Spinal cord injury is a considerable health impact accompanied with physical, psychological and economic burden. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) transplantation was found to produce neuronal regenerative effects. Schwann-like cells differentiated from BM-MSCs have myelin-forming ability. To compare the ability of BM-MSCs versus Schwann like cells to promote recovery of spinal cord injury. Adult male albino rats were used throughout the study. BM-MSCs were harvested from femora of rats. Sciatic nerves were extracted and used in the preparation of the induction culture medium for differentiation of BM-MSCs into Schwann-like cells. Rats were divided into control, spinal cord injured (SCI), spinal cord injured plus BM-MSCs transplantation (BM-MSC) and spinal cord injured plus Schwann-like cells transplantation (Sn) groups. BBB scale assessment was performed before and after SCI in all rats. Rats were euthanized at the end of the 7^th week and spinal cords were dissected and processed for light and transmission electron microscopic examinations. Spinal cord sections of SCI group revealed cavitation, necrosis and demyelination. BM-MSC and Sn groups showed both functional and structural improvement compared to SCI group with better BBB score and histopathological features in the BM-MSC group and more expression of S100 in the Sn group. Transplantation of BM-MSCs and Schwann-like cells improved the structural and functional alterations of spinal cord injury with better improvement in BM-MSC group.

Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common condition that is associated with morbidity and mortality. Withthe medical advancement in cell treatment, stem cell therapy has a potential therapeutic strategy for DCM.Objectives: We aim to evaluate the possible therapeutic effects of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) versus melatonin (MLT)preconditioned-MSCs in induced diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats.Materials and Methods: Forty-five male adult albino rats were divided into four groups. Group I: Control group. Group < br />II: Diabetic group: Rats received single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin STZ (50 mg/kg body weight). Group < br />III: DC treated with MSCs. Group IV: DC treated with MLT preconditioned-MSCs. Histological, ultrastructural andimmunohistochemical studies were performed on left ventricle myocardium. We also estimated the survival of MLTpreconditionedMSCs in vitro. Bcl-2, Casp-3, interleukin 1 (IL-1), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) expression were measured usingreal-time PCR in tissue homogenates.Results: Our findings revealed a significant increase in immunohistochemical expression of apoptotic markers in the diabeticgroup, as well as a disruption of the normal cardiac histological ultrastructure. Melatonin improved MSCs survival in vitroand altered apoptotic markers. In addition, the melatonin-preconditioned MSC group showed a significant increase in B-celllymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) mRNA expression and a significant decrease in Casp-3. Enhanced immunomodulatory behavior wasobvious by a significant attrition of the mRNA expression of IL-1β (inflammatory-agonist) and a significant altitude of IL-10(inflammatory-antagonist).Conclusion: The melatonin-preconditioning of MSCs enhance their survival and immunomodulatory activities and preciselyrestored cardiac histology. Thus, it unveils an encouraging interference of DC.

In response to COVID-19 global crisis and arising from social responsibility, efforts have been exerted to promptly research, develop and manufacture ICU ventilators locally to meet the spike in demand. This study aimed at : Evaluating the safety and performance of a newly developed mechanical ventilator; EZVent compared to a commercial ventilator regarding hemodynamics, arterial blood gases (ABG), lung inflammatory markers, and histopathology in a healthy pig model using three different ventilation modes. Methods: Eight adult male pigs were anesthetized and randomly assigned into two equal groups: Commercial vent and EZVent group, the animals of which were ventilated using a standard commercial ventilator and EZVent, respectively. On every animal, three ventilation modes were tested, each mode for 30 min: CMV-VC, CMV-PC, and CPAP-PS modes. Vital signs, ECG, Lung Mechanics (LM), and ABG were measured before ventilation and after 30 min of ventilation of each mode. After animals’ euthanasia, histological examinations of lung samples including morphometric assessment of alveolar edema, alveolar wall thickening, and the mean number of inflammatory cellular infiltrate/cm² of lung tissue were analyzed. TNF-α and Il-6 expression and localization in lung tissue were assessed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results: The vital signs, LM, ABG, morphometric analysis, and histopathological score during the different ventilation modes showed non-significant differences between the study groups. TNF-α and IL-6 were minimally expressed in the bronchiolar epithelium and the alveolar septa. Their increased expression level was insignificant. Conclusion: EZVent is equivalent to the commercial ventilator regarding its safety and efficacy.

Background: Prolonged exposure to formalin causes chronic lacrimal gland (LG) inflammation, causing dry eye disease. Stem cell therapy may offer more long-lasting and sustainable treatments. The aim of the current research was to examine the therapeutic efficiency of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MB-MSCs) in repairing LG formaldehyde-induced injury in adult albino rats. Methods: The animals were distributed into three groups; control group, lacrimal gland defect, and BM-MSCs-treated group (group I, II, and III, respectively), each containing ten rats. Lacrimal gland injury was induced in groups II and III by chronic exposure to formaldehyde vapor daily for three weeks, group III rats were treated by a single IV dose of BM-MSCs. The histopathology and ultrastructure of the lacrimal gland and its cell’s expression of NF-kb were assessed. Relative glandular fibrosis and glandular index were evaluated by morphometric analysis. Culture of the isolated acinar cell and measuring major tears’ protein (scIgA, lactoferrin, and lysozyme) in their conditioned media was performed for functional assessment. Results: massive Structural and ultrastructural alteration was recognized in group II along with a significant decrease in the major tear proteins in this group's acinar cell-conditioned media. Most of the acini in group III regained their normal shape and almost their ultrastructure. The glandular index, the relative glandular fibrosis, and the expression of NF-κB almost reached the control levels. The secretory function of acinar cells was significantly improved. Conclusion: BM-MSCs could restore the structure, ultrastructure, and function of LG and may be used as an effective therapeutic approach for dry eye treatment after formalin exposure.