Permanent art

This audio documentary attempts to discuss Egypt’s rising tattoo community within a society that is heavily opposed to it. Three young people share their tattoo stories in a society that is heavily opposed to them – why they got them, how they got them and what people think of them. This documentary sheds light on the preexisting taboos surrounding tattoos within the Egyptian society as a result of certain religious beliefs

PLEIOTROPIC ROLE OF SIMVASTATIN AND ALENDRONATE ON MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS

Objectives: Previously, our research group has investigated the effect of alendronate (ALN) and simvastatin (SV) in their minimum inhibitory dose (IC50) on oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line where inhibition of angiogenesis has been demonstrated. In the present study, we further investigate the effect of the previously calculated IC50 of SV and ALN and their combination on two different types of stem cells to show that the same drug may have different effects on different cells.Methods: Stem cells were isolated from rat adipose tissue and oral mucosa. After passaging, cells were subjected to Aln, Sv separately as well as combined in their half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was performed to evaluate cytotoxicity. After seven days, osteogenic differentiation was evaluated using alizarin stain. Real time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate Osteopontin gene expression.Results: Our results demonstrated that the proposed combination of Aln and Sv in their IC50 enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of both types of stem cells.Conclusion: The combined effect of Aln and Sv may represent a novel pharmacological approach in treating bone metastasis and at the same time treating the cancer itself

Histological Evaluation of A unilateral Critical-Sized Mandibular Defect Reconstruction using human dental pulp stem cells by Light Microscope and Real-Time Quantitative PCR

Objective: To evaluate the osteogenic differentiation potential of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) isolated from the dental pulp of third molar teeth in vitro cultures, and to evaluate the bone regenerative capacity of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) when transplanted into a unilateral critical-sized bone defect in the mandibular bone in vivo after receiving a hydroxyapatite matrix and polylactic-polyglycolic acid (HA/PLGA) scaffold. Material and methods: A total of 18 mandibular defects were made, and three groups (each n = 6) were created. The first group: the transplanted DPSCs implanted in the critical-sized bone defect after receiving (HA/PLGA) scaffold. The second group received only (HA/PLGA) scaffold. The third group, which served as the control, had a critical-sized defect left empty. After characterization, Von Kossa [VK] and Alizarin red staining were employed to identify differentiated osteoblasts at the 14th and 21st days, and histological analyses, as well as polymerase chain reactions (PCR), were also used. Results: It showed that DPSCs had high proliferation potential and typical fibroblastic shape. Additionally, osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs was validated by morphological alterations, histological examination, and the expression of lineage-specific genes confirmed osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Conclusion: High proliferation potential and the capacity to differentiate into osteoblasts are two characteristics of DPSCs taken from impacted third molars

Comparative study of the osteogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells derived from different sources

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can regenerate missing tissues and treat diseases. Hence, the current work aimed to compare the proliferation rate and the osteogenic differentiation potential of bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs), gingival MSCs (GMSCs) and submandibular MSCs (SMSCs). MSCs derived from bone marrow, gingiva and submandibular salivary gland were isolated and cultured from rats. The proliferation capacity was judged by MTT proliferation Assay. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by Alzarin red stain and quantitative RT-PCR was performed for Runx-2 and MMP-13. The highest significant proliferation was estimated in the BMSCs compared to GMSCs and SMSCs (p-value was < 0.01). All studied cell types formed mineralized nodules as stained with Alizarin Red stain at the 3rd passage of differentiation. However, BMSCs seemed to generate the highest level of mineralization compared to GMSCs and SMSCs. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of Runx-2 and MMP-13 mRNAs was significantly increased in the BMSCs compared to GMSCs and SMSCs (p-value was < 0.01). BMSCs displayed maximum osteogenesis results followed by the GMSCs and lastly by the SGSCs. Thus, it could be recommended that GMSCs can be used as a second choice after BMSCs when bone tissue reconstruction is needed

SYNERGISTIC CYTOTOXIC EFFECT OF STATINS AND BISPHOSPHONATES ON SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA CELL LINE

Objective: The present study aimed at evaluating the in vitro cytotoxic effect of simvastatin (sv) and alendronate (aln) on squamous cell carcinoma cell line (Hep-2 cells).Methods: Hep-2 cells were divided into four groups; Control group where cells were cultured in the routine culture medium. Alendronate Group (A) consisting of cells cultured in aln in its IC 50. Simvastatin Group(S) cultured in sv in its IC 50. And finally, a combined group (A+S) comprising cells cultured in combined IC 50 dose of sv and aln. To assess the effect of these drugs on Hep-2 cells, cell viability was measured in addition to measuring vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by Elisa.Results: In all groups, a decrease in the mean viability percentages of the treated Hep-2 cells in relation to control cells was observed in all groups. The combination of both agents exhibited a significant (P-values Ë‚0.05) synergistic effect on decreasing cell viability and angiogenesis of Hep-2 cells in vitro. VEGF measures in all groups were significantly lower than the control group (P-values Ë‚ 0.05). The combination of both drugs at their IC 50 doses can lower the VEGF production by Hep-2 cancer cells (P-values Ë‚ 0.05).Conclusion: A combination of sv and aln in their Ic50 doses has a dramatic effect on lowering the proliferation and VEGF expression in Hep-2 cancer cells cultured in vitro

Predicting Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes During the Late First Trimester and Early Second Trimester Using the Uterine Artery Doppler

Background: The high resistance occurring in vessels of placenta pathologically can be assessed by impaired blood flow of uterine arteries of pregnant women. It has been proven that measuring of blood flow in the uterine artery in 1st trimester is useful. Results from the second trimester, on the other hand, have proven to be more predictable. Objective: The aim of the work was to predict fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality as a result of low placental blood flow. Subjects and Methods: This prospective study included a total of 127 pregnant women, attending for routine first trimester U/S scan at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zagazig University Hospitals. This study was conducted between April 2020 till December 2020. Results: The mean Doppler Uterine artery resistance index (RI) was 0.587±0.22 ranged from 0.31 to 1.21 and for pulsatility index (PI) 1.56±0.29 ranged from 0.39 to 2.45. The incidence rate of Fetal maternal adverse outcome was 22.8%, distributed as 11.8% Maternal adverse outcome (most prevailing preeclampsia) and 15.7% Fetal adverse outcome (IUGR and preterm). There was statistically significant higher value of Doppler Uterine artery RI and Doppler Uterine artery PI of Adverse outcome compared to Favorable outcome women. Uterine artery PI was good marker to discriminate maternal fetal adverse outcome at late first to second trimester. While uterine artery RI was fair marker to discriminate maternal fetal adverse outcome at late first to second trimester. Conclusions: It could be concluded that uterine artery PI was good marker while uterine artery RI was fair marker to discriminate maternal fetal adverse outcome at late first to second trimester

Treatment Efficiency of Different Routes of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Injection in Rat Liver Fibrosis Model

Background/Aims: The most appropriate route for bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) transplantation in the management of liver fibrosis remains controversial. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of intravenous and intrasplenic BM-MSC transplantation on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced rat liver fibrosis. Methods: Fifty rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 10 rats per group): healthy control group, CCl4 group, CCl4/ recovery group, CCl4/BM-MSC intravenous group, and CCl4/BM-MSC intrasplenic group. BM-MSCs were isolated, labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP), and injected into fibrotic rats either intravenously or intrasplenically. Gene expression of interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6), interferon (INF)-γ, hepatic growth factor, and the hepatocyte-specific marker cytokeratin 18 was estimated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Vascular endothelial growth factor and connective tissue growth factor was detected by western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. At 2 weeks after intravenous and intrasplenic BM-MSC injections, GFP-positive cells were detected in liver tissue. Results: Both routes achieved a similar enhancement of liver function, which was confirmed by histopathological examination. The intravenous route was more effective than the intrasplenic route in reducing gene expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and INF-γ. However, fibrotic changes were still observed in the recovery group. Conclusion: Intravenous BM-MSC injection was an efficient and appropriate route for BM-MSC transplantation for the management of liver fibrosis

Preclinical Assessment of the Proliferation Capacity of Gingival and Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells from Diabetic Patients

BACKGROUND: Stem cells have recently received great interest as potential therapeutics alternative for a variety of diseases. The oral and maxillofacial region, in particular, encompasses a variety of distinctive mesenchymal (MSC) populations and is characterized by a potent multilineage differentiation capacity.AIM: In this report, we aimed to investigate the effect of diabetes on the proliferation potential of stem cells isolated from controlled diabetic patients (type 2) and healthy individuals.SUBJECTS &amp; METHODS: The proliferation rate of gingival and periodontal derived stem cells isolated from diabetic &amp; healthy individuals were compared using MTT Assay. Expression levels of Survivin in isolated stem cells from all groups were measured by qRt - PCR.RESULTS: There was a significantly positive correlation between proliferation rate and expression of Survivin in all groups which sheds light on the importance of Survivin as a reliable indicator of proliferation. The expression of Survivin further confirmed the proliferation results from MTT Assay where the expression of stem cells from non - diabetic individuals was higher than diabetic patients. Conclusion: Taking together all the results, it could be concluded that PDLSC and GSC are promising candidates for autologous regenerative therapy due to their ease of accessibility in addition to their high proliferative rates

Homing and reparative effect of intra-articular injection of autologus mesenchymal stem cells in osteoarthritic animal model

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This work aimed to study the homing evidence and the reparative effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the healing process of induced osteoarthritis in experimental animal model (donkeys).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty-seven donkeys were equally divided into 3 groups based on the observation period after induction of arthritis (3, 6 and 9 weeks) to achieve different degrees of osteoarthritis. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups of three animals each based on the follow-up period (1, 2 and 6 months) after treatment. The induction was done through intra-articular (IA) injection of 2 ml of Amphotericin-B in both carpal joints. MSCs were harvested in a separate procedure, labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) using monster GFP vector and suspended in hyaluronic acid for IA injection. Treatment approaches consisted of cell-treatment using MSCs suspended in 3 ml of hyaluronic acid (HA) for the right carpal joint; and using the same amount of (HA) but without MSCs for the left contralateral carpal joint to serve as a control. Animals were assessed clinically and radiologically before and after treatment. Synovial fluid was also evaluated. Histopathologically; articular cartilage structural changes, reduction of articular cartilage matrix staining, osteophyte formation, and subchondral bone plate thickening were graded. Data was summarized using median and percentile for scores of histopathologic grading. Comparison between groups was done using non-parametric Mann Whitney test.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The reparative effect of MSCs was significant both clinically and radiologically in all treated groups (P < 0.05) compared to the control groups. Fluorescence microscopy of sections of the cell-treated joints of all animals indicated that the GFP-transduced injected cells have participated effectively in the reparative process of the damaged articular surface and have integrated within the existing articular cartilage. The cells were associated with the surface of the cartilage and, were also detected in the interior.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Homing was confirmed by the incorporation of injected GFP-labeled MSCs within the repaired newly formed cartilage. Significant recovery proves that the use of IA injection of autologous MSCs is a viable and a practical option for treating different degrees of osteoarthritis.</p

α-Globin Messenger Ribonucleic Acid as a Molecular Marker for Determining the Age of Human Blood Spots in Different Temperatures

Background: Analyzing recovered evidence, such as blood which is one of the most encountered types of biological evidence, can provide information to establish the definite time when a crime was committed. This study aims to investigate the time- and temperature-related effects on human bloodstain’s α-globin messenger RNA expression and to estimate the bloodstain’s age using α-globin mRNA. Methods: A total of 22 blood samples were collected from healthy middle-aged volunteers (12 women and 10 men). After preparation, the samples were exposed to temperatures of 4°C, 24°C, and 40°C. Next, the mRNA expression of the α-globin gene was quantified by real-time RT-PCR at different time intervals of 0, 30, 90, and 150 days.Results: The α-globin gene expression showed the highest mean values by 0 day and at 4°C and the lowest mean values by 150 days and at 40°C. Samples from male participants showed higher mean values of α-globin gene expression compared to their female counterparts. A significant negative correlation was detected between α-globin gene expression and time interval. Meanwhile, a regression equation was formulated to estimate the time interval using the α-globin gene concentration.Conclusion: α-Globin mRNA could be a useful marker to estimate the age of human blood spots