it was observed in particular that there is a positive correlation between the increase in Ill content with the increase in the adhesive strength of the plasters. Clay minerals from the Sm group also contribute to the increase in adherence when the percentage is greater than or equal to 11%. On the contrary, K and Cl do not influence the increase in adhesive strength.

Feasibility of calculating rocuronium dosage by skeletal muscle weight in patients with obesity.

This study aimed to investigate the dose-response relationship of rocuronium administered based on skeletal muscle weight and to assess the feasibility of calculating rocuronium dosage by skeletal muscle weight in short surgeries for patients with obesity. This single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial included 71 patients with obesity aged 28-70 years, with body fat percentages (PBF) >20% in men and > 28% in women, ASA status I-III, scheduled for tracheoscopy. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: skeletal muscle group (SM group) received rocuronium based on the skeletal muscle content (1.0 mg/kg, n = 31), and the conventional administration group (conventional group) received rocuronium based on total body weight (0.45 mg/kg, n = 30). General anesthesia was administered using the same protocol. Parameters recorded included patients' general condition, muscle relaxant usage, onset time of muscle relaxants, non-response time, clinical effect time, 75% recovery time, and recovery index. Additionally, occurrences of body movement, choking, and incomplete muscle relaxation during surgery were recorded. Compared to the conventional group, the SM group required significantly less rocuronium dosage, resulting in significantly lower non-response time, clinical effect time, 75% recovery time, and recovery index (p < 0.05), and the onset time is slightly longer. Neither group experienced body movement, choking, or incomplete muscle relaxation (p > 0.05). Utilizing skeletal muscle weight to calculate rocuronium dosage in short surgeries for patients with obesity can reduce dosage, shorten recovery time, and prevent residual muscle relaxation while achieving satisfactory muscle relaxation to meet surgical requirements.

Synthesis and in vitro study of redox properties of pyrrole and halogenated pyrrole derivatives

The redox balance plays a crucial role in maintaining biological processes under normal conditions. Antioxidants inhibit and reduce harmful oxidation processes, while pro-oxidants can act as anti-cancer agents by promoting ROS-mediated cell death. The aim of this study is to compare the redox properties of seven newly synthesised tribromopyrrole derivatives with three novel and four previously synthesized non-halogenated analogues in an in vitro model (in human serum) and with exogenously induced oxidative stress. The obtained values of their oxy scores (OS) were compared and the result showed that four non-halogenated pyrrole derivatives with secondary amide group M2, M10, M11 and M12 have lower OS values than Trolox, a water-soluble analogue of vitamin E with proven antioxidant properties. All four compounds show strong resistance to oxidative stress, which is reflected in the maintenance of negative OS values when exposed to exogenous oxidative stress using TBH in the reaction mixture. This capability to resist invading ROS should be expected also in an endogenous environment, where constant prooxidant production takes place at a low, homeostatic level, but even more so in pathological conditions. The tribrominated derivative M15 showed prooxidant activity with a significantly higher OS value than all other compounds tested. The comparison of the dose-response of Trolox and the five compounds with the lowest OS also shows that compounds M2, M7 and M10 have better antioxidant activity than Trolox.

Effects of Semaglutide in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Toxicity in Wistar Albino Rats.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is used to treat various types of cancers. However, its use is restricted by cardiotoxicity, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may be associated with cardioprotective properties. This study aims to determine the protective effects of different semaglutide (SEM) doses on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in a rat model. Thirty-five female Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The first group received distilled water as a negative control (NC); the positive control (PC) group received distilled water plus DOX; the third group (SL) received a low dose of SEM (0.06 mg/kg) plus DOX; the fourth group (SM) received a moderate dose of SEM (0.12 mg/kg) plus DOX; and the fifth group (SH) received a high dose of SEM (0.24 mg/kg) plus DOX. Blood samples were collected on day 8 to assess serum troponin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), total lipid profile, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). Cardiac tissue was sent for histopathological analysis. DOX increased the total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), LDH, and CKP levels. Moderate and high doses of semaglutide significantly reduced serum cholesterol levels (*p = 0.0199), (**p = 0.0077), respectively. A significant reduction (***p = 0.0013) in total body weight after treatment with SEM was observed in the SL group and a highly significant reduction (****p < 0.0001) was observed in the SM and SH groups. SEM at all doses reduced CPK levels. The SL group showed a significant reduction in troponin level (*p=0.0344). Serum LDH levels were reduced by all three SEM doses. The histopathological findings support the biochemical results. Semaglutide may possess cardioprotective properties against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in a rat model by decreasing serum biochemical markers of cardiotoxicity.

Effects of various selenium-enriched yeasts, selenomethionine, and nanoselenium on production performance, quality, and antioxidant capacity in laying hens

This study aimed to compare the effects of various selenium (Se) sources (2 mg/kg) on the performance, quality, and antioxidant capacity of laying hens as well as the Se content in their eggs and blood. We selected 720 34-wk-old Lohmann pink-shell laying hens were randomly assigned into 6 groups and fed a basal diet (control) or a basal diet supplemented with various Se sources (Se-enriched yeast, SY-A, SY-C, SY-N; selenomethionine SM, nano-Se SN) for 16 wk. There were 10 replicates of 120 hens per group. Dietary Se supplementation increased the egg production rate of all laying hens. Egg and serum Se deposition was highest in the SM group. Yolk color scores of SY-A and SY-N groups were significantly lower than those of other groups (P < 0.01). The protein height and Haugh unit were significantly lower in the SN group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). The yolk height was significantly higher in the SN and SY-N groups than in the SY-A group (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of selenium can improve the antioxidant capacity of laying hens. The SOD content of SM group was significantly lower than that of SY-A and SN group (P < 0.05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly higher in the SM group than in the SY-A group (P < 0.05). The present work empirically demonstrated that the production performance of laying hens supplemented with 2 mg/kg Se was superior to that of the hens receiving only a basal diet. The SY-C group exhibited the best production performance, the SY-A group had the highest antioxidant capacity, and the SM group produced eggs with the highest level of Se enrichment.

Spontaneous recovery in dairy cows with subclinical endometritis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dependence between the time of diagnosis and spontaneous recovery from subclinical endometritis (SE) in dairy cows. Postpartum gynecological control was performed on 512 multiparous Holstein cows, housed in three farms located in the south of the province of Santa Fe (Argentina), from April to October 2022. Experimental cows were those that were diagnosed as healthy, but after endometrial cytology, were positive to SE (n=56). Two gynecological control was performed to every cow with SE. Considering the moment in which the first control was made, cows with SE were separated into two groups: group M1: between 15 and 30 postpartum days (ppd) and group M2: between 31 and 60 ppd. Each group was reviewed after 15 days from the first control. After the second revision, three experimental groups were formed: AC group: cows that recovered spontaneously, ES group: cows that maintained the disease, and EC group: cows that developed clinical endometritis. A 49% of cows were diagnosed as healthy cows. After performing endometrial cytology, 78% of cows were healthy, and the remaining 22% of cows were positive for SE. There was a higher percentage of cows checked during M1 than during M2, and M1 had more than 60% of spontaneous recovery to SE, although these data did not differ between the studied moments (M1 and M2, P&gt;0.05). Cows from the AC group presented an abrupt decrease in the % PMN-N found between the first and second endometrial cytology performed (12.1 ± 1.7 and 1.0 ± 0.2 % PMN, respectively; P&gt;0. 0001). In conclusion, our results showed no dependency between the moment of diagnosis and spontaneous recovery of subclinical endometritis in Holstein dairy cows.

METHOD OF EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH OF EVACUATION OF MIXED FLOWS OF PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT MOBILITY GROUPS

The article analyses the current state of research on the evacuation of a mixed flow of people with the presence of persons of different mobility groups (M1, M3, and M4) as part of mixed evacuation flows. A methodology project was developed, and experimental studies were conducted on the evacuation of a mixed flow of people with the presence of persons of different mobility groups to determine the parameters of their movement, including the density of the human flow, the time of following, the delay time at the door, and the average speed of the participants of the experiment, with the subsequent calculation of the evacuation time. The methodology provides for the simulation of various options for evacuating people during a fire in a separate part of the building. The article considers options for possible formations of human flows during evacuation when multiple M3 and M4 mobility groups are present, each with different percentage distributions. The obtained data were entered into the empirical database sorted into variational series based on increasing density. For each interval, the mathematical expectation was calculated, representing the arithmetic mean value for normal data distribution. The indicated results will make it possible to create empirical tabular data on the movement parameters of mixed evacuation flows. This data allows for the establishment of the dependence between the movement speed of the evacuation participants and the flow density. Addressing this scientific problem will facilitate the derivation of the dependence of the average value of the speed of the free movement of the flow of people (V0) and the density of the flow (D0), after reaching which an increase in density leads to a decrease in speed, on the quantitative composition of participants in the movement of mobility groups M1, M3, M4 and the coefficient of adaptation of the human flow to changes in its density during movement with different percentages of participants of mobility groups M1, M3, and M4. Keywords: low-mobility population groups, evacuation flow, evacuation, flow density, people with disabilities.

Comparison of intubating conditions in supine (sniffing) and 25° back-up position using channelled and non-channelled video laryngoscopes - A randomised controlled study.

The 25°back-up position is proposed to increase the efficacy of preoxygenation and provide better tracheal intubating conditions when using a direct laryngoscope. This study aimed to compare the ease of tracheal intubation between supine and 25° back-up positions when using two video laryngoscopes (VLS). One hundred adults with normal airways and belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classes I and II, requiring general anaesthesia, were randomised in groups K and M. The trachea was intubated using King Vision and McGrath VLS in either supine (groups K1 and M1) or 25° back-up (groups K2 and M2) positions. The 25° backup position was given by raising the operating table from the horizontal position by flexing the torso at the hips so that an imaginary line connected the patient's external auditory meatus to the sternal notch. Modified Intubation Difficulty Scale (mIDS) was the primary outcome, and intubation time, the number of intubation attempts, vital parameters, and complications were compared secondarily. Statistical analysis was done using MedCalc software by applying an independent t-test for parametric data and a Chi-square test for categorical data and finding the risk ratio. Mean (Standard deviation) mIDS was significantly reduced using both VLS in the 25° back-up position [0.92 (0.75) versus 0.48 (0.58), P = 0.025, degree of freedom (DF): 48, mean difference (95% confidence interval [CI]):-0.44 (-0.821 to - 0.059) in group K1 versus group K2 and 0.76 (0.59) versus 0.36 (0.48), P = 0.012, DF: 48, mean difference (95% CI): -0.40(-0.706 to - 0.094) in group M1 versus group M2, respectively]. The risk ratio comparing both the positions for the total number of patients requiring manoeuvres during intubation using both the VLS was 0.48 with P = 0.0004 and 95% CI = 0.305 - 0.765. Intubation time was shorter in the 25° backup position by using King Vision (P = 0.005) and McGrath (P = 0.042) VLS. The 25° backup position helps provide ease of intubation using both the channelled (King Vision) and non-channelled (McGrath) VLS.

Nipple necrosis rate with submuscular versus prepectoral implant-based reconstruction in nipple sparing mastectomy: Does it differ?

BackgroundThis study aims to compare the rate of nipple necrosis between the submuscular (SM) versus the prepectoral (PP) implant placement after immediate breast reconstruction (IBR). MethodsAn institutional review board-approved database was reviewed of patients who underwent nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) with IBR at our institution between 2016 and 2019. Patients who had SM versus PP IBR were compared. Incidence of nipple necrosis was evaluated between the two groups. ResultsA total of 525 NSM with IBR were performed in 320 patients with SM reconstruction in 61% (n ​= ​322) and PP in 39% (n ​= ​203) of the mastectomies. Overall, 43 nipples experienced some form of necrosis with 1% of mastectomies experiencing nipple loss. There was no difference between SM group and PP group at the rate of nipple necrosis (9 ​% vs 7 %, P ​= ​0.71). ConclusionIn patients undergoing NSM with IBR, the rate of nipple necrosis, nipple loss or complications did not differ between groups whether the implant was placed SM or PP, supporting the safety of this newer procedure.

PATZ1-Rearranged Tumors of the Central Nervous System: Characterization of a Pediatric Series of Seven Cases

PATZ1-rearranged sarcomas are well-recognized tumors as part of the family of round cell sarcoma with EWSR1-non-ETS fusions. Whether PATZ1-rearranged central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a distinct tumor type is debatable. We thoroughly characterized a pediatric series of PATZ1-rearranged CNS tumors by chromosome microarray analysis (CMA), DNA methylation analysis, gene expression profiling and, when frozen tissue is available, optical genome mapping (OGM). The series consisted of 7 cases (M:F=1.3:1, 1-17 years, median 12). On MRI, the tumors were supratentorial in close relation to the lateral ventricles (intraventricular or iuxtaventricular), preferentially located in the occipital lobe. Two major histologic groups were identified: one (4 cases) with an overall glial appearance, indicated as “neuroepithelial” (NET) by analogy with the corresponding methylation class (MC); the other (3 cases) with a predominant spindle cell sarcoma morphology, indicated as “sarcomatous” (SM). A single distinct methylation cluster encompassing both groups was identified by multidimensional scaling analysis. Despite the epigenetic homogeneity, unsupervised clustering analysis of gene expression profiles revealed 2 distinct transcriptional subgroups correlating with the histologic phenotypes. Interestingly, genes implicated in epithelial–mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix composition were enriched in the subgroup associated to the SM phenotype. The combined use of CMA and OGM enabled the identification of chromosome 22 chromothripsis in all cases suitable for the analyses, explaining the physical association of PATZ1 to EWSR1 or MN1. Six patients are currently disease-free (median follow-up 30 months, range 12-92). One patient of the SM group developed spinal metastases at 26 months from diagnosis and is currently receiving multimodal therapy (42 months). Our data suggest that PATZ1-CNS tumors are defined by chromosome 22 chromothripsis as causative of PATZ1 fusion, show peculiar MRI features (eg, relation to lateral ventricles, supratentorial frequently posterior site), and, although epigenetically homogenous, encompass 2 distinct histologic and transcriptional subgroups.

Mastectomies for breast cancer: Comparison between peri-operative morbidity after simple mastectomy or after immediate breast reconstruction in a unicentric serie of 210 patients

BackgroundIn breast cancer surgery, IBR (immediate breast reconstruction) is widely proposed to patients without indications of adjuvant treatments and without risk factors of surgical complications. New INCa's guidelines (2022) allow the expansion of IBR indications. ObjectiveA retrospective, unicentric and safety study: post-operative complication rate after IBR in comparison with simple mastectomy (SM, reference treatment). Materiel and methodThis retrospective study has included all major patients who have received mastectomy for breast cancer between 2016 and 2020 before application of new guidelines, in Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon (France). They were distributed in two groups according to their surgery : IBR and SM. Usual risk factors of post-operative complications were collected (tabacco, obesity…). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of an early post-operative complication (within 3 months after surgery). Two secondary analysis focused on the impact of preoperative risk factors on complications, and the proportion of patients eligibled for an IBR among SM based on new INCA's guidelines. ResultsThe study included 185 mastectomies: 153 SM, 32 mastectomies IBR. IBR's patients presented less risk factors, and few indications of adjuvant treatments. The rate of major complications was identical in the two groups (14 % in SM group, 12 % in IBR group), and there were more minor complications in the SM group than in the IBR group (p 0,01). According to our study, the raw proportion of initially possible IBR was 68 % (36 % of breast reconstruction in this study). ConclusionThis analyse approve IBR in selected patients. In this context, INCa's guidelines (2022) can generalize IBR's proposal to patients. However, the analysis of pre-operative risk factors stay essential in medical care.

It's about more than just talking; Exploring computer-mediated communication in adolescents with selective mutism

IntroductionSelective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder categorized by a persistent failure to speak in specific situations. In an attempt to facilitate interaction with individuals with SM, other forms of communication (e.g. computer-mediated communication; CMC) are often tried. However, CMC is understudied in individuals with SM, while, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of CMC for education and social purposes only increased. MethodsIn this study, we explored CMC in 79 adolescents with either selective mutism (n = 34), or typical development (n = 45). All participants completed a survey concerning verbal and written CMC in three contexts (friends, family, and school). ResultsResults showed that adolescents with SM used not only verbal but also written CMC less frequently than the comparison group across contexts. While the comparison group preferred Face-to-Face communication over CMC, adolescents with SM were divided, especially in the school context. With family and friends, the majority of the SM group preferred Face-to-Face communication, even though this provoked more feelings of tension than CMC for part of the group. ConclusionThese findings support anecdotal reports that SM affects not only speech but extends to other communicative venues and includes written communication in many situations. This underlines the importance of addressing not just speaking behavior but also writing and CMC in the diagnostic evaluation and treatment plans for adolescents with SM.

Renoprotective Potency of Sitagliptin versus Pioglitazone in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Impact on LncMIAT.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents one of the most important reasons for chronic kidney diseases due to the high level of blood glucose that destructs blood vessels. Objective: The present study focused on investigating the protective impact of sitagliptin on kidney complication in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in comparison to pioglitazone to examine which has the superior effect against the nephritic complication of DM. Methods: Eighty adult subjects were classified into four groups: control group, pioglitazone-treated T2DM patients (P group), sitagliptin-treated T2DM patients for less than one year (SL group), and sitagliptin-treated T2DM patients for more than one year (SM group). Blood samples were withdrawn from all subjects for analysis of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), vanin-1, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), glyoxalase-1 (Glo-1), methylglyoxal (MG), cystatin-C, and interleukin-18 (IL-18) using competitive ELISA kits. Also, long noncoding myocardial infarction associated transcript (lncMIAT) was measured in whole blood using qRT-PCR. Results: The present study revealed that the lncMIAT expression level was significantly higher in the P group as compared to the SL group, SM group, or healthy control group. Additionally, serum NGAL, vanin-1, KIM-1, Glo-1, MG, and cystatin-C were significantly higher in the P group and SL group as compared to the SM group and healthy control group. Conclusion: Sitagliptin protected the kidney through downregulation of lncMIAT besides amelioration of kidney injury marker levels, which was more preferable than in pioglitazone therapy.

Effect of using a small baseplate on the radiological and clinical outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in Asian patients.

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) using small and standard baseplates in Asian patients, and to investigate the impact of a mismatch in the sizes of the glenoid and the baseplate on the outcomes. This was retrospective analysis of 50 and 33 RSAs using a standard (33.8 mm, ST group) and a small (29.5 mm, SM group) baseplate of the Equinoxe reverse shoulder system, which were undertaken between January 2017 and March 2021. Radiological evaluations included the size of the glenoid, the β-angle, the inclination of the glenoid component, inferior overhang, scapular notching, the location of the central cage in the baseplate within the vault and the mismatch in size between the glenoid and baseplate. Clinical evaluations included the range of motion (ROM) and functional scores. In subgroup analysis, comparisons were performed between those in whom the vault of the glenoid was perforated (VP group) and those in whom it was not perforated (VNP group). Perforation of the vault of the glenoid (p = 0.018) and size mismatch in height (p < 0.001) and width (p = 0.013) were significantly more frequent in the ST group than in the SM group. There was no significant difference in the clinical scores and ROM in the two groups, two years postoperatively (all p > 0.05). In subgroup analysis, the VP group had significantly less inferior overhang (p = 0.009), more scapular notching (p = 0.018), and more size mismatch in height (p < 0.001) and width (p = 0.025) than the VNP group. In Asian patients with a small glenoid, using a 29.5 mm small baseplate at the time of RSA was more effective in reducing size mismatch between the glenoid and the baseplate, decreasing the incidence of perforation of the glenoid vault, and achieving optimal positioning of the baseplate compared with the use of a 33.8 mm standard baseplate. However, longer follow-up is required to assess the impact of these findings on the clinical outcomes.

Intestinal fat absorption shifting by polyglucosamine biopolymer: control of lipids and reduction of progression of early subclinical atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis progression is possible in subjects with limited alteration of body weight, lipid profile, and oxidative stress. The ultrasound carotid thickness (IMT) and arterial wall modification (granulation and bubbles) are evident signs of the disease. Intestinal fats absorption shifting (IFAS) is expected to prevent or reduce the arterial damage. The aim of the registry was to evaluate the effects of a mild diet in association with lifestyle modifications (standard management [SM]) and SM+ a polyglucosamine biopolymer (BP) shifting the intestinal absorption of dietary fats. The present is a two-year registry comparing two groups of otherwise healthy subjects, respectively 150 (SM) and 144 (SM+BP). BP was administered at the dosage of 3g/day. IMT and relative arterial damages were measured together with lipid profile, oxidative stress, anthropometric and vital measures. The two groups at the baseline were comparable for all variables: 8 cases of drop out were found limited to SM. Compliance with BP was optimal (>97%) and no side effect were observed. IMT showed a significant decrease in thickness (P<0.05) using BP+SM, while increased in SM group. Intimal granulations and lipid wall bubbles were also significantly decreased with BP in comparison to SM only (P<0.05). BMI significantly decreased with BP (P<0.05) as well as BW, fat mass, lipid profile and oxidative stress in comparison to SM only. A positive variation in blood pressure and heart rate (P<0.05) was also observed. BP allows IFAS to improve early subclinical arterial lesions that tend to progress to plaques and clinical events. The long-term and safe treatment of BP is effective on IMT, lipids, BW, and early lesions of the arterial wall structure in subjects with subclinical conditions. BP also reduces oxidative stress which contributes to lipid oxidation and deposition into the arterial wall layer in areas of high dynamic stress (arterial bifurcations).

Investigating the Role of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes as Predictors of Lymph Node Metastasis in Deep Submucosal Invasive Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

The role of tumor-infiltrating T cells (TILs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and their significance in early-stage CRC remain unknown. We investigated the role of TILs in early-stage CRC, particularly in deep submucosal invasive (T1b) CRC. Sixty patients with CRC (20 each with intramucosal [IM group], submucosal invasive [SM group], and advanced cancer [AD group]) were randomly selected. We examined changes in TILs with tumor invasion and the relationship between TILs and LN metastasis risk. Eighty-four patients with T1b CRC who underwent initial surgical resection with LN dissection or additional surgical resection with LN dissection after endoscopic resection were then selected. TIL phenotype and number were evaluated using triple immunofluorescence for CD4, CD8, and Foxp3. All subtypes were more numerous according to the degree of CRC invasion and more abundant at the invasive front of the tumor (IF) than in the center of the tumor (CT) in the SM and AD groups. The increased Foxp3 cells at the IF and high ratios of Foxp3/CD4 and Foxp3/CD8 positively correlated with LN metastasis. In conclusion, tumor invasion positively correlated with the number of TILs in CRC. The number and ratio of Foxp3 cells at the IF may predict LN metastasis in T1b CRC.

Biomechanical comparisons of plate placement for medial tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker type IV): A biomechanical study using porcine tibias

IntroductionBiomechanical studies on medial tibial plateau fractures (MTPFs) (Schatzker classification type IV) are currently few, while studies using locking plates (LPs) placed on medial proximal tibias are unavailable. Hence, we compared the biomechanical properties of plate osteosynthesis at the medial and anteromedial placements using large- and small-fragment LPs in porcine bones. Materials and MethodsMTPFs were internally fixed using LPs on 40 porcine tibias. Specimens were equally divided into four groups: medial placement using a large-fragment LP (LPs for the medial (LM) group), anteromedial placement using a large-fragment LP (LAM group), medial placement using a small-fragment LP (SM group), and anteromedial placement using a small-fragment LP (SAM group). The translation patterns of the constructs in each group were examined by cycling loading test (displacement and translation along the mechanical axis at 10–100, 100–500, 500–1000, 1000–1500, and 1500–2000 cycles). Then, articular gaps and step-off changes after 2000 cycles were compared among the four groups. ResultsOne-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences in displacement and translation during cyclic loading. One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc analysis revealed that the anterior gap was lower in LPs for the medial (LM) than in SM (P = 0.029) and SAM (P = 0.0026). The central gap was also lower in LM than in SM (P = 0.042) and SAM (P < 0.001), and it was lower in LAM than in SAM (P = 0.047). Likewise, the posterior gap was lower in LM than in LAM (P = 0.025) and SAM (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the central step-off of SAM was higher than that of LM, LAM, and SM (P < 0.001, P = 0.0014, and P = 0.0077, respectively). The posterior step-off was lower in LM than in SAM and LAM (P = 0.037 and P < 0.001), and it was also lower in SM than in SAM (P = 0.0082). ConclusionMedial LP placement for MTPFs in porcine bones resulted in significantly lower posterior step-offs after cyclic loading than anteromedial placement, and large-fragment LPs for MTPFs caused significantly lower fracture gaps in the central articular after cyclic loading than small-fragment LPs.

Plasma profile of Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins during Postpartum period in Konya Merino ewes lambing single and twin

This study investigated the plasma profile of Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) after lambing in Konya Merino ewes using specific cattle pregnancy test kit. A total of 16 Konya Merino ewes were used as a material. Four groups were set up, ewes birthing a male lamb (SM group, n=4), a female lamb (SF group, n=4), twin male lambs (TM group, n=4) or twin female lambs (TF group, n=4). Blood plasma samples were taken on days 0 (lambing day), 3, 7, 10, 14 and then weekly until day 35. All samples were analysed using a bovine pregnancy test kit to detect of PAGs level. It was determined that there was a strong negative correlation between PAGs levels in peripheral blood and days after lambing (r2=0.969; P&lt;0.01). However, no relationship was found between PAGs level and lamb gender or birth type. In conclusion, plasma PAGs level decreases rapidly in Konya Merino ewes regardless of lamb gender and birth type. Moreover, the results showed that the plasma profile of PAGs after lambing in Konya Merino ewes can be monitored with a bovine commercial ELISA–based pregnancy test kit, and the test results can be used in decisions and assessments based on the levels of PAG molecules.

Effect of Implant Macro-Design and Magnetodynamic Surgical Preparation on Primary Implant Stability: An In Vitro Investigation.

Macro-geometry and surgical implant site preparation are two of the main factors influencing implant stability and potentially determining loading protocol. The purpose of this study was to assess the initial stability of various implant macro-designs using both magnetodynamic and traditional osteotomy techniques in low-density bone. The parameters examined included peak insertion torque (PIT), implant stability quotient (ISQ), and peak removal torque (PRT). Four groups of 34 implants each were identified in accordance with the surgery and implant shape: T5 group (Five implant and osteotomy using drills); M5 group (Five implant and magnetodynamic osteotomy using Magnetic Mallet); TT group (TiSmart implant and osteotomy with drills); and MT group (TiSmart implant and magnetodynamic osteotomy). Every implant was placed into a low-density bone animal model and scanned using CBCT. The PIT and PRT were digitally measured in Newton-centimeters (Ncm) using a torque gauge device. The ISQ was analyzed by conducting resonance frequency analysis. The PIT values were 25.04 ± 4.4 Ncm for T5, 30.62 ± 3.81 Ncm for M5, 30 ± 3.74 Ncm for TT, and 32.05 ± 3.55 Ncm for MT. The average ISQ values were 68.11 ± 3.86 for T5, 71.41 ± 3.69 for M5, 70.88 ± 3.08 for TT, and 73 ± 3.5 for MT. The PRT values were 16.47 ± 4.56 Ncm for T5, 26.02 ± 4.03 Ncm for M5, 23.91 ± 3.28 Ncm for TT, and 26.93 ± 3.96 Ncm for MT. Based on our data analysis using a t-test with α = 0.05, significant differences in PIT were observed between TT and T5 (p < 0.0001), M5 and T5 (p < 0.0001), and MT and TT (p = 0.02). Significant differences in the ISQ were found between TT and T5 (p = 0.001), M5 and T5 (p < 0.001), and MT and TT (p = 0.01). The PRT also exhibited significant differences between TT and T5, M5 and T5, and MT and TT (p < 0.0001). Our data showed favorable primary implant stability (PS) values for both implant macro-geometries. Furthermore, the magnetodynamic preparation technique appears to be more effective in achieving higher PS values in low-density bone.