Model-based Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA) of polyethylene implants.

Model-based Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA) is able to measure the migration of metallic prostheses with submillimeter accuracy through contour-detection and 3D surface model matching techniques. However, contour-detection is only possible if the prosthesis is clearly visible in the radiograph; consequently Model-based RSA cannot be directly used for polymeric materials due to their limited X-ray attenuation; this is especially clinically relevant for all-polyethylene implants. In this study the radiopacity of unicompartmental Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) knee bearings was increased by diffusing an oil-based contrast agent into the surface to create three different levels of surface radiopacity.

Chemical stability of oil-infused polyethylene.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) can be made radiopaque for medical imaging applications through the diffusion of an iodised oil-based contrast agent (Lipiodol Ultra Fluid). A similar process is used for Vitamin E incorporated polyethylene which provides antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the critical long-term properties of oil-infused medical polyethylene after 4 weeks of accelerated thermal ageing.

Characterisation of the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of a radiopaque polyethylene.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene has a low X-ray attenuation, hence, the performance of the polyethylene implants used for joint replacements cannot be directly investigated using X-ray-based imaging techniques. In this study, the X-ray attenuation of polyethylene was increased by diffusing an FDA-approved oil-based contrast agent (Lipiodol ultra fluid) into the surface of the samples, and the suitability of this novel radiopaque ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene for clinical applications was examined. Different levels of radiopacity were created by controlling the diffusion parameters, and the level of radiopacity was quantified from computed tomography scans and reported in Hounsfield units.

Dietary patterns in relation to lipid profiles among Iranian adults.

Lipid metabolism is one of the main concerns of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Little is known about the association between dietary patterns and dyslipidemia. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine such association among Iranian adults.

Empirically derived dietary habits are associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Background/objectives: The associations between empirically derived dietary habits and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have not been investigated. This study aimed to assess the relationship between empirically derived dietary habits and IBS in a large population of Iranian adults.

Subjects/methods: In a cross-sectional study, dietary habits of 4763 adults were assessed in three domains, "meal pattern", "eating rate" and "intra-meal fluid intake".

Patterns of dietary behaviours identified by latent class analysis are associated with chronic uninvestigated dyspepsia.

To our knowledge, no study has assessed the relationships between patterns of dietary behaviours, identified by latent class analysis (LCA), and chronic uninvestigated dyspepsia (CUD). The present study was conducted to determine the association between the patterns of dietary behaviours, identified by LCA, and CUD in a large sample of adults. In a cross-sectional study conducted on 4763 Iranian adults, we assessed the patterns of dietary behaviours in four domains, including 'meal patterns', 'eating rate', 'intra-meal fluid intake' and 'meal-to-sleep interval', as identified by LCA, using a pre-tested comprehensive questionnaire.

Association between dietary iron, iron stores, and serum lipid profile in reproductive age women.

Background: Some studies have shown that increased rate of iron stores even in a normal range may increase cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in some individuals. Lipid disorders are also the risk factors for CVDs. Therefore, the question is whether or not iron store is correlated with lipid profile, this study evaluates the association between dietary iron, iron stores and serum lipid profiles.

Fish consumption is inversely associated with the metabolic syndrome.

Background/objectives: Although fish consumption has inversely been associated with several metabolic abnormalities, limited and inconsistent data have reported the relationship between fish consumption and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to identify the association between fish consumption and metabolic syndrome and its components.

Subjects/methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted on 420 Iranian female adults, usual fish consumption was assessed using a dish-based semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).

Patterns of diet-related practices and prevalence of gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Background: No studies have evaluated associations between patterns of diet-related practices as determined by latent class analysis (LCA) and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to assess this relationship in a large sample of Iranian adults.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study in 4763 adults, diet-related practices were assessed in four domains, 'meal pattern', 'eating rate', 'intra-meal fluid intake', and 'meal-to-sleep interval', using a pretested questionnaire.