Características clínicas, manejo y resultados de los pacientes con endoftalmitis estéril asociados con la inyección intravítrea de factores de crecimiento endotelial antivascular / Clinical features, management and outcomes of patients with sterile endophthalmitis associated with intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor

OBJETIVO: Analizar las características clínicas, el manejo y los resultados de los pacientes con endoftalmitis estéril asociada con el factor de crecimiento endotelial antivascular intravítreo. MÉTODOS: Serie de casos de observación retrospectiva de pacientes con endoftalmitis estéril después de inyecciones intravítreas anti-VEGF. Se han revisado los datos clínicos de pacientes tratados con anti-VEGF intravítreos durante un año. Se analizan los que han presentado un episodio de endoftalmitis estéril y se estudia su causalidad y manejo. RESULTADOS: Siete pacientes tuvieron un inicio de endoftalmitis estéril en los 4días posteriores a la inyección intravítrea (aflibercept n = 5 y ranibizumab n = 2). Estos pacientes tienen alguna condición neovascular activa: degeneración macular relacionada con la edad (n = 4), neovascularización coroidea miope (n = 1) o edema macular: edema macular diabético (n = 1), oclusión de la vena retiniana ramificada (n = 1). Los signos y síntomas compartidos incluyeron pérdida de visión indolora, células en cámara anterior o vítrea y falta de hipopión. En todos los pacientes, la agudeza visual volvió a estar dentro de una línea de agudeza basal. CONCLUSIÓN: Diferenciar casos de endoftalmitis estéril de infecciosa puede ser un desafío. Es crucial diferenciar ambas entidades, ya que un buen diagnóstico determina el pronóstico visual. Debemos ser conscientes de una inflamación mínima después de repetidas inyecciones intravítreas para establecer el tratamiento adecuado

PURPOSE: Analyze clinical features, management and outcomes of patients with sterile endophthalmitis associated with intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor. METHODS: Observational retrospective case series of patients with sterile endophthalmitis following anti-VEGF intravitreal injections. Clinical data of patients treated with intravitreal anti-VEGFs during one year have been revised. Those who have presented an episode of sterile endophthalmitis are analyzed and their causality and management are studied. RESULTS: Seven patients have had a sterile endophthalmitis onset within 4days after intravitreal injection (aflibercept n = 5 and ranibizumab n = 2). These patients have some active neovascular condition: age related macular degeneration (n = 4), myopic choroidal neovascularization (n = 1) or macular edema: diabetic macular edema (n = 1), branch retinal vein occlusion (n = 1). Shared signs and symptoms included painless vision loss, anterior chamber and vitreous cell and lack of hypopyon. In all patients, visual acuity returned to within one line of baseline acuity. CONCLUSIÓN: Differentiating cases of sterile from infectious endophthalmitis may be challenging. It is crucial to differentiate both entities as a good diagnosis determines the visual prognosis. We should be aware of minimal inflammation after repeated intravitreal injections in order to establish the adequate treatment

Withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoters from broiler diets: performance indexes and economic impact.

This study aimed to estimate the productive and economic impacts caused by the withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) from broilers diet. Indexed publications that compared diets with or without AGP (AGP+/AGP-) for broilers (from initial to final phase) were collected and the results of feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion were compiled in a database. A meta-analysis was performed following sequential analyses: graphical approach (to observe biological data coherence), correlation (to identify related factors), and variance-covariance (to compare groups). The annual number of broiler slaughtered in Brazil, target weight gain and feed conversion for each phase, the variation in feed conversion, feed cost, and AGP costs were used to build a model to estimate the effects of the AGP withdrawal on feeding costs. The database comprised 174 scientific articles containing 183 experiments, totaling 121,643 broilers, most of which were Ross (52% of the studies). The most frequent AGP sources/forms in the database were Avilamycin (41% of the AGP+ treatments), Flavomycin (19%), Virginiamycin (16%), and Bacitracin (14%). Higher feed intake, weight gain, and lower feed conversion were attributed (P < 0.05) to AGP+ diets during Initial phase (1 to 21 D). In Final phase (22 to 42 D) no differences were observed in performance variables. Treatments AGP+ presented higher weight gain and better feed conversion in the Total period (1 to 42 D). The results of feed conversion were improved (P < 0.05) with Avilamycin and Flavomycin; Virginiamycin improved weight gain and feed conversion. In the Total period, the economic impact was $0.03 per animal and a total of $183,560,232 per year. It was concluded that broilers fed AGP+ diets have higher weight gain and better feed conversion than those fed AGP- diets, and withdrawing AGP increases production costs.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 alone or in combination with antibiotic growth promoters improves performance in broilers under enteric pathogen challenge.

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 as a direct-fed microbial (DFM) alone or in association with bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) in broilers under enteric pathogen challenge. A total of 1,530-day-old male Cobb500 chicks were randomly assigned to 5 treatments, with 9 replicate pens with 34 birds each. Treatments included positive control (PC, basal diet without additives or challenge); negative control (NC, basal diet without additive and challenged birds); NC + 0.05 g/kg BMD; NC + 1 g/kg DFM (106 CFU B. amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940/g of feed); and NC + 0.05 g/kg BMD + 1 g/kg DFM. The challenge consisted of oral gavage with Eimeria maxima and Clostridium perfringens inoculum. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated on days 21, 35, and 42. Ileal and cecal content were collected on days 21 and 28 for C. perfringens enumeration by real-time PCR assay and the intestinal health was evaluated by scores. Uniformity (UN), carcass (CY), and breast meat yields (BMY) were evaluated on day 42. After 14 and 21 d post-inoculation, birds in the challenged groups had significant lower FI and BWG compared to the PC group (P < 0.05). However, the groups receiving DFM, BMD, or its combination presented better FCR, CY, BMY, UN, and lower incidence of footpad lesion and litter quality visual scores, compared to the NC group without feed additives (P < 0.05). Mortality was not affected by treatments (P > 0.05). Broilers fed DFM, BMD, or its combination presented lower C. perfringens in ileal content at 21 and 28 d compared to NC group without additives (P < 0.05) and also maintained gut health by keeping the frequency of ballooning, abnormal content, and swollen mucosa comparable to the PC group (P > 0.05). The study indicates that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 is effective as BMD to provide similar performance and gut health in challenged broilers.

Evaluation of the overall impact of antibiotics growth promoters on broiler health and productivity during the medication and withdrawal period.

The effectiveness of some common combination of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) on growth performance, gut health, and meat quality was evaluated during the medication and withdrawal period in broilers. A total of 540 male Arbor Acre broilers at 0 D of age were randomly assigned to 5 treatments, with 6 replicates of 18 chicks. Broilers received diets during the medication period (0 to 42 D) as follows: NC (control diet without AGP), EN (NC + enduracidin 8 ppm + colistin sulfate 8 ppm), BZ (NC + bacitracin zinc 40 ppm + colistin sulfate 8 ppm), CT (NC + chlortetracycline 50 ppm + colistin sulfate 8 ppm), and VG (NC + virginiamycin 20 ppm + colistin sulfate 8 ppm). Broilers were switched to the same finisher diet without AGP during the withdrawal period (43 to 49 D). The feed:gain ratio in EN, BZ, CT, and VG groups were significantly decreased by 0.07, 0.10, 0.06, and 0.05 during 0 to 42 D (P < 0.05), but increased by 0.19 (P > 0.05), 0.33 (P > 0.05), 0.49 (P < 0.05), and 0.69 (P < 0.05) during the withdrawal period, respectively. The jejunum villus height (VH) increased in EN group (P < 0.05) and crypt depth (CD) reduced in BZ, CT, and VG groups (P < 0.05) at 42 D, while jejunum VH increased in EN and BZ groups (P < 0.05) at 49 D compared to NC group (P < 0.05). Meat quality detection at 49 D found all AGP groups with the higher cook loss of the breast muscle, while CT group with the higher cook loss of thigh muscle. Consequently, the overall effects of 4 AGP combinations in the whole period were not significant on growth performance. Their poor growth performance during the withdrawal period should be partly attributed to the falling off a cliff of most digestive enzyme activities from 42 to 49 D. Attention should be paid to the adverse effects of AGP supplementation on meat quality, especially cook loss.

Comparison of performance and feed digestibility of the non-antibiotic feed supplement (Novacid) and an antibiotic growth promoter in broiler chickens.

Antibiotic growth promoters have been widely used in poultry to improve overall performance. The emergence of antibiotic resistance has resulted in sanctions imposed on the use of antibiotics in poultry diets, and alternatives such as herbal extracts are being considered to improve growth performance. The aim of this study was to compare the performance and feed digestibility of the feed supplement Novacid, which contains organic acids, glucomannan, and phytochemicals, with that of the antibiotic growth promoter bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) in commercial broiler chickens. Six hundred 1-d-old Ross × Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly and equally assigned to six treatment groups with five replicates each (20 chicks per replicate). The chicks were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet, and divided into two groups: unchallenged and challenged with E. coli (400 mg/kg Escherichia coli inoculation). Each of these groups was divided into three study groups: untreated, treated with 0.05% Novacid, and treated with 400 mg/kg BMD. At day 42, inclusion of Novacid or BMD significantly (P < 0.05) improved the performance in the unchallenged groups relative to the control group. However, in E. coli-challenged groups, Novacid and BMD did not improve performance. Ileal digestibility of crude fat, crude protein, and gross energy were reduced in the Novacid group (P < 0.05). BMD and Novacid were equally effective in controlling ileal nutrient digestibility and feed coliform count (P < 0.05). Novacid reduced cecal E. coli and Salmonella count compared to BMD and control. Thus, a phytochemical feed supplement with organic acids and glucomannan could be an effective substitute for antibiotic growth promoters in broiler diets, but cannot replace antibiotics to counter potent infectious agents such as E. coli.

Placental Homing Peptide-microRNA Inhibitor Conjugates for Targeted Enhancement of Intrinsic Placental Growth Signaling.

Suboptimal placental growth and development are the underlying cause of many pregnancy complications. No treatments are available, primarily due to the risk of causing fetal teratogenicity. microRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNA sequences that regulate multiple downstream genes; miR-145 and miR675 have previously been identified as negative regulators of placental growth. In this proof of principle study, we explored the feasibility of delivering miRNA inhibitors to the placentas of pregnant mice and developed novel placental homing peptide-microRNA inhibitor conjugates for targeted enhancement of intrinsic placental growth signalling. Scrambled-, miR-145- or miR-675 inhibitor sequences were synthesised from peptide nucleic acids and conjugated to the placental homing peptide CCGKRK. Intravenous administration of the miR-145- and miR-675 conjugates to pregnant C57BL/6J mice significantly increased fetal and placental weights compared to controls; the miR-675 conjugate significantly reduced placental miR-675 expression. When applied to human first trimester placental explants, the miR-145 conjugate significantly reduced placental miR-145 expression, and both conjugates induced significant enhancement of cytotrophoblast proliferation; no effect was observed in term placental explants. This study demonstrates that homing peptide-miRNA inhibitor conjugates can be exploited to promote placental growth; these novel therapeutics may represent an innovative strategy for targeted treatment of compromised placental development.

Epidermal growth factor promotes proliferation and maintains multipotency of continuous cultured adipose stem cells via activating STAT signal pathway in vitro.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the proliferation and differentiation of adipose stem cells (ASC) during the repeated passaging and probe the underlying signal pathway. Results showed that the Ki67 positive rate remained at a high level, the number of ASCs in G0/G1 phase reduced significantly, but ASCs in G2/M phase and S phase increased markedly in ASCs treated with EGF when compared with ASCs without EGF treatment, indicating that EGF made more ASCs in proliferation phase. The adipogenic capability of ASCs without EGF was compromised when compared with that of ASCs after EGF treatment, although significant difference was not observed. The osteogenic and chondrogenic potencies increased significantly in ASC with EGF treatment indicating EGF could maintain differentiative capacity of ASCs. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis showed EGF upregulated the expression of molecules in the epithelial mesenchymal transition and G2/M checkpoint signal pathways. GeneMANIA database analysis indicated the network interaction between EGF and STAT. EGF receptor (EGFR) inhibitor and STAT3 inhibitor were independently used to validate the role of both pathways in these effects. After inhibition of EGFR or STAT3, the proliferation of ASCs was significantly inhibited, and Western blotting showed EGF was able to markedly increase the expression of EGFR and STAT3. These findings suggest EGF not only promotes the proliferation of ASCs and delays their senescence, but also maintains the differentiation potency of ASCs, which are related to the EGF-induced activation of STAT signal pathway.

Discrimination between Synthetically Administered and Endogenous Thiouracil Based on Monitoring of Urine, Muscle, and Thyroid Tissue: An in Vivo Study in Young and Adult Bovines.

Thiouracil (TU), synthesized for its thyroid-regulating capacities and alternatively misused in livestock for its weight-gaining effects, is acknowledged to have an endogenous origin. Discrimination between low-level abuse and endogenous occurrence is challenging and unexplored in an experimental setting. Therefore, cows (n = 16) and calves (n = 18) were subjected to a rapeseed-supplemented diet or treated with synthetic TU. Significant higher urinary TU levels were recorded after TU administration (

Bioactive Molecule Delivery Systems for Dentin-pulp Tissue Engineering.

INTRODUCTION: Regenerative endodontic procedures use bioactive molecules (BMs), which are active signaling molecules that initiate and maintain cell responses and interactions. When applied in a bolus form, they may undergo rapid diffusion and denaturation resulting in failure to induce the desired effects on target cells. METHODS: The controlled release of BMs from a biomaterial carrier is expected to enhance and accelerate functional tissue engineering during regenerative endodontic procedures. This narrative review presents a comprehensive review of different polymeric BM release strategies with relevance to dentin-pulp engineering. RESULTS: Carrier systems designed to allow the preprogrammed release of BMs in a spatial- and temporal-controlled manner would aid in mimicking the natural wound healing process while overcoming some of the challenges faced in clinical translation of regenerative endodontic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial- and temporal-controlled BM release systems have become an exciting option in dentin-pulp tissue engineering; nonetheless, further validation of this concept and knowledge is required for their potential clinical translation.

Effects of feeding Original XPC™ to broilers with a live coccidiosis vaccine under industrial conditions: Part 2. Cecal microbiota analysis.

Biological supplements in poultry feed are of continued interest due to the improvements in growth performance, protection from pathogen invasion, and benefits in overall host health. The fermentation metabolites of Diamond V Original XPC™ (XPC) have previously been shown to improve commercial performance and reduce Salmonella in poultry. The current study sought to characterize the cecal microbiota using culture-independent analysis based on 16S rRNA gene in Coccivac-D sprayed broilers supplemented with XPC and/or Salinomycin (SAL). Ross 708 male broilers (n = 640) were assigned to one of 4 treatments: Cocci-vaccine (T1), Cocci-vaccine + XPC (T2), Cocci-vaccine + SAL (in the grower diet only) (T3), and Cocci-vaccine + SAL (in the grower diet only) + XPC (T4). Analysis with a PCR-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) indicated a shift in the microbial populations present at the various sampling ages - 16, 28, and 42 days. Phylogenetic analysis indicated further consistency in microbial communities directly related to bird age. Identification of microbial communities present and the assessment of their respective quantities using an Illumina MiSeq indicated treatment with XPC had no significant impact on microbial diversity (Chao1 index, observed operational taxonomic unit (OTU) and phylogenetic diversity (PD) whole tree). Sampling age revealed significantly greater diversity at 16 and 28 d (P < 0.05) as compared to the 42 d for the Shannon diversity index, while showing significantly decreased richness and diversity in the 42 d sampling age (Chao1 and observed OTU; P < 0.05). The results of the current study indicate that the chicken intestinal microbiota are impacted more by temporal changes rather than by the feed additive studied.

First-in-man study with a novel PEGylated recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I.

OBJECTIVE: This study is a first time assessment of safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of RO5046013 in human, in comparison with unmodified rhIGF-I. DESIGN: The study was conducted as a single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose, parallel group study in a clinical research unit in France. A total of 62 healthy volunteers participated in this clinical trial. RO5046013 was given as single subcutaneous injection, or as intravenous infusion over 48h, at ascending dose levels. The active comparator rhIGF-I was administered at 50µg/kg subcutaneously twice daily for 4days. Safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of RO5046013 were evaluated. RESULTS: PEGylation resulted in long exposure to RO5046013 with a half-life of 140-200h. Exposure to RO5046013 increased approximately dose proportionally. RO5046013 was safe and well tolerated at all doses, injection site erythema after SC administration was the most frequent observed AE. No hypoglycemia occurred. Growth hormone (GH) secretion was almost completely suppressed with rhIGF-I administration, whereas RO5046013 caused only a modest decrease in GH at the highest dose given IV. CONCLUSIONS: PEGylation of IGF-I strongly enhances half-life, reduces the negative GH feedback and hypoglycemia potential, and therefore offers a valuable alternative to rhIGF-I in treatment of relevant diseases.

Structure-activity relationship for peptídic growth hormone secretagogues.

Growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs) could be widely used by cheating athletes because they produce growth hormone (GH) secretion, so may generate an ergogenic effect in the body. Knowledge of the essential amino acids needed in GHRP structure for interaction with the target biological receptor GHSR1a, the absorption through different administration routes, and the maintenance of pharmacological activity of potential biotransformation products may help in the fight against their abuse in sport. Several GHRPs and truncated analogues with the common core Ala-Trp-(D-Phe)-Lys have been studied with a radio-competitive assay for the GHSR1a receptor against the radioactive natural ligand ghrelin. Relevant chemical modifications influencing the activity for positions 1, 2, 3, and 7 based on the structure aa-aa-aa-Ala-Trp-(D-Phe)-Lys have been obtained. To test in vivo the applicability of the activities observed, the receptor assay activity in samples from excretion studies performed after nasal administration of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin was confirmed. Overall results obtained allow to infer structure-activity information for those GHRPs and to detect GHSR1a binding (intact GHRPs plus active metabolites) in excreted urines. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Antimicrobial growth promoter use in livestock: a requirement to understand their modes of action to develop effective alternatives.

Antimicrobial agents (AMAs) have been used in agriculture since the 1950s as growth-promoting agents [antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs)]. They have provided benefits to the agricultural industry by increasing production efficiencies and maximising livestock health, yet the potential risks surrounding resistance to AMAs in medically important pathogenic bacteria have enhanced public and government scrutiny regarding AMA use in agriculture. Although it is recognised that AGP administration can select for resistance to AMAs in enteric bacteria of livestock, conclusive evidence showing a link between resistant bacteria from livestock and human health is lacking (e.g. transmission of resistant zoonotic pathogens). Livestock production output must be increased significantly due to the increase in global population, and thus the identification of non-AMA alternatives to AGP use is required. One strategy employed to identify alternatives to AGPs is an observational empirical methodology, but this approach has failed to deliver effective alternatives. A second approach is aimed at understanding the mechanisms involved in AGP function and developing alternatives that mimic the physiological responses to AGPs. New evidence indicates that AGP function is more complex than merely affecting enteric bacterial populations, and AGPs likely function by directly or indirectly modulating host responses such as the immune system. As such, a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms associated with AMA function as AGPs will facilitate the development of effective alternatives.

Probiotic form effects on growth performance, digestive function, and immune related biomarkers in broilers.

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of dietary viable or heat inactivated probiotic forms (PF) combined or not with avilamycin (AV) used as a growth promoter, on broiler growth performance, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme activities, and expression of immune response related genes.Depending on the type of PF (i.e., no addition, viable, inactivated) and AV addition (no/yes), 450 one-day-old Cobb male broilers were allocated in the following 6 treatments according to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with 5 replicates of 15 broilers each for 6 wk: CoN: diet without any addition; CoN+A: combination of CoN with AV; ViP: viable PF - no AV; ViP+A: combination of ViP with AV; InP: inactivated PF - no AV; InP+A: combination of InP with AV.There were no interactions (P > 0.05) for overall performance parameters. In contrast, PF or AV addition improved BW gain (PPF= 0.015; PAV < 0.001), FCR (PPF < 0.001; PAV < 0.001) and production efficiency factor (PPF= 0.001; PAV= 0.001).Significant (PPF×AV ≤ 0.05) interaction effects regarding ileal digestibility (IAD) of DM and total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) of DM and ether extracts (EE) were noted. In addition, PF affected IAD and TTAD of CP (PPF < 0.001, PPF= 0.004, respectively). Inactivated PF increased (PPR= 0.024) lipase activity in jejunal digesta.At spleen level InP and ViP+A down-regulated TGF-ß4 (PPF × AV = 0.035) compared to CoN and ViP, whereas ViP+A up-regulated iNOS (PPF × AV = 0.022). An anti-inflammatory effect of live and inactive PF and/or AV addition at cecal tonsils was shown by iNOS down-regulation (PPF × AV= 0.015) compared to CoN. Furthermore, AV down-regulated IFN-γ (PAV= 0.002).In conclusion, viable probiotic, as well as inactivated probiotic alone or in combination with avilamycin, improved nutrient digestibility. All dietary additives affected growth performance positively and induced an anti-inflammatory response at cecal level.

New Analytical Tool for the Detection of Ractopamine Abuse in Goat Skeletal Muscle by Potential Gene Expression Biomarkers.

In this study, quantification of mRNA gene expression was examined as biomarkers to detect ractopamaine abuse and ractopamaine residues in cashmere goats. It was focused on the identification of potential gene expression biomarkers and describing the coreletionship between gene expression and residue level by 58 animals for 49 days. The results showed that administration periods and residue levels significantly influenced mRNA expressions of the ß2-adrenergic receptor (ß2AR), the enzymes PRKACB, ADCY3, ATP1A3, ATP2A3, PTH, and MYLK, and the immune factors IL-1ß and TNF-α. Statistical analysis like principal components analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and discriminant analysis (DA) showed that these genes can serve as potential biomarkers for ractopamine in skeletal muscle and that they are also suitable for describing different residue levels separately.

Radiographic Appearance of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Performed With and Without Recombinant Human Morphogenetic Protein-2.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether recombinant human morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) alters the findings on routine radiographs performed after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 256 TLIF procedures in 200 patients was performed over a 4-year period. The rhBMP-2 group included 204 TLIFs in 160 patients, and the control group included 52 TLIFs in 40 patients. Two musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed the postoperative radiographs for endplate resorption, resorption resolution, new bone formation, bridging bone, and allograft migration. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: The median age was 53 years in the rhBMP-2 group and 54 years in the control group (p = 0.182). The groups were similar with regard to sex (p = 0.517), single or multilevel TLIF (p = 0.921), specific TLIF levels (p = 0.53), and median radiographic follow-up (373 vs 366 days; p = 0.34). Findings that were more common in the rhBMP-2 group than in the control group included endplate resorption (38% [78/204] vs 12% [6/52]; odds ratio [OR], 4.67; 95% CI, 1.99-12.54; p < 0.001), resorption resolution (59% [46/78] vs 0% [0/6]; OR, 8.09; 95% CI, 1.41 to ∞; p = 0.022), new bone formation (84% [171/204] vs 67% [35/52]; OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.24-4.99; p = 0.011), bridging bone (55% [112/204] vs 31% [16/52]; OR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.43-5.34; p = 0.002), and allograft migration (17% [35/204] vs 2% [1/52]; OR, 6.30; 95% CI, 0.91-151.41; p = 0.065). CONCLUSION: A statistically significant higher frequency of endplate resorption, new bone formation, and bone bridging is present in TLIF augmented by rhBMP-2 compared with TLIF performed without rhBMP-2. Endplate resorption resolves without treatment in most cases after rhBMP-2 use.

Ham and belly processing characteristics of immunological castrated barrows (Improvest) fed ractopamine hydrochloride (Paylean).

Effects of sex class (physically castrated, PC or immunologically castrated, IC) and diet (0 or 5mg/kg ractopamine hydrochloride, RAC) on characteristics of ham and bellies were determined from pigs slaughtered in three groups with similar ending live weights. One carcass per pen per marketing group (n=8) was selected to evaluate further processing characteristics. Data were analyzed as a 2×2 factorial design with a split plot in time and fixed effects of sex, diet, marketing group, and their interactions. IC fresh bellies were thinner (P<0.01) and softer (P<0.01) than PC bellies. IC hams and bellies were leaner (P<0.05) than those from PC pigs. RAC feeding did not affect (P>0.05) fresh ham or belly characteristics but decreased (P<0.01) fat in cured PC bellies. Marketing group affected (P<0.05) fresh quality, processing characteristics, and composition of hams and bellies. Immunological castration and RAC produced leaner finished products but did not alter processing yield of hams or bacon.

Temporal-controlled Dexamethasone Releasing Chitosan Nanoparticle System Enhances Odontogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells from Apical Papilla.

INTRODUCTION: The spatial and temporal control of stem cell differentiation into odontoblast-like cells remains one of the major challenges in regenerative endodontic procedures. The current study aims to synthesize and compare the effect of dexamethasone (Dex) release from 2 variants of Dex-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSnp) on the odontogenic differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP). METHODS: Two variants of Dex-loaded CSnp were synthesized by encapsulation (Dex-CSnpI) and adsorption (Dex-CSnpII) methods. The physicochemical characterization of Dex-CSnpI and Dex-CSnpII was assessed by transmission electron microscopy, Zetasizer, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, whereas the Dex release kinetics was assessed by spectrophotometry. A previously characterized SCAP cell line was cultured onto CSnp, Dex-CSnpI, or Dex-CSnpII. The biomineralization potential was determined by alizarin red staining. Alkaline phosphatase, dentin sialophosphoprotein, and dentin matrix protein-1 gene expressions were analyzed by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Dex-CSnpI resulted in slower release of Dex compared with Dex-CSnpII, but both demonstrated sustained release of Dex for 4 weeks. Biomineralization of SCAP was significantly higher (P < .05) in presence of Dex-CSnpII compared with that in Dex-CSnpI at 3 weeks. Alkaline phosphatase gene expression was significantly higher in the presence of Dex-CSnpII compared with Dex-CSnpI, with peak expression seen at 2 weeks (P < .05). The expression of odontogenic specific marker dentin matrix protein-1 was significantly higher in presence of Dex-CSnpII compared with Dex-CSnpI at 3 weeks (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these data suggest that sustained release of Dex results in enhanced odontogenic differentiation of SCAP. These findings highlight the potential of temporal-controlled delivery of bioactive molecules to direct the spatial- and temporal-controlled odontogenic differentiation of dental stem cells.