مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی بابل
سال بیست و هفتم شماره 1 (پیاپی 142، فروردین 1404)

Anti-Müllerian hormone is used as an indicator of ovarian reserve in the diagnosis of infertility. Vitamin D regulates the serum levels of this hormone. Considering the importance of nutritional factors in the reproductive process, the aim of the present study is to summarize the available evidence on the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum levels of Anti-Müllerian hormone.

In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched until December 2023 without time limit using the keywords "vitamin D", "Anti-Müllerian hormone" and related synonyms. Interventional studies aimed at investigating the effect of vitamin D on the serum levels of Anti-Müllerian hormone were included in the study. Observational, laboratory or combined intervention studies (combination of vitamin D and other supplements) were excluded.

From a total of 82 retrieved studies, 75 studies were excluded due to various reasons (lack of sufficient data, combined intervention, Anti-Müllerian hormone evaluation, laboratory study) and finally seven studies with a total of 282 participants were included in meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference between the two intervention groups and the control group was -0.09 (95% CI: -0.73 to 0.56), which indicated the ineffectiveness of vitamin D on increasing the level of Anti-Müllerian hormone. After aggregating the standardized mean difference of women with polycystic ovary syndrome, no statistically significant difference was seen between the intervention and control groups (standardized mean difference: -0.63, 95% CI: -1.74 to 0.47). Also, the integrated standardized mean difference among women without polycystic ovary syndrome was reported to be non-significant (standardized mean difference: 0.41, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.84).

According to the available evidence, vitamin D supplementation is not effective on the serum level of Anti-Müllerian hormone. Conducting multiple clinical trials with a large sample size is recommended.

Oral reactive lesions are the most common oral disease. Recent studies have insisted on the presence of macrophages as a crucial component of oral reactive lesions’ microenvironment. The aim of the present study was to compare the macrophages frequency in three common oral reactive lesions by marker CD68 in order to determine the relationship between the frequency of macrophages and the type of the lesion.

In this cross-sectional analytic study, 20 samples of each of the three groups of pyogenic granuloma (PG), irritation fibroma (IF), and peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF), which were prepared by excisional biopsy, were retrieved from the Department of Oral Pathology of Isfahan Dental School. Clinical information including age, gender, and location of the lesions was extracted. In order to determine the frequency of macrophages, immunohistochemical staining for CD68 was performed and the expression level was determined by two oral pathologists with a light microscope blindly and simultaneously based on the SID (Staining intensity distribution) index.

The mean SID±SD indices for PG, IF and POF were 9.15±3.86, 2.2±3.69 and 6.4±4.55, which showed a statistically significant difference regarding the type of the lesions (p<0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant difference between CD68 expression of PG with IF, PG with POF and POF with (p<0.001, p=0.027, p<0.001).

According to the results of this study, macrophages are present as an important part of PG, POF and IF microenvironments in different levels. Therefore, they might be associated with the development of the disease, as well as being used in identifying the type of oral lesion.

MicroRNAs are a new group of small regulatory RNAs, some of which are expressed differently in normal and tumor tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of miR-361 in breast tumor tissue of patients with breast cancer.

In this cross-sectional study conducted from January 2012 to February 2021 in Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, 30 breast cancer samples were grouped based on clinicopathological characteristics including tumor size, cancer stage, lymphovascular invasion, molecular subtypes, etc. Then, expression analysis was performed using Real-Time PCR, and the expression level of miR-361 gene in tumor and healthy samples and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics were investigated.

The expression of miR-361 was significantly reduced by 1.5-fold in cancerous tissue compared to adjacent normal tissue, and this reduction in expression was only significantly associated with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (p=0.02). The expression level was also significantly reduced in tumors larger than or equal to 3 cm (0.93±0.79) compared to smaller tumors (0.17±0.18) (p=0.031). The ratio of reduction in miR-361 expression in stages (I & II) compared to (III & IV) was 0.29±0.44 and 0.91±1.31, respectively (p=0.308). On the other hand, the ratio of decreased expression in the two groups with and without lymphovascular invasion was determined to be 0.39±0.33 (p=0.682) and 0.15±0.16 (p=0.547), respectively, but this difference was not statistically significant. The AUC for miR-361 for breast cancer diagnosis was 0.71 (p=0.031).

Based on the results of this study, and considering the role of miR-361 in breast cancer progression and its relationship with clinicopathological factors, it may be possible to introduce it as a new diagnostic marker in breast cancer.

Chemical drugs are effective for wound healing, but herbal drugs with relative safety mainly reduce the adverse effects of chemical drugs in wound healing. The use of Opuntia ficus-indica oil and punica granatum oil as a natural remedy is prevalent due to the perceived beneficial properties. The aim of the present study is to compare the impact of “opuntia oil” and “punica oil” separately and in combination on skin wound healing.

This triple-blind clinical trial included 32 male adult New Zealand rabbits with a mean weight ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 Kg. Four circular standardized wounds were created on the dorsal region of each rabbit using a sterile biopsy punch with a diameter of 8 mm. The wounds intentionally left uncovered and the wound on the upper right side was not treated. The wound located on the upper left side was subjected to treatment with Opuntia ficus-indica oil. Punica granatum oil was used to treat a wound located on the lower right side. The lower-left-side wound was ultimately treated with a mixture of opuntia ficus-indica oil and punica granatum oil. The three experimental groups received daily treatment including topical application of 10 µl of opuntia ficus-indica oil, punica granatum oil, or a combination of these two oils, and wound healing in the groups was compared on days 1, 3, 7, and 14.

Wound healing in experimental groups showed a significant difference compared to the control group. The combination group exhibited the greatest mean value of wound contraction at day 14, reaching 84.6% at the experimental site. The analysis of inflammatory cell count revealed that the experimental groups treated with punica granatum oil exhibited the greatest mean values, reaching 68% on day one. Additionally, the mean values of epithelial thickness rose with time in all groups, with the combination group displaying a mean value of 38.5±3.5 um on day 14. There were notable differences between the control and experimental groups throughout all healing phases.

The results of the study showed that both opuntia ficus-indica oil and punica granatum oil are effective in wound healing compared to the control groups.

One of the problems in aesthetic treatment is the fabrication of monolithic ceramic restorations that have both the ability to cover discolored substrate and appropriate translucency so that it can have similar appearance to the remaining dental structure. The aim of this study was to determine the color coverage of two types of medium translucency lithium disilicate (LDS) ceramic restorations by spectrophotometry.

In this in-vitro study, 15 A2 colored LDS discs using heat-pressed technique were prepared in two methods MT monolithic LDS discs (thickness of 1.5 mm) and core-veneer discs (0.9 mm MT veneer and 0.6 mm high opacity core). The discs were placed on 3 substrates: amalgam, composite and non-precious gold-colored alloy (NPG). Therefore, there were five groups (n=3); monolithic discs on amalgam (ML-A), monolithic discs on NPG (ML-NPG), monolithic discs on composite (ML-C), core-veneer discs on amalgam (H-A) and core-veneer discs on NPG (H-NPG). The color coordinates of samples were measured three times under the same lighting conditions on black and white backgrounds. CIEDE 2000 (ΔE00) and translucency parameter (TP) were calculated. One-way analysis of variance and Post-hoc Tuckey test at significance level of 0.05 were used for analysis.

The highest and the lowest value of ΔE00 was observed in H-NPG (6.80±0.73) and H-A (1.43±0.19) groups, respectively. There was a significant difference between the studied groups in terms of ΔE00 (p<0.001). The highest and the lowest amount of TP was observed in H-NPG (8.33±0.14) and ML-NPG (2.53±0.82) groups, respectively. There was a significant difference between the studied groups in terms of translucency parameters (p<0.001).

Monolithic LDS disc covers NPG substrate better and LDS core-veneer disc covers amalgam substrate better.

Most new fathers experience a lot of stress when their newborn is admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). However, most studies have focused on the needs of mothers. The aim of this study is to compare postpartum depression, psychological distress, resilience, and psychological well-being in new fathers of infants admitted to the NICU and fathers of healthy infants.

This case-control study was conducted on 120 new fathers in two groups of 60 cases (admitted to the NICU) and 60 controls (with healthy newborns) referring to the NICU and specialized clinics of Shafizadeh and Ayatollah Rouhani Hospitals in Babol. Participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) with a score range of (0-30), the Ryff's Psychological Wellbeing Scale (RSPWB-18) with a score range of (18-108), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) with a score range of (0-100), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18) with a score range of (0-72), and the results were reviewed and compared.

In the case group, the mean scores of postpartum depression (12.6±4.12 vs. 8.32±1.64) and psychological distress (54.55±10.48 vs. 44.45±7.03) were significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.001). Moreover, the scores of psychological well-being (80.66±10.18 vs. 86.73±5.80) and resilience (59.81±10.99 vs. 71.05±34.7) were significantly lower (p<0.001). The frequency of postpartum depression symptoms in Edinburgh questionnaire with cut-off point of EPDS≥10 in the group of fathers with infants admitted to the NICU was about 3.5 times that of fathers with healthy infants (46 vs. 12) (p<0.001). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that in new fathers with infants admitted to the NICU, the chance of developing depressive symptoms increases 5-fold (p=0.002, OR=5.217), which increases with age (p=0.046, OR=1.155), but decreases with the increase in resilience (p=0.001, OR=0.865).

The results of the study showed that the risk of depression in fathers with infants admitted to the NICU is 5 times higher than fathers with healthy infants. Therefore, timely identification and treatment of postpartum depression is recommended for new fathers with infants admitted to the NICU.

Neurofibromatosis is a medical disorder associated with nerve and skin tumors. These tumors can affect the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The present study was conducted to introduce a rare case of piriform sinus neurofibroma in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Case Report: 

The patient is an 11-year-old boy who had a history of surgery for neurofibroma on the right side of the neck and was referred for mass removal surgery due to a palpable mass on the left side of the neck, with no other specific symptoms. During the preparation for the surgery, the anesthesiologist noticed a mass in the larynx area, which led to surgery cancellation and the MRI images were reviewed again. After two weeks, the patient returned to the hospital to have the laryngeal mass removed. During laryngoscopy, the surgeon identified and removed a submucosal mass in the larynx area. After examination of the lesion by a pathologist, asymptomatic neurofibroma was diagnosed. The primary treatment for this patient included surgery to remove the neurofibromatosis-associated tumors. The result of the treatment was successful, and a one-year follow-up treatment was carried out, which included post-surgery care, periodical imaging, evaluation of the nervous system and examination of other symptoms of neurofibromatosis along with close monitoring.

Based on the results of this study, the identification of neurofibromatosis-associated masses in uncommon places such as the larynx requires precision in imaging and surgical evaluations.

The major effect of the placenta is caused by the change of angiogenic factors in hypertensive disorders, which leads to chronic hypoxic changes in the placenta. The main objective of this research is to investigate the effect of blood pressure on the placenta and fetus during pregnancy and to identify its causes and complications.

This cross-sectional study included 60 women with hypertension disorder and 60 normal pregnant women from the AL-Imam AL-Sadiq hospital, aged fifteen and older. Maternal, fetal, and delivery characteristics were extracted through the questionnaire. The main comparison of "maternal and fetal outcomes" was determined among patients with hypertensive disorders. Normal groups were used to determine the levels of PGF, estrogen and progesterone hormones in serum. Placenta biopsy was obtained for histopathological examination.

The results of the study showed an increase in preterm delivery, low Apgar score, low birth weight and low placental weight in hypertensive groups. The findings of electron microscope examination (SEM) were related to the severity of hypertensive disorders such as vasculopathy, diffuse placental thrombosis, infarction, calcification, vasculosyncytial membrane thickness, and dysfunction of syncytiotrophoblast cells (p<0.05). In primigravid women, preeclampsia was observed in 17 people (85%) and in multigravida, it was observed in 3 people (15%) (p<0.05). The presence of two or more obstetric risks increased premature delivery by 7 people (35%), 8 people (40%) and 1 person (5%) in preeclampsia, chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension groups, respectively.

The results of the study showed that blood pressure can directly affect the placenta and fetus and the occurrence of placental disorders and increase in premature delivery.

The effect of ultraviolet light on the osseointegration of titanium screw implants is scarcely discussed in literature. The present research was performed to study the effect of Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure on the osseointegration of titanium dental implants in different time intervals.

In this in vivo experimental-qualitative study including UV exposure and mechanical and histological tests, 48 implant screws were implanted in the tibia of 48 rabbits for histological and torque removal tests. The rabbits were divided into two groups (mechanical n=36 and histological n=12). A bone-cutting process was performed 5 mm from an implant screw. Block was preserved in 10% formalin, decalcified in 8% formic acid, and the screw was carefully removed. Bone dehydration was performed using alcohol, heated for 30 minutes, and infiltrated with xylene and paraffin wax before embedding. Each of the mechanical and histological tests contained three groups (Control, UV 30, and UV 60) for each healing period, 2 and 6 weeks.

The mean value for torque removal test for screws in the UV60 group in 2 weeks significantly increased compared to the control group (7.48±1.64 vs. 2.41±0.70). The mean value of new bone formation percentage (NBFP) for the UV60 implanted rabbits was 5.76%, compared to the control group 3.65% in the second time interval (6 weeks after implantation). Histological examination showed that bone formation, mineralization, and maturation have been increased with the rabbits exposed to UV light for 30 (4.71± 0.85) and 60 minutes (5.76±0.85) compared with the control group (3.65±0.55).

The results of this study showed that UV light exposure can effectively reduce the period of rabbit implants osseointegration.

Incidents are the leading cause of cardiac arrest in children. Teaching (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) CPR to kindergarten teachers saves children. Since teachers do not have knowledge of CPR, the aim of this study is to compare CPR training according to practical and video-based methods on the knowledge, attitude, and skills of kindergarten teachers in Babol, northern Iran.

This quasi-experimental intervention was conducted on 212 kindergarten teachers in two groups of 106. One group was trained based on theories and the other by showing a film. First, a pre-test was taken and then a post-test was taken one week and one month after the training. Demographic information as well as data related to knowledge assessment (minimum score 0 and maximum 21), attitude (minimum score 10 and maximum 50) and performance (minimum score 16 and maximum 32) were collected in a questionnaire and compared in the two groups.

The mean score of knowledge, attitude and skill of the teachers before CPR training were (2.29±0.45), (3.30±0.68) and (1.48±0.14), respectively, and after training were (2.40±0.39), (3.63±0.35) and (1.69±0.12), respectively, indicating a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Covariance analysis for comparing the two methods of practical and video-based training showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of mean knowledge score (2.40±0.39 and 2.46±0.34) with p=0.2 and mean skill score (1.69±0.12 and 1.74±0.10) with p=0.94, but the level of attitude in video-based training method was higher than the practical method (3.63±0.35 and 3.74±0.39) with p=0.03.

The results of the study showed that both methods increase individuals' knowledge, attitude, and skills, but video-based training is recommended due to its increased attitude and ease of use.

Schneider 2 (S2) cells, derived from Drosophila melanogaster, are extensively utilized in developmental biology and genetics engineering research. Proper tissue formation depends on the regulation of developmental signalling, with the unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy playing critical roles in maintaining endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial homeostasis. Mutations in the HEIX1 gene disrupt these processes, triggering activation of the P-ERK and JNK signalling pathways, which lead to ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. This study examines the molecular mechanisms underlying HEIX1 loss-of-function mutations in S2 cells, focusing on P-ERK and JNK pathway activation and their effects on cellular stress responses.

This experimental study includes four groups of S2 cells, with 10 samples per group: (1) wild-type (WT) control, (2) HEIX1 homozygous mutant (HEIX1−/−), (3) HEIX1 heterozygous rescue group (*heix1/Df; UAS, Gal4, tubp>HEIX1), and (4) a group treated with the P-ERK inhibitor GSK. Protein extraction and analysis were performed across all groups. Variables such as P-ERK and JNK activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, apoptosis markers (caspase 9 activation), and UPR-related gene expression (GRP78 and CHOP) were measured using western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ROS assays.

Loss of HEIX1 function significantly activated the P-ERK pathway, as evidenced by increased P-ERK phosphorylation, caspase 9 activation, and apoptosis. Mutants showed disrupted ER and mitochondrial homeostasis, including swelling and oxidative stress. Rescuing HEIX1 restored normal signalling and reduced apoptosis. P-ERK inhibition accelerated apoptosis and suppressed UPR-related gene expression, underscoring HEIX1's role in proteostasis.

According to the results of this study, the HEIX1 gene is essential for maintaining ER and mitochondrial homeostasis, regulating stress responses, and preventing apoptosis. Its loss leads to P-ERK pathway activation, ER stress, and cell death. These findings provide insights into Drosophila development and the broader implications of HEIX1 in understanding human diseases linked to ER stress and apoptosis.

During the reconstruction of the lost tooth structure in deep mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities, a combination of amalgam-composite restorations is suggested to simultaneously benefit from the composite resin and amalgam and to minimize their shortcomings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance and fracture mode of premolar teeth with MOD cavities restored by two combined amalgam-composite methods and compare it with intact teeth, amalgam and composite restorations.

In this experimental in-vitro study, 60 intact maxillary premolars, which were extracted for orthodontic treatments, were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=12): Group I (control) included intact teeth and in the other groups, MOD cavities were prepared. Group II: amalgam restoration, Group III: composite restoration (Opalis, incremental filling), Group IV: 2 mm of gingival boxes were restored with amalgam and the rest of the cavities were filled with composite, Group V: 3 mm of gingival boxes were restored with amalgam and the rest of cavities were filled with composite. The samples were stored in distilled water for 24 hours at 37 ºC and underwent thermocycling (500 cycles). Specimens were subjected to a compressive load until fracture, and the fracture resistance was recorded in Newton. The fracture mode of samples was also recorded.

The highest fracture resistance was seen in control group (817±120.3 N) and the lowest was in amalgam group (593±236.9 N), which was significantly lower than the control group (p=0.048). The difference in the fracture mode between the control group and the other groups was significant (p=0.006).

Combined amalgam-composite restorations in MOD cavities can restore tooth strength to a level comparable to intact teeth and similar to conventional composite. The fracture mode was completely favorable only in the control group.

Wound infection remains a troublesome problem that may complicate any surgical procedure. Prophylactic antibiotics are an important measure in reducing the rate of wound infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of two different antibiotics (meropenem and cefotaxime) and different administration methods in preventing wound infection after umbilical hernia repair.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 321 patients who underwent umbilical hernia repair by primary closure or mesh repair. A prophylactic antibiotic was used in all patients. They were divided into three groups depending on the type of antibiotic used and the method of administration. Group I received a single intravenous dose of cefotaxime before the procedure. Group II received one dose of intravenous cefotaxime preoperatively and another dose of cefotaxime injected locally at the operative site, and Group III received one dose of intravenous meropenem preoperatively plus another dose of local injection. All patients were monitored for evidence of wound infection for 30 days.

Of the 321 patients studied, 243 were female and 78 were male. The overall wound infection rate was 7.7%. Group III (meropenem used) had the lowest wound infection rate (0.9%) and was significantly different from the other groups (15% in Group I and 7.5% in Group II) (p<0.05). Also, the length of stay in Group III (2.2 days) was shorter than Group II (1.5 days) and Group III (one day).

The results of the study showed that topical and systemic administration of antibiotics effectively reduces the risk of wound infection. However, combined topical and systemic administration of meropenem provides the best result in controlling wound infection.

The comparison between commercially pure titanium and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) highlights significant differences in their mechanical properties and biological interactions, influencing their suitability as dental implant materials. The present study aims to conduct a biological evaluation of PEEK and PEEK-SiC composite dental implants, focusing on their biocompatibility and cytotoxicity.

In this laboratory study, PEEK composites (PEEK and SiC) were categorized into five groups, with particular weight percentage ratios of (0% wt., 1.5%wt., 2.5%wt., 4%wt. in 24h and 48h) via a compounding by melt blending by Internal Mixer at 365ºC for 5min. Samples were prepared in the form of sheets, cutting and machining into desired shapes. All tests were done according to (ISO 10993 2009). The test involves various steps including sample preparation, sterilization, cell culture, MTT cytotoxicity test, morphology and cell attachment observation in addition to EDS analysis.

The findings from the experiments demonstrated that PEEK and its nanocomposite variants exhibited no toxic effects on the cells. Cell viability in the control group was 94.46±0.432 and in the 2G group was 90.73±0.411 in 48 hours. In addition, the cells demonstrated strong adhesion to these materials, underwent significant proliferation, and established a compact cell layer.

The results of this study showed that PEEK and PEEK-SiC nanocomposite did not cause any toxic effects on cells. Moreover, surface characteristics of both the polymer and nanocomposite samples presented biocompatible environments conducive to optimal cell growth.

Early exposure of the cover screw between two implant placement stages is a common problem that can impair the initial healing and success of the implant treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the frequency and severity of dental implant cover screw exposure and some effective factors.

In this cross-sectional study, 159 implant units were examined in 35 patients who referred to Yazd Dental School for the second stage of implant placement in 2022-2023 after a 3-6-month initial healing period. Before the second stage, the area was examined for exposure severity based on Tal classification, and then the relationship between this event and the variables of gender, presence of systemic disease, keratinized gingiva width, thickness of the covering tissue on the buccal side, location and type of edentulism, time interval from extraction to replacement, and bone regeneration were examined.

Of the 159 implants, 18 had spontaneous exposure. The most common exposure in terms of severity was class 4. There was a significant association between exposure and male gender (p=0.009), systemic disease (p=0.041), buccal overlying tissue thickness (3.00±1.17 vs. 0) (p<0.001), and keratinized gingiva width (2.16±1.03 vs. 2.82±1.30) (p=0.042). No significant association was found between exposure and other selected factors.

The results of this study showed that the severity of cover screw exposure is related to factors such as systemic diseases, keratinized gingiva width, and buccal tissue thickness.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely used in convenience food and oxidative damage caused by the consumption of this compound has been proven. On the other hand, N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) plays a key role in protecting cells against thermal and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of NCG on the changes in the testicular tissue structure of baby mice caused by MSG consumption.

In this experimental study, 24 pregnant mice were randomly divided into four equal groups of six. The first group received 60 mg/kg MSG intraperitoneally, the second group received 500 mg/kg NCG by gavage, the third group received 500 mg/kg MSG and 60 mg/kg NCG simultaneously, and the fourth group received the same volume of normal saline as the other groups from the first day of pregnancy until delivery. On the 21st day of pregnancy and after the birth of the babies, the weight, head-to-tail length, and abdominal circumference of the newborns were examined, and then slides were prepared from the testicular tissue of the male babies and examined and compared under a light microscope.

The use of NCG increased the cephalo-caudal index (39.26±1.99) compared to the MSG group (34.05±0.67) (p=0.038). The use of MSG increased the mean thickness of the testicular capsule (13.35±0.75), which was statistically significant compared to the NCG group (11.85±0.9) (p=0.043). The use of NCG also significantly increased the diameter of the seminiferous tubules (56.57±5.17) compared to the MSG group (52.25±4.79) (p=0.031). The mean number of spermatogonial stem cells in the NCG group (25.13±3.29) was significantly higher compared to the MSG group (32.15±2.36) (p=0.021).

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the use of NCG can reduce the negative effects of MSG on testicular tissue.

The GABA system plays an important role in the development, maturation, and function of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-secreting neurons, as well as in the coordination of reproductive and metabolic signals. Considering the emerging evidence in this area, dysfunction of the GABA system may be involved in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study is to summarize the available evidence on dysfunction of the GABA system and its implications for women with PCOS.

This systematic review was conducted using the keywords Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), GABAergic pathway, PCOS and their related MeSH and searching for English articles from 2000 to 2023 in WOS, Embase, Scopus and PubMed databases. Articles that conducted clinical research on the relationship between GABA supplementation or the GABA pathway and PCOS were identified as relevant articles. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa tool.

A total of 260 articles were found in the initial search, of which only 7 were selected. There is evidence that GABA and PCOS are associated, but the causal direction and underlying mechanism are unclear. Some studies have shown that PCOS alters the levels or function of GABA in the blood or brain, leading to psychological and physiological consequences. On the other hand, GABA dysfunction affects amino acid metabolism and GnRH hormone signaling, helping to improve PCOS symptoms.

Based on the results of this study, GABA may play an important role in the pathophysiology of PCOS by regulating GnRH neurons and GABA inputs to them. GABA is also a signaling molecule in various tissues and organs outside the brain, and GABA pathways may affect GnRH neuron function and PCOS development through different mechanisms.

Weropress is a pourable auto-polymerising acrylic resin which has recently been used in making dentures. It is characterised by high colour stability and quick setting. However, it is not as strong as heat-polymerised acrylic resin. The objective of this in-vitro study is to find out the effect of adding micro-glass beads on flexural strength, hardness and surface roughness of “Weropress”.

In this study, 24 65×10×3 mm specimens were produced from Weropress following the manufacturer’s instructions (casting process). The specimens were divided into 4 groups (n=6): group 1 was “control” which had no additives, group 2; 3; and 4 contained micro-glass particles at ratios 5%, 10%, and 15%. After conventional finishing and polishing procedure, all specimens were immersed in distilled water at room temperature for 2 days. Then, the surface roughness (3 times, 4mm), hardness (four times at 50 g load for 30 sec dwell time), and 3-point bending test (5mm/min speed, 50 mm heads apart) were applied on each specimen and then evaluated.

Flexural strength reduced for 97 MPa when no filler was added. When 15% filler was added, it reached 75.5 MPa, which had a significant decrease (p=0.03). Other groups showed no significant difference (79.5 MPa and 81.5 MPa). Vickers hardness was fluctuating around (16 MPa) of control following the addition of fillers; however, all testing groups were not significantly different from control. Surface roughness has increased in all groups from 0.53 µm up to 0.77 µm but with no significant difference.

According to results, the addition of micro-glass beads on Weropress powder at 5%, 10%, and 15% has no strengthening effect on Weropress with no important effect on hardness and surface roughness.

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous industrial and traditional medicines have been proposed and used to treat this disease. Given the lack of standard treatment and effective medicine for COVID-19 and the effectiveness of Mentha longifolia on pulmonary diseases, this study was designed and conducted to determine the effect of aqueous extract of Mentha longifolia on the clinical and paraclinical status of patients with COVID-19.

This clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized at Razi Hospital in Ghaemshahr (Mazandaran) in 2021. Patients were selected through purposive sampling. 30 people were randomly assigned into control group with standard treatment, and 30 people in the intervention group who received Mentha longifolia extract in the form of a nasal spray 2 puffs every 12 hours in addition to standard treatment. The main clinical variables included fever, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and chills. Chest radiography was interpreted by a radiologist. The clinical definition of complete recovery included the absence of fever for two days, respiratory rate less than or equal to 15-20 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation greater than 95%, no cough or mild dry cough, and the clinical definition of partial recovery included body temperature less than or equal to 37.9 ºC orally or 37.2 ºC axillary, respiratory rate 20-24 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation between 93-95%, no cough or mild dry cough.

The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of gender, age, BMI, and underlying disease. The mean length of stay in the intervention group was 2.5 days shorter than in the control group (12.1±6.8 days in the control group and 9.6±7.1 days in the intervention group) (p=0.171). The number of deaths was not statistically significant but was clinically significant (6.7% in the intervention group and 16.7% in the control group). 26.7% of the control group and 50% of the intervention group had a complete recovery within the first 7 days after discharge. 30% of the control group still did not feel better 15 days after discharge, while this rate was zero in the intervention group.

The results of the study showed that aqueous extract of Mentha longifolia reduced the length of hospital stay and improved symptoms in patients with COVID-19.

Silver oxide nanoparticles have very high activity against a wide range of microbes and parasites and also have lower toxicity to human cells compared to other biocides and heavy metals. The present study was conducted to determine the cytotoxic effects of silver oxide nanoparticles on gingival fibroblasts.

This experimental in vitro study was conducted on 15 samples in 4 groups at concentrations of 10, 20, 30 and 40 µg/ml within 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine the properties of silver oxide nanoparticles, and the MTT technique was used to determine the toxicity of silver oxide nanoparticles.

According to the results, after 2 hours of proximity to silver oxide nanoparticles, the mean difference was statistically significant between the control group (0.19±0.01) and the 40 µg/ml group (0.17±0.01), and also between the 10 µg/ml group (0.19±0.01) and the 40 µg/ml group (0.17±0.01) (p<0.001). After 48 hours of proximity, the mean difference in OD between the control group and concentrations of 40 µg/ml (0.25±0.01) and 30 µg/ml (0.25±0.01) was statistically significant (p<0.001). After 72 hours, the mean difference in OD between the control group and concentrations of 40 µg/ml (0.30±0.01) and 30 µg/ml (0.31±0.01) was statistically significant (p<0.001).

The results of the study showed that the highest viability was related to the concentration of 10 μg/ml and after 2 hours. Therefore, this concentration of silver oxide nanoparticles has acceptable biocompatibility.