Frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and oral health-related quality of life among the elderly in Amirkola (Babol, Iran)

Introduction: Considering that nutrition plays a prominent role in the health of the elderly, oral health and the associated quality of life are very important for a healthy diet. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among the elderly in Amirkola. Materials & Methods: This study was part of the second phase of the Amirkola elderly cohort study conducted on 750 older people who underwent a special oral and dental examination in 2016-2020 using the Oral Health Questionnaire. The frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed with the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQFFQ), OHRQoL was assessed with the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), and information on age, sex, history of systemic diseases, and the number of teeth was extracted from the full data set completed by specialists for each patient. Data were analyzed with SPSS 20 using the chi-square statistical test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Non-smokers and people with a higher level of education had a better OHRQoL (P=0.022 and P=0.036, respectively). There was no significant relationship between the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and OHRQoL, but a significant relationship was found between the frequency of fresh herb consumption and OHRQoL (p=0.005). In men, there was a significant relationship between the number of teeth and frequency of vegetable consumption as well as between OHRQoL and frequency of fresh herb consumption in men (P=0.048, r=0.096).In women, a significant relationship was observed between the frequency of total vegetable consumption and OHRQoL (p=0.021, r=0.129). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, it was found that the amount of fruit and vegetable consumption has no effect on improving the OHRQoL among the elderly of Amirkola city

Module (φ,ψ)(\varphi,\psi)-amenability of Banach algebras

summary:Let $S$ be an inverse semigroup with the set of idempotents $E$ and $S/\approx$ be an appropriate group homomorphic image of $S$. In this paper we find a one-to-one correspondence between two cohomology groups of the group algebra $\ell ^1(S)$ and the semigroup algebra ${\ell ^{1}}(S/\approx )$ with coefficients in the same space. As a consequence, we prove that $S$ is amenable if and only if $S/\approx$ is amenable. This could be considered as the same result of Duncan and Namioka [5] with another method which asserts that the inverse semigroup $S$ is amenable if and only if the group homomorphic image $S/\sim$ is amenable, where $\sim$ is a congruence relation on $S$

Knowledge about Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear and the Factors Influencing the Pap test Screening among Women

Background: Although the Pap smear is known as one of the effective methods to detect the cervical cancer, a large group of women are reluctant to do the test because of various reasons. Therefore, we carried out this study to determine the level of knowledge about cervical cancer and Pap smear and the factors influencing the Pap test screening among women. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 355 women referred to the health centers of Gilan-e gharb city were randomly recruited in 2015. The participants asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire including five parts (questions about: demographic factors, knowledge about cervical cancer and Pap smear, Pap smear performance, barriers and facilitators related to Pap smear and the sources of information). Data were analyzed through SPSS version 19, using descriptive statistics, Independent T-test, and logistic regression. Results: The mean age of the participants was 34.08±7.81 years. Almost 50.4% of the subjects had a history of Pap smear test. Pap test performance was significantly higher in those who had higher knowledge (P<0.001). Knowledge about cervical cancer, Pap smear and age was the most important predictors of the Pap test performance (P<0.001). The most important barrier and facilitator to Pap smear test were inadequate knowledge and the recommendations received from family, friends and healthcare professionals (44.3% and 40.2%, respectively). Conclusion: Knowledge about Pap smear and cervical cancer was important in predicting Pap test doing. In addition, inadequate knowledge was introduced as the most important barrier to screening test from the perspective of women. Therefore, we suggest that health education and health promotion studies as interdisciplinary and targeted interventions should be implemented to improve the women’s knowledge

Determination of the Detrimental Effects of Cryopreservation Process on Sperm Functional and Molecular Parameters in Infertile Men with Asthenoteratozoospermia

Background and Objectives: Cryopreservation of sperm is a widely used technique to maintain and protect fertility men in certain conditions, such as infertility and malignancy treatments. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of cryopreservation on sperm functional and molecular parameters in infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia.   Methods: According to previous studies in this field, semen samples were collected from 20 people with asthenoteratozoospermia. A part of sample was first examined as a fresh sample before rapid freezing. In the following, the samples were freezed using rapid freezing protocol for 14 days in liquid nitrogen and then were thawed, and finally, the functional parameters were analyzed by sperm analysis method and DNA fragmentation was assessed using TUNEL test. Viability percentage was evaluated by eosin-nigrosin staining. Data were analyzed using paired t-test.   Results: Cryopreservation led to significant decrease in sperm motility, viability, concentration, and normal morphology (p < 0.001). DNA damage significantly increased during cryopreservation (p < 0.01).   Conclusion: Common cryopreservation process has detrimental effects on human sperm functional and molecular parameters and can reduce fertility potential

Plasma concentration, genetic variation, and gene expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in Iranian patients with coronary artery disease

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) -1562C>T (rs3918242) polymorphism has been proposed as a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) with conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of -1562C>T genetic polymorphism, gene expression and circulating levels of MMP9 with CAD risk in an Iranian subpopulation in in Zanjan City. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective case–control study we investigated retrospectively 100 patients with angiographically verified CAD and 100 matched controls. Genotyping of -1562C>T polymorphism was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Gene expression levels and circulating levels of MMP9 was determined by real-time reverse transcription-PCR and enzyme immunoassay method, respectively. Statistical analysis was done using Student's t-test or Chi-square test by SPSS 16 software. Results: The mean circulating levels of MMP9 were significantly higher in CAD Group than control group (P = 0.002). Mean plasma levels of MMP9 were also significantly higher in triple vessel stenosis patients than double vessel or single vessel stenosis patients (P T polymorphism (P = 0.002, P = 0.01, respectively). However, genotype and allele frequencies of MMP9 -1562C>T polymorphism were similar between CAD patients and controls (P > 0.05). Additionally, the -1562C>T polymorphism of MMP9 gene didn't increase the risk of CAD in dominant (P = 0.537) or recessive (P = 0.249) genetic models. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that circulating levels of MMP9 but not -1562C>T polymorphism of MMP9 gene may be a risk factor for development and severity of CAD in an Iranian subpopulation in Zanjan

STUDY OF RELATION BETWEEN TEACHERS ORGANIZATIONAL INTELLIGENCE WITH PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AMONG SHAHREKORD HIGH SCHOOLS

The present study seeks to survey the relation between organizational intelligence and occupational morals of managers at high schools in Shahrekord. Its method is descriptive of the type of correlative and statistical sample includes all managers and teachers of high schools in Shahrekord in 2011 – 2012 academic year totaled 755. Based on Karjis & Morgan table (1970), its statistical sample has been 255, regarding that statistical community consisted of two groups of managers and teachers, so classification random sampling was used. In this study, Carl Albrecht (2003) organizational intelligence questionnaires and occupational morals questionnaire were used. To analyze obtained data inductively, measurement instrument, statistical methods of analyze regression and correlative coefficient were used. Results showed that observed “r” has significant and positive correlation between organizational intelligence and occupational morals of managers in high school of Shahrekord. Observed at the level of P \u3c %5, presented significant and positive correlation between strategic insight, common destination, tendency to alteration, agreement and unity, knowledge application and occupational morals of managers. There was no significant correlation between organizational intelligence and occupational morals of managers and population characteristics based on age, occupation precedence and their education

STUDY OF RELATION BETWEEN TEACHERS ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND PRINCIPALS TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE AT SHAHREKORD HIGH SCHOOLS

The purpose of this research was to survey the relation between entrepreneurship of teachers and leadership styles of high school managers in Shahrekord city. The method of research was descriptive correlation and statistical community included all of the high school mangers & teachers in Shahrekord city at 2012-2013, which are 755 persons. The statistical sample was calculated by Karjis & Morgan table (1970) at 255 persons. Statistical population including two different manager & teacher groups .In this study, two questionnaires of entrepreneurship questionnaire with 25 items with reliability and validity of questionnaire were calculated 0.75 & 0.85 by Kandal and Kronbakh alpha coefficients respectively; And leadership style was based on Boss (1985), multi factors questionnaire (M L Q). In order to inferential analysis of data, regression analysis and correlation coefficient were used. The results indicated, r at the p \u3c 0.05 level was positive and showed significance correlation between entrepreneurship of teachers & leadership style of high school mangers in Shahrekord. Also, r at the p \u3c 0.05 level indicated there are the positive & significance correlation between innovation , relations and self-awareness components of teachers and leadership style of high school managers in Shahrekord city

Changes in Serum Biochemical Factors Associated with Opium Addiction after Addiction Desertion

Abstract Background: The long time use of opium has some effects on serums biochemical factors, the determination of this variation is a new approach in understanding off addiction and relive of drug abuser health. Hence in this study, these indicators in person who were withdrawing of opium have been studied. Methods: In this cross-sectional study bloods biochemical factors such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, cholesterol, total protein, and fibrinogen in three groups serum were studied: (1) Who had been permanent opium users more than 2 years (case). (2) Dependent person who has taken one month addiction withdrawal course (control). (3) A healthy group that had been demographically similar to the other groups. Findings: According to these study findings, FBS serum level in the case group is lower than control group. Serum level of Na, creatinine, and blood triglyceride (TG) in case study are higher than group control. Concentration of potassium, Ca, UA, BUN, cholesterol, total serum protein, fibrinogen, and thrombin time in case study and group control showed no significant difference. Also, in withdrawing case serum level of Na, Ca, UA, BUN, creatinine, and TG significantly increase and thrombin time decrease. Conclusion: According to this study not only the longtime use of opium but also opium with drawerin opium dependent people can change their serum biochemical factors. So recognition, treatment, and prevention of this change could be a new step in improving of health and condition of patients. Keywords: Opium, Withdraw, Dependency, Biochemical factor

Conversational repair strategies in 3 and 5 year old normal Persian-speaking children in Ahwaz, Iran

Background and Aim: The ability of conversational repair is a subset of pragmatic language. When the listener does not understand the speaker's intention, and the speaker cannot find a way of repairing the conversation to make his/her massage clear, communication will fail. This study aims to examine and compare the conversational repair skill in two groups of three and five year old children, to determine different conversational repair strategies and compare these skills among these groups.Methods: One hundred and twenty Persian speaking children of three and five years of Ahwaz, Iran, were selected. The study tools were two series of pictures. During the retelling of the pictures the examiner created a situation to elicit a conversational repair strategy. Percentages of the usage of different kinds of conversational repair in each group were calculated and compared using student's t-test.Results: The usage of repetition and inappropriate response is decreased in the group of five year olds compared to the three year olds, but cue-repair and repetition method is increased. The addition method has remained relatively constant. There was a significant difference between average percentage of using repetition (p=0.04) and cue-repair (p=0.001) of the two groups. The percentage of application of repetition method in three year olds and cue-term method in five year olds were significantly higher than other conversational repair strategies.Conclusion: With the increase in age and development of language skills the probability of using more complex and difficult strategies, like the cue-repair method, increases

Injectable hydrogels in central nervous system: Unique and novel platforms for promoting extracellular matrix remodeling and tissue engineering

Repairing central nervous system (CNS) is difficult due to the inability of neurons to recover after damage. A clinically acceptable treatment to promote CNS functional recovery and regeneration is currently unavailable. According to recent studies, injectable hydrogels as biodegradable scaffolds for CNS tissue engineering and regeneration have exceptionally desirable attributes. Hydrogel has a biomimetic structure similar to extracellular matrix, hence has been considered a 3D scaffold for CNS regeneration. An interesting new type of hydrogel, injectable hydrogels, can be injected into target areas with little invasiveness and imitate several aspects of CNS. Injectable hydrogels are being researched as therapeutic agents because they may imitate numerous properties of CNS tissues and hence reduce subsequent injury and regenerate neural tissue. Because of their less adverse effects and cost, easier use and implantation with less pain, and faster regeneration capacity, injectable hydrogels, are more desirable than non-injectable hydrogels. This article discusses the pathophysiology of CNS and the use of several kinds of injectable hydrogels for brain and spinal cord tissue engineering, paying particular emphasis to recent experimental studies