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Background: In diagnostic radiology lead apron, are usually used to protect patients and radiology staff against ionizing radiation. Lead apron is a desirable shield due to high absorption and effective attenuation of x-ray photons in the diagnostic radiology range. Objective: Although lead aprons have good radiation protection properties, in recent years, researchers have been looking for alternative materials to be used instead of lead apron because of some problems derived from lead-content of aprons. Because of its lead-content, these radiation protection garments are so heavy and uncomfortable for the staff to wear, particularly in long-time uses. In addition, lead is a toxic element and its disposal is associated with environmental and human-health hazards. Method: In this study, several new combinations of lead free materials ((W-Si), (W-Sn-Ba-EPVC ), (W-Sn-Cd-EPVC)) have been investigated in the energy range of diagnostic radiology in two geometries: narrow and broad beam. Geometries of the radiation attenuation characteristics of these materials was assessed in 40, 60, 90 and 120 kVp and the results compared with those of some lead-containing materials ((Pb-Si), (Pb-EPVC)). Results: Lead shields still provide better protection in low energies (below 40 kVp). Combination of W-Sn-Cd-EPVC has shown the best radiation attenuation features in 60 and 90 kVp and the composition of (W-Sn-Ba-EPVC) represents the best attenuation in 120 kVp, even better than previously mentioned lead- containing composites. Conclusion: Lead free shields are completely effective for protection against X-ray energies in the range of 60 to 120 kVp.

Background and Objectives: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is still considered the most common cause of death cases related to pathogenic infectious factors in the world. Rifampin is among the most important first-line drugs to treat tuberculosis. The most common mutations in resistance to Rifampin occur due to the displacements in Codons 531, 526, and 516 in rpoB gene. This study was carried out with the aim of introducing the method (Multiplex Allele Specific) PCR in order to identify tuberculosis patients resistant to rifampin through detecting mutations in the rpoB gene.Methods: In this study, three cases of mutation were evaluated in three Codons of rpoB gene in 90 samples of the positive cases of culture from pulmonary TB patients who had referred to Research Center of Mycobacteriology located in Masih-Daneshvari Hospital of Tehran from 1385 to 1387 after the drug sensitivity test. To examine three codons 531, 526 and 516, MAS PCR method was used. Results: The results of the culture showed that 33.3% of the samples were sensitive and 66.6% were resistant to drugs of which 44.4% were resistant to Rifampin. By using MAS PCR method, 32.2% of these cases of resistance were identified. Among these cases, 43.4% had mutation in codon rpoB 531, 34.5% in rpoB 526 codon and 31% in rpoB 516 codon. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, MAS PCR method used in this research is an accurate and appropriate method to rapidly diagnose resistance to Rifampin in the clinical samples of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

"n Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: Postpartum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. It has been identified that active management of third stage of labor is an effective way in preventing postpartum hemorrhage. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare sublingual misoprostol versus intravenous oxytocin in the management of postpartum hemorrhage in nulliparous women."n"nMethods: In this randomized controlled trial conducted in Arash hospital from 2006 to 2009, Five hundred forty two nulliparous pregnant women were enrolled. They were randomized to receive either 400 microgram sublingual misoprostol or 20 IU oxytocin intravenously, immediately after the birth of newborn. "n"nResults: Post partum Hemorrhage was significantly lower in women who received sublingual misoprostol (p

Background: Heart transplantation is an established treatment for end-stage heart failure patients, but its cost-effectiveness is under question. Objective: This study aimed to assess the cost of heart transplantation in Iran as a developing country in Asia to contribute to future planning in the region. Methods: This study was conducted in two phases. First, in a retrospective multicenter study, hospital data of heart transplant and hospitalization of three active heart transplant centers in Tehran, Iran, were reviewed from April 2013 to May 2015. Then pre-transplantation, transplantation, and one-year posttransplant costs were calculated according to the ABC (activity-based costing) method in 2016. Results: Data were obtained for 120 patients, among which 95 (79.17%) were males with a mean (SD) age of 35.31±13.41 years. Mean (SD) hospital and ICU length of stay were 17.85±14.91 and 9.74±8.94 days, respectively. A significant correlation existed between the mean of hospital and ICU length of stay (P<0.001, r: 0.754). The mean heart transplant and hospitalization cost was 3445.47±1243.29 USD from 2013 to 2015. Using the activity-based costing method, the cost of pre-transplantation, transplantation, and one-year -post-transplantation were extracted 6.5%, 73.5%, and 20%, respectively, with a total cost of 26232 USD. Conclusion: Compared to other countries, the cost of heart transplantation in Iran is very low. Numerous reasons lead to this difference. Firstly, a heart transplantation surgery is performed in university-based hospitals and is supported by the government. On the other hand, a significant difference exists between personnel costs in Iran compared to other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behnam Hosseini,1 Mehrdad Taheri,1 Reza Pourroustaei Ardekani,1 Siamak Moradi,1 Morteza Kazempour Mofrad2 1Anesthesiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranCorrespondence: Mehrdad TaheriShahid Beheshti Anesthesiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Velenjak Street, Tehran 1985717413, IranTel +98 913 301 5829Fax +98 7 756 7840Email mehrdadtaheri@gmx.comBackground: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most prevailing form of joint disease. Despite the importance of minimally invasive therapeutic methods of KOA, there is a lack of evidence to compare intraarticular hyaluronic acid injection vs traditional dextrose prolotherapy.Objective: The aim was to compare the therapeutic effects of prolotherapy with hypertonic dextrose vs hyaluronic acid on function and pain in KOA cases.Materials and methods: One hundred and four KOA patients were enrolled and randomly assigned into two groups, each containing 52 patients. The hyaluronic acid (HA) group were treated by 2.5 mL of hyaluronic acid intraarticulary, and the hypertonic dextrose (HD) group received 10 mL of 12.5% dextrose periarticulary. Injections were repeated three times with 1-week intervals. Pain intensity, measured by visual analog scale, and knee function, scaled by the Western Ontario and McMaster university arthritis index scores were compared between the two groups before and 3 months after intervention. Pain and function of the knee improved significantly (P

Background: Recently it is shown that Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing genotype are associated with drug resistance. Thus a simple and rapid method is required for identification and differentiation of Beijing family isolates. Therefore the aim of this study is to evaluate discriminatory power of different loci in both 12 MIRU-VNTR and 15 MIRU-VNTR Methods for Beijing genotype. Methods: In total 105 Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains were identified by spoligotyping, then genomic analysis was carried out by using 12 and 15 MIRU-VNTR methods. Allelic diversity for each locus was calculated using Hunter Gaston Discriminatory Index (HGI). Results: With spoligotyping 20 out of 105 isolates (19.05%) belonged to the Beijing family. Investigating all strains with 12 and 15 MIRU-VNTR showed that 11 loci were highly discriminative (HGI≥0.6) and QUB26 had the highest discriminatory power (HGI=0.84). Number of repeats in QUB11b was specific for Beijing genotype, and only MIRU16 was highly discriminator for this genotype. QUB26, Mtub21, MIRU39, MIRU27, MIRU23 and MIRU26 were moderately discriminator (0.4≤

We compared the effectiveness of 2 treatment regimens for isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in 42 patients attending a TB referral centre in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The patients were divided into 2 treatment groups: 26 received the 6-month standard HRZE treatment and 16 received a modified treatment of RZE for 6 months. There were no significant differences in age or sex of the groups. With the standard method of treatment, 21 (80.8%) patients were cured, 4 (15.4%) resulted in treatment failure, and 1 (3.8%) died. In the modified treatment group, 16 (100%) patients were cured. These differences were not statistically significantly different (P = 0.194). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zahra Rezasoltani,1 Mehrdad Taheri,2 Morteza Kazempour Mofrad,3 Seyed Amir Mohajerani2 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, AJA University of Medical Sciences, 2Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 3Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that can lead to painful and dysfunctional joints. Prolotherapy involves using injections to produce functional restoration of the soft tissues of the joint. Intra-articular injections are controversial because of the introduction of needles into the articular capsule.Objectives: To compare the effect of periarticular versus intra-articular prolotherapy on pain and disability in patients with knee OA.Study design: Randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.Setting: Single center, university hospital (Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran).Methods: A total of 104 patients with chronic knee OA were enrolled. In the intra-articular group, 8 mL of 10% dextrose and 2 mL of 2% lidocaine were injected. Injections were repeated at 1 and 2 weeks after the first injection. In the periarticular group, 5 mL of 20% dextrose and 5 mL of 1% lidocaine were injected subcutaneously at 4 points in the periarticular area. Pain and disability, as assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), were recorded at each follow-up visit at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 months post-injection.Results: The visual analog scale score was significantly lower in the periarticular compared with the intra-articular group at the 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-month visits but not at 1 month. Morning stiffness and difficulty in rising from sitting were improved in both groups and were not significantly different in the peri- and intra-articular groups. Pain, joint locking, and limitation scores were all improved in both groups. Difficulty in walking on flat surfaces or climbing stairs, and sitting and standing pain, were all improved in both groups from 1 to 5 months after treatment.Limitations: WOMAC scores are subjective and could be a limitation of the study.Conclusion: Periarticular prolotherapy has comparable effects on pain and disability due to knee OA to intra-articular injections, while avoiding risks of complications. Keywords: prolotherapy, knee, osteoarthritis, periarticular, acupuncture

Genetic variation in 60 isolates of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), the causal agent of rice bacterial blight disease, investigated using random amplifi ed polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. All of 60 strains isolated and characterized through 2006-2008 in Guilan province. Three populations: a) isolates from nursery, b) isolates from fi eld, and c) isolates from panicle studied. Eight decamer primers of RAPD amplifi ed 187 polymorphic bands. The largest and smallest fragments generated by 80.7 and OPA10 primers, respectively. The minimum amount of polymorphic information content was related to OPA12 primer (0.36) and the maximum amount of that was related to OPA10 primer (0.44). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) of data from RAPD analysis showed that the genetic variation within Xoo populations was greater than between populations. The similarity matrix conducted by Simple Matching coeffi cient and cluster analysis made by unweighted pair group method (UPGMA) with NTSYS-pc soft ware. At a similarity index of 0.6 the isolates were grouped into 3 clusters. These results revealed that the RAPD markers used in this study could differentiate nursery and fi eld isolates from each other.

The article presents information about bacterial diseases in stone fruit trees. Bacterial leaf spot caused by X. arboricola pv. pruni is an important bacterial disease in stone fruit trees. This disease is also called shot-hole and black spot because of the symptoms caused by the bacteria on the leaves of host trees. The main hosts of X. arboricola pv. pruni are Prunus spp. It attacks fruit trees like plums, peaches, cherries, apricots and almonds and also ornamental species of Prunus such as Prunus davidiana and P. laurocerasus.

Background and Purpose: Although the evolution of industrial systems toward digital technologies decreased the exposure to high levels of noise, it has created some problems encountered with low level and provoking noise (low frequency noise). In the present work, the mental performance of students exposed to low frequency and reference noises at low and high levels (45 & 65 dB) were studied. Additionally, other factors such as annoyance, sensitivity to low frequency noise and hearing status of participants were considered. Materials and Methods: After generating low frequency and reference noises required for the study, a pilot study was conducted. Then, 54 students participated in the main study after preliminary tests. Their mental performances were evaluated with standard psychological tests while they were exposed to low frequency and reference noises at 45 and 65 dBA. Results: The results showed that noise annoyance and low frequency noise sensitivity do not have a significant correlation with age and sex. The results also revealed that, low frequency noise at 65 dB can decrease concentration (P=0.003) and increase response time (P=0.039) of performance in comparison with low frequency noise at 45 dB. On the other hand, reference noise at 65 dB can increase speed (P<0.001) of performance in comparison with reference noise at 45 dB. Conclusion: Low frequency noise can reduce the mental performance and increase its response time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diagnosis of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is challenging due to nonspecific biomarkers. High serum levels of neurofilament protein light subunit (NFL), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and have been reported in several autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to examine whether their plasma levels could serve as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker for NPSLE., Methods: There were 90 SLE patients enrolled in this cross-sectional study (87.8% women and 12.2% men with a mean age of 41.67±11.05 years). We assessed the mental status of patients, also we measured the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR (SLICC/ ACR) Damage Index or SDI scores. Serum levels of NFL, HMGB1, MMP9, and ds-DNA were investigated to find a role in the pathophysiology of NPSLE., Results: Among the 90 patients with SLE, 63 (70%) met the criteria of NPSLE syndrome. Our results have shown a notable difference concerning SEDIAC-2k score, SDI score, PANS, MoCA, and Beck anxiety depression, between the two groups (p < 0.05). Although serum level of all measured serum biomarkers (NFL, MMP-9, HMGB1, dsDNA) were higher in patients with NPSLE, the difference was not statistically significant. Interestingly, our results showed that the serum level of NFL was correlated with the serum level of HMGB-1 and MMP-9. (r: 0.411, P=0.003)., Conclusion: Serum level of NFL, HMGB-1 and MMP-9 may be used to detect abnormal mental status in patients with SLE., Competing Interests: We declare no conflicts of interest., (© The Author(s).)

Early mild stress (EMS) is like preparedness and might help fish deal with stress appropriately. This study investigated how EMS and photoperiod changes can impact growth, haematology, blood biochemistry, immunological response, antioxidant system, liver enzymes, and stress response of oscar (Astronotus ocellatus; 7.29 ± 0.96 g) before and after acute confinement stress (AC stress). Ten experimental treatments included five different photoperiods 8L16D (08:16 light to dark), 12L12D (12:12 light to dark), 16L8D (16:08 light to dark), 20L4D (20:04 light to dark), and 24L0D (24:00 light to dark), and these five photoperiod schedules were conducted in an EMS condition. After 9 weeks, no significant differences were found in growth parameters, survival rate, and body composition. At the end of the experiment and after AC stress, fish farmed in 24 light hours had the lowest haematocrit, white blood cells, total protein, blood performance, lysozyme, immunoglobulin M, complement C3, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Fish that experienced EMS had significantly higher survival rates than those farmed in normal conditions (80.67% vs 61.33%). In conclusion, considering all measured parameters, 8-h light can be suggested as an optimum photoperiod for this fish species. Under 24L0D (no EMS) conditions, there were many negative effects apparent. In addition, a positive effect of EMS was evident in terms of survival after AC stress. AC stress decreased some health parameters under 24-h light treatment, while these results were not observed in EMS-exposed fish. Therefore, the EMS schedule can be a useful tool in preventing the negative effects of stress., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Stress responsiveness and fish meal (FM) replacement are two of the most important concerns toward achieving sustainable aquaculture. The purpose of this study was to see how early mild stress (netting) and FM replacement with meat and bone meal (MBM) affected oscar ( Astronotus ocellatus ; 5.2 ± 0.9 g) growth, hematology, blood biochemistry, immune responses, antioxidant system, liver enzymes, and stress responses. Oscars were subjected to a 3 × 3 experimental design (three fish meal replacement levels: 250, 180 and 110 g/kg of FM in diets; three stress periods: 0-, 2- and 3-times early mild stress). After ten weeks of the experiment, FM levels in diets did not affect growth data, but the survival rate after the acute confinement (AC) stress was lower in 11FM treatments (47.7% compared to 67.7%) than others. Fish exposed to the 3Stress schedule had a lower growth (31.03 ± 6.50 g) and survival rate (55.5%) after the AC stress than the 2Stress group (38.92 ± 6.82 g and 70.0%). Lower survival and growth rate in the 3Stress and 11FM groups coincided with the lowest blood performance, total protein, lysozyme, complement C4, complement C3, immunoglobulin, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and the highest glucose, cortisol, low-density lipoprotein and aspartate aminotransferase serum levels. Altogether, this study revealed that it is possible to replace FM with MBM up to 28% (180 g/kg of FM) without negative effects on the growth and health of juvenile oscar as dietary 110 g/kg of FM impaired fish health. While fish welfare should be considered, we can conclude that mild stress (2Stress) during the farming period, but without adding excessive alternative protein sources, can improve the stress responsiveness of oscar.

Introduction: Uncontrolled overproduction of inflammatory mediators is predominantly observed in patients with severe COVID-19. The excessive immune response gives rise to multiple organ dysfunction. Implementing extracorporeal therapies may be useful in omitting inflammatory mediators and supporting different organ systems. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of hemoperfusion in combination with standard therapy in critically ill COVID-19 patients., Method: We conducted a single-center, matched control retrospective study on patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients were treated with hemoperfusion in combination with standard therapy (hemoperfusion group) or standard treatment (matched group). Hemoperfusion or hemoperfusion and continuous renal replacement therapies were initiated in the hemoperfusion group. The patients in the matched group were matched one by one with the hemoperfusion group for age, sex, oxygen saturation (SPO2) at the admission, and the frequency of using invasive mechanical ventilation during hospitalization. Two types of hemoperfusion cartridges used in this study were Jafron© (HA330) and CytoSorb® 300., Result: A total of 128 COVID-19-confirmed patients were enrolled in this study; 73 patients were allotted to the matched group and 55 patients received hemoperfusion. The median SPO2 at the admission day in the control and hemoperfusion groups was 80% and 75%, respectively (p value = 0.113). The mortality rate was significantly lower in the hemoperfusion group compared to the matched group (67.3% vs. 89%; p value = 0.002). The median length of ICU stay was statistically different in studied groups (median, 12 days for hemoperfusion group vs. 8 days for the matched group; p < 0.001). The median final SPO2 was statistically higher in the hemoperfusion group than in the matched group, and the median PaCO2 was lower., Conclusion: Among critically ill COVID-19 patients, based on our study, the use of hemoperfusion may reduce the mortality rate and improve SPO2 and PaCO2., (© 2022 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Cryptosporidium spp. are opportunistic intestinal protozoans with global distribution and are of great importance as zoonotic protozoans are common to humans and domestic animals, including cattle and calves. Identification and detection of parasite species using precise methods including molecular methods can be an effective step in treating and controlling parasites., Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium among breeding calves of Khorramabad city, Lorestan province, Western Iran, using PCR., Methods: The faecal samples were taken from 181 healthy and diarrhoeal calves and after the Ziehl Neelsen Acid-fast staining and microscopic evaluation, the genomic DNA was extracted for molecular evaluations. To detect Cryptosporidium species, specific primers targeting the SAM-1 gene of Cryptosporidium and a commercial master mix were used for PCR., Results: Out of 181 faecal samples of breeding calves in Khorramabad city, 9 samples (5%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. using the PCR method. Statistical analysis of the data showed that there was no significant statistical relationship between Cryptosporidium infection of the calves and variables of age, breed, type of water consumption, clinical signs of diarrhoea, and sampling location, while parasite infection had a significant relationship with calf gender so that all Cryptosporidium positive samples were from male calves (p ≤ 0.05)., Conclusions: Considering the presence of Cryptosporidium infection, the region's traditional grazing system, and the close relationship between livestock and humans, there is a possibility of human infection in the region. So preventive measures such as periodic animal testing with sensitive and accurate diagnostic techniques including PCR, pharmacological treatment of livestock, water hygiene and the use of industrial grazing instead of traditional grazing to improve the hygiene of food consumed by livestock are recommended., (© 2022 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a critical regulator of the immune response, inflammation, cell growth, and survival. Canonical and non-canonical pathways, two NF-κB pathways, are activated through diverse stimulators and receptors. NF-κB activity is dysregulated in various inflammation-related diseases and cancers. It was found that the persistent NF-κB activity has a major role in proliferation, apoptosis inhibition, metastasis, and cell cycle disruption in cancer cells and also the survival of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within the tumors. Therefore, suppression of the NF-κB pathway could be a promising therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Different biological inhibitors (e.g., peptides, small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and antibodies (Abs)) have been demonstrated to inhibit the NF-κB pathway. Low stability in the circulation system, weak availability, and poor cellular uptake of some inhibitors limit their therapeutic applications. To address these drawbacks nanocarrier systems are often formulated and applied in drug delivery as an effective therapeutic approach. Targeted nanosystems (i.e., small molecules, peptides, Abs and Aptamers (Aps) conjugated nanocarriers), as well as smart responsive nanocarriers, can improve the efficiency of therapeutics while reducing the off-target toxicity. This review describes the NF-κB signaling pathways and mechanisms of their over-activation in tumor initiation and progression. The NF-κB inhibitors and their clinical applications are also discussed. It also overviews different nanocarriers used as robust vehicles for the delivery of NF-κB inhibitors and anti-tumor agents to improve the bioavailability of drugs and selective targeting of cancer cells to repress NF-κB activity in tumor cells., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Developing and modifying the policies of orphanages requires the availability of accurate information. This study aimed to compare caries and oral hygiene status among orphan and non-orphan children. This descriptive cross-sectional study took place in governmental orphanages and schools of both genders in Mashhad, Iran. The prevalence of caries was assessed using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Tooth (DMFT) index, and oral health status was assessed using the Oral Hygiene Index - Simplified (OHI-S). The results were statistically analyzed using a t-test and Chi-Square test. The mean DMFT was 3.36 in orphans and 2.10 in non-orphan children, which was not statistically significant (p=0.6). The mean dmft was 9.01 in the orphan group and 5.26 in the non-orphan group, which was statistically significant (p=0.003). The average OHI-S index was 2.30 in the group of orphan children and 1.05 in the non-orphan children, presenting a statistically significant difference (p=0.00). The prevalence of caries, especially in deciduous teeth, was high among orphan children. The oral health status of these children was worse than that of children living at home. Consequently, there is a need for proper planning to promote the oral health of children living in orphanages., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (©2022 JOURNAL of MEDICINE and LIFE.)

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a serious obstacle in front of public health. Interferon-beta 1a (IFN-β 1a) has been used to treat patients with COVID-19. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of high-dose IFN-β 1a compared to low dose IFN-β 1a in severe COVID-19 cases., Methods: In this randomized, controlled, and clinical trial, eligible patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections were randomly assigned to receive one of the two following therapeutic regimens: The intervention group was treated with high-dose IFN-β 1a (Recigen) (Subcutaneous injections of 88 μg (24 million IU) on days 1, 3, 6) + lopinavir /ritonavir (Kaletra) (400 mg/100 mg twice a day for 10 days, orally) and the control group was treated with low-dose IFN-β 1a (Recigen) (Subcutaneous injections of 44 μg (12 million IU) on days 1, 3, 6) + lopinavir /ritonavir (Kaletra) (400 mg/100 mg twice a day for 10 days, orally)., Result: A total of 168 COVID- 19 confirmed patients underwent randomization; 83 were assigned to the intervention group and 85 were assigned to the control group. Median Time To Clinical Improvement (TTIC) for cases treated with low-dose IFN-β1a was shorter than that for cases treated with high-dose IFN-β1a (6 vs 10 days; P = 0.018). The mortality rates in intervention and control group were 41% and 36.5%, respectively., Conclusion: The use of high-dose IFN-β 1a did not improve TTCI in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. Also, it did not have any significant effect on mortality reduction compared with treating with low-dose IFN-β 1a., Trial Registration: This trial has been registered as ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04521400., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Various types of toothpastes are claimed to be able to improve initial enamel caries. This study compared the effect of fluoride gel and two toothpastes on remineralization of initial caries lesions in primary teeth., Materials and Methods: A total of sixty-four sound extracted primary canine were immersed in demineralizing solution at 37°C for 96 h to produce artificial caries in vitro . Enamel pieces (3 × 3 × 5 mm) were prepared from each tooth and mounted in self cure acrylic blocks. The specimens were randomly assigned to four groups ( n = 16) based on treatment agent (fluoride gel, Chitodent toothpaste, ReminPro toothpaste, no treatment as control) and underwent a pH cycling model for 10 days. Vickers microhardness (VH) was measured before and after treatment. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance and paired t -test by SPSS 18 ( P < 0.05)., Results: No significant difference was found in VH between groups at baseline (fluoride group: 265.9 ± 44.8, Chitodent group: 282.6 ± 34.6, ReminPro group: 266.5 ± 26.6, control: 272.7 ± 32.5; P = 0.516). Microhardness significantly increased after exposure to ReminPro toothpaste (VH change: 24.1%, P < 0.001) and fluoride gel (VH change: 10.9%, P = 0.046), but no significant changes were observed in Chitodent (VH change: 2.8%, P = 0.635) and control (VH change: - 2.2%, P = 0.181) groups., Conclusion: ReminPro toothpaste might be effective in remineralizing initial carious lesions of primary teeth., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.)