مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی مازندران
پیاپی 223 (امرداد 1402)

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder.There are some studies about anti-depressant effect of piperien. This study is about the synergistic effect of piperine and memantine on behavior improvement and BDNF gene expression in depression model in rat brain.

In this experimental study, Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Negative control which received no drug, Positive control that received only 20 mg/kg corticosterone i.p., group 3 which received corticosterone+piperine (10 mg/kg, i.p.), and group 4 that received corticosterone + piperine (10mg/kg) + memantine (3mg/kg). After three weeks, the forced swim test for depression, the Plus-Maze test for anxiety and Openfield test for locomotor activity assay were done. Data analysis was carried out by One-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. The study of BDNF gene expression was also performed using Real-time PCR.

The results of water swim test and plus-maze showed a significant difference between corticosterone+piperine+memantine group and corticosterone+piperine(P<0.05). The gene expression study revealed that increased expression of BDNF occurred in piperine+corticosterone group and piperine+ memantine+corticosterone group compared with coticosterone alone group and piperine+corticosterone+ memantine group compared with piperine+corticosterone group (P<0.05).

In current study, piperine and memantine alone and in combination diminished depression and anxiety that also caused increased BDNF expression.

Lead poisoning induces oxidative stress and causes disorders in several organs. Iron-chelating drugs can form a complex with toxic metals such as lead and lower their content in the blood and tissues. This study aims to examine the antioxidant effects of Deferasirox, Deferiprone, and their combination in rats with subchronic lead exposure.

In this interventional study, lead poisoning was induced in Sprague-Dawley male rats by gavage administration of 30 mg/kg lead acetate for 60 days. The animals were treated with Deferasirox (140 mg/kg), Deferiprone (300 mg/kg), and their combination through oral gavage from days 47 to 60 of the experiment (14 days). Lead concentration was measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. We examined malondialdehyde (MDA) level, nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) as nitro-oxidative stress markers, glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the blood, brain, liver, kidney, and testis. Data analysis was performed in Graphpad Prism software applying one-way variance analysis and Tukey's test.

Lead poisoning increased the concentration of this metal and nitro-oxidative stress and decreased the TAC and GSH in the brain, liver, kidney, and testis (P<0.05). Alone or in combination, Defropyrone and Defrasirox lowered the lead content in the blood and tissues of rats. In addition, treatment with these two chelators resulted in drops in MDA and NOx levels and increase in TAC and GSH levels (P<0.05), although these effects were most pronounced when the medicines were administered together.

In addition to their antioxidant properties, it seems that Defropyrone and Defrasirox have synergistic effects in lowering lead content in blood and other tissues.

Fatty liver disease and overcoming it is a health concern. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a period of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and somatotropin injection on hepatocyte apoptosis markers and atherogenic index in mice with fatty liver disease.

In this basic experimental study, 21 male mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=7): control (C), exercise (HIIT), Exercise + somatotropin (H-GH). The HITT was performed for eight weeks/ five sessions a week. The speed was 25 meters per minute at the beginning which increased to 70 meters per minute at the end of week eight. The somatropin dosage was 1 mg/kg. Markers, including CK-18, paraoxonase, insulin resistance, ALT/AST ratio, and LDL/HDL were measured. Statistical analysis was carried out using One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test.

CK18 values significantly decreased only in the HIIT group (P=0.01). Paraoxonase levels in both HIIT (P=0.00) and H-GH (P=0.01) groups significantly increased compared to the control group. Between groups changes of HOMA-IR index significantly reduced in the HIIT group (P=0.05) and slightly increased in the H-GH group but was not significant (P=0.36). The ratio of ALT/AST in both HIIT (P=0.02) and H-GH (P=0.03) groups significantly reduced. LDL/HDL ratio showed significant decrease only in the HIIT group (P=0.01).

High-intensity interval training produced a more effective response in improving the markers of none alcoholic fatty liver disease than GH. Injection of growth hormone alone can have negative consequences on some indicators of the disease.

Identifying the prognostic factors of malignancies is of particular importance in therapeutic decisions and identification of high-risk patients. Since the papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid malignancy, we aimed to investigate the expression and prognostic role of CD44 in patients with PTC.

This cross-sectional study was performed in patients with PTC who underwent thyroidectomy in Tehran Mostafa Khomeini Hospital, 2015-2019. Demographic information, and macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the tumor were extracted from pathology reports. CD44 expression was classified from negative to extremely positive. We assessed the correlation between CD44 expression and patients' demographic characteristics and clinicopathological characteristics of the tumor.

Eighty PTC patients (58 females and 22 males) with a mean age of 40.85±4.59 years were studied. The frequency of lymph node and capsule invasion were 27.5% and 48.8%, respectively. The mean tumor size was 3.55±2.27 cm. All patients had more than 5% CD44 expression. Strongly positive and extremely positive cases of CD44 expression accounted for 43.8% and 21.3% of the cases, respectively. There was no significant difference in CD44 expression according to sex, age, and tumor size (P> 0.05). But, CD44 expression was found to be significantly associated with lymph node invasion (OR= 7.55) and especially capsule invasion (OR= 24.52).

Considering the relationship between CD44 expression and capsule and lymph node invasion in PTC, this biomarker can be used as a prognostic factor of more invasive disease in patients with PTC.

The definitive role of mast cells and angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of Peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) of the oral cavity is not yet fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mast cell counts (MCs) and microvascular density (MVD) and investigating the relationship between them and PGCG of the oral cavity.

In this descriptive-analytic study, 50 samples were selected from the archieve of oral pathology department in dental school at Zahedan University of Medical Sciences using census. The samples included 40 PGCG and 10 normal oral tissues that were stained by immunohistochemistry (CD31 antibody) and toluidine blue to identify MVD and MCs, respectively. Data were analyzed using T-test, Pearson correlation test in SPSS V.21.

The mean number of mast cells was 38.51±36.43 in PGCG and 14±3.21 in normal tissues indicating significant difference between the two groups (P= 0.041). Findings showed a significant difference in MVD between PGCG group (93.34±64.43) and normal tissues (41.9±16.7) (P=0.017). MVD and MCs below the epithelium were found to be higher compared with those in deeper area of connective tissue. No correlation was found between the MCs and MVD (r=0.003, P=0.982).

In the present study, mast cells count and microvascular density were higher in PGCG than normal tissue which could explain the role of mast cells and the subsequent process of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of this reactive lesion of the oral cavity, but no correlation was found between the mast cells count and microvascular density.

Perturbation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is known as one of the prominent features of obesity. Combining a healthy diet and exercise can improve health and performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Pilates training (PT) and resveratrol (RSV) on endoplasmic reticulum stress indicators in middle-aged obese women.

In this clinical trial, 40 obese adult women with the mean age of 42.74±5.70 years and body mass index of 31.76±1.37 kg/m2 in Tehran were randomly allocated into four groups; Placebo (C), Pilates Training (PT), Resveratrol (RSV), and Pilates Training-Resveratrol (PTRSV). The PT groups did the training program with 14-16 RPE for 8 weeks, 3 times/week. The RSV and PTRSV groups were provided with 500 mg RSV tablets every morning. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and ANCOVA.

According to findings, PT and RSV decreased Glucose-regulating protein 78 (GRP78) (P=0.001 and P=0.007, respectively) and Tribbles homolog 3 (TRB3) (P=0.0001 and P=0.0001, respectively). Simultaneous intervention of PT and RSV also reduced GRP78 and TRB3 more than other groups (P<0.05).

PT and RSV supplementation could improve the endoplasmic reticulum stress in middle-aged obese women by altering the levels of GRP78 and TRB3. However, the simultaneous effect of PT and RSV was found to be better on these indices.

Population aging is a global phenomenon and increase in the number of people over 60 yeas of age proves that the world is aging.  An important component of successful aging is maintaining muscle mass and its function throughout life. This study investigated the relationship between vitamin D serum level and muscle strength in the elderly as one of the important components of successful aging.

In this cross-sectional study, out of 1,616 people who participated in the Amirkla Elderly Cohort, 720 people were randomly selected by considering eligibility criteria. The participants were divided according to their Vitamin D serum concentrations: Vitamin D deficiency (20ng/ml>), inadequate (30ng/ml>Vitamin D>20ng/ml), and sufficient (30ng/ml<). Hand muscle strength was measured using DIGI Hand Dynamometer, and quadriceps muscle strength was measured by the MMT clinical grading system that was divided into weak and sufficient according to the standard cut-off point. SPSS V17 was used and data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA, Chi-square, and Spearman's correlation.

This study was conducted in 720 elderly people (360 men and 360 women) in Amirkola, north of Iran. Mean arm muscle strength was 25.84±9.8 and mean quadriceps muscle strength was 22.55±10.4. The average level of vitamin D was 35.15±33.73. There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of arm and quadriceps muscle strength (P=0.272, P=0.370, respectively). In men, there was a positive correlation between BMI and arm muscle strength and quadriceps muscle strength (r=0.161, P=0.002 and r=0.168, P=0.0001). In women, there was a positive correlation between physical activity and arm muscle strength and quadriceps muscle strength (r=0.19, P=0.0001 and r=0.22, P=0.0001, respectively).

This study showed no significant relationship between serum vitamin D levels and muscle strength.

In rhinoplasty, bleeding reduces the surgeon's vision, so bleeding control is very important. Also, edema and ecchymosis are the most common side effects of rhinoplasty. Many drugs have been used to reduce edema and ecchymosis around the eyes after surgery, but they are not suitable for all patient groups due to some side effects. Administration of magnesium sulfate before or during surgery is approved which can stabilize hemodynamic parameters, especially by reducing blood pressure and heart rate. Labtalol is also a competitive blocker of alpha-1 and beta-adrenergic receptors, which reduces heart rate and blood pressure. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of intravenous magnesium sulfate and labetalol on bleeding during rhinoplasty and also edema and ecchymosis afterwards.

In this double-blind clinical trial, 60 rhinoplasty candidates were randomly assigned to receive either magnesium sulfate or labetalol. Magnesium sulfate infusion was done at 30-50mg/kg before induction of anesthesia and 10-20mg/kg/h during the surgery. Labetalol administration at 1mg/min was done during the surgery. We measured heart rate, bleeding rate, surgeon's satisfaction, postoperative complications, edema, and ecchymosis in both groups. The variables were analyzed in STATA V14 applying t-test, ANOVA, ANCOVA, and Chi-square.

In this study, 86.7% of patients were women. The average bleeding in the labetalol group (50.3±28.5cc) was less than that in the sulfate group (76.7±66.4cc) and this difference was on the borderline of significance (P≤0.05). The surgeon's satisfaction was significantly higher in the labetalol group (P<0.05). Edema (24 hours after the operation) and orthostatic hypotension were significantly lower in the sulfate group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of average heart rate, sore throat, headache, respiratory depression, and ecchymosis rate (P>0.05).

According to this study, magnesium sulfate can be used in rhinoplasty to reduce edema and ecchymosis.

Palpation of the radial pulse is a valuable clinical tool and one of the most useful physical examinations in medical care. The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between the number of pulses measured by the radial artery and the pulses recorded by electrocardiogram (ECG).

We conducted a correlational study and the research population included patients attending Emergency Department in Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital. The pulse rate was recorded by measuring the radial pulse rate of the left hand and the heart rate using an electrocardiogram device. In case of regular rhythm, the number of beats was measured for 15, 30, and 60 seconds using a digital stopwatch and multiplied by 4, 2, and 1, respectively.

There was a slight difference in pulse rate between the radial artery measurement for 15 seconds and the ECG that was statistically significant (P<0.001), but this difference was not significant for 30 and 60 seconds (P>0.05). The ICC correlation coefficient between pulse rates for 15, 30, and 60 seconds and ECG was high (above 0.98).

Based on the present study, instead of electrocardiogram, radial pulse count for 30 seconds multiplied by 2 can be used in clinical conditions, especially in emergency.

During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, some studies showed that control of blood pressure reduces the burden of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of antihypertensive drugs on the outcome of COVID-19.

In this cross-sectional retrospective study, we used the medical records of 129 patients with high blood pressure and COVID-19 hospitalized in hospitals affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. The outcome of the disease such as length of stay in hospital, transfer to intensive care units, the need for ventilator, death, etc. were recorded. Data analysis was done in Stata 17. Fisher's exact test, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and simple logistic regression were used.

The average age of patients was 64.4±11.3 years and 44.2% had at least one underlying disease. There was no significant relationship between the type of antihypertensive drugs, underlying diseases, gender, age and the outcome of COVID-19 such as ICU admission, use of mechanical ventilation, and death (P>0.05). A significant relationship was observed between hospital length of stay and the dosage of antihypertensive drugs (P<0.01, 95% CI: -0.85, -4.47).

Antihypertensive drugs were not linked to the prognosis of hypertensive patients with COVID-19.

Toluene, is usually present in gasoline, thinner, and other petroleum products and is one of the volatile organic compounds that causes air pollution and adverse health effects. The aim of this study was to determine the kinetics of toluene removal from the air by photocatalytic method using foam glass coated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

In this experimental study, a glass chamber was used as a closed space. A quartz tube filled by glass foam coated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles was used as air filter. The air filter was placed inside the chamber and an air suction pump was connected to it and a UV lamp was installed next to the air filter. Toluene was injected into the chamber. The contaminated air was passed through the filter and circulated in the chamber. Air samples were taken from the chamber and concentration of toluene was analyzed by Gas Chromatograph.

Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis showed that the average diameter of pores in glass foam was 6 nm and the specific surface area of foam glass was 36 m2/g. The SEM images confirmed coating of titanium dioxide on the surface of glass foam. Toluene removal without UV irradiation was 46%, 40%, and 37%, for 18.5, 37, and 55.5 mg/m3, respectively in 2 hour contact time, but in the presence of UV radiation the toluene removal was 100%, 95%, and 90%, respectively in contact time of 80 min. The kinetics of toluene decomposition was pseudo first order.

Glass foam can be used as a photocatalyst stabilization base to remove BTEX from the air.  This is a suitable method in removing volatile organic compounds from the air in closed spaces.

Hypoxia or lack of oxygen in tissues can cause death or serious injury. Betaine is a natural product that is beneficial in some diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. It is found in spinach, shrimp, beets, and grains. This research was conducted to investigate the anti-hypoxic activities of betaine in three experimental models of hypoxia in mice.

Protective effects of betaine at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p. against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice were evaluated in three experimental models of hypoxia; asphyctic, haemic, and circulatory. Analysis of variance was performed followed by Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons to determine the differences in means.

In circulatory model, betaine at 50 mg/kg, significantly prolonged mice survival time and showed similar activity to propranolol 30 mg/kg which was used as positive control (P>0.05). At 100 mg/kg, it was more effective than propranolol (P<0.0001). In haemic antihypoxic model, betaine 25 mg/kg, significantly increased survival time and showed the same activity as propranolol 20 mg/kg (P>0.05), while at 100 mg/kg, it was more effective than propranolol (P<0.05). In asphyctic model, betaine 12.5 mg/kg significantly prolonged survival time compared to the control group (P<0.05).

Betaine showed good protective effects against hypoxia in circulatory and heamic models where the drug at 100 mg/kg, was more effective than propranolol at 30 mg/kg.

Disturbance in the immune system is one of the main causes of endometriosis. Previous studies have shown the role of physical activity and antioxidant supplements on regulating the expression of genes related to improving the immune system, and reducing inflammation and infection. The present study examines the effect of swimming and vitamin E supplementation on the expression of NFKβ1 and P65 genes in endometriosis model rats.

Thirty female rats were divided into six groups (n=5 per group); healthy, endometriosis, without exercise-saline-endometriosis, exercise-saline-endometriosis, without exercise supplement-endometriosis, and exercise-supplement-endometriosis. Endometriosis was surgically induced. Physical activity included swimming for eight weeks, five sessions/week and 30 minutes/session, and supplement was provided by daily gavage of 200 mg of vitamin E/kg for eight weeks. Twenty four hours after the last swimming session, the animals were sacrificed and the endometriosis tissue was removed. Relative expression levels of NFKB1 and P65 genes were measured using Real-Time PCR. Data were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA.

Induction of endometriosis caused a significant increase in the expression of genes studied (P<0.05). Exercise and vitamin E independently caused a significant decrease in the genes expression in rats (P<0.05). No synergistic effect was observed regarding the effect of exercise and vitamin E on the dependent variables (P>0.05).

According to this study, swimming and vitamin E supplement can be considered in improving endometriosis.

Gallstones are caused by the accumulation and high density of fat-soluble substances inside the gallbladder. Cichorium intybus and Artemisia absinthium have phenol and flavonoid compounds and are believed to have a potential effect on solubility of gallstones. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of the extracts of Cichorium intybus root and Artemisia absinthium aerial part in solubility of gallstones.

In this experimental study, gallstones were collected from Sari Shafa Hospital and the stone compounds were identified by UV and DSC. The gallstones were then cut into equal size and weight (200 mg). Acidic, alkaline, and distilled water media were prepared as control groups along with the experimental groups which contained Cichorium and Artemisia extracts at 1 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml, 500 mg/ml, respectively. A gallstone sample was placed in each media and the dissolution rate of the stone compounds was measured by an auto-analyzer after 24 and 48 hours.

The UV spectrum showed the presence of bilirubin in the gallstones and the DSC thermogram showed the presence of cholesterol in the stones. Examination of isolated gallstone compounds showed that Cichorium extract at 500 mg could dissolve 75% of triglycerides (P<0.001) and the Artemisia extract at 500 mg could dissolve 63% of cholesterol which were significantly different compared to control groups (P<0.01).

According to current study, Cichorium and Artemisia have a significant effect on the dissolution of gallstones.

Understanding consumer behavior has a crucial role in marketing process. Successful pharmaceutical marketing affects consumer behavior. In this study we aimed to identify the effect of social media purchasing behavior of patients in pharmacies in Sari, Mazandaran province, Iran.

This descriptive study was carried out in 427 people attending private pharmacies in three regions in Sari, September 2019. We collected data using a researcher-made questionnaire. In order to achieve a proper framework for designing the questionnaire, 16 articles were systematically reviewed. They were selected from 15855 articlrs published until Septemer 2020. Finally a questionnaire consisting of 20 multiple choice questions and an evaluation table was created.

Among the participants, 31.4% attended the pharmacies to purchase physicians’ prescription, mainly to buy cold medicines (20.6%) and vitamins and supplements (12.2%). Meanwhile, 58.5% of these people reported efficacy of drugs as the main reason for buying medicine from pharmacies. The most used social media was the internet (51.3%) and 28.2% of the participants believed that online advertising was the best marketing strategy that attracted them to buy high quality and low cost health products.

Current study showed the influence of social media on consumer behavior. So, pharmaceutical companies are able to use these results for effective marketing and branding.

Cryotherapy, which causes inflammation, is one of the methods used in treatment of warts. Including a topical steroid in a regular wound care regimen slows the course of damage and promotes re-epithelialization. The purpose of this study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of topical betamethasone valerate on inflammation after cryotherapy in patients with warts compared to placebo.

Twenty people were included in a double blind clinical trial. Cryotherapy was used on both sides of the body to treat the lesions. Following cryotherapy, topical betamethasone was applied to the lesions on one side, while placebo ointment was applied to the lesions on the opposite side. The patient's symptoms were documented during four visits. To assess pain intensity, the visual pain scale (VAS) was used. Finally, treatment evaluation was scored during these four sessions. SPSS V16 was used to analyze the data.

None of the samples at the end of the study had hypertrophic or atrophic scars and depigmentation, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation lesions. Mean erythema, pain, frequency of blistering and frequency of edema during 14 days of follow-up were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05).

During the 14-day follow-up period after therapy, topical betamethasone had no effect on the incidence of blisters and edema, as well as the average score of pain and erythema. As a result, this treatment modality cannot be used to relieve inflammation following cryotherapy in patients with warts.

In detection of precancerous lesions of the cervix, HPV testing is more sensitive than cytology alone. This study aimed at investigating PCR HPV in Pap smear specimens in women in Sari, Iran.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed to investigate the prevalence of HPV in Pap smear samples of women attending dermatology, infectious diseases, or women centers in Sari Touba Clinic due to cutaneous warts. Two samples were taken from 50 patients by brush or spatula; one sample for Pap smear and cell cytopathic effects and the second sample was used for HPV PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS V22.

There were three (6%) HPV-positive samples. Ten patients (20%) had a history of sexual contact with a person with warts. Findings showed significant relationships between HPV infection and history of contact with a person with warts and a history of recurrent vaginal infections (P<0.01).

In this study, the majority of Pap smear results showed mild or moderate inflammation. Also, there was a significant relationship only between HPV infection and history of contact with a person with warts and history of recurrent vaginal infections. Accurate and timely diagnosis of HPV can facilitate early detection and prevent cervical cancer in Iranian women.

Appendicitis is one of the reasons for abdominal pain and the most common cause of referral to pediatric emergency departments. There are different results on the frequency and complications of appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to compare the frequency and complications of acute appendicitis in children who underwent laparotomy before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Babol Children's Hospital, north of Iran.

This retrospective study was conducted in 172 children with acute appendicitis who underwent laparotomy. Children were divided into two groups according to the time of referral; before the COVID-19 pandemic (between December 2018 and November 2019) and during the pandemic (between March 2019 and February 2020).  Surgeon’s observations in laparotomy and also the complications (perforation, abscess, gangrene, and peritonitis) were recorded. Data analysis was carried out using Chi-score and paired t-test.

The children studied included 94 before the COVID-19 pandemic and 78 during the pandemic. The average age was 7.76±2.89 years. Findings showed that 165 (95.9%) and 7 (4.1%) children had confirmed and unconfirmed appendicitis, respectively, indicating no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.45). The complications of appendicitis (perforation, gangrene, abscess, and peritonitis) were 8.25% before the pandemic and 34.2% during the pandemic (P=0.24). There was no significant difference between the two groups in average time interval between the onset of pain and attending the hospital (P=0.38).

In this study, the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect the frequency of acute appendicitis in children. These results probably indicate the proper performance of the treatment staff and the parents' rapid response to their child’s acute abdominal symptoms during the pandemic.

Palate and lip cleft are prevalent congenital deformities in children that have a multi-factorial etiology involving both genetic and environmental factors. The present study assessed the orthodontic-related quality of life in children with palate and lip cleft.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 83 people with palate and lip cleft attending private dental clinics in Sari, Iran. They were selected via convenience sampling. Orthognathic quality of life questionnaire was completed by patients. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire is confirmed. The quality of life of the participants was determined from different dimensions, including social aspects, dental-facial beauty, oral function, and awareness of dental-facial beauty. One-way analysis of variance, t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data.

The study included 41 girls and 42 boys with mean age of 12.46 years (8-18 years of age). The frequency of cleft lip and palate, cleft lip, and cleft palate were 49.4%, 22.9%, and 27.7%, respectively. The study showed no significant difference between patients with different types of cleft lip and palate in terms of the total score for quality of life and its dimensions (P=0.02). We found no significant relationship between age and dimensions of quality of life (P<0.05). Age was found to be weakly correlated with the scores of the awareness domain (r=0.24, P=0.02).

The quality of life was found to be at an average level in the population studied. The quality of life was not different between patients with cleft lip or palate.

Condensing osteitis is the local reaction of bone to a pulp inflammatory stimulus with low intensity and long duration and is the most common radiopaque pathogen lesion in the jaw. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of condensing osteitis in apex of teeth with deep caries and restorations in panoramic radiographs.

This cross-sectional study evaluated panoramic radiographs of 2039 patients attending Sari Dental School clinic for dental treatments during 2018-19. Demographic information, including age and sex were recorded. All panoramic radiographs were taken with Cranex D (soredex, Finland) panoramic device and Ortho CP-G Plus films. Lesions in the area of teeth with extensive restoration or deep caries (condensing osteitis) were examined in both jaws. Data were analyzed in SPSS V21 using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Fisher's exact test and Chi-square.

According to findings, 364 panoramic radiographs had condensing osteitis. The frequency of radiopacity at the apex of teeth with condensing osteitis was significantly higher in women than men (P=0.042). But there was no significant association between condensing osteitis and border, shape, jaw type, tooth type, and age (P<0.05).

This study showed a relatively high prevalence of condensing osteitis in our patients in dental clinic at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Current findings support the theory that condensing osteitis lesions may form a reaction associated with severely decayed, restored, or pulpitized teeth.

Congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract account for about 30% of malformations diagnosed in children. These malformations may have derived from cellular and molecular deterioration. Some of these abnormalities, including accessory renal arteries, ureter duplication, and lobulated kidneys require early diagnosis before kidney transplantation and pelvic surgeries. During the routine dissection of an about 60-year-old man cadaver at Arak University of Medical Sciences, some congenital anomalies of the urinary system, including bilateral ureter on the left side and lobulated of both kidneys were observed. In this case, also an accessory renal artery was originated from the abdominal aorta and entered the lower pole of the left kidney hilum. Immediate identification of accessory renal arteries and duplicated ureters are necessary for kidney transplantation and prevention of vesicoureteral reflux. Early diagnosis of these problems through clinical symptoms and radiographic images before surgery is important as it reduces the possibility of errors or surgery compilations.