[Application of micro agglutination test in detecting serovars of leptospira]

Leptospirosis is an infectious and zoonosis disease, which is caused by leptospira and is transmitted from animal to human. The rapid diagnosis can control the disease, therefore this study was carried out to determine the prevalent serovars of leptospira using micro agglutination test [MAT] in human and cattles. In this descriptive study, 175 cattles and 67 suspected human serum samples were tested in five provinces in Iran during 2011-12. Serum samples tested by micro agglutination test using 20 live leptospira serogroup. Ninty nine out of 175 [56.5%] cattle serum samples and 31 out of 67 [46.2%] human samples were positive against leptospira antigen. The most prevalent leptospira serovar in cattles and human were Serjoe hardjo [61.9%] and Serjoe serjoe [23%], respectively. The most frequent titer in positive samples was equal to be 1/400. Fifty percent of human positive samples belong to farmers between 20-40 years old. The common contaminations belong to polluted water [61.1%] and infected blood [28.3%], respectively. Using micro agglutination test, the most prevalent leptospira serovar in cattles was Serjoe hardjo and in human was Serjoe serjoe

[Improving emergency department processes using computer simulation]

Introduction: Hospital Emergency Departments [ED] face different problems affecting their performance. Deficiency of inpatient beds, inability to access suitable care, noisy and overcrowded places, etc. lead to prolonged waiting time, increased length of stay and low service quality. The main purpose of this study was to improve patient flow processes in emergency departments

Method: The population of this descriptive- applied study included unlimited number of patients who referred to the ED of the selected hospital. Colored Petri Net was used to model patient flow processes and CPN Tools software was employed to simulate and investigate different improvement scenarios. Input data for the simulation model were obtained through timing during data collection period. Patients' waiting time, length of stay, and resource utilization were defined as performance measures. Four improving scenarios [B, C, D, and E] were defined and their effects were investigated to improve processes

Results: According to simulation outputs, scenario B led to 45% decrease in waiting time for the specialists while the other scenarios had no positive [decreasing] impact on waiting time. Scenario E was the most effective one in decreasing the length of stay for patients at different ESI levels. Scenarios E and D had positive effect on resource utilization

Conclusions: Selection of the best scenario depends on the mission of ED, i.e. to save patients' life. Therefore, a scenario which is the most effective one in saving life must be chosen even if it is expensive. Although it is expensive, scenario E is preferred to scenario D due to its improved outcome. Scenario D is the second best scenario, compared to the other two scenarios, because it is less expensive

staphylococcus aureus exotoxin recognition using a sensor designed by nanosilica and SEA genotyping by multiplex PCR

Considering the ever increasing population and industrialization of the developmental trend of human life, we are no longer able to detect the toxins produced in food products using the traditional techniques. This is due to the fact that the isolation time for food products is not cost-effective, and even in most of the cases, the precision of practical techniques like bacterial cultivation and other techniques suffers from operator errors, or the errors of the mixtures used. Hence, with the advent of nanotechnology, the design of selective and smart sensors has turned into one of the greatest industrial revelations of the quality control of food products that, in few minutes time and with a very high precision, can identify the volume and toxicity of the bacteria. In this research, based on the bacterial antibody's connection to nanoparticles, a sensor was used. In this part of the research, as the basis for absorption for the recognition of bacterial toxin, medium sized silica nanoparticles of 10 nm in the form of solid powder were utilized with Notrino brand. Then the suspension produced from the agent-linked nanosilica, which was connected to the bacterial antibody, was positioned near the samples of distilled water, which were contaminated withStaphylococcus aureus bacterial toxin with the density of 10[-3] molar, so that in case any toxin exists in the sample, a connection between the toxin antigen and the antibody would be formed. Finally, the light absorption related to the connection of antigen to the particle-attached antibody was measured using spectrophotometry. The 23S rRNA gene that is conserved in allStaphylococcus spp. was used as the control. The accuracy of the test was monitored by using the serial dilution [l0[-6]] of overnight cell culture of Staphylococcus spp. bacteria [OD[600]: 0.02 = 107 cell]. It showed that the sensitivity of PCR is 10 bacteria per ml of cells within few hours. The results indicated that the sensor detects up to 10-[4] molar density. Additionally, the sensitivity of the sensor was examined after 60 days; by the 56 day, it had confirmatory results, which started to decrease after this time. Comparison of practical nanobiosensory method with the conventional methods including culture and bio-technology methods [such as polymerase chain reaction] confirmed its accuracy, sensitiveness and uniqueness. It also reduces the time from hours to 30 minutes

Trends in cardiovascular disease risk factors in children and adolescents: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Studies have shown that cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, blood lipid levels, start early in childhood and some are on the rise in children. Data on trends are important in order to identify if there is a problem. This study, part of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, determined and compared the prevalence of overweight and its associated risk factors in 2 555, 1 329 and 1 158 Tehran children and adolescents in 2000, 2003 and 2006 respectively. The participants were categorized into age groups 3-6, 7-12 and 13-17 years. Body mass index measurements were taken and blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides measured. Overall the prevalence of obesity in Tehran children and adolescents increased significantly from 2000 to 2006 while blood pressure and serum lipid concentrations decreased. The causes for the decreased blood pressure and serum lipid concentrations should be evaluated. The increased prevalence of obesity in Tehran children and adolescents is of concern and requires monitoring

[Effects of probiotic and calcium butyrate on production performance, egg quality, blood parameters and immune response in laying hens]

The effects of probiotic and calcium butyrate [Ca-butyrate] as feed additives on performance and immune response have been shown in laying hens. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different levels of probiotic and Ca-butyrate on performance, egg quality, blood parameters and immune response in laying hens. Two hundred and eighty eight Hy-Line W-36 hens [62 to 70 wks of age] were used in a 2×3 factorial arrangement with three levels of probiotic [0, 0.07 and 0.01 percent] and two levels of Ca-butyrate [0 and 0.1 percent] in a completely randomized design of 6 treatments and 8 replicates. The results showed that feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, shape index, yolk index, haugh unit, egg weight and specific gravity were not affected by probiotic and Ca-butyrate. While egg weight and egg mass were significantly [p<0.05] increased using probiotic compared with the control diet, such an effect was not observed due to Ca-butyrate addition. However, shell thickness showed significant increase [p<0.05] in response to Ca-butyrate. The interaction between different levels of probiotic and Ca-butyrate was only significant for feed conversion ratio [p<0.05]. Antibody titer against sheep red blood cell [SRBC] was not affected [p>0.05] by experimental treatments. The concentration of serum albumin was significantly increased [p<0.05] by adding probiotic and Ca-butyrate to feed. Furthermore, significant increase [p<0.05] in total serum protein was pronounced in response to probiotic and Ca-butyrate. However, other serum metabolites [total calcium, triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations] were not affected by treatments. The relative percentage of heterophiles and heterophiles to lymphocytes ratio were significantly decreased [p<0.05] using probiotic. Dietary probiotic and Ca-butyrate can be considered as additives to improve immune responses in laying hens

[Increased prevalence of depression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome]

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS], the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age, has a prevalence of 6 to 7 percent. Previous studies have shown that depressive mood disorders in this group is more than other women of similar ages. The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of depression in this group to women without the condition

Materials and Methods: In these cross-sectional analytic study, 71 patients with PCOS diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria, were selected after an initial survey conducted to determine demographic characteristic, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and reproductive status, following which the Beck 2 depression questionnaire was used to assess depression in both groups. The study of 134 of PCOS and controls

Results: The average Beck 2 score number in patients was 16.01[ +/- 10.8] and in the control group was 11.56 [ +/- 8.8], p-value=0.003, which was statistically significant. Frequency of moderate to severe depressed mood based on Beck 2 criteria in the patient group was 23 [32.4%] and in the control group was 19 [14.2%], difference statistically significant, p-value=0.002

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression in patients with PCOS is more than in normal women, and should be kept in mind in the follow up of these patients

Fractal time series analysis of force in subjects with chronic ankle instability

Forces which applied to ankle joint for control of stability can cause damage to joint if it does not have suitable control. Chronic ankle instability [CAI] is a current disability that can affect on activity daily living of the patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate forces which contribute to control of posture in difficult conditions. Postural control was measured by force plate in two groups of CAI and healthy subjects. Eight positions were selected, including of double stances with closed or opened eyes, and single stances with opened eyes [right/ left] with and without a cognitive task. Force changes in two direction; medial/lateral and anterior/posterior were evaluated with fractal time series analysis. Fractal dimension of force in two groups, following dual task in all of conditions reduced significantly [P<0.05]. There was not significant different between two groups in double stance with or without dual task. Single stance in patients indicated significant increase of fractal dimension in affected ankle joint [P<0.05] but comparison of two side in healthy subjects did not have difference. Also there was significant increase of fractal in affected ankle joint of patients in comparison with similar side of healthy subjects [P<0.05]. Patients with [CAI] have a problem in regulation offeree for control of posture. This difficulty increased and clearly indicated by dual task condition, which can cause susceptible qualifications for recurrent injuries. Fractal dimension is a suitable factor for analysis of control of posture in difficult situations

Immediate effect of lateral-wedged insole on postural control in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy [CP] is the most common motor impairment in childhood and affects 2 in 1000 live births, in which postural and motor control involved. In hemiplegic type, two sides of the body have differences in postural tone that cause weight shift to the intact side. In these children postural disorders appear as postural stability disorder. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of lateral wedge insole on postural control in cerebral palsy children. Sixteen hemiplegic children attended in this program and stood in two conditions on the force plate with and without lateral wedge on the hard plate. Center of pressure displacement measured for medio-lateral and antro-posterio directions. Every test took 20 seconds. It was repeated 3 times. Range of sideways decreased significantly with use of 5° wedge. Also a shoe wedge of 5° provided symmetrical weight distribution. The results represent that a 5° lateral wedge applied to the unaffected limb, can improve factors of postural control and gain the symmetry in hemiplegic children

[Physiological variations in fiber and follicle characteristics of Chios, Arkha Merino x Moghani and Suffolk x Moghani sheep in response to photoperiod]

Wool growth is influenced by photoperiodic period of different seasons; under similar nutritional conditions, more wool is produced in longer photoperiodic season. In this study, the effects of photoperiod on fiber and skin follicle characteristics of three sheep breeds were studied. Forty non-pregnant and non-milking ewes [Chios, Arkha Merino x Moghani and Suffolk x Moghani breeds] with a similar age were selected. Equal numbers from each breed were divided into two groups [20 ewes/group], and the two groups were treated with a natural photoperiod [open natural environment: 12 hours light - 12 hours dark] and an artificial photoperiod [8 hours light and 16 hours dark] for 50 days. All animals were fed ad libitum with a similar diet including alfalfa, straw and barley at maintenance level. At the end of the treatment period, 50 g of wool was collected from the left mid side area [about 20 cm from the spinal column on the third rib] by a laboratory wool clipper, and a skin biopsy was taken from the right mid side area using a 1 cm diameter trephine. The following fiber characteristics were measured: staple length, fiber diameter, percentage of medullated and non-medullated fibers, wool efficiency. Analyzed follicle characteristics included follicle type ratio, follicle density, and follicle activity. A randomized design analysis of the data and comparison of means were performed with Duncan's new multiple range test. Results indicated that the primary follicle density in sheep under a natural photoperiod were significantly [p<0.01] lower than under an artificial photoperiod. The secondary to primary follicle ratio in sheep under a natural photoperiod were significantly [p<0.01] higher than in sheep under the artificial photoperiod. The percentage of inactive secondary follicles in sheep under the natural photoperiod were significantly [p< 0.05] lower than in sheep treated with the artificial photoperiod. Both natural and artificial photoperiod had no effect on fiber characteristics

Comparison of risk factors for non-communicable diseases among children and adolescents in Tehran, Iran in 2000, 2003, and 2006 Tehran lipid and glucose study

The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity and related disorders have become a major health concern, prompting calls for the intervention strategies. The aim of the present study is to describe trends in cardiovascular risk factors in Iran. Data on cardiovascular risk factors in 2000, 2003 and 2006 in a cohort of subjects, aged 2-17 years in the TLGS group were used. To assess secular trends, Body Mass Index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood sugar were compared between the three phases. Waist to hip ratio in all age groups of boys increased significantly in phase two [P=0.01,0.0001,0.001 respectively]. Also, blood pressure levels continued to decrease in all subjects. There were significant decreases in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglycerides in some groups. A significant increase was observed in waist circumference in 7-12 year old boys in phase two [P=0.0001, 0.001 respectively]. The prevalence of overweight increased in boys in phase two [P=0.001] and in girls in phase three [P=0.05]. Obesity increased significantly in boys in phase three [P=0.001] and in girls in phase two [P=0.001]. Hypercholesterolemia increased in both sexes in phases two and three [P=0.001, 0.01 respectively] and HDL<35mg/dl increased in boys [P=0.001]. Increase in cardiovascular risk factors in emphasizes the urgent need for interventions

Hyperimmune lipopolysaccharide antiserum mediated inhibition of the adherence of E. coli O157:H7 to HEP-2 cells and large intestine of mice

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is found in cattle farms and can live in the intestine of healthy cattle. Most cases of human illnesses including nonbloody diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome can be traced, either directly or indirectly, to cattle. One strategy for reducing the risk of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli [EHEC] infections in human is to reduce the prevalence of infection in cattle. Antiserum against whole cell of isolated E. coli O157:H7 from cattle showed inhibition of adherence of this strain to HEP-2 cells in 1:1280 titer and to intestine tissue of mice in 1:640 titer are significant. histology of intestine tissue confirms our results. The difference between in vivo and in vitro titrations for blocking the attachments depends on these two different conditions

[Molecular study of phase variation of type 1 fimbriae in uropathogenic escherichia coli 044 serotypes during touching with solid surfaces]

Type 1 fimbriae is the most common adhesion factor in urine tract infection. In this Study, presence of virulence genes in isolated strains of uropathogenic E. Coli, O serotyping and molecular detection of phase variation of type 1 fimbriae were assessed during solid surfaces exposure. Isolated E. coli from urine samples of patients were serotyped by using serologic methods. Phenotypic estimation of phase variation was applied by mannose - resistant hemagglutination [MRHA]. Fim opron phase variation was studied by HinFI digestion and PCR reaction. For all 158 E. coli strains, the most occurrences belonged to O44. Forty nine percent of the isolates were mannose-sensitive and expressed fim operon in agar medium. While, 51% of strains were resistant to mannose in the same position. In Broth medium 68% of isolates were mannose-sensitive and 32% were mannose-resistant. PCR products with 359bp and 200bp long fragment demonstrated ON position and those with 489bp and 70bp long fragment indicated ON and OFF positions. Uropathologic E. coli strains posses few number of O serotypes. Environmental factors play an important role in regulation of fimberiae operon expression. Strains recovered from these urine samples, however, were shown capable to switch the fim operon to the ON position after culture in broth medium. Type 1 fimbrial expression and flagella motility are probably representative of an essential dynamic interplay between bacterial adhesion and motility. The strains present in urine samples but nonattached to the epithelium are inactive for type 1 fimbriae expression

[Study of the prevalence of hepatitis C in type II diabetic patients]

Considering the increasing prevalence of HCV in diabetes type 2 and chronic and progressive nature of HCV infection to cirrhosis and hepato_cellular tumors, we aimed to determine the frequency of HCV infection in diabetes type 2 in order to diagnose and treat these patients as soon as possible. Essential information gathered by prepared check list from diabetic type two patients admitted at endocrinology institute of Firuzgar hospital in a year [from June 2007 to June 2008]. From patients agreed to enroll in this study, blood samples got for detecting HCV Ab and FBS, lipid profile and HCV infection risk factors, also Blood pressure measured in all as well. Results analyzed by the SPSS. Totally 235 diabetes type 2 enrolled in our study with mean age of 60.8 +/- 10 [42-78] years old, most of them were females 146[62.1%]. The mean duration of diabetes was 9.5 +/- 7.7 years. The prevalence of HCV infection risk factors were as follow: surgery history 139 [59.1%], blood transfusion 39 [16.6%], dentistry procedures 175 [74.5%], positive family for HCV infection 30 [12.8%]. Finally, no HCV infection found among our patients, so as expected no association is observed between HCV infection and diabetes duration and various levels of HbA1C. In the present study, no HCV infection reported among our patients which is congruent with another study in Iran. It seems that geographical distribution of various HLA and prevalence of HCV infection in a region are important factors for finding any relationships between HCV infection and diabetes incidence

Dental pulp reaction to exposure at different time intervals in open apex canine teeth of cats

Open-apex teeth with irreversible pulpitis require complex and difficult treatment. Providing the right environment for apexogenesis and pulp protection is vital for their long term prognosis. The young pulp of open apex tooth, however, is better equipped against irritation and assault. The aim of this study was to evaluate pulp inflammation in open apex canine teeth of cats.In this in vivo study, twelve cats with open apex canines were used. Pulps were iatrogenically exposed and the animals were sacrificed at one, seven, thirty and ninety days after pulp exposure. Samples were prepared for histological evaluations. During the first and seventh day, changes were limited to acute inflammation in the coronal pulp. During the first month pulp changes in 45.5% of samples were similar to the seventh day. In the other samples necrosis and abscess spread to the end of the root, and internal resorption and periapical abscess were observed. In 45.5% of samples in the apical region vital tissue was barely observed [during 90 days]; in 54.5% of samples however, complete pulp necrosis, internal resorption and a large periapical lesion was observed. In one and seven-day periods pulp tissue was vital; however, in the thirty and ninety-day periods, minority of the pulp samples were vital

Comparing the dental root biomechanical properties following two different methods of instrumentation and obturation

Clinically, vertical root fracture occurs commonly in endodonttcaliy treated teeth. Previous studies have shown little changes in root fracture strength following endodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was evaluation of changes in dental root biomechanical properties following two different methods of instrumention by Rotary [R] or Hand [H] files and two different methods of obturation by lateral [L] or vertical [V] technique. In this invitro study, one hundred extracted human mandibular premolars with straight root, closed apices and free of caries were selected. For the teeth to be indentical and simple to study, all teeth were decoronated 3mm above the CEJ. With making artificial PDL, all teeth were mounted in acrylic molds. Teeth were randomly distributed into four experimental groups according to the instrumentation and obturation techniques used each with a sample size of 25. Hand instrumentation was done using stainless steel [S.S] files and Step-Back technique. Rotary instrumentation was done using Ni-Ti files [Race] and crown-down technique. Loading was applied using a crosshead conical tip mounted in an Zwick testing machine. The crosshead tip was initially placed into the canal orifice of each tooth, advanced vertically until it contacted the gutta-percha automatically and at a constant rate [2mm/min]. Root fracture was noted with observation of a sudden deflection in the running graph. Load to fracture was recorded in Newton [N]. The energy to fracture, slope of elastic area and displacement was calculated using origin V.5.Q software through running graphs. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan test. Maximum mean load to fracture was observed in RL group [524 N]. Minimum mean load to fracture was observed in RV [Rotary and Vertical] group [319 N]. A significant difference in mean load to fracture was found between the [Rotary and Vertical] RV and [Hand and Lateral] HL, [Hand and Vertical] HV and [Rotary and Lateral] RL and [Rotary and Lateral] RL and [Rotary and Vertical] RV groups [P<0.05]. Both the energy and displacement were significantly correlated with load to fracture. The fracture strength of roots obturated through vertical compaction of gutta-percha was lower than that of lateral compaction regardless of method of instrumentation. Fracture strength of root was not affected by the method of instrumentation [hand or rotary]

[ invitro comparative study of marginal adaptation of two retrograde materials [Gray MTA and Portland cement] by SEM]

Total seal in the root apex for healing of periodontium is an important goal of endodontic surgery that is obtained by application of various kinds of retrograde materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare marginal adaptation of two retrograde materials [Gray MTA and Portland cement], using SEM. In this invitro study, 50 extracted single-rooted human teeth with mature apices, without decay, absorption or root fracture were selected. The canals were instrumented by rotary system and filled with gutta-percha and then 3 mm of the root-end was resected. Then a cavity was prepared at the root-end with 3 mm depth and 1 mm width. Next, the teeth were divided into two groups of 25 teeth each. Each group was filled with one of the retrograde materials [Gray MTA or Portland cement]. After that, the teeth were resected longitudinally to create buccal and lingual sections. Finally, the gap was determined and recorded in millimeter in two dimensions. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's Exact test. The mean gap in Gray MTA and Portland cement were 211.6micron and 326.3 micron, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in marginal adaptation between Gray MTA and Portland cement

[ incidence of change in canal centring of the root canal following canal preparation with hand and rotary reciprocal techniques by stainless steel and nickel titanium files]

Cleaning and shaping of the root canal system is an important objective of root canal therapy. Many automatic devices have been produced to simplify the preparation, and to decrease instrumentation time. One of these automatic devices with the general name of Endogripper is the new reciprocal handpiece called TEP-E10R. The purpose of this study was to compare hand and rotary reciprocal techniques in incidence of change in canal centring of the root canal. In this invitro study, 60 extracted mesial roots [120 canals] of human mandibular first and second molars were selected. The mesial roots were mounted in a metallic muffle. Sixty specimens were divided into four groups, [each group consisted of 30 canals]. Each root was sectioned in two horizontal directions, the first cut was made five mm from the apical and the latter cut was made in the middle area of the root. The sections were photographed before instrumentation and then were reassembled in the metallic muffle and instrumented. In group one the preparations were made by NiTi files with hand instrumentation. In group two the preparations were made by stainless steel files with hand instrumentation, while in group three the preparations were made by Ni Ti files with use of TEP-E10R reciprocal handpiece, and in group four the preparations were made by stainless steel files and use of the same handpiece as in group three. After instrumentation, the metallic muffle was disassembled and the sections were photographed for the second time after preparation. The pre and post instrumentation photographs were superimposed using Adobe Photoshop and the canal center displacement in each section was measured. The collected data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests. All specimens in the four groups showed canal center displacement. Group two had the most mean of canal center displacement in coronal sections which was significantly different from group one [p=0.008]. In the middle sections, the highest mean of canal center 2 displacement was seen in group four and it was significantly different from group one [p=0.001]. In the apical sections, group two had the highest mean of canal center displacement which was significantly different from other three groups [p<0.001]. Canal preparation with reciprocal handpiece [TEP-E10R] was similar to hand preparation technique with Ni Ti files in shaping of the root canal system

evaluation of the quality of the apical seal using a dentin bonding agent as a sealer with the single cone gutta percha obturation technique

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the epical sealing quality by using a dentin bonding agent as a root canal sealer with the single cone gutta-percha obturation technique. 36 single rooted human mandibular premolars with straight canals were collected. Ten canals in group 1 were prepared with standard technique and were obturated with Tubliseal EWT and a single cone of gutta-percha. Ten canals in group 2 were prepared and obturated with the same techniques. Ten canals in group 3 were prepared with step back technique and were obturated with Tubliseal EWT and lateral condensation technique. The remaining six teeth were selected as negative and positive controls. All the specimens were allowed to set for 48 hours in 100% humidity at 37°C. Dye penetration technique was used to evaluate the apical seal quality. The groups were compared for differences in the amount of dye leakage. The mean and standard deviation of dye penetration were 5.01 +/- 2.101, 3.04 +/- 0.789, 2.49 +/- 1.379 mm in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. It was shown that average dye penetration in group 1 was significantly more than groups 2 and 3. The lateral condensation technique as well as single cone technique with a dentin bonding agent as a sealer yielded almost similar sealing abilities without any significant differences in the amount of dye leakage

[Comparison of root canal transportation during canal preparation with hand instrumentation and reciprocal automatic device]

Cleaning and shaping of the root canal system is an important objective of root canal therapy. Many automatic devices have been produced to simplify the preparation and to decrease instrumentation time. One of these automatic devices is the new reciprocal handpiece [TEP-E10R] known as general name "Endogripper". The purpose of this study was to compare canal transportation with hand instrumentation technique and reciprocal instrumentation technique with TEP-E10R handpiece. In this invitro study 60 human mandibular first and second molars were selected and divided into four groups. Radiographs with initial file inserted to working length were taken in all specimens with constant conditions. In group one, the preparations were made by Ni-Ti files and hand instrumentation technique. In group two, the preparation were made by stainless steel files and the same technique in group one, in group three preparation were made by Ni-Ti files and TEP-E10R reciprocal handpiece and in group four, the preparation were made by stainless steel files and the same handpiece in group three. Instrumentation technique in all four groups was crown down preparation. After finishing of the instrumentation in latter four groups, additional radiographs were taken while the master apical files [MAF] were inserted in the canals with the same constant conditions recorded for intial file radiographs. The MAF radiographs were compared with initial file radiographs for canal trans portation. The amount of dentin removal was also calculated by measuring instrumented surface in the final radiographs. Data were collected by SPSS10. One way ANOVA analysis was used to compare four groups and tukey test was used to compare couple groups. All of specimens showed degrees of transportation. Group two had the most mean degree of transportation that was significantly different from group one [P=0.001]. None of the groups had statistically significant difference between amount of dentin removed from canal walls [P=0.83]. Reciprocal handpices with NiTi files had acceptable results for canal preparation

[Comparison of the efficiency of lovastatin and seed dill extract in reduction of serum lipid levels in rats]

Serum lipid disorders are one of the important risk factors for development of coronary arterial atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the drug lovastatin and a liquid vegetable extract [dill] on blood plasma lipid levels of rats. In this experimental study, 32 mouse vistar rats weighing 250 +/- 30 grams were included and maintained at 23 +/- 1 degrees Celsius. The rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each. Groups I and II were given normal and high cholesterol diet, while groups III and IV were given high cholesterol diet with either lovastatin or seed dill extract for a period of 3 weeks, respectively. At the end of study, blood samples were taken and plasma lipid levels determined by the manual method. [It is worth mentioning that ultimately 26 rats were included in the study groups]. Results showed that both administration of lovastatin and the seed dill extract led to a significant reduction in plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and LDL/HDL, TG/HDL ratios. There was a significant reduction in the levels of LDL [P<0.001] and also a significant increase in levels of HDL [P<0.001] in both the groups. The effects on plasma triglycerides levels, LDL/HDL and TG/HDL ratios were not significant. Considering the results of the study, seed dill extract affects plasma lipid levels and is more effective in lowering plasma cholesterol and LDL levels as compared to lovastatin