Oral mouthwashes could degrade acrylic resin used in orthodontic appliances such as braces - Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences Vol.13 No.3

The latest issue of the Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences includes "Influence of mouthwashes on the physical properties of orthodontic acrylic resin" by Collares et al. This article could be of particular interest to both people in the orthodontics industry and consumers of orthodontics products. Collares et al. say that mouthwash could help remove biofilm on removable orthodontic appliances such as wires, clasps and springs, as well as acrylic baseplates. But how does mouthwash affect the acrylic resin in these parts in the long-term? This is the question that Collares et al. aim to answer in their study.

Orto Clas brand acrylic resin was used in this experiment. It was self-cured according to the manufacturer's instructions. All samples used in the study were ensured to have a smooth and flat surface, without roughness or tested for microhardness. Five brands of mouthwash were tested: Plax Classic, Plax alcohol-free, Listerine Cool Mint, Periogard and Periogard alcohol free were used. The Knoop microhardness of each acrylic resin was measured using a hardness test in which a 15 gram load was used on each acrylic resin sample for 10 seconds. Afterward, they were immersed in the different mouthwashes for several different time periods. They were then washed with distilled water for 10 seconds each and dried with compressed air for one minute. The hardness test was performed again, and the measurements of the softening of acrylic resin were recorded as the percent difference between the final and initial Knoop hardness.

Roughness, colorimetric analysis, mouthwash pH and statistical analysis were also measured in the test. Among the results indicated, Collares et al. found that after 7 days, all the mouthwashes decreased the surface microhardness. Plax alcohol-free mouthwash was found to have no difference on acrylic resin that was immersed between 1 hour and 7 days. The results also suggest that acrylic resin immersed in Listerine showed decreased microhardness after all time periods. In terms of surface roughness, the results indicated that all mouthwashes increased surface roughness. However, acrylic resins immersed in Plax alcohol-free mouthwash and Listerine mouthwash showed significantly higher measurements of surface roughness after 12 hours than the other mouthwashes.

Collares et al. conclude that in order for biofilm to form on orthodontic appliances, a minimum measurement of 0.2mm of surface roughness has to occur on the appliances. Listerine and Plax alcohol-free were shown to increase surface roughness past this measurement. This roughness could cause discomfort in the patient and allow biofilm and microorganism colonization to occur. Collares et al. also note that acrylic resin immersed in Periogard had the highest softening values over time, potentially due to its alcohol base. The alcohol could be absorbed by the resin over time and change the structure of the polymer. It was also noted that Listerine caused high values of softening on acrylic resin over time. Collares et al. note that this could be because of the essential oils in Listerine that are said to help antibacterial activity. However, after 7 days of immersion in Listerine, acrylic resin was shown to have an increase in hardness and decrease in softening. Collares et al. suggest that this may be because of the ethanol in the Listerine.

The study concludes that hardness, colour and roughness affects the acrylic resin in orthodontic appliances, therefore it is important for orthodontists to notify their patients of these possible changes when establishing a hygiene care routine.

You can find more articles from this issue here.

Soil characterization in contrasting cropping systems under the fast track land reform programme in Zimbabwe - African Journal of Food, Agriculture and Development Vol.11 No.3

A recent article by The Guardian on land management in sub-saharan Africa specifically addresses the need for adequate soil care in order to better overall agricultural crop yields in the long-term. What's interesting is that the author underscores the total economic losses regionally by the improper care of soil within this region to gain a more fluid insight as to the need of a more established land management system altogether.

To understand this issue further, Shoko and Moyo in their article "Soil Characterization In Contrasting Cropping Systems Under The Fast Track Land Reform Programme In Zimbabwe", study the the soil found in Zimbabwe (sub-sarahan Africa) at the molecular level in hopes of better understanding the health of the soil via the levels of molecules found within. The article is in the African Journal of Food, Agriculture and Development vol.11 no.3. 

The research was conducted by studying three contrasting cropping systems in Zimbabwe: communal areas, large-scale resettlement (A2) and small-scale systems (A1), and all systems were found within the province of Manicaland. 

The soil samples were collected during the off seasons of 2006 to 2008 and the following soil sample characteristics were as follows: Ca, Mg, K, Zn, pH were tested to be in the soil, as well as variants of organic matter. Yet there were significant differences between the soil chemical properties and production systems. Calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels were generally low in all three production systems, due to overall lower than normal pH levels found in the soil. 

A2 farms were found to have the highest (p< 0.05) Ca, Mg, and K, while the communal area had the lowest levels of soil organic matter content. That said, the soil organic content in A2 (large-scale) farms are very much able to sustain plant growth. The reason for this could be, as suggested by Shoko and Moyo, because of better land management practices, such as liming and fertilization. Suggesting that there may be a need for both the communal and A1 (small-scale) farmers to apply organic matter to boost SOM in their fields. 

With that said, the most optimum levels of organic matter for the region of Zimbabwe are between 1.5% - 5%, with results of the study showing the pH of the soil measuring between 5.0 - 6.8 (slightly acidic) in all three production systems. Yet, the acidity of the soil being significantly stronger in communal areas at the depth of 0-30cm, resulting in a negative yield of maize and groundnut within those areas. In both the A1 and A2 farms, it is suggested that the soil acidity levels could sustain the production of tobacco and sunflower and generally, there is a need for farmers in all three production systems to lime their soils and improve their organic matter through the application of crop residues and cattle manure. 

For this journal and others from this issue, click here.

WHO says ageing policies needed globally - How is the 2002 WHO active ageing framework applicable to Zambia? - African Population Studies Vol.28 No.3

A recent news release from the World Health Organization that came out on Nov.6 says that there is a need for effective strategies to combat chronic illnesses associated with aging, as there is an "ageing world population."

According to WHO, policies are needed globally, not just for developing countries. One of the recent issues from African Population Studies looks at a policy framework on aging published by WHO in April 2002. This is discussed in the article "Determinants of active ageing in Zambia" by Christopher Chabila Mapoma in vol.28 no.3. The study addresses the need to see if this type of policy framework works in developing countries, specifically Zambia. Its aim is to find out which determinants of the active ageing framework apply not only to Zambia, but the continent of Africa as a whole. The study also examines how HIV/AIDS affects active aging. Active aging is defined by WHO as "the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age." Mapoma mentions that little research has been done on the importance and contribution of the "active ageing" concept in Africa.

For this study, researchers surveyed participants ages 60 years and older in four seniors homes in the Matero, Kandiana, Maramba, Mitanda and Chibolya neighbourhoods of the Lusaka, Sesheke, Livinstone, Ndola and Mufulira districts. 41.2 per cent of the participants were men, and 58.8 percent were females. The survey asked questions pertaining to socioeconomics, HIV/AIDS, and behavioural and health/functional indicators of active aging. The responses to the questions of Behavioural and Personal determinants were measured using indicators such as feeling hopeless, useless, unhappy or lonely. Health and functional determinants were measured using indicators toward yes or no questions of being able to squat, ability to walk freely, and ability to clean their own house. Economic determinants were measured using indicators toward questions such as: have you worked in the past 12 months, having opportunities for work, and having a steady flow of income.

In this study, Mapoma found that there were more respondents from urban areas rather than rural areas. 15.8 percent were found to have received higher education, 32 percent were reported to have never attended school, and 52 percent had received primary education. HIV/AIDS was included as a determinant of active aging specifically for Zambia among other factors such as gender, residence, health and physical environment because of the effects of taking care of children who had lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. When comparing residents who live in urban areas to residents who live in rural areas, Mapoma found that residents in urban areas participated in community activities more, are more self-fulfilled and more independent. Monthly income was also linked on a respondent's ability to participate and their independence. HIV/AIDS was also found to affect participation.

The study concluded that HIV/AIDS has a long-term effect on active aging, "feeling hopeless/useless" was a personal/behavioural factor in active aging. The study also indicated that having friends and socializing contributed to the probability of aging actively. The study further concluded that the 2002 WHO Active Ageing Framework is applicable to Zambia but only to a certain extent, as it overlooks HIV/AIDS, which is a factor that greatly affects the country.

Cost of Illness Due to Typhoid Fever in Pemba, Zanzibar, East Africa - Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition Vol.32 No.3

Today we are featuring "Cost of Illness Due to Typhoid Fever in Pemba, Zanzibar, East Africa" by Riewpaiboon et al in Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition vol.32 no.3.

Typhoid fever is still an ongoing economic burden within Pemba, Zanzibar, East Africa and the purpose of this study was to estimate said cost associated with this illness. The method used was an incidence-based cost-of-illness analysis from a societal perspective, paying close attention to new episodes of confirmed cases of typhoid fever in patients from inpatient and outpatient hospitals between May 2010 and December 2010. 

The overall cost associated with this illness was both the sum of direct costs and the costs of productivity, or in more fluid economic terms, the opportunity cost of the time lost. The sum of these costs, when broken down more specifically, looks like this: 

direct costs covered treatment, travel, and meals, whereas productivity costs were the loss of income of patients and caregivers. The analysis itself consisted of 17 episodes of confirmed cases with the mean age of the patients was 23 years (range= 5-65, median= 22). Thirty-five percent were inpatients, with a mean timespan of 4.75 days of hospital stay (range=3-7, median= 4.50). 

The results of the study may be surprising: the mean cost for treatment of typhoid fever was care was US$ 21.97 at 2010 prices (US$ 1=1,430.50 Tanzanian Shilling─TSH), with the average societal cost being that of $154.47 per episode. However, the most dramatic expenditure is the overall cost of lost wages of $128.02 (83%). These results help contribute to the economic evaluation of vaccination of typhoid fever in Zanzibar, as well as other sub-Saharan African regions.

For this article and others from this issue, click here.

UCP2 Interactome As Targets For Novel Anti-Diabetic Drugs

Today we are featuring "UCP2 Interactome As Targets For Novel Anti-Diabetic Drugs" by Musanabaganwa et al. in the Rwanda Medical Journal vol.70 no.4.

The purpose of this study was to assess the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the onset and progression of diabetes to identify the proteins that interact with UCP2 and evaluate their suitability for novel anti-diabetic drugs. 

The proteins were detected using the STRING 9.0 database. The proteins identified for the use of anti-diabetic drugs were leptin (LEP), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), ghrelin/obestatinprepropeptide (GHRL), as well as many others. 

In addition to the identification of proteins, the E values associated were also identified using STRING 9.0. The predicted interactions are supported by the use of such methods as text mining, occurrence, neighbourhood, database, fusion, experimental, and co-expression data. 

To this end, development of lead compounds against these targets will help to address the burden of diabetes and help to provide effective and safer anti-diabetes medications in the near future. 


For this article and others from this issue, click here.

Education, income and health insurance a factor in adherence to medication of patients with #Diabetes - Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Vol.13 No.6

Awareness of several health issues in Canada are dedicated to the month of November. One of these issues is diabetes. Bioline has a variety of articles on Diabetes mellitus from several different journals. One of the latest articles uploaded on Bioline is in the Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research vol.13 no.6, and titled "Evaluation of Adherence to Diabetic Treatment in Northern Region of United Arab Emirates" by Koprulu et al.

In this article, researchers explored the reasons adhering or not adhering to certain medications for patients with diabetes in the northern region of the United Arab Emirates. The study occurred between May 2012 to April 2013, in which two hundred randomly selected patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were evaluated. The patients came from five different diabetes clinics and three outpatient hospitals in the northern region of the United Arab Emirates.

The results indicated that 40% of patients were non-adherent to their medication. Researchers also found that there was a significant correlation between education level and adherence to medication, as results indicated that 75% of patients had no or primary-level education, and a higher prevalence of non-adherence to medication. Monthly income was also a factor in whether or not a patient would be adherent to medication, as researchers found that patients who earned less than ten thousand Emirati dirham had a high prevalence of non-adherence. Non-adherence was also prevalent in patients without health insurance.

For more articles published on Bioline on diabetes, click here.

Researchers study several cases in the 2012 Ebola hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Uganda - African Health Sciences Vol.12 No.4 #ebola #EHF

Ebola, also known as Ebola virus disease (EVD) or Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) is a disease that has caused 4546 deaths in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, as the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates in a report released on Oct.25.

Uganda previously had an outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever, which ended on August 2012 and resulted in 17 deaths. African Health Sciences vol.12 no.4 was published in Dec.2012 and includes "Repeated outbreaks of Viral hemorrhagic fevers in Uganada" by Mbonye et al., which aims to present an epidemiological picture of outbreaks of the Marburg virus, which is related to Ebola and also causes hemorrhagic fevers.

Hemorrhagic fevers have occurred in different parts of Uganda since an outbreak of EHF in Gulu occurred in 2000.

For this study, researchers evaluated Marburg hemorrhagic fever outbreaks that occurred in 2012 in Ibanda and Kibaale. They collected information through several case studies of how often the symptoms were distributed and the probability of cases. By Nov.12 2012, there were 9 confirmed and 5 probable cases of Marburg virus, in which 7 cases resulted in death.

From these results, researchers found there were several important questions to discuss. Some questions include: 

• How has the virus genome changed, and does this change allow it to infect many unknown hosts? 
• How can more surveillance detect infections? 
• How does the Marburg virus change the way humans interact with animals? 

The study concluded that viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks in Uganda required further investigation and study to determine the source of the outbreaks.

Hydrogen peroxide and thiourea both effect hormone regulation and antioxidant enzymes in microtubers and tubers -- African Crop Science Vol.21 No.3

Today we are featuring African Crop Science vol.21 no.3.

This issue includes "Estimates of Genetic Parameters for Quality of Wheat Cultivars Grown in Lesotho" by Morojele & Labuschagne, which explores different genotypes of wheat grown in Lesotho. The quality of wheat of five parents, F₁ and F₂ progeny, was examined. Among the characteristics examined were break flour yield, flour protein content, kernel weight, kernel diameter and kernel hardness. Broad heritability was found to be high for all characteristics of F₁ and F₂ progeny. The results indicated that the characteristic of kernel hardness, particularly in the F₁ progeny showed the highest prediction ratio. The study concluded that genetic variability is evident in wheat cultivars and could be used to improve wheat quality in Lesotho.

This issue also includes "Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide and Thiourea on Dormancy Breaking of Microtubers and Field-Grown Tubers of Potato" by Mani et al. This article examines the effects of hydrogen peroxide on potato (Solanum tuberosum) microtubers. Because potato microtubers have a dormant apical bud, they do not necessarily flourish even in appropriate environmental conditions. In this study, hydrogen peroxide is used by applying directly or indirectly thiourea, a catalase inhibitor, to test the dormancy release and sprouting of potato microtubers. The first step of involved looking at the percentage of microtubers that had sprouted that were planted in peat and grown in greenhouses after hydrogen peroxide and thiourea were applied in various dosages. The percentage of sprouted microtubers with time was examined with field-grown microtubers during storage, after hydrogen peroxide and thiourea were applied. The results indicated that 20 mM applications of hydrogen peroxide had a rapid and synchronous sprouting effect on microtubers, while 40 mM and 60 mM applications caused asynchronous sprouting. The results also indicated that thiourea applications of 250 mM increased sprouting of microtubers and was effective at reducing the dormancy period. For field-grown tubers, sprouting was most stimulated 60 mM of hydrogen peroxide was applied to tubers, and 250 mM of thiourea also caused maximum sprouting and better sprouting capacity of tubers. The study concluded that hydrogen peroxide and thiourea both have an effect on hormone regulation and antioxidant enzymes, affecting dormancy in both microtubers and tubers.

For the complete results of these studies and other studies from this issue, click here.

Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever Among Hospitalised Children and Adolescents in Nothern Uganda: Epidemiologic and Clinical Observations -- African Health Sciences Vol.1 No.2

Today we are featuring African Health Sciences vol.1 no.2, which includes "Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever Among Hospitalised Children and Adolescents in Nothern Uganda: Epidemiologic and Clinical Observations" by Mupere et al. For the first time, on October 8th, 2000, an unusual outbreak occurred within the region of Gulu, Northern Uganda--Ebola haemorrhagic fever. Although in recent months outbreaks have had wide spread effects throughout Africa--with scientific studies on this illness increasing at a great scale--the authors of this journal first began this study years prior. 

The objectives were to understand and describe the epidemiological and clinical aspects of hospitalized children and adolescents on the isolation wards. The method used in this study was a retrospective descriptive survey of hospital records of children and adolescents under 18 years old in isolation wards in Gulu, Northern Uganda, with all patient test notes consecutively reviewed. 

The results of this study are incredibly intriguing: analyses revealed that 90 out of the 218 national laboratory confirmed cases of Ebola haemorrhagic fever were children and adolescents with an overall fatality rate of 40%. The average age of patients was 8.2 years old and the youngest child held within the isolation ward was 3 years old. The under five age group contributed to the highest admission among both children and adolescents, as well as the sum of all case fatalities due to the close and prolonged exposure to the seropositive relatives also being treated. All 100% of the children and adolescents being treated within the ward were having or showing significant signs of fever, yet only 16% had haemorrhagic manifestations. 

In summary, as seen in the case of previous Ebola outbreaks, there was a higher than average risk associated with children five and under of either getting substantially sick or dying. It is suggested that in the event of a future Ebola outbreak, children be sheltered by the relatives that have been positively identified of contracting Ebola, as well as extensive focus being on educating children and adolescents on the dangers associated with close contact with the sick. 

For these articles and others from this issue, click here 

Rice production in Ghana produced more N2O than CO2 -- African Crop Science Vol.21 No.2

Today we are featuring African Crop Science vol.21 no.2, the second post in a series of posts we are doing on African Crop Science.

This issue features articles such as "Greenhouse Gaseous Emission and Energy Analysis in Rice Production Systems in Ghana" by Eshun et al. Because Africa is trying to increase its agricultural productivity, the need to examine what greenhouse gases are emitted and its energy-efficiency has grown. Little research has been done on the environmental impacts of rice production and how the management and system of rice production could be improved to be more environmentally friendly. For this study, rice (Oryza sativa) production in Ghana is analyzed. Greenhouse gas emissions and energy impacts were measured. The results indicated that rice production in Ghana produced more N₂O than the other two main greenhouse gases, followed by CO₂. During rice production, approximately 477 kg of CO₂-equivalents of greenhouse gases were emitted. The amount of greenhouse gases measured during different stages of production had varied emitted amounts, depending on the stage that was being recorded. In this study, fertilizer application produced 72% of greenhouse gases, while transportation to mills produced 10% of greenhouse gases.

This issue also includes "Markets and Rural Services As Determinants of Improved Seeds Usage by Crop Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria" by Adejobi & Kassali. This study aims to uncover how markets and rural services affect the use of better seeds by farmers. The study was conducted in Osun State in Nigeria, where 270 farming households were surveyed using the multistage sampling technique. The results indicated that accessibility to market information and socio-economic characteristics of farmers were among factors influencing the use of improved seeds.

For these articles and other articles from this issue, click here.

Occupational risk factors for HIV infection among traditional birth attendants in Copperbelt province, Zambia

Today we are featuring African Journal of Health Sciences vol.17 no. 3-4, which includes "Occupational risk factors for HIV infection among traditional birth attendants in Copperbelt province, Zambia" by Siziya, Seter & Hazemba, Alice. 

In this issue, a cross sectional survey was conducted among traditional birth attendants (TBA) in order to determine overall occupational health risks associated with HIV infection. A sum of 370 individual TBAs were recruited for the study. 67 (18.1%) of the individuals were trained and the median age of all individuals was 50 years old. One of the key issues was the use of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation for initial birth of the babies, which was reported by 22 (6.0%) of the 365 TBAs. Additionally, a total of 220 (59.6%) TBAs reported washing their hands with soap and water after contact with mothers and babies after the deliveries. Only 42 (11.5%) birth attendants used gloves all of the time when in contact with mothers and their babies. 

In summary, a total of 44 out of the 370 (11.9%) traditional birthing attendants tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). After adjusting for age, attendants who used mouth-to-mouth resuscitation were 6.02 (95%CI 1.97, 18.42) times likely to contract HIV than attendants who did not use this method of resuscitating the newborn babies. To conclude, the study suggests that the precautions for universal protection against the contraction of HIV was poor and that the use of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation of newborns should be highly discouraged. 

For this article and others from this issue, click here.

Fruit flies damage guava more than tropical almond or mango -- African Crop Science Journal Vol.21 No.1

Today is the first in a series of posts on African Crop Science Journal. 

Featured today is vol.21 no.1, which includes "Assessment of Invasive Fruit Fly Infestation and Damage in Cabo Delgado Province, Northern Mozambique" by Jose et al. Fruit flies, common pests in households, are examined in this study, particularly the invasive fruit fly (Bactrocera invadens), which was first discovered in Africa in Kenya in 2003. The invasive fruit fly has been found in other countries, such as Mozambique, where it was discovered in 2007. This study aims to uncover the damage and infestation levels of the invasive fruit fly in Mozambique, where there is a lack of information and studies done on the subject. Different types of fruits were used in the study, and subsequently four species of fruit flies were found: Bactrocera invadens, Ceratitis rosa, Ceratitis cosyra and Ceratitis capitata, with Bactrocera invadens being the most commonly found species. Guava was the fruit that showed the highest amount of damage from fruit flies, followed by tropical almond and mango. The results also found that tropical almond had the highest amount of Bactrocera invadens per fruit and per kilogram.

This issue also includes "Energy use in citrus production of Mazandaran Province in Iran" by Zarini et al. This study aims to uncover how energy-efficient citrus production is in the Mazandaran Province in Iran by interviewing 155 farmers. The data collected from the interviews indicated that the total energy requirement in citrus production was 17,112.2 MJ ha^-1, in which 36.3% of energy was consumed due to fertilizers, and 33.6% was consumed due to pesticides. The results also indicated that 12% of total energy output was renewable. Researchers concluded that the current citrus production system is inefficient and needs to improve energy consumption as well as adopt a plan to use renewable energy.

The abstracts for this issue can also be found in French. For these articles and other articles from this issue, click here.

Prevalence of celiac disease is increased in children with epilepsy -- Iranian Journal of Pediatrics Vol.24 No.3

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics vol.24 no.3 is being featured today. 

This issue includes "Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Turkish Children with Idiopathic Epilepsy" by Işikay et al. The study examines the prevalence of celiac disease in children with idiopathic epilepsy. For this study, 214 children with idiopathic epilepsy and 166 health children (the control group) were examined. It was found that over 55% of patients had generalized epilepsy and 45% (33 patients) had partial epilepsy. For the patients that had partial epilepsey, features were consistent with a diagnosis of childhood partial epilepsy with occipital paroxysms (CPEO). The study concluded that the prevalence of celiac disease is increased in children with epilepsy, but also noted that there is as high as 6% prevalence of celiac disease among children with CPEO.

This issue also includes "Prepregnancy Maternal Weight and Body Mass Index of Children with and without Congenital Heart Disease" by Ghaderian et al. This study examines the correlation between a mother being overweight or obese before and during pregnancy and congenital heart defects in their child. 164 infants with congenital heart defects and their mothers as well as 158 infants without congenital heart defects and their mothers (the control group) were evaluated between 2011 and 2012. All mothers were assessed for their age, height, weight and Body Mass Index. The results indicated that the age, weight and height for mothers in both the control group and mothers with infants with congenital heart defects did not differ significantly. The mothers in the control group did not have a significantly lower BMI than mothers with infants with congenital heart defects. The study concluded that there may not be a correlation between congenital heart defects in an infant and their mother being obese or overweight.

For the complete results of these studies and other articles from this issue, click here.

Lung ultrasounds and bronchograms show accuracy in diagnosing respiratory distress syndrome -- Iranian Journal of Pediatrics Vol.24 No.2

We are continuing our posts on Iranian Journal of Pediatrics. 

Today we are featuring vol.24 no.2, which includes "The Role of Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Newborn Infants" by Liu et al., a study conducted to determine how lung ultrasounds can assist in diagnosing respiratory distress syndrome in newborn infants, and how valuable it is to the diagnosing process. The study was conducted from March 2012 to May 2013, with 100 newborn infants participating in two groups. One group was designated as the respiratory distress syndrome group and the other was the control group. Among the 100 infants, 10 infants were found to have grade II respiratory distress syndrome. 15 infants were found to have respiratory distress syndrome at the grade III level, and 25 at the grade IV level. Lung ultrasounds were performed on these infants, and some of the parameters measured were A-line, B-line, lung consolidation and air bronchograms. The results indicated that the lung ultrasounds consolidated with the bronchograms and prove to be an accurate and reliable tool for diagnosing respiratory distress syndrome. Because lung ultrasounds are low-cost and easy to perform at the patients' bed sides, its use is encouraged in the neonatal intensive care unit.

This issue also includes "The Association between Weight for Gestational Age and Kidney Volume: A Study in Newborns in India" by Mishra et al. This study aims to examine the correlation between the weight of an infant at a gestational age and its kidney volume. Using Lubchenco’s charts of weight for gestational age, 417 newborns were placed in two categories: appropriate for gestational age and small for gestational age. Their bilateral kidney dimensions were also measured. The results indicated that the mean combined kidney volume was significantly lower among newborns that were small for gestational age than newborns that were appropriate for gestational age.

For the complete results of these studies and other studies from this issue, click here.

Knowledge about complementary and alternative medicine is received from relatives and neighbours more than physicians -- Iranian Journal of Pediatrics Vol.24 No.1

Today we are featuring Iranian Journal of Pediatrics vol.24 no.1. 

This issue includes "Risk Factors for Recurrent Respiratory Infections in Preschool Children in China" by Li et al., a study conducted to examine the factors related to recurrent respiratory infection in preschool children in Yiwu, China. 844 preschool children in Yiwu were examined between June 2009 and September 2010. 639 preschool children were part of the resident population while 205 were part of the floating population. The results indicated that asthma, food preference and rickets were among the factors affecting recurrent respiratory infections in preschool children who were part of the resident population. Infant feeding and snack were among the factors affecting recurrent respiratory infections in preschool children who were part of the floating population. The study concluded that the public should take health measures against these factors to prevent recurrent respiratory infection.

This issue also includes "Prevalence of Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Children and Its Related Factors in East Iran" by Fesharakinia et al. This study examines the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) on children in east Iran and the factors for its use, its prevalence and where CAM providers obtain their information and knowledge regarding the practice. The study was conducted from April 2012 to June 2012, in which 300 mothers who had children admitted to the Vali-Asr Hospital in Birjand were interviewed. The results indicated that almost 36% of mothers used CAM as medication for their children in the previous year. Among the treatments used were medicinal herbs, oil rubs and prayer therapy. For information on CAM, 72% of mothers talked to relatives, 50% talked to neighbours and only 2% talked to physicians. The study concluded that physicians should learn more about CAM to provide knowledge about it, and the community as a whole should receive education about the different types and the possible side effects of CAM.

You can find these articles and other articles from this issue here.

The leading cause of death for infants with extremely low birth weight is respiratory failure in this study -- Iranian Journal of Pediatrics Vol.23 No.5

Today we are featuring Iranian Journal of Pediatrics vol.23 no.5. This is the first in a series of posts featuring the journal that will be on the blog in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned! 

This issue includes "Outcome of Very Low Birth Weight Infants Over 3 Years Report From an Iranian Center" by Afjeh et al. This study looks at the frequency of disease, survival rate and risk factors causing poor health and mortality in infants with very low birth weight (VLBW). The study was conducted from April 2007 to March 2010 on all neonates at the Mahdieh Hospital in Tehran. 564 of the infants had VLBW. Data and information from when the infant was born and details during the duration of their stay was collected and analyzed. The results indicated that overall survival rate of the infants was 70.9%, but only 33.3% in infants with extremely low birth weight (ELBW). A leading cause of mortality in infants with ELBW was respiratory failure from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The results also indicated that mechanical ventilation was also a factor for mortality.

Another article included in this issue is "Effect of Oral Ondansetron on Decreasing the Vomiting Associated with Acute Gastroenteritis in Iranian Children" by Golshekan et al. This article examines the effects of oral ondansetron in children to reduce vomiting from acute gastroenteritis. The study was conducted on 176 children from ages 1 to 10 years old. The oral ondansetron and a placebo were compared. 30 minutes after administration, oral rehydration therapy (ORT) was performed. Patients in both groups still had persistent vomiting. The results indicated that oral ondansetron greatly decreased ORT failure, however, further studies need to be conducted in order to determine its effectiveness.

These articles and other articles from this issue can be found here.

Featured Issue: Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine Vol.11 No.12

What are the survival predictors of preterm neonates? Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine was recently updated on Bioline in March with vol.11 no.12, and includes an article that aims to uncover this question.

This issue includes "Survival predictors of preterm neonates: Hospital based study in Iran (2010-2011)" by Haghighi et al. This article assesses the factors for risk of neonatal mortality, as well as the factors affecting survival rate of pre-term infants in the Iranian population. 1612 pre-term infants born at 26-36 weeks at the Shahid Akbar-Abadi University Hospital from April 2010 to April 2011 were examined. Fetal-neonatal, maternal and pregnancy data was taken, and survival rates were analyzed. The results indicated that the total overall mortality rate for the infants was 9.1%. Infants at the lowest end of the birth weight spectrum had survival rates of 11.11%. The results indicated that birth weight under 1000mg dramatically influenced neonatal survival rate.

This issue also includes "Uterine cavity assessment in infertile women: Sensitivity and specificity of three-dimensional Hysterosonography versus Hysteroscopy" by Ahmadi et al. This article examines the effects of the use of three-dimensional hysterosonography (3-DHS) to diagnose uterine abnormalities in women with infertility. The study was conducted at the Royan Institute in Tehran, Iran between 2010 and 2011, examining women with infertility issues who were referred to 3-DHS before in-vitro fertilization. The study also included women who underwent both a hysteroscopy and 3-DHS. The results indicated that sensitivity and specificity for 3-DHS was 68.4% and 96.3%, respectively. It was concluded that 3-DHS, in comparison to the hysteroscopy, was reliable in diagnosing uterine abnormalities.

For these articles and other articles from this issue, click here.

Featured Issue: Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine Vol.11 No.11

This is our third post on the Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine. We published two posts on the blog last week.

Today we are featuring no.11. This issue includes "Pregnancy rate after endometrial injury in couples with unexplained infertility: A randomized clinical trial" by Parsanezhad et al. This article examines how endometrial injury affects the pregnancy rate in couples who experience infertility. The study was conducted at the Shiraz University Infertility Clinic of Ghadir Hospital. 217 women between 23 to 35 years old with infertility were divided into two groups. One group underwent endometrial local injury, while the other did not. The results indicated that women who underwent endometrial local injury had a significantly higher pregnancy rate than women in the control group.

This issue also includes "Prevalence of immunity to toxoplasmosis among Iranian childbearing age women: Systematic review and meta-analysis" by Borna et al. This study aims to determine the immunity rates of women with toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease. The study was carried out by looking at previous studies conducted up to 2012 and articles were selected based on positive anti toxoplasma IgG antibody or anti toxoplasma antibody in childbearing women. 13480 participants were examined. The results indicated that overall estimated prevalence of anti toxoplasma using the IFTA serological method was 34.5%. Overall estimated prevalence of anti toxoplasma antibody was 39.9%. The study concluded that prenatal screenings could help determine which mothers could be susceptible to toxoplasmosis. These screenings can also help determine the primary prevention of toxoplasmosis in areas where risk factors such as eating habits and hygiene exist. 

For these articles and other articles from this issue, click here.

Featured Issue: Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine Vol.11 No.9

Today we are featuring the 9th issue of Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine vol.11. We will also be featuring no.10, 11 & 12 later this week. 

No.9 includes "Does oral contraceptive pill increase the risk of abnormal Pap smear?" by Binesh et al. This article details a study done at Shahid Sadoughi Madar hospitals to identify if there is a correlation in women between taking an oral contraceptive pill (OCP) and having an abnormal Pap smear. 1286 women who took OCP were examined and compared with a group of 1218 women using other contraceptive methods. Age, parity and socioeconomic factors were matched in each group. All the women in the study had single partners, were non-smokers and were taking OCP for at least five years. The results indicated that there is no significant correlation between taking OCP and having an abnormal Pap smear.

This issue also includes "Perinatal outcomes of pregnancies with borderline versus normal amniotic fluid index" by Asgharnia et al. This article looks at the differences in pregnancy outcomes of normal versus borderline amniotic fluid index (AFI). 235 women with singleton pregnancies at the Alzahra Medical Center were examined between 2009 and 2011. 141 women were in the normal AFI group while 94 women were in the borderline AFI group. The groups were evaluated based on maternal and fetal complications. SPSS was used to analyze data. Risks such as pre-term delivery and labour induction were higher in the borderline AFI group than the normal AFI group.

For these articles and others from this issue, click here.

Featured Issue: Biokemistri Vol.26 No.1

Today we will be featuring another issue from Biokemistri, vol.26 no.1. This issue includes "Hydrocarbon-degrading Capability of Bacteria isolated from a Maize-Planted, Kerosene-contaminated Ilorin Alfisol" by Adetitun et al., a study examining bacteria that could potentially be involved in the biodegrading or bioremediation of the environment, specifically petroleum-contaminated systems. The study took place in Nigeria, where 24 species of bacteria were extracted from Ilorin Alfisol treated with Kerosene. The results indicated that Kerosene spillage could pose a threat to the development and sustainability of Zea mays. The results also indicated that some bacteria live and even thrive in kerosene-contaminated soil.

This issue also includes "Processing method influences the effect of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) consumption on blood lipid profile in rats" by Oyabambi et al. This article examines how different Cassava processing methods and formulations have an effect on the lipid profile of test rats. Four groups of ten rats were formed, with each group receiving a different type of feed. One group received Garri, another on Cassava flour, the third on tapioca, and the fourth on regular feed. The results indicated that Garri and Cassava flour feed significantly increased HDL-cholesterol concentration, but the group given Garri feed had a higher HDL-cholesterol concentration than the group given Cassava flour feed.

You can find these articles and others from the issue here.