[Determination of reference values for serum HDL-cholesterol concentration in Ahwaz Ethnic groups]

Serum HDL cholesterol concentration may be affected by different factors. One of this factors is the race of each person. Therefore we studied HDL - cholesterol reference range in different ethnic groups in Ahwaz by regard to age and gender. Serum samples were drown from 601 males and 617 females randomly. This population was divided into main groups according their ethic [i.e Lor, Arab and Persian]. Each group was subdivided on the basis of age to three Subgroups [1-15,16-54and >54 years]. Serum HDL - cholesterol was determined with colorimetric method. All data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences [SPSS] software [version 17.0]. Mean HDL - cholesterol Concentration in age subgroups of females was statistically different. [P<0.0001].While in males it was not apparent relationship between mean concentration Of HDL - Cholesterol concentration in age subgroups [P=0.630]. In male subgroups, mean HDL-cholesterol was significantly different [P<0.05]. Lor individuals had the highest and Arab individuals had the lowest mean HDL-cholesterol concentration. But in females such relationship was not seen. [P=0.743]. In male group the reference range of HDL cholesterol is affected by race and in female group the reference range of HDL-cholesterol is affected by age

[ effect of removable orthodontic appliances on prevalence of oral Candida albicans in children]

Removable orthodontic appliances could increase the prevalence of Candida albicans and stomatitis in mouth of treated patients. To examine the effect of good oral hygiene on prevention of Candida albicans increase in children under treatment with removable arthodontic appliances. In this cross-sectional study, 30 children aged between 8-12 years old who were treated with removable orthodontic appliances and 30 healthy children in the same age range as control group were selected. One month after giving instructions on oral hygiene, samples were taken from patients' oral mucosa. The specimens were assessed by colony formation and germ tube test. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test with 95% confidence to compare the study groups. There were significant differences between the two groups regarding the redness, soreness, and inflammation which were more frequent in orthodontic patients [p=0.03]. Colony formation was significantly higher in orthodontic patients than control group [P<0.001]. In addition, germ tube was more obvious in samples of orthodontic patients than control group [P=0.045]. Despite the practice of good oral hygiene, application of removable orthodontic appliances leads to an increase in prevalence of Candida albicans

Evaluation of tensile properties of several brands of elastomeric ligatures used in Iran

Elastomeric ligatures are used to secure archwires into orthodontic brackets. Unless the ligatures show adequate tensile properties, they may tear while inserting in the brackets or between patient's appointments. The latter may cause unwanted tooth movement and prolong orthodontic treatment. In this study the comparison of tensile properties [tensile strength, extension to tensile strength, and toughness] of seven commercially available molded clear elastomeric ligatures was performed. In this experimental laboratory-based study, eiastomeric ligatures were obtained from American Orthodontics, Ortho Technology, GAC, Techno Tak, All Star, Dentaurum and ITO companies and their tensile properties were measured using Zwick testing machine with 5mm/min cross head speed in the as-received condition and after 28 days immersion in a simulated oral environment. The data was analysed by SPSS software. All of the ligatures tested showed a significant decrease in tensile strength, extension to tensile strength and toughness excluding ITO's toughness after 28 days [P<0.001], Different brands of elastomeric ligatures showed significant differences in tensile properties both in the as-received condition and after 28 days immersion in the simulated oral environment [P<0.001]. Under the study conditions, ligatures from American Orthodontics and Techno Tak companies showed superior tensile properties and ligatures from Ortho Technology company exhibited weaker tensile features compared to other groups. There were significant differences in tensile properties of different brands of elastomeric ligatures in both the as-received condition and after 28 days immersion in the simulated oral environment. There was a significant reduction in strength properties of all types of elastomeric ligatures after 28 days immersion in a simulated oral environment. Thus, it is recommended that all ligatures should be replaced at each visit to reduce risk of tearing

[ effect of apple vinegar on blood glucose control and lipid profile in rats]

Regarding the recent evidence suggesting the effect of apple vinegar on reduction of postprandial blood glucose, this study was carried out with the aim of determining the effect of apple vinegar on fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], and lipid profile in healthy and diabetic rats. 31 wistar male rats were assigned into 4 groups as follows: the healthy control, apple vinegar-fed healthy, diabetic control, and apple vinegar-fed diabetics. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in rats. The control groups received standard rat food, while the treatment groups received mixed 6% apple vinegar and standard rat food for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, HbA[1c] and lipid profile [total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol] were measured before and after the intervention. Fasting blood glucose did not change with the consumption of apple vinegar. However, HbA[1c] in diabetic group decreased significantly compared with pre-intervention [P<0.05] and control-diabetic group [P<0.05]. In healthy group with the uptake of apple vinegar, reduction of LDL [P<0.005], and increase of HDL [P<0.005] were observed compared to pre-intervention and with healthy control. In diabetic group with the uptake of apple vinegar significant reduction of TG [P<0.005] and significant increase of HDL [P<0.05] were observed compared to the control group. The results of this study showed that uptake of apple vinegar improve lipid profile in healthy and diabetic rats, and reduces HbA1c in diabetic rats

Effect of apple cider vinegar on postprandial lipaemia in healthy adults

Postprandial lipaemia refers to the acute period of dietary lipid absorption, transport and distiribution, which has been associated with the process of atherosclerosis. There is some evidence that apple cider vinegar and acetic acid could reduce serum lipids in rat and mice, but the effect of vinegar on blood lipids in humans has not been investigated. This study, using a randomized crossover design, was carried out to investigate the effect of apple cider vinegar on postprandial plasma lipids in sixteen healthy adults. On two separate occasions, subjects randomly consumed the fat-rich meal containing 0. 5 g fat/Kg body weight, with 15cc diluted apple cider vinegar or water [as control], each time 3 venous blood samples, fasting, 4 and 8 hours after test meal ingestion were taken. Samples were analyzed for plasma triglyceride, cholesterol and HDL-C concentrations and LDL-C was calculated. Area under the curve [AUC] of TG was calculated using the trapezoid rule. Statistical analysis was carried out using repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-test [SPSS version 11]. The concentrations of TG was significantly [p<0. 05] increased after both meals but there was no difference between meals for postprandial responses and TG AUC after both meals were similar [820. 75 +/- 326. 66 mg/dl. 8h versus 850. 88 +/- 385. 66 mg/dl. 8h]. Also, vinegar had no effect on the postprandial responses of TC, LDL-C and HDL-C. The present study showed that consumption of a single dose of apple cider vinegar with a fatty meal had no effect on the postprandial lipid response in healthy adults. However, to investigate the chronic effects of vinegar on blood lipids of human subjects, further work is recommended

[ effect of white vinegar on fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats]

There is evidence suggesting a lowering effect for vinegar on postprandial blood glucose concentrations. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of vinegar on fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] and lipid profiles in healthy and diabetic rats. Male wistar rats were divided into four groups: the healthy control, healthy fed with white vinegar, diabetic control, and diabetic fed with white vinegar, groups. To induct diabetes, Streptozotocin was used. For a period of 4 weeks the control groups received standard food and the treatment groups received white vinegar-mixed pelleted food [6%]. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and lipid profiles were measured before and after intervention. White vinegar had no significant effect on fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in either the healthy or diabetic group. Statistical analysis of data showed that in the healthy group fed white vinegar there was a significant decrease in LDL-cholestrol [LDL-C] and a significant increase in HDL-cholestrol [HDLC]. Also, there was a significant increase in HDL-C compared with healthy control group. White vinegar reduced TG/LDL-C and HDL-C/LDL-C ratios in healthy rats, 44.5% and 25.8%, respectively. The diabetic control group showed a significant increase in triglyceride [TG] along with a significant decrease in HDL-C. However, the diabetic group fed with white vinegar showed a significant decrease in TG compared to the control diabetic group. TG/LDL-C and HDL-C/LDL-C ratios increased in diabetic control group but not in the diabetic group fed white vinegar. The results of this study clearly indicate that consumption of white vinegar for four weeks could have significant favorable effects on the lipid profiles of healthy and diabetic rats

[Effect of calcium supplementation on the lipid profiles of overweight or obese women: a double blind randomized clinical trial]

There is some evidence suggesting a probable beneficial effect of calcium intake on serum lipid profile. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 1000 mg calcium supplementation for 30 days on serum lipid profiles in overweight or obese women. A double blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in 44 overweight or obese adult women [Body mass index >/= 25 kg/m2, age: 25 +/- 6 years] randomly assigned to the calcium [receiving 1000 mg elemental calcium per day] or the placebo group. Serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins including triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, ApoA-I and Apo B were obtained at baseline and after the intervention period. Freidwald equation was used to calculate LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol was calculated from TG divided by 5. Dietary calcium and energy intake were estimated using 24 hour recall for 3 days. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software [version 9]. P values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. No significant differences were observed in dietary, anthropometric and serum variables between the two groups at the baseline. Although all serum total-, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides tended to increase in both study groups, total cholesterol elevation was only significant in the placebo group [p=0.01], and triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol only showed significant increase in the calcium group [p=0.03]. LDL cholesterol elevation was significant in both groups [p<0.05] HDL cholesterol decreased significantly in both groups [p<0.01]. Apolipoproteins did not change significantly in the study groups. No significant differences were observed in serum variables between groups after intervention. In the present study short term calcium supplementation in overweight or obese women's showed no beneficial effect on lipid profiles. Because of the limited studies available, further studies are recommended

[Combination of removable appliance with whip spring in the treatment of severely rotated maxillary central incisor in the mixed dentition: a case report]

Severe rotation of individual tooth is a kind of malposition that interferes with esthetics and may cause occlusal interferences. A ten - year - old boy with severely rotated [90 degree] maxillary right central incisor and lack of space was referred to Mashhad dental school. At the first stage a removable appliance was used to make enough space and then a whip spring was used for derotation of rotated tooth. After correction of rotation a retentive removable appliance was used for a long period of time to decrease the chance of relapse. Combination of removable appliance with whip spring can be used successfully in the treatment of rotated teeth. Early treatment of this severely rotated teeth improves esthetics and may lead to decreasing the chance of trauma to the teeth and periodontium

[Comparison of tooth size and arch dimenions between normal occlusion group and class I malocclusion group]

Recognizing the main contributing factors of crowding has always been a matter of interest in orthodontics. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the extent of which tooth size or jaw dimension contribute to dental crowding. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, two groups of dental casts were selected on the basis of having or not having dental crowding. The first group consisted of 30 pairs of dental casts [15 male and 15 female] which exhibited normal occlusion [without crowding]. The second group consisted of 30 pairs of dental casts [15 male and 15 female] with gross dental crowding and class I skeletal pattern. Mean values and standard deviations of the following parameters were used to compare the two groups: individual and collective mesiodistal tooth diameters, dental arch perimetres, dental arch lengths and buccal and lingual dental arch widths in canine and molar region. To compare the two groups, two tailed student-t test, with 95% confidence interval was used. On the basis of our research crowded and noncrowded group had statistically significant differences in both mesiodistal tooth diameters and transverse arch dimensions. The crowded group was found to have smaller transverse maxillary dental arch dimensions but larger tooth diameters than in the normal occlusion group. The results of this study suggest that consideration should be given to those treatment techniques which increase dental arch transverse width and also decrease tooth material by means of extraction or stripping

Clinical evaluation of dentoskeletal changes following tongue guard therapy in children with maxillary deficiency

Considering the influence of functional matrix on the morphogenesis of jaws and teeth, it is essential to accept that functional forces will cause a change in tooth position and bone formation. The purpose of this research was to study the dental and skeletal effects of maxillary protraction following the use of tongue guard myofunctional appliance in children with class Ill malocclusion with maxillary deficiency. Pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalograms from 23 patients [11 male and 12 female] with mean age of 8.77 years treated by tongue guard myofunctional appliance in orthodontics clinic of Mashhad Dental School were traced and analyzed. Average treatment time was 6 months. Differences between before treatment [BT] and after treatment [AT] values were analyzed using SPSS statistical software [paired T. test]. The results were as follow: 1. A highly significant anterior movement of maxilla occurred with increases in SNA [with mean=1 degree] and ANB [with mean=0.96 degree] angles and anterior movement of A point in Wits analysis [P=0.001]. 2. Maxilla/Mandible ratio [according to A.M. Schwarz] increased [P=0.001]. 3. The maxillary incisors moved in anterior direction. 4. The mandibular incisors moved posteriorly. In other words, IMPA decreased [P<0.05]. 5. Profile convexity increased and Soft tissue profile and upper lip area improved. The results of this study indicates that use of tongue guard myofunctional appliance is appropriate for patients initially presenting with anteroposterior and vertical maxillary deficiency