Electrophoresis of active Janus particles.

We theoretically consider the dynamics of a self-propelled active Janus motor moving in an external electric field. The external field can manipulate the route of a Janus particle and force it to move toward the desired targets. To investigate the trajectory of this active motor, we use a perturbative scheme. At the leading orders of surface activity of the Janus particle and also the external field, the orientational dynamics of the Janus particles behave like a mathematical pendulum with an angular velocity that is sensitive to both the electric field and surface activity of the motor.

Evaluation of outcomes of suction drainage in patients with haemophilic arthropathy undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Closed suction drainage has been extensively applied for orthopaedic procedures for the sake of avoiding fluid collections around the wound at the operated limb. AIM: We believed that without application of suction drainage after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the risk of infection and haematoma formation will not increase while the need for blood transfusion because of decreased blood loss will be lesser. METHODS: In a prospective randomized clinical trial from April 2010 to April 2014, 176 patients with haemophilia who underwent TKA were included. The study group consisted of 88 patients (108 knees), in which we did not insert suction drain and the control group included 88 patients (106 knees), in which drain was inserted at the end of the surgery. All patients underwent TKA via anterior knee incision and medial parapatellar approach. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period of study group and control group was 21 ± 11 months vs. 20 ± 9 months consecutively (P = 0.54). The mean hospital stay was 13 ± 8 days vs. 14 ± 8 days in study and control group consecutively (P = 0.40). In both groups, the major part of improvement in clinical knee society score was due to increase in pain subset (mean increase of 42 vs. 39 points consecutively) and to a lesser extent to alleviation of flexion contracture (mean increase of 13 vs. 15 points consecutively). We observed no differences in the mean visual analogue scale (VAS) value between both groups. Average functional outcome in both groups improved during follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that there is no rationale for the use of drain after primary TKA.

L-Carnitine in rooster semen cryopreservation: Flow cytometric, biochemical and motion findings for frozen-thawed sperm.

Rooster semen cryopreservation is not efficient for artificial insemination in breeder flocks. L-Carnitine (LC) has been evaluated for effectiveness in cryopreservation media on the characteristics of rooster sperm after freeze-thawing. Motility characteristics, membrane functionality, abnormal morphology, apoptotic like changes, mitochondria activity and lipid peroxidation of rooster sperms were assessed after freeze-thawing with different concentrations of LC in Beltsville medium. Semen samples were collected from 12 roosters, twice a week, and diluted in the extenders that contained different concentrations of LC. Supplementation of Beltsevile with 1 and 2 mM LC was found to result in higher total motility (68.2± 1.7% and 69.1± 1.7%, respectively), progressive motility (28.4± 1.6%, 29.8± 1.6%), membrane functionality (76.2± 1.9% and 75.9± 1.9%), viability (58.2 ± 1.1%, 59.1 ± 1.1%) and lower significant of lipid peroxidation (2.53 ± 0.08 nmol/ml, 2.49 ± 0.08 nmol/ml) compared to control group containing no LC. Lower motility, progressive motility, and viability were observed in frozen-thawed sperm in extender containing 8 mM LC (35.8± 1.7%, 9.6± 1.2% and 27.1 ± 1.2%, respectively) compared to control. Morphology and mitochondrial activity were not affected by different concentrations of LC. Our results showed that supplementation of Beltsville extender with 1 and 2 mM LC significantly improved the quality of rooster sperm quality after freeze-thawing.

Effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on sperm function, oxidative stress and membrane integrity in human.

Oxidative stress has negative impacts on the clinical outcomes of assisted reproduction techniques. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes the viability of nerve cells and is known to decrease oxidative stress and apoptosis in different cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of BDNF treatment on human sperm functions that are known to be essential for fertilisation. Our findings showed that treatment of human spermatozoa with 0.133 nM BDNF significantly increased the percentages of both total (P = 0.001) and progressive (P < 0.01) motile sperm cells compared to those observed in the nontreated (control) group. We also showed that the mean fluorescence intensity of DCFH-DA, as an indicator of intracellular reactive oxygen species, was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in spermatozoa treated with BDNF compared to the control group. Treatment of spermatozoa with BDNF significantly decreased the percentages of both dead (P = 0.001) and apoptotic-like sperm cells (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. On the other hand, BDNF treatment significantly increased the percentage of viable sperm cells compared to the control (P = 0.001). In conclusion, BDNF has protective effects against oxidative stress in spermatozoa and could improve sperm functions that are essential for sperm-egg fusion and subsequent fertilisation.

Evaluation of a novel lentiviral vaccine expressing KMP11-HASPB fusion protein against Leishmania infantum in BALB/c mice.

Hydrophilic acylated surface protein B (HASPB) is an immunogenic Leishmania protein against which antibodies are produced in the sera of cutaneous and visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) patients. Kinetoplastid membrane protein 11 (KMP11) is another protein antigen of Leishmania which is reported as a promising candidate for vaccination of VL. It is a highly conserved surface protein present in all members of kinetoplastid family and is expressed in both promastigotes and amastigotes. In this study, the coding sequence of KMP11 and HASPB was cloned into a pCDH-cGFP lentiviral vector as a fusion protein. The gene expression was confirmed using RT-PCR and Western blot methods. After injection of the recombinant KMP11-HASPB-expressing lentiviruses to BALB/c mice, using ELISA technique, a significant increase in IFN-γ and IL-4 as well as IgG1 and IgG2a was observed compared to the control group. Furthermore, the number of parasites in the liver and spleen of vaccinated mice decreased significantly compared with the control group.

Pulmonary computed tomography scan findings in chronic granulomatous disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic granulomatous disease is a phagocyte defect, characterised by recurrent infections in different organs due to a defect in NADPH oxidase complex. This study was performed to investigate pulmonary problems of CGD in a group of patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) scan. METHODS: Computed tomography scan was performed in 24 patients with CGD. The findings of the CT scan were documented in all of these patients. RESULTS: Areas of consolidation and scan formation were the most common findings, which were detected in 79% of the patients. Other abnormalities in order of frequencies were as follows: small pulmonary nodules (58%); mediastinal lymphadenopathy (38%); pleural thickening (25%); unilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (25%); axillary lymphadenopathy (21%); bronchiectasis (17%); abscess formation (17%); pulmonary large nodules or masses (8%); and free pleural effusion (8%). CONCLUSION: The pulmonary CT scans of the patients with CGD demonstrated a variety of respiratory abnormalities in the majority of the patients. While recurrent respiratory infections and abscesses are considered as prominent features of CGD, early diagnosis and precise check-up of the respiratory systems are needed to prevent further pulmonary complications.

Cryopreservation of ram semen in extenders containing soybean lecithin as cryoprotectant and hyaluronic acid as antioxidant.

A soybean lecithin-based extender supplemented with hyaluronic acid (HA) was assayed for effectiveness to improve the quality of frozen-thawed ram semen. HA has not been tested yet in an extender containing soybean lecithin for freezing ram semen. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyse the effects of soybean lecithin at 1% or 1.5% along with HA at 0, 0.5 and 1 mg ml(-1) in a Tris-based extender on the motion characteristics, membrane integrity (HOST), viability, GSH peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity, lipid peroxidation and acrosomal status after freezing-thawing. Semen was collected from four Mehraban rams during the breeding season and frozen in the six lecithin×HA extenders. The extender containing 1.5% lecithin supplemented with no HA yielded higher total motility (52.5%±1.6), viability (55.8%±1.6) and membrane integrity (44.5%±1.7), but the effects of the lecithin concentration did not reach signification. Linearity-related parameters, ALH, BCF, lipid peroxidation, GSH-PX activity, morphology and acrosomal status were not affected by the extender composition. In general, adding HA significantly decreased sperm velocity (1 mg ml(-1) HA), total motility (only with 1.5% lecithin), viability (1 mg ml(-1) HA for 1% lecithin; both concentrations for 1.5% lecithin) and membrane integrity. In conclusion, adding HA to the freezing extender supplemented with soybean lecithin failed to improve quality-related variables in ram semen. Increasing the lecithin content could have a positive effect, but further studies are needed.

The Effect of Different Zinc Sources on Biochemical Parameters, Intestinal Morphology, Carcass Characteristics and Performance in Finishing Lambs.

To investigate the effect of different sources of zinc supplements on blood serum parameters, nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology, 18 male Zandi lambs (with initial body weight of 31 ± 1.2 kg and 120 ± 8 days old) were divided into three groups, six animals each in a completely random design. Experimental treatments include (1) control treatment of basal diet without zinc supplementation, (2) basal diet with 40 mg/kg of zinc supplementation from zinc sulfate source, and (3) basal diet with 40 mg/kg of zinc supplementation with origin it was organic (Zn-peptide). All lambs were kept in individual pens with cemented floor and provision of individual feeding and watering. Mean daily weight gain increased with zinc supplementation (P < 0.05), but feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected by zinc supplementation in the diet. Zinc supplementation increased the apparent digestibility of the dry matter (P < 0.05), but the digestibility of dietary fat, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were not affected by zinc supplementation. In this experiment, the addition of organic and inorganic supplements to the diet of fattening lambs had no significant effect on serum triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and glucose concentrations, and carcass traits. The concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzyme in the zinc sulfate group was significantly higher than the control and organic zinc groups (P < 0.05). Concentrations of blood urea nitrogen were lower in zinc fed lambs, compared to control (P ≤ 0.05). The villi width in the duodenum was higher in the zinc supplementation treatments (P < 0.05). Also, in the ileum section, the height of the villi in the treatment of zinc sulfate supplement was higher, compared to the complement and control (P < 0.05). The results of this study showed that Zn supplementation, regardless of its source, improved growth performance in fattening lambs. However, no effect was observed on feed intake and efficiency, carcass traits, and blood parameters.

Prevalence of food contamination with Listeria spp. in Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran.

Listeria monocytogenes is a human pathogen causing serious diseases. We aimed to determine food contamination with Listeria spp. in Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran. Samples (185 dairy, 187 meat products and 158 ready-to-eat foods such as salads) were randomly collected from markets. After processing, samples were cultured in half-Fraser and Fraser broth followed by cultivation on PALCAM and Oxford media. Confirmatory tests including carbohydrate utilization were performed on isolates to determine species. Bacteria were isolated from 66/530 samples (12.5%). Meat products showed the highest (27.2%) and dairy products the lowest (3.8%) contamination rates. L. innocua was found in 56 (10.6%) samples, but L. monocytogenes was only found in 3 samples (0.6%). The results indicate that the rate of contamination with L. monocytogenes, even for ready-to-eat foods, was low but for other Listeria spp., in particular strains of L. innocua, the rate of contamination was higher, suggesting that more control on food sanitation is required.

Infectious keratitis: an update on the prevalence, risk factors, culture results, clinical features, visual outcomes, and therapeutic strategies of infectious keratitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, culture results, clinical features, visual outcomes, and therapeutic strategies of infectious keratitis after surface ablation (PRK). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This single-center prospective case-series review comprised 6500 eyes of 3400 patients undergoing PRK operation successively at the Ardabil Noor Surgical Center between January 1, 2003, and February 1, 2020. The incidence, risk factors, and clinical course were recorded for these samples. RESULTS: Three clinical and culture-proven cases of infectious keratitis in three eyes of three patients were diagnosed during the study period. Post-operative keratitis was observed in cases 1 and 2 after 3 days and in case 3 after 112 days. The results of cultures were positive in all three cases. The isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus species in cases 1 and 2 and Candida Albicans in case 3. The final corrected distance visual acuity was 20/25 and 20/20 in cases 1 and 2, respectively, and hand motion in case 3. All three patients had some risk factors such as well-controlled familial Mediterranean fever, mild Meibomian gland dysfunction, and the healthcare environment of the patient's wife in case 1, contact lens manipulation in case 2, and dry eye in case 3. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of infectious keratitis after PRK was 0.046%. Infectious keratitis is one of the complications of PRK that can threaten patients' vision. Accordingly, proper preoperative clinical history taking, adequate eye exam and aggressive management can help maintain good eyesight in patients who undergo PRK surgery.

The dilemma of hyperoxia following positive pressure mechanical ventilation: role of iron and the benefit of iron chelation with deferasirox.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Increased oxidative stress in patients under treatment with high concentrations of oxygen (hyperoxia) is considered to be one of the major mechanisms of lung injury, which is thought among different mediators, transition metal ion, iron, by generation of very reactive free radicals which play an important role. Disruption of normal iron homeostasis has been reported in hyperoxic conditions. We hypothesized that chelation of iron can reduce hyperoxia-induced lung injury. METHODS: Mechanically ventilated patients, who received oxygen with FiO2 >0.5 for at least 3 days, underwent bronchoscopy before and 72 hours after receiving "Deferasirox". Oxidative injury index and iron homeostasis markers were measured in lavage fluid and plasma. RESULTS: In 12 patients, the concentrations of 8-isoprostane (p=0.005), 8-oxoguanine (p=0.04), carbonyl proteins (p=0.04)--as markers of oxidative stress--decreased significantly in lavage fluid after intervention. Levels of iron-related proteins, ferritin (p=0.04) and transferrin (p=0.005) also decreased significantly in lavage fluid. CONCLUSION: Deferasirox--as an iron chelator--decrease oxidative injury index in hyperoxic condition and it could be consider safe and beneficial agent, along with other supportive measures in hyperoxia-induced lung injury for better toleration of oxygen therapy.

Thin Split Thickness Skin Grafting on Human Acellular Dermal Matrix Scaffold for the Treatment of Deep Burn Wounds.

BACKGROUND: Use of AlloDerm™ is highly suggested for the treatment of deep burns and burn sequela reconstruction. Scar formation and contracture are recognized as long-term consequences of split-thickness skin autografting, which is applied for full-thickness burn injuries. Mature fibroblasts, in the absence of dermis, seem to secrete collagen in the reformed scar pattern. OBJECTIVE: To process AlloDerm™ from fresh allograft and use it as a dermal substitute for covering deep wounds in burn patients and evaluate its effectiveness. METHODS: In this case-series, 7 patients with deep burn wounds involving different locations on the body surface were exposed to combined AlloDerm™ (processed from fresh human allograft) with thin split thickness skin autograft on it. On the 5th post-operative day, wound dressings were changed to evaluate the graft survival with the human acellular dermal matrix scaffold. To determine the skin profiles, follow-ups continued for at least 6 months. RESULTS: The results showed excellent graft take, good elasticity, acceptable thickness, and little contracture and scarring according to fix surgeon assessment in 6 patients. Graft rejection happened only in one patient with chronic electrical injury. CONCLUSION: AlloDerm™ derived from cadaver skin and combination of it with thin split thickness skin auto grafting constitute a cost-effective and favorable option for the treatment of deep burn wounds in our center, considering the increased tendency of the population towards organ donation in the event of brain death.

Percutaneous reduction and screw fixation for all types of intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

INTRODUCTION: This study compares the outcomes of consecutive of patients with Sanders II and III and IV calcaneal fractures that were stabilized by either close reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Group I (N = 49) underwent close reduction internal fixation (CRIF). Group II (N = 39) underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The clinical outcomes included time to operation, operative duration, visual analog score (VAS), length of hospital stay, wound-related complications and AOFAS SF-36 score. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic measures also were compared. RESULTS: The duration of operation in the CRIF group was considerably shorter than in ORIF group (P = 0.0001). Postoperatively, at seventh day, the VAS in the CRIF group (4.2 ± 1.1) was meaningfully lower than those of the ORIF patients group (4.7 ± 1.2, P = 0.04). Totally, the prevalence of wound complications in CRIF group was significantly lower than in ORIF group. In final follow-up visit after one year, AOFAS scores and SF-36 scores between groups were comparable. Comparable radiographic measures were found in both groups. There was no significant difference between groups regarding preoperative radiographic measures (P > 0.05), while in postoperative imaging acceptable calcaneal fracture reduction was found in both groups. CONCLUSION: We believed that for treatment of various types of calcaneal fracture compared with ORIF the percutaneous reduction and screw fixation may lead to shorter hospital stay, decreased subtalar joint stiffness and earlier weight bearing along with much favorable patients' satisfaction.

Examination of Setarud (IMOD™) in the management of patients with severe sepsis.

BACKGROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Analysis of current immunomodulating strategies indicates that monovalent approaches are unlikely to restore immunostasis or achieve complete therapy of sepsis. Setarud (IMOD) as a mixture of urtica, carotenoids, urea, and selenium has been recently patented for its potential in reduction of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and Interferon-γ and Interleukin-2 levels. The aim of this study was to examine efficacy of IMOD in the management of patients with severe sepsis. METHODS: Twenty patients with severe sepsis and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) score of more than 20 were randomized to receive standard treatment of severe sepsis (control group) or standard treatment plus IMOD (IMOD group). The group treated with IMOD for 14 days was according to the pilot study and regarding the stability of patient's conditions in the ICU. Of course patients in both groups received standard treatment and all were monitored for 28 days. Blood samples were analyzed for interleukins (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), TNF-α, total thiol molecules (TTM), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant power (TAP), and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Daily APACHE, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) were calculated. RESULTS AND MAJOR CONCLUSION: Comparing with controls, IMOD was significantly effective in improving SAPS, SOFA, and APACHE scores, and reduction of mortality rate. Among tested inflammatory biomarkers, IMOD significantly improved TTM and TNF-α values. It is concluded that IMOD might be added as a safe adjutant to standard treatment of severe sepsis.

Comparison the inflammatory effects of early supplemental parenteral nutrition plus enteral nutrition versus enteral nutrition alone in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: It is believed that enteral nutrition (EN) support is the preferred route as compared to parenteral nutrition (PN). Critically ill patients on EN receive less than 60% of their metabolic requirements. To meet patients' calorie goal addition of PN to EN was proposed. This study was conducted to determine whether supplemental PN have any difference with EN alone in regard to inflammatory indices. METHODS: Twenty patients were randomized to either receive EN alone or EN+PN for 7 days. Pre albumin and inflammatory indices including interleukin IL-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured on days of 0, 3,7. Also Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System-28 (TISS-28) score were calculated on days of 0, 3 and 7. RESULTS AND MAJOR CONCLUSION: IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α did not show significant difference between two interventions. Pre-albumin was increased from baseline by 9% and 81% in EN and EN+PN groups respectively but it did not reach to statistical significance. SOFA score did not show significant difference. TISS score was higher in EN+PN group on days of 3 and 7. No difference was found between EN and EN+PN regimens in regard to inflammation, while severity of illness may not change with these regimens, nursing workload increases with implementation of supplemental PN.

Molecular dynamics simulation and experimental study of the surface-display of SPA protein via Lpp-OmpA system for screening of IgG.

Staphylococcal protein A (SpA) is a major virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus is able to escape detection by the immune system by the surface display of protein A. The SpA protein is broadly used to purify immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. This study investigates the fusion ability of Lpp'-OmpA (46-159) to anchor and display five replicate domains of protein A with 295 residues length (SpA295) of S. aureus on the surface of Escherichia coli to develop a novel bioadsorbent. First, the binding between Lpp'-OmpA-SPA295 and IgGFc and the three-dimensional structure was investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. Then high IgG recovery from human serum by the surface-displayed system of Lpp'-OmpA-SPA295 performed experimentally. In silico analysis was demonstrated the binding potential of SPA295 to IgG after expression on LPP-OmpA surface. Surface-engineered E. coli displaying SpA protein and IgG-binding assay with SDS-PAGE analysis exhibited high potential of the expressed complex on the E. coli surface for IgG capture from human serum which is applicable to conventional immune precipitation.

Heterozygous loss of Rbm24 in the adult mouse heart increases sarcomere slack length but does not affect function.

RNA-binding proteins are key regulators of post-transcriptional processes such as alternative splicing and mRNA stabilization. Rbm24 acts as a regulator of alternative splicing in heart and skeletal muscle, and is essential for sarcomere assembly. Homozygous inactivation of Rbm24 in mice disrupts cardiac development and results in embryonic lethality around E12.5. In the present study, we generated somatic Rbm24 knockout (KO) mice and investigated the effects of reduced levels of Rbm24 in the adult heart. Due to the embryonic lethality of Rbm24 KO mice, we examined cardiac structure and function in adult Rbm24 heterozygotes (HETs). Rbm24 protein expression was 40% downregulated in HET hearts compared to WT hearts. Force measurements on isolated membrane-permeabilized myocytes showed increased sarcomere slack length and lower myofilament passive stiffness in adult Rbm24 HET compared to wildtype cardiomyocytes. As a result of the differences in sarcomere slack length, the relations between force development and sarcomere length differed between WT and Rbm24 HET hearts. No differences in sarcomere structure and titin isoform composition were observed. Likewise, in vivo cardiac function and myocardial structure was unaltered in Rbm24 HET mice compared to WT, at baseline and upon pressure overload after transverse aortic constriction. In conclusion, we generated a somatic Rbm24 KO model and recapitulated the previously reported embryonic phenotype. In adult Rbm24 HET cardiomyocytes we observed increased sarcomere slack length, but no difference in sarcomere structure and cardiac function.

Micromechanics fracture in osteonal cortical bone: a study of the interactions between microcrack propagation, microstructure and the material properties.

A two-dimensional micromechanical fibre reinforced composite materials model for osteonal cortical bone is presented. The interstitial bone is modelled as a matrix, the osteons are modelled as fibres, and the cement line is presented as interface tissue. The interaction between osteons and microcracks is evaluated by linear elastic fracture mechanics theory, followed by a determination of the stress intensity factor at the vicinity of the microcrack tips. The results indicate that bone microstructural heterogeneity greatly influences fracture parameters. Furthermore, microstructural morphology and loading conditions affect growth trajectories, the microcrack propagation trajectory deviates from the osteon under tensile loading, and osteon penetration is observed under compressive loads.

Haversian cortical bone model with many radial microcracks: an elastic analytic solution.

In this study, the fracture micromechanics of Haversian cortical bone has been considered. To this effect, a two-dimensional micromechanical fibre-ceramic matrix composite tissue materials model has been presented. The interstitial tissue was modeled as a matrix and the osteon was modeled as a fibre, followed by the application of linear elastic fracture mechanics theory. The solution for edge dislocations, in terms of Green's functions, was adopted to formulate a system of singular integral equations for the radial microcracks in the matrix in vicinity of the osteon. The problem was solved for various configurations and the corresponding stress intensity factors were computed. The results of this study indicated that the interaction between microcracks and an osteon was limited to vicinity of the osteon. Furthermore, the effect of microstructure morphology and heterogeneity on the fracture behavior has been established. The interactions between microcracks were also analyzed for various configurations. These selected configurations exhibited the effects of stress amplification and stress shielding.