Impact of Long-Term Supplementation with Probiotics on Gut Microbiota and Growth Performance in Post-Weaned Piglets.

This study aimed to investigate effects of long-term probiotic supplementation on gut microbiota and growth performance in health weaned piglets. The non-probiotic group (N-PrB) was fed only a basal diet, while the probiotic group (PrB) was fed a basal diet + probiotic combination (E. faecium 1.6 × 108 CFU/g, B. subtilis 2.0 × 108 CFU/g, S. cerevisiae 3.0 × 108 CFU/g). The probiotics combination was provided to the PrB, mixing with the basal diet in 5 kg/ton. As a result, the PrB exhibited significantly improved weight gain compared to the N-PrB (p = 0.00991). In the gut microbiome analysis, the PrB exhibited a significant increasing tendency of α-diversity compared to those of the N-PrB (p < 0.01). In the bacterial relative abundance changes in bacteria comprising the gut microbiota, Ruminococcaceae (p = 0.00281) and Prevotella (p = 0.00687) tended to significantly increase in the PrB, but decreased in the N-PrB. The Eubaterium coprostanoligenes group exhibited an increasing tendency in both groups, but tended to increase more significantly in the PrB compared to the N-PrB (p = 0.00681). Muribaculaceae tended to significantly increase in the N-PrB, but decreased in the PrB (p = 0.002779). In this study, significant differences on the gut microbiome were found according to the probiotics supplementation in the weaned piglets and these gut microbiome changes appeared to improve the growth performance.

Comparative proteomics analysis of biofilms and planktonic cells of Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus lugdunensis with contrasting biofilm-forming ability.

Biofilms make it difficult to eradicate bacterial infections through antibiotic treatments and lead to numerous complications. Previously, two periprosthetic infection-related pathogens, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus lugdunensis were reported to have relatively contrasting biofilm-forming abilities. In this study, we examined the proteomics of the two microorganisms' biofilms using LC-MS/MS. The results showed that each microbe exhibited an overall different profile for differential gene expressions between biofilm and planktonic cells as well as between each other. Of a total of 929 proteins identified in the biofilms of E. faecalis, 870 proteins were shared in biofilm and planktonic cells, and 59 proteins were found only in the biofilm. In S. lugdunensis, a total of 1125 proteins were identified, of which 1072 proteins were found in common in the biofilm and planktonic cells, and 53 proteins were present only in the biofilms. The functional analysis for the proteins identified only in the biofilms using UniProt keywords demonstrated that they were mostly assigned to membrane, transmembrane, and transmembrane helix in both microorganisms, while hydrolase and transferase were found only in E. faecalis. Protein-protein interaction analysis using STRING-db indicated that the resulting networks did not have significantly more interactions than expected. GO term analysis exhibited that the highest number of proteins were assigned to cellular process, catalytic activity, and cellular anatomical entity. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that microbial metabolism in diverse environments was notable for both microorganisms. Taken together, proteomics data discovered in this study present a unique set of biofilm-embedded proteins of each microorganism, providing useful information for diagnostic purposes and the establishment of appropriately tailored treatment strategies. Furthermore, this study has significance in discovering the target candidate molecules to control the biofilm-associated infections of E. faecalis and S. lugdunensis.

Identification of plasma and urinary inflammatory markers in severe knee osteoarthritis: Relations with synovial fluid markers.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify plasma and urinary cytokines as potential biomarkers for severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). It also investigated associations between these cytokines and cartilage markers, as well as their connections with synovial fluid (SF) markers. METHODS: Samples of plasma, urine, and SF were obtained from patients (n = 40) undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) due to severe knee OA. Control samples of plasma and urine were collected from non-OA individuals (n = 15). We used a Luminex immunoassay for the simultaneous measurement of 19 cytokines, MMP-1, and MMP-3 levels. COMP, CTX-II, and hyaluronan (HA) levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to analyze each biomarker's performance. Correlations among these biomarkers were evaluated via Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: The levels of plasma (p)CCL11, pCXCL16, pIL-8, pIL-15, pHA, urinary (u)CCL2, uCCL11, uCCL19, uCXCL16, uIL-1ß, uIL-6, uIL-8, uIL-12p70, uIL-15, uIL-33, uMMP-3, uHA, uCTX-II, and uCOMP were significantly elevated in individuals with severe knee OA. Notably, specific correlations were observed between the plasma/urine biomarkers and SF biomarkers: pCCL11 with sfHA (r = 0.56) and sfTNF-α (r = 0.58), pIL-15 with sfCCL19 (r = 0.43) and sfCCL20 (r = 0.44), and uCCL19 with sfCCL11 (r = 0.45) and sfIL-33 (r = 0.51). Positive correlations were also observed between uCCL11 and its corresponding sfCCL11(r = 0.49), as well as between sfCCL11 and other cytokines, namely sfCCL4, sfCCL19, sfCCL20, sfIL-33, and sfTNF-α (r = 0.46-0.63). CONCLUSION: This study provides an extensive profile of systemic inflammatory mediators in plasma of knee OA and identified four inflammatory markers (pCCL11, pIL-15, uCCL11, and uCCL19) reflecting joint inflammation.

Differential Impact of Surface Conduction and Electroosmotic Flow on Ion Transport Enhancement by Microscale Auxiliary Structures.

Our research investigates the impact of auxiliary structures on ion transport in electrochemical systems such as batteries and microscale desalination units, whose importance for sustainable development has increased dramatically in recent decades. The electrochemical systems typically feature ion-selective surfaces, such as electrodes and ion exchange membranes, where ion depletion can cause performance issues including metal dendrite formation and flow instability. Recent research has shown that auxiliary structures in these electrochemical systems can enhance ion transfer near ion-selective surfaces, thereby resolving the instability problem and improving the energy conversion efficiency of the system. Our study leverages recent advancements in nanoscale electrokinetics to model these auxiliary structures as pillar arrays near an ion exchange membrane in a microchannel. We examine how these structures enhance ion transports relative to the characteristic length scale of microchannel depth and pillars' proximity to the ion-selective surface. Results show that the effect of the pillars varies significantly with their placement. Specifically, in deeper microchannels, where electrokinetic convection is stronger, the closer the auxiliary structure is to the ion-selective membrane, the better the ion transfer. However, in the thinner microchannel, the proximity of the auxiliary structure to the ion selective membrane has a less significant correlation with the ion transfer. Therefore, this finding highlights the importance of spatial arrangement of the auxiliary structures in improving the performance of electrochemical devices. Conclusively, this study can help to better understand energy conversion systems such as fuel cells, salinity gradient power generation systems, and electrochemical desalination systems, where auxiliary structures can be used in the vicinity of ion-selective surfaces. Especially, our fundamental electrokinetic study provides an effective means for designing the efficient electrochemical platforms utilizing micro/nanofluidics.

Identification and characterization of recent retrovirus in Rhinolophus ferrumequinum bats.

An investigation into retrovirus was conducted in six species of bats (Myotis aurascens, Myotis petax, Myotis macrodactylus, Miniopterus fuliginosus, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, and Pipistrellus abramus) inhabiting South Korea. Exogenous retroviruses (XRVs) were detected in the tissue samples of R. ferrumequinum individuals by PCR assay. Proviruses were identified in all tissue samples through viral quantification using a digital PCR assay per organ (lung, intestine, heart, brain, wing, kidney, and liver), with viral loads varying greatly between each organ. In phylogenetic analysis based on the whole genome, the Korean bat retroviruses and the R. ferrumequinum retrovirus (RfRV) strain formed a new clade distinct from the Gammaretrovirus clade. The phylogenetic results determined these viruses to be RfRV-like viruses. In the Simplot comparison, Korean RfRV-like viruses exhibited relatively strong fluctuated patterns in the latter part of the envelope gene area compared to other gene areas. Several point mutations within this region (6,878-7,774 bp) of these viruses were observed compared to the RfRV sequence. One Korean RfRV-like virus (named Y4b strain) was successfully recovered in the Raw 264.7 cell line, and virus particles replicated in the cells were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. RfRVs (or RfRV-like viruses) have been spreading since their first discovery in 2012, and the Korean RfRV-like viruses were assumed to be XRVs that evolved from RfRV.IMPORTANCER. ferrumequinum retrovirus (RfRV)-like viruses were identified in greater horseshoe bats in South Korea. These RfRV-like viruses were considered exogenous retroviruses (XRVs) that emerged from RfRV. Varying amounts of provirus detected in different organs suggest ongoing viral activity, replication, and de novo integration in certain organs. Additionally, the successful recovery of the virus in the Raw 264.7 cell line provides strong evidence supporting their status as XRVs. These viruses have now been identified in South Korea and, more recently, in Kenya since RfRV was discovered in China in 2012, indicating that RfRVs (or RfRV-like viruses) have spread worldwide.

Occurrence of mycotoxins in swine feed from South Korea.

Objectives: To update recent information on contamination levels of mycotoxins in South Korea. Materials and methods: A total of 208 samples sourced from the feeds of swine farms were collected. The contamination levels of mycotoxins, which are aflatoxin (Afla), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), fumonisin (FUM), and T-2 toxin, were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Results: The detection levels of the total samples were 78.91% for DON, 75.24% for Afla, 47.02% for ZEN, 68.31% for FUM, and 5.94% for OTA and T-2, which were not detected at all. Most of the analyzed mycotoxins showed significant high occurrences in 47.02%-78.91% of the swine feed samples. 11 of the 152 alfa-positive samples exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL) of Afla proposed by the Korean regulation. In the analysis of mycotoxin detection levels by growth stage, ZEN was found in the nursery stage at a remarkably high concentration level (126.46 ± 63.76 ppb), exceeding the MRL of ZEN for piglets proposed by the European Commission. This mycotoxin was also found in the samples from the gestation barn (89.04 ± 46.05 ppb) and the farrowing house (105.58 ± 94.12) at a high concentration level. Afla was found in the nursery stage at a high concentration (8.00 ± 2.22 ppb), approaching the MRL (10 ppb) of Afla proposed by the Korean regulation. Conclusion: These results indicate that many swine farms in South Korea are still exposed to mycotoxin risk, and special attention and surveillance are necessary for these mycotoxin risks in swine farms.

Antimicrobial and anti-diabetic efficiency of Polyalthia longifolia leaf extracts and major compounds characterization.

This research was performed to investigate the bactericidal and fungicidal competence of extracts (methanol and petroleum ether extract) of Polyalthia longifolia leaf. Moreover, the major active compounds present in the effective crude extract (either methanol or petroleum ether extract) was determined through initially with UV-Vis spectra, FTIR, and GC-MS analyses. The methanol extract alone showed remarkable bactericidal and fungicidal activity against the bacterial (S. pyogenes > E. coli > S. aureus > S. pneumoniae > C. difficile > P. aeruginosa) and fungal (A. clavatus > C. albicans > A. niger > A. fumigatus > C. tropicalis > C. auris) pathogens at increased concentration (12.5 mg mL-1) than petroleum ether extract. The MIC and MBC values of methanol extract were found as 10-20 mg mL-1 and 30-40 mg mL-1 respectively. The MFC value of methanol extract was found as 10-20 mg mL-1. These MIC, MBC, and MFC values of methanol extract were considerably greater than petroleum ether extract. The FTIR and GC-MS characterization studies revealed that the presence of more acre functional groups belonging to bioactive compounds such as Z)-7-Hexadecenal, Aromandendrene, α-Curcumene, Caryophyllene, Methyl 14-methyl Pentadecanoat, Methyl trans-13-Octadecenoate, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, and 2-hydroxy-1- (hydroxymethyl)ethyl. As a result of these findings, it is possible that P. longifolia leaf methanol extract contains medicinally important bioactive substances with bactericidal and fungicidal properties.

Formulation of Ensulizole with Beta-Cyclodextrins for Improved Sunscreen Activity and Biocompatibility.

In today's context, prolonged exposure to sunlight is widely recognized as a threat to human health, leading to a range of adverse consequences, including skin cancers, premature skin aging, and erythema. To mitigate these risks, preventive actions mainly focus on advocating the application of sunscreen lotions and minimizing direct exposure to sunlight. This research study specifically centered on ensulizole (ENS), a prominent ingredient in sunscreens. The objective was to create inclusion complexes (ICs) with Beta-cyclodextrin (B-CD) and its hydroxypropyl derivatives (H-CD). Using phase solubility measurements, we determined that both B-CD and H-CD form 1:1 stoichiometric ICs with ENS. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectral (1H NMR) analysis confirmed that the phenyl portion of ENS is encapsulated within the B-CD cavity. Significant changes in surface morphology were observed during the formation of these ICs compared to ENS and CDs alone. Quantum mechanical calculations were employed to further support the formation of ICs by providing energy data. Particularly, the photostability of the ENS:B-CD ICs remained intact for up to four hours of UV exposure, with no significant alterations in the structure of ENS. Furthermore, comprehensive biocompatibility assessments yielded encouraging results, suggesting the potential application of these inclusion complexes in cosmetics as a UVB sunscreen. In summary, our research underscores the successful creation of inclusion complexes characterized by enhanced photostability and safe biocompatibility.

Preoperative patient's expectations and clinical outcomes after rheumatoid forefoot deformity reconstruction by joint sacrificing surgery.

Objective: To study the clinical and radiologic factors related with overall patient satisfaction of joint scarifying reconstruction on severe rheumatoid forefoot deformity (RFD). Methods: Forty cases of RFD were retrospectively enrolled. A questionnaire on the factors for patient's expectations and satisfactions of the greater and lesser toes was administered, including repression of relapse in deformity (D), pain reduction (P), improvement in shoe wearing (S), barefoot activity (B), and appearance (A). Overall satisfaction were assessed using the 5-digit-scale. Hallux valgus angle, 1, 2 intermetatarsal angle, and other radiologic parameters were measured. Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between these factors and overall satisfaction. Results: Overall satisfaction was 4.0±0.82. Postoperative radiologic parameters were corrected in adequate range. Visual analog scale (VAS) was reduced from 7.2±2.1 to 2.2±1.8. For the greater toe, patient's expectations (D, P, S, B, and A) were 4.2, 4.1, 3.0, 2.5, 2.7 and satisfactions were 4.2, 4.0, 3.4, 3.5, 3.3, respectively. For the lesser toes, patient's expectations (D, P, S, B, and A) were 3.9, 4.1, 3.4, 3.0, 2.8, and satisfactions were 3.4, 4.0, 3.4, 3.6, 2.9, respectively. Satisfactions with P and B, and reduction amounts of VAS were significantly correlated with overall satisfaction. Conclusion: Although forefoot reconstruction with a joint sacrificing procedure is non-physiological, it could be a good surgical option for severe RFD. Each patient's expectations and satisfactions with this procedure could vary. Thus, it seems important to inform patients preoperatively that expectation could be fulfilled well or less.

Influence of knee flexion angle on graft bending angle during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the transportal technique.

This study aimed to examine change in the graft bending angle (GBA) according to various knee flexion angles in creating femoral tunnel by the transportal technique in ACL reconstruction, and to reveal knee flexion angle minimizing GBA while maintaining stable femoral tunnel characteristics. Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using the transportal technique between January 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into three groups according to knee flexion angle when creating femoral tunnel (group 1: < 120° (n = 19); group 2: 120-129° (n = 32); group 3: ≥ 130° (n = 33). GBA was measured on three-dimensional knee model reconstructed from postoperative computed tomography images. The length of the femoral tunnel and posterior wall blow-out were also checked. There was significant difference of GBA between the groups (group 1 = 112.1°; group 2 = 106.4°; group 3 = 101.4°, p < 0.001). The knee flexion angle in creating femoral tunnel was negatively correlated with GBA (r = - 0.733, p < 0.001). Five patients in group 1 had short femoral tunnel. GBA was influenced by knee flexion angle in creating femoral tunnel and got more acute as the knee flexion angle increased. Considering length and risk of wall blow-out in femoral tunnel, and GBA, knee flexion angle between 120 and 130° could be recommended as appropriate angle to create optimal femoral tunnel in ACL reconstruction using the transportal technique.

Hierarchical Capillarity-Assisted Liquid Invasion in Multilayered Paper Channels for Nanoelectrokinetic Preconcentration.

A nanoelectrokinetic phenomenon called ion concentration polarization (ICP) has been recently applied to microfluidic paper-based devices for the high fold preconcentration of low-abundant analytes. The inherent microstructural characteristics of cellulose papers can sufficiently stabilize the chaotic electroconvection of ICP, which is a significant annoyance for typical engineered microfluidic channels. However, a high electrical voltage to induce ICP in a paper-fluidic channel can increase unavoidable electrophoretic forces over drag forces so that the preconcentrated plug is rapidly receded with severe dispersion. In order to enhance the hydraulic drag force that helps the preconcentration of analytes, here we introduce a multilayered paper structure into paper-fluidic channel. We theoretically and experimentally demonstrate that a hierarchical capillary structure in a multilayered paper-fluidic channel can effectively increase the hydraulic drag force. For the practical utility in the field of diagnostics, the mechanism is verified by a simple example of the immunoassay using biotin-streptavidin complexation.

Comparison of the Goutallier Classification of Fatty Infiltration for the Subscapularis With a Novel Modified Classification.

Background: Fatty infiltration in the subscapularis muscle extends to the upper portion of the muscle first and then to the lower portion only after some degree of fatty change has taken place in the upper region. Although the Goutallier classification is the most widely used method to categorize fatty infiltration, how to accurately and reliably determine the extent of infiltration is controversial. Purpose: To examine a modified classification that is more reliable in (1) assessing fatty infiltration of the subscapularis muscle and (2) predicting the structural integrity of the repaired tendon by identifying cutoff points for retear. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study retrospectively examined the records of 545 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for a subscapularis tear. Two shoulder surgeons reviewed the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans of all enrolled patients and evaluated the fatty infiltration of the subscapularis muscle based on the original Goutallier classification, as well as a novel modified Goutallier classification designed to measure the proportion of fat and muscle in the upper and lower portions of the muscle separately. Intra- and interobserver agreement of the reviewers was calculated using κ statistics. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, we determined the cutoff point for the particular fatty infiltration grade related to the occurrence of retear for each classification scheme. Results: The κ values for interobserver reliability were 0.743 and 0.856 for the original and modified Goutallier classifications, respectively, with the modified classification having significantly higher reliability (Z = 4.064; P < .001). Cutoff points for the fatty infiltration grade associated with retear were 2.5 for the original Goutallier classification (sensitivity, 65.3%; specificity, 95.6%; accuracy, 87.8%) and 3.5 for the modified classification (sensitivity, 52.5%; specificity, 97.8%; accuracy, 89.7%). Conclusion: In assessing fatty infiltration of the subscapularis muscle, the modified Goutallier classification showed higher reliability than the original Goutallier classification. The cutoff point for potential retear (grade 3.5) was at a point where the fatty infiltration extended to the lower portion of the subscapularis muscle.

Trends and Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection after Treatment of the Ankle Fracture: National Cohort Study.

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a major complication after the surgical treatment of ankle fractures that can result in catastrophic consequences. This study aimed to determine the incidence of SSI in several cohorts from national insurance databases over the past 12 years and identify its predictors. The claimed data for patients (n = 1,449,692) with ankle fractures between 2007 and 2019 were investigated, and a total of 41,071 patients were included in the final analysis. The covariates included were age, sex, season, fracture type (closed vs. open), type of surgical fixation procedure, and comorbidities of each patient. All subjects were divided into two groups according to the SSI after the surgical fixation of the ankle fracture (no infection group vs. infection group). The number of SSIs after the surgical treatment of ankle fractures was 874 (2.13%). Open fractures [odds ratio, (OR) = 4.220] showed the highest risk for SSI, followed by the male sex (OR = 1.841), an increasing number of comorbidities (3-5, OR = 1.484; ≥6, OR = 1.730), a history of dementia (OR = 1.720) or of myocardial infarction (OR = 1.628), and increasing age (OR = 1.010). The summer season (OR = 1.349) showed the highest risk among the four seasons for SSI after ankle fracture surgery.

Factors Influencing the Initial Constraint Level of the Knee Joint and Its Effect on Clinical Outcomes After ACL Reconstruction With Hamstring Graft.

Background: A force-based tension protocol that uses a certain amount of tension at graft fixation could still give rise to variations in initial constraint levels of the knee joint in terms of side-to-side difference (SSD) in anterior translation. Purpose: To investigate the factors influencing the initial constraint level in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstructed knees and compare outcomes according to the level of constraint in terms of anterior translation SSD. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included were 113 patients who underwent ipsilateral ACL reconstruction using an autologous hamstring graft and had minimum 2-year follow-up outcomes. All grafts were tensioned and fixed at 80 N using a tensioner at the time of graft fixation. The patients were classified into the following 2 groups according to the initial anterior translation SSD, measured using the KT-2000 arthrometer: a physiologic constraint group with restored anterior laxity ≤2 mm (group P; n = 66) and a high-constraint group with restored anterior laxity >2 mm (group H; n = 47). Clinical outcomes were compared between the groups, and preoperative and intraoperative variables were evaluated to identify factors affecting the initial constraint level. Results: Between group P and group H, generalized joint laxity (P = .005), posterior tibial slope (P = .022), and anterior translation measured in the contralateral knee (P < .001) were found to differ significantly. Measured anterior translation in the contralateral knee was the only significant predictor of high initial graft tension (P = .001). No significant differences were found between the groups regarding clinical outcomes and subsequent surgery. Conclusion: Greater anterior translation measured in the contralateral knee was an independent predictor of a more constrained knee after ACL reconstruction. The short-term clinical outcomes after ACL reconstruction were comparable, regardless of the initial constraint level in terms of anterior translation SSD.

dCas9-Mediated PCR-Free Detection of Oncogenic Mutation by Nonequilibrium Nanoelectrokinetic Selective Preconcentration.

Cutting-edge nanoelectrokinetic technology in this work provides a breakthrough for the present clinical demands of molecular diagnosis to detect a trace amount of oncogenic mutation of DNA in a short time without an erroneous PCR procedure. In this work, we combined the sequence-specific labeling scheme of CRISPR/dCas9 and ion concentration polarization (ICP) mechanism to separately preconcentrate target DNA molecules for rapid detection. Using the mobility shift caused by dCas9's specific binding to the mutant, the mutated DNA and normal DNA were distinguished in the microchip. Based on this technique, we successfully demonstrated the dCas9-mediated 1-min detection of single base substitution (SBS) in EGFR DNA, a carcinogenesis indicator. Moreover, the presence/absence of target DNA was identified at a glance like a commercial pregnancy test kit (two lines for positive and one line for negative) by the distinct preconcentration mechanisms of ICP, even at the 0.1% concentration of the target mutant.

Effects of prior antibiotic use on clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori.

BACKGROUND: Macrolide antibiotics are widely used to treat various infections such as pneumonia and sinusitis, and previous exposure to macrolides is presumed to be a risk factor for standard triple therapy failure in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication. We aimed to determine whether previous use of macrolide antibiotics could affect clarithromycin resistance of H. pylori. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From the Korea National Health Insurance Service (NHIS2021-1-775) database, a total of 46,160 patients who were tested for clarithromycin resistance of H. pylori from 2016 to 2019 in Korea were identified. Their history of antibiotics in the past 10 years and history of respiratory comorbidity in the past 1 year were investigated. RESULTS: Clarithromycin resistance rate of H. pylori in Korea was 16.2%. A multivariate analysis revealed that female sex (OR: 1.472, p < .001), age > 50 years (OR: 1.340, p < .001), previous use of macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin, OR: 2.902, p < .001; azithromycin, OR: 1.930, p < .001; erythromycin, OR: 2.060, p = .001; roxithromycin, OR: 2.022, p < .001), and history of respiratory comorbidity (sinusitis, OR: 1.271, p < .001; laryngopharyngitis, OR: 1.135, p = .032; bronchitis, OR: 1.245, p = .001; pneumonia, OR: 1.335, p = .026) were independent risk factors of clarithromycin resistance in H. pylori. CONCLUSIONS: The use of macrolide antibiotics and a recent diagnosis of respiratory disease might increase clarithromycin resistance of H. pylori.

Age, Tear Size, Extent of Retraction, and Fatty Infiltration Associated With a High Chance of a Similar Rotator Cuff Tear in the Contralateral Shoulder Regardless of Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Cuff Repair in the Index Shoulder.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of a contralateral rotator cuff tear (RCT) in patients with a symptomatic RCT requiring repair and to determine whether findings from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected shoulder can predict the presence of a contralateral tear. METHODS: Patients with atraumatic RCTs who had undergone arthroscopic repair between March 2019 and February 2021 were reviewed in this study. MRI of both shoulder joints was performed to evaluate the bilaterality of RCT. Demographic factors and MRI findings of index shoulders were assessed using logistic regression analysis to reveal any correlations with the presence of RCT in the contralateral shoulder. RESULTS: A total of 428 patients were enrolled in this study. When the affected shoulders had a posterosuperior rotator cuff (PSRC) or subscapularis tear including either an isolated or combined tear, 63.6% and 67.8% had the same tears on the contralateral side, respectively. A contralateral-side tear was found in 74.6% (185/248) of symptomatic cases and 44.8% (65/145) of asymptomatic cases, which represents a significant difference (P < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age ≥67.5 years, tear size ≥17 mm, Goutallier grade ≥1.5, and Patte grade ≥1.5 were found to be indicative of potential contralateral PSRC tears. By contrast, the presence of a subscapularis tear in the affected shoulder was the only significant risk factor in predicting a potential subscapularis tear in the contralateral shoulder. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with a symptomatic RCT requiring arthroscopic repair, 63.6% with a PSRC tear and 67.8% with a subscapularis tear in the affected shoulder were found to have a similar tear in the contralateral shoulder regardless of symptoms. Age, tear size, extent of retraction, fatty infiltration of PSRC tears, and the presence of subscapularis tears were identified as factors predictive of tears on the contralateral side. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

A Comparative Study on Outcomes of Partial Meniscectomy for Horizontal Cleavage Tear of Medial Meniscus: Complete versus Partial Resection of Inferior Leaf.

The extent to which resection of unstable leaf should be performed in horizontal cleavage meniscus tear has not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of partial meniscectomy for horizontal cleavage tear of medial meniscus between complete resection of inferior leaf including the periphery up to the joint capsule and partial resection leaving stable peripheral torn meniscal tissue. A total of 126 patients who underwent partial meniscectomy for horizontal cleavage tear of medial meniscus were divided into two groups: group C (n = 34), treated with the complete resection of the inferior leaf; and group P (n = 92), treated with partial resection of the inferior leaf. The minimum follow-up duration was 3 years. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm knee scoring scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee evaluation form, and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). Radiologic assessments were performed using the IKDC radiographic assessment scale and measurement of the height of the joint space in the medial compartment of the tibiofemoral joint. The functional outcomes including the Lysholm knee, IKDC subjective score, activities of daily living and sport and recreation subscale of KOOS were worse in group C than in group P (p < 0.001). The radiologic outcomes including postoperative IKDC radiographic scale (p = 0.003) and the postoperative joint space on the affected side (p < 0.001) were also worse in group C than in group P. In the horizontal cleavage tear of medial meniscus, complete resection of the inferior leaf including the periphery up to the joint capsule showed inferior clinical outcomes compared with partial resection leaving stable peripheral rim of torn meniscus at minimum 3-year follow-up. If the peripheral part of the inferior leaf is stable in horizontal cleavage tear of medial meniscus, partial resection of the inferior leaf preserving peripheral rim can be recommended.

Early outcomes of complete excision followed by immediate postoperative single fractional 10 Gy for anterior chest keloids: A preliminary results.

Treatment of chest keloids is challenging. The aim of this study is to present our experience using surgical excision followed by postoperative single fractional 10 Gy radiotherapy for recurrent anterior chest keloids on the same day. 16 patients with recurrent anterior chest keloids were treated with complete excision followed by single-fractional 10 Gy radiotherapy within eight hours postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 12 months. (10-14 months) The outcome was reported with a recurrence-free rate. We also reported side effects. The overall recurrence-free rate was 81.25%. The side effects were minimal, with two reported hyperpigmentation which was subsided after six months, and two cases of acute wound problems. Second malignancy or serious complications were not reported. Our preliminary results show positive outcomes of complete excision followed by postoperative single fractional 10 Gy radiotherapy for recurrent anterior chest keloids on the same day. Our current study needs further long-term validation with more diverse patients.

Counting DNA molecules on a microchannel surface for quantitative analysis.

Microscopic visualization of DNA molecules is a simple, intuitive, and powerful method. Nonetheless, DNA-molecule quantification methods that employ microscopic visualization have not been reported so far. In this study, a new quantitative approach is presented that enables the counting of individual DNA molecules that have been rendered visible by fluorescence microscopy. Toward this, a microfluidic device was employed that directed DNA molecules into microchannels and deposited the molecules onto a positively charged surface. This microfluidic device had a vertically tapered channel inlet structure that prevented the accumulation of excess DNA molecules in the channel inlet while creating a tapering flow, thereby ensuring the even distribution of the DNA molecules in the microchannels. The channel heights and the density of positive charges on the surface were optimized for analysis. The linearity of this method with respect to the determination of the concentration of DNA in solutions was subsequently determined. The limit of detection was 0.48 fg/µL, which corresponds to 64 molecules of 7.25 kbp DNA in 1 µL of sample. This quantitative approach was finally used to count two types of plasmids co-transformed in an E. coli cell; a measurement that is typically considered challenging with gel electrophoresis.