Serial Change in Patellar Height after Tension Band Wiring of Patellar Fractures.

Background and Objectives: Patella baja is a common complication after operative treatment for patellar fracture. This study aimed to investigate (1) the serial changes in patellar height and (2) the potential predictive factors for patellar height changes after tension band wiring (TBW) for patellar fractures. Materials and Methods: Forty-one patients who underwent TBW for patellar fracture between March 2019 and September 2022 were enrolled. To identify serial changes in patellar height, modified Blackburne-Peel index (mBPI) was assessed at just after surgery, at 3 months, at 6 months, at 1 year and at the final follow-up. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify factors correlated with mBPI difference between the contralateral side (considered as preoperative status) and injured side. Results: The postoperative mBPI exhibited a decline over time (mean mBPI immediately post operation/3 months/6 months/1 year/final follow-up: 0.69/0.63/0.63/0.62/0.61) Specifically, mBPI showed a significant reduction immediately post operation to 3 months (p < 0.001), although comparisons at other time points did not reveal significant differences. A lower position of the fracture was associated with a decrease in patellar height after surgery. Conclusions: Patellar height was mainly decreased from immediately post operation to 3 months. A fracture in a lower position of associated with decreased patellar height after the TBW of the transverse patellar fracture.

No differences in long-term clinical outcomes and survival rate of navigation-assisted versus conventional primary mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty: A minimum 10-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes and survival rates between navigation-assisted (NAV) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and conventional (CON) TKA using a mobile-bearing insert. METHODS: From May 2008 to December 2009, 45 and 63 mobile-bearing TKA patients were enroled in the CON- and NAV-TKA groups with 146.8 months follow-up, respectively. Clinical outcomes (Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index and Knee Society Scores), radiographic outcomes (hip-knee-ankle [HKA], lateral distal femoral, medial proximal tibial, γ, and δ angles), and survivorship were compared between both groups. RESULTS: The number of HKA angle outliers (more than 3 degrees or less than -3 degree) was significantly lower in the NAV-TKA group (24.4% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.036) than in the CON-TKA group. However, long-term clinical outcomes were similar between both groups. The cumulative survival rate (best-case scenario) was 98.3% in the CON-TKA group and 97.5% in the NAV-TKA group, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.883). CONCLUSION: Long-term clinical outcomes and survival rates were similar between the two groups despite fewer outliers of postoperative lower-limb alignment in the NAV-TKA group. Excellent survival rates were observed in both groups using mobile-bearing inserts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Effect of different ratios of phytogenic feed additives on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal barrier integrity, and immune response in weaned pigs challenged with a pathogenic Escherichia coli.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing different ratios of phytogenic feed additives (PFA) to weaned pigs challenged with pathogenic Escherichia coli on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal barrier integrity, and immune response, and to determine the optimal mixing ratio for post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) prevention. A total of 48 4-wk-old weaned pigs with initial body weight of 8.01 ± 0.39 kg were placed in individual metabolic cages, and then randomly assigned to eight treatment groups. The eight treatments were as follows: a basal diet without E. coli challenge (negative control, NC), a basal diet with E. coli challenge (positive control, PC), PC with supplementing 0.1% mixture of 20% bitter citrus extract (BCE), 10% microencapsulated blend of thymol and carvacrol (MEO), and 70% excipient (T1), PC with supplementing 0.1% mixture of 10% MEO, 20% premixture of grape seed and grape marc extract, green tea, and hops (PGE), and 60% excipient (T2), PC with supplementing 0.1% mixture of 10% BCE, 10% MEO, 10% PGE, and 70% excipient (T3), PC with supplementing 0.1% mixture of 20% BCE, 20% MEO, and 60% excipient (T4), PC with supplementing 0.1% mixture of 20% MEO, 20% PGE, and 60% excipient (T5), and PC with supplementing 0.1% mixture of 10% BCE, 20% MEO, 10% PGE, and 60% excipient (T6). The experiments progressed in 16 days, including 5 days before and 11 days after the first E. coli challenge (day 0). In the E. coli challenge treatments, all pigs were orally inoculated by dividing a total of 10 mL of E. coli F 18 for three consecutive days from day 0 postinoculation (PI). Compared with the PC group, the PFA2 and PFA6 groups significantly increased (P < 0.05) feed efficiency and decreased (P < 0.05) diarrhea during the entire period. At day 11 PI, the PFA6 group significantly improved (P < 0.05) gross energy digestibility compared to the PFA1 group. The PFA6 group significantly decreased (P < 0.05) tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 in serum and increased (P < 0.05) the villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD). The PFA2 significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the relative protein expression of calprotectin in the ileum. In conclusion, improvements in growth performance, diarrhea reduction, and immunity enhancement are demonstrated when 10% BCE, 20% MEO, 10% PGE, and 60% excipient are mixed.

Phytogenic feed additives (PFA) include various herbs and spices, such as essential oils and polyphenols. Flavonoids and polyphenols contained in PFA are generally known to have antioxidant and antibacterial actions and based on this, PFA is considered an alternative to antibiotics in the swine industry. Pathogenic Escherichia coli infection is one of the most important causes of post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in pigs. PWD causes intestinal damage, which leads to severe diarrhea, reduced growth performance, and mortality in weaned pigs, resulting in significant financial loss to the swine industry. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing different ratios of PFA to weaned pigs challenged with E. coli and determine the optimal mixing ratio for PWD prevention. Our study results showed that growth performance was improved when supplementing a mixture of 10% bitter citrus extract (BCE), 20% microencapsulated blend of thymol and carvacrol (MEO), 10% premixture of grape seed and grape marc extract, green tea, and hops (PGE), and 60% excipient. Also, the effect of improving the immune response and intestinal morphology was shown. In conclusion, a mixture of 10% BCE, 20% MEO, 10% PGE, and 60% excipients is considered the optimal mixing ratio.

Dietary yeast cell wall enhanced intestinal health of broiler chickens by modulating intestinal integrity, immune responses, and microbiota.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary yeast cell wall (YCW) on growth performance, intestinal health, and immune responses of broiler chickens. In a randomized completely block design (block: initial body weight), a total of 800 broilers (Ross 308; 45.18 ± 3.13 g of initial body weight) were assigned to 2 dietary treatments (40 birds/pen; 10 replicates/treatment) and fed for 5 wk: 1) a basal broiler diet based on corn-soybean meal (CON) and 2) CON + 0.05% dietary YCW. Growth performance was measured at intervals in 3 phase feed program. On the final day of the study, one bird per pen was randomly selected and euthanized for sample collection. Broilers fed YCW had decreased (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio during the grower phase compared with those fed CON. The YCW increased (P < 0.05) villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared with the CON. In addition, the YCW tended to higher (P < 0.10) number of goblet cells in the duodenum than in the CON. Broilers fed YCW had increased (P < 0.05) serum TGF- ß1, ileal gene expression of the claudin family, and relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Prevotella, and Enterococcus compared with the CON, but decreased serum TNF-α (P < 0.05), IL-1ß (P < 0.05), and IL-6 (P < 0.10), ileal gene expression of IL-6 (P < 0.05), and relative abundance of Clostridium (P < 0.05). The present study demonstrated that the addition of dietary YCW in broiler diets enhanced the intestinal health of broiler chickens and may be associated with modulated intestinal morphology and integrity by upregulating tight junction-related protein gene expression and modifying the ileal microbiota. In addition, dietary YCW modulated immune responses and inflammatory cytokine gene expression in the ileum.

Cross-Sectional Area of the Median Nerve as a Prognostic Indicator in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated With Local Steroid Injection.

PURPOSE: Local steroid injection is an effective treatment modality for carpal tunnel syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the success rate of ultrasonography-guided local steroid injection and determine the prognostic value of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve for steroid injection. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 40 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome whose median nerve CSA was >15 mm2 (large-CSA group; n = 16) or ≤15 mm2 (small-CSA group; n = 24). The CSA was measured using ultrasonography, and all the patients were treated with ultrasonography-guided corticosteroid injection. Demographic characteristics, symptoms, initial QuickDASH score, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaires, and results of the nerve conduction study were assessed at baseline. Treatment success was defined in this study as the absence of symptom recurrence within the entire follow-up period. RESULTS: The treatment success rate was 45% (n = 18) after an average follow-up of 16 months. Overall, 11 patients (28%) underwent carpal tunnel release on an average of 11 months after steroid injection. The large-CSA group showed a significantly worse grade of electrodiagnostic testing at baseline than did the small-CSA group; however, there was no significant difference in final Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaires symptom score (1.7 vs 1.8, respectively) and the rate of continued treatment success at the last follow-up (42% vs 50%, respectively). The proportions of patients who required carpal tunnel decompression were 29% and 25% in the small-CSA and large-CSA groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Local steroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome has an overall success rate of 45% after a mean follow-up of 16 months. Preinjection CSA was not associated with whether the steroid injection was considered successful. This indicates that increased median nerve CSA does not preclude the possibility of symptomatic relief after a local steroid injection. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Comparison of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes According to the Presence or Absence of a Posterior Draw Force during Graft Fixation in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background and Objectives: A reduction forced toward the posterior side during graft fixation may help to lessen anterior tibial translation after ACL reconstruction. The purpose was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of graft fixation when a posterior draw was used and when it was not used during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. Materials and Methods: Of 110 patients who had undergone primary arthroscopic ACL reconstruction between January 2017 and August 2020, in all, 76 patients had been operated on without a posterior draw (non-draw group), and 34 patients had received surgery with a posterior draw (draw group). The results of the Lachman test and the pivot-shift test, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) indexes, the Lysholm scores, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective scores, and side-to-side difference (STSD) on stress radiography were compared between the two groups. Results: The postoperative WOMAC indexes, Lysholm scores, and IKDC subjective scores were similar across both groups. Postoperative STSD (2.4 ± 2.2 for the non-draw group vs. 2.0 ± 2.2 for the draw group; p = 0.319) and change in STSD (3.5 ± 3.5 for preoperative STSD vs. 4.3 ± 4.4 for postoperative STSD; p = 0.295) were not superior in the draw group. Conclusions: The take-home message is that graft fixation with a posterior draw during ACL reconstruction did not result in significantly better postoperative stability. The postoperative clinical outcomes were similar between both groups.

Phytogenic feed additives alleviate pathogenic Escherichia coli-induced intestinal damage through improving barrier integrity and inhibiting inflammation in weaned pigs.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of each phytogenic feed additive (PFA; PFA1, bitter citrus extract; PFA2, a microencapsulated blend of thymol and carvacrol; PFA3, a mixture of bitter citrus extract, thymol, and carvacrol; PFA4, a premixture of grape seed, grape marc extract, green tea, and hops; PFA5, fenugreek seed powder) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and immune response in weaned pigs infected with Escherichia coli (E. coli). RESULTS: A total of 63 4-week-old weaned pigs were placed in individual metabolic cages and assigned to seven treatment groups. The seven treatments were as follows: 1) NC; basal diet without E. coli challenge, 2) PC; basal diet with E. coli challenge, 3) T1; PC + 0.04% PFA1, 4) T2; PC + 0.01% PFA2, 5) T3; PC + 0.10% PFA3, 6) T4; PC + 0.04% PFA4, 7) T5; PC + 0.10% PFA5. The experiments lasted in 21 d, including 7 d before and 14 d after the first E. coli challenge. In the E. coli challenge treatments, all pigs were orally inoculated by dividing a total of 10 mL of E. coli F18 for 3 consecutive days. The PFA-added groups significantly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain and feed efficiency and decreased (P < 0.05) the fecal score at d 0 to 14 post-inoculation (PI). Tumor necrosis factor α was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the PFA-added groups except for T1 in d 14 PI compared to the PC treatment. The T3 had a higher (P < 0.05) immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A concentration compared to the PC treatment at d 7 PI. Also, T3 showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) villus height:crypt depth and claudin 1 expression in ileal mucosa, and significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05) the expression of calprotectin compared to the PC treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of PFA in weaned pigs challenged with E. coli alleviated the negative effects of E. coli and improved growth performance. Among them, the mixed additive of bitter citrus extract, thymol, and carvacrol showed the most effective results, improving immune response, intestinal morphology, and expression of tight junctions.

Stimbiotic supplementation modulated intestinal inflammatory response and improved boilers performance in an experimentally-induced necrotic enteritis infection model.

BACKGROUND: Two experiments were conducted to establish an optimal NE challenge model and evaluate the efficacy of stimbiotic (STB) supplementation in necrotic enteritis (NE) challenged broilers. In Exp. 1, a total of 120 Arbor Acres (AA) broilers (45.0 ± 0.21 g) were randomly assigned to 6 treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Vaccine treatments included non-challenge (0), × 10 the recommended dose (× 10) or × 20 the recommended dose (× 20) by the manufacturer. Clostridium perfringens (CP) treatments were non-challenge (No) or 3 mL of 2.2 × 107 CFU CP challenge (Yes). In Exp. 2, a total of 72 AA broilers (40.17 ± 0.27 g) were randomly assigned to 6 treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Dietary treatments included non-additive (CON), 100 mg/kg STB (STB) and 100 mg/kg STB on top of a typical commercial blend including an essential oil, probiotics, and enzyme (CB). Challenge treatments included non-NE challenge (No) and NE challenge (Yes) as established in Exp. 1. RESULTS: In Exp. 1, CP and vaccine challenge decreased (P < 0.05) body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI), and increased (P < 0.05) the number of broilers with diarrhea and intestinal lesions. The oral administration of × 20 recommended dose of vaccines coupled with 3 mL of 2.2 × 107 CFU CP resulted in (P < 0.01) a significantly increased incidence of wet litter and intestinal lesions. Thus, this treatment was chosen as the challenge model for the successful inducement of NE in Exp. 2. In Exp. 2, the NE challenge negatively affected (P < 0.01) growth performance, ileal morphology, immunoglobulin contents in blood, caecal microbiota in the caecum, footpad dermatitis, intestinal lesion scores, tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and endotoxin in the serum compared with the non-NE challenged birds. The supplementation of STB and CB in diets enhanced (P < 0.05) growth performance, intestinal microbiota, and blood profiles by stimulating ileal morphology (VH and VH:CD) and propionate production in the cecum, and there were no differences in measured variables between STB and CB supplemented birds. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results indicate that STB supplementation was able to reduce the inflammatory response and improve the performance of NE challenged birds, and the supplementation of STB alone was as effective as a typical commercial blend containing a number of other additives.

Accuracy of the Tibial Component Alignment by Extramedullary System Using Simple Radiographic References in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background and Objectives: The tibial component alignment is an important issue for the longevity of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of our study was to investigate the usefulness of proximal tibial references determined by pre-operative radiography and intraoperative C-arm-guided hip and ankle center marking for the extramedullary guided tibial cut in mild (<10°) and severe (≥10°) varus knee TKA. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 consecutive patients (220 cases) who underwent total knee arthroplasty who were recruited from July 2011 to April 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Before surgery, the proximal tibial reference point and medio-lateral cut thickness difference were identified. Then, hip and ankle centers were checked using a C-arm intensifier intraoperatively. The hip−knee−ankle (HKA) alignment and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were assessed pre-operatively and post-operatively. More than 3° varus or valgus of HKA alignment or tibial component angle was defined as an outlier. Results: Mean follow-up duration was 26.9 months. Among 220 cases, 111 cases are classified as mild varus group and 109 cases are classified as severe varus group. The HKA alignment is significantly improved (p < 0.001). The average tibial component angle after surgery is 90.1°. A total of 21 cases (9.5%) and 3 cases (1.4%) are classified as outliers of HKA alignment and MPTA, respectively. Among MPTA outliers, one case is in the mild varus group and two cases are in the in severe varus group (p = 0.62). Conclusion: Measurement of proximal tibial radiographic references and checking the C-arm-guided intraoperative hip and ankle center could be helpful to obtain the favorable coronal position of the tibial component in the extramedullary guided tibial cut.

Effects of different Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis ratios on nutrient digestibility, fecal microflora, and gas emissions of growing pigs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different mixing ratios of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis in diets on nutrient digestibility, fecal microflora, and odor gas emissions of growing pigs. A total of four crossbred ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) barrows with average body weight (BW) of 41.2 ± 0.7 kg were randomly allotted four diets over four periods in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were as follows: Control (CON, basal diet), CON + 0.2% probiotic complex (L4S6, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis at a 4:6 ratio), CON + 0.2% probiotic complex (L5S5, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis at a 5:5 ratio), CON + 0.2% probiotic complex (L6S4, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis at a 6:4 ratio). Dietary probiotic supplementation showed higher crude protein (CP) digestibility values and lower Escherichia coli counts in fecal samples than the CON group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in NH3 or H2S emission until day 3. The positive effect of H2S and NH3 emissions was detected earlier with the L4S6 and L5S5 compared to the L6S4, which had a lower ratio of B. subtilis. Both the L4S6 and L5S5 probiotic complexes significantly decreased the fecal H2S and NH3 emission in days 4 and 6 (p < 0.05). On day 7, all probiotic complexes decreased (p < 0.05) H2S and NH3 emissions than the CON group. Our results agreed that the dietary supplementation of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis complexes in growing pigs can significantly improve CP digestibility and reduce fecal E. coli counts, NH3 and H2S emissions. Notably, the higher mixing ratio of Bacillus subtilis in probiotic supplementation is more effective in reducing the odor of manure.

Effect of insect protein and protease on growth performance, blood profiles, fecal microflora and gas emission in growing pig.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of Hermetia illucens larvae (HIL) as protein and protease on growth performance, blood profiles, fecal microflora, and gas emission in growing pig. In experiment 1, the seventy-two crossbred growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with an initial body weight (BW) of 27.98 ± 2.95 kg were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments (3 pigs per pen and 6 replicates pen per treatments). The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluating two diets (Poultry offal diets and HIL diets) without or with supplementing protease. The poultry offal in basal diet has been replaced by HIL. In experiment 2, the four crossbred growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with an initial BW of 28.2 ± 0.1 kg were individually accepted in stainless steel metabolism cages. The dietary treatments included: 1) PO- (PO-; poultry offal diet), 2) PO+ (PO- + 0.05% protease), 3) HIL- (3% PO of PO- diet was replacement 3% HIL), 4) HIL+ (HIL- + 0.05% protease). In experiment 1, From weeks 0 to 2, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G:F) were significantly increased in the PO diet group compared with the HIL group. From weeks 2 to 4, ADG and G:F were higher for protease group than for non-protease group. At weeks 2 and 4, the PO diet group had lower blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels than HIL diet group. In experiment 2, crude protein (CP) and nitrogen (N) retention were decreased by HIL diet at weeks 2 and 4. The fecal microflora and gas emission were not affected by HIL and protease. The HIL diet showed lower CP digestibility than PO diet and total essential amino acids digestibility tended to higher in PO diet than HIL diet. In summary, the present study revealed that replacement of the PO protein with the HIL protein and the additive of protease in growing pig diets during the overall experimental period had no negative effect.

Fixation of Transverse Olecranon Fractures by Suture Bridge Method Using Suture Anchor: Biomechanical Comparison with Tension Band Wiring Technique.

Background: Olecranon fractures are common in motorcycle accidents, falls, or in direct elbow injury. In cases of transverse olecranon fracture, surgery is frequently required in adults. The aim of this study is to compare the biomechanical durability of suture anchor fixation in olecranon fractures to conventional tension band wiring technique in saw bones. Methods: 12 plastic saw bones were divided into 3 groups: tension band wiring fixation, modified Cha-Batman method, and a modified simple suture method using a suture anchor. After fixation, cyclic load tests were conducted for 1,000 cycles, at 5 Hz with a force of 10 N to 250 N. After cycling loading, the extent of displacement was measured using a non-contact coordinate measuring instrument, and statistical analysis performed. Results: The average displacement was significantly smaller in the modified Cha-Bateman method (1.4 mm) than in the tension band wiring method (3.8 mm, p = 0.007) and the modified simple suture method using suture anchor (3.3 mm, p = 0.012). There was no significant difference in displacement between tension band wiring fixation and the modified simple suture method (p = 0.564). Conclusions: This study provides a biomechanical basis for the hypothesis that the suture anchor technique in weak bone model could obtain results comparable to those of conventional tension band wiring. In particular, the modified Cha-Bateman method, showed stronger biomechanical properties than the tension band wiring method and modified simple suture method using a suture anchor. The current study could also provide pilot data that can be used in future experiments.

Potential use of ground brown rice for weanling pigs.

The purpose of the current study was to assess the effects of substituting corn with ground brown rice on growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota in weanling pigs. Seventy-two weanling pigs (28 d old with 6.78 ± 0.94 kg body weight [BW]) were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments with six pens and six pigs (three barrows and gilts) per pen within a randomized complete block design. The control pigs were fed a typical diet for weanling pigs based on corn and soybean meal diet (control diet: CON), and the other pigs were fed a formulated diet with 100% replacement of corn with ground brown rice for 35d (treatment diet: GBR). Growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota of weanling pigs were measured. The substitution of corn with GBR did not affect growth performance or diarrhea frequency. Additionally, there were no differences in white blood cell number, hematocrit, cortisol, C-reactive protein, and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels between pigs fed CON or GBR for the first 2 wk after weaning. However, weanling pigs fed GBR had lower (P < 0.05) serum transforming growth factor-beta 1 level than those fed CON. Furthermore, weanling pigs fed GBR had increased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of phylum Firmicutes and genus Lactobacillus and Streptococcus and decreased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and genus Clostridium and Prevotella in the gut microbiota compared with those fed CON. In conclusion, there was no significant difference in growth performance when corn was replaced with ground brown rice in diets for weanling pigs. Furthermore, the substitution of corn with ground brown rice in weaning diet modulated immune status and gut microbiota of pigs by increasing beneficial microbial communities and reducing harmful microbial communities. Overall, ground brown rice-based diet is a potential alternative to corn-based diet without negative effects on growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota changes of weanling pigs.

Rice as an alternative feed ingredient in swine diets.

It has become important to explore alternative feed ingredients to reduce feed costs, which are burdensome for livestock production. In addition, it is desirable to find efficient and functional alternative ingredients for traditional feed ingredients in pig diets, considering the stress and sensitivity of disease of pig. Rice is produced around the world like corn that is the typical energy source in pig diets. Although the nutritional quality varies depending on the degree of milling, rice, except whole grains (paddy rice), contains more starch than corn and its structure and granule size are easier to digest than corn. In addition, the fact that rice has fewer non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) is also effective in improving digestibility and various polyphenols in rice can help modulation of immune responses, which can be beneficial to the gastrointestinal environment and health of pig. Many studies have been conducted on rice focusing on things such as degree of milling, substitution rates of corn, granule size, and processing methods. Most results have shown that rice can be partially or completely used to replace corn in pig diets without negatively affecting pig growth and production. While further research should focus on the precise biological mechanisms at play, it was confirmed that the use of rice could reduce the use of antibiotics and pig removal and protect pigs from gastrointestinal diseases including diarrhea. From this point of view, rice can be evaluated as a valuable feed ingredient for swine diets.

Effects of dietary inactivated probiotics on growth performance and immune responses of weaned pigs.

This experiment was performed to verify whether dietary heat-killed Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR) improves growth performance and modulates immune responses of weaned pigs. Ninety-six weaned pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc; 6.95 ± 0.25 kg body weight [BW]; 28 d old) were randomly allocated to four treatments: 1) a basal diet without heat-killed LR (CON), 2) T1 (CON with 0.1% heat-killed LR), 3) T2 (CON with 0.2% heat-killed LR), and 4) T3 (CON with 0.4% heat-killed LR). Each treatment had six pens with four pigs (6 replicates per treatment) in a randomized completely block design. The heat-killed LR used in this study contained 1 × 109 FU/g of LR in a commercial product. Pigs were fed each treatment for four weeks using a two-phase feeding program to measure growth performance and frequency of diarrhea. During the last week of this study, all diets contained 0.2% chromic oxide as an indigestible marker. Fecal sampling was performed through rectal palpation for the consecutive three days after the four adaptation days to measure apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy (GE). Blood sampling was also performed on day 1, 3, 7, and 14 after weaning to measure immune responses such as serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and cortisol. The heat-killed LR increased (p < 0.05) growth rate, feed efficiency, and ATTD of GE for overall experimental period compared with CON, but reduced (p < 0.05) post-weaning diarrhea. In addition, pigs fed diets contained heat-killed had lower concentrations of serum TNF-α (d 7; p < 0.05), TGF-ß1 (d 7; p < 0.10), and cortisol (d 3 and 7; p < 0.05) than pigs fed CON. In conclusion, dietary heat-killed LR improved growth rate, modified immune responses of weaned pigs, and alleviated post-weaning diarrhea.

Enhanced Physical and Mechanical Properties of Nitrile-Butadiene Rubber Composites with N-Cetylpyridinium Bromide-Carbon Black.

The physical and mechanical properties of nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) composites with N-cetylpyridinium bromide-carbon black (CPB-CB) were investigated. Addition of 5 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of CPB-CB into NBR improved the tensile strength by 124%, vulcanization rate by 41%, shore hardness by 15%, and decreased the volumetric wear by 7% compared to those of the base rubber-CB composite.

Effects of dietary protease on immune responses of weaned pigs.

This experiment was conducted to investigate effects of dietary protease on immune responses of weaned pigs. Weaned pigs (n = 75; 7.06 ± 0.18 kg BW; 28 d old) were randomly assigned to 3 treatments (5 pigs/pen; 5 pens/treatment). Dietary treatments were positive control, a diet with required protein level (PC), negative control, a diet with lower protein level than PC (NC), and NC + 0.02% dietary protease (PRO). The dietary protease used in this experiment was a commercial product containing 75,000 protease units/g derived from Nocardiopsis prasina produced in Bacillus licheniformis. The dietary treatments did not contain any ingredients or additives that may provide antibacterial or physiological effects. Pigs were fed respective dietary treatments for 6 weeks. Blood was collected from randomly selected 2 pigs in each pen on d 1, 3, 7, and 14 after weaning. Measurements were number of white blood cells (WBC), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Pigs fed PRO had lower WBC on d 7 (14.84 vs 20.42 × 103/µL; p < 0.05) and TNF-α on d 7 (618 vs 889 pg/mL; p = 0.085) and 14 (437 vs 576 pg/mL; p = 0.069) than those fed NC, but there were no differences on WBC and TNF-α between PC and PRO. Pigs fed PRO had lower TGF-ß1 on d 3 (630 vs. 1,588 and 1,396 pg/mL; p < 0.05) than those fed PC and NC. However, no differences were found on CRP among dietary treatments. In conclusion, addition of dietary protease reduced inflammatory immune responses of weaned pigs.

Comparison of the outcomes between two different target points after open wedge high tibial osteotomy: The Fujisawa point versus the lateral tibial spine.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical, radiographic and arthroscopic outcomes after open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) aiming either at the Fujisawa point (group F) or the lateral tibial spine (LTS, group L). METHODS: Between January 2011 and May 2017, 89 cases underwent implant removal procedures with second-look arthroscopy at 19.8 months after OWHTO with first-look arthroscopy. Among them, 24 and 65 cases were enrolled in groups F and L, respectively. Outcomes included clinical (evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index and the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score), radiographic (observation of the mechanical axis (MA) and tibial slope), and arthroscopic (including chondral lesions of the medial femoral condyle (MFC), trochlea, and patella scored according to the International Cartilage Repair Society grading) measures, investigated at index surgery and implant removal surgery. Outcomes were compared between two groups. RESULTS: Preoperative clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes were similar between both groups. The mean postoperative MA was significantly lower in group F compared with group L (-3.9° vs. -1.6°, respectively; P < 0.001). Similar MFC cartilage grading changes from index surgery to second look surgery were shown; however, further progression of patellofemoral grading was shown in group F. CONCLUSIONS: OWHTO aimed at the LTS has similar clinical outcomes to Fujisawa point. Surgery aimed at the LTS was slightly less corrected. Targeting the LTS could be an option after consideration of joint geometry and patellofemoral joint problems.

The Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes Open and Closed Reduction for Patellar Fractures.

Patellar fractures account for approximately 1% of all human body fractures. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of open reduction and closed reduction for patellar fractures. This retrospective study included 62 patients (63 cases) who underwent surgical treatment of patellar fractures from 2008 to 2013. Of the 63 cases, open and closed reductions were performed in 42 and 21 cases, respectively. Plain radiography was used to assess fracture healing. Comminuted patellar fracture was the most common fracture type in both groups. Tension band wiring and cannulated screw fixation were mainly used in the open and closed reduction groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the modified hospital for special surgery score, visual analog scale score for pain, and range of motion between the two groups. The mean union time was 3.2 and 3.0 months in open and closed reductions, respectively. Postoperative knee stiffness was noted in five cases of open reduction and in three cases of closed reduction. One patient in the open reduction group had a refracture. There were no notable differences in treatment outcomes between open and closed reductions. Thus, closed reduction may not be inferior to open reduction as a surgical treatment for patellar fractures.

Preparation and Improved Physical Characteristics of Propylene Oxide Rubber Composites.

Sealing rubbers employed in cold climates such as the Siberian Arctic must be able to withstand temperatures as low as -50 °C while still exhibiting specific relaxation, strength, tribological characteristics, and a resistance to aggressive media. Previous investigations of propylene oxide rubber (SKPO, Tg = -73 °C) modified with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) have revealed that, while the rubber composite materials exhibit double the wear resistance compared to unmodified polypropylene oxide rubber, they have poor frost resistance. In the present study, we developed materials based on SKPO and ultrafine PTFE (UPTFE), which can be characterized by its smaller particle size, low molecular weight, high tribo-technical characteristics, and resistance to aggressive media. The properties of the rubber composites were evaluated using the standard methods. The structures of the materials were investigated by electron microscopy and XRD analysis. It was shown that the materials have excellent wear resistance, resistance to aggressive media, compression set, and low-temperature resistance. The addition of UPTFE is preferable to the addition of PTFE because the desired positive effects can be attained with only 0.5⁻1 parts per hundred parts of rubber (phr) UPTFE while 20 phr PTFE would be necessary.