Does head tilt influence facial appearance more than head turn?

Purpose: To evaluate the frequency of facial asymmetry parameters in patients with head tilt versus those with head turn. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was performed on 155 cases, including 58 patients with congenital pure head turn due to Duane retraction syndrome (DRS), 33 patients with congenital pure head tilt due to upshoot in adduction or DRS, and 64 orthotropic subjects as the control group. The facial appearance was evaluated by computerized analysis of digital photographs of patients' faces. Relative facial size (the ratio of the distance between the external canthus and the corner of the lips of both face sides) and facial angle (the angular difference between a line that connects two external canthi and another line that connects the two corners of the lips) measured as quantitative facial parameters. Qualitative parameters were evaluated by the presence of one-sided face, cheek, and nostril compression; and columella deviation. Results: The facial asymmetry frequency in patients with head tilt, head turn, and orthotropic subjects was observed in 32 (97%), 50 (86.2%), and 22 (34.3%), respectively (P < 0.001). In patients with head tilt and head turn, the mean facial angle was 1.78º ± 1.01º and 1.19º ± 0.84º, respectively (P = 0.004) and the mean relative facial size was 1.027 ± 0.018 and 1.018 ± 0.014, respectively (P = 0.018). The frequencies of one-sided nostril compression, cheek compression, face compression, and columella deviation in patients with pure head tilt were found in 19 (58%), 21 (64%), 19 (58%), and 19 (58%) patients, respectively, and in patients with pure head turn the frequencies were observed in 42 (72%), 37 (63%), 27 (47%), and 43 (74%), respectively. All quantitative and qualitative facial asymmetry parameters and facial asymmetry frequencies were significantly higher in head tilt and head turn patients as compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: All facial asymmetry parameters in patients with head tilt and head turn were significantly higher than orthotropic subjects. The quantitative parameters such as relative facial size and facial angle were significantly higher in patients with pure head tilt than pure head turn. The results revealed that pure head tilt was associated with a higher prevalence of facial asymmetry than pure head turn.

Comparative evaluation of spectral transmittance of some welding glasses with ANSI Z87.1

Background: Welding emits harmful rays to the eyes. We evaluate and compare the UV, blue light and IR transmittance characteristics of some currently available welding safety protectors with ANSI Z87.1 criteria

Materials and Methods: Three type of welding safety protectors [three of each type] have been evaluated for spectral transmittance. One-sample T-test was performed to establish is there a statistically significant difference between the standard criteria and UV, blue and IR regions for the welding protectors [alpha=0.05]

Results: In ultraviolet [UV] [far and near] region, two types of the tested protectors [P1, P2] transmitted lower than the maximum allowable value specified in the standard [P<0.001]. In infrared [IR] spectrum only one type [P3] transmitted lower than the maximum allowable value specified in the standard [P<0.001]. In blue light region, all of the tested protectors transmitted lower than the maximum allowable value specified in the standard [P<0.001]

Conclusion: Although all of the tested glasses could meet some parts of the criteria, but none of them could meet the complete spectral transmittance requirements of ANSI Z87.1

Odontogenic cysts: a 10-year retrospective study in an Iranian population

Objectives: the purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of all odontogenic cysts [OCs] along with age range, gender distribution, and the site of involvement over a 10-year period [March 2001 to March 2011] and to compare these data with findings from other surveys

Methods: the archives of departments of oral and maxillofacial pathology from Shahid Beheshti and Tehran University of Medical Sciences were retrieved and analyzed for demographic data such as age, gender, location and histopathological diagnosis of OCs

Results: of the 8,563 biopsy samples that were received, 1,518 [17.7%] were diagnosed as OCs. Radicular cyst was the most common diagnosis [33.2%], followed by dentigerous cysts [24.1%], and odontogenic keratocysts [18.6%]. OC occurred 59.3%, 40.6% in male and female respectively. Mandibular involvement was 62.4% while in maxilla was 37.6%

Conclusion: our study provided demographic data on a large series in Iran, a Southwest Asian country. In our study, radicular cysts, the most common OC, had a lower frequency compared to that reported in most other studies. On the other hand, calcifying OCs seem to be more prevalent in the Iranian population compared to other populations male to female to female ratio was 1.45:1

Effect of intra-canal direct current electric stimulation on orthodontic tooth movement: an experimental study in canines

Objectives: the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether intra-canal application of controlled direct electric current [DEC] could accelerate the amount of orthodontic tooth movement [OTM] in young adult mixed breed dogs

Methods: fourth premolars of both jaws of five young adult mixed breed dogs were divided into two groups of control and experimental groups. Orthodontic force was applied to both groups using an active NiTi push coil spring. Direct electric stimulation [15µA DC] was conducted by intra-canal usage of electric potential [1.5v]. The experimental teeth were compared with controls in terms of clinical OTM results measured with an electronic caliper every two weeks [four time intervals]. The animals were sacrificed one month [T2] or two months [T4] after initiation; and tissue sections were decalcified for histological evaluation. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16, Shapiro-Wilk test and paired t-test

Results: measurements revealed a statistically significant increase in OTM at electrically stimulated sites compared to the control sites in just one time interval [T3: after four weeks] [P< 0.05]. Histological sections also showed increased osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity at tension and compression sides of the experimental group compared to the control group, respectively at both time intervals [T2 and T4]

Conclusion: direct intra-canal electric current applied by a miniature electric device is effective for increasing the rate and amount of OTM in canine experimental model

Effect of composite color and thickness on correction of tooth discoloration

Objective: Selection of an appropriate shade of composite is critical in achieving an esthetic restoration. Different systems are used to assess and describe color parameters. This study aimed to assess the effect of color and thickness of Filtek Supreme [FS] and Premise [P] composite resins on correction of tooth discoloration

Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 10 anterior teeth with Vita A2 color shade were selected. Composite specimens were fabricated in 0.5 and 0.75 mm thicknesses of FS and P composites. Intact teeth, prepared teeth, prepared teeth with enamel and dentin composite discs on their buccal surfaces, stained teeth and stained teeth with composite discs were photographed using a digital camera under standard conditions and color change [[Delta]E] at different phases was calculated

Results: The L[asteristk], a[asteristk] and b[asteristk] color parameters in prepared and unstained teeth were not significantly different from those of intact teeth. In stained teeth, the L[asteristk] parameter only in prepared and stained teeth with 0.75mm P composite was not significantly different from the L[asteristk] parameter in intact teeth. Significant differences were seen in other stained teeth. The a[asteristk] and b[asteristk] parameters only in prepared and stained teeth with 0.5 mm FS composite were significantly different from those in intact teeth. By increasing the thickness of composite, the color change in comparison with intact teeth decreased in both groups

Conclusion: The results showed that the effect of type of composite, its thickness and their interaction on the color change was significant when using FS and P composites in 0.5 and 0.75mm thicknesses in comparison to intact teeth and the lowest color difference with intact teeth was achieved using 0.75mm thickness of P composite [enamel and dentin]

Effect of powder/liquid ratio on fluoride release of glass ionomers

Objective: Evidence shows that the powder/liquid mixing ratio recommended by the manufacturers is often not respected when mixing the glass ionomer [GI] powder and liquid, yielding a GI cement with disproportionate powder/liquid ratio. Considering the confirmed effect of powder/liquid ratio on the GI properties, and more importantly, its fluoride release potential, this study aimed to assess the effect of powder/liquid ratio on fluoride release of GI cements

Methods: Fuji II, Fuji II LC Improved and Fuji IX GI cements were used in this experimental study. Of each material, three groups with powder 20% less than recommended, the exact recommended ratio and powder 20% more than recommended, were prepared. To assess the fluoride release potential, 45 disc-shaped specimens measuring 2×4mm were prepared [5 per each group]. After fabrication, the specimens were immersed in 5 mL of distilled water. The amount of fluoride released into distilled water was measured at days 1 to 7, and also at 13, 14, 15, 28, 29, 30, 58, 59, 60, 88, 89, and 90 days, using Ion Selective Electrode [ISE]. After each time of measurement, distilled water was replaced. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Tukey's post hoc test was used for pairwise comparison of groups and powder/liquid mixing ratio. For pairwise comparison of time points, the Bonferroni adjustment was applied [p<0.05]

Results: Based on the results, although the amount of fluoride released from Fuji IX was higher than Fuji II, this difference was not statistically significant [p=0.589]. The lowest fluoride release was seen in Fuji II LC and this difference was statistically significant [p<0.05]. Change by 20% in the powder/liquid mixing ratio in the three GI cements had no significant effect on fluoride release [p=0.650, p=0.103, p=0.082]

Conclusion: Fluoride release from GI was time-dependent and the amount of released fluoride decreased over time. Fuji II LC resin-modified GI [RMGI] released less fluoride than Fuji II and Fuji IX. Also, 20% change in powder/liquid mixing ratio had no significant effect on fluoride release in different groups

Enamel surface roughness after orthodontic bracket debonding and composite resin removal by two types of burs

Objective: Increased enamel surface roughness following orthodontic bracket debonding leads to increased plaque accumulation and enamel decalcification. Therefore, different methods are employed to achieve smoother enamel surfaces after bracket debonding. This study compared enamel surface roughness following orthodontic bracket debonding and composite resin removal using white stone and tungsten carbide burs

Methods: In this in-vitro, experimental study, 20 first and second premolars of 10-20 year-olds were collected and their crowns were mounted in acrylic blocks. Roughness of the buccal surfaces of teeth was determined by atomic force microscopy [AFM] and the brackets were bonded to the teeth. After bracket debonding, composite remnants were removed using white stone and tungsten carbide burs. Parameters of enamel surface roughness were determined by AFM and time required for composite removal was also calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the changes in parameters based on the time of measurement, type of bur and their interaction effect. Time required for composite resin removal by bur was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons

Results: Resin removal increased enamel surface roughness compared to the baseline values in all groups. However, no significant differences were noted between the two types of burs regarding arithmetic average of the roughness profile [Ra], the root mean square roughness [Rq] and the maximum peak-to-valley height in the sampling length [Rt] after resin removal. Time required for resin removal with tungsten carbide bur [34.2 seconds] was significantly shorter than with white stone bur [56.6 seconds][both ps<0.0001]

Conclusion: Considering the similar enamel surface roughness values achieved by the two burs, tungsten carbide burs are recommended for resin removal following orthodontic bracket debonding

Comparison of the effect of recaldent and xylitol on the amounts of salivary Streptococcus mutans

Dental caries is associated with oral pathogenes and Streptococcus mutans [S. mutans]is one of the primary cariogenic organisms. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of sugar free chewing gum containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate [CPP-ACP] and Xylitol on salivary Streptococcus mutan. 60 dental students, who volunteered after signing an informed consent, were randomly allocated to receive one of the following interventions: [A] Chewing gum containing CPP-ACP, [B] Chewing gum containing Xylitol. Subjects within the experimental groups chewed gum for 20 minutes, three times a day after meals for 3 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention unstimulated saliva samples were quantified for Streptococcus mutans count. A statistically significant reduction [p<0.05] of salivary S. mutans was displayed in both groups A and B after the intervention. When results compared with baseline, and group A shows more statistically significant reduction of salivary S. mutans than group B. In conclusion, daily chewing gum containing CPP-ACP and xylitol reduce the level of salivary S. mutans in a significant way, but chewing gum containing CPP-ACP can reduce the level of salivary S. mutans in a significant way than Xylitol chewing gum

Comparison of an Italian chart with an Iranian chart in visual acuity measurement

Taking visual acuity is an important part of an eye routine examination. This study was conducted to compare visual acuity measured using an Iranian digital tumbling E chart with visual acuity measured using an Italian digital tumbling E chart as a familiar foreign chart. This study was carried out on 200 participants [400 eyes; healthy n=40, glaucoma n=40, retinal disorders n=40, post lasik n=40, corneal n=40] with mean age 44.28 years. Visual acuity of both eyes in half of the subjects [n=100, n=20 from each group] was first measured using the Italian digital chart and then measured using Iranian digital chart. Visual acuity of the rest of subjects [n=100, n=200 from each group] was first measured using the Iranian digital chart and then measured using the Italian digital chart. Measured visual acuities were recorded in logMAR notation. Mean of the Iranian and Italian Tumbling E chart is 0.280 +/- 0.012 and 0.277 +/- 0.012, respectively. Paired t-test used to evaluate the mean difference between two groups [p=0.721] indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between means of the two tests. Spearman correlation coefficient for the results of both tests was 0.942 [p<0.001], which was statistically significant and could be categorized as a strong positive correlation. The two digital Tumbling E charts acted similarly at different levels of acuity in different disorders. However, the Iranian chart requires a more accurate design for optotypes of the lower acuity lines in order to obtain more accurate measurement of visual acuities in healthy subjects

Review of Structural Social Determinants of Health in Early Childhood Development

Development is a dynamic and continuous phenomenon that is under the influence of various factors forming a complicated multidimensional system together. Any impairment in these factors can lead to impaired development in children, which is one of the most common problems in children. Therefore, this study provides a brief overview of these factors and the way they affect early childhood development. A brief review was performed in databases including Google scholar, PUBMED, Proquest, SID, Magiran, Iranmedex, Irandoc with following keywords: child development, income, occupation, education, employment, boy, girl, gender, sex, social class, Race and Ethnicity. All of article was reviewed then categorized based on WHO model. Among the papers reviewed, most of the studies were about employment, education, and income and most of them investigated these risk factors in terms of socioeconomic status. Structural factors of social determinants of health had a close relationship with each other, and they had affected development through each other. Given that, only few studies on structural factors, except for socioeconomic factors, have been conducted and little attention has been paid to the way these factors affect child development, further studies in this area are required to propose a model in order to better understand the interaction between these factors.

Comparison of Two Marketed Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Based Artificial Tear Drops in Young Patients with Dry Eye Syndrome

Background: Artificial tears have been among the first line of therapy in management of Dry Eye Syndrome [DES]. This study was conducted to compare a local artificial tear with an imported one in reduction of DES. This comparison would help to evaluate the cost and benefits of each drop in the proper management of DES.

Materials and Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial study, a total 65 students meeting our inclusion criteria for DES entered the study. The OSDI questionnaire, TBUT, corneal and conjunctival staining and Schirmer test, were performed. The patients were divided into two groups by block randomization. Group 1 received first drop and group 2 received second drop. Both groups were instructed to use the drops 4 times a day for 14 days. The same tests were performed by the same examiner who was blind to the treatment type after two weeks. Repeated measured ANOVA was used to analyze the data.

Results: A total of 58 patients completed the study. In both groups, after the intervention, the OSDI scores [P<0.001], TBUT score [P=0.041], corneal [P<0.001] and conjunctival staining scores [P<0.001] showed improvement in compare to those before the intervention. However, the Schirmer test score did not show significantly difference before and after intervention. In comparing two groups the OSDI scores, the TBUT score, the corneal and conjunctival staining scores and the Schirmer scores did not show statistically significant difference.

Conclusion: The two artificial tears equally reduced the symptoms and signs of DES in two weeks.

Lower tear meniscus in computer reading task with and without soft contact lens

Dry eye is the major contributor to computer vision syndrome. The reductions in the blink rate and amplitude have been considered as the possible mechanisms leading to this condition. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes in the lower tear meniscus heights and areas in the computer reading task, in dry eye subjects, with and without soft contact lenses. In this quasi-experimental study, 39 subjects [with mean age of 21.2 +/- 2.4 years], with dry eye, were enrolled. The lower tear meniscus height and area [TMH, TMA] of the right eye was captured by Spectral Optical Coherence Tomography before and after 45 minutes of reading task behind desktop 17" Cathode Ray Tube monitors. The same procedure was performed after the insertion of the hydrogel soft contact lenses with 58% water content. The results of TMHs, TMAs were analyzed with a repeated measures analysis of variance [ANOVA] with two within-subject factors.: The mean +/- standard error of TMH and TMA pre and post computer tasks were 283.6+/- 25.4 micro m, 0.029+/-0.005 mm2, 297.6+/-20.7 micro m , 0.036 +/- 0.005 mm2 respectively. After contact lens insertion, the mean TMH and TMA pre and post computer task were 231.6 +/- 10.6 micro m, 0.020+/-0.0019 mm2, 213.0+/-9.0 micro m, 0.018 +/- 0.0011 mm2, respectively. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that the changes in TMH [P=0.86] and TMA [P=0.37] after computer task, were not statistically significant, while the insertion of the soft contact lens had reduced the TMH and TMA significantly [P<0.001 for both]. After 45 minutes of reading task behind desktop monitors, the tear volume has not changed, with and without high water SCLs. A reduction in tear volume might be expected with longer duration of computer task or at late hours of the day. The creation of a more stable tear film should be considered in the management strategies for shorter duration of work behind desktop monitors

Comparison of diagnostic value of cast analyzer X Iranian software versus curve expert software for arch form construction based on mathematical models

Objective: For the assessment of primary arch form, different methods have been used including qualitative classifications, inter-canine and inter-molar widths and quantitative and numerical methods using mathematical models. The purpose of this study was to compare the validity and reliability of Cast Analyzer X Iranian software with those of Curve Expert Professional version 1.1 for arch form construction based on mathematical models

Methods: This diagnostic, in vitro study was performed on 18 sets of dental casts with normal Class I occlusion. The clinical buccal points [bracket attachment sites][CBPs] were marked on each tooth and their spatial coordinates were digitized using a three-dimensional [3D] laser scanning system. These coordinates were entered in Cast Analyzer X and Curve Expert software programs. Arch forms were constructed by the software programs using Brown's beta function, Noroozi's beta function and fourth order polynomial equation. The root mean square [RMS] of the distance from a reference point to their corresponding points on the curve was calculated. The RMS values in the two software programs were compared

Results: The RMS values in Brown's beta function, Noroozi's beta function and fourth order polynomial equation were significantly different in the Cast Analyzer X software [p<0.001] and the fourth order polynomial equation had the lowest RMS. The difference in RMS values between the two software programs was not clinically considerable and was 0.45 and 0.68 mm for the fourth order polynomial equation and Brown's beta function, respectively

Conclusion: Considering the RMS values, the fourth order polynomial equation is the most suitable analysis for describing normal dental arch forms best fitted with the CBPs. Although the difference between the two software programs was statistically significant, this difference was not clinically noticeable. The RMS value was lower in Cast Analyzer X and consequently the fitting of curves with the landmarks [CBP] was better in the Iranian software

functional abilities and maximal vertical jumping height in coper and non-coper anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee

The aim of the present study was to compare the performance of the vertical jump task and the level of disability between the coper and non-coper athletes with an anterior cruciate ligament-minus knee. Thirty-four professional male athletes with isolated complete anterior cruciate ligament -tear [age 20-29 years and 6-12 months time past injury] were recruited in this study. The subjects were allocated into the coper [n=17] and non-coper [n=17] groups according to their history of having giving way and feeling an instability in their injured knee. The maximum vertical jump height was recorded by a 6-camera Vicon motion analysis system. The functional outcomes of the subjects were assessed with use of the Persian versions of the International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Tegner Questionnaires. The results revealed that the coper ACK-deficient knee subjects had a significantly higher International Knee Documentation Committee score as well as two subscales of the KOOS questionnaire including the sports [p=0.001] and the quality of life [p=0.016] than non-copers. However, the subscales of pain [p=0.0137], symptoms [p=0.353] and the activities of daily living [p=0.133] of the KOOS questionnaire did not show any significant differences between the coper and non-coper ACL-deficient knee subjects. In addition, the maximum jumping height was significantly higher in the copers too [p=0.008]. While the pain, symptoms and daily activities were not different between the two groups, a higher level of the functional abilities, sports activities, quality of life and the maximum jumping height were shown in the coper ACL-deficient knee subjects when compared to the non-copers. A deliberate evaluation of the functional abilities in ACL-deficient knee subjects might play a key role in distinguishing the coper and non-coper ACL-deficient knee subjects

Zero inflated statistical count models for analysing the costs imposed by GERD and dyspepsia

Background and study aims: Recent studies have shown that the high prevalence and the various clinical presentations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease [GERD] and dyspepsia impose an enormous economic burden on society. Economic cost data have unique characteristics: they are counts, and they have zero inflation. Therefore, these data require special models. Poisson regression [PR], negative binomial regression [NB], zero inflated Poisson [ZIP] and zero inflated negative binomial [ZINB] regression are the models used for analysing cost data in this paper

Patients and methods: In this study, a cross-sectional household survey was distributed to a random sample of individuals between May 2006 and December 2007 in the Tehran province of Iran to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders and their related factors. The cost associated with each item was calculated. PR, NB, ZIP and ZINB models were used to analyse the data. The likelihood ratio test and the Voung test were used to conduct pairwise comparisons of the models. The log likelihood, the Akaike information criterion [AIC] and the Bayesian information criterion [BIC] were used to compare the performances of the models

Results: According to the likelihood ratio test and the Voung test and all three criteria used to compare the performance of the models, ZINB regression was identified as the best model for analysing the cost data. Sex, age, smoking status, BMI, insurance status and education were significant predictors

Conclusion: Because the NB model demonstrated a better fit than the PR and ZIP models, over-dispersion was clearly only due to unobserved heterogeneity. In contrast, according to the likelihood ratio test, the ZINB model was more appropriate than the ZIP model. The ZINB model for the cost data was more appropriate than the other models

Statistical count models for prognosis the risk factors of hepatitis C

The aim of this study was to compare alternatives methods for analysis of zero inflated count data and compare them with simple count models that are used by researchers frequently for such zero inflated data. Analysis of viral load and risk factors could predict likelihood of achieving sustain virological response [SVR]. This information is useful to protect a person from acquiring Hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection. The distribution of viral load contains a large proportion of excess zeros [HCV-RNA under 100], that can lead to over-dispersion. This data belonged to a longitudinal study conducted between 2005 and 2010. The response variable was the viral load of each HCV patient 6 months after the end of treatment. Poisson regression [PR], negative binomial regression [NB], zero inflated Poisson regression [ZIP] and zero inflated negative binomial regression [ZINB] models were carried out to the data respectively. Log likelihood, Akaike Information Criterion [AIC] and Bayesian Information Criterion [BIC] were used to compare performance of the models. According to all criterions, ZINB was the best model for analyzing this data. Age, having risk factors genotype 3 and protocol of treatment were being significant. Zero inflated negative binomial regression models fit the viral load data better than the Poisson, negative binomial and zero inflated Poisson models

Attached gingival width and gingival sulcus depth in three dentition systems

Objectives: Attached gingival width [AGW] is an important marker for diagnosis of periodontal disease and normal gingival sulcus depth [GSD] is a sign of healthy periodontium

The aim of this study was to determine the AGW and GSD in3-15 year-olds with three dentition systems in Isfahan in 2001

Methods: A total of 360 students [120 students in each system] eligible for this cross sectional study were randomly chosen from 30 schools and examined clinically. Data were registered in a questionnaire by two professional examiners. The GSD [the distance from the free gingival margin to the deepest part of the pocket] was measured by a probe. Keratinized gingiva [the distance between the attached gingiva and mucogingival junction] was measured by a vernier caliper or probe and the AGW was measured by subtracting the two amounts in primary and permanent dentition systems

These amounts were registered in a questionnaire and compared using ANOVA and Tukey's test

Results: The AGW in the primary, mixed and permanent dentition systems was 2.60 [7.02], 2.56 [7.23] and 2.73 [1.3] mm, respectively. The lingual surface of the posterior mandible had the greatest amount of attached gingiva in the three dentition systems. Also, the GSD in permanent dentition system in the anterior, middle and posterior areas of both jaws and in the buccal, lingual and palatal surfaces was more than in the primary dentition system

Conclusion: Based on the results, the AGW in permanent dentition was more than in primary and mixed dentition systems. The AGW increases with age and is not affected by gender. Also, the AGW was less in the lower jaw compared to the upper jaw and was more in lingual surface than in buccal surface

[Comparison of E-learning and traditional classroom instruction of dental public health for dental students of Shahid Beheshti dental school during 2010-2011]

Considering the growing trend of information at the current era and development of educational patterns, transforming traditional education into e-learning is becoming increasingly popular. The present study was conducted to compare dental public health course offered through traditional training and e-learning. In this semi-experimental study, 70 senior[11[th] and 12[th] terms] dental students in Shahid Beheshti Dental School who took dental public health course in the first semester of 2010-2011 educational year were selected by census sampling method and assigned to the intervention or control group based on their term. Data were collected using the standard translated version of Distance Learning Attitude Survey [DLAS] questionnaire that was used after determining its validity and reliability. This questionnaire measured the success criteria of e-learning in students. The course was offered online to the intervention and as traditional classroom teaching to the control group for one semester. At the end of the course, a written examination was held for the students in both groups to evaluate their educational progress. Also, students' satisfaction about the educational method was assessed using the translated version of Individual Development and Educational Assessment [IDEA] questionnaire after determination of its validity and reliability. SPSS software was used for data analysis. 36 students, were assigned to the e-learning instruction group13 [36.1%] were males and 23 [63.9%] were females. Thirty four subjects were assigned to the traditional classroom instruction group out of which 10 [29.4%] were males and 24 [70.6%] were females. In terms of demographic characteristics, the only difference between the two groups was in the daily computer usage. The mean +/- SD of the final examination score was similar in the two groups of e-learning and traditional classroom teaching and no significant difference was detected in this respect. Students' satisfaction in the two groups was compared in five domains. The first 4 domains were the instructor's teaching, the educational content, attitude towards the educational course, and difficulty of the course and no significant difference was detected between the two groups in the mentioned domains. The only significant difference between the two groups was observed in the fifth domain namely the final perception and judgment of students [P<0.0001, 2.93 versus 3.85]. All students successfully passed the course. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the knowledge gained about dental public health. E-learning method successfully achieved its objectives which were the development of positive attitude in students towards online education and obtaining their satisfaction. Given the necessary equipment and under certain conditions, e-learning can be successfully used as a substitute for traditional education in national dental universities

[Assessment of quality of prenatal care in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences health centers]

Objective: To evaluate the prenatal care status to improve quality of prenatal care services in Shahid Beheshti university hospital and health canters

Method: This was a cross sectional descriptive study to evaluate status of provided prenatal care services in three domain of structure of the services, procedures of care and outcomes. Using nonrandomized Quota sampling, 600 subjects of care were assessed in 12 prenatal clinics of hospital and health centers of the university. Tools of the study were included: a questionnaire and a checklist to observe facilities and equipment, a check list to observe the care procedure and a questionnaire to assess clients' satisfaction. The tools were used to assess the percentages of conformity with desired situation. These tools were mainly provided by an instruction of ministry of health. Content and face validity of these tools were assessed by a team of reproductive health experts and concurrent inter-rater reliability of the checklists were demonstrated by correlation coefficient of 0.84. Reliability of the satisfaction questionnaire was also shown by correlation coefficient of 0.9 and 0.95 using half splitting and test-retest methods. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 16 and using descriptive statistics and student t test and using 95% confidence interval

Results: 600 subjects with average pregnancy duration of 29.32+/-9.42 weeks were assessed in the study. Assessment of different care procedures demonstrated the percentages of conformity with desired situation as follow: counseling procedures 55.49+/-21.24 percent, history-taking procedure 48.71+/-11.36 percent, vital signs assessment 53.41+/-10.55 percent, general examination for first time attended clients 30.22+/-13.23 percent, obstetrical examination 91.77+/-27.01 percent, blood tests 93.83+/-21.89 percent, urinary tests 86.85+/-26.29 percent and sonograhic assessment of 95.7+/-4.3 percent. The conformity with desired situation of education about individual health and perinatal-risk assessment were 6.54+/-17.10 and 39.67+/-27.09 percent respectively. The results demonstrated 73.76+/-15.04 percent of clients' satisfaction with the structure of prenatal care services and 70.54+/-13.13 percent of satisfaction with the care procedures

Conclusion: For the first time, this study assessed the prenatal care services in three dimensions of the services structure, care procedures and outcome of these services in the PNC clinics of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University. The study aimed to provide a tool to assess quality of PNC area of reproductive health. Despite almost high quality obstetrical care and paraclinic tests, the quality of care in other care areas and the quality of clients' education and counseling was moderate or low. Counseling and education are among the most important objectives of prenatal visits that needs precise planning and implementation. Screening of clients with psychosocial risks also requires special attention in prenatal care assessments. Preparing comprehensive forms for history taking, general and obstetrics assessments and would help to improve quality of prenatal care

[Quality of life of cervical cancer survivors and its association with clinical and pathological factors]

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers of women in developing countries. Disease and its treatments affect different aspects of patients' life. The aim of the present study was to assess the quality of life among long term cervical cancer survivors and its association with clinical and pathological features in patients attended to cancer centers in Shahid Beheshti university of medical sciences,Tehran,Iran. A descriptive correlational design was used. 65 cervical cancer survivors who had completed their treatment during the time period from 2001 to 2008 participated in the study. Data were collected by two questionnaires: European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire "Cervix 24" and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core30-Version 3[rd]. Medical records were reviewed for pathologic and clinical features of these patients. Validity of these questionnaires was assured by content validity. Questionnaires were completed by phone interview with the patients. Reliability of these questionnaires was obtained by computing internal consistency [Cronbach alpha] and test re test. Data were analyzed by SPSS 17.: Mean age of participants was 57.85 with standard deviation 11.02. Mean age of participants' at the time of diagnosis was 54.83 with standard deviation of 11.33. Quality of life scores for these patients was 46.98 with standard deviation of 7.60, which is considered a moderate level of quality of life. Scores of physical functioning ,emotional ,and social functioning sub scales were 25 +/- 9.61-53.8 +/- 14.53 and 61.34 +/- 18.33 respectively.Therer was a significant association between quality of life scores and socioeconomic status .A significant association was also found between quality of life scores and duration of time from diagnosis and treatment completion. Findings of this study showed that quality of life of cervical cancer survivals was affected by cancer. Improving physical function and recovery form symptoms may improve quality of life of these patients