[Compliance ratio between the abstracts of Iranian systematic reviews and meta-analysis indexed in web of sciences and PRISMA statement]

Introduction: systematic review is an approach with precise identification of all the relevant studies leading to more objective and scientific conclusions. Unless the structure of the studies comply with internationally accepted standards, they cannot effectively be responsive to objectives of the studies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the compliance ration of Iranian Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis abstracts indexed in WOS and PRISMA statement

Methods: this study is an analytical survey. The sample included 204 Iranian systematic reviews and meta-analysis abstracts indexed in WOS up to the end of 2012. In this study the structure of the abstracts were evaluated using the PRISMA statement. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to calculate the correlation between the obtained results with cited articles, the number of authors and the publication year

Results: the mean PRISMA score of article's abstract was 6.24 +/- 1.68. The objective section with 99%, compliance rate, had the highest compliance rate and the Registration with 2%, had the lowest compliance rate among other PRISMA items. The means for citations and the number of authors were 4 and 5.3, respectively. There is statistically significant positive correlation between the PRISMA score and the mean of received citations [P=0.010, r=0.181], as well as the number of authors [P=0.013, r=0.175]

Conclusion: according to the findings the ratio of compliance between abstracts and PRISMA is not desirable. Therefore, authors should be trained for better reporting of results. In addition, the editors of magazines should include the guidelines of accurate reporting of these types of articles in the article writing guidelines

[Assessing factor analysis, validity, reliability and psychometric characteristics of "work dynamic" scale in medication errors by nurses]

Introduction: In health care, work dynamic is one of the variables affecting in medication errors by nurses as a result of changing health care program, procedures and physician orders may be confused and disoriented and eventually medication error occur. This aim assessing factor analysis, validity, reliability and psychometric characteristics of "work dynamic" scale in medication errors by nurses in Iran

Method: This study was for determine items of work dynamic in mediation errors. The scale translated by Wilde and colleagues model [2005] and assessed. Study population were nurses that working in deferent ward of teaching - therapeutic centers of shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 115 nurses were selected by convenience sampling method based on inclusion criteria. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 18

Results: The average age of nurses was 34.8 +/- 7.87 and almost them were female [n=78] and mean work experience in ward was 6.07 +/- 4.13. Factor analysis, rotated matrix determined 2 factors: 1] team dynamic 2] Continuous work dynamic. Also reliability using Cranach's alpha coefficient for internal consistency showed high reliability of scale [alpha=0.81] and correlation coefficient in test- retest for stability [r=0.93]

Conclusion: Although translations of "work dynamic" scale in nursing medication errors has satisfactory reliability and validity and can be used in the Iranian health system

[Psychometric properties of illness related worries questionnaire [IRWQ] in heart failure patients]

Introduction: Heart failure patients believe that physical and psychological symptoms and worries about life and death are characteristics of disease in their life and in this context, there is no specific and culturally appropriate tool to measure their illness related worries. This study was conducted for development and psychometric properties evaluation of Illness Related Worries Questionnaire [IRWQ] in heart failure patients

Methods: In this quantitative-qualitative study, based on the findings obtained from interviews with 22 heart failure patients from patients of Hazrat e Rasool e Akram, Imam Hossein and Shariati Hospitals in Tehran in 2013, literature, and the designed questionnaires about illness related worries, primary items associated illness related worries in heart failure patients, were developed. After measuring face validity and content validity, the construct validity and reliability of the questionnaire was assessed on 130 patients with heart failure. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 19

Results: With face validity and content validity questionnaire was created with 23 items and four factors [9 items on first factor, 8 items on second factor, 4 items on third factor and 2 items on fourth factor]. These dimensions were labeled: "cognitive independence" and "functional independence" as a subset of "independence" and "worry about future of disease" and "psycho-physical worry" as a subset of "worries related to symptoms". Reliability of illness related worries questionnaire was calculated 0.90 by using Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and 0.89 by using split-half method

Conclusion: Result of this study showed that illness related worries questionnaire is adequate, valid and reliable. Thus, using this questionnaire can be useful in doing further researches related to worries in different patients

[Bayesian model for work-related accidents in Iran: 2009]

Introduction: It is of prime importance to consider the pattern and geographical changes of a disease, in each community independently, to determine high and low risk areas. Mapping diseases is a set of statistical methods which attempt to provide precise maps by which the geographical distribution of a disease is estimated. In this study, Bayesian methods were applied to estimate the relative death rate of work-related accidents in Iran

Methods: For the purpose of this study, the data of work-related accidents of Iran in 2009 were analyzed. To estimate the parameters of the map, empirical Bayes method [Poisson-Gamma method] was applied using Winbugs 1.4 software. Moreover, the Arc GIs 9.2 software was used to set relative incidence of death and accident related maps

Results: Regarding the estimates achieved by empirical Bayes method and applying Poisson-Gamma for the incidence of work related accidents in 2009, the maximum and minimum prevalence risk rate among men was 2.991 in Markazi province and 0.457 in Khorasan Razavi province, while they were 3.848 in Semnan province and 0.243 in Hormozgan province for women

Conclusion: Overall, the incidence of work-related accidents follows no specific geographical distribution pattern and in most provinces the pattern was different for men and women in Iran. By and large, the incidence of these events in the neighboring provinces of Tehran is more than the other parts of the country

[Evaluating the effectiveness of Parent Empowerment [COPE] program on participation of mothers of preterm infants hospitalized in NICUs of hospitals affiliated to Isfahan university of medical sciences and health services, 2009-2010]

The birth of a preterm infant is a stressful event for parents. Because of special nature of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] environment, parents of infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit experience higher levels of tension, compared with parents of healthy infants the mother's physical and psychological condition may negatively influence early and suitable mother-infant relationship, the mother's participation in her infant care and the infant's long-term developmental outcome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment [COPE] program on participation of mothers of preterm infants hospitalized in NICUs of hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services. A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 90 mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care units. COPE mothers received 2 intervention sessions of audiotaped and printed materials with workbook. This program consisted of information and behavioral activities about the appearance and behavioral characteristics of preterm infants and how best to parent them. Duration between sessions was 2 to 4 days. Data were collected by a questionnaire. The participation was evaluated just 2 to 4 days after second phase. The mea score of mothers' participation in experiment group was 9. 14 +/- 0. 84 and 9. 43 +/- 1. 06 for the first and second phase of post -test. Mothers in the Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment program reported significantly more participation in their infants care [p<0. 001]. Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment program diminished mothers enhance the amount of mother's participation. This study showed that early interventions during neonatal hospitalization and educational behavioral information in written form may have positive effect on maternal psychological condition and participation

[Studying the interaction effects of gene polymorphisms on low level of HDL over time using transition logic regression: Tehran lipid and glucose study]

As High-density lipoprotein [HDL] is directly associated with cardiovascular disease, the factors affecting the levels of this fat can be effective in reducing heart diseases. In addition to biochemical and environmental factors, genetic interactions also affect HDL level. Since polymorphism effects can be time-dependent, study of genetic interactions on HDL over time is important. In this study, we proposed Transition Logic Regression to analyze interactions in binary longitudinal data and used it to investigate polymorphism interactions related to low HDL over time. Data of 329 subjects who participated in three phases of TLGS was analyzed using the proposed model. Results showed that subjects with high triglyceride levels and increased waist circumference have an odds ratio of 2.29 [CI 95%: 1.51, 3.48] of having low HDL. Also, being in phase 2 and being a carrier of the minor allele of ApoA1M1 or being homozygous for the common allele of ApoCIII, were associated with an increased odds of having low HDL [OR= 2.30, CI 95%: 1.77, 2.99]. The odds ratio for having low HDL in male subjects with high blood pressure or being homozygous for the minor allele of SRB1 is 0.38 [CI 95%: 0.25,0.59]. Considering the identification of gene interactions in genetic studies and their importance over time, Transition Logic Regression was introduced and used to find gene interactions influencing low HDL over time and the most important models for gene interactions were identified

Self-efficacy and compliance with treatment regimen in tuberculosis patients in Kurdistan

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in the world, affecting 30% of the world's population. Treatment of tuberculosis is the most effective strategy to stop the spread of the disease. However, non-adherence remains an important cause of treatment failure. It is believed self-efficacy may affect patient's compliance to treatment regimen. The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between self-efficiency and treatment compliance in tuberculosis patients attending to medical centers of Kurdistan University of medical sciences Kudistan, Iran. A descriptive-correlational design was used. The sample of the study consisted of 161 tuberculosis patients attending to health centers in Kurdistan province .Data were collected using a self efficacy questionnaire and the review of patients' medical records, he validity of the questionnaires were determined by 12 experts through the content validity and formal validity methods. The minimum index of content validity for self-efficiency questionnaire was calculated to be 75.5 percent and that of compliance was 83.5 percent. The reliability of the questionnaires was determined using the Krunbach's Alpha-Test. The coefficient of reliability for self-efficiency questionnaire and compliance questionnaire were 0.94 and 0.97 respectively. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 16 software. The average age for patients was 58 +/- 12 years old. 61.5 percent of studied samples were male and the rest were female. The amount of compliance by patients was moderate [average scores of 30.23] and correlated to age, marital status, job, income level, education and place of living but, its relation to gender was not statistically significant. The amount of self-efficiency of the majority of patients was moderate [41.6 percent] and it was also related to age, marital status, job, income level, education and place of living but its relation to gender was not statistically significant. There was a direct and strong correlation between self-efficiency and compliance [P<0.001, r=0.90]. The reason why the compliance level in this study has been higher with respect to the previous similar studies could be due to the implementation of direct supervision and control system over treatment. In this study there was a significant correlation between compliance and self-efficiency which was in consistency with most studies in this field while in Hamilton [2000] no significant correlation between the two variables was reported. Given that the correlation coefficient of Pearson in this study is positive and close to 1 [P < 0.001, r = 0.90], it indicates a direct and strong correlation between the two variables of self-efficiency and compliance

Occupational exposure of petroleum depot workers to BTEX compounds

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene [BTEX] are the most important toxic volatile compounds in the air and could be easily absorbed through the respiratory tract. In recent years, the risk of exposure to BTEX compounds, especially benzene as a carcinogen, has been considered in petroleum depot stations. To assess the occupational exposure of petroleum depot workers in Iran to BETX compounds. After completing a questionnaire and assessing occupational exposure to BETX compounds, 78 [46 exposed and 32 non-exposed] depot workers were randomly selected to participate in this study. Air sampling and analysis of BTEX was conducted according to the NIOSH method No. 1501. Analysis of urinary hippuric acid, as an indicator of toluene exposure, was carried out according to NIOSH method no. 8300. Personal monitoring of the high exposure group to BTEX compounds was repeated to verify the results obtained in the first phase of the monitoring. Among the 9 operating groups studied, occupational exposure to benzene and toluene was higher in quality control and gasoline loading operators - the median exposure ranged from 0.16 to 1.63 ppm for benzene and 0.2 to 2.72 ppm for toluene. Median exposure of other group members to BTEX compounds was below the detection limit of analytical method [0.07, 0.06, 0.05, and 0.05 ppm, respectively]. The level of toluene exposure measured showed correlation with neither post-shift urinary hippuric acid [Spearman's rho = 0.128, p=0.982] nor with the difference between post- and pr-shift urinary hippuric acid [Spearman's rho=0.089, p=0.847] in depot operational workers. Gasoline loading operators are exposed to a relatively high level of benzene

[Using asymmetric mixed bivariate modeling for comparing diabetic macular edema treatments according to visual acuity and central macular thickness outcomes]

One of the major causes of visual acuity loss in diabetic patients is diabetic macular edema [DME]. Best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness changes are considered as two main outcomes in diabetic macular patients. The goal of this study was to compare the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab injection alone or combined with triamcinolone versus macular photocoagulation as primary treatment for diabetic macular edema according to the clinical trial data sets. A new method was proposed to determine the best treatment for DME; i.e. intravitreal bevacizumab injection alone or combined with triamcinolone versus macular photocoagulation using asymmetric mixed modeling based on the recorded data in 97 diabetic patients. Effect of these treatments was investigated according to simultaneous investigation of visual acuity and central macular thickness as two major outcomes without omitting any outlier. The results of bivariate asymmetric mixed model revealed that intravitreal bevacizumab injection alone or combined with Triamcinolone treatments had more therapeutic effect than the macular photocoagulation in terms of increasing visual acuity and decreasing central macular thickness in patients with DME. Using asymmetric bivariate mixed model, there was a significant difference among the treatment modalities, duration of diabetes and gender in terms of visual acuity and central macular thickness

[First and second order generalized estimating equations and it's application in analyzing longitudinal microleakage data]

Longitudinal data are frequently obtained in medical studies. When the main aim of a study is marginal modeling of the mean and the correlation structure is considered as a nuisance parameter, the first- order generalized estimating equations [GEE1] is usually an appropriate option. However, when the modeling of correlation structure is considered the aim of a study, the second- order generalized estimating equations [GEE2] may be the first choice for analyzing the available data. The aim of the study was to evaluate application of first- and second-order generalized estimating equations to analyze longitudinal microleakage data. In this study, GEE1 and GEE2 methods were used to analyze data obtained from a study of microleakage in two root- end filling materials [CEM and MTA] in two different thicknesses and two diameters at three different times of measurement [one day, one week and one month after treatment]. The obtained results from these statistical approaches were compared in continuous and binary [presence of absence] microleakage data. The results from the GEE1 and GEE2 methods showed that time of measurement, material type, diameter and thickness of filling material had significant effects on [continuous] microleakage rate. In addition, in binary microleakage data, these methods revealed that only time and material type were the significant factors. The correlations between measurements were not significant in continuous data, while they were significant in binary response microleakage data. Since the correlations between pairs of measurements were not significant in continuous microleakage data and the obtained estimates were similar in both GEE1 and GEE2 methods, so the simpler GEE1 method seems to be adequate for these data. In contrast, in binary microleakage data, significant correlations were found between measurements. Therefore, in this case the GEE2 methodology may be used to estimate the correlation structure more efficiently

[ effect of reflexotherapy on chemotherapy-induced vomiting of patients]

Vomiting as a side effect of chemotherapy causes to refuse or delay in treatment by most cases. Nowadays, for controlling these side effects researchers attempt to use noninvasive-, safe- and low cost methods, instead of expensive drugs with various side effects. This study aimed to assess effect of reflexotherapy on vomiting reduction among patients under chemotherapy, in oncology-hematology ward of Zahedan's Ali Ebn Abitaleb Hospital in 2010. This study was a before and after clinical trial [pre-test and post-test] with a group of 37 patients. The participants were selected using purposeful sampling method and based on the results of a pilot study. They were also considered once in the control group [receiving anti-vomiting drug Granisetron] and after 15 to 20 days in the interventional group [receiving reflexotherapy in a period of 10 minutes for each leg]. The Summary of Morrow Questionnaire and CTCv[2.0] [Common Toxicity Criteria Version 2] of National Cancer Institute of America were used for making a questionnaire to data collection. Face and content validity of questionnaire and its reliability [Chronbach alpha Coefficient =0.73] was confirmed beforehand. Data was analyzed using central and dispersion indexes as well as Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests and Marginal modeling [generalized estimating equations GEE]. The mean age of samples was 44.73 +/- 13.38 [years]. Majority of participants were married and women. Patients were in their second to 15th cycle of chemotherapy; receiving Cisplatin-Gemzar or Adriamycincyclophosphamide and were from breast cancer cases. Assessment of severity of vomiting during first 24 hours showed more sever vomiting in the first 4 hours among control group than interventional group [p<0.001], but it was more severe in interventional gropup than control group in third 4 hours [p<0.001] and the second 12 hours [p=0.006]. During the second 4 hours, severity of vomiting was not significantly different between the two Groups [p=0.313]. Finnally, the results showed no significant difference between two treatment methods respecting their effect on severity [p=0.153] and the number of vomiting [p=0.239] during the 24 hours after treatment. Although reflexotherapy was not shown to have positive effect on chemotherapy induced vomiting of patients but it caused to reduce severity and number of vomiting in the first 4 hours after chemotherapy among patients with moderate and sever vomiting. Therefore, experimental study using reflexotherapy is recommended in multiple sessions.

[Logic regression analysis for finding interaction effects of genes polymorphisms and other risk factors on low HDL: Tehran lipid and glucose study]

Logic regression is a generalized regression method that can identify complex Boolean interactions of binary variables. This method has been successfully used for analyzing single-nucleotide polymorphism data, because in SNP association studies interactions are important. The aim of this study is to investigate the associations between some candidate gene polymorphisms and HDL concentration using Logic Regression. Subjects for this cross sectional study, 436 subjects [172 men and 264 women] aged >/= 20 with some polymorphisms, were randomly selected from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study [TLGS]. Logic regression analysis was used to identify combinations of main genetic effects and interactions associated with HDL. Cross validation and randomization test were done to avoid over fitting of the models. Cross validation test suggested that the Logic model with four Boolean combinations and four predictors was the best logic model, which after fitting, showed that individuals who carry Apoe SNP Reversed Ze 3 or have high TG have an odds ratio of 2.35 [CI 95%:1.3-4.25] for having low HDL compared to other subjects. Also subjects with high TG have odds ratio 2.73 [CI 95%: 1.65,4.53] for having low HDL. Results of this study shows that Logic Regression is a powerful method to determine the interaction effect between high TG and ApoE SNP for having low HDL

[Experimental comparison of hygroscopic expansion in three different composite resins]

These days dental composites are very popular because they look good and are similar to human teeth regarding color. Hygroscopic expansion is one of the physical properties of dental composites. A dental composite may lose its efficiency as a restoration material because of water absorption. The objective of this study was to compare the hygroscopic expansion of three dental composites. In this experimental study, to assess the effective factors of hygroscopic expansion, we used three different dental composites [Kalore, P90 and Z250]. The length of these composites in water and saliva were measured eighteen times in a three-month period. We used the marginal modeling technique, in which the correlation between response data can be included for analysis. The results of marginal modeling showed that the type of composite is significantly related to hygroscopic expansion [P<0.05]; demonstrating the highest hygroscopic expansion for P90 and the lowest for Z250. In addition, time as an independent variable had a statistically significant effect on hygroscopic expansion [P<0.05]. However, we found no significant difference between the hygroscopic expansion of saliva and water [P>0.05]. Overall, our findings showed that hygroscopic expansion is significantly related to the type of composite and time. Therefore, we should utilize the composites with lower hygroscopic expansion [such as Z250] for filling the patients' teeth

[Fatigue and its related factors in pediatric and adult oncology nurses]

Pediatric and adult oncology wards have special characteristics which may lead to different levels of fatigue in nurses. The aim of this study was to compare fatigue and its related factors in pediatric and adult oncology nurses. This descriptive comparative study was conducted with a sample of 215 nurses working in pediatric and adult oncology wards in selected educational hospitals of Tehran. Nurses were recruited by convenience sampling. Data was collected by "Questionnaire for Psychological and Social factors at work", "The Nursing Stress Scale", and "Oncology Nurses Fatigue Scale". Data analysis was performed using SPSS and T-test. There were significant statistical differences in all three dimensions of fatigue between the two groups of nurses [p<0.001]. There were also a significant difference between the mean scores of emotional factors related to nurses' fatigue [p<0.001]. However no significant difference was found between the mean scores of environmental and social- organizational factors related to nurses' fatigue [p>0.05]. Regarding the differences between emotional factors related to fatigue in pediatric and adult oncology nurses, it is recommended to pay more attention to the special features of pediatric and adult oncology wards that may lead to nurses' fatigue

Clinical and radiographic success of vital pulp therapy using marginal regression model

Root canal therapy [RCT] is the gold standard and commonly used treatment for pulpitis. However, regarding the importance of tooth survival, pulpotomy has become of great concern. The aim of this study was to compare the RCT and vital pulp therapy treatment in teeth with irreversible pulpitis. This was a clinical trial carried out in 4 provinces of Iran including Khorasan Razavi, Tehran, Yazd, and Pars in 2008. Patients were randomly allocated into three arms: The RCT, pulpotomy with CEM, and pulpotomy with MTA. Periapical lesion and percussion test were evaluated at baseline, 6th and 12th month follow ups. Data were analyzed using marginal regression and generalized estimating equations by SAS software version 9.1. The odds ratio of periapical lesion in RCT group was 5.07 times higher than that of pulpotomy with MTA and 3.25 times higher than CEM cement group [P<.001]. The difference between MTA and CEM cement groups was insignificant, statistically. Also, the odds ratio of percussion test failed to show any statistically significant difference in treatment group. In addition, neither the age nor the gender influenced the percussion test and periapical lesion responses, statistically. Regarding the data found in our study, Pulpotomy can be considered as an alternative treatment for RCT

[Correlation between self-concept according to Roy adaptation model with adherence to therapeutic regimen in hypertensive outpatients who attended in one of hospitals affiliated to Urmia university of medical sciences and health services]

Although drug treatment for hypertension is available, but just 30% hypertensive patients have controlled hypertension. Nowadays non adherence to recommended health regimen is accepted as a nursing diagnosis by American Nurses Association. The aim of this study was to determine correlation between self-concept [according to Roy Adaptation Model] and adherence to therapeutic health regimen in hypertensive outpatients who attended to one of hospitals affiliated to Uremia University of Medical Sciences and health Services. In this descriptive-correlational study, 120 hypertensive outpatients, who had inclusion criteria, were selected by quota purposive sampling method. Data were collected by a demographic and disease related questionnaire, "Self-Concept Questionnaire in Heart Disease Patients based on [RAM]" and "Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale". Validity and reliability of questionnaires were assessed with content validity and Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. Cronbach's alpha coefficients of "Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale" and threat and challenge perception "Self-Concept Questionnaire in Heart Disease Patients based on [RAM] were calculated 0.71, 0.87, 0.90 respectively. the questionnaires were completed by interview and data were analyzed by SPSS 16. Findings showed that adherence to recommended health regimen had significant negative relationship to total threat perception with perception of threat of self-concept [P<0.001]. Also, Adherence to recommended health regimen had a positive significant relationship with total challenge perception. Similarly, perception of challenge for body sensation, self consistency, self ideal [P<0.001] with self ethical-spiritual of self concept [P=0.027] had a positive significant correlation. According to the correlation between adherence with threat or challenge perception for dimensions of self concept in this study, nurses need to identify methods that cause patients perceive stimuli as a challenge to self-concept. As it guides person to problem solving ways that should be overcame stressful stimuli and leads to integrated adaptation

Comparison of three treatment methods of dental pulp inflammation with missing values

Background and Purpose: Microbial, physical and chemical irritants may lead to dental pulp inflammation. For irreversible pulpitis, root canal therapy is the only option. In these situations, vital pulp therapy is usually uncomplicated and inexpensive. The main aim of the present study was comparing three different treatments of dental pulp inflammation, including root canal therapy and pulpotomy. Since there were missing data in the 6 and 12 months follow-ups, the missing mechanism was considered in data analysis process

Methods and Materials: In this clinical trial, 615 patients were randomly allocated into three arms: RCT [n=203], pulpotomy with CEM cement [n=205], and with MTA [n=207]. The presence of periapical lesion in the baseline, 6th and 12th month was assessed radiographically. After evaluating the mechanism of the missing data, weighted generalized estimating equations [WGEE] methodology was utilized for the analysis of data. To do this, the SAS software, version 9.1 was used

Results: The success rate of pulpotomy with MTA in 6 and 12 months follow-up was 96% and 95%, respectively. These rates were 92% and 93% for pulpotomy with CEM. Additionally, the success rate of root canal therapy was 78% and 82% in the above mentioned follow-up periods respectively, which indicate the significant superiority of pulpotomy with MTA and CEM over RCT [P<0.05]; but no significant difference was found between MTA and CEM success rates. Presence rate of periapical lesion were 8%, 4% and 22% of CEM, MTA and RCT groups, respectively, in six months follow-up. These figures were 7%, 5% and 18% respectively, in one-year follow-up; however, no significant difference was observed between the two pulpotomy methods, but the difference was significant for pulpotomy techniques and RCT [P<0.05]. Also, the effect of age and sex on periapical lesion were not significant [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Results of multiple statistical modeling on comparing the success rate of three therapies indicated that pulpotomy using two biomaterials [CEM and MTA] seems to be more successful than the traditional RCT

[Frequency and side effect of episiotomy in primiparous women: a three- month longitudinal survey]

Episiotomy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in obstetrics; approximately 33%of women giving birth vaginally in 2000 had episiotomy, but the best technique of episiotomy and its clinical benefits remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine episiotomy prevalence and its clinical complications in women with vaginal delivery in teaching hospitals in Tehran during 3 months after child birth. This descriptive study was conducted on 510 primiparous women in teaching hospitals in Tehran. The Data were collected using interviews 1, 10, 40 and 90 days after delivery and after recorded in special forms. Episiotomy was performed in 97.3% of primiparous women who gave birth vaginally.32.3% of women had midline episiotomy and 67.7% had mediolateral episiotomy. Episiotomy complications included: perineal pain reported by 96.4% at one, 63% after 10 days, 25% after 40days, and 12% at three months after birth. Dyspareunia on 10, 40 the day and 3 months after delivery was reported to be 100%, 66%and 31.2%, respectively. The prevalence of Episiotomy is higher here in Iran than that of any other country and prevalence of mediolatral episiotomy is higher than median episiotomy in Iran despite its difficulties. Therefore, it seems logical that the prevalence of its complications [preneal pain and dyspareunia] is also higher in Iranian women

Prevalence and risk indicators of periodontal disease among high-school students in Tehran

To identify the prevalence and risk indicators of periodontal disease in high-school students in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, the periodontal condition of 867 students aged 15-19 years was assessed using the community periodontal index of treatment needs [CPITN]. The results showed that 88.7% of these students had less than perfect periodontal health. Multiple regression analysis revealed that sex, parents' educational level, frequency of toothbrushing and flossing, preventive dental visits and presence of extracted teeth were significant risk indicators for periodontal disease. School-based oral health promotion and prevention programmes are needed

[Medication error following intraocular surgery at a tertiary eye care center]

To evaluate the incidence of medication error in patients who underwent intraocular surgery based on different methods of drug instruction [hand-written versus orally explained] at Labbafinejad Medical Center. During a 6-month period, we evaluated 204 postoperative patients who underwent cataract or glaucoma surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups; in group I, patients and their attendants received oral and written instruction in addition to the prescription, while the patients and their attendants in group II only received oral instruction besides the prescription. One to 3 days after the operation, the overall incidence of medication errors was determined and compared between the groups using Fisher's exact test. Overall 204 patients including 114 [55.9%] male and 90 [44.1%] female subjects were studied. Mean age of the patients and their attendants was 53.5+22.1 [range 1-90] years and 39.1+12.2 [range 19-79] years, respectively. Actual medication errors occurred in 7 patients including 3 [3%] in the group with written instruction and 4 [3.9%] in the group with oral instruction [P=0.511]. Dispensing errors were the cause in 5 [71.4%] patients including 3 in group I and 2 in group II [P=0.491] but the 2 [28.6%] other cases were due to misconsumption [all in group II]. Overall, 3 medication errors were detected and corrected [intercepted errors] by the patients or their attendants [all in group I] thus; nonintercepted errors were 4 [all in group II]. Cases of actual medication errors were female in 6 [85.7%] and illiterates in 4 [57.1%]. It seems that using a written instruction in addition to the prescription may reduce the incidence of medication errors following ocular surgery