Comparison of Stud- Retentor Versus Bar-Clip Attachment as Implant- Supported Systems Used in Overdentures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the results obtained clinically for bar-clip versus stud-retainers in overdentures. Three databases (PubMed Central, MEDLINE, and BvSalud) were used beyond a manual search. The study followed strictly the inclusion and exclusion criteria, considering the PICO strategy. For the risk of bias and quality assessment of studies, in the case of RCT, there were six domains of analysis, and for non-RCT studies, the Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was performed. A meta-analysis was developed using the available data for marginal bone loss (MBL) and survival rate. 25 studies were included. The stud-retentor had the lowest implant SR (87.6%) and the greatest MBL (1.96 mm). For the bar-clip system, the mean survival rate was 95.91%, with only 4 studies included for this system, and the mean MBL was 1.13 mm. Only 3 studies directly compared both systems quantitatively, showing a significantly greater MBL toward the stud-retention group. The results may not allow determination of the best system for overdenture (stud retentor or bar-clip). Therefore, most of the studies suggested the stud-retentor as a more preferable system due to better distribution of forces, biological peri-implant behavior, low-cost, and ease for removal facilitating the sanitization and/or repair.

Gene expression study related with the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in bladder cancer by real-time PCR technique.

We examined the expression of anti-apoptotic genes (XIAP and Bcl-2) and apoptotic genes (cytochrome c, caspase-9, Apaf-1) in tissue samples of patients with superficial bladder cancer. Thirty-two bladder cancer tissue samples (8 papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential, 10 low-grade, and 14 high-grade) and 8 normal bladder tissue samples from necropsy were used for the study of gene expression by real-time PCR analysis. Analysis of the expression of apoptotic gene constituents of an apoptosome demonstrated an increase in Apaf-1 expression in the three tumor grades when compared with the control (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01), low expression of caspase-9 in all groups (P < 0.05), and an increase in cytochrome c expression in all tumor grades in relation to the control, although without statistically significant difference. The expression of anti-apoptotic genes revealed an increase in XIAP expression in all tumor grades in relation to the control, although without statistically significant difference, and low expression of Bcl-2 in all tumor grades and the control (P < 0.05). The results proved that there is low evidence of apoptotic activity by the intrinsic pathway, demonstrated by the low expression of caspase-9 and considerable increase in XIAP expression, which may render these genes potential therapeutic targets in bladder cancer treatment.

Inhibition of NF- κ B by Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin Suppresses Invasion and Synergistically Potentiates Temozolomide and γ -Radiation Cytotoxicity in Glioblastoma Cells.

Despite advances in neurosurgery and aggressive treatment with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation, the overall survival of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) remains poor. Vast evidence has indicated that the nuclear factor NF- κ B is constitutively activated in cancer cells, playing key roles in growth and survival. Recently, Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ) has shown to be a selective NF- κ B inhibitor with antiproliferative properties in GBM. In the present study, the ability of DHMEQ to surmount tumor's invasive nature and therapy resistance were further explored. Corroborating results showed that DHMEQ impaired cell growth in dose- and time-dependent manners with G2/M arrest when compared with control. Clonogenicity was also significantly diminished with increased apoptosis, though necrotic cell death was also observed at comparable levels. Notably, migration and invasion were inhibited accordingly with lowered expression of invasion-related genes. Moreover, concurrent combination with TMZ synergistically inhibited cell growth in all cell lines, as determined by proliferation and caspase-3 activation assays, though in those that express O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, the synergistic effects were schedule dependent. Pretreatment with DHMEQ equally sensitized cells to ionizing radiation. Taken together, our results strengthen the potential usefulness of DHMEQ in future therapeutic strategies for tumors that do not respond to conventional approaches.