Latex gloves allergy in dental workers, Iran

Sensitization to common allergens among patients with allergies in major Iranian cities: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Various allergens are implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases in different regions. This study attempted to identify the most common allergens among patients with allergies based on the results of skin prick tests in different parts of Iran. Relevant studies conducted from 2000 to 2016 were identified from the MEDLINE database. Six common groups of allergen types, including animal, cockroach, food, fungus, house dust mite, and pollen were considered. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of each type of allergen. The Egger test was used to assess publication bias. We included 44 studies in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of positive skin test results for at least one allergen was estimated to be 59% in patients with allergies in various parts of Iran. The number of patients was 11,646 (56% male and 44% female), with a mean age of 17.46±11.12 years. The most common allergen sources were pollen (47.0%), mites (35.2%), and food (15.3%). The prevalence of sensitization to food and cockroach allergens among children was greater than among adults. Pollen is the most common allergen sensitization in cities of Iran with a warm and dry climate; however, sensitization to house dust mites is predominant in northern and southern coastal areas of Iran.

Comparison of skin test reactivity of two endodontic biomaterials in rabbits

In this in vivo study, the skin reactivity of rabbits to Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Calcium Enriched Mixture (CEM) was compared. Sixteen albino rabbits were used. The dorsal skin in three areas (2 x 2 cm) of the rabbits was shaved 24 h prior to the test. The areas were randomly covered with freshly mixed biomaterials [MTA (n = 16), CEM (n = 16) and normal saline (control; n = 16)], sterile gauze and bandages were placed for 4 h and the biomaterials were washed. The surface areas of the reactive skin sections were examined by naked eye and measured in 1, 24, 48 and 72 h using the Cavalier technique. The animals were then sacrificed and histological sections were prepared for blind examination. Results of macroscopic examination revealed a significant difference (p = 0.003) between the average erythematous surface areas induced by MTA (1.61 +/- 0.32) and CEM (0.5 +/- 0.16). Results of histological examination showed that the highest inflammation was observed in MTA, followed by CEM and control groups. Comparison of the difference in inflammatory cell count between each group revealed statistically significant differences in all cases (p < 0.001). The results demonstrated that the biocompatibility of CEM cement is higher than MTA; CEM can be considered as a suitable endodontic biomaterial.