Evaluating the Effect of Socio-Economic Status on DMFT Index in Children Aged 12 in Iran through Zero-Inflated Poisson Regression

Introduction: The most common index in dental studies is the decayed, missing, or filled teeth (dmft)/DMFT. Risk factor evaluation in order to investigate the significant factors that affect this DMFT in children has an important role in dental epidemiological studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between socioeconomic factors and dental caries. Materials and Methods:  This cross-sectional study was a part of a national survey for assessing the oral health status of Iranian citizens in 2012. The target population was children aged. The data and oral examination results were collected by the clinical examination form and trained calibrated dental group (dentists and hygienists). A zero-inflated Poisson regression model (ZIP) with a random effect was utilized for evaluating the effect of socioeconomic status on DMFT. Results:  In general, 1564 subjects were studied. From the entire subject in this study, the frequency of zero was 4176 (67%). The result of the ZIP model with random effect in zero part showed that socioeconomic status (OR = 1.97; P-value <0.001) had a significant effect on zero DMFT occurrences. The variance component of the random intercept in zero part was significant too (σ2 =17.11, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The zero-inflated Poisson model with random effect in zero part was fitted to this data. Children from lower socioeconomic classes experienced more DMFT. &nbsp

A Comparison of Emotional-Behavioral Problems of siblings at the Age Range of 3-9 Years Old of Children with Autism and Down syndrome

AbstractObjectives: Children's emotional-behavioral problems will have a huge impact on their future. It seems such problems are more seen in the siblings of children with special needs. The present study sought to compare emotional-behavioral problems in the healthy siblings of autistic children with the healthy siblings of children with Down syndrome in order to identify such children in Iran.Materials & Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 174 healthy children aged between 3 and 9 years old among whom 58 cases had autistic siblings, 58 cases had siblings with Down syndrome, and 58 cases had typically development siblings. The participants were selected using convenience sampling technique. All volunteer parents filled in SDQ Questionnaire. The study results were calculated using independent sample t-test, two-way ANOVA, and Tukey post hoc test by SPSS Software V.21.Results: The mean overall score of Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire was reported as 17.98±6.19 in the autism group, 11.01±6.56 in the Down syndrome group and 4.43±4.34 in the healthy group so that there was a significant difference among autism, Down syndrome and healthy groups. In the group of siblings with Down syndrome, the problems were significantly more in the age range of 3 to 7 years old (p <0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the scores of males and females (p> 0.05).Conclusions: Siblings with autism or Down syndrome can have especial psychological effects on healthy children in families in the way that such effect will be more with autistic children. Therefore, formulating beneficial strategies for their parents is useful to prevent emotional- behavioral problems. 

Comparison of the Effect of Recaldent and Xylitol on the Amounts of Salivary Streptococcus Mutans

 Background:Dental caries is associated with oral pathogenes and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans)is one of the primary cariogenic organisms. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of sugar free chewing gum containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate(CPP-ACP) and Xylitol on salivary Streptococcus mutan. Materials and Methods: 60 dental students, who volunteered after signing an informed consent, were randomly allocated to receive one of the following interventions: (A) Chewing gum containing CPP-ACP, (B) Chewing gum containing Xylitol. Subjects within the experimental groups chewed gum for 20 minutes, three times a day after meals for 3 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention unstimulated saliva samples were quantified for Streptococcus mutans count. Results: A statistically significant reduction (p<0.05) of salivary S. mutans was displayed in both groups A and B after the intervention. When results compared with baseline, and group A shows more statistically significant reduction of salivary S. mutans than group B.Conclusion: In conclusion, daily chewing gum containing CPP-ACP and xylitol reduce the level of salivary S. mutans in a significant way, but chewing gum containing CPP-ACP can reduce the level of salivary S. mutans in a significant way than Xylitol chewing gum

Considering time-interaction terms using parametric survival models for interval-censoring data

Background: Many of the variables which are investigated in survival research are time-invariant, i.e. their values do not change over time. But their effects, may yet vary over time. Thus, the change in behavior that occurs over time needs to be included in the analysis. This can be done by adding time-interaction terms to the model. Method: In this research, a parametric survival model, which is capable of evaluating the effects of time-dependent variables, was applied for interval-censored data such that the time to invariant variables interaction terms were considered as time-dependent variables. Results: Using a practical example, the results of the study show that this model can alter the interpretations regarding the effects of exploratory variables. Conclusion: when dealing with fixed variables whose effects change over time, the researcher can incorporate their interaction effect with time, and treat them as time-dependent variables and obtain appropriate inferences

Effect of Massage Using Camel Hump Oil Compared to Olive Oil on Muscle Tone of Children with Spastic Diplegia: Single Participant Design

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of massage with camel hump oil on muscle tone in the lower limb compared with olive oil on children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. Materials and Methods:  The study was performed using a single subject design. Six children were selected based on available sampling. The study lasted 10 weeks for each person, which includes five phases: 1-baseline (two weeks), 2-massage with olive oil (two weeks), 3- baseline (two weeks), 4- massage with camel hump oil (two weeks), and 5- baseline (two weeks). At each stage, muscle tones of Hamstring, hip adductors, and calf muscles were evaluated using the Modified Ashworth Scale. The visual analysis and Mann-whitney U test were used to evaluate differences between phases. Results: A significant difference was observed between the adductor (in 4 cases), hamstrings (in 4 cases), and calf muscles tone (in two cases) (P<0.05), demonstrating the higher effect of massage with camel hump oil compared to that with olive oil. Conclusion: It seems that camel hump oil may be more effective in some cases than olive oil in reducing muscle tone, but the overall conclusion requires further studies.Keywords: Camel hump oil; Massage; Muscle tone; Spastic diplegi

Evaluation of Group Consulting on Pregnancy Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Anxiety is a disorder of mental health in pregnant women reported by 20 percent of health care providers and is accompanied by adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to determine the effect of obstetric counseling on the anxiety of pregnant women. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind controlled trial, 90 pregnant women attending to Sheibani Health Care Center in Tehran aging from 18 to 35 years old and with a gestational age of 8 to 18 weeks were evaluated first pregnancy. They were randomly assigned to counseling (group counseling with routine perinatal care) and control (only routine perinatal care) groups. The group counseling was designed according to different needs of pregnancy for five sessions in five weeks (a duration of 60 to 90 minutes for each session). The questionnaires of demographic information, Beck Depression, and Spielberg spiel Berger State-trait anxiety were used. The data analysis was performed by SPSS software version 13 using parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: According to the results, there was a significant difference between post-intervention scores in state anxiety (P = 0.014); however, there was no significant difference in trait anxiety (P = 0.19). Also, the changes in trait anxiety were more in the consoling group compared with the control group (P = 0.002), which is also seen for the state anxiety group (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: It is concluded from this study that group counseling is effective in the reduction of state anxiety and trait anxiety in pregnant women

Predictors of Leisure Participation in 6 -14 Years Old Children with Cerebral Palsy: Structural Equation Modeling

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to test a model of child,family and environment and identify factors affecting intensity of leisure participation by children with cerebral palsy (CP).Materials & Methods: in this cross-sectional study,232 children with cerebral palsy (141 boys and 91 girls), age range 6 to 14 years and their parents were selected from 4 schools with special needs and 5 rehabilitation center through available sampling in Shiraz city. To evaluate leisure participation, we used the Persian version of Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) completed by participants. Demographic questionnaires, Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (CHIEF), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Family Environmental Scale (FES), SPARCLE cognitive level and parent's version of Gross Motor Function Classification System, Manual Ability Classification System and Communication Function Classification System were send to parents with some necessary explanations and completed. Structural equation modeling was used to test the model hypothesis. SPSS18 and AMOS16 were used for statistical data analysis. Results: Comparative fit index indicated a moderate to good fit model. The presented model explains 44% of the variance for intensity of participation. Constructs such as Family Activity Orientation with standardized total effect of (.31) and path coefficients P< .05 has shown most significant direct effect on participation, after that higher gross motor function (-.26), higher manual ability (-.19), communication function (-.17), higher cognitive level (-.16), more brothers and sisters in family (.15) and less emotional- behavioral problems (-.15) have shown direct effect on intensity of participation. Family Structures & Relationships (.17) and unsupportive environment constructs (-.14) have shown indirect but significant effect (P< .05). The relationship between family education level and income with participation were not significant (P>.05).Conclusion: Intensity of CP children participation is influenced by child, family and environmental factors. Parent's knowledge of recreational activities and their preferences to participation in leisure and recreations give children more opportunities to participate. higher gross motor function, manual ability, and communication function have an important role in participation. Family structure means family cohesion, roles organization, and conflicts between family members and also encountering physical, attitudinal and structural barriers in the home and community change children participation pattern indirectly. This study suggests therapists to support children’s behavior, family relationships and involvement in community activities and optimizing physical function for children who have limitations in self-mobility to enhance their participation

How Much of Hazardous Blue Light is Transmitted By Spectacle Lenses?

This is a Letter to the Editor and does not have an abstract

Intra-Examiner and Between-Day Reliability of Algometer for Pressure Pain Threshold and Pain Sensitivity in Upper Trapezius Muscle in Asymptomatic Young Adult Women

Assessment of pain sensitivity, as an important criterion, is used in diagnosis of musculoskeletal impairments, which helps determine prognosis as well as the improvement rate after treatment interventions. Regarding the costs of modalities and treatment equipment used to reduce pain, having a reliable method to determine their efficacy is essential. The aim of the present study was to evaluate intra-examiner and between-day reliability of an accessible digital algometer to assess pressure pain threshold and for pain sensitivity for the first time. A total of 15 healthy young adult women aged 18-30 participated in the study. Three points of upper Trapezius muscle in both sides were tested in 3 repetitions with 30 seconds rest interval. The tests included PPT by controlled speed of increasing pressure and Visual Analogue Scale to evaluate local pain elicited by exertion of 2.5 kg/cm2 of pressure on the marked point. Trials were conducted on two consecutive days. Intra Class Correlation, Coefficient Standard Error of Measurement, and Minimal Detected Change were calculated to analyze the reliability of the measurements. Assessments revealed high to moderate intra-examiner reliability for pressure pain threshold (ICC>0.972) and pain sensitivity (ICC>0.707) and high to moderate between-day reliability for pressure pain threshold (ICC>0.974) and pain sensitivity (ICC>0.676). Although pressure algometer has an acceptable intra-examiner and between-day reliability for estimating the pressure pain threshold and pain sensitivity, a significant decrease was revealed in the mean values of PPT and increase in PS on the second day, as compared to that on the first day, (P<0.05) which could be related to local tissue trauma, learning effect, or central sensitization.Key words: Reliability; Intra-Examiner; Between-Day; Algometer; Pressure Pain Threshold; Pain Sensitivity; Upper Trapeziu

Comparative Evaluation of Spectral Transmittance of Some Welding Glasses with ANSI Z87.1

Background: Welding emits harmful rays to the eyes. We evaluate and compare the UV, blue light and IR transmittance characteristics of some currently available welding safety protectors with ANSI Z87.1 criteria.Materials and Methods: Three type of welding safety protectors (three of each type) have been evaluated for spectral transmittance. One-sample T-test was performed to establish is there a statistically significant difference between the standard criteria and UV, blue and IR regions for the welding protectors (α=0.05).Results: In ultraviolet (UV) (far and near) region, two types of the tested protectors (P1, P2) transmitted lower than the maximum allowable value specified in the standard (P<0.001). In infrared (IR) spectrum only one type (P3) transmitted lower than the maximum allowable value specified in the standard (P<0.001). In blue light region, all of the tested protectors transmitted lower than the maximum allowable value specified in the standard (P<0.001).Conclusion: Although all of the tested glasses could meet some parts of the criteria, but none of them could meet the complete spectral transmittance requirements of ANSI Z87.1