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Background and Objective: Concentration prediction with Gaussian dispersion models is highly sensitive to meteorological data. The lack of sounding data station in developing countries may lead to large error and uncertainty in air pollution modeling results. In this paper, the effects of estimated upper air data on the model output concentration values were investigated. Materials and Methods: AERMOD model was executed once with real upper air data and also with estimated upper air data separately. T-Student and LEVENE tests were used to evaluate the significant differences between concentrations in two modes of using actual and estimated upper air data. Results: The results showed that large differences in concentration between the two methods. In long term modeling, there was up to 33% differences between real and estimated upper meteorological data and up to 63% differences for short term modeling. A large difference was also observed between boundary layer parameterization values in each case. The statistical analysis showed a meaningful difference (p=0.00) between the cases. The differences between ZICNV, DT/DZ, W* were 7.1%, 48%, and 19%, respectively. Conclusion: The use of estimated upper meteorological data in comparison with measured data may lead to a large error. The AERMOD modeling results with estimated meteorological data must be expressed with appropriate uncertainties and confidence interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endometriosis (EMS) is a female reproductive system disease in which uterine-like cells grow in other areas of the body and outside the uterus. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a major role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix and the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The present study is the first to investigate the possible association of MMP-2 (rs7201) and MMP-9 (rs17576) genetic variants with susceptibility to EMS in Iran. Material & Methods: This case-control study was performed on 100 healthy control women and 100 patients with EMS. The MMP-2 and MMP-9 genotypes were determined using the Tetra amplification-refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) Technique. Data were analyzed in SPSS software. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of MMP-9 AG (OR: 4.11, 95% CI: 2.13-7.91, P<0.001) and GG (OR: 11.33, 95% CI: 4.23-30.3; P <0.001) genotypes between the control and patient groups. The MMP-9 G allele was associated with an increased risk of endometriosis (P<0.001). Moreover, a significant association was detected between MMP-2 rs7201 polymorphism and EMS. MMP-2 AC genotype had a protective effect on endometriosis (OR: 0.27. 95% CI: 0.15-49%; P<0.001), and the MMP-2 A allele was associated with decreased risk of endometriosis (P<0.001). Discussion & Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of this study, MMP-9 rs17576 and MMP-2 rs7201 polymorphisms were associated with EMS in the studied population in Iran. Further studies with larger samples of different ethnicities need to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: To evaluate the effect of polishing on surface roughness of silorane-based composite using profilometery and Scanning Election Microscopy (SEM) and compare it with that of a methylmethacrylatebased composite and a glass ionomer. Materials and Methods: In this study, 3 groups (n=28) were tested: specimens of two composites (Filtek P90 and Filtek P60) and a glass ionomer (Fuji IX) which were prepared in polyethylene molds (4 mm diameter×10 mm height). Half of the specimens in each group were finished with 180-grit silicon carbide paper and the remaining were finished with 180-grit, and subsequently polished with 250, 400, 800, 1000, 2000, and 2500-grit silicon carbide papers. The surface roughness was evaluated using a contact profilometer and then mean (Ra) and maximum (Rmax) of surface roughness were recorded. Then, the surface of 4 specimens of each subgroup was observed under SEM. Statistical analysis was performed with T-test, ANOVA and Dunnett T3 tests. Results: In all materials, Ra was different between polishing with 180 and 2500-grit silicon carbide papers. In 180-grit group, only Ra of Filtek P60 and Fuji IX showed significant difference (P=0.01). In 2500-grit group, there was no significant difference between the Ra of Filtek P60 and Filtek P90 (P=0.56). Conclusion: Polishing is recommended for the glass ionomer and posterior composite restorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Exercise training and vegetarian diets have been accepted as suitable and non-pharmacological methods for improving lifestyle and mitigating obesity, and related metabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of aerobic training and vegetarian diet on lipid profile of adults. Material & Methods: A comprehensive search of English and Persian articles was conducted on databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SID, Magiran, and Google Scholar, up to February 2023. Meta-analyses were conducted to compare the effects of aerobic exercise and vegetarian diet on body weight, as well as lipid profile parameters (low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride and total cholesterol). Standardized mean differences (SMD), weighted mean differences (WMD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random effect model. Additionally, the I2 test was assessed the heterogeneity, and Funnel plots and Egger tests at a (significance level: 0.1) were employed to identify publication bias. Results: The meta-analysis, comprising 36 studies with 10,795 adults, showed that aerobic exercise and vegetarian diet significantly decreased body weight [WMD=-4.5, (CI: -5.68 to -3.31), p=0.001], low-density lipoprotein [SMD=-0.35, (CI: -0.44 to - 0.26), p=0.001], high-density lipoprotein [SMD=-0.16, (CI: -0.29 to -0.03), p=0.01], triglyceride [SMD=-0.11, (CI: -0.17 to -0.05), p=0.001], and total cholesterol [SMD=- 0.44, (CI: -0.57 to -0.32), p=0.001]. Data analysis utilized Comperhensive Metaanalysis software version 2. Discussion & Conclusion: The findings of the present meta-analysis showed the important role of exercise and vegetarian diet in improving lipid profiles. Therefore, aerobic exercise and vegetarian diet are recommended as non-pharmacogloical strategies for reducing body weight and improving lipid profiles in adults. [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 Pneumonia is one of the severe infections in children, and empyema is one of its essential complications which causes more risk in affected children. Therefore, its early diagnosis is of great importance. Objective This study aims to compare the value of two inflammatory markers including mean platelet volume (MPV) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in children with pneumonia associated with and without pleural empyema. Methods This study was conducted on the data of 128 children aged 3 months to 14 years with bacterial pneumonia associated with pleural empyema and 128 children without pleural empyema. The MPV and NLR values and the patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed in SPSS software version 18 software. The confidence interval for the area under the ROC curve was calculated using binomial exact method. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results Of 256 children, 42.2% were girls, and most of children had ages <3 years (35.2%). Children with empyema had significantly higher NLR, platelet count, and MPV than children without empyema (P=0.040, 0.005, and 0.021, respectively). The MPV (P=0.020) and NLR (P=0.039) were significant predictors of empyema. Conclusion The use of NLR and MPV may be useful in the early diagnosis of empyema in children with pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background According to the possible role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the incidence of oral lichen planus (OLP) lesions, it seems necessary to evaluate this factor in patients with OLP. Objective The present study aims to investigate the level of VEGF in patients with OLP. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the search was conducted in online databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The data were analyzed in the Stata v. 14 software at a 95% confidence interval (CI) and using a random effect model. The standardized mean difference was used to measure the difference in VEGF level between the two groups of control and OLP. The data heterogeneity was quantified by the I2 index. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of VEGF (SD=0.46, 95% CI: -2.13, -3.05, P=0.730) and the I2 index showed significant heterogeneity among the results of the studies (I2=97.9%). Based on the results of the immunohistochemistry, there was a significant difference in the VEGF level between the two groups (SD=3.30, 95% CI: 6.25, -0.36); however, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant via the ELISA method (P=0.530). Conclusion The VEGF level in patients with OLP is higher compared to healthy people. Therefore, the serum factors which indicate VEGF should be considered an effective risk factor for OLP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is one of the most valuable imaging techniques in the evaluation of macula. The repeatability and reproducibility of OCT are of crucial importance in reassuring this tool’s efficacy in evaluating the structure of the retina. Objective This study aims to investigate the repeatability and reproducibility of OCT in measuring the macular thickness in normal eyes before and after pupil dilation. Methods A total of 44 eyes of healthy individuals in the age range of 20 to 50 years were employed for the measurement of macular thickness in the central 6 mm using the Cirrus SD-OCT tool. Results According to ICC, the repeatability of macular thickness was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.95 - 0.96). The mean macular thickness before and after pupil dilation was statistically significant in the nasal quadrant of the outer 6 mm ring (N2 ) and the inferior quadrant of the outer 6 mm ring (I2 ) (P=0.0001). The highest repeatability before and after pupil dilation was seen in the nasal quadrant of the inner 3 mm ring (N1 ) and the central ring (C), respectively. Conclusion This study shows that measuring the macular thickness using the Spectral domain cirrus OCT (SD-OCT) has acceptable repeatability and reproducibility. Since the absolute value of the mean difference between the three measurements in the N2 and I2 regions was statistically significant, using a single method (i.e., whether to apply the eye drop) is preferable for follow-ups in cases where the measurements are needed within 3 to 6 mm in center of the macula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Chronic periodontitis is the most prevalent form of periodontitis and it generally considered as a progressive inflammatory disease. Environmental and systemic factors can alter the immune response to biofilm and lead to progressive degenerative disease. Chronic periodontitis is defined as an infectious disease that causes inflammation in the tooth-supporting tissues, periodontal attachment loss, and bone loss. Identification of risk factors for this disease is important. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the risk factors for chronic periodontitis. Methods & Materials This case-control study was conducted on 120 periodontitis patients and 120 healthy controls in Arak, Iran. A questionnaire was used to estimate their Socio-Economic Status (SES) and survey demographic and risk factors. For the diagnosis of chronic periodontitis, the identification of plaque accumulation site and clinical examination were performed. To investigate the association of chronic periodontitis with study variables, multilevel logistic regression analysis was used in STATA V. 11 software. Ethical Considerations This study obtained its ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences under code: 1397.145. Results The Odds Ratio (OR) of chronic periodontitis in adults aged above 30 years was 2.91 (95% CI: 1.01- 8.73). Compared to subjects with low SES, the OR of chronic periodontitis was 2.28 (95% CI: 1.22- 4.27) in those with moderate SES and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.79-0.98) in those with high SES. Compared to patients who did not brush their teeth, the OR of chronic periodontitis was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.39-0.89) in patients reported toothbrushing. Compared to those who reported changing toothbrush sooner than 3 months, the OR was 4.96 (95% CI: 2.27-11.3) in those their changed their toothbrush for more than 6 months interval. The OR of chronic periodontitis in current smokers was 3.09 (95% CI: 1.52-4.76). Conclusion Cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, tooth brushing, and SES are the risk factors associated with chronic periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim The long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is an important type of RNAs that can regulate gene expression and, therefore, are involved in the development of various cancers. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) is used to identify phenotype-related loci within non-coding regions. However, the biological functions and exact relationships between phenotype-related loci and lncRNAs have not fully been identified. No study was found on the relationship between rs8506C>T polymorphisms in the lincRNA-NR_024015 exon and breast cancer susceptibility and clinical factors. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of polymorphism rs8506C>T on the breast cancer risk. Methods & Materials In this case-control study, participants were 120 patients with breast cancer, 120 healthy controls. The genetic variant was genotyped by using the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method. Interactions between the polymorphism and clinical factors were further evaluated, and Odds Ratio (OR) was measured for risk assessment. Ethical Considerations This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee at Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences (Code: 91-0215). Results There was a correlation between rs8506 C>T polymorphism and breast cancer risk in the dominant model (CC and CT+TT genotypes; P=0.027; OR=1.84; 95% CI: 1.067‐3.201). In the co-dominant model, CT genotype had a statistically significant association with breast cancer risk (P=0.038). Subjects with T allele in the rs8506 polymorphism had an increased risk of breast cancer (OR=1.69; 95% CI: 1.047-2.736; P=0.031). No relationship between rs8506 polymorphism and clinical factors including metastasis, tumor grade, and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) status was observed. Conclusion Genetic variant rs8506 C>T polymorphism in the lincRNA-NR_024015 exon may contribute to the breast cancer risk. Allele T in this variant confers an increased risk of breast cancer. Further functional analyses are required to detect the detailed mechanism underlying the observed association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]