Cell Proliferation, Viability, Differentiation, and Apoptosis of Iron Oxide Labeled Stem Cells Transfected with Lipofectamine Assessed by MRI.

To assess in vitro and in vivo tracking of iron oxide labeled stem cells transfected by lipofectamine using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), rat dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were characterized, labeled with iron oxide nanoparticles, and then transfected with lipofectamine to facilitate the internalization of these nanoparticles. Cell proliferation, viability, differentiation, and apoptosis were investigated. Prussian blue staining and MRI were used to trace transfected labeled cells. DPSCs were a morphologically spindle shape, adherent to culture plates, and positive for adipogenic and osteogenic inductions. They expressed CD73 and CD90 markers and lacked CD34 and CD45. Iron oxide labeling and transfection with lipofectamine in DPSCs had no toxic impact on viability, proliferation, and differentiation, and did not induce any apoptosis. In vitro and in vivo internalization of iron oxide nanoparticles within DPSCs were confirmed by Prussian blue staining and MRI tracking. Prussian blue staining and MRI tracking in the absence of any toxic effects on cell viability, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis were safe and accurate to track DPSCs labeled with iron oxide and transfected with lipofectamine. MRI can be a useful imaging modality when treatment outcome is targeted.

Frequency of tonsilloliths in panoramic views of a selected population in southern iran.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Tonsilloliths are relatively common clusters of dystrophic calcified material that form in the tonsillar crypts, mostly the palatine tonsils. Although they may be asymptomatic, some cause halitosis, cough, dysphagia, and foreign body sensation, as well as otalgia. Since tonsilloliths can be detected on panoramic views as radiopaque lesions, and misdiagnosis may lead to wasting time and cost, dentist should be familiar with radiographic characteristics of this type of calcification. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and the pattern of distribution of tonsilloliths on panoramic radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study was based on 2000 panoramic radiographs from 1030 female and 970 male aged 6-75 years old evaluated for the presence and pattern of tonsillolithiasis, between 2011 and 2013 in Shiraz, Iran. Chi-square test and odds ratio were used to evaluate the relationship between tonsillolithiasis and gender. p< 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of the 2000 individuals, 101 cases (5.05%) had tonsilloliths on panoramic radiographs out of which 61 were male (60.4%) and 40 were female (39.6%), with age range of 18 to 65. Forty patients (39.6%) had both left and right sides involved, 25 of tonsilloliths (24.75%) were located on the right and 36 on the left side (35.65%). Men were more likely to develop tonsilloliths (p= 0.014). CONCLUSION: Tonsilloliths are not very common finding and can be detected on nearly 5.05% of panoramic radiographs. Most of the cases are unilateral with a diameter less than 2mm.