A novel approach in assessment of coronal leakage of intraorifice barriers: a saliva leakage and micro-computed tomographic evaluation

The efficacy of amalgam, Fuji-Plus, Geristore, and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as intraorifice barriers was compared in a simulated saliva leakage model. Fifty teeth were divided into 4 experimental (n = 10 each) and 2 control groups (n = 5 each). Two millimeters of the materials was placed as intraorifice barriers and brought into contact with human saliva in a coronal reservoir. Bacterial leakage into the apical reservoir was assessed daily for 3 months. Geristore barriers leaked significantly more often (5/10) than Fuji-Plus (0/10, P < .05) at 60 days. The first Fuji-Plus sample leaked after 70 days; after 90 days, 3 (Fuji-Plus), 4 (MTA, amalgam), and 6 (Geristore) samples leaked. There were no significant differences between the experimental groups at that time point. Three-dimensional gap volumes in the barrier-dentin interface and the porosity of the barrier materials were compared by using micro-computed tomography (microCT). A measurable gap was evident in only 1 specimen with an MTA barrier. MTA was significantly less porous than Fuji-Plus and Geristore (P < or = .05), whereas amalgam was too radiopaque to allow microCT measurements. In conclusion, Fuji-Plus might be an effective intraorifice barrier (up to 70 days in vitro), but all 4 materials showed leakage in some specimens at 90 days.     

Co-Administration of Progesterone and Melatonin Attenuates Ischemia-Induced Hippocampal Damage in Rats

Stroke is the second leading reason for death worldwide and is one of the fundamental causes of long-term disabilities. The aim of this investigation was to assess the impact of combined administration progesterone (PROG) and melatonin (MEL) on stroke complications. Male Wistar rats (9–10 weeks) weighing 250–300 g were used as a part of this examination. They were randomly separated into eight groups (nine rats for every group). Common carotid arteries on the two sides clamped (BCCAO model) with non-traumatic clips for 20 min. At that point, the rats were treated with 8 mg/kg PROG, 10 mg/kg MEL, and vehicles (sesamoid and normal saline). Morris water maze testing was performed following 2 weeks. At that point, the rats were euthanized, and histological examination was directed. The outcome demonstrated that utilization of PROG and MEL in treatment groups essentially increases the quantity of pyramidal cells and enhances spatial memory compared to non-treatment groups (p?<?0.05). Moreover, the neuroleptic factor gene expression and protein concentration were significantly enhanced in the treated groups (p?<?0.05). As indicated by the outcomes, co-administration of PROG and MEL can enhance learning and memory by surviving the pyramidal neurons and diminishing neural death by means of increasing neuroleptic factors in the hippocampal CA1 zone.     

Localized forms of steatocystoma multiplex: case report and review of the literature

A 70-year-old man presents with multiple asymptomatic, yellow to skin-colored firm papules scattered on the scalp; the lesions had been present for about 30 years. Histological findings are consistent with the diagnosis of steatocystoma. We review the English-language literature of the published cases of localized forms of steatocystoma multiplex.     

Preparation and ex vivo evaluation of TEC as an absorption enhancer for poorly absorbable compounds in colon specific drug delivery

In previous studies, it was established that chitosan and its quaternized derivatives are potent enhancers of hydrophilic compounds absorption across intestinal epithelia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of a new quaternized chitosan, triethyl chitosan (TEC), in pharmaceutical approaches. TEC was synthesized by a one step process via a 2(2) factorial design to optimize the preparation conditions. In ex vivo experiments, everted rat colon sac was used to determine the effect of TEC on the penetration of hydrophilic compounds of different molecular masses (e.g., sodium fluorescein and brilliant blue) through colonic epithelia in comparison with chitosan at pH 7.4. These studies indicated a significant increase in absorption of sodium fluorescein and brilliant blue in the presence of TEC compared to chitosan. TEC bearing positive charge is able to interact with the tight junctions of colon epithelia and hence increase the permeation of sodium fluorescein and brilliant blue through the tight junctions. This investigation has shown that triethyl chitosan could be used as a penetration enhancer for poorly absorbable compounds in the colon drug delivery system.     

Attitudes of Finnish community pharmacists toward concordance

BACKGROUND: Concordance is a new model of interaction between healthcare professionals and patients. The work of pharmacists and patients in the consultation is a negotiation between equals, and the aim is therapeutic alliance between them. OBJECTIVE: To assess Finnish community pharmacists' attitudes toward concordance and its perceived impact on pharmacist-patient consultations during a 4-year Finnish project (TIPPA Project 2000-2003) aimed at promoting patient counseling. METHODS: A survey of a random sample of 734 community pharmacists in Finland was conducted in 2002. The questionnaire included an attitudinal scale and 2 open-ended questions on the impact of the TIPPA Project on patient counseling. Attitudes toward concordance were measured using a modified version of the LATCon scale. The construct validity and internal consistency of the scale were evaluated using factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha. Mean summative factor scores (MSS) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each factor. The responses to the open-ended questions were content analyzed. RESULTS: A response rate of 51% (n = 376) was obtained. Almost 80% of the respondents strongly agreed that the highest priority in patient counseling was to establish a therapeutic alliance between the pharmacist and patient. Factor analysis of the attitudinal scale yielded 3 primary factors explaining 37.6% of the variance, interpreted as respecting patients' beliefs (alpha = 0.60; MSS = 1.90; 95% CI 2.25 to 2.40), establishing a therapeutic alliance (alpha = 0.65; MSS = 1.36; 95% CI 1.31 to 1.40), and sensitivity to patients' reactions (alpha = 0.66; MSS = 2.33; 95% CI 1.83 to 1.96). Results of the open-ended questions indicated that the TIPPA Project had a positive impact on pharmacists' attitudes toward concordance. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents to our survey were supportive of concordance. The TIPPA Project elicited a positive impact on pharmacists' attitudes toward counseling. Pharmacist education through programs such as TIPPA can aid in the implementation of a concordance-based counseling practice.     

Pigment epithelial growth factor suppresses inflammation by modulating macrophage activation

PURPOSE: To study the contribution of murine retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells to the innate immune-privilege status of the subretinal space as determined by the ability of pigment epithelial-derived factor (PEDF) and somatostatin (SOM), produced by RPE, to regulate macrophage-mediated inflammation. METHODS: Serum-free medium was added to RPE eyecups (a healthy monolayer of RPE resting on choroid and sclera) and the supernatants were removed after 24 hours (RPE SN). The RPE SN was assayed for the presence of PEDF and SOM and for its ability to regulate interleukin (IL)-12, IL-10, and nitric oxide (NO) production by resting and activated macrophages. A group of mice received intradermal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and PEDF in one ear and LPS alone in the other ear. Ear thickness was measured before- and 24 hours after ear injections. RESULTS: Soluble factors present in the RPE SN inhibited IL-12 production and substantially increased IL-10 while having minimal effects on NO production by activated macrophages. The message for PEDF, SOM, and IL-10 was detected in RPE cells, and the protein for these factors was found in the RPE SN. The stimulation of IL-10 and suppression of IL-12 production by RPE-SN-treated macrophages was neutralized by anti-PEDF antibodies. Neutralization of SOM in the RPE SN, suppressed NO production by activated macrophages. Intradermal injection of PEDF substantially inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS: PEDF inhibits LPS-driven macrophage activation in vitro and in vivo. By producing PEDF, the RPE contributes to innate immune privilege of the eye.     

Comparison of 5-, 10-, and 15-Point Laparoscopic Ovarian Electrocauterization in Patients With Polycystic Ovarian Disease: a Prospective, Randomized Study

Objective:

We compared 12-month pregnancy and live birth rates in patients with polycystic ovarian disease undergoing 5-, 10-, and 15-point laparoscopic ovarian electrocauterization.

Methods:

This was a prospective, randomized study performed at the Dabirashrafi Fertility and Endoscopy Research Center, Tehran, Iran. The study included 187 patients with polycystic ovarian disease who were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Group I comprised 67 patients whose ovaries received 5-point electrocauterization. Group II comprised 57 patients whose ovaries received 10-point electrocauterization. Group III comprised 63 patients whose ovaries received 15-point electocauterization.Laparoscopic ovarian electrocauterization with a unipolar current was used. The main outcome measures were 12-month pregnancy and live birth rates.

Results:

Patients were homogeneous for age, body mass index, and type and duration of infertility. Twenty pregnancies resulted in Group I, with a pregnancy rate of 29.9% (20/67) and a live birth rate of 20.9% (14/57). Eighteen pregnancies resulted in Group II, with a pregnancy rate of 31.6% (18/57), and a live birth rate of 28.1% (16/57).Thirty-three pregnancies resulted in group III, with a pregnancy rate of 52.4% (33/63), and a live birth rate of 47.6% (30/63). Comparison of Group III with Groups I and II revealed a statistically significant increase in pregnancies (P=0.016) and live birth rates (P=0.004).

Conclusion:

We recommend 15-point electrocauterization of ovaries in patients with polycystic ovarian disease.