[ in-vitro evaluation of the effect of autoclave/formalin sterilization on apical microleakage in obturated human teeth]

The extracted human teeth are commonly used in endodontic research and preclinical education. The center for Disease Control [CDC] recommends sterilizing the extracted teeth by storing in 10% formalin for 2 weeks or autoclaving. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential effect of storage in formalin or autoclaving of the extracted human teeth on the apical seal entegrity of the obturated canals. A total of 83 extracted single-rooted teeth, free of visible fracture, caries of large restoration or rott canal treatment were collected, and temporarily stored in normal saline for no longer than 48 hours before categorizing them in experimental and control groups. The teeth were divided into three experimental groups of 25 each, and placed in 10% formalin for 2 weeks or autoclaved or immediately prepared. Eight teeth served as positive and negative controls. Preparations for all the teeth consisted of decoration, canal instrumentation by protaper system and obturation with lateral compaction technique. The teeth were immersed in India ink and cleared. Then the greatest extent of linear dye leakage was measured. Leakage measurements were evaluated fro significant differences using ANOVA with tukey's HSD Post Hoc analysis. There was less dye leakage in the teeth stored in formalin as compared to autoclaved and freshly extracted teeth. No statistical significant differences in apical microleakage between the three experimental groups were observed [p<0.05]. The results of this study revealed that storage of the extracted teeth for research and educational purpose in formalin or autoclaving had no effect on apical microleakage of the obturated teeth

[In vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial effectiveness of zataria multiflora as an irrigant in infected root canals with enterococcus faecalis]

Given the importance of bacteria in the development of periradicular lesions, the eradication of the root canal infection is paramount in endodontic treatment. The use of chemical irrigants during chemomechanical canal preparation is important for disinfection and cleaning of the canal system. The aim of this in vitro study was the evaluation of effectiveness of 1% and 2% essential oil of Zataria multiflora as an irrigant in the elimination of Enterococcus faecalis from the infected root canals. The antibacterial effects of the irrigants in vitro were examined after 15 min, in freshly extracted human teeth with single roots, the canals of which were infected by E. faecalis. 1.2ml of 2.5%NaOCl. 2 2ml of 1% Zataria multiflora. 3.2ml of 2% Zataria multiflora. 4.2ml of sterile normal saline [as control] Paper points used to sample bacteria from the root canals were transferred to tubes containing 5ml of brain heart infusion [BHI] broth. The tubes were incubated and the appearance of broth turbidity was indicative of bacteria remaining in the root canal. The data obtained were analyzed statistically for differences using the chi-squared test, comparing pairs of groups [p < 0.05]. There was no statistically significant differences between the experimental groups [p >0.05]. However, the experimental irrigants were significantly more effective than the saline solution [control group] in disinfesting the root canal. It seems that essential oil of Zataria multiflora was effective at killing E. faecalis. Application of this plant essential oil as root canal irrigants may be recommended following extensive ex vivo and in vivo experiments. The findings recommend further studies of the properties of Zataria multiflora such as toxicity, tissue solving ability, and biocompatibility to be applied for clinical use

Effect of vitamin C supplements on patients with hypertension

High blood pressure is among the established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Vitamin C may modulate other established risk factors and processes, thereby reducing the risk of overt disease. To investigate the relationship between antioxidant vitamin C supplementation and blood pressure level in hypertensive subjects. In an experimental study [before and after study] we selected 35 hypertensive patients. Anthropometric indices were measured and BMI was calculated. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after the one-month administration of 500mg vitamin C/day. Plasma vitamin C concentration was measured using 2, 4 dinitrophenyl hydrazine and UV/vis spectrophotometer. Blood pressure was measured by 24 hr holter monitoring. A mean 3-day food records and food frequency questionnaire was analyzed by Nutrition III soft ware. The results indicated that following the one-month consumption of 500mg vitamin C/day, both SBP [p< 0.005] and DBP [p<0.003] were significantly decreased. At the same time, plasma ascorbic acid concentration showed a significant increase [p<0.005]. There was an inverse correlation between the change in SBP and the change in ascorbic acid concentration [p<0.006]. The data suggested that the consumption of 500mg ascorbic acid/day reduces both SBP and DBP in hypertensive subjects

Antioxidant status in persons with and without senile cataract

To investigate the relationships between dietary intake of antioxidant vitamin C, E and A and nuclear, cortical and posterior sub capsular cataracts in a group of elderly men and women. Design: Cross-sectional survey based on a retrospective case-control study. Subjects: 40 patient men and women aged 40-79 years old with senile cataract and 26 persons without cataract the same age range were selected among the patient referred to the ophthalmic clinic of Motahary Center. Setting: The lens-opacities classification system [LOCS] III was used to grade nuclear, cortical, and posterior sub capsular lens opacities. Fasting blood samples were taken to assess plasma concentrations of vitamin C. Food frequency questionnaires were incorporated for recognition of their food habits. Plasma level of vitamin C in cataract patient [0.9 ' 0.6 mg/dl] were significantly [p<0.002] lower than control group [1.4 ' 0.5 mg/dl]. Dietary intake of vitamin C [p<0.001], vitamin E [p<0.001] and vitamin A [p<0.04] in cataract patient were significantly lower than control group. In this group of elderly cataract patient we found statistically significant association between nuclear [p<0.006] and posterior sub capsular opacities [p<0.01] and dietary intake of antioxidant vitamin C, E and A. These findings suggest that a diet rich in antioxidant vitamin C, E and A may have implications for delay or prevention of senile cataract formation

Improvement of the crown root radio by endodontic endosseous implants; a 10-year follow-up

Surgical endodontic endosseous implant by embedding an inert chrome-cobalt alloy through the root canal into the osseous structure is a reliable procedure to lengthen the existing root and provide individual tooth stabilization. The implant described in this case report with up to 10 years follow up was considered successful on the bases of clinical and radiographic evidence. The practical technique illustrated in this case may be used confidently in the cases with periapical radiolucency by the practitioner