Distal Forearm Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation in Diabetic Hemodialysis Patients.

PURPOSE: Atherosclerotic disease of the forearm arteries can impede the maturation of distal fistulas in diabetic patients. The goal of this study was to look at the maturity of diabetic hemodialysis patients' distal forearm (radiocephalic snuffbox or distal forearm) arteriovenous fistulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with chronic renal failure who were candidates for distal forearm radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula implantation were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. Patients' demographic details, underlying disorders, laboratory measurements, vital signs, and information on their surgery were all noted. Patients were checked for fistula development 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and then monthly until 6 months after surgery. Arteriovenous fistula maturation characterized by optimal blood flow, vessel dilation, and structural adaptations. RESULTS: Among 343 patients (56% male, 44% female, mean age: 57.32 ± 12.48 years), hypertension prevailed (81.9%), followed by hyperlipidemia (42.3%) and coronary artery disease history (25.9%). AVFs achieved 58.3% maturation in 64.98 ± 11.05 days; higher BP during creation correlated with successful maturation (17.02 ± 1.46 mmHg vs 13.90 ± 1.93 mmHg, P < .05). No significant statistical difference found in distal forearm arteriovenous fistula maturation between males (57.8%) and females (58.9%) (P > .005). However, 41.7% of AVFs failed in 18.83 ± 17.89 days. Failed AVFs exhibited lower BP during operation and failure (11.75 ± 1.86 mmHg). Kaplan-Meier analysis depicted maturation probabilities over 90 days post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Diabetes and patient sex did not affect the maturation time of distal forearm AVFs in hemodialysis patients. Increased blood pressure during and after surgery correlated with shorter maturation time.

Association between gubernacular canals characteristics and teeth eruption status: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

Background: There have been few studies that have evaluated the imaging characteristics of the gubernacular canal. Additionally, it is important to understand the role of this structure and its relationship with tooth erupt. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between gubernacular canal features and teeth eruption status on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 150 CBCT images were obtained from patients referred to a maxillofacial radiology clinic in Babol, northern Iran, in 2021. Eruption status (normal, delayed, and impacted) and the presence of the gubernacular canal were recorded. If the gubernacular canal was detected, its opening site in the alveolar crest (buccal, lingual, and central) and its attachment site to the dental follicle (usual, unusual) were further assessed. Results: Gubernacular canal was observed in 133 (88.7%) of the total 150 CBCT images. Also, 41 cases (27.3%) had impacted teeth. The detection rate of the gubernacular canal in the normal, delayed, and impacted eruption of teeth was 92.1% (n=93), 75.0% (n=6), and 82.9% (n=34), respectively (p=0.135). Opening the gubernacular canal in the alveolar crest was not associated with teeth eruption status. Also, unusual attachment sites of the gubernacular canal to dental follicles were mostly seen in abnormal eruptions. Conclusions: According to the findings, observing the presence of the gubernacular canal on CBCT may not help anticipate teeth eruption problems. Key words:Gubernacular canal, Cone-beam computed tomography, Tooth eruption.

Health-promoting lifestyle in mothers with vaginal childbirth and cesarean section in the postpartum period.

BACKGROUND: In the postpartum period, there are numerous changes in the physical and psychological dimensions of women, which reduce the quality of life of women. The aim of this study was to compare the health-promoting lifestyle of mothers with vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery in the postpartum period. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 77 pregnant women who had delivered vaginal or by cesarean section at Shohadaye Behshahr Hospital and were selected based on inclusion criteria. If the women were willing to participate in the study, a demographic questionnaire was completed, and the telephone numbers of the subjects were recorded so that the Porsline health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire could be sent to them. Data were analyzed with SPSS 22 using the T test, chi-square test and Repeated Measure ANOVA. RESULTS: There was no difference in the average score of health-promoting lifestyle and its dimensions between the two groups of vaginal delivery and cesarean section at two and six weeks after delivery. However, in both groups, the total score of health-promoting lifestyle decreased significantly over time (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in health-promoting lifestyle between mothers with vaginal and mothers with cesarean delivery at two weeks and six weeks after delivery. This requires more attention from policy makers to make vaginal childbirth more convenient, and by reducing complications after vaginal childbirth, they can improve women's healthy lifestyles and, in turn, families. Also, it seems that the other variables apart from the method of delivery should be considered, and it is necessary to distinguish these variables such as routine episiotomy in order to prevent the decrease in the level of health-promoting behaviors among women during puerperium period.

The Effect of Warmed Serum on Shivering and Recovery Period of Patients Under General and Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Postoperative hypothermia followed by shivering is a common phenomenon in patients undergoing surgery under anesthesia, and should be prevented and treated in postoperative patient care units. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of warmed serum injection on postoperative shivering and recovery period of patients operated under general and spinal anesthesia. DESIGN: In this clinical trial, patients to be operated on under general and spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned into two groups of test and control. In the test group, patients received warmed intravenous fluids and blood products. All patients were monitored to record vital signs, incidences of hypothermia and shivering, and recovery period. METHODS: The collected data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance to detect significant differences between groups and significant changes within groups over time. FINDINGS: The incidence of nausea, vomiting, and shivering in the intervention and control groups was (4.7%, 42%), (2.8%, 16.8%), and (6.6%, 43%), respectively. Patients in the intervention group had higher body temperature than the control group (<0.001). Also, patients under spinal anesthesia had higher body temperature than patients under general anesthesia (<0.001). Blood pressure reduction was also significantly higher in the control group than in the intervention group. The patients who received warm intravenous serum, and especially those who had received spinal anesthesia spent less time in the recovery room (<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of warmed intravenous serum increased the patients' core temperature, reduced their postoperative shivering, and shortened their recovery period. Considering the potential risks associated with hypothermia, using such methods for hypothermia prevention can be highly effective in preventing shivering and prolongation of the recovery period and other potential complications. Anesthesia specialists and technicians are therefore encouraged to use this method as a preventive measure.

Microtensile Bond Strength of Different Bonding Agents to Superficial and Deep Dentin in Etch-and-Rinse and Self-Etch Modes.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of etch-and-rinse (E&R), self-etch (SE), and universal adhesives to superficial and deep dentin. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 40 sound third molars were randomly divided into two main groups of superficial and deep dentin. Based on our classification, superficial dentin was right beneath the deepest occlusal groove, and deep dentin was 2mm beneath the deepest occlusal groove. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups (n=20) for application of Adper Single Bond 2 (ASB), Clearfil SE Bond (CSE), and Scotchbond Universal (SBU) in E&R and SE modes along with Charisma Smart composite resin on dentin. The specimens were incubated in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours and their µTBS was then measured. The mode of failure was determined under a stereomicroscope at ×40 magnification. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA (alpha=0.05). Results: The highest µTBS belonged to the superficial dentin/SBU/E&R group. The µTBS was significantly higher in superficial dentin than deep dentin for all adhesives (P=0.005). There was no significant difference in mode of failure among the groups. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained in the present study, type of bonding agent and application mode affected µTBS. In use of universal adhesive, E&R mode can improve µTBS.

Antifungal Effect of Ginger Essential Oil Spray on Candida albicans Adhering to Self-Cure Acrylic Plates.

Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ginger essential oil spray for elimination of Candida albicans (C. albicans) adhering to self-cure acrylic plates. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 120 self-cure acrylic discs were contaminated with C. albicans and randomly divided into four main groups: exposure to ginger essential oil, nystatin (positive control), distilled water (negative control), and no exposure. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ginger oil and nystatin was determined by the microdilution test. The stability of C. albicans was determined by culturing the samples of treated acrylic plates and comparing the mean number of remaining colonies. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn test with Bonferroni correction. P<0.05 was considered significant Results: The MIC of ginger essential oil and nystatin was found to be 1560µg/mL and 4µg/mL, respectively. The differences between the mean count of C. albicans colonies before (10175±10730.25) and after the exposure to ginger essential oil (542.86±464.81) and nystatin (257.14±247.67) was statistically significant (P<0.001). The mean number of C. albicans colonies after spraying with nystatin was not significantly different compared with ginger essential oil (P=0.204). The efficacy of nystatin and ginger essential oil at each time was significantly more than distilled water (P<0.001). At 10 and 15min, there was no significant difference between nystatin and ginger essential oil groups (P=0.05). Conclusion: Ginger essential oil spray was found to be a simple and effective method for elimination of C. albicans adhering to acrylic discs.

Role of Marital Relationship Quality in Emotional Disturbance and Personal Growth of Women with Infertility: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a stressful condition that can lead to either emotional disturbance or personal growth. Marital relationship is one of the factors affecting the consequences of infertility. This study aimed to explore the role of marital relationship quality in development of women's personal growth after experiencing infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the cross-sectional study, 122 infertile women (mean age 28.79 ± 6.3) were invited to complete the survey, including ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, Posttraumatic Growth, Fertility problem inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Inventory Depression. RESULTS: Higher scores of quality of marital relationships were a protective factor against infertility stress and state/ trait anxiety. Additionally, infertility stress was a strong negative predictor of personal growth. Furthermore, infertile women with a high level of marital relationships may have more chances to experience personal growth rather than stress in infertility treatments. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that high quality of marital relationships may provide positive opportunities for women's personal growth after experiencing infertility.

Effects of adding functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets on physical, mechanical, and anti-biofilm properties of acrylic resin: In vitro- experimental study.

Background: Polymethyl methacrylate resin is widely used in orthodontic treatments. Graphene oxide (GO) has reactive functional groups on its surface that facilitate binding to various materials such as polymers, biomolecules, DNA, and proteins. This study aimed to investigate the impact of adding functionalized GO nanosheets on the physical, mechanical, cytotoxicity, and anti-biofilm properties of acrylic resin. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, fifty samples (for each test) were divided into groups of 10, in the form of acrylic resin discs with concentrations of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 weight percentage (wt%) of functionalized GO nanosheets and also the control group. Samples were evaluated in terms of physical properties (surface hardness, surface roughness, compressive strength, fracture toughness, and flexural strength), anti-biofilm properties (On four groups of micro-organisms, including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans), and cytotoxicity. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22, descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance test, and Tukey post hoc test. The significance level was considered P < 0.05. Results: No significant difference was observed between the different groups with weight percentages of 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2% nano GO (nGO) and the control group (without nGO) in terms of surface roughness and toughness. However, compressive strength, three-point flexural strength, and surface hardness showed significant differences between the groups. Furthermore, the degree of cytotoxicity increased by increasing the weight percentage of nano-GO. Conclusion: The addition of functionalized nGO in appropriate concentrations to polymethyl methacrylate can improve the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal biofilm properties without changing or increasing their physical and mechanical properties.

The prevalence and correlation of depression and anxiety with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction: Depression and anxiety share similar symptoms with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and these conditions are often not diagnosed or overlooked in RA. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression/anxiety in RA and their correlation with RA activity. Material and methods: Rheumatoid arthritis patients who presented at a rheumatology clinic were selected consecutively. The diagnosis of RA was confirmed by the ACR/EULAR criteria, disease activity was assessed by Disease Activity Score based on the 28-joint count (DAS28) and patients with DAS28 > 2.6 were considered to have active RA. The diagnosis of depression and anxiety was made by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The Pearson test was used to determine the correlation between DAS28 and HADS scores. Results: Two-hundred patients (female, 82%) with a mean age of 53.5 ±10.1 years and mean disease duration of 6.6 ±6.8 years were studied. Depression was diagnosed in 27 (13.5%) patients and anxiety in 38 (19%) patients. The DAS28 score correlated positively with depression (r = 0.173, p = 0.014) and anxiety score (r = 0.229, p = 0.001). In multiple logistic regression analysis after adjustment for all covariates, age < 40 years and female sex were independently associated with RA activity in patients with depression, with OR = 4.21 (p = 0.002) and OR = 3.56 (p = 0.028) respectively. Conclusions: These findings indicate that depression and anxiety are prevalent in RA and correlate positively with active disease in particular in depressive female patients aged < 40 years.

Sexual Function, Religion, Existential Well-being and Mental Health among Iranian Married Women of Reproductive Age.

The present study investigates the relationship between sexuality and spirituality with mental health among Iranian married women of reproductive age. It was a cross-sectional, correlational study with a sample size of 120 Iranian married women in 2022. Goldberg general health, Female Sexual Function Index, and Paloutzian and Ellison spiritual health questionnaires were used to collect data. The level of spiritual health scale (SWBS) in more than half of the married women was high (50.8%) and 49.2% at the average level. Sexual dysfunction was reported at 43.3%. Sexual function, religious and existential well-being was predictors of mental health and its dimensions. The risk of sexual dysfunction was 3.33-fold higher in people who had an unfavorable level of SWBS (ß = 3.33, CI: 1.558-7.099, P = 0.002) compared to those who had a favorable level of SWBS. Therefore, adhering to sexual health and relying on spirituality are emphasized in preventing mental health problems.

The effect of instructing mothers in attachment behaviors on short-term health outcomes of premature infants in NICU.

BACKGROUND: The birth of a pre-mature infant and subsequent hospitalization and separation from the family can impair maternal and neonatal attachment and quality of maternal care. This study aimed to assess the effect of instructing mothers in attachment behaviors on short-term health outcomes of pre-mature infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this quasi experimental study, 80 mothers of pre-mature infants who were admitted to NICUs at two referral health centers in northern Iran were studied in two groups in 2018. Attachment behaviors were taught to mothers in the test group during four consecutive sessions. Mother-infant attachment behaviors were evaluated at both the beginning and the end of this study using a checklist derived from Avant's Maternal Attachment Assessment Strategy. Moreover, infants' short-term health consequences were investigated in two groups. SPSS 18 statistical software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: On average, it took respectively 34.90 ± 12/65 and 31/15 ± 14/35 days for the infants in the control and the intervention group to reach full oral feeding and 38/5 (38/4-42/11) and 37 (31/85-42/14) days to gain the minimum weight required for discharge. Moreover, the mean length of stay for the infants in the control and the intervention group was 41/80 ± 13/86 and 39/02 ± 16/01 days, respectively (P > 0/05). CONCLUSION: Instructing mothers in attachment behaviors clinically improved short-term health-related outcomes. Hence, this intervention is recommended to be incorporated in the care program for mothers with pre-mature infants.

Role of spiritual intelligence and demographic factors as predictors of occupational stress, quality of life and coronavirus anxiety among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIM: This study investigated the impact of spiritual intelligence and demographic factors in the prediction of occupational stress, quality of life and coronavirus anxiety among nurses. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was planned. METHODS: The study was conducted among full-time nurses who were employed in two teaching hospitals of Babol city which were referral centres for caring patients infected with COVID-19 from February-May 2021. One hundred and twenty-nine nurses completed five questionnaires including the demographic questions, Quality of life (WHOQOL-BRIF), Occupational Role Questionnaire (ORQ), Spiritual Intelligence and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale. RESULTS: The findings revealed that 69% of the nurses experienced moderate occupational stress, moderate quality of life and low coronavirus anxiety. Spiritual intelligence was the only significant negative predictor of occupational stress (ß = -0.517, p = <0.001). The only positive predictor of quality of life was perceived income adequacy. Predicting factors of coronavirus anxiety were the perceived income adequacy as protective (ß = -0.221, p = 0.022) and the number of children as predisposing (ß = 0.401, p = 0.004) factors. These findings should be considered when planning nursing interventions for improvement of occupational stress, quality of life and anxiety especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Subjective well-being predicts Covid-19 risk in the elderly: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Covid-19 is a serious public health concern. Previous studies have shown that although there are concerns about the subjective well-being (SWB) of older people in the Covid period, the link between SWB and the risk of Covid-19 is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the predictive effect of SWB on the Covid-19 risk in the elderly as well as the determinants of SWB. METHODS: This case-control study was performed in the elderly over 60 years of age. The case group consisted of all hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and the control group from the same population with no history of COVID-19 matched by age, sex, and place of residence. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and SWB scale of Keyes and Magyarmo to measure emotional, psychological and social well-being. All data were analyzed via SPSS and STATA software. Multiple binary logistic regression was run to predict the probability of Covid-19 risk on the values of total SWB and its three subscales and multiple linear regression to identify SWB determinants. RESULTS: The results showed that increasing one unit in total SWB reduces the risk of Covid-19 by 4% (OR = 0.969, CI = 0.947-0.991, p = 0.006). Emotional well-being with 0.823 had the highest odds ratio for predicting Covid-19 risk, followed by social well-being with an odds ratio of 0.981. Increasing age and education, better economic status, marriage against celibacy, lack of comorbidity, and a better understanding of own health were associated with greater SWB. DISCUSSION: This study provides evidence for the protective effect of SWB on Covid-19 risk. To promote SWB, we need to focus on the elderly with higher financial worries and comorbidities, as well as those with less education, health perception and SWB. Therefore, it will be important for the elderly to determine strategies to improve SWB during the epidemic.

Genetic Diversity, Carbapenem Resistance Genes, and Biofilm Formation in UPEC Isolated from Patients with Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection in North of Iran.

Background: Infections due to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are associated in patients with urinary catheters alarming rate of emergency status. The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular causes of carbapenem resistance among UPEC as well as antimicrobial resistance trends. Additionally, the potential of isolates to produce biofilms, in addition to their clonal and genetic diversity, was investigated. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was accomplished on a collection of 76 non-duplicate UPEC isolates obtained from CAUTIs from May 2021 to September 2021. The modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM) and EDTA-modified carbapenem inactivation method (eCIM) test was performed for the detection of carbapenemase and metallo-beta-lactamase activity. Also, the presence of carbapenemase genes was determined using PCR assays. In 96-well microtiter plates, biofilm development was evaluated. ERIC-PCR was used to investigate the clonal and genetic variety of isolates. Results: A total of 76 confirmed UPEC isolates were obtained from patients mentioned to teaching hospitals in Babol, Iran. The results of antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed a high rate of antibiotic resistance against nalidixic acid (81.6%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (80.3%). Among UPEC isolates, 63.2% and 13.2% of UPEC isolates were positive for MBL production. The frequencies of the studied genes are in order of bla NDM (14.5%), bla OXA-23 (2.6%), and bla OXA-48 (2.6%). Forty-two isolates (55.3%) were positive for biofilm formation. ERIC-PCR revealed that UPEC isolates could be categorized into nine clusters A-I and five isolates were categorized as a singleton. Conclusion: The high prevalence of MDR and carbapenemase-producing isolates among the UPEC strain in this investigation is concerning. Moreover, the bla NDM was the most frequent cause of producing metallo-beta-lactamase and carbapenemase. Also, analysis revealed a partial genetic similarity among the studied isolates, indicating that the same UPEC clones may have spread to other hospital units.

One-year prevalence and the association between SARS-CoV-2 cycle threshold, comorbidity and outcomes in population of Babol, North of Iran (2020-2021).

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the one-year prevalence of SARS-CoV-2, common comorbidities and demographic information among negative- and positive rRT-PCR in health care workers (HCW), hospitalized and outpatients. Also, the association between SARS-CoV-2 cycle threshold (Ct) and the outcomes of patients were analyzed in Babol, northern Iran. Methods: This large retrospective cross-sectional study was performed between March 2020 and March 2021. The records of 19232 hospitalized, outpatients and HCW suspected to COVID-19 were collected from teaching hospitals in the North of Iran. Results: Out of the 19232 suspected to COVID-19 patients, 7251 (37.7%) had a positive rRT-PCR result; 652 (9%), 4599 (63.4%) and 2000 (27.6%) of those were categorized as HCW, hospitalized and outpatients, respectively. Moreover, between the hospitalized and the outpatient group, 10.2 and 0.8% cases died, whereas no death cases were reported in the HCW. Furthermore, it seems that death rate was significantly different between the three groups of Ct value, the highest mortality in those with Ct between 21 and 30 (group B=7.6%) and the lowest in the group with the highest Ct (between 31 and 40 = 5.5%) (p<0.001). Conclusion: In summary, 37.7% of cases were positive for SARS-CoV-2; of which, 63.4, 27.6 and 9% were hospitalized, outpatients and HCW, respectively. With regard to the mortality rate in hospitalized patients and the significant association with Ct under 20 and 30, it seems that the early detection and the initial quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in the first week of the conflict and therapeutic considerations to reduce the relative load can reduce the mortality rate.

The role of psychological self-care on worry of vaccination against COVID-19 in Iranian pregnant women: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: Although previous studies have reported some psychological factors to prevent the worry of vaccination against COVID-19 in pregnant women, the role of psychological self-care is unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of psychological self-care in pregnant women on the depressive symptoms, psychological distress, and worry of vaccination against COVID-19. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted during the peak of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in Babol city (North, Iran) from August to November 2021. Two hundred pregnant women referring to three prenatal clinics completed five questionnaires including; demographic characteristics, Edinburgh postnatal depression scale, psychological self-care, brief symptom inventory 18, corona disease anxiety scale, and acceptance of vaccination-3 inventory. Results: Pregnant women were in relatively good condition based on psychological self-care but were not significantly associated with demographic characteristics, such as age, gestational age, educational background, pregnancy, and risk of parity. It was psychological self-care of pregnant women which negatively predicted the depressive symptoms (ß = -0.311, p < 0.001), anxiety symptoms (ß = -0.269, p < 0.001), psychological distress (ß = -0.269, p < 0.001), and worry of vaccination against COVID-19 (ß = -0.214, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Women's psychological self-care plays a protective role against the depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, psychological distress, and worry of vaccination against COVID-19 during pregnancy. Clinicians need to pay more attention to the role of psychological self-care as an important factor in preventing the symptoms of anxiety and depression during regular pregnancy visits.

Health-promotion and health-harming behaviours in pregnant women: role of coping strategies, anxiety, and depression.

There is a lack information on psychological predictors of health-promotion and health-harming behaviours during pregnancy. The study aimed to examine whether psychological factors including anxiety, depression, and coping strategies could predict the health-promotion and health-harm behaviours of pregnant women. In a cross-sectional study 200 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies, older than 18 years, and with at least 5 years of education were enrolled. The participants completed four questionnaires during their prenatal care appointments. The questionnaires included the prenatal health behaviour scale (PHBS), Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NU-PCI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and State-Anxiety Inventory. The results revealed that planning-preparation coping was a strong positive independent variable associated with healthy behaviours (health-promoting behavioural/nutrition (ß = 0.800, p = .001); health-promoting physical activity (ß = 0.191, p = .049)). It was negatively associated with unhealthy behaviours (health-harming behavioural/nutrition (ß = 0.290, p < .001) as well as health-harming physical activity (ß = -0.290, p = .010)). Anxiety was significantly associated negatively with healthy behaviours. Depression was the strongest positive independent variable correlated with health-harming behavioural/nutrition (ß = 0.290, p < .001). Finally, avoidance coping (ß = 0.179, p = .037) was significant for health-harming physical activity.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Previous studies have shown that there is a correlation between psychological factors and healthy behaviours of pregnant women.What do the results of this study add? The findings highlight the significant roles of coping strategies, anxiety, and depression for predicting healthy or unhealthy behaviours of pregnant women.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The findings implied that pregnant women who use more adaptive coping strategies, especially planning- preparing coping, reported lower levels of anxiety/depression and engaged more in healthy behaviours. The study also suggests that obstetricians and health care providers should pay more attention to the roles of coping strategies, especially planning-preparation and avoidance coping, anxiety, and depression in improving health-promotion/health-harming behaviours of pregnant women.

Mortality in patients with myocardial infarction and potential risk factors: A five-year data analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is among the most common causes of death in almost all countries across the world. Awareness of risk factors for the management and prevention of the disease can reduce complications and mortality rates. This study was conducted with the aim to investigate the mortality and potential risk factors of myocardial infarction (MI) as well as their relationships in patients who were admitted to one university hospital in the North of Iran from 2014 to 2018. METHODS: This study had retrospective descriptive design. Using a checklist, all necessary information was extracted from 5-year medical records data of MI patients in the university hospital from 2014 to 2018 (n = 564). The data analysis was performed in SPSS software using descriptive statistics and two binary logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean age of the patients was 62.78 ± 13.38 years, and most of them were men (66.3%). The patients' mortality was 18.6% in a 5-year analysis. However, the number of mortalities was higher in the women (P = 0.001). Descriptive analysis showed that the most common risk factors of the disease in both genders were hypertension (46.6%), diabetes mellitus (DM) (38.5%), hyperlipidemia (24.1%), smoking (20%), and family history of CVDs (18.8%), respectively. However, the results of the adjusted regression model showed that the odds ratio (OR) of the patients' mortality increased in diabetic MI patients (OR: 2.33; 95%CI: 1.42-3.81; P = 0.001), but this ratio decreased in MI patients with a history of hyperlipidemia (OR: 0.23; 95%CI: 0.11-0.44; P ˂ 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, individual- and population-based prevention strategies by focusing on hypertension and diabetes are recommended in our health programs. Surprisingly, the mortality rate of MI patients was lower among those with a history of hyperlipidemia. There are different hypotheses for the cause of this. Therefore, laboratory studies with animal models and prospective cohorts are suggested for future studies.

Evaluation of Olfactory Function by Iranian Smell Diagnostic Test in Patients with Parkinson's disease in North of Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative and multisystem disorder affecting systems more than the motor system. The olfactory disorder is an early non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 110 patients aged 50-95 years with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease referred to the Neurology Clinic of Babol University of Medical Sciences between 2018-2019. The control group consisted of 50-95-year-old non-neurological patients who were matched for age and gender with patients with Parkinson's disease. Data were collected by examination, demographic and clinical information questionnaire (duration of disease, the severity of disease, symptom index), as well as Iranian smell diagnostic test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age scores of Parkinson's disease and control groups were obtained at 69±9 and 66±9 years, respectively. The mean duration of the disease was 5 years. Patients with Parkinson's disease scored lower on the Iranian smell test, and olfactory function was significantly reduced in the case group (P<0.001). Based on the results, olfactory function in patients with Parkinson's disease was not significantly correlated with gender, marital status, education, place of residence, and occupation(P<0.05). Only olfactory dysfunction was increased with age (P=0.01). In addition, olfactory dysfunction showed no significant relationship with severity of disease, duration of disease, and clinical index sign. Rapid Iranian smell test with a cut-off of 3.5% had a sensitivity of 87.3% and a specificity of 66.4%. CONCLUSION: According to the obtained results, olfactory dysfunction is an important non-motor and a primary symptom in patients with Parkinson's disease and is not related to the duration and severity of motor symptoms and symptom index.

Comparison of Rat Connective Tissue Response to BioMTA, Angelus MTA, and Root MTA.

Due to the widespread use of MTA in dentistry and various brands of this product, we decided to compare the three brands available in the country market by their biocompatibility. We divided 20 male Wistar rats into four groups. After local anesthesia and washing, we made two incisions on both sides (4 incisions in total). The experimental groups were Angelus MTA (Angelus, Brazil), BioMTA (CERKAMED, Poland), Root MTA (Dr. Lotfi, Tabriz, Iran), and the control group. The resulting paste was placed in a tube and implanted subcutaneously into male Wistar rats. Wistar rats were sacrificed 7, 15, 30, and 60 days later, with high anesthetic doses. The sample implanted in 10% formalin was stabilized after tissue processing and H&E staining under a microscope. The inflammatory reaction in the tissues received different scores at the beginning of the tube opening. BioMTA had the highest inflammatory response among the groups, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Also, there was no significant difference between the groups' granulation and calcification (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between BioMTA, Angelus MTA, Root MTA, and control groups in fibrous capsule formation (p < 0.05). Angelus MTA showed the lowest mean fibrous capsule formation in all periods. The effects of Angelus MTA, Root MTA, and BioMTA on connective tissue were investigated and compared. According to this study, these materials have good biocompatibility. According to the findings and statistical analysis, Angelus MTA has the most biocompatibility.