bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of ultrasructural changes in the enamel of primary teeth in starting phases of early childhood caries, with and without local fluoride therapy
Authors: Kokoceva-Ivanovska Olga 
Published: February 2024

Early childhood caries is often found under the name connected with the manner of feeding nutrition of children such as “Baby bottle Syndrome” or “Baby bottle caries”. The aim of the study was to determine ultrastructural changes in the enamel of primary teeth in starting phases of early childhood caries, with and without local fluoride therapy, because it has of great influence in the preventive aspect of the disease. The investigation was done on laboratory tests on tree groups extracted primary teeth: one of 20 healthy mandibular incisors, as control group and two more groups of primary tested teeth: 10 maxillary incisors with initial lesion and 10 maxillary incisors with superficial form. The all dental samples were observed with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and we made comparative analyzes in ultrastructural changes of enamel between untreated and treated teeth, and control group teeth. After that, we have analysis with SEM photo attachments. In some dental samples with initial lesion after local treatmant we managed to get almost healthy enamel, i.e. complete remineralization process. Once again, we have confirmation of one of the many benefits of fluoride in dentistry which is long been known.
Factors that have impact on natural population change in Republic of North Macedonia
Authors: Stojchevska Monika , Stamenova Aleksandra , Tozija Fimka 
Published: February 2024

The planning of public health programmes is directly related with the demographic characteristics and the population change has longterm impact on the health, health care and community interventions. The objective of this paper is to analyze the factors influencing the trend of population change in the Republic of North Macedonia. Material and methods: Data from the National Statistical Office and World Health Organization have been used. Literature review was conducted applying public health approach and descriptive method. Results: The natural population change in North Macedonia has negative trend in the last 10 years, the birth rate has declined, while the mortality is increasing. The biological factors and fertility rate have significantly influenced the birth rate, while the burden of chronic noncommunicable diseases, road injures, violence and COVID-19 are lead causes of mortality. Numerous factors indirectly affect the negative trend of population change such as the high rate of unemployment, poverty, socioeconomic and political context, migration and availability and quality of health care. Conclusion: А detailed analysis of the factors affecting the natural population change and an appropriate national response with the aim of reducing the negative trends is needed.
Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in hepatitis C virus seronegative heroin dependents
Authors: Pereska Zanina , Janicevic-Ivanovska Danijela , Simonovska Natasa , Babulovska Aleksandra , Trajanovska-Spasovska Aneta , Naumoski Kiril , Kostadinoski Kristin 
Published: February 2024

Initial studies on impaired glucose-insulin homeostasis in heroin dependents have not defined the impact of concomitant hepatitis C infection (HCV), which has been strongly associated with the development of insulin resistanceand metabolic syndrome (MS). The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of heroin dependence with glucose-insulin homeostasis and MS in heroin dependents with HCV seronegativity. Materials and methods: The study was prospective and cross-sectional, including 160 heroin dependents compared to a control group of 60 participants.MS was diagnosed using International Diabetes Federation criteria. The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and pancreatic β-cell function (HOMA-%B) were used for assessing insulin resistance and β-cell function of pancreas. Results: MS was detected in 9.32% of heroin addicts. Heroin dependents with MS compared to dependents without MS were older, had higher BMI, waist circumference and significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increased triglycerides (F=8.233, df=2, p<0.001), apoB (F=8.154, df=2, p=0.001), and reduced HDL-C (F=25.926, df=2, p<0.001) and apoA-I (F=16.406, df=2, p<0.001), significantly increased inuslinemia (F=4.928, df=2, p<0.05), insulin resistance-HOMA-IR (F=4,928, df=2, p<0,05) and insignificantly increased pancreatic β-cell function (194.66 ±224.05) (F=2.461, df=2, p>0.05). Conclusions: Insulin resistance and МS, independent of HCV, was also registered in heroin dependence. Timely recognition will enable more successful treatment of comorbidities and illicit drug dependence.
Induction of MTHFD2 in Macrophages Inhibits Reactive Oxygen Species–mediated NF-κB Activation and Protects against Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Cui Yan , Li Zihan , Ni Lina , Yu Sujun , Shan Xiao , Hu Penghui , Ji Zemin , Jing Weijia , Zhou Yanzhao , Wang Baochen , Dong Hongyuan , Zhou Jinxue , Xie Keliang , Yu Qiujing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The one-carbon metabolism enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2) is critical for cancer cell proliferation and immune cell phenotypes, but whether it can contribute to macrophage inflammatory responses remains unclear. In this study, we show that MTHFD2 was upregulated by LPS in murine macrophages upon activation of the TLR4–MyD88–IKKα/β–NF-κB signaling pathway. MTHFD2 significantly attenuated LPS-induced macrophage proinflammatory cytokine production through its enzymatic activity. Notably, ablation of myeloid MTHFD2 rendered mice more sensitive to septic shock and CCl4-induced acute hepatitis. Mechanistically, MTHFD2 restrained IKKα/β–NF-κB activation and macrophage inflammatory phenotype by scavenging reactive oxygen species through the generation of NADPH. Our study reveals MTHFD2 as a “self-control” mechanism in macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses.
Quality of Life in Patients with Phenylketonuria: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jahangiri Zahra , Rostampour Noushin , Hovsepian Silva , Chegini Rojin , Hashemipour Mahin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe impact of phenylketonuria (PKU) on Quality of life (QoL) has been a topic of interest in recent research. This article reviews current researches on the impact of PKU on QoL. The review examines factors that may influence QoL, such as age, metabolic control, and treatment adherence. In this systematic review study, relevant articles were identified using a search strategy built with the keywords phenylketonuria, PKU, or hyperphenylalaninemia (or their synonyms) and QoL in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases. After identifying the articles, duplicates, reviews, scientific abstracts, articles published in languages other than English, and non relevant studies were excluded. The search strategy identified 951 records from databases, and after excluding duplicates, irrelevant studies, and those published in non English languages, 26 records were left that contained data on 1816 patients with PKU/hyperphenylalaninemia. The studies included both children/adolescents and adults. Overall, the studies found that the QoL of PKU patients was comparable to normative data, but some aspects such as emotional health and school functioning were lower. Metabolic control was found to significantly correlate with QoL. Younger patients and men had better QoL in several studies, while late treated patients and those with lower education had worse outcomes. It is concluded that QOL in patients with PKU is similar to the general population. However, given the chronic nature of the condition, it is important to pay special attention to their QoL. Poor QOL is associated with female gender, lower education, older age, and poor metabolic control.
Comparison of Misoprostol with Foley Catheter vs Misoprostol alone for Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labor in Patients with Premature Rupture of Membrane: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study
Authors: PoorHosseini Seyyedeh Azam , Mirteimouri Masoumeh , RakhshaniFar Maliheh , Mousavi Vahed Seyede Houra , Haghollahi Fedyeh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
This study evaluates the effect of misoprostol alone in comparison with misoprostol with Foley catheter in preparing the cervix for induction of labor in women with premature rupture of the amniotic sac.

Materials and Methods:
This randomized clinical trial study was performed from 2017 to 2019 on 206 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy and gestational age more than 36 weeks, whose rupture of the amniotic sac had occurred less than 12 hours and had a Bishop score less than 4. These women were randomly assigned to two groups of Foley catheters with misoprostol (intervention group, P = 103) or misoprostol alone (control group, P = 103) to induce labor. In both groups, sublingual misoprostol (25 micrograms) was administered at intervals of 4–6 hours. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS.21 software.

Results:
There is no significant difference between age and Bishop score in the two groups (P = 0.19, P = 0.31, respectively). Lower doses (0 to 3) of misoprostol were used in the intervention group versus 0 to 5 doses in the control group (P = 0.001). Delivery time was shorter in the intervention group (10.83 hours vs. 13.10 hours in the control group, P = 0.001). Also, the probability of complications such as fever, tachysystole, and hospitalization of an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) did not increase.

Conclusion:
An intracervical Foley catheter with misoprostol is more effective in inducing labor in pregnancies with premature rupture of the membranes than using misoprostol alone and can be a safe and effective option.
Comparing the effect of sexual counseling based on BETTER and PLISSIT models on sexual assertiveness in women with breast cancer after mastectomy
Authors: Shalamzari Kowsar H. , Asgharipour Negar , Jamali Jamshid , Kermani Ali T. , Babazadeh Raheleh 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
Sexual changes in breast cancer occur after diagnosis and treatment, including a mastectomy. Sexual assertiveness is an effective factor in sexual satisfaction, which means the ability to convey sexual feelings, beliefs, and thoughts. Given the limited studies on sexual assertiveness in breast cancer and different client participation, this study was conducted to compare the effect of sexual counseling based on two models of PLISSIT (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestion, Intensive Therapy) and BETTER (Bring Up, Explain, Tell, Time, Education, Record) on sexual assertiveness in women after mastectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This quasi-experimental intervention was conducted in 2021 in Mashhad, Iran. Seventy-eight mastectomized women with breast cancer were assigned to the BETTER (n = 39) and PLISSIT (n = 39) groups using permuted block randomization with a block size of 4 and an allocation ratio of 1:1. Both groups received four individual counseling sessions, one week apart. The research tools included a demographic information form and the Hulbert index of sexual assertiveness. Changes in the mean scores of sexual assertiveness between the two groups were evaluated before and four weeks after the intervention, and the mean changes were compared between the groups. Data analysis was conducted using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, independent t-test, paired t-test, and Chi-square tests using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 (P < 0.05).

RESULTS:
The results of the study showed that before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the score of sexual assertiveness in both groups (P = 0.253). The mean score of sexual assertiveness changes before and after the intervention in the BETTER group (8.07 ± 4.9) was significantly higher than in the PLISSIT group (5.58 ± 4.7) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:
The results indicated that BETTER sexual counseling was more effective in increasing the sexual assertiveness of mastectomized women than PLISSIT counseling. Due to its simplicity and client-centeredness, this model can be used in breast cancer care programs.
Experiences of medical educational managers in the early COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative thematic analysis
Authors: Imanipour Masoomeh , Gheiasi Seyede Fatemeh , Taheri Leila 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic changed and disrupted education at medical universities. Educational managers face new challenges and special complexities to manage this situation. This study aimed to explain the experiences of educational managers of Iranian medical universities in the early COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This descriptive-qualitative study was conducted at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 2020–2021. The study population included all educational managers in one of the positions of the dean of the faculty, educational Vice-Chancellor, head of the department, and other relevant educational directors in medical sciences universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collected from semi-structured interviews were analyzed in MAXQDA2020 software using the thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS:
Four main themes and nine subthemes were identified: “The ups and downs of the transition from face-to-face training to virtual training,” “Crisis in educational management,” “Testing and Evaluation: Obstacles and Problems,” “Education and lessons learned from COVID-19.”

CONCLUSION:
Themes identified from the experiences of educational managers provide new information about the negative and positive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the learning and teaching process of medical sciences students. Lessons learned and experiences of educational managers in medical sciences universities amid the COVID-19 pandemic will help health education policymakers so that they can create transformation and innovation in the education of medical science students. Strengthening the e-learning infrastructure will help to create a foundation for a rich way of educating medical students in the post-corona era and when the outbreak of other emerging diseases is inevitable in the future.
Assessment the satisfaction level of faculty members from virtual teaching during corona crisis in Rafsanjan School of Medicine
Authors: Abbasifard Mitra , Ahmadinia Hassan , Moezi Alireza , Iranmanesh Foad , Shahabinejad Maryam , Ostadebrahimi Hamid , Heidari Fateme , Bagheri-Hosseinabadi Zahra , Hassanipour Mahsa 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
Evaluating the experiences and the satisfaction level of the academic members is an important parameter in planning for virtual education during COVID-19 pandemic. The present study was designed to evaluate the satisfaction level of faculty members of Rafsanjan School of Medicine regarding virtual education in COVID-19 crisis in two stages between 2019 and 2022.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:
This descriptive study was conducted on the faculty members of Rafsanjan Medical School. The satisfaction level with virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic was determined using a researcher-made questionnaire with appropriate validity and reliability. For analysing of quantitative variables, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, independent t tests and one-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression were used.

RESULTS:
Data showed that only 15.2% of the faculty members had a previous experience of virtual teaching prior to the pandemic and 30.3% had a history of passing the empowerment course on virtual education before the COVID-19 crisis. Moreover, 68.2% passed the empowerment course on virtual education at the same time as the COVID-19 epidemic spread. The overall satisfaction with virtual education in the first and second stages of the study was 49.05 and 49.22 out of 100, respectively. The satisfaction of NAVID learning management system was 66.66 percent among faculty members. The level of satisfaction in non-clinical members was significantly more than clinical members.

CONCLUSION:
The overall satisfaction of faculty members with virtual education was at an average or medium level. From the point of view of the faculty members, some aspects of virtual education need to be improved. Therefore, it seems necessary to improve the infrastructure and empower the faculty members to enhance the quality of virtual education.
The effect of positive thinking training on anxiety and happiness among older adults: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Pourdavarani Anis , Farokhzadian Jamileh , Forouzi Mansooreh Azizzadeh , Shahraki Sedigheh Khodabandeh 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
Anxiety and depression are the most prevalent mental disorders associated with aging. Positive thinking training is a way to help older adults cope with anxiety and depression and increase their happiness. This study aimed to determine the effect of positive thinking training on anxiety and happiness among older adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This quasi-experimental study was conducted with 48 older adults referred to two comprehensive health service facilities in the southeastern Iranian province of Kerman. The intervention (n = 24) and control (n = 24) groups were randomly assigned from a convenience sample of older adults. The intervention group attended eight two-hour training sessions on positive thinking. Data were collected before and one month after the positive thinking training using Beck Anxiety Inventory and Oxford Happiness Inventory. All statistical procedures were performed in SPSS software (version 22), with the significance level set to P = 0.05.

RESULTS:
Before the positive thinking program was delivered, the mean anxiety scores in the intervention and control groups were 13.98 ± 8.61 and 19.25 ± 11.67, respectively. After the intervention was completed, the mean scores for the intervention and control groups were 4.50 ± 4.07 and 15.54 ± 9.04, indicating a significant reduction in anxiety among intervention group participants (t = -5.45, P < 0.001). The mean baseline happiness scores in the intervention and control groups were 26.58 ± 12.40 and 37.91 ± 5.57, respectively, which changed to 62.91 ± 4.66 and 35.62 ± 10.62 at the post-test. Positive thinking training improved happiness in a significant manner (t = -4.08, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:
Results revealed that positive thinking training decreased anxiety and enhanced happiness among older adults. Given the growing elderly population, clinical managers, clinical specialists, nurses in health care centers, and those involved in elderly care facilities can benefit from this non-pharmacological treatment program for older adults suffering from anxiety and depression. It is suggested that preventive programs based on positive psychology be developed to aid in the prevention of people’s declining happiness and increasing anxiety as they age.
Explaining the lived experiences of school principals regarding the promotion of psychological capital of high school girls through promoting their health
Authors: Mahmoodaliloo Parvin , Talebi Behnam , Khadivi Asadollah 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
Psychological capital, a vital factor in adolescents’ success, interacts with health and the dimensions of health and is especially important in adolescent girls. The purpose of this research is to explain the lived experiences of school principals regarding the promotion of psychological capital of high school girls through promoting their health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The present study, which is based on a qualitative approach and a descriptive phenomenological method, has been carried out through studying 23 participants who were the principals of girls’ high schools in Tabriz in 2022. Purposive sampling method was used and 23 semistructured interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis was conducted based on the Colaizzi’s seven-step method.

RESULT:
Findings indicate that the lived experiences of school principals regarding the promotion of psychological capital of high school girls through promoting their health can be classified as follows: physical health including physical activity and sports, healthcare (teeth and mouth, eyes, skin, and hair), disease prevention, nutrition, and physical fitness; mental health including spirituality, life skills, academic skills, counselling, and peer relationships; and puberty health including awareness of puberty, appropriate modeling, and sex education.

CONCLUSION:
The programs and behaviors related to health dimensions at schools are among the key grounds promoting psychological capital of high school girls.
Community-based education: An effective policy for earthquake preparedness in Iran: Empirical study
Authors: Shams Lida , Shirzad Maryam , Atighechian Golrokh , Nasiri Taha , Shahbazi Sara 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
As natural or man-made shocks, disasters are sudden events that require emergency and fundamental measures. The need to be prepared for disasters has become clearer than ever worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the effect of earthquake preparedness training using the face-to-face or cascade method in rural households living in Juybar County (Iran) in 2018.

METHODS AND MATERIAL:
Following an experimental design with a pretest and posttest, the study was performed on married women aged 10–49 living in Kurdkolay village of Juybar county (n = 372). Participants were randomly categorized into two groups of training (n = 95) and face-to-face cascade method (n = 95). Data were collected using the Disaster Preparedness Assessment Index, comprising demographic and education sections. Data were collected using the disaster preparedness assessment index and analyzed using SPSS version 24.

RESULTS:
The findings indicated improved preparedness in all five dimensions in both groups. There was a significant difference between the study groups immediately and one week after the intervention (P < 0.05); i.e. a higher impact for the face-to-face cascade method. Meanwhile, both groups presented a similar level of preparedness 90 days after receiving the intervention (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:
The face-to-face cascade method was more effective in the short term, while no difference was found in the long term. Crisis managers and policymakers should choose their preferred method based on available facilities, human resources, and context to increase preparedness against earthquakes. Mothers play a vital role in educating and nurturing their children. It is suggested to conduct educational programs at the community level using the most appropriate methods that are chosen based on the best evidence.