Quick synthesis of CoFe-PBA@GO with electrochemical method as a novel, sensitive, and degradable nanocomposite applied in nanofibers for triazole extraction before HPLC-UV analysis.

Today, the wide use of triazole fungicides due to environmental damage and its side effects has raised global concern. Hence, in this research, poly-vinyl alcohol/polyacrylic-acid/CoFe-PBA@GO electrospun nanofiber was synthesized and applied as effective, degradable, and novel adsorbent at pipette-tip microextraction (PT-µSPE) method for the rapid and concurrent extraction of five of triazole fungicides in fruit and vegetable samples prior to quantitative analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet. The incorporation of CoFe-PBA@GO with superporous structure and abundant functional groups in a polymer medium improves the extraction efficiency of nanofibers due to hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions formed between analytes and synthesized nano-adsorbent. Various important elements that affect the extraction yield of the target analytes were optimized utilizing a time-variable approach. Under the optimum conditions, dynamic range was attained in the range of 0.3-900.0 ng/mL with correlation coefficients ≥ 0.999. The identification limit of the PT-µSPE-HPLC-UV method ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 ng/mL.

Effects of ethinyl estradiol plus desogestrel on premenstrual symptoms in Iranian women.

Marvelon®, a combined oral contraceptive, contains 30 µg ethinyl estradiol (EE) and 150 µg desogestrel (DE), and has been shown to be a well-tolerated and effective combination that provides high contraceptive reliability and good cycle control. However, its efficacy has not been yet evaluated among Iranian women. Thus, the study aimed to determine the effect of oral contraceptive pill on treating premenstrual symptoms and on various parameters associated with well-being and health in a sample of Iranian. This clinical trial (before- after) study was performed at the family-planning clinic of the centers under the supervision of Tehran University of Medical Sciences on sixty-one women. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences and all participants received a 21/7-day regimen of oral contraceptive containing 150 µg desogestrel (DE) and 30 µg ethinyl estradiol (EE) for six cycles. Efficacy parameters included changes in premenstrual symptoms were also assessed. Clinical data was collected by calendar of premenstrual experiences (COPE) at baseline and treatment cycles 1,2, 3 and 6. Clinical variables were measured including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride levels for two timing periods (baseline and last visit). Linear mixed model analyses were used to analyze differences in changes of the four factors of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), weight and blood pressure during these timing periods. The mean age of the women was 28.52 (SD=6.75) years. Participants on average had been pregnant 1.13 (SD=1.16) times. The linear mixed model analyses indicated that premenstrual syndrome symptoms reduced significantly over time (P<0.05). Marvelon® showed no significant effect on reducing LDL and HDL levels, and participant's weights were also stable during five-time assessments (P>0.05). A combined oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel has a positive effect on women's health and reduces premenstrual symptoms.

Temporomandibular Disorders: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Dentists in Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) account for the most common orofacial pains rising from musculoskeletal origin. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of knowledge, attitudes and practice of dental practitioners regarding TMD in Tehran, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire, containing 29 questions on etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of TMD, was given to 200 randomly selected general dental practitioners and specialists as well as 11 TMD ex-perts. RESULTS: An overall response rate of 97% was achieved among participants (mean age: 39 ± 8.2 years old; mean years in practice: 11.5 ± 7.4). The mean score of knowledge of TMD was found to be 10.85± 2.54 (of a total of 23). TMD specialists were significantly more knowledgeable than general dental practitioners (p<0.05). With respect to attitude, there was a significant difference among various age groups, and by increasing age and years in practice, the attitude towards TMD had weakened. However, no significant difference was recorded between general dental practitioners' attitude and that of TMD experts towards TMD. There was a positive correlation between subjects' knowledge and attitude (P= 0.007, r=0.138). CONCLUSION: According to the results, the level of knowledge and attitude of general dental practitioners of Tehran regarding TMD is not desirable. The majority are not willing to admit and treat TMD patients.