Comparison of antibacterial effect of fluoride and chlorhexidine on two cariogenic bacteria: an in vitro study

Dental plaque is the main source for dental caries and there is no proper vaccine that can affect dental plaques. Daily use of an efficient anti-plaque product can be very beneficial in plaque control and, thus, prevention of caries. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial effects of four products of Chlorhexidine and Fluoride on two types of cariogenic bacteria. In this in vitro study, the antibacterial effect of Chlorhexidine and Fluoride [gel and solution] against Streptococci Sanguis and Sobrinus was evaluated. Chlorhexidine gluconate 1% gel [Corosodyl, France], Chlorhexidine gluconate 2% solution [Consepsis, Ultradent, US], Sodium fluoride 0.2% solution [Oral-B, US] and Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride 1.23% gel [Denti-Care, Canada] were used. The disc diffusion method was used for testing bacterial sensitivity. The data were analyzed using paired t-test and Chi-square test.In comparison with the negative control, each of the four gels and solutions showed antibacterial effects but the effects were not statistically significant for fluoride solution [P=0.217]. For S. Sobrinus, the mean diameter of inhibition zone around the discs coated with fluoride gel [F g], fluoride solution [F s], Chlorhexidine gel [CHX g] and Chlorhexidine solution [CHX s] were 19, 9, 21.5 and 27.5mm, respectively. For S. Sanguis, the mean diameter of inhibition zone around the discs coated with F g, F s, CHX g and CHX s were 17, 11, 17 and 25mm, respectively. CHX s had the most effect on both bacteria and F s had the least. CHX g and F g were less effective than CHX s, respectively. The results demonstrated that 2% CHX s and 1.23% F g can be effective on inhibition of the growth of some of cariogenic bacteria. Therefore, these agents can be used in the prevention of Early Childhood Caries

[Comparison of the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol with and without laminaria in second trimester induction abortion]

Therapeutic abortion in the second trimester pregnancy is the choice treatment in cases with severe anomalies or intrauterine fetal death. It can be done by a number of medical [e.g. misoprostol] or mechanical methods [e.g. laminaria]. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of misoprostol alone and misoprostol in combination with laminaria in the induction of second trimester abortion. In this interventional study, 80 pregnant women with the gestational age of 13-25 weeks who were candidates of therapeutic abortion were selected and randomly divided into two groups [n=40]. One group received misoprostol alone and the other received misoprostol in combination with laminaria. Combination of misoprostol and laminaria caused not only a significant shorter time interval from the initiation of intervention to abortion [P=0.034], but also lower dose of administered misoprostol [P=0.001], less need for curettage [P=0.001], and shorter hospitalization period [P=0.042]. Based on the obtained results, misoprostol in combination with laminaria is recommended for the induction of second trimester therapeutic abortion

[ correlation between clinical signs and genotypes of giardia duodenalis isolated from patients with giardiasis in Kerman City]

Giardiasis is one of the human parasitic diseases caused by a flagellate protozoan named Giardia duodenalis [G.lamblia]. Giardia is one of the most common organisms causing diarrhea in human and also a common gastrointestinal parasite in vertebrates. A total of 352 stool samples were collected from patients infected with giardiasis referred to health centers in Kerman city. Samples were examined by formalin- ether concentration procedure. First, DNA extraction was performed on 30 stool samples containing adequate Giardia cysts and then PCR-RFLP was done on glultamate dehydrogenase [gdh] marker. Clinical signs of patients were recorded in a questionnaire and their relationships with molecular results were analyzed. The highest rate of infection was in the age group of 0-12 years with significant difference with other age groups [P<0.0001]. The most common clinical signs were abdominal pain [71.7%], diarrhea [69%], abdominal cramping [54.1%] and the least common signs were malaise [20.4%] and fever [16.1%]. Of all 30 isolates, 18 samples [60%] were found as genotype All, 5 ones [16.7%] belonged to Al assemblage and 7 samples [23.3%] were BIII assemblage. There was a significant difference between genotyping of Giardia and clinical signs of diarrhea, abdominal signs and nausea [P<0.05]. Higher prevalence of Giardiasis was found in the age group below 12 years, but clinical signs in different age groups and two sexes were identical. Assemblage A showed correlation with mild intermittent diarrhea and assemblage B had correlation with persistent diarrhea

[Comparison of spiritual intelligence and mental health in addicts and normal individuals]

Substance abuse is a chronic phenomenon that affects mental and physical health and results in a lot of social, domestic and economic trauma. The samples included 80 addicts and 80 healthy individuals. The addicts were selected randomly from private and state remedy and rehabilitation centers of Zahedan city. Healthy individuals were matched with addicts in respect to age and sex and also selected randomly. Then, participants were assessed with The Spiritual Intelligence Self Report Inventory-24[SISI] and General Health Questionnaire [GHQ]. The data was analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficient and t test for independent groups. There were significant differences in SISI scores and GHQ scores. Addicts scored lower in two scales. There was a significant positive correlation between SISI scores and GHQ scores and subscales of GHQ [P< 0.01] in two groups. Substance abuse affects mental and physical health. Individuals with lesser spiritual intelligence levels are more prone to addiction and may be with higher levels of spiritual intelligence, we can prevent individuals from addiction

[Retention rate in methadone maintenance therapy]

Methadone maintenance therapy is a well-known approach to the treatment of drug use disorders and harm reduction. But the main challenge is retention rate in MMT. Through simple random sampling, 155 addicts aged between 18-60 years who referred to drug addiction center of university and underwent MMT were followed for at least one year and up to two and half years. Of the total, 3.9% female, 62% married, 37.4% workers and 27.1% were jobless. 80% had education level of less than diploma, 43.2% abused marijuana, 54.2% abused alcohol and 49.7% were living in rented houses. 60% referred to this center because of economical problems, 15.5% because of legal issues and 67.7% because of family pressure. 31.6% were opium and opium resin addicts, 60% were heroin addicts, 8.4% were crack addicts and 21.9% were IV abusers. 76.8% had at least one high risk behavior. Average dose of methadone was 86.5+35 mg/day. Mean survival time was 80 weeks. Relapse rate was 3.3% in the first month, 13.9% in three months, 23.2% in six months, 31.7% in first year and 41.7% was a total relapse rate. Survival rate had a direct significant statistical relationship with the age, type of drug and method of use. According to the results of the present study that indicate a survival rate of 68.2% in a year and 58.3% after a year and also considering the results of other studies, we can conclude that MMP could be an effective method in the treatment of opiate drug disorders

[ prevalence rate of congenital hypothyroidism in Kerman/Iran in 2005-2007]

Congenital hypothyroidism [C.H] is one of the most common infants' endocrine diseases and the cause of mental retardation in newborns. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of C.H and it's relation with neonatal's sex, birth weight and height and mothers' age, gestational age, parents' educational level, past medical history of thyroid disease in mother and family and consumption of Iodine salt by mother. A Total of 3000 neonates aged 2-5 days were screened from November 2005 to July 2006. Specimen collection and transportation to lab were performed according to NCCLS and Wisconsin newborn screening program guidelines. Thyroid stimulating Hormone [TSH] concentration in dried blood spot was determined quantitatively using ELISA technique. From 3000 neonates, 23 cases [0.8%] had TSH >/= 20 mIU/L that were recalled for verification of C.H. Of them, 13 cases [56%] were male and 10 cases [44%] were female. All of 23 infants were detected during 1-2 months after birth and 3 of them had serum TSH >/= 10 mIU/L. According to the protocol of kit they were considered as hypothyroidism cases and were referred for treatment. Considering the importance of congenital hypothyroidism in mental retardation, neonatal screening programs are of high importance. In this study, the prevalence of the disease was 1 in 1000 that is more than that in developed countries. Therefore, it should be considered as one of the hygienic priorities in our country

[ comparison of maternal endometritis in meconium - stained amniotic fluid and clear amniotic fluid]

Metritis is one of the causes of maternal morbidity and there are many risk factors for it. Because of the importance of possible association of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and maternal metritis the present study was done to determine whether meconium stained amniotic fluid [MSAF] is associated with puerperal infection. In this case-control study 150 women with MSAF and 150 women with clear amniotic fluid [gestational age > 37 weeks] were compared for puerperal metritis. Subjects' educational level, gestational age, gravida, mean vaginal exams, route of delivery and mean neonatal weight were not significantly different between the two groups. But mean maternal age and neonatal Apgar were significantly different in the two groups. That is, post partum metritis in women with clear amniotic fluid occured less than women with MSAF [2.7% vs 10%, P<0.014]. Since meconium stained amniotic fluid is associated with metritis, special care in this regard is recommended

[ comparison of total protein, albumin and phosphorus level in preeclamptic pregnant women and women with normal pregnancy]

Preeclampsia has remained one of the important obstetrical problems for which different factors have been suggested. Decrease of serum levels of albumin, total protein and phosphorous have been suggested in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to determine serum levels of Albumin, total protein and phosphorous in normal pregnancy and preeclamptic women. In this case-control study, 100 pregnant women aged 20 to 30 years with the gestational age of 28 to 40 weeks were studied. Patients were divided into two groups: 50 women as case group [preeclampsia] and 50 women as control group [normal pregnancy]. The serum levels of Albumin, total protein and phosphorous were measured in both groups. There were no significant difference between two groups in demographic factors and mean maternal age but duration of pregnancy was significantly different in the two groups [36.29 +/- 3.2 weeks in case group and 38.19 +/- 2.5 in control group] [P<0.0001]. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressurse and body mass index were significantly different in both groups [P<0.0001]. The mean systolic blood pressure in preeclamptic women was 149.8 +/- 13.39 and in normal group was 108.7 +/- 9.73 and the mean diastolic blood pressure in preeclamptic women was 95 +/- 8.57 and in normal group was 67.4 +/- 10.72. Body mass index was 22.84 +/- 2.07 in preeclamptic women and in normal pregnants was 21.21 +/- 2.09. There was no significant difference between the two groups in mean serum levels of albumin, total protein and phosphorous. Serum Albumin in preeclamptic women was 4.12 +/- 0.45 and in women with normal pregnancy was 4.26 +/- 0.57. Serum level of total protein was 5.95 +/- 1 and 6.03 +/- 0.92 and serum phosphorous was 3.53 +/- 0.68 and 3.35 +/- 0.82 in preeclamptics and normals respectively. There was no significant relationship serum between levels of Albumin, total protein and phosphorous and preeclampsia

[ comparison of total and ionisedserum calcium level in preeclamptic pregnant women and the women with normal pregnancy]

Preeclampsia remains one of the important obstetrical problems and changes calcium metabolism and low dietary calcium intake has been suggested in the pathophisiology of preeclampsia. The aim of this project was to determine the total and ionized calcium level in normal pregnancy and preeclamptic women.This case control study included 100 pregnant women, 20 to 30 years who were 28 to 40 weeks pregnant. Patients were divided into two groups, 50 women as case group [preeclampsia] and 50 women as control group [normal pregnancy]. The serum total and ionized calcium were measured in both groups.There were no significant differences between two groups in demographic factors. Duration of pregnancy was significantly different in two groups [36.29 +/- 3.2 weeks in case group and 38.19 +/- 2.5 in control group][p<0001]. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index were significantly different in both group [p<0001]. The mean systolic blood pressure in preeclamptic women was 149.8 +/- 13.39 and in normal group was 108.7 +/- 9.73 and the mean diastolic blood pressure in preeclamptic women was 95 +/- 8.57 and in normal group was 67.4 +/- 10.72, body mass index was 22.84 +/- 2.07 in preeclamptic women and in normal pregnancy was 21.21 +/- 2.09. There was no significant differences between the two groups in mean serum level of total and ionized calcium [total calcium in preeclamptic women was 9.95 +/- 1.28 and in normotensive women was 10.13 +/- 1.11]Ionized calcium was 4.7 +/- 0.29 vs. 4.5510.54.There was no significant differences in serum total and ionized calcium between preeclampticand normotensive pregnant women