Dwi Cahyani Ratna Sari

Histochemical and Immunohistochemical Study of α-SMA, Collagen, and PCNA in Epithelial Ovarian Neoplasm

Background: Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is an isoform of actin, positive in myofibroblasts and is an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker. EMT is a process by which tumor cells develop to be more hostile and able to metastasize. Progression of tumor cells is always followed by cell composition and extracellular matrix component alteration. Increased α-SMA expression and collagen alteration may predict the progressivity of ovarian neoplasms. Objective: The aim of this research was to analyse the characteristic of α-SMA and collagen in tumor cells and stroma of ovarian neoplasms. In this study, PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) expression was also investigated. Methods: Thirty samples were collected including serous, mucinous, endometrioid, and clear cell subtypes. The expression of α-SMA and PCNA were calculated in cells and stroma of ovarian tumors. Collagen was detected using Sirius Red staining and presented as area fraction. Results: The overexpressions of α-SMA in tumor cells were only detected in serous and clear cell ovarian carcinoma. The histoscore of α-SMA was higher in malignant than in benign or borderline ovarian epithelial neoplasms (105.3±129.9 vs. 17.3±17.1, P=0.011; mean±SD). Oppositely, stromal α-SMA and collagen area fractions were higher in benign than in malignant tumors (27.2±6.6 vs 20.5±8.4, P=0.028; 31.0±5.6 vs. 23.7±6.4, P=0.04). The percentages of epithelial and stromal PCNA expressions were not significantly different between benign and malignant tumors. Conclusion: Tumor cells of serous and clear cell ovarian carcinoma exhibit mesenchymal characteristic as shown by α-SMA positive expression. This expression might indicate that these subtypes were more aggressive. This research showed that collagen and α-SMA area fractions in stroma were higher in benign than in malignant neoplasms.

The potential of transcranial magnetic stimulation for population-based application: a region-based illustrated brief overview

The awareness of the global trends in neuroscience study, especially in the cognitive neuroscience field, should be increased. One notable approach is the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) not only as a research tool but also as a choice for treatment and rehabilitation in neurological disorders, such as post-stroke hemiplegia, visuospatial neglect syndrome, Alzheimers disease (AD) and psychiatric conditions such as major depression and schizophrenia. All of these occur in significant numbers in highly populated regions. This paper briefly discusses the basic protocols and potential benefits of using TMS with the aim of providing insight that is useful in the design of future public health strategies in highly populated regions with a large neurocognitive burden of disease where this technique is currently underemployed.

The effects of black garlic on the working memory and pyramidal cell number of medial prefrontal cortex of rats exposed to monosodium glutamate

Abstract Monosodium glutamate-induced exitotoxicity causes oxidative stress in many brain areas, including the medial prefrontal cortex. The ethanolic garlic (Allium sativum) extract is considered as a neuroprotective substance. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of the ethanolic fermented garlic extract on the working memory and the pyramidal cell number of the medial prefrontal cortex of adolescent male Wistar rats exposed to monosodium glutamate (MSG). Twenty-five rats were randomly divided into five groups. The C– group was given 0.9% NaCl solution. The C + group was given 2 mg/g bw of MSG. The T1, T2, and T3 groups were given MSG and garlic extract (0.0125, 0.025, and 0.05 mg/g bw, respectively). All treatments were conducted for 10 days. The working memory capability of the rats was measured using Y-maze test. The total number of pyramidal cells of the medial prefrontal cortex was estimated using physical fractionator method. The working memory performances of the T1, T2, and T3 groups were significantly better than that of the C + group. There were no significant differences between groups in the estimated total number of pyramidal cell of medial prefrontal cortex. The MSG may not cause the death of neurons, but it may modify neuronal architectures that are sufficient to disrupt memory functions. Black garlic may play a role as an antioxidant agent that prevents the prefrontal cortex from glutamate-induced oxidative stress. It is concluded that the ethanolic fermented garlic extract prevented the working memory impairment following MSG administration.

Pengaruh Stres Kronik terhadap Otak: Kajian Biomolekuler Hormon Glukokortikoid dan Regulasi Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Pascastres di Cerebellum

ABSTRACTThe brain is the central organ of stress adaptation, and is also a target of stress. Chronic stress may result in abnormalchanges in brain plasticity; include dendritic retraction, neuronal toxicity, and suppression of neurogenesis andaxospinous synaptic plasticity. Repetitive stress exposure will gradually change the electrical characteristic, morphologyand proliferative capacity of neurons. Among brain region, the cerebellum is known to be severely affected by oxidativedamage associated with glucocorticoids level. It is believed due to the highest levels of glucocorticoid receptorslocalized in the external granular layer. BDNF, a member of neurotrophin family, is known to be a strong survivalpromoting factor, and plays a critical role in cell proliferation and differentiation, neuronal protection, and the regulationof synaptic function in the central nervous system. BDNF is highly expressed in the cerebellum, mainly in granulecells. Both acute and chronic stress change BDNF expression in the brain. Although the impact of stress on BDNFlevels showed the different results, BDNF is believed to protect neurons from injuries caused by stress. Keywords: chronic stress, BDNF, cerebellum

Strain Gauge Sensors Implemented in a New Female Torso Model Have Increased Student's Motivation and Confidence in Gynecologic Bimanual Examination on Clinical Skill Training

A good mannequin is needed to improve the quality of clinical skill learning. A strain sensors gauge can be applied into gynecologic bimanual examination mannequin. This study compared a new strain gauge sensors mannequin and non-sensor mannequin for gynecologic bimanual examination training in undergraduate medical student. We made a new female torso model implemented with strain gauge sensors in the definitive landmark, then used this new mannequin for gynecologic bimanual examination training in undergraduate medical student, and evaluated using questioner. We observed 4 parameters: mannequin appearance, student’s self confidence to palpate uterus and ovary, and student’s learning motivation. The new model improved student’s confident to palpate ovary (p<0.05) and student’s motivation (p<0.001) compared to non-sensor mannequin. In contrast, the gross appearance of the new mannequin was inferior (p<0.05). However, there was no difference in defining the uterus position during examination (p>0.05) in both mannequins. A new female torso model with strain gauge sensors can be applied for gynecologic examination training.

Ethanol Extracts of Centella asiatica Leaf Improves Memory Performance in Rats after Chronic Stress via Reducing Nitric Oxide and Increasing Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Concentration

Background: Centella asiatica is herbaceous plant that has medicinal value to improve learning and memory. Brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a significant role in memory formation process, while oxidative stress causes memory impairment. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanol extracts of Centella asiatica leaf on memory performance and serum BDNF (neurotrophins) and Nitric Oxide(NO) concentration of rats following chronic electrical stress. Materials and Methods : Twenty male rats (Sprague Dawley) were divided into four groups: control/aquadest group and groups treated with three different doses (mg/kg) of Centella asiatica :150 (CeA150), 300 (CeA300) and 600 (CeA600). Memory performance was tested using probe test in Morris Water Maze before and after oral administration of ethanol extracts of Centella asiatica leaf followed by electrical stress for 28 days. At the last day of memory exercise following chronic stress, blood sample was taken from periorbital veins of all rats. Concentration of serum BDNF and total NO was assessed using ELISA. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA. Results: Treatment groups had higher percentage in probe test water maze and serum BDNF concentration after chronic stress. Mean time percentage (%) of probe test in water maze performance for control group, CeA150, CeA300, and CeA600 were 53.33+2.43, 55.78+4.16, 63.33+4.07, and 73.55+3.29 (p<0.05). Mean concentration of serum BDNF (ng/ml) for control group, CeA150, CeA300, and CeA600 were 1.52+0.89, 1.49+0.20, 1.73+0.15, and 2.16+0.20 (p<0.05 vs control group). Control group had higher serum NO concentration compared to all treatments groups. Mean concentration of serum NO (μmol/L) for control group, CeA150, CeA300, and CeA600 were 5.94+0.52, 3.98+0.35, 3.06+0.33, and 2.82+0.21 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Ethanol extracts of Centella asiatica leaf increases memory performance and serum BDNF concentration, and also decreases Nitric Oxide levels in rats after chronic stress. Keywordslearning and memory; brain-derived neurotrophic factor; nitric oxide; Centella asiatica.