[Protective effect of aqueous extract of rhuscoriaria l. fruit on catalase enzyme activity and histopathology of liver in alloxan-induced diabetic rats]

Complications in diabetes mellitus are associated with free radicals and oxidative stress. The human body copes with these complications through antioxidant defense mechanisms. This study aimes at assessing the effect of aqueous extract of sumac [Rhus coriaria L.] fruit on catalase [CAT] enzyme activity and the histopathological changes of liver in diabetic rats. In this study, 30 adult male Wistar rats, with average weight 180-230g were divided randomly into 5 groups of 6 rats. Physiological serum was injected to control rat group with the same volume of injection material. The second group of rats, became intraperitonally diabetic by injecting 120mg/kgbw dose of Alloxan monohydrate. The third, fourth and fifth groups of rats in addition to the same treatment of the second group, were fed aqueous extract of Rhus coriaria respectively, 50, 100 and 250mg/kgbw doses for 4 weeks. At the end of treatment, the role of extract on CAT enzyme activity was assessed. The serial sections of liver were prepared and stained with H and E for microscopic investigations. Data were analyzed using the test one way ANOVA and Tukey test. Significant level [p<0.05] was considered. CAT enzyme activity decreased in diabetic group significantly [p<0.05]. Moreover, CAT enzyme activity in group treated with extract [250mg/kgbw] was significantly different as compared to diabetic group [p<0.05]. Also those treated with extract, [250mg/kgbw] indicated a significant improve in side-effects of diabetes mellitus on liver tissue in diabetic rats. These results show that Sumac can be effective in decreasing diabetic complications and it can be used as an antioxidant and food supplement in diabetic patients

[Effect of aqueous extract from rhizome of Cynodon dactylon L. pers on renal and hepatic catalase activity and testicular histopathology in diabetic rats]

Cynodon dactylon L. pers is one of the plants with applied medicinal value. This study aimed to examine the effect of C. dactylon [L.] aqueous extract on catalase enzymatic activity in kidney and liver tissues as well as the changes in testicular tissues of diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 30 adult male rats were divided into five groups [n=6]. Control rats were injected with physiological saline and the others were made diabetic by the injection of streptozotocin [STZ; 70 mg/kg, i.p.]. The third, fourth and fifth diabetic groups were given the oral aqueous extract of C. dactylon at different doses [50, 250 and 500 mg/kg], respectively for 4 weeks. The catalase enzymatic activity in kidney and liver tissues were measured using Aebi method at the end of the treatment. Then the testis slices were stained and examined by electron microscopy. The activity of catalase enzyme in kidney and liver of diabetic rats treated with the 500 mg/kg extract was increased significantly compared to the untreated diabetic rats [P<0.05]. In the untreated diabetic group, coiled seminiferous tubules and the increased interstitial space of lubules were observable in testis. The aqueous extract-treated group, compared to the diabetic one, showed a significant recovery in the tissue parameters. Aqueous extract of C. dactylon [L.] have beneficial effects on the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes and changes in testicular tissue during the course of diabetes

[ EYESI simulator for training ophthalmology residents]

To assess various aspects of integrating a virtual reality [VR] simulator in the training of ophthalmology residents In this qualitative study, some aspects of the VR EYESI simulator as a health technology were assessed. Data was collected using a multiple-choice questionnaire and several deep interviews addressed to users and administrators of simulator training. Face and construct validity were measured as a score out of 100. Scores were given by 19 novice residents and 4 experienced fellowship candidates. Residents gave a score of 85.08 for face validity and a 70.87 for the construct validity of the EYESI simulator. Fellowship candidates scored its face and construct validity at 60 and 80.66, respectively. 63.2% of residents believed that the simulator is a very useful training tool and 75% of fellowships viewed it as useful. Eighty percent of interviewed attending physicians believed that the simulator reduced the time and improved the quality of training. They also stated that residents who were trained with the simulator were adequately prepared for entering the operating room and showed better eye-hand coordination. All the stakeholders strongly believed that simulation is a necessary method of education. The EYESI simulator is an up-to-date virtual reality medium that enjoys good face and content and face validity. It was also shown to be an effective method of training since it decreased the time and improved the quality of training

[ clinical comparison of free gingival graft harvested from palate versus attached gingival]

Despite doubts about the necessity of the presence of keratinized gingival tissue around teeth, increasing its width is still of special importance in particular situations. Among currently used procedures, free gingival autograft is more common. The aim of this study was to clinically compare the free gingival graft taken from palate[FGGP] versus free gingival graft taken from attached gingival [FGGA] following a healing period of one, two and three month that will determine and introduce the superior procedure to be used in practice. The present study was a controlled, split mouth clinical trial which 10 pairs of lower anterior and premolar teeth requiring gingival augmentation were exposed to surgery using [FGGP] and [FGGA]. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS software. Chi- square [X[2]] test was used for comparison of color matching between two groups. Nonparametric Mann- Whitney test was used for comparison of mean keratinized gingival width and dimensional changes of graft between two groups. This study demonstrated that the increased amount of keratinized gingival width three months following the surgery, was significant for both groups but there were no statistically significant differences between two groups. [P>0/05]. With regard to the color matching with adjacent tissue, the results of [FGGA] was superior to [FGGP] [P<0.05]. The amount of dimensional changes in the [FGGP] was more than [FGGA][P<0.05]. Both procedures had the ability to increase the keratinized gingival width, however [FGGA]had lower dimensional changes. In addition, [FGGA] had better color matching and esthetic

Audiometric screening of first grade primary school students in Tehran, 2007-8

The incidence of hearing loss in pediatric population is estimated to be 2-5%. Most of the causes for conductive hearing loss can be easily diagnosed and treated. Hence, majority of hearing loss cases can be prevented by taking appropriate measures. This study was performed to examine the incidence and common causes of hearing loss among school children in Tehran. This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 1000 primary school boys and girls [grade 1] in Tehran. Simple random sampling from those schools that were selected as population clusters was used. Hearing loss was defined as lack of voice perception with different frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz and intensity of 25 dB in pure tone audiometry. In this study, 433 cases had hearing disorder and were referred to the audiometric and tympanometric centers for further examinations. Eventually, 37 [3.7%] students were proven to suffer from hearing loss. There was a statistically significant association between hearing loss and previous history of neonatal jaundice, in-family marriage of parents, and congenital anomalies [P < 0.05]. in the light of the rather high prevalence [3.7%] of hearing loss and the easily treatable nature of the most common causes, more extensive and interventional studies seem necessary to include hearing assessment among the routine screening programs in the nation

Diagnostic value of bone sounding technique for estimation of level in periodontal defects

Alveolar bone level measurement in periodontal disease is very important because it may affect planning of forthcoming surgery, treatment response and prognosis. Surgical approach is the most accurate procedure for obtaining this measurement. Nowadays, transgingival probing as a non-invasive and accurate method has been claimed to be a proper substitution for surgical measurement and direct visualization. This study aimed at evaluation of diagnostic value of bone sounding technique in estimation of bone level in I, II and III-wall periodontal defects. Ninety vertical defects in 37 individuals with chronic periodontitis having one, two or three-wall defects were assessed. Bone levels were measured by UNC-15 probe. The resulted values were compared with the values obtained during surgery. Collected data were analyzed using Paired samples T test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. High and significant correlation was found between the results of transgingival probing and surgery methods [0.97, 0.94 and 0.95 in one, two, and three-wall defects respectively [p < 0.001]]. The mean bone levels measured by transgingival probing were 0.21, 0.53 and 0.19 mm less than their assigned values in surgery and there was no significant difference between one and three- wall defects [p < 0.001]. The findings of this study indicated a high correlation between the two procedures, bone sounding and surgery, in detection of bone level. Due to the negligible difference, it seems that trans gingival probing could be considered as a feasible replacement for invasive surgical approach in detection of alveolar bone level

clinical detection of helicobacter pylori in dental plaque using polymerase chain reaction

Helicobacter pylori [H.pylori] are considered to be a pathogen responsible for gastritis and peptic ulcers as well as a risk factor of gastric cancer. Recently, H.pylori has been detected in dental plaques, hence oral cavity has drawn attention to be the second site for H.pylori. However, it is not yet clear whether the oral cavity acts as a reservoir for this bacterium. The aim of this study was to clarify whether the oral cavity is the reservoir for H.pylori, and to find out any relationship between gastritis and dental plaque the infection. In this study, PCR was used for detection of Helicobacter pylori as a noninvasive method with higher sensitivity and specificity. Samples of the supragingival and sub gingival dental plaque were collected from 67 patients [44 with periodontitis, and 23 suffered from both gastritis and periodontitis]. Using sequences of different H. pylori genes, four pairs of oligonucleotide primers were designed to optimize a sensitive and specific protocol for diagnosis and detection of H.pylori. The data were analyzed using Chi Square and Fisher statistical tests. The level of significance was considered at p

[ clinical comparison of Azithromycin versus Doxycycline in non-surgical periodontal treatment of smokers]

Weaker immune system in smokers reduces the favorable response of these patients to both surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatments in comparison with non smokers and ex-smokers. The aim of the present study was to compare the healing of periodontal tissues following phase 1 therapy alone, or along with taking Azithromycin or Doxycycline in smokers with chronic periodontitis. In this investigation a total of 45 male smokers with chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned into 3 groups, each containing 15 patients. All patients were initially examined by measuring the periodontal indices, such as Bleeding On Probing [BOP], Clinical Attachment Level [CAL], and Probing Depth [PD]. The control. group received phase 1 therapy only. While the second and third groups received Doxycycline and Azithromycin respectively along with phase 1 therapy. The periodontal indices were measured and recorded again after six months. The results showed that, there was a significant difference between all recorded parameters before and after the treatment [P<0.05]. However, there was no statistically significant difference between Doxycycline and Azithromycin groups regarding PD index [P >0.05], but groups receiving antibiotics showed statistically significant reduction in PD compared to control group [P<0.05]. The best result for CAL was obtained in Azithromycin group when compared with Doxycycline and control groups. Also, a statistically significant difference was detected between the two antibiotic groups [P<0.05]. Furthermore. Doxycycline group showed a statistically significant reduction in CAL in comparison with the control group [P<0.05]. Regarding BOP index no statistical significant difference was seen between the results of the 3 groups under investigation [P>0.05]. Azithromycin and Doxycycline consumption along with phase 1 therapy may improve the clinical periodontal indices in comparisons with phase 1 therapy alone

[Evaluation of alteration in mucogingival junction location following use of connective tissue graft and coronally advanced flap]

One of the most successful procedures in root coverage is free connective tissue graft combined with coronally advanced flap. The assessment of mucogingival junction [MGJ] changes during healing period is of great importance. The aim was to assess the positional changes of MGJ following use of connective tissue graft in combination with coronally advanced flap in 3- 6- and 12- month intervals. In this cross sectional and interventional study, 19 cases of gingival recession in 10 patients with Miller class I and II defects >/= 4 mm were treated with connective tissue graft and coronally advanced flap. After phase I therapy, an acrylic stent was made. Clinical parameters monitored in this study included clinical attachment level [CAL], mucogingival junction [MGJ], keratinized gingival [KG] width and attached gingival [AG] width. Each parameters were measured at baseline, and 3- 6- and 12- month intervals. For comparison, statistical analysis was performed using Paired-T test at p < 0.05.The mean distance from MGJ to acrylic stent at baseline was 5.94 +/- 0.88 mm which during surgery, was moved coronally by 4.39 +/- 0.65 mm. Distance from MGJ to CEJ immediately after surgery was 1.55 +/- 0.58 mm. This distance during healing periods at 3, 6, and 12 months changed to 3.13 +/- 0.87, 3.34 +/- 0.66, and 3.65 +/- 0.64 mm, respectively indicating a gradual regression of MGJ to presurgical position. Keratinized gingival width had remarkable changes in 3-, 6- and 12 month intervals in comparison to the baseline. Mean presurgical width of keratinized gingiva was 1.55 +/- 0.76 mm which increased to 3.44 +/- 0.49 mm [p <0.05]. Mean presurgical attached gingival was 0.36 +/- 0.62 mm and 12 months after surgery it was increased to 2.18 +/- 0.50 mm 12 month after surgery [p <0.05]. Presurgical clinical attachment level was 5.81 +/- 0.88 mm which was decreased to 1.55 +/- 0.57 mm, 12 month after surgery.Based on the findings, it seems that mucogingival junction has a gradual tendency to moved back to its presurgical position after use of free connective tissue graft with coronally advanced flap technique

[Effect of cigarette smoking quantity on periodontal tissue response to phase I therapy]

Although bacterial plaque is the primary ethiologic factor in the initiation of chronic periodontitis, there is some predisposing factors such as smoking which may aggravates disease process and its roll appears to be considered more important recently. The purpose of the present study was the evaluation of the effect of the quantity of cigarette smoking on periodontal tissue response following phase I therapy. Thirty patients [26 male and 4 female] with mean age of 48 +/- 11 years participated in this interventional and cross-sectional study. All patients suffered from generalized moderate chronic periodontitis. The patients were divided into three equal groups of 10 [heavy smokers, light smokers and non smokers], according to the number of cigarette consumption. The smoker groups had a history of cigarette consumption at least for the past two years. Clinical probing depth, clinical attachment level and bleeding on probing were evaluated for the patients at baseline and eight weeks following completion of phase I therapy. The results were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank and Kruskal- Wallis tests. No statistically significant differences were found in the evaluated variables between the groups except for BOP at baseline. All parameters decreased significantly eight weeks after completion of phase I therapy, but in comparison between three groups, only differences of CPD reduction and CAL gained between heavy and non-smokers were statistically significant. The present study indicated that heavy cigarette smoking have a negative effect on periodontal tissue response to phase I therapy. This effect depends on the number of daily smoked cigarettes and is increased with more than 20 cigarettes smoking per day

[Bioremediation of explosives contaminated soil: a solution for future]

The investigation of past operational and disposal practices at military facilities and formerly used defense sites has dramatically increased in the past several years. The manufacture; load, assembly and pack; demilitarization; washout operations; and open burn/open detonation of ordnance and explosives has resulted in contamination of soils with munitions residues. The primary constituents are nitroaromatic and nitramine organic compounds and heavy metals. A number of sites have soil contamination remaining where waste disposal practices were discontinued 20 to 50 years ago

In conjunction with site investigations, biological treatment studies have been undertaken to evaluate the potential for full scale remediation of organic contaminants. Because the cleanup of areas contaminated by explosives is now mandated because of public health concerns, considerable effort has been invested in finding economical remediation technologies.Bioremediation is now available as an alternative cleanup remedy for explosives-contaminated soils. Bioremediation boosts the activity of naturally occurring microorganisms to degrade hazardous substances in soil or sediment into nontoxic materials. This paper reviews some of the best performed studies in the recent years and tries to introduce bioremediation as a proper alternative for the more conventional methods

evaluation of prevalence and severity of gingival recession in anterior and premolar teeth in referring patients to Tabriz dental faculty during 2004-2005

Gingival recession can cause several complications such as esthetics, root caries and plaque control that treatment of each necessitate time and cost from the patient. Regarding the importance of gingival recession, this study was undertaken in order to evaluate prevalence and severity of this clinical entity in anterior and premolar teeth. This study was performed on 246 patients between 10-70 years old who referred to Tabriz Dental Faculty. All measurements of recession depth and width were done with periodontal probe and under sufficient illumination. Furthermore the type of gingival recessions was evaluated based on Miller's classification. Some measurements were done twice randomly in order to examine intra-observer agreement of data. Statistical analysis was accomplished using Kappa, chi-square and T. Test. Our findings showed that 45.9% of patients had gingival recession. The trend of recession was upward between 10-30 [22.3%] to 50-70 years of age [100%]. Prevalence of recession in males was significantly higher than females [P<0.05]. The most prevalent recession sites were detected in lingual surface of lower right lateral [37.4%], lower left lateral [37%], buccal surface of lower left central [20.7%], lower right central [20.3%], respectively. Class I Miller was the most common type of recession. Considering the high prevalence of this clinical entity, implementation of oral hygeine instructions and conducting analytical and experimental researches would be a neccessity

[ clinical assessment of the effects of smoking on periodontal tissues in referring patients to Tabriz dental faculty during 2005-2006]

Many risk factors cause progression of peridontitis. Smoking is one of these factors and due to increasing rate of smokers, there is need to study more about the effect of smoking on periodontal indicators. The aim of this study was clinical evaluation of smoking effects on periodontal tissues in referring patients to oral medicine and periodontics department in Tabriz dental faculty. This study was an analytical, cross-sectional study. Sample size consisted of one hundred patients with chronic periodontitis. Of these patients, 50 smoker patients [34 Heavy smokers and 16 Light smokers] entered into case group and 50 non-smoker patients entered into control group. After ensuring age matching between smokers and non-smokers, periodontal measurements such as clinical probing depth [CPD], gingival recession [GR], clinical attachment level [CAL], tooth mobility [TM] and bleeding on Probing [BOP] were obtained and recorded in special questionnaires. Data analysis was performed by SPSS soft ware and Tukey and Pearson tests. Clinical probing depth, gingival recession, clinical attachment loss and tooth mobility increased significantly in Heavy smokers compared with non-smokers and Light smokers [p<0.05], while no statistically significant differences were found between non- smoker and light smoker groups. Considering bleeding on probing, there was declining trend in BOP in Heavy smokers compared with non-smokers and Light smokers [p=0.00]. There was not significant differences upon the effect of cigarette consumption [based on pack years] in the mentioned indices [p>0.05] between the two groups. Based on the results of this study which showed an increasing rate of intensity in periodontal indicators in smokers group compared with non-smoker, specific programs to increase public awareness on the effect of smoking should be recommended

[ effect of preparation in preventing post-septoplasty infection]

Septoplasty is one of the most common and basic procedures in ear, nose and throat surgery. Due to the presence of several resident organisms and their proximity to vital regions of the head and neck, any infection in this region is of special importance. Implementation of optimal preparation [Prep] of the surgery site has been widely accepted as the most important inhibiting factor for post surgical infection in all branches of surgery including ENT, so we decided to study the effects of preoperative prep on the incidence of post operative infections. This study was conducted as a clinical trial on septoplasty candidates chosen among patients visiting the ENT clinic of Boo Ali and Taleghani hospitals during the years 1997 - 2005. 150 candidates were chosen [78 as cases and 72 as the control group] according to order of visit. Preoperative prep was omitted in all the subjects in the case group, while routine prep with Povidone -Iodine was implemented in controls. Both groups were examined for post surgical infections. Statistical analyses were done by SPSS and Fisher Exact Test. In the case group were 22 females and 56 male with average age of 24.6+/-5.1 years and in control group were 17 female and 55 male with average 25.3+/-6.4 years. Signs of infection were observed among one patient in each group [p<0.9]. The current study revealed no change in the incidence rate of post-op infection. It seems the sterilization and careful prep of the surgical site is not necessary for performing septoplasty and it is better to pay more attention to the surgical technique, reducing the duration of surgery, and optimizing pre and post operative care

[ effect of dental bonding agent of excite on the rate of microleakage in class V Amalgam restorations]

This study was done to evaluate the rate of microleakage in class V amalgam restorations in which the dental bonding agent [DBA] Excite was used as a sealer beneath the restorations. Four amalgam restorative materials with commercial names of Dentam, Cinalux, Tytin and SDI [GS-80] were used. Seventy sound human premolars were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups of 15 teeth and 2 groups of 5 teeth as negative and positive control groups]. Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of each tooth, Excite was applied on the surface of all cavities and then teeth were cured and restored with four selected amalgam restorative materials. Then teeth were thermocycled [500 cycles] and immersed in 2% methylen blue solution for 24 hours. After immersion, teeth were thoroughly washed with tap's water, and sectioned using a diamond disk. Based on microscopic evaluation and Kruskal-wallis test, Cinalux [An amalgam filling material manufactured in Iran] showed maximum of microleakage in comparison to other amalgam filling materials used in this study, however it's value was not significant

comparative study between mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide as pulp capping agents in dog's teeth

This study was carried out in order to compare mineral trioxide aggregate [MTA] and dycal in dog's teeth as pulp capping agents. After general and local anesthesia forty-two teeth of three dogs were used. In each tooth a class V cavity was prepared and the pulp was exposed using No.1 round bur. Then the exposed area was capped using either MTA or calcium hydroxide and the rest of the cavity was restored by amalgam. Radiographic image was taken before the procedure and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The animals were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks and the teeth were prepared for H and E staining. The pulps of the teeth were evaluated for inflammation, necrosis, and formation and thickness of calcified bridge. Histologic data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis, x [2], Cochran, and Friedman tests. Histopathologic results showed that in four weeks, MTA had significant differences with calcium hydroxide in the presence and thickness of calcified bridge [P=0.046] as well as inflammation [P= 0.014] and hyperemia [P=0.014]. Eight weeks MTA specimens showed significant difference in thickness of calcified bridge [P=0.008]. Twelve weeks after pulp capping, the amount of necrosis and chronic inflammation were higher in dycal specimens; however, there was no significant difference between two experimental groups. Radiographic evaluation did not show any periapical lesion, internal and external resorption, or widening of periodontal ligament in none of the teeth at all time intervals. Based on the result of this study, MTA showed to be a more reliable material as pulp capping agent in comparison with calcium hydroxide

[ effect of dental bonding agent of excite on the rate of microleakage in class V amalgam restorations]

This study was done to evaluate the rate of microleakage in class V amalgam restorations in which the dental bonding agent [DBA] Excite was used as a sealer beneath the restorations. four amalgam restorative materials with commercial names of Dentam, Cinalux, Tytin and SDI [GS-80] were used. Seventy sound human premolars were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups of 15 teeth and 2 groups of 5 teeth as negative and positive control groups]. Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of each tooth, Excite was applied on the surface of all cavities and then teeth were cured and restored with four selected amalgam restorative materials. Then teeth were thermocycled [500 cycles] and immersed in 2% methylen blue solution for 24 hours. After immersion, teeth were thoroughly washed with tap's water, and sectioned using a diamond disk. Based on microscopic evaluation and Kruskal-wallis test, Cinalux [An amalgam filling material manufactured in Iran] showed maximum of microleakage in comparison to other amalgam filling materials used in this study, however it's value was not significant