Effects of a Peganum harmala (Zygophyllaceae) preparation for root canal disinfection

The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial capacity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and cytotoxic effects of a Peganum harmala seed extract in comparison to 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). The oral pathogen Enterococcus faecalis was used to evaluate the antimicrobial capacity, and the MIC values were determined through serial dilution. Inhibition zones were measured in millimeter, and the data were analyzed statistically by analysis of variance and the Tukey HSD test. For cytotoxicity testing, P. harmala seed extract and 5.25% NaOCl solution were incubated with L929 fibroblast cells. After 1, 24, and 72 hr of incubation, cells were stained and the optical density determined with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader. Data were analyzed with Chi‐Square statistical test. The significance level was set at p < .05. There was no significant difference between the antimicrobial capacity of 5.25% NaOCl and the P. harmala extract (p > .05; MIC 4 μg/ml). The Microculture Tetrazolium (MTT) assay test showed that the cytotoxic effects of the P. harmala extract were significantly lower than 5.25% NaOCl (p < .05). The results show that 5.25% NaOCl and P. harmala seed extract have similar antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis; but P. harmala, which shows reduced cytotoxicity, should be considered for further investigation as a safe, phytotherapeutic, intracanal irrigant.     

Estrogen receptor alpha XbaI GG genotype was associated with severe preeclampsia

Purpose: Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) plays an essential role in the adaptation of increased uterine blood flow during gestation. Therefore, ERα gene could be a possible candidate for preeclampsia (PE) susceptibility. In current study we aimed to investigate the association of the ERα gene polymorphisms and PE in an Iranian population. Methods: A total of 192 pregnant women with PE and 186 normotensive women were genotyped for ERα gene (PvuII and XbaI) polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: The frequencies of alleles and genotypes of ERα PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms were not different between PE and normotensive control women. However, higher frequency of GG genotype was observed in women with severe PE compared to mild PE (OR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.1 to 3]; p = 0.02) and in severe PE compared to normotensive women [OR = 1.8 (1.1–3), p = 0.02] after adjusting for age, ethnicity, and primiparity. Conclusions: The GG genotype of ERα XbaI polymorphism could be a genetic risk factor for PE predisposition.     

Efficacy of suction blister epidermal graft without phototherapy for locally stable and resistant vitiligo

Introduction:

Surgical methods for treatment of vitiligo include punch grafts, blister grafts, follicular grafts and cultured melanocyte grafts. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of suction blister grafts for treatment of vitiligo, without the use of phototherapy.

Materials and Methods:

This clinical trial study was conducted on 10 patients with vitiligo that was resistant to usual treatments and with limited involvement in the affected sites. We used cryotherapy and a manual suction device for blistering at the recipient and donor sites, respectively. The blister was separated and fixed with sutures and a dressing to the recipient site. Repigmentation of lesions was evaluated monthly for 6 months after treatment. Repigmentation rates higher than 90%, between 71%–90%, from 51%–70%, and less than 50% were graded as complete, good, moderate, and poor, respectively.

Results:

Ten patients (five females with a mean age of 23.2±3.96 years and five males with a mean age of 30.60±4.15 years) were enrolled in the study. Reponses to treatment after a 6-month follow-up were ‘complete,’ ‘good,’ and ‘moderate’ in 7 (70%), 1 (10%), and 2 (20%) patients, respectively.

Conclusion:

With this technique, patients with restricted sites of involvement, that did not respond to the usual treatments showed very good repigmentation without any additional phototherapy over a 6-month follow-up; moreover, there were no side effects such as scarring.     

Synergistic interaction effect between job control and social support at work on general psychological distress

Purpose  

Little is known about the interaction between job control and social support at work on common mental disorders. To examine whether there is a synergistic interaction effect between job control and social support at work on general psychological distress and whether it differs by the level of job demands.     

Health-related quality of life of Iranian breast cancer patients: a meta-analysis and systematic review

Purpose

Quality of life is the most important psychological factor affecting breast cancer patients. This study aimed to examine the health related quality of life of breast cancer patients in Iran.

Methods

International (PubMed, Web of science, Scopus and Google scholar) and national (SID, Magiran) databases were searched for related studies to September 2017. The quality of the articles was evaluated using the Hoy tool.

Results

Out of 232 initial studies, 18 studies performed on 2263 people were included in the final stage of the study. Based on the EORTC-QLQ-C30 and random effect method, the pooled mean score of quality of life in 1073 people was 57.88 (95% CI 48.26–67.41, I² = 97.90%) and the pooled mean score of quality of life based on WHOQOL-BREF in 357 people was 66.79 (95% CI 45.96–87.62, I² = 99.50%).

Conclusion

According to the results of the study, a moderate level of quality of life in women with breast cancer was indicated. Therefore, the use of multidimensional approaches can improve their quality of life.

     

Increased maternal pregnancy complications in polycystic ovary syndrome appear to be independent of obesity—A systematic review,meta‐analysis,and meta‐regression

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an increased risk of maternal pregnancy and delivery complications. However, the impact of clinical features of PCOS and other potential risk factors in PCOS is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the association of PCOS with maternal pregnancy and delivery complications with consideration of risk factors and potential confounders. The meta‐analysis included 63 studies. PCOS was associated with higher miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, pre‐eclampsia, induction of labour, and caesarean section. The association of PCOS with these outcomes varied by geographic continent, PCOS phenotypes, and study quality. Pre‐eclampsia and induction of labour were not associated with PCOS on body mass index‐matched studies. No outcome was associated with PCOS on assisted pregnancies. Age was significantly associated with higher miscarriage on meta‐regression. There were no studies assessing perinatal depression. We confirm that PCOS is associated with an increased risk of maternal pregnancy and delivery complications. The association of PCOS with the outcomes is worsened in hyperandrogenic PCOS phenotypes, in specific geographic continents, and in the highest quality studies but disappears in assisted pregnancies. Future studies in PCOS are warranted to investigate proper timing for screening and prevention of maternal pregnancy and delivery complications with consideration of clinical features of PCOS.