Fabrication of hybrid scaffold based on hydroxyapatite-biodegradable nanofibers incorporated with liposomal formulation of BMP-2 peptide for bone tissue engineering

In the present study, we fabricated an efficient, simple biomimetic scaffold to stimulate osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Electrospun poly L-lactic acid nanofibers were employed to mimic the nanofibrillar structure of bone proteins and coated with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles to simulate bone minerals. Thereafter, we regulated the release pattern of BMP-2 peptide through covalent attachment of an optimized liposomal formulation to the scaffold. The fabricated platform provided a sustained release profile of BMP-2 peptide up to 21?days while supporting cellular attachment and proliferation without cytotoxicity. In-vitro results confirmed the superiority of the scaffold containing liposomes through enhancement of growth and differentiation of MSCs. Ectopic bone formation model exhibited significant localized initiation of bone formation of liposome incorporated scaffold. Consequently, these findings demonstrated that our designed platform with modified release properties of BMP-2 peptide considerably promoted osteogenic differentiation of MSCs making it a unique candidate for bone regeneration therapeutics.     

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of new root canal sealers

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the antimicrobial effect of AH-26, RealSeal (RS), and GuttaFlow after 24 hours and after one week. METHODOLOGY: All sealers were prepared according to the manufacturers' directions immediately before testing. The microorganisms used in this assay included Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans, which were prepared from isolated species in the microbiology laboratory. The antimicrobial effects of each sealer were determined by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition in millimeters after incubation at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and for seven days in a humid atmosphere. Each test was repeated three times. RESULTS: In the 24-hour samples, as well as in seven-day samples, the antibacterial activity of AH-26 was significantly greater than two other materials tested against both bacteria (p < 0.05). The antibacterial activities of RS and GuttaFlow against Staphylococcus aureus were not significantly different from each other (p > 0.05) in 24-hour as well as seven-day samples, but RS had significantly greater effect against Streptococcus mutans than GuttaFlow (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The products studied exhibited some variable antibacterial properties. In 24 hours, as well as in seven days, the AH-26 exerted the greatest activity against both organisms tested.     

Association of toxicochemical and microbiological quality of bottled mineral water in Birjand city,Iran

Water is one of the pivotal, both in natural ecosystems and human development. Inadequate and unsafe water is still one of the major challenges in most developing countries. Due to the growing trends of bottled water (BW) consumption in Iran, especially in dry regions, regular monitoring of the quality of bottled mineral water is necessary. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the chemical and microbiological quality of bottled mineral water which was sold in the markets of Birjand city, Iran in 2015. Samples were selected randomly from 12 most popular brands of national BW in autumn and winter. Then, 12 most popular brands were selected for analysis. Finally, parameters including total hardness, levels of calcium, magnesium, pH, bicarbonate, sulfate, alkalinity, residual chlorine and total and fecal coliforms were examined for each brand. The results of the present study revealed that most of the chemical and microbiological parameters of BW in Birjand city were lower than maximum contaminant levels which are set by Iranian mineral water quality standards and WHO guidelines. Furthermore, total and fecal coliforms were within the standards. Overall, the results of this study revealed that the health status of the bottled mineral water which is sold in the markets of Birjand city was good. But, regular monitoring of the above mentioned parameters would be helpful to improve the water quality and to provide good portable water for the dwellers and very effective to enhance public health on citizens.     

Raloxifene adjunctive therapy for postmenopausal women suffering from chronic schizophrenia: a randomized double-blind and placebo controlled trial

Background

Cumulative evidence from epidemiological, preclinical and clinical studies suggests estrogens may have psychoprotective effects in schizophrenic patients. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators could have therapeutic benefits in schizophrenia for both sexes without being hazardous to gynecological tissues or having feminizing effects. Few studies have been conducted regarding the effects of raloxifene on postmenopausal women suffering from schizophrenia. We conducted this placebo-controlled trial to compare the add-on effect of raloxifene to risperidone versus risperidone with placebo.

Methods

This was an 8-week, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial undertaken at two universities affiliated psychiatric Hospitals in Iran. Forty-six postmenopausal women with the definite diagnosis of schizophrenia were enrolled in the study. Patients received risperidone (6 mg/day in 3 divided doses) combined with either placebo (N = 23) or 120 mg/day of raloxifene (N = 23) for 8 weeks. Patients were assessed by a psychiatrist at baseline and at 2 and 8 weeks after the start of medical therapy. Efficacy was defined as the change from baseline to endpoint in score on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results

For PANSS scores, the main effect comparing two types of intervention was not significant [F (1, 48) = 1.77, p = 0.18]. For positive subscale scores, there was marginal significant interaction between intervention type and time [F (2, 47) = 2.93, p = 0.06] and there was substantial main effect for time [F (2, 47) = 24.39, p = 0.001] within both groups showing reduction in positive subscale scores across the three time periods. In addition, the main effect comparing two types of intervention was significant [F (1, 48) = 3.78, p = 0.02]. On the other hand, for negative subscale scores, the main effect comparing two types of intervention was not significant [F (1, 48) = 1.43, p = 0.23]. For general subscale scores, the main effect comparing two types of intervention was not significant [F (1, 48) = 0.03, p = 0.86].

Conclusions

According to our findings, raloxifene as an adjunctive treatment to risperidone was only superior in improvement of positive symptoms and it was not effective in treating negative and general psychopathology symptoms.

Trial registration

The trial was registered at the Iranian registry of clinical trials: IRCT201205131556N42     

A double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized trial of riluzole as an adjunct to risperidone for treatment of negative symptoms in patients with chronic schizophrenia

Rationale

Several recent studies have focused on glutamate modulating agents for symptoms relief in schizophrenia, especially negative symptoms which are resistant to conventional therapies.

Objectives

We aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of riluzole, an anti-glutamate agent with neuroprotective properties, as an adjunct to risperidone in improving negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Methods

In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled parallel-group study, 50 patients with chronic schizophrenia and a score of ≥20 on the negative subscale of positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) were enrolled in the active phase of their illness. Participants were equally randomized to receive riluzole (100 mg/day) or placebo in addition to risperidone (up to 6 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Participants were rated by PANSS every 2 weeks. The primary outcome of this study was the difference in the decrease of PANSS negative subscale score from baseline to the study endpoint between the two groups.

Results

By the study endpoint, riluzole-treated patients showed significantly greater improvement in the negative symptoms (P?<?0.001) as well as the PANSS total and general psychopathology subscale scores (P?=?0.001 and P?<?0.001; respectively) compared to the placebo group. Treatment group was the only significant predictor of changes in negative symptom in this trial (β?=??0.56, P?<?0.001). No significant difference was observed between two groups in the frequency of side effects.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings suggest that riluzole may be a safe and effective medication for the treatment of negative symptoms in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Further research and replication of study findings is warranted.

Clinical trial registry name and registration number

Iranian registry of clinical trials www.irct.ir, IRCT201107281556N26     

Efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell therapy on glucose levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims/IntroductionIn recent years, mesenchymal cellular therapies have received much attention in the treatment of diabetes. In this meta‐analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.Materials and MethodsA comprehensive literature search was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Central databases. A total of 1,721 articles were identified, from which nine full‐text clinical trials were qualified to enter the current meta‐analysis. The assessment groups included patients with type 2 diabetes, and levels of C‐peptide, glycosylated hemoglobin and insulin dose were analyzed before and after mesenchymal stem cell infusion. Data analysis was carried out in Stata version 11, and the Jadad Score Scale was applied for quality assessment.ResultsChanges in levels of C‐peptide after mesenchymal stem cell therapy were: standardized mean difference 0.20, 95% confidence interval −0.61 to 1.00, glycosylated hemoglobin levels were: standardized mean difference −1.45, 95% confidence interval −2.10 to −0.79 and insulin dose were: standardized mean difference −1.40, 95% confidence interval −2.88 to 0.09.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis of prospective studies showed associations between mesenchymal stem cell therapy and control of glucose level in patients with type 2 diabetes.     

Outcomes of planned pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and their neonates

Aim of the workTo assess the outcome of planned pregnancies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients and methods: The study was conducted on 32 patients. The medical management included pre-pregnancy planning at the quiescent phase of the disease and after at least six months of clinical remission. The patients had a monthly visit during pregnancy and three months post-delivery. Disease flare was characterized by the recurrence of symptoms and signs in different organs, as well as the need for an increase in medication dose. Results: There were 36 planned pregnancies in 32 patients, of which 15 and 17 cases were primiparous and multiparous, respectively. The SLE flares were observed in 36.1% of the cases, 8.3% of which developed postpartum; moreover, they were moderate in severity and mostly involved the kidneys and joints. Pregnancy outcomes included18 (50%) cases ended in term labor; 13 (36.1%) pregnancies had preterm labor, and 5 (13.8%) pregnancies terminated with abortions. Furthermore, obstetric complications included 2(6.5%) patients with premature rupture of membranes, 5(15.6%) fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation, and 2(6.4%) mothers with preeclampsia. 10(27.7%) pregnancies occurred in patients with lupus nephritis. Cesarean section was performed on 24(77.4%) patients, and low birth weight was observed in 7(21.8%) infants. None of the infants had neonatal lupus, congenital deformities or infection. Conclusion: Pre-pregnancy planning in patients with SLE can considerably improve pregnancy outcomes. Neonatal lupus, congenital anomalies or infection were not present. SLE patients intending to become pregnant should be provided with close medical supervision for a safe maternal and fetal outcome.