SIM Group Research Articles

ALPHA-MANGOSTIN POTENCY TO IMPROVE RENAL FUNCTION AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL IMAGES IN HIGH-FAT DIET RATS

This study aimed to study whether alpha-mangostin could protect the kidneys of high-fat diet rats using the creatinine serum level and histopathological changes as parameters. The in vivo experimental study with a completely randomized design used 30 male Sprague Dawley rats. After 7 days of adaptation, they were randomly divided into six treatment groups, each with five replications. The study was done for four weeks: NC group (given standard pellet without treatment for four weeks), five other groups were given a high-fat diet for four weeks, and at the last two weeks were added with aquadest, corn oil, alpha-mangostin dose-1, alpha-mangostin dose-2, and simvastatin, namely PTL, CO, D1, D2, and Sim group. Creatinine level was examined at the end of week 2 and week 4; the difference percentage was analyzed using ANOVA/Kruskal Wallis (α=0.05) and continued with Duncan/Mann Whitney. It was shown that creatinine level decreased in D1/D2 = PTL mice (p>0,05); kidney histopathological image in D1 was better than PTL (p<0,05). It was concluded that the alpha-mangostin kidney protection effect was not yet visible according to creatinine level, but it was visible according to histopathological image; further studies are needed.

The effects of simvastatin on the bone microstructure and mechanics of ovariectomized mice: a micro-CT and micro-finite element analysis study

BackgroundOsteoporosis is a major health concern for postmenopausal women, and the effect of simvastatin (Sim) on bone metabolism is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the effect of simvastatin on the bone microstructure and bone mechanical properties in ovariectomized (OVX) mice.Methods24 female C57BL/6J mice (8-week-old) were randomly allocated into three groups including the OVX + Sim group, the OVX group and the control group. At 8 weeks after operation, the L4 vertebral bones were dissected completely for micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) scanning and micro-finite element analysis (µFEA). The differences between three groups were compared using ANOVA with a LSD correction, and the relationship between bone microstructure and mechanical properties was analyzed using linear regression.ResultsBone volume fraction, trabecular number, connectivity density and trabecular tissue mineral density in the OVX + Sim group were significantly higher than those in the OVX group (P < 0.05). For the mechanical properties detected via µFEA, the OVX + Sim group had lower total deformation, equivalent elastic strain and equivalent stress compared to the OVX group (P < 0.05). In the three groups, the mechanical parameters were significantly correlated with bone volume fraction and trabecular bone mineral density.ConclusionsThe findings suggested that simvastatin had a potential role in the treatment of osteoporosis. The results of this study could guide future research on simvastatin and support the development of simvastatin-based treatments to improve bone health.

Efficacy of Virtual Preparation Simulators Compared to Traditional Preparations on Phantom Heads.

Virtual simulators are increasingly being introduced in dental education. This study investigates whether virtual simulators offer comparable or superior educational efficacy when compared to traditional phantom simulators. Participants were randomly allocated into groups: Virtual Preparation (SIM; n = 30) and Traditional Preparation (FRA; n = 30). Students were tasked with preparing tooth 36 for a full-cast crown during free practice for four days. Faculty staff provided feedback to both groups. Examinations were administered and graded by three examiners (preclinical and clinical consultants and a dental surgery consultant). Additionally, a survey was conducted to assess each training concept. The FRA group achieved significantly better grades in the preparation exam evaluations by all three examiners, compared to the SIM group. Interrater reliability showed only moderate agreement, with the clinical examiner giving better grades than the other two. The questionnaire results indicate that while participants managed with the virtual system, they preferred the analog system for exams and patient preparation. Virtual simulators do not seem to be as good when it comes to practicing for a preparation exam or clinical preparation, especially for unexperienced students. However, they still appear to be useful as an additional tool for introducing students to the topic of preparation.

Simvastatin-Loaded Nanoniosome Protects H9c2 Cells from Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/ Reperfusion Injury by Downregulating Inflammation.

Simvastatin (SIM) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties against cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI). However, it suffers from low bioavailability and a short half-life. Nanoniosomes are novel drug delivery systems that may increase SIM effectiveness. The present research evaluates the impact of SIM-loaded nanoniosomes on the oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) injury model of H9c2 cells. Cells were seeded based on five groups: (1) control; (2) OGD/R; (3) OGD/R receiving SIM; (4) OGD/R receiving nanoniosomes; and (5) OGD/R receiving SIM loaded nanoniosomes. OGD/R injury of the H9c2 cells was treated with SIM or SIM loaded nanoniosomes. Cell viability, two inflammatory factors, necroptosis factors, along with HMGB1 and Nrf2 gene expressions were assessed. The cells treated with SIM loaded nanoniosomes showed a significant elevation in the cell viability and a reduction in HMGB1, Nrf2, TNF-α, IL-1β, RIPK1, and ROCK1 expression levels compared to the OGD/R and SIM groups. Based on our findings, nanoniosomes could safely serve as a drug delivery system to counterbalance the disadvantages of SIM, resulting in improved aqueous solubility and stability.

Effect of surgical simulator training on student and live animal outcomes in a feline ovariohysterectomy teaching laboratory.

To evaluate the effect of training with a high-fidelity surgical simulator on outcomes of live animals and students participating in a feline ovariohysterectomy teaching laboratory. Nonrandomized controlled trial. Cats (n = 186) and students (n = 146). Live animals were paired with student surgeons. Outcomes for animals and students were evaluated over two consecutive years before (year 1: NO SIM) and after (year 2: SIM) the introduction of a graded student teaching laboratory conducted on a high fidelity surgical simulator. Live animal surgical times and postoperative pain scores using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale - Feline acute pain scale as well as self-declared student confidence were assessed and the scores of the two groups were compared. The duration of the live animal surgical procedure was on average 6 min shorter in the SIM group (p = .04). A pain score triggering intervention (> = 5/20) occurred less frequently in the SIM group (n = 1/82) than in the NO-SIM (n = 16/104) group (p < .01). Similarly, rescue analgesia was administered less frequently (4/82 vs 16/104, p = .03) in the SIM group. Student confidence prior to the live animal procedure was higher (median = 7/10 [IQR = 6-8]) in the SIM group than in the NO-SIM group (median = 6/10 [IQR = 4-7]) (p < .01). Surgical simulator training prior to live animal procedures improves live animal outcomes and student confidence. Surgical simulator competency should be considered a prerequisite to participation in live animal teaching laboratories. This would improve both animal welfare and the student experience.

Simulation Software to Plan the Treatment of Acetabular Fractures: The Patient-Specific Biomechanical Model.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of using simulation software for preoperative planning: a patient-specific biomechanical model (PSBM) in acetabular surgery. The secondary objectives were to assess operating time, intraoperative bleeding, and peroperative complications. This is a prospective control study. Level 1 trauma center. Between January 2019 and December 2022, patients with operative acetabular fracture treated by the first author were prospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the use or not of PSBM for preoperative planning. When PSBM was used, data were extracted from the preoperative high-resolution computed tomography scans to build a biomechanical model implemented in a custom software [simulation (SIM group)]. When computed tomography scans were not performed in our hospital, PSBM was not feasible (non-SIM group). Radiological results, surgery duration, blood loss, and peroperative complications were recorded. Sixty-six patients were included; 26 in the PSBM group and 40 in the standard group. The 2 groups were comparable regarding fracture patterns and epidemiological data. After simulation, in the SIM group, a poor reduction (>3 mm) was found in 2 of 26 patients (7.7%) versus 11 of 40 patients (27.5%) in the non-SIM group, P = 0.048. The mean operative time was shorter after simulation (110 minutes vs. 155 minutes, P = 0.01), and the mean blood loss was reduced (420 vs. 670 mL, P = 0.01). By reducing the peroperative trials for reduction, PSBM allows better reduction in a shorter operative time and with less blood loss. Level II: prospective study.

77 The Shell Game Task: Pilot Data Using a Simulator-Design Study to Evaluate a Novel Attentional Performance Validity Test

Objective:We developed the Shell Game Task (SGT) as a novel Performance Validity Test (PVT). While most PVTs use a forced-choice paradigm with “memory” as the primary domain being assessed, the SGT is a face-valid measure of attention and working memory. We explored the accuracy of the SGT to detect noncredible performance using a simulatordesign study.Participants and Methods:Ninety-four university students were randomly assigned to either best effort (CON) (n=49) or simulating traumatic brain injury (TBI) (SIM) (n=45) conditions. Participants completed a full battery of neuropsychological tests to simulate an actual evaluation, including the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) and the SGT. The SGT involves three cups and a red ball shown on the screen. Participants watch as the ball is placed under one of the three cups. Cups are then shuffled. Participants are asked to track the cup that contains the ball and correctly identify its location. We created two difficulty levels (easy vs hard, 20 trials each) by changing the number of times the cups were shuffled. Participants were given feedback (correct vs incorrect) after each trial. At the conclusion of the study, participants were asked about adherence to study directions they were given.Results:Participants with missing data (CON=1; SIM=2) or who reported non-adherence to study directions (CON=2; SIM=1) were removed from analyses. Twenty-five percent in SIM and 0% in CON failed TOMMTrial 2 (&lt;45) suggesting adequate manipulation of groups. Groups were not different in age, gender, ethnicity, or education (all p’s&gt;.05). There were 9 participants in each group with concussion/TBI history. TBI history was not significantly related to performance on the SGT in either group, although participants with TBI history tended to do better. Average performances on TOMM Trial 1 (36.62 vs 47.91, p&lt;.001) and TOMM Trial 2 (37.50 vs 49.71, p&lt;.001) were significantly lower in the SIM group. Performance on SGT was also significantly lower in the SIM group across SGT Total Correct (20.17 vs 24.65 of 40, p=.008), SGT Easy (10.60 vs 13.52 of 20, p=.002), and SGT Hard (9.57 vs 11.13 of 20, p=.068). Mixed ANOVA showed a trend towards significant group by SGT difficulty interaction (F(1,86)=3.41, p=.052, np2=.043). There was steeper decline in performance on SGT Hard compared to SGT Easy for CON. ROC analyses suggested adequate but not ideal sensitivity/specificity: scores &lt;8 on SGT Easy (sensitivity=26%; false positive=11%), &lt;7 on SGT Hard (sensitivity=26%; false positive=7%), and &lt;15 on SGT Total (sensitivity=24%; false positive=9%).Conclusions:These preliminary data indicate the SGT may be able to detect malingered TBI. However, additional development of this measure is necessary. Further refinement of difficulty level may improve sensitivity/specificity (e.g., CON mean performance for SGT Easy trails was 13.52, suggesting the items may be too difficult). This study was limited to an online administration due to COVID, which could have affected results; future studies should test inperson administration of the SGT. In addition, performance in clinical control groups (larger samples of individuals with mild TBI, ADHD) should be tested to better determine specificity for these preliminary cutoffs.

Comparison of Mini Tightrope Intermetatarsal Fixation and Inter-Cuneiform Screw Fixation in Lapidus

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Bunion Introduction/Purpose: First metatarso-cuneiform joint arthrodesis for treatment of metatarsus primus varus was originally introduced by Lapidus in 1934. In his technique, fixation was achieved using heavy chromic sutures between the first and second metatarsals to achieve parallel alignment. Since then, the indications and technique for Lapidus procedure have considerably evolved and many modifications have been introduced to Lapidus’s original description. Despite these modifications, recurrence of hallux valgus remains relatively common, either due to malunion at the TMT arthrodesis or through intercuneiform instability. This has informed the approach for additional fixation between the 1st and 2nd rays. This study aims to compare outcomes of inter-cuneiform screw fixation (ICS) and suspensory intermetatarsal fixation (SIM) using a mini-tightrope in terms of deformity correction and maintaining the correction over time. Methods: This was a retrospective comparative study of prospectively collected data for patients who have underwent a Lapidus procedure for hallux valgus between 2012-2022. The electronic medical records were reviewed for demographics, radiologic parameters, and operative data. Radiographic parameters were intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), and sesamoid station on preoperative, 3 months postoperatively and final follow-up. Hallux valgus station was graded from normal, mild, moderate, and severe based on the method used by Agrawal et al. Using a multivariate regression model, a comparison was conducted between suspensory intermetatarsal fixation(SIM) and inter-cuneiform screw fixation(ICS). Univariate linear regression analysis was conducted with the inclusion of covariates' age, smoking, diabetes, and BMI. Comparison of HVA and IMA was conducted using t-test. Results: 65 patients met the inclusion criteria; 20 had ICS, and 45 had SIM. The pre-op IMA improved from 13.57 (3.84) to 6.14 (2.41) degrees postoperatively in the ICS group (p), and from 13.37(3.84) to 6.16 (2.74) degrees postoperatively in the SIM group (p). The final follow-up IMA was 5.9 (2.1) in the ICS group and 6.84 (2.31) in the SIM group, with no difference from post-op values, p=0.123 and, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between ICS and SIM groups in IMA at pre-op (p=0.41), post-op (p=0.49), and final follow up (p=0.62). There were no statistically significant differences between SIM and ICS groups in HVA preoperatively [37.47(12.21) vs. 40.38(13.59), p=0.19], postoperatively [18.2(10.82) vs. 18.95(10.1),p=0.36] or at final follow up [20.12(9.72) vs 19.33(9.16) ,p=0.38]. Conclusion: Lapidus procedure remains the procedure of choice for severe hallux valgus with predictable correction. Supplementing the first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis with suspensory intermetatarsal fixation using a mini-tightrope achieved similar deformity correction and preservation of correction to intercuneiform screw fixation.

A quality improvement initiative to increase adult ECMO decision-making abilities in a perfusion education program: The use of 3D ECMO simulation.

Adult and pediatric ECMO procedures have been increasingly established as conventional life-saving modalities in critical care services across the world. Since 2017, a multidisciplinary team of program advisors for our perfusion education program have aimed to increase cardiovascular perfusion (CVP) student ECMO exposure and improve clinical decision-making. In this QI intervention, the use of 3D computer-based simulation was assessed in establishing a standardized process to improve the diagnosis and treatment of adult ECMO complications among first year CVP students. The Califia 3D Patient Simulator was incorporated into the curriculum for first year CVP students (n = 26) along with traditional lecture for the adult ECMO complication laboratory session. Pre-class knowledge assessments using de-identified polling software were compared to post-class assessments following the first assigned learning activity. Assessments from students that received simulation before lecture (SIM, n = 15) were compared to students receiving lecture before simulation (LEC, n = 11). User experience questionnaires (UEQ) consisting of 26 questions for six scales of simulation instruction were administered to measure the comprehensive impression of the student experience. Overall median [IQR] pre- and -post knowledge assessment scores were 74% [11] and 84% [11], respectively (p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in pre-class assessment scores between the SIM and LEC groups (74.0% and 74.0%, respectively, p = 0.959). The LEC group achieved higher median post-assessment scores than the SIM group (84% vs 79%, p = 0.032). Among the 26 UEQ survey scales, 23 were positively evaluated (>0.8), and three were a neutral evaluation (-0.8 to 0.8). Cronbach Alpha-Coefficients of >0.78 were measured for attractiveness, perspicuity, efficacy, and stimulation. The coefficient for dependability was 0.37. 25 (96.2%) students indicated that 3D simulation was beneficial to improving ECMO clinical decision-making. In this QI intervention, the implementation of computer-based 3D simulation following lecture was perceived by learners to help improve the diagnosis and treatment of ECMO-related complications.

Simultaneous bladder augmentation and artificial urinary sphincter placement in children with neuropathic urinary incontinence. Is it safe to perform? Long-term results

Simultaneous performance of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement and bladder augmentation (BA) in patients with neuropathic bladder is currently controversial. The aim of this study is to describe our very long-term results after a median follow-up of 17 years. A retrospective single-center case-control study was performed in patients with neuropathic bladder treated in our institution between 1994 and 2020, in whom AUS placement and BA were performed simultaneously (SIM group) or sequentially at different times (SEQ group). Demographic variables, hospital length of stay (LOS), long-term outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between both groups. A total of 39 patients (21 males, 18 females) were included, with a median age of 14.3 years. BA and AUS were performed simultaneously at the same intervention in 27 patients, and sequentially in different interventions in 12 cases, with a median of 18 months between both surgeries. No demographics differences were observed. SIM group had a shorter median LOS when compared to SEQ group, considering the two sequential procedures (10 vs. 15 days; p=0.032). Median follow-up was 17.2 years (interquartile range 10.3-23.9). Four postoperative complications were reported, 3 patients in SIM group and 1 case in SEQ group, with no statistically significant differences between them (p=0.758). Adequate urinary continence was achieved in more than 90% of patients in both groups. There are scarce recent studies comparing the combined performance of simultaneous or sequential AUS and BA in children with neuropathic bladder. The results of our study show a much lower postoperative infection rate than previously reported in the literature. It is a single-center analysis with a relatively small sample of patients although it is among the largest series published so far, and presents the longest long-term follow-up with more than 17 years of median follow-up time. Simultaneous BA and AUS placement appears safe and efficacious in children with neuropathic bladder, with shorter LOS and no differences in postoperative complications or long-term outcomes when compared to performing the two procedures sequentially at different times.

Investigating the bone regeneration activity of PVA nanofibers scaffolds loaded with simvastatin/chitosan nanoparticles in an induced bone defect rabbit model

This study aims at preparing electrospun PVA NFs incorporating simvastatin/chitosan nanoparticles (SIM CS NPs) as a controlled drug eluting scaffold for bone regeneration. Optimization was performed by Design Expert® software through establishing two factor, three level factorial design, where the independent variables were the applied voltage, flow rate and PVA solution/SIM CS NPs ratio. Formulation variables values for the optimized formula were 18KV, 0.5 mL/h, and 3:1 respectively. NFs diameter and mesh pore size were chosen as the dependent variables. The optimized NFs were evaluated morphologically, chemically, and physically. Additionally, in-vitro SIM release from the scaffolds was investigated along 24 days. Optimum NFs possessed 136 nm diameter size and 6.5 nm porosity. Also, they showed sustained SIM release for 24 days to achieve the desired goal in bone regeneration. The optimized NFs were implanted within induced bone defects in rabbits. In-vivo assessments were performed through cone beam computed tomography 3D images, bone density measurements, histological analysis and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP 2) level. The obtained results proved the high potential of the optimized NFs in promoting bone regeneration compared to untreated group, non-medicated NFs group, free SIM group and NFs loaded with SIM group after 6 weeks of implantation.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a virtual reality simulation for preclinical local anaesthesia dental education.

Traditional manikin training has limitations that virtual reality can address. This study investigated the effectiveness of two part-task training simulation methods, a virtual reality (VR Sim) vs a plastic manikin (PM Sim), on learning outcomes for local anaesthesia skills for second-year pre-clinical dental students. In an experimental study, 58 second-year students were randomly assigned to one of two groups, VR Sim or PM Sim. Both groups completed the same pre-post survey. The VR Sim group practiced with a VR simulation, completed a built-in treatment test and a transfer test with a live person, and was evaluated by an expert teaching assistant (TA) with a rubric. The PM Sim group practiced with a plastic manikin and completed a treatment test on the same manikin evaluated by a TA, followed by the same transfer test with a live person and evaluated by a TA with a rubric. Covering knowledge and skills in the delivery of local anaesthesia, mean final transfer test scores were statistically significantly higher for the PM Sim compared to VR Sim, F(1, 57)=9.719, p=.003 with effect size, η2 p = 0.148. Scores on respective treatment tests were similar to final transfer test scores for each group suggesting differences were localised to the practice methods. Pre-survey results indicated participants had low prior experience with VR technology. Whilst outcomes showed higher results for plastic manikin tutor training over the VR training method, they are complementary. As students practice more with the technology and the VR simulation they may improve further. Likewise, as the technology for haptics with VR improves beyond hand controllers so may the experience and learning of this skill for students.

A Comparative Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Self-Instructional Module versus Demonstration Method of Teaching Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation among Nursing Students

A study was carried out with the primary aim to compare the effectiveness of Self Instructional Module (hereafter referred as SIM) and Demonstration method of teaching on Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (hereafter referred as CPR). The other objectives were to assess the knowledge and practice of nursing students after administration of SIM on CPR and to assess the knowledge and practice of nursing students after administration of demonstration method of teaching on CPR. The study used quasi experimental approach with posttest only design and was conducted in selected Nursing Colleges in Ahmedabad, Gujarat state. 30 samples from one Nursing College were selected in the demonstration group and 30 samples from another Nursing College were selected in the SIM group with simple random sampling technique. In view of the nature of the problem and the accomplishment of the objective, a demonstration plan on CPR and a SIM on CPR was planned and prepared respectively. The assessment of the knowledge was done with the help of structured knowledge questionnaire and an observational checklist was developed to assess the practice of the students. Both the tools were reliable and were validated by the experts. The mean posttest knowledge score and practice score of demonstration group were 27.43 and 13.4 respectively while for SIM group they were 21.6 and 8.83 respectively. Comparison of the posttest knowledge and practice scores between demonstration and SIM groups were tested using unpaired ‘t’ test and it was found significant at 0.05 level. It was revealed that demonstration is more effective method of teaching CPR as compared to that of SIM.

Comparative Study of Knowledge Acquisition, Satisfaction, Self-confidence and Perceived Support in Nursing Students Experiencing Simulation Versus Clinical Placement in Perinatal Care

The aim of this study was to compare nursing students experiencing simulations (SIM group) (n=25) versus clinical placement (CPG) (n=55) in perinatal care. Questionnaires on satisfaction, self-confidence and perceived support were completed by both groups. Knowledge acquisition was assessed using standardized course evaluation. The Student’s t-test showed that differences between groups were not statistically significant for knowledge acquisition and satisfaction, while they were statistically significant for self-confidence and perceived support with higher scores in the CPG group. This study contributes to knowledge development since few have compared simulations as a learning method to replace totally clinical placement. Findings support the simulations as an appropriate method for students’ knowledge acquisition and satisfaction in a perinatal care course, but more studies are needed for generalization.

QbD Supported Optimization of the Alginate-Chitosan Nanoparticles of Simvastatin in Enhancing the Anti-Proliferative Activity against Tongue Carcinoma.

The goal of the current study is to develop a chitosan alginate nanoparticle system encapsulating the model drug, simvastatin (SIM-CA-NP) using a novel polyelectrolytic complexation method. The formulation was optimized using the central composite design by considering the concentrations of chitosan and alginate at five different levels (coded as +1.414, +1, 0, −1, and −1.414) in achieving minimum particle size (PS-Y1) and maximum entrapment efficiency (EE-Y2). A total of 13 runs were formulated (as projected by the Design-Expert software) and evaluated accordingly for the selected responses. On basis of the desirability approach (D = 0.880), a formulation containing 0.258 g of chitosan and 0.353 g of alginate could fulfill the prerequisites of optimum formulation in achieving 142.56 nm of PS and 75.18% EE. Optimized formulation (O-SIM-CAN) was further evaluated for PS and EE to compare with the theoretical results, and relative error was found to be within the acceptable limits, thus confirming the accuracy of the selected design. SIM release from O-SIM-CAN was retarded significantly even beyond 96 h, due to the encapsulation in chitosan alginate carriers. The cell viability study and Caspase-3 enzyme assay showed a notable difference in contrast to that of plain SIM and control group. All these stated results confirm that the alginate-chitosan nanoparticulate system enhanced the anti-proliferative activity of SIM.

Effects of Simvastatin on Breast Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis via Transforming Growth Factor-β1/Smad3 Pathway

Objective: To investigate the function and causative role of simvastatin (Sim) in breast carcinoma cell apoptosis as well as proliferation. Methods: 20 breast carcinoma patients requiring surgery were treated with Sim (20 days, 30 mg), and samples of pre-treatment (pre) and post-treatment (post) were acquired. We detected tissue cell proliferation and apoptosis changes and used functional experiments to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis changes after treating not only estrogen receptor (ER)-positive (MCF-7) but also ER-negative cells (MDA-MB-231) with Sim or TGF-β1. Detection of p-Smad3 and total Smad3 protein expression changes was conducted, and we finally used in vivo experiments to assess the influence of Sim on breast tumor growth and drug safety. Results: Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining results showed that after treatment with Sim, breast carcinoma cell proliferation decreased and apoptosis increased. Functional experiments results showed that Sim notedly promoted the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell apoptosis, inhibiting migration, proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transition. Moreover, TGF-β1 protein expression was strikingly lower in Sim group than that in DMSO group. When TGF-β1 and Sim were combined to use, the inhibitory ability of Sim on breast cancer cell proliferation markedly increased and the capability of TGF-β1 protein inducing p-Smad3 protein increased. In addition, after Sim treatment in mice, the tumor volume became smaller, the pathological changes weakened, and there was no significant effect on liver function and kidney function. Conclusion: Sim participates in breast cancer cell apoptosis and proliferation via regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 signal pathway.

Investigation of Commuting Graphs for Elements of Order 3 in Certain Leech Lattice Groups

Assume that G is a finite group and X is a subset of G. The commuting graph is denoted by С(G,X) and has a set of vertices X with two distinct vertices x, y Î X, being connected together on the condition of xy = yx. In this paper, we investigate the structure of Ϲ(G,X) when G is a particular type of Leech lattice groups, namely Higman–Sims group HS and Janko group J2, along with X as a G-conjugacy class of elements of order 3. We will pay particular attention to analyze the discs’ structure and determinate the diameters, girths, and clique number for these graphs.

Leveraging student-centred teaching practices by authentic simulations environment and self-regulated learning

ABSTRACT One of the required 21st-century skills necessary to cope with challenging tasks in teaching is nurturing active independent learners who can perform self-regulated learning (SRL). To support teachers in attaining and transferring their newly acquired knowledge and practices to real-time teaching in the classroom, an effective professional development programme should include authentic environments that enhance autonomous learners. We introduce a theoretical–practical model that integrates simulations with professional actors (SIM) with SRL principles (SIM–SRL). The current study aims to examine the contributions of the integrated SIM-SRL model, to leverage training with a unique simulative environment supported by metacognitive SRL questions and to nurture student-centred practices. In a quasi-experimental study, we examined the environmental effects on 113 primary school teachers by comparing three groups: SIM–SRL, SIM only, and a control exposed to a meaningful learning programme. Video-recorded lessons and self-reflections after the lesson revealed four student-centred teaching practices that support SRL: knowledge construction, metacognitive questions, think-time and collaboration. Results indicated that teachers in the SIM-SRL group had significantly higher performance scores, followed by the SIM group, which in turn outperformed the control group. Implications for professional development programmes are discussed.

The Effect and Possible Mechanism of Intradiscal Injection of Simvastatin in the Treatment of Discogenic Pain in Rats.

To study the effect of intradiscal injection of simvastatin on discogenic pain in rats and its possible mechanism, 30 adult female rats were used in this experiment. Twenty rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (Control group), intervertebral disk degeneration group (DDD group), intervertebral disk degeneration + hydrogel group (DDD + GEL group), and intervertebral disk degeneration + simvastatin group (DDD + SIM group). The mechanical pain threshold and cold sensation in rats were measured. The contents of NF-kappa B1, RelA, GAP43, SP, CGRP, TRPM 8, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the intervertebral disk (IVD), the corresponding contents of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and plantar skin GAP43 and TRPM 8 were quantitatively detected by PCR. The corresponding IVDs were stained to detect their degeneration. There was no significant difference in the mechanical pain threshold between the groups at each time point. From the first day to the 8th week after surgery, the cold-sensing response of the DDD group was significantly higher than that of the Control group (P < 0.05). At 7 and 8 weeks postoperatively, the cold-sensing response of the DDD + SIM group was significantly lower than that of the DDD + GEL group (P < 0.05). The levels of NF-κB1, RelA, GAP43, SP, CGRP, TRPM8, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the IVD of DDD + SIM group were significantly lower than those in DDD group (P < 0.05). The content of GAP43 and TRPM8 in rat plantar skin decreased significantly and TRPM8 in DRG decreased significantly (P < 0.05).

Diosgenin alleviates hypercholesterolemia via SRB1/CES-1/CYP7A1/FXR pathway in high-fat diet-fed rats

Phytosterol diosgenin (DG) exhibits cholesterol-lowering properties. Few studies focused on the underlying mechanism of DG attenuation of hypercholesterolemia by promoting cholesterol metabolism. To investigate the roles of SRB1/CES-1/CYP7A1/FXR pathways in accelerating cholesterol elimination and alleviating hypercholesterolemia, a rat model of hypercholesterolemia was induced by providing a high-fat diet (HFD). Experimental rat models were randomly divided into a normal control (Con) group, HFD group, low-dose DG (LDG) group (150 mg/kg/d), high-dose DG (HDG) group (300 mg/kg) and Simvastatin (Sim) group (4 mg/kg/d). Body weights, serum and hepatic lipid parameters of rats were tested. The expression levels of scavenger receptor class B type I (SRB1), carboxylesterase-1 (CES-1), cholesterol7α- hydroxylase (CYP7A1), and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) were determined. The results showed that DG reduced weight and lowered lipid levels in HFD-fed rats. Pathological morphology analyses revealed that DG notably improved hepatic steatosis and intestinal structure. Further studies showed the increased hepatic SRB1, CES-1, CYP7A1 and inhibited FXR-mediated signaling in DG-fed rats, which contributing to the decrease of hepatic cholesterol. DG also increased intestinal SRB1 and CES-1, inhibiting cholesterol absorption and promoting RCT. The expression levels of these receptors in the HDG group were higher than LDG and Sim groups. These data suggested that DG accelerated reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and enhanced cholesterol elimination via SRB1/CES-1/CYP7A1/FXR pathway, and DG might be a new candidate for the alleviation of hypercholesterolemia.