Salivary Nitric Oxide Levels in Adults with Different DMFT Scores in a Selected Iranian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives

Due to the emphasis on the protective and antimicrobial role of Nitric Oxide against gastrointestinal diseases, investigating its relationship with dental caries is a right topic. Therefore, this research has investigated the amount of saliva Nitric Oxide in different volumes of DMFT indicator in adults.

Material and Methods

In this descriptive- analytical cross-sectional study, 80 participants (20-35 years old), without a history of systemic disease and drug use participated as research samples, (53.8% of the participants in the study were women). Participants were selected from patients who had visited dental Department. The participants were divided in four groups based on DMFT (DMFT=0, 1≤DMFT≤3, 3<DMFT<10, DMFT≥10). Non-stimulating saliva was collected from all participants between 9-11 am in a calibrated tube. Saliva Nitric Oxide was measured using a Nitrous Oxide test, based on the Griess reaction. We used a correlation test to analyze quantitative variables, and t-test or ANOVA for qualitative and quantitative variables.

Results

A significant relationship between DMFT and age was identified. At different levels of DMFT, significant relationship between DMFT and sex was not found. In different groups of DMFT, no significant relationship between Nitric Oxide and DMFT exist.

Conclusion

The level of Nitric Oxide saliva was not affected by the amount of DMFT.

Recent Advances of Optical Biosensors in Veterinary Medicine: Moving Towards the Point of Care Applications

While food safety issues are attracting public concern due to their detrimental effects on human health, monitoring livestock health is urgently needed to diagnose animal diseases at an early stage by applying proper treatments, controlling, and preventing outbreaks, particularly in resource- limited countries. In addition, unhealthy farms are not only a threat to livestock but also to human lives. The available diagnostic techniques for the detection of key health threats within both the food and livestock sectors require labor-intensive and time-consuming experimental procedures and sophisticated and expensive instruments. To tackle this issue, optical biosensing strategies have been incorporated into point-of-care (POC) systems, offering real-time monitoring, field-deployable, and low-cost devices, which help make on-the-spot decisions. This review aims to discuss the recent cutting-edge research on POC optical biosensing platforms for on-farm diagnosis of animal diseases and on-site detection of animal-derived food-borne contaminants, including pathogens, antibiotics, and mycotoxins. Moreover, this review briefly presents the basic knowledge of various types of optical biosensors and their development using various recent strategies, including nanomaterial combinations, to enhance their performance in POC tests. This review is expected to help scientists to understand the evolution and challenges in the development of point-of-care biosensors for the food and livestock industry, benefiting global healthcare.

The Global Prevalence of Conduct Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: There has been little effort to conduct systematic reviews or meta-analyses of the available literature to find global prevalence rates of conduct disorder and analyze the sources of heterogeneity. Method : We searched multiple databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify cross-sectional studies with random or nonrandom sampling to assess the global prevalence of conduct disorder in children and adolescents aged under 18 in the general or school-based populations. Quality assessment and data extraction were independently carried out by two authors. Subgroup analysis was used to find the potential sources of heterogeneity. Results: We reached 50 studies, incorporating 186,056 children and adolescents from 35 countries. The total prevalence of conduct disorder was 8% (CI: 7-9%; I2: 99.77%), including 7% in females (CI: 4-9%; I2: 99.56%) and 11% in males (CI: 7-15%; I2: 99.74%). The results of subgroup analysis showed that total heterogeneity could be explained by measurement tools. When diagnostic interviews such as the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) and Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) were employed, the pooled prevalence rates for conduct disorder were 0.4% and 0.7%, respectively, and heterogeneity decreased. However, the use of the screening tools such as the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)-parent or teacher report and SDQ-self report increased the pooled prevalence of conduct disorder to 10% and 16% respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of conduct disorder in the epidemiological studies should be estimated by employing the diagnostic interviews to reach accurately assessments.

The effect of vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories on tamoxifen-induced vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer

PURPOSE

Vaginal atrophy is one of the most common side effects of using tamoxifen in women with breast cancer. Hormone therapy for vaginal atrophy is prohibited in these women. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories on vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen.

METHODS

Women under breast cancer management receiving tamoxifen and showing symptoms of vaginal atrophy were randomized triple-blind to an 8-week trial on vaginal suppository vitamin E or vitamin D or placebo administered every night before bedtime. The genitourinary atrophy self-assessment tool was administered, and pH was measured in all three groups before the intervention and at the end of weeks 2, 4, and 8 of the intervention. The Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI) was also measured before the intervention and at the end of the eighth week. Data were analyzed with paired t tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, and chi-square test.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients were randomized in each group. The results obtained showed an increase in the VMI by the end of the eighth week of the intervention in the groups receiving the vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). The vaginal pH also reduced in both groups compared with that in the placebo group (P < 0.001). The symptoms of self-reported genitourinary atrophy also improved in the two intervention groups compared with those in the placebo group by the end of the eighth week (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These data support that vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories were beneficial in improving vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen. Given the prohibition on hormone therapy in these women, the suppositories can be used as an alternative therapy to improve these symptoms.

THE EFFECT OF MELATONIN AGAINST GASTRIC OXIDATIVE STRESS AND DYSLIPIDEMIA IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of MT against gastric oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in streptozotocin (STZ) - induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, diabetic, MT 5 mg/kg+ STZ, MT 10 mg/kg+ STZ and MT 20 mg/kg+ STZ. STZ (60 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally (ip) injected as a single dose for diabetes induction. One week after STZ administration, MT was injected daily as ip for 14 days. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol and glutathione, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were measured in gastric tissue. Serum concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were also determined.

RESULTS

Serum glucose significantly increased in diabetic group compared to control group. STZ induced a significant decrease in gastric tissue levels of total thiol, glutathione, catalase and SOD activities and a significant increase in MDA concentration. In diabetic rats, serum TG, LDL and TC were significantly higher and HDL was significantly lower than in the control group. Treatment of diabetic rats with MT caused a significant increase in gastric total thiol content and glutathione concentration as well as SOD and catalase activities. Gastric MDA concentration and serum LDL, TG and TC were significantly lower in MT-treated groups when compared with diabetic group.

CONCLUSION

These data suggested that MT has a therapeutic effect on gastric oxidative damage and dyslipidemia induced by diabetes that possibly may be due to its antioxidant effects.

An update on the global prevalence of conduct disorder (2011-2017): Study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The global burden of conduct disorder is considerable, particularly in males. Deaths were followed by conflict and terrorism increased 143·3% from 2006 to 2016. The objective of this study is to provide a protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis to update the global prevalence of conduct disorder during 2011-2017.

METHODS

and analyses: We will include cross-sectional studies and search databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from first of February 2011 to end of September 2017. Two authors will independently use STROBE checklist to quality assessment of the included studies, and they will extract data. We will use the graphical methods and fixed or random effect models to aggregate prevalence estimates, and assess heterogeneity between the included studies using the I2 heterogeneity statistic, and use subgroup and sensitivity analysis to assess the sources of heterogeneity.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review will complement the findings of Erskine et al. (2013), and provide a better understanding of the existing heterogeneities on the global prevalence of conduct disorder. We consider that the findings of the study will be used by policy makers and other stakeholders, and it will provide a path to future studies at national, regional, and global levels.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42018078615.

THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF ESTRADIOL & PROGESTERONE IN MALE RATS, FOLLOWING GASTRIC ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION

Background and Aim

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury frequently occurs in different situations. Female sex hormones have a protective function. The purpose of this study was to determine the function of female sexual hormones on the gastric damage induced by I/R in male rats.

Methods

Forty (40) Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: intact, ischemia- reperfusion (IR), IR + estradiol (1mg/kg), IR + progesterone (16 mg / kg) and IR + combination of estradiol (1mg / kg) and progesterone (16 mg/ kg). Before the onset of ischemia and before reperfusion all treatments were done by intraperitoneal (IP) injection. After animal anesthesia and laparotomy, celiac artery was occluded for 30 minutes and then circulation was established for 24 hours. Results expressed as mean ± SEM and P <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The Glutathione (GSH) concentration significantly decreased after induction of gastric IR (P<0.001). Estradiol (P<0.001) and combined estradiol and progesterone (P<0.001) significantly increased GSH levels. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentration significantly increased after induction of gastric IR (P<0.001). Different treatments significantly reduced MPO levels (P<0.001). The gastric acid concentration significantly increased after induction of gastric IR (P<0.001). Treatment with estradiol, progesterone (P<0.05) and combined estradiol and progesterone (P<0.01) significantly reduced gastric acid levels. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration decreased after induction of gastric IR. The SOD levels were not significant.

Conclusion

These data suggested that female sexual steroids have a therapeutic effect on gastrointestinal ischemic disorders by reduction of MPO and gastric acid, and increasing gastric GSH & SOD levels following gastric IR.

Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine Augmentation on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Multicenter Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective: Glutamate is considered a target for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The efficacy and safety of the nutritional supplement of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) as an adjuvant to serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for treating children and adolescents with OCD has never been examined. Method: This was a 10-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with 34 OCD outpatients. The patients received citalopram plus NAC or placebo. Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) were used. Adverse effects were monitored. Results: YBOCS score was not different between the two groups at baseline, but the score was different between the two groups at the end of this trial (P<0.02). The YBOCS score of NAC group significantly decreased from 21.0(8.2) to 11.3(5.7) during this study. However, no statistically significant decrease of YBOCS was found in the placebo group. The Cohen's d effect size was 0.83. The mean change of score of resistance/control to obsessions in the NAC and placebo groups was 1.8(2.3) and 0.8(2.1), respectively (P = 0.2). However, the mean score of change for resistance/control to compulsion in the NAC and placebo groups was 2.3(1.8) and 0.9(2.3), respectively. Cohen's d effect size was 0.42. The score of three domains of quality of life significantly decreased in N-Acetylcysteine group during this trial. However, no statistically significant decrease was detected in the placebo group. No serious adverse effect was found in the two groups. Conclusion: This trial suggests that NAC adds to the effect of citalopram in improving resistance/control to compulsions in OCD children and adolescents. In addition, it is well tolerated.

Minocycline as Adjunctive Treatment to Risperidone in Children with Autistic Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

This is an investigation of minocycline efficacy and safety as an adjuvant to risperidone in management of children with autism.

METHODS

Forty-six children with diagnosis of autistic disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria and a score of ≥12 on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C) irritability subscale, who were already drug-free for at least 6 months participated in a randomized controlled trial and underwent 10 weeks of treatment with either minocycline (50 mg twice per day) or placebo in addition to risperidone titrated up to 2 mg/day (based on bodyweight). Patients were evaluated using ABC-C at baseline and at weeks 5 and 10.

RESULTS

General linear model repeated measures showed significant effect for time × treatment interaction on the irritability [F(2, 88) = 3.94, p = 0.02] and hyperactivity/noncompliance [F(1.50, 66.05) = 7.92, p = 0.002], but not for lethargy/social withdrawal [F(1.61, 71.02) = 0.98, p = 0.36], stereotypic behavior [F(1.34, 58.80) = 1.55, p = 0.22], and inappropriate speech subscale scores [F(1.52, 66.88) = 1.15, p = 0.31]. By week 10, 21 (91.3%) patients in the minocycline group and 15 (65.5%) patients in the placebo group achieved at least partial response (p = 0.03). Frequencies of adverse events were not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Minocycline seems to be a safe and effective adjuvant in management of patients with autistic disorder. Future studies with larger sample sizes, longer follow-ups, and inflammatory cytokine measurements are warranted to confirm these findings and provide insight into minocycline mechanism of action in autistic disorder.

"Tell me, how bright your hypomania is, and I tell you, if you are happily in love!"--among young adults in love, bright side hypomania is related to reduced depression and anxiety, and better sleep quality

BACKGROUND

Studies on adolescents and adults show that romantic love (RL) is associated with favorable emotional states. However, data on these associations are scarce for adults. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to explore the associations between RL, symptoms of depression, anxiety, hypomania (bright side and dark side), and sleep in a sample of adults.

METHOD

A total of 844 participants currently in love (M = 24.79 years, 75.8% females) took part in the study. They completed a series of questionnaires related to RL, symptoms of depression, anxiety, hypomania (bright side and dark side), and sleep.

RESULTS

An increased state of RL was associated both with the bright and the dark side of hypomania (BRHYP and DAHYP). Relative to participants with BRHYP, participants with DAHYP reported stronger symptoms of depression and state anxiety, and poor sleep quality.

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of results adds to our knowledge that in adults RL is not entirely a joyful and happy period of life. Rather, data suggest that for young adults in love, bright versus dark side of hypomania was associated with a different quality of psychological functioning and sleep. We conclude that experiencing RL might be a critical life event associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, and poor sleep.

In a randomized case-control trial with 10-years olds suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) sleep and psychological functioning improved during a 12-week sleep-training program

OBJECTIVES

We tested the hypothesis that sleep training would improve emotional, social and behavioural functioning in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to children with ADHD without such intervention and to healthy controls.

METHODS

Forty children with ADHD were randomly assigned to intervention and control conditions. Parents of 20 children with ADHD were instructed and thoroughly supervised in improving their children's sleep schedules and sleep behaviour. Parents of the other 20 children with ADHD and parents of 20 healthy children received general information about sleep hygiene. At baseline and 12 weeks later, parents and children completed questionnaires related to children's sleep and psychological functioning.

RESULTS

Relative to the control groups, children in the intervention group improved sleep quantitatively and qualitatively (F values < 3.33, P values < 0.05). The intervention group children reported improvements in mood, emotions, and relationships (F values < 2.99, P values < 0.05). Parents reported that their children improved in physical and psychological wellbeing, mood, emotions, relationships, and social acceptance (F values < 3.02, P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Training and monitoring parents of children with ADHD in regulating and supervising children's sleep schedules leads to positive changes in the emotions, behaviour and social lives of these children.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children is found to be related to the occurrence of ADHD in siblings and the male gender, but not to birth order, when compared to healthy controls

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to explore the extent to which the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in childhood is associated with birth order and gender, and the prevalence of ADHD and mental retardation (MR) in siblings, as compared to healthy controls. Methods. Data from 200 children diagnosed with ADHD (mean age: 11.13 years; 10.5% females) were compared to data from 200 healthy controls (mean age: 11.0 years; 27.5% females). The data were related to symptoms of ADHD, birth order, gender, family size, and the occurrence of ADHD and MR in siblings.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, the occurrence of ADHD was found to be related to the male gender and to the occurrence of ADHD-related symptoms in siblings (odds ratio: 13.50). Birth order and MR were not associated with the occurrence of ADHD and ADHD-related symptoms. ADHD- related symptoms increased if a further sibling also suffered from ADHD. Conclusions. Among a sample of Iranian children suffering from ADHD, the ADHD and ADHD-related symptoms in childhood were found to be related to the male gender and to the occurrence of ADHD in siblings. Moreover, birth order was found to be unrelated. The fact that symptoms of ADHD-related symptoms increased if a further sibling was suffering from ADHD, and decreased if a further sibling was suffering from MR, is intriguing and needs further explanation.

The effectiveness of computerized cognitive rehabilitation training program in improving cognitive abilities of schizophrenia clients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a computer - based training program of attention, memory and executive functions in enhancing neuropsychological performances as well as functional outcome in clients with schizophrenia.

METHOD

A total of 15 clinically stable out patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for schizophrenia, diagnosed with different types of schizophrenia: paranoid, disorganized, residual, based on DSM- IV-TR were selected to participate in this study. All patients were randomly selected using a conventional sampling method and assigned to 60 hours individual sessions of computer - assisted cognitive remediation (CACR).This was a pre- experimental study with pretest and posttest in a single group. Cognitive functions were checked with Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (Wds) and Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ). The symptoms of patients were measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Remediation was performed utilizing the Rehacome® software. Patients received the cognitive remediation program including attention, concentration and working memory. All participants were followed up after an interval of one month and three months. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis.

RESULT

After 3 months, the findings showed that patients' scores improved in the time factor. Also, a significant improvement favoring cognitive remediation was found in several cognitive measures including Reaction Time (F = 4015p<.05, Eta = 0.242), Wds (F = 11.806, p<.05,Eta = .48) PRMQ1(F = 3.314, p<.05, Eta = 0.20) PRMQ7(F = 2.85, p<.05, Eta = 0.18).

CONCLUSION

Computer-assisted cognitive remediation training program was effective in improving the performance of schizophrenic patients. CACR did not have any effects on the positive and negative symptoms. Long- term follow-up studies are needed to confirm the maintenance of such improvements.

"I love you more than I can stand!" - romantic love, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and sleep complaints are related among young adults

BACKGROUND

Falling in love is a universal human behavior. Studies indicate that both adolescents and adults experience romantic love (RL) and emotional states of joy and happiness. However, there is evidence that among adolescents RL is also associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, but no data on these associations are available for adults. The aim of the present study was therefore to explore the associations between RL, symptoms of depression, anxiety, hypomania, and sleep among a sample of Iranian adults.

METHODS

One hundred adults (mean age: 26 years; 53% males) took part in the study. They completed a series of questionnaires related to RL, symptoms of depression, anxiety, hypomania, and sleep.

RESULTS

An increased state of RL was associated with the bright side of hypomania, stronger symptoms of depression and state anxiety, and better sleep quality. There was no relation to sleep duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike psychobiological studies assessing highly selected samples of adults happily in love, the present pattern of results shows that in adults, RL is not entirely a joyful and happy period of life. Rather, data suggest that for young adults, falling in love might be a critical life event also associated with uncertainty and unpleasant feelings.

Bupropion in adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a randomized, double-blind study

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in childhood, and it continues to adulthood without proper treatment. Stimulants have been used in the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for many years, and the efficacy of methylphenidate in the treatment of adults with ADHD has been proven to be acceptable according to meta-analysis studies. However, there are some concerns about stimulants. Finding other effective medications for the treatment of adult ADHD seems necessary. We hypothesized bupropion could be effective in the treatment of adult ADHD because some theoretical and experimental evidence exists to support efficacy of this medication. Forty-two patients with a diagnosis of ADHD, according to the revised fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, were randomized to receive 150 mg/day bupropion or placebo for a 6-week double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Each patient filled the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales-Self-Report-Screening version (CAARS) before starting to take medication and in weeks 3 and 6 of the study. The mean score of the two groups receiving bupropion or placebo decreased over the 6 weeks. There was a significant difference between the two groups in CAARS score after 6 weeks. Bupropion is more effective than placebo in the treatment of adults with ADHD. Bupropion can be an alternative medication for the treatment of Adults with ADHD as its clinical efficacy was proven by other studies.