-
BioMed Research International 2020The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of surface contouring of chondromalacic cartilage by bipolar radio frequency energy using different treatment...
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of surface contouring of chondromalacic cartilage by bipolar radio frequency energy using different treatment patterns in an animal model, as well as examining the impact of the treatment onto chondrocyte viability by two different methods. Our experiments were conducted on 36 fresh osteochondral sections from the tibia plateau of slaughtered 6-month-old pigs, where the thickness of the cartilage is similar to that of human wrist cartilage. An area of 1 cm was first treated with emery paper to simulate the chondromalacic cartilage. Then, the treatment with RFE followed in 6 different patterns. The osteochondral sections were assessed for cellular viability (live/dead assay, caspase (cell apoptosis marker) staining, and quantitative analysed images obtained by fluorescent microscopy). For a quantitative characterization of none or treated cartilage surfaces, various roughness parameters were measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy (Olympus LEXT OLS 4000 3D). To describe the roughness, the Root-Mean-Square parameter (Sq) was calculated. A smoothing effect of the cartilage surface was detectable upon each pattern of RFE treatment. The Sq for native cartilage was Sq = 3.8 ± 1.1 m. The best smoothing pattern was seen for two RFE passes and a 2-second pulsed mode (B2p2) with an Sq = 27.3 ± 4.9 m. However, with increased smoothing, an augmentation in chondrocyte death up to 95% was detected. Using bipolar RFE treatment in arthroscopy for small joints like the wrist or MCP joints should be used with caution. In the case of chondroplasty, there is a high chance to destroy the joint cartilage.
Topics: Animals; Arthroplasty; Arthroscopy; Body Contouring; Cartilage Diseases; Cartilage, Articular; Cell Death; Chondrocytes; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Microscopy, Confocal; Photomicrography; Radio Waves; Radiofrequency Therapy; Swine; Tibia
PubMed: 32190645
DOI: 10.1155/2020/1242086 -
PloS One 2020Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke but it remains unclear how to identify... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke but it remains unclear how to identify microvascular changes in this population.
OBJECTIVES
We hypothesized that simple non-mydriatic retinal photography is feasible and can be used to assess microvascular damage in COPD.
METHODS
Novel Vascular Manifestations of COPD was a prospective study comparing smokers with and without COPD, matched for age. Non-mydriatic, retinal fundus photographs were assessed using semi-automated software.
RESULTS
Retinal images from 24 COPD and 22 control participants were compared. Cases were of similar age to controls (65.2 vs. 63.1 years, p = 0.38), had significantly lower Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) (53.4 vs 100.1% predicted; p < 0.001) and smoked more than controls (41.7 vs. 29.6 pack years; p = 0.04). COPD participants had wider mean arteriolar (155.6 ±15 uM vs. controls [142.2 ± 12 uM]; p = 0.002) and venular diameters (216.8 ±20.7 uM vs. [201.3± 19.1 uM]; p = 0.012). Differences in retinal vessel caliber were independent of confounders, odds ratios (OR) = 1.08 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.02, 1.13; p = 0.007) and OR = 1.05 (CI = 1.01, 1.09; p = 0.011) per uM increase in arteriolar and venular diameter respectively. FEV1 remained significantly associated with retinal vessel dilatation r = -0.39 (p = 0.02).
CONCLUSIONS
Non-mydriatic retinal imaging is easily facilitated. We found significant arteriole and venous dilation in COPD compared to age-matched smokers without COPD associated with lung function independent of standard cardiovascular risk factors. Retinal microvascular changes are known to be strongly associated with future vascular events and retinal photography offers potential to identify this risk.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
clinicaltrials.gov NCT02060292.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Case-Control Studies; Feasibility Studies; Female; Fundus Oculi; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Male; Microvessels; Middle Aged; Photomicrography; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Retinal Diseases; Retinal Vessels; Smokers; Smoking
PubMed: 31923188
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227175 -
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences Jan 2020The aim of this study was to determine the level of contamination and genotoxic impact through micronucleus assay and histopathology in and procured from the polluted...
The aim of this study was to determine the level of contamination and genotoxic impact through micronucleus assay and histopathology in and procured from the polluted site of the River Chenab at industrial and sewage waste disposal. The water sample was found viciously contaminated with heavy metals i.e. Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, Pb, Hg, Zn, Sn, Cu while all other physio-chemical variables crossed the suggested limits of WHO. The heavy metals load induced histopathological alterations were correlated to environmental degradation and the productivity of this biological system. and harvested from contaminated sites of the river indicated higher intensity of DNA damage through micronucleus induction and nuclear abnormalities with 5.46 ± 0.17, 1.23 ± 0.08 and 4.2 ± 0.11, 0.4 ± 0.04‰ respectively. Muscle sections of and harvested from the polluted section of river demonstrated the necrosis, degeneration of muscle fibers, intra-fibular edema and release of the blood into the tissues due to the bursting of blocked of the blood vessels. Dermal layers showed degeneration of the collagen bundles those were found loose or collapsed in some regions. Photomicrography also revealed vacuolar degeneration in muscle tissues and atrophy of muscle bundles. Intra fibular edema and splitting of muscle fibers were also seen along with bioaccumulation of toxicants. showed maximum incidence of alterations with highest histopathological alteration index related to environmental degradation. Control fish samples showed normal muscle tissues with normal equally spaced muscle bundles and myotomes.
PubMed: 31889845
DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2019.09.003 -
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual... Dec 2019The subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) is the densest and most recognizable component of the mammalian corneal innervation; however, the anatomical configuration of the SNP in...
PURPOSE
The subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) is the densest and most recognizable component of the mammalian corneal innervation; however, the anatomical configuration of the SNP in most animal models remains incompletely described. The purpose of the current study is to describe in detail the SNP architecture in eight different mammals, including several popular animal models used in cornea research.
METHODS
Corneal nerves in mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, dog, macaque, domestic pig, and cow eyes were stained immunohistochemically with antiserum directed against neurotubulin. SNP architecture was documented by digital photomicrography and large-scale reconstructions, that is, corneal nerve maps, using a drawing tube attached to a light microscope.
RESULTS
Subbasal nerve fibers (SNFs) in mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, and macaques radiated centrally from the corneoscleral limbus toward the corneal apex in a whorl-like or spiraling pattern. SNFs in rabbit and bovine corneas swept horizontally across the ocular surface in a temporal-to-nasal direction and converged on the inferonasal limbus without forming a spiral. SNFs in the pig cornea radiated centrifugally in all directions, like a starburst, from a focal point located equidistant between the corneal apex and the superior pole.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the present study have demonstrated for the first time substantial interspecies differences in the architectural organization of the mammalian SNP. The physiological significance of these different patterns and the mechanisms that regulate SNP pattern formation in the mammalian cornea remain incompletely understood and warrant additional investigation.
Topics: Anatomy, Comparative; Animals; Cattle; Cornea; Dogs; Guinea Pigs; Macaca; Mice; Microscopy, Confocal; Models, Animal; Nerve Fibers; Ophthalmic Nerve; Rabbits; Rats; Swine; Trigeminal Ganglion
PubMed: 31790560
DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-28519 -
Experimental Parasitology Jan 2020Here, we report enhanced the in vitro effect of potassium usnate on coupled adult Schistosoma mansoni worms at different time intervals and concentrations. The evaluated...
Here, we report enhanced the in vitro effect of potassium usnate on coupled adult Schistosoma mansoni worms at different time intervals and concentrations. The evaluated schistosomicidal parameters were the following: motility, mortality, fecundity and integumentary changes, as viewed in photomicrographs. Potassium usnate was able to cause 100 and 50% mortality at 100 and 50 μM concentrations, respectively, after 24 h of exposure, while 25 and 12.5 μM concentrations caused changes in motility at 48 and 72 h, and lethality at 96 and 120 h respectively. Eggs were not detected at any of the concentrations analyzed. Photomicrographs revealed morphological tegument alterations within all periods of observation, such as swelling, blisters, dorsoventral contraction, short and curved worms. In conclusion, our results indicate that potassium usnate represents a possible candidate for a new drug in the control of schistosomiasis.
Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Anthelmintics; Benzofurans; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Fertility; Male; Mice; Movement; Photomicrography; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Time Factors
PubMed: 31634474
DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107779