Factors associated with survival and patient's quality of life after segmental mandibulectomy.

AIM: This study aimed to explore the survival rate and quality of life (QoL) in patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy and determine the associated factor with survival rate and QoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, all patients who underwent segmental mandibular resection in the referral center of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, during 2015-2019 were included. Inclusion criteria were segmental mandibulectomy due to any pathology and age of more than 8 years old. Demographic, clinical data and patient survival were recorded. EORTC QLQ-HN43 was used to evaluate QoL. RESULTS: Totally, 82 patients were studied. The overall 3-year survival rate was 69.5% (57 patients) (mean ± SD: 1.35 ± 1.03 years). According to univariate analysis, age (p-value = 0.001), hospital lengths of stay (p-value < 0.001), gender (p-value = 0.014, OR = 4.143), education (p-value = 0.015, OR = 0.291), pathology (p-value < 0.001, OR = 17.000), metastasis (p-value = 0.018, OR = 4.894), neck dissection (p-value < 0.001, OR = 52.381), frozen margin (p-value < 0.001 OR = 8.000), recurrence (p-value = 0.001, OR = 6.273), and status of chemoradiotherapy (p-value < 0.001) were significantly associated with survival rate. Logistic regression revealed that survival was associated with gender (p-value = 0.040, OR = 23.689), level of education (p-value = 0.019, OR = 0.019), and neck dissection (p-value = 0.019, OR = 175.781). According to univariate analysis, pathology (p-value = 0.003), neck dissection (p-value = 0.024), frozen margin (p-value = 0.004), and chemoradiotherapy (p-value = 0.026) were significantly associated with QoL. Linear regression revealed that QoL was associated with none of the measured factors. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, gender, level of education, and neck dissection were related to 3-year patients' survival. None of the measured factors in this study were associated with QoL.

Modulatory effect of amifostine (WR-1065) against genotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by methotrexate in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Amifostine is used in chemotherapy and radiotherapy as a cytoprotective adjuvant alongside DNA-binding chemotherapeutic agents. It functions by reducing free radicals and detoxifying harmful metabolites. Methotrexate, as an antimetabolite drug has been considered for treating various cancers and autoimmune diseases. However, the cytotoxic effects of methotrexate extend beyond tumor cells to crucial organs, including the heart. This study applied the HUVEC cell line as a reference in vitro model for researching the characteristics of vascular endothelium and cardiotoxicity. The current study aimed to assess amifostine's potential cytoprotective properties against methotrexate-induced cellular damage. Cytotoxicity was measured using the MTT assay. Apoptotic rates were evaluated by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining via flow cytometry. The genoprotective effect of amifostine was determined using the comet assay. Cells were exposed to various amifostine doses (10-200 µg/mL) and methotrexate (2.5 µM) in pretreatment culture condition. Methotrexate at 2.5 µM revealed cytotoxicity, apoptosis, oxidative stress and genotoxicity while highlighting amifostine's cyto/geno protective properties on HUVECs. Amifostine significantly decreased the levels of ROS and LPO while preserving the status of GSH and SOD activity. Furthermore, it inhibited genotoxicity (tail length, %DNA in tail, and tail moment) in the comet assay. Amifostine markedly attenuated methotrexate-induced apoptotic cell death (early and late apoptotic rates). These findings convey that amifostine can operate as a cytoprotectant agent.

Nanohybrid Based on (Mn, Zn) Ferrite Nanoparticles Functionalized With Chitosan and Sodium Alginate for Loading of Curcumin Against Human Breast Cancer Cells.

This study reports on the synthesis of Mn1 - xZnxFe2O4 (Mn, Zn ferrite) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as drug delivery carriers for effective therapeutic outcomes. The MNPs were prepared using the coprecipitation method, and their magnetic properties were investigated based on their composition. Among the compositions tested, Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 MNPs exhibited superparamagnetic properties with a saturation magnetization moment of 34.6 emu/g at room temperature (25°C). To enhance the water solubility of curcumin (Cur), known for its hydrophobic nature, it was successfully loaded onto alginate (Alg)/chitosan (Chit)@Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs). The nanocomposite was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) which revealed a particle size of approximately 20 nm. The crystalline structure of the NPs was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, while Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray, and map analysis techniques were employed for further characterization. In terms of drug release, there was an initial burst release of Cur (around 18%) within the first hour, followed by a slower release (approximately 61%) over the next 36 h. The anti-tumor properties of the Cur-loaded NPs were evaluated using the Methyl Thiazol Tetrazolium (MTT) assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The MTT assay confirmed a higher cytotoxic effect of Cur-loaded Alg/Chit@Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 NPs on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line compared to free Cur, highlighting the significance of incorporating Cur into nano-sized carrier systems.

Atorvastatin mucoadhesive tablets in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common oral mucosal diseases. Due to the commonness of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and considering the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and tissue regenerative properties of atorvastatin and the lack of a study on the effect of statins on minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, this study investigates the effect of atorvastatin mucoadhesive tablets as a topical treatment on reduction of symptoms and duration of this disease. METHODS: This study is a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial. Patients were divided into two groups, atorvastatin and, placebo; each of the patients received three mucoadhesive tablets daily in the morning, noon, and night. Finally, the patients were examined on days 0 (baseline), 3, 5, and 7 to determine the diameter of the inflammatory halo. The VAS scale was used to evaluate pain intensity for up to 7 days after each meal. The data was entered into SPSS 24 software and analyzed. RESULTS: The halo diameter did not significantly differ between the two groups on baseline (P > 0.05). However, on the study's third, fifth, and seventh days, the difference between the two groups was remarkable, so in the atorvastatin group, the size of the lesions decreased in shorter healing time (P < 0.05). In addition, the patient's pain intensity (VAS) also showed a significant decrease in the atorvastatin group except on the first, second, and seventh days of the study (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin mucoadhesive tablets effectively reduce the pain of patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis and reduce the size and healing time of the lesions, so their application should be considered in treating minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The present study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences with the ethics code IR.MAZUMS.REC.1400.8346. Also, this study received code IRCT20170430033722N4.

Intranasal Topical Application of Tranexamic Acid in Atraumatic Anterior Epistaxis: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of intranasal topical application of tranexamic acid in reducing the need for anterior nasal packing and determine the number of episodes of rebleeding in adult patients presenting with spontaneous atraumatic anterior epistaxis. METHODS: This study was a double-blind randomized trial conducted from September to November 2021 in the ears, nose, and throat (ENT) emergency department (ED), Khalili Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. Cotton pledgets soaked in either phenylephrine and lidocaine (control group) or tranexamic acid with phenylephrine and lidocaine (intervention group) were inserted into the patients' nostrils for 15 minutes. The primary outcome was the need for anterior nasal packing. The secondary outcomes were staying in the ED for more than 2 hours, needing electrical cauterization, and rebleeding within 24 hours and 1 to 7 days of the first referral to the ED. The trial was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20210403050815N1). RESULTS: A total of 240 patients (120 in each group) were enrolled in this study. Tranexamic acid was associated with a lower rate of need for anterior nasal packing (50.0% versus 64.2%; odds ratio [OR], 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33 to 0.94). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of the need for electrical cauterization and the rate of rebleeding within 1 to 7 days. Tranexamic acid was associated with a lower rate of stay in the ED for more than 2 hours (9.2% versus 20.8%; OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.82) and rebleeding in 24 hours (15.0% versus 30%; OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.78) compared with the rates in the control group. CONCLUSION: Intranasal topical application of tranexamic acid is associated with a lower rate of need for anterior nasal packing and a shortened stay in the ED; it may be considered a part of the treatment for atraumatic anterior epistaxis.

Body Dysmorphic and Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Candidates.

BACKGROUND: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and other psychological problems are more common in cosmetic surgery applicants. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of the symptoms of BDD and narcissistic personality disorder in rhinoplasty candidates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on rhinoplasty applicants. All subjects were evaluated by BDD and narcissistic personality questionnaires (NPI-16). RESULTS: A total of 380 patients were studied. Our findings showed that the prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe BDD symptoms was 31.6%, 43.4% and 25%, respectively. The mean BDD scores were not significantly different in variables such as gender, age, marital status, history of cosmetic surgery, education, place of residence, and income. 29.5% of the subjects had symptoms of narcissism. There was no significant relationship between the symptoms of narcissism and variables such as gender, age, marital status, history of cosmetic surgery, place of residence, and income. Higher education was associated with higher rates of narcissistic personality disorder (p-value = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the study, there was no statistically significant relationship between BDD score and demographic parameters. Also, association between narcissistic personality disorder and demographic characteristics was not significant except for education. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers: a review of the methods of manufacture and routes of administration.

The bioavailability of drugs is dependent on several factors such as solubility and the administration route. A drug with poor aqueous solubility, therefore, poses challenges with regards to its pharmaceutical advance and ultimately its biological usage. Lipid nanoparticles have been used in pharmaceutical science due to their importance in green chemistry. Their biochemical properties as 'green' materials and biochemical processes as 'green' processes mean they can be environmentally sustainable. Generally, lipid nanoparticles can be employed as carriers for both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. The proposed administration route for nanoparticles can present advantages and disadvantages which should be considered by a formulator. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are attractive delivery systems because of their ease of manufacture, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and scale-up capacity of formulation constituents. The easy and simple scalability of novel SLNs and nano lipid carriers, along with their various processing procedures, recent developments, limitation and toxicity, formulation optimization and approaches for the manufacture of lipid nanoparticles, lyophilization and drug release are comprehensively discussed in this review. This review also summarizes the research data related to the various preparation methods and excipients used for SLNs and NLCs in recent years.

Venlafaxine HCl Encapsulated in Niosome: Green and Eco-friendly Formulation for the Management of Pain.

The goal of this experimentation was to increase the cutaneous absorption of venlafaxine HCl (VFX) encapsulated in a niosome (venlasosme) produced by an ultrasonic approach. The impact of the cholesterol:surfactant (Chol:Surf) proportion was examined to modify the venlasosme properties. Photon correlation spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), SEM, DSC, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy were utilized to investigate the solid-state and morphology of VFX in the venlasosme. The studies revealed that increasing the level of Chol in the venlasosme increased the size of the particles. Alterations in the Chol to surfactant ratios (when Chol decreased from 2.5 to 0%) caused the zeta potential enhancement from 7.37 ± 0.67 to 15.53 ± 1.47 mV. The venlasosme with the highest cholesterol concentration (2.5%) had the highest encapsulation efficiency (approximately 63%). PXRD results revealed that VFX in venlasosme was in the amorphous form. The levels of VFX in the cutaneous layers and the receiver compartment were higher for the venlasosme gel than for VFX simple gel in the cutaneous permeability study and showed no cutaneous irritancy in rats. Furthermore, the venlasosme gel demonstrated significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory responses when compared to the control groups (VFX simple gel and diclofenac gel). The topical administration of the venlasosme gel also considerably increased the tail-flick and hot-plate response time when compared to the VFX simple gel, control groups, and diclofenac gel (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that niosomes can improve VFX efficacy as an antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory substance by improving the medicaments delivery to the specified site.

Preparation, characterisation and comparative toxicity of nanopermethrin against Anopheles stephensi and Culex pipiens.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of nanopermethrin as a potential new formulation for pest and vector control. METHODS: Permethrin nanoparticles were prepared by the ionic gelation method and its structure and the formulations were designed using Box-Behnken statistical technique. The effect of independent variables (Chitosan/Permethrin ratio, tripolyphosphate quantity, sonication time) on the properties of nanoparticles was investigated to determine the optimal formulation. RESULTS: The size of the nanoparticles ranged from 135.27 ± 5.88 to 539.5 ± 24.01 nm and the insecticide entrapment efficiency per cent (EE%) ranged from 7.72 ± 1.36 to 63.59 ± 3.17%. Anopheles stephensi larvae were then bioassayed with the nanopermethrin and compared with the results of the bioassay with the mother molecule of permethrin using a standard WHO-recommended mosquito larval bioassay kit. LC50 with permethrin and nanopermethrin on larvae of An. stephensi were 0.125 and 0.026 ppm showing a 4.8 times difference. The LC50 for permethrin and nanopermethrin on Culex pipiens were 0.003 and 0.00032 ppm, respectively, showing a 9.4-fold difference. CONCLUSION: Nanopermethrin is much more potent than its mother molecule against larvae of An. stephensi and Cx. pipiens.

Cochlear Implantation with a Combined Approach: A Case Report.

Introduction: Ear symptoms of granulomatosis with polyangiitis can range from ear fullness and otalgia to conductive or sensory neural hearing loss and sudden deafness. Cochlear implantation in these patients faces two challenges: access to the round window and control of mastoid and middle ear inflammation. The combined approach in cochlear implantation is a classic trans-facial recess approach facilitated by a trans-canal view. Case Report: In this case report, we present the "combined approach" in a 20-year-old lady with granulomatosis with polyangiitis who underwent cochlear implantation successfully using the combined approach. Conclusion: Post-operative results suggest that the "combine approach" seems to be a safe, easy, and fast cochlear implantation technique for chronic otitis media with an atelectatic middle ear and retracted tympanic membrane or narrow facial recess space. It is a single-stage surgery that has no need for the obliteration of the ear and has less morbidity.

Comparison of Transalar Suture Technique and External Wedge Resection for Alar Base Narrowing.

BACKGROUND: Alar narrowing is indicated in some rhinoplasty operations. This study compared transalar sutures and external wedge resection for alar narrowing in patients undergoing rhinoplasty. METHODS: This study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial with a parallel design. Participants were allocated randomly to the transalar suturing technique group or the external wedge resection group (one-to-one allocation ratio). Primary outcomes were scar formation and satisfaction score (Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation questionnaire and patient component of Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire) after 12 months. Secondary outcomes were the duration of procedure, amount of bleeding, and need for bleeding control. RESULTS: In total, 44 and 46 patients completed the study in the transalar suture and external wedge resection groups, respectively. The postoperative assessment showed a significantly lower scar formation rate in the transalar suture group (75.0% versus 37.0%; P < 0.001). The Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation questionnaire revealed no statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction between two groups. The Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire results showed that patients who received transalar sutures had a lower overall score (1; interquartile range, 1 to 1) compared with the external wedge resection group (2; interquartile range, 1 to 4.50) ( P < 0.001). The duration of the procedure ( P < 0.001), amount of bleeding ( P < 0.001), and need for bleeding control ( P = 0.009) were significantly lower in the transalar suture group than in the external wedge resection group. CONCLUSIONS: Transalar sutures result in high postoperative patient satisfaction. This approach has a decreased incidence of scarring, operation time, bleeding, and necessity for bleeding control. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging in coronavirus disease 2019 induced olfactory dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional magnetic resonance imaging changes in the olfactory structures of coronavirus disease 2019 patients experiencing olfactory dysfunction. METHODS: This study included patients aged 25-65 years who presented with a sudden loss of smell, confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 infection, and persistent olfactory dysfunction for a minimum of 2 months without any treatment. RESULTS: Irrespective of the side of brain activation, the analysis of the cumulative maximum diameter of the activation zones revealed significantly lower activation in the upper frontal lobe (p = 0.037) and basal ganglia (p = 0.023) in olfactory dysfunction patients. Irrespective of the side of activation, the analysis of the number of activation points demonstrated significantly lower activation in the upper frontal lobe (p = 0.036) and basal ganglia (p = 0.009) in olfactory dysfunction patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with coronavirus-triggered olfactory dysfunction exhibited lower activity in their basal ganglia and upper frontal lobe.

Comparison of the underlay and over-underlay tympanoplasty: A randomized, double-blind controlled trial.

Objective: We aimed to compare the graft success rate and hearing outcomes in patients with large tympanic membrane (TM) perforation in underlay and over-underlay approaches. Methods: This is a prospective double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial with a parallel design. Patients aged 15-75 years old with large TM perforation (more than 50% of TM) who operated at Khalili hospital affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Science, Iran, were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were recent otorrhea, revision surgery, and pathologic intraoperative findings such as the presence of cholesteatoma, cholesterol granuloma, ear canal polyp, or damaged ossicle. In the first group, the underlay method and in the second group over-underlay method were performed. Graft success rate, atelectasis, and audiology outcomes were evaluated after 6 months. Results: The investigation was conducted on 84 patients in the underlay and 67 patients in the over-underlay group. Although there was a higher rate of graft failure (9%) in the over-underlay group in comparison with the underlay group (4.8%), the difference was not statistically significant (p-value = .34). No atelectasis was seen in both group. Although, between-groups comparison of the preoperative and postoperative speech reception thresholds (SRT) and air-bone gaps (ABG) values showed statistically significantly lower SRT and ABG in the over-underlay technique, the difference was clinically negligible. Conclusion: Both techniques provide the same graft success rate, but SRT and ABG were significantly lower in the over-underlay technique after the operation. Levels of Evidence: 1b.

Determinant of antibacterial failure in patients with head and neck infections with odontogenic source.

INTRODUCTION: Odontogenic infections are polymicrobial in origin and can be life-threatening. Antibacterial failure is an important issue in the treatment of odontogenic infections. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with antibacterial failure in patients with head and neck infections with odontogenic sources. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This retrospective epidemiological study was performed using data collected from 229 patients with head and neck infections with an odontogenic source who had been operated on in Shahid Rajaee hospital from March 2014 to December 2019. RESULTS: 123 (53.7%) patients were female and there were106 (46.3%) males. The mean age ± SD was 33.01±13.37 years (range 7 to 80). The most common offending teeth were lower molars (81.7%) and lower premolars (5.7%). The most common site of infection was the submandibular area (36.4%) followed by the buccal (20.4%) and pterygomandibular (17.1%) regions. The most common pathogen was Streptococcus haemolyticus. The length of hospitalization was higher (4.66 days) in patients with failure of treatment compared to those without it (6.00 days) (p=0.002). A combination of penicillin G and metronidazole was prescribed for all patients with failure of treatment compared with 57.6% in patients without failure of treatment (p=0.002). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding age, duration of illness before hospitalization, WBC, gender and history of chemotherapy, hypertension, smoking, pregnancy, alcohol usage, diabetes mellitus, the rate of fever, trismus, dysphagia, malaise, antibiotic before hospitalization, and surgical approach. CONCLUSION: Possible determinants in this study were not associated with antibacterial failure. Further studies should be conducted to investigate this relationship.

Hyaluronic Acid-Coated Chitosan/Gelatin Nanoparticles as a New Strategy for Topical Delivery of Metformin in Melanoma.

Metformin is a multipotential compound for treating diabetes II and controlling hormonal acne and skin cancer. This study was designed to enhance metformin skin penetration in melanoma using nanoparticles containing biocompatible polymers. Formulations with various concentrations of chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and sodium tripolyphosphate were fabricated using an ionic gelation technique tailored by the Box-Behnken design. The optimal formulation was selected based on the smallest particle size and the highest entrapment efficiency (EE%) and used in ex vivo skin penetration study. In vitro antiproliferation activity and apoptotic effects of formulations were evaluated using MTT and flow cytometric assays, respectively. The optimized formulation had an average size, zeta potential, EE%, and polydispersity index of 329 ± 6.30 nm, 21.94 ± 0.05 mV, 64.71 ± 6.12%, and 0.272 ± 0.010, respectively. The release profile of the optimized formulation displayed a biphasic trend, characterized by an early burst release, continued by a slow and sustained release compared to free metformin. The ex vivo skin absorption exhibited 1142.5 ± 156.3 µg/cm2 of metformin deposited in the skin layers for the optimized formulation compared to 603.2 ± 93.1 µg/cm2 for the free metformin. Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the deformation of the drug from the crystal structure to an amorphous state. The attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared results approved no chemical interaction between the drug and other ingredients of the formulations. According to the MTT assay, metformin in nanoformulation exhibited a higher cytotoxic effect against melanoma cancer cells than free metformin (IC50: 3.94 ± 0.57 mM vs. 7.63 ± 0.26 mM, respectively, P < 0.001). The results proved that the optimized formulation of metformin could efficiently decrease cell proliferation by promoting apoptosis, thus providing a promising strategy for melanoma therapy.

Determinant of antibacterial failure in patients with head and neck infections with odontogenic source.

<b>Introduction:</b> Odontogenic infections are polymicrobial in origin and can be life-threatening. Antibacterial failure is an important issue in the treatment of odontogenic infections. Aim: This study aimed to determine the factors associated with antibacterial failure in patients with head and neck infections of odontogenic origin.</br></br> <b>Material and method:</b> This retrospective epidemiological study was performed using data collected from 229 patients with head and neck infections of odontogenic origin who were operated on in Shahid Rajaee hospital from March 2014 to December 2019.</br></br> <b>Results:</b> 123 (53.7%) patients were female and there were 106 (46.3%) males. The mean age SD was 33.01 13.37 years (range 7 to 80). The most common offending teeth were lower molars (81.7%) and lower premolars (5.7%). The most common site of infection was the submandibular area (36.4%) followed by the buccal (20.4%) and pterygomandibular (17.1%) regions. The most common pathogen was Streptococcus haemolyticus. The length of hospitalization was higher (4.66 days) in patients with failure of treatment compared to those without it (6.00 days) (P = 0.002). A combination of penicillin G and metronidazole was prescribed for all patients with failure of treatment compared to 57.6% in patients without failure of treatment (P = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding age, duration of illness before hospitalization, WBC, gender, history of chemotherapy, hypertension, smoking, pregnancy, alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, the rate of fever, trismus, dysphagia, malaise, antibiotic before hospitalization, or surgical approach.</br></br> <b>Conclusion:</b> Possible determinants in this study were not associated with antibacterial failure. Further studies should be conducted to investigate this relationship.

Association between Nontraditional Risk Factors and Calculated 10-Year Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in a Large General Population: Based on the Pars Cohort Study.

Background: While the traditional risk factors of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) have been well-established, the evolving role of nontraditional risk factors is not apparent. This study aimed to evaluate the association between nontraditional risk factors and the calculated 10-year ASCVD risk in a general population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using the Pars Cohort Study data. All inhabitants of the Valashahr district in southern Iran, aged 40-75 years, were invited (2012-2014). Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) were excluded. The demographic and lifestyle data were collected using a validated questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the calculated 10-year ASCVD risk and the nontraditional risk factors of CVD, including marital status, ethnicity, educational level, tobacco and opiate consumption, physical inactivity, and psychiatric disorders. Results: Of 9264 participants (mean age =52.2±9.0 y; 45.8% male), 7152 patients met the inclusion criteria. In total, 20.2%, 7.6%, 36.3%, 56.4%, and 46.2% of the population were cigarette smokers, opiate consumers, tobacco consumers, ethnically Fars, and illiterate, respectively. The prevalence rates of low, borderline, and intermediate-to-high 10-year ASCVD risks were 74.3%, 9.8%, and 16.2%, respectively. In multinomial regression, anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.58; P<0.001) was significantly associated with a lower ASCVD risk, whereas opiate consumption (aOR, 2.94; P<0.001) and illiteracy (aOR, 2.48; P<0.001) were significantly associated with a higher ASCVD risk. Conclusion: Nontraditional risk factors are associated with the 10-year ASCVD risk and, thus, might be considered besides traditional ones for ASCVD in preventive medicine and health policies.

Eco-friendly preparation, characterization, evaluation of anti-melanogenesis/antioxidant effect and in vitro/in vivo safety profile of kojic acid loaded niosome as skin lightener preparation.

In the current study, an ultrasonic approach (as green method) was utilized to prepared kojic acid niosome (kojisome) which aimed to increase the dermal delivery and improving anti-melanogenesis properties. The study's findings demonstrated that increasing cholesterol enhanced the mean particle size from 68.333 ± 5.686 nm to 325.000 ± 15.099 nm and entrapment efficiency 0% to 39.341 ± 4.126% of the kojisome. Cholesterol may enhance the number and rigidity of bilayers that induced a size enhancement and entrapment efficiency. The skin permeability test revealed that kojisome gel had more kojic acid in dermal layers (437.563 ± 29.857 µg/cm2 or 16.624 ± 1.379%) than kojic acid plain gel (161.290 ± 14.812 µg/cm2 or 6.128 ± 0.672%). The niosome's lipophilicity allowed for gradual penetration, possibly due to better contact with the skin layers. Also, the extended-release behavior of improved kojisome exhibited high safety profile and low side effect in In vitro cytotoxicity assay, dermal irritation test, and Histo-pathological evaluation. Furthermore, optimum kojisome inhibited melanin formation (53.093 ± 2.985% at 1000 µM) higher than free kojic acid (62.383 ± 1.958%) significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, Kojisome 6 inhibited L-dopa auto-oxidation greater extent (94.806 ± 2.411%) than pure kojic acid solution (72.953 ± 2.728%). Kojisome by delivering and targeting large amount of kojic acid on specific site causes high efficacy in inhibition of melanin synthesis. The observations of this study revealed that the produced kojisome might be used as a potential nano-vehicle for kojic acid dermal administration, thereby opening up innovative options for the treatment of hyperpigmentation problems.

Effect of delayed photobiomodulation therapy on neurosensory recovery in patients with mandibular nerve neurotmesis following traumatic mandibular fracture: A randomized triple-blinded clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: There is a possibility of neurotmesis of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in mandibular fractures, which leads to neurosensory impairment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in patients with neurotmesis following trauma and mandibular fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This triple-blind randomized trial was carried out on patients who suffered neurotmesis of the IAN following mandibular angle and body fracture at least for 6 months. In the intervention group, laser irradiation was applied with a low-level GaAlAs diode laser (continuous wave of 810 nm wavelength, power of 200 mW, and energy density of 12-14 J/cm2). In the control group, the laser probe was turned off and placed on the affected area. LLLT was done for 12 sessions (2 times/week for 6 weeks). Light touch sensations, two-point discrimination, thermal discrimination (cold and warm stimulus), electric pulp test (EPT), and oral health impact profile (OHIP)-14 questionnaire were performed before the intervention, immediately after each PBMT session, and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. RESULTS: In both groups, 3 and 23 patients were female and male, respectively. The results showed significantly improved light (cotton swab), light (wooden cotton swab), and sharp (dental needle) touch sensations, and two-point discrimination test in the PBMT group after the 10th, 11th, 10th, and 10th session, respectively. Two-way repeated measure ANOVA revealed that the trend of light touch sensation with cotton swab and two-point discrimination test was statistically significant (p-value = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). The results of OHIP-14 test showed a significantly higher mean in the PBMT group 3 months after PBMT. There was no statistically significant difference in EPT and thermal discrimination tests regarding the patients' group. CONCLUSION: PBMT could be an effective treatment for late post-traumatic nerve neurotmesis following a traumatic mandibular fracture.