Supporting the Wound Healing Process-Curcumin, Resveratrol and Baicalin in In Vitro Wound Healing Studies.

The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the effect of the selected bioflavonoids curcumin, resveratrol and baicalin on the wound healing process in an in vitro model. In the study, Balb3t3 and L929 cell lines were used. The first step was the evaluation of the cytotoxicity of the substances tested (MTT assay). Then, using the scratch test (ST), the influence of bioflavonoids on the healing process was evaluated in an in vitro model. The second stage of the work was a mathematical analysis of the results obtained. On the basis of experimental data, the parameters of the Brian and Cousens model were determined in order to determine the maximum value of the cellular and metabolic response that occurs for the examined range of concentrations of selected bioflavonoids. In the MTT assays, no cytotoxic effect of curcumin, resveratrol and baicalin was observed in selected concentrations, while in the ST tests for selected substances, a stimulatory effect was observed on the cell division rate regardless of the cell lines tested. The results obtained encourage further research on the use of substances of natural origin to support the wound healing process.

Influence of 40 Hz and 100 Hz Vibration on SH-SY5Y Cells Growth and Differentiation-A Preliminary Study.

(1) Background: A novel bioreactor platform of neuronal cell cultures using low-magnitude, low-frequency (LMLF) vibrational stimulation was designed to discover vibration influence and mimic the dynamic environment of the in vivo state. To better understand the impact of 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration on cell differentiation, we join biotechnology and advanced medical technology to design the nano-vibration system. The influence of vibration on the development of nervous tissue on the selected cell line SH-SY5Y (experimental research model in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's) was investigated. (2) Methods: The vibration stimulation of cell differentiation and elongation of their neuritis were monitored. We measured how vibrations affect the morphology and differentiation of nerve cells in vitro. (3) Results: The highest average length of neurites was observed in response to the 40 Hz vibration on the collagen surface in the differentiating medium, but cells response did not increase with vibration frequency. Also, vibrations at a frequency of 40 Hz or 100 Hz did not affect the average density of neurites. 100 Hz vibration increased the neurites density significantly with time for cultures on collagen and non-collagen surfaces. The exposure of neuronal cells to 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration enhanced cell differentiation. The 40 Hz vibration has the best impact on neuronal-like cell growth and differentiation. (4) Conclusions: The data demonstrated that exposure to neuronal cells to 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration enhanced cell differentiation and proliferation. This positive impact of vibration can be used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It is planned to optimize the processes and study its molecular mechanisms concerning carrying out the research.

PRF versus xenograft in sinus augmentation in case of HA-coating implant placement: A 36-month retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Sinus lift with a simultaneous implant placement in the residual maxilla is a common technique used worldwide. Nevertheless, choosing an ideal grafting material remains an object of dispute. The use of an autologous blood-derived graft, known as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), has not yet been recognized to be as good as xenografts and alloplastic materials. However, initial results have been promising. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a clinical and radiological comparison of implantation with a simultaneous sinus lift using xenograft or PRF clots. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty sinus lifts with simultaneous implantation were conducted using a lateral window approach and the tent pole technique, with xenograft (group 1 (G1)) or PRF (group 2 (G2)) as a filling material. To be included in the study, patients must have had an alveolar ridge height of 4-5 mm, no signs of inflammatory processes, good oral hygiene, and no other grafting procedures performed in region of implant insertion. In each case, the measurements taken were probing pocket depth (PPD), height of keratinized tissue (HKT), clinical attachment level (CAL), recession depth/width (RD/RW), and, on panoramic X-rays, marginal bone loss (MBL), grafted sinus high (GSH), and bone gain (BG). Preand post-operative treatment was applied to reduce the chance of infection. RESULTS: During the study, 30 implants (hydroxyapatite-coated implants manufactured by SGS - 10 mm in length and 4.2 mm in diameter) were placed. The survival rate of implants in both groups was 100% with no implant mobility, pain, paresthesia, or inflammatory processes in the direct vicinity of the implants observed, except in 1 patient. After 36 months of follow-up, the radiological assessments for G1 were: GSH 4.5 mm, MBL 0.46 mm and BG 4.53 mm; and for G2: 3.4 mm, 0.6 mm and 3.4 mm, respectively. Results of the clinical measurements were for G1: HKT after 36 months (HKT36) 2.46 mm, CAL 0.47 mm and PPD 2 mm; and for G2: HKT36 3.13 mm, CAL 0.6 mm and PPD 2.07 mm. CONCLUSIONS: After 3 years of follow-up, the results of sinus lifting solely using PRF with simultaneous implantation were promising, especially in terms of soft tissue management. Therefore, PRF can be regarded as an alternative to previously used materials.

Venous insufficiency: Differences in the content of trace elements. A preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Venous insufficiency is still a serious clinical problem. The exact cause and molecular mechanisms of this disease are still unknown. In this study, we try to identify whether there is a difference in the level of trace elements between healthy and pathological veins. Our results show that insufficient veins have different levels of some trace elements: magnesium, calcium, manganese, and silicon compared to control samples. This study could lead to a better understanding of the molecular causes of venous insufficiency and may help to develop better methods of treatment. OBJECTIVES: Nowadays, venous diseases are a very common clinical phenomenon. Venous insufficiency is thought to be one of the most common vein diseases. The exact mechanisms of its etiology are still unknown, although from a clinical point of view some risk factors include gender, age, changing hormone levels, heredity, and standing or sitting for long periods. An imbalance in trace elements could also play a crucial role in the development and/or progression of venous insufficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The trace element content in varicose vein walls and in normal vein walls was measured using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) after sample mineralization. Statistical analysis (the Mann-Whitney U test and the Friedman ANOVA) was performed to compare insufficient veins to controls (healthy veins). RESULTS: This study found statistically significant higher magnesium (Mg) ion levels in varicose veins compared to controls (p = 0.0067) and differences close to statistical significance in calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), and silicon (Si) ion levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained could indicate oxidative stress occurring in chronic venous insufficiency as well as free radical neutralization pathways due to superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity with Mg, Mn and copper (Cu) ion involvement. Our results are consistent with literature data and are preliminary in nature.

Occurrence of reproductive disorders in pig herds with and without Chlamydia suis infection - statistical analysis of breeding parameters.

Chlamydiae are frequently encountered Gram-negative intracellular eubacteria that can cause clear manifestations or clinically asymptomatic disorders. C. suis and other chlamydia are primarily isolated in cases of reproductive disorders. This study was performed to estimate the impact of Chlamydia suis infection on reproduction in sows by analyzing reproduction rates and breeding parameters. The test was conducted on first generation (F1) pigs from Polish Landrace (PL) × Polish Large White (PLW). Sixty-four herds were investigated and 500 vaginal swabs were collected. Isolation of DNA was carried out directly from the swabs. All samples were analyzed for Chlamydia suis by real-time PCR with a locked nucleic acid (LNA)-containing probe. To analyze the impact of chlamydia infection on reproductive parameters, evaluation questionnaires were used. Reproductive problems were found in 77.3% of the farms tested. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that in the farms with 10 up to 120 sows, there were higher reproductive problems with chlamydia infection than in smaller and bigger pig farms. The most common problems were estrus repetition, which was reported by 57.81% of the surveyed farms, and the birth of dead piglets, which was reported by 31.25% of the investigated pig farms. Abortions, which were reported by 28.12% of the surveyed farms, were the least common reproductive disorders.

Cytotoxicity Evaluation of High-Temperature Annealed Nanohydroxyapatite in Contact with Fibroblast Cells.

Biomaterials are substances manufactured for medical purposes in direct contact with the tissues of organisms. Prior to their use, they are tested to determine their usefulness and safety of application. Hydroxyapatites are used in medicine as a bony complement because of their similarity to the natural apatite therein. Thanks to their bioactivity, biocompatibility, stability and non-toxicity hydroxyapatite are the most commonly used materials in osteoimplantology. The use of materials at the nanoscale in medicine or biology may carry the risk of undesirable effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of high-temperature annealed nanohydroxyapatites on the L929 murine fibroblasts. Nanohydroxyapatites in powder form were obtained by the wet chemistry method: in the temperature range of 800-1000 °C and used for the study. Based on performed studies evaluating the morphology and fibroblast viability, it was found that nanohydroxyapatites show no cytotoxic effects on the L929 cell line.

Bad to the Bone: On In Vitro and Ex Vivo Microbial Biofilm Ability to Directly Destroy Colonized Bone Surfaces without Participation of Host Immunity or Osteoclastogenesis.

Bone infections are a significant public health burden associated with morbidity and mortality in patients. Microbial biofilm pathogens are the causative agents in chronic osteomyelitis. Research on the pathogenesis of osteomyelitis has focused on indirect bone destruction by host immune cells and cytokines secondary to microbial insult. Direct bone resorption by biofilm pathogens has not yet been seriously considered. In this study, common osteomyelitis pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Streptococcus mutans) were grown as biofilms in multiple in vitro and ex vivo experiments to analyze quantitative and qualitative aspects of bone destruction during infection. Pathogens were grown as single or mixed species biofilms on the following substrates: hydroxyapatite, rat jawbone, or polystyrene wells, and in various media. Biofilm growth was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and pH levels were monitored over time. Histomorphologic and quantitative effects of biofilms on tested substrates were analyzed by microcomputed tomography and quantitative cultures. All tested biofilms demonstrated significant damage to bone. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that all strains formed mature biofilms within 7 days on all substrate surfaces regardless of media. Experimental conditions impacted pH levels, although this had no impact on biofilm growth or bone destruction. Presence of biofilm led to bone dissolution with a decrease of total volume by 20.17±2.93% upon microcomputed tomography analysis, which was statistically significant as compared to controls (p <0.05, ANOVA). Quantitative cultures indicated that media and substrate did not impact biofilm formation (Kruskall-Wallis test, post-hoc Dunne's test; p <0.05). Overall, these results indicate that biofilms associated with osteomyelitis have the ability to directly resorb bone. These findings should lead to a more complete understanding of the etiopathogenesis of osteomyelitis, where direct bone resorption by biofilm is considered in addition to the well-known osteoclastic and host cell destruction of bone.

Telerehabilitation approach for patients with hand impairment.

PURPOSE: Telerehabilitation is one of the newest branches of telemedicine which has been developed because patients need regular trainings outside the medical institution but still under specialist supervision. It helps maintain regularity of exercises and reduces costs. The professional and advanced systems for telerehabilitation are presented in papers, however, there is still lack of development of minor systems which provide therapeutic values and are more accessible to people. Therefore we focus on a solution for hand telerehabilitation of poststroke patients, based solely on a personal computer and camera. METHODS: We focused on the manipulative hand (fingers, metacarpus, wrist) movements trainings for patients with cerebral palsy. The contact between patient and physiotherapist is provided by using web cameras and web service. Additionally, the camera can be used to monitor the effectiveness of performed exercises. Computer vision system keeps track of the patient's hand movement. The digital image processing is used to detect if the patient performs exercises correctly. RESULTS: We created web service and software application TeleReh that provides therapeutic values for the hand impaired people. The system created was evaluated by three physiotherapists, one doctor and a cerebral palsy patient. CONCLUSIONS: Our solution applies to all patients who have undergone basic rehabilitation in hospital and need to continue hand rehabilitation at home. The main advantages are: easy adaptation to the individual needs and abilities, monitoring the progress by using automatically generated reports after each training session. It is worth noticing that discussion between IT specialists, rehabilitants and patients was necessary to achieve good results.

[Vascular System Infections: Characteristics, Risk Factors, Prevention Methods and Economic Impact].

One of the main problems of modern medicine are infections. They can be divided into local and general (depending on infected tissues and/or organs) or hospital and community-acquired infections (depending on the location and source of infection). The occurrence of infection reduces the ability for quick recovery, and in case of complications the ability to continue professional activity. Bacteria can be present in the vascular system causing vein, artery, capillary infection or blood infection (bacteremia). The vascular system infection can be connected with medical procedures, type and chemical composition of used medical devices or biomaterials. The usage of central or peripheral venous catheters can increase the risk factor of vascular system infection. The main risk factors of hospital infection are: patient's condition, surgical procedure and hospital aseptic procedures. Improving the current state of knowledge of medical personnel and implementation of well-designed prevention procedures can contribute to reducing hospital infection factors. The technical quality of used medical devices (e.g. anti-bacterial coat on vascular prostheses) can also reduce the risk of infection. Raising awareness and educating the patient (e.g. with infected trophic ulcers) can be an important element of control and prevention of nosocomial and communityacquired infections. Medical literature containing procedures and descriptions of specific medical cases related to development process of infections was analysed. The literature confirms the significant magnitude of the problems associated with the vascular system infections.