IP Group Research Articles

Field study to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a novel orally administered combination drug product containing milbemycin oxime and lotilaner (Credelio\xae Plus) against natural intestinal nematode infections in dogs presented as veterinary patients in Europe

BackgroundA randomised, blinded, positive controlled, multicentre, Good Clinical Practice-compliant, pivotal field study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a new combination of lotilaner + milbemycin oxime tablets (Credelio® Plus; Elanco Animal Health) administered orally to client-owned dogs naturally infected with intestinal nematodes.MethodsClient-owned dogs presenting to veterinary clinics from households in France, Hungary and Germany were screened for intestinal nematodes. Dogs with an initial positive faecal egg count that was subsequently confirmed with a follow-up faecal examination to demonstrate the presence of naturally occurring mixed or mono-infections with Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis or Ancylostoma caninum were enrolled on Day 0 into the study. Households were randomised in an approximately 2:1 ratio to receive either an investigational product (IP; Credelio Plus tablets) or control product (CP; Nexgard Spectra® tablets) as treatment. Dogs were administered the IP (n = 278) or CP (n = 117) once on Day 0 at a dose rate of 0.75–1.56 mg/kg bodyweight milbemycin oxime and 20.0–41.5 mg/kg bodyweight lotilaner (IP) or as recommended (CP). Effectiveness of the IP and CP treatments was based on the post-treatment reduction in geometric mean faecal egg counts on Day 8 (range Day 7–10) after treatment as compared to their pre-treatment nematode faecal egg counts.ResultsGeometric mean (GM) faecal egg counts for T. canis, A caninum and T. vulpis were reduced by ≥ 97.2% in the Credelio Plus group and by ≥ 95.3% in the afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime group. There were insufficient data to calculate a percentage reduction in GM faecal egg counts between Day 0 and Day 8 for T. leonina due to low prevalence. Credelio Plus was well tolerated in this field study. Of the 355 total doses administered, 82.3% were accepted free choice in the IP group compared to 80.8% in the CP group.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated effectiveness (≥ 97.2% reduction), safety and tablet acceptance of a combination of milbemycin oxime and lotilaner (Credelio Plus) administered orally to dogs with natural intestinal infections of T. canis, A. caninum and T. vulpis.Graphical

The influence of castration on intramural neurons of the urinary bladder trigone in male pigs.

The present study investigated the influence of castration performed at neonatal age on neuronal elements in the intramural ganglia of the urinary bladder trigone (UBT) in male pigs using double-labeling immunohistochemistry. The ganglia were examined in intact (IP) 7-day-old (castration day) pigs, and at 3 and 6months after surgery. In IP and control (3- and 6-month-old noncastrated pigs) groups, virtually, all neurons were adrenergic (68%) or cholinergic (32%) in nature. Many of them (32%, 51%, and 81%, respectively; 56%, 75%, and 85% adrenergic; and 32%, 52%, and 65% cholinergic, respectively) stained for the androgen receptor (AR), and only a small number of nerve cells were caspase-3 (CASP-3)-positive. In 3- and 6-month-old castrated pigs, an excessive loss (87.6% and 87.5%, respectively) of neurons and intraganglionic nerve fibers was observed. The majority of the surviving adrenergic (61% and 72%, respectively) and many cholinergic (41% and 31%, respectively) neurons expressed CASP-3 and were also AR-positive (61% and 66%, and 40% and 36%, respectively). This study revealed for the first time the excessive loss of intramural UBT neurons following castration, which could have resulted from apoptosis induced by androgen deprivation.

PDLCs and EPCs Co-Cultured on Ta Discs: A Golden Fleece for "Compromised" Osseointegration.

Material research in tissue engineering forms a vital link between basic cell research and animal research. Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs, P) from the tooth have an osteogenic effect, whereas endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs, E) assist in neovascularization. In the present study, the interaction of PDLCs and EPCs with Tantalum (Ta, I) discs, either alone (IP or IE group) or in 1:1 (IPE) ratio was explored. Additionally, surface analysis of Ta discs with respect to different types and cycles of sterilization and disinfection procedures was evaluated. It was observed that Ta discs could be used for a maximum of three times, after which the changes in properties of Ta discs were detrimental to cell growth, irrespective of the type of the protocol. Cell-Disc’s analysis revealed that cell proliferation in the IE group at day 6 and day 10 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than other groups. A cell viability assay revealed increased live cells in the IPE group than in the IP or IE group. Similarly, adhesion and penetration of cells in the IPE group were not only higher, but also had an increased thickness of cellular extensions. RT-PCR analysis revealed that on day 8, both osteogenic (ALP, RUNX-2, and BSP) and angiogenic genes (VEGFR-2, CD31) increased significantly in the IPE group as compared to the IP or IE groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Ta discs promoted cellular proliferation and increased osteogenic and angiogenic activity by augmenting RUNX-2 and VEGFR-2 activity.

Planned use of long acting reversible postpartum contraception in low-risk women in CenteringPregnancy® group versus individual physician prenatal care

Introduction: Education on effective contraceptive methods is necessary during the prenatal period to help women achieve optimal birth spacing. This study identified rates of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) uptake in women who attended CenteringPregnancy® (CP) group prenatal care versus individual physician care (IP). Methods: Charts for low-risk women who participated in group CP or IP prenatal care between March 2012 and May 2016 were reviewed. Charts of IP subjects were randomly selected in each year to achieve a CP:IP ratio of at least 1:3. The primary outcome was rate of LARC use at discharge and within 8 weeks postpartum. Pearson chi-squared test and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were performed, and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: 129 women participated in CP care and 412 in IP care. CP women were more likely nulliparous (91, or 70.5% vs 212, or 51.5%, p=0.0001) and more likely to attend at least 15 prenatal visits (54, or 41.9% vs 62, or 15.1%, p<0.0001). LARC use rates at discharge and at the postpartum visit were similar (36, or 27.9% vs 89, or 21.6%, p=0.142; 39, or 32.2% vs 110, or 29.4%, p=0.557). Rates of women using effective contraception (LARC and other hormonal options, including oral contraceptives and Depo Provera) at discharge and at the postpartum visit were similar (59, or 45.7% vs 206, or 50.0%, p=0.177; 72, or 59.5% vs 229, or 61.2%, p=0.157). IUD use was greater than subdermal implant use in both groups (31, or 24.0% vs 5, or 3.9%; 72, or 17.5% vs 17, or 4.1%; p=0.081). Rates of routine postpartum visit attendance at 6-8 weeks postpartum were similar and high in both groups (121, or 93.8% vs 374, or 90.8%; adjusted p-value=0.164). Conclusion: Although CP subjects had more prenatal visits and spent more time with providers, there was no difference on uptake of LARC or effective contraception at discharge or at the postpartum visit when compared to IP subjects.

Brief Report: Using Behavioral Economics to Increase HIV Knowledge and Testing Among Latinx Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study.

To determine how weekly text messages and small incentives impact HIV knowledge and frequency of HIV testing among Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM) and transgender women (LTGW). Prospectively randomized participants into 2 intervention arms compared with a nonrandomized comparison group. Bienestar, a primarily Latinx focused HIV service provider located across Los Angeles County. Two hundred eighteen participants self-identifying as LSMM or LTGW, HIV negative, having regular mobile phone access, ≥18 years, and fluent in English or Spanish. The "information only" (IO) group received text messages with HIV prevention information. The "information plus" (IP) group additionally could win incentives by answering weekly quiz questions correctly and testing for HIV once every 3 months. We followed participants for 12 months. HIV knowledge and frequency of HIV testing. We found no effect on HIV knowledge in the IO group but a statistically significant improvement in the IP group (79.2%-88.1%; P = 0.007). The frequency of HIV testing was higher in both intervention groups relative to the comparison group: On average, 22.0% of IO participants and 24.9% of IP participants tested at a Bienestar site within a given 3-month period, compared with 13.0% in the comparison group. This represents unadjusted relative risk ratios of 1.69 for the IO group (95% CI: 1.25 to 2.1; P < 0.01) and 1.91 for the IP group (95% CI: 1.51 to 2.31; P < 0.01), respectively. This study demonstrates that a simple, low-cost intervention may help increase HIV testing frequency among LSMM and LTGW, 2 groups at high HIV risk.

Comparison of maternal and fetal outcomes between delayed and immediate pushing in the second stage of vaginal delivery: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The second stage of labor begins with complete dilatation of the cervix until delivery of the fetus. After the cervix has fully dilated, the caregiver/nurse will provide guidance to the mother regarding the push technique for delivering the fetus (immediate pushing, IP). Because some women receive analgesic medications during labor, they might not be able to push correctly. Therefore, some obstetricians choose to postpone guiding the patient to push until the cervix is fully dilated and the fetal head has begun to descend. At this point, there is an involuntary exertion sensation (delayed pushing, DP) that saves energy and, at the same time, decreases tiredness and fatigue. The best timing for pushing during the second stage of labor is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the different maternal and neonatal outcomes with IP and DP in the second stage of labor. The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Airiti Library (a Chinese database) were searched up to July 2019. Search keywords included: "labor stage, second", "delayed pushing", and "immediate pushing". Gray literature and bibliographies of articles were checked. No language restrictions were applied. Only randomized controlled trials were included. Two independent reviewers identified relevant studies and extracted data. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool results. Mean differences and risk ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Review Manager 5.3 (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark, 2014). The risk of heterogeneity was reported as I2, and publication bias was visually assessed by funnel plots. In total, 15 studies (n = 6121 participants) were identified. Pooled results demonstrated the following. (1) As to maternal outcomes, in comparison, IP shortened the length of the second stage of labor by 40.9 (95% CI 23.6-58.2) min; however, DP decreased the total length of pushing by 25.4 (95% CI 13.9-37.0) min. The incidence of instrument-assisted vaginal delivery was significantly lower in the DP group in western countries (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74-0.97). In addition, the maternal postpartum fatigue score was 0.67 points lower in the DP group (95% CI - 1.09 to - 0.26). There was no statistical significance of the cesarean section rate or blood loss. (2) As to neonatal outcomes (Apgar score at 1min), the DP group showed a higher score (by 0.19; 95% CI 0.10-0.27 points) than the IP group. Delayed pushing can decrease the total pushing time and decrease the fatigue score after delivery without significant adverse events compared to the early pushing group. Therefore, we recommend that caregivers instruct the pushing time at the optimal moment, which allows women to have more resting time and save energy during labor.

CRS + HIPEC in stage IIIc epithelial ovarian cancer and comparison of oncological outcome only with CRS and IV chemotherapy and CRS + IP chemotherapy.

e18054 Background: Our study aims to describe role of CRS &amp; HIPEC in stage IIIC epithelial ovarian malignancy &amp; compare the oncological outcome (DFS &amp; OS) of extensive CRS+ HIPEC in comparison with CRS &amp; IV chemotherapy &amp; CRS + IP chemotherapy. Methods: Patients diagnosed of stage IIIc EOC underwent extensive CRS + HIPEC. All data prospectively entered in the HIPEC registry was analysed. Outcome of CRS &amp; IV group (n = 50), CRS + IP group (n = 60) operated around same period was compared with the CRS &amp; HIPEC group. Results: Out of 135 patients, upfront, interval and secondary cytoreduction plus HIPEC was done in 29.6%, 44.4% &amp; 25.9% &amp; mean PCI was 14.1, 9.6 &amp; 13.0 respectively. Multi-visceral resection, diaphragmatic resection &amp; bowel resection was required in 12.7%, 50% &amp; 41.8% respectively. Overall G3- G5 morbidity was seen in 25.4% with major being electrolyte imbalance 16.3%, hematological 12.7% &amp; surgical 11.8%. Mean ICU &amp; hospital stay 1.5 &amp; 11 days respectively. Overall 30 day mortality was 4.5%. With a median follow up of 42 months DFS was 30, 33 &amp; 16 months and OS was 70%, 67% &amp; 51% at 4 year for upfront, interval and the recurrent settings respectively. Detailed description presented in Table. Most of the recurrences in CRS &amp; IV group were in peritoneum whereas the other two groups had lesser peritoneal &amp; systemic recurrence. Conclusions: Optimal cytoreduction &amp; some form of IP therapy is needed to improve outcomes. CRS+ HIPEC is feasible in all groups of ovarian cancer with acceptable morbidity &amp; mortality. However the role of single HIPEC in comparison to 6 cycles of IP chemotherapy needs to be evaluated with a well-designed multi-institutional randomised study. [Table: see text]

Ketogenic, hypocaloric diet improves nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Background and objectivesNonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is strongly associated with obesity. A weight loss of ≥10% is necessary to improve NASH severity, but this goal has rarely been achieved in published studies using different diet protocols. The effect of a ketogenic, hypocaloric, commercial diet (“Ideal Protein,” IP) on body weight, metabolic markers, and liver tests in a group of NASH patients is evaluated in this study. Daily calorie intake was tailored to achieve a weight loss of ≥10%.MethodsWe analyzed 38 patients with NASH who were placed on the IP diet between 2014 and 2018 and compared their outcomes with 6 control patients who declined the diet. All patients were evaluated by a trained health coach in weekly intervals throughout the study period. Clinical and laboratory data obtained before and at 6.5 months after intervention were compared using paired t-testing.ResultsThe patients on the IP diet experienced a significant weight reduction (217 ± 8 lb vs. 194 ± 7 lb; mean ± S.E.M.), corresponding to an average weight loss of 9.7% ± 1.6%. Significant changes in systolic blood pressure (133 ± 3 mmHg vs. 123 ± 3 mmHg), triglycerides (200 ± 21 mmol/L vs. 132 ± 11 mmol/L), hemoglobin A1c (6.71% ± 0.29% vs. 5.74% ± 0.19%), SGPT (97.3 ± 11.1 IU/L vs. 44.2 ± 5.9 IU/L), SGOT (82.4 ± 10.5 IU/L vs. 32.8 ± 5.2 IU/L), and Fib-4 scores (2.25 ± 0.23 vs. 1.40 ± 0.13) were also observed (P<0.05 in all cases). In the IP group, 50.5% of patients lost ≥10% body weight. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the control group. The IP diet was well tolerated, and no safety signals were noticed.ConclusionsA ketogenic, hypocaloric resulted in striking weight loss and significant improvements in metabolic parameters and liver tests, suggesting that this approach carries promise for the dietary management of patients with NASH.

Influence of Applied Liquid-Type Scanning-Aid Material on the Accuracy of the Scanned Image: An In Vitro Experiment.

The study was designed to evaluate the effects of a liquid-type scanning-aid material on the accuracy and time efficiency of intraoral digital impressions compared to those of two different types of powder scanning-aid material and the powder-free scanning method. Three reference models (inlay, onlay, and bridge) were fabricated by a 3D printer and scanned with a model scanner to make the reference datasets. Four experimental groups (application of ScanCure, VITA, IP, and no treatment) were established, and the scans were acquired (each n = 5) using the Trios 3® (3 Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark). All scan data were digitally superimposed with the reference data (trueness, n = 5), and group comparisons were performed for each group (precision, n = 10). Time efficiency was evaluated by comparing the working times for scanning the models. The liquid-type ScanCure group showed fewer errors than the IP and VITA groups in all three reference models. Particularly, in the inlay model, the ScanCure group showed high accuracy compared to the powder-type groups (IP and VITA) with statistical significance (p < 0.001). The working time of the no-treatment group was longer than that of the agent groups in all reference models (p < 0.001). Notably, in the bridge model, the working time of the ScanCure group was shorter than that of the IP and VITA groups. Unlike other spray-type scanning-aid materials, this liquid-type material has the advantage of being thinly and uniformly applied to the object surface at the time of use. These findings suggest that the liquid-type scanning-aid material would be more accurate in achieving shape reproducibility using an intraoral scanner than the other two spray-type groups.

The characteristics and clinical significance of serum TRAb IgG subtype in patients with thyroid associated ophthalmopathy

Objective To explore the distribution of serum TRAb IgG subtypes in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO) at different stages and its value in assessing TAO activity. Methods Forty-three patients with TAO, 30 patients with Graves′ disease (GD group), 19 patients with Hashimoto′s thyroiditis (HT group), and 50 healthy subjects (NC group)admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were collected from August 2018 to February 2019. According to the clinical activity score (CAS), the patients with TAO were further divided into the active period group (AP group, CAS≥3 points, 22 cases) and the inactive period group (IP group, CAS<3 points, 21 cases). The basic clinical data of subjects in each group were collected. The serum concentrations of FT3, FT4, TSH, thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay and the binding rate in percentage (B) of serum TRAb IgG and IgG subtypes were detected by ELISA. The positive rate in each group and relative content of positive samples were compared. Results (1)Compared with HT group, the positive rates of IgG1 and IgG2 in TAO group and GD group were significantly decreased (P 0.05). (2)Compared with the IP group, IgG1(B) and the positive rates of IgG1 in the AP group were increased while IgG4(B) and the relative contents of IgG4 were reduced (P<0.05). (3)IgG1(B)was positively correlated with TAO activity (B=6.190, P=0.007), and higher IgG4(B)indicated more inclinations to the inactive period (B=-16.390, P=0.052). (4) The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for TAO developing into active period assessed by activity rate was 0.859 (95%CI 0.746-0.973, P<0.05). When the activity rate was 4.29, the Jordon index showed the largest, with sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 81.0%. Conclusions Elevated levels of TRAb IgG1 in the patients with TAO indicate a tendency to active period, while elevated levels of TRAb IgG4 indicate a tendency to inactive period. The activity rate can provide a reference for assessing whether TAO is active or not. Key words: Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy; IgG subtype; Clinical activity score

Binge-Like, Naloxone-Sensitive, Voluntary Ethanol Intake at Adolescence Is Greater Than at Adulthood, but Does Not Exacerbate Subsequent Two-Bottle Choice Drinking.

The present study assessed the effects of ethanol exposure during adolescence or adulthood. We exposed Wistar rats, males or females, to self-administered 8–10% (v/v) ethanol (BINGE group) during the first 2 h of the dark cycle, three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) during postnatal days (PDs) 32–54 or 72–94 (adolescent and adults, respectively). During this period, controls were only handled, and a third (IP) condition was given ethanol intraperitoneal administrations, three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), at doses that matched those self-administered by the BINGE group. The rats were tested for ethanol intake and preference in a two-bottle (24 h long) choice test, shortly before (PD 30 or 70) and shortly after (PD 56 or 96) exposure to the binge or intraperitoneal protocol; and then tested for free-choice drinking during late adulthood (PDs 120–139) in intermittent two-bottle intake tests. Binge drinking was significantly greater in adolescents vs. adults, and was blocked by naloxone (5.0 mg/kg) administered immediately before the binge session. Mean blood ethanol levels (mg/dl) at termination of binge session 3 were 60.82 ± 22.39. Ethanol exposure at adolescence, but not at adulthood, significantly reduced exploration of an open field-like chamber and significantly increased shelter-seeking behavior in the multivariate concentric square field. The rats that had been initially exposed to ethanol at adolescence drank, during the intake tests conducted at adulthood, significantly more than those that had their first experience with ethanol at adulthood, an effect that was similar among BINGE, IP and control groups. The study indicates that binge ethanol drinking is greater in adolescent that in adults and is associated with heightened ethanol intake at adulthood. Preventing alcohol access to adolescents should reduce the likelihood of problematic alcohol use or alcohol-related consequences.

Outcomes of Vitrectomy for Long-Duration Macular Hole.

The present study investigated the functional and anatomical outcomes of idiopathic chronic macular hole (MH) surgery with different surgical approaches related to the chronicity and diameter of the MH. A comparative retrospective study between three groups of patients who underwent vitrectomy for long-duration MH (mean: 13.5 months) was conducted. In the first group of patients (G1 or IP), the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was systematically peeled; in the second group (G2 or IPEP), the ILM and epiretinal membrane (ERM) were peeled; and in the third group (G3 or IF), patients underwent inverted ILM flap technique surgery. Pre- and post-operative best corrected visual acuities (pre- and post-op BCVA) were studied. Macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were performed to measure the MH minimum and maximum diameter pre-operatively, as well as to confirm its post-op closure and evaluate the integrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ). Fifty eyes of 48 patients (33 female and 15 male) were retrospectively evaluated. MH closure rate was 100% in IP group, 66.7% in IPEP, and 95.2% in IF group. All three groups had a statistically significant improvement of BCVA. EZ post-op was restored in 88.2% of the cases from G1, 41.6% from G2, and 23.8% from G3. No statistically significant relationship between the smaller or larger MH diameter and the visual acuity improvement was found. Patients with chronic MH and ERM have worse functional and anatomical outcomes after surgery. Treatment of chronic MHs without ERM results in a better closure rate with either an inverted ILM flap approach or systematic ILM peel.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and optimal interval tumor reductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer

ObjectivesIntraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and interval tumor reductive surgery (TRS) for advanced ovarian cancer is feasible, however, the impact on disease outcomes remains unclear. We compare outcomes of patients treated with IP chemotherapy versus intravenous (IV) chemotherapy following NACT and interval TRS. MethodsIn this retrospective review, patients with advanced ovarian cancer were included if they received NACT followed by optimal interval TRS between 1/2004 and 4/2017. Patients were excluded if they had an ECOG PS >1, received >6 cycles of NACT or postoperative chemotherapy, and/or received bevacizumab during primary therapy. Primary outcomes were progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). ResultsThere were 134 patients included in this study, 37 (28%) received IP and 97 (72%) received IV chemotherapy postoperatively. Patients in the IV group were older (median 66.3 vs 59.7 years, p = 0.0039) though there were no differences in BMI, race, BRCA status, stage, or histology. Median PFS was 3 months longer in the IP group (14.5 versus 11.5 months, p = 0.028) however there was no significant difference in OS. On univariate analysis, increasing number of NACT cycles (HR 1.914, 95% CI 1.024–3.497) and residual disease at completion of TRS (HR 1.541, 95% CI 1.042–2.248) were associated with decreased PFS; IP chemotherapy was associated with increased PFS (HR 0.633, 95% CI 0.414–0.944). These associations remained on multivariate analysis. Toxicity was comparable between the groups. ConclusionsIP after NACT and optimal interval TRS was associated with in improved PFS compared to IV chemotherapy without significant differences in toxicity.

Effect of additional outdoor yard on behaviour of lactating domestic goats (Capra hircus) in different seasons

This study covered the effects of an improvement of the breeding environment on the behaviour of lactating goats. Two groups of 25 lactating Saanen goats were used: animals were reared in indoor pen (1.6 m2/head) without (control IP group) or with (experimental OY group) access to an outdoor yard (1.0 m2/head). For the trial, carried out in two different periods (winter and spring) 5 days lasting, a specific ethogram including feeding, resting, moving and play fighting (mock butting) or socio-positive (nuzzling) social behaviour was developed. Animals’ behaviour was continuously video monitored. Goats in experimental OY group showed greater moving (P < 0.01), a tendency to less feeding and resting (P < 0.10). Social behaviour (butts + nuzzles), in both periods, showed significant differences (P < 0.01) between the two groups while as for the comparison among periods of the year, within the group, there were meaningful differences only for OY group (P < 0.01). Experimental OY group’s social behaviour analysis, between periods, revealed a significant difference in the outdoor yard only. On the other hand, the differences between indoor and outdoor were significant for both the periods (P < 0.01). Butts and nuzzles of the goats in the control IP group are statistically different only in the second period (P < 0.05). The OY group showed higher nuzzling in both periods, even though it was statistically confirmed only for the first one (P < 0.05). Comparing the OY group butts and nuzzles between the two periods, only butts proved statistically different (P < 0.05) according to an improvement in climatic conditions. Giving the goats the possibility to use an outdoor yard, their competitiveness increases. As for the use of the space by OY group, staying in the indoor pen and in the outdoor yard as well as the looking out activity time suggests that the behaviour of goats was influenced by climatic conditions with regard to the utilization of the outdoor yard exclusively (P < 0.01). Goats that have an external space available are more active in socialization and show greater disposition to perform their normal, natural and complete behaviour patterns.

A pilot study on salivary cortisol secretion and auditory P300 event-related potential in patients with physical disability-related stress

Objective: To evaluate the stress level and attention in workers with physical disabilities-related stress.Methods: Morning salivary cortisol was used as a stress marker while the event-related potential during the performance of the auditory oddball paradigm was conducted to investigate the attentive ability to sound stimuli. Eighteen injured workers (IP) and eighteen unaffected healthy adults (CP) were recruited for this study with half being men and the other half women (aged 21–55). Behavioral performance measures including reaction time (RT), accuracy rate, and commission error as well as the latency and amplitude of P300 wave over the central (Cz), centroparietal (CPz), and parietal (Pz) electroencephalogram electrode sites were used to compare the two groups.Results: This study demonstrated significantly higher salivary cortisol levels, longer RT, less accuracy to respond to the target during the auditory oddball paradigm in the IP group as compared to CP group. In addition, a significant prolongation of the peak latency of auditory P300 wave over CPz electrodes was also detected in IP group.Conclusion: The increased cortisol levels found in the IP group reflect the alteration of the basal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as a result of the stresses of living with a physical disability. Delayed RT and the decreased in accuracy together with changing in peak latencies of auditory P300 wave indicate the impairment of attention networks in IP. Our study revealed that the patients with permanent physical disability.

The effect of needle tip position on the analgesic efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency treatment in patients with chronic lumbar radicular pain: a retrospective observational study.

BackgroundPulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is a treatment modality that alleviates radicular pain by intermittently applying high-frequency currents adjacent to the dorsal root ganglion. There has been no comparative study on analgesic effect according to the position of the needle tip in PRF treatment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of PRF according to the needle tip position.MethodsPatients were classified into 2 groups (group IP [group inside of pedicle] and group OP [group outside of pedicle]) based on needle tip position in the anteroposterior view of fluoroscopy. In the anteroposterior view, the needle tip was advanced medially further than the lateral aspect of the corresponding pedicle in group IP; however, in group OP, the needle tip was not advanced. The treatment outcomes and pain scores were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after applying PRF.ResultsAt 4, 8, and 12 weeks, there were no significant differences between the successful response rate and numerical rating scale score ratio.ConclusionsThe analgesic efficacy of PRF treatment did not differ with the needle tip position.

Biological and biochemical characteristics of male reproductive system, serum metabolites and carcass quality of Japanese quails by the supplementation of Pinus ponderosa leaves and α-tocopherol acetate.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Pinus ponderosa leaves (pine leaves) and α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) powder on male reproductive system, serum metabolites and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails. A total of 360-day-old male quails were purchased from the open market and kept at poultry shed for ninety-four days. After ten days of adaptation, all quails were randomly assigned into 4 groups, control (IC); supplemented with α-tocopherol acetate (IE) at the rate of 150mg/L; Pinus ponderosa leaves (IP) at the rate of 150mg/L; and 70mg α-tocopherol acetate and 70mg Pinus ponderosa leaves (IEP). Pinus ponderosa leaves and α-tocopherol acetate supplementation had not significantly (p>.05) effected on final body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of quails. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and total cholesterol (TC) were significantly (p>.05) affected by IE and IP groups as compared to IC and IEP groups. Triglyceride (TG), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly (p<.05) increased in all treatment groups except for the IC group. Aspartate transaminase (AST) significantly (p>.05) decreased in treatment groups as compared to control group. Overall, the mineral levels significantly (p<.05) increased in treatment groups as compared to control. Cloacal gland index values, the quantity of foam production and testis weight were significantly (p<.05) increased in treatment groups. It was concluded that the supplementation of Pinus ponderosa leaves and α-tocopherol acetate improved the testis weight, foam production, serum antioxidant enzymes and mineral level especially zinc in Japanese quail considered an indicative characteristic ofhighersperm production rate and improved sexual activity. Further, highergametogenesis rate, sperm production orreproductive behaviour including different hormonal level will be analysed in future study.

Different routes of insulin administration do not influence serum free thiols in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

AimsIntraperitoneal (IP) insulin administration is a last‐resort treatment option for selected patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). As the IP route of insulin administration mimics the physiology more closely than the subcutaneous (SC) route, we hypothesized that IP insulin would result in less oxidative stress (expressed as systemic level of free sulphydryl (R‐SH) content) compared to SC insulin in subjects with T1DM.Materials and methodsProspective, observational case‐control study. Serum thiol measurements were performed at baseline and at 26 weeks in age‐ and gender‐matched patients with T1DM. Serum‐free thiols, compounds with a R‐SH group that are readily oxidized by reactive oxygen species, are considered to be a marker of systemic redox status.ResultsA total of 176 patients, 39 of which used IP and 141 SC insulin therapy were analysed. Mean baseline R‐SH concentration was 248 (31) μmol/L. In multivariable analysis, the route of insulin therapy had no impact on baseline R‐SH levels. The estimated geometric mean concentrations of R‐SH did not differ significantly between both groups: 264 (95% CI 257, 270) for the IP group and 258 (95% CI 254, 261) for the SC group with a difference of 6 (95% CI −2, 14) μmol/L.ConclusionsBased on R‐SH as a marker of systemic oxidative stress, these findings demonstrate that the route of insulin administration, IP or SC, does not influence systemic redox status in patients with T1DM.

Biomechanical study of the fixation stability of broken pedicle screws and subsequent strategies.

Pedicles are often broken when screws are inserted into hard pedicles with small diameters or when the diameter of the screw itself is inadequate. However, there is a lack of biomechanical literature that addresses screw loosening as a result of broken pedicles or the resulting salvage of those screws. We performed a novel in vitro study to compare the pullout strength of screws between intact pedicles and two different types of broken pedicles; strategies to prevent screw loosening were also compared. Thirty L4 Sawbones were designed to represent intact pedicles, semi-pedicles, and nonpedicles and were prepared for screw insertion. Three sizes of polyaxial screws (diameter × length dimensions of 6.0 mm × 45 mm, 6.0 mm × 50 mm and 6.5 mm × 45 mm) were independently and randomly distributed into the intact-pedicle group (IP group, n = 30), the semi-pedicle group (SP group, n = 15), or the nonpedicle group (NP group, n = 15). The experiments were conducted across a minimum of five trials for each of the chosen screw sizes. We then analyzed the results of the imaging, pullout testing, and embedded bone volume. Any fractures or defects of the vertebrae caused by screw insertion were excluded from the study. The appropriate screw trajectory and insertional depth were confirmed using axial and sagittal X-ray imaging prior to screw pullout testing. A pullout strength of only 41% to 45% for the SP group and 29% to 39% for the NP group was retained following a broken pedicle. The use of longer or larger-diameter screws appears to be an effective salvaging procedure for the NP group (p < 0.05). The embedded bone volume percentage analysis indicated that, compared to the IP group, 68% to 76% of effective bone embedded into the screw threads in the SP group, and 58% to 65% in the NP group. There was no direct correlation between the pullout strength and the embedded bone volume; however, less effective embedded bone volume was associated with lower pullout strength. This study describes the evolution of the well-established screw pullout test being applied to the broken pedicle Sawbone testing model. The pedicle plays an important role in determining the pullout strength of a screw. However, a salvage procedure that utilizes a longer or larger-diameter screw might be a reliable clinical approach to address broken pedicles.

Comparison of three lung recruitment maneuvers in the treatment of severe extra-pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome

Objective To investigate the efficacy and side effects of three recruitment maneuvers (RM) for severe extra-pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods A total of sixty-three extra-pulmonary ARDS patients were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups, which were treated with sustained inflation (SI), increment of positive end-expiratory pressure (IP) and pressure control ventilation (PCV) respectively.The oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) before and after lung recruitment was recorded in patients with complete lung recruitment, and the cause of discontinuation of lung recruitment was recorded in patients with incomplete lung recruitment.Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was recorded in patients who completed lung recruitment with the latter two methods when they reached the maximum degree of lung recruitment.The mortality rate of 14 d in 3 groups was recorded, and the clinical characteristics and prognosis differences were compared before and after each group. Results With PaO2/FiO2 as the standard, all the three methods of pulmonary reexpansion could make the lungs obviously reexpanse.The PaO2/FiO2 of each group before, 5 minutes after and 1 hour after reexpansion were respectively as below (SI group: 70.4±14.8 mmHg, 306.8±97.5 mmHg, 229.6±116.2 mmHg; IP group: 74.9±13.6 mmHg, 328.0±95.5 mmHg, 252.8±111.0 mmHg; PCV group: 67.8±14.9 mmHg, 304.2±82.2 mmHg, 223.7±83.6 mmHg.P 0.05). PEEP of IP group is higher than that of PCV group at the time of maximum RM (20.3±2.5 cmH2O vs.18.5±1.8 cmH2O, P 0.05). Conclusion The effects of three methods of lung recruitment on severe pulmonary exogenous ARDS patients were similar, but there was no significant difference in prognosis.Adverse reactions of SI method leads to the greatest probability of discontinuation of lung recruitment, and that of the PCV method is the smallest.Under the same effect of lung recruitment, IP method needs higher PEEP than PCV method.In practice, PCV method should be preferred. Key words: Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Recruitment maneuvers; Sustained inflation; Increment PEEP; Pressure control ventilation