Comparison of the Conjunct Effects of Electrical Stimulation and Whole-Body Vibration Therapy with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Whole-body Vibration Therapy on Balance and Function in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cerebral palsy is a neurodevelopmental condition that results in impaired movement and posture, often accompanied by disturbances in balance and functional abilities. Recent advances in neurorehabilitation, including whole-body vibration therapy (WBVT), functional electrical stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation, show promise in enhancing traditional interventions and fostering neuroplasticity. However, the efficacy of their conjunct effects remains largely uncharted territory and warrants further exploration. The objective of the study was to compare the conjunct effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) and WBVT with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and WBVT on lower extremity range of motion (ROM), dynamic balance, functional mobility, isometric muscle strength and hand grip strength in children with spastic cerebral palsy. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was carried out on 42 children of both genders with spastic cerebral palsy, aged 5-15 years. The children were divided at random into three groups (14 in each group). In Group A, there were three (21.42%) males and 11 (78.57%) females, in Group B, eight (57.14%) were males and six (42.85%) were females, and in Group C, six (42.85%) children were males and eight (57.14%) were females. Group A received WBVT only, Group B received WBVT and FES, and Group C received WBVT and tDCS. The intervention was applied four times a week for four consecutive weeks. The data was collected two times before and immediately after four weeks of intervention. Lower extremity ROM was measured by a goniometer, functional mobility or dynamic balance was measured by a Time Up and Go test, isometric muscle strength was measured by a digital force gauge, and hand grip strength was assessed by a digital hand-held dynamometer. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0 (Released 2020; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) was utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the children in groups A, B, and C was 12.21±2.11 years, 11.71±2.01, and 11.07±2.01 years respectively. Intergroup analysis revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the lower extremity range of motion, and functional mobility. Hand grip strength and isometric muscle strength between three groups. Post hoc analysis revealed that WBVT with transcranial direct current stimulation combined showed the most improvement. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that positive effects were seen in all three groups but tDCS with WBVT was found to be most effective in improving lower extremity ROM, functional mobility or dynamic balance, isometric muscle strength, and hand grip strength in children with spastic CP. The differences between the groups were statistically significant. The effect size was substantial enough to surpass established clinical benchmarks, indicating that the observed improvements are likely to have meaningful and beneficial impacts on patient outcomes.

Color change of tooth-colored restorative materials bonded to silver diamine fluoride-treated dentine: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The desirable properties of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) make it an effective agent for managing dental caries and tooth hypersensitivity. There are several clinical instances that SDF application might precede the placement of direct tooth-colored restorations. On the other hand, SDF stains demineralized/carious dental tissues black, which might affect the esthetic outcomes of such restorations. Color is a key parameter of esthetics in dentistry. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review dental literature on color/color change of tooth-colored restorations placed following the application of SDF on dentine. METHODS: Comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus and ISI Web of Science databases (until August 2023) as well as reference lists of retrieved studies was performed. In vitro studies reported color or color change of tooth-colored restorative materials applied on SDF-treated dentine were included. Methodological quality assessment was performed using RoBDEMAT tool. Pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated. RESULTS: Eleven studies/reports with a total of 394 tooth-colored restorations placed following a) no SDF (control) or b) SDF with/without potassium iodide (KI)/glutathione dentine pre-treatments were included. Color change was quantified using ∆E formulas in most reports. The pooled findings for the comparison of resin-based composite (RBC) restorations with and without prior 38% SDF + KI application revealed no statistically significant differences in ∆E values at short- and long-term evaluations (~ 14 days: WMD: -0.56, 95% CI: -2.09 to 0.96; I2: 89.6%, and ~ 60 days: WMD: 0.11; 95% CI: -1.51 to 1.72; I2: 76.9%). No studies provided sufficient information for all the items in the risk of bias tool (moderate to low quality). CONCLUSIONS: The limited evidence suggested comparable color changes of RBC restorations with and without 38% SDF + KI pre-treatment up to 60 days. The included studies lacked uniformity in methodology and reported outcomes. Further studies are imperative to draw more definite conclusions. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO database under number CRD42023485083.

Comparing the efficacy of a novel mucoadhesive patch containing Nigella sativa 10% with triamcinolone 0.1% in patients with erosive-atrophic oral lichen planus: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy of a novel mucoadhesive patch containing Nigella sativa 10% extract compared to triamcinolone 0.1% in alleviating symptoms and reducing lesion severity in patients with erosive-atrophic oral lichen planus. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A pilot study comprising two groups, each with 10 patients, was conducted. The intervention group received mucoadhesive patches containing N. sativa 10% extract, while the control group received triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% patches. Pain and burning intensity, measured through visual analog scale, and lesion severity based on the Thongprasom scale were assessed weekly for 4 weeks. Descriptive records were kept for side effects and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Pain and burning intensity decreased in both groups throughout the sessions, with the N. sativa group showing a greater reduction than the triamcinolone group. The reduction in burning intensity within each group was significant (p < .001), and there was a significant difference between groups only in the second session (p = .045). The overall difference between groups was not significant (p > .05). Lesion severity also decreased significantly in both groups (p < .001), with a significant difference between groups observed in the third session (p = .043) and overall throughout the study (p = .006). CONCLUSION: The use of N. sativa extract in mucoadhesive patches was as effective as corticosteroids in reducing pain, burning, and lesion severity in patients with oral lichen planus, with N. sativa showing superior results in some sessions. Notably, no significant complications were observed with N. sativa use, making it a promising treatment option for lichen planus.

Evaluation and comparison of the effects of a new paste containing 8% L-Arginine and CaCO3 plus KNO3 on dentinal tubules occlusion and dental sensitivity: a randomized, triple blinded clinical trial study.

BACKGROUND: Dentin hypersensitivity, often occurring after dental treatments or from erosive lesions, is a prevalent patient complaint. This study introduces a paste combining 8% L-arginine, calcium carbonate, and potassium nitrate to evaluate its impact on dentinal tubules occlusion, dentin permeability, and tooth sensitivity. METHODS: Dentin surfaces from 24 third molars (thickness: 2 mm) were divided into two groups of 12. One received the experimental paste, while the other received a placebo without desensitizer. Permeability and sealing ability were assessed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dentin permeability measurement. The pastes' effects on hypersensitivity were then examined in a triple-blind, randomized parallel-armed clinical trial with 16 eligible patients. Sensitivity to cold, touch, and spontaneous stimuli was recorded using the VAS scale at various intervals post-treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted using Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, and Wilcoxon tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The permeability test demonstrated a significant reduction in dentin permeability in the experimental group (P = 0.002) compared to the control (P = 0.178). SEM images revealed most dentinal tubules in the intervention samples to be occluded. Clinically, both groups showed a significant decrease in the three types of evaluated sensitivity throughout the study. However, no significant difference in sensitivities between the two groups was observed, with the exception of cold sensitivity at three months post-treatment (P = 0.054). CONCLUSION: The innovative desensitizing paste featuring 8% L-arginine, calcium carbonate, and potassium nitrate effectively occluded dentinal tubules and reduced dentin permeability. It mitigated immediate and prolonged dentin hypersensitivity to various stimuli, supporting its potential role in managing dentin hypersensitivity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://irct.ir : IRCT20220829055822N1, September 9th, 2022.

The effect of increasing duration of family members' presence on sleep status in patients with acute coronary syndrome in cardiac care unit: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To investigate the effect of increasing duration of family members' presence on sleep status in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admitted to the cardiac care unit. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Ninety patients with ACS randomly assigned into two groups. No intervention was performed in control group. In the intervention group, the time of family members presence was changed from 1 h per day to 2 h per day from the second to the fourth day. Then, ST Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire was completed by the patients every day during the study. RESULTS: The patients in the intervention group had statistically significantly better sleep status during the course of intervention compared to the control group. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The increasing duration of family members' presence can improve the sleep quality and quantity of ACS patients.

Investigating the efficacy of a varnish containing gallic acid on remineralization of enamel lesions: an in vitro study.

This study evaluated the efficacy of a formulated remineralizing gallic acid (GA) varnish in treating artificial enamel caries lesions. Fifty-five intact bovine incisors were collected. Enamel blocks (5 × 9 mm) were prepared. A third of each block's surface remained intact. Primary carious lesions were induced on the middle and bottom thirds of the blocks by immersing the samples in a demineralization solution for 6 h. The bottom third of the blocks were further remineralized by randomly applying 0.5%, 2%, or 8% GA varnishes and 2.26% fluoride varnish (V varnish, Vericom, Seoul, Korea), or the varnish base without active ingredients (n = 11 each). The specimens were immersed in a remineralizing solution for 4 h and then subjected to a 2-hour immersion in the demineralizing solution. After six days of pH cycling, the surface microhardness was measured at depths of 30, 75, and 120 µm. The percentage of surface microhardness recovery (SMHR%) was compared among the groups using the Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, and Tukey HSD post-hoc tests (α = 0.05). The SMHR% of all experimental groups was higher than the control group at 30 µm (p < 0.05). The 0.5% GA varnish showed the highest SMHR% at all depths; however, the difference with the other experimental groups was significant at a depth of 30 µm (p < 0.05). The SMHR% of the fluoride and the 2% and 8% GA varnishes was comparable at all depths. All treatments potentially remineralize enamel lesions, with 0.5% GA varnish having the greatest effect, particularly on the top surface layer. As such, this newly developed varnish may emerge as a promising alternative to fluoride varnish.

A randomized clinical trial on the changing of median nerve cross-sectional area and pain after extracorporeal shock wave and low-level laser therapy added to conventional physical therapy in patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common mononeuropathy in the upper limb. It remains uncertain whether adding extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to conventional treatment benefits CTS patients. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of ESWT and LLLT in conjunction with conventional treatments (including carpal mobilization, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and ultrasound) on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve and pain in mild-to-moderate CTS patients. STUDY DESIGN: This was a single-blinded randomized clinical trial with registration number IRCT20220504054734N1. METHODS: Thirty-six patients were randomly assigned using block balanced randomization to receive either four sessions of ESWT or 10 sessions of LLLT in addition to 10 sessions of conventional treatments over 2 weeks. Patients received numbered closed envelopes indicating their treatment group. CSA (primary) and pain (secondary) in 18 patients who completed the treatment were assessed at baseline and after 2 weeks by a blinded assessor. Paired and independent sample t-tests were used for analyses due to the normal distribution of data was checked by Kolmogorov-Smirnoff. Cohen's d effect size was used to assess the intervention's magnitude. RESULTS: Both ESWT and LLLT groups showed significant improvements in CSA (p = 0.002) and pain (p < 0.001) from baseline to posttreatment. CSA improvement was moderate for ESWT (mean difference: 1.2, 95% CI 0.51-1.9) and mild for LLLT (mean difference: 0.76, 95% CI 0.4-1.14). Conversely, pain improvement was substantial in both groups (ESWT: mean difference 4.4, 95% CI 3.6-5.3; LLLT: mean difference 4.4, 95% CI 3.7-5.2). No substantial differences between ESWT and LLLT were observed, highlighting their comparable efficacy. CONCLUSION: The addition of either LLLT or ESWT to conventional treatment effectively reduced pain and median nerve CSA in mild-to-moderate CTS. The absence of significant differences between ESWT and LLLT indicates their comparable efficacy in pain relief and CSA reduction.

Ability of equilibrium and non-equilibrium models to simulate the effects of vermicompost and hydraulic conditions on nitrate and DOC leaching.

ABSTRACTThis study aims to model the effects of saturated-unsaturated flow rates and initial moisture content on nitrate and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leaching in soils amended and unamended with vermicompost using equilibrium and non-equilibrium models. Flow rates ranging from 0.4 to 5.1 cm3/min were applied to the columns filled with the soils under initial saturated and air-dried conditions. The leaching of nitrate and DOC was simulated using a one-dimensional advection-dispersion model coupled with the equilibrium and non-equilibrium models. The accuracy of equilibrium without distribution coefficient (KD), equilibrium with KD, one-site, two-site and dual porosity models for modelling the nitrate leaching was 21.8, 33.6, 67.5, 82.2 and 83.9%, respectively, indicating the higher accuracy of dual porosity and two-site models compared to the other models. According to the results of the two-site model, the kinetic release was the most dominant process in all leaching experiments due to the fractions of equilibrium soil sites (F) < 0.5. Vermicompost decreased the diffusion coefficient (D0), distribution coefficient (KD), first-order rate constant (ß) and retardation factor (RF). In comparison to the air-dried condition, the initial saturated condition compared to the air-dried condition resulted in less F and D0, higher KD and RF lower ß for nitrate and lower KD and RF and higher ß for DOC. Leaching using a desaturation flow rate of 0.4 cm3/min was more time-dependent, which reduced RF values from 22.6 to 1.09 and 21.5 to 3.68 for nitrate and DOC, respectively. Moreover, the desaturation flow rate reduced D0 and KD and increased ß.

Field study of irrigation strategies with treated wastewater and saline water on heavy metal accumulation in barley grain.

This study examines the effects of three irrigation regimes with a combination of saline water and treated wastewater on the accumulation of heavy metals in barley grains. A field experiment was designed as a split-split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design, in which treatments were different irrigation regimes (50%, 70%, and 100% full irrigation) and irrigation water types (saline water [SW], treated wastewater [TW], mixed water resources [MWR], and alternative irrigation [AI]). After cultivation and harvesting of the barley crop, the grain yield, 1000-grain weight, and contents of heavy metals in the grains were measured. The grain yield was enhanced by TW alone, MWR, and AI to 12.8%, 5%, and 9.5% under 70%-deficit irrigation; and 58.3%, 21.7%, and 8.7% under full irrigation, respectively. Based on the guidelines for safe limits of heavy metals in edible plants and livestock feed, the barley grains were safe for livestock and toxic for humans. The trend of heavy metal contents in the grains was Fe > Zn > Pb > Cu ≥ Cr > Cd. Irrigation with SW compared with TW increased Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cr contents in the grains to 11.75%, 10.97%, 5.22%, 19.15%, 3.45%, and 9.21%, respectively. The amounts of toxic elements of Cd and Pb were maximized by using MWR, whereas the Cr content in the grain was maximized by using AI. There were no significant difference in the metal uptake by the grains among all irrigation regimes in any irrigation water resource. However, compared with the other irrigation regimes, the full irrigation resulted in lower Zn, Cu, and Cd contents, whereas the 50%-deficit irrigation led to lower Pb and Cr contents in the grains. Therefore, irrigation with TW is recommended based on the grain yield, whereas AI is suggested due to lower Cu, Pb, and Cd contents in the grain, and MWR is recommended due to lower Cr content. Furthermore, full and 50%-deficit irrigation regimes are recommended to, respectively, maximize grain yield and minimize the toxic metal contents in the grain. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Mixed saline water and treated wastewater and alternative irrigation enhanced grain yield. Saline water versus treated wastewater increased the grain heavy metal contents. Alternative irrigation decreased Fe, Cu, Pb, and Cd amounts in the grain. Grain Cu content had strong relationship with irrigation regime. 50%-deficit irrigation minimized Pb and Cr contents in the grain.

Evaluation of physical/mechanical properties of an experimental dental composite modified with a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (MOF) as an innovative dental filler.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to modify an experimental dental composite using a synthesized nano-structured methacrylated zirconium-based MOF to enhance physical/mechanical properties. METHODS: The previously known Uio-66-NH2 MOF was first synthesized and post-modified with Glycidyl Methacrylate (GMA). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and CHNS analysis confirmed the post-modification reaction. The prepared filler was investigated by XRD, BET, SEM-EDS, and TEM. The experimental composite was prepared by mixing 60% wt. of resin matrix with 40% wt. of fillers, including silanized silica (SS) or Uio-66-NH-Me (UM). The experimental composites' depth of cure (DPC) was investigated in five groups (G1 =40% SS, G2 =30%SS+10%UM, G3 =20%SS+20%UM, G4 =10%SS+30%UM, G5 =40%UM). Then flexural strength(FS), Elastic Modulus(EM), solubility(S), water sorption(WS), degree of conversion(DC), polymerization shrinkage(PS), and polymerization stress(PSR) of the groups with DPC of more than 1 mm were investigated. Finally, the cytotoxicity of composites was studied. RESULTS: The groups with more than 20% wt. UM, filler (G4, G5) had lesser than 1 mm DPC. Therefore, we investigated three groups' physical and mechanical properties with lower than 20% UM filler (G1-G3). Within these groups, G3 has a higher FS, EM (P < 0.05), and lower WS and S (P < 0.05). DC dropped in G2 and G3 compared to G1 (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between G2 and G3 (P = 0.594). SIGNIFICANCE: This new filler is an innovative coupling-agent free filler and can be part of dental filler technology itself. It can also introduce a new group of dental fillers based on MOFs, but it still needs a complete investigation to be widely used.

Tooth Discoloration and Solubility of Zinc Oxide Eugenol Combined with Different Concentrations of Nano-Curcumin: An in vitro Study.

Statement of the Problem: Due to the unfavorable properties of eugenol, the eugenol content can be reduced to improve the properties of zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) by making a new combination of nanocurcumin called curcumin pulpal paste (CPP). Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the solubility and tooth discoloration of three concentrations of CPP compared to ZOE, and Metapex. Materials and Method: In this in vitro study for evaluating of the solubility, five groups including ZOE, Metapex, and three concentrations of CPP (5%, 10%, and 20%) were tested. For evaluating the solubility, the changes in of the weight of samples were measured at 1, 3, 7 and 30 days after initial setting. In order to evaluate the tooth discoloration, 75 bovine maxillary anterior teeth were filled with one of five pulpal pastes. The changes in tooth color were evaluated at 1 hour, 1 week, 1 and 3 months after material placement. Results: The solubility increased by increasing the nano-curcumin percentage in CPPs. After 30 days, the solubility of the 5%CPP, and ZOE was not significantly different (p= 1.000). According to the colorimetric test, after 3 months, the highest discoloration was recorded for 20% CPP (8.45), and the smallest discoloration was registered for Metapex (4.06). The discoloration of 5% CPP, and 10% CPP was similar to ZOE's color change (p> 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the solubility of pulpal paste has increased with increasing curcumin concentrations. Therefore, pulpal paste with different nanocurcumin concentrations can be used considering the patient's age and the desired time of deciduous tooth loss, and dissolution of pulpal paste. Concerning the discoloration after 3 months, Metapex was the best material and the most discoloration rate was related to 20% CPP, and there was no difference between the 5% CPP, and 10% CPP with ZOE.

The functional role of circular RNAs in the pathogenesis of retinoblastoma: a new potential biomarker and therapeutic target?

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a common cancer in infants and children. It is a curable disease; however, a delayed diagnosis or treatment makes the treatment difficult. Genetic mutations have a central role in the pathogenesis of RB. Genetic materials such as RNAs (coding and non-coding RNAs) are also involved in the progression of the tumor. Circular RNA (circRNA) is the most recently identified RNA and is involved in regulating gene expression mainly through "microRNA sponges". The dysregulation of circRNAs has been observed in several diseases and tumors. Also, various studies have shown that circRNAs expression is changed in RB tissues. Due to their role in the pathogenesis of the disease, circRNAs might be helpful as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker in patients with RB. In addition, circRNAs could be a suitable therapeutic target to treat RB in a targeted therapy approach.

Resveratrol inhibits glioblastoma cells and chemoresistance progression through blockade P-glycoprotein and targeting AKT/PTEN signaling pathway.

Malignant gliomas have been categorized as a debilitating class of brain tumors that are resistant to radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs, and have a poor prognosis. Hyper-activation of PI3K/AKT pathway and overexpression of p-glycoprotein transporter contributes to enhanced glioblastoma survival and chemoresistance. Resveratrol which possibly inhibits PI3K pathway, has been thus investigated for a potential therapeutic role in glioma. In the present study, the effect of resveratrol on human U87MG and doxorubicin-resistant glioblastoma cells (U87MG/DOX) survival evaluated by MTT. The ability of resveratrol to overcome doxorubicin resistance in glioblastoma cells was also explored with Rhodamines 123 uptake and ELISA assays. Resveratrol reduced cell survival in a PTEN and P53-dependent manner which was an effect associated with the inhibition of PI3K signaling pathway and via the activation of P-glycoprotein. Our finding showed that resveratrol, as a glioblastoma cell growth inhibitor and chemosensitizer, could be promising if used in the treatment of brain cancer. Resveratrol inhibits the progression of glioblastoma cells and reverses chemoresistance by upregulating PTEN, and suppressing AKT and P-glycoprotein. Targeting PTEN with resveratrol may offer a novel therapeutic approach for the chemo-sensitization of glioblastoma cells.

Using deep ensemble forest for high-resolution mapping of PM2.5 from MODIS MAIAC AOD in Tehran, Iran.

High-resolution mapping of PM2.5 concentration over Tehran city is challenging because of the complicated behavior of numerous sources of pollution and the insufficient number of ground air quality monitoring stations. Alternatively, high-resolution satellite Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) data can be employed for high-resolution mapping of PM2.5. For this purpose, different data-driven methods have been used in the literature. Recently, deep learning methods have demonstrated their ability to estimate PM2.5 from AOD data. However, these methods have several weaknesses in solving the problem of estimating PM2.5 from satellite AOD data. In this paper, the potential of the deep ensemble forest method for estimating the PM2.5 concentration from AOD data was evaluated. The results showed that the deep ensemble forest method with [Formula: see text] gives a higher accuracy of PM2.5 estimation than deep learning methods ([Formula: see text]) as well as classic data-driven methods such as random forest ([Formula: see text]). Additionally, the estimated values of PM2.5 using the deep ensemble forest algorithm were used along with ground data to generate a high-resolution map of PM2.5. Evaluation of produced PM2.5 map revealed the good performance of the deep ensemble forest for modeling the variation of PM2.5 in the city of Tehran.

Comparing the Effect of Local Application of Peppermint and Cold Compresses on the Severity of Pain from Venipuncture in Dialysis Patients: A Parallel Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

Pain at the injection site is one of the most common complaints in the clinic and is the most important symptom affecting the quality of life of hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effect and compare the topical application of peppermint and cold compresses on the intensity of pain caused by the insertion of a needle into the fistula of HD patients. In this parallel randomized clinical trial, 99 HD patients were assigned to three groups receiving peppermint, a cold compress, or a control using six blocks. For the peppermint group, 20 min before the needle's insertion, a peppermint gel was used; for the cold compress group, an ice pack was used; and for the control group, the usual method was applied. The patients' pain was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale immediately after the needle's insertion. The results showed that after the intervention, the mean and standard deviation of the pain score in the intervention groups receiving peppermint (4.81 ± 1.13) or a cold compress (4.78 ± 1.13) were significantly less than those of the control group (8.42 ± 1.22) (P <0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between the peppermint group and the cold compress group (P = 0.91). The use of peppermint, which is a cheap and uncomplicated herbal medicine, and a cold compress, which is easy to use and available, is recommended to reduce the severity of pain caused by venipuncture in HD patients.

Effect of Ozonated Water on the Color Stability of Denture Teeth and Heat Polymerized Acrylic Base Resin

Abstract Objective: To determine the effect of ozonated water on the color stability of denture tooth and denture bases. Material and Methods: Thirty denture base discs consisting of 15 Acropars and 15 ProBase Hot specimens with the dimensions of 40 × 5 mm were prepared. Fifteen denture teeth in shade A1 (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) were mounted in a specific acrylic jig. All specimens were immersed in three solutions (1% sodium hypochlorite, ozonated water, and distilled water) for four months (one year of clinical use). Color measurements were done with a spectrophotometer and assessed using the CIE L*a*b* colorimetric system (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks). Data were analyzed using the three-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α=0.05). Results: Tukey's post hoc test revealed a significant change in color in the Acropars denture base for the distilled water group compared to the ozonated water and 1% hypochlorite (p<0.05). Regarding the ProBase Hot denture base, significantly less color change was observed in the 1% hypochlorite group compared to the ozonated water and distilled water (p≤0.001). For the denture teeth, significantly less color change was seen in the distilled water group than in the ozonated water (p=0.015) and 1% hypochlorite (p<0.05) groups. Conclusion: The color change of denture bases and denture tooth in ozonated water are acceptable. Ozonated water can be considered a good disinfectant for cleaning dentures.

Effectiveness of ultrasound and median nerve gliding with and without shock-wave therapy in patients with moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.

[Purpose] The aim of this research was to see how ultrasound and nerve gliding with and without shock wave therapy effects on clinical and sonographic data of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). [Participants and Methods] Forty four patients with moderate carpal tunnel syndrome participated in this research. One group got shock-wave therapy in addition to median nerve glide exercises and ultrasound, whereas the other group received median nerve glide exercises and ultrasound alone. Hand grip strength (HGS), pinch grip strength (PGS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)-pain, Boston Questionnaire (BQ), and Cross-sectional area (CSA) of median nerve were examined before and after 10 sessions of treatment. [Results] HGS, PGS, VAS, BQ and CSA of median nerve improved considerably after therapy. [Conclusion] Patients with moderate CTS who received ultrasound and median nerve glide exercises with and without shock-wave therapy improved considerably without preference of adding shock-wave therapy to other treatment.

Psychometric evaluation of Persian version of Diabetes Acceptance Scale (DAS).

BACKGROUND: Acceptance of diabetes is a psychological adaptation to the potential limitations of the disease. Poor acceptance of diabetes impairs effective self-management of diabetes, leading to worsening metabolic control. This study aimed at determining the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Diabetes Acceptance Scale. METHODS: This cross-sectional methodological study was performed on diabetic patients in Iran in 2021. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: demographic characteristics and Diabetes Acceptance Scale. The questionnaire was translated into Persian through the forward-backward translation method. The face validity and content validity were performed qualitatively and quantitatively. Exploratory (n = 200) and confirmatory (n = 200) factor analysis were performed to evaluate the validity of the structure. Internal consistency and temporal stability were estimated to determine reliability. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis on the polychoric correlation matrix obtained three factors: Rational dealing, Resentment and Avoidance, which explained 68.8% of the total DAS variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the 3-fractor model had a good fit to a second independent data set. Finally, Ordinal Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.96, 0.94 and 0.93, respectively for the Rational dealing, Resentment, and Avoidance factor. Also, using intraclass correlation coefficient, the stability of the instrument was 0.97. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, the Persian version of DAS has sufficient validity and reliability to measure the admission of Iranian diabetic patients.

The effect of exergaming on cognition and brain activity in older adults: A motor- related cortical potential study.

Exergames have positive effects on various cognitive domains. However, to the best of our knowledge, not only have few studies investigated the exergame-induced brain changes, but also in most of them, preparatory brain activity has not been considered. Preparatory brain activity is a particularly relevant aspect for investigating the interaction between cognitive and sensorimotor functions in the brain. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an exergame protocol versus traditional motor-cognitive dual-task training on the cognition and proactive components of movement-related cortical potential. A total of 52 older adults were randomly assigned to the intervention (exergame training) and the control group (motor-cognitive dual-task training). The outcome measurements were neurophysiological data (i.e., the amplitude of the late contingent negative variation [CNV], and alpha/beta event-related desynchronization [ERD]), and neuropsychological data (rate-correct score [RCS] in go/no go task and trail-making test [TMT]). The results revealed that both groups had a decreased late CNV, and alpha/ beta ERD in post-training compared to pre-training in Cz and C3 channels. Moreover, both groups had an increased RCS and a decreased TMT-A in post-training compared to pre-training. However, for TMT-B, the results indicated a significant interaction in favor of the exergame group. These findings indicate that in older adults, both interventions may result in increasing inhibitory control, information processing speed, and preparatory brain activity. However, for cognitive flexibility, exergame has an additional effect relative to the control group.

The Evaluation of Microshear Bond Strength of Resin Cements to Titanium Using Different Surface Treatment Methods: An In Vitro Study.

This study attempted to investigate the effect of sandblasting and H2O2 treatments on the microshear bond strength of two commercially available resin cements. A total of 90 cube-shaped specimens of commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) were divided into two groups of Panavia and MHA cements (n = 45). Samples of the Panavia group were randomly divided into three subgroups of 15 samples, including subgroups (no treatment, aluminum oxide sandblasting, and immersion in 35% hydrogen peroxide solution with halogen light). Once the treatment was completed, Panavia V5 was applied on the cp-Ti surface by a Tygon tube. The 45 specimens of the MHA cement group were randomly divided into three subgroups (n = 15) similarly to the Panavia group. Then, the MHA was applied on the surface of cp-Ti. A universal testing machine was used to measure and examine the microshear bond strength of cement to cp-Ti subsequent to the step of thermocycling. According to results, in the Panavia cement group, the SBS of sandblasting treatment was significantly higher than that of the H2O2 treatment subgroup (p < 0.05), which displayed a significantly higher SBS than that of the no-treatment subgroup (p < 0.001). In regard to the MHA group, the SBS of the H2O2 treatment subgroup was significantly lower than that of the sandblasting treatment subgroup (p < 0.001), whereas there were no significant differences between the SBS of the no treatment and H2O2 treatment subgroups (p = 0.35). Considering the comparison between Panavia and MHA cases, there were no significant differences observed among the no-treatment subgroups (p = 0.34), as well as the sandblasting treatment subgroups (p = 0.67), while the SBS of the H2O2 treatment subgroup in Panavia cement was higher than that of the H2O2 subgroup in MHA cement (p < 0.001). In conclusion, in both Panavia V5 and MHA cements, sandblasting treatment could improve the bond strength between the titanium surface. However, H2O2 treatment proved to be capable of enhancing the bond strength of Panavia V5 cement without causing any positive effects on the bond strength of MHA cement.