Orthodontic Treatment Need and Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Students in Isfahan

Objective: Oral health status particularly maxillofacial disorders in adolescents can affect different aspects of the quality of life. This study aimed to assess the age-related quality of life of students in two age groups of 11-14 years and 14-18 years to evaluate its correlation with orthodontic treatment need in adolescents in Isfahan.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 11-18 year-old middle school and high- school students. Subjects were selected via two-stage stratified random sampling from 30 schools in different areas of Isfahan city. After examination by two calibrated clinicians, Dental Health Component of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (DHC-IOTN) was recorded for all subjects. The Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) was assessed using self-reported Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ) in 11-14 year-olds and Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) in 14-18 year-olds. After descriptive analyses, the correlation between the DHC-IOTN and the quality of life score of subjects was assessed using the Spearman’s correlation test and the Mann Whitney U test.Results: A total of 1,227 students were evaluated. The mean and standard deviation (SD) was found to be 18.3 (13.7) for CPQ score in 11-14 year olds. For COHIP score it was found to be 103.6 (18) in 14-18 year olds. A total of 22% from the 604 students examined in the first group, and 17% of 570 students in the second group definitely needed orthodontic treatment. Significant differences existed in the mean quality of life score among the three groups requiring orthodontic treatment in the two age groups (p<0.05). The correlation between the malocclusion severity and quality of life subscales was weak.Conclusion: Based on the results, malocclusion significantly affects the dental function and social and emotional domains of quality of life. However, considering the role of confounders, studies with condition-specific formats of the questionnaire are required to assess the correlation  of malocclusions with the quality of life after controlling for other factors

Modeling and Design of a Highly Efficient Switch-Mode RF/Microwave Power Amplifier Based-on Microstrip Bandpass Filter

This paper presents a broadband Switch-Mode Power Amplifier (SMPA) using a Band-Pass Filter (BPF) at the Output Matching Network (OMN). The proposed SMPA integrates a microstrip BPF as an output impedance matching network to significantly reduce the final circuit size. The microstrip lines of the filter simultaneously play the role of filtering and impedance matching. This proposed method reduces the size of the PA and reduces the power dissipation as much as possible. The BPF is placed at the output of the circuit using microstrip lines and the RT Duroid 6006 substrate. This BPF covers a wide bandwidth ranging from 3.0 GHz to 4.4 GHz. Simulation results show 9 – 14 dB gain with 44 – 56.6 % drain efficiency (DE %), and the output power of 39 – 41.3 dBm would be achieved across the frequency band from 3.0 GHz to 4.4 GHz

Modeling and Design of a Highly Efficient Switch-Mode RF/Microwave Power Amplifier Based-on Microstrip Bandpass Filter

This paper presents a broadband Switch-Mode Power Amplifier (SMPA) using a Band-Pass Filter (BPF) at the Output Matching Network (OMN). The proposed SMPA integrates a microstrip BPF as an output impedance matching network to significantly reduce the final circuit size. The microstrip lines of the filter simultaneously play the role of filtering and impedance matching. This proposed method reduces the size of the PA and reduces the power dissipation as much as possible. The BPF is placed at the output of the circuit using microstrip lines and the RT Duroid 6006 substrate. This BPF covers a wide bandwidth ranging from 3.0 GHz to 4.4 GHz. Simulation results show 9 – 14 dB gain with 44 – 56.6 % drain efficiency (DE %), and the output power of 39 – 41.3 dBm would be achieved across the frequency band from 3.0 GHz to 4.4 GHz

Association between plasma homocysteine and diabetic retinopathy in type II diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the complications occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and is the leading cause of new onset blindness. This study aimed to determine the possible association between plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels and the development and progression of DR. METHODS: This case-control study enrolled diabetic patients who referred for ocular consultation from the Diabetes Clinic of Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj, Iran, in 2013. Patients with type 2 DM (n = 156) were randomly assigned to evaluate the association between Hcy and DR. Participants were randomly divided into two groups; with or without DR. Patients in both groups were matched for confounding factors. Detection and grading of retinopathy was performed by indirect ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay and fasting plasma Hcy levels measured by chromatography. Plasma Hcy more than 15 µmol/l was defined as hyperhomocysteinemia. RESULTS: The results showed that there were no significant differences in Hcy levels in diabetic patients with or without retinopathy. Also, we found that there was no association between HbA1c level and plasma Hcy. In addition, data analysis indicates that no association was observed between disease duration and Hcy levels. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we found that there was not a significant association between plasma Hcy level and DR in patients with type II DM

Dental care satisfaction among adult population in Isfahan, Iran and its influencing factors

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the level of dental care satisfaction among Iranian adult population and to identify socio-demographic factors and factors related to dental service that affect satisfaction. METHODS: A self-administrated valid and reliable 21-item questionnaire was designed and distributed among 1360 adult population living in Isfahan, Iran, using multi-stage proportional cluster sampling. It consisted of 5 main sections including demographic questions, perceived oral health status, oral health behaviors, barriers in receiving the demanded care and some 5-point Likert scale questions to assess the satisfaction level. Chi-square and analysis of variance were used to compare variables. People were classified as satisfied/dissatisfied based on their total score with score of 26 as the cut-off point. A logistic regression model was used to identify the factors affecting the level of satisfaction and to estimate their effect size. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 31.2 ± 11.3 and they mostly reported to have dental visits during the last year. The mean satisfaction score was 3.34 out of 5 (53% were satisfied) and the least and the most satisfaction was in regard to waiting time and the convenience to access, respectively. Logistic regression showed that participants in lower age group [odds ratio (OR) = 0.7], those who reported their oral health status as poor (OR = 0.8) and those who had to spend more time to reach dental care setting (OR = 0.6) and those who had to wait more (OR = 0.5) were less satisfied. CONCLUSION: About 53% of participants were satisfied which was much lower than percentage of satisfied people in developed countries and the level of satisfaction was associated with socio-demographic, behavioral and also dental service. KEYWORDS: Patient Satisfaction; Dental Care; Adult; Ira

Association between plasma homocysteine and diabetic retinopathy in type II diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the complications occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and is the leading cause of new onset blindness. This study aimed to determine the possible association between plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels and the development and progression of DR. METHODS: This case-control study enrolled diabetic patients who referred for ocular consultation from the Diabetes Clinic of Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj, Iran, in 2013. Patients with type 2 DM (n = 156) were randomly assigned to evaluate the association between Hcy and DR. Participants were randomly divided into two groups; with or without DR. Patients in both groups were matched for confounding factors. Detection and grading of retinopathy was performed by indirect ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay and fasting plasma Hcy levels measured by chromatography. Plasma Hcy more than 15 µmol/l was defined as hyperhomocysteinemia. RESULTS: The results showed that there were no significant differences in Hcy levels in diabetic patients with or without retinopathy. Also, we found that there was no association between HbA1c level and plasma Hcy. In addition, data analysis indicates that no association was observed between disease duration and Hcy levels. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we found that there was not a significant association between plasma Hcy level and DR in patients with type II DM

Impact of Orthognathic Surgery on Quality of Life in Patients with Dentofacial Deformities

The aim of this investigation was to determine the impact of orthognathic surgery on quality of life in patients with dentofacial deformities at immediate presurgery and at 3-week, 3-month, and 6-month intervals following the surgery. Subjects included forty-three 18–40-year-old Iranian orthognathic patients who were referred to private offices in Isfahan. Data collection was performed using the 22-item Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ). Participants completed the questionnaire prior to surgery and 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after it. Differences and correlations were calculated by the two-tailed t-test, ANOVA with Repeated Measure test, and the Pearson correlation coefficient. The results showed significant reduction returned to baseline in OQLQ mean scores and aesthetic, awareness, and social subdomains in all 3 intervals after surgery. However oral function domain showed an increase at T2 and then a decrease at next intervals. Maximum and minimum effect size were observed in aesthetic (ES = 0.7) and oral function (ES = 0.3) domain, respectively. Based on the finding of this study, in 6-month interval after surgery, orthognathic surgery causes significant improvements in quality of life in patients with dentofacial deformities as assessed in emotional, psychological, oral function, and social domains and maximum changes occurred in emotional domain

A retrospective investigation of orthognathic patients and functional needs

Purpose: The present study aimed to explore the malocclusion trends, sagittal skeletal discrepancies, and the index of orthognathic functional treatment need (IOFTN) scores in a sample of Iranian and Turkish orthognathic patients. Methods: Four hundred and three orthognathic patients were retrospectively examined (203 Iranian/200 Turkish, 229 females/174 males, aged between 16 and 50 years). The following variables were recorded: malocclusion type (incisor-based), overjet, sagittal skeletal relationship (ANB angle) and IOFTN scores. The sagittal skeletal relationships and malocclusion patterns of the orthognathic patients were statistically examined using Chi-square tests and further explored graphically. The relationship between the IOFTN scores and overjet, as well as the sagittal skeletal discrepancies (ANB angle) was evaluated using box plots and at the 95% confidence interval (CI) in different IOFTN treatment categories (1–3,4,5). The characteristics of a subgroup sample of orthognathic patients and previous studies that identified with low IOFTN scores (1–3) were also explored. Results: Class III malocclusions and Class III skeletal patterns were the most prevalent (62.3%), forming 69% and 55.7% of the Turkish and Iranian samples, respectively. Turkish and Iranian samples had more Class III [Mean (SD) ANB angle = -1.24° (4.75°)] and Class II cases [Mean (SD) ANB angle=1.06° (5.63°)], respectively. The mean overjet and reverse overjet for Class II and III malocclusions were 6.96 mm (95% CI, 6.40–7.53 mm) and 3.26 mm (95% CI, 2.87–3.65 mm), respectively. The mean ANB angle for Class II and III malocclusions was 6.64° (95% CI, 6.15°–7.13°) and -3.57° (95% CI, -3.92° to -3.21°), respectively. IOFTN scores of 4 or 5 were identified in 93.8% of the sample. Patients with low IOFTN scores (<4) presented with a nearly normal overjet (mean = 3.19 mm, 95% CI, 2.62–3.76 mm, range = 1–5 mm), accompanied by a wide range of ANB angles [mean (SD)=3.44° (3.86°), range = -4° to 9°] Conclusions: The findings at the 95% CI for overjet and the ANB angle can be used as identifiers for patients who would benefit from orthognathic surgery. Analysing patients with a low IOFTN score, particularly with scores of 3.3, 3.10, 2.8, and 1.14, revealed that IOFTN could be used in conjunction with a clinical examination plus diagnostic imaging (cephalometric ANB angle) to facilitate the identification of orthognathic surgery patients

Prevalence and factors associated with traumatic dental injuries among schoolchildren in war‐torn Libya

Background/Aims No previous epidemiological study has investigated the prevalence and associated factors of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) among Libyan children. Such information is required for the planning and evaluation of health services. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of TDIs and associated factors among 12‐year‐old schoolchildren in Benghazi, Libya. Methods Data for this study were collected as part of a comprehensive, cross‐sectional survey investigating oral health status and treatment needs of 12‐year‐old schoolchildren in Benghazi, Libya, between December 2016 and May 2017. Sociodemographic information was collected through a dental health questionnaire. The children were assessed for oral health status, including TDIs according to modified World Health Organization (WHO) classification criteria, in their classroom by trained and calibrated examiners. Anthropometric measures, lip competence and overjet were all assessed and reported. History of TDIs was sought among those affected. Logistic regression models were applied for TDIs as an outcome variable. The statistical significance for all tests was ≤0.05. Results Data from 1134 participants were included in this study. TDIs were observed in 10.3% of the sample. Most of these TDIs were enamel fractures only (55.6%) and enamel and dentine fractures (35.9%). “Falling” was the most common cause of TDIs, accounting for 51% of cases. While increased overjet appeared to be associated with higher risk of TDIs (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.29‐2.86), being female (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.22‐0.53) and overweight (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.13‐0.83) were also associated with lower risk of having TDIs. Conclusions This survey showed that a considerable proportion (10.3%) of 12‐year‐old Libyan children had TDIs, with relatively high unmet treatment needs. More efforts are required to develop effective prevention programmes and to enhance the provision of dental treatment of TDIs for Libyan children

Prevalence of orthodontic treatment need in permanent dentition of Iranian population: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Background: Malocclusion is a common oral health problem and can affect the psychosocial well-being in the long term. Therefore, in the recent decades, demand for orthodontic treatment to correct malocclusion has greatly increased worldwide. This systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to assess existing evidence on the prevalence of orthodontic treatment need in Iran. Materials and Methods: National and international databases were searched for articles on the prevalence of orthodontic treatment need using index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) and dental aesthetic index (DAI). The required data were completed by hand-searching. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the quality of articles was checked by a professional checklist. Data extraction and meta-analysis were performed. A random effects model was employed, and publication bias was checked. Results: From a total of 443 articles that reported orthodontic treatment need in Iran, 24 articles were included in the meta-analysis process. Meta-analysis was performed on components of IOTN and DAI. The pooled prevalence of orthodontic treatment need based on Dental Health Component and Aesthetic Component of IOTN and DAI was 23.8% (19.5%–28.7%), 4.8% (3.3%–7%), and 16.1% (12.3%-20.8%). The results were found to be heterogeneous (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that orthodontic treatment need was not high in the Iranian population. Considering the differing prevalence of orthodontic treatment need based on normative index and self-perceived index, it is essential to improve the people's awareness of malocclusion and its side effects on their oral and general health