Gamma irradiation induced surface modification of (PVC/HDPE)/ZnO nanocomposite for enhancing the oil removal and conductivity using COMSOL multiphysics.

Blend nanocomposite film was prepared by loadings of irradiated ZnO in ratios of (5 wt%) inside the PVC/HDPE matrix using a hot-melt extruder technique. The physical and chemical properties of the irradiated and unirradiated ZnO samples are compared. The Vis-UV spectrum of ZnO shows an absorption peak at a wavelength of 373 nm that was slightly red-shifted to 375 nm for an irradiated sample of ZnO at a dose of 25 kGy due to the defect of crystal structure by the oxygen vacancy during gamma irradiations. This growth of the defect site leads to a decrease in energy gaps from 3.8 to 2.08 eV. AC conductivity of ZnO sample increased after the gamma irradiation process (25 kGy). The (PVC/HDPE)/ZnO nanocomposites were re-irradiated with γ rays at 25 kGy in the presence of four different media (silicon oil, sodium silicate, paraffin wax and water). FTIR and XRD were performed to monitor the changes in chemical composition. The new peak at 1723 cm-1 attributed to C=O groups was observed in irradiated (PVC/HDPE)ZnO samples at only sodium silicate and water media. This process induced new function groups on the surface of the (PVC/HDPE)/ZnO blend sample. This work aims to develop (PVC/HDPE)ZnO for oil/water separation. The highest oil adsorption capability was observed in samples functionalized by C=O groups based on the different tested oils. The results suggest that the surface characterization of the (PVC/HDPE)/ZnO can be modified to enhance the oil adsorption potential. Further, the gamma irradiation dose significantly enhanced the AC conductivity compared to the unirradiated sample. According to COMSOL Multiphysics, the irradiated sample (PVC/HDPE)ZnO in water shows perfect uniform electric field distribution in medium voltage cables (22.000 V).

Impact of γ-irradiation and SBR content in the compatibility of aminated (PVC/LLDPE)/ZnO for improving their AC conductivity and oil removal.

In some cases, blends containing PVC and LLDPE show low compatibility. Adding styrene-butadiene rubber to the PVC/LLDPE mixtures leads to a noticeable increase in tensile strength and compatibility of the blends. Also, an improvement in tensile strength is observed after incorporating SBR compatibilizer resulting in entirely different gamma irradiation doses. Without a compatibilizer, the mixture exhibits a distributed PVC and LLDPE phase with variable sizes and shapes; even a sizable portion of the domains resemble droplets. Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and gamma radiation make mixtures of (PVC/LLDPE) more compatible. The SEM study of the blends demonstrated that adding the compatibilizer resulted in finer blend morphologies with less roughness. At the same time, gamma irradiation reduced this droplet and gave a more smooth surface. Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was chemically modified with four different amino compounds, including ethylene diamine (EDA), aniline (An), p-anisidine (pA) and dimethyl aniline (DMA) for improving the electric conductivity and oil removal capability of the blend polymer. All ionomers were prepared by nucleophilic substitution in a solvent/non-solvent system under mild conditions. This work novelty shows a sustainable route for producing oil adsorption materials by recycling plastic waste. After the amination process of poly(vinyl chloride) the oil adsorption was significantly enhanced.

Effectiveness of photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to periodontal scaling for treating periodontitis in geriatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to explore the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis among geriatric patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This clinical trial assessed 60 geriatric patients having severe periodontitis (Stage III/Grade C). Participants were randomized in two groups: Group A - SRP + PDT (test group) and Group B - SRP alone. The assessment of clinical periodontal parameters included plaque scores (PS), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Crevicular fluid interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6 were assessed using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). All measurements were performed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively. Mann-Whitney test was employed to analyze the mean values and establish inter-group comparisons. The p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age of the included patients ranged from 65.4 to 67.1 years. On inter-group comparison, a statistically significant reduction in PS and BOP was seen for Group A patients compared to Group B patients at 3 months follow-up (p<0.001). Probing depth and CAL were reduced in both groups. However, at 3 months and 6 months follow-up, the inter-group comparison showed reduced PD (p<0.01) and gain in CAL (p<0.001) for Group A in comparison to Group B. At each follow-up re-evaluation, there was no significant difference in the IL-1ß levels between both the groups (p>0.05). The same trend was followed by IL-6 at 3 months. However, the reduction in the IL-6 was maintained until 6 months of re-evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: PDT helped to reduce the clinical and pro-inflammatory load within the diseased periodontal pockets in geriatric patients.

Dietary effect of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on quail performance, carcass, blood metabolites and intestinal microbiota.

This study aimed to assess the impacts of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on the growth performance, carcass traits, intestinal microbiota, liver and kidney functions, immunity, oxidative status, and lipid profile of Japanese quails. A total of 200 one-week-old unsexed Japanese quails with an average initial body weight of 26.24 ± 0.2 g were randomly distributed into 5 equal groups of 40 birds and further subdivided into 5 replicates. The first (control) group was fed a diet without any licorice, while licorice powder was added at levels of 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg per kg diet in the second, third, fourth, and fifth groups, respectively. At the age of 3 wk, the group of quail fed on a diet supplemented with 750 and 1000 mg licorice/kg of diet gained the highest body weight (BW) and daily body weight (DBW), while attaining the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to other groups. Meanwhile, groups fed diets with licorice at levels of 0 and 250 mg/kg showed the highest feed intake. After the 5-wk feeding trial, the highest BW and DBW values, and the lowest FCR were recorded in the group fed with 750 mg licorice/kg diet. The different treatments produced no significant differences (P > 0.05) in quail carcass characteristics, including percentages of carcass, liver, gizzard, heart, giblets, and dressing. The blood of the group fed a 750 mg licorice diet had higher contents of total protein and GLOB, while its contents of A/G%, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were lower. Apart from the high level of licorice (1000 mg/kg), the MDA level was linearly and quadratically (P = 0.0413 and 0.001) decreased with different licorice groups, while superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and M (IgM) were quadratically increased when compared to the control group. Licorice supplementation resulted in marked reductions in the number of total bacteria, coliforms, E. coli, and Salmonella, compared to those in the control. In conclusion, the inclusion of licorice at levels of 750 and 1000 mg/kg into the diet of Japanese quail enhances the animal's performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and maintains a healthy gut microbiota.

Use of lemongrass essential oil as a feed additive in quail's nutrition: its effect on growth, carcass, blood biochemistry, antioxidant and immunological indices, digestive enzymes and intestinal microbiota.

The present study was designed to assess the impact of dietary supplementation of lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) on growth performance, carcass traits, liver and kidney function, immunity, antioxidant indices and caecal microbiota of growing quail. A total of 200 Japanese quails at 1-week-old were haphazardly allotted to 5 groups of 40 chicks in five replicates (8 per replicate). The first group was the control group, while LGEO was added at levels of 150, 300, 450, and 600 mg/kg diet in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th groups, respectively. Dietary supplementation of LGEO (150, 300 and 450 mg/ kg diet) increased body weight at 3 and 5 wk of age, and increased body weight gain during all periods compared with the control group (P < 0.05). All levels of LGEO improved feed conversion ratio during the periods from 1 to 3 and 1 to 5 wk of age. During 3 to 5 wk, feed conversion ratio was improved in quails fed LGEO (300 and 450 mg/kg diet) compared with the control and other treatments. Carcass traits, plasma globulin, alanine aminotransferase, and urea values did not differ among the treatments (P > 0.05), but the activity of aspartate aminotransferase in the plasma was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in LGEO-treated groups. The total protein and albumin values were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in quails fed levels of LGEO (except 600 mg/kg diet) compared with the control. The inclusion of LGEO in quail diets improved (P < 0.05) plasma lipid profile. The dietary supplementation of LGEO increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) plasma immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, and IgA) levels, lysozyme values and activities of superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione and catalase compared with the control group. The caecal Coliform, E. coli and Salmonella were lowered (P < 0.0001) in the quails treated with all LGEO levels, but the total bacterial count and Lactobacillus count were increased with dietary supplementation of LGEO levels (300 and 450 mg/kg) compared with those in the control group. The activities of digestive enzymes were significantly higher in birds fed the diet supplemented with LGEO levels than those fed the control diet. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of LGEO can improve the performance, lipid profile, immunity and antioxidant indices and decline intestinal pathogens and thus boost the health status of growing quail.

Effect of cereal type and plant extract addition on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, caecal microflora, and gut barriers gene expression of broiler chickens.

Feeding broiler chickens on diets based on cereal grains of high non-starch polysaccharides content such as wheat and barley can negatively impact their performance and gut health. Plant extracts can be used as a potential tool to alleviate these negative effects. The present study assessed the effects of dietary cereal type and the inclusion of a plant extract blend (PEB) on the growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, caecal microflora, and gene expression of selected biomarkers for gut integrity in broiler chickens in a 42-d experiment. Ross-308 male broilers were assigned into different dietary treatments and fed on two cereal types (corn- vs. wheat/barley-based) with/without added graded concentrations of a PEB (0, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg diet). There were no significant differences in the growth performance parameters, intestinal histomorphology, and caecal microflora due to the impact of dietary cereal type. However, lactobacilli count in the caecal microflora was increased in the group fed on a corn-based diet. The PEB supplementation especially at a level of 500 to 1000 mg/kg diet significantly increased the average BW and decreased the feed conversion ratio. It also increased the villi length of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, decreased the duodenal crypt depth, and increased the villi length to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Supplementation of the PEB decreased the total bacterial and coliform count and increased the lactobacilli count in a linear pattern. Gene expression of Occludin and Junction Adhesion Molecule was significantly increased in the PEB supplemented diets, whereby no influence was observed on mucin expression. In conclusion, supplementation of a PEB at levels of 500-1000 mg/kg can be used as a tool to improve broiler performance and gut health.

Effect of Biomechanical Environment on Degeneration of Meckel's Cartilage.

During orofacial tissue development, the anterior and posterior regions of the Meckel's cartilage undergo mineralization, while the middle region undergoes degeneration. Despite the interesting and particular phenomena, the mechanisms that regulate the different fates of Meckel's cartilage, including the effects of biomechanical cues, are still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the course of Meckel's cartilage during embryonic development from a biomechanical perspective. Histomorphological and biomechanical (stiffness) changes in the Meckel's cartilage were analyzed from embryonic day 12 to postnatal day 0. The results revealed remarkable changes in the morphology and size of chondrocytes, as well as the occurrence of chondrocyte burst in the vicinity of the mineralization site, an often-seen phenomenon preceding endochondral ossification. To understand the effect of biomechanical cues on Meckel's cartilage fate, a mechanically tuned 3-dimensional hydrogel culture system was used. At the anterior region, a moderately soft environment (10-kPa hydrogel) promoted chondrocyte burst and ossification. On the contrary, at the middle region, a more rigid environment (40-kPa hydrogel) enhanced cartilage degradation by inducing a higher expression of MMP-1 and MMP-13. These results indicate that differences in the biomechanical properties of the surrounding environment are essential factors that distinctly guide the mineralization and degradation of Meckel's cartilage and would be valuable tools for modulating in vitro cartilage and bone tissue engineering.

In-vitro assessment of bone viability with different implant drill speeds.

The success of implant osseointegration is clearly impacted by the heat produced throughout the implant osteotomy site preparation. Bone necrosis of the implant bed should be prevented to maintain a stable osseointegration process. The objective of this experiment was to validate the impact of implant drill speed on the bone from the point of view of heat generation; a second objective was to evaluate viability of the osteotomised implant sites in rabbits histologically. Twenty healthy adult rabbits, were randomly categorised into 4 groups; 3 bony osteotomies in the 3 mm, 3.5 mm and 4 mm diameters of the femur were made in each rabbit. Variable speeds were used for the 3 diameters as follow: Group I: speed 1000 rpm, Group II: speed 1500 rpm, Group III: speed 2000 rpm. A combination of speed 2000 rpm for the small diameter drills and the last large diameter with speed 1000 rpm was used in Group IV. The temperature changes were recorded. After the operation, the rabbits were euthanised and the bony samples were taken for histological evaluation. In group III and Group IV, histological analysis demonstrated more bone viability compared to other groups. Furthermore, heat analysis revealed significant differences between group III, Group IV and the other groups with less heat produced with greater speeds compared with lower speeds. Drilling with higher speed in dense bone with irrigation produces less heat and maintains more bone viability compared with lower speed. In addition, increased drill diameter with the same speed or with increased speed generates less heat compared with smaller diameters.

Union of the European Phoniatricians' position statement on the exit strategy of phoniatric and laryngological services: staying safe and getting back to normal after the peak of coronavirus disease 2019 (issued on 25th May 2020).

BACKGROUND: The following position statement from the Union of the European Phoniatricians, updated on 25th May 2020 (superseding the previous statement issued on 21st April 2020), contains a series of recommendations for phoniatricians and ENT surgeons who provide and/or run voice, swallowing, speech and language, or paediatric audiology services. OBJECTIVES: This material specifically aims to inform clinical practices in countries where clinics and operating theatres are reopening for elective work. It endeavours to present a current European view in relation to common procedures, many of which fall under the aegis of aerosol generating procedures. CONCLUSION: As evidence continues to build, some of the recommended practices will undoubtedly evolve, but it is hoped that the updated position statement will offer clinicians precepts on safe clinical practice.

Effect of dietary supplementation of grape seed extract on the growth performance, lipid profile, antioxidant status and immune response of broiler chickens.

Grape seed extracts (GSE) contain several beneficial bioactive constituents; therefore, can be utilized as a potential feed additive in broiler chickens. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementation of broiler chicken diets with GSE as a natural antioxidant at levels of 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm on the growth performance, serum lipid profile, liver glutathione-reduced, thigh muscle malondialdehyde and humoral immune response against Newcastle disease virus vaccines. This experiment was performed during the life-span of chickens from 0 to 42 days of age. The results of broilers fed on diet supplemented by GSE were compared with those fed on the basal diet (control) or the basal diet supplemented by butylated hydroxytoluene as a synthetic antioxidant (BHT, 125 ppm). No significant differences were observed in the growth performance, percent livability, total lipid, high and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterols when the use of GSE or BHT were compared with the control. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly decreased after intake of GSE compared with BHT in the feed diet. The glutathione-reduced level in liver tissues was significantly increased by inclusion of GSE, but not by BHT. Inclusion of GSE or BHT decreased significantly the malondialdehyde level found in meat tissue. The antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus vaccines was significantly elevated in 28 and 35-day-old broiler chickens fed with a diet supplemented with GSE or BHT, the former providing a higher response. It can be concluded that GSE can be used as an effective natural antioxidant and immunostimulant agent in broiler chicken diets, and that 125 to 250 ppm can be considered as the optimum dosage.

Effect of supplementing broiler chicken diets with green tea extract on the growth performance, lipid profile, antioxidant status and immune response.

A trial was conducted to explore the effect of feeding graded concentrations of green tea extract (GTE; 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg) on the growth performance, serum lipid profile, liver glutathione-reduced, thigh muscle malondialdehyde and humoral immune response against Newcastle disease virus vaccines of broiler chickens from hatching to 42 d of age. The results of broilers fed on GTE were contrasted to those fed on butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT; 125 mg/kg) or unsupplemented controls. The obtained results revealed no significant difference among treatments in the measured growth performance parameters (body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio), per cent liveability and serum lipid profile (total lipid, total cholesterol, high-density, low-density and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterols). Dietary intake of GTE resulted in a significant increase in the liver glutathione-reduced level compared to the control. The glutathione-reduced level of broilers fed on the BHT diet was not significantly different from that of broilers fed on GTE or control diets. Feeding GTE or BHT resulted in a significant decrease in the malondialdehyde level of meat tissue. The specific antibody titre against Newcastle disease virus vaccines was significantly increased at 28 and 35 d of age in broilers fed on diets supplemented with GTE but not with BHT. In conclusion, GTE was found to possess antioxidant and immunostimulant characteristics for broilers when supplemented to their diets, and its optimum inclusion level ranged from 125 to 500 mg/kg.

Ovarian dysgerminoma with normal serum tumour markers presenting in a child with precocious puberty.

A 7-year-old female child was presented to the emergency room with acute abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Her assessment revealed a firm large lower abdominal mass with evidence of precocious puberty with bilaterally symmetrically enlarged breast (Tanner stage B4-P1-A1). Abdominal imaging showed a well-defined soft midline pelvi-abdominal single mass measuring 7.0×12.6×11.7 cms with no ascites. Serum tumour markers including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (B-hCG) and luteinizing hormone/follicular stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) were all normal. At operation, there was a huge abdominal tumour weighing 558 grams, localized to the right ovary sparing the left ovary, uterus, lymph nodes and other abdominal organs. Unilateral right salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed ovarian dysgerminoma with intact capsule; FIGO Ia. Immunohistochemical stainings were positive for placental alkaline phosphatase (PALP), CD 117(c-kit) and calretinin focally but was negative for cancer antigen-125 (CA-125), B-hCG, S-100, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and leukocyte common antigen (LCA). Being fitting in the low risk classification, the wait and see protocol was selected with strict follow-up with pediatric oncologist and pediatric surgeon. Along the duration of 2 years follow up, there was no more vaginal bleeding with dramatic reduction of the breast size and no recurrence.

Effect of phytase supplementation to diets varying in chloride level on performance, litter moisture, foot pad score, and gait score of growing turkeys.

Phytase was examined as a means to improve turkey performance in diets with high Cl by modifying dietary electrolyte balance. Nicholas turkey toms (10 poults/pen; 10 replicates per pen) were fed corn-soy-distillers dried grains with solubles-canola meal-based diets (DDGS/CM) with varying Cl (0.2, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5%) and phytase (0 or 500 phytase units/kg of diet), making 8 treatments (4 × 2 factorial). A ninth treatment was a corn-soy based diet (CS) with 0.3% Cl and without phytase (positive control). The diets were formulated to contain similar AMEn and digestible amino acid levels for each of 5 feeding periods (2 to 5, 5 to 8, 8 to 11, 11 to 14, and 14 to 17 wk of age) and fed in mash form. Turkey BW, ADG, ADFI, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined for each pen along with litter moisture, foot pad, and gait scores. An ANOVA was conducted to determine the effects of Cl, phytase, and their interaction. Turkey BW, ADG, and ADFI decreased in a linear or curvilinear manner with increasing diet Cl (P < 05). At 17 wk of age, litter moisture and foot pad score showed a cubic trend with diet Cl (P < 0.05). Phytase improved FCR during 8 to 11 wk and increased litter moisture at 11 wk of age (P < 0.003). Phytase modified the FCR response to Cl during 2 to 5 and 14 to 17 wk of age at the 2 lowest levels of dietary Cl (P < 0.05). Turkeys fed CS had better BW and FCR through 17 wk of age compared with those receiving DDGS/CM at 0.3% Cl. Based on BW, minimum dietary electrolyte balance based on Na, K, and Cl was found to be 247, 217, 200, and 171 mEq/kg during 5 to 8, 8 to 11, 11 to 14, and 14 to 17 wk of age, respectively. The present findings emphasized the importance of considering Cl, phytase, and associated dietary electrolyte balance in turkey diets containing high levels of alternative byproducts.

Effect of dietary corn dried distillers grains with solubles, canola meal, and chloride on electrolyte balance, growth performance, and litter moisture of growing turkeys.

A study determined if dietary corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), canola meal (CM), or chloride (Cl) could adversely affect the performance and litter moisture of turkeys. A total of 1,089 Nicholas toms were used in a study during 2 to 14 wk of age. The poults were randomized into 99 pens (11 poults/pen) with number reduced to 10/pen at 8 wk. The factorial arrangement consisted of 3 diet sets [corn-soy (CS), CS + 20% DDGS, CS + 20% DDGS + 10% canola meal] and 3 Cl levels (0.22, 0.32, 0.42%), making 9 treatments distributed in 11 replicate blocks. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric with similar levels of digestible amino acids for each of 4 feeding phases. The dietary electrolyte balance varied with diet set and age period and ranged from 351 to 181 mEq/kg of diet (Na(+) + K(+) - Cl(-)) or 184 to -29 mEq/kg (Na(+) + K(+)) - (Cl(-) + S(2-)). Individual BW and pen feed residues were measured at each phase. Samples of litter were collected at 11 and 14 wk for measuring moisture. During 2 to 14 wk, no differences were observed in BW and ADG attributable to diet (P < 0.05). Birds fed diets containing DDGS or with CM consumed 6.0% more ADFI (P > 0.05). No differences were found for Cl or diet × Cl interaction for BW, ADG, or ADFI. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher (P > 0.05) for birds fed diets containing DDGS or CM. A diet × Cl interaction was found for FCR during 8 to 14 wk; increasing Cl over 0.22% significantly increased the FCR by 3.0% only in diets containing DDGS with CM. Litter moisture was increased in diets containing DDGS or with CM, and by increased Cl. Including S in dietary electrolyte balance resulted in a better albeit weak correlation with ADG during 2 to 5 wk (-0.51 vs. -0.36) and FCR during 11 to 14 wk (-0.36 vs. -0.21). Due to the detrimental effect on FCR, high Cl should be avoided with DDGS and CM in turkey grower diets.

Gastroesophageal reflux/laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: a critical analysis of the literature.

Despite the wealth of publications on the topic of gastroesophageal reflux and its variants, there are still many unsettled questions before one accepts the prevalent cult of "reflux disease". This study is summarizing the results of the critical analysis of the literature, 436 articles,during the last 30 years. The golden test to identify the patient group suffering from this rather common phenomenon is still lacking. The claimed extra-esophageal manifestations especially in the larynx are non-specific and may be caused by other factors well-known within the domain of vocology. The response to therapeutic intervention still lacks serious well-controlled studies to allow drawing reasonable conclusions. An outstanding feature of the publications is that most of them fall in the category of "review". It seems that there is a tendency to perpetuate the concept without objective criticism. Following the analysis, a recommendation for anew plan of original well-controlled multi-center studies is highlighted.

Intramuscular gold decreases cytokine expression and macrophage numbers in the rheumatoid synovial membrane.

OBJECTIVES: Cytokines, released from mononuclear cells (MNC) are mediators of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The mechanisms of action of gold salts used in the treatment of RA are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate cytokine expression and intensity of MNC infiltrate in the RA synovial membrane (SM) following treatment with sodium aurothiomalate (SAT). METHODS: Sequential blind needle biopsies were obtained at entry into the study and at two and 12 weeks after the start of SAT therapy in 10 patients with active RA. SMs were stained with a panel of monoclonal antibodies to assess cytokine expression (IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and GM-CSF). RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha expression 12 weeks after treatment (p < 0.004, p < 0.002, p < 0.009 and p < 0.004 respectively). This was noted in the lining layer, the perivascular aggregates and the connective tissue areas. Detailed examination of the MNC infiltrate showed a significant reduction in inflammatory monocytes (MONO) in the lining layer at two weeks (p < 0.03). A decrease in the number of CD68+ macrophages (MAC) was noted in the perivascular and connective tissue areas at 12 weeks. No significant changes were observed in the number of T and B cells and blood vessels. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that gold may suppress RA disease activity by diminishing MONO and MAC numbers and consequently monokine production in the SM.

Cytokine expression in synovial membranes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare, by immunohistochemistry, the cellular and cytokine profile in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) synovial membranes (SMs). Synovium was obtained at knee arthroplasty from 10 patients with RA and 10 with OA. METHODS: Synovial membranes were stained with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to assess cytokine expression (IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, GM-CSF, TNF-alpha and EGF) and the intensity of the mononuclear cellular infiltrate (MNC). RESULTS: Significantly greater percentages of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, GM-CSF and EGF cells were detected in all areas of the rheumatoid SMs when compared with osteoarthritic SMs. Five RA but only one OA SM demonstrated focal lymphoid aggregates. Lining layer thickening was noted in RA SMs only. The intensity of the MNC and number of blood vessels were greater in the RA group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the differences in cytokine production by RA and OA SMs are quantitative but that the greater thickness of the synovial lining layer and higher vascularity may be specific to RA.