Efficacy and safety of adjunctive therapy to lamotrigine, lithium, or valproate monotherapy in bipolar depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of adjunctive therapy are unclear in bipolar depression. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of second-generation antipsychotic, lamotrigine, lithium, or valproate therapy used in adjunction with lamotrigine, lithium, or valproate monotherapy in bipolar depression. A literature search of major electronic databases was conducted in February 2021, and all articles published until then were eligible. Two researchers independently screened relevant publications, extracted data, and evaluated methodological quality according to the Cochrane criteria.

RESULTS

Five studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed significant differences in the following outcomes: (i) remission rates from depressive episodes (risk ratio [RR]: 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.50, p = 0.04), (ii) improvement in depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.21, 95% CI 0.09-0.34, p = 0.001), (iii) improvement in quality of life (SMD: 0.22, 95% CI 0.06-0.37, p = 0.005), and (iv) rate of adverse events during the study period (RR: 1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.22, p = 0.008). There was no significant difference between adjunctive therapy and monotherapy in the emergence of suicide-related behaviors, dropout rate during the study period, or rate of manic switching.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that adjunctive second-generation antipsychotics, lamotrigine, lithium, or valproate increase both the benefits and risks in patients with bipolar depression, although there is no significant difference in severe adverse events. Adjunctive therapy should be provided through shared decision-making while considering the patients' condition in clinical settings.

Plasma fatty acid-binding protein 7 concentration correlates with depression/anxiety, cognition, and positive symptom in patients with schizophrenia

Because of the involvement of the brain in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, obtaining information on the biochemical features that directly contribute to symptoms is challenging. The present study aimed to assess fatty acid-binding protein 7 (FABP7) expressed specifically in the brain and detectable in the peripheral blood and to investigate the correlation between blood FABP7 concentration and symptoms. We recruited 30, 29, and 35 patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression and evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-21), respectively. Plasma FABP7 concentrations correlated with PANSS scores (R² = 0.3305, p < 0.001) but not with other scales. In the analysis of the relationship between five dimensions of schizophrenia symptoms derived from the PANSS 5-factor model and measured plasma FABP7 concentrations, severities of depression/anxiety, cognition, and positive symptom were significantly correlated with plasma FABP7 concentrations. Further molecular investigation of the functional and kinetic analyses of FABP7 is necessary to understand the relationship of this protein with schizophrenia pathology. Nevertheless, the present study suggests that FABP7 can be a biological indicator reflecting the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and has potential applications as a biomarker for diagnosis and symptom assessment.

An in vivo model of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and erythema: clinical, colorimetric and molecular characteristics

BACKGROUND

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common, acquired pigmentary disorder of the skin associated with significant quality-of-life impairment, especially in individuals with skin of colour. Current treatment for PIH is limited, largely due to a poor understanding of disease pathogenesis and the lack of a representative disease model.

OBJECTIVES

This study is intended to further develop, update and validate our previously designed in vivo model of acne-induced PIH/postinflammatory erythema (PIE) using different concentrations of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a medium-depth chemical peel.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with skin types II-VI and clinician-confirmed presence of two or more truncal acne pustules and PIH/PIE were included. On the basis of Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), clinical polarized photography (CPP), colorimetry and Skindex, we experimentally determined an optimum TCA concentration and assessed our model's ability to exhibit a dose-response relationship between degree of inciting insult and severity of resulting pigmentation. We also performed differential microRNA profiling and pathway analysis to explore the potential of microRNAs as molecular adjuncts to our model.

RESULTS

Application of TCA 30% produced lesions indistinguishable from acne-induced PIH and PIE lesions on the basis of colorimetry data without causing epidermal necrosis. Application of progressively increasing TCA doses from 20% to 30% resulted in concentration-dependent increases in CPP, IGA and colorimetry scores at all timepoints during the study. miRNA-31 and miRNA-23b may play a role in PIH pathogenesis, although further validation is required.

CONCLUSIONS

Our TCA-based in vivo model, using TCA concentrations between 20% and 30% with an optimum of 30%, enables the quantitative assessment of the pigmentary response to varying degrees of cutaneous inflammation in a fashion that mirrors natural acne-induced PIH and PIE.

Local sex steroid hormone milieu in the bovine oviduct ipsilateral and contralateral to preovulatory follicle or corpus luteum during the periovulatory phase

Estradiol-17β (E2) and progesterone (P4) regulate oviductal functions, providing a suitable environment for the transport and maturation of gametes, fertilization, and embryonic development. In addition to the E2 and P4 nuclear receptors, estrogen receptor (ESR) α and β, nuclear progesterone receptor (PGR), nongenomic mechanisms through G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER1), and progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC) 1 and 2 mediate E2 and P4 actions. This study aimed to characterize the local endocrine environment of the oviduct by examining the oviductal E2 and P4 concentrations and their receptors' mRNA expression during the periovulatory phase. The bovine oviducts were collected in a slaughterhouse and the days postovulation were estimated according to state of the ovaries and the uterus. Samples of the ampulla and isthmus ipsilateral and contralateral to the preovulatory follicle or corpus luteum were collected on Days 19 to 21, Days 0 to 1, Days 2 to 4, and Days 5 to 7 of the estrous cycle. The effects of the estrous cycle phase and oviductal region (ampulla and isthmus) and side (ipsilateral and contralateral) were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA. Moreover, to clarify the regulatory mechanisms of the mRNA expression of hormone receptors, the effects of E2 and P4 on mRNA expression in the oviduct were examined by multiple linear regression. The oviductal endocrine milieu on Days 19 to 21 was characterized by an E2-dominant environment with high E2 and low P4, high ESR1 and PGR mRNA expression, and low ESR2, GPER1, and PGRMC2 mRNA expression, whereas the corresponding on Days 0 to 1 was characterized by the endocrine milieu without hormone dominance. The environment on Days 2 to 4 and Day 5 to 7 was characterized by opposite tendency of oviductal hormone concentrations and their receptors' mRNA expression to Days 19 to 21. Additionally, the ipsilateral oviduct had the more P4-dominant endocrine milieu, with lower E2 and higher P4 concentrations, and different expression of ESR1/2, GPER1, PGR, and PGRMC2 mRNA when compared with the contralateral oviduct on Days 2 to 4 and Days 5 to 7, except for PGRMC1. Although oviductal E2 and P4 influenced the mRNA expression of ESR1/2, GPER1, PGR, and PGRMC1/2, their effects were different between regions and sides. In summary, the oviductal endocrine milieu varies according to the estrous cycle phase and the oviductal region and side, which may be involved in the estrous cycle phase-specific and oviductal region-specific and side-specific functions.

Renal arteriolar hyalinosis, not intimal thickening in large arteries, is associated with cardiovascular events in people with biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy

AIMS

Diabetic nephropathy, a pathologically diagnosed microvascular complication of diabetes, is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular events, which mainly involve arteries larger than those affected in diabetic nephropathy. However, the association between diabetic nephropathy pathological findings and cardiovascular events has not been well studied. We aimed to investigate whether the pathological findings in diabetic nephropathy are closely associated with cardiovascular event development.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analysed 377 people with type 2 diabetes and biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy, with a median follow-up of 5.9 years (interquartile range 2.0 to 13.5). We investigated how cardiovascular events were impacted by two vascular diabetic nephropathy lesions, namely arteriolar hyalinosis and arterial intimal thickening, and by glomerular and interstitial lesions.

RESULTS

Of the 377 people with diabetic nephropathy, 331 (88%) and 295 (78%) had arteriolar hyalinosis and arterial intimal thickening, respectively. During the entire follow-up period, those with arteriolar hyalinosis had higher cardiovascular event rates in the crude Kaplan-Meier analysis than those without these lesions (P = 0.005, log-rank test). When fully adjusted for clinically relevant confounders, arteriolar hyalinosis independently predicted cardiovascular events [hazard ratio (HR) 1.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12, 3.86], but we did not find any relationship between arterial intimal thickening and cardiovascular events (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.60, 1.37). Additionally, neither glomerular nor interstitial lesions were independently associated with cardiovascular events in the fully adjusted model.

CONCLUSIONS

Arteriolar hyalinosis, but not intimal thickening of large arteries, was strongly associated with cardiovascular events in people with diabetic nephropathy.

103 Effects of administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin at Day 5 post-ovulation on development of the original corpus luteum depend on the locational relationship between the original and accessory corpora lutea

In cattle, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is administered at Day 5 post-ovulation to improve fertility. This treatment can induce ovulation of the first-wave dominant follicle (W1DF), from which an accessory corpus luteum (CL) is generated. In addition, hCG has the effect of promoting CL development. It is possible that the locational relationship between the original and accessary CLs influences the effect of hCG on CL development, because the locational relationship of the CLs affects intraovarian blood flow. The present study aimed to clarify whether the locational relationship between the original and accessory CLs influences the effect of hCG on their development. Cross-bred beef heifers (Holstein×Japanese Black, n=56) were used for the present study. The oestrus cycle was synchronized using oestradiol benzoate (EB) and a controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-based program. Briefly, an administration of EB (2mg) with 9-day CIDR insertion was followed by administration of prostaglandin F2a analogue (PGF2a) on the day of CIDR removal, EB (1mg) 1 day after a PGF2a injection, and GnRH 12h after the second EB injection. At Day 5 post-ovulation, the locational relationship between the original CL and the W1DF was confirmed using transrectal ultrasonography (USG), and two groups were defined: ipsilateral group (IG; n=30), in which the CL and the W1DF are in the same ovary, and contralateral group (CG; n=26), in which the CL and the W1DF are in separate ovaries. Moreover, IG and CG were respectively subdivided into two groups, with or without hCG (1500IU) treatment (IG/hCG, n=15; IG without hCG, n=15, and CG/hCG, n=14; CG without hCG, n=12). The diameter and luteal tissue area (i.e. minus the cavity area) of the original CL and the accessory CL were examined at Days 5, 7, and 14, using USG. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare the diameter and luteal tissue area between IG/hCG and IG without hCG, and between CG/hCG and CG without hCG. In CG, the diameter (P&lt;0.01) and luteal tissue area of the original CL (P&lt;0.001) at Day 7 was increased by receiving hCG, while it did not change in IG. The diameter and luteal tissue area of the original CL at Day 14 were not affected by the administration of hCG in either CG or IG. Moreover, for the accessory CL, no difference of the diameter and luteal tissue area was observed between CG and IG. The present study showed that hCG treatment at Day 5 post-ovulation stimulate the growth of the original CL at Day 7, when the original CL and accessory CL are on contralateral sides. Our results suggest that the effect of administration of the hCG at Day 5 post-ovulation on the original CL development depends on the locational relationship between the original and accessory CL (IG or CG). The function of the CL affects the intrauterine environment for embryonic development. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the effect of the hCG injection at Day 5 on the function of CL (i.e. plasma P4 concentration) in IG and CG, respectively.

Indocyanine Green Video-Angiographic Findings in Choroidal Osteoma

Indocyanine green video-angiography (ICG) was done twice on three patients with choroidal osteoma. Choroidal osteoma consisted of two portions, a yellow-white area and a surrounding orange area. The early phase of ICG angiography showed hypofluorescence due to blockage, corresponding to the osteoma. However, the hypofluorescence was greater in areas corresponding to the orange portions of the lesions than in the yellow-white parts. In the late phase, tumor staining was present, corresponding to the orange area. Although long-standing yellow-white lesions blocked fluorescence in the late phase, some of these showed hyperfluorescence. ICG video-angiography showed areas of blocked fluorescence in the early phase as well as hyperfluorescent areas accompanied by several small hypofluorescent foci in the late phase, corresponding to very slight ophthalmoscopically observed changes in the vicinity of the osteoma. During follow-up observation, fluorescein angiography confirmed the extension of the osteoma into this area. These results confirm that the characteristic findings of choroidal osteoma can be observed with ICG video-angiography. This imaging technique showed the lesions were larger than they appeared with ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography.

Clinical Evaluation of Indocyanine Green Video-Angiography in the Diagnosis of Choroidal Neovascular Membrane Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The Authors compared ICG video-angiographic findings in 85 eyes of 78 cases of presumed choroidal neovascular membrane (CNM) associated with age-related macular degeneration with those diagnosed by fluorescein angiography. The detection rate of CNM was 68% with indocyanine green (ICG) video-angiography and 59% with fluorescein angiography. ICG video-angiography can be especially useful for identifying hemorrhagic or exudative detachments of the retinal pigment epithelium. In these cases, detection of CNM by ICG video-angiography was generally far superior to that by fluorescein angiography. However, some CNM in which leakage was identified with fluorescein angiography could not be visualized by ICG video-angiography.

Biodegradable gelatin/beta-tricalcium phosphate sponges incorporating recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 for treatment of recession-type defects: A split-mouth study in dogs

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Tissue engineering by using recombinant human (rh) growth factor technology may offer a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of gingival recession. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) has shown the ability to promote periodontal regeneration. Gelatin/beta-tricalcium phosphate (gelatin/β-TCP) sponges have been developed to control the release of growth factors. The present study evaluated the periodontal regenerative efficacy of rhFGF-2 by comparing gelatin/β-TCP sponges incorporated with rhFGF-2 to the scaffolds alone in artificially created recession-type defects in dogs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Critically sized buccal gingival recession defects were surgically created on maxillary canine teeth of five dogs. In each animal, defects were randomized to receive either a gelatin/β-TCP sponge soaked with rhFGF-2 (gelatin/β-TCP/rhFGF-2) or phosphate-buffered saline (gelatin/β-TCP). Eight weeks after surgery, biopsy specimens were obtained and subjected to microcomputed tomography and histological analyses.

RESULTS

Complete root coverage was achieved in both groups. Microcomputed tomography revealed significantly greater new bone volume in the gelatin/β-TCP/rhFGF-2 group. Histologically, both groups achieved periodontal regeneration; however, gelatin/β-TCP/rhFGF-2 sites exhibited more tissue regeneration, characterized by significantly larger amounts of new cementum and new bone. Gelatin/β-TCP sites featured increased long junctional epithelium and connective tissue attachment. In the gelatin/β-TCP/rhFGF-2 sites, new bone exhibited many haversian canals and circumferential lamellae as well as remarkably thick periosteum with blood vascularization and hypercellularity.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, rhFGF-2 in gelatin/β-TCP sponges exhibits an increased potential to support periodontal wound healing/regeneration in canine recession-type defects.

Reduction in chlorhexidine efficacy against multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii international clone II

BACKGROUND

Nosocomial infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii international clone II (IC II) can cause severe clinical outcomes.

AIM

Differential evaluation of bactericidal efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and benzethonium chloride (BZT) disinfectants against IC II and non-IC II isolates.

METHODS

Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CHX and BZT were determined for 137 A. baumannii IC II, 99 non-IC II and 69 non-baumannii isolates, further classified according to MIC values into disinfectant-reduced susceptible (DRS) and disinfectant-susceptible (DS) groups. Time-kill curves and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were evaluated for representative isolates in each group.

RESULTS

CHX and BZT MIC₉₀s for IC II isolates were 100 and 175mg/L, respectively, but those for non-IC II and non-baumannii isolates were <100mg/L. Nevertheless, time-kill curves indicated that CHX and BZT reduced live bacterial cell number by 5 log₁₀ for IC II and non-IC II isolates within 30s when used at 1000mg/L, comparable to practical use concentrations. CHX MBC at 30s was 1000mg/L for IC II and non-IC II isolates, and was not influenced by addition of 3% bovine serum albumin (BSA); BZT MBC at 30s was 100mg/L without BSA and increased up to 500mg/L upon addition of BSA. No significant differences in BSA were found between DRS and DS isolates.

CONCLUSION

CHX and BZT were effective against Acinetobacter spp. including IC II at a concentration of 1000mg/L and exposure for at least 30s, but their concentrations should be considered carefully to ensure sufficient effects in both clinical and healthcare settings.

RORγt antagonist suppresses M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-induced Sjögren's syndrome-like sialadenitis

We showed recently that M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3R)-reactive CD3⁺ T cells play a pathogenic role in the development of murine autoimmune sialadenitis (MIS), which mimics Sjögren's syndrome (SS). The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness and mechanism of action of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-gamma t (RORγt) antagonist (A213) in MIS. Splenocytes from M3R knockout (M3R^-/- ) mice immunized with murine M3R peptide mixture were inoculated into recombination-activating gene 1 knockout (Rag-1^-/- ) mice (M3R^-/- →Rag-1^-/- ) with MIS. Immunized M3R^-/- mice (pretransfer treatment) and M3R^-/- →Rag-1^-/- mice (post-transfer treatment) were treated with A213 every 3 days. Salivary volume, severity of sialadenitis and cytokine production from M3R peptide-stimulated splenocytes and lymph node cells were examined. Effects of A213 on cytokine production were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and on T helper type 1 (Th1), Th17 and Th2 differentiation from CD4⁺ T cells by flow cytometry. Pretransfer A213 treatment maintained salivary volume, improved MIS and reduced interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-17 production significantly compared with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (P < 0·05). These suppressive effects involved CD4⁺ T cells rather than CD11c⁺ cells. Post-transfer treatment with A213 increased salivary volume (P < 0·05), suppressed MIS (P < 0·005) and reduced IFN-γ and IL-17 production (P < 0·05). In vitro, A213 suppressed IFN-γ and IL-17 production from M3R-stimulated splenocytes and CD4⁺ T cells of immunized M3R^-/- mice (P < 0·05). In contrast with M3R specific responses, A213 suppressed only IL-17 production from Th17 differentiated CD4⁺ T cells without any effect on Th1 and Th2 differentiation in vitro. Our findings suggested that RORγt antagonism is potentially suitable treatment strategy for SS-like sialadenitis through suppression of IL-17 and IFN-γ production by M3R-specific T cells.

Emergence of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 and other carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex among patients in hospitals in Ha Noi, Viet Nam

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important cause of multidrug-resistant hospital acquired infections in the world. Here, we investigate the presence of NDM-1 and other carbapenemases among carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolated between August 2010 and December 2014 from three large hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam. We identified 23/582 isolates (4 %) (11 from hospital A, five from hospital B, and seven from hospital C) that were NDM-1 positive, and among them 18 carried additional carbapenemase genes, including seven isolates carrying NDM-1, IMP-1, and OXA-58 with high MICs for carbapenems. Genotyping indicated that NDM-1 carrying A. baumannii have expanded clonally in these hospitals. Five new STs (ST1135, ST1136, ST1137, ST1138, and ST1139) were identified. One isolate carried NDM-1 on a plasmid belonging to the N-repA replicon type; no NDM-1-positive plasmids were identified in the other isolates. We have shown the extent of the carbapenem resistance and the local clonal spread of A. baumannii carrying NDM-1 in these hospitals; coexistence of NDM-1 and IMP-1 is reported for the first time from Vietnam here, and this will further seriously limit future therapeutic options.

Principal component analysis uncovers cytomegalovirus-associated NK cell activation in Ph+ leukemia patients treated with dasatinib

Dasatinib treatment markedly increases the number of large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) in a proportion of Ph⁺ leukemia patients, which associates with a better prognosis. The lymphocytosis is predominantly observed in cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seropositive patients, yet detectable CMV reactivation exists only in a small fraction of patients. Thus, etiology of the lymphocytosis still remains unclear. Here, we identified NK cells as the dominant LGLs expanding in dasatinib-treated patients, and applied principal component analysis (PCA) to an extensive panel of NK cell markers to explore underlying factors in NK cell activation. PCA displayed phenotypic divergence of NK cells that reflects CMV-associated differentiation and genetic differences, and the divergence was markedly augmented in CMV-seropositive dasatinib-treated patients. Notably, the CMV-associated highly differentiated status of NK cells was already observed at leukemia diagnosis, and was further enhanced after starting dasatinib in virtually all CMV-seropositive patients. Thus, the extensive characterization of NK cells by PCA strongly suggests that CMV is an essential factor in the NK cell activation, which progresses stepwise during leukemia and subsequent dasatinib treatment most likely by subclinical CMV reactivation. This study provides a rationale for the exploitation of CMV-associated NK cell activation for treatment of leukemias.

Polymorphism in promoter region of growth hormone receptor is associated with potential production capacity of insulin-like growth factor-1 in pre-pubertal Holstein heifers

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is one of the important factors for growth, milk production and reproductive functions and mainly released from the liver in response to growth hormone (GH) via GH receptor (GHR) in cattle. Recently, some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the bovine GHR gene. Some GHR-SNPs were shown to be related to plasma IGF-1 concentration in cattle. Hence, the capacity to IGF-1 production in the liver might be affected by GHR-SNP and associated with performance in the future. This study examined whether GHR-SNP is associated with IGF-1 production in the liver of pre-pubertal heifers. In 71 Holstein calves, blood samples for genomic DNA extraction were obtained immediately after birth. To genotype the GHR-SNPs in the promoter region, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were digested with restriction enzyme NsiI (cutting sites: AA, AG and GG). All heifers at 4 months of age were intramuscularly injected with 0.4 mg oestradiol benzoate. Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein just before (0 h) and 24 h after injection. The number of AA, AG and GG at the NsiI site was 0, 17 and 54 respectively. In AG and GG, plasma GH concentrations were higher pre-injection than 24 h post-injection (p < 0.01). Moreover, plasma GH concentrations in AG post-injection were higher than in GG (p < 0.05). In contrast, the GG genotype exhibited higher plasma IGF-1 concentrations in pre-injection than post-injection (p < 0.01), although oestradiol did not change IGF-1 concentration in the AG genotype. We conclude that the GG polymorphism in the promoter region of GHR is associated with a higher potential capacity of IGF-1 production in the liver of cattle.

Delivery of RANKL-Binding Peptide OP3-4 Promotes BMP-2-Induced Maxillary Bone Regeneration

Although bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is known to stimulate osteogenesis, there is evidence that high doses of BMP-2 can lead to side effects, including inflammation and carcinogenesis. The supplementation of other bone-augmenting agents is considered helpful in preventing such side effects by reducing the amount of BMP-2 required to obtain a sufficient amount of bone. We recently showed that a receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-binding peptide promotes osteoblast differentiation. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether OP3-4, a RANKL-binding peptide, promotes BMP-2-induced bone formation in the murine maxilla using an injectable gelatin hydrogel (GH) carrier. A GH carrier containing OP3-4 with BMP-2 was subperiosteally injected into the murine maxillary right diastema between the incisor and the first molar. The mice were sacrificed 28 d after the injections. The local bone formation in the OP3-4-BMP-2-injected group was analyzed in comparison to the carrier-injected, BMP-2-injected, and control-peptide-BMP-2-injected groups. The GH carrier containing OP3-4 with BMP-2 enlarged the radio-opaque area and increased the bone mineral content and density in the radiological analyses in comparison to the other experimental groups. Interestingly, fluorescence-based histological analyses revealed that the mineralization had started from the outside, then proceeded inward, suggesting that the size of the newly formed bone had already been set before calcification started and that the effects of OP3-4 might be involved in accelerating the early steps of osteogenesis. Actually, OP3-4 enhanced the BMP-2-induced 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cell numbers at the injected site on day 7 and the expression of Runx2 and Col1a1, which are early osteogenic cell markers, on day 10 after the subperiosteal injections. In summary, we demonstrated, for the first time, that the application of OP3-4 by subperiosteal injection promoted BMP-2-induced bone formation, which could lead to the development of an easy and noninvasive means of promoting alveolar ridge formation.

Long-term stability of novel double rhodanine indoline dyes having one and two anchor carboxyl group(s) in dye-sensitized solar cells

An indoline dye having both α-cyanoacrylic and rhodanine acetic acid anchor groups at the acceptor moiety exhibited improved stability upon fluorescence lamp irradiation.

Ridge augmentation using recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 with biodegradable gelatin sponges incorporating β-tricalcium phosphate: a preclinical study in dogs

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) regulates the proliferation and differentiation of osteogenic cells, resulting in the promotion of bone formation. Biodegradable gelatin sponges incorporating β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) have been reported as a scaffold, which has the ability to control growth factor release, offering sufficient mechanical strength and efficient migration of mesenchymal cells. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the combined use of recombinant human FGF-2 (rhFGF-2) and gelatin/β-TCP sponge on ridge augmentation in dogs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Six male beagle dogs were used in this study. Twelve wk after tooth extraction, bilateral 10 × 5 mm (width × depth) saddle-type defects were created 3 mm apart from the mesial side of the maxillary canine. At the experimental sites, the defects were filled with gelatin/β-TCP sponge infiltrated with 0.3% rhFGF-2, whereas gelatin/β-TCP sponge infiltrated with saline was applied to the control sites. Eight wk after surgery, qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed.

RESULTS

There were no signs of clinical inflammation at 8 wk after surgery. Histometric measurements revealed that new bone height at the experimental sites (2.98 ± 0.65 mm) was significantly greater than that at the control sites (1.56 ± 0.66 mm; p = 0.004). The total tissue height was greater at the experimental sites (6.62 ± 0.66 mm) than that at the control sites (5.95 ± 0.74 mm), although there was no statistical significant difference (p = 0.051). Cast model measurements revealed that the residual defect height at the experimental sites (2.31 ± 0.50 mm) was significantly smaller than that at the control sites (3.51 ± 0.78 mm; p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

The combined use of rhFGF-2 and gelatin/β-TCP sponge promotes ridge augmentation in canine saddle-type bone defects.

Common isolation of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a large surgical hospital in Vietnam

This study sought to monitor the presence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and the proportion New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1)-producing bacteria between August 2010 and December 2012 in a surgical hospital in Vietnam. We identified 47 CRE strains from a total of 4,096 Enterobacteriaceae isolates (1.1 %) that were NDM-1-positive from 45 patients admitted to 11 different departments, with the majority being from the urology department. The NDM-1 gene was found in seven different species. Genotyping revealed limited clonality of NDM-1-positive isolates. Most of the isolates carried the NDM-1 gene on a plasmid and 17.8 % (8/45) of those were readily transferable. We found five patients at admission and one patient at discharge with NDM-1-positive bacteria in their stool. From 200 screening environmental hospital samples, five were confirmed to be NDM-1-positive and included Acinetobacter species (n = 3) and Enterobacter aerogenes (n = 2). The results reveal that NDM-1-producing Enterobacteriaceae are commonly isolated in patients admitted to a Vietnamese surgical hospital and are also detected in the hospital environment.

Positive association of free triiodothyronine with pancreatic β-cell function in people with prediabetes

AIM

To analyse the effects of thyroid hormones on β-cell function and glucose metabolism in people with prediabetes who are euthyroid.

METHODS

A total of 111 people who were euthyroid underwent 75-g oral glucose tolerance tests, of whom 52 were assigned to the normal glucose tolerance and 59 to the prediabetes groups. Homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function, insulinogenic index and areas under the curve for insulin and glucose were evaluated as indices of pancreatic β-cell function.

RESULTS

In both groups, BMI, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment ratio and HDL cholesterol correlated significantly with all indices of pancreatic β-cell function. Free triiodothyronine correlated positively with all insulin secretion indices in the prediabetes group. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that free triiodothyronine was an independent variable that had a positive correlation with all indices of β-cell function in the prediabetes group. By contrast, no such correlation was found in the normal glucose tolerance group.

CONCLUSIONS

Free triiodothyronine is associated with both basal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in people with prediabetes who are euthyroid; therefore, the regulation of insulin secretion by thyroid hormones is a potentially novel therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes.

193 PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATIONS AND MESSENGER RNA EXPRESSION OF PROGESTERONE RECEPTORS IN ENDOMETRIAL TISSUE OF BOVINE UTERINE HORN IPSILATERAL AND CONTRALATERAL TO CORPUS LUTEUM

Generally, conception is established in the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum (CL) in cattle. When a bovine embryo is transferred into the uterine horn contralateral to CL, conception rate is low. Since progesterone (P4) is essential for the establishment of pregnancy in cattle, locational effects of P4 released from CL at the uterus may cause the differences in fertility. The aim of this study was to determine the endometrial tissue P4 concentrations (EndP4) and the mRNA expression of nuclear progesterone receptor (PGR), and progesterone receptor component-1 (PGRMC-1) and -2 (PGRMC-2) in the endometrial tissues from the ipsi- and contralateral horn. The uteruses of Holstein cows were obtained at a local abattoir. Endometrial tissues were collected from both horns. Based on ovarian morphology, the oestrus cycle of the cow was estimated as follows: early luteal phase (ELP, Day 5–6, Day 0 = oestrus), mid luteal phase (MLP, Day 8–12), late luteal phase (LLP, Day 15–17), and follicular phase (FP, Day 18–20). EndP4 was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Expressions of mRNA were analysed by real-time RT–PCR. Two-way factorial ANOVA and the Steel-Dwass test were applied for a multiple comparison of means. The interrelations between both parameters were expressed by Spearman correlation coefficient. At ELP and MLP, EndP4 in ipsi-horn were higher than that in contra-horn (P < 0.05, see Table 1). Higher mRNA expression of PGRMC-1 in ipsi-horn was observed at ELP compared with contra-horn (P < 0.05). Expressions of mRNA for PGR and PGRMC-2 were similar in both horns. In ipsi-horn at ELP, EndP4 was positively correlated with PGRMC-1 mRNA (r = 0.87, P < 0.05), but was negatively correlated with PGR mRNA (r = –0.76, P < 0.05). However, in contra-horn, EndP4 has no correlation to mRNA expression of P4 receptors. In conclusion, EndP4 was influenced by the location of CL and stage of oestrus cycle. Higher expression of PGRMC-1 mRNA in endometrial tissue of ipsi-horn at ELP might be up-regulated by higher EndP4. These locational effects of CL on uterus may provide an intrauterine environment suitable for embryo development. Table 1.End P4 and expression of mRNA for P4 receptors in bovine uterine horn1

Importance of fluorescence lifetimes for efficient indoline dyes in dye-sensitized solar cells

To make a molecular design of efficient indoline dyes, fluorescence lifetimes should be longer than ca. 0.8 ns in chloroform, in addition to suitable HOMO and LUMO levels and bathochromic UV-vis absorption bands.

Evaluation of PAH contamination in soil treated with solid by-products from shale pyrolysis

The aim of this work was to evaluate the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils to which solid shale materials (SSMs) were added as soil conditioners. The SSMs were derived from the Petrosix pyrolysis process developed by Petrobras (Brazil). An improved ultrasonic agitation method was used to extract the PAHs from the solid samples (soils amended with SSMs), and the concentrations of the compounds were determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The procedure provided satisfactory recoveries, detection limits, and quantification limits. The two-, three-, and four-ring PAHs were most prevalent, and the highest concentration was obtained for phenanthrene (978 ± 19 μg kg(-1) in a pyrolyzed shale sample). The use of phenanthrene/anthracene and fluoranthene/pyrene ratios revealed that the PAHs were derived from petrogenic rather than pyrogenic sources. The measured PAH concentrations did not exceed national or international limit values, suggesting that the use of SSMs as soil conditioners should not cause environmental damage.