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Background. Cleft lip/palate (CL/P) is a prevalent congenital disorder. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a role in palatogenesis and have been proposed to be associated with nonsyndromic CL/P development. This study aimed to examine the association of MMP2 (rs243866) and MMP9 (rs3918242) gene polymorphism with nonsyndromic CL/P in an Iranian population. Methods. Blood samples were collected from 120 nonsyndromic CL/P patients and 140 healthy newborns in this case-control study. DNA extraction was performed by the salting-out method, and the samples underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), using Pag and SphI enzymes, for genotyping MMP2 and MMP9 gene polymorphisms. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 11.5. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The level of statistical significance was set at P

Background. Hypodontia, or the absence of one or more teeth during tooth formation, is a highly prevalent dental anomaly. Nevertheless, the main causes are still unknown. Mutations in PAX9, MSX1, WNT10A, and AXIN2 genes are most commonly associated with non-syndromic tooth agenesis in the literature. This study investigated these candidate genes in an Iranian family with non-syndromic hypodontia and oligodontia. Methods. Peripheral blood samples of the proband and her family members were collected, and DNA extractions using the salting-out method were carried out. In addition, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing for candidate genes were performed. Results. A missense variant (rs4904210) was identified in the PAX9 gene, with one heterozygous missense variant (rs2240308) and one stop-gained variant (rs121908568) in the AXIN2 gene. Conclusion. By surveying similar studies and analyzing the variant in bioinformatics websites, we concluded that the heterozygous stop-gained variant rs121908568 in exon 8 of the AXIN2 gene could be responsible for tooth agenesis in the Iranian population.

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Background and Aim: According to the WHO Commission on social determinants of health, identification of social determinants of health and collection of scientific evidence in this domain is essential for reducing health inequity. This is considered one of the main missions of social determinants of health research centers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of knowledge production in the county SDH research centers in Iran. Materials and Methods: In this 5-year cross-sectional study (2014 – 2018) 33 SDH research centers were assessed in regard to knowledge production indicators such as published articles, citation, H index, the high-quality publication (Q1), and international collaborations. Results: We found 4229 indexed articles which have been published by 334 faculty members/researchers of these research centers from 2014 to 2018. 11.9 percent of these articles have been published in high-quality research journals and 488 articles were produced with international collaboration. In 2018, the total number of citations to these articles published by these research centers from 2014 to 2018, was 4427 and the highest five-year H index was 26. According to the results of the research rankings, social determinants of health research centers of Kermanshah, Kurdistan, and Qazvin were ranked first to third, respectively. Conclusion: The trend of knowledge production in Iranian social determinants of health research centers has paralleled the trend of their citations and it is necessary to pay more attention to high-quality journals for publication of articles and expansion of international collaboration. Obviously, producing scientific documentation can be an effective source in health promotion policies and reduction of access gradients

Multi-environment trials (MET) are conducted every year for all major crops throughout the world, and best use of the information contained in MET data for cultivar evaluation and recommendation has been an important issue in plant breeding research. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of genotype × environment (GE) interaction on the grain yield of 19 durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) genotypes via non-parametric methods. Experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replications for 3 years at 7 locations. Several statistical methods were used to evaluate phenotypic stability of these genotypes. Four non-parametric statistical test of significance for GE interaction and ten nonparametric measures of stability analyses were used to identify stable genotypes across the 10 environments. The non-parametric measures (Kubinger, Hildebrand, Bredenkamp and Kroon/Van der laan) for GE interaction were highly significant (P<0.01), suggesting differential responses of the genotypes to the test environments. Based on high values of nonparametric superiority measure (Fox et al., 1990) stability parameters, Jupare c 2001, Bcr//Memo/Goo/3/Stj7 and Arthur71/Bcr//Ch5 were identified as the most stable genotype. These non-parametric parameters were observed to be associated with high mean yield. However, other non-parametric methods were not positively correlated with mean yield and therefore they were not used in classifying the genotypes. Simple correlation coefficients using Spearman’s rank correlation, was used to measure the relationship between the stability parameters. Si(1), Si(2) and NP1 were significantly correlating. To identify more similar non-parametric stability parameters, a hierarchical cluster analysis based on non weighted values of genotypes, was performed and the ten stability parameters fell into three groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) will be responsible for almost 70% of all deaths in 2020. Therefore, knowledge production to find suitable ways to prevent, diagnosis, and effectively cover this disease in research centers is mandatory. Therefore, the present study is carried out with the aim to examine the results of studies performed in three years in Iranian cardiovascular centers.METHODS: Iranian cardiovascular research centers with more than three years of activity from 2015 to 2017 were evaluated. Research output, international collaboration, high quality publication, total citation, and average h-index (H) were evaluated and scored.RESULTS: 23 cardiovascular diseases research centers (CVDRCs) related to 15 universities of Medical Sciences (UMSs) were evaluated. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of age of the research activities in CVDRCs was 11.47 ± 8.60 years. Based on the research ranking, the first three centers were Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Iran, Tehran Heart Center, and Shaheed Rajaei Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran, respectively, all of which have independent budget line. However, there is not any CVD research center in some provinces such as Zanjan, Kurdistan, Lorestan, and Arak, Iran.CONCLUSION: Mission oriented research activities in Iranian cardiovascular research centers may be effective in reducing the burden of CVDs. Moreover, establishment of CVD research centers in high risk areas may be useful.

Background: Studies show that fluoride (F) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) would result in remineralization of white spot lesions (WSLs), which are among the most prevalent consequences of fixed orthodontic treatment. The present study evaluates and compares the clinical effects of an Iranian toothpaste containing nano-HA with F-containing one on early enamel lesions. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 50 patients who had received fixed orthodontic treatment were recruited immediately after debonding. Three photographs, including frontal, lateral right and left views of occlusion, were obtained. Moreover, surfaces with WSLs were recorded using DIAGNOdent. Plaque index of each patient determined using disclosing agents. At first visit, each patient was asked to select one type of toothpaste (nano-HA containing vs. F containing named A or B), randomly and were instructed how to brush their teeth (25 patients in each group). Examination was done at 1, 3, and 6 months' intervals. Finally, photographs were analyzed by Digimizer (V5) software, and the lesion extent was recorded in pixels. SAS 9.4 was used to analyze data and was set at 0.05. Results: According to data, lesion extent showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001). At baseline, the difference between the two groups regarding the lesion extent was 268 pixels while it dropped to 89 pixels after 6 months. DIAGNOdent results showed that at baseline, fluorescence difference was 0.3 while it reached the number of 0.8 after 6 months, indicating the outperformance of nano-HA containing toothpaste. Conclusion: The Iranian nano-HA containing toothpaste performed better than F-containing one in terms of the amount of remineralization and diminishing the lesion extent.

Background. Mesiodistal and buccolingual angulations of teeth are variable in different malocclusion classes. This study aimed to assess the mesiodistal angulation of posterior teeth in orthodontic patients with vertical, normal, and horizontal facial growth patterns. Methods. This descriptive, cross-sectional study evaluated 150 lateral cephalograms of orthodontic patients. According to cephalometric analysis, facial growth patterns were divided into three groups of normal, horizontal, and vertical (n=50). The angulation of maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth was then measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22. Results. The results showed an increase in the mean angle of maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth relative to palatal and mandibular planes in patients with a vertical facial growth pattern. Conversely, their angulation decreased relative to the bisected occlusal plane (BOP). The angulation of posterior teeth decreased relative to palatal and mandibular planes and increased relative to the occlusal plane with an increase in overbite. The mean angle of all maxillary teeth relative to the palatal plane was significantly greater in open bite patients compared to normal and deep bite patients. This value in patients with normal bite was significantly greater than that in deep bite patients (P

Background: Peer based evaluation is a qualitative assessment done in different fields and levels. The aim of this study was to express the results of peer review evaluation in selected Iranian clinical research centers. Methods: Four main domains consist of Leadership and governance, Structure, Knowledge products and Impact in thirty Iranian clinical research centers were evaluated based on peer review in 2019. Strengths and weak points with peer`s suggestions were extracted based on qualitative analysis. Results: Governance and impact domains have been more weak points than others. Equipment, facilities, physical space and human resource have been desirable in many research centers, and also there were some good developments in research publication. The most important suggestion was pay more attention to technology in planning, infra-structure and impact levels. Conclusion: Review missions of clinical research centers with more emphasis on health impact is necessary to clinical improvement.

ABSTRACT Objective: The current study investigated the correlation between pulpal sensitivity to the electric pulp tester (EPT) and external apical root resorption (EARR) in four types of maxillary anterior teeth of fixed orthodontic treatment patients. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 232 anterior teeth of 58 patients (mean age 18.96 ± 6.13 years) treated with fixed orthodontic treatment were examined. The EPT readings were recorded at twelve time points immediately before archwire insertion. Root resorption of four maxillary incisors were measured by means of parallel periapical radiographs at three time intervals (six months interval from the start) through design-to-purpose software to optimize data collection. A multiple linear regression model and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to assess the association of EPT values and observed EARR (p< 0.05). Results: The highest level of EPT measurement was recorded at initial visit, and then there was a decreasing trend in EPT level during treatment for the next six and twelve months. There was another increasing trend after six months till the finishing time of the treatment. There was a significant correlation between changes in root length and time of recording the root length (p< 0.001). There was significant positive correlation between changes in EPT level and amount of observed root resorption (p< 0.001). Conclusion: The relative decrease in electric pulp test level could be a diagnostic sign of root resorption during orthodontic treatment. Further studies with longer follow up are needed to confirm the current results.

Introduction: Cleft lip/palate is one of the most common congenital defects and is supposed to have multifactorial etiology, including a complex interaction between genetics and environment. Reduced folate carrier 1 (RFC1) gene takes part in folate transportation within the cells. In this study, the association of A80G polymorphism in the RFC1 gene with the non-syndromic cleft lip/palate (nsCL/P) was investigated in Iranian infants for the first time. Methods: In this case-control survey, 122 Iranian infants with nsCL/P and 164 healthy infants were investigated for RFC1 polymorphism by PCR and RFLP methods. The results were statistically compared with control group, odds ratios with 95% CI were estimated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression model and a P

Background. Many types of toothpastes contain substances that can remineralize initial enamel caries. This study aimed to assess the effect of nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA) on microhardness of artificially created carious lesions. Methods. In this in vitro study, NHA was prepared using sol-gel technique and added to the toothpaste with 7% concentration. A total of 80 extracted sound teeth were collected. The crowns were polished using 500-grit abrasive paper. The specimens were randomly coded from 1 to 80. Number 1 to 40 were assigned to group A and numbers 41 to 80 to group B. The microhardness was measured using HVS-1000 Vickers microhardness tester. The specimens were demineralized using 37% phosphoric acid for 3 minutes in order to create artificial carious lesions and then were rinsed with water, air-sprayed for 3 minutes and dried. Microhardness was measured again. Next, the specimens were brushed for 15 days, twice daily, for 15 seconds. After 15 days, microhardness was measured again. Toothpaste A contained NHA and fluoride and toothpaste B contained fluoride alone. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16, with one-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and ANOVA at a significance level of P

Background: Health research networks (HRNs) are critical components of large-scale systems of production and validation of scientific evidence. As evaluation of research systems is a reliable process to measure efficiency and effectiveness of their activities, we aimed to report the processes of development of evaluation indicators’ for Iranian health research networks and the results of conducted assessment. Methods: In 2017, for the first time, aim to develop the evaluation framework for national HRNs, following the qualitative approach to assess the quality of research we designed the peer review method as one of the most important tools. This qualitative method was conducted according to experts’ views in specific fields. Key policy makers and stakeholders collaboratively developed a number of criteria for evaluation of research performance of Iranian HRNs. Following the review of conducted studies, benefitting from published guide line, these indicators were defined under 4 main axes of governance and leadership; infrastructures; research products and research impact. Results: Based on requirements of developed protocol for evaluation of HRNs in Iran, 18 HRNs completed the processes of evaluation. Results show a progressive need for more attention to precise planning of HRNs for achieving to goals. Another point to consider is the attention to documenting processes. The observational system for researches for detection of latest research priority was the most important issues that need to be more addressed by all of networks. Conclusion: Research evaluation of Iranian HRNs more over creating of constructive positive competition provide an overview of the shortcomings and research challenges could be used for better planning and promotion of the health research system.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Tooth extraction as a part of orthodontic treatment plan to create space for leveling and aligning teeth or causing tooth movement leads to changes in arch width and length. The outcome of these changes is important for the clinicians and affects the treatment and retention plans. Despite some previous studies, data in this regard are still scarce and further investigation is required on this subject. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental arch dimensional changes following four first premolars extraction orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 100 pairs of dental casts and respective patient records that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomly selected from the archives of the Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Length and width of dental arch were measured on the initial and final casts of patients using a digital caliper with 0.1 mm precision. The mean, standard deviation (SD) and standard error of variables were determined, and the data were analyzed using SPSS software. Paired t-test was applied to compare changes before and after treatment. RESULTS: The obtained results showed that the maxillary and mandibular inter-canine widths significantly increased as the result of fixed appliance therapy with the extraction of four first premolars. The arch width at the second premolar and molar at mesiobuccal cusp tip and distobuccal cusp tip regions in the maxilla and mandible showed a significant reduction (P < 0.001). In this study, arch length at different points was measured. In the maxilla, the incisor-canine distance in both quadrants experienced a significant increase (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the canine-molar distance and the incisor-molar distance in both quadrants and the total arch length showed a significant reduction (P < 0.001). In the mandible, the incisor-canine distance in the right quadrant significantly increased (P < 0.050), but the reduction in the incisor-canine distance in the left quadrant was not statistically significant. Moreover, the canine-molar and the incisor-molar distance in both quadrants and the total arch length all decreased significantly (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Orthodontic treatment with extraction of four first premolars significantly increased the inter-canine width and incisor-canine distance in both jaws; but, the inter-premolar and inter-molar widths, canine-molar distance, incisor-molar distance, and total arch length significantly decreased.

Objective(s):We investigated the influence of genetic variation of the transforming growth-factor alpha (TGFA) locus on the relationship between smoking and oral clefts. Materials and methods:In this study 105 Iranian infants with non-syndromic cleft lip/palate and 218 controls with non-cleft birth defects were examined to test for associations among maternal exposures, genetic markers, and oral clefts. Maternal and parental smoking histories during pregnancy were obtained through questionnaire. DNA was extracted from newborn screening blood samples, and genotyping of the BamHI polymorphism in the TGFA gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. A number of factors including gender of the newborns, type of oral cleft, consanguinity of the parents, as well as the mother’s age and education were evaluated as potential confounders and effect modifiers. Results: Maternal smoking, in the absence of paternal smoking, was associated with an increased risk for CL/P (OR = 19.2, 95% CI = [(6.2-59.5)]) and cleft palate only (OR =48.7, 95% CI = [(8-29.3)]). If both parents smoked, risks were generally greater (OR = 55.6, 95% CI = [12-20.25]). Analyses for the risk of clefting from maternal smoking, stratified by the presence or absence of the TGFA/BamH1variant, revealed that the risk of clefting among the infants with the TGFA/BamH1 variant when their mothers smoked cigarettes was much greater than the infants who had non-smoker mothers (P=0.001, OR=10.4,95% CI=[3.2,33.6]). Conclusion:The results of this study indicate that first-trimester maternal smoking and infant TGFA locus mutations are both associated with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P).

Introduction: Since the emergence of normal occlusion concept, selecting an appropriate treatment plan with or without tooth extraction has been a controversial subject. Nowadays, both methods can be successfully used for treatment of patients. However, some clinicians still believe that non-extraction orthodontic treatments have fewer complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental arch dimensional changes following non-extraction orthodontic treatment. Materials &Methods: A total of 200 pre- and post-treatment diagnostic dental casts belonging to 100 patients (non-ext treated by 0.18 roth system) who met the inclusion criteria for this study were collected from the archives of Shahid Beheshti Dental School. Sampling was nonrandomized. A digital caliper with the accuracy of 0.1 mm was used for the measurement of variables such as inter-canine width , inter-premolar width and inter-molar width. Results: Non-extraction orthodontic treatment increased all the variables, except for the mandibular inter-canine width and incisor-canine distance. Conclusion: Non-extraction orthodontic treatment causes a significant increase in almost all dental arch parameters. This increase manifests as teeth flaring.

Background and aims. The aim of the present study is to determine the incidence of MTHFR C677 T and A1298C muta-tions in Iranian patients with cleft lip and/or cleft palate. Materials and methods. We screened 61 Iranian patients with cleft lip and/or cleft palate for mutations in the two alleles of MTHFR gene associated with cleft lip and/or palate: A1298C and C677T, using Polymerase Chain Reaction following by RFLP. Results. The 677T and 1298C homozygote genotypes showed a frequency of 36.1% and 11.4%, respectively. Combined genotype frequencies in newborns having oral clefts showed that the highest genotype was 677TT/1298AA (22.9%) and 677TT/1298CC genotypes were not observed. Conclusion. The results showed that 65.6% of all patients had at least one T mutant allele in C677T and 58.9% C mutant allele for A1298C. According to the frequencies of homozygosity of mutant alleles, it could be said that MTHFRgenotype of 677TT shows a greater role in having oral clefts.

Background and aims. The correct relationship of the total mesiodistal width of the mandibular teeth to that of the maxillary teeth (Bolton’s ratios) is among the main factors considered in obtaining an optimal occlusion. The present study was conducted to determining the Bolton’s ratios before and after treatment in skeletal class I patients. Materials and methods. In this descriptive analytical study, 200 study casts of 100 patients (including 73 females and 27 males) were selected from 1,700 patient files with fixed, non-extraction orthodontic treatment protocol. The greatest mesiodistal width of teeth was measured using a digital caliper. The total Bolton index (TBI) and anterior Bolton index (ABI) were calculated for subjects and the obtained results were compared with the values reported by Bolton using one-sample ttest. The alterations in these indexes before and after treatment were compared with paired t-test. Results. Post-treatment ABI and TBI in patients were 77.35% ± 4.12% and 91.2% ± 1.66%, respectively. No significant difference was detected in ABI and TBI of patients after treatment when compared with the results of Bolton’s study (P > 0.05). However, a significant correlation was observed in values of ABI (P < 0.001) and TBI (P < 0.01) before and after treatment. Conclusion. These findings suggest that patients with mild hypodontia have narrower teeth than normal subjects especially in posterior segments, which may have clinical implications during the orthodontic treatment process.

Background: Governance is one of the main functions of Health Research System (HRS) that consist of four essential elements such as setting up evaluation system. The goal of this study was to introduce a new web based research evaluation model in Iran. Methods: Based on main elements of governance, research indicators have been clarified and with cooperation of technical team, appropriate software was designed. Three main steps in this study consist of developing of mission-oriented program, creating enabling environment and set up Iran Research Medical Portal as a center for research evaluation. Results: Fifty-two universities of medical sciences in three types have been participated. After training the evaluation focal points in all of medical universities, access to data entry and uploading all of documents were provided. Regarding to mission – based program, the contribution of medical universities in knowledge production was 60% for type one, 31% for type two and 9% for type three. The research priorities based on Essential National Health Research (ENHR) approach and mosaic model were gathered from universities of medical sciences and aggregated to nine main areas as national health research priorities. Ethical committees were established in all of medical universities. Conclusion: Web based research evaluation model is a comprehensive and integrated system for data collection in research. This system is appropriate tool to national health research ranking.

Background: Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers call for updated valid evidence to monitor, prevent, and control of alarming trends of health problems. To respond to these needs, health researches provide the vast multidisciplinary scientific fields. We quantify the national trends of health research outputs and its contribution in total science products. Methods: We systematically searched Scopus database with the most coverage in health and biomedicine discipline as the only sources for multidisciplinary citation reports, for all total and health-related publications, from 2000 to 2014. These scientometrics analyses covered the trends of main index of scientific products, citations, and collaborative papers. We also provided information on top institutions, journals, and collaborative research centers in the fields of health researches. Results: In Iran, over a 15-year period, 237,056 scientific papers have been published, of which 81,867 (34.53%) were assigned to health-related fields. Pearson's Chi-square test showed significant time trends between published papers and their citations. Tehran University of Medical Sciences was responsible for 21.87% of knowledge productions share. The second and the third ranks with 11.15% and 7.28% belonged to Azad University and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, respectively. In total fields, Iran had the most collaborative papers with the USA (4.17%), the UK (2.41%), and Canada (0.02%). In health-related papers, similar patterns of collaboration followed by 4.75%, 2.77%, and 1.93% of papers. Conclusions: Despite the ascending trends in health research outputs, more efforts required for the promotion of collaborative outputs that cause synergy of resources and the use of practical results. These analyses also could be useful for better planning and management of planning and conducting studies in these fields.

Background: We studied the role of maternal folic acid supplementation in modifying the effects of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T and A1298C) gene polymorphisms in Iranian children with oral clefts. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven newborn infants with orofacial cleft and their mothers were selected randomly. Mothers were matched regarding dietary folate intake. The genotyping on venous blood was carried out. Consistency between maternal and child genotypes was analyzed. Results: Genotype consistency was not statistically significant in both C677T and A1298C gene variants (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Maternal folic acid consumption may not have any significant effect on modifying C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in children.