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Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the psychosocial impact of malocclusion and the motivation for seeking orthodontic treatment among adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional study included 102 adolescents (ages 11–18) whose malocclusion was rated using 3 occlusal indices: IOTN, DAI, and PAR. The participants answered three structured questionnaires selected to measure Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) through the short form of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP), the patient's perceived impact related to orthodontics through the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), and self-esteem through the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Independent two-tailed t-tests, one-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Spearman's correlations were used to test various associations. Results Patients with higher malocclusion scores displayed increased psychosocial impact with weak to moderate correlations (0.2

Abstract Objective Emergency physicians are always faced with the challenge of choosing the appropriate disposition for elderly patients in order to ensure an acceptable care plan and effective use of resources. A clinical decision rule, Geriatric Fever Score (GFS) has been proposed but not validated to help ED physicians with decision-making. This rule employs leukocytosis, severe coma, and thrombocytopenia as predictors of 30-day mortality. Through our study determines the performance of this clinical prediction rule in a prospective study in a setting different from where it was developed. Method and materials In this prospective cohort study in a 1200-bed tertiary care, patients older than 65 years old who visited the ED with fever were enrolled. All elements of the rule were collected and the total score was calculated for each patient. Patients were also categorized as low risk (score 0–1) or high risk (score ≥ 2). Thirty-day follow-up was performed to determine the patient outcome (survival or mortality). Results A total of 296 patients were included in our final analysis. The mortality rate was 33.1% for patients with a Score of 0, 42.1% for a score of 1, 57.1% for a score of 2, and 100% for a score of 3. When divided into two risk groups, patients’ mortality rates were as follows: low risk group 37.9% and high-risk group 40.5%. Conclusion Our study showed that elderly patients who present to ED with fever and have a score of 2 or higher on the Geriatric Fever Score are at higher risk of mortality at 30 days.

Abstract This systematic review aimed to evaluate the potential of deep learning algorithms for converting low-dose Positron Emission Tomography (PET) images to full-dose PET images in different body regions. A total of 55 articles published between 2017 and 2023 by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and IEEE databases were included in this review, which utilized various deep learning models, such as generative adversarial networks and UNET, to synthesize high-quality PET images. The studies involved different datasets, image preprocessing techniques, input data types, and loss functions. The evaluation of the generated PET images was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative methods, including physician evaluations and various denoising techniques. The findings of this review suggest that deep learning algorithms have promising potential in generating high-quality PET images from low-dose PET images, which can be useful in clinical practice.

Hassina Shadab,1 Aisha Nawabi,1 Abdurrahman Anwari,2 Mohammad Bashir Nejabi,3 Elaha Somaya Ghafari,1 Sajeya Karimi,1 Mohammad Eissa Ahmadi1 1Periodontics Department, Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kabul, Afghanistan; 2Operative/ Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics Department, Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kabul, Afghanistan; 3Prosthodontics Department, Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kabul, AfghanistanCorrespondence: Abdurrahman Anwari, Operative/ Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics Department, Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Jamal Mena, 3rd District, Kabul, Afghanistan, Tel +93795125522, Email yammamyama@gmail.comAbstract: Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is an uncommon genetic condition marked by gradual and progressive overgrowth of fibrous tissue in the gums, which is benign in nature. It is a genetic disorder inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, known for its considerable genetic diversity. The marginal, attached, and interdental gingivae are affected by this condition. The affected area appears pink, does not bleed easily, and exhibits a firm, fibrotic texture. Additionally, it displays a hard, widespread nodular growth that is smooth to stippled and has little bleeding tendency. Nevertheless, in certain instances, the enlargement may feel so dense and firm that it resembles bone upon palpation. Accordingly, esthetics and functions related to a healthy gingiva is also affected. The choice of treatment modality often depends on factors such as the severity of gingival overgrowth, available resources, and patient-specific considerations. Laser techniques and electrosurgery have emerged as valuable options, providing benefits like reduced discomfort and enhanced precision. However, traditional surgical methods remain highly effective, particularly when advanced technologies are not available. This article reports on three cases of hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) treated with conventional gingivectomy, flap procedures, and resective osseous surgery (osteoplasty and osteotomy). The aim is to support the efficacy of these interventions in addressing patient complaints and preparing the groundwork for managing additional issues, such as speech and mastication difficulties, delayed eruption of permanent teeth, and malocclusion. The surgical treatment led to significant improvements: masticatory function was markedly enhanced, aesthetic outcomes were notably better, and oral hygiene significantly improved. Additionally, the procedures created favorable conditions for future treatments, including orthodontics, implants, or prosthetics, by providing a more manageable and functional oral environment.Keywords: hereditary gingival fibromatosis, gingivectomy, osteoplasty, gingival enlargement, case series

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a composite film comprising nano chitosan and Iranian tragacanth gum (NC-G), supplemented with Eryngium campestre essential oil (EO), in preserving the microbial quality of refrigerated goat meat at 4°C. Five film treatments were prepared, including NC + NC-G, and NC-G combined with 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% EO. The antimicrobial efficacy of these films was evaluated against four microorganisms. Subsequently, these film treatments, along with an untreated control, were monitored for microbial changes [total viable count (TVC), psychrotrophic count (PTC), lactic acid bacteria, and Enterobacteriaceae] over a 16-day storage period. Results demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity of the films against tested pathogens, with effectiveness increasing with higher EO concentrations (p< 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest susceptibility among the bacteria, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited the greatest resistance. Application of the nanocomposite film with EO effectively delayed microbial spoilage of goat meat, with TVC and PTC counts in treatments containing 1% and 1.5% EO remaining below the spoilage threshold (7 Log CFU/g) by the end of storage. Overall, findings suggest that incorporating EO into the nanocomposite film inhibits factors contributing to microbial spoilage in goat meat. Given similar inhibitory effects observed at 1% and 1.5% EO concentrations and considering economic factors, a concentration of 1% EO can be regarded as optimal.

Abstract Background Hemodialysis patients are at risk of acquiring healthcare-related infections due to using non-sterile water to prepare hemodialysis fluid. Therefore, microbiological control and monitoring of used water are of crucial importance. Materials and methods In this work, we identified bacterial populations occupying a hemodialysis water distribution system for almost a 6-month period in Ahvaz city, southwest of Iran. A total of 18 samples from three points were collected. We found high colony counts of bacteria on R2A agar. 31 bacteria with different morphological and biochemical characteristics were identified by molecular-genetic methods based on 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Endotoxin concentrations were measured, using Endosafe® Rapid LAL Single-Test Vials. Results A diverse bacterial community was identified, containing predominantly Gram-negative bacilli. The most frequently isolated genus was Sphingomonas. Five species including M. fortuitum, M. lentiflavum, M.szulgai, M. barrassiae, and M. gordonae was identified .Despite the presence of Gram-negative bacteria the endotoxin analysis of all samples revealed that their endotoxin values were below the detection limit. Conclusion The members of Sphingomonas genus along with Bosea and mycobacteria could be regarded as pioneers in surface colonization and biofilm creation. These bacteria with others like Pelomonas, Bradyrhizobium, staphylococcus, and Microbacterium may represent a potential health risk to patients under hemodialysis treatment.

Abstract Background Streptococcus mutans has been implicated as a primary causative agent of dental caries and one of its important virulence properties is an ability to form biofilm on tooth surfaces. Thus, strategies to prevent and control S. mutans biofilms are requested. The present study aimed to examine the eradication of S. mutans planktonic and biofilm cells using riboflavin (Rib)-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) enhanced by postbiotic mediators derived from Lactobacillus species. Materials and methods Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Rib and postbiotic mediators were determined. The antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of Rib-mediated aPDT (Rib plus blue light), Rib-mediated aPDT in combination with postbiotic mediators derived from Lactobacillus casei (LC) (aPDT+ LC), and Rib-mediated aPDT in combination with postbiotic mediators derived from Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) (aPDT+ LP) were evaluated. The anti-virulence potential of Rib-mediated aPDT, aPDT+ LC, and aPDT+ LP were assessed by measuring the expression of the gtfB gene using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) at the highest concentrations of Rib, LC, and LP, at which the S. mutans had proliferation as the same as in the control (non-treated) group. Results According to the results, the MIC doses of LC, LP, and Rib were 64 µg/mL, 128 µg/mL, and 128 µg/mL, respectively, while the MBC values of LC, LP, and Rib were 128 µg/mL, 256 µg/mL, and 256 µg/mL, respectively. Rib-mediated aPDT, aPDT+ LP, and aPDT+ LC showed a significant reduction in Log10 CFU/mL of S. mutans compared to the control group (4.2, 4.9, and 5.2 Log10 CFU/mL, respectively; all P

Abstract Background and Aims The metaverse has enormous potential in health care, continuously developing and offering innovative solutions by combining artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR), Internet of Medical Devices, and quantum computing technologies. In addition to using virtual platforms to help and boost medical education, familiarity with this platform is necessary to strengthen medical skills and communication with patients in medical sciences in the future. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search using keywords and their MeSH synonyms, including “metaverse,” “medical education,” and “health care,” across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. After screening the results, relevant articles were selected to inform the writing of this manuscript. Results The metaverse is shaping the future of medical sciences, offering new opportunities for health education, advocacy training, and patient outcome improvement. The combination of real and virtual worlds may advance international relations, facilitate data sharing, increase medical care speed, and reduce infectious diseases. The metaverse, despite its benefits, has some limitations. Only 37% of 15−24‐year‐olds have internet access, and AR/VR glasses are expensive and may cause eye discomfort. It is also a potential risk for medical students, who may need help understanding the limitations of simulations and develop unrealistic expectations. Considering the metaverse as a supplement to clinical practice, not a replacement for supervised training, is crucial. Ethical concerns, data security, privacy, and lack of instructions for education are also issues. However, providing information about the metaverse can increase health care workers' attribution to use it for patient examinations, students' education, and tests. Conclusion This paper explores the impact of the metaverse on medical science education and underscores the need to integrate the metaverse into all areas of medical sciences as a supplement to existing evidence.

Blastocystis spp. is a common intestinal parasite found in humans and various animals, including marine species like fish, bivalves, and sponges. While traditionally considered non-pathogenic, emerging evidence suggests potential foodborne concerns, especially for vulnerable populations. The present systematic review and meta-analysis reviewed four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) until June 13, 2024, for studies reporting the prevalence and subtypes (STs) distribution of Blastocystis spp. in marine animals, including fish, bivalves, and sponges, to assess foodborne concern and zoonotic importance. In the analysis of 11 studies involving 1329 marine animals from nine countries, five studies/datasets (742 samples) focused on fish, five studies/datasets (567 samples) on bivalves, and one (20 samples) on sponges. This review found that 12.4 % (95 % CI: 4.3–31 %) of marine animals globally were infected by Blastocystis spp., with bivalves showing the highest infection rate at 32 % (95 % CI: 13–59.7 %), exceeding sponges with a single study at 10 % (95 % CI: 2.5–32.4 %), and fish at 4.4 % (95 % CI: 2–9.3 %). Sensitivity analysis assessed changes in weighted prevalence after excluding certain studies. A subgroup analysis of Blastocystis spp. prevalence was conducted based on publication years, countries, continents, WHO regions, and sample sizes. The data collected indicated that marine animals serve as suitable reservoirs for various Blastocystis spp. STs (ST1-ST4, ST7, ST8, ST10, ST14, ST23, ST26, and ST44), with most (except for ST26 and ST44) having the potential for zoonotic transmission. Overall, the findings emphasize the potential for foodborne risk posed by Blastocystis spp. in marine animals and highlight the need for improved monitoring and control measures to ensure food safety.

Sex differences are widespread during neurodevelopment and play a role in neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism, which is more prevalent in males than females. In humans, males have been shown to have larger brain volumes than females with development of the hippocampus and amygdala showing prominent sex differences. Mechanistically, sex steroids and sex chromosomes drive these differences in brain development, which seem to peak during prenatal and pubertal stages. Animal models have played a crucial role in understanding sex differences, but the study of human sex differences requires an experimental model that can recapitulate complex genetic traits. To fill this gap, human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived brain organoids are now being used to study how complex genetic traits influence prenatal brain development. For example, brain organoids from individuals with autism and individuals with X chromosome–linked Rett syndrome and fragile X syndrome have revealed prenatal differences in cell proliferation, a measure of brain volume differences, and excitatory-inhibitory imbalances. Brain organoids have also revealed increased neurogenesis of excitatory neurons due to androgens. However, despite growing interest in using brain organoids, several key challenges remain that affect its validity as a model system. In this review, we discuss how sex steroids and the sex chromosomes each contribute to sex differences in brain development. Then, we examine the role of X chromosome inactivation as a factor that drives sex differences. Finally, we discuss the combined challenges of modeling X chromosome inactivation and limitations of brain organoids that need to be taken into consideration when studying sex differences.

Several years after the initial usage of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), the percentage of patients using this continues to be very low constituting about 15% of all patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In this study, we attempt to define the impact of an educational program for improving the use of CAPD. This is a quasi-experimental study (before-after) conducted with educational materials including workshop, teaching by booklet and showing educational films, performed in Urmia, Iran. We designed a questionnaire for data col-lection and enrolled 160 patients with an aim-based sampling method. We used descriptive sta-tistics and Friedman test for analysis in SPSS software version 11.5. The overall patients′ infor-mation about CAPD defined by total scoring was as follows: 75% had little information; 19% had moderate information and 6% of patients were well informed. All the information levels increased after intervention. Our study suggests that the poor utilization of CAPD is due to relative un-awareness about PD and/or lack of adequate facilities.

Post-transplantation Diabetes Mellitus (PTDM) is a serious complication after organ transplantation, which could lead to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The rate of PTDM increased in recent years, probably due to new immunosuppressive drugs such as Tacrolimus. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the frequency of PTDM and related risk factors in 644 non diabetic patients who underwent renal transplantation. Data was analyzed by chi-square and Fisher′s exact test in SPSS software ver11.5. Among 644 patients PTDM developed in 10.2% similar to literature. PTDM was significantly correlated to age (P value = 0.000), positive familial history (P= 0.003) and HBV infection (P= 0.046). In conclusion, PTDM is not uncommon in Iranian patients and a positive family history of diabetes, HBV infection and older age increases the likelihood to develop PTDM.

There are several ways of performing vesico-ureteral anastomosis in kidney trans-plantation (Tx); they are broadly classified into two categories: extra-vesical and intra-vesical. Extra-vesical methods are preferred in kidney transplantation. In this study, we attempt to integ-rate two extra-vesical techniques of Barry and Taguchi and to evaluate the frequency of occu-rrence of vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) with this technique. Also, an attempt is made to compare the results with other techniques reported in the literature. Fifty consecutive transplant recipients, who underwent uretero-neo-cystostomy (uretero-vesical anastomosis) by the new technique of Barry-Taguchi were evaluated for VUR by sonography and cystoureterography, six months after Tx. The mean age of the study subjects was 34.8 years; there were 33 males and 17 females. The mean time between Tx and evaluating for VUR was 6.6 months. Two cases of asymptomatic VUR (4%) were detected at the end of the study period. The occurrence of 4% asymptomatic VUR suggests that this technique is more acceptable compared to others. Because of the simple nature of the procedure as well as the short time required, this technique could be a suitable choice in kidney transplantation.

Background and Aim: Numerous studies conducted in Iran have shown that the quality of documentation of medical records by physicians and medical staff is not very satisfactory. Considering the importance of proper documentation of medical records in teaching hospitals as a valid document of educational and medical activities in educational accreditation, the present study was designed and conducted to investigate the effect of training on the quantity and quality of documentation of the patients' records. Materials and Methods: The present study was an action research study. The status of medical records was first evaluated by residents, interns and externs in 400 randomly selected files. Then, based on an intervention protocol, training programs were held for these individuals and every month defects in the files were reported to the department heads in the form of written feedback. Finally, using SPSS V.22 software, data were analyzed by McNemar's test. Results Based on the comparison of the studied criteria before and after the intervention, the percentage of history recording, the percentage of on-service note, the percentage of off-service notes, and the percentage of daily progressive note (PN) in all three groups of medical students including externs, interns and residents improved significantly. (P

Tamana Barakati,1 Elaha Somaya Ghafari,2 Somayeh Niakan,3 Omid Humkar,4 Hasina Shadab,2 Hedayatullah Ehsan5 1Research Department, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; 2Department of Periodontology, Kabul University of Medical Science, Kabul, Afghanistan; 3Department of Prosthodontics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 4Oral Medicine Department, Noman Sadat Institute of Higher Education, Kabul, Afghanistan; 5Medical Sciences Research Center, Ghalib University, Kabul, AfghanistanCorrespondence: Hedayatullah Ehsan, Khushal Khan Mina, Kabul, 1010, Afghanistan, Tel +93775816022, Email hedayatullahehsan@gmail.comAbstract: Speaking, chewing, and swallowing difficulties can result from Parkinson’s disease (PD), which frequently affects the oro-pharyngeal muscles. The reduction in food and hydration intake that is unavoidable leads to a worsening of neurological symptoms. Patients with Parkinson’s disease experience significant challenges when adjusting to wearing entire dentures. Each of these problems presents a considerable challenge for the doctor in terms of prosthodontic rehabilitation. This case study describes how a patient with Parkinson’s disease was able to employ flexible removable partial dentures supported by implants to replace both their full and partial set of missing teeth. A well-made prosthesis will help the patient with their psychological, functional, and aesthetic impairments.Keywords: Parkinson disease, dentistry, implants, jaw relation

Abstract Bell nonlocality refers to correlations between two distant, entangled particles that challenge classical notions of local causality. Beyond its foundational significance, nonlocality is crucial for device-independent technologies like quantum key distribution and randomness generation. Nonlocality quickly deteriorates in the presence of noise, and restoring nonlocal correlations requires additional resources. These often come in the form of many instances of the input state and joint measurements, incurring a significant resource overhead. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that single copies of Bell-local states, incapable of violating any standard Bell inequality, can give rise to nonlocality after being embedded into a quantum network of multiple parties. We subject the initial entangled state to a quantum channel that broadcasts part of the state to two independent receivers and certify the nonlocality in the resulting network by violating a tailored Bell-like inequality. We obtain these results without making any assumptions about the prepared states, the quantum channel, or the validity of quantum theory. Our findings have fundamental implications for nonlocality and enable the practical use of nonlocal correlations in real-world applications, even in scenarios dominated by noise.

What is the relation between phenomenal concepts and physical concepts? In this paper, I try to propose an answer to this question with regard to the Knowledge Argument and Mary Thought Experiment. I neither argue for nor against the knowledge argument. I am not going to prove whether dualism or physicalism is true. All I do is to analyze the Mary Thought Experiment and see if the story of Mary goes smoothly the way the knowledge argument tells us. I argue that Mary's story has at least one crucial inconsistency. If she has learned a completed physical science of optics and neuroscience, then she has no concept of color because physical sciences are just purely mathematical formalizations. Therefore, after release, she can not relate her phenomenal Experience of redness to her physical lessons. Then I argue that for Mary's story to go smoothly the way the knowledge argument tells it, the physical and the phenomenal concepts should be somehow related to each other through an extra course for her. Then I try to define a relation between physical and phenomenal by putting the argument into the formalization of set theory. I conclude that whatever relation one could define between Physical and phenomenal, this relation must be an equivalence relation. Otherwise, the Mary thought experiment would fail, and there would be no need to talk about something as a phenomenal concept independent from the physical. Finally, I argue that this conclusion is compatible with physicalism and dualism both. So, it can set a new stage for the debate between them.

Background and aims: Diabetes is a common non-communicable and metabolic disease, and its prevalence is predicted to double by 2045. It is also a significant risk factor for cardiovascular complications and mortality. The study investigated the association between egg consumption and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a cohort of Iranian adults. Methods: This study compared 261 cases of T2D with 261 controls matched for age and features and assessed their dietary intake using a food frequency questionnaire. The inclusion criterion involved the absence of concurrent chronic diseases apart from T2D. Results: Based on the results, the participants’ average age was 53.32 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females in both groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that increased consumption of eggs is associated with a diminished risk of developing T2D (P=0.01). Conclusion: The study suggests that egg consumption may have beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and regional and genetic differences may influence the relationship between egg consumption and T2D. It calls for further longitudinal and interventional studies to confirm the findings.