Platelet concentrates in platelet additive solutions generate less complement activation products during storage than platelets stored in plasma.

BACKGROUND: Platelet transfusions can be associated with adverse reactions, such as febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR). It has been suggested that damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMP) and complement play a role in FNHTR. This study investigated the nature of DAMPs and complement activation products contained in platelet concentrates during storage, with a specific focus on different platelet storage solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Buffy coats (BC) from healthy donors were pooled (15 BC per pool) and divided into three groups of the same volume. After addition of different storage solutions (plasma, platelet additive solutions [PAS]-C or PAS-E; n=6 for each group), BC pools were processed to platelet concentrates (PC). Leukoreduced PCs were stored on a shaking bed at 20-24°C and sampled on days 1, 2, 6 and 8 after collection for selected quality parameters: platelet activation, DAMPs (High Mobility Group Box 1 [HMGB1], nucleosomes), and complement activation products. RESULTS: During storage, equal levels of free nucleosomes and increasing concentrations of HMGB1 were present in all groups. Complement activation was observed in all PC. However, by day 8, the use of PAS had reduced C3b/c levels by approximately 90% and C4b/c levels by approximately 65%. DISCUSSION: Nucleosomes and HMGB1 were present in PCs prepared in plasma and PAS. Complement was activated during storage of platelets in plasma and in PAS. The use of PAS is associated with a lower amount of complement activation products due to the dilution of plasma by PAS . Therefore, PC in PAS have less complement activation products than platelets stored in plasma. These proinflammatory mediators in PC might induce FNHTR.

Effects of Del Nido and Terminal Warm Blood Cardioplegia on Myocardial Protection and Rhythm in Isolated CABG Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of using del Nido cardioplegia+terminal hot-shot blood cardioplegia on myocardial protection and rhythm in isolated coronary bypass patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 122 patients were given cold (+4-8C') del Nido cardioplegia antegrade and evaluated. Del Nido+terminal warm blood cardioplegia (TWBCP) was applied to 63 patients out of 122 patients, while del Nido cardioplegia alone was applied to the other 59 patients. The preoperative and postoperative data of the patients were recorded and compared. RESULTS: There was a significant statistical difference between the groups, in terms of volume with more cardioplegia in the del Nido+terminal warm blood cardioplegia group. Although there was no significant difference between cardiac arrest times in both groups, a statistically significant difference was found in the del Nido+terminal warm blood cardioplegia group in the starting to work time of the heart. No difference found between the groups regarding myocardial preservation. CONCLUSIONS: We can add a return to spontaneous sinus rhythm to the advantages of terminal warm blood cardioplegia and del Nido cardioplegia in literature. We think it would be a good strategy to extend the safe ischemic time limit of del Nido to 120 minutes with a terminal warm blood cardioplegia. It seems that cardioplegia techniques that will be developed by adding the successful and superior results of crystalloid cardioplegia applications, such as single dose del Nido in various open heart surgery operations and the superior myocardial return effects of terminal warm blood cardioplegia, will be used routinely in the future.

Comparison of Microplegia Solution and Del Nido Cardioplegia Solution in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: Which One is More Effective?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of the microplegia solution and Del Nido cardioplegia solution in coronary artery bypass surgery with clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic data. METHODS: Three hundred patients, who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery between January 2017 and January 2020, by the same surgical team were included in the study. Preoperative, operative and postoperative data (cardiac biomarker levels, cross-clamp and CPB times, echocardiographic measurements, etc.) of the patients were compared. RESULTS: In the study, cross-clamp time was significantly shorter in the DN cardioplegia group (55.60 ± 13.49 min/75.58 ± 12.43 min, P = 0.024). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of intensive care stay, extubation time, hospital stay, and cardiopulmonary bypass time. In our study, it was shown that both the left and right ventricular ejection fraction was better protected in the Del Nido cardioplegia group (5.34±3.03 vs. 3.40±2.84, P = 0.017 and 3.82±1.19 vs. 2.28±1.87, P = 0.047, respectively), and the need for inotrope support was lower in this group (28% vs. 44%, P < 0.021). There was no significant difference between the groups, in terms of blood transfusion rates, IABP requirement. CONCLUSION: In light of short-term results, we can say that Del Nido cardioplegia provides better myocardial protection than microplegia. In addition, Del Nido cardioplegia can be given as a single dose for 90 minutes of cross-clamp time and therefore can be preferred to increase surgical comfort and reduce cross-clamp times.

Protein and solutes freeze-concentration in water/glycerol mixtures revealed by pulse EPR.

Lyophilization can extend protein drugs stability and shelf life, but it also can lead to protein degradation in some cases. The development of safe freeze-drying approaches for sensitive proteins requires a better understanding of lyophilization on the molecular level. The evaluation of the freezing process and its impact on the protein environment in the nm scale is challenging because feasible experimental methods are scarce. In the present work we apply pulse EPR as a tool to study the local concentrations of the solute in the 20 nm range and of the solvent in the 1 nm range for a spin labeled 27 kDa monomeric green fluorescent protein, mEGFP, and the 172 Da TEMPOL spin probe, frozen in different water/glycerol-d5 mixtures. For average glycerol volume fractions, φgly-d5avg, ≥ 0.4 we observed transparent glassy media; the local concentration and the 1 nm solvent shell of TEMPOL and the protein correspond to those of a uniform vitrified glass. At φgly-d5avg ≤ 0.3 we observed partial ice crystallization, which led to ice exclusion of glycerol and TEMPOL with freeze-concentration up to the glycerol maximal-freeze local volume fraction, φgly-d5loc, of 0.64. The protein concentration and its shell behavior was similar except for the lowest φgly-d5avg (0.1), which showed a 4.7-fold freeze-concentration factor compared to sevenfold for TEMPOL, and also a smaller φgly-d5loc. We explain this behavior with an increased probability for proteins to get stuck in the ice phase during fast freezing at higher freeze-concentration and the related large-scale mass transfer.

Effect of Concentrated Salts Solutions on the Stability of Immobilized Enzymes: Influence of Inactivation Conditions and Immobilization Protocol.

This paper aims to investigate the effects of some salts (NaCl, (NH4)2SO4 and Na2SO4) at pH 5.0, 7.0 and 9.0 on the stability of 13 different immobilized enzymes: five lipases, three proteases, two glycosidases, and one laccase, penicillin G acylase and catalase. The enzymes were immobilized to prevent their aggregation. Lipases were immobilized via interfacial activation on octyl agarose or on glutaraldehyde-amino agarose beads, proteases on glyoxyl agarose or glutaraldehyde-amino agarose beads. The use of high concentrations of salts usually has some effects on enzyme stability, but the intensity and nature of these effects depends on the inactivation pH, nature and concentration of the salt, enzyme and immobilization protocol. The same salt can be a stabilizing or a destabilizing agent for a specific enzyme depending on its concentration, inactivation pH and immobilization protocol. Using lipases, (NH4)2SO4 generally permits the highest stabilities (although this is not a universal rule), but using the other enzymes this salt is in many instances a destabilizing agent. At pH 9.0, it is more likely to find a salt destabilizing effect than at pH 7.0. Results confirm the difficulty of foreseeing the effect of high concentrations of salts in a specific immobilized enzyme.

The effectiveness of a nonalcoholic disinfectant containing metal ions, with broad antimicrobial activity.

Disinfectants have different efficacies depending on their use and the target microorganism. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of our new nonalcoholic disinfectant, which consists mainly of metal ions. According to the 17th revised Japanese Pharmacopoeia and ASTM international E1052 method, the bactericidal and virucidal efficacy of this new disinfectant against 13 microorganisms was evaluated by the in vitro quantitative suspension test. Additionally, the disinfectant cytotoxicity against multiple cell lines was examined. Then, a safety test using a human open patch test was performed with 26 healthy volunteers. This disinfectant showed strong bactericidal and virucidal activities: all microorganisms except enterovirus were inactivated very quickly. The infectivity of 12 microbial strains was eliminated within 5 min of disinfectant exposure. Additionally, this disinfectant showed little acute cytotoxicity in vitro. All volunteers were negative in the human open patch test. Our new disinfectant has a broad spectrum of microbial targets, is safe for human skin, and demonstrates no cytotoxicity. This disinfectant could prevent common microbial infections.

Safety and Effectiveness of Del Nido Cardioplegia in Comparison to Blood-Based St. Thomas Cardioplegia in Congenital Heart Surgeries: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: To compare the safety and effectiveness of del Nido cardioplegia with blood-based St Thomas Hospital (BSTH) cardioplegia in myocardial protection in congenital heart surgery. METHODS: It is a prospective, open-labeled, randomized controlled study conducted at National Heart Institute, Kuala Lumpur from July 2018 to July 2019. All patients with simple and complex congenital heart diseases (CHD) with good left ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] >50%) were included while those with LVEF <50% were excluded. A total of 100 patients were randomized into two groups of 50 each receiving either del Nido or BSTH cardioplegia. Primary end points were the spontaneous return of activity following aortic cross-clamp release and ventricular function between two groups. Secondary end point was myocardial injury as assessed by troponin T levels. RESULTS: Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp time, return of spontaneous cardiac activity following the aortic cross-clamp release, the duration of mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit stay were comparable between two groups. Statistically significant difference was seen in the amount and number of cardioplegia doses delivered (P < .001). The hemodilution was significantly less in the del Nido complex CHD group compared to BSTH cardioplegia (P = .001) but no difference in blood usage (P = .36). The myocardial injury was lesser (lower troponin T release) with del Nido compared to BSTH cardioplegia (P = .6). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that both del Nido and BSTH cardioplegia are comparable in terms of myocardial protection. However, single, less frequent, and lesser volume of del Nido cardioplegia makes it more suitable for complex repair.

Myocardial Protection by Blood-Based Del Nido versus St. Thomas Cardioplegia in Cardiac Surgery for Adults and Children.

BACKGROUND: St. Thomas (ST) and Del Nido (DN) cardioplegic solutions are widely used for myocardial protection during cardiac surgery. In 2016, our university hospital shifted from modified St. Thomas to Del Nido solution for both adult and pediatric cardiac surgery. This retrospective study was conducted to compare ST and DN solutions regarding surgical workflow and clinical outcome in pediatric and adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: We reviewed 220 patients who underwent cardiac surgery requiring cardioplegic arrest. Patients were categorized in 2 groups: ST (n = 110) and DN (n = 110). Each group included 60 pediatric and 50 adult patients. Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were collected. RESULTS: In pediatric patients, no significant difference was found between the 2 groups regarding clamping time, bypass time, need for defibrillation, inotropic score, postoperative ejection fraction (EF), period of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, or postoperative arrhythmias. One patient in the ST group required mechanical support by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We had 5 cases of pediatric mortality (3 in DN and 2 in ST, P = .64). In adult patients, significantly fewer patients in the DN group needed defibrillation than in the ST group. No significant difference was found regarding clamping time, inotropic score, or intraaortic balloon pump use. Mortality in adult patients was 6 cases (4 in ST group and 2 in DN group). CONCLUSION: DN cardioplegia solution is as safe as ST solution in pediatric and adult cardiac surgery. It has comparable results of myocardial protection and clinical outcome, with superiority regarding uninterrupted surgery and lower rate of defibrillation.

Stability of 0.5% Glucose-Containing Balanced Electrolyte Solutions for Patients on Ketogenic Diets: A Laboratory Study.

PURPOSE: Ketogenic diets (KDs) are used to treat epilepsies resistant to pharmacotherapy or some inborn errors of metabolism. For prolonged anesthesia, use of balanced electrolyte solutions (BESs) supplemented with 0.5% glucose has been advocated to maintain ketosis while preventing hypoglycemia. Unfortunately, there is no BES containing 0.5% glucose available from pharmacies. In a laboratory study, we investigated the physical and chemical stability of different BES mixtures containing 0.5% glucose. METHODS: In total, six approaches were chosen to create a BES with 0.5% glucose: three different glucose-free BESs were supplemented with glucose. Additionally, commercially available BES containing 1% glucose was diluted with three different glucose-free BESs to obtain a solution containing 0.5% glucose. Turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, and macroscopic appearance of these solutions were measured immediately, at 24 hours, and after 7 days, and were compared with the original BES. RESULTS: Turbidity, pH, and electrical conductivity, as well as macroscopic appearance did not exceed the changes of the controls. CONCLUSIONS: No signs of incompatibility reactions could be observed in a 1-week time period. Our study supports the stability of the examined BES containing 0.5% glucose for prolonged anesthesia in patients on KD. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate if BES containing 0.5% glucose is superior in patients on KDs.

Decontamination efficacy of sodium hypochlorite solutions for poliovirus.

Effective decontamination procedures are critical to the successful manufacture and control of poliovirus vaccines to minimize the risk to personnel and the environment. Polio viruses have been reported to be more resistant to disinfectants than many other viruses. We assessed the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite-containing disinfectants for decontamination for three poliovirus serotypes to implement decontamination procedures that are fully compliant with the WHO GAP III and Health authorities' requirements. A 10.4 log reduction was observed with a 0.63% sodium hypochlorite solution in a suspension with high protein and high poliovirus concentrations diluted 10-fold compared with a 6 log reduction in an undiluted sample. Treatment efficacy increased with sodium hypochlorite content and decreased with sample protein content. The surface tests showed that two 1-min treatments, 5-min apart, with a 0.63% Chl sodium hypochlorite solution effectively reduced the concentration of all poliovirus serotypes by 10 log10, irrespective of the protein and virus concentration in the sample. Sodium hypochlorite solutions lower than 0.52% were less effective for complete inactivation of poliovirus. In conclusion, we demonstrated that a high level of virus reduction (>10 log10) can be achieved with sodium hypochlorite solutions with poliovirus in suspension and dried on surfaces.

PiDose: an open-source system for accurate and automated oral drug administration to group-housed mice.

Drug treatment studies in laboratory mice typically employ manual administration methods such as injection or gavage, which can be time-consuming to perform over long periods and cause substantial stress in animals. These stress responses may mask or enhance treatment effects, increasing the risk of false positive or negative results and decreasing reliability. To address the lack of an automated method for drug treatment in group-housed mice, we have developed PiDose, a home-cage attached device that weighs individual animals and administers a daily dosage of drug solution based on each animal's bodyweight through their drinking water. Group housed mice are identified through the use of RFID tagging and receive both regular water and drug solution drops by licking at a spout within the PiDose module. This system allows animals to be treated over long periods (weeks to months) in a fully automated fashion, with high accuracy and minimal experimenter interaction. PiDose is low-cost and fully open-source and should prove useful for researchers in both translational and basic research.

Defect-induced activity enhancement of enzyme-encapsulated metal-organic frameworks revealed in microfluidic gradient mixing synthesis.

Mimicking the cellular environment, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising for encapsulating enzymes for general applications in environments often unfavorable for native enzymes. Markedly different from previous researches based on bulk solution synthesis, here, we report the synthesis of enzyme-embedded MOFs in a microfluidic laminar flow. The continuously changed concentrations of MOF precursors in the gradient mixing on-chip resulted in structural defects in products. This defect-generating phenomenon enables multimodal pore size distribution in MOFs and therefore allows improved access of substrates to encapsulated enzymes while maintaining the protection to the enzymes. Thus, the as-produced enzyme-MOF composites showed much higher (~one order of magnitude) biological activity than those from conventional bulk solution synthesis. This work suggests that while microfluidic flow synthesis is currently underexplored, it is a promising strategy in producing highly active enzyme-MOF composites.

Characterizing the Effect of Automated Cell Sorting Solutions on Cytomorphological Changes.

INTRODUCTION: Liquid-based cytology has become a widely adopted, automated screening system for gynecologic and nongynecologic cytology. Automated screening systems function by distinguishing atypical cells based on their cytoplasmic and nuclear areas, densitometric measurement, and so on. However, the morphological influence of the washing solution has not been fully considered. Here, we examined the morphological effect and temporal change resulting from saving the cytologic samples in various solutions. METHODS: Cytologic specimens were obtained from the ascites (AS) of patients with peritoneal cancer. Various solutions of a physiological saline, a Ringer's solution, a low-molecular dextran L injection, VOLUVEN 6% solution, MIXID L injection (ML), RPMI-1640 medium, and horse serum (HS) were added to aliquot sediments. All samples were refrigerated at 4°C, and aliquots were subsequently processed at specific time points (0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 days). For all samples, cytoplasmic and nuclear size of the Papanicolaou-stained specimens were measured. RESULTS: In terms of cytoplasmic and nuclear areas, samples stored in ML and HS showed no significant difference compared to the AS sample; in contrast, the other samples were significantly larger in both cytoplasmic and nuclear areas than the AS sample. In examining the temporal change among the solutions, we found that the cytoplasms and nuclei became small over the time course for all of the tested solutions. CONCLUSION: We showed that cells swell in the solution after 1 h of storage and contract as time progresses. Together, our findings have important implications for how mathematical analysis is applied during the automated screening process.

An interesting increase in immediate and residual efficacy of a trade mark of alcoholic 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, with and without dye, has been demonstrated by an in vitro study with ATCC micro-organisms and strains isolated from ICU patients.

AIM: ChloraPrep™ (CHP) is a clear solution of 2% (w/v) chlorhexidine (CHG) in 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol (IPA) administered with a specially designed sterile single-use applicator in which a tinting agent can be added to the CHP solution upon activation of applicator immediately prior to patient skin preparation (CHP+T). This study investigated whether the immediate and residual efficacy of CHP vs CHP+T and a stock solution of 2% CHG in 70% IPA varied, and whether CHP was compromised by the addition of the dye. METHODS AND RESULTS: We compared the immediate and residual activity (in 1 min) of 70% IPA with that of 2% CHG in 70% IPA stock solution prepared in the laboratory against CHP+T and CHP, against 22 micro-organisms (5 ATCC and 18 clinical isolates) on germ-carriers. CHP and CHP+T demonstrated superior immediate and residual efficacy compared to the 70% IPA plus 2% CHG in 70% IPA stock solutions. Each antiseptic tested showed greater efficacy against the Gram-positive bacteria than against the Gram-negative bacteria. However, their antimicrobial effect on yeasts was even lower. CONCLUSIONS: CHP and CHP+T have superior immediate and residual efficacy compared to stock 70% IPA and 2% CHG in 70% IPA solutions, and CHP+T is not affected by the tinting agent. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: ChloraPrep is a product which can be stained just before use. We have demonstrated that the immediate and residual efficacy of the antimicrobial solution is not compromised by the dye. The efficacy of CHP is greater against bacteria than against yeasts obtained from ICU patients. Interestingly, CHP is more effective against bacteria than a formula made in the laboratory with the same basic components (2% chlorhexidine and 70% IPA). The intermittent heat sterilization process of the commercial preparation might hypothetically have improved the residual activity of the CHP solutions.

A Comparison of the Efficacy of Enema Solutions in Pediatric Emergency Department Patients.

BACKGROUND: Children presenting to pediatric emergency departments (EDs) are frequently given enemas for relief of constipation symptoms; there is very little literature guiding solution selection. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess and compare the efficacy of the various enema solutions used in a pediatric ED, including the "pink lady," a previously unreported compounded combination of docusate, magnesium citrate, mineral oil, and sodium phosphate. METHODS: We identified all children who received any enema over a 5-year period in an urban, quaternary care pediatric ED for inclusion in the study via electronic record review. Physician investigators retrospectively reviewed routine visit documentation to confirm the type and dosage of enema and assess comorbidities, indications, efficacy, and side effects. Subjective descriptions of output were classified as none, small, medium, or large by reviewer consensus. RESULTS: There were 768 records included. Median age was 6.2 years (interquartile range 3.3-10.3 years). Solutions used were sodium phosphate (n = 396), pink lady (n = 198), soap suds (n = 160), and other (n = 14). There was no significant difference in output by solution type (p = 0.88). Volume delivered was highest for pink lady, with no significant association between volume delivered and output (p = 0.48). Four percent of patients had side effects. Soap suds had a significantly higher rate of side effects (10.6%; p = 0.0003), primarily abdominal pain. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in reported stool output produced by sodium phosphate, soap suds, and pink lady enemas in children treated in an ED. Further study via randomized controlled trials would be beneficial in guiding selection of enema solution.

Optimization of the harvesting and freezing conditions of human cell lines for DNA damage analysis by the alkaline comet assay.

The comet assay is a commonly used method for in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity assessment. This versatile assay can be performed in a wide range of tissues and cell types. Although most of the studies use samples immediately processed after collection, frozen biological samples can also be used. The present study aimed to optimize a collection and freezing protocol to minimize the DNA damage associated with these procedures in human cell line samples for comet assay analysis. This study was conducted in glial A172 and lung alveolar epithelial A549 cells. Two cell detachment methods (mechanical vs enzymatic) and two cryoprotective media [FBS + 10% DMSO vs Cell Culture Media (CCM) + 10% DMSO] were tested, and DNA damage assessed at four time points following storage at -80 °C (one, two, four and eight weeks). In both cell lines, no differences in % tail intensity were detected between fresh and frozen cells up to eight weeks, irrespective of the harvesting method and freezing medium used. However, freshly isolated A172 cells exhibited a significant lower DNA damage when resuspended in CCM + 10% DMSO, while for A549 fresh cells the preferable harvesting method was the enzymatic one since it induced less DNA damage. Although both harvesting methods and cryoprotective media tested were found suitable, our data indicate that enzymatic harvesting and cryopreservation in CCM + 10% DMSO is a preferable method for DNA integrity preservation of human cell line samples for comet assay analysis. Our data also suggest that CCM is a preferable and cost-effective alternative to FBS in cryopreservation media. This optimized protocol allows the analysis of in vitro cell samples collected and frozen at different locations, with minimal interference on the basal DNA strand break levels in samples kept frozen up to eight weeks.

Postprandial metabolic effects of fructose and glucose in type 1 diabetes patients: a pilot randomized crossover clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the influence of oral fructose and glucose dose-response solutions in blood glucose (BG), glucagon, triglycerides, uricaemia, and malondialdehyde in postprandial states in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study had a simple-blind, randomized, two-way crossover design in which T1DM patients were selected to receive fructose and glucose solutions (75g of sugars dissolved in 200 mL of mineral-water) in two separate study days, with 2-7 weeks washout period. In each day, blood samples were drawn after 8h fasting and at 180 min postprandial to obtain glucose, glucagon, triglycerides, uric acid, lactate, and malondialdehyde levels. RESULTS: Sixteen T1DM patients (seven men) were evaluated, with a mean age of 25.19 ± 8.8 years, a mean duration of disease of 14.88 ± 4.73 years, and glycated hemoglobin of 8.13 ± 1.84%. Fructose resulted in lower postprandial BG levels than glucose (4.4 ± 5.5 mmol/L; and 12.9 ± 4.1 mmol/L, respectively; p < 0.01). Uric acid levels increased after fructose (26.1 ± 49.9 µmol/L; p < 0.01) and reduced after glucose (-13.6 ± 9.5 µmol/L; p < 0.01). The malondialdehyde increased after fructose (1.4 ± 1.6 µmol/L; p < 0.01) and did not change after glucose solution (-0.2 ± 1.6 µmol/L; p = 0.40). Other variables did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Fructose and glucose had similar sweetness, flavor and aftertaste characteristics and did not change triglycerides, lactate or glucagon levels. Although fructose resulted in lower postprandial BG than glucose, it increased uric acid and malondialdehyde levels in T1DM patients. Therefore it should be used with caution. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT01713023.

The Protective Effect of Rosewater against DNA Damages and Oxidant and Antioxidant Parameters of Rats Exposed to Chlorpyrifos Ethyl.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine both the protective effect of rose water (RW) against DNA damage in the tissues of rats exposed to chlorpyrifos-ethyl (CPE) and RW's effect on the oxidant and antioxidant levels in the blood serum and brain tissues of those same rats. METHODS: In this experimental study, 32 mature male wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups: group I, control; group II, CPE; group III, RW; and group IV, CPE+RW. The parameters of DNA tail intensity and DNA tail moment were analysed in blood samples by comet assay. Glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in brain tissues were examined. In blood serum, the levels of melatonin (MT) from 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) were determined. RESULTS: In the CPE+RW group, the MDA and 3-NT levels in the brain tissues were significantly reduced (p<0.001), while the MT, GST, and CAT levels were significantly higher (p<0.001) compared to those of the CPE group. When the control and RW groups were compared, the CAT, GST, and MT levels were significantly higher (p<0.001) in the RW group, while the MDA and 3-NT levels were significantly lower (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In rats, RW had positive effects on oxidant damage created by CPE. Both the DNA tail intensity and DNA tail moment in the CPE group were significantly higher (P<0.001) compared to those measures for the control group.

Comparative activity of a polyhexanide-betaine solution against biofilms produced by multidrug-resistant bacteria belonging to high-risk clones.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of polyhexanide (polyhexamethylene biguanide)-betaine (PHMB-B) compared with 2% chlorhexidine against biofilms of high-risk and/or multidrug-resistant bacterial clones. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of both biocides were determined by microdilution. The effect of PHMB-B and chlorhexidine on biofilm was evaluated by spectrophotometry and cell viability assays. At commercial concentrations, PHMB-B reduced 24 h, 48 h and 1-week biofilms of all pathogens tested. PHMB-B was more active than 2% chlorhexidine against Gram-negative bacterial 24 h and 48 h biofilms and Gram-positive bacterial 7-day biofilms. In summary, the activity of PHMB-B was superior to that of 2% chlorhexidine in those biofilms.

Evaluation of low-level diode laser irradiation and various irrigant solutions on the biological response of stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth.

This study aimed to evaluate cytotoxic effects and the apoptosis of Gallium-Aluminum-Arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser irradiation, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ozonated water and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs). Cells were exposed to EDTA (5%, 8.5%, 17%), NaOCl (1%, 2.5%, 5%) ozonated water (5, 10, 20 µg/ml) and GaAlAs diode laser irradiation (energy densities of 0.5, 1, 1.5 j/cm2). Culture medium included D-MEM, supplemented with 15% foetal bovine serum, 1% l-glutamine, 1% penicillin-streptomycin, 1% gentamycin, amphotericin-B and served as control group. The prepared irrigants were added to the relevant wells and incubated with the cells at 37 °C for 5, 10 and 15 min. The cells in the laser group were also incubated at 37 °C for 5, 10 and 15 min after the laser application. Cell viability and proliferation were analysed with the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The percentage of cell viability showed a significant reduction in all concentrations of the EDTA and NaOCl groups when compared to the control group, diode laser irradiation and ozonated water groups at 5th, 10th and 15th minutes respectively but high cytotoxic effects of all EDTA and NaOCl groups with decreased over 50% of cell viability were observed at the 15th minute. Also EDTA group with 17% concentration (17%E) presented the lowest survival rate on SHEDs with mean of 21.67% ±â€¯6.101 at this time interval. The lowest toxic effects were observed at the 5th minutes compared to other time periods at experimental groups. For detection of apoptotic cells, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labelling (TUNEL) method was performed. According to the MTT results, doses showed the highest toxicity (cell survival decreased over 50%) in each group were selected for TUNEL assay (17% EDTA; 1% NaOCl; 10 µg/ml Ozonated water; 1.5 j/cm2 diode laser irradiation). The significantly lowest percentages of TUNEL-positive cells were detected in ozonated water (10.67% ±â€¯2.93) and diode laser irradiation (13.24% ±â€¯7.61) compared to EDTA (39.89% ±â€¯11.54) and NaOCl (31.15% ±â€¯10.64) respectively. Also the difference between percentage of TUNEL-positive cells in EDTA and NaOCl groups was not significant. Synergistic combination of ozonated water and diode laser irradiation may be used in the disinfection step of necrotic root canals.