Expression of HER-2/neu in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: HER-2/neu is a member of the human epidermal growth factor (HER) family of transmembrane tyrosine kinases, which is significantly associated with the pathogenesis of various cancer types. The aim was to evaluate the expression of HER-2/neu in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as a potential biomarker to target antigens for specific immunotherapy in OSCC.Methods: One hundred and forty histologically diagnosed OSCC cases were identified. Four to five-micrometer thick formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor sections were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H and E). Histological grade was assessed according to WHO/Broders classification, while tumors were staged according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM classification from stage I to IV. Immunohistochemistry was performed by using Rabbit monoclonal antibody against HER-2/neu (EP700Y, cell marquee and diluted 1:50). FISH was performed on positive cases using Vysis PathVysion HER-2 DNA probe (Abbott USA). Probes consist of LSI HER gene spectrum orange and control probe CEP 17 spectrum green.Results: In this study, males were mostly effected (64.3%) with buccal mucosa (49%) to be the commonly involved site for OSCC. Majority of cases were moderately differentiated (62.1%) and 50.7% tumors were Stage IV. HER-2/neu was found to be positive (2+) in one case of OSCC, however weak to moderate complete membrane staining was observed in \u3e10% of the tumor cells. One hundred and thirty nine cases were HER-2/neu negative. FISH analysis of HER-2/neu positive cases also showed gene amplification (Her2-neu/ CEp 17 = 225/33 = 7.2).Conclusions: The study showed disparity in the expression of HER-2/neu in OSCC, which is due to multiple reasons. Therefore therapy against HER-2/neu in OSCC is debatable

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE BASELINE GENE EXPRESSION PROFILE IN PERIAPICAL GRANULOMA AND PERIAPICAL WOUND HEALING AFTER SURGICAL ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

In this study, we have investigated the association between the baseline gene expression profile in periapical granuloma and periapical wound healing after surgical endodontic treatment. Twenty-seven patients aged between 15 and 57 years underwent periapical surgery. The retrieved periapical tissue sample was used for mRNA expression analysis of COL1A1, VTN, ITGA5, IL-4, TNF, ANGPT, VEGFA, and CTGF. All patients were recalled after 6 and 12 months for periapical healing evaluation. Healing was then correlated with baseline gene expression. Healing was observed in 15 patients at the end of 6 months, which increased to 21 patients after 12 months. Six patients showed no healing even after 12 months. Analysis of baseline expression levels of the tested genes with healing status showed the mean relative expression of VTN, VEGFA, ANGPT, TNF, and CTGF to be significantly different (p < 0.05) between the healing group (6 and 12 months) (72.99%) and the non-healing (94.42%) group. Periapical Index scores 3–5 exhibited a positive correlation with ITGA-5 expression. Overexpression of ANGPT and a strong positive correlation between ITGA5 and PAI scores in the non-healing group of patients may suggest these genes to be a potential prognostic biomarker for periapical wound non-healing after surgical endodontic treatment

Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Evaluation of Some Coumarin Derivatives

Coumarin derivatives have shown different biological activities, such as antifungal, antibacterial   antiinflammatory, and antioxidant activities, besides antibiotic resistance modulating effects, and anti-HIV, hepatoprotective, and antitumor effect. So, new coumarin derivatives (hydrazones and an amide) were synthesized through multisteps reactions. All the synthesized target compounds were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, 1HNMR analysis. The compounds then evaluated for their anti-bacterial activity by means of well-diffusion method against two gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae) and two gram-negative bacteria  (E.coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The highest activity was demonstrate by compound k2 which found to be highly active against pseudomonas aeruginosa

Impact of Using Processed Urinary Bladder Submucosa and Hydrogel Fabricated from Tendon on Skin Healing Process in Rabbits

This study was intended to evaluate the healing of skin injury by using decellularized urinary bladder submucosa scaffolds and tendon-derived hydrogel. Thirty-six adult local breeds of both sex rabbits, with an average weight of 2.0–2.5 kg, were divided randomly into three groups (12 animals for each group). All groups were subjected to an induced injury (2 cm) in diameter at the right side of the abdominal skin, the rabbits of the 1st group (A) were sutured without the application of any substance as a control group, the rabbits of the 2nd group (B) were sutured and treated with the application of decellularized urinary bladder submucosa scaffolds, and in the 3rd group (C), they were sutured and treated with the application of tendon-derived hydrogel. Postoperative care following had been done for all groups throughout the study period. Specimens from the injured skin were taken for the histopathological study on the postinjury day, 8th, 14th, 21st, and 24th. The study showed a clear effect of materials used in the treatment of wounds through a clear progression in the healing stages with a noticed superiority of the submucosa scaffold group

Osteogenic Differentiation of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Seeded on Equine-Derived Xenograft in Osteogenic Growth Media

Background and Objectives: The duration of bone turnover is critical, and different time points help in identifying the optimal endpoint of treatment duration. However, investigating the combination of xenograft and stem cells to allow tissue regeneration within an ideal time duration remains an under-investigated topic. The current study aimed to assess the impact of equine-derived xenograft bone blocks in assisting the human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) to demonstrate osteogenic differentiation (collagen type 1 expression and calcium deposition) within an osteogenic growth media. Materials and Methods: Human PDLSCs were acquired commercially and seeded onto xenograft bone blocks. After the 14th and 21st day of culture, enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was utilized for the detection and quantification of levels of collagen type I, while the mineralization assessment (deposition of calcium) was conducted by staining the PDLSCs with Alizarin Red S (ARS). The statistical comparison between the means and standard deviations of study groups were evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: ELISA assessment revealed an upsurge in the expression of collagen type I for PDLSCs cultured with xenograft after 14 and 21 days compared to the controls (intergroup comparisons significant at p &lt; 0.05). Similar findings were obtained for mineralization assessment and on ARS staining. PDLSCs cultured with xenograft bone blocks presented an increased deposition of calcium compared to their control counterparts (intergroup comparisons significant at p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: PDLSCs embedded in xenograft bone blocks inside an osteogenic growth medium demonstrated greater osteogenic differentiation potential after 14 and 21 days. This superior osteogenic differentiation capability was evident by increased collagen type I expression and more significant calcium deposition at the 14th and 21st days after culture

Dentin Bond Integrity of Filled and Unfilled Resin Adhesive Enhanced with Silica Nanoparticles—An SEM, EDX, Micro-Raman, FTIR and Micro-Tensile Bond Strength Study

The objective of this study was to synthesize and assess unfilled and filled (silica nanoparticles) dentin adhesive polymer. Methods encompassing scanning electron microscopy (SEM)—namely, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) test, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and micro-Raman spectroscopy—were utilized to investigate Si particles’ shape and incorporation, dentin bond toughness, degree of conversion (DC), and adhesive–dentin interaction. The Si particles were incorporated in the experimental adhesive (EA) at 0, 5, 10, and 15 wt. % to yield Si-EA-0% (negative control group), Si-EA-5%, Si-EA-10%, and Si-EA-15% groups, respectively. Teeth were set to form bonded samples using adhesives in four groups for µTBS testing, with and without aging. Si particles were spherical shaped and resin tags having standard penetrations were detected on SEM micrographs. The EDX analysis confirmed the occurrence of Si in the adhesive groups (maximum in the Si-EA-15% group). Micro-Raman spectroscopy revealed the presence of characteristic peaks at 638, 802, and 1300 cm−1 for the Si particles. The µTBS test revealed the highest mean values for Si-EA-15% followed by Si-EA-10%. The greatest DC was appreciated for the control group trailed by the Si-EA-5% group. The addition of Si particles of 15 and 10 wt. % in dentin adhesive showed improved bond strength. The addition of 15 wt. % resulted in a bond strength that was superior to all other groups. The Si-EA-15% group demonstrated acceptable DC, suitable dentin interaction, and resin tag formation

Influence of carbon and graphene oxide nanoparticle on the adhesive properties of dentin bonding polymer: A SEM, EDX, FTIR study

Objective: This study was aimed at including 2.5 wt.% of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and graphene oxide NPs (GNPs) in a control adhesive (CA) and then investigate the effect of this inclusion on their mechanical properties and its adhesion to root dentin. Materials and methods: Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) mapping were conducted to investigate the structural features and elemental distribution of CNPs and GNPs, respectively. These NPs were further characterized by Raman spectroscopy. The adhesives were characterized by evaluating their push-out bond strength (PBS), rheological properties, degree of conversion (DC) investigation, and failure type analysis. Results: The SEM micrographs revealed that the CNPs were irregular and hexagonal, whereas the GNPs were flake-shaped. EDX analysis showed that carbon (C), oxygen (O), and zirconia (Zr) were found in the CNPs, while the GNPs were composed of C and O. The Raman spectra for CNPs and GNPs revealed their characteristic bands (CNPs-D band: 1334 cm −1 , GNPs-D band: 1341 cm −1 , CNPs-G band: 1650 cm −1 , and GNPs-G band: 1607 cm −1 ). The testing verified that the highest bond strength to root dentin were detected for GNP-reinforced adhesive (33.20 ± 3.55 MPa), trailed closely by CNP-reinforced adhesive (30.48 ± 3.10 MPa), while, the CA displayed lowest values (25.11 ± 3.60 MPa). The inter-group comparisons of the NP-reinforced adhesives with the CA revealed statistically significant results ( p  < 0.01). Failures of adhesive nature were most common in within the adhesives and root dentin. The rheological assessment results demonstrated a reduced viscosity for all the adhesives observed at advanced angular frequencies. All the adhesives verified suitable dentin interaction shown by hybrid layer and appropriate resin tag development. A reduced DC was perceived for both NP-reinforced adhesives, compared to the CA. Conclusion: The present study’s findings have demonstrated that 2.5% GNP adhesive revealed the highest, suitable root dentin interaction, and acceptable rheological properties. Nevertheless, a reduced DC was observed (matched with the CA). Prospective studies probing the influence of diverse concentrations of filler NPs on the adhesive’s mechanical properties to root dentin are recommended

Assessment of Hydroxyapatite Nanospheres Incorporated Dentin Adhesive. A SEM/EDX, Micro-Raman, Microtensile and Micro-Indentation Study

Hydroxyapatite (HA) delivery with resin adhesives has potential for re-mineralization of resin&ndash;dentin interface. The study prepared an adhesive containing HA and confirmed its presence in adhesive and interaction with the dentin using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Micro-Raman spectroscopy. The aim was to assess the influence of HA incorporation in dentin adhesive on its microtensile bond strength (&mu;-tbs) and Knoop microhardness (KHN). Thirty teeth each were bonded with CA and HA adhesive using a 10-s smear and photo-polymerized. The specimens in each adhesive group (CA and HA) were divided into sub-groups of 24 h, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks (n = 10) aging durations. &mu;-tbs was assessed at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute and bonded interface was analyzed using SEM (n = 20) and Raman spectroscopy (n = 10). Softening of HA adhesive and CA was assessed using KHN. HA adhesive presented higher &mu;-tbs compared to CA. With an increase in storage time, HA adhesive presented with 100% adhesive failure. Softening was less and KHN was higher for HA adhesive compared to CA (p &lt; 0.05). KHN reduction was higher in CA [19.6 (5.1)%] compared to the HA adhesives [9.7 (4.5)%]. HA adhesive showed superior &mu;TBS and microhardness compared to CA. In the absence of nanoleakage, HA modified adhesive exhibited enhanced bond integrity and better durability of resin dentin bond compared to control adhesive

"Low testosterone levels in body fluids are associated with chronic periodontitis": a reality or a myth?

There is a debate over the association between low testosterone levels in body fluids and the occurrence of chronic periodontitis (CP). The aim of the present systematic review was to assess whether low testosterone levels in body fluids reflect CP. In order to identify studies relevant to the focus question: “Is there a relationship between low testosterone levels in body fluids and CP?” an electronic search without time or language restrictions was conducted up to June 2016 in indexed databases using different keywords: periodontitis, chronic periodontitis, periodontal diseases, testosterone, and gonadal steroid hormones. A total of eight studies were included in the present systematic review. The number of study participants ranged from 24 to 1,838 male individuals with ages ranging from 15 to 95 years. Seven studies measured testosterone levels in serum, two studies in saliva, and one study in gingiva. Four studies reported a negative association between serum testosterone levels and CP. Two studies reported a positive association between decreased testosterone levels in serum and CP. Increased levels of salivary testosterone among patients with CP were reported in one study; whereas one study reported no significant difference in the concentration of salivary testosterone between patients with and without CP. One study identified significant increase in the metabolism of testosterone in the gingiva of patients with CP. Within the limits of the evidence available, the relationship between low testosterone levels and CP remains debatable and further longitudinal studies and control trials are needed