Effects of low temperatures on quiescence in Trichogramma evanescens Westwood and T. chilonis Ishii reared on Plodia interpunctella (Hübner): implications for mass rearing.

The egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma are important potential biological control agents for a wide range of lepidopteran pests. Cold storage of host eggs has been proposed as a valuable technique for ensuring the release of sufficient parasitoid numbers whenever it is needed. In this context, the impact of low temperatures to induce quiescence in T. evanescens Westwood and T. chilonis Ishii was studied using eggs of Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella (Hübner). Prepupae of the parasitoids were stored for 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 d at 4 °C, following a 7 d period of acclimation at 10 °C. Both parasitoid species seem to survive unfavorable temperature conditions by entering a state of quiescence. Parasitism, adult emergence, sex ratio and progeny quality were not affected by cold storage in either parasitoid species for up to 30 d of storage. Parasitized host eggs of P. interpunctella can be stored for up to 60 d at 4 °C for both parasitoids, but there was no emergence at 75 d. General productivity values gradually decreased as the duration of storage lengthened for both species. Our results clearly reveal that the eggs parasitized by these species can be stored for up to 30 d at 4 °C in a state of quiescence without much loss of their performance compared to the control eggs.

Differential expression of S1P receptor subtypes in human bladder transitional cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P), S1P receptors (S1PRs) and their signaling pathways play an important role in the fate of cancer cells. The expression pattern of S1PR subtypes (S1PR1-S1PR5) may alter in cancer development stages, depending on the origin and the pathologic features of tumors. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between plasma S1P levels and the expression of S1PR subtypes in bladder tumors. METHODS/PATIENTS: These changes were evaluated in terms of the pathologic grades and stages of human bladder cancer samples. For this, tumor biopsies from 41 new bladder cancer patients as well as 26 normal-looking bladder tissues were collected and processed for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time RT-PCR of S1PR subtypes. Plasma S1P level was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: The results show that tissue S1PR1, S1PR2 and S1PR3 are over-expressed in all tumors regardless of their pathological grade (~ 3, ~ 6 and ~ 104 folds, respectively). These results were corroborated by IHC data showing accumulation of S1PR subtypes 1 and 2 in the tissues. Plasma S1P in the plasma samples from patients was in the range of control samples (Controls; 256 ± 47; patients, 270 ± 41). CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of S1PR1, S1PR2 and S1PR3 in bladder tumor biopsies which were corroborated with the pathological grades and stages may suggest that S1PR profile in tumor biopsies is a promising marker in the diagnosis of bladder carcinoma.

Evaluation of Radiological Outcomes of Theracal Light Cured (TLC) And Calcium Hydroxide As Indirect Pulp Capping Agents In The Treatment Of Deep Carious Lesion Of Permanent Molar Teeth.

To evaluate the radiographic changes in permanent molar teeth submitted to indirect pulp treatment (IPT) over 12 months period. This prospective comparative study was performed in Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from August 2016 to July 2017. Fifty permanent molar teeth with deep caries, but without preoperative signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis, received for indirect pulp capping. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups, according to the material used for protection of the dentin- pulp complex: Group A - Twenty five teeth were treated by using Ca(OH)2 Control and Group B - Twenty five teeth were treated by using theracal light cured (TLC) experimental. Both groups were restored with composite restoration. All patient were evaluated radiographically at 3.6 and 12 months interval to assess formation of reparative dentin. The success of IPT was after 12 months observation period, 24 cases (96%) of TLC and 17(68%) Ca(OH)2 treated teeth showed reparative dentin formation. A statistically significant was obtained in all observation periods where TLC showed more capable for reparative dentin formation than that of Ca(OH)2. It can be concluded that radiographically TLC is more effective than that of Ca(OH)2 as indirect pulp capping agent.

Natural Killer Cell Subsets and IL-2, IL-15, and IL-18 Genes Expressions in Chronic Kidney Allograft Dysfunction and Graft Function in Kidney Allograft Recipients.

BACKGROUND: While acute rejection and early graft loss rates have decreased substantially over the past four decades, progressive chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) still remains a common cause of late graft loss in kidney transplant recipients. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the percentage of natural killer (NK) cell subsets and IL-2, 15 and 18 genes expression in two groups of CAD and well-function graft (WFG) recipients. METHODS: 30 renal allograft recipients with biopsy-proven interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) and impaired renal function, and 30 sex- and age-matched WFG patients were enrolled in this study. The percentage of NK cell subsets including NK CD56bright and NK CD56dim cells were determined by flowcytometry; IL-2, IL-15, and IL-18 genes expressions were assessed by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Compared to WFG patients, there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the percentage of NK CD56bright cells in CAD patients. However, the difference in percentage of NK CD56dim cells or CD56dim/CD56bright ratio between the studied groups was not significant. In addition, IL-2, 15 and 18 genes expressions were almost similar in CAD and WFG patients. CONCLUSION: We found higher percentages of NK CD56bright subset in kidney transplant recipients with CAD without considerable changes in related cytokines' gene expression, suggesting a possible defect of NK cells maturation in these patients.

Effect of configuration factor on gap formation in hybrid composite resin, low-shrinkage composite resin and resin-modified glass ionomer.

AIM: Polymerization shrinkage is one of the important factors in creation of gap between dental structure and composite resin restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of configuration factor (C-factor) on gap formation in a hybrid composite resin, a low shrinkage composite resin and a resin modified glass ionomer restorative material. METHODS: Cylindrical dentin cavities with 5.0 mm diameter and three different depths (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mm) were prepared on the occlusal surface of 99 human molars and the cavities assigned into three groups (each of 33). Each group contained three subgroups depend on the different depths and then cavities restored using resin modified glass ionomer (Fuji II LC Improved) and two type composite resins (Filtek P90 and Filtek Z250). Then the restorations were cut into two sections in a mesiodistal direction in the middle of restorations. Gaps were measured on mesial, distal and pulpal floor of the cavities, using a stereomicroscope. RESULTS: Data analyses using Kruskal-Wallist and Mann-Whitney tests. Increasing C-factor from 1.8 to 3.4 had no effect on the gap formation in two type composite resins, but Fuji II LC Improved showed significant effect of increasing C-factor on gap formation. Taken together, when C-factor increased from 1.8 up to 3.4 had no significant effect on gap formation in two tested resin composites. Although, Filtek P90 restorations showed smaller gap formation in cavities walls compared to Filtek Z250 restorations. CONCLUSIONS: High C-factor values generated the largest gap formation. Silorane-based composite was more efficient for cavity sealing than methacrylate-based composites and resin modified glass ionomer.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of an ethanol extract of Syzygium jambos (L.) leaves.

Herbal medicines have traditionally been used worldwide for the prevention and treatment of liver disease with fewer adverse effects. The leaves of the Syzygium jambos (SJL) plant were chosen and studied for their antioxidant activity in vitro and hepatoprotective activity in vivo. The antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract was examined in vitro using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, reducing capacity, total phenol, total flavonoid content, and total antioxidant capacity. The extract had significant dose-dependent antioxidant activity in all in vitro experiments. IC(50) values of SJL and ascorbic acid (standard) were found to be 14.10 and 4.87 µg/mL, respectively, according to a DPPH radical scavenging assay. Hepatoprotective activity of the plant extract was evaluated in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver damage. CCl(4) significantly altered serum marker enzymes, total bilirubin, total protein, and liver weight. The extract caused these values to return to normal in rats with CCl(4)-induced liver damage that were given SJL. This indicated the hepatoprotective potential of SJL and was comparable to use of the standard drug silymarin. Thus, the present study revealed that SJL may have antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.

Comparison of umbilical cord interleukin-6 in preterm infants with premature rupture of membranes and intact membranes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare inflammatory mediators in the cord blood of premature newborn infants with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and intact membranes. METHODS: Eighty-nine premature neonates with gestational age of 27-34 weeks that delivered in Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran from June 2005 to March 2006 were enrolled in a prospective observational study, and their umbilical cord plasma was collected at birth. They were allocated into 2 groups (45 patients with PROM, and 44 neonates with intact membranes). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured in cord plasma by the enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: Mean cord plasma IL-6 levels in preterm neonates with PROM was 205.71 pg/ml, and in neonates with intact membranes was 33.3 pg/ml for IL-6 (p=0.000). The mean cord blood CRP level in newborns with PROM was 10.2 microgram/ml, and in those with intact membranes was 1.6 microgram/ml (p=0.41). Early onset sepsis was more frequent in infants with PROM than premature infants with intact membrane (38% versus 10%, p=0.001). In neonates with PROM, the mean cord blood IL-6 level was significantly higher in septic newborns (414.28 verus 40.44 pg/ml, p=0.000). CONCLUSION: The premature newborn infants with PROM had increased IL-6 levels in cord blood, which was significantly higher in neonates that developed early onset sepsis.

Incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma in patients with PSA less than 4 ng/mL undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer in Iranian men.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of prostate adenocarcinoma in patients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy due to bladder cancer in Iranian men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty cystoprostatectomy specimens removed due to bladder malignancy (2004-2005) at two referral centers (Shaheed Modarress and Shaheed Labbafinejad Hospitals, Tehran, Iran) were examined for the coincidental finding of prostate cancer (PCa). At the time of surgery the patient's serum PSA was less than 4 ng/mL and there were no suspicious lesions by digital rectal examination. Pathologic grade, stage, morphometric volume, number of tumor foci and association with areas of high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) were assessed by light microscopy. All specimens were totally embedded and whole-mounted. Clinically significant cancers were defined as tumors with >or= 0.5 mL volume, Gleason pattern 4 or 5, pT3, positive surgical margin, and multifocality > 3. RESULTS: Incidentally detected cancer was found in 7 (14%) of cystoprostatectomy specimens. HGPIN was present in 1 (14.3%) of the cystoprostatectomies with incidentally detected prostate cancer. None of cystoprostatectomies without prostate cancer had HGPIN. Four (57%) of the detected cancers were significant. CONCLUSION: We conclude that incidentally detected prostate cancer in Iran is lower than the rates reported in other countries. Further studies are warranted for better declaration of variability of prostate cancer between different ethnic groups.

Incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma in patients with PSA less than 4 ng/ml undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer in iranian men

OBJECTIVE:To assess the incidence of prostate adenocarcinoma in patients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy due to bladder cancer in Iranian men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty cystoprostatectomy specimens removed due to bladder malignancy (2004-2005) at two referral centers (Shaheed Modarress and Shaheed Labbafinejad Hospitals, Tehran, Iran) were examined for the coincidental finding of prostate cancer (PCa). At the time of surgery the patient's serum PSA was less than 4 ng/mL and there were no suspicious lesions by digital rectal examination. Pathologic grade, stage, morphometric volume, number of tumor foci and association with areas of high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) were assessed by light microscopy. All specimens were totally embedded and whole-mounted. Clinically significant cancers were defined as tumors with 0.5 mL volume, Gleason pattern 4 or 5, pT3, positive surgical margin, and multifocality > 3. RESULTS: Incidentally detected cancer was found in 7 (14 percent) of cystoprostatectomy specimens. HGPIN was present in 1 (14.3 percent) of the cystoprostatectomies with incidentally detected prostate cancer. None of cystoprostatectomies without prostate cancer had HGPIN. Four (57 percent) of the detected cancers were significant. CONCLUSION: We conclude that incidentally detected prostate cancer in Iran is lower than the rates reported in other countries. Further studies are warranted for better declaration of variability of prostate cancer between different ethnic groups.

Treatment outcome in Turner syndrome.

Short stature is an almost universal feature of Turner Syndrome (TS) with patients having a mean adult height up to 20 cm less than that of the general female population. As a result a significant focus of medical management in TS is on growth promoting strategies. The aim of this study was to assess factors influencing final height in those with TS and evaluate the response to various treatments. A retrospective study was performed in 2 Dublin centres. The age of commencement, cessation, dose and duration of treatment was calculated for growth hormone, oestrogen and oxandrolone, either alone or in combination. Additional factors known to influence growth in TS were also examined. The mean final height achieved was 147.31 cm (SD 4.77), the mean predicted height was 142.81 (SD 5.63). Height gain was 4.28 cm (SD 4.93). All patients received growth hormone. 75% of patients received oestrogen and 35% received oxandrolone. The maximal height gain of 6.71 cm (SD 2.43) in the triple therapy group. Parental height was found to have a significant correlation with final height (r=0.591). Spontaneous menarche in TS was associated with a poor adult height (r=-0.522), mean height 144.03 cm (SD 3.23) whereas those with induced menarche had a mean height of 148.43 cm (SD 4.67). Growth hormone therapy improves the mean final height in TS. However, the degree of height gain is influenced by confounding variables of parental height and age and tempo of puberty and treatment variables.

Metastatic cutaneous melanoma to the vitreous cavity masquerading as intermediate uveitis.

PURPOSE: To report a patient with metastatic cutaneous melanoma (MCM) presenting as intermediate uveitis. METHODS: We examined a 49-year-old man with malignant cutaneous melanoma and central nervous system (CNS) metastasis who was initially treated for bilateral intermediate uveitis. Biomicroscopic examination disclosed a normal anterior segment and vitreous organization with red blood cells (RBC) and some non-pigmented cells in both eyes. Funduscopy disclosed a retinal metastasis in the right eye, but vitreous organization precluded visualization of the retina in the left eye. RESULTS: The first diagnostic vitrectomy was negative for malignant cells in the left eye. However, progressive worsening of the condition persuaded us to repeat vitrectomy in the left eye and to do it in the right eye too. Vitreous samples were positive for malignant melanoma cells in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic cutaneous melanoma to the vitreous cavity is exceedingly rare and may masquerade as intermediate uveitis. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unusual uveitis and masquerade syndromes.

Expression of kininogens in the connective tissue-type mast cells of the rat.

The connective tissue-type mast cells present in the submandibular gland (SMG) and peritoneal cavity of rats were found to express kininogens (KGs), the expression of which was demonstrated by Western blotting, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), RT-PCR Southern blotting, and light- and electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry. In the SMG, the analysis of cDNA amplified by RT-PCR revealed that the molecular species of mRNAs expressed were high-molecular-weight (HMW)-K KG and T-I KG. Light microscopic immunocytochemistry exclusively localized the KG protein(s) in the mast cells present in the SMG. The signals in the mast cells were very strong, but no positive reaction was observed in the granular convoluted tubular cells, acinar cells or striated duct cells. As determined by using electron microscopy, extremely strong labelling with immunogold was observed in the secretory granules of the mast cells, but no labelling in their nucleus or cytoplasm. Analysis by Western blotting and RT-PCR Southern blotting indicated that both protein and mRNA of KGs were present in the mast cells separated from the peritoneal cavity, indicating de novo synthesis of KG in these cells. Preliminary experiments implied that the connective tissue-type mast cells in other rat tissues also expressed KG.

Highly regulated expression of subtilisin-like proprotein convertase PACE4 (SPC4) during dentinogenesis.

Expressions of mRNAs for four subtilisin-like proprotein convertases (SPCs: furin, PACE4, PC6, and PC8) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in the rat molar tooth during development were analyzed by Northern blotting, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and in situ hybridization to explore the possible involvement of SPCs in the processing of proBMPs. We found a temporospacial expression of PACE4, but not one of the other SPCs, in this tissue; i.e., RT-PCR analysis revealed that the level of PACE4 mRNA, but not that of the other SPC mRNAs became high around the second postnatal day. This increase was in good accordance with the increase in BMP4 mRNA, indicating an apparent association of these molecules with the differentiation and establishment of functional ameloblasts and odontoblasts. During dentinogenesis, PACE4 mRNA was localized in the ameloblasts and odontoblasts. These observations suggest that PACE4 plays a crucial role in dentinogenesis, especially via the activation of BMPs.

Involvement of vesicle-cytoskeleton interaction in AQP5 trafficking in AQP5-gene-transfected HSG cells.

A cDNA of rat aquaporin 5 (AQP5) was used to transfect to HSG (human salivary gland cells), and the trafficking mechanism was studied in vitro by confocal laser microscopy. The trafficking of AQP5 to the plasma membrane was induced by stimulation of AQP5-gene-transfected human salivary gland cells (HSGAQP5 cells) with thapsigargin, an inhibitor of endoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase, and or with A-23187, a calcium ionophore. Pretreatment of these cells with colchicine or vinblastine, microtubule inhibitors, prevented the trafficking induced by thapsigargin or A-23187. The trafficking event was not completely inhibited by cytochalasin B, a microfilament inhibitor. These results demonstrate that the trafficking of AQP5 vesicles to the plasma membrane is triggered by an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) and that the interaction of AQP5-containing vesicles with the cytoskeleton is involved in this trafficking.

Subtilisin-like proprotein convertase PACE4 (SPC4) is a candidate processing enzyme of bone morphogenetic proteins during tooth formation.

The temporospatial expression of PACE4, a member of the mammalian subtilisin-like proprotein convertase family, in the developing rat molar tooth was determined by in situ hybridization. At the initiation stage of tooth development, PACE4 mRNA was weakly expressed in the dental lamina, whereas the mesenchymal cells intensely expressed the PACE4 transcript. At the bud stage, high-level expression of PACE4 mRNA was found in the dental epithelium and condensed dental mesenchyme. Its expression became more localized in the differentiating ameloblasts during cap and early bell stages. In the newborn rats, PACE4 mRNA was localized in the ameloblasts and odontoblasts, but its expression became weaker with advancing development, showing apparent association with the differentiation and establishment of functional ameloblasts and odontoblasts. These expression patterns of PACE4 were very similar to those of several bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) reported previously. Because BMPs, which are primarily involved in the morphogenesis in tooth formation, are synthesized as inactive precursors and activated by limited proteolysis at the consensus Arg-X-X-Arg maturation site, the present observations suggest that PACE4 is possibly a candidate proBMP convertase that acts during tooth formation.

Astigmatic shift following sutureless, triplanar, curvilinear, single hinge, clear corneal incision for phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Questions remain regarding wound stability, in particular astigmatism and leakage, in large, sutureless, clear corneal incisions. A polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) implant, which may be more desirable than a silicone foldable in a very young patient, can be implanted through this incision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty eyes of 19 patients underwent a 5.2-mm, temporal approach, clear corneal, sutureless phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. The Langerman single hinge technique with a curvilinear groove and a triplanar, sutureless incision was used in all cases. RESULTS: The average axis-corrected induced cylinder was 1.05 D of with-the-rule change. Stromal hydration was not done and only one eye required a single suture. CONCLUSION: A 5.2-mm, clear corneal incision was self-sealing, with an acceptable induced with-the-rule astigmatism.

Results of penetrating keratoplasty in CHED. Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy.

Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy is characterized by a diffuse bilateral corneal opacity (edema). Its inheritance has been reported to be both autosomal recessive and dominant. All our cases seemed to be autosomal recessive. There seems to be a prevalence of the recessive gene in the Iranian population. The dystrophy might be misdiagnosed as congenital glaucoma, as in several of our cases. We have operated on 37 eyes of 21 patients during the past 10 years. Our visual and anatomical success rate has been very good, with 92% clear grafts and only an 8% rejection rate, in contrast to poor prognosis that has been previously reported. In children, suture removal should be started 3 months postoperatively. Partial amblyopia was preexistent in all cases, but deep amblyopia was not common.

Low dose cyclosporin-A therapy in Behçet's disease.

The effect of systemic low dose cyclosporin-A (5 mg/kg/day as initial dose) combined with 0.2 to 0.6 mg/kg/day prednisolone (when necessary) in clinical course of 22 patients suffering from severe forms of Behçet's disease are reviewed. All the patients had received other drugs previously and had either no response to them or developed intolerable side effects, therefore, pre treatment visual acuity (VA) was compared to post treatment VA as "self control". The average age of our patients was 30.6 years (range 19-51 years). The average duration of our therapy was 19.5 months (range 4-32 months). Improvement or stabilization of vision was achieved in 21 patients (95%). The intraocular inflammation was controlled in all of the eyes and most of the non-ocular signs and symptoms were also improved. Serious side effects included rise in creatinine in 10 (45%) of the patients, rise in bilirubin in 6 (27%) and hypertension in 1 (4.5%). These side effects disappeared as the dose of cyclosporin-A was tapered. We believe this form of therapy is of great value in the management of severe forms of Behçet's disease.