Biological effects of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED).

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) on viability/proliferation, migration, osteo/odontogenic differentiation, and in vitro biomineralization of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: SHED cultures were established by enzymatic dissociation from pulps of deciduous teeth. SHED were irradiated with a diode laser (InGaAsP; 940 nm; 0.2 W, continuous mode) at energy fluences 4, 8, and 16 J/cm2 in the dark, while non-irradiated SHED served as control. Cell viability/proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay and cell mobilization by Transwell™ migration assay. Expression of osteo/odontogenesis-related genes (ALP, BMP-2, BGLAP, DSPP, MSX2, RUNX2) was assessed by real-time PCR, while in vitro biomineralization by Alizarin Red staining. Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests (*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01). RESULTS: Statistically significant stimulation of cell viability/proliferation was observed at all energy fluences, reaching the highest effect for the 4 and 16 J/cm2. Although the 8 J/cm2 fluence showed the lowest stimulatory effect on cell viability/proliferation, it was the most effective in inducing SHED migration, upregulation of odontogenesis-related genes (DSPP, ALP, BMP-2) at specific time-points, and the in vitro biomineralization potential of SHED compared to the other two energy fluences. CONCLUSIONS: LLLI proved beneficial in promoting SHED biological processes critical for pulp repair in deciduous teeth. Overall, the 8 J/cm2 energy fluence showed the most beneficiary effects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results provide insights on a narrow "therapeutic window" of LLLI application in vital pulp therapies of deciduous teeth, paving the way for the establishment of effective clinical protocols.

Cytomegalovirus-associated transverse myelitis in a non-immunocompromised patient.

DESIGN: Single case report. OBJECTIVE: To report a rare case of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated transverse myelitis (TM) in the immunocompetent host. SETTINGS: Collaboration between a Neurology and Radiology University Department in Greece and a Molecular Virology Department in Cyprus. PATIENT: A 16-year-old male student developed an acute febrile illness followed shortly by TM, that resulted in paraplegia over 24 h. Rapid clinical improvement was followed by complete recovery in 2 months. Extensive laboratory work-up excluded other possible causes of TM and showed no evidence of an immunocompromised state. Antiviral serological data, identification of the viral genome by polymerase chain reaction and serial spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging findings, supported the diagnosis of CMV-associated TM in a non-immunocompromised patient. CONCLUSIONS: Our case further indicates that CMV infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of TM of uncertain etiology, in the immunocompetent patient. Clinical, immunological and neuroimaging findings indicate that post-infectious immune mediated inflammation, seems the most probable pathogenetic mechanism in this case.

A double blind comparative study of mianserin and a fixed combination of amitriptyline plus chlordiazepoxide.

A double-blind comparative trial was carried out in 64 depressed out-patients, comparing mianserin with a fixed combination of amitriptyline + chlordiazepoxide. Both preparations proved to be equally effective at the end of the trial, but the mianserin group showed a considerable therapeutic improvement at the end of the second week, in comparison to the other group. With regard to side-effects, mianserin produced by far less side-effects than the combination of amitriptyline + chlordiazepoxide. It was concluded that mianserin should be considered as one of the most suitable drugs for the treatment of depressed out-patients.