Adapting the Community Readiness Model and Validating a Community Readiness Tool for Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs in Iran / 예방의학회지

Objectives@#It is critical to assess community readiness (CR) when implementing childhood obesity prevention programs to ensure their eventual success and sustainability. Multiple tools have been developed based on various conceptions of readiness. One of the most widely used and flexible tools is based on the community readiness model (CRM). This study aimed to adapt the CRM and assess the validity of a community readiness tool (CRT) for childhood obesity prevention programs in Iran. @*Methods@#A Delphi study that included 26 individuals with expertise in 8 different subject areas was conducted to adapt the CRM into a theoretical framework for developing a CRT. After linguistic validation was conducted for a 35-question CR interview guide, the modified interview guide was evaluated for its content and face validity. The quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed using Stata version 13 and MAXQDA 2010, respectively. @*Results@#The Delphi panelists confirmed the necessity/appropriateness and adequacy of all 6 CRM dimensions. The Persian version of the interview guide was then modified based on the qualitative results of the Delphi study, and 2 more questions were added to the community climate dimension of the original CRT. All questions in the modified version had acceptable content and face validity. The final CR interview guide included 37 questions across 6 CRM dimensions. @*Conclusions@#By adapting the CRM and confirming linguistic, content, and face validity, the present study devised a CRT for childhood obesity prevention programs that can be used in relevant studies in Iran.

Associations between body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) with the dental health component of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN-DHC) and other BDD risk factors in orthodontic patients: A preliminary study / 대한치과교정학회지

Objective@#Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder that may be negatively associated with the self-image. It might be associated with orthodontic treatment demand and outcome, and therefore is important. Thus, this study was conducted. @*Methods@#The Yale-Brown ObsessiveCompulsive Scale modified for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD-YBOCS) questionnaire was used in 699 orthodontic patients above 12 years of age (222 males, 477 females), at seven clinics in two cities (2020–2021). BDD diagnosis and severity were calculated based on the first 3 items and all 12 items of the questionnaire. The dental health component of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN-DHC) was assessed by orthodontists. Multivariable and bivariable statistical analyses were performed on ordinal and dichotomized BDD diagnoses to assess potentially associated factors (IOTN-DHC, age, sex, marital status, education level, and previous orthodontic consultation) (α = 0.05). @*Results@#IOTN-DHC scores 1–5 were seen in 13.0%, 39.9%, 29.8%, 12.4%, and 4.9% of patients. Age/sex/ marital status/education were not associated with IOTN-DHC (p > 0.05). Based on 3-item questionnaire, 17.02% of patients had BDD (14.02% mild). Based on 12-item questionnaire, 2.86% had BDD. BDD was more prevalent or severer in females, married patients, patients with a previous history of orthodontic consultation, and patients with milder IOTN-DHCs (p< 0.05). @*Conclusions@#IOTNDHC was negatively/slightly associated with BDD in orthodontic patients. Being female and married may increase BDD risk.

A study on the effect of JNJ-10397049 on proliferation and differentiation of neural precursor cells / 대한해부학회지

The orexin 2 receptor plays a central role in maintaining sleep and wakefulness. Recently, it has been shown that sleep and wakefulness orchestrate the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocytes. Here, we explored the role of a selective orexin 2 receptor antagonist (JNJ-10397049) in proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs). We evaluated the proliferation potential of NPCs after exposure to different concentrations of JNJ-10397049 by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and neurosphere assays. Moreover, the expression of differentiation markers was assessed by immunocytochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction. JNJ-10397049 significantly increased the proliferation of NPCs at lower concentrations. In addition, orexin 2 receptor antagonist facilitated progression of differentiation of NPCs towards oligodendroglial lineage by considerable expression of Olig2 and 2’,3’-cyclicnucleotide 3’-phosphodiesterase as well as decreased expression of nestin marker. The results open a new avenue for future investigations in which the production of more oligodendrocytes from NPCs is needed.

The metabolomics signature associated with responsiveness to steroid therapy in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a pilot study

Abstract Background Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is considered one of the most severe glomerular diseases and around 80% of cases are resistant to steroid treatment. Since a large proportion of steroid-resistant (SR) FSGS patients progress to end-stage renal disease, other therapeutic strategies may benefit this population. However, identification of non-invasive biomarkers to predict this high-risk population is needed. Objective We aimed to identify the biomarker candidates to distinguish SR from steroid-sensitive (SS) patients using metabolomics approach and to identify the possible molecular mechanism of resistance. Methods Urine was collected from biopsy-proven FSGS patients eligible for monotherapy with prednisolone. Patients were followed for 6-8 weeks and categorized as SS or SR. Metabolite profile of urine samples was analyzed by one-dimensional 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). Predictive biomarker candidates and their diagnostic importance impaired molecular pathways in SR patients, and the common target molecules between biomarker candidates and drug were predicted. Results Homovanillic acid, 4-methylcatechol, and tyrosine were suggested as the significant predictive biomarker candidates, while L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, norepinephrine, and gentisic acid had high accuracy as well. Tyrosine metabolism was the most important pathway that is perturbed in SR patients. Common targets of the action of biomarker candidates and prednisolone were molecules that contributed in apoptosis. Conclusion Urine metabolites including homovanillic acid, 4-methylcatechol, and tyrosine may serve as potential non-invasive predictive biomarkers for evaluating the responsiveness of FSGS patients.

Predictors of Quality of Life in Infertile Couples

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted with the aim of examines the quality of life of infertile couples and their relationship with the practical resilience of infertile couples referring to Yazd's centers of infertility. METHODS: This research is a descriptive-correlational study. The research population consisted of all infertile couples who referred to Infertility Centers in Yazd, Iran in the winter of 2016. Sampling was conducted in a non-random and accessible manner. The instrument used in the research included a) demographic information questionnaire, b) Conner and Davidson's Resilience Scale, and c) quality of life infertile couples questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 17 at a significant level of P < 0.05. To describe the data, descriptive statistics methods were used and the inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient, regression, independent t test, and variance analysis) were used to test the research hypotheses. RESULTS: People (202 couples) participated in this research. Three variables of resilience (β = 0.04, P = 0.04), gender (β = −0.22, P < 0.001), and education level (β = 0.21, P < 0.001) had a prediction coefficient and there was a significant relationship with quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that resilience, gender, and education predict the quality of life of infertile couples. In the infertile couples counseling program, resilience should be considered as a coping factor.

Concurrent of blaCTX-M and blaNDM-1 genes in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli from northern Iran

@#The emergence of E. coli producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases and metallo β-lactamases has been reported as an important cause of treatment failure. The present study aimed to evaluate the existence of blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaNDM-1 and blaIMP- 1 genes among E. coli isolated from patients in Babol, Northern Iran. The pattern of antibiotic resistance and the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli isolates were determined. E. coli isolates were separated from clinical specimens and antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) was performed using the disk diffusion method. These isolates were further evaluated for the production of ESBLs and MBLs enzymes using cefotaxime (CTX), ceftazidime (CAZ) disks with and without clavulanic acid, and two CAZ with 2 mercaptopropionic acid disks, respectively. The ESBLs and MBLs positive isolates were analysed for the existence of blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaNDM-1 and blaIMP-1 genes with the conventional PCR method. Of 259 isolates, 117 β-lactamase producing E.coli were detected. MDR isolates were observed in 110/117 (94.9%) E. coli. Among 117 isolates, ESBLs, MBLs and coproduction of ESBL and MBL enzymes were observed in 45, 7 and 65 isolates, respectively. PCR analysis showed that the predominant genes were blaCTX-M- 15(95.5%) and blaNDM-1 (31.9%) among ESBL and MBL producing E. coli, respectively. Also, the concurrent occurance of the blaCTX-M with blaTEM, blaSHV, blaNDM-1 and blaIMP-1 genes were demonstrated. In conclusion, high prevalence rate of MDR isolates, particularly ESBL and MBL producing E. coli, observed in the current study shows the necessity of control and management strategies for the aforementioned isolates. Also, the early detection of concurrent ESBLs and MBLs producing E. coli is necessary to avoid treatment failure and prevent the distribution of such bacteria.

Seroprevalence and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in young healthy blood donors in Northern Iran

@#T. gondii is a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised patients which may be transmitted through blood transfusion. The present study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence and molecular detection of T. gondii infection and the associated risk factors among young healthy blood donors in the central part of Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Blood samples were taken from 500 participants and the serum was separated. All serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG) and then all positive samples were evaluated for IgM antibodies using commercial ELISA kits. All IgM positive samples and 66 randomly selected IgG positive samples were further tested by PCR of the REP-529 gene. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG) avidity test was performed for 142 IgG positive samples which were randomly selected. In the current study, anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG) and (IgM) were found in 316 (63.2%) and 3 (0.95 %) participants, respectively. Seropositivity rate of Toxoplasma was higher among blood donors living in rural areas (P=0.000) and those with a history of soil and animal contact (P<0.05). PCR of the REP-529 gene showed T. gondii DNA in 21 out of 66 samples. The REP-529 gene was not detected in IgM positive samples. Low avidity antibodies (IgG) was found in 23.2% of the IgG positive samples. In conclusions, this study found that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among young healthy blood donors in north of Iran was high. To reduce the risk of parasite transmission, leukofilteration method are recommended for donated blood used for immunosuppressed patients.

Comparison the pain relief of amitriptyline mouthwash with benzydamine in oral mucositis

Statement of the Problem: A significant proportion of patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy suffer from mucositis. The first symptom of oral mucositis is pain. Severe pain, burning sensation, and discomfort in the oral cavity make it difficult to continue treatment and even continue living in these patients

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of amitriptyline mouthwash [in two forms of simple and niosomal] as a local anesthetic agent with benzydamine HCl mouthwash in oral mucositis after radiotherapy or chemotherapy

Materials and Method: This double-blind study was performed on 60 patients with oral mucositis caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The severity of mucositis was determined based on patient judgment; then dental examination was performed and recorded in a checklist. Three groups were assigned based on using either benzydamine HCL, amitriptyline, or niosomal form of amitriptyline. Pain and burning sensation were evaluated with VAS at different time intervals: before use and one, five, ten, and thirty minutes and one hour after using mouthwash. T-test was used to compare the intensity of pain between the two groups. ANOVA and Tukey test were used to compare the intensity of pain between groups

Results: Statistical analyses showed the maximum reduction in pain intensity at two different time intervals [p= 0.04]. Ten minutes after the use of niosomal form of amitriptyline, a 95% decrease in pain was observed. A 99% reduction in pain occurred after the use of simple form of amitriptyline [p= 0.04]

Conclusion: Use of amitriptyline mouthwash had local anesthetic effects in oral mucositis without systemic side effects. Decrease in the severity of pain with the use of amitriptyline mouthwash was more than that of benzydamine HCL mouthwash

Application of sparse linear discriminant analysis and elastic net for diagnosis of IgA nephropathy: statistical and biological viewpoints

Background: IgA nephropathy [IgAN] is the most common primary glomerulonephritis diagnosed based on renal biopsy. Mesangial IgA deposits along with the proliferation of mesangial cells are the histologic hallmark of IgAN. Non-invasive diagnostic tools may help to prompt diagnosis and therapy. The discovery of potential and reliable urinary biomarkers for diagnosis of IgAN depends on applying robust and suitable models. Applying two multivariate modeling methods on a urine proteomic dataset were obtained from IgAN patients, and comparison of the results of these methods were the purpose of this study

Methods: Two models were constructed for urinary protein profiles of 13 patients and 8 healthy individuals, based on sparse linear discriminant analysis [SLDA] and elastic net [EN] regression methods. A panel of selected biomarkers with the best coefficients were proposed and further analyzed for biological relevance using functional annotation and pathway analysis

Results: Transferrin, a1-antitrypsin, and albumin fragments were the most important up-regulated biomarkers, while fibulin-5, YIP1 family member 3, prasoposin, and osteopontin were the most important down-regulated biomarkers. Pathway analysis revealed that complement and coagulation cascades and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction pathways impaired in the pathogenesis of IgAN

Conclusion: SLDA and EN had an equal importance for diagnosis of IgAN and were useful methods for exploring and processing proteomic data. In addition, the suggested biomarkers are reliable candidates for further validation to non-invasive diagnose of IgAN based on urine examination

Co-detection and isolation of Leishmania and Crithidia among naturally infected Tatera indica (Rodentia: Muridae) in Fars province, southern Iran

Objective:To explore the co-detection of natural infection of Trypanosomatidae parasites such as Leishmania and Crithidia in reservoir hosts of leishmaniasis. Methods: Rodent populations were monitored in two endemic foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis of Fars province, southern Iran from March to October 2016. Rodents were trapped alive in several parts of Shiraz and Kharameh cities. Afterwards, their organs were prepared for detection of Leishmania and Crithidia species by molecular, microscopic, and culture methods. Results: Totally, 115 rodents of five species; Tatera indica (T. indica) (85), Rattus rattus (12), Meriones libycus (9), Mus musculus (7), and Rattus norvegicus (2), were trapped alive and their tissue samples were examined using microscopic, cultivation, and molecular assays. Overall, 59 (51.3％) rodents were positive for Leishmania or Crithidia parasites. The highest rate (61.2％; 52/85) of Leishmania infection was related to the T. indica population. The cultivation, and molecular observations showed that two (2.4％; 2/85) of T. indica (foot-pad, and spleen samples) were positive to Crithidia. Conclusions: This is the first report of Crithidia infection in T. indica in Iran. Consequently, more epidemiological and ecological studies are needed to understand the role of Crithidia and Leishmania in T. indica.

Co-detection and isolation of Leishmania and Crithidia among naturally infected Tatera indica (Rodentia: Muridae) in Fars province, southern Iran

Objective: To explore the co-detection of natural infection of Trypanosomatidae parasites such as Leishmania and Crithidia in reservoir hosts of leishmaniasis. Methods: Rodent populations were monitored in two endemic foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis of Fars province, southern Iran from March to October 2016. Rodents were trapped alive in several parts of Shiraz and Kharameh cities. Afterwards, their organs were prepared for detection of Leishmania and Crithidia species by molecular, microscopic, and culture methods. Results: Totally, 115 rodents of five species; Tatera indica (T. indica) (85), Rattus rattus (12), Meriones libycus (9), Mus musculus (7), and Rattus norvegicus (2), were trapped alive and their tissue samples were examined using microscopic, cultivation, and molecular assays. Overall, 59 (51.3%) rodents were positive for Leishmania or Crithidia parasites. The highest rate (61.2%; 52/85) of Leishmania infection was related to the T. indica population. The cultivation, and molecular observations showed that two (2.4%; 2/85) of T. indica (foot-pad, and spleen samples) were positive to Crithidia. Conclusions: This is the first report of Crithidia infection in T. indica in Iran. Consequently, more epidemiological and ecological studies are needed to understand the role of Crithidia and Leishmania in T. indica.

[ relationship between sensorimotor function of hemiplegic lower limb and independency in daily living activities in hemiplegic patients]

Background and Aim: The aim of the present study was to find out the relationship between the various components of sensorimotor function of hemiplegic lower limb and independency in daily living activities in stroke patients

Materials and Method: This was a cross-sectional study which included 40 hemiplegic patients. The patients were between 30 and 70 years of age and selected on a non random basis from rehabilitation clinics in Tehran. We used Fugel-Meyer assessment in order to assess sensorimotor function of hemiplegic lower limbs. Evaluation of independency in basic and instrumental activity of daily living was performed by using Barthel Index and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. The correlation was analyzed by Spearman coefficient

Results: There was a significant relationship between hemiplegic lower limb motor function and independency in BADL [P=0.002, r =0.482] and IADL [P=0.001, r =0.494]. There was also a significant correlation between hemiplegic lower limb corrdination and speed and independency in BADL [P<0.001, r =0.601] and IADL [P<0.001, r =0.557]. Hemiplegic lower limb joint pain had significant correlation only with independency in BADL [P=0.009, r =0.410]. Hemiplegic lower limb sensation and passive joint motion had no significant correlation with independency in BADL and IADL. There was a significant correlation between hemiplegic lower limb sensorimotor function and independency in BADL [P=0.002, r =0.477] and IADL [P<0.001, r =0.495]

Conclusion: The results of our study showed a relationship between hemiplegic lower limb sensorimotor function and independency in daily living activities in the stroke patients. Therefore, different components of the lower extremity sensorimotor function should be considered in the rehabilitation programs for the hemiplegic patients

[ study of seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C and behavioral factors in HIV patients referred to the consultation clinics of Tehran behavioral diseases health center]

Background: The patients who have human immunodeficiency virus, are susceptible to opportunistic infections and tumors due to disease progress and their immune system suppression. Early diagnosis and suitable management of these patients can decrease their mortality and morbidity. Present study was performed for determination of prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C and high risk behavioral among HIV patients

Methods: Present cross sectional study was performed on 481 HIV patients in consultant clinic of behaviors disorders of west Tehran hygiene center at September 2014. Demographic and behavioral data and serum viral hepatitis B and C measurements in participated patients were gathered in the study checklist

Results: Among 481 HIV patients, 331 [68.8%] and 32 [6.6%] patients had hepatitis C and B co-infection and ninety-three patients had only HIV infection. Co-infection of HCV and HBV infection were diagnosed in 25 [51.9%] HIV patients

Conclusion: There were significant association between high risk behaviors with HCV infection and drug abuse, common syringe use with both of HCV and HBV infection among HIV patients

survey of knowledge, attitude and practice of iranian dentists and pedodontists in relation to child abuse

Statement of the Problem: Since almost half of the child abuse cases affect the head and neck region, dentists have an important role in the diagnosis and report of oral and dental aspects of child abuse cases

Purpose: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of the general dentists and pedodontists regarding child abuse and child neglect

Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out on the participants of the 12th congress of pedodontists of Iran. A self-administered questionnaire was used for evaluating their knowledge, attitude and practice toward child abuse. T-test and ANOVA were applied to analyze the data by SPSS software, p <0.05 was considered statistically significant

Results: The mean score of knowledge, attitude and practice of the participants regarding child abuse was 10.24+/-2.68, 41.54+/-11.24 and 2.78+/-1.05, respectively

The knowledge of pedodontists was significantly higher than knowledge of general dentists. No statistically significant difference was observed in attitude and practice [p> 0.05]

Conclusion: Dentists had a moderate knowledge, poor attitude and moderate practice regarding child abuse. Considering this fact, improvements in child abuse education for undergraduate students and continuing post-graduate training in this field are recommended

The Relationship between TV Viewing and Food Intake and BMI in Preschool Children.

Background: Considerable attention is currently being paid to childhood nutrition. Mass media, particularly television (TV), is believed to largely contribute to eating habits and Body mass index (BMI). This study was carried out to identify the relation between tendency towards TV viewing and its influence on children with food intake and BMI in pre-school kids. Methodology: The survey was conducted using a cross-sectional design, in which 114 children aged 2-6 yrs from 11 selected nursery schools were included. Regarding data collection related to TV viewing rate and influence rate of TV viewing from parents' viewpoint, a valid and reliable questionnaire was used. To collect data about children's diets intake, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was applied. Face-to-face meetings and interviews with the parents were held. Height and weights of children were measured using a measuring tape and a digital weight scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical tests by SPSS software. Results: It turned out that consumption rate of some food groups including meats & alternatives (p=0.008), sugars (p=0.013) and snacks & desserts (p=0.011) were higher in children who spend more time watching TV. In addition, Intake of cereals and breads appeared to be higher in children with strong desire for TV food ads (p=0.019). It was also revealed that influence rate of TV viewing and fats intake were positively correlated (p=0.017). No significant relationship was revealed between TV viewing rate and BMI in children Conclusion: It can be concluded that tendency of preschool children to TV is positively related with some food groups intake and consumption of low nutritional-value foods.

Effect of the receptor activator of nuclear factor [ka]B and rank ligand on in vitro differentiation of cord blood CD133[+] hematopoietic stem cells to osteoclasts

Objective: receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand [RANKL] appears to be an osteoclast-activating factor, bearing an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma. Some studies demonstrated that U-266 myeloma cell line and primary myeloma cells expressed RANK and RANKL. It had been reported that the expression of myeloid and monocytoid markers was increased by co-culturing myeloma cells with hematopoietic stem cells [HSCs]. This study also attempted to show the molecular mechanism of RANK and RANKL on differentiation capability of human cord blood HSC to osteoclast, as well as expression of calcitonin receptor [CTR] on cord blood HSC surface

Materials and Methods: in this experimental study, CD133[+] hematopoietic stem cells were isolated from umbilical cord blood and cultured in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor [M-CSF] and RANKL. Osteoclast differentiation was characterized by using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase [TRAP] staining, giemsa staining, immunophenotyping, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] assay for specific genes

Results: hematopoietic stem cells expressed RANK before and after differentiation into osteoclast. Compared to control group, flow cytometric results showed an increased expression of RANK after differentiation. Expression of CTR mRNA showed TRAP reaction was positive in some differentiated cells, including osteoclast cells

Conclusion: presence of RANKL and M-CSF in bone marrow could induce HSCs differentiation into osteoclast

likelihood ratio and frequency of DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes in Iranian patients with celiac disease

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the likelihood ratio and frequency of DQ2 and DQ8 in Iranian patients with celiac disease [CD]

Background: The HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8 are the important mediators in the development of celiac disease. A few studies evaluated the frequency of HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8 haplotypes among the Iranian population with low sample size

Patients and methods: In this cross-sectional study, to predict HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 haplotypes, 141[73 male, 78 female] confirmed CD patients compared to 151 healthy controls were enrolled into this study during 2013-2014. HLA DQ2/ DQ8 haplotypes was determined in cases and controls using PCR-SSP technique

Results: DQ2 and DQ8 were positive in 80% [n=111] and 49% [n= 69] of CD patients and 36% [n=61] and 13% [n=21] of control group respectively. Moreover, 32% [n=45] of CD patients and 5.3% [n=8] of the control group were carrier of both haplotypes. In the case group about one-third of patients [32.2%] were positive for carrying both DQ2 and DQ8 heterodimers while only 5.3% [n=8] of the control group were carrier. In addition, the positive likelihood ratio of DQ2 and DQ8 were 1.74 [CI: 1.4- 2.1], and 2.6 [CI: 1.8- 2.7], respectively

Conclusion: The result of this study showed that the frequency of DQ8 among our population is higher than those reported by European countries, but it is close to those founded in South America and Middle East. This result suggests that the higher prevalence of HLA DQ8 pattern in Iranian CD patients is similar to non-European patients

Oral health and coronary artery disease, a review article

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Various risk factors have been identified for atherosclerosis. Recently, bacterial and viral organisms, which are involved in chronic inflammatory processes, have been also implicated in atherosclerosis development. Individuals with a prior history of periodontal diseases and/or tooth loss are considered to be at a higher risk for peripheral arterial disease, compared to those without periodontal diseases or tooth loss. Evidence suggests that periodontitis contributes to the overall burden of infection and inflammation and may lead to cardiovascular events and stroke in susceptible patients. In this article, we aimed to review the available data on the relationship between periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary artery disease. At least sixty papers were reviewed during 2014-15. Of these, 44 were included in our study

Peripheral ameloblastic fibroma: report of a rare case

Ameloblastic fibroma is a rare mixed odontogenic tumor mostly occurring in the posterior region of the mandible. The peripheral variant is very rare and to the best of our knowledge, only three cases have been reported in the English literature. In this report, we describe a case of peripheral ameloblastic fibroma in a 54-year-old woman with two years of follow-up

association between [8390G>A] single nucleotide polymorphism in APOE gene with Alzheimer's and Parkinson disease

Genetic susceptibility, is considered to be involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease [AD] and Parkinson's disease [PD]. Despite the fact that many susceptibility genes for AD and PD have been considered, the most probable genetic risk factor which has been taken into consideration is Apolipoprotein E genotype located on chromosome 19q, APOE is the gene widely considered to be a susceptibility gene for neurodegenerative diseases. This study is to investigate the association of APOE polymorphism with AD and PD. In this case control study we examined association of an APOE gene polymorphism [rs121918398] with AD and PD in Iranian population. The study included 100 AD patients, 100 PD patients and 150 healthy volunteers. An informed consent was obtained from all participants. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocyte. Genotypes were determined by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP] by Hha1 restriction enzyme. Sequencing of PCR products was carried out by Fazabiotech Company according to Sanger method using ABI 3730XL Capillary Sequencer. Statistical analysis was performed using the MedCalc program. The prevalence of genotype frequencies of the APOE A/A, A/G, G/G were 16%, 34% and 50% in AD subjects, 14%, 32%, 54% in PD patients and in healthy volunteers were 15%, 39% and 96% respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between genotype frequencies of AD and those of control subjects [P < 0.05]. Moreover, according to statistical analysis, the genotype frequencies of APOE in PD subjects and control group did not significantly differ. This is the very first time that the association of this polymorphism [rs121918398] with AD is being reported nevertheless, there is no evidence that APOE variant is associated with PD. Accordingly, genotype alteration of A8390>G can't be related to AD. So, this polymorphism plays no pathogenic role in the PD and AD patients in Iranian population