Aim. The purpose of the present research was to examine the factors that lead to musculoskeletal disorders in dentists by assessing their posture using RULA method. Materials and Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 130 dentists (84 male and 46 female) participated. The posture of the subjects during their normal workload was recorded by using the RULA method, and the range of musculoskeletal pains by using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and individual and professional data was assessed by a demographics questionnaire. All tests were performed at the P < 0.05 level. Results. Assessment of the physical status of the subjects showed that 82.8% of subjects were at high risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The majority of musculoskeletal pains were in the neck (55.9%) and the shoulder (43.8%). Moreover, 68.9% of the subjects had experienced pain at least once over the last year. Significant relationships were observed between musculoskeletal pain and daily work hours (P = 0.07) and number of patients (P = 0.02), but the pain was not significantly associated with BMI and experience. Conclusion. The present findings showed that unsuitable posture of dentists during work has a considerable effect on musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, further investigation is required to avoid the detrimental effects of wrong posture.

abstract:Objectives: Recognising causes of stress can help prevent associated adverse effects. This study aimed to investigate causes of occupational stress and coping behaviours among general dentists in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from April to December 2014. A modified version of the Occupational Stress Indicator questionnaire was used to assess causes of stress and coping behaviours among 142 general dentists in Kerman, Iran. Results: A total of 93 dentists participated in the study (response rate: 65.5%). Of these, 58.9% reported often being stressed. The mean general stress score was 63.33 ± 19.99. The most common causes of stress were maintaining high levels of concentration while working (65.6%), time pressures (64.5%), concern over their ability to deliver dental services in future (60.2%) and rising costs (59.1%). No significant relationships between stress and gender, age, workplace or working hours per week were noted (P >0.05). However, there was a significant correlation between general stress scores and years of job experience (P = 0.05) and number of patients treated daily (P = 0.03). The most common methods for coping with stress were resting (71.0%), sports (45.2%) and entertainment (43.0%). Most dentists felt that stress management courses could help to reduce stress (89.7%). Conclusion: General dentists in Kerman were subject to many sources of stress in their workplaces, with significant relationships between stress scores and years of work experience and number of patients treated daily. Dentists should be encouraged to participate in stress management courses to help alleviate stress. Keywords

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Memory and learning impairment induced by noxious stimulation of the rat tooth pulp may be correlated with activation of apoptotic pathways in the hippocampus.

Objective This study aimed to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and ergonomic risks for Kerman University of Medical Sciences’ office workers. Methods The study sample comprised all office workers in the University and the sample included 129 women and 121 men. Data on MSDs were derived from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, while ergonomic data were collected through two direct observations via the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and the rapid office strain assessment (ROSA) method. Results The results showed that the highest prevalence rates of MSDs were in the lower back (72.4%) and neck (55.2). Results of the postural assessment revealed that 68.8% of the participants’ require “further investigation in order to modify their posture” and 27.6% need to “modify their posture soon.” From the workstation analysis, the majority of the office workers were at a medium (55.2%) and high-risk level (27.6%). Results also revealed a significant association between some of MSDs in the lower back and neck with the RULA and ROSA score. Conclusions Based on the results, for the prevention of MSDs, there should be ergonomics workshops for workers to be aware of ergonomics factors in the office. The ergonomics training must also be used in offices; the design of workstations should be improved.

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Background and Aim Obesity is associated with cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes and insulin resistance. Myonectin is a myokine mostly secreted from skeletal muscles and inversely associated with obesity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic exercises on serum levels of myonectin and insulin resistance in obese and overweight women. Materials and Methods Eighty obese women were assigned to exercise (34) and control groups (46). The exercise program comprised three weekly 45-minute sessions of aerobic exercise training for 8 weeks that included running with 50–70% of maximum heart rate (first 2 weeks – 50%; second week – 60%; third week – 65%; and the last 2 weeks by 70% of maximum heart rate). Twenty-four hours before and after the training session, fasting myonectin serum levels were measured. ANCOVA was used to assess differences between the groups. Results Serum levels of myonectin in the experimental group increased significantly (P=0.000); however, insulin resistance significantly decreased in the experimental group (P=0.000). Conclusion Therefore, considering the role of myonectin in increasing fatty acid uptake, exercise training can play an essential role in decreasing obesity-related diseases and metabolic syndrome; this effect is partly related to the roles of myonectin. Therefore, the use of this type of exercise is recommended to reduce the risk of diseases associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome.

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