MP Group Research Articles

The Effect of Multifaceted Anastomotic Leakage Prevention via ICG and SST for Lower Rectal Anastomosis.

In rectal cancer surgery, anastomotic leakage (AL) is the most important complication and has a reported frequency of 11-15%. The causes of AL leakage are complex, and AL prevention should be performed in multiple directions. Thus, this study examined the usefulness of the comprehensive and multifaceted AL preventive measures. In total, 164 rectal surgery patients who had low rectal staple anastomosis below the peritoneal reflection were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups: (i) the multifaceted AL prevention group (MP group, n=34) and (ii) the insufficient AL prevention group (IP group, n=130). Multifaceted AL prevention was defined as intestinal blood flow evaluated via indocyanine green (ICG)-fluorescence imaging (FI), the use of a single-staple technique (SST) without intersecting stapling lines or "dog ears", the use of transanal suture reinforcement according to the air leakage test, and the use of a transanal tube for anatomical decompression and a diverting stoma for diverting the fecal stream. The AL rates were retrospectively compared between the two groups. The data are expressed as the median and interquartile range. The rate of AL was significantly lower in the MP group (0%) than in the IP group (11.54%) (p=0.0423). Multifaceted AL prevention, including ICG-FI and SST, achieved a zero incidence of AL. Multifaceted prevention significantly lessened AL more than inadequate prevention did. Therefore, if the weight of each preventive measure cannot be clearly identified, to avoid AL, it is important to take all preventive measures from multiple aspects.

Herbal materials used as soil amendments alleviate root rot of Panax ginseng

Root rot is a serious soil-borne fungal disease that seriously affects the yield and quality of Panxa ginseng. To develop a sustainable strategy for alleviating ginseng root rot, an herb-based soil amendment is suggested in this study. Mixed powers of medicinal herbs (MP) and corn stalks (CS) were used as soil amendments, respectively, along with a control group (CK) without treatment. The application of MP and CS led to significant relief from ginseng root rot. The disease index (%) represents both the incidence rate and symptom severity of the disease. The disease index of the MP and CS group was 18.52% and 25.93%, respectively, lower than that of CK (40.74%). Correspondingly, three soil enzyme activities improved; the antifungal components in the soil increased; and the relative abundances of root rot pathogens decreased in response to MP Soil enzyme activities were negatively correlated with disease grades. MP group also led to possible interactive changes in the communities of soil fungi and chemical components. In conclusion, our results suggest that the use of herb-based soil amendments has significant potential as an ecological and effective approach to controlling root rot disease of ginseng by the changing rhizosphere fungal community and soil compositions.

Biomechanical effects of mandibular deviation on the temporomandibular joint in patients with mandibular prognathism under incisal occlusion

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effects of mandibular deviation on the TMJ in patients with mandibular prognathism before and after orthognathic surgery using three-dimensional finite element analysis. MethodsEight patients with mandibular prognathism without deviation, eight patients with mandibular prognathism with deviation and sixteen normal subjects were recruited. Three-dimensional models of the maxillofacial were reconstructed using MIMICS. Nine muscle forces were used to simulate incisal occlusion and contact was used to simulate fossa-disc-condyle interactions. ResultsBefore surgery, the stress in the TMJ was generally greater in the Pre-MD&MP group than in the Pre-MD group; it was much greater in both groups than in the control group, ranging from about 2 to 12 times as great in the Pre-MD group and from about 5 to 64 times as great in the Pre-MD&MP group. After orthognathic surgeries, the stresses in the Post-MP&MD were significantly reduced by approximately 21.7 % to 93.4 %. And in the Post-MP group, the stresses were reduced by approximately 1.4 % to 51.1 %. ConclusionMandibular deviation exacerbated the abnormal stress distribution in the TMJ of patients with mandibular prognathism. Orthognathic surgeries could improve the stress distribution in patients with mandibular prognathism (with and without deviation). TMD was closely related to the stress levels of the TMJ.

Entanglement and Generalized Berry Geometrical Phases in Quantum Gravity

A new formalism is introduced that makes it possible to elucidate the physical and geometric content of quantum space–time. It is based on the Minimum Group Representation Principle (MGRP). Within this framework, new results for entanglement and geometrical/topological phases are found and implemented in cosmological and black hole space–times. Our main results here are as follows: (i) We find the Berry phases for inflation and for the cosmological perturbations and express them in terms of the observables, such as the spectral scalar and tensor indices, nS and nT, and the tensor-to-scalar ratio r. The Berry phase for de Sitter inflation is imaginary with the sign describing the exponential acceleration. (ii) The pure entangled states in the minimum group (metaplectic) Mp(n) representation for quantum de Sitter space–time and black holes are found. (iii) For entanglement, the relation between the Schmidt type representation and the physical states of the Mp(n) group is found: This is a new non-diagonal coherent state representation complementary to the known Sudarshan diagonal one. (iv) Mean value generators of Mp(2) are related to the adiabatic invariant and topological charge of the space–time, (matrix element of the transition −∞<t<∞). (v) The basic even and odd n-sectors of the Hilbert space are intrinsic to the quantum space–time and its discrete levels (in particular, continuum for n→∞), they do not require any extrinsic generation process such as the standard Schrodinger cat states, and are entangled. (vi) The gravity or cosmological on one side and another of the Planck scale are entangled. Examples: The quantum primordial trans-Planckian de Sitter vacuum and the classical late de Sitter vacuum today; the central quantum gravity region and the external classical gravity region of black holes. The classical and quantum dual gravity regions of the space–time are entangled. (vii) The general classical-quantum gravity duality is associated with the Metaplectic Mp(n) group symmetry which provides the complete full covering of the phase space and of the quantum space–time mapped from it.

Effects of dietary protein level on liver lipid deposition, bile acid profile and gut microbiota composition of growing pullets

The current study investigated the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) level on the liver lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, and bile acids (BA) profiles of growing pullets. Roman growing pullets (N = 180, 13-wk-old) were divided into 3 treatments groups with 6 replicates in each group and 10 hens in each replicate and provided 3 different dietary CP level diet treatments. The diet treatments included: a high-protein diet (15.5% CP, HP group), a medium-protein diet (14.5% CP, MP group), and a low-protein diet (13.5% CP, LP group). Compared with HP group, LP group significantly increased the lipid contents in the body (such as Breast intramuscular fat [BIMF], Leg intramuscular fat [LIMF], Percentage of abdominal fat [PAF], liver triglyceride [TG] and liver cholesterol [TC]), and the lipid metabolism-related parameters in serum (such as cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], very low density lipoprotein [VLDL]), and the mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-related genes (such as fatty acid synthase [FAS], CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β [C/EBPβ], and fatty acid translocase [FAT/CD6]) (P < 0.05). In addition, LP group significantly reduced the contents of lithocholic acid (LCA), isoLCA, and ursodesoxycholic acid (UDCA), and increased the deoxycholic acid (DCA) content compared with HP group (P < 0.05). The effects of LCA on lipid deposition were confirmed in chicken preadipocyte cell line (CPI), in which LCA supplementation significantly decreased the relative expression of PPARγ, FAS, acyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and SREBP-1c (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis further revealed a significant association between BA profiles and lipid metabolism-related parameters. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that dietary protein level can significantly affect the richness, diversity, and composition of cecal microbiota in growing pullets. LP group significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and significantly decreased the abundance of Firmicutesa compared with the HP group. In summary, low protein diet in growing pullets influence the liver lipid metabolism through changing the gut microbiota and liver BA metabolism.

Application of peripheral blood routine parameters in the diagnosis of influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae

ObjectivesInfluenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections often present concurrent and overlapping symptoms in clinical manifestations, making it crucial to accurately differentiate between the two in clinical practice. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential of using peripheral blood routine parameters to effectively distinguish between influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.MethodsThis study selected 209 influenza patients (IV group) and 214 Mycoplasma pneumoniae patients (MP group) from September 2023 to January 2024 at Nansha Division, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. We conducted a routine blood-related index test on all research subjects to develop a diagnostic model. For normally distributed parameters, we used the T-test, and for non-normally distributed parameters, we used the Wilcoxon test.ResultsBased on an area under the curve (AUC) threshold of ≥ 0.7, we selected indices such as Lym# (lymphocyte count), Eos# (eosinophil percentage), Mon% (monocyte percentage), PLT (platelet count), HFC# (high fluorescent cell count), and PLR (platelet to lymphocyte ratio) to construct the model. Based on these indicators, we constructed a diagnostic algorithm named IV@MP using the random forest method.ConclusionsThe diagnostic algorithm demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance and was validated in a new population, with an AUC of 0.845. In addition, we developed a web tool to facilitate the diagnosis of influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. The results of this study provide an effective tool for clinical practice, enabling physicians to accurately diagnose and differentiate between influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, thereby offering patients more precise treatment plans.

Comparable to 17α- methyl testosterone, dietary supplements of Tribulus terrestris and Mucuna pruriens promote the development of mono-sex, all-male tilapia fry, growth, survival rate and sex-related genes (Amh, Sox9, Foxl2, Dmrt1)

To evaluate Tribulus terrestris and Mucuna pruriens for inducing all-male tilapia, mixed-sex Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, (mean weight 0.025 ± 0.009 g; mean length 1.25 ± 0.012 cm), were given a meal supplemented with either T. terrestris powder (commercial fish feed, 40% crude protein) (TT group), M. pruriens seed extract (MP group), MP + TT (mixed group), 17α-methyl testosterone (MT, control positive), or without supplements (control negative). The MP extracts significantly increased (P < 0.05) the final weight, weight gain, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate while feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Plant extracts markedly improved (P < 0.05) the survival rate, proportion of males, and total testosterone compared to control and MT. Estrogen levels were lower in groups with plant extract than other groups. Fifteen days post-feeding, the Amh gene was expressed in the brain of O. niloticus fries with higher levels in MP, TT, and MT groups. Additionally, the expression of the Sox9 and Dmrt1 genes as a male related genes in fish fry gonads revealed significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels in groups fed on MP, TT, and MT compared to control after 30-day post-feeding, whereas; Foxl2 gene expression as a female related gene was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in fish fed on MP, TT, and MT compared to other groups after 30 days post feeding. Histologically, MT, MP, TT, and the mixture all exhibited solely male reproductive traits without noticeable abnormalities. This study concluded that each of the TT or MP extracts can induce sex reversal in tilapia while having no negative health impact compared to MT as the growth and survival rate in the treated groups with TT and MP were higher than control and group treated with MT.

Efficacy and Safety of Tocilizumab with Methylprednisolone versus Methylprednisolone Only as a Treatment for Severe Covid-19 Patients

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 was identified as a worldwide fatal pandemic that causes acute respiratory infections. The aim of this work was to compare the effect of Using combined therapy: (tocilizumab with Methylprednisolone) versus using (Methylprednisolone alone) as immuno-modulatory therapy on 28 days mortality mortality, need for mechanical ventilation &amp; adverse effects. Methods This retrospective observational cohort study was carried out on 60 patients diagnosed as having covid 19 infection with cytokine storm and severe acute respiratory syndrome during the period(2020-2021). Patients were divided into 2 groups: (TCZ+MP)group received 2 doses of tocilizumab within 24 hrs (5 mg/kg in each dose) in addition to a dose of methylprednisolone(2mg/kg/day)for7days and(MP)group:received only a dose of methylprednisolone (2 mg\kg\day) for 7days. All patients were subjected to routine laboratory investigations (Complete blood count, liver function tests, kidney function tests, LDH, ferritin, D-dimer, frequent ABGs (P/F ratio), CRP, IL6, procalcitonin&amp; albumin), and radiology investigation (Chest x-ray and CT chest). Results 60 patients with ARDS(both genders) were included in this study, in TCZ+MPgroup, 8(26.67%) of 30 patients died, compared to 17(56,67%) of 30patients in (MP)group, so mortality rate was significantly lower in patients on TCZ+MPgroup than those on (MP)group (P value =0.018). In TCZ+MPgroup, 12(40%) of 30 patients needed mechanical ventilation compared to 22(73.33%) of 30 patients in MP group, so Number of patients who required mechanical ventilation was significantly lower in patients on TCZ+MPgroup than MP group (P value = 0.009). Adverse effects of intervention drugs after 28 days were insignificantly different between both groups (P value = 0.018). Conclusions In patients with severe COVID-19 infection, combination therapy of tocilizumab &amp;methylprednisolone reduced mortality rate and need for mechanical ventilation as compared with the use of methylprednisolone alone.

Timing of feeding a protein supplement on nitrogen balance and plasma amino acids during exercise recovery in horses.

Eight geldings weighing 544 ± 16 kg were used to evaluate feeding a postexercise protein meal on plasma amino acids during recovery. Horses were fed sweet feed, corn, grass hay and equal amounts of a protein pellet (32% CP) with meals (MP group) or postexercise (EP group). Horses exercised 1-2 h/day, 5 days/week, for 12 weeks. A pre and poststudy 4 days total urine and feces collection was conducted. Urine and fecal samples were analyzed for nitrogen (N) to calculate N balance. Blood samples were drawn immediately after and at 1 and 3 hpostexercise at the start and end of the study for plasma amino acid concentrations. Absorbed N and N retention were greater for the MP group compared to the EP group (p = 0.038, 0.033 respectively). An interaction revealed an increase in fecal N (p = 0.01) and decreased N digestibility for the MP group compared to the EP group at the end of the study. Plasma concentrations for 8 out of 14 amino acids were less for the EP group immediately after exercise compared to the MP group (p < 0.02). Plasma concentrations of lysine and arginine were greater for the EP group compared to the MP group at 1 and 3 hafter exercise (p < 0.05 and 0.04 respectively). Changes were different for 8 out of the 14 amino acids immediately post exercise, 7 out of 14 amino acids at 1 hpostexercise and 10 out of 14 amino acids at 3 hpostexercise with positive changes for the EP group and negative changes for the MP group. The EP group had improved supply of plasma amino acids in the recovery period that sustained for 3 hpostexercise and are indicative of better amino acid supply supporting muscle development.

Comparison of the effects of cefmetazole and meropenem on microbiome: A pilot study

BackgroundCefmetazole (CMZ) is a carbapenem-sparing option in the treatment of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacterial infection. In this pilot study, we aimed to compare the effects of antimicrobial treatment (meropenem [MP] and CMZ) with those of no antimicrobial treatment (control group) on the microbiome. MethodsThe study was a multicenter, prospective, observational pilot study conducted from October 2020 to October 2022. Feces and saliva samples were collected for microbiome analyses at two time points (early-period: days 1–3; and late-period: days 4–30) for the antimicrobial treatment group, and at one time point for the control group. ResultsFive feces (MP-F and CMZ-F) and five saliva (MP-S and CMZ-S) samples were included in the MP and the CMZ groups. Ten feces (C–F) and saliva (C–S) samples were included in the control group. Group α diversity was notably lower in the late-period MP-F group than the control group as determined with the Shannon richness index. β diversity analysis of the feces samples based on weighted and unweighted UniFrac distances revealed distinctions in both the late-period CMZ-F and MP-F groups compared with the control group. Weighted UniFrac analysis showed that only the early-period MP-F group differed from the control group. In the saliva samples, weighted and unweighted UniFrac analyses showed significant differences between the control group and the early CMZ, late CMZ, and late MP groups. ConclusionsMP treatment may cause larger impact on the feces microbiome than CMZ in Japanese patients.

Effect of Mat Pilates Training on Blood Pressure, Inflammatory, and Oxidative Profiles in Hypertensive Elderly.

To determine the effects of mat Pilates training on blood pressure, inflammatory, and antioxidative markers in hypertensive elderly people, 34 hypertensive subjects aged 60-75 years were randomly divided into a control group (CON; n = 17) and a mat Pilates training group (MP; n = 17). The CON participants conducted normal daily activities and participated in neither organized exercises nor sports training, while those in the MP group received mat Pilates training for 60 min three times/week for 12 weeks. Parameters including blood pressure, cardiovascular function, nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrotic factor-alpha (TNF-α), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were collected at baseline and the end of 12 weeks. The MP group had significantly decreased blood pressure, improved cardiovascular variables, decreased MDA and TNF-α, and increased NO and SOD compared with the CON group and the pre-training period (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the positive effects of 12 weeks of mat Pilates training in terms of reducing blood pressure and increasing blood flow related to improvements in anti-inflammatory and antioxidative markers in hypertensive elderly people. Mat Pilates training might be integrated as an alternative therapeutic exercise modality in clinical practice for hypertensive elderly individuals.

Alterations of the cerebral microstructure in patients with noise-induced hearing loss: A diffusion tensor imaging study.

To explore the changes in the cerebral microstructure of patients with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Overall, 122 patients with NIHL (mild [MP, n=79], relatively severe patients [including moderate and severe; RSP, n=32], and undetermined [lost to follow-up, n=11]) and 84 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. All clinical data, including age, education level, hearing threshold, occupation type, noise exposure time, and some scale scores (including the Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE], tinnitus handicap inventory [THI], and Hamilton Anxiety Scale [HAMA]), were collected and analyzed. All participants underwent T1WI3DFSPGR and DTI, and tract-based spatial statistics and region of interest (ROI) analysis were used for assessment. The final sample included 71 MP, 28 RSP, and 75 HCs. The HAMA scores of the three groups were significantly different (p<.05). The noise exposure times, hearing thresholds, and HAMA scores of the MP and RSP were significantly different (p<.05). The noise exposure time was positively correlated with the hearing threshold and negatively correlated with the HAMA scores (p<.05), whereas the THI scores were positively correlated with the hearing threshold (p<.05). DTI analysis showed that all DTI parameters (fractional anisotropy [FA], axial diffusivity [AD], mean diffusivity [MD], and radial diffusivity [RD]) were significantly different in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) and left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) for the three groups (p<.05). In addition, the FA values were significantly lower in the bilateral corticospinal tract (CST), right fronto-pontine tract (FPT), right forceps major, left superior longitudinal fasciculus (temporal part) (SLF), and left cingulum (hippocampus) (C-H) of the MP and RSP than in those of the HCs (p<.05); the AD values showed diverse changes in the bilateral CST, left IFOF, right anterior thalamic radiation, right external capsule (EC), right SLF, and right superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) of the MP and RSP relative to those of the HC (p<.05). However, there were no significant differences among the bilateral auditory cortex ROIs of the three groups (p>.05). There was a significant negative correlation between the FA and HAMA scores for the left IFOF/ILF, right FPT, left SLF, and left C-H for the three groups (p<.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the AD and HAMA scores for the left IFOF/ILF and right EC of the three groups (p<.05). There were significantly positive correlations between the RD/MD and HAMA scores in the left IFOF/ILF of the three groups (p<.05). There was a significant negative correlation between the AD in the right SCP and noise exposure time of the MP and RSP groups (p<.05). The AD, MD, and RD in the left ROI were significantly positively correlated with hearing threshold in the MP and RSP groups (p<.05), whereas FA in the right ROI was significantly positively correlated with the HAMA scores for the three groups (p<.05). The changes in the white matter (WM) microstructure may be related to hearing loss caused by noise exposure, and the WM structural abnormalities in patients with NIHL were mainly located in the syndesmotic fibers of the temporooccipital region, which affected the auditory and language pathways. This confirmed that the auditory pathways have abnormal structural connectivity in patients with NIHL.

Mentha piperita powder enhances the biological response, growth performance, disease resistance, and survival of Oreochromis niloticus infected with Vibrio alginolyticus

Recently, medical plants have been widely used as replacements for antibiotics in disease treatment. Because of its multiple medicinal uses, peppermint (Mentha piperita, MP) is a common herbal remedy. In the present study, MP powder was used as a feed additive to assess growth performance; hematological; biochemical and immune parameters; intestinal histology; and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) gene expression, as well as protection against Vibrio alginolyticus infection in Oreochromis niloticus. O. niloticus (n = 120, 25.66 ± 0.16 g) were fed diets containing 0 (CTR), 2, 3, or 4% MP for 60 days. The results revealed that the inclusion of 2% MP significantly improved the growth indices, intestinal morphological parameters, and reduced the feed conversion ratio. The 2% MP treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased hematological parameters (red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, packed cell volume% (PCV%), hemoglobin) compared with those of the CTR (P < 0.05). Additionally, feeding fish 2% MP diets decreased the levels of cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein). There were significant increases in immune responses (serum protein and phagocytic activity and index) and non-significant increases in the expression of IL-1β in the 2% MP group comparing with the other groups and the CTR group (P < 0.05). At the end of the feeding trial (60 days), fish were challenged with a virulent strain of Vibrio alginolyticus and the results showed that the mortality rate decreased in the 2% MP treatment group, followed by the 3% and 4% MP groups. Overall, the results revealed that the dietary inclusion of 2% MP can exhibit growth-promoting and immunostimulant effects for sustainable aquaculture.

Are silver-coated megaprostheses superior to uncoated megaprostheses in managing chronic end-stage periprosthetic hip and knee infection?

Outcomes for silver coated megaprostheses (SC-MP) used in cases of end-stage periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) have not been clearly defined. Although attractive, concerns over implant longevity and the risk of infection relapse exist among the scientific community. Therefore, we sought to investigate the effect of silver coating in lower-extremity MPs used in such difficult-to-treat scenarios. The study's primary hypothesis was that the periprosthetic infection control rate would be higher in patients with silver-coated implants. Non-interventional retrospective study with a historical comparison group. We identified all consecutive end-stage hip and knee PJI cases at our center managed with exchange arthroplasty using a silver-coated megaprosthesis from January 2016 to March 2021, these cases were compared with a historical cohort of end-stage PJI cases managed with uncoated megaprostheses. The main outcome studied was infection control rate. Secondarily, we analyzed the short-to-medium-term survivorship of this type of silver-coated implant. Fifty-nine megaprostheses used in cases of end-stage PJI were included in this study. We identified 30 cases of chronic hip or knee PJI in which a silver-coated modular megaprosthesis was implanted. Our non-coated megaprosthesis (NC-MP) historical group included 29 patients. Both groups had similar demographic characteristics. We found no statistically significant differences in infection control rate (80% vs. 82.8%, p = 0.47) or implant survivorship (90% vs. 89.65%, p = 1) after a mean follow-up for SC-MP of 46.43months, and 48months for the non-coated MP group. In relapsed cases, there were no differences in infection eradication after DAIR (66% SC-MP vs. 60% NC-MP success rate, p = 1). During the follow-up we observed one case of skin argyria without further repercussion. We were unable to confirm our initial hypothesis that use of silver-coated implants in end-stage PJI scenarios may be associated with better outcomes in terms of infection control or implant survivorship.

Influence of previous plane of nutrition on molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of urea and water metabolism related genes in the rumen and kidney of finishing crossbred Angus steers

This study aimed to understand how molecular mechanisms controlling water and urea metabolism at the finishing phase can be affected by previous plane of nutrition of crossbred Angus beef steers. Twenty-four (n = 24) animals were randomly distributed into either a moderate (MP) or high plane of nutrition during the background phase for 85 d. Animals were then blocked by their previous plane and were moved onto a 105-d finishing phase in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The forage-finished group received only high-quality alfalfa hay, whereas the grain-fed group received a high grain diet (80% whole corn and 20% alfalfa hay). By the end of the finishing phase, animals were harvested and tissue samples from the rumen and kidney were collected. Changes in gene expression of aquaporins (AQP)-2, -3, -4, -7, ATP1A1, ATP1B1, SGK1, CLIC1 (kidney and rumen), UT-A1 (kidney only) and UT-B (rumen only), were assayed via real-time qPCR; 18S rRNA was used as an endogenous control. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc analysis was conducted. When animals were from MP, forage-finishing increased the relative abundance of AQP3 (P ≤ 0.05), AQP7 (P ≤ 0.05), ATP1B1 (P ≤ 0.05), and SGK1 (P ≤ 0.05) in the kidney when compared to grain-fed animals. In the rumen, for the MP group, AQP7 was differentially expressed in both treatments at the finishing phase (P ≤ 0.01), with forage-finished steers having the highest expression of AQP7. For the MP group, UT-B had a tendency of presenting a higher expression on grain-fed animals (P = 0.075). Overall, these results suggest that previous plane can impact expression of genes associated with water and urea metabolism during the finishing phase, namely AQP3, AQP7, ATP1B1, and SGK1 in the kidney, and AQP7 and UT-B in the rumen. The greatest impact observed on gene expression changes of investigated genes at the finishing phase was reflective of animals backgrounded on the moderate previous plane.

Postoperative pain of minimally invasive root canal treatment:a randomized clinical trial.

This randomized clinical trial compared postoperative pain between a minimally invasive (MP) and conventional root canal treatment protocol (CP). A total of 170 mature permanent teeth (either with vital or necrotic pulp), were randomly assigned into two groups. In the CP group, ProTaper Gold (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and a continuous wave of condensation technique were used, whereas, in the MP group, TruNatomy (Dentsply Sirona), ultrasonic-assisted irrigation (UI), calcium hydroxide, and a sealer-based obturation technique were used. Patients recorded preoperative and postoperative pain using a 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS) at 4h, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7days after instrumentation and 1day after canal obturation, respectively. There were no significant differences in pain intensity at any time points assessed between the two groups (p > 0.05). The occurrence of moderate/intense pain after instrumentation was significantly associated with preoperative periapical index (PAI) (p = 0.017) and NRS scores (p < 0.001). Preoperative pulp status (p = 0.009) and NRS score (p = 0.006) were identified as significant factors in the occurrence of moderate/intense pain after obturation. Instrumentation unequivocally reduced pain severity for both groups. The post-endodontic pain associated with the use of MP, combined with UI, Ca(OH)2, and calcium-silicate cement, did not differ from that of CP. Preoperative pain score, PAI, and preoperative pulp status were determined to be prognostic factors for postoperative pain.

Ruminal microbiota and muscle metabolome characteristics of Tibetan plateau yaks fed different dietary protein levels.

The dietary protein level plays a crucial role in maintaining the equilibrium of rumen microbiota in yaks. To explore the association between dietary protein levels, rumen microbiota, and muscle metabolites, we examined the rumen microbiome and muscle metabolome characteristics in yaks subjected to varying dietary protein levels. In this study, 36 yaks were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 12 per group): low dietary protein group (LP, 12% protein concentration), medium dietary protein group (MP, 14% protein concentration), and high dietary protein group (HP, 16% protein concentration). 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that the HP group exhibited the highest Chao1 and Observed_species indices, while the LP group demonstrated the lowest. Shannon and Simpson indices were significantly elevated in the MP group relative to the LP group (P < 0.05). At the genus level, the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group in the HP group was notably greater than that in the LP and MP groups (P < 0.05). Conversely, the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group displayed an increasing tendency with escalating feed protein levels. Muscle metabolism analysis revealed that the content of the metabolite Uric acid was significantly higher in the LP group compared to the MP group (P < 0.05). The content of the metabolite L-(+)-Arabinose was significantly increased in the MP group compared to the HP group (P < 0.05), while the content of D-(-)-Glutamine and L-arginine was significantly reduced in the LP group (P < 0.05). The levels of metabolites 13-HPODE, Decanoylcarnitine, Lauric acid, L-(+)-Arabinose, and Uric acid were significantly elevated in the LP group relative to the HP group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, our observations disclosed correlations between rumen microbes and muscle metabolites. The relative abundance of NK4A214_group was negatively correlated with Orlistat concentration; the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group was positively correlated with D-(-)-Glutamine and L-arginine concentrations. Our findings offer a foundation for comprehending the rumen microbiome of yaks subjected to different dietary protein levels and the intimately associated metabolic pathways of the yak muscle metabolome. Elucidating the rumen microbiome and muscle metabolome of yaks may facilitate the determination of dietary protein levels.

The effect of MSM in the treatment of ankle arthrosis: Is MSM as effective as methylprednisolone or hyaluronic acid?

Posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis (PTAO) causes severe ankle and adjacent joint morbidity. We aimed to compare the treatment efficacy of previously tried and still applied intra-articular injections and oral methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) at functional and histopathological level in PTAO animal model. Thirty-two adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (Group 1: Control, Group 2: 0.06 g/kg/day MSM, Group 3: 0.04 mg/µL methylprednisolone [MP], Group 4: 0.04 mg/µL hyaluronic acid [HA]). MSM was started orally between Day 0 to the end of 8 weeks. Intra-articular injections were applied to the right ankles of the subjects after surgery. All subjects were killed after radiological evaluation at the 8th week. Subsequently, functional (range of motion) and histopathological evaluation was performed. Radiological evaluation showed better results of the MP (p < 0.001) and MSM (p < 0.001) groups than the control group. Severity of osteoarthritis (OA) in the MP group was significantly less than in the HA group (p = 0.032). When the total Osteoarthritis Research Society International score was compared, the severity of OA was higher in the KS and HA groups than in the control group (p < 0.001). No significant statistical difference was found in the histopathological comparison of MSM and control group (p = 0.466). There was no difference between the groups in range of motion measurement according to the contralateral ankle joint. The radiological progression of OA was slowed in the MSM and MP groups, but significant histopathological worsening was found in the MP and HA applied groups. We suggest that the treatment methods used in daily practice need to be reviewed.

Impact of mechanical power and positive end expiratory pressure on central vs. mixed oxygen and carbon dioxide related variables in a population of female piglets.

The use of the pulmonary artery catheter has decreased overtime; central venous blood gases are generally used in place of mixed venous samples. We want to evaluate the accuracy of oxygen and carbon dioxide related parameters from a central versus a mixed venous sample, and whether this difference is influenced by mechanical ventilation. We analyzed 78 healthy female piglets ventilated with different mechanical power. There was a significant difference in oxygen-derived parameters between samples taken from the central venous and mixed venous blood (S O2 = 74.6%, ScvO2 = 83%, p < 0.0001). Conversely, CO2-related parameters were similar, with strong correlation. Ventilation with higher mechanical power and PEEP increased the difference between oxygen saturations, (Δ[ScvO2-S O2 ] = 7.22% vs. 10.0% respectively in the low and high MP groups, p = 0.020); carbon dioxide-related parameters remained unchanged (p = 0.344). The venous oxygen saturation (central or mixed) may be influenced by the effects of mechanical ventilation. Therefore, central venous data should be interpreted with more caution when using higher mechanical power. On the contrary, carbon dioxide-derived parameters are more stable and similar between the two sampling sites, independently of mechanical power or positive end expiratory pressures.

Effects of Different Protein Sources on Growth Performance, Muscle Flavor Substances and Quality Structure in Triploid Crucian Carp

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of different dietary protein sources on the growth performance, muscle flavor substances, and quality structure of Triploid Crucian Carp. Three isonitrogenous (32.00%), isolipidic (8.00%), and isoenergetic (18.00 MJ kg−1) practical diets were formulated. These diets consisted of fishmeal as the animal-derived protein source (AP), a combination of soybean meal and rapeseed meal as the plant-derived protein source (PP), and a mixture of fishmeal, soybean meal, and rapeseed meal as the mixed protein source (MP). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate tanks of fish and each tank was stocked with 25 fish (11.5 ± 0.4 g). The fish were fed until apparent satiation twice a day. The results showed a significant enhancement in the growth performance of Triploid Crucian Carp in the AP group compared with both the MP and PP groups (p &lt; 0.05). Dietary plant derived protein can remarkably reduce the crude lipid content and increase the moisture content of the whole body and the dorsal muscle (p &lt; 0.05). The antioxidant ability of fish in the PP group and MP group was better than that in the AP group (p &lt; 0.05). Regarding free amino acids composition of muscle, the contents of glycine, methionine, and lysine were significantly enhanced in the AP group, while the histidine content was significantly increased in the PP group (p &lt; 0.05). In terms of texture, dietary plant protein significantly improved the muscular hardness, gumminess, and chewiness. The activities of intestinal trypsin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of fish in the PP group were significantly higher than that in the AP group (p &lt; 0.05). The expression levels of hepatopancreas TOR and IGF1 genes in the PP group were significantly higher than that in the MP group (p &lt; 0.05). The present results indicate dietary fishmeal significantly improved the growth performance and muscular flavor glycine content, while dietary plant-based protein increased crude protein content, antioxidant ability, and muscular texture performance of Triploid Crucian Carp.