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Probiotics have been reported to play an important role in the prevention of metabolic disorders. We recently identified a novel probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) P-8. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of L. plantarum P-8 on lipid metabolism of rats fed with high fat diet. All experimental rats were divided into three groups: control group, model group, and L. plantarum P-8 group. Changes in serum lipid levels, hepatic lipid deposition, serum oxidative stress-related parameters, activities of liver function marker enzymes, organ indices, gut microflora, and fecal lipids were assessed. Compared with model group, L. plantarum P-8 exhibited hypolipidemic effects by lowering serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, accompanied with elevation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. L. plantarum P-8 also exerted beneficial effects against high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress, curtailed the accumulation of liver lipids and protected healthy liver function. Moreover, L. plantarum P-8 was able to regulate intestinal bacteria and enhance the fecal excretion of TC, TG, and bile acid. These findings indicate that L. plantarum P-8 may represent a potential therapeutic agent for controlling hyperlipidemia.

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Objectives: A series of constant anatomical structures were used as guide targets for screw placement to improve the accuracy of cortical screw placement and reduce surgical injury and fluoroscopy radiation. The most commonly used angles and distances between the cortical bone screw insertion point and the lateral margins of the isthmus were selected as the contents of the questionnaire. Methods: A total of 40 physicians were selected to determine the specific values for each angle and distance. Screw placements were performed on four dry and six wet lumbar spine specimens according to the proposed anatomical target guidance technique. A total of 100 cortical bone trajectories were evaluated using X-ray and CT scanning of the specimens to verify the practicability, accuracy, and safety of the anatomical target guidance technique in screw placement. Results: The average deviation rates for angle and distance determination were 105.5% and 14.33%, respectively, indicating a significant difference between the estimated and actual values from other angles (P < 0.05). Based on visual inspection, probe penetration, X-ray, and CT examination of 100 cortical bone trajectories, the excellent rate of 40 trajectories on four dry specimens was 95%, while that of 60 trajectories on six wet specimens was 88.7%. Conclusion: Use of lumbar constant anatomical structures as targeting guidance could assist cortical bone screw placement and reduce surgical damage.