Antimicrobial effect of copper oxide nanoparticles on some oral bacteria and candida species

Acid producing bacteria including Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli cause tooth demineralization and lead to tooth decay. Also, oral colonization of the species of Candida has been reported in many studies that are resistant to antifungal agents

Objectives: In this study, antibacterial and antifungal effects of nano-CuO were studied against some oral bacteria and yeast fungi

Materials and Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentrations [MICs] of copper oxide nanoparticles [CuO NPs] for oral bacterial and fungal test strains were determined in 96-well microtiter plate technique. The agar diffusion test [ADT] was employed to assess the antifungal properties of nystatin

Results: The MIC[50] value of CuO NPs was determined at the range of 1-10 micro g/ml for S. mutans, < 1 micro g/ml for L. acidophilus, and 10 micro g/ml for L. casei. Higher concentrations of CuO NPs [100-1000 micro g/ml] were effective on the bacterial cell growth, resulting in 100% reduction in the optical density in TSB medium. The cells of Candida albicans, C. krusei and C. glabrata were treated with CuO NPs and the results showed a decrease in fungal growth at a concentration of 1-1000 micro g/ml in TSB medium. The MIC[50] value of CuO NPs was determined 1000 micro g/ml for three species of Candida. The diameter of growth inhibition zones of 1100 micro g/ml nystatin was obtained 15-21 mm for clinical isolates of three species of Candida

Conclusions: With respect to the potential bactericidal activity of CuO NPs on various cariogenic bacteria examined in this study, these NPs could be introduce as a candidate control agent for preventing dental caries or dental infections. In our study, on the other hand, Nano copper oxide had a weak effect on the candida species

Essential oil composition and antioxidant activity of Levisticum officinale Koch. at various phenological stages

Background: The leaves, roots and seeds of Lovage [Levisticum officinale Koch] being used as an herb, vegetable and spice

Objective: The aim of this study is evaluation of the changes of phytochemical compound in aerial parts of the Lovage plants at different developmental stages as well as antioxidant activity

Methods: The plants were harvested from Hezar Mountain. After drying, essential oils were extracted by steam distillation. To identify the essential components GC and GC-MS was used. Antioxidant activity of samples was examined by diphenylpicrylhydrazyl [DPPH] assay

Results: The average yield of essential oil was respectively, 2.3% and 3.1% and 1.5% respectively, in vegetative, Flowering and seed stage. The oil analysis results showed that 21 compounds were identified in the vegetative stage. beta-phellandrene [10.7%] and alpha-Terpinyl acetate [% 38.9] and Curzerene [% 10.6] were the major compound. in the reproductive stage, 22 compounds were identified including beta-phellandrene [20.3%] and alpha-Terpinyl acetate [% 20.4] and gamma-Cadinene [12.1%]. in the seed stage beta-phellandrene [21.1%] and alpha-Terpinyl acetate [%25.3] and Sabinene [10.2%] were the highest. Analysis of variance showed that the effect of harvesting time has significant effect on plant height, stem branch number and yield of oil. The Higher antioxidant power was observed respectively in the flowering stage [83%], vegetative stage [68%] and seed stage [60%]

Conclusion: The phytochemical and antioxidant compounds in Levisticum officinale depend on the phenological stage

[Effect of interventions based on lifestyle modification on clinical, hormonal and metabolic findings in the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review]

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is often associated with clinical, metabolic and hormonal disorders. There are strong correlations between obesity, hyperandrogenism, impaired glucose tolerance and reproductive disorders emphasising the importance of lifestyle in patients with this syndrome

Materials and Methods: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Cochrane and SID databases [2003-2014] were searched to identify publications on the effect of interventions based on Lifestyle modification on clinical, hormonal and metabolic findings in the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Results: Suitable nutrition and weight reduction can improve the results of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Data on enhanced benicial composition of diets in these patients is not available and studies have focused mainly on the restriction of energy instead of diet composition. Some researchers believe that a low glycemic load diet is effective on insulin resistance and other symptoms of disease but there is in sufficient evidence on the effectiveness of diets with high protein content. Regular physical activity also improves insulin resistance in patients with the PCOS

Conclusion: Lifestyle modification as the first-line treatment in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome can improve the clinical, hormonal and metabolic findings of patients. Although calorie restriction and weight loss can directly improve disease outcomes in these patients, yet the effect of diet composition is not well elucidated

effect of support group method on quality of life in post-menopausal women

Quality of life in post-menopausal women and menopausal symptoms are closely related concepts. Influence health education policy in order to promote health and adopt a menopause lifestyle requires alternative strategies, including health training programs with community - based interventions. The current study aims to survey the effects of support groups on quality of life of post-menopausal women. A blind field trial [2010] was conducted at Saadatmandii Clinical Center [Robat Karim, Iran]. 110 women were selected randomly divided into test and control groups [consisting of 55 ones]. Menopause specific quality of life questionnaire [MENQOL] was used for evaluation of life quality before and three months after intervention; there was no intervention in the control group. Data were analyzed by using SPSS/16. Qualitative variables were analyzed using chi-square tests and quantitative variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon test, paired T-test and independent t-test. There was significant difference between vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, sexual aspects and life quality of this group pf women [P<0.001]. There was no statistically significant difference in the quality of life of women in control group. According to the results method of support group can lead to improved quality of life for postmenopausal ones and it can be appropriate healthcare policy to promote health and improve life quality of this group of women

Micro-shear bond strength of a nanofiller bonding with and without thermocyding in a newly invented device

Estimation of the survival of dental materials is especially important when manufacturing new materials. Thermocycling can greatly help in this respect. The purpose of this study was to evaluate micro-shear bond strength of a nanofiller bonding with and without thermocycling in a newly invented device. In this experimental study, human third molars were sectioned into 1.5 mm slices after extraction and disinfection. Clearfil Tri-S nanofiller bond was applied to the dentin part of sections according to the manufacturer's instructions. Clearfil AP-X composite resin was placed over the dentin using tubes with 0.75 mm internal diameter and one mm height and light cured. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups and subjected to thermocycling in a newly invented device for zero, 3000 and 5000 cyclesbetween 5 +/- 2°C and 55 +/- 2°C. Micro-shear bond strength was measured by microtensile tester with a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min. Obtained data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Tukey's test was used for multiple comparisons with a 95% confidence interval. The mean micro-shear bond strength after zero, 3000 and 5000 thermal cycles was found to be 19.27 +/- 4,56, 17.00 +/- 6.52 and 11.58 +/- 4.64 MPa, respectively. The reduction in bond strength between zero and 3000 thermal cycles was not statistically significant [P=0.3] but this reduction between zero and 5000, as well as 3000 and 5000 cycles was statistically significant [P0.002 and P0.03, respectively]. Increase in number of thermal cycles for more than 3000 reduces the micro-shear bond strength of Tri-S bonding agent

effect of egg yolk oil in the healing of third degree burn wound in rats

Burn injury is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. A domestic medication in wound healing, preventing infection and reduction of scar tissue as well as availability is still an important challenge. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of yolk egg oil in treatment of burn wounds in rats. A standard 3[rd] degree burn wound was produced and the animals were divided into three groups according to topical treatment including yolk oil, 1% silver sulfadiazine [SSD] and control. In days 7, 14 and 30, animal's weight, wound size, as well as histopathological findings of skin were evaluated in different groups. Average size of wound after 7 days was 3.4, 5.3, and 6.7 cm in yolk oil, SSD and control groups. There were significant differences between yolk oil and the other groups in this aspect. The wound size of yolk egg group was also significantly smaller than other groups in 14[th] and 30[th] days. Results of the histological studies indicated significant differences between yolk oil, SSD and control groups on day 30, with mean score of 3.75, 3.5 and 2.8 respectively. The difference between yolk oil and the other groups was significant. Yolk oil-treated burned animals showed abundant re-epithelialization without tissue scar in comparison with SSD group. Although the egg yolk has many vital nutrients, but its exact mechanism in healing process is unknown. Therefore, further studies evaluating the influence of individual components on burn-healing process is advised

Estimation of external natural background gamma ray doses to the population of Caspian coastal provinces in North of Iran

The effect of natural background radiation on health is still controversial. However, it is clear that it depends on the dose received by the population. The estimation of external natural background gamma rays received by the population of Caspian coastal provinces in the northern part of Iran was the main goal of this study. Gamma rays was measured using calibrated radiation survey meter in 51 urban and rural health centers randomly to estimate the exposure to population [Total population=6888118 persons] in residential areas of Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan [Total area 59240 Km2] as Caspian coastal provinces, North of Iran. Results showed that the average dose rate in the areas under study was about 60.37 +/- 14.88 nSv/h or 0.53 mSv/yr [Range 30 to 90 nSv/h or 0.26 to 0.79 mSv/yr]. The data from Ramsar was excluded from the estimation because of its very high natural background radiation [Max. 240 mSv/yr]. No significant difference was found among the doses of the provinces [P=0.237]. The external natural background gamma ray dose to the population of Caspian coastal provinces, North of Iran, was found to be almost equal to the average value in the world [0.5 mSv/yr]

[Color preferences for nurses' uniform from nurses, hospitalized 5-12 years old children and parents' perspectives]

There is a growing movement towards more casual uniforms within pediatric Nursing. The study aimed at assessing the color preferences of nurses, parents and children regarding nurses' uniform in selected university hospitals of Tehran City. A cross sectional study was conducted. Through non-randomized convenient sampling, 365 pediatric nurses, 744 pediatric patients and 480 parents, drawn from selected university hospitals of Tehran City were recruited to the study, during one year since 2007, summer. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting demographic data and two questions regarding the participants' color preferences. Five photos showing a nurse with different uniform colors [pink, white, light blue, dark blue and colorful] while checking a child's pulse were used. Descriptive and inferential statistics [analysis of variance with repeated measurement, chi-square and Cochran's test] were used to analysis the data by SPSS software [version 11.5]. Female children and their parents reported pink color as their first choice [45.2 and 45.6% respectively] while boys preferred light blue [31.4%]. The first choice of nurses was dark blue [42.2%] which 10.6% of mothers and 17.6% of girls liked it as well [P<0.001]. Nurses with less than ten years of nursing experience, preferred dark blue [49.1 vs. 32.9%; P=0.002]. Fathers preferences of colors were not statistically significant [P=0.017]. Pink and light blue were most preferred by children and their parents to dark blue of nurses. The study recommends changing the color of nurses'uniforms in pediatric wards, considering children and their parents' perspectives

[Economic appraisal of two methods of using governmental versus private transportation in Shahrood medical university]

Resource limitation and indications on lowering governmental incumbency and private sector contribution necessitate comparison studies. This study considers economical issues using these two methods in Shahrood medical university. This study is a descriptive, cross sectional one. Cencus method was used for data gathering. 97.6% of cars were in service and 33% of drivers were official employee while 40% had contract private sector. Average payment in governmental section [for car and personnel] was 2567974 Rials [R] per month. 25% of this [expense] was for car and 75% for personnel payment. The cost of governmental transportation was 1956R per Km. and 386R per Km. in private sector. Comparison between two methods reveals that the average costs in governmental is 2.66 times more than private sector for [the] same cars. Thus according to this study the payment for private sector was lower than governmental. Transportation state should be revised because of limitation of resources, costs of car working and legal obligations for private sector contribution. Managers should plan to increase the efficacy and effectiveness of services

Comparison of serum bilirubin measurement in laboratory and transcutaneous bilirubinometry

Background and Purpose: Bili-Check is a simple method used to provide a rapid pain-free and noninvasive transcutaneous estimation of total serum bilirubin. The present study was conducted to compare estimates of serum bilirubin using Bili-Check [TCB] with total serum bilirubin [TSB] values determined in a clinical laboratory

Methods and Materials: This is a dehlive analytical cross-sectional study conducted in Ghaem Hospital NICU from September 2008 to March 2008. With a confidence interval of 95% and test power of 80% 109 neonates were selected through convenient non-randomized sampling as the study sample. TSB was determined in a clinical laboratory using the diazo with photometric method. Then within 10 minutes transcutaneous measurements were performed via Bili-Check. Data analysis was done in SPSS11.5 using correlation coefficient

Results: From 109 neonates included in the study 75 were male [68.8%] and 34 female [31.2%] with an age range of 1 to 26 days. Mean serum Bilirubin was 12.979 and TCB estimate was 12.219. Laboratory findings highly correlated with the results of TCB [r=0.766] [P=0.0001]

Conclusion: Bili-Check has the sufficient adequacy as the measurement and observation device for neonates and can replace serum bilirubinometry in laboratory fro Icteric neonates

Clinical and laboratory profile of patients with tuberculosis/HIV coinfection at a national referral centre: a case series

This case series describes the clinical and laboratory profile of 15 patients with tuberculosis [TB] HIV coinfection admitted to a referral centre in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Most of the patients [13] were male; the mean age was 36.9 years. Intravenous drug use was the route of transmission for all males and heterosexual intercourse for the 2 females; 12 patients had a history of imprisonment. All patients had pulmonary TB; 13 were smear-positive and all except 1 had atypical radiological presentation. Drug-induced hepatitis occurred in 3 patients and 12 had hepatitis C coinfection. Five patients died. The mean CD4 count was 229.2 [SD 199.5] cells/mm[3] and 78.6% had CD4 count < 350. TB may be an AIDS-defining illness in this country

Unhealthy lifestyles and ischaemic electrocardiographic abnormalities: the Persian Gulf Healthy Heart Study

We assessed prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, ischaemic heart disease [IHD] and unhealthy lifestyles in 3723 participants aged >/= 25 years in the northern Persian Gulf region; 96.0% had >/= 1 cardiovascular risk factor. Over 60% had unhealthy body weight, only 8.3% ate the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, 70.6% were physically inactive and 19.0% were current smokers. Prevalence of electrocardiogram [ECG] with evidence of IHD was 12.7%. Present or past smoking and truncal obesity were independently associated with IHD ECGs in men, and past or present smoking and obesity in women. Hypertension and diabetes were independently associated with increased risk of IHD ECG

Comparison of anteroposterior thickness of elite sprinters and distance runners' abdominal muscles

Abdominal muscles are known to have great effects on the locomotion and stabilization of trunk, as well as, contribution to the respiratory functions. These cited functions are of much importance, especially when an individual performs professional sport activities. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of professional sprinting and distance running [track and field] activity, on the abdominal muscles of the respective athletes. 18 elite male runners [9 distance runners and 9 sprinters] were selected simply, with no randomization, aged 18-22 years. Measurement of abdominal muscles thickness was performed by a clinical ultrasonography machine, furnished with a curvilinear probe, emitting 7.5 MHz ultrasonic waves. Athletes were supine and still throughout the test, the probe was placed on two points of athletes' left abdomen, known as standard points for ultrasonography of abdominal muscles. The anteroposterior [AP] thicknesses of all abdominal muscles, had statistically significant differences between the two groups of runners, as the rectus abdominis muscle [RA] [P < 0.001]. Internal and external Oblique muscles [IO and EO] were thicker in the sprinters group; and in contrast, the transversus abdominis muscle [TA] owned more thickness among the distance runners [P < 0.05]. A long term physical exercise has specific effects on postural and motive muscles. So, sprinting sports have the most effect on postural muscles and distance running has the most effect on motive muscles

knowledge of pediatric intensive care unit staffs regarding pulse oximetry

Pulse Oximeter monitoring technology has become so common in intensive health care settings over the last decade that blood oxygen level is now considered as the fifth vital sign. However, it seems that medical and nursing staffs are not specially educated to operate with the devices. The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge of medical assistants [residents], nurses and anesthesia technicians of pediatric intensive care units regarding Pulse Oximetery. This is a cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of all nurses, first year to third year medical assistants, and anesthesia technicians who working in intensive care units in Pediatric Center. A questionnaire was used for data gathering that had three sections: the first section as demographic data [occupational condition, record of service in pediatric unit, having the experience of using Pulse Oximetery, having enough knowledge about Pulse Oximetery, and its educational program type]; the second section [eighteen short answer questions] in order to determine the participants knowledge about Pulse Oximetery and the third section [four imaginary clinical scenarios] evaluating the participants interpretation on Pulse Oximetery reports and its changes in patients. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics [Fisher exact test] by SPSS v.15 and EPI6 computer softwares. The analyses showed that 77.4% of the participants did not pass any educational course regarding Pulse Oximetery, also 67.9% of them correctly identified what Pulse Oximeter measures, and 47.2% of the subjects correctly identified how a Pulse Oximeter works, and 13.2% identified its normal range, but only 26.4% had a correct understanding of the Oxhemoglobin dissociation curve and explained it completely true. It was found that the majority of the participants were wrong in their answers about Pulse Oximeter monitoring. They made mistakes in interpretation of the imaginary clinical scenarios. The results of the study showed that the majority of pediatric intensive care unit staffs have little knowledge regarding Pulse Oximeter monitoring, then with attention to the vast usage of the technology the necessity of formal educational programs in colleges and retraining courses during employment about the device for health care providers is apparent

[5S Methodology: introduction and application in health services]

5S is a well known Japanese management method. This is applied in different parts of health sector organizations. It has shown good results in work field organizing, increasing safety versifying tasks, reducing wasting and making higher coordination. A well organized and clear work area promotes employees' incentive, and its main characteristic is simplicity. First S, Seiri, implies to good storing and keeping only essential materials and tools. Seition, the second, indicates storing in order and foucusing on efficiency. Seiso means cleaning of workplace and Seikatsu is to standardize tasks. Thelast is Shitsunke meaning sustain the discipline, maintaining and reviewing standards. In this article 5S methodology is discussed with regard to health services

[Study of knowledge attitude and performance of manageres about conflict management Shahroud faculty of medicine]

Conflict is an inevitable occurrence in all teams and organizations and its management is an important and indeed difficult part of managerial duties. This study was designed and conducted to evaluate knowledge. attitude and performance of managers in Shahroud faculty of medicine, in the year 1385. This is a cross sectional study. It was performed by taking questionnaire from all managers in Suahroud faculty of medicine. There were 6 general and 51 specific questions. Datas were analyzed by SPSS and INSTAT softwres. High rank. medium rank. and executive managers consisted 7.6. 30.3 and 62.1% of cases. respectively.Were male and female. 6.1% had a history of conflict management training, while the rest had not. Mean knowledge. attitude. and performance scores were 14.18 [from 20]. 45.62 [from 55]. and 110.76 [from 150]. There was no statistically significant relation between training and attitude. and manager's gender. Inspite of lack of statistical evidence, indicating in education and training is considered as conclusion of this article

Frequency of symptoms of depression, general anxiety, obsessive - compulsive and phobia in interictal phase in patients with Epilepsy

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of symptoms of depressions, general anxiety, obsessive compulsive and phobia in interictal phase among patients suffering from epilepsy. This cross sectional observational study was performed on 137 outpatients referred to neurology clinic of Imam Hossein hospital in 2004. all patients were in the interictal phase. Demographic and epilepsy variables and a questionnaire including items asking about depression, general anxiety, obsessive compulsive and phobia of SCL-90-R [symptoms chick list-90-revised] was completed. Relative frequency of depression, general anxiety, obsessive compulsive, and phobia was 55.4%, 44.9% ,55.8% and 23.2%, respectively. Phobia symptoms were associated with lower educational level [p=0.029], unemployment [p=0.013] and older age [-p=0.013]. The symptoms of obsessive compulsive [p=0.041] and general anxiety [p=0.044] were associated with older age. Different psychiatric symptoms were not correlated with sex, amount of drug use, marital status and the duration of the disease or type of epilepsy. Our findings highlighted that depression and obsessive compulsive symptoms in the first grade and general anxiety and phobia in the second grade are among the causes of morbidity among epileptic patients. Psychiatric symptoms are suspected to be higher in older, unemployed, and less educated epileptic patients. A close cooperation between neurologists and psychiatrists is necessary in the approach to the patients with epilepsies

[Evaluation of the effect of education on the awareness and attitude levels about Hepatitis transmission among soldiers of the 02 Garrison]

Hepatitis is used for an extended range of clinical situations due to injuries from viral attacks, toxic and pharmacologic substances or immune mediated attacks on the liver which lead to inflammation and finally hepatic cell necrosis. Mostly, acute hepatitis is due to viral infections. These agents are A, B, C, D, E and G hepatitis viruses, which B and C are the most important. In this interventional study, 230 soldiers were selected randomly. In both pre-educational [pre-test] and post-educational [post-test] stages, all soldiers were examined with questionnaire about hepatitis transmission and then the results of two stages were compared. All 230 cases were male and mean age was 22/58 years old. All soldiers were associated of arts. The mean scores of awareness and attitude levels were 11/31 [ +/- 4.41] and 8/85 [ +/- 2.78] pre-educational [pre-test] which in post-educational [post-test] stage became 13/96 [2.98] and 11/46 [ +/- 1.80], respectively. All scores were evaluated out of 20. This study showed that education affects the awareness and attitude levels of soldiers about Hepatitis transmission strongly. So, it is proposed to have regular programs for this issue

Postlaryngectomy pharyngocutaneus fistula in Imam Khomeini Hospital

Pharyngocutaneus fistula is the most common complication following total laryngectomy with an unknown multifactorial etiology. The present study was designed to determine the incidence and predisposing factors of pharyngocutaneus fistula. 76 patients who underwent total laryngectomy for laryngeal carcinoma were reviewed retrospectively. We evaluated factors potentially predisposing to fistula formation [age, sex, hypertension, congestive heart failure, pre- and post operative hemoglobin levels, tumor site, previous radiotherapy and chemotherapy, infection of surgical site, fever, concurrent neck dissection, smoking, drinking, peri-operative blood transfusion] using the chi-squared test, independent sample test and t-test. Pharyngocutaneus fistula was diagnosed in 10 patients [13.1%] within less than 4 weeks from surgery. Analysis showed that there were no statistically significant associations between fistula development and age, sex, hypertension, congestive heart failure, pre- and post operative hemoglobin levels, tumor site, previous radiotherapy and chemotherapy, concurrent neck dissection, smoking, drinking and peri operative blood transfusion. Infection of surgical margins and fever increased the risk of fistula development. The results show that infection of the surgical site and fever were associated with fistula formation. Given that fistula formation increases patients morbidity and hospital stay, prevention of surgical site infection and fever should be considered with an increased risk of pharyngocutaneus fistula formation