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Background and Aims: According to the research background and need to print CBCT images in case of emergency, this study has been done to compare the quality and accuracy of the two methods of film and paper printing for CBCT images. Materials and Methods: The study of CBCT images taken from 5 patients was done and the cross-sectional slices on Fotolusio DNP papers and film AGFA were printed. Afterward, the images was exmined by a maxillofacial radiologist. The images' quality were identified and recorded with anatomical, from 1 to 4 on forms. The accuracy was determined by the diagnosis of alveolar canal area and the comparison with the gold standard. Data were analyzed using independent chi-square and Fisher exact tests'. Results: The images quality in anatomical landmarks consisting PDL (P=0.02), lamina dura (P=0.006), the inferior alveolar canal (P=0.01) and the filling (P=0.006) had a significant difference. There was no significant difference. For the lower border of the mandible landmark, there was no difference between the two methods of printing. In comparing the diagnostic accuracy between the two methods (P=1). Conclusion: The results showed that the diagnostic quality in film printing is better than paper printing and the diagnostic accuracy is the same in both methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: To achieve a successful root canal treatment, it is necessary to have a sealer with ideal characteristics that seal the permanent filling of the tooth canal. Over time, various sealers with different compositions have been introduced to increase the obturation quality of tooth root canals, and many studies are still ongoing to find the ideal sealer. This study aims to evaluate the obturation quality of Endoseal MTA sealer based on the void and spreader track in the root canal using intraoral digital radiography (PSP) and compare it with Adseal and MTA Fillapex. Materials and methods: This laboratory study was conducted on 36 central maxillary single- canal permanent human teeth with the same shape and in the pre-clinic of the dental school of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Root canal preparation was done with the Denco rotary system up to size F3 according to the manufacturer's instructions. During preparation, sodium hypochlorite 5.25% was used for washing, and finally EDTA 17% and sodium chlorite 5.25% were used to remove the smear layer. The teeth were dried with a paper cone. The samples were randomly divided into 3 groups and were filled with gutta-percha and sealers; MTA Fillapex, Endoseal MTA, and Adseal by lateral compaction method using Master Cone 35 and cone 20. After the sealers were set completely for 24 hours, PSP imaging was done with a parallel technique, buccolingually and mesiodistally, from the root canal of the teeth, and the presence of void and gaps in the form of spreader track in the three apical, middle and coronal regions, was evaluated with 3 independent observers. The data were evaluated with chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and items less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: In the current study, the obturation quality of MTA Fillapex, Endoseal MTA, and Adseal sealers was investigated on 36 teeth based on void and gap in the form of spreader track. These evaluations were done according to the direction and location of the sealers. In these evaluations, Adseal sealer had the lowest and MTA Fillapex had the most prevalence of spreader track prevalence, although these differences were not significant based on the chi-square test and there was no significant difference between the prevalence of Spreader track among the three sealers. The void was observed only in the Endoseal group in coronal (mean: 0.5) and apical (mean: 0.7) areas. The results of the Chi-square test showed that there was no significant relationship between the prevalence of void with coronal, middle, and apical sites in Endoseal (P<0.05). Conclusion: No difference was observed between the three sealers in the voids and gaps in the root canal. Based on the results of this study, the obturation quality of the above three sealers isn't different from each other. Although the presence of more void in Endoseal MTA sealer was not significant, it can indicate that the handling of this material is difficult, on the other hand, according to the manufacturer's recommendation, this sealer is recommended for single cone method and is not suitable for use in lateral compression method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic disease that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain. It primarily affects women and negatively impacts many aspects of a person’s psychological and social life. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive therapy based on mindfulness and compassion therapy on automatic negative thoughts, psychological symptoms, pain intensity, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Methods & Materials This research is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design with two experimental and one control group. The statistical study population consisted of all individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome referred to Mehregan Pain Clinic in Mirdamad (District 3), Seyed Khandan Clinic (District 4), and Taleghani Hospital Pain Clinic (District 1) in Tehran City, Iran. Of them, 30 patients were randomly selected and divided into three groups of experimental 1, experimental 2, and control; each group will include 10 people. The instruments used in this study included the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL BREF), pain intensity questionnaire (PIS), psychological symptoms questionnaire (Anxiety, Stress and Depression [DASS]), and automatic negative thoughts (QNS). Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University (Code: IR.IAU.ARAK.REC.1400.005). Results The analysis of covariance showed the effectiveness of both cognitive therapies based on mindfulness and compassion therapy on four variables of pain intensity, psychological symptoms, automatic negative thoughts, and quality of life (P<0.05). Comparing the two intervention methods showed that both therapies had almost the same effect on pain intensity, psychological symptoms, and automatic negative thoughts (P<0.05) but the effectiveness of mindfulness intervention on the quality of life was significantly higher than compassion intervention (P<0.05). Conclusion The results indicate that cognitive therapy based on mindfulness and compassion therapy are suitable for people with fibromyalgia under appropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: According to the conducted studies, breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, and its incidence rate is increasing yearly. One of the measures to reduce the mentalities from breast cancer is early diagnosis of biomarkers, such as Leptin polymorphisms (rs7799039 and rs2167270), and timely treatment. Leptin is an adipocytokine made by fat cells, playing a crucial role in cell proliferation, survival, migration, and immune response. The present study aimed to assess the association between polymorphisms in the Leptin gene and breast cancer risk in Arak, Iran. Materials & Methods: Two SNPs of the Leptin gene (rs7799039 and rs2167270) were genotyped by PCR-RFLP method (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) in a case-control study, including 80 breast cancer patients and 80 healthy controls. In this study, all statistical analyses were performed in SPSS software (version 26) using the Chi-Squared test at P˂ 0.05 significant level. Results: Based on the results, rs7799039 and rs2167270 showed no significant association with breast cancer risk (P=0.183 and P=0.86, respectively). In this study, the mean age in the patient group was 47 ( an age range of 28-79 years). Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, Leptin gene polymorphisms (rs7799039 and rs2167270) did not increase the risk of breast cancer in the Arak population in Iran. Although based on the present study results, there was no significant association between Leptin gene polymorphisms and breast cancer risk, according to the prominent role of the Leptin gene, the polymorphisms of this gene could be used as biomarkers to predict breast cancer in other populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aim: Due to the increase in anxiety caused by corona in students, especially nursing students who deal with patients, it seems necessary to identify ways to deal with it. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between religious beliefs and anxiety of Corona among nursing students of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive research, 159 nursing students who met the criteria for entering the study in 2019 were included in the study by stratified random sampling. The data was collected through the questionnaire of demographic information, corona anxiety and religious beliefs of George. Data analysis were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical methods (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, Fisher, Chi-Square) at a significance level of P<0.05. Results: The results showed that the majority (79.2%) of weak corona anxiety research units had strong religious beliefs (73.6%), and Spearman's test showed that there is no significant relationship between corona anxiety and religious orientation (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acting on religious beliefs can reduce people's anxiety in difficult and critical situations, and in this study, because the majority of the research units had strong religious beliefs, they reported low corona anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various studies on prevalence of celiac disease in patients with irritable bowel syndrome in Iran is available that Chiefly, the prevalence of this disease and its association with several factors have been investigated. In order to gain a better perspective of Iran and spread across the heterogeneity, all studies included in the systematic review, the findings were analyzed and used a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: All articles published in Iranian journals and international research project, related papers presented at the Congress, and the Student thesis, in this study used standard and sensitive keyword. All the articles published in this field in the country, where inclusion criteria for assess quality control using random effect, and the meta-analysis were entered. Results: In 7 studies, minimum and maximum prevalence of celiac disease in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, 2/59 % and 13/5 % was calculated, and total prevalence of this disease based on fix effect model 6/26 %, with the heterogeneity index equals Q =13/74 (t2=52/05 and P=56) and reliability 99% (x2= l6/8) was estimated and because of the high heterogeneity based on random effect model, total and final prevalence of the celiac disease in IBS patients 7/59%, with the heterogeneity index equals Q=2/05 (t2=0 and I2=19) and confidence 95% (Cl =8/07-7/23) were counted. Also by using method of meta-regression, main factors causing heterogeneity, variable location, time, and gender of patients were identified. (p<0/01). Conclusion: Considering that the prevalence of celiac disease in patients with irritable bowel syndrome in the country is high, with knowledge and research-centered measures, total level of health in the country should be raised and daily, in the direction to the horizon landscape of civil and global health charter progressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background As congenital gastrointestinal diseases are pretty common and can lead to fatal consequences when combined with congenital heart diseases, we conducted a study in Iran to explore the relationship and prevalence of these two conditions. Our objective was to identify the types and frequency of congenital heart diseases in children who also have gastrointestinal anomalies. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study. The research population was the patients referred to the Gastrointestinal Clinic of Hazrat Masoumeh Children's Subspecialty Hospital during the 2011-2017. In this study, the echocardiography in the patients’ files performed by a pediatric heart specialist was examined, and in the next step, the patients were divided into two groups with and without heart disorders. Gastrointestinal abnormalities were also recorded in the relevant checklist. Finally, the recorded information was entered into SPSS software version 22, and Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to compare the qualitative findings. The significant level for all tests was considered to be 0.05. Results: The average age of the children in this study was 7.93±7.74 months. 105 boys (54.7%) and 87 girls (45.3%) were examined. 167 children (87%) had cardiovascular abnormalities and 25 children (13%) had no abnormalities. The most common types of cardiovascular abnormalities were 69 (35.9%) septal defects, 36 (18.8%) atrial septal defects, and 22 (11.5%) pulmonary valve stenosis. The least frequent abnormalities were cardiomyopathy in three (1.6%) and ventricular inter-atrial septal defects along with atrial septal defects in one (0.5%) patient There was not a significant correlation between congenital heart diseases and frequency of closed anus, rectovaginal fistula, Hirschsprung, anal stenosis, rectal prolapse, perianal fistula, esophageal atresia, pyloric hypertrophy, intestinal obstruction, annular pancreas, biliary atresia, diaphragmatic hernia, Meckel's diverticulum.(P>0.05). A significant relationship was found only between omphalocele and pyloric hypertrophy with the presence of cardiovascular disorders (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that congenital heart diseases have a high prevalence in infants with gastrointestinal anomalies, so cardiac examination is mandatory in all infants with gastrointestinal anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which the facts surrounding a person are interpreted as abnormal. The treatment aims to reduce symptoms and the possibility of disease recurrence. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of spironolactone on schizophrenia symptoms. Method: In this double-blind analytical and clinical study, 44 patients were randomly divided into two groups. The study was carried out in Quds Hospital and centers for psychiatric patients in Sanandaj city in 2019 and 2020. The number of patients decreased to 32 due to drug side effects and unwillingness to continue treatment. The instrument used was the scale test of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Datum were analyzed using chi-square and ANOVA with repeated measurements and independent t-tests by SPSS-23 software. Results: The results showed that out of 44 patients studied, 37 (84.1%) were men and 7 (15.9%) were women. The imbalance was due to the small sample size. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of sex distribution, literacy level, marital status, employment history, and background medication use (P>0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of reducing negative symptoms (P=0.666), positive symptoms (P=0.748) and general symptoms (P=0.342). Conclusion: According to the finding, spironolactone has no significant effect on reducing negative, positive, and general symptoms. Therefore, it is suggested to carry out more studies using this drug (by removing the limitations of this study) and other drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The infant mortality rate is one of the most important parameters for evaluating the health index in societies. The present study aimed to investigate the mortality rate of infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital, Ilam) from 2018-2019. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on infants hospitalized in the NICU department of Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital in Ilam, from April 2018 to March 2019. The sampling was performed using the census method. The data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made checklist. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 26) using chisquare and independent t-tests at a significance level (P<0.05). Findings: In the current study, the total number of infants hospitalized in the NICU was 83, and 28 infants died, of whom 11 (30.6%) cases were girls and 17 (36.2%) neonates were boys. The mean age of deceased infants was 32.67 weeks. The most common type of disease at the time of death in these infants was asphyxia, with a frequency of 35.7% (n=10). Age and gender showed no significant relationship with mortality (P>0.05). Discussion & Conclusion: Due to the high mortality rate in premature neonates with less than 32 weeks of gestation, effective measures should be put on the agenda to prevent premature birth and respiratory distress syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Sciatica is one of the most common diseases of the peripheral nervous system and may be caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. Due to the fact that piriformis muscle located near the sciatic nerve, piriformis muscle spasm may put pressure on the nerve and cause sciatica and consequently piriformis syndrome. The present study aims to investigate the effect of core stability exercises on pain and inflammation of patients with piriformis syndrome. Methods & Materials This is a randomized clinical trial. The study population consists of all patients with piriformis syndrome referred to medical centers in Arak, Iran from. Of these, 20 were purposefully selected and randomly divided into two groups of control (n=10) and exercise (n=10). The exercise group performed core stability exercises for 6 weeks, while the control group continued their normal life during this period. To examine the differences between the study groups, t-test, Chi-Square test, and McNemar’s test were used. The significance level was set at 0.05. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1400.157) and was registered by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (ID: IRCT20211003052662N1). Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results The Mean pain score in the control group decreased from 95.2 to 90.7 after the exercise, which was not statistically significant (P=0.562). In the exercise group, the mean pain score decreased from 91.7 to 33.4, and this decrease was statistically significant (P=0.0); Therefore, at 95% confidence interval, we can say that core stability exercises had a significant effect on the pain of patients with piriformis syndrome (P<0.05). The number of patients with inflamed nerve in the control group decreased from 10 in the pre-test phase to 8 in the post-test phase, but this decrease was not statistically significant (P=0.5). In the exercise group, it was reduced from 10 to 2, and this decrease was statistically significant (P=0.008); Therefore, we can say that core stability exercises had a significant effect on the inflammation of patients with piriformis syndrome (P<0.05). Conclusion Core stability exercises can reduce pain and inflammation in patients with piriformis syndrome. These exercises can be used in the treatment of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Patients who undergo major orthopedic surgery are at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) due to blood loss, electrolyte disorders, infection, and other co-morbidities. In this study, we aim to investigate the frequency of AKI and its risk factors in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery in Rasht, Iran. Objective This is an analytical cross-sectional study on 180 patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery. Those with a history of chronic kidney disease and dialysis were excluded. Methods The data including patients’ age, gender, drug history, history of underlying diseases, duration of surgery, mean arterial pressure during and after surgery, and use of inotrope during and after surgery, and creatinine level before and after the surgery. Results The mean age of patients was 47.3±22.8 years. The incidence of AKI was 11.11%. The use of some drugs, duration of surgery, MAP, and inotrope use had no significant relationship. The occurrence of AKI had a significant relationship with the history of heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. Multiple linear regression analysis results showed that with the increase of one unit in preoperative creatinine level, the postoperative creatinine level increased by 0.3. Conclusion The incidence of AKI after major orthopedic surgery in Rasht city is relatively high. Careful monitoring of kidney function before, during, and after major orthopedic surgery is important; it can prevent the occurrence of postoperative AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Covid-19 patients perceive a lot of stress and suffer from psychological symptoms including depression, stress and anxiety. Because these patients are required to comply with quarantine conditions, remote training can be used for these patients. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of remote training of stress management in a cognitive-behavioral way on the psychological symptoms of covid-19 patients. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, the research population was all the patients with Covid-19 referred to the Dr.Garazi hospital in Isfahan city in the winter of 1400. 70 people were selected by available sampling method and divided into two intervention and control groups (35 people) by limited randomization method. For the intervention group, remote training program on stress management was implemented in five sessions of 60 minutes in two weeks. The control group did not receive training. Psychological symptoms were measured before and after the training sessions using the DASS-21 questionnaire. The data were analyzed with SPSS21 software and at two levels of descriptive and inferential statistics and by performing chi-square tests, analysis of variance, independent and paired ttest, and analysis of covariance. Results: Remote training of stress management in a cognitive-behavioral way has had a significant effect on all dimensions of psychological symptoms of covid-19 patients in the intervention group and has reduced them in the intervention group. (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results, this method of training can improve the psychological symptoms of covid-19 patients. Considering the possibility of easy and comprehensive use of distance education, it is recommended to use this method of teaching patients in similar pandemic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dental abnormalities are considered important, since they cause aesthetic and functional problems for people. Orthodontic treatment becomes more complicated when craniofacial abnormalities are accompanied with dental abnormalities. Objective This study aims to compare the frequency and type of dental abnormalities among patients with different skeletal malocclusion classes in northern Iran in terms of age and gender. Methods Participants were 310 patients (32.9% Class I, 33.9% Class II, and 33.2% Class III). They were evaluated with respect to hypodontia, hyperdontia, impaction, microdontia, macrodontia, and dens invaginatus/evaginatus. Association of the prevalence of dental abnormalities with the type of malocclusion and gender was assessed by chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test, while independent t-test was used to determine its association with age. Results The overall frequency of dental abnormalities was 33%. Class III patients had the highest rate of dental abnormalities (40.8%); however, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.105). Hypodontia and impacted teeth were the most frequent abnormalities in all malocclusion groups. Occurrence of tooth impaction differed significantly among the three malocclusion groups (P<0.001), where the highest rate belonged to the class III group. Hypodontia was more frequent in males (P=0.040). Tooth impaction and microdontia were the two abnormalities that showed significant association with age (P<0.05). Conclusion Dental abnormalities in northern Iran is more prevalent among people with the skeletal class III malocclusion. The prevalence of some dental abnormalities is associated with gender and age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim The research results show tobacco use increases cardiovascular and lung disorders or the probability of periodontitis in humans, while no definitive relations were yet confirmed. This study evaluates the relationship between periodontitis and tobacco use by panoramic radiography in Bandar Abbas City. Methods & Materials A total of 198 panoramic radiographs were classified into periapical healthy (n=99) and patient (n=99) groups. Radiologists assessed radiographs for periodontitis via Total Teeth Numbers (TTN), the quality and length of Root Filling Treatment (RFT), the number (NoRFT), and inadequate root filling treatment (RFTin), age, gender, the cigarette and hookah use, and dental debris. Data were analyzed by Chi-Square, t-test, and logistic regression. Ethical Considerations Due to the lack of therapeutic intervention and the preservation of patients’ characteristics, ethical considerations are not included in this study (Code: IR.HUMS.REC.1399.384) Results Tobacco, hookah use, TTN, and RFTin were different (P<0.01) in groups, but cigarette smoking, debris, RFT, NoRFT, and age were not. Women in the periodontitis group showed high (P<0.01) in tobacco, hookah use, and RFTin, while no gender differences were observed in other parameters. The logistic regression results showed that based on the Odd Ratio NoRFT (39.7), RFTin (36.8), `hookah (8.1), tobacco (6.57), debris (3.62), smoking (3.59), RFT (1.4) and TTN (0.89) were the highest (P<0.01). At the same time, age and gender did not affect periapical tissues. Conclusion Hokka, tobacco, and cigarette use negatively affected the periapical tissues, respectively. The decrease in TTN and increase in debris and RFT were probably the effects of tobacco smoking on the periapical tissues. Age and gender were not related to the periapical lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopy is one of the most common diagnostic and therapeutic methods in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Anxiety and pain are associated with the patients. This procedure is unpleasant and intolerable. The present study was performed to determine the effect of the clinical Orientation Tour on the anxiety, pain, and satisfaction of patients who were candidates for endoscopy referred to Hospital in Rafsanjan in 2019. Hazrat Ali Ibn Abitaleb (AS) Hospital in Rafsanjan in 2019. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 64 patients referred to the hospital were randomly divided into control and intervention groups. Demographic characteristics, Spiel Berger Anxiety Scale, Visual Analogue Pain Scale, and Modified Questionnaire (GHAA-9) were the data collection tools. The intervention was Orientation Tour with endoscopy and direct endoscopic observation. Patient's anxiety before and after the intervention, pain during endoscopy, and satisfaction after endoscopy were measured. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, independent t-test, Chi-square, linear regression, and Mann-Whitney tests. Analysis was done using SPSS software version 16. Results: The mean score of overt anxiety before the intervention was 56.78 ± 7.32 and after the intervention was 35.19 ± 12.52, latent anxiety ranged from 57.22 ± 9.04 to 32.25 ± 13.67, and total anxiety from 114.00±15.90 decreased to 67.44 ± 25.76, which was statistically significant (P=0.0001). However, in the control group, it was associated with an increase in anxiety scores after the intervention. Pain during endoscopy was also statistically significant between the intervention and control groups (P=0.0001). But the mean satisfaction score after endoscopy was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.161). Conclusion: Clinical orientation training is effective in reducing anxiety and pain in patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It can therefore be suggested to reduce anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bariatric surgery is one of the recent advances in the treatment of morbid obesity associated with gastrointestinal disorders. Because of the importance of lifestyle on health promotion, we aimed to investigate the effect of lifestyle modification on gastrointestinal disorders in patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy. Materials and Methods: This study was a clinical trial performed in the surgical ward of Hazrat Valiasr Hospital during 2020-2021. 70 patients underwent bariatric surgery according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were purposefully selected and randomly assigned using quadratic block A and B and divided into experimental and control groups The day before the surgery, an educational intervention was performed for the experimental group with respect to lifestyle modification including six dimensions (nutrition, physical activity, responsibility for health, stress management, relationships and interpersonal support, and spiritual growth, and selffulfillment). The day before and two months after sleeve gastrectomy, the participants were evaluated using the health-promoting lifestyle profile II and a researcher-made questionnaire on gastrointestinal complications. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 22, using descriptive and inferential statistical tests (Chi-square, dependent and independent t test and McNemar test) at the significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The rate of constipation and diarrhea decreased after the intervention in the experimental group but the difference was not statistically significant. The rate of nausea and vomiting before and after the intervention was different in both experimental and control group. However, the rate of nausea was significantly lower in the experimental group compared with the control group after the intervention. The rate of reflux reduced before and after the intervention in the experimental group compared with the control group, but the difference not statistically significant compared with the control group after the intervention. Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of lifestyle modification in reducing gastrointestinal disorders in patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, planning to perform this educational intervention is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Definition: In recent decades, the catastrophic increase in environmental degradation in its various dimensions has been considered by the international community. In the context of these environmental disorders, many inappropriate behaviors that are the result of ignorance and lack of environmental knowledge should not be ignored and rural areas can have a double impact in this regard due to their closer relationship with the environment. Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the level of environmental knowledge and awareness of the villagers in the rural area of Choghakhor. Methodology: This research is applied and descriptive-analytical (based on survey) in terms of type and method, respectively. The statistical population includes villagers in the Choghakhor area of Boroujen County. Accordingly, 251 samples from 2065 households were selected by random sampling and questioned. Results: The results of the study show that the average score of environmental knowledge in the sample group is 140.27 which is higher than the cut-off score; therefore, the level of villagers’ environmental awareness and knowledge is above average. The results of the chi-square test and ETA correlation coefficient show that there is a positive and moderate relationship between gender and marital status with the level of awareness and environmental knowledge. For the variables of age and education, according to the value of Kendall's tau-b correlation coefficient -0.179 and 0.401, this relationship is negative-weak and positive-average, respectively. But, there is no relationship between the level of environmental awareness and knowledge and the villagers’ employment status or occupation. Conversely, this relationship exists weakly for the income variable. The results of one-way analysis of variance with the F value (1.248) are not significant and this shows that the spatial difference is not significant with respect to environmental awareness and knowledge. Innovation: The innovation of research lies in the application of indicators appropriate to local conditions, type of tests, and research location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: A Pap smear test is one of the most effective procedures utilized for cervi cal cancer (CC) screening purposes. Nevertheless, many women do not like to do such a test. The present study aimed to monitor the impact of an educational intervention developed based on the expanded Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) on CC screening behavior. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experiment was conducted on 200 women referred to Karaj health centers, Iran. The participants were randomized into experimental and control groups. The data was collected by a Standardized questionnaire including demographic characteristics, the constructs of the PMT, and a self-administered Emotional Social- Support questionnaire (ESS). They filled the questionnaire before, after, and at 6-months follow-up. Eight educational sessions based on the model were held for the experimental group via lecture, group discussions and role play. The data were analyzed by SPSS (Ver. 24) and repeated measures ANOVA and Chi-square test. Results: In the pre- intervention and post-intervention stages, the mean score of perceived susceptibility from 8.07±3.28 to 11.83±1.99, perceived severity from 12.64±3.46 to 15.19± 2.85, response efficacy from 12.66±5.37 to 16.06±3.6, self-efficacy from 25.94±5.38 to 29.68±4.68, emotional social support from 27.01±7.16 to 31.46±5.76 and intention from 11.01±2.14 to 13.42±1.65 increased and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean score of fear from 10.37±2.29 to 5.54±2.76 and response cost from 6.62±2.13 to 3.97 ±1.69 decreased and that was statistically significant (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the control group. Besides, the Pap smear test was increased after the educational intervention in the post-test and follow-up in the experimental group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings, PMT and ESS can be used as a framework for designing educational programs to promote CC screening behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries in sports, accounting for 10% to 15% of all injuries. Since controlling pain and inflammation in ankle sprains is one of the main goals of treatment, we decided to compare the therapeutic effects of Cheleh daghi Herbal ointment with a common therapeutic gel such as piroxicam. Methods & Materials This study was performed as a double-blinded clinical trial for 6 months from January 2019 to August 2019. After referral, all patients completed the consent form, and the patient's details and study variables were recorded by the evaluator in the research form. To measure joint inflammation, we measured the ankle with a meter tape in the ankle area (cm) and recorded. A goniometer was also used to measure the degree of ankle movements. The symptoms of ankle ecchymosis were also checked by physical examination and observation and recorded in the checklist. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS V. 18 using statistical tests (the Mann-Whitney U test, the Chi-square, and the independent t-test). Ethical Considerations The Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences approved the study (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1396.55) and registered by the Clinical Trial (Code: IRCT2017071720258N53). Results The Mean±SD age in the control group was 34.2±8.6 years, and in the case group was 35.4±8.9 years. There was no statistically significant difference according to the Mann-Whitney U test (P<0.05). Also, the Mean±SD height in the control group was 1.7±0.12 m and in the case group was 1.72±0.11 m. The results also showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups studied before and after the intervention regarding the mean indicators of pain, swelling, and inflammation around the joints (P<0.05). Conclusion The results of our study showed that Cheleh daghi Herbal ointment for 3 weeks could be more effective in reducing local pain and inflammation than piroxicam gel treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley leaf stripe caused by the fungus Pyrenophora graminea, is one of the most important and devastating barley diseases in Iran. A total of 121 P. graminea isolates was recovered from cultivated barley in West Azerbaijan (Miyandoab region), East Azerbaijan (Miyaneh region), Ardebil (Ardebil region) and Zanjan (Khorramdareh region) provinces in 2016. After morphological and molecular identification, mating type primers were designed based on a conserved DNA binding (alpha domain) in MAT-1 and the high mobility group (HMG) domain in MAT-2. Frequency of mating type idiomorphs of P. graminea isolates were done by Multiplex PCR. Among 121 isolates, 56 isolates amplified by MAT-1 primer and 65 isolates by MAT-2 primer. Frequencies of two mating types in Khorramdareh (1) and Miyandoab populations had an excess of the MAT-1 and MAT-2 alleles, respectively. According to the results of the Chi-square test (X²), Miyaneh, Ardebil (1 and 2) and Khoramdareh (2) populations had not significant difference in compared with Khorramdareh (1) and Miyandoab populations. Therefore, these four populations have the highest potential for sexual reproduction than the two populations of Miyandoab and Khorramdareh (1). In addition, isolates from all of the populations were studied to evaluate the sexual fertility through directed crossing with opposite mating types. After six months, pseudothecia formed in media without mature asci and ascospores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the referral rate for dental services and it's preventing Factors and oral Health related behavior in people with history of drug abuse referred to drug rehabilitation centers in the city of Sari. Material & methods: This was a cross-sectional study. 120 people with history of drug abuse referred to drug rehabilitation centers in the city of Sari were participated in this study. Data collection was done with standardized questionnaire about demographic data and interview based on the questionnaire about addiction history, oral health related behavior, referral rate for dental services and it's preventing Factors. SPSS V:16 and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. SPSS V16 and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The most common barrier to dental services was “little priority of dental care in life" which was mentioned in 89.2%of people and then "the inability to pay for dental costs"in 68.3% and "fear of dentist and pain during treatment" in about half of them. “Improper access to dental services” was mentioned in more than a quarter of people. Oral health care behavior was poor in people with history of addiction. 52% of them never brush their teeth or brush rarely. 90% of them never floss their teeth or floss rarely. 82% eat sugery food in more than two times a day and the last dental visit was more than a year ago in 68% of them. Conclusion: According to the poor oral health related behavior and and the problems that these people are involved with and due to the reasons for less dental visits, appropriate educational, preventive and therapeutic actions seem necessary to improve the quality of life in people who are being treated for addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives HBV, a classic viral Transfusion Transmitted Infection(TTI), is considered an important health and blood safety issue in every society. Prevalence of HBsAg positivity is variable among Iranian blood donors nationwide. This study was performed to determine the frequency of HBsAg positive blood donors and the probable associated risk factors in Mazandaran province in 2013. Materials and Methods In this cross sectional descriptive study, demographic and donation data were gathered from IBTO data base (NEGARE). HBsAg positive donors were recalled for post test counseling and assessment of probable risk factors. SPSS 16 Chicago, χ2 and T-test were used as tools for data analysis. Results Among 131950 whole blood donors with mean age of 31.1 ± 9.5, 174(0.13%) proved to be HbsAg positive. Deferral rate was 16.6%. The highest and lowest positivity rates were observed at Babol and Galoogah, respectively. 95% of positive cases were detected among first time and male donors (p = 0.0001). Older age, lower education level, and first time donation were obtained as demographic risk factors primarily. No significant association between gender and marital status was found. However, post test counseling revealed nonimmune dental procedures, high risk sexual contacts, cupping, family history of Hepatitis, hospital admission, tattooing, history of surgery, Intravenous Drug Use (IDU), endoscopic procedures, transfusion history and needle stick as risk factors in HBsAg positive donors. Conclusions HbsAg positivity rate in Mazandaran province donors is compatible with the country rate (0.13%). Main risk factors except gender and marital status are almost similar to other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Regular screening behaviors play an important role in reducing the incidence and deaths of this cancer. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to determine the factors associated with intention to perform fecal occult blood test (FOBT) among medical professionals using the protection motivation theory (PMT). Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 240 employees aged over 50 years in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in 2018 using multistage random sampling. The data were collected using a questionnaire including demographic information and PMT constructs. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Chi-square and linear regression tests were used as appropriated. Results: In this study, 22.8% of the participants reported a history of FOBT. There was a significant correlation between the referring to the doctor for intestinal disease and performing FOBT (p < 0.05). Based on the PMT, perceived self-efficacy (β = 0.439) and response efficiency (β = 0.48) were predictive of protection motivation (intention) to conduct FOBT. In total, different structures of the PMT explained 24.6% of the variation of intention changes (R2 = 0.226). Conclusion: Due to the low frequency of screening behavior among staff, the emphasis on the importance of early diagnosis of cancer is necessary. Also, consideration of perceived self-efficacy and the effectiveness of screening behaviors in designing staff training programs are recommended for increasing the intention to perform screening behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Communication skills are the cornerstone of the entire adequate clinical measures and have an important role in health sector. Therefore, educating communication skills to the students improve the efficiency of the education system. In this regard, Competency-Based Education Model (CBEM) is a new educational model that aims to reach desired clinical role. This study aims to determine the effect of implementing competency-based education model on nursing students' communication skills in Urmia Medical Sciences University. Materials & Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with post-test design; 34 senior nursing students, who met the inclusion criteria, were selected through census and divided into two groups as control and experimental. The control group received traditional education and the experiment group received competency-based education for their coronary care unit course. The students' communication skills score were measured through a researcher-made data collecting instrument (selfreport questionnaire with likert rating scale). The collected data was analyzed by SPSS (19) software using descriptive and inferential statistics (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi square and independent t-test). Results: The results indicate that communication skills of students in the experimental group was significantly higher than students in the control group (P=0.007). Conclusion: CBEM better than the conventional model improves the students' communication skills. Therefore, it is suggested to improve the efficiency and the effectiveness of clinical courses by taking advantage of this educational. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]