Antifungal effect of calcium enriched mixture cement against Candida albicans

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this ex vivo study was to assess the effect of two root-end filling materials against Candida (C) Albicans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ProRoot MTA and CEM Cement were compared immediately and 24 h after mixing, in two different concentrations (50 and 100 mg/mL). A total of 50 culture wells were used and divided into experimental (n=10) and control groups (n=5). Those with no medication served as positive and without C. Albicans served as negative controls. All plates were incubated at 37°C after 1, 24, and 48hours. At each interval, the presence of C. Albicans was assessed and recorded by an independent observer. In addition to observing turbidity, 0.02 mL of samples from each cell was re-cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar plates to confirm change in fungal growth. The data were evaluated and analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Although all fresh and set samples with experimental concentrations showed fungal growth after 1 h; they demonstrated complete fungicidal activity at 24 and 48-h time intervals. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this ex vivo study, CEM cement as well as ProRoot MTA has fungicidal effects against C. Albicans even in concentration of 50 mg/mL and after 24 hours

Evaluation of salivary matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) level in patients with oral lichen planus before and after treatment with 0.2% triamcinolone mouthwash

Objectives Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous disease, involving the skin and mucous membranes. Although the pathogenesis of OLP is not fully understood, the immune system, genetic and environmental factors, medications, and infections may play an important role in OLP. The level of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is known to increase in pathological conditions, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), as well as inflammatory conditions, such as OLP. If pain and soreness are present, topical corticosteroids (CSs) are the first-line treatment for these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the level of MMP-9 in individuals with OLP before and after treatment with triamcinolone 0.2% mouthwash. Method This study was conducted on 18 patients with erosive-atrophic OLP. First, 5 mL of unstimulated saliva was collected, and then, triamcinolone 0.2% mouthwash was prescribed to all the patients. After treatment and healing of the lesions, a sample was collected again from the participants. The MMP-9 concentration was quantified in all the samples using an ELISA kit. Results The mean age of the participants, including five males and 13 females, was 45.7 years in this study. Before treatment, the mean MMP-9 concentration was 1.599 ng/mL, with a standard deviation (SD) of 1.074, while the mean (±SD) level of MMP-9 was 0.933 ng/mL (0.649) after treatment. The mean reduction was estimated at 0.666, with SD of 1.056 (P=0.016). Conclusion The MMP-9 level was significantly lower after treatment compared to the pretreatment stage. Based on the results, topical CSs, such as triamcinolone, can decrease the level of MMP-9, as a reliable biomarker of OLP severity; therefore, they can diminish inflammation and prevent the dysplastic progression of the disease

Comparison of salivary level of leptin in chronic periodontitis patients and healthy controls

Objectives Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition of the tooth-supporting structures. Leptin is a hormone produced by the human body under different circumstances such as infection. It affects the production of cytokines, phagocytosis and the inflammation process. This study aimed to compare the salivary level of leptin in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients and healthy controls.Methods In this case-control study, saliva samples were collected from 43 subjects including 22 CP patients and 21 healthy controls. The salivary level of leptin was determined using the ELISA. Data were analyzed by the independent t-test.Results Despite the presence of leptin in the saliva of CP patients and healthy controls, no significant difference was noted in its salivary concentration between the two groups (p>0.05).Conclusion The salivary level of leptin in CP patients was not significantly different from that in healthy controls. Further studies with larger sample size are required to confirm the results of this stud

Antimicrobial Effects of Mass and Oral-B Mouthwashes on Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans: An In Vitro Study

Objectives The present study aimed to compare the antimicrobial properties of Iranian Mass mouthwash and alcohol-free Oral-B mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Candida albicans (C. albicans). Methods In this in vitro study, S. mutans and C. albicans were separately cultured on BHI agar plates. The agar well-diffusion method was used to compare the antimicrobial properties of Mass and Oral-B mouthwashes, and 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) as the positive control and saline as the negative control. The diameter of growth inhibition zones was then measured. The experiment was performed in triplicate. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the two mouthwashes were determined for each microorganism using the broth micro-dilution method. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test (Benjamini-Hochberg). Results The mean diameter of the growth inhibition zone of S. mutans was 26.33 and 27.66 mm for Mass and Oral-B mouthwashes, respectively. These values were 18 mm and 17.66 mm, respectively for C. albicans.  There was no significant difference in the mean diameter of growth inhibition zones of the two mouthwashes against C. albicans (P=0.38) or S. mutans (P=0.23). The MIC of Mass and Oral-B mouthwash for S mutans was in 1/1024 dilution ratio and the MIC of Mass and Oral-B mouthwashes for C. albicans was in 1/512 and 1/256 dilution ratios, respectively. The MBC values were the same as the MIC values for both mouthwashes. Conclusion Mass mouthwash was as effective as Oral-B mouthwash against S. mutans and C. albicans

Evaluation of Antibacterial Effects of Cold Atmospheric Plasma, Calcium Hydroxide, and Triple Antibiotic Paste on Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm in the Root Canal System: An In Vitro Study

Introduction: One of the essential factors in successful endodontic therapy is effective cleaning and disinfection of the root canal. This study aims to determine the effect of the cold plasma on the infected root canals with Enterococcus faecalis and compare its antibacterial effect with the conventional medicaments in vitro. Methods: 63 single-root teeth were extracted. Canals were cleaned and shaped. Ten teeth were selected as a negative control randomly. The rest of the teeth were incubated at 37°C for 21 days to form Enterococcus faecalis biofilm. The specimens were divided into five groups; 2 positive control groups of medicaments and plasma, 1 group treated with calcium hydroxide; 1 group treated with 10 mg/ml of TAP; 1 group treated helium/oxygen plasma. After treatment, F4 Pro-Taper rotary file was used to collect root canal microbial biofilms. Bacterial suspensions are serially diluted, and the percentage of growth reduction for each group was obtained by dividing the logarithm of CFU /mL of each group by CFU /mL of the control of the same group. Results: The CFU/mL of TAP and plasma-treated samples was significantly lower than the control groups; however, there were no significant differences between the control group and samples treated by calcium hydroxide. The most percentage of CFU reduction was in the TAP-treated group compared with plasma and calcium hydroxide-treated groups. Conclusion: The application of cold plasma effectively inhibits the growth of Enterococcus faecalis and reduces bacterial biofilm. Also, in the present study, 10 mg/ml of TAP caused the complete elimination of Enterococcus faecalis. Calcium hydroxide had the most negligible effect on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm elimination

In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Setting Time Assessment of Calcium-Enriched Mixture Cement, Retro Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate

Introduction: The present study sought to evaluate and compare biocompatibility and setting time of Retro mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) and Angelus MTA. Methods and Materials: CEM cement, Angelus MTA and Retro MTA were assessed in set and fresh states. Extracts transformed to each cavity of three 24-well plates in which 1×104 cell were seeded into each well 24 h earlier. All specimens were incubated in a humidified incubator with 5% CO2 at 37°C. Mosmann’s tetrazolium toxicity (MTT) assay was used to determine in vitro cytotoxicity on L929 mouse fibroblast cell line. Cell viability was determined at 1, 24, and 72 h after exposure. The initial setting time was measured by 113.4 g Gilmore needle testing. Then, final setting times were assessed by the 456.5 g Gilmore needle. Data comparisons were performed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test (α=0.05). Results: All groups in both forms indicated higher cell vitality compared to positive control group (P<0.001). After 24 h, the set Retro MTA showed better biocompatibility compared to set CEM and set Angelus MTA (P<0.001). Retro MTA showed significantly lower initial and final setting time compared to CEM and Angelus MTA (P<0.001). Conclusion: Our results indicated the good cell viability values of Retro MTA and relatively short period of setting time. It seems a promising alternative material in clinical situations where accelerated setting is required. However, more clinical and in vivo investigations are needed for a clear decision making.Keywords: Biocompatibility; Calcium-Enriched Mixture; Mineral Trioxide Aggregate; Retro MTA; Setting Tim

Evaluation and determining of the Pattern of the Human Albumin Utilization at Shahid Rahimi Hospital, Khorramabad, Iran

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has supported many intervention strategies, including executive, educational, and monitoring proceedings to improve the evaluation of drug use and the drug management system. Since the resources are limited, it is essential to utilize existing resources properly. Serum albumin is the most abundant blood protein produced in the liver. Different forms of albumin are available in the market and employed to treat hypovolemia, Cirrhotic ascites, severe burns, septic shock, hyperstimulation syndrome, etc. Due to the high price of albumin and its importance for saving patient’s lives.Methods: precisely according to the determined protocols, and it’s unreasonable and irrational medication should be avoided. Statistical analysis was performed in Shahid Rahimi Hospital of Khorramabad, Iran, from March 2018 to March 2019. Albumin administration for randomly selected patients receiving albumin in different wards was evaluated. The main sources to retrieve information were pharmacy drug folders, patient folders (including laboratory information), and nursing folders. Age, sex, weight, ward, albumin level, symptoms, and final dose were recorded for each patient. Contraindications to the administration of albumin or any caution in its use were also considered. Data were analyzed by using SPSS16 and Excel software. Independent T-test and Chi-square test were employed to compare quantitative and qualitative variables. 271 patients were studied, including 160 men and 111 women.Results: The two male and female surgical wards with 41 patients had the highest percentage of patients admitted with albumin administration. Also, the most common cause of albumin administration in patients was hypoalbuminemia. 55% of albumin prescriptions in Shahid Rahimi Hospital of Khorramabad were irrational, driving a substantial financial burden for the healthcare system and patients. Among all the prescribed cases, only 5.2% were approved by the pharmacist. Finally, 77.1% of patients recovered, and 22.9% died.Conclusion: Considering that the highest percentage of patients receiving albumin administration, both among patients with irrational administration and in general, were in men's and women's surgical wards, it is recommended that the drugs prescribed in these wards be further investigated and get pre- Approved by a pharmacist to prevent higher medical costs for patients and healthcare system.          Keywords: Albumin; Hypovolemia; Cirrhotic Ascites; Septic Shock; Hyperstimulation Syndrome    

Comparative Evaluation of the Viability of L929 Murine Fibroblasts in the Presence of Different Concentrations of Propolis with and without Vitamin C as a Storage Medium for Avulsed Teeth

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the optimal concentration of propolis with and without vitamin C as a storage medium for avulsed teeth Methods: Following the preparation of L929 murine fibroblasts suspension, 5,000 cells were seeded to each well of a 96-well plate. After 24 h, the culture medium was replaced with 0.01, 0.005, 0.001, 0.0005, 0.0001, and 0.00005 concentrations of propolis(P) and propolis plus vitamin C(PC) using Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium. After 2, 24, and 72 h of incubation, the percentage of cell viability was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, compared to the negative control group. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software (version 21). Two-way ANOVA was used to compare the means, while Tukey’s test was applied for pairwise comparisons.  Results: After 2 h, only the difference between the 0.001 concentration of P and PC was significant (P<0.005), such that cell viability was higher in the latter group. After 24 h, cell viability in 0.0005 and 0.00005 concentrations of P was significantly higher than that in the PC group. However, no significant difference was noted after 72 h. Conclusion: Cell viability was retained in all concentrations of propolis with or without vitamin C. On the other hand, with an increase in the concentration of propolis, cell viability decreased. Although PC was superior to propolis alone in cell viability; however, this effect decreased over time such that no significant difference was noted after 72 h

Association between obesity categories with cardiovascular disease and its related risk factors in the MASHAD cohort study population

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Obesity is an important CVD risk factor and is increasing in prevalence. Methods In this study, 3829 men and 5720 women (35‐65 years) were enrolled as part of the MASHAD cohort study. Four categories were identified according to body mass index and waist circumference that was defined by the World Health Organization. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the occurrence of CVD, and Cox regression model was used to evaluate the association of obesity with CVD incidence. Results We found that the higher risk groups defined by categories of adiposity were significantly related to a higher prevalence of a high serum total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG), and lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and higher fasting blood glucose (FBG) in both genders and a higher low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) in women (P < .001). Additionally, a high percentage of participants with dyslipidemia, high LDL, high TC, and low HDL and a high percentage of participants with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, and a high serum TG were observed across obesity categories (P < .001). Moreover, women with the very high degrees of obesity had a greater risk of CVD (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.06‐3.43, P = .03). Conclusion Obesity strongly predicts several CVD risk factors. Following 6 years of follow‐up, in individuals within increasing degrees of obesity, there was a corresponding significant increase in CVD events, rising to approximately a twofold higher risk of cardiovascular events in women compared with men

Von Willebrand factor propeptide and pathophysiological mechanisms in European and Iranian patients with type 3 von Willebrand disease enrolled in the 3WINTERS-IPS study

Background Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a severe bleeding disorder caused by the virtually complete absence of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Pathophysiological mechanisms of VWD like defective synthesis, secretion, and clearance of VWF have previously been evaluated using ratios of VWF propeptide (VWFpp) over VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) and factor (F)VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) over VWF:Ag. Objective To investigate whether the VWFpp/VWF:Ag and FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratios may also be applied to understand the pathophysiological mechanism underlying type 3 VWD and whether VWFpp is associated with bleeding severity. Methods European and Iranian type 3 patients were enrolled in the 3WINTERS-IPS study. Plasma samples and buffy coats were collected and a bleeding assessment tool was administered at enrolment. VWF:Ag, VWFpp, FVIII:C, and genetic analyses were performed centrally, to confirm patients' diagnoses. VWFpp/VWF:Ag and FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratios were compared among different variant classes using the Mann-Whitney test. Median differences with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using the Hodges-Lehmann method. VWFpp association with bleeding symptoms was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation. Results Homozygosity/compound heterozygosity for missense variants showed higher VWFpp level and VWFpp/VWF:Ag ratio than homozygosity/compound heterozygosity for null variants ([VWFpp median difference, 1.4 IU/dl; 95% CI, 0.2-2.7; P = .016]; [VWFpp/VWF:Ag median difference, 1.4; 95% CI, 0-4.2; P = .054]). FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratio was similarly increased in both. VWFpp level did not correlate with the bleeding symptoms (r = .024; P = .778). Conclusions An increased VWFpp/VWF:Ag ratio is indicative of missense variants, whereas FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratio does not discriminate missense from null alleles. The VWFpp level was not associated with the severity of bleeding phenotype.Peer reviewe