The present review aimed to evaluate research studies on gender patterns of social anxiety during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in order to determine whether there is an increased ...COVID-19-related vulnerability for women as compared to men. The re- conceptualization of essential social components of quality of life due to COVID-19 pandemic has globally increased rates of psychological disorders such as social anxiety, although the issue of increased gender-related susceptibility is not settled. The searching process was conducted from September 2022 to February 2023 across 3 databases: Cochrane, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The study followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for systematic reviews. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently considered for the review. Empirical data originated from 8 different countries, including Canada, Poland, Spain, China, USA, Australia, United Kingdom, and Portugal. Cross-sectional studies outnumbered longitudinal studies and generally indicated significant gender differences (women were significantly more likely to have social anxiety), although effect sizes were small. However, the claim of increased vulnerability of women as related to the COVID-19 pandemic was only supported by 3 studies. Although gender differences in social anxiety were generally present across countries, there was insufficient research evidence on increased COVID-19-related vulnerability to social anxiety for women as compared to men. Further research should address the methodological limitations of studies, particularly as regards instrumentation or the involvement of cross-cultural variables. Keywords: Anxiety, COVID-19 pandemic, sex characteristics
Oxidative stress (OS) is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic, chronic, and inflamed wounds. In these cases, wound healing is difficult and remains a big clinical challenge. As fibroblasts are ...crucial in wound healing by producing extracellular matrix and wound contraction, the researchers investigated the resveratrol (RES) effects as a potential therapeutic alternative, on an in vitro OS and wound healing model established by 3T3 Swiss Albino fibroblasts. OS was induced by H2O2, and 1‐100 μM RES doses were applied on cells for up to 48 hours. The cell proliferation was assessed by the population doubling time and bromodeoxyuridine immunocytochemistry. The OS levels were determined by fluorescence staining and all values were calculated by the ImageJ program. The collagen‐I expression (COL1A2 mRNA) was evaluated by a real‐time PCR. Cell migration was evaluated by wound closure assay and the ultrastructure was evaluated by electron microscopy. The cell proliferation index significantly decreased in H2O2 incubation and increased with RES application. RES application reduced OS levels and stabilized cell proliferation, but no differences were found in COL1A2 mRNA expression. RES‐treated cells showed better proliferation, migration rates, and ultrastructural preservation. RES administration decreases OS levels and improves the healing process by increasing cell proliferation and migration quality, suggesting it is a powerful candidate for the treatment of skin wounds.
As a two-stage surgical procedure, Masquelet's technique has been used to care for critical-size bone defects (CSD). We aimed to determine the effects of modified and altered bone cement with ...biological or chemical enriching agents on the progression of Masquelet's induced membrane (IM) applied to a rat femur CSD model, and to compare the histopathological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical findings of these cements to enhance IM capacity.
Thirty-five male rats were included in five groups: plain polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), estrogen-impregnated PMMA (E+PMMA), bone chip added PMMA (BC+PMMA), hydroxyapatite-coated PMMA (HA) and calcium phosphate cement (CPC). The levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin (OC), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were analyzed in intracardiac blood samples collected at the end of 4 weeks of the right femur CSD intervention. All IMs collected were fixed and prepared for histopathological scoring. The tissue levels of rat-specific Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β), Runt-related Transcription Factor 2 (Runx2), and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) were analyzed immunohistochemically.
Serum levels of BALP and OC were significantly higher in E+PMMA and BC+PMMA groups than those of other groups (P = 0.0061 and 0.0019, respectively). In contrast, TNF-α levels of all groups with alternative bone cement significantly decreased compared to bare PMMA (P = 0.0116). Histopathological scores of E+PMMA, BC+PMMA, and CPC groups were 6.86 ± 1.57, 4.71 ± 0.76, and 6.57 ± 1.51, respectively, which were considerably higher than those of PMMA and HA groups (3.14 ± 0.70 and 1.86 ± 0.69, respectively) (P < 0.0001). Significant increases in TGF-β and VEGF expressions were observed in E+PMMA and CPC groups (P = 0.0001 and <0.0001, respectively) whereas Runx2 expression significantly increased only in the HA group compared to other groups (P < 0.0001).
The modified PMMA with E and BC, and CPC as an alternative spacer resulted in a well-differentiated IM and increased IM progression by elevating BALP and OC levels in serum and by mediating expressions of TGF-β and VEGF at the tissue level. Estrogen-supplemented cement spacer has yielded promising findings between modified and alternative bone cement.
This study aimed to investigate the protective or therapeutic effect of thymoquinone (TQ) in a retinal degeneration rat model and its relationships with the retina ultrastructure, heme oxygenase 1 ...(HO-1), caspase-3, and RPE65 expressions and to determine whether TQ has a therapeutic effect at the biochemical level.PURPOSEThis study aimed to investigate the protective or therapeutic effect of thymoquinone (TQ) in a retinal degeneration rat model and its relationships with the retina ultrastructure, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), caspase-3, and RPE65 expressions and to determine whether TQ has a therapeutic effect at the biochemical level.A total of 25 adult Wistar albino rats were divided into the following treatment groups: saline (control: CONT), CO (corn oil), sodium iodate (SI), TQ + SI, and SI + TQ injection groups. Retina morphology, RPE65, HO-1, and caspase-3 expression levels were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, and optical density was determined using ImageJ. Ultrastructural evaluations were performed with electron microscopy. Thiol-disulfide homeostatic parameters were examined in serum samples.METHODSA total of 25 adult Wistar albino rats were divided into the following treatment groups: saline (control: CONT), CO (corn oil), sodium iodate (SI), TQ + SI, and SI + TQ injection groups. Retina morphology, RPE65, HO-1, and caspase-3 expression levels were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, and optical density was determined using ImageJ. Ultrastructural evaluations were performed with electron microscopy. Thiol-disulfide homeostatic parameters were examined in serum samples.Outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness was significantly higher in the SI + TQ group compared to the SI group. The RPE65 expression significantly decreased in the SI group compared with the CONT and CO groups. A significant increase in RPE65 expression level and a significant decrease in caspase-3 expression level were found in the SI + TQ group compared with the SI group. The increase in HO-1 expression level was significantly higher in the TQ treatment groups, particularly in the SI + TQ group. In the SI and TQ + SI groups, the ONL thickness significantly decreased with a significant increase in caspase-3 expression compared to the CONT and CO groups. In the treatment groups, decreased organelle damage was observed on electron microscopy. In the SI + TQ group, the disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol ratios were significantly lower than all other groups, while the native/total thiol ratio was significantly higher than the other experimental groups.RESULTSOuter nuclear layer (ONL) thickness was significantly higher in the SI + TQ group compared to the SI group. The RPE65 expression significantly decreased in the SI group compared with the CONT and CO groups. A significant increase in RPE65 expression level and a significant decrease in caspase-3 expression level were found in the SI + TQ group compared with the SI group. The increase in HO-1 expression level was significantly higher in the TQ treatment groups, particularly in the SI + TQ group. In the SI and TQ + SI groups, the ONL thickness significantly decreased with a significant increase in caspase-3 expression compared to the CONT and CO groups. In the treatment groups, decreased organelle damage was observed on electron microscopy. In the SI + TQ group, the disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol ratios were significantly lower than all other groups, while the native/total thiol ratio was significantly higher than the other experimental groups.The present study provides evidence that continuous TQ treatment can increase HO-1 and RPE65 expression and decrease apoptosis (caspase-3 levels), thereby preserving the retina at the ultrastructural level. Moreover, TQ administration can maintain thiol/disulfide homeostasis in SI-induced retinal degeneration-modelled rats.CONCLUSIONSThe present study provides evidence that continuous TQ treatment can increase HO-1 and RPE65 expression and decrease apoptosis (caspase-3 levels), thereby preserving the retina at the ultrastructural level. Moreover, TQ administration can maintain thiol/disulfide homeostasis in SI-induced retinal degeneration-modelled rats.
Masquelet technique is a two-stage surgical procedure used in the treatment of critical-size bone defects (CSD). Adding antibiotics to polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is still questionable to create ...higher quality induced membrane (IM). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of three antibiotic-supplemented cement, fusidic acid, teicoplanin, and gentamicin, on osteogenesis and IM progression applied to rat femur CSD model by comparing histopathological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical findings.
Twenty-eight male rats were divided into four groups control, gentamicin (G), teicoplanin (T), and fusidic acid (FA). A 10 mm CSD was created in rat femurs. In the postoperative 4th week, intracardiac blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin (OC), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. IMs obtained in secondary operation were fixed and prepared for histopathological scoring of membrane progression and immunohistochemical evaluation of rat-specific Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β), Runt-related Transcription Factor 2 (Runx2), and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) expressions.
Levels of BALP and OC in serum didn't change among groups significantly while serum TNF-α levels significantly decreased in all antibiotic groups compared to the control group (P = 0.017). Histological scores of groups FA and T were significantly higher than those of groups Control and G (P = 0.0007). IMs of groups T and FA showed good progression while those of groups Control and G were also moderately progressed. A significant increase in TGF-β expression was observed in group G and FA (P = 0.001) while a significant increase in the expression of VEGF was observed in groups G and T compared to the control group (P = 0.036).
The bone cement impregnated with thermostable and safe antibiotics, gentamicin, fusidic acid, and teicoplanin can increase osteogenesis and support IM progression by increasing the expressions of TGF-β and VEGF. Anabolic effects of induced membranes used in the treatment of critical-size bone defects can be enhanced by antibiotic-supplemented PMMAs applied by altering the original technique.
Glioblastoma tumors are the most aggressive primary brain tumors that develop resistance to temozolomide (TMZ). Eribulin (ERB) exhibits a unique mechanism of action by inhibiting microtubule dynamics ...during the G2/M cell cycle phase. We utilized the T98G human glioma cell line to investigate the effects of ERB and TMZ, both individually and in combination. The experimental groups were established as follows: control, E5 (5 nM ERB), T0.75 (0.75 mM TMZ), T1 (1.0 mM TMZ), and combination groups (E5+T0.75 and E5+T1). All groups showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation. Apoptotic markers revealed a time-dependent increase in annexin-V expression, across all treatment groups at the 48-hour time point. Caspase-3, exhibited an increase in the combination treatment groups at the 48-hour mark. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed normal ultrastructural features in the glioma cells of the control group. However, treatments induced ultrastructural changes within the spheroid glioblastoma model, particularly in the combination groups. These changes included a dose-dependent increase in autophagic vacuoles and apoptotic morphology of the cells. In conclusion, the similarity in the mechanism of action between ERB and TMZ suggests the potential for synergistic effects when combined. Our results highlight that this combination induced severe damage and autophagy in glioma spheroids after 48 hours.Glioblastoma tumors are the most aggressive primary brain tumors that develop resistance to temozolomide (TMZ). Eribulin (ERB) exhibits a unique mechanism of action by inhibiting microtubule dynamics during the G2/M cell cycle phase. We utilized the T98G human glioma cell line to investigate the effects of ERB and TMZ, both individually and in combination. The experimental groups were established as follows: control, E5 (5 nM ERB), T0.75 (0.75 mM TMZ), T1 (1.0 mM TMZ), and combination groups (E5+T0.75 and E5+T1). All groups showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation. Apoptotic markers revealed a time-dependent increase in annexin-V expression, across all treatment groups at the 48-hour time point. Caspase-3, exhibited an increase in the combination treatment groups at the 48-hour mark. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed normal ultrastructural features in the glioma cells of the control group. However, treatments induced ultrastructural changes within the spheroid glioblastoma model, particularly in the combination groups. These changes included a dose-dependent increase in autophagic vacuoles and apoptotic morphology of the cells. In conclusion, the similarity in the mechanism of action between ERB and TMZ suggests the potential for synergistic effects when combined. Our results highlight that this combination induced severe damage and autophagy in glioma spheroids after 48 hours.
Comprehensive knowledge of nasal anatomy is essential for obtaining aesthetically and functionally pleasing results in rhinoplasty. In this study, the authors described the anatomy, histology, and ...clinical relevance of the interdomal region, keystone, and scroll complex. The current study examined these areas in 26 fresh cadaver heads. All cadavers were fresh, and no conservation or freezing processes were applied. All dissections were performed by the first author. It was determined that the structure that connected the middle crura in the interdomal region actually came together in the transverse plane and contained abundant capillaries within. It was observed that chondroblasts with high regenerative potential were present in the keystone area, and there was very tight attachment between periosteum and perichondrium. The scroll complex was found to be more flexible and thin and had fewer regenerative cells compared to the keystone region. With its unique anatomy and histology, the keystone acts as a transition area between the flexible and fixed units of the nose. The scroll complex should be taken into consideration during rhinoplasty because of its effects on fixation of the skin in the lateral supratip area and functional effects on internal and external nasal valves. The interdomal ligament, in contrast, acts as a transition between both middle crura rather than a real ligament.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common type of primary brain tumors in adults, characterized by its ability to proliferate rapidly and its tendency to aggressively and strongly invaded the surrounding ...brain tissue. The standard treatment approach of GBM is surgical resection followed by simultaneous chemotherapy and radiation. However, a significant number of GBM cases develop resistance to currently used chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, there is a need for the development of new chemotherapeutic agents. Trifoliumpratense L. is an endemic plant containing various isoflavones such as biochanin A, genistein, daidzein, and formononetin in high concentrations, and it has been shown in various studies that these molecules can function as anticancer agents. The present study was designed to determine the effect of the possible anticarcinogenic effects of the Trifolium pratense L. which grown in our country and to obtain new treatment approaches alternative to the classical treatment protocols applied in the treatment of GBM. C6 glioblastoma cells were cultured with Trifolium pratense L. Cell proliferation, apoptotic cell morphology, and cell structure were evaluated with CCK8, Annexin V, cytochrome c, CD117, and Betatubulin labeling, respectively. And also, investigated effects of this Turkish tetraploid on GBM by TEM. Decreased cell proliferation and increased number of apoptotic cells were observed depending on the increasing doses of Trifolium pratense L. In addition, intense morphological changes were detected depending on increasing doses. In this context, we believe that the plant Trifolium pratense L., may be a new alternative and adjuvant agent for the treatment of GBM.
