The effect of dialectical behavior therapy on executive function in patients with a bipolar disorder

Background: Bipolar disorder is a debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent depression, manic and hippomanic episodes. The effect of a dialectical behavior therapy on executive functions in bipolar disorders has not been addressed so far. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the dialectical behavior therapy on executive function in the bipolar disorder. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with a bipolar disorder were randomly assigned to the intervention (the dialectical behavior therapy combined with medication) and control (only medication) groups. The questionnaires and tests were used at baseline, after 12 weeks intervention, and three months after the intervention. Participants in the intervention group received twelve 90-min sessions of the standard dialectical behavior therapy for the bipolar disorder. Results: The results showed that the intervention group had a lower score in mania, and depression. Also, the intervention group had a higher score in executive functions after three months intervention and three months follow-up. Conclusion: The dialectical behavior therapy in combination with medication can lead to reduce manic and depression symptoms, and improve performance of the patients in planning and problem-solving

Life expectancy at birth in Aran-Bidgol region, Iran, 2012: A study based on corrected Health Houses data

Background and aims: Life expectancy is one of the most important indicators of health and well-being of a society. Since it is claimed that in Aran-Bidgol region, center of Iran, life expectancy is higher than the average of the country, this study was designed. Methods: During a cross-sectional study, population and mortality data of Kashan University of Medical Sciences (KAUMS) in 2011 were used for calculating life expectancy. Brass Growth-Balance method was used to adjustmortality data with over 5 years old and to correct under reporting of deaths. Completeness and coverage of death registration data and the correction factor were calculated. Finally, anadjustedlife table for males and females was calculated separately. Microsoft Excel 2007 was used for calculations. Results: Population of Aran-Bidgol was 93571 in 2012 based on KAUMS data. Among the total population, 47331 (50.6) were males. Number of registered deaths was 479 280 male (58.4%). Completeness of the death registration data was found to be %74.9 for males and %70.1 for females. Correction factor (K) for adjustment of reported death was calculated to be 1.33 and 1.42 for males and females respectively. Adjusted life expectancy at birth for males and females was 71.3 and 76.5 years respectively. Conclusion:Although adjusted life expectancy for females in our study was to some extent more than the average life expectancy of Iranian women, but this indicator was slightly lower in men. Generally, it seems that there is no considerable difference between life expectancy of Aran-Bidgol population and national average life expectancy

Incidence and Risk Factors of Neural Tube Defects in Kashan, Central Iran

How to Cite This Article: Talebian A, Soltani B, Sehat M, Zahedi A, Noorian A, Talebian M. Incidence and Risk Factors of Neural Tube Defects in Kashan, Central Iran. Iran J Child Neurol. Summer 2015;9(3):50-56.AbstractObjectiveNeural tube defects (NTDs) are the most common congenital defects of centralnervous system due to neural tube closure deficit during the third and fourthweeks of gestational age. Our study was performed to detect the incidence andrisk factors of NTDs in Kashan, center of Iran.Material & MethodsThis case-control study was done on all pregnancies with NTD affectedneonates (n=91) and 209 pregnancies with normal neonates from February2007 to December 2012 in three hospitals in Kashan, center of Iran. Annual andthe mean incidence of NTDs were calculated. Risk factors including neonatalgender, maternal age, gravidity, maternal abortion history, maternal gestationaldiabetes (GDM), folic acid use, familial marriage, maternal body mass index(BMI), birth season and family history of NTDs were evaluated by interviewwith mothers. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used toanalyze the risk factors.ResultsThe mean incidence of NTDs was 2.33 per 1000 births. The multivariate analysisindicated that maternal history of abortion (OR: 4.9, CI: 1.9-12.8), and maternal obesity (OR: 5.4, CI: 1.3-21.8) were significantly associated with NTDs.ConclusionMaternal history of abortion and BMI were the major risk factors of NTDs

The Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Man Smokers’ Comorbid Depression and Anxiety Symptoms and Smoking Cessation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Besides physical problems, cigarette smoking is associated with a high prevalence of comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms. One of the reasons behind high post-cessation smoking lapse and relapse rates is inattentiveness to these symptoms during the process of cessation. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on male smokers’ comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms and smoking cessation.Methods: This two-group pre-test-post-test randomized controlled trial was done on a random sample of seventy male smokers. Participants were randomly and evenly allocated to an intervention and a control group. Patients in these groups received either acceptance or commitment therapy or routine psychological counseling services include cognitive behavior therapy, respectively. Study data were collected through a demographic questionnaire, the Structural Clinical Interview (SCI) for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th edition (DSM-IV) disorders, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Micro Smokerlyzer carbon monoxide monitor.The SPSS software was employed to analyze the data.Findings: After the intervention, depression and anxiety scores and smoking cessation rate in the intervention group were respectively lower and higher than the control group (P < 0.050).Conclusion: ACT can significantly improve comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms and smoking cessation rate. Thus, it can be used to simultaneously manage depression, anxiety, and cigarette smoking

Investigating the Influence of Mass Media on Cosmetics Usage among Women in Kashan during 2015

The use of cosmetics is very common among women in Iran. Given the importance of the use of mass media and the impact on the consumption of cosmetics, this study attempted to consider the influence of mass media on the use of cosmetics among women in Kashan. Using a standard designed questionnaire, the data were obtained from 800 women. Multi-stage cluster sampling was randomly carried out. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. The findings showed that 59.9% of the participants believed that satellite programs have the greatest impact on the use of cosmetics. 33% of the participants who believed that mass media had significant influence in this regard; they had a constant tendency to use cosmetics. Mass media advertisements encourage women to consume cosmetics; therefore, introducing the real and appropriate cultural models via advertisements on mass media may have positive impacts on women to consume cosmetics properly

The Minimum Dataset and Inclusion Criteria for the National Trauma Registry of Iran: A Qualitative Study

Background Burden of injuries is an important public health problem, especially in developing countries. However, a national standard tool for data collection of trauma registry has not been developed in Iran yet. Objectives The present study aimed to describe the steps undertaken in the development of the minimum dataset (MDS) and define the inclusion and exclusion criteria for a case of trauma registry by the national trauma registry of Iran (NTRI). Methods The working group consists of sixteen elected expert representatives from seven established countrywide active trauma research centers. Following a structured extensive review of the literature, the working party identified the data variables that included key registry goals for pre-hospital and hospital, outcome and quality assurance information. We used data variables from three trauma registry centers: National trauma data standard questionnaire, European trauma care (UT stein version), and Sina trauma and surgery research center. Then, we performed two email surveys and three focus group discussions and adapted, modified and finally developed the optimized MDS in order to prepare the quality care registry for injured patients. Results The finalized MDS consisted of 109 data variables including demographic information (n = 24), injury information (n = 19), prehospital information (n = 26), emergency department information (n = 25), hospital procedures (n = 2), diagnosis (n = 2), injury severity (n = 3), outcomes (n = 5), financial (n = 2), and quality assurance (n = 1). For a patient sustained one or more traumatic injury in a defined diagnostic ICD-10 codes, the inclusion criteria considered as one of the followings: If the patient stayed > 24 hours in the hospital, any death after hospital arrival, any transfer from another hospital during the first 24 hours from injury. Conclusions This study presents how we developed the MDS in order to uniform data reporting in the NTRI and define our inclusion and exclusion criteria for trauma registry. Applying the MDS and the case definition in pilot studies are needed in next steps

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Tehran province: a population-based study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To determine the prevalence and characteristics of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among Iranian patients with diabetes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Design: population-based cross-sectional study.</p> <p>Participants: patients with diabetes aged 25 to 64 years in Tehran province, Iran. This survey was conducted from April to October 2007. The study sample was derived from the first national survey of risk factors for non-communicable disease. Diabetes mellitus was defined as a fasting plasma glucose of ≥ 7.0 mmol/l (126 mg/dl) or more, use of diabetic medications, or a physician's diagnosis of diabetes. All patients known to have diabetes underwent an eye examination by bio-microscope and indirect ophthalmoscope to check for any signs of DR through dilated pupils by + 78 lens. Participants were also interviewed and examined to determine their demographic characteristics, medical conditions and the regularity of their eye visits.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among 7989 screened patients, 759 (9.5%) had diabetes. Of them, 639 patients (84.2%) underwent eye examination. Five patients (0.7%) with media opacity were excluded. Of 634 examined patients with diabetes, 240 had some degree of diabetic retinopathy, and the overall standardized prevalence of any retinopathy was 37.0% (95% CI: 33.2-40.8), including 27.3% (95% CI: 23.7-30.8) (n = 175) with non-proliferative and 9.6% (95% CI: 7.3-11.9) (n = 65) with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Clinically significant macular edema and vision-threatening retinopathy were detected in 5.8% (95% CI: 4.0-7.7) (n = 38) and 14.0% (95% CI: 11.3-16.7) (n = 95) of patients, respectively. Only 143 patients (22.6%) with diabetes had a history of regular eye examination.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study demonstrated a high prevalence and poor control of DR in Tehran province. This suggests the need for adequate prevention and treatment in patients with diabetes.</p

The effect of dialectical behavior therapy on executive function in patients with a bipolar disorder

Background: Bipolar disorder is a debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent depression, manic and hippomanic episodes. The effect of a dialectical behavior therapy on executive functions in bipolar disorders has not been addressed so far. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the dialectical behavior therapy on executive function in the bipolar disorder. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with a bipolar disorder were randomly assigned to the intervention (the dialectical behavior therapy combined with medication) and control (only medication) groups. The questionnaires and tests were used at baseline, after 12 weeks intervention, and three months after the intervention. Participants in the intervention group received twelve 90-min sessions of the standard dialectical behavior therapy for the bipolar disorder. Results: The results showed that the intervention group had a lower score in mania, and depression. Also, the intervention group had a higher score in executive functions after three months intervention and three months follow-up. Conclusion: The dialectical behavior therapy in combination with medication can lead to reduce manic and depression symptoms, and improve performance of the patients in planning and problem-solving

Comparison of anxiety and depression symptoms between male daily smokers and nondaily smokers resident in Kashan city during 2016-2017

Background: Several studies have shown the dangers of cigarette smoking among daily smokers. However, another group that has recently been investigated is a nondaily smoking group. The nondaily smokers experience the adverse health effects of smoking more than nonsmokers. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among daily and nondaily smokers. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study with snowball sampling, 385 male residents of Kashan were selected and divided into three groups of daily smokers (118), nondaily smokers (114) and nonsmokers (135). Depression and anxiety were measured by the Beck depression inventory and beck anxiety inventory. Results: The results of the current study showed no significant difference in the prevalence of depression and anxiety in both daily and nondaily smokers (P<0.05). Also, depression and anxiety levels in daily smokers and nondaily smokers were significantly higher than nonsmokers (P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and anxiety among nondaily smokers is the same as the daily smokers. Thus, in both groups, in addition to smoking, special attention should be paid to anxiety and depression disorders

Effect of metformin on the anti-Müllerian hormone level in infertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the major cause of anovulatory infertility in women. The level of serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) in patients can be 2-3 times higher than in healthy women. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of metformin on AMH level in PCOS patients suffering from infertility. Methods: In this pre and post clinical trial, 30 infertile patients with PCOS were enrolled according to the Rotterdam criteria. The serum AMH level was recorded before and after 8 weeks of treatment with metformin (1500 mg daily). We used SPSS version 17 and paired samples t-test, multiple linear regression and ANCOVA test for data analysis. Results: Serum AMH level was significantly decreased after 8 weeks of treatment with metformin [10±3.75 (ng/ml) versus 7.8±3.7 (ng/ml)] (p=0.008, 95% CI: 0.60-3.75). Also, AMH level change was directly associated to BMI in PCOS patients. In other words, in these patients, a higher BMI led to more decrease in AMH level after metformin treatment. Conclusion: Eight weeks’ treatment with metformin would significantly decrease AMH. AMH level change was directly associated to BMI. Clinical trial registration: The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (http://www.irct.ir) with the Irct ID: 201403132967N5 Funding: This study was funded by the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences (Grant Number: 9322)