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Background: Hypodontia is the most common dental anomaly and might cause clinical complications. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and pattern of congenital missing in the permanent dentition dentition (excluding third molars), among Iranian orthodontic patients., Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, all approved panoramic radiographs of 3374 orthodontic patients (aged 10 to 20 years old), who had visited the Orthodontic Departments of all Tehran Dentistry Universities and 10 private clinics during the years 1999 to 2009 were investigated, to establish the prevalence of hypodontia in the permanent dentition (excluding third molars). The data were analyzed using a chi-square test (α = 0.01)., Results: Included were 2012 female and 1362 male patients. The prevalence of hypodontia was 5.21% (5.86% in females, 4.25% in males). The difference between the genders in terms of missing teeth was not significant (P = 0.202). A total of 298 teeth were missing (166 in females, 132 in males). The average of missing per individual was found to be 1.69 (1.40 missing for each girl, 2.32 for each boy). There was no significant difference between the number of missing teeth in males and females (P = 0.160). The most common missing teeth were maxillary lateral incisors (37.2%), mandibular second premolars (22.1%), and mandibular central incisors (10.7%). In both unilateral and bilateral hypodontia cases, the maxillary lateral had the highest prevalence of missing, followed by the mandibular second premolar. Missing was significantly more frequent (P = 0.001) in the maxilla (5.3%) compared to the mandible (3.5%)., Conclusion: Out of every 20 Iranian orthodontic patients, one might have some missing permanent teeth, needing early attention. Hypodontia was more prevalent in females (though not significantly) and in the maxilla. Although more females were affected, the number of missing per individual was greater in males.

Background/purpose: The prevalence of obesity and overweight among children and adolescents is increasing rapidly. The present research was performed to determine the influence of a ''behavior modification'' program on body mass index (BMI) in obese public high school students in Iran., Methods: In this study, 152 adolescence and their parents were selected from 12 high schools of Khorram Abad from 2004 to 2006, and they were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control groups. The "behavior modification" interventional program consisted of nutritional education, modifying dietary habits, teaching exercise programs, teaching nutritional facts to the parents, and performing exercises 3 days a week. The height and weight as well as waist, hip, and wrist circumferences of the participants were measured before and after implementing the interventional program. BMI and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. The adolescents and parents completed a nutrition knowledge questionnaire. Adolescents also completed the Beck's Depression Questionnaire., Results: Adolescent's mean weight, BMI, and waist and hip circumferences decreased significantly after implementing the interventional program, in the intervention group (p≤0.001). In addition, the students' and parents' nutrition knowledge increased in the intervention group after implementing the interventional program (p<0.046). The symptoms of depression decreased and the frequency of students without symptoms of depression increased in the case group, but it did not reveal a statistically significant difference between case and control groups., Conclusion: The ''behavior modification'' interventional program is effective in reducing BMI in obese students, and therefore, school principals and planners can play an important role in controlling obesity by implementing this program via the students, their parents, and the school staff., (Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that there is no difference in salivary metal ion content between subjects with fixed orthodontic appliances and their same-gender sister or brother without any orthodontic appliance. This retrospective study was carried out on 28 subjects (16 females and 12 males) who had undergone fixed orthodontic therapy for a duration of 12-18 months. In order to limit the effects of dietary and hygiene habits on salivary metal ion concentration, a same-gender brother or sister (total of 28 subjects) was selected as a control. Approximately 5 ml of saliva was collected from each subject, and the samples were analysed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The detection limit of the method for sample solutions was 1 ng/ml. Since some variables were not normally distributed, non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon W) were used for statistical analysis. The mean salivary nickel (Ni) content in subjects with and without a fixed orthodontic appliance was 18.5 ± 13.1 and 11.9 ± 11.4 ng/ml, respectively. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.035) was found between the two groups. The mean salivary chromium (Cr) ion level recorded was 2.6 ± 1.6 ng/ml in the study group and 2.2 ± 1.6 ng/ml in the control group. The difference, however, was statistically insignificant. Within the limits of this in vivo study, it can be concluded that the presence of fixed orthodontic appliances leads to an increased concentration of metal ions in salivary secretions.

In this paper, polyaminoimide homopolymer (PAIHP) was synthesized and its dye removal ability was investigated. Physical characteristics of PAIHP were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Direct Red 31 (DR31), Direct Red 23 (DR23), Direct Black 22 (DB22) and Acid Blue 25 (AB25) were used as model compounds. The kinetic and isotherm of dye adsorption were studied. The effect of operational parameter such as adsorbent dosage, pH and salt on dye removal was evaluated. Adsorption kinetic of dyes followed pseudo-second order kinetics. The maximum dye adsorption capacity (Q(0)) of PAIHP was 6667 mg/g, 5555 mg/g, 9090 mg/g and 5882 mg/g for DR31, DR23, DB22 and AB25, respectively. It was found that adsorption of DR31, DR23, DB22 and AB25 onto PAIHP followed with Langmuir isotherm. Dye desorption tests (adsorbent regeneration) showed that the maximum dye release of 90% for DR31, 86% for DR23, 87% for DB22 and 90% for AB25 were achieved in aqueous solution at pH 12. The results showed that the PAIHP as a polymeric adsorbent with high dye adsorption capacity might be a suitable alternative to remove dyes from colored wastewater., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study aims to define the prevalence and the molecular basis of G6PD deficiency in the Negrito tribe of the Malaysian Orang Asli. Four hundred and eighty seven consenting Negrito volunteers were screened for G6PD deficiency through the use of a fluorescent spot test. DNA from deficient individuals underwent PCR-RFLP analysis using thirteen recognized G6PD mutations. In the instances when the mutation could not be identified by PCR-RFLP, the entire coding region of the G6PD gene was subjected to DNA sequencing. In total, 9% (44/486) of the sample were found to be G6PD-deficient. However, only 25 samples were subjected to PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing. Of these, three were found to carry Viangchan, one Coimbra and 16, a combination of C1311T in exon 11 and IVS11 T93C. Mutation(s) for the five remaining samples are unknown. The mean G6PD enzyme activity ranged 5.7 IU/gHb in deficient individuals. Our results demonstrate that the frequency of G6PD deficiency is higher among the Negrito Orang Asli than other Malaysian races. The dual presence of C1311T and IVS11 T93C in 64% of the deficient individuals (16/44) could well be a result of genetic drift within this isolated group., (© 2011 The Authors. Internal Medicine Journal © 2011 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.)

The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine a safe and efficient method for bonding brackets to resin composite (RC), permitting the brackets to tolerate shear forces and allowing removal without causing surface damage to the aesthetic restoration. The shear bond strength (SBS) of 60 brackets bonded to silanated and non-silanated RC surfaces were compared. A Bis-GMA containing orthodontic adhesive system was used to bond stainless steel upper lateral incisor brackets to 60 composite discs, half of which had surface treatment with a silane coupling agent. SBS testing was performed with an Instron universal testing machine. After debond, the bracket base and corresponding RC discs were examined under a stereomicroscope and analyzed using the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI). Non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U) indicated significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.009). Lower bond strengths were found for the silanated group implying that silane agents may be an unnecessary step. However, both groups had a clinically acceptable mean SBS [silanated group = 13.1 megapascals (Mpa), non-silanated group = 19.4 MPa]. Bond failure occurred at the bracket-adhesive interface in both groups. There would appear to be no advantage in using a silane agent when bonding metal orthodontic brackets to filled RCs.

Background and Aims: There is no consensus about the effect of tongue thrusting on incisor position. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the position of anterior teeth in growing children with tongue thrust swallowing., Materials and Methods: In the present study 193 subjects with an age range of 9 to 13 years participated. All the patients were examined by a trained investigator and those having tongue thrust swallowing were selected and the position of their anterior teeth was compared with a control group consisting of 36 subjects with normal occlusion. Data was analyzed by independent sample t-test., Results: Among the 193 students who were examined in this study, 10 cases (5%) were diagnosed to be tongue thrusters. Overjet was significantly increased in tongue thrust individuals (P < 0.05), while the other variables were not statistically different from the controls (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: The results indicated that tongue thrust may have an environmental effect on dentofacial structures. Considering the high incidence of tongue thrust in orthodontic patients, it is suggested that dental practitioners observe patients of all ages and those in all stages of orthodontic treatment for evidence of tongue thrust swallowing.

Background: The molecular pathway that controls cardiogenesis is temporally and spatially regulated by master transcriptional regulators such as NKX2-5, Isl1, MEF2C, GATA4, and beta-catenin. The interplay between these factors and their downstream targets are not completely understood. Here, we studied regulation of beta-catenin and GATA4 by NKX2-5 in human fetal cardiac myocytes., Methodology/principal Findings: Using antisense inhibition we disrupted the expression of NKX2-5 and studied changes in expression of cardiac-associated genes. Down-regulation of NKX2-5 resulted in increased beta-catenin while GATA4 was decreased. We demonstrated that this regulation was conferred by binding of NKX2-5 to specific elements (NKEs) in the promoter region of the beta-catenin and GATA4 genes. Using promoter-luciferase reporter assay combined with mutational analysis of the NKEs we demonstrated that the identified NKX2-5 binding sites were essential for the suppression of beta-catenin, and upregulation of GATA4 by NKX2-5., Conclusions: This study suggests that NKX2-5 modulates the beta-catenin and GATA4 transcriptional activities in developing human cardiac myocytes.

Objective: To compare the concentration of nickel, chromium and cobalt in oral mucosa cells of patients with and without fixed orthodontic appliances., Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients were included in this study. The control group consisted of 30 patients without any type of fixed orthodontic appliances or metal restoration in the mouth (20 females and 10 males from 16 to 20 years with a mean age of 18 years). The test group consisted of 30 patients who had fixed orthodontic appliance in their upper and lower arches (20 females and 10 male from 16 to 20 years with a mean age of 18.2 years). The metal content determinations were carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry with a graphite furnace., Results: According to spectrophotometric analysis, no significant differences in chromium (p = 0.09) and cobalt (p = 0.10) content of oral mucosa cells were found between the test and control samples. The nickel content in mucosa samples was significantly higher (p = 0.003) in orthodontic patients compared with the controls. The mean levels of nickel in control and orthodontic patient group were 12.26 and 21.74 ng / ml, respectively., Conclusion: Our findings indicate that there was no difference in the concentration of chromium and cobalt in oral mucosa cells of patients with or without fixed appliances. However, a significantly higher concentration of nickel can be found in oral mucosa cells of patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. Continued follow-up is needed to determine the long-term significance of nickel release.

A novel biomimetic method for rapid oxidation of a wide range of benzylic, allylic, aliphatic, primary and secondary alcohols to the related aldehydes and ketones using Bu(4)NHSO(5) catalyzed by Mn(TPP)OAc/pyridine system with high to excellent yields and excellent selectivity has been developed. The high turnover rates obtained in this catalytic system represent a high efficiency and also relative stability of Mn-porphyrin catalyst towards oxidative degradation. The presence of an electron-withdrawing group on the phenyl ring of both benzyl alcohol and porphyrin ligand increases the reactivity of substrate as well as catalytic activity of Mn-porphyrin catalyst in the oxidation reaction.

Objective: To study cephalometric and facial features of Iranian children with beta-thalassemia major., Design: Lateral cephalometric radiographs of thalassemic patients and controls who were matched for age, sex and ethnic origin were analyzed and compared., Setting and Sample Population: A total of 30 thalassemic patients (18 male and 12 females) from Aliasghar Hospital, and 30 controls from the Orthodontic Department of Azad University., Outcome Measure: Size and shape differences in the craniofacial complex between thalassemic patients and controls., Results: All thalassemic patients had a Class II skeletal base relationship with an average ANB angle of 8.75 degrees. There was no record of dramatic maxillary prognathism. However, the mandible of the thalassemic patients appeared to be smaller in size and more retruded in the face. A pronounced vertical growth direction was evident from angular and linear measurements. The dental deviations in thalassemic patients were mainly seen in the proclination and significant overeruption of incisors and increased overjet. Marked convex lower face and prominent upper and lower lips were evident from soft-tissue measurements., Conclusion: Anemia does not only produce overgrowth of the maxilla. It also produces a retardation of condylar and ramal growth of the mandible producing Class II skeletal pattern.

The effects of fig tree latex in treating teat papillomatosis in cow in comparison with salicylic acid were evaluated. For this purpose, 12 cows of 1-3 years of age (average 2.25) affected by teat papillomatosis were divided into three groups. In group A, four cows were treated by fig tree (Ficus carica) latex; in group B, four cows were treated with 10% salicylic acid solution and in group C, four cows were kept as control animals receiving no treatment. Animals in each treatment group received their treatment once every 5 days. In groups A and B, de-epithelialization and shrinking of the warts began from the fifth day of treatment and all the warts disappeared within 30 days. However, in the control group no changes in the number of warts were observed until day 15 but thereafter a number of warts disappeared spontaneously in some of the animals. Both salicylic acid and fig tree latex were evaluated as having similar therapeutic effects in treating teat papillomatosis in cow.

The quantitative analysis of protein-protein and protein-peptide complexes is of fundamental importance in biochemistry. We report here that nickel-catalyzed proximity biotinylation and Ru(II)(bpy)(3)(2+)-mediated oxidative crosslinking can be used to measure the equilibrium dissociation constant and stoichiometry of protein complexes. Only small amounts of protein are required, neither of the binding partners must be immobilized on a surface, and no special instrumentation is necessary. This chemistry should provide a useful complement to existing methods for the analysis of protein-protein and protein-peptide interactions.

Background: Chemical cross-linking is a valuable tool with which to study protein-protein interactions. Recently, a new kind of cross-linking reaction was developed in which the photolysis of associated proteins with visible light in the presence of ammonium persulfate and tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) dication or palladium(II) porphyrins results in rapid and efficient covalent coupling (Fancy, D.A. & Kodadek, T. (1999). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96, 6020-6024 and Kim, K., Fancy, D.A. & Kodadek, T. (1999). J. Am. Chem. Soc. 121, 11896-11897). Here, mechanistic and practical aspects of the reaction of importance for its application to biochemical problems are examined., Results: It is shown that the photo-initiated cross-linking chemistry can be optimized for the analysis of protein-protein interactions in crude cell extracts. A number of commonly used epitope or affinity tags survive the reaction in functional form, allowing the simple visualization of the cross-linked products, or their isolation. It is shown that very little light-independent oxidation of protein residues occurs and that significant perturbation of complexes of interest prior to the brief photolysis period does not occur. Finally, evidence is presented that is consistent with a mechanistic model in which ammonium persulfate functions simply as an electron acceptor, facilitating the generation of the key high valent metal complex from the photoexcited species by electron transfer. In the absence of an electron acceptor, a much lower efficiency reaction is observed that appears to involve products resulting from reaction of the excited state metal complex with molecular oxygen., Conclusions: These results provide useful practical information for chemists and biochemists who may wish to employ this new cross-linking chemistry for the analysis of protein complexes. They also shed new light on the mechanism of this interesting reaction.

Recent decades have seen a marked expansion in knowledge regarding human neurophysiology, and psychiatry is currently challenged with the task of integrating this information with a psychodynamic understanding of emotional life. In this paper we review portions of the relevant literature regarding the basic brain functions of affect, memory, and attachment, and we consider the implications of these data for integrated psychobiologic conceptualizations of emotional dysfunction and its treatment. In particular, data from these three areas of study point to the possibility that implicit memory of the early attachment relationship, communicated via the language of affect, is an enduring neural structure that influences both emotional self-regulation and behavior related to relatedness. Finally, we consider the implications of this proposition for the nature of psychotherapy, which from a psychobiologic view might be profitably conceptualized as a directed attachment relationship whose purpose is the revision of the implicit emotional memory of attachment.

This paper reviews the marked confusion surrounding the diagnosis of the hysterical personality disorder, which has resulted from the use of vague and at times contradictory criteria in making this diagnosis. It is recommended that the diagnosis be based exclusively on psychodynamic characteristics, and a specific psychodynamic formulation is offered for this disorder. The formulation is examined from the perspectives of genetic development, drive organization, and ego and superego organization.