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Introduction: Parquet poisoning has been elaborated to be very common among developing countries, particularly in regions with agriculture economy. One of the most common presentations of paraquat poisoning is oropharyngeal burns. Herein, we report a patient from a dry and warm district in the geographic center of Iran where agriculture and, as a result, paraquat poisoning are not commonly reported. Case Presentation: A 25-year-old man presented to hospital subsequent to a suicide attempt by ingesting oral paraquat poison. He gradually developed odynophagia and trismus-like appearance that, after a psychiatric consultation, was misdiagnosed as a drug side effect in the form of dystonia. Upon further physical examination, oral ulcers on his tongue were revealed to be responsible for the symptom. Conclusion: Paraquat poisoning is very rare in regions with lower rates of agriculture activities. In any patient with poisoning, however, it is necessary to consider intraoral examination to rule out any other suspected diagnosis.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes histological alterations which in turn affects functional activity. Studies have demonstrated that dental pulp-derived stem cells conditioned medium has beneficial effects on the nervous system. Besides, collagen hydrogel acts as a drug releasing system in SCI investigations. This research aimed to evaluate effects of dental pulp-derived stem cells conditioned medium loaded in collagen hydrogel in SCI. After culturing of Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs), SHED-conditioned medium (SHED-CM) was harvested and concentrated. Collagen hydrogel containing SHED-CM was prepared. The rats were divided into five groups receiving laminectomy, compressive SCI with or without intraspinal injection of biomaterials (SHED-CM and collagen hydrogel with or without SHED-CM). After 6 weeks, histological parameters were estimated using stereological methods. The total volume of preserved white matter and gray matter (p0.05) as well as the total number of neurons and oligodendrocytes in the rats received SHED-CM loaded in collagen hydrogel were significantly higher, and also lesion volume and lesion length were significantly lower (p0.05) compared to those of the other injured groups. In conclusion, intraspinal administration of SHED-CM loaded in collagen hydrogel leads to neuroprotection, proposing a cell-free therapeutic approach in SCI.

Transplantation of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) has shown to have a vital role in promoting nerve regeneration after SCI. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BMSCs transplantation in healing of spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice based on morphologic parameters. Forty two male mice were randomly divided into 3 groups of control with no intervention, experimental SCI without treatment, and experimental SCI transplanted with 2 × 105 BMSCs intravenously. To induce SCI bilaterally, T10 was compressed for 2 min. The animals were sacrificed 3 and 5 weeks after SCI and T7-T11 segments of spinal cord were removed and stained by Giemsa and H&E methods. Stereological assessment estimated the gray and white matter volume, the number of neurons and neuroglia and diameter of central canal. The average amount of gray matter in SCI injury group was significantly lower than control group. An increase in the number of neurons was noted after cell transplantation. The number of neurons in SCI injury group significantly decreased in comparison to the control group. In cell transplantation group, a significant increase in the number of neurons was visible when compared to SCI injury group. The increase in the number of neurons after cell transplantation denotes to the regenerative potential of BMSCs in SCI. These findings can be added to the literature and open a new window when targeting treatment of SCI.

Background: Brain tumors are among the most lethal and devastating cancers. Medulloblastoma tumor is a common solid brain malignancy, arising in the posterior fossa. Stereological methods are used in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to obtain unbiased estimation of the total volume of the structure of interest. Objectives: In the current study, we evaluated cerebellar tumor volume pre- and post-operative in patients suffering from meduloblastoma tumor using MRI and Cavalieri method. Patients and Methods: The study was performed on 16 subjects consisting of two groups of eight people including patient and control groups. Slide direction were in both sagittal and axial planes. Pre- and post-operative volume of medulloblastoma tumor were determined on MR scanning images using the point-counting approach of Cavalieri method. Results: The post-operative tumor volume in both sagittal (P = 0.028) and axial (P = 0.046) MR images was statistically reduced by 90% compared to the pre-operative volume. Moreover, the pre-operative volume of the cerebellum in patients increased by 38% in patients as compared to the normal subjects (P = 0.028). Conclusion: It could be concluded that MRI-estimated tumor-volume might be useful in evaluating the efficiency of surgical treatment and prognostication of tumor regression rate.

Neurons like other living cells may have ultraweak photon emission (UPE) during neuronal activity. This study is aimed to evaluate UPE from neural stem cells (NSC) during their serial passaging and differentiation. We also investigate whether the addition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) or enhancement of UPE (by AgNPs or mirror) affect the differentiation of NSC. In our method, neural stem and progenitor cells of subventricular zone (SVZ) are isolated and expanded using the neurosphere assay. The obtained dissociated cells allocated and cultivated into three groups: groups: I: cell (control), II: cell + mirror, and III: cell + AgNPs. After seven days, the primary neurospheres were counted and their mean number was obtained. Serial passages continuous up to sixth passages in the control group. Differentiation capacity of the resulting neurospheres were evaluated in vitro by immunocytochemistry techniques. Measurement of UPE was carried out by photomultiplier tube (PMT) in the following steps: at the end of primary culture, six serial cell passages of the control group, before and after of the differentiation for 5 minutes. The results show that neither mirror nor AgNPs affect on the neurosphere number. The UPE of the NSC in the sixth subculturing passage was significantly higher than in the primary passage (P < 0.05). AgNPs significantly increased the UPE of the NSC compared to the control group before and after the differentiation (P < 0.05). Also, the treatment with AgNPs increased 44% neuronal differentiation of the harvested NSCs. UPE of NSC after the differentiation was significantly lower than that before the differentiation in each groups, which is in appropriate to the cell numbers (P < 0.0001). The mirror did not significantly increase UPE, neither before nor after the differentiation of NSC. As a conclusion, NSC have UPE-properties and the intensity is increased by serial passaging that are significant in the sixth passage. The AgNPs increases the UPE intensity of NSC that pushes more differentiation of NSC to the neurons. The mirror was not effective in enhancement of UPE. As a result, UPE measurement may be suitable for assessing and studying the effects of nanoparticles in living cells and neurons. This work was supported by grant No. 94-01-01-10157 from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. This article was a part of the thesis written by Esmaeil Fereydoni, MSc. student of Anatomy.

Study Design Experimental animal study. Purpose This study aimed to assess effects of conditioned medium (CM) of dental pulp-derived stem cells loaded in collagen hydrogel on functional recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI). Overview of Literature SCI affects sensory and motor functions, and behavioral recovery is the most essential purpose of therapeutic intervention. Recent studies have reported that CM from dental pulp-derived stem cells has therapeutic benefits. In addition, collagen hydrogel acts as a drug delivery system in SCI experiments. Methods Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) were cultured, and SHED-CM was harvested and concentrated. Collagen hydrogel containing SHED-CM was prepared. The rats were divided into five groups receiving laminectomy, compressive SCI with or without intraspinal injection of biomaterials (SHED-CM), and collagen hydrogel with or without SHED-CM. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring, inclined plane, cold allodynia, and beam walk tests were performed for 6 weeks to assess locomotor, motor, sensory, and sensory-motor performances, respectively. Results Scores of the rats receiving SHED-CM loaded in collagen hydrogel were significantly better than those of the other injured groups at 1-week post-injury for BBB, 2 weeks for inclined plane, 2 weeks for cold allodynia, and 4 weeks for beam walk tests (p

High incidence of articular cartilage defects resulting from age-related degeneration or trauma injuries is a major problem worldwide. Limited self-regeneration ability of cartilage often leads to inappropriate biochemistry and structure of healed tissue. Considering Impairments of traditional treatments, cell-based therapies are promising. The rapid ex vivo expansion and chondrogenic differentiation capability make dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) a favorable cell type for therapeutic application, however strategies in order to efficient cartilage tissue-like production are imperative. In the present study the potential role of hypoxia mimicking agent, cobalt chloride (CoCl2), on chondrogenic differentiation of human DPSCs was surveyed. Cell viability assay used to obtain the optimum dose and exposure time of CoCl2. DPSCs were differentiated in pellet culture system after CoCl2 pretreatment. Chondrogenic differentiation efficiency was evaluated by histological and immunohistological analyses. The results showed that CoCl2 led to increased pellet size, integrity and matrix deposition with organizations more resembled typical cartilage lacuna structure. Furthermore, CoCl2 could improve differentiation by elevated chondrogenic markers, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen II expression. CoCl2 pretreatment mitigated hypertrophy, as well, which was reflected in decreased collagen X expression. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) specific activity did not change significantly by CoCl2 preconditioning. Based on current study hypoxia mimicking agent, CoCl2, could be suggested to promote DPSCs chondrogenic differentiation.

Background: The follicular growth and development may be affected by abused drugs. Nandrolone decanoate (ND) as an anabolic androgenic steroid can damage the morphological and functional features of the ovary and may lead to reproductive failure. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of synchronized and non-synchronized administration of Human Menopausal Gonadotropins (hMG) with ND on ovarian tissue and level of sex hormones in the adult female rat. Materials and Methods: Forty adult female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into eight groups. The five experimental groups received 3 and/or 10 mg/kg of ND synchronized and non-synchronized with 10 IU of hMG and hMG alone. The two shams and control groups received solvents of ND and hMG. The animals' serum levels of Follicle-stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone, progesterone and estrogen and the weight, volume and dimensions of the ovaries were measured. The ovaries were prepared for apoptosis assessment and morphological study. Results: The ovarian volume and sex hormones in the experimental groups were decreased, but ovarian weight and dimensions didn’t change. The rate of apoptosis was increased in the experimental groups as follows; a low and high dose of ND synchronized with hMG 48.80±18.70 and 65.20±14.20 respectively vs. Sham 1, 33.20±17.80, a low and high dose of ND non-synchronized with hMD 55.80±17.20 and 75.20±14.30 respectively vs. Sham 2, 31.60±32.40 groups, p˂0.01. Follicular and stromal cells were damaged in the experimental groups except for the hMG group. Conclusion: Administration of ND decreased the serum level of Luteinizing hormone, Follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone and estrogen and damaged ovarian tissue irreversibly and irreparably and hMG cannot prevent the destruction of the follicles in the adult female rats. This can be a serious warning to women who abuse ND.

Background: Diabetes is a chronic disease that can affect almost all of the body organs, including male and female reproductive systems. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the preventive effects of metformin on stereological and ultrastructure characteristics of the ovary in the streptozotocin-induced diabetes adult female rats. Materials and Methods: Seventy adult (8-10 wk) female Sprague-Dawley rats (180-200 gr) were equally divided, as follows: (n = 10/each) control; STZ-induced diabetes (single dose of 65 mg/kg STZ, IP); metformin-treated (50 mg/100 gr of body weight, orally); diabetic-metformin-treated; sham 1, (single dose of sodium citrate); sham 2, (0.5 ml of daily oral distilled water); and sham 3, (sodium citrate + distilled water treated). The body mass index, ovarian weight, blood sugar level, cholesterol, and triglyceride were measured. The stereological and ultrastructural features of ovary were assessed. Results: The blood sugar of induced-diabetic rats was increased (p < 0.01). The BMI (p < 0.01), number of granulosa cells (p = 0.04), primordial, primary and secondary follicles (p = 0.03), total volume of ovary (p < 0.01) and cortex, nucleus diameter ratio to the ooplasm were decreased. The number of atretic follicles in the diabetic and diabetic + metformin-treated rats were increased (p < 0.01). The ultrastructural characteristics of ovary were more damaged in diabetic rats. Conclusion: Diabetes has destructive effects on ovarian follicles and causes follicular atresia. Also, the size of oocytes, numbers of granulosa cells and ooplasmic organelles, which are involved in the folliculogenesis are affected by diabetes and metformin has no preventive effects.

Numerous bioactive growth factors and cytokines in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have recently made it an attractive biomaterial for therapeutic purposes. These growth factors have the potential to regenerate the injured tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of PRP in hepatotoxic animal model. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by oral administration of 4 mL/kg/week of CCl4 diluted 1:1 in corn oil for 10 weeks. To confirm the hepatotoxicity, 24 h after the last CCl4 administration, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture to assess the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, total protein, and total bilirubin. Twenty-four hours after blood collection, the experimental animals received a single injection of PRP (1 mL) via the anterior mesenteric vein. One week later, all biochemical tests were performed again, and the rats were scarified and their livers were removed, prepared histologically, and stained. The stereological analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of PRP on histopathological features of CCl4-treated livers. The results were compared statistically with the corresponding control and CCl4+normal saline (NS)-treated animals. A significant decrease in the number and volume of hepatocytes (p = 0.01), and also a reduction in the volume of sinusoids (p = 0.001) and connective tissue (p = 0.04), were observed in the PRP-treated animals compared with the CCl4+NS-treated ones. Our findings demonstrated that application of PRP had beneficial effects on CCl4-induced fibrosis; however, it had detrimental effects on the total number of hepatocytes and the volume of hepatocytes and sinusoidal spaces.

Ovarian failure is diagnosed by ovarian destruction and reducing sex hormonal levels. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains several growth factors that induce tissue repair and may induce folliculogenesis.This study evaluates the effect of PRP on ovarian structures and function in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced ovarian failure in female rats by a stereological method.Thirty-two adult female rats were divided into four groups (Control, Cy, Cy + PRP, and PRP). Female infertility was induced by Cy (75 mg/kg, single dose, intraperitoneally). Animals were treated by PRP which was obtained from age-matched male rats (200 μL, single dose, intraperitoneally). Blood samples were collected for measurement of hormones. The animals were dissected and the right ovaries were removed, fixed, sectioned, and stained by HE. Stereological methods were used to estimate cortex and medulla volume, and the number and diameter of follicles, follicular cell, and oocyte using light microscopy.Cyclophosphamide had the maximum effect in decreasing on cortex volume, the pre-antral follicles number, a diameter of follicular cells and oocyte diameter in the antral follicle and the reduction of estradiol and progesterone levels compared with the control group. PRP had a dominant positive effect on the ovarian cortex volume, pre-antral follicles number and antral follicle diameter relative to the control group. PRP also decreased oocyte diameter in pre-antral follicle in infertile animals (p 0.001).It seems that PRP has a protective effect on ovarian failure in the infertile female rat model.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a source of growth factors may induce tissue repairing and improve fibrosis. This study aimed to assess the effects of PRP on kidney regeneration and fibrosis in gentamicin (GM)-induced nephrotoxicity rat model by stereological study. Thirty-two male rats were selected. Nephrotoxicity was induced in animals by administration of GM (80 mg/kg/daily, intraperitoneally [IP], 8 day) and animals were treated by PRP (100 µL, intra-cortical injection using surgical microscopy, single dose). Blood samples were collected for determine blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) before and after PRP therapy. At the end of experiment, right kidneys were sectioned by Isotropic Uniform Random (IUR) method and stained with H & E and Masson’s Trichrome. The stereological methods were used for estimating the changes in different structures of kidney. PRP increased the number of epithelial cells in convoluted tubules, and decreased the volume of connective tissue, renal corpuscles and glomeruli in GM-treated animals (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that PRP had beneficial effects on proliferation of epithelial cells in convoluted tubules and ameliorated GM-induced fibrosis., Graphical Abstract

Curcumin has protective effects on a variety of CNS injury models. Our purpose was to assess the effects of curcumin on the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and functional recovery in sciatic nerve crush (SNC) of rats.The fifth lumbar DRG was removed 28 days after SNC. Sciatic functional index (SFI) and also the DRG structure were evaluated, using stereological methods to assess the effects of curcumin.The volume and number of A- and B-cells were reduced in the SNC as compared with the sham-operated animals. In curcumin treated rats, the volume decreased but in a lesser extent and it was ∼10% and ∼15% higher on the average in comparison with the non-treated SNC (P0.04). In curcumin treated rats, the number of cells also decreased but in a lesser extent and it was ∼17% and ∼36% higher in comparison with the non-treated crushed animals (P0.02). The surface area of A- and B-cells reduced in the SNC and SNC plus curcumin in comparison with the sham-operated rats (P0.01). The number of satellite cells was reduced in the SNC as compared with the sham-operated animals. In curcumin treated rats, the number of satellite cells decreased but in a lesser extent and the number of satellite cells was ∼19% higher in comparison with the non-treated (P0.02). SFI test shows that the motor function of the rats treated with curcumin significantly improved at 21st days after sciatic nerve crush.The results demonstrate that curcumin promotes the functional recovery and has a neuroprotective effect on the DRG after sciatic nerve injury in the rats.

To determine the effects of noise exposure on hearts of newborn mice, 48 pregnant mice were exposed to recorded aircraft flight noise (100 dB) for 150 min from the 2nd day of pregnancy to 7th day after delivery. Mice of the same age were selected as control group. The weights and crown-rump lengths of the fetuses and the newborns were measured, and their hearts were removed under deep anesthesia on the 1st, 7th, and 14th days after birth and prepared histologically. Quantitative changes of the hearts were measured stereologically by the Cavalieri method. The ultrastructural changes of cardiac myocytes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. No histological changes were observed, but the volumes of newborns’ hearts in the experimental groups increased significantly compared to the control group. Photomicrographs of cardiac muscle cells revealed nuclear envelope changes, chromatin condensation, and increased mitochondria and myofibrils in noise-exposed newborns. It is concluded that the newbor...

Background: Formaldehyde (and its compositions) is a chemical substance that is widely used in chemical industries (detergents, cosmetics and so on), medicine (for sterilization of operation room and its instruments and fixation of histological specimens and cadavers) and even in textiles and papers. Methods: In recent years many studies have been done in formalin effects on people health. But anybody did not study formalin effects on nose and throat in persons that have direct contact with this substance in Iran. For this reason; questionnaires were sent to personnel of anatomical sciences departments in medical schools were selected as experimental group and personnel of high schools as control group. Questionnaires were prepared that had following indexes: Nasal signs (runny nose and smell sense changes), throat signs (sore throat), occupation, sex, age, formalin contact (duration and direct or indirect contact) and diseases history. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test. Results: Results showed that contact with formalin causes decrease (or loss) of smell sense and increase of runny nose and sore throat. These changes have direct relation with contact duration and direct contact. Relation between contact with formalin and these changes is significant (P