Hepatitis B is an infectious disease to which dentists are susceptible. The main aim of this study was to determine the level of antibody titer and immunity in vaccinated Iranian general dentists. A total of 861 general dentists were invited to participate in this study; 598 persons who could recall their history of vaccination and consented to have blood samples taken were recruited. Demographic and work-related data were recorded, and anti-Hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs-Ag) evaluations were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the 598 participants, 35 (5.9%) were nonimmune (anti-HBs <10 IU/l), 101 (16.9%) were relatively immune (anti-HBs = 10-99 IU/l), and 462 (77.3%) were completely immune (anti-HBs > or =100 IU/l). Only 218 (36.5%) of the dentists knew their HBs antibody titer. Fourteen (2.3%) persons reported receiving one dose and 65 (10.9%) had received two doses. The number of those who had received the three recommended doses totaled 519 (86.8%), 491 (82.1%) of them receiving their vaccine on schedule. Age, city, pack-years of smoking, years of smoking, and the interval between the last vaccination and the commencement of the study had a significant relationship to the antibody titer level, whereas sex, marital status, place of practice, smoking, and vaccination schedule were not related. Only 36.5% of the general dentists had checked their antibody titer. We, therefore, recommend that dentists, as a potential high-risk group, should know their level of anti-HBs antibody titer so that those who require revaccination can get treatment.

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IntroductionIdiopathic portal hypertension is a disorder of unknown etiology, clinically characterized by portal hypertension, splenomegaly and anemia secondary to hypersplenism.Case presentationA 54-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of malaise, weight loss, abdominal swelling and lower limb edema. His paraclinical tests revealed pancytopenia, large ascites, splenomegaly and esophageal varices consistent with portal hypertension. Duodenal biopsy and serologic findings were compatible with celiac disease. His symptoms improved on a gluten-free diet, but his clinical course was further complicated with ulcerative jejunoileitis, and intestinal T-cell lymphoma.ConclusionIt seems that celiac disease, by an increased immune reaction in the splenoportal axis, can result in the development of idiopathic portal hypertension in susceptible affected patients.

The information gained from the Human Genome Project has facilitated molecular as well as cellular studies not only to find the origins of Breast Cancer (BC), but also to create novel, and effective treatments. In order to provide an infrastructure for local and international research in this area, Iranian Center for Breast Cancer (ICBC) has established a Bio-Bank (BB) for BC. This article describes the aim, structure, and activities in general, and the challenging issues confronting the bank as a model for the establishment of Bio-Banks in developing countries in particular. The methods employed by the Bank could be explained in the following categories: Blood and Tissue sampling, Preparation and Banking of collected Samples, Clinical and Histopathology data collection, Collaboration Protocol, Challenging issues, and the programs to confront the problems. During the five-year activity of the bank, 110 families were enrolled for genetic counseling, from whom 600 biologic samples were obtained, including 387 blood samples and 213 tissue samples. Of 387 blood samples, 317 (82%) were found to belong to the BC patients and the remaining 70 (18%) belonged to their available relatives. The number of samples increased over the study period partly as a result of the programs designed to confront the problems. During the study period, there were some finished research studies using the samples of BB, and many other studies which are still ongoing. ICBC-BB is a model of biologic sample banking which provides a significant number of biological samples for local and international collaborative research projects regarding molecular and cellular aspects of BC. In establishing the ICBC-BB we have experienced problems and challenges, some general and some local. Some were expected and others not, but we have identified solutions.