Background and Objective: One of the important steps in making a complete denture is impression making, which is performed using different materials and techniques with differences in the accuracy of recording details, cost, time, etc. Using a technique that is simple yet accurate is beneficial for dentists and patients. The present study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of two complete denture impression techniques compared to traditional technique using a laboratory 3D scanner. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using impressions taken from the maxilla of 12 randomly selected patients. For each patient, impressions were taken using three techniques: traditional (zinc oxide eugenol) as the reference and comparative techniques (alginate and compression silicone). To compare the techniques, a laboratory 3D scanner and an analysis software were used which expressed the difference between the two surfaces in millimeters (mm). The mean results obtained from comparing each technique with the reference technique were expressed for the entire jaw surface and also for different areas. Findings: In examining the surface of the impression, the difference with the traditional technique was 0.56±0.14 mm for alginate and 0.491±0.136 mm for silicone. In the border area, obtained values were 1.303±0.423 mm for alginate and 1.119±0.318 mm for silicone. The side alginate and posterior palatal seal areas in both techniques showed a median difference of about 0.5 mm, and the side silicone, alveolar ridge and central sulcus areas in both techniques showed a smaller difference (about 0.2 mm) (p≤0.001). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that alginate and compression silicone technique are more accurate in impression making compared to the traditional technique.
Background and Objective: Kidney is one of the organs that is damaged after liver cirrhosis. This damage to kidney tissue following liver tissue failure is called cholemic nephropathy. Since one of the main mechanisms in the development of cholemic nephropathy is oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant reserves, the present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of carvacrol as an antioxidant on cholemic nephropathy in cholestatic rats. Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 40 male Wistar rats in 5 groups of 8. Cholestasis was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Animals received different doses of carvacrol (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) via gavage. At the end of the period and after carvacrol administration, serum biochemical factors such as creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and urinary factors including glucose and protein, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (MDA) as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were evaluated in kidney tissue of cholestatic rats. Findings: Serum levels of BUN and Cr in cholestatic rats were (59±2, 0.8), respectively, which were increased compared to the control groups (17±2, 0.18) (p=0.002). Serum levels of oxidative stress indicators MAD, ROS in cholestatic rats were (17±1, 154109), respectively, which were significantly higher than the control groups (5±1, 37124±11) (p=0.007). Moreover, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx) in cholestatic rats were (200±11, 19±3, 20±1), respectively, which were significantly decreased compared to the control groups (600±34, 64±2, 43±1) (p=0.001). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that administering carvacrol can reduce oxidative stress caused by bile duct ligation in the kidneys.
Background and Objective: Endometrial cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death in women. Out of 320,000 women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, 76,000 die each year. Considering the prevalence and mortality rate of this disease in Iran, the present study was conducted to determine the factors affecting survival and the recurrence rate in patients with endometrial cancer. Methods: In this cohort study, all patients who referred to the Oncology Clinic of Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital and the Gynecological Cancer Center from 2008 to 2020 with endometrial carcinoma undergoing surgical and chemoradiotherapy treatment were studied. Demographic and clinical data were recorded in a checklist, and survival, recurrence, and recurrence-free survival rates were assessed during follow-up 1-5 years after surgery by telephone or based on available information, and finally, the findings were statistically analyzed and reported. Findings: The follow-up period was 42.32±72.5 months, the mean age was 56.63±8.83 years, and 82.3% of patients had no recurrence after surgery. The median overall survival was 122.46±7.30 months and was significant based on disease grade (p=0.001). The effect of age, stage, and grade on survival was significant (p=0.004). The risk of death in high-risk individuals was 6.48 times higher than low-risk individuals (p=0.004), and most deaths (81.2%) occurred in the surgery-radiotherapy group. Compared with chemoradiotherapy, surgery and surgery-radiotherapy significantly reduced the risk of death by 98% and more than 80%, respectively (p=0.002, p=0.024). Recurrence was significant based on stage and was more frequent in high-risk patients (p=0.01), and the majority of those without recurrence were low-risk patients. Most recurrences were abdominal in high-risk individuals, and pelvic and vaginal in low-risk individuals. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, tumor stage and grading, age, and treatment methods are among the factors affecting the survival of patients with endometrial cancer, and appropriate follow-up of patients with endometrial cancer can lead to timely identification of recurrence and treatment of these patients.
Background and Objective: Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous industrial and traditional medicines have been proposed and used to treat this disease. Given the lack of standard treatment and effective medicine for COVID-19 and the effectiveness of Mentha longifolia on pulmonary diseases, this study was designed and conducted to determine the effect of aqueous extract of Mentha longifolia on the clinical and paraclinical status of patients with COVID-19. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized at Razi Hospital in Ghaemshahr (Mazandaran) in 2021. Patients were selected through purposive sampling. 30 people were randomly assigned into control group with standard treatment, and 30 people in the intervention group who received Mentha longifolia extract in the form of a nasal spray 2 puffs every 12 hours in addition to standard treatment. The main clinical variables included fever, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and chills. Chest radiography was interpreted by a radiologist. The clinical definition of complete recovery included the absence of fever for two days, respiratory rate less than or equal to 15-20 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation greater than 95%, no cough or mild dry cough, and the clinical definition of partial recovery included body temperature less than or equal to 37.9 ºC orally or 37.2 ºC axillary, respiratory rate 20-24 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation between 93-95%, no cough or mild dry cough. Findings: The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of gender, age, BMI, and underlying disease. The mean length of stay in the intervention group was 2.5 days shorter than in the control group (12.1±6.8 days in the control group and 9.6±7.1 days in the intervention group) (p=0.171). The number of deaths was not statistically significant but was clinically significant (6.7% in the intervention group and 16.7% in the control group). 26.7% of the control group and 50% of the intervention group had a complete recovery within the first 7 days after discharge. 30% of the control group still did not feel better 15 days after discharge, while this rate was zero in the intervention group. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that aqueous extract of Mentha longifolia reduced the length of hospital stay and improved symptoms in patients with COVID-19.
Background and Objective: Rational prescribing is one of the important and challenging tasks of physicians, and this part is often neglected. Given its importance, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of a training course for early exposure to pharmacology principles and prescription writing on satisfaction and knowledge level of pre-clerkship students. Methods: The present quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 pre-clerkship students at Babol University of Medical Sciences. In the present study, students participated in a four-hour workshop that focused on familiarization with the principles of prescription writing and medications. In addition, questions related to prescription writing principles and familiarization with medications were completed before and after the intervention. Moreover, a satisfaction survey was completed after the intervention and the results were analyzed. Findings: The mean scores of students regarding familiarity with the principles of pharmacology before the intervention were 5.90±1.20, which increased significantly to 6.80±1.57 after the intervention (p=0.001). Furthermore, regarding familiarity with the principles of prescription writing and in general after the intervention, the average scores of students increased significantly (p=0.001). The average scores of students' satisfaction with the workshop were also high. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that early exposure to pharmacology principles is effective in improving students' knowledge of pharmacology principles and prescription writing. Therefore, educational policymakers should plan for continuous education and training throughout their studies until they achieve competency in this field.
Background and Objective: Silver oxide nanoparticles have very high activity against a wide range of microbes and parasites and also have lower toxicity to human cells compared to other biocides and heavy metals. The present study was conducted to determine the cytotoxic effects of silver oxide nanoparticles on gingival fibroblasts. Methods: This experimental in vitro study was conducted on 15 samples in 4 groups at concentrations of 10, 20, 30 and 40 µg/ml within 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine the properties of silver oxide nanoparticles, and the MTT technique was used to determine the toxicity of silver oxide nanoparticles. Findings: According to the results, after 2 hours of proximity to silver oxide nanoparticles, the mean difference was statistically significant between the control group (0.19±0.01) and the 40 µg/ml group (0.17±0.01), and also between the 10 µg/ml group (0.19±0.01) and the 40 µg/ml group (0.17±0.01) (p<0.001). After 48 hours of proximity, the mean difference in OD between the control group and concentrations of 40 µg/ml (0.25±0.01) and 30 µg/ml (0.25±0.01) was statistically significant (p<0.001). After 72 hours, the mean difference in OD between the control group and concentrations of 40 µg/ml (0.30±0.01) and 30 µg/ml (0.31±0.01) was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the highest viability was related to the concentration of 10 μg/ml and after 2 hours. Therefore, this concentration of silver oxide nanoparticles has acceptable biocompatibility.
Background and Objective: Early detection of all cancers, including prostate cancer, is considerably helpful in their treatment. In addition to clinical examination of the prostate gland, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is also used to diagnose prostate cancer. Methods such as ELISA, PCR, radioimmunoassay, etc. have been used to detect PSA, which, in addition to being expensive, require an experienced technician, complex equipment, and a lot of time. The aim of this study is to design and produce a rapid test for PSA measurement in Iran, contribute to its production, reduce imports and prevent capital outflow. Methods: In this experimental study, colloidal gold nanoparticles were covalently conjugated with monoclonal antibodies, and different components of the diagnostic test strip were examined in terms of type and pore size, and different parts of the test strip were assembled and the antibodies were loaded onto the substrate. Serum samples from healthy subjects and patients with different serum dilutions ranging from 1 to 9 ng/mL for prostate-specific antigen were obtained from a diagnostic laboratory which had previously been measured with VIDAS. Then, the sera were measured with the designed test strip. Finally, the test strip was examined for accuracy and precision. Findings: In measuring different serum dilutions of prostate-specific antigen from 1 to 9 ng/mL, the test strip designed in this study showed similar results to the commercial kit, demonstrating the accuracy and sensitivity of the test strip designed in this study. Conclusion: A rapid prostate cancer detection test strip based on PSA measurement was designed and prototyped.
Background and Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory arthritis and extra-articular involvement. Roles of interleukin-18 (IL-18), Galectin-1 (Gal-1), and testosterone markers in pathogenesis RA are unknown. Therefore, the present study was conducted to detect these markers in patients with RA. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 100 men aged 39 - 80 years. 60 blood samples were collected from patients who visited the teaching hospital of Baqubah, Diyala governorate from Nov. 2022 to Jan. 2023. RA patients were diagnosis by the consultant doctor in advisory units based on symptoms and laboratories tests (CRP, ACCP, ESR, RF). 40 blood samples were collected from healthy individuals (control group). Levels of CRP and RF markers in samples were evaluated by RosheCobas e411, while Galectin-1, IL-18, ACCP, and testosterone were measured by (ELISA) (CUSABIO Company). Findings: The present results revealed that the age groups of 40-49 and 50-59 scored the highest (31.7% and 28.3%) compared to the age groups of <40 and >60 years, which scored the least (11.7% and 10.0%). The positivity of rheumatoid factor (RF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) markers scored the highest percentage in patients (70.0% and 78.3%) compared to healthy subjects (12.5% and 20.0%). Gal-1 and testosterone levels were low in patients (5.23±2.07 and 176.20±42.41) compared to healthy subjects (22.73±8.42 and 341.30±64.59). In contrast, levels of IL-18 and ACCP markers were high in patients (323.70±40.90 and 34.88±6.75) compared to healthy subjects (169.58±35.61 and 5.55±2.39). The differences between age, RF, CRP, IL-18, ACCP, Gal-1 and testosterone and study groups were significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, disease severity increased with age. Galectin-1 and interleukin-18 are markers that are known to be prognostic in the screening of patients with RA. Testosterone is good marker in screening RA males with sexual dysfunction.
Background and Objective: Autoimmune diseases are a significant problem due to their chronic nature and prevalence in young populations at the peak of their working and reproductive years. Biological therapy is a revolutionary step in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, especially in rheumatology. Infliximab is a recombinant chimeric antibody that is effective in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and has many applications. However, its effect on liver damage is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of infliximab on liver function tests. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 patients with autoimmune diseases. They had normal liver function test at enrollment, and all of them were on infliximab. Patients had been examined every 3 months for liver function tests, anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA), antinuclear antibodies (ANA), along with clinical assessment. Elevation of any liver enzyme or the positivity for both antibodies was considered as an indication for liver injury. Findings: Eighteen patients (18%) had abnormal liver function test represented by elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or both. Abnormality in liver function tests was significantly associated with disease duration, treatment with methotrexate, diabetes and the presence of jaundice and autoantibodies. ALT and AST had a positive significant with BMI and disease duration (r=0.237, p=0.018 and r=0.218, p=0.029, respectively). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the use of infliximab interfered with liver function tests.
Background and Objective: Dental trauma is one of the most important problems related to dental health. The present study was conducted to investigate the traumatic dental injuries and the way their treatment was followed in head and neck trauma patients referred to Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Babol. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 81 patients with dental trauma caused by head and neck injury referred to the emergency department of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Babol from September 2022 to August 2023. Patients were evaluated in terms of age, gender, cause of injury, number of injured permanent teeth, dental injury classification according to Ellis and Sanders classification, and the type of treatment. Findings: A total of 192 teeth with 231 dental traumas were examined in 81 patients, including 61 men and 20 women. For each studied patient, 2.4 teeth were injured and 2.8 dental traumas were observed. The highest prevalence of trauma was seen in the maxillary left central incisor (19.5%). The most common traumas in this study were crown fracture (29%) and subluxation (22.9%). Accident (car occupant) with a prevalence of 22.9%, accident (pedestrian) with a prevalence of 18.6%, and accident (motorcyclist without a helmet) with a prevalence of 17.7% were the most common causes of injury. Of the total 81 patients, 21 patients referred to the dentist for follow-up treatment within ten days after the trauma and 29 patients within one month after the dental trauma, and 52 patients did not follow the complete treatment of their dental trauma. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the most common type of injury was crown fracture and the most common cause of injury was traffic accidents.
Background and Objective: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common condition causing painful ulcers in the oral mucosa. This disorder affects around 25% of the population and disrupts vital functions. Despite its high prevalence, the exact cause remains unclear, leading researchers to explore factors like hormones, trauma, diet, stress, and tobacco use. Innovative approaches like low level diode laser therapy show promise in promoting tissue healing and pain reduction through biochemical reactions. The present study aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of a low-level diode laser in treating recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 15 patients with aphthous ulcers based on a pre- and post-intervention design for 6 months. QuickLase dual wavelength laser, set at 980 nm, was used for a single session per patient, including four 30-second applications with a 15-second interval. Data collection was done at specialized dental clinics, encompassing demographic details (measurement criteria), pain intensity through Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ulcer dimensions, functionality assessment, satisfaction scores, and edema presence. Observations were made pre-treatment and on Day 1, Day 3, and Day 7 post-treatment. Findings: The average age of the patients was 30.4±10.6 years and 11 were male (73.3%) and 4 were female (26.7%). In this study, the investigation showed a significant reduction in pain scores, respectively before treatment and days 1, 3 and 7 after treatment (8.7±0.7, 5.9±1.8, 2.7±1.7 and 0.3±0.8) (p<0.001). The dimensions of the lesion and the presence of edema also decreased significantly over time (p<0.001), and patient satisfaction and performance improved significantly during the study. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that low-level diode laser therapy can be used as an auxiliary approach in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
Background and Objective: The regeneration of dental enamel is not possible. Tooth decay can develop at any point throughout lifetime. Matcha is often acknowledged as the most aromatic type of tea and is considered to have the highest level of quality. It contains a significant amount of minerals, including fluoride. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of matcha and green tea on the surface roughness of artificial caries lesions. Methods: In this laboratory study, 40 extracted premolars teeth (for orthodontic treatment) were immersed in 0.02% thymol solution, then rinsed and smoothed using pumice without fluoride, the roots were removed using a diamond disc bur at a depth of 2 mm below the cement-enamel junction. Plastic cylindrical tubes were sliced into rings and acrylic resin was poured into them. Teeth were placed in the middle of the ring, with the labial surface visible. A 4x4mm window was prepared for measurements. Samples were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10: Group I: Deionized water (DW); Group II: Sodium fluoride solution (NaF); Group III: Matcha solution; and Group IV: Green tea solution. Remineralization measurements were conducted one week after subjecting the samples to the agents. Teeth were examined using an atomic force microscope (AFM) in three phases: baseline phase, demineralization phase and remineralization phases. The quantitative outcome variable was equal to the arithmetic mean values of surface roughness (Ra). Data were analyzed using SPSS. Findings: A significant difference was observed between the groups in the remineralization phase. Matcha showed the highest value (176.420±38.944). Sodium fluoride solution was in second place (88.239±35.239), green tea showed the lowest value (5.145±1.612) and then the deionized water group (64.721±20.197) (p=0.000). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that green tea was significantly better than matcha when it came to tooth enamel roughness.
Background and Objective: Subclinical hypothyroidism is a condition without obvious symptoms, with a risk of developing into overt hypothyroidism of 2-5% per year. Given that the relationship between serum selenium concentration and thyroid function is unclear, the present study was conducted to compare serum selenium levels in children with and without subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 103 children aged 3 to 18 years who referred to Amirkola Children's Hospital, Babol, in 2022-2023. The case group consisted of 53 children with normal T4 levels for age and TSH above the normal range of 5.5 MlU/L, and the control group consisted of 50 children with normal growth and thyroid tests and physical examination. T4 and TSH levels were measured by ELISA and selenium level was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry, and the two groups were compared. Findings: Demographic data of the two groups including age, gender, body mass index, age group, maternal education, paternal education and place of residence did not show a significant difference. 103 children (53 and 50 children with and without subclinical hypothyroidism, respectively) were included in the study. The mean serum selenium was 74.9±26.54 μg/L (76.48 μg/L in the case group and 73.27 μg/L in the control group) and no significant difference was found between the two groups (p=0.883, CI: 0.34-3.48, MD=3.21). Selenium level of children with TSH less than 5.5 was 4.33 units higher than those with TSH greater than 5.5. However, this difference was not significant (p=0.982, CI: 0.43-2.34, OR=1.01). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that there was no significant difference in serum selenium concentration in children with and without subclinical hypothyroidism.
Background and Objective: Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, and breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. Earthworms have been used in medicine to cure a variety of diseases because their body extracts have a variety of bioactive substances (such as proteins and peptides). Serine enzyme is an enzyme purified from the earthworm with a significant antitumor activity against human cancer cell. The aim of the study is to determine the mechanisms by which serine proteases induce apoptosis and to examine the expression of a number of apoptosis-associated proteins in treated and untreated (MCF-7) cell line using microarray. Methods: In this laboratory study, healthy and fully mature earthworms were collected. After seven days of growing in humus-enriched soil with intermittent water sprays in a controlled laboratory setting. Lumbericas terrestris serine protease was added to 1x105 cells/mL of MCF-7 cells after they were seeded, and the treatment lasted for 24 hours at IC50 concentration. Untreated cells were employed as a negative control. Following a 24-hour treatment period, MCF-treated cells were collected and spun down for five minutes at 2500 rpm and 4°C. Serine enzyme was partially purified from earthworms Lumbricus terrestris and the MCF-7 cell line was treated with serine enzyme. Findings: The results showed that treatment of MCF-7 cells with serine protease led to changes in most apoptosis-related proteins. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with serine protease resulted in downregulation of cIAP-2 (632±7.2 & 275±4.8), Livin (220±4.7 & 95±2.1), XIAP, Survivin, BCLw, BAD, BAX, BID, BIM, cytoC and P53 with an increased expression of caspase 3 (83±1.5 & 493±4.9), caspase 8 (285±3.33 &610±7.65) and SMAC compared to untreated cells. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that serine protease has the ability to facilitate perforation of mitochondrial membrane as well as caspase 3 cleavage in apoptotic cell death.
Background and Objective: Hemoglobin levels are crucial for infection control in dialysis units. Given the role of vitamin D in reducing anemia in dialysis patients, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of high doses of vitamin D3 on hemoglobin levels in dialysis patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 33 dialysis patients hospitalized at Shohada Gomnam Hospital in Tehran. After initial assessment of demographic information, hemoglobin concentration, vitamin D3 levels, and other clinical indicators, the patients were divided into two groups: control (n=18) and intervention (n=15). The intervention group received intramuscular injection of 5 μg of vitamin D3 every week for four weeks, while the control group was given placebo. One month after the final dose, changes in vitamin D3 levels, hemoglobin, and other blood factors were measured and compared in the two groups. Findings: The mean age of patients in the intervention group was 51.53±18.52 years and the control group was 50.83±13.30 years. The mean hemoglobin level in the intervention group increased from 9.22±0.94 mg/dL to 11.37±0.70 mg/dL (p=0.011). Other variables including Kt/v, MCV, creatinine, BUN, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, serum iron, TIBC, ferritin and CRP did not differ significantly between the two groups. Ferritin level increased from 268.13±170.34 to 385.07±159.52, while PTH level decreased. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that high-dose vitamin D3 administration can improve hemoglobin levels and other blood factors in dialysis patients. Therefore, vitamin D3 can be used as an effective supplement for managing anemia in dialysis patients.
Background and Objective: Serum amyloid A (SAA) protein increases in case of infection or inflammation, and especially in the serum of cancer patients. Regulation of the genes encoding this protein by microRNAs in cancers has been reported in several studies. The aim of this study is to explore the cumulative effect and interaction between SA1 and miR-125b in serum as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for colorectal cancer. Methods: In this case-control study, 55 patients with colorectal cancer were compared with 50 healthy individuals. SAA levels were measured using the ELISA technique and miR-125b expression was assessed by rtPCR. Alkaline phosphatase was measured using a spectrophotometer and serum ferritin levels were measured and compared by CLIA analyzer. Findings: There was a significant difference in the mean value of SAA in patients when compared to control (27.43 12.9 μg/ml vs. 4.84±0.8 μg/ml, respectively) (p<0.0001). There was a significant change in the gene expression in microRNA-125b expression in patient group, which was 2.76-fold higher than that of control (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in serum ferritin levels in patients (53.2±11.4 ng/ml) when compared to control (13.64±5.5ng/ml). There was a significant difference in ALP level when compared between colon cancer patients (94.4±17 IU/L) and control (273.8±83 IU/L). SAA levels significantly increased in colorectal cancer patients in comparison to healthy subjects. Conclusion: According to the present study, SAA and microRNA-125b are promising markers to diagnose the colorectal cancer.
Background and Objective: Various antimicrobial compounds and solutions are used to control oral bacterial infections, especially Streptococcus mutans. Due to their increasing side effects, there is a great deal of interest in using natural substances and antimicrobial peptides to replace chemical drugs. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the antibiofilm and antibacterial properties of Ganoderma lucidum and nisin in comparison with chlorhexidine mouthwash on Streptococcus mutans. Methods: Streptococcus mutans strain PTCC 1683 was used in this laboratory experiment. Ganoderma lucidum extract and nisin solution were prepared after resuscitation of the standard strain in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) Broth. Broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MCC) of Ganoderma lucidum extract, nisin and chlorhexidine mouthwash. The antibacterial and antibiofilm effect of the combination of Ganoderma lucidum extract and nisin was determined using the checkerboard assay. Findings: The MIC of Ganoderma lucidum extract and nisin on the standard strain of Streptococcus mutans were reported to be 2.5 mg/ml and 25 μg/ml, respectively, and the MBC of Ganoderma lucidum extract and nisin on the standard strain were reported to be 2.5 mg/ml and 50 μg/ml, respectively. Moreover, this bacterium was sensitive to all dilutions of chlorhexidine mouthwash. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) did not show a synergistic effect due to the combined use of Ganoderma lucidum extract and nisin (FICI=2). After reducing the concentration of Ganoderma lucidum extract, nisin, and chlorhexidine mouthwash, the ability to inhibit biofilm formation on the studied strain was significantly reduced (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated the antibiofilm and antibacterial effects of Ganoderma lucidum extract and nisin on Streptococcus mutans, but they are less effective compared with chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Background and Objective: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an important tool for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreaticobiliary diseases. Complications associated with ERCP in the elderly due to comorbidities may be more than in non-elderly individuals. Given the lack of studies and diversity of results in studies, the aim of this study was to compare the results of ERCP in elderly and non-elderly individuals. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the findings related to 774 patients with common bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis) who underwent ERCP at Rouhani Hospital in Babol from 2011 to 2021 were collected. Demographic information and outcomes were examined and compared in three age groups in terms of treatment success, complications, and risk factors: over 80 years, under 65 years, and 66-79 years. Findings: The mean age of the patients was 62.02±13.46 years. In this study, 51.6% of the patients were under 65 years of age and 17.4% were over 80 years of age. 5.9% of the procedures were unsuccessful. Older age was associated with an increased chance of failure in the ERCP procedure for the removal of common bile duct stones. Furthermore, the presence of periampullary diverticulum as an independent variable could predict failure in the ERCP procedure. In patients of the same age and over 80 years of age, acute cholangitis (p=0.004) and periampullary diverticulum (p<0.001) were significantly more common than in other age groups. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that diverticula and older age, especially age over 80 years, are effective factors in ERCP failure. The results of this study showed that periampullary diverticula and older age, especially age over 80 years, should be considered as risk factors for ERCP failure.
Background and Objective: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy in the world. Genetic studies have focused on the role of polymorphisms in genes involved in DNA repair and the risk of cancer susceptibility. The OGG1 gene encodes a key enzyme in the DNA repair pathway. Studies show that the single nucleotide polymorphism rs1052133C>G is associated with an increased risk of developing various types of cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between the aforementioned polymorphism and the risk of thyroid cancer susceptibility in the northwestern region of Iran. Methods: In this case-control study, 104 patients with thyroid cancer (thyroid cancer tissue confirmed by a pathologist) and 166 controls (healthy individuals with no history of cancer in themselves or their first-degree relatives) were selected. Blood samples were collected and their DNA was extracted by the saturated salt method. OGG1 genotypes were identified and analyzed using the Tetra-ARMS PCR method. Findings: In this study, the frequencies of CC, CG, and GG genotypes in the patient group were 53.84%, 38.46%, and 7.69%, respectively, and in the control group, 51.2%, 41.56%, and 7.22%, respectively. The frequencies of C and G alleles in the patient group were 73.06% and 26.92%, respectively, and in the control group, 71.98% and 28.01%, respectively. Based on the results obtained, no significant difference was observed between the patient group and the control group in different inheritance models. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that there is no association between the rs1052133C>G polymorphism of the OGG1 gene and the risk of thyroid cancer in the northwestern region of Iran.
Background and Objective: Ionizing radiation has destructive effects on the oral mucosa during head and neck cancer treatment, the most common complication of which is oral mucositis. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Iranian propolis as a natural substance on the prevention and treatment of radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis in rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 48 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups receiving normal saline (C), propolis 400 mg/kg (P), propolis 400 mg/kg + X-ray irradiation (PR), and normal saline + X-ray irradiation (SR). PR and SR groups were exposed to 15 Gy of X-rays. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with propolis every day (P and PR groups), and the severity of oral mucositis was recorded after irradiation using the Parkins scale until day 10. Histopathological samples were prepared from the middle third of the tongue of the rats on day 5 and 10 and were then examined. Findings: The severity of mucositis increased from day 1 to day 10 in each group separately and was significantly lower in the PR group than the SR group on days 4 and 6 to 10 (p<0.001). The changes in the histopathological appearance of the samples in the irradiated groups were more severe than in the non-irradiated groups (p<0.001). Furthermore, the SR group showed the lowest body weight compared to the other groups on day 10 (p<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it seems that Iranian propolis plays an effective role in the treatment and control of radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis and is recommended as a suitable medicine to relieve the symptoms of mucositis and reduce oral ulcers.
