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Working length determination is a fundamental step in the endodontic treatment of primary and permanent teeth. Radiography is most commonly used for this purpose. However, it requires patient cooperation and is associated with adverse effects of radiation. Apex locators can serve as an efficient alternative for this purpose. We wanted to compare the accuracy of Root ZXII and Raypex 5 electronic apex locators for working length determination in primary teeth.METHODSThis in vitro study was performed on 154 canals of 58 extracted primary teeth. Access cavity was prepared, and a K-file was introduced into the canal until its tip was visible at the apex under a microscope. 0.5 mm was subtracted from this length to determine the actual working length. The canal length was then measured again using Root ZXII and Raypex 5 apex locators. The obtained values were compared with the actual value. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21 via paired t-test with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) at P<0.05 level of significance.RESULTSThe mean difference in values measured by Root ZXII and Raypex 5 and the actual working length was 0.77 ± 0.65 mm and 0.62 ± 0.58 mm, respectively. No significant difference existed in the accuracy of the two apex locators for determination of actual working length (P=0.54). The actual working length had a strong correlation with the values measured by Root ZXII (ICC=0.97) and Raypex 5 (ICC=0.95).CONCLUSIONSBoth apex locators have acceptable accuracy as an alternative to radiography for working length determination in primary teeth.
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ABSTRACT Objective To determine the optimal cut-off value for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) to predict the outcome of microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Subjects and methods We included a total number of 180 patients with NOA. The serum level of FSH was determined and all the subjects underwent micro-TESE. We determined the optimal cut-off value for FSH and assessed whether the test could be effectively used as a successful predictor of sperm retrieval by calculating the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) area under the curve. Results Overall we included a total number of 171 patients with mean age of 34.3 ± 8.6 years. The micro-TESE was considered to be successful in 79 (43.8%) while it failed in 92 (56.2%) patients. We found that the mean level of serum FSH was significantly higher in group those with failed micro-TEST compared to successful group (p < 0.001). The cut-off value for FSH was calculated to be 14.6 mIU/mL to predictive the outcome of micro-TESE with a sensitivity of 83.5% [73.5%-90.9%] and a specificity of 80.3% [69.5%-88.5%]. At this value, the other parameters were calculated to be PPV, 81.5%; NPV, 82.4; LR+, 4.23; and LR-, 0.21. Conclusions The results of the current study indicate that FSH plasma levels above 14.6 mIU/mL can be considered to be the failure predictor of the micro-TESE in NOA patients.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adult , Azoospermia/blood , Sperm Retrieval , Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood , Microsurgery/methods , Reference Values , Cross-Sectional Studies , Prospective Studies , ROC Curve , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Statement of the Problem: Various researchers have suggested the use of beta 2-adrenergic receptor antagonists in prevention or treatment of bone resorption
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of beta 2-adrenergic receptor antagonists on number of osteoclasts and osteoblasts involved in the healing of extraction socket of maxillary first molar in rats
Materials and Method: Maxillary first molars of 40 rats were extracted and divided into two groups. The test group received 0.1 mg/kg propranolol intraperitoneally daily. The controls received normal saline. At days 7, 14, 21 and 28 post-extraction, 5 rats were euthanized from each group. Maxillary bone was resected and the mean number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in tooth socket was measured
Results: After 1 week, the number of osteoclasts in the controls was significantly higher than the test group. A significant increase in the number of osteoclasts in both groups at week 1 was observed compared to the following weeks [p< 0.05]. The number of osteoblasts in the controls at second week reached its maximum rate but stayed constant in the 3[rd] and 4[th] weeks. Osteoblasts in the test group increased similar to the controls but reached its maximum at 3[rd] week and showed a significant increase compared to the controls [p< 0.05]
Conclusion: Beta 2 adrenergic receptor antagonists decrease the number of osteoclasts and increase the number of osteoblasts during extraction socket healing
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Bacillus subtilis refers to stretched and sometimes curved, gram-positive, aerobic, and catalase-positive bacilli, which has thermo-resistant endospores. It has been known as a normal flora in the human but can be pathogens In the case of opportunistic. Also, it can be the pathogen of nosocomial infections such as wound among hospitalized patients. Purpose of this study was to identify the type of nosocomial infections in a burn patient suffering from wound infections and septicemia. In November 2012, sampling was made from the burn wound of a 26- year-old woman infected with septicemia using a sterile swab. The wound sample was cultured on a blood agar medium. Various routine biochemical tests were performed for species detection and identification. Eventually, PCR was used to increase the reliability and accuracy in the identification of the isolated bacterium. The PCR product was then sequenced. According to the results of different biochemical tests and molecular identification, the bacteria separated from B. subtilis wound were reported. The mentioned gene was recorded under access number AB894357 in the gene bank. According to the conducted studies, although B. subtilis is known as a commensal bacterium, it can be considered a pathogen of nosocomial infection, which subsequently causes secondary infections. Considering that B. subtilis is known as a nonpathogenic bacterium, it is recommended to pay more attention to its diagnosis and treatment as an opportunistic pathogen among hospitalized patients
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Physalis alkekengi by effective ingredients such as alkaloids, glucocorticoids and because of antioxidant property can play a role in homeostasis. The aim of this study was to examine the possible effects of fruit extract of P. alkekengi on blood homogram. Forty male rats were divided to control, sham [normal saline] and experimental groups [highest, moderate and minimum doses of alcoholic extract]. Then, the blood samples were taken in order to perform laboratory test by Sysmex analyzer, and were analyzed using ANOVA. Results showed that the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit increased and white blood cells decreased. Fruit extract of P. alkekensi is probably effective in treatment of anemia
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Flavonoids play significant role in the treatment of many diseases. Green tea [Camellia Sinensis L.] is a common beverage all over the world with antioxidant and detoxification effects related to the presence of flavonoids and catchins. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of green tea on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity. In this experimental study, 64 male Wistar rats were allocated to eight groups. The control group received a normal diet alone, sham group received normal saline, hepatotoxic group received thioacetamide [50 mg/kg thioacetamide for three days], other groups received a thioacetamide for three days and the alcoholic extract of bgreen tea, at minimum [50 mg/kg], moderate [100 mg/kg], and maximum [200 mg/kg] doses, glutathione [250 mg/kg], green tea [200 mg/kg] with glutathione [250 mg/kg] for 21 days [i.p.]. After that, blood samples were drawn and the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, total protein and albumin, as liver injury indices, were measured. The decrease of aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity in the receptors of different dosages of green tea and glutathione was significant compared with the group treated by thioacetamide. Also, a significant increase was observed in total protein and albumin of serum in green tea receptors compared with thioacetamide group. The study results show the protective effect of green tea on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity which is likely caused by the antioxidant effect of polyphenol compounds controlling thioacetamide activity which in turn controls the cytochrome P450 activity and neutralization of free radicals
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Cancer or neoplasia is recognized as abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells. New cases of cancer reported everyday. Development of medical science led to diagnostic and treatment methods for cancer. Many drugs are used in cancer chemotherapy and can treat a wide range of cancers. These drugs work in different ways and can lead to deficiency of immune cells and humoral responses. So it is expected that people treating with these drugs show higher rates of parasitic infections. This study was done to compare intestinal parasitic infections in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with healthy ones and with cancer patients that were not undergoing chemotherapy. In this case-control study three groups of people were selected. First group were 250 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy for at least 1 month. Second group were 250 healthy people with immunocompetency. Third group were 100 cancer patients not that undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We take a stool specimen from each person. Specimens examined by direct [for diarrheal ones] and formalin-ether [for all]. In order to investigate the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum, we take a thin smear from each specimen and stained it by Zeil Nelson method. Frequency of intestinal parasitic infections in first, second and third group were 24.8%, 33.6% and 28%; respectively; but differences were not statistically significant [P=0.09%]. In another investigation of intestinal parasites in three groups, infection rate of E.hartmani in second group and G.lamblia in first group was significantly higher. Infection rates of other parasites were not significantly different. Overally in three groups, most frequent parasites were B.hominis 12.8%, E.coli 11.7% and G.lamblia 4.3%, Cryptosporidium infection was not seen. Despite our hypothesis, prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in three groups were not significantly different. Drugs used in cancer chemotherapy may have suppressive effects on parasites or kill them. In another hand, cancer patients despite their depressed immunity may show parasitic infection less than expected because of less exposure to parasites due to special medical care
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Role of genetic factors in etiology of preeclampsia is not confirmed yet. Gene defect frequency varies in different geographic areas as well as ethnic groups. In this study, the role of factor V Leiden mutation in the pathogenesis of preeclamsia syndrome among the pregnant population of northern shore of Persian Gulf in Iran, were considered. Between Jan. 2008 and Dec. 2009, in a nested case control study, pregnant women with preeclamsia [N=198] as cases and healthy [N=201] as controls were enrolled in the study. DNA were extracted from 10 CC peripheral blood and analyzed for presence of factor V Leiden mutation in these subjects. The maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy according to the distribution of factor V Leiden were also compared among cases. In total, 17[8.6%] of cases and 2 [1%] of controls showed the factor V Leiden mutation. The incidence of factor V Leiden was typically higher in preeclamsia women than control group [OR: 9.34%95 CI: 21.12-41.01]. There was no difference in incidence rate of preterm delivery <37 weeks [OR: 1.23%95 CI: 0.38-4.02], very early preterm delivery <32 weeks [OR: 1.00%95 CI: 0.12-8.46], intra uterine fetal growth restriction [IUGR] [OR: 1.32%95 CI: 0.15-1130], and the rate of cesarean section [OR: 0.88%95 CI: 0.29-2.62] among cases based on the prevalence of factor V Leiden mutation. The pregnant women with factor V Leiden mutation are prone for preeclampsia syndrome during pregnancy, but this risk factor was not correlated to pregnancy complications in the studied women
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Factor V/genetics , Gene Frequency , Heterozygote , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Mutation , Pregnancy OutcomeABSTRACT
There is an increased risk of neural tube defects and axial skeletal malformations among infants born by mothers who had received valproic acid. The aim of the present study is, if administration of valproic acid can induce maternal hepatic Metallothionein [MT] synthesis and so secondary decrease of plasma Zn. In the present experimental study, mated rats were divided into four groups of 12 animals each [control, valproic acid [VPA], valproic acid + zinc [VPA+ Zn] and Zinc [Zn] groups. The VPA group received 300 mg/kg valproic acid; daily. The control group received an equal volume of 0.9% NaCI. The VPA+ Zn group received 300 mg/kg VPA as well as 30 mg/kg zinc sulfate, and the Zn group received 30 mg/kg zinc sulfate, daily. These drugs were administered intraperitoneally from day 6 through day 15 of gestation. Dams were killed on GD 16 or 20. Blood was drawn to determine plasma zinc; furthermore, maternal liver Zn and MT were also determined. The zinc concentration in the plasma of rats treated with valproic acid was significantly lower than those of the other groups on GD 16 [p=0.004], but liver Zn [p=0.016] and MT [p=0.004] were significantly higher than those of the control group. On GD 20 the incidence of skeletal malformations and neural tube defects tended to be higher in VPA group than VPA+ Zn treated group and no anomalies were seen in the control group. The results from the present experiment support hypothesis that one of biochemical lesions causing the teratogenicity of VPA is a drug -induced maternal plasma zinc deficiency secondary to Metallothionein induction in liver
Subject(s)
Animals, Laboratory , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Teratogens , Abnormalities, Drug-Induced , Metallothionein , LiverABSTRACT
The effect of thyroxine [L-T4] administration on the size of cold thyroid nodules was evaluated in a retrospective study. In 108 patients, 96 women and 12 men, residing in Tehran-an area of iodine deficiency-85% of the patients were between 20 and 50 years of age. Three months after treatment with L-T4, 9% of the nodules disappeared, 40% decreased in size, 48% were unchanged and 3% increased in size. Five out of six pea-size nodules disappeared after three months of treatment. The effect of L-T4 on the size of thyroid nodules was not affected by the T4 dosage, continuing treatment up to six months, and presence or absence of goiter. This study demonstrates that treatment with L-T4 is an effective method in shrinking the cold thyroid nodules in Tehran