SB Group Research Articles

Effectiveness of Silicon Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Autologous Bone on Bone Regeneration in Rabbit Calvarian Defects: A Radiological and Histological Study

Repairing bone defects in oral surgery often requires the use of bone regeneration techniques. Silicon is an element that has been employed as regeneration material in several studies. In our study, silicon was combined with autologous bone and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes to analyse the behaviour of this element in bone regeneration. Four circumferential defects were created in the cranial vault of five New Zealand rabbits. The following elements were applied to the regeneration of the defects: (P): PRF; (S): silicon and (B): autologous bone, with the following distribution of study groups: Group 1 (PSB); Group 2 (PS); Group 3 (SB) and Group 4 (CONTROL): unregenerate group. The animals were sacrificed after 3 weeks. Computed microtomography studies (μ-CT) were carried out, as well as histomorphometric ones. The ANOVA statistical test was used with a Bonferroni post-hoc test to compare the results (p ≤ 0.05). Radiologically, groups PSB and SB were better as far as quantity and percentage of healthy bone observed, but not significantly compared to the control group. The PS group was significantly worse. The histological test revealed that the PSB group was the one to present the largest area, percentage and perimeter of mineralised bone. On evaluating the forming bone (osteoid), no difference was observed across the groups with the exception of the bone perimeter, where the SB group was significantly better. The bone height variable showed no significant differences. In conclusion we can state that the combination of PRF, autologous bone and silicon provides good results at 3 weeks whilst the PS group shows the worst results. This highlights the importance of autologous bone forming part of the graft material in order for the bone to mineralise.

Comparative study between noninvasive ventilation with continuous positive airway pressure mask versus stacked breathing on chest expansion and pulmonary function in patients with pneumonia

Background: Majority of patients with pneumonia fail the treatment by the noninvasive ventilation (NIV), not because of its low efficacy for maintaining upper airway patency but because of intolerance. The current study was designed to compare the effectiveness of stacked breathing exercise (SBE) versus continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask on the chest expansion and pulmonary functions for patients with pneumonia.
 Methodology: A randomized controlled experimental study was conducted in chest ICU in Assiut University Hospital in Egypt and registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04576221 identifier). Sixty patients with pneumonia were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned into two groups (30 patients each), the patients in SB group received SBE and were instructed to perform the exercise 3 times per day for one week; and the CPAP group received NIV with using CPAP mask. Chest expansion and pulmonary functions were assessed before and after the exercise.
 Results: There were significant differences in chest expansion and pulmonary functions between the SB and CPAP groups after exercise in the first day, after 3 days and on the last day of the study (p=0.018, < 0.001 and < 0.001) respectively. Chest expansion and pulmonary functions in the SB group was much improved than those in the CPAP group.
 Conclusions: Implementing SB exercise had a significant effect on improving chest expansion and pulmonary functions in patients with pneumonia than NIV with CPAP mask.
 Key words: Chest expansion; CPAP mask; Pneumonia; Pulmonary Function; Stacked breathing
 Citation: Ahmed AT, Abou Galalah AA, Mahgoub AA, Mahran GS. Comparative study between noninvasive ventilation with continuous positive airway pressure mask versus stacked breathing on chest expansion and pulmonary function in patients with pneumonia. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2021;25(2):176-184. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v25i2.1470
 Received: 2 November 2020, Reviewed: 2 December 2020, Accepted: 24 March 2021

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta inhibitor SB216763 improves Kir2.1 expression after myocardia infraction in rats

Abnormal ion channel currents caused by myocardial electrical remodeling is one of the main causes of malignant arrhythmias. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is the main therapeutic target following ischemia as it regulates nerve cell channels. However, few studies have investigated its role in myocardial electrical remodeling. The present study aimed to investigate the role of GSK-3β in a rat myocardial infarction (MI)-induced electrical remodeling and potential effects on cardiac ionic channels including KCNJ2/Kir2.1/IK1. Ligation of the left anterior descending artery in rats was performed to establish a MI model. The rats were randomly divided into three groups, the sham, MI, and MI + SB group. The animals in the latter group were administered SB216763 (GSK-3β inhibitor) at a dose of 0.6 mg·kg-1·day-1. The ventricular function was assessed by echocardiography, electrocardiography, and histological analysis 7 days post-surgery. Serum was collected to measure lactate dehydrogenase and cardiac troponin I levels, and the mRNA and protein levels of the KCNJ2/Kir2.1/IK1 channel in the heart tissues were assessed. H9c2 cells were cultured to examine the effects of SB216763 on the protein expression of Kir2.1 channel under hypoxic conditions. The results revealed that SB216763 ameliorated acute cardiac injury and improved myocardial dysfunction. Moreover, SB216763 increased the mRNA and protein expression of Kir2.1 during MI. Furthermore, SB216763 treatment abrogated the decreased expression of Kir2.1 in H9c2 cells under hypoxic conditions. GSK-3β inhibition upregulates Kir2.1 expression in a rat model of MI.

Increased Amygdala-Paracentral Lobule/Precuneus Functional Connectivity Associated With Patients With Mood Disorder and Suicidal Behavior.

Mood disorder patients have greater suicide risk than members of the general population, but how suicidal behavior relates to brain functions has not been fully elucidated. This study investigated how functional connectivity (FC) values between the right/left amygdala and the whole brain relate to suicidal behavior in patients with mood disorder. The participants in this study were 100 mood disorder patients with suicidal behavior (SB group), 120 mood disorder patients with non-suicidal behavior (NSB group), and 138 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC group). Whole-brain FC values among the three groups were compared using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Compared to the NSB and HC groups, increased FC values in the right amygdala-bilateral paracentral lobule/precuneus circuit were observed in the SB group (Bonferroni-corrected, p < 0.017). The FC values in the NSB group did not differ significantly from those in the HC group (Bonferroni-corrected, p > 0.017). Moreover, there were no significant differences in FC values between mood disorder patients with suicide attempt (SA group) and mood disorder patients with suicidal ideation (SI group), while the FC values between the right amygdala and bilateral paracentral lobule/precuneus in the SA group were higher than the mean in the SI group. These findings suggest that right amygdala-paracentral lobule/precuneus dysfunction has an important role in patients with mood disorder and suicidal behavior.

Синтез и строение продуктов реакции 2,2’-дипиридила с треххлористой сурьмой

Adducts have been obtained from antimony trichloride and 2,2'-bipyridyl in acetonitrile: [C10H9N2]2+[OSb2Cl6]2 (1) и [C10H9N2]+ {[(C10H8N2)SbCl3]2[Cl]} (2). The compounds have been identified by IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. According to the X-ray diffraction data, the pale green crystals 1 consist of two types of bipyridyl cations and binuclear anions [OSb2Cl6]2, in which two SbCl3 fragments are linked through an oxygen atom and two bridged chlorine atoms. The coordination polyhedron of the antimony atom is a square pyramid with two terminal (SbClterm 2.418(5)2.497(4) Å) and two bridged chlorine atoms (SbClbr 3.044(4)–2.849(5) Å) at the base and the oxygen atom at the fifth vertex (SbO 1.95(1) and 1.93(9) Å). The Sb–O–Sb group has been curved (119.3(5)o) so that the antimony atoms approach each other at a distance of 3.348(2) Å, which is greater than the sum of the covalent radii of these atoms (2.08 Å), but less than the sum of their van der Waals radii (4.4 Å). The antimony atom shifts from the equatorial plane [Cl4] towards the carbon atom by 0.254 Å. Along with the main product of the reaction, there are minor amounts of yellow-orange crystals 2, consisting of two types of bipyridyl cations and binuclear chlorine-containing anions {[(C10H8N2)SbCl3]2[Cl]}, in which two antimony-containing fragments (distorted octahedron) (C10H8N2)SbCl3 are linked by a chlorine bridging atom (SbClbr 2.59(8) Å). The bridging chlorine atom occupies the sixth vertex of the octahedron (SbCl 3.13(1) Å), the opposite vertex is occupied by one of the nitrogen atoms of the bipyridyl ligand, the second nitrogen atom (SbN 2.22(9) Å) of which lies in the equatorial plane with three chlorine atoms (SbCl 2.58(1), 2.61(1), 2.56(1) Å). Complete tables of atom coordinates, bond lengths and valence angles are deposited at the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Center ((№ 2041289; deposit@ccdc.cam.ac.uk or http://www.ccdc.cam.ac.uk/data_request/cif).

Геттерирующие свойства никеля в кремниевых фотоэлементах

Abstract: The effect of doping with nickel on the parameters of silicon photocells, in which the p – n junction was created by impurities of III (B, Ga) and V (P, Sb) groups, has been studied. It is shown that the positive effect of nickel on the photocell efficiency does not depend on the type of initial silicon and on the nature of impurities used to obtain the p – n junction, but is mainly determined by the gettering properties of the near-surface nickel-enriched layer

Dental Implants Surface in vitro Decontamination Protocols.

Objective The number of patients rehabilitated with dental implants has contributed to increased incidence of peri-implant diseases. Due to complex and difficult treatment, peri-implantitis is a challenge and an efficient clinical protocol is not yet established. Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two protocols for in vitro decontamination of dental implants surface. Materials and Methods Twenty titanium implants (BioHE-Bioconect) were used. Implants were divided into five groups ( n = 4). NC group (negative control): sterile implants; PC group (positive control): biofilm contaminated implants; S group: biofilm contaminated implants, brushed with sterile saline; SB group: biofilm contaminated implants, brushed with sterile saline and treated with air-powder abrasive system with sodium bicarbonate (1 minute); and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) group: biofilm contaminated implants, brushed with sterile saline and treated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (red laser + toluidine blue O). The implants were contaminated in vitro with subgingival biofilm and distributed in groups PC, S, SB, and aPDT. Each group received the respective decontamination treatment, except groups NC and PC. Then, all implants were placed in tubes containing culture medium for later sowing and counting of colony-forming units (CFUs). Statistical Analysis One-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests were performed, at 5% significance level. Results Significantly fewer CFUs were observed in the aPDT group (19.38 × 10 5 ) when compared with groups SB (26.88 × 10 5 ), S (47.75 × 10 5 ), and PC (59.88 × 10 5 ) ( p < 0.01). Both the aPDT and SB groups were statistically different from the NC group ( p < 0.01). Conclusion Proposed protocols, using air-powder abrasive system with sodium bicarbonate and aPDT, showed to be efficacious in the decontamination of dental implants surface in vitro .

Administration of Saccharomyces boulardii mafic-1701 improves feed conversion ratio, promotes antioxidant capacity, alleviates intestinal inflammation and modulates gut microbiota in weaned piglets

BackgroundProbiotics are used as a means to improve animal health and intestinal development. Saccharomyces boulardii is a well-known probiotic; however, few studies have examined the effects of S. boulardii on weaned piglet performance. Therefore, this 28-day study compared the effects of S. boulardii mafic-1701 and aureomycin in diets for weaned piglets on growth performance, antioxidant parameters, inflammation and intestinal microbiota. One hundred and eight piglets, weaned at 28 d of age (8.5 ± 1.1 kg), were randomly divided into the three dietary treatment groups with six pens and six piglets per pen (half male and half female). The dietary treatment groups were as follows: 1) basal diet (CON); 2) basal diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg aureomycin (ANT); 3) basal diet supplemented with 1 × 108 CFU/kg S. boulardii mafic-1701 (SB).ResultsCompared to CON group, SB group had higher feed efficiency (P < 0.05) in the last 14 d and lower diarrhea rate (P < 0.05) over the entire 28 d. Total superoxide dismutase in serum was markedly increased in SB group (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with CON group, SB group decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (P < 0.01) and Tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.05) in jejunum. Supplementation of S. boulardii mafic-1701 increased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG_009 and Turicibacter (P < 0.05), whereas the abundance of unclassified_Clostridiaceae_4 was decreased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, S. boulardii mafic-1701 administration increased cecal concentration of microbial metabolites, isobutyrate and valerate (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe improvement in feed conversion ratio, reduction in diarrhea rate in weaned piglets provided diets supplemented with S. boulardii mafic-1701 may be associated with enhanced antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory responses and improved intestinal microbial ecology.

Abstract 15413: Building New Arteriogenic Therapy for Ischemic Cardiomyopathyusing Notch-induced Mesenchymal Stem Cell Patch

Introduction: The induction of arteriogenesis is a promising approach for treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy. Notch signaling has been reported to be a key regulator of arteriogenesis. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that Notch-induced human mesenchymal stem cell (SB623) sheet transplantation would induce arteriogenesis in ischemic lesion, leading to improvement of left ventricular function in ischemic cardiomyopathy model rats. Methods: Two weeks after the ischemic induction, SB623-patches were transplanted to myocardial infarction model rats (SB group, n=10) or shame operations were performed (Control group, n=10). We evaluated cardiac performance and histology six weeks after the treatment in vivo. In vitro, we performed RNA-sequencing of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cocultured with SB623s. Results: Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly improved 6 weeks after SB623-sheets transplantation (LVEF, 52±7% vs. 34±5%, p&lt;0.001). Similarly, the attenuation of LV remodeling was observed at 6 weeks (LV diastolic dimension, 73±7 mm vs. 85±5 mm, p&lt;0.001). Histological findings revealed that fibrosis was decreased in SB group (11±1% vs. 22±4%, p=0.02). Furthermore, vWF-positive capillary vessels (vessels, 516±110 /mm 2 vs. 248±26 /mm 2 , p&lt;0.001) and αSMA- and vWF-positive arterioles with over 20μm diameter (arterioles, 25±8 /mm 2 vs. 6±3 /mm 2 , p=0.002) were significantly increased in SB group, suggesting the induction of angiogenesis and arteriogenesis. In vitro, whole transcriptome analysis showed that Notch signaling pathway was significantly upregulated (p&lt;0.001) in HUVECs co-cultured with SB623s. Similarly, pathway analysis revealed upregulated “fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis” pathway (p&lt;0.001) in vitro, suggesting an arteriogenic response of endothelial cell. In vivo study, upregulations of ephrin-B2 (p=0.03) and EphB4 (p=0.01) gene expressions in SB group were confirmed, indicating both arterial and venous remodeling induced by Notch signaling. Conclusions: SB623 patch transplantation induces arteriogenesis with functional recovery via Notch signaling in rat myocardial infarction model, proposing a new strategy for the treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Small intestine resection increases oxalate and citrate transporter expression and calcium oxalate crystal formation in rat hyperoxaluric kidneys.

Short bowel (SB) increases the risk of kidney stones. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we examined how SB affected renal oxalate and citrate handlings for in vivo hyperoxaluric rats and in vitro tubular cells. SB was induced by small intestine resection in male Wistar rats. Sham-operated controls had no resection. After 7 days of recovery, the rats were divided into control, SB (both fed with distilled water), ethylene glycol (EG), and SB+EG (both fed with 0.75% EG for hyperoxaluric induction) groups for 28 days. We collected the plasma, 24 h of urine, kidney, and intestine tissues for analysis. Hypocitraturia was found and persisted up to 28 days for the SB group. Hypocalcemia and high plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were found in the 28-day SB rats. SB aggravated EG-mediated oxalate nephropathy by fostering hyperoxaluria and hypocitraturia, and increasing the degree of supersaturation and calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal deposition. These effects were associated with renal up-regulations of the oxalate transporter solute carrier family 26 (Slc26)a6 and citrate transporter sodium-dependent dicarboxylate cotransporter-1 (NaDC-1) but not Slc26a2. The effects of PTH on the SB kidneys were then examined in NRK-52E tubular cells. Recombinant PTH attenuated oxalate-mediated cell injury and up-regulated NaDC-1 via protein kinase A (PKA) activation. PTH, however, showed no additive effects on oxalate-induced Slc26a6 and NaDC-1 up-regulation. Together, these results demonstrated that renal NaDC-1 upregulation-induced hypocitraturia weakened the defense against Slc26a6-mediated hyperoxaluria in SB kidneys for excess CaOx crystal formation. Increased tubular NaDC-1 expression caused by SB relied on PTH.

Retrospective analysis of EMR database to assess the effectiveness of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 in children with acute diarrhoea during routine clinical practice.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii, a yeast probiotic, in the management of acute diarrhoeal disorders in the paediatric population in outpatient settings. It was a multicentre retrospective analysis of medical records of children who were treated for acute diarrhoea by routine treatment (oral rehydration solution and zinc) with or without S. boulardii. Overall, 160 children presenting with acute diarrhoea at seven different outpatient paediatric settings were included in the study. Children were divided into two categories based on their treatment with S. boulardii (SB group) or without S. boulardii (Non-SB group). Baseline demographic, anthropometric and clinical variables were compared between the two groups. The median duration of diarrhoea post-treatment was significantly shorter in the S. boulardii group (3 days) than in the non-SB group (4 days). A significant reduction in the frequency of stools was observed post-treatment in the S. boulardii group (1.7 versus 2.5 in the non-SB group). There was a significant weight gain in the S. boulardii group post-treatment (300 g) in comparison with the non-SB group (mean loss of 400 g). This study established the positive role of S. boulardii in the management of acute diarrhoeal diseases in children. Moreover, the S. boulardii probiotic was seen to be effective in diarrhoeal diseases in children with dehydration.

Antibiotic-free diet supplemented with live yeasts decreases inflammatory markers in the ileum of weaned piglets

Emerging bacterial resistance to antibiotics increases the need for effective alternatives to control intestinal inflammation and thus gut disorders in piglets. This study evaluated the effects of including Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain 1026) and Saccharomyces boulardii (CNCM I-1079) as antibiotic alternatives in the starter diets of pigs on the concentrations of ileal inflammatory markers (nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-12 subunit p40 (IL-12p40), and villus height. Forty piglets were assigned to four experimental diets, namely basal diet (C−), basal diet with antibiotics (C+), basal diet with S. cerevisiae (Sc), and basal diet with S. boulardii (Sb). At 7 and 14 days post weaning, five piglets per diet group were euthanized to quantify the inflammatory markers and to measure villus height. The C− group exhibited the highest concentration of inflammatory markers and the most atrophied villi. The Sc group had intermediate values for both variables. The C+ group had the lowest values for inflammatory markers and the highest villus height was similar to that of the Sb group, which showed low concentrations of inflammatory markers, although not so low as those of the C+ group. Both yeasts could be used as antibiotic alternatives to reduce the use of antibiotics in pig starter diets. However, S. boulardii CNCM I-1079 supplementation controls inflammation and preserves intestinal mucosa more effectively than S. cerevisiae strain 1026.Keywords: cytokines, pigs, probiotic, Saccharomyces, weaning

Mixed-effects Location Scale Modeling For The Analysis Of Accelerometry Data

PURPOSE: To introduce a statistical technique, the mixed-effects location scale model, for analysis of longitudinal accelerometer-based physical activity (PA) data. This approach jointly models both the mean (location) and within-subject variability (scale) of participants’ PA over time as a function of covariates, since within-person variability may be an important construct to explore in PA interventions. Random effects are included in both models to allow for subject-specific deviations beyond the effect of covariates. These random effects can be correlated. METHODS: Participants (N=204, 77% female, age=33±11y, BMI=28.2±7.1 kg/m2) in the Make Better Choices Study were randomized to one of two activity-related intervention arms: 1) increase moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (PA group) or 2) decrease sedentary active control (SB group). Physical activity was measured by accelerometer for 5 weeks: a 2 week baseline assessment phase and a 3 week intervention follow-up phase: week 1 (rx1) and weeks 2 and 3 (rx23). The outcome MVPA min/d was analyzed using the mixed-effects location scale model in the MIXREGLS software program in STATA. RESULTS: The mean model shows a significant group by time interaction (MVPA group by rx1: B=6.32 (95%CI: 3.93, 8.7) MVPA group by rx23: B=9.85 (95% CI: 7.59, 12.10)) indicating that those in the PA group had significantly greater MVPA min/d at rx1 and rx23 compared to the SB group. The PA group by rx23 interaction was significant in the within-subject variance model, suggesting that those in the PA group had significantly more variability in MVPA min/d during follow-up phase rx23 compared to the SB group. The random-location effect is positively associated with the within subject variance, participants with higher mean min/d MVPA tend to have higher min/d MVPA variability (τι=0.70 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.80)). The scale standard deviation is significant indicating that some participant’s MVPA min/d are significantly more dispersed than other participants even after adjusting for group and time effects (σω=0.60 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.64)). CONCLUSIONS: The location-scale mixed model provides a new approach for examining the mean and variability of min/d of MVPA in longitudinal data. To demonstrate, we applied this model to a randomized controlled trial to increase PA in inactive adults.

An immunohistochemical study of the effects of orexin receptor blockade on phospholipase C-β3 level in rat hippocampal dentate gyrus neurons

ABSTRACT Orexin-A (hypocretin-1) is a neuropeptide that is produced in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) and promotes widespread cortical activation. We investigated the effect of SB-334867, a selective orexin receptor 1 (OXR1) antagonist, on phospholipase C-β3 (PLCβ3) level using slices of rat hippocampus preparations and immunohistochemistry. We used three Wistar rats in each of three groups. The control group was untreated rats and SB vehicle and SB groups received SB vehicle and 10 mg/kg SB-334867 daily from postnatal day (PND) 12 to PND30, respectively. We found that the orexin receptor antagonist decreased the PLCβ3 level in the inner and outer blades of dentate gyrus (DG) compared to SB vehicle treated rats. Orexin may increase the PLCβ3 level in most regions of the rat hippocampus.

Comparing complications of small-bore chest tubes to large-bore chest tubes in the setting of delayed hemothorax: a retrospective multicenter cohort study

BackgroundPrevious studies have provided initial data suggesting that small-bore (SB, ≤ 14Fr) chest tubes have the same efficacy as large-bore (LB, > 14 Fr) chest tubes for acute hemothorax (HTX), but data continue to be lacking in the setting of delayed HTX. This study compared complications of SB chest tubes to LB tubes in patients with delayed HTX.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study across 7.5 yrs. at 6 Level 1 trauma centers. Patients were included if 1) diagnosed with a HTX or > 1 rib fracture with bloody effusion from chest tube; 2) initial chest tube placed ≥36 h of hospital admission. Patients were excluded for hemopneumothoraces. The primary endpoint was having at least one of the following chest tube complications: tube replacement, VATS, tube falling out, tube clogging, pneumonia, retained HTX, pleural empyema. Secondary outcomes included chest tube output volume and drainage rate. Dependent/independent and parametric/non-parametric analyses were used to assess primary and secondary outcomes.ResultsThere were 160 SB patients (191 tubes) and 60 LB patients (72 tubes). Both comparison groups were similar in multiple demographic, injury, clinical features. The median (IQR) tube size for each group was as follows: SB [12 Fr (12–14)] and LB [32 Fr (28–32)]. The risk of having at least one chest tube complication was similar for LB and SB chest tubes (14% vs. 18%, p = 0.42). LB tubes had significantly larger risk of VATS, while SB tubes had significantly higher risk of pneumonia. SB tubes had significantly slower least squares (LS) mean initial output drainage rate compared to LB tubes (52.2 vs. 213.4 mL/hour, p < 0.001), but a non-parametric analysis suggested no significant difference in median drainage rates between groups 39.7 [23.5–242.0] mL/hr. vs. 38.6 [27.5–53.8], p = 0.81. LB and SB groups had similar initial output volume (738.0 mL vs. 810.9, p = 0.59).ConclusionsThere was no clearly superior chest tube diameter size; both chest tube sizes demonstrated risks and benefits. Clinicians must be aware of these potential tradeoffs when deciding on the diameter of chest tube for the treatment of delayed HTXs.

Comparison of the Enamel Surface Roughness from Different Polishing Methods: Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy Investigation.

Objective This study aimed to compare the enamel surface roughness created by four polishing methods after debonding, by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Materials and Methods Four experimental polishing groups (Sof-Lex disc, SD; sandblaster, SB; tungsten carbide bur, TB; and white stone bur, WB) and one control group were selected from 100 premolars ( n = 20/group). The experimental teeth were bonded with a bracket, thermocycled, and debonded. Residual adhesive was removed by either of the respective methods. Pre and postdebonding root mean square (Rq) values were obtained from AFM evaluations. All specimens were examined and evaluated with SEM using a modified enamel surface index (modified ESI). Statistical Analysis Differences among the polishing methods were compared with analysis of variance and Fisher’s least significant difference test at p < 0.05. Results Both microscopic evaluations indicated that the surface with the greatest roughness herein belonged to the SD group, followed by that for SB, TB, and WB groups. AFM measurements indicated a maximum postdebonding Rq herein for the WB group and a significantly greater surface roughness for the TB and WB groups than for the SD and SB groups. Among the experimental groups, SEM followed by modified ESI evaluations revealed similar data to those obtained with AFM. Significant differences were seen among all paired groups, except for that between the SB and TB groups. Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, all four polishing methods were concluded to be clinically acceptable for removing residual orthodontic adhesives.

JNK Signaling Pathway Suppresses LPS-Mediated Apoptosis of HK-2 Cells by Upregulating NGAL.

Objective To explore the role of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in upregulated NGAL expression and its antiapoptotic mechanism in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated renal tubular epithelial cell injury. Methods In vitro, HK-2 cells were divided into five groups (Con, LPS 1 h, LPS 3 h, LPS 6 h, and LPS 12 h groups) based on the time of LPS (10 μM) treatment. NGAL and caspase-3 gene expression levels were detected by RT-PCR to assess dynamic changes. HK-2 cells were pretreated with SP600125 (20 μM) for 2 hours, followed by LPS (10 μM) stimulation for 3 hours. NGAL and caspase-3 gene expression levels were then determined. Results NGAL mRNA was increased significantly within 6 hours, and caspase-3 mRNA was increased within 3 hours after treatment (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed a high correlation between their expression (r = 0.448, P < 0.05). After pretreatment with SP600125, mRNA expression of NGAL in the LPS group was inhibited, while that of caspase-3 was increased significantly. The NGAL mRNA expression level in the SB + LPS group was decreased significantly compared with that in the LPS group, but it was slightly higher than that in the SP group (∼1.5 times of that in the Con group). However, caspase-3 mRNA expression was increased significantly in the SB + LPS group (P < 0.001) (3.5 times of that in the Con group). It also showed a significant increase compared with SP and LPS groups (P < 0.001 vs. SB group; P < 0.05 vs. LPS group). We also found that NGAL and caspase 3 proteins were increased significantly in LPS and SP + LPS groups, but SP600125 decreased the NGAL level by almost 35% and increased the caspase 3 level by 50% in the SP + LPS group compared with the LPS group (P < 0.05). Conclusions The JNK signaling pathway inhibits LPS-mediated apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells by upregulating NGAL.

Changes of insulin secretion and its signal transduction mechanism at early stage of severe scald in rats

Objective: To observe the changes of insulin secretion in the early stage of severe scald in rats, and to explore its signal transduction mechanism. Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats aged 7 weeks were divided into sham injury alone (SIA) group, sham injury+ BPV (HOpic) (SIB) group, scald alone (SA) group, and scald+ BPV (HOpic) (SB) group using the random number table, with 6 rats in each group. Full-thickness scald of 50% total body surface area was inflicted in rats of SA and SB groups by a 6-s immersion of the abdomen and a 12-s immersion of the back in 94 ℃ hot water. Rats in SIA and SIB groups received sham injuries through immersion of the back and abdomen in 37 ℃ warm water for 6 and 12 seconds respectively. From 0 (immediately) to 2 day (s) after injury, the rats in groups SB and SIB were intraperitoneally injected with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway enhancer BPV (HOpic) solution (0.5 mg/mL) at the dosage of 0.6 mg/kg once a day, and the rats in groups SA and SIA were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of dimethyl sulfoxide once a day. At post injury hour (PIH) 72, the tail blood of rats was sampled for measuring fasting blood glucose (FBG) with a glucometer, and the pancreatic tissue samples of rats was harvested for observing the pathological manifestations of islets by hematoxylin-eosin staining, counting the docked granules per 10 μm membrane of islet beta cells and calculating the proportion of insulin vesicles through the observation of the ultrastructure of islet beta cells by transmission electron microscope, and detecting the phosphorylation level of Akt in the pancreatic PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by Western blotting. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference test. Results: (1) At PIH 72, the rat FBG levels in SIA and SIB groups were normal and similar (P>0.05). Compared with the levels of those two groups, the rat FBG level in SA group was increased significantly (P<0.01), while the level in SB group showed no obvious change (P>0.05). Compared with that in SA group, the rat FBG level in SB group was decreased significantly (P<0.01). (2) At PIH 72, the morphology of rat islets was complete and the islet cells distributed regularly in SIA and SIB groups. Compared with those in SIA and SIB groups, the morphology of rat islets was incomplete, the insulin vesicles in islets were common, the islet cells distributed irregularly, and the cytoplasm of some islet beta cells was lightly stained or translucent in SA group; the morphology of islets in SB group did not change obviously. Compared with those in SA group, the morphology of islets was comparatively complete, the insulin vesicles in islets were less common, the islet cells distributed comparatively regularly, and the lightly stained or translucent cytoplasm of islet beta cells was less in SB group. (3) At PIH 72, the number of docked granules per 10 μm membrane of rat islet beta cells and the proportion of insulin vesicles in SIA and SIB groups were similar (P>0.05). Compared with those in SIA and SIB groups, the number of docked granules per 10 μm membrane of rat islet beta cells in SA group was decreased significantly (P<0.01), while the proportion of insulin vesicles was increased significantly (P<0.01); the number of docked granules per 10 μm membrane of rat islet beta cells in SB group was obviously decreased (P<0.05), while the proportion of insulin vesicles did not change obviously (P>0.05). Compared with those in SA group, the number of docked granules per 10 μm membrane of rat islet beta cells in SB group was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the proportion of insulin vesicles was significantly decreased (P<0.01). (4) At PIH 72, the phosphorylation levels of Akt in SIA, SIB, SA, and SB groups were 0.91±0.03, 0.98±0.03, 0.78±0.08, and 0.87±0.08, respectively. Compared with that in SIA group, the phosphorylation level of Akt was increased obviously in SIB group (P<0.05) but was decreased significantly in SA group (P<0.01), while the level in SB group did not change obviously (P>0.05). Compared with the level in SIB group, the phosphorylation levels of Akt in SA and SB groups were decreased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with that in SA group, the phosphorylation level of Akt in SB group was increased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusions: At the early stage post severe scald in rats, the activity of the pancreatic PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and the function of insulin secretion are reduced. Improving the activity of the pancreatic PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats can ameliorate the function of insulin secretion and recover the physiological level of blood glucose.

Oxygen and mechanical ventilation impede the functional properties of resident lung mesenchymal stromal cells.

Resident/endogenous mesenchymal stromal cells function to promote the normal development, growth, and repair of tissues. Following premature birth, the effects of routine neonatal care (e.g. oxygen support and mechanical ventilation) on the biological properties of lung endogenous mesenchymal stromal cells is (L-MSCs) is poorly understood. New Zealand white preterm rabbits were randomized into the following groups: (i) sacrificed at birth (Fetal), (ii) spontaneously breathing with 50% O2 for 4 hours (SB), or (iii) mechanical ventilation with 50% O2 for 4h (MV). At time of necropsy, L-MSCs were isolated, characterized, and compared. L-MSCs isolated from the MV group had decreased differentiation capacity, ability to form stem cell colonies, and expressed less vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA. Compared to Fetal L-MSCs, 98 and 458 genes were differentially expressed in the L-MSCs derived from the SB and MV groups, respectively. Gene ontology analysis revealed these genes were involved in key regulatory processes including cell cycle, cell division, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, the L-MSCs from the SB and MV groups had smaller mitochondria, nuclear changes, and distended endoplasmic reticula. Short-term hyperoxia/mechanical ventilation after birth alters the biological properties of L-MSCs and stimulates genomic changes that may impact their reparative potential.

GYY4137 protects against MCAO via p38 MAPK mediated anti-apoptotic signaling pathways in rats

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a neuromodulator that protect the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The present study aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of GYY4137 (a slow-releasing donor of H2S) against cerebral I/R injury. GYY4137 significantly increased the level of H2S in rat brain cortex. Compared with the I/R group, the cerebral infarction volume in GYY4137 group (GYY) and SB203580 group (SB) were significantly decreased. Compared with SB group, the cerebral infarction volume in GYY group was significantly decreased. The brain edema in GYY group and SB group were significantly decreased than that in I/R group. Compared with I/R group, the Garcia score in GYY and SB group were significantly increased. Western blot analysis showed that the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2 and JNK protein in GYY group was significantly increased compared with I/R group. Compared with I/R group, the expression of Bax protein in GYY and SB group were significantly decreased, while the expression of Bcl-2 protein was significantly increased. The activity of caspase-3 in GYY group and SB group were significantly decreased than that of I/R group. Our findings suggested that H2S slow-releasing agent GYY4137 improved the neurological function and reduced the infarct area after cerebral I/R injury. The protective effects were achieved by inhibiting apoptosis via regulating p38 MAPK、ERK1/2 and JNK signaling pathways.