The effect of acrylamide on mitochondrial membrane potential and glutathione extraction in human spermatozoa: A laboratory study

Background: Acrylamide (AA) is a compound used in the industrial production of polyacrylamide. AAs affects by creating oxidative stress. It produces reactive oxygen species and leads to lipid peroxide. Lipid peroxidation in the cell membrane is one of the most important oxidations in the sperm, which can disrupt the fluidity and permeability of cell membranes and damage all cells. Objective: To investigate the different concentrations of AA on human sperm parameters based on the World Health Organization standard and its impact on mitochondrial membrane potential and sperm glutathione levels. Materials and Methods: In this laboratory study, we examined the different concentrations of AA on human sperm parameters based on the World Health Organization standard and its impact on mitochondrial membrane potential by flow cytometry and sperm glutathione levels by ELISA assay. Results: The results were reported as the mean fluorescence intensity of JC and the index was observed to decrease following the effect of AA in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δ Ψm). The results of ELISA test to study the level of intracellular glutathione showed that with the increase in the concentration of AA exposed to sperms, there was a significant reduction in the level of intracellular glutathione. Conclusion: AA destroys the sperm membrane integrity under apoptotic and oxidative inductions with a negative impact on mitochondrial function and antioxidative enzyme in sperm such as glutathione. Key words: Acrylamides, Spermatozoa, Mitochondrial membrane potential, Glutathione S-Transferase

The effects of myricitrin and vitamin E against reproductive changes induced by D-galactose as an aging model in female mice: An experimental study

Background: Aging is accompanied by decreasing general function in the cells and tissues. D-galactose (D-gal) induces aging and plays a role in the pathogenesis of it. Myricitrin is a plant-derived antioxidant. Objective: The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of myricitrin on antioxidant defense, sex hormone levels, uterus, and ovarian histology in D-galinduced aging female mouse model. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 72 female adult NMRI mice, weighing 30-35 gr, 3-4 months old, were randomly divided into six groups (n = 12/each): (I) Control (vehicle; normal saline), (II) D-gal at 500 mg/kg/d for 45 days, (III-V) D-gal + myricitrin-treated groups (these groups received myricitrin at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/d, and (VI) D-gal + 100 mg/kg/d vitamin E orally for the last 28 days. The antioxidant indices were done on the basis of colorimetric method, and sex hormone levels were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Histological assessment of the uterus and ovaries were also evaluated. Results: D-gal impaired the estrous cycle, also degenerative changes occur in the ovarian follicles and damage to the uterus and ovarian tissue occurrs. In D-gal group, the level of sex hormones (p = 0.03) and the total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.002) decreased, while the level of malondialdehyde and gonadotropins increased (p = 0.03). Myricitrin at lower doses and vitamin E ameliorated the D-gal effects. Conclusion: These findings suggest that myricitrin can effectively prevent D-galinduced oxidation and aging in mice. The effect of myricitrin was equivalent and sometimes better than vitamin E. Key words: Aging, D-galactose, Mice, Myricitrin, Vitamin E

Rare presentation of COVID-19 in 6-year-old girl: myocarditis with severe restrictive diastolic dysfunction

Since the emergence of COVID-19 in late December 2019, patients were presented at the hospitals with different symptoms, including cardiac manifestations. Recent records of coronavirus infection in children and adolescents have been accompanied by multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Here, we describe a 6 -year-old girl with no history of cardiac disease, infected with COVID-19 and presented at the emergency department with fever and cardiac manifestations. Her echocardiography findings favored myocarditis with restrictive (severe) diastolic dysfunction, a rare manifestation of COVID-19 among children. Unfortunately, despite standard treatment of myocarditis and supportive care, the patient passed away. Therefore, it seems necessary to develop a guideline for the recent cardiac consequences of the pandemic among children and follow their presentations carefully

Subcutaneous Connective Tissue Reaction to a New Nano Zinc-Oxide Eugenol Sealer in Rat Model

Introduction: The aim of this animal study was to evaluate the histological response of the new nano zinc-oxide eugenol (NZOE) sealer in comparison with Pulp Canal Sealer (ZOE based) and AH-26 (epoxy resin sealer). Methods and Materials: A total of 27 Wistar rats were used. Four polyethylene tubes were implanted in the back of each rat (three tubes containing the test materials and an empty tube as a control). Then, 9 animals were sacrificed at each interval of 15, 30 and 60 days, and the implants were removed with the surrounding tissues.Samples were evaluated for the presence of inflammatory cell (mononuclear cell), vascular changes, fibrous tissue formation and present of giant cell. Comparisons between groups and time-periods were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U non-parametric tests. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: No significant difference was observed in tissue reactions and biocompatibility pattern of three sealers during 3 experimental periods (P<0.05). In all groups the tissue behavior showed tendency to decrease the irritation effect over time. Conclusion: The new nano zinc-oxide eugenol sealer has histocompatibility properties comparable to conventional commercial sealers.Keywords: Biocompatibility; Nanoparticle; Tissue Reaction; Zinc-Oxide Eugeno

Cytotoxicity of a New Nano Zinc-Oxide Eugenol Sealer on Murine Fibroblasts

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of a new nano zinc-oxide eugenol (NZOE) sealer in comparison with AH-26 and Pulpdent root canal sealers. Methods and Materials: The L929 mouse fibroblast cells were cultivated and incubated for 24, 48 or 72 h with different dilutions (1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 and 1/32) of culture media previously exposed to either of the test sealers naming NZOE, AH-26 or Pulpdent. At the end of incubation period, the effect of sealers on cell viability was evaluated using Mosmann’s Tetrazolium Toxicity (MTT) colorimetric assay. The data was compared using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons. Results: After 24, 48 or 72 h, both NZOE and Pulpdent sealers inhibited cell viability at 1/1, 1/2 and 1/8 dilutions. Within the 24 and 48 h, the AH-26 sealer reduced the cell viability at all dilutions except the 1/32 solution; however after 72 h even the 1/32 dilution was cytotoxic. Conclusion: The biocompatibility of the nano zinc-oxide eugenol sealer was comparable to Pulpdent sealer and lower than AH-26.Keywords: Cytotoxicity; MTT Assay; Nanoparticles; Root Canal Sealer; Zinc-Oxide Eugenol

A model for brand equity determination using structural equations modeling

A variety of methods for different purposes have been used to express the concept of brand equity. It is a noticeable value of brand, which makes the customer pay higher for the product with a brand comparing with identical product without that brand. Financially speaking, brand equity is an asset for the organization as it generates cash flow and profit in the future. The factors in brand equity must, therefore, be identified within financial and non-financial framework. By indicating the variables and the indices and consulting with the academic experts in marketing, brand, and accounting the results of structural equations modeling (SEM) revealed that significance level between brand equity and financial variables was 4.82 (>1.96). That is, the relationship between brand equity and financial variable were significant at %99. Regarding the relationship between brand equity and marketing variables, the significant level was 4.25 (>1.96) and thus the relationship was significant at %99. The results can be used as practical guideline for the stakeholders and owners of brands and also helpful for successful management of brand value

A model for brand equity determination using structural equations modeling

A variety of methods for different purposes have been used to express the concept of brand equity. It is a noticeable value of brand, which makes the customer pay higher for the product with a brand comparing with identical product without that brand. Financially speaking, brand equity is an asset for the organization as it generates cash flow and profit in the future. The factors in brand equity must, therefore, be identified within financial and non-financial framework. By indicating the variables and the indices and consulting with the academic experts in marketing, brand, and accounting the results of structural equations modeling (SEM) revealed that significance level between brand equity and financial variables was 4.82 (>1.96). That is, the relationship between brand equity and financial variable were significant at %99. Regarding the relationship between brand equity and marketing variables, the significant level was 4.25 (>1.96) and thus the relationship was significant at %99. The results can be used as practical guideline for the stakeholders and owners of brands and also helpful for successful management of brand value

Combined autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) with supra-condylar femoral varus osteotomy, following lateral growth-plate damage in an adolescent knee: 8-year follow-up

We report the 8-year clinical and radiographic outcome of an adolescent patient with a large osteochondral defect of the lateral femoral condyle, and ipsilateral genu valgum secondary to an epiphyseal injury, managed with autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and supracondylar re-alignment femoral osteotomy. Long-term clinical success was achieved using this method, illustrating the effective use of re-alignment osteotomy in correcting mal-alignment of the knee, protecting the ACI graft site and providing the optimum environment for cartilage repair and regeneration. This is the first report of the combined use of ACI and femoral osteotomy for such a case

Protective Effects of Myricitrin and Vitamin E on Nephropathy of Aging Mice Model Induced By D-Galactose

Aim: Aging occurs in cells and tissues due to oxidative stress in physiological conditions. D-galactose (DG) is widely used to cause aging in animal studies. In this study, the renal protective effects of myricitrin and vitamin E in the aging mice model induced by DG was evaluated. Material and Methods: Subcutaneous DG injection was used for induction of the aging model. 72 female mice were randomly divided into six groups: All groups were received DG at 500 mg/kg/d for six weeks. In the last 28 days, the groups treated with myricitrin subcutaneously received 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/d, and the vitamin E group received 100 mg/kg/d by gavage. Urine and plasma albumin, BUN, creatinine levels, MDA, TAC, and kidney histological changes were evaluated. Results: Plasma albumin was significantly decreased (p=0.001), but a significant increase in urine albumin (p=0.001), BUN (p<0.001), and creatinine (p=0.010) levels was observed in the DG group when compared with the control. Also, a significant increase in MDA levels (p=0.002) along with a significant decrease in TAC (p=0.012) was observed. Histopathological changes such as congestion of erythrocytes (p<0.001), infiltration of inflammatory cells (p<0.001), and proximal tubule cell damage (p=0.004) significantly increased, while glomerulus diameter significantly decreased (p=0.038) in comparison to the control. Administration of myricitrin and vitamin E showed a significant ameliorative effect on all studied variables. Conclusion: The improvement effects of myricitrin on DG-induced kidney damage was approximately equivalent to vitamin E. Myricitrin and vitamin E could have beneficial effects on the nephropathy of aging mode