LW Group Research Articles

Evaluation of the fit of zirconia copings fabricated by direct and indirect digital scanning procedures

Statement of problemIntraoral scanners are effective for direct digital scans when dental restorations are fabricated using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM); however, if the abutment tooth cannot be dried completely or the prepared margin is placed subgingivally, accurate digital images cannot always be guaranteed. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the internal and marginal discrepancies of zirconia copings fabricated directly using an intraoral scanner with those fabricated indirectly with impression scanning. Material and methodsForty-five resin dies fabricated with a 3-dimensional (3D) printer were divided into 3 groups: direct scanning (DS), impression scanning (IMP), and lost-wax casting (LW). For the DS group, a resin die was scanned with an intraoral scanner (Trios; 3Shape), whereas for the IMP group, impressions made with polyether were scanned with a cast scanner (D700; 3Shape). The zirconia copings were fabricated in the same way in the DS and IMP groups. For the LW group, impressions were made in the same way as in the IMP group, and Ni-Cr alloy copings were fabricated using LW. The marginal and internal discrepancies of the copings were measured by cementing them onto resin dies, embedding them in acrylic resin, and sectioning them in a buccolingual direction. The cement layer was measured, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to detect significant differences (α=.05). A nonparametric Friedman test was also performed to compare the measurements of each group by location (α=.05). ResultsThe mean marginal discrepancies in the DS, IMP, and LW groups were 18.1 ±9.8, 23.2 ±17.2, and 32.3 ±18.6 μm (mean ±standard deviation), respectively. The mean internal discrepancies of the DS, IMP, and LW groups in the axial area were 38.0 ±9.1, 47.0 ±16.3, and 36.5 ±15.8 μm, and those in the occlusal area were 36.7 ±16.9, 33.4 ±21.6, and 44.5 ±31.9 μm, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in marginal or internal discrepancies among groups (P>.05). ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, the zirconia copings fabricated with CAD-CAM using different digitization methods and Ni-Cr copings fabricated using the lost-wax technique and casting produced clinically acceptable marginal and internal discrepancies. No significant differences were found among the DS, IMP, and LW groups.

Leucine‐rich diet minimises liver glycogen mobilisation and modulates liver gluconeogenesis enzyme expression in tumour‐bearing cachectic rats

AbstractAimsCachexia is defined as a complex metabolic syndrome that is associated with tissue damage. Some studies have shown that the liver metabolic alterations contribute to overall host tissue wasting. Knowing that leucine acts as cell signalling, we evaluated hepatic metabolism in Walker 256 tumour‐bearing rats and investigated the modulatory effects of a leucine‐rich diet.Methods and ResultsWistar rats were distributed into 4 groups: control (C) and tumour‐bearing (W) groups, fed a control diet, and leucine (L) and leucine tumour‐bearing (LW) groups, which fed a leucine‐rich diet. After tumour evolution (21 days), liver samples were collected, and assessed the glycogen content via histological periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining and performed the molecular and biochemical analysis. A higher liver‐to‐body weight rate was observed in W and LW groups, whereas a lower muscle‐to‐body weight ratio was observed only in W group. Hepatic glycogen content was lower only in W group, which had a greater number of hepatocyte nuclei; these parameters were unchanged in LW rats. Moreover, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glycogen synthase, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA) gene expressions were higher in liver tissue from W group than in LW group. However, liver alkaline phosphatase and γGT activities, and also liver AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression were higher in both tumour‐bearing groups.ConclusionsOur results suggest that a leucine‐rich diet has a protective effect on the loss of skeletal muscle and also minimises the liver failure induced by Walker 256 tumours. Despite the lack of protection against liver damage, the leucine‐rich diet modulated liver energy stores, likely decreasing the futile Cori cycle and reducing energy expenditures.

Forced-air pre-warming prevents peri-anaesthetic hypothermia and shortens recovery in adult rats.

General anaesthesia disrupts thermoregulation in mammals, which can cause hypothermia. Decreases in core body temperature of 1℃ cause significant postoperative complications in humans, and peri-anaesthetic hypothermia in mice increases data variability, which can potentially increase animal use. In rats, the impact of different temperature management strategies on the incidence and severity of hypothermia, and the accuracy of different temperature measurement methods, is unknown. Eighteen adult male and female SD rats were block-randomized to one of three treatment groups: no-warming (NW), limited-warming (LW, heat pad during anaesthesia), and pre-warming (PW, warm air exposure before anaesthesia, followed by heat pad). Anaesthesia (isoflurane) duration was for 40 min. Core body temperature (intra-abdominal telemetric temperature capsule) was recorded during anaesthesia and recovery. During anaesthesia, rectal, skin, and tail temperatures were also recorded. In the PW group, core temperature was maintained during anaesthesia and recovery. By contrast, the NW group was hypothermic (11% temperature decrease) during anaesthesia. The LW group showed a decrease in temperature during recovery. Recovery to sternal recumbency was significantly faster in the PW (125 [70-186] s, P = 0.0003) and the LW (188 [169-420] s, P = 0.04) groups than in the NW group (525 [229-652] s). Rectal temperature underestimated core temperature (bias -0.90℃, 95% limits of agreement -0.1 to 1.9℃). Skin and tail temperatures showed wide 95% limits of agreement, spanning 6 to 15℃, respectively. The novel strategy of PW was effective at maintaining core temperature during and after anaesthesia. Rectal temperature provided an acceptable proxy for core body temperature.

To Evaluate the Marginal Fit of Metal Copings Fabricated by Conventional Casting Procedure and Direct Metal Laser Sintering Technology – an In Vitro Study

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate marginal fit of cobalt- chromium (Co-Cr) copings fabricated by direct metal laser sintering system (DMLS) and conventional lost-wax technique (LW). Materials and method: Forty tooth preparations were carried out over extracted mandibular molars. They were divided into two groups A and B of 20 each. For group A Co-Cr copings were fabricated by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and for group B by lost wax technique (LW). Glass –ionomer cement (GIC) was used to tack the copings over their preparations. Marginal fit was then evaluated directly under the stereomicroscope. Results: The mean marginal gap of group A was 27.9 ± 2.4 μm and group B was 40.4 ±6 μm. Statistical analysis using t - test showed highly significant difference (P>.05) between the marginal mean of the DMLS (group A) compared to LW (group B). Conclusion: The DMLS copings demonstrated superior marginal fit compared to that of conventional Co-Cr casted copings.

Comparison of partially-absorbable lightweight mesh with heavyweight mesh for inguinal hernia repair: multicenter randomized study.

PurposeProsthetic mesh is widely used for inguinal hernia repair; however, pain and stiffness can develop. This study was a prospective, multicenter, single-blind, randomized trial to assess postoperative pain and quality of life according to mesh type after inguinal hernia repair.MethodsForty-seven patients who underwent Lichtenstein repair for unilateral inguinal hernia with prosthetic mesh were enrolled and randomly allocated to the partially-absorbable lightweight mesh (LW group, n = 24) or heavyweight mesh group (HW group, n = 23). Data were collected using a visual analogue scale (VAS), Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS), and Activities Assessment Scale (AAS) at screening and postoperative day 1, 7, 90, and 120; foreign body sensation, sense of stiffness, and sense of pull during activity were also evaluated.ResultsThere were no significant differences in patients' demographics and clinical characteristics between groups. The VAS at day 90 was significantly lower in the LW group (0.46 ± 0.78 vs. 0.96 ± 0.82, P = 0.027). The CCS and AAS were significantly lower in the LW group at day 1 (51.33 ± 20.29 vs. 64.65 ± 22.64, P = 0.047 and 39.83 ± 9.88 vs. 46.43 ± 7.82, P = 0.015, respectively). Foreign body sensation was significantly lower in the LW group at day 120 (4.2% vs. 30.4 %, P = 0.023), as was sense of stiffness (P = 0.023). The sense of pull during activity was lower in the LW group at day 90 and 120 (P = 0.012 and P = 0.022, respectively). There was no recurrence or serious complication during follow-up.ConclusionPartially-absorbable lightweight prosthetic mesh can be used for inguinal hernia repair safely and improve functional outcomes and quality of life after surgery.

Evaluation of marginal and internal gaps of Ni-Cr and Co-Cr alloy copings manufactured by microstereolithography.

PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the marginal and internal gaps of Ni-Cr and Co-Cr copings, fabricated using the dental µ-SLA system.MATERIALS AND METHODSTen study dies were made using a two-step silicone impression with a dental stone (type IV) from the master die of a tooth. Ni-Cr (NC group) and Co-Cr (CC group) alloy copings were designed using a dental scanner, CAD software, resin coping, and casting process. In addition, 10 Ni-Cr alloy copings were manufactured using the lost-wax technique (LW group). The marginal and internal gaps in the 3 groups were measured using a digital microscope (160 ×) with the silicone replica technique, and the obtained data were analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test. Post-hoc comparisons were performed using Bonferroni-corrected Mann-Whitney U tests (α=.05).RESULTSThe mean (±standard deviation) values of the marginal, chamfer, axial wall, and occlusal gaps in the 3 groups were as follows: 81.5±73.8, 98.1±76.1, 87.1±44.8, and 146.8±78.7 µm in the LW group; 76.8±48.0, 141.7±57.1, 80.7±47.5, and 194.69±63.8 µm in the NC group; and 124.2±52.0, 199.5±71.0, 67.1±37.6, and 244.5±58.9 µm in the CC group.CONCLUSIONThe marginal gap in the LW and NC groups were clinically acceptable. Further improvement is needed for CC group to be used clinical practice.

Limewater and Polymyxin B Associated with NaOCl for Endotoxin Detoxification in Root Canal with Necrotic Pulp.

This clinical study investigated the effects of endodontic treatment by using different irrigants (limewater + NaOCl and polymyxin B + NaOCl) and intracanal medication on endotoxins in teeth with primary endodontic infection and radiographically visible apical periodontitis. Thirty-three teeth with necrotic pulp and periapical lesions from different patients were selected for this study. Samples were collected after the coronal opening (S1) and after instrumentation (S2). Root canals were divided in 3 groups (n = 11) according to the irrigant combination used: NaOCl + LW: 2.5% NaOCl + calcium hydroxide solution (0.14%, limewater); NaOCl + PmB: 2.5% NaOCl + 10.000 UI/mL polymyxin B; 2.5% NaOCl (control). The third sampling (S3) was performed after ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and the fourth (S4) after samples got 14 days with intracanal medication with 2% chlorhexidine gel + calcium hydroxide. Endotoxins (lipopolysaccharide) were quantified by chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL). Endotoxins were detected in all root canals after the coronal opening (S1). NaOCl + PmB group presented the greatest endotoxin reduction after instrumentation (76.17%), similar to NaOCl + LW group (67.64%, p<0.05) and different from NaOCl group (42.17%, p<0.05). After intracanal medication period (S4), there was significant increase of endotoxins neutralization. It was concluded that NaOCl + PmB promoted the greatest reduction of endotoxin levels, followed by NaOCl + LW. Intracanal medications had no significant complementary role in the reduction of endotoxins at the end of the treatment.

Carcass Performance, Muscle Fiber, Meat Quality, and Sensory Quality Characteristics of Crossbred Pigs with Different Live Weights.

In order to attain heavier live weight without impairing pork or sensory quality characteristics, carcass performance, muscle fiber, pork quality, and sensory quality characteristics were compared among the heavy weight (HW, average live weight of 130.5 kg), medium weight (MW, average weight of 111.1 kg), and light weight (LW, average weight of 96.3 kg) pigs at time of slaughter. The loin eye area was 1.47 times greater in the HW group compared to the LW group (64.0 and 43.5 cm2, p<0.001), while carcass percent was similar between the HW and MW groups (p>0.05). This greater performance by the HW group compared to the LW group can be explained by a greater total number (1,436 vs. 1,188, ×103, p<0.001) and larger area (4,452 vs. 3,716 μm2, p<0.001) of muscle fibers. No significant differences were observed in muscle pH45 min, lightness, drip loss, and shear force among the groups (p>0.05), and higher live weights did not influence sensory quality attributes, including tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Therefore, these findings indicate that increased live weights in this study did not influence the technological and sensory quality characteristics. Moreover, muscles with a higher number of medium or large size fibers tend to exhibit good carcass performance without impairing meat and sensory quality characteristics.

Effects of Rice Bran Extracts Fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum on Neuroprotection and Cognitive Improvement in a Rat Model of Ischemic Brain Injury

This work aimed to study whether rice bran extract fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum (LW) promotes functional recovery and reduces cognitive impairment after ischemic brain injury. Ischemic brain injury was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. Four groups were studied, namely the (1) sham, (2) vehicle, (3) donepezil, and (4) LW groups. Animals were injected with LW once a day for 7 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion. LW group showed significantly improved neurological function as compared to the vehicle group, as well as enhanced learning and memory in the Morris water maze. The LW group showed the greatest functional recovery. Moreover, the LW group showed an enhanced more survival cells anti-apoptotic effect in the cortex and neural cell densities in the hippocampal DG and CA1. In addition, this group showed enhanced expression of neurotrophic factors, antioxidant genes, and the acetylcholine receptor gene, as well as synaptophysin (SYP), Fox-3 (NeuN), doublecortin (DCX), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) proteins. Our findings indicate that LW treatment showed the largest effects in functional recovery and cognitive improvement after ischemic brain injury through stimulation of the acetylcholine receptor, antioxidant genes, neurotrophic factors, and expression of NeuN, SYP, DCX, and ChAT.

Wheezing in low birth weight infants

12,582 valid questionnaires were considered, and 11,411 (90.7%) infants were born with NW and 1,171 (9.3%) with LW. For the RWh, was 2,488 (21.9%) infants in the NW group and 331 (28.3%) in LW group (p < 0.001). Presented SRWh, 1,491 infants (13.1%) of the NW group and 248 (21.2%) of LW (p < 0.001) group.

Penile length, digit length, and anogenital distance according to birth weight in newborn male infants.

PurposeAnogential distance (AGD) and the 2:4 digit length ratio appear to provide a reliable guide to fetal androgen exposure. We intended to investigate the current status of penile size and the relationship between penile length and AGD or digit length according to birth weight in Korean newborn infants.Materials and MethodsBetween May 2013 and February 2014, among a total of 78 newborn male infants, 55 infants were prospectively included in this study. Newborn male infants with a gestational age of 38 to 42 weeks and birth weight>2.5 kg were assigned to the NW group (n=24) and those with a gestational age<38 weeks and birth weight<2.5 kg were assigned to the LW group (n=31). Penile size and other variables were compared between the two groups.ResultsStretched penile length of the NW group was 3.3±0.2 cm, which did not differ significantly from that reported in 1987. All parameters including height, weight, penile length, testicular size, AGD, and digit length were significantly lower in the LW group than in the NW group. However, there were no significant differences in AGD ratio or 2:4 digit length ratio between the two groups.ConclusionsThe penile length of newborn infants has not changed over the last quarter century in Korea. With normal penile appearance, the AGD ratio and 2:4 digit length ratio are consistent irrespective of birth weight, whereas AGD, digit length, and penile length are significantly smaller in newborns with low birth weight.

Standard polypropylene mesh vs lightweight mesh for Lichtenstein repair of primary inguinal hernia: A randomized controlled trial

Purpose: The aim of the present clinical study was to compare early and late outcomes after inguinal hernia repair with the heavyweight mesh (HW) and lightweight mesh (LW) during a 3 year follow-up period. Methods: 226 patients were randomized into LW and HW mesh groups, both of which underwent unilateral primary inguinal hernia repair via the Lichtenstein technique. Wound complications (infection, hematoma, seroma), hernia recurrence, pain and feeling of foreign body in inguinal area were determined in patients. Pain was measured by visual analogue scale. Results: No statistical difference has been found between LW and HW groups by wound complication (P = 0.80). One case of hernia recurrence has been mentioned in both groups one year after hernioplasty. But there was no detectable difference between the two groups. No significant difference has been found between LW and HW groups by frequency of chronic pain 7 days, 1 and 3 months, 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. As for the feeling of foreign body in groin it is similar in both groups after 1 and 3 months. Level of feeling of foreign body was significantly lower in LW group 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery, than in HW group (P = 0.03, P = 0.02, P = 0.02, respectively). Conclusion: Our research shows no significant difference in wound complications, hernia recurrence and chronic pain after Lichtenstein hernioplasty, by using of LW and HW meshes. The usage of the LW mesh was associated with less feeling of foreign body than that of the HW mesh, what can be considered as prevalence of LW mesh hernioplasty.

Comparison of Lightwand and Fiberoptic Techniques for Airway Topical Anesthesia in Patients with Difficult Airways

Background: Awake intubation is often regarded as a cornerstone in the management of the known difficult airway, but needs adequate airway topical anesthesia. This randomized clinical study was designed to determine the feasibility, safety and efficacy of the lightwand technique to provide airway topical anesthesia for awake tracheal intubation (ATI) by comparing with the fiberoptic technique.Methods: Eighty adult patients with difficult airways were randomly assigned to one of two study groups to receive airway topical anesthesia by lidocaine sprays with the lightwand (LW group) or fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB group). After airway topicalization, ATI was also performed using the lightwand and fiberoptic techniques, respectively. Level of sedation, time for each lidocaine spray in different targeted areas, total times for airway sprays, and total dosages of lidocaine were noted. Operators assessed difficulty of the airway spray and ATI using the visual analogue scales (VAS). An independent investigator assessed patients' discomfort during airway topicalization, patients' reaction, coughing severity, and intubating condition during ATI, and observed changes of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) during airway manipulations. Serial blood samples were obtained for analysis of plasma lidocaine concentrations. Also the postoperative follow-up of complications was done.Results: 96.7% of airway lidocaine sprays were successfully completed on the first attempt in the LW group compared with 84.7% in the FOB group. The operator VAS assessment of difficulty of the airway spray was significantly better, times for each supraglottic spray and first laryngeal spray, and total time for airway sprays were significantly shorter, and total dosages of lidocaine were smaller in the LW group compared with the FOB group. As compared with the FOB group, patients' reaction and coughing scores during ATI were significantly lower, intubating conditions and operator VAS assessment of difficulty of intubation were better, and systolic BP and HR at intubation were significantly lower in the LW group. However, there were not significant differences in the investigator scores of patients' discomfort during airway sprays, plasma lidocaine concentrations at all observed times and the postoperative interview variables between groups.Conclusions: As compared with the fiberoptic technique, use of the lightwand technique to provide airway topical anesthesia is easier for the experienced anesthetists, requires shorter time of airway preparation and smaller dosages of lidocaine, can produce better intubating condition for ATI, and does not result in more postoperative complications in sedated patients with difficult airways. Citation: Fu-Shan Xue, Nong He, He-Ping Liu, Xu Liao, Xiu- Zheng Xu, Jian-Hua Liu, et al. Comparison of lightwand and fiberoptic techniques for airway topical anesthesia in patients with difficult airways. J Anesth Perioper Med 2014; 1: 25-35. doi: 10.24015/JAPM.2014.0005This is an open-access article, published by Evidence Based Communications (EBC). This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format for any lawful purpose. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

PM378 Connexin45 Over-Expression Causes Arrhythmia in Rat Hearts

Introduction: Cancer-cachexia state promotes intense involuntary weight loss, wasting skeletal muscle protein due to higher proteolysis and/or decreased protein synthesis. This process can be improved by branched-chain amino acids, as leucine, which provides energy source by skeletal muscle and acts as a cell signaling. Objectives: This work aim to evaluate whether the leucine-rich diet (3%>leu) can modulate theelectrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiac biomarkers in the cachectic tumorbearing rats. Methods: Adult rats were distributed into 4 groups: C–control rats; WWalker-256 tumor tumor-bearing rats; L–leucine supplemented diet (leu-3%) and LW-leucine supplemented diet tumor-bearing rats (5 animals per group). The electrocardiogram was evaluated after anesthesia (ketamine 100mg/Kg. plus xelazine 7mg/Kg intramuscular) during pre-agonic state assayed by LabChart software. Cardiac biomarkers (MPO, TIMP, PAI-total) were evaluated in heart muscle homogenate assayed by multiplex assay (Millipore-Luminex). Difference among groups used one-way ANOVA analyses followed by Bonferroni’s test (P<0.05). Results: ECG parameters: the heart rate reduced in both tumor-bearing groups; QT-c tended to increase in W group, but was recovered in LW rats; T wave amplitude tended to increase in W group and was similar in LW group when compared to control rats. Cardiac biomarkers: MPO, TIMP and PAI increased only in W group, despite having tumor the LW group had similar values as the control rats.

Crossbreeding Effect on Genome Stability in Pig (&lt;I&gt;Sus scrofa scrofa&lt;/I&gt;)

Aneuploid cell percentages and frequencies of CAs and SCEs were investigated in 10 Calabrian pigs, 10 LW pigs and 19 Calabrian x LW crossbred pigs, in order to compare genome stability between an autochthonous pig breed and a highly selected one and to verify if genome stability of their progeny, as other phenotypic traits, are influenced by heterosis. The mean number of cells per animal with structural aberrations, excluding gaps, was 6.20 +/- 2.39, 4.90 +/- 2.02 and 4.52 +/- 3.34 in Calabrian, LW and crossbred pigs, respectively, while the mean number of total CAs without gaps was 0.14 +/- 0.38, 0.11 +/- 0.35 and 0.11 +/- 0.35, respectively. The mean number of SCEs was 7.30 +/- 3.24 in Calabrian pigs, 6.45 +/- 2.74 in LW pigs and 6.28 +/- 2.90 in the crossbred ones. Percentages of cells with aneuploidy were 7.30, 10.10 and 10.79 in Calabrian, LW and crossbred pigs, respectively. In particular, the Calabrian breed showed higher values compared to LW in each test, however, there were statistically significant differences only in the mean number of SCEs per cell (P<0.01). In addition, there is a positive effect of crossbreeding on baseline levels of genome stability in the crossbred group that shows in all tests, excluding gaps, mean values of cellular or chromosome damage similar to the LW group.

Leucine-rich diet supplementation modulates foetal muscle protein metabolism impaired by Walker-256 tumour

BackgroundCancer-cachexia induces a variety of metabolic disorders of protein turnover and is more pronounced when associated with pregnancy. Tumour-bearing pregnant rats have impaired protein balance, which decreases protein synthesis and increases muscle breakdown. Because branched-chain amino acids, especially leucine, stimulate protein synthesis, we investigated the effect of a leucine-rich diet on protein metabolism in the foetal gastrocnemius muscles of tumour-bearing pregnant rats.MethodsFoetuses of pregnant rats with or without Walker 256 tumours were divided into six groups. During the 20 days of the experiment, the pregnant groups were fed with either a control diet (C, control rats; W, tumour-bearing rats; Cp, rats pair-fed the same normoprotein-diet as the W group) or with a leucine-rich diet (L, leucine rats; LW, leucine tumour-bearing rats; and Lp, rats pair-fed the same leucine-rich diet as the LW group). After the mothers were sacrificed, the foetal gastrocnemius muscle samples were resected, and the protein synthesis and degradation and tissue chymotrypsin-like, cathepsin and calpain enzyme activities were assayed. The muscle oxidative enzymes (catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase), alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) were also measured.ResultsTumour growth led to a reduction in foetal weight associated with decreased serum protein, albumin and glucose levels and low haematocrit in the foetuses of the W group, whereas in the LW foetuses, these changes were less pronounced. Muscle protein synthesis (measured by L-[3H]-phenylalanine incorporation) was reduced in the W foetuses but was restored in the LW group. Protein breakdown (as assessed by tyrosine release) was enhanced in the L and W groups, but chymotrypsin-like activity increased only in group W and tended toward an increase in the LW foetuses. The activity of cathepsin H was significantly higher in the W group foetuses, but the proteolytic calcium-dependent pathway showed similar enzyme activity. In parallel, an intense oxidative stress process was observed only in the group W foetuses.ConclusionsThese data suggested that the proteasomal and lysosomal proteolytic pathways and oxidative stress are likely to participate in the process of foetal muscle catabolism of Walker’s tumour-bearing pregnant rats. The present work shows that foetal muscle can be protected by supplementation with a leucine-rich diet.

Effects of Phonological Neighborhood Density on Accuracy of Picture Naming in Aphasia

Effects of Phonological Neighborhood Density on Accuracy of Picture Naming in Aphasia

In vitro evaluation of marginal and internal adaptation of three-unit fixed dental prostheses produced by stereolithography.

The purpose of this study was to investigate, by measuring the gap, the possible clinical use of three-unit fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) manufactured using stereolithography. A total of 20 epoxy models were built with a same case (abutment teeth 14, 16). The 40 specimens were produced using the stereolithography (SLA) and wax-up (LW). The 960 gaps of the 40 specimens produced were measured by a silicone replica. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was then used to compare and analyze the data obtained from the two groups (α=0.05). The total gap, as measured from the SLA and LW groups, was 98.6 and 66.6 µm, respectively. The results indicate that the gap in the SLA group is statistically significantly greater than that in the LW group (p<0.05). Further assessment and improvement of the SLA method for the fabrication of FDPs is evidently still required.

Fatty acid profile, oxidative stability of pork lipids and meat quality indicators are not affected by birth weight

The aim of this study was to investigate whether fatty acid (FA) profile, oxidative stability of lipids and other meat quality traits differed between high (HW: 1.8 to 2.2 kg) and low (LW: 0.8 to 1.2 kg) birth weight piglets. Forty new-born male pigs (n=20 HW, n=20 LW) were reared in separate pens until the finishing period, when they were slaughtered at 150 days of age, and pH and temperature were measured in the carcass. Afterwards, the Longissimus dorsi muscle was excised from the carcass, and samples were collected for subsequent meat quality analyses (thaw loss, cooking loss, shear force, chemical analysis and sensory analysis for tenderness). Birth weight had minor impacts on meat quality traits, which were limited to higher shear force in the LW group (P<0.01). Chemical components (moisture, protein, fat, ash), cholesterol levels and lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) were not affected by birth weight (P>0.05). FA profile and the amount of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were similar, but HW pigs had higher atherogenic index than their LW counterparts (P<0.01). Notwithstanding the higher shear force presented by the lower birth weight pigs, in the sensory test, the panelists did not detect any differences in the tenderness of pork from HW and LW animals. Therefore, our results suggest that low birth weight has minimal impact on meat quality.

Transfusion Of Thawed Rare Red Blood Cell Units In Finland

The Finnish Red Cross Blood Service performs blood grouping of all blood donations in Finland and serves as a national reference laboratory in pre-transfusion testing of patients. In addition to ABO and RhD blood groups, other Rh antigens and K antigen are also determined from all red cell units. The antigens of JK, FY, and MNS blood group systems are analyzed from selected donors. The extensive donor typing procedure includes antigens from KEL, LW, LU, CO, DO, DI, YT, GE and CROM blood group systems, performed either serologically or by genotyping. Patients negative for a high frequency blood group antigen present a challenge for transfusion laboratories. A blood group is considered rare if the prevalence is 1:1000 or less, with the most common rare phenotypes in Finland being LWa neg, Jk:-3 and Pk. To ensure the availability of matching blood for patients with a rare blood group, we started a freezing program of rare blood in Finland with Haemonetics ACP 215 process in April 2010. The system is closed, therefore after thawing the units are safe for use for 7 days. 18 blood groups which were included in the program were determined based on the known rare blood groups in the Finnish population. Blood groups which are globally rare but more common in Finland, such as Jk:-3 and LWa neg, are represented in our storage and also available internationally. The aim of the present study was to analyze the status of the freezing program of rare red blood cells in Finland. For the analysis we asked the transfusion data of rare red blood cell units delivered to 10 national and 2 international hospitals. Results: In 2010-2012, altogether 204 units of rare blood were stored, including units of all the predefined rare phenotypes except Vel neg. With the exception of Vel neg, Hrs neg and Oh blood groups, we have been able to meet the need for rare blood in Finland using Finnish donors. Altogether 55 units have been thawed and distributed to 27 adult patients. The indication was delivery in 3 cases, surgery in 6 cases, and chronic anemia in 4 cases. For the present analyses the transfusion data of 49 units was available. The data of 6 Coa neg units is missing. Altogether 22 / 49 (45%) of the units were transfused. In 14 cases the blood was transfused to the patient it was intended for, and in 8 cases to another patient, 27 units were discarded. There were no transfusion associated complications. The hemoglobin response was evaluable in 7 patients. In 4 patients with a chronic anemia the median blood hemoglobin response per a unit was +8 g/l, range +2 - +16 g/l. In 3 patients with blood loss during an operation the median increase in blood hemoglobin value was +7 g/l per unit, range +4 – +12 g/l. Conclusions: Compared to the common 24 hour eligibility of thawed red cell units, our units valid for 7 days are preferable in countries like Finland with long distances and in international rare blood deliveries. We have been able to offer rare blood to Finnish patients. The hemoglobin response was reasonable and there were no transfusion associated complications. Our next challenge will be to recruit Finnish blood donors with different ethnic backgrounds (eg. immigrants) and identify their rare blood groups. We have already expanded our program to include rare combinations of common blood groups. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.