Macroscopic Evaluation Research Articles

Poaching and illegal trade in rhino horn - a significant problem for an endangered species

The international problem of poaching and illegal trade in rhino horn has led to the formulation of standards defining human duties towards the natural environment and animals, especially the endangered species. The smuggling of animals and animal products, as well as historical, artistic or archaeological exhibits, required legislators to come up with more stringent and faster penal measures against crime, which also involved the introduction of uniform methods of identification and marking. The movement of personal goods, as well goods exchanged between scientific units has been subjected to stricter control, in which scientific knowledge and consulting bodies play a more important role. This had a definite positive effect on nature conservation in general. In the case of rhinoceroses, however, protection and attempts to restore them to the environment have encountered significant difficulties, which posed both technical and ethical dilemmas for these activities. Other unintended consequences included increased demand for rhino horn, proliferation of criminal groups specialized in the theft and smuggling of horns, as well as political conflicts. The desire to acquire horns has a cultural background in many countries. For example, the use of rhino horn, although its efficacy has not been proven by clinical trials, is well-established in traditional Chinese medicine. Modern identification methods, from macroscopic and microscopic evaluation to advanced molecular methods with analysis based on genetic profiling, make it possible to identify even the smallest amount of substances derived from rhino horn (e.g. in a powdered form). Scanning microscopy, fluorescence techniques, roentgenography and computed tomography are used. Thermogravimetric analysis, protein profiling, evaluation of inductively compressed plasma are also useful for this purpose. Such identification methods can determine a wide range of parameters, including the phylogenetic and geographical origin, sex, age, and condition of the animal, as well as the horn growth rate or climatic changes.

Effects of taxifolin on aspirin-induced gastric damage in rats: macroscopic and biochemical evaluation.

Taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) is a flavanonol isolated from various plants and has antioxidant effects. The aim of our study was to macroscopically and biochemically investigate the effects of taxifolin on aspirin-induced oxidative gastric damage in rats and to evaluate them by comparison with those of famotidine. Rats were divided into four drug administration groups: a healthy control group, an aspirin-only group (ASG), a taxifolin + aspirin group (TASG), and a famotidine + aspirin group (FASG). The results revealed that in light of the results that we obtained, 50 mg/kg taxifolin had anti-ulcer effects. At this dose, taxifolin was able to bring COX-1 activities to a level close to those seen in healthy rats with appropriate macroscopic, oxidant/antioxidant, and biochemical parameters. Based on these results, it can be said that taxifolin may be successfully used as a more potent alternative to famotidine, which is the currently accepted treatment for aspirin-induced ulcers.

Clinical and Macroscopical Evaluation the Effects of Acellular Tunica vaginalis and Acellular Dermal Matrix on Reconstruction of Abdominal Wall Hernia in Bucks

Clinical and Macroscopical Evaluation the Effects of Acellular Tunica vaginalis and Acellular Dermal Matrix on Reconstruction of Abdominal Wall Hernia in Bucks

Vulvar cancer in young woman—case report

Vulvar cancer is rare with incidence of 45,240 new cases globally which account for 4% of all genitourinary tract neoplasma. It is considered as a postmenopausal disease, however incidence age has decreased over the years because of high prevalence of persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection. Vulvar cancer diagnosis in young women is challenging. Prompt and adequate diagnosis, and treatment can ensure the life quality. A 23 years old patient was admitted to Department of Operative Gynecology for treating malignant vulvar neoplasma. She was reffered to our clinic for electrocauterization after being diagnosed of condylomata accuminata. Physical examination revealed vulva atrophy with smooth discolored skin patches on both sides. A 2 cm exophytic lesion was noted ~10 mm from clitoris on right labia majora. Multifocal biopsy was performed for suspect finding which proved invasive vulvar squamous keratinizing cancer. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) scan showed individual lymph nodes on right inguinofemoral region which were moderately metabolically active. Wide excision of cancer was performed with unilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. Macroscopic evaluation of entire specimen depicted 2.4 × 2.2 × 0.5 cm HPV associated invasive vulvar squamous keratinizing cancer, vulvar high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (vHSIL) or usual type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (uVIN3) and lichen sclerosus. Healthcare professionals in primary care centers should be adequately trained, aware of and familiar with vulvar malignancies in younger women despite their rarity. Early diagnosis can improve outcomes in vulvar cancer via reducing morbidity and mortality. The individualized surgical treatment is the preferred strategy for patients at present.

Effect of Combination of Hypericum perforatum, Calendula officinalis and Aloe vera Plant Extracts on Incisional Wound Healing

Today, patients and health professionals are turning to innovative approaches due to the lack of success in treating chronic wounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a mixture of Hypericum perforatum histopathologically, Calendula officinalis, and Aloe vera plant extracts on incisional wound healing. A total of 14 rats, 7 rats, were used in each group. The groups were divided into experimental and control. While daily wound care was performed with an herbal extract mixture in the experimental group, sterile saline was used for daily wound care in the control group. During the study, wound surface area measurement, macroscopic evaluation, and histopathological examination were performed in both groups. According to research findings, the control group's wound-healing process is shorter. Histopathological analyses revealed that wound healing was completed on day 21.

Spectroscopic Quantitative Measurement of the Cartilage Surface using Arthroscopy Correlates with a Conventional Macroscopic Grading System

To quantify the cartilage surface profile visualized during arthroscopic surgery and examine its clinical utility by comparing the results of quantitative measurements with a conventional grading system. Fifty consecutive patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and who underwent arthroscopic surgery were included in this study. A 4 K camera system was used, and the cartilage surface profile was visualized using the augmented reality imaging program. The highlighted image was displayed in 2 colors: black (the worn cartilage area) and green (the part where the cartilage thickness was maintained). The percentage of the green area was calculated using ImageJ and used as an index of cartilage degeneration. The quantitative value was statistically compared with the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade as a conventional macroscopic evaluation. In the quantitative measurement, the median percentage of the green area was 60.7 at ICRS grades 0 and 1 (interquartile range [IQR], 67.3-51.0), 47.2 at grade 2 (IQR, 54.1-39.2), 36.5 at grade 3 (IQR, 43.2-30.4), and 34.0 at grade 4 (IQR, 38.5-29.3). There was a significant difference between the macroscopic grades, except for Grades 3 and 4. There was a significant negative correlation between macroscopic evaluation and quantitative measurement (r=-0.672, P < .001). The quantitative measurement of the cartilage surface profile using the spectroscopic absorption technique was significantly correlated with the conventional macroscopic grading system and demonstrated fair to good inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities. Level II, diagnostic (prospective cohort study).

Early Uterine Transplant Graft Loss Due to Thrombosis: Single-Center Experience With Causes, Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Uterus transplantation (UTx) is a promising treatment option for women who wish to give birth but suffer from absolute uterine factor infertility. This paper presents an interim analysis of a trial focusing on the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and management of graft thrombosis. Our team analyzed 10 cases of UTx (recipients numbered 1 to 10). Early thrombosis developed in 2 of 10 (20 %) recipients, and thrombectomy and temporary viability preservation were achieved in both cases. However, re-thrombosis developed in both cases, and a graft hysterectomy was carried out. In recipient number 2, vascular changes might have contributed to graft thrombosis. The histopathological finding of the explant revealed subintimal excentric fibrosis with focal sclerotic changes. In recipient number 8, thrombosis was facilitated by external compression of the vascular pedicles by the hematoma as well as production of de novo donor-specific antibodies. Thrombosis led to graft loss in both cases despite an attempt at a thrombectomy. Therefore, the focus must be on prevention including a thorough evaluation of the donor candidate. In the postoperative course, perfusion is closely followed-up with an ultrasound, Doppler flow monitoring, and macroscopic evaluation of the cervix. In the event that findings are unclear, a relaparotomy should be promptly indicated. If thrombosis is revealed, a thrombectomy and an attempt to salvage the graft are indicated; however, the role of this strategy is questionable due to the low chance of long-term success. The indication of upfront graft removal and early re-transplantation in the treatment of uterine graft remains debatable.

Brazilian Horses from Bahia State Are Highly Infected with Sarcocystis bertrami.

The protozoan Sarcocystis bertrami (syn. Sarcocystis fayeri) infects horses and has dogs as definitive hosts. Herein we aimed to detect S. bertrami in Brazilian horses destined for human consumption and to determine the frequency of infection in the examined animals. Muscle fragments from 51 horses were collected in a slaughterhouse in Bahia State during three different seasons of the year. Samples from six tissues from each animal were prepared for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, using tissue grinding, squash and histology. Sarcocystis sp. was observed in 100% of the examined horses. Selected samples were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Species identification was confirmed using a PCR targeted to the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1). Histological examination revealed sarcocysts with variable sizes and shapes, and dispersed within the muscle fibers. When observed by TEM, the sarcocyst wall was wavy and covered by an electrodense layer. The villar protrusions were digitiform and bent. To our knowledge, this study is the first morphological and molecular confirmation of S. bertrami in horses in Brazil and South America.

Different local, innate and adaptive immune responses are induced by two commercial Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterins and an adjuvant alone.

Enzootic pneumonia still causes major economic losses to the intensive pig production. Vaccination against its primary pathogen, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, is carried out worldwide to control the disease and minimize clinical signs and performance losses. Nonetheless, the effects of both infection with, and vaccination against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae on the innate and adaptive immune responses remain largely unknown. Therefore, we conducted a study in which piglets were injected once with a commercial bacterin V1 or V2, or the adjuvant of V1 (A) to investigate their effect on local, innate and adaptive immune responses. Three weeks after vaccination, piglets were challenge infected with M. hyopneumoniae and euthanized four weeks later to assess vaccine efficacy via macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of lung lesions. Blood and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BAL) samples were collected to measure antibody responses, cellular immunity, BAL cytokine levels and BAL M. hyopneumoniae DNA load as well as cytokine secretion by monocytes. After vaccination, proliferation of antigen-specific CD3+ T cells and a higher percentage of TNF-α+ CD8+, and TNF-α+ and TNF-α+IFN-γ+ CD4+CD8+ T cells was seen in V1, while proliferation of or a significant increase in cytokine production by different T cell subsets could not be observed for animals from V2. Interestingly, LPS-stimulated blood monocytes from V1 and A secreted less IL-10 on D7. After challenge, higher levels of IgA, more IL-10 and less IL-1β was detected in BAL from V1, which was not observed in V2. Animals from A had significantly more IL-17A in BAL. The macroscopic lung lesion score and the M. hyopneumoniae DNA load at euthanasia was lower in V1, but the microscopic lung lesion score was lower in both vaccinated groups. In conclusion, these results indicate that the two commercial bacterins induced different local and adaptive immune responses, that the adjuvant alone can reduce anti-inflammatory innate immune responses, and that both vaccines had a different efficacy to reduce Mycoplasma-like lung lesions and M. hyopneumoniae DNA load in the lung.

Regeneration of Osteochondral Defects by Combined Delivery of Synovium-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, TGF-β1 and BMP-4 in Heparin-Conjugated Fibrin Hydrogel.

The regeneration of cartilage and osteochondral defects remains one of the most challenging clinical problems in orthopedic surgery. Currently, tissue-engineering techniques based on the delivery of appropriate growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in hydrogel scaffolds are considered as the most promising therapeutic strategy for osteochondral defects regeneration. In this study, we fabricated a heparin-conjugated fibrin (HCF) hydrogel with synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SDMSCs), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) to repair osteochondral defects in a rabbit model. An in vitro study showed that HCF hydrogel exhibited good biocompatibility, a slow degradation rate and sustained release of TGF-β1 and BMP-4 over 4 weeks. Macroscopic and histological evaluations revealed that implantation of HCF hydrogel with SDMSCs, TGF-β1 and BMP-4 significantly enhanced the regeneration of hyaline cartilage and the subchondral bone plate in osteochondral defects within 12 weeks compared to hydrogels with SDMSCs or growth factors alone. Thus, these data suggest that combined delivery of SDMSCs with TGF-β1 and BMP-4 in HCF hydrogel may synergistically enhance the therapeutic efficacy of osteochondral defect repair of the knee joints.

PHARMACOGNOSTIC CHARACTERISTIC OF KAEMPFERIA GALANGA RHIZOME DRIED BY OVEN AND COMBINATION METHODS

Objective: The research objective was to determine the effect of the drying process on the pharmacognostic characteristic of dried Kampferia galanga produced in the Post-Harvest Processing Center of Medicinal Plants facility.&#x0D; Methods: The drying methods were oven-based drying in 80 °C temperature and a combination-based drying process, which included greenhouse drying for 6-8 h and transfered to 80 °C oven. The pharmacognostic characteristic of products were evaluated based on Indonesian Herbal Pharmacopeia standard, which included macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, thin-layer chromatography, water and ethanol soluble content, total ash and acid-insoluble ash content, volatile oil content, ethyl para-methoxycinnamate content, total plate count, and total yeast and mold count.&#x0D; Results: The result showed dried K. galanga from both drying methods met the quality standard. Interestingly, the combination-based methods possed 6-7 h quicker in drying time compared to oven-based methods despite lower temperatures was used at the greenhouse.&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded that both methods could retain the quality of K. galanga rhizome.

Xenogenic Acellular Pericardium Matrix of Caprine and Porcine Origin for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction in Rabbits

Background: The abdominal wall defects require urgent medical attention owing to the voluminous visceral content and uneven wound edges, which remains a clinical challenge for the surgeon. In the present study, xenogenic porcine and caprine acellular pericardium matrix was evaluated for surgical reconstruction of the induced abdominal wall in rabbits. Methods: All total eighteen adult rabbits were divided into three equal groups. The defects were corrected with acellular caprine and porcine pericardium matrix in Group A and B, respectively and Group C was kept as control. Various parameters viz clinical, gross evaluation of surgical wound, degree of adhesion and histopathological changes were evaluated as per standard methods. Result: Clinical parameters and gross changes of the surgical wound showed significant changes on the 3rd and 5th day in all the groups. TLC, Serum Alkaline Phosphatase and Total Protein showed significant variation in Group A and B on the 10th day. Macroscopic and histopathological evaluation of implanted mesh has shows better host tissue proliferation in both the groups. Acellular caprine and porcine pericardium can be good options as bio-mesh for the repair of the abdominal wall and the subject may be considered for in-depth studies and further research programs.

Preparation and characterization of benzydamine hydrochloride-loaded lyophilized mucoadhesive wafers for the treatment of oral mucositis

Chemo/radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) has painful ulcers that can impair patients' lives. This study aimed to develop and characterize (in vitro and in vivo) benzydamine (BNZ) freeze-dried mucoadhesive wafers from chitosan (CS) in combination with different hydrophilic polymers as a locally controlled delivery system for OM treatment. The porous (69–83%) optimum wafers (0.02–0.03 g and 3.2–4.3 mm) released 90–95% of their drug content over 8 h and demonstrated 40–53 g mucoadhesion strength. Mechanical evaluations of F1 (CS) and F14 (CS/HPMC (3:1)) selected formulations showed modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and % elongation at break ranging from 0.2 to 0.3 MPa, 0.01–0.02 MPa, and 15–18%, respectively. The antimicrobial efficacy of BNZ-loaded wafers was significantly higher than drug-free ones. The extract solutions of the drug-free and BNZ-loaded wafers revealed 100 and 20% viability in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) exposure. In vivo analysis demonstrated that BNZ-loaded wafers represented a significant reduction in macroscopic evaluation of OM and histopathological tests compared to positive and negative controls and drug-free wafers. Conclusively, lyophilized F1 and F14 mucoadhesive wafers had acceptable structural, mechanical, and biological properties and might be promising drug delivery systems for OM.

The comparative effects of erythromycin and amikacin on acute respiratory Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

One of the most common causes of pneumonia is Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). As with other microbial pathogens, this bacterium tends to develop resistance to various antibiotics. Amikacin and erythromycin, which are from the aminoglycoside and macrolide antibiotic families, are used to treat respiratory infections caused by P. aeruginosa. This study explored whether amikacin, erythromycin or a combination of both works better against P. aeruginosa acute lung infection. For this study, 32 rats were used. The trachea of rats was exposed aseptically and their lung was infected with P. aeruginosa through trachea. Then, according to the group, they received amikacin, erythromycin or a combination of both for 1 week. Finally, they were euthanised on the 3rd and 7th days post-infection. The macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of the lungs, kidney and liver were performed. The right lung was collected for in vivo bacteriological analysis. The amikacin group (A group) had a statistically significantly lower macroscopic and microscopic scores than the other groups (p < 0.05). In vivo bacteriological test revealed that the A group had significantly lower lung bacterial load (p < 0.05). In summary, it was concluded that amikacin could help alleviate the respiratory infection caused by P. aeruginosa solely, and it was more effective than erythromycin.

Pharmacognostical standardization of Cassia auriculata, Centella asiatica and Zingiber officinale

Cassia auriculata, Centella asiatica and Zingiber officinale are belongs to the family Leguminosae, Apiaceae and Zingiberaceae respectively. These herbs possess abundant remedial benefits and are used traditionally to treat numerous illnesses. The standardization of these crude drugs is essential to gain information on their identity and quality. WHO recommended parameters were used to standardize the plant materials. Dried raw powder of Cassia auriculata leaf, Centella asiatica leaf and Zingiber officinale rhizome were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic evaluation followed by physicochemical evaluations such as loss on drying, ash values and extractive values. Further, the plant materials were extracted with hydroalcoholic solvent (Alcohol: Water ratio is 70:30) by cold maceration process and subjected to qualitative phytochemical investigation. The identity and purity of the plant material had been proven by its organoleptic characteristics. Detailed structural characteristics were obtained from powder microscopy. Physico-chemical parameters displayed the quality of raw powder. Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of various phytoconstituents. The pharmacognostical standardization has provided with a referential information on the identity, quality and purity of the crude drugs.

Macroscopic Experiments on Coexistence of Autonomous Vehicle Behavior on Various Heterogeneous Traffic Conditions

Automated vehicles (AVs) are likely to bring paradigm shift in the future of transportation and in the transformation of urban space as they could reduce traffic accidents, energy consumption, and pollution while also lowering congestion expenses. To provide meaningful insights, there is a substantial need for investigation into the macroscopic evaluation of various evolutions of AVs using several measures of effectiveness. The main focus of this study is to evaluate the macroscopic operational impacts of AVs in terms of their driving logics, automation levels, and roadway type, all of which are adopted based on their passenger car unit (PCU) factors at various penetration rates, in order to assess the coexistence of AVs with heterogeneous traffic. The daily vehicle hours travelled, daily vehicle kilometers travelled, sum of delays on links, speed variation, and sum of vehicle volumes on links are used as measures of effectiveness parameters based on outputs of PTV Visum scenario manager. The results of the various scenario combinations depicted an overall improvement with advancement of driving logics, automation levels, and roadway types for each studied parameter. For instance, for better roadway condition with the motorway scenario and at higher AV penetration, the cautious driving behavior negatively affects the network performance, whereas favorable improvements are observed for the parameters of the normal and aggressive driving behaviors. Decision makers could make use of the insights obtained from the results to further shape the AV deployment aspects and extend the study considering infrastructure AV-readiness along with AV communication systems.

SEASONAL ENVIRONMENTAL VARIATIONS ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF Aegle marmelos LINN - AN INDIAN AGRICULTURAL PLANT

Aegle marmelos Linn, (Rutaceae) is a medicinal plant used in traditional formulations for the treatment of various disease conditions. The physicochemical properties fluctuate with the season and in response to stress. To obtain the highest medicinal value it is necessary to collect the plant's raw material in the correct season. The present study was aim to evaluate the physiochemical fluctuations in the leaves of Aegle marmelos and the aegelin, an antidiabetic constituent in these leaves. Leaves were collected every month of a year atdifferent time and places and authentication and standardization was done. The leaves wereevaluated for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, quantitative microscopy, proximate phytochemical analysis, extractive values in petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, water, and determination of the concentration of antidiabetic component. The leaves showed morphological and microscopical variations in different seasons. The phytochemical composition was the same in all seasons however the levels of extractive values fluctuated in response to seasonal variations. Maximum levels of ethanol and water extract were obtained in the winter season also the angle in concentration was higher in thisseason.

Prospective registration study of diagnostic yield and sample size in forceps biopsy using a novel device under digital cholangioscopy guidance with macroscopic on-site evaluation.

Although the SpyGlass Direct Visualization System can be clinically useful for diagnosing indeterminate biliary stricture, it employs SpyBite forceps, which typically obtain only a small amount of tissue and have a low sampling rate. An improved forceps biopsy device for SpyGlass DS has recently been released (SpyBite MAX). The aim of this prospective registration study was to assess the diagnostic yield and efficacy of histological biopsy tissue obtained with SpyBite MAX forceps compared with SpyBite forceps in patients with indeterminate biliary stricture. The primary outcome of the study was the diagnostic accuracy of biopsy specimens obtained by SpyBite MAX forceps. The secondary outcomes were tissue size, number of forceps biopsies, rate of obtaining adequate tissue, and adverse events in the SpyBite MAX forceps group compared with the SpyBite group. Forceps biopsies using SpyBite MAX (n=47) and SpyBite (n=50) were performed successfully in all patients. The number of biopsies performed before visible core tissue was obtained was significantly lower in the SpyBite (mean, 1.5 ± 0.7) than in the SpyBite forceps group (mean, 2.3 ± 1.1 mm; P < .001). Tissue sample size was larger in the SpyBite MAX group (mean, 1.8 ± 1.6 mm2 ) than in the SpyBite group (mean, 1.0 ± 0.9 mm2 ; P=.004) but there was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy. Improvements in dedicated forceps for biopsy in SpyGlass DS may contribute to improving the rates of adequate tissue and tissue sample size obtained, and to reducing the number of forceps biopsies required.

Construction of biomimetic cell-sheet-engineered periosteum with a double cell sheet to repair calvarial defects of rats.

BackgroundThe periosteum plays a crucial role in the development and injury healing process of bone. The purpose of this study was to construct a biomimetic periosteum with a double cell sheet for bone tissue regeneration.MethodsIn vitro, the human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) sheet was first fabricated by adding 50 ​μg/ml ascorbic acid to the cell sheet induction medium. Characterization of the hAMSCs sheet was tested by general observation, microscopic observation, live/dead staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Afterwards, the osteogenic cell sheet and vascular cell sheet were constructed and evaluated by general observation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin Red S staining, SEM, live/dead staining and CD31 immunofluorescent staining for characterization. Then, we prepared the double cell sheet. In vivo, rat calvarial defect model was introduced to verify the regeneration of bone defects treated by different methods. Calvarial defects (diameter: 4 ​mm) were created of Sprague–Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group, the osteogenic cell sheet group, the vascular cell sheet group and the double cell sheet group. Macroscopic, micro-CT and histological evaluations of the regenerated bone were performed to assess the treatment results at 8 weeks and 12 weeks after surgery.ResultsIn vitro, hAMSCs sheet was successfully prepared. The hAMSCs sheet consisted of a large number of live hAMSCs and abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) that secreted by hAMSCs, as evidenced by macroscopic/microscopic observation, live/dead staining, SEM and HE staining. Besides, the osteogenic cell sheet and the vascular cell sheet were successfully prepared, which were verified by general observation, ALP staining, Alizarin Red S staining, SEM and CD31 immunofluorescent staining. In vivo, the macroscopic observation and micro-CT results both demonstrated that the double cell sheet group had better effect on bone regeneration than other groups. In addition, histological assessments indicated that large amounts of new bone had formed in the calvarial defects and more mature collagen in the double cell sheet group.ConclusionThe double cell sheet could promote to repair calvarial defects of rats and accelerate bone regeneration.The translational potential of this articleWe successfully constructed a biomimetic cell-sheet-engineered periosteum with a double cell sheet by a simple, low-cost and effective method. This biomimetic periosteum may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of bone defects, which may be used in clinic in the future.

Evaluation of Vernonia amygdalina Leaves for Gastroprotective Activity on Experimental Models of Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Background: Vernonia amygdalina del. (Arecaceae) leaf, popularly known as ‘Bitter leaf’ is widely used as a leafy vegetable in soups and in folkloric medicine against many ailments including stomach discomfort.&#x0D; Aim: The current study aimed to assess the gastroprotective effect of the crude aqueous extract of V. amygdalina leaves (AEVAL) on Hydrochloric acid (HCl)/Ethanol gastric ulcer models.&#x0D; Study Design: An animal experimental study which was conducted for 14 days.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Animal House, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, between May 2013 and August 2014.&#x0D; Methodology: Preliminary acute toxicity testing was performed. Twenty (25) rats were divided into five groups (n=5). Groups I and II were normal and ulcer control groups respectively. Groups III, IV and V were pretreated with cimetidine (100 mg/kg), 250 mg/kg AEVAL and 500 mg/kg AEVAL respectively. Cimetidine and AEVAL were administered intraperitoneally and orally, respectively, once daily for 7days. After drug treatments on Day 7, gastric ulcers were induced using HCl/ethanol solution (1ml/rat) prior to sacrifice. Ulcer indices and percentage ulcer inhibition were determined. The stomach tissues were excised, histologically processed and evaluated for histopathological alteration under light microscopy.&#x0D; Results: Acute toxicity testing revealed that AEVAL at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight did not cause any mortality. Macroscopical evaluation of the gastric mucosa revealed severe lesions following induction with HCl/ethanol. However, profound protective effects were observed with cimetidine and AEVAL (250 and 500 mg/kg) pretreatments with ulcer inhibition of 79%, 58% and 76% respectively. Histopathological findings were consistent with the macroscopical features observed.&#x0D; Conclusion: Data from this study suggest that oral treatment with V. amygdalina leaves extract exhibited gastroprotective activities against the injurious effects of acidified ethanol on the gastric mucosa of albino rats.