The effect of salt supplements on thyroid hormones and quality of pregnancy in female hypothyroid rats.

BACKGROUND: The use of nutrient supplements along with medication to optimize the treatment of diseases yields desirable outcomes. Hypothyroidism causes abnormalities in cells, and organs, and induces gene expression changes. The use of salt supplements and vitamins considerably helps to treat hypothyroidism. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of a food supplement containing iron, iodine, and folic acid on thyroid hormones changes as well as the quality and quantity of hypothyroid female rat's offspring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current experimental study, 40 female rats were divided into six experimental and two control groups. The study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, the role of a combinatory supplement along with levothyroxine to treat hypothyroidism by assessing T3, T4, and TSH hormones was investigated. In the second phase, the dose-depended effects of a combinatory supplement were investigated. Additionally, in the third phase, the quality and quantity of the next generation were measured in the hypothyroid female rats receiving the salt supplement. RESULTS: The plasma level of T3, T4 and TSH in hypothyroid rats receiving nutrient supplements indicated that the use of combinatory supplements along with levothyroxine could have desirable effects on the treatment of hypothyroidism to such an extent that the level of T3 and T4 hormones in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P≤0.01). The second phase demonstrated that the desired effects of combinatory supplements on the serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH hormones were dose-dependent so that by increasing the dosage of supplementation, a significant decrease in the TSH level was observed (P <0.05), while T3 and T4 levels increased (P <0.01).The results of the third phase demonstrated that salt supplements could be effective in reducing the number of dead or preterm pups, and the use of mineral salts along with levothyroxine could promote a healthy birth. CONCLUSION: Salt supplements have considerable effects on the health status of the offspring of hypothyroid rats, resulting in the birth of more healthy pups and reducing the rate of abortion or preterm births.

Therapeutic effect of pentoxifylline on reproductive parameters in diabetic male mice.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) on male reproductive parameters in diabetic mice. Male adult mice (n = 24) were divided into control and three experimental groups (n = 6) including Diabetic, Diabetic + PTX and PTX groups. Diabetes was induced by single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg kg-1 ). PTX was administered intraperitoneally at the dose of 12 mg kg-1 for 14 days 1 week after diabetes induction. Serum levels of testosterone and blood glucose were determined and collected spermatozoa from cauda epididymidis analysed. Based on histological slides prepared from testis, the diameter of seminiferous tubules was determined using Motic camera and software and also apoptosis using TUNEL assay. Data were analysed using one-way anova method, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean of seminiferous tubules diameter, final body weight, testis weight, sperm parameters and testosterone hormone level in PTX-treated diabetic group indicated a significant increase compared to diabetic one, whereas apoptosis index and blood glucose were decreased in this comparison (P < 0.05). These results suggest that intraperitoneal administration of PTX is a potentially beneficial agent to reduce testicular damage and improves sperm parameters in diabetic mice by decreasing the ratio of apoptosis.

Pentoxifylline besides naltrexone recovers morphine-induced inflammation in male reproductive system of rats by regulating Toll-like receptor pathway.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of pentoxifylline on complications of prolonged usage of morphine upon the testis and sperm parameters of rats. In this study, forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 8) and treated for 56 days to only saline, only morphine, only pentoxifylline, pentoxifylline + morphine and naltrexone + morphine. The diameters of seminiferous tubules, the maturity of germ line epithelium and sperm parameters were evaluated. The expression of inflammatory-related factors in testis tissues were also investigated at gene and protein levels. The data were calculated by one-way ANOVA test followed by Tukey's post hoc test using SPSS software for windows (version 20). Seminiferous tubule diameter, the maturity of spermatogonia and sperm parameters were significantly decreased in morphine group in comparison with control, pentoxifylline and pentoxifylline + morphine groups (p < .001). The expression of anti-inflammatory markers, at both gene and protein levels, was significantly increased in testis of morphine-treated rats in comparison with other groups (p < .001). Chronic morphine administration induces destructive effects on male reproductive system by regulating inflammatory responses. Pentoxifylline recovers the destructive effects of morphine on male reproductive system by inhibiting TLR (Toll-like receptor) activity, as an anti-inflammatory response.

Tamoxifen and tranilast show a synergistic effect against breast cancer in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at examining a separate or combined effect of tamoxifen and tranilast drugs on growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells. BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and the second leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Tamoxifen is the most widely used anti-estrogen for the treatment of breast cancer. Studies show that a combination therapy with other drugs enhances the activity of tamoxifen. Tranilast is an anti-inflammatory drug. We hypothesize that tranilast plus tamoxifen can work synergistically and help getting better result from this anticancer drug. METHODS: Two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, were treated with graduated concentrations of tamoxifen and tranilast alone or in combination at 24, 48 or 72 hours for MCF-7, and 48 hours for MDA-MB-231 cells. We used the MTT assay and lactate dehydrogenase leakage (LDH) assay to evaluate cell viability and cytotoxicity, respectively. RESULTS: In both ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer cell lines, the combination of tranilast and tamoxifen was more effective in growth inhibition than single drug exposure. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that by means of a synergistic/additive inhibitory effect, tranilast was capable of enhancing the in vitro activity of tamoxifen on breast cancer cell lines. Based on the results obtained in this study, tranilast could be a candidate drug for combination therapy in resistant breast cancer patients (Fig. 9, Ref. 17). KEYWORDS: breast cancer, Tamoxifen, Tranilast, LDH release, MTT.

Chorionic morphine, naltrexone and pentoxifylline effect on hypophyso-gonadal hormones of male rats.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about harmful effects of morphine on hormone secretion seems to be necessary. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pentoxifylline on side effects derived by morphine on hypophyso-gonadal hormones of male rats. METHODS: 32 male rats were divided into the 4 groups of OSS: control (received 40 g Sucrose/l drinking water and intraperitoneal injection of 1 l/kg normal saline), OMS: morphine group (received 0.4 mg/l + 40 g Sucrose/l in drinking water and intraperitoneal injection of 1 l/kg normal saline), NMS: morphine+naltrexane group (received 0.4 mg/l + 40 g Sucrose/l in drinking water and IP injection dose of 10 mg/kg/ml/day Naltrexane) and PMS: morphine + pentoxifylline group (received 0.4 mg/dl + 40 g Sucrose/l in drinking water and IP injection dose of 12 mg/kg/ml/day Pentoxifylline) for 56 days, respectively. RESULTS: Serum levels of testosterone, LH, FSH hormones were measured. Pentoxifylline increased serum levels of testosterone, LH, FSH hormones compared to control, morphine and morphine-naltrexane groups. CONCLUSION: Pentoxifylline has a significant efficacy for increasing serum levels of sexual hormones. Considering that Pentoxifylline is safe and cheap, with easy application, we suggest for the usage of this drug for improving semen parameter's quality before performing ART for the treatment of morphine addicts (Fig. 1, Ref. 31).

In vivo microdialysis of glutamate in ventroposterolateral nucleus of thalamus following electrolytic lesion of spinothalamic tract in rats.

Central pain is one of the most important complications after spinal cord injury (SCI), and thereby, its treatment raises many challenges. After SCI, in a cascade of molecular events, a marked increase in glutamate at the injury site results in secondary changes which may impact on supraspinal regions, mainly ventroposterolateral (VPL). There is little information about the changes in glutamate metabolism in the VPL and whether it contributes to SCI-related central pain. The present study was performed to evaluate glutamate release in the VPL following electrolytic lesion of spinothalamic tract (STT). A laminectomy was performed at spinal segments of T9-T10 in male rats, and then, unilateral electrolytic lesions were made in the STT. Glutamate concentrations in ipsilateral VPL dialysate were measured by HPLC method at days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 post-injury. Tactile pain and motor activity were also examined. Glutamate levels were significantly increased in ipsilateral VPL of spinal-cord-injured rats 2 weeks after SCI and remained high up to day 28 post-surgery. The STT lesions had no marked effect on our measures of motor activity, but there was a significant decrease in paw withdrawal threshold in the hind paws at day 14 post-SCI. These findings suggest that an increased release of glutamate in VPL plays a role in secondary pathologic changes, leading to neuronal hyperexcitation and neuropathic pain after SCI.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration training: evaluation of a new porcine lymphadenopathy model for in vivo hands-on teaching and training, and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Adequate training is required to achieve successful endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). Of the variety of training models currently available, none offers verisimilitude to the tactile feel of puncturing a human lymph node. The aim of the current study was to evaluate a new porcine lymph node model for EUS-FNA training and to evaluate its impact on trainees' performance in patients compared with the literature of other models available. METHODS: Two trainees each performed EUS-FNA of 96 lymph nodes in 18 animals with induced lymphadenopathy (mean 1.6 cm [range 0.9-3.5 cm]). Accuracy, speed, adequacy of sampling, and trainees' performance pre- and post-training were measured. Using a questionnaire, data were gathered regarding the effect of training and comfort level in patients. Results were compared with those in the literature. RESULTS: Trainees progressed from hands-on assistance to occasional verbal guidance toward the end of animal training. There was good correlation between puncture time and number of EUS-FNA procedures performed in all but the subcarinal location (r = - 0.17). Comparison of trainee performance in patients before and after training showed a reduction in puncture time (P = 0.0014). Questionnaire analysis revealed increased confidence in echoendoscope- and needle-handling. Comparison with other published models supports these results. CONCLUSION: Results from the literature and the current study showed that animal training improves trainee performance, confidence, and procedural comfort when returning to patient examinations. The new model produces a realistic response that is similar to EUS-FNA in patients; this experience provides a benefit to endoscopists in terms of improved performance in patients and could be considered for use in accreditation. Due to the small numbers of trainees, larger experiences are needed to confirm training efficacy.

Laparoscopic unroofing of symptomatic kidney cysts. A single center experience.

AIM: This study was aimed to evaluate success and complications of laparoscopic transperitoneal renal cyst unroofing and assess its long-term results at our center. METHODS: From October 2008 till April 2012, 23 patients (14 male and 9 female) with a mean age of 53.6 years (range 32-70), underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic renal cyst unroofing at our center. None of the patients, had history of ipsilateral kidney surgery. Complication and outcomes were evaluated. Symptom resolving and disappearance of the cyst or decreasing its size to less than 1/3 of its primary size in radiographies was considered as success. RESULTS: Unroofing was achieved in 100% of patients. Mean operative time was 36.6 minutes (range 25 to 60) and mean hospital stay was 3 days (range 2 to 8). No open conversions were necessary during procedure but one patient underwent open exploration hours after laparoscopy because of need to complete hemostasis. Symptomatic and radiologic success was achieved in 91.3% of patients, with a mean follow-up of 15 months (range 3 to 24). One patient developed a recurrence. One ureter stricture revealed in follow up period which needed open uretero-ureterostomy. No visceral complication occurred. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic transperitoneal ureterolithotomy is an effective treatment option for skilled surgeons but care must be taken because complications may occur.

Protective effects of subchronic caffeine administration on cisplatin induced urogenital toxicity in male mice.

In Cisplatin treated group, the degeneration intensity of the kidneys the diameter of seminiferous tubules as well as the apoptotic index in testes and kidney were increased. In Caffeine+Cisplatin treated groups, the total body weight, the weight of testes and kidneys and also the histopathological data did not show significant differences. The motility of sperm in cisplatin group reduced but in Caffeine+Cisplatin groups this parameter was increased. These data suggest that caffeine recovers toxicity induced by cisplatin in both kidneys and testes of mice.

Granulomatous mediastinal adenopathy: can endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration differentiate between tuberculosis and sarcoidosis?

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Mediastinal lymphadenopathy may indicate diseases such as tuberculosis or sarcoidosis, and it is often difficult to establish a diagnosis when standard medical work-up is inconclusive. In this study we investigated the diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in the differentiation between tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 72 consecutive patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy, negative endoscopic investigations including bronchoscopic procedures, and no radiological evidence of lung cancer or other malignancies on computed tomography were enrolled. EUS-FNA and subsequent cytology, microscopy for acid-fast bacilli, and culture were performed. At least 12 months' follow-up including further investigations was included to exclude tuberculosis. RESULTS: Adequate samples were obtained from 71/72 patients (36 male; mean age 50.2 years). No complications occurred. The final diagnosis included 30 cases of sarcoidosis, 28 of tuberculosis, four malignancies, one abscess, and nine benign lymphadenopathies. The size of lymph nodes on EUS varied from 0.5 cm to 4.2 cm. Tuberculosis nodes were significantly smaller than those in sarcoidosis. Unrelated nodes were significantly smaller than in either tuberculosis or sarcoidosis. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of EUS - FNA for tuberculosis were 86 %, 100 %, 100 %, and 91 %, respectively; those for sarcoidosis were 100 %, 93 %, 91 %, and 100 %, respectively. For culture of tuberculosis, they were 71 %, 100 %, 100 %, and 84 %, respectively. EUS - FNA led to a definite diagnosis in 64/72 cases (89 %) that had not been previously diagnosed by routine methods. CONCLUSION: EUS - FNA offers a high diagnostic yield for the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and sarcoidosis that have not been diagnosed by conventional methods.

Mathematical prediction of the spreading rate of COVID-19 using entropy-based thermodynamic model.

In the COVID-19 pandemic era, undoubtedly mathematical modeling helps epidemiological scientists and authorities to take informing decisions about pandemic planning, wise resource allocation, introducing relevant non-pharmaceutical interventions and implementation of social distancing measures. The current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged in the end of 2019, Wuhan, China, spreads quickly in the world. In this study, an entropy-based thermodynamic model has been used for predicting and spreading the rate of COVID-19. In our model, all the epidemic details were considered into a single time-dependent parameter. The parameter was analytically determined using four constraints, including the existence of an inflexion point and a maximum value. Our model has been layout-based the Shannon entropy and the maximum rate of entropy production of postulated complex system. The results show that our proposed model fits well with the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in daily basis. Also, as a matter of fact that Shannon entropy is an intersection of information, probability theory, (non)linear dynamical systems and statistical physics, the proposed model in this study can be further calibrated to fit much better on COVID-19 observational data, using the above formalisms.

Beyond NOTES: randomized controlled study of different methods of flexible endoscopic hemostasis of artificially induced hemorrhage, via NOTES access to the peritoneal cavity.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Significant hemorrhage is a likely complication during natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedures. We tested three different prototype devices (involving endoscopic suturing, monopolar forceps, and forced argon plasma coagulation [FAPC]) for treatment of acute bleeding in a survival animal model. METHOD: Using transgastric access (TGA) or transvaginal access (TVA), the endoscope was introduced into the peritoneal cavity and the first side-branch of the gastroepiploic artery (1aGE) was cut before the different hemostatic methods were applied. RESULTS: Sutures could not be placed quickly enough before vision was inhibited. With monopolar forceps via TGA, the time to control bleeding was 10 - 140 s (mean 58 +/- 41 s) and with TVA it was 25 - 115 s (mean 57 +/- 26 s) (P = 0.54). It was not possible to stop the bleeding in 4/6 animals with TGA access and in 3/6 with TVA, and FAPC was needed to entirely stop it, taking a further 10 - 280 s (TGA mean 126 +/- 90 s, 34 - 242 s; TVA mean 152 +/- 61 s; P = 0.42). Using FAPC with TGA took 4 - 72 s (mean 28 +/- 20 s) to stop the bleeding, and 16 - 41 s (mean 24 +/- 9.4 s) with TVA ( P = 0.64). As the FAPC technique was relatively so much better, additional treatment of bleeding from the main gastroepiploic artery (aGe) was added in four cases for each method of access; this was successful but took significantly longer, with TGA at 10 - 260 s and with TVA at 30 - 172 s (means 98 +/- 82, 117 +/- 54 s, respectively; not significant). CONCLUSION: Regarding the three methods tested, the new prototype FAPC device allowed hemostasis of notable bleeding from a major vessel even more quickly than forceps coagulation of a bleeding side branch. More studies are needed to further explore this potentially very valuable tool.

Comparative study of NOTES alone vs. EUS-guided NOTES procedures.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is in the developmental stage for various indications, but several obstacles remain to be overcome before NOTES procedures can come into routine clinical use. Of these obstacles, (1) transluminal injury due to exclusive use of endoluminal endoscopy to create the incision and (2) lack of orientation might be prevented by employing endoscopic ultrasound guidance. In this comparative study we assessed the role of endoscopic ultrasound guidance in various NOTES procedures. METHODS: Three transesophageal (mediastinoscopy/thoracoscopy) or transgastric procedures (gastrojejunostomy, adrenal gland removal) were performed in pigs using NOTES alone or with endoscopic ultrasound guidance (EUS). In NOTES alone the study end point was three major complications, at which point EUS guidance was added for the same procedures up to the same number of cases. The primary outcome was the rate of major complications; secondary outcome parameters were all complications and technical success. RESULTS: Forty-six pigs were included. Three major complications occurred in the first 24 NOTES-alone procedures: these were bleeding and organ injury, all during mediastinoscopy/thoracoscopy procedures. Adrenal gland removal failed in all procedures in which it was attempted, while gastrojejunostomy (n = 6) was performed successfully and without complications. In the next 22 animals EUS guidance enabled safe mediastinal access (n = 10) and adrenal gland removal (n = 6). For gastrojejunostomy, EUS guidance offered no additional benefit. CONCLUSIONS: EUS guidance appears to be helpful in gaining access or identifying structures in anatomically difficult areas in NOTES procedures.

Synchronization of follicular wave emergence prior to superovulation in Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus).

This study was conducted to synchronize follicle wave emergence prior to superovulation using either GnRH or progestogen treatments, in Bactrian camels. GnRH group camels (n=5) received 20 microg of the GnRH analogue Buserelin on Days -18 and -4 of the experiment (initiation of superovulation=Day 0). Camels in the progestogen group (n=5) received two consecutive treatments of progestogens, 7 days apart, on Days -14 and -8 of the experiment. On each occasion, each female received three norgestomet implants and 200mg progesterone (i.m.) and all implants were removed 14 days after the first progestogen treatment coinciding with Day -1 of superovulation. A combination of eCG and FSH was used to induce superovulation and the growth of all subsequent follicles and CLs were monitored daily by ultrasonography. Following the first GnRH injection, mature follicles ovulated within 1-2 days, and a new follicle wave emerged after 3+/-0.77 days. At the time of the second GnRH injection, a mature follicle (15.6+/-0.97 mm) ovulated and a new follicular wave emerged between 1 and 2 days after GnRH injection. Growing follicles at the time of the first progestogen treatment became either atretic (n=1) or persistent (n=4) and a new follicle wave (n=3) emerged 3-6 days later. At the initiation of superovulation, the diameters of the largest follicle in GnRH and progestogen groups were 7.4+/-0.59 and 20.5+/-2.26 mm, respectively but after superovulation and mating there was no significant differences in the number of unovulated follicles or CLs between groups. In conclusion, two GnRH injections, 14 days apart, may be used to synchronize follicle wave emergence in Bactrian camel.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) in the mediastinum: long-term survival animal experiments in transesophageal access, including minor surgical procedures.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) within the peritoneal cavity is rapidly evolving, using transgastric, transcolonic, or transvaginal access. There is little experience with transesophageal NOTES access to the mediastinum. This prospective long-term animal survival study was performed to explore the feasibility and safety of transesophageal intrathoracic procedures including minor surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine pigs were used for acute (n = 2) and up to 6-week survival studies (n = 7), followed by autopsy and histological investigation. The esophageal incision site was chosen using EUS; this was followed by endoscopic mediastinoscopy and therapeutic procedures such as mediastinal lymph node removal, saline injection into myocardium, and pericardial fenestration. The wall was closed using a suturing system or endoscopic clips. RESULTS: No acute complications were recorded with respect to mediastinal structures, pericardium, cardiac rhythm, or circulatory parameters. Removal of small mediastinal lymph nodes (n = 2) was feasible, but proved to be difficult. Other procedures, specifically at the heart were all successfully performed. Endoscopy after 4 - 6 weeks showed a well-healed esophageal incision. Autopsy with histology revealed no signs of mediastinitis, infection, bleeding, or pericarditis. The esophageal scar was found to be well healed in all cases, but with a muscular gap where clip closure had been used. CONCLUSIONS: Transmural esophageal incision and endoscopic partial mediastinoscopy including therapeutic procedures on the heart or mediastinum proved feasible in long-term survival animal studies. Clip closure of the defect was effective, but did not close the esophageal muscle layer. Other means such as endoscopic suturing appear to be preferable.

Which parameters might predict complications after natural orifice endoluminal surgery (NOTES)? Results from a randomized comparison with open surgical access in pigs.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is currently developed and assessed mainly in pig experiments. The vast majority of studies show a good outcome in short-term follow-up. The current study aims at comparing various parameters of postinterventional assessment and surveillance in relation to clinical behavior and autopsy results to find suitable control parameters and also to assess the pig as suitable model for NOTES compared with open surgery. METHODS: Within the framework of a randomized prospective study of 20 pigs with iatrogenic colonic perforation comparing endoscopic with open surgical closure, clinical examination, including observation of behavior, food intake, and body temperature, was carried out daily. Laboratory parameters (white blood cells [WBC], granulocytes) were measured in 14 animals. Weight was measured preoperatively and on days 2 and 7 postoperatively. Results were matched with complications found during/after 2 weeks' survival. Pre-autopsy sterile cultures were taken from the peritoneal cavities to determine possible bacterial contamination. RESULTS: Three animals from the surgical group were sacrificed on days 4, 8, and 12 because they became severely ill, with autopsy revealing intussusception from adhesions, peritoneal abscess, and peritonitis, in one pig each; another animal had culture positive for ESCHERICHIA COLI. Three minor complications (2 cough, 1 continuing fever with adhesions to the bladder found on autopsy) occurred in the endoscopic group without compromised recovery. WBC were measured in 14 animals, and found to be elevated (8 - 36 x 10 (9)/l) in six on day 2 including the two animals with severe complications. Between pre- and post-procedure, WBC increased about twofold in the uneventful cases but fourfold in the two animals with severe complications. Cultures from the abdominal cavity before autopsy were negative in all but one animal. CONCLUSION: Animal behavior was a reliable indicator of severe complications. Fever, body weight, and the results of in vitro cultures of the peritoneal fluid did not indicate complications. WBC proved not to be specific but showed a larger increase in pigs with severe complications.

Semen cryopreservation in Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) using SHOTOR diluent: effects of cooling rates and glycerol concentrations.

Experiments were conducted with a final goal of providing a suitable protocol for cryopreservation of Bactrian camel semen. In Experiment I, the effect of average cooling rate (slow cooling: 0.14 versus fast cooling: 0.55 degrees C/min) on the viability of chilled semen was evaluated. In Experiment II, the effect of different concentrations of glycerol (4, 6 and 8%) on the post-thaw viability of frozen sperm was investigated. In Experiment III, the efficiency of SHOTOR diluent was compared with IMV buffers for the cryopreservation of camel semen. Viability parameters including progressive forward motility (PFM), plasma membrane integrity and percentage of live spermatozoa were assessed. Progressive forward motility of sperm cooled at the faster rate was superior after incubating for 24h at 4 degrees C compared to that cooled at the slower rate (P<0.05). Post-thaw viability of Bactrian camel sperm was better using a final glycerol concentration of 6% compared to 4 and 8% (P<0.05). Progressive forward motility of frozen-thawed sperm was greater using SHOTOR diluent (29.9%) compared to IMV buffers (4.2%, P<0.05). In conclusion, semen cryopreservation in Bactrian camel is feasible when it is extended in SHOTOR diluent, cooled within 1h (average cooling rate: 0.55 degrees C/min) to 4 degrees C, and then exposed to glycerol, at the final concentration of 6%.

An in vitro comparison of three delivery techniques for obturation of root canals in primary molars.

AIM: This in vitro study evaluated the efficacy of three different obturation techniques with regards to quality of two filling pastes-Ca(OH)2/iodoform syringe paste and zinc oxide eugenol paste in primary molars. METHODS: Root canals of 45 extracted primary molars were prepared and randomly divided into three groups of 15 teeth each. Group A-canals were filled with Ca(OH)2/iodoform syringe paste, Group B-zinc oxide eugenol paste with handheld lentulo spiral and Group C-zinc oxide eugenol paste with rotary lentulo spiral. The quality of filled root canals was evaluated with conventional radiography in antero-posterior and lateral dimensions. RESULTS: There were significant differences between all groups in the presence of voids (p = 0.03) and length of filling (p = 0.002). Half of the sampled teeth in handheld lentulo spiral group had voids in the filled canals, while 80% of the teeth filled with Ca(OH)2/iodoform syringe resulted in overfilling of the paste. CONCLUSIONS: All three delivery methods for the obturation of primary molars' root canals showed inherent limitations in terms of voids and quality of filling. Voids are inevitable and were present in all the techniques. Overfilling was more frequently seen with the syringe method, while the lentulo spiral technique, both handheld and rotary, showed a better quality of filling.

Effect of 900 MHz Electromagnetic Radiation on the Induction of ROS in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous studies over a decade, it still remains controversial about the biological effects of RF EMF emitted by mobile phone telephony. OBJECTIVE: Here we investigated the effect of 900 MHz GSM on the induction of oxidative stress and the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human mononuclear cells, monocytes and lymphocytes as defence system cells. METHOD: 6 ml Peripheral Blood samples were obtained from 13 healthy volunteers (21-30 year-old). Each sample was devided into 2 groups: one was exposed RF radiation emitted from a mobile phone simulator for 2 hour and the other used as control group which was not exposed to any fields. After that, mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation in Ficoll-Paque. The intracellular ROS content in monocytes and lymphocytes was measured by the CM-H2DCFDA fluorescence probe using flowcytometry technique. RESULTS: Our results showed significant increase in  ROS production after exposure in population rich in monocytes. This effect was not significant in population rich in lymphocytes in comparison with non exposed cells. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study clearly showed the oxidative stress induction capability of RF electromagnetic field in the portion of PBMCs mostly in monocytes, like the case of exposure to micro organisms, although the advantages or disadvantages of this effect should be evaluated.