Inter-group Statistical Differences Research Articles

The translational content and expression of intracellular sensors under endoplasmic re-ticulum stress in diabetic rats

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) as a defense mechanism for maintaining cellular vital activity. Data on interaction between pathways of UPR-sensors, their role and participation in the recovery of regulatory proteins at constant level are currently being accumulated. An experimental model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was reproduced in male rats fed on 3-month high-fat diet with additional streptozotocin administration. Rats in different groups were treated with metformin, propionate, and their combination for 2 weeks. We analyzed the expression of the GRP78, PERK, IRE-1, and ATF6 genes in gastric glandulocytes using PCR primers. The quantitation of protein content of the GRP78, PERK, IRE-1, and ATF6 genes was performed using western blotting. Statistical intergroup differences were calculated using a one-way ANOVA test followed by Tukey’s post-hoc. Comparison of mRNA and protein contents at rest state, in condition of ER stress and drug treatment, as well as the study of correlations between UPR-sensors, provides a basis for the development of the concept of defense mechanism activation in gastric glandulocytes under T2DM conditions. Under stress, chaperone GRP78 plays a crucial role to prevent protein misfolding: it dissociates from ER, enters cisternae and inactivates misfolded proteins. The ATF6 pathway is activated in all conditions. It probably activates transcription of the corresponding content turnover sites in both GRP78 and ATF6. The IRE-1 and PERK pathways are activated in glandulocytes under different circumstances, and they probably target to different regulatory actions. Combination drug treatment in T2DM conditions induces activation of all signaling sensors in the UPR system with simultaneous maximal downregulation of GRP78, causing a balance in the intracellular homeostasis system.

Predicting the Development of Thrombosis of the Femoral-Popliteal Bypass in the Long-Term Follow-Up Period

Aim of study. The development of a program for predicting thrombosis with subsequent amputation of a limb in the long-term period after femoral-popliteal bypass (FPB).Material and methods. This is a retrospective open comparative study performed from January 10, 2016 to December 25, 2019 at Research Institute – Professor S.V. Ochapovsky Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1 of the Ministry of Health of the Krasnodar Territory, Krasnodar, which included 473 patients who underwent FPB. Depending on the type of bypass, five groups were formed: Group 1 (n=266), reversed vein (great saphenous vein (GSV); Group 2 (n=59), autovenous vein (GSV), prepared in situ; Group 3 (n=66), autovenous vein (GSV), prepared ex situ; Group 4 (n=9) synthetic graft (Jotec, Germany); Group 5 (n=73), veins of the upper limb (forearm and shoulder). In all cases of observation, multislice computed tomography with angiography revealed an extensive (25 cm or more) atherosclerotic occlusive lesion of the superficial femoral artery, corresponding to type D according to the transatlantic consensus (TASC II). The long-term followup period was 16.6±10.3 months.Results. During the hospital postoperative period, all complications developed in groups 1, 2, 3 and 5. However, no significant intergroup statistical differences were found. In the long-term follow-up period, according to the mortality rate (group 1: 4.6%; group 2: 1.7%; group 3: 4.6%; group 4: 0%; group 5: 2.8%; p=0.78), myocardial infarction (group 1: 1.9%; group 2: 0%; group 3: 1.5%; group 4: 0%; group 5: 0%; p=0.62), ischemic stroke (group 1: 0.8%; group 2: 1.7%; group 3: 1.5%; group 4: 0%; group 5: 0%; p=0.8) and bybass thrombosis (group 1: 14.5%; group 2: 19.3%; group 3: 18.5%; group 4: 44.4%; group 5: 19.7%; p=0.16), no significant intergroup differences were identified. However, the largest number of limb amputations (group 1: 4.2%; group 2: 5.3%; group 3: 9.2%; group 4: 22.2%; group 5: 1.4%; p=0.03) and the maximum composite endpoint (sum of all complications) (group 1: 26.0%; group 2: 28.1%; group 3: 35.4%; group 4: 66.7%; group 5: 23 .9%; p=0.05) were observed after the use of a synthetic graft. Using “random forest” analysis, a model and computer program was created that allows, the risk (low, medium, high) of developing bypass thrombosis to be assessed interactively, based on clinical, anamnestic, demographic and perioperative data, with subsequent amputation after FPB in the long-term follow-up period.Conclusions. Revascularization strategy for patients with extended atherosclerotic lesions of the femoropopliteal segment should be determined individually and only by a multidisciplinary council. The conduit of choice for femoral-popliteal bypass surgery is an autovenous graft. Synthetic prostheses can only be used in the absence of the latter. To identify a group of patients with a high risk of thrombosis of the femoral-popliteal bypass and limb amputation in the long-term follow-up period, the created risk stratification program for the development of these complications can be used. Precision supervision of these patients in the postoperative period will make it possible to prevent these adverse events in time.

Stimulation of Estrus and Ovulation by Resynchronization in Kangal Sheep during Early Anestrus.

A total of 100 Kangal sheep were divided into four groups with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of resynchronization during anestrus for the first time in the literature. The groups were then divided into two further subgroups, namely the resynchronization subgroup group (hCG+resynch) and group (resynch)) and the no resynchronization subgroup (Group (hCG) and group (control)). All the groups started with progesterone-containing sponge insertion on Day 7. The sponge was removed after 7 days (on Day 0), and 600 IU eCG + 131.5 µg PGF2α was injected. The animals in group (hCG+resynch) and group (hCG) received hCG injection at the time of sponge administration. Accordingly, four different groups were established, i.e., resynchronization + hCG administration group (hCG+resynch); n:25), no resynchronization + hCG administration (group (hCG); n:25), resynchronization + no hCG administration (group (resynch); n:25), and no resynchronization + no hCG administration (Group (control); n:25). Estrus rates at the first application in group (hCG+resynch), group (hCG), group (resynch), and group (control) groups were 76%, 88%, 96%, and 76%, respectively, and pregnancy rates were 52%, 64%, 72%, and 60%, respectively; there were no intergroup statistical differences in the two parameters above. It was concluded that resynchronization performed with two consecutive stimulations during anestrus could help save time and provide a pregnancy rate at a level that can provide economic returns.

Nasal drip of dexmedetomidine for optimal sedation during PICC insertion in pediatric burn care.

For peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) inserting, tranquil cooperation of children for an extended period is often required. Therefore, sedation is routinely induced clinically prior to PICC inserting. Chloral hydrate is a commonly used sedative for children. However, its clinical acceptance has remained low. And the sedation effect is non-satisfactory. Previous studies have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of intravenous/oral dosing or nasal dripping for sedation during the examinations of electrocardiography and computed tomography. Yet few studies have assessed the sedating efficacy of dexmedetomidine nasal drops for PICC inserting. From a cohort of 40 hospitalized patients scheduled for PICC inserting, 15 children employing a novel sedative mode of dexmedetomidine nasal drops at a dose of 2 ug/kg were assigned into group A while group B included another 25 children sedated routinely via an enema of 10% chloral hydrate at a dose of 0.5 mL/kg. The Ramsay's scoring criteria were utilized for assessing the status of sedation. Two groups were observed with regards to success rate of sedation, onset time of sedation and occurrences of adverse reactions. Statistical inter-group differences existed in success rate and onset time of sedation. The success rate of group A was higher than that of group B (93.3% vs 64.0%, X2 = 4.302, P = .038 < 0.05). Group A had a faster onset of sedation than group B (14.86 ± 2.57 vs 19.06 ± 3.40 minutes, t = 3.781, P = .001 < 0.05). No inter-group difference of statistical significance existed in occurrence of adverse reactions (P = 1.000 > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the success rate of sedation in group A was higher than that in group B, and the difference was statistically significant (P = .036 < 0.05). For sedating burn children, nasal dripping of dexmedetomidine is both safe and effective during PICC inserting. Without any obvious adverse reaction, it may relieve sufferings and enhance acceptance.

Evaluation of Bone Response to a Nano HA Implant Surface on Sinus Lifting Procedures: Study in Rabbits.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone response to two different implant surfaces on sinus lift procedures in rabbits. Bilateral sinus lifting with inorganic bovine bone associated with collagen membrane and immediate implantation were performed in 16 rabbits. Custom mini-implants were randomly installed in the prepared sites: one side received a double acid-etched (DAE) surface and the other a nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA) surface. The animals were euthanized 30 and 60 days after surgery, and biopsies were collected for microtomographic and histomorphometric analysis. After 30 days, no intra- and inter-group statistical differences were observed in microtomographic analysis, while at 60 days, bone analysis showed statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.05) for all the evaluated parameters. Histomorphometric analysis showed, after 30 days, mean % of Bone-to-Implant Contact (BIC) for DAE and NHA of 31.70 ± 10.42% vs. 40.60 ± 10.22% (p > 0.05), respectively; for % of Bone Area Fraction Occupancy (BAFO), mean values were 45.43 ± 3.597% for DAE and 57.04 ± 5.537% for NHA (p < 0.05). After 60 days, mean %BIC and %BAFO for DAE and NHA implants were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The NHA surface showed superior biological features compared to the DAE treatment, promoting higher bone formation around the implants in an experimental model of bone repair in a grafted area.

Differential impacts of e-portfolio assessment on language learners\u2019 engagement modes and genre-based writing improvement

Portfolio assessment (PA) as an assessment for learning (AfL) alternative has been under-represented in second/foreign language acquisition (SLA) research literature. This study examined the potential impacts of electronic PA (e-PA) on English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) learners’ engagement modes in descriptive and narrative genres of writing on Moodle™. To do so, 56 university students were non-randomly selected and assigned into two intermediate-level EFL cohorts. In a pretest-mediation-posttest study, descriptive and narrative writing tasks completed by two groups were subjected to teacher feedback, student reflection logs, and subsequent revision every week. Results of repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant progress in lower-level skills (sentence structure, word choice/grammar, mechanics), and moderate progress in higher-level skills (organization, development) in both groups’ genre-based writing. Results of one-way ANCOVA reported the notable pretest-to-posttest achievement by both groups with no intergroup statistical differences. The content of students’ reflection logs was inductively analyzed for their behavioral, emotional, and cognitive modes of engagement in e-PA. Qualitative data analysis indicated similar writing time intervals and recurrence of revisions as the behavioral mode of both groups. Participants also expressed novelty, low anxiety, and enjoyment as their emotional experiences. In terms of their cognitive experience, the majority agreed upon the applicability of teacher feedback and positive perception of writing improvement in e-PA. Yet, they were critical to regular mismatches between the scopes of teacher assessment and self-assessment, as well as teacher linguistic bias towards certain writing features. Several pedagogical implications of the study promote the facilitating role of e-PA in genre-based academic writing and e-learning contexts.

Efficacy and Feasibility of an Osteopathic Intervention for Neurocognitive and Behavioral Symptoms Usually Associated With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a 4-week planned osteopathic manipulative treatment intervention on the improvement of neurocognitive and behavioral symptoms usually associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Thirty-two symptomatic children without fetal alcohol spectrum disorder aged 3–6 years with low level of attention from two schools and an osteopathic center were recruited in a prospective randomized pilot study in an osteopathic manipulative treatment group [osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)] or a control group (standard support measures). Neurocognitive maturity test results for attention (A), iconic memory (IM), spatial structuration (SS), and visual perception (VP) were recorded at baseline and post-intervention. No adverse effects were communicated and there were no dropouts. A significant increase in neurocognitive assessments was observed in children in the OMT group at post-treatment. Intergroup post-intervention statistical differences were found for A, SS, and IM were p = 0.005, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively; no differences were seen for VP (p = 0.097). This study shows that a 4-week osteopathic manipulative treatment intervention may be a feasible and effective therapeutic approach for neurocognitive and behavioral symptoms usually present in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, justifying more studies on children affected by this condition.

A comparison of barbed continuous suture versus conventional interrupted suture for fascial closure in total hip arthroplasty

A barbed suture is a self-anchoring knotless suture hypothesized to shorten suture time and reduce the tension point of the wound. The purpose of this study was to compare the barbed suture and the interrupted suture for fascial closure in total hip arthroplasty. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty from March 2014 to June 2020. We evaluated 324 cases among 274 patients consisting of 188 males and 86 females. We collected the following data: demographics, time for wound closure, the number of threads used, hemoglobin level, surgical site pain, and wound complications. Variables were analyzed for their association with closure time using multiple regression analyses between the barbed suture (the SFX group) and the interrupted suture (the Vicryl group). Mean closure time was 5.8 min lower and the mean number of sutures used was 2.2 lower in the SFX group versus the Vicryl group (P < 0.01 and < 0.01, respectively). There were no statistical intergroup differences in the mean largest hemoglobin drop, the incidence of transfusion, surgical site pain, and the incidence of wound complications. The use of barbed sutures for fascial closure in total hip arthroplasty effectively reduces the surgical time without increasing wound complications.

Influence of the mandibular plane and magnitude of the movement in sagittal split ramus osteotomy: an in vitro study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate fixation resistance in mandibular sagittal split ramus osteotomy in standardized polyurethane hemimandibles with two types of advancement (6 and 12mm), with or without mandibular plane rotation, using a 2.0-mm plate/screw system. Seven groups were evaluated using a vertical compressive load in the first molar region, and the applied force in Newtons was recorded in 1mm, 5mm, and 10mm displacements, as well as the maximum force. There was a statistical intergroup difference and it was observed that increasing the advancement decreased fixation resistance with a single plate, and inserting an additional plate significantly increased osteosynthesis resistance. In the 12mm advancements, clockwise rotation proved to be more resistant when fixed with only one plate. By contrast, counterclockwise rotation was significantly more resistant in stabilizing the mandibular sagittal ramus osteotomy when two plates were used.

Effectiveness of neoadjuvant intralesional methotrexate in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A prospective cohorts study.

Intralesional methotrexate (il-MTX) has been used in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) achieving important reductions in tumor size. However, there is a lack of controlled studies on this regard. The primary objective was to analyze the effect of il-MTX on tumor size in cSCC. As a secondary objective, we evaluated its impact on the surgical approach. We conducted a prospective cohorts study that included 200 patients with histologically confirmed cSCC. Patients in Group 1 (Cases) received neoadjuvant treatment with il-MTX prior to surgery. Patients in Group 2 (Controls) underwent scheduled surgery without prior neoadjuvant therapy. Clinical measurements of lesions were made at the time of inclusion in the study and before surgery. No intergroup statistical differences were found between the assessed variables. In Group 1, tumor size reduction occurred in 93% of the patients after il-MTX therapy. Tumor surface was reduced by 54%. Complex reconstructions were needed in 15% of these patients. In Group 2, tumor surface increased by 33.1% and complex reconstructions were needed in 40% of patients. Intergroup differences were statistically significant (p< 0.001). Neoadjuvant Il-MTX therapy achieves very important tumor size reduction and significantly simplifies surgical treatment.

Heart rate variability-guided training in professional runners: Effects on performance and vagal modulation

Purpose: To analyze the training structure following a heart rate variability (HRV) -guided training or traditional training protocol, determining their effects on the cardiovascular performance of professional endurance runners, and describing the vagal modulation interaction.Methods: This was an 8-week cluster-randomized controlled trial. Twelve professional endurance runners were randomly assigned to an HRV-guided training group (HRV-G; n = 6) or a traditional training group (TRAD-G; n = 6). The training methodology followed by the HRV-G was determined by their daily HRV scores. Training intensities were recorded daily. HRV4Training was used to register the rMSSD every morning and during a 60-second period. Cardiovascular outcomes were obtained through an incremental treadmill test. The primary outcome was the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).Results: Total training volume was significantly higher in TRAD-G, but moderate intensity training was significantly higher in HRV-G (X ± SDDif=1.98 ± 0.1%; P = 0.006; d = 1.22) and low intensity training in TRAD-G (X ± SDDif=2.03 ± 0.74%; P = 0.004; d = 1.36). The maximal velocity increased significantly in HRV-G (P = 0.027, d = 0.66), while the respiratory exchange ratio increased in TRAD-G (P = 0.017, d = 1). There was a small effect on the LnRMSSD increment (P = 0.365, d = 0.4) in HRV-G. There were statistical inter-group differences in the ∆maximal heart rate when ∆LnrMSSD was considered as a covariable (F = 7.58; P = 0.025; d = 0.487). There were significant and indirect correlations of LnRMSSDTEST with VO2max (r =-0.656, P = 0.02), ∆LnrMSSD with ∆VO2max (r = -0.606, P = 0.037), and ∆LnrMSSDCV with ∆VENT (r = -0.790, P = 0.002).Conclusions: higher HRV scores suggest better cardiovascular adaptations due to higher training intensities, favoring HRV as a measure to optimize individualized training in professional runners.

Productivity of germinative duck chimaeras and their descendants

The relevance of the study is conditioned upon the necessity to explore the possible influence of chimerisation on the productivity of germinative duck chimaeras and their descendants. To obtain duck chimaeras, the method described by Aige-Gil &amp; Simkiss and Tagirov was applied. Shanma duck embryos were used as recipients and Shaoxin duck embryos homozygous for the plumage colour gene (wild type) were used as donors. To evaluate the egg production of germinative chimaeras of ducks, the analysis of experimental animals and their control counterparts was performed. Analysis of the age of sexual maturation (laying the first egg) indicates that the chimaeras matured later. While in the control group the average age of puberty was 139±9 days, in the chimaera group it was 148±13 days. Thus, it can be concluded that in this experiment chimaeras matured later than control animals, which may be related to the effect of busulfan during the sterilisation of recipient embryos. The average live weight of ducks in the control group was lower, and the group itself was more united. Thus, in control ducks, the weight was 1422.40±57.00 g, and in chimaeras – 1608.80±94.76 g. The advantage of chimaeras over the control group in terms of live weight may be related to the fact that the control group consisted of recipients of the Shanma breed. Egg production of ducks for the entire research period was 87.5±0.05% (control) and 79.5±0.12% (busulfan). The weight of eggs in ducks of two groups for the entire period was: 70.62±0.199 g (control) and 71.15±0.157 g. Morphometric parameters of eggs of the researched groups of ducks: average values of egg length – 6.056±0.0564 cm (control) and 6.269±0.1341 cm (busulfan); egg width – 4.520± 0.0053 cm (control) and 4.529±0.004 cm (busulfan). There were no statistical intergroup differences in the morphometric parameters of the eggs of the research groups. Analysis of the productivity of daughters of germinative duck chimaeras demonstrates that, in general, the chimerisation of parents did not affect the productivity of their daughters. The analysis of the productivity of the group of daughters obtained from chimeric animals demonstrates that, by most indicators, this group occupies an intermediate place between the groups whose breeds served as donors and recipients. The method author of the research uses to obtain chimaeras is of practical value for the conservation of genetic resources

Upregulation of PD-1 expression on circulating CD8+ but not CD4+ T cells is associated with tuberculosis infection in health care workers

BackgroundHealth care workers (HCWs) are at risk for occupationally acquired Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis (TB) disease due to repeated exposure to workplace tubercle bacilli. To determine whether continual mycobacterial stimulation correlates with increased expression of inhibitory T cell receptors, here we compared PD-1 receptor expression on surfaces of circulating T cells between naïve (uninfected) HCWs and HCWs with latent TB infection (LTBI).ResultData collected from 133 medical workers who met study selection criteria were included in the final analysis. QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-​Tube (QFT-GIT) testing yielded positive results for 32 HCWs, for an overall LTBI rate of 24.1%. Multivariate analysis identified HCW length of service > 15 years as an independent risk factor for a positive QFT-GIT result. In addition, comparisons of blood T cell subgroup profiles between QFT- and QFT+ groups indicated QFT+ subjects possessed greater proportions of mature (TM), transitional memory (TTM) and effector memory (TEM) CD4+ T cell subgroups and lower proportions of naïve T cells (TN). Moreover, the QFT+ group percentage of CD8+ T cells with detectable surface PD-1 was significantly higher than the corresponding percentage for the QFT- group. Meanwhile, no statistical intergroup difference was observed in percentages of CD4+ T cells with detectible surface PD-1.ConclusionsOur data demonstrated that upregulated PD-1 expression on circulating CD8+, but not CD4+ T cells, was associated with latent TB infection of HCWs. As compared to other hospitals, occupational TB infection risk in our hospital was substantially mitigated by implementation of multitiered infection control measures.

Modern multimodality management of patients with caval leiomyosarcoma: New treatment paradigms and potential molecular insights.

Caval leiomyosarcomas (cLMS) are rare soft tissue sarcomas historically associated with high recurrence rates and poor prognosis. While radical resection remains the mainstay of therapy for cLMS, new systemic therapies have presented opportunities for multimodality treatment. We examined the clinical outcomes of patients with cLMS treated with modern, multimodality approaches, and compared their outcomes to those of patients with noncaval retroperitoneal LMS (ncLMS). A retrospective, single-institution review identified all patients diagnosed with primary retroperitoneal LMS from 2012 to 2018. Radiographic and pathologic review distinguished patients with cLMS and ncLMS. Standard clinicopathologic variables and response to chemotherapy (when applicable) were analyzed. Primary endpoints were overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Eleven patients with cLMS were identified. Median tumor size was 7.5 cm (IQR, 5.0-14.3 cm); all patients had Stage II/III disease. Seven patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Nine cLMS patients underwent R0/R1 resection; two did not complete resection. Six patients received adjuvant systemic therapy. Twenty patients with ncLMS were treated during the same period. No statistical intergroup differences were noted in tumor size, pathologic grade, stage, or resection margin status. Patients with ncLMS were less likely to receive neoadjuvant (10% vs. 64%) and adjuvant chemotherapy (30% vs. 55%). Two-year OS (81% vs. 78%; p = NS) and PFS (55% vs. 46%; p = NS) were comparable between cLMS and ncLMS patients. Multimodality treatment with systemic therapy and aggressive surgical resection may achieve equivalent survival outcomes for patients with cLMS versus similar ncLMS. We recommend that all patients with cLMS be evaluated for multidisciplinary treatment. Genomic and proteomic expression profiling may identify novel or targetable mutations.

Technique to reduce blood loss during open abdominal myomectomy: transverse or vertical incision?

To determine if there is a difference between uterine incision techniques (vertical vs. transversal) in terms of clinical results. All women with leiomyomas who underwent open abdominal myomectomy (n=61) between March and August 2016 at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic at the Women's Health Research and Training Hospital Zekai Tahir Burak were included, and the clinical results were included and prospectively reviewed. The estimated blood loss during myomectomy increased in the transversal group compared with the vertical group (809.33±483.34 versus 405.32±180.95 mL, p<0.001). The average operation duration was 60 min, and the patients got discharged on the second day after surgery. No intergroup statistical differences were observed in the surgical procedure. Surgeons should give preference to the most viable incision depending on the size and location of the leiomyoma.

Microbial Adherence of three different suture materials in patients undergoing periodontal flap surgery. A clinical &amp; microbiological study

proliferation of microbes to the parts open to the oral cavity. Hence, microbial colonization on various intraoral suture materials from patients undergoing periodontal flap surgery and its impact on healing of gingival tissues was&#x0D; compared.&#x0D; Patients and Methods: During periodontal flap surgery, three different suture materials (silk, polyamide, &amp; vicryl) were used in 25 patients. Eight days postoperatively, the sutures were removed, and adhered micro-organisms were counted by culturing on nutrient agar.&#x0D; Additionally clinical parameters, bleeding on probing and papillary position to assess healing were recorded to baseline, at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks.&#x0D; Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for statistical analysis.&#x0D; Results: Mean CFU’s for silk, polyamide and vicryl sutures were 6.239 ±1.476 X 108, 2.425 ± 1.010 X 108, 4.431 ± 1.069 X 108.&#x0D; There was no inter-group statistical difference in the clinical parameters i.e. bleeding on probing, papillary position at all time periods (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; There was a significant statistical improvement in bleeding on probing in all the three groups from base line (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrated that bacteria have different affinity towards different suture materials. Monofilament polyamide suture adhered the least amount of bacteria, followed by multifilament vicryl suture, while silk adhered maximum amount of bacteria.&#x0D; There was no statistically significant difference in the healing of gingival tissues in between all the three groups.&#x0D; Keywords: Monofilament sutures, Multifilament sutures, Colony forming units, Periodontal flap surgery&#x0D;

Effects of a Low-Dose Spirulina/Turmeric Supplement on Cardiometabolic and Antioxidant Serum Markers of Patients With Abdominal Obesity.

Obesity is one of the greatest public health problems worldwide. It is associated with underlying low-grade inflammation, thus is a risk factor for the development of cardiometabolic alterations. Functional foods, such as spirulina and turmeric, in the form of nutraceutics have been considered to exert not only an antioxidant effect but also modulate mechanisms in the metabolic pathways underlying cardiometabolic disruptions. We aimed to study the effectiveness of supplementation with a Spirulina maxima/Turmeric longa mixture (266 mg/156.6 mg) on body composition, lipemic, and antioxidant status in patients with abdominal obesity. To achieve this, 43 patients were included (control group, n = 21, and experimental, n = 22), in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Both groups were daily supplemented, orally, for 12 weeks. After 3-month supplementation (altogether with individualized dietary management), both groups showed a decrease in body weight, fat mass, and abdominal circumference; however, no intergroup statistical differences were found. The same phenomenon was observed concerning biochemical metabolic markers; nevertheless, an obvious trend favoring spirulina/turmeric supplementation can be appreciated. Finally, both groups significantly increased their serum antioxidant status, although the supplemented groups showed a two-fold accrue vs. placebo.

Influence of knee osteoarthritis on functional performance, quality of life and pain in older women

Abstract Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative disease in older people, causing pain, stiffness and dysfunction. Objective: To determine the influence of KOA on functional performance (FP), quality of life (QoL) and pain in older women. Method: This is a cross-sectional study, in which 50 older women diagnosed with KOA and 51 without KOA participated. Participants were assessed using FP tests: Sit-to-stand (STS); Gait speed test (GST); Timed Up and Go (TUG); 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Pain was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS); quality of life by applying the SF-36; and self-perception of the disease by using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results: No intergroup statistical differences were found in the BBS (p: 0.42), STS (p: 0.59) and 6MWT (p: 0.97). However, the KOA group showed slower GS (p &lt; 0.00) and longer time in TUG (p &lt; 0.00). They also presented higher pain levels (p &lt; 0.01), worse perceived health status regarding pain, stiffness and physical function (WOMAC) (p &lt; 0.01), as well as worse QoL indices in functional capacity, physical limitations, pain and overall health status (p &lt; 0.010). Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate that older women with KOA showed a decline in FP, QoL and higher pain levels.

Clinical effect of diode laser on peri-implant tissues during non-surgical peri-implant mucositis therapy: Randomized controlled clinical study.

Background The aim of this study is to evaluate the response to the non-surgical treatment of peri-implant mucositis using the diode laser as an adjuvant therapy in patients with implant-supported restorations, in terms of clinical variables, with respect to those patients in whom conventional non-surgical therapy is used. Material and Methods Randomized controlled clinical trial with simple blind 3 months follow-up. Two groups of patients were established, the non-surgical mechanical debridement of the affected implants was performed in the control group (n = 34) and the diode laser therapy was also performed in the test group (n = 34). The implant was considered the study subject; the variables considered were plaque index, bleeding on probing depth, depth of probing and recession of the peri-implant mucosa. The t-Student test was used to establish the intergroup statistical differences and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to measures intragroup differences over time. Results In the revaluation at 6 weeks, we observed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between the variables of plaque index and depth of probing between both groups. The test group obtained an average of 0.248 ± 0.3155 in plaque index and 0.833 ± 0.374mm in the depth of probing compared to the results obtained in the control group that was 0.558 ± 0.526 and 1,137 ± 0.222mm respectively. In the 3-month reevaluation, was also obtained great statistical significance between both groups for bleeding on probing (p<0.001), with values of 0.568 ± 0.282 for the control group and 0.480 ± 0.336 for the test group. Conclusions The use of diode laser as an adjunctive therapy to the conventional treatment of peri-implant mucositis showed promising results, being more effective reducing the inflammation of the peri-implant tissue, positioning itself as a valuable tool for the treatment of peri-implant pathologies. Key words:Peri-implant diseases, peri-implant mucositis, laser therapy, diode laser, biostimulation.

Comparative outcomes of robot-assisted minimally invasive versus open esophagectomy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a propensity score-weighted analysis.

Robots are increasingly used in minimally invasive surgery. We evaluated the clinical benefits of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) in comparison with the conventional open esophageal surgery. From 2012 to 2016, 371 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma underwent an Ivor Lewis or McKeown procedure at our institution. Of these, 130 patients underwent laparoscopic gastric conduit formation followed by RAMIE, whereas 241 patients underwent conventional esophageal surgery, including laparotomy and open esophagectomy (OE). We compared the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of these patients using the propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting technique (IPTW). Among the early outcomes, the OE group showed a higher incidence of pneumonia (P = 0.035) and a higher requirement for vasopressors (P = 0.001). Regarding the long-term outcomes, all-cause mortality was significantly higher (P = 0.001) and disease-free survival was lower (P = 0.006) in the OE group. Wound-related problems also occurred more frequently in the OE group (P = 0.020) during the long-term follow-up. There was no statistical intergroup difference in the recurrence rates (P = 0.191). The Cox proportional-hazard analysis demonstrated that wound problems (HR 0.16, 95% CI 0.02-0.57; P = 0.017), pneumonia (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06-0.68; P = 0.019), and use of vasopressors (HR 0.14, 95% CI 0.08-0.25; P = 0.001) were independent predictors of mortality. RAMIE could be a better surgical option for selected patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.