[A comparison of lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase gene variation among individuals with high and low HDL levels in Tehran lipid and glucose study [TLGS]]

Introduction: Disturbances in blood lipids levels are considered an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Low serum level of HDL-C is one of these disturbances. Therefore, identifying the genes effective on HDL levels is very important. The present study investigated the relationship between LCAT gene sequence alterations and serum levels of HDL-C

Materials and Methods: Using the data of phase 4 of the TLGS study, individuals with low serum HDL-C and individuals with high serum HDL-C were identified and individual aged ?15 from both groups, who had at least one first degree relative with the desired phenotype were finally enrolled in the study. For each Individual confounding factors, including BMI, age, sex, blood sugar and blood pressure, were determined. LCAT gene variants were determined through direct sequencing, and their relationship with HDL-C level was investigated in the Tehran lipid and glucose study [TLGS]

Results: In total, 15 variants were identified. Two variants of rs5923 and Q177E, with allelic frequencies of 5.87% and 4.7%, respectively, were identified in both groups, although, they were significantly higher in the low HDL subjects. Eleven variants were reported for the first time, while 4 variants had already been reported in the SNP database

Conclusions: Exon regions of the LCAT gene in Tehran's population have various gene variants. Although the prevalence of a number of single nucleotide variants of this gene was higher in individuals with low serum HDL-C, after adjustment for confounding factors, the difference was not statistically significant

[ efficacy of an endodontic instructional multimedia program for enhancing the knowledge and skills of dental students]

Full-scale demonstration of treatment phases on actual patients by an instructor is currently the conventional technique for practical instruction on endodontics. In this method, most students do not get the chance to closely observe the clinical procedure due to the small size of oral cavity. This study aimed at assessing the efficacy of an instructional multimedia program in endodontics for enhancing the knowledge and skills of dental students. In this randomized interventional trial, students taking the course of clinical endodontics were divided into two groups receiving conventional live demonstration alone or in combination with an instructional multimedia [DVD]. Baseline knowledge of students and their level of knowledge and skills after the intervention regarding practical endodontics were assessed by a pre-test and post-test, respectively. Data were compared between the two groups using Kruskal Wallis test. No significant differences were noted between the two groups in terms of knowledge or practical skills of students. However, the multimedia instruction significantly reduced the number of student inquiries to instructors for troubleshooting [P<0.001]. Due to the lack of a significant difference between the two instructional techniques, the multimedia instruction technique may be successfully used as a complement to current conventional techniques for practical instruction on endodontics

[Patients, experiences with cardiovascular disease risk factors and healthcare providers of determinants of the nutritional behavior: a qualitative directed content analysis]

Unhealthy nutrition plays an effective role in increasing non-communicable diseases. The aim of this study is to assess the experiences of patients with cardiovascular disease [CVD] risk factors, and healthcare providers working in diabetes unit of health centers, to ascertain the defeaminants of nutritional behavior based on the Health Belief Model. This qualitative study utilized the content analysis approach, conducted over a six month period in 2012, at the diabetes units of health centers, associated with Alborz University of Medical Sciences, located in Karadj- Iran. The data was collected based on individual semi-structured interviews with 50 patients and 12 healthcare providers in the diabetes unit. Data analysis was performed simultaneous with data collection, using the content analysis directed method. Analysis of the data resulted in finding 54 primary codes, all of which were placed into predetermined categories of the Health Belief model, including threat perceived, benefits and barrier perceived, self efficacy and social support. Most patients were unable to follow healthy diets on a regular or continuous basis. Study results demonstrate the determinants of nutritional behavior as perceived by patients and healthcare providers and can help program planners in designing programs to select the most appropriate methods and applications to address these determinants in order to reduce unhealthy nutritional behavior and to eventually prevent CVDs

[ effect of MS14 on hematopoiesis and blood cells in BALB/c mice]

Various blood cells with different functions are produced in bone marrow in a process called hematopoiesis. The present study was conducted in order to evaluate the effect[s] of MS14, as an immunomodulator with natural origin [plant -marine] on the hematopoiesis. Eight 6-8 weeks old female BALB/c mice were divided to control group [receiving normal saline] and MS14 group [receiving MS14 at 100 mg/kg]. Administration of MS14 and normal saline prolongs for five days, and then the mice were anaesthetized and killed. Smear of peripheral blood cells was provided and bone marrow cells were counted and cultured for 48 h. Erythropoietin [20 ng/ml] was added to half of samples. 5 days administration of 100 mg/kg MS14 has augmented the percent of red blood cell of bone marrow [about 2 times]. An increase [about 60%] in the percent of peripheral blood neutrophils has been observed as well. Erytroid colonies in bone marrow culture have been increased about 2 times in MS14 group e.i. the mean colony number in each well increased from 7 in control group to 14 in MS14 group and at the presence of erythropoietin from 13 colonies in control to 23 in MS14 group. According to increasing effect of MS14 on the number of erytroid colonies and percent of red blood cells, it can be concluded that hematopoietic processes not only does not adversely affected or inhibited by MS14 but could be significantly augmented when MS14 adminstered

[ effect of porcelain veneer and coloring pigments on microtensile bond strength of a zirconia ceramic]

The bond strength between veneer ceramics and zirconia frameworks is the weakest component in the layered ceramics. Due to the possible effect of adding pigments to the core materials on the bond strength between core and veneer as well as the introduction of new ceramic materials in dentistry, the aim of this study was to compare the zirconia core-veneer microtensile bond strength using two ceramic veneers with or without coloring the core. In the experimental study, 12 disc-shaped specimens were fabricated using a manually aided design- manually aided manufactured [MAD/MAM] zirconia core [Zirkonzahn]. Two veneering ceramics of Ceram Kiss and Zirkonzahn ICE were also used to veneer the specimens. Half of the zirkonzahn discs were remained white and the others were colored by shade A2. Then, the discs were cut into microbars [30 for each group] and the microtensile bond strength of the core-veneer was calculated. The specimens were assessed using scanning electron microscopy [SEM] and the data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Student's t-test. Significant differences with respect to veneer layer were found [P<0.001]. No significant differences were seen among colored and uncolored cores [P=0.69]. According to the apparent effect of veneering ceramics on the core-veneer bond strength, careful selection of these agents is essential to achieve adequate bond strength between core and veneer to prevent delaminating and chipping failures of zirconia veneered restorations

Histological evaluation of the pulp of primary teeth after pulpotomy with formocresol and SUAB2

Formocresol is a popular pulpotomy medicament in primary dentition. Because of its systemic and local side effects, it may be essential to use another material instead of formocresol. The purpose of this study was to assess the pulpal response after pulpotomy histologically with two different agents; namely, formocresol and SUAB2. In this randomized clinical trial study, 14 teeth of seven children that should had been extracted because of orthodontic treatment were selected. These teeth were randomly divided into two formocresol and SUAB2 [Shahed University Anti Bleeding 2] groups. Seven teeth were pulpotomized with formocresol and seven teeth with SUAB2. These teeth were extracted after 2 months and the pulpal response was evaluated. Finally, the data were analyzed with exact fisher and Mann-Whitney tests. In the formocresol group, severe inflammation was seen in four teeth, mild inflammation in three teeth, abscess in four teeth, necrosis in two teeth, fibrosis in three teeth and internal resorption in four teeth. In the SUAB2 group, severe inflammation was not seen. Moderate and mild inflammation was seen in four teeth, abscess in two teeth, necrosis in two teeth, fibrosis in three teeth and internal resorption in four teeth. Mann-Whitney test revealed that inflammation is significantly less in the SUAB2 group compared with the formocresol group [p<0/05]. Based on the results of this study, SUAB2 may be used in primary teeth pulpotomy

Molecular epidemiology of measles virus before and after the 2003 mass vaccination campaign for measles/rubella in Iran

Molecular epidemiology of measles virus [MV] is important, not only to measure the success of measles vaccination programs but also to monitor the circulation and elimination of the virus worldwide. In this study, we compared MV obtained from patients before the 2003 mass vaccination MR campaign and viruses detected after 2003 until 2008 in Iran. The nucleoprotein [N] gene of 29 MV strains circulating in Iran between 2002 and 2008 were amplified by RT-PCR and subjected to sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Molecular characterization of MV studied here revealed that although the outbreaks in Iran were associated with MV genotype D4, the isolated viruses clearly belonged to several different lineages. Maximum and minimum homology within the 29 Iranian strains in our study was100% and 94.9% within the carboxyl terminus of the N gene, respectively. Using Clustal X program, the alignment of Iranian MV sequences showed nine lineages. This study provides the usefulness of MV sequence analysis for the demonstration of local interruption of indigenous strain transmission as well as providing a valuable means for monitoring the elimination processes of MV control

[Relationship between social participation and cancer among patients in cancer Institute of Tehran]

Introduction: Social factors have highly related with occurrence of diseases. In order to decrease health problems in societies, medicine should be equipped with socio-biological perspective toward health and disease. This study aimed to determine the relationship between social participation with stomach, breast and lymphoma cancers

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 85 patients with stomach, breast and lymphoma cancers, older than 14 years, were recruited using classified probability sampling. Another 85 individuals were selected as control group. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using discriminate analysis, canonical correlation, and logistic regression

Results: The results indicated that there was an average association between the set of social participation components with stomach, breast and lymphoma cancers. The social participation component had also significant relationships with the diseases. The component of willingness for gaining interests for the group had significant relationships with the studied diseases [OR=1.602, P<0.05]. Also, the component of willingness into participation had significant relationship with breast cancer [OR=1.597, P<0.01]

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, social participation was a social determinant of affection by stomach, breast and lymphoma cancers. It is necessary to pay attention to social participation

[Study on anti_candida effects of essential oil and extracts of Iranian medicinal plants, in vitro]

Candidiasis is a primary or secondary mycotic infection caused by members of the genus Candida. Recently fungal infections especially Candidiasis has significantly increased. Limitations in treatment of fungal diseases include a few available anti-fungal drugs, side effects, drug resistance and decreased susceptibility of Candida species to anti-fungal drugs, leads to search for new anti-fungal agents as herbal medicines. 17 essential oils and 172 plant extracts, from 50 Iranian plant species obtained through the literature and interviews with traditional healers, were evaluated for Anti_ Candida activity. The essential oils and extracts were tested by disc diffusion against Candida albicans [ATCC=10231]. Amphotericin B, Ketoconazol and Nistatin were used as positive controls. Sixteen [32%] out of the 50 plants were found to be active. The essential oils of Thymus kotschyanus, Zataria multiflora Boiss, Artemisia sieberi, Mentha spicata, Satureia hortensis, Lavandula angustifolia and cuminum cyminum showed high strong activity. The essential oils of Nigella sativa and Rosmarimus officinalis and Myrtus communis showed strong activity. The essential oils of Eucalyptus globules, Pimpinella anisum, foeniculum vulagre, Heracleum persicum, showed intermediate activity. The results of this investigation showed a potent anti_candida activity of selected herbs against Candida albicans type strain. Therefore further investigation need in order to isolate and identify the active compounds to make it available for clinical use

[Investigation of vocal folds contact quotient and contact index among adult stutterers and nonstutterers]

During the past current decades, objective measurements in general and specialy dynamic measurements had been important aspect of evaluation of stuttering. Although these measurements can not replace with perceive judgements but these measurements help us to better diagnosis and treatment. Also we can use these for give feedback of treatment results to patient. Thereforee the purpose of this study was to measure and compare some dynamics characteristics between adult stutterers and nonstutterers. Sample of this study was 32 adult men including 16 stutterers and 16 nonstutterers. We used from Vowel /a/ prolongation was used for gathering the subjects voice sample.The data by were analysed by Dr. Speech software. According to this research there is not significant difference in average of vocal folds contact quotient and contact index among adult stutterers and nonstutterers. But there is significant difference in average of vocal folds contact quotient perturbation between adult stutterers and nonstutterers. In this research we used vocal folds contact quotient and contact index as factors from occurrence and expanding of stuttering and therefore we concluded that these factors do not have significant role in stuttering occurrence and expanding

First report of respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus co-infection in a 2-year-old Kawasaki patient in Iran

Respiratory virus infections in children are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A total of 897 clinical specimens were collected from February 2007 to January 2008 and transported to the National Influenza Center. Two hundred and two samples belonged to children under the age of six from 897 specimens, described above, were selected. Then they were tested for influenza virus types and subtypes by real time PCR assay subsequently, the specimens were tested for RSV and hMPV by hemi-nested multiplex PCR and parainfluenza viruses type 1-4 by hemi-nested mutiplex PCR and adenovirus by hemi-nested PCR. The throat swab was taken from the Kawasaki case with the history of chicken's contact. The specimen was tested for all influenza subtypes especially H5N1 and the results were negative. Meanwhile PCR was done for screening of other respiratory viruses that results came out positive for RSV and hMPV. In the present study, we demonstrated the possibility to detect dual infection caused by RSV and hMPV, but because of the extravagant pattern of this case, more investigation is suggested specially on Kawasaki patients

Measurement of [226]Ra, [228]Ra, [137]Cs and [40]K in edible parts of two types of leafy vegetables cultivated in Tehran province-Iran and resultant annual ingestion radiation dose

The sources of radioactivity in the environment have natural, terrestrial and extraterrestrial, and anthropogenic origins. Plants may get radioactive nuclides in two ways: [i] by the deposition of radioactive fallout, [ii] by absorption from the soil. The concentrations of the natural radionuclides [[226]Ra, [228]Ra, [40]K] and the artificial radionuclide [[137]Cs] in leek and parsley in Tehran province-Iran were determined using HPGe. Also the effective dose due to the ingestion of such vegetables by the population of Tehran province was studied. The average value of radionuclide concentrations in parsley samples were measured 177.69 +/- 12.47 mBq kg[-1] fresh for [226]Ra; 349.62 +/- 28.42 mBq kg[-1] fresh for [228]Ra; 187364.6 mBq kg[-1] fresh for [40]K. The average value of radionuclide concentrations in leek samples were measured 94.31 +/- 6.46 mBq kg[-1] fresh for [226]Ra; 207.47 +/- 19.46 mBq kg[-1] fresh for [228]Ra; 174555 +/- 1704.21 mBq kg[-1] fresh for [40]K. The concentrations of [137]Cs in most of Parsley and Leek samples were below the minimum detectable activity [MDA]. The Average [226]Ra and [228]Ra activities in 29 leek and parsley samples were about 2.63 and 6.78 times the reference values, respectively. The annual effective dose resulting from the studied radionuclides for the adult population in Tehran province were found to be safe in comparison with normal background areas

[Effect of barley [Hordeum vulgare l.] seed extract on fasting serum glucose level in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats]

diabetes mellitus and its related disorders are associated with significant burden on individuals and health care system. In Traditional Iranian Medicine [TIM] the consumption of barley products has been recommended for treatment of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of oral barley seed aqueous extract on fasting serum glucose level and body weight of normal [non-diabetic] and Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Forty male wistar rats were randomly divided in to diabetic and non-diabetic group. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of 45 mg/kg Streptozotocin. After one week the diabetic group [fasting blood glucose more than 200 mg/dL] and non-diabetic group were randomly divided in to control group and barley seed extract group. Body weight and fasting serum glucose level were measured and compared among groups at 1[st], 3[rd] and 4[th] weeks of study. Significant reduction [p<0.05] of fasting serum glucose level was seen at 4[th] week of treatment with aqueous extract of barley seed in diabetic rats in comparison with diabetic control group. In non-diabetic group, significant reduction [p<0.05] of fasting serum glucose level was seen after one week treatment comparing to non-diabetic control group. No significant effect was detected on the body weight of diabetic and non-diabetic groups. The aqueous extract of barley seed significantly reduced serum glucose level after 4 weeks in diabetic and after 1 week in non-diabetic group. In non-diabetic rats this reduction was not continued after first week

life time prevalence of childhood seizure

Seizure is the most common pediatric neurologic disorder. Epidemiological studies of childhood epilepsy are of importance to compare incidence and prevalence rates, age distribution, inheritance, seizure types, epilepsy syndromes and treatment strategies. Since there is little information about prevalence of childhood seizure in Iran, this study was aimed to determine the life time prevalence of childhood seizure and some of its determining factors in Tehran, Iran. In this cross sectional study, 2500 male and female students, aged 12 years or younger, studying in fifth grade of primary schools in district one of Ministry of Education were assessed by filling a preliminary questionnaire. Those who were categorized by the author as having a history of any form of seizure were assessed by a second questionnaire. The clinical form of seizure, the presumptive cause, positive family history and use of anti-convulsant drugs were recorded. The life time prevalence of seizure was 32/1000 population which was more prevalent in boys. Generalized seizure was the most common clinical form. Approximately 60% of cases reported febrile convulsion as the presumptive cause stated by the physician. Positive family history was reported in 29.6% of cases. Anti epileptic drugs were taken by 54% of students with a positive history of seizure. The results of this study show that the life time prevalence of seizure is relatively high in Iranian community, although the other factors were in concordance with other communities

Measurement of [137]Cs in soils of Tehran province

An amount of artificial radionuclide has been released into the environment as fallout, resulting from atmospheric nuclear weapon tests, nuclear accidents such as Chernobyl and together with air currents have polluted the world. 37 surface soil samples of Tehran province were collected in the period between June and September 2008, by implementing methods and standard instruments. The concentration of the artificial radionuclides [[137]Cs] in the soils of Tehran province were determined by gamma spectroscopy [HPGe], and the data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The results have been compared with other radioactivity measurements. The concentration of [137]Cs found in top soils [0-5 cm], in the depth of [12.5-17.5 cm] and in the depth of [27.5-32.5 cm], ranged from 0.29-28.82 Bq.kg[-1], 0.3-19.81 Bq.kg[-1], 0.8-7.43 Bq.kg[-1], respectively. The total average of [137]Cs activity, in the above depths was, 11.30, 4.87 and 1.8 Bq.kg[-1], respectively. Considering the obtained results from high average values of [137]Cs in Europe and its relation to Chernobyl accident, and the higher average concentration of [137]Cs in Tehran province, can also be attributed to Chernobyl accident due to the proximity of Iran to the place of the accident's occurrence

Correlation between periodontal diseases and mouth breathing

Some studies have reported direct relationship between mouth breathing and increased susceptibility of patients to develop periodontal diseases. The present study was designed to evaluate the correlation between periodontal diseases and mouth breathing in Iranian population. This historical cohort study was conducted with 90 participants aged 20-35 years-old, who were referred to Isfahan Dental School and few other private dental clinics in the city of Isfahan in the year 2003. All participants had to be free of relevant systemic conditions. The cases were defined as patients with mouth breathing, having dome-shaped palate and open mouth [lips] when in rest position. Oral examination was conducted using 3 diagnostic criteria. Forty-five patients who were confirmed by all three criteria were included in the study as cases. The control group was composed of subjects who had normal breathing from their nose. The gingival index was determined for posterior and anterior regions of all participants. The statistical analysis was conducted and Mann- Whitney U tests was used in order to determine group differences. The gingival indices in the anterior region of cases were determined. The number of individual with scores 1, 2 and 3 were five [11.1%], 36 [80%] and four [8.9%] respectively. The scores in control group for five subjects [11.1%] was [0] or had no gingival condition, 32 [71.1%] subjects had score one and eight [17.8%] had score 2. The group differences were statistically significant [P < 0.001]. No significant difference was detected in posterior gingival indices [P > 0.05]. Mouth breathing can be a contributing factor in increasing the risk of periodontal diseases

CD7 expression in differentiating mycosis fungoides from benign cutaneous lymphocytic infiltrates

Diagnosis of the early phase of mycosis fungoides [MF] is sometimes difficult. Loss of CD7 expression is considered a distinguishing characteristic of MF. The aim of this study was to determine the range of CD7 expression in MF and compare the results with benign inflammatory dermatosis and equivocal cases of possible MF. During a period of 30 months, we examined 15 patients with MF, 12 patients suspicious for MF, and 15 patients with benign inflammatory dermatosis. The slides stained by H andE were reviewed by two pathologists. Immunostaining was done for CD43, CD3, CD5, CD7, and CD20 on paraffin embedded tissues. All the patients in MF group showed absence of CD7 expression in epidermotropic mycosis cells. Compared with benign inflammatory dermatosis, patients with MF had significantly lower CD7 expression in the dermal infiltrate [P< 0.0001]. In patients with MF, the mean CD7 was significantly lower than CD43, CD3, and CD5 [P=0.001]. The mean CD7 count of parapsoriasis was significantly higher than MF [P= 0.01]. The mean CD7 count of parapsoriasis was significantly lower than benign inflammatory dermatosis [P=0.016]. The lowest mean CD7 counts were found in patch stage of MF. Low CD7 expression < 10% lymphocytes had sensitivity and positive predictive values of 75% and 100% and specificity and negative predictive values of 100% and 83.3% for the diagnosis of patch stage of MF. Minimal expression of CD7 is a specific finding for patch stage of MF. Benign inflammatory dermatosis can also show low expression of this marker, but rarely matches that of patch stage of MF

[ cytotoxic effects a of ACA1 on human melanoma cell line]

Different methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy are used for treatment of melanoma cancer. Unfortunately they don't always have desirable results and they may have unfavorable side effects. Researchers try to find new, more effective drugs with low side effects. In this study we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of ACA-1, a water extract of a traditional Iranian medicinal herbs on a melanoma cell line SKMEL-3. The SKMEL3 cell line was obtained from Pasture institute, Tehran, Iran and cultured in RPMI media supplemented with 10% FBS. Equal number of cells were added to a 96 well microplate and were incubated with various doses of ACA1 [5,2,1,0.2,0.1,0.05,0.02 and 0.01 mg/ml] for 24, 48 and 72 hours in parallel. The cytotoxic effects of the drug was evaluated using MTT assay. The Results showed that ACA1 has significant cytotoxic effects with dose and time dependent manner on SKMEL3. The optimum dose [5 mg/ml] showed 47% cytotoxicity in 24 h, 65% cytotoxicity in 48 h and 71% cytotoxicity in 72 h. Based on the results of this research, ACA1 is a suitable candidate for chemotherapy of melanoma patients. Further studies are necessary in order to find effective drugs, their effects on other cell lines and approved in vivo models and clinical trials

[ vitro anti-staphylococcus aureus activity of Nigella sativa L., seed oil extract, compared with CXM, CEC, MAN and CAZ antibiotics]

The anti-microbial effect of plants has been suggested from old years. New researches in this field confirm such property of applications. In this study, anti-microbial effects of Nigella sativa seed oil cold extract against two strains of Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated, and the minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] of Nigella sativa L. [NS] was compared with relevant antibiotics. Detection of mic in ns oil cold extract was performed using broth dilution method. The original extract was prepared in 0.5%, 0.25%, 0.06% and 0.03% concentrations by serial dilution. S. Aureus strains [ATCC 1112 and 2572] were grown in TSB media to 0.5 mc farland standard concentrations and each 0.01 dilution of microorganism suspension above was transferred to the drug dilution. Tubes were incubated overnight at 35 °C. The sensitivity of the bacteria was defined by disk diffusion [kirby-bauer] Method and Antibiogram disks made by Difco Inc. The obtained values were compared with the effects of the extract. MIC for S. Aureus ATCC-2572 and S. aureus ATCC-1112 were found 1/16 and 1/10, respectively. It was revealed by performing in vitro sensitivity tests for the two strains that NS oil can affect the bacterial pure form in 0.125% and 0.26% concentrations. It is suggested that the anti-microbial effect of NS oil extract is comparable with antibiotics such as CXM, CEC, MAN, CAZ. We recommend experimental use of Nigella sativa L. to control some of bacterial infections