Sparassis latifolia and exercise training as complementary medicine mitigated the 5-fluorouracil potent side effects in mice with colorectal cancer: bioinformatics approaches, novel monitoring pathological metrics, screening signatures, and innovative management tactic

BACKGROUND

Prompt identification and assessment of the disease are essential for reducing the death rate associated with colorectal cancer (COL). Identifying specific causal or sensitive components, such as coding RNA (cRNA) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), may greatly aid in the early detection of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

For this purpose, we gave natural chemicals obtained from Sparassis latifolia (SLPs) either alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy (5-Fluorouracil to a mouse colorectal tumor model induced by AOM-DSS. The transcription profile of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and their target hub genes was evaluated using qPCR Real-Time, and ELISA techniques.

RESULTS

MSX2, MMP7, ITIH4, and COL1A2 were identified as factors in inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to the development of COL. The hub genes listed, upstream regulatory factors such as lncRNA PVT1, NEAT1, KCNQ1OT1, SNHG16, and miR-132-3p have been discovered as biomarkers for prognosis and diagnosis of COL. The SLPs and exercise, effectively decreased the size and quantity of tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

This effect may be attributed to the modulation of gene expression levels, including MSX2, MMP7, ITIH4, COL1A2, PVT1, NEAT1, KCNQ1OT1, SNHG16, and miR-132-3p. Ultimately, SLPs and exercise have the capacity to be regarded as complementing and enhancing chemotherapy treatments, owing to their efficacious components.

System biology analysis to develop diagnostic biomarkers, monitoring pathological indexes, and novel therapeutic approaches for immune targeting based on maggot bioactive compounds and polyphenolic cocktails in mice with gastric cancer

Early diagnosis and prognosis are prerequisites for mitigating mortality in gastric cancer (GaCa). Identifying some causative or sensitive elements (coding RNA (cRNA)-non-cRNAs (ncRNAs)) can be very helpful in the early diagnosis of GaCa. Notably, despite significant development in the GaCa treatment, the outcome of patients does not remain satisfactory due to limitations such as multi-drug resistance and tumor relapse. Therefore, more attention has been drawn to complementary therapies and the use of supplements. In this regard, Polyphenol natural compounds (PNC) and maggot larvae (MaLa) alone or in combination were administered along with chemotherapy (paclitaxel) to N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)- induced murine tumor model. In addition, in order to identify potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers, transcriptomics analysis was performed through a bioinformatics approach. Then transcription profile of ncRNAs with their target hub genes was assessed through qPCR Real-Time, Western blot, and ELISA. According to the bioinformatics results, 17 hub genes (e.g., IL-6, CXCL8, MKI67, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-1β, SPP1, LOX, COL1A1, and IFN-γ) were explored that contribute towards inflammation and oxidative stress and ultimately GaCa development. Upstream of the mentioned hub genes, regulatory factors (lncRNA XIST and NEAT1) were also identified and introduced as prognosis and diagnosis biomarkers for GaCa. Our results showed that PNC alone and in combination with MaLa was able to reduce the size and number of tumors, which is related to the reduction of genes expression levels (including IL-6, CXCL8, MKI67, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-1β, SPP1, LOX, COL1A1, IFN-γ, NEAT1, and XIST). In conclusion, PNC and MaLa have the potential to be considered as complementary and improving chemotherapy due to their effective compounds. Also, the introduced hub gene and lncRNA in addition to diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers can be used as druggable proteins for novel therapeutic targeting of GaCa.

A Cocktail of Polyherbal Bioactive Compounds and Regular Mobility Training as Senolytic Approaches in Age-dependent Alzheimer's: the In Silico Analysis, Lifestyle Intervention in Old Age

Alzheimer's is a principal concern globally. Machine learning is a valuable tool to determine protective and diagnostic approaches for the elderly. We analyzed microarray datasets of Alzheimer's cases based on artificial intelligence by R statistical software. This study provided a screened pool of ncRNAs and coding RNAs related to Alzheimer's development. We designed hub genes as cut points in networks and predicted potential microRNAs and LncRNA to regulate protein networks in aging and Alzheimer's through in silico algorithms. Notably, we collected effective traditional herbal medicines. A list of bioactive compounds prepared including capsaicin, piperine, crocetin, safranal, saffron oil, coumarin, thujone, rosmarinic acid, sabinene, thymoquinone, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, cyanidin, rhaponticin, isovitexin, coumarin, nobiletin, evodiamine, gingerol, curcumin, quercetin, fisetin, and allicin as an effective fusion that potentially modulates hub proteins and molecular signaling pathways based on pharmacophore model screening and chemoinformatics survey. We identified profiles of 21 mRNAs, 272 microRNAs, and eight LncRNA in Alzheimer's based on prediction algorithms. We suggested a fusion of senolytic herbal ligands as an alternative therapy and preventive formulation in dementia. Also, we provided ncRNAs expression status as novel monitoring strategies in Alzheimer's and new cut-point proteins as novel therapeutic approaches. Synchronizing fusion drugs and lifestyle could reverse Alzheimer's hallmarks to amelioration via an offset of the signaling pathways, leading to increased life quality in the elderly.

Natural remedies medicine derived from flaxseed (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, lignans, and α-linolenic acid) improve network targeting efficiency of diabetic heart conditions based on computational chemistry techniques and pharmacophore modeling

Cytokine storms lead to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Natural herbal compounds are considered the primary source of active agents with the potential to prevent or treat inflammatory-related pathologies such as CVD and diabetes. Flaxseed contains phytochemicals, including secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), α-linolenic acid (ALA), and lignans, termed "SAL." Hence, we evaluated the effect of the SAL on the H9c2 cardiac cells in hyperlipidemic and hyperglycemic conditions. Here, candidate hub genes, TNF-α, IL6, SIRT1, NRF1, NPPA, and FGF7, were selected as effective genes in diabetic cardiovascular pathogenesis based on in-silico analysis and chemoinformatic. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced using H9c2 cardiac cells in hyperlipidemic and hyperglycemic conditions. Real-time qPCR was conducted to assess the expression level of hub genes. This study indicated that SAL compounds bound to the Il-6, SIRT1, and TNF-α active sites as druggable candidate proteins based on the chemoinformatics analysis. This study displayed that the TNF-α, IL6, SIRT1, NRF1, NPPA, and FGF7 network dysfunction in MI models were ameliorated by SAL consumption. Furthermore, SAL compounds improved the function and myogenesis of H9c2 cells in hyperlipidemic and hyperglycemic conditions. Our data suggested that phytochemicals obtained from flaxseed might have proposed potential complementary treatment or preventive strategies for MI. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Phytochemicals obtained from flaxseed (SAL) could reverse diabetic heart dysfunction hallmarks and provide new potential treatment approaches in cardiovascular therapy. SAL could be considered complementary and alternative medicines for treating various disorders/diseases singly or synchronizing with prescription drugs.

Prognostic Factors of Long-Term Outcomes in Endodontic Microsurgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study over Five Years

The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term outcomes of endodontic microsurgeries in a cohort and identify their association with prognostic factors. A cohort of endodontic microsurgeries followed up periodically with complete clinical and radiographic records for at least 5 years were reviewed retrospectively. Their survival and healing status and profile characteristics were analyzed by Pearson chi-square test and logistic regression (α = 0.05) to identify prognostic factors that influenced outcomes. Of 652 cases in the cohort, 225 (34.5%) were included. The mean follow-up period was 90.4 months (range, 60–168 months). The long-term success rate was 80.5%, and the 5-year survival rate was 83.5%. Logistic regression showed higher success in anteriors compared to molars (OR = 5.405, (95% CI, 1.663–17.571; p = 0.005)) and in teeth with crown restorations (OR = 10.232, (95% CI, 3.374–31.024; p < 0.001)). Conversely, lower success was found in teeth with periodontal disease (OR = 0.170, (95% CI, 0.032–0.900; p = 0.037)) and maxillary sinus involvement (OR = 0.187, (95% CI, 0.035–0.994; p = 0.049)). Endodontic microsurgery has a highly favorable long-term outcome. Tooth position, crown restoration, periodontal disease, and maxillary sinus involvement were identified as main prognostic factors.

Management of severely impacted mandibular canines and congenitally missing mandibular premolars with protraction of autotransplanted maxillary premolar

Transmigrated mandibular canines increase the treatment complexity in terms of both anchorage and biomechanical planning. Additionally, a Class II malocclusion with a deep overbite and associated dental anomalies such as hypodontia can further increase the treatment complexity and the overall treatment time. This case report describes the successful interdisciplinary treatment of a patient, aged 12.5 years, with transmigrated and severely impacted mandibular canines and congenitally missing mandibular second premolars. The transmigrated mandibular right canine was extracted, and a maxillary second premolar was autotransplanted to the missing mandibular right second premolar site with the aid of a stereolithographic donor tooth replica fabricated with 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography and a rapid prototyping technique. Furthermore, the autotransplanted tooth was protracted by 4 to 5 mm to close the space caused by the extraction of the mandibular right canine. The impacted mandibular left canine was orthodontically guided into its normal position in the arch. Good esthetic outcome and functional occlusion were achieved.

Effect of heat treatment on cyclic fatigue resistance, thermal behavior and microstructures of K3 NiTi rotary instruments

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of heat treatment on the cyclic fatigue resistance, thermal behavior and microstructural changes of K3 NiTi rotary instruments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve control (as-received) and 12 experimental (heat-treated) K3 NiTi rotary instruments were compared in this study. Those experimental K3 instruments were heated in a furnace for 30 min at 450°C and then quenched in water. The cyclic fatigue resistance was measured with a fatigue tester. The thermal characteristic and the microstructures of both instruments were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in the cyclic fatigue resistance between the heat-treated instruments and the as-received instruments (T-test, p < 0.05). DSC showed that the as-received and heat-treated samples were different, with an increased Af (austenite-finish temperature) for the latter. TEM analysis revealed that both as-received and heat-treated instruments were composed mainly of an austenite phase. However, the heat-treated samples had an increased appearance of larger grains, twinning martensite, TiO2 surface layer and a Ni-rich inner layer.

CONCLUSIONS

Heat treatment increased the cyclic fatigue resistance of NiTi files and changed the thermal behavior of the instruments without marked changes in the constituting phases of NiTi alloy.

Analysis of six heavy metals in Ortho mineral trioxide aggregate and ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry

Ortho mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a mineral aggregate newly developed for perforation repair, root end filling and pulp capping. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) in Ortho MTA and ProRoot MTA. A total of 0.2 g of each MTA was digested using a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acids and filtered. Six heavy metals in the resulting filtrates were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (n = 5). The results were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn in Ortho MTA were 0.10, 7.73, 49.51, 2.58, 0.82 and 10.09 p.p.m., respectively. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn in ProRoot MTA were 0.16, 9.38, 1438.11, 74.51, 18.98 and 4.05 p.p.m., respectively. In conclusion, Ortho MTA had lower levels of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn and Ni than ProRoot MTA.

Chlorhexidine substantivity in root canal dentin

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the substantivity of chlorhexidine (CHX) within a root canal system and to assess how long the CHX remains antimicrobially effective.

STUDY DESIGN

Bovine roots were sectioned and standardized to 8 mm. Sections, which served as controls, were treated with 1% sodium hypochlorite and 1 mol/L EDTA, then obturated with gutta percha and AH26 sealer. Experimental sections were treated similarly except they were placed in 2% CHX for 10 minutes prior to obturation. Control specimens were divided into 4 control groups and stored in saline for 1 day, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Experimental specimens were divided into 4 groups and stored in saline for 1 day, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. After their respective storage periods, all specimens were halved and canal wall dentin was ground out with Peeso reamers. Dentin specimens were agitated in 700 microl of saline for 5 hours to release CHX. After centrifugation the supernatants were analyzed with UV spectrophotometry at 253 nm. To determine whether the CHX from dentin samples remained antimicrobial, the extracts from experimental and control groups were mixed with cultures of Enterococcus faecalis.

RESULTS

After 1 day of storage, the dentin extract contained approximately 0.0048% CHX. After 3, 6 and 12 weeks, dentin extracts contained approximately 0.0023%, 0.0016%, and 0.0010% CHX respectively. Extracts from the storage groups were found to be highly antimicrobial corresponding to the CHX concentration.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that CHX is retained in root canal dentin in antimicrobially effective amounts for up to 12 weeks.

The effect of chlorhexidine as an endodontic disinfectant

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to establish whether addition of a 2% chlorhexidine rinse to a conventional treatment protocol enhances the rate of the successful disinfection of the root canal system in vivo.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty-four teeth with infected necrotic pulps and resorbing apical periodontitis were treated with a conventional technique in which 1% NaOCl as irrigant was used. Half of the cases received an additional rinse with 2% chlorhexidine. Prereduced thioglycollate medium was used to take cultures that were incubated for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Cultivable bacteria were retrieved at the conclusion of the first visit in 1 out of 12 chlorhexidine cases whereas in the control group 7 out of 12 cases showed growth. This difference was significant (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The findings are clinically important.

Cell and tissue reactions to mineral trioxide aggregate and Portland cement

OBJECTIVE

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is being widely used for root-end fillings, pulp capping, perforation repairs, and other endodontic procedures. MTA and Portland cement (PC) have many similar physical, chemical, and biologic properties. PC cement has shown promising potential as an endodontic material in several studies in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of this study was to compare the cytotoxic effect in vitro and the tissue reaction of MTA and Portland cement in bone implantation in the mandibles of guinea pigs.

STUDY DESIGN

Millipore culture plate inserts with freshly mixed or set material were placed into the culture plates with already attached L929 cells. After an incubation period of 3 days, the cell morphology and cell counts were studied. Adult male guinea pigs under strict asepsis were anesthetized, during which a submandibular incision was made to expose the symphysis of the mandible. Bilateral bone cavities were prepared and Teflon applicators with freshly mixed materials were inserted into the bone cavities. Each animal received 2 implants, one filled with ProRoot and 1 with PC. The animals were killed after 2 or 12 weeks, and the tissues were processed for histologic evaluation by means of light microscopy.

RESULTS

There was no difference in cell reactions in vitro. Bone healing and minimal inflammatory response adjacent to ProRoot and PC implants were observed in both experimental periods, suggesting that both materials are well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

MTA and PC show comparative biocompatibility when evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The results suggest that PC has the potential to be used as a less expensive root-end filling material.

Influence of mixing vehicle on dissociation of calcium hydroxide in solution

The antimicrobial effects of aqueous preparations of calcium hydroxide have been demonstrated in the past. Calcium hydroxide, when dissolved in water, dissociates into hydroxide and calcium ions. The presence of hydroxide ions in a solution makes it antimicrobial. Recently it was shown that the use of glycerin as a mixing vehicle facilitates placement of calcium hydroxide in the root canals. The influence of nonaqueous mixing vehicles on the dissociation of calcium hydroxide is not clearly understood. In this study the conductivity of aqueous and nonaqueous solutions of calcium hydroxide was measured. The conductivity values for saturated solutions of calcium hydroxide in water was 7.3+/-3 mS/cm. The conductivity of calcium hydroxide in pure glycerin or propylene glycol was essentially zero. It was concluded that use of nonaqueous mixing vehicles may impede the effectiveness of calcium hydroxide as a root canal dressing.

Adherence of enamel matrix derivatives on root-end filling materials

It was recently shown that application of enamel matrix derivatives (EMDs) on denuded root dentin promotes periodontal regeneration. EMD is shown to adhere to the etched dentin, but its adherence to root-end filling materials is not known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adherence of a commercially available EMD product to root-end filling materials. Dentin sections were embedded in blocks made of acrylic resin. Cavities were prepared in similar acrylic resin blocks and were filled with amalgam, IRM, or composite resin. EMD was labeled with radioactive iodine and applied to the surfaces of the dentin sections, freshly made fillings, or acrylic resin controls. The specimens were rinsed, and the amount of radioactive iodine was determined in a gamma counter. Substantial amounts of EMD adhered to dentin sections. EMD adherence to amalgam and IRM was significantly less than to dentin or composite resin.

Large datasets: common uses and caveats

BACKGROUND

Increasingly, large collections of pre-existing data are being used to analyze the occurrence, burden, and health care resources directed to the management of various skin diseases.

OBJECTIVE

This article discusses a number of different types of large datasets along with their common uses. Various concerns about the use of this information are also discussed.

CONCLUSION

Although large datasets provide significant statistical power with readily available data, there are significant concerns, particularly regarding data quality and statistical analysis. Readers need to be aware of how an investigator has addressed these issues. Furthermore, the profession needs to be cognizant of very legitimate public concerns regarding confidentiality of personal information.

Data resources for epidemiology of skin diseases

Among existing data sets the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-I) stands out for its large sample size and detailed examination of the skin. However, because NHANES-I employed many different examiners and no uniform diagnostic criteria, the quality of the data is variable. Furthermore, the survey was conducted in the 1970s and does not contain information necessary to answer some currently relevant epidemiologic questions. Future data collection efforts will have to be planned to address specific hypotheses. In addition, future dermato-epidemiologic studies will have to pay careful attention to diagnostic accuracy.

Tissue reaction to endodontic materials: methods, criteria, assessment, and observations

The purpose of this study was to develop methods and criteria for the testing of the biocompatibility of endodontic materials. One hundred twenty-one teeth from 12 baboons (Papio anubis) were used to test three sealers: AH26, Kerr pulp canal sealer, and Kloroperka N.O. Gutta-percha cones were used as solid core in all cases. Under disinfected conditions, access preparation was performed, and with working length approximately 1.0 mm short of the foramen, the instrumentation of the root canal was started, using sodium hypochlorite (1%) for irrigation. After the root canals were cleaned and shaped, they were obturated with gutta-percha cones and the sealer, and by lateral condensation technique. Histologic periapical reactions were evaluated at 1, 7, 30, 365, 730, and 1095 days. The methods and criteria used were adequate for ranking of the biocompatibility of the tested materials in the short and long periods. At short observation periods (1 to 7 days) AH26 caused severe reactions, and Kerr pulp canal sealer and Kloroperka N.O., moderate and mild reactions, respectively. At 2- and 3-year observation periods the ranking was AH26, mild; Kerr pulp canal sealer, moderate; and Kloropercha N.O., severe.