Mild Infiltration Research Articles

Administration of dehydrated oxytetracycline effectively reduces francisellosis mortality in Nile tilapia

Francisellosis is a disease responsible for severe economic losses in aquaculture. Currently, this disease is controlled via biosecurity measures and treatment of affected batches. In this study, tilapia juveniles were challenged with Francisella orientalis via immersion and fed with oxytetracycline-medicated feed, at 100 mg kg fish−1 and 200 mg kg fish−1, under prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for 16 and 15 days respectively. All doses and treatment strategies reduced the fish mortality. The detection of the pathogen from the spleen was lower in the treated groups. Histopathology analysis showed that challenged fish that received the highest dosage presented fewer granuloma in their spleens and less inflammatory infiltrate in their livers than untreated fish. Fish that received the prophylactic treatment, regardless of the dose, presented fewer granuloma in their livers than untreated fish. Fish treated with 100 mg kg fish−1 had better scores for hepatocyte accumulations than fish treated with the higher dosage. Furthermore, 20% of the unchallenged fish that received the higher dosage presented mild inflammatory infiltrate in their livers. No differences were observed in the serum hepatocyte lesion enzyme quantifications. The results indicate that oxytetracycline-medicated feed is safe, even at the higher dose, and effective at controlling francisellosis in tilapia.

Liraglutide Regulates the Kidney and Liver in Diabetic Nephropathy Rats through the miR-34a/SIRT1 Pathway.

Purpose To explore the regulatory effects of liraglutide on the kidney and liver through the miR-34a/SIRT1 pathway with related factors in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. Methods DN rats were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10) and were injected with liraglutide or normal saline twice a day. The 24-hour urine microalbumin content and biochemical index levels were measured. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of miR-34a in the kidney and liver tissues. The levels of SIRT1, HIF-1a, Egr-1, and TGF-β1 in kidney and liver tissues were determined using qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Electron microscopy and HE staining were used to observe the ultrastructure and pathological changes. Results Liraglutide treatment in DN rats decreased blood glucose, 24-hour urine microalbumin, TC, TG, LDL-C, UA, Cr, UREA, ALT, and AST levels and increased the level of HDL-C (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the miR-34a levels were significantly decreased in kidney and liver tissues followed by liraglutide treatment (P < 0.05). The levels of SIRT1 in the liraglutide group are significantly higher than those in the control group with the kidney and liver tissues (P < 0.05). Conversely, the contents of HIF-1a, Egr-1, and TGF-β1 were significantly lower in the liraglutide group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Electron microscopy showed that the kidney of the liraglutide-treated group exhibited minor broadening of the mesangial areas, fewer deposits, and a well-organized foot process. HE staining revealed that the kidney of the liraglutide-treated rats had a more regular morphology of the glomerulus and Bowman sac cavity and lighter tubular edema. Additionally, the liraglutide-treated DN rats had a clear hepatic structure, a lower degree of steatosis, and mild inflammatory cell infiltration. Conclusion Liraglutide, through its effect on the miR-34a/SIRT1 pathway, may have a protective role in the kidney and liver of DN rats.

Nuck cyst: a rare cause of inguinal swelling in infancy.

BACKGROUND Inguinal and/or inguino-scrotal swellings, such as hernia and hydrocele, are among the commonest anomalies in childhood. Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck is an uncommon diagnosis and a rare cause of swelling in women that occurs due to a patent vaginal process. METHODS From January 2001 to January 2016, 353 female patients 1-14 years of age were admitted to our university hospital division for inguinal swelling. We have performed 403 inguinal approaches, and of these, 399 (99%) had inguinal hernias, 3 (0.74%) had a cyst of the canal of Nuck, and 1 (0.24%) had a lipoma. All of the patients with Nuck cysts underwent surgical exploration of the swelling through a right inguinal skin crease incision. RESULTS The patients were between the ages of 1 and 8 years. The cyst sizes varied between 25 and 40 mm. All the patients exhibited right, tender, painless, non-reducible masses. In all patients, ultrasound confirmed the suspected diagnosis. The histological findings revealed fibrous-walled cystic formations with mild chronic inflammatory infiltrate that were covered by mesothelial epithelium. The patients' postoperative follow-ups at 1, 6 and 12 months revealed normally healed incisions with no recurrences. CONCLUSIONS The surgical findings and the histological demonstrations of serous epithelium seemed to validate the hypothesis that the patency of the inguinal canal combined with fluid secretion of the peritoneal serosa participated in the formation of the cysts. Surgery with high ligature of the vaginal process is considered the therapy of choice for this pathology.

Diagnostic Value of Minor Salivary Gland Biopsy: A Retrospective Study

Objective: Minor salivary gland biopsy is an adjunctive diagnostic method which is widely used and its diagnostic value is still controversial. It is mainly used in sarcoidosis and Sjögren’s Syndrome. This study aims to identify the contribution of histopathological diagnosis to clinical diagnosis and to supply information to literature. Methods: Minor salivary gland biopsy was carried out on the patients with early diagnosis of sarcoidosis or Sjögren’s Syndrome who were referred from the hospital clinics of Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the Faculty of Dentistry. 100 patients between the ages of 18-65 were performed lower lip MSGB, then patients were called, the questions were asked and the answers were evaluated. Results: The presence of dry mouth was statistically higher in patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome than histopathologically normal patient and sarcoidosis patients. In patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, the presence of dry eyes was found to be statistically significantly higher than the others. A statistically significant difference of clinical diagnosis distribution was observed between the patients with normal histopathological findings and patients with mild inflammation infiltration, granulomatous sialadenitis and lymphocytic sialadenitis. Conclusion: Minor salivary gland biopsy is an easy and trusted method for establishing sarcoidosis and Sjögren’s Syndrome diagnosis and follow-up. Studies reveal that as more knowledge about disease immunology is collected and more sensitive techniques for interpretation of saliva and other serological markers are developed, less invasive or noninvasive techniques will come into question. Contemporarily, it will continue to be one of the main diagnostic tests for adjunctive diagnostic of multisystemic chronic diseases.

Influence of enzyme and probiotic supplementation on growth performance and gut health of broiler chicken

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of enzyme, probiotic or their combinations on growth response, microbiota and gut histopathological indices of broiler chicken. One hundred and fifty (150) one-day old unsexed Arbor Acre broiler chicks were weighed and randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments; each diet had 5 replicates of 6 birds each in the study that lasted for 42 days. Treatment 1 consists of the basal diet (negative control; NC): Treatment 2 was NC+0.1% antibiotic (positive control), Treatment 3: NC+0.4% probiotic, Treatment 4: NC+0.1% enzyme and Treatment 5: NC+0.4% probiotic+0.1% enzyme. Performance indices were measured. On day 42, ileal digesta was collected from two birds per replicate for microbial count while about 5 cm of distal ileum was severed for histopathology. The results showed that diets had no significant (p&gt;0.05) effect on the performance of birds at the starter and finisher phases. Total heterotrophic counts of birds fed with basal and probiotic diets were similar but significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than other diets. The highest Lactobacilli count was recorded in the mixture of probiotic + enzyme diet while least was observed in probiotic (2.58×105 cfu/ml) and enzyme supplemented diets (1.45×105 cfu/ml). Total coliform count of birds fed antibiotic diet was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower (14.12×105 cfu/ml) than for those on other diets. Total Escherichia coli count was highest in birds fed antibiotic while least was observed in birds fed mixture of probiotics + enzyme diet. Photomicrographs of the ileum of birds fed basal diet showed sloughed mucosa layer and degenerated villi. However birds fed antibiotic, probiotic, enzyme or probiotic+enzyme diets showed normal mucosa layer with normal villi, the lamina proprial showed normal tissues with mild infiltrate. In conclusion, feed supplements used in this study can serve as viable alternatives to antibiotics in broiler nutrition without compromising birds’ health

Congenital disorders of glycosylation in children – Histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the liver

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) result from defects in the synthesis of glycans and their attachment to proteins and lipids. Histologically, liver steatosis, fibrosis and cirrhosis have been reported in CDG. The aim of the study was to characterize the histopathological and ultrastructural liver changes in CDG patients hospitalized in our Institute, and to find the most characteristic features, as articles concerning the liver microscopic features in CDG are sparse. Out of 32 CDG patients diagnosed and followed-up in our Institute, the liver biopsy was performed in 4 of them, including 2 with MPI-CDG, 1 with SRD5A3-CDG, and 1 with PGM1-CDG, as a part of diagnostic process. In one patient, diagnosed post mortem with PMM2-CDG, the histopathological study comprised liver autopsy samples. The most common histopathological liver finding was the presence of steatosis (4/5) of varying severity, the mixed macro- and microvesicular type as well as the foamy degeneration of hepatocytes. In two patients, liver steatosis was associated with fibrosis, stage 4 (cirrhosis) and 2 according to Batts and Ludwig classification, respectively. In two patients, besides steatosis, mild inflammatory infiltrates composed of lymphoid cells in portal tracts were observed. No correlation between the patient's age and histopathological features was observed. The histopathological changes in the liver of CDG patients are miscellaneous; thus, based on the microscopic examination only, we can not identify (even suspect) the exact CDG. The most common histopathologic finding in our cohort of CDG patients was the presence of liver steatosis (of various severity) and foamy degeneration of hepatocytes.

A Murine Skin Infection Model Capable of Differentiating the Dermatopathology of Community-Associated MRSA Strain USA300 from Other MRSA Strains.

USA300 is a predominant and highly virulent community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strain that is a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections. We established a murine intradermal infection model capable of demonstrating dermatopathological differences between USA300 and other MRSA strains. In this model, USA300 induced dermonecrosis, uniformly presenting as extensive open lesions with a histologically documented profound inflammatory cell infiltrate extending below the subcutis. In contrast, USA400 and a colonizing control strain M92 caused only localized non-ulcerated skin infections associated with a mild focal inflammatory infiltrate. It was also determined that the dermonecrosis induced by USA300 was associated with significantly increased neutrophil recruitment, inhibition of an antibacterial response, and increased production of cytokines/chemokines associated with disease severity. These results suggest that induction of severe skin lesions by USA300 is related to over-activation of neutrophils, inhibition of host antibacterial responses, and selective alteration of host cytokine/chemokine profiles.

Characterization of porcine circovirus-like virus P1 replication and lesions in BALB/c mice

Five-week-old male BALB/c mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with a single (sP1) or multiple doses (mP1) of porcine circovirus-like virus P1 or cell culture medium. None of the mice exhibited clinical signs or gross lesions throughout the study. However, the body weights of the mP1 mice were significantly decreased, and the mice inoculated with P1 exhibited viral replication, seroconversion, and microscopic lesions. P1 nucleic acid was detected in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, bladder, testis, brain, thymus, and pancreatic tissues. Special P1 antibody was found in the P1-inoculated mice. Microscopic lesions in the sP1 and mP1 mice were characterized by interstitial pneumonia, including edema in the connective tissue around the pulmonary vessels, mild inflammatory cell infiltrate, thickened alveolar walls, myocardial necrosis, and dissolution of Purkinje cell nuclei. The results showed that the P1 virus could infect BALB/c mice. Thus, BALB/c mice may serve as models for P1 research.

Transglutaminase Cross-Linked Gelatin-Alginate-Antibacterial Hydrogel as the Drug Delivery-Coatings for Implant-Related Infections.

Implant-related infection may be catastrophic and result in poor functional outcome, chronic osteomyelitis, implant failure or even sepsis and death. Based on a transglutaminase (TGase) cross-linked/antibiotics-encapsulated gelatin-alginate hydrogel, the main aim of this study is to establish an effective antibiotic slow-release system. The second aim is to evaluate the efficacy of a hydrogel-encapsulated antibiotic-containing titanium pin in preventing implant-related infections in a rat model. The prepared gelatin/alginate/gentamicin or vancomycin hydrogel was covalently cross-linked with transglutaminase (TGase). Its drug release profile and cytotoxicity were determined and the Wistar rat animal model was performed to validate its efficacy by radiographic examination, Micro-CT (computed tomography) evaluation and histo-morphological analysis at 12 weeks after surgery. When gelatin and alginate were thoroughly mixed with TGase, both 0.5% and 1.0% TGase can effectively cross link the hydrogel; the release of antibiotic is slowed down with higher degree of TGase concentration (from 20 min to more than 120 h). In the animal study, antibiotic-impregnated hydrogel is effective in alleviating the implant-related infections. Relative to that of a positive control group, the experimental group (vancomycin treatment group) showed significant higher bone volume, more intact bony structure with only mild inflammatory cell infiltration. This newly designed hydrogel can effectively deliver antibiotics to reduce bacterial colonization and biofilm formation on the implant surface. The remaining challenges will be to confer different potent antibacterial medications with good biocompatibility and fulfill the safety, practical and economic criteria for future clinical translation.

Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Fatty Degeneration Is Not Associated with Muscle Cross-sectional Area: Qualitative Assessment Is Preferable for Cervical Sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia, defined as decreased skeletal mass, is an independent marker of frailty that is not accounted for by other risk-stratification methods. Recent studies have demonstrated a clear association between paraspinal sarcopenia and worse patient-reported outcomes and complications after spine surgery. Currently, sarcopenia is characterized according to either a quantitative assessment of the paraspinal cross-sectional area or a qualitative analysis of paraspinal fatty infiltration on MRI. No studies have investigated whether the cervical paraspinal cross-sectional area correlates with fatty infiltration of the cervical paraspinal muscles on advanced imaging. Do patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with increasing paraspinal fatty degeneration on advanced imaging also demonstrate decreased cervical paraspinal cross-sectional area? Between 2011 and 2017, 98 patients were prospectively enrolled in a database of patients undergoing one- to three-level ACDF for degenerative conditions at a single institution. To be eligible for this prospective study, patients were required to undergo an MRI before surgery, be older than 18 years, and have no previous history of cervical spine surgery. Two independent reviewers, both surgeons not involved in the patients' care and who were blinded to the clinical outcomes, retrospectively assessed the paraspinal cross-sectional area and Goutallier classification of the right-sided paraspinal muscle complex. We then compared the patients' Goutallier grades with their paraspinal cross-sectional area measurements. We identified 98 patients for inclusion. Using the Fuchs modification of the Goutallier classification, we classified the fatty degeneration of 41 patients as normal (Goutallier Grades 0 to 1), that of 47 patients as moderate (Grade 2), and that of 10 patients as severe (Grades 3 to 4). We used ANOVA to compare all means between groups. There was no difference in the mean paraspinal cross-sectional area of the obliquus capitus inferior (normal 295 ± 81 mm2; moderate 317 ± 104 mm2; severe 300 ± 79 mm2; p = 0.51), multifidus (normal 146 ± 59 mm2; moderate 170 ± 70 mm2; severe 192 ± 107 mm2; p = 0.11), or sternocleidomastoid (normal 483 ± 150 mm2; moderate 468 ± 149 mm2; severe 458 ± 183 mm2; p = 0.85) among patients with mild, moderate, and severe fatty infiltration based on Goutallier grading. There was a slightly greater longus colli cross-sectional area in the moderate and severe fatty infiltration groups (74 ± 22 mm2 and 66 ± 18 mm2, respectively) than in the normal group (63 ± 15 mm2; p = 0.03). Because our study demonstrates minimal association between paraspinal cross-sectional area and fatty infiltration of the cervical paraspinals, we recommend that physicians use the proven qualitative assessment of paraspinal fatty infiltration during preoperative evaluation of patients who are candidates for ACDF. Future studies investigating the relationship between cervical paraspinal cross-sectional area and patient-reported outcomes after ACDF are necessary to lend greater strength to this recommendation. Level III, diagnostic study.

Biocompatibility and immunolabeling of fibronectin and tenascin of resinous root canal sealers.

Aims:The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of resinous root canal sealers: Sealer 26, AH plus, and SK Seal Root Canal Sealer in the subcutaneous tissue of rats.Subjects and Methods:Twenty-four Wistar rats received polyethylene tubes containing the sealers and empty tubes as control (n = 6). After 7, 15, 30, and 60 days, animals were killed and polyethylene tubes were removed with the surrounding tissues. The specimens were embedded in paraffin, processed for hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry assessed for fibronectin (FN) and tenascin (TN).Statistical Analysis Used:Data were tabulated and analyzed via Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's test (P < 0.05).Results:All groups induced a moderate inflammatory reaction after 7 and 15 days (P > 0.05); after 30 days, a mild inflammatory infiltrate was observed in control groups, and moderate in sealers groups (P > 0.05); all groups showed mild inflammatory infiltrate at 60 days (P > 0.05). Overall, the fibrous capsule was considered thick only on the 7th day and became thin over time. All groups had expression for FN and TN in all analyzed periods, with high immunolabeling in sealers groups when comparing with the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion:All sealers demonstrated biocompatibility and induced FN and TN expression.

Influence of different photoinitiators on the resistance of union in bovine dentin: Experimental and microscopic study

BackgroundTo evaluate in vitro the influence of photoinitiators on the microtensile strength of adhesive systems and composite resins in bovine dentin. Material and MethodsForty dentin obtained from bovine teeth were randomly distributed in four groups (n = 10) according to the different adhesive systems and composite resins used: G1 - AAPS + VAPS (Ambar APS + Vittra APS); G2- AAPS + O (Ambar APS + Opallis); G3 - A + VAPS (Ambar + Vittra APS) and G4 - A + O (Ambar + Opallis). After restoration with the composite, the samples were sectioned to obtain toothpicks that were subjected to the microtensile and nanofiltration test (1.0 mm/min). ResultsThe Kruskal-Wallis test did not show significant differences between the groups (p<0.05). The values in MPa were: AAPS + VAPS - 19.56 MPa; AAPS + O - 19.77 MPa; A + VAPS - 17.78 MPa; A + O - 22.44 MPa. The result of the Mann-Whitney test showed no significant differences depending on the adhesive (Ambar Universal- 19.11 MPa, Ambar APS Universal- 21.70 MPa) and the composite resin used (Vittra APS- 18.75 MPa, Opallis - 23.75 MPa). The AAPS + VAPS and AAPS + O groups showed intense silver nitrate infiltration. The A + APS group showed a moderate infiltration and the A + O group had a mild infiltration in the adhesive system/dentin interface. ConclusionsThe use of different photoinitiators in the composition of adhesive systems and restorative composites did not affect their bond strength values and the presence of water in the solvent of the APS photoinitiator system had a negative influence, increasing the degree of infiltration in the hybrid layer when compared to the camphorquinone photoinitiator. Key words:Dentin, adhesive systems, composite resin, photoinitiators, tensile strength, nano-infiltration.

Anti-ulcerogenic effect of methanol fraction of Ocimum gratissimum leaves extract and honey on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats

ABSTRACT Ocimum gratissimum (Og), a medicinal plant, and honey (H), a natural sweetener usually produced by bees, have historic importance in managing several ailments. This study aims at unraveling the anti-ulcerogenic effect of methanol leaves fraction (MEF) of Og and H on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in male rats. Crude methanol extract was partitioned between hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and methanol successively using vacuum liquid chromatography. The anti-ulcerogenic effect of MEF of Og (100 and 400 mg/kg), honey (2.5 g/kg) and their combination was determined using indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model. Gastric acidity, antioxidant assays and histopathology were conducted via titrimetric, spectrophotometric, H&E stain with microscopy methods respectively. Significant difference (P < 0.05) existed in ulcer score and gastric pH in all groups except MEF pre-treated relative to control. Significant increase and decrease existed in MDA level in untreated and pre-treated groups successively compared to control. CAT activity displayed no significant difference in 400 mg/kgMEF and 400 mg/kg/2.5 g/kgH proportionate to control. GST activity showed significant elevation in pre-treated groups compared to control. Meanwhile, GPx activity increased in 400 mg/kg MEF and 400 mg/kgMEF/2.5 g/kgH relative to control. There was no significant difference in TSH status in the pre-treated groups relative to control. Mild inflammatory cellular infiltration in the sub-mucosal layers in pre-treated groups occurred. The data suggests MEF effectively prevented ulcer better than fortification with honey and honey used singly.

Angiolipoma in a Dog

Background: Angiolipoma is a benign tumor composed of endothelial cells and mature adipocytes. Tumors reported in domestic species include two variants; infiltrative or non-infiltrative. Bitches and intact males seem predisposed. This mesenchyme tumor is commonly mistaken with lipoma due to its soft texture and subcutaneous site and often requires histopathology to confirm its diagnosis. Microscopic examination also enables the evaluation of surgical margins and rule out possible infiltrative sites. Complete surgical excision is usually curative. This study reports a case of non-infiltrating angiolipoma in a dog.Case: A 14-year-old mixed-breed dog was presented to a veterinary clinic in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. On palpation, a painless mass was noted, with high mobility and covered by intact hirsute skin in the right subcutaneous ventrolateral region. Computed tomography of the chest showed an expansive mass of uptake only from the edges of the soft tissues of the right subcutaneous ventrolateral region. The mass was homogeneous and well delimited, suggesting a neoplastic process. Subsequently, the mass was surgically removed, fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and sent for histopathological analysis. On macroscopic examination, the mass was well delimited, without skin coverage, and measured 2.3 × 1.9 × 0.6 cm. The consistency was smooth and unctuous in appearance with a compact cream-colored surface with blackish multifocal spots. Under microscopy, the histological sections showed neoplasm of mature adipocytes and of endothelial cells of blood vessels benign were filled with a marked amount of red blood cells. Multifocal fibrin thrombi and a mild inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes and rare mast cells were evident. There was no infiltration in the regional skeletal musculature. Thus, a diagnosis of non-infiltrative angiolipoma was established.Discussion: The diagnosis of non-infiltrating angiolipoma in this case was established through the results of histopathological examination. The occurrence of this neoplasm in dogs is uncommon, and the data reported in the veterinary medicine literature are scarce. However, in this study, it was found that the neoplasm on screening presented a behavior like that of lipomas, with noninvasive growth and the absence of local recurrence. The canine species does not commonly convey pain on palpation during a clinical examination, as observed in the present case. In humans, multiple angiolipoma nodules are common; this clinical presentation differs from that in animals, in which solitary nodules are generally observed. In dogs, as in the present case, they seem to have a predilection for the trunk. In animals, the pathogenesis of angiolipomas is not established, but in humans, it is based on theories that include the reaction to harmful stimuli and congenital malformation of adipose tissue. In humans, the presence of fibrin thrombi on the periphery of the region of cell proliferation are microscopic findings that can assist in the diagnosis of angiolipomas, an approach that was implemented in the present case. The occurrence of this neoplasm in dogs is uncommon, and the data reported in the veterinary medicine literature are scarce. The importance of an adequate description of angiolipomas is based on the need to provide information about its epidemiology, biological behavior, and prognosis.

Immunosuppressive effect of PLGA-FK506-NPs in treatment of acute cardiac rejection via topical subcutaneous injection

FK506, a first-line immunosuppressant, is routinely administered orally and intravenously to inhibit activation and proliferation of T cells after heart transplantation (HT). Current administration route is not conducive enough to exert its efficacy in lymphatic system. Herein, we proposed that subcutaneous (SC) administration of FK506-loaded nanoparticles (PLGA-FK506-NPs) would be valuable for treating acute rejection after HT. The biodistribution and pharmacokinetic study revealed that it could effectively deliver FK506 to the lymph nodes (LNs) due to their suitable particle size, especially in inguinal LNs. Subsequently, the therapeutic efficacy of PLGA-FK506-NPs on the HT model was evaluated using intravenous (IV), intragastric (IG), or SC injection. Histopathological analysis revealed that 80% of allografts exhibited only grade 1R rejection with negligible lymphocyte infiltration in the SC group. The IV group exhibited 40% 1R rejection with mild lymphocyte infiltration and 20% grade 3R that require further intervention, and the IG group exhibited grades 40% 3R rejection with more lymphocyte infiltration. Moreover, the infiltration of T cells and the secretion of IL-2 and IFN-γ were significantly reduced in the SC group compared with the IG or IV group. The mean survival time (MST) further revealed that 50% of grafts treated with PLGA-FK506-NPs via SC injection survived longer than IG and IV groups. Moreover, the MST of single-dose SC injection of PLGA-FK506-NPs demonstrated that it would effectively reduce the required dose for a similar therapeutic effect. Overall, these results indicate that SC administration of PLGA-FK506-NPs is a more effective route for chronic FK506 treatment.

Growth response, flock uniformity, organ weight, abdominal fat, carcass yield and hepatic histology of finisher broiler chicken fed toasted pigeon pea seed meal

Three hundred (300) 21d old (Arbor-acre) broiler chicks apportioned to five (5) dietary groups of sixty (60) birds each, further replicated six (6) times were fed graded levels of toasted pigeon pea seed meal (TPSM) to assess the performance, flock uniformity, organ weights, carcass yield and hepatic histology at the finisher phase. A maize-full-fat soybean meal diet served as the control diet (I). The TPSM was incorporated to replace full-fat soybean meal at 12.5%, 25.0%, 37.5% and 50.0% in diets II, III, IV and V, respectively. Toasting improved the protein content, ether extract, fibre content, metabolizable energy and reduced the anti-nutrients except for oxalate. The final weight, total weight change, average weight gain, feed conversion ratio, eviscerated weight, breast yield and thigh yield were significantly influenced (P&lt;0.05), especially depressed at 50% replacement, unlike the average feed intake, mortality and flock uniformity (P&gt;0.05). The kidney and abdominal fat were also influenced (P&lt;0.05). There were varying levels of hepatic degeneration, which increased in intensity as the level of inclusion increased. They ranged from mild sinusoidal congestion and cellular infiltration to necrosis of the cells in the liver. Up to 37.5% TPSM toasted pigeon pea seed meal replacement for soybean meal supported optimum growth, breast and thigh yield, and mild to moderate hepatic disruptions.

The efficiency of the use of polyphenolic grape processing products in the treatment of experimental metabolic syndrome

For 12 weeks, grape polyphenols were used in 30 Wistar rats on the background of a fructose model of metabolic syndrome. All the animals were on a standard food diet. 3 groups of observations were formed: the 1st "control" (10 animals received 100 ml of 2.5% fructose solution daily); the 2nd "experimental" (10 rats were given the drug "Fanokor" with a total content of polyphenols of 181.53 g/dm3, at the rate of 10-15 ml per 1 animal per day in addition to fructose solution); the 3rd "experimental" (10 animals together with a solution of fructose were given the drug "Enoant" with a total content of polyphenols of 4.20 g/dm3, at the rate of 10-15 ml per 1 animal per day). Animals were measured weekly abdominal circumference and body weight. At the end of the experiment, the morphological structure of the liver, kidneys and abdominal fat was studied in all representatives of the comparison groups. The results were analyzed using the methods of variational statistics and Microsoft Excel software. The statistical analysis was carried out using the Mann-Whitney U-test; the data were considered reliable at p ≤0.05. Microscopic examination of abdominal fat revealed mild and moderate residual diffuse lymphoplasmocytic infiltration in addition to edema, fullness and single petechial hemorrhages. Focal dystrophic changes of hepatocytes were determined, in combination with weakly expressed, mainly periportal, less often diffuse intralobular lymphohistiocytic infiltration and with signs of hemodynamic disorders. The signs of blood circulatory disorders, primarily the fullness of the capillary loops of the glomeruli and single weakly expressed lymphoid clusters in the interstitial, mainly perivascular and in the paranephral tissue stand out during microscopy of the kidney tissues of rats who underwent correction of the metabolic syndrome by "Enoant". The analysis of the obtained results allows us to conclude that the use of grape polyphenols in the composition of "Fanocor" inhibits the development of negative structural and morphofunctional changes in the tissues of the heart, liver, kidneys and visceral cellular in the conditions of modeling the metabolic syndrome, and also optimizes the regeneration in these organs. The obtained data give grounds to recommend polyphenolic products of grape processing for inclusion in the complex of treatment of maxillofacial patients with infectious odontogenic inflammatory diseases developed on the base of metabolic syndrome.

Protective effect of ethanolic extract of Actinoscirpus grossus tubers against ethanol induced liver toxicity in albino rats

Liver detoxifies majority of chemicals and plays an important role in the maintenance of homeostasis of the body. In the recent years due to overwhelming use of drugs and alcohol there is an increased incidence of liver toxicities. The tubers of Actinoscirpus grossus are used in liver disease as a liver tonic in folklore medicine; However, there is no experimental basis for its therapeutic use. Hence the present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective potentials of ethanolic extract of Actinoscirpus grossus tubers in ethanol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Daily administration of 20% ethanol v/v p.o. at a dose of 5 g/kg for 30 consecutive days caused significant liver toxicity and there after maintained for 15 consecutive days with normal rat pellet and water ad libitum. The treatment groups were administered with group specific drugs for 15 consecutive days after 30 days of ethanol administration and control group rats were maintained for 15 consecutive days with normal rat pellet and water ad libitum. Liver toxicity was assessed on 45th day by estimating biochemical, histological and antioxidant level. Daily administration of 20% ethanol significantly increased liver enzymes and caused oxidative stress by increase in the lipid peroxidation and reduction in the catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in liver homogenate. The histopathological examination revealed micro vesicular and macro vesicular fatty changes predominantly with mild periportal inflammation, cell infiltrate and areas of mild dilatation of sinusoids with ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes. Treatment with ethanolic extract of A. grossus tuber significantly restored the liver enzymes especially SGOT and attenuated elevated lipid peroxidation and restored catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity. The histopathological changes revealed significant reduction in the hepatocyte ballooning portal fibrosis. Thus, tubers of A. grossus plant may serve as reservoir of natural products having diverse functions and could be utilised as a potent hepatoprotective agent.

447 Pathology of conduction tissue in cardiac amyloid: correlation with arrhythmic manifestations

Abstract Aims Pathology of conduction tissue (CT) and relative arrhythmic manifestations in living subjects with cardiac amyloid (CA) have never been reported. Methods and results In 17 out of 45 consecutive patients with CA, a left ventricular (LV) endomyocardial biopsy included CT sections. Extensive clinical examination, non-invasive (resting ECG, Holter monitoring, echocardiography), and invasive cardiac studies (selective coronary angiography, LV angiography, and LV endomyocardial biopsy) were performed in all patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed in 12 of the 17 patients (70%). CT was identified by Aschoff-Monckeberg histologic criteria associated to positive immunostaining for HCN4. Degree of CT infiltration was defined as mild when ≤ 30% of CT area was replaced by fibrous tissue and Congo red+ material, moderate in 30–70% CT area involvement and severe in &amp;gt; 70% CT cell area replacement. CT infiltration was correlated with ventricular arrhythmias, echocardiographic LV maximal wall thickness (MWT) and type of amyloid protein identified by myocardial immunohistochemistry. CMR confirmed the presence of cardiac hypertrophy with preserved systolic function in all but one patient. LGE was present in all patients, predominantly with diffuse (5/11) or subendocardial (4/11) pattern compared to focal (2/11). In 7/11 patients T1 mapping sequences have been acquired; nT1 and ECV were increase in all patients (nT1: 1171 ± 61 ms; ECV: 59.9 ± 7.5%). Mild CT involvement was observed in 5 cases; moderate in 3; severe compromise in 9. CT involvement was associated with a parallel infiltration of CT artery. CT infiltration correlated with severity of arrhythmias (Spearman rho = 0.8, P &amp;lt; 0.001) but not with age, MWT or type of amyloid protein. In particular, major ventricular tachyarrhythmias requiring pharmacologic treatment or ICD implantation occurred in 7 patients with severe, 1 patient with moderate and none with mild CT infiltration. Pacemaker implantation was required in 3 patients with complete CT area replacement. Conclusion CA associated arrhythmias correlate with severity of CT infiltration. CT involvement is independent from type and severity of CA suggesting a variable affinity of amyloid protein to CT.

Investigation of the clinical significance and pathological features of lanthanum deposition in the gastric mucosa

BackgroundThere are often specific endoscopic findings caused by deposition of lanthanum (La) in the gastric mucosa of patients taking lanthanum carbonate (LaC), a novel phosphate binder for patients on hemodialysis. We conducted a retrospective study to investigate the clinical significance of La deposition in the gastric mucosa, and the association between endoscopic features and histologic findings in the same population.MethodsWe compared background factors in patients taking LaC with and without La deposition in their gastroscopic biopsy specimen. We also investigated the relationship between gastric endoscopic biopsy specimens with La deposition and the concurrent endoscopic images.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the total dose of LaC between the La-positive and La-negative groups (990 g [180–3150 g] vs. 480 g [225–1328 g]; p = 0.013). In 27 biopsy specimens with specific whitish mucosa, 10 showed mild histiocytic infiltration and 17 showed severe infiltration. In contrast, among 24 specimens with non-whitish mucosa, 5 showed no histiocytic infiltration, 10 showed mild infiltration, and 9 showed severe infiltration. There was a significant relationship between endoscopic features and the degree of histiocytic infiltration (p = 0.026).ConclusionsWe demonstrated that La deposition in the gastric mucosa depended on the total dose of LaC and was not affected by background factors. The specific endoscopic features of La deposition are associated with the infiltration of histiocytes, which represents the body’s normal response to foreign bodies.Trial registry The protocol was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000038929, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000044393).