The Effect of Experience on Recognition of Mother’s Voice in Preterm Infants

Background: According to existing theories, supportive cares provided through specific kinds of stimuli affect the growth, development and neurobehavioral functioning of preterm infants. Some of the studies indicate that the fetal heart rate response to mother’s voice begins in the week 32 of pregnancy. However, the fact that whether preterm infant is able to recognize mother’s live voice from the voice of a stranger woman is unknown. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the effects of mother’s voice and a stranger’s voice on the heart rate of preterm infants hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: In a clinical trial study, 66 preterm infants hospitalized in the NICU were randomly assigned into three groups of 22 (i.e. mother’s voice and stranger’s voice groups and a silent group). The infants’ heart rates were recorded by a monitoring system in all of the three groups each five minutes for 30 minutes overall (10 minutes before, during and after the intervention) in three consecutive days. Both one-way and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to analyze the data in terms of significant differences. Also, the chi-square test and analysis of variance were used to compare the demographic variables of the groups. Results: The heart rate of the infants in the mother’s voice group, stranger’s voice group and the silent group were 133.99 � 2.72, 134.26 � 2.43 and 137.94 � 2.92 per minutes, respectively (P > 0.588) and changed to 143.42 � 2.85, 133.22 � 2.15 and 138.28 � 2.21, respectively (P = 0.016). Moreover, the infants’ heart rates were respectively 136.87�3.38, 132.68�2.22 and 138.19�2.65 per minutes, 10 minutes after the intervention (P > 0.345). Conclusions: No significant difference was found between the mean heart rates of the three groups neither before, nor 10 minutes after the intervention. However, a significant difference was observed among the three groups during the intervention. Therefore, we can conclude that the preterm infants can recall and differentiate their mothers’ voice from the voice of a stranger. Then, an opportunity can be provided during the developmental care for the infants to hear their mothers’ voice

The Evaluation of the Anatomical Variations of Osteomeatal Complex in Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Anatomical variations of ostiomeatal complex have an imperative role in pathologies of sinonasal complex, ventilation obstruction and success of surgical treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomical variations of osteomeatal complex in cone beam computed tomography images in North of Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, 159 CBCT images were analyzed. Anatomical variations evaluated included Concha bullosa, Paradoxical middle turbinate, Uncinate process hypertrophy and pneumatization, hypertrophied Bulla ethmoidalis, Agger nasi cell, Maxilo-ethmoidal cell (Haller's cell) which were assessed based on the frequency, gender, unilateral/bilateral appearance and the involved side in unilateral cases (left/right). Also, two observers evaluated the data simultaneously and the result of final agreement was recorded on the checklists.The data were analyzed descriptively and analytically. FINDINGS: From among 159 subjects, 76 (47.8%) were female and 83 (52.2%) were male. The patients were 18-80 years old (mean: 34.96±14.50 years). Agger nasi cell and concha bullosa which were observed in 143 (98.9%) and 151 (95%) cases, respectively, were the most common findings and often appeared bilaterally. The least frequency belonged to hypertrophied bulla ethmoidalis which was 9 (5.7%) and uncinate process hypertrophy which was 12 (7.5%). Paradoxical middle turbinate, uncinate process pneumatization, and Haller's cell were observed in 28 (17.6%), 57 (35.8%), and 61 (38.4%) cases, respectively. No significant relationship was found between gender and the anatomical variations. (p>0.05) CONCLUSION: In the present study, Concha Bullosa and Agger Nasi Cell were the most common anatomical variations in CBCT images of paranasal sinuses, which were reported bilaterall

Comparison between the Effects of Green and Black Tea, and Fluoride on Microhardness and Prevention of Demineralization of Deciduous Teeth Enamel

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Dental caries in preschool children impose serious problems on parents and children due to lack of cooperation. Since tea leaves contain fluoride and polyphenol, this study was conducted to compare the effects of green and black tea, and fluoride in preventing demineralization of deciduous teeth enamel.  METHODS: This experimental study was performed on 40 extracted human deciduous incisors. The teeth were divided into 4 groups of 10 and were then placed in distilled water, green tea, black tea and oral sodium fluoride (0.05) for four minutes in seven consecutive days. Surface microhardness before and after tooth extraction was determined in these four solutions by Micro Vickers Hardness Testing Machine. To cause primary caries, each sample was kept for one week in demineralization solution and the concentrations of the released calcium, phosphorus and fluoride ions were analyzed by spectrophotometric and potentiometric laboratory methods.  FINDINGS: Primary microhardness showed no significant difference between the groups. Secondary microhardness compared to primary microhardness in the two groups of green tea (mean of 317 ± 65.47 to 386 ± 85.42, p = 0.003) and fluoride (mean of 319 ± 71.76 to 446 ± 117.15, p = 0.003) increased significantly. The concentration of calcium and phosphorus ions in the four study groups showed a significant difference after being placed in the demineralization solution (p = 0.001) (p = 0.003). However, this difference was not observed in fluoride concentrations.   CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that drinking green tea can increase the microhardness and green and black tea increase the resistance to demineralization of the deciduous teeth enamel.&nbsp

Integron-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Intensive Care Unit Patients, Babol, North of Iran

Background. We investigated the integron types and their relation with antibiotic resistance among A. baumannii isolates collected from intensive care unit patients, Babol, north of Iran. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 73 bronchoalveolar lavage samples were obtained from patients in ICU. Susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method. Types of integrons were identified by an integrase gene PCR. Results. In total, 47.9% A. baumannii isolates were recovered from the BAL samples. All isolates were resistant to ceftazidime. 91.4% and 58.3% of isolates were MDR and XDR, respectively. The rate of colistin resistance with the E-test was 5.7%. Molecular analysis of class I, II, and III integrons showed that 25.7%, 88.6%, and 28.6% of the isolates carried the intI, intII, and intIII genes, respectively. Discussion. Our results show that different classes of integrons are commonly spread among A. baumannii strains and these genomic segments can play an important role in the acquisition of MDR and XDR phenotypes. So monitoring drug resistance in A. baumannii isolates with the use of int gene PCR is very important to plan specific infection control measures to prevent the spread of MDR-AB and XDR-AB in Iran’s hospitals

Comparison of Dentinal Microleakage of Class II Composite Restorations Using Universal Bonding: Self-Etch and Selective-Etch of Enamel, with and without Liner

Background and Objective: Microleakage is one of the most important causes of failure in restoration and secondary caries. This study was conducted in order to compare dentinal microleakage of class II composite restorations using Universal Dental Adhesive, with and without liner. Methods: In this laboratory study, two Class II cavities were prepared in the mesial and distal surfaces of 48 healthy premolar teeth. Then, the samples were divided into 6 groups of 8 according to the application method of Single Bond Universal adhesive and liner: selective etching of enamel (SEE), self-etch (SE) technique, SEE technique and resin-modified glass-ionomer (RMGI) liner, SE technique and RMGI Liner, SEE technique and Flow Liner, and SE technique and Flow Liner. Restoration was done with Filtek Z250 composite. Microleakage was evaluated and compared using 2% fuchsine based on intensity 0 to 3. Findings: In the SEE group, 56.2% of restorations did not have microleakage. 31.2% had grade 3 microleakage and 12.5% had grade 1 microleakage. However, in the SEE+RMGI group, 81.25% and the SEE+Flow group, 81.2% of the restorations had no microleakage. In the SE group, 18.7% of restorations showed zero microleakage, 50% showed grade 3 microleakage, and 31.2% showed grade 2 microleakage. However, in the SE+RMGI group, 81.25% and in the SE+Flow group, 93.7% of the restorations did not have microleakage. The distribution of dentinal microleakage intensity between SEE and SE methods (p=0.067) and between SEE+RMGI and SEE+Flow groups (p=0.194) was not significant. However, in the SE+Flow and SE+RMGI groups, this difference was significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that in the method of using a liner with Universal adhesive, dentinal microleakage in class II composite restoration decreased

The Effect of Kangaroo Mother Care on Mental Health of Mothers with Premature Infants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Mothers with premature infants experience high levels of psychological stress. Considering the importance of maternal mental health as a parent-child care provider, this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother&amp;rsquo;s Care (KMC) of premature infant on mother&amp;rsquo;s mental health. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, 60 mothers with premature infants (less than 37 weeks pregnant) admitted to Ayatollah Rohani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, were selected by non-random sampling method. They divided into two study groups marked as experimental group (n=30) and control group (n=30). Data were collected using the demographic questionnaire and General Health of Goldberg &amp; Hiller questionnaire. The 28-item questionnaire consisted of 4 sub-scales: physical symptoms, anxiety and sleep symptoms, social function, and depression symptoms. A score of over 22 indicates a symptom of the disease. In the intervention group, mothers spent at least 2 hours, 3 to 4 times a day for one week. The control group had the current process in the care. The questionnaire was completed at the beginning and one month after the admission of the newborn in both groups and the data were compared. FINDINGS: Finding showed that the overall mental health score in the intervention group before and after maternal care was (28.77±13.09) to (13.66±6.5) and in the control group (30.86±15.97) to (20.99±8.89) that this difference was significant (p<0.01). In relation to the scales in the intervention and control groups, respectively, the anxiety and sleep patterns (3.7±1.5 in contrast to 5.67±3.39), social function disorder (5.9±2.58 vs 7.21±2.2) Physical symptoms (2.13±1.88 vs. 5.2±3.31) had a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.05), but in the case of depressive symptoms (1.03±0.3) vs 2.7&amp;plusmn;2.31), this difference was not significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Regarding the results of this research, use of Kangaroo Mothers Care (KMC) for improve of premature infant on mother&amp;rsquo;s mental health is step for health family

Causes of Infant Mortality in Babol, Northern Iran

Background and Objective: Infant mortality is an important health indicator. In order to reduce infant mortality, its causes should be considered in each region so that steps can be taken to improve the quality of health care and treatment. Therefore, this study was conducted in order to determine the causes of infant mortality in Babol, northern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all infants who died in public and private hospitals of Babol. The cause of infant death was extracted and analyzed based on the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) and also based on laboratory, clinical and paraclinical evidence recorded in the files. Findings: Out of a total of 16,005 live births in Babol, 123 infants (7.6%) died, of which 53 (43.1%) died in the first 24 hours of life. The mean gestational age of the deceased cases was 31.4±5.5 weeks, the mean birth weight was 1705.4±1045.3 grams, and their mean life span was 5.4±6.6 days. The most common causes of infant mortality were prematurity (30%), congenital anomalies (25.3%), sepsis (17.1%) and respiratory distress syndrome (13%). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the most common causes of infant mortality are prematurity and congenital anomalies

The Effect of Different Methods of Fluoride Administration at Different Concentrations on the Load-Deflection Properties of Rhodium-Coated Niti Archwires

Background and Objective: Fluoride compounds are widely used for the control of dental plaque. Considering the effect of different fluoride compounds on the mechanical properties of orthodontic wires, this study was conducted to analyze the effect of different methods of fluoride administration at different concentrations on the load-deflection properties of rhodium-coated NiTi orthodontic archwires. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 30 patients aged between 15 and 25 years referring to Babol University of Medical Sciences due to dental crowding and didn't have vertical skeletal defects. 0.016-inch Rhodium-Coated A-NiTi wire was placed on patients' maxillary brackets. Patients were randomly divided into three groups of ten: The control group used only fluoride toothpaste, the second group used fluoride toothpaste with sodium fluoride mouthwash (0.05%) and the third group used fluoride toothpaste with Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride gel (1.23% APF). After six weeks, the values of unloading force (N), yield strength (N/m2) and stiffness (N/m) of the wires were obtained using a three-point bending test. Findings: The mean unloading force and stiffness of the second group wires were higher than that of the other groups and in the first group, they were higher than the control group in all values, but no significant differences were found between the groups. There was a significant difference between the yield strengths of different groups (p=0.038). The mean yield strength in the second group was higher than the other groups (0.94±0.16 N/m2) and was significantly different from the control group (0.75±0.19 N/m2) (p=0.030). Conclusion: According to this study, method of fluoride administration does not affect the unloading force and stiffness but the yield strength of rhodium-coated NiTi archwires increases with an increase in the fluoride concentration

The Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on Pregnancy Outcomes

Background and Objective: Supplying vitamin D during pregnancy is necessary for fetal calcium homeostasis and bone growth and its mineralization, and its deficiency can lead to pregnancy complications. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamin D level on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 pregnant women referring to Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital in Babol. Mothers' information was collected using a questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from people to measure the serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 level by ELISA method using the EUROIMMUN kit. Patients were divided into two groups (vitamin D level 25) and were compared. Findings: 247 people (54.8%) had vitamin D level 25. People with lower vitamin D levels had significantly more gestational hypertension (p=0.03) and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (p=0.04) compared to people with higher vitamin D levels. The variables of labor pain, diabetes, fetal growth restriction and prolonged pregnancy did not show significant differences in people with high and low levels of vitamin D. Pregnancy complications including pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery, placental abruption and fetal growth restriction did not show any significant difference in people with high and low levels of vitamin D. In the evaluation of neonatal outcomes, infant weight, infant gender, fifth minute Apgar, head circumference and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, no significant differences were found. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that some pregnancy complications such as gestational hypertension and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) in pregnant women are related to vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to design plans to check the vitamin D level of mothers before pregnancy and correct it during pregnancy

The Role of Doctor-Patient Communication Skills in Predicting Treatment Adherence

Background and Objective: The level of patient adherence to treatment and medication orders is one of the important factors influencing the effectiveness of medical treatments. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between doctor-patient communication skills and the level of adherence to medication orders after discharge from the hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 284 patients admitted to the surgery and urology departments of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Babol, where at least 48 hours had passed since their admission. Patients completed two questionnaires of doctor-patient communication skills (range 21-70) and Burton communication skills (range 18-90) in the hospital. Then, two weeks after discharge, the patients answered the two questionnaires of general adherence and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale online or by telephone contact, and the results were analyzed. Findings: The mean age of the participating patients was 50.65±18.20 years and the score of general adherence to treatment orders was 24.26±5.77 (range 7-30) and medication adherence was 8.54±2.91 (range 1-11). 222 patients (78.2%) had high adherence to treatment orders. Stepwise regression analysis showed that doctors’ communication skills were a positive factor in medication adherence (p<0.001, ß=0.336) and adherence to treatment orders (p<0.001, ß=0.331). Moreover, patients’ communication skills had a positive effect on medication adherence (p=0.01, ß=0.137) and general adherence to treatment orders (p<0.001, ß=0.205). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the communication skills of doctors and patients is a positive predictor of adherence to treatment and medication orders after discharge from the hospital