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.

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 Benson and progressive muscle relaxation techniques on sleep quality after coronary artery bypass graft: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Benson relaxation (BR) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) techniques on the sleep quality of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHOD: This study was a three-arm, parallel, randomized controlled trial. 120 patients who underwent CABG surgery at two academic hospitals in an urban area of Iran were randomly allocated into three groups (40 per group): the BR, PMR, and control groups. Patients in the BR and the PMR groups performed relevant exercises twice a day for four weeks. Sleep quality was measured before and immediately after the intervention using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. RESULTS: Within-group comparison in the BR (t = 3.51, p = 0.001) and the PMR (t = 4.58, p < 0.001) group showed that the overall sleep quality showed a significant improvement after the intervention when compared to baseline. The between-group comparison showed that both the BR and PMR groups showed significant improvements in subjective sleep quality (F = 3.75, p = 0.02), habitual sleep efficiency (F = 4.81, p = 0.01), and overall sleep quality (F = 5.53, p = 005) when compared to the control group after the intervention. However, no statistically significant differences were identified among the three study groups in terms of sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep disturbances, sleeping medication, and daytime dysfunction after the intervention (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study showed that a four-week program of both PMR and BR can be effective in the overall improvement of sleep quality in patients following CABG. Further research is required to replicate the findings of the present study.

The effect of zinc supplementation on fatigue among elderly community dwellers: A parallel clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Fatigue is one of the most common complaints of the elderly. This study was conducted to assess the effect of zinc supplements on fatigue among the elderly. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 150 elderly aged ≥60 years who were recruited from the health centers (Kashan, Iran) with a convenience sampling method. Participants were allocated to intervention and control groups by block randomization. Participants in the intervention group received a daily dose of 30 mg of zinc supplement for 70 days; meanwhile, in the control group, no intervention was performed. The level of fatigue was measured by the multidimensional fatigue inventory before and after the intervention. Both groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic variables, fatigue, and serum zinc level before the intervention. The significance level was considered as 0.05 in all tests. RESULTS: Zinc supplementation significantly reduced fatigue (mean difference: -10.41 vs 1.37, P < .001) and increased serum zinc level (mean difference: 14.22, vs -0.57, P < .001) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Consumption of zinc supplements for the elderly is recommended to overcome fatigue.

Antimicrobial Activity of Colloidal Selenium Nanoparticles in Chitosan Solution against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the antimicrobial activity of colloidal selenium nanoparticles in chitosan solution (Cts-Se-NPs) against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans. Material and Methods: Cts-Se-NPs solution was prepared using a simple chemical reduction method. The MIC and MBC against S. mutans, L. acidophilus, and C. albicans were determined using the broth dilution assay. Results: The Cts-Se-NPs had remarkable antimicrobial activity against S. mutans, L. acidophilus, and C. albicans. The MIC values of the Cts-Se-NPs were lowest for S. mutans (0.068 mg/ml) compared to L. acidophilus (0.137 mg/ml), and C. albicans (0.274 mg/ml). The MBC values of the Cts-Se-NPs against the microorganisms after one, two, six, and 24 hours indicated that the concentration of 0.274 mg/ml of Cts-Se-NPs completely killed S. mutans, L. acidophilus, and C. albicans after one, two, and six hours, respectively. At the concentration of 0.137 mg/ml, S. mutans and L. acidophilus were killed after six and 24 hours, respectively. Conclusion: These findings encourage the potential use of Cts-Se-NPs in dentistry, while further clinical research is required in this area.

The Effects of Inhalation Aromatherapy Using Lavender Essential Oil on Postoperative Pain of Inguinal Hernia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: One of the main problems after inguinal hernia surgery is postoperative pain. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aromatherapy with lavender oil inhalation on postoperative pain after inguinal hernia surgery. DESIGN: A randomized controlled design was used. METHODS: Ninety participants were selected and assigned to two groups: the intervention group (n = 45) and the control group (n = 45). The patients in the intervention group inhaled four drops of 2% lavender essential oil with oxygen for 20 minutes. The patients in the control group inhaled only oxygen. Postoperative pain was measured 0 minutes after being transferred to the surgery ward, and then 2 hours, 6 hours, and 24 hours after surgery using the visual analog scale. FINDINGS: In comparison to the control group, levels of pain severity in the intervention group were significantly lower in four stages of measurements (P < .001). Also, in all stages, measurements showed significant statistical differences within the groups (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil helped decrease postoperative pain after inguinal hernia surgery.

A randomized trial of the effect of peer education on the sexual quality of life in patients with myocardial infarction.

Background One of the factors associated with readmission is inappropriate sexual activity after myocardial infarction (MI). This study aimed to assess the effect of peer education on the sexual quality of life (SQOL) in patients with MI. Methods In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 70 patients with MI meeting the inclusion criteria were assigned to experimental or control groups using block randomization. Peer education for the intervention group was provided on the third day after MI. Education sessions lasted from 90 to 120 minutes. Data were collected using demographic, sexual quality of life-female (SQOL-F), and sexual quality of life-male (SQOL-M) questionnaires during the fourth week after MI. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention in terms of demographic and SQOL. The mean of SQOL in the peer education group was significantly higher than the control group at the 4-week follow-up. Conclusions According to the results, using peer education is recommended for the sexual health care professionals.

Effects of dry needling on tendon-pulley architecture, pain and hand function in patients with trigger finger: a randomized controlled trial study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of dry needling on tendon-pulley architecture, pain and hand function in patients with trigger finger. [Participants and Methods] A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Fifty eight patients having trigger finger were randomly assigned as either an experimental group that received a single session of dry needling over pulleyA1 and flexor tendon or a control group that received no intervention. Thickness of tendon-pulley, and pain-hand function (by disability arm-shoulder questionnaire score and pinch grip strength) were measured by a blinded assessor before and one week after intervention. [Results] The two way mixed ANOVA in the experimental group showed that the thickness of pulley-tendon decreased, pinch grip power increased and DASH questionnaire score was decreased in comparison to the control group. [Conclusion] This study results suggest that a single session of Dry Needling (DN) was effective in decreasing pain, DASH score, pulley-tendon thickness and improving pinch grip power in patients with trigger finger.

Reliability of SEMG measurements for trunk muscles during lifting variable loads in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The reliability of surface electromyography (SEMG) derived parameters is of high importance, but there is distinct lack of studies concerning the reliability during dynamic contractions. Particularly, the similarity index reliability has not been investigated during functional task yet. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of trunk muscle activities measured by means of surface electromyography during lifting tasks over repeated trials within a day. METHODS: Seven volunteers were assessed twice a day. SEMG signals were recorded bilaterally from seven trunk muscles. Intra class correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of similarity index, magnitude and timing were calculated. RESULTS: Investigation of ICC and correlation between trials showed that similarity index (ICC 0.73-0.97, correlation 0.6-0.95) is more reliable and repeatable than muscles magnitude (ICC 0.41-0.69, correlation 0.54-0.65) and it's timing (ICC 0.41-0.69, correlation 0.31-0.74) while timing had the least reliability. CONCLUSION: Similarity index can be mentioned as an appropriate motor control index and evaluation of muscle recruitment pattern should be done by considering similarity index and magnitude.

Effect of spinal stabilization exercise on dynamic postural control and visual dependency in subjects with chronic non-specific low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Motor control approach towards chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) has gained increasing attention. CNLBP patients have shown to be more visually dependent for the postural control process than control subjects but no study has yet investigated the treatment programs effect on this disorder. METHODS: Forty CNLBP patients volunteered to participate in this experimental study. The subjects were randomly assigned into either stabilization exercise (SE) or control group both receiving 12 sessions of routine physiotherapy for four weeks. The SE group also received intensive stabilization exercise. Balance (in terms of overall (OSI), anteroposterior (APSI) and mediolateral stability indices (MLSI)) and functional disability were assessed by Biodex Balance System(®) (BBS) and Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire, respectively prior and after the interventions. The balance tests were performed with open and closed eyes. RESULTS: Both interventions significantly decreased all stability indices but the SE group showed a more pronounced improvement in OSI and APSI. In the SE group, vision deprivation had smaller destabilizing effects on OSI and APSI as compared with the control group. The groups were not statistically different prior and after the interventions on all dependent variables. Oswestry index reduction in the SE group was more pronounced but the interaction of time and group variables were not significant on pain intensity. CONCLUSION: Both interventions effectively enhanced stability indices and functional capabilities and reduced pain intensity in CNLBP patients. The SE protocol made the patients less visual dependent perhaps via better stability. Since pain reduction was not different between the groups, more functional improvement in SE group cannot simply be interpreted via the pain interference and might be related to postural control capabilities of the patients.

Antioxidant activity of Piper nigrum L. essential oil extracted by supercritical CO2 extraction and hydro-distillation.

The aim of this study was to optimize the antioxidant activity of Piper nigrum L. essential oil extracted using the supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) technique. Response surface methodology was applied using a three-factor central composite design to evaluate the effects of three independent extraction variables: pressure of 15-30 MPa, temperature of 40-50 °C and dynamic extraction time of 40-80 min. The DPPH radical scavenging method was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the extracts. The results showed that the best antioxidant activity was achieved at 30 MPa, 40 °C and 40 min. The extracts were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The main components extracted using SC-CO2 extraction in optimum conditions were ß-caryophyllene (25.38 ± 0.62%), limonene (15.64 ± 0.15%), sabinene (13.63 ± 0.21%), 3-carene (9.34 ± 0.04%), ß-pinene (7.27 ± 0.05%), and α-pinene (4.25 ± 0.06%). The essential oil obtained through this technique was compared with the essential oil obtained using hydro-distillation. For the essential oil obtained by hydro-distillation, the most abundant compounds were ß-caryophyllene (18.64 ± 0.84%), limonene (14.95 ± 0.13%), sabinene (13.19 ± 0.17%), 3-carene (8.56 ± 0.11%), ß-pinene (9.71 ± 0.12%), and α-pinene (7.96 ± 0.14%). Radical scavenging activity of the extracts obtained by SC-CO2 and hydro-distillation showed an EC50 of 103.28 and 316.27 µg mL(-1) respectively.

The effectiveness of a single session of Whole-Body Vibration in improving the balance and the strength in type 2 diabetic patients with mild to moderate degree of peripheral neuropathy: a pilot study.

Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Muscle strength and the balance deficits are seen in these patients. Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) is a time-efficient method which may be beneficial for them. The immediate effects of WBV on muscle strength and balance have not been studied yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of one session of WBV on muscle strength and the balance of diabetic patients. Ten diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy took part in this study. Outcome measurements were total strength, strength of tibialis anterior and quadriceps femoris muscles and the balance parameters including Unilateral Stance Test and Timed Up and Go Test. Tibialis anterior muscle strength and Timed Up and GO Test parameters showed significant differences post-exercise in comparison to baseline. A session of WBV had positive effects on muscle strength and the balance in patients with type-2 diabetes associated with neuropathy.

The effects of vacuumic bracing system on the patellofemoral articulation in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Patellar bracing is a component of treatment of patellofemoral joint (PFJ) problems. A new vacuumic brace was designed by the researchers that act based on an external vacuuming suction. Ten patients were undertaken for the CT scan study at both 0 degrees and 30 degrees knee flexion immediately pre- and post-bracing. Also they examined clinically pre, post and 1 week after using the brace. Measurements of patellofemoral joint space width (PFJSW) and patellofemoral joint area (PFJA) showed that the application of the vacuumic brace is able to create a significant patellofemoral joint distraction at both knee angles. A significant reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) and increase in kujala patellofemoral score (KPS) was found in subjects after using the brace for 1 week. In conclusion, the results conveyed that application of the vacuumic brace is able to create a joint distraction and useful changes in VAS and KPS parameters.

Flare-ups incidence and severity after using calcium hydroxide as intracanal dressing.

Acute pain and swelling following endodontic treatment are a challenge for both the patient and the dentist. According to previous studies, the incidence of flare-ups increases after endodontic treatment of teeth with necrotic pulps. Calcium hydroxide is currently used as a multi-purpose drug in root canal therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity of flare-ups after treatment of pulpless teeth using calcium hydroxide as an intracanal dressing. Sixty patients with single-root necrotic teeth participated in this study. These patients were randomly divided into three groups of 20. The patients were treated in Group A in a single-visit approach, in group B with a two-visit approach without any intracanal dressing and group C with a two-visit approach using calcium hydroxide as an intracanal dressing for one week. All of the patients were followed for 72 hours after each treatment session. The information about the incidence and severity of pain and swelling was recorded in tables, using a modified Visual Analogue Scale for pain severity measurement and a scale with four degrees for measuring the severity of swelling. The data were analyzed by chi-square test and GENMODE procedure.