[Evaluation of imprinting pattern in patients with obsessive- compulsive disorder [OCD] in Sanandaj]

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is [OCD] one of the serious problems which imposes high economic and social expenses on the society. The aim of this study was to identify a probable transmission pattern in the families of the patients with OCD. This cross sectional study included 150 patients in the psychiatric centers in Sanandaj. Diagnosis of the disorder was confirmed by a psychiatrist. History of signs and symptoms of OCD in the maternal and paternal relatives of the patients, including the type, severity and duration of the signs and symptoms were recorded in a questionnaire for every patient. We used descriptive statistics to determine relative and absolute frequencies, and chi-square test to analyze the relationship among the nominal variables. The results of this study showed that contamination and pathological doubt were the most frequent patterns. Washing was the most frequent pattern of obsession which was observed in 42% of the patients. The family history of OCD were18% in paternal and 44.7% in maternal relatives. 35.3% of the patients had no family history of OCD. The results indicated that family history of OCD, especially maternal, is important and OCD is more likely to occur in the subjects with family history of this disorder. However more studies are needed to identify the exact genetic pattern

Effect of dietary chitosan on immune response and disease resistance in Cyprinus carpio

Occurrence of resistance against antibiotics and inadequate efficacy of some vaccines necessitates studies of natural immunostimulators in aquaculture. Shrimps shell derived from Chitosan can be used as immune stimulators in fish. In this study, the effects of oral administration of chitosan, derived from shrimp shell, on some immune responses and disease resistance in Cyprinus carpio were studied. Three hundred healthy fish weighing 42.4+8.1 g were divided into 4 equal groups: the first group [G10] was fed with food supplemented with 10 mg kg-1 chitosan, the second [G5] and third groups [G2.5] were fed with food supplemented with 5 mg kg-1 and 2.5 mg kg-1, respectively. The control group was fed with basal feed [without chitosan]. All groups were treated for 60 days. Blood samples were taken on 0, 20, 40, and 60 days post- experiment; In addition, some immunological indices, including serum lysozyme activity, serum bactericidal activity, Nitro Blue Tetrazolium [NBT] reduction activity, serum proteins, white blood cell count [WBC], and differentiated count were measured. At the end of the treatment, fish were challenged with live Aeromonas hydrophila and mortality rate was recorded for 14 days. Oral administration of chitosan [0.5 and 1%] significantly enhanced NBT reduction activity and resistance to A. hydrophila infection [p=0.012]. Serum lysozyme and bactericidal activity, serum total protein and globulin, WBC and leukocytes ratio showed no significant change among the groups [p>0.05]. This study indicates that oral administration of shrimp shell chitosan may have a positive effect on some immune parameters and resistance against bacterial infection in Cyprinus carpio

comparative effects of a gluteus medius strength training program and balance training program on postural control in adult and elder women

Purpose: The purpose of this study was studying the comparative effects of a gluteus medius strength training program and balance training program on postural control in adult and elder women

Method: this study is semi-experimental with pre-test - post-test design. Forty five elderly women [55-65 aged] participated in this study and divided randomly in three groups: gluteus medius [GM], balanced and control. The Experimental groups performed their training program for 6 weeks and three times per week. Prior and after to starting training program, the balance measured by Berg Balance Test [BBT]. Dependent t-test and ANOVA used to analyze the data [P<0/05]

Results: The results show that GM training [p=0/003] and balance training [p=0/012] improve balance significantly in elderly women. There are significant differences between GM group and control group [p=0/005] and between balance group and control group [p=0/001] but no significant different between GM and balance group [p=0/6]

Discussion: In conclusion, strengthening GM may improve postural control in elderly women

[Percentage of out-of-pocket payment for health services by people of Kurdistan in 2010]

In all countries a part of household income is spent on health-related costs. The amount and distribution of this financial contribution impose a significant burden of health problems to communities. The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of household's direct payments for health care services and health equipment in Kurdistan. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 1518 households living in urban and rural areas of Kurdistan, in winter of 1388, and they were divided into 150 clusters. Every cluster included 10 households. Data were collected by using a questionnaire consisted of two parts: household characteristics and household health expenses including; outpatient costs, the costs of hospitalization, medicines, medical equipment, nursing care, paramedical and medical diagnostic measures. The costs of outpatient health care services [visits, diagnosis, drug prescription and medical devices] and hospitalization were determined during four weeks for each member of the family or the total costs and expenses paid by the household were recorded in the questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed by using spss.16 software and mean, standard deviation and median were calculated. People contribution for prescription drugs was 43/3% and for other non-prescription drugs and consumer goods was 100%, for durable medical equipment 95/4%, for diagnostic measures especially in private offices, clinics or home 75/5%.Household contributions to the cost of medical services by GP, medical specialists, psychiatrists and dentists were 62/3%, 76/5%, 75/5% and 80/9 % respectively. 13/8% of the inpatient fees were paid by the patients. The mean cost of family health services in our study was 85380 +/-252012 with a median of 41050 Toman .The out-of-pocket payment by people was 55%. In general, considering the high percentage of people's contribution to health service costs, expansion of the roles of the insurance organizations to achieve the objectives of coverage of over 90% of population and increasing public and private sector contribution to more than 70 % in health services, is essential

[Burnout and its relationship with the nurses' characteristics]

A number of studies have been done on the topic of nurses' burnout. However social and cultural context of caring institutes and the characteristics of nurses working in these centers would add to the knowledge about this organizational behavior. Accordingly this study aims at identifying the frequency and intensity of nurses' burnout and its relationship with nurses' characteristics in hospitals affiliated to Arak University of Medical Sciences. It was a descriptive correlational study. Two hundred nurses working in hospitals affiliated to Arak University of Medical Sciences were recruited by Stratified probability sampling with proportional allocation. The instruments included Demographic information questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout inventory [MBI]. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent t-test, chi-square, and ANOVA using SPSS-PC [v.16]. The findings revealed that 39.5% and 37% of nurses have reported high levels of frequency and low levels of severity of emotional exhaustion respectively. the majority of nurses [75%] reported high levels of personal accomplishment frequency and 70% of them reported high levels of personal accomplishment severity. Nurses also reported low levels of frequency [47%] and intensity [45%] of depersonalization. Significant relationship was found between frequency of emotional exhaustion and sex [p=0.05], severity of emotional exhaustion and sex [p=0/05], and severity of depersonalization and age [P=0/04]. Identification of work place stressors in order to prevent emotional exhaustion, and also providing conditions for continuous job promotion and experiencing personal success for nurses working in Arak city is recommended

Comparing the effect of NaCl and KCl on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes with a view to NaCl replacement

In this study, the effects of various concentrations of NaCl and KCl and partial replacement of NaCl with KCl on the growth characteristics of L. monocytogenes were evaluated. It was found that L. monocytogenes can grow in the presence of 1-9% NaCl and 1-11% KCl. The higher the concentration of salt used, the longer the lag phase induced. In addition, it was observed that L. monocytogenes tolerate KCl better than NaCl when using the same percents in broth. In an attempt to partially replace NaCl with KCl, it was found that the level of substitution of NaCl with KCl can be at least 25% without risking the microbiological safety, with respect to L. monocytogenes of the product, but not as high as 50%?

[Effects of brewer's yeast on blood pressure and serum lipoproteins in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients]

The increasing trend of prevalence of diabetes mellitus, a diet-related chronic disease has prompted research to find ways to control it. Brewer's yeast may have a potential role because its glucose tolerance factor [GTF] may have beneficial effects on insulin receptors in diabetic patients. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of brewer's yeast supplementation on serum lipoproteins and blood pressure in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] patients. In a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial 84 adults [21 men and 63 women, 46.3 +/- 6.1 years old] with T2DM were recruited and divided randomly into 2 groups of 42 subjects each, one receiving brewer's yeast [six 300-mg capsules/day, total 1800 mg] and one [control group] receiving a placebo [6 capsules/day] for 12 weeks. Body weight, height, body mass index [BMI], food consumption [based on 24-hour food recall], fasting serum lipids and lipoproteins [total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-c and HDL-c], and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS-Ver 18.0], the statistical tests being the independent t-test, paired t-test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and analysis of covariance. Brewer's yeast supplementation brought about statistically significant reductions in diastolic and systolic blood pressures [5.7 +/- 0.6 mm Hg, p=0.001 and 4.1 +/- 1.5 mm Hg, p=0.007, respectively] after 12 weeks. Changes in LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides and total cholesterol were no-significant. Further analysis of the data showed significant differences between the brewer's yeast and control groups with regard to diastolic [p<0.03] and systolic [p<0.05] blood pressure at the end of the period. Dietary supplementation with brewer's yeast can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients

[ effect of low-frequency electrical stimulation on amygdala-kindled seizures in rat]

Low-frequency stimulation [LFS] [< 5 Hz] is a suitable approach for treating seizures caused by epilepsy. Different patterns of LFS have different effects on epileptic seizures. Since no LFS pattern has so far been determined to have the best efficacy in seizure quenching, this study investigated the effect of 60-min application of LFS on amygdala-kindled seizures in rat. In this experimental study, two groups of animals [14 rats] received twice-daily kindling stimulations after stereotactic surgery and a 1-week recovery period. In group 1 [n=6], fully kindled animals received daily kindling stimulations for four days, while in group 2 [n=8], kindled animals received LFS [1 Hz, 0.1 ms pulse duration, ½ afterdischarge threshold intensity] four times [in 24-hour intervals] exactly before kindling stimulations. Afterdischarge duration [ADD], stage 2 latency [S2L], stage 4 latency [S4L], and stage 5 duration [S5D] were recorded and compared with related control groups [the same animals that had received only kindling stimulation]. Data was analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's test for within-group comparisons and Student's t-test for between-group comparisons. The first LFS application resulted in a significant increase of S2L and S4L by 91.5% [p < 0.05] and 79.5% [p < 0.01] compared with control group, respectively. Four-day consecutive LFS applications decreased S5D significantly, so that the first LFS application decreased S5D by 100% [p < 0.001]. In the first 2 days of LFS application, ADD decreased significantly by 46.9% and 40.4% [p < 0.05], respectively, relative to control. The results suggest that LFS application immediately before seizure initiation has anticonvulsant effects

Serum selenium, zinc, and copper in early diagnosed patients with pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris is a life threatening, blistering skin disease. It is an autoimmune abnormality. Due to involvement of oral cavity and pharynx, patients are at risk of nutrients deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of selenium, copper, and zinc in these patients. In a case-control study, 43 newly diagnosed pemphigus vulgaris patients were compared with 58 healthy people from 2009 to 2010. The severity of the disease was estimated according to Harman's scores. Serum selenium was measured with atomic absorption but serum zinc and copper concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically. Data were compared with independent t test. Correlations were evaluated by Pearson correlation test. Both groups were the same based on sex, age, and weight and body mass index. The mean duration of disease was 5.6 month. The oral and skin severities were 1.79 and 2.3 respectively, based on Harman's scores. Serum selenium of pemphigus patients was significantly less than that of healthy people [P<0.001]. Serum copper was negatively correlated with duration of disease in males [P=0.02, r=-0.5]. Pemphigus vulgaris negatively affects on serum selenium, copper and zinc. It seems that serum selenium, copper and zinc decrease as the disease lasts longer

[Determination of fire and explosion loss in a chemical industry by fire and explosion index]

Fire and explosion accidents cause numerous economical, environmental and human losses in industries. The aim of this study was to present a new method for fire and explosion loss estimation by virtue of fire and explosion index to determine the premium rate. This is a descriptive-analytical study carried out in Bandar Imam petrochemical complex in 2006. Initially, the fire and explosion index was calculated in selected process units and the hazard radius, equipment value, and the base maximum probable property damage determined. To determine the actual maximum property damage, the loss control credit factor was assessed. Finally, the days' outage and business interruption losses were estimated. Data analyzed with DOW fire and explosion software. The stripper column with 226 F and EI value, actual maximum property damage of about 6.7 million dollars, days' outage of about 120 days, and business interruption loss of about 89 million dollars was identified as the most critical unit of the factory. The least hazardous unit detected was the Nafta storage tank with 64 F and EI value and actual maximum property damage of about 0.36 million dollars. All factors affecting the fire and explosion risk were shown to be among the indices that are considered as a base for loss estimation. Business interruption losses are higher than actual maximum property damage and these losses are not insured in Iran industries. In this technique, the effects of control measures on reducing fire and explosion losses were considered and the estimated losses could be regarded as a base to determine the premium rate

[ effect of saliva officinalis hydroalcoholic extract on analgesic effect of morphine in rat]

There are some reports in Iranian traditional medicine concerning the anti-inflammatory effect of Saliva Officinalis [SO]. In the present study with the aim of decreasing analgesic dose of morphine, analgesic effect of different doses of SO hydroalcoholic extract alone and associated with morphine were evaluated by tail flick in rats. Analgesic effects of SO hydroalcholic extract at doses of 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg/kg, i.p. were investigated. Then the influence of these doses associated with analgesic dose of morphine [2.5 mg/kg] was evaluated. Rats were placed into restrainer and then transferred into the tail flick apparatus with the intensity 55§C and cut off time=10 sec. In order to verify the role of opioid receptors on analgesic effect of SO extract, naloxone [1mg/kg, i.p.] was administered to one group of rats 15 min before receiving 800 mg/kg extract. Then, the data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by LSD post hoc test and significant difference between groups was accepted with P<0.05. The Data have shown that, the SO extract relieved pain in tail-flick test dose dependently and the most effective dose was 800 mg/kg. The maximum analgesic effect of the extract combined with morphine was observed at time point 45 min. Naloxane, opioid receptor antagonist could reduce analgesic effect of the extract. On the basis the results obtained in this study, it could be suggested that the SO extract potentiates morphine antinociceptive effect and this means that the opioid system may be involved in the analgesic effect of this plant extract

Occupational noise exposure and hearing loss among car smoothers in Qazvin

Indusrial noise exposure is the most common hazardous agent in the world.This study has been done to determine the prevalence associated with occupational noise in car smoothers at Qazvin. The study group composed of 50 subjects who were selected out of a total of 218 car smoothing workshops.Background information,exposure time and ... with a questionnaire collected.Noise exposure and hearing loss were measured by noise dosimeter model CEL-280 and audiometer model OB 288 Madsen. The mean of age and work experience were 38.7 and 21.5 respectively.Noise exposure and total hearing loss were measured 98.2 +/- 3.4 dB [90-104dB] and 22.1 +/- 9.16 dB respectively. Spireman correlation was significant between right and left ears [P<0.05, R=0.87].Total hearing loss were measured natural [NIHL

[Fat oxidation and energy expenditure at different intensities of exercise during running and cycling in obese adolescent boys]

Running and cycling are two modalities of exercise commonly used to promote fat oxidation in weight loss programs for obese people. In order to design appropriate training programs, the objective of the present study was to compare fat oxidation and energy expenditure at different intensities of exercise during running and cycling in obese adolescent boys. Eleven healthy obese adolescent boys [mean age 13 +/- 1.2 years, mean weight 73.1 +/- 7.6 kg, and body mass index 27.5 +/- 2.5 kg/m2] voluntarily participated in this study. Subjects performed 2 incremental graded exercise tests on a cycle ergometer and a motorized treadmill. Heart rate, mean oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide generation during the last two minutes of each level of test were measured and respiratory exchange ratio was calculated. Energy expenditure and fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates were calculated at different intensity levels. At comparable and similar heart rates, the fat oxidation rate was significantly higher during running, compared to cycling over a wide range of intensities [p<0.05], except at intensities of 20w and 170w, as was the total energy expenditure, compared to cycling [266 +/- 43 vs237 +/- 39 kJ/min] [p<0.05]. Carbohydrate oxidation was, however, significantly higher during cycling compared to running, at intensities of 45w, 70w and 95w. It is concluded that for obese adolescents, in order to lose weight and reduce body fat mass [increased energy expenditure and promoted fat oxidation in a certain level of cardio-vascular responses], moderate intensity of running would be more effective than cycling

effect of conjugated linoleic acids, vitamin E and their combination on lipid peroxidation in active rheumatoid arthritis

Reactive oxygen species [ROS] have important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA]. We investigated the effect of conjugated linoleic acids [CLAs] and vitamin E on lipid peroxidation. In a randomized, double-blind placebo, controlled, clinical trial 87 patients with active RA were enrolled. They were divided into 4 groups, received one of the following daily supplement for 3 months; 1- group C: 2.5 gr CLA, that contained 2 gr 50:50 mix of cis 9-trans 11 and trans 10-cis 12 CLAs, 2- group E: 400mg Vitamin E, 3-group CE: CLAs plus vitamin E, 4-group P: placebo. After supplementation Glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] level increased in C, E and CE groups, CE group had lower GSH-Px than P group [P

[Comparison of residue materials after retreatment of filled canals with resilon and gutta-percha]

Retreatment procedures in endodontics requires the complete removal of the original root filling materials. The most common materials that must be removed during retreatment are gutta-percha and sealers. The aim of this in vitro-experimental study was to compare the amount of residual filling material after retreatment of the root canal walls which were obturated with gutta-percha or Resilon. Thirty extracted premolar single root human adult teeth were selected and prepared by race rotary tiles up to MAF#35. Then, they were divided into two groups of 15 [A and B]. Group A was obturated with gutta-percha and AH26 sealer and group B with Resilon system by lateral condensation technique. After 4 weeks all the canals were retreated by Race rotary files and the use of chloroform and master apical file increased to #40 file. Then, the teeth were split longitudinally and the remaining materials on the surface of the canals were visualized with streomicroscope with 20 magnification and digital photographs captured. The amount of residual materials and time of retreatment were analyzed with Mann-Whitney and Freidman tests. The highest residual material value was in Resilon group and the difference between the two groups was significant [p <0.001]. The time required for retreatment was not significant between the two groups [p =0.381]. Orthograde retreatment of Resilon was less efficient than gutta- percha with more residual materials on the surfaces of the root canals that were filled with Resilon

[Evaluation of the bacterial contamination of the Iranian currency notes]

In many countries, there is a popular belief that the simultaneous handling of food and money contributes to the incidence of food-related public health incidents.The objective of this study was to determine the total bacterial count and the presence of food borne bacterial pathogens on Iranian currency notes, collected from food-related shops. A total of 120 Iranian currency notes, comprising notes in four denomination [2000, 5000, 10000 and 20000 R] were collected from various food-related shops including, butchery, bakery, confectionary, fast food, ice cream and poultry meat shop. The currency notes were categorized into three groups according to their physical conditions. All currency notes were examined for total bacterial count, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella and Listeria according to the standard techniques. The average number of total bacterial count in four denomination of currency notes [2000, 5000, 10000 and 20000 R] were 118.49, 106.32, 69.44 and 220.81 CFU/cm2, respectively. The association between total bacterial count and denomination of the currency was not statistically significant. Of the 120 currency notes on which bacteriological analysis was conducted 13.3%, 32.5% and 10.8% were contaminated with E. coli, S. aureus and B. cereus, respectively. Salmonella and Listeria were not isolated from samples. Currency notes collected from butchery, bakery, confectionary, fast food, ice cream and poultry meat shop were contaminated with E. coli at the rate of 60, 0, 5, 5, 0 and 10%; with S. aureus at the rate of 55, 30, 10, 25, 40 and 35%; with B. cereus at the rate of 0, 10, 20, 5, 20 and 10%, respectively. There was not a statistically significant association between physical condition and bacterial contamination of the currency notes. The effect of presence or absence of cashier in food-related shops on bacterial contamination of the currency notes was also evaluated. Money has got the potential to change through many different hands and could be exposed to many different environments at a relatively high frequency. Since there is very little information regarding the hygienic history of any forms of currency, great care should be taken when the same person facilitates the handling of money and the preparation and handling of food to avoid cross contamination

[Effects of oral crataegus SPP branchlet on serum concentration of glucose and lipid and protection of beta cells in diabetic rats]

Medicinal plants are known for their effects in attenuation of hyperglycemia and restoration of lipids to normal levels. In this study, the effects of oral administration of Crataegus spp [CS] branchlet on serum glucose, lipids, and beta cell density in diabetic rats were investigated. Male NMRI rats [n = 32] were divided into 4 groups, i.e. control, CS-treated control, diabetic, and the CS-treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant-mixed pelleted food [6.25%] for 6 weeks. Serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol concentrations were determined before the study, and 3 and 6 weeks after the study. Density of beta cells in 4 groups was determined using the monochrome Gomori staining method. Serum glucose concentration was significantly lower in the CS-treated diabetic group, compared to diabetics, 3 and 6 weeks after the study [p<0.05]. In addition, there were no significant changes regarding serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol concentrations in the treated diabetic group as compared to the diabetic group. On the other hand, the treated diabetic group showed significantly lower levels of LDL-cholesterol as compared to the diabetic group [p<0.05]. Regarding histology, beta cell density significantly decreased in diabetic rats, while CS treatment caused no changes. Oral administration of CS has a significant hypoglycemic effect and lowers serum LDL-cholesterol

[Effects of omega 3 on serum level of malondialdehyde and homocysteine in type 2 diabetic patients]

Diabetes is regarded as a serious condition for both the individual and the society. One of the most important mortality reasons in diabetic patients is atherosclerosis. Many epidemiological studies have shown that the total homocysteine concentration is a risk indicator for cardiovascular disease. Malondialdehyde [MDA] also is a highly toxic by-product formed in part by lipid oxidation derived free radicals. Many studies have shown that its concentration increases considerably in diabetes mellitus. Epidemiological data indicate that the consumption of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids [O3FA] leads to a reduction in cardiovascular disorders may protect against metabolic diseases. In recent years, numerous researches on omega-3 fatty acids have been done but it cannot be used as a confident additive. So in order to evaluate and compare the effects of omega 3 on malondialdehyde [as fat peroxidation indicator] and homocysteine on diabetic type 2 patients, this research was carried out in Tehran University. A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on 81 type 2 diabetic patients, 45-85 years old with diabetes for at least 2 years. Diabetic patients were randomly assigned to one of the case or control groups, each subject received 3 capsules per day of omega-3 or placebo for a period of 2 months. 10 ml blood was collected from each subject at the beginning and at the end of a 2-month trial. Serum MDA was determined with Tiobarbituric acid for more sensitivity and homosystein was measured by Hitachi autoanalyzer with Enzymatic Cycling method. Nutrients intakes were estimated using 24 h dietary recall questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the 2-month trial for 2 days and analyzed by FPn. T-test also was used to compare groups. Comparing the meant +/- S.D of BMI and food intake in both groups showed no significant differences. MDA level degreased 0.72 nmol/ml in case group but the difference with the control group was not significant but the differences of homosystein level in case [3.10 micro mol/lit] and control [0.126 micro mol/lit] groups were significant. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation [3 gr/per day] in capsul form can decrease the serum level of homocysteine in diabetic patients without inducing any changes in MDA level and lipid peroxidation

[Comparison of canal transportation after preparation by 3 different rotary systems]

Cleaning and shaping has been recognized as one of the most important steps of root canal treatment. Various Ni-Ti rotary systems have been introduced for reduction of complications and facilitating the root canal shaping process. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of transportation by using the three rotary systems, Profile, Flex master and Race. This ex-vivo randomized controlled trial was carried out on mesial mandibular root canals [type 3 Weine] with mild curvature [15-35°]. The roots were randomly divided into three groups of 20 canals each. The roots were sectioned horizontally at 3mm, 6mm from the apex and then, reassembled before instrumentation according to the manufacture's guidelines. Photographs were taken from the cross sections before and after instrumentation. Image analyses were performed by Photoshop software, version 8. The ability to preserve canal shape centrally as well as the direction of transportation was determined next. Data was analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests. The difference was significant in mid apical parts when comparing the three groups. Most transportation was in the furcation area. Race had the most and profiles showed the least transportation in both parts of the roots [P=0.001]. The profile system was found to be the best for preserving the centering position of the root canal among the three rotary systems

[Comparison of the remaining smear layer following use of manual and rotary instruments with various speeds]

Endodontic smear layer [SL] can reduce the apical seal and adaptation of gutta-percha to root canals [RCs]. Instruments with adequate flexibility and proper speed create less smear during RC preparation. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the amount of SL following canal preparation by hand and rotary instrumentation. Sixty freshly extracted single-rooted teeth with minimum curvatures were divided into two groups. All canals in group 1 were instrumented with SS-type K-files using a step-back technique. The remaining teeth constituting group 2 were divided into 3 subgroups and prepared by employing the GT profile system at rotational speeds of 1000, 8000, and 24000 rpm. In both groups, 2 teeth were selected as controls, which were placed in 17% EDTA for 15 minutes and then washed with 5.25% Naocl. All specimens were cut bucco-lingually, and evaluated under an electron microscope. Kruskal-Wallis and Man-Whitney U tests were used to compare the groups. A significant difference in the amount of SL was not observed between the three rotational speeds at the coronal portions of the RCs. These sections were cleaner in the 1000 and 24000 rpm groups. No significant difference was found between the two instrumentation techniques in the apical portions. The mean size of the smear plug was larger and showed a greater amount of attachment in group 1 as compared to group 2. Ni-Ti rotary instruments produced a thinner SL with less attachment to the root canal walls making it easy to remove with sufficient irrigation