Three-year efficacy and patency follow-up of decellularized human internal mammary artery as a novel vascular graft in animal models

Background

Various investigations have reported that the internal mammary artery (IMA) is an efficient and functional choice of conduit for vascular graft surgeries, especially for coronary artery bypass grafts; however, the quest to find an ideal vascular substitute remains. We hypothesized that acellular IMA could be an appropriate graft for small-diameter vascular bypasses that could be used in various surgeries including coronary artery bypass grafting.

Assessing the CT findings and clinical course of ED patients with first-time versus recurrent acute pancreatitis

Study objectives

The primary objective of this study was to compare Emergency Department patients with first-time versus recurrent acute pancreatitis.

Acceptance of evidence based medicine (EBM) databases by Iranian medical residents using unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT)

Objective

Physicians often need uptodate, reliable and with easy access information for clinical decisions evidence based medicine (EBM) databases can be a suitable approach to meet this need. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, use and factors affecting the acceptance of EBM and its databases by Iranian medical residents using UTAUT model.

Assessment of expression of RELN signaling pathway in multiple sclerosis patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Nearly 85% of MS patients are recognized with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), a typical clinical course of disease which is distinguished by several episodes of relapses, separated by remissions of neurological impairment. Failure of repair mechanisms is a main factor in progression of neurological dysfunction in MS. Several lines of evidence suggest that Reelin (RELN) signaling pathway can contribute in the regulation of repair mechanisms in MS patients. In the present study, we assessed expression levels of RELN and Disabled-1 (DAB1), two key genes in RELN signaling pathway, in peripheral blood of 50 RRMS patients and 50 matched healthy subjects. RELN was significantly down-regulated in total MS patients, and total female patients compared with the matched controls. However, no statistically significant difference was found in DAB1 mRNA expression between MS patients and controls. Furthermore, considerable correlations were detected between expression levels of RELN and DAB1 in the patients group. There were no significant correlations between expression levels of genes and EDSS, disease duration or age at onset. Our study provides evidences for the role of RELN signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of MS. Further studies are required to clarify the exact clinical significance of this pathway in MS patients.     

The effect of a 10% carbamide peroxide home bleaching system on the gingival health

Esthetics plays an important role in dentistry today. Because of an increased emphasis on beauty and health, cosmetic dentistry has been the thrust to the forefront of many practices. Many health products are used for bleaching teeth, but all side effects are not known. Tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation are the most common side effects, but they are typically mild and transient in nature. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate objectively the effect of 10% carbamide peroxide gel (Opalescence Utradent Inc, USA) on gingival health by measuring changes in Bleeding Index, Plaque Index, and Gingival Index. Eighteen subjects, 11 female and 7 male, age range 15-30 years (mean 24 years), were selected for the study as a convenient sample. Their teeth had either fluorosis, dental stains, smoking, or tetracycline staining. The Opalescence system was used as office monitored, at-home bleaching for three weeks. There was a statistically significant reduction in bleeding on probing (1% - 37%, p < or = 0.003), Plaque Index (4% - 50%, p < or = 0.000), and Gingival Index (2.5% - 34%, p < or = 0.002). Only two subjects reported tooth hypersensitivity, and none of the subjects complained about gingival irritation. There was a positive change in tooth color as far as staining was concerned. Further research including randomized controlled, double blind clinical trials is needed to confirm these findings and to examine other factors related to bleaching of teeth.     

Clinical evaluation of internal joint derangement using sonography

Objectives  Currently, the most precise method for imaging the soft tissue of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but this technique is often unavailable because of its high cost or is otherwise unsuitable. In the absence of complete information about the TMJ disc, treatment decisions are based only on the results of clinical exams and conventional radiography of TMJ hard tissues. This study was performed to evaluate the accuracy of high-resolution ultrasonography (HR-US) in the detection of TMJ disc displacement. Methods  MRI and sonography were performed on 16 TMJs in ten patients who were diagnosed with anterior disc displacement (ADD), and the findings of the sonography and MRI examinations were compared. Results  All cases of ADD diagnosed by sonography were confirmed by MRI. Conclusion  HR-US is a reliable technique for imaging the TMJ disc that can be used for TMJ diagnosis and treatment planning.