effects of estrogen receptors' antagonist on brain edema, intracranial pressure and neurological outcomes after traumatic brain injury in rat

In previous studies, the neuroprotective effect of 17beta -estradiol in diffuse traumatic brain injury has been shown. This study used ICI 182,780, a non-selective estrogen receptor antagonist, to test the hypothesis that the neuroprotective effect of 17beta -estradiol in traumatic brain injury is mediated by the estrogen receptors. The ovariectomized rats were divided into eight groups. Brain injury was induced by Marmarou's method. Estrogen was injected 30 minutes after traumatic brain injury, and ICI 182,780 was injected before traumatic brain injury and also before estrogen treatment. In one group only ICI 182,780 was injected. The brain water content and Evans blue dye content were measured 24 and 5 hours after traumatic brain injury, respectively. The neurologic outcomes and intracranial pressure were assessed before, 4, and 24 hours after traumatic brain injury. Brain water content and Evans blue content were less in estrogen-treated group comparison to vehicle group. ICI 182,780 eliminated the effects of estrogen on brain edema and brain blood barrier permeability. Intracranial pressure was increased significantly after trauma, and estrogen decreased intracranial pressure at 4 and 24 hours after traumatic brain injury in comparison to vehicle. This inhibitory effect was also eliminated by treatment with ICI182,780. ICI 182,780 also inhibited the estrogen induced increase in neurologic outcomes following traumatic brain injury. However, the use of ICI 182,780 alone had no neuroprotective effect after traumatic brain injury. The results suggest that classical estrogen receptors have probably a role in the neuroprotective function of estrogen following traumatic brain injury

Rapid detection of coliforms in drinking water of Arak city using multiplex PCR method in comparison with the standard method of culture (Most Probably Number)

Objective:To analyse molecular detection of coliforms and shorten the time of PCR. Methods:Rapid detection of coliforms by amplification of lacZ and uidA genes in a multiplex PCR reaction was designed and performed in comparison with most probably number (MPN) method for 16 artificial and 101 field samples. The molecular method was also conducted on isolated coliforms from positive MPN samples; standard sample for verification of microbial method certificated reference material; isolated strains from certificated reference material and standard bacteria. The PCR and electrophoresis parameters were changed for reducing the operation time. Results:Results of PCR for lacZ and uidA genes were similar in all of standard, operational and artificial samples and showed the 876 bp and 147 bp bands of lacZ and uidA genes by multiplex PCR. PCR results were confirmed by MPN culture method by sensitivity 86%(95%CI:0.71-0.93). Also the total execution time, with a successful change of factors, was reduced to less than two and a half hour. Conclusions:Multiplex PCR method with shortened operation time was used for the simultaneous detection of total coliforms and Escherichia coli in distribution system of Arak city. It’s recommended to be used at least as an initial screening test, and then the positive samples could be randomly tested by MPN.

effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation on the apical leakage of retrograde cavity

Controversial results have been reported when organic acids, ultrasonic instruments and laser techniques were used to remove smear layer in endodontic treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of removing debris and smear layer by Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation on the apical leakage of retrograde cavities. In this ex vivo study, 24 extracted mandibular single-rooted teeth were selected and instrumented up to K-file size #35. Approximately 3 mm of root apices were dissected perpendicular to the root's long axis. Retrograde cavities with 3 mm depth were prepared and the teeth were randomly assigned to two groups. In one group, the retrograde cavities were filled with amalgam and in the other group, the dentinal surface of the retrograde cavities were lased with Er,Cr:YSGG laser [2W, 15 seconds, G4 tip]. The cavities were filled with amalgam; all tooth surfaces except for dissected outsides were covered with blue wax. Then the teeth were immersed in 2% methylene blue dye for 48 hours. The amount of dye penetration into sagittal sections was measured by stereomicroscope at _20 magnification by two independent observers who were blinded to the experiment. Data were statistically analyzed using student t-test. This study demonstrated that dye penetration was 0.8 mm [ +/- 0.53] in the lased and 0.97 mm [ +/- 0.54] in the non-lased group. It showed that, Er,Cr:YSGG laser can remove the debris and smear layer and consequently reduces the amount of dye penetration, although, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. This study showed that dye penetration was less in lased group because of the better seal of the dissected surface due to the better removal of the debris and smear layer by laser; further investigations are recommended in this field