Groups AP Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effects of Repetitive Anaesthesia Administration on the Brain Tissues and Cognitive Functions of Rats with Experimental Alzheimer's Disease.

Introduction: We evaluated the effects of repeated ketamine, propofol, and ketamine + propofol administration on cognitive functions and brain tissue of elderly rat models with streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's disease. Materials and Methods: Thirty elderly male Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups: control (Group C), Alzheimer's (Group A), Alzheimer's + ketamine (Group AK), Alzheimer's + propofol (Group AP), and Alzheimer's + propofol + ketamine (Group APK). Alzheimer's disease was induced in Groups A, AK, AP, and APK via intracerebroventricular streptozotocin. Four weeks after surgery, ketamine, propofol, and ketamine + propofol were administered intraperitoneally for 3 days to Groups AK, AP, and APK, respectively. The radial arm maze test (RAMT) was performed in the initial, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks after surgery and daily following anaesthesia. Blood and brain tissue samples were obtained. Results: The RAMT results of Groups A, AK, AP, and APK decreased compared to Group C 2 weeks after Alzheimer's disease onset. Compared to Group A, the RAMT results increased in Groups AK and APK after the first anaesthesia, and in Group AP after the second anaesthesia. Brain tissue paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and catalase (CAT) activities were low, and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) level was high in Group A compared to Group C. TBARS levels of Groups AP and APK were lower than Group A, while CAT activity was higher. PON-1 activity was higher in Groups AK, AP, and APK than in Group A. Histopathological changes decreased in Groups AP and AK. A decrease in p53 was found in Group C compared to Group A. Ketamine and propofol were found to be effective at Bcl-2 immunoexpression, but a decrease in Caspase-3 was observed in Group APK. GFAP immunoexpression increased in Group A compared to Group C and in Group AP compared to Group AK. Conclusions: Repetitive anaesthesia application was found to positively affect cognitive functions. This was supported by histopathological and biochemical markers.

Effect of Selective 5-Hydroxytryptamine-3 Receptor and Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists on Hemodynamic Changes and Arrhythmogenic Potential in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Retrospective, Observational Study

Background: Prior speculation suggests that selective 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptors and neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists may increase arrhythmia risk and induce electrocardiographic changes. This study examined the effect of anti-emetic medications on arrhythmogenic potential and hemodynamic alterations. Methods: We considered patients aged 18 or above receiving chemotherapy between June 2013 and December 2013. Patients were grouped by anti-emetic medication: intravenous granisetron (Group G), oral aprepitant plus IV granisetron (Group AG), IV palonosetron (Group P), and oral aprepitant plus IV palonosetron (Group AP). We recorded blood pressure and electrocardiography initially and at the thirtieth minute post-medication, focusing on P dispersion, QTc dispersion, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure alterations. Results: The study included 80 patients (20 per group). Baseline systolic/diastolic blood pressure and P dispersion showed no significant variance. However, the baseline QTc dispersion was significantly lower in Groups P and AP than G and AG. The thirtieth-minute systolic/diastolic blood pressures were significantly lower than the baseline for Groups AG and AP, and the heart rates decreased in all groups. Group P showed significantly fewer blood pressure changes. Conclusions: We found no arrhythmogenic potential linked to granisetron, palonosetron, and aprepitant. Hypotension was more frequent at 30 min post-medication in granisetron or aprepitant recipients. Considering no hypotension occurred when using palonosetron alone, this treatment was deemed safer.

Infant vaccination against pertussis in Argentina: Parent-reported outcomes on reactogenicity, impact on daily routine and satisfaction after pentavalent whole-cell or hexavalent acellular pertussis vaccines

IntroductionIn Argentina, a pentavalent whole-cell pertussis vaccine (wP) is used in the National Immunization Program, however hexavalent acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines are available in the private market. ObjectiveTo describe parent or guardianś perceptions on reactogenicity, daily routine and satisfaction after a first or third dose of a wP-pentavalent plus IPV (wP-group) or the fully-liquid aP-hexavalent vaccine (aP-group) in infants. Material and methodsThis was a prospective observational and analytical study. Parents or guardians of infants born at term attending a public or private vaccination center in Buenos Aires City were invited to participate. All parents or guardians had completed 12-year schooling and were asked to fill out an online 7-day post vaccination questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated as the first phase of the study. Descriptive analysis of study variables was carried out, REDCap was used for the online survey, and STATA 14 for data analysis. Results1071 parents or guardians answered the questionnaire (response rate 82%), 530 for wP-group and 541 for aP-group.Local and systemic adverse reactions, in groups wP and aP respectively, were: pain 83%, 28%; swelling 63%, 16%; redness 52%, 22%; irritability 72%, 52%; fever 37%, 8%; loss of appetite 36%, 19%; drowsiness 38%, 27%; and vomiting 15%, 11%.Impact on daily life: social activities 36%, 20%; routine 48%, 24%; mood 39%, 23%; vitality 47%, 24%; sleep 50%, 30%; and appetite 22%, 7%.Parents were satisfied with the vaccination process in 96% and 98% for wP-group and aP-group respectively. Parents reported willingness to bring infant for future vaccine doses in 97% and 99% for wP-group and aP-group respectively. ConclusionsReported reactogenicity and impact on family daily routine was higher in infants receiving wP-pentavalent than aP-hexavalent vaccines. Parents in both groups conveyed vaccine acceptance and positive intentions for future immunizations.

Extrusion of the anterior segment of the medial meniscus extrusion initiates knee osteoarthritis: evaluation using magnetic resonance imaging

PurposeMeniscus extrusion contributes to the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). It is not clear which site of the medial meniscus (MM) extrusion (MME) is greatest. Moreover, the relationship between sites of MME and progression of OA has not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine which sites of MME that showed the greatest extrusion and to investigate the relationship between the presence of MM tears and MME, the relationship between the progression of OA and MME.MethodsA cohort of 111 patients were studied retrospectively. The OA grade was classified using the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade. MME was measured at 13 positions from the anterior to the posterior segment using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with slices perpendicular to the MM (radial MRI). The relationship between the K-L grade and the site of the MME was investigated. The patients were grouped as follows: The patients over 40-years-old were grouped as follows: patients with the K-L grade ≤1 and without a MM tear (Group En (early, no meniscus tear)); patients with the K-L grade ≤1 with a MM tear (Group Ep (early, positive meniscus tear)); patients with the K-L grade ≥2 and without a MM tear (Group An (advanced, no meniscal tear)); patients over-40 years-old with the K-L grade ≥2 and with a MM tear (Group Ap (advanced, positive meniscus tear)). And patients between 15 and 39-years-old with no abnormal findings on MRI were defined as control group (Group C).ResultsIn the Groups En and Ep, MME was greatest in the anterior segment, and was greater in Group Ep than in Group En. In Groups Ap and Group C, extrusion was greatest in the middle segment.ConclusionThe results suggest that MME predominantly occurred in the anterior segment with increasing age, after that, MM extruded at the middle segment with progression of OA and MM tear.Level of evidence IV

On the Inertia Conjecture and its generalizations

We study the two-point branched Galois covers of the projective line given by explicit equations and with prescribed branched data. We also obtain several results using formal patching techniques that are useful in realizing new Galois covers. As a consequence, we prove the Inertia Conjecture for the alternating groups Ap+1, Ap+3, Ap+4 when p ≡ 2 (mod 3) is an odd prime and for the group Ap+5 when additionally 4 ∤ (p + 1) and p ≥ 17. We also pose a general question motivated by the Inertia Conjecture and obtain some affirmative results. A special case of this question, which we call the Generalized Purely Wild Inertia Conjecture, is shown to be true for the groups for which the purely wild part of the Inertia Conjecture is already established. We show that if this generalized conjecture is true for the groups G1 and G2 which do not have a common quotient, then the conjecture is also true for the product G1 × G2.

Outcomes of sacrocolpopexy/sacrohysteropexy with mesh placement targeted to affected compartment

ObjectiveNo recommendation regarding the number of meshes to be implanted in laparoscopic genital prolapse surgery exists. Is it necessary to implant a mesh into a compartment that is not affected to prevent its prolapse in the follow-up? Our objective was to compare the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy according to compartments where mesh was implanted. Study designThis is a retrospective cohort study of 328 patients after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy at our centre in 7/2005 – 3/2021. 294 patients with perioperative data and POP-Q and/or prolapse symptoms in mean follow-up of 42.8 months was available for the outcome analysis. Surgical failure was defined as prolapse beyond hymen, subjective recurrence or retreatment. The women were divided into four groups depending on compartments, where the mesh was implanted. Group A – anterior, group P – posterior, Group AP – compound of patients with anterior or posterior single arm mesh placement and (B), with anterior and posterior arm placement. Groups AP and B were compared for feasibility of single compartment mesh implantation. Comparison of groups A and P allowed assessment of non-inferiority of single anterior vs. posterior compartment placement. The data were compared using Wilcoxon Two Sample test, Chi-square test or Fisheŕs Exact test, p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsA single compartment mesh implantation was associated with shorter operating time and hospital stay and comparable incidence of complications. A statistically significant difference in all POP-Q points in favour of group B was observed, however, with comparable rate of prolapse beyond hymen(6.3%AP vs. 7.8%B). Similar frequency of surgical failure (17.5%AP vs. 13.8%B) and incidence of de novo pelvic floor disorders or pain was observed. Comparison of groups A and P showed higher suspension of point C in group P(−2.6 vs. −4.0, p < 0.05) with no difference in points Ba, Bp, surgical failure rate and de novo pelvic floor disorders. ConclusionImplantation of a single sheet of mesh was not associated with inferior outcome to implantation of mesh to both compartments. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with a single mesh arm placed into the affected compartment along with apical suspension does not induce a de novo prolapse in unoperated compartment.

Effect of Entropy Index-Targeted Dextromeetomidine on Postoperative Neurocognitive Function in Elderly Patients with Gastrointestinal Tumors

Objective: To investigate the effect of entropy index targeted monitoring combined with dexmedetomidine infusion on cognitive function after thoracic and abdominal surgery in elderly patients. Methods: 60 elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery in our hospital on October ~2017 and October 2019 were selected, ASAⅡ~ grade III, and the random digital table method was divided into 3 groups ,20 cases in each group. entropy index monitoring combined with dexmedetomidine group (D1 group), entropy index monitoring combined with dexmedetomidine group (D2 group) and dexmedetomidine monitoring combined with saline group (D0 group). All patients were subjected to sequential rapid induction of endotracheal intubation general anesthesia. D1, D2, the group was injected with 0.5μg/kg dexmedetomidine hydrochloride intravenously in the first 15 min of induction, followed by a 0.3μg•kg-1•h-1, 0.6μg•kg-1•h-1 maintenance pump until 30 minutes before the end of operation, respectively. The D0 group was injected with the same amount of saline intravenously before induction, and then maintained with the same amount of saline. D1 and D2 groups were calibrated at 40~60. preoperative (T1), tracheal intubation immediate (T2),30 min after operation (T3) and extubation immediate (T4) M after operation were compared in 3 groups AP (mmhg), hr (sub/ min), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and intraoperative anesthetic dosage, vasoactive drug use, and postoperative recovery status; simple intelligent mental state examination scale (MMSE) test was completed 1 day before ,1 day after ,3 days after and 7 days after operation to record the incidence of perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND). To detect the necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) of the above-mentioned concurrent serum tumors; Results Compared with D0 group, the MAP of D1 group and D2 group decreased significantly and the HR slowed down significantly (P&lt;0.05), The MAP, HR of T3, T4 in D2 group was significantly decreased compared with that in the D1 group (P&lt;0.05), but the difference was not significant at all time points (0.05);The respiratory recovery time (min), dialling time (min) and restoring directional force time (min) were significantly shortened compared with the D0 group and the D2 group, and the consumption of propofol and sufentanil during the operation was significantly decreased. Compared with the D2 group, the use of vasoactive drugs in the D1 group was significantly decreased (P&lt;0.05). The TNF-α, CRP of patients in the first day and the third day were higher than those in the first day of operation, but the TNF-α, CRP of D1 group and D2 group were lower than those in the D0 group (0.05). The MMSE scores of l days and 3 days after operation in D1 and D2 groups were higher than those in D0 groups. Significantly decreased (P&lt;0.05), and there was no significant difference between the groups 7 days after operation (P&gt;0.05): Conclusion entropy index targeted monitoring combined with dexmedetomidine infusion (0.3μg/kg/h) in the elderly patients during surgery can improve the intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamic stability, can improve the perioperative neurocognitive disorders of patients, worthy of clinical promotion.

Fracture resistance of thin wall endodontically treated teeth without ferrules restored with various techniques.

To evaluate the fracture resistance and failure characteristics of simulated thin wall endodontically treated teeth without ferrules restored with various techniques. Forty-eight human mandibular single-root canal premolars were decoronated and endodontically treated. The 1 mm thick remaining root canal dentin was prepared. The roots were randomly divided into four groups of 12 roots according to the following post and core reconstruction techniques: direct resin composite post and core (CP), multiple fiber posts and resin composite core (FP), CAD/CAM anatomical post and core (AP), and metal cast post and core (MP). Full metal crowns were cemented to the cores. All specimens were subjected to thermocycling for 5000 cycles and submitted to axial compression until failure at a 45°angle using a universal testing machine. The failures were classified into one of the followings: post and/or core fractures, root fractures, and root fractures combined with post and/or core fractures. Average failure loads of groups CP, FP, AP, and MP were 360.0, 655.2, 402.7, and 856.1N, respectively. MP provided the highest failure load, which was significantly higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). FP was second, being inferior to MP with a significance level of p=0.039. CP exhibited the least failure load, and it was not significantly different from the AP group (p > 0.05). Root fractures were the major failure mode for most of the specimens except the CP group, in which composite fractures at the cervical level were commonly observed. Metal cast post and core provided the highest fracture resistance for reconstruction of a thin wall in endodontically treated teeth without ferrules, followed by multiple fiber posts and resin composite core. The milled anatomical post and core and a direct resin composite post and core provided significantly lower fracture resistance. Metal cast posts and core and multiple fiber posts with resin composite core techniques were effective for restoring severely compromised endodontically treated teeth.

Efficacy of dose-intensive platinum-containing neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the combination treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer

Objective:to assess the efficacy of dose-intensive platinum-containing neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with FIGO stage IB2–IIB locally advanced cervical cancer.Materials and methods.We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of 3 cycles of intravenous dose-intensive neoadjuvant chemotherapy with either AP regimen (cisplatin 75 mg/m2 and doxorubicin 35 mg/m2) or TP regimen (cisplatin 60 mg/m2 and paclitaxel 60 mg/m2).Results.The study included 105 patients (75 in the AP group and 30 in the TP group) aged between 27 and 63 years (mean age 44 years) with primary verified cervical cancer (T1–2B0–2Nx–0M0). Surgery was performed in 66 patients (88 %) from the AP group and 24 patients (80 %) from the TP group. Six patients (8 %) receiving AP regimen and 1 patient (3.3 %) receiving TP regimen developed disease progression. Four women (2.8 %) from the AP group developed relapses, whereas none of the patients from the TP group had relapses. Dose-intensive chemotherapy did not cause any significant complications at both chemotherapeutic and surgical stages. Our findings suggest that dose-intensive neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an effective method with an objective response rate of 84 % (63 cases) and 56.7 % (17 cases) in groups AP and TP respectively. Fifty-nine patients (78.7 %) receiving AP regimen had pathological response; of them, 7 participants (9.4 %) demonstrated pathological complete response (ypCR). In the TP group, 19 patients (63.3 %) had pathological response and 4 patients (13.4 %) had pathological complete response. Median follow-up time was 16.7 months (range: 3–29 months) in the AP group and 9.1 months (range: 2.8–12.7 months) in the TP group.Conclusion.Dose-intensive neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be considered as an alternative to standard treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer; however, further studies are needed due to the small sample size in this study.

OD-characterization of alternating groups Ap+d

Abstract Let An be an alternating group of degree n. Some authors have proved that A10, A147 and A189 cannot be OD-characterizable. On the other hand, others have shown that A16, A23+4, and A23+5 are OD-characterizable. We will prove that the alternating groups Ap+d except A10, are OD-characterizable, where p is a prime and d is a prime or equals to 4. This result generalizes other results.

The Fatty Acid Profile and Oxidative Stability of Meat from Turkeys Fed Diets Enriched with n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Dried Fruit Pomaces as a Source of Polyphenols.

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of different dietary fruit pomaces in reducing lipid oxidation in the meat of turkeys fed diets with a high content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Over a period of 4 weeks before slaughter, turkeys were fed diets with the addition of 5% dried apple, blackcurrant, strawberry and seedless strawberry pomaces (groups AP, BP, SP and SSP, respectively) and 2.5% linseed oil. Pomaces differed in the content (from 5.5 in AP to 43.1 mg/g in SSP) and composition of polyphenols Proanthocyanidins were the main polyphenolic fraction in all pomaces, AP contained flavone glycosides and dihydrochalcones, BP contained anthocyanins, and SP and SSP—ellagitannins. The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in all diets was comparable and lower than 2:1. In comparison with groups C and AP, the percentage of n-3 PUFAs in the total fatty acid pool of white meat from the breast muscles of turkeys in groups BP, SP and SSP was significantly higher, proportionally to the higher content of α-linolenic acid in berry pomaces. The fatty acid profile of dark meat from thigh muscles, including the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, was similar and lower than 3:1 in all groups. Vitamin A levels in raw breast muscles were higher in group AP than in groups C and BP (P<0.05). The addition of fruit pomaces to turkey diets lowered vitamin E concentrations (P = 0.001) in raw breast muscles relative to group C. Diets supplemented with fruit pomaces significantly lowered the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in raw, frozen and cooked meat. Our results indicate that the dietary application of dried fruit pomaces increases the oxidative stability of meat from turkeys fed linseed oil, and strawberry pomace exerted the most desirable effects due to its highest polyphenol content and antioxidant potential.

OD-Characterization of alternating and symmetric groups of degree p + 5

In this paper, it is proved that all the alternating groups Ap+5 are OD-characterizable and the symmetric groups Sp+5 are 3-fold OD-characterizable, where p+4 is a composite number and p + 6 is a prime and 5 ≠ p ∈ π(1000!).

Three Different Methods in Deformity Correction of Degenerative Flat Back: A Single Surgeon's Experience with 64 Consecutive Cases.

Study DesignRetrospective study.PurposeTo evaluate the radiological and clinical results of three different methods in the deformity correction of a degenerative flat back.Overview of LiteratureThere are no comparative studies about different procedures in the treatment of degenerative flat back.MethodsSixty-four patients who consecutively underwent corrective surgery for degenerative flat back were reviewed. The operations were performed by three different methods: posterior-only (group P, n=20), one-stage anterior-posterior (group AP, n=12), and two-stage anterior-posterior with iliac screw fixation (group AP-I, n=32). Medical and surgical complications were examined and radiological and clinical results were compared.ResultsThe majority of medical and surgical complications were found in group AP (5/12) and group P (7/20). The sagittal vertical axes were within normal range immediately postoperatively in all groups, but only group AP-I showed normal sagittal alignment at the final follow-up. Postoperative lumbar lordosis was also significantly higher in group AP-I than in group P or group AP and the finding did not change through the last follow-up. The Oswestry disability index was significantly lower in groups AP and AP-I than in group P at the final follow-up. Meanwhile, the operating time was the longest in group AP-I, and total amount of blood loss was larger in group AP-I and group AP than in group P.ConclusionsAnterior-posterior correction showed better clinical results than posterior-only correction. Two-staged anterior-posterior correction with iliac screw fixation showed better radiological results than posterior-only or one-staged anterior-posterior correction. Two-staged anterior-posterior correction with iliac screw fixation also showed a lower complication rate than one-staged anterior-posterior correction.

Antibody and Cell-mediated Immunity to Pertussis 4 Years After Monovalent Acellular Pertussis Vaccine at Birth

In a previous study, we found that monovalent acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine at birth and 1 month achieves higher IgG antibody (Ab) levels to pertussis toxoid (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) and pertactin by 8 weeks, when compared with controls. Here, we report antibody and cell-mediated immune responses to 4 years of age. IgG Ab to PT, filamentous hemagglutinin and pertactin, diphtheria (D) and tetanus (T) was measured in the 3 groups (aP vaccine at birth and 1 month, aP birth only and no aP) at 2 years of age and before and after DTaP-inactivated polio vaccine (DTaP-IPV) at 4 years of age. Cell-mediated immune responses to pertussis vaccine antigens were measured at 2 years of age. Adverse events following DTaP-IPV were recorded. Of 74 subjects, 52 (70%) were available for follow up. Overall, 11 (21%) had detectable PT IgG at 2 years, decreasing to 10% before 4-year-old booster compared with 100% at 8 months of age. After the 4-year booster, pertussis antigen IgG levels were similar, but there was a trend to lower PT IgG levels in birth aP infants (geometric mean concentrations: 28.7 EI.U/mL) compared with controls (geometric mean concentrations: 53.6 EI.U/mL). The cytokine responses to pertussis antigen stimulation were higher in aP recipients at 2 years of age. There was no difference in injection site reactions among groups following the DTaP-IPV booster at 4 years of age. In the longest reported follow-up of infants who received aP vaccine at birth, we found a trend to lower PT IgG antibodies post booster compared with receipt of first dose of aP-containing vaccine at 8 weeks of age. Short- and long-term antibody responses with and without prior maternal pertussis vaccination are crucial for further evaluation of this strategy for preventing severe early pertussis.

A New Characterization of Certain Symmetric and Alternating Groups

The degree pattern of a finite group G has been introduced in[Algebra Colloquium,2005,12(3):431-442]and denoted by D(G).The group G is called k-fold OD-characterizable if there exist exactly k non-isomorphic groups H satisfying conditions |H|=|G|and D(H)=D(G).In addition,a 1-fold OD-characterizable group is simply called OD-characterizable.The following simple groups are uniquely determined by their orders and degree patterns:all sporadic simple groups,the alternating groups Ap(p≥5 is a twin prime) and some simple groups of Lie type.In this problem,those groups with connected prime graphs are somewhat much difficult to be solved.In this paper,we continue this investigation.In particular,we show that the symmetric groups S_(81) and S_(82) are 3-fold OD-characterizable.We also show that the alternating groups A_(130) and A_(140) are OD-characterizable.It is worth mentioning that the latter gives a positive answer to a conjecture in[Frontiers of Mathematics in China,2009,4(4):669-680].

Recognizing finite groups through order and degree patterns

The degree pattern of a finite group G associated with its prime graph has been introduced by Moghaddamfar in 2005 and it is proved that the following simple groups are uniquely determined by their order and degree patterns: All sporadic simple groups, the alternating groups Ap (p ≥ 5 is a twin prime) and some simple groups of the Lie type. In this paper, the authors continue this investigation. In particular, the authors show that the symmetric groups Sp+3, where p + 2 is a composite number and p + 4 is a prime and 97 < p ∈ π(1000!), are 3-fold OD-characterizable. The authors also show that the alternating groups A116 and A134 are OD-characterizable. It is worth mentioning that the latter not only generalizes the results by Hoseini in 2010 but also gives a positive answer to a conjecture by Moghaddamfar in 2009.

Role of HO-1 in protective effect of electro-acupuncture against endotoxin shock-induced acute lung injury in rabbits

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 has been reported to play a great role in attenuating lung injury during endotoxic shock in our previous research. Although electro-acupuncture has been explored to reduce oxidative stress and decrease inflammatory reaction in animals with endotoxic shock, the mechanism of this effect is still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether HO-1 is involved in the effect of electro-acupuncture on the injured lung during endotoxic shock in rabbits. Sixty New England white rabbits were randomly divided into groups C, Z, ES, EA, AP, and EAZ. Before inducing endotoxic shock, group ES received no electro-acupuncture, while group EA received electro-acupuncture at ST36 (zusanli) and BL13 (feishu) acupoints on both sides for five days and group AP received electro-acupuncture (EA) stimulation at a non-acupoint. Groups ES, AP, EA, and EAZ received LPS to replicate the experimental model of injured lung induced by endotoxic shock, and electro-acupuncture was performed throughout the procedure with the same parameter. Groups EAZ and Z received the HO-1 inhibitor, ZnPP-IX, intraperitoneally. The animals were sacrificed by blood-letting at 6 h after LPS administration. The blood samples were collected for serum examination, and the lungs were removed for pathology examination, detection of alveolaer epithelial cell apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL assay), determination of wet to dry ratio, measurement of Evans blue (EB) contents, and determination of HO-1protein and mRNA expression. According to the results, EA at ST36 and BL13 could increase the expression of HO-1. At the same time, index of quantitative assessment (IQA) score and the number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased, while electro-acupuncture at the other points did not exert this effect, and pretreatment with ZnPP-IX in group EAZ suppressed the efficacy of electro-acupuncture preconditioning. In summary, electro-acupuncture stimulation at ST36 and BL13, while not the non-acupoint, could attenuate the lung injury during the endotoxic shock, and this effect was due to increased expression of HO-1.

More on the OD-Characterizability of a Finite Group

The degree pattern of a finite group G was introduced in [10]. We say that G is k-fold OD-characterizable if there exist exactly k non-isomorphic finite groups with the same order and same degree pattern as G. When a group G is 1-fold OD-characterizable, we simply call it OD-characterizable. In recent years, a number of authors attempt to characterize finite groups by their order and degree pattern. In this article, we first show that for the primes p=53, 61, 67, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97, the alternating groups Ap+3 are OD-characterizable, while the symmetric groups Sp+3 are 3-fold OD-characterizable. Next, we show that the automorphism groups Aut (O7(3)) and Aut (S6(3)) are 6-fold OD-characterizable. It is worth mentioning that the prime graphs associated with all these groups are connected.

Comparison between the antero-posterior and anterior approaches for treating L5-S1 vertebral tuberculosis

Both the antero-posterior and anterior approaches have been used for treating L5-S1 vertebral tuberculosis. However, no studies have compared the efficacy of the two methods in treating the disease. The antero-posterior (AP group, 14 cases) and anterior (A group, 13 cases) approaches were performed on L5-S1 vertebral tuberculosis cases who were followed up for average of 25 months. Clinical and radiographic data were obtained from and compared between groups. Average operative time, blood loss and pre-operative, post-operative and last follow-up of lumbo-sacral angles for groups AP and A were 497 min vs 190 min, 980 ml vs 410 ml, 22.3° vs 20.6°, 29.8° vs 25.7° and 28.3° vs 23.6°, respectively. Averaged visual analogue scale (VAS) scores in groups AP and A, respectively, were 6.5 vs 6.0 points before surgery and 3.0 vs 2.8 points after surgery. Mean ODI scores were 60.2 vs 63.0 points before and 30.0 vs 28.5 points after the operation for groups AP and A, respectively. Six cases in the AP group and five in the A group who exhibited neurological symptoms recovered to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade E. The average hospitalisations of groups AP and A lasted for 21 and 15 days, respectively. Bony fusion was achieved in both groups, with an average fusion time of five and four months, respectively. Both the antero-posterior and anterior approaches can effectively heal L5-S1 vertebral tuberculosis, but the average surgical time, blood loss and hospital stay following the anterior approach are prominently less than those following the antero-posterior approach.

Recognizing alternating groups A p+3 for certain primes p by their orders and degree patterns

The degree pattern of a finite group M has been introduced by A. R. Moghaddamfar et al. [Algebra Colloquium, 2005, 12(3): 431–442]. A group M is called k-fold OD-characterizable if there exist exactly k non-isomorphic finite groups having the same order and degree pattern as M. In particular, a 1-fold OD-characterizable group is simply called OD-characterizable. In this article, we will show that the alternating groups Ap+3 for p = 23, 31, 37, 43 and 47 are OD-characterizable. Moreover, we show that the automorphism groups of these groups are 3-fold OD-characterizable. It is worth mentioning that the prime graphs associated with all these groups are connected.