LT Group Research Articles

Dynamic changes of hepatic microenvironment related to graft function in donation after cardiac death liver transplantation

PurposeThe study aimed to evaluate dynamic changes in the liver microenvironment at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months following donation after cardiac death liver transplantation (DCDLT) using multiparametric MRI, and further explore the correlation between the hepatic microenvironment and liver function after DCDLT. MethodsTwenty-seven patients after DCDLT (the LT group) at times of 3 weeks (LT-3W), 3 months (LT-3M), and 6 months (LT-6M) and 20 normal volunteers (the N group) underwent intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) MR scanning. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare MR parameters and liver volume (LV)/estimated standard liver volume (ESLV) at three follow-up times in the LT group. An independent sample t-test was used to compare MR parameters and LV/ESLV between each time of the LT group and the N group. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were employed to assess the correlation between MR parameters and liver blood indicators, LV/ESLV after DCDLT. ResultsAfter DCDLT, true diffusion coefficient (Dslow), pseudo diffusion coefficient (Dfast), perfusion fraction (PF), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were increased, and fractional anisotropy (FA) and R2* values were decreased. Dfast values in the LT-3M and LT-6M were significantly higher than in the LT-3W. Compared to the LT-3W, PF and ADC values were significantly increased and R2* values were significantly decreased in the LT-6M (all P < 0.05). All MR parameters in the LT-3W were significantly different from the N group, and Dfast and ADC values in the LT-6M remained significantly higher than in the N group (all P < 0.05). In the LT group, Dslow, Dfast, PF, and ADC values were correlated with liver blood indicators and LV/ESLV (|r| = 0.364–0.561, all P < 0.05). ConclusionAfter DCDLT, the hepatic microenvironment showed an improving trend, which was correlated to the liver function. Except for the microcirculatory perfusion, the hepatic microenvironment was close to normality at six months.

Effects of Dietary L-Theanine on Growth Performance, Antioxidation, Meat Quality, and Intestinal Microflora in White Feather Broilers With Acute Oxidative Stress.

In order to reduce the negative effects caused by oxidative stress on broilers, it is particularly important to find ways to alleviate oxidative stress. As a natural plant extract, L-theanine has a variety of biological effects, such as improving antioxidant capacity, promoting growth, and enhancing immunity and antitumor. This trial evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of L-theanine on growth performance, antioxidation, meat quality, and intestinal microflora in 817 White Feather Broilers. A total of 108 21-day-old 817 broilers with similar body weight (BW) were randomly divided into three groups with six replicates per group and six chickens within each replicate. The three groups were corn-soybean-based diet (NC group); basal diet plus drinking water with 30 mg hydrocortisone/kg (PC group); and basal diet supplemented with 400 mg L-theanine/kg plus drinking water with 30 mg hydrocortisone/kg (LT group). Compared with the NC group, from 21 to 24 days of age, the PC and LT groups had decreased BW, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI), and increased feed to gain ratio (F/G; p < 0.05). At 24 days of age, the LT group had improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in serum as compared to the NC group (p < 0.05). The LT group broilers also had significantly higher concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and liver (p < 0.05). On the 42nd days, the PC group had lower PH45min (p < 0.05) than the NC and LT groups and higher cooking loss and shear force (p < 0.05). Moreover, the villi height of the PC group was significantly lower in jejunum than the NC group (p < 0.05). The LT group had a higher ZO-1 content in duodenum than the NC and PC groups (p < 0.05). The activity of GSH-Px in the liver of the LT group was increased than in the PC group (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the LT group was significantly higher than in the NC and PC groups (p < 0.05). These results suggested that the effects of acute oxidative stress on growth performance and meat quality of broilers are continuous, and dietary supplementation of L-theanine could improve the growth performance and meat quality, enhance the intestinal mucosal barrier and antioxidant capacity, and improve the composition of the intestinal flora of broilers caused by acute oxidative stress.

Identifying critical DO2 with compensatory reserve during simulated hemorrhage in humans.

Based on previous experiments in nonhuman primates, we hypothesized that DO2 crit in humans is 5-6ml O2 ·kg-1 min-1 . We measured the compensatory reserve (CRM) and calculated oxygen delivery (DO2 ) in 166 healthy, normotensive, nonsmoking subjects (97 males, 69 females) during progressive central hypovolemia induced by lower body negative pressure as a model of ongoing hemorrhage. Subjects were classified as having either high tolerance (HT; N=111) or low tolerance (LT; N=55) to central hypovolemia. HT and LT groups were matched for age, weight, BMI, and vital signs, DO2 and CRM at baseline. The CRM-DO2 relationship was best fitted to a logarithmic model in HT subjects (amalgamated R2 =0.971) and a second-order polynomial model in the LT group (amalgamated R2 =0.991). Average DO2 crit for the entire subject cohort was estimated at 5.3ml O2 ·kg-1 min-1 , but was ~14% lower in HT compared with LT subjects. The reduction in DO2 from 40% CRM to 20% CRM was 2-fold greater in the LT compared with the HT group. Average DO2 crit in humans is 5.3ml O2 ·kg-1 min-1 , but is ~14% lower in HT compared with LT subjects. The CRM-DO2 relationship is curvilinear in humans, and different when comparing HT and LT individuals. The threshold for an emergent monitoring signal should be recalibrated from 30% to 40% CRM given that the decline in DO2 from 40% CRM to 20% CRM for LT subjects is located on the steepest part of the CRM-DO2 relationship.

Intestinal Microbiota Participates in the Protective Effect of HO-1/BMMSCs on Liver Transplantation With Steatotic Liver Grafts in Rats.

The present study aimed to explore whether heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) have a protective effect on liver transplantation with steatotic liver grafts in rats, and to determine the role of the intestinal microbiota in such protection. HO-1/BMMSCs were obtained by transduction of Hmox1 gene [encoding heme oxygenase (HO-1)]-encoding adenoviruses into primary rat BMMSCs. Steatotic livers were obtained by feeding rats a high-fat diet, and a model of liver transplantation with steatotic liver grafts was established. The recipients were treated with BMMSCs, HO-1/BMMSCs, or neither, via the portal vein. Two time points were used: postoperative day 1 (POD 1) and POD 7. The results showed that under the effect of HO-1/BMMSCs, the degree of steatosis in the liver grafts was significantly reduced, and the level of liver enzymes and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma were reduced. The effect of HO-1/BMMSCs was better than that of pure BMMSCs in the prolongation of the rats' postoperative time. In addition, HO-1/BMMSCs promoted the recovery of recipients' intestinal structure and function, especially on POD 7. The intestinal villi returned to normal, the expression of tight junction proteins was restored, and intestinal permeability was reduced on POD 7. The intestinal bacterial of the LT group showed significantly weakened energy metabolism and overgrowth. On POD 1, the abundance of Akkermansiaceae was higher. On POD 7, the abundance of Clostridiaceae increased, the level of lipopolysaccharide increased, the intestinal mucosal barrier function was destroyed, and the levels of several invasive bacteria increased. When treated with HO-1/BMMSCs, the energy metabolism of intestinal bacteria was enhanced, and on POD 1, levels bacteria that protect the intestinal mucosa, such as Desulfovibrionaceae, increased significantly. On POD 7, the changed intestinal microbiota improved lipid metabolism and increased the levels of butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae. In conclusion, HO-1/BMMSCs have protective effects on steatotic liver grafts and the intestinal barrier function of the recipients. By improving lipid metabolism and increasing the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, the changed intestinal microbiota has a protective effect and prolongs the recipients' survival time.

The “No-touch” technique improves the survival of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinomas treated by liver transplantation: A single-center prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLiver transplantation (LT) is the best treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the surgical technique needs to be improved. The present study aimed to evaluate the “no-touch” technique in LT. MethodsFrom January 2018 to December 2019, we performed a prospective randomized controlled trial on HCC patients who underwent LT. The patients were randomized into two groups: a no-touch technique LT group (NT group, n = 38) and a conventional LT technique group (CT group, n = 46). Operative outcomes and survival in the two groups were analyzed. ResultsThe perioperative parameters were comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.732) or overall survival (OS) (P = 0.891). Of 36 patients who were beyond the Hangzhou criteria for LT, the DFS of the patients in the NT group was significantly longer than that in the CT group (median 402 vs. 126 days, P = 0.025). In 31 patients who had portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT), DFS and OS in the NT group were significantly better than those in the CT group (median DFS 420 vs. 167 days, P = 0.022; 2-year OS rate 93.8% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.043). In 14 patients who had diffuse-type HCCs, DFS and OS were significantly better in the NT group than those in the CT group (median DFS 141 vs. 56 days, P = 0.008; 2-year OS rate 75.0% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.034). Multivariate analysis showed that for patients with PVTT and diffuse-type HCCs, the no-touch technique was an independent favorable factor for OS (PVTT: HR = 0.018, 95% CI: 0.001-0.408, P = 0.012; diffuse-type HCCs: HR = 0.034, 95% CI: 0.002-0.634, P = 0.024). ConclusionsThe no-touch technique improved the survival of patients with advanced HCC compared with the conventional technique. The no-touch technique may provide a new and effective LT technique for advanced HCCs.

Identifying Critical DO2 with Compensatory Reserve during Simulated Hemorrhage in Humans

BackgroundHemorrhage is a leading cause of potentially‐survivable death in trauma. The basic principle for treatment of ongoing bleeding prior to hemorrhage control is that early detection and intervention will improve outcome. However, current monitoring technologies that rely on standard vital signs are unreliable in assessing the clinical status of trauma patients because of variability in the capacity of individuals to compensate for hypovolemia. A monitoring capability designed to measure changes in systemic oxygen delivery (DO2) would provide an earlier indicator of clinical status in patients with life‐threatening blood loss. Maintaining DO2 above the level associated with the onset of shock (i.e., DO2crit) until bleeding is controlled should be the aim of any hemorrhage intervention. But DO2crit has not been identified in humans. Over the past decade, measuring the physiological phenomenon of compensatory reserve (CRM) based on interrogation of arterial waveform morphology has provided a capability to assess the reduction in the capacity to compensate for ongoing progressive central hypovolemia. Based on non‐human primate hemorrhage experiments, we hypothesized that humans would demonstrate a linear relationship between CRM and DO2, allowing for the identification of a DO2crit in humans of ~5 to 6 ml O2·kg‐1·min‐1. We also hypothesized that individuals with high (HT) and low (LT) tolerance to hypovolemia (i.e., ‘good’ versus ‘poor’ compensators) would have similar CRM‐DO2 relationships and DO2crit.Study Design and MethodsCRM and calculated DO2 were measured in 166 healthy subjects (97 males, 69 females) with a mean ± SD age of 23 ± 4 years, height of 171 ± 11 cm, and weight of 69 ± 11 kg. All subjects underwent progressive central hypovolemia induced by lower body negative pressure as a model of ongoing hemorrhage to a physiological state of hemodynamic decompensation. Subjects were classified as having either high tolerance (HT; N = 111) or low tolerance (LT; N = 55) to central hypovolemia based on whether they completed 5 minutes at ‐60 mmHg LBNP.ResultsHT and LT groups were matched for age, weight, BMI, and vital signs, DO2 and CRM at baseline. The CRM‐DO2 relationship was best fitted to a logarithmic model in HT subjects (R2 = 0.971) and a polynomial model in the LT group (R2 = 0.991). Average DO2crit for the entire subject cohort was estimated at 5.3 ml O2·Kg‐1·min‐1, but was ~14% lower in HT compared to LT subjects. The reduction in DO2 from 40% CRM to 20% CRM was 2‐fold greater in the LT compared to the HT group.ConclusionsAverage DO2crit in humans is 5.3 ml O2·Kg‐1·min‐1, but is ~14% lower in HT compared to LT subjects. The CRM‐DO2 relationship is curvilinear in humans, and different when comparing HT and LT individuals. A threshold for an emergent monitoring signal should be set to 40% CRM given that the decline in DO2 from 40% CRM to 20% CRM for LT subjects is located on the steepest part of the CRM‐DO2 relationship.

A multi-omics machine learning framework in predicting the survival of colorectal cancer patients

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC), the 3rd most universal cancer globally, accounts for approximately 10% of newly diagnosed cancer incidences each year. Identifying biomarkers associated with CRC survival and predicting the survival of CRC patients are critical for personalized therapy. Existing studies on CRC survival are mainly based on single omics, studies using multi-omics to predict CRC survival are still vacant. To fill in this gap, we aim to identify biomarkers associated with CRC survival at mRNA, miRNA and tissue microbiome levels, and to evaluate the accuracy of potential biomarkers in predicting CRC survival. MethodsFirst, we collected 31 short-term survival (ST, less than 3 years) and 47 long-term survival (LT, longer than 3 years) CRC samples from the database, was named The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Then, we carried out bioinformatics analysis with collected multi-omics data: (1) comparing the bacterial community structures between ST and LT, (2) identifying differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs between ST and LT, and (3) exploring the relationship between bacteria and genes. Finally, we trained models based on multi-omics data to evaluate the performance of several omics data in predicting CRC survival. ResultsAmong the compared omics data, microbiome of CRC tissue had the best predictive power on the three-year survival of CRC patients, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) is 0.755 with 10-fold Cross-Validation (CV). In addition, we screened out 26 differential microbial communities and 13 differential expression genes (DEGs) between ST and LT. Thermoanaerobacterium, Parabacteroides, Oceanicaulis, and Acetonema were more abundant in the ST, while Methylotenera, Candidatus_Riesia and Aquamicrobium were enriched in the LT. We also found that up-regulated genes were significantly enriched in ST group, but the down-regulated genes were enriched in the LT group. ConclusionThe tissue bacterial communities of CRC patients with different survival periods show significant differences, and the bacteria in tumour tissue of CRC are potential biomarkers for predicting the three-year survival of CRC patients.

Effects of early low temperature exposure on the growth, glycolipid metabolism and growth hormone (gh) gene methylation in the late stage of Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi)

Temperature is an important factor affecting the early development, growth and physiology of fish, as well as on aspects of feeding and metabolism. Here, we investigated the impact of low temperature on the growth, glycolipid metabolism and growth hormone (gh) gene methylation in the late stage of Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi). Chinese perch larvae were exposed to temperatures with 21°C (low temperature group (LT)) and 25°C (control group) for 7days, and then the LT group was slowly heated to 25°C and raised at this temperature for two months. Results indicated that the LT group exhibited significantly lower growth rate and weight gain rate than the control group (p<0.05), but no obvious food intake (FI) were detected yet between LT group and control group. The larvae exposed at 21°C relative to the 25°C group had significant decreased transcript levels of GH-IGF axis genes (gh, igf1 and igf2) in Chinese perch juvenile (p<0.05). Further analysis of the DNA methylation levels of gh showed that the LT group had higher at the CpG sites of -3029 and-3032 than the control group in larvae (p<0.05), whereas the DNA methylation levels at CpG sites of -2982 and-3039 of gh were significantly lower compared with the control group in juveniles (p<0.05). In addition, the plasma glucose was significantly increased in the LT group (p<0.05), suggesting the metabolism of blood glucose slowed at low temperature. In larvae, the expressions of glycolipid metabolism genes (ins-ra and ins-rb) in LT group were significantly up-regulated compared to control group in larvae (p<0.05), while down-regulated in juveniles (p<0.05). The expression level of ucp2 mRNA was continuously up-regulated under low temperature stress. All these data demonstrate that early exposure to low temperature affected the growth and glycolipid metabolism of Chinese perch.

Long-term preservation of ridge dimension following tooth extraction and ridge preservation: A randomized controlled trial of healing at 4- and 12-month healing time points.

To date, the efficacy of ridge preservation in the maintenance of the residual alveolar ridge dimension beyond 6 months after treatment is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in alveolar ridge dimensional change following ridge preservation between 4- and 12-month healing time points using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Fifty seven patients planned for tooth extraction and implant placement were enrolled. Following extraction, ridge preservation was performed. CBCT scans were taken within 72hours following extraction with a customized resin stent containing a fixed radiographic marker. At either 4 months (short-term, ST group) or 12 months (long-term, LT group) after ridge preservation, patients had a second CBCT taken and an implant placed. Changes in ridge height and width were measured using the standardized radiographic marker. No significant differences were detected between the ST and LT groups in loss of buccal and lingual ridge height. Similarly, when adjusted for baseline ridge width, no significant differences were detected in ridge width loss at 3, 5, and 7mm apical to the crest between the ST and LT groups. The efficacy of ridge preservation in the maintenance of ridge width and height at the 12-month time point is similar to that of the 4-month time point. Clinicians may feel confident that a delay in implant placement for up to a year has no significant negative impact on the height and width of the healed ridge.

Effects of age at first breeding and dietary energy levels during the rearing period of replacement gilts on reproductive performance

Context The occurrence of second parity syndrome is a major reason for culling sows depending on the bodyweight and energy level balance during the first lactation. Equally, the nutrition of gilts during the rearing period influences the age of first oestrus, longevity and reproductive performance. Aims The experiment investigated: (1) the influence of gilt mating age (early [EL], middle [MD] and late [LT]) at the first parity on reproductive performance, and (2) the interaction between dietary energy levels (high, 3320 kcal/kg; low, 3120 kcal/kg) and mating age. Methods A total of 120 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) gilts were allotted to six treatments according to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement based on mating age (EL [222 days], MD [244 days] and LT [264 days]) at the first parity and dietary energy levels (high, 3320 kcal/kg; low, 3120 kcal/kg). The average weight of gilts were 141 ± 3, 153 ± 3 and 164 ± 3 for the EL, MD and LT groups, respectively. Results High-energy diets tended to increase the growth rate of gilts (P = 0.083). At insemination, bodyweight and back-fat thickness were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the LT group. Back-fat thickness at farrowing was lower (P &lt; 0.05) in the EL group. The back-fat thickness loss during lactation was highest in the LT group (P &lt; 0.05) during parity one and two. Feed intake during lactation was significantly reduced (P &lt; 0.05) in the LT gilts in parity one. Insemination age and dietary energy levels had no significant effects on, litter size, litter weight and weaning to oestrus interval. A higher blood insulin-like growth factor (P &lt; 0.05) was observed in the EL gilts during the first service and weaning. Conclusion Based on these findings, early inseminated gilts had a lower bodyweight loss during lactation without affecting litter size or growth, which in the long term may positively impact culling age. Implication This information may guide swine farmers on the most appropriate age to breed gilts at first service for increased reproductive life. The provision of high-energy feeds did not translate into any meaningful interaction towards improving reproductive performance in gilts.

Glucose transporter 4 mRNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue of women with PCOS remains unchanged despite metformin withdrawal: is there a cellular metabolic treatment legacy effect?

Metformin induces GLUT-4 mRNA expression in insulin target tissues in PCOS. It is unclear how long this impact is sustained after withdrawal of metformin. We aimed to compare the effect of metformin withdrawal on GLUT-4 mRNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue after prior short (ST, 1 year, N = 11) and long term (LT, at least 3 years, N = 13) treatment in obese PCOS women. At baseline and 6 months after withdrawal, biopsy of subcutaneous adipose tissue followed by quantitative PCR analysis was performed to determine GLUT-4 mRNA expression. We found no time/effect differences in GLUT-4 mRNA expression in ST (2-dCt at baseline 0.42 (0.16-0.48) vs 2-dCt after 6 months 0.31 (0.22-0.56), p = 0.594) and no time/effect difference in LT group (2-dCt at baseline 0.24 (0.14-0.39) vs 2-dCt after 6 months 0.25 (0.20-0.38), p = 0.382). There was also no difference in GLUT-4 mRNA expression between both groups at baseline and after 6 months. In summary, 6 months after metformin withdrawal, GLUT-4 mRNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue remained stable, regardless of the prior treatment duration.

Compound Probiotics Improve Body Growth Performance by Enhancing Intestinal Development of Broilers with Subclinical Necrotic Enteritis.

The aim of this study is to explore whether or not the combined application of BS15 and H2 is capable to have a more effective control effect on SNE in broilers. A total of 240 1-day-old female chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups: (a) basal diet in negative control group (NC group); (b) basal diet + SNE infection (coccidiosis vaccine + CP) (PC group); (c) basal diet + SNE infection + H2 pre-treatment (BT group); (d) basal diet + SNE infection + BS15 pre-treatment (LT group); and (e) basal diet + SNE infection + H2 pre-treatment + BS15 pre-treatment (MT group). The results showed the MT group had the most positive effect on inhibiting the negative effect of growth performance at 42days of age. In the detection of the NC, PC, and MT group indicators at 28days of age, we found that MT group significantly promoted ileum tissue development of broilers, and the ileum of broilers in the MT group formed a flora structure different from NC and PC, although it was found that the MT group had no effect on the butyrate level in the cecum, but it could affect the serum immune level, such as significantly reducing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 and increasing the content of immunoglobulin IgM and IgG. In conclusion, the composite preparation of Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 and Bacillus licheniformis H2 could effectively improve the growth performance against SNE broilers, which is possibly caused by the improvement of the immune levels, the reduction of inflammation levels, and the promotion of the intestinal development.

Ultrasound Effectiveness of Steroid Injection for hand Psoriatic Dactylitis: Results from a Longitudinal Observational Study.

IntroductionTo assess clinical and ultrasound effectiveness of steroid injection (local treatment, LT) into the digital flexor tendon sheath for the treatment of psoriatic dactylitis compared to systemic treatment (ST) alone.MethodsIn this observational, multicentre, prospective study, 88 cases of symptomatic hand dactylitis were evaluated clinically and sonographically by high-frequency ultrasound (US) probe in both greyscale (GS) and power Doppler (PD). The presence of flexor tenosynovitis (FT), soft tissue oedema (STO), peritendon extensor inflammation and synovitis was assessed (including DACtylitis glObal Sonographic—DACTOS—score) before treatment, at 1-month (T1) and 3-months (T3) follow-up. LT was proposed to all patients. Patients refusing LT were treated with oral NSAIDs. Patients continued the same baseline csDMARDs and/or corticosteroid therapy during the whole follow-up period. US response was defined for DACTOS score < 3 and US remission for DACTOS score = 0.ResultsAt T3 evaluation the ST group showed a significantly higher persistence (grade > 1) of FT and STO (p < 0.001 for all) and MCP synovitis (p = 0.001). US remission was achieved only in the LT group (at T3 31% vs. 0, p < 0.001). The percentage of patients with DACTOS < 3 was significantly greater in the LT group compared with ST group, at both T1 (49% vs. 5%, p < 0.001) and T3 evaluation (76% vs. 7%, p < 0.001). In multiple conditional logistic regression analysis, the only factor associated with US remission was LT (T3 odds ratio = 41.21, p < 0.001).ConclusionsUS confirmed the effectiveness of steroid injection for dactylitis by demonstrating that it involves the resolution of extra-articular inflammation, in particular FT and STO.

Soluble Interleukin-6 Receptor Regulates Interleukin-6-Dependent Vascular Remodeling in Long-Distance Runners.

Little is known about the effects of training load on exercise-induced plasma increase of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) and their relationship with vascular remodeling. We sought to evaluate the role of sIL 6R as a regulator of IL-6-induced vascular remodeling. Forty-four male marathon runners were recruited and allocated into two groups: low-training (LT, <100 km/week) and high-training (HT, ≥100 km/week), 22 athletes per group. Twenty-one sedentary participants were used as reference. IL-6, sIL-6R and sgp130 levels were measured in plasma samples obtained before and immediately after finishing a marathon (42.2-km). Aortic diameter was measured by echocardiography. The inhibitory effect of sIL-6R on IL-6-induced VSMC migration was assessed using cultured A7r5 VSMCs. Basal plasma IL-6 and sIL-6R levels were similar among sedentary and athlete groups. Plasma IL-6 and sIL-6R levels were elevated after the marathon, and HT athletes had higher post-race plasma sIL-6R, but not IL-6, level than LT athletes. No changes in sgp130 plasma levels were found in LT and HT groups before and after running the marathon. Athletes had a more dilated ascending aorta and aortic root than sedentary participants with no differences between HT and LT athletes. However, a positive correlation between ascending aorta diameter and plasma IL-6 levels corrected by training load and years of training was observed. IL-6 could be responsible for aorta dilation because IL-6 stimulated VSMC migration in vitro, an effect that is inhibited by sIL-6R. However, IL-6 did not modify cell proliferation, collagen type I and contractile protein of VSMC. Our results suggest that exercise induces vascular remodeling. A possible association with IL-6 is proposed. Because sIL-6R inhibits IL-6-induced VSMC migration, a possible mechanism to regulate IL-6-dependent VSMC migration is also proposed.

Comparison between linear incision and punch techniques for bone anchored hearing aid surgery.

SUMMARYObjectivesTo evaluate mean surgical time, incidence of soft tissue reactions, implant survival and intraoperative complications in both minimally invasive ponto surgery (MIPS) and the linear incision with tissue preservation technique (LT).MethodsA retrospective review was carried out on 48 bone anchored hearing system (BAHS) patients between 2014 and 2019: 13 patients had undergone LT and formed one group, while 35 patients had undergone MIPS and formed the second group. Mean surgical time, intraoperative complications, implant loss and skin reaction were assessed at each post-operative examination. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe difference in the mean surgical time of 15 mins for MIPS and 36 mins for LT was statistically significant. No intraoperative complications were reported and implant survival was 100% in both groups. The incidence of adverse skin reactions was 7.7% for the LT group and 0% for the MIPS group at first follow-up examination.ConclusionsSurgical mean time is shorter for MIPS, making this procedure more suitable for local anaesthesia and more cost effective. Moreover, both LT and MIPS demonstrate good surgical outcomes in terms of skin reactions according to Holgers score and equally excellent implant survival.

The Thickness and Opacity of Aesthetic Materials Influence the Restoration of Discolored Teeth.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of thickness and opacity on the ability of composite resin and ceramic veneer restorations to mask discolored teeth. Ninety veneers were made of lithium disilicate ceramic, shades BL1 and 0 (IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar Vivadent), and 60 were made of composite resin, shade BL-L (IPS Empress Direct, Ivoclar Vivadent). The veneers measured 4 mm in width x 4 mm in length and had a thickness of 0.7, 1.0, or 1.2 mm. One hundred and fifty human premolars were selected to obtain 150 dental fragments with the following dimensions: 4 mm x 4 mm x 3 mm (width x length x thickness). The fragments were discolored, submitted to color measurement and randomly assigned to 15 groups (n=10) according to the type and opacity of the restorative material (IPS e.max Press: high translucency [HT], low translucency [LT], and medium opacity [MO]; IPS Empress Direct: dentin and enamel) and thickness of the veneers (0.7, 1.0, and 1.2 mm). After cementation of the ceramic or composite resin veneers using a translucent resin cement (RelyX veneer, 3M), a final color measurement was taken from each specimen and the total color variation (ΔE) was calculated by subtracting the initial and the final color measurement. The final lightness (L*) of the restored dental fragments was also calculated. The highest ΔE values were observed for the LT and MO ceramic groups, followed by dentin composite resin. Regarding the different thicknesses of ceramic veneers, every 1.2-mm-thick group had higher values of ΔE, considering their respective opacities (p<0.05). The highest lightness values were found for the LT and MO ceramic veneers (thickness of 1.2 mm). Dentin-shade composite resins showed similar lightness values in all groups. The best thickness/opacity combinations for masking discolored dental substrates were LT and MO ceramic veneers with 1.2-mm thickness. Dentin-shade composite resin veneers with a thickness of 0.7-1.0 mm showed good ability to mask discolored dental substrates.

Comparison of Pregnancy Rates after Short - Term and Long -Term Synchronization Protocol in Ewes- Pilot Study

The objective of the study was to compare the pregnancy rates after short-term and long-term synchroniza-tion protocol in Kivircik ewes. Ewes (n=54) were randomly divided into two synchronization groups as ST (short-term; n=27) or LT (long-term, n=27). Intravaginal sponge was inserted on the same day (D0) in both groups. It was removed at 7 days (D7) in the ST group and 13 days (D13) in the LT group. All ewes received 450 IU eCG and 75 μg d-cloprostenol at the time of sponge removal. The characteristics of vaginal discharge were evaluated following sponge withdrawal. For both protocols, 5 fertile rams per 27 ewes were used for natural mating following sponge removal. The overall estrous response and pregnancy rate were 88.9% and 64.8%, respectively. Following the synchronization, the overall estrous response (94.7% vs. 85.7%, respectively) and pregnancy rate (63.1% vs. 65.7%, respectively) were similar in both multiparous and nulliparous ewes. Although the short-term protocol reduced the rate of severe vaginitis from 48.1% to 25.9%, pregnancy rates were not different in both synchronization protocols. Nulliparous ewes had a higher rate (48.6% vs. 15.8%) of severe vaginal discharge than multiparous ewes. However, the alteration of the vagi-nal discharge severity depending on parity did not affect the overall pregnancy rate after the short-term (66.7%) and long-term (63.0%) protocols. Therefore, the long-term and short-term protocol can be used in both nulliparous and multiparous ewes in small flocks.

Effects of Cold Exposure on Performance and Skeletal Muscle Fiber in Weaned Piglets.

Simple SummaryMuscle fiber is the basic unit of muscle composition. The type of skeletal muscle fiber can be transformed from fast-twitch to slow-switch or vice versa by internal and external factors. Low-temperature is one of the major environmental factors that influences the growth performance of animals. However, the influence of low-temperature on weaned piglets’ skeletal muscle fiber, and whether this influence is related to mitochondrial function and antioxidant capacity, has not been reported. Our results indicated that low temperature could negatively affect growth performance and nutrient digestibility in weaned piglets. Moreover, evidence was provided to show that low-temperature induces a shift toward oxidative muscle fibers, which may occur through mitochondrial function regulation and increased antioxidative capacity.Low-temperature is one of the most significant risks for the animal industry. In light of this, the present study aimed to explore the effects of low-temperature on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, myofiber types and mitochondrial function in weaned piglets. A total of sixteen 21-day-old male Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) piglets were randomly divided into a control group (CON, 26 ± 1 °C) and a low-temperature group (LT, 15 ± 1 °C), with eight duplicate piglets in each group. The trial period lasted for 21 days. We showed that LT not only increased the ADFI (p < 0.05), as well as increasing the diarrhea incidence and diarrhea index of weaned piglets in the early stage of the experiment (p < 0.01), but it also decreased the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM) and dry matter (DM) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, in the LT group, the mRNA expression of MyHC IIa (p < 0.05) in longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) and MyHC I (p < 0.01) in psoas muscle (PM) were increased, while the mRNA expression of MyHC IIx in PM was decreased (p < 0.05). In addition, LT increased the mRNA expression of mitochondrial function-related genes citrate synthase (CS) and succinate dehydrogenase-b (SDHB) in LM, as well as increased the mRNA expression of CS (p < 0.05) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1b (CPT-1b) (p < 0.01) in PM. Furthermore, LT increased the T-AOC activity in serum and LM (p < 0.01), as well as increased the T-SOD activity in PM (p < 0.05). Taken together, these findings showed that low-temperature could negatively affect the growth performance and nutrient digestibility, but resulted in a shift toward oxidative muscle fibers, which may occur through mitochondrial function regulation.

Alteration of corneal biomechanical properties in patients with dry eye disease.

PurposeTo evaluate the association between symptoms and signs of dry eye diseases (DED) with corneal biomechanical parameters.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 81 participants without history of ocular hypertension, glaucoma, keratoconus, corneal edema, contact lens use, diabetes, and ocular surgery. All participants were evaluated for symptoms and signs of DED using OSDI questionnaire, tear film break-up time (TBUT), conjunctival and corneal staining (NEI grading) and Schirmer test. Corneal biomechanical parameters were obtained using Corvis ST. Mixed-effects linear regression analysis was used to determine the association between symptoms and signs of DED with corneal biomechanical parameters. Difference in corneal biomechanical parameter between participants with low (Schirmer value ≤10 mm; LT group) and normal (Schirmer value >10mm; NT group) tear production was analyzed using ANCOVA test.ResultsThe median OSDI scores, TBUT, conjunctival and corneal staining scores as well as Schirmer test were 13±16.5 (range; 0–77), 5.3±4.2 seconds (range; 1.3–11), 0±1 (range; 0–4), 0±2 (ranges; 0–9) and 16±14 mm (range; 0–45) respectively. Regression analysis adjusted with participants’ refraction, intraocular pressure, and central corneal thickness showed that OSDI had a negative association with highest concavity radius (P = 0.02). The association between DED signs and corneal biomechanical parameters were found between conjunctival staining scores with second applanation velocity (A2V, P = 0.04), corneal staining scores with second applanation length (A2L, P = 0.01), Schirmer test with first applanation time (A1T, P = 0.04) and first applanation velocity (P = 0.01). In subgroup analysis, there was no difference in corneal biomechanical parameters between participants with low and normal tear production (P>0.05). The associations were found between OSDI with time to highest concavity (P<0.01) and highest displacement of corneal apex (HC-DA, P = 0.04), conjunctival staining scores with A2L (P = 0.01) and A2V (P<0.01) in LT group, and Schirmer test with A1T (P = 0.02) and HC-DA (P = 0.03), corneal staining scores with A2L (P<0.01) in NT group.ConclusionsAccording to in vivo observation with Corvis ST, patients with DED showed more compliant corneas. The increase in dry eye severity was associated with the worsening of corneal biomechanics in both patients with low and normal tear production.

Physiological and behavioral responses of laying hens exposed to long-term high temperature.

The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of a 42d period of heat stress on laying hens with respect to rectal temperature, body-surface temperature, heart rate, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), corticosterone (CORT) in plasma and yolk samples, and video-assessed behaviors. A total of one hundred twenty 56-week-old ISA-brown laying hens were continuously exposed to one of three temperature regimes: optimal (LT; 22°C), moderate (MT; 27°C), and high (HT; 32°C). The relative humidity was maintained at 50% in all treatments. HT vs. MT and LT increased rectal temperature, heart rate, and body-surface temperature on all days (P<0.05). HT vs. LT raised (P<0.05) the H/L ratio in blood at day 42 following heat exposure. On the other hand, both HT- and MT-exposed laying hens had higher (P<0.05) plasma CORT compared with those on LT group only at 28 and 42d following heat treatment. Yolk CORT was elevated (P<0.05) in the HT vs. MT and LT groups at 3 and 14d following heat treatment. Panting and wing elevation were the most relevant behaviors in laying hens exposed to HT vs. MT and LT. The study shows that rectal and body-surface temperature, heart rate, and behavior, but not CORT or H/L ratio, are the reliable indicators for assessing the stress status of laying hens over extended period of heat stress.