Sustained co-release of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone in rabbit maxillary sinus using polyvinyl alcohol-based hydrogel microparticle.

Topical delivery to paranasal sinuses through sustained-release stents is one of the new horizons in treating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This study aims to introduce and evaluate sustained co-release of encapsulated ciprofloxacin (CIP) and dexamethasone (DEX) in polyvinyl alcohol-based carriers within the maxillary sinus of rabbit animals. DEX and CIP were loaded in a tyramine-substituted polyvinyl alcohol microparticle (PVATyr MP). The mechanical stability, degradability, and sustained-release patterns of both drugs as well as cellular cytocompatibility were assessed in vitro. The PVATyr MPs were then injected into the maxillary sinus of rabbits and they were monitored weekly for 21 days. Nasal endoscopy, MRI imaging, and tissue microscopy were used to follow the changes and compared them with the control condition. Also, the concentrations of drugs were evaluated in the maxillary sinus and blood samples over the study period. Produced PVA-based MPs possessed a relatively narrow particle size distribution (CV 7.7%) with proper physical stability until 30 days of incubation. The uniform-sized PVATyr MPs and their surrounding hydrogel showed sustained-release profiles for DEX and CIP for up to 32 days in vitro. The injected drugs-loaded hydrogel showed complete clearance from the maxillary sinus of rabbits within 28 days. The concentrations of DEX and CIP in mucosal remained within the therapeutic window when measured on days 7, 14, and 21, which were well above the plasma concentrations without any pathological changes in endoscopy, MRI imaging, and histological examinations. DEX/CIP loaded PVATyr MPs provided an effective, controlled, and safe sustained-drug delivery in both in vitro and in vivo analyses at therapeutic concentrations with minimal systemic absorption, suggesting a promising treatment approach for CRS.

Effectiveness of oral clonidine and gabapentin on peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients in southwestern Iran: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathy is not only the most prevalent consequence of diabetes but also the main reason for foot ulceration, disability, and amputation. Therefore, the current study aims to determine the effectiveness of oral clonidine and gabapentin on peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients. METHODS: This 12-week, randomized, and parallel-group trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of oral clonidine and gabapentin with gabapentin alone in diabetic patients in southwest Iran during the first half of 2021. Thirty patients with type 2 diabetes with peripheral neuropathy as assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS) and divided into two groups of 15 patients, treated for up to three months. The data were analyzed using SPSS-21 software. In order to report the results, descriptive indices, independent t-test, one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and analysis of variance with repeated measures were used. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of the age of the participants in the clonidine + gabapentin group was equal to 50.20 ± 7.44, and in the gabapentin group was equal to 50.47 ± 7.57 (t = 0.10, P-value = 0.923). This research showed a significant difference between the clonidine + gabapentin group and with gabapentin group in terms of neuropathic pain and the severity of neuropathic pain (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to this research results, clonidine + gabapentin can reduce neuropathic pain and the severity of neuropathic pain in diabetic patients. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare professionals with diabetes expertise prescribe these medications to reduce neuropathic pain and its severity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Iranian Clinical Trials System with the ID (IRCT20211106052983N1) on 14/01/2022.

Association between TBXT rs2305089 polymorphism and chordoma in Iranian patients identified by a developed T-ARMS-PCR assay.

BACKGROUND: Chordoma is a locally aggressive bone tumor with a high capability of recurrence. Because chordoma often occurs at critical locations next to neurovascular structures, there is an urgent need to introduce validated biomarkers. T-box transcription factor T (TBXT; OMIM: 601397) plays an important role in the pathogenesis and survival of chordoma cells. METHODS: Herein, we aimed to show whether rs2305089 polymorphism is correlated with chordoma in the Iranian population. In order to detect rs2305089, tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) was used. In total, 19 chordoma patients and 108 normal healthy individuals were recruited and screened using T-ARMS-PCR. The results were subsequently validated by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: The genotype distributions and allele frequencies were significantly different among the patient and healthy groups (p-value <0.05). The A allele of rs2305089 showed a significant positive association with chordoma risk (p-value <0.05). DNA sequencing verified the T-ARMS-PCR results as well. This study demonstrated the association between TBXT rs2305089 and chordoma in an Iranian population using a simple, accurate, and cost-effective T-ARMS-PCR assay. CONCLUSIONS: Our results were in line with those of previous studies showing that TBXT rs2305089 is associated with chordoma development. We also developed an efficient T-ARMS-PCR assay to determine the genotype of rs2305089.

Combined effects of rat Schwann cells and 17ß-estradiol in a spinal cord injury model.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating traumatic event which burdens the affected individuals and the health system. Schwann cell (SC) transplantation is a promising repair strategy after SCI. However, a large number of SCs do not survive following transplantation. Previous studies demonstrated that 17ß-estradiol (E2) protects different cell types and reduces tissue damage in SCI experimental animal model. In the current study, we evaluated the protective potential of E2 on SCs in vitro and investigated whether the combination of hormonal and SC therapeutic strategy has a better effect on the outcome after SCI. Primary SC cultures were incubated with E2 for 72 h. In a subsequent experiment, thoracic contusion SCI was induced in male rats followed by sustained administration of E2 or vehicle. Eight days after SCI, DiI-labeled SCs were transplanted into the injury epicenter in vehicle and E2-treated animals. The combinatory regimen decreased neurological and behavioral deficits and protected neurons and oligodendrocytes in comparison to vehicle rats. Moreover, E2 and SC significantly decreased the number of Iba-1+ (microglia) and GFAP+ cells (astrocyte) in the SCI group. In addition, we found a significant reduction of mitochondrial fission-markers (Fis1) and an increase of fusion-markers (Mfn1 and Mfn2) in the injured spinal cord after E2 and SC treatment. These data demonstrated that E2 protects SCs against hypoxia-induced SCI and improves the survival of transplanted SCs.

Spinal Cord Injury Model Mitochondria Connect Altered Function with Defects of Mitochondrion Morphology: an Ultrastructural Study.

The key role of mitochondria in neurodegenerative disease patients is well documented. Recent studies claimed that mitochondrial regulatory dysfunction might play a role in ongoing cell death and dysfunction. In the present study, we characterized ultrastructural morphometry of mitochondrial alterations occurring at the level of motor neuron cell bodies in SCI-induced rats. We applied 17ß-estradiol (E2) to determine whether it can improve mitochondria structural integrity of motor neurons. We used a rat model of acute SCI generated by spinal cord contusion at the T9-T10 level, followed by tissue processing 21 days post-SCI. Samples were divided into five groups: laminectomy, SCI, vehicle, SCI + 25 µg/kg E2, and SCI + 10 µg/kg E2. Assessments included analysis of hind limb motor recovery, quantifying tissue repair, and evaluation of morphological changes in the ultrastructure of mitochondria in motor neurons by transmission electron microscopy. In the E2-treated groups, especially the group receiving 25 µg/kg E2, less irregular mitochondria were observed, as there was a significant reduction in swelling or vacuolization, or fragmentation compared to the SCI group. Furthermore, E2 significantly reduced membrane rupture in the SCI group. E2 could be a proper therapeutic agent to relieve mitochondrial deleterious effects on neurons in neurodegenerative diseases.

Thymol-loaded liposomes effectively induced apoptosis and decreased EGFR expression in colorectal cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. Different factors, such as environmental and genetic factors and lifestyle, affect it. Owing to the presence of phenolic, alkaloid, antioxidant, and terpenoid compounds, herbal compounds can be effective in the treatment of various cancers. Thymol is a natural monoterpene phenol that is abundant in some plants and exerts several biological effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the apoptotic, anti-proliferative effect and EGFR gene expression under the influence of thymol-loaded nanoliposome in SW84 and SW111 cell lines derived from colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lipid thin-film hydration method was used to synthesize thymol-loaded liposomes, and their characterization was performed using TEM, DLS, and HPLC analyses. SW84 and SW1111 cells were treated with thymol- and thymol-loaded liposomes at different doses, the inhibition of cell proliferation was evaluated using an MTT assay, the rate of apoptosis induction was assessed using flow cytometry, and EGFR gene expression was measured using real-time PCR. RESULTS: The nanoparticles produced were spherical, uniform, and 200 ± 10 nm in size. HPLC analysis showed that approximately 98% thymol was loaded into the nanoliposome. The results of the MTT assay showed that thymol and thymol-nanoliposomes decreased the proliferation of SW84 and SW1111 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 of thymol and thymol-nanoliposomes were 18 and 14.2 µg/ml for the SW48 cell line (P = 0.04) and 10.5 and 6.4 µg/ml for the SW1116 cell line (P = 0.001). Thymol-nanoliposomes significantly inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells compared to free thymol. Flow cytometry showed an increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells, especially in the thymol-nanoliposome group in the treated cells. Real-time PCR results also showed that thymol and thymol-nanoliposome both caused a decrease in the expression of EGFR genes in both cell lines, but this effect of decreasing gene expression was significantly higher in the thymol-nanoliposome group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that thymol-nanoliposomes reduced proliferation, increased apoptosis, and decreased EGFR expression in colorectal cancer-derived cell lines.

Alginate hydrogel-PCL/gelatin nanofibers composite scaffold containing mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes sustain release for regeneration of tympanic membrane perforation.

Exosomes are among the most effective therapeutic tools for tissue engineering. This study demonstrates that a 3D composite scaffold containing exosomes can promote regeneration in rat tympanic membrane perforation (TMP). The scaffolds were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), degradation, PBS adsorption, swelling, porosity, and mechanical properties. To confirm the isolation of exosomes from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs), western blot, SEM, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were performed. The Western blot test confirmed the presence of exosomal surface markers CD9, CD81, and CD63. The SEM test revealed that the isolated exosomes had a spherical shape, while the DLS test indicated an average diameter of 82.5 nm for these spherical particles. MTT assays were conducted to optimize the concentration of hAMSCs-exosomes in the hydrogel layer of the composite. Exosomes were extracted on days 3 and 7 from an alginate hydrogel containing 100 and 200 µg/mL of exosomes, with 100 µg/mL identified as the optimal value. The optimized composite scaffold demonstrated improved growth and migration of fibroblast cells. Animal studies showed complete tympanic membrane regeneration (TM) after five days. These results illustrate that a scaffold containing hAMSC-exosomes can serve as an appropriate tissue-engineered scaffold for enhancing TM regeneration.

Delayed reversal of methanol-induced blindness in an adult by a combination of erythropoietin and a high dose of methylprednisolone: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The clinical manifestation following methanol toxicity accounts for a life-threatening problem that contributes to metabolic disorders, neurological complications, blindness, and even death. There is no completely effective treatment to retain the patient's vision. Herein, we apply a new therapeutic strategy for the recovery of bilateral blindness in a patient who had ingested methanol. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old Iranian man with complete bilateral blindness was referred 3 days after accidental ingestion of methanol to the poisoning center at Jalil Hospital, Yasuj, Iran, in 2022. After taking his medical history, performing neurologic and ophthalmologic examinations, and routine laboratory tests, ordinary management was undertaken and counterpoisons were given for 4-5 days; however, the blindness did not reverse. Following the 4-5 days of unsuccessful standard management, he was given ten doses of subcutaneous erythropoietin 10,000 IU/12 hours twice daily, folinic acid 50 mg/12 hours, and methylprednisolone 250 mg/6 hours for 5 days. After five days, vision of both eyes recovered, reaching 1/10 in the left and 7/10 in the right eye. He remained under daily supervision until his release from the hospital, and he was discharged from the hospital 15 days post admission. In outpatient follow-up, his visual acuity was improved without having any side effects at 2 weeks after discharge. CONCLUSION: A combination of erythropoietin and a high dose of methylprednisolone were useful for relieving the critical optic neuropathy and improved the optical neurological disorder following methanol toxicity.

Sustain release of loaded insulin within biomimetic hydrogel microsphere for sciatic tissue engineering in vivo.

We developed insulin loaded biomimetic microsphere by laccase-mediated crosslinking using a microfluidic device in the water-in-oil emulsion system as an injectable vehicle for the repair of sciatic tissue. Aqueous polymeric solution of phenol-substituted hyaluronic acid (HAPh) and collagen (ColPh) containing insulin and laccase flowed from the inner channel into oil flow within an outer channel which leads formation of hydrogel microsphere. The physical properties of prepared specimens including swelling rate, mechanical resistance and the prolonged release rate of microspheres proved applicability of fabricated vehicles for tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. The growth profile and behavior of cells in microspheres indicated cytocompatibility of the method and prepared vehicles for microtissue development. Histopathological examination revealed a significant increase in axonal regeneration, and remyelination process in injured sciatic nerve following treatment with HAPh/ColPh microspheres containing insulin compared to control groups. Also, the functional characteristic of sciatic tissue showed that the presence of biomimetic microsphere and insulin simultaneously had improved sciatic tissue functions including functional sciatic index (SFI) values, reaction to hot plate and muscle weight of rats. In summary, the results proved that composite biomimetic microspheres containing insulin effectively improved nerve regeneration in the rat model.

Bacterial profile and their antimicrobial resistance patterns among patients with community-acquired pneumonia in southwestern Iran.

Background and Objectives: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most common life-threatening infections, occurring in the community or within the first 48 hours of a patient's hospitalization. The present study aimed to investigate the frequency of pathogenic bacteria and their antibiotic resistance pattern in the sputum of patients with community-acquired pneumonia in Yasuj from 2018 to 2019. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 128 patients with CAP were included. Under aseptic conditions clinical samples including sputum collected from each patient were sent to the Microbiology Laboratory. Specific culture media and biochemical tests were used to identify the bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance patterns of the isolates were examined by disc diffusion. DNA was extracted from sputum using the phenol-chloroform method. The PCR method was used for the molecular detection of bacteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 and the chi-square test. Results: The most common clinical symptoms in patients were sputum (68.8%), fever (64.1%), shortness of breath (60.2%), cough (50.8%), and chest pain (24.2%). A total of 133 bacteria were identified by culture and 117 bacteria by PCR. In the current study, the most prevalent organisms were Streptococcus pneumoniae (24.1%), Hemophilus influenzae (18%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.5%), and Moraxella catarrhalis (11.4%). Antibiogram test showed that most of the Gram-negative bacteria were resistant to levofloxacin (22.6%), rifampin (20.8%) and ceftriaxone (17%), and the highest resistance rate to clindamycin (43.1%), ciprofloxacin (43.1%) and amoxicillin (41.4%) were detected in the Gram-positive bacteria. Cefepime was the most effective antibiotic against Gram negative bacteria. Conclusion: S. pneumoniae was the most prevalent bacteria identified by culture and PCR methods in patients with CAP, indicating an important role of this bacterium in the pathogenesis of CAP. According to the results, cefepime can be used to treat patients with CAP with Gram-negative bacteria. In the present study, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, and K. pneumoniae have been isolated from the CAP patient population with varying frequencies. This is consistent with various studies in different parts of the world.

Fabrication and optimization of multilayered composite scaffold made of sulfated alginate-based nanofiber/decellularized Wharton's jelly ECM for tympanic membrane tissue engineering.

In this study, we fabricated a novel multilayer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/alginate sulfate (ALG-S) nanofiber/decellularized Wharton's Jelly ECM (d-ECM) composite for tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs) tissue engineering (TE). Initially, electrospun PVA/ALG-S scaffolds with different blend ratios were fabricated. The influence of ALG-S ratio on surface morphology, mechanical, physical and biological properties of the nanofibers was studied. Secondly, 3-layer composites were developed as a combination of PVA/ALG-S nanofibers and d-ECM to take synergic advantages of electrospun mats and d-ECM. As part of the evaluation of the effects of d-ECM incorporation, the composite's mechanical properties, in vitro degradation, swelling ratio, and biological activities were assessed. The MTT assay showed that PVA/ALG-S nanofibers with 50:50 ratio provided a more desirable environment to support cell growth. A composite containing 25 mg/cm2 d-ECM was determined as the optimal composite through MTT assay, and this composite was used for animal studies inducing TMP regeneration. According to the in vivo studies, the optimal composite not only stimulated the healing of TMPs but also shortened the healing period. These results suggest that a multilayer nanofiber/hydrogel composite could be a potential platform for regenerating TMPs.

Alginate sulfate/ECM composite hydrogel containing electrospun nanofiber with encapsulated human adipose-derived stem cells for cartilage tissue engineering.

Stem cell therapy is a promising strategy for cartilage tissue engineering, and cell transplantation using polymeric scaffolds has recently gained attention. Herein, we encapsulated human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) within the alginate sulfate hydrogel and then added them to polycaprolactone/gelatin electrospun nanofibers and extracellular matrix (ECM) powders to mimic the cartilage structure and characteristic. The composite hydrogel scaffolds were developed to evaluate the relevant factors and conditions in mechanical properties, cell proliferation, and differentiation to enhance cartilage regeneration. For this purpose, different concentrations (1-5 % w/v) of ECM powder were initially loaded within an alginate sulfate solution to optimize the best composition for encapsulated hASCs viability. Adding 4 % w/v of ECM resulted in optimal mechanical and rheological properties and better cell viability. In the next step, electrospun nanofibrous layers were added to the alginate sulfate/ECM composite to prepare different layered hydrogel-nanofiber (2, 3, and 5-layer) structures with the ability to mimic the cartilage structure and function. The 3-layer structure was selected as the optimum layered composite scaffold, considering cell viability, mechanical properties, swelling, and biodegradation behavior; moreover, the chondrogenesis potential was assessed, and the results showed promising features for cartilage tissue engineering application.

Hyaluronic acid/gelatin microcapsule functionalized with carbon nanotube through laccase-catalyzed crosslinking for fabrication of cardiac microtissue.

Carbon nanotube (CNT) and gelatin (Gela) molecules are effective substrates in promoting engineered cardiac tissue functions. This study developed a microfluidic-based encapsulation process for biomimetic hydrogel microcapsule fabrication. The hydrogel microcapsule was produced through a coaxial double orifice microfluidic technique and a water-in-oil emulsion system in two sequential processes. The phenol (Ph) substituted Gela (Gela-Ph) and CNT (CNT-Ph), respectively as cell-adhesive and electrically conductive substrates were incorporated in hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel through laccase-mediated crosslinking. The Cardiomyocyte-enclosing microcapsule fabricated and cellular survival, function, and possible difference in the biological activity of encapsulated cells within micro vehicles were investigated. The coaxial microfluidic method and Lac-mediated crosslinking reaction resulted in spherical vehicle production in 183 µm diameter at 500 capsules/min speed. The encapsulation process did not affect cellular viability and harvested cells from microcapsule proliferated well likewise subcultured cells in tissue culture plate. The biophysical properties of the designed hydrogel, including mechanical strength, swelling, biodegradability and electroconductivity upregulated significantly for hydrogels decorated covalently with Gela-Ph and CNT-Ph. The tendency of the microcapsule for the spheroid formation of cardiomyocytes inside the proposed microcapsule occurred 3 days after encapsulation. Interestingly, immobilized Gela-Ph and CNT-Ph promote cellular growth and specific cardiac markers. Overall, the microfluidic-based encapsulation technology and synthesized biomimetic substrates with electroconductive properties demonstrate desirable cellular adhesion, proliferation, and cardiac functions for engineering cardiac tissue.

Prevalence of Proteinuria and Hematuria in a Rural Population in the Southwest of Iran.

Acute and chronic kidney diseases are common and are associated with the risk of kidney failure. Early detection of these disorders prevents their progression to kidney damage in later stages. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of proteinuria and hematuria in a rural population in Yasuj, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 676 people (350 females and 326 males) participated. People with positive dipstick test results entered the second screening and the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) was measured. People with UPCR ≥150 mg/g were evaluated for demographic and biochemical indicators. In the initial screening, 72 subjects (10.6%) tested positive by the dipstick test with trace proteinuria or higher. The UPCR results showed that this ratio was above 150 mg/g in 42 patients (6.2%), which was approximately equivalent to more than 150 mg of protein excreted per day. There was no significant relationship between the prevalence of proteinuria and the demographic and biochemical markers. Briefly, it seems that the prevalence of proteinuria found by the dipstick test was similar to that in other parts of the world. However, according to the UPCR index, the percentage of proteinuria was significantly higher than in other studies. Because of the unknown mechanism of proteinuria, more studies based on genetic tests and kidney biopsies are needed to determine the causes of proteinuria.

Uremic encephalopathy: A definite diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging?

The aim of this study was to investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for the diagnose uremic encephalopathy and describe the usefulness of MRI findings in the ultimate diagnosis of uremic encephalopathy (UE). A total of 20 patients with uremic encephalopathy admitted to the hospital were evaluated in this prospective study. The clinical manifestations, laboratory and MRI imaging findings, demographic information, and clinical outcome were analyzed for each patient. We observed that the 20 prospectively reviewed patients with UE had no involvement of the basal ganglia or the lentiform fork sign (LFS). However, two-thirds of the patients had white matter involvement, and 80% of the subjects had cerebral or cortical atrophy. The arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis revealed that 50% of the patients suffered from metabolic acidosis (n=10). The results of the present study demonstrated that although the observation of Lentiform Fork Sign and Basal Ganglia involvement in MRI of UE patients is a specific finding the absence of which does not rule out UE. Thus, simultaneous examination of clinical manifestation and laboratory test analyses, along with imaging findings, should also be taken into account.

Stachys pilifera Benth. Ameliorates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats through the Antioxidant Pathways.

Methods: In this experimental study, 35 male Wistar rats (120-180 g) were divided into five groups (n = 7) as follows: intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM, 7.5 IU/kg) was administered to group II. The third and fourth groups received BLM plus Stachys pilifera hydroalcoholic extract (SPHE) (300 mg/kg/day, gavage). Vitamin E (500 mg/kg/day, gavage) was given to group V in addition to BLM. After 14 days, the animals were euthanized to assess biochemical parameters and lung histopathology. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total thiol (TSH), and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. In addition, hydroxyproline (HYP) levels along with histological changes in lung tissue were also assessed. Results: MDA, NO, and HYP elevations induced by BLM toxicity were significantly inhibited by SPHE (300 and 600 mg/kg), and Vit E. SPHE also significantly increased GSH and TSH levels in comparison to the BLM group.HPLC analyses showed the presence of thymol (55.47 ng/mL) and carvacrol (109.91 ng/mL) in SPHE as potential bioactive phenolic compounds. Conclusion: The results suggest that SPHE alleviates the development of BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the proliferation of fibroblasts mediated by antioxidant pathways. Other mechanisms underlying this Effect of SPHE need to be clarified through further research.

Demographic, Chemical, and Helicobacter pylori Positivity Assessment in Different Types of Gallstones and the Bile in a Random Sample of Cholecystectomied Iranian Patients with Cholelithiasis.

Background: The occurrence of stones in the gallbladder or common bile duct and the symptoms and complications they cause is called gallstone disease. The symptoms of gallstone disease range from mild, nonspecific symptoms to a severe right quadrant abdominal pain. Characteristics of gallstone types in an Iranian population have not been well studied before and there are very limited studies on the demographic pattern of stone types in our country, so this study is one of the first studies on its kind on the epidemiology of gallstone types in Iran. As information on chemical components of the stone will help in the management and prevention of gallstones, in this study, we aimed to do chemical component analysis of gallstones including cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium. Given the conflicting reports about the relationship between H. pylori infections and gallstone formation, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between H. pylori positivity in the bile specimen of Iranian patients with cholelithiasis and formation and type of stone. Methods: This prospective study reviewed a total of 196 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis at Shahid Beheshti Training and Research Hospital affiliated to the Yasuj University of Medical Sciences between September 2015 and May 2018. Chemical analysis of gallstone components performed using the colorimetry method. Microbiological analysis for H. pylori was done using the OnSite H. pylori Ag Rapid Test on the bile sample. For the validation test of bile, the H. pylori Rapid Stool Ag Test on stool was used, and Cohen's Kappa statistical analysis was done next. Results: There were significant associations between the stone types and age, chemical composition of the stones such as calcium, cholesterol, and bilirubin levels, and also H. pylori positivity and cholesterol and bilirubin levels; however, no significant association was found between the stone types and sex, H. pylori positivity and age, sex, stone types, and calcium level. The main bile and validity tests were matched to the substantial agreement according to Cohen's Kappa analysis. The most common drugs used were proton pump inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihypertensive drugs, and oral contraceptives. Conclusions: This study suggested that the chemical composition of the stones could predict the presence of bacteria, there is no correlation between H. pylori and gallstone formation, and some of the drugs could be predisposing factors for gallstones. This work provides an objective basis for further research into gallbladder stone formation; meanwhile, it has great significance in the treatment and prevention of gallbladder stones. Trial registration. The project was found to be in accordance to the ethical principles and the national norms and standards for conducting research in Iran with the approval ID IR.YUMS.REC.1399.147 and date 2020.09.23, and this project is the result of a residency dissertation to obtain the specialty in general surgery, which has been registered with the research project number 960159 in the Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology Development of the Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran, URL: https://ethics.research.ac.ir/EthicsProposalViewEn.php?id=160634.

Related Fluoxetine and Methylprednisolone Changes of TNF-α and IL-6 Expression in The Hypothyroidism Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious clinical condition that leads to disability. Following primary injury, proinflammatory cytokines play an important role in the subsequent secondary events. The thyroid hormone (TH) is known as the modulator of inflammatory cytokines and acts as a neuroprotective agent. Methylprednisolone (MP) is used for the early treatment of SCI. Fluoxetine (FLX), also is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has therapeutic potential in neurological disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the combined effects of MP and FLX on SCI in the rat hypothyroidism (hypo) model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats with hypothyroidism were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=8/group): control (Hypo), Hypo+Surgical sham, Hypo+SCI, Hypo+SCI+MP, Hypo+SCI+FLX, and Hypo+SCI+MP+FLX. SCI was created using an aneurysm clip and Hypothyroidism was induced by 6-Propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day administered intraperitoneally. Following SCI induction, rats received MP and FLX treatments via separate intraperitoneal injections at a dose of 30 and 10 mg/kg/day respectively on the surgery day and FLX continued daily for 3 weeks. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were quantified by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting. Myelination and glutathione (GSH) levels were analyzed by Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining and ELISA respectively. RESULTS: Following combined MP and FLX treatments, the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 significantly decreased and GSH level considerably increased in the trial animals. CONCLUSION: Our results show the neuroprotective effects of MP and FLX with better results in Hypo+SCI+MP+FLX group. Further study is required to identify the mechanisms involved.

Control of cellular adhesiveness in hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel through varying degrees of phenol moiety cross-linking.

Current hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels often cause cytotoxicity to encapsulated cells and lack the adhesive property required for effective biomedical and tissue engineering applications. Provision of the cell-adhesive surface is an important requirement to improve its biocompatibility. An aqueous solution of hyaluronic acid possessing phenolic hydroxyl (HA-Ph) moieties is gellable via a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-catalyzed oxidative cross-linking reaction. This study evaluates the effect of different degrees of cross-linked Ph moieties on cellular adhesiveness and proliferation on the resultant enzymatically cross-linked HA-Ph hydrogels. Mechanical characterization demonstrated that the compression force of engineered hydrogels could be tuned in the range of 0.05-35 N by changing conjugated Ph moieties in the precursor formulation. The water contact angle and water content show hydrophobicity of hydrogels increased with increasing content of cross-linked Ph groups. The seeded mouse embryo fibroblast-like cell line and human cervical cancer cell line, on the HA-Ph hydrogel, proved cell attachment and spreading with a high content of cross-linked Ph groups. The HA-Ph with a higher degree of Ph moieties shows the maximum degree of cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation which presents this hydrogel as a suitable biomaterial for biomedical and tissue engineering applications.

More attention on glial cells to have better recovery after spinal cord injury.

Functional improvement after spinal cord injury remains an unsolved difficulty. Glial scars, a major component of SCI lesions, are very effective in improving the rate of this recovery. Such scars are a result of complex interaction mechanisms involving three major cells, namely, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. In recent years, scientists have identified two subtypes of reactive astrocytes, namely, A1 astrocytes that induce the rapid death of neurons and oligodendrocytes, and A2 astrocytes that promote neuronal survival. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that the macrophage polarization state is more of a continuum between M1 and M2 macrophages. M1 macrophages that encourage the inflammation process kill their surrounding cells and inhibit cellular proliferation. In contrast, M2 macrophages promote cell proliferation, tissue growth, and regeneration. Furthermore, the ability of oligodendrocyte precursor cells to differentiate into adult oligodendrocytes or even neurons has been reviewed. Here, we first scrutinize recent findings on glial cell subtypes and their beneficial or detrimental effects after spinal cord injury. Second, we discuss how we may be able to help the functional recovery process after injury.