Treatment Groups Research Articles

An Empirical Study on the Learning Outcomes of Vocational Students in A Smart Classroom

Background and Aim: Smart Classrooms, as a form of rich-media learning environments, were increasingly being implemented and utilized. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Smart Classrooms on learning outcomes by examining 133 first-year vocational students from a vocational college in Yunnan Province, China. The research focused on an applied writing course and compared Cognitive, Behavioral, and Affective learning outcomes between the SEEWO Smart Classroom and traditional classrooms. Materials and Methods: In this study, 133 current vocational students participated. The participants were divided into two groups: a control group and a treatment group. The control group was taught in a traditional classroom while the treatment group was taught in a Seewo Smart Classroom. After a 10-week applied writing course, the course was evaluated using the course evaluation scale that had been used in the college for many years. This evaluation explored cognitive learning outcomes, behavioral learning outcomes, and affective learning outcomes in terms of final grades, classroom behavioral performance, and student course scoring. Results: Students in Smart Classrooms showed significant improvement in final exam scores, enhancing Cognitive learning outcomes. Behavioral outcomes, including participation and attendance, also increased. Student feedback favored Smart Classrooms over traditional settings, with no significant impacts from gender, age, or admission methods observed. Conclusion: Smart Classrooms notably enhanced Cognitive and Behavioral learning outcomes, indicating improved student performance and engagement. Positive student feedback underscores their potential to enhance educational experiences and outcomes compared to traditional classrooms.

TMOD-23. LENTIVIRAL-INDUCED BRAIN GLIOMAS IN RAT MODEL

Abstract High-grade gliomas are the most common type of malignant intracranial tumor with dismal five-year prognostic outcomes despite developments in chemoradiotherapy and surgical intervention. Distinct oncogenes associated with tumorigenesis and progression have been identified, providing targets for potential therapeutic interventions and modeling efforts. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of vectors targeting EGFR and PTEN, individually and in combination to produce high-grade brain gliomas. Four groups of rats underwent intracranial stereotaxic injection of lentiviral vector into the forceps minor of the corpus callosum. All animals were weighed and monitored for behavioral deficits three times per week for 90 days. Upon signs of clinical morbidity or at 90 days post-inoculation, tissues were harvested and analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining. Rats injected with the combination of the EGFR and the sh-PTEN vectors exhibited declines in weight, survival, and motor function compared to the control. The combination of the EGFR and sh-PTEN vectors was the only condition to induce tumorigenesis with histopathological confirmation of high-grade identity as confirmed by immunohistochemistry showing the most positivity for GFAP and SOX2 compared to the control. Significant increases in Ki-67 characterized combination tumors as highly proliferative. Increased oxidative stress and angiogenesis were supported by significant increases in 4HNE, SMA, and HIF-1α in the tumors compared to other treatment groups. Thus, the present model of high-grade rat brain glioma provides a potential model to assess pathogenic pathways and evaluate therapeutic strategies.

Hatchery performance of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei in Biofloc technology by using different carbon sources

The present study assessed the hatchery performance of Penaeus vannamei between the mysis 1 and postlarva 10 stages, in a zero-exchange biofloc system under three treatments with different carbon sources, fructose, lactose, and dextrose, in a 15:1 fixed C:N ratio with a stocking density of 100 L−1 along with control treatment. The study used a stocking density of 100 L−1. Water quality and survival performance were compared among treatments. The results revealed that adequate water quality parameters were more appropriate for production in the BFT treatment than in the control, and analysis of variance revealed that there were significant differences between treatment groups for NO2−N, NO3−N, and alkalinity (P < 0.05). Survival was significantly greater in the BFT treatment group than in the control group. Dextrose exhibited the highest survival rate for PL1 at 93%, followed by fructose at 88.67% and lactose at 86.33%, while the control group had the lowest survival rate at 79.33% (P > 0.05). For PL5 and PL10, the survival rates were 90.67%, 85.67%, 78.33%, and 66.67% (P < 0.05) for dextrose, fructose, lactose, and the control, respectively. The study concluded that dextrose is the most effective carbon source for maintaining the hatchery system.

CTIM-34. EFFECTS OF NEOADJUVANT IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITION ON PEDIATRIC AND ADULT HIGH-GRADE GLIOMAS

Abstract High-grade gliomas (HGG) are lethal tumors with few long-term survivors affecting adult and pediatric patients. Studies investigating immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) suggest administration of neoadjuvant anti-PD1 blockade (neo-aPD1) enhances local and systemic anti-tumor responses. This data is supported by increased T cell density in the tumor and proportion of cytotoxic T cells in peripheral blood. In a previous randomized clinical trial, neo-aPD1 improved survival in adult with recurrent glioblastoma. In this study, we utilized multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF), and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to investigate the effects of neoadjuvant ICI on the TME and compare between pediatric and adult populations. Tissue samples from adult patients with recurrent GBM treated with neo-aPD1 (n=22) or adjuvant only therapy (n=5) were obtained from our UCLA off-label neo-PD1 study. Tissue samples were also obtained from pediatric patients with recurrent/progressive HGG treated with neoadjuvant ICI from the ongoing Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium study PNOC19. Samples included diagnostic tissue from two patients and on study surgery tissue from four patients. All tissue samples were subjected to mIF and underwent imaging analysis to assess immune cell infiltration by quantifying lymphoid and myeloid cell densities across the two treatment groups. Our preliminary findings elucidated a trend of higher T cell infiltration in adult neoadjuvant compared to adjuvant-only treated patients (median density 58.11 vs 15.15 T-cells/mm2). Compared to their adult counterparts, neoadjuvant ICI treated pediatric patients had even more robust total T cell infiltration (median density 268.10 vs 58.11 T-cell/mm2, pediatric vs adult respectively). scRNA-seq analysis revealed a greater enrichment of monocytic macrophages in the pediatric population compared to tissue resident microglia in the adults. This early data requires analysis of additional samples to better understand differences in the anti-tumor immune response between adult and pediatric recurrent/progressive HGG patients.

DDDR-25. IBUDILAST AND ANTI-PD-L1 COMBINATION TREATMENT SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVES SURVIVAL IN A SEX-DEPENDENT MANNER IN A MURINE MODEL OF GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract INTRODUCTION Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor, and there remains a significant need for new treatments. Previous trials studying immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) as single agents have been negative. Ibudilast is a brain penetrant inhibitor of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-CD74 interaction that sensitizes GBM to temozolomide in vitro and alters myeloid-derived suppressor cells in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ibudilast increases ICI efficacy in a murine model of GBM. METHODS 6-week-old male and female C57BL/6 mice were implanted with SB28 cells intracranially. One week after implantation, each group was randomized to receive intraperitoneal treatment with either: ibudilast (50 mg/kg), anti-PD-L1 (1mg/kg), combination, or vehicle control. Mice were euthanized at neurological endpoint. Survival was modeled with Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS Among females, there was a significant difference in survival among treatment groups (p=0.0002). Specifically, combination treatment led to significantly longer survival compared to ibudilast (p=0.004) and control (p=0.03), but not anti-PD-L1 (p=0.12). Among males, there was no significant difference in survival among groups (p=0.40). Males had significantly shorter median survival compared to females (overall: 18 versus 22 days, combination treatment: 20 days versus 32 days, anti-PD-L1: 14 versus 22 days, ibudilast: 17 versus 17 days, control: 18 versus 22 days, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Ibudilast with anti-PD-L1 is a promising combination treatment against GBM. Future research is needed to identify the mechanisms underlying this treatment regimen and its sex-dependent effect. These results may inform the development of a combination new clinical trial, as ibudilast is currently being evaluated in the newly-diagnosed and recurrent GBM setting with temozolomide.

Cecal Microbial Diversity and Metabolome Reveal a Reduction in Growth Due to Oxidative Stress Caused by a Low-Energy Diet in Donkeys

Dietary energy level plays an important role in animal growth and development. The present study investigated the effect of dietary energy on the growth performance, antioxidative state, and nutrient digestion of meat donkeys. It simultaneously explored the probable reason for cecal microbiota and metabolome. Twelve meat donkeys (male) aged 1 year with a similar weight (150 ± 25 kg) were divided into two treatment groups: low-energy group (E1) and high-energy group (E2). The experiment was divided into a 10-day pre-trial period and a 135-day trial period. Donkeys in the trial periods were fed diets with digestible energy values (in dry matter) of 12.08 and 13.38 MJ/kg (pre-fattening, 1–45 d), 13.01 and 14.07 MJ/kg (mid-fattening, 46–90 d), and 13.54 and 14.93 MJ/kg (late-fattening, 91–135 d). The results show that E1 decreases body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and the digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber (p &lt; 0.05), but increases cecal acetate and butyrate concentrations, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) in serum, and the ratio of dry matter intake to ADG(F/G). E1 diminished the activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase, while it increased the content of interleukin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p &lt; 0.05). Cecal microbiome showed that the abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria in E1 was significantly lower than in E2 (p = 0.029, p = 0.002), whereas Bacteroidetes was higher (p = 0.005). E1 increased the genera Ruminococcaceae-UCG-004, Acinetobacter, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. Meanwhile, cecal metabolome showed that formyl-5-hydroxykynurenamine, chorismate, 3-sulfinoalanine, and 3-isopropylmalate were upregulated in E1, while brassinolide was downregulated. The altered metabolites were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways related to energy metabolism and metabolism to mitigate oxidative stress in the meat donkeys, such as tryptophan metabolism, brassinosteroid biosynthesis metabolism, etc. In conclusion, low-energy diets resulted in a negative energy balance in meat donkeys, resulting in more nutrients being oxidized to provide energy, inducing oxidative stress, and thereby leading to decreasing growth. The reduction in meat donkey growth from low-energy diets was related to changes in cecum microbiota and metabolites.

Enhanced Vasoconstriction in Sickle Cell Disease is Dependent on ETA Receptor Activation

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) carries a significant risk for poor vascular health and vascular dysfunction. High levels of vascular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as elevated plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor with actions via the ETA receptor, are both common phenotypes in SCD. Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor activation is a major mediator of stress-induced vasoconstriction. However, the mechanism of the SCD enhanced vasoconstrictive response is unknown. We hypothesized that SCD induces enhanced alpha-1 adrenergic mediated vasoconstriction through the ET-1/ETA receptor pathway in arterial tissues. Utilizing humanized SCD (HbSS) and genetic control (HbAA) mice, alpha-1a, but not alpha-1b or alpha-1d, receptor expression was significantly greater in aortic tissue from HbSS mice compared to HbAA mice. Significantly enhanced vasoconstriction in aortic and carotid arterial segments were observed from HbSS mice compared to HbAA mice. Treatment with ambrisentan, a selective ETA receptor antagonist, and a ROS scavenger normalized the aortic vasoconstrictive response in HbSS mice. In a randomized translational study, patients with SCD were treated with placebo or ambrisentan for 3 months, with the treatment group showing an increase in the percent brachial arterial diameter. Taken together, these data suggest that the ETA receptor pathway interaction with the adrenergic receptor pathway contributes to enhanced aortic vasoconstriction in SCD. Findings indicate the potential of ETA antagonism as a therapeutic avenue for improving vascular health in SCD.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Auditory Verbal Hallucinations in Schizophrenia

ImportanceAuditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are a common symptom of schizophrenia, increasing the patient’s risks of suicide and violence. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a potential treatment for AVH.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of imaging-navigated rTMS on AVH in patients with schizophrenia.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis 6-week, double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial was performed at the Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China, from September 1, 2016, to August 31, 2021. Participants included 66 patients with AVH and schizophrenia. Data were analyzed from May 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023.InterventionsParticipants were randomly assigned 1:1 to either imaging-navigated active or sham rTMS over the left temporoparietal junction for 2 weeks.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome measured improvements in AVH from baseline to week 2 and week 6 using the Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS) scores. In addition, the TMS-induced electric field strength was used to estimate improvements in AVH as a secondary outcome.ResultsA total of 62 participants (33 women [53%]; mean [SD] age, 27.4 [9.2] years) completed the 2-week treatments. Of these, 32 were randomized to the active rTMS group (18 women [56%]; mean [SD] age, 26.9 [9.2] years) and 30 to the sham treatment group (15 women [50%]; mean [SD] age, 27.8 [9.4] years). In the intention-to-treat analyses, patients receiving active rTMS showed a significantly greater reduction in AHRS scores compared with those receiving sham treatment at week 2 (difference, 5.96 [95% CI, 3.42-8.50]; t = 4.61; P &amp;amp;lt; .001; Cohen d, 1.17 [95% CI, 0.62-1.71]). These clinical effects were sustained at week 6. Additionally, a stronger TMS-induced electric field within a predefined AVH brain network was associated with greater reductions in AHRS scores (B = 3.12; t = 3.58; P = .002). No serious adverse event was observed.Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this randomized clinical trial suggest that imaging-navigated rTMS may effectively and safely alleviate AVH in patients with schizophrenia. Findings also suggest that the electric field strength in the individualized AVH network is a vital parameter for optimizing the efficacy of the rTMS protocol.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02863094

Longer-term safety and efficacy of baricitinib for atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients 2 to

Background Baricitinib, an oral selective Janus kinase inhibitor, improved clinical signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) at week 16 in the phase 3 pediatric study BREEZE-AD-PEDS. Objective To assess longer-term efficacy and safety of baricitinib in pediatric patients aged 2 to <18 years. Methods In BREEZE-AD-PEDS long-term extension, responders and partial responders (validated Investigator Global Assessment-Atopic Dermatitis [vIGA-AD®] 0/1/2) at Week 16 remained on double-blind treatment to which they were randomized (placebo, baricitinib [1-mg equivalent, 2-mg equivalent, or 4-mg equivalent); non-responders (vIGA-AD 3 or 4) at Week 16 transitioned to open-label baricitinib 4-mg equivalent. Safety was summarized for all randomized patients who received ≥1 dose of study treatment. Results In total 467 patients received baricitinib for 750.7 patient-years. Proportion of responders/partial responders (at Week 16) who achieved vIGA-AD 0/1 at Week 52 was greater for baricitinib 4-mg equivalent (56.8%) versus all other treatment groups (42.2%, 47.7%, and 39.7% for 2-mg equivalent, 1-mg equivalent, and placebo, respectively). Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild/moderate in severity. No deaths, pulmonary emboli, deep vein thromboses or arterial thrombotic events, major adverse cardiovascular events, malignancies, tuberculosis events, or gastrointestinal perforations were reported. Conclusions Baricitinib demonstrated sustained long-term efficacy. No new safety signals were identified. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03952559

Effect of Supplementation of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) on Growth Performance of Broiler in Konkan Region, India

The experimental trial of six weeks was conducted on 200 broiler chicks. They were randomly distributed into five experimental treatment groups. Each treatment group was replicated into four with 10 birds per replication. The control (T1) group was fed standard ration and T2, T3, T4 and T5 group were provided same standard ration supplemented with 1.00 g, 2.00 g, 3.00 g and 4.00 g spirulina powder, respectively. The result of experimental trial showed that supplementation of spirulina powder was significantly highest live body weight in treatment T5 (1944.50 g/bird) as well as average live body weight gain (277.79 g/bird). It is concluded that, 4.00 g of spirulina powder significantly improved growth performance of broiler chicks than other treatments groups.

An evaluation of 30 years’ experience in the use of botulinum toxin injections in the management of sixth nerve palsies

ABSTRACT Intrroduction Sixth nerve palsy is the most common type of extraocular muscle palsy. The therapy options in sixth nerve palsies include monitoring with or without conservative treatment, botulinum toxin injections or strabismus surgery. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare botulinum toxin (BT) injections into the medial rectus to conservative treatment in sixth nerve palsies. The rate of patients improved after intervention and treatment outcomes for the two treatment options were be evaluated at a German tertiary referral center. Methods A service evaluation was conducted on adult patients with sixth nerve palsy. Patient files were reviewed and data including abduction deficit and size of deviation were collected retrospectively. Patients which presented between January 1987 and April 2022 were considered. Patients were allocated into two treatment groups: BT injected into medial rectus or conservative treatment, which included observation, providing occlusion and Fresnel prisms. Inclusion criteria were attendance of two visits with orthoptic assessment. Exclusion criteria included presence of further oculomotor palsies, strabismus, strabismus surgery and suppression. Non-parametric statistical analysis was conducted using IBM® SPSS Statistics. Results A total of 606 adult patients with unilateral or bilateral sixth nerve palsy attended during the named period. A total of 137 adult patients met the inclusion criteria. Of which, 36 had a bilateral palsy, 101 had a unilateral palsy. 45.26% (n = 62) were treated with BT injections and 54.75% (n = 75) were treated conservatively. The median initial abduction deficit was greater in the BT group, (−4 to −5 after Scott and Kraft) than in the conservative treatment group (−1). The initial angle of deviation at distance was significantly larger in the BT group than in the conservative treatment group (p = <0.001). The rate of improvement in the BT group was 24.19% (n = 15) and 20% (n = 15) in the conservative treatment group. When excluding longstanding palsies rates of improvement in both groups increased to 28.85%. The improvement of the angle of deviation at distance in all patients was greater in the BT group (p = <.001). The improvement of abduction in bilateral palsies were greater in the BT group (p = .016), but in unilateral palsies, there was no significant difference in abduction improvement in the two treatment groups (OD p = .3, OS p = .406). Conclusion This service evaluation found that BT injection into medial rectus in unilateral and bilateral sixth nerve palsies did not increase the rate of improvement compared to conservative treatment. But BT injections reduced the angle of deviation to a greater extent than conservative treatment. Additionally, BT was able to improve abduction in bilateral palsies to a greater extent than conservative treatment. It is recommended a BT injection is considered in symptomatic bilateral sixth nerve palsies to enable fixation and improved ocular motility. More research is needed to verify reliable clinical guidelines for the use of BT in sixth nerve palsies.

Inhibition of Orthodontic Relapse by Local Application of Simvastatin‐Loaded Gelatin Hydrogel in a Rabbit Model

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study aims to determine the effect of gelatin–simvastatin hydrogel application on bone remodelling during relapse.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐four rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were divided into a control group (n = 12) and a treatment group (n = 12). The lower incisors were subjected to orthodontic force and moved distally by an open coil spring. The force (50 cN) was extended for 1 week and retained in a new position for 2 weeks (stabilisation period). The treatment group received a local gelatin–simvastatin hydrogel administration during stabilisation, and the control group received only gelatin hydrogel. The springs were debonded after the stabilisation phase from both groups to facilitate a relapse. The percentage of relapse was measured in a model study using digital callipers. Levels of OPG and RANKL were analysed using ELISA.ResultsThe local application of gelatin–simvastatin hydrogel in the treatment group significantly decreases the relapse percentage and RANKL level. Additionally, the gelatin–simvastatin hydrogel significantly increases the level of OPG and ratio of OPG/RANKL.ConclusionsApplying gelatin–simvastatin hydrogel in the retention period can induce bone formation, inhibit orthodontic relapse and increase tooth stability (in vivo).

Effectiveness of Mango Gedong Gincu Peel Extract Gel (&lt;i&gt;Mangifera indica&lt;/i&gt; L.) on Cut Wounds in Male Wistar White Rats (&lt;i&gt;Rattus norvegicus&lt;/i&gt;)

Background: A wound is an injury to a part of the body where the skin and the underlying tissue lose continuity. The wound healing is a complex process consisting inflammatory phase, proliferation phase, and maturation phase. Open wounds often occur in everyday life and if left behind and untreated can potentially lead to bacterial infection. Mango gedong gincu peel extract (Mangifera indica L.) contains flavonoids, tannins, phenols, triterpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, and saponins which have roles in wound healing. Aims: To analyses the effectiveness of mango gedong gincu peel extract gel (Mangifera indica L.) against the healing of cut wounds in male wistar white rats (Rattus norvegicus). Methods: The study was an experimental study with a post-test only control group design using 25 male wistar white rat as the subject and was carried out in the FK UGJ Research Laboratory. The study used five groups : negative control group, positive control group, and treatment group using mango gedong gincu peel extract gel (Mangifera indica L.) with concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%. Results: The results of the study revealed that mango (Mangifera indica L.) gedong gincu peel is a source of various phytochemical such as flavonoids, tannins, phenols, triterpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, and saponins. This study showed that the 5% and 10% concentration treatment groups had the same average length measurement wound of 0.86 cm. The fastest observation of erythema was the 5% concentration group with a healing rate of 8 days, in the observation of edema the 10% concentration group was the fastest of 6 days, and the observation long of healing time was 5% and 10% concentration had the same rate of 11 days. Conclusion: Mango gedong gincu peel extract gel (Mangifera indica L.) was effective against wound healing with optimum concentrations of 5% and 10% which gives the best healing effect against wounds in male wistar white rats (Rattus norvegicus). Received: 25 September 2024 | Reviewed: 22 October 2024 | Revised: 05 November 2024 | Accepted: 09 November 2024.

Responses in organs, sperm, steroid hormones and CYP450 enzyme in male mice treated by quinestrol only or in conjunction with clarithromycin

Pest rodents persistently undermine crop yields and food security. Fertility control could be a viable alternative for managing rodent populations. This study investigates the antifertility effects of various concentrations of clarithromycin combined with 1.0 mg/kg quinestrol on male rodents to determine an effective contraceptive dose that minimizes quinestrol usage, addressing key concerns such as potential environmental residue, which may impact ecological balance, and poor palatability, which could reduce ingestion and limit the sterilant’s effectiveness. Male mice were divided into five groups and administered different doses of clarithromycin or clarithromycin and quinestrol for three consecutive days, while the control group received sunflower seed oil only. After seven days, organ weights, reproductive organ weights, sperm density, serum hormone levels, and CYP3A4 content in small intestinal and liver tissues were measured to assess persistent effects. Compared with the control group, all treatment groups had significant reductions in epididymal weight, seminal vesicle weight, and serum T and LH levels. Higher concentrations of clarithromycin (2 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) significantly impacted reproductive metrics, including sperm density, organ weights, and serum LH and testosterone levels, though complete sterilization was not achieved, with more than 60 million cauda epididymal spermatozoa remaining. However, the combination demonstrated potential as an effective strategy for male fertility control. The combination of 2.0 mg/kg clarithromycin and quinestrol can mitigate organ enlargement seen with quinestrol alone. This combination also decreased total enzyme content, thereby diminishing quinestrol’s induction of CYP3A4, which may increase the sterilization effectiveness of the treatment.

Protective effects of a lactobacilli mixture against Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology triggered by Porphyromonas gingivalis

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is one of the pathogens involved in gingival inflammation, which may trigger neuroinflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to investigate the protective (preventive and treatment) effects of a lactobacilli mixture combining Lactobacillus reuteri PTCC1655, Lactobacillus brevis CD0817, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus PTCC1637, and Lactobacillus plantarum PTCC1058 against P. gingivalis-induced gingival inflammation and AD-like pathology in rats. These probiotic strains exhibited cognitive enhancement effects, but this study proposed to assess their activity in a mixture. To propose a probable mechanism for P. gingivalis cognitive impairments, the TEs balance were analyzed in hippocampus and cortex tissues. Animals were divided into five groups: the control, lactobacilli, P. gingivalis, lactobacilli + P. gingivalis (prevention), and P. gingivalis + lactobacilli group (treatment) groups. The behavioral and histopathological changes were compared among them. Finally, The Trace elements (TEs) levels in the hippocampus and cortex tissues were analyzed. The palatal tissue sections of the P. gingivalis infected rats showed moderate inflammation with dense infiltration of inflammatory cells, a limited area of tissue edema, and vascular congestion. Additionally, passive avoidance learning and spatial memory were impaired. Histopathological tests revealed the presence of Aβ-positive cells in the P. gingivalis group. While the Aβ-positive cells decreased in the treatment group, their formation was inhibited in the preventive group. Administration of a mixture of lactobacilli (orally) effectively mitigated the gingival inflammation, Aβ production, and improved learning and memory functions. Moreover, Zn, Cu, and Mn levels in the hippocampus were dramatically elevated by P. gingivalis infection, whereas lactobacilli mixture mitigated these disruptive effects. The lactobacilli mixture significantly prevented the disruptive effects of P. gingivalis on gingival and brain tissues in rats. Therefore, new formulated combination of lactobacilli may be a good candidate for inhibiting the P. gingivalis infection and its subsequent cognitive effects. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of a lactobacilli mixture to manage the disruptive effects of P. gingivalis infection on memory.

The epidemiological characteristics of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and risk factors for treatment failure: a retrospective study

ObjectiveThe incidence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is increasing gradually. This study analysed the epidemiological characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with IPA and explored the risk factors affecting prognosis.Materials and methodsThe clinical data and treatment of 92 patients with IPA were retrospectively analysed, and the patients were followed for 12 weeks. Patients were divided into an effective treatment group and an ineffective treatment group, and the risk factors affecting prognosis were discussed.ResultsA total of 92 patients met the IPA inclusion criteria, and the most common genus of Aspergillus was Aspergillus fumigatus. The incidence of IPA was highest in patients with malignant tumours. IPA often coexisted with infections caused by other pathogens. We divided the patients into an effective treatment group and an ineffective treatment group according to prognosis. Compared with those in the effective treatment group, the procalcitonin (PCT) level, lactate dehydrogenase-to-albumin ratio (LDH/ALB) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the ineffective treatment group were greater, the serum albumin level was lower, and the imaging findings revealed less nodules and bronchial wall thickening (P < 0.05). Among these factors, a decrease in the serum albumin concentration, an increase in the PCT level, coinfection and less bronchial wall thickening on imaging were independent risk factors for aspergillosis treatment failure.ConclusionA decreased albumin level, an elevated PCT level, coinfection, and less bronchial wall thickening were independent risk factors for treatment failure in patients with IPA. Attention should be given to the albumin level, coinfection status and imaging findings of patients.

Clinical features and prognostic factors of IV combined small cell lung cancer: A propensity score matching analysis

Background Nowadays, the characteristics and treatment of combined small-cell lung carcinoma (CSCLC) remain controversial. This study aimed to analyze the features of clinical demographics, survival outcomes and treatment modalities among IV CSCLC, IV SCLC and IV NSCLC, to provide more evidence for the study of IV CSCLC. Methods All CSCLC, SCLC and NSCLC patient data were obtained from the SEER database (2010–2020). Pearson’s χ2 test was used to compare the differences in clinical characteristics. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to balance the bias of the variables between patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors. KM analysis was used to calculate survival. Adjusted analyses for the primary outcome of different treatment modalities of IV CSCLC, IV SCLC and IV NSCLC were performed using Cox regression models. Results A total of 493 patients with IV CSCLC, 35503 patients with SCLC, 122807 patients with IV NSCLC were included in this study. The demographic characteristics and tumor characteristics of the three groups were different. Before PSM, there were significant differences in OS and CSS among IV CSCLC, IV SCLC and IV NSCLC, After PSM, there was a significant difference in OS and CSS between the IV CSCLC and IV NSCLC. Risk/protective factors for OS and CSS were different in three groups. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery can improve IV CSCLC’s survival time. The combination of surgery and chemoradiotherapy treatment group for patients with IV CSCLC demonstrated best OS compared to control treatment groups, and the surgery combined chemotherapy treatment group exhibited the best CSS. Additionally, for select patients with stage IV CSCLC who have missed the window for surgical intervention at the time of initial diagnosis, chemoradiotherapy presents a viable and effective treatment option. Conclusions The clinical characteristics IV CSCLC, IV SCLC and IV NSCLC were significantly different. The prognosis for IV CSCLC is notably poorer than IV NSCLC, similar to IV SCLC. Surgery combined therapy emerged as the preferred treatment modalities and chemoradiotherapy was a good choice for patients who have lost the indication of surgery for patients diagnosed with IV CSCLC.

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for stiff neck: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Stiff neck is a common acute musculoskeletal condition that significantly affects the quality of life of patients. Acupuncture is recommended as an effective method for alleviating pain and restoring neck mobility in patients with stiff neck, but there is currently a lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy and safety. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of stiff neck. Method: This study searched 8 Chinese and English electronic medical databases, including China Biology Medicine disc, VIP database, Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, with a search period up to May 13, 2024. The focus was on clinical randomized controlled trials evaluating acupuncture treatment for stiff neck. The primary outcome measures were the total effective rate and visual analog scale scores. The quality of evidence and methodology of the included studies were assessed according to the GRADEpro guidelines. Meta-analysis was conducted to assess the results, with heterogeneity analysis, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, trial sequential analysis, and publication bias analysis performed to verify the robustness of the combined results and explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Result: This study evaluated 10 clinical randomized controlled trials comparing acupuncture therapy with conventional treatment, involving 754 patients. The treatment group received acupuncture alone or in combination with conventional treatment, whereas the control group received only conventional treatment. The analysis results showed that the treatment group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the total effective rate (risk ratio = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.04, 1.21], P = .002), reducing visual analog scale scores (mean difference [MD] = −0.93, 95% CI [−1.29, −0.57], P &lt; .001), reducing neck disability index scores (MD = −6.39, 95% CI [−6.79, −6.00], P &lt; .001), and restoring cervical range of motion (cervical lateral flexion: MD = 4.29, 95% CI [3.15, 5.43], P &lt; .001; cervical rotation: MD = 6.08, 95% CI [4.46, 7.70], P &lt; .001). Conclusion: Acupuncture is an effective and safe method for treating stiff neck. However, to validate this conclusion, more rigorously designed and higher-quality studies are needed in the future.

Plasma neurofilament analysis in VITALITY-ALS

Objective: To evaluate correlations between neurofilament (Nf) concentrations and clinical characteristics and disease progression using a large longitudinal dataset from VITALITY-ALS (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02496767), a 48-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of tirasemtiv in people with ALS (pALS). Methods: Plasma was collected at baseline and every 8 weeks thereafter. Results were compared between treatment groups and evaluated by clinical characteristics and over time. Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to evaluate associations between Nf concentrations and slow vital capacity (SVC), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score, and pre-study/in-study rates of disease progression (psRDP/isRDP). Results: Nf measurements were available from 101 placebo- and 161 tirasemtiv-treated people with ALS (pALS). There were no significant differences in Nf between placebo and tirasemtiv groups at any time point; further analyses grouped all samples. At baseline, Nf concentration did not differ by multiple clinical characteristics. Baseline Nf light chain (NfL) concentration correlated with the psRDP (r = 0.50, p < 0.001) and isRDP (r = 0.53, p < 0.0001). Phosphorylated Nf heavy chain (pNfH) demonstrated a similar, but less robust, pattern of results. Baseline Nf concentration correlated with change in SVC and ALSFRS-R score over time. Plasma pNfH concentration continuously decreased over time. There was no meaningful change in plasma NfL concentration over the study period. Conclusions: In this large longitudinal study, baseline NfL concentration correlated with multiple markers of disease progression. The findings suggest Nfs show promise primarily as prognostic markers for pALS, particularly for those with rapid disease progression.

Comparison of enteral prucalopride versus intravenous metoclopramide for feeding intolerance in patients with critical illness: a randomized double-blinded study

BackgroundFeeding intolerance is commonly experienced during enteral feeding, necessitating cessation. Metoclopramide may be given to assist gastric emptying, but patients experience adverse effects and gradual loss of efficacy. Prucalopride, a safer prokinetic, may play a role in gastric emptying. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess its effectiveness and safety in feeding intolerance developed in critically ill patients.Materials and MethodsIn this prospective randomized double-blinded study, patients with feeding intolerance were randomized to receive 2 mg prucalopride enterally once daily or 10 mg metoclopramide intravenously every 6–8 h for 7 days. Patients were monitored for treatment failure, successful feeding, gastric residual volume (GRV), and the development of medication-related adverse effects.ResultsA total of 70 patients (35 in the metoclopramide group and 35 in the prucalopride group) completed the study. The average daily GRV in the prucalopride group was significantly lower compared to the metoclopramide group (p=&amp;lt;0.001) on day 7. Additionally, the percentage change in GRV from day 1 to day 7 showed a greater significant change in the prucalopride arm versus the metoclopramide arm (p=&amp;lt;0.001). The treatment groups were comparable in terms of ICU length of stay (p = 0.094). Moreover, there was a significantly higher successful caloric intake in the prucalopride group compared to the metoclopramide group on day 7 (p = 0.039).ConclusionPrucalopride administration in enterally fed patients with feeding intolerance may reduce GRV and improve feeding success rates compared to metoclopramide treatment. The use of prucalopride was found to be tolerable and safe in critically ill patients.Clinical Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05496179