The synergistic effect of turmeric aqueous extract and chitosan against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

We aimed to investigate the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of turmeric and chitosan against the planktonic and biofilm forms of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. A group of MDR bacteria, including clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae, were collected by phenotypic and genotypic assays. The broth microdilution method was used to investigate the MIC of turmeric aqueous extract and chitosan. To investigate the synergistic effect of the combination of these natural compounds, we used the checkerboard assay. According to the results of this study, turmeric and chitosan showed inhibitory effects on MDR bacteria, especially on the planktonic form of methicillin-resistant S. aureus as a Gram-positive compared to tested Gram-negative bacteria (carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae). The antibiofilm effect of turmeric and chitosan was found more often in carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas isolates. There was no significant difference between the tested Gram-negative bacteria because most of the tested strains were inhibited in 512 and 1024 µg/mL concentrations of chitosan and turmeric aqueous extract. In this study, turmeric aqueous extract and chitosan exhibited significant antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. However, the effect of these compounds should be investigated using in vivo models for use in pharmaceutical and disinfectant formulations.

Toxoplasmosis as a complication of transfusion in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma Gondi is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that is one of the most important protozoa of blood and tissue. The medical importance of this parasite is considered from two aspects of congenital defects and opportunities among those with congenital immune deficiency. Depending on the mode of transmission through blood and the risk of infection to Toxoplasma Gondi in hemodialysis patients, this serological study was conducted on Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 37 patients that underwent regular hemodialysis that 21 were male and 16 were female, and the mean age of them was 17.52±4.10 years (rages 13-22 years). Thirty-seven healthy individuals were chosen as control group. All samples were tested by using of ELISA kits with two methods of IgG-ELISA and IgM-ELISA. Finally obtained data was analysis by SPSS software. RESULTS: The results of this study revealed high prevalence of toxoplasmosis among hemodialysis patients. Other findings indicate that 21 out of 37 patients in the case group were positive for anti-Toxoplasma Gondi IgG in case group while in control group just 11 individuals were positive that was a statistically significant difference(p <0.05 ). CONCLUSION: because of the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis among hemodialysis patients, identification of these patients for prevention of transfusion complications is important.

ED and quality of life in CABG patients: an intervention study using PRECEDE-PROCEED educational program.

Some reports have examined ED, an important indicator of quality of life (QoL), in cardiac patients. However, the results of these studies have been contradictory. Although some studies report of improvement of ED following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), others show either no improvement or worsening of the condition. Given such controversy, this study attempted to examine the status of ED following an educational intervention program called PRECEDE-PROCEED model in CABG patients (the PRECEDE acronym stands for predisposing, reinforcing, enabling constructs in educational/environmental diagnosis and evaluation and PROCEED stands for policy, regulatory and organizational constructs in educational and environmental development). This model is a planning model and offers a framework that enables us to recognize useful intervention strategies in achieving desired outcomes. Specifically, it works on two premises. First, it posits that the purpose of a health program is to improve the QoL for individuals. Second, it works on the principle that a diagnosis should begin with the preferred end result and work backward to assess what must be done to bring about that result. As such, the results of our study showed that the implementation of the intervention program following surgery not only significantly decreased ED but enhanced the QoL. Thus, utilization of educational intervention program after CABG operations is recommended.

Assessment of tooth preparation designs for posterior resin-bonded porcelain restorations.

Tooth preparation designs advocated for posterior resin-bonded porcelain restorations were evaluated for clinical application. This study examined the design of tooth preparations from stone dies for individual posterior resin-bonded porcelain onlays and complete porcelain crowns placed in a specialist practice, and compared features that provided retentive and porcelain fracture-resistance with those in the dental literature. Stone dies of tooth preparations for 57 onlay and 46 crown preparations were provided. Measurements were recorded for the tooth preparations with the aid of interocclusal silicone impressions. Proximal boxes, grooves and occlusal steps resulting from removal of amalgam restorations were common. These retentive features were more evident with onlays, and appeared larger on the distal than the mesial surfaces. Internal tooth preparation tapers or convergence angles were frequently greater than 20 degrees, leading to relatively-wide occlusal isthmus widths, especially for onlays. There were wide variations in occlusal surface reductions for the central fossae and supporting cusps. Tapers for tooth preparations were frequently more extensive, and occlusal surface reductions were often less than recommended. The implications of these differences for long-term clinical success should be resolved.