[ effects of FGF8 and Shh on expression of dopaminergic markers from human amniotic epithelial cells]

Recently, interest has increased in the potential employment of embryonic stem cells for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, which has been considered as an alternative therapeutic strategy. Due to their pluripotent differentiation potential, the finding that they do not induce carcinoma and the fact that they do not raise the ethical concerns connected with human embryonic stem cells, human amniotic epithelial cells are considered to be a very promising cell source. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of FGF8 and Shh on the expression of dopaminergic markers from human amniotic epithelial cells. In this study, we examined the differentiation of dopaminergic neurons in vitro from AECs using the expression of several markers including TH, DAT and D beta H. For dopaminergic differentiation, sonic hedgehog [Shh] and FGF8 were added to cultures and the cultures were allowed to differentiate for 21 days. Analysis of AECs derived dopaminergic neurons was performed at the TH, DAT, beta-tubulin III and D beta H expression levels by immunocitochemistry. The significance of the data was tested by Student's t-test [between two groups] and one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] followed by Tukey post-test. [p<0/01, p<0/05]. Combination of Shh and FGF8 showed the higher level of TH in comparison to control group or these factors alone. Moreover, Shh is more effective than FGF8 on DAT expression in comparison to expression of D beta H. These results show the capability of AECs to express dopaminergic neural markers and this ability is affected by Shh and FGF8

Evaluation of the accuracy of panoramic radiography in linear measurements of the jaws

Panoramic radiography has a great place among imaging techniques because of its enormous advantages. One of the characteristics of an ideal imaging technique is to supply precise measurement. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the accuracy of linear measurements of the jaws on panoramic radiographs. In this study, the vertical distances between the metal markers were measured by panoramic radiography in seven sites of two skulls in various head positions. Then the radiographic measurements were compared with the actual values. Eighty three percent of the measurements were underestimated, 8.5% were overestimated on panoramic radiography and 8.5% of the measurements had no difference with the real measurements. Overestimation was not greater than 1 mm. The difference between actual and radiographic measurements was less in the posterior areas and in the mandible. In all head positions, the greatest difference between actual and radiographic measurements occurred in the anterior area. Based on the results of this study, linear measurements on panoramic radiography are more reliable in the posterior areas and may be used in early clinical measurements

[ descriptive survey of the oral health on a group of the Asian pregnant women resident in the UK]

Introduction: the oral hygiene of a pregnant woman affects both the mother's health and her child's, as much as the general hygiene does on the society health. The effects of dietary and oral hygiene habits of the pregnant women on oral health have been frequently studied in the different societies. However, in this regards the literature has paid less attention to the ethnic groups in a country. The present study aimed to study the oral health care and dietary changes during pregnancy compared to non-pregnancy in a minority ethnic group [Asian women] resident in the UK

Materials and Methods: the survey was conducted on a group of 54 Asian pregnant women referring to the General Hospital of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, by interviewing and filling out a questionnaire containing some oral health issues. The results were analyzed using Chi-Square test

Results: about 72 % of the women had changed their diet when they had been pregnant. About 63 % and 56 % had increased the consumption of sweetened stuffs and milk, respectively. About 65 % of the pregnant women brushed their teeth once a day and 59 % had found their gum bleeding during tooth brushing. About 61 % of the women were aware of the advantages of using fluoride toothpaste. Most women [80 %] were knowledgeable about free dental treatment during pregnancy. About 78 % had been visited regularly by dentists. Majority of the women [about 83 %] had not attended any health educational sessions. 43% of the women were nonsmokers

Conclusion: in the group surveyed, the increased consumption of sweetened stuffs and the incidence of gum bleeding was recorded for more than half of the pregnant women. Non-attendance of most women in health educational sessions were negative aspects in oral health. Of the positive aspects, regular tooth brushing, awareness of women from fluoride advantages, low prevalence of smoking and regular dental visiting were included