Search

This study aimed to assess the alveolar bone thickness (ABT) and labiolingual inclination of maxillary and mandibular central incisors in patients with Class I and II skeletal patterns with normal-angle, high-angle, and low-angle vertical patterns. The study sample consisted of 200 cone-beam computed tomography scans of patients with skeletal Class I and II malocclusions. Each group was further divided into low-angle, normal-angle, and high-angle subgroups. Labiolingual inclinations of maxillary and mandibular central incisors and ABT were measured at 4 levels from the cementoenamel junction in the labial and lingual surfaces. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, independent t test, 2-way analysis of variance, and Spearman's correlation test were applied for statistical analyses. The only significant difference between Class I and II groups regarding the ABT was found at the labial side of the maxillary central incisor, 9 mm apical to the crest. At this level, the mean ABT was 0.87 mm in patients with a skeletal Class I malocclusion, which was significantly greater than that in patients with a skeletal Class II malocclusion with a mean ABT of 0.66 mm (P = 0.02). Comparisons among the vertical subgroups revealed that on the labial and lingual sides of the mandible, as well as the palatal side of the maxilla, significantly thinner alveolar bone was found in patients with high-angle growth patterns than those with normal-angle and low-angle patterns in both sagittal groups (P <0.05). Significant weak to moderate correlations were found between ABT and tooth inclination (P <0.05). Significant differences in ABT covering central incisors between patients with skeletal Class I and II malocclusion are merely observed at the labial surface of the maxilla, 9 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction. Compared with patients with normal-angle and low-angle, those with a high-angle growth pattern and Class I and II sagittal relationships have thinner alveolar bone support around maxillary and mandibular incisors. • The aim was to assess alveolar bone thickness around central incisors with different inclinations. • Cone-beam computed tomography of 200 subjects was assessed. • Sagittal and vertical growth patterns were considered. • Alveolar bone thickness depends on the vertical growth pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

40 men with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) secondary to radical prostatectomy were randomly assigned to two groups (control = 20, treatment = 20). The treatment group received a novel multifaceted approach (including interferential therapy, a combination of exercise therapy approaches, and manual therapy) and the control group received sham electrotherapy. Both groups received 12 sessions of treatment in one month. Outcome measures include SF12 form to assess the quality of life and bladder diary to assess incontinence parameters including urination amount, fluid intake, urinary frequency, and incontinence frequency. treatment group shows significant improvement in comparison with the control group in quality of life (control group from 29.6 ± 4.5 to 31.0 ± 4.9 and the treatment group from 30.6 ± 4.4 to 42.2 ± 2.4, P = 0.003), urinary frequency (control group from 10.1 ± 2.0 to 9.2 ± 1.8 and treatment group from 9.7 ± 1.91 to 7.1 ± 1.1, P = 0.038), and incontinence frequency (control group from 7.0 ± 2.2 to 6.4 ± 2.0 and treatment group from 7.8 ± 2.4 to 1.2 ± 1.1, P = 0.003). Also, urination amount (control group from 1621.50 ± 403.7 to 1507.2 ± 402.3 and treatment group from 1638.3 ± 356.1 to 1360.55 ± 360.9, P = 0.503) and fluid intake (control group from 2024.0 ± 595.5 to 1865.2 ± 596.5 and treatment group from 2184.4 ± 484.5 to 1724.2 ± 596.6, P = 0.987) showed no significant difference between the two groups after the treatment sessions. the multifaceted approach presented here, consists of electrotherapy (interferential therapy), exercise therapy, and manual therapy that can improve incontinence and quality of life in patients with stress incontinence secondary to prostatectomy. To determine the long-term efficacy of this approach, studies with long-term evaluation are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Sensory processing patterns can be related to children's preferences for various activities. Still, our understanding of how different sensory processing patterns are related to children's participation in leisure activities is fairly limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between sensory processing patterns and children's participation in leisure activities. Methods: In this systematic review, the PRISMA (The Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews And Meta-Analyses) Guidelines were followed. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, ProQuest, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Medline, OT Seeker, SID, and Healio databases using the following keywords: "Participation", "leisure", "play", "sensory processing", "sensory integration", "sensorimotor", "sensory", and "children". A total of 5040 articles were found, of which 5027 were eliminated after the review, and finally, 13 articles were included in the study based on the inclusion criteria; 6 of them entered the meta-analysis process. The meta-analysis was performed using CMA software. Results: The meta-analysis of 6 studies illustrated a significant correlation between the energy level and desire to participate in leisure activities, the auditory-visual sensitivity and willingness to participate in leisure activities, the sensory processing patterns and the intensity of involvement in leisure activities, the general sensory processing and desire to participate in leisure activities, the sensory processing patterns and desire to participate in informal activities, the olfactory sensitivity and desire to participate in leisure activities, the auditory filtering and desire to participate in leisure activities, the sensory processing patterns and enjoyment of participation in leisure activities, and finally sensory processing patterns and desire to participate in recreational activities. Discussion: The evidence in articles on sensory processing patterns and participation in play and leisure activities is inadequate. The only conclusion drawn from all patterns of sensory processing is the significant relationship between these patterns and the preference to participate in recreational activities (which is just one of the several leisure activities). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Finding the best voxel size for the detection of vertical periodontal bone defects with minimum patient radiation dose is a priority. This study sought to assess the effect of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) voxel size on the detection of vertical bone defects.Materials and Methods: In this in vitro, experimental study, 31 vertical defects including 2 one-wall, 12 two-wall, and 17 three-wall defects were randomly created in the maxilla and mandible of four sheep skulls with the associated soft tissue using round and needle burs. Forty sound sites were considered as the control group. The CBCT scans were obtained from the skulls with 0.150 and 0.300 mm3 voxel sizes and 8 x 11 cm2 field of view (FOV). The images were randomly evaluated by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists and two periodontists, and their findings were recorded. The inter-rater observer agreement (weighted kappa), sensitivity and specificity values were calculated for each voxel size. Comparisons were made using paired t-test. Results: The two voxel sizes had no significant difference in detecting one-wall and twowall defects (P>0.05). But the smaller voxel size was significantly superior for detecting three-wall defects (P=0.001). The inter-rater observer agreement was unfavorable (kappa < 0.6) for the detection of all three defect types. Conclusion: In general, increasing the image resolution by decreasing the voxel size increased the sensitivity and reduced the specificity of CBCT for detection of vertical bone defects, and is only recommended for detection of three-wall defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is a dreaded disease that can be identified by elevated blood glucose levels in the blood, and undiagnosed diabetes can cause a host of related complications, such as retinopathy and nephropathy. In terms of type, the main categories are type 1 diabetes (T1DM), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Machine learning models and metaheuristic optimization algorithms can play an important role in the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of this disease. To this end, we propose AHDHS-Stacking, an ensemble learning framework for diabetes mellitus classification and diagnosis that is based on the harmony search (HS) algorithm and stacking and includes two stages of feature selection and optimization of base-learner combinations. To improve the model's overall performance, the average performance of all base learners is used as the feature selection target, and an adaptive hyperparameter strategy is used to accelerate the iterative process. HS is then used to optimize to find the best combination of base learners, which improves model performance while reducing complexity. Following that, we conducted experiments on the Pima Indians Diabetes (PID) dataset and the Chinese and Western Medicine Diabetes (CWMD) dataset, achieving accuracy of 93.09%, precision of 93.22%, recall of 91.60% , F-measure of 92.25%, and MCC of 84.79% on PID dataset, which is better than all benchmark models and validated the model's validity. CWMD dataset experimental results showed that AHDHS-Stacking screened for key features such as age, gender, urinary glucose, fasting glucose, BMI and cholesterol, and can be used as a practical and accurate method for early diabetes prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the importance of non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) and its increasing spread, the need for instruments for the accurate diagnosis of back pain is evident in order to offer more effective treatment. One such instrument is the STarT Back Screening Tool (STarT) which is examined by numerous studies, while some of its psychometric dimensions still require attention. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the internal consistency and construct validity of this questionnaire to propose a modified version. In this cross-sectional study, the data of 295 patients with NSLBP were analyzed. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to assess construct validity. The Χ2/df , GFI, CFI, and RMSEA indices were also utilized as the goodness-of-fit criteria. Data analysis was performed in SPSS, AMOS, and EQS programs. Goodness-of-fit indicators were calculated for the original Persian version of the questionnaire, showing an improper fit (RMSEA = 0.162). According to the measures of sampling adequacy (MSA) of the questions, Questions 1 and 8 were deleted, resulting in an improved index (RMSEA = 0.062). All the regression coefficients in the CFA model were significant (p < 0.001for all 7 parameters). Based on the results, the modified Persian version of the STarT is simpler and more practical than the previous version, serving as a valid and reliable tool for assessing patients with low back pain. With respect to the goodness-of-fit indices, we recommend that more studies with larger samples be conducted on different populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Macronutrients and micronutrients present in different types of diet could influence different aspects of both inflammatory and immune responses; thereby, diets could influence oral health and the periodontal condition. The raw vegan diet is a subset of vegetarianism in which only uncooked plant-derived foods are consumed. The present study's aim was to evaluate the effect of the raw vegan diet on periodontal and dental health parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 118 participants (59 raw vegans and 59 controls) were interviewed about their level of education and oral health habits. Samples of unstimulated whole saliva were collected for pH analysis, and dental and periodontal parameters were examined. Then, statistical analysis was performed. Results: Raw vegans had better oral hygiene (P = 0.001). The decayed-missing-filling indices were relatively equal in both groups. The probing depth, bleeding on probing (BOP), and simplified oral hygiene index were significantly lower in raw vegans (P = 0.047, P = 0.017, and P = 0.001, respectively). Multiple regression analyses disclosed that probing depth and BOP were significantly related to debris index. Conclusion: Based on this study's results, it can be presumed that the better periodontal condition in raw vegans is a result of their better oral care and lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) is a disorder related to sympathetic dysfunction. Iontophoresis can be used to reduce sweating rate. Sympathetic skin response (SSR) is commonly used to evaluate the sympathetic system. However, scarce evidence exists about the reliability of SSR parameters. To assess the relative and absolute reliability of SSR before and after the application of iontophoresis with aluminum chloride hexahydrate (ACH) gel or tap water in subjects with PPH. Twenty subjects were randomized to receive either iontophoresis with ACH gel or tap water. Three SSRs (amplitude and latency) with 5 s intervals from both hands in both groups were recorded before and after the application of iontophoresis for 30 min. Reliability of amplitude and latency of the SSR was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Amplitudes and latencies of SSR showed good to excellent test–retest reliability for ICC in both groups before iontophoresis. Except for right hand latency which was moderate (0.5–0.75). After iontophoresis, the ACH gel group still showed good to excellent agreement for SSR parameters, while the reliability of SSR parameters in the tap water group was reduced. Subjects with PPH showed high intra-rater reliability for SSR parameters which was maintained after ACH gel iontophoresis and decreased after tap water iontophoresis. It seems that media used for iontophoresis or the state of media (gel vs liquid) may affect the reliability of SSR. Further research is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives In the process of child development, a variety of factors are at play. In this regard, social determinants of health play a determining role in the development and growth of the child. This study aimed to design and test the model for social determinants of health for the development of 36-6o-month-old children in Tehran with the mediation of maternal involvement. Materials & Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1067 mothers and their 36-60-month-old children in childcare centers in Tehran, using multistage sampling. Data gathering tools consisted of a demographic questionnaire for mothers and children, a questionnaire on unhealthy behaviors, Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Economic and Social Status Questionnaire, Perceived Social Support Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Questionnaire, Spielberger Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, ENRICH: Marital Satisfaction Scale, and Participation Scale for Parents and Mothers. Results Model fit measures were suitable and goodness of fit (RMSEA = 0.031, GFI = 1) was satisfactory. In addition, the results of path analysis indicated that the participation of mothers in the development of children had a direct positive (ß = 0.089) and increasing effect. Conclusion Findings indicated that depression, anxiety, stress, and marital satisfaction have both direct and indirect effects on the participation of mothers and child development. Moreover, the model fit measures indicated the utility and high proportionality of the model, as well as the logic of the adjusted relationships of variables based on the conceptual model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to determine the short and medium effects of dry needling (DN) on myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in individuals with symptomatic hallux valgus (SHV). A total of 30 female volunteers, aged 25–60, with hallux valgus (HV) were randomly divided into two groups: DN group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15) who received sham dry needling. The outcome measures were pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI), hallux valgus angle (HVA), and first metatarsophalangeal joint radiography. At the end of the intervention, the HVA showed a significant decrease in the case group (P < 0.001); however, statistically no significant difference was found in the pain intensity and foot function between the two groups (P > 0.05). These findings were maintained for a week and a month during follow-ups. According to the findings, dry needling can be recommended for improving first metatarsophalangeal joint alignment in the mild to moderate SHV individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the Problem: The tumor suppressor role of myoepithelial cells and related mechanisms in breast tumors are well understood. However, the role of these cells in tumors of salivary glands is debatable. Purpose: The present study was designed to determine the expression of p63, mammary serine protease inhibitor (maspin) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP- 2) in mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ADCC) of salivary glands due to various cellular differentiation and structure. The association between the expression of these markers and clinicopathologic features and myoepithelial differentiation were also evaluated. Materials and Method: P63, maspin, and MMP-2 expression were immunohistochemically studied in 67 cases including35 cases of MEC and 32 cases of ADCC. The smooth muscle actin (SMA) staining was also applied to confirm the presence of myoepithelial differentiation. Data was analyzed using Chi-square test, Mann- Whitney U test and t-test. Results: The expression of p63 (p= 0.009) and maspin (p= 0.012) significantly differed between the study groups. P63 positive cells in MEC were negative for SMA staining in contrast to ADCC. Furthermore, the expression of P63 (p= 0.045) and maspin (p= 0.019) significantly and inversely correlated with histologic grade in ADCC. Likewise, positive significant correlation was detected between histologic grade and expression of P63 (p= 0.018) and MMP-2 (p= 0.003) in MEC samples. Conclusion: Our findings showed that MEC is devoid of myoepithelial cells. The difference in expression of P63 and maspin in ADCC and MEC highlighted the role and presence of myoepithelial cells in ADCC. Indeed, the high expression of P63 and maspin in well-differentiated ADCCs suggests the tumor suppressor effect of myoepithelial cells. Considering the association between the evaluated markers and histological grade, p63 in both tumors, maspin in ADCC and MMP-2 in MEC may be efficient predictors of clinical behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to test a model of child, family and environment and identify factors affecting the intensity of leisure participation by children with cerebral palsy (CP). Materials & Methods In this cross-sectional study, 232 children with cerebral palsy (141 boys and 91 girls), aged 6 to 14 years old and their parents were selected from four schools of children with special needs and five rehabilitation centers through the convenience sampling method in Shiraz, Iran. To evaluate the intensity of leisure participation, we used the Persian version of Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) completed by the participants. Demographic form, Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (CHIEF), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Family Environmental Scale (FES), SPARCLE cognitive level and parents' version of Gross Motor Function Classification System, Manual Ability Classification System and Communication Function Classification System were sent to the parents with some necessary explanations. Structural equation modeling was used to test the model hypothesis. SPSS version 18 and AMOS version 16 were used for data analysis. Results Comparative fit indexes indicated a moderate to good model fit. The presented model explained 44% of the variance in the intensity of participation. Constructs such as Family Activity Orientation with standardized total effect of 0.31 and path coefficients of P< .05 showed the most significant direct effect on participation, followed by higher gross motor function (-.26), higher manual ability (-.19), communication function (-.17), higher cognitive level (-.16), more siblings in the family (.15) and less emotional-behavioral problems (-.15). Family structures and relationships (.17) and unsupportive environment constructs (-.14) demonstrated an indirect but significant effect (P< .05). The relationship of family education level and income with participation was not significant (P>.05). Conclusion The intensity of CP children's participation is influenced by child, family and environmental factors. Parents' knowledge of recreational activities and their preference to participate in leisure and recreational activities provide children more opportunities to participate. Higher gross motor function, manual ability, and communication function also play an important role in their participation. Family structure means family cohesion, roles organization, and conflicts between family members and encountering physical, attitudinal and structural barriers at home and community indirectly impact children's participation pattern. To enhance children's participation, we suggest therapists to support children's behaviors, family relationships and involvement in community activities and optimize physical function of children with limitations in self-mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of dental clinicians to predict posttreatment dental arch forms in patients with malocclusion with the aid of 3D imaging and digital software in comparison with a conventional method. Pretreatment and posttreatment dental plaster casts of 100 patients (200 maxillary models and 200 mandibular models) were selected. Three orthodontists selected the best-fitted archwires among 5 commercially available preformed nickel-titanium archwires using 2 methods. In the conventional method, they fit the archwires to pretreatment casts, and in the digital method, they fit the scanned wire to a 3D digital model, using Ortho-Aid, a locally developed 3D software, using clinical bracket points as reference for wire fitness. The predicted posttreatment archwire in each method was compared with the best-fit archwire on the actual posttreatment model of each patient in both methods, and the level of agreement was calculated. The interobserver agreement between the 3 orthodontists in each method was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient and the Dahlberg formula. Orthodontists predicted the final treatment outcome in 50% of cases using the conventional method and 58% using the digital method. However, the range of method error was significantly higher in the conventional method (0.425-3.853 mm for the conventional vs 0.451-0.584 mm for the digital). Although the clinicians' ability to predict the final dental arch form after orthodontic treatment and the agreement between clinicians increased by the use of digital equipment, orthodontists can predict the final arch form in about 60% of patients. • Software analysis of scanned 3D cast helped predict posttreatment dental arch form. • Clinicians predict posttreatment dental arch form better by using digital software. • The software improved agreement between the primary and final wire forms. • The software omitted human visual errors and increased agreement between clinicians. • Dental arch form changes were not highly predictable during treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the depression and marital satisfaction in mothers of 36-48 months old children with developmental delay in comparison with mothers of normal children. Materials & Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on 616 mothers and their children, aged 36 - 48 months, from Apr 2015 to Feb 2016, in some kindergartens in Tehran, Iran. Participants were selected through multi-stage random sampling. The children were divided according to the developmental status into two groups of normal development and developmental delay. The following instruments were used: A demographic and children specification questionnaire, marital satisfaction scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS16 software. Independent t-test and Pearson correlation were employed at significance level of 0.05. Results The mean age of children with developmental delay and normal development was 41.94±4.48 and 42.17±5.02 months, respectively. The prevalence of developmental delay in children aged 36-48 months was 17.4% and in normal development children was 82.6%. Developmental delay in boys was 23%. The highest incidence of developmental delays was in fine motor skills. Independent t-test revealed a significant difference between mothers' depression and marital satisfaction with and without developmental delays in their children (P=0.0001). In addition, the correlation was observed between the mother's depression and marital satisfaction (P=0.0001). Conclusion Mothers of children with developmental delay suffer more from depression and have less marital satisfaction compared to mothers of healthy children. Interventional studies to reduce depression and increase marital satisfaction and its impact on development status should be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Children affected with spastic cerebral palsy suffering a lot of movement and balance difficulties. Balance is one of the essential variables of movement, which facilitates functional skills. The main purpose of this study was inter-rater & test-retest reliability of Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Materials & Methods In this analytical-descriptive research performed in the rehabilitation centers, south of Tehran, Iran in 2016, psychometric method was used. For investigating the inter-rater reliability, two examiners performed the scale simultaneously with 50 children with spastic cerebral palsy. Moreover, to investigate the test-retest reliability, the scale was implemented by one examiner, in two different sessions, among 50 children with spastic cerebral palsy. There was a two-week period between the first and the second session. Results The inter-rater reliability (ICC=0.99), as well as the test-retest reliability (ICC=0.99), was quite high. Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) was acceptable for either test-retest or inter-rater reliability. Conclusion PBS is appropriate for measuring functional balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy with mild to moderate motor impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare static maximal back extensor muscle force, endurance, and characteristics of flexion relaxation phenomenon (FRP) in older women with and without age-related hyperkyphosis. Maximum back extensor force and endurance measured in a sitting position with a designed load cell setup; appearance, onset, and offset angles of FRP; and extension relaxation ratio (ERR) during a dynamic flexion-extension task were compared between 24 older women with hyperkyphosis (thoracic kyphosis angle ≥50°), mean age 65 ± 4.4 years, and 24 older women without hyperkyphosis (thoracic kyphosis angle ≪50°), mean age 63 ± 4.3 years. Variables of force, endurance, angles of FRP, and ERR were analyzed using an independent sample t test. A χ2 test was used to identify differences between groups in FRP appearance. Static back extensor force and endurance were significantly lower among those with versus those without hyperkyphosis (P ≪.001). Although the 2 groups did not differ in FRP appearance and ERR in the superficial erector spinal muscles (P ≫.05), FRP in the hyperkyphosis group started sooner and ended later than in the group without hyperkyphosis (P ≪.05). Our study indicates that women with age-related hyperkyphosis had decreased static maximal force and endurance of the back extensor muscles and prolonged myoelectrical silence of the superficial erector spinal muscles. Reduced endurance of the superficial erector spinal muscles may trigger early onset of FRP and prolonged relaxation of these muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In the auditory system, tinnitus and superior speech perception in noise are examples of negative and positive plasticity that can result from sensory neural hearing loss and life experiences dealing with more complex stimuli and learning, respectively. The main objective of this study was to determine the relationship between acceptable noise level (ANL) values and perceptual learning in individuals exposed to unavoidable occupational noise. Materials & Methods Here we document a form of plasticity in top-down auditory pathways through the measurement of the acceptable noise level in 60 adults, 27 females and 33 males, with normal hearing (Amiraalam state Hospital, Tehran, Iran 2016). Individuals were assigned to one of two groups: those with and without the occupational experience of speech perception in noise. Results The test group had statistically significant lower acceptable noise level and significantly higher background noise level scores compared with the control group. Conclusion Using acceptable noise level, we attributed differences in individuals' abilities to tolerate varying amounts of background noise and speech perception in noise function to the auditory efferent system. Working in crowded locations due to job nature can influence differences in speech perception in noise function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective Due to the significant prevalence of knee disorders and patellofemoral pain syndrome, as well as the importance of quadriceps strengthening in knee rehabilitation programs, it is necessary to specify the best method to activate and strengthen the quadriceps muscles. The current study aimed at comparing the maximum generated isometric force during an active straight-leg-raising (SLR) maneuver in a sitting position by changing the hip rotational position with and without the simultaneous contraction of the ankle dorsiflexor muscles. Methodology The current study was performed on 30 healthy males recruited with a non-random and available sampling method. The maximum generated force was measured during the SLR maneuver in six compound internal and external rotations and in a neutral position with and without ankle dorsiflexor contraction. The obtained generated force was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results The generated forces in the SLR with and without contracting the ankle dorsiflexors were significantly different (p = 0.001), and taking different positions of hip rotation led to significant changes in the generated force (p = 0.005). Conclusion The adoption of external hip rotation with the contraction of ankle dorsiflexors during the SLR maneuver generated the most force. Based on the interaction of these conditions, the general recommendation is to perform the SLR exercise in an external hip rotation with the simultaneous contraction of the ankle dorsiflexors in subjects with quadriceps muscle weakness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Stroke is the biggest cause of disability in adults. Spasticity is a primary impairment of stroke with a highly variable prevalence. In the present research, we aimed to determine the impact of functional stretching exercises on functional outcomes in stroke patients. Methods Thirty stroke patients were randomized into two groups-Experimental group and control group for the purposes of the study. The subjects in the experimental group participated in a functional stretching training program at the rehabilitation center thrice a week for four weeks. The subjects in both groups were evaluated in 3 intervals, once at baseline, once at the end of the program, and once at 2 months following the program. Clinical assessments, such as measuring spasticity, were conducted using the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS). Functional outcomes were also evaluated, using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, as well as the Timed 10-Meter Walk Test (WTT). Friedman test in SPSS version 22.0 was used to analysis the response variables with respect to each stage of evaluation. Spearman rank correlation was also used to measure correlation among clinical assessments and functional outcomes. Results The comparison between two groups showed significant differences only in the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) post treatment. The experimental group showed significant differences in the MMAS (p = 0.002), WTT (p < 0.001), and TUG (p < 0.001) scores. Nevertheless, the scores of the control group were not significantly different in different stages of evaluation. Conclusion The findings of the study suggest that using functional stretching exercises can improve functional outcomes in chronic spastic stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilization of new approaches in the determination of drug solubility in supercritical fluids can reduce the computation time and represent reliable results. This also leads to more applications of the supercritical technology in the field of drug manufacturing. A least-square support vector machine (LSSVM) approach is employed in this study in order to predict 33 different drug solubility in supercritical CO 2 . The solubility of the drugs is estimated as a function of temperature, pressure, supercritical CO 2 density, and 20 different chemical substructures. LSSVM results are then compared to those obtained from 8 previously reported semi-empirical correlations. Satisfying predictions are performed by the proposed LSSVM with an average absolute relative deviation of 4.92% and determination coefficient of 0.998 for the testing dataset. Therefore, the proposed LSSVM can be applied as a reliable predictive tool to estimate the drugs’ solubility, if drugs’ chemical structures are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Following spasticity, neural and mechanical changes of the paretic muscle often occur, which affect the muscle function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of functional stretching exercises on neural and mechanical properties of the spastic muscle in patients with stroke.Materials and Methods: This study was a single-blinded, randomized control trial. Forty five patients with stroke (experimental group: n = 30; control group: n = 15) participated in this study. Subjects in the experimental group participated in a functional stretching program 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Subjects in both groups were evaluated before the training, at the end of training, and then during a 2-month follow-up. Neural properties, including H-reflex latency and Hmax/Mmax ratio, were acquired. Mechanical properties, including fascicle length, pennation angle, and muscle thickness in the spastic medial gastrocnemius muscle, were evaluated. Repeated measure analysis of variance was used in the analysis.Results: Time by group interaction in the pennation angle (P = .006), and in muscle thickness (P = .030) was significant. The results indicated that the H-reflex latency (P = .006), pennation angle (P < .001), and muscle thickness (P = .001) were altered after stretching training program and these changes were at significant level after 2-month follow-up.Conclusion: The results indicated that the use of functional stretching exercises can cause significant differences in neural and mechanical properties of spastic medial gastrocnemius muscle in patients with chronic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pronated foot is one of the most important factors that may lead to musculoskeletal injuries of the lower extremities. It is known that in a pronated foot, excessive mechanical loads are applied to the lower limb structures, which result in the altered foot biomechanics, including vertical ground reaction forces (VGRFs) and rate of loading (ROL). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the changes in foot kinetic parameters in the pronated compared to the normal foot structures. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 15 individuals (mean age of 23.27 ± 3.28 years) with asymptomatic pronated feet and 15 normal subjects (mean age of 23.40 ± 3.11 years) were recruited from both genders by using a simple non-random sampling method. VGRF, ROL, and the resultant vector of time to stabilization (RVTTS) were evaluated during the forward jump landing task by using a force plate. Results The findings showed that the following parameters were significantly higher in the group of pronated feet than in the normal subjects: VGRF (3.30 ± 0.17 vs. 2.81 ± 0.15, p = .042), ROL (0.10 ± 0.01 vs. 0.07 ± 0.006, p = .020), and RVTTS (2592.80 ± 141.24 vs. 2114.00 ± 154.77, p = .030). Conclusion All the measured foot kinetic parameters were higher in the pronated foot subjects than in the normal participants. An impaired movement control and greater forces imposed on the foot region of the pronated foot, compared to the normal foot individuals, were discovered indicating the former group's possible increase of susceptibility to various musculoskeletal injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder and one of the most common non-contagious diseases which is on the rise all over the world. The present study aims to assess the trend of change in fasting blood sugar (FBS) and factors associated with the progression and regression of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, this study estimates transition intensities and transition probabilities among various states using the multi-state Markov model.Methods: In this study Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) dataset, from a longitudinal study, was used. The study, at the beginning, included 6814 individuals who were followed during the five phases of the study. FBS, serving as the criterion to assess the progression of diabetes, was classified into four states including (a) normal (FBS<100mg/dl), (b) impaired fasting glucose I (IFG I) (100mg/dl126mg/dl). A continuous-time Markov process was used to describe the evaluation of disease changes over the four states. The model estimated the mean sojourn time for each state.Results: Based on the results obtained from fitting the Markov model, the transition probability for a normal individual to remain in the same status over a 10-year period was 0.63, while the probability for a person in the diabetes state was 0.40. The mean sojourn time for the normal and diabetic individuals aged 45-84 years was 6.26 and 5.20 respectively. The covariates of age, race, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and blood pressure, significantly affected the progression and regression of diabetes.Conclusion: An increase in physical activity could be the most important factor in the regression of diabetes, while an increase in WHR and BMI could be the most significant factors in progression of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the correlation between mother-child relationship and the rate of participation of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in leisure time activities. Methods: This study is a descriptive and correlational research. The statistical population included cerebral palsy children aged 7-17 years with a mother who is at least 25 years old. A sample size of 152 children was selected using systematic random sampling. The children filled the King's assessment of participation and enjoyment questionnaire, whereas the mothers responded to a survey of Roth's mother-child relationship evaluation. We collected the data and analyzed them (Spearman's correlation test, One-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney) using SPSS 16 software. Results: The results showed that there is a correlation between mother-child relationship and the rate of participation of cerebral palsy children in leisure time activities. There was a significant correlation between acceptance of child and the increasing involvement in leisure activities in case of cerebral palsy children. Over protection, excessive ease, and child rejection in a mother-child relationship was associated with reduction in the participation rate of the cerebral palsy children and adolescents in leisure activities. In case of quadriplegic children, the acceptance of child and participation rate was low compared to hemiplegic and diplegic children. Excessive ease of a mother-child relationship in girls was more than boys, but boys experienced more child rejection of a mother-child relationship than girls. Discussion: Participation rate, frequency (how often), and the enjoyment of participation in leisure time activities were correlated with mother-child relationship. Participation differences were existed among CP groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pronated of the foot is one of the important factors contributing to musculoskeletal problems affecting the lower extremities. It is known that in a pronated foot, excessive mechanical load is applied to the lower limb structures which may result in altered biomechanics and muscle activation patterns. The aim of this study was to determine changes in the muscle activation pattern of the lower extremities in individuals with pronated, compared to normal, feet, using the voluntary response index (VRI). Methods In this cross sectional study, 15 asymptomatic pronated foot individuals (mean age 23.27 ± 3.28 years) and 15 normal subjects (mean age 23.40 ± 3.11 years) were recruited by simple non-random sampling. Electrical activities of gluteus medius (GM), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris, semitendinosus (ST), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles were recorded during a forward jump landing task. Voluntary response index (VRI) variables, included similarity index (SI) and magnitude (Mag) were also evaluated. Results Muscle activity of VM ( p < 0.001) and ST ( p = 0.010) were significantly higher but VL ( p = 0.039) and MG ( p = 0.001) were significantly lower in pronated foot, compared to normal subjects. Similarity index was found to be different ( p < 0.001) between pronated foot and healthy individuals. No significant difference was found in terms of Mag between the two groups ( p = 0.576). Conclusion The altered pattern of lower limb muscle activation identified in the pronated foot during landing may be attributed to the different activation involving VL, VM, MG and ST muscles. Adaptations to the biomechanical effects, due to the pronated foot causing altered activation of VL, VM, MG, and ST muscles, results in an altered pattern of muscle activation. This change in activation pattern may harm the effectiveness of movement control processes; and might also predispose individuals with pronated feet, to injuries. It seems that an altered motor strategy with the aim of minimizing biomechanical changes, predisposes individuals to injuries. However, further large scale studies are needed to support the findings of the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The main objective of the present study was to analyze how supra spinal motor control mechanisms are altered in different directions during anticipatory postural phase of gait initiation in chronic ankle instability patients. It seems that supra spinal pathways modulate anticipatory postural adjustment phase of gait initiation. Yet, there is a dearth of research on the effect of chronic ankle instability on the anticipatory postural adjustment phase of gait initiation in different directions. Method A total of 20 chronic ankle instability participants and 20 healthy individuals initiated gait on a force plate in forward, 30° lateral, and 30° medial directions. Results According to the results of the present study, the peak lateral center of pressure shift decreased in forward direction compared to that in other directions in both groups. Also, it was found that the peak lateral center of pressure shift and the vertical center of mass velocity decreased significantly in chronic ankle instability patients, as compared with those of the healthy individuals. Conclusion According to the results of the present study, it seems that chronic ankle instability patients modulate the anticipatory postural adjustment phase of gait initiation, compared with healthy control group, in order to maintain postural stability. These changes were observed in different directions, too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study aimed to compare the prevalence of pelvic musculoskeletal dysfunctions in women with and without Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP). Materials &Methods A total of 84 women with and without CPP (42 in each group), participated in this cross-sectional analytical study. After collecting demographic information, clinical examinations were carried out to compare pelvic musculoskeletal dysfunctions between two groups. Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) goodness-of-fit, Independent t, X 2 and Pearson correlation tests were used for data analysis. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Findings Significant differences were found in the asymmetric iliac crest and pubic symphysis height (45.2% vs 9.5%), positive sacroiliac provocation and positive Carnett's tests (50% vs 4.8%), (p < 0.05). CPP Patients exhibited more tenderness at Levator ani, Piriformis, and Obturator Internus muscles, also higher degrees of pelvic inclination (p < 0.05). Conclusion Higher frequency of pelvic musculoskeletal dysfunctions in women with CPP suggests the value of routine musculoskeletal examinations for earlier diagnosis of musculoskeletal originated CPP and effective management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the intrarater reliability of a skin-surface instrument (Spinal Mouse, Idiag, Voletswil, Switzerland) in measuring standing sagittal curvature and global mobility of the spine in older women with and without hyperkyphosis. Methods Measurements were made in 19 women with hyperkyphosis (thoracic kyphosis angle ≥50°), mean age 67 ± 5 years, and 14 women without hyperkyphosis (thoracic kyphosis angle <50°), mean age 63 ± 6 years. Sagittal thoracic and lumbar curvature and mobility of the spine were assessed with the Spinal Mouse during neutral standing, full spinal flexion, and full spinal extension. Tests were performed by the same examiner on 2 days with a 72-hour interval. The intrarater reliability of the measurements was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change. Results Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.89 to 0.99 in both groups. The standard errors of measurement ranged from 1.02° to 2.06° in the hyperkyphosis group and from 1.15° to 2.22° in the normal group. The minimal detectable change ranged from 2.85° to 5.73° in the hyperkyphosis group and from 3.20° to 6.17° in the normal group. Conclusions Our results indicated that the Spinal Mouse has excellent intrarater reliability for the measurement of sagittal thoracic and lumbar curvature and mobility of the spine in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Craniocervical (CC) muscles control posture of the CC area. Muscle imbalance at this area induces musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to develop a device for measuring isometric force of CC flexor and extensor muscles and to evaluate its intra-rater reliability.Method: Isometric force of CC flexor and extensor muscles was measured in 20 women by one examiner on two days with a custom-made device. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurements (SEM), smallest detectable difference (SDD), and Pearson correlation coefficient were computed.Results: The results of this study revealed that this device had excellent reliability (ICC: 0.98, SEM: 2.29 N, SDD: 6.36 N, Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.97 for CC flexor muscles and ICC: 0.97, SEM: 2.13 N, SDD: 5.91 N, Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.94 for CC extensor muscles).Discussion: This new device can improve knowledge about the CC muscle and efficacy of treatments in patients with poor posture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective To evaluate the overall lower limb muscular activity pattern during treadmill walking compared to over-ground walking. Methodology The study was conducted on 25 healthy young females. Surface electromyography was recorded from gastrocnemius, hamstrings, vasti and gluteus medius muscles during walking over-ground and treadmill at 3 different speeds (comfortable, slow and fast). The pattern of muscle activity was compared between two walking conditions at different speeds by the voluntary response index method. Voluntary response index is composed of two numeric values: magnitude which represents the strength of overall muscular activity, and similarity index which represents the resemblance of overall muscle activity. Results The main effect of walking conditions and speed as well as their interaction effect (P < 0.001) on magnitude of muscle activity were significant but not for similarity index. Conclusions The pattern of muscular activity during walking on treadmill and over-ground was similar but walking on treadmill induced higher muscular activity in the lower limb musculature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: There have been contradictory findings on the relationship between Socioeconomic Status (SES) and child development although SES is associated with child development outcomes. The present study intended to define the relationship between SES and child development in Tehran kindergartens, Iran. MATERIALS & METHODS: This cross-sectional survey studied 1036 children aged 36-60 month, in different kindergartens in Tehran City, Iran, in 2014-2015. The principal factor analysis (PFA) model was employed to construct SES indices. The constructed SES variable was employed as an independent variable in logistic regression model to evaluate its role in developmental delay as a dependent variable. RESULTS: The relationship between SES and developmental delay was significant at P=0.003. SES proved to have a significant (P CONCLUSION: There should be more emphasis on developmental monitoring and appropriate intervention programs for children to give them higher chance of having a more productive life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, solution of high amount of carbon dioxide in ionic liquids (ILs) has been the object of extensive studies. It is believed that ILs can be applied to capture CO 2 and avoiding greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. In this communication, the predictive capability of the Least Square Support Vector Machine (LSSVM), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), Multi-Layer Perceptron Artificial Neural Network (MLP-ANN), and Radial Basis Function Artificial Neural Network (RBF-ANN) has been evaluated for estimating carbon dioxide solubility in 67 different ILs as a function of the operational temperature (T), pressure (P) accompanied with the properties of ILs including the critical temperature (T c ), critical pressure (P c ) and, acentric factor (ω). In this regard, an extensive data bank containing 5368 data gathered from the literature was employed. Results obtained from the LSSVM approach indicate its satisfactory predictions than other strategies. Moreover, an outlier analysis was utilized to detect suspected data points. Obtained values of R-squared (R 2 ), Mean Squared Error (MSE) were 0.9942 & 0.00035, 0.9135 & 0.004883, 0.9135 & 0.004883, and 0.9135 & 0.004883 for the LSSVM, ANFIS, MLP-ANN, and RBF-ANN respectively. Accordingly, the LSSVM strategy was introduced as a great tool for estimating CO 2 solubility in such ionic liquids, which is easy to apply and can avoid time-consuming experimental measurement and expensive experimental apparatuses as well as complicated interpretation procedures. In addition, it can help chemists and chemical engineers to have a low parameter model with satisfactory results for the estimation of CO 2 solubility in ILs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this communication, carbon dioxide solubility in aqueous solutions of various absorbents (2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol; 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol; 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol; potassium chloride; monoethanolamine; methyldiethanolamine; 2-piperidineethanol; potassium glycinate; piperazine; sodium glycinate; triethanolamine; potassium carbonate; diethanolamine) is predicted through four different methods namely Multi-layer Perceptron Artificial Neural Network (MLP-ANN), Radial Basis Function Artificial Neural Network (RBF-ANN), Least Square Support Vector Machine (LSSVM), and Adaptive Network-based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). These tools predict CO 2 loading capacity as a function of temperature, pressure, mass composition of solution, and average molecular weight of solution. In addition, an extrapolative ability of the proposed LSSVM model has been evaluated for different tertiary aqueous mixtures. Moreover, different statistical analyses have been conducted on the estimated and actual reported data. Among these approaches, results indicate that LSSVM model is more accurate than the other proposed ANFIS, MLP-ANN, and RBF-ANN models. Obtained values of mean squared error (MSE) and R-squared (R 2 ) for the LSSVM, ANFIS, MLP-ANN, and RBF-ANN models are 0.001 and 0.991, 0.011 and 0.888, 0.004 and 0.964, 0.009 and 0.916 respectively. This LSSVM model can help us to have accurate prediction of carbon dioxide solubility in aqueous solutions and it can be utilized instead of thermodynamic approaches which have difficult concepts and calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]