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Objective: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with a high mortality rate is among the most commontypes of cancer in the world. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is expressed higher than normal levelin the most HNSCC tumors, making them resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore, HER2 has beenintroduced as a suitable target for anticancer drugs. The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of a treatmentprotocol involving targeted delivery of idarubicin encapsulated in trastuzumab-decorated liposomes to HNSCC cells.Materials and Methods: In the current experimental study, efficacies of idarubicin, prepared liposomal idarubicin,and constructed immunoliposomal idarubicin (trastuzumab-decorated) were investigated in killing HN5 cells, a HER2-overexpressing HNSCC-originating cell line. Liposomal content of idarubicin and trastuzumab were qualified by UVVisiblespectroscopy and preparations were characterized for shape and size by atomic force microscopy (AFM) anddynamic light scattering (DLS). To clarify role of the missing parts of the available crystal structure (PDB ID: 1n8z)within trastuzumab-HER2 interactions, we used a 40 ns molecular dynamic simulation approach.Results: Based on the obtained results, liposomal idarubicin showed higher toxicity of the encapsulated drug on HN5cells compared to the traditional free drug formulations. The immunoliposomal form of idarubicin was more effectivethan the liposomal formulation, in killing of HN5 cells. In addition, simulation of interactions between trastuzumab andHER2 revealed that the missing parts (in the crystal structure) of HER2 have critical interaction with trastuzumab,through salt-bridges and hydrogen bonds.Conclusion: It seems that the prepared immunoliposomes could attach more efficiently to HER2 overexpressingcells, which consequently leads to increasing cellular uptake of idarubicin through a receptor-mediated endocytosismechanism. Moreover, simulation of the interaction between HER2 and trastuzumab suggested considerablepossibilities for increasing trastuzumab affinity to HER2.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the cephalometric landmarks, cranial measurements, and cephalic index based on geographical and ethnic characteristics to make a database for the southwest Iranian population. Method: In this analytical cross-sectional study, different anatomic criteria were collected from head MRI images. The anthropometric measures taken included the maximum cranial length, maximum cranial height, maximum cranial breadth, cranial base length, foramen magnum length, upper facial height, lower facial height, foramen magnum breadth, bizygomatic breadth, orbital breadth, nasion-opisthion. The categorization of the head shape was based on the cephalic index. The cranial index was calculated using the equation ([maximum cranial breadth/maximum cranial length] × 100). These assessments were compared to define sexual dimorphism and inter-population variation in size and shape. Results: Sexual dimorphism existed in all cephalometric data except the cephalic index. The measurements comparisonin ethnicities showed that only (eu–eu) differs significantly between the two groups, which is 2,253 mm less in the Arab population compared to the Lur population (P value = 0.022). The cephalic index in males and females was found to be 73.66 and 75.08, respectively. Accordingly, 53.99% were dolichocephalic, 30.06% were mesocephalic, 14.11% were brachycephalic, and 1.84% were hyperbrachycephalic. The shape of the head had no relation to ethnicity but was related to sex (P value = 0.045). Conclusion: It is shown that cephalometric data can be used as diagnostic criteria to determine sex and ethnicity in the southwest Iranian population. It should be further verified on a greater sample size that evaluates more study age distribution.

Background & Objective: Recognition of peripheral nerve variations plays a crucial role in therapist or surgeon evaluations. In human arm, ulnar nerve is one of the three principal nerves that move from the neck down to the hand and provide sense and function of the hand. Case: Present article reports a scarce finding, the unusual branch of the ulnar nerve along with the main trunk originated under the flexor carpi ulnaris near the cubital region. After descending along the medial side of the forearm flexor surface about 5 cm proximal to the wrist has been divided into 2 cutaneous branches. Conclusion: Awareness and ability in recognition of position and variations significantly influence the result of ulnar nerve improvement. Sufficient knowledge of all possible variations may be helpful for surgical improvement and effective nerve blockage.

Understanding the regional anatomy and variations of femoral nerve -as highly essential in daily life activities- is important for surgeons, orthopaedicians, and anesthetists. It helps to prevent iatrogenic femoral nerve palsy in clinical practices. During the dissection of the right lower limb of the cadaver of a 35 years old male, we observed one additional cutaneous branch separated from the posterior division of the femoral nerve. This branch crossed with femoral artery at the beginning and continued to descend into the medial side of the thigh medial to Gracilis muscle. At the end, it pierced through the deep fascia near the knee joint.

During the current SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, some reports were presented based on those nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids may exacerbate symptoms in COVID-19 patients. According to this, we aimed to collate information available in published articles to identify any evidence behind these statements with the aim of helping clinicians on how best to treat patients. We could not find published conclusive evidence for or against the use of NSAIDs in COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, there appeared to be some evidence that corticosteroids may be beneficial if utilized in the early acute phase of infection, however, conflicting WHO (World Health Organization) evidence surrounding corticosteroid use in certain viral infections means this evidence is not conclusive. Given the current availability of literature, caution should be exercised until further evidence emerges surrounding the use of NSAIDs and corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients. However, the availability of reliable information for clinicians and patients is paramount.

This study was aimed to evaluate the facial dimensions and their relation with gender and stature in the Iranian southwest population. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 southwest Iranian cases age 20-50 years (150 males and 150 females). Studied variables through physical anthropometry in both genders were Upper facial height (UFH), Total facial height (TFH), Facial Height (FH), Facial Width (FW), and intercanthal width (IC) using a standard sliding caliper and Collis. Regarding the sex and age of the individuals, general descriptive analysis of facial dimensions was determined. All measurements, except TFH and FH, were different between men and women (p≤ 0.01). In male subjects, the Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) revealed that IC (0.72 ⃰ ⃰ ), FW (0.58 ⃰ ⃰ ) and UFH (0.18 ⃰⃰ ⃰ ) parameters had a positive correlation with stature. In the female group, none of the facial parameters had a significant correlation with stature. Regarding the value of each facial diameter in discriminating male and female stature and gender, the highest discriminative value was specified to the FW (cutoff: 11.89, sensitivity: 89%, specificity: 11%) and IC (cutoff: 2.26, sensitivity: 98%, specificity: 0.04%) respectively. This study showed a significant association of some facial measurements with stature and gender in the southwest Iranian population. IC and FW had the most diagnostic value for gender and stature definition. It is shown a useful reference for the adult southwest Iranian population for facial recognition and that the subject’s sex should be considered during body identification procedures.

Recognizing the arterial variations of human upper extremities is of potential clinical practice because this area is involved in arterial handling and invasive medical procedure. During dissection of the left upper limb of a 35-year-old male embalmed cadaver, we saw brachial artery bifurcation in the middle third of proximal portion of the arm. Its medial branch descended along the medial side of the arm, medial to the median nerve. This branch then redirected laterally after crossing with median nerve. In this part, it lied posterior to the nerve until reached the lateral aspect of the arm. At the elbow level, the medial branch continued as radial artery. The lateral branch of brachial artery remained lateral to the median nerve until reached the elbow. In this part, it continued as ulnar artery after crossed the median nerve anteriorly and descended as interosseous artery.

Background: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to have a protective role in various kidney disorders. Objectives: This study investigated the molecular mechanism of NaHS (a H2S donor) in treating on the renal damage induced by cisplatin (CP).Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Normal control group (group A)‚ NaHS group (group B) which received 200 µg/kg/d (intraperitoneal injection; i.p.) for 15 days‚ CP group (group C) which rats were injected with CP (5 mg/kg, single dose, i.p.), and CP + NaHS group (group D) (5 mg/kg and 200 µg/kg, respectively, i.p.). Samples of urine and serum, tissue of kidney were collected for analysis after treatments for 15 days. Morphological changes were elevated under light microscope‚ protein expression of desmin and nephrin were determined by immunohistochemistry and western blotting and also malondialdehyde (MDA) level was determined by spectrophotometer. Results: Compared to the CP group, NaHS treatment mitigated histological damages, decreased 24-hour urine protein excretion, serum urea and creatinine as well as MDA level. NaHS treatment increased protein levels of nephrin. Moreover, NaHS treatment decreased protein levels of desmin. Conclusions: NaHS can ameliorate CP -induced renal damage in rats which is associated with the increase in nephrin protein expression, and the decrease in MDA level and desmin protein expression.

Introduction: In the present study, we assessed the effects of β-carotene on Titanium oxide Nanoparticle (TNP) induced mouse Spermatozoon Stem Cells (SSCs) apoptosis, at molecular level. Methods: After isolation from cryptorchid mouse testis and characterization, spermatogonial stem cells were divided into four groups. In the control group, spermatogonial cells were cultured in α-MEM supplemented with 2% BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin). β-Carotene (BC) group was composed of control culture condition supplemented with 1 µg/ml β-carotene. TNP group comprised control culture condition supplemented with 1 µg/ml titanium oxide (TiO2). Ultimately the last group contained control culture condition supplemented with both 1 µg/ml BC and 1 µg/ml TiO2for three days. After that, spermatozoon viability was evaluated by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, apoptotic and necrotic indices with Annexin V/PI kit and gene expression of CASP3 and MAPK14 using qRT-PCR method. Results: TiO2 could significantly decrease viability of the cultured spermatozoon in TNP group compared to the control group. In BC group, we determined increased frequency of live spermatozoon compared to TNP or control group. Expression of apoptotic related genes significantly increased in TNP group. Spermatozoon induced by titanium oxide might be useful in clinical procedures. Measurement of apoptosis index using Annexin V/PI method also showed significant increase in apoptotic index of germ cells in TiO2 treated spermatozoon (P

Objective: Phthalates, which are commonly used to render plastics into soft and flexible materials, have also been determined as developmental and reproductive toxicants in human and animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of mono-(2- ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) oral administrations on maturation of mouse oocytes, apoptosis and gene transcription levels. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, immature oocytes recovered from Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mouse strain (6-8 weeks), were divided into seven different experimental and control groups. Control group oocytes were retrieved from mice that received only normal saline. The experimental groups I, II or III oocytes were retrieved from mice treated with 50, 100 or 200 μl DEHP (2.56 μM) solution, respectively. The experimental groups IV, V or VI oocytes were retrieved from mouse exposed to 50, 100 or 200 μl MEHP (2.56 μM) solution, respectively. Fertilization and embryonic development were carried out in OMM and T6 medium. Apoptosis was assessed by annexin V-FITC/Dead Cell Apoptosis Kit, with PI staining. In addition, the mRNA levels of Pou5f1, Ccna1 and Asah1 were examined in oocytes. Finally, mouse embryo at early blastocyst stage was stained with acridine-orange (AO) and ethidium-bromide (EB), in order to access their viability. Results: The proportion of oocytes that progressed up to metaphase II (MII) and 2-cells embryo formation stage was significantly decreased by exposure to MEHP or DEHP, in a dose-dependent manner. Annexin V and PI positive oocytes showed greater quantity in the treated mice than control. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed that expression levels of Pou5f1, Asah1 and Ccna1 were significantly lower in the treated mouse oocytes than control. The total cell count for blastocyst developed from the treated mouse oocytes was lower than the controls. Conclusion: These results indicate that oral administration of MEHP and DEHP could negatively affect mouse oocyte meiotic maturation and development in vivo, suggesting that phthalates could be risk factors for mammalians’ reproductive health. Additionally, phthalate-induced changes in Pou5f1, Asah1 and Ccna1 transcription level could explain in part, the reduced developmental ability of mouse-treated oocytes.

Background Ketamine, an injectable anesthetic in human and animal medicine, is also a recreational drug used by young adults. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of ketamine on membrane integrity, DNA fragmentation and sperm parameters in humans. Materials and Methods This prospective study was conducted on 40 males with normal semen samples over one month (August 2012). Subjects were randomly allocated to four groups (Control and case I, II and III) whose semen samples were adjusted to different concentrations of ketamine (1, 3, 5 µL) for one hour. Sperm analysis was performed for routine parameters, motility and morphology. Evaluation of membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation was done by eosin-Y staining and the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test, respectively. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s tests. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Total sperm motility in all case groups were significantly lower compared with the control group. In case group III, progressive motility showed significant difference with case group II. After addition of ketamine, sperm had evidence of coiled tails in all case groups compared to the control group however this observation was not significant. Evaluation of membrane integrity showed the rate of necrospermia increased in all case groups. However, ketamine only significantly affected membrane integrity in case group III. SCD staining showed that in the control group nucleoids with medium halos (63.44 ± 1.2) were significantly different compared to the case groups I (15.44 ± 0.45), II (9.05±1.16) and III (10.55 ± 1.14), respectively. Between case groups, nucleoids with large and medium halos showed significant differences in case groups II and III compared with case group I. Nucleoids with medium halos were significantly different between case groups II and III. Conclusion Ketamine, through its effect on membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation, decreased sperm viability and caused abnormal sperm parameters in progressive motility.

Introduction: The novel development of the (HBA) sperm- hyaluronan binding assay has now been routinely used in some laboratories worldwide to predict sperm maturity and functionality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between HBA score and histone deficiency, protamine content and DNA fragmentation. Methods: During April- March 2012 patients who were enrolled at Shiraz- Human Assisted Reproductive Center were included in this study. Semen sample from 100 men were assessed during this study. Patients were divided into two groups, group A (%15≤HBA≤%55) n = 50 and group B (HBA≥ %55) n = 50. Sperm analysis carried out according to World Health Organization criteria. Histon efficiency, protamine content, and DNA integrity were assessed by Aniline blue, Chromomycine A3 staining and sperm chromatin dispersion test. Results: The results show positive correlation between sperm concentration and motility with percentage HA-bounded sperms while a negative correlation with percentage abnormal morphology. Histone deficiency assessed using Aniline blue staining show significant difference in group A 18.22±1.06 compared with group B 32.43± 2.90. Furthermore, the percentage HAbounded sperm showed a significant negative correlation with protamine deficiency assessed by CMA3 staining spermatozoa (15.06± 0.88 in group A versus. 75.17± 2.37 in group B). The results also show a positive correlation between intact DNA with HA bound ability. Conclusion: The results indicating that HBA had a high degree of selectivity for sperm with histone efficiency, protamine quality, and high DNA integrity. These findings are important from the points of view of human sperm DNA integrity, sperm function, and the potential efficacy of HA-mediated sperm selection for human assisted reproduction techniques.

Background: For infertile women aged over 35 years, failure of the ZP (zona pellucida) to rupture is believed to be associated with a decreased implantation rate in in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).Objective: In this research, laser assisted hatching (LAH) was offered to patients with advanced maternal age to evaluate a possible benefit.Materials and Methods: Nine hundred thirty two cycles of IVF/ICSI in females were analyzed. Women included in this study were allocated in 4 groups. In group I and II, embryos were cultured and transferred with and without LAH in women aged ≤35, whereas embryos of group III and IV were examined with and without LAH in women aged ≥ 35. Laser manipulations were performed using a suturn-Tm3 system using 2-3 pulses of 0.8 millisecond with 400 voltage duration. The size of the hole made in the zona was measured to be 5-10 μm, depending on the zona thickness of each individual embryo.Results: The performance of LAH significantly increased clinical pregnancy rates in all patients. In group I and II, the chemical (50.99% and 31.61% respectively), clinical (50% and 30.69% respectively) and multiple pregnancies (22.27% and 5.94% respectively) significantly differ between these groups. In the patients with advanced female age ≥35 the performance of LAH significantly increased chemical (30.12%) and clinical pregnancy (27.71%) rates compared to whom without LAH (18.96% and 16.37% respectively).Conclusion: Our data demonstrate in the patients who were less than 35 years old, multiple pregnancy rates were significantly increased compared to other groups who aged over 35 years old. In addition benefit of LAH in improving pregnancy rates after IVF or ICSI in women of advanced age (≥35) was shown

Objective: Testicular cell transplantation has been widely used to investigate the restorationof fertility in rodent models. In this research we apply transplantation as a treatmentmethod in the cryptorchid model and compare this method with orchidopexy, which is theroutine treatment for this problem. We studied the controversial effects of treatment on thenumber of germ cells and other morphometrical characteristics of testicular and epididymalparameters in cryptorchid mice.Materials and Methods: Bilateral cryptorchidism was induced in immature mice by returningtwo testes to the abdominal cavity via a surgical procedure. Respectively orchidopexyand transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells (were isolated from bilateral cryptorchidtestes) with later orchidopexy was performed two and three months after heat exposure inseparate cryptorchid mice. The weight of testes, spermatogenic cell numbers, as well asepididymal sperm parameters were measured at two and eight weeks after treatment. Theresults were analyzed by performing ANOVA and Tukey’s tests.Results: Our results showed that after orchidopexy, the testis remained atrophied and thenumber of spermatogonia returned to the near normal range, but spermatogenesis wasrecovered only partially at the stage of differentiated germ cells. After transplantation weobserved significant changes in the stage of sperm formation compared to orchidopexy.Conclusion: We demonstrated that the spermatogonia isolated from bilateral cryptorchidmice have the ability to regenerate spermatogenesis. Also, while orchidopexy is a routinetreatment for cryptorchidism, transplantation may thus prove to be a promising techniquefor the preservation of fertility for severely damaged cryptorchid testes that have scarcespermatogonia.

Background The present study was designed to evaluate the survival and proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells from cryptorchid mouse testis in co-culture system over a 3 weeks period. Materials and methods Sertoli and spermatogonial cells were isolated from bilateral cryptorchid mouse model testes. Isolated spermatogonial cells were co-cultured with Sertoli cells in minimal essential medium (α-MEM) supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) for three weeks. The identity of the cells was confirmed through immunocytochemistry against Oct-4 and Vimentin. Results Best results were achieved from the co-culture system spermatogonia which continued to proliferate, and eventually, type A spermatogonia colonies were found. Most of the cells in these colonies were Oct-4 positive. Conclusion Bilateral cryptorchid surgery model is a good model for enrichment of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). These cells can be used for molecular characterization, genetic manipulation and restoration of male fertility.