SQ Group Research Articles

Effect of femtosecond laser induced surface patterns on the flexural strength of monolithic zirconia.

To investigate how patterns generated by femtosecond (fs) laser and femtosecond laser power affect the surface roughness (Ra) and biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of monolithic zirconia. Eighty disk-shaped zirconia specimens were divided into eight subgroups (n = 10): Control (C), airborne-particle abrasion (APA), 400 mW fs laser (spiral [SP(400)], square [SQ(400)], circular [CI(400)]), and 700 mW fs laser ([SP(700)], [SQ(700)], [CI(700)]). Ra values were calculated by using a surface profilometer. One additional specimen per group was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffractometry. BFS values were obtained by using the piston-on-3-ball test. One-way ANOVA and either Tukey's HSD (BFS) or Tamhane's T2 (Ra) tests were used to evaluate data (α = 0.05). Regardless of the pattern and power, fs laser groups had higher Ra than C and APA, while SP groups had lower Ra than CI and SQ groups (p ≤ 0.004). For each pattern, Ra increased with higher laser power (p < 0.001), while the laser power did not affect the BFS (p ≥ 0.793). CI and SQ groups had lower BFS than the other groups (p ≤ 0.040), whereas SP groups had similar BFS to C and APA (p ≥ 0.430). Fs laser microstructuring with spiral surface pattern increased the Ra without jeopardizing the BFS of zirconia. Thus, this treatment might be an option to roughen tested zirconia.

Comparison of Helicobacter pylori Eradication Rates Using Standard Triple Therapy and Sequential Therapy

Objectives: The incidence of treatment failures following standard triple therapy (STT) for &lt;i&gt;Helicobacter pylori&lt;/i&gt; eradication (HPE) has reached an unacceptable level. Sequential therapy (SQ) has emerged as a promising approach to counteract the escalation of antibiotic resistance. In this study, we used a chronological cohort dataset to conduct a comparative analysis of the eradication rates, compliance, and adverse events associated with the 7-day STT and SQ.Methods: A total of 789 patients underwent HPE treatment at Asan Medical Center between July 2013 and August 2017. Among them, 378 received a 7-day STT and 411 received a 10-day SQ. Baseline clinical data and treatment parameters were compared between the two treatment groups.Results: SQ demonstrated an eradication rate of 84.7% (348/411), which was superior to that of the 7-day STT (74.1%; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.001). The incidence of adverse events was also higher in the SQ group than in the STT group (17.5% vs. 11.1%; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.01). Nonetheless, treatment compliance was not significantly different between the groups (98.1% [SQ] vs. 96.8% [STT]; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.38). Among the patients undergoing second-line eradication, the SQ group displayed a lower eradication rate than the STT group (77.8% vs. 92.4%; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.028). Notably, the overall eradication rate did not differ significantly between the two groups (98.3% [STT] vs. 97.4% [SQ]; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.56).Conclusions: SQ exhibited superior efficacy compared with the 7-day STT as a first-line H. pylori treatment. Thus, SQ holds potential to serve as the replacement for the 7-day STT in treatment-naïve patients.

Effect of fucoidan on gut microbiota and its clinical efficacy in Helicobacter pylori eradication: a randomised controlled trial.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori alters the gut microbiota. Prebiotics can regulate the gut microbiota, but their role in H. pylori eradication remains unclear. This study conducted an unblinded randomised controlled trial at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong Province, China. Ninety patients tested positive for H. pylori were randomised into standard quadruple therapy (SQT) group (SQ group), SQT + fucoidan combination group (SF group) and fucoidan + SQT sequential group (FS group). Stool samples were collected and investigated for clinical efficacy and gut microbiota composition. After eradication, the relative abundance of most conditional pathogens in the SQ group decreased (P < 0.05), and the abundance of several beneficial bacteria increased or decreased (P < 0.05). In the FS group, the abundance of most beneficial bacteria increased gradually over 0-12 weeks, whereas that of the conditional pathogens decreased (P < 0.05). The abundance of Bifidobacterium decreased in the SQ group, was unchanged in the SF group and increased in the FS group (P < 0.05). The abundance of most beneficial bacteria was significantly higher in the FS group than in the SQ and SF groups (P < 0.05). The efficacies of SF and FS in terms of the remission of clinical symptoms were significantly higher than that in the SQ group. Fucoidan considerably improved the gut dysbiosis caused by SQT. The gut microbiota can be maintained by the addition of fucoidan before therapy than by concomitant addition with therapy. Fucoidan-assisted SQT could relieve gastrointestinal symptoms in eradicating H. pylori. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Subcutaneous Insulin Versus Traditional Intravenous Insulin Infusion in Treatment of Mild to Moderate Diabetic Ketoacidosis

BackgroundIntravenous (IV) insulin infusions are the current standard of care for treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Subcutaneous (SQ) insulin, however, may also be a safe and effective alternative. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare patient-centered outcomes related to the treatment of mild to moderate DKA using two different protocols: an SQ insulin protocol and an IV insulin infusion protocol with an initial bolus (IVB) or without a bolus (IVNB). MethodsWe retrospectively conducted a multicenter cohort study evaluating SQ vs. IV insulin for the treatment of mild to moderate DKA. The primary outcome was time to DKA resolution. Secondary outcomes included time to glucose correction, hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit LOS, hypoglycemia events, readmission rates, and IV insulin use. ResultsWithin the study time frame, 257 patients were included in the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. There was no significant difference in the time to DKA resolution between the IVB (p = 0.603) or IVNB (p = 0.269) groups compared with the population who received SQ insulin only. Hospital LOS was significantly longer when comparing the SQ group with the IVNB group (p < 0.001), but not when comparing it with the IVB group (p = 0.259). The IV protocols had significantly more hypoglycemic events compared with the SQ protocol (IVB vs. SQ, p < 0.001; IVNB vs. SQ, p = 0.001). ConclusionsSQ insulin may be an effective alternative option for treating mild to moderate DKA with fewer hypoglycemic effects.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy and cranioplasty using subcutaneously preserved autologous bone flaps versus synthetic implants: perioperative outcomes and cost analysis.

It has not been well-elucidated whether there are advantages to preserving bone flaps in abdominal subcutaneous (SQ) tissue after decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC), compared to discarding bone flaps. The authors aimed to compare perioperative outcomes and costs for patients undergoing autologous cranioplasty (AC) after DHC with the bone flap preserved in abdominal SQ tissue, and for patients undergoing synthetic cranioplasty (SC). A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing DHC procedures between January 2017 and July 2021 at two tertiary care institutions. Patients were divided into two groups: those with flaps preserved in SQ tissue (SQ group), and those with the flap discarded (discarded group). Additional analysis was performed between patients undergoing AC versus SC. Primary end points included postoperative and surgical site complications. Secondary endpoints included operative costs, length of stay, and blood loss. A total of 248 patients who underwent DHC were included in the study, with 155 patients (62.5%) in the SQ group and 93 (37.5%) in the discarded group. Patients in the discarded group were more likely to have a diagnosis of severe TBI (57.0%), while the most prevalent diagnosis in the SQ group was malignant stroke (35.5%, p < 0.05). There were 8 (5.2%) abdominal surgical site infections and 9 (5.8%) abdominal hematomas. The AC group had a significantly higher reoperation rate (23.2% vs 12.9%, p = 0.046), with 11% attributable to abdominal reoperations. The average cost of a reoperation for an abdominal complication was $40,408.75 ± $2273. When comparing the AC group to the SC group after cranioplasty, there were no significant differences in complications or surgical site infections. There were 6 cases of significant bone resorption requiring cement supplementation or discarding of the bone flap. Increased mean operative charges were found for the SC group compared to the AC group ($72,362 vs $59,726, p < 0.001). Autologous bone flaps may offer a cost-effective option compared to synthetic flaps. However, when preserved in abdominal SQ tissue, they pose the risk of resorption over time as well as abdominal surgical site complications with increased reoperation rates. Further studies and methodologies such as cryopreservation of the bone flap may be beneficial to reduce costs and eliminate complications associated with abdominal SQ storage.

Shenqi granule upregulates CD2AP and α-actinin4 and activates autophagy through regulation of mTOR/ULK1 pathway in MPC5 cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe incidence of membranous nephropathy (MN) continues to rise globally. Shenqi granule (SQ), composed of thirteen Chinese medicinal herbs, has clinical efficacy in the treatment of MN and has been used in China for decades. However, the mechanism behind this effect remains unclear. Aim of the studyIn this study, we documented the effects of SQ on cultured mouse podocytes (MPC5) cytoskeletal proteins (CD2AP, α-actinin4) and autophagic activity, and identified the mechanism underlying the ameliorating effects of SQ on MN. Materials and methodsThe main components of SQ was analysed using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We induced MPC5 cells with puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) as a model of MN-like disease. Cyclosporine A (CsA) was used as a positive control drug. MPC5 cells viability was analysed using CCK-8 assays to select the PAN dose and SQ dose. CD2AP and α-actinin4 mRNA expression was examined by RT-PCR, CD2AP and α-actinin4 protein expression as well as autophagic activity (LC3, Beclin1) was examined by Western blot in MPC5 cells, and the mechanism of action of SQ granule was assessed by Western blot to detect the protein expression at the phosphorylation level of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. ResultsIn PAN-induced MPC5 cells, mRNA and protein expression of α-actinin-4 and CD2AP were significantly reduced, and SQ granule was able to alleviate this manifestation. In contrast to the inhibition of LC3 and Beclin1 expression in the PAN model, SQ granule was able to activate cellular autophagic activity. In addition to this, our study revealed that PAN could activate the mTOR/ULK1 pathway, resulting in a significant increase in p-mTOR and p-ULK1 protein expression, while the SQ group was able to significantly inhibit the phosphorylation level of this pathway. ConclusionsSQ granule attenuated PAN-induced MPC5 cell damage similar to MN. The mechanism may be to upregulate the expression of α-actinin-4 and CD2AP and activate autophagy activity, which may be achieved by inhibiting the phosphorylation level of mTOR/ULK1.

Effects of self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: A case-control study.

Prospective case-control studyThis study aimed to investigate the effect of self-quarantine on the changes in low back symptoms and activities of daily living (ADL) due to low physical activity because of the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).The frequency and intensity of low back and leg pain have reportedly increased in healthy subjects because of self-quarantine.Patients with LSS who self-quarantined from baseline (SQ group) were matched to controls who did not self-quarantine (non-SQ group), based on age, sex, medication, ADL, and the numeric rating scale score for low back symptoms. The change in low back symptoms, ADL, and health-related quality of life between baseline and follow-up were compared between the groups.The SQ and non-SQ group included 80 and 60 patients, respectively. Compared with the baseline, the numeric rating scale score for low back pain at follow-up in the SQ group significantly improved (P = .004, median; 1 point), but not in the non-SQ group. No significant difference was found regarding changes in leg pain or numbness. Low back pain improvement did not lead to ADL improvement. The short form 12 evaluation revealed the role/social component score in the SQ group to be significantly lower than that in the non-SQ group; no difference was found for the physical or mental components at follow-up.Self-quarantine with conservative treatment effected short-term low back pain improvement in patients with LSS. However, no improvement in ADL was found. Self-quarantine had an unfavorable impact for health-related quality of life. The effect of self-quarantine can influence the treatment results of LSS.

Prognostic Radiological Tools for Clinical Stage IA Pure Solid Lung Cancer.

In this study, we analyzed prognostic radiological tools and surgical outcomes for radiologically pure solid adenocarcinomas (AD) and squamous cell carcinoma (SQ) in clinical stage IA. We retrospectively investigated 130 patients who underwent surgical resections. We assessed the predictive risk factors for recurrence and pathological lymph node metastasis (LNM). There was no statistical difference in recurrence free survival (RFS) or cancer-specific survival (CSS) between AD and SQ groups (p = 0.642 and p = 0.403, respectively). In the whole cohort, tumor size on lung window and mediastinal settings, and tumor disappearance ratio using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were not prognostic parameters (p = 0.127, 0.066, and 0.082, respectively). The maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) using positron emission tomography-CT was associated with recurrence (p = 0.016). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve, the cut-off value of SUVmax for recurrence was 4.6 (p = 0.016). The quantitative continuous variables using any radiological tools were not associated with LNM. However, tumor diameter on mediastinal setting ≥8 mm with SUVmax ≥2.4 could be a risk factor for LNM. Pure solid AD and SQ were equivalent for the RFS and CSS. SUVmax was useful to predict recurrence. The tumor diameter on a mediastinal setting and SUVmax were useful in predicting pathological LNM.

Supplementation with a Natural Source of Amino Acids, Sil-Q1 (Silk Peptide), Enhances Natural Killer Cell Activity: A Redesigned Clinical Trial with a Reduced Supplementation Dose and Minimized Seasonal Effects in a Larger Population.

The aim of this study was to re-validate the changes in natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and cytokines related to T cells after Sil-Q1 (SQ; silk peptide) supplementation in a larger pool of Korean adults with minimized daily dose of SQ and controlling seasonal influence compared to the previous study. A total of 130 subjects were randomly assigned (1:1) to consume either 7.5 g of SQ or placebo for 8 weeks. NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokines were measured at T0 (baseline) and T8 (follow-up). Comparing the NK cell cytotoxicity values at T0 and T8 within each group, the cytotoxicity at all effector cell (E) to target cell (T) ratios of 10:1, 5:1, 2.5:1, and 1.25:1 was significantly increased in the SQ group at T8. Additionally, significant differences in the changed value (Δ, subtract baseline values from follow-up values) comparison between the groups at E:T = 10:1, 5:1, and 2.5:1 were found. As a secondary endpoint, the interleukin (IL)-12 level in the SQ group was significantly increased for 8 weeks, and Δ IL-12 in the SQ group was greater than in the placebo group. In conclusion, the present study showed considerable practical implications of SQ supplementation. Thus, SQ is an effective and safe functional food supplement for enhancing immune function.

스트레칭 밸런스 보드를 이용한 운동이 젊은 여성의 신체둘레, 유연성, 근력 및 균형능력에 미치는 효과

본 연구는 스트레칭 밸런스 보드 장비를 이용한 스쿼트와 스트레칭 운동이 젊은 여성들의 하지둘레, 유연성, 균형 능력에 미치는 효과를 검증하기 위해 실시되었다. 이를 위해 규칙적으로 운동하지 않는 젊은 여성 31명을 대상으로 스트 레칭 밸런스 보드 위에서 스쿼트 동작을 실시하는 집단(SQ group, n = 10), 장비 위에서 서있는 집단(ST group, n = 10), 일상동작을 하는 통제집단 (CON group, n = 11명)으로 무작위 배정하여 각 그룹에 지정된 운동 및 활동을 4주간 실시하였다. 스트레칭 밸런스 보드 적용방법에 따라 좌측 발목 배측 굴곡(p = .01)에서 집단간 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 나타났으며 우측 발목 배측 굴곡(p = .000), 우측 대둔근 도수근력(p = .044), 좌. 우측 중둔근(p = .009, p = .003), 좌. 우측 Y-balance 종합점수(p = .000, p = .002)에서 시기×집단 간 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 따라서 스트레칭 밸런스 보드 장비의 사용은 젊은 여성의 유연성, 둔근 도수근력 및 균형능력에 긍정적인 효과를 나타내었다.

Non-Bismuth Quadruple Therapy, Sequential Therapy or High-Dose Esomeprazole and Amoxicillin Dual Therapy for First-Line Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Aim: The study aims were to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and safety of non-bismuth quadruple therapy with sequential therapy and dual therapy with high dose esomeprazole and amoxicillin as an empirical first-line approach to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection.Patients and methods: Prospective randomized trial included 393 patients infected with H. pylori naïve to eradication therapy, randomized to receive a 10-day non-bismuth quadruple or concomitant (CT) therapy, 10-day sequential therapy (SQ), or 14-day high-dose esomeprazole and amoxicillin (BT). Treatment outcome was assessed by C13-urea breath test at least six weeks after therapy. Adverse events and compliance were assessed with questionnaires and residual medication count.Results: The baseline demographic clinical and endoscopic characteristics were similar among the three groups. The intention to treat (ITT) analysis was performed in 130, 132, and 131 patients in the BT, SQ, and CT groups, respectively. The eradication rates in ITT were 64.6%, 83.1%, and 92.3%, respectively, in the BT, SQ and CT groups (p = 0.0001). The eradication rates per protocol were 67.7%, 88.5%, and 95.3% (p = 0.0001), respectively, in the BT, SQ, and CT groups. The CT and SQ groups were higher than the BT group (p = 0,0001) but no significant results were seen in the eradication rate between CT and SQ, both in PP analysis and in ITT analysis (p = 0.09). The prevalence of the side effects following the non-bismuth quadruple therapy was 38.2%, significantly higher (p = 0.001) than the BT group (13.80%) and SQ group (22%). There were no significant differences in compliance among the three therapies (p = 0.16).Conclusion: This study found that non-bismuth quadruple therapy yielded a higher H. pylori eradication rate over sequential regimen as a first-line treatment in Morocco, with no statistical difference between the two protocols studied, while the eradication rate of dual high-dose of esomeprazole and amoxicillin did not exceed 60%. All three therapy schemes showed excellent compliance. However, the prevalence of side events was more important and significantly higher with non-bismuth quadruple therapy.

Marginless Radiotherapy (MRT): Leveraging The Abscopal Effect Toward The Treatment Of Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer

Marginless Radiotherapy (MRT) is a new radiotherapy approach whereby only the gross tumor volume (GTV) or sub-volume (sv) is irradiated. We sought to investigate the potential of MRT in combination with in-situ delivered anti-CD40 to generate a robust abscopal effect in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. Using an aggressive castration resistant prostrate adenocarcinoma cell line derived from TRAMP-C1, two contralateral tumors were implanted in each mouse either subcutaneously (SQ) in two flanks or one SQ and one orthotopic to anterior prostate lobe. In both cases one SQ tumor was chosen to be treated. The mice were randomly assigned to different cohorts (n = 5-8) for image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) of a single dose of 2, 5, 8, or 10 Gy using Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP). Following the IGRT, each cohort was treated with 20 μg of intratumoral mouse antiCD40 antibody loaded in a smart radiotherapy biomaterial (srbAntiCD40) for sustain release. These cohorts were then compared with a control group with no treatment. Tumor volume of both treated (treated site) and untreated tumors (abscopal site) were then measured and survival percent was calculated to determine the most potent RT dose which was then used for the PTV vs. GTV/sv of IGRT study. PTV of IGRT was delivered with 10x10 mm2 field size collimators whereas 1x1, 3x3, or 5x5 mm2 field size collimators were used for GTV/sv. Statistical analyses for tumor volume and Kaplan–Meier survival assay were then analyzed. A single fraction IGRT dose of 5 Gy to the PTV with srbAntiCD40 shows the highest survival fraction (****) compare with other radiation doses. Further analysis of 5 Gy of IGRT in PTV or GTV/sv along with srbAntiCD40 (intratumoral) demonstrates non-significant difference of the survival rate with PTV (80%**) compare to GTV/sv in SQ model (100%***) or orthotopic model (80%***). Similarly, fold increase of tumor volume (from day of treatment) in treated sides were 91 (+/- 11.5), 11* (+/- 6.5), 6* (+/-2.5), and 6* (+/- 2.5) respectively for Control, RT-PTV, RT-GTVsv (SQ), and RT-GTVsv (orthotopic) cohorts. Untreated, abscopal side tumors also shown similar effects (60 (+/- 17.4), 13** (+/- 2.4), 11**(+/-2.1), and 6** (+/- 1.3) respectively. Complete regression of both of the tumors were shown in 20% of mice in both SQ and orthotopic RT-GTVsv groups. Significant high infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells were also observed in both treated and untreated tumors of both PTV and GTVsv cohorts, 10 days after the treatment given. This study proffers a new MRT strategy for treating aggressive metastatic prostate cancer, leveraging the abscopal effect more efficaciously by treating only a GTV/sv which further reduces the radiation induced toxicity. This strategy may spare peripheral APCs cells, which are crucial in driving the immune-mediated abscopal effect.

A Comparison Between the Squat and the Deadlift for Lower Body Strength and Power Training.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two resistance training programs including either a deadlift or a parallel squat on lower body maximal strength and power in resistance trained males. Twenty-five resistance trained men were randomly assigned to a deadlift group (DE; n = 14; age = 24.3 ± 4.1 y; body mass = 84.8 ± 14.2 kg; body height = 180.3 ± 6.8 cm) or to a squat group (SQ; n = 11; age = 22.3 ± 1.6 y; body mass = 83.0 ± 13.6 kg; body height 179.9 ± 6.1 cm). Both groups trained 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The deadlift and the squat were the only lower body maximal strength exercises performed by DE and SQ groups, respectively, while both training programs included jumps. A significantly (p = 0.017) greater increase in deadlift 1RM was observed in the DE compared to the SQ group, while the SQ group obtained a significantly (p = 0.049) greater increase in squat 1RM. A significant increase in jump performance (p = 0.010), without significant interactions between groups (p = 0.552), was observed in both groups. Three participants of the DE group developed lower back pain and were excluded from the study. Results indicate that both the squat and the deadlift can result in similar improvement in lower body maximal strength and jump performance and can be successfully included in strength training programs. The incidence of back pain in the DE group may suggest a marked stress of this exercise on the lower back. Proper technique should be used to minimize the risk of injury, especially when the deadlift is performed.

Prognostic significance of non-urothelial carcinoma of bladder: analysis of nationwide hospital-based cancer registry data in Japan.

To identify the prognosis of pure non-urothelial carcinoma (non-UC) of bladder and to compare them with those of pure urothelial carcinoma (UC). We used Japan's nationwide hospital-based cancer registry data to extract histologically confirmed pure non-UC and UC cases of bladder diagnosed in 2008-2009. We estimated the 5-year overall survival (OS) by a Kaplan-Meier analysis. A total of 8094 patients with confirmed histological subtypes of bladder cancer were identified. The most common pure non-UC was squamous cell carcinoma (SQ, n=192, 2.4%) followed by adenocarcinoma (AC, n=138, 1.7%) and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SmC, n=54, 0.7%). The proportion of female patients (48%) was significantly higher in the SQ group compared with the pure UC group (P<0.001). The 5-year OS rate of the non-UC patients was significantly worse than that of the UC patients (40 vs. 61%, P<0.001). According to stages, the 5-year OS rates of the stage I and III non-UC patients were significantly worse than those of the UC patients (P=0.001). Considering histologic subtypes and stages, the 5-year OS rates of the stage I SQ patients were worse than those of the AC and SmC patients (46, 68 and 64%, respectively). The prognosis of pure non-UC was worse than that of pure UC, especially in the stage I and III non-UC patients. To improve these patients' oncologic outcomes, a more aggressive surgical approach may be necessary in stage I patients with non-UC, especially in pure SQ.

Effect of coenzyme CoQ10 on expression of apolipoprotein E in brain damage induced by multiple exposure to sevoflurane in mice

Objective To evaluate the effect of coenzyme Q10 on the expression of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in brain damage induced by multiple exposure to sevoflurane in mice. Methods Seventy-two SPF female C57BL/6J mice, aged 6 days, weighing 3-5 g, were divided into 4 groups (n=18 each) according to a random number table method: corn oil group (CO), sevoflurane plus corn oil group (SO group), coenzyme Q10 group (CQ group), and sevoflurane plus coenzyme Q10 group (SQ group). Mice were placed in a closed resin box with an inlet and outlet, 3% sevoflurane plus 60% oxygen plus 37% air was continuously delivered to the box at 2 h/d for 3 consecutive days in SO group and SQ group.The mice were placed in the same resin box, and 60% oxygen plus 40% air was delivered in CO group and CQ group.Corn oil 100 μl was intraperitoneally injected, and 30 min later oxygen and sevoflurane were inhaled in CO group and SO group, respectively.CoQ10 (dissolved in corn oil, concentration 1.5 μg/μl) 50 μg/g was intraperitoneally injected, and 30 min later oxygen and sevoflurane were inhaled in CQ group and SQ group, respectively.Eight mice were sacrificed after emerging from anesthesia, and hippocampi were removed for determination of the expression of ApoE, Tau protein, AT8 and PHF1 (by Western blot). The rest 10 mice were used for Morris Water Maze test to evaluate the cognitive function on 22 days after establishing the model. Results Compared with CO group, the expression of ApoE, AT8 and PHF1 was significantly up-regulated, the escape latency was prolonged, and the number of crossing the platform was decreased in SO group (P 0.05). Conclusion The mechanism by which coenzyme Q10 reduces brain damage induced by multiple exposure to sevoflurane is related to inhibiting the up-regulation of ApoE expression in hippocampus of mice. Key words: Coenzyme Q10; Anesthetics, Inhalation; Cognitive impairment; Apolipoprotein E

Metabonomic Analysis of the Therapeutic Effects of Chinese Medicine Sanqi Oral Solution on Rats With Exhaustive Exercise.

Exhaustive exercise has emerged as an important health issue nowadays. This study was designed to assess the metabolite abnormalities of rats after exhaustive exercise and the holistic efficacy of Chinese medicine Sanqi oral solution (SQ). Through exhaustive swimming, the exhaustive exercise model in rats was established. Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, model, and treatment groups. SQ (12 mL·kg−1·d−1) or 0.9% saline solution was administrated orally by gastric gavage. After 4 weeks, serum samples were collected for biochemical measurements and ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF-MS)-based metabonomic study. It was found that rats with SQ intervention showed longer exhaustive swimming time (P < 0.05) than model rats, with an average of 1,160.36 ± 123.89 s in SQ group and 906.57 ± 172.11 s in model group. Among the biochemical indices, the levels of creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose of exhaustive exercise rats increased, whereas levels of creatine kinase, urea, triglyceride, and total cholesterol decreased. These biochemical indices came normal after SQ administration, except for triglyceride. Twenty-seven potential biomarkers belonging to sphingolipids, phospholipids, fatty acids, amino acid, and other classes were identified in serum. This study indicated that SQ exerted protective effects on exhaustive exercise by significantly prolonging the swimming endurance time. The metabonomic-based findings of the metabolic state and analysis of potential biomarkers in serum well correlated with biochemical assessment, confirming that SQ had a definite efficacy. Moreover, the shifts in lipid-related metabolites and glycolytic pathway suggested that SQ may serve as a potential supplementation in sports nutrition for its pharmacological effect of regulating energy metabolism as well as improving signal transduction and muscle-cell physiological functions.

Periprosthetic Capsule Formation and Contracture in a Rodent Model of Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction With Delayed Radiotherapy.

Capsular contracture (CC) is the most common complication of breast implantation, with an incidence of nearly 50% in patients undergoing breast reconstruction with subsequent radiotherapy. Although the move toward submuscular (SM) device placement led to a decreased incidence of CC, subcutaneous (SQ) implantation has seen a resurgence. The purpose of this study was to use a rodent model of breast reconstruction with smooth silicone implants and delayed radiotherapy to assess the occurrence of CC in SQ versus SM implantation. Custom 2 mL smooth round silicone implants were placed bilaterally into 12 female Sprague Dawley rats that were randomized into 4 groups of 3, with each group differing by implantation plane (SQ vs SM) and irradiation status (irradiated vs nonirradiated). Rats from the SQ group received implants bilaterally underlying the skin on the flank. Rats in the SM groups received implants bilaterally under the latissimus dorsi muscle. Irradiated rats received 20 Gy localized to each implant on postoperative day 10. One rat from each group was imaged with a micro-computed tomography scanner at baseline and at explant 3 months later, whereupon capsules from all rats were examined histologically. Rats in the SQ group showed evidence of contracture on gross examination and greater evidence of morphologic disruption per micro-computed tomography scan. There was no evidence of contracture or morphologic disruption in either SM group. Mean ± SD capsule thickness was 39.0 ± 9.0 μm in the SQ versus 37.6 ± 9.8 μm in the SM nonirradiated groups and 43.9 ± 14.9 μm in the SQ versus 34.3 ± 8.3 μm in the SM irradiated groups (all P > 0.05). In a rodent model of smooth silicone breast implantation and delayed radiotherapy, although there did not appear to be differences in capsule thickness regardless of device placement plane, SQ implants demonstrated gross evidence of CC. These data indicate that capsule thickness is only part of a larger pathogenetic picture, which should take into consideration the contribution from all peri-implant tissue.

Mechanisms Underlying Early-Stage Changes in Visual Performance and Retina Function After Experimental Induction of Sustained Dyslipidemia.

Visual and retinal function was measured in a mouse model of chemically induced, sustained dyslipidemia to determine the contribution of dyslipidemia to the pathogenesis of retinopathy in the context of metabolic syndrome. Fifteen male C57BL/6Crl mice were divided into three groups. Poloxamer 407 (P-407), 14.5% w/w was delivered at a rate of 6µl/day by implanted osmotic mini-pumps either subcutaneously (P-407 SQ) or intraperitoneally (P-407 IP) to P-407-treated mice, whereas saline was administered at the same rate to control mice using only the subcutaneous route of administration. Total cholesterol (TC) and true triglyceride (TG) levels were quantified from plasma. Optomotor responses to stimuli of varying spatial frequency or contrast were used to measure visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Retinal function was determined using Ganzfeld flash electroretinography (ERG). At 32 days, TC for the P-407 IP group was significantly elevated compared to saline controls (169.4 ± 16.5mg/dl, 0.001 < P < 0.01). TG levels for both the P-407 SQ (59.3 ± 22.4mg/dl, 0.01 < P < 0.05) and P-407 IP groups (67.7 ± 18.0mg/dl, 0.001 < P < 0.01) were significantly elevated relative to controls. Electroretinography demonstrated a very significant decline in the b/a ratio (1.80 ± 0.11, P < 0.01) for the P-407 IP group. The b/a ratio exhibited a moderate, significant correlation with TC levels (r = - 0.4425, P = 0.0392) and a strong, very significant correlation with TG levels (r = - 0.6190, P = 0.0021). Delivery of P-407 via osmotic mini-pump resulted in the sustained, significant elevation of plasma TC and TG levels. This elevation in plasma lipid levels was correlated with a decline in inner retinal function.

Evaluation of Three Hydration Strategies in Detection Dogs Working in a Hot Environment.

Physical activity in hot environments can increase the risk of heat stress or heat stroke in dogs. Heat tolerance is influenced by acclimatization to the environment, physical fitness, and hydration state. Three common strategies to promote hydration in working dogs are free access to water (W), oral electrolyte solutions (OESs), and administration of subcutaneous fluids (SQs). None of these methods have been compared for safety or efficacy in a working environment. In a cross-over design, seven vehicle-screening canines were randomly assigned to each of the three hydration strategies during working shifts at the Sarita, TX checkpoint. Physical, behavioral, and biochemical parameters were collected before, during, and after a work shift (mean 5.7 ± 0.8 h). Dogs were given 10 mL/kg oral W, 10 mL/kg chicken flavored OES, or 15 mL/kg of SQs initially followed by controlled access to W or OES. The dogs drank 15.61 ± 4.47 mL/kg/h of W and OES when in the OES group, compared to 7.04 ± 3.42 and 5.56 ± 4.40 mL of W, for the W and SQ groups, respectively. The median environmental temperature was 84.8°F (29.3°C). The median humidity was 70%. Based on mixed effects linear modeling, dogs in the OES and SQ groups had significantly higher total CO2, and lower packed cell volume and total plasma protein at the end of the day. Creatinine increased a small but significant amount in the SQ group and decreased in the OES group. Searching behaviors were independent of hydration strategy but highly related to the dog specific factors of sex, breed, and activity level. Under conditions of controlled activity in moderate heat and humidity, dogs accustomed to the work and the environment were more likely to increase fluid consumption and hydration when provided a flavored OES. Potential benefits of OES and SQ were indirect and no adverse effects were documented for any of the hydration strategies tested.

Interventional Bronchoscopies for the Treatment of 112 Cases with Complex Malignant Central Airway Diseases Involved in Bifurcation

背景与目的复杂气道狭窄是临床处理的难题，尤其是恶性气道肿瘤。本研究旨在总结112例恶性复杂气道狭窄气管镜介入治疗的效果，以探讨热消融、冷冻等不同方法在患者中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析112例恶性中央型气道病变患者，均累及隆突附近的气管下段、双侧支气管开口至少两个部位的病变，年龄22岁-90岁，其中鳞癌(squamous carcinoma, SQ)55例、腺癌(adenocarcinoma, AD)16例、腺样囊性癌(adenocystic carcinoma, ACC)15例、转移性癌(metastasis tumor, MT)10例、小细胞肺癌(small cell lung carcinoma, SCLC)及混合癌(mixted carcinoma, MC)各8例，均在硬质气管镜或电子气管镜下进行氩等离子体凝固(argon plasma coagulation, APC)、电圈套器、二氧化碳(CO2)冷冻等气管镜下介入治疗。结果112例恶性气道病变患者进行了460例次气管镜治疗，各组均以冷冻和APC最常用，MT中还有内支架置入。球囊导管扩张主要用于ACC和AD，圈套器和粒子植入常用于SCLC。术前气管狭窄以MT组最重，同一癌症中SQ及ACC支气管的阻塞程度均重于气管。术前MC、MT和SCLC三组卡氏体能状态评分(Karnofsky performance score, KPS)明显降低，而气促评分却明显升高。经多种方法综合治疗后，除MC外，其他五组气管和支气管狭窄均有明显改善。除AD组外，其他五组KPS均明显升高、气促评分均明显下降。术后随访，患者总的生存时间是15个月，中位生存时间10个月。其中以ACC(28.4个月)和AD(21.7个月)的中位生存时间最长，而以SCLC(8.9个月)和MC(7.4个月)最短。结论针对累及多个部位的恶性中央型气道病变，应采取以冷冻和APC为主的联合治疗方法，无论对气管还是支气管，均有良好的治疗作用，快速、安全，值得推广。