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Objective: To study the cardiac outcomes of patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) after 6-month of diagnosis. Methods: This review of hospital records was conducted on MIS-C patients (aged <21 years) who completed a six-month follow-up. The baseline demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment characteristics during the acute phase, and echocardiographic findings during follow-up were collected. Results: 116 patients (61.2% male, median age 7 years) with MIS-C were included in the study. At the time of admission, cardiac abnormalities were present in 70.7% of MIS-C patients, and the most common cardiac abnormalities were valve failure (50.9%), followed by ventricular dysfunction (39.7%), and pericardial effusion (23.3%). Six month after diagnosis, cardiac abnormalities were found in 10.3% of patients, and patients had lower rates of ventricular dysfunction (P<0.001), valve failure (P<0.001), pericardial effusion (P<0.001), and coronary involvement (P<0.001) as compared to the baseline. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and steroid treatment significantly reduced the odds of occurrence of ventricular dysfunction (P=0.002), valve failure (P=0.004), and low ejection fraction (P=0.002) in comparison to IVIG treatment alone. Conclusion: While most MIS-C patients had abnormal echocardiographic findings at admission, only 10.3% of patients had cardiac abnormalities during follow up.
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Background@#Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is one of the most common complications in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the therapeutic and prophylactic effects of aminophylline and theophylline on PDPH. @*Methods@#Relevant studies were identified by searching the following electronic databases, without language restriction, until June 2020: Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane Library-CENTRAL, and CINAHL Complete. Random effects models were used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) to assess the therapeutic and prophylactic effects of aminophylline and theophylline on PDPH, respectively. The Cochrane tool was used for the quality assessment of the included studies. The certainty of the evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method. @*Results@#Of the 1,349 initial records, 15 met our eligibility criteria (6 studies on therapeutic and 9 on prophylactic effects). A significant reduction in the pain score was observed following aminophylline/theophylline treatment (SMD = –1.67; 95% CI, –2.28 to –1.05; P < 0.001, I2 = 84.7%; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the therapeutic effect was significantly higher when these agents were compared to placebo than when conventional therapies were used. The risk of PDPH after aminophylline administration was not significantly reduced (RR = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.31; P = 0.290). @*Conclusions@#Theophylline and aminophylline have therapeutic, but not prophylactic, effects on PDPH.
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ABSTRACT Introduction: One of the hallmarks of COVID-19 is overwhelming inflammation, which plays a very important role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Thus, identification of inflammatory factors that interact with the SARS-CoV-2 can be very important to control and diagnose the severity of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression patterns of inflammation-related non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including MALAT-1, NEAT-1, THRIL, and miR-155-5p from the acute phase to the recovery phase of COVID-19. Methods: Total RNA was extracted from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) samples of 20 patients with acute COVID-19 infection and 20 healthy individuals and the expression levels of MALAT-1, NEAT-1, THRIL, and miR-155-5p were evaluated by real-time PCR assay. Besides, in order to monitor the expression pattern of selected ncRNAs from the acute phase to the recovery phase of COVID-19 disease, the levels of ncRNAs were re-measured 6-7 weeks after the acute phase. Result: The mean expression levels of MALAT-1, THRIL, and miR-155-5p were significantly increased in the acute phase of COVID-19 compared with a healthy control group. In addition, the expression levels of MALAT-1 and THRIL in the post-acute phase of COVID-19 were significantly lower than in the acute phase of COVID-19. According to the ROC curve analysis, these ncRNAs could be considered useful biomarkers for COVID-19 diagnosis and for discriminating between acute and post-acute phase of COVID-19. Discussion: Inflammation-related ncRNAs (MALAT-1, THRIL, and miR-150-5p) can act as hopeful biomarkers for the monitoring and diagnosis of COVID-19 disease.
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Objective@#Uropathogenic Escherichia coli is known to cause urinary tract infections, and the endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) of this bacterium may cause deficiencies of sperm quality and morphology. In the present study, the effects of LPS on mouse sperm were studied, and the levels of interleukin (IL)-17A and possible changes in testis tissue were evaluated. @*Methods@#LPS of uropathogenic E. coli was extracted using the methanol-chloroform method, followed confirmation using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Purified LPS (100 µg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline was injected intraperitoneally into BALB/c mice for 7 days consecutively in the test and control groups, Mice were sacrificed on days 3, 7, and 42 after the first injection. Blood was tested for levels of IL-17A using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Testis tissue and sperm were collected from each mouse and were studied according to standard protocols. @*Results@#The mean sperm count and motility significantly decreased (p=0.03) at 3, 7, and 42 days after the injections. The level of IL-17A in the test groups increased, but not significantly (p=0.8, p=0.11, and p=0.15, respectively). Microscopic studies showed no obvious changes in the morphology of the testis tissue; however, significant changes were observed in the cellular parenchyma on day 42. @*Conclusion@#LPS can stimulate the immune system to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in an immune response in the testis and ultimately leading to deficiency in sperm parameters and testis tissue damage. In addition, the presence of LPS could significantly impair sperm parameters, as shown by the finding of decreased motility.
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Objective@#Uropathogenic Escherichia coli is known to cause urinary tract infections, and the endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) of this bacterium may cause deficiencies of sperm quality and morphology. In the present study, the effects of LPS on mouse sperm were studied, and the levels of interleukin (IL)-17A and possible changes in testis tissue were evaluated. @*Methods@#LPS of uropathogenic E. coli was extracted using the methanol-chloroform method, followed confirmation using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Purified LPS (100 µg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline was injected intraperitoneally into BALB/c mice for 7 days consecutively in the test and control groups, Mice were sacrificed on days 3, 7, and 42 after the first injection. Blood was tested for levels of IL-17A using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Testis tissue and sperm were collected from each mouse and were studied according to standard protocols. @*Results@#The mean sperm count and motility significantly decreased (p=0.03) at 3, 7, and 42 days after the injections. The level of IL-17A in the test groups increased, but not significantly (p=0.8, p=0.11, and p=0.15, respectively). Microscopic studies showed no obvious changes in the morphology of the testis tissue; however, significant changes were observed in the cellular parenchyma on day 42. @*Conclusion@#LPS can stimulate the immune system to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in an immune response in the testis and ultimately leading to deficiency in sperm parameters and testis tissue damage. In addition, the presence of LPS could significantly impair sperm parameters, as shown by the finding of decreased motility.
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Objective@#The chief outcome of testicular torsion in clinical and experimental contexts is testicular ischemia. Curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has fascinated researchers and clinicians for its promise in the treatment of fertility diseases. @*Methods@#Thirty-five fully grown male mice were randomly classified into five groups: control, sham, testicular torsion, treatment group 1 (testicular torsion+short-term curcumin), and treatment group 2 (testicular torsion+long-term curcumin). Thirty-five days later, spermatozoa from the right cauda epididymis were analyzed with regard to count and motility. Toluidine blue (TB), aniline blue (AB), and chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining assays were used to evaluate the sperm chromatin integrity. In addition, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) test was used to assess apoptosis.Result: Treatment group 1 exhibited a remarkably elevated sperm count compared to the testicular torsion group. Additionally, notably lower sperm motility was found in the testicular torsion group compared to the control, treatment 1, and treatment 2 groups. Staining (CMA3, AB, and TB) and the TUNEL test indicated significantly greater testicular torsion in the torsion group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The data also revealed notably lower results of all sperm chromatin assays and lower apoptosis in both treatment groups relative to the testicular torsion group (p<0.05). Significantly elevated (p<0.05) AB and TB results were noted in treatment group 1 compared to treatment group 2. @*Conclusion@#Curcumin can compensate for the harmful effects of testicular ischemia and improve sperm chromatin quality in mice.
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Objective@#Studies of the effects of estrogens on the male reproductive system have emphasized the role of these hormones in male fertility. Sesame oil has many phytoestrogenic compounds and may improve male fertility. This study investigated the effects of sesame oil and different concentrations of estrogen on sperm parameters and DNA integrity in male mice. @*Methods@#Twenty old NMRI (The Naval Medical Research Institute) male mice (40 weeks; weight, 30–35 g) were treated with sesame oil or different concentrations of estrogen (estradiol, 1 and 10 μL/kg/ day) or received no treatment (controls). After 35 days, sperm parameters and DNA integrity were assessed and analyzed. @*Results@#Sperm count, progressive motility, and morphology were decreased in the group that received 10 μL/kg of estradiol. A remarkably lower percentage of DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency were detected in the group that received 1 μL/kg of estradiol. In the groups that received sesame oil and 1 μL/kg of estradiol, the numbers of spermatogonia and Leydig cells were higher than in controls. The combination of sesame oil and 1 μL/kg of estradiol led to improved sperm parameters and chromatin and testicular structure. @*Conclusion@#Based on this study, consumption of sesame oil and a low concentration of estradiol may improve testicular function in older mice.
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This study sought to assess the internal anatomy of the maxillary sinuses and their septa using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in an Iranian population. Materials and Methods: Resorption of alveolar bone decreases the height of the maxillary alveolar ridge. This height reduction may be so severe that it warrants ridge augmentation by a sinus lift. Manipulation of the maxillary sinuses, as in sinus lift surgery, requires adequate knowledge about the sinus anatomy.Results: Maxillary sinus septum, as an anatomical variation, may complicate the surgical procedures and increase the risk of complications such as sinus membrane perforation. In this retrospective study, 366 sinuses, 190 from females and 176 from males, aged between 10 and 65 years old presenting to the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department of School of Dentistry at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences were evaluated by two oral radiologists. The extension of the maxillary sinuses, presence of septa, number of septa and their location were determined. Data were analyzed using the chi square test (level of significance p≤0.001). The coefficient of agreement between the two oral radiologists was calculated based on Cohen kappa. Septa were present in 40.5% of the maxillary sinuses, out of which, 31.6% had one, 7.9% had two and 1% had three or more septa; 38% of the septa were horizontal while 62% had an oblique orientation. In total, 184 septa were found in 183 patients; out of which, 91 septa were 2mm to 5mm long while 93 septa were longer than 5mm. Conclusions: Comprehensive knowledge about the three-dimensional internal anatomy of the maxillary sinuses acquired by CBCT priorto surgical procedures can greatly help to prevent postoperative complications.
Este estudio buscó evaluar la anatomía interna de los senos maxilares y sus septos mediante tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) en una población Iraní. Materiales y Métodos: . La resorción del hueso alveolar disminuye la altura de la cresta alveolar maxilar. Esta reducción de altura puede ser tan severa que justifique el aumento de la cresta mediante una elevación de seno. La manipulación de los senos maxilares, como en la cirugía de elevación del seno, requiere un conocimiento adecuado sobre la anatomía del seno. Resultado: El tabique del seno maxilar, como una variación anatómica, puede complicar los procedimientos quirúrgicos y aumentar el riesgo de complicaciones como la perforación de la membrana sinusal. En este estudio retrospectivo, dos radiólogos orales evaluaron 366 senos, 190 de mujeres y 176 de hombres, con edades comprendidas entre 10 y 65 años que se presentaron en el Departamento de Radiología Oral y Maxilofacial de la Facultad de Odontología de Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Se determinó la extensión de los senos maxilares, la presencia de septos, el número de septos y su ubicación. Los datos se analizaron mediante la prueba de chi cuadrado (nivel de significación p?0.001). El coeficiente de concordancia entre los dos radiólogos orales se calculó en base a Cohen kappa. Los septos estaban presentes en el 40.5% de los senos maxilares, de los cuales, el 31.6% tenía uno, el 7.9% tenía dos y el 1% tenía tres o más septos; El 38% de los septos eran horizontales, mientras que el 62% tenía una orientación oblicua. En total, se encontraron 184 septos en 183 pacientes; de los cuales, 91 septos tenían de 2mm a 5mm de largo, mientras que 93 septos tenían más de 5mm. Conclusion: El conocimiento exhaustivo sobre la anatomía interna tridimensional de los senos maxilares adquiridos por CBCT antes de los procedimientos quirúrgicos puede ayudar en gran medida a prevenir complicaciones postoperatorias.
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Humans , Male , Female , Child , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Young Adult , Paranasal Sinus Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Maxillary Sinus/anatomy & histology , Maxillary Sinus/diagnostic imaging , Nasal Septum/anatomy & histology , Retrospective Studies , Cone-Beam Computed Tomography , Alveolar Ridge Augmentation , Anatomic Variation , Iran/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Vanadyl sulfate (VS) is an ingredient in some food supplements and experimental drugs. This study was designed to assay the effects of VS on biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in renal tissue of rats with diabetes type 2. 30 male Wistar rats were divided into three equal groups as follow: non-diabetics, non-treated diabetics and VS-treated diabetics. Diabetes type 2 has been induced through high fat diet and fructose in the animals. Diabetic rats were treated with 25 mg/kgBW of VS in water for 12 weeks. At the end of study, glucose and insulin were measured using commercially available kits in serum and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in renal homogenates of animals were measured by related methods. Compared to controls, glucose and insulin were increased significantly in non-treated diabetic rats (p-value <0.05) that showed the induction of diabetes type 2 in rats. The results showed that in VS-treated diabetic rats compared to the non-treated diabetic group, vanadyl sulfate significantly reduced the glucose and insulin secretion and changed renal inflammatory and oxidative markers, except protein carbonyl so that we couldn't find any significant changes. Our study showed that vanadyl supplementation had positive effects on oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in kidney of diabetic rats
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Sulfates/analysis , Vanadates/analysis , Biomarkers/analysis , Pharmaceutical Preparations/administration & dosage , Interleukin-1/antagonists & inhibitors , Interleukin-10/antagonists & inhibitors , Oxidative Stress/immunology , Dietary Supplements/adverse effects , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/pathology , Insulin Secretion , Insulin/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Objective@#Since sperm abnormalities are known to be a major reason for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), any defects in DNA structure and chromatin condensation can place embryos at risk in the early stage of development and implantation. As antioxidants such as vitamin C may play a protective role against the destruction of protamine genes in sperm chromatin, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin C on chromatin and the expression of protamine genes in the male partners of couples with RPL. @*Methods@#Twenty male partners of couples with RPL were selected as the intervention group and received vitamin C supplementation (250 mg daily for 3 months). Healthy fertile men (n=20) were included as controls. Sperm chromatin, DNA integrity, and the expression levels of protamine genes were evaluated before and after treatment. @*Results@#Significant differences were found in sperm morphology, protamine deficiency, and apoptosis between the two groups and before and after vitamin C administration. A significant change was found in mRNA levels of PRM1, PRM2, and the PRM1/PRM2 ratio after treatment. @*Conclusion@#Daily oral administration of vitamin C may improve human sperm parameters and DNA integrity by increasing protamine gene expression levels in the male partners of couples with RPL. The beneficial effects of vitamin C supplementation as an antioxidant for the male partners of couples with RPL could lead to improved pregnancy outcomes in these cases.
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Objective@#The present study investigated sperm chromatin quality and testosterone levels in acrylamide-treated mice and the possible protective effects of vitamin E on the fertility potential of spermatozoa. @*Methods@#Thirty-two adult male mice were divided equally into four groups. Group 1 was the control, group 2 received acrylamide (10 mg/kg, water solution), group 3 received vitamin E (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), and group 4 received both acrylamide and vitamin E. After 35 days, spermatozoa from the right cauda epididymis were analyzed in terms of count, motility, morphology, and viability. Sperm DNA integrity and chromatin condensation were assessed by acridine orange (AO), aniline blue (AB), toluidine blue (TB), and chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining. @*Results@#In acrylamide-treated mice, significantly lower sperm concentration, viability, motility, and testosterone levels were found in comparison with the control and acrylamide+vitamin E groups (p<0.05). In the vitamin E group, significantly more favorable sperm parameters and testosterone levels were found than in the other groups (p<0.05). There were also significantly more spermatozoa with less condensed chromatin in the acrylamide-treated mice than in the other groups. Moreover, significantly more spermatozoa with mature nuclei (assessed by AB, CMA3, AO, and TB staining) were present in the vitamin E group than in the control and acrylamide+vitamin E groups. @*Conclusion@#This study revealed the deleterious effects of acrylamide on sperm parameters and sperm chromatin quality. Vitamin E can not only compensate for the toxic effects of acrylamide, but also improve sperm chromatin quality in mice.
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Objective: To find the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiencyanemia in school-aged children. Methods: 71children with dyspepsia, epigastric and vagueabdominal pain attending a tertiary medical center in Iran underwent upper gastrointestinalendoscopy and were investigated for H. Pylori infection. Hemoglobin, mean corpuscularvolume (MCV), serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and serum iron levels werecompared between children with or without H. pylori infection. Results: H. pylori infection wasdetected in 42 (59.1%) patients. Proportion of children with iron deficiency anemia was notstatistically different between two groups (26.2% vs. 14.3%; P=0.48). While hemoglobin wassignificantly lower in children with H. pylori infection (P=0.01), there were no significantdifferences in serum level of ferritin, iron, mean corpuscular volume and total iron bindingcapacity. Conclusion: Presence of H. pylori does not seem to play an important role in thepathophysiology and development of iron deficiency anemia in school-aged Iranianpopulation
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Introduction: The spleen is a lymphoid organ that plays an important role in the body's defense against organisms, participation in blood filtration process, phagocytosis and immunoglobulin production. When splenectomy due to severe splenic trauma or hematological disorder is inevitable, spleen autotransplantation may be the only option to preserve the spleen. It has not been determined the structural rearrangements after transplanting in comparison with the amount of transplanted spleen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological changes of spleen autotransplanted in the omentum of rats.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 16 male Wistar rats underwent splenectomy and transplanting three pieces of splenic tissue consists of 10-15% of the greater omentum. The rats were divided to two equal groups; Eightcaseswere randomly separated and followedfor 6 months (Group Au-6) and 8 other cases also were separated for 12months'follow-up (group Au-12). At the end of follow-up period, after the re-operation ofautotransplanted rats, the splenictissues underwent the macroscopic and microscopic examination and two groups were compared together.Results: After laparotomy, splenic tissues were detected in all cases (8/8, 100%) of Au-6 group and 7 cases (87.5%) of Au-12 group. It’s observed no significant difference between two groups in the capsule around splenic tissue, organized structure, fibrosis and revascularization (P>0.05).The hemosiderinpigmentation was significantly higher in Au-12 group (P=0.03).Conclusions: The results of this study showed that autotransplanting about 15 percent of splenic tissuewere associated with a high success rate in tissue structure rearrangement.Therefore, spleen autotransplantation even in small sizes was highly recommended in cases of unavoidable splenectomy
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OBJECTIVES@#Occupational injuries are known to be the main adverse outcome of occupational accidents. The purpose of the current study was to identify control strategies to reduce the severity of occupational injuries in the mining industry using Bayesian network (BN) analysis.@*METHODS@#The BN structure was created using a focus group technique. Data on 425 mining accidents was collected, and the required information was extracted. The expectation-maximization algorithm was used to estimate the conditional probability tables. Belief updating was used to determine which factors had the greatest effect on severity of accidents.@*RESULTS@#Based on sensitivity analyses of the BN, training, type of accident, and activity type of workers were the most important factors influencing the severity of accidents. Of individual factors, workers' experience had the strongest influence on the severity of accidents.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Among the examined factors, safety training was the most important factor influencing the severity of accidents. Organizations may be able to reduce the severity of occupational injuries by holding safety training courses prepared based on the activity type of workers.
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OBJECTIVES: Occupational injuries are known to be the main adverse outcome of occupational accidents. The purpose of the current study was to identify control strategies to reduce the severity of occupational injuries in the mining industry using Bayesian network (BN) analysis. METHODS: The BN structure was created using a focus group technique. Data on 425 mining accidents was collected, and the required information was extracted. The expectation-maximization algorithm was used to estimate the conditional probability tables. Belief updating was used to determine which factors had the greatest effect on severity of accidents. RESULTS: Based on sensitivity analyses of the BN, training, type of accident, and activity type of workers were the most important factors influencing the severity of accidents. Of individual factors, workers’ experience had the strongest influence on the severity of accidents. CONCLUSIONS: Among the examined factors, safety training was the most important factor influencing the severity of accidents. Organizations may be able to reduce the severity of occupational injuries by holding safety training courses prepared based on the activity type of workers.
Subject(s)
Accidents, Occupational , Bayes Theorem , Focus Groups , Mining , Occupational InjuriesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Occupational injuries are known to be the main adverse outcome of occupational accidents. The purpose of the current study was to identify control strategies to reduce the severity of occupational injuries in the mining industry using Bayesian network (BN) analysis.METHODS: The BN structure was created using a focus group technique. Data on 425 mining accidents was collected, and the required information was extracted. The expectation-maximization algorithm was used to estimate the conditional probability tables. Belief updating was used to determine which factors had the greatest effect on severity of accidents.RESULTS: Based on sensitivity analyses of the BN, training, type of accident, and activity type of workers were the most important factors influencing the severity of accidents. Of individual factors, workers' experience had the strongest influence on the severity of accidents.CONCLUSIONS: Among the examined factors, safety training was the most important factor influencing the severity of accidents. Organizations may be able to reduce the severity of occupational injuries by holding safety training courses prepared based on the activity type of workers.
Subject(s)
Accidents, Occupational , Bayes Theorem , Focus Groups , Mining , Occupational InjuriesABSTRACT
PURPOSE@#An analysis and identification of the hidden relationships between effective factors in the mortality rate caused by road accidents in Fars Province of Iran to prevent and reduce traffic accidents in the future.@*METHODS@#This cross-sectional study was conducted to integrate all the pervious researches performed on mortality rate of road traffic accidents in Fars Province from March 21, 2013 to March 20, 2017. In order to reveal the relationships between the factors affecting mortality rates of road traffic accidents, the data regarding road traffic accidents extracted from resources such as Legal Medicine Organization, Traffic Police, Accident & Emergency Department, as well as Department of Roads and Urban Development of Fars Province, then cleaned and the applicable attributes embedded in the data all aggregated for further analysis. It should be noted that the data not related to Fars Province were deleted, the data analyzed, converted and the aggregation between various attributes identified. The aggregation between these different attributes as well as the FP-growth algorithm and two indexes of support and confidence calculated and interesting and effective rules extracted. In the end, several accident-provoking factors, the degree of consecutive and interdependence of each one in road accidents identified and introduced. The statistical analysis was conducted by using Rapid Miner software.@*RESULTS@#Of the 6216 people dead due to road traffic accidents, 4865 (79.02%) were male and 1292 (20.98%) were female, 59 of them have no clear gender. The largest portion of people died of road traffic accidents belonged to married and self-employed men who collided with motorcycles in autumn. Moreover, young individuals (aged 19-40 years) with secondary educational level who died of accidents in summer at 12:00 a.m. and then 5:00 p.m. in outer city main roads of Kazerun-Shiraz, then Darab-Shiraz, Fasa-Darab and in within-city main streets had the highest mortality rates. Among women, the middle-aged group (aged 41-65 years) followed by young-aged group (aged 19-40 years) with elementary educational level and then illiterate accounted for the highest mortality rate of road traffic accidents. The automobiles involved in accidents included Pride, Peugeot 405, Peykan pickup, Samand, Peugeot Pars, other vehicles and motorcycles.@*CONCLUSION@#The high mortality rate of illiterate and low-literate in various age groups indicates that educational level plays a crucial role as a factor in road accidents, requiring related organizations such as Traffic Police and Ministry of Education to take necessary measures and policies.
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To determine the duration of protection conferred by the hepatitis B (HB)vaccination and the necessity of a booster dose. Methods: Immediately after the initial bloodsampling, 252 youths (aged 18.8-20.5 years, 52% females) with a history of neonatal HBvaccination with one dose of the HB vaccine received a booster. Serum concentrations ofantibodies against the HB surface antigen were assessed in samples collected before and10-14 days after the booster. Seroconversion from concentrations <10 to ?10 IU/L weredefined as a positive immune response. Results: Of the 252 participants, 131 were sero-susceptible and 114 responded. Conclusions: Nearly 90% of young people preserved theirlong-term protection; the results of this study do not support the use of an HB boostervaccination
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OBJECTIVES@#To identify the most important demographic risk factors for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using a neural network model.@*METHODS@#This study was conducted on a sample of 234 individuals, in whom T2DM was diagnosed using hemoglobin A1c levels. A multilayer perceptron artificial neural network was used to identify demographic risk factors for T2DM and their importance. The DeLong method was used to compare the models by fitting in sequential steps.@*RESULTS@#Variables found to be significant at a level of p < 0.2 in a univariate logistic regression analysis (age, hypertension, waist circumference, body mass index [BMI], sedentary lifestyle, smoking, vegetable consumption, family history of T2DM, stress, walking, fruit consumption, and sex) were entered into the model. After 7 stages of neural network modeling, only waist circumference (100.0%), age (78.5%), BMI (78.2%), hypertension (69.4%), stress (54.2%), smoking (49.3%), and a family history of T2DM (37.2%) were identified as predictors of the diagnosis of T2DM.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In this study, waist circumference and age were the most important predictors of T2DM. Due to the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the final model, it is suggested that these variables should be used for T2DM risk assessment in screening tests.