Psychometric Evaluation of a Persian Version of Beliefs about Emotions Scale in Community and Clinical Samples

Objective: This research is primarily conducted to determine the psychometric properties of the Beliefs about Emotions Scale (BES) in community and clinical samples. The BES is a scale measure used for evaluating individuals' beliefs in terms of how acceptable it is for them to experience and express their emotions. Method : This study was conducted on two separate samples. In the first part, 300 individuals were selected from a general sample in Tehran using the quota sampling method. For the second part of the study, we used purposive sampling to gather data from 119 patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and 121 patients from Somatic Symptoms Disorder (SSD), whose disorders were diagnosed based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. The BES structural validity was examined through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Additionally, test-retest composite and internal consistency indices were explored to investigate the reliability of the BES score. Finally, the associations of the BES score with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ), Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) scores were highlighted to investigate the discriminant and convergent validity of the BES score. Results: According to CFAs, the one-factor model for the BES demonstrated a good fit with the data collected from both the clinical and community samples. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was satisfactory in the community sample (α = 0.84) and the clinical samples of SSD (α = 0.86) and MDD (α = 0.83). The community sample demonstrated high overall test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93, P < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.89 - 0.95). In terms of convergent validity, the findings confirmed that in the MMD sample, there was a significant relationship between the BES and almost all measures (including Depression (r = 0.39, P < 0.01), Anxiety (r = 0.21, P < 0.05), Self-Sacrifice (r = 0.27, P < 0.01), MPS-total score (r = 0.22, P < 0.05), DERS total score (r = 0.50, P < 0.01), and Suppression (r = 0.38, P < 0.01). However, in the SSD group, this finding was not found. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the Persian BES is a reliable and valid scale of maladaptive beliefs about emotions which could be implemented for both clinical and research aims.

Glycyrrhizic acid delivery system Chitosan-coated liposome as an adhesive anti-inflammation

Nowadays, medicinal plants are used to overcome the side effects of prescription drugs in modern medicine. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) derived from the root of the licorice plant is one of the plant compounds whose effectiveness has been confirmed in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD). Liposome thin film hydration method was used to synthesize chitosan-coated liposomes containing GA. In the present study, chitosan-coated liposome was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The FTIR spectrum confirmed the coating of liposomes by chitosan polymer.  Liposome coating leads to an increase in the size and values of zeta potential. The 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay of chitosan-coated liposomes containing GA confirmed that it has no cytotoxicity toward fibroblasts cell line, therefore confirming their cytocompatibility. Overall, drug loading, release and cytotoxicity were evaluated and it was found that chitosan decreased the release rate of GA. It seems; chitosan-coated liposomes may be a suitable system for delivering liposomal GA in the treatment of IBD.

Serologic evaluation of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella in schizophrenia patients

Background

Infectious agents are considered as a possible cause of schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella antibodies in schizophrenia patients compared with the control group.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 75 patients with schizophrenia who were clinically diagnosed with schizophrenia using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) by two independent psychiatrists. As the controls, 75 sex and age-matched individuals were selected from orthopedic and surgical wards, who were admitted because of trauma. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody was detected by Abbott's company diagnostic kit. To detect anti-Brucella IgG antibodies, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test with Vircell diagnostic kit was used. Quantitative luminescence (CLIA) method using Abbott diagnostic kit was also used to detect anti-cytomegalovirus IgG antibody (CMV IgG avidity).

Results

There was not any clinically significant differences in the mean value of Toxoplasma, CMV and Brucella IgG antibodies between schizophrenia and control group. However, considering cut-off point for these tests and further analysis with non-parametric tests showed clinically significant difference between two groups at cut-off point 1.1 for anti-Brucella IgG antibody which indicated more positive samples in schizophrenia group (24 out of 75) than control group (12 out of 75) with a p-value less than 0.05 (0.046).

Conclusion

The results of the present study showed no association between toxoplasmosis infection and CMV and schizophrenia. However, there might be a positive correlation between anti-Brucella IgG antibody and schizophrenia.

Effect of concentration and shell thickness on the optical behavior of aqueous CdTe/ZnSe core/shell quantum dots (QDs) exposed to ionizing radiation

In this work CdTe/ZnSe core/shell quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized via a simple, rapid and room temperature photochemical approach. Optical properties of aqueous prepared CdTe/ZnSe QDs were studied systematically under gamma irradiation with doses range of 0 Gy to 20 kGy. The obtained results showed a regular red shift behavior versus gamma irradiation dose, in PL peak and absorption edge of the CdTe/ZnSe QDs. Structural properties of CdTe/ZnSe QDs before and after gamma irradiation were characteristic by means of XRD, Raman and FT-IR analyses. The obtained results showed that the crystalline structure of CdTe/ZnSe core/shell QDs wasn't changed after gamma irradiation. Concentration and shell thickness as two important factors on the sensitivity of CdTe/ZnSe QDs in front of gamma irradiation have been investigated. Based on this study, CdTe/ZnSe QDs suggested as a good candidate for gamma dosimeter.

Determination of proper band size for stainless steel crowns of primary second molars: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Fixed space maintainers are often used following primary tooth loss. In this process, selection of a proper band size for stainless steel crowns (SSCs) is often performed by trial and error, which increases the chairside time and risk of contamination of the tried bands with saliva, blood, and gingival crevicular fluid, necessitating their subsequent sterilization. This study is aimed at determining the proper size of prefabricated bands for all SSCs of primary second molars.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this cross-sectional study, seven examiners, including three orthodontists and four pediatric dentists attempted to select the proper band size for 24 primary second molar SSCs (3M). They selected the proper band size for each size of SSC six times in three sessions. The significance of all selected choices was carried out using the test of proportions.

RESULTS:

The most commonly selected bands for EU2, EU3, EU4, EU5, EU6, and EU7 SSCs were sizes 31+, 32+, 34, 35+, 37, and 38, respectively, and the proper bands for EL2, EL3, EL4, EL5, EL6, and EL7 SSCs were sizes 30, 31+, 32+, 33+, 35 and 36+, respectively. The difference in the frequency ratio of different choices for all sizes of SSCs was significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

The current study determined the proper band size for all SSCs of primary maxillary and mandibular second molars. This information can help dental clinicians in selecting the proper band size for SSCs without trial and error.

The effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on working memory in the elderly with normal cognitive impairments

Aim of the study

Reduced cognitive function is one of the problems caused by aging, which leads to reduced performance of the elderly. This is a study to evaluate the effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on working memory in the elderly with normal cognitive impairments.

Subject or material and methods

In this clinical trial, 45 elderlies participating in a self-care educational course in Zahedan, Iran, in 2016, were assigned into three groups of F3, F4, and sham stimulation. From all the participants, 2-back, forward and backward digit span, and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) tests were taken.

Results

The three groups showed no significant difference in the mean score of 2-back test at different time points.The three groups showed no significant difference in mean score of backward digit span test at different time points. The mean score of backward digit span test was significantly higher in the F3 group after the intervention.

Discussion

Discussion: The results of this study indicate that the score changes in the 2-back and the forward digit span tests were significant only in the F3 group. Also, the F4 group showed a significant difference at all the time points after the intervention, compared to before the intervention, but this change was less than that in the F3 group.

Conclusions

This study shows that tDCS can improve working memory performance via F3method. The tDCS can cause working memory improvement and naming facilitation by stimulation.

P1789Outcomes of different approaches for severe aortic stenosis: “"The Deferred-TAVI”, a multicentre study investigating medical and percutaneous therapy in the era of TAVI

Background

In the era of TAVI, also very high surgical risk patients can be treated and the importance of the Heart Team is to address the patient to the right therapy. In some cases due to comorbidities, lack of symptoms and patients' decision not always a final decision is achieved after the first clinical evaluation and the final strategy could be deferred for months.

Purpose

The study aims to analyze outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis differently treated according to the various approaches proposed by the Heart Team.

Methods

All the patients with a diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis considered at high and very high surgical risk were enrolled. Three international cardiology departments participated in this multicentre study. All the patients were divided into four groups according to the Heart Team decision of approach. Patients with indication to medical therapy only (DTO Drug therapy only), Patients first deferred from heart team decision, personal reasons or lack of symptoms and then addressed to medical therapy (D-DTO Deferred-Drug therapy only), Patients deferred and then addressed to TAVI within 3 months (D-TP Deferred TAVI Procedure), Patients with direct indication to TAVI (ITP Immediate TAVI procedure). Primary endpoint were overall survive at follow up comparing the differences between the four groups and the impact of the deferred strategy.

Results

795 patients were enrolled (80 DTO, 451 ITP, 264 initially deferred and then 155 D-DTO and 109 D-TP). Median follow-up was 465 days. Overall survive of the four groups at 1 year was 74% DTO, 73% D-DTO, 77% D-TP and 78% ITP, at 2 years 62% DTO, 38% D-DTO, 62% D-TP and 68% ITP, at 3 years 39% DTO, 11% D-DTO, 25% D-TP and 56% ITP (p≤0,001 at log rank test). At the multivariate analysis, compared to the referral group DTO, D-DTO was associated with higher mortality (HR=1,90; IC [95%]: 1,05–3,58; p=0,03 at 2 years; HR 1,66; IC [95%]: 1,01–2,76; p<0,05, at 3 years), while D-TP was not associated with lower mortality risk (HR 1,31 IC [95%]: 0,62–2,76; p=0,72 at 2 years, HR 1,37 IC [95%]: 0,77–2,44; p=0,77 at 3 years). ITP was associated with lower mortality risk only at 3 years (HR 0,60; IC [95%]: 0,42–0,99; p<0.05). Comparing the group deferred (D-DTO and D-TP) to the group not deferred (DTO and ITP), the deferred group was associated with higher mortality risk (HR 1,86; IC [95%]: 1,30–2.65; p=0,001 at 2 years, HR 2,21; IC [95%]: 1,61–3,05; p<0,001 at 3 years).

Conclusions

The Heart team decision on the approach of treatment strongly influence the survive of the patient. Compared to direct medical therapy, there is a higher risk of mortality for patients initially deferred and then treated with medical therapy and there is no survival benefit for patients initially deferred and then treated with TAVI. The choice of deferring the treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis clearly decrease long term survive at follow up regardless the strategy of the approach.

Electrochemical label-free and sensitive nanobiosensing of DNA hybridization by graphene oxide modified pencil graphite electrode

Based on the strong interaction between single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA) and graphene material, we have constructed a novel label-free electrochemical biosensor for rapid and facile detection of short sequences ss-DNA molecules related to hepatitis C virus 1a using graphene oxide modified pencil graphite electrode. The sensing mechanism is based on the superior adsorption of single-stranded DNA to GO over double stranded DNA (ds-DNA). The intrinsic guanine oxidation signal measured by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) has been used for duplex DNA formation detection. The probe ss-DNA adsorbs onto the surface of GO via the π- π* stacking interactions leading to a strong background guanine oxidation signal. In the presence of complementary target, formation of helix which has weak binding ability to GO induced ds-DNA to release from the electrode surface and significant variation in differential pulse voltammetric response of guanine bases. The results indicated that the oxidation peak current was proportional to the concentration of complementary strand in the range of 0.1 nM-0.5 μM with a detection limit of 4.3 × 10^-11 M. The simple fabricated electrochemical biosensor has high sensitivity, good selectivity, and could be applied as a new platform for a range of target molecules in future.

The Mortality Rate of Myocardial Infraction Patients With and Without Opium Dependen

Background:

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a heart condition caused by the suspension of blood circulation in a part of the myocardium. There are different risk factors contributing to a heart attack. Some believe that endorphins and endogenous opioids play an important role in causing MIs.

Objectives:

This study intended to determine the relationship between opium dependency and mortality rate among patients with MI.

Patients and Methods:

This retrospective study investigated patients who had MI for the first time and were hospitalized in the coronary care unit (CCU) of Khatamolanbia hospital in Zahedan, Iran, from 2007 to 2010. These patients were either opium dependent or not. Four hundred patients were selected. The patients’ possibilities of death and re-hospitalization after the first MI were confirmed over the phone. Data was analyzed through t-test and chi-squared test.

Results:

Of all the patients, 19.5% were opium-dependent. The mortality rate in the non-opium-dependent group was 5.9%, while in the dependent group this rate was 11.5% (P = 0.072). The number of re-hospitalizations due to heart problems was higher in the opium-dependent patients (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

There was no meaningful relationship between the mortality rate of patients with MI who were either opium-dependent or non-opium-dependent. The number of re-hospitalizations due to heart problems was meaningfully higher in the opium-dependent patients; hence, educating people and training them on the destructive effects of opium, specifically in patients with heart conditions is highly recommended.

Is there any relationship between medication compliance and affective temperaments in patients with type 2 diabetes?

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common type of diabetes.The number of patients with this disease is expected torise in future. Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes, there is an urgent need for the treatment of diabetes and the associated complications. Glycemic control largely depends on compliance with medication therapies. In fact, the most common problem in patients with diabetes is lack of medication compliance. This study aimed to determine the relationship between affectivetemperaments and medication compliance in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In this cross-sectional research, the study population consisted of all patients referring to the endocrinology clinic of Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital of Tehran in 2010 and 2011. Two hundreds and seven patients were selected, using available sampling method. In this study, we used Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Auto questionnaire (TEMPS-A), a single-item scale of medication compliance, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and a researcher-made questionnaire to assess the patients’ demographic information. All participants completed the questionnaires related to affective temperaments, medication compliance, depression and demographic information. The obtained data were recorded on the prepared sheets.

Results

Of 207 patients, 79 (38.2%) and 128 (61.8%) subjects were male and female, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of demographic data were calculated. In total, 13.5%, 19.3%, and 8.2%of the participants had mild, moderate, and severe depression, respectively. In this study, as the single-item rating scale indicated, medication compliance and non-compliance were reported in 75.4% and 24.6% of the patients, respectively. Among the demographic characteristics and clinical variables, frequency of patient referral and glycated hemoglobin level were predictors of medication compliance. Also, among affective temperaments, irritable temperament was a predictor of medication compliance.

Conclusions

The obtained findings emphasize the importance of psychological factors such as personality characteristics in medication compliance of patients with diabetes. In case a patient obtains high scores in irritable temperament (which indicate poor medication compliance), he/she should follow special training programs to improve his/her medication compliance.

Intraoperative pulmonary oedema in a young cocaine smoker

This is a case of a 28-yr-old man who underwent general anaesthesia for emergency repair of a right lid laceration and lacrimal apparatus. Following induction of anaesthesia and local nasal application of phenylephrine (0.25%) he developed transient elevation of blood pressure, which was treated immediately with labetalol. Subsequently the patient developed acute pulmonary oedema which responded to treatment with morphine and furosemide. The diagnosis of pulmonary oedema was confirmed by blood gas studies, chest x-ray and serial echocardiograms. Subsequent investigation revealed that he was a cocaine user, as the urine tested positive for cocaine. Considering that the patient was young and otherwise healthy and that the hypertension was transient, it is unlikely that phenylephrine was the main cause of pulmonary oedema. Cardiac morbidity was most likely precipitated by the interaction of phenylephrine-induced hypertension with a cocaine-depressed myocardium.