Objectives Virtual laboratory simulations (VLSs) are computer-based tools that offer unlimited application options in scientific, medical, and engineering fields. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether VLSs are efficient learning tools and how these simulations can be integrated into laboratory practice in medical laboratory education. Methods In this pre-test/post-test control group study, 32 volunteers were randomly assigned to either experimental or control groups. The experimental group performed laboratory simulations based on biochemistry and microbiology and then completed a self-report survey to evaluate their satisfaction and beliefs about simulations. Results In the experimental group, post-test scores of each simulation were significantly elevated compared to pre-test scores; however, pre- and post-test scores of control group were statistically the same. The experimental group agreed that these simulations should be applied before theoretical lectures and laboratory practices. They also highlighted that translating from English to their native language creates difficulties in applying and understanding the simulation. Conclusions We emphasized that VLSs are excellent learning tools that increase not only the knowledge but also the self-motivation and focus of the students. Based on feedbacks, native language options are necessary to enable the students to achieve equality of opportunity in education.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors decrease inflammation in normal tissues and suppress cancer progress in normal tissues. Valproic acid (VA) and doxycycline (DX) are MMP inhibitors that have radio-protective effects. Their ability to inhibit MMPs in irradiated tissue is unknown and the role of MMPs in radio-protective effects has not been tested to date. Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine whether administration of VA and DX to rats before irradiation affects tissue inflammation and apoptosis in the early phase of radiation, and whether the effect of these drugs is mediated by MMP inhibition. Study Design: Animal experimentation. Methods: Twenty-six Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: control (CTRL), radiation (RT), VA plus radiation (VA+RT), and DX plus radiation (DX+RT). Three study groups were exposed to a single dose of abdominal 10 Gy gamma radiation; the CTRL group received no radiation. Single doses of VA 300 mg/kg and DX 100 mg/kg were administered to each rat before radiation and all rats were sacrificed 8 hours after irradiation, at which point small intestine tissue samples were taken for analyses. Levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP 9) were measured by ELISA, MMP activities were measured by gelatin and casein zymography and apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Results: VA decreased the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β proteins insignificantly and decreased apoptosis significantly in the irradiated tissue, but did not inhibit MMPs. In contrast, VA protected the basal MMP activities, which decreased in response to irradiation. No effect of DX was observed on the levels of inflammatory cytokines or activities of MMPs in the early phases of radiation apoptosis. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that VA protects against inflammation and apoptosis, and DX exhibits anti-apoptotic effects in early radiation and these effects are independent from MMP inhibition.

In addition to its role in serum calcium homeostasis, the anti-tumor function of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (calcitriol) in cancer development is well established. N-myc Downstream Regulated Gene 2 which functions as a tumor suppressor gene has recently been shown to be downregulated in various cancer leading to increased tumor incidence, progression and metastasis. The goal of this study was to investigate the possible effects of calcitriol treatment on NDRG2 expression in BCPAP papillary thyroid carcinoma cells. Methods:The experiments were carried on human primary thyroid follicular epithelial cells (Nthy-ori-3-1), and human papillary thyroid carcinoma cells (BCPAP). The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of calcitriol on BCPAP cells was determined by WST-1 assay. BCPAP cells were treated with 15 and 30µM calcitriol for 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. Basal NDGR2 expression in Nthy-ori-3-1 and BCPAP cells as well as the alterations on NDRG2 expression in calcitriol treated BCPAP cells were evaluated with western blot.Results: A significant downregulation of NDRG2 was observed in BCPAP cells when compared to Nthy-ori-3-1 cells (p<0.01). IC 50 dose of calcitriol was found to be 64, 54 and 43µM for 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. NDRG2 protein expression levels were significantly increased in 30µM calcitriol treated BCPAP cells after 48 hours (p<0.05).Conclusions: Calcitriol induced NDRG2 protein expression in BCPAP cells. We predict that calcitriol increased NDRG2 protein levels in BCPAP cells via c-Myc repression, which is upregulated by aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Further investigation is required to enlighten the possible effect mechanisms of calcitriol in BCPAP cells.

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the alterations in levels of pro-inflammatory and catabolic mediators following vertebral fusion in a rabbit model of intervertebral disc degeneration. Methods In this study, 24 female New Zealand albino rabbits (aged 4 to 5 months and weighing 3 to 3.5 kg) were used. All the animals were randomly categorized into four groups, and dorsal spinal exposure of all lumbar vertebrae was routinely performed in each group. While disc degeneration was created in groups B, C, and D, spinal fusion was added to disc degeneration in groups C and D. Disc degeneration was typically created by puncturing the discs with an 18-gauge needle under the guidance of C-arm imaging. Fusion was achieved with posterior/posterolateral decortication and iliac bone grafts. The rabbits in groups A, B, and C were euthanized, and the discs were removed in the first week after the surgery. The rabbits in Group D were sacrificed, and the discs were harvested at 5 weeks after the surgery. The levels of Interleukin (IL)-1 β , IL-6, Nitric Oxide (NO), Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-13, and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in the discs were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results Significant increase was observed in the protein levels of both pro-inflammatory and catabolic mediators in disc degeneration groups (Group B, C, and D) compared to Group A. In the fusion groups (Group C and D), these increased mediators decreased, compared to non-fusion group (Group B), (IL1- β P = 0.017, TIMP-1 P = 0.03, NO P = 0.03). However, there was no statistically significant difference in mediator levels between the short- and long-term fusion (Group C versus D). Conclusion The results of this study have shown that a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory and catabolic mediators may be expected after vertebral fusion whereas there may be no significant difference between the first and fourth week of fusion surgery. These findings may contribute to clarifying the mechanism of action of vertebral fusion in the treatment of low back pain.