Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain, edema, and trismus after surgical removal of impacted third molars: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) stimulus inhibits the activity of nociceptive neurons of the central nervous system. Pain relief is achieved by increasing the pulse amplitude of TENS to induce a non-painful paranesthesia beneath the electrodes. This study aimed to assess the effect of TENS on acute pain, edema, and trismus after surgical removal of impacted third molars.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This randomized, double blind, split-mouth clinical trial was conducted on 37 patients with bilaterally impacted mandibular third molars. The angle and body of mandible at the site of surgery in one randomly selected quadrant underwent TENS immediately after surgery (50 Hz, 100-µs short pulse, 15 minutes for 6 days). The TENS stimulator device was used in off mode for the placebo quadrant. The pain score (primary outcome) was measured for 7 days postoperatively, and edema and trismus (secondary outcomes) were assessed at 2, 4 and 7 days, postoperatively. The results were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA using R software (alpha=0.05).

RESULTS

The overall mean pain score was significantly lower in the TENS than the placebo group (P<0.05). The number of taken analgesics in the first 3 days was significantly lower in the TENS group (P<0.001). Postoperative edema in the TENS group was lower than the placebo group but only the difference was not statistically significant (P>.05). The inter-incisal distance, as an index to assess trismus, was not significantly different between the two group at day 2, but it was significantly higher in the TENS group after the second day (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

TENS effectively decreased pain and trismus following impacted third molar surgery, and may be recommended as a non-pharmaceutical method to relieve postoperative symptoms.

Waveguide-integrated silicon T centres

The performance of modular, networked quantum technologies will be strongly dependent upon the quality of their quantum light-matter interconnects. Solid-state colour centres, and in particular T centres in silicon, offer competitive technological and commercial advantages as the basis for quantum networking technologies and distributed quantum computing. These newly rediscovered silicon defects offer direct telecommunications-band photonic emission, long-lived electron and nuclear spin qubits, and proven native integration into industry-standard, CMOS-compatible, silicon-on-insulator (SOI) photonic chips at scale. Here we demonstrate further levels of integration by characterizing T centre spin ensembles in single-mode waveguides in SOI. In addition to measuring long spin T₁ times, we report on the integrated centres' optical properties. We find that the narrow homogeneous linewidth of these waveguide-integrated emitters is already sufficiently low to predict the future success of remote spin-entangling protocols with only modest cavity Purcell enhancements. We show that further improvements may still be possible by measuring nearly lifetime-limited homogeneous linewidths in isotopically pure bulk crystals. In each case the measured linewidths are more than an order of magnitude lower than previously reported and further support the view that high-performance, large-scale distributed quantum technologies based upon T centres in silicon may be attainable in the near term.

The relationship between urinary incontinence with sexual function and quality of life in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence has a significant impact on the psychosocial well-being of postmenopausal women. This study aimed to determine the relationship between urinary incontinence with sexual function and quality of life.

METHOD

It was a cross-sectional study using cluster sampling on 433 postmenopausal women in Tabriz-Iran, 2021-2022. Data were collected using questionnaires of socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics, female sexual function index (FSFI), Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL), and Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (UIDQ). Independent sample t-test and general linear model (GLM) were used to compare the quality of life and sexual function score between the two groups of women with and without stress, urgency, and mixed urinary incontinence.

RESULTS

Independent sample t-test showed a significant difference in the quality of life and sexual function between women with and without stress, urgency, and mixed urinary incontinence (p < 0.05). Based on the GLM with adjusting the socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics, women without stress incontinence reported a lower mean score of MENQOL (B = - 23.38; 95% CI = -30.1 to -16.6; p < 0.001) and a higher mean score of sexual function (B = 4.5; 95% CI = 2.1-7.0; p < 0.001) compared to women with stress incontinence; a lower MENQOL score and a higher sexual function score indicate better condition. However, there was no significant relationship between urgency and mixed incontinence with quality of life and sexual function (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

As urinary incontinence remarkably affects sexual function and quality of life of postmenopausal women, health care providers should consider better solutions for this issue in their work program.

Prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence and associated factors in Iranian postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common symptoms during menopause, leading to a decreased quality of life and limited social activities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence and associated risk factors in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

It was a cross-sectional study using cluster sampling on 433 postmenopausal women in Tabriz-Iran, 2021-2022. Data were collected using questionnaires of socio-demographic characteristics, Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID), and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UISF). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors related to urinary incontinence.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of urinary incontinence was 39.5%; 20.6% stress urinary incontinence (SUI), 10.4% urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), and 8.5% mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the prevalence of SUI (aOR 0.38; 95% CI 0.18-0.77) and UUI (aOR 0.38; 95% CI 0.15-0.94) was significantly lower in women with three childbirths than the ones with fewer childbirths. Also, the odds of UUI increased significantly in women at the 50-55 age range (aOR 3.88; 95% CI 1.16-12.93) than those less than 50 years.

CONCLUSION

Due to the high prevalence of urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women, caregivers should screen for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of urinary incontinence to prevent its destructive impact on the quality of life.

Effect of Nigella sativa L. seed oil on urinary incontinence and quality of life in menopausal women: A triple-blind randomized controlled trial

Increased urinary incontinence is one of the most common changes during menopause. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa L. seed oil on urinary incontinence and quality of life (QoL) (primary outcomes) and sexual function (secondary outcome) in menopausal women. In this triple-blind randomized controlled trial, 60 women in Tabriz-Iran were equally allocated into two treatment and control groups using block randomization. The women applied 2-3 drops of Nigella sativa L. seed oil or placebo on their stomachs below the novel twice a day for 8 weeks. The data collection instruments were completed at baseline and just after the intervention. After intervention, the mean rank score of mixed urinary incontinence was significantly lower (p = .04) and the mean score of the incontinence-QoL was significantly higher (mean difference 12.63, 95% CI 2.33 to 22.93; p = .017) in the treatment group than the control group. However, there were no significant differences in stress incontinence, urge incontinence, sexual function, and menopause-specific QoL of women between the groups (p > .05). The results indicated the positive effect of the Nigella sativa L. seed oil on mixed incontinence and incontinence-QoL; nevertheless, to make a certain conclusion, further studies are required.

P-047 The effects of dietary branched-chain amino acids on mice semen parameters and plasma amino acids profile

Study question

Are there any differences between the effect of each member of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) on sperm parameters and plasma amino acids profile?

Summary answer

Valine supplementation had destructive effects on sperm parameters and viability. However, blood amino acids profile were similar among treatments.

What is known already

BCAAs, a group of three essential amino acids, have a crucial role on protein synthesis, besides being strongly associated with impaired glucose and fat metabolism. Although BCAAs supplements are one of the most demanding products for the fitness industry to increase the lean body mass and boost exercise performance, little information exists on the advantages and disadvantages of dietary BCAAs on male fertility.

Study design, size, duration

Fifty NMRI mature male mice were divided into five groups and were fed diets as follow: Control (CTR): 2.4% Beta-alanine, Leucine (Leu): 1.18% Leu + 1.2% Beta-alanine, Isoleucine (Ile): 0.58% Ile + 1.8% Beta-alanine, Valine (Val): 0.65% + 1.7% Beta-alanine, and BCAAs (Leu:Ile:Val ratio of 2:1:1): 2.4% BCAA: 1.18% Leu + 0.58% Ile + 0.65% Val. After 5 weeks, testes and epididymides were dissected, and sperm parameters and plasma amino acids profile were assessed.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Semen parameters were evaluated by a Computer-Aided Semen Analysis (CASA) system. Plasma amino acids concentrations were determined by HPLC. Data were analyzed using SPSS and statistical differences among various groups were determined by ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test.

Main results and the role of chance

Higher BCAAs intake, particularly Val, increased the destructive mechanisms on sperm viability. The results showed no significant difference on body weight after 40 days. Sperm concentration (8.4 vs. 4.5 ×106), progressive motility (51.5 vs. 27.2 %), and viability (67 vs. 56 % for CTR and Val group, respectively) decreased dominantly in the Val group compared to CTR (p≤0.05). The immotile parameter was significantly higher in the Val group compared to the CTR (p≤0.05). In addition, there were no significant differences on plasma amino acids profile.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The current study's limitation is that only one level of BCAAs was used. Given the potential role of Val on sperm cell death, further data on different levels of all BCAAs, especially Val administration and evaluation of the related mechanisms are needed.

Wider implications of the findings

The findings of our study show, for the first time, that individual levels of Ile and Leu have different effects on sperm parameters compared with all BCAAs or Val. More attention should be given to BCAAs supplementation and semen quality that was previously ignored.

Trial registration number

not applicable

New species of Colletotrichum from wild Poaceae and Cyperaceae plants in Iran

Twenty-two Colletotrichum strains were isolated from anthracnose symptoms or leaf spots on leaves of various wild Poaceae and Cyperaceae plants collected in three provinces of Iran and tentatively identified as belonging to the Graminicola species complex based on morphology. All strains were studied via a polyphasic approach combining colony characteristics, morphology and phylogeny inferred from multi-locus sequences, including the nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), partial sequences of the β-tubulin (tub2), actin (act), manganese superoxide dismutase 2 (sod2), DNA lyase 2 (apn2) genes, a 200-bp intron of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh), and the intergenic spacer between the apn2 gene and the mat1 idiomorph (apn2/mat1). Six species were distinguished, including three new species, namely C. caspicum, C. persicum, and C. sacchari, and three previously described species, C. cereale, C. nicholsonii and C. sublineola. Comprehensive morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided for all species. Furthermore, this study provided new insights into the distribution and host range of known species.

P–125 Evaluation of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) effect on in vitro culture of immature mouse testis following vitrification

Study question

Can the Culture of cryopreserved immature mouse testicular tissue in the presence of NAC improves the developmental process and prevent apoptosis induction during the culture?

Summary answer

An appropriate dosage of NAC in the culture medium of immature mouse testicular tissue was associated with increased cell survival and spermatogonia stem cell regeneration.

What is known already

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the most advanced type of stem cells in the testes of prepubertal boys which are the main targets of oncological treatments. Therefore, the only possible alternative to maintain fertility in prepubertal boys is to preserve SSCs before their depletion by cryopreserving the testicular tissue. Despite the possibility of obtaining viable spermatozoa using cryopreserved testicular tissue cultivated in vitro,cryopreservation methods and damages caused by the culture procedure would be obstacles for maintaining the testicular tissueand it seems that optimizing the culture condition is vital.

Study design, size, duration

Testis tissues were harvested from 6-days-old immature NMRI male mice (n = 100) after cervical dislocation and vitrified. After 3 days testicular biopsies were warmed and distributed into control, culture Ӏ (not supplemented with NAC) and culture ӀӀ (supplemented with NAC) groups. To determine the appropriate NAC concentration 8 different dosages of NAC were evaluated in terms of cell survival and the best dose, a culture medium containing 125mmol/L NAC was selected to continue the study.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Vitrified-warmed fragments (2mm3) obtaining from immature NMRI mice were cultured in vitro for 7 days on agar gel. The effects of culture conditions were assessed by Morphological evaluation of seminiferous tubules (using Hematoxylin-eosin staining). Cell viability, protein expression (caspase–3), and gene expression (Bax, Bcl2, Caspase–3, plzf) were evaluated by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, and real time polymerase chain reaction respectively. Additionally, Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the culture medium was measured by MAD Assay Kit.

Main results and the role of chance

Significant (p &lt; 0.01) increase in cell viability was observed in the culture ӀӀ group after 7 days of culture compared to the culture Ӏ. Bax/Bcl2 ratio was significantly (p &lt; 0.01) lower in the culture ӀӀ group compared to the control and culture Ӏ group. The expression of caspase–3 showed a significant (p &lt; 0.001) increase in the culture ӀӀ group while immunofluorescence analysis showed low expression of it in all groups. These results were consistent with the high level of Bcl2expression that inhibited Caspase–3 expression and consequently the inhibition of apoptosis, and on the other hand, the presence of NAC showed that plzf expressions significantly (p &lt; 0.001) increased in culture ӀӀ group compared to the control and culture Ӏ group. Although the presence of NAC did not inhibit all the deleterious effects of culture medium on tissue morphology, NAC was able to maintain better integrity of tissue and seminiferous tubules within central regions compared to the group without NAC. The decrease in MDA level in the presence of NAC (culture ӀӀ) was also a good indicator to confirm the desired results obtained from the presence of NAC in the culture medium.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Although the findings of the study were satisfactory in mice tissue after 1 week of culture, it is essential to replicate the experiments using human tissue and evaluate the quality and reproductive potential of surviving spermatogonia after long-term storage to become clinically applicable.

Wider implications of the findings: This study highlights the necessity for further experiments to improve the testicular tissue culture conditions for better spermatogonial survival and differentiation to sperm, as the prepubertal fertility restoration methods are promising to be implemented in the clinic in the near future.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Development of synbiotic added sucrose-free mango nectar as a potential substrate for Lactobacillus casei: Physicochemical characterisation and consumer acceptability during storage

The study was carried out to evaluate the viability of probiotic bacteria as well as physicochemical and sensory characteristics of synbiotic added sucrose-free mango nectar. The mango nectar samples were prepared incorporating different concentrations of inulin and stevia (0, 2 and 4% w/w) and stored for 45 days at 4 °C. The results indicated that the growth of Lactobacillus casei was strongly influenced by the beverage composition. Therefore, the addition of inulin and stevia had a positive effect on the viability of L. casei, especially with 2% w/w inulin or inulin in combination with stevia. However, bacterial viability reduced during storage. According to the results, pH and total soluble solid content of the samples decreased during storage; however, the viscosity values of mango nectars were elevated by the addition of inulin and stevia. Additionally, all beverages were considered a suitable medium to keep the L. casei survival above the minimum recommended value (106–107 CFU mL−1) during storage. In general, it can be concluded that the sample containing 2% inulin and 2% stevia in combination provided the best viability of L. casei with acceptable physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics that could be introduced as synbiotic and low-calorie mango nectar.

Ochratoxin A challenges the intestinal epithelial cell integrity: results obtained in model experiments with Caco-2 cells

Contamination of human and animal diets with different mycotoxins have gained significant attention over the past decade. The intestinal barrier is the first site of exposure and a primary target for nutritional contaminants and hazardous substances including mycotoxins. In this study, the potential impact of ochratoxin A (OTA) on intestinal barrier integrity was highlighted using a human intestinal Caco-2 cell line. Cell viability following OTA exposure was determined by lactate dehydrogenase release and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Moreover, markers of barrier integrity, such as transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) as well as the permeability of Lucifer Yellow (LY) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran, were assessed. Furthermore, the protein expression of different tight junction (TJ) proteins, as main constituents of barrier integrity, was evaluated by Western blot. Results show that OTA reduces TEER values in a concentration- and time-dependent manner and increase the permeability of LY through the intestinal epithelial layer, while the cell viability did not change significantly. However, the damage was not severe enough to change the permeability to larger molecules, such as FITC-dextran. OTA exposure down-regulated the expression of TJ proteins claudin-1, -3 and -4 and up-regulated the expression of zona occludens 1. The observation that OTA can disrupt the epithelial barrier is of clinical importance as it may lead to an increased passage of luminal antigens into the systemic circulation.

The Colletotrichum dracaenophilum, C. magnum and C. orchidearum species complexes

Although Glomerella glycines, Colletotrichum magnum and C. orchidearum are known as causal agents of anthracnose of soybean, Cucurbitaceae and Orchidaceae, respectively, their taxonomy remains unresolved. In preliminary analyses based on ITS, strains of these species appear basal in Colletotrichum phylogenies, clustering close to C. cliviae, C. brevisporum and other recently described species from tropical or subtropical regions. Phylogenetic analyses (ITS, GAPDH, CHS-1, HIS3, ACT, TUB2) of 102 strains previously identified as Ga. glycines, C. magnum and C. orchidearum as well as other related strains from different culture collections and studies placed these taxa in three species complexes, and distinguished at least 24 species, including 11 new species. In this study, C. magnum, C. orchidearum and C. piperis were epitypified and their taxonomy resolved, while C. cliviicola was proposed as a new name for C. cliviae. Furthermore, a sexual morph was observed for C. yunnanense, while C. brevisporum, C. cliviicola and C. tropicicola were reported from new hosts or countries. Regarding their conidial morphology, species in the C. dracaenophilum, C. magnum and C. orchidearum species complexes are reminiscent of C. gloeosporioides or C. boninense s. lat., and were likely to be confused with them in the past.

Epidemiological and mycological characteristics of candidemia in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To date, there has been no comprehensive review of the epidemiology, risk factors, species distribution, and outcomes of candidemia in Iran. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of all reported candidemia cases in Iran until December 2015. The review process occurred in three steps, namely a literature search, data extraction and statistical analyses. After a comprehensive literature search, we identified 55 cases. The mean age of patients was 46.80±24.30 years (range 1-81 years). The main risk factors for candidemia were surgery and burns (23.6%), followed by malignancies (20%), use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (18.2%), and diabetes (7.3%). Candida parapsilosis (n=17, 30.8%) was the leading agent, followed by Candida albicans (n=15, 27.3%), Candida glabrata (n=10, 18.2%), and Candida tropicalis (n=8, 14.5%). The frequencies of candidemia cases due to C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. albicans were significantly higher among patients aged>60, 21-40, and 41-60 years, respectively. Comparison of risk factors for candidemia by multiple logistic regression showed that one of the most important risk factors was surgery (OR: 4.245; 95% CI: 1.141-15.789; P=0.031). The outcome was recorded in only 19 cases and 13 of those patients (68.4%) expired. This study confirms that knowledge of the local epidemiology is important when conducting surveillance studies to prevent and control candidemia and will be of interest for antifungal stewardship.

Correlates of waterpipe smoking among Iranian university students and the role of religiosity

Waterpipe smoking among youth and adolescents in Iran has gained in popularity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between waterpipe smoking and different dimensions of religiosity in a sample of students attending two major universities in South East Iran. A total of 682 students completed a waterpipe and cigarette smoking questionnaire along with the Duke University Religion Index. The lifetime prevalence of dual cigarette and waterpipe use was 48.3%, with prevalence of current use (within the last 30 days) of 24.9%. The proportions of lifetime and current waterpipe-only users were 27.0% and 18.8%, respectively. Students who participated more often in private religious activities were less likely to report engaging in waterpipe smoking (odds ratio: 0.82; 95% confidence interval: 0.71-0.98). A higher level of attendance of religious services was negatively associated with dual cigarette and waterpipe smoking (odds ratio: 0.71; 95% confidence interval: 0.54-0.93). Waterpipe-only use was significantly higher among males, students who had lower grade point averages, those who reported having a close friend or a family member who was a waterpipe smoker. To conclude, it is possible that religious observance may have a protective role in lowering waterpipe usage among Iranian university students.

Analysis of the association between IL-23R rs11209026 polymorphism and incidence of atherosclerosis

Th17/IL-23 axis is an important pro-inflammatory pathway in atherosclerosis. IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) pathway has an important role in T-helper cells 17 (Th17) differentiation and survival. We compared normal subjects and patients with atherosclerosis in terms of the R381Q variant of the IL-23R gene as a functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). This case-control study recruited 200 patients who presented with cardiovascular symptoms to Afshar Hospital, Yazd, Iran. The participants were allocated to five groups based on angiographic results. The severity of the disease was determined according to the numbers of involved vessels. Patients with normal coronary arteries, minimal coronary artery involvement, one involved vessel, two involved vessels and three-vessel disease were allocated to groups I-V, respectively. DNA was extracted from whole blood samples by the salting-out method. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism assay and multinomial logistic regression for analyses The presence of SNP A>G rs11209026 of IL-23 receptor gene was significantly associated with disease severity (P = 0.008). The frequencies of the heterozygous (AG) genotype in the control group and subjects with minimal involvement, and patients with one-, two-, and three-vessel disease were 22.5%, 12.5%, 10%, 10.24% and 4.8%, respectively. Our results indicated an association between the rs11209026 G>A polymorphism of the IL-23 receptor gene and the risk of atherosclerosis. This genetic variant may in fact cause protection against atherosclerosis progression. However, further studies on gene polymorphism and cell expression are required to clarify the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

GIS based analysis of Intercity Fatal Road Traffic Accidents in Iran

Road traffic accidents including intercity car traffic accidents (ICTAs) are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality due to the growing number of vehicles, risky behaviors, and changes in lifestyle of the general population. A sound knowledge of the geographical distribution of car traffic accidents can be considered as an approach towards the accident causation and it can be used as an administrative tool in allocating the sources for traffic accidents prevention. This study was conducted to investigate the geographical distribution and the time trend of fatal intercity car traffic accidents in Iran. To conduct this descriptive study, all Iranian intercity road traffic mortality data were obtained from the Police reports in the Statistical Yearbook of the Governor's Budget and Planning. The obtained data were for 17 complete Iranian calendar years from March 1997 to March 2012. The incidence rate (IR) of fatal ICTAs for each year was calculated as the total number of fatal ICTAs in every 100000 population in specified time intervals. Figures and maps indicating the trends and geographical distribution of fatal ICTAs were prepared while using Microsoft Excel and ArcGis9.2 software. The number of fatal car accidents showed a general increasing trend from 3000 in 1996 to 13500 in 2012. The incidence of fatal intercity car accidents has changed from six in 100000 population in 1996 to 18 in 100000 population in 2012. GIS based data showed that the incidence rate of ICTAs in different provinces of Iran was very divergent. The highest incidence of fatal ICTAs was in Semnan province (IR= 35.2), followed by North Khorasan (IR=22.7), and South Khorasan (IR=22). The least incidence of fatal ICTAs was in Tehran province (IR=2.4) followed by Khozestan (IR=6.5), and Eastern Azarbayejan (IR=6.6). The compensation cost of fatal ICTAs also showed an increasing trend during the studied period. Since an increasing amount of money was being paid yearly for the car accidents, which were in their nature preventable, the key players in road safety including governments, car manufacturers, and road developers were recommended to use GIS based accident data for a more efficient planning and budgeting towards the intercity car accidents reduction.

Information needs assessment of medical equipment offices based on Critical Success Factors (CSF) and Business System Planning (BSP) methods

Introduction: Given the ever-increasing importance and value of information, providing the management with a reliable information system, which can facilitate decision-making regarding planning, organization and control, is vitally important. This study aimed to analyze and evaluate the information needs of medical equipment offices. Methods: This descriptive applied cross-sectional study was carried out in 2010. The population of the study included the managers of statistic and medical records at the offices of vice-chancellor for treatment in 39 medical universities in Iran. Data were collected by using structured questioners. With regard to different kinds of designing information systems, sampling was done by two methods, BSP (based on processes of job description) and CSF method (based on critical success factors). The data were analyzed by SPSS-16. Results: Our study showed that 41% of information needs were found to be critical success factors of managers of office. The first priority of managers was "the number of bed and bed occupancy in hospitals". Of 29 identified information needs, 62% were initial information needs of managers (from the viewpoints of managers). Of all, 4% of the information needs were obtained through the form, 14% through both the form and database, 11% through the web site, and 71% had no sources (forms, databases, web site). Conclusion: Since 71% of the information needs of medical equipment offices managers had no information sources, the development of information system in these offices seems to be necessary. Despite the important role of users in designing the information systems (identifying 62% of information needs), other scientific methods is also needed to be utilized in designing the information systems.

Spatial distribution and prevalence of physical disabilities in the provinces of Iran

Introduction: To identify the influential social factors and spatial distribution of physical disabilities in Iran between 2006 and 2011. Materials and Methods: First, the prevalence of physical disability in each province between 2006 and 2011 was mapped via GIS. Moreover, the percentage of physical disability was estimated with regard to age, sex, and residential area. Finally, the prevalence of physical disability was estimated with regard to the afore-mentioned variables. Findings: The findings revealed that in the majority of the provinces of Iran, there was a decreasing trend in the prevalence of physical disability from 2006 to 2011. The prevalence of physical disability in the total population of the country was also decreased during these years. The results were also indicative of a higher prevalence among men than among women and also in rural residential areas than in urban areas. Conclusion: The results of this research can be used to identify the high- and low-risk areas. In addition, this information can be used for the etiology and the specification of the factors that cause the residents of some regions to get afflicted more than the others.

Spatial distribution and the prevalence of speech disorders in the provinces of Iran

Objective: To identify the spatial distribution and prevalence of speech disorder in Iran. Materials and methods: First, the prevalence of speech disorder in 2006 and 2011 was mapped via GIS for each province. Moreover, the prevalence of this disorder was calculated and classified according to age, sex, and residential area. Results: The prevalence in the majority of provinces indicated an overall decrease. Furthermore, its prevalence among the whole population of Iran in 2006 and 2011 was 2.2 and 2 per 1000 people, respectively. The highest prevalence was observed among people aged 75 years and older. Results showed that speech disorders are more prevalent among men compared to women and also among rural residents compared to those in urban areas. Conclusion: It is necessary to identify the high-risk areas in order to well organize the limited facilities to meet the actual needs of patients with speech disorder.

Metal mercury poisoning in two boys initially treated for brucellosis in Mashhad, Iran

Elemental mercury (Hg) is the only metal which evaporates in room temperature and its inhalation may cause toxicity. Hg poisoning may occur by mishandling the metal, particularly in children who play with it. Wide-spectrum of the clinical presentations of chronic Hg poisoning may cause misdiagnosis, particularly when history of exposure is unknown. We report two cases of accidental Hg poisoning, which initially had been diagnosed and treated for brucellosis. The patients were two brothers (7 and 14 years old) who presented with pain in their lower extremities, sweating, salivation, weight loss, anorexia and mood changes on admission. Meticulous history taking revealed that they had played with a ball of Hg since 3 months before admission. The level of urinary Hg was 125.9 and 54.2 9 g/L in the younger and older brother, respectively (normal ≤25 g/L). The patients were successfully treated by dimercaprol and discharged in good condition 24 days after admission. These cases are being reported to emphasize the importance of acrodynia as a differential diagnosis for brucellosis in endemic areas.

The relationship between body mass index with nausea and vomiting in the first trimester

Introduction

Nausea and vomiting in the first trimester is a common complaint of about 70% of pregnant women and it has a major effect on their quality of life. Its etiology is unknown but there are some risk factors for it.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to obtain the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Methods

This case-control study was performed on 300 pregnant women who had referred to outpatient clinics. 150 of these women were suffering from nausea and vomiting while the other 150 didn’t have this problem. We determined BMI in two groups. Then the results were analyzed statistically.

Results

The age average was 24.9 and 26.2 in case and control groups respectively. The BMI average was 26.01 kg/m2 and 26.02 kg/m2 in case and control groups respectively. No significant relationship was observed between two groups regarding the presence of nausea but in case group, women with vomiting had lower BMI (p = 0.026).

Conclusions

It was concluded that BMI is not a risk factor for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Rapid and selective lead (II) colorimetric sensor based on azacrown ether-functionalized gold nanoparticles

A gold nanoparticle (AuNPs)-based simple and fast colorimetric sensor for selective detecting of Pb(II) in aqueous solution has been developed. Monodisperse AuNPs (approx. 2.0 nm diameter) has been prepared facilely and further modified with an alkanethiol-bearing monoazacrown ether terminus. These AuNPs are shown to selectively sense Pb(2+) through color change, which is visually discernible by an appearance of the surface plasmon band (SPB) at 520 nm. The recognition mechanism is attributed to the unique structure of the monoazacrown ether attached to AuNPs and metal sandwich coordination between two azacrown ether moieties that are attached to separate nanoparticles. This inter-particle cross-linking results in an aggregation and apparent color change from brown to purple. Additionally, TEM experiments support the optical absorption data proving the aggregation between azacrown ether-capped gold nanoparticles. This AuNP-based colorimetric assay is a facile and robust method and allows fast detection of Pb(2+) at ambient temperatures. More importantly, the developed technique does not utilize enzymatic reactions, light-sensitive dye molecules, lengthy protocols or sophisticated instrumentation.