Antibacterial effects of natural compounds on biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans.

Streptococcus mutans is the main cariogenic pathogen in the oral cavity, considered to contribute toward oral diseases. S. mutans is predominantly entrapped in plaque biofilms. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we surveyed the antibacterial activity of natural compounds in terms of the biofilm production of S. mutans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We extracted the studies related to natural compounds affected on S. mutans biofilm from different databases. RESULTS: Disruption of S. mutans viability in biofilms by a potent new pharmacological factor could inhibit and remove cavities. Various antibacterial agents are needed to destroy biofilms that remove both pathogens and commensal bacteria, and also exert inhibitory effects on many bacterial species. CONCLUSIONS: An effective therapeutic agent for dental caries has to be capable of removing pathogens and their biofilms. Specific virulence attributes of S. mutans exist; hence, natural compounds that have excellent properties to combat such pathogens need to be selected.

The therapeutic effects of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth on clinical diseases: a narrative review study.

INTRODUCTION: Stem cells isolated from human dental pulp tissue are different from other sources of Mesenchymal stem cells because of their embryonic neural crest sources and neuro-trophic potential. These stem cells consist of dental pulp stem cells from human permanent teeth and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. AIM: In this study, we survey the advantages and disadvantages of these stem cells with therapies attitude. MAIN TEXT: Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth with a high proliferation rate could distinguish into a wide types of cells. After stem cell banking appearance, stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth can preserve and use for treatment, especially in regenerative medicine. But the crucial health hazards related to stem cell transplantation, such as immune rejection reactions and the interaction with other tissues, should not be neglected. CONCLUSION: Further experiments are required to approve the impact of these stem cells on different human disorders.

The Influence of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Treatment on Thyroid Function Tests in Children with Central Idiopathic Precocious Puberty.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the treatment of idiopathic central precocious puberty using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH) agonist has been considered as a common treatment. To date, there is not much information about the effect of GnRH agonist treatment on pediatric thyroid function. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of GnRH treatment on thyroid function tests in children with central idiopathic precocious puberty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigated 50 children with idiopathic precocious puberty treated with GnRH agonist, who were referred to Bahrami pediatric hospital, Tehran, Iran. Patients` height, weight, and symptoms of hypothyroidism were evaluated every two months. Thyroid function tests, T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), were reviewed every 6 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics, Version 18. RESULTS: The majority of the children who participate in this study were female. 72% of children with central idiopathic precocious puberty had a significant increase in TSH level (P=0.002). In this group of patients, 66% and 6% had subclinical and clinical increases in thyroid function tests, respectively. The estimated time to thyroid dysfunction was 12.37 months. It is found that only 2% of patients showed thyroid dysfunction during the first 6 months of the treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that more than 70% of children who were undergoing GnRH agonist treatment for central precocious puberty had impaired thyroid function (especially subclinical hypothyroidism). Therefore, evaluating thyroid function in children with precocious puberty who are under treating with GnRH agonist, would be reasonable; especially one year after initiating the treatment.

Influence of CO2 Laser Irradiation and CPPACP Paste Application on Demineralized Enamel Microhardness.

Introduction: It has been suggested that the application of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate paste (CPP-ACP) and CO2 laser irradiation on enamel could increase the resistance of enamel to caries and acid attacks. The aim of the current study was to compare the influence of CPP-ACP paste application and irradiation of CO2 laser on microhardness of demineralized enamel. Methods: Thirty sound maxillary extracted premolars were selected. The crowns were cut at the cervical line and were split into facial and palatal halves. Specimens were mounted in selfcure acrylic blocks in such way that the enamel surface was exposed to 4×4 mm. After a pH cycling of the specimens, they were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=15), as follows: CG: Control group, LAS: CO2 laser, CP: CPP-ACP and LASCP: laser combined CPP-ACP treatment. The Vickers microhardness of the specimens was measured (500 g load, 5 seconds, 3 points). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests (α =0.05). Results: The lowest mean Vickers microhardness value was observed in CG group (192.57±50.87 kg/mm2 ) and the highest in LASCP group (361.86±22.22 kg/mm2 ). There were significant differences between groups (P<0.001). The pairwise comparison of the groups revealed that there were significant differences between these groups: CG versus LAS, CP, LASCP (P<0.05) and LASCP versus LAS and CP (P<0.05). No significant difference between LAS group versus CP group (P>0.05) was observed. Conclusion: The results of the current study revealed that CO2 laser and CCP-ACP were effective for improvement of enamel hardness value after demineralization. Incorporation of CO2 laser irradiation and CCP-ACP paste application provides additional remineralizing potential for demineralized enamel.

Effect of growth hormone deficiency on brain MRI findings among children with growth restrictions.

OBJECTIVES: Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a major problem among children with short stature. In this study, the role of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in defining the underlying defects among short children with GHD is evaluated. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, data of 158 children were evaluated. Growth hormone (GH) levels were measured using stimulating tests and brain MRI with gadolinium contrast was applied, as well. RESULTS: Some 25.3% of patients had GHD with a mean age of 8.01±3.40 years. MRI results showed 35 as normal, four with pituitary hypoplasia, and one with microadenoma. The MRI results were significantly associated with GH levels and presence of other endocrine disorders. There was a significant association between prenatal disorders and patients' bone age delay. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe GHD and patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies, MRI is more likely to be abnormal, and bone age is much delayed in patients with history of prenatal disorders.

CSF Glucose Concentrations in Infants with Febrile Convulsions and the Possible Effect of Acetaminophen.

The present study was done to explore the relationship between the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose concentration, body temperature, seizure duration, and acetaminophen administration. Retrospective record review of 117 consecutive febrile convulsive infants aging 3 to 18 months admitted to Bahrami Children Hospital were studied. There was a positive correlation between CSF glucose level and body temperature in those who had not taken acetaminophen before admission (r = 0.515, n = 83). CSF glucose levels were significantly higher (P = 0.014) in febrile children (75.33 mg/dL, n =70) as compared with afebrile children (66.16 mg/dL, n = 13). In those administered acetaminophen there was a negative correlation between the CSF glucose level and body temperature (r = - 0.389, P = 0.023, n = 34). CSF glucose concentration was not significantly different (P = 0.076) in those who had taken acetaminophen than those who had not taken. Type of febrile seizure, fever, convulsion duration and multiplicity were not significantly correlated with CSF glucose concentration.