Significance of MIBI scintigraphy in a patient with hydatid cyst and parathyroid adenoma

A 17-year-old boy with hyperparathyroidism exhibited a large cyst in the left hemi-thorax on his chest X-ray. The cyst was identified as a hydatid cyst. He was referred for biphasic methoxy isobutyl isonitrile [MIBI] parathyroid scan. A discrete ectopic parathyroid was detected in the left upper mediastinum in addition to accumulation of the MIBI tracer in the cyst wall. Using radio-guided occult lesion localization with an injection of 3 mCi 99m Tc - MIBI in the morning of the operation day, an ectopic adenoma was detected with a gamma probe within the thymus, resected with a consequent decline of serum high parathyroid hormone [PTH]. This report is remarkable in two different aspects: the importance of radio-guided localization of ectopic adenoma, which in this case was within the thymus, and the accumulation of MIBI in hydatid cyst wall, as a unique report of this condition

[Effect of turmeric consumption on serum levels of intracellular adhesion molecule, iron, ferritin and total iron binding capacity in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]]

Introduction: the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of turmeric consumption on serum levels of ICAM, iron, ferritin and the total iron binding capacity [TIBC] as cardiovascular risk factors in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]

Material and Methods: a randomized, double blind controlled clinical trial was conducted on 46 NAFLD patients who were referred to a gastroenterologist and diagnosed with liver ultrasonography. The subjects were assigned into two groups, experimental [n=23] and placebo [n=23]. The experimental group received 6 capsules containing 500 mg turmeric and the control group received the same number of placebo capsules for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake and blood biochemical parameters were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Data were analyzed by Independent t-test, Paired t-test and ANCOVA

Results: there were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, daily energy intakes and echogenicity of liver between the two groups at the beginning. The level of ICAM in the experimental group significantly decreased at the end of the study compared to the beginning [P=0.001]. Turmeric consumption significantly decreased serum ferritin levels at the end of the study compared to control group [P=0.026]

Conclusion: the results of this study showed that turmeric consumption has beneficial effects on serum levels of ICAM and ferritin in individuals with NAFLD and most likely is effective in controlling the risk factors of this disease

incidental lung lesion: effect of cardiac stress on the MIBI uptake in the lung mass

A discrete MIBI avid lung lesion was found in cinematic views of myocardial perfusion imaging [MPI] of a 59 year-old woman. Interestingly, the abnormal uptake in the lung was detectable only in the rest phase images and not in the images acquired in the stress phase. MPI was performed for pre-operation cardiac risk assessment before correction surgery for spinal canal stenosis. She had no past medical history or symptoms concerning pulmonary problems. The clinical examination of the pulmonary system was normal. MPI was reported normal but for the lung lesion she was sent for consultation with pulmonologist. The pulmonologist diagnosed the lesion was an old inflammatory/infective lesion probably secondary to tuberculosis. No histopathological examination was done. By reporting this case we intended to highlight the possibility of the effect of stress on uptake of MIBI in tumoral lesions as a tumor agent in nuclear medicine

Job satisfaction and its relationship to radiation protection knowledge, attitude and practice [RP-KAP] of Iranian radiation workers

This study aimed to find the association between job satisfaction and radiation protection knowledge, attitude and practice of medical radiation workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. In this cross-sectional study, 530 radiation workers affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences completed a knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire on protecting themselves against radiation and Job Descriptive Index as a job satisfaction measure during May to November 2014. Opportunities for promotion [84.2%] and payment [91.5%] were the most important factors for dissatisfaction. Radiation workers who were married, had more positive attitudes toward protecting themselves against radiation, and had higher level of education accounted for 15.8% of the total variance in predicting job satisfaction. In conclusion, medical radiation workers with a more positive attitude toward self-protection against radiation were more satisfied with their jobs. In radiation environments, improving staff attitudes toward their safety may be considered as a key strategy to increase job satisfaction

[Estimation of iron requirement for broiler breeder hens at the late stage of production cycle using nonlinear models]

Background: No study has been conducted on iron requirements of broiler breeder hens until now

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to determine the iron requirement of broiler breeder hens using nonlinear models

Methods: Forty eight [Cobb 500] broiler breeder hens were individually placed in galvanized wire cages. In order to depletion of hens iron reserved, hens were offered a semi purified iron deficient diet for 3 weeks. At 62 week of age, Hens were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments [37, 52, 67, 82 ppm of diet iron] with 4 replicates. Body weight gain, egg production and egg weight were measured during 6 weeks experimental period

Results: The results showed that the estimated iron requirement for egg production[H.H], egg weight, iron content of the liver, blood serum, bone marrow, spleen and egg yolk were 65, 62, 54, 72, 57, 63, 64 ppm respectively. The logistic model was fitted to iron content of liver, spleen, serum and bone marrow, suggested that iron requirement were equal to 66, 53, 129, 58 ppm respectively. Fitted exponential model estimated iron requirement for egg weight, iron content of liver, spleen, serum and bone marrow were 62, 96, 70, 73, 111 ppm respectively. Also based on the quadratic equation models, estimated iron requirement for egg production[H.H], egg weight, iron content of the liver, blood serum, bone marrow, spleen and egg yolk were 65, 66, 71, 220, 51, 70, 62 ppm respectively. Among the four models used, the broken line model is more accurate in estimating the required iron than other models due to the low variance between estimated requirements

Conclusions: Results indicated that value recommended by primary breeder [Cobb 500 management guide, 55 ppm] is lower than values obtained in present study

[In vitro antifungal efficacy of different intracanal irrigant against Candida Albicans]

An intracanal irrigant is essential for a successful root canal therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the antifungal efficacy of 5.25% sodium hypchlorite, 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 94% carvacrol against Candida albicans in vitro. In this experimental study, after crown removal and canal preparation of 48 extracted human maxillary centreal incisors, they were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups of 14 teeth, plus 3 teeth as positive and 3 as negative controls. A suspension of Candida albicans [ATCC-10261] was injected into the experimental and positive control group root canals. The teeth were then incubated for 72 hours. Then, each group was rinsed with one of the irrigants for 1 minute and samples were taken from the canals and inoculated on plates. After 48 hours of incubation, the colony growth was assessed and colony forming units [CFUs] served as a measure of antifungal activity. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis test. In carvacrol, sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine gluconate groups, 6, 10 and 1 specimen did not show bacterial growth and the mean CFU was 86.3, 53.3 and 271.2 in the mentioned groups, respectively. Carvacrol and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite had similar antifungal efficacy against Candida albicans and this effect was significantly greater than that 2% chlorhexidine gluconate

[Comparison of coronal microleakage of canals filled with gutta percha and resilon with a glass ionomer coronal barrier]

Coronal seal is as important as the quality of root canal therapy in treatment success. This study aimed to compare the coronal microleakage of canals filled with Resilon and gutta percha with a glass ionomer coronal barrier In this experimental study, the crowns of 64 single-rooted human premolar teeth were cut at the level of CEJ. Root canals were prepared using rotary ProTaper files. The teeth were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups [n=14] and 2 positive and negative control groups [n=8]. Root canals of experimental group specimens were filled with gutta percha [groups 1 and 2] or Resilon [groups 3 and 4] using lateral condensation technique. The roots of negative control specimens were filled and all teeth surfaces were sealed with sticky wax. Root canals of positive controls were filled without the application of sealer. Glass ionomer coronal barrier was placed at the orifices in groups 2 and 4. Microleakage of Streptococcus faecalis was evaluated during 90 days. Data were analyzed using Chi square, Log-Rank and Tukey's tests The degree of microleakage was less in groups with GI coronal barrier. However, this difference was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. Time to microleakage in gutta percha+ coronal barrier and Resilon+ coronal barrier groups was significantly less than that in gutta percha and Resilon groups, respectively [P=0.03]. Within the limitations of this study, microleakage occurred in all groups but glass ionomer acted as an effective barrier

Evaluation of Isfahan's dental students' awareness about preventive dentistry

Statement of Problem: The modern dentistry approach is moving toward preventive dentistry, an approach that has decreased the prevalence of caries within the past decades. Since some reports imply that dentists are not knowledgeable enough in this issue

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the attitude and awareness of future dental graduates toward preventive dentistry regarding gender and educational characteristics

Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was performed on one hundred and forty questionnaires which were distributed among dental students of Isfahan province, Azad university of Khorasgan, Iran. Data regarding the level of awareness of dental students about preventive dentistry were recorded and were analyzed by using the mean and standard deviations on scores as appropriated

Results: Majority of dental students were aware about the role of sugar in caries process, while only a minority were aware about the role of fluoridated toothpaste and brushing method in caries prevention. Most of the students [82.1%] were among the group with medium level of awareness. Compared with their female counterparts, male students had more knowledge about fluoride efficacy and general hygiene role in caries process

Conclusion: Dental students of Isfahan State University and Azad University of Khorasgan had acceptable level of awareness about the role of sugar and fluoridated water on caries process but were not aware enough about the role of fluoridated toothpaste in preventing dental caries

Forecasting municipal solid waste generation by hybrid support vector machine and partial least square model

Forecasting of municipal waste generation is a critical challenge for decision making and planning, because proper planning and operation of a solid waste management system is intensively affected by municipal solid waste [MSW] streams analysis and accurate predictions of solid waste quantities generated. Due to dynamic and complexity of solid waste management system, models by artificial intelligence can be a useful solution of this problem. In this paper, a novel method of Forecasting MSW generation has been proposed. Here, support vector machine [SVM] as an intelligence tool combined with partial least square [PLS] as a feature selection tool was used to weekly prediction of MSW generated in Tehran, Iran. Weekly MSW generated in the period of 2008 to 2011 was used as input data for model learning. Moreover, Monte Carlo method was used to analyze uncertainty of the model results. Model performance evaluated and compared by statistical indices of Relative Mean Errors, Root Mean Squared Errors, Mean Absolute Relative Error and coefficient of determination. Comparison of SVM and PLS-SVM model showed PLS-SVM is superior to SVM model in predictive ability and calculation time saving. Also, results demonstrate which PLS could successfully identify the complex nonlinearity and correlations among input variables and minimize them. The uncertainty analysis also verified that the PLS-SVM model had more robustness than SVM and had a lower sensitivity to change of input variables

Investigation of burn-out syndrome and its related factors among academicians of islamic azad university-dental branch in 2008

A large number of dentists suffer from high levels of occupational stresses, that can produce burnout syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of burnout syndrome and its related factors among dental academicians of Islamic Azad University-Dental Branch in 2008. In this descriptive-analytic study 99 faculty members of dental school were surveyed with Maslach Burnout Inventory [MB I], including 22 questions, and a questionnaire including 10 demographic and occupational questions. This questionnaire was graded in three dimensions including emotional exhaustion, depersohalization and personal accomplishment. The final scores were categorized as high, moderate or low based on standard test scores. Variables were statistically analyzed using linear regression test with enter method. It was indicated that in frequency aspect of burnout, 19.1% of dental faculty members had high levels in personal accomplishment aspect,7% of them had high levels in depersonalization aspect and 4% of them had high levels in emotional exhaustion aspect .Job experience and hours of working per week did not have any significant effects on bumout.[P>0.05]. According to this research, Islamic Azad University Dental Branch in Tehran demonstrated low scores in three aspects of burnout

[Comparison of the side effects of blood transfusion between pre-storage filtration and post-storage filtration methods in thalassemia patients]

Application of WBC-reduced blood products can decrease side effects related to white blood cells transfer, such as febrile reactions, CMV infection and .. Advances in biotechnology have led to production and development of filters that are capable of reducing WBC; hence, diminishing these side effects. The aim of this study was to determine and compare side effects of blood transfusion between pre-storage filtration and post-storage filtration methods in thalassemia patients. This study was a randomized clinical trial with crossover design and included adult thalassemia patients referring to hospital from 1388 to 1389 and receiving alternately red blood cell concentrates by using pre-storage and post-storage filtration methods. Side effects of blood transfusion including hypotension, fever, hemoglobin drop and blood transfusion rate were recorded and compared between the two methods. Data were introduced in to SPSS software and analyzed by paired t-test, X[2], t-test and P>0.05 was considered significant. Comparison of the incidences of hypotension, FNHTR, allergic reactions and hemoglobin drop between pre-storage and post-storage filtration methods showed no significant differences. A significant difference was observed in the transfusion rates between the two methods which indicated a lower transfusion rate in the pre-storage method [p<0.001]. Pre-storage filtration method is not superior to post-storage filtration method for blood transfusion in thalassemia patients.

Cigarette smoking in Iran

Cigarette smoking is the largest preventable cause of death worldwide. No systematic review is available on the situation of the smoking in Iran, so we decided to provide an overview of the studies in the field of smoking in Iranian populations. Published Persian-language papers of all types until 2009 indexed in the Iran Medex [http:/www.iranmedex.com] and Magiran [http:/www.magiran.com]. Reports of World Health Organization were also searched and optionally employed. The studies concerning passive smoking or presenting the statistically insignificant side effects were excluded. Databases were searched using various combinations of the following terms: cigarette, smoking, smoking cessation, prevalence, history, side effects, and lung cancer by independent reviewers. All the 83 articles concerning the prevalence or side effects of the smoking habit in any Iranian population were selected. The prevalence rate of daily cigarette smoking and the 95% confidence interval as well as smoking health risk associated odds ratio [OR] were retrieved from the articles or calculated. The reported prevalence rates of the included studies, the summary of smoking-related side effects and the ORs [95%CI] of smoking associated risks and the available data on smoking cessation in Iran have been shown in the article. Because of lack of certain data, special studies on local pattern of tobacco use in different districts, about the relationship between tobacco use and other diseases, especially non communicable diseases, and besides extension of smoking cessation strategies, studies on efficacy of these methods seems to be essential in this field

[Quality of life of chemically-disabled war veterans involved in pulmonary complications of sulfur mustard gas in Sardasht]

Chemical gases, particularly Sulfur Mustard, have a negative impact on physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of quality of life of those suffering from this gas. It is so serious that even 20 years after being exposed to Sulfur Mustard, we can witness people who are still suffering from various damages of organs particularly the pulmonary system. This research aimed at determining the quality of life of chemically-disabled war veterans with pulmonary complications of Sulfur Mustard from physical, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects. This was a descriptive study in which 260 chemically-disabled war veterans living in Sardasht, Iran then, were randomly selected for the study. It should be mentioned that all these people are now treated as chemically-disabled war veterans suffering from the pulmonary complications of Sulfur Mustard Gas and were living in Sardasht at the time of bombardment of that city. Having been acquainted with the procedure, they were then asked to fill in the questionnaires. The results showed that quality of life in 71.5% of the samples was moderate, only in 5.8%, it was considered as good. 11.9% of them in physical domain, 8.1% in psychological domain, 1.9% in social domain, and 22.8% in spiritual domain had a good quality of life. Based on the findings, the quality of life in the social, physical and psychological domains was 1.9%, 11.9% and 8.1% poor, therefore; responsible organizations can help these people in various ways by, for example, providing them with low price drugs, which are usually costly in the market, public transportation designed especially for chemically-disabled war veterans, improving insurance services and developing public services in Sardasht. The researchers, finally suggests a qualitative study be performed on each domain of quality of life of chemically-disabled war veterans

[Laboratory assessment of fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with three different post and core systems]

Prefabricated posts are advantageous in restoring endodontically treated teeth because of their lower cost and operation time. Since selecting a suitable restoration is important in the survival of these teeth, in this study fracture resistance and the mode of failure of endodontically treated teeth restored with three different post and core systems were evaluated. In this in vitro study, 36 human premolars were divided into three groups; namely, group 1, non precious cast post and core; group 2, prefabricated metal post with amalgam core; group 3, FRC post and composite core. All groups received crowning. Specimens were thermocycled and loaded until definite failure. The fracture resistance and failure modes were analyzed with one way ANOVA and Fisher Exact tests. The mean failure load for the three groups was 794, 647 and 724 N, respectively. Statistical analysis did not show any significant differences between the fracture resistance of the three experimental groups [P=0.0579]. All failures in group 1, eight in group 2 and three in group 3, were unrestorable. Fisher's Exact test showed significant difference between group 3 and the two other groups [P<0.05]. If there is a 2-mm ferrule, the type of post and core does not have a significant effect on the fracture resistance, but it has a significant effect on the failure mode

[Association between vitamin D receptor Apa1 and Taq1 genes polymorphism and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women]

Background: Osteoporosis is the commonest systemic disease leading to increased bone fragility and fracture. Vitamin D receptor Polymorphism is thought to have the most genetic influence on BMD

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between vitamin D receptor Apa1 and Taq1 genes polymorphism and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Methods: This was a case/control study in which 80 patients with osteoporosis [case group], referred to rheumatology ward at Boalisina Hospital during 2010 were investigated. The control group included an equal number of patients who visited other wards of the hospital for a variety of reasons. We obtained the bone mass densitometry [grams per centimeter square] results of case and control groups at the lumbar spine, wrist and hip by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The distribution of Apa1 and Taq1 polymorphism in the VDR gene was determined by PCR-RFLP. Data were statistically analyzed by SPSS software using chi-square and ANOVA tests

Findings: There was no relationship between the Apa1, Taq1 VDR polymorphism and BMD results. We found that patients with Taq1 genotype [tt] had lower bone mass in the femur and wrist compared with Tt

Conclusion: Based on our findings, a relationship between the VDR polymorphism and osteoporosis remains unclear requiring further in-depth studies. Our results showed that other secondary factors may influence the bone mass density

[Comparing the effectiveness of Gutta-Percha and Resilon removal using two different techniques in endodontic retreatment]

Background: The goal of nonsurgical retreatment is the removal of all filling materials to completely disinfect the whole root canal space. Recently Resilon obturating system has been introduced as a root canal filling material

Objective: To compare Gutta-percha and Resilon removal, using ProTaper rotary files with chloroform or heat in endodontic retreatment

Methods: This experimental study was performed on sixty-four human single-canal lower jaw extracted premolars at Dental School, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences during 2010. Following separating teeth crowns from the cementoenamel junction, canals were instrumented using step-back technique with k-files. Later, the extracted teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 16 teeth. Canals were obturated with either gutta-percha/AH26 [groups 1,2] or Resilon/Epiphany [groups 3,4]. Retreatment for groups 1 and 3 was performed with ProTaper system and heat and for groups 2 and 4 with ProTaper system and chloroform using crown-down technique. Once the retreatment procedure was completed and justified, roots were sectioned longitudinally and examined under stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using T-test, Kruskal- Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests

Findings: In all groups, some filling materials [core material and sealer] were seen on the canal walls. Although, amount of Gutta-Percha/AH26 and Resilon/Epiphany system residue were similar, the amount of residual materials in group 4 was significantly more than other groups [P<0.05]. Furthermore, the amount of residual materials in group 3 was more than group 1 in the coronal third of canals [P<0.05]. The time required to remove filling material in group 2 was significantly higher than those of other groups [P<0.05]

Conclusion: According to our findings, Resilon, like Gutta-percha, is re-treatable. However, none of these two materials could be completely removed from root canal walls

[Effects of different surface treatments on bond strengths of a non-metallic post in root's canal]

The establishment of reliable bonds at root-post-core interfaces is critical for the clinical success of post retained restorations. Severe stress concentration at post-cement interface increases the probability of post depending from the root. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different surface treatments on bond strengths of a non-metallic post in the root. Fifty extracted human canines or premolars that had just one root canal were endodontically treated. D.T Light Posts [RTD/France] received surface treatments in five categories: 1] Application of silane. 2] Sandblast with Alumina particles. 3] Sandblast with Alumina particles+ application of silane. 4] Etching with hydrofluoric acid+ application of silane. The posts were cemented in roots using panavia F 2.0 resin cement. A push-out test was performed on three different sections of each root to measure bond strengths. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Post hoc tests at P<0.05. Failure modes were observed under a stereomicroscope [10]. Surface treatments used in this study [silane application, sandblast, sandblast+ silane, HF etching+ silane] did not increase the push-out bond strengths of fiber post used in this study. [P>0.05]. The most failures in different groups of surface treatments occurred at the cement material-post interface. The use of silane, sandblast method and etching with HF did not increase the push-out bond strength of fiber post used in this study

[Survey influencing factors on prenatal care in referring maternal to health care centers in Rasht city]

Prenatal care is an indicator of health care system. Knowing the factors that prohibit reciving proper is essential in every society.The aim of the research was to determine mothers reciving prenatal care from health centers in Rasht and influencing factors from their view in 2008. This descriptive study surveyed 354 mothers referring to health centers in Rasht city who were chosen by cluster sampling. Data collection tool was a 3 part questionnaire. Data were analyzed through chi square. Findings showed that 53.4% of women reciving insufficient prenatal care. There was a significant correlation of care and employment condition [P=0.026] level of spouse's education [P=0.042] and income [P=0.005]. The most effective factors on reciving prenatal care from mothers' view were know [the manner and number of prenatal care] [85.3%]. Also there was a statistically significant relationship between efficiency of prenatal care and some socio demographic factors. In existence of prenatal care in health centers, almost half of women do not use these care provided. Provider's attention to the demographic and family characteristics and their needs are important in promotion of receiving better prenatal care

[Comparison of serum ferritin level between patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis]

Systemic Lupus Erytematosus [SLE] is a chronic and relapsing disorder affecting several organs. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 patients with SLE [divided into two groups with low and high disease activity], 20 patients with osteoarthritis [OA], and 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis [RA]. After having received informed consent, the blood and urine samples were collected from all patients to be tested for iron, TIBC, and serum ferritin levels and also to calculate the lupus disease activity. Patients with iron deficiency anemia were excluded. Data were analyzes by independent t-test, ANOVA, logistic regression and correlation tests. There was no significant difference between three study groups regarding the sex however, the age and duration of disease showed significant differences among 3 groups [p<0.001]. High serum ferritin level was seen in 61.7% of SLE, 15% of RA, and 5% of OA patients [p<0.001]. Increase in ESR levels demonstrated significant differences among study groups [p<0/001]. In patients with SLE, no significant correlation between serum ferritin and the decreased serum complement level and increased anti dsDNA titer was observed. Both serum ferritin and CRP levels increased in patients with serositis [p=0.019] and neurological complication [p=0.04]. Serum ferritin level was significantly higher in patients with SLE compared to those with OA and RA. There was no significant difference between serum ferritin level and SLE activity