[Trihalomethane formation potential in drinking water from minab steghlal dam to water distribution network in Bandar Abbas, Iran]

Organic matters enter to drinking water from a variety of sources, but one of the major sources of these compounds in aqueous solution can be decomposed plant and microbial residues. Chlorination is the most common method for water disinfection, the free chlorine in the water reacts with natural organic compounds and form disinfection byproducts. One of the dangerous byproducts is Trihalomethanes [THMs]. These compounds are suspected to be carcinogenic for humans. In this study, 96 samples were taken from 4 points [Mianb Steghlal dam, output Minab water treatment plant, input and output of water treatment plant in Bandar Abbas] within 6 months. Parameters such as TOC, pH, temperature and chlorine residual were measured and used for prediction of THM formation by a methematical model. Results showed that Bandar Abbas drinking water has high TOC and THM formation potential is high. Minimum and maximum of THM was measured 14.78 and 84.86 micro g/l, respectively. Positive correlation was seen between concentrations of organic carbon and pH with THM formation. Increasing pH and TOC concentration in water, leads to increase of THM formation potential. Bandar Abbas drinking water has high potential to form THM, therefore, it is necessary to consider measures in this field

[Evaluation of shear bond strength of composite to feldspathic porcelain after porcelain surface treatment with CO2 and Er:YAG lasers]

Fractured ceramic crowns can sometimes be repaired with composite resin. The aim of the current study was to determine the shear bond strength of composite to Feld spathic porcelain after CO[2] and Er:YAG laser porcelain surface preparation. In this in-vitro study, 36 Feldspathic porcelain blocksmeasuring 1*10*10 mm were divided into 3 groups of 12. Porcelain surfaces in the first and second groups were treated with 1.8W CO[2] laser and 5W Er:YAG laser irradiation, respectively. Third group specimens were subjected to 9.5% hydrofluoric acid surface conditioning. All groups received application of silane and adhesive after wards. A composite cylinder with 3.5 mm diameter and 5 mm height was bonded to specimens. In order to evaluate the shear bond strength, a Universal Testing Machine with crosshead speed of 1 mm/min was used. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean shear bond strength values [MPa] were 13.03 +/- 2.57%, 12.02 +/- 3.4 and 19.23 +/- 4.62, for the first, second and third groups respectively. One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in this respect between the three groups [P< 0.001]. Tukey's HSD test demonstrated significant differences between the first and third groups [P= 0.000] as well as the second and third groups [P=0.000]. However, no significant difference was detected between the first and second groups [P =0.778]. Considering the study results, CO[2] or Er:YAG laser irradiation is not suggested as an appropriate alternative to hydrofluoric acid for surface preparation of Feld spathic porcelain

[Assessment of genetic diversity in the populations of hypericum perforatum L. using AFLP markers]

Hypericum perforatum is one of the valuable medicinal plants in Iran that is used in treating human diseases likes mania, anxiety and depression. Iranian H. perforatum populations were gathered from deferent region of Iran and also their genetic diversity in company with the possible relationship between genetic diversity and geographical distribution were studied. DNA was isolated by CTAB method from young leaves and double digested by EcoRI and Tru1I enzymes. Polymorphic DNA markers generated by DNA fingerprinting technique AFLP [Vos method] using 12 primers combinations. DNA fragments detected with silver nitrate staining according to Basam protocol. Totally 235 bands were scored, that 97% of them were polymorphic. The PIC values ranged between 0.31 and 0.45 with mean of 0.38. The highest and the lowest levels of genetic similarity were 0.89 and 0.29, respectively. Cluster analysis using UPGMA method and DICE similarity coefficient indicated a high genetic diversity among H. perforatum populations. There was no relationship between genetic diversity and geographical distribution. Also for the all loci, the PC[1] and PC[2] explained 12.8% and 8.3% of the variation, respectively. Wide genetic diversity between Iranian H. perforatum pupulations provide applied information to performance of breeding programs and genetic resource management. Of course, investigation of amount of hypericin and hyperforin metabolites in these populations are requiring to selection paramount genotypes

Comparison of salivary ion activity product for hydroxyapatite [IPHA], alkaline phosphatase and buffering capacity of adults according to age and caries severity

Statement of Problem: Tooth caries is influenced by different biochemical characteristics of saliva. As hydroxyapatite is the main component of enamel, salivary ion activity product for hydroxyapatite [IPHA] as well as alkaline phosphatase may be attributed to dental caries

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare salivary buffering capacity, alkaline phosphatase and IPHA of adults according to the dental caries and age

Materials and Method: One hundred and twenty 19 to 44 years old male individuals were divided into four groups according to the dental caries rate and age: group 1: 19-35 years old low dental caries [DMFT <5]; group 2: 19-35 years old high dental caries [DMFT 5<]; group 3: 35-44 years old low dental caries [DMFT <11] and 35-44 years old high dental caries [DMFT 11<]. Five milliliter of unstimulated saliva was collected, and then buffering capacity, the level of alkaline phosphatase activity and IPHA was determined for each sample. Data was analyzed by soft ware SPSS using two way ANOVA, Friedman and Mann-Whitney tests

Results: Mean and standard deviation of buffering capacity of group 1 to 4 was 2.66 +/- 0.54, 2.64 +/- 0.56, 2.70 +/- 0.70 and 2.26 +/- 0.82, respectively. The difference was not significance [p= 0. 305]. Mean and standard deviation of alkaline phosphatase activity of group 1 to 4 was 5.82 +/- 2.91, 5.30 +/- 1.52, 4.77 +/- 1.82 and 4.55 +/- 1.61, respectively. There was no significant difference [p= 0.692]. Mean and standard deviation of IPHA of group 1 to 4 was 29.39 +/- 0.61, 29.51 +/- 0.76, 29.14 +/- 0.56 and 29.75 +/- 0.75, respectively. The difference was significant [p= 0.049]

Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, buffering capacity and the level of alkaline phosphatase couldn't affect dental caries, independently. However, the higher value of IPHA may be attributed to the higher dental caries rate. Ageing decreases alkaline phosphatase activity

[ effect of different water rinsing times on the free surface energy of the dentin cut using a suggested coolant]

Statement of Problem: Free surface energy of substrate is an important factor for adhesion. High free surface energy results in increased wetness and better adhesion

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different rinsing times after cutting with a suggested coolant on the free surface energy of the dentin

Methods and Material: In this in-vitro experimental study, 75 intact human premolar were randomly assigned into 5 groups: 1] Cut with water coolant, 5 seconds of rinse with water. 2] Cut with water coolant, 5 seconds of rinse with water, etch, rinse. 3] Cut with a suggested coolant [0.5 surfactant/HLB=7], 5 seconds of rinse with water. 4] Cut with a suggested coolant, 10 seconds of rinse with water, and 5] Cut with suggested coolant, 15 seconds of rinse with water. Free surface energy was measured by estimating the contact angle. The statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests

Results: The surface energy means [dynes/cm] of groups 1 to 5 were 75.87, 46.00, 74.86, 72.64 and 70.05, respectively. The results of one-way ANOVA showed a significant difference among the five groups [p =0.000]. The Tukey test showed that except groups 1 and 3 [p =0.678], there was a significant difference in all the other groups [p <0.05]

Conclusion: Etching reduces the dentin surface energy. The surface free energy of the cut dentin with a surfactant as a coolant and then rinsing with water for 5 seconds is equal to dentin which is not etched. Rinsing for more than 5 seconds [10 or 15 seconds] reduces the dentin surface energy

[Upgrading of the mono media filters in water treatment plants by changing filter media]

Dual media filters have two different layer beds consist of sand and Anthracite. Advantage of dual media filters is longer run duration and more filtration rate. The purpose of this study was to achieve a performable model to improve single media Filters in water treatment plants. In this cross-sectional study, two pilots; mono and dual media were made and in a 5 month period samples taking were done. Total samples taken from input and output of each pilot, was 40. The samples then introduced for the measurement of turbidity and total organic carbon. Meanwhile the filters head loss also quantified in 40 times head loss measurement was done. Average turbidity removal in mono and two layer pilots were 63 and 65 percent respectively. Average removal of Total Organic Carbon in mono and two media pilots were 40 and 66 percent respectively. Head loss in dual and single media pilots were 0 .68 and 1.15 m respectively. Although average torbidity removal disparity between two pilots was not significant the amount of total organic carbon removed was considerable. Average head loss in single media pilot was more than dual media type. Ratio of UFRV in dual media to mono media filter was 51:30 it shows that filtration rate capacity will be improved up to70 percent by changing media type

[Clinical evaluation of drug induced acute angle closure glaucoma]

To evaluate all cases of drug induced angle closure glaucoma cases who presented to Feiz Hospital, Isfahan during 2008-2010. In this retrospective case series, we present 7 cases of drug induced angle closure glaucoma after administration of Topiramate. All patients were female. The average age of patients was 33.28 years old [ranging from 19 to 44]. With sufficient corneal clarity, mean BCVA was 20/400 and mean refractive error was -6.50 [rang -3.00 to-12.00] diopters. Mean intraocular pressure was 44.71 [rang 34 to 60] mmHg. Mean time normalization of intraocular pressure was 12.30 [rang 8 to 23] hours. Acute myopia and acute angle closure glaucoma are serious adverse effects of Topiramate, both of which are reversible with immediate discontinuation of the drug. So, taking a complete drug history and thinking about culprit drugs is critical in the evaluation of such cases

Microbial Quality of Hand-Made Fresh Fruit Juice in Bandar Abbas Shopping Centers, Iran

Fresh fruit juice is one of the best drinks which contains minerals and vitamins besides its appealing nature as a good source of water. Whoever does the microbial quality of fresh fruit juice not meet the standard level, it can play a large part in food transmission diseases. In this cross-sectional study, all of 58 fruit juice. The Samples were then tested for total Coliform, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, yeasts and molds. The results obtained showed that 142 case out of 146 samples were contaminated by microorganisims. All of Carrot and mango juices were contaminated, The mean contamination rate of Coliform bacteria, Mesophilic bacteria, Escherichia coli and yeasts in samples were detected as 86.2, 53.2, 57 and 56.6 percents respectively. 97.3 percents of samples did not have a good microbial quality for human consumption. If consumption of fresh fruit juices will cause the consumer at risk of food borne diseases, all the natural benefits of them in terms of richness in minerals and vitamins will waste.Therefore it can be concluded that the natural benefits of fresh fruit juice would be under question due to their low level microbial quality which move people to the high risk of food born diseases

[Postoperative pain after cooling PRK]

To compare post-operative pain with cooling photorefractive keratectomy [PRK] versus conventional PRK. A prospective clinical trial was performed on 94 eyes from 47 patients scheduled for PRK. Patients were randomly assigned to either cooling or conventional PRK. Pain was evaluated 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours post-operation using a visual analogue scale [VAS]. Corneal haze, conjunctival and palpebral edema, and complications were also assessed. Mean age of the patients was 24.8 +/- 4.5 [range: 18-36 years] and mean refractive error was 3.6 +/- 1.6 diopters. Median pain score in the cooling group at 6 and 12 hours was 15 and 10, respectively and zero at 24 and 48 hours. Median pain score in the conventional group at 6 and 12 hours was 30 and 15 and was zero at 24 and 48 hours. There was no adverse effect in either of the groups. Cooling PRK effectively reduces post-operative pain after PRK without any additional adverse effect

Infection assessment in private dental clinics of Bandar Abbas in 2006

Implementing infection control programs in dental clinics is essential to prevent transmission of infectious agents among personnel and patients. The program usually starts by evaluation of risk factors and is completed by designing a suitable strategy to eliminate them. In this study, we have evaluated the infection control situation in private dental offices in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, during year 2006. In a cross-sectional study, 60 dental offices were investigated in a period of 6 months. A standard questionnaire was used for data gathering [response rate was 82%]. The questionnaire contained 46 questions about demographic information, knowledge and practice of dentists related to infection control and hygienic condition of their clinics. Data was analyzed using t-test and pearson correlation coefficient by means of Excel and SPSS software. The vaccination rate against hepatitis B was 43.5% among dentists, while 75%of them were not sure about antibody production in their body. The rate of using personal protection equipments and mouth washing solution among dentists were 80% and 15%, respectively. Correct answer to questions on instruments sterilization, proper hand washing and subcutaneous infection control were 74%, 56% and 34%, respectively. Special containers were used for infectious disposal in 82% of clinics which is only 60% of them were labeled. Seventy four percent of dentists were confident about accurate sterilization of instruments, but 50% of them were not confident that instruments remained sterilized until operation. The average score of knowledge, practice, and hygienic clinics situation in female and male dentists were 10.1 +/- 1.73 and 11.1 +/- 1.79; 14.4 +/- 1.40 and 13.6 +/- 1.73; and 16.6 +/- 1.13 and 16 +/- 1.26, respectively. In our quality assessments, the knowledge and practice level of participated dentists were intermediate and environmental health situation of clinics was scored high. According to relationship between knowledge and practice, infection control rate will be promoted using appropriate educational programs