Broccoli sprouts juice prevents lens protein aggregation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat

AIM: To investigate the effect of broccoli sprouts juice in preventing lens protein aggregation in diabetic rat model. METHODS: Totally 25 male Wistar rats were divided into negative control group, diabetic group without juice treatment as positive control and diabetic group given broccoli sprouts juice 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/d for 28d. Diabetic rat model was obtained by administering a single dose streptozotocin 65 mg/kg intraperitoneal. At the end of the study, all rats were examined for fasting blood sugar level (FBS), visual cataract score using slit lamp biomicroscope and lens αB-crystallin expression using Western blot method. Statistical analysis was performed using one way ANOVA with post hoc test, correlation test, and simple linear regression. RESULTS: Positive control group had the highest cataract score and lens aggregated αB-crystallin expression. Broccoli sprout juice dose of 1 g/d group had the mildest cataract score, as well as the expression of lens aggregated αB-crystallin compared to treatments groups 1 and 2, opposite to lens native αB-crystallin expression. The broccoli sprout juice groups gave a significant decrease in cataract score, and also in lens aggregated αB-crystallin expression in diabetic rat models (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Broccoli sprout juice has a significant effect in preventing lens protein aggregation in diabetic rat model. The higher dose gives better visual cataract scores, lower lens aggregated αB-crystallin expression and higher lens native αB-crystallin expression.     

Which Parameters Affect Biofilm Removal with Acoustic Cavitation? A Review

Bacterial biofilms are a cause of contamination in a wide range of medical and biological areas. Ultrasound is a mechanical energy that can remove these biofilms using cavitation and acoustic streaming, which generate shear forces to disrupt biofilm from a surface. The aim of this narrative review is to investigate the literature on the mechanical removal of biofilm using acoustic cavitation to identify the different operating parameters affecting its removal using this method. The properties of the liquid and the properties of the ultrasound have a large impact on the type of cavitation generated. These include gas content, temperature, surface tension, frequency of ultrasound and acoustic pressure. For many of these parameters, more research is required to understand their mechanisms in the area of ultrasonic biofilm removal, and further research will help to optimise this method for effective removal of biofilms from different surfaces.     

Fracture resistance and 2-body wear of 3-dimensional–printed occlusal devices

Statement of problem

Polymeric material for 3-dimensional printing can be used to fabricate occlusal devices. However, information about fracture resistance and wear is scarce.

Safe and Appropriate Use of Methadone in Hospice and Palliative Care: Expert Consensus White Paper

Methadone has several unique characteristics that make it an attractive option for pain relief in serious illness, but the safety of methadone has been called into question after reports of a disproportionate increase in opioid-induced deaths in recent years. The American Pain Society, College on Problems of Drug Dependence, and the Heart Rhythm Society collaborated to issue guidelines on best practices to maximize methadone safety and efficacy, but guidelines for the end-of-life scenario have not yet been developed. A panel of 15 interprofessional hospice and palliative care experts from the U.S. and Canada convened in February 2015 to evaluate the American Pain Society methadone recommendations for applicability in the hospice and palliative care setting. The goal was to develop guidelines for safe and effective management of methadone therapy in hospice and palliative care. This article represents the consensus opinion of the hospice and palliative care experts for methadone use at end of life, including guidance on appropriate candidates for methadone, detail in dosing, titration, and monitoring of patients' response to methadone therapy.