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Objectives: The aims of this study were to analyse the serotypes of epidemic Haemophilus influenzae and changes in mechanisms of β-lactam resistance over the past decade. Results: Haemophilus influenzae isolates in Western Sichuan from 2013–2014 were non-typeable H. influenzae (NTHi). β-Lactam MICs for NTHi isolated during 2013–2014 were significantly higher than those from 2003–2004 (P < 0.05). Of 274 NTHi, 141 (51.5%) were β-lactamase-positive (TEM-1 type). There were 35 amino acid (AA) substitutions in ftsI among NTHi isolated from 2013–2014. However, NTHi isolates from 2003–2004 had only nine AA substitutions. Ordered multiple classification logistic regression analysis showed that different AA substitution patterns in ftsI had different effects on β-lactam MICs. The main factors affecting the ampicillin MIC were the mutations R517H (OR = 6.999), L389F (OR = 7.128), N526K (OR = 4.660) and D350N (OR = 0.450). The main factor influencing the amoxicillin/clavulanic acid MIC was an N526K mutation (OR = 9.349). The main factors affecting the cefuroxime MIC were the mutations S357N (OR = 37.453) and N526K (OR = 14.816). Compared with 2003–2004, gBLNAR and gBLPAR isolated from 2013–2014 increased significantly from 13.0% (7/54) and 9.3% (5/54) to 38.2% (84/220) and 45.5% (100/220), respectively (P < 0.001). In the ‘others’ group of ftsI gene mutations, 13 NTHi had the same ftsI gene mutation pattern and 24 AA substitutions. Conclusion: These results confirm that β-lactam-resistant NTHi isolates increased rapidly. AA substitutions in ftsI were more complex and diversified in 2013–2014.

This study aims to investigate serum makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3) levels in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) and premature thelarche (PT), in order to determine whether circulating MKRN3 level is associated with ICPP and PT. A total of 90 girls were enrolled in the study. 30 age-matched girls were allocated for each group (ICPP, PT and healthy controls [HC], respectively). The base LH (B-LH) and E2 levels were higher in ICPP girls than those in HC and PT girls. The peak LH (P-LH) levels and P-LH/P-FSH values were obviously higher in ICPP girls than those in PT girls, while higher peak FSH (P-FSH) levels were detected in PT girls when compared to those in ICPP girls. Kisspeptin levels were lower in HC girls than those in ICPP and PT girls. MKRN3 levels were the highest in HC girls among the three groups. There were relatively strong negative correlations among MKRN3, kisspeptin and P-LH/P-FSH. Circulating MKRN3 can have an important role in the onset of ICPP and PT. However, this should not be used as an independent diagnostic criterion for diagnosing ICPP or differentiating ICPP from PT, but should be used only as an adjunctive diagnostic biomarker.

Background: In order to further investigate the trend of quinolone resistance and the gene variation characteristics of quinolone resistance determining region of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) isolates from Chinese children's respiratory tract, We tracked the isolates of children in western Sichuan of China for ten years and compared them with adult groups in the same period.Method: We monitored the MIC value of ofloxacin of NTHi isolates (n=280) from lower respiratory tract secretions in children group (n=57) during 2003~2004 and in whole age group (n=223) during 2013~2014 in Western Sichuan, China. The amino acid sequences of QRDRs, gyrA, gyrB, parC and parE, were detected; and the relationship between amino acid substitutions (AAS) of QRDRs and ofloxacin MIC value was analyzed. At the same time, the mutation trend of QRDRs gene in this region during the past ten years was compared analyzed.Results: 1. All the strains (n=280) of H. influenzae included in the study were NTHi. No ofloxacin-resistant strains were found in 57 NTHi isolated from the children patient during 2003~2004. While strains with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value ≥ 0.5 showed an upward trend in all age groups during 2013~2014. 2. The AAS are S84L, D88Y/N, A134V and E142K in gyrA, G399E, A400V, E469D and T472I in gyrB. S84R/I, S133A and N138S in parC and D364Y, A369T, R378C, A383T, G405S, D420N, A426V, V466M and S474N in parE. 3. Compared to the non-mutation group, the change of ofloxacin MIC values of the strains with S84L, D88Y/N and A134V in gyrA, A400V in gyrB and S84R/I , S133A in parC showed statistical significance (p≤0.05 or approximate p=0.05); And the results of ordered multi-classification logistic analysis showed that the AAS gyrA-S84L (OR=139.824, 95% CI=55.730~350.811, p＜0.001), gyrA-D88Y/N (OR=28.950, 95% CI=8.432~99.395, p＜0.001), parC-S84R/I (OR=102.789, 95% CI=31.851~331.713, p＜0.001), parC-S133A (OR=1.872, 95% CI=1.023~3.426, p=0.042) were risk factors for the increase of ofloxacin MIC value, respectively; the AAS gyrB-A400V (OR=0.517, 95% CI=0.322~0.831, p=0.006) was the factor affecting the decrease of ofloxacin MIC value. The gyrA’s S84L, gyrA’s D88Y/N, gyrB’s A400V, parC’s S84R/I and parC’s S133A mutations were the main factors affecting the MIC value of ofloxacin of NTHi isolates in Western Sichuan, China, respectively. 4. The age group distribution of mutations S84L, D88Y/N and A134V in gyrA were significantly different (p=0.013, 0.034 and 0.010, respectively). The key mutation of multiple QRDRs of NTHi isolates in children in low age group is increasing rapidly. Along with increase of the mutation rate of S84L in gyrA and A400V in gyrB of isolates from 0~3 yrs old group (X2=6.089, p=0.014; X2=25.181, pp=0.022).

BackgroundIn the late stage of spinal tuberculosis, the bony destruction and vertebral collapse often leads to significant kyphosis, presenting clinically as a painful gibbus deformity, with increased instability, vertebral body translations and increased risk of neurologic involvement. Spinal osteotomy is thought to be suitable for most patients with severe rigid kyphosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transpedicular bi-vertebrae osteotomy technique in the patients with Pott’s kyphosis and other post-tubercular spinal deformity.MethodsBetween January 2012 and December 2015, 18 patients with post-tubercular spinal deformity underwent the transpedicular bi-vertebrae wedge osteotomy, with a minimum follow up of 27.0 months. Preoperative and postoperative kyphotic angle, sagittal plane parameters (TK for thoracic deformity, TLK for thoracolumbar and LL for lumbar deformity) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual analog scale (VAS) and modified American Spinal Injury Association grading (ASIA) of preoperative and final follow-up were documented and compared.ResultsThe average operation time was 305 minutes (range, 200–430 minutes) with a mean intraoperative blood loss of 425 mL (range, 200-700 mL). The kyphotic angles decreased from 80.3° (range, 28.5°-130.8°) preoperatively to 26.1° (range, 7.0°-63.3°) at the final follow-up (PPPConclusionsOur results suggest that transpedicular bi-vertebrae wedge osteotomy is a safe and effective treatment option for post-tubercular spinal deformity. This technique achieves satisfying correction and fusion rates with adequate decompression of neurological elements.

BACKGROUND The study aimed to explore the genetic association of Fc receptor-like 5 (FCRL5) gene variants (rs6427384 and rs6692977) with ankylosing spondylitis risk in Chinese Han population. MATERIAL AND METHODS Genotyping for FCRL5 gene variations rs6427384 and rs6692977 was implemented among 130 ankylosing spondylitis cases and 135 healthy persons, through polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Frequency dissimilarity for 2 polymorphisms was compared between 2 groups using chi-square test. The association strength of FCRL5 gene polymorphism with ankylosing spondylitis risk was estimated by odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS The frequencies of rs6427384 CC genotype and C allele were significantly lower in the case group than that in the control group (P

The present study aimed to evaluate the stem cell markers, characteristics and biological functions of cancer stem-like side population (SP) cells in human oral cancer. SP cells were isolated from the human oral squamous cell carcinoma Tca8113 cell line by Hoechst 33342 fluorescence dye and flow cytometry. The colony forming and proliferative capability of SP and non-SP cells were detected using a live-cell analysis system in vitro. The number of cells expressing stem cell markers was compared between SP cells and non-SP cells by flow cytometry. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of stem cell genes, respectively. Differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in SP and non-SP cells was determined by microarray hybridization and an miRNA regulation network was produced. With regard to the proliferation capability, SP cells reached 60.0% confluence after 40 h of growth compared with 35.1% confluence for non-SP cells (P

Background NLRP3 and NLRP1 inflammasomes signaling pathways may play an important role in the development and progression of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, relative research is rare. Methods The blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and granulocytes (GCs) were collected from T1DM patients. The mRNA and protein expression levels were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The NLRP3/NLRP1was knocked down by transfected with siRNA, or ovexpressed by infected with lentiviral vectors in PBMCs and GCs from non obese diabetic (NOD) mice, respectively. The occurrence of diabetes was evaluated and the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance was tested in NOD mice with IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-M deficiency (IRAK-M −/− ). The pancreas and lymphonodus of IRAK-M −/− NOD mice were also collected for detection of NLRP3/NLRP1 expression. Results NLRP3, NLRP1, Caspase-1and IL-1β were significantly downregulated in the PBMCs and GCs of patients with T1DM, and NLRP3 and NLRP1 were markedly downregulated in T1DM patients with DKA compared to that with ND and CC. Further study indicated that IL-1β mRNA expression level was positively correlated with the expression levels of NLRP3, NLRP1 and Caspase-1. Besides, NLRP3/NLRP1 knockdown decreased the expression levels of Caspase-1 and IL-1β; whereas NLRP3/NLRP1 overexpression increased the expression levels of Caspase-1 and IL-1β in vitro . IRAK-M −/− NOD mice had early onset and rapid progression of T1DM, and weak glucose tolerance, which was regarded as an early T1D mouse model. The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, NLRP1, Caspase-1and IL-1β in the pancreas and lymphonodus of IRAK-M −/− NOD mice were significantly higher compared to that of IRAK-M +/+ NOD mice. Conclusion NLRP3 and NLRP1 inflammasomes signaling pathways were associated with the development and progression of T1DM, which response as protective factors in the early stage of T1DM.

Objective The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of different bone cement distributions along the fracture line on clinical and imaging outcomes of vertebral augmentation. Methods In total, 84 patients who underwent vertebral augmentation for a single osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture from January 2016 to August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. These patients were divided into two groups according to the relationship between the bone cement distribution and the fracture line: the unilateral group (n = 23) and the bilateral group (n = 61). Postoperative clinical and imaging parameters were compared between the two groups. Results Statistical analyses showed no significant difference in postoperative pain relief, bone cement leakage, nerve injury, or new vertebral fracture between the two groups. Significant recovery from vertebral compression was observed in the bilateral group after surgery, but there was no significant difference in vertebral compression after surgery in the unilateral group. Conclusions Pain relief was similar for different types of cement distributions along the fracture line, but a bilateral cement distribution exhibited better recovery from vertebral compression and did not increase bone cement leakage in the vertebral augmentation procedure.

BACKGROUND We aimed to assess the potential association of runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) gene variants with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) susceptibility among Chinese Han people. MATERIAL AND METHODS Genotyping for RUNX3 variants was accomplished through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 115 AS patients and 102 healthy controls. Genotypes distributions of the polymorphisms in controls was assessed for their deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Moreover, odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was achieved using chi-square analysis to evaluate AS risk related to RUNX3 polymorphisms. Additionally, logistic regression analysis produced adjusted OR values. RESULTS Genotypes distribution of rs760805 and rs11249206 polymorphisms conformed to HWE in the control group (P>0.05). TT genotype of rs760805 appeared more frequently among AS cases than in controls (P=0.033), indicating its significant association with increased risk of AS onset (OR=2.309, 95%CI=1.069-4.892). The carriage of T allele in rs760805 also heightened AS incidence, in comparison to A allele (OR=1.578, 95%CI=1.075-2.316, P=0.020). Moreover, the carriage of AT+TT genotype in rs760805 and TT genotype in rs11249206 obviously increased risk of AS onset (OR=2.585, 95%CI=1.062-6.288). CONCLUSIONS RUNX3 rs760805 polymorphism can contribute to AS incidence in Chinese Han people. The interaction of the 2 polymorphisms may be a risk factor for AS.

Osteoporosis deteriorates jaw bone quality and may compromise early implant osseointegration and early implant loading. The influence of low-magnitude, high-frequency (LMHF) vibration on peri-implant bone healing and implant integration in osteoporotic bones remains poorly understood. LMHF loading via whole-body vibration (WBV) for 8 weeks has previously been demonstrated to significantly enhance bone-to-implant contact, peri-implant bone fraction and implant mechanical properties in osteoporotic rats. In the present study, LMHF loading by WBV was performed in osteoporotic rats, with a loading duration of 4 weeks during the early stages of bone healing. The results indicated that 4-week LMHF loading by WBV partly reversed the negative effects of osteoporosis and accelerated early peri-implant osseointegration in ovariectomized rats.

Micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) and micro-X-ray absorption fine structure (μ-XAFS) are not widely used in animal science. The objective of this experiment was to employ μ-XRF and μ-XAFS technique to determine the change of Zn quantity, distribution and chemical state (Zn 2+ chemical state, organic zinc chemical state) into intestinal wall using different zinc sources. 45 newly hatched healthy (1-d-old) commercial male broilers were used in this experiment. The chicks were fed a corn–soybean meal basal diet (90.50 mg/kg) from day 1 to 21, but were fed a semipurified diet (12.51 mg/kg) after day 21 to deplete the body Zn stores. At 28 d of age, after an overnight fast, 45 birds were randomly allotted to 3 perfusion groups (ZnMet, ZnLys, ZnSO 4 ) with 15 replicates/group for in situ ligated intestinal loops of broilers in experiment. Duodenum of each bird was used as 1 replication of intestinal segments. The solutions injected into the duodenal loops were buffered with 15.5 mmol/L of morpholineoethanesulfonic acid. In the treatment groups of different Zn sources, 0.616 mmol/L (40 mg/L) was added to the media. The 3.5 mL of Zn dose was injected and incubated 30 min in the abdomen cavity. The μ-XRF and μ-XAFS were used to analyze the relative quantity, distribution and chemical state of Zn in the intestinal wall, and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was used to verify Zn concentration in the whole intestinal sac. The results showed that ZnMet and ZnLys group samples have a greater amount of zinc in the intestinal wall specific region than ZnSO 4 group. The Zn chemical state of organic Zn and ZnSO 4 group were identical in intestinal wall specific region. In addition, the Zn concentration achieved using ZnMet was greater than that for ZnLys and ZnSO 4 ( P

Stress behaviors often result when piglets are abruptly weaned and mixed. Surplus dietary tryptophan (Trp) may reduce stress. In this study, three levels of dietary Trp were used, representing the standard requirement for growth (control), supplemental dietary Trp (1 g/kg and 2 g/kg of feed). Piglets were fed the diets for 28 d, during which observations were divided into three phases: prophase (4–6 d), metaphase (15–17 d), anaphase (26–28 d). Daily behavioral observations were made 14:00–16:00 during each phase afternoon. Saliva was collected from multiple pigs in each pen from 16:00 to 17:00, and body weight of each piglet was individually recorded at d 1 and 28. Aggressive behaviors of piglets were recorded for 8 h immediately after remixing, and saliva per pen was collected from 16:00 to 17:00. Subsequently, 2 pigs per pen were sampled for blood via the jugular vein and subsequently killed to obtain hypothalamus. Salivary cortisol, plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine, hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine concentrations were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. High-Trp diet significantly raised hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine concentration (P 0.05). Consequently, excessively supplemental Trp may modify the behavior reactivity of piglets during weaning and mixing, increase hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine concentration and diminish salivary cortisol, plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations.

Objective: This systematic review was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tramadol in patients with premature ejaculation (PE). Methods: A systematic search of PubMed®, Embase® and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of tramadol with placebo or no drug for patients with PE. The outcomes included post-therapeutic intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), increases in IELT, satisfaction with sexual intercourse, control over ejaculation and side effects (SEs). The Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager software (RevMan 5.1.4) was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 5 trials, involving 715 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The synthesized data from these RCTs indicated that compared with the control, tramadol significantly increased IELT values post-therapeutically (SMD 3.51, 95% CI 2.14-4.88, p < 0.00001) and changes in IELT values were more pronounced in the tramadol group (SMD 2.87, 95% CI 2.63-3.10, p < 0.00001). Satisfaction with sexual intercourse and the ability to control ejaculation were both improved in patients in the tramadol group (p < 0.05). The incidence of SEs in the tramadol group were significantly higher than in the control group (RR 3.55, 95% CI 1.34-9.40, p = 0.01), however most SEs were mild or moderate and transient. Conclusions: Tramadol may be effective in PE treatment, especially when patients have failed therapies, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. However, the possibility of drug addiction and SEs should still be considered before initial use or after chronic use of this agent. More high-quality (clear randomization sequences, allocation concealment and blinding introduction), long-term, RCTs with a large number of PE patients are expected.

Summary The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different lairage time after 8 h road transport on some blood indicators of welfare and meat quality traits in sheep. A total of 84 Ujimqin male sheep (average body weight 27.5 kg, 6 months old) were randomly allotted to one of seven groups: one control group (untransported) and six lairage groups (8 h road transport with 0, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h lairage times respectively). No significant lairage time effects were observed on weight loss. Sheep in 48 h group showed lower hot carcass weight, dressing percentage and higher pH24 h than that in other groups. The total haem pigment contents in sheep meat rose and were higher in 24 and 48 h groups than that in the control group. After transport, sheep in 0, 2, 24 and 48 h groups showed higher serum creatine kinase activities, cortisol and glucose concentrations than that in control group. Sheep in lairage groups had higher serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels compared with the control sheep. Sheep in 48 h group showed significant higher packed cell volume, total protein and blood urea nitrogen than that in other groups. Compared with the control group, the white blood cell counts were higher in 0 and 48 h groups. The neutrophil counts in 24 or 48 h groups were higher than that in the control group. The opposite was true for lymphocyte counts. A 6–12 h lairage is recommended in terms of the present transported pattern.

The study was conducted to determine the effects of the inclusion of a natural extract of chestnut wood (Silvafeed ENC), rich in tannins, in the diet on growth performance and antioxidant status in growing rabbits under high ambient temperature (35 °C). A total of 120 New Zealand male rabbits (average body weight 1123 ± 13.5 g, 40 d old) were divided into three groups (40 rabbits per group) and fed a basal diet or the basal diet with 5 or 10 g of ENC/kg of diet (C, ENC5 and ENC10, respectively). Rabbits had free access to diets and water in an environmentally controlled room at 35 °C and 55% relative humidity during the entire period (21 d). On d 7, 14 and 21 of the trial, body weight and feed intake were measured and blood samples collected for assay of antioxidant indices. Liver tissue samples were collected on d 21 for assay of antioxidant indices. Results showed that ENC supplementation increased (P

The study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant properties of alfalfa polysaccharides (APS) extracted from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) through 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay and the effects of the inclusion (0%, 0.1%, and 0.5%) of APS in the diet on the growth performance and antioxidant status in heat-stressed rabbits. 120 New Zealand male rabbits (average body weight 1123 g, 40 d old) were divided into three groups (40 rabbits per group) and were fed with a basal diet or the basal diet with 1 g or 5 g of APS/kg of diet. Rabbits had free access to diets and water in an environmentally controlled room at 30 ± 1 °C and 55% relative humidity during the entire period (21 d). On days 7, 14 and 21 of the trial, body weight and feed intake were measured and blood samples were collected for assay of antioxidant induces. Liver tissue samples were collected on day 21 for assay of antioxidant induces. Results in vitro showed the scavenging effect of APS on DPPH radicals increased (P

Previous studies have indicated that the protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 gene (PTPN22) is associated with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) in the Caucasian population. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between PTPN22 genetic polymorphisms and T1DM in Chinese children. A total of 202 children and adolescents with T1DM and 240 healthy control subjects of Chinese Han origin were included in our analysis. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine the presence of the C1858T polymorphism in the PTPN22 gene. We found that the TT +TC genotype and the T allele of C1858T were more frequent in T1DM patients (19.40 and 10.0%, respectively) than in healthy subjects (7.51 and 4.0%, respectively), and the difference was significant (both P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables such as gender, age, and family history of T1DM, the difference remained significant (P = 0.007, odds ratio = 2.88, 95% confidence interval 1.76-4.32). Our results indicate that genetic polymorphisms in the PTPN22 gene may increase the risk of T1DM in Chinese children and adolescents.

This study investigated the effect of chestnut tannins on meat quality in broiler rabbits. 72 commercial hybrid rabbits (mean body weight 740 g, 32 days old) were fed for 49 days with three diets containing 0%, 0.5% and 1.0% of a commercial chestnut wood extract (ENC®, Sil- vachimica srl), respectively. Eight rabbits per group were slaughtered at 12 weeks of age and at 24h post-mortem pH and colour were measured on the carcass. Moreover, both sides of m. longis- simus thoracis (LT) were dissected. Left side was used for cooking losses whereas the other side was used for the determination of fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA. No differences were found in pH, colour and cooking losses, as well as the fatty acid profile of LT muscle and its relative health indexes. Concerning the antioxidant effect, the ENC shows a positive and significant effect at the inclusion level of 0.5%. In conclusion, the ENC has not undesirable side effects on the meat quality of rabbits, although further studies will be necessary to find the optimal diet inclusion level of ENC to elicit a stronger antioxidant effect in the rabbit meat.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of occlusal splints in the treatment of sagittal fractures of the mandibular condyle in children. From January 1995 to December 2011, 37 sagittal fractures of the mandibular condyle in 30 patients aged 4–8 years old were included in this study. All the patients were treated with 1–2 mm occlusal splints in the molar region. The mouths of the patients were kept slightly open by the occlusal splints for 3–6 months, and we reviewed the clinical and radiological remodelling of the affected condyles after treatment. Excellent ( n = 20) and good ( n = 10) clinical outcomes were achieved with full radiological remodelling seen in 19 and partial remodelling in 11. Treatment with occlusal splints is effective in delivering good results and function with minimal morbidity in children with sagittal fractures of the condyle, while permitting ongoing remodelling and growth in the short term.

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of chestnut tannins (CT) on welfare, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and lipid oxidation in rabbits under high ambient temperature. Rabbits in one group were raised at 20°C and fed with basal diet (N) and other three groups (33°C) were fed basal diet with 0 (C), 5 (CT5), and 10 g (CT10) of CT/kg of diet. Compared with the C group, rabbits in CT10 had higher pH(24) and lower cooking loss and thiobarbituric acid reacting substance values at 0, 30, and 60 min of forced oxidation. Rabbits in C group had higher cortisol levels, creatine kinase activities, white blood cell counts, neutrophil percentage, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio and lower T(3), T(4) levels, lymphocyte percentage than N and CT10 groups. Supplementation of CT seemed to have a positive effect on growth performance, welfare, and meat quality of rabbits under high ambient temperature.

Objective Massive bone allografts are frequently used in orthopedic reconstructive surgery, but carry a high failure rate of approximately 25%. We tested whether treatment of graft with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can increase the integration of massive allografts (hemi-mandible) in a large animal model. Methods Thirty beagle dogs received surgical left-sided hemi-mandibular defects, and then divided into two equal groups. Bony defects of the control group were reconstructed using allografts only. Those of the experimental group were reconstructed using allogenic mandibular scaffold-loaded autologous MSCs. Beagles from each group were killed at4 (n = 4), 12 (n = 4), 24 (n = 4) or 48 weeks (n = 3) postoperatively. CT and micro-CT scans, histological analyses and the bone mineral density (BMD) of transplants were used to evaluate defect reconstruction outcomes. Results Gross and CT examinations showed that the autologous bone grafts had healed in both groups. At 48 weeks, the allogenic mandibular scaffolds of the experimental group had been completely replaced by new bone, which has a smaller surface area to that of the original allogenic scaffold, whereas the scaffold in control dogs remained the same size as the original allogenic scaffold throughout. At 12 weeks, the BMD of the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group (p

Background Urinary infections are a common type of pediatric disease, and their treatment and prognosis are closely correlated with infection location. Common clinical manifestations and laboratory tests are insufficient to differentiate between acute pyelonephritis and lower urinary tract infection. This study was conducted to explore a diagnostic method for upper and lower urinary tract infection differentiation. Methods The diagnostic values of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic curve method for upper and lower urinary tract infection differentiation. PCT was determined using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Results The PCT and CRP values in children with acute pyelonephritis were significantly higher than those in children with lower urinary tract infection (3.90 ± 3.51 ng/ml and 68.17 ± 39.42 mg/l vs. 0.48 ± 0.39 ng/ml and 21.39 ± 14.92 mg/l). The PCT values were correlated with the degree of renal involvement, whereas the CRP values failed to show such a significant correlation. PCT had a sensitivity of 90.47% and a specificity of 88% in predicting nephropathia, whereas CRP had sensitivity of 85.71% and a specificity of 48%. Conclusions Both PCT and CRP can be used for upper and lower urinary tract infection differentiation, but PCT has higher sensitivity and specificity in predicting pyelonephritis than CRP. PCT showed better results than CRP. PCT values were also correlated with the degree of renal involvement.