Effects of cinnamon oil and its main constituents, cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde, on 1 - methyl - 4 - phenyl - 1,2,3,6 - tetrahydropyridine - induced neurodegeneration in PC - 12 cells / Efectos del aceite de canela y sus principales componentes, ácido cinámico y cin amaldehído en la neurodegeneración inducida por 1 - metil - 4 - fenil - 1,2,3,6 - tetrahidropiridina en células PC 12

Cinnamon ( Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) is a well - known medicinal plant considered as an effective treatment for neurological disorders based on Persian medicine . The aim of the present study was assessing the effect of cinnamon oil, cinnamic acid, and cinnamaldehyde, on the in vitro model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Cinnamon oil, prepared in sesame oil, was phytochemically analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pheochromocytoma - 12 (PC - 12) cells were treated with 1 - methyl - 4 - phenyl - 1,2,3,6 - tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) as an in vitro model of neurodegeneration in PD. Cell viability, activity of caspase enzymes, and formation of reactive oxygen sp ecies (ROS) were evaluated. MPTP significantly decreased cell viability and increased Casp activity, as well as ROS formation. Cinnamon oil and cinnamic acid at 200 µg/m L could significantly reverse MPTP - induced abnormalities in PC - 12 cells including Casp activity and ROS formation. Our study supports the beneficial effect of cinnamon oil in neurodegeneration. Furt her investigations are needed to clarify the mechanisms and main active components.

La canela ( Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) es una planta medicinal m uy conocida, y considerada como un tratamiento efectivo para patologías neurológicas según la medicina persa. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto del aceite de canela, el ácido cinámico, y el cinamaldehído, en un modelo in vitro de la enferme dad de Parkinson (PD). El aceite de canela, preparado en aceite de sésamo, fue analizado fitoquímicamente usando cromatografía líquida de alta eficacia (HPLC). Se trataron células con feocromocitoma - 12 (P - 12) usando 1 - metil - 4 - fenil - 1,2,3,6 - tetrahidropiridi na (MPTP) como un modelo in vitro de neurodegeneración en PD. Se evaluó la viabilidad celular, actividad de enzimas caspasa, y formación de especies reactivas del oxígeno (ROS). El tratamiento con MPTP disminuyó significativamente la viabilidad celular y a umentó la actividad casp, así la formación de ROS. Aceite de canela y ácido cinámico a 200 µg/mL podría revertir significativamente las anormalidades inducidas por MPTP en células PC - 12, incluyendo la actividad casp y la formación de ROS. Nuestro estudio e ntrega sustento sobre los efectos benéficos del aceite de canela en la neurodegeneración. Se requiere más investigación para clarificar los mecanismos y los principales componentes activos.

Effect of prednisolone on linear growth in children with nephrotic syndrome / Efeito da prednisolona sobre o crescimento linear em crianças com síndromenefrótica

Abstract Objective This study aims at determining the relationship between prednisolone cumulative dose and linear growth in pre-pubertal children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted on all children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome registered to the pediatric nephrology department at the main referral children's hospital in Southwestern Iran. Inclusion criteria included age (males <12 years; females <10 years), >6 months of use, and the minimum prednisolone cumulative dose of 152 mg/kg. The exclusion criteria were individuals who had entered puberty or had other diseases affecting linear growth. Based on the prednisolone cumulative dose of ≥550 mg/kg (four or more relapses), the children were divided into two groups. All data regarding age, height, and weight at disease onset and the last visit, bone age, and the parents' height were collected. Secondary variables including mid-parental target height and predicted adult height were also calculated. Height data were compared between the different rates of relapse. Results A total of 97 children (68% male) were enrolled. Their post-treatment mean height Z-score was less than that obtained before treatment (−0.584 vs. −0.158; p = 0.001). Subjects with higher prednisolone cumulative doses were found to have more reduction in height Z-score (p = 0.001). Post-treatment height prediction also showed less growth potential compared to pre-treatment target height (p = 0.006). Thirty-three children (34.4%) had four or more relapses, among whom more mean-height Z-score decreases were found compared to those with less-frequent relapses (−0.84 vs. −0.28; p = 0.04). Conclusion This study showed the negative effect of cumulative dosages of prednisolone on linear growth, which was greater in children with four or more relapses.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar a relação entre a dose cumulativa de prednisolona e o crescimento linear em crianças pré-púberes com síndrome nefrótica idiopática. Método Estudo transversal conduzido em todas as crianças com síndrome nefrótica idiopática registradas no departamento de nefrologia pediátrica no principal hospital infantil para encaminhamento no sudoeste do Irã. Os critérios de inclusão incluíram idade (meninos < 12 anos; meninas < 10 anos), > 6 meses e a dose cumulativa de prednisolona mínima de 152 mg/kg. Os critérios de exclusão foram indivíduos que entraram na puberdade ou tinham outras doenças que afetam o crescimento linear. Com base na dose cumulativa de prednisolona de ≥ 550 mg/kg (≥ 4 recidivas), as crianças foram divididas em dois grupos. Foram coletados todos os dados relacionados a idade, estatura e peso no início da doença e na última visita, idade óssea e estatura dos pais. Também foram calculadas as variáveis secundárias, inclusive estatura-alvo e estatura adulta prevista. Os dados de estatura foram comparados entre as diferentes taxas de recidivas. Resultados Foram inscritas 97 crianças (68% do sexo masculino). Seu escore z de estatura média pós-tratamento foi inferior ao obtido antes do tratamento (−0,584 em comparação com −0,158; p = 0,001). Os indivíduos com maiores doses cumulativas de prednisolona mostraram maior redução no escore z para estatura (p = 0,001). A estatura pós-tratamento também foi preditiva de menor potencial de crescimento em comparação com a estatura-alvo pré-tratamento (p = 0,006); 33 crianças (34,4%) apresentaram ≥ 4 recidivas, entre as quais foram encontradas mais reduções médias no escore z para estatura em comparação com as recidivas menos frequentes (−0,84 em comparação com −0,28; p = 0,04). Conclusão Este estudo mostrou o efeito negativo das doses cumulativas de prednisolona sobre o crescimento linear, que foi maior em crianças com ≥ 4 recidivas.

Food frequency questionnaires developed and validated in Iran: a systematic review / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#To systematically review and identify food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) developed for the Iranian population and their validation and reproducibility in order to determine possible research gaps and needs. @*METHODS@#Studies were selected by searching for relevant keywords in the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, SID, and Iranmedex databases, unpublished data, and theses in November 2016 (updated in September 2019). All English-language and Persian-language papers were included. Duplicates, articles with unrelated content, and articles only containing a protocol were excluded. The FFQs were categorized based on: (1) number of food items in to short (≤80 items) and long (>80 items) and; (2) the aim of the FFQ to explore total consumption patternutrients (general) or to detect specific nutrient(s)/food group(s) (specialized). @*RESULTS@#Sixteen reasonably validated questionnaires were identified. However, only 13 presented a reproducibility assessment. Ten FFQs were categorized as general (7 long, 3 short) and 6 as specialized (3 long, 3 short). The correlation coefficients for nutrient intake between dietary records or recalls and FFQs were 0.07-0.82 for long (general: 0.07-0.82 and specialized: 0.26-0.67) and 0.20-0.67 for short (general: 0.24-0.54 and specialized: 0.20-0.42) FFQs. Long FFQs showed higher validity and reproducibility than short FFQs. Reproducibility of FFQs was acceptable (0.32-0.89). The strongest correlations were reported by studies with shorter intervals between FFQs. @*CONCLUSIONS@#FFQs designed for the Iranian population appear to be appropriate tools for dietary assessment. Despite their acceptable reproducibility, their validity for assessing specific nutrients and their applicability for populations other than those they were developed for may be questionable.

Food frequency questionnaires developed and validated in Iran: a systematic review / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#To systematically review and identify food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) developed for the Iranian population and their validation and reproducibility in order to determine possible research gaps and needs. @*METHODS@#Studies were selected by searching for relevant keywords in the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, SID, and Iranmedex databases, unpublished data, and theses in November 2016 (updated in September 2019). All English-language and Persian-language papers were included. Duplicates, articles with unrelated content, and articles only containing a protocol were excluded. The FFQs were categorized based on: (1) number of food items in to short (≤80 items) and long (>80 items) and; (2) the aim of the FFQ to explore total consumption patternutrients (general) or to detect specific nutrient(s)/food group(s) (specialized). @*RESULTS@#Sixteen reasonably validated questionnaires were identified. However, only 13 presented a reproducibility assessment. Ten FFQs were categorized as general (7 long, 3 short) and 6 as specialized (3 long, 3 short). The correlation coefficients for nutrient intake between dietary records or recalls and FFQs were 0.07-0.82 for long (general: 0.07-0.82 and specialized: 0.26-0.67) and 0.20-0.67 for short (general: 0.24-0.54 and specialized: 0.20-0.42) FFQs. Long FFQs showed higher validity and reproducibility than short FFQs. Reproducibility of FFQs was acceptable (0.32-0.89). The strongest correlations were reported by studies with shorter intervals between FFQs. @*CONCLUSIONS@#FFQs designed for the Iranian population appear to be appropriate tools for dietary assessment. Despite their acceptable reproducibility, their validity for assessing specific nutrients and their applicability for populations other than those they were developed for may be questionable.

Nutrition and food security policy in the Islamic Republic of Iran: situation analysis and roadmap towards 2021

Background: All government policies and programmes for food and nutrition security should include providing healthy food, as well as providing economic and social availability for all people. Aim: This study aimed to analyse the current situation of Iranian food and nutrition security and establish a road map towards 2021. Methods: The applied methods were situation analysis and a mixed qualitative–quantitative method. The conceptual method used for developing this national document encompassed three areas: sustainable food supply, food safety and nutrition. Results: The outcomes of the Iranian food and nutrition security system in the past three decades include development of management infrastructure and improvement in food and nutrition security status. However, analysis of current programmes showed that there were some overlapping, intertwining and parallel works in the responsibilities of related organizations in the field of supervision of food safety [from production to supply]. The national document produced as the outcome of this paper was communicated by the Iranian Ministry of Health in 2012 and has been running for 2 years. Selected ministries are responsible for implementation of 20 national programmes by the end of the 5th Economic, Social and Cultural Development Programme [2016–2011]. The consensus of stakeholders by the end of the 6th Development Programme [2021] is to put all of the provinces in a safe or very safe situation in terms of food and nutrition security. Conclusion: The most important challenge in establishing national documents is to make them operational. This aim was achieved by an intersectoral nutrition and food security working group, which produced a general memorandum of understanding with the main organizations, the media, universities and private sector

TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism modulates the effect of artichoke leaf extract supplementation on insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2)-rs7903146 polymorphism is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The response of insulin and insulin resistance to artichoke leaf extract (ALE) may be affected by TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism.</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study examined the effects of ALE supplementation on metabolic parameters of the TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS).</p><p><b>DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS</b>This double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients with MetS in Sina Clinic, Khoy, Iran. The patients were randomized into ALE or placebo groups to receive either ALE (1800 mg/d as four tablets) or matching placebo for 12 weeks.</p><p><b>MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES</b>Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile levels were measured before and after the study. Moreover, patients were genotyped for TCF7L2 polymorphism.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ALE supplementation decreased insulin level and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in patients with the TT genotype of TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism (P < 0.05). There was no significant interaction between blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile response to ALE supplementation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The responses of insulin and HOMA-IR to ALE supplementation have shown an interaction with single-nucleotide polymorphism rs7903146 in TCF7L2.</p><p><b>TRIAL REGISTRATION</b>Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial IRCT201409033320N9.</p>

[Effect of different incoming feeds, defatting procedures and solvents on producing of standard silymarin extract]

Background: The medicinal plant milk thistle with the scientific name of Silybum marianum is an annual or biennial herb native to the Mediterranean regions and is found through the world. Extracts from the seeds of this plant have been used to cure liver disorders since ancient times. Featured phytochemicals of this medicinal plant are flavonolignan compounds and silybin is the most important one

Objective: In this study, the effects of applying different incoming feeds, defatting procedures and solvents on silymarin extraction process from the seeds of milk thistle have been investigated

Methods: Reflux extraction was used to obtain extracts. All extracts have been refluxed for 6 hours and the temperature was fixed at 60 degree C. Different incoming feeds including ground seeds, solvent defatted meal, cold press defatted meal, and separated pericarps have been subjected to the extraction system. Also, three different solvents including methanol, methanol 80%, and ethanol 80% were employed. Prepared extracts were weighed and then HPLC method analysis was used for quantifying silymarin compounds

Results: According to the presented data, the concentration and amount of silymarin in different extracts was compared. The extract obtained from ground seeds with methanol was able to reach the most amount of silymarin while the highest concentration of silymarin was obtained from the extract of ground pericarp with ethanol 80%

Conclusion: This study shows that a higher amount of active ingredient can be extracted by using ground seeds and methanol solvent. Of course, there are more impurities in this extract

Differences in growth response of human hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells to herbal extracts and a growth factor

Background: One of the key questions in biochemistry is why cell becomes aged and what are the involved factors? Why cell growth is stopped after some divisions and cells become senescent? This occurs in a greater frame in the whole body and cells dye after a while. Androgenetic alopecia [AGA] is characterized by a loss or decrease in hair follicle size, which could be related to the loss of hair follicle stem cells. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop novel therapies to increase hair follicle stem cells viability and proliferation

Objective: In this study, we examined the effects of bFGF and aqueous Rosemary leaf and Marshmallow root extracts on human hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells [hHF-MSCs] proliferation in order to identify their potential for hair growth

Methods: hHF-MSCs were isolated from hair follicle tissues and their mesenchymal nature confirmed by detecting cell surface antigens via flow cytometry. Bromodeoxyuridine [Brdu] incorporation assay was used to study the cell proliferation effect of herbal extracts in hHF-MSCs

Results: Human hair follicle-derived mesenchymal stem cells [hHF -MSCs] were obtained by organ culture. They exhibited surface markers of mesenchymal stem cells as shown by positive staining for CD44, CD90 and CD105. Herbal extracts and bFGF were found to induce significant proliferation of human hHF-MSCs at concentrations ranging from 10 to 20 micro l/ml and 15 to 25 micro l/ml

Conclusion: These results suggest that herbal extract may produce positive effects on the hair growth promotion of hHF-MSCs and suggesting that herbal extracts may be a good candidate for helping hair growth promotion

Evaluating the performance of Isa Ibn Maryam Hospital, in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences based on quality management indicators with a 360 Degree feedback approach

Background: Medical diagnostic laboratories and accuracy and precision of laboratory test results play a decisive role in improving services delivery to patients. Therefore, special attention to the quality of medical health services

activities appears to be essential. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of laboratory of Isa ibn Maryam hospital of Esfahan due to the concept of quality management and carried out by using a 360 degree feedback approach

Methods: The current paper is a cross-sectional study which was conducted in Isa ibn Maryam hospital in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Simple random sampling is used and totally 42 patients and hospital staff [laboratory customers] were selected. The data collection tool was a self-made questionnaire and data were analyzed using Microsoft Excell 2010

Results: Based on the findings, the highest mean score of evaluating performance was related to pediatric department with a score of 5/50 and the lowest mean was related to hygiene and the infection control unit was with a score of 5/42

Conclusion: The most important flaws in each performance evaluation system are personal taste orientation and applying personal views. Thus, it may be possible to minimize the deployment of personal opinion in evaluations by using a 360 degree feedback approach

Relationship between two panoramic radiography indices and bone mineral density of postmenopausal women with osteopenia and osteoporosis

Statement of the Problem: Reduced bone mineral density [BMD] generally affects postmenopausal women and it is classified into moderate [osteopenia] and signifi-cant osteoporosis. Based on digital panoramic radiographs [DPRs], several quantita-tive and qualitative assessment methods have been proposed for the diagnosis and evaluation of bone changes and as a predictor of BMD

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare mandibular cortical width [MCW] and mandibular cortical index [MCI] derived from DPRs in evaluating the BMD in osteopenic and osteoporotic post-menopausal women

Materials and Method: In this cross-sectional study, the BMD assessment was performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DEXA]. Then, patients were divided into two groups: osteopenia and osteoporosis based on WHO criteria. Two types of T-scores including TT [trabecular] for lumbar spine, TC [cortical] for femo-ral neck and finally, MCW and MCI were measured based on DPRs

Results: Fifty females with the average age of 57.64 +/- 6.03 years were entered into the study. MCW significantly correlated with BMD [p< 0.05]. Pearson correlation coefficient test revealed that there was almost significant relationship between MCI and BMD [p= 0.079]. The area under the curve [AUC] in ROC suggested that there was a close overlap between MCW [0.773] and TC [0.783], but TT had the greatest AUC [0.996]

Conclusion: The results showed that MCW is an appropriate index of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Although the prediction of osteoporosis is poorer at the femoral neck than lumbar spine, MCW can serve as a screening tool for osteoporosis in this area

Fertility preservation in cancer patients: in vivo and in vitro options

Oocyte, embryo and ovarian tissue cryopreservation are being increasingly proposed for fertility preservation among cancer patients undergoing therapy to enable them to have babies after the cancer is cured. Embryo cryopreservation is not appropriate for single girls without any spermpartner. It is impossible in cases requiring immediate cancer cure because oocyte retrieval is an extended procedure. Thus ovarian tissue cryopreservation has been suggested for fertility preservation especially in cancer patients. The main goal of ovarian cryopreservation is re-implanting the tissue into the body to restore fertility and the hormonal cycle. Different cryopreservation protocols have been examined and established for vitrification of biological samples. We have used Cryopin to plunge ovarian tissue into the liquid nitrogen and promising results have been observed. The possibility of recurrence of malignancy in the reimplanted tissue could be a problem. Xenografting-implantation of the preserved tissue in another species-also has its drawbacks such as molecular signaling from the recipient. In vitro follicle culturing is a safer method to obtain mature oocytes for fertilization and the various studies that have been carried out in this area are reviewed in this paper

[Supercritical carbon dioxide; an efficient solvent for herbal extraction]

Supercritical fluid extraction [SFE] is an alternative to liquid extraction using solvents. Supercritical fluids can have solvating powers similar to organic solvents, but with higher diffusivities, lower viscosity, and lower surface tension. Carbon dioxide is the most commonly used supercritical fluid owing to its nontoxic, nonflammable, inexpensive, environmental friendly properties and mild critical conditions [Tc = 31.1 C° and Pc = 73.8 bar]. Due to the low heat of process and the relatively unreactive solvent used in the extraction, the fragrant compounds derived often closely resemble the original characteristics of the raw material. Like solvent extraction, extracts a wide range of compounds and leaves the aromatics unaltered by heat, rendering an essence more faithful to the original. In this review, some aspects of this etraction methods have been discussed

[Kinematic and kinetic features of normal level walking in athletes with tightness of gastrocnemius-soleus complex: more than a sagittal plane alteration]

Background: A shortened Gastrocnemius soleus underlies many biomechanical interactions which is a contributing factor to the development of movement impairment syndromes. So, the present study was done to assess the impact of shortened gastrocnemius soleus muscle on kinetic and kinematic variables in athletes to identify the compensatory movement patterns done in system. Knee and ankle torque, range of motion and ground reaction forces recorded by gait analysis system. Independent T test was used to compare parameters between two groups

Methods: This descriptive analytical study was carried out on 10 athletes which suffered from gastrocnemius soleus muscle shortness and ten healthy male athletes

Results: Shortness group displayed an increased knee flexion in swing phase, increased maximum adduction and extension of knee in stance phase, and increased maximum eversion in loading response of gait cycle. Athletes with limited dorsiflexion also displayed a reduced dorsiflexion range of motion, knee flexion angle in stance phase. Also, whole eversion time of ankle in loading response, knee flexion angle of heel contact were reduced in athletes with ankle dorsiflexion limitation. Finally, the mean external rotation and extensor torque of knee in stance phase and maximum torque of plantar flexion in loading response were increased in athletes with gastrocnemius soleus shortness group

Conclusion: Restricted DF ROM may alter movement mechanics in a manner that predisposes athletes to muscle skeletal injury. Therefore, the attention focused on the rehabilitation of gastrocnemius-soleus complex with an emphasis on motor control is important

[Quality and quantity determination of brassino-steroid hormones by HPLC and related assay in some supplement capsules]

Background: Brassino-steroids as hormonal plants are of the most important components that have shown the biological effects. These compounds may be act as inducer of growth in the plant and their concentrations is increased under some stress conditions. Such clinical studies show that these hormones have also anabolic activities similar to the human anabolic hormones hence, may be administrated as supplements in athletes. Their increasing consumption as supplement suggests introducing a precise and accurate analytical method for determination of brassinosteroids in pharmaceutical dosage forms and also in some biological fluids

Objective: In the current study an HPLC method for detect and determination of brassino-steroids in capsules was developed and optimized in aspects of analytical conditions

Methods: In order to analysis of the sample a reversed phase HPLC system including a C18 column, and a mobile phase including water: Acetonitrile in an acidic media were used. Detection was carried out at 210 nm by an UV detector

Results: In this study, we attempted to optimize some analytical aspects e.g: solvent, stationary phase and other assay parameters to obtain best condition to assay. Also the validation parameters such as LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision and linearity of the method were also studied and were satisfactory

Conclusion: Obtained data indicated that HPLC is a suitable analytical method for assay of brassino-steroids in pharmaceutical dosage forms

[ effects of Boswellia serrata and Lavandula angustifolia extracts administration on improving erection dysfunction following opioid dependence]

Background: Erection dysfunction, weakness, the inability to achieve an erection or hold the erection long enough to reach sexual relationship is said. Prevalence studies indicate that 20 to 22 percent of men around the world suffer from erectile dysfunction. Several methods have been proposed to improve this process but those have been unsuccessful mainly due to multiple complications

Objective: The aim of this study was assessing the effects of administration of Boswellia serrata and Lavandula angustifolia extracts in improving erection dysfunction following opioid dependence

Methods: Both plants were extracted and formulized for administration. Choosing patients was based on medical standards, questionnaire of International Index of Erection Function and standard criteria test. The proper cases were categorized randomly in one of three groups under study regarding DSM5 criteria. The investigation continued for two month for all groups: oral extract administered group, placebo treatment group and no premature treatment as a control group. The scores gained form fast ejaculating questionnaire were assessed in early stages of treatment [pretest], one month after treatment [posttests], and two month after treatment [fallow]

Results: The results showed with regarding inter group causes; the F value calculated for assessing drug effect in recovery of premature ejaculation in various stages would be meaningful in the level of 0.05 [F=3.601, P<0.05]

Conclusion: It seems that, administration of Boswellia serrata and Lavandula angustifolia extracts compounds can be effective in recovery of erection function in opioid addicted patients

Comparison of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and low-level laser therapy on drug-resistant temporomandibular disorders

Statement of the Problem: Temporomandibular disorder [TMD] is a clinical term used for clinical signs and symptoms that affect the temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles, and associated structures. Surgical and non-surgical treatments can be used for management of TMD. Non-surgical route is the main part of the treatment, since clinicians prefer non-aggressive treatment for TMD such as pharmacological and physical therapy. Low-level laser therapy [LLLT] and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS] are the main procedures in physical therapy

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of TENS and LLLT in treatment of TMD patients who did not respond to pharmacological therapy

Materials and Method: This clinical trial was performed on 45 patients who randomly received either TENS or LLLT for 8 sessions. LLLT was applied with diode laser [Ga-Al-As, 980nm, dose 5micro/cm[2]] and TENS by using two carbon electrodes with 75 Hz frequency [0.75 msec pulse width]

Helkimo index and visual analogue scale [VAS] were measured during the treatment period and throughout the follow-up sessions

Results: Significant reduction in the VAS and Helkimo index was observed in both TENS and LLLT group. There was no significant difference between the two methods during the treatment; however, TENS was more effective in pain reduction in follow-ups

Conclusion: This study justified the use of TENS therapy as well as LLLT in drug-resistant TMD. Both were useful in relieving the pain and muscles tenderness, although, TENS was more effective than LLLT

Evaluation of the Ki-67 and MCM3 expression in cytologic smear of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Statement of the Problem: Squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] is the most frequent oral cancer whose 5-year survival rate is 80% for early-detected lesions and nearly 30-50% for advanced lesions. Early detection of oral cancers and precancerous lesions can improve the patient's survival and decrease the morbidity

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the Ki-67 and MCM3 expression in cytologic smear of oral SCC [OSCC]

Materials and Method: We examined 48 oral brush biopsies including 28 OSCC and 20 healthy non-smoking samples. Immunocytochemistry staining was performed for Ki-67 and MCM3 by using an EnVision-labeled peroxidase system, and labeling index [LI] was calculated

Results: Out of 28 OSCC cases, 27[96.4%] cases contained MCM3 positive cells and 22[78%] cases contained Ki-67 positive cells. All normal mucosa were Ki-67 and MCM3 negative. MCM3 and Ki-67 LI were significantly higher in OSCC than normal mucosa [p< 0.001]. MCM3 LI was significantly higher than Ki-67 LI in OSCC group [p< 0.001]

Conclusion: Immunocytologic evaluation of Ki-67 and MCM3 can be used for early detection of OSCC. Furthermore, MCM3 may be a more sensitive cytologic bi-omarker than Ki-67 in SCC patients

Reliability of barr, leech, and blethyn score in using of plain radiography in determining fecal impaction in children with and without constipation / Confiabilidade de pontuação dos escores de Barr, Leech e Blethyn no uso de radiografia simples na determinação da impactação fecal em crianças com e sem constipação

ABSTRACT Background - Several scoring was developed for evaluation of children with fecal retention using plain radiograph. There are controversies about specificity and sensitivity of these scoring system. Objectives - The aim of this study was to evaluate Barr, Blethyn, and Leech score in evaluation of fecal load in plain radiograph. Methods - This case control study was conducted on children aged 2-14 years old with abdominal pain who visited Abuzar children's Hospital of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences. This study was conducted in fall season. Children with history of previous abdominal surgery, any systemic illness including sickle cell anemia were excluded. Children with constipation were placed in case group. Subjects without constipation were placed in control group. Subjects without exclusion criteria were examined by physician who is blind to aim of the study. Careful history and physical examination was done. Demographic features, history of gastrointestinal problem, duration of abdominal pain, defecation habit, stool consistency (loose, hard), and results of physical examination were recorded. Rome III criteria was used for definition of constipation. Abdominal x-ray was ordered for each patients. Abdominal radiography was reviewed by radiologist. Barr, Leach, and Blethyn scores were calculated for each case. Results - In this study 102 children with functional constipation and 102 children without constipation as a control were included. Mean ±SD for case and control group was 68.39±34.88 and 69.46±32.60 (P=0.82).Leech score (mean ±SD) was 11.05±2.177 and 5.67±3.228 for case and control group respectively (P<0.0001). Barr score (mean ±SD) was 14.86±3.54 and 7.16±5.59 for case and control group respectively (P=<0.0001). Blethyn (mean ±SD) score was 1.97±0.667 and 1.04±0.900 for case and control group respectively (P=0.000). Sensitivity and specificity of Barr score was 83% and 79% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Leech score was 92% and 80% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Blethyn score was 79% and 92% respectively. Conclusion - Barr, Blethyn and Leech scores were significantly higher in children with abdominal pain and constipation in contrast to children with abdominal pain and without constipation. Sensitivity of Leech score was more than Barr and Blethyn scoring systems. Specificity of Blethyn score was more than Barr and Leech score.

RESUMO Contexto - Diversos métodos de pontuação utilizando a radiografia simples foram desenvolvidos para a avaliação de retenção fecal em crianças. Há controvérsias sobre a especificidade e sensibilidade destes sistemas de pontuação. Objetivo - O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os sistemas de escore Barr, Blethyn e Leech na avaliação do conteúdo fecal pela radiografia simples. Métodos - Estudo de caso controle em crianças com idade entre 2-14 anos, com dor abdominal que consultaram o Abuzar children's Hospital of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences, durante o outono. Crianças com história prévia de cirurgia abdominal, com qualquer doença sistêmica, incluindo anemia falciforme, foram excluídas. Crianças com constipação foram inseridas no estudo e crianças sem constipação inseridas no grupo controle. Pacientes sem critérios de exclusão foram examinados por médico que ignorava o objeto do estudo. Foram realizadas história clínica e exame físico cuidadosos. Foram registradas as características demográficas, a história do problema gastrointestinal, a duração da dor abdominal, os hábitos intestinais e evacuatórios, a consistência das fezes (duras, amolecidas), e os resultados do exame físico. Os Critérios de Roma III foram usados para a definição de constipação. Radiografia simples do abdômen foi ordenada para cada paciente. Foram calculados os escores de Baar, Leech e Blethyn para cada paciente. Resultados - Foram incluídas neste estudo 102 crianças com constipação funcional e 102 crianças sem constipação como controle. A idade média com desvio padrão para o grupo paciente foi de 68.39±34.88 e de 69.46±32.60 para o grupo controle (P=0.82). O escore de Leech (média ±DP) foi de 11.05±2.1777 para pacientes e de 5.67±3.228 para o grupo controle (P<0.0001). A pontuação de Barr (média ± DP) foi 14.86±3.54 para pacientes e de 7.16±5.59 para o grupo controle (P=<0.0001). O escore Blethyn (média ±DP) foi de 1.97±0.667 para pacientes e de 1.04±0.900 para o grupo controle (P=0.000). A sensibilidade e especificidade para o escore de Baar foi de 83% e 79% respectivamente. Para o escore de Leech foi de 92% de sensibilidade e 80% de especificidade. O escore de Blethyn resultou em 79% de sensibilidade e especificidade de 92%. Conclusão - As pontuações de Baar, Blethyn e Leech foram significativamente maiores em crianças com dor abdominal e constipação em contraste com as crianças com dor abdominal e sem constipação. A sensibilidade de pontuação Leech foi maior do que os sistemas de pontuação Barr e Blethyn. Escore de Blethyn teve mais especificidade que as pontuações Barr e Leech.

Effect of prolonged culture of chromosomally abnormal human embryos on the rate of diploid cells

Background: A decrease in aneuploidy rate following a prolonged co-culture of human blastocysts has been reported. As co-culture is not routinely used in assisted reproductive technology, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the prolonged single culture on the rate of diploid cells in human embryos with aneuploidies

Materials and Methods: In this cohort study, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] to reanalyze surplus blastocysts undergoing preimplantation genetic diagnosis [PGD] on day 3 postfertilization. They were randomly studied on days 6 or 7 following fertilization

Results: Of the 30 analyzed blastocysts, mosaicism was observed in 26[86.6%], while 2[6.7%] were diploid, and 2[6.7%] were triploid. Of those with mosaicism, 23[88.5%] were determined to be diploid-aneuploid and 3[11.5%] were aneuploid mosaic. The total frequency of embryos with more than 50% diploid cells was 33.3% that was lower on day 7 in comparison with the related value on day 6 [P<0.05]; however, there were no differences when the embryos were classified according to maternal age, blastocyst developmental stage, total cell number on day 3, and embryo quality

Conclusion: Although mosaicism is frequently observed in blastocysts, the prolonged single culture of blastocysts does not seem to increase the rate of normal cells

potential co-treatment effects of aataria multiflora, camellia sinensis extracts and bacterial lipopolysaccharide on skin wound model

Camellia sinensis and Zataria multiflora as the potent antioxidants and antiinflammations are crucial in the management of wound therapy. Lipopolysaccharide [LPS] was used for the proliferative potential on fibroblast cells and induction of inflammatory mediators

Objective: We examined the effects of LPS and herbal extracts combination in order to identify their mechanisms of action in fibroblast proliferation and tissue regeneration

Methods: Human foreskin fibroblasts were treated by Salmonella enterica LPS [100micro g] and extracts [5%w/w]. Tissues of male Balb/c mice were harvested at 1, 3 and 7 days for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. Effects of LPS and extracts on cell viability, Nitric oxide [NO], Cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2] and Hydrogen peroxide H[2]O[2] levels were examined respectively by XTT assay and related kits

Results: Our pathological investigations for Camellia sinensis and LPS co-treated group indicated inflammatory cells on day 1 and fibroblast proliferation through wound area on day 3. After wound modelling the samples features were the same but with the difference in groups treated by LPS and Camellia sinensis extract which dermis and epidermis were seen. The Camellia sinensis extract and LPS co-treated wounds were showed low levels of H[2]O[2] and higher levels of NO compared to extract treated group [P<0.001]. Results illustrate a dose and time dependent significant difference in cell proliferation between groups

Conclusion: These results suggest that Camellia sinensis extract in combination with LPS may have potential of accelerating inflammatory phase of wound healing process by regulation of COX-2, NO and H[2]O[2] in skin fibroblast