Intracerebroventricular BDNF infusion may reduce cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by promoting autophagy and suppressing apoptosis.

Here, it was aimed to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) infusion for 7 days following cerebral ischemia (CI) on autophagy in neurons in the penumbra. Focal CI was created by the occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. A total of 60 rats were used and divided into 4 groups as Control, Sham CI, CI and CI + BDNF. During the 7-day reperfusion period, aCSF (vehicle) was infused to Sham CI and CI groups, and BDNF infusion was administered to the CI + BDNF group via an osmotic minipump. By the end of the 7th day of reperfusion, Beclin-1, LC3, p62 and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels in the penumbra area were evaluated using Western blot and immunofluorescence. BDNF treatment for 7 days reduced the infarct area after CI, induced the autophagic proteins Beclin-1, LC3 and p62 and suppressed the apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3. Furthermore, rotarod and adhesive removal test times of BDNF treatment started to improve from the 4th day, and the neurological deficit score from the 5th day. ICV BDNF treatment following CI reduced the infarct area by inducing autophagic proteins Beclin-1, LC3 and p62 and inhibiting the apoptotic caspase-3 protein while its beneficial effects were apparent in neurological tests from the 4th day.

Acrylamide, Applied During Pregnancy and Postpartum Period in Offspring Rats, Significantly Disrupted Myelination by Decreasing the Levels of Myelin-Related Proteins: MBP, MAG, and MOG.

Acrylamide (ACR) is a colorless, odorless, and water-soluble solid molecule. In addition to being an important industrial material, ACR is found in fried and baked carbohydrate-rich foods. ACR is regarded as a typical axonal neurotoxin that induces neuropathy. The brain is protected from oxidative damage by vitamin E, which is regarded as the most powerful fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin. This study aimed to reveal the toxic effect of ACR on the development of myelin in the brain at the molecular level and to examine whether Vitamin E has a neuroprotective effect on the harmful effect of ACR. The study was started by dividing 40 pregnant rats into 4 groups and after lactation, the study was continued with offspring rats (females and males offspring rats) from each group. Offspring rats were equally divided into Control, Vitamin E, ACR, ACR + Vitamin E groups. Following the ACR administration, the Water Maze test was applied to evaluate cognitive function. To evaluate the level of demyelination and remyelination, MBP, MAG, and MOG proteins and mRNA levels were performed. In addition, the degeneration of myelin and glial cells was examined by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopic analysis. Analysis results showed that ACR administration decreased gene and protein levels of myelin-related proteins MBP, MAG, and MOG. The findings were confirmed by histopathological, immunohistochemical, and microscopic examinations. The application of vitamin E improved this negative effect of ACR. It has been observed that ACR may play a role in the pathogenesis of myelin-related neurodegenerative diseases by causing demyelination during gestation, lactation, and post-lactation. In addition, it has been understood that vitamin E supports myelination as a strong neuroprotective vitamin against the toxicity caused by ACR. Our research results suggest that acrylamide may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis in humans since fast-food-type nutrition is very common today and people are chronically exposed to acrylamide.

High-fat and carbohydrate diet caused chronic kidney damage by disrupting kidney function, caspase-3, oxidative stress and inflammation.

The study aimed to compare the effects of a diet rich in fat, carbohydrates and protein on rat kidneys. The study was conducted on 40 Wistar albino rats bred at Inönü University Faculty of Medicine after the approval of the ethics committee. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Control group, and the groups where the animals were fed with high carbohydrate, fat and protein rich feed. After the applications, the rat kidney tissues were removed by laparoscopy under anesthesia and blood samples were collected. 13 weeks long fat-rich and carbohydrate feed application had negative effects on oxidant-antioxidant balance, oxidative stress index, inflammation markers, kidney functions tests, histopathology and immunohistochemistry caspase-3 findings in rat kidney tissues, especially in the carbohydrate group when compared to the controls. Protein-rich feed, there were no significant difference in biochemical and histopathology compared to the control group. Fat and carbohydrate rich feed led to an increase in oxidative stress in rat kidney tissues. Oxidative stress led to nephrotoxicity, which in turn led to chronic kidney tissue damages. A more balanced and protein-rich diet instead of excessive sugar and fatty food intake could be suggested to prevent chronic kidney damage.

Ameliorative Effects of Larazotide Acetate on Intestinal Permeability and Bacterial Translocation in Acute Pancreatitis Model in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal barrier dysfunction in acute pancreatitis (AP) may progress to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multi-organ failures by causing bacterial translocation. Larazotide acetate (LA) is a molecule that acts as a tight junction (TJ) regulator by blocking zonulin (Zo) receptors in the intestine. AIMS: In our study, we aimed to investigate the effects of LA on intestinal barrier dysfunction and bacterial translocation in the AP model in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups; control, larazotide (LAR), AP, and AP + LAR. The AP model was created by administering 250 mg/100 g bm L-Arginine intraperitoneally 2 times with an hour interval. AP + LAR group received prophylactic 0.01 mg/mL LA orally for 7 days before the first dose of L-Arginine. For intestinal permeability analysis, fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-Dextran) was applied to rats by gavage. The positivity of any of the liver, small intestine mesentery, and spleen cultures were defined as bacterial translocation. Histopathologically damage and zonulin immunoreactivity in the intestine were investigated. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the intestinal damage scores, anti-Zo-1 immunoreactivity H-Score, serum FITC-Dextran levels and bacterial translocation frequency (100% versus 0%) in the AP group were significantly higher (all p < 0.01). Intestinal damage scores, anti-Zo-1 immunoreactivity H-score, serum FITC-Dextran levels, and bacterial translocation frequency (50% versus 100%) were significantly lower in the AP + LAR group compared to the AP group (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that LA reduces the increased intestinal permeability and intestinal damage by its effect on Zo in the AP model in rats, and decreases the frequency of bacterial translocation as a result of these positive effects.

Enhanced Bone Healing Through Systemic Capsaicin Administration: An Experimental Study on Wistar Rats.

BACKGROUND The healing of bone defects is a serious challenge worldwide. One branch of dentistry deals with bone defects. Capsaicin has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and cholesterol-reducing effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemic capsaicin administered at different doses on bone healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 32 male wistar rats was used, their weight varying between 250 and 300 g. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each. The analyses served to evaluate the effect on healing of different doses of capsaicin and grafts. A significant increase was observed in the number of osteoblasts in the capsaicin-applied groups, compared with the control group. RESULTS The analyses served to evaluate the effect on healing of different doses of capsaicin and grafts. A significant increase was observed in the number of osteoblasts in the capsaicin-applied groups, compared with that of the control group. The inflammation scores showed a significant difference only in the control group and in the group administered with 50 mg/kg capsaicin (P=0.010). The osteoclast counts were significantly different between all groups. CONCLUSIONS As a result of the analyses, positive effects on bone healing were observed when capsaicin 0.25 mg/kg and 0.50 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally. However, more studies are needed for more accurate information.

Chronic liver fibrosis induction in aging causes significant ultra-structural deterioration in liver and alteration on immune response gene expressions in liver-spleen axis.

The relationship between damage to the liver and spleen by aging and the immune response status in these two organs, which are anatomically and immunologically interconnected, is unknown. The authors investigated the histopathological, ultrastructural, and immunological effects of aging in young and aged fibrotic mice by using an experimental model. Four groups were planned, with 10 mice in each experimental group. The levels of fibrosis and ultrastructural destruction in the liver were determined by α-SMA staining and TEM analysis. Expression levels of immunity genes (Il2, Il4, Il6, Il10, Il12, Il17, Tnf, Ifng, Tgfb1, Gata3, Rorc, Tbx21, Foxp3, Ccl2, Ccr2, Cxcr3, Pf4, Cxcl10) were carried out by qRT-PCR. While structural disorders were detected in the mitochondria of aged healthy group, cellular destruction in the fibrosis-induced elderly group was at a dramatic level. Fibrosis induction in aged mice caused an elevation in the expression of chemokines (CCl2, CXCL10, CCR2) and cytokine (IL-17a) genes that induce autoinflammatory response in the liver. Unlike the cellular pathology and genes activated in fibrosis in youth and the natural occurrence of fibrosis with aging, induction of fibrosis during aging causes deterioration in the liver and expression of genes responsible for autoimmunity in both the liver and spleen.

Hypoxia and Normoxia Preconditioned Olfactory Stem Cells Against Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE: Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the leading causes of permanent hearing loss in the adult population. In this experimental study, the authors aimed to investigate the effectiveness of hypoxia and normoxia preconditioned olfactory stem cells against noise trauma. METHODS: Twenty-seven female guinea pigs were enrolled. Two guinea pigs were sacrificed for harvesting olfactory tissue and 1 for examining the architecture of the normal cochlea. The remaining 24 guinea pigs were exposed to noise trauma for 1 day and then randomly divided into 3 groups: intracochlear injection of (i) normoxic olfactory stem cells, (ii) hypoxic olfactory stem cells, and (iii) physiological serum. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurement was performed before and 2 weeks after noise trauma and weekly for 3 weeks following intracochlear injection. Both click and 16 kHz tone-burst stimuli were used for detection of ABR. RESULTS: No significant difference was noted between the groups before and 2 weeks after noise trauma. ABR thresholds detected after intracochlear injections were significantly higher in the control group compared with stem cell groups. However, no significant difference was detected between the stem cell groups. Fluourescence microscopy revealed better engraftment for hypoxic stem cells. Light and electron microscopy examinations were consistent with predominant degenerative findings in the control group, whereas normoxic group had more similar findings with normal cochlea compared with hypoxic group. CONCLUSION: Olfactory stem cells were demonstrated to have the potential to have beneficial effects on noise trauma.

Effects of essential oils on heat-stressed poultry: A review.

While certain animal species are sensitive to heat stress, poultry particularly modern breeds, are more susceptible to high ambient temperatures. This has major implications for the poultry industry, as heat stress causes large financial losses. These economic losses will probably increase as a consequence of a predicted rise in global temperatures. Heat stress adversely affects various aspects of poultry, including physiological responses, growth and production performance, meat quality, egg quality, and reproductive activities. These effects occur through specific molecular and metabolic pathways. To mitigate the impacts of heat stress, it is crucial to go beyond administrative practices and implement dietary interventions during high ambient temperature. Such interventions aim to optimize the development of stressed bird species in terms of performance, health, and profitability. Essential oils have shown promising in mitigating the negative effects of heat stress and improved antioxidant status, growth and yield performance, as well as meat and egg quality in poultry. They actively participate in certain metabolic and molecular pathways that help to counteract the effects of heat stress. The article discusses the impacts of essential oil supplementation on the relationships between antioxidant enzyme activity, these molecular, and metabolic pathways, as well as various parameters such as growth and yield performance, and product quality heat-stressed poultry.

Effect of Different Administered Doses of Capsaicin and Titanium Implant Osseointegration.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the histological and biochemical effects of capsaicin on implant osseointegration and oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar albino rats weighing between 250 and 300 g were used in this study. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three equal groups: implant + control (n = 8), implant + capsaicin-1 (n = 8), and implant + capsaicin-2 (n = 8). Additionally, 2.5 mm diameter and 4 mm length titanium implants were surgically integrated into the corticocancellous bone parts of the femurs. In the treatment groups, rats were injected intraperitoneally with 25 mg/kg (implant + capsaicin-1) and 50 mg/kg (implant + capsaicin-2) of capsaicin. No additional applications were made in the control group. Three rats in total died during and after the experiment as a result of the analyses performed on 21 animals. Results: The highest total antioxidant status value was found in capsaicin dose 2, according to the analysis. The control group had the highest total oxidant status and oxidative stress index values, while group 2 of capsaicin had the lowest. After analysis, we found that there was no observed positive effect on osteointegration in this study (p > 0.05), although the bone implant connection was higher in the groups treated with capsaicin. Conclusions: A positive effect on osteointegration was not observed in this study. This may be due to osteoclast activation. However, it was found that it has a positive effect on oxidative stress. Osteoclast activation may be the cause of this phenomenon. Capsaicin was found to have a positive effect on oxidative stress (p < 0.05). It was also observed to have a positive effect on oxidative stress.

The Effect of Pringle Maneuver Applied during Living Donor Hepatectomy on the Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Observed in the Donors and Recipients.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and laboratory changes of ischemia and reperfusion injury in the remnant livers of donors with and without Pringle maneuver. Furthermore, we evaluated the recipients who have been transplanted with liver grafts from these donors. Methods and Materials: A total of 108 patients (54 living liver donors and 54 liver recipients) who underwent donor hepatectomy and recipients who living donor liver transplantation, were included in this randomized double-blind study between February 2021 and June 2021. The donors were divided into two groups: Pringle maneuver applied (n = 27) and Pringle maneuver not applied (n = 27). Similarly, recipients with implanted liver obtained from these donors were divided into two groups as the Pringle maneuver was performed (n = 27) and not performed (n = 27). Blood samples from donors and recipients were obtained on pre-operative, post-operative 0 h day (day of surgery), post-operative 1st day, post-operative 2nd day, post-operative 3rd day, post-operative 4th day, post-operative 5th day, and liver tissue was taken from the graft during the back table procedures. Liver function tests and complete blood count, coagulation tests, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and ß-galactosidase measurements, and histopathological findings were examined. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the parameters of biochemical analyses for ischemia-reperfusion injury at all periods in the donors with and without the Pringle maneuver. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between in the recipients in who received liver grafts harvested with and without the Pringle maneuver. There was no statistically significant difference between the two recipient groups in terms of perioperative bleeding and early bile duct complications (p = 0.685). In the histopathological examinations, hepatocyte damage was significantly higher in the Pringle maneuver group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Although the histological scoring of hepatocyte damage was found to be higher in the Pringle maneuver group, the Pringle maneuver did not augment ischemia-reperfusion injury in donors and recipients that was evaluated by clinical and laboratory analyses.

Melatonin Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury through Inducing Autophagy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate how melatonin administration for 3 days or 7 days following cerebral ischemia (CI) injury would affect autophagy and, therefore, survival in neurons of the penumbra region. Moreover, it was also aimed at determining how this melatonin treatment would affect the neurological deficit score and rotarod and adhesive removal test durations. METHODS: Focal CI (90 min) was achieved in a total of 105 rats utilizing a middle cerebral artery occlusion model. After the start of reperfusion, the groups were treated with melatonin (10 mg/kg/day) for 3 days or 7 days. In all groups, neurological deficit scoring, rotarod, and adhesive removal tests were executed during reperfusion. Infarct areas were determined by TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) staining at the end of the 3rd and 7th days of reperfusion. Beclin-1, LC3, p62, and caspase-3 protein levels were assessed using Western blot and immunofluorescence methods in the brain tissues. Moreover, penumbra areas were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Following CI, it was observed that melatonin treatment improved the rotarod and adhesive removal test durations from day 5 and reduced the infarct area after CI. It also induced autophagic proteins Beclin-1, LC3, and p62 and suppressed the apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3. According to TEM findings, melatonin treatment partially reduced the damage in neurons after CI. CONCLUSION: Melatonin treatment following CI reduced the infarct area and induced the autophagic proteins Beclin-1, LC3, and p62 by inhibiting the apoptotic caspase-3 protein. The functional reflection of melatonin treatment on neurological test scores was became significant from the 5th day onward.

Effects of dietary supplementation of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil on expression of genes related to antioxidant, apoptosis, detoxification, and heat shock mechanism in heat-stressed broiler chickens.

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of cumin essential oil (CEO) supplementation on levels of certain gene expression related to antioxidant, apoptotic, detoxific, and heat shock mechanisms in the breast meat and ileum of heat-stressed broilers. The study was conducted on a 2 × 6 factorial design (heat stress + feed additive) on 600 day-old male broiler chicks for a period of 42 days. From day 7 to 42, although broilers in heat stress groups (HT) were exposed to constant chronic heat stress (36 °C), others were housed at thermoneutral ambient temperature (TN). The chicks in both conditions were fed with 6 experimental diets: C0 (basal diet with no additive), ANTIB (basal diet + 100 mg/kg chloramphenicol), VITE (basal diet + 50 IU α-tocopherol), C2 (basal diet + 200 mg/kg CEO), C4 (basal diet + 400 mg/kg CEO), C6 (basal diet+ 600 mg/kg CEO). The results showed that heat stress upregulated (except for Bcl-2) the genes related to antioxidant, apoptosis, detoxification, and heat shock mechanism. However, cumin essential oil increased the dose-dependently positive effect on certain genes in tissues of the heat-stressed broilers and downregulated (except for Bcl-2) these genes.

Is hepatitis-B immunization effective during chronic liver fibrosis? Investigation of secretory and cellular immune responses on an experimental model.

OBJECTIVE: Adults with end-stage of chronic liver diseases have lower antibody titers after hepatitis-B vaccination. We have less amount of knowledge about the effect of non-viral cause chronic liver fibrosis on vaccination. In this study, we investigated the effect of non-viral chronic liver fibrosis on hepatitis B vaccine and the effect of tetanous toxoid co-administration at the level of humoral and cellular immune responses in an experimental model. METHODS: Hepatitis B vaccine was administered either alone or in combination with tetanus toxoid in thioacetamide-induced fibrotic BALB/c mice. Fibrosis level was determined by Knodell scoring. Anti-HBsAg, biochemical parameters, inflammatory (IL-1ß, TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine levels were investigated in serum samples by automated systems and ELISA; respectively. Frequencies of activated lymphocytes were determined in flow cytometer. RESULTS: Antibody titers significantly decreased after immunization of fibrotic mice. However, co-administration of toxoid significantly elevated antibody titer. The percentage of CD19+CD69+ B lymphocytes was found to be lower in vaccinated fibrotic group compared to vaccinated naive group. Simultaneous administration of toxoid significantly increased the frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing CD69 and CD127. Interestingly, CD19+CD5+CD1high Breg cells were significantly reduced in the group vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine and toxoid, simultaneously. The reduction in Breg percentage did not expose a significant decrease in the level of IL-10. CONCLUSION: Non-viral chronic liver fibrosis causes a reduction on specific antibody level after vaccination. Reduction on Breg cell frequency may have an effect on elevation of antibody level after co-administration of tetanus toxoid.

Osseointegration Levels of Implants Placed With Allogenic and Xenogenic Bone Ring: An Experimental Biomechanical Analysis.

This in vivo study aimed to do a biomechanical analysis of the early period bone-implant connection of titanium implants simultaneously inserted with xsenogenic and allogenic bone ring. In this study, 28 Sprague Dawley female rats were used. Four rats were killed to obtain an allogenic bone ring, and after this, the remaining rats were divided into control (n=8), xsenogenic (n=8), and allogenic (n=8) bone ring groups. Titanium-machined surfaced implants were integrated right tibias of the rats. In controls, only implants were integrated into right tibias. In the greft groups, the implants were integrated simultaneously with bone rings. After 2 weeks of the experimental period, the rats were killed ,and titanium implants and surrounding bone tissues were removed for biomechanic analysis. After biomechanical reverse torque analysis bone-implant connection was determined as Newton/cm 2 ; in controls 3.26 (1.2 to 4.5), in allogenic ring group 3.37 (2 to 4.4), in xsenogenic ring group 5.93 (2.8 to 10). Statistically significant differences were not detected between the groups ( P >0.05). Within the limitation of this study, both allogenic and xsenogenic bone grafts could be successfully used in bone augmentation in implant surgery.

Modified techniques versus Hadfield's procedure in patients with periductal mastitis.

BACKGROUND: Periductal mastitis (PM) is a rare disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the terminal mammary ducts. Complete removal of terminal lactiferous ducts with Hadfield procedure is a previously defined technique in treatment but carries various complications risks. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of modified techniques in the treatment of PM. METHODS: Twenty women who underwent surgery due to PM between January 2012 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Types of PM were determined. All patients were operated on with three different incisions [Hadfield's operation with periareolar incision (n:11), periareolar combined radial incision (n:7), and round block incision (n:2)]. RESULTS: The mean age was 37.5 ± 6.5 years (range: 24-49). Sixty percent of patients had type 3 PM. In Hadfield's procedure, NAC retraction (n:2), seroma (n:1), and hematoma (n:1) were seen. In the periareolar incision combined radial incision group only one patient had complications (seroma) and none in the round block method. Follow-up was 12 ± 1.5 months and disease relapse occurred in two patients in the Hadfield group. Patients who underwent round block were more satisfied with the appearance of the nipple. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of PM, the main principle of surgical treatment is the excision of the affected canal with a clear margin. Apart from the classical Hadfield procedure, the round block method and periareolar combined radial incision techniques can be performed in the treatment of PM.

The effect of immunonutrition on tumor infiltrative t lymphocytes and regulatory t cells in rectal tumor patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a prospective randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The rationale behind using immunonutrition in cancer patients is to prevent malnutrition, manage the host's immune response, and keep cancer under control by utilizing the potential immune system available in the host against the tumor. This prospective- study aims to assess the impact of immunonutrition on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in rectal cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: This is a single-center, prospective study. Forty patients diagnosed with middle and lower rectal tumors were enrolled in the study between March 2018 and December 2019. Nutrition protocols were given to all study subjects prior to surgery. Tissue CD4, CD8, and Fox P3 expression prior to enrollment (endoscopic biopsy specimens) and following surgery (resected tissue) were compared. RESULTS: Longitudinal data was available for 30 patients. In the present study, 15 patients were given immuno-nutrition, and 15 patients received standard nutrition. The immunonutrition and standard nutrition groups were similar regarding CD4 [10 (5-20) vs. 10 (10-10), p = 0.653], CD8 [30 (20-35) vs. 30 (20-40), p = 0.870], lymphocyte counts [2 (2-3) vs. 2 (2-3), p = 0.325], fox p3 value [10 (10-10) vs. 10 (10-10), p = 0.775], and CD4/CD8 ratio [0.33 (0.29-0.66) vs. 0.50 (0.29-0.50), p = 0.870] on endoscopic biopsy. CD4 [10 (7.5-25) vs. 30 (10-50), p = 0.050], CD8 [60 (40-60) vs. 50 (40-60), p = 0.713] and Fox P3 [10 (5-10) vs. 10 (2.5-10), p = 0.935] were also similar in tissues extracted by surgery. However, the standard nutrition group had significantly higher CD4/CD8 values in their tissues removed on surgery [0.25 (0.14-0.50) vs. 0.66 (0.28-1), p = 0.026]. DISCUSSION: The present study revealed that CD4/CD8 ratios were lower in the immunonutrition group in comparison to the group receiving standard nutritional supplements before surgery.

Visualization and characterization of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm structure in bovine dentin using 2D and 3D microscopic techniques.

Bacterial biofilms are related to various dental and periodontal infectious diseases, and the characterization of this biological structure with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) may offer valuable information for clinical and research applications. In this study, we aimed to develop a model to visualize three-dimensionally the biofilm structure on dentin using micro-CT. Dentin blocks were prepared and incubated in tryptic soy broth with Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212). The control group did not receive any staining procedure, while groups 1 and 2 were stained with 100% and 50% barium sulfate, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to detect biofilm formation, barium sulfate penetration, and microbial cell density in the biofilm. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) (SkyScan 1172, Bruker Co., Belgium) was used to visualize biofilm formation on the dentin blocks. Biofilm thicknesses were measured from 10 different locations on the specimen surfaces, using CTAn v.1.14.4 software. Obtained data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. TEM photomicrographs showed that barium sulfate could penetrate the biofilm structure. CLSM analysis showed that viable and total cell densities were similar between the control and barium sulfate-treated groups (P > 0.05), indicating barium sulfate had no significant influence on cell density. In barium sulfate-treated blocks, biofilm could be discriminated from the dentin, and its thickness could be measured with micro-CT. This study showed that bacterial biofilm on dentin could be characterized by micro-CT after barium sulfate staining without causing any significant side effect on viable and total cell densities.

Is Decorin a Promising New Agent for Facial Nerve Regeneration? An Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of systemic administration of decorin (DC) on facial nerve (FN) regeneration. METHODS: A total of 32 female albino Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control (C) group: no bilateral FN neurorrhaphy (B-FNN), no DC application, sham-operated group: B-FNN without DC application, DC group: DC application without B-FNN, and B-FNN + DC group: B-FNN and DC application. Nerve conduction studies were performed before and after skin incisions at 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th weeks in all groups. The amplitude and latency of compound muscle action potentials were recorded. FN samples were obtained and were investigated under light microscopy and immunohistochemical staining. The nerve and axon diameter, number of axons, H score, Schwann cell proliferation, and myelin and axonal degeneration were recorded quantitatively. RESULTS: In the sham group, the 3rd and 5th postoperative week, amplitude values were significantly lower than those of the B-FNN + DC group (p < 0.05). Nerve diameters were found to be significantly larger in the sham, DC, and B-FNN + DC groups than in the C group (p < 0.05). The number of axons, the axon diameter, and the H scores were found to be significantly higher in the B-FNN + DC group than in the sham group (p < 0.05). The Schwann cell proliferation, myelin degeneration, and axonal degeneration scores were significantly lower in the B-FNN + DC group than in the sham group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Electrophysiological and histopathological evaluation revealed the potential benefits provided by DC. This agent may increase FN regeneration.

Comparison of polycaprolactone and calcium hydroxylapatite dermal fillers in a rat model.

Polycaprolactone (PCL) and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) are semipermanent dermal fillers that are frequently preferred in the last decade. This study aims to compare the effects of these two fillers in the rat skin. A total of 30 female rats were divided into; control, PCL, and CaHA group. Tissue samples taken at the second and fourth month were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome, collagen type 1, and 3 immunohistochemical antibodies. Collagen density was quantitatively compared using the Image J computer program. At 2 and 4 months, the density of collagen increased in both filler groups compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between collagen density or type 1 and type 3 collagen H scores in the filler groups. The number of fibroblast nuclei was significantly higher in the PCL group at 4 months compared to the other two groups. Dermis thickness was found to be superior in both filler groups compared to the control group at the fourth month, there was no significant difference between the filler groups. We compared the effect of CaHA and PCL filler on collagenization histologically and immunohistochemically. We found that PCL and CaHA fillers are effective in increasing dermal collagen density, type 1 and type 3 collagen amount, and preventing dermis atrophy and showed that they have no advantage over each other in this respect. We have shown that PCL filler provides more fibroblast increase compared to CaHA filler and the effect of stimulating fibroblast proliferation takes longer.

Protective effects of crocin on acrylamide-induced testis damage.

Exposure to acrylamide (Ac) through food is almost inevitable and this kind of toxicity may cause lifelong harm. In present study, we researched effects of Crocin (Cr) on testis histopathology in Ac-induced testis of rats. Adult male rats were grouped as: group 1, 1 ml saline only; group 2, 50 mg/kg Cr only; group 3, 25 mg/kg Ac only and group 4, 25 mg/kg Ac + 50 mg/kg Cr. All administrations were given as 1 ml/day by gavage for 21 days. It was found that Ac adversely influenced the levels of FSH, testosterone and LH in the blood serum; malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI)/ glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant status (TAS) oxidant/antioxidant parameters in testis tissue (p < .01) and the histopathological parameters like Johnson's score, seminiferous tubule diameter, seminiferous epithelial height and H-score for caspase-3 immunoreactivity. In contrary, Cr treatment resulted in increase in testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizan hormone (LH) levels and SOD, CAT, GSH, TAS levels (p < .01) and improved all the histopathological changes. In conclusion, Cr has a promising protective potential against Ac-caused toxic damages in testicular tissue.