Effect of modified 45s5 bioglass on physical and chemical properties of bleached enamel

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate of the effects of modified 45S5 bioglass (BG) before, after, and during the bleaching procedure with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) on the tooth colour change and physicochemical and morphological properties of human enamel. Methods: Forty-two human premolar enamel samples were prepared and randomly divided into six groups as G1: control (deionized distilled water for 20 min), G2: BG (Bioglass suspension for 20 min), G3: HP (hydrogen peroxide 35% for 20 min), G4: BG before HP (Bioglass suspension for 20 min followed by hydrogen peroxide 35%) , G5: BG after HP (hydrogen peroxide 35% followed by Bioglass suspension for 20 min), and G6: BG during HP (Bioglass in hydrogen peroxide 35% suspension for 20 min). The treatment procedure was performed on the whole enamel surface. Colorimetry was done before and after the treatment procedure. Two specimens from each group were selected for morphological analysis with scanning electron microscope (SEM). Microhardness analysis was performed after the treatment procedure and chemical analysis of BG dissolution was done for BG+DDW and BG+HP suspensions. Results: No statistically significant difference in colour was observed among different groups (P= 0.073133) and the yellowness index decreased in all of the four HP groups. The greatest reduction in microhardness occurred in groups HP and BG before HP (P<0.001) while the BG group showed increased microhardness measurements (P<0.001). Statically significant differences in microhardness were found among the groups. Elemental analysis showed significantly increased levels of Ca and P in BG after HP and BG before HP groups when compared to the HP group. Ionic release of BG was significantly greater in HP when compared to DDW. Conclusion: Using BG before HP had a greater protective effect since it increased microhardness more effectively, decreased mineral loss, and retained the integrity of the enamel surface. The HP group had the lowest microhardness and BG during HP showed less protective effects compared to BG before HP

Factors Associated with Cesarean Section in Tehran, Iran using Multilevel Logistic Regression Model

OBJECTIVES: Over the past few decades, the prevalence of cesarean sections (CS) have risen dramatically worldwide, particularly in Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CS in Tehran, and to examine the associated risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 4,308 pregnant women with singleton live-births in Tehran, Iran, between July 6–21, 2015 was performed. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed using demographic and obstetrical variables at the first level, and hospitals as a variable at the second level. RESULTS: The incidence of CS was 72.0%. Multivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between CS and the mother's age, socioeconomic status, body mass index, parity, type of pregnancy, preeclampsia, infant height, and baby's head circumference. The intra-class correlation using the second level variable, the hospital was 0.292, indicating approximately 29.2% of the total variation in the response variable accounted for by the hospital. CONCLUSION: The incidence of CS was substantially higher than other countries. Therefore, educational and psychological interventions are necessary to reduce CS rates amongst pregnant Iranian women.

Nutritional intake and its association with educational achievement in high-school students in Islamic Republic of Iran

Background: Inadequate food intake can affect learning and memory. Studies on the nutrient intake of adolescents in Sabzevar are lacking.

Aims: This study assessed the nutrient intake of high-school students in Sabzevar and its association with academic attainment.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 800 of 8 000 high-school students in Sabzevar. Stratified sampling was used. Demographic data and academic information were collected and the parents of the students completed a food frequency questionnaire which included 189 food items. The students' weight and height were measured using standard methods. Each food was coded using Nutritionist IV software and mean values of nutrients [13 vitamins/minerals, 4 food types and total energy] were calculated.

Results: The mean body mass index of female and male students was 20. 3 [SD 2.7] kg/m2 and 19.5 [SD 3.2] kg/m2 respectively. The intakes of energy, vitamins A, C, D, folic acid, calcium, iron and zinc were significantly lower than the dietary reference intake [P < 0.05]. A statistically significant correlation was seen between iron intake and academic scores in female students [P < 0.05] but not for any other nutrient.

Conclusions: The intake of most nutrients in high-school students in Sabzevar was lower than the dietary reference intake. Nutrition education and nutritional support strategies are recommended to improve the nutritional status of these students

Attitude of law and medical students to oocyte donation

Background: Among the young generation, medical and law students' attitude towards third party reproduction is very important because they will be directly involved in restricting or developing the programs that will support it in the future. The aim of this survey was to investigate attitude of law and medical students to oocyte donation and key aspects of this kind of third party

Materials and Methods: In analytical cross-sectional study, 345 medical and law students were randomly selected using stratified sampling. Data was collected using attitude toward donation- oocyte [ATOD-O] questionnaire. Re- sponses were on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed according to established statistical approach by Heeren and D'Agostino

Results: The majority of the participants agreed with oocyte donation being the last choice for infertility treatment. There was a significant difference between medical students and law students regarding the acceptance of oocyte donation [3.23 vs. 3.53, P=0.025]. In addition, female participants were more tolerant on receiving donated oocytes from their sisters than male participants [3.01 vs. 2.58, P=0.002] and finally, a higher number of the participants had a positive attitude towards anonymity of the donor and the recipient to one another [3.93 vs. 3.86, P=0.580]. The vast majority of female students believed that the oocyte recipient naturally likes that child [P<0.0001]

Conclusion: In the current study, a great majority of law and medical students support oocyte donation as an alternative way of starting a family. There is an interest among female students in donating oocytes anonymously. The majority believed that the oocyte recipient family will like the donor oocyte child naturally

Relationship between quality of life, relationship beliefs and attribution style in infertile couples

Background: Many infertile couples experience psychological distress and suffer from impaired quality of life. Gen- erally, when couples are dealing with uncontrolled events such as infertility, it is important to manage it well and to use the suitable coping style; so this can represent an example of attribution style. The purpose of this study is to investigate the quality of life, relationship beliefs and attribution style in infertile couples

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 50 infertile couples, who were at least 18 years of age and could read and write in Persian. Participants provided demographic and general characteristics and completed the quality of life [SF-12], relationship belief inventory [RBI] and attribution style [ASQ] forms. Data was analyzed by the paired t test, Pearson correlation tests and multiple linear regression analysis, using SPSS version 22 statistical software

Results: Overall, 50 infertile couples participated in our study. The males had a significantly higher score for quality of life compared to the females [P=0.019]. In RBI subscales except "Disagreement is Destructive" all others signifi- cantly higher in wives than husbands. All subscales of RBI had a negative correlation with the quality of life. The quality of life had a significant correlation with positive internal [r=0.213, P=0.033]. The adjusted regression model showed that the quality of life for males was higher than in females [beta=-3.098, P=0.024]

Conclusion: The current data indicate that in infertile couples, the husbands have a higher quality of life in comparison to their wives. Also, all subscales of relationship beliefs have a negative correlation with the quality of life, but in at- tribution style, just internal attribution style for positive events is associated with the quality of life. In general, there is a correlation between relationship beliefs and the quality of life in infertile couples

Evaluation of three plant extracts against biofilm formation and expression of quorum sensing regulated virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Following the increasing antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria, the use of medicinal herbs as antibacterial agents has attracted growing attention. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a human opportunistic pathogen that uses quorum sensing for regulating virulence gene expression [pyocyanin, protease, and elastase production and biofilm formation]. This study examined the anti-quorum sensing activity of Quercus infectoria, Zataria multiflora and Trachyspermum copticum extracts on standard P. aeruginosa strain. The minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] of Q. infectoria, Z. multiflora and T. copticum extracts for standard P. aeruginosa strain was determined through micro dilution. Microtiter plates were used to evaluate the anti-quorum sensing effects of the three extracts [at a sub-MIC concentration] on pyocyanin, protease, and elastase production and biofilm formation. The acetone extract of Q. infectoria showed the highest anti-quorum sensing activity and reduced the pyocyanin, protease, and elastase production and biofilm formation by 89.1%, 78%, 73.3%, and 70.1%, respectively. The corresponding values were 88.2%, 72.1%, 69%, and 61.1% for the methanol extract of Z. multiflora and 70.6%, 63.42%, 60.1%, and 59.1% for the methanol extract of T. copticum. Considering the high anti-quorum sensing activity of the studied extracts, especially the acetone extract of Q. infectoria, these herbs can be used as antipathogenic drugs

Evaluation on hope and psychological symptoms in infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatment

Background: This study evaluated hope, depression, anxiety, and stress among three groups of infertile couples

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of three groups of infertile couples-candidates for oocyte donation [n=60], embryo donation [n=60], and normal infertile [n=60]. Participants included couples seen at Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran between 2013-2014 who were at least 18 years of age and could read and write in Persian. Participants provided demographic and general characteristics and completed the Persian version of the Adult Trait Hope Scale [hope, agency and pathway] and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale [DASS]. Data was analyzed by the paired t test, ANOVA, ANCOVA and Pearson correlation tests using SPSS statistical software

Results: Overall, 180 infertile couples participated in the three groups. There was a significant higher mean score for hope in husbands compared to wives in the normal infertile group [P=0.046]. Husbands in the normal infertile group also had a significantly higher mean score for pathway [P=0.032]. The frequency of anxiety significantly differed in female subjects [P=0.028]. In the normal infertile group, the anxiety distribution significantly differed between wives and husbands [P=0.006]. There was a significantly different stress frequency in male subjects [P=0.048]. In the embryo donation group, stress significantly differed between wives and husbands [P=0.002]. In the normal infertile group, stress also significantly differed between wives and husbands [P=0.05]

Conclusion: The results have suggested that hope might be important in reducing psychological symptoms and psychological adjustment in those exposed to infertility problems who follow medical recommendations, which accelerates recovery. It is recommended to hold psychological counseling sessions [hope therapy] during reproduction cycles

Correlation of the etiology of infertility with life satisfaction and mood disorders in couples who undergo assisted reproductive technologies

Background: This study compared common psychological symptoms and life satisfaction in husbands and wives according to infertility diagnosis

Materials and Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study on 248 infertile couples between November 1, 2014 and February 28, 2015 at Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran. Participants answered three questionnaires. First, they completed a demographic questionnaire followed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS, 14-item self-report instrument] composed of two sub-scales: anxiety [HADS-A] and depression [HADS-D]. Participants also completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale [SLWS] comprised of 5 items. Both our questionnaires were validated for the Iranian population

Results: In couples with male factor infertility, wives had a significantly higher mean score for anxiety compared to their husbands [P<0.001]. When the cause of infertility was female factor, the wives appeared significantly more anxious [P<0.001] and depressed [P=0.004] than their husbands. Male patients, those with unknown and female factors, expressed greater satisfaction with life compared to other male patients [P=0.022]. Significantly greater depression existed among the couples in which the wives' educational levels was above their husbands [P=0.045]

Conclusion: Our findings showed that when the infertility etiology was male factor, female factors or unexplained, wives showed significantly higher anxiety than their husbands. In couples diagnosed with female factor infertility, wives showed significantly more depression than their husbands

Identification of reproductive education needs of infertile clients undergoing assisted reproduction treatment using assessments of their knowledge and attitude

Background: In order to empower infertile individuals and provide high quality patient-centered infertility care, it is necessary to recognize and meet infertile individuals' educational needs. This study aims to examine infertility patients' knowledge and subsequently their education needs given their attitudinal approach to infertility education in terms of patients who undergo assisted reproduction treatment

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study enrolled 150 subjects by convenience sampling of all patients who received their first assisted reproductive treatment between July and September 2015 at a referral fertility clinic, Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran. We used a questionnaire that measured fertility and infertility information [8 questions] as well as attitude toward education on the causes and treatment of infertility [5 questions]. Chi-square, independent sample t test, and one way ANOVA analyses were conducted to examine differences by sex. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant

Results: Total mean knowledge was 3.08 +/- 0.99. Clients' responses indicated that the highest mean knowledge scores related to knowledge of factors that affected pregnancy [3.97 +/- 1.11] and infertility treatment [3.97 +/- 1.16]. The lowest mean knowledge scores related to knowledge of the natural reproductive cycle [2.96 +/- 1.12] and anatomy of the genital organs [2.94 +/- 1.16]. Most females [92.1%] and males [83.3%] were of the opinion that infertility education programs should include causes of infertility and types of treatment associated with diagnostic and laboratory procedures. No statistically significant difference existed between male and female participants [P=0.245]

Conclusion: Most participants in this study expressed awareness of factors that affect pregnancy and infertility treatment. It is imperative to educate and empower infertile individuals who seek reproduction treatment in terms of infertility causes and types of treatment, as well as diagnostic and laboratory procedures to enable them to make informed decisions about their assisted reproductive procedures

A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial of silymarin in ulcerative colitis / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical efficacy of silymarin in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A randomized double blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 80 UC patients whose disease had been documented and were in remission state between September 2009 and October 2010. Patients were assigned to silymarin group (42 cases) and placebo group (38 cases) using a random number table. Either silymarin (140 mg) or placebo (lactose mono-hydrate, corn starch magnesium stearate) tablets were given once daily for 6 months along with their standard therapy. The efficacies were assessed by disease activity index (DAI), frequency difference of the disease flare-up, and paraclinical data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ten patients (4 in the silymarin group due to nausea and 6 in the placebo group due to disease flare-up and abdominal pain) discontinued the study. An improvement in hemoglobin level (11.8±1.6 g/dL vs. 13.4±1.2 g/dL,P<0.05) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (23.7±11.5 mm/h vs.10.8±3.2 mm/h,P<0.05) was observed in the silymarin group but not in the placebo group. DAI significantly decreased in the silymarin group and reached from 11.3±3.5 to 10.7±2.8 (P<0.05). Thirty-five out of 38 patients in the silymarin group were in complete remission with no flare-up after 6 months as compared to 21 out of 32 patients in the placebo group (P=0.5000).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Silymarin as a natural supplement may be used in UC patients to maintain remission.</p>

[Effects of drug substance crystal (methamphetamine) on histopathology and biochemical parameters of kidney in adult male mice]

Background and Aim: Methamphetamine causes damage in different body organs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of methamphetamine on morphometric changes and biochemical parameters in kidney of adult mice

Material and Methods: In this experimental study, 56 mice were randomly divided into 7 groups: control and 6 experimental groups. Experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 received methamphetamine 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg respectively for 10 days. Experimental groups 4, 5 and 6 received methamphetamine [5, 10 and 20 mg/kg] respectively for 40 days. After 10 and 40 days, kidneys of the mice of the experimental groups were removed and after tissue processing and imaging, volume of kidney and glomerulus were measured by using cavalieri's principle. In addition blood urea and creatinine levels were measured. Using SPSS software, data were analyzed by means of ANOVA

Results: Histopatological study showed that methamphetamine increased renal damage in a dose dependent manner. High doses of methamphetamine caused a moderate lobulation, glomerulosclerosis and kidney congestion. There was also a significant difference between the experimental [groups 3 to 6] and control groups in regard to the volumes of kidney and glomerulus [P=0.000]. Significant differences were found in the level of urea in group 6 and creatinine levels in all experimental groups compared to those of control group [P=0.000]

Conclusion: Use of 10 mg/kg of methamphetamine for 40 days led to destructive effects on kidney tissue. Also, it increased serum levels of urea and creatinine

[Protective role of green tea [camellia sinensis] hydroalcholic extract on sperm parameters and testicular tissue in NMRI mice exposed to sodium arsenite]

Background and Aim: Sodium arsenite is an environmental pollutant with the capacity of generating free radicals and tissue damage. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of green tea extract [GTE], as an antioxidant, on sperm parameters and testis tissues of the mice treated with sodium arsenite

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult male NMRI mice with mean body weight 30 +/- 5g were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: control, sodium arsenite [5mg/kg/d.], GTE [100mg/kg/d.] and sodium arsenite+GTE. Oral treatments were performed as long as 34 days. At the end of treatments, body and left testis weight were recorded and the left caudal epididymis of each subject was cut under Ham's F10. Then, the released spermatozoa were used to analyze sperm parameters. Sperm chromatin quality was assessed by nuclear staining using acridine orange and aniline blue. The left testis of each mouse was used for histopathological observation. The serum malondialdehyde [MDA] level was measured as an index of lipid peroxidation. Finally, the obtained data was analyzed by means of one-was ANOVA at the significant level P<0.05

Results: A significant decrease in the number, motility, viability [P<0.001] and normal morphology of sperm [P<0.01] and also in mean diameter of seminiferous tubules, germinal epithelium thickness [P<0.001] were found in the mice treated with sodium arsenite compared to the controls. The mice treated with sodium arsenite revealed a significant increase in the mean diameter of seminiferous tubules lumen and MDA levels [P<0.001]. The above parameters were significantly compensated in the sodium arsenite+GTE group. Sodium arsenite had no effect on the body and testis weight, diameter of spermatogonial nucleus, sperm DNA integrity, and histone-protamine replacement

Conclusion: The results indicate that green tea extract can partially be useful in reducing sodium arsenite-induced toxicity

Antibacterial activity of propolis ethanol extract against antibiotic resistance bacteria isolated from burn wound infections

Burn wound is a suitable site for incidence of resistant infections; thus, the research for finding effective drugs against this infection is necessary. The purpose of this study was to determine antibacterial activity of Isfahan bee propolis extracts against beta-lactamase producing bacteria isolated from burn wound infections. Ethanol extract of Isfahan bee propolis was prepared by 28 g of propolis in 100 ml of 70% ethanol. Antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts were evaluated against beta-lactamase producing bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa] isolated of burn wound infection by well diffusion method. Broth serial dilution method was used to determine MBC of extract. Beta-lactamase production of isolates was detected by iodometric test, imipenem-EDTA combined disk test and imipenem-EDTA double-disk synergy test. Ethanol extract of propolis was found to be the most effective against S. aureus strains [inhibition zone=17.66 +/- 0.47 mm] than P. aeruginosa strains [inhibition zone=7 mm]. The MIC and MBC values of the extracts against S. aureus strains were 0.0143 and 0.0286 mg/ml and these values against P. aeruginosa strains were 0.75 and 1.5 mg/ml, respectively. Among the S. aureus clinical isolates, all of strains produced beta-lactamase. Imipenem-EDTA double-disk synergy test showed that only one clinical isolate of P. aeruginosa was metallo-beta-lactamase positive. This study demonstrated that ethanol extract of Isfahan bee propolis is mainly active against S. aureus and it is effective on P. aeruginosa at higher concentration. Ethanol extract of propolis did not inhibit production of beta-lactamase enzyme in tested bacteria

[Molecular identification of corynebacterium minutissimum in skin lesions suspicious for erythrasma by the PCR method]

Erythrasma is a chronic superficial infection of the intertriginous areas. Most laboratories use methylene blue stain and 10% KOH smear to identify Corynebacterium minutissimum [C. minutissimum] by direct observation of filamentous bacilli. Occasionally atypical forms can be seen that create problems in diagnosis. This study aims to use the polymerase chain reaction [PCR] method in order to definitively identify C. minutissimum as an agent of erythrasma. This research was performed during 2013 on 100 skin scrapings suspicious for erythrasma which were obtained from various medical mycology laboratories in Tehran. Samples were tested by three methods - direct examination, culture and PCR. DNA was extracted by the modified phenol-chloroform method after which PCR was performed using designed primers. We sequenced some of the PCR products. The sensitivity and specificity of the PCR method was compared to the direct and culture examinations. Of the 100 samples, there were 25 positive samples according to PCR analysis, 13 positive by direct examination and 23 that cultured positive. DNA sequencing results showed the presence of C. minutissimum. The PCR method in comparison with direct examination had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 86.2%. The study also showed that the PCR method in comparison with culture had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 97.4%. This study showed that the PCR method in comparison with the direct method and culture had a higher sensitivity in the detection of C. minutissimum. The present PCR method confirmed all typical and some of the atypical forms of C. minutissimum which indicated the importance of this method in the definitive diagnosis of erythrasma

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of extract of rumex alveollatus leaf against staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa

There is considerable interest in alternative approaches for eradication of infections causes by pathogenic bacteria especially resistant bacteria. Methanol and ethanol extracts of Rumex alveollatus leaves were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. In this empirical-experimental study, the agar plate well diffusion method was used for antibacterial assay of different sample. Broth microdilution method was used for evaluate Minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and Minimal bactericidal concentration [MBC] of extracts. All extracts demonstrated significant inhibitory effect against selected bacterial strains. There were statistically significant correlations between antibacterial activity and concentration of the extracts [p<0.05]. The MIC values of the extracts ranged from 31.3 mg/ml to 62.5 mg/ml whereas the MBC values ranged from 62.5 mg/ml to 125.0 mg/ml. Result from these finding suggest that methanol and ethanol extracts of Rumex alveollatus leaves may be used as natural antibacterial for treatment of some diseases, especially local skin diseases

Phytochemical composition of the essential oil of different populations of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the chemical variability in inflorescences of wild populations of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl (S. lavandulifolia) collected throughout two provinces (Isfahan and Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary), Southwest Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The essential oils of S. lavandulifolia Vahl from seven locations were obtained by hydro-distillation and analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results revealed that distinct differences in the content of compounds depending on region of sample collection. The main constituents of the essential oils were α-thujone (0.3%-32.3%), α-pinene (trace to 37.3%), myrcene (0.5%-15.9%), β-phellandrene (1.1%-37.9%), germacrene D (0.4%-11.3%), Δ-cadinene (trace to 11.6%) and 1, 4-methano-1 H-indene (trace to 10.1%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results of the present study indicated that essential oil components of S. lavandulifolia Vahl can be varied with genetic (ecotype), environmental conditions and geographic origin. In general, the essential oils of various populations of S. lavandulifolia Vahl were rich in monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids.</p>

[Comparison of three impression taking methods on die dimension variation]

Background and Aim: Dimensional stability of die is very important factor in fixed prosthodontic treatments and different impression techniques is one of the most factors in this specify, the aim of this study was comparison of three impression. Techniques: one step and two step without spacer and two step with spacer on die dimensional variation

Materials and methods: This experimental study, was carried out using laboratory stainless steel master models that contained three complete crown abutment preparations with 22 mm distance, 7 mm diameter 7.5 mm height and 3 [degree sign]convergence. To prepare master casts three impression techniques was done by using president silicone impression material. Twelve impression were taken for each technique and Elite Rock tip IV casting material was used to prepare stone models. Profile projector and micrometer were used to measure different dimensions of laboratory model. Anova test were used for data analysis

Results: The study was carried out on 36 impressions in three groups . The measurement location for crowns distances and height of the main model to the impression methods [p<0.4] and in HC distance is similar. The results in main model was 7.4+0.06, in one step 7.37+0.04 , in two steps 7.31+0.03 and in 2 steps with space was 7.33+0.05 micrometers [p<0.6]

Conclusions: It seems the impressions methods do not affect on the dimensional changes of die and their dimensional changes are not significant. The study on other related factors on dimensional changes of die is recommended