LCP Group Research Articles

Effects of methionine supplementation in a reduced protein diet on growth performance, oxidative status, intestinal health, oocyst shedding, and methionine and folate metabolism in broilers under Eimeria challenge

BackgroundThis study investigated effects of different methionine (Met) supplementation levels in a reduced protein diet on growth performance, intestinal health, and different physiological parameters in broilers under Eimeria challenge. A total of 600 fourteen-day-old Cobb500 male broilers were challenged with E. maxima, E. tenella, and E. acervulina, and randomly allocated in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement. Birds received normal protein diets (20% crude protein, NCP) or reduced protein diets (17% crude protein, LCP), containing 2.8, 4.4, 6.0, 7.6, and 9.2 g/kg of Met.ResultsOn 6 and 9 days post inoculation (DPI), increasing Met level linearly improved the growth performance (P < 0.05). Total oocyst shedding linearly increased as Met level increased (P < 0.05). Duodenal villus height (VH):crypt depth (CD) in the LCP groups were higher on 6 DPI (P < 0.01) while lower on 9 DPI (P < 0.05) compared to the NCP groups. Jejunal CD and duodenal VH:CD changed quadratically as Met level increased (P < 0.05). On 6 DPI, liver glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) linearly increased as Met level increased (P < 0.05). On 9 DPI, GSSG quadratically increased, whereas GSH:GSSG quadratically decreased as Met levels increased (P < 0.05). The expression of amino acid transporters linearly decreased as Met level increased (P < 0.05). The expression of zonula occludens 2 and claudin-1 linearly increased on 6 DPI whereas decreased on 9 DPI as Met level increased (P < 0.05). The expressions of cytokines were lower in the LCP groups than the NCP groups (P < 0.05). Interaction effects were found for the expression of IL-10 and TNFα on 6 DPI (P < 0.05), where it only changed quadratically in the NCP group as Met level increased. The expression of Met and folate metabolism genes were lower in the LCP groups than the NCP groups on 9 DPI (P < 0.05). The expression of these genes linearly or quadratically decreased as Met level increased (P < 0.05).ConclusionThese results revealed the regulatory roles of Met in different physiological parameters including oxidative status, intestinal health, and nutrient metabolism in birds fed reduced protein diet and challenged with Eimeria.

Alterations of Myocardial Mitochondrial Morphology and Function in a Canine Model of Premature Ventricular Contractions-Induced Cardiomyopathy.

Changes in myocardial mitochondrial morphology and function in premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)-induced cardiomyopathy (PVCCM) remain poorly studied. Here, we investigated the effects of PVCs with different coupling intervals (CIs) on myocardial mitochondrial remodelling in a canine model of PVCCM. Twenty-one beagles underwent pacemaker implantation and were randomised into the sham (n = 7), short-coupled PVCs (SCP, n = 7), and long-coupled PVCs (LCP, n = 7) groups. Right ventricular (RV) apical bigeminy was produced for 12-week to induce PVCCM in the SCP (CI, 250 ms) and LCP (CI, 350 ms) groups. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and biweekly thereafter to evaluate cardiac function. Masson's trichrome staining measured ventricular interstitial fibrosis. The ultrastructural morphology of the myocardial mitochondria was analysed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, membrane potential, and electron transport chain (ETC) complex activity were measured to assess myocardial mitochondrial function. Twelve-week-PVCs led to left ventricular (LV) enlargement with systolic dysfunction, disrupted mitochondrial morphology, increased mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration and ROS levels, decreased mitochondrial ATP content and membrane potential, and impaired ETC complex activity in both the SCP and LCP groups (all p < 0.01 vs the sham group). Ventricular fibrosis was observed only in canines with LCP. Worse cardiac function and more pronounced abnormalities in mitochondrial morphology and function were observed in the LCP group than to the SCP group (all p < 0.05). We demonstrated myocardial mitochondrial abnormalities in dogs with PVCCM, characterised by abnormal mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, oxidative stress, and impaired mitochondrial energy metabolism. Compared to SCP, long-term LCP exposure resulted in more severe mitochondrial remodelling and cardiac dysfunction in dogs.

97 Effects of crude protein content and supplementing probiotics in late gestation and lactation sow diets on performance of sows and suckling pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of crude protein (CP) content and supplementation with Bacillus-based probiotics (PRO) in late gestation and lactation sow diets on performance of sows and suckling pigs. Pregnant sows (n = 120; 60 gilts and 60 2+ parity) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (2 CP levels, with or without probiotics) from d 85 of gestation to d 21 of lactation. The experiment was conducted in 4 consecutive periods (half sows and half gilts per period). The diets consisted of 1) a corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based low CP (LCP; 12% CP) diet; 2) LCP + 0.05% probiotic (LCP-PRO); 3) a corn-SBM-based high CP (HCP; 15% CP) diet; and 4) HCP + 0.05% probiotic (HCP-PRO). The diets were formulated for 2 phases: gestation (d 85 – 115) and lactation (d 1 – 21). Sow body weight (BW) and backfat thickness were recorded on d 85 and 111 of gestation and on d 1 and 21 of lactation. Sow blood and milk were sampled on d 1 and 21 of lactation to analyze plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentration, and milk fat, protein, and lactose, respectively. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED of SAS. The statistical model included diet as fixed effect and period as random effect. There were no significant effects of CP and PRO on sow BW or backfat thickness. There was an interaction (P &amp;lt; 0.05) between CP and PRO on the number of stillbirths, where the number of stillbirths did not differ between LCP and LCP-PRO groups, while the number decreased in sows fed HCP-PRO diet compared with HCP diet. Sows fed LCP diets had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) PUN concentrations on d 1 and d 21 of lactation compared with those fed HCP diets. However, no difference was found in fat, protein, or lactose content in both colostrum (d 1) and milk (d 21). Piglets from the sows fed LCP diets showed heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.05) birth weights (1.58, 1.57, 1.53, and 1.52 kg for diets 1 to 4) than those in HCP groups, however, the average daily gain (ADG) of week 1 (188, 166, 187, and 187 g for diets 1 to 4) was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for piglets in LCP groups than HCP groups. No other effects were observed on piglet growth. In conclusion, CP and PRO did not affect sow BW and backfat thickness. There was an interaction effect of CP and PRO on reproductive performance, where stillbirths did not differ between LCP and LCP-PRO groups; however, stillbirths decreased with PRO in HCP diet. Moreover, feeding LCP diets to sows did not influence milk nutrient contents and overall growth performance in suckling piglets.

Effects of Methionine Supplementation Levels in Normal or Reduced Protein Diets on the Body Composition and Femur Bone Characteristics of Broilers Challenged with Coccidia.

This study investigated the effects of dietary methionine (Met) levels on the bone quality of broilers challenged with coccidia. A total of 600 fourteen-day-old male Cobb500 broilers were gavaged with mixed Eimeria spp. and randomly allocated into 10 treatment groups by a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement. Birds received normal protein diets (NCP) or reduced-protein diets (LCP), containing 2.8, 4.4, 6.0, 7.6, and 9.2 g/kg of Met. Data were analyzed via two-way ANOVA and orthogonal polynomial contrast. At 9 days post-inoculation (DPI), whole body bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) linearly decreased as Met levels increased (p < 0.05). For the femoral metaphysis bone quality at 9 DPI, BMD linearly decreased, and porosity linearly increased as Met levels increased (p < 0.05) in the cortical bone. The increased Met levels linearly improved trabecular bone quality in LCP groups (p < 0.05) while not in NCP groups. For the femoral diaphysis cortical bone at 6 DPI, LCP groups had higher BMD and BMC than NCP groups (p < 0.05). Bone volume linearly increased as Met levels increased in LCP groups (p < 0.05) while not in NCP groups. In summary, the results suggested that increased Met levels decreased the cortical bone quality. However, in the context of reduced-protein diets, the increased Met levels improved trabecular bone quality.

Is augmented femoral lateral plating with helically shaped medial plates biomechanically advantageous over straight medial plates?

Dual plating of comminuted distal femoral fractures allows for early patient mobilization. An additional helically shaped medial plate avoids the medial vital structures of the thigh. The aim of this study is to investigate the biomechanical competence of an augmented lateral locking compression plate distal femur (LCP-DF) using an additional straight versus a helically shaped medial LCP of the same length. Ten pairs of human cadaveric femora were instrumented with a lateral anatomical 15-hole LCP-DF. Following, they were pairwise instrumented with either an additional medial straight 14-hole LCP (group 1) or a 90°-helical shape LCP (group 2). All specimens were biomechanically tested under quasi-static and progressively increasing combined cyclic axial and torsional loading until failure. Initial interfragmentary axial displacement and flexion under static compression were significantly smaller in group 1 (0.11 ± 0.12 mm and 0.21 ± 0.10°) versus group 2 (0.31 ± 0.14 mm and 0.68 ± 0.16°), p ≤ 0.007. Initial varus deformation under static compression remained not significantly different between group 1 (0.57 ± 0.23°) and group 2 (0.75 ± 0.34°), p = 0.085. Flexion movements during dynamic loading were significantly bigger in group 2 (2.51 ± 0.54°) versus group 1 (1.63 ± 1.28°), p = 0.015; however, no significant differences were observed in terms of varus, internal rotation, and axial and shear displacements between the groups, p ≥ 0.204. Cycles to failure and load at failure were higher in group 2 (25,172 ± 6376 and 3017 ± 638 N) compared to group 1 (22,277 ± 4576 and 2728 ± 458 N) with no significant differences between them, p = 0.195. From a biomechanical perspective, helical double plating may be considered a useful alternative to straight double plating, demonstrating ameliorated damping capacities during flexion deformation and safer application as the medial neurovascular structures of the thigh are avoided.

Comparison of serum from lung cancer patients and from patients with benign lung nodule using FTIR spectroscopy

Lungcancer remains the leading cause of cancer related deaths in worldwide. Earlydiagnosis oflungcancer can significantly improve survival rate. However, due to its close resemblance to the malignant nodules, the possible existence of benign nodules often leads to erroneous decisions. The aim of this study was to explore whether fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy could improve the accuracy of early diagnosis of lung cancer by distinguishing lung cancer patients’ (LCP’) serum from patients with benign lung nodules’ (PBLN’) serum. In this study, A1243+1081/A1652+1539 ratio in LCP group was increased significantly compared with that in PBLN group, indicating that the ratio could be used to distinguish the serum of LCP from that of PBLN. In addition, the ratios of A2926/A2969, A1744/A2926+2859, A2926+2859/A1652+1539 were also increased significantly in LCP group compared with that in PBLN group. These findings suggest that FTIR spectroscopy might be a potentially effective method for the early diagnosis of lung cancer.

"Mother and baby plate": a strategy to improve stability in proximal fractures of the ulna.

Proximal ulna fractures with a large zone of comminution, such as in the context of Monteggia injuries, require mechanically strong osteosyntheses as they occur in regions with high physiological joint load. Consequently, implant failure and pseudarthrosis are critical and devastating complications, especially with the background of mainly young patients being affected. An effective solution could be provided by adding a small second plate 90° angulated to the standard dorsal plate in the area of non-union. Thus, this study investigates whether, from a biomechanical point of view, the use of such a mini or baby plate is worthwhile. Comminuted fractures distal to the coronoid process, equivalent to Jupiter type IIb fractures, are generated on artificial Sawbones® of the ulna and stabilized using two different plate osteosyntheses: in the first group, a dorsal locking compression olecranon plate is used (LCP group). In the second group, a small, ulnar 5-hole olecranon plate is added as a baby plate in addition to the mother plate at the level of the fracture zone (MBP group). Dynamic biomechanical loading in degrees of flexion from 0° to 90° is carried out to determine yield load, stiffness, displacement, and changes in fracture gap width as well as bending of the dorsal plate. The "mother-baby-plate" osteosynthesis had a significantly higher yield load (p < 0.01) and stiffness (p = 0.01) than the LCP group. This correlates with the increased movement of the proximal fracture element during cyclic testing for the LCP group compared to the MBP group as measured by an optical metrology system. Here, we show evidence that the addition of a small plate to the standard plate is highly effective in increasing the biomechanical stability in severe fractures equivalent to Jupiter type IIb. As it hopefully minimizes complications like pseudarthrosis and implant failure and as the additional preparatory effort leading to compromised blood supply is regarded to be negligible, this justifies and highly advises the use of a mother-baby-plate system.

Effect of quercetin supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta bacterial count, noxious gas emission, and meat quality of broilers when fed different protein diets

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of flavonoid supplementation to a low-protein diet (LCP) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta bacterial count, and excreta gas emission of broilers. In total, 800 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers (BW; 42.90 ± 1.43 g) were randomly sorted into one of the 4 dietary treatments (10 pens/treatment; 20 birds/pen). Treatment diets were high-protein diet (HCP), basal diet; LCP, basal diet − 2.5% protein; TRT1, LCP + 0.025% quercetin; and TRT2, LCP + 0.050% quercetin. Experimental diets were provided to broilers from days 8 to 35. HCP, TRT1, and TRT2 showed higher body weight gain (BWG) than the LCP group during days 8–21 and in the overall experiment. However, feed conversion ratio of the HCP group was improved than that of the LCP group during days 8–21 and in the overall period. The increasing level of quercetin supplementations brought a linear increase in BWG. Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella counts in excreta samples of the experimental groups showed no significant difference. Flavonoid supplementation (0.050%) reduced drip loss in breast muscle more than that in the LCP group and showed a linear reduction. Through improved digestion, quercetin addition to an LCP reversed the BWG.

Sovietų Sąjungos penktoji kolona Anykščių krašte tarpukario Lietuvoje

The communist underground movement which emerged in the provinces of Lithuania during the years of independence used to be involved in anti-state subversive activities in favour of the foreign state, the USSR, already before the occupation, thus laying down the foundations of a collaborative system. The Lithuanian Communist Party was a strictly centralised organisation consisting of LCP groups, districts, regions, and units which were governed by the Central Committee of the LCP through instructors appointed by this institution of the LCP. In Anykščiai and in the adjacent Kavarskas parish the first communist groups were created by members of the Communist Party of the whole of Russia (VKP (b)); Edvardas Makštys, former secretary of the revolutionary committee of the Švenčionys district, a teacher, and Alfonsas Karosas, former commissar of the RA division and a pharmacist. The communist underground movement founded by the Lithuanian bolsheviks was expanding, and new underground communist groups started to appear both in the parish centres of Anykščiai and Kavarskas and in the villages of these parishes. Communists from Anykščiai and Kavarskas were active in cooperation, and for some time they belonged to the same LCP Anykščiai volost. The communist movement in the LCP Anykščiai-Kavarskas volost (from 1934 onwards) was small and very scarce archival data suggest that during the years of independence in Anykščiai there were only three Lithuanian and one Russian communist, all the others were Jews. In Kavarskas, only Jews were members of communist organisations. The situation in Anykščiai and Kavarskas was quite the opposite: members of Communist and Komsomol groups operating in the villages of Anykščiai and Kavarskas volosts were exclusively Lithuanians, as there were almost no Jews living in rural areas. In terms of the total number of members and supporters of communist organisations in Anykščiai (in the towns and villages) during the years of independence, the number of communists, members of the Komsomol and the international organisation for the support of the revolutionary struggle (in Russian – MOPR) was fewer than 80 persons, which was less than 1 per cent (0.58) of the population in the volost (in September 1939, a total population of the volost was 13,741 person). All in all, in 1940 there were 18 communists and about 30 members of the Komsomol and the MOPR in Anykščiai volost, and the same number (about 30) of their supporters (mostly acting as sureties for the detained communists). In 1936, 37 members of communist organisations lived in Anykščiai (some of them were serving prison sentences at the time), 33 of whom were Jews, which constituted 2.34 per cent of the Jewish community in Anykščiai (according to the data from September 1939, there were 1,405 Jews living in Anykščiai). The Lithuanian security police successfully controlled the activities of the communists, and the latter did not constitute a major source of concern for the state. Due to the low number of communists and the hostility of the majority of the population towards them, they had no means and no way of changing the government, either by election (the LCP was banned in Lithuania) or by force. The situation changed radically after the occupation of Lithuania by the Soviet Russia, when the former fifth column – members of communist organisations and their supporters, together with the representatives of the occupiers, took over almost all the most important government posts and workplaces, and set about destroying everything connected with the independent state of Lithuania and its autonomy.

Comparison of the midterm result between locking plate and elastic intramedullary nail treating oblique ulnar fracture Bado type I acute monteggia fracture in pediatric patients

BackgroundAcute Monteggia fracture (AMF) is defined as a fracture of the proximal ulna combined with a dislocation of the radial head, with less than 1 percent prevalence in pediatric patients with an elbow injury. This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of two treatment methods for oblique ulnar fracture AMF Bado type I in children.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 28 children with oblique ulnar fracture acute Monteggia injury Bado I were included. Patients was divided into two groups: In the EIN group 16 patients were fixed with elastic intramedullary nail after reduction, and in the LCP group 12 patients were fixed with locking compression plate after reduction. Operation time and blood loss were recorded and the patients were assessed clinically by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), range of movement(ROM) and range of rotation(ROR).ResultsTwenty-eight patients were accessible for durable follow-up, with a mean age of 7.7 ± 1.3 years, follow up by 33.7 ± 5.1 months. The average operation time was 48.1 ± 9.2 min for the EIN group and 67.1 ± 7.2 min for the LCP group. The average blood loss was 8.2 ± 2.3 ml for the EIN group and 18.8 ± 3.8 ml for the LCP group. The average operation time and average blood loss in the EIN group are significant less than the LCP group. Mean MEPS, ROM, ROR in both group improved significantly before sugery to three months after surgery, and maintained very good results at last follow up. There is no significant difference between the EIN group and the LCP group in MEPS, ROM and ROR.ConclusionsOblique ulnar fracture Bado type I acute monteggia fracture in pediatric patients fixed by EIN and LCP can both get good mid-term results measured by MEPS, ROM and ROR, Fixed by EIN have shorter operation time and less blood loss than fixed by LCP.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of three internal fixation techniques in the treatment of olecranon fracture: a retrospective clinical study

ObjectiveThe application of double plating in olecranon fractures is becoming increasingly widespread. There is no research comparing this technique with traditional tension band wiring (TBW) and the single plate technique. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of three fixation techniques in olecranon fractures.Materials and methodsFrom March 2016 to May 2020, we collected the clinical data of 95 patients with olecranon fractures who underwent surgical treatment. Thirty-five patients received TBW surgery (TBW Group), 32 patients received a 3.5 mm locking compression plate (LCP, 3.5 mm LCP Group), and 28 patients received double mini-locking plate treatment (DP Group). The operation time, fracture union time, time of return to work, range of motion (ROM), soft tissue stimulation to remove internal fixation, and patient-related functional results (the Weseley score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score [MEPS], and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score [DASH]) were recorded. The clinical results and complications of the three internal fixation techniques were compared.ResultsThe average follow-up time was 15.011.82 months (12–18 months). All patients’ fractures healed by first intention. There were no statistically significant differences in the operation time, fracture union time, ROM, Weseley score, MEPS or DASH scores of the three groups of patients. The postoperative return time for patients in the TBW group was 10.002.15 weeks, the 3.5 mm LCP group was 9.561.93 weeks, and the DP group was 8.432.38 weeks (P = 0.014); 12 patients in the TBW group required removal of plant due to soft tissue stimulation, the 3.5 mm LCP group had 8 cases, and the DP group had 2 cases (P = 0.038).ConclusionThe postoperative clinical results and elbow joint function of patients with olecranon fractures fixed by tension band wiring, 3.5 mm LCP and double mini-locking plate are similar, which indicates that double-plate technology can be used as an alternative to the two groups of traditional techniques. In addition, double-plate technology also helps patients return to work earlier and has a lower incidence of soft tissue stimulation.

Effects of phenylpyruvate on the growth performance and intestinal microbiota in broiler chicken

ABSTRACT 1. The purpose of this study was to see how dietary supplementation with phenylpyruvate affected broiler growth, slaughter performance, gut health microbiota and immunity. This information can be used to develop alternative approaches to antibiotic replacement in modern poultry production and health. 2. A total of 288, one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to one of four groups (six replicates each replicate has 12 chickens). A control basal diet (NC), basal diet plus antibiotic virginiamycin 15ppm (PC), basal diet plus phenylpyruvate 1 kg/t or 2 kg/t, respectively (LCP and HCP). 3. Results showed that the birds in the PC group had higher ADFI during the first 21 d, and better FCR than the NC group. The HCP-fed group had a higher all-eviscerated ratio than the NC group and less abdominal fat than the birds fed LCP. The birds fed HCP had increased villus length and crypt depth in the ileum compared to the NC group. 4. The bursa index was lower in the HCP group whereas the thymus index was lower in LCP and PC groups. In contrast, birds fed HCP has lower pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1, as well as lower TLR4. Phenylpyruvate improved number in the Selenomonadaceae, genus Megamonas bacteroides spp., which are known for their beneficial effects on the maintenance of the cell surface structure, regulating aromatic amino acids and Clostridia jejuni-suppressive treatment respectively. 5. It was concluded that phenylpyruvate can be utilised in feed to improve growth performance and positively modulate gut microbiota. However, this was less efficient than antibiotics in improving growth performance, although more efficient in improving productive performance and gut morphology. Moreover, a high dose of phenylpyruvate is more effective than a low dose.

PSVI-11 Flavonoid Supplementation to Low Protein Diets Recovers Growth Performance in Broilers

Abstract Recently, phytogenic feed additives containing flavonoids, essential oils and phenols are getting more attention as they have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestibility aiding abilities. Flavonoids have proved their abilities in reducing environmental stress along with activating immune responses. These positive impacts can be used to bring an improved growth performance in broilers, so we aimed to evaluate the effect of flavonoid supplementation to a low protein diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta bacterial count and excreta gas emission in broilers. In total 800 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers (average body weight of 42.90±1.43 g) were divided randomly into 1 of 4 dietary treatments. Each treatment had 10 replicate pens with 20 chickens. Treatment diets were HCP (High protein diet), basal diet; LCP (Low protein diet), basal diet – 2.5% protein; TRT1, LCP + 0.025 flavonoid; TRT2, LCP + 0.050% flavonoid. Experimental diets were provided to broilers from d 8 to 35. HCP, LCP supplemented with flavonoid showed greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) than the low protein diet (LCP) without flavonoid supplementation during d 8 to 21, and in the overall experiment. However, feed conversion ratio (FCR) of HCP group was reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than the LCP group during d 8 to 21 and in overall period. Increasing level of flavonoid supplementations brought a linear increase in BWG during d 8 to 21 (P = 0.0141), and overall period (P = 0.0153). Increasing doses of flavonoid showed a tendency of gradual increase (P = 0.0702) in dry matter (DM) digestibility in broilers. Lactobacillus, E. coli and Salmonella counts in excreta samples of experimental groups showed no significant difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Flavonoid supplementation (0.050%) in low protein diet reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) drip loss in breast muscle than the low protein diet with 0% flavonoid supplementation. In short, flavonoid supplementation to a low protein diet recovered the body weight gain through better digestion broilers

Anatomical analysis of different helical plate designs for distal femoral fracture fixation

PurposeHelical plates potentially avoid the medial neurovascular structures of the thigh. Two implant designs for additional medial 90° helical plate in double plate constructs for geriatric patients and 180° helical plate for single plating in young patients are potential alternatives to widely used standard straight plates. Aims: (1) assess the distances to adjacent anatomical structures being at risk when applying medial 90° and 180° helical plates with MIPO technique to the femur, (2) compare these distances with medial straight plates, and (3) correlate measurements performed during surgical dissection with CT angiography. MethodsMIPO was performed in ten human cadaveric femoral pairs using either a 90° helical 14-hole LCP (Group 1) or a 180° helical 15-hole LCP-DF (Group 2). Using CT angiography, distances between femoral arteries and plates as well as distances between plates and perforating vessels were evaluated. Following, specimens were dissected and distances determined again. All plates were removed and measurements were repeated with straight medial plates (Group 3). ResultsOverall closest distances between plates and femoral arteries were 14.5 mm (11–19 mm) in Group 1, 21.6 mm (15–24 mm) in Group 2 and 6.5 mm (5–8 mm) in Group 3, with significant differences between Group 3 and both other groups (p < 0.001). Distances to the nearest perforating vessels were 22.4 mm (15–30 mm) in Group 1 and 1.2 mm (1–2 mm) in Group 2. Measurement techniques (visual after surgical disection and CT angiography) demonstrated a strong correlation (p < 0.010). ConclusionsInserting 90° and 180° helical plates with MIPO technique is safe, however, attention must be paid to the medial neurovascular structures with 90° helical plates and to the proximal perforating vessels with 180° helical plates. Helical plates can avoid irritation of medial neurovascular structures – compared with straight plates – although care must be taken during their distal insertion. Measurements during surgical dissection correlate with CT angiography.

Microbiome-metabolomics analysis of the effects of decreasing dietary crude protein content on goat rumen mictobiota and metabolites.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of decreasing dietary crude protein content on rumen fermentation, mictobiota, and metabolites in goats.MethodsIn an 84-day feeding trial, a total of twelve male Anhui white goat kids with initial body weight 15.9±1.13 kg were selected and randomly classified into two groups, feeding a normal crude protein diet (14.8% CP, NCP) or a low crude protein diet (12.0% CP, LCP). At the end of the experimental trial (on day 84), six animals were randomly selected from each group and were slaughtered to collect rumen fluid samples for the analysis of rumen fermentation parameters, microbiome, and metabolome.ResultsThe concentrations of ammonia-nitrogen, total volatile fatty acid, acetate, and propionate were decreased (p<0.05) in the LCP group in comparison with those in the NCP group. The abundances of genera Prevotella, Campylobacter, Synergistetes, and TG5, which were associated with nitrogen metabolism, were lower (p<0.05) in the LCP group compared with those in the NCP group. The levels of 78 metabolites (74 decreased, 4 increased) in the rumen fluid were altered (p<0.05) by the treatment. Most of the ruminal metabolites that showed decreased levels in the LCP group were substrates for microbial protein synthesis. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that vitamin B6 metabolism was significantly different (p<0.05) in rumen fluid between the two treatments.ConclusionDecreased dietary protein level inhibited rumen fermentation through microbiome and metabolome shifts in goat kids. These results enhance our understanding of ruminal bacteria and metabolites of goat fed a low protein diet.

Outcomes of Locking Plate Fixation With Spine Cage for Unstable Proximal Humeral Fractures in Elderly Patients.

To compare the clinical and radiological results of locking plate fixation with and without spine cage for the treatment of unstable proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients. Retrospective study. Level 1 Trauma Center. A total of 62 patients with a mean age of 72.68 (60-88) years were included. Thirty-nine patients were treated with only a locking compression plate (LCP group), whereas 23 patients were treated with a locking compression plate and a spine cage (SC group). The mean follow-up was 32.26 (24-46) months. Radiological outcomes were assessed using the humeral head height and neck-shaft angle. The clinical results were evaluated using a visual analog scale for pain, the Constant-Murley score, the American Shoulder and Elbow score, and shoulder range of motion. The average radiological changes in the humeral head height and neck-shaft angle were significantly higher in the LCP group than in the SC group ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The final outcome scores were lower in the LCP group than in the SC group (Constant-Murley score of 73.26 vs. 78.91 [ P = 0.028] and American Shoulder and Elbow score of 72.36 vs. 78.57 [ P = 0.011]). The SC group showed better forward elevation ( P = 0.005) and abduction ( P = 0.001); however, no significant differences were observed for shoulder external or internal rotation. The number of complications was higher in the LCP group (38.5%) than in the SC group (13.0%) ( P = 0.033). For unstable proximal humeral fractures with medial comminution in elderly patients, locking plate with an SC is a reasonable option to ensure satisfactory results and lower the postoperative complications. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Lateral distal tibial locking compression plate fixation through single lateral incision technique is biologically superior and mechanically equivalent alternative to medial plate fixation for lower third tibia-fibula fractures

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; A number of surgical options for management of distal tibia fractures makes scenario confusing and available techniques are associated with complications. Recently lateral plating of tibia has shown good promise. To compare results between medial and lateral distal tibial locking compression plate for treatment of distal third tibia fractures&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Prospective clinical study was carried out among 24 patients presenting with distal third tibia fractures. Patients were randomized into two groups of 12 each. One group was allocated into medial distal tibial LCP and second group was allocated into lateral distal tibial LCP. In first group, approach taken was medial or anteromedial while in second group, approach taken was lateral. Follow up was done for six months after surgery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; There were 10 cases in medical group and eight cases in lateral group which had fracture due to road traffic accidents. All cases in medical group had concomitant fibula fracture while such cases were 10 in lateral group. One case in each group developed infection after surgery. There was one case of superficial skin dehiscence and one case of hardware problem in medial group compared to none in lateral group. Two cases from medial group required removal of implant compared to none from medial group.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Lateral distal tibial LCP seems to provide biological advantage than medial distal tibial LCP without difference in biomechanical properties of implants. Single lateral incision technique is an ingenious, biologically sound, and cosmetically superior for fixation of both lower third tibia &amp;amp; fibula fractures together.&lt;/p&gt;

Reconstruction or replacement? A challenging question in surgical treatment of complex humeral head fractures in the elderly

IntroductionSurgical treatment of complex humeral head fractures in the elderly is challenging due to osteoporotic bone, comorbidities and reduced compliance. The treatment strategy (reconstruction versus replacement) should allow for a functional aftercare and result in a high patient satisfaction. Major complications leading to surgical revision are crucial and should be avoided. The purpose of this study was to analyse the major complication rate leading to surgical revision and the patient-based outcome in complex humeral head fractures of the elderly population treated either using locking plate fixation (LCP) or reversed total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA).Materials and MethodsAll patients older than 65 years surgically treated due to a four-part fracture of the proximal humerus between 2003 and 2015 were enrolled in our retrospective study. Major complications and revision rates were recorded and functional outcome was assessed using the Munich Shoulder Questionnaire (MSQ) allowing for qualitative self-assessment of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and of the Constant Score.ResultsA cohort of 103 patients with a mean age of 73.4 ± 6.2 years suffering from four-part fractures of the humeral head were enrolled. 63 patients were treated using the LCP fixation compared to 40 rTSAs. There were no significant differences in the patient-reported functional outcome. The revision rate was significantly higher in the LCP group (10/63; 15.9%) compared to the rTSA group (1/40; 2.5%). Reasons for revision were avascular head necrosis, cut-out of screws, secondary dislocation of the greater tuberosity and hypersensitivity to metal.ConclusionsReversed total shoulder arthroplasty and locking plate fixation are both established surgical procedures for the management of complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly leading to similar functional results. However the revision rate in the rTSA group was significantly lower. Primary rTSA should, therefore, be favoured in multimorbid elderly patients with an increased complication risk to avoid repeated anaesthesia.

Behavior of rat bone marrow stem cells on titanium surfaces modified by laser-beam and deposition of calcium phosphate

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of rat bone marrow stem cells seeded on a Ti-15Mo alloy surface modified by laser-beam irradiation followed by calcium phosphate deposition.Materials and methodsA total of four groups were evaluated: polished commercially pure titanium (cpTi): Ti-P; laser irradiation + calcium phosphate deposition on cpTi: Ti-LCP; polished Ti-15Mo alloy: Ti15Mo-P; and laser irradiation + calcium phosphate deposition on Ti-15Mo alloy: Ti15Mo-LCP. Before and after laser irradiation and calcium phosphate deposition on the surfaces, physicochemical and morphological analyses were performed: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX). The wettability of the samples was evaluated by contact angle measurement. In addition, the behavior of osteoblast-like cells to these surfaces was evaluated for cell morphology, adhesion, proliferation and viability, evaluation of alkaline phosphatase formation and gene expression of osteogenesis markers.ResultsSurfaces wet-abrade with grit paper (P) showed oriented groves, while the laser irradiation and calcium phosphate deposition (LCP) produced porosity on both cpTi and Ti15Mo alloy groups with deposits of hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals (SEM). EDX showed no contamination after surface modification in both metal samples. A complete wetting was observed for both LCP groups, whereas P surfaces exhibited high degree of hydrophobicity. There was a statistical difference in the intragroup comparison of proliferation and viability (p < 0.05). The ALP activity showed higher values in the Ti15Mo alloy at 10 days of culture. The gene expression of bone related molecules did not present significant differences at 7 and 14 days among different metals and surface treatments.ConclusionTi15-Mo seems to be an alternative alloy to cpTi for dental implants. Surface treatment by laser irradiation followed by phosphate deposition seems to positively interact with bone cells.Clinical relevanceTi-15Mo alloy surface modified by laser-beam irradiation followed by calcium phosphate deposition may improve and accelerate the osseointegration process of dental implants.

Quercetin from Sophora japonica alleviates growth retardation of broilers on a low protein diet

Abstract The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of low dietary crude protein (CP) content and supplementation with quercetin on growth performance and further production parameters of broiler chicks. A total of 360 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of 4 dietary treatments for a 35-day trial (starter, days 1–7; grower, days 8–21; finisher, days 22–35). There were 5 replicate cages and 18 birds per cage in each dietary treatment. Dietary treatments included standard CP content (SCP) diet, low CP content (LCP) diet, and LCP diet supplemented with 0.025 or 0.050% quercetin. The CP content of the diet was the same in the LCP group as in the SCP group on days 1–7, while it was lower than in the SCP group on days 8–21 (20.96 vs. 21.50% CP) and 22–35 (19.50 vs. 20.00% CP). Broiler chicks given the LCP diet had lower body weight gain (BWG) during days 8–21 and 1–35 and higher relative weight of abdominal fat than those given the SCP diet. Moreover, the addition of quercetin to the LCP diet resulted in a positive linear response in BWG during days 8–21 and 1–35 and a negative linear response in relative abdominal fat weight with the increase in quercetin dose. However, the nutrient digestibility, caecal microbiota, and excreta gas emission did not differ among the dietary groups. Therefore, supplementing quercetin ameliorated the growth deterioration and abdominal fat enhancement caused by reducing dietary CP content.