Medicine and Pharmacy Reports最新文献

Background and aims: Dental veneers have become increasingly required among patients, but little is known about the optical properties of veneers obtained from the same ceramic material through different processing techniques.

Methods: In this study we compared the translucency and the opalescence parameters of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) veneers restorations fabricated through CAD/CAM milling and hot-pressing techniques on the upper central incisor. Eighty specimens divided into 8 groups (n=10) were sectioned (Celtra Duo) and heat pressed (Celtra Press) to obtain 0.8 mm thickness. The optical parameters were calculated from the color difference against different backgrounds. Analysis of variance, one way ANOVA and post-hoc multiple comparison tests were used to evaluate and compare the optical properties of the same material, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The processing method had significant effect on optical parameters. Celtra Duo HT proved to be the material with the highest transparency degree. The hot-pressing technique led to higher opacity than CAD/CAM milling technique.

Conclusions: For a bio-mimetic aesthetic prosthetic restoration, the ceramic materials must have the same translucency and opacity as the real tooth. The results of this study revealed that high translucency ZLS obtained through hot pressing technique was the material of choice, as it fulfilled these requirements.

Background and aim: Nowadays, the reconstruction of large and complex defects with keystone perforator island flaps (KPIF) has gained popularity in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The keystone perforator island flap was described as a curvilinear shaped trapezoidal design flap, with two V-Y advancement flaps end-to-side. It is a multiperforator advancement flap, based on multiple fasciocutaneous or musculocutaneous perforators, described by Behan in 2003. These flaps have a simple harvest technique, an easy-to-implement design, and they are time and cost-saving. Their blood supply lends a versatile and robust character, with less complications. Nonetheless, their biomechanical properties and effectiveness are unclear, the wound-closure tension-reducing effect is not well documented in existing literature. The present study aims to investigate the wound closure tension-reducing effect of type I, type IIA, type Sidney Melanoma Unit I (SMU) and type SMU II KPIFs. The main purpose of this study was to clarify the tension-reducing effect of the KPIF technique, which can contribute to the understanding of the biomechanical benefits of the KPIF.

Methods: This is an experimental, in vivo study, based on twelve white race porcine models (PIC-FII-377), as their anatomy and wound healing process is very similar to that of humans. In this study, 42 wounds that could not be closed by primary wound closure, known as 'unclosable' elliptical defects, were created in six different anatomical regions. The criteria used for not achieving primary wound closure were the breaking of 0 nylon suture or the edges of the wound. Each defect was closed with different types of keystone perforator island flap: type I, type IIA, type Sydney Melanoma Unit I and type Sydney Melanoma Unit II. Keystone perforator island flaps were used in 42 cases. Intraoperative tissue tension was measured by an AXIS FB50, 50 N force gauge tensiometer. In all cases a wide elliptical excision was performed for the primary defect. Before reconstruction, tissue tension was measured across the widest point of the elliptical primary defect. Skin incision was performed for the first flap, without division of deep fascia. After preparing first flap, tension was measured at the widest point of the wound. Furthermore, deep fascia for the second flap was divided, tissue tension across the widest point of the primary defect was measured. Finally, tension was measurement across the widest point of the donor-site after closure of the defect-side flap and V-Y closure of either end of keystone perforator island flap.

Results: In this study were included 12 porcine model (PIC-FII-377). A number of 42 keystone perforator island flaps were performed in this study, in six different anatomical regions, ranging between 3.3 x 12 cm and 16 x 30 cm. All elliptical defects were unclosable, with varying sizes ranging between 2 x 4 cm and 8 x 20 cm. The

Background and aims: The carcinogenic effect of arsenic is a subject of controversy in relation to breast cancer. In our current research, we aimed to simulate the effects of chronic low-level arsenic exposure on breast cells by intoxicating MCF-10A and MCF-7 cells with 1 μM Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) for 3 weeks (3w) and 6 weeks (6w), respectively.

Methods: We assessed the cellular responses to As2O3 through various assays, including confocal fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry for cell cycle analysis, Transwell invasion assay, scratch assay, and colony assay. Additionally, we analyzed the mutation burden in all the exposed cells by using the next generation sequencing technology.

Results: Our findings indicate that As2O3 has a minor carcinogenic effect in normal cells, with no definitive evidence of malignant transformation observed after 6 weeks of exposure. In the case of breast cancer cells, As2O3 exhibits a dual effect, both inhibitory and stimulatory. It leads to reduced colony formation ability at 6 weeks, while enhancing the cells' ability for invasion. The mutations triggered by As2O3 exposure are distributed across genes with both tumor-suppressive and oncogenic functions. Five mutations are common to both cell lines, involving the following genes: Kinase Insert Domain Receptor (KDR) (c.798+54G>A), Colony Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor (CSF1R) (c.*37AC>C, c.*35C>TC), SWI/SNF-Related Matrix-Associated Actin-Dependent Regulator of Chromatin Subfamily B Member 1 (SMARCB1) (c.1119-41C>T), and Fms-like Tyrosine Kinase 3 (FLT3) (c.1310-3T>C). Additionally, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 4 (ERBB4/HER4) (c.421+58A>G) and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2/ERBB2) (c.2307+46A>G) mutations were exclusively found in MCF-10A cells exposed to As2O3. Furthermore, MCF-7 cells exhibited unique mutations in the KIT Proto-Oncogene (KIT) (c.1594G>A) and TP53 (c.215C>G).

Conclusion: In summary, our study reveals that a 6-weeks exposure to arsenic has a limited carcinogenic effect in normal breast cells and a dual role in breast cancer cells.

Background and aims: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to hypothyroidism. The pathophysiology of HT involves the production of antithyroid antibodies that attack the thyroid tissue, causing inflammation and progressive fibrosis. Recent studies demonstrated a strong correlation between Interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels and the development of autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this cytokine may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of HT.

Methods: In this study, we determined the presence of the point mutation +114T/G in the IL-2 gene in patients with HT compared with a control group, and also the serum level of anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPOAbs) and anti-thyroglobulin (TgAbs) antibodies in HT patients with vs. without the mutation. The sequences of the IL-2 gene obtained from subjects were determined by the Sanger sequencing method.

Results: Our study did not reveal that the +114T/G polymorphism of the IL-2 gene is a susceptibility or protective factor for HT. No significant correlations were observed between the reference genotype, hetero- and homozygous +114T/G polymorphism and TPOAbs, respectively TgAbs serum levels in HT patients.

Conclusions: Further studies of more cases are needed to identify more polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene and study their correlations with HT.

Background and aims: The conventional computed tomography (CT) appearance of ovarian cystic masses is often insufficient to adequately differentiate between benign and malignant entities. This study aims to investigate whether texture analysis of the fluid component can augment the CT diagnosis of ovarian cystic tumors.

Methods: Eighty-four patients with adnexal cystic lesions who underwent CT examinations were retrospectively included. All patients had a final diagnosis that was established by histological analysis in forty four cases. The texture features of the lesions content were extracted using dedicated software and further used for comparing benign and malignant lesions, primary tumors and metastases, malignant and borderline lesions, and benign and borderline lesions. Texture features' discriminatory ability was evaluated through univariate and receiver operating characteristics analysis and also by the use of the k-nearest-neighbor classifier.

Results: The univariate analysis showed statistically significant results when comparing benign and malignant lesions (the Difference Variance parameter, p=0.0074) and malignant and borderline tumors (the Correlation parameter, p=0.488). The highest accuracy (83.33%) was achieved by the classifier when discriminating primary tumors from ovarian metastases.

Conclusion: Texture parameters were able to successfully discriminate between different types of ovarian cystic lesions based on their content, but it is not entirely clear whether these differences are a result of the physical properties of the fluids or their appartenance to a particular histopathological group. If further validated, radiomics can offer a rapid and non-invasive alternative in the diagnosis of ovarian cystic tumors.

We have examined genomic and transcriptomic abnormalities in human and canine samples to evaluate the canine model's validity for breast cancer research, emphasizing similarities and differences. Both species commonly utilize serum tumor markers and noncoding microRNAs. Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry were employed to illustrate and compare results based on histological diagnoses. In addition to these factors, similarities exist in spontaneous tumor occurrence, age of onset, hormonal influences, and disease progression, including tumor size, clinical stage, and lymph node involvement. Molecular traits such as hormone receptor status, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), and proliferation markers (Ki67) further endorse the canine model's utility in breast cancer studies. The advancement of technologies facilitates the identification of new cancer-associated molecules, both coding and non-coding genes, underscoring their potential as prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Introduction: Hematologic biomarkers of inflammation may serve as valuable adjuncts in clinical practice, aiding in several aspects such as differential diagnosis, prognostic assessment for patient stratification and monitoring the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Lymphocyte to Monocyte Ratio (LMR), and Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII) in predicting bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI).

Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the north-west region of Romania and included patients from several medical special units such as dermatology, obstetrics-gynecology, urology, and general practice. The study group comprised patients with a high suspicion of STI, while the control group consisted of healthy subjects. Quantitative data are presented as medians (interquartile ranges).

Results: The median values of SII, NLR, and SIRI were higher in the group of subjects with sexually transmitted diseases compared to the control group [604.06 (432.36 - 880.02) vs. 556.89 (388.63 - 874.19); 2.61 (1.57 - 3.3) vs. 2.29 (1.66 - 3.26); and 0.95 (0.53 - 1.52) vs. 0.89 (0.67 - 1.34)]. Regarding PLR, the median values were lower in the group of subjects with sexually transmitted diseases compared to the control group [138.1 (99.19 - 169.6) vs. 140.65 (117 - 190.32)]. As for LMR, the median values were equal between the two groups [4.64 (3.74 - 6.11) vs. 4.64 (3.75 - 5.45)]. Nevertheless, the differences did not reach the significance level.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that inflammatory biomarkers might aid in detecting bacterial STIs, but their significance was not statistically confirmed. Further research on alternative laboratory tests is needed for improved STI diagnosis and management.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is determined in the vast majority of cases by mutations in the CYP21A2 gene, which cause the deficiency of the 21 hydroxylase enzyme, which is involved in the synthesis of cortisol and aldosterone. Generally, CAH phenotype and disease severity can be predicted with the genotypes and is related to the residual activity of 21 hydroxylase enzyme. It is divided into classical CAH with salt wasting and simple virilizing forms and non-classical or late-onset CAH forms, respectively. Patients with 21 hydroxylase deficiency, including those with non-classic forms face immense challenges to their fertility. Glucocorticoid therapy has been shown to be useful in obtaining and maintaining a pregnancy among these patients, but it must be used with caution. Given the relevance of CAH in reproductive medicine as well as the diagnostic challenges posed by the phenotypic overlap with polycystic ovary syndrome and by overlap of its own phenotypes (classic CAH-nonclassic CAH), we present the case of a woman with CAH due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency caused by the P30L mutation with a clinical and biochemical presentation between the non-classical form and the classic simple virilizing form. Further, the successful fertility management in this patient and an overview of fertility management in CAH is depicted, as well.