Low Concentration Group Research Articles

Investigation of the crystal formation from calcium silicate in human dentinal tubules and the effect of phosphate buffer saline concentration

Background/purposeBased on hydrodynamic theory, blocking the dentinal tubules can reduce discomfort caused by dentin hypersensitivity. This study identified the crystals formed in dentinal tubules from tricalcium silicate (TCS) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and evaluated the effect of PBS concentration on crystal formation. Materials and methodsSixty-nine specimens were made by isolating the cervical part of extracted premolars. TCS was applied by brushing for 10,000 strokes on dentin surface simulating sensitive dentin. Specimens were stored in PBS or solutions with concentrations 1/100, 1/10, 10, and 100 times that of PBS for 1, 30, 60, or 90 days (n = 3). Another nine specimens applied TCS, were immersed in PBS for 3 months, and divided into three subgroups: no treatment, sonication for 10 min, and 1M acetic acid treatment for 3 min. Crystal formation was examined using a scanning electron microscope, assigned five grade scores (0–4) according to maturation, and analyzed by a nonparametric two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Crystal components were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). ResultsThe maturation of intratubular crystals was dependent on time and PBS concentration (P < 0.05). In all periods, the high-concentration group showed a higher maturation grade than the low-concentration group. Intratubular crystals were similar to hydroxyapatite according to XRD and EDS, and they withstood sonication and acid application. ConclusionTCS with nanosized particles formed hydroxyapatite-like crystals in the dentinal tubules, which were dependent on time and concentration of PBS and withstood sonication and acid application.

Alleviating effect of Lactobacillus pentosus CQZC01 probiotic strain on antibiotic-induced diarrhea in mice

This experiment used mice as the experimental subjects to study the alleviating effect of Lactobacillus pentosus CQZC01 (LPCQZC01) on antibiotic-induced diarrhea in mice. After adaptive feeding for seven days, Kunming (KM) mice were randomly divided into the following groups: positive control group, model group, normal group, high concentration group of LPCQZC01 (H-LPCQZC01, 1×109 CFU/mL), and low concentration group of LPCQZC01 (L-LPCQZC01, 1×108 CFU/mL). Except for the normal group, mice were orally administered with lincomycin hydrochloride (120 mg/day) for 7 consecutive days. Changes in body weight, food intake, water consumption, and fecal water content of mice were observed. A histological examination of mouse colon and small intestine sections was done to find out if Lactobacillus pentosus CQZC01 may help mice with antibiotic-induced diarrhea. The findings demonstrated that, in comparison to the model group, mice in the H-LPCQZC01 and L-LPCQZC01 groups had considerably lower blood levels of nterleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and other variables. In comparison to the model group, the fecal water content in the H-LPCQZC01 and L-LPCQZC01 groups was considerably lower. The H-LPCQZC01 and L-LPCQZC01 groups consumed more food and liquids than the model group did. The H-LPCQZC01 and L-LPCQZC01 groups had more intact colon walls and more compact, regular, and organized intestinal villi. H-LPCQZC01 and L-LPCQZC01 groups had the lower CFTR, EGFR expression and stronger NHE1, NHE2 expression than model group. This study reveals that Lactobacillus pentosus CQZC01 may treat inflammatory lesions in the mouse intestines and successfully treat antibiotic-induced diarrhea in mice.

Relationship between crustacean consumption and serum perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 4.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are non-aromatic organic compounds, whose hydrogen atoms in the carbon chain substituted by fluorine atoms. PFASs exhibit developmental toxicity, carcinogenicity, hepatotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, and hormone toxicity. PFASs are used in the production of disposable food packages, aircraft and automobile devices, cooking utensils, outdoor gear, furniture and carpets, aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), cables and wires, electronics, and semiconductors. This study aimed to determine the association between crustacean consumption and serum PFASs. Adult participants (2,993) aged ≥ 19 years were extracted from the 4th cycle data of the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS). Based on the 50th percentile concentrations of serum PFASs, participants were divided into the low-concentration group (LC) and the high-concentration group (HC). General characteristics, dietary factors, coated product usage, and personal care product usage, an independent t-test and χ2 test were analyzed. The odds ratio (OR) of serum PFAS concentration against crustacean consumption was estimated via logistic regression analysis adjusting for general characteristics, dietary factors, coated product usage, and personal care product usage. The OR for the HC of serum PFASs was higher in individuals with ≥once a week crustacean consumption than in those with < once a week crustacean consumption. Estimated ORs were perfluorohexanesulfonic acid 2.15 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53-3.02), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) 1.23 (95% CI: 1.07-1.41), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDeA) 1.42 (95% CI: 1.17-1.74) in males, and perfluorooctanoic acid 1.48 (95% CI: 1.19-1.84), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid 1.39 (95% CI: 1.27-1.52), PFNA 1.70 (95% CI: 1.29-2.26) and PFDeA 1.43 (95% CI: 1.32-1.54) in females. This study revealed the association between the crustacean consumption and concentrations of serum PFASs in general Korean population.

Pulmonary passage of canine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells through intravenous transplantation in mouse model.

The intravenous administration of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) in veterinary medicine is an attractive treatment option. On the other hand, it can result in severe complications, including pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). The present study assessed the occurrence of PTE after the intravenous infusion of canine AdMSCs (cAdMSCs) into experimental animals. Five-week-old male BALB/c hairless mice were categorized into groups labeled A to G. In the control group (A), fluorescently stained 2 × 106 cAdMSCs were diluted in 200 μL of suspension and injected into the tail vein as a single bolus. The remaining groups included the following: group B with 5 × 106 cells, group C with 3 × 106 cells, group D with 1 × 106 cells, group E with 1 × 106 cells injected twice with a one-day interval, group F with 2 × 106 cells in 100 μL of suspension, and group G with 2 × 106 cells in 300 μL of suspension. Group D achieved a 100% survival rate, while none of the subjects in groups B and C survived (p = 0.002). Blood tests revealed a tendency for the D-dimer levels to increase as the cell dose increased (p = 0.006). The platelet count was higher in the low cell concentration groups and lower in the high cell concentration groups (p = 0.028). A histological examination revealed PTE in most deceased subjects (96.30%). PTE was verified, and various variables were identified as potential contributing factors, including the cell dose, injection frequency, and suspension volume.

Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation with letrozole using different doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate per day: a retrospective cohort study.

In the progestin-primed ovarian stimulation protocol, the oral administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate has been observed to effectively inhibit the LH surge during ovarian stimulation in patients experiencing infertility. Nevertheless, the use of utilizing medroxyprogesterone acetate during ovarian stimulation can result in more pronounced pituitary suppression, potentially necessitating increased doses of gonadotropins and extended treatment durations. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the optimal dose of medroxyprogesterone acetate, aiming to use relatively lower concentrations of medroxyprogesterone acetate to effectively and safely suppress early LH surges. This retrospective cohort study included 710 patients who underwent cycles of in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection and were subjected the progestin-primed ovarian stimulation protocol utilizing letrozole between from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021. The study population was divided into low, medium, and high concentration groups based on the daily dosage of medroxyprogesterone acetate.The primary focus of this investigation was on the cumulative live birth rate. Secondary outcomes encompassed the occurrence of a premature surge in luteinizing hormone, the quantity of retrieved oocytes, viable embryos, and high-quality embryos, as well as clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, and multiple pregnancy rate. In this study, significant differences were observed among three groups in various parameters including body mass index, baseline levels of Anti-Müllerian hormone and luteinizing hormone, antral follicle count, total dose of gonadotropin, and duration of gonadotropin administration (p<0.05). The number of oocytes and viable embryos were significantly higher in medium group and higher than those in the low dose group. Following adjustments for confounding factors related to medroxyprogesterone acetate for various outcome measures, we conducted multiple regression analysis to investigate the independent effects of daily medroxyprogesterone acetate dosage within the combined progestin-primed ovarian stimulation and letrozole protocol. Following multivariable regression analysis, no disparities were found in embryo characteristics (number of oocytes retrieved, number of available embryos, number of high-quality embryos) or pregnancy outcomes (clinical pregnancy rate, cumulative live birth rate) among the three groups. Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation with letrozole using different dose of medroxyprogesterone acetate per day was comparable in terms of the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of high-quality embryos, clinical pregnancy rate and cumulative live birth rate after frozen embryo transfer.

Effects of Mannyeon-hwan on Acetic Acid-induced Colitis in Rats

Objectives: This study is designed to verify the effects of Mannyeon-hwan (MNH) on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.Methods: Colitis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing approximately 250 g by injecting acetic acid through the anus. The rats were classified into four groups: normal group, acetic acid (AA) group, AA+MNH (L) (low concentration) group, and AA+MNH (H) (high concentration) group. The body weight, visual evaluation of the colonic mucosa, anatomical histological changes, and changes in the expression of cytokines in the colon tissue were compared and analyzed.Results: Compared with the normal group, weight loss was observed in mice induced with colitis. Compared with the AA group, weight loss recovery occurred in the AA+MNH (L) and AA+MNH (H) groups, and significant changes were observed after the sixth day. In the visual evaluation of the colonic mucosa, a significant decrease in damage indicators was observed in the AA+MNH (L) and AA+MNH (H) groups compared with the AA group. In terms of anatomical histological changes and changes in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in colon tissue, a significant decrease was observed in the AA+MNH (L) and AA+MNH (H) groups compared with the AA group. A more pronounced decrease was observed in the AA+MNH (H) group compared with the AA+MNH (L) group.Conclusion: The effects of MNH on colitis were confirmed through research. MNH can be used as a first-line treatment for patients complaining of colitis who visit oriental medicine clinics.

Effect of adrenaline concentration in tumescence solution on intraoperative hemodynamics of liposuction patients: A randomized triple-blind trial

ABSTRACT Background Epinephrine in liposuction solution mediated vasoconstriction thus decrease in adrenergic side effects, local anesthetic toxicity, and bleeding. The optimum safe adrenaline concentration was not well investigated. Aim This study aimed to compare between adrenaline 1 mg/L and 2 mg/L in tumescent fluid concerning hemodynamics during abdominal liposuction operations. Methods Forty cases scheduled for liposuction for abdomen and flanks and body were involved in this randomized, triple-blind, controlled trial. Cases were randomized equally into two groups. Group A (low adrenaline concentration group): received 1 mg per liter of epinephrine. Group B (high adrenaline concentration group): received 2 mg per liter of epinephrine. Results Intraoperative heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure at base line were insignificantly different between both groups (p value > 0.05) while at 30, 60, 90, and end of surgery were significantly higher in group B group as opposed to group A (p value < 0.05). Incidence of sinus tachycardia and PVCs were significantly higher in group B than group A (P < 0.05), while surgeon satisfaction was comparable between both groups (p value > 0.05). Conclusions In liposuction procedures, the safest adrenaline concentration is 1 mg/L as evidenced by hemodynamics stability and surgeon satisfaction thus even in high volume liposuction, the adrenaline concentration should not exceed 1 mg/L and should be handled to cover the used crystalloid solution.

The influence media in learning: the effect of videos and posters on learning concentration on the kihon ability of karate extracurricular students

Fundamental karate movement techniques (Kihon) are taught to students. Karate's fundamental techniques consist of blocks, strikes, jabs, and kicks. Karate novices are required to master kihon, or fundamental techniques, from which further training is derived. The effect of rigid and repetitive training methods on students is one of boredom and saturation. A method employed to enhance students' proficiency in kihon is the utilization of visual media. The objective of this study is to compare the impact of video media and poster image learning in high-concentration and low-concentration groups on the Kihon ability of SMPN 23 Pekanbaru extracurricular karate students.The experimental methodology utilized in this investigation is a 2x2 factorial experimental design. The study's population comprises 60 pupils enrolled in extracurricular karate at SMPN 23 Pekanbaru. The sample consisted of 16 students, which were divided into two groups. The data were analyzed utilizing two-way ANOVA and the T-test. Conclusions of the investigation The impact of video media and poster images in the classroom on the kihon abilities of students varies, irrespective of their placement in the high-concentration or low-concentration group under instruction. Students' kihon abilities are not influenced by the utilization of video media and poster images to acquire knowledge, irrespective of their placement in the high-concentration or low-concentration group.The mean difference in learning outcomes between video media and poster images was notably greater in both the high-concentration and low-concentration groups when compared to learning via poster images.

Effects of cadmium exposure on tissue structure, antioxidant enzyme activity, serum biochemical indices and gene expression in the liver of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

This study aimed to understand the effect of various levels of waterborne cadmium exposure and associated integrated response in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The experimental fish were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group H (high concentration group): 0.25 mg/L of water (100% of the LC50); Group M (medium concentration group): 0.01 mg/L of water (50% of the LC50); group L (low concentration group): 0.05 mg/L of water (12.5% of the LC50) and group C (control). Experimental fish in group C (control group) were cultured in cadmium (Cd)-free tap water. After 28 days of Cd exposure, the gill and liver tissues were collected for histological analysis and antioxidant enzyme activities assay. Serum biochemical indices and the expression levels of HSP70, HSP90, Cyp1a, and MT in the liver were assayed. Results indicated Cd exposure in group H could significantly damage the gill and liver. The SOD activity of gill and liver exhibited an increasing trend with Cd concentrations increasing, and SOD activities increased significantly in group M compared to that of group C. Still, SOD activity significantly decreased in group H. MDA content increased significantly in both the gill and liver, while T-AOC activities were not significantly different in both the gill and liver. By comparison with group C, the activities of ALT and AST in serum were significantly increased in group M and group H; the contents of ALB and TP significantly decreased in group M and group H except for the content slightly increased in the group L; the contents of GLU, TG, and TC did not show significant changes in the group L and the group M, but increased significantly in the group H. The expression levels of HSP70 and HSP90 in the liver exhibited the highest level in group M, whereas the expression levels of MT and Cyp1a were highest in groups H and L, respectively. Our results are intended to provide a reference basis for the safety risk evaluation of Cd and healthy fish farming.

Insights into the Fungicide Prothioconazole and Its Metabolite in Wheat: Residue Behavior and Risk Assessment

To clarify the residue formation of prothioconazole and its main metabolite in wheat plants, the uptake, translocation, and metabolism of prothioconazole in wheat roots and leaves were investigated by nutrient solution culture and the spraying method. The results showed that prothioconazole and its metabolites showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing in wheat plants under two treatment methods, and the concentration of prothioconazole and its metabolites was higher in the high-concentration group (5000 μg/mL) than in the low-concentration group (1000 μg/mL). The transferability from stem to leaf was stronger than that from root to stem. In the nutrient solution culture, prothioconazole and its metabolites were mainly enriched in wheat roots. The concentration of prothioconazole in wheat roots increases with the increase in prothioconazole concentration and was significantly higher than the prothioconazole concentration on stems and leaves. In wheat leaves in the spraying method, prothioconazole and its metabolites were conducted from leaves to stems and roots up to the nutrient solution. Prothioconazole-desthio was detectable in wheat nutrient solution, while prothioconazole was not detected. Analysis of actual samples of 9 wheat grains and 28 flours showed that the residues of prothioconazole and its metabolites met the maximum residue limit (0.1 mg/mL) set in China and by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The results will provide a theoretical basis for the scientific use of prothioconazole and food security assurance.

AsHC 360 Exposure Influence on Epileptiform Discharges in Hippocampus of Infantile Male Rats In Vitro

Arsenic-containing hydrocarbons (AsHCs) are typical arsenolipids found in various marine organisms. They can penetrate the blood–brain barrier, specifically affecting synaptic plasticity and the learning and memory ability of hippocampal neurons. Temporal lobe epilepsy often occurs in the hippocampus. Thus, the possible influence of AsHCs exposure to temporal lobe epilepsy garnered attention. The present study investigated the effects of epileptiform discharges (EDs) signals introduced by low-magnesium ACSF in the hippocampus of infantile male rats in vitro, using electrophysiological techniques with multi-electrode arrays under AsHC 360 exposure. In our study of the effects of AsHC 360 on EDs signals, we found that inter-ictal discharges (IIDs) were not significantly impacted. When AsHC 360 was removed, any minor effects observed were reversed. However, when we examined the impact of AsHC 360 on ictal discharges (IDs), distinct patterns emerged based on the concentration levels. For low-concentration groups (5, 20, 60 μg As L−1), both the frequency and duration effects on IDs returned to normal post-elimination of AsHC 360. However, this recovery was not evident for concentrations of 100 μg As L−1 or higher. IDs were only observed in EDs signals during exposures to AsHC 360 concentrations up to 60 μg As L−1. In these conditions, ID frequencies significantly enhanced with the increased of AsHC 360 concentration. At high concentrations of AsHC 360 (≥100 μg As L−1), the transition from IIDs or pre-ictal discharges (PIDs) to IDs was notably inhibited. Additional study on co-exposure of AsHC 360 (100 μg As L−1) and agonist (10 nM (S)-(-)-Bay-K-8644) indicated that the regulation of EDs signals under AsHC 360 exposure could be due to directly interference with the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) expression which influences the binding of excitatory glutamate neurotransmitter to AMPAR. The results suggest that EDs activities in the hippocampus of infantile Sprague Dawley rats are concentration-dependent on AsHC 360 exposure. Thus, it provides a basis for the seafood intake with AsHCs for epileptic patients and those with potential seizures.

Formaldehyde induced the cardiac damage by regulating the NO/cGMP signaling pathway and L-Ca2+ channels.

Formaldehyde (FA) is a common environmental pollutant that has been found to cause negative cardiovascular effects, however, the toxicological mechanism is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the molecular effects of the Nitric Oxide (NO)/cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway and L-type calcium (L-Ca2+) channels in rat hearts. We designed the short-term FA exposure on the rat heart in different concentrations (0, 0.5, 3, 18 mg/m3). After 7 days of exposure, the rats were sacrificed and the rat tissues were removed for various experiments. Our experimental data showed that FA resulted in the upregulation NO and cGMP, especially at 18 mg/m3. Further, when exposed to high concentrations of FA, Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 expression decreased. We conclude that the NO/cGMP signaling pathway and downstream related channels can be regulated by increasing the production of NO in the low concentration group of FA. High concentration FA directly regulates L-Ca22+ channels. This study suggests that FA damages the function of the cardiovascular system by regulating the NO/cGMP signaling pathway and L-Ca2+ channels.

Effect of Particulate Matter 2.5 on Fetal Growth in Male and Preterm Infants through Oxidative Stress.

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) levels are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined whether the concentration of indoor PM2.5 affected pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, we evaluated biomarkers of pregnancy-related complications caused by fine dust. We collected clinical information and data based on residential addresses from the Air Korea database to assess PM2.5 exposure levels. As a multicenter prospective cohort study, we measured the indoor PM2.5 concentration and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The PM2.5 concentration of the low-birth-weight (LBW) delivery group was 27.21 μg/m3, which was significantly higher than that of the normal-birth-weight (NBW) group (26.23 μg/m3) (p = 0.02). When the newborns were divided by sex, the PM2.5 concentration of the LBW group was 27.89 μg/m3 in male infants, which was significantly higher than that of the NBW group (26.26 μg/m3) (p = 0.01). In the prospective study, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine significantly increased in the high-concentration group (113.55 ng/mL, compared with 92.20 ng/mL in the low-concentration group); in the high-concentration group, the rates of preterm birth (PTB) and small size for gestational age significantly increased (p < 0.01, p = 0.01). This study showed an association between PM2.5, oxidative stress, and fetal growth, with the PTB group being more vulnerable.

Effect of Bacillus licheniformis probiotic on the culture of hybrid grouper (♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ Epinephelus polyphekadion)

This study investigated the effect of Bacillus licheniformis VLPPro® SB538 supplementation on hybrid grouper's culture water quality, growth performance, and intestinal health. A total of 240 juvenile hybrid grouper were randomly distributed into four experimental groups (n = 20, 718.15 ± 16.12 g): 0 g/m³ (the control group, WT), 0.375 g/m³ (the low concentration group, WL), 0.750 g/m³ (the moderate concentration group, WM), and 1.500 g/m³ (the high concentration group, WH). The experiment was conducted in triplicate tanks for 4 weeks. Water quality parameters, including ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate, were monitored regularly. Growth performance parameters such as weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio were recorded. Additionally, the intestinal health of the fish was assessed by examining the histopathological changes and the expression of intestinal permeability-related substances in the gut. The results revealed that Bacillus licheniformis supplementation significantly improved the water quality in the culture tanks, as evidenced by reduced ammonia and nitrite levels. Furthermore, hybrid grouper in the treatment group exhibited significantly enhanced growth performance, including higher weight gain and specific growth rate, along with a reduced feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. Intestinal health was also positively influenced by Bacillus licheniformis, as indicated by histopathological analysis. Moreover, the decreased concentration of D-lactic and the amelioration of hindgut morphology indicated that Bacillus licheniformis possessed the function of improving intestinal health in hybrid grouper. The findings of this study demonstrate the beneficial effects of Bacillus licheniformis supplementation on the culture water quality, growth performance, and intestinal health of hybrid grouper. The improved water quality and enhanced growth performance can contribute to grouper aquaculture's sustainability and economic viability.

Effect of same dose varying concentration poractant alfa on outcomes in preterm infants under 32 weeks of age

Introduction. We proposed a hypothesis that prognosis in preterm infants may be affected by concentration of the administered surfactant preparation able to determine its viscosity and, therefore, even distribution throughout the lungs.Aim: to assess an effect of poractant alfa (PA) administered at low (40 mg/mL) vs. standard (80 mg/mL) concentration without changing recommended dosage (200 mg/kg) on outcomes of preterm infants at gestational age (GA) under 32 weeks receiving various respiratory support.Materials and Methods. A prospective randomized controlled multicenter study was conducted. A total of 325 infants under 32 weeks of GA in five perinatal centers were randomized. The inclusion criteria were met by 264 patients: required respiratory therapy, had indications for surfactant administration at birth/within the first 30 minutes of life, and informed parental consent. Patients were excluded if they had no indications for surfactant preparations at the age of the first 30 minutes of life, had chromosomal and genetic abnormalities, congenital malformations, early neonatal sepsis, or gross deviations from the study protocol. Two groups were formed and compared: Low concentration (LC) group – PA concentration was 40 mg/mL (n = 111) and Standard concentration (SC) group (control) – PA concentration was 80 mg/mL (n = 153). Additionally, we compared two subgroups with surfactant preparation administered by minimally invasive methods in spontaneously breathing infants (using LISA – a less invasive method of introducing surfactant through a thin catheter or endotracheal tube): subgroup LC – PA concentration was 40 mg/mL (n = 27) and subgroup SC (control) – PA concentration was 80 mg/mL (n = 34).Results. It was found that development of pulmonary hemorrhages in LC and SC groups was significantly less common in infants who received PA at concentration of 40 mg/mL vs. 80 mg/mL: 3.6 (4/111) % vs. 13.1 (20/153) % (p = 0.008). While comparing subgroups with minimally invasive PA administration (LISA or endotracheal tube), we found that treatment with 40 mg/mL significantly decreased total respiratory therapy duration– 142 [70.0; 219.0] hours vs. 250 [141.0; 690.0] hours (p = 0.008), incidents of bronchopulmonary dysplasia – 4.0 (1/27) % vs. 29.0 (10/34) % (p = 0.009), length of stay in neonatal intensive care unit and hospital – 8.0 [7.5; 13.0] days vs. 14.0 [8.0; 33.75] days (p = 0.014) and 38.0 [26.5; 48.5] days vs. 50.5 [36.25; 62.5] days (p = 0.014), respectively.Conclusion. PA administered at concentration of 40 mg/mL without changing the recommended dose did not aggravate nursing of preterm infants at GA under 32 weeks. Minimally invasive PA administration at concentration of 40 mg/mL, lowered risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and when used in infants on mechanical lung ventilation, it lowered a risk of pulmonary hemorrhage. All the discussed findings require to be further assessed in large prospective, multicenter, randomized studies in large patient cohort.

Improving Surface Properties of PEEK for Dental Applications by Using Piranha Solution.

"Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)" is a biocompatible, high-strength polymer that is well-suited for use in dental applications due to its unique properties. However, achieving good adhesion between PEEK and hydrophilic materials such as dental adhesives or cement can be challenging. Also, this hydrophobicity may affect the use of PEEK as an implant material. Surface treatment or conditioning is often necessary to improve surface properties. The piranha solution is the treatment of choice to be explored for this purpose. PEEK disks of 10 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness were used in this study. Those samples were divided into five groups (each group has five samples). The first is the control group, in which no acid treatment was used; the second group undergoes sulfuric acid treatment. The remaining three groups were treated with Piranha solution; each group used a different concentration (1 : 3, 1 : 5, and 1 : 7 hydrogen peroxide to sulfuric acid, respectively). The period of treatment was 60 s for all groups. Wettability and surface roughness tests were done for the five groups. In statistical analysis, Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check the assumption of normality and to determine the statistical significance among groups; a one-way analysis of variance was employed. Subsequently, for multiple comparisons, Tukey's honestly significant difference post hoc test was performed. The Piranha solution treatment groups showed a higher wettability compared to the control group and the group treated with sulfuric acid. Additionally, the Piranha solution treatment with a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide (1 : 3) resulted in greater improvement in surface roughness compared to the control group and the lower concentration groups (1 : 5 and 1 : 7), while the sulfuric acid treated group showed the highest surface roughness. The results of this study suggest that the piranha solution can be an effective method for improving the surface characteristics of PEEK to be used in different dental applications, especially as a dental implant material, due to the increase in wettability and surface roughness.

Effects of microfiber and bead microplastic exposure in the goldfish Carassius auratus: Bioaccumulation, antioxidant responses, and cell damage

We confirmed antioxidant-related gene expression, bioaccumulation, and cell damage following exposure to various microplastics in vivo and in vitro in the goldfish Carassius auratus. Exposure of C. auratus to a 500 µm fiber-type microplastic environment (MF; 10 and 100 fibers/L) and two sizes (0.2 and 1.0 µm) of beads (MB; 10 and 100 beads/L) for 120 h increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) mRNA expression in the liver until 24 h followed by a decrease. Whereas, catalase (CAT) mRNA expression increased from 12 h to the end of the in vivo experiment. In vitro experiments were conducted with diluted microfibers (1 and 5 fibers/L) and microbeads (1 and 5 beads/L) using cultured liver cells. The results of SOD and CAT mRNA expression analysis conducted in vitro showed a tendency similar to those of experiments conducted in vivo. The H2O2 level increased in the high-concentration experimental groups compared with that in the low-concentration groups of 0.2-µm beads. In addition, the H2O2 level increased in both MF and MB groups from 12 h of exposure. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in plasma were used as indicators of liver damage in fish. The ALT and AST levels increased up to 120 h after exposure. Caspase-3 (casp-3) mRNA expression was higher in the MB group than in the MF group. We visually confirmed liver casp-3 mRNA signals using in situ hybridization. The degree of DNA damage in the MF and MB high-concentration groups increased with the exposure time. The tail length and percent of DNA in the tail of the MB group were significantly higher than those of the MF group, confirming that DNA damage was greater in the MB group. Both fiber- and bead-type microplastics induced oxidative stress in C. auratus, but the bead-type induced greater stress than the fiber-type.

Silicon supplementation improves biomass and direct defense of ryegrass: A multi-omics study

Silicon (Si) has the potential to promote plant yield and improve their insect resistance, but the direct defense mechanisms associated with the effects of Si on forage grasses and its regulation are not known. In this study, the conditions of silica fertilization nutrition (1 and 3 mmol L−1 recorded as low concentration (LC) and high concentration (HC) groups, respectively) were changed during the seed germination period, which did not significantly affect the seed germination of ryegrass. However, the shoot biomass and insect resistance of ryegrass were significantly increased in the HC group. Comparison of the transcriptional results from RNA-seq assays revealed that the accumulation of ryegrass biomass may be closely related to the silicon intervention in photosynthesis, and the metabolic synthesis of lignin, carbohydrates, and hemicellulose. There was an additive effect of silicon concentration on the regulatory effects of ryegrass at the transcriptional level. Meanwhile, 98 and 1291 differentially expressed genes were assigned to the metabolic process in the LC and HC groups, respectively. Metabolomic results combined with LC-MS analysis showed that Si initiated a direct defense network in ryegrass with Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis as the backbone, and Flavonoid, Flavone and flavonol, and Isoflavonoid biosynthesis as important branches. The relative content of phenolics was significantly up-regulated, especially in the HC group, and most of these phenolics were potent SOS substances, closely related to the physiological disturbances suffered by Spodoptera frugiperda, with inhibitory effects on larval body weight. The above results confirm that silicon promotes an increase in ryegrass yield while initiating its direct defense network against insects, and that silicon is an effective supplement in improving ryegrass yield and insect resistance.

Purine Metabolism and Pyrimidine Metabolism Alteration Is a Potential Mechanism of BDE-47-Induced Apoptosis in Marine Rotifer Brachionus plicatilis.

This present study was conducted to provide evidence and an explanation for the apoptosis that occurs in the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis when facing 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) stress. Metabolomics analysis showed that aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, and arginine biosynthesis were the top three sensitive pathways to BDE-47 exposure, which resulted in the reduction in the amino acid pool level. Pyrimidine metabolism and purine metabolism pathways were also significantly influenced, and the purine and pyrimidine content were obviously reduced in the low (0.02 mg/L) and middle (0.1 mg/L) concentration groups while increased in the high (0.5 mg/L) concentration group, evidencing the disorder of nucleotide synthesis and decomposition in B. plicatilis. The biochemical detection of the key enzymes in purine metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism showed the downregulation of Glutamine Synthetase (GS) protein expression and the elevation of Xanthine Oxidase (XOD) activity, which suggested the impaired DNA repair and ROS overproduction. The content of DNA damage biomarker (8-OHdG) increased in treatment groups, and the p53 signaling pathway was found to be activated, as indicated by the elevation of the p53 protein expression and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The ROS scavenger (N-acetyl-L-cysteine, NAC) addition effectively alleviated not only ROS overproduction but also DNA damage as well as the activation of apoptosis. The combined results backed up the speculation that purine metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism alteration play a pivotal role in BDE-47-induced ROS overproduction and DNA damage, and the consequent activation of the p53 signaling pathway led to the observed apoptosis in B. plicatilis.

Topical Drug Delivery of Concentrated Cabazitaxel in an α-Tocopherol and DMSO Solution.

Topical chemotherapy approaches are relevant for certain skin cancer treatments. This study observes that cabazitaxel (CTX), a broad-spectrum second-generation taxane cytotoxic agent, can be dissolved in α-tocopherol at high concentrations exceeding 100mgmL-1 . 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) are used to study this phenomenon. The addition of 30% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to the α-tocopherol/CTX solution improves its working viscosity and enhances CTX permeation through human skin in vitro (over 5µgcm-2 within 24h), while no detectable drug permeates when CTX is dissolved in α-tocopherol alone. In a transepidermal water loss assay, the barrier impairment induced by CTX in 30% DMSO in α-tocopherol, but not in pure DMSO, is reversible 8h after the formulation removal from the skin surface. Antitumor efficacy of the topical CTX formulation is evaluated in nude mice bearing A431 human squamous carcinoma skin cancer xenografts. With topical application of concentrated CTX solutions (75mgmL-1 ), tumor growth is significantly suppressed compared to lower concentration groups (0, 25, or 50mgmL-1 CTX). Taken together, these findings show that topical delivery of CTX using a DMSO and α-tocopherol solvent warrants further study as a treatment for skin malignancies.