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Depression is one of the common psychiatric disorders during elderly. This systematic review aims to present the relationship between vitamin D deficiency, depression and testosterone serum concentration in the middle-aged and elderly men. We performed a comprehensive search in the Google Scholar, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, Cochrane, Science Direct, and Scopus databases to collect any relevant published studies. The data of the articles that had been investigated the relationship between depression and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) serum concentration (nine studies), or testosterone and 25[OH]D (six studies), as the primary outcomes, were included in our review. The results of the cohort and cross-sectional studies have shown that vitamin-D deficiency is associated with the incidence of depression in older men. In addition, documents have reported the positive association between vitamin D and testosterone, and previous studies have shown that testosterone can involve in the mood. We have proposed scientific mechanisms that have shown vitamin D may also play a protective role in depression through its effect on the testosterone. Therefore, it is a low risk and safe recommendation for the middle-aged and elderly men to use the vitamin D supplement or exposure to the sunlight to prevent depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Morbidity and mortality caused by sever acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can decrease with effective vaccination. The current study assessed relationships between the food intakes and nutritional habits before vaccination and the severity of vaccination-linked symptoms. Materials and Methods: Totally, 586 participants (377 cases with moderate to severe symptoms after COVID-19 vaccination and 209 controls with no clinical symptoms after vaccination) were investigated in a case-control study. Food frequency questionnaire was used to investigate dietary food group intakes during a year. Food habits were assessed using general questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used to estimate strength of the associations between the history of food intakes and the odds ratios (ORs) of side symptoms after vaccination. Results: After considering energy intake, gender, vaccine type, type of dairy products and BMI in the logistic regression models, consuming yogurt and cheese during the year before the vaccination significantly increased the occurrence of side effects after vaccination with COVID-19 vaccine (OR = 4.153; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.182-7.902; p < 0.001), (OR= 1.556; 95% CI = 1.007-2.404; p = 0.047), respectively. In the group with side effects after vaccination, more participants consumed low-fat dairy, compared to the control (p = 049). Conclusions: It seems that intake of yogurt and cheese can increase the odds of side effects after COVID-19 vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the failure rate of 1.000 immediately placed implants in fresh extraction sockets and their risk factors. Methods: The data comprised files of 1,000 fresh socket implants placed during the 2014-2019 interval in three Tehran-based private dental clinics. The statistical method was survival analysis consisting of shared frailty and intra-cluster correlation. Moreover, Chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to statistically analyze the relationship between each independent variable and the response variable (immediate implant failure). Results: 40 cases of failures among the implants were found. accounting for a 4% failure rate. Shared frailty survival model indicated that only the implant system significantly affects the failure rate. Intra-clustered correlation was 0.41. Chi-squared analysis showed that gender and implant system both significantly affect immediate implant failure. None of the quantitative variables were significantly related to immediate implant failure according to the Mann - Whitney U test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major depressive disorder. Vitamin D deficiency may play a role in PPD pathogenesis. This study was designed to determine the effect of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on the severity of symptoms and some related inflammatory biomarkers in women with PPD. Materials and Methods: Eighty-one women with a PPD score >12 participated in this study. A total of 27 patients were randomly assigned into three groups (1:1:1 ratio) to receive either 50,000 IU vitamin D3 fortnightly + 500 mg calcium carbonate daily; or 50,000 IU vitamin D3 fortnightly + placebo of calcium carbonate daily, or placebo of vitamin D3 fortnightly + placebo of calcium carbonate daily (placebo group) for 8 weeks. At the baseline and end of the study, the severity score of PPD, levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, calcium, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL6) and estradiol were measured. Results: The PPD score had more reduction in the vitamin D + calcium and vitamin D + calcium placebo groups than that of the placebo group (−1.7 ± 3.44, −4.16 ± 5.90 and 0.25 ± 2.81, respectively; p = 0.008). The effect of vitamin D on the PPD score was larger when vitamin D was given alone than given together with calcium (p = 0.042 and p = 0.004, respectively). No significant differences in estradiol, IL6 and TNFα were observed between the three groups. Discussion: Vitamin D may be effective in improving the clinical symptoms of PPD; however, the mechanism of the effect might not entirely operate through inflammatory and/or hormonal changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Cataract is the second cause of visual impairment and the first cause of blindness worldwide. This study was carried out to assess and compare quantities of caffeine consumption by cataract patients with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried out on 336 40-80 year-old participants (168 patients with cataract and 168 healthy individuals). Demographic data, including age, gender, occupation, level of education, economic and marital statuses, levels of physical activity and history of smoking and chronic diseases, were collected using personal information questionnaire. Independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare quantitative variables between the two groups. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Logistic regression was used to investigate relationships between the consumption of caffeinated foods and beverages and the odds ratios (OR) of cataract. Results: Results showed that dietary consumption of caffeine played protective roles against occurrence of cataracts [OR: 0.982 (CI: 0.977, 0.988), p-value < 0.001]. Exposure to ultraviolet light of the sun was also a significant factor in increasing risks of cataract [OR: 2.32 (CI: 1.29, 4.19), p-value = 0.005]. Conclusions: Increasing consumption of caffeinated foods and beverages can play protective roles against cataract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The study evaluated the effectiveness of different tube voltages of the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) device on the diagnosis of vertical root fractures in teeth with single root canals and posts. Materials and methods: Sixty single-canal and single-rooted extracted human mandibular premolars were selected, all of which were intact and contained no fractures. After disinfection, teeth crowns were sectioned and teeth canals were prepped and obturated by a method similar to the rotary technique. Root fractures were created in half of the teeth by applying controlled buccolingual force. Prefabricated metal posts were subsequently placed in all teeth using AH26 sealer. All teeth, both intact and fractured, were mounted in bovine ribs and X-rayed randomly using a CBCT device (Planmeca Romexis, Helsinki, Finland) with three tube voltages (min=66 kVp, mid= 80 kVp, and max=92 kVp). Three experienced maxillofacial radiologists observed and commented on the images. Research data were analyzed using SPSS-25 software. Results: Images taken by kVp min were removed from further statistical analysis due to a lack of diagnostic information. For mid (80) and max kVp (92), the sensitivity values were 86.6% and 60 % (P= 0.04), and the specificity values were 33.3% and 30%, respectively (P= 0.45). Overall, observers' opinions were more alike concerning images taken with kVp mid than kVp max. Conclusion: Apparently, images taken by a tube voltage of 80 kVp are more efficient in the diagnosis of root fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression and obesity are among the increasingly publicized health problems, both being related to critical complications, and increasing the risk of substantial morbidity and mortality. An increasing number of documents indicate that obesity affects mental status, low serum cholesterol levels, and is related to depressive symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the possible significant difference in lipid profile levels, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure (BP), between depressive and nondepressive older adults. Methods: This was a case--control study where 107 patients, over 65-year-old, were enrolled in this study. Serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), BP, and fasting blood sugar were measured. Data were analyzed using the statistical SPSS software version 22. Independent t-test was used to compare the results between the two groups and the Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. In addition, nonparametric Mann--Whitney test was used to evaluate the data. Results: The depressive group showed significant lower BMI, WC, LDL-C, and TG (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.016, and P < 0.014). Furthermore, the findings showed significantly higher systolic and diastolic BP in participants who had shown depressive symptoms (P < 0.035 and P < 0.024). Conclusions: The findings suggest that a low BMI, serum LDL-C, and TG are related to depressive symptoms the Iranian elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent mood disorder estimated to affect 20%-40% of women worldwide after childbirth. In recent studies, the effect of vitamin D on prevention of mood disorders and depression has been investigated, but it is still unclear how vitamin D may affect PPD. The evidence on the relevance between vitamin D deficiency and PPD is inconsistent, and assessment of the recent literature has not previously been carried out. Moreover, there are few clinical studies on PPD and vitamin D supplementation. Five studies have so far assessed the relationship between the levels of vitamin D and PPD. Findings from cohort studies suggest that vitamin-D deficiency is related to the incidence of PPD and vitamin D may play a significant role in the recovery of women with PPD, but it is uncertain whether these actions are the effect of vitamin D on the function of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the levels of estradiol, serotonin, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and/or of other mechanisms involved in PPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Exercise and nutrition as life style modification strategies for the prevention and control of diabetes are considered. The aim of present study was to assess the effects of saffron consumption and aerobic exercises on serum levels of Heart-type fatty acid binding protein (HFABP) and Troponin T in type2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. Materials and Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental research. Therefore, 24 T2DM men were selected and randomly divided in four groups (1. control, 2. saffron extract, 3. aerobic exercises, 4. compound aerobic exercises and saffron extract). Saffron extract with 100 mg/day was used. Aerobic exercises, three days a week, for eight weeks, with 55-70% of maximum heart rate were performed. At the end, levels of HFABP) and Troponin T were measured. Data were analyzed by Paired T test, One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: The serum Troponin T increased significantly in saffron extract, aerobic exercises and compound saffron extract -aerobic exercises in T2DM men(P-value:0.024, P-value: 0.013, Pvalue: 0.005 respectively). Saffron extract consumption (100 mg/day) and aerobic exercises did not significantly influence the serum HFABP (P-value: 0.365, P-value: 0.188 respectively). But serum HFABP decreased significantly in compound saffron extract - aerobic exercises group (P-value: 0.003). Conclusion: Raised cardiac Troponin T and HFABP concentration are accepted as the standard biochemical markers for the diagnosis of cardiac injury. Saffron intake may beneficially protect the myocardium from injuries. Compound saffron extract -aerobic exercises can decrease levels of Troponin T and HFABP in T2DM men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering represents very exciting advances in regenerative medicine; however, periodontal literature only contains few reports. Emdogain (EMD) consists of functional molecules that have shown many advantages in regenerative treatments. This study investigated EMD effect on gingival fibroblast adhesion to different membranes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two dense polytetrafluoroethylene membranes (GBR-200, TXT-200), Alloderm and a collagenous membrane (RTM Collagen) were used in this experimental study. Each membrane was cut into four pieces and placed at the bottom of a well in a 48-well plate. 10 μg/mL of EMD was added to two wells of each group. Two wells were left EMD free. Gingival fibroblasts were seeded to all the wells. Cell adhesion was evaluated by means of a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope after 24 hours incubation. Data was analyzed by independent t-test, one-way and two-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD test. P < 0.05 in independent t-test analysis and P < 0.001 in one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD analysis was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Alloderm had the highest cell adhesion capacity in EMD+ group and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In EMD- group, cell adhesion to TXT-200 and Alloderm was significantly higher than GBR-200 and collagenous membrane (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that EMD may decrease the cell adhesion efficacy of GBR-200, TXT-200 and collagenous membrane but it can promote this efficacy in Alloderm. It also showed the composition of biomaterials, their surface textures and internal structures can play an important role in their cell adhesion efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: It has not been established whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with anthropometric state; therefore, this systematic review examined the relationship between serum vitamin D levels with anthropometrics and adiposity across different ages., Methods: Studies that examined vitamin D deficiency with adiposity measures in different age groups were searched in the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases until November 2023. Two investigators independently reviewed titles and abstracts, examined full-text articles, extracted data, and rated the quality in accordance with the Newcastle-Ottawa criteria., Results: Seventy-two studies, with a total of 59,430 subjects, were included. Of these studies, 27 cross-sectional studies and one longitudinal study (with 25,615 participants) evaluated the possible link between 25(OH)D serum concentrations and anthropometric/adiposity indices in the pediatric population. Forty-two cross-sectional studies and two cohort investigations (with 33,815 participants) investigated the relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and adiposity measures in adults and/or the elderly population. There is evidence supporting links between vitamin D deficiency and obesity, and revealed an inverse association between vitamin D and adiposity indicators, specifically in female subjects. However, the effects of several confounding factors should also be considered., Conclusion: Most published studies, most of which were cross-sectional, reported a negative association between vitamin D and female adiposity indicators. Therefore, serum vitamin D levels should be monitored in overweight/obese individuals.

The research, carried out at the University of Florence, investigated the tools and methodologies needed to manage the setting up of educational environments in a dynamic-emergency regime. It tested the interoperability of the digital tools deemed necessary for an integrated management of space management activities. And defining a methodology for setting up the spaces assisted by the use of digital systems capable of automating the design activities.

Background: Tissue engineering represents very exciting advances in regenerative medicine; however, periodontal literature only contains few reports. Emdogain (EMD) consists of functional molecules that have shown many advantages in regenerative treatments. This study investigated EMD effect on gingival fibroblast adhesion to different membranes., Materials and Methods: Two dense polytetrafluoroethylene membranes (GBR-200, TXT-200), Alloderm and a collagenous membrane (RTM Collagen) were used in this experimental study. Each membrane was cut into four pieces and placed at the bottom of a well in a 48-well plate. 10 μg/mL of EMD was added to two wells of each group. Two wells were left EMD free. Gingival fibroblasts were seeded to all the wells. Cell adhesion was evaluated by means of a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope after 24 hours incubation. Data was analyzed by independent t-test, one-way and two-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD test. P < 0.05 in independent t-test analysis and P < 0.001 in one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD analysis was considered statistically significant., Results: Alloderm had the highest cell adhesion capacity in EMD+ group and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In EMD- group, cell adhesion to TXT-200 and Alloderm was significantly higher than GBR-200 and collagenous membrane (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: This study showed that EMD may decrease the cell adhesion efficacy of GBR-200, TXT-200 and collagenous membrane but it can promote this efficacy in Alloderm. It also showed the composition of biomaterials, their surface textures and internal structures can play an important role in their cell adhesion efficacy.