Destructive Changes Research Articles

ПРИЧИНЫ УДАЛЕНИЯ ЗУБОВ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ ПСИХИАТРИЧЕСКОГО СТАЦИОНАРА

According to the literature, in a mentally healthy population, the main cause of tooth extraction is complications of caries and periodontitis, mainly in elderly and senile patients. In patients with psychiatric pathology, many authors note the high prevalence of dental diseases and emphasize the need for tooth extraction.
 The aim of the investigation was to study the structure of dental diseases requiring tooth extraction in psychiatric hospital patients.
 Material and methods of research. Information was copied from 1812 dental records of patients who were on inpatient treatment at the V.N. Bekhterev RCPB in the period from 2014 to 2016 at the age of 16 to 82 years (879 men and 933 women). The main reason for hospitalization of most patients was the diagnosis of schizophrenia (59%). The statistical software package SPSS 13.0 (1999) was used for statistical processing of the results.
 The results of the study. During the study period, the dental surgeons of the RCPB received 1812 patients who had 2187 teeth removed. Mostly, the tooth extraction operation was performed for chronic periodontitis (47.2%). The greatest number of removals for periodontitis was observed in elderly patients (57.1%). The smallest number of teeth removed due to periodontitis was observed in the group of middle-aged patients (45–59 years) and amounted to 36.3% of the total number of teeth removed. This is due to the predominance of chronic periodontitis in these patients, which is comparable to the indicators in patients without psychiatric pathology. In the group of elderly and senile patients, tooth extraction surgery for chronic periodontitis was performed in 49.3% of cases.
 Conclusions. The main reason for tooth extraction in mentally ill patients was chronic periodontitis and its exacerbation – 47.2%. The average age of these patients was 59.16 ± 14.33 years in men and 52.91 ± 11.85 years in women. The predominance of chronic periodontitis in the structure of the causes of tooth extraction in patients of the middle age group indicates an early clinical manifestation of inflammatory and destructive changes in the periodontium.

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS OF THE THYROID GLAND UNDER CONDITIONS OF MODELED THERMAL SKIN INJURY

The key organ of the peripheral endocrine system, the thyroid gland, shows the ability to adapt and restructure at diff erent levels of structural and cellular organization under the infl uence of various factors. The aim of the study was to determine morphometric changes in the parameters of the structural components of the thyroid gland. The experiment was modeled on 42 male laboratory mature white rats. The burn was modeled with copper plates heated in water at a temperature of 97-100 °C. The size of the aff ected area was 20 % of the animal’s body area, which, according to the current classifi cation, corresponds to a seconddegree burn. Changes in various parameters were studied by morphometric analysis of the obtained histologic sections. Statistical processing of digital data was carried out using the software «Excel» and «STATISTICA» 10.0 using parametric and nonparametric methods of data evaluation. Morphometrically, it was found that the organ contains follicles of three types – large, medium and small, and their quantitative ratio is 1.4: 4,7: 3,9. It was found that the average value of the area of a small follicle is (2342.5498.43) μm2, medium – (3722.53130.44) μm2, large – (5733.77203.67) μm2. The average value of thyrocyte height is (11.430.41) μm. The follicular- colloid index of the thyroid gland of intact animals is the highest for small follicles and is 1.940.08, for medium follicles – 1.81 0.04 and for large follicles – 1.730.05. The average value of the colloid accumulation index for small follicles is the lowest and is 2.600.12, for medium follicles – 4.18 0.19, and for large follicles – 6.270.29. At the light- optical level, on day 7 of the experiment, an increase in the number (1.58 times (p<0.001) compared to the intact index) of large follicles was noted, which are located mainly on the periphery of the lobules and fi lled with a compacted colloid. A decrease in thyrocyte height (1.29 times (p<0.001) compared to the normal value), a signifi cant decrease in the follicular- colloid index and an increase in the colloid accumulation index detected in the early toxemia stage indicate a decrease in functional activity in the organ, disruption of adaptive processes in it and the onset of destructive changes. At the later stages of burn injury (14 and 21 days of the experiment), against the background of a statistically signifi cant (p<0.001) increase in endogenous intoxication, there is a development of deep destructive changes in thyrocytes, organ vessels, proliferation of connective tissue layers, impaired synthesis and secretion of hormones. These conditions are manifested by the dominance of large, overstretched follicles in the parenchyma of the thyroid gland, lined with fl at, degenerating thyrocytes, the height of which at day 21 is 3.31 times signifi cantly (p<0.001) lower than the intact value; a statistically signifi cant decrease in the follicular- colloid index; a signifi cant increase in the colloid accumulation index, as well as a signifi cant deviation from the normal level of pituitary- thyroid system homones, which indicates organ hypofunction.

Mobilization of Circulating Tumor Cells after Short- and Long-Term FOLFIRINOX and GEM/nab-PTX Chemotherapy in Xenograft Mouse Models of Human Pancreatic Cancer.

Mobilization of CTCs after various types of therapy, such as radiation therapy, has been reported, but systematic study of CTCs after chemotherapy remained quite limited. In this study, we sequentially examined CTC numbers after single-dose and repetitive-dose chemotherapy, including FORFIRINOX (FFX) and Gemcitabine and nab-Paclitaxel (GnP) using two pancreatic cancer xenograft models. CTC was detected by the immunocytology-based microfluidic platform. We further examined the dynamic change in the histology of primary tumor tissues during chemotherapy. We confirmed a transient increase in CTCs 1-2 weeks after single-dose and repetitive-dose of FFX/GnP chemotherapy. Histological examination of the primary tumors revealed that the peak period of CTC at 1-2 weeks after chemotherapy corresponded to the maximal destructive phase consisting of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis of tumor cells, and blood vessel destruction without secondary reparative tissue reactions and regeneration of tumor cells. These findings indicate that mobilization of CTCs early after chemotherapy is mediated by the shedding of degenerated tumor cells into the disrupted blood vessels driven by the pure destructive histological changes in primary tumor tissues. These results suggest that sequential CTC monitoring during chemotherapy can be a useful liquid biopsy diagnostic tool to predict tumor chemosensitivity and resistance in preclinical and clinical settings.

Psychodermatology: practical aspects of diagnosing autodestructive dermatoses on the example of our own clinical observations

The study of the features of the relationship between the mental state of the patient and skin pathological processes at the present stage is especially relevant. This is due not only to an increase in the prevalence of psycho-dermatological comorbidity, but also to the pathogenetic features of the formation of the clinical picture of this pathology, which make it difficult to diagnose. Skin lesions can either be a consequence of a primary psychiatric illness or induce the development of concomitant psychosocial illnesses. At the same time, mental disorders masked by skin manifestations combine, as a rule, skin lesions due to self-harm. Their clinical picture can mimic the symptoms of a number of nosologies, including not only dermatological pathology, but also systemic diseases with skin manifestations. The artificiality of rashes may not always be obvious, which often leads to the erroneous involvement of doctors of various specialties in the diagnostic search and prolongs the time for making the correct diagnosis. The article presents our own clinical observations of patients with autodestructive dermatosis, in which the verification of the diagnosis was accompanied by diagnostic errors, which caused pronounced destructive changes. In the analysis of the above clinical observations, attention is focused on the features of the skin pathological process, aspects of differential diagnosis, as well as insufficient awareness of primary health care professionals about this problem. Increased awareness of doctors of related specialties can contribute to clinical alertness, reduce the time of diagnosis and timely start of therapy for these patients by a psychiatrist, which will reduce the risk of an increase in the severity of the disease and social exclusion of patients.

Information security in the system of measures to prevent criminal offences in the field of information technology: еxperience of EU and United States countries

The article is devoted to the problems of prevention of crimes in the field of information technology. To achieve this goal, the author used general scientific and special scientific research methods: formal-logical, systemic, comparative legal, etc. A review of scientific research in the field of information security is carried out. It is noted that the study of measures to prevent criminal offences in the field of information technology is becoming increasingly relevant and requires an objective criminological analysis in the context of martial law and post-war reconstruction. The author analyses modern threats in the field of information technology. Among the threats, the author singles out the negative information and psychological impact on the public consciousness of Ukrainian citizens. This impact is due to the systematic dissemination of disinformation, incomplete or biased information about political, economic and social processes taking place in Ukraine. The unsatisfactory state of information security causes a distorted view of the processes taking place in Ukraine; destructive changes in the behaviour and communication of individuals; and contributes to the formation of deformed moral attitudes. The author presents an analysis of modern foreign programmes aimed at preventing crimes in the field of information technology. These programmes are effective in the EU and the USA. The programmes are characterised according to the following algorithm: the purpose of the programme; the main areas of activity; the amount of funding; involvement of governmental and non- governmentalorganisations; therangeof specialists, etc. A significant number of the established projects operate as independent international institutions, with virtually no support from government funding. Funds for project implementation come in the form of non-governmental funding, grant contributions or donations from member and associated organisations. The target audience of the projects is civil society rather than the general population, which is explained by the more active role of civil society in Western countries and the passivity of the majority of the public. The author concludes that international cooperation and coordination of efforts of the national and international community to prevent criminal offences in the field of information technology is expedient. The importance of raising public awareness and literacy about disinformation and its methods through information and explanatory work is proved. The importance of developing a national model for the balanced and responsible use of the digital environment is emphasised. The main idea of the model is a combination of criminal law, regulatory, technical, organisational and managerial measures.

Linking Cognitive Impairment with Amyloid-β Accumulation in Alzheimer's Disease: Insights from Behavioral Tests and FTIR Spectroscopy.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that progresses over time. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis gives identification of the main metabolic changes that happen during neurodegeneration, by monitoring biochemical and molecular structure alterations that can help in AD diagnosis or treatment approach. The aim of the present work is to assess AD hallmarks in molecular structure of retina and monitor accumulation of amyloid beta42(Aβ42) in brain and retina during disease progression. AD induced in rats by Aluminum Chloride (AlCl3). Retinal molecular structure during disease progression for 2,4,6 and 8 weeks was assessed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the incidence of the disease was confirmed by a behavioural assessment; the Morris Water Maze test. Aβ42 levels in the brain and retina were also measured. The results indicated that cognitive impairment starting from 6 weeks of AlCl3 administration. Retinal concentration of Aβ42 was significant increase (p < 0.05) from 2 weeks that precedes the observed increase of Aβ42 in the brain which appeared after 4 weeks of AlCl3 administration. Multivariate principal component analysis discovers that the variance noticed in the infrared spectra due to AD condition and it is time dependent for progression of the disease. The accumulation of Aβ42 is a sensitive early biomarker in retina for AD. FTIR analysis of the retina revealed changes in hydrogen bond formation or destruction, alterations in lipid chain length and branching accompanied by depleted lipid content and carbonization, as well as degeneration of the retinal tissue due to AD.

Interaction between mesenchymal stromal cells and tuberculous mycobacteria in vitro

The objective: in an in vitro experiment, we compared phagocytic parameters of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and macrophages to tuberculous mycobacteria, assessed the ability of MSCs and macrophages to lyse mycobacteria or maintain their intracellular growth, their effect on formation of phenotypic drug resistance of mycobacteria, as well as the effect of tuberculous mycobacteria on the type of MSCs cell death.Subjects and Methods. Balb/c male mice, aged 6 to 8 weeks, were used in the experiment. Bone marrow MSCs were obtained from femurs and tibias by further cultivation, peritoneal macrophages were elicited with 4% alpha-glucan. The intracellular content of mycobacteria was counted using a confocal microscope with x 400 magnification. Susceptibility of mycobacteria to isoniazid and development of phenotypic drug resistance after culturing MSCs and macrophages with MTB on Lowenstein–Jensen medium was assessed by counting CFU. In 5 days after the infection, the number of apoptotic and necrotic MSCs and macrophages was determined by a flow cytometer.Results. On Day 1, the total number of phagocytosed MTB, as well as the number of phagocytic-active macrophages, exceeds the corresponding figures for MSCs more than twice. MSCs phagocytize tuberculous mycobacteria in a smaller amount, but MTB reproduces in them more actively: the number of CFU after 7 days of cell cultivation with MTB exceeded the corresponding parameter by almost 50 times after 24 hours of cultivation. In cultures of infected MSCs cultivated for 7 days, regardless of the presence of isoniazid, there was a rapid growth of tuberculous mycobacteria. On Day 5 after infection of macrophage culture with tuberculous mycobacteria, the number of necrotic cells was 2.7 times greater than that of uninfected necrotic macrophages, but the number of apototic cells in these groups differed slightly. In the culture of MSCs, there were 8.5 times more infected nectrotic cells versus uninfected necrotic MSCs, and the number of necrotic MSCs was 4.5 times higher than the number of MSCs with apoptosis, while in the culture of infected macrophages, the number of necrotic cells was the same as number of apoptotic cells. Unlike macrophages, treatment of MSCs with isoniazid did not inhibit the intracellular proliferation of MTB.Conclusion. MSCs have the ability to phagocytose mycobacteria, but they do it less actively than macrophages and, unlike macrophages, they are not able to restrain the reproduction of tuberculous mycobacteria. Mycobacteria have phenotypic drug resistance in MSCs. In MSCs, when infected with tuberculous mycobacteria, there is a pronounced shift towards necrosis in the type of cell death, which can lead to dissemination of MTB and development of local destructive changes.

Clinical diagnostic approach in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in mandibular molars: Clinical cases

Background. Inflammatory process in periapical tissues causes tooth extraction in more than 50% of cases. The development of chronic apical periodontitis can be triggered by an intracanal infection in undetected/missed root canal of the mandibular molars. The morphology of mandibular molars is distinguished by additional canals in the mesial root in some cases. Different studies reveal the middle mesial canal in 4.5% to 26% of cases with quite high incidence in youth. The dental therapy has been searching for effective approaches to diagnosis and treatment of chronic periodontitis, enabling the focus of chronic inflammation to be eliminated and the tooth to be saved. Case descriptions. The paper presents clinical cases of patients with destructive changes in bone tissues in the periapical region of the mesial root in mandibular molars. The developing of this pathology is associated with missed anatomy in the mesial root during primary endodontic treatment. The patients underwent clinical examination consisting of basic methods (interview, examination) and additional techniques (intraoral radiography). An additional middle mesial canal in the root of the mandibular molar was identified taking into account the complex morphology of the root system of the tooth and verified by its careful analysis and radiography. The final clinical diagnosis, chronic apical periodontitis (K04.5), was made following the obtained diagnostic results and the ICD-10 classification. Diagnostic examination and endodontic retreatment were performed using a dental operating microscope. Conclusion. An operating dental microscope provides visualization of microscopic anatomotopographical details, promoting the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment of chronic apical periodontitis in mandibular molars. Using dental microscope facilitates systematization of the data obtained during the examination, making a final clinical diagnosis, and development of a reasonable personalized treatment plan focused on detecting an additional middle canal in the mesio-buccal canal of the mandibular molar. Due to the suggested approach, the long-term outcomes of endodontic treatment can be an objective assessed in dynamics, thereby improving the quality of treatment for chronic apical periodontitis in patients.

Incidence of Rapidly Progressive Osteoarthritis Following Intra-articular Hip Corticosteroid Injection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundThe American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery recommends intra-articular corticosteroid injections (CSIs) for managing hip osteoarthritis (OA) based on short-term, prospective studies. Recent retrospective studies have raised concerns that CSIs may lead to rapidly progressive OA (RPOA). We sought to systematically review the literature of CSIs for hip OA to estimate the incidence of RPOA. MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify original research of hip OA patients receiving CSIs. Overall, 27 articles involving 5831 patients published from 1988 to 2022 were included. Study design, patient characteristics, CSI details, follow-up, and cases of RPOA were recorded. Studies were classified by their ability to detect RPOA based on follow-up. Random effects meta-analysis was used to calculate the incidence of RPOA for studies able to detect RPOA. ResultsThe meta-analytic estimate of RPOA incidence was 6% (95% confidence interval, 3%-9%) based on 10 articles classified as able to detect RPOA. RPOA definitions varied from progression of OA within 6 months to the presence of destructive changes. These studies were subject to bias from excluding patients with missing post-CSI radiographs. The remaining 17 articles were classified as unable to detect RPOA, including all of the studies cited in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery recommendation. ConclusionsThe incidence of RPOA after CSIs remains unknown due to variation in definitions and follow-up. While RPOA following CSIs may be 6%, many cases are not severe, and this may reflect selection bias. Further research is needed to understand whether clinically significant RPOA is incident enough to limit CSI use.

Morphological State of Intestinal Failure in Experimental Peritonitis and Correction

Our studies show that pathomorphological changes in the small intestine in acute experimental peritonitis are characterized by dystrophic, inflammatory-destructive and vascular disorders in the vascular tissue structures of the small intestine wall. In the pathogenesis of damage to the small intestine, deep inflammatory and destructive changes in the vessels of the microhemocirculatory bed, which subsequently lead to disruption of cell trophism, tissue hypoxia, damage to cellular elements, disruption of cellular metabolism, deficiency of energy and plastic materials, accumulation of perverted metabolic products in cells and tissues, are of great importance. The use of the “Zerotox“ enterosorbent in the treatment complex for the treatment of endogenous intoxication and toxemia had a positive effect on the morphofunctional status of the small intestine, on the clinical course of the disease, on the composition of the intestinal microflora, indicators of local immunological protection, improved clinical and laboratory signs of endogenous intoxication, reduced the recovery period bowel function, reduced the number of postoperative complications.

Influence of Antioxidant Correction on Structural and Functional Changes of the Thyroid Gland in Case of Experimental Iodine Deficient Hypothyroidism

Experimental iodine deficient hypothyroidism is manifested by an increase the activity of oxidative processes and a decrease the indicators of antioxidant defense of blood, which is accompanied by the appearance of destructive changes in the tissues of thyroid gland. The comparative analysis of the obtained results confirms the advantage of α-tocopherol using in the complex with potassium iodide for the correction of hypothyroidism, antioxidant imbalance and structural changes of the thyroid gland.

Morphological justification of the risk of mastopathy in cattle

Mastopathy, as it is known, is one of the fundamental reasons for the decrease in dairy productivity of cows, sanitary and technological properties of milk, as well as premature culling of animals. The purpose of this study was to present a morphological justification of the risk of mastopathy in cattle. The research was carried out on the basis of the Department of Anatomy and Histology of Animals named after Professor Alexey Filipovich Klimov of the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology – MBA named after K. I. Scriabin" and the breeding plant "Povadino" of the Moscow region. The object was Holstein cows. To conduct the study, an experimental group of animals (n=102) was selected from a herd of 1200 heads according to the principle of analogues, taking into account breed, body weight, age, number of lactations, reproduction index, which included clinically healthy animals (n=51, control) and experimental animals (n=51, mastitis). A comprehensive methodological approach was used, including a visual assessment of the state of the somatic systems of the animal body, macroscopic morphometry in order to determine the type of their constitution, the somatotype index and linear indicators of the mammary gland. Based on the conducted studies, anatomical and echographic parallels of the state of the mammary gland in the studied animals were established. In cows with mastitis, an increase in the circumference of the gland in comparison with the control group is accompanied by destructive changes in its excretory system in the form of massive fibrin overlays in the area of milk passages represented by heteroechogenic sites.The results obtained are basic in improving the methods of diagnosis and prevention of breast pathologies in cattle.

Бюджетні детермінанти забезпечення стійкості територіальних громад: воєнна адаптація та орієнтири повоєнного відновлення

Introduction. The Russian-Ukrainian war has had a negative impact on all spheres of life in Ukraine, undermining the financial and economic stability of systems at various levels of government. Thanks to decentralisation, territorial communities have become the main link in ensuring sustainability and social stability for the rear regions and a catalyst for stabilising the situation in the liberated territories. Today’s conditions dictate the need to find new approaches to restoring and ensuring sustainable growth of territories, given the limited list of influence parameters. Purpose. The article aims to analyze the impact of the budgetary determinant on ensuring the resilience of territorial communities in the context of the war in Ukraine and to outline the guidelines for restoring their economic growth/development. Results. In the article, in the context of four types of communities (communities in the frontline regions, regions where Ukraine’s control has been restored, communities in the supporting regions and communities in the rear regions), the author considers the peculiarities of accumulation of financial resources in the conditions of war; identifies changes in the functioning and development of territorial communities of Ukraine, which manifested themselves in: a) an increase in the number of territorial communities in need of financial support from the State budget; b) an increase in the disproportions in the index of taxpaying capacity of communities; c) loss of economic potential of communities in economically developed regions, where communities with a high level of fiscal capacity and financial stability were concentrated in the pre-war period.. The reasons for the destructive changes in the financial indicators of individual communities are identified. Conclusions. It is argued that the risks of disruption to resilience for frontline rear, support communities and communities where Ukraine’s control has been restored are different, and therefore approaches to managing the development of territories and ensuring their resilience are also different. The need to modernize the system of interbudgetary equalization of the financial capacity of communities was emphasized. The author outlines the guidelines for restoring economic growth of communities in the context of the identified types.

Perfusion Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Colonic Diverticular Disease and its Complications

Introduction. Colonic diverticular disease (colonic diverticulitis) is considered to be a serious medical and social problem of modern society, marked by a persistent decrease in the quality of life of patients and a steady growth in morbidity with a tendency to increase complications of the underlying disease in the form of inflammatory destructive changes in the intestinal wall.Materials and methods. The study involved 63 patients with colonic diverticulitis, males and females, aged 34 through 79 years. All participants were divided into 3 groups, depending on the damage to the intestinal wall. The first group included 11 patients with intact intestinal wall, the second group included 43 patients with diverticulitis, and the third group — 9 patients with adenocarcinoma of the large intestine.Results and discussion. When performing perfusion computed tomography (PCT) of the intestinal wall, it was found that BF values in acute diverticulitis, compared to the intact intestinal wall, increased on average by 1.7 times, while in malignancies — by 5.3 times. BV values in acute diverticulitis, as compared to the intact intestinal wall, increased by 9.2, and in malignancies — 13.6 times. MRI values in acute diverticulitis, as compared to the intact intestinal wall, increased by 2.5 times, and in malignancies — 3.9 times. PS values in acute diverticulitis, as compared to the intact intestinal wall, increased by 1.7 times, and in malignancies — 3.8 times.Conclusion. Since PCT is able to detect the difference of microcirculation parameters in inflammatory and malignant processes, it can be used in the diagnostic algorithm to determine further treatment strategy.

Characteristics of new cases of infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis in patients having HIV infection with multidrug resistance of the pathogen according to multi-layer spiral computed tomography

Background. Identification of the characteristics of the pulmonary tuberculosis process using multi-layer spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in patients with tuberculosis and HIV infection is important in the diagnosis of tuberculosis, determining the dissemination of the process and its dynamics during treatment. The aim. To determine the initial characteristics and dynamics of infiltrative tuberculosis according to MSCT in patients with and without HIV infection, with and without multidrug resistance (MDR) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis who were treated in a hospital. Materials and methods. 126 patients aged 19–59 years with tuberculosis, combined with HIV infection and without HIV infection were examined. For statistical processing, we used MS Excel (Microsoft Corp., USA) software package. Results. Patients with tuberculosis and HIV infection in comparison with patients with tuberculosis and without HIV had more expressed intoxication syndrome and respiratory impairement in the clinical picture (p &lt; 0.00001). Patients with coinfection were more likely to suffer from alcohol (p &lt; 0.05) and drug addiction (p &lt; 0.001). According to MSCT, the pathological process in HIV-positive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was more disseminated (p &lt; 0.05), included severe intrathoracic lymphadenopathy (p &lt; 0.0001), more common pleural lesions (p &lt; 0.005), less common destructive changes (cavities) (p &lt; 0.001) and outcomes in form of fibro-cavernous tuberculosis (p &lt; 0.01). Process regression was slower in patients with tuberculosis and HIV (p &lt; 0.005). According to MSCT, extensive lung damage, intrathoracic lymphadenopathy were more often found in patients with MDR in coinfection (p &lt; 0.05). Cavities and fibro-cavernous tuberculosis outcomes were more common in patients with tuberculosis without HIV infection and with MDR (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion. MSCT provides detailed information about the pathological process in the lungs and its dynamics under the treatment of tuberculosis and HIV infection.

Regeneration of injured articular cartilage using the recombinant human amelogenin protein.

Cartilage injuries rarely heal spontaneously and often require surgical intervention, leading to the formation of biomechanically inferior fibrous tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the possible effect of amelogenin on the healing process of a large osteochondral injury (OCI) in a rat model. A reproducible large OCI was created in the right leg femoral trochlea of 93 rats. The OCIs were treated with 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 μg/μl recombinant human amelogenin protein (rHAM+) dissolved in propylene glycol alginate (PGA) carrier, or with PGA carrier alone. The degree of healing was evaluated 12 weeks after treatment by morphometric analysis and histological evaluation. Cell recruitment to the site of injury as well as the origin of the migrating cells were assessed four days after treatment with 0.5 μg/μl rHAM+ using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. A total of 12 weeks after treatment, 0.5 μg/μl rHAM+ brought about significant repair of the subchondral bone and cartilage. Increased expression of proteoglycan and type II collagen and decreased expression of type I collagen were revealed at the surface of the defect, and an elevated level of type X collagen at the newly developed tide mark region. Conversely, the control group showed osteoarthritic alterations. Recruitment of cells expressing the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers CD105 and STRO-1, from adjacent bone marrow toward the OCI, was noted four days after treatment. We found that 0.5 μg/μl rHAM+ induced in vivo healing of injured articular cartilage and subchondral bone in a rat model, preventing the destructive post-traumatic osteoarthritic changes seen in control OCIs, through paracrine recruitment of cells a few days after treatment.

Schumpeterian creative destruction and temporal changes in business models of US banks

Schumpeter theorizes that capitalism is characterized by a constant process of creative destruction. Newcomers introduce disruptive innovations and technologies that replace older, less efficient business practices. Thus, established firms must either continually adapt or perish. Christensen (1997) argues that large, established firms cannot innovate as fast as newcomers and thus are likely to perish over time. We test these predictions in the setting of the United States banking sector. We examine banks' credit and liquidity risks as proxies for their business models, as well as their reliance on brokered deposits, commercial real estate loans, off-balance sheet items, and noninterest income as proxies for operational strategies. We find that banks' credit and liquidity risks increased significantly over the last 40 years or so, indicating a steady change in banks' business models. This trend stems primarily from progressively aggressive business models introduced by incoming cohorts. Older cohorts respond to changing market conditions by increasing the aggressiveness of their own business models, but not as much as the newcomers. Surprisingly, surviving large banks among older cohorts change their business models faster than smaller banks from the same cohorts. Thus, while we find support for Schumpeterian creative destruction and Christensen's (1997) arguments, we also find that large and established banks are better able to adapt to new market conditions, perhaps because they have superior access to resources and talent necessary to implement transformation. Our findings at least partly explain why the dominant players in the US banking sector have remained the same decade after decade.

General Morphological Characteristics of the Results of Experimental Modeling of Aseptic Peritonitis

BackgroundAseptic peritonitis is a reaction of the local immune system aimed at rejection of a foreign body, which, having antigenic properties, does not (unlike a pathogen) counteract the immune system. The suture materials, namely catgut thread, used in intracavitary surgical operations possess xenogenic properties and can be used for antigenic stimulation of the immune system of the peritoneal cavity. Consequently, we decided to use a catgut suture for antigenic stimulation of the immune system of the peritoneal cavity and to study the morphological features of the results of experimental modeling of aseptic peritonitis in albino rats. MethodThe study involved 15 Wistar albino male rats, weighing 286,13 ± 6,26 g. To study the dynamics of destructive changes made by the catgut implant in the peritoneal cavity of the experimental animals, the animals were assigned into three groups in accordance with the time interval of their euthanasia at 3, 7, and 14 days of the experiment. ResultsAfter modeling an aseptic peritonitis, the investigation the abdominal cavity showed that in four out of five animals of the first group, that is, on day 3 of the experiment, the catgut implant had adhered to the greater omentum. The search for the fifth implant led to an unexpected discovery: we found it conjoined with the second derivative of the visceral peritoneum, similar in structure to the greater omentum, but related to the testes. On day 7, the implant embedded into the peritoneal cavity of the animals, had adhered to the serous formations of the testes in all five cases (100%, three of them – to the left epididymal omentum, and another two – to the right one). On day 14 (n = 5) it was found that in three cases it had adhered to the serous formations of the testes (60%, one of them to the left epididymal omentum, another two – to the right one) and in two cases it had adhered to the greater omentum (40%). ConclusionDuring the experiment on implantation of a xenogenic substrate in the form of flat bundles made from the catgut thread into the peritoneal cavity of sexually mature male rats, it was found for the first time that their acceptors were not only the greater omentum, but also two derivatives of the peritoneum, homeomorphic to it and associated with the epididymides, which we reasonably called epididymal omenta and described in details.

Non-invasive assessment of destructive changes in the gallbladder and severity of acute cholecystitis

Aim. To study the potential of ultrasound examination for assessment of pathomorphological changes in the gallbladder wall according to A1 and A2 criteria and severity of acute cholecystitis (G1-G3 score).Materials and methods. The authors analyzed the results of examination and treatment of 556 patients with acute cholecystitis for the last 2 years. The study involved clinical, laboratory and ultrasound results, their coincidence with the results of histological examination of the removed gallbladder.Results. Clinical and laboratory data coincided with histopathological data in G1 in 84.9% of cases, G2 – in 74.5%, G3 – in 63.2%; ultrasound findings coincided with histopathological data in A1 in 81.54% of cases, in A2 – in 86.59%. The incidence of postoperative complications in G1 comprised 4.6%, in G2 – 8.4%, in G3 – 32.1%, in A1 – 6.8%, and in A2 – 27.7%. Fatal outcomes appeared only in G3 (3.77%) and A2 (2.12%) patients, the overall postoperative mortality was 0.42% and the incidence of postoperative complications was 10.94%.Conclusion. Ultrasound examination in 86.6% of patients with acute cholecystitis enables pathomorphological changes in the gallbladder wall to be evaluated, which significantly facilitates decision making about the timing and extent of surgical intervention.

Effective wound healing agents based on N-alkenylimidazole zinc complexes derivatives: future prospects and opportunities

Introduction: The therapeutic effect of commercially available domestic and foreign drugs for the treatment of various skin injuries is far from optimal. These drugs have no universal effects, but cause pronounced side reactions. There is a clear demand for development of innovative wound-healing drugs with antimicrobial properties, which increase the natural protective function of the skin. Pharmaceutical compounds with zinc nanoparticles have been increasingly recognized as a promising therapeutic direction. These drugs can easily penetrate into damaged tissues and stimulate metabolic processes. Zinc complexes with imidazole derivatives are of a particular interest. Imidazole acts as a structural fragment of many natural physiologically active compounds, thus providing targeted delivery of this essential trace element into the wound for inclusion in the multicascade mechanism of wound healing. The aim of the study: to provide experimental evidence for effects of recently developed zinc complexes with N-alkenylimidazole as wound healing agents. Materials and Methods: Wound-healing effects of six 1% gels containing distinct N-alkenylimidazole zinc complexe derivatives based on the Na-carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) were comparatively studied in 128 outbred white rats of both genders. The Na-CMC-based Zinc Sulfate 1% gel, Methyluracil and Solcoseryl served as reference drugs. After performing the local tolerance study of zinc complexes, linear and planar sterile wounds of comparable size were inflicted in anesthetized animals. The degree of healing was evaluated on the day 8 and day 28 after the treatment start by wound sizes and histological examination of inflammatory response, epithelization, granulation tissue, angiogenesis, and necrosis. The skin microcirculation system was evaluated using the laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF), whereby the blood flow indicators were recorded 30 and 60 minutes after intraperitoneal administration of the trial compound. The antimicrobial activity of the zinc compounds was determined in vitro by means of their minimum inhibitory concentration suppressing the bacteria and fungi growth using the double serial dilution method in liquid culture media. The statistical data processing was performed using the Statistica 12 software package. Results and Discussion: In the linear wound model, all animals treated with either of six experimental zinc compounds showed almost complete reduction in wound size (92-100%, p&lt;0.05) on the day 8, significantly exceeding the wound healing in the control animals (reduction by 67-88 %, p&lt;0.05) and effects of the reference drugs (reduction by 83-86%, p&lt;0.05). In the planar wound model, the most significant wound healing effect was reached by using the gel containing N-isopropenylimidazole zinc diacetate (encoded as Pilim-1). The respective histological examination showed signs of complete epithelialization, absence of destructive changes in the epidermis, restoration of skin appendages and presence of mature granulation tissue. Intraperitoneal Pilim-1 administration at a dose of 20 mg/kg improved microcirculation in the rat skin, as judged by significant effects on perfusion and the amplitudes of the isolated rhythms of the LDF-gram. In addition, Pilim-1 exerted a moderate bacteriostatic and fungistatic activity, which was 2 times greater than the antimicrobial activity of Metronidazole. Conclusion: Topical application of gels containing 1% N-alkenylimidazole zinc complex derivatives accelerates the healing of uninfected linear and planar wounds in comparison with the established reference drugs. The Pilim-1 zinc compound exhibited the most pronounced therapeutic effect. The observed in vitro antimicrobial action of Pilim-1 is of further interest for potential implications in treatment of infected skin wounds. The regenerative effect of this substance opens prospects for development of new drugs with improved wound healing properties.