Suicide in the Islamic Republic of Iran: an integrated analysis from 1981 to 2007

Although the rate of suicide is low in Muslim countries, there is evidence that it is increasing. An integrated analysis was made of data on suicide attempts [nonfatal and fatal] from studies carried out in the Islamic Republic of Iran from 1981 to 2007. Of 54 published studies concerning suicide, 48 [covering 26 768 cases of attempted suicide] satisfied the inclusion criteria. The weighted mean rate of suicide attempts was 26.5 per 100 000 and the average rate of death by suicide was 6.7 per 100 000. The mean age of suicide attempters was 25 years; on average 41.8% were male, 50.5% single and 70.0% from urban areas. Most suicide attempters were not working: 54.2% on average were housewives, 24.5% students and 21.0% unemployed men. Medical history showed that 16.2% of suicide attempters had a history of disability and 42.0% had a history of psychological disorders. The rates were compared with studies from other nations/religious groups

[Antimicrobial effects of propolis extract on the most prevalent oral pathogens: an in vitro study]

Topical and systemic antimicrobials are widely used in dental practice. Likewise, antimicrobials may be used in order to reduce the count of oral pathogens before oral surgery in immune compromised patients or other high risk patients as well. Propolis is a wax- or resin-like substance that is collected by bees from fresh flowers, or other botanical sources, and used to reinforce the structural stability of the hive, acting as a barrier in preventing diseases and parasites from entering the hive. Given that there are differences in Propolis property produced around the world, the aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial effects of the Propolis produced in Hamedan province, Iran, with Nystatin [antifiingal drug] and Chlorhexidine [antibacterial mouthwash]. By using whole technique, the antimicrobial effect of 30% ethanol extract of Propolis was demonstrated against S. mutans, C. albicans and A.a.commitans. The antimicrobial effects of Ethanol-extract of Propolis and Chlorhexidine solution were evaluated at eight different times against S.mutans, C.albicans and A.a.commitans. The 70° ethanol was used as control. The microorganisms under investigation in this study revealed close susceptibility to various concentrations of Propolis extract, and the complete clear zones revealed remarkable effect. For other bacteria, different degrees of susceptibility to Propolis were observed. Based on these findings we may conclude that 30% ethanol extract of Propolis is very effective on oral pathogenic microorganisms [such as Streptococcus mutants, Candida albicans and Actinobacillus a. commitans]