Evaluation of the Ki-67 and MCM3 Expression in Cytologic Smear of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Statement of the Problem: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent oral cancer whose 5-year survival rate is 80% for early-detected lesions and nearly 30-50% for advanced lesions. Early detection of oral cancers and precancerous lesions can improve the patient’s survival and decrease the morbidity. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the Ki-67 and MCM3 expression in cytologic smear of oral SCC (OSCC). Materials and Method: We examined 48 oral brush biopsies including 28 OSCC and 20 healthy non-smoking samples. Immunocytochemistry staining was performed for Ki-67 and MCM3 by using an EnVision-labeled peroxidase system, and labeling index (LI) was calculated. Results: Out of 28 OSCC cases, 27(96.4%) cases contained MCM3 positive cells and 22(78%) cases contained Ki-67 positive cells. All normal mucosa were Ki-67 and MCM3 negative. MCM3 and Ki-67 LI were significantly higher in OSCC than normal mucosa (p< 0.001). MCM3 LI was significantly higher than Ki-67 LI in OSCC group (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Immunocytologic evaluation of Ki-67 and MCM3 can be used for early detection of OSCC. Furthermore, MCM3 may be a more sensitive cytologic biomarker than Ki-67 in SCC patients

Iranian EFL Learners' Self-regulation Development through Computer-Assisted Autonomous Language Learning

This study investigated the effect of implementing Computer-Assisted Autonomous Language Learning (CAALL) on the development of self-regulation in Iranian EFL learners through a mixed-methods design. Convenience non-random sampling was run to select the participants. A sample of 220 advanced EFL learners from four private English language institutes in Iran participated in this study. A quick placement test, a self-regulation questionnaire, and a learners' perceptions semi-structured interview were used to collect the required data. The learners' self-regulation questionnaire was administered to all the participants. Teachers, both autonomous and non-autonomous, separately implemented CAAL practice for 110 participants (experimental and control groups). Two teachers trained the experimental group on how to be autonomous in their reading performance, and they received CAALL in virtual mode. The control group underwent virtual reading practice. However, the control group did not receive the CAALL practice and instead received traditional reading instruction. The practice was presented through WhatsApp Messenger for 16 ninety-minute sessions. Following the instructional phase, we conducted interviews with the participants to explore their perspectives on the effectiveness of CAALL practice and autonomous learning. They were required to answer some semi-structured questions in a 20-minute interview, after which their answers were transcribed completely. The findings revealed that CAALL developed Iranian EFL learners' self-regulation. Moreover, Iranian EFL learners perceived CAALL as an effective approach to their learning development. This study offers valuable pedagogical insights for EFL teachers, learners, and designers of language teaching syllabuses.</p

The Impact of Effective Governance and Regulatory Quality on Financial Development Under Economic Conditions of the Mena Countries

The present study uses the Systematic Generalized Method of Moment's (SGMM) model to investigate the effects of effective governance and regulatory quality on financial development in the economic conditions of the Mena countries during the period 2002-2009. The results of the study show a positive relationship between the role or rule of law (RL) and economic growth (GDP) with financial development (FD). The variables of regulatory quality (RO), government budget deficit (BD), government effectiveness (GE) and financial crisis (FC) are negative. The negative sign of regulatory quality, government effectiveness and budget deficit for the MENA countries can be justified as follows; The more accountable and efficient the government in a country, the greater the political stability, the lower the additional regulations and costs, the more extensive the rule of law, the smaller the government effectiveness, and the more restricted the corruption, the greater the financial development requiring the more attention of government and authorities in accountability, compliance of rules and regulatory quality. Also the positive variable of the dependent variable lag; the financial development Index shows the countries' attention to the financial development issue and the use of strategies and infrastructure to increase financial development based on financial liberalization indicators over time, which requires much attention from government authorities

Comparison of the Effect of Inhalational Isoflurane-Nitrous Oxide Anesthesia and Intravenous Propofol-Remifentanil Anesthesia on Postoperative Pain

Background: The severity of postoperative pain varies widely in the different types of anesthesia. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of isoflurane-nitrous oxide anesthesia and propofol-remifentanil anesthesia on postoperative pain after foot and ankle surgery. Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial, 60 eligible patients were divided into two equal intervention and control groups; the first group inhaled anesthesia with isoflurane-nitrous oxide and the control group were given intravenous anesthesia with propofol-remifentanil using the quadruple random block model and postoperative pain intensity was measured and compared in the two groups. Data on pain severity were collected at different times and analyzed using SPSS statistical software and related tests. The significant level was set at 0.05. &nbsp; Results: Of the 60 participants, 38 (52.4%) were male and 22 (47.6%) were female. The mean age of the participants was 33.9±15.1 years. The intensity of pain in the recovery room and up to 4 hours after surgery was significantly (Pvalue&lt;0.001) lower in the intervention group but after 4 hours there was no significant difference between the two groups. So, it can be seen in the present study that there was a significant decrease (Pvalue&lt;0.036) in the number of cases requiring analgesics prescribed in the recovery room and up to 4 hours after surgery in the intervention group. Conclusions: According to the results, evaporation anesthetic isoflurane-nitrous oxide can be used in the stage of induction of anesthesia in orthopedic surgeries, and has achieved good results in reducing pain, especially during the first 4 hours, postoperative. Key Words: Isoflurane, Propofol, Inhaler Anesthesia, IV Anesthesia, Postoperative Pai

Is Serum TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels Correlated to Children with Autism Intensity?

Objective Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), a group of multifunctional growth factors, plays an important role in the neuron survival and neurodevelopmental functions. Some studies have evaluated the correlation between TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 abnormalities and autism spectrum disorders. In this study, we compared the TGF-β1 andTGF-β2 levels between autistic and intellectually normal individuals. Materials &amp; Methods The study population consisted of 39 autistic and 30 age-matched intellectually normal individuals (control group). Blood samples were taken from all individuals, and all patients were divided into 2 groups (mild-to-moderate and severe) according to the childhood autism rating scale. The cytokines levels were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results The mean concentration of TGF-β1 was significantly lower (P &lt; 0.0001) in children with autism compared to the control group (25.3 ± 6.5 versus 35.1 ± 9.4 ng/mL, respectively). Also, the mean concentration of TGF-β2 in children with autism (32.35± 7.75 ng/mL) was higher compared to those in the control group (30.47± 4.36 ng/mL); however, this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.21). A positive correlation was observed between TGF-β1 concentration and autism severity (r = 0.41; P = 0.02), whereas a negative correlation was found between TGF-β2 concentration andautism severity (r = -0.41; P = 0.02). Conclusion The results of the present investigation suggest that there is a decrease in the levels of TGF-β1 in the serum of patients with autism and this cytokine may be effective in the treatment of the pathophysiological aspects of autism

Introduction of a Simple and Minimally Invasive Approach for Access to Epidural Space in Cat

&nbsp; &nbsp;Background: Although various studied have been done to improve therapeutic strategies in resolving spinal cord injuries, robust clinical treatment is not yet available. Developing a standard animal model is essential to achieve effective treatment for such injuries. The present study was performed to introduce a simple, applicable, and minimally invasive approach for access to epidural space in cats. Methods: We used a percutaneous approach from the lumbosacral junction for stainless steel cannula insertion to the epidural space without fluoroscopy. CT scan, conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), tractography, and behavioral evaluation were used to assess the correct position of the cannula and the neurological condition of the animal. Results: MRI results showed no significant change in signal intensity index of neural structures under lumbosacral junction. These observations are further supported by tractography, and also behavioral examination during the study. Conclusion: We found that the percutaneous approach from the lumbosacral junction is a simple and applicable approach that has no side effects and artifact formation in MRI evaluation

Fruit Growth and Sensory Evaluation of ´Hayward´ Kiwifruit in Response to Preharvest Calcium Chloride Application and Orchard Location

In order to receive reliable results in the effect of preharvest calcium chloride (CaCl2) application on fruit growth and sensory characteristics of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cultivar ‘Hayward’) at the harvest time, a field experiment was carried out in two commercial orchards at different locations. The vines were sprayed with CaCl2 (1.5%), one, two, or three times in 35, 85 and 125 days after full bloom. The results showed that CaCl2 treatment significantly reduced fruit size, fresh weight and total dry matter content. Moreover, fruit growth relative attributes such as relative growth index, daily relative growth rate, daily transpiration rate, total carbon received by fruit and yield threshold pressure significantly decreased by thrice application. After thrice application of CaCl2, fruits showed better sensory quality. Overall, one time preharvest CaCl2 application had no-significant effect on the most fruits characteristics, while thrice application of CaCl2 could delay fruit ripening process

Efficacy of Low-Level Laser, Hard Occlusal Appliance and Conventional Pharmacotherapy in the Management of Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome; A Preliminary Study

Introduction:Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) is a common temporomandibular joint disorder. Due to its multifactorial etiology, treatment usually involves more than one modality to obtain complementary results. The purpose of this study was to compare the combined effect of low level laser, hard occlusal appliance and conventional pharmacotherapy versus pharmacotherapy only in the management of patients with MPDS.Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 15 MPDS patients were diagnosed and randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=5). Subjects in Group 1 were treated with pharmacotherapy (PT), Group 2 received active laser (940 nm Gallium Arsenide) every other day for a total of 10 sessions, plus pharmacotherapy (PTL) and Group 3 were given hard occlusal splint 12 h/day for 4 weeks plus pharmacotherapy (PTO). The intensity of pain was measured using visual analog scale (VAS) prior to treatment, 2 and 4 weeks after treatment onset and 2 weeks later. Maximum painless mouth opening and pain intensity at muscle palpation was also recorded. Comparisons were made between groups in 4 treatment sessions via repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) (P &lt; 0.05).Results: Pain relief, in subjective VAS was observed in both laser and appliance groups in the third and fourth examination sessions, though occlusal appliance significantly showed to provide the best results between the three groups (p&lt;0.05). No statistically significant reduction in pain was noted using pharmacotherapy only. Maximum painless mouth opening and muscle tenderness was not significantly different among the three groups (p&gt;0.05).Conclusion: Both Laser and occlusal appliance combined with pharmacotherapy proved to be effective for pain reduction. The 3 groups however failed to result in significant improvement in maximum mouth opening or tenderness of the muscles of mastication

Relationship Between Personality Traits and Physical - Social Anxiety in Obese Women who are Applying for Bariatric Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial disease defined by excessive adiposity, posing a health risk by increasing the risk of noncommunicable diseases. We aimed to investigate the relationship between personality traits and physical-social anxiety in overweight women seeking bariatric surgery.Methods: An applied and descriptive-correlational design was used in this cross-sectional study. The participants were overweight women who had applied for bariatric surgery and went to the hospital; a total of 110 people were selected through convenience sampling. The participants completed questionnaires on demographic characteristics, personality (neuroticism-extroversion-openness [NEO] personality inventory), and physical-social features. Data were analyzed using SPSS software via regression and correlation analysis at a significance level of P<0.05.Results: We found a positive relationship between neuroticism and physical-social anxiety (P≤0.01). Conversely, extraversion, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness exhibited negative associations with physical-social anxiety (P≤0.01).Conclusion: Our study indicates that neuroticism is a positive and significant predictor of physical-social anxiety, while extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness are negative predictors of physical stress. These findings highlight the importance of considering personality traits in understanding the physical-social anxiety of overweight women seeking bariatric surgery