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Background: Natural curves of the spinal column adjust the head to line up with the hip. They also control the absorption of sudden shocks and mechanical forces. The investigation of the angle of lumbar lordosis is widely used in lumbosacral pathological studies. This study aimed to improve the accuracy and speed of measuring lumbar lordosis angle. Methods: This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, during 2010. One hundred patients (50 men and 50 women) with low back pain and available lateral lumbar radiographs and their corresponding electronic files were recruited from the Kashani Hospital (Isfahan, Iran). The angle of lumbar lordosis on lateral lumbar radiographs was measured twice using our suggested image processing method and conventional non-automatic method (based on Cobb's principle). The obtained data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test and Pearson's correlation test. Findings: The mean age of patients was 44 ± 8 years. The mean lumbar lordosis angle was calculated as 35.0 ± 8.1 degrees using conventional non-automatic method and as 37.0 ± 7.6 degrees using our image processing method. The mean angles of lumbar lordosis measured in these methods were significantly correlated (r = 0.89; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Although measurement of lumbar lordosis angle is commonly performed based on the clinical method using flexible rulers or conventional non-automatic method using radiographs, our automatic image processing method was also a reliable tool to measure lumbar lordosis angle more quickly and accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One way to achieve a healthy society is population control and providing effective contraceptive methods. Hormonal contraceptives are the most effective method of birth control. However, their satisfaction rate is affected by many factors. We aimed to study the effective factors on satisfaction from contraceptives including Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA), Cyclofem, and low dose (LD) in women who referred to health centers in Isfahan, Iran. Methods: This descriptive comparative study was conducted on 150 women who were selected using non-probability sampling during April-October 2010. The subjects were using receive DMPA, Cyclofem, or LD pills for the first time or had used them for less than three months. Data was collected through face to face interviews using a standard questionnaire called ORTHO Birth Control Satisfaction Assessment Tool (BC-SAT) three months after consumption. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: Cyclofem gained the highest mean satisfaction score. There were no significant differences in mean total satisfaction scores assigned by three groups. Although the three groups had significant differences in mean satisfaction scores in ease of use, menstrual impact, and compliance/adherence, no statistically significant differences were observed in lifestyle impact, assurance/confidence, side effects, future fertility concerns, and overall satisfaction. Conclusion: Satisfaction from hormonal contraceptives is influenced by many factors such as knowledge, information, lifestyle, religion, side effects, understanding of individual and others, anxiety, and concerns. On the other hand, satisfaction will in turn influence on the attitudes of individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]