SB Group Research Articles

Does Bead Size Affect Patient Outcome in Irinotecan-Loaded Beads Chemoembolization Plus Systemic Chemotherapy Regimens for Liver-Dominant Colorectal Cancer? Results of an Observational Study.

We investigated the clinical effects of bead size in irinotecan-loaded beads chemoembolization (DEBIRI) used for treating liver-dominant colorectal cancer. Between March 2009 and January 2018, all consecutive patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases referred for DEBIRI at our tertiary center were included in an observational study. Patients were treated exclusively with either 100-mg irinotecan-loaded DC beads of 70-150μm (small bead group or SB) or 100-300μm (large bead group or LB) in diameter, in addition to systemic therapy. Liver tumor response rate at 3months, liver and overall progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were estimated. In total, 84 patients with liver-dominant progressive disease underwent 232 DEBIRI sessions. Fifty-four patients were treated in the SB group and 30 patients in the LB group. Liver progression-free rates at 3months were 86.7% for the LB group and 79.6% for the SB group (NS). Median liver-PFS and overall PFS were, respectively, 7.15months and 7.15months for the LB group and 7.65 and 7.55months for the SB group (NS). Median overall survival was 13.04months for the LB group and 15.59months for the SB group (p = 0.04). Specific treatment grade 3 + 4 toxicity occurrence was 5 (17%) in the LB group and 20 (37%) in the SB group. No significant difference in patient outcome was observed between DEBIRI bead sizes of 70-150μm and 100-300μm. A trend toward higher treatment-specific toxicity was observed with the smaller beads.

Influence of Surface Modification Protocol and Type of Luting Cement on Bonding of Monolithic Zirconia to Dentin Substrate

To assess microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of two types of luting cement to monolithic zirconia and dentin following various surface modifications and aging. Monolithic zirconia blocks were divided into four main groups. Group N: no surface modification; Group SB: sandblasted using 50 μm Al2O3 particles. Group GH: glazed with a thin film of low-fusing porcelain glaze and etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 60 seconds. Group CJ: sandblasted with CoJet sand. Surface-treated ceramic blocks were bonded to dentin using either self-adhesive cement or resin-modified glass ionomer cement and submitted to 3 or 150 days of water storage protocol with aging. The specimens were subjected to tensile force until de-bonding. Surface roughness (Ra, μm) was assessed after surface treatment. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests followed by Tukey's tests were used to analyze the data (α = 0.05). Surface modification using selective infiltration etching (SIE) showed significantly higher μTBS (p < 0.05) compared to tribochemical silica coating, sandblasting, and no treatment groups. The surface roughness of the SB and CJ groups were statistically higher compared to GH and N groups. Selective glass infiltration etching was an effective method in altering the surface properties, creating a strong and durable bond to monolithic zirconia. Surface treatment procedures using SIE techniques combined with the use of universal 10-Methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-containing adhesives could establish a long-lasting and strong bonding to monolithic zirconia restorations. Resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC) is an alternative luting cement for monolithic zirconia based on the assessment of its bond strength and bond durability.

Effects of supplemental dietary bile acids on growth, liver function and immunity of juvenile largemouth bass（Micropterus salmoides）fed high-starch diet

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of bile acids (BAs) on the growth, liver function and immunity of the largemouth bass fed high-starch diet. The experiment set three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic semi-purified diets, LS: low-starch diet (5%), HS: high-starch diet (19%) and SB: high-starch diet with BAs (350 mg/kg diet). An 8-week feeding trial was conducted in largemouth bass of initial weight 23.69 ± 0.13 g. The results indicated that the weight gain (WG) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of fish fed LS and SB were significantly higher than HS treatment. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities of SB group were significantly increased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly reduced in liver compared with HS group. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glucose contents in plasma of SB group were significantly lower than HS treatment, whereas the content of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in plasma were significantly higher than HS treatment. Additionally, the plasma immunoglobulin count, lysozyme activity and the blood leukocyte count (WBC) in SB group were significantly higher than HS group. The results of paraffin section of liver showed the histopathological alterations were significantly reduced in the SB group compared to HS group. All in all, this study revealed that bile acids supplement could significantly improve growth performance, enhance liver function and immune ability, and alleviate stress responses of M. salmoides fed high-starch diet.

ZHX2 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of human lung cancer cells through targeting p38MAPK pathway.

To investigate the effect of ZHX2 on lung cancer cells proliferation and apoptosis. The mRNA and protein expression of ZHX2 were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The human lung cancer cells were divided into Control, NC, ZHX2, SB, and ZHX2 + Ani groups. The cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and the cell migration and invasion were detected by Transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Apoptosis and p38MAPK signaling pathway related proteins were detected by western blot. The nude mice model of lung cancer xenograft was constructed. The tumor volume and tumor weight were measured. The expression of PCNA protein in tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The apoptosis of tumor cells was detected by TUNEL staining. The ZHX2 and p38MAPK signaling pathway related proteins in tumor tissues were detected by western blot. The expression of ZHX2 gene and protein in the cancer cell lines were significantly decreased. Compared with control and NC groups, the cells proliferation, migration and invasion were inhibited in ZHX2 and SB groups, while the apoptosis and apoptosis related proteins were increased (p< 0.05). Meanwhile, compared with ZHX2 group, the tumor growth rate, volume, weight, the percentage of PCNA-positive cells, and p-P38 MAPK/P38 MAPK were increased significantly in ZHX2 + Ani group, while the apoptotic index and the expression of MMP-9 protein were significantly decreased (p< 0.05). ZHX2 could inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of lung cancer cells by inhibiting p38MAPK signaling pathway.

Sepsis impairs aggregation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on murine skeletal muscle cell membranes by inhibiting AKT/GSK3β phosphorylation

To investigate the role of the protein-serine-threonine kinase (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) signaling pathway in nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) aggregation disorder on skeletal muscle cell membranes induced by sepsis. Mouse C2C12 myoblasts were differentiated into myotubes by horse serum, and then C2C12 myotubes were randomly divided into four groups: the Sham group treated with serum from sham-operated mice, the Sepsis group treated with serum from septic mice, the Sepsis+D group treated with serum from septic mice and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the Sepsis+SB group treated with serum from septic mice and GSK3β inhibitor SB216763. Agrin was added into the cell culture to induce nAChRs aggregation before the treatment. After serum treatment for 5.5 h, the myotubes were examined for nAChRs clusters using Alexa Fluor 594-conjugated α-bungarotoxin (α- BTX). The expression levels of AKT, GSK3β and CLIP- associated protein 2 (CLASP2) and the phosphorylation of AKT, GSK3β were examined with Western blotting. The phosphorylation of CLASP2 and the interaction between CLASP2 and α-tubulin were detected with co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay. Compared with the serum from sham-operated mice, the serum from septic mice caused significant reduction in the area and density of nAChRs clusters on C2C12 myotubes, lowered the levels of phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) and phosphorylated GSK3β (p-GSK3β), increased the expression of phosphorylated CLASP2 (p-CLASP2), and obviously reduced the binding between CLASP2 and α-tubulin. Compared with DMSO, SB216763 significantly increased the area and density of nAChRs clusters on C2C12 myotubes treated with serum from septic mice, decreased the expression of p-CLASP2, and enhanced the interaction between CLASP2 and α-tubulin. Septic mouse serum impairs nAChRs aggregation on C2C12 myotubes possibly by suppressing AKT/GSK3β phosphorylation to cause reduced interaction between CLASP2 and α-tubulin.

Best-estimate severe accident and source term analysis for an ISLOCA scenario of a CANDU-6 plant using the MAAP-ISAAC code

An interfacing system LOCA (ISLOCA) is a bypass accident that results in the release of reactor coolant directly to the outside of a reactor building through a break in part of the low-pressure boundary of the reactor coolant system. Though the core damage frequency resulting from an ISLOCA scenario in the CANDU-6 type Wolsong nuclear power plant is very low, a direct release of radioactive nuclides to the environment could lead to severe radiation exposure among residents near the plant, and cannot be overlooked. For this reason, a quantitative evaluation of the amount of radioactive nuclides to be released to the environment was carried out by applying a best-estimate methodology to the MAAP-ISAAC code11MAAP-ISAAC is a CANDU version of MAAP owned by the Electric Power Research Institute, and a relevant accident management strategy for it was investigated in terms of a deterministic analysis. As part of this, an auxiliary building was additionally modeled to simulate deposition effects in the auxiliary building as well as pool scrubbing effects at the submerged break location following an ISLOCA. The decontamination effect by deposition and so on within the piping following an ISLOCA was evaluated. The analysis results showed that the decontamination factor for other nuclide groups excluding inert gas, Sb and Te2 nuclide groups was about 2.5. The analysis with consideration of all these decontamination effects was identified to yield a 78.4% reduction of Cs released to the environment compared with previous conservative analysis, which did not consider the decontamination effect within the ISLOCA piping and in the auxiliary building. In the case of the Wolsong CANDU plant, prior to external cooling water injection to the reactor vault (which is considered to be a Severe Accident Management Guidance (SAMG) accident management strategy), the amount of Cs-137 released to the environment exceeds the domestic regulatory requirement (100 TBq). In contrast, a sensitivity analysis in which an operator closes the test valve installed in a medium-pressure emergency core cooling system piping path and relieves the pressure of a reactor building using a containment filtered venting system (CFVS), met the aforementioned limitation for the amount of Cs-137 when an operator closes the test valve within 1 h following the accident and operates the CFVS properly (i.e., according to its operating procedure). This means that the appropriate accident management strategy for an ISLOCA scenario in the Wolsong CANDU plant can sufficiently prevent severe radiation exposure around the plant. Moreover, it is expected that these best-estimate methodologies developed from this study can be applied to all CANDU-6 plants.

Effects of virtual reality-based planar motion exercises on upper extremity function, range of motion, and health-related quality of life: a multicenter, single-blinded, randomized, controlled pilot study

BackgroundVirtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation is considered a beneficial therapeutic option for stroke rehabilitation. This pilot study assessed the clinical feasibility of a newly developed VR-based planar motion exercise apparatus (Rapael Smart Board™ [SB]; Neofect Inc., Yong-in, Korea) for the upper extremities as an intervention and assessment tool.MethodsThis single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial included 26 stroke survivors. Patients were randomized to the intervention group (SB group) or control (CON) group. During one session, patients in the SB group completed 30 min of intervention using the SB and an additional 30 min of standard occupational therapy; however, those in the CON group completed the same amount of conventional occupational therapy. The primary outcome was the change in the Fugl–Meyer assessment (FMA) score, and the secondary outcomes were changes in the Wolf motor function test (WMFT) score, active range of motion (AROM) of the proximal upper extremities, modified Barthel index (MBI), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) score. A within-group analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and a between-group analysis was performed using a repeated measures analysis of covariance. Additionally, correlations between SB assessment data and clinical scale scores were analyzed by repeated measures correlation. Assessments were performed three times (baseline, immediately after intervention, and 1 month after intervention).ResultsAll functional outcome measures (FMA, WMFT, and MBI) showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in the SB and CON groups. AROM showed greater improvements in the SB group, especially regarding shoulder abduction and internal rotation. There was a significant effect of time × group interactions for the SIS overall score (p = 0.038). Some parameters of the SB assessment, such as the explored area ratio, mean reaching distance, and smoothness, were significantly associated with clinical upper limb functional measurements with moderate correlation coefficients.ConclusionsThe SB was available for improving upper limb function and health-related quality of life and useful for assessing upper limb ability in stroke survivors.Trial registrationThe study was registered with the clinical research information service (CRIS) (KCT0003783, registered 15 April 2019; retrospectively registered).

A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Suture Bridge and Medially Based Single-Row Rotator Cuff Repair in Medium-Sized Supraspinatus Tears

To compare the clinical and imaging outcomes between the suture bridge technique (SB) and the medially based single-row technique (medSR) in patients with 1- to 3-cm tear sizes. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively (at 12 and 24months) using the modified University of California, Los Angeles scoring system; active range of motion (flexion and external rotation); and a visual analog scale for pain. Healing status was examined by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical and imaging evaluations were completed by 92 patients at 1-year follow-up and by 74 patients at 2years. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups across all measures at final follow-up: The University of California, Los Angeles scores were 33.4 points in SB patients and 33.0 points in medSR patients (P= .58); the visual analog scale scores were 6mm and 7mm, respectively (P= .38); the active flexion angles were 161° and 159°, respectively (P= .34); and the external rotation angles were 49° and 52°, respectively (P= .37). Retears were observed in 6.5% of SB patients and 2.1% of medSR patients (P= .31). Medial cuff failure was observed only in SB patients (4.3%, 2 cases), whereas incomplete healing (deep-layer retraction pattern) was observed only in medSR patients (8.7%, 4 cases). Neo-tendon regeneration in the medSR group was observed in 93% of patients. This study did not show any significant differences in the clinical outcomes and cuff integrity between the 2 treatment groups at final follow-up; however, medial cuff failure was observed only in the SB group, and incomplete healing was more frequent in the medSR group. One should consider the risk of medial cuff failure and incomplete healing of the repaired cuff before choosing the repair technique for medium-sized supraspinatus tears. Level I, therapeutic, prospective, randomized trial.

Effects of in ovo injection of prebiotics and synbiotics on the productive performance and microstructural features of the superficial pectoral muscle in broiler chickens

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of 2 prebiotics and 2 synbiotics injected in ovo on productivity parameters, quality, and microstructure of the superficial pectoral muscle in 35-day-old broiler chickens. On day 12 of incubation, 9,000 eggs Ross 308 were randomly divided into 5 experimental groups treated with different bioactives in ovo injected: C, control with physiological saline; PI, with 1.760mg inulin; PB, with 0.528mg of commercial prebiotic Bi2tos; SI, with 1.760mg inulin and 1,000 CFU Lactococcus lactis spp. lactis IBB SL1; SB, with 0.528mg Bi2tos and 1,000 CFU Lactococcus lactis spp. cremoris IBB SC1. The synbiotic solution contained 20μl bacterial suspension and 180μl prebiotic solution. For productive parameters and further tests ten male birds for each experimental group were used. The birds were slaughtered on day 35 of age. At slaughter, samples of the left pectoral muscles were taken and preserved by freezing in liquid nitrogen. The pH and color of the meat were evaluated at 45 min and 24 h post-mortem. Water holding capacity (WHC) was measured and expressed as the percentage of free water in meat. Microscopic specimens were analysed using MultiScan software for the measurement of the percentage of oxidative and glycolytic fibres and mean diameter of the muscle fibres. In ovo injection of prebiotics Bi2tos had a positive effect on body weight. In prebiotic group (PI) a negative impact on hatchability was observed. Prebiotics and synbiotics had no influence on the yield of the carcass and pectoral muscle. Bioactive compounds had a significant effect on the quality of meat parameters such as: pH 24h (PI and PB group), L* 45' (SI and SB group), and WHC (groups PB, SI, and SB). The analysis of the enzymatic profile showed a significant increase in the percentage of glycolytic fibres in the pectoral muscle from chicken treated with a synbiotic with the addition of inulin (group SI).

In Vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Different Surface Treatments of a Hybrid Ceramic on the Microtensile Bond Strength to a Luting Resin Cement.

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different surface treatments of a hybrid ceramic, Vita Enamic, on the micro-tensile bond strength (µ-TBS) to resin cement. Methods: Ten blocks (3×10×8 mm) were retrieved from the original blocks and divided into 5 groups according to the different surface treatments performed: Groups 1: 35% acid phosphoric for 60 seconds (PA); group 2: Sandblasting with 50 µm Al2 O3 particles for 10 seconds (SB); groups 3: 9.5% hydrofluoric acid for 60 seconds (HF), group 4: The Er:YAG laser (2 W, 10 Hz) (ER1), group 5: The Er:YAG laser (3 W, 10 Hz) (ER2). All treated surfaces were salinized and the blocks with similar surface treatments were bonded together using a dual-cured resin cement and light-cured. After 24-hour storage in water, the blocks were cut into beams (1 mm2). Half of the specimens in each group (n=16) were tested immediately and the rest were subjected to thermocycling between 5°C and 55°C for 6000 cycles before the µ-TBS test at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD tests and the significance level was set at 0.05. The failure mode was evaluated by using a stereomicroscope. Results: The µ-TBS was clearly influenced by surface treatment methods (P < 0.001) and thermocycling significantly decreased the bond strength values in all groups (P = 0.007). The highest value (66.07 MPa ± 11.3) was obtained for the HF groups with no thermocycling and the lowest values were observed in the laser groups with no significant difference among different irradiation parameters. Adhesive failure was mainly observed in the PA and SB groups while mixed failure was predominantly shown in the laser and HF groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that surface treatment of VE with HF and salinization could improve the bond strength to a dual-cured resin cement, and Er:YAG laser irradiation with the evaluated parameters did not promote the adhesion of the resin cement to VE.

Therapeutic Effect of Scutellaria baicalensis on L-Thyroxine-Induced Hyperthyroidism Rats.

Background This study was performed to evaluate the anti-hyperthyroidal effects and action mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SB), a medicinal herb, on levothyroxine (LT4)-induced hyperthyroidal rats. Methods Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups, namely, euthyroidal normal group (Normal), hyperthyroidism control group (Control), hyperthyroidism plus PTU-treated group (PTU) as a positive control, hyperthyroidism plus 400 mg/kg SB-treated group (SB400), and hyperthyroidism plus 800 mg/kg SB-treated group (SB800). The rats in groups other than Normal were injected with LT4 for 2 weeks to induce hyperthyroidism and then were administrated each treatment for 2 weeks. Clinical symptoms and biomarkers related to hyperthyroidism were examined, and the gene expressions related to the regulation of thyroid hormone were determined. Results Compared with the Control group, pulse rate, serum T3, T4, triglyceride, thyroid follicle size, and the deiodinase 1 (Dio1) gene expression were significantly reduced in the SB and PTU groups. Serum TSH and the thyroxine-binding globulin (Tbg) gene expression were significantly increased in the SB and PTU groups. Conclusions These results suggest that SB might suppress T3, T4, and adrenergic activity by modulating Dio1 and Tbg expression, and therefore, SB could be an alternative therapy for hyperthyroidism.

The Value and Application of Personalized Needle Modification in Percutaneous Infrazygomatic Radiofrequency in Isolated Maxillary Nerve Pain through the Foramen Rotundum

Background: Percutaneous infrazygomatic radiofrequency (PIR) is a common approach used to block isolated maxillary nerve (V2) pain through the foramen rotundum (FR) in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Nevertheless, when using this method, there is a risk of accidental penetration of the superior orbital fissure (SOF) and the optic canal (OC) that may result in the injury of the vessels and nerves in that area, and in some severe cases may lead to blindness. According to the blocking of the external orifice of the FR and whether a curved needle was used, combined angle deviation from the path of percutaneous infrazygomatic approach, the FR to the SOF or the OC in the treatment of V2 pain, in which no research has reported the angle, we analyzed the value and application of personalized needle modification in PIR in isolated maxillary nerve pain through the FR. Objectives: The following study examined the relationship between the FR and the SOF, and analyzed the clinical significance of personalized needle modification in computed tomography (CT)-guided PIR ablation of the maxillary nerve through the FR in patients with TN. Study Design: Randomized, review, clinical research study. Setting: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medical Center, Jiaxing, China. Methods: Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed in 88 patients and 136 patients with PIR ablation in isolated maxillary nerve pain through the FR. According to the blocking of the external orifice of the FR and whether a curved needle was used, patients were divided into 4 groups: curvedneedle blocking group (CB), straight-needle blocking group (SB), straight needle no-blocking group (SN), and curved-needle no-blocking group (CN). Results: The results obtained revealed minimum H (shortest diameter of the FR) = 1.0 mm and minimum L (length of the FR tubes) = 3.7 mm. The distance between the external orifice of the FR and the SOF (FS) was 5.16 ± 1.33 mm. The angle A (between the radiofrequency needle and the sagittal plane) was 39 ± 3.95°; the angle between the canthomeatal line and the CT scan line (ACT) was 58.99 ± 6.23°; the puncture depth (LS) was 63.99 ± 4.24 mm; the deviation angle of the misplacement into the SOF (SAF) was 2.96 ± 0.71°; the deviation angle of the misplacement into the OC (OAF) was 4.95 ± 0.73°. In addition, the postoperative Numeric Rating Scale scores in the CB group were significantly lower compared with the SB group, whereas the probability of entering the SOF in the CB group was significantly lower compared with the SB group. The total number of punctures in the SN group was less than that in the CN group. Limitations: Additional clinical data should be collected to preserve the results in future work. Conclusions: The distance between the FR and the SOF or the OC was only few millimeters, and slight angle error could lead to the SOF and the OC. For patients with blockage in the path, the treatment of radiofrequency with personalized needle modification could improve the curative effect and reduce the risk of accidental SOF penetration. Key words: Trigeminal neuralgia, foramen rotundum, superior orbital fissure, radiofrequency, personalized needle modification

The Mediterranean Diet in the Stroke Belt: A Cross-sectional Study on Adherence and Perceived Knowledge, Barriers, and Benefits (P18-066-19)

ObjectivesThe Mediterranean diet (MD) is recommended by the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, yet little is known about the diet in the US, particularly in areas of high chronic disease. Thus, we investigated MD adherence and perceived benefits and barriers to consumption of the MD in the US Stroke Belt. MethodsA survey containing 44 validated MD knowledge, barriers, and benefits (KBB) questions, a validated 14-question MD adherence screener, 7 questions based on the Precaution Adoption Model (stages of change), and 7 demographic/anthropometric questions was distributed systematically to US residents using Amazon Mechanical Turk. Responses from the Stroke Belt (SB; n = 304), California (CA; n = 489), and all other US states (OtherUS; n = 439) were obtained. The CA group served as the reference group. A linear model was used to assess KBB question scores in the groups (Model 1), adjusted for sex and age (Model 2), and all other demographic variables (Model 3). Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to assess the differences in total MD adherence scores between the groups adjusted for all covariates. Simple logistic regression for having heard of the MD with demographic variables was examined. Statistical analyses were conducted in R v3.5.2. ResultsBarriers on MD knowledge, convenience, sensory factors, and health and familiarity with the MD diet were significantly greater in the SB group, but not the OtherUS group, in all models (P < 0.05). Weight loss was found to be a significantly greater benefit in the SB group in all models (P < 0.05). For each point increase in MD adherence, a reduction in 0.32 and 0.48 points (P < 0.05) was observed in the SB and otherUS groups, respectively. In the full cohort, the odds for participants having heard of the MD prior to taking the survey significantly increased 12.50 times (95%CI, 2.56–226) for 65–74 year olds. The odds were also significantly increased (OR 1.68; 95%CI, 1.13–2.47 and OR 2.47; 95%CI, 1.45–4.32) for those with Bachelor’s and Master’s or professional degrees, respectively, while no significant differences were found with sex or race. ConclusionsOur results identify key barriers and benefits of the MD in the SB which can inform targeted MD intervention studies. Funding SourcesUSDA Hatch Funding Program (MWG) and Haggard Family Annual Award in Nutrition and Dietetics (OJ).

Development of cold-formed steel moment-resisting connections with bolting friction-slip mechanism for seismic applications

This paper presents an investigation into a friction-slip mechanism in bolted joints in cold-formed steel (CFS) moment-resisting connections suitable for seismic areas. The aim is to achieve higher ductility and energy dissipation capacity through an appropriately designed bolted connection, enabling activation of bolt slip, acting as a fuse mechanism, postponing the initiation of non-ductile local buckling in the CFS beams. By means of validated finite element analysis (FEA), both monotonic and cyclic performance of CFS connections comprising two types of square (SB) and circular (CB) bolt group arrangements, with four types of beam sections, are studied comparatively without and with slip at various levels. It is shown that the connections with slip provide higher energy dissipation capacity by up to 75% compared with that of the connections without slip. A design approach to predict an appropriate level for the connection slip moments to be initiated before the beam buckling moment is introduced using the direct strength method (DSM). On comparing the bolt forces obtained for the SB and CB groups, the CB connections produce a more uniform bolt-group force distribution which is closer to the idealised method; while the SB connection encounter a significant delay of up to 30% in activation of bolt group slip which could lead to unfavourable beam local buckling. Furthermore, to avoid an unfavourable hardening effect due to the bolts bearing action, slotted holes are used with a recommended length obtained for the cyclic movements of the bolts in the range of the designed connections. The instantaneous centre of rotation results show that the connections with slip have less deviation from the idealised centre of rotation than the connections without slip.

Double Bundle versus Single Bundle Reconstruction in the Treatment of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Prospective Comparative Study.

Background:The debate continues regarding the best way to reconstruct posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The objective of this study was to compare the knee stability and clinical outcomes after single and double bundle (SB and DB) PCL reconstruction.Materials and Methods:A total of 98 patients with PCL injury were enrolled for PCL reconstruction with four-strand semitendinosus and gracilis tendon autograft in the SB technique (n = 65) or two-strand Achilles allograft in the DB technique (n = 33). Each bundle fixation was achieved by the means of femoral Endo Button CL and tibial bioabsorbable interference screw. Demographic data, knee stability, and clinical outcomes were collected for analysis.Results:The SB and DB groups showed comparable demographic data. After a minimum followup interval of 24 months, the data of 59 patients in the SB group and 30 patients in the DB group were analyzed. There was no statistical difference between the SB and DB group in terms of both knee stability and clinical outcomes (P > 0.05).Conclusions:Compared with the SB technique, the DB technique did not exhibit any superiority in knee stability or clinical outcomes.

Different suture anchor fixation techniques affect contact properties in humeral greater tuberosity fracture: a biomechanical study

BackgroundSuture anchor-based fixations of humeral greater tuberosity (GT) fractures have yielded good outcomes in both clinical and biomechanical studies. Be that as it may, the interface contact properties of these fixations have yet to be elaborated. In response, the contact characteristics of two double-row suture anchor fixations for the management of GT fracture were compared.MethodsTwo suture anchor-based fixation techniques, namely the Double-Row Suture Anchor Fixation (DR) and Suture-Bridge Technique (SB), were used to repair humeral GT fractures in 12 fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders. A Tekscan pressure sensor placed between the repaired tuberosity and humerus recorded continuous data points directly after repair and for 60 min at set time intervals. The constructs were then cyclically loaded until 100 N, and the shoulders tested at 0°, 30°, and 60° of abduction. Under an applied force, the contact pressure and contact area of the interface were determined.ResultsAlthough both fixation configurations showed decreased contact pressure and area over time, the SB group had higher contact pressure right after fixation and at all time points thereafter. In contrast, the DR group demonstrated significantly more contact pressure and area at each abduction position with the applied load. Nevertheless, contact pressure and area decreased in response to increasing abduction position for both fixation constructs.ConclusionFindings suggest that despite the SB construct having superior interface contact immediately after fixation, the DR construct offered better contact performance at all abduction angles with applied force.Level of evidenceBasic Science, Biomechanics.

Analgesia nociception index and hemodynamic changes during skull pin application for supratentorial craniotomies in patients receiving scalp block versus pin-site infiltration: A randomized controlled trial.

Background:Noxious stimulation such as skull pin insertion for craniotomy elicits a significant hemodynamic response. Both regional analgesic techniques (pin-site infiltration [PSI] and scalp block [SB]), and systemic strategies (opioids, alpha-2 agonists, anesthetics, and beta-blockers) have shown to attenuate this response. Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) provides objective information about the magnitude of nociception and adequacy of analgesia. This study compared ANI and hemodynamic changes in patients receiving local anesthetic SB versus PSI during skull pin application for craniotomy.Materials and Methods:Sixty adult patients scheduled for elective supratentorial tumor surgery were randomly allocated to receive local anesthetic SB or PSI for skull pin insertion after the induction of anesthesia. Data regarding heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and ANI were collected every minute for 5 min after the skull pin insertion beginning from the baseline.Results:A significant difference was observed in ANI values between the SB (higher ANI) and the PSI groups during skull pin insertion, P < 0.001 and P = 0.003 for ANIi and ANIm, respectively. Similarly, a significant difference was seen in HR and BP both within and between the two groups during skull pin insertion (P < 0.001 for both). The magnitude and duration of change were smaller in the SB group compared with the PSI group for the parameters studied. A strong negative linear correlation was noted between ANI and hemodynamic parameters.Conclusions:The changes in HR, BP, and ANI were significantly less with local anesthetic SB compared with PSI during skull pin insertion in patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy.

Bacillus subtilis in broiler diets with different levels of energy and protein.

The present study evaluated the impacts of Bacillus subtilis (BAS) inclusion in broiler diets with standard nutrient content or nutrient deficiency (ND) on growth performance (GP) and nutrient digestibility. The 42 d experiment consisted of 6 experimental diets, a diet with standard nutrient content, and 2 diets with different levels of energy and protein deficiency, without or with BAS. At the end of experiment, apparent ileal digestibility coefficients (AIDC) of starch, crude protein (CP), and gross energy (GE) were determined. Furthermore, impacts of BAS supplementation in standard diets on gut histomorphology, bacterial metabolic activity, and composition were evaluated. Performance and AIDC data were subjected to ANOVA using GLM procedure with a 3 (nutrient levels) × 2 (BAS presence/absences) factorial arrangement of treatments. Gut histomorphology and microbiology data, obtained from broilers fed standard diets without (S) and with BAS (SB), were assessed by an independent Student's t-test. The ND in diets was effective enough to cause nutritional stress and negatively affect performance. Inclusion of BAS in both types of diet improved GP, which was due to the fact that adding BAS in these diets led to improvements in AIDC of CP, starch, and GE (P ≤ 0.05). Comparing only 2 experimental groups, S and SB, revealed no impact on bacterial composition and metabolism in the ileum and cecum, except a reduction in ileal lactobacilli number for SB group. Adding BAS to standard diet reduced crypt depth (CD) and increased villus length to CD ratio in the duodenum, whereas it had no impact on other histomorphological variables in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. In conclusion, supplementation of broiler diets with probiotic BAS can positively affect growth performance and nutrient digestibility and this positive impact might even be more pronounced in nutrient-deficient diets. However, the extent of the alleviating ability of BAS in nutrient-deficient diets as well as the biological mechanisms for such a phenomenon needs to be studied further.

Mechanism and therapeutic effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on experimental colitis in mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a type of chronic inflammatory disturbance that affects a number of individuals worldwide; the precise mechanism is unclear and treatment is frequently insufficient to maintain patients in remission. Saccharomyces boulardii is a thermophilic, non-pathogenic yeast that may be administered for prophylaxis and treatment of a variety of diarrheal diseases. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that it may have a role in IBD; however, the mechanism of action is unclear. The hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are ubiquitously expressed regulators of cellular adaptation to hypoxia and are central to the adaptive and inflammatory responses of cells of the intestinal mucosa in patients with IBD. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of S. boulardii on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and the effects of S. boulardii on HIFs. Mice were divided into five groups (n=10 mice/group): i) Control; ii) DSS; iii) S. boulardii (Sb) + DSS; iv) normal saline (NS) + DSS; and v) Sb. For 14 consecutive days, mice from the Sb+DSS and Sb groups were given S. boulardii suspension in saline (150 mg/kg/day; final volume 0.2 ml) by oral gavage. The NS+DSS group received the same volume of NS by gavage. The Control mice received water only. From day 8 to day 14, 3.5% DSS was added to the drinking water of the DSS, Sb+DSS and NS+DSS groups to induce acute colitis. Body weight decreased and disease activity index and histological score increased in mice with DSS-induced colitis. Oral administration of S. boulardii reduced DSS-induced weight loss, ameliorated the histological damage and protected the colon barrier in mice with DSS-induced colitis. The expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in colon tissues was measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. The increase in HIFs in the colon induced by DSS was significantly inhibited by S. boulardii treatment. The expression levels of several epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that are regulated by HIFs were measured. S. boulardii reduced EMT and decreased expression of VEGF that was induced by DSS treatment. These results indicated that treatment with S. boulardii ameliorated DSS-induced colitis, partly through downregulation of HIF-1α and HIF-2α.

Transcriptomes reveal genes involved in covering and sheltering behaviors of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius exposed to UV-B radiation

Although the potential link exists between behavioral responses to UV-B radiation and the maximization of fitness, molecular mechanisms of these UV-B induced behaviors remain poorly understood. For the first time, we investigated the transcriptomes of covered (CB), sheltered (SB) and non-protected (NA) sea urchins Strongylocentrotus intermedius exposed to UV-B radiation. A total of 330 differentially expressed genes were revealed by transcriptome comparisons. By comparing with the group NA, we found 79 up-regulated and 118 down-regulated genes in SB group, as well as 26 up-regulated and 67 down-regulated genes in group CB. There were 34 up-regulated genes and 52 down-regulated genes in group SB, compared with group CB. These differentially expressed genes failed to enrich either Gene Ontology (GO) or Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), only except an enrichment in KEGG. We highlighted TRPA1 and Opsin as key neurobiological genes involved in the molecular mechanisms of covering and sheltering behaviors of sea urchins exposed to UV-B radiation. What's more, other identified genes provide valuable resources for future investigations on the molecular basis of covering and sheltering behaviors of sea urchins.