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Background: Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that has gained popularity for skin rejuvenation by causing repetitive intraepidermal injury to stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen production. Various clinical studies have demonstrated microdermabrasion's effectiveness in skin rejuvenation; however, most of these studies rely on clinical observation and scoring by observers rather than histologic or microscopic analysis. In our single‐center prospective study, we used line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT), to non‐invasively visualize the early effects of one microdermabrasion treatment on the facial epidermal and dermal structure. Aim: Using LC‐OCT, this study aims to elucidate the microscopic and histological effects of microdermabrasion on epidermal and dermal structures, including epidermal thickness, as well as collagen and vascular patterns. Patients/Methods: Eight volunteers (Fitzpatrick skin types II–V) underwent one treatment of microdermabrasion. LC‐OCT and VISIA imaging were performed before and 10 min after microdermabrasion, and at 48‐h follow‐up. Subjective evaluations of skin texture and adverse reactions were assessed 1 week posttreatment via a telephone call. Results: Compared to LC‐OCT images before treatment, images captured after one treatment of microdermabrasion showed a decrease in thickness and number of undulations in the stratum corneum. In the superficial dermis, enhancement in fibrillar collagen, as demonstrated by an increased prominence of crisscrossing hyper‐refractile strands, was visualized. This was consistent with subjective and objective improvement in facial rhytids calculated by VISIA skin analysis. Conclusions: Treatment monitoring with LC‐OCT demonstrated consistent histopathological changes with clinical visual improvement. Therefore, LC‐OCT, has the potential to enable long‐term histopathological monitoring of microdermabrasion and other cosmetic procedures without biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are characterized by symptoms such as pain, clicking sound, and crackling in the jaw joint during chewing or mouth opening. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a cellular plasma component obtained from whole blood, containing high platelet concentration and hyperphysiological growth factors. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of PRP on surgically created TMJ cartilage defects. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 adult New Zealand rabbits (2500--3000 g) were included in the study. Full-thickness osteochondral defects were created by dividing into two groups as right TMJ joint group (experimental group; Group I) and the left TMJ joint group (control group; Group II). Full-thickness osteochondral defects were created on both sides, and PRP was applied to Group 1 and saline was applied to Group 2. After 1 week, both PRP and saline were readministered. Results: The subjects were sacrificed under general anesthesia 4 weeks later, and bilateral condylar heads were surgically removed. Although there was a histological and macroscopic difference between the groups, no significant difference was found. Conclusion: More comprehensive studies should be conducted by increasing the follow-up time, frequency, and number of PRP applications. In this experimental study, the application of PRP gave effective results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sealing the peri-implant tissue is a determining factor for long-term implant survival. In the transmucosal region, the cervical fraction of the prosthetic crown is in contact with these tissues, so mucointegration will also be influenced by the biomaterial used for the prosthetic restoration. This study aims to compare the tissue response generated by definitive restorative materials and polymeric materials from a histological point of view. Methods: This study performed an observational prospective cohort study in which biopsies of the peri-implant mucosa were taken after placement of implant-supported prosthetic restorations made of different materials (zirconium oxide, lithium disilicate, and PMMA). Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in the increase in the thickness of the non-keratinized epithelium when comparing the definitive materials (zirconium oxide/lithium disilicate) vs. the provisional material (PMMA) and in the number of collagen fibers when comparing zirconium oxide and lithium disilicate. Conclusions: This study found that zirconia is the material that presents the most adequate biological response of peri-implant tissues. It shows a lower intensity of inflammatory cellular content, a total normality in the number of collagen fibers (the arrangement of the fibers is normal in 90% of the cases), and vascular proliferation of connective tissue in 83% of the cases. These parameters make it a material with a predictable response. Similarly, only the following slight statistically significant differences between the definitive and provisional materials are observed, indicating that the biological response generated by the provisional material (PMMA) is not very different from that obtained with the placement of the definitive restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple osteochondromas is genetic disorder characterized by the formation of multiple benign cartilage-capped bone tumors, named osteochondromas, during skeletal development. The most feared complication is the secondary peripheral chondrosarcoma, a malignant cartilaginous neoplasm that arises from the chondroid cap of pre-existent osteochondromas. We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients diagnosed and followed up from 1960 to 2019 to describe the clinical and pathological features of individuals affected by peripheral chondrosarcoma in multiple osteochondromas, to evaluate follow up information and individual outcome and to compare the results with literature. Data, including age, gender, site, histological grade, cartilage cap thickness, surgical treatments, surgical margins, genotype mutational status as well as treatment details were captured from the hospital electronic health records and from Registry of Multiple Osteochondromas. In addition, a complete histological review of all hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections has been performed by expert pathologists. Results: One hundred five of the screened cases were included in the present study. The age at diagnosis of SPC ranges from 13 to 63, with median age at diagnosis of 34 years. The site most frequently affected by malignant degeneration was the pelvis (46 patients, 44%) with higher incidence in male patients (32 males vs.14 females). The second one was lower limbs (including femur, fibula, or tibia), identified in 35 patients. Histological information - available for 103 patients – showed: 59 patients with grade 1; 40 patients had a grade 2 and 4 patients had a grade 3. The most common surgical treatment was the complete resection, followed by debulking, amputation and partial resection. Most of cases did not have recurrence of the disease. Outcome in disease-free survival highlights that a worse course of the disease was associated with histological grade 2 or 3, and partial resection surgery. In most of analyzed cases (94%) a pathogenic variant was identified. Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study gives an overview of the secondary peripheral chondrosarcomas, confirming that this disease represents an impacting complication for multiple osteochondromas patients and suggests that malignant transformation can occur also in younger patient, in a not irrelevant number of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to describe the histological artifacts caused by high-power laser use compared to cold scalpel surgery in oral soft tissue lesions. Clinical studies that evaluated and compared histological artifacts resulting from the use of high-power lasers and cold scalpels in oral soft tissue lesions biopsies were retrieved from seven databases and four grey literatures, up to July 2022. The risk of bias was investigated using the ROBINS-I tool. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Seven studies were eligible for qualitative analysis. Based on the results obtained, those four studies had a low risk of bias, and three studies had an unclear risk of bias. The certainty of the evidence was classified as low. Limited evidence showed that epithelial artifacts such as loss of intraepithelial and subepithelial adhesions, accompanied by pyknotic, fusiform, and/or hyperchromic nuclei, were more common when a high-power laser device was used. Four articles reported that the use of high-power lasers did not interfere with the histopathological diagnosis of oral soft tissue lesions. Due to the heterogeneity of the data, a meta-analysis was not performed. Compared to the use of cold scalpels, histological artifacts, particularly those observed in epithelial tissue, are more common when high-powered lasers are used in oral lesions biopsies. The eligibility criteria and adequate indications of high-power lasers in different oral soft tissue lesion treatments must be respected to avoid tissue artifacts that impair precise histopathological diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Mucointegration seems to gain interest when talking about success in the maintenance of dental implants. As we well know, collagen fibres cannot be inserted due to the lack of root structure on the implant surface, so the structural integration of peri-implant tissues that provide a firm seal around implants seems to be of interest when it comes to ensuring the survival of dental implants. To achieve a good epithelial barrier, the physicochemical characteristics of the surfaces of the restorative materials are of vital importance; therefore, the objective of this study is to analyse the histological behaviour of the peri-implant soft tissues in three different restorative materials. (2) Methods: Histological analysis of biopsied peri-implant keratinised mucosa, inflammatory epithelium and connective tissue in contact with a reinforced composite (BRILLIANT Crios), a cross-linked polymethylmethacrylate (TELIO CAD), and a hybrid ceramic (Vita Enamic), restored on a customised Atlantis-type abutment (Dentsply Sirona) between 60 and 180 days after restoration. (3) Results: A greater number of cells per mm2 of keratinised epithelium is observed in the reinforced composite, which could indicate greater surface roughness with greater inflammatory response. In this way, the greater number of lymphocytes and the lateral cellular composition of the inflammatory cells confirm the greater inflammatory activity towards that material. The best material to rehabilitate was hybrid ceramic, as it shows a better cellular response. (4) Conclusions: Knowing the limitations of the proposed study, despite the fact that greater inflammation is observed in the reinforced composite relative to the other materials studied, no statistically significant differences were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral mucosa refers to the mucous membrane that lines the tissues within the oral cavity. Wound healing is an essential physiological process that involves the collaboration of numerous cell strains and their products to restore damage caused by a local aggressor. This process begins very early in the inflammatory phase and finishes with tissue repair. Myrrh oil has an anti-inflammatory effect on wound contraction, re-epithelization, early neovascularization, and increased collagen density. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of myrrh oil in rats oral mucosal ulcer healing. Materials and methods: 36 adult male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) of about 250–300 g of weight and an age of about 2–3 months were used in this experimental study. The practical part of this study lasted two months (June–July 2022) in the private animals’ house of Al-Dhyaa in Baghdad City, Iraq. The traumatic ulcer, with an 8 mm diameter and 1 mm depth was made on the right cheek mucosa by using a round diamond bur. The ulcer was treated once daily with a single topical dosage of 10 L of sterile distilled water (control Group). While in the myrrh oil Group, the ulcer was managed once a day with a micropipette dose of 10 ml of 1 mg/ml of myrrh oil. Animals were sacrificed after ulceration with general anesthesia over healing periods 1, 3, and 7 days. Histological analysis was performed by calculating the average wound contraction size, inflammatory cells and epithelial cells, and blood vessels. On days 1, 3, and 7 of the healing process, Van Gieson stain and Periodic Acid-Schiff stain were used to organise collagen fibre deposition and extracellular matrix production in all of the groups that were looked at. Results: Histological findings of an induced oral ulcer treated with daily application of myrrh oil showed more epithelization, reduced inflammation, increased angiogenesis, and decreased healing time in comparison to the control Group. The histochemical findings showed a significant difference in collagen fibers synthesis and extracellular matrix formation in myrrh oil in comparison to the control Group. Conclusion: Myrrh oil is more effective in promoting the healing of ulcers than the control Group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centella asiatica is widely used for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and wound-healing properties. Bisabolol is an unsaturated sesquiterpene found in increased amounts in chamomile and clary sage oil known for its multiple skin-repairing and soothing virtues. The aim of the present research was to histologically evaluate the efficacy of ointment with Centella asiatica extract and bisabolol. 14 mice from the balb/c line were included in the study, which were divided into 2 groups (experimental, control) and each animal included in the study was clipped before applying the mechanical burn. The duration of the experiment was 14 days with collections of biological material at 3.7 and 14 days. Following the study, we found that, in thermal burns, the use of ointment in which Centella asiatica 2% and bisabolol 1% were incorporated speeds up the skin healing process, compared to the untreated injury, and prevents bacterial superinfections from setting in. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eimeria tenella (E. tenella), an important intestinal parasite of chicken caeca, causes coccidiosis and brings large economic losses to the poultry industry annually. Gut microorganismal alterations directly affect the health of the body. To understand how E. tenella affects its host, we analysed the changes in caecal microbial diversity and the physiological and morphological changes during the peak of oocyst shedding. Infected and healthy chickens differed significantly in caecal pathology and blood indicators. At the genus level, the abundances of Faecalibacterium, Clostridium, Lachnoclostridium, Gemmiger, Flavonifractor, Pseudoflavonifractor and Oscillibacter were significantly decreased in the infected samples, whereas Escherichia, Nocardia and Chlamydia were significantly increased. Functional gene pathways related to replication, recombination and repair, and transcription were significantly decreased, and functional genes related to metabolism were highly significantly reduced in the infected samples. Furthermore, in the infected samples, E. tenella reduced the haemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts, greatly reduced the beneficial bacteria and increased the potentially pathogenic bacteria. This study provides a research basis for further understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of E. tenella and provides insight for potential new drug development. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS First simultaneous description of caecal microbiota and physiological indicators during E. tenella infection. Metagenomics used to explore functional properties of chicken caecal microbiota during E. tenella infection. Caecal microbial compositions and functional genes altered significantly after infection. Blood indicators and caecal morphology were significantly altered in the infected group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centella asiatica or Brahmi~Gotu Kola is a plant used since ancient times as a medicinal plant in countries such as India, Nepal, China, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. The plant is considered to be one of the most useful plants for revitalizing nerve cells, which is why in India it is known as the "brain plant" or used to treat skin conditions and heal wounds. The plant is still often used in two traditional branches of Indian medicine, Ayurveda and Unani. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Centella asiatica extract ointment in thermally injured mice. This study was performed on a total of 12 Balb/c mice aged 24-26 weeks, which were divided into two groups: one experimental and one control. The duration of the experiment was 14 days, with collections of biological material on days 3, 7, and 14 of the experiment. In the case of the tested ointment, clinical healing occurred after the 9th day of treatment by debridement of the formed crust and highlighting a regeneration epithelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Atraumatic necrosis of the femoral head (AFHN) is a common disease with an incidence of 5000–7000 middle-aged adults in Germany. There is no uniform consensus in the literature regarding the configuration of the bone in AFHN. The clinical picture of our patients varies from very hard bone, especially in idiopathic findings, and rather soft bone in cortisone-induced necrosis. A better understanding of the underlying process could be decisive for establishing a morphology-dependent approach. The aim of this study is the closer examination of the condition of the bone in the AFHN compared to the primary hip osteo arthritis (PHOA). Materials and methods: The preparations were obtained as part of elective endoprosthetic treatment of the hip joint. Immediately after sample collection, thin-slice CT of the preserved femoral heads was performed to determine the exact density of the bone in the necrosis zone. Reconstruction was done in 0.8–1 mm layers in two directions, coronary and axial, starting from the femoral neck axis. Density of the femoral heads was determined by grey value analysis. The value in Hounsfield units per sample head was averaged from three individual measurements to minimize fluctuations. For biomechanical and histomorphological evaluation, the samples were extracted in the load bearing zone perpendicular to the surface of the femoral head. Group-dependent statistical evaluation was performed using single factor variance analysis (ANOVA). Results: A total of 41 patients with a mean age of 64.44 years were included. The mean bone density of the AFHN samples, at 1.432 g/cm3, was about 7% higher than in the PHOA group with a mean value of 1.350 g/cm3 (p = 0.040). The biomechanical testing in the AFHN group showed a 22% higher—but not significant—mean compressive strength (20.397 MPa) than in the PHOA group (16.733 MPa). On the basis of histological analysis, no differentiation between AFHN and PHOA samples was possible. Conclusions: The present study (NCT, evidence level II) shows that AFHN has a very well detectable higher bone density compared to PHOA. However, neither biomechanical stress tests nor histomorphological evaluation did show any significant difference between the groups. The results allow the conclusion that there is no "soft" necrosis at all in the AFHN group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic liver diseases represent a worldwide major health problem, where fibrosis is implicated in the pathogenesis with evident impact on liver functions. Berberine (BBR) is a herbal drug that possesses a variety of pharmacological actions. However, it suffers from limited membrane permeability due to its hydrophilic nature. In this context, the current study aimed to elaborate a hydrophobic ion pair complex of berberine-oleate (BBR-OL) integrated with liposomal nanoplatform and to study its therapeutic efficacy on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis in adult male albino rats, in comparison with free berberine. Materials and Methods: Berberine-oleate complex was prepared and loaded into liposomes. Then, its therapeutic effect was investigated in CCl4 induced liver fibrosis rat model compared to free BBR. Biochemical, histological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical assessments of blood and liver samples were performed in different groups and followed by statistical analysis of the results. Results: The proposed integrated nanoliposomes showed a nanometric size (192.2±1.07nm) and a sustained release pattern with minimum drug leakage. Histologically, rats that received BBR-OL loaded liposomes showed evident amelioration of hepatic changes and collagen deposition than those that received free BBR. Biochemically, serum level of albumin was restored to control level in BBR-OL group and the serum levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase decreased significantly in BBR-OL group in comparison to CCl4 induced liver fibrosis group. Conclusion: A novel integrated nano-assembly of BBR-OL loaded liposomes was successfully elaborated as a promising tool for effective treatment of liver fibrosis. The histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical evaluations have demonstrated the efficacy of BBR-OL loaded liposomes in restoring the liver structure and functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicity tests are mandatory preclinical regulatory studies for the authorization of a medicinal product. The testing protocol include a complete analysis of the possible toxic action of the tested product. The most complex and defining analysis is post-mortem histological analysis. Depending on the place of action of the tested product and to avoid the interference of euthanasia methods with the results of analyzes, different euthanasia methods may be chosen. In a study of toxicity in rats for a substance with action on the nervous system, two methods of euthanasia were chosen, namely anesthetic overdose and euthanasia by decapitation with deep sedation of animals. Histological evaluation of the main organs revealed congestion in the analyzed organs regardless of the euthanasia method used in most animals. Diffuse hemorrhage, perivascular edema and pulmonary edema have also been observed. Lesions were identified in both test and control groups, male and female. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the two methods, euthanasia by overdose of anesthetic producing more lesions than decapitation, the latter being considered more appropriate for this type of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the present report it is described the design, the manufacturing and the successful surgical implant of one of the first 3D custom titanium vertebra realized with Additive Manufacturing technique and its use for the spinal reconstruction after en-bloc resection for primary osteogenic sarcoma. Methods: Clinical case presentation and the design of the 3D custom titanium vertebra was reported. It was also described the complex procedures adopted to evaluate the retrieved device from the histological point of view, as a tumor relapse hit the patient, one year after the reconstruction procedure. Results: The histological evaluation confirmed that the resection technique exerts an important role in promoting bone formation: vertebral body osteotomies favored the reconstruction procedure and maximized the contact area between host bone/vertebral prosthesis thus favoring the bone tissue penetration and device colonization. Conclusion: The sharing of these results is very important as they represent the starting point for improving the knowledge starting from the evidence obtained in a challenging clinical condition and with post-operative treatments that could be never reproduced in preclinical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the histopathological changes in a rabbit model, following strabismus surgery using either absorbable or non-absorbable suture materials. Methods: Superior rectus muscle recession was performed in rabbits using either an absorbable (Vicryl®) or non-absorbable (Prolene®) suture material. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed and histologic changes in the sclera were evaluated at the first, second, fourth, and eighth weeks, postoperatively. Moreover, the postoperative scleral thickness was measured and the postoperative pattern of arrangement of scleral fibers was analyzed. Results: Suture material-induced limited inflammatory reaction and formation of new vessels were observed in the study subjects, in the early postoperative phase, in both the Vicryl® and Prolene® groups. In the Vicryl® group, multinucleated giant cells were dominant during the inflammatory phase, and replacement by fibrotic scar tissues was observed. In the Prolene® group, the suture material was observed to be intact, and the inflammatory reactions around the sutures were observed to be less severe compared to the Vicryl® group. Meanwhile, neither group exhibited reduction in scleral thickness or irregular rearrangement of scleral fibers. Conclusions: The current histological study demonstrated that there was no significant postoperative scleral tissue changes after a strabismus surgery. Furthermore, the absorbable suture material was observed to induce inflammatory reactions of greater severity, compared to the non-absorbable suture material, in scleral tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify discrepancies between intraoperative and histological evaluations of the appendix in acute appendicitis and to evaluate the effect on surgical outcome.Methods: Data was used from our previous multicentre, prospective, cohort study of patients with suspected acute appendicitis. Appendices were scored during intraoperative and histological evaluation as uncomplicated or complicated appendicitis. Primary outcome was percentage of concordance between intraoperative and histological evaluation. Secondary outcomes were (infectious) postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, hospital re-admission and re-intervention rate, all within 30 days of surgery.Results: A total of 1850 patients were included. In 65.7% (1215/1850) of the appendices, the intraoperative evaluation was uncomplicated and in 34.3% (635/1850), complicated appendicitis. Patients with uncomplicated appendicitis had a postoperative course with significantly less postoperative complications (7.2% vs 24.3%), a shorter length of hospital stay (2 vs 5 days) and a lower re-admission (4.2% vs 9.6%) and re-intervention rate (1.1% vs 4.3%) than intraoperative complicated appendicitis (p < 0.001). In 93.5% (1136/1215) of the intraoperative uncomplicated patients and in 46.6% (296/635) of the intraoperative complicated patients, there was an agreement with pathology (Kappa 0.45). In 23.9% (81/339) of patients with intraoperative complicated and histological uncomplicated appendicitis, a postoperative complication was observed, which was similar to the postoperative complication rate of complicated appendicitis both on intraoperative and histological evaluation (24.7% (73/296)).Conclusions: There is a moderate agreement between a surgeon and pathologist in diagnosing patients with complicated appendicitis. However, the intraoperative diagnosis of complicated appendicitis was significantly associated with postoperative complications. Routine histological evaluation should be preserved for excluding malignancies in suspect appendices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) is one of the most consumed local fish in Romania, the present study is focused on challenge testing of Nigella sativa fortified Carassius gibelio whole fish muscle sample morphological quality. The challenge testing involved exposure to atypical temperature conditions, other than those anticipated in the food industry, including stress temperature trial (exposure to storage temperature variations) for fresh Carassius gibelio whole fish, supplemented with 0.6% v/w Nigella sativa seed oil (NSSO). Histological evaluation of muscle structure was performed at day 3 of storage, for all samples. Histological assessment of dorsal skeletal fish muscle revealed no significant differences between the NSSO enriched challenged sample groups and the control group, after three days of storage. This study shows promising results for the possible use of Nigella sativa seed oil, as a natural solution for extending shelf life and enhancing the quality of cold-stored fresh Prussian carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate new pulp capping cements containing surface pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) filler and to investigate ion release kinetics and pH shift of eluates from the cement.Materials and methods: Molars of Wistar rats were directly pulp capped using three kinds of cement containing S-PRG filler and mineral tri-oxide aggregate (MTA) was used as a control. After 1, 2, or 4 weeks, histological evaluation was performed and differences of tertiary dentin formation were analyzed. Release of Sr2+, BO33−, SiO32−, Na+, and Al3+ ions was determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, and F− ion release was measured using a fluoride ion selective electrode. The pH of the eluate from each cement after mixing was measured with a pH electrode.Results: One of S-PRG cements promoted tertiary dentin formation to the same extent as the control (p > 0.05) and it showed a tendency of less inflammatory response. This cement released more BO33− and SiO32−, but less Sr2+, Na+, and F− than other S-PRG specimens. Each cement recovered nearly neutral compared with glass ionomer cement.Conclusions: S-PRG cement induced tertiary dentin formation based on multiple ion releases, suggesting that it is suitable as a pulp capping material.Clinical relevance: This new material can be an alternative pulp capping agent to MTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guinea pigs are rodents still used for scientific purposes in experimental models for tuberculosis, diphtheria, vitamin C deficiency, etc. One of the tests to which the guinea pig is widely used is the in vivo test of antigenicity. In this test, the substances are inoculated intravenously onto a previously sensitized guinea pig and analyzed whether the products tested cause anaphylactic shock. Intravenous inoculation is done, according to procedures, 2 times at 7 days in the intravenous penile vein, therefore only males are used. The purpose of the study was to evaluate intravenous inoculation methodology and welfare of guinea pigs by assessing the reaction produced after 3-way intravenous injection, penile vein, auricular vein and safenous vein, in the antigenicity test. The article describes the intravenous inoculation methodology for each route, the clinical health status assessment and the histological evaluation of the inoculated veins. The results obtained show that the safenous vein represents a safe way of intravenous inoculation, both as a technique and as side effects and histopathological lesions, and can be an alternative to the current method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Fractional radiofrequency (RF) technology is often the preferable skin resurfacing treatment, especially among Asian patients. Second generation fractional RF technology has exclusive capability to produce separate biological responses (ablation, coagulation, or a combination of both) with 3 distinguished penetration depth programs. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fractional RF handpiece such as this, on the Thai population. Methods: Fifty‐five Thai patients were treated with a fractional RF handpiece. The clinical assessment included a pain score, satisfaction survey, physician assessment, a combined patient and physician's assessment of skin condition, and clinical photographic assessments. The wound healing response was evaluated according to 5‐time points: immediately after applying a pulse, post 24 hours, post 7 days, post 1 month and post 8 weeks. Results: The obtained patient satisfaction score was “very satisfied” among 74% of the patients, post 3 sessions. Positive correlation was found between patient satisfaction and the physician's assessment. The skin condition assessment showed an increase from an average of 4.2 to 7.9. All treated symptoms improved after each treatment and the clinical outcome lasted at least up to 3–5 months. No significant adverse events were recorded. The in vivo prospective study showed a dose‐related response in the deepness of the coagulation injury. In addition, there was evidence for a progressive healing process beginning shortly after exposure and completed within a week. Conclusions: This study clinically and histologically supports the efficacy of fractional RF handpiece in question with a high safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may improve outcomes for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (GC). To explore useful predictive factors for the response of advanced GC to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor responses were assessed using computed tomography (CT) with histological based criteria. A total of 78 patients with advanced GC undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included. CT-based response assessment was performed following 2 courses of treatment. Histological evaluation of resected specimens was also performed according to the Japanese classification of gastric carcinoma. Grade 1b, 2 and 3 (viable tumor cells remaining in <2/3 of the tumorous area) were defined as histological responders. The results were associated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The majority of the cases underwent tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil based preoperative chemotherapy as the first line of treatment (n=76, 96%). A total of 25 (32%) and 29 (37%) cases were considered to be CT and histological responders, respectively. CT-based evaluation was not associated with OS or PFS, while histological evaluation was significantly associated with OS and PFS. Histological based evaluation was not associated with CT and GI X-ray or endoscopy-based evaluation of primary lesions. Multivariate survival analysis using Cox's regression model demonstrated that histological non-response was an independent prognostic factor for predicting worse OS. Histological-based evaluation of primary lesions was independently associated with prognosis in patients with GC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotenone has been used as a pesticide for many years, it is an environmental poison reported to cause neurological diseases. However, the effects of rotenone on the rat liver are unclear, as are the mechanisms of toxicity. In the present study, Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were divided into five groups: control, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), rotenone low-dose (1 mg/kg), rotenone mid-dose (2 mg/kg) and rotenone high-dose (4 mg/kg). The treatments were orally administered daily for 28 days, we assessed health status, mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors, protein levels, nitric oxide (NO) content and histological changes. The results showed that body weight was significantly decreased in each rotenone group in a dose-dependent manner, compared with the control group. Rotenone significantly increased the mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB), prostaglandin E2(PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in each rotenone group compared with the control group, except iNOS and TNF-α mRNA expression in the low-dose group. The protein levels of COX-2 were significantly higher in each rotenone group compared with the control group, NF-κB protein expression were significantly higher in the rotenone mid and high-dose groups, but not in the low-dose group, compared with the control group, similar changes were observed in NO content. Additionally, histological analysis revealed that the most severe tissue damage occurred in the high-dose group. These results indicated that rotenone has toxic effect in rat liver relating to inflammatory factors. Our findings provide insight into the mechanisms of rotenone hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: There is a strong impetus for the development of alternative treatments for bone disease that avoid the complications associated with autografts and allografts. To address this, we previously developed porous apatite-fiber scaffolds (AFSs) which have three-dimensional interconnected pores, and constructed tissue-engineered bone by culturing rat bone marrow cells (RBMCs) using AFSs in a radial-flow bioreactor (RFB). OBJECTIVE: To generate additional baseline data for the development of tissue-engineered bone constructed for clinical application using a RFB, we cultured RBMCs using AFSs under static conditions (hereafter, RBMC AFS culture), and monitored RBMC growth and differentiation characteristics in vitro, and two weeks after subcutaneous inoculation into recipient rats. METHODS: RBMCs were seeded to AFSs and growth, differentiation and calcification were monitored in vitro and in vivo by histological evaluation using hematoxylin eosin, alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red S stains. RESULTS: RBMCs in/on AFSs proliferated and differentiated normally in vitro and in vivo, and calcification was evident two weeks after subcutaneous AFS culture implantation. Histological assays revealed that AFSs and RBMC AFS cultures were biocompatible, and did not induce inflammation or immunological rejection in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that AFSs are a conducive microenvironment for bone regeneration and are well tolerated in vivo. The results provide valuable baseline data for the design of implant studies using tissue-engineered bone constructed by RFB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the effects of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) on experimental hepatic fibrotic rats induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl) and ethanol and the relevant potential mechanisms were explored. Hepatic fibrotic rat models were established with CCl diluted in olive oil being drunk with 10% ethanol in water. SAM was used both for prevention and treatment. Histological evaluation was carried out by hematoxylin- eosin (HE) and Masson staining of hepatic samples. Serum biochemical assays showed that alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was increased and albumin (ALB) was decreased by CCl and ethanol, and both effects were suppressed by preventing and treating use of SAM. The model control rats got significantly higher scores in fatty degeneration, lobular inflammation, and hepatocyte ballooning. A significant improvement was observed in the SAM-prevented rats and SAM-treated rats, which was consistent with the change of fibrosis scoring in each group. Smad3 was induced by CCl and ethanol in the model control group, which was significantly down regulated by SAM. SAM reduced both total Smad3 and phospho-Smad3 in vitro. SAM had a protective effect on hepatic fibrosis in rats induced by CCl combined with ethanol and the down-regulation of activity and expression of Smad3 were involved in the potential mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Garlic oil (GO) is used for centuries in folk medicine as a therapy for many diseases including inflammatory disorders. Recently, it has exhibited potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Consequently, we evaluated the possible protective effect of GO in a rat model of colitis, induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Main methods Colitis induced by allowing rats a free access to drinking water containing 5% DSS for 7 days, from day 1 to day 7. GO was administered orally in doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day. Mesalazine used as a standard medication in a dose of 15 mg/kg/day. All animals fasted for 2 h, 1 h before and 1 h after giving the treatment, which introduced daily for 7 days, from day 1 to day 7, at 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Animal body, and colonic weights, colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, colonic reduced-glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-10 levels, macroscopic and microscopic changes of colonic tissues were evaluated. Key findings GO treatment significantly suppressed the elevated colonic weight, MPO activity, MDA, TNF-α and IL-1β levels. However, it potentiated the decrease body weight, colonic SOD activity, GSH and IL-10 levels. Moreover, it ameliorated the marked macroscopic and microscopic changes of colonic mucosa in a dose dependent manner. Significance Garlic oil inhibits DSS-induced colitis in rats may be through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Therefore, GO could be a promising protective agent recommended for UC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To characterize the histological changes within the posterior calcaneal cartilage in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) and test the relationships between severity of the histological changes and level of functional impairment. Methods: Sixteen posterior calcaneal wall specimens of patients with IAT who had posterior calcaneal ostectomy were investigated. Hematoxylin-eosin stain, Toluidine-blue stain, Polarized light microscopy, and Masson Trichrome stain were used to characterize histological changes. Changes within the posterior calcaneal wall cartilage were graded according to Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) criteria. Functional scores were completed at the time of surgery according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score. Results: Mean age of patients was 48.9 years. Histological findings within the posterior calcaneal wall cartilage specimens were consistent with arthritic changes. OARSI grading indicated Grade 2 changes in one specimen, mean AOFAS score 60; Grade 3 changes in three specimens, AOFAS score 73.7 ± 2.5; Grade 4 changes in four specimens, AOFAS score 44 ± 21.4; Grade 5 changes in eight specimens, AOFAS score 48 ± 9.9. Higher OARSI grades were correlated with lower AOFAS scores (rho = −0.65, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Degenerative arthritic changes of the posterior calcaneal wall cartilage characterize patients with IAT and the severity of such changes is directly correlated to the degree of functional impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The increasing incidence of prosthesis revision surgery in the Western world has led to an increased focus on the capacity for stem removal. We previously reported on a femoral stem implanted in goats with an approximate 15% reduction in retention force by drilling longitudinally orientated grooves on the side of the stem. In this current study, we aimed to histologically evaluate the bony apposition towards this stem and correlate this apposition with the pullout force. Methods: We analyzed the femora of 22 goats after stem removal. All stems remained in place for 6 months, and the goats were allowed regular loading of the hip during this time. For histological evaluation, all femora were immersed in EDTA and decalcified until sufficiently soft for standard technique preparation. We evaluated bone apposition, the presence of foreign particle debris and other factors. The apposition was evaluated with a scoring system based on semi-quantitative bone apposition in four quadrants. Kappa statistics were calculated for the score. We correlated the retention force with the amount of bone apposition. Results: The stem drilling was the only significant factor influencing the retention force (p = 0.020). The bone apposition Kappa score comparing poor and good apposition scores was fair (κ = 0.4, 95% CI 0.00-0.88). Signs of foreign body reaction were noted in 5 of 22 goats. Conclusions: Based on the current findings in an experimental goat model, it appears that the effect of drilling tissue/bone out of the longitudinal grooves has a more significant impact on the retention force required to remove the stem than the amount of bone apposition outside the stem grooves. This observation may be further explored in the research of stem designs that are potentially easier to remove. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of myodegeneration of pectoralis major muscle on quality traits and chemical composition of breast meat of heavy-size male broilers. For this purpose, a total of 72 pectoralis major muscles were randomly collected from broilers farmed under homogeneous conditions and graded into three categories (mild, n = 22; moderate, n = 33; and severe, n = 17) based on the presence of abnormal fibers (giant fibers, fibers with hyaline degeneration, and damaged and/or necrotic fibers) evaluated by histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Color, pH, drip loss, Allo–Kramer shear values, and chemical composition (moisture, proteins, total lipids, ashes, and collagen) were determined on nonmarinated breast meat. Purge loss and cook loss, total yield, and Allo–Kramer shear values were measured on vacuum-tumbled samples. Samples showing moderate myodegeneration had the highest mean cross-sectional area of the fibers, while samples with severe myodegeneration had myofibers of different diameter and without the characteristic polygonal shape, multifocal degeneration and necrosis, as well as infiltration of CD3-immunoreactive cells. Cooking losses of nonmarinated meat were lower in the mild group with respect to moderate and severe groups (21.4 vs. 24.7 and 24.7%; P < 0.001). Breast muscles with severe damage, in comparison with mild degenerated samples, showed higher moisture (75.4 vs. 74.4%; P < 0.05) and lower protein percentages (21.1 vs. 22.6%; P < 0.001). The lipid percentage of severely degenerated samples was higher than that from moderate group (2.94 vs. 2.36; P < 0.05), while collagen content was not modified by histological lesion levels. Marinated meat from the mild group had higher uptake and total marinade yield after cooking. In conclusion, almost all breast fillets of heavy broiler chickens produced under intensive farming systems had histological lesions, which reflected on the chemical composition of the meat and the impaired water holding/binding capacities of the meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Noninvasive diagnostic techniques allow for morphological and morphometric in vivo evaluation of the skin. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a method that allows visualization of dermal structures up to several 100 μm with a resolution of 3–7.5 μm. Objectives: The aim of the study was the morphological and morphometric assessment of rats' skin using SD‐OCT. Animals: Fifteen male Wistar rats, aged 3 and 8 months, weighing 350–450 g. Materials and Methods: The skin of the plantar metatarsal area of the right pelvic limb was assessed. The measurements were performed using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD‐OCT) scans and histological images. Results: Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography could determine the boundary between the epidermis and the dermis. Apart from the stratum corneum (SC), it did not allow for the differentiation of the individual epidermal layers. In the SD‐OCT and in the histological examination, the mean thicknesses of the layers (μm ± SD) were (respectively): SC 33.053 ± μm(SD 5.85, 29.675 ± 5.54; epidermis 88.2 ± 7.97, 65.126 ± 13.23; dermis 259.86 ± 18.29, 166.05 ± 31.88 μm. There was a correlation between the total epidermal SD‐OCT and histological measurements (r = 0.43, p = 0.05). Bland–Altman plots revealed a bias of −19.18 (95% confidence interval) –39.21 to 0.84 μm) in the case of live epidermis (stratum granulosum, stratum spinous, stratum basale). Conclusions and clinical relevance: Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography can be used to evaluate rat epidermis and dermis. The method enables the differentiation of the SC, as well as the epidermis and the dermis. SD‐OCT and histological thickness dimensions of the epidermis and skin differ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of surgery, operation equipments or materials inevitably rub against the internal organs or tissues of patient, which often causes a series of frictional trauma problems. However, research work on the tribological factors at the interface and subsequent friction trauma is still very limited. In this paper, the friction trauma mechanism of small intestine caused by the surgeon's fingers in the process of grasping and pulling operation was investigated in vivo by means of reciprocal sliding friction testing. The rabbit small intestine was used to simulate human small intestine. An UMT-II tribometer was used to measure tribological parameters of the rabbit small intestine under different normal force of 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 N to simulate the grip strength of surgeon's hands. Histological analysis was used to evaluate the degree of tissue damage. Results showed that the ratio of tangential force to normal force of rabbit small intestine decreased with the normal force increasing. The frictional behavior under the three normal forces was all in the tissue damage range of intermediate regime from sticking to relative sliding. With the normal force and friction time increasing, the total friction energy dissipation on the small intestine increased, which induced the damage degree of the small intestine aggravation. The damage of rabbit small intestine extended gradually from outside to inside: serosa layer tearing and falling, muscularis bleeding, longitudinal muscularis and circular muscularis division and mucosal bleeding and necrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate nanofibrous mats were produced by electrospinning method at optimum process parameters. Evaluation of alginate-based electrospun nanofibrous mats as a wound dressing material and their comparison to commercially available wound dressings produced with conventional methods were carried out in vivo. Tissue specimens were examined histopathologically on 4th, 6th, 15th, 21st postoperative days. In contrast to other dressings it was observed that nanofibrous mat could survive on the wound crust in early stages of healing. In terms of epithelization, epidermis characteristics, vascularization and formation of hair follicles, nanofibrous mat showed the best healing performance. This could be explained with presence of nanofibrous mat acting as an artificial skin on the wound region until new tissue regenerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epiphyseal plate is a hyaline cartilage plate that sits between the diaphysis and the epiphysis. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of an injury in the growth plate chondrocytes through the study of histological morphology, immunohistochemistry, histomorphometry and Western Blot analyses of the caspase-3 and cleaved PARP-1, and levels of the inflammatory cytokines, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-a), in order to acquire more information about post-injury reactions of physeal cell turnover. In our results, morphological analysis showed that in experimental bones, neo-formed bone trabeculae--resulting from bone formation repair-- invaded the growth plate and reached the metaphyseal bone tissue (bone bridge), and this could result in some growth arrest. We demonstrated, by ELISA, increased expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-a. Immunohistochemistry, histomorphometry and Western Blot analyses of the caspase-3 and cleaved PARP-1 showed that the physeal apoptosis rate of the experimental bones was significantly higher than that of the control ones. In conclusion, we could assume that the inflammation process causes stress to chondrocytes that will die as a biological defense mechanism, and will also increase the survival of new chondrocytes for maintaining cell homeostasis. Nevertheless, the exact stimulus leading to the increased apoptosis rate, observed after injury, needs additional research to understand the possible contribution of chondrocyte apoptosis to growth disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of abnormal spiral arteries modification (ASAM) in stillbirths and its anatomo-clinical correlations. Methods: Two-hundred and three placentas of stillbirth ≥20 weeks of gestation were analyzed. Results: ASAM was present in 69/203 cases (33.9%). The only maternal characteristic that significantly differed in ASAM versus normal spiral arteries modification (NSAM) cases was the prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) (25.9 ± 6.1 and 23.1 ± 4.2 kg/m2, respectively) with 15.9% of obesity in ASAM mothers versus 5.2% in NSAM ( p = 0.02). Conclusion: Given the association between obesity and adverse pregnancy outcome, our data suggest that counselling obese women to lose weight before pregnancy becomes increasingly imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This in-vivo study was conducted by means of histological analysis to evaluate the biocompatibility of Sealapex endodontic sealing cement, in contact with connective tissue in laboratory mice. This tissue has great similarity to periodontal tissues of the teeth, which is why we selected mice and thus have better information about how calcium hydroxide (Sealapex sealer) acts upon dental tissues when performing a root canal treatment. The investigated sample was 5 isogenic mice of the same sex; to which by means of surgery were implanted subcutaneously into the tissue, a 0.4 in. polyethylene tube containing the cement under study. The sample was kept in captivity and sacrificed under controls of 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The findings were classified according to the degree of inflammation, fibrosis and mineralization found in the connective tissue due to endodontic sealer . It showed that the degree of compatibility of the Sealapex was acceptable in all cases evaluated. The moderate fibrosis attached to the tube containing the cement is indicative of a good tolerance of the subcutaneous tissue of mice to this product. Likewise, it has the property of inducing the formation of mineralization, identified over the connective tissue of the lab mice. (Favoring its alkaline pH that allows the release of hydroxyl ions (OH-), unlike the acid pH would increase the inflammation and the lack of compatibility of the sealing cement with periodontal tissues). Therefore, Sealapex is recommended in cases of endodontically treated parts with pulp necrosis or vital pulps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The biological responses to mesh in vivo have been evaluated in some papers, but the in vivo condition of mesh and plugs have not been sufficiently evaluated. This study evaluated the endoscopic observations and histological assessments of mesh plugs using swine models. Methods: An artificial abdominal hernia was established in the porcine abdomen, and repaired using three different sizes of two types of plug, Proloop (ATRIUM Medical Corporation, Hudson, NH, USA) or Perfix (BARD Medical Division, Covington, GA, USA). The in vivo conditions of each plug were periodically observed using a laparoscope. Moreover, a histological evaluation of the plugs was performed 3 months after implantation. Results: The laparoscopic observation revealed that inversion of the plugs occurred in 10 out of 18 cases repaired with Perfix, while no case repaired with Proloop inverted. The large and medium sizes of Perfix plugs were inclined by an average of more than 30°. In addition, the triangular shape of Perfix plugs was broken and the vertical/horizontal ratio was enlarged during the observation period, while Proloop plugs shrank both vertically and horizontally. The inflammatory cell count was significantly lower within the Proloop plugs than within Perfix plugs. Conclusion: Proloop plugs are apparently superior because they are stable even 3 months after implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the chondroprotective effects of chondroitin sulfate (CS)-hyaluronic acid (HA) (CS-HA) injection and HA injection in an experimental model of osteoarthritis. After induction of osteoarthritis in rabbits, 28 rabbits were randomized into four groups: control group, 'HA' group, 'CS' group, and 'CS-HA' group. After 7 days, rabbits in the control group, 'HA' group, 'CS' group and 'CSHA' group were respectively treated with normal saline, HA, CS, or CS-HA injection in the knees. All animals were treated once weekly. The animals were treated continuously for 5 weeks. Histological and biochemical evaluations were performed. As shown by histological observation, CS-HA injection treatment showed a chondroprotective effect on osteoarthritis. However, the histological scores of 'HA' group and 'CS-HA' group were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The results of biochemical evaluation showed that the expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, TIMP-1 and NO in synovial fluid of treated groups were all different from the control group (p < 0.05). However, the expression levels of these biochemical molecules in three treated groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05). In conclusion, CS-HA injection showed no obvious advantage over HA injection in osteoarthritis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological and radiological osseointegration characteristics of implanted solvent-preserved cancellous bovine bone substitution material Tutobone® after opening-wedge osteotomy and hip arthroplasty in human. The baseline hypothesis connected to the usage of bovine bone substitute materials is the assumption of temporary structural support, integration in the surrounding bone, bioresorption and replacement with vital bone. This hypothesis is based on numerous studies evaluating sintered bovine grafts showing good osseointegration and stability. Studies analyzing cancellous bovine grafts such as Tutobone® hardly exist. The only rabbit defect model showed 100% remodeling of Tutobone® after 26 weeks. However, no histological data are available on application of this xenograft in patients. In this study, nine patients biopsies were collected about 11 months after application of Tutobone®. Unlike animal studies, the results showed incorporated avital graft remnants (47%) as well as new bone formation (53%) of the total mineralized area. Radiological evaluation confirmed increasing signs of osseointegration and an incomplete resorption. In conclusion, degradation and replacement of bovine graft seems to be less accelerated in patients than the animal study indicated. Nevertheless, Tutobone® shows an excellent biocompatibility, good osteoconductive characteristics and may represent a useful alternative to autogenous graft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cellulite is a physiological condition that presents etiologic plurality. Caffeine and its derivatives are used in anticellulite cosmetics due to their lipolytic activity on fatty cells. Siloxanetriol alginate caffeine (SAC) is a silanol derived from organic silicon. Radicals primarily from SAC are caffeine and the mannuronic acid. Aims This study aims to analyze the effects of caffeine and siloxanetriol alginate caffeine on fatty tissue by histological evaluation. Methods Formulations were developed with caffeine, caffeine + sodium benzoate or SAC and were applied topically for 21 days on Wistar female mice. The study regarded the histological aspects by determination of diameter and number of fatty cells with a light microscope. Results Emulsion with caffeine caused a reduction of 17% on the diameter of the fatty cells compared with the control. The emulsion with caffeine + sodium benzoate did not cause alterations on cell diameter. Emulsion with SAC provoked reduction on fatty cell diameters of 16%. No significant alterations were observed on the diameter of the fatty cells treated with gels, although it was noticed that gel with SAC promoted a reduction of 26% on the number of fatty cells. Conclusions Emulsion with SAC was considered more indicated to promote the lipolytic action on fatty tissue, acting as a complement to treat cellulite. When sodium benzoate was added to the preparations, it inhibited the caffeine efficiency. Gel was not an adequate vehicle to be incorporated with caffeine and SAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Articular cartilage repair is still a challenge in orthopaedic surgery. Although many treatment options have been developed in the last decade, true regeneration of hyaline articular cartilage is yet to be accomplished. In vitro experiments are useful for evaluating cell–matrix interactions under controlled parameters. When introducing new treatment options into clinical routine, adequate animal models are capable of closing the gap between in vitro experiments and the clinical use in human beings. We developed an animal model in the Göttingen minipig (GMP) to evaluate the healing of osteochondral or full-thickness cartilage defects. The defects were located in the middle third of the medial portion of the patellofemoral joint at both distal femurs. Chondral defects were 6.3 mm, osteochondral defects either 5.4 or 6.3 mm in diameter and 8 or 10 mm deep. In both defects the endogenous repair response showed incomplete repair tissue formation up to 12 months postoperatively. Based on its limited capability for endogenous repair of chondral and osteochondral defects, the GMP is a useful model for critical assessment of new treatment strategies in articular cartilage tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Experimental, prospective, blinded, animal study.Objectives:Subtotal transection models in rodents are widely used in spinal cord injury (SCI) research. In this model, we investigate the effect of the dorso-ventral incision depth (ID) of the spinal cord on functional locomotor outcome using the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) scale. We introduce the minimal incision depth (IDmin) and the average lesion depth (IDmean) as reliable, fast and easily available predictive parameters for intrinsic locomotor function.Setting:Tuebingen, Germany.Methods:Dorsal over-hemisection at the level of T8 was performed in male Lewis rats. Functional outcome 4 weeks after SCI and histological analysis of the lesion were studied and correlated in 36 animals. Animals reaching weight support (BBB9) were considered as having reached functional recovery. Data analysis was performed in linear (ordinary least squares; OLS) and nonlinear (logistic) regression models for correlation of histological parameters and functional outcome.Results:BBB scores revealed a strong correlation with IDmean and IDmin, showing a higher value in predicting functional outcome for the latter parameter. Based on logistic regression analysis, animals with an IDmin of 69% would have a 95% probability of reaching weight support.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that histological analysis is crucial when functional outcome parameters are used in the dorsal over-hemisection SCI model. A simple and feasible histological evaluation can reliably predict spontaneous functional locomotor recovery in dorsal transection models and could provide a simple tool to identify treatment effects of new experimental therapeutic approaches.Spinal Cord (2006) 44, 605–613. doi:10.1038/sj.sc.3101894; published online 3 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is widely accepted as a minimally invasive treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC) in Japan. However, the criteria for EMR must be strictly adhered to otherwise patients will miss the chance for additional therapy. We assess the important factor in expanding the indication of EMR. Methods: We investigated 1101 EGCs that had been resected by EMR at the National Cancer Center Hospital (NCCH), Tokyo, Japan, according to the indication recommended by Japanese Gastric Cancer Association (JGCA) and the expanded indication proposed by NCCH. Curability and local recurrence of the EMRs were assessed related to the applied indication and the number of resected specimens. Results: The recurrence rate of non-evaluable resection was higher than that of evaluable resection (P < 0.0001). Eighty-three lesions among 772 lesions in the JGCA group were non-evaluable. Thirty-seven leisons among 329 lesions in the NCCH group were non-evaluable. There was no difference in the rate of non-evaluable resection between JGCA and NCCH groups (P = 0.8329). However, the rate of curative resection was lower in the NCCH group than in the JGCA group (P = 0.0009). In piecemeal resection, there was no difference in the rate of non-evaluable resection between JGCA and NCCH groups (P = 0.0527). In one-piece resection, the rate of non-evaluable resection was lower in the NCCH group than the JGCA group (P = 0.0137). Conclusion: Based on our series of cases, we propose one-piece resection as a gold standard for EMR because it enables accurate histological evaluation, even in the EMR, according to the expanded indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of intragastric (i.g.) administration of microemulsion formulation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the healing of acute gastric ulcers induced by cold-restraint stress in rats was studied and compared with intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of solutions. In the microemulsion formulation (W/O), labrafil M 1944 CS was the oil phase. Arlacel 186 and Brij 35 were used as the surfactants. Absolute alcohol and distilled water were used as the co-surfactant and the aqueous phase, respectively. Acute gastric lesions were induced by cold-restraint stress for 4 h in the refrigerator (4.0±0.5 °C). EGF was administered at a dose of 6 μg/kg per day intraperitoneally and intraperitoneally for 7 days. Basal gastric acid secretion (μequiv. H+/30 min), ulcer score (mm2) and tissue mucus levels (μg/g tissue) were measured. Basal gastric secretion was significantly reduced after the administration of EGF microemulsion (ME+EGF) (P<0.05). There was no significant decrease in basal gastric acid secretion following i.p (IPEGF) and i.g (IG-EGF) of EGF administrations of solutions compared to their control groups (P>0.05). The results indicate that the highest reduction in the basal acid secretion was seen after the administration of a microemulsion of EGF formulation. The mean ulcer score was reduced by i.g treatment with the microemulsion dosage form of EGF in 7 days from 15.9±1.4 to 1.16±0.45 mm2 and was almost completely healed in four of the animals. The results demonstrate that the ulcer score was significantly reduced in i.p. (IPEGF) solution (P<0.005), i.g (IG-EGF) solution (P<0.01) and i.g. microemulsion (ME+EGF) (P<0.01) treated groups compared to untreated group. In IG-EGF, ME+EGF treated groups, mucus levels increased significantly compared to their control groups(P<0.05 and P<0.01). In contrast, there was no significant change in the mucus levels following i.p. EGF administration (P>0.05). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An important issue in the interpretation of behavioral data obtained from animals with excitotoxic lesions is evaluation of the extent of the lesions. Animals often have to be excluded from the behavioral analysis because the lesions are either not at the intended location or extend beyond it. Therefore, a clear cut histological evaluation is imperative for a meaningful interpretation of the behavioral results. Although Nissl staining is the most commonly used histological method for the evaluation of lesions, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a clear delineation of the lesioned area in Nissl-stained sections in some regions of the brain, such as the nucleus accumbens. This is especially the case when long survival times are used. In the present study, we introduce a simple and reliable immunohistochemical marker for the evaluation of excitotoxic lesions in the brain, the neuronal nuclei (NeuN) protein. With this staining, we have been able to delineate the lesions in problematic areas, such as the shell territory of the nucleus accumbens, with far greater accuracy than conventional Nissl staining. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To determine the correlation between sequential changes in the brain of dogs after irradiation, as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with the eventual appearance of histological lesions. Histology was performed 77–115 weeks after irradiation.Materials and methods: Groups of five beagle dogs were irradiated to the brain with single doses of 10, 12, 14 or 16 Gy of 6 MV photons, at the 100% iso-dose. Sequential MRIs were taken to detect changes in the brain for 77–115 weeks after irradiation. Dose–effect relationships were established for changes in the brain as detected by MRI, computerized tomography (CT), gross morphology and histology. The doses that caused a specified response in 50% of the animals (ED50±SE) were calculated from these dose–effect relationships for each endpoint.Results: The ED50 values (±SE) for focal and diffuse changes on T2-weighted MR images were 11.0±1.1 and 10.8±0.9 Gy, respectively. The ED50 values (±SE) for contrast enhancement on T1-weighted MR images and on CT were 13.4±0.6 and 13.0±0.6 Gy, respectively. It was 11.4±0.6 Gy for any type of histological lesion (haemorrhage, reactive change or glial scar) 77–115 weeks after irradiation. For a macroscopic lesion the ED50 (±SE) value was 13.0±1.1 Gy.Conclusions: The presence of focal or diffuse changes on T2-weighted MR images was the best indicator for the eventual appearance of any type of histological lesion in the dog brain after irradiation with single doses of photons. The ED50 for any histological lesion did not differ significantly from the ED50 for a focal (P>0.35) or diffuse (P=0.3) change on T2-weighted MR images. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In our previous studies, a ketorolac–galactose conjugate (ketogal) showed prolonged anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, causing less gastric ulcerogenic effect and renal toxicity than its parent drug ketorolac. In order to demonstrate the safer profile of ketogal compared to ketorolac, histopathological changes in the small intestine and liver using three staining techniques before and after repeated oral administration in mice with ketorolac or an equimolecular dose of its galactosylated prodrug ketogal were assessed. Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated and compared in ketorolac- and ketogal-treated Human Primary Colonic Epithelial cells at different concentrations and incubation times. Evidence of mitochondrial oxidative stress was found after ketorolac treatment; this was attributable to altered mitochondrial membrane depolarization and oxidative stress parameters. No mitochondrial damage was observed after ketogal treatment. In ketorolac-treated mice, severe subepithelial vacuolation and erosion with inflammatory infiltrates and edematous area in the intestinal tissues were noted, as well as alterations in sinusoidal spaces and hepatocytes with foamy cytoplasm. In contrast, treatment with ketogal provided a significant improvement in the morphology of both organs. The prodrug clearly demonstrated a safer profile than its parent drug both in vitro and ex vivo, confirming that ketogal is a strategic alternative to ketorolac. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few years, the role of neoadjuvant hormonal treatment (NHT) prior to radical prostatectomy has been largely debated and investigated in randomized multicenter trials as well as in large single-institution studies. We have initiated a prospective randomized comparative trial with parallel groups in patients with clinically limited disease to contribute to the clarification of the possible role of NHT; to evaluate the efficacy of NHT with leuprolide plus cyproterone acetate in ‘maintaining’ the stage of the disease; to reduce the percentage of pathological overstaging, and mainly to accurately assess the pathological modifications induced by NHT. The present paper is an interim report of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Laryngeal cancer is a malignant degeneration, of epithelial or conjunctive nature, developed from the constitutive elements of the larynx. Larynx cancer represents between 1% and 3% of all malignant tumors and about 50% of the ENT sphere tumors, while squamous cell carcinoma represents around 95% of the malignant laryngeal tumors. The highest incidence is seen in males from southern and central Europe, Romania occupying one of the first places. Materials and method. The study analyses anatomoclinical, histological and immunohistochemical aspects of the treatment and prognosis of laryngeal cancer cases diagnosed in 2009- 2015. Results. The study includes a total of 490 patients diagnosed with cancer of the larynx, with a male/female ratio of 42.7/1. Most cases were from rural areas (67%), with an age predominance of 50-70 years old (72%). TNM staging reveals that 93.5% of patients presented in stages III and IV. Histological types were represented as follows: 35 carcinomas in situ, 19 microinvasive carcinomas, 202 carcinomas poorly differentiated, 144 moderately differentiated carcinomas, 68 well differentiated carcinomas, 8 papillary carcinomas, one leiomyosarcoma, one chondrosarcoma, one Kaposi sarcoma, eight bazaloide carcinomas, two verrucous carcinomas, one malignant melanoma. The type of surgery - diagnostic/ curative/ palliative; radical/partially - is associated with the histological type, grading of tumor differentiation, vascular and/or perineural invasion and, eventually, complementary immunohistochemical examinations. Genotyping with the identification and comparative evaluation of allelic frequency for genes included in the study, and the determination of gene expressions with detection and quantification of transcriptions of interest through Real Time PCR resulted in a quantitative comparative analysis of the expression of genes allegedly involved in laryngeal carcinogenesis with the designation of potential genetic markers that may be the targets of complex protocols for the screening/diagnosis or prognosis of laryngeal cancer. Conclusions. The study highlights the importance of knowing the histological type of laryngeal cancer, for a codification degree of the tumor invasion and the establishment of the appropriate oncologic and surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article entitled 'Comparison between the efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma vs microdermabrasion in the treatment of striae distensae: clinical and histopathological study' (Zeinab Abd El-Samad Ibrahim, et al.) is very interesting but the methodology is not robust. Our mains comments concerned the count of the cells, the activation of the PRP and the method of assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]