Mean Percentage Of Area Research Articles

Effect of thymoquinone on the structure of the cerebral cortex of adult male albino rats treated with tramadol

Background Pain-associated depression is a symptom of many diseases such as cancer, and postoperative and myocardial infarction. Tramadol (TRM) is a centrally acting synthetic opioid, similar to an analgesic, used worldwide to treat severe pain with an anti-depressant-like effect. TRM is more popular abused among adults in most countries to relive pain and increase sexual activities. Thymoquinone (TQ), a volatile oil, is one of the main constituents of Nigella sativa seeds. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antitussive, and anti-tumor effects. The aim of work The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of TRM on the structure of cerebral cortex of the adult male albino rats and the possible impact of using TQ to improve these changes and to test the analgesic, anti-depressant, and antioxidant effects of TRM and/or TQ. Materials and methods Forty-eight male albino rats weighting 180–200 g were used in the present study. The rats were divided into four groups: control group (GI): 12 rats received food and water. TQ group (GII): 12 rats received an oral dose of TQ (20 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. TRM group (GIII): 12 rats received an oral dose of TRM HCl (50 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Combined group (GIV): 12 rats received both TRM (50 mg/kg) and TQ (20 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Results TQ supplementation significantly increased the analgesic effect of TRM after acute and chronic treatment by the thermal and chemical methods and attenuated the development of tolerance. TQ also significantly improved the anti-depressant effect of TRM. Furthermore, TQ significantly increased the suppressed levels of glutathione content and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase induced by TRM. It also significantly reduced the elevated levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide caused by TRM. Histological examination of TRM-treated cerebral cortex showed distortion of its layers, increased vascularity, and cellularity, with a significantly increased number of apoptotic cells. TRM also induced a significant increase in the mean area percentage of both apoptotic index and the optical density of BAX immune-stain compared with the control group. These changes were improved in TQ-treated rats. Conclusion TQ supplementation improved the analgesic, anti-depressant effects of TRM, with an improvement in the cerebral cortex structure and antioxidant markers and amelioration of oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, it attenuated TRM tolerance and neurotoxic effects.

Histological and histomorphometric evaluation of hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials in surgically created defects around implants in dogs.

The present study evaluated histologically and histometrically the efficacy of micro-, nano-, or mixed-composite of hydroxyapatite (HA) graft in treatment of surgically created defects around dental implants in mongrel dogs. Immediate implant was used after extraction of the lower third premolar in mongrel male dogs. Critical-size defects were created in intact proximal alveolar bone to each implant. The defects were divided randomly into four groups of two animals based on biomaterials used for treatment: 1) received no treatment (negative control); 2) defects treated with nano-HA bone graft; 3) defects treated with micro-HA bone graft; and 4) defects treated with a mixed composite of micro-HA and nano-HA. Animals were sacrificed at 2 months and histologic and histometric evaluation was performed. The amount of new bone formed with nano-HA bone graft was highly more significant than that obtained by a micro- or mixed-composite of hydroxyapatite. Defects treated by mixed hydroxyapatite showed the greatest value in mean area percentage of collagen fibers using Masson trichrome stain. The present study demonstrated that nano-hydroxyapatite bone graft was better than micro-HA or mixed-HA bone graft in new bone formation in standardized surgically created defects around dental implants. However, longer period is necessary to determine the time taken for complete resorption of bone graft materials and their replacement with new bone.

Comparison of the effects of cement removal from zirconia and titanium abutments: An in vitro study

Statement of problemExcess cement around dental implants is a significant cause of peri-implant inflammation. Research has focused on approaches to cement removal, the type of cement used, and the different instruments used for cement removal with titanium abutments. However, data comparing zirconia with titanium abutments are lacking. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of excess cement removal from zirconia and titanium custom abutments using an explorer and to compare the effects of cement removal on the abutment surfaces. Material and methodsImplant analogs were placed in a cast in the position of the 2 maxillary central incisors. After creating similar emergence profiles for both the implant abutments, 18 zirconia and titanium custom abutments were fabricated with 1-mm subgingival finish lines on the facial and interproximal areas and an equigingival finish line on the palatal side. The crowns were cemented with zinc oxide-eugenol cement, and a steel explorer was used to remove the excess cement. All abutments were analyzed under a scanning electron microscope for cement remnants and scratches. ResultsThe mean surface area of cement remnants on the zirconia abutments was 778 ±113 μm2, and for titanium abutments, it was 1123 ±252 μm2, which in terms of the mean percentage area was 3.27% of the total surface area of zirconia and 4.71% of titanium abutments. Only a few abutments from each group showed scratches, and no deep scratches or gouges were observed. ConclusionsZirconia and titanium abutments had statistically similar cement remnants. Scratches were observed on only a few specimens.

HISTOLOGICAL AND IMMUNO-HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY ON THE POSSIBLE EFFECT OF VITAMIN K2 ON THE HEPATIC OVAL CELLS IN DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC ALBINO RATS

Background: Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from hypoinsulinemia, defective insulin action, or both. s-cells regeneration from stem cells or pancreatic progenitor cells is an attractive method for diabetic treatment. Hepatic oval cells (HOCs), intra-hepatic cells of bi-potent progenitor capabilities, can proliferate and differentiate into both hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells. They had the potentiality to transdifferentiate into pancreatic endocrine cells, as both liver and pancreas have the same origin (upper primitive foregut endoderm). Vitamin K2 can promote recovery in patients with liver cirrhosis and prevent insulin resistance reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.Aim of the work: Evaluating the histological and immunohistochemical changes in hepatocytes and oval cells in diabetic and non-diabetic rats’ liver under treatment with vitamin K2.Materials and methods: 88 adult male albino rats were divided into 3 groups: Group I (control group), Group II (diabetic group); where diabetes was induced using single intraperitoneal (IP) dose of streptozotocin (STZ) following 2 weeks of high fat diet and Group III (treatment group) where diabetic rats were given daily oral vitamin K2 for 20 days (5 days on and 5 days off). Random blood sugar was measured for each group at day 0, 16 and then every 5 days till the end of the experiment (36 days). All groups’ sections were subjected to H&E and immunohistochemical stains for CD34, CK19 and insulin. Optical density for CD34 positive immunoreaction and mean area percent for CK19 and insulin immunoreaction were measured and data were statistically analyzed. Results and Conclusion: HOCs gave a positive reaction of changing into insulin producing cells in diabetic rats thus they may be modified to change into extra pancreatic source of insulin. Additionally, administration of vitamin K2 helped increase the proliferative ability of the HOCs in case of diabetes.

ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN DENTAL PULP STEM CELLS WITH CHITOSAN SCAFFOLD VERSUS XENOGRAFTS IN IMPLANT OSSEOINTEGRATION. AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN A RABBIT MODEL

Background: Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) considered as a promising source of mesenchymal stem cells for bone regeneration. It can be used to improve osseointegration of dental implant and improve its stability. Objectives: Assessment of bone healing and implant osseointegration by the use of human dental pulp stem cells with chitosan scaffold and compared the result with xenografts in a rabbit model. Materials &Methods: Eighteen adult white rabbits were used in this study. They were distributed equally into three groups, group I, human dental pulp stem cells and chitosan was used before implant insertion in the tibia. Group II, xenografts were used and group III was the control group. After 12 weeks the animals were sacrificed and assessment of bone formation was accomplished by the used of the histological section using H&E, Masson stain as well as scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: The highest mean area percent was detected in the stem cell group, followed by the xenograft group, while the control group revealed the lowest mean area percent value. Analysis of variance test revealed a highly significant difference between the studied groups (P=0.00). Comparison between the gap distances (µm) in the three groups measured by electron microscope indicated that the lowest mean gap distance was presented in the stem cells group. Conclusion: human dental pulp stem cells coupled with chitosan is a promising method for bone formation and maturation around dental implant and help in osseointegration.

Adipose-derived Human Perivascular Stem Cells May Improve Achilles Tendon Healing in Rats.

Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury and the best treatment option remains uncertain between surgical and nonoperative methods. Biologic approaches using multipotent stem cells such as perivascular stem cells pose a possible treatment option, although there is currently a paucity of evidence regarding their clinical therapeutic use. The purpose of this study was to determine whether injected perivascular stem cells (PSCs) would (1) improve histologic signs of tendon healing (such as percent area of collagen); and (2) improve biomechanical properties (peak load or stiffness) in a rat model of Achilles tendon transection. Two subtypes of PSCs were derived from human adipose tissue: pericytes (CD146CD34CD45CD31) and adventitial cells (CD146CD34CD45CD31). Thirty-two athymic rats underwent right Achilles transection and were randomized to receive injection with saline (eight tendons), hydrogel (four tendons), pericytes in hydrogel (four tendons), or adventitial cells in hydrogel (eight tendons) 3 days postoperatively with the left serving as an uninjured control. Additionally, a subset of pericytes was labeled with CM-diI to track cell viability and localization. At 3 weeks, the rats were euthanized, and investigators blinded to treatment group allocation evaluated tendon healing by peak load and stiffness using biomechanical testing and percent area of collagen using histologic analysis with picrosirius red staining. Histologic analysis showed a higher mean percent area collagen for pericytes (30%) and adventitial cells (28%) than hydrogel (21%) or saline (26%). However, a nonparametric statistical analysis yielded no statistical difference. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the pericyte group had a higher peak load than the saline group (41 ± 7 N versus 26 ± 9 N; mean difference 15 N; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4-27 N; p = 0.003) and a higher peak load than the hydrogel group (41 ± 7 N versus 25 ± 3 N; mean difference 16; 95% CI, 8-24 N; p = 0.001). The pericyte group demonstrated higher stiffness than the hydrogel group (36 ± 12 N/mm versus 17 ± 6 N/mm; mean difference 19 N/mm; 95% CI, 5-34 N/mm; p = 0.005). Our results suggest that injection of PSCs improves mechanical but not the histologic properties of early Achilles tendon healing. This is a preliminary study that provides more insight into the use of adipose-derived PSCs as a percutaneous therapy in the setting of Achilles tendon rupture. Further experiments to characterize the function of these cells may serve as a pathway to development of minimally invasive intervention aimed at improving nonoperative management while avoiding the complications associated with surgical treatment down the line.

Evaluation of the possible therapeutic role of omega-3 on ankle joint and lung in a model of rheumatoid arthritis in rats: A histological and immunohistochemical study

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory systemic autoimmune disease. Lung disease has beenrecognized as a common complication of RA. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid with wide range of activity.Aim of the work: To investigate the possible therapeutic role of omega-3 free fatty acid on the structure of ankle joint andlung in a model of adjuvant-induced RA in rats.Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into three groups; Group I served as a control group.Group II was used as a model of RA. Rats of this group were given single subcutaneous injection of 0.1ml of completeFreund adjuvant in their hind paws. Group III (omega 3-treated group), omega-3 was given in as a dose of 300 mg/kg orallyadministered after two weeks of RA induction and continued daily for another two weeks. The ankle joint and the lungs fromall groups were dissected out after two and four weeks and processed for light microscopic examination. Histomorphometricstudies and statistical analysis were also done.Results: RA was confirmed histologically in the ankle joint after two weeks and was aggravated after four weeks. Erosionof articular cartilage and mononuclear cellular infiltration in the synovium were noticed in both time points. Moreover, thelungs after two weeks showed focal inflammatory cellular infiltration and pulmonary fibrosis that were more evident afterfour weeks of untreated RA. This was associated with significant increase in the mean area percentage of collagen fibers andnumber of cells positive for TNF-α immunohistochemical reaction compared to the control group. Omega-3 treated groupillustrated improvement of both ankle and lung structures.Conclusion: Omega-3 significantly ameliorated the structural damage of ankle joint and lung after RA induction.

Sensory Innervation of the Human Soft Palate.

The human soft palate plays an important role in respiration, swallowing, and speech. These motor activities depend on reflexes mediated by sensory nerve endings. To date, the details of human sensory innervation to the soft palate have not been demonstrated. In this study, eight adult human whole-mount (soft palate-tongue-pharynx-larynx-upper esophagus) specimens were obtained from autopsy. Each specimen was bisected in the midline, forming two equal and symmetrical halves. Eight hemi-specimens were processed with Sihler's stain, a whole-mount nerve staining technique. The remaining eight hemi-soft palates were used for immunohistochemical study. The soft palatal mucosa was dissected from the oral and nasal sides and prepared for neurofilament staining. Our results showed that the sensory nerve fibers formed a dense nerve plexus in the lamina propria of the soft palatal mucosa. There was a significant difference in the innervation density between both sides. Specifically, the oral side had higher density of sensory nerve fibers than the nasal side of the soft palate. The mean number and percent area of the sensory nerve fibers in the mucosa of the nasal side was 78% and 72% of those in the mucosa of the oral side, respectively (P < 0.0001). The data presented here could be helpful for further investigating the morphological and quantitative alterations in the sensory nerves in certain upper airway disorders involving the soft palate such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and for designing effective therapeutic strategies to treat OSA. Anat Rec, 301:1861-1870, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A possible correlation of Ezrin and Fascin-1 in adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary gland: an immunohistochemical study

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of salivary gland is one of the most common epithelial salivary gland carcinomas and is characterized by extensive local tissue infiltration and poor long-term survival. All forms of ACC are characterized by prolonged but persistent growth, extensive perineural invasion and hematogenous metastases. Distant sites of metastasis are primarily lung, although bone and liver are also common. The incremental motility of malignant cells is a critical step in their migration, invasion and metastasis, which is regulated by reorganization of actin cytoskeleton and regulation of focal adhesion. Fascin-1 and ezrin are essential components of these cellular structures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of these cytoskeleton-associated proteins in ACC as a prognostic indicator of invasiveness. Five cases of normal salivary gland tissue and 43 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma (10 cases cribriform form, 15 cases tubular form and 18 cases solid form). Immunohistochmical staining for ezrin and fascin-1 antibodies were done for all specimens. Statistical analysis was performed using a commercially available software program (SPSS 19; SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. For both markers, statistically, the greatest mean area percent was recorded in solid pattern ACC, whereas the lowest values were recorded in normal tissue. These results indicating a synergistic effect between ezrin and fascin-1 during ACC invasion.

Characterization of Low-Voltage Areas in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From High-Density Intracardiac Mapping

BackgroundThere is limited data on the scar burden in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study, we sought to evaluate the presence and extent of an abnormal left atrial (LA) substrate in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF. MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent initial AF catheter ablation were prospectively enrolled. Endocardial voltage mapping was acquired in sinus rhythm using multipolar mapping catheters. Automated software was used to ensure homogeneous data collection. Assessment of low-voltage area (LVA) was performed by a reviewer blinded to clinical details. ResultsOne hundred and four patients were prospectively enrolled; 69 had paroxysmal and 35 persistent AF. The mean LA volume was 159 ± 48 mL, and the average number of LA points collected was 1308 ± 1065. Atrial LVAs were present in 23 of 69 (33%) subjects with paroxysmal and 20 of 35 (57%) with persistent AF (P = 0.02). Amongst 43 of 104 patients with scar, the average extent of LVA was 19.4 ± 21.6 cm2 and the mean percentage area was 7.6 ± 8.8%. Univariate analysis showed that age, LA volume, and persistent AF were associated with the presence of LVA. Multivariable analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.11; P = 0.046) and LA volume (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.04; P < 0.001) remained predictors of LVA. AF classification (persistent vs paroxysmal) was not a predictor of an abnormal atrial substrate (OR 1.34; 95% CI 0.4-3.9; P = 0.56). ConclusionsThere is wide variability in the presence and extent of LVA in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF. Age and LA volume were predictors of LVA. There was no correlation between AF classification and the presence of LVA.

Should platelet-rich plasma be activated in fat grafts? An animal study

The adjunction of platelet-rich plasma with graft fat has been the subject of a few clinical trials which have demonstrated its value in adipocyte survival. The aim of this study was to assess the different efficacies between activated and non-activated PRP on adipose cells in vitro and for adipose tissue graft survival in vivo. The in vitro study assessed the effects of PRP on both the proliferation and adipocyte differentiation of adipose cells. For the in vivo study, 8 nude rats received 3 human fat injections as follows: 0.8 mL of fat + 0.2 mL of normal saline; 0.8 mL of fat + 0.2 mL of non-activated PRP; and 0.8 mL of fat + 0.2 mL of PRP activated with calcium chloride (CaCl2). The quantitative assessment of adipocyte survival was implemented after 3 months using histomorphometric analysis. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis were also performed to evaluate angiogenesis, inflammation and quality of adipocytes in the grafted tissue. We showed that activated PRP stimulated, in vitro, proliferation and differentiation of adipose cells. In vivo experiments indicated that CaCl2-activated PRP was more efficient than non-activated to prolong the survival of fat grafts in nude rats. The mean percentage areas occupied by viable adipocytes in the PRP-free group, non-activated PRP group and activated PRP group were 13%, 14% and 24% (p = 0.05%), respectively. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed protective effect of activated PRP on inflammation and adipocyte death. This study showed that activation by CaCl2 improves the beneficial effects of PRP for fat graft maintenance.

Susceptibility of sweet and sour cherry cultivars/genotypes to feeding damage caused by Bryobia rubrioculus (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The sweet cherry Prunus avium L. and sour cherry Prunus cerasus L. are considered important fruit trees, providing valuable and delicious fruit worldwide. We compared the susceptibility of 10 cultivars of sweet cherry and 5 genotypes of sour cherry to Bryobia rubrioculus Scheuten feeding by manually counting brown spots and by measuring damaged leaf area using a computerized image analysis technique. Damaged leaves were individually scanned on a common flatbed color scanner on a white background. The cultivars and genotypes of sweet and sour cherries, based on the mean area percentage having feeding symptoms on the leaves, were classified into three groups: (1) "susceptible", i.e., Hamedan, BN 5150, BT 5148, Zard-90, KB 9 and KB 10; (2) "semi-resistant", i.e., KB 21, Sabima, BT 5124, KB 25 and Lambert; and (3) "resistant", i.e., Haj Yousefi, BO 5187, BT 5154 and Siah Mashhad. A corresponding increase in the mean value of the symptom area was observed as the number of adult brown mites increased per disc. The results of both methods were compared, and the advantages of each method were discussed.

Morphometric analysis and immunohistochemical expression of cytochrome C oxidase in colonic adenomas and adenocarcinomas

Background/aim Colorectal cancer is the seventh most common cancer in Egypt, constituting 3.47% of male cancers and 3% of female cancers. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of cytochrome C oxidase (CcO) as well as the nuclear morphometric measurements in colonic adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Materials and methods Sixty cases of colonic biopsies/specimens were involved in this study. The samples were received in the Department of Pathology of Kasr El-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Egypt, and they were divided into three groups: 20 cases of normal control, 20 cases of colonic adenoma, and 20 cases of colonic adenocarcinoma. The expression of CcO was studied by immunohistochemistry in 60 formalin-fixed paraffin blocks. Nuclear morphometric parameters were evaluated using an image analysis system. The area percentage of the marker expression was correlated with nuclear morphometric parameters. Results Immunohistochemical study showed that 65% of control biopsies showed a significant difference with colonic adenocarcinoma cases in contrast and adenoma cases showed a nonsignificant difference with normal control biopsies. Mean areas percentages of CcO expression were significantly different between all three studied groups. The means of nuclear area, length, and perimeter showed a significant difference while means nuclear width and roundness showed a nonsignificant difference between all three studied groups. There was significant correlation between mean area percentage of CcO expression with mean nuclear area and perimeter in control, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma cases. Conclusion CcO protein is significantly expressed in the cytoplasm of normal colonic mucosa. It was significantly deficient in colonic adenocarcinoma. Nuclear morphometry can be introduced as a useful morphologic feature of patients with variable colonic lesions specially in combination with CcO.

Protective effect of nebivolol on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

IntroductionThe cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin is incompletely understood. We investigated the prophylactic effect of nebivolol on doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity.Material and methodsThirty rats were divided into a control group, doxorubicin-treated group and nebivolol + doxorubicin-treated group. The specimens were examined using H + E and Masson’s trichrome, caspase 3, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor factor-α (TNF-α). The mean area percentage of collagen fiber content, caspase-3, eNOS, iNOS and TNF-α immunoactivities was measured.ResultsThe doxorubicin-treated group showed marked myocyte distortion and fragmentation, congestion and cytoplasmic lysis in most fibers. These changes were less intense in the nebivolol-treated group. The mean area percentage of collagen fiber in the nebivolol-treated group was non-significantly smaller (p = 0.07) than that in the doxorubicin-treated group. The expression of caspase-3 (p = 0.03), eNOS (p ≤ 0.001), iNOS (p < 0.001) and TNF-α (p = 0.003) immunoreactivity was improved in the nebivolol-treated group.ConclusionsNebivolol exerted a significant protective effect from doxorubicin toxicity. The protective effect appears to be mediated mainly through caspase-3, eNOS, iNOS and TNF-α modulation.

Histological and immunohistochemical study of the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on ifosfamide-induced liver injury in adult male albino rat

Background and Objectives: GIfosfamide (IFO) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent used for treating a variety of cancer but has reported to cause certain side effects such as hepatotoxicity. Being antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, omega-3 fatty acids (ω3 FAs) were effective in the treatment of various medical conditions. This study aimed to elucidate the possible hepatoprotective role of ω3 FAs against IFO-induced liver injury.Methods and Results: A total of 42 adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups; the control group (Gp I) of 12 rats, and 3 groups each of 10 rats. Omega-3 group (Gp II) received 300 mg/kg/day of omega-3 plus orally. IFO group (Gp III) received intraperitoneal injection of IFO 50 mg/kg, which was subdivided equally into IFO subgroup (Gp IIIa) and IFO recovery subgroup (Gp IIIb). IFO + Omega-3 group (Gp IV) received omega-3 plus as pretreatment and combined treatment with IFO.Liver sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and immunohistochemical stain for caspase-3. The mean area percent (%) of glycogen & optical density of immunopositive cells were measured. IFO had degenerative effects on rat hepatocytes with marked depletion of glycogen, inflammatory cells infiltration, dilatation and congestion of blood sinusoids, prominent Kupffer cells (KC), besides, a significant increase in caspase-3 immunoexpression. However, these alterations were far less pronounced in IFO + Omega-3 group.Conclusions: Administration of omega-3 FAs as a pretreatment and combined treatment with IFO ameliorated the liver injury induced by IFO indicating its hepatoprotective effects.

EFFECT OF INTRATUMORAL INJECTION OF DOXORUBICIN IN THE TREATMENT OF INDUCED ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (EXPERIMENTAL STUDY)

INTRODUCTION: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth common cancer. Surgery remains the main way of OSCC treatment. It is followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy either alone or in combination. Conventional chemotherapy is associated with systemic toxicity. Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the effective chemotherapeutic drugs. Direct delivery of chemotherapeutics may reduce their side effects. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the anticancer effect of intratumoral injection of DOX in the treatment of chemically induced OSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two Syrian golden male hamsters were used as an animal model for oral carcinogenesis. After cancer induction, the hamsters were divided into 4 groups; saline-intraperitoneal (IP), saline-intratumoral, DOX-IP, and DOX-intratumoral. The clinical evaluation of the proposed treatment included measuring the change in tumor volume before and after treatment, whereas, the histological evaluation included calculating the apoptotic index. The proliferative activity was evaluated immunohistochemically by minichromosome maintenance 3 (MCM3). In all statistical results, a p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The DOX-IP and DOX-intratumoral groups reported significant decrease in the mean tumor volume. The apoptotic index (AI) was significant only in the DOX-intratumoral group. The MCM3 immunostain showed significant decrease in the values of mean area percent (MA%) and mean optical density (MOD) in DOX-intratumoral group, whereas the DOX-IP group was insignificant in its MA% and MOD. CONCLUSION : Local delivery of this chemotherapeutic drug may be suitable alternative to the systemic administration, with superior anticancer effect in the treatment of superficial tumors. KEY WORDS: Oral squamous cell carcinoma, Chemotherapy, Doxorubicin, Intratumoral, Hamsters, Minichromosome maintenance 3

POST-EXTRACTION SOCKET PRESERVATION WITH AUTOGENOUS BONE GRAFT AND HYALURONIC ACID FOLLOWED BY DELAYED IMPLANT PLACEMENT

INTRODUCTION: Alveolar ridge atrophy following tooth extraction remains a challenge for future implant placement. Post-extraction socket preservation and implant placement are two methods that are used to prevent significant post-extraction bone loss. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of hyaluronic acid when mixed with autogenous bone graft in alveolar socket preservation for future implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A split mouth randomized clinical trial was carried out in 10 patients, 20 mandibular extraction sockets of single rooted teeth with age ranged between 25-55 years, 10 sockets were grafted with autogenous bone graft only using Auto-MaxTM bone harvester and the other 10 sockets were grafted with autogenous bone graft mixed with hyaluronic acid (HyadentTM). All sockets were evaluated clinically, radiographically, and histologically (after 2 months, core biopsy was taken before implant placement) then histomophometric analysis and delayed implant insertion were done followed by implant stability assessment. After 4 months, final prosthesis was delivered. RESULTS: Histological evaluation revealed rapid thick bone deposition with many well organized osteocytes as well as osteoblast lining of the bone surfaces in the study group and increased mean area percent of formed bone. Radiographic bone density changes were found to be statistically significant between the two studied groups. (P2= <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of autogenous bone graft with hyaluronic acid appears to be more efficient in osteoconduction when compared with autogenous bone graft alone and could be a promising strategy for preservation of alveolar sockets. KEYWORDS: Hyaluronic acid, Autogenous bone graft, Socket preservation, Implant stability

Podoplanin Protein Expression in Some Benign and Malignant Variants of Ameloblastoma (An immunohistochemical study)

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate immunohistochemical expression of podoplanin among some benign and malignant variants of ameloblastoma. Material and methods: Thirty seven benign ameloblastoma (AB) tumors werecollected, (six cases of follicular AB, three cases of acanthomatous AB, four cases of granular AB, three cases of basal cell AB and seven cases of plexiform pattern AB), three cases of desmoplastic AB, four cases of peripheral AB and seven cases of unicystic AB (three cases of luminal, two cases of intraluminal and two cases of mural) and eighteen malignant variants of ameloblastoma tumors were collected as paraffin embedded blocks. Immunohistochemical investigation using podoplanin antibody was done for all specimens. Results: The mean area percent of immunoexpression was greatest inmalignant variants of ameloblastoma, followed by benign variants of ameloblastoma tumors and the least value recorded in acanthomatous ameloblastoma. The mean area percent of immunoexpression was greater in plexiform ameloblastoma in comparison to follicular ameloblastoma. The mean area percent of immunoexpression was greatest in ameloblastic carcinoma. Conclusions: Podoplanin is associated with the malignant transformation risk and is a potent biomarker for risk assessment in oral malignant transformation.

Dermoscopic evaluation of therapeutic response to intralesional triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of Alopecia areata

Background: Alopecia areata is a common auto-immune condition, characterized by circumscribed, patches of hair loss usually of the scalp. There are various treatment modalities available but no treatment is fully curative or preventive. Also, alopecia areata can have devastating effects on the patient’s quality of life and self-esteem. The aim of this study was to determine dermoscopy findings of alopecia areata that could be used as a clinical indicator of disease and also to evaluate the efficacy of intralesional injection Triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of alopecia areata.Methods: Seventy patients with alopecia areata, aged between 11 and 56 years were injected with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide at a 4 weeks interval. Treatment response was evaluated using re-growth scale approach. Dermlite DL3 dermoscope was used to assess disease activity, response to treatment and side effects. Using Wilcoxon signed rank test, changes were assessed in the severity of the disease during follow-ups.Results: Baseline mean percentage area of scalp involved was 23.21±10.70. All the patients had black dots, 98.6% had yellow dots, 27.1% had broken hair, 74.3% had tapering hair and only 71.4% had vellus hair. At baseline, 15 (21.4%) patients had Alopecia Grading Score (AGS) 1, 29 (41.4%) had score 2 and 26 (37.1%) had a score of 3. Injection Triamcinolone acetonide (5 mg/ml) was injected at 1 cm intervals with 0.1 ml on each site and the procedure was repeated every 4 weeks for a maximum period of 24 weeks. From baseline level to the last follow up, proportion of patients with black dots reduced from 100% to 4.3%, yellow dots from 98.6% to 0%, broken hair from 17% to 0% and tapering hair from 74.3% to 0%. Vellus hair increased from 71.4% to 100%. Overall success rate in terms of achievement of re-growth Ssore 4 at last follow up was 60%.Conclusions: Dermoscopic characteristics, such as black dots, yellow dots, broken hair, tapering hair and clustered short vellus hair are primary indicators of alopecia areata.

In situ detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae, C. trachomatis, and cytokines among cardiovascular diseased patients from the Amazon region of Brazil.

BackgroundChronic coronary artery disease has been associated, as a consequence of the local inflammatory reaction with previous or persistent infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae, which led to the investigation of the association of cardiovascular disease and previous infection with C. trachomatis and the role of cytokine profile (in situ) markers in the vascular system tissues.MethodsSixty-nine biopsies were collected for immunohistochemical analysis for the presence of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ, TGF-β, and IL-10, in 16 fragments from atheromatous plaques, 32 aorta fragments, and 21 valve fragments, using a tissue microarray technique for paraffin embedded tissues.ResultsMost patients undergoing revascularization surgery were men >50 years, while those undergoing valve replacement were mostly women <50 years. TNF-α was the most prevalent marker, detected in 91.7% (55/60) of the samples. The mean percent area stained was greater in patients infected with C. pneumoniae (3.81% vs 1.92%; p=0.0115) and specifically in the aorta (4.83% vs 2.25%; p=0.0025); C. trachomatis infection was higher in valves, and C. pneumoniae in plaques, both without statistical significance. There was no significant difference in the cytokine staining profile between patients previously infected with both species and uninfected patients.ConclusionAlthough there was no difference in the cytokine profile between patients previously infected with both species of Chlamydia, and uninfected patients, the presence of the bacteria antigens in the three biological specimens indicates it is important to focus on the role of C. trachomatis. It is necessary to improve the understanding of the natural history of chronic coronary artery disease and the clinical history of the patients and cytokine dynamics in cardiac disease in the presence or absence of infectious agents.