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Objectives: To assess the antibacterial effect of Pistacia atlantica (P. atlantica) subsp. (Kurdica) extract encapsulated in niosomes on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Materials and methods: In this in vitro experimental study, different concentrations of span and tween were used to synthesize different formulations of P. atlantica extract encapsulated in niosomes. The physical and chemical properties of the synthesized niosomes were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and digital light scattering Zetasizer. The efficiency and release profile were also evaluated. The antibacterial effects of the synthesized niosomes with 7.8 to 1000 µg/mL concentrations were evaluated by the microtiter plate method. Results and discussion: The optimally synthesized niosomes measured 129.7 nm in size, and showed 90.62% containment. Nano-niosomes had a unilayer spherical structure. Niosomes containing P. atlantica extract showed more significant antibacterial effects against S. mutans than the free extract. Conclusions: Niosomes containing P. atlantica extract may serve as a suitable nanocarrier for antibacterial activity against S. mutans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study is to assess the effect of photodynamic therapy(PDT) with curcumin and nanocurcumin photosensitizers on collagen-crosslinking and mineral content of human dentine. Materials and methods: In this in vitro, experimental study, 14 extracted human third molars were mesiodistally sectioned and underwent Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX). Groups: treatment with 5% glutaraldehyde, PDT with curcumin+light emitting diode (LED), PDT with nanocurcumin+LED, and distilled water. FTIR and EDX were repeated after acid etching. Data was analyzed by repeated measures, one-way ANOVA, Tukey test and t-test(alpha=0.05). Results and discussion: Surface treatment of specimens with glutaraldehyde, and PDT with curcumin and nano-curcumin increased the CH2/amide3 ratio but not significantly (P>0.05). These treatments equally decreased the loss of calcium and phosphorous content after acid etching, the three experimental groups showing a significant difference with the negative control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: PDT with curcumin and nano-curcumin increased dentine collagen-crosslinking, and enhanced dentine resistance to demineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology has various applications in restorative dentistry in order to achieve reliable treatment outcomes. The present study aimed to comprehensively review the studies focused on the applications of nanobased materials, technologies, and methods used in restorative dentistry. Related articles were retrieved via searching in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Afterwards, the appropriate references regarding the research subject were assessed, and findings were collected to achieve a comprehensive review study. According to the obtained results, the utilization of nanotechnology in restorative dentistry could yield beneficial outcomes. The dispersion of nano-sized structures in restorative materials could enhance mechanical properties such as diametral and flexural strength and fracture toughness. However, the improvement of the mentioned mechanical properties depends on the type of the nano-sized materials, their content, and type of the additional materials used along with nano-based restorative materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The sleep deprivation leads to a severe mood changes such as depression and weak scientific performance. Health of students guarantees the scientific level and the development of each society. This Study conducted to investigate relationship between quality of sleep and mental health in female students of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences (2015). Materials and Methods: Design of this study was cross-sectional analytic that conducted on 250 female students of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences through cluster sampling. Data were collected by Pittsburgh Sleep Index and Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21. Statistical descriptive tests, ANOVA and t-test conducted in SPSS-16 software. Results: The mean score of sleep quality in students was 5.83±2.17. 61.2 % of students had undesirable sleep. Based on the results, the mean score in students was 4.67± 3.71 for depression, 9.49 ± 4.66 for stress and 4.23 ± 3.69 for anxiety. The findings showed a significant relationship between quality of sleep and mental health (depression, stress and anxiety) (P=0.000). Based on results, indigenous (P=0.006), physical activity (P=0.002) and location of residency (P=0.001) were significantly correlated with score of sleep of quality. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, more than half of the students sleep quality is unsatisfactory. According to the study, poor sleep quality and mental health (depression, anxiety and stress) had a profound impact on each other. So, it is recommended the interventions regarding to students sleep quality improvement as an important factor for mental health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]