Subgroup B2 Research Articles

Identification and frequency of the associated genes with virulence and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from cow's milk presenting mastitis pathology

Antimicrobial resistance, genotype, and virulence gene content of Escherichia coli isolated from bovine clinical mastitis in Tehran Province, Iran, were studied. Two hundred seven (207) milk samples from individual cows presenting mastitis symptoms collected from different dairy farms were used to determine the presence of specific genes of E.coli responsible for this pathology. Multiplex PCR was used to differentiate E.coli isolates into different phylogenetic groups/subgroups and to detect their virulence and involved resistance genes. All the isolated strains were tested for the susceptibility to 21 antimicrobial agents. The results showed that E.coli was detected in 42 (20.3%) samples and 69% of them belonged to the phylogenetic groups A and B1. The phylogenetic subgroup A1 (31%) and subgroup B1 (28.6%) demonstrated the highest prevalence of virulence genes (f17c-A, and eae (n=6), f17b-A, and f17d-A (n=5), afaD-8, afaE-8, aucD, and bfpA (n=4), clpG and VT (n=2), and LT and ST genes (n=1)). The highest antimicrobial resistance was observed for tetracycline (45.2%) followed by streptomycin (26.2%). The antimicrobial resistance genes tetB (31%), tetA (28.6%), and aadA (26.2%) were the most prevalent. Moreover, integron class 1 and 2 were found in 24 (57.1%) and 8 (19%) of the E.coli isolates.

THE EFFECT OF REMAINING CORONAL DENTIN WALL THICKNESS ON FRACTURE RESISTANCE OF ENDODONTICALLY TREATED TEETH RESTORED WITH POST AND CORE

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the remaining coronal wallthickness of dentin on fracture resistance of endodontically treated anterior tooth restored by castpost and glass fiber post and core.Materials & Methods. A total number of 100 human maxillary central incisors were collectedand stored in an isotonic saline solution at room temperature until used. Teeth were randomlydivided into 3 main groups control group (CG), group A and B. Control group 20 endodonticallytreated teeth (ETT) without post and core fabrication restored with full metal crown.Group A, 40 ETT restored by custom made casted metal post and core.Group A, subdivided into subgroup A1, subgroup A2 of 20 ETT and restored with metal crownof 0.5mm and 1.0mm finish line width respectively.Group B, 40 ETT restored by glass fiber post and composite core. Group B, subdivided intosubgroup B1, subgroup B2 of 20 ETT and restored with metal crown of 0.5mm and 1.0mm finishline width respectively. The prepared specimens were subjected to load testing using a universaltesting machine. The fracture pattern was observed and fracture load results were then statisticallyanalyzed using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA ) in SPSS software.Results. The highest mean fracture load of 991.5±54.1 N for The control group CG followedby group A1 with a mean of 780.2±67.8 N and group A2with a mean of 521.5± 96.8 N then groupB1 with a mean of 489.24 ±30.61 N and the lowest mean fracture load of 388.32± 29.45 N was forgroup B2.Conclusion. The thickness of remaining coronal dentin affects the fracture resistance ofendodontically treated teeth received both casted metal and fiber post and core significantly.

Does lung perfusion scintigraphy continue to have a role in the clinical management of patients suspected of pulmonary embolism in the CT pulmonary angiography era?

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening disorder with high mortality. A prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential for reducing the mortality rate. The purpose of the study is to evaluate if lung perfusion scintigraphy (LPS) continues to have a role in the clinical management of patients suspected of pulmonary embolism in the CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) era. For this study, 1183 patients who had been subjected to LPS were retrospectively evaluated and classified into the following groups: A (positive LPS), B (negative LPS) and C (indeterminate LPS). Patients were further classified into A1 ('PE likely' and LPS-negative), B1 (PE unlikely and LPS-positive) and C1 (PE likely and indeterminate LPS) by combining the LPS findings and the clinical pretest probability (cpp). Subgroups A1, B1 and C1 underwent additional CTPA. Groups A, B, and C included 1086/1183, 69/1183 and 28/1183 patients, respectively. The proportion of patients with inconsistent cpp LPS findings who underwent additional CTPA was 106/1183 patients: subgroup A1 (n = 73), B1 (n = 21), and C1 (n = 12). In subgroup A1, CTPA was negative in 61/73, non-diagnostic in 12/73 and positive in 0/73 patients. In subgroup B1, CTPA excluded PE in 2/21, non-diagnostic in 3/21 and positive in 16/21 patients. In group C1, CTPA was negative in 8/12, positive in 2/12 and non-diagnostic in 2/12 patients. In the CTPA era, LPS continues to have a role in the clinical management of patients suspected of PE.

Cavity Preparation by Laser in Primary Teeth: Effect of 2 Levels of Energy Output on the Shear Bond Strength of Composite Restoration to Dentin.

Introduction: One of the main applications of laser in dentistry is the removal of dental caries and preparation of restorative cavities. The morphology and wettability of laser prepared surfaces are different from that of those prepared with conventional method which may affect the quality of the adhesive potential of bonding agents in these surfaces. This study aimed to assess the shear bond strength of a total-etch and self-etch adhesive system to primary tooth dentin prepared by two different energy densities of Er:YAG laser in comparison with surfaces prepared by bur. Methods: A total of 60 human primary second molars extracted for orthodontic purposes were selected and randomly divided into 3 main groups of equal (n=20). Group A: Preparation of dentin surface by bur; group B: Preparation of dentin surface by laser with 300 mJ energy level; group C: Preparation of dentin surface by laser with 400 mJ energy level. In each of the main groups, the teeth were randomly assigned to 2 subgroups. Composite resin material was bonded with the total-etch adhesive system in subgroups A1, B1, and C1 and with the self-etch adhesive system in subgroups A2, B2, and C2. The samples were thermo-cycled, and composite restorations shear bond strength was measured in MPa. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The highest and the lowest shear bond strength values were observed in group A2 (Preparation by bur- Composite resin material bonded by Clearfil SE Bond) and group C2 (Preparation by laser with 400 mJ energy level - Composite resin material bonded by Clearfil SE Bond), respectively. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the study subgroups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that in terms of shear bond strength to dentin, Single Bond and Clearfil SE Bond adhesive agents adequately perform in primary tooth dentin prepared by Er: YAG laser with energy levels of 300 and 400 mJ and frequency of 10 Hz.

Effect of Condensation Techniques on Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth Restored with Different Post Systems

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth with two obturating techniques supported with different post systems.A total of 90 sounds freshly extracted sound human single rooted teeth were included in the present study. The teeth were prepared by using the crown-down technique. The prepared specimens were divided randomly into three main groups (30 specimens each) .Group A1 used Titanium post),Group A2 used Glass fiber post), and Group A3 used Cast post. Each main group was divided into two subgroups (15 specimens each ) according to the obturation techniques .Subgroup B1 used lateral condensation technique, and Subgroup B2 used Thermo plasticized injectable technique. Each subgroup was further subdivided into three minor subgroups each composed of5 specimens .Subdivision S1 Post immediately placed after obturation, S2 (One month), and S3 (Three months). Failure loads were measured under a static loading. The results of fracture resistance of this study showed that at Immediate, 1 month, and 3 months; no statistical significant difference between vertical and lateral obturation technique. Post types showed that there were statistically significant differences in both obturation techniques. Conclusions: The Glass fiber post was more fracture resistance followed by Titanium post, then Cast post.

Evaluation of the Effects of Administration of Aqueous Root Extract of <i>Chrysophylum albidum</i> on Fertility in Male Wistar Albino Rats

This study evaluated the effects of administration of aqueous root extracts ofChrysophyllumalbidumon sperm characteristics and histology of the epididymis of experimental rats. Forty-five adult male Wistar rats were randomized into 3 groups of 15 rats each. Each group was further randomized into 3 subgroups of 5 rats each, according to the dose and duration of extract administration. Administration of the extract for 8 weeks resulted in significant (P < 0.05) decreases in the number of progressively motile sperm cells of rats in subgroup B3 (75.00 ± 0.00 %) and C3 (75.00 ± 0.00 %) as compared with the control subgroup A3 (80.00 ± 0.00 %). Also, there were significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the number of morphologically normal sperm cells of rats in test subgroups B3 treated with low dose and C3 treated with high dose. However, there were no significant histological changes in the epididymis of the experimental rats in all the treated groups, at different doses and duration. Administration of aqueous root extract ofChrysophyllumalbidiumat varying doses and time duration negatively affects sperm motility and morphology which may compromise the fertility of the experimental rats.

CT pulmonary angiography using organ dose modulation with an iterative reconstruction algorithm and 3D Smart mA in different body mass indices: image quality and radiation dose.

To investigate the differences in imaging quality and radiation dose in CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) by organ dose modulation and 3D Smart mA modulation in different body mass indices (BMIs) with an adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR-V) algorithm. Three hundred female patients who underwent CTPA were equally divided into three groups: A (18.5kg/m2 ≦ BMI < 24.9kg/m2), B (24.9kg/m2 ≦ BMI < 29.9kg/m2) and C (29.9kg/m2 ≦ BMI≦ 34.9kg/m2). The groups were randomly subdivided into two subgroups (n = 50): A1-A2, B1-B2 and C1-C2. The patients in subgroups A1, B1 and C1 underwent organ dose modulation with the ASiR-V algorithm. The other patients underwent 3D Smart mA modulation. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of all images were calculated after CTPA. Images were then subjectively evaluated using a 5-point scale. The volume CT dose index and dose-length product (DLP) were recorded and their means calculated. The DLP was converted to the effective dose (ED). In group A, the SNR, CNR, and subjective image scores showed no statistical differences (P > 0.05). The ED in subgroup A1 was 33.36% lower than that in A2. In group B and C, the variables showed no significant differences between the subgroups B1 and B2 (P > 0.05), and the subgroups C1 and C2 (P > 0.05), respectively. The ED in subgroup B1 and C1 was 36.15 and 38.22% lower than that in B2 and C2, respectively. Using organ dose modulation and applying the ASiR-V algorithm can more effectively reduce the radiation dose in CTPA than in 3D Smart mA modulation, while maintaining image quality.

Teratogenic Effect of Levetiracetam Drug on the Development of the Kidney in Embryo Rat

The new antiepileptic drugs, levetiracetam (LEV), are used to treat tonic-clonic seizures and myoclonic seizures in adults and children. Thirty pregnant rats were enrolled, which were divided into two groups A control (10), B treated (20). Group (A) were given distilled water orally for 15 days of pregnancy period. The other group was subdivided into two subgroups B1, B2 (each with 10 rats), which were treated with LEV for 14 days for subgroup (B1) and 15 days for the other subgroup (B2). The drug (350 mg/kg/day) is administered orally. Based on our results there was damage in the kidney due to the toxicity of the drug. The histopathological effects is represented by damage of cortical glomeruli in which there were hemorrhage, shrinking, accumulation of glomerular cells, and enlargement of capsular space. Severe malformations in the kidney were observed when the drug is used constantly during the organogenesis stages of pregnancy.

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder : A Case Report

Background: Oseltamivir phosphate (OP) is preferred treatment for influenza with activity against influenza A and B. It is commonly recommended for the treatment and chemoprophylaxis in pregnancy and lactation. Serious neuropsychiatric adverse reactions were observed in patient treated with OP. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of OP on prenatal and post-natal development of the albino rat cerebellar cortex. Material and methods: This study was carried out on 40 pregnant albino rats and 120 of their offspring of both sex, 3 from each mother. The pregnant rats were divided equally into 2 main groups A and B. Group A (control): it was subdivided equally into 2 subgroups A1 and A2. Group B (OP treated): it was subdivided equally into 2 subgroups B1 and B2. In group A, each rat mother was given 0.9 ml distilled water twice daily by oral gavage for successive 5 days. In group B, each rat mother was given 0.9 ml distilled water containing 1.35 mg OP twice daily by oral gavage for successive 5 days. Dosing started from the 15th to 19 th of pregnancy in subgroups A1 and B1 while it started from the 1st to 5th day after delivery in subgroups A2 and B2. Cerebelli were collected, on the 1st day of birth in subgroups A1 and B1, on the 7 th day of birth in subgroups A2 and B2, and on the 14 th day of birth in subgroups A1, A2, B1 and B2. The cerebelli of all subgroups were subjected to light microscopic study and the cerebelli of 14 days old offspring were subjected also, to transmission electron microscopic and morphometric studies and statistical analysis. Results: OP induced delayed development and neurotoxic effects on the cerebellar cortex of albino rat offspring whose mother dosed OP during pregnancy or during lactation. Conclusion: Oseltamivir phosphate induced pre and post-natal delayed development and neurotoxic insults on the cerebellar cortex of albino rat.

Decreased ultrasound echogenicity as a thyroid hypofunction marker and correlation with autoantibody levels

Background/Aim. The value of ultrasound in functional disorders can be significant. That is why the question arises on the use of ultrasound examination of thyroid gland and its echogenicity as a screening method in early detection of disfunctions, of the gland primarily subclinical and clinical forms of hypothyreoidism. The objective of this paper was to determine antibodies of thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and thyroglobuline antibodies (anti-TG) increase frequency in relation to the character of ultrasound echogenicity as well as to estimate the frequency of subclinically and clinically obvious hypothyreoidism in relation to the changed echogenicity. Methods. Study included 656 patients in outpatient clinic during 2014. All examinees underwent ultrasound examination of thyroid gland, the blood was taken for determination of free thyroxine (FT4), thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH), anti-TPO and anti-TG. The patients were divided into two groups; the group A with normal echogenicity of thyroid gland tissue, and the group B with decreased echogenicity. The group B was divided into two subgroups, B1 with a mildly decreased and B2 with significantly decreased echogenicity. Results. TPO antibody, TSH and TG antibody positivity and their mean values in the group B were significantly higher, as well as in subgroups B1 and B2, in relation to the group A (p &lt; 0.001). In the group A, only 4 (1%) examinees were indicated with subclinical hypothyreoidism. In the group B, the sublinical hypothyreoidism was indicated in 42, while the clinical hypothyreoidism was indicated in 16 examinees. Fifty-eight (25%) examinees suffered from thyroid gland altered function. In the subgroup B1, 16 examinees were indicated with subclinical and 4 with clinical hypothyreoidism. Twenty (11%) examinees suffered from altered thyroid function. In the group B2, the subclinical hypothyreoidism was found in 26 examinees, while the clinical hypothyreoidism was found in 12. Thirty-eight (76%) examinees suffered from altered thyroid function. Conclusion. The ultrasound screening of thyroid gland plays an important role in early detection of thyroid disfunction, i.e., sublinical and clinical hypothyreoidism. Decreased ultrasound echogenicity represents the significant marker of altered thyroid gland function. In these persons we have determined the high percentage of subclinical and clinical hypothyreoidism frequency.

Evaluation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 4, interleukin 6, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase in rabbits overdosed with ibuprofen and supplemented with guava leaf (Psidium guajava) extract

Introduction: Guava leaf contains low calorie, vitamins, minerals antioxidants, polyphenolic, and flavonoid compounds which may play important role in prevention of cancers, aging, cell differentiation, apoptosis and may also have immune enhancing properties while ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug commonly used to relief pain. It reduces hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.This project work was therefore designed to evaluate the plasma level of pro (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)) and anti inflammatory (interleukin 4 [IL 4] and 6) cytokines, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in rabbits overdosed with ibuprofen and supplemented with guava leaf extract. Methods: Fifteen rabbits grouped into three experimental groups labeled A–C (with subgroups B1, B2, C1, and C2) with A as control were investigated. An overdose of ibuprofen of 1600 mg/kgBW was administered to Group B and C rabbits to induce toxicity, while 400 ml/kgBW guava leaf extract was used to reduce and treat ibuprofen toxicity. Plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), IL-4 and 6, AST, and ALT were analyzed biochemically by spectrophotometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The result obtained showed a significant increase in the plasma value of TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, ALT, and AST in rabbits induced with 1600 mg/kgBW of ibuprofen per oral fed with normal meal for 7 days (Group B1 and C1) compared with normal rabbits fed with normal meal and water only for 7 days (Group A) (P

Liver stiffness measurement and spleen diameter as predictors for the presence of esophageal varices in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Although it is an invasive and unpleasant procedure, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is still the gold standard for esophageal varices (EV) detection. The aim of this study was to investigate liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and spleen diameter as simple noninvasive tools for EV prediction in chronic hepatitis C patients (CHC).A total of 123 Egyptian patients with CHC have been included and were classified based on screening EGD result into 2 groups; group A (without EV) and group B (with EV). Group (B) was subclassified according to EV grade into 4 subgroups: (B1, grade I), (B2, grade II), (B3, grade III), and (B4, grade IV). LSM was taken for each patient on the next day by an independent Fibroscan operator and correlated to the EGD result. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical data were recorded and analyzed using advanced data-mining computational technology.Mean LSM was 9.94 ± 6 kPa for group A and 33.32 ± 14 kPa for group B, whereas it was 21.22 ± 3, 25.72 ± 6, 33.82 ± 8, and 46.1 ± 15 kPa for subgroups B1, B2, B3, and B4, respectively. Mean spleen diameter was 11.09 ± 1.7 cm for group A and 16.58 ± 1.6 cm for group B. However, LSM ≥17 kPa was the only independent factor for EV prediction; splenic longitudinal span ≥15 cm was a complementary predictor when LSM was <17 kPa. The overall accuracy was 98.33 ± 3.33, Mikro = 98.26%.LSM ≥17 kPa and spleen diameter ≥15 cm is a simple noninvasive algorithm that could be used for prediction of EV and discrimination among its different grades.

One hundred twenty-five fat myringoplasties: Does marginal perforation matter?

Objective to evaluate if calcified plaques adjacent to the perforation and marginal perforations are real contraindications to the fat graft myringoplasty. Study Design prospective study. Methods This study was conducted, from 1st January 2008 to 31 December 2015 at our Otolaryngology Department of S.G. Moscati Hospital. The investigation included 125 patients, 60 males and 65 females, affected by COM who have undergone fat graft myringoplasty between 01/01/2008 to 31/12/2011. The average age of patients was 46 years (ranged 18 – 80).The patients were selected consecutively. For all the procedures the last otomicroscopic control was performed in 2015. Follow-up studies were done at 3 days, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and then once a year(mean follow-up 5.5 years, range 4-7 years). Informed consent was obtained after discussion of the alternative solutions. The consent of our institutional ethic committee was obtained. The inclusion criteria were the following: none previously ear surgery, dry ear at the time of surgery, persistent perforation for at least 6 months, absence of granulomatous tissue and cholesteatoma, perforation size of up to 35% of the eardrum surface, absence of ossicular chain damage. All patients who met inclusion criteria were enrolled. All patients included in the study accepted to be controlled for the entire follow-up. On the basis of tympanic membrane characteristics the study group was divided into 3 groups and 4 sub-groups: Group A (n=67) the fat myringoplasty was performed following the traditional indications, Group B(n=31) marginal perforations in which one side of the perforation is the fibrous annulus, was divided in 2 sub-groups B1(n=16) without calcified plaques adjacent to perforation and B2 (n=15) with plaques, Group C (n=27), marginal perforations in which one side is the bone annulus, was divided in 2 subgroups C1(n=15) without plaques and C2 (n=12) with plaques. The Fisher exact test (FET) was used to compare results in the described groups(sub-groups B1 with group A, sub-groups B2 with group A, subgroups C1 with group A and subgroups C2 with group A). A p<0.05 was considered significant. The surgical success is obtained with a complete closure of the tympanic membrane perforation. 0 dB. The mean pre-operative air bone gap (ABG) was 18,2 dB. Calculation of hearing results was in accordance with the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 1995 guidelines for reporting conductive hearing loss 7 . This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effect of intraperitoneal and incisional port site lidocaine on pain relief after gynecological laparoscopic surgery: A randomized controlled study

Abstract Objective To evaluate the role of Intraperitoneal and port site use of local anesthetic (Lidocaine HCl) in gynecological laparoscopy for postoperative pain relief. Study design A prospective randomized controlled study. Setting Aswan University Hospital-Egypt. Materials and methods We included patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery in the laparoscopy unit either diagnostic or operative. They were classified into two groups: group A (patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy) and group B (patients underwent operative laparoscopy). Each group was randomized to two sub groups. subgroup 1 or 2; subgroup 1 (control) which comprised 18 patients who were given routine care for surgery and 50 ml normal saline intraperitoneal washing and subgroup 2 (study), which included 18 patients who were given routine care plus pre- and post-incisional subcutaneous injection of 2% lidocaine HCl (xylocaine) 1 ml at each portal site and 10 ml 2% intraperitoneal lidocaine (200 mg) in 50 ml normal saline. The primary outcome of the study is the difference in mean pain score postoperatively between groups. Results There was significant reduction of the pain 1, 2, 4 and 8 h post-operatively shown by visual analogue scale pain scores in subgroup B2 compared to subgroup B1 and in subgroup A2 compared to subgroup A1 (P-value = 0.000). There was no significant difference in the incidence of nausea, vomiting, shoulder tip pain between both groups. Also there was no significant difference regards time of resumption of intestinal peristalsis and operation duration between subgroups. Conclusions This study clearly depicts that incisional and intraperitoneal infiltration of lidocaine is an easy, safe, inexpensive, and noninvasive method that provides good analgesia during the early post-operative period and also provides early recovery from laparoscopic surgery.

Efficacy of a leukotriene receptor antagonist for pediatric cedar pollen allergy complicated by asthma.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are identified as a monotherapy for asthma and allergic rhinitis; however, their use in children for treatment of these diseases has not been examined. Accordingly, the present study investigated the efficacy of pranlukast dry syrup for children with both pollinosis and asthma. The subjects were children receiving treatment for asthma who were also diagnosed with cedar pollen allergy. Patients were divided into a group that received continuous treatment with pranlukast (group A; n=20) and a group that commenced add-on treatment for pollinosis following the onset of symptoms (group B; n=20). Patients in group B were randomly allocated to subgroup B1 (add-on treatment with pranlukast dry syrup) or subgroup B2 (add-on treatment with a second-generation antihistamine). In both groups, nasal and ocular symptoms were evaluated every day and recorded in a diary. Exacerbation of nasal obstruction was demonstrated in group B; however, not in group A. There was a significant difference in symptoms observed between the two groups during the late peak pollen period (P<0.05). The incidence of nasal obstruction (defined as a nasal obstruction score ≥3 or use of a nasal steroid spray) was significantly lower in group A compared with group B (P<0.05). The maximum scores for sneezing and nasal obstruction during the late peak of the pollen season were lowest in group A, followed by subgroup B1 and subgroup B2. The present study demonstrated that long-term administration of LTRA for the management of asthma may improve nasal symptoms of pollinosis during the pollen season in children with pollinosis and asthma.

The management for pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis with upper respiratory tract concomitant diseases

Objective:To analyze the clinical impact of upper respiratory tract concomitant diseases in pediatrics chronic rhinosinusitis(CRS) and treatment methods, efficacy and timing of the concomitant diseases.Method:Two hundred and sixty-seven cases with CRS at a tertiary children's medical center from March 2013 to March 2015 were included in this study. The cases were divided into two groups according to the concomitant diseases. 66 cases without concomitant diseases were allocated into group A；201 cases with concomitant diseases were classified into group B. Group B was further divided into two subgroups according to treatment methods: subgroup B1(97 cases) and subgroup B2(104 cases). Group A and B1 were given the same basic treatment for 3 months，while Group B2 was given the basic plus targeted treatment for the same duration. Comprehensive evaluation was conducted at 3, 6 and 15-months after commencement of treatment. Result:The therapeutic effect of Group A was significantly superior to Group B1 in 3 months（P<0.05）.The clinical efficacy of Group A decreased slightly while Group B1 showed significantly reduced efficacy at 6 and 15-months （all P<0.05）. Comparing Group B1 and B2, the comprehensive effect of Group B2 was considerably better than Group B1 at 3 months（P<0.05）. Furthermore, Group B2 showed no decrease in efficacy while Group B1 decreased significantly at 6 and 15-month. Conclusion:Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, allergic rhinitis, adenoid hypertrophy and chronic tonsillitis, were common the upper respiratory tract accompanying diseases in children with CRS, and they had significant influence on the efficacy and recurrence of CRS. The basic plus targeted treatment can improve the efficacy and reduce recurrence.

180-Nucleotide Duplication in the G Gene of Human metapneumovirus A2b Subgroup Strains Circulating in Yokohama City, Japan, since 2014.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a member of the family Paramyxoviridae, was first isolated in 2001. Seroepidemiological studies have shown that HMPV has been a major etiological agent of acute respiratory infections in humans for more than 50 years. Molecular epidemiological, genetic, and antigenetic evolutionary studies of HMPV will strengthen our understanding of the epidemic behavior of the virus and provide valuable insight for the control of HMPV and the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs against HMPV infection. In this study, the nucleotide sequence of and genetic variations in the G gene were analyzed in HMPV strains prevalent in Yokohama City, in the Kanto area, Japan, between January 2013 and June 2016. As a part of the National Epidemiological Surveillance of Infectious Diseases, Japan, 1308 clinical specimens (throat swabs, nasal swabs, nasal secretions, and nasal aspirate fluids) collected at 24 hospitals or clinics in Yokohama City were screened for 15 major respiratory viruses with a multiplex reverse transcription–PCR assay. HMPV was detected in 91 specimens, accounting for 7.0% of the total specimens, and the nucleotide sequences of the G genes of 84 HMPV strains were determined. Among these 84 strains, 6, 43, 10, and 25 strains were classified into subgroups A2a, A2b, B1, and B2, respectively. Approximately half the HMPV A2b subgroup strains detected since 2014 had a 180-nucleotide duplication (180nt-dup) in the G gene and clustered on a phylogenic tree with four classical 180nt-dup-lacking HMPV A2b strains prevalent between 2014 and 2015. The 180nt-dup causes a 60-amino-acid duplication (60aa-dup) in the G protein, creating 23–25 additional potential acceptor sites for O-linked sugars. Our data suggest that 180nt-dup occurred between 2011 and 2013 and that HMPV A2b strains with 180nt-dup (A2b180nt-dup HMPV) became major epidemic strains within 3 years. The detailed mechanism by which the A2b180nt-dup HMPV strains gained an advantage that allowed their efficient spread in the community and the effects of 60aa-dup on HMPV virulence must be clarified.

Effect of Quinolones on Serum Testosterone Level in Male Albino Rats

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;To determine the toxic effects of quinolones on serum testosterone level in male albino rats.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Eighty male albino rats were randomly divided into A, B, C and D groups each group having 20 albino rats. These groups were further subdivided into A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1 and D2 having 10 albino rats each. Ciprofloxcin, ofloxacin and enoxacin dissolved in distilled water were given at 135mg/kg/ day, 72mg/kg/day and 12.5mg/kg/day to groups A, B and C respectively for 12 weeks. Only distilled water was given to group D which was control group for the same time period. Blood samples were drawn for testosterone hormone level estimation at 0, 14&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;, 28&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; and 42&lt;sup&gt;nd&lt;/sup&gt; day in subgroups Al, B1, Cl and D1 and then the animals in said groups were sacrificed on 42&lt;sup&gt;nd&lt;/sup&gt; day to identify testicular morphological changes. Rats in subgroup A2, B2, C2 and D2 were kept alive till 84&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; day after stopping drugs at 42 days to find out if there is any change in levels of testosterone after discontinuation of the treatment. Blood samples for testosterone hormone estimation were taken at 0, 14&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;, 28&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;, 42&lt;sup&gt;nd, &lt;/sup&gt;56&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;, 70&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; and 84&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; day from subgroups A2, B2, C2 and D2. Testosterone hormone estimation assay was performed on the collected samples.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Testosterone assay showed significant decrease in serum testosterone levels in all experimental groups, when compared with control group. These levels did not return back to normal even after withdrawal of drugs. This study suggests a gonadotoxic potential of quinolones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Quinolones reduce serum testosterone levels and should be used carefully for long term therapy.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

To evaluate the role of platelet-rich plasma in healing of acute diaphyseal fractures of the femur

PurposeNew research is focusing on the use of autologous growth factors to increase the effect of bone fracture healing while decreasing the amount of healing time for the patient. Platelets have been demonstrated to be the natural storage vessel for several growth factors and cytokines that promote blood coagulation, tissue repair, and the process of bone mineralization. The present study aims to evaluate the role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in healing of acute femoral shaft fractures radiologically. We hypothesize that it provides artificial hematoma and releases various growth factors. MethodsThis prospective randomized study was carried out in 72 patients of traumatic fracture of the femoral shaft operated with interlocking nails (closed or open). Patients were divided into two groups: study group A (n = 33) treated with intramedullary nailing & PRP injection/gel application in the same setting; and control group B (n = 39) treated with intramedullary nailing without PRP application. Both groups were further divided into two subgroups. Study group included subgroup A1 (n = 14) operated with closed intramedullary nailing and PRP injection at the fracture site under radiological control, and subgroup A2 (n = 19) operated with open intramedullary nailing and PRP gel along with fibrin membrane application at the fracture site; while control group included subgroup B1 (n = 16) operated with closed intramedullary nailing, and subgroup B2 (n = 23) operated with open intramedullary nailing. Radiological assessment of fracture healing was done by measuring the cortex to callus ratio every month till union at 6 months. ResultsMeasurements of mean cortex to callus ratio revealed significant difference between the groups A & B at third and fourth months. Measurements of mean cortex to callus ratio did not reveal significant difference between the subgroups at first and sixth months. A statistically significant difference was observed between subgroups A1 & B2 and B1 & B2 at the second month; between subgroups A1 & B2, A2 & B2 and B1 & B2 at the third month; and between subgroups A1 & B2 at fourth and fifth months. ConclusionPRP has no effect on femoral shaft fracture healing treated with closed intramedullary nailing. However, PRP and matrix scaffold provided by fibrin membrane may provide an artificial hematoma effect in the initial phase of healing in open or failed closed intramedullary nailing.

Comparison of the flexural strength of polymethyl methacrylate resin reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and processed by conventional water bath technique and microwave polymerization.

Purpose:This in vitro study was done to compare the flexural strength of polymethyl methacrylate resin reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and processed by conventional water bath technique and using microwave energy.Materials and Methods:A total of 180 acrylic resin specimens measuring 65 mm × 10 mm × 2.5 mm were fabricated, with conventional water bath groups and microwave group having ninety specimens each. Ninety specimens were divided into thirty specimens as control and subgroups containing 0.025% MWCNTs and 0.050% MWCNTs with thirty specimens each. The specimens were tested for flexural strength by three-point bending test on universal testing machine. The statistical analysis was done using Student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance, and the intercomparison between each group was done using Tukey's post hoc analysis.Results:The mean flexural strength of specimens cured by water bath technique was 95.563 MPa and microwave technique was 118.416 MPa. Control Group B possesses highly significant increase in flexural strength than Control Group A with P < 0.01. Unpaired Student's t-test showed that Subgroup B1 and Subgroup B2 possess highly significant increase in flexural strength than Subgroup A1and Subgroup A2.Conclusion:Heat polymerized denture base resin with and without reinforcement of MWCNTs and polymerized by microwave technique possess higher flexural strength than heat polymerized fiber reinforced denture resin polymerized by water bath technique. MWCNTs could be used as an effective reinforcement material for denture base resin polymerized by either water bath technique or microwave energy.