Evaluation of the effect of different glass fiber post lengths on fracture resistance of endodontically treated central incisors

Use of glass fiber posts is of widespread acceptance in restoring root canal treated teeth, but studies concerning the most proper length of the post to provide the utmost fracture resistance are inadequate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glass fiber post length on fracture resistance of root canal treated central incisors. This experimental study was carried out on 40 maxillary central incisors in 4 groups of 10 each. RDT posts and cement was used in this experimental study with the lengths of 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm in the study groups. The samples were debrided and decoronated at the CEJ levels and endodontically treated using step-back technique. RDT drills were used for post space preparation. Then, the root canal walls were etched and the posts cemented in place. The composite cores were then prepared at the height of 5 mm and samples mounted 2mm down to their CEJ levels within acrylic blocks. An impression material [Impregum, 3M, ESPE] with a thickness of 0.2mm was used to simulate PDL around the samples. The samples were subjected to compressive forces at a 135-degree angle to their long axes using a Universal Testing Machine. Data pertaining to the fracture of the samples were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests. The maximum resistance to fracture was recorded in 8-and 10-mm-long posts and the minimum was observed in the lengths of 6 and 12 mm. Statistical tests showed a significant difference between 8- and 10-mm-long posts with those having lengths of 6 and 12 mm in terms of fracture resistance. There was no significant difference between 8- and 10-mm-long posts as well as 6- and 12-mm-long ones. It can be concluded that the length of post is influential in the fracture resistance of the root so that the maximal resistance can be obtained in 8 to 10 mm of length and such lengths can be recommended for non-metal posts

Antibacterial activity of metanolic extract of 12 herbal species on 6 bacterial strains using cylinder-plate method

Resistance to antibacterial agents and sensivity reaction to such chemical compounds are the main reasons for investigators to develop new antibiotics from herbal sources. Antimicrobial effects of Metanolic extract of 12 herbal species Pistacia atlantica, Amygdalus scoparia, Cuscuta epthymum, Ephedra procera, Salsola boryosm, Sameraria armena, Scabiosa olivier, Scorzonera tortuosissima, Lepyrodielis holosteoidea, Vaccaria pyramidata, Sonchus oleraceam and Silene conoidema on 6 bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureas, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Echerichia colt, Kelebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeroginos and Bacillus subtilis were, separately, studied using Cylinder-plate method. In this laboratory study, methanolic extracts of herbal strains were prepared by maceration and after concentrating the extracts were dried. Then the concentrations of 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 and 3.125 mg/ml of the extracts were prepared using 1:1 solution of DMSO/methanol. The standard bacteria with certain concentration [0.5 MacFarland] were inoculated on to the Muller-Hinton agar medium. Prepared extracts were dropped into cylinders and 18-24 hours after incubation and penetration of extract into the culture medium, the antibacterial effects and growth inhibitory zone [mm] were measure and values were expressed as [Mean +/- SEM]. The least and the most amount of effective concentration were 3.125 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml, respectively. The most inhibitory diameter belonged to methanolic extract of Amygdalus scoparia on Staphylococcus epidermidis which was equal to 19 +/- 0.3mm. Metanolic extracts of herbal species of Pistacia atlantica, Amygdalus scoparia and Ephedra procera had the most antibacterial effects compared to gentamicin as positive control. Regarding the side effects of the synthetic drugs and also benefits of such herbal extracts, extracts of these herbs as antibacterial agents after further investigations seems to be useful

[Phytochemical evaluation of 30 plant species collected from Shahrbabak [Kerman/Iran]]

Iran as a large country with different climatic regions has various types of plants that a majority of them are used by locals as medicinal plants. The present study was aimed to investigate the phytochemistry of plants in Kerman province. A total of 30 plants species belonging to 19 families have been colldected from Shahrbabak area [in the west of Kerman province] and screened for alkaloid, tannin, saponin, flavonoid, cardiac glycosid, cyanogenic glycoside and volatile oil. According to the performed tests 8 plants [27%] were positive for alkaloid, 22 cases [71%] for tannin, 4 cases [13%] for saponin, 26 cases [86%] for flavonoid, 4 cases [13%] for cardiac glycoside, 1[3%] for cyanogenic glycoside and 11[40%] for volatile oil. Pistacia atlantica, Amygdalus scoparia, Salsola baryosma and Vacaria pyramidata with more potential therapeutic effects are suggested for further researches

[Disinfection effects of the meatus and urinary catheter with povidone iodine ointment on incidence of urinary infection in men]

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common nosocomial infections that mainly occurs after instrumentation in urinary tract, particularly after urinary catheterization. This clinical trail was conducted to assess disinfection effects of the meatus and urinary catheter on incidence of CAUTI in hospitalized patients of neurological unit of Shohadaye Tajrish hospital. 70 stroke patients [Ischemic or Hemorrhagic] catheterized by urologic experts were selected by convenience sampling and randomly divided into two groups [experimental group: 35 patients, control group: 35 patients]. At first, one urine sample of all subjects was obtained aseptically and sent to lab for culture. After 24 hours, if initial result of culture was negative, the study would be followed up. In the experimental group, the meatus and catheter drainage tube junction were disinfected daily and the spigot was disinifected two times a day by PVP1O% ointment. In the control group, normal saline was used. It is necessary to explain that in the study group, residual of ointment was washed by saline and then disinfected by PVP daily. In the two groups, the meatus, catheter drainage tube junction and the spigot were covered by a layer of sterile gauze. In days 2,8,11 and 14, a urine sample was sent to lab for culture. Data were gathered by a form, NIHS scale, and urine culture medium. Incidences of CAUTI in experimental and control groups were 20% and 42.9% respectively. Relative risk was 2.14; thus, disinfection by PVP could decrease the incidence of CAUTI. The most common microorganism was e-coli [experimental group: 40%, control group: 57.1%]. Clinical symptoms of UTI were observed 28.6% in the experimental group and 33.3% in the control group. In this study, the relation between UTI and severity of disease was significant [experimental group: P=0.028, control group: P=0.048]. The relation between UTI and length of catheterization was also significant [experimental group: P=0.022, control group: P=0.047]. : It seems that necessaiy precautions should be taken to prevent infections especially at hospitals