NL Group Research Articles

Invention and Evaluation of a Novel Air Leak Check System for Vacuum-type Patient Immobilization Device

We developed a novel system to measure air leakage in vacuum cushions, which are used in high-precision radiation therapy. The purpose of this study was to verify the usefulness of this system by evaluating the accuracy and the capability for detecting air leakage. The novel system was used to measure pressure in the cushion using a manometer. The advantage of this system was that we can measure the pressure without deformation of the cushion and check the pressure immediately. We confirmed that the pressure measured using this system is proportional to the reading in the reference manometer by the coefficient of 1.0. This system had a higher capability in the leak detection than the capability by checking softness in our sense of touch. We checked the leakage using this system against 18 cushions without air leakage (NL group) and 7 cushions that had problems regarding usage in patients due to the leakage (CW group). Average pressure variations in the NL group and the CW group were 22 kPa and 46 kPa, respectively. This was a significant difference in both groups. We could decide the criteria of pressure in the cushions that may cause troubles in the future use. We concluded that this system can detect air leakage in the cushions with a higher detectivity than our tactile sense.

Three-dimensional evaluation of scapular morphology in primary glenohumeral arthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, and asymptomatic shoulders.

Recently, the 3-dimensional (3D) morphology of the coracoacromial complex in nonpathologic shoulders has been described. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the coracoacromial complex in pathologic shoulders (glenohumeral osteoarthritis [GHOA] and cuff tear arthropathy [CTA]) and nonpathologic shoulders. A 3D computed tomography reconstruction of 205 scapulae was performed (49 with GHOA, 48 with CTA, and 108 in normal shoulders [NL]). Subsequently, the center of the glenoid circle and several points at the coracoid, acromion, and glenoid were determined. The distances between these points and the rotation of the coracoacromial complex were calculated, and the acromion-glenoid angle was measured. The acromial overhang was significantly different between the NL (37 mm) and CTA (35 mm) groups (P = .045), as well as between the CTA and GHOA groups (33 mm) (P = .010). The acromion-glenoid angle showed a significant difference between the NL (mean, 50°) and GHOA (mean, 42°) groups (P < .001) and between the CTA (mean, 50°) and GHOA groups (P < .001). Furthermore, a significant difference was found in the acromial height, which was larger in the GHOA group (36 mm) than in the CTA group (30 mm) (P < .001) or NL group (30 mm) (P < .001). This 3D morphologic study showed that the acromial part of the complex was turned more posteriorly in both pathologic groups. Furthermore, we found the coracoacromial complex to be more cranial to the glenoid center in the GHOA group. Finally, a significant difference in the lateral overhang of the coracoacromial complex was observed between the 3 groups. The NL group had a larger overhang than the CTA group, and the CTA group in turn had a larger overhang than the GHOA group.

Diagnostic differentiation by NIH Toolbox‐Cognition (iPAD) for Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and healthy control participants

AbstractBackgroundAge‐associated impairment among older adults is a significant public health concern. The NIH Toolbox for Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function® (NIHTB) was developed for use in studies for which standardized, computer‐based measurement of cognitive, motor, sensory, and behavioral processes is of importance. The NIH Toolbox–Cognition battery measures both crystallized and fluid cognitive functions. The goal of this study was to compare performance of the newly available tablet‐version of the Cognition battery across healthy and impaired older adults and to analyze if race and gender effects would be evident even when using NIHTB fully‐adjusted T‐scores.MethodA total of 104 individuals (28 men, 56 women; 45% African American) completed the NIH Toolbox–Cognition as part of a National Alzheimer’s Disease Coordinating Center (NACC) longitudinal study of memory and aging through the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (Michigan ADRC). All participants received the Unified Data Set (UDS) and consensus diagnosis of normal cognition (NL), amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), or Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). Univariate analyses of variance with post‐hoc comparisons were used to compare fully adjusted (age, gender, race/ethnicity, education) Toolbox T‐Score performance across the groups.ResultsUnivariate ANOVAs revealed significant findings for the Total and Fluid composites (both p&lt;0.001) and Crystallized Composite (p&lt;0.05). For Crystallized subtests, only Oral Reading demonstrated group differences, with NL&gt;AD. Though NL and aMCI groups performed similarly, both groups outperformed AD on Dimensional Card Sort, Flanker, and Pattern Comparison Fluid subtests. NL&gt;aMCI&gt;AD on List Sorting Working Memory and Picture Sequence Memory. Main effects for race or gender were not seen for comparisons of NL to aMCI, but some group sizes were too small for adequate testing in the AD participants.ConclusionsAs expected, NL, aMCI, and AD demonstrated significant performance differences on NIH Toolbox—Cognition composite and scale scores. As expected, Crystallized tasks were least effective, traditionally representing cognitive areas least sensitive to neurologic dysfunction. Fluid tasks were noticeably more effective, with the working memory and learning measures showing a significant tiered difference, with NL highest and AD lowest. The fully adjusted scores were successful in accounting for demographic variables.

PSV-40 Effects of regrouping and administrations of meloxicam and chromium on plasma cortisol concentrations and behaviors in dairy calves

Abstract This study investigated effects of regrouping and oral meloxicam and chromium administration on growth performance, blood cortisol concentrations, and behaviors in dairy calves. Fifty Holstein calves (average age 196 ± 24.7 days, average body weight 198kg ± 32.7 kg) were equally divided into five groups: no regrouping with lactose monohydrate administration (NL), regrouping with lactose monohydrate administration (GL), regrouping with Cr administration (GC), regrouping with meloxicam administration (GM), and regrouping with both meloxicam and Cr administration (GMC). Blood was collected before regrouping and at 3h, 9h, 24h, 1w, and 2w after regrouping. Behaviors have been monitored from d1 to d7. Regrouping did not affect average daily gain (ADG), and the administrations of both meloxicam and chromium increased (P &amp;lt; 0.02) ADG compared to NL group during 2 weeks. Regrouping increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) plasma cortisol concentrations in GL group, and both meloxicam and chromium and its combination treatments decreased cortisol concentrations compared to GL group at 24h, but not at other times. Regrouping increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fight, duration of eating time, head bunt, drinking time, and standing time behaviors in GL group at d1, d2, d2, d3, and d4 respectively. Regrouping also increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) displacement at eating place in GL group from d3 to d6, but this effect was not significant (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at d7. In conclusion, regrouping caused elevation of plasma cortisol concentrations and abnormal behaviors. Meloxicam, chromium, and/or its combined administrations improved growth performance and reduced circulating cortisol concentrations in regrouped dairy calves, suggesting a feasible strategy to alleviate regrouping stress.

Early metformin treatment improves pancreatic function and prevents metabolic dysfunction in early overfeeding male rats at adulthood.

What is the central question of this study? Studies reported the efficacy of metformin as a promising drug for preventing or treating of metabolic diseases. Nutrient stresses during neonatal life increase long-term risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Can early metformin treatment prevent the malprogramming effects of early overfeeding? What is the main finding and its importance? Neonatal metformin treatment prevented early overfeeding-induced metabolic dysfunction in adult rats. Inhibition of early hyperinsulinaemia and adult hyperphagia might be associated with decreased metabolic disease risk in these animals. Therefore, interventions during infant development offer a key area for future research to identify potential strategies to prevent the long-term metabolic diseases. We suggest that metformin is a potential tool for intervention. Given the need for studies investigating the possible long-term effects of metformin use at crucial stages of development, and taking into account the concept of metabolic programming, the present work aimed to evaluate whether early metformin treatment might program rats to resist the development of adult metabolic dysfunctions caused by overnutrition during the neonatal suckling phase. Wistar rats raised in small litters (SLs, three pups per dam) and normal litters (NLs, nine pups per dam) were used as models of early overfeeding and normal feeding, respectively. During the first 12 days of suckling, animals from SL and NL groups received metformin, whereas the controls received saline injections. Food intake and body weight were monitored from weaning until 90days of age, when biometric and biochemical parameters were assessed. The metformin treatment decreased insulin concentrations in pups from SL groups, and as adults, these animals showed improvements in glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, body weight gain, white fat pad stores and food intake. Low-glucose insulinotrophic effects were observed in pancreatic islets from both NL and SL groups. These results indicate that early postnatal treatment with metformin inhibits early overfeeding-induced metabolic dysfunctions in adult rats.

Expression profile of Tripartite motif family (TRIM) in human fibroblasts (NHDF) infected with porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV).

Understanding the interactions between the microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA of genes encoding restriction factors (RFs) can lead to the development of new antiretroviral strategies aimed at providing the resistance and reducing susceptibility of human cells to potential PERV infection. Among RFs TRIM family play an important role in shaping the immune response during various stages of infection. The aim of the study was to evaluate in vitro the transcriptional profile of TRIM family genes and identify complementary miRNAs in NHDF cells infected with PERVs and induced by gram negative lipopolysacharide (LPS). Human dermal fibroblasts cells were cultured in four separate conditions- 2 monocultures: control (N), treated with LPS (NL) and 2 co-cultures with porcine PK15 cells: without LPS (NP) and treated with LPS (NLP). Bacterial LPS was used in this study as an inducer of inflammation in NHDF cells. After extraction of DNA and RNA from cells PERV infection was confirmed in co-cultures by qPCR and RTqPCR. RNA extracts served as a matrix for HGU 133A 2.0 and miRNA 2.0 microarrays to evaluate the expression profile of the selected TRIM family genes and miRNAs adequately. TRIM 2, 14, 22, and 28 were selected for the validation of HGU 133A 2.0 results. Statistical analyses were performed with the use of REST© 2009 and Genespring GX 13.0. Transcriptome Analysis Console 4.0 program (Affymetrix) was used to identify miRNAs that differentiate the studied genes in all conditions. Porcine endogenous retrovirus infection at DNA and RNA level was confirmed in NHDF cells in each of the tested groups (NP and NLP). Contamination was excluded in N and NL groups. Based on the analysis of HGU 133A 2.0 results 93 mRNA IDs of TRIM family genes differentiating analyzed conditions were selected P<.05. HGU 133A 2.0 mRNA fluorescence profile was confirmed with RTqPCR of TRIM2, TRIM14, TRIM22 and TRIM28 P<.05. TRIM14 down regulation was specific only in PERV monoinfection (group NP). In miRNA 2.0 microarray 346 miRNAs were identified as differentiating NHDF cells in all analyzed conditions, P<.05. According to the analysis with mirTAR platform and Microrna.org datatbase none of the selected miRNAs had the potential to regulate the selected genes of the TRIM family. Porcine endogenous retrovirus infection of NHDF cells is accompanied by TRIM14 down regulation suggesting TRIM14 as a possible marker of retroviral infection. None of the selected miRNAs had statistically significant potential to regulate the expression of the selected TRIMs in any of the analyzed conditions.

Spontaneous liver disease in wild-type C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice fed semisynthetic diet.

Mouse models are frequently used to study mechanisms of human diseases. Recently, we observed a spontaneous bimodal variation in liver weight in C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice fed a semisynthetic diet. We now characterized the spontaneous variation in liver weight and its relationship with parameters of hepatic lipid and bile acid (BA) metabolism. In male C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice fed AIN-93G from birth to postnatal day (PN)70, we measured plasma BA, lipids, Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-triglyceride (TG) secretion, and hepatic mRNA expression patterns. Mice were sacrificed at PN21, PN42, PN63 and PN70. Liver weight distribution was bimodal at PN70. Mice could be subdivided into two nonoverlapping groups based on liver weight: 0.6 SD 0.1 g (approximately one-third of mice, small liver; SL), and 1.0 SD 0.1 g (normal liver; NL; p<0.05). Liver histology showed a higher steatosis grade, inflammation score, more mitotic figures and more fibrosis in the SL versus the NL group. Plasma BA concentration was 14-fold higher in SL (p<0.001). VLDL-TG secretion rate was lower in SL mice, both absolutely (-66%, p<0.001) and upon correction for liver weight (-44%, p<0.001). Mice that would later have the SL-phenotype showed lower food efficiency ratios during PN21-28, suggesting the cause of the SL phenotype is present at weaning (PN21). Our data show that approximately one-third of C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice fed semisynthetic diet develop spontaneous liver disease with aberrant histology and parameters of hepatic lipid, bile acid and lipoprotein metabolism. Study designs involving this mouse strain on semisynthetic diets need to take the SL phenotype into account. Plasma lipids may serve as markers for the identification of the SL phenotype.

Effect of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer with N. O. S. E. on recovery and prognosis of patients

Objective To investigate the effect of laparoscopic surgery in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) on the recovery and quality of life (QOL) of patients. Material and methods Ninety-two eligible patients were randomly assigned into two groups: the traditional laparoscopy group (L group, n = 46) and the laparoscopic transanal specimen extraction group (NL group, n = 46). General data, surgery-related indicators, postoperative recovery, and prognosis were compared and analyzed between the two groups. Results A total of 46 patients in each group were enrolled in this study. The general data and surgery-related indicators were comparable between the two groups (all p > .05). There were no significant differences in the time of first flatus, bleeding, obstruction, constipation, and infectious complications between the two groups (all p > .05). The differences in the incidence of postoperative diarrhea, pain degree, and satisfaction on the aesthetics of the abdominal wall showed significant differences (χ2 = 6.133, p = .013; χ2 = 12.116, p = .017; χ2 = 13.463, p = .004). The postoperative follow-up time was 3–53 months. There were no significant differences in the postoperative hospital stay, medical costs, hospital readmission rate, incidence of incisional hernia, overall survival, disease-free survival, and QOL between the two groups (all p > .05). Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery with NOSE for eligible patients with CRC was a feasible choice.

The Effects of Gardenia Jasminoides on Periodontitis in Ligature-Induced Rat Model.

Periodontitis is characterised by inflammation of periodontium and alveolar bone loss. Gardenia jasminoides is reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of aqueous extract of G. jasminoides (GJ) on periodontitis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 7 weeks were randomly placed in three groups (n = 7); non-ligatured and non-treated (NL group), ligatured and distilled water-treated (L group) and ligatured and 100 mg/kg GJ-treated (GJ group). After oral administration of GJ for 14 days, the mandibles were removed for histology. In addition, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with 100 ng/ml receptor activator of nuclear factor-κΒ ligand (RANKL) and 1, 10 and 100 μg/ml GJ for 7 days to analyse the expression of periodontitis-related factors. In GJ-treated mice, the score of alveolar bone loss was statistically significantly attenuated compared with the L group. GJ treatment showed inhibition effect in the progress of cementum demineralisation. The expressions of proinflammatory cytokines in gingival tissue were statistically significantly regulated by GJ treatment. Additionally, GJ treatment showed the dose-dependent inhibition of RANKL-induced osteoclast formation. Furthermore, GJ treatment downregulated the RANKL-induced cytokine production in RAW 264.7 cells. In summary, GJ ameliorated periodontitis-induced alveolar bone loss via inhibiting transcription factors including nuclear factor-κB, c-fos and extracellular signal-regulated kinase signalling. Therefore, GJ might be a therapeutic option for treating periodontitis.

Clinical Study of the Influence of Ambient Lighting Conditions on the Mesh Quality of an Intraoral Scanner.

To compute the effect of ambient light illuminance settings on the mesh quality of the digital scans accomplished in a subject. A subject was recruited. The maxillary dentition did not present any dental restoration. A prosthodontist recorded different complete-arch maxillary digital scans by using an IOS (TRIOS 3; 3Shape) under 4 different illuminance light conditions namely chair light at 10,000-lux illuminance (CL group), room light at 1000-lux illuminance (RL group), natural light at 500-lux illuminance (NL group), and no light at 0-lux luminosity (ZL group). Ten digital scans for each group were consecutively obtained. Mesh quality was examined using the iso2mesh MATLAB package. Shapiro-Wilk test revealed a nonnormally distributed data. Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA, and pair-wise comparison were selected to evaluate the data (α = 0.05). Significant differences in mesh quality values were measured among the groups (p < 0.001). Pair-wise comparisons revealed that significant difference was found across all pairs of lighting groups, except for the RL-NL comparison (p = 0.279). However, the CL condition obtained the highest mean values, followed by RL and NL groups, and the lowest mean values were obtained on the ZL lighting condition. Chair light at 10,000-lux illuminance condition is recommended to maximize the quality mesh values of the IOS system tested (TRIOS 3; 3Shape).

Glenohumeral joint lavage does not affect clinical outcomes in open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intracapsular proximal humeral fractures: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial

This prospective, randomized, and double-blinded trial evaluates the effect of intraoperative glenohumeral joint lavage in open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intracapsular proximal humeral fractures. Between January 2016 and April 2018, 86 patients (mean age: 65.2 ± 16.3 years) with a displaced intracapsular proximal humeral fracture were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using locking plates. Patients were randomized to either locked plating followed by intraoperatively performed glenohumeral joint lavage (group L, n = 36) or locked plating without the lavage (group NL, n = 36). Functional outcome assessment included range of shoulder motion, strength, and the Constant score, obtained 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. A total of 62 shoulders could be reviewed for final investigation (86% follow-up). One year after open reduction and internal fixation, the mean Constant score was 70 ± 14 (group L, n = 31) compared with 73 ± 14 (group NL, n = 31, P = .272). The mean forward flexion and abduction in group L was 134 ± 33 and 128 ± 33 as compared with 139 ± 32 and 135 ± 32 in group NL, respectively (P = .538, P = .427). The mean external rotation was 40 ± 16 (group L) compared with 44 ± 16 (group NL) (P = .210). The overall complication rate was 9.6% and did not differ significantly between the groups (P=.321). In group L, there were 2 cases of avascular necrosis (6.5%) and 1 case of secondary displacement (3.2%). In group NL, 1 case of avascular necrosis (3.2%) and 1 case of secondary displacement were noted (3.2%, P = .742). The results of this study do not demonstrate a need for glenohumeral joint lavage in open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intracapsular proximal humeral fractures with regardto shoulder function at 1-year follow-up.

Effects of NaHS on MBP and learning and memory in hippocampus of mice with spinocerebellar ataxia

Objective: To investigate the effects of exogenous NaHS on myelin basic protein (MBP) and learning and memory of hippocampal neurons in mice with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) and its therapeutic significance.Methods: Twelve male normal mice were randomly selected as normal control group (NC Group), and 48 SCA3 mice were randomly selected as SCA3 model group (M Group), low dose group (NL Group, 10 μmol/kg), medium dose group (NM Group, 50μmol/kg) and high dose group (NH Group, 100 μmol/kg), 12 rats in each group. The drug treated groups were injected with NaHS intraperitoneally once a day for 4 weeks. The changes of learning and memory ability of SCA3 mice before and after the intervention of different doses of NaHS were determined by Morris water maze, the content of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in hippocampus was measured by spectrophotometry, the expression of MBP was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the morphological changes of neuron myelin sheath were observed by electron microscope. Results: Compared with the control group, the learning and memory ability of SCA3 mice was decreased significantly (P＜0.05), and the content of H2S in hippocampus was decreased (P＜0.05). After different doses of exogenous NaHS treatment, the learning and memory ability was improved in different degrees (P＜0.05), and the contents of H2S and MBP in hippocampus of SCA3 mice were also improved in different degrees (P＜0.05). Conclusion: Exogenous NaHS may increase the contents of H2S and MBP in the hippocampus of SCA3 mice, which may have a protective effect on the neurons, and then improve the learning and memory ability of SCA3 mice, and provide a new idea for the treatment of SCA3.

Omega3-polyunsaturated fatty acid ameliorates metabolic disorders in adulthood rats caused by postnatal early overfeeding

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of omega 3-polyunsaturated fatty acid(ω3-PUFA) dietary intervention on mitochondrial function of white adipose tissue in adult rats with postnatal early overfeeding. Methods An overfed animal model by adjusting litter size was developed for the study of neonatal overfeeding. The litter size was adjusted to 3 male rats per litter(small litter, SL group) and 10 pups per litter(normal litter, NL group). After weaning(week 3), the pups were fed standard chow or ω3-PUFA diet(SL-FO) until postnatal weeks 13. Food intake, body weight, and rectal temperature of rats were measured regularly, and energy metabolism of animals was monitored in week 13. During week 3 and 13, subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected. Inguinal preadipocytes of mice were isolated and induced to differentiate, and 50 μmol/L eicosapentaenoicacid(EPA) was administered for 48 h at the late stage of differentiation. The mRNA and protein expression levels of mitochondrial related genes, mitochondrial copy number, and oxygen consumption rate of adipocytes were detected in adipose tissue and adipocytes. Results By the 3rd week, the body weight, food intake, and fat cell area in SL group were higher than those in NL group while the body temperature was lower until to 13 weeks. By the 13th week, the O2 consumption, CO2 output, and heat production of rats in SL group were lower than those in NL group. Meanwhile, the expressions of mitochondrial function related genes such as uncoupling protein 1(UCP1), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1(CPT1), SIRT1, and mitochondrial biosynthesis regulatory gene peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coativator-1 (PGC1α) in adipose tissue by the 3rd and 13th week were significantly reduced(P<0.05). After weaning, ω3-PUFA diet significantly reduced weight gain in SL rats, increased UCP1 protein expression, restored energy metabolism level and mitochondrial function related gene expression. In vitro intervention of EPA increased the mitochondrial copy number, the mRNA and protein expression levels of mitochondrial biosynthesis and functional genes, as well as the mitochondrial basic oxygen consumption rate(P<0.05). Conclusion ω3-PUFA improves postnatal overfeeding-induced impairment of the mitochondrial function and biosynthesis of subcutaneous white adipose tissue in rats, which may be an important mechanism for fish oil diet to inhibit the early over-nutrition program and restore the thermogenic metabolism. Key words: Omega 3-PUFA; Postnatal overfeeding; White fat; Mitochondria

Efficacy of Nalbuphine as an Adjuvant to Ropivacaine in Ultrasound-guided Supraclavicular Brachial Block: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

A brachial plexus block (BPB) provides anesthesia and analgesia with limited duration. Various opioids have been used as adjuvants of local anesthetics to improve the effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of nalbuphine used as an adjuvant to local anesthetic during the supraclavicular BPB. In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled study, 90 American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Physical Status I and II patients (aged 20 to 65 y) of either sex undergoing upper limb orthopedic surgeries under ultrasound-guided supraclavicular BPB were randomly allocated into 3 groups: group C (n=30), group NL (n=30), and group NH (n=30) for analyses. Each patient received 18 mL of 100 mg ropivacaine solution combined with 2 mL of normal saline, 2 mL of 10 mg nalbuphine, or 2 mL of 20 mg nalbuphine. The time of onset and block duration of sensory block (SB) and motor block (MB), duration of analgesia, hemodynamic variables, and any adverse effects were assessed. Compared with group C, the onset time of both SB and MB were significantly shortened. The SB and MB duration were significantly prolonged in group NL and group NH. There was no significant difference between the duration of analgesia in group NL and NH although the analgesia duration of both groups was longer than group C. But the incidence of side effects in group NH such as vomiting was significantly higher than group NL. Nalbuphine is an effective adjuvant to 0.5% ropivacaine in ultrasound-guided supraclavicular BPB. The dosage of 10 mg improves the quality of the anesthesia with less incidence of side effects.

P1405 3D echocardiographic assessment of right ventriculo-arterial coupling in mitral valve prolapse

Abstract Background Both pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and right ventricular (RV) function have shown their value in the prognostic evaluation of patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Echocardiography which allows simultaneous pressure estimation and volume measurement by 3D allows an approach of arterial (Ea) and ventricular elastance (Emx) and of right ventriculo-arterial coupling (RVAC), usually derived from pressure-volume loops, and could be of interest in the assessment of the RV-PA unit. Methods Thirty normal patients (group Nl, mean age 52.7 ± 15.9) and 75 patients with stable MVP (mean age 52.4 ± 15.4 (ns for age), 39 (group MVP1) with no or mild mitral regurgitation (MR) and 36 (group MVP2) with moderate to severe MR) underwent echocardiography including 3D RV acquisition. RV end-systolic volume (ESV), end-diastolic volume (EDV), stroke volume (SV) (mL) and ejection fraction (EF) (%) were obtained 3D echo (3DE) volumetric analysis (GE, EchoPac). mPAP was estimated from echo using Chemla’s formula (mPAP = 0.61 x sPAP + 2mmHg). Pulmonary artery effective elastance (Ea) was estimated as mPAP/SV (mmHg/mL), RV maximal end-systolic elastance (Emax) as mPAP/ESV (mmHg/mL), and RVAC as Ea/Emax. Ea, Emax and RVAC were compared between the 3 groups of patients using ANOVA. Results Mean LVEF was similar in the 3 groups. There was a significant differences in mPAP (Nl: 15.6 ± 3.0; MVP1: 16.3 ± 3.3; MVP2: 22.9 ± 11.1, p = 0.001). RVEDV (Nl: 81.3 ± 19.2; MVP1: 80.1 ± 22.0; MVP2: 96.1 ± 28.6, p = 0.09), RVEF (Nl: 50.4 ± 4.4; MVP1: 49.3 ± 5.5; MVP2: 46.6 ± 6.6, p = 0.02) and RVESV (Nl: 39.9 ± 9.8; MVP1: 40.8 ± 12.8; MVP2: 52.0 ± 19.5, p = 0.01) were significantly different among the 3 groups. There was a non significant trend toward progressive increase in Ea (Nl: 0.41 ± 0.12; MVP1: 0.45 ± 0.15; MVP2: 0.53 ± 0.30, p = 0.07) and E max (Nl: 0.42 ± 0.11; MVP1: 0.45 ± 0.17; MVP2: 0.53 ± 0.31, p = 0.11) among the 3 groups but RVAC was not significantly different (Nl: 0.99 ± 0.17; MVP1: 1.04 ± 0.22; MVP2: 1.05 ± 0.37, ns). Conclusion 3D echocardiography allows a complete analysis of the RV-PA unit and is able to reveal subtle changes in its equilibrium. Together with an increase in RV volumes and decrease in RVEF, our study reveals a progressive increase in arterial elastance in parallel with the severity of MR, compensated by an increase in ventricular elastance to maintain RV – PA coupling in those stable patients with MVP.

Comparison of the Effects of Neostigmine and Sugammadex on Colonic Anastomotic Strength in Rats

BackgroundAfter colorectal surgery, anastomotic leakage is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. There are many factors affecting anastomotic leakage. It is known that agents such as neostigmine that is used to reverse neuromuscular blockade have certain effects on anastomosis. In our study, in which we planned to test this hypothesis, we aimed to compare the possible effects of different doses of sugammadex and neostigmine on colon anastomosis strength in a colonic resection anastomosis model in rats. Materials and methodsForty adult Wistar albino male rats were divided into five groups as control (group C), Sugammadex 16 mg/kg (group SL), sugammadex 96 mg/kg (group SH), neostigmine 0.3 μmol/kg (group NL), and neostigmine 1.5 μmol/kg (group NH). The transverse colons of all rats were resected, and colonic anastomosis was performed. Appropriate drug doses according to the groups were given on the postoperative seventh day, and tissue hydroxyproline (TH) level and anastomotic bursting pressure were measured. ResultsAnastomotic bursting pressure values were statistically significantly different between the groups (P = 0.001). The bursting pressure in group SH was significantly higher compared with group C, group NL, and group NH. The hydroxyproline values were statistically significantly different between the groups (P = 0.015). According to the post hoc test results, the difference was between group SH and group C (P = 0.007). There were no significant differences between the other groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of intra-abdominal adhesion rates between the groups. ConclusionsIn our study, we found that low and high doses of neostigmine had no variable effect on anastomosis, but high dose of sugammadex (96 mg/kg) had an increasing effect on intestinal anastomosis strength.

Novel Respiratory Impedance-Based Phenotypes Reflect Different Pathophysiologies in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients.

PurposeThe forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a non-invasive method to measure respiratory impedance, the respiratory resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs). The disease probability measure (DPM) is a useful computed tomography (CT) imaging variable for the assessment of gas trapping and emphysema in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using pairs of inspiratory and expiratory CT images. We aimed to develop FOT-based phenotypes and determine whether the phenotypes and their imaging characteristics could facilitate the understanding of COPD pathophysiology.Patients and methodsFOT and spirometry were examined in 164 COPD patients and 22 non-COPD smokers. COPD patients were divided into four FOT-based phenotypes (NL, normal group; RD, resistance-dominant group; XD, reactance-dominant group; and MIX, mixed group) based on the 3rd quartile values of R5 (Rrs at 5Hz) and X5 (Xrs at 5Hz) in the non-COPD group. The emphysematous lesions and the airway lesions were quantitatively assessed in CT images by low attenuation volume and the square root of the wall area of a hypothetical airway with an internal perimeter of 10 mm (√Aaw at Pi10), respectively. DPM imaging analysis was also performed in 131 COPD patients. We investigated the differences in COPD parameters between the FOT-based phenotypes.Results√Aaw at Pi10 were significantly higher in the RD, XD, and MIX groups than in the NL group. The XD group showed lower pulmonary function and higher dyspnea scores than the RD group. No significant changes in DPM values were observed between the RD and the NL groups. The gas-trapping area was significantly higher in the XD group than in the NL group. The MIX group showed the highest dyspnea score, most emphysematous lesions, and the lowest forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted value.ConclusionThe FOT-based phenotyping may be useful to assess pathophysiological changes of COPD with CT assessments.

Effect of atorvastatin on LOX-1 and eNOS expression in collateral vessels of hypercholesterolemic rats

To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on the expression of lectin- like oxLDL receptor 1 (LOX-1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in collateral vessels of hypercholesterolemic rats. Forty male SD rats were randomized equally into 4 groups: femoral ligation group (L), hypercholesterolemia + femoral ligation group (HL), hypercholesterolemia+atorvastatin+femoral ligation group (AL), and hypercholesterolemia+normal saline+femoral ligation group (NL). The rats in the latter 3 groups were fed atherogenic diet for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8 weeks, the rats were subjected to femoral artery ligation with or without intraperitoneal injection of atorvastatin (AL group) or saline (NL group). Two weeks later, all the rats were euthanized and the expressions of LOX-1 and eNOS in the collateral vessels were detected with immunofluorescence assay. In the in vitro experiment, cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with LOX-1 siRNA followed by treatment with oxLDL and/or atorvastatin. The expressions of LOX-1 and eNOS in the cells were detected with realtime PCR and Western blotting, and the cellular NO production was examined with Griess assay. The collateral vessels of rats with normal feeding expressed LOX-1, which was significantly increased in the collateral vessels of hypercholesterolemic rats; atorvastatin treatment significantly lowered LOX-1 expressions in the hypercholesterolemic rats. In normally fed rats, the growing collateral vessels exhibited strong eNOS expressions, which were lowered in hypercholesterolemic rats and enhanced after atorvastatin treatment. In the cell experiment, HUVECs with oxLDL treatment showed a high LOX-1 expression and a low eNOS expression, and atorvastatin treatment of the cells down-regulated LOX-1 and up-regulated eNOS expressions. Inhibition of LOX-1 mediated by a specific LOX-1 siRNA abolished the effect of oxLDL stimulation on eNOS expression in the cells. Both hypercholesterolemia and oxLDL can induce endothelial dysfunction and impair collateral vessel growth via the LOX-1/eNOS pathway in rats, and atorvastatin treatment can restore the LOX-1/eNOS pathway to promote the growth of the collateral vessels, suggesting the potential of atorvastatin as a therapeutic agent to promote repair of collateral vessel injuries in ischemic diseases.

Identification of Sero-Diagnostic Antigens for the Early Diagnosis of Johne\u2019s Disease using MAP Protein Microarrays

Considerable effort has been directed toward controlling Johne’s disease (JD), a chronic granulomatous intestinal inflammatory disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in cattle and other ruminants. However, progress in controlling the spread of MAP infection has been impeded by the lack of reliable diagnostic tests that can identify animals early in the infection process and help break the transmission chain. To identify reliable antigens for early diagnosis of MAP infection, we constructed a MAP protein array with 868 purified recombinant MAP proteins, and screened a total of 180 well-characterized serum samples from cows assigned to 4 groups based on previous serological and fecal test results: negative low exposure (NL, n = 30); negative high exposure (NH, n = 30); fecal-positive, ELISA-negative (F + E−, n = 60); and both fecal- and ELISA-positive (F + E+, n = 60). The analyses identified a total of 49 candidate antigens in the NH, F + E−, and F + E+ with reactivity compared with the NL group (p < 0.01), a majority of which have not been previously identified. While some of the antigens were identified as reactive in only one of the groups, others showed reactivity in multiple groups, including NH (n = 28), F + E− (n = 26), and F + E+ (n = 17) groups. Using combinations of top reactive antigens in each group, the results reveal sensitivities of 60.0%, 73.3%, and 81.7% in the NH, F + E−, and F + E+, respectively at 90% specificity, suggesting that early detection of infection in animals may be possible and enable better opportunities to reduce within herd transmission that may be otherwise missed by traditional serological assays that are biased towards more heavily infected animals. Together, the results suggest that several of the novel candidate antigens identified in this study, particularly those that were reactive in the NH and F + E− groups, have potential utility for the early sero-diagnosis of MAP infection.

Influence of the acidity of electrolyzed water on the microhardness of inner layer dentin

Background/purposeElectrolyzed water has been identified as an effective disinfectant that could represent as an alternative to sodium hypochlorite. Unfortunately, it remains unclear whether the texture or physical properties of dentin are affected by the application of electrolyzed water of different acidities. This study was aimed to assess the influence of electrolyzed waters with differing pHs on the demineralizing of inner dentin. Materials and methodsThe coronal superficial dentin of 20 human molars was exposed and further bisected into two pieces perpendicular to the dentin surface. The samples were immersed in strongly acidic electrolyzed water (AW group), neutral electrolyzed water (NW group), 5% sodium hypochlorite (positive control, NL group), or deionized water (negative control, DW group). Microhardness of the inner layer dentin was measured at a depth of 25 and 50 μm beneath the superficial surface layer every 5 up to 60 min. ResultsAt a depth of 25 μm, microhardness decreased with increasing immersion time in all but the DW group. The AW group exhibited a decreasing trend from the first 5 min that became significant after 35 min of immersion and was the most rapid decrease in the four groups. The rate of decline in the NW group was low and similar to that of the NL group. Both NW and NL groups exhibited significantly less demineralization than the AW group after 15 min of immersion. No significant microhardness change was found at a depth of 50 μm in any of the samples. ConclusionAW produces a more pronounced softening of dentin than NW at a depth of 25 μm.