Metabolic syndrome is associated with health-related quality of life in suspected patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Objective: This study was designed to examine the effect of metabolic syndrome [MetS] on health-related quality of life [HRQOL] in patients with suspected nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]

Subjects and Methods: Three hundred thirty-two patients [236 males and 96 females] with suspected NASH from the Amol cohort study were included in this study. MetS was diagnosed based on Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and HRQOL was measured using the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-12] questionnaire [with 8 subscales and 2 summary components]. A multivariable linear regression model was used to assess the independent effect of MetS on HRQOL

Results: The mean age of the study population was 42 +/- 13 years [range 18-82]. The prevalence of MetS was 43.4% [n = 144] and the mean scores on the Physical Component Summary [PCS] and the Mental Component Summary were 72.4 +/- 20.86 and 42.7 +/- 12.42, respectively. The multivariable linear regression model showed that MetS was negatively associated with 4 subscales of HRQOL that included: role limitations due to physical problems [RP] [B = -14.05, p = 0.004], bodily pain [BP] [B = -7.37, p = 0.02], vitality [VT] [B = -7.72, p = 0.022], and role limitations due to emotional problems [RE] [B = -12.67, p = 0.005] after adjustment for other variables. Also, MetS had a borderline association with the general health and mental health subscales and the PCS [p < 0.1]

Conclusion: In this study, there was a strong association between MetS and 4 subscales [RP, BP, VT, and RE] of HRQOL in patients with suspected NASH; this could be considered as a part of health policy to improve general health

Effects of root debridement with hand curettes and Er:YAG laser on chemical properties and ultrastructure of periodontally-diseased root surfaces using spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy

Introduction: The efficacy of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet [Er:YAG] laser for root debridement in comparison with curettes has been the subject of many recent investigations. Considering the possibility of chemical and ultra-structural changes in root surfaces following laser irradiation, this study sought to assess the effects of scaling and root planing [SRP] with curettes and Er:YAG laser on chemical properties and ultrastructure of root surfaces using spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy [SEM]

Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, extracted sound human single-rooted teeth [n = 50] were randomly scaled using manual curettes alone or in conjunction with Er:YAG laser at 100 and 150 mJ/pulse output energies. The weight percentages of carbon, oxygen, phosphorous and calcium remaining on the root surfaces were calculated using spectroscopy and the surface morphology of specimens was assessed under SEM. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA]

Results: No significant differences [P > 0.05] were noted in the mean carbon, oxygen, phosphorous and calcium weight percentages on root surfaces following SRP using manual curettes with and without laser irradiation at both output energies. Laser irradiation after SRP with curettes yielded rougher surfaces compared to the use of curettes alone

Conclusion: Although laser irradiation yielded rougher surfaces, root surfaces were not significantly different in terms of chemical composition following SRP using manual curettes with and without Er:YAG laser irradiation. Er:YAG laser can be safely used as an adjunct to curettes for SRP

role of mass media in Iranian youth's premarital sexual relationships: a qualitative study

Background: Youth's sexual behaviors have various consequences such as unwanted pregnancy, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and sexually transmitted infections. Little information is available about the impact of mass media in the development of premarital sexual relationships. This study aimed to explore the role of mass media on premarital sexual relationships among Iranian youth

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted with 26 single boys and girls aged 18-24 years who were living in Isfahan, Iran and have already been started their sexual relationships. Also, 12 other participants who were involved in such an experience were recruited in this study. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and the observation of youth's sexual interactions in different fields. Conventional content analysis method was used for data analysis

Results: Three main categories were developed: "foreigner media as the role model", "the ease of access to sexual contents and materials" and "the ease of interactions and relationships with the opposite sex"

Conclusion: The prominent role of mass media in the formation of premarital sexual relationships was described in this study. This issue needs to be taken into consideration by policy makers for taking necessary actions for reducing the impact of mass media on the youth's engagement in premarital sexual relationships

Association between nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase and de novo lipogenesis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective: Jh//s study explored the association between serum nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase [NAMPT] and hepatic de novo lipogenesis [DNL] in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] and determined whether or not this association is sex dependent

Subjects and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 62 consecutive patients [32 males, 30 females] with NAFLD were recruited. Serum NAMPT [by ELI-SA], palmitic acid, and the DNL index of erythrocyte membranes as markers of hepatic DNL [by gas chromatography] were analyzed

The controlled attenuation parameter [CAP] and body impedance analyzer were used to assess hepatic and body fat respectively. Univariate and multiple linear regressions [to adjust for confounders] were used to analyze the association of serum NAMPT with palmitic acid, DNL index, CAP, and body fat

Results: The respective values of serum NAMPT [2.44 +/- 1.03 vs. 2.45 +/-1.13 ng/mL,p = 0.98], DNL index [3.11 [2.60-3.71 ] vs. 3.05 [2.40-3.59],p = 0.90], and pal-mitic acid [20.55% [15.34-24.04] vs. 22.64% [21.15-25.95], p = 0.07] were not significantly different between men and women, but those of CAP [326 [300-340] vs. 300 [261.25-329], p = 0.002] and body fat [37.71 +/- 3.80 vs. 26.60 +/- 5.70, p < 0.001] were significantly higher in women. In women, serum NAMPT had a significant negative association with the DNL index [p = -0.56, p = 0.01]. The DNL index also hada significant negative association with body fat [P = -0.46, p = 0.02]

In men, the only significant association was the positive association between serum NAMPT and CAP [p = 0.35, p = 0.035]

Conclusion: Higher serum NAMPT in women was associated with a lower hepatic DNL index, while in men it was associated with higher hepatic fat and had no association with the DNL index. Therefore, the serum NAMPT level interpretation for NAFLD prognosis is probably sex dependent

Application of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) to patients with cataract / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Cataract is a prevalent disease in the elderly, and negatively influences patients' quality of life. This study was conducted to study the application of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) to patients with cataract. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 300 patients with cataract were studied in Neyshabur, Iran from July to October 2014. The Iranian version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to measure their quality of life. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Pearson's correlation coefficient, the paired t-test, the independent t-test, and a linear regression model were used to analyze the data in SPSS version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 68.11±11.98 years, and most were female (53%). The overall observed Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the WHOQOL-BREF was 0.889, ranging from 0.714 to 0.810 in its four domains. The total mean score of the respondents on the WHOQOL-BREF was 13.19. The highest and lowest mean scores were observed in the social relationship domain (14.11) and the physical health domain (12.29), respectively. A backward multiple linear regression model found that duration of disease and marital status were associated with total WHOQOL scores, while age, duration of disease, marital status, and income level were associated with domains one through four, respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The reliability analysis conducted in this study indicated that the WHOQOL-BREF scale exhibited an acceptable degree of internal consistency in the measurement of the quality of life of patients with cataract. It was also found that the patients with cataract who were surveyed reported a relatively moderate quality of life.

Clinical comparison of full and partial double pedicle flaps with connective tissue grafts for treatment of gingival recession

Statement of the Problem: Gingival recession has been considered as the most challenging issue in the field of periodontal plastic surgery

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of root coverage procedures by using partial thickness double pedicle graft and compare it with full thickness double pedicle graft

Materials and Method: Eight patients, aged 15 to 58 years including 6 females and 2 males with 20 paired [mirror image] defects with class I and II gingival recession were randomly assigned into two groups. Clinical parameters such as recession depth, recession width, clinical attachment level, probing depth, and width of keratinized tissue were measured at the baseline and 6 months post-surgery. A mucosal double papillary flap was elevated and the respective root was thoroughly planed. The connective tissue graft was harvested from the palate, and then adapted over the root. The pedicle flap was secured over the connective tissue graft and sutured. The surgical technique was similar in the control group except for the prepared double pedicle graft which was full thickness

Results: The mean root coverage was 88.14% [2.83 mm] in the test group and 85.7% [2.75 mm] in the control group. No statistical differences were found in the mean reduction of vertical recession, width of recession, or probing depth between the test and control groups. In both procedures, the width of keratinized tissue increased after three months and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant in this respect

Conclusion: Connective tissue with partial and full thickness double pedicle grafts can be successfully used for treatment of marginal gingival recession

Association between pattern of gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with helicobacter pylori infection

Background: Reflux disease is a common gastrointestinal problem. The association between reflux disease and gastritis pattern is controversial

Aim: To determine the association between reflux disease and gastritis pattern in patients with Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] infection

Methods: 470 patients with dyspepsia and reflux disease were enrolled in this study. The inclusion criteria were willing to participate in the study, age over 40 years, and having the criteria of ROME III for at least 3 months. Patients with history of H. pylori eradication therapy during the 3 months before the study, a history of gastric surgery, and gastric cancer were excluded. All of the participants underwent upper endoscopy and two biopsy samples were taken from antrum, body, and fundal areas

Results: H. pylori infection rate was 367 [78.1%] with mean age of 59.8 +/- 11.4 years. Of them 131 patients [35.7%] were male. Reflux disease was detected in 273 [74.4%] patients. 216 [58.9%] and 102 [27.8%] patients had non-erosive reflux disease [NERD] and gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD], respectively. Corpus predominant and antral predominant gastritis were seen in 72 [19.6%] and 129 [35.2%] patients, respectively. Antral gastritis was significantly associated with GERD [p<0.01]. In regression analysis, antral predominant gastritis had a significant association with GERD [OR=1.92; 95%CI: 1.22-3.12]. The same result was observed in mild to moderate antral and greater curvature gastritis [OR= 1.26; 95%CI: 0.25-6.40 and OR= 3.0; 95%CI: 0.63-14.17, respectively]

Conclusion: According to these finding, we could suggest that the pattern of gastritis could be associated with reflux disease and GERD

[Attitude of students toward their field of study and future career in Neyshabur University of medical sciences]

Introduction and Aims: The students as key elements of university make the main bodies of the various society organizations. Students' attitudes towards field of study and future career are one of the factors influencing on quality of educational services. Therefore this study was conducted with the aim of the survey of the students' attitude of the Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences toward their field of study and future career

Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study conducted in Feb 2012. The population of the study is comprised of all the students of the Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences. The data collection tool was a self-made questionnaire including 34 questions. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher's exact by SPSS v.16

Results: The student's average age was 20.54 +/- 1.24 and 61% of them were female. Average score of student's attitude towards field of study and future career estimated 44.18 +/- 5.96 and 46.85 +/- 1.93 respectively. Also in this study age of students has significant relationship with field of study [P=0.024] and future career [P=0.032]

Conclusion: According to the results, major of students have positive attitude towards their field of study and future career. People's complete familiarity with the academic fields and good counsel can play significant role for further strengthened attitudes

[ survey of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Physicians Related to Evidence-Based Medicine in Hakim and 22 Bahman Hospitals of Neyshabur]

Introduction and Aims: evidence based medicine aids the delivery of effective service to patients, diagnosing and treating. According to Clinical guidelines of evidence-based medicine, it's possible to change clinical decision, improve treatment and promote the patients´ health. The purpose of this study is to survey knowledge, attitudes and performance about evidence-based medicine among physicians

Materials and Methods: all of the physicians in educational hospitals of medical faculty of Neyshabur, were entered in this cross-descriptive study by convenience sampling method. The questionnaire included demographic information and also information about knowledge, attitudes and obstacles of evidence-based medicine. Data were analyzed by SPSS v.16 software and descriptive statistics

Results: results showed that 88 % of physicians had little familiarity with evidence-based medicine and its resources. 47.8 % of them employed evidence-based medicine in their treatment decisions and 60.4 % knew the significance of evidence based medicine for medical teams. Overloud of information were reported by 55.1 % of participants as preventive factor in use of evidence-based medicine

Conclusion: according to low level of knowledge and performance in evidence-based medicine among physicians, promoting awareness and practice is needed

Platelet rich plasma: review of literature

Objective: At present, growth factor-containing products such as enamel matrix derivatives, recombinant bone morphogenetic protein [rh-BMP], recombinant platelet derived growth factor and platelet rich plasma [PRP] have gained increasing attention. PRP is an autologous source of platelet growth factors used to enhance healing of soft and hard tissues. PRP has gained popularity due to its autologous nature, easy procurement and low cost

Review of Literatures: This study focuses on procurement and clinical applications of PRP

Conclusion: Controversy exists regarding the efficacy and applications of PRP and longitudinal studies are required to further elucidate this subject

Prevalence of underweight among rural children aged 3 to 6 year old in Neyshabur

Introduction and Aims: Children, with special dietary needs due to growth are significantly at risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition, particularly underweight malnutrition, is one of the nutritional problems in children. This study investigated the prevalence of children underweight 3- 6 years old in the villages of Neyshabur

Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in all 3-6 year- old children [1621 cases]in the rural kindergartens of Neyshabur in 1388. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS software ver. 16, used t-student, Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Results: This study showed that 576 cases [Prevalence=35.5%] of 1621 children under observation were suffering from underweight, of this number, 330 cases [Prevalence=39%] were boys and 246 cases [Prevalence=31.7%] were girls.This difference was statistically significant [P=0.002]. 77.2% of children had mild malnutrition, 20.7% had moderate malnutrition and 2.1% had severe malnutrition.The highest prevalence of underweight was observed in 6- year- old children

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the prevalence of underweight in children studied in rural areas, especially in boys, is relatively high and appropriate training is essential to be given to parents in the field of proper nutrition in children

Factors associated with preference for repeat cesarean in neyshabur pregnant women

Cesarean delivery is a surgery for deliver a baby. Women with previous cesarean delivery [CD] must often choose between a vaginal delivery [VD] and repeat CD. Our aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with preference for CD in Neyshabur pregnant women with previous CD. A cross-sectional study was conducted on all pregnant women [who had previous caesarean delivery] from February 20, 2011 to March 20, 2011 in Northeast of Iran [Neyshabur]. Logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios [ORs] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]. The mean age of pregnant women was 29.95 +/- 4.94 years. In this study of the 292 pregnant women, 235 [80.5%] said they prefer CD. There was a statistically significant relation between preference for CD and the following variables: pregnant women's educational level [P < 0.001; OR = 3.86; 95% CI = 1.85-8.05] and doctor's advice [P = 0.021; OR = 3.55; 95% CI = 1.21-10.43]. The pregnant women with a previous CD presented four-fold upper chance of choosing CD. As observed in this study, most pregnant women with previous caesarean delivery prefer repeated caesarean delivery rather than VD in their subsequent pregnancy and educational level of pregnant women and doctor's advice were important factors that influenced this preference. This subject suggests the need to counsel pregnant women with an obstetrician before select delivery type

Application of WHOQOL-BREF in measuring quality of life in health-care staff

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of Neyshabour health-care staff and some factors associated with it with use of WHOQOL-BREF scale. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 522 staff of Neyshabour health-care centers from May to July 2011. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was applied to examine the internal consistency of WHOQOL-BREF scale; Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the level of agreement between different domains of WHOQOL-BREF. Paired t-test was used to compare difference between score means of different domains. T-independent test was performed for group analysis and Multiple Linear Regression was used to control confounding effects. In this study, a good internal consistency [alpha = 0.925] for WHOQOL-BREF and its four domains was observed. The highest and the lowest mean scores of WHOQOL-BREF domains was found for physical health domain [Mean = 15.26] and environmental health domain [Mean = 13.09] respectively. Backward multiple linear regression revealed that existence chronic disease in staff was significantly associated with four domains of WHOQOL-BREF, education years was associated with two domains [Psychological and Environmental] and sex was associated with psychological domain [P < 0.05]. The findings from this study confirm that the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire is a reliable instrument to measure quality of life in health-care staff. From the data, it appears that Neyshabour health-care staff has WHOQOL-BREF scores that might be considered to indicate a relatively moderate quality of life

Food insecurity status and associated factors among rural households in North-East of Iran

To assess the prevalence of food insecurity and associated factors among rural households in north-east of Iran. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 4647 rural households [18,061 persons] were studied in Neyshabur, a city in north-east of Iran. The Iranian version of the Six-Item Short questionnaire of Household Food Security Scale was used to measure food insecurity. Logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI]. Total prevalence of food insecurity in this study was 40.9% [95% CI 39.49-42.31]. Backward Multivariate Logistic Regression model showed that OR of food insecurity increased with: The presence of chronic disease in household in comparison the absence [OR = 2.02], the rural distance >30 km from the city in comparison the distance 50 m[2] [OR = 1.57], the presence of single parent in comparison the presence of both parents at home [OR = 1.39] and the household income [per month] <4,000,000 Rial in comparison the >/= 4,000,000 Rial [OR = 3.92]. But OR of food insecurity decreased with having a car in family in comparison not having [OR = 0.54] and the family having a house in comparison not having [OR = 0.62]. According to results of this study, food insecurity is prevalent among rural households of Neyshabur, so it is an important public health problem in this region

Why do some pregnant women prefer cesarean delivery in first pregnancy?

The increasing number of cesarean section is a great concern in many countries. In Iran cesarean section rate has been steadily rising from 35% in 2000 to 40% in 2005. Preferences for cesarean are often associated with some factors. To investigate factors associated with preference for cesarean delivery, with special emphasis on pregnant women's preferences in first pregnancy in Neyshabur [Northeast of Iran]. In this cross-sectional study, written questionnaires were completed via face to face interview with 797 pregnant women in first pregnancy. Socio-demographic data, preference toward mode of delivery and factors associated with it were assessed by applying questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify the independent variables associated with preference for cesarean delivery. In this study observed that 18.6% of pregnant women preferred caesarean delivery in first pregnancy. The mean age of pregnant women that they preferred cesarean delivery was upper than pregnant women that they preferred vaginal delivery and this difference was statistically significant [p=0.006]. There was a statistically significant relation between preference for cesarean delivery and the following variables: educational level [p<0.001], gestational age [p=0.003] spouse's age of pregnant women [p=0.001], physician's advice [p<0.001], and fear of delivery [p<0.001]. The results of this study show that the majority of pregnant women do not prefer caesarean delivery to vaginal delivery. Nevertheless the preference rate for cesarean delivery exceeded 15% that suggested by WHO and most important factors in pregnant women prefer cesarean deliveries are fear of delivery and physician's advice

Parental risk factors of childhood acute leukemia: a case-control study

Leukemia is the most common cancer in children, accounting for near to half of all childhood cancers. Different risk factors might be effective in the occurrence of this cancer such as parental characteristics. This study was done in West Azarbaijan Province in order to determine the relation between parental characteristics and acute leukemia in children. This matched case-control study was conducted on children less than 15 years affected by acute leukemia from March 20, 2003 to March 20, 2009. Two control groups were selected, one from hospital and the other from the study population. Cases and controls were matched on age and sex. Logistic regression model was used for data analysis. This study was done on 130 patients, 108 [83.1%] were affected by Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and 22 [16.9%] by Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia. Seventy two of the patients were male [55.4%] and 58 were female [44.6%]. There was a statistically significant correlation between acute leukemia and variables such as mother's education [OR=4.2, 95% CI: 2.42, 7.34], mother's history of using Oral Contraceptive Pills [OR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.82] and parental relationship [OR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.30, 3.23]. It seems that some parental characteristics have an important role in etiology of childhood leukemia