Effect of bosentan on leptin and endothelin‐1 concentration in plasma and brain after cardiac arrest in rats

In previous studies, bosentan was found to decrease plasma leptin concentrations after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats and had decreased mortality. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of bosentan on leptin and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) concentrations in plasma and ET‐1 concentrations in the hippocampus after cardiac arrest (CA) in rats. Studies were performed in 72 rats divided into treated and untreated animals in the following experimental groups: control, 3 min, 10 min, 1 h, 24 h, and 7 days after CA. Bosentan was given daily 2 h before CA or decapitation, 7 days, by gavage at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Plasma leptin concentration decreased in the early period after CA, and being elevated in 24 h, normalized 1 week later. Bosentan kept plasma leptin concentration at the control level in the postischemic period. Plasma ET‐1 concentration significantly increased during the postischemic period. Bosentan produced the elevation of plasma ET‐1 concentration in the preischemic period and kept the level of ET‐1 at control values after CA. Concentration of ET‐1 in the hippocampus was significantly lower 24 h after CA and was elevated after 1 week. The most dramatic effect of bosentan on ET‐1 concentration was in the hippocampus, where it significantly decreased during the entire postischemic recovery period. We postulate an important effect of bosentan on concentration of ET‐1 and leptin in plasma and ET‐1 in the brain after global cerebral ischemia caused by CA. Drug Dev Res 64:137–144, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Tannic Acid‐Inspired Star‐Like Macromolecules via Temporally Controlled Multi‐Step Potential Electrolysis

Inspired by tea stains, a plant polyphenolic‐based macroinitiator is prepared for the first time by partial modification of tannic acid (TA) with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide. In accordance with the “grafting from” methodology, a naturally occurring star‐like polymer with a polar gallotannin core and a hydrophobic poly(n‐butyl acrylate) side arms is synthesized via a simplified electrochemically mediated ATRP (seATRP), utilizing multiple‐step potential electrolysis. To investigate the kinetics of the electrochemical catalytic process triggered by reduction of Cu(II) or Fe(III) catalytic complex in the presence of the multifunctional initiator, cyclic voltammetry measurements are conducted. The naturally derived tannin macromolecule shows narrow MWDs (? = 1.57). Moreover, solvolysis of the star polymer to cleave the side arms and characterize them indicates that all chains grow to the same length (homopolymers with M_w/M_n <1.17), which confirms the well‐controlled seATRP. The structure of the obtained TA‐based systems is characterized microscopically (AFM) and spectroscopically (¹H NMR, FT‐IR). Atomic force microscopy measurements precisely determine the diameters of the obtained star polymers (19.7 ± 3.3 nm). These new star polymers may find biomedical applications as drug delivery systems and antifouling or antimicrobial coatings.     

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm is a potent inducer of phagocyte hyperinflammation

Objective

Pseudomonas aeruginosa effectively facilitate resistance to phagocyte killing by biofilm formation. However, the cross talk between biofilm components and phagocytes is still unclear. We hypothesize that a biofilm provides a concentrated extracellular source of LPS, DNA and exopolysaccharides (EPS), which polarize neighbouring phagocytes into an adverse hyperinflammatory state of activation.

Methods

We measured the release of a panel of mediators produced in vitro by murine neutrophils and macrophages exposed to various biofilm components of P. aeruginosa cultures.

Results

We found that conditioned media from a high biofilm-producing strain of P. aeruginosa, PAR5, accumulated high concentrations of extracellular bacterial LPS, DNA and EPS by 72 h. These conditioned media induced phagocytes to release a hyperinflammatory pattern of mediators, with enhanced levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL12p40, PGE₂ and NO. Moreover, the phagocytes also upregulated COX-2 and iNOS with no influence on the expression of arginase-1.

Conclusions

Phagocytes exposed to biofilm microenvironment, called by us biofilm-associated neutrophils/macrophages (BANs/BAMs), display secretory properties similar to that of N1/M1-type phagocytes. These results suggest that in vivo high concentrations of LPS and DNA, trapped in biofilm by EPS, might convert infiltrating phagocytes into cells responsible for tissue injury without direct contact with bacteria and phagocytosis.

     

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of strength and adhesion of composite resin versus ceramic inlays in molars

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Previous studies on strength of teeth reconstructed with ceramic or composite resin inlays have not resolved which restoration material provides the highest strength and marginal integrity. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare strength of mandibular molars restored with composite resin inlays to those restored with ceramic inlays, according to the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, and to analyze contact stresses in cement-tooth adhesive interfaces of these inlays. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigation used a 3-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis with the use of contact elements. Seven 3-D models of first molars of the same shape and size were created: IT, intact tooth; UT, unrestored tooth with an MOD cavity preparation; CRIT, tooth restored with composite resin inlays (True Vitality) with an elastic modulus equal to 5.4 GPa; CRIH, tooth restored with composite resin inlays (Herculite XRV) (9.5 GPa); CRIC, tooth restored with composite resin inlays (Charisma) (14.5 GPa); CRIZ, tooth restored with composite resin inlays (Z100) (21 GPa); and CI, tooth restored with a ceramic (IPS Empress) inlay with an elastic modulus equal to 65 GPa. Each model was subjected to a force of 200 N directed to the occlusal surface. The stresses occurring in the tested inlays, composite resin cement layer, and tooth tissues were calculated. To evaluate the strength of materials, the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion was used. Contact stresses in the cement-tissue adhesive interface were calculated and compared to tensile and shear bond strength of the luting cement to enamel and dentin. RESULTS: In the teeth restored with composite resin and ceramic inlays, the values of the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion were lower than in the unrestored tooth with a preparation (UT), but still 2.5 times higher than in the intact tooth (IT). For the ceramic inlay (CI), the values of the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion were nearly 3 times higher than in the composite resin inlays. For the luting agent for the ceramic inlay model, these values were 2-4 times lower than for the luting agents for the composite resin inlay models. At the adhesive interface between the cement and tooth around the ceramic inlays, contact tensile and shear stresses were lower than around the composite resin inlays. In the cervical enamel surrounding the proximal surface of the inlays, the stresses exceeded the tissue strength. CONCLUSIONS: Adhesively bonded composite resin and ceramic inlays reinforce the structure of prepared teeth, but do not restore their original strength. The proximal enamel surrounding inlays is prone to failure. The value of the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion for ceramic inlays was higher than for composite resin inlays. With an increase in the elastic modulus of inlay materials, the values of the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion decrease in the luting cement. Contact tensile and shear stresses on the cement-tissue adhesive interface decrease as well.     

The fatigue life of a cobalt-chromium alloy after laser welding

The aim of this study was to investigate the fatigue life of laser welded joints in a commercially available cast cobalt-chromium alloy. Twenty rod shaped specimens (40 mm x 1.5 mm) were cast and sand blasted. Ten specimens were used as controls and the remaining ten were sectioned and repaired using a pulsed Nd: YAG laser welder. All specimens were subjected to fatigue testing (30N - 2Hz) in a controlled environment. A statistically significant difference in median fatigue life was found between as-cast and laser welded specimens (p < 0.001). Consequently, the technique may not be appropriate for repairing cobalt chromium clasps on removable partial dentures. Scanning electron microscopy indicated the presence of cracks, pores and constriction of the outer surface in the welded specimens despite 70% penetration of the weld.     

Association between IVS3 + 17T/C CD28 gene polymorphism and the acute kidney allograft rejection

CD28 is a costimulatory molecule which plays an important role in T cell-mediated immune response and transplantation. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between the IVS3 + 17T/C (rs3116496:T/C) polymorphism in the CD28 gene and the development of delayed renal graft function (DGF), as well as the acute rejection and chronic allograft nephropathy. A total of 270 recipients of the first renal transplants were included in the study. SNP within the CD28 gene was genotyped using TaqMan genotyping assay.Acute rejection was diagnosed in 21.74% of the carriers of the TT genotype, 33.33% of CT carriers and 60.00% of CC homozygotes. The odds of acute rejection were statistically significantly higher in carriers of the C allele (with CT or CC genotype) compared with TT homozygotes (CC + CT vs TT: OR = 1.93, 95%CI = 1.10–3.39, p = 0.026). There were no statistically significant associations between CD28 gene polymorphism and DGF as well as chronic allograft nephropathy.The results of our study suggest an association between IVS3 + 17T/C polymorphism in the CD28 gene and acute kidney allograft rejection.     

Diagnostic validity Polish language version of the questionnaire MINI-KID (Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview for Children and Adolescent)

Objective

Since over forty years structuralized interviews for clinical and epidemiological research in child and adolescent psychiatry are being developed that should increase validity and reliability of diagnoses according to classification systems (DSM and ICD). The aim of the study is to assess the validity of the Polish version of MINI-KID (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents) in comparison to clinical diagnosis made by a specialist in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry.

Materials and methods

There were 140 patients included in the study (93 boys, 66.4%, mean age 11.8 ± 3.0 and 47 girls 33.5%, mean age 14.0 ± 2.9). All the patients were diagnosed by the specialist in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry according to ICD-10 criteria and by the independent interviewer with the Polish version of MINI-KID (version 2.0, 2001).

Results

There was higher agreement between clinical diagnoses and diagnoses based on MINI-KID interview with respect to eating disorders and externalizing disorders (κ 0.43–0.56) and lower in internalizing disorders (κ 0.13–0.45). In the clinical interview, there was smaller number of diagnostic categories (maximum 3 diagnoses per one patient) in comparison to MINI-KID (maximum 10 diagnoses per one patient), and the smaller percentage of patients with one diagnosis (65,7%) in comparison to MINI-KID interview (72%).

Conclusion

Our study has shown satisfactory validity parameters of MINI-KID questionnaire, promoting its use for clinical and epidemiological settings.

Implications and contribution

The Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview for Children and Adolescent (MINI-KID) is the first structuralized diagnostic interview for assessing mental status in children and adolescents, which has been translated into Polish language. Our validation study demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties of the questionnaire, enabling its use in clinical practice and in research projects.