Healing of Skin Wounds in Rats Using Creams Based on Symphytum Officinale Extract.

Rosmarinic acid is a well-known natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, and it is one of the polyphenolic compounds found in comfrey plants. Comfrey root also contains allantoin, which helps with new skin regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the healing and skin regeneration process of skin wounds in Wistar rats using creams based on comfrey extract and to correlate the results with active compounds in the extract. The obtained results showed that comfrey root is rich in bioactive compounds, including allantoin, salvianolic acid, and rosmarinic acid, which are known for their great free radical scavenging activity, and the high antioxidant activity of the extract may be mainly due to these compounds. The obtained extract has an antimicrobial effect on Staphylococcus aureus (1530.76/382.69), Escherichia coli (6123.01/6123.01), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6123.01/6123.01). The macroscopic evaluation and the histological analysis of the skin defects 14 days after the intervention showed faster healing and complete healing in the skin excisions treated with oil-in-water cream with 20% extract of comfrey as the active ingredient.

The Impact of Composites with Silicate-Based Glasses and Gold Nanoparticles on Skin Wound Regeneration.

The silver content of the skin regeneration ointments can influence its regeneration process but in the meantime, it can take the benefit of the antibacterial properties of silver by avoiding the bacterial infection of an open wound. In the current study, the skin healing and regeneration capacity of bioactive glass with spherical gold nanocages (BGAuIND) in the Vaseline ointments were evaluated in vivo comparing the bioactive glass (BG)-Vaseline and bioactive glass with spherical gold (BGAuSP)-Vaseline ointments. Spherical gold nanocages are stabilized with silver and as a consequence the BGAuIND exhibits great antibacterial activity. Histological examination of the cutaneous tissue performed on day 8 indicates a more advanced regeneration process in rats treated with BGAuSP-Vaseline. The histopathological examination also confirms the results obtained after 11 days post-intervention, when the skin is completely regenerated at rats treated with BGAuSP-Vaseline compared with the others groups where the healing was incomplete. This result is also confirmed by the macroscopic images of the evolution of wounds healing. As expected, the silver content influences the wound healing process but after two weeks, for all of the post-interventional trials from the groups of rats, the skin healing was completely.

Diagnosis and surgical management of malignant ovarian teratoma in a green iguana (Iguana iguana).

BACKGROUND: Ovarian tumors in reptiles are uncommonly reported in the literature and for green iguanas previously reported cases include teratomas, one adenocarcinoma and one papillary cystadenocarcinoma. The present report is the first of a malignant ovarian teratoma in a green iguana. Complete and detailed pathological features, differential diagnosis and surgical management of malignant ovarian teratoma are discussed in this paper. CASE PRESENTATION: A 9-year-old intact female green iguana (Iguana iguana) with a clinical history of persistent anorexia and progressive abdominal distension was referred to the surgery department. On physical examination, a presumptive diagnosis of follicular stasis was established. Radiographic evaluation showed a large radioopaque mass within the abdomen, which was visible both in latero-lateral and ventro-dorsal exposures. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a large intra-abdominal mass, with numerous cyst-like structures filled with liquid and a heterogeneous aspect with hypoechoic areas. Exploratory laparatomy was thus suggested and the mass was removed surgically. The histologic findings of the neoplasm were consistent with those of ovarian malignant teratoma. Surgical excision of the mass in our case was considered curative and after a follow-up period of 6 months the animal has recovered completely. CONCLUSIONS: A malignant ovarian teratoma has not been previously reported in green iguana and should be included in the list of differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors in this species. This report will contribute to a better understanding of the pathology of this rare tumor in green iguanas.

Photodynamic Therapy with Natural Photosensitizers in the Management of Periodontal Disease Induced in Rats.

This study aims to investigate the effect of new natural photosensitizers (PS) (based on oregano essential oil, curcuma extract, and arnica oil) through in vitro cytotoxicity and biological tests in rat-induced periodontal disease, treated with photodynamic therapy (aPDT). The cytotoxicity of PS was performed on human dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (dMSCs) and human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell lines. Periodontal disease was induced by ligation of the first mandibular molar of 25 rats, which were divided into 5 groups: control group, periodontitis group, Curcuma and aPDT-treated group, oregano and aPDT-treated group, and aPDT group. The animals were euthanized after 4 weeks of study. Computed tomography imaging has been used to evaluate alveolar bone loss. Hematological and histological evaluation showed a greater magnitude of the inflammatory response and severe destruction of the periodontal ligaments in the untreated group.. For the group with the induced periodontitis and treated with natural photosensitizers, the aPDT improved the results; this therapy could be an important adjuvant treatment. The obtained results of these preliminary studies encourage us to continue the research of periodontitis treated with natural photosensitizers activated by photodynamic therapy.

Morphology of the mammary gland in romanian buffalo.

The gross morphology of the mammary gland in buffalo is the foundation that is necessary for the process to improve the species for agricultural use. This study determined the mammary gland's anatomical, histological and imaging structure in the Romanian buffalo. The research material was represented by ten udders, five udders from adult buffaloes and five udders from young females slaughtered in the abattoir. The udders were collected immediately after slaughtering the animals, then transported to USAMV Cluj-Napoca, Romania, examined macroscopically, histologically and through imagistic methods. The morphological examination tracked the topography, external conformation, vascularization and innervation of the mammary gland in the buffalo. The histological examination highlighted differences between the ductoacinary structures of the mammary gland parenchyma in adult buffaloes compared with young females. The imaging examination showed the detachment of the middle mammary artery and the arterial anastomoses established between the mammary arteries on the left side of the udder and those on the right side and between the arteries of the quarters on the same side. This research can be theoretical and practical support to other studies in establishing the most accurate diagnosis and therapeutic protocol in various clinical pathologies of the udder in buffalo.

Current Aspects Regarding the Clinical Relevance of Electroacupuncture in Dogs with Spinal Cord Injury: A Literature Review.

In recent years, the use of acupuncture and electroacupuncture has been increasing as more clinical research has been conducted showing positive results in the treatment of animals, particularly dogs. Electroacupuncture is a more complex and specific acupuncture technique that involves electrical stimulation on acupuncture needles. Most of the studies have shown that the beneficial effects of electroacupuncture are more evident than in acupuncture alone. This review included studies focused only on dogs with spinal cord injury. Research facility animals (mice, rats, and rabbits) were avoided. Titles and abstracts of identified articles were read, and outlines were made to be better understood. Clinical applications are discussed and suggested in each section. When specialists use this method, electroacupuncture can be an excellent complementary therapy for veterinary patients' pain control.

X-ray Imaging and Computed Tomography for the Identification of Geometry and Construction Elements in the Structure of Old Violins.

Numerous studies on heritage violins have shown that there are a number of factors that contribute to the acoustic quality of old violins. Among them are the geometric shape of the violin, the thickness of the tiles, the arching of the tiles, the dimensions and position of the bass bar, the size and position of the acoustic holes. Thus, the paper aims to compare the structural and constructive elements of old violins made in various famous violin workshops (Stainer, Klotz, Leeb, Babos Bela), using nondestructive and noncontact techniques based on image analysis. The violins that were studied date from 1716 to 1920, being in good condition, most of them being used by artists from the Brașov Philharmonic of Romania. In the first stage of the study, the violins were optically analyzed and scanned to identify the structure of the resonant wood, using the WinDENDRO Density 2007 program. X-ray imaging and computed tomography (CT) were also used. Combining the types of analyses, capitalizing on the expertise of violin producers and the knowledge of researchers in the field, valuable data on the geometric and constructive characteristics of old violins were extracted.

Morphological and morphometrical aspects of the auditory ossicles in goat (Capra hircus).

The present paper deals with a detailed description of the auditory ossicles in Capra hircus. The paper focuses on the morphological and morphometrical description of the ossicular assembly, formed by malleus, incus and stapes. The malleus (overall length, as average- 8.16 mm) comprises the head of malleus (Caput mallei), a slightly strictured part-neck (Collum mallei) with 3 distinctive processes (lateral, rostral and muscular) (Processus lateralis, Processus rostralis and Processus muscularis) and a handle (Manubrium mallei). The head of malleus has an oval aspect with an obtuse articular surface on its medial surface (Facies articularis). The neck is evident with three bony processes described-the anterior, almost triangular, the muscular one quite reduced and the lateral one which is the most developed one. The manubrium is the longest sector-4.4 mm and appears as a slightly curved piece. The incus presents a body of 1.3 mm and two processes-the short and long crus (Crus breve and Crus longum). The overall shape of the ossicle resembles a biradicular molar. The lenticular process is a continuation of the distal part of the long crus. The stapes-the smallest in size of the three ossicles (2.7 mm), has a head (Caput stapedis), an anterior (Crus rostrale) and a caudal (Crus caudale) arm and a footplate (Basis stapedis). The two processes are slightly different in size and morphology, delimiting the intercrural space that shows the presence of a bony spicule. The footplate (1.6 mm2 area) is ellipsoidal, with an anterior narrower extremity.

Systemic and Local Biocompatibility Assessment of Graphene Composite Dental Materials in Experimental Mandibular Bone Defect.

The main objective of this research is to demonstrate the biocompatibility of two experimental graphene dental materials by in vitro and in vivo tests for applications in dentistry. The novel graphene dental materials, including one restorative composite and one dental cement, were subjected to cytotoxicity and implantation tests by using a rat model of a non-critical mandibular defect. In vitro cytotoxicity induced by materials on human dental follicle stem cells (restorative composite) and dysplastic oral keratinocytes (dental cement) was investigated at 37 °C for 24 h. After in vivo implantation, at 7 weeks, bone samples were harvested and subjected to histological investigations. The plasma biochemistry, oxidative stress, and sub-chronic organ toxicity analysis were also performed. The resulting cytotoxicity tests confirm that the materials had no toxic effects against dental cells after 24 h. Following graphene dental materials implantation, the animals did not present any symptoms of acute toxicity or local inflammation. No alterations were detected in relative organ weights and in correlation with hepatic and renal histological findings. The materials' lack of systemic organ toxicity was confirmed. The outcomes of our study provided further evidence on the graphene dental materials' ability for bone regeneration and biocompatibility.

Bone regeneration response in an experimental long bone defect orthotopically implanted with alginate-pullulan-glass-ceramic composite scaffolds.

In the present study, scaffolds based on alginate-pullulan-bioactive glass-ceramic with 0.5 and 1.5 mol % copper oxide were orthotopically implanted in experimental rat models to assess their ability to heal an induced bone defect. By implying magnetic resonance and imaging scans together with histological evaluation of the processed samples, a progressive healing of bone was observed within 5 weeks. Furthermore, as the regenerative process continued, new bone tissue was formed, enhancing the growth of irregular bone spicules around the scaffolds. A significantly higher amount of new bone was formed (37%) in the defect that received the composite with 1.5 mol % CuO (in glass-ceramic matrix) content implant. Nevertheless, the bone regeneration obtained by scaffold with 0.5 mol % CuO implanted is comparable with the alginate-pullulan-ß-tricalcium phosphate/hydroxiapatite composite implant. The assessed amount of new bone formed was found to be between 29.75 and 37.15% for all the composition involved in the present study. During this process a regeneration process was shown when the alginate-pullulan composite materials were involved, fact that indicate the great potential of these materials to be used in tissue engineering.

Flap surgical techniques for incisional hernia recurrences. A swine experimental model.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In the age of synthetic prostheses most of hernia studies include a careful examination of the various types of prosthesis, their characteristics and their repair indications. Biological prostheses are also beginning to draw attention. But in terms of recurrence especially for poor or developing countries, the discussion is different, due to their high cost which makes them difficult to afford. In this article we present new flap reconstruction techniques for the reconstruction of the abdominal wall versus mesh repair, applied on swine models, outline the results of each technique, and specify the indications for their use. METHODS: An experimental protocol using four swine models (PIC-FII-337 hybrid breed pigs), five months old, was conducted. All animal care and operative procedures were studied following the protocol approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy resolution no. 281/2014 of the Department of Surgery of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine); the study was carried out between November 2015 and February 2016. The primary objective was to compare the effect of surgical strategies in the treatment of the abdominal wall defect using variable flaps versus mesh repair in a large-animal models. Physical examination and ultrasound imaging of the abdominal wall repair were done on determined periods, during one month. The complications occurring after the abdominal wall repair were edema, collections, superficial dehiscence an recurrences. RESULTS: No recurrences were reported at one month results, all seromas reported were solved over time by natural drainage. Superficial necrosis appeared in two swine models and superficial dehiscence occurred in one model, the perforator "plus" flap. Mesh infection was detected in the "onlay" swine model. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of recurrences, contaminated abdominal wall defects or other contraindications to the use of prosthetic materials, biological mesh repair or flap surgery are the only surgical options. Based on our findings and considering the high cost reported by the biological meshes use, flap surgery becomes the suitable treatment for such cases, allowing a good reconstruction of the abdominal wall.

The influence of haematogenous bone marrow on the early osseointegration of a titanium implant which penetrates the endosteum / La influencia de la médula ósea hematógena en la osteointegración temprana de un implante de titanio que penetra en el endostio

SUMMARY: The utility of metallic bio-medical implants in osseous or dental affections is irrefutable. The paper aims to test the tolerance of the bone marrow to titanium implants. Titanium implants were inserted in the femur of 11-months old rabbits. The implants penetrated the endosteum, half of their length getting into the haematogenous bone marrow. Seven days after the insertion we collected bone fragments containing the implant. The CT exam revealed a significant decrease in the density of the bone at the interface with the implant and a more discrete one aloof from the insertion area. The histologic exam after 7 days revealed osseous reparatory processes only in the endosteal area from where it expanded on the surface of the implant which was inside the marrow. The presence and intensity of the osseous reparatory processes after only seven days post-implant demonstrates that the marrow actively participates in bone regeneration and implants osseointegration.

RESUMEN: La utilidad de los implantes biomédicos metálicos en afecciones óseas o dentales es irrefutable. El documento tiene como objetivo probar la tolerancia de la médula ósea a los implantes de titanio. Se insertaron implantes de titanio en el fémur de conejos de 11 meses. Los implantes penetraron en el endostio y la mitad de su longitud penetró en la médula ósea hematógena. Siete días después de la inserción, recolectamos fragmentos de hueso que contenían el implante. El examen de TC reveló una disminución significativa en la densidad del hueso en la interfaz con el implante y una más discreta alejada del área de inserción. El examen histológico a los 7 días reveló procesos de reparación ósea solo en el área endóstica desde donde se expandió en la superficie del implante que estaba dentro de la médula. La presencia e intensidad de los procesos de reparación ósea después de solo siete días del implante demuestra que la médula ósea participa activamente en la regeneración ósea y en la osteointegración de los implantes.