[Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice of parents of children with cardiac disease about oral health]

Cardiac patients have different dental needs than healthy individuals and clinicians should be well aware of these differences. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare knowledge, attitude and practice of parents of children with cardiac disease and healthy children. In this case-control study, data were collected using a questionnaire. The study population consisted of 25 parents of children with cardiac disease and 25 parents of healthy children selected at a pediatric physician office. Both groups were matched in terms of age, gender and parents' educational level. Data analysis was performed using independent sample t-test for knowledge and attitude and Mann Whitney test for practice with Alpha =0.05 Based on the parents' responses, knowledge of parents was 45.24 +/- 23.29 in the cardiac group and 41.10 +/- 20.45 in healthy group. This difference was not statistically significant. Attitude of parents was 79.3% +/- 9.9 in the cardiac group and 78.9% +/- 6.6 in the healthy group. This difference was not statistically significant either. In the cardiac group, 44% brushed two times a day compared with 20% in the healthy group; 50% of the cardiac children had never visited a dentist while healthy children had regular dental visits In the fields of knowledge and attitude there were no significant differences between two groups, knowledge of parents in two groups was poor but their attitude was positive also practices of parents in the field of children's brushing was good but in the field of attending to dentist was poor

[Correlation of Bcl-2 and COX-2 expression in oral lichen planus]

Lichen planus is a common immune-mediated disease that is associated with an increased risk of malignant transformation in the oral cavity. Synchronous up-regulation of COX-2 and down-regulation of Bcl-2 have been demonstrated in some malignancies. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between COX-2 and Bcl-2 expression and their role in dysplastic changes of oral lichen planus [OLP]. This study was performed on 47 paraffin blocks with the diagnosis of OLP and 16 blocks with the diagnosis of focal fibrous hyperplasia [control group]. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using antibodies against COX-2 and Bcl-2. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Mann-Whitney test were used for data analysis. A significant correlation was observed between the intensity of sub-epithelial inflammation and the severity of basal cell layer degeneration [P=0.048]. Significant up-regulation of Bcl-2 and COX-2 was detected in sub-epithelial inflammatory infiltration [P<0.001, P=0,003]. The amount and intensity of Bcl-2 and COX-2 expression were significantly correlated in sub-epithelial lymphocytic infiltration [P=0.013, P=0.019]. Our findings indicated the effective role of Bcl-2 expression in decreasing the apoptosis in the inflammator y infiltrate unlike the epithelium. The significant correlation of the intensity of Bcl-2 expression in the epithelium and the sub-epithelial inflammatory infiltrate with COX-2 expression and also the correlation of the intensity of inflammation with the severity of basal layer hydropic degeneration may imply that these two markers can induce malignant transformation in the affected epithelium in an indirect manner by the continuation of inflammation and activation of carcinogenic mechanisms

[Assessment of motor development of children attending health centers of Dezful city using world health organization standard indexes]

Motor function is an important aspect of child development. Motor development is usually assessed in terms of age of achievement of motor milestones. Few previous studies have focused on motor development using WHO indexes particularly in Iran. In this cross-sectional study, age of achievements of six motor milestones was assessed in 800 children attending health centers of Dezful. Six milestones [sitting without support, hands-and-knees crawling, standing with assistance, walking with assistance, standing without support, walking without support] were assessed by mother self-reports. The mean age of children was 26.3 +/- 14.6 months. Based on percentile 97 WHO, 12.4% of children had delayed motor development. The logistic regression test showed a statistically significant association between gestational age and delayed motor development [p<0.001]. Prevalence of delayed motor development is high. Further cohort studies with bigger sample sizes should be designed

Effect of alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa seed on alpha motor neurons density of spinal cord following sciatic nerve compression in rats

Compression or sciatic axotomy induces neuronal death in spinal cord alpha motor neuron. This study was carried out to determine the effect of Nigella sativa seed alcoholic extract on spinal motor neuron density in anterior horn after sciatic nerve compression in rat. In this experimental study 24 wistar rats were divided into four groups A: control, B: compression, C: compression+treatment with 75 mg/kg alcoholic extract, D: compression+treatment with 50 mg/kg alcoholic extract. In control group muscle was exposed without any injury to sciatic nerve. In compression and treatment group, the right leg sciatic nerve compressed for 60 sec. After four weeks of post operation, L2-L4 and S1, S2 and S3 segments of spinal cord were sampled, processed, serially sectioned and stained with toluidine blue. The number of alpha motor neurons was counted using dissector method. Neuronal density in compression group [650 +/- 32] significantly decreased in comparison with control group [1803 +/- 24]. Neuronal density in C treated group [1581 +/- 47] and D treated group [1543 +/- 49] significantly increased compare to compression group [P<0.001]. Alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa seed increased the density of alpha motor neurons in spinal cord after sciatic nerve compression in rats

Preparation of decellularized three dimentional scaffolds as the model for tissue engineering and their functional assessments in vitro application of blastema tissue

Tissue engineering is based on three main factors including scaffolds, cells and growth factors. Natural scaffolds derived from decellularized tissues and organs have been successfully used in tissue engineering. Decellularization studies have shown that natural scaffolds which maintain their main structure and properties could be a suitable tool for studying cellular behaviors and preparation of such scaffolds is an important part of future research in biology that may have extensive applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Blastema tissue which is produced after injuries in some organisms has embryonic cell characteristics, and can be a suitable model for evaluation of cell behaviors in various tissues. In this review, the process of decellularization, process involved in preparation of 3D scaffolds derived from extracellular matrix of various tissues including cartilage, bone, gingiva, aorta and bladder, and assessment of their interactions with blastema tissue under in vitro conditions are discussed

[Evaluation of Cannabis sativa leaves aquatic extract effect on triple regions of hippocampus neuronal density in male rats]

More than sixty one substances have been found in Cannabis sativa which are called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are involved in all stages of memory.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of leaves aquatic extract of Cannabis sativa on the neuronal density of CA1, CA2 and CA3 of Hippocampus in rats. In this experimental study twenty four male Wistar rats [weight 300-350 g] were divided into two experimental and one control groups. Cannabis sativa was extracted with Soxhlet apparatus. Aquatic extract was injected introperitonealy [I.P.] in experimental groups with two dosages [50 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg] for three weeks. After one month, animals were decapitated and their brains were dissected, fixed in 10% formalin, sectioned in 7 micro m thickness and stained by hematoxin-eosin [HE]. By applying dissector techniques and systematic random sampling scheme the neuronal density of CA1, CA2 and CA3 of Hippocampus were estimated. Then, the numerical density in each group compared with control group using t-test and ANOVA statistics and Turkey test by Minitab 13 software. Neuronal density average of CA1 area in control, experimental 1 and 2 groups were 37396 +/- 553, 10081 +/- 233 in CA1 and 10986 +/- 382, CA2 area 33045 +/- 449, 14648 +/- 284 and 17147 +/- 378 and in CA3 area 26324 +/- 437, 10469 +/- 215 and 13829 +/- 359 respectively. Statistical analyses showed significant decrease [P<0.001] in the CA1, CA2 and CA3 of Hippocampus neuronal density in experimental groups compared to control group. Aquatic extract of Cannabis sativa leaves has canabinoids substances that may effectively increase dopamine release and inhibit the production of impulse and induce neuronal degeneration in Hippocampus leading to reduction of the neuronal density of Hippocampus

[Anthropometric measurements of lip-nose complex in 11-17 years old males of Mashhad using photographic analysis]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate anthropometric parameters of lip - nose complex in 11-17 years old males in Mashhad using photographic analysis. Number of 357 Fars boys [11-17 years old], residence in Mashhad were included in this study. They were all class.I. Some frontal and lateral photographs of natural head position were taken by a digital camera. After landmark determination, anthropometric parameters including alar width, mouth width, nose height, cupid arch width, vertical height of lips, columellar width, nasolabial angle and nasal root slope angle were determined by Smile Analyzer software while Kruskal - Wallis test was used for data analyses. This study revealed that alar width, nasal height and mouth width were increasing gradually within 11 to 16 years of age. But nose height to nose width proportion did not show any significant differences in different age groups [P=0.097]. Nasolabial angle in different age groups had no significant statistical differences and it was between 95.83 and 100.05 [P=0.315]. However for Cph-Cph, the distance was decreasing first and then increasing with no significant differences among age groups. Except significant differences observed in different age groups about nasolabial angle and nasal index, there were not any other significant differences for other anthropometric parameters. It could be helpful in orthodontic and surgical treatment planning

Study of geometrical model of wound regeneration in New Zealand rabbit

One of the best examples of epimorphic regeneration in the mammals is the formation of new tissues formed from blastema in holes punched in the ears of rabbits. The aim of this research is to investigate speed and percentage of regeneration in different geometrical shaped holes and different regions of rabbit's ear. In this experimental research different region of rabbit's ear [proximal, medial and distal] were punched as different geometrical shaped holes [circle, quadrangle and triangle] with the same area [50 mm[2]] Ubyg a puncher which designed for this purpose. The regeneration of wounds was evaluated and the percentage of regeneration was calculated. After punching, each 3 days [36-40 days]. Results showed speed and percentage of regeneration in circular holes was significantly [P < 0.05] more than quadrangular and triangular holes. In addition, regeneration speed of holes located in proximal regions of ear, was more than peripheral holes. Wound regeneration in rabbit's ear is related to the geometrical shape of holes. Speed and the percentage of regeneration in circular shapes is more than angular shapes

[ histological study of the effect of hyaluronic acid and curcuma longa-ghee compound on the gingival healing following gingivectomy in dogs]

Currently, hyaluronic acid is used to reduce the side effects of periodontal surgery including hemorrhage, inflammation and pain and accelerate the healing process of the wound. Oral or local application of Ghee can be relatively effective in enhancement of the wound healing process. The present study was performed with the aim of comparing the effects of hyaluronic acid with curcuma longa- ghee on the healing process of gingival tissue following ginivectomy. In a double blind controlled randomized experimental study, 5 male beagle dogs, 18 to 24 months old [approximately 15 kg], with intact teeth and clinical signs of gingivitis with similar Gingival Index [GI] and no periodontitis, were used. In each Jaw, two regions were randomly selected as control and six regions as test groups. Following gingivectomy periodontal packs were used in the control groups and three materials including curcuma longa-ghee with two different ratios [material A and material B] and hyaluronic acid [material C] were used in the test groups Histological changes were evaluated 4 and 7 days after gingivectomy in order to assess the healing process. Data were analyzed using Kruskal Wallis test. Significant statistical differences were found in all parameters for the three materials used in experimental groups compared with control groups. On the fourth day, the inflammatory parameters decreased and repairing parameters increased remarkably in the regions with materials A and B compared to those with material C, while the difference in the degree of epithelialization was statistically meaningful [p = 0.002]. On the seventh day, the inflammatory parameters decreased and repairing parameters increased remarkably in the material B regions compared to the regions on which materials A and C were placed. According to the above results, curcuma longa-ghee is more effective than hyaluronic acid in repairing process and reduction of the inflammation. Therefore, it can be considered as a suitable substitute for accelerating of healing process after periodontal surgery

Histological study of blastema tissue genesis processes, autografted in Newzealand rabbit derm

Blastema tissue is a group of undifferentiated cells that exists circulary in the pinna holes punched region, that has a rapid distinction and division process.These cells could be attended in genesis and development of holes punched regions so that after two months the region will be repaired perfectly. This characteristic is not seen in other mammals. The aim of this investigation is to study blastema tissue genesis process, autografted in rabbits. In this experimental study 6 white Newzealand rabbits, about 2.5kg and 2-2.5 months age were choosen. Their ears were anaesthetized with lidocaine spray and punched-hole manually with a special puncher. Three circular holes, 4 mm in diameter, were punched in right ear [test group]. After three days with another puncher [8mm in diameter] a circular blastema from the edge of holes was separated and replaced in the split that was created in the dermis at the back of the same animal. Immediately after punching left ear the punched tissue was inserted into the derm of the left side of back in the same animal [as control group]. Then at the 9[th], 10[th] and 13[th] days of experiment under deep anesthesia histologic speciments were cut and histological investigation were made by PAS, H and E and toluidine blue methods. Data was analyzed using one way ANOVA and tukey tests. Microscopic studies in case group in comparison to control group showed a significant increase of skin epithelial tissue, vascularity and angiogenesis [p<0.05] and also more sebaceous glands and hair follicles [p<0.05]. As mentioned above, blastema of rabbit ears shows certain characteristics including pluripotency. Therefore this tissue could be affected by environmental signals and consequently transformed into different tissues

Mental health status of employees in substations of electromagnetic fields at extremely low frequency in Tehran

With regard to the relationship between exposure to electromagnetic fields and development of potential biological system impairments and increasing number of these fields, the current research was conducted in 2004 on 101 employees of high voltage centers to determine the role of working in these fields on mental health. One hundred and one employees were exposed to electromagnetic field at 50 Hz found from 230 kV current. We used SCL-90-R test and compared the subjects with the control group. Data analysis showed that the mean scores of the case group in Global Severity Index and Positive Symptom Total with significant difference were higher than that of the control group [P<0.022 and P<0.049]. Positive Symptom Distress Index showed no significant difference between the two groups. Cases had also higher scores in all subscales in comparison with the control group. It was statistically significant for subscales of somatization, depression, anxiety, hostility and phobia. For psychoticism with P>0.05 it tended not to be significant. No correlation was found between age, marital status and split-shift working with GSI scores. Employment in electromagnetic fields at extremely low frequency can lead to the development of mental disorders. However, the results need confirmation by other controlled trials

effect of rabbit vitreous humor on wound repair in rabbit's ear

It is known that vitreous humor in rabbit is made of many components including, hyaluronic acid, collagen, hyalocytes, inorganic salts, sugars, ascorbic acid, and water. Based on the fact that hyaluronic acid is a biostimulator, in current project we tried to elucidate the effect of vitreous humor extracts on wound repair and tissue regeneration in rabbits. Ears of several white Newzealand rabbits [n=6], about 2.5kg each, were locally anaesthetized with lidocaine spray solution, and punched-hole manually with a special puncher. Three circular punches whit 8mm in diameter were made in each ear, and used for control or test groups. Daily we applied vitreous humor extracts on the test group wounds, the size of each treated wound was measured carefully and compared with control groups every 3 days, and finally the data representing the ratio between regenerated and non-regenerated tissues of proximal, medial and distal positions were collected.Histograms of macrosopic studies showed that treating of wounds by vitreous humor has obvious effect in their repair. Statistical analysis also showed a significant difference [p<0.05] between mean value of regeneration in test and control groups. Microscopic data showed that in the test groups there was also a significant increase in the following phenomena: 1] in epidermic thickness and presence of dermal papilla, resulting in outgrowth of epidermis, 2] in the formation of fresh fibroblasts and connective tissues, 3] in angiogenesis and hair follicle formation.In conclusion these data showed that rabbit vitreous humor potentially is a good candidate to improve wound repair and promote tissue regeneration. This extract may exert its effects due to presence of a biostimulator, hyaluronic acid, in its components

[Quantitative and qualitative study of dermatoglyphic patterns of schizophrenia in Khorasan Province]

Finger and hand prints are formed during the late first and second trimester of fetal development, and then remain unchanged. Schizophrenia is a psychotic disease that coexists with structural and biochemical changes of CNS. It is probably under the influence of environmental and/or genetic factors. There are some suggestions that disturbance in the dermatoglyphic patterns are probably in relationship with the appearance of schizophrenia. It seems that this disturbance appears in the first and second trimesters of fetal development, which is a critical period for CNS growth. We have studied the dermatoglyphic changes in 91 schizophrenic patients [49M, 42F] in Ebne Sina Psychosis Hospital of Mashhad, and have compared them with those of 72 healthy controls [42M, 30F]. The x2 test was used for quantitative and T-test for qualitative data analysis. The results showed a significant reduction of TABRC between healthy and patient. The forms of Loop and Arch are heterogeneous and compared to the control group were significant [P=.0/04,P=0/036]. In conclusion, these results provide further evidence that abnormal dermatoglyphic patterns exist in some patients with schizophrenia, and that, the a-b ridge count can be used as a marker of this psychotic disease, and support the idea that the incidence of schizophrenia maybe due to the adverse intrauterine events. Because these events probably affect the brain, behavior and finger print patterns, dermatoglyphics would be a proper method for prognosis of some cases of schizophrenia