Seroprevalence of Neospora infection in horses and donkeys in Hamedan province, Western Iran

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora infection in horses and donkeys in Hamedan province, Western Iran.Materials and Methods:In cross-sectional study, Blood samples (n=220) were collected from 120 horses and 100 donkeys in 2012 year. All sera were screened for Neosporausing Neosporamodified direct agglutination test (N-MAT). Results:Antibodies to Neospora infection in horses and donkeys were reported in 40.8% and 52%, respectively. There was not significant correlation demonstrated between infection rates in different age groups and genders.Conclusion: The current study is the first report of Neospora infection in donkeys from Iran. Further investigations and designing control strategies is recommende

Evaluation of the effect of various types of fluoride varnishes on color stability of a composite resin

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Fluoride varnish as an extrinsic factor may cause discoloration in tooth-colored restorative materials. This research compared the impact of different fluoride varnishes on color change of a composite restorative material. METHODS: This laboratory experimental study was conducted on 40 specimens of flowable composite resin were divided into four groups based on the brand of applied varnishes (Durashield, Nupro, Fluorilaque, and Profluoride varnishes) (n = 10). Color measuring (ΔE) was performed using the easy shade device and according to Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* system at three times: 24 hours after immersing in artificial salvia (baseline), 24 hours after fluoride varnishes application and after brushing. The amount of color changes was calculated for all of the specimens as follows: ΔE1 (difference between fluoride application-base line), ΔE2 (difference between brushingfluoride application), and ΔE3 (difference between brushing-base line). P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey. RESULTS: The maximum and minimum color changes after applying varnishes were observed by Nupro and Profluoride, respectively. A significant difference was observed between ΔE 1 values of all types of studied varnishes (P < 0.01) except Durashield and Fluorilaque (P = 0.35). After brushing, no significant difference was shown between color change of stained specimens due to Durashield, Fluorilaque, and Nupro. There was no significant difference between ΔE 3 values of Durashield and Fluorilaque. CONCLUSION: Trends of color change after using all studied varnishes were clinically acceptable (ΔE < 3.3). Durashield, Nupro, Fluorilaque, and Profluoride varnishes can be used without adversely affecting the color of flowable composite resin. KEYWORDS: Fluoride Varnish; Discoloration; Resin Composit

Effect of Extract of Aerial Parts of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) on the Stability of Soybean Oil

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) extract as a natural antioxidant and compare with the most commonly used synthetic antioxidants, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).Methods: Three different U. dioica extracts, viz, chloroform, methanol (80 %) and water extracts, were prepared. The antioxidant activity of the extracts were evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and soybean oil models. Varying concentrations of the extracts (200, 500 and 800 ppm), BHA and BHT (100 and 200 ppm) were separately added to soybean oil and stored in the oven (60±1 °C) for 25 days. Peroxide and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values were measured at various heating periods for the oil samples. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride methods, respectively, while the aerial parts of the plant were also phytochemically screened.Results: Analysis of the chemical composition of U. dioica aerial parts showed they contain crude proteins (21.78 %±0.11), crude lipids (1.66 %±0.03), total soluble carbohydrates (37.19 %±0.21), crude fibers (19.62 %±0.14) and ash (19.75 %±0.17). The aqueous extract contained the highest level of total phenolic contents (7.89 ±0.38, mg g-1 of powder) while the choroform extract contained the highest level of flavonoid contents (15.40 ±0.53 mg g-1 powder). The half-maximal concentration (IC50) values for chloroform, methanol (80 %) and aqueous extracts in respect of DPPH radical scavenging activity were 77.53±0.99, 199.71±1.02 and 159.88±1.57 μg ml-1, respectively. Mixing soybean oil with 200 - 800 ppm of extract decreased oil oxidation and formation rate of TBA reacting substances at a level that is almost equivalent to the synthetic antioxidant, BHT, at a concentration of 200 ppm.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that mixing soybean oil with U. dioica extract can improve the quality of the oil during frying process.Keywords: Antioxidant activity; Soybean oil; DPPH; Peroxide value; Thiobarbituric acid value; Urtica dioic

Stomach-Specific Drug Delivery of Clarithromycin Using aSemi Interpenetrating Polymeric Network Hydrogel Made ofMontmorillonite and Chitosan: Synthesis, Characterization and InVitro Drug Release Study

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to prepare an extended drug delivery formulation ofclarithromycin (CAM) based on a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogel.Methods: Synthesis of semi-IPN hydrogel nanocomposite made of chitosan (CS), acrylicacid (AA), acrylamide (AAm), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and montmorillonite (MMT) wasperformed by free radical graft copolymerization method. Swelling kinetic studies were done inacidic buffer solutions of hydrochloric acid (pH = 1.2), acetate (pH = 4), and also distilled water.Also, the effects of MMT on the swelling kinetic, thermal stability, and mechanical strengthof the hydrogels were evaluated. Moreover, in vitro release behavior of CAM and its releasekinetics from hydrogels were studied in a hydrochloric acid buffer solution.Results: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results revealed that synthesis of semi-IPN superabsorbent nanocomposite and CAM incorporation into hydrogel was performed,successfully. Introducing MMT into hydrogel network not only improved its thermal stabilitybut also increased mechanical strength of the final hydrogel product. Also, in comparisonwith neat hydrogel (1270 g/g), hydrogel nanocomposite containing 13 wt% MMT exhibitedgreater equilibrium swelling capacity (1568 g/g) with lower swelling rate. In vitro drug releaseexperiments showed that CS-g-poly(AA-co-AAm)/PVP/MMT/CAM formulation possesses asustained release character over extended period of time compared with CS-g-poly(AA-co-AAm)/PVP/CAM formulation.Conclusion: In the presence of MMT, the effective life time of drug is prolonged, demonstrating asustained release property. The reason is that interlinked porous channels within superabsorbentnanocomposite network hinder penetration of aqueous solutions into hydrogel and subsequentlycause a slower drug release

Detection of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in Iranian native cattle

ABSTRACT Neospora caninum is an Apicomplexan parasite which may cause abortion in cattle. This study investigated occurrences of antibodies against N. caninum in Iranian native cattle. From September 2010 to September 2011, blood samples (n=768) of native cows were collected randomly from different rural regions of Hamedan (n=400) and Kurdistan provinces (n=368) located to the western part of Iran. All the samples were evaluated for IgG antibodies against N. caninum using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The IgG antibodies to N. caninum were found in 14.2% (n=109/768) of serum samples (95% CI: 11.74 -16.66). There was a significant difference between seropositivity and abortion history (p&lt;0.0001, OR=2.9), unlike to age groups (p=0.105). This is the first report of N. caninum infection in Iranian native cattle. In conclusion, N. caninum is an important factor in abortion in Iranian native cattle. Further comprehensive studies and designing control strategies for improving management in cattle farms are highly recommended

Isotretinoin; A review on the Utilization Pattern in Pregnancy

Purpose: Isotretinoin is the most effective anti-acne drug with a long-term remission. However; it contains severe teratogenic effects with serious adverse drug reactions, which limits the use of medication. Methods: To review the use of isotretinoin during pregnancy, we carried out a comprehensive search of literature in Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed/Medline from their inception until April 2015. Results: Database searching identified 277 records, of which, 38 articles were retrieved according to abstract and title assessment. After full-text review, 17 articles were excluded and finally, a total of 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data showed an increased pattern in the use of isotretinoin. In some studies, health care providers were not fully adhered to the risk reduction programs in pregnancy. Exposing to isotretinoin among pregnant women has still occurred due to detrimental adherence to risk reduction programs which resulted in live-born infants with different kinds of abnormalities. Conclusion: Despite the known serious adverse effect of isotretinoin, the use of drug was not based on the guidelines in some cases, which needs more attentions to prevent the severe drug related problems

The effect of powder/liquid ratio on microleakage of resin-modified glass-ionomer

Introduction: Resin modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGI) is prepared by manual mixing of powder and liquid. Different mixing ratios influence on the RMGI properties. The aim was to compare the effect of different mixing ratios on the microleakage of RMGI. Materials &Methods: In this in vitro study, 60 Class V cavities (3×2×1.5 mm) with the gingival margin of 1 mm apical to the cement-enamel junction were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 30 sound premolars. The teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups. Group 1: The manufacturer’s recommended ratio, without conditioning; Group2: The manufacturer’s recommended ratio with conditioning; Group 3: 20% lower than the manufacturer’s ratio without conditioning; Group4: 20% lower than the manufacturer’s ratio with conditioning; Group 5: 20% higher than the manufacturer’s ratio without conditioning; Group6: 20% higher than the manufacturer’s ratio with conditioning. After thermocycling, the microleakage was evaluated using silver nitrate staining. The teeth were cut into two mesial and distal halves, and the microleakage at occlusal and gingival margins was recorded based on a 0‒3 scoring system under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests with significance level at P<0.05. Results: The maximum microleakage at gingival margins was recorded for group 4, which was significantly higher than that of group 2 and 6 (P=0.043 and P=0.043, respectively). No significant differences were observed in the microleakage between occlusal and gingival margins. Conclusion: A 20% reduction in P/L ratio of RMGI increases the gingival microleakage when surface conditioning was applied

Fracture strength of teeth restored with fiber post and apical plug

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the fracture strength of immature single-rooted teeth restored with fiber post and apical plug. Materials &Methods: In this experimental study, fifty mandibular premolars were divided into five groups. The coronal and apical portions were cut to obtain15±1 mm root lengths and cleaning &shaping were performed. Peeso reamer #4 was passed the apex by 1 mm to simulate an immature tooth and the apical portion in group 1 to 5 was filled by lateral compaction of 5 mm of gutta-percha; 5 mm of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA); 5mm of calcium enriched mixture (CEM) cement; 3 mm of MTA and 2 mm of gutta-percha by vertical condensation and 3 mm of CEM cement and 2 mm of gutta-percha, respectively. The remaining portion was restored with glass fiber post and self-etch cement and composite cores were built. Compressive load was applied at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute at 90 ° angle until fracture in a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in SPSS16. Results: The mean±SD fracture strength was recorded 607.8±162.41 N, 700.48±183.24 N, 595.16±171.77 N, 886.36±382.92N, and 868.87±440.36 N in groups one to five, respectively. No significant difference was observed among the experimental groups (p=0.1). Conclusion: In immature teeth requiring an apical plug, fiber post can be placed directly on the MTA and CEM apical plugs and there is no need for placing gutta-percha on the plug