[ efficacy of CBCT for diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial disorders: a systematic review]

Cone Beam Computed Tomography [CBCT] has the ability to accomplish rapid volumetric image acquisition by its cone-shaped beam. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this imaging modality A standard systematic review was performed. Medline [December 2012] and The Cochrane Library [Issue 3 2012] were searched to identify evidence about the performance [sensitivity, specificity and safety] of CBCT compared with other standard diagnostic methods. The results of the included studies were analyzed using a qualitative method Thirty-one articles were included in the study; the majority of them were diagnostic studies with a small sample size [n<10]. There was limited evidence about the effectiveness of this technology and the available evidence was scattered and sometimes controversial. At present, CBCT technology has greatly advanced and its image quality in terms of resolution is higher than that of MOCT. However, its contrast resolution is still lower than that of MOCT. Therefore, MOCT is preferred for soft tissue imaging. For evaluation of hard tissue in the maxillofacial region, a more clear image with higher resolution can be obtained by CBCT. CBCT technology is now commonly used in developed countries for obtaining detailed information regarding the oral and maxillofacial region and can greatly help clinicians in diagnosis and treatment of maxillofacial disorders

Prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs in public parks in Tehran City, Iran

The objective of the present research was to determine the frequency of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil samples of public parks, in the city of Tehran, Iran. A total of 600 soil samples were taken from 120 parks between Aprils to November, 2008. Soil samples were collected from 5 distinct sites in the parks. The samples were washed with saline solution and the collected sediment from each park were equally divided and examined by floatation and Petri dish methods for Toxocara eggs. Ten percent were contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs. The number of observed Toxocara eggs in each microscopic field was varied from 1-3. No significant differences were observed between floatation and Petri dish methods. Our public parks showed a high risk of toxocariasis and the need for preventive studies

Determination of aflatoxin M1 contamination and integrity as well as credibility

Aspergillums can produce and secrete directly aflatoxin Ml. During the previous decade several papers pertaining to aflatoxin Ml have been published in different journals. Not mention of their more or less scientific aspects, they have fundamentally some problems in different features. In this paper we are going to have a bird's eye view on some articles published on this topic. It is suggested that complete research must be performed in order to find out the source of aflatoxin Ml contamination

effects of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis in Islamic Republic of Iran military forces during the years 1981 to 2009

Meningococcal meningitis is usually seen in overpopulated areas such as military barracks and causes high levels of mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study is to determine the role of vaccination as an interventional method in preventing this infection during 1981 to 2009 in Islamic Republic of Iran Military Forces. In a cross-sectional, the related documents in three other projects, including the mortality rate in high risk populations, intervention by vaccination and its efficiency in the soldiers, were surveyed along with the epidemiological evidences found using advanced laboratory method. The results indicated that the good vaccination has succeeded in protecting at risk groups with high levels of immunity. However, the vaccination accompanied with improved management of the patients resulted in a decrease in the mortality rate less than 0.1% by the end of 2008. Most of the patients who were at risk of meningitis were retired personals and their families. In addition, 35% of bacterial meningitis was due to Streptococcus pneumoniae. The results of this research indicated that the prevalence of mortality decreased from 106 cases in 2001 to nearly zero in 2009 which is due to control of meningococcal meningitis by vaccination and shows its significant impact on infection reduction

Osteoporosis screening tools in Iranian postmenopausal women

Osteoporosis is a major health problem, but testing low bone mineral density is not practical for screening all postmenopausal women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the clinical tools to help clinicians to identify the Iranian women at an increased risk for Osteoporosis. The popular Osteoporosis screening tools were evaluated in 341 postmenopausal women without secondary cause for Osteoporosis, using data from a bone densitometry centre, and compared the results with their bone mineral density. National Osteoporosis Foundation recommendations had only a sensitivity of 48% for screening patients with low bone mass but the Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Instrument and the Simple Calculated Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Estimation with a sensitivity of 70.9% and 87.2%, respectively, showed better results in respect to the screening for Osteoporosis of postmenopausal women. The efficiency of these Osteoporosis screening tools in our Iranian patients was relatively similar to that of other populations, and these screening tools accurately identify the vast majority of postmenopausal women likely to have low bone mineral density

effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral stress management training on glycemic control and depression in patients with type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease with undesirable complications. In addition to physical complications, some psychological problems, especially stress and depression are prevalent among people with diabetes. The aim of present study was to determine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral stress management training on glycemic control and depression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In a randomized clinical trial, 40 members of the Isfahan Diabetes charity, with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected through voluntary accessible sampling. Participants were randomized to the cognitive-behavioral [n=20] and the control groups [n=20]. The case group participated in two-hour sessions of cognitive-behavior stress management training for 12 weeks. To evaluate the effects of intervention, the glycosylated hemoglobin [HbAlc] test was administered before and 3 months after interventions and the depression subscale of the DASS scale was administered before, after, and again 3 months following intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. After intervention, the mean of HbA1c in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group [p< 0/001]. Also the mean for depression in the experimental group was significantly lower than in controls [p< 0/001], a finding that remained as such at the 3 month follow-up assessment. Stress management training can improve glycemic control and depression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is recommended that such trainings programs be intergrated into comprehensive treatment of diabetes mellitus

[Usefulness of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of the etiology of congenital hypothyroidism comparing with radioisotope scanning]

Congenital hypothyroidism [CH] is the most prevalent preventable cause of mental retardation. Since it is impossible to determine the etiology of CH by biochemical tests per se, imaging modalities of thyroid gland are used to evaluate the morphology and function of this gland and among them radionuclide scanning is currently the gold standard. Considering the limitations of time and accessibility of radioisotope scanning and benefits and faults of ultrasonography in determination of etiology of CH, the aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of sonography as compared to the gold standard imaging method of scintigraphy, in the diagnosis of etiology of primary congenital hypothyroidism in the screening program of Isfahan. This study was conducted from May 2002-February 2007. In order to compare ultrasonography to thyroid scintigraphy for etiologic diagnosis of CH, 102 CH newborns examined by both thyroid scintigraphy and ultrasonography were included in this study. The ultrasonographic findings were compared with the standard-of-reference scintigraphic findings and the sensitivity, specificity of the ultrasonography were determined. According to results of the ultrasonography 63, 27, 3 and 9 infants had normal thyroid glands, agenesia, ectopia and hypoplasia respectively and based on scintigraphic results 57, 36 and 9 of them had normal thyroid gland, agenesia and ectopia respectively. Ultrasound detected sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, LR+ and LR- were 86%, 86%, 90%, 90%, 6.1 and 0.16 respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography compared with thyroid scintigraphy in diagnosis of thyroid gland ectopia was 33% and 100% respectively. Although calculated sensitivity and specificity of this method was not equal to those of thyroid radioisotope scanning but had an acceptable range, thyroid ultrasonography is a relatively appropriate imaging tool for diagnosing thyroid dysgenesia. Hence ultrasonography can be used as the first imaging tool for diagnosing CH, especially when the family prefers not to have the infant scanned

Arthropod borne diseases in imposed war during 1980

Personnel of military forces have close contact with natural habitat and usually encounter with bite of arthropods and prone to be infected with arthropod borne diseases. The imposed war against Iran was one of the most important and the longest war in the Middle East and even in the world and military people faced various diseases. The aim of this study was to review prevalence of arthropod borne diseases and to collect relevant information and valuable experiences during the imposed war. The present survey is a historical research and cross-sectional study, focused on arthropod fauna, situation of different arthropod borne diseases and also the ways which military personnel used to protect themselves against them. The information was adopted from valid military health files and also interviewing people who participated in the war. Scabies, cutaneous leishmaniasis, sandfly fever and pediculosis were more prevalent among other arthropod -borne diseases in Iran-Iraq war. Measures to control arthropods and diseases at wartime mainly included: scheduled spraying of pesticides, leishmanization and treatment of patients. Although measures used during the war to control arthropods were proper, however, due to needs and importance of military forces to new equipment and technologies, it is recommended to use deltamethrin-impregnated bed net, permethrin treated military uniforms and various insect repellents in future

Advatages of rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis by PCR in compare with direct microscopy and culture

Acute bacterial meningitis has remained an important cause of death and neurological damages among survivors. Rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is crucial for the early targeting of antimicrobial therapy. The aim of this study was to develop and apply a PCR assay for rapid diagnosis of meningitidis and to compare the results with those obtained by conventional bacteriology. We assessed 150 cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] specimens from suspected patients by PCR targeting 16S rRNA gene with specefic primers for Neisseria meningitidis, Sterptococcus pneumonia and Heamophilus influenza. All speciemns were also examined by conventional bacteriology. The rapidity of diagnosis increased when bacteriological methods were combined with PCR. Of 150 speciemens tested, 10 were positive for Neisseria meningitidis in PCR. Direct microscopy and bacterial culture found 5 and 8 cases infected with this organism respectively. PCR was more sensitive than direct microscopy and culture for detection of Neisseria meningitidis. However, direct microscopy may provide evidences for the quality of specimens and presence of other organisms in the samples. Wet- mount direct microscopy showed morphology and arrangements of the observed organisms that may be helpful in presumptive identification of certain bacteria such as gram negative bacilli and cocci. Moreover, the observed organisms may be useful in correct selection of culture media in the laboratory and prescription of appropriate therapy by physicians in a quickest time

[Choleare and introduction of 4 cases in soldiers in west and center of Iran in 2005: A Case report]

Background: choleare is caused by Vibrio choleare and it is well explained as water and foodborne disease. During 2005 totally 1133 cases with 12 death occurred across the country. With good making decision on health the outbreak was controlled

Case Presentation: this study is described 4 soldiers whom infected with Cholera from West and Center of Iran in 2005. In this study investigated that only 0.35% of cholera cases were soldiers. With rapid diagnosis and application of appropriate medical therapy, all 4cases were treated and ischarged with good health condition

Conclusions: decontamination of water and consideration of health measures during travel could be prevent the risk of infection

[Tumors of the liver; a ten year study in Children Medical Center]

The aim of this study was to review the frequency, histopathology and outcome in children with tumors of the liver. Included in this retrospective/descriptive study were 30 children treated for liver tumors from 1375-1384 [ca. 1996-2005], at Children's Hospital Medical Center, Tehran, Iran. We included the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic data of our patients, focusing on the frequency, etiology and outcome. Patient ages ranged from three months to 12 years [median 3.8 years], with 18 males [60%] and 12 females [40%]. Of these, 17 patients had hepatoblastoma [55.66%], including 13 males and four females, with an age range of six months to five years. Four cases [13.33%] had neuroblastoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] was found in three cases [10%], all of whom were carriers of hepatitis B. Two cases [6.66%] were diagnosed with mesenchymal hamartoma, two cases [6.66%] with hemangioendothelioma and two cases [6.66%] with rhabdomyosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma of the biliary tract. Abdominal swelling and hepatomegaly were seen in all of patients. Jaundice was observed in two cases. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels greater than 500 ng/ml were seen in 17 cases [56.66%]. All patients were receiving specific treatment. The three-year survival rate was 65% for hepatoblastoma and 2% for HCC With the introduction of specific treatment, the survival rate for children with tumors of the liver has significantly increased. Further improvement can be achieved using diagnostic biopsy for hepatoblastoma, although it may result in complications, and preoperative chemotherapy followed by complete surgical excision [per International Society of Pediatric Oncology guidelines], yielding an outstanding survival rate of 80%

[Serotyping of Neisseria meningitides in conscripts with meningitis admitted to five military hospital in Tehran between September 2004 and September 2006]

Background: Meningococcal meningitis is one of the most feared disorders with high rate morbidity and mortality. There is no exact information of meningococcal meningitis incidence in military personnel. Obligate vaccination of the military with meningococcal vaccine is a strategy with the potency to provide active protection of the conscripts before being dispatched to training centers. Although, sporadic cases of meningitis in conscripts occurred. The aim of this study was serotyping of the bacterium; Neisseria meningitides isolated from patients with meningitis which admitted to five military Hospitals

Materials and methods: In this cross- sectional study for determination of meningococcal meningitis serotypes in conscripts submit to five military hospitals the investigation was designed and carried out from September 2003 to September 2006. In this period, 12 cerebrospinal fluids of conscripts with clinical signs and symptoms of meningitis were collected, and the laboratory tests were done. In this study enriched Thayer Martin medium and standard bacteriological methods were used. The sample without bacterial cells or PMNs were centrifuged [10000 xg for 5 min]. The precipitate was cultured and direct smear was performed. Isolated bacterial strains was recognized by biochemical tests, and Neisseria meningitides strains were serotyped by specific antiserum

Results: During the study, 12 cases of meningitis in conscripts were seen. Neisseria meningitides was isolated only from 6 patients. Serotyping analysis revealed that 5 strains belong to Serotype C and 1 strain was to serotype B. Neisseria sica was isolated from one patient. In three patients there was no bacteriological evidence. In two patients, consumption of antibiotic before lumbar puncture results to no bacterial growth, but direct smear showed gram negative diplococci. In one patient recurrent meningococcal infection was occurred. Complement components analysis revealed deficiency in C3, C4 and CH50 [the rate was below 80 mg per deciliter]

Conclusions: the results of this study showed that, Neisseria meningitides was isolated from six patients which are all conscripts. It is necessary to find the reasons that why vaccinated conscripts infected by Neisseria meningitides serotype C. Further analysis showed that, five patients had complement deficiency and further research is necessary. However, 6 Neisseria meningitides strains were isolated from meningococcal vaccinated conscripts around the country [Tehran, Shiraz, Yazd and Oslavieh] in the period of study. Based on the findings of this study, effectiveness of the vaccine was desirable and the disease had been controlled in this population group. Because of complements deficiency in patients with meningococcal meningitis, other preventing methods for eradication of disease are necessary

[Comparison of prednisolone and acyclovir alone and in combination in bell's palsy treatment]

Bell's palsy is the most common type of seventh nerve palsy. Acyclovir has been recommended for treatment of the patients, since some evidences show that herpes virus has a role in this disease. Thus, this study was performed to determine the effect of acyclovir on Bell's palsy and to compare it with typical treatment i.e, prednisolone. We also investigated whether combination therapy with these two agents can cause faster improvement and alleviate the complications of the disease. This study was a clinical trial and three groups of 26 patients suffering from Bell's Palsy were included. The patients were randomely assigned to receive prednisolone, acyclovir, prednisolone - acyclovir and the data were analyzed by Kruskal - Wallis test, at the end point. This study showed that improvement ratio in patients who received prednisolone, acyclovir, and prednisolone - acyclovir were 69.23%, 65.38% and 80.76%, respectively. Staistical analysis showed that in the patients received combined prednisolone - acyclovir, the course of treatment was shorter and the response to treatment was faster than the other groups. This study showed that combined prednisolone - acyclovir therapy is more effective and can cause a faster improvement in Bell's palsy patients. Also in certain disease such as diabetes which prescription of prednisolone has limitations it is possible to use acyclovir as a substitution

effect of consanguineous marriages on congenital malformation

Consanguinity has been a long-standing social habit among some of Iranians. The estimation of consanguinity ratios in different parts of Iran ranged from 30 to 85%. This study aimed to delineating the role of consanguinity on congenital malformations in Khominishahr rural population, Isfahan, Iran. In a case-control study, 518 malformed population [case group] and 518 normal subjects [control group] were randomly selected from khominishahr rural population, from July to November, 2003. The frequency of consanguinity of parent's was 59.7% in case group and 31.5% in control group. This different was statistically significant [p < 0.001]. Family history of congenital malformation may play an important role in the high rates of congenital malformation

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in imposed war [Iraq against I.R.of Iran] during 1980-1988

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis caused by a parasite called Leishmania. Leishmaniasis is a main vector borne disease in the world and it can be transmitted to human by bite of sandflies. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis was a major infectious disease during imposed war among combatants who were exposed because of their activity in the endemic areas located in south west of Iran. Military troops are very susceptible to get the infection as a result of their activity in the endemic areas, therefore the Integrated Health measures are needed to prevent the problem. The aim of this descriptive study was to assess the situation of the disease during imposed war. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in order to find out the situation of the disease by using available data from 1980 to 1988.The data was analysed using SPSS Version 11.5. In addition, the result was compared with other National Health Organizations. Based on these research findings, it should be noted that cutaneaous leishmaniasis was very common among conbataouts in Kozestan, the province with the highest prevalence [35275 cases]. However, the west Azarbijan province in North west of Iran had low prevalence of infection [142 cases]. Nevertheless, the disease has never been reported in Ardebil [North west of Iran] and Ghom [in the central of Iran] during imposed war. The results of this study indicated that cutaneous Leishmaniasis was a major problem of combatant during imposed war, and its definitive control was ineffective and insufficient; therefore, the new control methods including Standard Leishmanization are needed to prevent the disease

Common infectious diseases in Turkey need health attention for habitants near borders

Many socioeconomical factors as well as different health indicators could be affected in human health in different geographical variation with different climates and it can be seen in different countries of the world. Turkey is a country that its health situation directly or indirectly can be considered to decrease or increase the quality of health in our country especially for our military forces. The aim of this study was to determine the latest situation geo-pathological of this country in order to find out their health problems. This is a review study that was carried out based on literature reviews as well as collection of health information from Internet and websites of WHO and CDC for Turkey country. In this study more than 300 hours internet works for collection of data and preparation of information were spent. Infectious diseases were determined specially in common border of Turkey and IR Iran. Based on this study, serious health problem and infectious disease such as hepatitis A and E, cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis, malaria,diarrhea, measles, tuberculosis, respiratory infection were reported in Turkey. This study shows that different infectious diseases seen in Turkey and their diseases or health could be affecting our national public health aspects and health of military forces. Therefore, it must be considered under observation to prevent any problems for future

[Common infectious diseases in Turkey need health attention for habitants near borders]

Background: Many socioeconomical factors as well as different health indicators could be affected in human health in different geographical variation with different climates and it can be seen in different countries of the world. Turkey is a country that its health situation directly or indirectly can be considered to decrease or increase the quality of health in our country especially for our military forces. The aim of this study was to determine the latest situation of gee-pathological of this country in order to find out their health problems

Material and methods: This is a review study that was carried out based on literature reviews as well as collection of health information from Internet and websites of WHO and CDC for Turkey country. In this study more than 300 hours internet works for collection of data and preparation of information were spent. Infectious diseases were determined specially in common border of Turkey and IR Iran

Results: Based on this study, serious health problem and infectious disease such as hepatitis A and E, cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis, malaria, diarrhea, measles, tuberculosis, respiratory infection were reported in Turkey

Conclusions: This study shows that different infectious diseases seen in Turkey and their diseases or health could be affected our national public health aspects and health of military forces. Therefore, it must be considered under observation to prevent any problems for future