Evaluation of surface characteristics of denture base using organic-inorganic hybrid coating: an SEM study

Statement of Problem: Despite the numerous positive features of acrylic denture base, there are a number of undeniable associated disadvantages. The properties of denture base have been improved through various interventions including application of different types of filler and coatings

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the surface roughness, thickness and coating quality of organic-inorganic coating on the denture base through scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the colour change was evaluated visually

Materials and Methods: The organic-inorganic hybrid coatings were prepared. Acrylic discs of 10x10 mm were fabricated. The test discs were dipped in the hybrid coating and cured. In order to evaluate the surface roughness and coating thickness, the surface and cross-section of the samples in both coated and control groups were subjected to scanning electron microscopy. The colour change and transparency were visually evaluated with naked eyes. The data were statistically analyzed by student's t test

Results: The hybrid materials perfectly covered all the surfaces of acrylic resin and established proper thickness. The coated group seemed smoother and flatter than the control group; however, the difference was not statistically significant [for all parameters p > 0.05]. It was quite a thin coating and no perceptible colour change was observed

Conclusions: The hybrid coating maintained good binding, caused no noticeable discoloration, and thoroughly covered the acrylic resin surface with uniform delicate thickness. It also slightly improved the acrylic resin surface roughness

[Evaluation of the oxidative status in calves within 3 days of birth]

Background: Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between the reactive oxygen species [ROS] and a biological system's ability to readily detoxify the oxidative agents. Disturbances in the normal redox state of cells can cause toxic effects through production of peroxides and free radicals that damage all components of the cell, including proteins, lipids, and DNA

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oxidative status in calves within 3 days of birth

Methods: Twenty calves from Zagros dairy farm were selected. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at 0 [before administration of colostrum], 24, 48 and 72 hours after birth for measurement of serum levels of TBARS, Superoxide dismutase and catalase

Results: The results indicated higher levels of serum malondialdehyde concentration at birth that subsequently decreased at 24 and 48 hours after birth [p<0.05]. There were lower levels of serum concentration of catalase at birth that followed by increasing in it at 24 and 48 hours after birth [p<0.05]. Also, the concentration of superoxide dismutase was lower at the birth that subsequently increased at 24 hours after birth [p<0.05]

Conclusions: Based on this study, it seems that antioxidant capacity of calves has been increased within 3 days of birth. Improvement of oxidative status in calves could be due to gradual increasing of their antioxidative capacity and also beneficial effects of colostrums

[ role of health technology assessment in evidence- based decision making and health policy: a review study]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to show the major challenges and opportunities related to Health Technology Assessment [HTA] that most countries have faced with when launching and developing an HTA system for making appropriate decisions in policy making

Review of studies: This was a review study in the field of HTA and health policy. All literature potentially relevant to this issue had been studied via library and the Internet search of data bases related to HTA to select and present materials extracted. The search was focused on English papers published in 1980-2014.The impact of HTA depends in large part on the quality and transparency of the assessment and decision-making processes, as well as institutional, organizational, political and cultural dynamics broader than the scopes of national health care systems. As many countries increasingly gear their health systems towards policies emphasizing measurement, accountability, transparency and evidence-based practices, the challenges of HTA should be addressed in order to achieve concurrent health care system goals, and support those services offering large value of money and impact on health care outcomes

Conclusion: The role of HTA offering extensive opportunities to support governments and other stakeholders in decision-making has grown substantially. Countries should, therefore, seek to capitalize on the strengths of established HTA systems, while pioneering solutions to address major challenges and strengthening the HTA enterprise

Evaluation of dysrhythmias and myocardial biomarkers in high and low-yielding dairy cows

Cardiovascular system is a very important organ that plays a vital role in tissue function. In farm animals, the growth and high milk production depends on function of cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular health in high and low-yielding dairy cows was investigated. Fifty 4-year-old high- yielding Holstein dairy cows and fifty 4- year-old low- yielding Holstein dairy cows were used in this study. Electrocardiogram was recorded by a base- apex lead, and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein for the measurement of cardiac biomarkers [CK [Creatine Kinase], CKMB [Creatine Kinase-Myocardial Band], LDH [Lactate Dehydrogenase], and AST [Aspartate Aminotransferase] and troponin I]. Cardiac dysrhythmias were detected more in low- yielding Holstein dairy cows [62%] compared to highyielding Holstein dairy cows [46%]. The cardiac dysrhythmias that were observed in low- yielding Holstein dairy cows included sinus arrhythmia [34.7%], wandering pacemaker [22.45%], sinus bradycardia [18.37%], sinus tachycardia [10.20%], atrial premature beat [2.04%], sinoatrial block [2.04%], atrial fibrillation [8.16%], and atrial tachycardia [2.04%]. The cardiac dysrhythmias were observed in high- yielding Holstein dairy cows, including sinus arrhythmia [86.95%] and wandering pace maker [13.05%]. Also, notched P wave was observed in highand low- yielding Holstein dairy cows, 30% and 14% respectively. The amount of cardiac biomarkers in the low yielding cows was significantly higher than that of the high yielding cows. Further more, there was not any detectable significant difference of serum concentration of total CK between the high and low- yielding Holstein cows. Despite significant differences in cardiac biomarkers and based on the normal range of cardiac biomarkers in both groups, the increase in cardiac dysrhythmias in low- yielding Holstein dairy cows may be metabolic and electrolyte disorders

Knowledge of and attitudes towards periodontal health among adults in Tehran

Determining what people know and believe about periodontal health and disease is important in order to establish prevention practices. This study aimed to assess knowledge of and attitudes towards periodontal health among adults in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. We conducted a cross-sectional face-to-face interview survey in 2011 of 791 adults aged 18-50 years using a stratified, multistage sampling method. We recorded demographic characteristics including age, sex, education, marital status, employment and economic status [housing density]. The lowest percentage of correct answers was related to the definition of dental plaque [11.6%] and the highest was for the role of the dental visit in prevention [92.8%]. Female sex, university education and higher economic status were significantly associated with a higher mean score on periodontal health knowledge. The regression analysis showed that positive attitudes were associated with higher periodontal health knowledge and having university education. In this study positive attitudes towards prevention were related to better knowledge

Tobacco use among Iranian dental students: a national survey

A national survey was conducted to provide up-to-date data on current and ever use of tobacco among Iranian dental students. All 4th-year students of 8 randomly selected dental schools were surveyed anonymously in December 2010 using the Global Health Professions Student Survey questionnaire. Of 325 participants, 54.2% were ever users of tobacco products [73.0% of males versus 44.4% of females]; 50.8% had used waterpipes, 34.2% cigarettes and 9.3% other products. The most common age at first use was 20-24 years for both sexes. Current tobacco use was reported by 20.6% of respondents, cigarette smoking by 10.8% and waterpipe smoking by 15.8%. Regression models showed that current cigarette and waterpipe smoking were significantly associated with male sex but not with type of dental school [state/private]. Current waterpipe smoking was also associated with age at first experience. In view of the important role of dentists in tobacco control, the prevention of tobacco use should be stressed among Iranian dental students

[Iridoid glycosides from Eremostachys azerbaijanica rech. f. root]

Eremostachys azerbaijanica [family Lamiaceae] is one of the 16 endemic Iranian herbs of the genus Eremostachys. In Iran, the root of E. azerbaijanica is traditionally used as local analgesic and anti-inflammatory. In this research, roots of E. azerbaijanica were phytochemically studied until perhaps by identification of chemical content of this plant, a step to be taken toward correct use from this natural product in treatment of diseases. Methanolic extract from the root of E. azerbaijanica was prepared by Soxhlet method and its three compounds were isolated by SPE method and reversed-phase preparative HPLC. Finally, the compounds have been elucidated by UV and 1D NMR spectroscopic analysis. Three iridoid glycosides, Lamalbide [Lamiridoside], Pulchelloside I and Sesamoside were isolated from the root of E. azerbaijanica. The comparison of the results obtained from the present study and former published results, shows that three iridoid glucosides which identified in this research, have been previously elucidated in some species of Eremostachys

[Effect of short-term garlic extract supplementation on serum total antioxidant capacity [TAC], malondiadehyde [MDA] and total peripheral blood leukocyte counts in athlete men after a single episode of aerobic exercise]

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of short-term garlic extract supplementation on serum total antioxidant capacity [TAC], malondiadehyde [MDA] and total peripheral leukocyte counts in athlete men after a single episode of aerobic exercise. In this randomized double blind study, sixteen untrained men [age range 23 +/- 3 years, body fat 14 +/- 2%, and VO[2max] 48 +/- 3 ml/kg/min] were divided into two equal groups: supplement group [700mg/day garlic extract] and placebo group [700mg/day dextrose]. After supplementation period [14 days], all the subjects participated in aerobic exercise protocol with 75% VO[2]max on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Blood samples were collected at the baseline, after supplementation period and after aerobic exercise. Using SPSS software, data were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA, Bonferroni method and independent t-test. The results showed that short-term garlic extract supplementation 14 days before exercise led to significant increase in serum TAC[P<0.05]. Moreover, MDA and total peripheral leukocyte counts significantly increased but TAC significantly decreased after a 30 min aerobic exercise [P<0.05]. However, change range in the oxidative and inflammatory indices in the placebo group was significantly more than that in the supplement group [P<0.05]. Our results suggested that the increase of resting total antioxidative capacity following short-term garlic supplementation can decrease undesirable effects of the indecies of exercise-induced oxidative damages [Lipid Peroxidation] and inflammation [Leukocytosis] in athlete men.

Delay in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer

Statement of Problem: Oral and pharyngeal cancer is one of the most mortal cancers; however, its quick diagnosis and referral is a crucial factor in enhancing the survival rate of the patients

Purpose: The aim of this study was to inspect the referral conditions and the reasons for the delay in curing the patients referred to the educational hospitals in Tehran

Materials and Method: In this retrospective -descriptive study, two hundred and fifty six files related to the oral and pharyngeal cancer were inspected. The documents were obtained from 5 educational hospitals specialized in the field of cancers. Eventually data related to the time difference between the first time of attending to lesion and diagnosing the cancer as patient's delay and until the curing as professional's delay were recorded

Results: The majority of cancers were squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]

The patient's delay was recorded in 110 files among the whole files

The mean of the time between the patients' first notice of the problem and the time visiting a primary care clinician was 270 days [range, 0-2520 days]. The mean of the time from when the patient visited a primary- care clinician to the starting time of definitive treatment was 90 days [range, 0- 270 days]

Conclusion: In this study, like other studies, SCC was the most common occurring cancer

Delays related to the patients were more than those related to the professionals. And at last, accuracy in recording the files and training the patients were recognized to be the most imperative factors to continue the treatment successfully

Dental curriculum revision in Iran: dentists' perspective on achievement of essential competencies through national curriculum

Based on the current emphasis on competency-based education, as a part of need assessment phase of dental curriculum revision in Iran, in the present study the dental graduates' perspective concerning the minimum competency requirements for an Iranian general dentist has been investigated. Based on the three available major competency documents in the literature a questionnaire was developed in which the participants were asked to indicate their opinion about the necessity of each of the 142 stated competencies for an Iranian general dentist [Yes/No], and to state the degree to which they believed the current curriculum covers each competency [Completely, Partially, Not at all]. In an annual meeting in June 2008, the provincial chief dental managers were asked to distribute the questionnaires among general dentists in their province [10 questionnaires in each province]. The managers posted back the completed questionnaires to the researchers. Of 300 questionnaires distributed in the 30 provinces of the country, 250 questionnaires [83%] were returned. While most of the participants considered the competencies as necessary for an Iranian dentist, less than 40% of the respondents believed that the graduates acquire the most required competencies of the profession during the current educational program. A necessity exists for curriculum revision. In addition to clinical skills, in this revision more emphasis also should be placed on the non-clinical part of the curriculum

[Effect of short-term garlic extract supplementation on oxidative stress indices during rest and induced-exercise exhaustion in male soccer players]

The present study aims to investigate the effects of exhaustive running and different doses of short-term garlic supplementation on total antioxidant capacity [TAC] and Malondialdehyde [MDA] in during rest and exercise induced exhaustion in male soccer players. Thirty male football players [Average age: 20.8 +/- 1.45 y; maximum oxygen intake 67.2 +/- 5.4 ml/kg/min and body mass index 21.5 +/- 1.34 kg/m2] were divided randomly into three homogenous groups, the placebo group and the 2 garlic supplementation groups given two dosages [1200 and 2400 mg/day]. The first and second blood samples were taken in the basic state and after the Shuttle Run test and the third and fourth samples were taken after supplementation, in the basic state and after test. The parameters were then analyzed using one-way ANOVA, with a significance level of a=0.05. Exhaustive running significantly decreased TAC and increased MDA level in the blood serum of male football players. On the other hand, garlic supplementation increased TAC [P<0.01] and decreased MDA [P<0.01] in the basic state. Moreover, supplementation hindered significant increase in the level of MDA [P<0.05] in male football players after the test but it failed to stop the decrease in TAC [P<0.05] level. Furthermore, the decrease of TAC level in supplementation group was significantly [P<0.05] less than in the placebo group. Short-term garlic extract supplementation may increase TAC and MDA in male football players in the basic state and hinder the fall in the total antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress after vigorous exercises. On the other hand, neither dosages of 1200 nor 2400 mg/day of garlic extract showed any effects on TAC or MDA in the groups of players investigated

[Determining the rate of catastrophic health expenditure and its influential factors on families in Yazd province]

Introduction: The high rate of catastrophic health care expenditure is a challenging problem societies face today. Identifying the influential factors on the expenditure is an important measure which should be taken to control them. In this study, the catastrophic health expenditure and its influential factors were examined

Methods: Within the framework of Health Center Province, 400 households were selected in winter 2011. The WHO's health questionnaire was completed for them by the researchers. The incidence of catastrophic health expenditure was evaluated in accordance with the World Health Organization definition and influential factors on the expenditures were investigated by using Stata software 11

Results: It was found that 8.3 Present of the families of Yazd province were exposed to catastrophic health expenditure. The use of inpatient services was shown to have the largest amount in paid-out-of-pocket expenditure and their relationship to incidence of catastrophic health expenditure was found to be significant. It was, moreover, found that the relationships between family sizes, persons below 5 years old in the families, and the use of medical services and diagnosis with catastrophic health expenditure were significant

Conclusion: The variables of medicine, diagnosis, inpatient services and persons below 5 years old in household and family size should be seriously taken into account by policy makers to control Catastrophic Health Expenditure

[Prevalence and pattern of congenital malformations in newborn in Rafsanjan, Iran [2007-08]]

Congenital malformations are among important causes of morbidity and mortality in newborns. This study was done to determine the prevalence and pattern of congenital malformations in newborn. This descriptive study was done on 6089 newborns in maternity center in Rafsanjan, Iran during 2007-08. The newborns were examined by pediatricians and based on clinical examination; the type of obvious of either minor or major malformations were recorded. The 179 cases had at least a major or minor malformations. Over all the prevalence of malformations was 2.93%. The highest prevalence of obvious malformations was seen in the musculoskeletal [43.5%], followed by genitourinary [22.9%] and cardiovascular systems [15.08%]. There was significant relation between congenital malformations, gestational age and medicine used by mothers [P<0.05]. The highest prevalence of obvious malformations was seen in the musculo-skeletal system

[Comparison of static and dynamic resistance exercise effects on some functional cardiovascular indices, plasma lactate and peripheral blood leukocytes in healthy untrained women]

Considering the conflicting results related to the resistance exercise-induced cardiovascular and inflammatory response, the present study was conducted to compare the effects of static and dynamic resistance training on some functional cardiovascular indices, plasma lactate and peripheral blood leukocytes in healthy untrained women. In a quasi-experimental design, twenty healthy untrained volunteers [Female, aged 20-25 years and BMI 20-25 Kg/m[2]] in two random homogeneous groups were participated in an exhaustive static [40% of maximum voluntary contraction] or dynamic leg press resistance exercise [40% one repetition maximum with 45 to 55 repetitions]. Heart rate, blood pressure, rate-pressure product [RPP] along with plasma lactate and peripheral blood leukocytes counts were determined immediately before and after the resistance exercises. Data were expressed as mean [ +/- SD] and analyzed by paired and independent t-tests at alpha

[ effect of creatine monohydrate loading on downhill running-induced inflammatory response in elite male mountaineers]

In regard to the limited studies about the effect of creatine on exercise-induced inflammatory responses, the present study was conducted to identify the effect of creatine monohydrate loading on response of serum C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6] and peripheral blood leucocytes following one bout downhill running in male mountain climbers. Twenty volunteer young male mountain climbers [aged 24.5 +/- 1.82 year, fat = 10.42 +/- 1.96%, and VO2max = 53.56 +/- 2.36 ml/kg/min] in a quasi-experimental, randomized and double-blind design were allocated equally into supplement and placebo groups. After five consecutive days supplementation [0.3 g/kg body weight/day creatine monohydrate or dextrose], all subjects were participated in one bout downhill running protocol on a treadmill [-15% incline] for 30 minutes with 65% heart rate reserve [HRR]. Changes in inflammatory indices were determined in four phases [baseline, after the supplement period, immediately and 24 hours after the exercise]. Data were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA, Bonferroni and independent t-test at alpha

[Effects of combination of long - term ginger consumption and resistance training on lipid peroxidation and insulin resistance in obese men]

Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of long-term ginger consumption and progressive resistance training on lipid per oxidation and insulin resistance in obese men. In a randomized double-blind design, 32 obese men [BMI >/= 30] were assigned in to one of four groups: a Placebo [PL,n=8], Ginger group, that consumed 1 gr ginger/d for 10 wk [GI,n=8], resistance training plus Placebo [PLRT,n=8], and 1gr ginger plus resistance exercise [GIRT, n=8]. Progressive resistance training was performed three days per week for 10 weeks and included 8 exercises. At baseline and after 10 weeks venous blood samples were obtained from the antecubital vein, and Malondialdehyde [MDA] as an indicator of lipid peroxidation, pectrophotometrically were assayed by measurement of TBARS assay. Moreover, insulin resistance was determined using a homeostasis model assessment [HOMA-IR]. Two-way ANOVA were used in the statistical analysis. After 10 weeks of intervention, we observed a significant decrease for MDA concentration in all groups exception Placebo group [P<0.05]. Moreover, significant decreases in the mean values of insulin resistance were observed in CIRT and PLRT groups [P<0.05]. While it remained unchanged in GI and PL groups [p>0.05] Therefore, according to this results it can be said, that, long term ginger consumption and resistance training has been an effective therapeutic devise to favorable changes in lipid peroxidation and insulin resistance in obese men

[ effect of teaching breast self-examination based on health belief model in teachers in Zahedan]

Health Belief Model is a comprehensive model in helping prevent diseases. According to this method, individuals who get sensitive to breast cancer are more motivated for a regular self-breast examination. Considering the 24% of breast cancer in Iran placing the third leading cause of death in women, the present study was carried out to investigate the impact of teaching two methods of self-examination, based on health belief model, on knowledge, attitude and performance of school teachers in Zahedan. In this quasi -experimental study, the impact of two education methods [lecture and simulation] was investigated on knowledge, attitude [HBM] and performance as pretest and posttest on 100 school teachers in a multi-stage random sampling with inclusion criteria of at least 25 years of age, without a family history of breast cancer, and majoring in fields unrelated to medicine on Zahedan school teachers in 2008-2009'. Data were collected via standardized Champion questionnaire designed based on Health Belief Model and, then, analyzed applying SPSS V.15 and T paired, T students, correlation Pearson and, linear regression tests. Changes of knowledge, attitude [HBM] and performance mean scores obtained by paired T- test was significant in the both groups. However, between the two groups, only the performance mean score of the two groups was significantly different. Perceived severity Structures and self-efficacy showed a direct association with performance, while perceived barriers were inversely associated with performance. The only predictive variable of effective learning based on linear regression was health motivation. The current study confirmed efficacy of health belief model on promotion behavior of self-breast examination. Therefore, this model can eliminate barriers which lower self-efficacy in breast cancer and self-breast examination. It also provides a motivation in learning self-breast examination.

Leukocyte antigen [HLA] class ii allele frequencies in female patients with breast cancer: a case control study

The study aimed to examine the association between human leukocyte antigen [HLA] class II allele frequencies and breast cancer in Iranian women. A total of 100 patients with pathologically proven breast cancer who referred to Cancer Institute were randomly selected and compared with a group of age matched healthy blood donors [n = 80]. HLA class II alleles were determined by amplification of DNA followed by HLA-typing using sequence-specific primer [SSP] for each allele. The frequency of HLA-DQA1 0301 [P=0.001, OR=3.4] and HLA-DRB11303 [/M].02, OR=2.3] among breast cancer patients was significantly higher than those in control group. HLA-DQA 10505 [/M].003, OR=0.4], HLA-DRB11301 CP=0.002, OR=0.12] and HLA-DQA10101 [P=0.01, OR=0.21] alleles showed negative association with breast cancer. The findings suggest that HLA-DQA10301 allele is mainly associated with increased risk of breast cancer in Iranian female patients. HLA-DQA 10505 and HLA-DRB11301 alleles are suggested as protective genetic factors against breast cancer. The findings confirm that specific alleles of HLA class II influence breast cancer risk

Evaluation of pathogenic serovars of Leptospira interrogans in dairy cattle herds of Shahrekord by PCR

Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira interrogans. Leptospirosis leads to economical losses in dairy farm industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pathogenic serovars of Leptospira interrogans in dairy cattle herds of Shahrekord by PCR. Two hundred samples [100 urine and 100 blood] were collected from 100 cows randomly and delivered to the laboratory. Samples were stored at -20 °C. DNA was extracted and purified from the plasma and urine samples and concentrated on diatoms in the presence of guanidine thiocyanate [GuSCN]. PCR products were detected and identified as Leptospira by ilumination of the expected size of DNA bands after staining of the agarose gel with ethidium bromide gels. PCR products were purified and sequenced. The results showed that 28% of urine samples and 23% of plasma samples were contaminated. The major serotypes were Icterohaemorrhagiae [50%] and Pomona [37.5%]. The urine samples of 17 cows were positive for Leptospira without positive plasma samples. This indicated that these cows are reservoirs in dairy herds of Shahrekord and dangerous for human health. The plasma samples of twelve cows were positive for Leptospira without positive urine samples. Leptospira serotypes can be maintained in relatively dry regions and must be considered when dealing with leptospirosis in dairy farms of Shahrekord and human health