Group A1 Research Articles

Eccentric Reaming is Superior to Augmented Components in B2 Glenoids: a Biomechanical study.

Primary glenohumeral arthritis is typically associated with glenoid retroversion and posterior bone loss. Glenoid component fixation remains a weak link in the survivorship of anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty, particularly in the B2 glenoid. The aim of this study was to compare biomechanical properties of two glenoid preparation techniques in a B2 glenoid bone loss model. This was a biomechanical cyclic loading study. Thirty sawbone shoulder models were generated from a CT scan of a scapula with a B2 glenoid and 15o retroversion. The study consisted of two groups with 'low' correction (A groups), two groups with 'high' correction (B groups), and a control. Group A1 consisted of a 70 eccentric ream and a standard component; group A2 consisted of a 15o posteriorly augmented glenoid component (70 correction); group B1 consisted of a 12o anterior ream and standard component; group B2 used a 25o posteriorly augmented component (12o correction); group C (control) consisted of a standard component inserted in retroversion with no correction. Mechanical stability testing was performed through cyclic loading and resulting displacement was determined at 1, 10, 1000, 10,000, 50,000, and 100,00 cycles to assess for loosening. A total of 26 samples were included in the analysis, all reaching 100,000 cycles. Displacement increased significantly from baseline to 100,000 cycles in all groups (p<0.05). At 100,000 cycles, the B1 group (1.4mm ±0.19) had significantly less displacement then the A2 (2.0mm ±0.29) and B2 (2.2mm ±0.49) (p=0.0.005) groups. There were no significant differences in translational forces between any of the groups at 100,000 cycles. Our data demonstrated that the use of higher-degree posteriorly augmented components resulted in statistically greater translational displacement over time compared with high-side reaming and use of a standard component. Further prospective clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Characterization of the Group A5 × A5 × A5 by the Set of Conjugacy Class Sizes

Characterization of the Group A5 × A5 × A5 by the Set of Conjugacy Class Sizes

Influence of sintering temperature and aging on the color and translucency of zirconia.

Translucent zirconias are promising materials for monolithic prostheses. However, information on their optical behavior after sintering and aging protocols is scarce. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the color and translucency of zirconia subjected to different sintering temperatures and aging. A total of 180 1.5-mm-thick disks were produced from translucent zirconia blocks: DD cubeX2 white, DD cubeX2 A2 shade, DD Bio ZX2 white (Dental Direkt GmbH), and Lava Plus white (3M ESPE). White and A2 shade disks were made for each zirconia. DD Bio ZX2 and Lava Plus were colored by immersion in dyeing liquids. All disks were divided according to the sintering temperature: 1400 ºC, 1450 ºC, and 1500 ºC (T0). Subsequently, the disks were subjected to an aging protocol in an autoclave for 5 (T1) and 20 hours (T2). The L*a*b* coordinates were measured with a spectrophotometer. ∆E00, ∆L', ∆C', ∆H', and TP were calculated using CIEDE2000, and CR was obtained using CIEXYZ. Repeated measures ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test were used for statistical analysis (α=.05). The 1400 ºC temperature produced the greatest ΔE00 (5.25). A progressive increase in ΔE00 was found after aging (especially in T2), with a reduction in lightness and an increase in saturation in most groups (P<.001). The DD cubeX2 white (DCW) and A2 (DCC) groups presented the highest TP00 values, mainly at 1500°C. The highest CR values were observed in the Lava Plus colored (LPC) group (1400°C) (P<.001). Sintering at a lower temperature than that recommended by the manufacturer can reduce lightness and increase saturation and opacity, especially after aging.

The Effect of Nasal Septal Deviation and Septoplasty on Dacryocystorhinostomy Progression

Purpose: To investigate the impact of nasal septal deviation and septoplasty on dacryocystorhinostomy progression.Methods: From March 2015 to January 2022, we reviewed the medical records of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) patients who underwent dacryocystorhinostomy at Konyang University Hospital. Patients were categorized into groups: those without septal deviation (group 1), those with septal deviation on the same side as the surgical site (group 2), and those with septal deviation on the opposite side (group 3). Septoplasty was performed in cases of symptomatic septal deviation on the same side. We assessed whether the presence, type, and correction of septal deviation influenced the postoperative outcome of dacryocystorhinostomy.Results: The study included 204 patients: 94 in group 1, 60 in group 2, and 50 in group 3. No significant differences were observed in the type, degree of nasal septum deviation, surgery duration, success rate, and symptom improvement period across the groups. When group 2 was subdivided into those who did not undergo septoplasty (group 2A) and those who did (group 2B), no differences were noted.Conclusions: Nasal septum deviation and septoplasty did not influence the outcomes of dacryocystorhinostomy. Septoplasty may be unnecessary for PANDO patients without symptomatic nasal septum deviation.

Episiotomies and obstetric anal sphincter injuries following a restrictive episiotomy policy in France: An analysis of the 2010, 2016, and 2021 National Perinatal Surveys.

The French guidelines have recommended a restrictive policy of episiotomy since 2005. We aimed to assess variations in the prevalence of both episiotomy and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) from the 2010, 2016, and 2021 National Perinatal Surveys. A total of 29,750 women who had given birth to a live infant by vaginal delivery were included. For instance, in 2021, 22.3% of women were over 35 years old, 17.7% were born outside of France, 11.3% had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher, and 39.9% were primiparous. Episiotomy and OASI (third- and fourth-degree tears) were identified from medical records. We described the overall prevalence of outcomes, and then by obstetrical clinical contexts using a seven-group obstetric classification of women. Variations between 2010 (reference), 2016, and 2021 were analyzed by Cochran-Armitage tests and using Poisson regression models adjusted for maternal age, BMI, country of birth, antenatal classes, suspicion of fetal macrosomia, and neuroaxial analgesia during labor, the professional who attended the birth, the annual number of deliveries, and the maternity unit status to account for changes in women's characteristics and obstetric practices. The overall prevalence of episiotomy decreased significantly from 25.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 25.0 to 26.7) in 2010, to 20.1% (95% CI 19.3 to 20.9) in 2016, and 8.3% (95% CI 7.8 to 8.9) in 2021 (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 0.33, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.35). This reduction was observed in all groups of the classification (Cochran-Armitage tests P < 0.001), ranging from -33.0% in Group 2a [nulliparous term cephalic singleton with forceps delivery] to -94.0% in Group 7 [multiple pregnancy]. The difference in overall prevalence of OASI between 2010 (0.7%) and 2021 (1.0%) was not statistically significant after adjustment (aRR 1.24, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.68). By groups of classification, the prevalence of OASI increased significantly only in Group 2b [nulliparous term cephalic singleton with spatula delivery] from 2.6% (95% CI 1.2 to 5.6) in 2010 to 9.6% (95% CI 6.2 to 14.7) in 2021 (aRR 3.69, 95% CI 1.50 to 9.09), and did not differ statistically significantly in Group 2a [nulliparous term cephalic singleton with forceps delivery] from 3.2% (95% CI 1.8 to 5.7) in 2010 to 5.7% (95% CI 3.4 to 9.5) in 2021 (aRR 1.78, 95% CI 0.81 to 3.90). The main limitations of this study include the failure to take into account some potential confounding factors and the inability to analyze some groups of the studied population (8.5% of the sample) because of the very small number of events in these groups. The significant overall reduction in the prevalence of episiotomy in France has not been followed by an overall increase in OASI. However, subgroup analyses revealed a significant rise in OASI among nulliparous women giving birth by spatula (Group 2b), and a clinically relevant but statistically nonsignificant rise among nulliparous women delivering by forceps (Group 2a), while the prevalence of episiotomy significantly decreased. These results should be interpreted with caution given the low prevalence of OASI in some subgroups. Further research is needed to predict the optimal rate of episiotomy for instrumental deliveries. In hospitals with high episiotomy rates, our findings suggest that episiotomy could be safely reduced for spontaneous vaginal deliveries to comply with international guidelines and women's requests.

Impact of Feeding Frequency on Growth Performance and Antioxidant Capacity of Litopenaeus vannamei in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems.

Feeding frequency is crucial for the growth and development of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) at various life stages. Although higher feeding frequencies can enhance growth, manual feeding methods significantly increase labor costs. Automatic feeding systems offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative, yet their application in intensive shrimp culture remains under-researched. This study evaluates different feeding frequencies for L. vannamei in intensive aquaculture tanks, focusing on growth performance, survivability, feed utilization, digestive and antioxidant capacities, and economic viability. Juvenile shrimp (3.85 ± 0.3 g) were cultured for 63 days with feeding frequencies of 6, 8, 10, and 12 times/day (A6, A8, A10, and A12 groups, respectively) using automatic feeders, with a control group fed manually 6 times/day (M6). Results indicated that automatic feeding significantly improved final body weight, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio compared to manual feeding. Among automatic feeding groups, A6 and A8 showed optimal performance, with a quadratic regression identifying 7.83 times/day as the optimal frequency. While digestive enzyme activity remained consistent across groups, A6 and A8 demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant enzyme levels (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and lower lipid peroxidation (MDA), suggesting superior digestive and antioxidant capacities. Pearson's correlation confirmed a positive relationship between SOD and GPx. Economically, the A8 group achieved the highest profitability. Consequently, a feeding frequency of 6-8 times/day using automatic feeders is recommended as an optimal and feasible strategy for intensive white shrimp culture in this life stage.

Antioxidant, antibacterial, and systemic efficacy of sesame oil-pulling in periodontitis and diabetes management.

To evaluate the efficacy of sesame oil-pulling in periodontitis with/without Type2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), compared to Chlorhexidine, for its oral and systemic health benefits. Total of 120 periodontitis patients, without (Group A; 60)/with (Group B; 60) T2DM, underwent control (chlorhexidine 0.12%; Group A1 & B1) and test (sesame oil-pulling; Group A2 & B2) interventions. Plaque index, pocket depth, salivary total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay (ELISA), subgingival plaque BANA test, and serum CRP were evaluated at baseline and 30 days post-intervention using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a significant p-value set at 0.05. Group B serum samples also analyzed for Fructosamine and lipid profile. Both treatment regimens were equivalent in reduction of plaque, pocket depth, red complex periodontopathogens in Group A & B. Significant increase in salivary T-AOC post-intervention observed in Group B with both interventions (p<0.01). Sesame oil-pulling significantly decreased systemic CRP and triglyceride levels, with no difference observed with Chlorhexidine in Group B. Sesame oil-pulling is equivalent to Chlorhexidine for anti-plaque, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects in periodontitis patients with/without T2DM. Systemic anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective benefits (reduction of CRP and triglycerides) make it better adjunct to Chlorhexidine in periodontitis with T2DM.

R21 in Matrix-M adjuvant in UK malaria-naive adult men and non-pregnant women aged 18-45years: anopen-label, partially blinded, phase 1-2a controlled human malaria infection study.

R21 is a novel malaria vaccine, composed of a fusion protein of the malaria circumsporozoite protein and hepatitis Bsurface antigen. Following favourable safety and immunogenicity in a phase 1study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of R21 administered with Matrix-M (R21/MM) against clinical malaria in adults from the UK who were malaria naive in a controlled human malaria infection study. In this open-label, partially blinded, phase 1-2A controlled human malaria infection study undertaken inOxford, Southampton, and London, UK, we tested five novel vaccination regimens of R21/MM. Astandard three-dose regimen (groups 1and 6) was compared with a reduced (fractional) third dose (groups 2and 5) of R21/MM, concomitant administration with viral vectors ChAd63-MVA expressing ME-TRAP (group 3), and a two-dose R21/MM regimen (group 7). Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) was delivered by mosquito bite at Imperial College London, London, UK, 3-4 weeks after final vaccination (or 18months after final vaccination for group 6) alongside unvaccinated controls (groups 4A and 4B). The primary outcome measures were to assess safety of the vaccines in healthy malaria-naive volunteers and the efficacy (occurrence of blood-stage malaria infection) of the different vaccine regimens compared with non-vaccinated controls after CHMI. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02905019). 66volunteers were enrolled with 59undergoing subsequent CHMI. All vaccination schedules were well tolerated. The highest level of protection against CHMI was observed in participants receiving the standard three-dose regimen of R21/MM (group 1, nine of 11volunteers protected) with protection maintained in three of five volunteers re-challenged by CHMI 7·5months later. Protection against malaria was also seen in group 2, group 3, and group 5compared with unvaccinated control participants. Total IgG antibody responses to the NANP repeat region of circumsporozoite protein peaked after the third dose of R21/MM in all volunteers and were well maintained to 90days after challenge. Reducing the third dose did not affect protection or antibody concentrations. Our study shows that R21/MM elicits high-level efficacy against clinical malaria in a controlled human infection model of malaria in adults who are malaria naive. These data supported the evaluation of R21/MM in field efficacy trials in the target population of young children in malaria-endemic areas. EU Horizon 2020, the UK Medical Research Council, the European Commission, the UK National Institute of Health Research, the Imperial NIHR Clinical Research Facility, the Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, and the Wellcome Trust.

Effect of dietary supplementation of Lawsonia inermis and Acacia nilotica extract on growth performance, intestinal histopathology, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens challenged with coccidiosis.

Avian coccidiosis is one of the many disorders that seriously harm birds' digestive systems. Nowadays the light is shed on using Phytochemical/herbal medicines as alternative natural anti-coccidial chemical-free standards. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the impact of lawsonia inermis powder (LIP), and Acacia nilotica aqueous extract (ANAE), on growth performance, serum biochemical, antioxidant status, cytokine biomarkers, total oocyst count and intestinal histopathology of broiler chickens challenged with coccidiosis. Two hundred and forty-one-day-old Ross chicks were randomly distributed into 8 groups, four were challenged with coccidia, while the other four were unchallenged. Each group consisted of 3 replicates of 10 chicks each. The birds were challenged with Eimeria species orally on day 14 of age. Group 1B was unchallenged, and Group 2A was challenged with coccidiosis and both were fed the basic diet without additives. Groups 3A, 4A, and 5A were challenged and fed on the basic diet supplemented with LIP (40g/kg of diet), ANAE (5g/kg of diet), and LIP + ANAE combination, respectively. Groups 3B, 4B, and 5B were unchallenged and fed on the basic diet supplemented with LIP (40g/kg of diet) and ANAE (5g/kg of diet) and LIP + ANAE combination, respectively. The best results of growth performance parameters were recorded in G5B, and G5A followed by the group fed on ANAE and then the group fed on LIP compared with the control. All challenged broilers had higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), urea, creatinine, glucose, MDA, IL-4 &TNF-α levels compared to all unchallenged broilers. Challenged broilers had lower serum cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, globulin, SOD, GPX & IL-10 levels compared to non-challenged broilers. Histopathological examination of the small intestine and cecum of challenged treated groups with LIP + ANAE showed good mucosal integrity, few leukocytes infiltration, and low total oocyst count in broilers manure, followed by ANAE then LIP groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of lawsonia inermis powder and Acacia nilotica aqueous extract either alone or in combination had positive effects on broiler performance, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, cellular response, and intestinal morphology during the exposure to Eimeria spp. as a potential natural anti-coccidial.

Assessment of the bypass of obturation materials beyond fractured instruments after using different obturation techniques in simulated curved canals (An in-vitro study).

This study evaluated the extent to which obturation materials bypass fractured endodontic instruments positioned in the middle and apical thirds of severely curved simulated root canals using different obturation techniques. Sixty resin blocks with simulated root canals were used, each with a 50° curvature, a 6.5 mm radius of curvature, and a length of 16.5 mm, prepared to an ISO #15 diameter and taper. Canals were shaped using ProTaper Universal files (Dentsply Maillefer) attached to an X-smart Plus endo motor (Dentsply), set at 3.5 Ncm torque and 250 rpm, up to size S2 at working length. To simulate fractures, F2 and F3 files were weakened 3 mm from the tip, then twisted to break in the apical and middle sections of the canal, respectively. All samples were sealed with GuttaFlow 2 and divided into three groups (n = 20/group) according to obturation technique: A) single cone, B) lateral condensation with a rotary spreader, and C) softcore obturators. Each group was then divided into two subgroups (n = 10) based on the instrument fracture location (1 = apical, 2 = middle). The linear intrusion of obturation materials through the fractured instruments was measured using ImageJ software and analyzed statistically with ANOVA, Tukey tests, and independent t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Material bypass in group B1 (3.27 ± 0.63 mm) was significantly greater than in group A1 (2.39 ± 0.44 mm) and group C1 (2.91 ± 0.77 mm). In group C2, bypass (5.76 ± 0.64 mm) was significantly higher than in group A2 (3.82 ± 0.2 mm) and group B2 (2.27 ± 0.96 mm). Additionally, bypass in group A2 was greater than in group B2, and group B1 had more bypass than B2, while group C2 exceeded C1. The lateral condensation technique with a rotary spreader and softcore obturators increased the bypass of obturation materials through fractured instruments in simulated curved canals. These techniques may thus enhance material flow in endodontic procedures involving instrument fractures.

Investigation of the relation between surfactant head group size and formation of different types of lyotropic structures in two surfactants/dye systems

Lyotropic phase properties of novel mixtures of some dodecylalkylammonium bromide surfactants (DAABr) in the mixtures of 1-dodecanol (DDeOH)/Sunset Yellow dye (SSY)/water were investigated. DAABr surfactants were chosen as dodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDMABr), dodecyldimethylethylamonium bromide (DDMEABr) and dodecyltriethylammonium bromide (DTEABr). In lyotropic mixtures, both surfactants were used in the mixtures, i.e., DDMABr/DDMEABr and DDMEABr/DTEABr to control the average number of the methylene (−CH2) groups in their head groups (navg) at the aggregates’ surfaces. By changing the relative concentrations of each surfactant in the mixtures at constant total surfactant and mixture compositions, lyotropic mixtures presenting lamellar, nematic, and hexagonal phases were obtained. The textures and types of lyotropic phases were analyzed by polarizing optical microscopy (POM), also confirmed by Small-angle X-ray scattering data. Uniaxial-to-biaxial nematic phase transitions were determined from the temperature dependence of the birefringences via laser conoscopy. Temperature-navg partial phase diagrams of the mixtures were constructed by combining the POM and laser conoscopy results. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was performed to determine the structural parameters. The results indicate that there is a close relation between the stabilization of different lyotropic structures and the average size per surfactant head group (a0) and the navg values.

Ex-Foods Diets Affect the Fatty Acid Profile of the Abdominal Adipose Tissue Without Significantly Affecting the Plasma Metabolome of Postweaning Piglets.

Food leftovers can be used as alternative feed ingredients for monogastric to replace human-competing feedstuffs, such as cereals, recycle a waste product, reduce the feed-food competition and keep nutrients and energy in the feed-food chain. Among food leftovers, former food products (FFPs) are no more intended for human but still suitable for animal consumption. However, the metabolic impact of FFP has never been investigated. In this study, we evaluated the impact of replacing 30% of conventional cereals with FFP on abdominal fat quality and plasma metabolome modulation in postweaning piglets. Thirty-six Large White × Landrace postweaning piglets (28 days old) were randomly assigned to three dietary groups for 42 days: control (CTR), 30% replacement of CTR with salty FFP (SA), 30% replacement of CTR with sugary FFP (SU). Body weight and feed intake were measured to calculate average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The fatty acid profile of the diets and the abdominal adipose tissue was determined and a mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics investigation was performed on plasma samples. The growth performance was not significantly affected by SA and SU diets. Despite the different fatty acid profile of the diets, the fatty acid profile of the adipose tissue was rebalanced in piglets. The plasma metabolome was more affected by the time factor rather than the treatment factor. Six metabolites were significantly altered in SA and SU groups compared to CTR: caffeine, theobromine, proline-betaine, dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine (PC 32:0), spermidine and l-tryptophan. Caffeine and glycerophospholipid pathways were significantly different between CTR and SA and SU groups, although no impact on other metabolic pathways was observed. Overall, the limited impact of FFP on the abdominal fat, plasma metabolome and related pathways in postweaning piglets demonstrated the value of FFP as innovative and sustainable feed ingredients to replace human-competing feedstuffs.

Identification and Functional Analysis of miRNAs in Extracellular Vesicles of Semen Plasma from High- and Low-Fertility Boars.

Artificial insemination (AI), as an efficient assisted reproduction technology, can help the livestock industry to improve livestock and poultry breeds, optimize production performance and improve reproductive efficiency. AI technology has been widely used in pig production in China, but boar fertility affects the effectiveness of AI, and more and more studies have shown that there are significant differences in the fertility of boars with similar semen quality indicators. Therefore, this study aimed to identify biomarker molecules that indicate the level of boar fertility, which is important for improving the efficiency of AI. In this study, we collected 40 mL of ejaculates per boar used for extracellular vesicle (EV) characterization in 20 boars and identified 53 differentially expressed miRNAs by small RNA sequencing, of which 44 miRNAs were up-regulated in the high-fertility seminal EVs compared with low-fertility seminal EVs, and nine miRNAs were down-regulated. miR-26a was most significantly down-regulated in the high-fertility group compared to the low-fertility group, and it was hypothesized that this miRNA could be used as a biomolecular marker of semen reproductive performance. To further determine the effect of miR-26a on sperm function, we successfully established a miR-26a overexpression model and found that miR-26a reduced sperm viability, motility, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity and ATP levels. Bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter analysis revealed that miR-26a directly targets High mobility group A1 (HMGA1). In conclusion, miR-26a can be used as a biomarker to identify high and low fertility in boar semen.

Assessment of Rat Spleen Structure under an Isolated and Combined Action of Selenium and Ethyl Carbamat

The immune system, having a complex structural organization, performs the main functions in providing an anti-inflammatory and antitumor immune response. The spleen, as a peripheral organ of the immune system, plays an important role in realization of these functions and contains a significant number of immune cells. Ethylcarbamate, being a group 2A carcinogen, can provoke the development of neoplastic processes through activation of Kras gene mutation and stimulation of oncogenic signals. Alongside with that, selenium affects the immune response, reducing the proliferation of tumor cells and producing an anti-inflammatory effect. Despite the existence of several studies on the effect of ethyl carbamate and selenium on the animal body, there is no data on the combined effect of these substances on the rat spleen under experimental conditions in the scientific literature. The aim of the study was to evaluate morphological and morphometric changes in the structure of the spleen in male rats with oral administration of selenium into their body and intraperitoneal injection of ethyl carbamate. Materials and methods of the study. The body mass of male rats and their spleen were studied, morphological and morphometric parameters of the spleen were evaluated, the lymphoid coefficient and the Kernoghan index were calculated. The animals were divided into four groups: N1 – control group; N2 – animals receiving selenium with drinking water; N3 – animals injected intraperitoneally with ethyl carbamate; N4 – animals receiving selenium with drinking water followed by injection of ethyl carbamate. Results. It was found that in the group 2, the area of lymphoid nodules was reduced, the Kernoghan index was reduced and the lymphoid coefficient was increased, while the body weight of rats and their spleen remained unchanged. In a month after an isolated intake of ethyl carbamate, both the body weight and the spleen weight in rats were significantly decreased. At this, in group 3, the area and the diameter of the germinal center, the thickness of the periarterial lymphoid sheath and the Kernoghan index were increased, and the lymphoid coefficient was reduced. At the ultramicroscopic level, an increase in the number of plasma cells was detected in group N3, as well as the number of swollen mitochondria in lymphocytes. In group 4, an increase in the area and the diameter of lymphoid nodules, the germinal center, as well as the lymphoid coefficient was determined, and the Kernoghan index was unchanged. When studying ultrathin sections in group 4 lymphocytes of various transitional forms were revealed. Conclusions. It was found that against the background of selenium intake into the body of male rats, a morphological rearrangement of the white pulp of the spleen occurred, probably associated with the reaction of T-lymphocytes. Ethyl carbamate injection resulted in a predominant effect on the B-cell link of the immune response of the spleen. In combined intake of selenium and ethyl carbamate, hyperplasia of the white pulp was revealed, consisting in an increase in its structures.

Evaluating The Role of Serum Circulating Immune Complex Level in Lupus Nephritis Patients

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with significant multisystem complications. Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the major complications. Circulating immune complexes (CIC) may represent a promising diagnostic biomarkers in LN. This study aimed to evaluate the role of serum circulating immune complexes in Lupus Nephritis and it’s relation to the renal biopsy. Patients and Methods: Ninety subjects were included, 30 with systemic lupus with nephritis (group 1A), 30 with lupus without nephritis (Group 1B) and 30 healthy subjects. All were clinically evaluated and the value of laboratory measurements were recorded. The serum circulating of CIC were determined and correlated with other clinical and laboratory data as well as disease activity index. The assay of serum circulating immune complex level by quantitative Sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELIZA) technique. The assay of CIC was performed using a commercially available kits. The detection range was 2 to 600 ng/ml. The kit minimum detectable level of CIC was 1.765ng/ml. Results: In group A, the results of the renal biopsy was class III LN among 13 patients and Class IV LN among 17 patients. The results of renal biopsy was significantly associated with anti-dsDNA, ESR, Activity index and urine total protein (TP), where anti-ds-DNA was significantly reduced and each of ESR, activity index and urine TP were significantly increased in class IV than class III (the mean values were 71.4 (IU/ml), 86.8 (mm/hour), 18.5, and 3.6 g/dl in class IV compared to 155.8, 69.4, 16.6 and 2.17 in class III, respectively). CIC was significantly correlated with activity index score in both 1A and 1B groups. CIC in discrimination SLE groups showed that, at value ≤ 84 (ng/ml) had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of 100%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 100.0% respectively. Similar values were recorded for discrimination between 1B and control groups at a cutoff value of ≤ 189. Conclusion: The CIC can be used as diagnostic and follow up biomarkers in the patients with systemic lupus wither with or without nephritis. It is specifically correlated with disease activity index.

Silage Quality, Aerobic Stability, Gas Production and in vitro Digestibility of Pumpkin Waste Silages

This experiment was carried out to determine the silage quality of pumpkin waste with wheat straw (S) and alfalfa hay (A). The treatment groups as follows: 1) 100% pumpkin waste (PR), 2) 80%PR and 20% A (PW80+A20), 3) 80%PW and 20%S (PW80+S20), 4) 60%PW and 40%A (PW60+A40), 5) 60%PW and 40%S (PW60+S40), 6) 80%PW+10%A+10%S (PW80+A10+S10) and 7) 60%PW + 20%A + 20%S (PW40+A20+S20). The lowest dry matter content was observed in PW group (39.0 g/kg). The crude protein ratio in the alfalfa groups were higher than those of S and PW groups. The crude cellulose was lower and NDF higher in the PW group than those of other groups and ADF was highest in the 40%S group. Water soluble carbohydrate ratio in PW and PW60+A20+S20 groups were higher than those of other groups. In the PW group, the lactic acid ratio was higher than PW80+S10+A10 group. In the PW80+S20 group the highest gas production was observed at 48th, 72nd and 96th hours. The energy values of PW group were higher than those of other groups. The aerobic stability of pumpkin silage was improved with hay addition especially alfalfa addition in 400 g/kg concentration.

Evaluation of Perilipin Expression in Centrifuged Fat Grafts on Different Revolutions Per Minute and Duration Combinations.

Fat graft applications are one of the most frequently used procedures in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Fat graft survival rate is variable and depends on many parameters. Those are the features of recipient area, method of obtaining the fat graft, the procedures applied to the harvest to get pure fat graft and the application techniques. In this study, we aimed to find the optimal revolutions per minute(rpm) and duration to be used in the centrifugation technique, which is one of the most frequently used methods in fat grafting. In our study, we used perilipin protein as a survival marker. Liposuction samples were obtained from 10 Caucasian women individuals; whose age range is between 22 and 29 years without any other reported health problem. Fat grafts from all patients were taken by the same surgical team by the same liposuction procedure. The grafts obtained in our study were divided into 6 different groups, these are A1 group (1 minute-1000 rpm) A2 group (3 minutes-1000 rpm) A3 group (5 minutes-1000 rpm) B1 group (1 minute-3000 rpm) B2 group (3 minutes-3000 rpm) and B3 group (5 minutes-3000 rpm). Perilipin expression measurements were made in the sections taken by immunohistochemistry technique. Three minutes-3000 rpm combination (B2 group) was found to be perilipin stained statistically significantly higher than other combinations. This study seeks to make a notable contribution to the literature by demonstrating the relation between frequently used centrifuge combinations and measuring the expression of perilipin. This protein's role in adipocyte regulation is becoming increasingly apparent.Level of Evidence III This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Prescriptive Appropriateness and Efficacy of Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs in a Secondary Prevention Setting-A Retrospective Analysis from Two Italian Cardiac Rehabilitation Centers.

Background: Treatment of CV risk factors, such as cholesterol level, represents one of the main goals to reduce atherosclerotic burden. The aim of this study was to investigate the prescriptive appropriateness of cholesterol-lowering drugs among patients who experienced an atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD). Methods: We investigated 155 patients who underwent cardiac rehabilitation in 2020. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2021 guidelines on CV disease prevention and 2019 ESC Guidelines on dyslipidemias were followed to detect the appropriateness of prescription. SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP risk estimations were used to detect patients' CV risk profiles. Patients were divided into three groups: 1 (n = 118) patients admitted for their first CV event, 2A (n = 18) patients who experienced a previous CV event years before, and 2B (n = 19) patients admitted for a new event with a previous CV event 2 years before. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level was detected at the time of admission to the hospital, during cardiac rehabilitation, and at the first visit after rehabilitation. Results: The statistics for our study participants, with a mean age of 66.1 years, were: 72.4% overweight/obese, 63.9% diabetic, 72.5% smokers, 93.0% hypertensives, and 91.7% had dyslipidemias. In group 1, only 5.1% had a low/moderate risk, 44.1% presented a high risk, and 50.8% a very high risk according to calculators. The average LDL levels were 115.8 mg/dL (2.99 mol/L) upon admission to the hospital, 66.4 mg/dL (1.72 mmol/L) at the time of cardiac rehabilitation, and 64.8 mg/dL (1.67 mmol/L) at the subsequent medical visit. In the overall group, only 36.0% had LDL < 55 mg/dL (1.42 mmol/L). In group 1, 79.4% were treated with high-intensity statin alone or plus ezetimibe; in group 2A, the percentage increased up to 87.5%, while group 2B 33.4% was treated with high-intensity statin plus ezetimibe and 33.3% were treated with PCSK9 inhibitors. Conclusions: This retrospective study confirms the importance of properly calculating CV risk profiles. The main limitations for the efficacy of lipid-lowering drugs were: patient's compliance, drugs side effects, lifestyle habits, and collaboration with a general practitioner.

Associations of chronic liver disease and liver cancer with glyphosate and its metabolites in Thailand.

Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine], a systemic herbicide, is used globally (825 million kg/year) in 750+ formulations. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate is a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A), but epidemiological studies have been lacking for its association with liver cancer and chronic liver disease. We analyzed urine specimens from 591 patients with newly diagnosed liver cancer, chronic liver disease (CLD), and healthy individuals from five different medical centers between 2011 to 2016 in Thailand. Gas chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (GC-ESI/MS) was used to quantify glyphosate and its metabolites, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) and phosphoric acid (PPA) to study their levels in urine of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and CLD patients in comparison to matched healthy individuals. Significantly higher levels of glyphosate were found in CLD patients compared to HCC cases and hospital controls, while significantly elevated levels of both AMPA and PPA were observed in HCC and CLD patients compared to hospital controls. Glyphosate and its metabolites were also detected at low to moderately high levels in convenience samples of food products and drinking water. These results raise concerns about the potential role of glyphosate in chronic liver disease and liver cancer risk.

Electroacupuncture promotes gastrointestinal functional recovery after radical colorectal cancer surgery: a protocol of multicenter randomized controlled trial (CORRECT trial)

IntroductionThe incidence of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGD) is notably high among patients following colorectal cancer surgery, highlighting the urgency for the prompt development of efficacious preventive and therapeutic approaches. Electroacupuncture (EA) represents an intervention modality that holds promise for the management of POGD. However, the existing empirical evidence substantiating its efficacy remains scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EA as a treatment for POGD in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.MethodsThis study is a multicenter, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, named as CORRECT. CORRECT trial will recruit 300 participants diagnosed with colorectal cancer and about to undergo radical surgery across four sub-centers. The participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the EA group, sham-electroacupuncture group, or control group, with a randomization ratio of 2:2:1. All groups will follow a standardized Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. The EA group will receive EA at acupoints LI4, SJ6, ST36, and ST37, while the SA group will undergo sham-electroacupuncture. The treatments will be administered twice daily from the day of surgery until the fourth day after the operation. The primary endpoint is the time to first flatus, while secondary endpoints encompass time to first defecation, bowel sound emergence, initial water intake, duration of postoperative hospitalization, nausea and vomiting, pain levels, and blinded evaluations. Additional outcomes include medication usage and complication rates, et al.DiscussionThe CORRECT trial aims to provide high-quality evidence for the role of EA in the treatment of POGD following colorectal cancer surgery. It will contribute data towards the integration of acupuncture into ERAS protocols. Insights from the trial could help in tailoring treatment plans based on individual patient responses to EA, optimizing care on a case-by-case basis.Trial registrationClinical Trial Registry registration was approved by the ClinicalTrials.gov committee on November 2023 with the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06128785. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06128785?tab=history&a=1#study-details-card.