A systematic review regarding the prevalence of malignancy in patients with the hyper-IgE syndrome.

The hyper-immunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES) is a primary immunodeficiency disease originally described as Job syndrome. The fundamental causative variant of the HIES is an autosomal dominant mutation in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) gene. It is characterized by recurrent staphylococcal cold skin abscess, sinopulmonary infection, eczema, head and face anomalies, frequent bone fractures, eosinophilia and extremely high serum IgE levels (IgE ≥ 2000 IU/mL). However, multiple other genetic defects are also known as HIES-like disorders. Apart from infectious manifestations, STAT3, DOCK8 and TYK2 gene mutations are associated with various malignancies. The most common malignancies reported in these patients are lymphomas, including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) of B and T cells. This systematic review aimed to investigate the prevalence of malignancies in HIES and the factors associated with malignancy in these patients. In this survey, all articles published until April 1st, 2023, in Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science databases based on three groups of keywords related to HIES syndrome and malignancy were reviewed by three different researchers. Finally, 26 articles were evaluated from which 24 papers were meta-analyzed. In the current study, the demographic information of 1133 patients with HIES, which was mentioned in 24 articles enrolled in the project, was collected, and the information related to patients who had malignancy was analyzed and meta-analyzed. A total of 96 patients out of 1133 studied patients had at least one type of malignancy, the overall prevalence of malignancies reported in the articles was 6.5% (95% confidence interval 4.1-9%), and the total prevalence of malignancy in patients with NHL type and patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was 2.9% (95% confidence interval 1.7-4.4%) and 2.2% (95% confidence interval 0.3-4.1%), respectively. The results of this study indicated that in 6.5% of cases, HIES was complicated with malignancy, and considering the higher rate of these malignancies in women as well as in DOCK8 mutation sufferers, it is necessary for physicians to be aware of this association and includes malignancy screening in follow-up and periodic examinations of these patients. Indeed, more studies in this field will help to clarify the precise figures and predisposing factors of the relationship between HIES and malignancy.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Iranians' Preferences toward Dental Care Services: A Population-Based Survey.

Background and Aims: Patients' perspectives and preferences are considered an essential influencing factor for healthcare utilization. This study is one of the first to investigate patient preference for dental services across socioeconomic and demographic indicators in Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through telephone interviews with adult residents in Mashhad and Kerman cities. A representative sample was selected by stratified random sampling. A valid structured questionnaire was used for data collection, including people's preference toward dental care services in terms of dental settings, choosing a general or specialist dentist, prevention or treatment, and the preferable gender of the dentist. Factors potentially associated with preferences included gender, age, educational level, job, monthly income, house size, family number, insurance coverage, dental insurance, type of insurance, and social class in the city were investigated. Results: 1475 individuals participated in the study [response rate 63%]. Our findings showed higher preferences for private offices (50.6%), specialist dentists (76.2%), treatment services (40.8%), and no specific gender preference for the dentist (60.6%). Their preferences were significantly influenced by age range, social class, insurance status, dental insurance, and type of insurance. Income, household size, level of education, and job were not statistically significant with none of the preferences. Conclusions: Socioeconomic and demographic factors' correlation with people's preferences was observed. Efforts are needed to promote preventive care demand in deprived regions. Moreover, increasing financial resources allocated to preventive care and covering preventive dental services in insurance plans are recommended.

Meal patterns and the quality of breakfast and snacks in relation to adolescents' dental health in southeast of Iran.

Aim: The objective was to determine the frequency pattern and nutritional quality of breakfast and snacks in Iranian adolescents and to investigate these dietary habits in relation to tooth decay and tooth erosion. Methods: A multistage cluster random sampling method was adopted to recruit 600 adolescents with equal sex distribution in the city of Kerman/southeast of Iran. Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Tooth Wear Index (TWI) were recorded for each subject. Snacking and breakfast quality, frequency of snacking and regular/irregular use of main meals were also recorded. Poisson regression and Firth's bias-reduced penalized-likelihood logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results: DMFT score of adolescents who consumed low-quality snacks were 1.13 times more than those who consumed high-quality snacks. Regular use of all three main meals was associated with a lower DMFT score. DMFT score of adolescents who did not have regular use of breakfast was 1.19 times more than those who consumed breakfast on a regular basis. Also, regarding adolescents who had an irregular use of lunch, the DMFT score was 1.3 times more than those who had a regular lunch schedule. In addition, participants with irregular dinner consumption had 1.24 times more DMFT scores compared to those with a regular dinner schedule. Conclusions: Regular breakfast consumption, decreased snacking occasions, use of higher nutritional quality snacks, and increased nutritional education are important in order to prevent a higher chance of dental caries and promote dental health status.

Effect of different concentrations of melatonin on ram epididymal spermatozoa recovered post-mortem under oxidative stress conditions and storage at 4°C.

The current study examines the protective effects of different melatonin concentrations on fresh ram epididymis spermatozoa after post-mortem recovery under normal and oxidative stress conditions and during liquid preservation (4°C) at different times (24, 48 and 72 h). The testes were obtained from a local slaughterhouse during the breeding season. Spermatozoa were isolated from cauda epididymides. In experiment 1, the effects of adding different concentrations of melatonin (0, 15, 60 and 240 µg/ml) under normal and oxidative stress conditions were evaluated. Fifty µM of hydrogen peroxide was used to induce oxidative stress. Also, in experiment 2, the spermatozoa samples were chilled to 4°C and stored for 72 h. Sperm total motility, viability, membrane, DNA integrity and morphological abnormality were evaluated at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h after cooling storage. In experiment 1, melatonin treatment preserved viability increased TAC and SOD activities, and reduced MDA levels compared with control. Also, melatonin reduced the harmful effects of H2 O2 under induced oxidative stress. In experiment 2, melatonin at concentrations of 15 and 60 g/ml greatly increased sperm viability after 3 days of cold storage. Furthermore, it could have a significant protective effect on the motility of cooled sperm. Melatonin supplementation preserved higher sperm membrane integrity at concentrations of 15 and 60 µg/ml, DNA integrity at a concentration of 15 µg/ml and abnormality at a concentration of 60 µg/ml after 3 days of storage. The results suggest that melatonin can be used to reduce the adverse effects of induced oxidative stress in spermatozoa. Furthermore, ram epididymal spermatozoa could be stored at 4°C for 72 h when treated with melatonin.

Effects of different concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the quality of ram cauda epididymal spermatozoa during storage at 4°C.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are known for their antioxidant effects. In this study, ZnO-NPs were synthesized using aqueous extract of Maclura pomifera fruit; then, their effects on the quality of ram cauda epididymal spermatozoa were evaluated during storage at 4°C. ZnO-NPs formation was characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cytotoxicity responses were investigated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Cauda epididymal spermatozoa were obtained from testicles collected from abattoir(s). The sperm samples were pooled. The samples were diluted by extender and supplemented with different concentrations of ZnO-NPs (0, 1, 5 and 25 µg/ml) and cooled to 4°C for 72 hr. Total motility, viability, DNA and membrane integrity, morphological abnormality, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant activities: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of cooled diluted samples were evaluated. Addition of 1 µg/ml of ZnO-NPs increased sperm viability under normal conditions (p < .05). Extender supplementation with 1 µg/ml of ZnO-NPs improved sperm total motility, viability, DNA and membrane integrity during storage periods (p < .05). Moreover, using 1 µg/ml of ZnO-NPs improved (p < .05) MDA, TAC and SOD activities after 72 hr compared to other treatments. In conclusion, there were some beneficial effects of ZnO-NPs supplementation in ram epididymal sperm extender during oxidative stress conditions and cooled storage.

Efficacy of Lacosamide Add-on Therapy on Refractory Focal Epilepsies in Children and Adolescents: An Open-Label Clinical Trial.

Objective: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects 0.5%-1% of children. 30%-40% of patients are resistant to current anti-epileptic drugs. Lacosamide (LCM) appeared to be effective, safe, and well tolerated in children and adolescents. This study was aimed to evaluate whether LCM could be an effective add-on therapy in children with refractory focal epilepsies. Methods: This study was conducted from April 2020 to April 2021 in Imam Hossein Children Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. We included 44 children aged 6 months to 16 years with refractory focal epilepsy (based on International League Against Epilepsy criteria). LCM was given in divided doses of 2 mg/kg/day, increasing by 2 mg/kg every week. The first follow-up visit was 6 weeks later, when all patients had reached the therapeutic dose. Findings: The average age of the patients was 89.9 months. 72.5% of children had focal motor seizures. Evaluation of percent change in seizure frequency and duration before and after treatment showed a 53.22% reduction in seizure frequency and 43.72% reduction in seizure duration after treatment. Our study group tolerated LCM well, with few side effects. Headache, dizziness, and nausea were common side effects. In line with other studies, none of the suspected risk factors could predict response to LCM treatment. Conclusion: LCM appears to be an effective, safe, and well-tolerated medication in children with uncontrolled drug-resistant focal epilepsy.

Inequalities in Unmet Oral Health Care Need Among Adults in East Iran, a Cross Sectional Population-Based Study.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Need assessment is considered as a key element of health care planning. Subjective measures can be useful tools in epidemiologic surveillances. PURPOSE: The aim of study was to evaluate inequality in perceived unmet oral health need (PUOHN) in adults in east of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this cross-sectional population-based study, the target population included adult residents in the Mashhad and Kerman city. Data was collected through telephone interviews using a validated structured questionnaire. Phone numbers were obtained from telecommunication company. Participants were selected by stratified random sampling. Predisposing and enabling variables associated with PUOHN were included gender, age, educational level, job, insurance coverage, dental insurance, type of insurance, residential location, household size, and family economic indicators. Logistic regression was used to examine association of PUOHN and predisposing and enabling factors. RESULTS: 1475 individuals participated in the study (response rate of 63%). 52% of participants stated that their dental needs have not been met during the past year. The mean ages of respondents were 39 years old and 69.8% were female. Logistic regression analyses indicated living in rental house [OR=2 (95% CI 1.25-3.21), p Value=0.004] and higher household size [OR=1.19(95% CI 1.003-1.43), p= 0.04] significantly associated with PUOHN. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated high PUOHN in the adult population of East Iran. Effective strategies must be implemented to provide accessible dental services regardless of socioeconomic status.

Effects of hydroethanolic extracts of Terminalia chebula and Thymbra spicata on ram fresh semen under normal and oxidative stress conditions.

The objective of this study was to evaluate protective effects of hydroethanolic extracts of Terminalia chebula and Thymbra spicata on viability, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA integrity of ram fresh semen under normal and oxidative stress (OS) conditions. Antioxidant activities of different concentrations of Terminalia chebula and Thymbra spicata extracts were evaluated with DPPH assay. Semen samples were taken from three fertile adult rams. After diluting semen with Tris-base extender, different concentrations of Terminalia chebula and Thymbra spicata (30, 300, and 3000 µg/ml) extracts were used under normal and induced OS conditions. The group not receiving any supplements was considered as control group. A total of 50 µM hydrogen peroxide was used to induce OS. MTT solution was added to each of treatment groups which were kept in an incubator at 37°C for 2 h. After incubation, readings were obtained by ELISA reader. DNA integrity and LPO were determined with acridine orange (AO) staining and malondialdehyde (MDA) assay. Higher concentrations of Terminalia chebula and Thymbra spicata extracts preserved viability and DNA integrity while reducing MDA concentrations compared to other treatment groups. Also, under induced OS, higher concentrations of both extracts reduced detrimental effects of H2 O2 . In conclusion, it seems that addition of Terminalia chebula and Thymbra spicata extracts can reduce induced OS in spermatozoa.

Silymarin effect on experimental bone defect repair in rat following implantation of the electrospun PLA/carbon nanotubes scaffold associated with Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells.

In this study, the ability of silymarin to heal rat calvarial bone critical defects with mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human Wharton's jelly (HWJMSC) cultured on the electrospun scaffold of poly (lactic acid)/carbon nanotube (PLA/CNT) has been examined. In this study, 20 adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five each. Under general anesthesia, 8 mm defects were created in the calvarial bone of the rats. Then, study groups were defined as no treatment group, the scaffold alone, the scaffold and HWJMSCs, and the scaffold/cells plus oral silymarin, respectively. The histomorphometric study was performed using H&E staining and Goldner's Masson trichrome as specific staining. The results of this study showed that the electrospun PLA/CNT scaffold is a biocompatible scaffold and HWJMSCs can considerably attach and proliferate on this scaffold, and the scaffold itself is also a suitable option for improving the bone repair process. The results of the histomorphometric analysis also showed a significantly higher amount of recently formed bone in the silymarin group plus scaffold/cells compared to the scaffold and cell group alone (p < .05). Utilizing silymarin plus HWJMSCs cultured on PLA/CNT scaffold can be used as a suitable method for the process of osteogenesis and bone repair.

The association between beverage consumption pattern and dental problems in Iranian adolescents: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: With regard to the increasing consumption rates of unhealthy beverages among adolescents, the main purpose of the present study was to determine the association between beverage intake pattern and dental caries and tooth erosion in this age group. METHODS: A total sample of 600 adolescents was recruited in this study using a multistage cluster random sampling method in the city of Kerman, in the southeast of Iran, in 2017. Then, the Decayed, Missed and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Tooth Wear Index (TWI) were registered for each participant. A Beverage Frequency Questionnaire was also employed to estimate typical beverage intake frequency. Correspondingly, negative binominal regression and logistic regression were performed to determine the independent variables associated with the DMFT index and the TWI. RESULTS: The findings revealed that the highest consumed beverage in daily living was tea in both genders, followed by sweetened soft beverages, as well as milk and kefir/yogurt drink. The results of the DMFT index were also significantly different in participants that had never consumed milk compared with those who had used milk on a daily basis. Moreover, the DMFT index in participants who had never consumed sweetened soft beverages was 39%, less than those who had had a daily intake of such beverages. Also, the chance of tooth erosion for participants who had never used sweetened soft beverages was 94%, lower than that in daily consumers. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealed that adolescents had an unhealthy beverage intake pattern. Furthermore, milk consumption was beneficial to dental caries, whereas use of soft drinks associated with more dental caries and tooth erosion.

Differentiation of endometrial stem cells into insulin-producing cells using signaling molecules and zinc oxide nanoparticles, and three-dimensional culture on nanofibrous scaffolds.

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder with a high mortality and morbidity rate. A new promising strategy to treat DM is pancreatic tissue engineering. We described a 3D culture system accompanied by signaling factors to differentiate hEnSCs into IPCs in the presence of nZnO. We isolated EnSCs and cultured it in DMEM/F12 medium. Nanofibrous PLA/Cs scaffold was prepared through the electrospinning method. The morphological properties of the scaffolds and cells were evaluated by SEM. MTT assay was used to investigate the metabolic activity of the hEnSCs cultured on the scaffolds and a four-stage protocol was applied to differentiate hEnSCs. The differentiated cells were tested for pancreatic markers by immunocytochemistry, qRT-PCR and DTZ staining. The results of this study revealed that hEnSCs cultured on PLA/Cs scaffold and treated with nZnO can efficiently differentiate into IPCs. The examination of differentiated cell morphology showed their near similarity with pancreatic islet cells, and DTZ staining emphasized the presence of insulin granules inside their cytoplasm. Moreover, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining results showed the efficient expression of specific gene markers of IPCs in resultant differentiated cells. Moreover, PLA/CS and nZnO were able to provide a good nanoenvironment for the differentiation of hEnSCs into IPCS the in presence of other molecules.

Anxiety, depression, and oral health: A population-based study in Southeast of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are two psychosocial illnesses that mostly are comorbid. The prevalence of these diseases is increasing worldwide. Both can affect general health also oral and dental health. The effects can be physiological and behavioral. Patients with these disorders are not willing to keep oral hygiene. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between depression/anxiety and oral health indices in the 15-75-year-old population of Kerman. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 5900 people aged 15-75 years through one-stage cluster sampling (Kerman coronary artery disease risk factors study, KERCADRS). Data were collected through beck questionnaires for anxiety and depression and clinical examinations. Oral health indices including decayed, missing, filled teeth, gingival index (GI), and community periodontal index (CPI) were also measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS 21 software. Chi-square, t-test and regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between the variables. P ≤0.05 was considered as the level of statistical significance. RESULTS: In the study, 1975 (33.6%) of patients showed moderate-to-severe anxiety and 3502 (59.5%) got the scores as depressed. There was a significant difference between GI and CPI indices of the normal and depressed group (P < 0.01), but the difference in the anxious and normal group was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed a significant relationship between depression and oral health indices but not with anxiety. Therefore, the present study suggests that more attention should be paid to the oral health of people with a history of depression.

Use of embryonic fibroblasts associated with graphene quantum dots for burn wound healing in Wistar rats.

Burn is one of the common wounds in the world and using modern methods such as cell therapy can be considered as an effective strategy in the treatment of these wounds. The aim of this study is investigating the effects of using graphene quantum dots (GQDs) associated fibroblasts on treating third-degree burns in Wistar rats. In this experiment, cells were obtained by isolating fibroblasts from 13-day embryos of Wistar rats. MTT assay was performed to determine the dose of nanoparticle and cell tracker. For this study, 40 Wistar rats were burned and randomly divided into two groups of control and treatment. The treatment group was divided into three groups of daily injection of GQD nanoparticle with a concentration of 100 µg/ml, cell therapy, and cell therapy + GQDs. On days 20 and 40, skin tissue sections were prepared and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and trichrome Masson for microscopic examination. Macroscopic and microscopic observations showed that in the treatment groups, the recovery was higher than the control. Also, cell therapy and GQD injection and simultaneous injection of cell therapy + GQDs accelerated the wound healing process and the cell therapy + GQDs were significantly more effective than nanoparticles and cell injection alone after 20 and 40 days. Histological studies indicated a significant increase in angiogenesis, number of cells, collagen synthesis, thickness of skin layers, and ultimately acceleration wound healing in treatment samples compared to controls. Based on these results, it can be concluded that simultaneous cell therapy and GQDs accelerate the repair of skin lesions in the animal models more significantly.

Oral health literacy and its determinants among adults in Southeast Iran.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to assess oral health literacy level and its related factors among adult patients visiting Kerman Dental School. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman Dental School clinic, among the first-time adult visitors. Individuals were selected randomly from volunteers who signed study consent forms. Background information and oral health literacy levels were acquired through the oral health literacy-adult questionnaire. Statistical analysis including the Chi-square test and independent t-test served for statistical evaluation of the study data. RESULTS: Participants were 264 adults which consisted of 72.3% women and the mean age of 37 ± 8 years old. The mean oral health literacy score was 12.07 (out of 17), and 62.5% of the participants had an adequate oral health literacy level. There was a significant relationship between oral health literacy scores with gender, high level of education, and oral health behavior. CONCLUSION: The study participants had a good level of oral health literacy which can be correlated with their educational status and oral health information sources. An oral health educational program for less educated people is recommended.

Transplanted neural-like cells improve memory and Alzheimer-like pathology in a rat model.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Degeneration of the central nerve system, particularly in Alzheimer's disease, is a burden on society, and despite years of research, there is no effective treatment. Cell therapy appears to be an option that is of growing interest in neural studies. The main aim of this study was to investigate the histological and physiological effects of transplantation the neuron-like cell (NLC)-derived mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) on the repair of brain lesions in an Alzheimer's animal model (AM) in rats. METHODS: Behavioral experiments were conducted in the light hours in a Y-shaped maze device. Animals were randomly divided into five groups, with seven rats per group. The nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) was destroyed bilaterally with an electrical lesion (0.5 mA for 3 s). One week after the bilateral lesion of the NBM, the differentiated NLCs (0.1 mL) were injected with stereotaxic surgery using a Hamilton syringe at NBM coordinates, and behavioral and histological tests were performed by the Y-maze task and hematoxylin and eosin staining after five weeks of the lesion. Also, differentiated cells detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis and fluorescent immunostaining. RESULTS: The expression of neuronal markers including Nestin, Map2, NF-H, Tuj-1, GFAP and Olig-2 was surveyed by using the immunocytochemistry and qRT-PCR methods, and the results confirmed that the genes in question were expressed significantly more compared than the control sample. Five weeks after the cell transplantation in the AM, morphological and physiological investigation during the determination period confirmed improved disease state in the tested models. CONCLUSIONS: It should be noted that by improving the neuronal connectivity in AM rat brains, the transplanted NLCs rescue Alzheimer's cognition. This research has presented some preclinical evidence that showed NLCs transplantation can be used for AM treatment.

Association between Tooth Loss and Opium Addiction: Results of a Community-Based Study on 5900 Adult Individuals in South East of Iran in 2015.

BACKGROUND: Like any other drug abuse, opium use is known to have detrimental effects on oral health. Oral hygiene neglect in opium users can lead to tooth loss resulting in further functional, esthetic, and dieting problems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the association between tooth loss and opium addiction in a large-scale population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was part of an extensive study related to the risk factors of cardiovascular disease and conducted by the center for physiological research during 2012-2015 in Kerman. A total of 5900, 15-75-year-old individuals, were recruited by a single-stage random cluster sampling method. Factors including opium and smoking consumption, factors related to oral health, hygiene, and the number of missing teeth were examined. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and physical examination. RESULTS: Of 5900 individuals, 2662 (45.1%) were men and the rest were women, which 1011 individuals (17.1%) consumed opium. The prevalence of opium abuse was significantly higher in men. Regarding the oral dental indicators, the numbers of missing teeth (P < 0.001), decayed (P = 0.01), and the total index of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in addicts as compared to nonaddicts. The gingival index and community periodontal index scores were significantly lower in addicts. Addicted women had a higher prevalence of tooth loss. CONCLUSIONS: Opium addiction is associated with higher tooth loss, especially, in women opium users. Dental practitioners and health politicians should pay special attention to the oral health of addicts before tooth loss occurs.

Comparison of Ciprofloxacin-Based Triple Therapy with Conventional Triple Regimen for Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Children.

Helicobacter pylori infection is a prevalent disease among Iranian children. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of ciprofloxacin and furazolidone on eradicating helicobacter pylori in Iranian children in combination with amoxicillin and omeprazole. In this cohort study, helicobacter pylori infection was confirmed by gastroscopy, rapid urease test or pathologic assessments. A total of 66 children were randomly enrolled; based on the random number table, and were divided into two groups; first, a combination regimen consisting of ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, and omeprazole; second, a three-medication regimen consisting of amoxicillin, furazolidone, and omeprazole. The effect of both medical regimens on the successful eradication of helicobacter pylori infection was assessed and compared. Chi-square test was used for evaluating the association between quantitative variables. All comparisons were made at the significance of P<0.05. Endoscopic tests prior to initiating treatments showed that 66.7% of the patients had a degree of nodularity while peptic ulcer was only observed in one patient. One month after the end of the treatments, eradication of the helicobacter pylori infection was reported 87.9% (29/33) in the first group (CAO) and 60.6% (20.33) in the second group (FAO) (P=0.011). It appears that a major advantage of our proposed regimen over others is a lack of wide use of fluoroquinolones for treating children's diseases. Given FDA's recommendation about the possibility of prescribing ciprofloxacin for infected patients with multidrug resistance, we can use the regimen proposed in this study in patients with resistance to standard treatments.

Improving oral health status of preschool children using motivational interviewing method.

BACKGROUND: Oral diseases are common chronic diseases that are affected by human health behavior. One-way to promote health behaviors can be achieved through education. The present study aims to assess the effect of an oral health education program using motivational interviewing (MI) method on oral health status of preschool children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study recruited 222 volunteer children and their parents from 10 elementary schools into a community trial. At baseline, plaque, gingival and decayed, missing, and filled teeth indexes were measured in the children. They were randomly allocated into test groups where they and their parents received oral health education using MI and the control group received traditional oral health education. The test group had recall and postal reminder during 6 months of the study, but there was no reminder for the control group. After 6 months, the same oral health indexes were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) by t-test, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon signed ranks test. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The results showed that after both oral health education programs, differences of plaque index (PI) (P = 0.000) and gingival index (P = 0.000) were significant between the two groups. The number of children with healthy gingiva and low PI were more frequent in the test group after intervention. CONCLUSION: Considering the limitations of this study, oral health status of children after education of parents using MI was observed, and it should be considered in oral health education programs.

In vitro Osteogenic impulse effect of Dexamethasone on periodontal ligament stem cells.

Periodontium is a complex organ composed of mineralized epithelial and connective tissue. Dexamethasone could stimulate proliferation of osteoblast and fibroblasts. This study aimed to assess the osteogenic effect of dexamethasone on periodental ligament (PDL) stem cells. PDL stem cells were collected from periodontal ligament tissue of root of extracted premolar of young and healthy people. The stem cells were cultured in α-MEM Medium in three groups, one group with basic medium contains (α- MEM and FBS 10 % and 50 mmol of ß_ gelisrophosphat and L_ ascorbic acid µg/ml), the second group: basic medium with dexamethasone and the third one: basic medium without any osteogenic stimulant. Mineralization of cellular layer was analyzed with Alizarin red stain method. Osteogenic analysis was done by Alkaline phosphates and calcium test. These analysis indicated that the amount of intra-cellular calcium and alkaline phosphates in the Dexamethasone group was far more than the control and basic group (P<0.05). The results of Alizarin red stain indicated more mineralization of cultured cells in Dexamethasone group (P<0.05). The study results showed that Dexamethasone has significant osteogenic effect on PDL stem cells and further studies are recommended to evaluate its effect on treatment of bone disorders.

Fluoride varnish effect on preventing dental caries in a sample of 3-6 years old children.

BACKGROUND: Early childhood caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases of children that affect their life and their family in different aspects. Using different types of fluoride is one of the most effective ways for preventing the disease. Fluoride varnish is a topical fluoride product which could use in the community even by non-professional. This study aimed to assess the effect of fluoride varnish on dental caries in a group of children aged 3-6 years old in Kerman kindergarten during 6 month's period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This community interventional study recruited a sample of volunteer children from 12 kindergartens through a cluster sampling. Kindergarten randomly allocated to test and control group after matching. Dental examination was performed in three phases of the study by a trained dentist using criteria of Intentional Caries Detection and Assessment System. Fluoride varnish was applied for test group in the first phase after dental examination and also 3 and 6 months after this phase. Control group has received varnish product just after 3 and 6 months after the first dental exam. Mean decayed, missed and filled teeth (dmft) were compared between and within groups using T-test. RESULTS: From 476 children who participated in the study 55% were boys and the 6 years group was the most frequent group with 35% (166). Mean dmft difference was significant between Phase 1 and 2 (P = 0.05) in the test group but there was no significant difference between Phase 2 and 3 (P = 0.07). The difference was not significant between Phase 1 and 2 (P = 0.09) but it was significant between Phase 1 and 3 (P = 0.03) in the control group. CONCLUSION: The study results showed a decrease in mean dmft after applying the fluoride varnish which confirms previous studies.