Evaluating the effect of low energy laser irradiation on the rate of mandibular molar protraction in orthodontic patients

Background: Low level laser is a type of laser with various bio stimulatory effects; Potential effects of laser in accelerating bone regeneration and consequently facilitating tooth movement have been considered widely in orthodontics. Aims & Objectives: Aim of this study was to assess the effects of Low level laser on the velocity of mandibular first molar protraction in orthodontic patients. Materials and Methods: Total 28 young adult patients (14 females and 14 males; age range 16-25) requiring extraction of mandibular second premolars were selected and molar protraction was carried out with T-loop on a rectangular Stainless Steel wire. In each patient one side was selected by random to irradiate with low level laser and other side with placebo. Laser regimen was applied at 0, 1 and 2 days and at the end of first, second and third months. Tooth movement was measured on prepared models at the end of first, second and third month. Results: We found 1.3 fold increases in rate of tooth movement in the irradiated group (p=0.000) than non-irradiated group. Conclusion: Based on our findings, Low level laser accelerates tooth movement and consequently reduces treatment time

The effect of maternal position on foetal middle cerebral to umbilical artery resistance index ratio

BackgroundFoetal distress is the distress of the foetus prior to or during labour and is used to describe foetal hypoxia. AimsAs exact determination of foetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) to umbilical artery resistance index (RI) ratio has important role in the diagnosis of foetal distress, any factor that can alter this ratio can affect diagnosis of foetal distress. Therefore, we decided to investigate the role of maternal position and its effect on foetal MCA/umbilical artery RI ratio.Methods In this quasi-experimental study, a total of 27 pregnant mothers who aged 17 to 43 years and gestational age range of 26 to 39 weeks were studied by colour Doppler ultrasound. RI of the MCA and umbilical artery was measured at three positions, namely supine, right lateral decubitus, and left lateral decubitus positions.Results There was no significant difference regarding MCA/umbilical artery RI ratio between supine and right lateral decubitus (P=0.48), right and left lateral decubitus (P=0.67), and supine vs. left lateral decubitus (P=0.39). Likewise, no difference was seen regarding MCA/umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI) between supine and right lateral decubitus (P=0.20), right and left lateral decubitus (P=0.35), and supine vs. left lateral decubitus (P=0.80).ConclusionMaternal position did not have significant effect on MCA/umbilical artery RI ratio

بررسی نقش هویت اخلاقی و سرمایه معنوی در سازگاری زناشویی دانشجویان

Background and Aim: In order to reduce the problems of marital adjustment, related factors should be identified, so the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the role of moral identity and spiritual capital on the marital adjustment of married students. Methods: In a descriptive-correlational study, 320 people were selected as a sample from the research community, which included male and female married students of Karaj Azad University in the academic year 2022-23, using the stratified sampling method. The data collection tool included Aquino & Reed Moral Identity Questionnaire (2002), Golparvar et al spiritual capital (2014) and Locke & Wallace marital adjustment (1959). Data analysis was done using SPSS 22 software and Pearson correlation and regression tests. Ethical Considerations: In this research, the ethical principles include ensuring the full consent and informed willingness of the participants to participate in the research, assuring the participants that their information will remain completely confidential, and maintaining mutual respect and freedom during the research. Results: The research results showed that there is a significant relationship between all the components of moral identity and spiritual capital in the marital adjustment of married students, and the predictor variables explain 42% of the variance of marital adjustment. Conclusion: Marital adjustment can be predicted based on moral identity and spiritual capital; According to the results, organized and codified actions by higher education centers in the field of promoting marital compatibility are necessary and essential.زمینه و هدف: برای کاهش مشکلات سازگاری زناشویی، باید عوامل مرتبط با آن شناسایی شود، بنابراین مطالعه حاضر با هدف تعیین نقش هویت اخلاقی و سرمایه معنوی بر سازگاری زناشویی دانشجویان متأهل انجام شد. روش: در یک مطالعه توصیفی ـ همبستگی از جامعه پژوهش که شامل دانشجویان زن و مرد متأهل دانشگاه آزاد کرج در سال تحصیلی 02-1401 بودند، با روش نمونه‌گیری طبقه‌ای، تعداد 320 نفر به عنوان نمونه انتخاب شدند. ابزار جمع‌آوری اطلاعات شامل پرسشنامه هویت اخلاقی آکینو و رید (۲۰۰۲ م.)، سرمایه معنوی گل‌پرور و همکاران (1394 ش.) و سازگاری زناشویی لاک و والاس (1959 م.) بود. تجزیه‌ و تحلیل داده‌ها با استفاده از نرم‌افزار SPSS 22 و بهره‌گیری از آزمون‌های همبستگی پیرسون و رگرسیون انجام شد. ملاحظات اخلاقی: در این پژوهش اصول اخلاقی شامل اطمینان‌یافتن از رضایت کامل و رغبت آگاهانه شرکت‌کنندگان برای شرکت در پژوهش، اطمینان‌دادن به شرکت‌کنندگان که اطلاعات آنان به صورت کاملاً محرمانه باقی خواهد ماند و حفظ احترام متقابل و آزادی در طول پژوهش رعایت شده است. یافته‌ها: نتایج پژوهش نشان داد که بین همه مؤلفه‌های هویت اخلاقی و سرمایه معنوی در سازگاری زناشویی دانشجویان متأهل رابطه معنی‌دار وجود دارد و متغیرهای پیش‌بین 42 درصد از واریانس سازگاری زناشویی را تبیین می‌کنند. نتیجه‌گیری: سازگاری زناشویی بر اساس هویت اخلاقی و سرمایه معنوی قابل پیش‌بینی است؛ با توجه به نتایج، اقدامات سازمان‌یافته و مدون توسط مراکز آموزش عالی در زمینه ارتقای سازگاری زناشویی لازم و ضروری است.

Medication Beliefs, Cognitive Defusion, and Valued Living in Hypertensive Patients with Varying Medication Adherence

Background: One of the most severe problems that patients with Hypertension (HPN) face are lack of medication adherence, which is influenced by psychological factors. Thus, the current survey sought to compare medication beliefs, cognitive defusion and valued living in hypertensive patients with varying medication adherence.Methods: A cross-sectional study with 162 HPN patients from three clinics at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences was conducted in 2019. Participants completed the BMQ (Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire), MMAS (Morisky Medication Adherence Scale), CFQ (Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire), and VLQ (Valued Living Questionnaire). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Only 22.2% of patients scored high in medication adherence (MA). MA levels increased with age in a significant correlation (p=0.03). ANOVA results revealed that the three MA levels (low, medium, and high) had substantial differences in both VLQ subscales (importance of person-valued living and allotted time for values; p=0.002 and p=0.023). However, no significant differences in MA levels were found in the CFQ (cognitive defusion and cognitive fusion) and BMQ subscales (specific necessity, specific concern, general overuse, and general harm).Conclusions: This study discovered that a higher MA is associated with increasing age. In addition, patients with HPN who value living and devote more time to their values have higher MA

Comparison of the Bony Changes of TMJ in Patients With and Without TMD Complaints Using CBCT

Statement of the Problem: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) may show a poor correlation between their clinical findings and radiological characteristics. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the osseous alterations of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects by employing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Method: In this study, CBCT images of 120 temporomandibular joints in 30 patients with TMJ disorder and 30 age- and sex-matched individuals without TMJ complaints were evaluated. Osteoarticular derangements of the joint were assessed by two experienced examiners. Data was statistically analyzed with SPSS software using chi-square test (p <0.05). Results: Out of 120 CBCT images (60 in each group), at least one osseous change was observed in 90% and 86.7% joints in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects, respectively. There were no significant differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects regarding frequency of osteoarticular changes including flattening (73.3% vs. 75%), irregularity (36.7% vs. 48.3%), sclerosis (20% vs. 8.3%), cyst (3.3% vs. 3.3%), erosion (13.3% vs. 21.7%), hypoplasia (3.3% vs. 5%), ankylosis (1.7% vs. Zero), osteophyte (43.3% vs. 40%), decrease joint space (3.3% vs. 3.3%), and increase joint space (5% vs. 5%). (p> 0.05) Conclusion: By employing CBCT as a modern diagnostic imaging tool, findings of this study revealed that the frequency of various temporomandibular joint alterations on CBCT images is comparable in patients with and without TMD complaints, suggesting that some people with TMJ structural damage may not display clinical manifestations. Moreover, CBCT imaging might not be necessary for TMD patients and more attention should be given to clinical examination

Relationship between thyroid stimulating hormone and metabolic syndrome in overweight/obese children

Background: Background: Obesity, especially central obesity is related to many endocrine abnormalities, such as thyroid dysfunctions. Elevated levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is common in obese children, however, it is not clear if such condition is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors. The study aimed to determine the association between levels of TSH in overweight and obese children with components of metabolic syndrome (Mets). Methods: The study sample included 197 overweight/obese 6-7 year old children in Tehran, Iran. Anthropometric (weight, waist circumference and height), metabolic (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose) and hormonal (TSH) variables, as well as blood pressure were measured. Mets was defined according to Cook definition. Results: Totally, 20.3% and 79.7% of children were overweight and obese, respectively. Elevated levels of TSH were diagnosed in 10 subjects (5.1%), while Mets was seen in 35.4%. The most frequent component of Mets was abdominal obesity (72.5%). A weak positive correlation between BMI for age, Z scores and TSH level (r =0.11, P value= 0.123) was observed only in girls (r=0.2, P value= 0.034). TSH was not associated with components of Mets. Conclusion: Elevated TSH levels may be found in obese children; however, the association between TSH elevation and cardiovascular disease risk factors, including components of metabolic syndrome needs further investigation

The effect of banana leaf package on the shelf life of rainbow trout fillet in comparison with plastic bags

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of banana leaf extract on the quality and shelf life of rainbow trout compared to plastic bags at freezing temperature for 40 days. For evaluating this propose, the antioxidant activity of banana leaf extract was assessed. In addition, the shelf life of fish filets was determined by measuring thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and pHof fish. The banana leaves extract showed the highest content of vitamin E (5.8 ± 0.61 mg /g) and carotenoids (12.8 ± 0.1 mg /g). The potential of Cu (II) reduction the extract was 1.76 ± 0.09. The magnitude of modification in TBA and pH of the packed fish with banana leaves were less than the control samples. The present study demonstrated that the use of banana leaf extract will retard lipid oxidation in fish. fillet during freezing storage that may due to its strong antioxidant properties

The effect of heparin after primary percutaneous coronary intervention on short-term clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background: Doing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the first hours of myocardial infraction (MI) is effective in re-establishment of blood flow. Anticoagulation treatment should be prescribed in patients undergoing PCI to decrease the side effects of ischemia. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of heparin prescription after PCI on short-term clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Materials: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted at Imam Ali cardiovascular center at Kermanshah university of medical science (KUMS), Iran. Between April 2019 to October 2019, 400 patients with STEMI which candidate to PCI were enrolled. Patients randomly divided in two groups: intervention group (received 5,000 units of heparin after PCI until first 24 hours, every 6 hours) and control group (did not receive heparin). Data were collected using a checklist developed based on the study's aims. Differences between groups were assessed using independent t-tests and chi-square (or Fisher exact tests).Result: Observed that, mean prothrombin time (PT) (13.30±1.60 vs. 12.21±1.15, p<0.001) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) (35.30±3.08 vs. 34.41±3.01, p=0.003) were significantly higher in intervention group compared to control group. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade 0/1 after primary PCI was significantly more frequently in control group (5.5% vs. 1.0%, p=0.034). The mean of ejection fraction (EF) after PCI (47.58±7.12 vs. 45.15±6.98, p<0.001) was significantly higher in intervention group. Intervention group had a statistically significant shorter length of hospital stay (4.71±1.03 vs. 6.12±1.10, p<0.001). There was higher incidence of re-vascularization (0% vs. 3.0%; p=0.013) and re-MI (0% vs. 2.5%; p=0.024) in the control group.Conclusion: Performing primary PCI with receiving heparin led to improve TIMI flow and consequently better EF. Receiving heparin is associated with lower risk of re-MI and re-vascularization