Organization Of Connective Tissue Research Articles

In vitro evaluation of flow diverter performance using a human fibrinogen-based flow model.

Fibrin deposition represents a key step in aneurysm occlusion, promoting endothelization of implants and connective tissue organization as part of the aneurysm-healing mechanism. In this study, the authors introduce a novel in vitro testing platform for flow diverters based on human fibrinogen. A flow diverter was deployed in 4 different glass models. The glass models had the same internal parent artery (4 mm) and aneurysm (8 mm) diameters with varying parent artery angulations (paraophthalmic, sidewall, bifurcation, and slightly curved models). The neck size and area were 4 mm and 25 mm2, respectively. Human fibrinogen (330 mg/dl) was circulated within the glass models at varying flow rates (0, 3, 4, and 5 ml/sec) with or without heparin, calcium chloride, and thrombin for as long as 6 hours or until complete fibrin coverage of the flow diverter's neck was achieved. Aneurysm neck coverage was defined as macroscopic fibrin deposition occluding the flow diverters' pores. Flow characteristics after flow diverter deployment were assessed with computational fluid dynamics analysis. The effects of flow rates, heparin, calcium chloride, and thrombin on fibrin deposition rates were tested using 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey test. A total of 84 replicates were performed. Human fibrin did not accumulate on the flow diverter stents under static conditions. The fibrin deposition rate on the aneurysm neck was significantly greater with the 5 ml/sec flow rate as compared to 3 ml/sec for all models. The paraophthalmic model had the highest inflow velocity of 48.7 cm/sec. The bifurcation model had the highest maximum shear stress (SS) and maximum normalized shear stress values at the device cells at 843.3 dyne/cm2 and 35.1 SS/SSinflow, respectively. The fibrin deposition rates of the paraophthalmic and bifurcation models were significantly higher than those of sidewall and slightly curved models for all additive or flow rate comparisons (p = 0.001 for all comparisons). The incorporation of thrombin significantly increased the fibrin deposition rates across all models (p = 0.001 for all models). Rates of fibrin deposition varied widely across different configurations and additive conditions in this novel in vitro model system. Fibrin accumulation started at the aneurysm inflow zone where flow velocity and shear stress were the highest. The primary factors influencing fibrin deposition included flow velocities, shear stress, and the addition of thrombin at a physiological concentration. Further research is needed to test the clinical utility of fibrinogen-based models for patient-specific aneurysms.

De novo regeneration of dentin pulp complex mediated by Adipose derived stem cells in an immunodeficient albino rat model (Histological, histochemical and scanning electron microscopic Study)

BackgroundDental tissue engineering is an alternative procedure for restoring damaged dental tissues. Adipose-derived stem cells are a new source of cells for regenerative endodontics in combination with scaffold materials. The descriptive data about this regenerative process is still insufficient. ObjectiveTo evaluate the regenerative potential of Adipose-derived stem cells using a self-assembling polypeptide scaffold for the dentin-pulp complex in an emptied root canal space. Material and Methods40 root segments of human single-rooted teeth were transplanted into the albino rats’ dorsal subcutaneous tissue. Root segments were divided into two groups: group I contained only a self-assembling polypeptide scaffold, and group II contained fluorescent-labeled Adipose-derived stem cells embedded in a self-assembling polypeptide scaffold. The newly formed tissues were assessed on the 60th and 90th days post-transplantation using routine histological examination, Masson trichrome staining, and scanning electron microscopy. ResultsGroup I showed granulation tissue without any signs of predentin formation or odontoblast-like cells. Group II revealed the presence of predentin tissue along the dentin margin, with arranged odontoblast-like cells. An organized connective tissue with abundant vasculature and calcific masses was observed in the pulp space. ConclusionAdipose-derived stem cells can be considered as alternative stem cells for regenerating the dentin-pulp complex. Dentin pulp complex regeneration utilizing a self-assembling polypeptide scaffold alone would not yield successful results.

Influence of abutment macro- and micro-geometry on morphologic and morphometric features of peri-implant connective tissue.

The aim of the present human observational study is to provide morphologic and morphometric analysis of peri-implant connective tissue next to abutments with divergent or convergent macro-geometry and different surface micro-characteristics. Thirty patients were rehabilitated with single implants in the posterior area and one out of three different healing abutments with a one-stage technique: machined divergent abutment (DIV-MAC), machined convergent abutment (CONV-MAC) or convergent abutment with ultrathin threaded surface (CONV-UTM). At 3 months postimplant insertion, peri-implant soft tissue was harvested; the following outcomes were investigated: histomorphometry (vertical width of connective and epithelial components) as detected by histology and polarized light; and connective tissue vertical width and 3D organization as detected by synchrotron-based high-resolution phase-contrast-based tomography (PhC-μCT). Significant differences in connective tissue vertical dimension (aJE-AM) were found between DIV-MAC and both CONV-MAC and CONV-UTM, both by histology and PhC-μCT, with significantly higher values for the last two groups. Moreover, 2D histological analysis did not find significant differences in the junctional epithelium vertical dimension (PM-aJE). Importantly, PhC-μCT analysis revealed, at 3D level, significant greater amount and density of collagen bundles for CONV-UTM compared with the other two groups. Convergent abutment profiles, regardless of their surface micro-geometry, seem to favor axial development of peri-implant connective tissue. Moreover, ultrathin threaded surfaces seem associated with denser and greater connective tissue organization, which might improve peri-implant soft tissue seal.

Insights into Intramuscular Connective Tissue Associated with Wooden Breast Myopathy in Fast-Growing Broiler Chickens.

Wooden breast myopathy (WBM) is a meat abnormality affecting pectoralis majors (PMs) of fast-growing broiler chickens. WBM-affected PMs exhibited varied meat qualities with increasing WBM severity. Normal PMs (NOR), mild WBM-affected PMs (MIL), moderate WBM-affected PMs (MOD), and severe WBM-affected PMs (SEV) were selected as raw materials. The structure and organization of connective tissue and fibrillar collagen were investigated through immersing with sodium hydroxide solution, Masson trichrome staining, and using an electron microscope. The mechanical strength of intramuscular connective tissue was analyzed via the shear force of samples treated with sodium hydroxide solution. The thermal property and secondary structure of connective tissue were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The obtained connective tissue was dissolved in a sodium hydroxide solution for the evaluation of the physicochemical properties of proteins, including particle size, molecular weight, surface hydrophobicity, and intrinsic fluorescence. In particular, the particle size was measured using a zeta potential instrument. The molecular weight was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The surface hydrophobicity and intrinsic fluorescence were measured by spectroscopy technology. Histologically, macrophage infiltration, myodegeneration and necrosis, regeneration, fibrous connective tissue, and thickened perimysial connective tissue were observed in WBM-affected PMs, especially SEV with fibrosis, including blood vessels. Compared with NOR, WBM led to increased average diameter of the collagen fibrils in perimysial (36.61 nm of NOR to 69.73 nm of SEV) and endomysial (34.19 nm of NOR to 56.93 nm of SEV) layers. A significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed in the mechanical strength (2.05 N to 5.55 N) of fresh PMs and the thermal transition temperature (onset temperature (TO), 61.53 °C to 67.50 °C; maximum transition temperature (TM), 66.46 °C to 70.18 °C; termination temperature (TE), 77.20 °C to 80.88 °C) of connective tissue from NOR to SEV. Cooking decreased the mechanical strength, and MOD samples showed the highest mechanical strength (1.24 N, p < 0.05), followed by SEV (0.96 N), MIL (0.93 N), and NOR (0.72 N). For proteins in connective tissue, random coil (19.64% to 29.61%, p < 0.0001), particle size (p < 0.05), and surface hydrophobicity (p < 0.05) increased with the decrease in the α-helix (14.61% to 11.54%, p < 0.0001), β-sheet (45.71% to 32.80%, p < 0.0001), and intrinsic fluorescence of proteins from NOR to SEV. The molecular weights of intramuscular connective tissue proteins were in the ranges of >270 kDa, 180-270 kDa, 110-180 kDa, 95-100 kDa, and <15 kDa. Taken together, WBM resulted in thickened organization, tightly packed collagen fibrils, increased mechanical strength and thermal temperature, and increased particle size, surface hydrophobicity, and intrinsic fluorescence of proteins in connective tissue, as the WBM severity increased.

Pulp-Dentin Complex Regeneration with Cell Transplantation Technique Using Stem Cells Derived from Human Deciduous Teeth: Histological and Immunohistochemical Study in Immunosuppressed Rats.

The aim of this study was to histologically verify the performance of pulp-derived stem cells used in the pulp-dentin complex regeneration. Maxillary molars of 12 immunosuppressed rats were divided into two groups: the SC (stem cells) group, and the PBS (just standard phosphate-buffered saline) group. After pulpectomy and canal preparation, the teeth received the designated materials, and the cavities were sealed. After 12 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and the specimens underwent histological processing and qualitative evaluation of intracanal connective tissue, odontoblast-like cells, intracanal mineralized tissue, and periapical inflammatory infiltrate. Immunohistochemical evaluation was performed to detect dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1). In the PBS group, an amorphous substance and remnants of mineralized tissue were observed throughout the canal, and abundant inflammatory cells were observed in the periapical region. In the SC group, an amorphous substance and remnants of mineralized tissue were observed throughout the canal; odontoblasts-like cells immunopositive for DMP1 and mineral plug were observed in the apical region of the canal; and a mild inflammatory infiltrate, intense vascularization, and neoformation of organized connective tissue were observed in the periapical region. In conclusion, the transplantation of human pulp stem cells promoted partial pulp tissue neoformation in adult rat molars.

Lifting the Anterior Midcheek and Nasolabial Fold: Introduction to the Melo Fat Pad Anatomy and Its Role in Longevity and Recurrence.

A limitation of current facelift techniques is the early postoperative reappearance of anterior midcheek laxity associated with recurrence of the nasolabial fold (NLF). This study was undertaken to examine the regional anatomy of the anterior midcheek and NLF with a focus on explaining the early recurrence phenomenon and to explore the possibility of alternative surgical methods that prolong NLF correction. Fifty cadaver heads were studied (16 embalmed, 34 fresh; mean age, 75 years). Following preliminary dissections and macrosectioning, a series of standardized layered dissections were performed, complemented by histology, sheet plastination, and microcomputed tomography. Mechanical testing of the melo fat pad (MFP) and skin was performed to gain insight on which structure is responsible for transmission of the lifting tension in a composite facelift procedure. Anatomic dissections, sheet plastination, and microcomputed tomography demonstrated the 3-dimensional architecture and borders of the MFP. Histology of a lifted midcheek demonstrated that a composite MFP lift causes a change in connective tissue organization from a hanging-down pattern into a pulled-upward pattern, suggesting traction on the skin. Mechanical testing confirmed that, in a composite lift, despite the sutures being placed directly into the deep aspect of the MFP, the lifting tension distal to the suture is transmitted through the skin and not through the MFP. The usual method of performing a composite midcheek lift results in the skin, and not the MFP itself, bearing the load of the nondissected tissues distal to the lifting suture. For this reason, early recurrence of the NLF occurs following skin relaxation in the postoperative period. Accordingly, specific surgical procedures for remodeling the MFP should be explored, possibly in combination with volume restoration of the fat and bone, for more lasting improvement of the NLF.

DETERMINATION OF HYALURONIC ACID AND N-PEPTIDE OF COLLAGEN TYPE III LEVELS IN SERUM AS PREDICTORS OF THE PERITONEAL ADHESIONS DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN

Introduction. Adhesive peritoneal disease (APD) is the most common and formidable complication of abdominalsurgery, which led to adhesive processing occurring in 70 to 90 % of operated patients. It is manifested by lateadhesion intestinal obstruction (LAIO), chronic abdominal pain, constipation and infertility.The aim of the study was to investigate the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) and N-peptide collagen type III (N-PCIII) in serum to determine the course of APD in children.Material and methods. Serum levels of HA and N-PC type III were determined in 148 children aged 6-17 years (83boys and 65 girls). I group (main) – 38 patients with APD, LAIO treatment with the use solution of natrii hyaluronasand decamethoxine, II comparison group – 35 children with APD, LAIO treatment by traditional methods, III group – 45patients operated on for other acute surgical pathologies of GI tract in which after surgery for 5-10 years no signsof APD were noted. The control group consisted of 30 children operated on inguinal hernias.All parents were given informed voluntary written consent to conduct the research. Statistical processing of theobtained results was performed using Microsoft Office Excel and Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft Inc.).Results. An increase in HA level in the control, main and comparative groups on the 5th day of postoperative periodwas registered by 31,94, 126,96 and 39,60%, respectively, in comparison with the preoperative values; on the 14th daydecrease in HA level was observed in all groups, by 21,24, 32,79 and 25,83%, respectively, in comparison with the 5th day.Determination of the level of N-PC type III in all groups showed an increase in its number on the 5th day,compared with pre-surgery by 64.62, 57.40 and 79.32 %, respectively. On the 14th day the level was 2 times higher inthe main group and 2.86 times higher in the comparison group, compared with the control indicators. This indicatedthe stabilization of connective tissue organization and peritoneal regeneration in the main group and the lack of clearperitoneal regeneration in the comparison group.Conclusions.1. Serum levels of HA and N-PC type III may be markers of the onset and development of APD in children.2. An increase in the level of HA by more than 30%, and N-PC type III by 90 %, compared with control indicators,a year or more after undergoing surgery for APD, LAIO, may indicate a high risk of recurrence and be used as anadditional prognostic indicator.3. Intraoperative use of sodium hyaluronate and decamethoxine in abdominal surgery and the use of localadhesiolysis as anti-adhesive measures help reduce the risk of re-adhesion in children.

Messenger RNA brings gene editing a step closer to treat muscular dystrophies

Muscle tissue is composed of elongated and multinucleated contractile cells that reside within a highly organized connective tissue matrix. Muscle fibers are enveloped by a membrane termed the sarcolemma, in which are embedded proteins with structural and signaling roles. Myopathies are so called because they result in muscular weakness caused by dysfunction of diverse constituents of this highly specialized system.1 A large group of muscle diseases, termed muscular dystrophies, of which the best known is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), are monogenic diseases caused by numerous autosomal dominant, recessive, and X-linked mutations that predominantly affect muscle-protein-encoding genes.

Neutralization of HMGB1 improves fracture healing and \u03b3\u03b4 T lymphocyte counts at the fracture site in a polytrauma rat model

PurposeDelayed fracture healing is a common consequence of polytrauma (PT) occurring in patients with multiple injuries. We believe that when early release of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) molecules from necrotic tissues exceed their normal levels in blood, they dysregulate immune responses associated with normal healing. This study investigates the detrimental effect of such dysregulate immune responses by targeting HMGB1 in a PT rat model with debilitating injuries. We hypothesized that neutralization of extracellular HMGB1 immediately post-trauma would ameliorate local immune dysregulation and improve fracture healing in a PT rat model.MethodsPT rats received a single dose of either anti-rat HMGB1 polyclonal antibody (PT-Ab HMGB1) or IgY isotype (PT-IgY), were left untreated (PT-C), or had a single injury/osteotomy only (OST). Fracture healing was evaluated by micro-computed tomography (µCT) and histology at 5 weeks; and macrophages and T cell counts within the fracture site were determined with flow cytometry at 1 week.ResultsNotably, bone regeneration within the fracture site in PT-Ab HMGB1 rats was improved with comparable connective tissue organization than PT-C rats. Further, only γδTCR+ T cells, but not macrophages and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, were diminished at the fracture site in PT-C and PT-IgY rats. Interestingly, the PT-Ab HMGB1 rats had increased γδTCR+ T cells compared to PT-C and PT-IgY, suggesting their potential role in regulating fracture healing.ConclusionsTherefore, the initial burst of systemic HMGB1 following trauma may have a role in regulating bone regeneration via the modulation of a subclass of T cells within the fracture site, suggesting it’s importance as a therapeutic target in PT to combat immune dysregulation and delayed fracture healing.

Assessment of wound contraction, re-epithelialization and histological changes in full thickness excision wounds of rats treated with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide

Purpose: To investigate the impact of treatment with different strengths of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on healing of excision-type wounds in rats.&#x0D; Methods: Thirty-two (n = 8) adult wistar rats randomly assigned to four groups A - D were used for the study. Full-thickness excision-type wound was surgically made on each rat on day 0. While wounds in group A, the control, were treated with 0.9 % normal saline, wounds in groups B - D received 1, 3, and 5 % H2O2, respectively. Following the surgical wounding and treatment, the epithelialization time, wound contraction, and histological changes of the wounds were assessed.&#x0D; Results: On day 21, animals in group C recorded 100% wound contraction, whereas in groups A, B and D the contraction degrees of 68.75, 79.33 and 79.00 %, respectively, were reported on the same day. Group C animals treated with 3 % of H2O2 had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher degree of wound contraction and epithelialization. Histologically, by day 14, wounds of animals in group C presented with a preponderance of fibrocytes over fibroblasts spread across organized connective tissue fibres. Group C treated animals also had significantly (p&lt;0.05) faster epithelialization. No visible side effects were observed in this group following the treatments. However, the wounds of animals in groups A, B and D showed fibroblasts embedded in loose irregular connective tissue fibres with haemorrhagic lesions, alongside pronounced polymorphonuclear cell infiltration.&#x0D; Conclusion: When compared to other concentrations used in the study, the optimum strength of H2O2 for wound dressing is 3 % in terms of rate of wound contraction, epithelialization time, histological changes and physical tissue damage.

Dupuytren Cords Do Not Undergo Significant Histopathological Change After Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum Injection.

Background: Dupuytren disease creates thickened cords of the palmar fascia, leading to progressive flexion contractures that severely hinder hand function. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injection is a common, minimally invasive alternative to surgical excision of these cords. The impact of CCH injection on the histological architecture of Dupuytren cords has not been studied extensively. Methods: A series of 10 CCH-injected cords were evaluated histologically. Cellularity, architecture, and connective tissue organization were compared against uninjected Dupuytren cords and normal palmar fascia. Results: No significant histopathological differences between CCH-injected and CCH-uninjected cords were identified. Conclusions: Dupuytren cords do not demonstrate histological changes with prior exposure to CCH.

Strontium ranelate improves post-extraction socket healing in rats submitted to the administration of bisphosphonates.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of strontium ranelate (Sr) on post-extraction socket healing in rats submitted to the administration of bisphosphonates. Sixty rats were submitted to the tooth extraction of the first lower molar after 60days of the daily administration of saline solution (SS) or alendronate (ALN). Then, the animals were allocated into six groups namely CTR: administration of SS during the whole experiment, ALN: administration of ALN during the whole experiment, ALN/SS: application of SS for 30days after extraction in animals previously treated with ALN, ALN/Sr: application of Sr for 30days after extraction in animals previously treated with ALN, ALN/S60: ALN therapy interruption 30days before the extraction followed by the application of SS for 60days, and ALN/Sr60: ALN therapy interruption 30days before the tooth extraction followed by the application of Sr for 60days. The healing of the post-extraction sockets was evaluated by microCT and histomorphometry. The use of ALN induced partial bone necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and a delay in soft tissue healing; the use of Sr improved the connective tissue organization. Sr has subtle positive effects on the post-extraction healing in animals submitted to the administration of bisphosphonate.

Experimental induced wound cicatrisation after highly diluted products treatment

Introduction: Skin is an attractive target to study extracellular matrix, due to abundance in Connective tissue. In cases of injuries the first step is an inflammatory reaction and subsequent the healing that involves several changes in the matrix. These changes are fundamental to inflammatory cells activities allowing healing. Highly diluted products were shown to facilitate inflammatory mediators and to activate immune cells in vivo and in vitro, thus it can be effective to wound healing. &#x0D; Aims: This study aims to evaluate highly diluted products effects on inflammation and cicatrization process. &#x0D; Methodology: Three compounds (M8 (Aconitum napellus 20dH, Arsenicum album 18dH, Asa foetida 20dH, Calcarea carbonica 16dH, Conium maculatum 17dH, Ipecacuanha 13dH, Phosphorus 20dH, Rhus toxicodendron 17dH, Silicea 20dH, Sulphur 24dH, Thuja occidentalis 19dH), M1 (Chelidonium majus 20dH, Cinnamon 20dH, Echinaceae purpurea 20dH, Gelsemium sempervirens 20dH plus all M8 compounds) and Curcuma cH30 – simple product), were manipulated as a gel and applied on mice dorsal flank after incision and suture (approximately 1 cm and three points), for 3 consecutive days. After the treatments the scars were evaluated macroscopically, the animals were killed, the skin samples collected, fixed and processed for Hematoxilin-Eosin (HE) and Masson Tricromic (to observe the collagen fibers type I). The slices were analyzed and images collected by a light microscope Olympus BX51 with camera attached Olympus DP72. &#x0D; Results: It was observed a higher and faster rate of tissue epithelization in the treated groups after three days of gel-product application. This could be observed in lower rates in the control group (no treatment) - Figure 1 and 2). Regeneration and organization of connective tissue were proportional to epithelization the treated groups. We also observed evidences of changes in amount of neutrophils and fibroblasts, resulting in changes in the healing period. Analyses for these confirmations are in progress.

Paravasal Connective Tissue Parameters Vs. Morpho-Functional Indicators In The Intraorgan Blood Vessels Of The Younger Men Lungs

Objective — The objective of this research was to identify correlations between the paravasal components connective tissue of the blood vessels of lungs and their morpho-functional parameters. Material and Methods — In order to determine the structure of the paravasal connective tissue, the histotopographic and histological examination of lung preparations of 20 men corpses of the first mature age period was held, to determine the capacity and capacitive characteristics of the vascular bed, the determination of the Kernogan index (IK) and the veno-arterial index (VAI) were carried out. Results — It was ascertained that in the structure of the paravasal connective tissue two layers could be conditionally distinguished – the "central" and "peripheral", differing in the architectonics of the fibrous component, the nature of interaction with nearby anatomical structures. It was also revealed that infrared venous vessels IK was expressed in a greater degree in comparison with arterial. When determining VAI vascular, the channel revealed that the area of venous vessels prevailed over the arterial area. Besides, the clear correlation relationships of the structural elements of the paravasal connective tissues were investigated with arterial and venous vessel capacity values and their capacitive characteristics. Conclusion — The presence of correlation relationships confirmed a clear interaction between structural organization of the paravasal connective tissue and the functional activity of the blood vessels, providing optimal hemodynamic conditions in the organ.

Different expression pattern of thrombospondin gene in the presence and absence of β-glucan fed Penaeus monodon challenged with white spot syndrome virus

Thrombospondins (TSPs) are extracellular, calcium-binding glycoproteins that play an essential role in cell homeostasis and development, wound-healing, angiogenesis, connective tissue organization, immune response etc. and it conserves from sea sponges to mammals. However, their role in shrimp immunity is poorly understood. In the present study, the differential expression profiling of TSP transcripts in Penaeus monodon tissues such as gills, lymphoid organs, hepatopancreas, and hemolymph challenged with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), were studied by quantitative real-time PCR. Further, shrimps fed with the immunostimulant (β-glucan) when challenged with WSSV showed significant upregulation of TSP expression in gills, hepatopancreas, and lymphoid organ at the early phase of WSSV infection. The results suggest that TSP may be an inducible acute phase response protein to WSSV infection. The possibility of differences in mRNA expression pattern seen in immunostimmulated shrimp after the viral challenge, possibility due to altered immune mechanisms getting triggered during immunostimulant administration and virus infections in the host.

Clinical and Histological Evaluation of Tissue Healing in Beveled or Perpendicular Vertical Releasing Incision

ObjectivesThe aim of this investigation was to evaluate the clinical and histological differences in wound healing between beveled and perpendicular vertical releasing incisions in dogs. Material and MethodsFour male mongrel dogs were used in this investigation. In each quadrant, a vertical releasing incision was made on either the mesial or the distal aspect of the cuspid teeth of each animal all on the same day. The sites were randomly selected to either receive a beveled incision or a perpendicular incision. A sulcular muco-periosteal flap was raised, reapproximated, and then sutured using 3-0 Vicryl. The animals were evaluated daily for the first week, and then at different time intervals during this investigation. One animal was killed at each time interval of 9, 14, 21, and 28 days after surgery. One animal was killed at each time interval, and a bone block consisting of the cuspid teeth and their surrounding bone and soft tissues was harvested, formalin fixed, and paraffin embedded. Samples were sectioned serially and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Specimens were evaluated using a microscope with magnification ranging from ×10 to ×400 by a histopathologist. Four indices were used for histologic evaluation. ResultsAt day 9 after surgery, a visible groove was seen in the marginal tissues of both perpendicular and beveled incisions. At day 9, both of the histologic sections showed less organized connective tissue and capillary networks with no significant difference in inflammation. In the 14-day samples, a depression was still present at the perpendicular incision sites, but not in the beveled incision group, where the groove was not visualized at all.In the 21- and 28-day samples, irregular capillary arrangements were seen in the connective tissue of the perpendicular incision groups with completely healed epithelium. There were no statistically significant differences noted histologically between the beveled and perpendicular incision groups noted at 9, 14, 21, or 28 days (P > .05). ConclusionBased on these findings, it appears that clinical and histologic healing of beveled or perpendicular releasing incisions are similar 28 days after surgery.

The Symmetric 3D Organization of Connective Tissue around Implant Abutment: A Key-Issue to Prevent Bone Resorption

Symmetric and well-organized connective tissues around the longitudinal implant axis were hypothesized to decrease early bone resorption by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration. Previous studies that referred to the connective tissue around implant and abutments were based on two-dimensional investigations; however, only advanced three-dimensional characterizations could evidence the organization of connective tissue microarchitecture in the attempt of finding new strategies to reduce inflammatory cell infiltration. We retrieved three implants with a cone morse implant–abutment connection from patients; they were investigated by high-resolution X-ray phase-contrast microtomography, cross-linking the obtained information with histologic results. We observed transverse and longitudinal orientated collagen bundles intertwining with each other. In the longitudinal planes, it was observed that the closer the fiber bundles were to the implant, the more symmetric and regular their course was. The transverse bundles of collagen fibers were observed as semicircular, intersecting in the lamina propria of the mucosa and ending in the oral epithelium. No collagen fibers were found radial to the implant surface. This intertwining three-dimensional pattern seems to favor the stabilization of the soft tissues around the implants, preventing inflammatory cell apical migration and, consequently, preventing bone resorption and implant failure. This fact, according to the authors’ best knowledge, has never been reported in the literature and might be due to the physical forces acting on fibroblasts and on the collagen produced by the fibroblasts themselves, in areas close to the implant and to the symmetric geometry of the implant itself.

Behaviour at the peritoneal interface of next-generation prosthetic materials for hernia repair.

When using a prosthetic material in hernia repair, the behaviour of the mesh at the peritoneal interface is especially important for implant success. Biomaterials developed for their intraperitoneal placement are known as composites and are made up of two different-structure materials, one is responsible for good integration within host tissue and the other is responsible to make contact with the viscera. This study examines the behaviour at the peritoneal level of two composites, the fully degradable Phasix-ST® and the partially degradable Symbotex®. A polypropylene mesh (Optilene®) served as control. Sequential laparoscopy from 3 to 90days, in a preclinical model in the New Zealand white rabbit, allowed monitoring adhesion formation. Morphological studies were performed to analyse the neoperitoneum formed in the repair process. Total macrophages were identified by immunohistochemical labelling. To identify the different macrophage phenotypes, complementary DNAs were amplified by qRT-PCR using specific primers for M1 (TNF-α/CXCL9) and M2 (MRC1/IL-10) macrophages. The percentage of firm and integrated adhesions remained very high in the control group over time. Both composites showed a significant decrease in adhesions at all study times and in qualitative terms were mainly loose. Significant differences were also observed from 7days onwards between the two composites, increasing the values in Phasix over time. Neoperitoneum thickness for Phasix was significantly greater than those of the other meshes, showing mature and organized neoformed connective tissue. Immunohistochemically, a significantly higher percentage of macrophages was observed in Symbotex. mRNA expression levels for the M2 repair-type macrophages were highest for Phasix but significant differences only emerged for IL-10. Fewer adhesions formed to the Symbotex than Phasix implants. Ninety days after implant, total macrophage counts were significantly higher for Symbotex, yet Phasix showed the greater expression of M2 markers related to the tissue repair process.

Spicules and skeletons: mantle musculature of two species of dorid nudibranchs (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia: Doridina).

Molluscs often possess complex calcified elements in addition to the shell, but how these elements function and relate to other tissues is often poorly understood. Dorid nudibranchs typically possess innumerable calcareous spicules arranged in complex networks. To describe how these spicules interact with muscles and connective tissue, we reconstructed tomographic digital models using serial sections and synchrotron micro-computed tomography. In two species with dramatically different spicule network morphologies, musculature was divided into a dorsal layer of crossed fibres, a ventral layer of branching radial fibres, and scattered dorsoventral fibres in between. These two species differed in the size of their dorsal tubercles, which was reflected in the organization of dorsal musculature, and in the amount and organization of connective tissue. In Platydoris sanguinea Bergh, 1905, dense mats of spicules sandwiched a layer of connective tissue with fewer spicules and muscle insertions only onto the ventral spicules. In Cadlina luteomarginata MacFarland, 1966, thick tracts of spicules are surrounded by a sheath of connective tissue. Muscles surround and insert into the dorsal tubercle spicule layer. Thus, both species appear to use the spicule network for muscle antagonism and transfer of motion, but the different arrangement of elements suggests that they use this skeleton in quite different ways.

In vivo confocal microscopy and trachomatous conjunctival scarring: Predictors for clinical progression.

In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) provides high-resolution images of the ocular surface and has been validated in trachomatous conjunctival scarring. This study used IVCM to identify parameters associated with clinical scarring progression. Prospective cohort study. A total of 800 participants in Northern Tanzania with trachomatous scarring. Participants underwent clinical examination, photography and IVCM at baseline and 24-months. Clinical progression of scarring was defined by comparing baseline and 24-month photographs. Masked grading of IVCM images was used to identify scarring at both time points. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with clinical progression. Risk factors associated with clinical scarring progression. Clinical and IVCM assessment of 800 participants were performed at baseline, with 617 (77.1%) seen at 24-months. Of these, 438 of 617 (71.0%) had gradable IVCM images at both time points and 342 of 438 (78.1%) of these could be graded as showing definite clinical progression or no progression on image comparison. Clinical progression was found to occur in 79 of 342 (23.1%). After adjusting for age and sex, clinical scarring progression was strongly associated with a high IVCM connective tissue organization score at both baseline (odds ratio [OR] = 1.84 for each increase in scarring category; P = .002) and 24-months (OR = 1.60; P = .02). Dendritiform cells present at 24-months were strongly associated with clinical scarring progression after adjustment (OR = 2.62; P = .03). Quantitative IVCM parameters, including connective tissue organization score and the presence of dendritiform cells, are associated with disease progression and may be useful markers in trachoma and other conjunctival fibrotic diseases.