Repository of Research and Investigative Information
Not a member yet
797 research outputs found
Sort by
Correlation between Visual Acuity and Optical Coherence Tomography-Measured Retinal Thickness in Diabetic Macular Edema
Full text linkBackground and Objective: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is one of the common complications of diabetes which significantly accounts for preventable visual impairment and blindness. Central macular thickness (CMT) is a feature found in DME patients. This study aims to determine the relationship between optical coherence tomography (OCT)-measured CMT and visual acuity (VA) in patients with DME before and after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with diabetic macular edema with involvement of both eyes referred to the Ophthalmology Department of Rouhani Hospital in Babol who underwent intravitreal injection of Bevacizumab. VA (measured by Snellen chart), CMT (measured by OCT), clinical and paraclinical factors (including the duration of diabetes, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), hypertension, and smoking history data) were evaluated and compared among all patients just before and 45 days after Bevacizumab injection.
Findings: Before the injection of Bevacizumab in 200 eyes, the mean value of VA (letter score) and mean value of CMT (µm) were 36.83±12.73 and 425.48±85.18 µm, respectively (p<0.001, 95% CI=12.5 – 17.5 and 95% CI=-71.5 – -55.5, respectively). 45 days after Bevacizumab injection, the mean value of absolute VA changes was 15.24±10.16, and the mean value of absolute CMT changes was -67.83±43.08 µm (coefficient=-0.18, 95% CI=-0.39 – 0.05).
Conclusion: Although VA was correlated moderately with CMT and the polynomial regression model enhanced the predictive ability, it remains fully obvious that CMT and clinical factors could play an essential role as VA surrogates
The Role of Doctor-Patient Communication Skills in Predicting Treatment Adherence
Full text linkBackground and Objective: The level of patient adherence to treatment and medication orders is one of the important factors influencing the effectiveness of medical treatments. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between doctor-patient communication skills and the level of adherence to medication orders after discharge from the hospital.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 284 patients admitted to the surgery and urology departments of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Babol, where at least 48 hours had passed since their admission. Patients completed two questionnaires of doctor-patient communication skills (range 21-70) and Burton communication skills (range 18-90) in the hospital. Then, two weeks after discharge, the patients answered the two questionnaires of general adherence and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale online or by telephone contact, and the results were analyzed.
Findings: The mean age of the participating patients was 50.65±18.20 years and the score of general adherence to treatment orders was 24.26±5.77 (range 7-30) and medication adherence was 8.54±2.91 (range 1-11). 222 patients (78.2%) had high adherence to treatment orders. Stepwise regression analysis showed that doctors’ communication skills were a positive factor in medication adherence (p<0.001, ß=0.336) and adherence to treatment orders (p<0.001, ß=0.331). Moreover, patients’ communication skills had a positive effect on medication adherence (p=0.01, ß=0.137) and general adherence to treatment orders (p<0.001, ß=0.205).
Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the communication skills of doctors and patients is a positive predictor of adherence to treatment and medication orders after discharge from the hospital
Efficacy and safety of endoscopic sphincterotomy with balloon dilation versus endoscopic sphincterotomy alone for extraction of common bile duct stones with a maximum diameter of 10 to15 millimeters
Full text linkBackground: Various factors, most notably the stone's features, determine the selection of an appropriate method to extract common bile duct (CBD) stones during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In this study, the efficacy and safety of endoscopic sphincterotomy with balloon dilation (ESBD) versus endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for CBD stone extraction with a diameter of 10 to 15 millimeters were compared. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 154 patients referred to the Rouhani Hospital in Babol, Iran, with CBD stones. Consensus sampling was used. Each individual's demographic information and findings from the procedure were entered into the SPSS software (v. 26). A level of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 154 patients were included in the study, of which 81 (52.6) were in the EST, and 73 (47.4) were in the ESBD group. Complete stones removal rate was higher in the ESBD versus the EST group (79.5 versus 46.9, P<0.001). No significant differences were observed between the two methods' overall side effects rate (P = 0.469). Conclusion: For the complete extraction of CBD stones larger than 10 millimeters, the ESBD method outperforms the EST method
Late presentation of incomplete jejunoileal junction atresia with recurrent midgut volvulus; A case report for chronic midgut volvulus in adults
Full text linkBackground: Despite the prevalence of intestinal malformation in Childs, late-onset during adulthood is rare and usually diagnosed incidentally. It may be present as subtle or vague abdominal pain following mid-gut volvulus. Computerized tomography may help diagnosis, but surgery remains the gold standard of diagnosis and treatment. Case Presentation: We presented a 24-year-old woman who complained of chronic intermittent abdominal pain, progressive food intolerance, and severe weight loss. Magnetic resonance enterography revealed dilated jejunum and collapsed ileum with slight bowel rotation around its mesentery (whirlpool sign), which was suggestive for mal-rotation of the intestine complicated by midgut volvulus, then the diagnosis was confirmed by laparotomy. During six months of follow-up after surgery, the patient's appetite improved significantly with eight kilograms of weight gain and resolution of abdominal pain. Conclusion: It may be a rationale to consider intestinal malformation as a differential diagnosis in a patient who complained of chronic abdominal pain with progressive weight loss, anorexia, and recurrent bowel obstructive symptoms
An Audit of Nursing Care and Placement of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter in Infants
Full text linkBackground and Objective: The performance quality of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) by nurses has a direct effect on the improvement of patient care and safety. The aim of this study is to audit the placement and nursing care of PICC in infants.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 PICC procedures in the neonatal intensive care units of Rouhani and Amirkola hospitals in Babol in 2018-2021. All infants who needed PICC placement for any reason were selected. In order to collect the data, the observational researcher-made checklist and the infant demographic characteristics questionnaire were used. The checklist included 44 questions and four parts of nursing care before catheter insertion, hand washing, nursing care during the procedure, and nursing care after catheter placement. The scores obtained from the checklist were classified into conversion percentage and two groups of unfavorable placement (less than 67) and favorable placement (68-100). To confirm its reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient was used (ICC=0.90).
Findings: A total of 130 cases of PICC placement and nursing care were audited (Rouhani Hospital 98 cases 75.4%, Amirkola 32 cases 24.6%). In the studied sample, 83 (63.8%) were boys and 53 (43.1%) were diagnosed with prematurity. The most common PICC location was the armpit (42.3%). The percentages of compliance of nursing care before PICC insertion according to the standard (97.43%), hand washing (100%), nursing care during the procedure (87.14%) and nursing care after PICC insertion (94.84%) were favorable. Nurses did not use glasses and ultrasound guidance during PICC insertion; (85.4%) and (90%), respectively.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, although the quality of PICC insertion and care in three stages was at a favorable level, nurses need training regarding the use of glasses and ultrasound guidance during PICC insertion
Chromium and lead levels and alteration in DDPH inhibition in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy
Full text linkBackground: Recently the carcinogenic and toxic effects of some heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) through the mechanism of oxidative stress have been reported. Due to the various consequences of chemotherapeutic treatments on body hemostasis, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Adriamycin 60 mg/m2 and Cytoxan 600 mg/m2 (AC) chemotherapy on the serum levels of Cr, Pb, and the percent α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition. Methods: This study was performed on 50 patients with breast cancer at two separate sampling times, the first at the initiation of chemotherapy and the last at the end of three courses of the AC chemotherapy treatment. Serum levels of Cr and Pb were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The percent DPPH inhibition ( I) and also the effect of age and stage of the disease on the mentioned variables were evaluated. Statistical comparison of the obtained results before and after chemotherapy was performed using paired sample t-test. Intra-group evaluation of age and disease stages was done using an independent sample t-test. Results: A significant decrease was observed in the percent DPPH inhibition after 3 courses of chemotherapy (p<0.001). Cr and also Pb were significantly higher in patients with breast cancer after AC chemotherapy (p<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, AC chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer is associated with higher levels of Cr and Pb, which can eventually lead to worsened oxidative stress status in affected patients. However, it seems that these changes do not necessarily depend on age and the stage of the disease.  
Vitamin D receptor expression in sperms of male with unexplained infertility
Full text linkBackground: Vitamin D is associated with numerous disorders, including infertility. Accordingly, the goal of this research was to find out the level of vitamin D and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the sperm of male subjects with unexplained infertility. Methods: Twenty-four unexplained infertile men as the case group and 22 healthy fertile men as the control group were recruited. Vitamin D levels were evaluated in seminal fluid using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Afterwards, the swim-up test was performed to isolate motile sperm cells. From these cells, RNA was extracted, complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized, and mRNA expression of the VDR gene was evaluated with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: A decrease in VDR mRNA expression levels was detected in the case group compared to the control group, but this reduction was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Besides, the level of vitamin D in seminal fluid was not detectable in both groups. Conclusion: The sperm of unexplained infertile men express VDR gene mRNA, although there was no vitamin D in seminal samples. Hence, vitamin D and VDR signaling might not be effective in the etiopathogenesis of unexplained infertility in men
The Effect of Intracanal Irrigants on Push out Bond Strength of CEM, Root MTA and Angelus MTA Cements to the Dentin Wall
Full text linkBackground and Objective: To reduce microbial contamination in cases such as perforation treatment, it is necessary to use irrigants after cement placement. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of intracanal irrigants on the push out bond strength of CEM, Root MTA and Angelus MTA cements to the dentin wall.
Methods: In this laboratory research, 150 cross-section samples from the mid-root region of single canal teeth without caries with a thickness of 1 mm, which were randomly divided into 3 groups of 50 and filled with CEM cement, Root MTA or Angelus MTA, were examined. After the cements were set, the samples of each group were divided into 5 subgroups of 10; 4 subgroups were cleaned with sodium hypochlorite, EDTA, normal saline, 2% chlorhexidine for 30 minutes, and one subgroup was not cleaned as a control group. Then, the push out bond strength of cement with the dentin wall (MPa) and the failure pattern of the samples were evaluated.
Findings: Different cleaning methods did not show any significant effect on the bond strength of CEM, Root MTA and Angelus MTA cements. In the cleaning method with saline, the bond strength of Angelus MTA (6.3±1.98) was higher than Root MTA (2.1±3.61) (p=0.004). In the cleaning method with 2% chlorhexidine, the bond strength of Angelus MTA cement (8.72±3.13) was higher compared to CEM (3.87±1.35) and Root MTA (4.66±1.76) (respectively p<0.001 and p=0.001). The most common type of failure in the Angelus MTA group was of the adhesive type, and in the CEM cement and Root MTA groups, it was of the mixed type.
Conclusion: The results of the study showed that different cleaning methods have no effect on the push-out bond strength of the examined cements
Effect of CO2 laser irradiation on the surface of the polycrystalline ceramic bracket and the rate of canine movement with sliding mechanic
Full text linkIntroduction: Metal brackets are the most commonly used brackets in clinical orthodontics, but the sight of color of the metal bracket can be unpleasant for some patients. Ceramic brackets offer the desired beauty but they have higher frictional resistance. Considering that in vitro studies suggest that CO2 laser reduces the friction between the wire and slot of the bracket in the sliding mechanics, the aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of CO2 laser on the speed of tooth movement using the sliding mechanics.
Materials & Methods: This randomized double-blind clinical trial was performed on 7 patients and a total of 13 half jaws in each group. These patients were candidates for bilateral extraction of the first premolars due to lack of space or dentoalveolar protrusion. After alignment and leveling, the ceramic brackets were passively bonded. The ceramic brackets of the experimental group irradiated with the CO2 laser and the brackets of the control group were bonded unchanged. The brackets were examined with an atomic force microscope (AFM) before and after irradiation. Statistical data were analyzed paired t-test to compare the rate of gap closure between the two groups at one-month intervals. ANOVA was used to examine the reduction in spacing at three-month intervals. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The rate of gap closure between the two groups was compared at one-month intervals, which was not statistically significant in either month. Furthermore, in the comparison between the study and control groups, the decrease in the distance between the canine and second premolars was not statistically significant after a total of three months (p=0.0918).
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, CO2 laser irradiation of the bracket surface has no effect on the speed of movement of the canine when sliding on the wire
Knowledge and practice regarding dental radiological waste disposal among dental specialists and general dentists in Amol and Babol cities
Full text linkIntroduction: The aim of this study was to assess dentists’ knowledge and practice about dental radiological wastes that are dangerous to the environment.
Materials &Methods: This was a cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018-19. All participants completed a two sections’ (knowledge and practice) checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA. A value of P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Totally, 204 (73.5% general dentists and 26.5% specialist) dentists from Amol (35.8%) and Babol (64.2%) participated. The mean age of participants was 39.2 (SD± 10.9) years, and 59.2% of them were female. The average percentage of dentists’ knowledge and practice about radiological waste disposal was 42.55 and 43.12% respectively. Gender, work experience, special or general degree, and city of clinical activity had no significant effect on dentists’ knowledge and practice (P>0.05).
Conclusion: More than half of dentists had no correct knowledge and practice on how to dispose radiological wastes. It is necessary to develop specific approaches such as workshops and training classes