Natural Polyphenols From Moringa and Centella Extracts as Collagen Cross-Linkers and Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) Inhibitors in Dentin Preservation: An In Vitro Study.

Background In adhesive dentistry, creating a long-lasting bond between resin composite and dentin is crucial. The durability of this bond dramatically depends on the structural integrity of collagen fibrils present in the hybrid layer. However, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can degrade collagen fibrils, compromising the bond's longevity. Aim The objective is to evaluate the potential effectiveness of natural extracts from Moringa and Centella in preventing collagen degradation caused by MMPs. Material and methods The phenol and flavonoid content of the extracts were evaluated. Dentin beams were demineralized and pre-treated with 1% or 5% Moringa, 1% or 5% Centella, or 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) (five minutes), with untreated beams as control. Beams were incubated in calcium- and zinc-containing media (CM) at pH 7.2 and 37°C for one, 10, 20, and 30 days, and C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) release (collagen telopeptide) was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit after 30 days. Results Data were analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). All test groups showed a different dry mass loss. The control group had the highest loss, followed by CHX, with the least loss in the 5% Moringa and Centella groups. ICTP release ranged from 1.781 ± 0.319 to 3.146 ± 0.684, with 5% Moringa showing the most negligible release. Conclusion The group that received 5% Moringa exhibited the most effective reduction in collagen degradation compared to all the other groups.

Influence of two natural cross-linkers on microtensile bond strength durability ­ An in vitro study / Influência de dois reticuladores naturais na durabilidade da resistência de união à microtração ­ Um estudo in vitro

Objective: to investigate the effect of two natural cross-linkers on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and evaluate their influence on the durability of the resin dentin bonds. Material and Methods: the Moringa oleifera and Centella asiatica plant extracts were qualitatively tested with high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) for the presence of phenols. The phenolic content ranged from 27 to 30 gallic acid equivalents (GAE), µg/mg of dry weight. After etching, two concentrations (5% and 1%) of these two extracts were prepared and used as pretreatment liners on dentin. They were applied for a min. After restoration with resin composite, dentin resin beams were prepared. The study groups were 5% Moringa, 1% Moringa 5% Centella 1% Centella, and control (without cross-linker application). For each group, half of the samples underwent µTBS testing after 24 hours, while the remaining half were immersed in artificial saliva to assess the bond's longevity after 6 months of ageing. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Results: both 5% and 1% Moringa showed a significant difference (p<0.05) compared to the other groups at both intervals. However, after ageing, the specimens in the control and 1% Centella groups resulted in a significant decrease in µTBS. Conclusion: overall, both concentrations of Moringa (5% and 1%) were effective in stabilising the bond during both intervals.(AU)

Objetivo: investigar o efeito de dois reticuladores naturais na resistência de união (µTBS) à microtração e avaliar sua influência na durabilidade da adesão da resina à dentina. Material e Métodos: extratos das plantas Moringa oleifera e Centella asiatica foram qualitativamente testados através de cromatografia em camada fina de alta performance (HPTLC) para a presença de fenóis. O conteúdo fenólico alcançou entre 27 a 30 equivalentes de ácido gálico (GAE), µg/mg de peso seco. Após o condicionamento, duas concentrações (5% e 1%) dos extratos foram preparadas e utilizadas como forros de pré-tratamento em dentina. Eles foram aplicados por um minuto. Após a restauração com resina composta, palitos de dentina e resina foram preparados. Os grupos foram 5% Moringa, 1% Moringa, 5% Centella, 1% Centella e controle (sem aplicação de reticulador). Para cada grupo, metade das amostras foram submetidas ao teste µTBS após 24 horas, enquanto a outra metade foi imersa em saliva artificial para avaliar a longevidade adesiva após 6 meses de envelhecimento. Foi realizada análise estatística através de ANOVA 1-fator, seguido do teste post hoc de Tukey. Resultados: ambas as concentrações de 5% e 1% de Moringa demonstraram diferença significativa (p<0.05) comparadas aos outros grupos em ambos os intervalos. No entanto, após o envelhecimento, os espécimes dos geupos controle e 1% de Centella resultaram em uma redução significativa de µTBS. Conclusão: no geral, ambas as concentrações de Moringa (5% e 1%) foram efetivas em estabelecer a adesão em ambos os intervalos (AU)

Health influence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on cancer: a review.

The novel coronavirus, namely, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), broke out two years ago and has caused major global health issues. Adequate treatment options are still lacking for the management of COVID-19 viral infections. Many patients afflicted with COVID-19 may range from asymptomatic to severe symptomatic, triggering poor clinical outcomes, morbidity, and mortality. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is pertinent to re-examine cancer prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent mortality and complications. Understanding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on cancer is key to appropriate healthcare measures for the treatment and prevention of this vulnerable population. Data was acquired from PubMed using key search terms. Additional databases were utilized, such as the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, American Cancer Society (ACS), and National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer patients are more prone to SARS-CoV-2 infection and exhibit poor health outcomes, possibly due to a chronic immunosuppressive state and anticancer therapies. Male sex, older age, and active cancer disease or previous cancer are risk factors for COVID-19 infection, leading to possible severe complications, including morbidity or mortality. The speculated mechanism for potentially higher mortality or COVID-19 complications is through reduced immune system function and inflammatory processes through cancer disease, anticancer therapy, and active COVID-19 infection. This review includes prostate, breast, ovarian, hematologic, lung, colorectal, esophageal, bladder, pancreatic, cervical, and head and neck cancers. This review should help better maintain the health of cancer patients and direct clinicians for COVID-19 prevention to improve the overall health outcomes.

Cardioprotective Effects of Oroxylum indicum Extract Against Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cardiotoxicity.

Administration of Chemotherapeutics, especially doxorubicin (DOX) and cyclophosphamide (CPS), is commonly associated with adverse effects such as myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity. At this time, few approved therapeutic options are currently available for the management of chemotherapy-associated cardiotoxicity. Thus, identification of novel therapeutics with potent cardioprotective properties and minimal adverse effects are pertinent in treating Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity. Oroxylum indicum extract (OIE, Sabroxy®) is a natural product known to possess several beneficial biological functions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects. We therefore set to investigate the cardioprotective effects of OIE against Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity and explore the potential cardioprotective mechanisms involved. Adult male mice were treated with DOX and CPS in combination, OIE alone, or a combination of OIE and DOX & CPS. Swimming test was performed to assess cardiac function. Markers of oxidative stress were assessed by levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrite, hydrogen peroxide, catalase, and glutathione content. The activity of interleukin converting enzyme and cyclooxygenase was determined as markers of inflammation. Mitochondrial function was assessed by measuring Complex-I activity. Apoptosis was assessed by Caspase-3 and protease activity. Mice treated with DOX and CPS exhibited reduced swim rate, increased oxidative stress, increased inflammation, and apoptosis in the heart tissue. These cardiotoxic effects were significantly reduced by co-administration of OIE. Furthermore, computational molecular docking studies revealed potential binding of DOX and CPS to tyrosine hydroxylase which validated our in vivo findings regarding the inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase activity. Our current findings indicated that OIE counteracts Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity-through inhibition of ROS-mediated apoptosis and by blocking the effect on tyrosine hydroxylase. Taken together, our findings suggested that OIE possesses cardioprotective effects to counteract potentially fatal cardiac complications associated with chemotherapy treatment.

Assessment of apical pressures at different automated irrigant flow rates: an ex vivo study based on computational fluid dynamic analysis / Avaliação de pressões apicais em diferentes taxas de fluxo irrigante automatizadas: um estudo ex vivo baseado em análise dinâmica de fluidos computacionais

Objective: The current study aimed at assessing the induced apical pressure at various simulated irrigant flow rates. Materials and Methods: Forty eight freshly extracted single-rooted premolars were decoronated and prepared to size 30 0.04 taper using HY-Flex CM rotary file system and were scanned using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The scanned images were reconstructed to three-dimensional Computer-aided design models (CAD) and the 3D needle was also reconstructed. Finally, simulations were done by placing the 30 gauge open-ended needle 3 mm short of the working length. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) among the different groups compared. 1 ml/min flow rate induced the least apical pressures (p<0.05) as compared to the other types. Conclusion: 1 ml/min flow rates induced the least apical pressures when open-ended needles are used for irrigation.(AU)

Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a indução de pressão apical em várias taxas de fluxo irrigante simuladas. Material e Métodos: Quarenta e oito raízes de pré-molares unirradiculares recém extraídos tiveram suas coroas removidas, foram preparados para uma conicidade de tamanho 30 0.04 através de um sistema rotatório de limas HYFlex CM e foram escaneados via tomografia computadorizada cone-beam (CBCT). As imagens escaneadas e as agulhas para irrigação foram reconstruídas em modelos tridimensionais de design assistido por computador (CAD). Ao final, foram feitas simulações através de agulhas de calibre 30 e 3 mm a menos que o comprimento de trabalho. Resultados: Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (p<0.05) entre os diferentes grupos. A taxa de fluxo de 1 ml/min induziu as menores pressões apicais (p<0.05) quando comparada às demais taxas. Conclusão: Taxas de fluxo de 1 ml/min induziram as menores pressões apicais quando agulhas de ponta aberta foram utilizadas para irrigação (AU)

Comparative evaluation of inter appointment pain and analgesic intake with calcium hydroxide and triple antibiotic paste as intracanal medicaments in patients with apical periodontitis ­ a randomized controlled single-blinded clinical trial / Avaliação comparativa da dor entre consultas e ingestão de analgésicos com hidróxido de cálcio e pasta de antibióticos triplos como medicamentos intracanais em pacientes com periodontite apical - um ensaio clínico randomizado controlado simples-cego

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide and triple antibiotic paste as intracanal medication on the interappointment pain at 8, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively in patients with symptomatic apical periodontitis undergoing multiple visit root canal treatment. Material and Methods: Two hundred and seven systemically healthy patients under the age group of 18-45 years with mandibular molars presenting with symptomatic apical periodontitis which require root canal treatments were included in this study. After access cavity preparation, cleaning and shaping was done till ISO 25 size file, and the patients were randomized into three groups (each group of 69 samples). Group I: no medicament, group II: calcium hydroxide and group III: triple antibiotic paste (TAP). Postoperative pain was evaluated at 8 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours. Results: The results showed that at 8 hours, 24hours and 48hours, there was a statistical difference between I and III (p < 0.05); and Group III and Group II (p < 0.05). Within the group, there was a statistical difference at all time points IN Group I and II (p < 0.05) except between 24 hours and 48 hours in the Group III (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, TAP was more effective than calcium hydroxide in relieving pain and reducing the analgesic intake at the first 24hours.(AU)

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do hidróxido de cálcio e da pasta tripla de antibiótico como medicação intracanal na dor na interconsulta às 8, 24 e 48 horas de pós-operatório em pacientes com periodontite apical sintomática submetidos ao tratamento endodôntico por múltiplas visitas. Material e Métodos: Duzentos e sete pacientes sistemicamente saudáveis com idade inferior a 18-45 anos com molares inferiores apresentando periodontite apical sintomática que requerem tratamento de canal radicular foram incluídos neste estudo. Após o preparo da cavidade de acesso, a limpeza e modelagem foram feitas até arquivo ISO 25, e os pacientes foram randomizados em três grupos (cada grupo de 69 amostras). Grupo I: sem medicamento, grupo II: hidróxido de cálcio e grupo III: pasta tripla de antibiótico (TAP). A dor pós-operatória foi avaliada em 8 horas, 24 horas e 48 horas. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que às 8 horas, 24 horas e 48 horas, houve diferença estatística entre I e III (p <0,05); e Grupo III e Grupo II (p <0,05). Dentro do grupo, houve diferença estatística em todos os momentos do Grupo I e II (p <0,05), exceto entre 24 horas e 48 horas no Grupo III (p>0,05). Conclusão: Dentro das limitações deste estudo, o TAP foi mais eficaz do que o hidróxido de cálcio no alívio da dor e na redução da ingestão de analgésicos nas primeiras 24 horas. (AU)

A clinically relevant combination treatment with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide does not induce hepatotoxicity in C57BL/6J mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Chronic exposure to chemotherapeutics can lead to severe adverse events including hepatotoxicity. A combination chemotherapy regimen of doxorubicin (DOX) and cyclophosphamide (CPS) is employed in treatment of several cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer. It is not well understood whether a combination therapy of DOX and CPS can induce hepatotoxicity. We therefore sought to determine whether co-administration of DOX and CPS at their clinically relevant doses and frequency results in hepatotoxicity. METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice received one intraperitoneal injection of saline or DOX-2mg /kg and CPS-50mg/kg once a week for 4 weeks. After the treatment period, liver histology and various serum biomarkers of hepatotoxicity were assessed. RESULTS: Co-treatment of DOX and CPS did not alter the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, albumin, globulin, or total protein. Similarly, co-administration of DOX and CPS did not result in a noticeable change in liver histology. However, it was notable that the concomitant treatment with DOX and CPS resulted in a significant increase in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Elevated serum AST levels were also associated with increased serum creatinine kinase (CK) levels, suggesting that the elevated serum AST levels are likely due to muscle injury following the co-administration of DOX and CPS. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results, for the first time, suggest that co-administration of DOX and CPS, at their clinically relevant doses and frequency does not induce a significant hepatotoxicity in the mice.

Oroxylum Indicum ameliorates chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment.

While chemotherapy is the most effective therapeutic approach for treating a variety of cancer patients, commonly used chemotherapeutic agents, often induce several adverse effects. Escalating evidence indicates that chemotherapeutics, particularly doxorubicin (DOX) and cyclophosphamide (CPS), induce cognitive impairment associated with central nervous system toxicity. This study was performed to determine neuroprotective effects of Oroxylum indicum extract (OIE) in regard to preventing chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment (CICI) occurring after 4 cycles of DOX (2mg/kg) and CPS (50mg/kg) combination chemotherapy in male C57BL/6J mice. OIE significantly prevented the chemotherapy impaired short-term cognitive performance, exploratory behavior associated with cognitive performance, cognitive performance, and spatial learning and memory in the Y-maze, Open-Field, Novel Object Recognition, and Morris Water Maze tests, respectively. These data suggest that OIE protects from the CICI. OIE decreased the reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxide generated by the chemotherapy treatment in the brain, while also blocking the chemotherapy-induced glutathione depletion. These results establish that OIE exhibits potent antioxidant activity in chemotherapy treated mice. Notably, OIE significantly increased the Complex-I and Complex-IV activities in the brain, indicating that OIE enhances mitochondrial function in the brain. In silico analysis of the major active chemical constituents (Oroxylin A, Baicalein and Chrysin) of OIE indicated that OIE has a favorable absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) profile. Taken together, our results are consistent with the conclusion that OIE prevents CICI by counteracting oxidative stress and perhaps by improving mitochondrial function.

Caffeine, a natural methylxanthine nutraceutical, exerts dopaminergic neuroprotection.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than 10 million people worldwide. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play a significant role in altering the homeostasis of energy production and free radical generation. Current PD therapies are focused on reducing the cardinal symptoms rather than preventing disease progression in the patients. Adenosine A2A receptor (A2A R) antagonist (Istradephylline) combined with levodopa shows a promising therapy for PD. In animal studies, caffeine administration showed to improve motor functions and neuroprotective effect in the neurons. Caffeine is probably the most extensively used psychoactive substance. In this current study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of caffeine against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurodegeneration. Here, we demonstrate that caffeine improves behavioral and neurotransmitter recovery against MPTP-induced toxicity. Caffeine restores endogenous antioxidant levels and suppresses neuroinflammation. Our finding suggests that the blockage of A2AR is a promising disease-modifying therapy for PD. Target engagement strategies could be more beneficial in preventing disease progression rather than symptomatic reliefs in PD patients.

Nutraceutical based SIRT3 activators as therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, and its incidence is increasing worldwide with increased lifespan. Currently, there is no effective treatment to cure or prevent the progression of AD, which indicates the need to develop novel therapeutic targets and agents. Sirtuins, especially SIRT3, a mitochondrial deacetylase, are NAD-dependent histone deacetylases involved in aging and longevity. Accumulating evidence indicates that SIRT3 dysfunction is strongly associated with pathologies of AD, hence, therapeutic modulation of SIRT3 activity may be a novel application to ameliorate the pathologies of AD. Natural products commonly used in traditional medicine have wide utility and appear to have therapeutic benefits for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. The present review summarizes the currently available natural SIRT3 activators and their potentially neuroprotective molecular mechanisms of action that make them a promising agent in the treatment and management of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.

Comparative Evaluation of Inter Appointment Pain and Analgesic Intake with Calcium Hydroxide and Triple Antibiotic Paste As Intracanal Medicaments In Patients With Apical Periodontitis ­ A Randomized Controlled Single-Blinded Clinical Trial / Avaliação comparativa da dor entre consultas e ingestão de analgésicos com hidróxido de cálcio e pasta de antibióticos triplos como medicamentos intracanais em pacientes com periodontite apical - um ensaio clínico randomizado controlado simples-cego

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide and triple antibiotic paste as intracanal medication on the interappointment pain at 8, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively in patients with symptomatic apical periodontitis undergoing multiple visit root canal treatment. Material and Methods: Two hundred and seven systemically healthy patients under the age group of 18-45 years with mandibular molars presenting with symptomatic apical periodontitis which require root canal treatments were included in this study. After access cavity preparation, cleaning and shaping was done till ISO 25 size file, and the patients were randomized into three groups (each group of 69 samples). Group I: no medicament, group II: calcium hydroxide and group III: triple antibiotic paste (TAP). Postoperative pain was evaluated at 8 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours. Results: The results showed that at 8 hours, 24hours and 48hours, there was a statistical difference between I and III (p < 0.05); and Group III and Group II (p < 0.05). Within the group, there was a statistical difference at all time points IN Group I and II (p < 0.05) except between 24 hours and 48 hours in the Group III (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, TAP was more effective than calcium hydroxide in relieving pain and reducing the analgesic intake at the first 24 hours (AU)

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do hidróxido de cálcio e da pasta tripla de antibiótico como medicação intracanal na dor na interconsulta às 8, 24 e 48 horas de pós-operatório em pacientes com periodontite apical sintomática submetidos ao tratamento endodôntico por múltiplas visitas. Material e Métodos: Duzentos e sete pacientes sistemicamente saudáveis com idade inferior a 18-45 anos com molares inferiores apresentando periodontite apical sintomática que requerem tratamento de canal radicular foram incluídos neste estudo. Após o preparo da cavidade de acesso, a limpeza e modelagem foram feitas até arquivo ISO 25, e os pacientes foram randomizados em três grupos (cada grupo de 69 amostras). Grupo I: sem medicamento, grupo II: hidróxido de cálcio e grupo III: pasta tripla de antibiótico (TAP). A dor pós-operatória foi avaliada em 8 horas, 24 horas e 48 horas. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que às 8 horas, 24 horas e 48 horas, houve diferença estatística entre I e III (p <0,05); e Grupo III e Grupo II (p <0,05). Dentro do grupo, houve diferença estatística em todos os momentos do Grupo I e II (p <0,05), exceto entre 24 horas e 48 horas no Grupo III (p> 0,05). Conclusão: Dentro das limitações deste estudo, o TAP foi mais eficaz do que o hidróxido de cálcio no alívio da dor e na redução da ingestão de analgésicos nas primeiras 24 horas. (AU)

Application of Extrusion-Based 3D Printed Dosage Forms in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases.

Chronic disease management has been a significant burden in many countries. As most treatment options involve long-term pharmacotherapy, patient compliance has been a challenge, as patients have to remember taking medications on time at the prescribed dose for each disease state. Patients are often required to split the dosage unit, which may lead to under- or over-dose and dose-related adverse effects. However, 3D printing technologies have been used for fabricating personalized medications and multiple drugs in a single dose unit (polypills), which might greatly reduce treatment monitoring, dosing errors, and follow-ups with the health care providers. Extrusion-based 3D printing is the most used technology to fabricate polypills and to customize the dose, dosage form, and release kinetics, which might potentially reduce the risk of patient non-compliance. Although extrusion-based 3D printing has existed for some time, interest in its potential to fabricate dosage forms for treating chronic diseases is still in its infancy. This review focuses on the various extrusion-based 3D printing technologies such as fused deposition modeling, pressure-assisted microsyringe, and direct powder extrusion 3D printing in the preparation of customizable, multi-drug dosage forms for treating chronic diseases.

Early postoperative outcomes of pterygium surgery: Sutures versus autogenous serum in-situ fixation of limbal conjunctival autograft.

Limbal Conjunctival Autograft Transplantation (LCAT) is considered to be the most effective treatment option for pterygium with the least recurrence rate and rapid restoration of normal epithelial morphology. Of the many available methods for securing Limbal Conjunctival Autograft (LCAG), sutures and autogenous serum in-situ are cost-effective and offers better outcomes. AIM: To compare the outcome of surgeries between the two groups: Group I - LCAG secured with autogenous serum in-situ versus Group II - LCAG secured with sutures. MAIN METHODS: A prospective randomized control trial conducted on 60 patients who were equally divided into two groups. Post-operative follow-up visits were scheduled at 1st week, 3rd week and 6th week. They were examined for pain, foreign body sensation, subconjunctival hemorrhage, tearing, hyperemia, graft edema, graft displacement, graft retraction, recurrence and/or any other complications and were graded depending on the severity. Mean surgical time was compared between the two groups. KEY FINDINGS: Average duration of surgery was significantly less in Group I than in Group II. Postoperatively, symptoms like pain, foreign body sensation, tearing and hyperemia were less common in Group I, furthermore subconjunctival hemorrhage and graft edema were more in Group II. SIGNIFICANCE: Though both the procedures are safe and effective, the use of autogenous serum in-situ significantly shortens the duration of surgery and is accompanied by lesser postoperative discomfort and inflammation. However, long-term studies are needed to assess the risk of recurrence. Graft displacement remains a severe, but infrequent complication.

Evaluation of behavioral parameters, hematological markers, liver and kidney functions in rodents exposed to Deepwater Horizon crude oil and Corexit.

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill is the largest marine oil spill in US history. In the aftermath of the spill, the response efforts used a chemical dispersant, Corexit, to disperse the oil spill. The health impacts of crude oil and Corexit mixture to humans, mammals, fishes, and birds are mostly unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the in vivo effects of DWH oil, Corexit, and oil-Corexit mixture on the general behavior, hematological markers, and liver and kidney functions of rodents. C57 Bl6 mice were treated with DWH oil (80 mg/kg) and/or Corexit (95 mg/kg), and several hematological markers, lipid profile, liver and kidney functions were monitored. The results show that both DWH oil and Corexit altered the white blood cells and platelet counts. Moreover, they also impacted the lipid profile and induced toxic effects on the liver and kidney functions. The impacts were more pronounced when the mice were treated with a mixture of DWH-oil and Corexit. This study provides preliminary data to elucidate the potential toxicological effects of DWH oil, Corexit, and their mixtures on mammalian health. Residues from the DWH spill continue to remain trapped along various Gulf Coast beaches and therefore further studies are needed to fully understand their long-term impacts on coastal ecosystems.

Comparing the dopaminergic neurotoxic effects of benzylpiperazine and benzoylpiperazine.

Benzylpiperazine has been designated as Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act by Drug Enforcement Administration. Benzylpiperazine is a piperazine derivative, elevates both dopamine and serotonin extracellular levels producing stimulatory and hallucinogenic effects, respectively, similar to methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). However, the comparative neurotoxic effects of Piperazine derivatives (benzylpiperazine and benzoylpiperazine) have not been elucidated. Here, piperazine derivatives (benzylpiperazine and benzoylpiperazine) were synthesized in our lab and the mechanisms of cellular-based neurotoxicity were elucidated in a dopaminergic human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y). We evaluated the in vitro effects of benzylpiperazine and benzoylpiperazine on the generation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial complex-I activity, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione content, Bax, caspase-3, Bcl-2 and tyrosine hydroxylase expression. Benzylpiperazine and benzoylpiperazine induced oxidative stress, inhibited mitochondrial functions and stimulated apoptosis. This study provides a germinal assessment of the neurotoxic mechanisms induced by piperazine derivatives that lead to neuronal cell death.

Assessment of the cerebellar neurotoxic effects of nicotine in prenatal alcohol exposure in rats.

The adverse effects of prenatal nicotine and alcohol exposure on human reproductive outcomes are a major scientific and public health concern. In the United States, substantial percentage of women (20-25%) of childbearing age currently smoke cigarettes and consume alcohol, and only a small percentage of these individuals quit after learning of their pregnancy. However, there are very few scientific reports on the effect of nicotine in prenatal alcohol exposure on the cerebellum of the offspring. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the cerebellar neurotoxic effects of nicotine in a rodent model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). In this study, we evaluated the behavioral changes, biochemical markers of oxidative stress and apoptosis, mitochondrial functions and the molecular mechanisms associated with nicotine in prenatal alcohol exposure on the cerebellum. Prenatal nicotine and alcohol exposure induced oxidative stress, did not affect the mitochondrial functions, increased the monoamine oxidase activity, increased caspase expression and decreased ILK, PSD-95 and GLUR1 expression without affecting the GSK-3ß. Thus, our current study of prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure on cerebellar neurotoxicity may lead to new scientific perceptions and novel and suitable therapeutic actions in the future.

An in vitro evaluation of microtensile bond strength of resin-based sealer with dentin treated with diode and Nd:YAG laser.

BACKGROUND: Smear layer is a negative factor which prevents adhesion of the filling material to the dentinal walls. Recent advances in dental research have incorporated lasers as a potential adjunct in root canal treatment by removing the smear layer before filling the root canal system, enhancing the adhesion of sealers to dentin and improving the sealing ability. AIM: To evaluate the microtensile bond strength of AH-Plus resin-based sealer to dentin after treatment with 980 nm diode and 1,064 nm neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty specimens prepared for three groups namely group I (control), group II (980 nm diode-lased specimens) and group III (Nd:YAG-lased specimens). One tooth from each group was observed under scanning electron microscope for evaluation of intracanal root dentin morphology. Remaining specimens were used for making microsections by hard tissue microtome. Specimens for groups II and III were lased with 980 nm diode and 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser. AH Plus sealer was applied onto specimens and mounted onto Instron universal testing machine for microtensile bond strength testing. Results were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test. RESULTS: Group III Nd:YAG had maximum mean microtensile bond strength values (11.558 ± 0.869), followed by group II diode (9.073 ± 0.468) and group I control (6.05 ± 0.036). Statistically significant differences were seen among all the groups. SEM analysis shows removal of smear layer in both groups II and III. CONCLUSION: Both Nd:YAG and diode laser were more effective than control group in improving the microtensile bond strength of AH Plus sealer to dentin. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Lasers have the potential to increase the adhesiveness of root canal sealer to dentin surface, thereby improving the quality of root canal obturation.