The role of the msaABCR operon in implant-associated chronic osteomyelitis in Staphylococcus aureus USA300 LAC.

Background: The msaABCR operon regulates several staphylococcal phenotypes such as biofilm formation, capsule production, protease production, pigmentation, antibiotic resistance, and persister cells formation. The msaABCR operon is required for maintaining the cell wall integrity via affecting peptidoglycan cross-linking. The msaABCR operon also plays a role in oxidative stress defense mechanism, which is required to facilitate persistent and recurrent staphylococcal infections.

The Effects of NPY1 Receptor Antagonism on Intervertebral Disc and Bone Changes in Ovariectomized Rats.

Study Design: Basic science.

Objective: To compare the effects of a neuropeptide Y1 receptor antagonist (NPY-1RA) to estrogen on maintaining vertebral bone microarchitecture and disc height in a rat model of menopause.

Methods: This study was an institutional animal care approved randomized control study with 104 ovariectomized rats and 32 intact control animals.

Collagen-Elastin-Like Polypeptide-Bioglass Scaffolds for Guided Bone Regeneration.

The goals of this study are to evaluate the ability of the multicomponent collagen-elastin-like polypeptide (ELP)-Bioglass scaffolds to support osteogenesis of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs), demonstrate in vivo biocompatibility by subcutaneous implantation in Sprague-Dawley rats, monitor degradation noninvasively, and finally assess the scaffold's ability in healing critical-sized cranial bone defects. The collagen-ELP-Bioglass scaffold supports the in vitro osteogenic differentiation of rMSCs over a 3 week culture period. The cellular (rMSC-containing) or acellular scaffolds implanted in the subcutaneous pockets of rats do not cause any local or systemic toxic effects or tumors.

THE IMPACT OF HYDROXYAPATITE SINTERING TEMPERATURES ON THE STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY OF EMBRYONAL LUNG FIBROBLASTS.

The specific aim of this investigation was to investigate the effects of hydroxyapatite (HA) sintered at different temperatures on the proliferation, morphology, and cellular alterations of Embryonal Lung Fibroblasts (MRC-5) cells in culture. Microcrystals of HA were prepared by following standard laboratory protocols. The calcined HA was then placed on an automatic Tyler sieve stack to select for particles between 1-40 μm in size.

SODIUM BICARBONATE REMEDIATION OF ANTHROPOGENIC CONTAMINATION OF WATER AT THE GBNERR IN MISSISSIPPI.

Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GBNERR) is an important ecosystem in the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The GBNERR may be a potential source for contamination with anthropogenic bacterial pathogens that may play a significant role in the causation of waterborne human diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction of physicochemical and microbiological water quality parameters at the GBNERR, determine quantitative levels and establish the potential for remediation of post-contamination of water and seafood by human fecal pollution from anthropogenic sources at the reserve.

ASSESSMENT OF ANIMAL MODELS AS SURROGATES FOR HUMAN TUMORS FROM THREE DIFFERENT ORGANS.

The compositional balance and distribution of trace metals/elements in various body tissues are essential key players in tissue and cellular homeostasis. Low Zn levels as well as overexpression of metalothioneins were implicated in the development and progression of various cancers including the prostate. Nonetheless, wider elemental profiles that relate cancer and normal phenotypes with regards to metal homeostasis were not well elucidated in the literature.

DIFFERENTIAL HISTOPATHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF TESTICULAR FUNCTION UPON LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO SUSTAINED DELIVERY OF TESTOSTERONE AND DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE.

The specific aim of this study was to assess, histopathologically, the seminiferous tubules area and germ layers upon the exposure to sustained delivery of testosterone (TE) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) through tricalcium phosphate lysine devices (TCPL). A total of 140 adult Male rats (280-320 gm) were randomly divided into four equal groups. Groups 1 and 2 animals were implanted with TCPL loaded with 40 mg TE and 40 mg DHT, respectively.

Altered neuro-inflammatory gene expression in hippocampus in major depressive disorder.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder for which available medications are often not effective. The high prevalence of MDD and modest response to existing therapies compels efforts to better understand and treat the disorder. Decreased hippocampal volume with increasing duration of depression suggests altered gene expression or even a decrease in neurogenesis.

IMPACT OF ATRA ON OVALBUMIN AND MOLD-SENSITIZED F344 RATS AND REVERSAL OF HEALTH-RELATED IMPLICATIONS BY CITRAL.

The role of retinoic acid (All Trans Retinoic Acid; ATRA) in the development of hypervitaminosis A pathophysiology is not well understood or established in the literature. As well, the role of Citral (inhibitor of retinoid function; a non-toxic chemical that exists in two forms (diethyl; C1 or cis-trans dimethyl; C2).) in the reversal of pathophysiological implications is also not ascertained under an in vivo setting.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE F344 RAT LUNG UPON EXPOSURE TO RETENOIC ACID, OVALBUMIN, MOLD SPORES AND CITRAL.

The paradoxical role of retinoic acid (All Trans Retinoic Acid; ATRA) in the development of allergic and/or inflammatory complications in contrast to a therapeutic modality for lung pathology is not well understood or established in the literature. As well, the role of Citral (inhibitor of retinoid function; a non-toxic chemical that exists in two forms (diethyl; C1 or cis-trans dimethyl; C2), in the reversal of retinoic acid, ovalbumin and allergic mold spore pathophysiology is also not well ascertained under an in vivo setting. Therefore, it is hypothesized that exposure of F344 lung tissues to supra-physiologic levels of retinoic acid, ovalbumin and mold spores individually or in combination with each other will lead to inflammatory tissue pathology and that Citral 1 and 2 will reverse or ameliorate the related pathological damage to lung tissues.

Impact of Triple Combinations of Retinoic Acid, Mold Spores and Citral on the F344 Rat Lung Tissue Pathology.

The impact of retinoic acid (All Trans Retinoic Acid; ATRA) and Mold spores (MLD) in the development of lung pathology and tissue remodeling have not been well established in the literature. In addition, the role of citral (inhibitor of retinoid function) in the improvement of lung pathology has not been ascertained in animal studies. Therefore, it is hypothesized that ATRA and Mold (MLD) exposure will sensitize lung tissues leading to lung tissue pathology and that Citrals (C1 and C2) will reverse, ameliorate or improve the associated pathological damage to lung tissues.

Neovascularization And Macrophage Behavior Under The Influence Of Androgens In The Tissue-Implant Response.

Macrophages and blood vessels are critical components in the biocompatibility and functionality of implantable ceramic materials used in drug delivery applications. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation of macrophage and neovascularization by further defining their presence, relationship, and correlation in the fibrous tissue capsule of calcium phosphate (TCP) ceramic drug delivery systems. Sixteen animals in four experimental groups were implanted with one TCP bioceramic each.

The Tissue Implant Response Surrounding Subcutaneous TCP, HA, And ALCAP Bioceramics.

The objective of this investigation was to quantify and further elucidate the tissue-implant response in the fibrous tissue surrounding tricalcium phosphate (TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA), and aluminum calcium phosphate (ALCAP) implants when implanted subcutaneously. Sixteen animals in four experimental groups (n = 4/group) were implanted with one implant each: Group I (control, TCP), Group II (HA), and Group III (ALCAP). At 90 days post-implantation, the fibrous tissue surrounding the implants was harvested.

The Effect Of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Antidiabetic Drugs on Cardiomyocytes.

Recent reports in the literature show an increase in the risk of heart related events in patients treated with tricyclic antidepressants. There is also evidence that serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are negatively associated with heart failure. The objective of our study is to determine if cardiomyocytes in culture can be used as a tool to mimic clinical scenarios and to evaluate therapeutic concentrations of SSRIs (fluoxetine) and antidiabetic (troglitazone) medication.

The Effects of Metformin and EGCG On PANC-1 Cell Survival.

There is less than a thirty percent survival rate for patients with a localized pancreatic tumor, and less than a ten percent survival rate for patients with metastases. Patients with pancreatic cancer often have altered glucose metabolism and are prescribed metformin which has been shown to reduce cancer cell proliferation. Metformin administered at doses ranging between 10-20 mM has been reported in the literature to induce AMPK signaling pathways which increase cellular apoptosis.

The Negative Impact of Combining Retinoic Acid (ATRA) and Mold Spores on F344 Rat Lung and Improvement of Tissue Pathology by Citral.

The impact of retinoic acid (All Trans Retinoic Acid; ATRA) and Mold spores (MLD) in the development of lung pathology and in vivo tissue remodeling have not been well established in the literature. In addition, the role of citral (inhibitor of retinoid function) in the improvement of lung pathology has not been ascertained in animal studies. Therefore, it is hypothesized that ATRA and Mold (MLD) exposure will sensitize lung tissues leading to lung tissue pathology and that Citrals (C1 and C2) will reverse, ameliorate or improve the associated pathological damage to lung tissues.

Health Impact of Retinoic Acid (ATRA) on Ovalbumin-Sensitized F344 Rat Lung and Improvement of Tissue Pathology by Citral.

The health impact of retinoic acid (All Trans Retinoic Acid; ATRA) in the development of lung pathology and tissue remodeling has not been well established in the literature. Equally, the role of Citral (inhibitor of retinoid function) in the improvement of lung pathology has not been ascertained in vivo. Therefore, it is hypothesized that ATRA and Ovalbumin (Egg albumin; OVA) exposure will sensitize lung tissues leading to lung tissue pathology and that citrals (C1 and C2) will reverse or ameliorate the related pathological damage to lung tissues.

Sustained Release of Demineralized Bone Matrix Protein in Osteoporotic Rats.

Demineralized bone matrix protein (DBM) was considered highly effective in stimulating bone healing. The objective of the study was to explore the use of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) delivery system to continuously deliver DBM in an osteoporotic condition and to evaluate changes in bone density and preservation of the spine. Ovariectomized Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three equal groups (n=16 per group).

The Resultant Physiological Effects of Human Gingival Fibroblasts Exposed to Combinations of Dental Adhesives, Porphyromonas Gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide, and Cortisol or Nifedipine.

The needs of dental patients are becoming ever complex. This is largely due to the increasing number of systemic conditions that patients present with during routine or emergency dental visits, such as hypertension and angina pectoris. Medications that patients are prescribed have potential to cause effects on the oral tissues.

Effects Of Polylactic Acid Coating and Compression Load on the Delivery of Protein and Steroid from HA Ceramic Devices.

Density variations, due to particle size and time and temperature of sintering, affect the delivery profile of substances from ceramic delivery devices. This investigation was conducted to study the effect of polylactic acid (PLA) impregnation on the porosity of hydroxyapatite (HA) capsules by studying the delivery rate of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and testosterone (TE). HA capsules were fabricated by cold compressing calcined particles at 1000, 3000, and 5000 lbs.

Pathophysiological Effects of Thymoquinone and Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on SK-OV-3 Ovarian Cancer Like Cell Line.

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of mortality among the gynecologic cancers and is the 5th most common cancer among women. Recent studies have indicated that antioxidant exposure may slow the progression in major neoplastic diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the pathophysiological effects of Thymoquinone (TQ) and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) using the SK-OV-3 cell line as a model.

The effect of growth factor on osteoblast cell signaling.

The need for bone graft substitutes is increasing. The understanding of how these potential treatments exert their effect is lacking. Currently, BMP’s are used clinically for augmentation of fracture healing and the exact mechanism(s) how they contribute bone healing is not clear.

The Effect of Transforming Growth Factgor on McCoy Fibroblast Cells.

Surgically repaired tendons are plagued by complications related to the healing response. Adhesion formation between the tendon and its sheath or surrounding tissues inhibits free gliding and results in a loss of excursion. The random orientation of collagen deposition at the site of repair creates a focal area of weakness, rendering the tendon prone to rupture at this point.

Impact of paired combinations of retinoic Acid (atra) and ovalbumin on f344 rat lung tissues and improvement of related pathology by citral.

The impact of retinoic acid (All Trans Retinoic Acid; ATRA) in the development of lung pathology and tissue remodeling are not well established in the literature. As well, the role of citral (inhibitor of retinoid function) in the improvement of lung pathology was not ascertained under an in vivo setting. Therefore, it is hypothesized that ATRA and ovalbumin exposure will sensitize lung tissues leading to lung tissue pathology and that citrals (C1 and C2) will reverse or ameliorate the related pathological damage to lung tissues.