Payam Amini

Locus of control, anxiety, and depression in infertile patients.

Abstract This study aimed to examine the relationship of locus of control (LoC) with anxiety and depression disorders, applying multivariate statistical techniques to control for the effects of demographic/fertility variables. This cross-sectional study included 312 infertile patients in a referral fertility center in Tehran, Iran via convenience sampling. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Levenson’s Locus of Control Scale were administered to all participants. Hierarchical multiple linear regressions were used to identify factors associated with anxiety and depression. After controlling for demographic/fertility variables, hierarchical regression analyses showed that internal LoC was negatively associated with anxiety (β = –.213, p < .001) and depression (β = –.269, p < .001). Powerful others subscale was positively associated with anxiety (β = .176, p < .001), but there was no significant relationship between this subscale and depression (β = .047, p = .467). The findings of this study merit the understanding of the role of demographic/fertility characteristics and LoC orientations in anxiety and depression of infertile patients to identify beforehand those patients who might be at risk of experiencing high anxiety and depression and in need of support.

Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with preeclampsia in Iran

Abstract Background: Preeclampsia is relatively a common complication in pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in urine during pregnancy. Consistent with the adverse outcomes followed by preeclampsia, this study designed to investigate the how preeclampsia is associated with preterm, low birth weight (LBW), cesarean section, and weigh gain during pregnancy. Methods: In this population-based cross-sectional study, 5166 deliveries from 103 hospitals in Tehran (Capital of Iran) were included in the analysis in 2015. The independent variable was preeclampsia during pregnancy and weight gain during pregnancy, preterm birth, cesarean section, and LBW were considered as interested outcomes. The data were analyzed by statistical Stata software (version 13, Stata Inc., College Station, TX). Results: Adjusted results showed that the mean of weight gain in women with preeclampsia was significantly higher than women without preeclampsia (mean difference: 1.77 kg, 95%CI: 0.76–12.78, p = .001). The adjusted odds ratio for preterm birth, cesarean section, and LBW were 4.19 (95%CI: 2.71–6.48, p = .001), 1.92 (95%CI: 1.24–2.98, p = .003), and 1.19 (95%CI: 0.61–2.31, p = .599), respectively. Conclusion: Weight gain in women with preeclampsia was higher than women without preeclampsia and also the odds of preterm birth, cesarean section and LBW in women with preeclampsia was higher than women without preeclampsia.

The effect of depression on quality of life in infertile couples: an actor-partner interdependence model approach

BackgroundInfertility can cause psychological distress and has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL). There have been no studies investigating the effect of depression on QoL in infertile couples at the dyadic level. This study aimed to investigate the effects of actors’ and partners’ depression on QoL in male-female dyads experiencing infertility using an innovative dyadic analysis approach, the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM).MethodsWe conducted this cross-sectional study on 180 infertile couples in Tehran, Iran, during August-September 2017. Quality of life and depression were assessed using Fertility Quality of Life and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. Dyadic data were analyzed by the APIM approach. In this method, actor effect is the impact of a person’s depression on his/her own QoL. Partner effect is the impact of a person’s depression on his/her partner’s QoL.ResultsResults from APIM revealed that both males and females’ depression exuded an actor effect on their own QoL (β = − 0.589, p < 0.001; β = − 0.588, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, males’ depression exuded a significant partner effect on their wives’ QoL (β = − 0.128, p = 0.030). Although the partner effect of females’ depression on males’ QoL was not statistically significant (β = − 0.108, P = 0.070), males whose wives had higher depression were more to indicate their own QoL was poorer. Based on equality constraint test, both actor and partner effects of depression on QoL were similar between males and females.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that QoL in infertile patients was influenced by not only their own depression but also their spouses’ depression; therefore, interventions to improve QoL should include both males and females.

Prevalence and Determinants of Preterm Birth in Tehran, Iran: A Comparison between Logistic Regression and Decision Tree Methods

Objectives Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of neonatal death and the second biggest cause of death in children under five years of age. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of PTB and its associated factors using logistic regression and decision tree classification methods. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 4,415 pregnant women in Tehran, Iran, from July 6–21, 2015. Data were collected by a researcher-developed questionnaire through interviews with mothers and review of their medical records. To evaluate the accuracy of the logistic regression and decision tree methods, several indices such as sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve were used. Results The PTB rate was 5.5% in this study. The logistic regression outperformed the decision tree for the classification of PTB based on risk factors. Logistic regression showed that multiple pregnancies, mothers with preeclampsia, and those who conceived with assisted reproductive technology had an increased risk for PTB (p < 0.05). Conclusion Identifying and training mothers at risk as well as improving prenatal care may reduce the PTB rate. We also recommend that statisticians utilize the logistic regression model for the classification of risk groups for PTB.

Evaluation of mandibular fracture healing in rats under zoledronate therapy: A histologic study

INTRODUCTION To evaluate fracture healing in mandible of rats under zoledronate therapy. METHODS A total of 135 Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 3 groups. Group L received two intravenous infusion of 0.06 mg/kg zoledronate 6 weeks apart. Group H received the same dose of zoledronate as group L once a week for 6 weeks and group C were treated with normal saline. Seven days after the last infusion, rats underwent unilateral mandibular osteotomy to replicate a fracture. Fifteen rats from each group were sacrificed 2, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery. Fracture calluses were examined and scored using a histological grading system (1 to 10). RESULTS After 2 weeks, substantial woven bone and some lamellar bone were seen in control and L groups. In group H, healing was delayed and consisted of fibrous and cartilaginous tissue and some woven bone. After 4 weeks, most of woven bone in control group was replaced with lamellar bone but in group L, comparatively less bone remodeling occurred. In group H, healing process was nearly the same as that at 2 weeks. After 6 weeks, complete bone remodeling was seen in control group. In group L, bone remodeling was under way and in group H, histological findings were nearly the same as those at 2 and 4 weeks. Except for L and control groups at 2 weeks, healing score was significantly different between all corresponding groups. CONCLUSION Zoledronate therapy delayed healing process of mandibular fracture in rats in a dose-dependent manner.

Effect of changing the head position on accuracy of transverse measurements of the maxillofacial region made on cone beam computed tomography and conventional posterior-anterior cephalograms

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the effect of head position on the accuracy of transverse measurements of the maxillofacial region on CBCT and conventional posteroanterior (PA) cephalograms. The second objective of this study was to find skull positions with the greatest and smallest effect on transverse measurements in the maxillofacial region. METHODS PA cephalograms and CBCT scans were obtained from 10 dry human skulls in 7 positions, namely the central position, 10° and 20° rotations, 10° and 20° tilts and 10° and 20° tips. The CBCT scans were converted to PA cephalograms on which distances from six landmarks, namely the nasal cavity, zygomatic arch, jugale, antegonion, condylion and zygomaticofrontal suture to the mid-sagittal plane, were measured on both sides using Dolphin two-dimensional software. The paired t-test was used to compare the mean values separately in each position (for each landmark) with the gold standard (central skull position). The interclass correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman plot were used to compare the mean values measured by two observers. RESULTS The mean values of the distances measured on CBCT PA cephalograms were greater than those measured on conventional PA cephalograms; this difference was statistically significant for some landmarks (p < 0.005). The rotated position (as compared with the central position) caused the greatest change in values for most landmarks on both sides (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS The CBCT PA cephalogram was more accurate than the conventional PA cephalogram, and landmarks farther from the midline exhibited greater changes on cephalograms compared with those closer to the midline. Patients are at risk of improper positioning when undergoing extraoral radiography such as PA cephalograms. Changes in head position may affect the transverse measurements and thus the treatment plan.

Cross‐sectional study of associations between prior spontaneous abortions and preterm delivery

To evaluate associations between a history of spontaneous abortion and preterm delivery during subsequent pregnancies.

The relationship between marital satisfaction and depression in infertile couples: an actor–partner interdependence model approach

BackgroundMuch evidence consistent with the Marital Discord Model of Depression (MDMD) suggests that marital discord is associated with depression, but no studies examine the relationship between marital satisfaction and depression at the dyadic level in infertile couples. This study examined the effect of actors’ and partners’ marital satisfaction on depressive symptoms in husband-wife dyads with infertility using an innovative dyadic analysis approach, the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the sample comprised of 141 infertile couples in the evaluation phase of treatment. We collected data in a referral infertility center in Tehran, Iran between February and May 2017. Marital satisfaction and depression were measured using ENRICH marital satisfaction scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively, before starting the treatment. Dyadic analysis applying the APIM was used. In this study, actor effect is the impact of a person’s marital satisfaction on his/her own depression. Partner effect is the impact of a person’s marital satisfaction on his/her partner’s depression.ResultsThe APIM analysis revealed that both men and women’s marital satisfaction excreted an actor effect on their own depression (β = − 0.412, P < 0.001; β = − 0.263, P = 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, men’s marital satisfaction exerted a significant partner effect on their wives’ depression symptoms (β = − 0.170, p = 0.047). However, the wives’ marital satisfaction was not related to their husbands’ depressive symptoms (β = − 0.028, P = 0.735).ConclusionsThe findings support that the MDMD is a valid theoretical model for the conceptualization of marital satisfaction and depressive symptoms among infertile couples and suggest that interventions to reduce depressive symptoms should include both men and women.

Performance of Cone Beam Computed Tomography Systems in Visualizing the Cortical Plate in 3D Image Reconstruction: An In Vitro Study

Introduction: Cortical bone is an important anatomical structure and its thickness needs to be determined prior to many dental procedures to ensure treatment success. Imaging modalities are necessarily used in dentistry for treatment planning and dental procedures. Three-dimensional image reconstruction not only provides visual information but also enables accurate measurement of anatomical structures; thus, it is necessarily required for maxillofacial examination and in case of skeletal problems in this region. Aims: This study aimed to assess the ability of three Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) systems including Cranex 3D, NewTom 3G and 3D Promax for Three-Dimensional (3D) image reconstruction of the cortical plate with variable thicknesses. Methods: Depending on the cortical bone thickness, samples were evaluated in three groups of ≤ 0. 5 mm, 0.6 -1 mm and 1.1-1.5 mm cortical bone thickness. The CBCT scans were obtained from each sample using three systems, their respective FOVs, and 3D scans were reconstructed using their software programs. Two observers viewed the images twice with a two-week interval. The ability of each system in the 3D reconstruction of different thicknesses of cortical bone was determined based on its visualization on the scans. The data were analyzed using SPSS and Kappa test. Results: The three systems showed the greatest difference in the 3D reconstruction of cortical bone with < 0.5 mm thickness. Cranex 3D with 4×6 cm2 FOV had the highest and 3D Promax with 8×8 cm2 FOV had the lowest efficacy for 3D reconstruction of cortical bone. Cranex 3D with 4×6 cm2 and 6×8 cm2 FOVs and NewTom 3G with 5×5 cm2 and 8×5 cm2 FOVs showed significantly higher efficacy for 3D reconstruction of cortical bone with 0.6-1mm thickness while 3D Promax followed by NewTom 3G with 8×8 cm2 FOV had the lowest efficacy for this purpose. Conclusion: Most CBCT systems have high efficacy for 3D image reconstruction of cortical bone with thicknesses over 1 mm while they have poor efficacy for image reconstruction of cortical bone with less than 0.5 mm thickness. Thus, for accurate visualization of anatomical structures on CBCT scans, systems with smaller FOVs and consequently smaller voxel size are preferred.

Factors Associated with Cesarean Section in Tehran, Iran using Multilevel Logistic Regression Model

Objectives Over the past few decades, the prevalence of cesarean sections (CS) have risen dramatically worldwide, particularly in Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CS in Tehran, and to examine the associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study of 4,308 pregnant women with singleton live-births in Tehran, Iran, between July 6–21, 2015 was performed. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed using demographic and obstetrical variables at the first level, and hospitals as a variable at the second level. Results The incidence of CS was 72.0%. Multivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between CS and the mother’s age, socioeconomic status, body mass index, parity, type of pregnancy, preeclampsia, infant height, and baby’s head circumference. The intra-class correlation using the second level variable, the hospital was 0.292, indicating approximately 29.2% of the total variation in the response variable accounted for by the hospital. Conclusion The incidence of CS was substantially higher than other countries. Therefore, educational and psychological interventions are necessary to reduce CS rates amongst pregnant Iranian women.