Effect of electroacupuncture on cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A-vanillic acid receptor subtype 1 of the transient receptor potential/PLK-protein kinase C-vanillic acid receptor subtype 1 of the transient receptor potential pathway based on RNA-seq analysis in prostate tissue in rats with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Objective

To investigate the analgesic mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in rats with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).

Methods

Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group and EA group, with ten rats in each group. The CP/CPPS model was prepared by injecting 50 μL of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the ventral lobes of the prostate tissue, and the sham group was injected with the same dose of saline. After 14 days of modeling, EA was applied to Guanyuan (CV4), Zhongji (CV3), Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Huiyang (BL35) in the EA group. After four courses, H&E staining was performed to observe the prostate tissue morphology, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed for each group, and the selected signaling pathways were verified by qRT-PCR.

Results

The RNA-Seq analysis results suggested that the analgesic effect of EA on CP/CPPS may be achieved by regulating prostate gene expression, which may be related to multiple biological processes and signaling pathways. qRT-PCR results showed that the vanillic acid receptor subtype 1 of the transient receptor potential (TRPV1), phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase C (PKC), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and protein kinase A (PKA) were all upregulated in the model group compared to the sham group (p < 0.01). Compared with the model group, TRPV1, PLC, PKC, cAMP, and PKA were all downregulated in the EA group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The analgesic mechanism of EA on CP/CPPS may be achieved through modulation of cAMP-PKA-TRPV1/PLC-PKC-TRPV1 signaling pathway.

[Consideration on Animal Experiment in PET/CT]

PET/CT imaging can reflect the physiological metabolic process in living body which is the model experiment incapable to simulate. Animal experiment may be considered for systematic validation of PET/CT products. The obtained research data can be used to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of PET/CT products, and be submitted as supporting documents for research data or clinical evaluation data when doing product registration or alteration registration. In this study, the functions and advantages of animal experiments were expounded, and relevant research cases were given as well as the issues that should be paid attention to. It can be a reference for the validation and review of PET/CT products.

[Development of Nasal Continuum Minimally Invasive Surgical Robot System]

In order to improve the operation difficulties in the narrow space of the nasal maxillary sinus, the nasal continuum minimally invasive surgical robot system is designed. The ball-and-socket joints and NiTiNol tubes are used as the main body of the continuum structure to improve the degree of freedom. The hardware systems and software systems are designed. The security control policies are planned. Finally, the robot confirmed prototype experiments are conducted and the feasibility of continuum robot confirmed through master-slave control experiment and animal experiment.

[Mechanism of Liangfu Pills in treatment of functional dyspepsia: based on network pharmacology and experimental verification]

This study aims to explore the potential mechanism of Liangfu Pills in the treatment of functional dyspepsia(FD) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, and verify the mechanism by animal experiment. The active components of Liangfu Pills were screened from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP), and the targets of Liangfu Pills were predicted by SwissTargetPrediction. The targets of FD were retrieved from GeneCards. On this basis, the common targets of the disease and the pills were yielded and the protein interaction was retrieved based on STRING. The core targets were screened out, followed by Gene Oncology(GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis with DAVID. Finally, molecular docking was carried out with the help of AutoDock Tools to predict the binding degree between the effective components of Liangfu Pills and core targets. A total of 19 active components of Liangfu Pills and 591 FD-related targets were screened out by network pharmacology, of which 253 were common targets of the disease and the prescription. Liangfu Pills was mainly involved in the biological processes of response to drug, negative regulation of transcription, positive regulation of apoptotic process, and cell surface receptor signaling pathway, and the KEGG pathways of hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1) signaling pathway, serotonergic synapse, tumor necrosis factor(TNF) signaling pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) signaling pathway, calcium signal pathway, and inflammatory mediator regulation of transient receptor potential(TRP) channels. The results of molecular docking showed that the key active components of Liangfu Pills had certain binding activity to the targets mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1), protein kinase B(AKT1), transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1(TRPV1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1 A(HTR1 A), and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2 A(HTR2 A). FD was induced in rats, and then Liangfu Pills was given to FD rats for 7 days. The results showed that Liangfu Pills could significantly relieve the symptoms of FD rats, significantly increase the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), and down-regulate the expression of TRPV1. Through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification, this study proved that Liangfu Pills improved FD through multiple components and multiple targets. The result lays a basis for further research on the mechanism and clinical application of Liangfu Pills in the treatment of FD.

Naoluo Xintong Decoction in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke: A Network Analysis of the Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of Naoluo Xintong decoction (NLXTD) for the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS) is unknown. We used network analysis and molecular docking techniques to verify the potential mechanism of action of NLXTD in treating IS. The main active components of NLXTD were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, and IS targets were collected from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), GeneCards, and Drugbank databases; their intersection was taken. In addition, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were performed and used to build protein-protein interaction networks. AutoDock Vina software was used for molecular docking, and animal experiments were conducted to verify the results. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the brain morphology of rats in each group, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression level of relative mRNA in the brain tissue of rats. Western blot was used to detect the expression level of relative protein in the brain tissue of rats. Network analysis and molecular docking results showed that CASP3, NOS3, VEGFA, TNF, PTGS2, and TP53 are important potential targets for NLXTD in the treatment of IS. RT-qPCR and western blot results showed that NLXTD inhibited the expression of CASP3, TNF, PTGS2, and TP53 and promoted the expression of VEGFA and NOS3. NLXTD treats IS by modulating pathways and targets associated with inflammation and apoptosis in a multicomponent, multitarget manner.

A coordinate positioning puncture method under robot-assisted CT-guidance: phantom and animal experiments

PURPOSE

To evaluate the accuracy of the robot-assisted computed tomography (CT)-guided coordinate positioning puncture method by phantom and animal experiments.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the phantom experiment, seven robot-assisted punctures were made to evaluate the accuracy of the method. In the animal experiment, 18 punctures (nine robotic and nine manual) were made in the livers of nine rabbits. The indicators, such as needle-tract length, angle deviation, puncture accuracy, number of scans required, and radiation exposure dose were compared between manual and robotic punctures. The paired-samples t-test was used for analysis.

RESULTS

In the phantom experiment, the mean accuracy of seven punctures was 2.67 mm. In the animal experiment, there was no significant difference in needle-tract length (32.58 mm vs. 34.04 mm, p = .606), angle deviation (17.21° vs. 21.23° p = .557) and puncture accuracy (8.42 vs. 8.77 mm, p = .851) between the two groups. However, the number CT scans required (2.44 vs. 3.33, p = .002), and the radiation exposure dose (772.98 vs. 1077.89 mGy/cm, p = .003) were lower in the robot group than in the manual group.

CONCLUSIONS

The coordinate positioning puncture method under robot-assisted CT-guidance can reach an accuracy that is comparable to that of the traditional manual CT-guided puncture method and with fewer CT scanning times accompanied with a lower radiation dosage.

Cardiac Arrest in Pigs With 48 hours of Post-Resuscitation Care Induced by 2 Methods of Myocardial Infarction: A Methodological Description

Background

Systematic reviews have disclosed a lack of clinically relevant cardiac arrest animal models. The aim of this study was to develop a cardiac arrest model in pigs encompassing relevant cardiac arrest characteristics and clinically relevant post‐resuscitation care.

Methods and Results

We used 2 methods of myocardial infarction in conjunction with cardiac arrest. One group (n=7) had a continuous coronary occlusion, while another group (n=11) underwent balloon‐deflation during arrest and resuscitation with re‐inflation after return of spontaneous circulation. A sham group was included (n=6). All groups underwent 48 hours of intensive care including 24 hours of targeted temperature management. Pigs underwent invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Left ventricular function was assessed by pressure‐volume measurements. The proportion of pigs with return of spontaneous circulation was 43% in the continuous infarction group and 64% in the deflation‐reinflation group. In the continuous infarction group 29% survived the entire protocol while 55% survived in the deflation‐reinflation group. Both cardiac arrest groups needed vasopressor and inotropic support and pressure‐volume measurements showed cardiac dysfunction. During rewarming, systemic vascular resistance decreased in both cardiac arrest groups. Median [25%;75%] troponin‐I 48 hours after return of spontaneous circulation, was 88 973 ng/L [53 124;99 740] in the continuous infarction group, 19 661 ng/L [10 871;23 209] in the deflation‐reinflation group, and 1973 ng/L [1117;1995] in the sham group.

Conclusions

This article describes a cardiac arrest pig model with myocardial infarction, targeted temperature management, and clinically relevant post‐cardiac arrest care. We demonstrate 2 methods of inducing myocardial ischemia with cardiac arrest resulting in post‐cardiac arrest organ injury including cardiac dysfunction and cerebral injury.

Establishment of a Novel Method for Spinal Discectomy Surgery in Elderly Rats in an In Vivo Spinal Fusion Model

The rat model is a common model for intervertebral disc (IVD) and spinal research. However, complications remain challenging. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are validated methods to minimize complications and improve safety and quality of studies. However, a SOP for rat spinal fusion surgery has been missing until now. Therefore, the aim of the study was to develop a SOP for spinal tail disc surgery in elderly Wistar rats (419.04 ± 54.84 g). An initial preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative surgical setup, including specific anaesthesia and pain management protocols, was developed. Anaesthesia was induced by subcutaneous injection of a pre-mixture of fentanyl, midazolam, and medetomidin with the addition of 0.5% isoflurane in oxygen and caudal epidural analgesia. The surgery itself consisted of the fixation of a customized external ring fixator with ⌀ 0.8 mm Kirschner wires at the proximal rat tail and a discectomy and replacement with bone morphogenetic protein coated beta-tricalcium-phosphate carrier. The postoperative setup included heating, analgesia with buprenorphine, and meloxicam, as well as special supplementary food. Anaesthesia, surgery, and pain management were sufficient. In the presented optimized SOP, no animals developed any complications. A SOP for spinal surgery in elderly rats in an in vivo spinal fusion model was developed successfully. This novel protocol can improve transparency, reproducibility, and external validity in experimental rat spinal surgery experiments.

Natural Horizontal Gene Transfer of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Campylobacter spp. From Turkeys and Swine

Antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter constitutes a serious threat to public health. The clonal expansion of resistant strains and/or the horizontal spread of resistance genes to other strains and species can hinder the clinical effectiveness of antibiotics to treat severe campylobacteriosis. Still, gaps exist in our understanding of the risks of acquisition and spread of antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter. While the in vitro transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes between Campylobacter species via natural transformation has been extensively demonstrated, experimental studies have favored the use of naked DNA to obtain transformants. In this study, we used experimental designs closer to real-world conditions to evaluate the possible transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes between Campylobacter strains of the same or different species (Campylobacter coli or Campylobacter jejuni) and originating from different animal hosts (swine or turkeys). This was evaluated in vitro through co-culture experiments and in vivo with dual-strain inoculation of turkeys, followed by whole genome sequencing of parental and newly emerged strains. In vitro, we observed four independent horizontal gene transfer events leading to the acquisition of resistance to beta-lactams (blaOXA), aminoglycosides [aph(2′′)-If and rpsL] and tetracycline [tet(O)]. Observed events involved the displacement of resistance-associated genes by a mutated version, or the acquisition of genomic islands harboring a resistance determinant by homologous recombination; we did not detect the transfer of resistance-carrying plasmids even though they were present in some strains. In vivo, we recovered a newly emerged strain with dual-resistance pattern and identified the replacement of an existing non-functional tet(O) by a functional tet(O) in the recipient strain. Whole genome comparisons allowed characterization of the events involved in the horizontal spread of resistance genes between Campylobacter following in vitro co-culture and in vivo dual inoculation. Our study also highlights the potential for antimicrobial resistance transfer across Campylobacter species originating from turkeys and swine, which may have implications for farms hosting both species in close proximity.

Evaluation of Resorption and Osseointegration of Autogenous Bone Ring Grafting in Vertical Bone Defect With Simultaneous Implant Placement in Dogs

The aim of this research was to evaluate the resorption and osseointegration of an autogenous bone ring, which was grafted in a local vertical alveolar defect with simultaneous implant placement. Six Beagle dogs were enrolled in the study; their 4 nonadjacent mandibular premolars were extracted, and the buccal plate was removed to create bone defects in 2 of the 4 sites. Three months after extraction, Straumann implants (Ø 3.3 mm, length of 8 mm) were placed in the bone defect sites with simultaneous autogenous bone ring grafting and in the conventional extraction sites. After a 3-month healing period and a 3-month loading period, the animals were euthanized. The harvested samples were analyzed using micro-computed tomography (CT) scanning and histological analysis. From the micro-CT measurements, the average vertical bone resorption of the bone ring was 0.23 ± 0.03 mm, which was not significantly different from that around the conventional implant, 0.24 ± 0.12 mm (P > .05). The ratio of the bone volume to the total volume of the bone ring group was 91.11 ± 0.02, which was higher than that of the control group, 88.38 ± 2.34 (P < .05). From the hard tissue section, the bone rings developed fine osseointegration with the implants and the base alveolar bone. The results suggest autogenous bone ring grafting with simultaneous implant placement can survive in a local vertical bone defect with little bone resorption and good osseointegration in dogs with strict management. A bone ring graft must be compared with guided bone regeneration, and a larger and longer observation must be confirmed in clinical patients.

Addition of autogenous bone chips to deproteinized bovine bone mineral does not have additional benefit in lateral ridge augmentation-A preclinical in vivo experimental study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcome after extensive lateral guided bone regeneration using deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) with or without autogenous bone chips in a canine model of chronic horizontal alveolar ridge defect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The second, third and fourth lower premolars of both sides were extracted, and the buccal bone walls were completely removed in five beagle dogs. After 4 weeks, DBBM particles mixed with autogenous bone chips at a ratio of 1:1 were grafted at one side (DBBM/Auto group), while DBBM particles alone were grafted at the contralateral side (DBBM group). The graft materials on both sides were covered by a resorbable collagen membrane and fixation pins. Microcomputed tomographic volume and histomorphometric analyses were performed at 16 weeks post-surgery.

RESULTS

The ridges of both groups were recovered horizontally, but new bone formation beyond the original ridge contour at the defect site was not found. The DBBM group exhibited a larger total radiographic augmented volume and new bone volume compared with the DBBM/Auto group, but the differences were minimal (p > .05). Histologically, the regenerated area and new bone area were also slightly larger without any statistical significance in the DBBM group than in the DBBM/Auto group (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

The addition of autogenous bone chips to DBBM for lateral ridge augmentation may confer no advantage over grafting DBBM alone with respect to both space maintenance and de novo bone formation in dogs.

Breeding and Maintenance of Immunodeficient Mouse Lines under SPF Conditions-A Call for Individualized Severity Analyses and Approval Procedures

In the EU, the breeding of genetically modified laboratory animals is, by definition, an animal experiment if the offspring may experience pain, suffering, or harm. In order to determine the actual burden of genetically modified mice, established methods are available. However, the breeding of immunodeficient mice is considered an experiment requiring a permit, even if no pain, suffering or harm is observed under scientifically required defined hygienic housing conditions, as determined by established methods of severity assessment. This seems contradictory and leads to uncertainty among scientists. With this commentary, we would like to shed light on this topic from different perspectives and propose a solution in terms of individualized severity assessment and approval procedures.

A Surgical Pen-Type Probe Design for Real-Time Optical Diagnosis of Tumor Status Using 5-Aminolevulinic Acid

A surgical microscope is large in size, which makes it impossible to be portable. The distance between the surgical microscope and the observation tissue is 15–30 cm, and the adjustment range of the right and left of the camera is a maximum of 30°. Therefore, the surgical microscope generates an attenuation (above 58%) of irradiation of the optical source owing to the long working distance (WD). Moreover, the observation of tissue is affected because of dazzling by ambient light as the optical source power is strong (55 to 160 mW/cm²). Further, observation blind spot phenomena will occur due to the limitations in adjusting the right and left of the camera. Therefore, it is difficult to clearly observe the tumor. To overcome these problems, several studies on the handheld surgical microscope have been reported. In this study, a compact pen-type probe with a portable surgical microscope is presented. The proposed surgical microscope comprises a small and portable pen-type probe that can adjust the WD between the probe and the observed tissue. In addition, it allows the adjustment of the viewing angle and fluorescence brightness. The proposed probe has no blind spots or optical density loss.

Study on the biocompatibility of Ga-based and Al-assisted self-driven liquid metals in cell and animal experiments for drug delivery

BACKGROUND

With inherent flexibility, high electroconductivity, excellent thermal conductivity, easy printability and biosafety, Ga-based functional liquid metals (LMs) have been extensively evaluated for biomedical applications. When implanted in the biological environment, the safety of the LMs is a major concern for future application.

METHODS

In this study, we conducted several biocompatibility assessments through immersion experiments, in vitro cytotoxicity experiments and in vivo embedding experiments.

RESULTS

The results showed that both the Al-assisted self-driven LM and the LM per se own good biocompatibility and retrievable properties when contacted with living organisms for a relatively long period of time.

CONCLUSION

This study provides preliminary evidence about the biocompatibility of the functional LM materials, such as LM-based soft machine, which would promote and inspire other research to address other tough biomedical issues.

Prevention of the rise in plasma cholesterol and glucose levels by kaki-tannin and characterization of its bile acid binding capacity

BACKGROUND

Bile acid-binding agents, such as cholestyramine and colesevelam, improve both cholesterol and glucose metabolism. Kaki-tannin, a polymerized condensed tannin derived from persimmon (Diospyros kaki), has been shown to have bile acid-binding capacity and a hypocholesterolemic effect. However, its effects on glucose metabolism have not been well studied, and the binding selectivity of kaki-tannin to bile acid molecules has not been reported.

RESULTS

In vivo experiments using mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity showed that kaki-tannin intake (20 g kg^-1 of the diet) increased fecal bile acid excretion by 2.3-fold and prevented a rise in plasma cholesterol levels and fasting plasma glucose levels. Kaki-tannin also suppressed the development of impaired glucose tolerance. To characterize the bile acid-binding capacity of kaki-tannin, we investigated its capacity to bind to eight types of bile acid and cholesterol in vitro. Kaki-tannin showed strong capacity to bind to lithocholic acid (85.5%), which has one hydroxy group. It also showed moderate capacity to bind to bile acids with two hydroxy groups (53.3%), followed by those with three hydroxy groups (39.0%), but kaki-tannin did not show binding capacity to cholesterol. These results suggest that the binding capacity of kaki-tannin to bile acids tends to decrease as the number of hydroxy groups increases. Interestingly, the binding capacity of kaki-tannin correlated with that of cholestyramine (correlation coefficient: r = 0.900).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that kaki-tannin binds preferentially to bile acids with fewer hydroxy groups and has beneficial effects on glucose metabolism as well as cholesterol metabolism. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

First Outbreak of an H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus on a Chicken Farm in Japan in 2020

On 5 November 2020, a confirmed outbreak due to an H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) occurred at an egg-hen farm in Kagawa prefecture (western Japan). This virus, A/chicken/Kagawa/11C/2020 (Kagawa11C2020), was the first HPAI poultry isolate in Japan in 2020 and had multiple basic amino acids—a motif conferring high pathogenicity to chickens—at the hemagglutinin cleavage site. Mortality of chickens was 100% through intravenous inoculation tests performed according to World Organization for Animal Health criteria. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the hemagglutinin of Kagawa11C2020 belongs to clade 2.3.4.4B of the H5 Goose/Guangdong lineage and clusters with H5N8 HPAIVs isolated from wild bird feces collected in Hokkaido (Japan) and Korea in October 2020. These H5N8 HPAIVs are closely related to H5N8 HPAIVs isolated in European countries during the winter of 2019–2020. Intranasal inoculation of chickens with 10⁶ fifty-percent egg infectious doses of Kagawa11C2020 revealed that the 50% chicken lethal dose was 10^4.63 and the mean time to death was 134.4 h. All infected chickens demonstrated viral shedding beginning on 2 dpi—before clinical signs were observed. These results suggest that affected chickens could transmit Kagawa11C2020 to surrounding chickens in the absence of clinical signs for several days before they died.

Effects of ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 in extracellular vesicles on drug resistance of laryngeal cancer cells in in vivo and in vitro

Drug resistance is one of the main factors limiting the efficacy of chemotherapy in patients with laryngeal cancer; thus, it is important to investigate the drug resistance of laryngeal cancer. In the present study, the mechanism of the regulation of drug resistance in laryngeal cancer cells by ATP-binding transporter G2 (ABCG2) that is present in the extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by drug-resistant cells was studied in vivo and in vitro. A cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant cell line (AMC-HN-8/CDDP) was established from AMC-HN-8 cells by continuous exposure to increasing concentrations of CDDP. The EVs extracted from the culture medium of AMC-HN-8/CDDP and AMC-HN-8 cells were termed EVs1 and EVs2, respectively. Following 48-h treatment of AMC-HN-8 cells with EVs1 or EVs2, the cells were designated as AMC-HN-8-EVs1 or AMC-HN-8-EVs2. Nude mice bearing AMC-HN-8-EVs1 and AMC-HN-8 cell-derived xenograft tumors were established to detect the effects of EVs on drug resistance. The resistance index of AMC-HN-8/CDDP cells to CDDP was 5.60, which was determined by the MTT assay. The mRNA and protein expression levels of ABCG2 in AMC-HN-8/CDDP cells and EVs1 were significantly higher compared with those in AMC-HN-8 cells and EVs2, respectively (P<0.01). The ABCG2 mRNA and protein levels, and the proliferation index of AMC-HN-8-EVs1 cells were significantly higher compared with those of AMC-HN-8-EVs2 and AMC-HN-8 cells (P<0.01), whereas the apoptotic rate was significantly lower (P<0.01). The mean volume of subcutaneous tumor xenografts in the test group (inoculated with AMC-HN-8-EVs1 cells and intraperitoneally injected with 3 mg/kg CDDP) was significantly higher compared with that in the control group (inoculated with AMC-HN-8 cells and intraperitoneally injected with 3 mg/kg CDDP) (P<0.01), whereas the apoptotic rate of tumor cells was significantly lower (P<0.01). The ABCG2 mRNA and the protein expression levels in the tumor cells of the test group were significantly higher compared with those in the blank (inoculated with AMC-HN-8 cells and was intraperitoneally injected with normal saline) and control groups (P<0.01). The high expression levels of ABCG2 in laryngeal carcinoma cells affected the drug resistance of the cells. The EVs released by drug-resistant cells upregulated the expression of ABCG2 and induced drug resistance in laryngeal carcinoma cells, which may be dependent on the ABCG2 gene carried by the EVs.

The Effect of Curcumin on the Prevention of Myringosclerosis in Rats

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the preventative effect of oral curcumin (CMN) on myringosclerosis (MS) in an experimental rat model.

METHODS

The study included 21 female Wistar albino rats randomly separated into three groups. Group 1 was given no treatment (control group). In Group 2 and Group 3, the tympanic membrane (TM) was perforated using a sterile ear pick. The rats in Group 3 were administered oral CMN 200 mg/kg/day. All rats were sacrificed after 16 days. Otomicroscopic and histopathologic examinations were performed on the tympanic membranes.

RESULTS

Histopathologic examinations revealed that there were statistically significant differences between Group 2 and Group 3 in terms of MS degrees (p<0.001) and mean thicknesses of TMs (p<0.001), but there were no differences between Group 1 and Group 3. In respect of MS detected by otomicroscopy, a statistically significant difference was determined between Groups 1 and 2 (p<0.001) and between Groups 2 and 3 (p<0.01), but there was no significant difference between Group 1 and Group 3 (p=0.575).

CONCLUSION

Orally administered CMN can prevent myringosclerosis formation in experimentally induced myringotomies.

Towards Accurate Microwave Characterization of Tissues: Sensing Depth Analysis of Open-Ended Coaxial Probes with Ex Vivo Rat Breast and Skin Tissues

Dielectric properties of biological materials are commonly characterized with open-ended coaxial probes due to the broadband and non-destructive measurement capabilities. Recently, potential diagnostics applications of the technique have been investigated. Although the technique can successfully classify the tissues with different dielectric properties, the classification accuracy can be improved for tissues with similar dielectric properties. Increase in classification accuracy can be achieved by addressing the error sources. One well-known error source contributing to low measurement accuracy is tissue heterogeneity. To mitigate this error source, there is a need define the probe sensing depth. Such knowledge can enable application-specific probe selection or design. The sensing depth can also be used as an input to the classification algorithms which can potentially improve the tissue classification accuracy. Towards this goal, this work investigates the sensing depth of a commercially available 2.2 mm aperture diameter probe with double-layered configurations using ex vivo rat breast and skin tissues. It was concluded that the dielectric property contrast between the heterogeneous tissue components has an effect on the sensing depth. Also, a membrane layer (between 0.4-0.8 mm thickness) on the rat wet skin tissue and breast tissue will potentially affect the dielectric property measurement results by 52% to 84%.

Influence of preformed bone defects on key pathogens and bone loss during experimental peri-implantitis formation in a canine model

PURPOSE

To determine the impact of experimentally preformed peri-implant crater-shaped bone defects on the evolution of in situ microbiota and development of bone defects compared to those induced over time by ligature placement only.

METHODS

Implants were installed in the mandibles of eight dogs. Standardized bone defects were preformed in four test animals but not in the other four control animals, prior to implant (3.3 mm × 8 mm) installation. After 2 months of healing, peri-implantitis was induced with silk ligatures in both groups for 2 months. Microbial samples were obtained from implants and teeth for analysis at three time points (qPCR), and the average depths of the bone defects were measured.

RESULTS

At the baseline, the total marker load of periodontal-pathogenic bacteria (TML) for teeth accounted for 5.2% (0-17.4%). After implant healing, TMLs for implants and teeth were comparable (7.1% [0.3-17.4%]). The TML of both groups was 3.5%, 2 months after ligature placement. Bone defects had a mean depth of 1.84 mm at preformed defects and 1.64 mm at control sites (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Preformed defects in the test group showed comparable results to the control group in terms of TML, the incidence of periodontal-pathogenic bacteria, and bone defect depth.

Collagen-Based Matrices for Osteoconduction: A Preclinical In Vivo Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of additional hydroxyapatite (HA) in collagen-based matrices (CM) and membrane placement on bone formation in calvarial defects. Critical size defects in the calvaria of 16 New Zealand White Rabbits were randomly treated with CM or mineralized collagen-based matrices (mCM). Half of the sites were covered with a collagen membrane. Animals were euthanized after 12 weeks of healing. The samples were studied by micro-CT and histology. Newly formed lamellar bone was observed in all samples at the periphery of the defect. In the central areas, however, new bone composed of both woven and lamellar bone was embedded in the soft tissue. Samples treated with mCM showed more residual biomaterial and induced more small bony islands in the central areas of the defects than samples with CM. Nevertheless, a complete defect closure was not observed in any of the samples at 12 weeks. Membrane placement resulted in a decrease in bone density and height. Significant differences between the groups were revealed only between CM groups with and without membrane coverage for bone height in the central area of the defect. Neither mineralization of CM nor membrane placement improved the osteogenic capacity in this particular defect. Nevertheless, mineralisation influenced bone density without a membrane placement and bone volume underneath a membrane. CM may be used as a scaffold in bone regeneration procedures, without the need of a membrane coverage. Further preclinical studies are warrant to optimise the potential of mCM.

Histological Evaluation of Gingival and Intrabony Periodontal Defects Treated with Platelet-rich Fibrin Using Different Protocols: A Canine Study

PURPOSE

To histologically compare the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) produced using different protocols on periodontal wound healing/regeneration in periodontal defects in dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dehiscence-type gingival recession and two-wall intrabony defects were created bilaterally in the maxillary canines and mandibular premolars, respectively, in four beagle dogs. The recession defects were randomly treated with coronally advanced flap (CAF) alone, CAF and PRF produced via fixed-angle centrifugation (F-PRF; Leukocyte and PRF (L-PRF) protocol) or CAF and PRF produced via horizontal centrifugation (H-PRF). After 2 weeks, the two-wall intrabony defects were randomly treated as follows: open flap debridement (OFD), OFD + F-PRF, OFD + H-PRF and OFD + heated albumin with PRF using bio-heat technologies (Alb-PRF). Eight weeks after the 2nd reconstructive surgery, the animals were euthanised for histological evaluation.

RESULTS

In the PRF-applied defects, new bone and new cementum formation occurred to varying degrees regardless of the protocols used to produce PRF. Particularly in the two-wall intrabony defects, new bone formation extended from the host bone toward the coronal region of the defects in the H-PRF applied sites compared with those in the OFD, F-PRF and Alb-PRF groups, and the H-PRF group showed the greatest amount of newly formed cementum.

CONCLUSION

PRF induced periodontal regeneration in gingival recession and two-wall intrabony defects in dogs. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal protocol for obtaining predictable periodontal regeneration in periodontal defects in humans.

Comparison of Cilostazol and Naftidrofuryl in an Experimental Acute Ischemia-Reperfusion Model

INTRODUCTION

Naftidrofuryl and cilostazol are drugs with proven efficacy in the treatment of claudication in peripheral vascular disease. In this experimental study, we evaluated the effects of naftidrofuryl and cilostazol in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury on various tissues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

40 male albino Wistar rats (8-12 weeks old, 250-350 g.) are randomly divided into 4 groups: Control (Group 1), sham (group 2), cilostazol pre-treatment (group 3), naftidrofuryl pre-treatment (group 4). During 21 days placebo is given to group 2, 12 mg/kg/day cilostazol is given to group 3, 50 mg/kg/day naftidrofuryl is given to group 4 orally. Ischemia and reperfusion are induced at the lower hind limb in Groups 2, 3 and 4. Ischemic muscle, kidney, liver, heart, brain and blood samples are obtained. The total antioxidant capacity, oxidant levels and oxidative stress index are studied for each group.

RESULTS

Both drugs have protective effects of remote organ injury following IR. Systemic effects are similar to each other, both have protective effects of IR injury. It showed no statistical significance in the total antioxidant capacity. Total oxidant levels are significantly affected by cilostazol in the heart (p < 0.01) and by naftidrofuryl in the liver (p < 0.01). The effect on oxidative stress was only significant with cilostazol on the heart (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Cilostazol and naftidrofuryl had beneficial effects in all tissues against tissue damage caused by IR injury. In ischemic muscle, kidney and heart cilostazol had improved outcomes comparing to naftidrofuryl. Naftidrofuryl had benefits over cilostazol in liver tissue.

[Mechanism and experimental verification of Sijunzi Decoction in treatment of ulcerative colitis based on network pharmacology]

To explore the mechanism of Sijunzi Decoction in the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC) based on network pharmacology. The active components and corresponding targets of Sijunzi Decoction were extracted with Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP), and the targets were standardized with the help of Uniprot database. The related targets of UC were obtained through GeneCards database and Disgenet database, and the intersection targets of drugs and diseases were screened by R language. The visual regulation network of &quot;active ingredient-disease target&quot; of Sijunzi Decoction was constructed by Cytoscape software, and the protein-protein interaction network was constructed by STRING database. The functional enrichment analysis of gene ontology(GO) and the enrichment analysis of Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway were carried out on Bioconductor platform, and some of the targets were verified by animal experiments. Through database analysis, a total of 135 active components of Sijunzi Decoction, 114 predicted targets and 80 common targets with UC were obtained. The core target proteins included interleukin 6(IL-6), caspase-3(CASP3), vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) and so on. GO functional enrichment analysis involved 102 items, which mainly affected transcription factor activity, enzyme activity, receptor activity and biochemical process regulation. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that 120 items were involved in human cytomegalovirus infection, cancer, apoptosis, inflammation and other pathways. Mouse experiments showed that Sijunzi Decoction could down-regulate the expression of target proteins IL-6 and caspase-3 and inhibit intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis. The treatment of UC with Sijunzi Decoction is the result of the interaction among multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathways. It is proved by experiments that Sijunzi Decoction may play an effective role by regulating the expression of IL-6 and caspase-3, and getting involved in apoptosis, inflammation and other pathways.

Comparison of KD-SR-01 robotic partial nephrectomy and 3D-laparoscopic partial nephrectomy from an operative and ergonomic perspective: A prospective randomized controlled study in porcine models

BACKGROUND

To investigate the feasibility, validity and security of a new robot platform called KD-SR-01 and compare relative merits of KD-SR-01 robotic partial nephrectomy (KD-RPN) and 3D-Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy (3D-LPN).

METHODS

Twelve porcine models were randomly and equally divided for KD-RPN and 3D-LPN. The perioperative outcomes, physical and mental workload of the surgeon were compared. Physical workload was evaluated with surface electromyography. Mental workload was evaluated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX).

RESULTS

All surgeries were performed successfully. The average docking time of KD-RPN was 6 min. The estimated blood loss was lower in KD-RPN (p < 0.05). There were no differences in all the other operative variables (p > 0.05). KD-RPN showed advantages in physical workload and was significantly superior in mental workload (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

KD-RPN is technically feasible, valid and safe in porcine models. It's comparable from operative perspective while KD-RPN had advantages over 3D-LPN from ergonomic perspective.