Macroscopic Evaluation Research Articles

Impact of seasonal variations on antidiabetic phytochemicals in Alstonia scholaris

Background and Aim: Plants live on a planet with days and seasons, and that affects their phytoconstituents. Challenge is, availability of active principles in medicinal plants change by seasonal fluctuations, so their dose pattern for therapeutic efficacy also gets influenced. The best duration for the harvesting of specific secondary metabolites for better yield is not fixed. Seasonal impact show changes in important constituents like polyphenol, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, essential oil etc. Late summer is the best collection time for essential oil component. Winter and rainy are best season for other secondary metabolites. Experimental procedure: The selected plant i.e. Alstonia scholaris L., belongs to alkaloidal category with having antidiabetic activity. Plants were evaluated for pharmacognostic study which includes macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, determination of physicochemical parameters in a systematic way. HPTLC fingerprinting for erythrodiol was done. Study was performed for plant material with three different seasons and best results were analysed. Results and Conclusion: All the plants showed correct taxonomy with specific morphological, microscopical and physico-chemical parameters which is helpful for the standardization of drugs. Extracts showed presence of alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, steroids, phenolics, saponin and carbohydrate. HPTLC fingerprinting confirmed the presence of erythradiol in the plant extracts. Seasonal variations occour in plant constituent shows best collection period. Current research aims to focus on best possible season for the harvesting of some pharmaceutically important plant materials.

Optimization of the saffron compound essence formula and its effect on preventing skin photoaging.

The main aim of this study was to optimize the formula of saffron compound essence (SCE) and investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of SCE against skin photoaging. The formula of SCE was optimized using single factor and orthogonal experiments. The optimized SCE was then applied on the back skin of mice under ultraviolet irradiation. The protective effect and possible mechanism of SCE on skin photoaging were investigated using macroscopic and histological evaluation, skin thickness tests, determination of skin microcirculation, and the skin content determination of type I and III collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and extracellular regulatory protein kinase (ERK1/2) on the skin of each group of photoaging mice model. The SCE prepared using the optimal formula was golden yellow, uniform, fine, and viscous. The obtained results in the SCE high dose group indicated that SCE can inhibit the generation of wrinkles, decrease the skin thickness, reduce the microcirculation blood flow of the back skin of mice, alleviate the proliferation and abnormal accumulation of collagen fibers and elastic fibers, increase the content of skin type I and III collagen, up-regulate the expression MMP-2 protein, and down-regulate the expression ERK1/2 protein, when compared with the shave control group. The results obtained in this study have indicated that the optimized SCE has the effect of preventing skin photoaging, and its mechanism may be associated with the ERK1/2 pathway. Therefore, SCE should be regarded as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing photoaging.

Multi-Modality Imaging of Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia with Orbital Complications and Histopathology Correlation-A case report and short review of literature

Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia [CF-FD] with orbital complications is a known but rare entity. This is a multi-modality imaging Case Report of extensive CF-FD in a 31-year-old male with right eye pain, swelling, and redness, along with histopathology correlation. In this patient, the CT scan demonstrates the classic ground glass bony appearance in great detail and helps with the diagnosis of FD, while excluding other bony pathology. The patient’s corroborative MRI brain with and without contrast and MRI brain perfusion images are presented to further characterize this pathology along with its orbital and ocular complications. Given the significant mass-effect on the ocular structures, the patient underwent orbital surgery with removal of as much of the lesion as possible. On macroscopic pathology evaluation, the affected bone was rubbery and gritty when sectioned. Microscopically, remnant fragments of woven bone of various size and shapes were seen with lack of an osteoblast rim. The bony fragments had a characteristic curvilinear, trabecular, and/or branching pattern. Post-surgical imaging demonstrated improvement in the mass-effect on orbital structures and proptosis, along with residual bony lesion.

FUNCTIONAL TESTING OF THIN AND STACK WELDED M400-50 A5 CRNGO ELECTRICAL STEEL

In this paper, the effect of gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding current on the mechanical–microstructural–magnetic (M[Formula: see text] properties of cold-rolled non-oriented electrical steel (CRNGO) are investigated. The thin CRNGO sheets of 0.5[Formula: see text]mm each are stacked, welded at a different range of welding current from 30 A to 110 A, and observed for mechanical testing (joint performance and micro-hardness), macroscopic (weld seam characterization), microscopic (grain size variation), and magnetic property evaluation of post-welded samples. The results showed that with the increase in weld current, significant variation in micro-hardness, weld strength, weld seam size, and grain size in the samples’ weld zone is observed. A massive increase in core loss and magnetic field strength, with a significant decrease in relative permeability, is observed for the welded samples compared to the non-welded sample. The samples’ weld strength was varying, depending on the size of the HAZ and fusion zone (FZ) region, for a different weld current range. The hardness in the samples’ weld region increases with the weld current, with relatively higher hardness values observed at the FZ region of weld. Besides, it is observed that the increase in weld current resulted in the formation of coarse-sized grains in the HAZ region of the weld sample, with fine grains existing at the FZ region for higher weld current. The study can be referred for determining the appropriate welding parameters for joining of stacked CRNGO sheets to achieve the desired material properties.

Spawning aggregation sites of the cubera snapper, Lutjanus cyanopterus, on the continental shelf of Bahia state, Northeastern Brazil

The cubera snapper (caranha), Lutjanus cyanopterus, is an important resource for reef fisheries in Northeastern Brazil, currently classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the Red List of Threatened Species. This species forms large transient reproductive aggregations, concentrating their reproductive efforts in a short period of the year and in specific spawning sites, which have already been well documented in the Caribbean. These aggregations are predictable in time and space, making them considerably vulnerable to overfishing and other sources of anthropic impacts. These tend to reduce the population’s renewal capacity and genetic diversity, thus contributing to the decline of fish stocks and to the process of local extinctions. Between 2009 and 2010 we identified two L. cyanopterus aggregation sites, commonly known as “Caranheiros”, in two sub-areas located at the continental shelf-break zone of Bahia state, Northeastern Brazil, in the East Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem (LME16), between latitudes 12 °S and 15 °S. The present study aims to (1) describe patterns of spatial and temporal distribution, and the biological characteristics of L. cyanopterus’ catches from line fisheries targeting the specific aggregations in the two Caranheiros sites; and (2) validate the reproductive character of these aggregations through macroscopic evaluation of sexual maturity phases of the fishes caught. We analyzed fisheries and biological sampling data from the catches of artisanal fleets monitored in the two sub-areas between 2005 and 2014. The identified aggregations occur annually from December to May, with capture peaks concentrated in waning to waxing moon phases, in January, February and March. The predominance of mature, pre-spawning and spent (recent spawning) individuals, males and females, in these aggregations revealed the reproductive activity in both sites. Identifying and validating these spawning sites may contribute to the development of recovery and conservation plans for this threatened species. The continuous monitoring of fisheries on aggregations is a priority, aiming to trigger management responses and adaptative fisheries management. Considering these sites are highly vulnerable and have high local socioeconomical importance, especially to traditional fishers, the exact location of the analyzed “Caranheiros” is not revealed in this publication. However, it has been made available to the government agencies responsible for fisheries control and surveillance, as well as for implementing management and conservation measures for the sustainable use of fisheries resources.

KUALITAS SPERMATOZOA KAMBING BLIGON DALAM PENGENCER TRIS-KUNING TELUR DENGAN PENAMBAHAN BERBAGAI LEVEL EKSTRAK KULIT BUAH NAGA (Spermatozoa quality of bligon goat in tris - egg yolk diluent added with various levels of dragon fruit peel extract)

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of adding various concentrations of dragon fruit peel extract (DFPE) in Tris-egg yolk diluent (TEY) on the quality of bligon goat spermatozoa. Semen was collected twice a week using the artificial vaginal method from three year old bligon male goats with normal body conditions and reproductive organs. After the macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, good quality semen with a sperm motility of > 70%, a concentration of > 800 x 106 mL-1, and abnormality of < 15 %, was diluted with TEY + DFPE at a concentration of 0% (P0), 2% (P1), 4% (P2), 6% (P3), 8% (P4), dan 10% (P5). The semen which still had a motility ≥ 70% was then stored at a temperature of 3-5oC. Evaluation of the quality of spermatozoa was carried out every 24 hours until the motility decrease to 40%. The results showed that from day 1 to day 5 of preservation, spermatozoa preserved in TEY + 6% DFPE diluent (P3) had higher motility and viability (P<0,05) than other treatments. The abnormalities of spermatozoa until the 5 day of preservation were below 6%, but showed a significant difference (P<0,05) between treatments that received DFPE suplemention with control (P0). It was concluded that the addition of DFPE in TEY up to 6% could reduce the decrease in sperm quality of bligon goats during in vitro preservation.

Evaluation of Lesions and Viral Antigen Distribution in Domestic Pigs Inoculated Intranasally with African Swine Fever Virus Ken05/Tk1 (Genotype X).

The understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and the clinicopathological forms caused by currently circulating African swine fever virus (ASFV) isolates is incomplete. So far, most of the studies have been focused on isolates classified within genotypes I and II, the only genotypes that have circulated outside of Africa. However, less is known about the clinical presentations and lesions induced by isolates belonging to the other twenty-two genotypes. Therefore, the early clinicopathological identification of disease outbreaks caused by isolates belonging to, as yet, not well-characterised ASFV genotypes may be compromised, which might cause a delay in the implementation of control measures to halt the virus spread. To improve the pathological characterisation of disease caused by diverse isolates, we have refined the macroscopic and histopathological evaluation protocols to standardise the scoring of lesions. Domestic pigs were inoculated intranasally with different doses (high, medium and low) of ASFV isolate Ken05/Tk1 (genotype X). To complement previous studies, the distribution and severity of macroscopic and histopathological lesions, along with the amount and distribution of viral antigen in tissues, were characterised by applying the new scoring protocols. The intranasal inoculation of domestic pigs with high doses of the Ken05/Tk1 isolate induced acute forms of ASF in most of the animals. Inoculation with medium doses mainly induced acute forms of disease. A less severe but longer clinical course, typical of subacute forms, characterised by the presence of more widespread and severe haemorrhages and oedema, was observed in one pig inoculated with the medium dose. The severity of vascular lesions (haemorrhages and oedema) induced by high and medium doses was not associated with the amount of virus antigen detected in tissues, therefore these might be attributed to indirect mechanisms not evaluated in the present study. The absence of clinical signs, lesions and detectable levels of virus genome or antigen in blood from the animals inoculated with the lowest dose ruled out the existence of possible asymptomatic carriers or persistently infected pigs, at least for the 21 days period of the study. The results corroborate the moderate virulence of the Ken05/Tk1 isolate, as well as its capacity to induce both the acute and, occasionally, subacute forms of ASF when high and medium doses were administered intranasally.

Losartan modifies mesh integration after abdominal wall repair: an experimental study.

Angiotensin II (AT II) receptor blockers have previously shown to reduce inflammatory response in many settings. We aimed to assess the effects of ATII receptor blocker (Losartan) on mesh integration after abdominal wall repair in a rat model. A total of 16 Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and 16 previously hypertensive (SHRSP) rats were isolated. An acute ventral hernia followed by a bridged repair with heavyweight polypropylene mesh was performed. Subjects received either normal saline (WKY-C n = 8 and SHRPS-C n = 8) or 40mg/kg losartan (WKY-L n = 8) and SHRPS-L n = 8) in the postoperative period. Blood pressure was recorded preoperatively and weekly after surgery. Necropsy with en-bloc resection of the abdominal wall was performed at postoperative day 30. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of the specimens were conducted.H&E and Masson's trichrome were used for histologic evaluation. Both groups receiving Losartan showed a significant reduction of blood pressure after surgery (WKY-L: 130/85 vs 116/81mmHg, SHRPS-L: 176/137 vs 122/101mmHg, p < 0.01). A significant reduction in mesh incorporation and adherence scores were also observed on macroscopic analysis in Losartan groups (p < 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Microscopically, higher immature fibroplasia was observed after Losartan, with a significant reduction in scar plate formation and inflammatory response on the prosthetic surface (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). Losartan modifies the interaction between the host tissue and the prosthesis. An impairment in mesh integration and immature fibroplasia in both normotensive and hypertensive rats detected in our model warrants further research.

Exacerbation of Background Nuclear Cataracts in Sprague-Dawley Rats in Embryo-Fetal Development Studies With JNJ-42165279, a Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibitor.

Fetal examinations in embryo-fetal developmental (EFD) studies are based on macroscopic and dissecting microscopic evaluations, and histopathology is rarely performed other than to confirm macroscopic findings. Fetal lens examination is therefore generally limited to the presence, size, shape, and color of any abnormality. In a Sprague-Dawley rat EFD study with the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor JNJ-42165279, an unusually high incidence of macroscopic granular foci was noted within the lens of gestation day 21 fetuses across all groups including controls, with higher incidence in the high-dose group. On histological evaluation of the lenses from fetuses with/without gross findings, primary lens fiber hypertrophy (swelling) and degeneration were observed across vehicle- and JNJ-42165279-exposed fetuses. In a follow-up study to investigate the progression or resolution of the fetal lens changes, animals exposed to suprapharmacological doses of JNJ-42165279 in utero had higher incidence of nuclear cataracts as detected via slit-lamp ophthalmic examinations on postnatal days 18 to 21 and 35 to 41. No histologic correlates for these cataracts were identified. We conclude that fetal primary lens fiber hypertrophy and nuclear cataracts at ophthalmology, are common background changes in this rat strain that are exacerbated by in utero exposure to the FAAH inhibitor JNJ-42165279.

Strong Antimicrobial and Healing Effects of Beta-Acids from Hops in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus-Infected External Wounds In Vivo.

Staphylococcus (S.) aureus is an important causative agent of wound infections with increasing incidence in the past decades. Specifically, the emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) causes serious problems, especially in nosocomial infections. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop of alternative or supportive antimicrobial therapeutic modalities to meet these challenges. Purified compounds from hops have previously shown promising antimicrobial effects against MRSA isolates in vitro. In this study, purified beta-acids from hops were tested for their potential antimicrobial and healing properties using a porcine model of wounds infected by MRSA. The results show highly significant antimicrobial effects of the active substance in both the powder and Ambiderman-based application forms compared to both no-treatment control and treatment with Framycoin. Moreover, the macroscopic evaluation of the wounds during the treatment using the standardized Wound Healing Continuum indicated positive effects of the beta-acids on the overall wound healing. This is further supported by the microscopic data, which showed a clear improvement of the inflammatory parameters in the wounds treated by beta-acids. Thus, using the porcine model, we demonstrate significant therapeutic effects of hops compounds in the management of wounds infected by MRSA. Beta-acids from hops, therefore, represent a suitable candidate for the treatment of non-responsive nosocomial tissue infections by MRSA.

Effects of adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction on osteochondral defects treated by hyaluronic acid-based scaffold: An experimental study.

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the effect of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on osteochondral defects treated by hyaluronic acid (HA)-based scaffold in a rabbit model.Materials and methods Eighteen white New Zealand rabbits were randomly grouped into the experimental group (n=9) and control group (n=9). In all groups, osteochondral defects were induced on the weight-bearing surfaces of the right femoral medial condyles, and a HA-based scaffold was applied to the defect area with microfractures (MFs). In this study, 1 mL of adipose-derived SVF was injected into the knee joints of the rabbits in the experimental group. For histological and macroscopic evaluation, four rabbits were randomly selected from each group at Week 4, and the remaining rabbits were sacrificed at the end of Week 8. Macroscopic assessments of all samples were performed based on the Brittberg scoring system, and microscopic evaluations were performed based on the O’Driscoll scores.Results Samples were taken at Weeks 4 and 8. At Week 4, the O’Driscoll scores were significantly higher in the control group than the experimental group (p=0.038), while there was no significant difference in the Brittberg scores between the two groups (p=0.108). At Week 8, the O’Driscoll score and Brittberg scores were statistically higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p=0.008 and p=0.007, respectively). According to the microscopic evaluation, at the end of Week 8, the cartilage thickness was greater in the experimental group, and nearly all of the defect area was filled with hyaline cartilage.Conclusion Application of adipose-derived SVF with MF-HA-based scaffold was better than MF-HA-based scaffold treatment in improving osteochondral regeneration. Therefore, it can be used in combination with microfracture and scaffold to accelerate cartilage regeneration, particularly in the treatment of secondary osteoarthritis.

Macroscopic Evaluation of Atherosclerosis in the Arteries: An Autopsy Assessment Tool.

ResumoFundamentoA aterosclerose, em alguns casos, é uma condição assintomática, sendo necessário conhecer o grau de comprometimento arterial provocado pelas placas e sua associação com os fatores de risco. O exame de autópsia permite a compreensão dos processos básicos de doenças, assim como a avaliação e fornecimento de dados sobre a característica macroscópica do acometimento aterosclerótico.ObjetivoAvaliar macroscopicamente e padronizar o acometimento aterosclerótico das artérias aorta, carótidas e ilíacas e comparar com a idade, o sexo e a causa de morte.MétodosForam coletados 53 artérias aorta, 53 artérias carótida direita, 53 artérias carótida esquerda, 53 artérias ilíaca direita e 53 artérias ilíaca esquerda. Para essa avaliação, foi considerada a extensão de estrias lipídicas, de placas ateromatosas, de fibrose e de calcificação, as quais serviram de referência para pontuar a intensidade do acometimento aterosclerótico. Foram observados vários graus da aterosclerose e valores acurados para a classificação discreta, moderada e acentuada. Para a análise estatística, os dados foram analisados utilizando-se o software GraphPad Prism ® 7.0. As diferenças foram consideradas estatisticamente significativas quando “p” foi menor que 5% (p<0,05).ResultadosAs artérias carótidas apresentaram maior acometimento aterosclerótico em comparação às outras artérias avaliadas (K=15,73, p=0,0004). A ocorrência da aterosclerose se mostrou progressiva e significativa com o decorrer da idade (carótidas: t=6,321; p<0,0001; aortas: U=83,5; p<0,0001; ilíacas: U=306; p<0,0001) e na causa de morte cardiovascular (carótidas: t=5,047; p<0,0001; aortas: U=98,5; p=0,0068; ilíacas: U=467,5; p=0,0012).ConclusãoA avaliação macroscópica da aterosclerose trata-se de uma forma inovadora e de baixo custo de avaliação através da visualização direta das placas ateroscleróticas, possibilitando uma associação com fatores de risco como idade avançada e doenças cardiovasculares, fornecendo dados importantes para a prática clínica.

Effect of herbal extracts on peripheral nerve regeneration after microsurgery of the sciatic nerve in rats

BackgroundRecent experimental studies using herbal extracts have shown the possibility of peripheral nerve regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of herbal extracts on peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve injury model.MethodsA total of 53 rats were randomly assigned to a control group or one of four experimental groups. In all rats, the sciatic nerve was completely severed and microscopic epineural end-to-end neurorrhaphy was performed. Normal saline (2 mL) was topically applied to the site of nerve repair in the control group, whereas four different herbal extracts – 2 mL each of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, Coptis japonica (Thunb.) Makino, Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux, or Paeonia lactiflora Pall. – were topically applied to the site of nerve repair in each experimental group. Nerve conduction studies were performed at an average of 11.9 weeks after the operation, and conduction velocity and proximal and distal amplitudes were measured. Biopsies were performed at an average of 13.2 weeks after the initial neurorrhaphy. The quality of nerve anastomosis and perineural adhesion to the surrounding soft tissues was macroscopically evaluated. The neuroma size at the site of the neurorrhaphy was microscopically measured, whereas the size of the scar tissue was evaluated relative to the diameter of the repaired nerve.ResultsThe nerve conduction study results showed the highest nerve conduction velocity in the experimental group that used the Coptis japonica (Thunb.) Makino extract and the highest proximal and distal amplitudes in the experimental group that used the Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux extract. Macroscopic evaluations after the second operation showed that grade 2 perineural adhesion was found in 70.8% of rats. The mean neuroma size in the Coptis japonica (Thunb.) Makino, Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux, and Paeonia lactiflora Pall. groups showed statistically significant decreases relative to the control group. The mean scar tissue formation index in the Paeonia lactiflora Pall. group showed a statistically significant decrease relative to the control group.ConclusionsThe peripheral nerve regeneration effect of the herbal extracts was confirmed through decreased neuroma and scar tissue formation.

The effect of Moringa oleifera leaves on the quality of Bali bulls semen

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) as a feed supplement on the semen quality of Bali bulls. The study was divided into two periods of 8 weeks (before and after) the supplementation of MOL. Four Bali bulls, weighing 250-350 kg, aged 3 to 4 years old were used in this study. At the second period (treatment period), the bulls were supplemented with dried MOL 0.1% of body weight. Semen was collected from the bulls once a week using an artificial vagina. The parameters in this study were macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of semen. Macroscopically evaluation of semen consisted of volume, pH, color, and viscosity. Microscopically evaluation of semen included mass movement, total sperms motility, and semen concentration. Microscopic evaluation of semen was conducted using Computer- Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA). Furthermore, the data obtained were analyzed using SPSS with a Paired T-Test Sample design model. The results of this study showed that the quality of Bali bulls semen that supplemented with MOL had significantly (P<0.01) higher than the control group, both macroscopic and microscopic evaluation. Supplementation of MOL enhanced volume, color, viscosity, mass movement, sperm motility, sperm concentration of Bali bulls’ semen. In a conclusion, supplementation of MOL in the feeding of Bali bulls improved the semen quality.

Ultrapurified Alginate Gel Containing Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Enhances Cartilage and Bone Regeneration on Osteochondral Defects in a Rabbit Model

Background: Ultrapurified alginate (UPAL) gel implantation has been demonstrated as effective in cartilage repair for osteochondral defects; however, cell transplantation within UPAL gels would be required to treat larger defects. Hypothesis: The combination of UPAL gel and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) would enhance cartilage repair and subchondral bone repair for large osteochondral defects. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 104 osteochondral defects (1 defect per knee) of 52 rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups (26 defects per group): defects without any treatment (Defect group), defects treated using UPAL gel alone (UPAL group), defects treated using UPAL gel containing allogenic bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (UPAL-MSC group), and defects treated using UPAL gel containing BMAC (UPAL-BMAC group). At 4 and 16 weeks postoperatively, macroscopic and histologic evaluations and measurements of repaired subchondral bone volumes of reparative tissues were performed. Collagen orientation and mechanical properties of the reparative tissue were assessed at 16 weeks. Results: The defects in the UPAL-BMAC group were repaired with hyaline-like cartilage with well-organized collagen structures. The histologic scores at 4 weeks were significantly higher in the UPAL-BMAC group (16.9 ± 2.0) than in the Defect group (4.7 ± 1.9; P < .05), the UPAL group (10.0 ± 3.3; P < .05), and the UPAL-MSC group (12.2 ± 2.9; P < .05). At 16 weeks, the score in the UPAL-BMAC group (24.4 ± 1.7) was significantly higher than those in the Defect group (9.0 ± 3.7; P < .05), the UPAL group (14.2 ± 3.9; P < .05), and the UPAL-MSC group (16.3 ± 3.6; P < .05). At 4 and 16 weeks, the macroscopic evaluations were significantly superior in the UPAL-BMAC group compared with the other groups, and the values of repaired subchondral bone volumes in the UPAL-BMAC group were significantly higher than those in the Defect and UPAL groups. The mechanical properties of the reparative tissues were significantly better in the UPAL-BMAC group than in the other groups. Conclusion: The implantation of UPAL gel containing BMAC-enhanced hyaline-like cartilage repair and subchondral bone repair of osteochondral defects in a rabbit knee model. Clinical Relevance: These data support the potential clinical application of 1-step treatment for large osteochondral defects using biomaterial implantation with cell transplantation.

Supplementation of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal block on the quality of Bali bull semen

The low calving rate of Bali cattle followed by a decrease in productivity is related to the low quality of semen produced by a male as a genetic carrier for their offspring. This study aimed to determine the effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal block on the semen quality of Bali bull. This study was using 10 Bali bulls aged from 1.5 to 2 years which were divided into two treatment groups. Each group consisting of 5 bulls that were supplemented with Moringa leaf block flour in the diet (P1) and the other 5 bulls as control, P2 (without treatment). The parameters measured in this study were the percentage of microscopic evaluation (mass motility, individual motility, progressive motility). Each parameter in each treatment was compared using the T-test (independent sample t-test). The results of this study indicate that the macroscopic evaluation of semen in P1 was a slightly thick consistency, a slightly milky white color, a distinctive odor, while in P2 it is moderate consistency, slightly translucent color, and specific odor. The volume and pH at which the mean P1 was 1.23 ± 0.57, 6.86 ± 0.33, at P2 was 1.44 ± 0.56, 7.05 ± 0.39, respectively (P>0.05). The results of this study showed that microscopic semen evaluation of bulls supplemented with Moringa leaf block flour in the diet (P1) had significantly (P<0.05) higher than without supplementation (P2). Microscopic evaluation of semen on P1 showed that the mean values of individual motility, concentration, and abnormality were 80.65 ± 5.26, 1.156×106/ml, and 17.31 ± 3.60, respectively, and P2 were 73.23 ± 7.36, 724×106/ml, and 24.10 ± 6.34, respectively. The mean values of mass motility, progressive motility and viability of P1 were (++) 80%, 67.20 ± 6.32, 91.58 ± 7.93, respectively and P2 were (++) 70%, 60.19 ± 7.49, 88.08 ± 11.34, respectively. It can be concluded that supplementation of Moringa leaf block in the diet of Bali bulls can improve the quality of semen.

Efficacy of extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells on osteoarthritis in animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Some studies have reported results from the use of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) to treat osteoarthritis (OA). Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of MSC-EVs as a treatment for OA. Data sources: Databases were searched using the terms 'mesenchymal stem cells', 'osteoarthritis' and 'extracellular vesicles.' Study eligibility criteria: Studies performed in animal models utilizing MSC-EVs to treat OA that described the macroscopic evaluation or histological evaluation were included. Study appraisal: The quality of the studies was examined using the CAMARADES quality checklist. Results: MSC-EVs were superior to the placebo in the macroscopic evaluation and histological evaluation. MSC-EVs were more effective in the early stage of OA and once a week was better than multiple times a week. Limitations: The included studies were highly heterogeneous. Conclusion: MSC-EVs may improve the results of macroscopic and histological evaluations of OA.

Macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE) of specimens from solid lesions acquired during EUS-FNB: multicenter study and comparison between needle gauges.

Background and study aims The standard method for obtaining samples during endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is fine-needle aspiration (FNA), the accuracy of which can be affected by the presence of a cytopathologist in endoscopy room (rapid on-site evaluation [ROSE]). With the introduction of fine-needle biopsy (FNB), macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE) of a acquired specimen has been proposed. Only a few studies have evaluated the role of MOSE and in all except one, a 19G needle was used. Our primary aim was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and accuracy of MOSE with different needle sizes and the secondary aim was to identify factors influencing the yield of MOSE. Patients and methods Data from patients who underwent EUS-FNB for solid lesions, with MOSE evaluation of the specimen, were collected in six endoscopic referral centers. Results A total of 378 patients (145 F and 233 M) were enrolled. Needles sizes used during the procedures were 20G (42 %), 22G (45 %), and 25G (13 %). The median number of needle passes was two (IQR 2–3). The overall diagnostic yield of MOSE was of 90 % (confidence interval [CI] 86 %–92 %). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables independently associated with the diagnostic yield of MOSE were a larger needle diameter (20G vs. 25G, OR 11.64, 95 %CI 3.5–38.71; 22G vs. 25G, OR 6.20, 95 %CI 2.41–15.90) and three of more needle passes (OR 3.39, 95 %CI 1.38–8.31). Conclusions MOSE showed high diagnostic yield and accuracy. Its yield was further increased if performed with a large size FNB needles and more than two passes.

Exploration of the potential mechanism of Banxia Xiexin Decoction for the effects on TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis rats with the assistance of network pharmacology analysis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBanxia Xiexin Decoction (BXD), an ancient TCM prescription originating from Treatise on Febrile Diseases (Shang Han Lun) of the Han Dynasty, has been widely used in modern clinical practice, especially for gastrointestinal diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the modern decoction method of BXD differs from that of the original method. Thus, an exploration of the influence of the different decoction methods on the pharmacological effects is interesting and significant. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to systematically compare the pharmacological effects of extracts of BXD on TNBS induce UC rats that were prepared by different methods, the ancient method and the modern method. The findings may provide important information for the further mechanical exploration of the classical prescription, contributing to the rational application and enhancing the understanding of BXD in modern applications or scientific research. MethodsFifty-four SD rats were randomly divided into the following nine groups at n = 6/group: control group; model group; salicylazosulfapyridine group; BXD ancient extraction method's low-dose group (BXD-AED-L, 3.6 g BXD-AED/kg), medium-dose group (BXD-AED-M, 7.2 g BXD-AED/kg), and high-dose group (BXD-AED-H, 14.4 g BXD-AED/kg); and BXD modern extraction method's low-dose group (BXD-MED-L, 1 g BXD-MED/kg), medium-dose group (BXD-MED-M, 2 g BXD-MED/kg), and high-dose group (BXD-MED-H, 4 g BXD-MED/kg). All the groups, except the control group, were rectally injected with 70 mg/kg ethanol solution containing TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid) to establish the UC models. The pharmacological evaluations including disease activity index, colon weight index, macroscopic and histological evaluation of colon damage, and inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6)were measured. In the network pharmacology analysis, the “herbs-components-targets-disease” network was constructed and visually analyzed with which the targets with a strong correlation with UC were screened out. ResultsThe results showed that both BXD-AED and BXD-MED might alleviate the severity of UC with different degrees according to the majority of indices that were evaluated. At similar doses, the BXD-AED groups performed better compared with the BXD-MED groups. With the assistance of the network pharmacology analysis, some key active components (quercetin, baicalein, wogonin, and baicalin) related to the anti-UC/inflammation were screened out. The contents of the components in BXD-AED were higher than those in BXD-MED. The joint results of the study indicated that BXD, an ancient TCM compound prescription, is an effective drug candidate for the modern treatment of UC.

Evaluation of Bacterial Nanocellulose Membranes Loaded or Not with Nisin as a Complementary Treatment in Surgical Dehorning Wounds in Bovines.

Treatments of postsurgical dehorning in cattle usually includes topical application of healing agents in wounds. The Bacterial Nanocellulose (BNC) may come to a complementary treatment for these wounds. Two new complementary treatments with BNC and BNC loaded with nisin were evaluated for wound healing in surgical dehorning in bovine. Hence, two groups of experiments were run, and 12 animals were used in each group. All animals, in right and left horns, received antisepsis treatment. For the first group, the left horn was the control, and on the right one the BNC was applied. For the second group, BNC was applied on the left horn (control) and on the right ones BNC+nisin was applied. In both experiments, wounds were evaluated macroscopically by photographic images and microscopically by histology. For macroscopic evaluations, a significant difference was observed over time, but only in the comparison within the same groups. Microscopic analyzes did not showed significant differences in any type of comparison. In conclusion, there was a clinical improvement in the wound healing response with the application of BNC. However, there was no significant difference between BNC compared to the nisin loaded in BNC. For the first time it was applied a BNC in surgical dehorning wounds in bovines and evaluated the efficacy of treatment in a real animal handling situation.