effect of fluoride-releasing elastomeric chains on streptococcus mutans levels in saliva and dental plaque in orthodontic patients

During fixed orthodontic treatments the absolute number and percentage of salivary Streptococcus mutans increase. This will cause increase of enamel demineralization and dental caries. The purpose of present study is to evaluate the effect of fluoride-releasing elastomeric chains in the streptococcus mutans levels in saliva and bacterial plaque. In this randomized clinical trial sixty patients, who were under fixed-orthodontic appliance treatments were selected and randomly divided into two groups of 30 each. Conventional elastomeric chains were used in group 1. As for the second group fluoride-releasing elastomeric chains were utilized. Four samples of saliva collected on days 0, 7, 14 and 28, and two plaque samples were collected on the beginning and finishing days in both groups. The fluoride-releasing and conventional elastomeric chains were removed on day 28. All samples were then used for microbial culture to count the Streptococcus mutans colonies. The results were analyzed statistically with the repeated measures Analysis of Variance [ANOVA] and Student t-tests. The result of Streptococcus mutans [CFU] in saliva at each time point in the study showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups [p >/= 0.301]. Comparison of the effect of elastomeric chains on the Streptococcus mutans colonization in dental plaque and elastomeric chains surface, also did not show any statistically significant difference between the two groups [p= 0.3 Hand 0.803 respectively]. There was no clinical evidence that fluoride-releasing elastomeric chains were effective in reducing the formation and colonization of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and dental plaque

[Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] of Zataria multiflora boiss. essential oil and Lysozim on E. coli]

In order to reduce or eliminate foodborne pathogens or food spoilage agents many research have been done to find natural preservatives. This study was carried out to determine minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] of lysozyme and Zataria multiflora boiss. essential oil on E. coli 0157: H7 and their sub inhibitory concentration effect on bacterial growth curve. In this study different concentrations of lysozyme [0. 125, 250, 500 and 1000 micro g/ml] and Zataria multiflora boiss. essential oil [0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08%] were used alone and in combination on BHI broth to determine MIC of Zataria multiflora boiss. essential oil and lysozyme with macro dilution and micro dilution methods and effect of sub inhibitory concentrations of them on bacterial growth curve of E. coli 0157: H7. MIC of essential oil in two methods was achieved 0.04% whereas lysozyme in 100 micro g/ml concentration was not able to reduce bacterial growth. Furthermore combination results revealed that high concentration of lysozyme was not able to reduce calculated amount of MIC of essential oil. Sub inhibitory concentration effect of EO and lysozyme showed that their combination result in the increase of lag phase and reduction of bacterial growth. Utilization of EO and lysozyme together did not decrease MIC but combination of them increase lag phase

[Effect of zataria multiflora boiss. essential oil on the growth of listeria monocytogenes in salted fish]

Essential oils and their components have antimicrobial effects. They use with spices as flavoring agents all over the world. They have been used safely since ancient times as herbal medicines. Zataria multiflora Boiss. is one of medicinal herbs in Iran and its antimicrobial effects on foodborne pathogens have to investigate in foodstuff. The aim of this study was to determine of the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential oil on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in salted [4%] silver carp. Effect of different concentrations of this Essential oil [0.0%, 0.045%, 0.135%, 0.405%, and 0.810%] on behavior of Listeria monocytogenes was determined by evaluation of the bacterial growth in salted fish fillets. The essential oil in used concentrations had significant inhibitory effect on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in salted fish during the storage time. The higher concentration until 0.405%, the more significant inhibitory effects on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes [p<0.05] but 0.405% and 0.810% concentrations had no different significant inhibitory effects on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes [p>0.05]. Organoleptical survey showed that the concentrations of the essential oil used until 0.405% not only had no undesirable effect on flavoring but also it improve taste and flavor of salted fish. The result suggested that the Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential oil can be considered as a natural preservative in salted fish

Early experiences of abuse and current depressive disorders in Iranian women

Early experience of abuse may be viewed as a risk factor for mental disorders in women later in life. This case-control study in Isfahan screened 709 women aged 20-45 years using the Beck Depression Inventory and structured clinical interviews for Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV criteria. Lifetime history of abuse was determined using a standard questionnaire. Among the women 35.1% had experienced fear of or actual abuse [physical, sexual or both] in childhood or adolescence. The risk of having major depression in adult life was significantly higher in women who experienced abuse in childhood and adolescence [OR 4.3], severe degrees of abuse [OR 3.9] or multiple forms of abuse [OR 3.8]

[Comparison of the effect of three root canal irrigant protocols for removing smear layer on the apical microleakage of tubliseal sealer]

Complete root canal seal is one of the most important aims of root canal treatment. Elimination of smear layer plays an important role in this regard. The purpose of this study was to compare the apical microleakage of Tubliseal sealer when 17% EDTA, 7% citric acid, or 20% citric acid was used to remove the smear layer. In this experimental study, 80 single rooted teeth were selected. The crowns were removed from cemento enamel junction [CEJ]. Instrumentation of the canal was performed by the step back method. The teeth were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups of 20 and 2 control groups of 10 [positive and negative groups]. Final irrigation was implemented as follows: group 1; EDTA 17% + NaOCL, group 2; 7% citric acid + NaOCL and group 3; 20% citric acid + NaOCL. Then, the groups were obturated with gutta percha and Tubliseal sealer. Lateral condensation technique was carried out in all groups. The teeth were stored in 100% humidity and 37°C for 48 hours. The root surfaces other than the apical 2mm were covered with 2 layers of nail polish. After that, the teeth were placed in metylene blue dye for 72 hours. Then, the teeth were sectioned longitudinally with a diamond disk and the degree of dye penetration was measured. The results were statistically analyzed by one-way Variance and Post Hoc Tukey tests. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups [p<0.05]. The least amount of dye penetration [2.59mm] was belonged to 17% EDTA group and the highest mean dye penetration occurred in the group in which 20% citric acid was used [3.59mm]. The results of this in vitro study indicated that when a ZOE-based sealer is used for obturation of the root canal system, EDTA is recommended to remove the smear layer. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the main purpose of removing the smear layer is not to clean the dentinal tubules from organic and inorganic debris, but also to create a dentinal surface structure that best fits the characteristics of the sealer used for root canal obturation

[Evaluation of epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory factors of hospitalized children with pneumonia]

Pneumonia is one of the major causes of mortality in acute respiratory infections of children. Most of death cases due to pneumonia among children, occurred several days after clinical manifestation which is due to delay of remedy or indiscrimination. Our aim, in this study, is evaluation of epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory factors of hospitalized children with pneumonia. In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated all hospitalized patients with diagnosis of pneumonia, aged 1 month to 12 years in pediatrics ward of Ali ebn-e Abitaleb [AS] Hospital of Zahedan, Iran, during 2005 to 2008. The diagnosis of pneumonia was based on physical examination, laboratory findings and chest radiography. Analysis was done by SPSS ver.15 software. Of 300 evaluated patients, 177 patients [59%] were male and 123[41%] were female. The mean age was 27.39 month. Age in boys was less than girls, but the mean age of boys have no significant difference with girls. Rate of Bacterial pneumonia was 30% and viral was 70%. The blood culture was positive in 11.11% of the cases. The most common bacteria were negative coagolase staphylococcus [8 cases] and streptococcus pneumonia [5 cases]. The most common underlying conditions were failure to thrive [FTT] and congenital heart disease [CHD]. The mortality rate of pneumonia in this study was 1%. Based on the results of our study, the most common pathogen of pneumonia in children was staphylococcus and streptococcus pneumonia. High frequency of FTT in our study can be due to low socio-economic status of families and inattention to contraceptive methods

Evaluation of serum levels of zinc, copper, iron, and zinc/copper ratio in cutaneous leishmaniasis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], iron [Fe] and zinc/ copper ratio in the serum of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis in Qom Provinces, center of Iran. Serum levels of zinc and copper were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer and serum iron concentration was measured by using an auto analyzer. The study group consisted of 60 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis and the control group of 100 healthy volunteers from the same area who were not exposed to cutaneous leishmaniasis. There were no statistically significant differences in age and body mass index between the two groups. Serum Zn [P<0.001] and Fe [P<0.05] levels were lower in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis than the control group. We also found serum Cu concentration [P<0.05] in the patient group was significantly higher than that of the control group. However, zinc/copper ratio [P<0.001] was lower in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis than in the control group. Our data indicated that Zn/Cu ratio was significantly lower in patients with CL as compared to the controls. Earlier reports suggest that, this ratio imbalance could be a useful marker for immune dysfunction in leishmaniasis. There was also strong association of Zn, Cu and Fe with CL. It suggests the use of blood zinc, copper, iron concentration and the copper/zinc ratio [Zn/Cu], as a means for estimating the prognosis of CL

[Congenital obstructive anomalies of anterior urethra; diagnostic methods]

Radiological findings of ten patients with congenital obstructive anomalies of anterior urethra [eight cases with saccular diverticula, one case with globular dilatation of entire urethra, and one case with globular dilatation of distal urethra] showed that the VCUG and retrograde urethrography were diagnostic in all of patients

[ relationship between maternal position and result of non-stress test among high risk pregnancy women]

Perinatal assessment tests such as non-stress test is required to decrease fetus and infant morbidity and mortality rate. It is a type of screening test for fetal surveillance. There are several factors including the maternal position which affect the results of non-stress test. To evaluate the relationship between maternal position and the results of non-stress test in high risk pregnant women. This was a clinical trial, carried out on 150 patients, hospitalized in Alzahra medical center, Tabriz, Iran, in 2003. The cases were singleton pregnant women with gestation period between 32 to 42 weeks. The first patient was randomly assigned to a [sitting first] [semi-Fowler position] or [supine first] [left lateral position] and then the position was alternated. Fetal heart rate monitoring was performed for ten minutes. A non-probability purposive method was used for sampling. Data were collected using check lists and sample select forms. The data were further analyzed using both descriptive [means, standard deviation] and analytical statistics [chi-squared test, McNemar test]. The average maternal gestational age was 36.67 weeks and the majority of mothers were nuliparous [51.3%]. There were no significant correlations between both demographic characteristic and maternal positions [Semi-Fowler and Left lateral positions] with results of non-stress test. According to the results of present study, either of position could be used while performing a non-stress test

[Toxicity effects on aluminium chloride on uterus and placenta of pregnant mice]

Aluminium has been known to cause toxic effects on organ systems. Although the knowledge on aluminium [AL] toxicity has markedly improved in recent years, information concerning the reproductive toxicity of this element is still very limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of graded dose of aluminium chloride administered to pregnant mice on their placenta and uterine in a short time. This study was performed on plug-positive female NMRI [National Medical Research Institute] mice that were randomly divided into six groups [12 mice in each group]. Three groups of plug- positive female NMRI mice were given IP injections of ALCL[3] at 150 mg/kg on days 10, 11 and 12 of gestation, respectively. Three other groups were given normal saline on the same days as control groups. Mice were killed on day 15 of gestation, the weight and diameter of placenta were recorded. Both placenta and uterus were examined with stereomicroscope and also uterus fixed and stained for microscopic examination. In all experimental groups, in 14.3%, 13.8% and 13.3% of fetuses, placenta showed abnormal appearance and some degrees of atrophy on days 10, 11, 12 of gestation, respectively that in comparison to control group it was significantly higher [p<0.05]. Also, the diameter of placenta in experimental groups [7.2, 7.2 and 7.3mm respectively] was significantly smaller than control groups [7.6mm] [p<0.05]. The uterine of All treated groups showed hemorrhagic area in external examination and infiltration reaction and dispersed nectrotic foci in myometer in microscopic examination. According to the results, AlCl [3] showed toxic effect on placenta and uterus of pregnant mice. It could explain at least part of teratogenic effects of AlCl [3]

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

Cervical spondyloticmyelopathy: the pattern of neurologic deficits and improvement following anterior cervical decompression

We evaluated the specific pattern of pre- and postoperative neurological signs and symptoms of cervical spondylotic myelopathy [CSM] to determine findings which had a predictive value for surgical outcome. Consecutive patients with CSM caused by osteophytic ridge or intervertebral disc herniation who underwent anterior cervical decompression and fusion in Loghman Hakim Hospital from 1999-2003 were prospectively enrolled. Patients were evaluated postoperatively by office visit. Outcome was assessed by objective neurological examination and scoring with multiple functional rating scales. Forty - three patients [30 male, 13 female] with a mean age of 48.8 years fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The most common preoperative symptoms were sensory deficit in distal upper limbs [88.4%], gait disturbance [69.8%] and sensory deficit of distal lower limbs [58.1%]. The most common signs were hyperreflexia [95.3%], Hoffman's sign [93%] and Babinski's sign [83.7%]. Vertebral osteophyte and soft disc herniation were found in 86% and 14% of the patients, respectively. Overall functional improvement, evaluated by using a modification of the Japanese Orthopedic Association Scale was noted in 79.7% of the patients who had an abnormal scale preoperatively. Strength improved considerably and significantly after operation. However, less than half of the patients experienced functional improvement in the lower limbs, a discrepancy that was probably caused by persistent spasticity. Atrophy of the hand muscles, preoperative spastic gait and cord atrophy as shown in MRI were poor prognostic factors

Recurrence and relapse in bipolar mood disorder

Background: despite the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in acute phase of bipolar mood disorder, patients often experience relapses or recurrent episodes. Hospitalization of patients need a great deal of financial and humanistic resources which can be saved through understanding more about the rate of relapse and factors affecting this rate

Methods: in a descriptive analytical study, 380 patients with bipolar disorder who were hospitalized in psychiatric emergency ward of Noor hospital, Isfahan, Iran, were followed. Each patient was considered for; the frequency of relapse and recurrence, kind of pharmachotherapy, presence of psychotherapeutic treatments, frequency of visits by psychiatrist and the rank of present episode

Results: the overall prevalence of recurrence was 42.2%. Recurrence was lower in patients using lithium carbonate or sodium valproate or combined therapy [about 40%], compared to those using carbamazepine [80%]. Recurrence was higher in patients treated with only pharmacotherapy [44.5%] compared to those treated with both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy [22.2%]. Patients who were visited monthy by psychiatrist had lower rate of recurrence compared to those who had irregular visits

Conclusion: the higher rate of recurrence observed in carbamazepine therapy may be due to its adverse reactions and consequently poor compliance to this drug. Lower rates of recurrence with psychotherapy and regular visits may be related to the preventive effects of these procedures and especially to the effective management of stress

[Musculoskeletal pain among Daf and setaar students]

Background: Musicians' performance-related musculo-among skeletal problems ranges from mild pain during performance to severe pain, which may lead the instrumentalist to quit playing. The aim of this study was to investigate musculoskeletal problems and its prevalence

Methods: This research was performed on Daf and Setaar students in three teaching centers and 90 persons [12 in the control group and 78 in the case group] were included. After taking a thorough medical history, the volunteers underwent a standard upper extremity physical examination with special attention to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Presence of pain, tenderness, joint range of motion, sensory or motor problems were sought and all of the cases underwent a nerve conduction velocity study

Results: Out of 78 students, 42 played the Daf [15 males, 25 females] and 36 played the Setaar [16 males, 20 females]. In the whole group, the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was 53%, but no one had carpal tunnel syndrome. The prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among Daf students was greater in comparison with Setaar students [57% versus 47%, respectively] although this difference was not statistically significant

Conclusion: This study reveals that the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among non-professional Daf or Setaar players is equal to professional classical music performers in the West. Why this is so, remains to be studied

Rotatory maneuver to reduce imbalance of the vestibular system in patients with vestibular vertigo

In an attempt to diminish the intensity of vertigo, this study was designed to reduce the imbalance between the vestibular system on the two sides. By rotating the subjects with a string-activated rotating chair in opposite direction of the dominant side, the dominant side would be inhibited and simultaneously the subordinate side would be stimulated. Eight patients with vestibular vertigo confirmed by ENG and rotatory test were subjected to a rotatory stimulus, the effect of which was evaluated by rotatory test. V [max] of the two sides of all patients were compared before the stimulus and 10, 40, and 70 minutes afterwards. The results indicate a significant difference between directional preponderance [DP] values before and after stimulation, especially at 70 minutes. The initial values of DP in 5 of 8 patients were out of the normal range and were significantly reduced to lower levels after stimulation, especially after 70 minutes when DP fell within normal limits. In two of the remaining patients, a change in direction was observed at 40 minutes, and it remained so even after 70 minutes in one of them. By minimizing the inequality between the vestibular discharge on the two sides, a reduction in vertigo intensity is expected

Intraoperative radiation therapy for gastric adenocarcinoma

Intraoperative radiation therapy [IORT] is a multidisciplinary approach in which residual tumors or tumor beds are directly irradiated during a surgical procedure. To evaluate its efficacy, from 1985, we conducted a prospective study including non-metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma treated by surgery, IORT [15 Grays] and postoperative external beam radiotherapy [44 Grays]. Up to 1993, 51 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma [20 pN[0] and 31 pN[1-2]] have been included in the study. Mortality and morbidity rates were not different from those of surgery alone. The overall 5 year survival rate was 59.1%, and the pN[1] N[2] 5 year survival rate was 50.6%. These promising results are comparable with those of Asian randomized studies which demonstrate the possible value of IORT in the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma