Prevalence of Taurodont Molars in a Selected Iranian Adult Population

Introduction: Taurodontism is an anomaly characterized by elongated crowns and consumedly apical location of the bifurcation area. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of taurodontism in molars based on digital panoramic radiographies in eight cities of Iran. Methods and Materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 2360 digital panoramic radiographs taken for different treatment purposes. Demographic information of patients was recorded and radiographs were evaluated for presence of taurodont molars. The prevalence rates were calculated and the data were analyzed using SPSS software version 18 via paired t-test, chi square test and ANOVA. Results: A total of 2360 panoramic radiographs (from 51.4% male and 48.6% female patients) were evaluated and the prevalence of taurodontism was reported 22.9% (22.6% in males and 23.3% in females) (P>0.05). Its prevalence was 51.67% in the right and 48.33% in the left quadrants (P>0.05), 34.1% in the mandible and 65.9% in the maxilla (P=0.000) and 79.52% in the second and 20.48% in the first molar (P=0.000). The prevalence of hypotaurodontism, mesotaurodontism and hypertaurodontism was 84.13%, 11.07% and 4.8%, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of taurodont molars was high in Iran and it was more common in the second molars and in the maxilla. Hypotaurodontism had the highest prevalence.Keywords: Molar; Panoramic; Prevalence; Radiography; Taurodontis

Efficacy of different pheromone trap design in monitoring of the box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis in the northern forests of Iran

Abstract The box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis, is the most important pest of the box tree in the world. The use of pheromone is expected to reduce use of chemical pesticides in C. perspectalis. In this study, the efficiency of three different types of traps including funnel, wing and delta traps at two installation heights (2 and 4 m above the ground) and also dynamic activity of C. perspectalis at different elevations above sea level was investigated in Mazandaran province (Iran) in 2018 and 2019 seasons. The results showed that funnel traps in comparison with the other two types of traps (delta and wing) captured significantly more C. perspectalis. However, trap height had no effect on trapping. C. perspectalis was active in the box reservoir at different elevations above sea level

Dynastid beetle pests

Two main species of dynastid or rhinoceros beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Tribe Oryctini) Oryctes elegans, and subspecies of Oryctes agamemnon, attack date palms causing significant and documented damage. Adults of O. elegans bore into the stalks of inflorescences and fruit bunches to feed, and oviposit in leaf axils where the larvae develop and may invade the trunk. Oryctes agamemnon larvae bore into frond bases, the trunk, and respiratory roots where their tunnelling may cause the palm to fall. It is difficult to distinguish the larvae of the two species in regions where both coexist. For control, annual servicing of palms includes cutting off old fronds at their bases using the correct technique which enables removal of larvae and their breeding places, and this may be integrated with light trapping for catching adults. Quarantine measures may hinder the spread of these pests to uninfested areas. In India, adults of a third species, O. rhinoceros, have been noted boring into the soft tissue of the growing point, and this species has also been reported from Yemen. Pheromone trapping is available for O. elegans but for effectiveness it requires the addition of fresh date palm tissue to the traps as a synergist. The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae and the nematode Rhabditis sp. may have potential in integrated pest management but their possible natural occurrence in an area should be determined, prior to propagation and release. The pathogenic Oryctes Nudivirus, was successful against Oryctes rhinoceros in lowering its populations and damage to coconut palms when introduced into areas where this virus did not previously exist, and should be tested against date palm dynastids. Oryctes agamemnon and O. elegans adults attacking date palms do not appear to bore into the heart or meristem causing V-cuts to unfurling fronds or the death of the palm, in contrast to attacks by O. rhinoceros on coconut and young oil palms. Also O. rhinoceros larvae are found only in dead decomposing wood or other organic material, whereas larvae of date palm pests O. elegans and O. agamemnon may tunnel in living tissues.36 page(s

The role of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis and treatment of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a severe problem worldwide due to an increase in mortality and prevalence among women. Despite early diagnostic procedures as well as advanced therapies, more investigation is required to find new treatment targets. Various factors and mechanisms, such as inflammatory conditions, can play a crucial role in cancer progression. Among them, Th17 cells are identified as effective CD4(+) T cells that play an essential role in autoimmune diseases and inflammation which may be associated with anti-tumor responses. In addition, Th17 cells are one of the main factors involved in cancer, especially breast cancer via the inflammatory process. In tumor immunity, the exact mechanism of Th17 cells is not entirely understood and seems to have a dual function in tumor development. Various studies have reported that cytokines secreted by Th17 cells are in close relation to cancer stem cells and tumor microenvironment. Therefore, they play a critical role in the growth, proliferation, and invasion of tumor cells. On the other hand, most studies have reported that T cells suppress the growth of tumor cells by the induction of immune responses. In patients with breast cancer compared to normal individuals, various studies have been reported that the Th17 population dramatically increases in peripheral blood which results in cancer progression. It seems that Th17 cells by creating inflammatory conditions through the secretion of cytokines, including IL-22, IL-17, TNF-α, IL-21, and IL-6, can significantly enhance breast cancer progression. Therefore, to identify the mechanisms and factors involved in the activation and development of Th17 cells, they can provide an essential role in preventing breast cancer progression. In the present review, the role of Th17 cells in breast cancer progression and its therapeutic potential was investigated

COVID-19 and renal involvement in children: a retrospective study

Background: The New coronavirus (SARS COV-2) can cause acute respiratory disease and also multiorgan dysfunction. There is insufficient data about kidney involvement in children. So, this study was done on children with COVID-19 to evaluate nephrological involvement. Methods: All children with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 who were admitted in Children Hospital .were enrolled. They were admitted in hospital from March 2020 to July 2020. Serum Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium and urinalysis were evaluated. Also, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated by Schertz's formula. All patients were evaluated by chest x-ray and/or computerized tomography scanning (CTS). The data were analyzed by SPSS software and P value less than 0.05 was determined as significant. Results: Forty-seven children with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 were enrolled to this study. At admission, 23.4 and 27.7 of children with COVID-19 had abnormal increase in serum BUN and creatinine, respectively. Also 78.8 and 25.5 of children had GFR less than 90 and 60 ml/min /1.732, respectively. Additionally, 13/47 (27.7) of children had abnormal urine analysis (microscopic hematuria and/or proteinuria). There wasn’t a significant relationship between pulmonary lesions and abnormal reduction of GFR (P<0/05). Conclusion: In the study, the risk of AKI (acute kidney injury) and decrease of GFR and also abnormal urinalysis is high in children with COVID-19. So, more attention for detection of kidney involvement is necessary and more conservative management for prevention of AKI and decrease of GFR are recommended