Biometric Analysis of C-shaped Root Canals in Mandibular Second Molars Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Introduction: The configuration of C-shaped root canals, root canal wall thickness and orientation of the thinnest area using CBCT in mandibular second molars were assessed.  Methods and Materials: Seventy five CBCT scans were evaluated. Axial sections were evaluated to determine the configuration of C-shaped canals in the coronal, middle and apical regions. The root canal path from the orifice to the apex, the thinnest root canal wall and its orientation were all determined. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s test. Results: The most common configurations were Melton's type I in the coronal and middle and types I and IV in the apical region. The mean thicknesses of the thinnest root canal wall were 1.94±0.43, 1.42±0.57 and 1.10±0.52 mm in the coronal, middle and apical regions, respectively. The lingual wall was the thinnest wall in the coronal, middle and apical regions and it was thinner in the apical than in the middle and coronal regions. The lingual wall was thinner in the middle third of the mesial root compared to the distal root (P<0.05). Conclusion: The lingual wall was the thinnest in C-shaped root canals of mandibular second molars of an Iranian population. Type, number and pathway of canals may vary from the orifice to the apex.Keywords: Biometric Identification; C-shape Root Canal; Cone-Beam Computed Tomograph

The influence of a behavior modification interventional program on body mass index in obese adolescents

Background/PurposeThe prevalence of obesity and overweight among children and adolescents is increasing rapidly. The present research was performed to determine the influence of a ‘‘behavior modification’’ program on body mass index (BMI) in obese public high school students in Iran.MethodsIn this study, 152 adolescence and their parents were selected from 12 high schools of Khorram Abad from 2004 to 2006, and they were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control groups. The “behavior modification” interventional program consisted of nutritional education, modifying dietary habits, teaching exercise programs, teaching nutritional facts to the parents, and performing exercises 3 days a week. The height and weight as well as waist, hip, and wrist circumferences of the participants were measured before and after implementing the interventional program. BMI and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. The adolescents and parents completed a nutrition knowledge questionnaire. Adolescents also completed the Beck’s Depression Questionnaire.ResultsAdolescent’s mean weight, BMI, and waist and hip circumferences decreased significantly after implementing the interventional program, in the intervention group (p≤0.001). In addition, the students’ and parents’ nutrition knowledge increased in the intervention group after implementing the interventional program (p<0.046). The symptoms of depression decreased and the frequency of students without symptoms of depression increased in the case group, but it did not reveal a statistically significant difference between case and control groups.ConclusionThe ‘‘behavior modification’’ interventional program is effective in reducing BMI in obese students, and therefore, school principals and planners can play an important role in controlling obesity by implementing this program via the students, their parents, and the school staff

Evaluation of Climate Change Impacts on Rainfall and Temperature using HadCM3 and ECHAM4 Models in Gorganrood-Gharesoo Watershed

Climate prediction demonstrates that the earth temperature has increased due to increases in concentrations of greenhouse gases. So that led to significant changes in meteorological elements. In this research the effect of climate change on rainfall and temperature at stations of Gorganrood-Gharesoo watershed for the period of 1987-2008 were examined. Daily data output by HadCM3 and ECHAM4 under scenarios of climate models using LARS-WG were downscaling and predicted for the period of 2030-2011. The results showed that based on HadCM3, the amount of rainfall 12.6, 3.3 and 3.5% and temperatures as 0.5, 0.3 and 0.31 °C respectively in the scenarios A2, B1 and A1B increased compared to the base period. Moreover, ECHAM4 model shows increases in temperature in all three scenarios. However rainfall by -11.6% under scenario B1 decreased. The results of this research could be used in water resources management planning and agriculture sector

Evaluation of inhaler use technique among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common medical problem. The improper implementation of inhaler techniques thatare used in such patients leads to the reduced effect of medicines. This study was conducted to evaluate the correct use of various inhalers among COPD patients. Materials and Methods:This observational, cross-sectional study was carried out on 96 patients with COPD aged over 40 years. The samples were selected using asystematic random samplingmethod from patients with COPD referring to the clinics of Ghaem and Imam Reza hospitals, Mashhad, Iran, from March 2018 to March 2019. The subjects were informed that their participation in the study was voluntary. These cases were under the treatment of using at least one inhaled medicine for a month or more. The adopted technique of applying four types of inhalers was evaluated by a standard checklist. The patients' performance scores of all procedures were recorded, and the collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16). Results: Our study revealed that more than 98% of patients used metered-dose inhaler (MDI) spray (P=0.05). The patients' scores on the correct use of MDI, Diskus, Turbuhaler, and HandiHaler inhalers were estimated at 68, 77, 87, and 90%, respectively. The most common mistakes in using MDI and HandiHaler inhalers were related to the 'holding the breath' and "taking a deep inhale' steps after using the inhaler, respectively. Conclusion: Physicians must evaluate and modify the use of inhalers in every COPD patient. It is recommended that easy-to-use inhalers, such as HandiHaler, be prescribed for such patients

Hyperferritinemia: A possible marker for diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus?

Abstract: Objectives: Comparing the serum ferritin levels of patients with systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE) during different phases of activity with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients as controls. Materials & Methods: Sixty SLE patients (56 females and 4 males) were divided into two groups marked as 1) low/no active (SLEDAI≤10) including 18 patients and 2) active (SLEDAI≥11) composed of 42 patients. Serum ferritin was determined in both SLE and control groups including 20 patients with OA and 20 with active RA (according to DAS28). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 13.0. Results: Of 60 SLE patients, 61.7% had hyperferritinemia. Contrarily, only %5 and 15% of OA an RA patients showed elevated serum ferritin levels, respectively (P<0.001). In differentiating between SLE and RA, hyperferritinemia showed a specificity of 85% and a sensitivity of 61.6% with positive predictive value of 92.5% and negative predictive value of 42.5%. The mean ferritin titer in SLE patients was 2.7 times higher than normal value whereas it was 0.10 and 0.35times in OA and RA, respectively (P<0.001). Ferritin levels were elevated in 27 cases of active SLE and 10 of low/no active SLE but the difference was insignificant. Of SLE patients with nervous system involvement, all (6; 10%) had elevated level of serum ferritin (P<0.04).Conclusion: Hyperferritinemia is common in patients with SLE but in case of considerably high titers, the nervous system involvement should be considered. In women with polyarthritis, hyperferritinemia could be considered as a useful marker to differentiate between SLE and RA. [Abbasi M, Sahebari M, Amini A, Saghafi M. Hyperferritinemia: A possible marker for diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus? Life Sci J 2013;10(3s):335-337] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 47 Keywords: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Ferritin, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Nervous system, SLE Disease Activity Inde

Effects of rAAV-Mediated Overexpression of sox9 and TGF-ß via Alginate Hydrogel-Guided Vector Delivery on the Chondroreparative Activities of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have a strong potential to promote the healing of traumatic cartilage defects and osteoarthritic lesions upon delivery and overexpression of therapeutic genes from suitable biomaterials that support a controlled release of the candidate constructs. Te goal of the present work is to examine whether the administration of chondrogenic rAAV sox9 and rAAV TGF-ß gene vehicles via alginate hydrogel-guided vector delivery stimulates the biological and chondroreparative activities of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) as a source of improved reparative cells for future implantation in sites of cartilage damage. Te delivery of rAAV using an alginate (AlgPH155) hydrogel system is successfully achieved in hMSCs over time (21 days), leading to the efective overexpression of sox9 and TGF-ß that signifcantly increases the proliferation and chondrogenic diferentiation activities of the cells relative to control (marker lacZ) gene transfer while advantageously preventing premature hypertrophy, osteogenesis, and mineralization. Tis study reveals the potential of alginate hydrogel-based systems to control the delivery of rAAV (sox9 and TGF-ß) gene vectors to adeptly trigger the chondroreparative activities of hMSCs for future applications that aim at improving cartilage repair

Advanced Gene Therapy Strategies for the Repair of ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the principal ligament for stabilization of the knee, is highly predisposed to injury in the human population. As a result of its poor intrinsic healing capacities, surgical intervention is generally necessary to repair ACL lesions, yet the outcomes are never fully satisfactory in terms of long-lasting, complete, and safe repair. Gene therapy, based on the transfer of therapeutic genetic sequences via a gene vector, is a potent tool to durably and adeptly enhance the processes of ACL repair and has been reported for its workability in various experimental models relevant to ACL injuries in vitro, in situ, and in vivo. As critical hurdles to the effective and safe translation of gene therapy for clinical applications still remain, including physiological barriers and host immune responses, biomaterial-guided gene therapy inspired by drug delivery systems has been further developed to protect and improve the classical procedures of gene transfer in the future treatment of ACL injuries in patients, as critically presented here

Cytotoxic effect of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized via seaweed aqueous extract

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 MNPs) are among the most useful metal nanoparticles for multiple applications across a broad spectrum in the biomedical field, including the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In previous work, we synthesized and characterized Fe3O4 MNPs using a simple, rapid, safe, efficient, one-step green method involving reduction of ferric chloride solution using brown seaweed (Sargassum muticum) aqueous extract containing hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino functional groups mainly relevant to polysaccharides, which acts as a potential stabilizer and metal reductant agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic activity and cellular effects of these Fe3O4 MNPs. Their in vitro anticancer activity was demonstrated in human cell lines for leukemia (Jurkat cells), breast cancer (MCF-7 cells), cervical cancer (HeLa cells), and liver cancer (HepG2 cells). The cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of Fe3O4 MNPs, and an MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay was used to test for cytotoxicity, resulting in an inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) value of 23.83±1.1 µg/mL (HepG2), 18.75±2.1 µg/mL (MCF-7), 12.5±1.7 µg/mL (HeLa), and 6.4±2.3 µg/mL (Jurkat) 72 hours after treatment. Therefore, Jurkat cells were selected for further investigation. The representative dot plots from flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis showed that the percentages of cells in early apoptosis and late apoptosis were increased. Cell cycle analysis showed a significant increase in accumulation of Fe3O4 MNP-treated cells at sub-G1 phase, confirming induction of apoptosis by Fe3O4 MNPs. The Fe3O4 MNPs also activated caspase-3 and caspase-9 in a time-response fashion. The nature of the biosynthesis and therapeutic potential of Fe3O4 MNPs could pave the way for further research on the green synthesis of therapeutic agents, particularly in nanomedicine, to assist in the treatment of cancer

rAAV TGF-β and FGF-2 Overexpression via pNaSS-Grafted PCL Films Stimulates the Reparative Activities of Human ACL Fibroblasts

Lesions in the human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are frequent, unsolved clinical issues due to the limited self-healing ability of the ACL and lack of treatments supporting full, durable ACL repair. Gene therapy guided through the use of biomaterials may steadily activate the processes of repair in sites of ACL injury. The goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis that functionalized poly(sodium styrene sulfonate)-grafted poly(ε-caprolactone) (pNaSS-grafted PCL) films can effectively deliver recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors as a means of overexpressing two reparative factors (transforming growth factor beta-TGF-β and basic fibroblast growth factor-FGF-2) in primary human ACL fibroblasts. Effective, durable rAAV reporter red fluorescent protein and candidate TGF-β and FGF-2 gene overexpression was achieved in the cells for at least 21 days, especially when pNaSS-grafted PCL films were used versus control conditions, such as ungrafted films and systems lacking vectors or films (between 1.8- and 5.2-fold differences), showing interactive regulation of growth factor production. The expression of TGF-β and FGF-2 from rAAV via PCL films safely enhanced extracellular matrix depositions of type-I/-III collagen, proteoglycans/decorin, and tenascin-C (between 1.4- and 4.5-fold differences) in the cells over time with increased levels of expression of the specific transcription factors Mohawk and scleraxis (between 1.7- and 3.7-fold differences) and without the activation of the inflammatory mediators IL-1β and TNF-α, most particularly with pNaSS-grafted PCL films relative to the controls. This work shows the value of combining rAAV gene therapy with functionalized PCL films to enhance ACL repair

Effects of Oral L-Carnitine Supplementation on Lipid Profile, Anemia, and Quality of Life in Chronic Renal Disease Patients under Hemodialysis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

In patients on maintenance hemodialysis several factors reduce the body stored carnitine which could lead to dyslipidemia, anemia, and general health in these patients. We evaluated the effect of oral L-carnitine supplementation on lipid profiles, anemia, and quality of life (QOL) in hemodialysis patients. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis received either L-carnitine 1 g/d (n = 24) or placebo (27 patients) for 16 weeks. At the end of the study, there was a significant decrease in triglyceride (−31.1 ± 38.7 mg/dL, P = 0.001) and a significant increase in HDL (3.7 ± 2.8 mg/dL, P < 0.001) levels in the carnitine group. Decrease in total cholesterol (−6.6 ± 16.0 mg/dL, P = 0.075) and increase in hemoglobin (0.7 ± 1.7 g/dL, P = 0.081) concentrations in the carnitine group were not significant. There was no statistically significant changes in LDL in any group (P > 0.05). Erythropoietin dose was significantly decreased in both the carnitine (−4750 ± 5772 mg, P = 0.001) and the placebo group (−2000 ± 4296 mg, P < 0.05). No improvement was observed in QOL scores of two groups. In ESRD patients under maintenance hemodialysis, oral L-carnitine supplementation may reduce triglyceride and cholesterol and increase HDL and hemoglobin and subsequently reduce needed erythropoietin dose without effect on QOL