Predicting anterior cruciate ligament degeneration using magnetic resonance imaging: Insights from histological evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament is a pathological condition that may impair knee mechanics and contribute to the symptomatology of osteoarthritis. This study aimed to evaluate whether preoperative magnetic resonance imaging can predict anterior cruciate ligament degeneration, specifically mucoid degeneration, and to elucidate the histopathological characteristics of mucoid degeneration in knee osteoarthritis patients. METHODS: We evaluated a total of 95 knees of osteoarthritis patients (23 males, 72 females; mean age: 72.7 ± 7.5) scheduled for total knee arthroplasty. The relationship between preoperative magnetic resonance imaging findings and the histopathological evidence of anterior cruciate ligament mucoid degeneration was examined. Immunohistochemical analysis was employed for collagen types (COL-I, COL-II), chondrogenesis (SOX9), and vascularity (CD31). RESULTS: High signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging showed a positive correlation with Alcian Blue staining areas (rs = 0.59, p < 0.01) and the swelling index (rs = 0.62, p < 0.01), indicating advanced mucoid degeneration. The absence of synovial lining around the anterior cruciate ligament was associated with more severe degeneration. In the histological evaluations, advanced degeneration was characterized by an increase in chondroid metaplasia and collagen disorientation. The Alcian Blue and SOX9 correlation was positive (rs = 0.69, p < 0.01), but negative with COL-I (rs = -0.38, p = 0.03) and vascularity (CD31) (rs = -0.60, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging is an effective tool in assessing the severity of anterior cruciate ligament degeneration; it influences surgical decisions. High signal intensity on magnetic resonance images denotes advanced mucoid degeneration. The absence of synovial lining around the anterior cruciate ligament is associated with more severe degeneration and may accelerate degenerative changes. Chondroid metaplasia and collagen disorientation mark advanced degeneration. Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to gauge the degree of anterior cruciate ligament degeneration in osteoarthritis.

Comparison of the caecal microbial community structure and physiological indicators of healthy and infection Eimeria tenella chickens during peak of oocyst shedding.

Eimeria tenella (E. tenella), an important intestinal parasite of chicken caeca, causes coccidiosis and brings large economic losses to the poultry industry annually. Gut microorganismal alterations directly affect the health of the body. To understand how E. tenella affects its host, we analysed the changes in caecal microbial diversity and the physiological and morphological changes during the peak of oocyst shedding. Infected and healthy chickens differed significantly in caecal pathology and blood indicators. At the genus level, the abundances of Faecalibacterium, Clostridium, Lachnoclostridium, Gemmiger, Flavonifractor, Pseudoflavonifractor and Oscillibacter were significantly decreased in the infected samples, whereas Escherichia, Nocardia and Chlamydia were significantly increased. Functional gene pathways related to replication, recombination and repair, and transcription were significantly decreased, and functional genes related to metabolism were highly significantly reduced in the infected samples. Furthermore, in the infected samples, E. tenella reduced the haemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts, greatly reduced the beneficial bacteria and increased the potentially pathogenic bacteria. This study provides a research basis for further understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of E. tenella and provides insight for potential new drug development.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS First simultaneous description of caecal microbiota and physiological indicators during E. tenella infection.Metagenomics used to explore functional properties of chicken caecal microbiota during E. tenella infection.Caecal microbial compositions and functional genes altered significantly after infection.Blood indicators and caecal morphology were significantly altered in the infected group.

Histological implications of high-power laser use in the oral soft tissue lesions: a systematic review.

The objective of this study was to describe the histological artifacts caused by high-power laser use compared to cold scalpel surgery in oral soft tissue lesions. Clinical studies that evaluated and compared histological artifacts resulting from the use of high-power lasers and cold scalpels in oral soft tissue lesions biopsies were retrieved from seven databases and four grey literatures, up to July 2022. The risk of bias was investigated using the ROBINS-I tool. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Seven studies were eligible for qualitative analysis. Based on the results obtained, those four studies had a low risk of bias, and three studies had an unclear risk of bias. The certainty of the evidence was classified as low. Limited evidence showed that epithelial artifacts such as loss of intraepithelial and subepithelial adhesions, accompanied by pyknotic, fusiform, and/or hyperchromic nuclei, were more common when a high-power laser device was used. Four articles reported that the use of high-power lasers did not interfere with the histopathological diagnosis of oral soft tissue lesions. Due to the heterogeneity of the data, a meta-analysis was not performed. Compared to the use of cold scalpels, histological artifacts, particularly those observed in epithelial tissue, are more common when high-powered lasers are used in oral lesions biopsies. The eligibility criteria and adequate indications of high-power lasers in different oral soft tissue lesion treatments must be respected to avoid tissue artifacts that impair precise histopathological diagnosis.

Quantitative Analysis of the Histological Features of Tuberous Breast.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberous breast deformity (TB) is a condition mostly characterized by breast stenosis, areolar widening and glandular asymmetry. The most accredited hypothesis describes an abnormal thickening of the fascia corporis that might influence an alteration in the glandular development, limiting the horizontal growth of breast parenchyma. Alterations in the extracellular matrix components (ECM) might be involved in the abnormal breast development. PATIENTS: The aim of our case control study is to use histological specimens to analyze qualitative and quantitative differences in collagen fibers, elastic fibers and vessel densities in TB and normal breasts of 20 patients using a software for digital pathology. RESULTS: The quantitative findings showed increasing concentrations of collagen fibers and decreasing elastic fibers in TB, compared to normal breasts. No difference was seen in vessel density among the two groups. The qualitative findings highlighted differences in the distribution of the ECM among the TB specimens. Collagen fibers showed a packed appearance rather a scattered distribution, while elastic fibers visibly presented a reduction and a focal distribution of their concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The study proposes a correlation between abnormalities in ECM concentrations and TB, resulting in a higher degree of fibrosis and in the characteristic stenotic and less elastic morphology of the deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Histological pattern and gene expression profiling of thyroid tissue in subjects with obesity.

PURPOSE: Subjects with obesity may exhibit an increase in serum TSH concentrations. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this association, including the presence of a compensatory mechanism to counterbalance an accelerated turnover of thyroid hormones in subjects with obesity. This study aimed at evaluating whether the thyroids of subjects with obesity differs from those of normal-weight individuals regarding histology and gene expression profiling. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients were selected among those scheduled for thyroidectomy. At histology, thyroid tissue samples were investigated for the presence of adipocytes and/or lymphocyte infiltration. In a subset of patients, the expression at mRNA level of several genes involved in metabolic pathways and immune cell-related mechanisms was quantified by NanoString Technology. RESULTS: The presence of adipose cells was documented in thyroid specimens from 40% normal weight, 52.9% overweight and 73.5% patients with obesity. The number of infiltrating adipocytes was greater in specimens of patients with overweight or obesity compared to normal weight. The lymphocytes common antigen (CD45) and mast cell (MC) scores, and the number of CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were higher in patients with overweight and obesity than in normal-weight subjects. Several genes involved in metabolic pathways were differently expressed in patients with overweight or obesity compared to normal weight, with upregulation of Leptin receptor and downregulation of Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 5. CONCLUSIONS: Increased BMI is associated with adipocyte and lymphocyte infiltration of the thyroid, not related to an autoimmune process, which might affect thyroid function in subjects with obesity. A differential gene expression profiling of metabolic and immune pathways in thyroid tissues of patients with obesity was also observed.

The use of optical coherence tomography for skin evaluation in healthy rats.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive diagnostic techniques allow for morphological and morphometric in vivo evaluation of the skin. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a method that allows visualization of dermal structures up to several 100 µm with a resolution of 3-7.5 µm. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was the morphological and morphometric assessment of rats' skin using SD-OCT. ANIMALS: Fifteen male Wistar rats, aged 3 and 8 months, weighing 350-450 g. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The skin of the plantar metatarsal area of the right pelvic limb was assessed. The measurements were performed using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) scans and histological images. RESULTS: Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography could determine the boundary between the epidermis and the dermis. Apart from the stratum corneum (SC), it did not allow for the differentiation of the individual epidermal layers. In the SD-OCT and in the histological examination, the mean thicknesses of the layers (µm ± SD) were (respectively): SC 33.053 ± µm(SD 5.85, 29.675 ± 5.54; epidermis 88.2 ± 7.97, 65.126 ± 13.23; dermis 259.86 ± 18.29, 166.05 ± 31.88 µm. There was a correlation between the total epidermal SD-OCT and histological measurements (r = 0.43, p = 0.05). Bland-Altman plots revealed a bias of -19.18 (95% confidence interval) -39.21 to 0.84 µm) in the case of live epidermis (stratum granulosum, stratum spinous, stratum basale). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography can be used to evaluate rat epidermis and dermis. The method enables the differentiation of the SC, as well as the epidermis and the dermis. SD-OCT and histological thickness dimensions of the epidermis and skin differ.

Contexte - Les techniques de diagnostic non invasives permettent une évaluation morphologique et morphométrique in vivo de la peau. La tomographie par cohérence optique (OCT) est une méthode qui permet de visualiser les structures dermiques jusqu'à plusieurs centaines de micromètres avec une résolution de 3 à 7,5 µm. Objectifs - Le but de l'étude était l'évaluation morphologique et morphométrique de la peau des rats par SD-OCT. Animaux - Quinze rats Wistar mâles, âgés de 3 et 8 mois, pesant 350-450 g. Matériels et méthodes - La peau de la zone métatarsienne plantaire du membre pelvien droit a été évaluée. Les mesures ont été réalisées à l'aide de scaners SD-OCT (Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography) et d'images histologiques Résultats - Le SD-OCT a pu déterminer la frontière entre l'épiderme et le derme. En dehors de la couche cornée (SC), il n'a pas permis la différenciation des couches épidermiques individuelles. Au SD-OCT et à l'examen histologique, les épaisseurs moyennes des couches (µm ± SD) étaient (respectivement) : SC 33,053 ± µm (SD 5,85, 29,675 ± 5,54 ; épiderme 88,2 ± 7,97, 65,126 ± 13,23 ; derme 259,86 ± 18,29, 166,05 ± 31,88 µm). Il y avait une corrélation entre le SD-OCT épidermique total et les mesures histologiques (r = 0,43, P = 0,05) Les tracés de Bland-Altman ont révélé un biais de -19,18 (intervalle de confiance à 95 %) -39,21 à 0,84 µm) dans le cas d'épiderme vivant (stratum granulosum, stratum spinous, stratum basale). Conclusions et pertinence clinique - Le SD-OCT peut être utilisé pour évaluer l'épiderme et le derme de rat. La méthode permet de différencier le SC, ainsi que l'épiderme et le derme. Le SD-OCT et les dimensions d'épaisseur histologiques de l'épiderme et de la peau diffèrent.

Introducción - las técnicas de diagnóstico no invasivas permiten la evaluación morfológica y morfométrica in vivo de la piel. La tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT) es un método que permite la visualización de estructuras dérmicas de hasta varios cientos de micrómetros con una resolución de 3 a 7,5 µm. Objetivos - El objetivo del estudio fue la evaluación morfológica y morfométrica de la piel de ratas mediante SD-OCT. Animales - Quince ratas Wistar macho, de 3 y 8 meses de edad, con un peso de 350 a 450 g. Materiales y métodos - Se evaluó la piel de la zona metatarsiana plantar del miembro pélvico derecho. Las mediciones se realizaron utilizando escaneos SD-OCT (Tomografía de Coherencia Óptica de Dominio Espectral) e imágenes histológicas. Resultados - SD-OCT pudo determinar el límite entre la epidermis y la dermis. Aparte del estrato córneo (SC), no permitía la diferenciación de las capas epidérmicas individuales. En la SD-OCT y en el examen histológico, los espesores medios de las capas (µm ± SD) fueron (respectivamente): SC 33.053 ± µm (SD 5.85, 29.675 ± 5.54; epidermis 88.2 ± 7.97, 65.126 ± 13.23; dermis 259.86 ± 18,29, 166,05 ± 31,88 µm. Hubo una correlación entre el SD-OCT epidérmico total y las mediciones histológicas (r = 0,43, P = 0,05). Las gráficas de Bland-Altman revelaron un sesgo de -19,18 (intervalo de confianza del 95 %) -39,21 a 0,84 µm) en el caso de epidermis viva (estrato granuloso, estrato espinoso, estrato basal). Conclusiones y relevancia clínica- SD-OCT se puede utilizar para evaluar la epidermis y la dermis de rata. El método permite diferenciar el SC, así como la epidermis y la dermis. Las dimensiones de grosor de la epidermis y la piel difieren entre SD-OCT y la histología.

Contexto - Técnicas diagnósticas não invasivas permitem a avaliação morfológica e morfométrica in vivo da pele. A tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) é um método que possibilita a visualização de estruturas dérmicas de até centenas de micrômetros com uma resolução de 3-7,5 µm. Objetivos - O objetivo do estudo foi a avaliação morfométrica e morfológica da pele de ratos utilizando SD-OCT. Animais - Quinze ratos Wistar machos, de três a oito meses de idade, pesando de 350 a 450 g. Materiais e métodos - A pele da região metatársica plantar do membro pélvico direito foi avaliada. As mensurações foram realizadas utilizando o SD-OCT (Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography) e imagens histológicas. Resultados - A SD-OCT foi capaz de determinar o limite entre derme e epiderme. A exceção do estrato córneo (SC), não foi possível a diferenciação das camadas da epiderme individualmente. Na SD-OCT e na avaliação histológica, as espessuras médias das camadas fora, (µm ± DP), respectivamente: SC 33,053 ± 5,85; 29,675 ± 5,54; epiderme 88,2 ± 7,97; 65,126 ± 13,23; derme 259,86 ± 18,29; 166,05 ± 31,88 µm. Houve correlação entre SD-OCT e avaliação histológica nas mensurações da epiderme total (r = 0,43, P = 0,05). Os gráficos de Bland-Altman revelaram um viés de -19,8% (95% de intervalo de confiança) - 39,21 a 0,84 µm) no caso da epiderme viva (estrato espinhoso, estrato granuloso e estrato basal). Conclusões e relevância clínica - SD-OCT pode ser utilizada para avaliar a derme e a epiderme de ratos. Este método permite a diferenciação do SC, bem como da derme e epiderme. Pode haver discrepância na espessura da epiderme e da pele na SD-OCT e análise histológica.

Atraumatic femoral head necrosis: a biomechanical, histological and radiological examination compared to primary hip osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Atraumatic necrosis of the femoral head (AFHN) is a common disease with an incidence of 5000-7000 middle-aged adults in Germany. There is no uniform consensus in the literature regarding the configuration of the bone in AFHN. The clinical picture of our patients varies from very hard bone, especially in idiopathic findings, and rather soft bone in cortisone-induced necrosis. A better understanding of the underlying process could be decisive for establishing a morphology-dependent approach. The aim of this study is the closer examination of the condition of the bone in the AFHN compared to the primary hip osteo arthritis (PHOA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preparations were obtained as part of elective endoprosthetic treatment of the hip joint. Immediately after sample collection, thin-slice CT of the preserved femoral heads was performed to determine the exact density of the bone in the necrosis zone. Reconstruction was done in 0.8-1 mm layers in two directions, coronary and axial, starting from the femoral neck axis. Density of the femoral heads was determined by grey value analysis. The value in Hounsfield units per sample head was averaged from three individual measurements to minimize fluctuations. For biomechanical and histomorphological evaluation, the samples were extracted in the load bearing zone perpendicular to the surface of the femoral head. Group-dependent statistical evaluation was performed using single factor variance analysis (ANOVA). RESULTS: A total of 41 patients with a mean age of 64.44 years were included. The mean bone density of the AFHN samples, at 1.432 g/cm3, was about 7% higher than in the PHOA group with a mean value of 1.350 g/cm3 (p = 0.040). The biomechanical testing in the AFHN group showed a 22% higher-but not significant-mean compressive strength (20.397 MPa) than in the PHOA group (16.733 MPa). On the basis of histological analysis, no differentiation between AFHN and PHOA samples was possible. CONCLUSIONS: The present study (NCT, evidence level II) shows that AFHN has a very well detectable higher bone density compared to PHOA. However, neither biomechanical stress tests nor histomorphological evaluation did show any significant difference between the groups. The results allow the conclusion that there is no "soft" necrosis at all in the AFHN group.

Assessment of soft and hard tissue characteristics of ridge preservation at molar extraction sites with severe periodontitis: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Changes in alveolar bone dimension after tooth extraction may affect placement of the subsequent implant, resulting in ridge deficiency that can adversely impact long-term implant stability or aesthetics. Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) was effective in reducing the amount of ridge resorption following tooth extraction. There is sparse evidence regarding the benefit of ARP at periodontally compromised molar extraction sockets. This study will be a randomized trial to assess the soft tissue contour, radiographical, and histological changes of ARP at molar extraction sites in order to compare severe periodontitis cases with natural healing results and determine the most beneficial and least traumatic clinical treatment for such patients. METHODS: This research is designed as a two-group parallel randomized controlled trial. The total number of tooth extraction sites will be 70 after calculation with power analysis. Teeth will be randomly assigned to two groups with the test group conducting ridge preservation and the control group healing naturally. Periodontal examination, cone beam-computed tomography (CBCT) data, and stereolithographic (STL) files obtained by intraoral scanning will be collected through the follow-up period, and bone biopsy samples would be obtained during implant surgery. The primary outcomes are the vertical and horizontal change of alveolar ridge measured on CBCT images, soft tissue contour changes evaluated by superimposing the digital impressions, alterations of mucosa thickness (as measured by superimposing the CBCT data and STL files), histological features of implant sites and periodontal parameter changes. The secondary outcomes are patient-reported post-operative reaction and conditions of simultaneous bone graft or sinus lifting procedures during implantation. DISCUSSION: This study will provide information about hard and soft tissue dimension changes and histomorphology evaluation following ARP and natural healing in periodontally compromised molar sites, which may contribute to complement the missing information of ARP at periodontally compromised molar extraction sockets. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR) ChiCTR2200056335. Registered on February 4, 2022, Version 1.0.

A Histological Evaluation of Artificial Dermal Scaffold Used in Micrograft Treatment: A Case Study of Micrograft and NPWT Performed on a Postoperative Ulcer Formation after Tumor Resection.

Background and Objectives: Wound healing (WH) is a complex natural process: the achieving of a proper WH with standard therapies sometimes is not fulfilled and it is often observed in aged and diabetic patients, leading to intractable ulcers. In recent years, autologous micrograft (AMG) therapies have become a new, effective, and affordable wound care strategy among both researchers and clinicians. In this study, a 72-year-old female patient underwent a combination of treatments using micrograft and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on a postoperative skin ulcer after a benign tumor resection on the back with the aim to present an innovative method to treat skin ulceration using AMG combined with an artificial dermal scaffold and NPWT. Materials and Methods: A section of the artificial dermal scaffold, infused with micrografts, was sampled prior to transplant, and sections were collected postoperatively on days 3 and 7. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical stains were employed for the evaluation of Cytokeratin AE1/AE3, desmin, and Factor VIII. Additionally, on postoperative day 3, NPWT dressing was evaluated using HE stains, as well. The resulting HE and immunostaining analysis revealed red blood cells and tissue fragments within the collagen layers of the artificial dermis prior to transplant. On postoperative day 3, collagen layers of the artificial dermis revealed red blood cells and neutrophils based on HE stains, and scattering of cytokeratin AE1/AE3-positive cells were detected by immunostaining. The HE stains on postoperative day 7 showed more red blood cells and neutrophils within the collagen layers of the artificial dermis than on day 3, an increase in cytokeratin AE1/AE3-positive cells, and tissue stained positively with desmin and Factor VIII. Results: Results suggest that the effects of both micrografts and migratory cells have likely accelerated the wound healing process. Furthermore, the NPWT dressing on day 3 showed almost no cells within the dressing. This indicated that restarting NPWT therapy immediately after micrograft transplant did not draw out cells within the scaffold. Conclusions: Micrograft treatment and NPWT may serve to be a useful combination therapy for complex processes of wound healing.

Histological examination of a retrieved custom-made 3D-printed titanium vertebra : Do the fine details obtained by additive manufacturing really promote osteointegration?

PURPOSE: In the present report it is described the design, the manufacturing and the successful surgical implant of one of the first 3D custom titanium vertebra realized with Additive Manufacturing technique and its use for the spinal reconstruction after en-bloc resection for primary osteogenic sarcoma. METHODS: Clinical case presentation and the design of the 3D custom titanium vertebra was reported. It was also described the complex procedures adopted to evaluate the retrieved device from the histological point of view, as a tumor relapse hit the patient, one year after the reconstruction procedure. RESULTS: The histological evaluation confirmed that the resection technique exerts an important role in promoting bone formation: vertebral body osteotomies favored the reconstruction procedure and maximized the contact area between host bone/vertebral prosthesis thus favoring the bone tissue penetration and device colonization. CONCLUSION: The sharing of these results is very important as they represent the starting point for improving the knowledge starting from the evidence obtained in a challenging clinical condition and with post-operative treatments that could be never reproduced in preclinical model.

Application of a direct pulp capping cement containing S-PRG filler.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate new pulp capping cements containing surface pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) filler and to investigate ion release kinetics and pH shift of eluates from the cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Molars of Wistar rats were directly pulp capped using three kinds of cement containing S-PRG filler and mineral tri-oxide aggregate (MTA) was used as a control. After 1, 2, or 4 weeks, histological evaluation was performed and differences of tertiary dentin formation were analyzed. Release of Sr2+, BO33-, SiO32-, Na+, and Al3+ ions was determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, and F- ion release was measured using a fluoride ion selective electrode. The pH of the eluate from each cement after mixing was measured with a pH electrode. RESULTS: One of S-PRG cements promoted tertiary dentin formation to the same extent as the control (p > 0.05) and it showed a tendency of less inflammatory response. This cement released more BO33- and SiO32-, but less Sr2+, Na+, and F- than other S-PRG specimens. Each cement recovered nearly neutral compared with glass ionomer cement. CONCLUSIONS: S-PRG cement induced tertiary dentin formation based on multiple ion releases, suggesting that it is suitable as a pulp capping material. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This new material can be an alternative pulp capping agent to MTA.

The effects of rotenone-induced toxicity via the NF-κB-iNOS pathway in rat liver.

Rotenone has been used as a pesticide for many years, it is an environmental poison reported to cause neurological diseases. However, the effects of rotenone on the rat liver are unclear, as are the mechanisms of toxicity. In the present study, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into five groups: control, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), rotenone low-dose (1 mg/kg), rotenone mid-dose (2 mg/kg) and rotenone high-dose (4 mg/kg). The treatments were orally administered daily for 28 days, we assessed health status, mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors, protein levels, nitric oxide (NO) content and histological changes. The results showed that body weight was significantly decreased in each rotenone group in a dose-dependent manner, compared with the control group. Rotenone significantly increased the mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in each rotenone group compared with the control group, except iNOS and TNF-α mRNA expression in the low-dose group. The protein levels of COX-2 were significantly higher in each rotenone group compared with the control group, NF-κB protein expression were significantly higher in the rotenone mid and high-dose groups, but not in the low-dose group, compared with the control group, similar changes were observed in NO content. Additionally, histological analysis revealed that the most severe tissue damage occurred in the high-dose group. These results indicated that rotenone has toxic effect in rat liver relating to inflammatory factors. Our findings provide insight into the mechanisms of rotenone hepatotoxicity.

[Protective effects of S-adenosylmethionine against CCl4 - and ethanol-induced experimental hepatic fibrosis].

In this study the effects of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) on experimental hepatic fibrotic rats induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) and ethanol and the relevant potential mechanisms were explored. Hepatic fibrotic rat models were established with CCl(4) diluted in olive oil being drunk with 10% ethanol in water. SAM was used both for prevention and treatment. Histological evaluation was carried out by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining of hepatic samples. Serum biochemical assays showed that alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was increased and albumin (ALB) was decreased by CCl(4) and ethanol, and both effects were suppressed by preventing and treating use of SAM. The model control rats got significantly higher scores in fatty degeneration, lobular inflammation, and hepatocyte ballooning. A significant improvement was observed in the SAM-prevented rats and SAM-treated rats, which was consistent with the change of fibrosis scoring in each group. Smad3 was induced by CCl(4) and ethanol in the model control group, which was significantly down regulated by SAM. SAM reduced both total Smad3 and phospho-Smad3 in vitro. SAM had a protective effect on hepatic fibrosis in rats induced by CCl(4) combined with ethanol and the down-regulation of activity and expression of Smad3 were involved in the potential mechanisms.

Histological Evaluation of the Local Soft Tissue Reaction After Implanting Resorbable and Non-resorbable Monofilament Fibers.

BACKGROUND: The development of technologies and scientific disciplines connected with medical implantation devices is dynamically affecting modern treatments by contemporary medicine and veterinary medicine; it also entails a need to monitor their impact on living organisms. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative histological evaluation of the response of soft tissues after implanting monofilament fibers from resorbable glyconate and from non-resorbable polypropylene (PP) and polyamide (PA) in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Non-resorbable polyamide-based fibers were applied to skin anastomoses in rats. Macroscopic and histological evaluations were performed on the 7th, 14th and 30th days. Non-resorbable polypropylene fibers and resorbable glyconate fibers (composed of 72% glycolide, 14% trimethylene carbonate and 4% caprolactone) were implanted in muscle tissue for periods of 7, 14, 30 and 90 days. RESULTS: A semi-quantitative and qualitative histological evaluation found different dynamics and degrees of intensification of cell and tissue response around the resorbable and non-resorbable fibers being tested. The resorption process of the glyconate threads caused a prolonged inflammatory cellular response compared to the non-resorbable threads; it passed, however, without the participation of giant cells. Around the non-resorbable threads the observed cellular response was less intensified, with the formation of single polymorphonuclear macrophages around the PP threads, along with a stronger degree of fibrosis and the presence of fatty infiltrate. CONCLUSIONS: During the early period, moderately intensified inflammatory cell response with the presence of single giant cells was observed around the non-degradable PA and PP fibers. In the late period, a band of fibrous connective tissue was present around the PP threads. Glyconate fibers underwent fragmentation and the process of resorption, which was associated with a weakly intensified inflammatory process lasting up to 90 days after implantation.

Relationship between pectoralis major muscle histology and quality traits of chicken meat.

A trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of myodegeneration of pectoralis major muscle on quality traits and chemical composition of breast meat of heavy-size male broilers. For this purpose, a total of 72 pectoralis major muscles were randomly collected from broilers farmed under homogeneous conditions and graded into three categories (mild, n=22; moderate, n=33; and severe, n=17) based on the presence of abnormal fibers (giant fibers, fibers with hyaline degeneration, and damaged and/or necrotic fibers) evaluated by histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Color, pH, drip loss, Allo-Kramer shear values, and chemical composition (moisture, proteins, total lipids, ashes, and collagen) were determined on nonmarinated breast meat. Purge loss and cook loss, total yield, and Allo-Kramer shear values were measured on vacuum-tumbled samples. Samples showing moderate myodegeneration had the highest mean cross-sectional area of the fibers, while samples with severe myodegeneration had myofibers of different diameter and without the characteristic polygonal shape, multifocal degeneration and necrosis, as well as infiltration of CD3-immunoreactive cells. Cooking losses of nonmarinated meat were lower in the mild group with respect to moderate and severe groups (21.4 vs. 24.7 and 24.7%; P<0.001). Breast muscles with severe damage, in comparison with mild degenerated samples, showed higher moisture (75.4 vs. 74.4%; P<0.05) and lower protein percentages (21.1 vs. 22.6%; P<0.001). The lipid percentage of severely degenerated samples was higher than that from moderate group (2.94 vs. 2.36; P<0.05), while collagen content was not modified by histological lesion levels. Marinated meat from the mild group had higher uptake and total marinade yield after cooking. In conclusion, almost all breast fillets of heavy broiler chickens produced under intensive farming systems had histological lesions, which reflected on the chemical composition of the meat and the impaired water holding/binding capacities of the meat.

Assessment of anodized titanium implants bioactivity.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to create nanostructured surface titanium implants by anodic oxidation process aiming to bring out bioactivity and to assess the resultant bioactivity both in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An economic protocol was used to apply anodic spark discharge and create surface nanoporosities on grade II commercially pure titanium (cpTi). The in vitro investigation included morphology, surface chemical analysis, roughness and crystalline structure of titanium oxide (TiO2) film prepared. Assessment of the bioactivity was carried out by immersing the specimens in simulate body fluid (SBF) and investigating the surface-deposited layer. The in vivo investigation was conducted by surgically placing the anodized implants into rabbits tibia for different healing periods. Then biomechanical evaluation was performed to verify the effect of treatments on the interface resistance to shear force. Routine histological analysis was performed to evaluate the bone tissue reactions to anodized implants. RESULTS: Anodization of titanium implants produced morphological changes, raised the percentage of oxygen in the TiO2 layer, increased surface area and roughness of implants remarkably, and modified the crystallinity of the film. The in vitro assessments of bioactivity showed that a layer of calcium phosphate was precipitated on the titanium surfaces 7 days after soaking into SBF. The implant-bone interface resistance to shear force was enhanced at 2-week healing period. This was confirmed by histological findings. CONCLUSION: Nanostructured surface titanium implants could be prepared by anodic oxidation with resultant accelerated bioactivity that may be recommended for early loading.

Histological evaluation of nerve sparing technique in robotic assisted radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to compare intrafascial nerve-sparing (NS), interfascial NS and non-NS prostatecomy specimens to assess the feasibility of NS technique in Robot-assisted radical prostatectomies (RARP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of the first 43 consecutive patients (86 prostatic sides (lobe) who underwent NS RARP (6 intrafascial NS, 46 interfacial NS, 34 non-NS) were reviewed and histopathological examinations were performed. The presence and distribution of periprostatic neurovascular structures were histologically evaluated using mid-gland section of each prostate lobe in the prostatectomy specimen and it was immunostained with the S-100 antibody for quantitative analysis of nerves. RESULTS: The average number of nerve fibers per prostatic half was 37.2 ± 20.6. The number of resected peri-prostatic nerves counted was 13.7 ± 13.5, 30.5 ± 15.0 and 50.4 ± 20.4 in intrafascial NS, interfascial NS and non-NS specimens, respectively. The difference in the number of nerve bundle counts in the three groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Patients with urinary continence at 6 months after surgery had significantly less number of nerve fibers resected with the prostate than the incontinence group (P = 0.013) and the number of nerve fibers resected in the potent group were lower than in the impotent group but did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.057). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that NS RARP could be performed according to surgeons' intention (intrafascial, interfascial or non-NS) and urinary continence significantly correlated to the number of nerve fibers resected with the prostate.

In vivo assessment of early effects of diamond-tipped microdermabrasion through the lens of line-field confocal optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that has gained popularity for skin rejuvenation by causing repetitive intraepidermal injury to stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen production. Various clinical studies have demonstrated microdermabrasion's effectiveness in skin rejuvenation; however, most of these studies rely on clinical observation and scoring by observers rather than histologic or microscopic analysis. In our single-center prospective study, we used line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT), to non-invasively visualize the early effects of one microdermabrasion treatment on the facial epidermal and dermal structure. AIM: Using LC-OCT, this study aims to elucidate the microscopic and histological effects of microdermabrasion on epidermal and dermal structures, including epidermal thickness, as well as collagen and vascular patterns. PATIENTS/METHODS: Eight volunteers (Fitzpatrick skin types II-V) underwent one treatment of microdermabrasion. LC-OCT and VISIA imaging were performed before and 10 min after microdermabrasion, and at 48-h follow-up. Subjective evaluations of skin texture and adverse reactions were assessed 1 week posttreatment via a telephone call. RESULTS: Compared to LC-OCT images before treatment, images captured after one treatment of microdermabrasion showed a decrease in thickness and number of undulations in the stratum corneum. In the superficial dermis, enhancement in fibrillar collagen, as demonstrated by an increased prominence of crisscrossing hyper-refractile strands, was visualized. This was consistent with subjective and objective improvement in facial rhytids calculated by VISIA skin analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment monitoring with LC-OCT demonstrated consistent histopathological changes with clinical visual improvement. Therefore, LC-OCT, has the potential to enable long-term histopathological monitoring of microdermabrasion and other cosmetic procedures without biopsy.

A machine learning approach for quantifying age-related histological changes in the mouse kidney.

The ability to quantify aging-related changes in histological samples is important, as it allows for evaluation of interventions intended to effect health span. We used a machine learning architecture that can be trained to detect and quantify these changes in the mouse kidney. Using additional held out data, we show validation of our model, correlation with scores given by pathologists using the Geropathology Research Network aging grading scheme, and its application in providing reproducible and quantifiable age scores for histological samples. Aging quantification also provides the insights into possible changes in image appearance that are independent of specific geropathology-specified lesions. Furthermore, we provide trained classifiers for H&E-stained slides, as well as tutorials on how to use these and how to create additional classifiers for other histological stains and tissues using our architecture. This architecture and combined resources allow for the high throughput quantification of mouse aging studies in general and specifically applicable to kidney tissues.

Computer based visualization of clot structures in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and histological clot investigations for understanding thrombosis in membrane lungs.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was established as a treatment for severe cardiac or respiratory disease. Intra-device clot formation is a common risk. This is based on complex coagulation phenomena which are not yet sufficiently understood. The objective was the development and validation of a methodology to capture the key properties of clots deposed in membrane lungs (MLs), such as clot size, distribution, burden, and composition. One end-of-therapy PLS ML was examined. Clot detection was performed using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), microcomputed tomography (µCT), and photography of fiber mats (fiber mat imaging, FMI). Histological staining was conducted for von Willebrand factor (vWF), platelets (CD42b, CD62P), fibrin, and nucleated cells (4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, DAPI). The three imaging methods showed similar clot distribution inside the ML. Independent of the imaging method, clot loading was detected predominantly in the inlet chamber of the ML. The µCT had the highest accuracy. However, it was more expensive and time consuming than MDCT or FMI. The MDCT detected the clots with low scanning time. Due to its lower resolution, it only showed clotted areas but not the exact shape of clot structures. FMI represented the simplest variant, requiring little effort and resources. FMI allowed clot localization and calculation of clot volume. Histological evaluation indicated omnipresent immunological deposits throughout the ML. Visually clot-free areas were covered with leukocytes and platelets forming platelet-leukocyte aggregates (PLAs). Cells were embedded in vWF cobwebs, while vWF fibers were negligible. In conclusion, the presented methodology allowed adequate clot identification and histological classification of possible thrombosis markers such as PLAs.