Immunomodulatory and Tissue-preserving Effects of Human Dental Follicle Stem Cells in a Rat Cecal Ligation and Perforation Sepsis Model.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells may be used for the treatment of sepsis. Dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) are easily accessible but have not been studied in vivo or in clinical trials in sepsis models. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aim to elucidate DFSC effects on host immunological functions in a rat cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) sepsis model. METHODS: Adult male rats were categorized into group 1 (sham procedure SP), group 2 (SP + 1 × 106 DFSCs administered 0 h after SP), group 3 (CLP + saline), group 4 (CLP + 1 × 106 DFSCs administered 0 h after CLP), and group 5 (CLP + 1 × 106 DFSCs administered 4 h after CLP). Green fluorescent protein-labeled cells were used for imaging. Histopathological examination of ileal tissues was performed. RESULTS: A significant increase in the percentage of CD4+/CD25+/Foxp3+ Treg cells in groups 4 and 5 occurred compared with that in group 3. No significant changes in CD3+/CD4+ helper T-cells and CD3+/CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells were observed. Treatment with DFSCs at 4 h significantly decreased the level of TNF-α compared with that in group 3. No significant changes in IL-10 levels and lymphocyte proliferation suppression were observed. During histopathological examination, no high scoring (Chiu scores: 3 or 4) rats were observed in the curative treatment group (group 5). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with DFSC after 4 h of sepsis induction downregulates tissue inflammatory responses by decreasing TNF-α levels and increasing Treg cell ratio. This also has a protective effect on intestinal tissues during sepsis.

Analgesia Nociception Index: Heart Rate Variability Analysis of Emotional Status.

Background Analgesia nociception index (ANI) has been developed for real-time pain measurement during a surgical procedure under general anesthesia. The index is based on heart rate variability and constitutes a measure of parasympathetic tone. In this paper, we hypothesized that this index could be used as a tool to investigate the process of emotional regulation of a human subject. Materials and methods Twenty adult volunteers were recruited for the study, wherein ANI response to the emotional stimulus was evaluated. An emotional stimulus was obtained through a 60-second music sound record from the song "Ala Gözlerini Sevdigim Dilber," performed by the Turkish rock band Badem. ANI measurements were obtained before the song presentation (Tpre), at the end of the record presentation (T0), and each minute thereafter until the end of the five-minute observation (T1-T5). Results Twenty participants were investigated; 10 males and 10 females. The mean age of the participants was 17.0 ± 0.9 (min: 16, max: 20). ANI measurements were significantly lower in T0 and T3 compared with Tpre (P = 0.009). The differences between other values were not statistically significant. Conclusion ANI can be used for assessment of parasympathetic changes related to the emotional state of conscious patients.

Steel rod impalement injuries involving the spine: A case report and literature review.

Steel rod impalements, mostly experienced by construction workers due to falls from heights, are known entities, but only some individuals unfortunately suffer spinal cord injury. The management of the spine involved injuries is challenging due to the lack of guidelines, various clinical presentations resulting from different trajectories, and high risk of infection. We report a case of steel rod impalement involving the spinal canal and review the literature to enhance the management strategies and to identify the risk factors for possible complications, particularly infection. A 37-year-old male construction worker presented to our emergency department due to falling onto a concrete reinforcing steel rod that penetrated through his perineum to the L4 vertebra. Examination revealed paralysis and sensory loss of the left foot. The rod was removed in the operating room (closed removal) under general anesthesia, followed by laparotomy. Rectal laceration was primarily repaired, and colostomy was performed. In a separate session, laminectomy was performed. At 3 months post-discharge, the patient was ambulatory with armrest based on the same motor examination performed on presentation This case is a good example of careful preoperative planning, multidisciplinary involvement, and appropriately sequenced interventions resulting in an acceptable outcome for an injury with high morbidity and mortality and demonstrates the feasibility and potential benefits of closed removal of the rod in an operating room just before laparotomy. The presence of an intestinal perforation increases the infection risk, but infections can still be prevented in this setting. Shorter time intervals between the incidence and surgery may reduce the infection rate.