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Background: Candida species are the most common yeasts that reside in oral cavity in 30 - 50% of people, and are capable to produce opportunistic infections within the oral cavity. This study was done to determine the effect of cigarette smoking on the type and degree of Candida oral carriage. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, oral Candida flora in 34 smoker and 66 non-smoker men were compared. All of the samples were collected by swab and examined by direct microscopy and culture on CHOROM agar Candida and corn meal agar media. Isolated colonies were identified by carbohydrate assimilation method using RapID Yeast PLUS System. Results: Out of the 34 smoker individuals, 27(79.4%) had Candida colonization in their oral cavity while 30(45.5%) of the 66 non-smoker individuals had developed this kind of colonization. A significant difference was observed between the two groups (p<0.05). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the degree of colonisation and the type of candida species which were isolated from the oral cavity of the smoker and nonsmoker groups. Conclusion: Cigarette smoking can act as an important underlying factor in oral candidiasis.

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Background: Among respiratory support techniques, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) and mechanical ventilation (MV) are more known for their effectivity in reducing complications associated with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Moreover, early application of NCPAP and administration of surfactant are effective in decreasing the need for MV and its adverse effects. This study was designed to compare NCPAP and MV after administration of surfactant in preterm neonates with RDS. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 60 preterm neonates (<32 weeks) were evaluated. After receiving one dose of surfactant (4 cc/kg), the subjects were randomly divided into treatment and control groups, and respiratory support was established via positive airway pressure or MV. Results: There were no significant differences between the neonates in the two groups in terms of gestational age and birth weight. The mean duration of MV was significantly lower in the treatment group (p=0.001). On day 3, the number of ventilator-dependent neonates in the control group was more (26.7% versus 83.3%). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the number of second surfactant doses, mortality rate, and the number of patients who had developed short-term complications during hospital stay. Conclusion: In a significant number of preterm babies with RDS, NCPAP can be extubated after receiving one dose of surfactant. This is a potentially useful modality for respiratory support with a low mortality and morbidity rate and limited complications in very premature infants.