Saponin protects against cyclophosphamide-induced kidney and liver damage via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Background: The liver and kidney are organs affected by chemotherapy drugs such as cyclophosphamide (CP). This study examined the protective effects of treatment with saponin (SP) against CP-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Methods: 24 adult male mice were divided into four groups (N = 6): Control group, CP (15 mg kg-1), SP (2.5 mg kg-1) and CP + SP. After treatment, blood samples were collected for the determination of biochemical parameters. Liver and kidney samples were taken for histological analysis and assessment of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Results: Cyclophosphamide decreased renal and liver functions and antioxidant enzymes, which significantly increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine (BUN, Cr), liver enzyme levels, malondialdehyde, nuclear factor kappa ß (NF-kB) and Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1B) concentrations. Moreover, histopathological findings of the CP group showed that there were acute tubular necrosis and glomerular atrophy in the renal tissues and lymphocyte infiltration in the liver samples. Treatment with saponin improved hepatic and renal functions, pathological changes and antioxidant capacity, and also decreased lipid peroxidation and inflammation. Conclusion: It seems that saponin could exert a hepato-nephroprotective effect against cyclophosphamide toxicity.

Differentiation of human spermatogonial stem cells using a human decellularized testicular scaffold supplemented by platelet-rich plasma.

BACKGROUND: Effective culture systems for attachment, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) can be a promising therapeutic modality for preserving male fertility. Decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) from native testis tissue creates a local microenvironment for testicular cell culture. Furthermore, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains various growth factors for the proliferation and differentiation of SSCs. METHODS: In this study, human testicular cells were isolated and cultured for 4 weeks, and SSCs were characterized using immunocytochemistry (ICC) and flow cytometry. Human testicular tissue was decellularized (0.3% SDS, 1% Triton), and the efficiency of the decellularization process was confirmed by histological staining and DNA content analysis. SSCs were cultured on the human decellularized testicular matrix (DTM) for 4 weeks. The viability and the expression of differentiation genes were evaluated by MTT and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. RESULTS: Histological evaluation and DNA content analysis showed that the components of ECM were preserved during decellularization. Our results showed that after 4 weeks of culture, the expression levels of BAX, BCL-2, PLZF, and SCP3 were unchanged, while the expression of PRM2 significantly increased in the cells cultured on DTM supplemented with PRP (ECM-PRP). In addition, the expression of GFRA1 was significantly decreased in the ECM group compared to the control and PRP groups. Furthermore, the MTT test indicated that viability was significantly enhanced in cells plated on DTM supplemented with PRP. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that DTM supplemented with PRP can provide an effective culture system for the differentiation and viability of SSCs.

Impact of caffeic acid on the testicular damages in D-galactose-induced aging model in mice.

Objectives: Aging is a biological phenomenon that causes various disorders and diseases in body systems such as the reproductive system. One of the important factors in aging is oxidative stress, which facilitates the aging process through various mechanisms. The aim of this study is the investigation of effects of caffeic acid on the testicular damages in Dgalactose induced aging model in mice. Materials and Methods: Forty male mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=8): 1) Control, 2) Sham, 3) Aging, 4) Aging + caffeic acid, and 5) Caffeic acid. Aging was induced through daily injection of D-Galactose (300 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) for 6 weeks. Caffeic acid (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was injected daily for 6 weeks. One day after the last injection mice were killed and the testicle and epididymis were removed. Then, sperm parameters, factors of oxidative stress, and histopathological changes were evaluated. Results: The results showed that aging significantly decreased the count, motility, and viability of sperm, and increased abnormal sperm and sperm DNA fragmentation in contrast to the control group (P<0.05). In addition, MDA levels increased significantly in this group, and SOD, GPx, and TAC activity decreased (P<0.05). Histological studies also showed the destruction of seminiferous tubules, and Johnson's score decreased (P<0.05). Caffeic acid administration significantly improved the above disarrays (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that caffeic acid reduces the adverse effects of aging on spermatogenesis in mice by reducing oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant defenses.

Biomechanical analysis of tracheal stent during cough reflex.

Tracheal stenting is a common method which is widely used to cure different tracheal disorders including airways stenosis, chronic coughs, and accidents. In this study, we aimed to analyze the reaction of the trachea wall to exhale in three phases of light, moderate, and vigorous activities at air flows of 15 L/min (light), 26 L/min (medium), and 30 L/min (vigorous). Fluid structure interaction (FSI) was used for the numerical analysis using computed tomography (CT) images. The flow was assumed incompressible and turbulent. The stent is silicone with a Young's modulus equal to 1 MPa, Poisson's ratio 0.28, and density of 2330 kg/m3. The stent length was 60 mm and fix support boundary condition was applied for all inputs and outputs. Numerical simulation was performed using ANSYS software. The induced stresses, strains, wall deformation, flow pressure, and the flow velocity were obtained. The results showed that the stent prevented the local deformation of the wall of trachea and it reduced the induced strain in the position. But the stenting could lead to stress concentration. Finally, the stent prevented the damage to the trachea muscles during coughs in row.

Effects of embryonic stem cell-conditioned medium on the preimplantation development of mouse embryos.

The production of high-quality embryos in the laboratory and a successful pregnancy are closely related to the condition and contents of oocyte and embryo culture media. In this study, we investigated the effects of embryonic stem cell-conditioned medium (ESCCM) and embryonic stem cells growth medium (ESCGM) compared with potassium-enriched simplex optimized medium (KSOM) on preimplantation embryo development stages during natural or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Birth rate of pups was measured. To obtain mature oocytes, and 2-cell and 8-cell embryos, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was injected 48 h after i.p. injection of 5 units of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. Mature oocytes were obtained from non-mated female mice 14 h after HCG injection. To obtain 2-cell and 8-cell embryos, mated female mice, 1 day and 3 days, respectively, after HCG injection, were used. Mature oocytes were fertilized in HTF medium. Embryos obtained from natural or in vitro fertilization were cultured in experimental media, ESCCM and ESCGM, or KSOM as the control culture medium. Embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage were transferred to the uteri of pseudopregnant mice and effects of the experimental media on embryo viability were determined. ESCCM and ESCGM could not pass the embryo after the 2-cell stage, but they were suitable for the development of the embryo from the 8-cell stage to the blastocyst. It can be concluded that the embryo has various requirements at different stages of development.

Protective effect of saponin on sperm DNA fragmentation of mice treated with cyclophosphamide.

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a common chemotherapy drug with the testicular damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of saponin (SP) on the toxicity of CP in the male reproductive system. Following an experimental pilot study for determining SP dose, 40 male mice (32 ± 3 g) were divided into five groups (n = 8): control, sham (normal saline 0.2 ml/day), CP (15 mg/kg/week, intraperitoneally), SP (2.5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) and saponin group with cyclophosphamide (SP + CP). After treatment, the left testes were removed for the measurement of malonedialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, and sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed by SDFA kit. In the CP group, a significant decrease in motility, viability, count, normal morphology and DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa and TAC was observed, while in MDA level, a significant increase was observed compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Attenuated sperm parameters in CP group improved significantly in SP + CP group (p < 0.05). According to the findings of this study, SP was able to alter the reproductive toxicity of CP in NMRI mice and increase the antioxidant capacity of the testis.

Experimental Investigation on the Shear Behaviour of Stud-Bolt Connectors of Steel-Concrete-Steel Fibre-Reinforced Recycled Aggregates Sandwich Panels.

Steel-concrete-steel (SCS) sandwich panels are manufactured with two thin high-strength steel plates and a moderately low-density and low-strength thick concrete core. In this study, 24 specimens were produced and tested. In these specimens, a new stud-bolt connector was used to regulate its shear behaviour in sandwich panels. The bolts' diameter, concrete core's thickness and bolts' spacing were the parameters under analysis. Furthermore, the concrete core was manufactured with normal-strength concrete and steel fibres concrete (SFC). Steel fibres were added at 1% by volume. In addition, the recycled coarse aggregate was used at 100% in terms of mass instead of natural coarse aggregate. Therefore, the ultimate bearing capability and slip of the sandwich panels were recorded, and the failure mode and ductility index of the specimens were evaluated. A new formula was also established to determine the shear strength of SCS panels with this kind of connectors. According to this study, increasing the diameter of the stud-bolts or using SFC in sandwich panels improve their shear strength and ductility ratio.

Fusion-based framework for meteorological drought modeling using remotely sensed datasets under climate change scenarios: Resilience, vulnerability, and frequency analysis.

Severe drought events in recent decades and their catastrophic effects have called for drought prediction and monitoring needed for developing drought readiness plans and mitigation measures. This study used a fusion-based framework for meteorological drought modeling for the historical (1983-2016) and future (2020-2050) periods using remotely sensed datasets versus ground-based observations and climate change scenarios. To this aim, high-resolution remotely sensed precipitation datasets, including PERSIANN-CDR and CHIRPS (multi-source products), ERA5 (reanalysis datasets), and GPCC (gauge-interpolated datasets), were employed to estimate non-parametric SPI (nSPI) as a meteorological drought index against local observations. For more accurate drought evaluation, all stations were classified into different clusters using the K-means clustering algorithm based on ground-based nSPI. Then, four Individual Artificial Intelligence (IAI) models, including Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), and General Regression Neural Network (GRNN), were developed for drought modeling within each cluster. Finally, two advanced fusion-based methods, including Multi-Model Super Ensemble (MMSE) as a linear weighted model and a nonlinear model called machine learning Random Forest (RF), combined results by IAI models using different remotely sensed datasets. The proposed framework was implemented to simulate each remotely sensed precipitation data for the future based on CORDEX regional climate models (RCMs) under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios for drought projection. The efficiency of IAI and fusion models was evaluated using statistical error metrics, including the coefficient of determination (R2), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Square Error (MSE), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The proposed methodology was employed in the Gavkhooni basin of Iran, and results showed that the RF model with the lowest estimation error (RMSE of 0.391 and R2 of 0.810) had performed well compared to all other models. Finally, the resilience, vulnerability, and frequency of probability metrics indicated that the 12-month time scale of drought affected the basin more severely than other time scales.

Poly (L-lactic acid) nanofibrous scaffolds support the proliferation and neural differentiation of mouse neural stem and progenitor cells.

BACKGROUND: The distribution and growth of cells on nanofibrous scaffolds seem to be an indispensable precondition in cell tissue engineering. The potential use of biomaterial scaffolds in neural stem cell therapy is increasingly attracting attention. AIM: In this study, we produced porous nanofibrous scaffolds fabricated from random poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) to support neurogenic differentiation of neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs), isolated from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the adult mouse brain. METHODS: The viability and proliferation of the NSPCs on the nanofibrous PLLA scaffold were also tested by nuclear staining with 4, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI), 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To investigate the differentiation potential of NSPCs on the scaffolds, the cells were treated with a neurogenic differentiation medium, and immunostaining was done to detect neuronal and glial cells after 14 and 21 days of cultivation. Furthermore, the morphology of differentiated cells on the scaffold was examined using SEM. RESULTS: The DAPI staining revealed the proliferation of NSPCs onto the surface of the nanofibrous PLLA scaffold. DAPI-positive cells were counted on days 2 and 5 after cultivation. The mean number of cells in each microscopic field was significantly (p < .05) increased (51 ± 19 on day 2 compared to 77 ± 25 cells on day 5). The results showed that the cell viability on PLLA scaffolds significantly increased compared to control groups. Moreover, cell viability was significantly increased 5 days after culturing (262.3 ± 50.2) as compared to 2 days culture in Vitro (174.2 ± 28.3, p < .05). Scanning electron micrographs also showed that the NSPCs adhered and differentiated on PLLA scaffolds. We found that the neural cell markers, microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), were expressed in NSPCs seeded on random PLLA scaffolds after 21 days of cultivation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the PLLA nano-scaffolds, due to their biocompatible property, are an appropriate structure for the proliferation, differentiation, and normal growth of NSPCs.

Mechanistic Evaluation of Linalool Effect against Renal Ischemia- Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Kidney ischemia reperfusion (IR) is an important cause of renal dysfunction. The hypoxic conditions in ischemic damage result in the formation of free radicals and apoptotic death of renal cells. We evaluated the renoprotective effects of linalool in IR- induced renal injury. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into three groups of six rats; namely, control group, IR group, and linalool + IR group. The animals were unilaterally nephrectomized and subjected to 45 min of renal pedicle occlusion followed by 24 h reperfusion. Linalool (40mg/kg) was administered before ischemia. After 24h reperfusion, the kidney tissues were obtained for detection of miR-21, HSP 70 and caspase-3 expression levels and histological studies. Also, the blood samples were collected for the measurement of biochemical parameters. RESULTS: IR significantly increased the expression of miR-21, HSP70 and capase-3 and the serum levels of BUN-Cr, ALT, AST and ALP enzymes. Furthermore, histological findings of the IR group confirmed that there were acute tubular necrosis and lymphocyte infiltration in the renal tissues. Treatment with linalool improved the renal function and morphological changes. CONCLUSION: It seems that linalool could exert a nephroprotective effect via a number of mechanisms in renal IR injury.

Assessment of the management scenarios for groundwater quality remediation of a nitrate-contaminated aquifer.

Nitrate contaminant degrades groundwater quality and threatens the health of the humans, livestock, and the environment. Damaneh-Daran aquifer is located at upstream of the Zayandehrood reservoir in west-central Iran. This aquifer has been highly contaminated by nitrate and is still rapidly being contaminated. Thus, its quality needs to be remediated. This paper is focused on the quantity-quality modeling to predict the average nitrate concentration of the aquifer. Several remediation scenarios are presented in a period beginning from fall 2019, ending in spring 2024. These scenarios address several ways to mitigate the injection of the major sources of contamination in the region, such as equipping the urban regions with wastewater collection and treatment plants and reducing the fertilizers' use. The decreased use of the fertilizers may be achieved through two strategies: directly reducing the amount of the fertilizers by several specific and predefined rates of reduction and indirectly decreasing the amount of the fertilizers used by crop pattern modification. The latter strategy is evaluated to replace all or a part of the areas allocated to the more fertilizer-demanding crops with those of the less fertilizer-demanding crops. Furthermore, some of these scenarios are hybridized to more mitigate groundwater quality degradation. The results of performing the proposed scenarios are once compared together and then compared with the trend scenario letting current case study conditions and facilities be held in the future. The results suggest that the scenario hybridizing the effects of the wastewater treatment plants-equipping scenario with those of the quality-enhancing crop pattern modification scenario is evaluated as the most effective and best-performing scenario, implementation of which offers 20% and 30% reduction of the nitrate concentration for the agricultural and urban areas, respectively.

Effect of Ceratonia siliqua L. extract on DNA Fragmentation of Sperm in Adult Male Mice Treated with Cyclophosphamide.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of Ceratonia siliqua L. (CS) extract on sperm parameters and DNA damage in adult male mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CP). Based on an initial dose response experiment on Ceratonia siliqua L. extract, five treatment groups were set up: control, sham (normal saline: 0.2 ml per day, IP), CP (15 mg kg-1 per week; IP), Ceratonia siliqua L. (100mg l-1 per day; IP), and group of Ceratonia siliqua L. along with CP for 35 days. After euthanizing the animals, sperms from caudal part of epididymis were collected, and their parameters, Malone Di-Aldehyde (MDA) level, and DNA fragmentation were analyzed. In the mice exposed to cyclophosphamide, reduction in the sperm count and viability and increase in the abnormal sperm and MDA levels were detected (p < .05). In addition, an increase in sperms with damaged DNA was detected in CP group, while the use of Ceratonia siliqua L. Extract significantly recovered these disturbances in the treatment group (p < .05). This study suggested the competence of Ceratonia siliqua L. extract in the improvement of sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation in animals treated with CP.

Vitamin D3 and erythropoietin protect against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury via heat shock protein 70 and microRNA-21 expression.

Kidney ischemia reperfusion (IR) contributes to the development of acute kidney injury. The hypoxic conditions in ischemic damage lead to oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death. We investigated the effects of vitamin D3 (Vit D) and erythropoietin (EPO) on microRNA-21(miR-21) expression in renal IR. Wistar rats were divided into five groups including the control, vehicle + IR, Vit D + IR, EPO + IR, and Vit D + EPO + IR groups. The animals were unilaterally nephrectomized and subjected to 45 min of renal pedicle occlusion followed by 24 h reperfusion. Vitamin D3 and EPO were administered prior to ischemia. After 24 h reperfusion, the kidney samples were collected for the detection of miR-21, heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) and caspase-3 expression levels. Kidney IR significantly increased the expression of miR-21, hsp70 and capase-3 and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)-Cr levels. Treatment with vitamin D3 and EPO significantly decreased the BUN-Cr levels and hsp70 and caspase-3 expression. Also, the co-administration of two drugs significantly increased miR-21 expression. It seems that vitamin D3 or EPO administration could protect the kidney against IR injury. However, vitamin D3 and EPO co-treatment was the most effective compared with the other treatment groups.

Protective Effect of Gallic Acid on Testicular Tissue, Sperm Parameters, and DNA Fragmentation against Toxicity Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Adult NMRI Mice.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Gallic acid (GA) on the Cyclophosphamide (CP) toxicity induced in the reproductive system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After a pilot study for dose responses of Gallic acid ,Forty adult male NMRI mice were divided into 5 groups (n=8): control, sham (NaCl Serum: 0.2mL per day), CP (15 mg kg-1 per week; IP), GA (12.5 mg kg-1 per day ; IP) and GA (12.5 mg kg-1 per day ; IP) +CP(15 mg kg-1 per week; IP). After treatment, the left testis was detached and used for Histological examination and right testis used for Malondialdehyde (MDA) measures. Left caudal epididymis was placed in the Ham's F10 medium and released spermatozoa were used in order to analyze sperm parameters. Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed by Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) method. RESULTS: In the CP group, there was a significant increase in the sperm DNA fragmentation (% 57.89 ± 23.91) compared with control group (% 24.52 ± 10.27). That was significantly improved by GA  (12.5 mg kg-1 per day ; IP)  in GA+CP group (% 28.4 ± 8.85) compared to CP group (p< .001).A significant increase was reported about MDA levels in CP group (6.26 ± 2.59) in compared with the control group (4.30 ± 2.05), But GA (3.24 ± 1.33) decreased it in GA+ CP group (p< .01).  The histopathological investigation revealed marked testicular atrophy in CP group, whereas GA diminished these deviations (P< .05). CONCLUSION: Gallic acid can modify the reproductive toxicity of cyclophosphamide in NMRI mice and increase the antioxidant capacity of testis tissue.

Calcitriol protects the Blood-Brain Barrier integrity against ischemic stroke and reduces vasogenic brain edema via antioxidant and antiapoptotic actions in rats.

BACKGROUND: Vasogenic brain edema is the most important complication of ischemic stroke that aggravates primary brain injury. Ischemia-Reperfusion (IR)-induced Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) impairment limits the use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) by increasing the possibility of hemorrhagic transformation and contributing to vasogenic edema and neuroinflammation. This study examined the effects of post-ischemic treatment with calcitriol on cerebral infarction, vasogenic edema formation and BBB disruption in a rat model of ischemic stroke. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three main groups, including the sham, IR + vehicle and IR + calcitriol groups. Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced by a 60-min-long occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery. The infarct volume, brain edema, BBB permeability and antioxidant enzyme activities were evaluated 24 h after ischemia. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to investigate cell apoptosis and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) protein expression five days after ischemia. RESULTS: Compared to the IR + vehicle group, the IR + calcitriol group showed a reduced brain infarction volume, attenuated brain edema formation and improved BBB function. These protective effects were followed by the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activities in the brain tissue. Additionally, a diminished cell apoptosis and an increased BDNF immunoreactivity were obtained in the IR + calcitriol group. CONCLUSION: Calcitriol may reduce brain injury and attenuate vasogenic edema by upregulating antioxidant enzymes activities, reducing cell apoptosis and increasing BDNF protein in the brain tissue in a rat model of ischemic stroke.

Protective effect of gallic acid on apoptosis of sperm and in vitro fertilization in adult male mice treated with cyclophosphamide.

BACKGROUND: Alteration of free radicals (reactive oxygen species) causes mammals' sperm damage. Gallic acid (GA) is known as an antioxidant which is effective against oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of GA on the sperm apoptosis and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in adult male mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following a pilot study to find the dose responses of GA, 40 adult male naval medical research institute (NMRI) mice (32 ± 3 g) were divided into five groups (n = 8): control, sham (normal saline, NS: 0.2 mL per day), CP (15 mg kg-1 per week; intraperitoneal, IP), GA (12.5 mg kg -1 per day; IP), and GA+CP. After the treatment, sperm parameters were analyzed. The apoptosis of sperm was measured by Annexin-PI staining method followed by flow cytometry detection. Fertility was assessed by IVF method among the groups. RESULTS: The difference in sperm parameter and fertility rate between the control (% 80.05 ± 6.53) and cyclophosphomide groups (% 51.82 ± 10.78) was significant (P < .001) but GA plus CP (% 78.16 ± 5.71) restored the fertilization rate (P < .001). Also, a remarkable increase was noted regarding apoptotic sperm in CP group vs the control group. The comparison in the five groups shows that GA cotreatment was significantly effective in reducing the apoptosis rate caused by cyclophosphamide (P < .05). CONCLUSION: It was ultimately attained that GA has a potent antioxidant effect which could inhibit the detrimental effect of CP on the apoptosis and fertility rate of sperm in the mouse.

Assessment of EGFR Gene Expression Following Vitrification of 2-cell and Blastocyst Mouse Embryos.

BACKGROUND: Exact mechanisms of fetal harm following vitrification are still unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate the cryopreservation impact on the expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene in mouse 2-cell and blastocysts. METHODS: To stimulate ovulation in mice, hCG was injected, followed by collecting 2-cells and blastocysts after 44-46 and 88-89 hr, respectively. These embryos were divided into two case and control groups. The fresh case group was cryopreserved using cryotop and warmed after 4 mounts. Normal 2-cells were selected based on their morphology and their RNA was extracted. Quantitative expression of EGFR gene in both groups was investigated by applying real time-PCR. RESULTS: The statistical Real-Time (RT)-PCR analyses performed using SPSS revealed that the expression level of EGFR gene was diminished in the case group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The current study indicated the negative effect of cryopreservation on expression amount of EGFR gene in 2-cell and blastocyst mouse embryos.

Meatoplasty in Canal wall down Surgery: Our Experience and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Meatoplasty is the final and essential step in performing effective canal wall down surgery for chronic otitis media. In this article we review some previous techniques and discuss our preferred method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this observational case series study, we used this technique in 53 patients (28 male and 25 female) between January 2005 and January 2008. Our survey was completed in 31 patients. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (83.9%) said their ear appeared normal after the procedure, but five patients (16.1%) complained of some minor change in the shape of their ear. Twenty-nine patients (93.5%) had a completely wide ear canal. The ear canal had some degree of stenosis in two patients (6.5%) post-operatively. CONCLUSION: This technique offers good functional and cosmetic results with minimal manipulation and minimal anatomic disruption.

Protein Delivery of Thymidylate Kinase Mediated by Tumor-Specific Antibody-Precoated Microvesicles.

Molecular targeted therapy is an important, novel approach in the treatment of cancer because it interferes with certain molecules involved in carcinogenesis and tumor growth. Examples include monoclonal antibodies, microvesicles, and suicide genes. Several studies have focused on targeted therapies in prostate cancer, which is a serious cause of cancer death in men. We hypothesize that antibody-coated microvesicles can deliver thymidylate kinase, a suicide protein, to prostate cancer cells, potentiating them to death following azidothymidine (AZT) treatment.

An efficient system for selection and culture of Schwann cells from adult rat peripheral nerves.

Schwann cells (SCs), the supporting cells of the peripheral nerves, are indispensable for regenerating the peripheral and central nervous system. Copious preparation of these cells in a well-defined manner is to be a privileged position. SCs cultivation is overwhelmed by contaminating fibroblasts which are often outgrowing as the predominant cell type in an in vitro culture. This study introduces a technically simple and efficient procedure for SCs isolation and enrichment based on implementing recombinant and defined supplements. Collected adult rat sciatic nerves were cultured for 10 days as in vitro predegeneration. After dissociation and plating, the medium changed to knockout serum replacement supplemented DMDM/F12 medium containing various growth factors. The whole procedure took 3 weeks and SCs purity was then evaluated through implementing specific cytoplasmic and membranous markers. The viability of enriched SCs were evaluated by MTT assay. Within 10 days, over 99 % homogenous SCs were achieved and confirmed through immunofluorescence staining and flow-cytometry for P75(NTR) and S100 markers, respectively. MTT data revealed that the viability and metabolic activities of purified SCs were increased in expansion medium. This study provides a technically easy and efficient method with the benefits of not utilizing bovine serum or other animal products for SCs isolation and enrichment.