[Comparison of obturation density using nickel titanium and stainless steel spreaders by lateral compaction technique]

The density of Gutta-percha is an important factor in canal seal and root canal treatment success. So, the present study intended to compare the effect of Ni-Ti and S-S spreaders on the intracanal Gutta-percha weight. In this experimental study, 40 simulated canals with 40 degree curvature [group 1 and 2] and 40 simulated canals with 10 degree curves [group 3 and 4] were used. Each block was weighted after cleaning and shaping using Flexmaster rotary instruments. Group 1 and 3 blocks were obturated using Ni-Ti spreaders, while group 2 and 4 blocks were obturated using stainless steel spreaders with Gutta-percha. The simulated canals were again weighted and the difference of the two measurements was calculated as the Gutta-percha weight. The results were analyzed using SPSS software and 2-way ANOVA tests. The analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the four experimental groups. In addition, the effect of the canal curvature, spreader type and the interaction of the variables was not statistically significant. The current study showed that different spreader types [Ni-Ti or S-S] do not affect the Gutta-percha weight of the root canal obturation

[Comparison of protective antibody level against hepatitis B in accelerated and conventional vaccination]

The vaccination against hepatitis B is a front line defence for all at-risk groups. Conventional methods of hepatitis B vaccination [0, 1 and 6 months] is considered a long process. But vaccination at shorter intervals [0, 10 and 21 days] is suggested to achieve rapid immunity. This study was carried out to compare for the protective antibody level against hepatitis B in accelerated and conventional vaccination. In this descriptive and analytical study 160 health personnel of Imam Reza hospital of Kermanshah, Iran with no history of vaccination against hepatitis B were selected and divided into two groups during 2009. The volunteers were received vaccination according to accelerated [0, 10 and 21 days] and convetional [0, 1 and 6 months] methods. The antibody titer measured two years after the final dose of vaccination. The acceptable level of antibody was considered higher than 10 IU/ml. After two years the acceptable level of antibody was observed in 94.5% and 97.9% of subjects in accelarated and conventional methods, respectivley. This difference was not significant. This study showed that there is not significant differences between accelerated and conventional methods in antibody production against hepatitis B antigen

[ effect of platelet-rich plasma [PRP] and bio-oss on bone regeneration in furcation class II defects: a histologic and histomorphometric study in dogs]

Statement of Problem: Periodontal regeneration in the furcation defect is considered as one of the most challenging aspects of periodontal therapy. Among different approaches, GTR has shown promising biologic and clinical results. There is evidence indicating that the use of platelet-rich plasma [PRP] may improve the outcome of regenerative periodontal therapy

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effect of the combination of PRP and Bio-oss on bone regeneration in class II furcation defects in dogs

Materials and Method: 48 experimental defects with 5 mm horizontal and 5 mm vertical open probing depth were created in furcation areas of each premolar of dogs. The defects were randomly divided into 3 groups: test group in which the defects were grafted with bio-oss and PRP; control group in which the defects were grafted with bio-oss alone; and negative control group in which no graft was used. An absorbable collagen membrane was placed over each defect site and the flaps were sutured. The animals were sacrificed 3 months later and biopsy samples were taken from the defect sites for histologic and histomorphometric assessment. In each section, the area fractions [%] within the bone specimens occupied by newly formed bone, soft tissue, and residual grafting particles were determined. The data were analyzed statistically using Student's t test through SPSS software [version 13.0]

Results: The bone fill was 61% in the test group, 58 % in the control group, and 39 % in the negative control group. Although no significant difference was observed between the test and control groups, the differences between the test and control groups with negative control group were significant [p <0.05]. In the control group, the lamellar bone formation was higher and the chronic inflammatory infiltration was lower

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the use of bio-oss and PRP in the treatment of class II furcation involvement has no additional benefit over bio-oss alone. However, it seems that PRP can improve the quality of the new bone while decreasing the amount of tissue inflamation

[ degree of agreement of quantiferon TB gold test and tuberculin skin test in nurses]

Tuberculin skin test [TST] is the standard method for diagnosis of latent tuberculous infection. Positive results of TST [significant induration] may be seen in persons with latent M.tuberculosis infection and negative results of this test may be seen in patients with active tuberculosis. After performing TST false positive reactions may be seen with nontuberculous mycobacterial infections or false negative results may be encountered in anergic patients with tuberculosis disease. Quantiferon TB Gold test [QFT] is a new diagnostic test which assays the amount of released interferon gamma from peripheral blood lymphocytes in response to M.tuberculosis antigens. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree TST and QFT correlation. This descriptive study carried out on 72 nurses of two internal medicine and infectious diseases wards of Imam Reza and Imam Khomeini hospitals in Kermanshah located in West of Iran, during 2009. 58 of nurses were vaccinated with BCG vaccine and none of them had any immune compromising condition. TST was performed by intradermal injection of 0.1 ml of standard tuberculin test [5 TU] and QFT was performed 48 hours then after using peripheral whole blood. The amount of released interferon gamma from lymphocytes in response to antigens were measured by ELISA method. Three of nurses excluded and this study was done on 69 nurses. Overall the degree of agreement of TST and QFT was 63.7% [P=0.69 and Kappa=0.139]. The degree of discordance between these tests in PPD negative but QFT positive persons was 15.94% and in PPD positive but QFT negative persons was 20.3%. The sensitivity and specificity of QFT was 41.67% and 75.56% respectively. The degree of agreement of TST and QFT in vaccinated and unvaccinated nurses was 63.8% [Kappa=0.143] and 66.67% [Kappa=0.54] respectively. There was no significant difference between QFT and TST in diagnosing latent tuberculous infection

Prevalence of rotavirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus infections among patients with acute gastroenteritis in, Northern Iran

The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis associated with diarrheal diseases in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. A total of 400 symptomatic cases from patients with acute gastroenteritis from Mazandaran Province in Iran were screened using EIA method for the presence of rotavirus, adenovirus and astrovirus during 2005-2006. Chi-square tests were used for testing relationships between different variables. Rotavirus, adenovirus and astrovirus were detected in 62%, 2.3%, and 3% of samples, respectively. The maximum rate of rotaviruses was detected in the<1-year-old age group, while minimum rate was found in the 10 years and older age group. Astrovirus and adenovirus were detected predominantly in the 2-5-year-old age group of children, with a prevalence of 8.3% and 3.5% respectively. All studied viral gastroenteritis peaked in the winter, and minimum rate were found in summer. Our statistical analyzes indicated that viral gastroenteritis, especially Rota-viral, had the highest number of occurrences in colder seasons notably in winter and more frequently were observed among younger children

[Radiologic findings in Hydatid cyst of lungs]

Hydatid cyst of lungs is mainly diagnosed by imaging procedures such as chest Roentgenogram and chest CT Scan. In endemic area, hydatid cyst may be discovered during the surgery appearing in a form which is not usually identified with typical Hydatidosis of lungs. The objective of this study was to give a description of the most important atypical radiological presentation of lung Hydatidosis. All the patients diagnosed as having pulmonary Hydatidosis through a surgical exploration were included in this study. Standard chest Roentgenograms and computed Tomographies were evaluated before the surgery for diagnosing any lung cyst or unknown lesion. Radiological findings were divided into two categories: 1-Typical Hydatid cysts which have already been described in literature as having imaging presentations such as intact cyst, water lily sign and crescent sign. 2- Atypical Hydatid cysts that do not resemble any feature of typical Hydatid cysts as mentioned above. 1614 subjects who had already been diagnosed with pulmonary Hydatidosis over a period of 28 years went under surgical operations. Seventy nine of them received standard Thoracic CT scan. Atypical cysts were detected in 35% of the subjects that were X-rayed by chest and in 32 of them [40.5%] who received CT Scan. The most frequent chief complaint was coughing as reported by 68 [87%] of the cases. None of the clinical and demographic findings were significantly more frequent in the subjects with atypical Hydatid cyst. The most frequent manifestation illustrated in the radiological pictures was thick cavity wall in 9 subjects [28%]. Other findings were as follows: solid mass in 7 [21%], abscess in 6 [18%], consolidation in 3 [9%], fungus ball in 3 [9%], collapse [atelectasis] in 2 [6%] and round pneumonia in 2 [6%]. Cavity was significantly more frequently seen in the right lung [90%] and mass like opacity was significantly more frequent in the lower lung field [100%]. Hydatid cyst showing atypical features is relatively common; thus, physicians should be cautious about the possibility of Hydatid cyst while evaluating most of the radiological pictures of the lung, no matter what the localization, size and count of the lesion

study on the prevalence of cryptosporidium in HIV positive patients

AIDS is acquired by infection with HIV [human immuno-deficiency virus]. It leaves the host susceptible to malignant and unusual infections especially opportunistic ones. Most of AIDS patients infected with opportunistic parasitic infections die because of chronic diarrhea and deaths due to Cryptosporidium diarrhea in AIDS patients are considerable in the recent two decades. The aim of this study is to find Cryptosporidium parasite in AIDS patients referring to the center of Diseases consultation in Kermanshah province and to determine the frequency of infection in those patients. In this study stool and blood samples were collected from 75 AIDS patients referring regularly to the Center of Diseases Consultation in Kermanshah and the gathered information were filled in the questionnaires together with their personal information regarding their names, sex and etc. Stool samples were tested using direct and formalin ether methods and then the smears that were dyed using modified acid fast staining were examined. Peripheral blood samples were used to determine the CD4 counts. The results showed that the frequency of infection with Cryptosporidium in AIDS patients was 26.7% [20 cases]. According to the study, as the number of CD4 decreased in the patients, the probability of infection with opportunistic parasites increased and increase in the number CD4 that is normally accompanied with strengthening the body immune system resulted in the decrease in the frequency of infection with Cryptosporidium

[Surveying depression in asthmatic patients referred to Shohadaye Kargar hospital in Yazd]

Depression is one the most common mental disorders that has different symptoms such as non-stimulation, sleeping disorders, retirement and social function decreasing. It may occur in patients with chronic diseases, cancer, and asthma. The main purpose of the present study was to determine the relation between asthma and depression. For this cross-sectional study asthmatic patients referred to Shohadaye Kargar hospital in Yazd in 2006 were enrolled. Having completed the informed consent, demographic data, history of asthma and depression test of Beck [13 questions] were inquired. Totally, 330 asthmatic patients [54% male and 46% female] were studied with a mean age of 54/5 +/- 15/5 years [range, 20-88 years]. Asthmatic patients had depression more frequently than general population in Yazd [79% vs. 34%, p<0.0001]. Educated subjects were more commonly affected [twice the illiterate, p<0.05]. Meanwhile, risk of depression showed statistically significant association with age and history of asthma. Depression in more prevalent among asthmatic patients in Yazd, when compared with general population. Therefore, early treatment of asthma can cease depression

[ prevalence of goiter and urinary iodine excretion in school-aged children of Kermanshah]

The province of Kermanshah was one of the regions with endemic goiter in Iran, where following initiation of the program of control of iodine deficiency in 1989, production, distribution and consumption of iodized salt were begun. This survey was conducted within the framework of national monitoring survey in 2001 to ascertain the urinary iodine levels and the prevalence of goiter and in order to evaluate the iodine status of school aged children in Kermanshah. 1200 schoolchildren, aged 7-10 years, were selected randomly from all regions of Kermanshah, and the grade of goiter, in 600 boys and 600 girls, was determined according to WHO classification. Urinary iodine content was estimated using the digestion method in one tenth of the schoolchildren. Total goiter rate was 122.9, 22.8% in girls and 123.0% in boys. Median urinary iodine was 18.0 3g/dl. Urinary iodine was above 10 3g/dl in 90.2% and less than 5 3g/dl in 2.2%; no one had urinary iodine below 2 3g/dl. UIC levels and goiter prevalence were not statistically different between boys and girls and also between urban and rural areas. It is concluded that the rate of goiter in Kermanshah has decreased significantly since 1996 and urinary iodine levels in schoolchildren are indicative of adequate iodine intake. Kermanshah province therefore, can be considered an "iodine deficiency free" zone

Two cases of disseminated TB due to BCG vaccination and review of the related articles

Although BCG vaccination has many benefits, it can cause multiple complications. Disseminated TB is the most severe but rare complication of BCG vaccination. Osteomyelitis is another important complication. Usually these complications are due to a defect in immune system. Rapid diagnosis and treatment can be life saving. The first case was a 3 month old boy that was admitted in hospital because of fever, lethargy and fistula in the right axillary area at the site of BCG vaccination. The second one was a 7 month old boy with an ulcer and a fistula at the site of BCG vaccination and chest wall. Diagnosis of disseminated TB was made by biopsy and culture. All immunologic investigations, except interleukin 12-gamma interferon pathway, were normal. When a child presents with lymphadenopathy and ulcer near the site of BCG vaccination, the physician must perform a complete physical examination to exclude diagnosis of disseminated TB, especially in the presence of long term low grade fever, organomegally, skin lesions and lack of weight gain

Immune response to standard dose of hepatitis B vaccine in HIV positive clients of Kermanshah behavioral diseases counseling center

Coinfection eventuality of HIV and HBV infection and having common transmission ways has turned Hepatitis B into a major health concern among HIV positive cases. The increasing number of HIV infected patients and their relevant problems, especially opportunistic infections, demands for Hepatitis B vaccination. This study, therefore was conducted to evaluate the immune response against hepatitis B vaccine and related factors among HIV positive cases and probable approaches to improve its level. In this cross -sectional study, 169 HIV positive cases who were Kermanshah's Behavioral Disease Counseling Center's clients, with negative HBsAg and HBcAb, were vaccinated against hepatitis B virus with a 20 micro g of recombinant HBsAg at 0-1-6 month schedule in deltoid region. A month after the last shot, their HBsAg titer was measured. Titers higher than 10 Iu/ml were considered as a suitable immune response. Data included in this study were: age, gender, CD4 count, antiretroviral treatment history, hepatitis C coinfection and injecting drug abuse. Then these data were analyzed through X2 test. Among 169 under study cases, immune response was overally 52.7% and this rate was 51.9% for males and 66.7% for females [P=0.313]. Immune response was 54.3%, 44.3%, 45.3% in CD4 count>500, 200-499, and <200/mm3 respectively [P=0.039]. In cases with and without antiretroviral treatment the immune response was 81.8% and 50.6%, respectively [P=0.045%]. In this study the CD4 count and history of antiretroviral therapy correlation with immune response level was significant, but other factors like age, HCV co-infection, drug abusing, and gender were ineffective factors in immune response to HBV vaccine. Therefore, early vaccination among cases with higher CD4 count and cases under antiretroviral treatment seems necessary

Serologic response to hepatitis B vaccine in health care workers, Kermanshah, Iran

Hepatitis B is a major infectious risk factor for health-care workers [HCWs] and public- safety workers. Although seroconversion rate following hepatitis B vaccination is estimated to be more than 90%, serologic response to Heberbiovac HB vaccine currently given in our center in Kermanshah province has been varied in different experiences, So, this study was conducted to determine serologic response in HCWs. In a descriptive-cross sectional study, in 138 HbcAb from 10 health care centers, HbcAb negatives and vaccinated with Heberbiovac HB [Cuba made, available vaccine in Iran], HbsAb titer was assessed by ELISA. Serologic response as antibody titer equal or more than 10mIU/ml considered protective level [serologic responder]. The data were analyzed by SPSS software, using X 2 and Fisher exact test. Within 138 HCWs [60.1% female and 39.9% male], 69.6% had serologic response. The age had significant role in serologic response rate, but sex, weight, smoking and interval from the last time of vaccine reception were not effective factors. Serologic response rate to HBV vaccine in Kermanshah was much lower than other experiences. We need more information about the efficacy of Heberbiovac HB in high-risk groups and general population, the reasons of low efficacy and increasing serologic response