Significant Difference In Degree Research Articles

EFFECT OF BEVEL DIRECTION OF THE ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE ON THE PROPORTION OF CASES DEVELOPING EPISTAXIS DURING NASOTRACHEAL INTUBATION-A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Objective: Nasotracheal intubation is associated with a number of complications, most commonly nasal trauma or epistaxis. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of conventional versus cephalad direction of the bevel of endotracheal tube on the development of epistaxis during nasotracheal intubation. Methods: A total of 74 adults aged 18 to 50 y posted for surgeries requiring nasotracheal intubation were randomly divided into group A (Conventional) and group B (Interventional). After induction of anesthesia, in group a bevel direction of thermo softened PVC endotracheal tube was towards the nasal septum in the nasal passage and cephalad in group B, later nasotracheal intubation was completed with direct laryngoscopy and Magill forceps. After five minutes direct laryngoscopy was done to check for presence of epistaxis and its severity. Degree of resistance, nasal passage time, intubation time and haemodynamic parameters (heart rate, blood pressures) were also assessed and compared. Results: The incidence of epistaxis was significantly lower in group B (Interventional) than group A (Conventional) [15 vs 27; p-value = 0.005], severity of epistaxis [0/1/2] were also significantly lower in group B [22/12/3] than group A [10/15/12] [p value = 0.001]. There was significant difference in haemodynamic parameters between both groups at 1 min till 7 min post intubation. There was no significant difference in degree of resistance, nasal passage time and mean intubation time. Conclusion: The cephalad direction of the bevel of endotracheal tube in nasal passage during nasotracheal intubation decreases the chances of developing epistaxis and its severity. Hemodynamic parameters are also more stable in cephalad direction.

Clinical outcomes of conservative versus surgical treatment for patients with proximal humeral fracture before physiotherapy.

Fear of movement, pain, and loss of shoulder function are the most common problems irrespective of their approach to management after proximal humeral fracture (PHF). However, it has been unclear whether there could be differences between both treatments in early clinical outcomes. It can help physiotherapists to guide in choosing treatment approaches. This study aimed to compare kinesiophobia, pain, range of motion (ROM), shoulder function, and Quality of life (QoL) in patients treated with either conservative (CT) versus surgical (ST) after PHF. In addition, it aimed to determine correlations between fear of movement and seconder outcome measures. This cross-sectional study enrolled the patients having 5-6 weeks (being permitted active movement) after being treated either CT or ST and receiving no physical therapy. Pain, passive and active ROMs, shoulder function, fear of movement, and QoL were evaluated. 42 patients were recruited. Kinesiophobia scores were similar (p=0.55) and moderate in both groups. There was a significant difference in degrees of shoulder active flexion, active and passive abduction in favor of the CT group (p=0.05, p=0.02, p=0.04, respectively). However, there was no difference between groups regarding the remaining clinical outcomes. Furthermore, kinesiophobia showed a moderate negative correlation with energy/fatigue, social functioning, and general health. These findings showed that patients treated surgically did not have more kinesiophobia, less function, and QoL before starting physiotherapy, despite having soft tissue damage and different types of fractures. However, surgically treated patients had significantly less range of motion.

Inactivation of foodborne pathogens in ground pork tenderloin using 915 MHz microwave heating depending on power level

The main purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of power level of 915 MHz microwave heating on the inactivation of foodborne pathogens in ground pork and its bactericidal mechanism. It was demonstrated that the heating rate was proportional to the power level. For instance, the heating rates observed at microwave heating powers of 2, 3, 4, and 5 kW were 1.70, 2.77, 3.35, and 4.03℃/s, respectively. The bactericidal effect of microwave heating also significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increasing power level. In particular, when ground pork was subjected to microwave heating at 5 kW, the reduction level of pathogens was>2 log units higher than at 2 kW. To determine the bactericidal mechanism of microwave heating depending on power level, changes in transmembrane potential and DNA damage were determined using fluorescence. The extent of depolarization in membrane potential of pathogens significantly (P < 0.05) increased as power level increased. There was no significant difference in degree of DNA damage at different power levels. However, the percentage of DNA damage was>86% at all power levels. The transmembrane potential assay indicates that the bacteria exhibited dramatic pore formation on the membrane at 5 kW. Through transmission electron microscopy, the electroporation effect was enhanced as power level increased. Moreover, the quality of ground pork subjected to microwave heating at 2–5 kW was determined by measuring the moisture content, cooking loss, and texture profile.

Morphological integration and shape covariation between the trapezium and first metacarpal among extant hominids.

The shape of the trapezium and first metacarpal (Mc1) markedly influence thumb mobility, strength, and the manual abilities of extant hominids. Previous research has typically focused solely on trapezium-Mc1 joint shape. Here we investigate how morphological integration and shape covariation between the entire trapezium (articular and non-articular surfaces) and the entire Mc1 reflect known differences in thumb use in extant hominids. We analyzed shape covariation in associated trapezia and Mc1s across a large, diverse sample of Homo sapiens (n = 40 individuals) and other extant hominids (Pan troglodytes, n = 16; Pan paniscus, n = 13; Gorilla gorilla gorilla, n = 27; Gorilla beringei, n = 6; Pongo pygmaeus, n = 14; Pongo abelii, n = 9) using a 3D geometric morphometric approach. We tested for interspecific significant differences in degree of morphological integration and patterns of shape covariation between the entire trapezium and Mc1, as well as within the trapezium-Mc1 joint specifically. Significant morphological integration was only found in the trapezium-Mc1 joint of H. sapiens and G. g. gorilla. Each genus showed a specific pattern of shape covariation between the entire trapezium and Mc1 that was consistent with different intercarpal and carpometacarpal joint postures. Our results are consistent with known differences in habitual thumb use, including a more abducted thumb during forceful precision grips in H. sapiens and a more adducted thumb in other hominids used for diverse grips. These results will help to infer thumb use in fossil hominins.

Dehydrated Sauerkraut Juice in Bread and Meat Applications and Bioaccessibility of Total Phenol Compounds after In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion

The aim of this study was to evaluate dehydrated sauerkraut juice (DSJ) in bread and meat applications and investigate bioaccessibility (BAC) of TPC in the analyzed products. In current research, sauerkraut juice, dehydrated sauerkraut juice, and bread and meat products prepared with dehydrated sauerkraut juice were analyzed. For all of the samples, total phenol content, antiradical activity by ABTS+, bioaccessibility, and volatile compound profile were determined. Additionally, sensory evaluation was performed to evaluate the degree of liking bread and meat with dehydrated sauerkraut juice. The addition of DSJ increased TPC in bread and meat samples. The bioaccessibility was higher for the control samples compared to DSJ samples. It exceeded 1 and is considered as good. DSJ did not promote bioaccessibility. Benzaldehyde was the highest peak area for the Bread DSJ and Meat DSJ samples, giving a roasted peanut and almond aroma. There were no significant differences in degree of liking for structure, taste, and aroma between the control bread and the Bread DSJ, while Meat DSJ was more preferable in sensory evaluation. DSJ could be used in food applications, but further research is necessary.

Effect of polymerization mode on shrinkage kinetics and degree of conversion of dual-curing bulk-fill resin composites

ObjectivesTo assess the behavior of dual-cure and conventional bulk-fill composite materials on real-time linear shrinkage, shrinkage stress, and degree of conversion.Materials and methodsTwo dual-cure bulk-fill materials (Cention, Ivoclar Vivadent (with ion-releasing properties) and Fill-Up!, Coltene) and two conventional bulk-fill composites (Tetric PowerFill, Ivoclar Vivadent; SDR flow + , Dentsply Sirona) were compared to conventional reference materials (Ceram.x Spectra ST (HV), Dentsply Sirona; X-flow; Dentsply Sirona). Light curing was performed for 20 s, or specimens were left to self-cure only. Linear shrinkage, shrinkage stress, and degree of conversion were measured in real time for 4 h (n = 8 per group), and kinetic parameters were determined for shrinkage stress and degree of conversion. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA followed by post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Pearson’s analysis was used for correlating linear shrinkage and shrinkage force.ResultsSignificantly higher linear shrinkage and shrinkage stress were found for the low-viscosity materials compared to the high-viscosity materials. No significant difference in degree of conversion was revealed between the polymerization modes of the dual-cure bulk-fill composite Fill-Up!, but the time to achieve maximum polymerization rate was significantly longer for the self-cure mode. Significant differences in degree of conversion were however found between the polymerization modes of the ion-releasing bulk-fill material Cention, which also exhibited the significantly slowest polymerization rate of all materials when chemically cured.ConclusionsWhile some of the parameters tested were found to be consistent across all materials studied, heterogeneity increased for others.Clinical relevanceWith the introduction of new classes of composite materials, predicting the effects of individual parameters on final clinically relevant properties becomes more difficult.

Comparative analysis of somatostatin analog uptake between successfully irradiated and non-irradiated meningiomas.

To evaluate whether there is a significant difference in somatostatin analog uptake in meningiomas treated or not with radiation therapy. A cross-sectional study was performed comparing measurements of somatostatin analog (68Ga-DOTATATE) uptake in two independent groups of ten patients each - one consisting of patients with meningiomas previously treated with radiation therapy and another comprising patients who had never been submitted to radiation therapy. All patients underwent PET/CT and MRI scans in an interval shorter than 24 hours between exams. A total of 32 meningiomas from 20 patients were analyzed, all presenting significant somatostatin analog uptake in different degrees. The uptake levels of somatostatin analog were similar between the lesions treated or not with radiation therapy, and the mean values of SUVmax were 27.62 and 24.82, respectively (p=0.722). For SUVmean, the values were 16.20 and 14.82, respectively (p=0.822). Comparative analysis between the groups showed no significant differences in degree of somatostatin analog uptake in successfully irradiated and non-irradiated meningiomas.

Can Music Decrease Anxiety and Pain During Dental Implant Surgery? A Randomized Clinical Trial

Music has proven to be an effective tool in the management of anxiety during some surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to test the effect of baroque (BM) and classical era music (CM) as a nonpharmacological therapy on the control of anxiety and pain levels among patients undergoing dental implant placement surgery. A randomized controlled clinical trial of patients attending a dental clinic was conducted. Patients with psychiatric disorders were excluded. Twenty six patients of Spanish nationality requiring single-tooth dental implant were included. Each patient was assigned to 1 of the 3 experimental groups, which acted as an independent variable: Group I (n=8) listened to BM; Group II (n=10) listened to CM; and Group III (n=8) did not listen to music and was the control group (C). The dependent variables were divided into physiological variables and psychological variables. The physiological dependent variables analysed were systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, recorded at 4 different times during surgery. The Kruskal-Wallis test compared each of these variables between the 3 experimental groups. The psychological dependent variable analyzed was the degree of anxiety, measured by the self-completed Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and Visual Analog Scale (measured before and after surgery). The Wilcoxon statistical test compared degree of anxiety before and after surgery. In all cases, the level of statistical significance was set at P<.05. The mean age of the sample was 46.5 ± 10.6 (range, 24-69 years), 50% male and 50% female. Statistically significant differences in degree of anxiety before and after surgery were found in the BM (P=.027, confidence interval [CI]=0.146-6.104; BM before=4.25±3.91 and BM after=1.13±1.45) and CM groups (P=.044, CI=0.161-3.039; CM before=3.10±2.88 and CM after=1.50±1.43) and were not found in group C (P=.180, CI=1.104-3.604; C before=2.63±3.62 and C after=1.38±1.99). When comparing the perceived pain after the intervention among the 3 groups (C, BM, and CM), no significant differences were observed between them (P=.319; CI=-0.58-1.96; C=0.75±1.75, BM=1.25±1.75, and CM=1.70±1.70). Listening to BM and CM reduces anxiety in patients undergoing dental implant placement surgery. Musical flow should be applied in this practice.

Medial Meniscal Extrusion Evaluation With Weight-Bearing Ultrasound: Correlation With MR Imaging Findings and Reported Symptoms: Correlation With MR Imaging Findings and Reported Symptoms.

To compare medial meniscal extrusion on weight-bearing ultrasound (US) with supine US and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging correlating with meniscal pathology and reported symptoms. IRB approved study with informed consent. Patients obtaining routine knee MR imaging for suspected knee pathology were prospectively evaluated with supine and weight-bearing US of the medial meniscus. Meniscal extrusion was measured independently by two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. Correlation was made to presence or absence of meniscal degeneration or tear on MR imaging, as well as reported symptoms. Statistical significance was calculated via intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Ninety-nine knees from 95 subjects (50 males, 45 females; mean age 45 ± 15 years) were included. Mean medial meniscal extrusion measured at US for a normal meniscus (n= 36) was 0.8 mm when supine, increasing to 1.6 mm on weight-bearing. Mean meniscal extrusion in subjects with mucoid degeneration (n= 20) and those with meniscal tears (n= 43) was 1.6 mm, increasing to 2.3 mm with weight bearing. Inter-reader reliability showed ICC values of 0.853 to 0.940. There was a significant difference in medial meniscal extrusion comparing subjects with a normal medial meniscus at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and subjects with either meniscal degeneration or tear. There was no significant difference in degree of meniscal extrusion between subjects with meniscal degeneration or tear. There was trend of worsening symptoms and increasing functional limitations moving from normal meniscus to meniscal degeneration to meniscal tear. A normal meniscus shows lesser mobility between supine and upright position, than a pathologic meniscus. Both mucoid degeneration and meniscal tear demonstrate extrusion in the supine position, which increases with weight-bearing position.

Anxiety and depression: Comparative study between working and non-working mothers

Now a day the mothers are not only restricted their involvement on domestic chores, procreation of children and their nurturing with family care and attention. A significant number of mothers are working and they are maintaining their dual of as employee and household keeper with financial assistance to their families. The working mothers are mostly in anxiety and depression regarding their method of child care as they are absentees for a long time. The present study had been conducted to find out the differences in degree of felt depression and anxiety pattern of working & non-working mothers. A total of 60 mothers (30 working mothers, 30 non-working mothers) were studied. The result showed that that there were significant differences in degree of depression & both anxiety of working mothers’ group. But no significant difference was noticed in case of anxiety & depression pattern of non-working mothers’ group.

A standard enteral formula versus an iso-caloric lower carbohydrate/high fat enteral formula in the hospital management of adolescent and young adults admitted with anorexia nervosa: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThe nutritional rehabilitation of malnourished patients hospitalised with anorexia nervosa is essential. The provision of adequate nutrition must occur, while simultaneously, minimising the risk of refeeding complications, such as electrolyte, metabolic, and organ dysfunction. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of an iso-caloric lower carbohydrate/high fat enteral formula (28% carbohydrate, 56% fat) against a standard enteral formula (54% carbohydrate, 29% fat).MethodsPatients (aged 15–25 years) hospitalised with anorexia nervosa were recruited into this double blinded randomised controlled trial. An interim analysis was completed at midpoint, when 24 participants, mean age 17.5 years (± 1.1), had been randomly allocated to lower carbohydrate/high fat (n = 14) or standard (n = 10) feeds.ResultsAt baseline, there was no significant difference in degree of malnutrition, medical instability, history of purging or serum phosphate levels between the two treatment arms. A significantly lower rate of hypophosphatemia developed in patients who received the lower carbohydrate/high fat formula compared to standard formula (5/14 vs 9/10, p = 0.013). The serum phosphate level decreased in both feeds, however it decreased to a larger extent in the standard feed compared to the lower carbohydrate/high fat feed (standard feed 1.11 ± 0.13 mmol/L at baseline vs 0.88 ± 0.12 mmol/L at week 1; lower carbohydrate/high fat feed 1.18 ± 0.19 mmol/L at baseline vs 1.06 ± 0.15 mmol/L at week 1). Overall, serum phosphate levels were significantly higher in the lower carbohydrate/high fat feed compared with standard feed treatment arm at Week 1 (1.06 ± 0.15 mmol/L vs 0.88 ± 0.12 mmol/L, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in weight gain, number of days to reach medical stability, incidence of hypoglycaemia, or hospital length of stay.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that enteral nutrition provided to hospitalised malnourished young people with anorexia nervosa using a lower carbohydrate/high fat formula (28% carbohydrate, 56% fat) seems to provide protection from hypophosphatemia in the first week compared to when using a standard enteral formula. Further research may be required to confirm this finding in other malnourished populations.Trial Registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12617000342314. Registered 3 March 2017, http://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12617000342314

Evaluate the Effectiveness of Reminiscence Therapy

Background: The aging begun with the birth and observed as a continuous change in different phases of life due to weakening of the body function with respect to the time and quantity. Aging also causes a continuous stress on the adaptive response and indirectly enhance the disease conditions. The adaptive childhood degree is more important to the man for his well- being and happiness. But, due to stress increasing, a strong decreased adoptability led to the increase of the inner withdrawal,bitterness, weariness of life and depression are the results of failure to adapt.&#x0D; Methodology: The geriatrics eventually lead to depressed state and lack a prominentsupport. The current study aimed to analyze efficiency of the Reminiscence based therapy in aged and depressed people. The present work was based on quasi experimental nonequivalent control group designin selected senior citizen home, Chennai.Of 64 samples, experimental group (31)and control group (33) using Non-probability, purposive- sampling technique and measured based on Yesavage geriatric depression scale.&#x0D; Results: Continuously, twenty-one days, two session per day (morning and evening) the experimental group were demonstrated with Reminiscence therapy. Reminiscence therapy characteristically having non-pharmacological psychosocial intervention for depression remedy. The results showed the significant difference in degree of depression between the two groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: As conclusion, the study showed that reminiscence therapy had tremendously decreases the depression and elevated the well-being feeling in elder people.

Soil organic matter is principally root derived in an Ultisol under oak forest

To a large degree, the sources and stability of soil organic carbon remain poorly constrained. A clear understanding of links among the components of the soil C cycle is hampered by the complexity of the system as well as challenges associated with partitioning bulk soil C into meaningful fractions. A large accidental 14CO2 release at the Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee, USA provided a strong label pulse into adjacent, well-studied oak forests, resulting in highly elevated Δ14C values in leaf litter (~1000‰) and roots (~260–450‰). A four-year manipulative study was conducted to determine the relative contribution of litter versus roots to the bulk mineral soil C pool, as well as to free light, occluded light and heavy fractions. The heavy fraction was further split into fractions with densities of 1.7–2.4 g cm−3 and >2.4 g cm−3 to test the homogeneity of the mineral-associated fraction of C. Substantial concentrations of label were detected in all soil fractions within a year of the 14CO2 release, indicating rapid incorporation of newly fixed photosynthates in all fractions of soil organic C, regardless of differences in stability inferred by previous work. This rapid incorporation of label occurred only in treatments where roots were labeled, indicating that roots are the major source of inputs to mineral soil C stocks at these sites. Separation of the heavy fraction into subfractions of intermediate (1.7–2.4 g cm−3) and high (>2.4 g cm−3) density indicated that both subfractions incorporated label at similar rates, despite significant differences in degree of microbial processing. In general, the rate of label incorporation suggested a much faster turnover for all fractions than indicated by natural radiocarbon abundance values. This suggests that within each soil fraction there are portions of slow-cycling and fast-cycling materials, and the determination of an average turnover time or mean age is dependent on experimental approach. The rapid incorporation of label into all fractions within a year regardless of inferred stability implies a high degree of heterogeneity in all fractions regardless of how finely the soils are partitioned. Further refinement of the nature and drivers of this heterogeneity could yield important insights into the soil C cycle.

Improvements in physical functionality in elderly patients with spinal deformity after corrective fusion surgery: a gait analysis.

Extensive corrective fusion surgery was performed on elderly patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) to improve abnormal posture. Varying improvements in postoperative walking function were expected owing to differences in muscular strength and bone quality between patients in their 40s and those over 75 years of age. The purpose of this study was to compare preoperative and postoperative gait posture and physical functionality in elderly patients with ASD who underwent extensive corrective fusion to the thoracic spine. A prospectively maintained surgical database was reviewed for patients with ASD who underwent corrective fusion surgery (thoracic spine to pelvis) between 2011 and 2016. The cohort was divided into three age groups: nonelderly (40-64 years), young-old (65-74 years), and old-old (> 75 years). Patients underwent a 4-m walk test preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively to measure gait-trunk tilt angle and walking speed (meters per minute). Among 291 patients with ASD who underwent corrective fusion surgery, 56 patients (14 men and 42 women; mean age 68.8 years) were included. Mean preoperative gait-trunk tilt angle (12.9° vs 5.2°, p < 0.01) and walking speed (41.2 m/min vs 45.7 m/min, p < 0.01) significantly improved postoperatively. Intergroup analysis revealed that the mean preoperative gait-trunk tilt angles in the nonelderly (n = 13), young-old (n = 28), and old-old (n = 15) groups were 11.9°, 10.0°, and 19.3°, respectively; postoperatively, these improved to 4.5°, 4.5°, and 7.2°, respectively. Mean preoperative walking speeds of 47.9, 40.0, and 37.7 m/min improved to 52.4, 44.8, and 41.5 m/min postoperatively in the nonelderly, young-old, and old-old groups, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in degree of improvement in gait-trunk tilt angle and walking speed among groups. Extensive corrective fusion surgery improved the postoperative walking posture of patients with ASD. Statistical analysis of gait measurements demonstrated intergroup equivalence, indicating comparable improvement in physical functionality in elderly and middle-aged patients after corrective fusion surgery.

Evaluation of anatomic variations of mandibular lingual concavities from cone beam computed tomography scans in a Malaysian population

Statement of problemLingual plate perforation can be life-threatening when vital structures are damaged during implant placement. Knowledge of the anatomy of lingual concavities is imperative for safe implant surgery. PurposeThe purpose of this clinical study was to determine the prevalence of type of posterior mandibular ridge morphology in a Malaysian population and to evaluate the buccolingual width of the alveolar ridge (Wb and Wc); alveolar ridge height (Vcb); and concavity angle, length, and depth for both left and right first and second molars in different age groups and sexes by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and methodsBilateral posterior mandibular lingual concavities at the first and second molars were retrospectively studied in cross-sectional views of 150 CBCT scans (n=600 sites evaluated). The sample size was calculated at a power of 80%, confidence interval of 95%, and margin of error of .05. The buccolingual width from the base and crest of the ridge and the ridge height were measured to determine the type of ridge. For the U-shaped ridge, the concavity angle, length, and depth were assessed. The independent t test was used to compare mean values of CBCT measurements between sexes and tooth type, while the ANOVA and Pearson chi-squared test were used to determine the correlations with age groups and types of ridge morphology, respectively. To compare the left and right readings for first and second molars in the same patient, the paired t test was performed (α=.05 for all tests). ResultsThe Pearson correlation showed a strong agreement between the 2 examiners with an interobserver reliability of 87.3%. Significant difference was noted in all dimensional measurements when comparing right and left first and second molars (P<.001). The degree of concavity was significantly different (P<.05), except for the depth of the concavity at the left molars (P=.075). The type C ridge (51.7%) was the most prevalent ridge among a Malaysian population. Only dimensional measurements were significantly different when compared among age groups (P<.05). Ridge width and height were significantly greater in men (P<.05). Men exhibited greater concavity depth than women in the left second molar region (P=.03). ConclusionsLingual concavity was found in the mandible in 32.8% of a Malaysian population. Significant differences were found in dimensional measurements and degree of concavity between left and right first and second molars, with deeper concavity depth found in second molars. Significant age and sex-related variations were found in the dimensional measurements of the mandible between left and right sides with no significant difference in degree of concavity.

The effect of plate fixation on supination and pronation of the feline antebrachium: a model of pancarpal arthrodesis

BackgroundPancarpal arthrodesis is purported to limit supination and pronation of the feline antebrachium. The objective of this study was to investigate whether plate fixation of the radius to the carpus and metacarpus limits supination and pronation of the ulna relative to the radius as a model for pancarpal arthrodesis in the cat. Eight feline cadaveric forelimbs were rotated from supination to pronation in a testing jig and CT (computed tomography) was performed in the neutral, supinated and pronated positions. A locking plate was then secured dorsally to the radius, radial carpal bone and metacarpal III of each of the limbs. CT was repeated in each of the testing positions following plate application. The radius and ulna of the control specimens, and the radius, ulna and plate of the plated specimens were then segmented using software. Alignment of the bones to the radius in the control specimens, and to the plate in the plated specimens was used to compare the changes in degrees of movement of the ulna relative to the radius in dorsal, sagittal and transverse planes.ResultsBased on the results of the paired t test, there was no significant difference in degrees of movement, or total range of motion between control and plated specimens in supinated and pronated testing conditions.ConclusionThe results of this ex-vivo study indicate that under the testing conditions employed, plate fixation of the radius to the carpus and metacarpus does not limit supination and pronation of the feline antebrachium.

Impact of chronic lung disease on quality-of-life outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

As the symptoms for both chronic lung disease (CLD) and aortic stenosis (AS) frequently overlap, it may be challenging to determine the degree of symptomatic improvement expected for a patient with CLD after correction of AS. Our aim was to determine if patients with CLD have the same degree of quality-of-life improvement following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as patients without CLD. A retrospective review of 238 TAVR patients from January 2017 to November 2018 who underwent preoperative pulmonary function tests and completed 30-day follow-up was performed. Patients were identified as having CLD with FEV1 more than 75% predicted. Postoperative outcomes and changes in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 (KCCQ-12) were compared between groups. Of the 238 patients identified, 143 (60.0%) had CLD, 50 (35.0%) of whom had an obstructive disease pattern. Patients with CLD were more likely to be male, had higher rates of peripheral artery disease, and had lower baseline ejection fraction. There was no difference in STS Predicted Risk of Mortality, but patients with CLD were more likely to be designated as high-risk by surgeon evaluation. While initial and follow-up KCCQ-12 was lower for patients with CLD, there was no significant difference in degree of improvement (p = .900). When comparing patients with obstructive lung disease (FEV1/FVC < 0.70) to those without CLD, there was also no significant difference in the change of quality of life (p = .720). Although patients with concomitant severe AS and CLD have reduced baseline quality of life compared to patients without CLD, they experience a comparable degree of improvement following TAVR.

The degree of stability in motor performance in preschool children and its association with child-related variables.

Understanding the stability of individual differences in motor performance during the early years of life, despite normative age-related growth in motor performance, has important implications for identification of motor coordination difficulties and subsequently, early remediation. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to examine the degree of rank-order and individual-level stability in motor performance in young children with different levels of motor skill proficiency. Subsequently, we explored the influence of child variables (i.e., age, gender, and behavioural self-regulation) on different aspects of stability. In this longitudinal study, a community sample of 68 participants (49% girls) with a mean age of 3years and 11months (SD=7months) were assesses in three six-monthly waves. The total standard score of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used as the measure of motor performance. Rank-order stability was examined with zero-order Pearson correlations. Individual-level stability was examined by means of stability in classifications (at risk for motor coordination difficulties versus typically developing). In addition to examining stability in group classification, the Reliable Change Index (RCI) was calculated to examine if the difference in a child's scores over time exceeded (increased or decreased relative to) the expected change. The results showed moderate to high rank-order stability between time points. No significant differences in degree of rank-order stability were found between boys and girls and between 3-year old and 4-year old children. In terms of stability of classification, it was shown that for ~50% of the children with motor coordination difficulties and~90% of typically developing the classification based on the cut-off score on the MABC-2 was stable. Based on the RCI, over 90% showed individual-level stability. The level of behavioural self-regulation at T1 (as measured with the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task) was not significantly related to individual-level stability in motor performance. In conclusion, our findings highlight the importance of a careful choice of stability measures and a reflection on the implications of their results. More research is needed to understand which child and environmental variables impact on stability.

Efficacy of silver nanoparticle gel on healing of traumatic oral ulcers compared with triamcinolone oral paste: An experimental study on rats.

There are many treatment protocols for relieving pain and accelerating oral ulcer healing. The purpose was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) gel on oral ulcers compared with the traditional treatment in animal model. In this experimental study, 72 adult male rats were randomly allocated into four groups, after ulcer induction: control (receive no treatment), placebo (placebo gel was applied on ulcers once daily), triamcinolone (ulcers were treated with triamcinolone paste once daily), and AgNPs (ulcers were treated with AgNP gel once daily). The animals were sacrificed at three successive periods of 3, 7, and 14 days after ulcer induction. Histopathological scores of re-epithelialization and degree of inflammation were assessed. The wound size was measured clinically. For parametric data, the analysis of variance, and for ordinal histopathological data, the Kruskal-Wallis test using SPSS was done. A P < 0.05 was considered statically significant. Control and placebo groups had no case of complete healing. Improvement of wound size by triamcinolone paste was not significant in different days but showed significant differences in degree of inflammation (P < 0.001) and re-epithelialization (P = 0.012). Reduction of wound size by AgNPs gel had significant difference at 14th day (P < 0.001); further, by this gel, significant differences in degree of inflammation and re-epithelialization were seen in long-term medication. AgNP gel could be effective in oral ulcer healing clinically and histopathologically. Although this gel showed delayed effect, it had better healing effect according to the cases with complete healing. Hence, the application of AgNP oral gel can be considered as an alternative approach for oral ulcers.

Endurance Exercise Training Prevents Elevation of Soluble ST2 in Mice with Doxorubicin-Induced Myocardial Injury.

Background and ObjectivesEndurance exercise training (ET) can improve outcomes for patients with heart failure (HF). We investigated the preventive effects of ET on serum biomarkers for HF in mice treated with doxorubicin (DOX).MethodsA cohort of male wild-type mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups: sedentary control (CON), DOX-treated sedentary (DOX), and DOX-treated endurance ET (ET-DOX) groups. ET groups performed moderate intensity endurance ET on a motor treadmill for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the DOX and ET-DOX groups were treated with DOX via weekly intraperitoneal injections of 8 mg/kg for a total of 4 weeks. We compared M-mode echocardiography, histology, and biomarkers for HF between groups.ResultsA total of 30 mice survived during the study period and were analyzed: CON (n=9), DOX (n=9) and ET-DOX (n=12). There was no significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or fractional shortening (FS) between DOX and ET-DOX groups. The ET-DOX group had a significantly lower soluble ST2 level (176.6±44.1 vs. 225.4±60.5 pg/mL, p=0.021) compared to the DOX group. Also similar between the ET-DOX and the DOX groups were the serum N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (30.3±12.5 vs. 34.0±21.7 pg/mL, p=0.849), troponin I (685.7±99.2 vs. 722.5±126.7 pg/mL, p=0.766), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (324.3±82.4 vs. 312.7±68.2 pg/mL, p=0.922) levels. Histologically, there was no significant difference in degree of perivascular fibrosis between DOX and ET-DOX groups.ConclusionsEndurance ET is effective for preventing increases in serum soluble ST2 in mice treated with DOX.