[Frequency of dysplastic and cancerous Pap smear and genotyping of human papillomavirus by DNA probe techniques in Kerman, Iran]

Around the world, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Today, screening programs have reduced morbidity and mortality rates of this disease. Epidemiological and molecular studies have shown that certain types of the human papillomavirus are carcinogen types and the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV type 16 and 18 are the most common high-risk types. In this study, frequency of different HPV genotypes in women who referred for a routine visit to an outpatient clinic of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, has been obtained by DNA probe technique. Our study is a cross-sectional, analytic study on 20000 Pap smear samples over four consecutive years among women in reproductive ages [15-50 years] referred to University centers and private institutions in Kerman, Iran. All samples were collected in the laboratory of Afzalipour, and Bahonar Hospitals, and private institutions. The typical samples of dysplasia and cancer were reviewed by two pathologists and a pathology assistant according to the World Health Organization standards. The samples were examined after DNA extraction and molecular DNA probe technique. 62 cases of 82 Pap smear samples were dysplastic and 20 samples were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]. Moreover, 20 cases [32.2%] of dysplastic Pap smears and 12 cases [60%] of SCC samples were HPV positive. A total of 32 patients [39%] were positive for HPV. Of all samples only two were genotype 18 [25.6%], one was a mixture of 16 and 31 genotypes, and the remaining were all genotype 16 [93.75%]. In the comparison between dysplasia severity [mild, moderate, and severe] and the HPV status [+ or -], and also the relation between age and status of HPV and the severity of dysplasia no relations were found. However, there was a significant relation between detection [dysplasia, SCC] and the HPV status, and also the relation between age and type of lesion diagnosis. Based on the findings of our study and the Iranian culture, prevalence of HPV infection among women with cervical cancer is less common than in other countries. HPV type 16, which is a carcinogenic genotype, was the predominant genotype

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Bam: a comparative evaluation of pre- and post- earthquake years [1999-2008]

The recent devastating earthquake of December 26 in Bam, 2003 created various risk factors; caused a sharp increase in incidence of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis [ACL] cases and reached to an epidemic proportion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the status of ACL cases five years before the earthquake compared to the cases occurred five years after the earthquake [1999-2008]. Status of disease was assessed retrospectively for the five years before the earthquake and prospectively for the five years after the earthquake. Identification was confirmed by smear and polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. The mean annual incidence of ACL for the period from 1999 to 2003 was 1.9 per 1000 comparing to post earthquake period, which was 7.6 per 1000. Most of the infection was in individuals of <20 years, more frequently in females before the earthquake, whilst in contrast, there was a progressive rise in the number of cases, significantly in male individuals of >20 years [P< 0.0001] in post earthquake era. The anatomical distribution of lesions considerably changed during the two periods. Most of the cases were limited to three zones within the city prior to the earthquake, whereas it was spread throughout different zones after the earthquake. PCR indicated that the CL was due to Leishmania tropica in the city. The results strongly suggest that in natural disasters such as earthquakes various precipitating factors in favor of disease will be created, which in turn provide a suitable condition for propagation of the vector and the transmission of the parasite

[Clinical evaluation of class II combined amalgam-composite restorations in primary molars [Pilot study]]

Introduction: the purpose of this study was to assess the influence of a thin layer of amalgam placed on gingival floor of class II composite restorations in primary molars. The clinical and radiographic findings and esthetic appearance of these restorations were also studied

Materials and Methods: in this study 30 class II cavities were prepared in primary molars of 18 patients aged 6 to 8 years old [14 restorations in control group and 16 restorations in case group]. In control group, all cavities were filled with posterior composite resin incrementally after total etching and using Scotch bond MP as dentin bonding. In the study group, a layer of 1 mm thick amalgam was condensed on the gingival floor of the proximal box and then composite material was inserted. The restorations were evaluated at the base line, one week, one month and six months later and also bitewing radiograms were taken at the base line and six month later

Results: success rate of restorations regarding anatomical form, marginal discoloration, and color match was 100% in both groups. With regard to marginal adaptation after six months, the rate was 8416% in control group and 86/6 % in study group. None of the patients complained of any pain or discomfort. No secondary caries and no radiographic pathological evidence were observed

Conclusion: it is concluded that long term in-vivo and in-vitro studies should be carried out in order to prove the success rate of the class II combined amalgam- composite restorations