Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of new root canal sealers

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the antimicrobial effect of AH-26, RealSeal (RS), and GuttaFlow after 24 hours and after one week. METHODOLOGY: All sealers were prepared according to the manufacturers' directions immediately before testing. The microorganisms used in this assay included Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans, which were prepared from isolated species in the microbiology laboratory. The antimicrobial effects of each sealer were determined by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition in millimeters after incubation at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and for seven days in a humid atmosphere. Each test was repeated three times. RESULTS: In the 24-hour samples, as well as in seven-day samples, the antibacterial activity of AH-26 was significantly greater than two other materials tested against both bacteria (p < 0.05). The antibacterial activities of RS and GuttaFlow against Staphylococcus aureus were not significantly different from each other (p > 0.05) in 24-hour as well as seven-day samples, but RS had significantly greater effect against Streptococcus mutans than GuttaFlow (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The products studied exhibited some variable antibacterial properties. In 24 hours, as well as in seven days, the AH-26 exerted the greatest activity against both organisms tested.     

Association of toxicochemical and microbiological quality of bottled mineral water in Birjand city,Iran

Water is one of the pivotal, both in natural ecosystems and human development. Inadequate and unsafe water is still one of the major challenges in most developing countries. Due to the growing trends of bottled water (BW) consumption in Iran, especially in dry regions, regular monitoring of the quality of bottled mineral water is necessary. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the chemical and microbiological quality of bottled mineral water which was sold in the markets of Birjand city, Iran in 2015. Samples were selected randomly from 12 most popular brands of national BW in autumn and winter. Then, 12 most popular brands were selected for analysis. Finally, parameters including total hardness, levels of calcium, magnesium, pH, bicarbonate, sulfate, alkalinity, residual chlorine and total and fecal coliforms were examined for each brand. The results of the present study revealed that most of the chemical and microbiological parameters of BW in Birjand city were lower than maximum contaminant levels which are set by Iranian mineral water quality standards and WHO guidelines. Furthermore, total and fecal coliforms were within the standards. Overall, the results of this study revealed that the health status of the bottled mineral water which is sold in the markets of Birjand city was good. But, regular monitoring of the above mentioned parameters would be helpful to improve the water quality and to provide good portable water for the dwellers and very effective to enhance public health on citizens.     

The effects of verapamil and heparin co-administration on sperm parameters and oxidative stress in prevention of testicular torsion/detorsion damage in rats

In this research, the impacts of combined administration of verapamil and heparin on testicular torsion damage were examined. In this experimental study, 30 sexually mature male Wistar albino rats were divided into five equal groups haphazardly (n = 6): Group 1 was the sham group. In group 2, a 2-hr testicular torsion was induced, and thereafter, detorsion was done. Rats in group 3 and group 4 experienced an identical surgical procedure like group 2, but verapamil and heparin were administered in 0.3 mg/kg and 800 IU/kg doses respectively, and in group 5, a combination of verapamil and heparin were administered. Intraperitoneal drug injection in all treatment groups was done 30 min before testicular detorsion. Testicular torsion significantly changed sperm parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers and Cosentino's histological score compared to the sham group (p < .05). All treatment groups reduced testicular damage by decreasing oxidative stress and improving sperm parameters, but heparin and co-administration of verapamil and heparin were significantly better than verapamil injection alone. However, heparin injected group was more effective than other treatment groups (p < .05). Overall, an anticoagulant like heparin is more effective than a calcium channel blocker such as verapamil, and it is more likely to reduce testicular torsion injuries.     

Application of Multiplex PCR for Detection and Differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica,Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba moshkovskii

Background

Entamoeba moshkovskii and E. dispar are impossible to differentiate microscopically from the pathogenic species E. histolytica. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (Multiplex PCR) is a widespread molecular biology technique for amplification of multiple targets in a single PCR experiment.

Methods

For detection and differentiation of the three-microscopy indistinguishable Entamoeba species in human, multiplex PCR assay using different DNA extraction methods was studied. A conserved forward primer was derived from the middle of the small-subunit rRNA gene, and reverse primers were designed from signature sequences specific to each of these three Entamoeba species.

Results

A 166-bp PCR product with E. histolytica DNA, a 580-bp product with E. moshkovskii DNA and a 752-bp product with E. dispar DNA were generated in a single-round and multiplex PCR reaction.

Conclusion

We recommend this PCR assay as an accurate, rapid, and effective diagnostic method for the detection and discrimination of these three Entamoeba species in both routine diagnosis of amoebiasis and epidemiological surveys.     

Efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell therapy on glucose levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims/IntroductionIn recent years, mesenchymal cellular therapies have received much attention in the treatment of diabetes. In this meta‐analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.Materials and MethodsA comprehensive literature search was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Central databases. A total of 1,721 articles were identified, from which nine full‐text clinical trials were qualified to enter the current meta‐analysis. The assessment groups included patients with type 2 diabetes, and levels of C‐peptide, glycosylated hemoglobin and insulin dose were analyzed before and after mesenchymal stem cell infusion. Data analysis was carried out in Stata version 11, and the Jadad Score Scale was applied for quality assessment.ResultsChanges in levels of C‐peptide after mesenchymal stem cell therapy were: standardized mean difference 0.20, 95% confidence interval −0.61 to 1.00, glycosylated hemoglobin levels were: standardized mean difference −1.45, 95% confidence interval −2.10 to −0.79 and insulin dose were: standardized mean difference −1.40, 95% confidence interval −2.88 to 0.09.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis of prospective studies showed associations between mesenchymal stem cell therapy and control of glucose level in patients with type 2 diabetes.     

Outcomes of planned pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and their neonates

Aim of the workTo assess the outcome of planned pregnancies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients and methods: The study was conducted on 32 patients. The medical management included pre-pregnancy planning at the quiescent phase of the disease and after at least six months of clinical remission. The patients had a monthly visit during pregnancy and three months post-delivery. Disease flare was characterized by the recurrence of symptoms and signs in different organs, as well as the need for an increase in medication dose. Results: There were 36 planned pregnancies in 32 patients, of which 15 and 17 cases were primiparous and multiparous, respectively. The SLE flares were observed in 36.1% of the cases, 8.3% of which developed postpartum; moreover, they were moderate in severity and mostly involved the kidneys and joints. Pregnancy outcomes included18 (50%) cases ended in term labor; 13 (36.1%) pregnancies had preterm labor, and 5 (13.8%) pregnancies terminated with abortions. Furthermore, obstetric complications included 2(6.5%) patients with premature rupture of membranes, 5(15.6%) fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation, and 2(6.4%) mothers with preeclampsia. 10(27.7%) pregnancies occurred in patients with lupus nephritis. Cesarean section was performed on 24(77.4%) patients, and low birth weight was observed in 7(21.8%) infants. None of the infants had neonatal lupus, congenital deformities or infection. Conclusion: Pre-pregnancy planning in patients with SLE can considerably improve pregnancy outcomes. Neonatal lupus, congenital anomalies or infection were not present. SLE patients intending to become pregnant should be provided with close medical supervision for a safe maternal and fetal outcome.     

The Use of Cellulose Nanocrystals for Potential Application in Topical Delivery of Hydroquinone

Nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems can enhance drug permeation through the skin and improve the drug stability. The biodegradability and biocompatibility of cellulose nanocrystals have made these nanoparticles good candidates to use in biomedical applications. The hyperpigmentation is a common skin disorder that could be caused by number of reasons such as sun exposure and pregnancy. Hydroquinone could inhibit the production of melanin and eliminate the discolorations of skin. This study is aimed at introducing cellulose nanocrystals as suitable carriers for drug delivery to skin. Prepared cellulose nanocrystals were characterized by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy. The size of cellulose nanocrystals determined using dynamic light scattering was 301 ± 10 nm. Hydroquinone–cellulose nanocrystal complex was prepared by incubating of hydroquinone solution in cellulose nanocrystals suspension. The size of hydroquinone–cellulose nanocrystal complex determined using dynamic light scattering was 310 ± 10 nm. The hydroquinone content of the hydroquinone–cellulose complex was determined using UV/vis spectroscopy. Hydroquinone was bound to cellulose nanocrystals representing 79.3 ± 2% maximum binding efficiency when 1.1 mg hydroquinone was added to 1 mL of cellulose nanocrystals suspension (2 mg cellulose nanocrystal). The hydroquinone–cellulose nanocrystal complex showed an approximately sustained release profile of hydroquinone. Approximately, 80% of bound hydroquinone released in 4 h.