Evaluation of skeletal muscle function in male rats with doxorubicin-induced myopathy following various exercise techniques: the significant role of glucose transporter 4.

A common anthracycline antibiotic used to treat cancer patients is doxorubicin (DOX). One of the effects of DOX therapy is skeletal muscle fatigue. Our goal in this research was to study the beneficial effect of exercise on DOX-induced damaged muscle fibers and compare the effect of different exercise strategies (prophylactic, post- toxicity and combined) on DOX toxicity. Five groups were created from 40 male rats: group I, control group; group II, DOX was administered intraperitoneally for 2 weeks over 6 equal injections (each 2.5 mg/kg); group III, rats trained for 3 weeks before DOX; group IV, rats trained for 8 weeks after DOX; and group V, rats were trained for 3 weeks before DOX followed by 8 weeks after. Measures of oxidative damage (H2O2, catalase), inflammation (TNF-α), and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression on skeletal muscle were assessed. Also, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was estimated. Skeletal performance was evaluated by contraction time (CT), half relaxation time (1/2 RT), and force-frequency relationship by the end of this research. The current study demonstrated a detrimental effect of DOX on skeletal performance as evidenced by a significant increase in CT and 1/2 RT compared to control; in addition, H2O2, TNF-α, and HOMA-IR were significantly increased with a significant decrease in GLUT4 expression and catalase activity. Combined exercise therapy showed a remarkable improvement in skeletal muscle performance, compared to DOX, CT, and 1/2 RT which were significantly decreased; H2O2 and TNF-α were significantly decreased unlike catalase antioxidant activity that significantly increased; in addition, skeletal muscle glucose metabolism was significantly improved as GLUT4 expression significantly increased and HOMA-IR was significantly decreased. Exercise therapy showed significant improvement in all measured parameters relative to DOX. However, combined exercise therapy showed the best improvement relative to both pre-exercise and post-exercise groups.

Synthesis, Antimicrobial Evaluation, DFT, in Silico-Docking, and ADMET Investigations of Novel Chromene-based 2,4-Thiazolidinediones.

Three series of thiazolidinedione (TZD) derivatives (5a-f, 7a-f, and 9a-f) were prepared efficiently. Afterward, the synthesized candidates' antibacterial efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was assessed. Compounds 7c, 7d, and 7f had values comparable to that of ampicillin, a reference antibiotic, whereas compounds 5c, 5d, and 7e exhibited the greatest values (23.0 ± 1.0, 27.7 ± 0.6, and 20.0 ± 1.0, respectively) against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The optimal structure of the produced molecules was determined by DFT computing. To assess the binding energy and elucidate the interaction between the potential candidates and different proteins, silico-docking is employed. ADMET analysis to assess the synthesized compounds' toxicity, metabolism, excretion, distribution, and absorption.

Design and biological evaluation of 3-substituted quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione derivatives as dual c-Met/VEGFR-2-TK inhibitors.

The dual c-Met/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) TK inhibition is a good strategy to overcome therapeutic resistance to small molecules VEGFR-2 inhibitors. In this study, we designed 3-substituted quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione derivatives as dual c-Met/VEGFR-2 TK inhibitors. We introduced new synthetic methods for reported derivatives of 3-substituted quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione 2a-g, in addition to the preparation of some new derivatives namely, 3 and 4a-j. Three compounds namely, 2c, 4b, and 4e showed substantial amount of inhibition for both c-Met and VEGFR-2 TK (IC50 range 0.052-0.084 µM). Both compounds 4b, 4e showed HB with highly conserved residue Asp1222 in the HB region of c-Met TK. For VEGFR-2 TK, compound 4b showed HB with a highly conserved residue Asp1046 in the HB region. Compound 4e showed HB with Glu885 and Asp1046. Moreover, in silico prediction of pharmacokinetic and physicochemical parameters of target compounds was carried out using SwissADME website. The quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione derivatives are promising antiproliferative candidates that require further optimisation.HighlightsNew 3-substituted quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione derivatives were synthesised and characterised.Compounds 4b and 4e showed higher cytotoxic activity than cabozantinib against HCT-116 colorectal cell lines.Both compounds 4b and 4e showed less toxicity to WI38 normal cell line compared to HCT 116 colon cancer cell line.Compound 4b was superior to cabozantinib in VEGFR-2 inhibition while compound 2c was equipotent to cabozantinib.Compounds 4b and 4e showed remarkable c-Met inhibitory activity.Compounds 4b and 4e arrested cell cycle and induced significant levels of apoptosis.In silico ADME prediction revealed high oral bioavailability and enhanced water solubility of target compounds as compared to cabozantinib.Target compounds interacted with both c-Met and VEGFR-2 active site in similar way to cabozantinib.

LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method for the quantitative analysis of nifedipine, bisoprolol, and captopril in human plasma: Application to pharmacokinetic studies.

In this study, the development and validation of an accurate and highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method were performed for the estimation of nifedipine, bisoprolol and captopril in real human plasma. Liquid-liquid extraction using tert-butyl methyl ether was efficiently applied for extraction of the analytes from plasma samples. The chromatographic separation was carried out using an isocratic elution mode on the X-terra MS C18 column (4.6 × 50 mm, 3.5 µm). The mobile phase consisted of methanol-0.1% formic acid (95:5, v/v) for determination of nifedipine and bisoprolol and acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid (70:30, v/v) for determination of captopril with a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. Acceptable results regarding the different validation characteristics of the analytes were obtained in accordance with US Food and Drug Administration recommendations for bioanalytical methods. The developed approach was linear over concentration ranges of 0.5-130.0, 50.0-4,500.0 and 0.3-30.0 ng/ml for nifedipine, captopril and bisoprolol, respectively. The method revealed a sufficient lower limit of quantification in the range of 0.3-50.0 ng/ml, as well as high recovery percentages, indicating high bioanalytical applicability. The proposed method was efficiently applied to a pharmacokinetic evaluation of a fixed-dose combination of the analytes in healthy male volunteers.

Synthesis, Characterization, Thermal Analysis, DFT, and Cytotoxicity of Palladium Complexes with Nitrogen-Donor Ligands.

Three new palladium complexes ([Pd(DABA)Cl2], [Pd(CPDA)Cl2], and [Pd(HZPY)Cl2]) bearing dinitrogen ligands (DABA: 3,4-diaminobenzoic acid; CPDA: 4-chloro-o-phenylenediamine; HZPY: 2-hydraziniopyridine) were synthesized, characterized, and tested against breast cancer (MCF-7), prostate carcinoma cell line (PC3) and liver carcinoma cell line (HEPG2). [Pd(DABA)Cl2] complex exhibited the highest inhibition percentage, lying between 68-71%. The hydrolysis mechanism of each palladium complex, the key step preceding the binding to the biological target, as well as their photophysical properties were explored by means of DFT and TDDFT computations. Results indicate a faster hydrolysis process for the Pd(DABA)Cl2 complex. The computed activation energies for the first and second hydrolysis processes suggest that all the compounds could reach DNA in their monohydrated form.

A Novel Canine Otoscopy Teaching Model for Veterinary Students.

Otoscopic evaluation using an otoscope is an important tool among the diagnostic modalities for otitis externa and is considered a core component of a canine patient's complete physical examination. Traditionally, otoscopic training in veterinary school involves using live dogs (i.e., laboratory dogs or dogs that are patients of the veterinary teaching hospital). While this approach has its advantages, performing otoscopic examination on live dogs presents several challenges: it requires adequate patient restraint, can cause stress to the dog, and can potentially cause trauma and/or injury to the dog's ear canal when performed by an inexperienced individual. Using an alternative teaching tool for otoscopic evaluation could overcome these challenges and improve veterinary students' learning experience. In this study, we investigated student perceptions of a novel canine teaching model for otoscopic evaluation in first-year veterinary students. The Elnady preservation technique was employed to create a realistic, durable, and flexible model for otoscopic training in a dermatology laboratory session in a first-year veterinary course. Student feedback was assessed on a Likert scale, and overall feedback indicated that students felt that the model was beneficial for skill building and removed many of the stressors incurred with using live animals when training in clinical skills. Most students stated that they would like to have additional similar models incorporated into training and would recommend these models to other students.

Development of a hierarchical typing approach for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and characterization of MAP field cultures from Central Germany.

AIMS: Development of a novel hierarchical Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) typing approach and characterization of MAP field cultures in Central Germany. METHODS AND RESULTS: By combining single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat, we developed a highly discriminating and phylogenetically accurate hierarchical MAP typing approach. Moreover, a novel stepwise workflow was employed to reduce the number of SNP reactions required making the typing approach more affordable. MAP field cultures (n = 142) from dairy herds in Central Germany were classified as cattle type and showed a high level of heterogeneity. Intra-herd multiple genotypes were evident in (13-25%) of the investigated herds. CONCLUSIONS: The hierarchical MAP typing approach proved to be useful in fine discrimination between MAP cultures within limited geographical regions. This could potentially be used in unravelling MAP transmission chains in the respective regions. The observed heterogeneity in some herds is assumed to be due to either multiple introductions through inter-herd trade or intra-herd evolution over time. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Future MAP epidemiological studies will benefit from the advantages of the novel hierarchical typing approach. The SNP number reduction approach employed here could be extrapolated for other analogous pathogens.

Development and Validation of High-Throughput Bioanalytical Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) Method for the Quantification of Newly Synthesized Antitumor Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors in Human Plasma.

In the present study, a sensitive and fully validated bioanalytical high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method has been developed for the quantitative determination of three newly synthesized carbonic anhydrases inhibitors (CAIs) with potential antitumor activity in human plasma. The analytes and the internal standard (IS) were extracted using 1.5 mL acetonitrile from only 450 µL aliquots of human plasma to achieve the desired protein precipitation. Chromatographic separations were achieved on Phenomenex Kinetex® C18 column (100 × 4.6 mm, 2.6 µm) using a binary gradient elution mode with a run time of less than 6 min. The mobile phase consisted of solvent (A): 0.1% formic acid in 50% methanol and solvent B: 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile (30:70, v/v), pumped at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Detection was employed using triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer (API 3500) equipped with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source in the positive ion mode. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was selected for quantitation through monitoring the precursor-to-parent ion transition at m/z 291.9 → 173.0, m/z 396.9 → 225.1, m/z 388.9 → 217.0, and m/z 146.9 → 91.0 for AW-9a, WES-1, WES-2, and Coumarin (IS), respectively. Linearity was computed using the weighted least-squares linear regression method (1/x2) over a concentration range of 1-1000, 2.5-800, and 5-500 ng/mL for AW-9a, WES-1, and WES-2; respectively. The bioanalytical LC-MS/MS method was fully validated as per U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines with all respect to linearity, accuracy, precision, carry-over, selectivity, dilution integrity, and stability. The proposed LC-MS/MS method was applied successfully for the determination of all investigated drugs in spiked human plasma with no significant matrix effect, which is a crucial cornerstone in further therapeutic drug monitoring of newly developed therapeutic agents.

Innovative, Simple Models for Teaching Neuroanatomy Using the Elnady Technique.

Plastination is a valuable tool for the teaching of neuroanatomy. However, the high cost of the process and the complexity of sheet plastination for brain slices remains a challenge. This article describes an innovative, simple, and inexpensive method, called the Elnady Technique, to develop brain slices of various domestic animals. The slices are either enveloped in lamination sheets using an electric iron, or enveloped in transparent plastic using an impulse sealer. This fast, effortless process results in realistic, durable, odorless, soft, flexible slices. The models provide accurate three-dimensional (3D) reference guides for demonstration of neuroanatomical structures that show soft tissue contrast between the gray and white matter. This makes them invaluable for interpretation of clinical imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These ethically sourced models can provide a replacement for the killing of animals for practical classes.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure of livestock in a German dairy farm: implications for intra vitam diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in an officially tuberculosis-free country.

Germany has been an officially bovine tuberculosis (bTB)-free (OTF) country since 1996. Gradually rising numbers of bTB herd incidents due to Mycobacterium bovis and M. caprae in North-Western and Southern Germany during the last few years prompted the competent authorities to conduct a nationwide bTB survey in 2013/2014. This led to the detection of a dairy herd in which as many as 55 cattle reacted positively to consecutive intra vitam testing. Test-positive animals lacked visible lesions indicative of bTB at necropsy. Extensive mycobacterial culturing as well as molecular testing of samples from 11 tissues for members of the M. tuberculosis complex (MTC) yielded negative results throughout. However, caseous lymphadenitis of Ln. mandibularis accessorius was observed during meat inspection of a fattening pig from the same farm at regular slaughter at that time. Respective tissue samples tested MTC positive by polymerase chain reaction, and M. tuberculosis T1 family were identified by spoligotyping. Four human reactors within the farmer's family were also found to be immunoreactive. As exposure of livestock to M. tuberculosis is not generally considered, its impact may result in regulatory and practical difficulties when using protocols designed to detect classical bTB, particularly in OTF countries.

A rapid, low-cost quantitative diagnostic method for hepatitis C virus infection using capillary zone electrophoresis.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA amplification is a costly procedure in terms of time and reagents. Consequently, the search for more a cost-effective specific HCV diagnostic method is of great interest. Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) methods that detect HCV in serum, plasma, whole blood, and ascites without the need for sample pretreatment are not currently available. Here, a CZE method was developed that detects a larger specific peak in serum and other body fluids of HCV-infected patients than that found in healthy or hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected individuals. The nature of the HCV peak was investigated using biochemical treatments, including RNase, DNase, and chymotrypsin enzymes. Electroeluted HCV peak was applied to transmission electron microscopy; electron micrographs showed that the HCV peak was attributed to virus-like particles with diameter and morphological properties similar to non-enveloped HCV nucleocapsids. The determination of CZE-HCV and HCV-RNA levels using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 258 subjects revealed that these two tests were highly correlated (r = 0.92, p < 0.0001). One important issue of HCV testing is the storage conditions of serum to obtain reliable results. Serum samples at -20 °C showed the best preservation of the HCV peak up to one year. In conclusion, we detected HCV using CZE in a microliters volume from different body fluids. Besides the stability of samples in maintaining their peak height, the HCV-CZE test is rapid (<15 min) and a well-suited and low-cost technique. Thus, a major improvement in the quantitative diagnosis of HCV infection was established.

Human embryonic stem cell differentiation into odontoblastic lineage: an in vitro study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to differentiate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into odontoblastic lineage in an optimized culture milieu. METHODOLOGY: In Phase 1, hESCs were differentiated into mesenchymal stem cells (H9-MSCs). In Phase 2, H9-MSCs were then differentiated into odontoblast-like cells (H9-Odont) under the stimulation of FGF-8 and BMP-4. Alternatively, H9-MSCs were differentiated into osteogenic lineage (H9-Osteo). In Phase 3, H9-Odont were seeded on 17% EDTA-treated dentine substrates in the presence of FGF-8 and BMP-4 for further differentiation. All experiments were performed in triplicate (n = 3). One-way anova was used to test hESC differentiation into different cell types. Post hoc Tukey's test was used to compare between groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: H9-Odont expressed the odontoblastic marker DSPP gene 125.47 ± 0.1 (SD)-folds higher compared with H9-MSCs at mRNA level (real-time RT-PCR). Additionally, the flow cytometry results revealed 53.1 ± 3.4 (SD) % of DSP (+) cells in H9-Odont. Alternatively, H9-Osteo expressed 5.9 ± 2.2 (SD) % of DSP (+) cells. Moreover, the SEM results demonstrated that H9-Odont were found to undergo morphological changes from a fibroblast-like shape into more rounded shapes with cytoplasmic extensions into the dentinal tubules when seeded on 17% EDTA-treated dentine substrate in the presence of FGF-8 and BMP-4. However, H9-Osteo and H9-MSCs did not show similar morphological changes under similar culture milieu. CONCLUSION: This study supports the potential of hESCs as a stable, consistent, unlimited and 'off-the-shelf' cell source to obtain odontoblastic cells for future clinical and research applications.

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of some novel thiazole, pyridone, pyrazole, chromene, hydrazone derivatives bearing a biologically active sulfonamide moiety.

This study aimed for the synthesis of new heterocyclic compounds incorporating sulfamoyl moiety suitable for use as antimicrobial agents via a versatile, readily accessible N-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-2-cyanoacetamide (3). The 2-pyridone derivatives were obtained via reaction of cyanoacetamide with acetylacetone or arylidenes malononitrile. Cycloaddition reaction of cyanoacetamide with salicyaldehyde furnished chromene derivatives. Diazotization of 3 with the desired diazonium chloride gave the hydrazone derivatives 13a-e. Also, the reactivity of the hydrazone towards hydrazine hydrate to give Pyrazole derivatives was studied. In addition, treatment of 3 with elemental sulfur and phenyl isothiocyanate or malononitrile furnished thiazole and thiophene derivatives respectively. Reaction of 3 with phenyl isothiocyanate and KOH in DMF afforded the intermediate salt 17 which reacted in situ with 3-(2-bromoacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one and methyl iodide afforded the thiazole and ketene N,S-acetal derivatives respectively. Finally, reaction of 3 with carbon disulfide and 1,3-dibromopropane afforded the N-[4-(aminosulfonyl) phenyl]-2-cyano-2-(1,3-dithian-2-ylidene)acetamide product 22. All newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by considering the data of both elemental and spectral analysis. The compounds were evaluated for both their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities and showed promising results.

Gene Therapy for Skin Aging.

Extrinsic and intrinsic factors contribute to skin aging; nonetheless, they are intertwined. Moreover, intrinsic skin aging mirrors age-related declines in the entire human body's internal organs. There is evidence that skin appearance is an indicator of the general health of somebody. Earlier, it was apparent that the intrinsic factors are unalterable, but the sparkling of skin aging gene therapy on the horizon is changing this narrative. Skin aging gene therapy offers tools for skin rejuvenation and, natural beauty restoration, and therapy for diseases affecting the entire skin. However, skin aging gene therapy is an arduous and sophisticated task relying on precise interim stimulation of telomerase to extend telomeres and wend back the biological clock in the hopes to find the fountain of youth, while preserving cells innate biological features. Finding the hidden fountain of youth will be a remarkable discovery for promoting aesthetics medicine, genecosmetics, and healthy aging. Caloric restriction offers ultimate health benefits and a reproducible way to promote longevity in mammals, while delaying age-related diseases. Moreover, exercise further enhances these health benefits. This article highlights the potential of skin aging gene therapy and foretells the emerging dawn of the genecosmetics era.

Evaluation of incipient enamel-carious-like lesion treated with hydroxyapatite-chitosan nanocomposite hydrogel.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive restoration of tooth enamel is a topic of high relevance in dental material science. Multiple approaches have been proposed to reach optimum reconstruction results. The current study was performed to evaluate the cross-sectional microhardness besides mineral quality and content in artificially induced carious enamel after treatment with hydroxyapatite-chitosan (HAp-CS) nanocomposite gel. METHODS: Artificially carious lesions were induced by immersion of teeth in acidic carboxymethyl cellulose gel (pH 4.95-5) for 24- and 72-hours periods. Two different compositions of HAp-CS nanocomposite hydrogel were prepared with two different ratios 50/50 (%) and 70/30 (%), respectively. Additionally, sodium fluoride gel (1000 ppm concentration) was prepared and used as reference. Gels were applied to carious lesions twice/day for 3 min/each. After 45 days of application, surface morphology, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, micro-Raman analysis in addition to cross-sectional microhardness were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc statistical tests. RESULTS: Surface morphological evaluation of treated surfaces showed obliteration of surface irregularities. Groups demineralized for 24 hours and treated with 70/30 (HAp-CS) showed highest significant cross-sectional-microhardness (P ≤ 0.05). Evaluated subsurface cross-sectional microhardness showed better mineral quality for groups demineralized for 24 hours and treated with HAp-CS nanocomposite gels. CONCLUSIONS: Nanocomposite gel with 70/30 (HAp-CS) could efficiently improve cross-sectional microhardness and both minerals composition and quality for lesions demineralized for 24 hours. More severely induced lesions, as demineralized for 72 hours, need more powerful agent compositions and/or prolonged application protocols for improvement.

Inhibitory Effect of Two Carbonic Anhydrases Inhibitors on the Activity of Major Cytochrome P450 Enzymes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Both AW-9A (coumarin derivative) and WES-1 (sulfonamide derivative) were designed and synthesized as potential selective carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and were tested for anticancer activity. This study was undertaken to investigate their potential inhibitory effects on the major human cytochrome P450 (CYP) drug-metabolizing enzymes. METHODS: Specific CYP probe substrates and validated analytical methods were used to measure the activity of the tested CYP enzymes. Furthermore, in silico simulations were conducted to understand how AW-9A and WES-1 bind to CYP2A6 at a molecular level. Molecular docking experiments were performed using the high-resolution X-ray structure, Protein Data Bank (PDB) ID: 2FDV for CYP2A6. RESULTS: CYP2E1-catalyzed chlorzoxazone-6'-hydroxylation was strongly inhibited by AW-9A and WES-1 with IC50 values of 0.084 µM and 0.101 µM, respectively. CYP2A6-catalyzed coumarin-7'-hydroxylation was moderately inhibited by AW-9A (IC50 = 4.2 µM). CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 enzymes were weakly or negligibly inhibited by both agents. Docking studies suggest elevated potential to block the catalytic activity of CYP2A6. CONCLUSIONS: These findings point to the feasibility of utilizing these agents as promising chemopreventive agents (owing to inhibition of CYP2E1), and AW-9A as a smoking cessation aid (owing to inhibition of CYP2A6). Additional in-vivo studies should be conducted to examine the impact of CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 inhibition on drug interactions with probe substrates of these enzymes.

The effect of proanthocyanidins on the bond strength and durability of resin sealer to root dentine.

AIM: To investigate the effect of proanthocyanidins (PAs)-rich grape seed extract on the biodegradation resistance of demineralized root dentine and on the bond strength and durability between resin-based sealer and root dentine. METHODOLOGY: Single-rooted premolars (n = 28) were divided into PAs-treated and nontreated specimens. Root canals were instrumented to apical size 40, filled with RealSeal SE sealer/Core, sectioned into slices of 1 mm thickness from middle and coronal thirds and stored for 1 week or 3 months in distilled water. Specimens were subjected to push-out strength testing with the load applied perpendicularly in an apical to coronal direction using a universal testing machine. Remaining apical thirds were viewed by scanning electron microscopy after 3-months storage. Additional root canals were filled with rhodamine-B-labelled sealer and viewed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Unfilled roots (n = 6) were sliced, demineralized, PAs-treated or left untreated and exposed to 24 h collagenase to determine hydroxyproline release in the supernatant. Two-way anova was used to test the effect of both dentine treatment with PAs and anatomical locations on bond strength and hydroxyproline release. Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison post hoc test was used to compare between groups. RESULTS: No difference in bond strength was found after 1-week storage between both PAs-treated (crosslinked) and untreated (noncrosslinked) groups in the coronal thirds. However, treatment with PAs revealed higher 1-week bond strength values (P ≤ 0.05) in the middle thirds. Generally, 3-month storage decreased the bond strength compared to 1-week within each of the crosslinked and noncrosslinked groups. However, the decrease in the bond strength after 3 months was less for the crosslinked specimens compared to the noncrosslinked specimens. Confocal images revealed a relatively uniform fluorescent interfacial layer and tubular penetration after 1 week in both groups. SEM images revealed more intact resin sealer/dentine interfaces with PAs crosslinking after 3 months. In addition, hydroxyproline release was significantly less (P ≤ 0.05) with crosslinked specimens. CONCLUSION: Treating root dentine with PAs-rich grape seed extracts improved the biodegradation resistance of demineralized root dentine and enhanced the bond strength and durability between resin-based sealer and root dentine after short-term water storage.

Gene Therapy for Alzheimer and Parkinson Diseases.

Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases are associated with cholinergic neuron loss and deterioration of bone mineral density. Gene therapy through either gene transfer, CRISPR gene editing, or CRISPR gene modulation holds the potential to cure Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. The emerging role of weight-bearing exercise in the prevention of, and care for, osteoporosis, obesity, and diabetes has been previously recognized. Moreover, endurance exercise offers a viable alternative to reduce amyloid peptides deposits while increasing bone mineral density in Alzheimer and Parkinson patients. ß-amyloid peptides, α-synuclein, and tau aggregates start building up two decades before the onset of Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Therefore, an early intervention program for the detection of these deposits is required to prevent or delay the onset of these diseases. This article spots light on the potential of gene therapy for Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases.

Advances in Dystrophinopathy Diagnosis and Therapy.

Dystrophinopathies are x-linked muscular disorders which emerge from mutations in the Dystrophin gene, including Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, and dilated cardiomyopathy. However, Duchenne muscular dystrophy interconnects with bone loss and osteoporosis, which are exacerbated by glucocorticoids therapy. Procedures for diagnosing dystrophinopathies include creatine kinase assay, haplotype analysis, Southern blot analysis, immunological analysis, multiplex PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, Sanger DNA sequencing, and next generation DNA sequencing. Pharmacological therapy for dystrophinopathies comprises glucocorticoids (prednisone, prednisolone, and deflazacort), vamorolone, and ataluren. However, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and ß-blockers are the first-line to prevent dilated cardiomyopathy in dystrophinopathy patients. Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy strategies involve gene transfer, exon skipping, exon reframing, and CRISPR gene editing. Eteplirsen, an antisense-oligonucleotide drug for skipping exon 51 from the Dystrophin gene, is available on the market, which may help up to 14% of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. There are various FDA-approved exon skipping drugs including ExonDys-51 for exon 51, VyonDys-53 and Viltolarsen for exon 53 and AmonDys-45 for exon 45 skipping. Other antisense oligonucleotide drugs in the pipeline include casimersen for exon 45, suvodirsen for exon 51, and golodirsen for exon 53 skipping. Advances in the diagnosis and therapy of dystrophinopathies offer new perspectives for their early discovery and care.

Ligament Preservation in Open Rhinoplasty: Prospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the open rhinoplasty technique, the soft tissue and ligaments are vulnerable to injury. Reconstruction of the ligaments is not performed routinely. The authors aimed to assess the effect of preservation of the nasal ligaments (ie, scroll, septocolumellar, and Pitanguy ligaments) in open-approach rhinoplasty. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 32 patients underwent open rhinoplasty with ligament preservation after receiving precise training on five cadavers. RESULTS: All patients had improved aesthetic and functional outcome in the early postoperative period with long-lasting preservation of tip projection and results. No patient needed secondary revision surgery for tip dropping or malrotation. The objective findings and subjective assessments were satisfying for the patients and surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Refinements of nasal surgery have no limits. This study suggests that nasal ligament reconstruction, including of the scroll, septocolumellar, and Pitanguy ligaments, could maintain nasal tip projection and rotation for a long time. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.