[Antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of essential oil of Zataria multiflora on Enterococcus faecalis]

The main goal of endodontic treatment is eradication of microorganisms and their byproducts from the root canal system. The use of chemical irrigants during chemo-mechanical canal preparation is important for disinfection and cleaning of the canal system. The aim of this in vitro study was the assessment of bacterial growth after contact with several concentrations of essential oil of Zataria multiflora in varying time intervals. The essential oil of Zataria multiflora were serially diluted 8 folds and a fixed volume of the stationary phase culture of E.faecalis was added to each diluted solution, for varying intervals of 1, 5 and 15 minutes. 100 micro l of the contents of each tube were transferred to SF broth and incubated for 48h at 370c. Results of bacterial growth were recorded at the end of the incubation period. 2% solution of essential oil of Zataria multiflora at all intervals inhibits growth of E.feacalis. 1% solution of it showed antibacterial effect in 5, and 15 minutes. The concentrations under 0.5% dilution of Zataria multiflora did not eliminate E.faecalis at any time intervals. It seems that 1% and 2% solutions of essential oil of Zataria multiflora were effective at destroying E.faecalis. Application of this plant essential oil may be recommended for root canal irrigant following extensive ex-vivo and in-vivo experiments

[Effect of sour orange [citrus aurantium l.] juice consumption on blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients with dyslipidemia]

Introduction: Sour orange is known as an herbal plant in folk medicine. Previous studies indicate a protective relationship between the consumption of citrus fruits or juices and risk of some chronic diseases

Objective: In this study, the effect of short-term consumption of sour orange juice on blood glucose and lipid profile of diabetic patients was evaluated

Materials and Methods: In a clinical trial study [before and after], thirty-five [10 men and 25 women] dyslipidemic diabetic patients without nephropathy with mean age 53.1 + 7.7 years and serum cholesterol level greater than 220 mg/dl were selected. Each patient consumed 240 ml of sour orange juice daily for 4 weeks. The patients were asked to maintain their usual diet, physical activity and consumption of their oral hypoglycemic agent during the entire experimental period. Body weight and height were measured at baseline and after consumption of 240 ml of sour orange juice daily for four weeks and BMI was calculated. Fasting blood glucose, lipids and ascorbic acid level were measured at the beginning and the wnd of the study. Plasma ascorbic acid concentrations were measured by the 2,4 dinitrophenyl hydrazine method with calorimetric analysis. FBS, TG, and total cholesterol were measured by enzymatic method. A 24 hr dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire were analyzed by Nutrition III soft ware. Data were compared with paired t- test and X2-test as appropriate

Results: there were no statistical significant change in body weight, energy and macronutrient intakes before and after 4 weeks consumption of sour orange juice, but Vitamin C intake significantly [p<0.05] [24%] increased. Fasting blood sugar level significantly decreased] p<0.05] after consumption of sour orange juice [9%]. Plasma ascorbic acid level were significantly increased [p<0.001] by 12.7% glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile, did not affected after consumption of sour orange juice

Conclusion: Short-term incorporation of sour orange juice in diabetics diet had a lowering effect on fasting blood glucose

Effects of garlic on blood sugar, plasma lipids and blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia

Diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension are three major risk factors that lead to the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. Historically, there has been great interest in the role of garlic in reducing cardiovascular risk factors. In this study we evaluated effects of garlic tablet in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia. A clinical trial [before and after] was performed in a group of 50 type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia [39 women, 11 men, cholesterol concentration greater than or equal to 220 mg/dl] to assess the effect of garlic powder tablet on blood glucose, lipid profiles and blood pressure. Each patient received tablets which contain 300 mg of garlic powder [Garcin] 3 times per day for 6 weeks. In the beginning of study and after 6 weeks supplementation of garlic powder tablets, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin and lipid profiles were measured. 24 hr dietary recalls were used to evaluate nutritional status of patients. Data were collected by using Spss soft ware and analyzed by paired t test. Nutritional data was analyzed by Nutritionist III [NIII] software. Our results indicate 6 weeks supplementation with garlic powder tablets were significantly decreased total cholesterol [p < 0.01] and LDL-C [p < 0.001]. HDL-C was significantly increased [p <0.02] and systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased [p < 0.03]. There were no significant changes in diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, serum triglycerides and HbA1c. Also there were no significant changes in diet composition. We concluded that 900 mg/day gar1it powder tablets for 6 weeks will significantly decreased total cholesterol, LDL-C, systolic blood pressure and increase HDL-C in type II diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia. We propose that other studies also should be performed on this product to assess quality, efficacy and safety of this product before it is recommended to patients

Effect of parenteral-enteral versus enteral nutritional therapy on serum total protein, albumin, bilirubin, triglyceride and glucose in head-injured patients

Head-injured patients demonstrate an increased metabolic and catabolic rate, hyperglycemia, negative nitrogen balance, weight loss, muscle atrophy and multiple organ failure, including gastrointestinal and respiratory failure. These events may be due to hormonal changes and secretion of acute phase reactants. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the effect of parenteral-enteral versus enteral nutritional therapy on several serum parameters in head-injured patients in order to determine the preferred method of controlling these parameters. This prospective, quasi-experimental randomized study was performed in a 36 months period on 66 head-injured patients. Fifty-five males and 11 females with an age range of 18 to 72 years, who were admitted within 24 hours of their injury and who had a Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score of 4 to 10, were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups in order to receive either parenteral-enteral nutrition [Group 1] or enternal nutrition alone [Group 2]. They were followed for 14 days during their admission in the hospital. Group 1 received a statistically significant higher caloric intake [p<0.001]. This group had a higher mean total serum protein [p=0.037], total bilirubin and triglyceride [p<0.001], while serum albumin in both groups showed no statistically significant difference. Mean total bilirubin and triglyceride were higher in Group 1 [p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively]. However, these findings were not found at the end of the second week. Although mean serum glucose was higher in Group 1 during the first week [p<0.001], no significant difference was noted during the second week. The parenteral-enteral method can provide more calorie and protein to head-injured patients in the early post-traumatic critical days. This method is more successful in maintaining serum protein within normal limits. However, increase in serum levels of triglyceride, bilirubin and blood sugar are more common while using this route and hyperglycemia must be controlled carefully

[ in vitro evaluation of canal preparation by passive step back and rotary profile system on canal curvature of human first molar teeth]

Statement of Problem: One of the difficulties that a dentist encounter during root canal treatment is the cleaning and shaping of curved root canals. While doing this procedure the probability of zipping, perforation, apical transportation and canal curvature change increases that all of those are the result of not following the original root canal path by the file. This will fail the prognosis of root canal treatment

Purpose: This in vitro study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of a hand and a rotary instrumentation technique [passive step back and profile system] on canal curvature of mesial roots of human extracted molar teeth

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 mesial roots of first molar teeth with [20-40 degree] curvature were used. The roots were divided randomly into two groups of 20 and the canals were prepared by a hand instrumentation technique [passive step-back] and a rotary [profile system]. Pre and post instrumentation radiographs were taken by radiographic platform. The amounts of alteration in canal curvature were measured by the aid of Adobe Photoshop 7 and Auto CAD 2000 software. Results were analyzed using Man Whitney test

Results: After instrumentation, canal curvature showed 85% reduction in passive-step back and 65% in profile system experimental groups. Mean canal curvature reduction in passivestep back was 3.15+1.94 while in profile system was 1.85+1.67. There was statistically significant difference between two experimental groups [p<0.05]

Conclusion: Under the condition of this study, it seems that better maintenance of the original canal curvature in profile systems was due to the difference, between the properties of Niti and Stainless steel files

[ study on the radiographic incidence of multiple roots and canals in mandibular premolars in an Iranian population [research]]

A thorough knowledge of root canal anatomy and an understanding of its potential anatomic variations are essential for a successful root canal therapy. The most probable reason for failure is the inability to recognize the numerous variations in canal morphology. Mandibular premolars due to such anatomic variations, are considered the most difficult teeth for root canal therapy. If the entire root canal system is not properly located and treated, failure and flare- ups would follow. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of multiple roots and canals radiographically in mandibular premolars among an Iranian population referred to dental faculty of Shiraz University. One thousand and one hunrdeel [1100] full mouth series [FMS] radiographs of patients undergoing periodontal treatment were randomly selected. From among these radiographs, those full mouth series with four mandibular premolars free of any kind of root canal therapy, were included in the present study. Consequently, 1052 FMS were evaluated. From 2104 mandibular first premolars, 15% had more than one canal and 1.5% had more than one root. Among mandibular second premolars, 77 teeth [3.65%] had more than one canal where as 9 teeth had more than on root. There were 107 cases with more than one canal bilaterally, from among them in 8 cases all four mandibular premolars had more than one canal, in 12 cases three mandibular premolars had multiple canals bilaterally and in [87] remaining cases only two. mandibular premolars had bilaterally multiple canals. In nine cases of mandibular premolars. Multiple canals were observed bilaterally. The results of this study suggest that the probable incidence of multiple canals among mandibular first premolars is greater than mandibular second premolars. The frequency a multiple roots and canals in mandibular premolars are not affected by sex type. Since conventional radiographs in the department of periodontics are taken at a vertical angle to the teeth buccal surface, the probability of hiding multiple canals is high. Therefore, the mentioned results should be considered as the minimum probable cases for multiple roots among the teeth under investigation

Prevalence study of iodine deficiency disorders among high school girls in Shiraz Islamic republic of Iran, 1996 - 1997

To assess the prevalence of Iodine deficiency disorders, in high school girls in Shiraz, Iran. Design: A cross-sectional study based on a multi-stage cluster sample. Setting: The study subjects underwent clinical examination for presence of goiter. A sub sample of study sample was selected to conduct Urinary Iodine determination. Subjects: High school girls aged 14-18 years. Prevalence of goiter was 25%. Grade 1B goiter was more prevalent [13.9%] than grade 1A [7.4%]. Iodine deficiency according to two indices, Urinary Iodine level and Urinary Iodine/Creatinine ratio in sub sample of study sample were 4.7% and 12.1% respectively. Salt iodination program should be continued and further studies to investigate other factors in genesis of thyroid enlargement are recommended

Physical growth of 6-18 years old school children in relation to the national center for health statistics standard in Shiraz, Iran

Anthropometric indices were studied in 3534 [2.5% of the total population of school children in Shiraz, Iran] healthy 6-18 years old school children comprising 2037 boys and 1497 girls, in Shiraz, Iran. The school children were selected by proportional multi-stage cluster random sampling. National Center for Health Statistics [NCHS] reference population. The weight for age and height for age indices in the present study were less than those of NCHS. Median heights and weights of children in Shiraz lie approximately on the 25th centile of NCHS standard. These differences may reflect both nutritional and ethnic variations between children in the present study and NCHS data. Adolescent growth spurt occurred in girls around the age of 10 years. Peak Height Velocity [PHV] was 8.41 cm and 10 cm/year in boys and girls, respectively. The present study may be used as a source of reference for school children in Iran