[Predictors of hypoglycemia fear in patients with type 2 diabetes under treatment of oral anti hyperglycemic agents]

Introduction: Hypoglycemia is a medical emergency that disrupt routine life. Hypoglycemia experience likely causes fear of its recurrence. Even mild or moderate episodes may worry patients for frequent events. Limited studies have assessed predictors offear of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes. The aim of the present study was to determine the predicting factors of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetic patients treated with oral anti-hyperglycemic agents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 357 patients with type 2 diabetes treated with oral anti-diabetic drugs. Data was collected through interviews by using a three-part questionnaire [socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, HFS-II]. The data was analyzed with descriptive and deductive statistic methods [Generalized Linear Models] at 5<0.05 using SPSSv.16 software. Results: Mean age of patients was 54.11 +/- 11.54 years and the majority were female [56.6%]. The mean HFS score was 16.8 +/- 16.33. In regression analysis, frequency of hospitalization [p<0.001], employment [p<0.048], number of medications [p<0.029], hyperlipidemia [p<0.026], hypoglycemia [p<0.001] and hypoglycemia intensity [p<0.001] were related to fear of hypoglycemia. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, hypoglycemia and its intensity are considered as the strongest predictors of fear of hypoglycemia. Therefore, prevention of hypoglycemia occurrence and reduction of its related fear can be performed by modifying the other predictors identified in this study

Comparison of wear resistance of hawley and vacuum formed retainers: an in-vitro study

Statement of Problem: As a physical property, wear resistance of the materials used in the fabrication of orthodontic retainers play a significant role in the stability and long term use of the appliances

Objectives: To evaluate the wear resistance of two commonly used materials for orthodontic retainers: Acropars OP, i.e. a polymethyl methacrylate based material, and 3A-GS060, i.e. a polyethylene based material

Materials and Methods: For each material, 30 orthodontic retainers were made according to the manufacturers' instructions and a 30×30×2 mm block was cut out from the mid- palatal area of each retainer. Each specimen underwent 1000 cycles of wear stimulation in a pin on disc machine. The depth of wear of each specimen was measured using a Nano Wizard II atomic force microscope in 3 random points of each specimen's wear trough. The average of these three measurements was calculated and considered as mean value wear depth of each specimen [micro m]

Results: The mean wear depth was 6.10micro m and 2.15micro m for 3A-GS060 and Acropars OP groups respectively. Independent t-test showed a significant difference between the two groups [p < 0.001]. The results show Polymethyl methacrylate base [Acropars] is more wear resistance than the polyethylene based material [3A-GS060]

Conclusions: As the higher wear resistance of the fabrication material can improve the retainers' survival time and its cost-effectiveness, VFRs should be avoided in situations that the appliance needs high wear resistance such as bite blocks opposing occlusal forces

How do nurses manage their occupational exposure to cytotoxic drugs? A descriptive survey in chemotherapy settings, Shiraz, Iran

Occupational exposure to cytotoxic drugs is a global concern. We conducted this cross-sectional study in 2012 to describe the adverse effects experienced by nurses working in one of chemotherapy facilities affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, southern Iran, and their proper use of personal protective equipment and educational programs. The frequency of side effects reported by participants was noticeably high. Approximately, 60% of the nurses used all personal protective equipment. There were air conditioner ventilation systems in all facilities, but they were not standard. Clinics did not have any dedicated room. Lack of adequate training was noticeable among all participants. We concluded that establishment of safety regulations, health care workers safety surveillance systems as well as continuous training for nurses are of paramount importance

Precautions for Health Care Workers to Avoid Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection

The burden of exposure to blood-borne pathogens [such as hepatitis B and C viruses] is considerable for health care workers. Hepatitis virus transmission requires a non-immune host, an infectious source, and skin or mucous membrane injury. These three aspects are the main fields for preventional interventions. We reviewed major recent studies on this topic to identify precautions health care workers should take to avoid hepatitis B [HBV] and C virus [HCV] infections. Accordingly, this review looks at aspects of epidemiology, risk factors, economy, knowledge, attitudes, practice, and ethics of HBV and HCV that affect health care workers. The risk of transmission depends on the load of pathogen, infectious characteristics and exposure frequency. Health care workers skill levels and the specific hospital department involved appear to be the most important factors in the exposure of health care workers to blood-borne pathogens. However, many health care workers surveyed, believed that educational programs about standard precautions in their setting were not adequate. Obviously, more detailed studies will be needed to clarify risks and opportunities for health care workers precautions aimed at avoiding HBV and HCV infection, especially in emerging health research communities

Comparison of specific quality of life between urban and rural colorectal cancer patients

Colorectal cancer [CRC] is one of the most common invasive cancers responsible for physical and psychosocial morbidity. Therefore, quality of life [QoL] is an important outcome for these patients. Despite advances in understanding QoL, the majority of available research is from urban areas. The present study aims to compare QoL between urban and rural CRC patients. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed 110 patients with CRC [79 urban, 31 rural] who referred to Razi Hospital. Demographic and clinical factors were collected by data collection forms, and through patient interviews and review of medical records. Specific QoL was evaluated by FACT-C. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 16, t- and chi-square tests. Mean scores for specific QoL were higher in urban patients than those who resided in rural areas [p<0.05]; this difference was statistically significant in the domains of physical wellbeing [p<0.02] and functional wellbeing [p<0.01]. Only in the mean scores of social and family wellbeing were rural patients partially higher than urban patients; but this difference was not statistically significant. Specific QoL of patients with CRC differs according to residence location. QoL is higher for those who reside in urban areas in comparison with rural areas. This highlights the need for interventions in the performance of health and QoL promotion amongst rural patients

[Predictors of performance status in patients with colorectal cancer]

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Performance status is a concept of great importance in the care of cancer patients, used to assess the respective impact on a patients' activity levels, ability for self-care, and ability to work. To determine the predictors of performance status in patients with colorectal cancer. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed 110 patients with colorectal cancer, referred to Razi hospital. Demographic and clinical features were collected by data collection forms and through interview with patients and review of their medical records. Performance status was assessed by KPS and ECOG Scales.The data were analyzed using Spearman Correlation, Mann-Whitney ,Kruskal-Wallis tests and Stepwise multiple linear regression at alpha=0.05 using SPSSv.16 software. Out of 110 patients with colorectal cancer, 41.8% were female and 58/2% men. Mean age of the patients +/- SD was 58.33 +/- 12.39 years. Mean of Karnofsky Performance Status and ECOG Performance Status were 87.64 +/- 9.27, 1.02 +/- 0.717 respectively.In univariate analysis, mean of KPS was found to be related with age, marriage status, living condition, complementary insurance, social support system and hospitalization numbers. Mean of ECOG performance status was related with age, marriage status, living condition, social support system, colostomy, co morbidity and hospitalization numbers. In multiple regression analysis, the predictors of KPS were age [P<0.002], marriage status [P<0.029], complementary insurance [P<0.019] and the predictors of ECOG performance status were age [P<0.001], colostomy [P<0.032] and co morbidity [P<0.041]. The results of the present study showed the majority of patients with colorectal cancer had good performance status. Age was an important predictor of Karnofsky and ECOG performance status both in univariate and multivariate analyses. We can conclude that consideration of the predictors could be very helpful for the abovementioned patients' care and treatment

[ study of knowledge, attitude and practice of Yazd restaurant chefs inpreventing cardiovascular diseases risk factors in 2010]

Cardiovascular diseases are a global pandemic and the leading worldwide cause of death and in Iran, Regarding that most people tend toward eating fast foods and processed foods for various reasons, the cooks can play an important role in heart health. We decided, therefore, to study the chefs' knowledge, attitude and performance of chefs especially concerning prevention of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in the city of Yazd. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study performed on 60 restaurant chefs of Yazd in 1389. Data were gathered through a questionnaire including demographic information and questions related to Knowledge and Attitude. Data were then analyzed through SPSS software using statistical tests such as Anova, T-test, Chi square test and Pearson correlation. The mean score of the knowledge of the chefs was 16.6 +/- 4.8; attitude 16.9 +/- 3; and practice was 13.7 +/- 4.2. There was a significant relationship between knowledge and attitude [p=0.027]; attitude and income [P=0.030]; and income and age [P: 0.029]. Also a significant relationship was detected between knowledge and health [P=0.019] and attitude and history of cardiovascular diseases in the family members [P=0.032]. According to the results of the study of the average knowledge and practice as well as the good attitude of the chefs, and the critical role of the chefs in keeping up the cardiovascular condition of the people, improving chefs' information through regular training programs, posters, pamphlets and media is suggested

[ case report of calcifying odontogenic cyst with ameloblastic proliferation]

Calcifying odontogenic cyst is a developmental odontogenic cyst first described by Gorlin in 1962. It is considered as an extremely rare condition and shows extensive diversity in its clinicopathological appearances and biologic behavior. In this report a rare case of calcifying odontogenic cyst with ameloblastic proliferation [an extremely rare histologic variant] with one year follow-up is described and the relevant literature is briefly reviewed