Light-Driven Multidirectional Bending in Artificial Muscles.

Using light to drive polymer actuators can enable spatially selective complex motions, offering a wealth of opportunities for wireless control of soft robotics and active textiles. Here, the integration of photothermal components is reported into shape memory polymer actuators. The fabricated twist-coiled artificial muscles show on-command multidirectional bending, which can be controlled by both the illumination intensity, as well as the chirality, of the prepared artificial muscles. Importantly, the direction in which these artificial muscles bend does not depend on intrinsic material characteristics. Instead, this directionality is achieved by localized untwisting of the actuator, driven by selective irradiation. The reaction times of this bending system are significantly - at least two orders of magnitude - faster than heliotropic biological systems, with a response time up to one second. The programmability of the artificial muscles is further demonstrated for selective, reversible, and sustained actuation when integrated in butterfly-shaped textiles, along with the capacity to autonomously orient toward a light source. This functionality is maintained even on a rotating platform, with angular velocities of 6°/s, independent of the rotation direction. These attributes collectively represent a breakthrough in the field of artificial muscles, intended to adaptive shape-changing soft systems and biomimetic technologies.

Reactions to Misoprostol: A Case Report.

Background: Most of abortions occur before the 13th week of pregnancy. Nowadays, non-surgical approaches for evacuation of uterine have been replaced with surgical ones due to the reduction in bleeding, fewer complications, ease of management, and cost-effectiveness. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analog that is used for labor induction. It is known as a safe drug with very few side effects. Case Presentation: A 29-year-old woman with the gestational age of 11 weeks and 6 days with a diagnosis of cystic hygroma introduced herself to the labor ward. At the time of hospitalization, the patient was conscious. The heart sounds were normal. A vaginal exam indicated no pathological findings. Totally, she received 1000 mg of Misoprostol. Approximately, 2 hours after the last placement of Misoprostol, the patient developed bending and mild cyanosis of fingers and showed tachycardia with a pulse rate of 140 beats/min. Her O2 saturation decreased to 78%. At this time, the patient had a successful miscarriage. Echocardiography showed an ejection fraction of 55% and normal right ventricular size. The electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia. Therefore, she was sent to CCU with a possible diagnosis of embolism. The cardiologist administered a heparin drip of 5000-unit IV stat, and 1000 unit/h heparin and asked for a D-Dimer test. However, the laboratory reported that the patient's blood sample was hemolyzed and they could only check her hemoglobin which was 4 g/dl. Immediately, the heparin drip was held and the patient received 3 packed cells. Her Hb was 6.5 g/dl. 12 hours later she showed tachycardia, and her O2 saturation reduced to 70%. She lost her consciousness. Nearly 40 minutes later, she had cardiorespiratory arrest and CPR wasn't successful and she died. Conclusions: In Conclusion, even a frequently used drug such as Misoprostol can cause life-threatening side effects, leading to emergent situations.

Heat-Induced Actuator Fibers: Starch-Containing Biopolyamide Composites for Functional Textiles.

This study introduces the development of a thermally responsive shape-morphing fabric using low-melting-point polyamide shape memory actuators. To facilitate the blending of biomaterials, we report the synthesis and characterization of a biopolyamide with a relatively low melting point. Additionally, we present a straightforward and solvent-free method for the compatibilization of starch particles with the synthesized biopolyamide, aiming to enhance the sustainability of polyamide and customize the actuation temperature. Subsequently, homogeneous dispersion of up to 70 wt % compatibilized starch particles into the matrix is achieved. The resulting composites exhibit excellent mechanical properties comparable to those reported for soft and tough materials, making them well suited for textile integration. Furthermore, cyclic thermomechanical tests were conducted to evaluate the shape memory and shape recovery of both plain polyamide and composites. The results confirmed their remarkable shape recovery properties. To demonstrate the potential application of biocomposites in textiles, a heat-responsive fabric was created using thermoresponsive shape memory polymer actuators composed of a biocomposite containing 50 wt % compatibilized starch. This fabric demonstrates the ability to repeatedly undergo significant heat-induced deformations by opening and closing pores, thereby exposing hidden functionalities through heat stimulation. This innovative approach provides a convenient pathway for designing heat-responsive textiles, adding value to state-of-the-art smart textiles.

The Roles of the Nurses in Family Physician Team: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

Background: There are various approaches in primary health care regarding the key role of nurses. This systematic review investigates the roles of nurses, as part of the family medicine team. Materials and Methods: All published articles related to the role of nurses in the family medicine team from January 2000 to March 2022 were the subjects of this study. The eligibility criteria included original articles published in English or Persian in the last two decades. International credible scholarly databases (PubMed, Scopus, Magiran, IranMedex, and SID) were searched using keywords and syntax. Some of the keywords included "Family Health Nurse," "Nurses in Primary Care," "Family Medicine," "Family Physician Care Program," "General Physician Program," "Role," and "Nurse." Data were extracted based on Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research type (SPIDER) technique and reported based on the structure of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results: Of 147 identified publications by the search strategy, eight eligible empirical studies were included. The results showed that besides providing nursing care, nurses play vital roles in communication and teamwork, assessment, securing health services relevant to communities' needs, education, empowerment, clinical practice, health promotion, prevention, reflective research practice, and counseling. Conclusions: This study identified different roles nurses could play in providing primary health care. These findings are helpful for the replanning or reform of primary health care in countries, which aimed to expand the Family Physician Program (FPP) in their countries, including Iran.

The effect of aminophylline on the recovery profile after hysterectomy: A randomized controlled double-blinded study.

Background and Aims: In anesthesia practice, aminophylline is clinically used to treat bronchospasm. However, due to its antagonistic effect on adenosine, studies have recently focused on the drug's ability to enhance the recovery profile. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that the administration of aminophylline leads to better recovery after general anesthesia in hysterectomy. Methods: This randomized controlled double-blinded study, was conducted at Alzahra academic hospital in Guilan, Iran. During December 2022 to March 2023, 70 eligible women scheduled for elective abdominal hysterectomy were divided into two groups. Group A: received 3 mg/kg IV aminophylline diluted in 100 mL of normal saline and Group C: received 100 mL IV normal saline. The time to recovery of consciousness, tracheal extubation and discharge from post anesthesia care unit were recorded. In addition, heart rate, and mean arterial blood pressure were measured at 10 point times including; baseline (T0), immediately before the administration of aminophylline (T1), every 5 min until the end of the surgery(T2,T3,T4,T5,T6), and every 15 min in PACU(T7,T8,T9). Results: There was no significant difference in terms of demographic data between the study groups. Comparing the two groups, the time of ROC was shorter in Group A than group C; 5.95 ± 1.12 and 8.5 ± 1.77 for Groups A and C, respectively (p < 0.001). The extubation time was shorter in Group A than group C; 7.79 ± 1.48 and 10.55 ± 3.02, for Groups A and C, respectively (p < 0.001). In addition, the discharge time was also shorter in group A than Group C; 30.17 ± 5.24 and 37.57 ± 4.41 for Groups A and C, respectively (p < 0.001). Not serious side effects were reported among 71.4% of cases in Group A and 51.4% in Group C (p = 0.086). Conclusion: Administration of aminophylline at a dose of 3 mg/kg IV improves the recovery profile after abdominal hysterectomy without serious adverse effects.

Peroxymonosulfate assisted pesticide breakdown: Unveiling the potential of a novel S-scheme ZnO@CoFe2O4 photo-catalyst, anchored on activated carbon.

A ternary hetero-junction was prepared by anchoring ZnO@CoFe2O4 (ZCF) on activated carbon (AC) and employed as a UV-assisted peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator to boost the degradation of diazinon (DZN) pesticide. The structure, morphology, and optical properties of the ZCFAC hetero-junction were characterized through a series of techniques. The highest degradation efficiency of DZN (100% in 90 min) was achieved by the PMS-mediated ZCFAC/UV system, superior to other single or binary catalytic systems due to the strong synergistic effect between ZCFAC, PMS, and UV. The operating reaction conditions, synergistic effects, and the possible pathways of DZN degradation were investigated and discussed. Optical analysis showed that the band-gap energy of the ZCFAC hetero-junction not only enhanced the absorption of UV light but also reduced the recombination of photo-induced electron/hole pairs. Both radical and non-radical species (HO•, SO4•-, O2•-, 1O2, and h+) took part in the photo-degradation of DZN, assessed by scavenging tests. It was found that AC as a carrier not only improved the catalytic activity of CF and ZnO nanoparticles and conferred high stability for the catalyst but also played a crucial role in accelerating the catalytic PMS activation mechanism. Moreover, the PMS-mediated ZCFAC/UV system showed good reusability, universality, and practical applicability potential. Overall, this work explored an efficient strategy for the best use of hetero-structure photo-catalysts towards PMS activation to achieve high performance in decontaminating organic compounds.

Near Two Decades of the Family Physician Program in Iran and the Structural Challenges: A Systematic Review.

The family physician program (FPP) is one of the most significant health care reforms in Iran; however, many studies showed that this program has not been able to achieve its intended objectives because of a variety of challenges. This program, despite the existing challenges, is going to be expanded across the country. To improve the likelihood of its success, identification of the structural and infrastructural challenges is necessary. This systematic review was conducted to assess the structural and infrastructural challenges of FPP in Iran. This systematic review of the literature was conducted in order to investigate the infrastructure and structure needs of the current program in Iran. All published articles related to the FPP in Iran were the subject of this study. The eligibility criteria included original articles, reviews, or case studies published in English or Persian during 2011-2021 related to the challenges in the referral system of FPP in Iran. Data were extracted based on Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research type technique and were reported based on the structure of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. International credible scholarly databases were searched. The search strategy was defined based on keywords and the search syntax. This study identified different challenges of the referral system in the areas associated with legal structure, administration, and social structure. The identified challenges in this program should be addressed in order to ensure that this program will lead to improved quality of care and equity in Iran health care system.

Maternal Attitude and Knowledge Regarding Painless Labor: A Report from a Referral Hospital in Northern Iran.

Background: Pregnant women's knowledge about labor analgesia and the acceptance rate of this method are still undesirable in developing countries. Objectives: This study aimed to examine pregnant women's knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of painless labor. Methods: The present observational study was conducted in a referral university hospital in Northern Iran from September 2022 to April 2023. Eligible women were interviewed; the data were analyzed in SPSS v. 22 and expressed in numbers and percentages. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The data from 369 eligible women with an average age of 30.39 ± 5.42 years were analyzed. Of these women, 7.6% had minimal information about labor analgesia, and 92.4% declared they were almost aware of the procedure. Only 6 women (1.8%) believed that the anesthesiologists were responsible for performing labor analgesia, while 218 (63.9%) considered it the duty of obstetricians-gynecologists. Besides, 294 women (86.2%) requested this method, and 259 (76%) were ready to pay for it. Moreover, 166(48.7%) had no fear of the procedure. Nonpharmacologic methods were the first choice for 164 (48.1%), while Entonox was the last choice for 26 (7.6%). A significant association was observed between maternal level of education and willingness to pay for painless delivery (P = 0.006), knowledge of who performs it (P = 0.015), requesting a painless delivery (P = 0.0001), options related to the preferred method for painless delivery (P = 0.001), and being ready to pay for a painless delivery service (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: Despite the poor maternal knowledge regarding the process of painless labor, the majority of the women requested the method and were ready to pay for it. These promising findings encourage the application of practical strategies to remove barriers.

A novel, Z-scheme ZnO@AC@FeO photocatalyst, suitable for the intensification of photo-mediated peroxymonosulfate activation: Performance, reactivity and bisphenol A degradation pathways.

In this study, the intensification of a UVC-based PMS activation treatment is performed by a novel photocatalyst. Using ZnO nanoparticles coupled with activated carbon (AC), impregnated by ferroferric oxides (FO, magnetite), as an effective Z-scheme photocatalyst (ZACFO), the effective Bisphenol A (BP-A) removal was attained. Several techniques were applied for the characterization of the as-prepared catalyst and proved the successful preparation of ZACFO. The photocatalytic activity of pristine ZnO was significantly improved after its combination with ACFO. It was found that the fabrication of ZACFO heterostructures could inhibit the charge carriers recombination and also accelerate the charge separation of photo-induced e-/h+ pairs. Under this UVC-based photocatalysis-mediated PMS activation system, ZACFO showed an excellent potential as compared to the single constituent catalysts. The complete degradation of 20 mg/L concentration of BP-A was attained in just 20 min with excellent reaction rate constant of 27.3 × 10-2 min-1. Besides, over 60% of TOC was eliminated by the integrated ZACFO/PMS/UV system within 60 min of reaction. The minor inhibition by most matrix components, the high recycling capability with minor metals' leaching and the effectiveness in complex matrices, constitute this composite method an efficient and promising process for treating real wastewater samples. Finally, based on the photo-produced reactive intermediates and by-products identified, the Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism and the plausible pathway of BP-A degradation were proposed comprehensively. The presence and role of radical and non-radical pathways in the decontamination process of BP-A over ZACFO/PMS/UV system was confirmed.

Motor Exercises Effect on Improving Shoulders Functioning, Functional Ability, Quality of Life, Depression and Anxiety For Women With Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE: This research aimed to study the effects of motor exercises on improving shoulder functioning, functional ability, quality of life, depression, and anxiety in patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial in which 70 eligible patients referred to the oncology ward participated in two intervention and control groups. The intervention group (N=35) had been doing motor exercises for five weeks. Before the surgery, two days, and five weeks after surgery, shoulder Range Of Motion (ROM) was measured with a goniometer, and the functional capacity level was measured by the 6-Minute-Walk-Test. Quality of life, depression, and anxiety were measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23; and HADS questionnaires, respectively, at baseline and five weeks after surgery. Descriptive statistics, the T-test, and the Chi-Square t-hotelling model were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The results showed that motor exercises had a significant statistical increase in the distance of 6MWT (P<.001) and ROM (P≤.001) compared to the control group. Moreover, there were significant differences in dimensions of patients' quality of life, depression, and anxiety in the intervention group, compared to the control group (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Motor exercises had positive effects on improving physical functioning, shoulder ROM, and decreasing patients' anxiety and depression symptoms, consequently enhancing the quality of life.

Association between antihypertensive drugs and the elderly's oral health- related quality of life: Results of Amirkola cohort study.

Background: Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. The prevalence of hypertension in the elderly is increasing. Patients with high blood pressure have to take medication throughout their lives. In this study, the relationship between antihypertensive drugs and oral health-related quality of life in the elderly was evaluated. Methods: This modified cross-sectional study, which is the part of the second phase of the Amirkola Health and Ageing Project (AHAP), was performed on 900 elderly people. Participants included 300 people with hypertension under medical treatment, 300 people with hypertension without medication and 300 people with normal blood pressure. All patients' blood pressure was recorded, and the standard xerostomia questionnaire and GOHAI questionnaire (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index) was completed for all participants. Then, the obtained data were analyzed by SPSS 17, whereby student's t-test, ANOVA and chi square, Pearson correlation coefficient and logistic regression model were used. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean GOHAI score in the three studied groups: hypertensive under medication treatment, hypertensive without medication treatment and normal blood pressure (51.1±7.4, 51.7±7.3, 51.1±7.5, respectively) did not differ significantly (P=0.533).The frequency of xerostomia was significantly different in the three groups (P=0.008). Among the antihypertensive drugs, the highest rate of xerostomia was due to the use of calcium channel blockers (31.1%) and diuretics (26.8%). Conclusion: In our study, although antihypertensive medications were associated with xerostomia, they did not decrease the oral health-related quality of life.

Melatonin ameliorates testes against forced treadmill exercise training on spermatogenesis in rats.

INTRODUCTION: It is well documented that some forced exercises can have bad effects on the genital system. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant that is effective in reducing the physical stress.

Promoting and Updating Food Frequency Questionnaire Tool to Measure Food Consumption and Nutrient Intake Analysis.

BACKGROUND: One of the problems that nutritionists have always faced in research projects is the analysis of food intake of the subjects. Various approaches have been proposed in which the use of food frequency is one of the most used in this field. Many tools have been proposed in this area that aim of present research is to update and optimize one of the most common forms mentioned above. METHOD: In this study, we attempted to update and optimize the 147-item common food frequency questionnaire using USDA database. Moreover, the values of dietary antioxidant profiles, lipid ratios, dietary fat quality, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, amino acids, flavonoids, and other requirements are included in the above tool to meet nutrition research needs. RESULTS: The re-analysis of the obtained data with USDA Bank showed no difference due to the similarity of the source of information and the accuracy of the above instrument was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Due to the applicability of this tool, it can be recommended to researchers to use the above tool. We hope to see the Iranian database in the coming years to optimize the above tools based on the Iranian bank.

The correlation between dietary fat quality indices and lipid profile with Atherogenic index of plasma in obese and non-obese volunteers: a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Abnormalities in lipid metabolism are commonly observed in patients who were obese. Alongside dyslipidemia, one of the markers in predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease is the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), which is related to dietary intake. Healthy fat quality indices might affect on AIP. The purpose of this study is to find the possible relationship between dietary fat quality, and AIP and comparison of these indices among obese and non-obese volunteers. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic case-control study with 157 normal and overweight and obese volunteers (n = 71 normal, Age: 38.90 ± 10.976 vs n = 86 overweight/obese, Age: 38.60 ± 9.394) in the age range of 18-65 years. Food intake was measured using FFQ, anthropometric indices (weight, height, body mass index and waist to hip ratio), body composition (visceral fat level, total body water, body fat mass), and lipid profile were measured. RESULTS: Based on the present results, comparable biochemical parameters including TC (P = 0.580), TG (P = 0.362), LDL (P = 0.687) and HDL (P = 0.151) among overweight/obese volunteers as compared to normal ones were noticed. Effects of dietary fat quality, including Atherogenicity (AI) and Thrombogenicity (TI) hypo/hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H), the Cholesterol-Saturated Fat Index (CSI) showed significantly higher AI (P = 0.012) in the overweight/obese group as compared to the normal group. Whereas, h/H (P = 0.034) and ω-6/ω-3 ratio (P = 0.004) were significantly higher in normal-weight volunteers. There was a positive correlation between AI, TI, CSI, SFA, MUFA, PUFA and ω-6/ω-3 ratio with AIP and negative correlation between h/H with AIP in both groups. Despite the significances of these correlations no strong relation was observed by doing multiple regression among normal and overweight/obese groups (R2 = 0.210, R2 = 0.387). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the present work proposes a direct relationship between dietary fat quality, increased BMI, and lipid abnormalities with AIP. Nevertheless, further large-scale studies are required to sustain a clear conclusion in this wish.

Comparison of the effects of the Feldenkrais method versus core stability exercise in the management of chronic low back pain: a randomised control trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the Feldenkrais method versus core stability exercises on pain, disability, quality of life and interoceptive awareness in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. DESIGN: A single-blinded, randomised, controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient, sports medicine clinic of Mazandaran medical university. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty patients with chronic non-specific low back pain randomised equally into the Feldenkrais method versus core stability exercises groups. INTERVENTION: Intervention group received Feldenkrais method consisting of training theoretical content and supervised exercise therapy two sessions per week for five weeks. Control group received educational programme and home-based core stability exercises for five weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: All patients were examined by World Health Organization's Quality of life Questionnaire, McGill Pain Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Questionnaire and Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Questionnaire. All outcomes were measured at baseline and the end of the intervention. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between groups for quality of life (P = 0.006, from 45.51 to 60.49), interoceptive awareness (P > 0.001, from 2.74 to 4.06) and disability (P = 0.021, from 27.17 to 14.5) in favour of the Feldenkrais method. McGill pain score significantly decreased in both the Feldenkrais (from 15.33 to 3.63) and control groups (from 13.17 to 4.17), but there were no between-groups differences (P = 0.16). CONCLUSION: Feldenkrais method intervention gave increased benefits in improving quality of life, improving interoceptive awareness and reducing disability index.

The Effects of Exercise Training on Physical Performance and Self-efficacy in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis patients are faced with challenges in carrying out their daily activities. Self-efficacy is a social cognitive concept that can affect behavioral control in these patients. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of exercise training on physical performance and self-efficacy in hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 hemodialysis patients who visited hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Sari, Iran. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. The patients in the intervention/exercise group received the 8-week exercise program. Patients in the control group received routine care. The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) was used to assess the patients' functional ability and the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES) and Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scale (CDSES) were used to assess their self-efficacy before and 2 and 8 weeks after the intervention. For statistical analysis, independent t-test and paired t-test were used. RESULTS: The comparison of self-efficacy between the exercise group and control group after 8 weeks of intervention showed a significant difference between the groups in terms of the CDSES (F1,43= 22.92, p < 0.001) and ESES (F1,38= 10.84, p < 0.001) results. Moreover, the comparison of mean distance walked based on the 6MWT showed significant changes in this variable (F1= 2.05, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The designed exercise program can improve self-efficacy and physical performance in hemodialysis patients. This intervention is recommended for hemodialysis patients due to its effectiveness, simplicity, and uncomplicated characteristics.

Evaluating Tiered Hemolysis Thresholds to Facilitate Rapid Reporting of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponin (cTn) assays are used for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and frequently require serial measurements. Recollection of unacceptable specimens for hemolysis can delay results and disrupt timing of serial measurements. This study was designed to assess the influence of hemolysis on a high-sensitivity cTnT assay in granular detail at clinically important concentrations. These were used in consultation with the clinical practice to evaluate risk-based thresholds for acceptable amounts of hemolysis. METHODS: Plasma pools ranging from <10 to >100 ng/L cTnT were spiked with hemolysate to various degrees of hemolysis and measured using the Elecsys Troponin T Gen 5 STAT assay. The impact of accepting expanded hemolysis thresholds was completed using retrospective data of 12225 serial cTnT results and an additional 4651 baseline cTnT results. RESULTS: The mean percent change in cTnT was consistent for a given degree of hemolysis regardless of the initial nonhemolyzed cTnT concentration. Tiered hemolysis thresholds were evaluated for low-risk patients (apparent cTnT ≤8 ng/L), intermediate-risk patients (thresholds for 9-37 ng/L, 38-66 ng/L, and 67-99 ng/L cTnT), and high-risk patients (≥100 ng/L cTnT). The influence of tiered hemolysis thresholds was calculated for patients with serial (0 and 2 h) cTnT results, which demonstrated that the majority of 2-h delta interpretations were unchanged. Implementation of tiered thresholds dramatically decreased recollections for hemolyzed cTnT samples. CONCLUSION: Tiered hemolysis cutoffs minimized disruption to patient care for low- and high-risk patients, while maintaining the integrity of serial measurements for those with intermediate cTnT concentrations.

Effect of MTA and CEM on Mineralization-Associated Gene Expression in Stem Cells Derived from Apical Papilla.

INTRODUCTION: This study assessed the effect of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement on odontogenic differentiation and mineralization of stem cells. METHODS AND MATERIALS: After confirmation of stemness and homogeneity of stem cells derived from apical papilla (SCAPs) using flow cytometry, the cells were exposed for 3 weeks to either osteogenic medium (OS) or CEM extract+OS (CEM+OS) or MTA extract in OS (MTA+OS) or DMEM based regular culture media (negative control). Relative expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), osteocalcin (OSC), and osterix (SP7) were measured at days 14 and 21 using RT-qPCR method. At the same time points Alizarin Red staining method was used to assess mineralization potential of SCAPS. Gene expression changes analysis were made automatically using REST® software and a P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of exposure, expression of all genes were between 3 and 52 times the expression of GADPH (all were upregulated except SP7 in the control, P<0.05). After 3 weeks, relative expressions of the genes: ALP, SP7, DSPP, and OSC were respectively 275.9, 528.3, 98.4, and 603.7 times the expression of GADPH in the control group (OS). These were respectively 17.405, 29.2, 11.8, and 6.5 in CEM+OS group, and 163.8, 119.7, 102.5, and 723.9 in MTA+OS group. All of these were confirmed as upregulated (P<0.05) except for ALP and OSC of DM+CEM group. After 2 weeks, alizarin red staining showed similar mineralized nodules in OS, MTA+OS, and CEM+OS. In third week, larger nodules were seen in MTA+OS and OS, but not in CEM+OS. CONCLUSION: After 2 weeks, gene expressions were almost comparable in OS, CEM+OS, and MTA+OS. After 3 weeks, OS and MTA+OS upregulated genes much greater than in 2nd week. However, upregulation in CEM+OS might not increase in 3rd week compared to those in 2nd week.

Root and Canal Morphology of Mandibular Molars in a Selected Iranian Population Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the root canal morphology of mandibular first and second molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in northern Iranian population and also to indicate the thinnest area around root canals. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We evaluated CBCT images of 154 first molars and 147 second molars. By evaluating three axial, sagittal and coronal planes of each tooth we determined the number of root canals, prevalence of C-shaped Melton types, and prevalence of Vertucci configuration and inter orifice distance. Also the minimum wall thickness of root canals was determined by measuring buccal, lingual, distal and mesial wall thicknesses of each canal in levels with 2 mm intervals from apex to orifice. RESULTS: Amongst 154 first mandibular molars, 149 (96.7%) had two roots, 3 (1.9%) had three roots and 2 (1.2%) had C-shaped root configuration. Of 147 second mandibular molars, 120 (81.6%) had two roots, 1 (0.6%) had three roots and 26 (17.6%) had C-shaped roots. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Vertucci's type between two genders. The most common configuration in mesial roots of first and second molars were type IV (57%-42.9%) and type II (31.5%-28%). Mesial and distal walls had the most frequency as the thinnest wall in all levels of root canals with mostly less than 1 mm thickness. In second molars the DB-DL inter orifice distance and in first molars the MB-ML distance were the minimum. MB-D in first molars had the maximum distance while ML-DL, MB-DB and ML-D had the same and maximum distance in second molars. CONCLUSION: Vertucci's type IV and type I were the most prevalent configurations in mesial and distal roots of first and second mandibular molars and the thickness of thinnest area around the canals should be considered during endodontic treatments.

Histopathological changes in dental pulp of rats following radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy is one of the oral and pharyngeal cancer treatment methods that can cause damage to the tissues in the radiation area; the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of radiotherapy on dental pulp tissue in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this interventional, experimental double-blind study, 30 rats were studied in three groups (n = 10 each). The first group received 12 gray (Gy), the second group received 18 Gy in one session, and the third group was not exposed to radiation (control group). The 5 µm sections of mandibular molar tooth were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Samples were studied under optical microscope to evaluate and score inflammation, necrosis, hyalinization, and vascular congestion. The data were coded and analyzed by statistical tests of χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. The significant level of P = 0.05. RESULTS: In Group 1, necrosis in two cases, inflammation in one case, hyalinization in one case, and vascular congestion in four cases were observed. In Group 2, inflammation in four cases, hyalinization in two cases, and vascular congestion in five cases were observed. In Group 3, inflammation was observed only in one case. In comparison between the groups, no significant differences were observed in inflammation (P > 0.05), necrosis (P > 0.05), and hyalinization (P > 0.05). However, the difference was significant for vascular congestion (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy with doses of 12 and 18 Gy had no significant effect on inflammation, necrosis, and hyalinization in all groups; however, the difference was significant for vascular congestion.