ABSTRACT
Background: Titanium dioxide nanoparticle [TiO[2]NP] is commonly used in industrial products including food colorant, cosmetics, and drugs. Previous studies have shown that oral administration of TiO[2]NP can be toxic to the reproductive system, but little is known if TiO[2]NP could be able to affect the functions of the female reproductive system, in particular fertility
Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of TiO[2]NP on histological changes in ovaries, pregnancy rate and in vitro fertility in mice
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 54 adult female NMRI mice were randomly assigned to two groups: control group [received vehicle orally] and TiO[2]NP group [received 100 mg/kg/daily TiO2NP solution orally]. After 5 wk, pregnancy and in vitro fertilization rates, histological changes in ovaries, malondyaldehyde and estrogen hormone levels in the blood serum were investigated and compared between groups
Results: Our results revealed that TiO[2]NP administration induced histological alterations in ovary including, degenerating and reduction of ovarian follicles, ovarian cyst formation and disturbance of follicular development. Compared to control, animals in Ti[O2]NP group have shown significant reduction of pregnancy rates and number of giving birth [p=0.04]. TiO[2]NP caused significant reduction in oocyte number, fertilization rate, and pre-implantation embryo development [p<0.001]. Furthermore, malondyaldehyde and estrogen hormone levels were significantly [p<0.01] increased in mice received TiO[2]NP
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that TiO[2]NP exposure induces alterations on mice ovary resulting in a decrease in the rate of embryo development and fertility
ABSTRACT
Background: oral candidiasis is a common opportunistic infection in diabetic patients. Presence of denture in the oral cavity of diabetic patients can promote Candida colonization and results in the higher incidence of oral and systemic candidiasis. The general purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare Candida colonization in denture of diabetic patients and non-diabetic control group
Methods: in current case-control study, samples for mycological examinations were collected from the palatal impression surface of maxillary dentures from 92 edentulous patients including 46 diabetic and 46 non-diabetic denture wearers. All samples were cultured directly on sabouraud agar medium and isolated colonies were counted and identified based on specific tests. Data were statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation tests
Results: the higher density of isolated colonies was seen in diabetic group in compare with control group [P = 0.0001]. There was a statistically significant correlation between the blood glucose level [P = 0.0001] and the duration of denture usage [P = 0.022] with the colonization of Candida on denture of diabetic patients. C. albicans was the most common isolated Candida species in both groups, though diabetic patients with dentures had more non-albicans Candida isolated from their dentures compared to non-diabetic patients
Conclusions: mycological findings from the present study revealed that diabetes mellitus can increase colonization of Candida in denture and mouth. By elimination of local and systemic factors in diabetic patients and improving their oral health care, Candida colonization and the risk of oral and systemic candidiasis will be decreased
ABSTRACT
To determine the prevalence of Ecstasy use and high risk behaviors among college students in Guilan; Iran. We conducted a cross sectional study of a representative sample drawn from college students [3958 students] of Guilan in 2005. The questionnaire was adapted from a number of the questionnaires used in the United States and the European countries. Data were analyzed performing chi [2] test and logistic regression. Out of 3958 students, 3700 students [93.5% responded, 1966 students from private colleges and 1734 students from state universities. The mean age of student was 224.2 +/- 3.5 years [ranging from 18 to 46 years]; and 49% were males. The life-time prevalence of Ecstasy use was 4.2% [157 students]. Ecstasy use was significantly associated with gender, other substances us, cigarette smoking, participation in friendly parties, sharing home with friends, alcohol consumption, type of university, educational level of family, family situation and history of educational abruption in last years [chi [2] test, p<0.0001] but not with age and university courses. However, logistic regression analysis indicated that the factors influencing Ecstasy use were use of other drugs, alcohol and cigarette smoking [P<0.0001]. Ecstasy use appears to be a serious problem in college students. Whatever the causes behind the rise in Ecstasy use, personalized and informative educational programs should be conducted in all colleges