miR-155, miR-191, and miR-494 as diagnostic biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma and the effects of Avastin on these biomarkers

Objectives@#Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common types of head and neck cancer. MicroRNAs, as new biomarkers, are recommended for diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancers. Bevacizumab, sold under the trade name Avastin, is a humanized whole monoclonal antibody that targets and blocks VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A; angiogenesis) and oncogenic signaling pathways. @*Materials and Methods@#This study comprised 50 cases suffering from OSCC and 50 healthy participants. Peripheral blood samples were collected in glass test tubes, and RNA extraction was started immediately. Expression levels of miR-155, miR-191, and miR-494 biomarkers in the peripheral blood of OSCC-affected individuals and healthy volunteers in vivo were evaluated using real-time PCR. The influence of Avastin on the expression levels of the aforementioned biomarkers in vitro and in the HN5 cell line was also investigated. @*Results@#Expression levels of miR-155, miR-191, and miR-494 in the peripheral blood of individuals affected by OSCC were higher than in those who were healthy. Moreover, Avastin at a concentration of 400 µM caused a decrease in the expression levels of the three biomarkers and a 1.5-fold, 3.5-fold, and 4-fold increase in apoptosis in the test samples compared to the controls in the HN5 cell line after 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. @*Conclusion@#The findings of this study demonstrate that overexpression of miR-155, miR-191, and miR-494 is associated with OSCC, and Avastin is able to regulate and downregulate the expression of those biomarkers and increase apoptosis in cancerous cells in the HN5 cell line

The effect of vitamin C on the gene expression profile of sperm protamines in the male partners of couples with recurrent pregnancy loss: A randomized clinical trial / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#Since sperm abnormalities are known to be a major reason for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), any defects in DNA structure and chromatin condensation can place embryos at risk in the early stage of development and implantation. As antioxidants such as vitamin C may play a protective role against the destruction of protamine genes in sperm chromatin, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin C on chromatin and the expression of protamine genes in the male partners of couples with RPL. @*Methods@#Twenty male partners of couples with RPL were selected as the intervention group and received vitamin C supplementation (250 mg daily for 3 months). Healthy fertile men (n=20) were included as controls. Sperm chromatin, DNA integrity, and the expression levels of protamine genes were evaluated before and after treatment. @*Results@#Significant differences were found in sperm morphology, protamine deficiency, and apoptosis between the two groups and before and after vitamin C administration. A significant change was found in mRNA levels of PRM1, PRM2, and the PRM1/PRM2 ratio after treatment. @*Conclusion@#Daily oral administration of vitamin C may improve human sperm parameters and DNA integrity by increasing protamine gene expression levels in the male partners of couples with RPL. The beneficial effects of vitamin C supplementation as an antioxidant for the male partners of couples with RPL could lead to improved pregnancy outcomes in these cases.

An improvement in acute wound healing in rats by the synergistic effect of photobiomodulation and arginine / 한국실험동물학회지

In this probe, at first we examined the best route and dosage of arginine administration on wound healing in an excisional wound model in rats. Next, we intend to assess the impact of photobiomodulation (PBM) and arginine, individually and together, on the wound healing. In the pilot study, an excisional wound was made in each of 24 rats. There were 4 groups. Group 1 was the control group. In groups 2 and 3, wounds were topically treated with arginine ointments (ARG.) 2% and 5%, respectively. In group 4, arginine was injected (ARG. INJ.,i.p.). In the main phase, in 24 new rats, an excisional wound was made. There were 4 groups: group 5 served as the control. Wounds in group 6 were topically treated with ARG 2%. Wounds in group 7 were subjected to PBM. Wounds in group 8 were treated with PBM+ARG. 2%. On day 15, wound area measurement, wound strength, and stereological examination were performed. In the pilot study, we found that the ARG 2% ointment significantly decreased wound area than ARG. 5%, ARG. INJ. and control groups, and significantly increased wound strength compared to the control and ARG.5% groups. In the main phase, a significant decrease of wound area in all treatment regimens was induced. PBM + ARG. 2% and PBM treatment regimens significantly improved wound strength and almost all stereological parameters, compared to the control and ARG. 2% groups. PBM + ARG. 2% induced anti-inflammatory and angiogenic activities, and hastened the wound healing process in an excisional wound model in rats.

The effects of pentoxifylline adminstration on fracture healing in a postmenopausal osteoporotic rat model / 한국실험동물학회지

Previous studies report positive effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) alone or in combination with other drugs on some pathologic bone diseases as well as an ability to accelerate osteogensis and fracture healing in both animal models and human patients. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the effects of PTX administration on Hounsfield unit and bone strength at catabolic response (bone resorbing) of a fracture in an experimental rat model of ovariectomy induced osteoporosis (OVX-D). Thirty adult female rats were divided into groups as follows: 1 (OVX, control, no treatment); 2 (OVX, sham: daily distilled water); 3 (OVX, daily alendronate: 3 mg/kg); 4 (OVX, twice daily 100 mg/kg PTX) and 5 (OVX, PTX+alenderonate). OVX was induced by bilateral ovariectomy in all rats. A complete standardized osteotomy of the right femur was made after 3.5 months. PTX and alendronate treatments were performed for eight weeks. Then, rats were euthanized and had its right femur subjected to computerized tomography scanning for measuring Hounsfield unit; eventually, the samples were sent for a three point bending test for evaluation of the bone strength. Administration of PTX with 200 mg/kg and alendronate alone and in combination showed no significant alteration in Hounsfield unit and biomechanical properties of repairing callus of the complete osteotomy compared with the control group. Results showed increased bending stiffness and stress high load mean values of repairing complete osteotomy in PTX-treated rats compared to the control OVX-D.

Recognition of a rare intrathoracic rib with computed tomography: a case report / 대한해부학회지

One of the uncommon congenital variations is intrathoracic rib which a normal, a bifid, or an accessory rib lies within the thoracic cavity that is founded accidentally. Clinically, in most cases they are without symptoms; however, it may cause intrathoracic problems therefore it is important for radiologists and physicians to identify to prevent of excessive intervention and treatment during imaging diagnostic techniques of thoracic problems. In this report, we provide the case of a rare presentation of an intrathoracic rib in a 3-year-old boy arising from the inferior portion of a second rib based on findings from computed tomography. To our knowledge, this is only the second reported case of this type of intrathoracic rib that demonstrated with computed tomography.

The effects of dosage and the routes of administrations of streptozotocin and alloxan on induction rate of type1 diabetes mellitus and mortality rate in rats / 한국실험동물학회지

The approach and novelty of this scientific work was to formulate the appropriate Streptozotocin (STZ) and Alloxan dosage in different routes of administration to imply minimum mortality rate and high incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the rat experiment model. Rats were randomly divided into STZ, Alloxan and control groups. 1-Alloxan group was divided into two subgroups: intraperitoneal (ip) subgroups which received a single dose of, 140, 120, 100 and 80 mg/kg; and the subcutaneous (sc) subgroups which received a single dose of, 120, 110, 100, 90, and 80 mg/kg. 2-STZ group was divided into four subgroups of ip route. The ip subgroup which received intraperitoneally a single dose of, 30, 35, 40 and 50 mg/kg. 3-The control group: This group received solo distilled water. The injection day was considered as the day zero. Blood glucose levels and mortality rate were recorded. Subsequently, 30 days after, the logistic regression modeling was used to evaluate the effect of the explanatory variables, the dose levels, and route approaches, on the probability of DM incidence, and mortality. According to the statistical logistic analysis for Alloxan, it is concluded that the minimum dosage needed to induce DM was 120 mg/kg by sc method (probability 0.712). In addition, the logistic analysis for STZ showed that the optimal dose-level for STZ was 40 mg/kg with ip with approximate induction of DM probability 0.764. Based on the data, male Wistar rats in which received a single dosage of Alloxan by sc injection at dose of 120 mg/kg showed the most desirable result of induction of type I DM; furthermore, those in which received STZ by ip injection at the dose of 40 mg/kg developed a persistent and optimal DM state characterized by high rate of DM induction and low- level of mortality.

Analysis of the factors affecting surgical success of implants placed in Iranian warfare victims

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the survival time and success rates of dental implants in warfare victims and factors that affect implant success

Subjects and Methods: This retrospective study involved 250 Iranian warfare victims who received dental implants from 2003 to 2013. Patients' demographic characteristics, as well as the brand, diameter, length, location and failure rate of the implants were retrieved from patients' dental records and radiographs. The associations between these data and the survival rate were analyzed. Statistical analysis was carried out with X2 and log-rank tests

Results: Overall, out of the 1,533 dental implants, 61 [4%] failed. The maxillary canine area had the highest failure rate [9 of 132 implants [6.8%]], while the mandibular incisor region had the least number of failures [3 of 147 implants [2.0%]] and the longest survival time [approximately 3,182 days]. Maxillary canine areas had the shortest survival [about 2,996 days]. The longest survival time was observed in implants with 11 mm length [3,179.72 +/- 30.139 days] and 3.75-4 mm diameter [3,131.161 +/- 35.96 days], and the shortest survival was found in implants with 11.5 mm length [2,317.79 +/- 18.71 days] and 6.5 mm diameter [2,241.45 +/- 182.21 days]. Moreover, implants with 10 mm length [10.7%] and 5.5-6 mm diameter [22.2%] had the highest failure rate; however, the least failure rate occurred when the implants were 11.5 mm in length [1.9%] and 3-3.5 mm in diameter [3.1%]

Conclusions: The brand, length and diameter of implants affected the survival time, failure rate and time to failure. The location of the implant was not statistically significant regarding the mentioned factors, although it has clinical significance

Effects of pentoxifylline administration on histomorphological parameters of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat testes / 한국실험동물학회지

The effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) administration on histomorphological parameters of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in male rat testes were evaluated. We randomly divided 40 male rats into the following four groups: group 1: control or normal glycemic (NG) rats; group 2 or NG rats that received only normal saline (NS), (NG+NS); group 3 or diabetic rats which were not treated by PTX (DM+vehicle solution (NS)); and group 4 which comprised diabetic rats treated with 50 mg/kg of PTX (DM+PTX). Type 1 DM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg). Rats were held for 30 days after which the experimental group received PTX twice daily (25 mg/kg) or NS. After 14 days of treatment by PTX or NS, the left testes from all rats were extracted and prpared for histological study. Apoptotic cells, blood vessel density, and spermatogenesis were evaluated. Data were analyzed by ANOVA test. PTX-treated-diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in number of apoptotic cells and decrease in blood vessel density compared to the DM+NS rats. A significant increase in spermatogenesis was observed in the PTX-treated diabetic group, compared to the DM+NS groups. It was concluded that PTX administration to STZ-induced type 1 DM rats affected apoptotic cell number positively. Moreover, blood vessel density significantly decreased and improvements were observed in spermatogenesis.

Supraphysiologic glucocorticoid administration increased biomechanical bone strength of rats' vertebral body / 한국실험동물학회지

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of different glucocorticoid administration protocols on biomechanical properties of the first lumbar vertebral body in rats. We divided 40 male rats into the following groups: control, dexamethasone (7 mg/week), dexamethasone (0.7 mg/week), methylprednisolone (7 mg/kg/week), methylprednisolone (5 mg/kg twice weekly), dexamethasone (7 mg/kg three times per week), dexamethasone (0.7 mg/kg three times per week, and low-level laser treated rats. Lumbar vertebrae in rats were exposed to the pulsed laser. We conducted a biomechanical test to examine the mechanical properties of vertebral body in rats' lumbar bone. Supraphysiologic glucocorticoid administration protocols did not impair the biomechanical properties of rats' vertebral bodies compared to control and laser-treated rats. Supraphysiologic glucocorticoid administration caused an anabolic effect on the vertebral bodies.

Case report: a case report on variation in bifurcation of brachial artery

Variations in arterial anatomy are less frequent, contrary to the venous system, and most of these variations affect visceral arteries. Variations in the brachial artery are the most frequently reported and so far a minimum of six different patterns have been described. The most common of these patterns is the superficial brachial artery, which lies superficially to the median nerve. Much less prevalent is the high origin of the radial artery [brachioradial artery] or the existence of a doubled brachial artery [accessory brachial artery]. The current study presents a pattern of brachial artery variation which was previously undescribed. During dissection of the right upper limb of a 50 year-old male embalmed cadaver, the bifurcation of the brachial artery in the proximal portion of the middle third of the arm was observed. In this case, the medial branch reaches the medial aspect of the arm, posterior to the median nerve. Afterwards, this medial branch redirects laterally and crosses the median nerve again, this time lying anterior to the nerve till it reaches the lateral aspect of the arm. At the elbow level, the medial branch originates from the radial artery. The lateral branch of the brachial artery remains lateral to the median nerve and continues as ulnar artery and originates from the interosseous artery. It was also observed that the left brachial artery was smaller in size, and bifurcated high in the arm into the superficial radial and ulnar arteries. It was also interesting to note that the common interosseous artery was originated from the left radial artery in the cubital fossa, which descended deep to pronator teres where it was divided into the anterior and posterior interosseous arteries. These variations are discussed comprehensively and compared with the previous reports. Also, it is asserted how clinically the findings are significant

case report: rare communication of Ansa Cervicalis

During the past few years, researchers and practitioners have developed novel techniques, using ansa cervicalis to innervate muscles of the larynx paralyzed due to surgical procedures carried out in the chest and neck areas. During routine dissection of a middle-age male cadaver, an unusual course of the superior root of the ansa cervicalis was observed. In this case, the superior root of the ansa cervicalis fused with the vagus and ran within the carotid sheath, and then joined the inferior root forming the ansa cervicalis in the anterior wall of the carotid sheath. The study of this case will add to our current knowledge of ansa cervicalis and thus aid prevention of injury to the nerve during various surgical procedures

case report: variation of the cephalic and external jugular veins

The knowledge of variations in the superficial veins is of clinical importance for the anatomist, radiologists, clinical practitioners and surgeons in order to plan about the operative procedures. Usually cephalic vein drains into the axillary vein. In this case report study the left cephalic vein communicates with the left external jugular vein and made a common trunk at the superior surface of the clavicle, and then opened into the subclavian vein posterosuperior to the clavicle. The aim of this report was to discuss about the presence of an abnormal communication between external jugular and cephalic vein

Reconstruction of cleft palate with bone morphogenetic protein in sheep: a feasibility pilot study

Surgical repair of cleft palate with a bony bridge may offer some distinct advantages including a lower rate of fistula formation. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of surgically inducing cleft palate and reconstruction of the cleft with the use of bone morphogenetic protein-2 [BMP-2] in sheep. In the control group [two sheep], the cleft palate was repaired with standard von Langenbeck technique. In the study group [two sheep], the cleft was repaired with the same technique with the exception that a BMP-2 gel was placed between the two oral and nasal layers. Two months after cleft repair surgery, animals were sacrificed and the cleft sites were evaluated histologically with the use of light microscopy. The results showed that surgically inducing cleft palate and repairing the cleft is feasible in sheep. Microscopic evaluation showed no bone formation in control group and minor bone formation in the study group. To determine whether BMP-2 is a useful adjunct to standard cleft palate repair techniques, an animal study with larger population is required

effect of interleukin 36Gene therapy in the regression of tumor

Cancer immunotherapy attempts to stimulate the immune system to reject and destroy tumors and is one of the cancer treatment strategies. Recently, interluekin36 [IL36] has been used as immunotherapeutic agents in cancer gene therapy. Present study investigated that the IL36 gene therapy effects on the regression of tumor masses in mouse model. Aim of this study is determination of the gene therapy effects by IL36 in the regression of tumor masses in mouse model. To study the therapeutic efficacy of this cytokine, WEHI-164 tumor cells were transected with mIL36 plasmids. ELISA test was used to check cytokine production by transected cells. To establish fibro sarcoma mouse model, Tumoral transfected cells were injected subcutaneously to inoculate tumor in BALB/C mice. Tumor volumes were measured by caliper. Mice were sacrificed and tumors were extracted. The expression of IL36 and IFN-gamma was studied with Real-time PCR and immunoblotting. The expression of Ki-67 [a tumor proliferation marker] in tumor masses was studied by immunohistochemistry staining. In this study we had 2 groups which are treated with IL-36 and Untreated with IL-36 as a blank. The group treated with IL36 indicated decrease of tumor mass volume [p<0.001]. The results of western blotting and real-time PCR showed the IL36 expression increased in the group treated with IL36 [with relative expression of 1.9]. Immunohistochemistry staining indicated that the Ki-67expression has been reduced in the group interfered with IL36. IL36 gene therapy has therapeutic effects on the regression of tumor masses in fibro sarcoma mouse model

Comparing the effect of pentoxifylline administration on mast cells maturing process in a diabetic and normoglycemic rat wound healing

Wound healing is a complicated process that is influenced by many factors. Studies at molecular level on human and animal models have revealed several molecular changes related to the effect of diabetes on wound healing process. Increasing number of researches implicates the influence of mast cells on skin wounds healing. The present experimental study was conducted to compare systemic pentoxifylline administration on maturing process of mast cells during skin wound healing in diabetic and normoglycemic rats. In this experimental study, 48 wistar rats were divided into 2 groups of normoglycemic and diabetic and each group was divided into experimental and control. Experimental group received intraperitoneal [25 mg/kg twice a day] and control group received distilled water. The number of mast cells and their maturing process was evaluated by microscopically counting of the types of mast cells [types 1, 2, 3] by stereological methods on day 3 and 7 after surgery. In all experimental groups receiving pentoxifylline there were significant difference in the number of total mast cells, comparing normoglycemic groups [p<0.05] and also we found that in wound healing process pentoxifylline caused increasing the number of type 2 mast cells in all experimental groups [p<0.05]. In all pentoxifylline treated groups delay in converting type 2 into type 3 mast cell was seen. Pentoxifylline causes decreasing mast cell degranulation during wound healing process

Effect of pamidronate and calcium on implant osseointegration in ovariectomized rats

Introduction: Supplementation with minerals like calcium has been shown to be effective in preventing bone loss and increasing bone density. Thus, it can be assumed that if calcium supplementation is paired with bisphosphonates, greater benefit can be achieved. In this context, we decided to perform this animal study on ovariectomized rats to assess whether bisphosphonate supplemented with calcium can improve implant osseointegration compared to bisphosphonate and calcium alone. Materials and Methods: In this animal study, 40 ovariectomized rats were divided into 4 groups prior to implant insertion. The first group received 5 mg/kg intramuscular calcium gluconate 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The second group received 5 mg/kg intramuscular pamidronate 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The third group was administrated a combination of both intramuscular calcium gluconate and pamidronate. The control group received no medication. The rats were sacrificed and the contact surface ratio [CSR] was evaluated 8 weeks after implant insertion in tibial bone. Result: The pamidronate receiving group had significantly better CSR than the Ca receiving and control groups [P < 0.001]. Intravenous calcium did not improve CSR compared to the control group [P = 0.459]. Conclusion: Short-term preoperative intravenous pamidronate can significantly improve bone to implant contact in post-menopausal animal models, whereas calcium supplementation has no beneficial effect

[Prevalence of systemic diseases in patients with dental infections]

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of diabetes and other risk factors in patients with dental infections. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 patients who preferred in maxillofacial word of shariaty hospital with acute dental infections in 9 months. A self-administered questionnaire was administered during a dental appointment in order to gather demographic information and recorded past history of systemic disease, OPG radiography, gingival examination, and the result of lab tests such as CBC, FBS, PT, Bilirubin, Creat, T3, T4, TSH, HIVAb and HBSAg. 28% of the subjects and diabetes, 28% Anemia, 4% Hepatitis and 4% suffered from thyroid deficiency. 28% were smokers and 18% declared using alcohol. 6% of this population was addicted to narcotic substances. There was a significant correlation between age, education, diabetes and dental infections [P<0.05]. DMFT for people with dental infections without any systemic disease were 8, for diabetic patients, smokers and alcohol users were respectively 17.16, 17 and 14. Diabetes found highly prevalent in patients with dental infection and high DMFT.It indicates a need to establish a comprehensive oral health promotion program based on whole examination and blood glucose control in diabetic patients who have acute dental infection by collaboration between dental and general health care professionals. Moreover, it is recommended that all patients should be educated in dental and oral health for prevention of dental infections

effects of pentoxifylline on the wound healing process in a rat experimental pressure sore model

The present study used a histological evaluation method to examine the effects of pentoxifylline [PTX] on healing an experimentally-induced pressure sore in a rat model. There were 36 adult male rats used in this study. Under general anesthesia and sterile conditions, we used forceps to create one pressure sore on each rat. A double layer of folded skin from the dorsal region was held with the highest forceps pressure grade for two hours, followed by 30 minutes of relaxation. This was repeated 12 times over three consecutive working days, and created a pressure sore after seven days. Next, rats were randomly divided into three control and three experimental groups. The experimental groups received intraperitoneal injections of PTX [50 mg/kg] for 14, 21, and 28 days after the pressure sore was created. Control groups received a similar volume of saline solution. Rats were euthanized, after which samples were extracted from the wound area and prepared for light microscopy examination. We calculated the number of neutrophils, macrophages, fibroblasts, blood vessel sections, and thicknesses of the newly formed epidermis and dermis. Although the values of some studied parameters were higher in the experimental group, there were no significant differences noted between the experimental and control groups. In this study PTX did not increase any histological parameters. Thus, the effects of PTX on the pressure sore model seem to result from different mechanisms

Evaluating the effects of pentoxifylline administration on experimental pressure sores in rats by biomechanical examinations / 한국실험동물학회지

This study used a biomechanical test to evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline administration on the wound healing process of an experimental pressure sore induced in rats. Under general anesthesia and sterile conditions, experimental pressure sores generated by no. 25 Halsted mosquito forceps were inflicted on 12 adult male rats. Pentoxifylline was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 50 mg/kg daily from the day the pressure sore was generated, for a period of 20 days. At the end of 20 days, rats were sacrificed and skin samples extracted. Samples were biomechanically examined by a material testing instrument for maximum stress (N mm2), work up to maximum force (N), and elastic stiffness (N/mm). In the experimental group, maximum stress (2.05+/-0.15) and work up to maximum force (N/mm) (63.75+/-4.97) were significantly higher than the control group (1.3+/-0.27 and 43.3+/-14.96, P=0.002 and P=0.035, respectively). Pentoxifylline administration significantly accelerated the wound healing process in experimental rats with pressure sores, compared to that of the control group.

[Surgical success of dental implants placed in sinus lift and non-sinus lift areas in warfare victims presenting to Ghazi Tabatabai clinic from 2001 to 2008]

Local bone augmentation in the posterior maxilla [sinus lift] before the placement of dental implants has become an acceptable treatment technique in implant dentistry. However, limited documented data are available on the results of this technique and relevant issues in Iran. The present study aimed at evaluating the surgical outcome of sinus lift and implant placement in warfare victims presenting to Ghazi Tabatabai Clinic during 2001-2008. In this retrospective study, 50 patients that had undergone sinus lift surgery were evaluated. All warfare victims presenting to the clinic who had a medical record and undergone sinus lift treatment were enrolled. Those with incomplete medical files were excluded from the study. The required data were extracted from patients' medical records and entered into a questionnaire. The mean duration of follow up was 53.32 +/- 23.05 months. The surgical success criterion was presence of osseointegrated implants in the oral cavity during the follow up period. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test and Fisher's exact test. Failed out of which 5 were in the sinus-lift area. Thus, the total success rate, the success rate of implants placed in the sinus lift area and the success rate of those out of the sinus lift area were 96.6%, 93.9% and 98%, respectively. The study results demonstrated high success rates for implants placed in sinus lift and non-sinus lift areas in warfare victims