Mitotherapy inhibits against tenofovir induced nephrotoxicity on rat renal proximal tubular cells

Tenofovir, as nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), is used to prevent and cure HIV/AIDS. Ample evidence confirmed that the nephrotoxicity of tenofovir has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. It seems that transplantation with healthy mitochondria instead of damaged mitochondria may be a beneficial approach to therapy. Therefore, it decided to investigate the impact of mitotherapy on tenofovir against renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs) toxicity by measurement of oxidative stress and cytotoxicity biomarkers and restoring of mitochondrial function on isolated mitochondria. EC50 of tenofovir was achieved at 40 μM following 2 h incubation in Earle's solution (pH = 7.4; 37 °C). Freshly isolated mitochondria (80 μg/ml) were added to damage RPTCs affected by tenofovir in treated groups. One Way ANOVA analysis showed that healthy mitochondrial transplantation decreased oxidative stress biomarkers following tenofovir toxicity in RPTCs. Our data revealed that mitotherapy makes cell survival possible in RPTCs affected by tenofovir. In addition, it supposed that a novel and ideal strategy for the treatment of chemicals-induced nephrotoxicity.

The complementary value of intraoperative fluorescence imaging and Raman spectroscopy for cancer surgery: combining the incompatibles

A clear margin is an important prognostic factor for most solid tumours treated by surgery. Intraoperative fluorescence imaging using exogenous tumour-specific fluorescent agents has shown particular benefit in improving complete resection of tumour tissue. However, signal processing for fluorescence imaging is complex, and fluorescence signal intensity does not always perfectly correlate with tumour location. Raman spectroscopy has the capacity to accurately differentiate between malignant and healthy tissue based on their molecular composition. In Raman spectroscopy, specificity is uniquely high, but signal intensity is weak and Raman measurements are mainly performed in a point-wise manner on microscopic tissue volumes, making whole-field assessment temporally unfeasible. In this review, we describe the state-of-the-art of both optical techniques, paying special attention to the combined intraoperative application of fluorescence imaging and Raman spectroscopy in current clinical research. We demonstrate how these techniques are complementary and address the technical challenges that have traditionally led them to be considered mutually exclusive for clinical implementation. Finally, we present a novel strategy that exploits the optimal characteristics of both modalities to facilitate resection with clear surgical margins.

Comparative dynamics of 5-methylcytosine reprogramming and TET family expression during preimplantation mammalian development in mouse and sheep

Despite previous assumption that paternal active DNA demethylation is an evolutionary conserved phenomenon in mammals, emerging studies in other species, particularly sheep, do not support this issue. Recently, ten eleven translocation (TET) enzymes have been suggested as intermediates in genome-wide DNA demethylation through the iterative conversion of five methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC)/5-formylcytosine/5-carboxylcytosine (5caC) derivatives. This study investigated whether TET enzymes and 5mC derivatives are also involved in dynamic reprogramming of early sheep embryos derived by fertilization. Mouse zygotes and developing embryos were considered as control. Obtained results reported substantial differences in dynamics of parent-of-origin-specific patterns of 5mC reprogramming and generation/dilution of 5mC derivatives (5hmC and 5caC) between mouse and sheep early zygotes. Sheep zygotes reported a gradual and insignificant decrease pattern of parental pronucleus 5mC, which was notably replication independent, coincided with gradual generation of 5hmC and 5caC. Although the expression profiles of TET family of enzymes (Tet1, Tet2, and Tet3), with the main exception being Tet2 at later developmental stages, were similar between mouse and sheep developing embryos. In addition, although the expression level of Tet3 was higher than Tet1 and Tet2 in MII oocytes and zygotes in both mouse and sheep, the expression of Tet3 in mouse was higher than sheep in both MII oocytes and zygotes. The contrasting dynamics of 5mC reprogramming between these two species may be associated with the particular evolutionary differences that exist between developmental program of rodents and ruminants, particularly during peri-implantation stages.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in combination with insulin-like growth factor 1 and basic fibroblast growth factor promote in vitro culture of goat spermatogonial stem cells

Growth factors are increasingly considered as important regulators of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). This study investigated the effects of various growth factors (GDNF, IGF1, bFGF, EGF and GFRalpha-1) on purification and colonization of undifferentiated goat SSCs under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Irrespective of the culture condition used, the first signs of developing colonies were observed from day 4 of culture onwards. The number of colonies developed in GDNF + IGF1 + bFGF culture condition was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). In contrast, the size of colonies developed in GDNF + EGF + LIF culture condition was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). Immunocytochemical stationing for specific biomarkers of somatic cells (vimentin, alpha-inhibin and α-SMA) and spermatogonial cells (PLZF, THY 1, VASA, alpha-1 integrin, bet-1 integrin and DBA) revealed that both cell types existed in developing colonies, irrespective of the culture condition used. Even though, the relative abundance of VASA, FGFR3, OCT4, PLZF, BCL6B and THY1 transcription factors in GDNF + IGF1 + bFGF treatment group was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, goat SSCs developed in the latter culture condition could colonize within the seminiferous tubules of the germ-cell depleted recipient mice following xenotransplantation. Obtained results demonstrated that combination of GDNF with IGF1 and bFGF promote in vitro culture of goat SSCs while precludes uncontrolled proliferation of somatic cells.

Effect of warm bupivacaine on the sensory onset of epidural anaesthesia in lower limb orthopaedic surgery: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

In this study we evaluated the effect of warm bupivacaine on the onset time of sensory block in patients undergoing lower limb surgery with epidural anaesthesia

METHODS

After approval by the Ethics Committee and written informed consents, 60 ASA physical status I and II patients, aged 18 to 75 years, undergoing elective lower limb surgery were studied in this randomized double-blind clinical trial. The patients having spinal anesthesia were divided into two groups. Group 1 received warm bupivacaine and group 2 was given bupivacaine at room temperature. The onset time and the level of sensory block were evaluated by a blind observer. Side effects (nausea, vomiting, shivering, headache, low back pain) were evaluated during surgery and in the post-operative period.

RESULTS

One patient was excluded from the study because of incomplete block; therefore 59 patients in two groups (29 patients in group 1 and 30 patients in group 2) were compared. The groups were matched on gender, age, weight and BMI. The onset time of sensory block at the levels of T12, L3 and L4 in group 1 was significantly shorter than in group 2 (p < 0.001). The difference in the onset time of sensory block at the upper levels of the spine between the two groups was not significant (p = 0.21). The incidence of side effects did not differ significantly (p = 0.18) between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Warming bupivacaine can decrease the onset time of sensory block in epidural anaesthesia without any side effects in patients undergoing lower limb orthopaedic surgery.

Zaditen (Ketotifen), as mast cell blocker, improves sperm quality, chromatin integrity and pregnancy rate after varicocelectomy

Surgery is considered the most common choice for the treatment of male infertility with clinical varicocele. Increased numbers of mast cells (MCs) have been associated with different types of infertility, including varicocele. Despite there being different reports on improved fertility following administration of MC blockers, there is no report on the effect of a MC blocker on varicocele or after varicocelectomy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Zaditen on semen quality, protamine content, DNA damage and fertility post-surgery. The study included 103 infertile men who were referred to Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center for varicocelectomy. Varicocele individuals were randomly divided into control (52) and treatment groups (51). Semen parameters, WBC/mL, protamine content (chromomycin A3 staining) and DNA integrity (sperm chromatin dispersion test) were assessed before and 3 months after surgery. Comparison of the aforesaid parameters between the two groups revealed significant improvement in the treatment group compared with the control group, with the exception of DNA integrity. In addition, the cumulative pregnancy significantly improved by 9 months post-surgery in the treatment group (41.17%) compared with the control group (21.15%). The results of this study, for the first time, reveal that MC blockers such as Zaditen improve semen parameters, chromatin integrity and pregnancy rates when administered as adjunct therapy post-varicocelectomy.

Preventing the recurrence effect in the Vlasov simulation by randomizing phase-point velocities in phase space

The Vlasov equation is simulated by following the characteristics of phase points in phase space. It is shown that by increasing the number of phase points, without enhancing the resolution of phase-space grid, the accuracy of the simulation will be improved. In addition, the phase-point spacing introduces a smaller scale than grid spacing on which fine structures might be more conveniently handled. In order to perform simulation with a large population of phase points, an alternative to the bilinear interpolation scheme is introduced that reduces the number of operations. It is shown that by randomizing initial phase-point velocities, the recurrence effect does not happen. Finally, the standard problem of linear and nonlinear Landau damping will be examined.

Comparison of plaque removal efficacy of new and 3-month-old toothbrushes in children

The cost of replacing toothbrushes at frequent intervals may be prohibitive in underdeveloped countries. The objective of this study in Tehran was to compare the plaque removal efficacy of new and 3-month-old toothbrushes in children. In a randomized, crossover study, 93 children aged 7-9 years old received a new manual toothbrush to use twice per day for 3 months. Plaque scores were measured using the modified Quigley-Hein plaque index after children had brushed for 60 seconds with either a new or their used toothbrush. Bristle wear of worn brushes was assessed by measuring brushing surface areas on digital images. Compared with new brushes in the same subjects, no statistically significant differences were found for plaque score reductions for 3-month-old toothbrushes exhibiting various degrees of wear. Worn toothbrushes are equally effective as new ones for children.

Interaction of a relativistic soliton with a nonuniform plasma

By using a relativistic fluid model, a nonlinear theory for the propagation of an intense laser pulse in an inhomogeneous cold plasma is developed. Assuming that the radiation spot size is larger than the plasma wavelength, we derive an envelope equation for the momentum of the electron fluid, taking into account relativistic electron mass variation and finite amplitude electron density perturbations that are driven by the relativistic ponderomotive force of light. Localized solutions of the envelope equation are discussed from an energy integral containing an effective potential. Numerical results for envelope solitons are obtained in a quasistationary approximation. The dependency of these localized solutions on the amplitude and the group velocity of the laser pulse is discussed. Also derived is an equation that governs the dynamics of the pulse center.

Modified determination of dihydrostreptomycin in kidney, muscle and milk by HPLC

A method is presented for the determination of dihydrostreptomycin in milk, muscle and kidney by reversed-phase ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography and post-column derivatisation with beta-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate prior to fluorescence detection. The new sample work-up procedures include acid precipitation of proteins and, in the case of muscle and kidney, removal of fats by solvent extraction followed by solid phase extraction on a cation exchanger. The fluorescence response was linear from 25 to 2000 micrograms l-1 of injected analyte. The detection limits were 10 micrograms kg-1 for milk and 15 micrograms kg-1 for muscle and kidney and the analyte recoveries were on average 93% for milk, 70% for kidney and 75% for muscle.