Search

Background and Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are among 46% of deaths in Iran. Changing lifestyle is very important for the disease control. If the patients perceive the benefits of preventive behaviours, the barriers to those behaviours will decline and the probability of engaging in the behaviours will increase. This study carried out to determine perceived benefits and barriers of preventive behaviours of relapsed myocardial infraction. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 patients with a history of myocardial infraction referred to Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center during 2007. A questionnaire was used for data collection which measured perceived benefits of, barriers to preventive behaviours of myocardial infraction relapse and status of those behaviours. Data was analyzed using SPSS-13 and Pearson coefficient and regression tests. Results: Subjects earned a mean score of 30.24 (out of 36) in perceived benefits and 22.07 (out of 68) in perceived barriers and 24.48 (out of 37) in preventive behaviours. Preventive behaviours was positively correlated with net benefit and negatively with perceived barriers. Conclusion: This study showed that in spit of suitable level of perceived benefits of myocardial infraction, but still the perceived barriers are significant enough and therefor removal of barriers to such behaviour are essential.

In this paper, we are proposing a novel approach for solving power economic dispatch among generation units, considering valve point effects and CO2 emissions. Here we are using particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique for solving an optimization problem. Besides a new hybrid priority list is applied for handling emissions constraint. In this respect, power economic dispatch is introduced, which comprises both objective functions and constraints. Then, the proposed algorithm is completely introduced. Efficiency of the algorithm has been tested in two system tests, as case studies. A few scenarios have been considered and simulations were conducted for demonstrating the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to importance of power quality in power network, improvement of compensator equipment and ways of efficiency increasing can reduces destroyer effect on network. Active power filters as more importance and finance in network and industrial has depended detector algorithm and switching technique. This paper presents a novel algorithm (STF-CDQ) for active power filter algorithm. This algorithm based on harmonic extraction is divided into two parts as feedback loop and feedforward loop. Also it increases accuracy of harmonic extraction by reducing of isolator calculation due to elimination of voltage calculation and changing of reference signal from voltage reference to current reference than similar algorithms. Also this changing causes that it can be used with switching techniques that work base on current as they are simpler and efficacy. Thus using the combination of this algorithm and current switching technique increases accuracy and decreases complication of previous structures that consequently, it increases controller efficacy of active power filter. Simulation result shows performance this model clearly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a quasi experimental study, the effect of health education program in the students' knowledge about personal hygiene and its related factors were investigated. The subjects were 150 students that selected by stratified sampling from the Moslemebna Aghil guidance school in the rural area of Ghooch Hesar, a district of shahre Rat. It was found that: before the health education program respectively 13.3%, 68% and 18.7% and after that respectively 46.7%, 51.3% and 2% of students had high, medium and poor knowledge about personal hygiene. Knowledge about personal hygiene rose from a mean score of 12.19 to 14.15. Appropriate statistical tests showed a significant relationship between students' knowledge difference and their grade (P

In a corss sectional survey, anthropometric indices of 205 women in Hassanabad Khaleseh, rural area of Eslamshahr on the basis of weight (WT), height (HT), body mass index (BMI), midarm circumference (MAC) and waist to hip ratio (W/H) has been investigated. The dependence of these indices to some independent variables were determined. The findings of this study indicated that the mean of WT, HT, BMI, MAC and W/H were 62.5 kg, 154.6 cm, 29.1 kg/m², 278.7 mm and 0.78 respectively. The relation between all anthropometric indices and level of education, gravidy, number of alive children, age at first pregnancy were statistically significant. Also the relation between all anthropometric indices (Except Ht) and marital status and age were statistically significant. The results of this study showed that the most important problem among the women is overweight

Background and Aim: Oral Candidiasis is the most common oral infection in humans. Smoking is considered as a local predisposing factor for oral candidiasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between smoking and the number of Candida albicans colonies in saliva. Materials and Methods: In this Historical Cohort study, 60 people which were divided into two groups (30 in smokers group and 30 in control group) were examined. They were the same in terms of age, gender and use of medicine. About 1cc of unstimulated saliva was collected by the spitting method. Then, the samples were cultured on blood agar and sabrodextrose agar media and incubated at 35ºC for 24 hours. Germ tube test was used to determine the candida albicans species. The colonies were calculated in 1cc of saliva and the data were analyzed by MANN-U-WHITNEY test. Result: The results indicated that the mean Candida albicans colony count was significantly higher in smokers group (3.45±1.37) than non-smokers (1.23±1.53), (p= 0/0001). Conclusion: The prevalence of Candida albicans in smokers’ saliva was significantly higher than non-smokers that indicates the ethiologic effect of cigarette smoking in increase of candida albicans colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Osteoporosis is a serious metabolic bone disorder and a major health concern in women. Osteoporosis affects the quality of life of women. Studying the osteoporosis related food habits and behaviors can promote health promotion program planning. It seems that female teachers are the best models and educational sources for female students. This study was carried out to determine the osteoporosis related food habits and behaviors among female teachers. Methods & Materials: This study was a cross-sectional study in which 308 female teachers were randomly selected using stratified sampling method from the schools of the 6th district of Tehran. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using student t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test. Results: Mean score of osteoporosis related food habits and behaviors was 14.9±4.2 (out of a possible 24 maximum attainable score). Osteoporosis related food habits and behaviors score was significantly higher in the teachers who had higher knowledge score, aged more than 50 years old, had worked for more than 25 years , had used educational books and booklets as the first informational source, and among the post- menopausal teachers (P

Objective: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has shown an ability to promote wound healing by modulating biological processes without causing thermal damage. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CAP application in the oral wound healing process., Design: An electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and grey literature (Google Scholar). The search included all articles published up to October 11, 2023. Only studies focusing on the different CAP types' effects on oral cavity wounds or cells were included in the review., Results: This review analyzed 13 studies including seven cell culture studies, one animal study, and five human studies (three in vivo and two ex vivo). The findings from the reviewed articles suggest that CAP may have therapeutic potential. It can maintain cell viability and influence gene expression, accelerate wound healing, and modulate inflammation-related cytokines. DBD plasma exhibited time-sensitive effects on cellular behavior and microplasma irradiation positively impacted cell count, biochemical profiles, and cellular migration., Conclusion: The application of CAP has been shown to have a positive impact on the healing of oral wounds in cell culture, animal, and human studies., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Iran will soon have an aging population. Healthcare providers must consider factors affecting the quality of life for those 60 and older. Understanding oral health as one of these factors can improve the elderly's quality of life. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is a crucial reflection of individuals' general well-being and their overall quality of life linked to health. This study aimed to evaluate the OHRQoL among elderly Iranians referring to Azad University of Medical Sciences in Tehran., Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 171 individuals over 65 (93 men and 78 women) were evaluated using OHIP-14 and GOHAI-12 questionnaires to analyze their quality of life. Gender, age, systemic diseases, using medications and dentures, the number of remaining teeth, and oral lesions were recorded. Salivary flow and xerostomia were analyzed with the spitting method and xerostomia index questionnaire, respectively. Also, four main flavor solutions were used to evaluate the taste perception. Data were analyzed using PASS11 and p value < .05 was the significance level., Results: Based on OHIP-14 and GOHAI-12, Iranian older people's quality of life can be affected by cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, xerostomia, and the number of remaining teeth (p < .05). The results also showed a significant correlation between the OHIP-14 and GOHAI-12 scores (p < .001). Both indexes revealed that the number of remaining teeth, xerostomia, salivary flow, and taste perception greatly influenced participants' quality of life. More remaining teeth, improved salivary flow, and better perception of sweetness and sourness were all linked to a higher quality of life, while increased xerostomia, reduced salivary flow, and bitter taste perception were linked to a decline in overall well-being. Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and medication use were also found to significantly impact quality of life., Conclusion: This study's results indicate that cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, dry mouth, and tooth loss can negatively impact the elderly's quality of life. So, improving both systemic and oral health is vital for enhancing life quality in this age group., (© 2024 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Statement of the Problem: Gag reflex is among the most common problems during dental and endoscopic procedures. Benzydamine hydrochloride is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and a local anesthetic that might be useful in reducing the gag reflex., Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of benzydamine hydrochloride mouthwash on the intensity of the gag reflex., Materials and Method: In this randomized clinical trial study, 30 participants aged 21-26 with a gag trigger point index (GTPI) higher than 2 were divided into 2 groups. In the case group, 15 ml of 0.15% benzydamine hydrochloride mouthwash was gargled for 1 minute, and after 10 minutes GTPI test was conducted. In the control group, 4 puffs of 10% lidocaine spray were applied to the mucosa of the targeted area, and after 5 minutes, GTPI was measured. Participants were asked about the taste and smell of the medications., Results: GTPI was significantly reduced in both groups. In the lidocaine group, the GTPI score changed from 4.47 to 2.00 ( p < 0.001), and that for the benzydamine group was 4.20 to 1.47 ( p < 0.001). The variance rate of the gag reflex was -2.73 and -2.47 in the benzydamine group and lidocaine group, respectively. However, this reduction was not statistically significant between the two groups. Moreover, benzydamine mouthwash has a significantly better taste and smell than lidocaine ( p = 0.001)., Conclusion: The results of this study showed that benzydamine mouthwash could be used quite effectively in reducing the gag reflex., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exists., (Copyright: © Journal of Dentistry.)

Statement of the Problem: Candida albicans ( C. albicans ) is recognized as the most common opportunistic pathogen in patients with an impaired immune system, and due to the frequent use of antifungal medicine, a variety of drug-resistant species are developing. Probiotics are a part of the human microbiome and natural competitors of Candida by producing lactic acid, low pH, and other secreted metabolites. The role of probiotics in preventing fungal infections has always been discussed., Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the antifungal effect of Lactobacillus casei ( L. casei ) on fluconazole- and amphotericin B-resistant C. albicans species isolated from the oral cavity of acute myeloid leukemia patients., Materials and Method: In this experimental study, eight strains of fluconazole- and amphotericin B-resistant C. albicans were used. The antifungal effects of probiotic L. casei and nystatin were measured by the co-aggregation method 1, 2, and 4 h after beginning the study. After each hour of exposure, C. albicans and L. casei colonies were counted., Results: L. casei had a significant ability to aggregate with both fluconazole- and amphotericin B-resistant C. albicans in all designated intervals, which increased with time. In the first hour of the study, no significant difference was observed between the effects of L. casei on the two drug-resistant strains. However, as time passed, it had a more significant antifungal effect on fluconazole, compared to amphotericin B resistant species ( p Value<0.001). Cell counts showed that the number of fungal cells decreased significantly as time passed ( p < 0.001)., Conclusion: L. casei had a significant ability to aggregate with both drug-resistant C. albicans species and showed higher antifungal activity on fluconazole-resistant than amphotericin B-resistant species., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © Journal of Dentistry.)

Background: Emergence of nystatin-resistant Candida albicans ( C. albicans ) strains has raised some concerns in the recent years. Recent scientific evidence proves that turmeric, especially curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal activity. The aim of this study was the investigation of the antifungal effects of curcumin against nystatin-resistant C. albicans ., Materials and Methods: This in vitro , experimental study evaluated standard-strain (ATCC 16201) and 10 nystatin-resistant C. albicans strains. The antifungal activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of curcumin were evaluated using the CLSI-M27-A3, and the MIC of curcumin was compared with that of nystatin. The results were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA., Results: The MIC of curcumin was 15.6, 32.25, 15.6, 7.8, 32.25, 15.6, 15.6, 15.6, 32.25, and 15.6 μg/mL for the 10 resistant strains and 62.5 μg/mL for the standard strain of C. albicans . Curcumin in the above-mentioned concentrations significantly inhibited the proliferation of nystatin-resistant C. albicans strains ( P < 0.001)., Conclusion: According to this research, it was shown that curcumin with MIC value of 7.8-32.25 μg/mL has inhibitory effects on nystatin-resistant C. albicans strains., Competing Interests: The authors of this manuscript declare that they have no conflicts of interest, real or perceived, financial or nonfinancial in this article., (Copyright: © 2023 Dental Research Journal.)

Aim: The potential role of superantigens derived from microbial agents could be considered in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, but the association between Candida albicans and psoriasis severity is still controversial. The present study was designed to compare the prevalence of oral candidiasis in a group of psoriatic patients and healthy patients, and its correlation with psoriasis severity., Methods: Seventy psoriatic patients with no history of systemic treatment and 70 closely-matched control patients underwent oral examination. Scraping of oral mucosa to detect Candida species was done using a sterile cytobrush., Results: Candida was detected in the oral cavity of 20% of patients with psoriasis and 2.8% of control cases (P = .002), but none had clinical features of oral candidiasis. Candida albicans was the only species isolated from the oral cavity of both groups. No correlation was found between sex, age, phototherapy, and presence of oral candidiasis. There was a positive correlation between psoriasis severity and colony count (P < .001)., Conclusions: The prevalence of oral candidiasis is higher in psoriatic patients and is associated with disease severity. It is not exactly clear whether oral candidiasis can aggravate psoriasis or if psoriasis can predispose patients to oral candidiasis., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Background: The study on natural substances especially, dietary components such as liquid oils affecting cholesterol can be important for therapeutic propose. Sesame seeds with various biomedical actions can be control the hypercholesterolemia. On the other hand, olive oil has a wide range of therapeutic effect on lipid profile in human. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare lipid profile changes after olive and sesame oils consumption in hypercholesterolemia., Methods: This study was a clinical randomized trial that was performed via parallel design on 48 patients. The patients were randomly allocated in to two groups: A: olive oil and B: sesame oil. After 1 month prescription of Step I National Cholesterol Education Program diet, patients consumed 4 table spoons aprox. 60 g) of refined olive or sesame oil daily as an exchange of other oils, for 1 month. Lipid profiles The P < 0.05 was considered as significant difference., Results: Out of 48 patients, 24 (50%) were men. The mean age was 41.7 ± 8.3 years. The mean of total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, before oil consumption was 224.5 ± 22, 256 ± 132, 132.6 ± 9, and 44.5 ± 11 mg/dl. After olive oil consumption cholesterol, TG, LDL-C, weight, waist and BMI were decreased and HDL-C was increased. After sesame oil consumption cholesterol, TG, LDL-C were significantly decreased. Weight, waist were decreased and HDL-C was increased (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Sesame oil had equivalent effect on lipid profile in comparison olive oil and lipid profile improvement was better in sesame oil in LDL-C and TG.

Introduction: Melanin pigmentation in the oral mucosa occurs as a result of several reasons one of which is smoking. Cigarette smoke induces numerous side effects in the people who do not smoke, but are in the same environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of parental smoking on pigmentation of their children's oral mucosa., Materials and Methods: This study was carried out as a historical cohort. Participants were 400 healthy children, 10 to 11 years old who did not use any drugs. The passive smoker group included 200 children who at least one member in their family was a smoker. The control group included 200 children who did not have a smoker in their family. Furthermore, two groups were matched in the point of view of skin color. The children in the two groups were examined and oral pigmentation was recorded. Finally, the results were analyzed by the chi- square test., Results: Pigmentation was seen in 150 children (75%) in the experimental group and 122 children (61%) in the control group (P<0.005). The relative risk of oral pigmentation for children who were exposed to passive smoking was 1.23., Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, passive smoking can induce gingival pigmentation in children.