Effects of cigarette smoke condensate on reproduction in mice in vivo.

Smoking has dangerous and sometimes irreversible effects on various body tissues, including the reproductive system. We conducted this research to determine the in vivo effects of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) on reproduction in mice. In this experimental in vivo study, 32 male and female NMRI mice were divided into four groups. The mice were injected with CSC (CSC-1R3F) for 28 days. The mice were mated 1 day after the last injection and observed daily for 1 week for the presence of a vaginal plug to track mating. We evaluated mating success rate, and sperm and oocyte quality, pregnancy outcome, childbearing status, and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The results showed a decrease in successful mating in female mice that received the CSC injections. CSC significantly influenced the number of offspring born to males. When the CSC was injected into male mice, there was a significant increase in the number of offspring compared with the group in which only the females received CSC injections. According to the results, there was a negative effect of CSC on morphological parameters in male and female mice. Also, successful IVF after exposure to CSC was significantly decreased in the female mice treated group. The results indicated that CSC significantly affected the number of offspring and fecundity success in females.

Genetic Regulation of Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-10 in COVID-19 Infection.

Background: The role and regulation mechanisms of the interleukin-6 and 10 (IL6 and IL-10) serum levels and the interaction between CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes with SARS-COV-2 IgM and IgG in the context of COVID-19 infection are not fully understood. Methods: This study was conducted on 45 COVID-19 patients and 45 healthy individuals. The IL-6 and IL-10 promoter methylation, IL-6 and IL-10 gene expression, SARS-COV-2 IgM, and IgG antibodies and CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were studied by qMSP-PCR, Real-time PCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry techniques, respectively. Results: The male ratio and mean age of critically ill patients' group were significantly higher in compared to controls (P< 0.05). IL-6 gene expression and serum levels were significantly increased in patients compared to controls (P=0.002, 0.001), but IL-6 promoter methylation was not significantly decreased in patients (P=0.835). The IL-10 promoter methylation and expression were not different between cases and controls (0.326, 0.455), but serum IL-10 levels were higher in patients (P< 0.001). The CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes decreased (P< 0.001) and mean SARS-COV-2 IgG increased (P=0.002) in the patients compared to controls. Conclusions: The COVID-19 disease result in severe complications in men and elderly. The serum levels of interleukin-6 and 10 increases in COVID-19 infection, and the gene expression of these two interleukins underlying in this increase. The serum levels of IL-6, IL-10 and SARS-COV-2 IgG as well as CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte counts should be investigated to monitor patients and predict the course of disease.

Effect of cigarette smoke condensate on mouse embryo development and expression of pluripotency and apoptotic genes in vitro.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) on in vitro development of mouse embryos. In total 3000 NMRI mice 2PN embryos were divided into six groups (n = 500). The test group was exposed to 20, 40, 80, 160 or 320 µg/ml of CSC. In the control group, CSC was not added to the culture medium during the development of 2PN embryos. The effects of 20 and 80 µg/ml of CSC on genes involved in pluripotency and apoptosis, and also, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor gene was assessed in the blastocysts. Our results showed that CSC had an adverse effect on the viability of mouse embryos at the concentrations of 80, 160 and 320 µg/ml compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, it had positive effects on the viability of mouse embryos at the concentrations of 20 and 40 µg/ml compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The 20 and 80 µg/ml concentrations of CSC increased the expression of pluripotency, apoptotic, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor genes in the blastocyst embryo stage compared with the control group (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that concentrations higher than 40 µg/ml of CSC have an adverse effect on mouse embryo development in the preimplantation stages. Also, 20 and 80 µg/ml concentrations of CSC have a significant effect on the expression of pluripotency, apoptotic, and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor genes in the blastocyst embryo stage compared with the control group.

Enzyme and Thermo Dual-stimuli Responsive DOX Carrier Based on PNIPAM Conjugated Mesoporous Silica.

Background: Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems have been proven to be a promising strategy to enhance tumor localization, overcome multidrug resistance (MDR), and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy agents. Objectives: In this study, a temperature and redox dual stimuli-responsive system using mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for targeted delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) was developed. Methods: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles were capped with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), a thermo-sensitive polymer, with atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method, via disulfide bonds (DOX-MSN-S-S-PNIPAM) to attain a controlled system that releases DOX under glutathione-rich (GSH-rich) environments and temperatures above PNIPAM's lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Morphological and physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were indicated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The drug release tests were performed at 25°C and 41°C in the absence and presence of the DTT, and the obtained results confirmed the synergic effect of temperature and reductive agent on a dual responsive release profile with a 73% cumulative release at 41°C and reductive environment during 240 min. Results: The average loaded drug content and encapsulation efficacy were reported as 42% and 29.5% at the drug: nanoparticle ratio of 1.5: 1. In vitro cytotoxicity assays on MCF-7 cell lines indicated significant viability decreased in cells exposed to DOX-MSN-S-S-PNIPAM compared to the free drug (DOX). Conclusions: Based on the results, DOX-MSN-S-S-PNIPAM has shown much more efficiency with stimuli-responsive properties in comparison to DOX on MCF-7 cancer cell lines.

The effects of supplemented sericin on in vitro maturation and preimplantation development of mouse embryos: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Mouse embryo culture condition is an essential part of transgenic, reproductive and developmental biology laboratories. Mouse embryonic culture media may have a high risk of serum contamination with pathogens. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of sericin as an embryo culture medium supplement on in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and development of the preimplantation embryo in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of sericin at three concentrations (subgroups) of 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% as a medium supplement on IVM, IVF, and in vitro development of mouse embryos were separately investigated and compared with a sericin-free (control) group. The cumulative effect of the three concentrations was evaluated for IVM + in vitro development and IVF + in vitro development as follow-up groups. RESULTS: In the IVM group, compared to the control group, the number of oocysts reaching the MII stage was significantly higher when 1% sericin was used (161/208 = 77.4%). No significant results were observed in the IVF and in vitro development groups with different concentrations of sericin compared to the control group. Among the follow-up groups, in the IVM + in vitro development group, the number of oocytes was higher after passing the IVM and IVF and reaching the blastocysts stage when 1% sericin was used, compared with other sericin subgroups. A significant difference was also noted when compared with the control group (p = 0.048). The IVF + in vitro development study group, on the other hand, did not show any significant relationship. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that 1% sericin can be used as a supplement in mouse embryo cultures to improve the IVM rate. Also, based on the findings, sericin appears to be an effective supplement which can have a positive effect on the development of embryos derived from IVM.

Expression and Clinicopathological Significances of lncRNAs: Could ARA and ZEB2NAT be the Potential Breast Cancer-Related Biomarkers?

INTRODUCTION: Pieces of evidence have shown that a significant proportion of cancer-prone factors are not attributed to alterations in protein-coding sequences. Adriamycin resistance-related (ARA) and natural antisense of ZEB2 (ZEB2NAT) long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been indicated with oncogenic properties by regulating various signaling pathways and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which may have diagnostic and prognostic potential as a novel group of biomarkers. AIM: The current study aimed to evaluate the expression status of ARA and ZEB2NAT lncRNAs and their clinicopathological significance in a population with breast cancer (BC). METHODS: Total RNA was extracted from 60 tumor samples and their normal adjacent tissues (NATs). The lncRNA expressions were measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and statistical analyses were performed by SPSS version 25. RESULTS: Our data showed a significant upregulation of ARA and ZEB2NAT lncRNAs in tumor tissues compared to NATs (p <0.001; p = 0.021, respectively). ARA and ZEB2NAT expression were observed to be significantly associated with tumor grade, nuclear grade, tumor stages, and lymph node metastasis (p <0.05). Additionally, ARA expression was significantly correlated with breastfeeding status (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: our data revealed that ARA and ZEB2NAT lncRNAs were overexpressed in BC. Furthermore, the selected lncRNAs were found to might be the potential biomarkers for BC diagnosis and prognosis. However, the findings of the current research are required to be replicated in other studies with larger sample sizes.

Microencapsulation of Omeprazole by Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 Surface Layer Protein and Evaluation of its Stability in Acidic Condition.

The present study introduces a novel method for encapsulation of the acid-labile drug called Omeprazole using Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) ATCC 4356 S-layer protein. Before preparing the Omeprazole suspension, a series of preliminary studies were performed on the Omeprazole powder. For this purpose, some parameters such as melting point, IR spectrum, UV spectrum, and the particle size of Omeprazole powder were investigated. The size reduction process was done in order to achieve an ideal formulation. Ultimately, the resulting powder had an average particle size of 35.516 µm and it was almost uniform. After calculating the amount of S-layer protein required for complete covering of drug particles, the effect of different factors on the drug coating process was investigated with one factor at a time method. Then stability of coated Omeprazole was evaluated in acetate buffer (pH 5). Finally, the maximum coat of drug particles was determined using S- layer protein of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 at 25 °C for 2 h, shaking rate of 100 rpm and ratio of 2:1 for S-layer protein amount/Omeprazole Surface in Tris hydrochloride buffer medium (50 mM, pH 8). The coating of Omeprazole by the S-layer protein decreased the drug decomposition rate up to 2.223.

Functionalisation of carbon nanotubes by methotrexate and study of synchronous photothermal effect of carbon nanotube and anticancer drug on cancer cell death.

Carboxylated functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNT) were synthesised. Furthermore, folic acid (FA) and methotrexate (MTX) through ethylenediamine (ED) were attached to the surface of f-MWCNT to synthesise MWCNT-ED-FA and MWCNT-ED-MTX. Release studies of MTX as free drug and in MWCNT-ED-MTX were performed. These studies showed that MTX release rate from MWCNT-ED-MTX decreased in comparison with free MTX, which is due to the MTX attachment on the MWCNT. The anticancer effect of MWCNT-ED-FA and MWCNT-ED-MTX on the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was studied. Studies have shown that MWCNT-ED-MTX cytotoxicity is more than that of MWCNT-ED-FA, which is due to the presence of MTX. Furthermore, the anticancer effects of MWCNT-ED-FA and MWCNT-ED-MTX in the presence of infrared laser radiation on the MCF7 cell were studied. The experiments showed that in the presence of the laser, the cytotoxicities of MWCNT-ED-FA and MWCNT-ED-MTX were the same and increased in comparison with laser absence, which indicates that the photothermal effect is stronger than other factors and mask their effects. This effect can be related to laser radiation absorption by MWCNT and its conversion to heat which can induce cancer cell death. Targeting studies have shown that MWCNT-ED-FA is targeted to the cancer cells due to the presence of FA.

Generation of Fam83h knockout mice by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene engineering.

Family with sequence similarity 83 member H (FAM83H) protein-coding geneplay an essential role in the structural organization, calcification of developing enamel, and keratin cytoskeleton disassembly by recruiting Casein kinase 1 alpha (CSNK1A1) to keratin filaments. In this study, we have applied CRISPR Cas9 nickase (D10A) to knockout (KO) the Fam83h gene in NMRI outbred mice. We generated homozygous Fam83h KO mice ( Fam83h Ko/Ko ) through a premature termination codon, which was validated by Sanger sequencing in F0 generation. Next, we also bred the FAM83H KO for two generations. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis approved the Fam83h KO mice. The Fam83h KO mice had evidence of normal morphology at the cervical loops, secretory and maturation stages, and mandibular molars. In comparison with the normal wild-type mice ( Fam83h W/W ), the F2 homozygous KO ( Fam83h Ko/Ko ) had sparse, scruffy coats with small body size and decreased general activity. Also, they had the natural reproductive ability and natural lifespan. In addition, delay in opening the eyes and dry eyes among infant mice were seen. The F1 heterozygous mice looked comparable to the normal wild-type mice ( Fam83h W/W ), which showed autosomal recessive inheritance of these phenotypes. The KO of FAM83H had controversial effects on the development of teeth and the formation of enamel. The phenotype defect in dental development and the enamel formation were seen in three mice among four generations. It can be concluded that null FAM83H in outbred mice not only showed the reported phenotypes in null inbred mouse but also showed normal lifespan and reproductive ability; dental deficiency in three homozygous mice; and the symptoms that were similar to the symptoms of dry eye syndrome and curly coat dog syndrome in all four evaluated KO generations.

Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Ibuprofen-mesoporous Hydroxyapatite Nanohybrid as a Sustained Drug Delivery System.

The present study deals with the fabrication of ibuprofen-mesoporous hydroxyapatite (IBU-MHA) particles via the incorporation of ibuprofen (IBU)-as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-into mesoporous hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (MHANPs) using an impregnation process, as a novel drug delivery device. MHANPs were synthesized by a self-assembly process using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a cationic surfactant and 1-dodecanethiol as a pore expander under basic condition. The focus of the present study was to optimize the incorporation of IBU molecules into MHANPs under different loading conditions. The synthesized MHANPs and IBU-MHA particles were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), brunauer-emmett-teller (BET), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermal analysis (TGA). Drug loading (DL) efficiency of IBU-MHA particles was determined by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and indicated that the optimized IBU-MHA particles with high DL (34.5%) can be obtained at an IBU/ MHANPs ratio of 35/50 (mg/mg), impregnation period of 24 h, and temperature of 40 °C using ethanol as solvent. In-vitro drug release test was carried out to prove the efficiency of IBU-MHA particles as a sustained drug delivery system. A more sustained and controlled drug release was observed for this particles, indicating that it may be have good potential as drug reservoirs for local drug release.

The Photothermal Effect of Targeted Methotrexate-Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on MCF7 Cells.

Our goal is to reduce the release rate of methotrexate (MTX) and increase cell death efficiency.Carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) were functionalized with MTX as a cytotoxic agent, FA as a targeting moiety and polyethylene amine (PEI) as a hydrophilic agent. Ultimately, MWCNT-MTX and MWCNT-MTX-PEI-FA were synthesized. Methotrexate release studies were conducted in PBS and cytotoxic studies were carried out by means of the MTT tassay. Methotrexate release studies from these two carriers demonstrated that the attachment of PEI-FA onto MWCNT-MTX reduces the release rate of methotrexate. The IC50 of MWCNT-MTX-PEI-FA and MWCNT-MTX have been calculated as follows: 9.89 ± 0.38 and 16.98 ± 1.07 µg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxic studies on MWCNT-MTX-PEI-FA and MWCNT-MTX in the presence of an IR laser showed that at high concentrations, they had similar toxicities due to the MWCNT's photothermal effect. Targeting effect studies in the presence of the IR laser on the cancer cells have shown that MWCNT-MTX-PEI-FA, MWCNT-MTX, and f-MWCNT have triggered the death of cancer cells by 55.11 ± 1.97%, 49.64 ± 2.44%, and 37 ± 0.70%, respectively. The release profile of MTX in MWCNT-MTX-PEI-FA showed that the presence of PEI acts as a barrier against release and reduces the MTX release rate. In the absence of a laser, MWCNT-MTX-PEI-FA exhibits the highest degree of cytotoxicity. In the presence of a laser, the cytotoxicity of MWCNT-MTX and MWCNT-MTX-PEI-FA has no significant difference. Targeting studies have shown that MWCNT-MTX-PEI-FA can be absorbed by cancer cells exclusively.

In-vitro study of Ketoprofen Release from Synthesized Silica Aerogels (as Drug Carriers) and Evaluation of Mathematical Kinetic Release Models.

Silica aerogels are porous and extremely lightweight nano-materials that show interesting properties. These materials, because of biocompatibility, non-harmful to the body, and special physical characteristics such as large surface area and low density have great potential for use in a drug delivery system (DDS). The focus of this study is the evaluation of the effects of silica aerogels on improving the release rate of Ketoprofen as a relevant model drug of poorly soluble drugs in water. The in-vitro release rate of a conventional crystalline form of pure drug and three samples of drug loaded silica aerogels with different densities, 0.033, 0.080, and 0.24 g/cm3 were measured and investigated. The results show that all three samples of silica aerogels considerably increased (p < 0.05) the rate of drug release compared to its crystalline form. The silica aerogel sample with the lowest density (0.033 gr/cm3) has demonstrated the highest release rate of the drug (approximately five times faster than pure drug). Thus, silica aerogels could be acceptable carriers for poorly soluble drugs that require treatment with the fast release. Moreover, three release kinetic models were fitted with in-vitro drug release data and evaluated. The results indicate that the First-Order model is the best fit with the in-vitro Ketoprofen release data. Finally, in this article, a new kinetic release equation was obtained based on the first order model and release data, with applying the density of silica aerogel as an effective index parameter. This equation was proposed to describe Ketoprofen release rate in silica aerogels.

Controlled SLN Delivery by Thermoresponsive In-situ Forming Erodible Gels; A Whole-body and Organ Imaging Study.

BACKGROUND: Nanoparticles (NPs) suffer from rapid clearance from body and require frequent dosing if long treatment is required. METHOD: In order to solve this problem for solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and prolong their action, SLNs were incorporated into thermo-responsive Poloxamer sol-gels and their fate was investigated invivo and in-vitro using a near infrared lipophilic fluorescent dye; dialkylcarbocyanin [1]. Leakage test, release of intact SLNs from sol-gel and SLN size and zeta potential were investigated. Biodistribution of DiR formulations (solution, free SLN and SLN-Gel) was investigated by whole-body and ex-vivo organ imaging after intraperitoneal injection in mice. SLN showed particle size of about 165 nm and a negative zeta potential of about -36 mV. RESULTS: Leakage studies indicated that fluorescent probe does not release from SLNs. Imaging results revealed a steady profile for SLN-Gel over time, while the fluorescence intensity of solution and free SLN showed a burst followed by rapid clearance. Results also showed that SLN release occurs after gel erosion and follows a zero order profile. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that NP-incorporated gel can be used to control the release of SLNs from application site and prolong their action in a sustained manner.

Facile preparation and characterization of pH sensitive Mt/CMC nanocomposite hydrogel beads for propranolol controlled release.

The main aim of the present study was to design pH-sensitive nanocomposite hydrogel beads, based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and montmorillonite (Mt)-propranolol (PPN) nanohybrid, and evaluate whether the prepared nanocomposite beads could potentially be used as oral drug delivery systems. PPN-as a model drug-was intercalated into the interlayer space of Mt clay mineral via the ion exchange procedure. The resultant nanohybrid (Mt-PPN) was applied to fabricate nanocomposite hydrogel beads by association with carboxymethyl cellulose. The characterization of test samples was performed using different techniques: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal gravity analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The drug encapsulation efficiency was evaluated by UV-vis spectroscopy, and was found to be high for Mt/CMC beads. In vitro drug release test was performed in the simulated gastrointestinal conditions to evaluate the efficiency of Mt-PPN/CMC nanocomposite beads as a controlled-release drug carrier. The drug release profiles indicated that the Mt-PPN/CMC nanocomposite beads had high stability against stomach acid and a sustained- and controlled-release profile for PPN under the simulated intestinal conditions.

Characteristics of surface layer proteins from two new and native strains of Lactobacillus brevis.

In this work, some important characteristics of surface layer (S-layer) proteins extracted from two new and native Lactobacillus strains, L.brevis KM3 and L.brevis KM7, were investigated. The presence of S-layer on the external surface of L.brevis KM3 was displayed by thin sectioning and negative staining. SDS-PAGE analysis were shown same dominant protein bands approximately around 48kDa for both S-layer proteins. Moreover, the S-layer reappeared when LiCl treated cells were allowed to grow again. Protein secondary structure and thermal behavior were evaluated by using circular dichroism (CD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Both S-layer proteins had high content of ß-sheet and low amount of α-helix. The thermograms of lyophilized S-layer proteins of L.brevis KM3 and L.brevis KM7 showed one transition peak at 67.9°C and 59.14°C, respectively. To determine monodispersity of extracted S-layer proteins, dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used. The results indicated that the main population of S-layer molecules in two tested lactobacillus strains were composed of monomer with an expected diameter close to 10nm. Furthermore, Zeta potential measurements were showed positive potential for both S-layer proteins, as expected. Our results could be used as the basis for biotechnological applications of these two new S-layer proteins.

Expression analysis of activated protein kinase C gene (LACK1) in antimony sensitive and resistant Leishmania tropica clinical isolates using real-time RT-PCR.

BACKGROUND: Resistance to pentavalent antimonial drugs has become a serious problem in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in some endemic areas. Investigations on molecular markers involved in drug resistance are essential for monitoring of the disease. Leishmania-activated C kinase gene (LACK1) is involved in multiple central processes such as signal transduction. According to the probable role of the LACK1 gene in antimony resistance, we used real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to investigate the expression of this gene in clinical L. tropica strains, which were resistant or sensitive to meglumine antimoniate. METHODS: We analyzed the expression level of LACK in 18 sensitive and 14 resistant L. tropica isolates collected from patients with anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. After cDNA synthesis, gene expression analysis was performed by quantitative real-time PCR using SYBR Green. In addition, the full length of the LACK gene from six reference strains was cloned and sequenced then deposited in the NCBI database to confirm our strains. RESULTS: Real-time reverse transcription-PCR revealed that the average RNA expression level of LACK in isolates from unresponsive and responsive patients were 0.479 and 4.583, respectively, and expression of LACK was significantly downregulated (9.56-fold) in resistant isolates compared to sensitive ones. CONCLUSION: Results of the present study suggest the probable role of the LACK gene in antimony resistance. Moreover, it can be considered as a potential marker for monitoring antimony resistance in clinical isolates. However, further studies are required to exploit the biological functions of it in antimony resistance.

Evaluation of Polymerization Efficacy in Composite Resins via FT-IR Spectroscopy and Vickers Microhardness Test.

Background and aims. Polymerization efficacy affects the properties and performance of composite resin restorations.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of polymerization of two micro-hybrid, two nano-hybrid and one nano-filled ormocer-based composite resins, cured by two different light-curing systems, using Fourier transformation infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Vickers microhardness testing at two different depths (top surface, 2 mm). Materials and methods. For FT-IR spectrometry, five cylindrical specimens (5mm in diameter × 2 mm in length) were prepared from each composite resin using Teflon molds and polymerized for 20 seconds. Then, 70-µm wafers were sectioned at the top surface and at2mm from the top surface. The degree of conversion for each sample was calculated using FT-IR spectroscopy. For Vickers micro-hardness testing, three cylindrical specimens were prepared from each composite resin and polymerized for 20 seconds. The Vickers microhardness test (Shimadzu, Type M, Japan) was performed at the top and bottom (depth=2 mm) surfaces of each specimen. Three-way ANOVA with independent variables and Tukey tests were performed at 95% significance level. Results. No significant differences were detected in degree of conversion and microhardness between LED and QTH light-curing units except for the ormocer-based specimen, CeramX, which exhibited significantly higher DC by LED. All the composite resins showed a significantly higher degree of conversion at the surface. Microhardness was not significantly affected by depth, except for Herculite XRV Ultra and CeramX, which showed higher values at the surface. Conclusion. Composite resins containing nano-particles generally exhibited more variations in degree of conversion and microhardness.

Effect of Adiantum Capillus veneris Linn on an Animal Model of Testosterone-Induced Hair Loss.

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in men. The present study was designed to evaluate the hair growth-promoting activity of a preparation of the Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn. (A. capillus-veneris) on albino mice using a testosterone-induced alopecia model. Five groups of albino mice were studied: (A) Testosterone solution only (n=6); (B) Testosterone + Finasteride solution (2%) (n=6); (C) Testosterone + vehicle (n=6); (D) Testosterone + A. capillus-veneris solution (1%) (n=6); (E) intact control (n=2, without testosterone). Alopecia was induced in all intervention groups by testosterone 1.0 mg subcutaneous. A. capillus-veneris solution was applied topically to the back skin of animals in the respective group. Hair growth was evaluated by visual observation and histological study of several skin sections via various parameters as follicle density (number of follicles/mm) and anagen/telogen ratio. After 21 days, a patch of diffuse hair loss was seen in animals received testosterone while animals treated with A. capillus-veneris showed less hair loss as compared to those treated with testosterone only. The follicular density observed in the A. capillus-veneris-treated group was 1.92 ± 0.47, compared to 1.05 ± 0.21 in testosterone-group and 2.05 ± 0.49 in finasteride-treated animals. Anagen/telogen ratio was significantly affected by A. capillus-veneris, which was 0.92 ± 0.06 as compared with 0.23 ± 0.03 and 1.12 ± 0.06 for testosterone and finasteride treated groups, respectively. According to visual observation and quantitative data (follicular density and anagen/telogen ratio), A. capillus-veneris was found to possess good activity against testosterone-induced alopecia.

Precipitation Reaction of SDS and Potassium Salts in Flocculation of a Micronized Megestrol Acetate Suspension.

In this work attempts were made to evaluate K+-SDS and hydrocolloid polymer-SDS interactions in flocculation of megestrol acetate dispersions to enhance their stability as a part of suspension formulation. Different dispersions of micronized megestrol acetate and SDS were prepared. KCl and KH2PO4 and their corresponding sodium salts were added to the dispersions and the preparations were evaluated using general physicochemical and stability tests including appearance, sedimentation volume, sedimentation rate and redispersibility. Addition of polyols and hydrocolloid polymers to the SDS containing dispersions was also investigated for possible instabilities. SDS deflocculated the initial megestrol acetate dispersions. The use of potassium salts unlike the sodium salts flocculated the dispersion particles due to precipitation reaction of potassium ions and the adsorbed SDS. Additionally the uncharged hydrocolloid polymers MC and HPMC in contrast to the ionic polymers xanthan gum and NaCMC showed incompatibility due to their interaction with SDS. K(+)- SDS interactions have proved useful in protein and DNA analysis studies and we found this precipitation reaction to be applicable in flocculation of pharmaceutical suspensions containing SDS.