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Objective: Depression is a serious mental disorder. Despite numerous medications, there are still limitations in depression treatment. So, herbal medicine has been considered an alternative therapy. This survey evaluated the effects of a Persian herbal formula on mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)., Materials and Methods: A combination of Aloysia triphylla citrodora, Citrus aurantium , Echium amoneum , Lavandula angustifolia , Melissa officinalis , Salix aegyptiaca , Valeriana officinalis , Viola odorata , and Cinnamomum zeylanicum was prepared. Except for the control group, animals were subjected to CUMS for 8 weeks in 5 groups (n=10): CUMS, vehicle (distilled water), herbal formula (0.23 ml/mouse), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), and bupropion (15 mg/kg). All administrations were performed orally daily for the last 4 weeks. The depression and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed by sucrose preference (SPT), tail suspension (TST), forced swimming (FST), and elevated plus-maze (EPM) tests. Superoxidase-dismutase (SOD) activities in tissues, and serum levels of cortisol, alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), and creatinine were measured. Also, histopathological changes were evaluated., Results: This formula significantly increased SPT (p<0.001) and decreased immobility time in FST and TST (p<0.01), but it was not effective on EPM vs. CUMS mice. The herbal formula did not change the serum level of creatinine or ALT, but insignificantly reduced cortisol vs. CUMS and vehicle groups. SOD activity increased in the brain vs. vehicle group (p<0.05). There were no changes in histological examination., Conclusion: The herbal formula improved depression-like behaviors which are possibly related to its anti-oxidative effect on the brain. Also, it did not cause any negative changes in the biochemical and histopathological analysis., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that there is no conflict of interest.

Background: To evaluate the efficiency of Menstrual blood Stromal/Stem Cells (MenSCs) administration in Myocardial Infarction (MI), the effects of MenSCs and their derived conditioned Medium (CM) on cardiac function in MI rat model was assessed., Methods: Animals were divided into four groups including sham group, MI group, MenSCs derived CM group (CM group), and MenSCs suspended in CM (MenSCs+CM) group. The injection of different groups was carried out 30 min after ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery into the infarct border zone., Results: The results showed a significant reduction in scar size after injection of MenSCs+CM compared to MI group. Ejection fraction and fractional shortening of MenSCs+CM group were higher than CM and MI group at day 28. Administration of MenSCs+CM led to much more survival of cardiomyocytes, and prevention of meta-plastic development. Moreover, human mitochondrial transfer from MenSCs to cardiomyocytes was seen in group treated by MenSCs+CM. Indeed, MenSCs+CM treatment evoked nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) down-regulation more than other treatments., Conclusion: MenSCs+CM treatment could significantly ameliorate cardiac function by different mechanisms including inhibition of cartilaginous metaplasia, inhibition of NF-κB and mitochondrial transfer., (Copyright© 2023 Avicenna Research Institute.)

Background: In this study we differentially showed the effects of cell-seeded bilayer scaffold wound dressing in accelerating healing process in diabetic ulcers that still remains as a major clinical challenge. The aim of the study was to compare immunomodulatory and angiogenic activity, and regenerative effect differences between Menstrual blood-derived Stem Cells (MenSCs) and foreskin-derived keratinocytes/fibroblasts., Methods: The streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice model was developed in male C57/BL6 mice. A bilayer scaffold was fabricated by electrospining silk fibroin nano-fibers on human Amniotic Membrane (AM). Dermal fibroblasts and keratinocyte isolated from neonatal foreskin and MenSCs were isolated from the menstrual blood of healthy women. The diabetic mice were randomly divided into three groups including no treatment group, fibroblast/keratinocyte-seeded bilayer scaffold group (bSC+FK), and MenSCs-seeded bilayer scaffold group. The healing of full-thickness excisional wounds evaluations in the diabetic mice model in each group were evaluated at 3, 7, and 14 days after treatment., Results: The gross and histological data sets significantly showed wound healing promotion via re-epithelialization and wound contraction along with enhanced regeneration in MenSCs-seeded bilayer scaffold group with the most similarity to adjacent intact tissue. Immunofluorescence staining of mouse skin depicted a descending trend of type III collagen along with the higher expression of involucrin as keratinocyte marker in the MenSCs-seeded bilayer nanofibrous scaffold group in comparison with other treatment groups from day 7 to day 14. Moreover, higher levels of CD31 and von Willebrand factor (VWF), and also a higher ratio of M2/M1 macrophages in association with higher levels of the neural marker were observed in the bSC+MenSCs group in comparison with bSC+FK and no treatment groups., Conclusion: Healing symptoms in wounds dressed with keratinocyte/fibroblast-seeded bilayer scaffold was significantly lower than MenSCs-seeded bilayer scaffold done on impaired diabetic wound chronicity., (Copyright© 2023 Avicenna Research Institute.)

Context: Implantation of fertilised eggs and survival of a semi-allogenic embryo rely on the interactions between the cells and molecules preparing the uterus. We investigated the effect of regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy on the mechanism of local immune tolerance of mice prone to spontaneous abortion., Methods: Naive T cells were stimulated in vitro with 17β-oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and TGF-β1 for 96h to generate induced Tregs (iTreg). The iTregs were injected into DBA/2-mated pregnant CBA/J female mice (abortion prone model). On day 14 of pregnancy, mice were killed and decidual and placental tissues were collected for cellular composition analysis., Results: Abortion prone mice (PBS treated) showed significantly lower survival rates (P <0.0001), increased CD3+ CD8+ (P <0.05), lower IDO+ (P <0.05) and increased natural killer cells (uNK) cell numbers (P <0.001) in the uterus, as well increased NK cells in the placenta (P <0.05) than in normal pregnant mice (CBA/J×BALB/c). Adoptive transfer of iTregs increased fetal survival in abortion-prone mice (P <0.01) and histopathological evaluation revealed a significantly decreased number of uNK cells in the uterus of TGF-β1-, E2- and P4-iTregs (P<0.05, P<0.0001 and P<0.05, respectively) than in the PBS treated group. In the placenta, we found significantly lower numbers of uNK cells from TGF-β1-, E2- and P4-iTregs than in the PBS treated group (P <0.05, P <0.05 and P <0.01, respectively)., Conclusions: We propose that modulation of uterine NK cell activity through immunotherapy using Treg cells should be given more attention as an immunological strategy in the treatment of recurrent miscarriage.

Objectives: Remote organ injury is a phenomenon that could happen following myocardial infarction (MI). We evaluated the potency of menstrual blood stromal (stem) cells (MenSCs) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) to alleviate remote organ injuries following MI in rats., Materials and Methods: 2 × 10 6 MenSCs or BMSCs were administrated seven days after MI induction via the tail vein. Four weeks after cell therapy, activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine, and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) were evaluated. The level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were determined by ELISA assay. The expression of Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Apoptosis activity and tissue damage were also determined by TUNEL and H&E staining, respectively., Results: MenSCs and BMSCs administration caused a significant reduction in AST, urea, and BUN levels compared with the MI group. In addition, systemic injection of MenSCs significantly decreased the IL-1β level compared with BMSCs and MI groups ( P <0.05 and P <0.01 respectively). Apoptosis in injured kidneys was noticeably diminished in MenSCs-treated rats compared with BMSCs administrated and MI groups ( P <0.05 and P <0.05, respectively). In hepatic tissue, limited numbers of TUNEL-positive cells were detected in all groups. Interestingly, MenSCs therapy evoked inhibition of NF-κB in the kidney strikingly. Although, no significant NF-κB expression was observed in hepatic tissue in any group ( P >0.05)., Conclusion: MenSCs are probably more protective than BMSCs on remote organ injuries following MI via decreasing cell death and immunoregulatory properties., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Background: This study is designed to compare the menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs)-secreted factors with or without pre-treatment regimen using basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza) and also regenerative capacity of pre-treated MenSCs and/or BMSCs in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI)., Methods: BMSCs and MenSCs were pre-treated with bFGF and 5-aza for 48 h and we compared the paracrine activity by western blotting. Furthermore, MI model was created and the animals were divided into sham, MI, pre-treated BMSCs, and pre-treated MenSCs groups. The stem cells were administrated via tail vain. 35 days post-MI, serum and tissue were harvested for further investigations., Results: Following pre-treatment, vascular endothelium growth factor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, stromal cell-derived factor-1, and hepatocyte growth factor were significantly increased in secretome of MenSCs in compared to BMSCs. Moreover, systemic administration of pre-treated MenSCs, leaded to improvement of cardiac function, preservation of myocardium from further subsequent injuries, promotion the angiogenesis, and reduction the level of NF-κB expression in compared to the pre-treated BMSCs. Also, pre-treated MenSCs administration significantly decreased the serum level of Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) in compared to the pre-treated BMSCs and MI groups., Conclusions: bFGF and 5-aza pre-treated MenSCs offer superior cardioprotection compare to bFGF and 5-aza pre-treated BMSCs following MI., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Impaired chronic wound healing frequently occurs in diabetic patients. We hypothesized that menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) in combination with bilayer scaffold consisted of human amniotic membrane (AM) and electrospun silk fibroin nanofibers could potentially promote wound healing in diabetic mice., Methods & Methods: Two bilateral full-thickness wounds were created on dorsal skin of type-1 diabetic mice model and animals were equally divided in four groups including: no-treatment group (NT), amniotic membrane treated group (AM), bilayer scaffold treated group (bSC), and MenSCs-seeded bilayer scaffold treated group (bSC + MenSCs). Wound healing evaluations were performed at 3, 7, and 14 days after their treatment. The wound healing was analyzed by macroscopic and microscopic evaluations, and immunofluorescence staining of involucrin (IVL), type III collagen, CD31/ von Willebrand factor (vWF), and PGP9.5 were performed. Furthermore, number of neutrophils and macrophages and subpopulation of macrophages were assessed. In addition, the expression of Egr2, Mmp9, CXCL12, IDO1, Ptgs2 and VEGFA transcripts involved in wound repair were also analyzed., Results: After 14 days, the best epidermal and dermal regeneration belonged to the cases received bSC + MenSCs as wound dressing. Moreover, the wound healing was typically faster in this group compared to other groups. Immunofluorescence evaluation represented higher levels of CD31 and VWF, higher ratio of M2/M1 macrophages, greater expression of IVL, and higher levels of the PGP9.5 in the bSC + MenSCs group in comparison with other groups. Expression analysis of assessed genes also supported assumption of more regeneration and healing in the bSC + MenSCs group versus other groups., Conclusion: These results indicate that enhanced immunomodulatory and reparative properties of MenSCs in conjunction with bilayer scaffold specified this cellular skin substitute for modulating wound chronicity and contribution to resolution of wound healing process in diabetic ulcer., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Prolonged and excessive salt intake accelerates oxidative stress in kidney tissues, which brings about ER stress. The PERK/ATF4/CHOP/BCL-2 signaling pathway has an essential role in ER stress-induced apoptosis. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of high salt diets on the development of renal fibrosis through CHOP-mediated apoptosis., Methods and Results: Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5 each). Groups 1-5 were treated with 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.2%, 1.5% of NaCl dissolved in distilled water, respectively, for 8 weeks. To detect the degree of renal tubular damage, urinary KIM-1 was measured. The slides of renal tissues were stained via Masson's Trichrome staining methods for fibrosis detection. The relative gene expression of ATF4, CHOP, and BCl-2 in renal tissues were analyzed using the qRT-PCR method. The results revealed no significant difference between the urea, creatinine, and urine flow rate of the rats receiving different concentrations of NaCl (groups 2-5) and those of the control group (group 1). The rats treated with 1.5% NaCl (group 5) showed significant elevations in urinary KIM-1 and the mRNA level of CHOP compared to the control group. Mild renal fibrosis was also observed in group 5., Conclusions: Excessive salt intake leads to fibrosis as it induces the PERK/ATF4/CHOP/BCL-2 signaling pathway in renal tissues. KIM-1 is detectable in urine before the impairment of renal function which can be used as a diagnostic marker to prevent the development of progressive renal failure., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Ovarian hormones drive invivo generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) during pregnancy. Little is known about the therapeutic potential of invitro hormone-derived Tregs in pregnancy loss. We investigated the effects of hormone-induced Tregs in a murine model of abortion. CD4+CD25- T cells were isolated from the spleens of CBA/J mice and stimulated with either 17β-oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) or transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFB1) plus retinoic acid (RA) for 4 days to generate induced Tregs (iTregs). On Days 1-4 of gestation, DBA/2-mated pregnant CBA/J female mice (abortion prone) were injected intravenously with iTregs or Tregs isolated from normal BALB/c-mated pregnant CBA/J mice (np-Tregs). On Day 14, the number of resorbed fetuses was assessed. Serum interferon (IFN)-γ and uterine forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) expression was analysed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry respectively. Using a 3H-thymidine incorporation assay, isolated CD4+CD25+ Tregs induced by the different treatments suppressed the proliferation of CD4+CD25- T cells. Adoptive transfer of iTregs (from all induction groups) significantly decreased fetal resorption in abortion-prone mice. There were no significant changes in serum IFN-γ concentrations after the adoptive transfer of iTregs or np-Tregs. Immunohistochemistry revealed significantly higher Foxp3 expression in gravid uteri from mice injected with np-Tregs and P4-induced iTregs than in the phosphate-buffered saline-treated group. The findings of this study indicate a potential therapeutic benefit of invitro-induced Tregs in patients with recurrent abortion.

Wound healing process is a complex of overlapping and coordinated events progresses beyond the inflammatory phase toward wound resolution, whereas chronic wounds fail to terminate inflammatory phase and could not develop toward regenerative state. The immunopathology of chronic wounds has been attributed to the prolonged inflammation and dysregulation of microenvironments responsible for imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory states, as well as cellular and tissue senescence. We here discuss that menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) with their authentic functions especially immunosuppressive, angiogenic and migratory properties in combination with a bilayer amniotic membrane/nano-fibrous fibroin scaffold could bring about effective regenerative effects in healing of chronic wound. To debate, following evidences have been cumulated : 1) Persistent pro-inflammatory state in chronic wound bed could inhibit wound resolution; 2) MenSCs exhibit noticeable regenerative, immunosuppressive effects and immunomodulatory activity, 3) The migratory characteristics of MenSCs may not be sufficient for their homing to chronic wounds site, and 4) Bilayer scaffold composed of amniotic membrane and silk fibroin induces MenSCs differentiation into keratinocyte-like cells and stimulates skin regeneration., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Treatment of full-thickness skin wounds with minimal scarring and complete restoration of native tissue properties still exists as a clinical challenge. A bilayer skin substitute was fabricated by coating human amniotic membrane (AM) with electrospun silk fibroin nanofibers, and its in vivo biological behavior was studied using murine full-thickness skin wound model. Donut-shaped silicon splints were utilized to prevent wound contraction in mouse skin and simulate re-epithelialization, which is the normal path of human wound healing. Skin regeneration using the bilayer scaffold was compared with AM and untreated defect after 30 d. Tissue samples were taken from healed wound areas and investigated through histopathological and immunohistochemical staining to visualize involucrin (IVL), P63, collagen I, CD31, and vascular endothelial growth factor. In addition, mRNA expression of IVL, P63, interleukin-6, and cyclooxygenase-2 was studied. The application of bilayer scaffold resulted in the best epidermal and dermal regeneration, demonstrated by histopathological examination and molecular analysis. In regenerated wounds of the bilayer scaffold group, the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 and cyclooxygenase-2) were downregulated, and the expression pattern of keratinocyte markers (IVL and P63) at both mRNA and protein levels was more similar to native tissue in comparison with AM and no-treatment groups. There was no significant difference in the expression level of collagen I, CD31, and vascular endothelial growth factor among different groups. Conclusively, these promising results serve as a supporting evidence for proceeding to clinical phase to examine the capacity of this bilayer scaffold for human skin regeneration., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the major causes of hepatic failure during liver transplantation, trauma, and infections. The present study investigated the protective effect of intra-portal administration of 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde (2-MCA) on hepatic IRI in rats., Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rats were equally divided into four groups; 1) sham group, (no IRI or transfusion), 2) Hepatic IRI (60 min ischemia + 120 min reperfusion, 3) Hepatic IRI+ NS (IRI + normal saline), 4) Hepatic IRI+2-MCA, (IRI + 2-MCA). In groups 3 and 4, 1 ml/kg normal saline and 2-MCA were administered slowly into the vein of the left lateral and median lobes of the liver 10 min before induction of hepatic reperfusion (upper the site of clumping), respectively. The harvest time points were at 2 hours post-reperfusion in all groups., Results: Histologically, cell death, degenerative changes, sinusoidal dilatation, congestion, hemorrhage, and infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in IRI group, while these pathological changes were attenuated in the 2-MCA administrated group. The level of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, tumor necrosis factor- α and interleukin-6 in serum and hepatic malondialdehyde were significantly increased by IRI, and 2-MCA administration reduced all these markers. In addition, caspase-3 and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) expression were investigated immunohistochemically. Administration of 2-MCA considerably decreased caspase-3 positive cells and NF-κB activity in comparison with IRI group., Conclusion: As a conclusion, in situ administration of 2-MCA protects against hepatic IRI via anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acute toxicity as lethal dose 50% (LD 50 ) and sub-acute toxicity of the black caraway Bunium persicum ( Bioss) seed essential oil in male Wistar rats. The compounds of B. persicum were identified by GC/MS and amount of each compound was evaluated. 21 different compounds were determined in the essential oil and the main components were: carvone, p-cymene, gamma-terpinene, p-cymene-8-ol, limonene, isoterpinolene, and 2-beta pinene. For acute toxicity evaluation, the animals were randomly divided into nine group (n = 6) and received 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500 and 4000 mg/kg seed essential oil, respectively and the LD 50 value for black caraway seed essential oil was obtained above 4000 mg/kg body weight. According to data, treatment with the black caraway seed essential oil sub-acute toxicity study attenuated histopathological changes in lung, liver, kidney, testes and spleen tissues and the results of this study show that the black caraway essential oil can not affect the immune and blood system, important enzymes and vital organs of the body.., Competing Interests: Animals received animal care, and all the experiments were performed in accordance with the Guidelines of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran (approval No of 7506023.6.17).

The published online of the original version contains mistakes.

Background: In recent years, researchers discovered that menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) have the potential to differentiate into a wide range of tissues including the chondrogenic lineage. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of MenSCs encapsulated in fibrin glue (FG) on healing of osteochondral defect in rabbit model., Methods: We examined the effectiveness of MenSCs encapsulated in FG in comparison with FG alone in the repair of osteochondral defect (OCD) lesions of rabbit knees after 12 and 24 weeks., Results: Macroscopical evaluation revealed that the effectiveness of MenSCs incorporation with FG is much higher than FG alone in repair of OCD defects. Indeed, histopathological evaluation of FG + MenSCs group at 12 weeks post-transplantation demonstrated that defects were filled with hyaline cartilage-like tissue with proper integration, high content of glycosaminoglycan and the existence of collagen fibers especially collagen type II, as well as by passing time (24 weeks post-transplantation), the most regenerated tissue in FG + MenSCs group was similar to hyaline cartilage with relatively good infill and integration. As the same with the result of 12 weeks post-implantation, the total point of microscopical examination in FG + MenSCs group was higher than other experimental groups, however, no significant difference was detected between groups at 24 weeks ( p  > 0.05)., Conclusion: In summary, MenSCs as unique stem cell population, is suitable for in vivo repair of OCD defects and promising for the future clinical application., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.

Background Aims: The application of menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs) in regenerative medicine is gaining increasing attention. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of MenSCs compared with bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) in an animal model of CCl 4 -induced acute hepatic failure., Methods: Injured Balb/C mice were divided into multiple groups and received MenSCs, BMSCs or hepatocyte progenitor-like (HPL) cells derived from these cells., Results: Tracking of green fluorescent protein-labeled cells showed homing of cells in injured areas of the liver. In addition, the liver engraftment of MenSCs was shown by immunofluorescence staining using anti-human mitochondrial antibody. Microscopically examination, periodic acid-Schiff and Masson's trichrome staining of liver sections demonstrated the considerable liver regeneration post-cell therapy in all groups. Assessment of serum parameters including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, urea and cholesterol at day 7 exhibited significant reduction, such that this downward trend continued significantly until day 30. The restoration of liver biochemical markers, changes in mRNA levels of hepatic markers and the suppression of inflammatory markers were more significant in the MenSC-treated group compared with the BMSC-treated group. On the other hand, HPL cells in reference to undifferentiated cells had better effectiveness in the treatment of the acute liver injury., Conclusions: Our data show that MenSCs may be considered an appropriate alternative stem cell population to BMSCs for treatment of acute liver failure., (Copyright © 2017 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Evaluation of the potential cytotoxicity of polyrhodanine nanoparticles is an important factor for its biological applications. In current study, for the first time histopathological and biochemical analysis of polyrhodanine besides of its antiviral activity against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were examined on chicken embryo model. Polyrhodanine was synthesized by the chemical oxidative polymerization method. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Different doses of polyrhodanine nanoparticles were injected into the albumen in 4-day-old embryonic eggs for groups: (0.1ppm, 1ppm, 10ppm and 100ppm), while the Control group received only normal saline. The gross examination of chicks revealed no abnormality. No pathological changes were detected in microscopical examination of the liver, kidney, spleen, heart, bursa of Fabricius and central nervous system tissues. Blood serum biochemical indices showed no significant differences between control and treatment groups. Interestingly, polyrhodanine nanoparticles showed strong antiviral activity against NDV in ovo. These preliminary findings suggest that polyrhodanine nanoparticles without any toxicity effect could be utilized in controlling Newcastle disease in chickens., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study sought to assess the effect of quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) on shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets to enamel., Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 0, 10, 20 and 30% concentrations of QAS were added to Transbond XT primer. Brackets were bonded to 60 premolar teeth using the afore-mentioned adhesive mixtures, and the shear bond strength of the four groups (n=15) was measured using a universal testing machine. After debonding, the adhesive remnant index (ARI) score was determined under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA., Results: The mean and standard deviation of shear bond strength of the control and 10%, 20% and 30% groups were 23.54±6.31, 21.81±2.82, 20.83±8.35 and 22.91±5.66 MPa, respectively. No significant difference was noted in shear bond strength of the groups (P=0.83). Study groups were not different in terms of ARI scores (P=0.80)., Conclusions: The results showed that addition of QAS to Transbond XT primer had no adverse effect on shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

The aim of this study was to investigate how very high and very low M/F ratios affect the location of the center of rotation (CRo). A 3D model of a mesiodistal slice of the mandible was used for this purpose. The model comprised the lower right central incisor, its PDL, the spongy and cortical bone, and a bracket on the labial surface of the bracket. A couple of 1N was applied to the bracket slot to find the level of the center of resistance (Cre). In a second stage, we attempted to produce bodily movement by applying the appropriate M/F ratio. M/F ratios of ±100, 200, 400, and 800 were applied to the last tenths of a millimeter of a pre-activated loop. Higher M/F ratios with positive or negative values, at constant force, increased both incisal and apical movements. The change in the tooth inclination before and after force application matched the difference produced by the different M/F ratios. It was found that a single center of rotation can be constructed for any tooth position. However, this single point does not act as the center of rotation during the entire movement., (Copyright © 2016 CEO. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The reconstruction capability of osteochondral (OCD) defects using silk-based scaffolds has been demonstrated in a few studies. However, improvement in the mechanical properties of natural scaffolds is still challengeable. Here, we investigate the in vivo repair capacity of OCD defects using a novel Bombyx mori silk-based composite scaffold with great mechanical properties and porosity during 36 weeks. After evaluation of the in vivo biocompatibility and degradation rate of these scaffolds, we examined the effectiveness of these fabricated scaffolds accompanied with/without autologous chondrocytes in the repair of OCD lesions of rabbit knees after 12 and 36 weeks. Moreover, the efficiency of these scaffolds was compared with fibrin glue (FG) as a natural carrier of chondrocytes using parallel clinical, histopathological and mechanical examinations. The data on subcutaneous implantation in mice showed that the designed scaffolds have a suitable in vivo degradation rate and regenerative capacity. The repair ability of chondrocyte-seeded scaffolds was typically higher than the scaffolds alone. After 36 weeks of implantation, most parts of the defects reconstructed by chondrocytes-seeded silk scaffolds (SFC) were hyaline-like cartilage. However, spontaneous healing and filling with a scaffold alone did not eventuate in typical repair. We could not find significant differences between quantitative histopathological and mechanical data of SFC and FGC. The fabricated constructs consisting of regenerated silk fiber scaffolds and chondrocytes are safe and suitable for in vivo repair of OCD defects and promising for future clinical trial studies.

Leishmania spp. are vector-borne flagellates transferred by sand flies. They cause cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral infections in mammals, especially in humans and dogs. A mature male boxer with ulcerative nodules around his eyes and snout was referred to Small Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran. Multiple cutaneous lesions were seen in physical examination. Mild leukocytosis, neutrophilia, left shift, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia were reported by the laboratory. Diagnosis was confirmed by the observation of amastigotes in blood samples and inside tissue macrophages. The infection was treated using pentavalent antimonial drug for four weeks.

Histological grading is a good parameter to stratify tumors according to their biological aggressiveness. The Elston and Ellis grading method in humans, invasive ductal breast carcinomas and other invasive tumors are routinely used. The aims of this study were classification of mammary gland tumors and also application of a human grading method in canine mammary carcinoma. The samples included 37 tumors of mammary glands. Mammary tumors were carcinomas (n = 32) and sarcomas (n = 5). The carcinomas were classified as simple carcinoma 56.8% (n = 21), complex carcinoma 13.5% (n = 5), carcinoma arising from benign tumor 10.8% (n= 4) and special type of carcinoma 5.4% (n = 2). Out of 32 carcinomas studied, 37.5% (n = 12) grade I, 46.9% (n = 15) grade II and 15.6% (n = 5) grade III. This study demonstrated that the Elston and Ellis method of histological grading in canine mammary tumor is a reliable prognostic factor which is correlated with histopathological classification.

Trichoepitheliomas are benign follicular appendage tumors with differentiation to all three segments of the hair follicle. A 2 years old female domestic short hair cat presented with a mass on the tail. The mass was surgically excised and for histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies, was sent to Department of Pathology. Histologically, the tumor was encapsulated and consisted of many islands of follicular epithelium and also cysts structures which varied in size and shape. The cells of epithelium islands were round to oval and had variable amounts of slightly, eosinophilic cytoplasm and euchromatic nuclei. The cystic structures were lined by a complex layer of squamous epithelium. Often, cells under went an abrupt transition between basal layers and keratinization without the development of a granular cell layer. No tendency of malignancy was seen in this case. According to mentioned characteristics, trichoepithelioma was diagnosed. By immunohistochemical study it was confirmed that this tumor had epithelial origin because squamous tumor cells reacted with the pan-cytokeratin antibody. The expression of β-catenin was predominately cytoplasmic and also together with numerous positive nuclei but membranous expression was inconsistenet. Distribution of neoplastic cells with β-catenin expression was more than 75% and labeling intensity was strong in both cytoplasm and nuclei. According to author's knowledge, this is the first report of trichoepithelioma in cat in Iran and also investigation of β-catenin expression in feline trichoepithelioma in veterinary literature.

Exposure to beryllium compounds, both by inhalation and skin contact, may result in immune sensitization and chronic beryllium disease. The objective of the present research work was to study the feasibility of removing beryllium compounds from the surfaces of devices made of Be-Cu alloy and to estimate the frequency at which the surfaces had to be rubbed in order to evaluate the likelihood that beryllium can be removed from the surfaces by serial wipe sampling at concentrations exceeding the US Department of Energy (DOE) standard limit of 0.2 microg per 100 cm2. The standard limit was exceeded after successive cleanings of moulds and plates made of Be-Cu alloy with solvents such Citranox, an acidic solvent, Alconox, Z-99 and Fantastik, basic solvents, or more neutral solvents such as Luminox and water. Citranox was the best solvent for extracting beryllium from the tested surfaces, while Alconox seemed to be the second best one. In general, warm water, Luminox and Z-99 seemed to be less efficient for extracting Be from all equipment. The results of the present study suggest that Ghost Wipes, when passed across a surface under the firm pressure of an individual's hand, can be used to detect beryllium contamination. However, they seem to show low reliability for quantification. From a safety standpoint in occupational settings, workers should be offered skin protection and respiratory protection if they have to handle devices made of Be-Cu alloy.