Estimation of influenza and severe acute respiratory illness incidence [burden] in three provinces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2012 and 2013

There are few estimates of influenza burden in the WHO Region for the Eastern Mediterranean. In this study we estimated the burden of severe acute respiratory infection [SARI] and influenza-associated SARI [F-SARI] in selected provinces of Islamic Republic of Iran, the trends of SARI and confirmed cases of influenza [F-SARI] over 12 months [seasonality], and the age groups most at risk. Using the electronic Iranian influenza surveillance system and data of cases in sentinel hospitals of 3 selected provinces, we estimated the monthly trend [seasonality] of incidence for SARI and F-SARI, overall incidence of SARI and F-SARI and their disaggregation by age with the aid using the Monte Carlo technique. The age groups most at-risk were children aged under 2 years and adults older than 50 years

[ investigation of the effect of intensive voice therapy on changes in speech articulation and voice in patients with Wilson disease]

Wilson disease is a rare metabolic disorder and damaged areas of the brain in this disease are related to the coordination of movements. Therefore, the disease is considered as a motor disorder. Dysarthria is the most common speech problem in these patients. The purpose of this research is to study the effect of intensive voice therapy based on principles of LSVT on improvement of articulation skills and voice features and finally, its impacts on speech intelligibility as well as voice handicap index in patients with Wilson. A 23-year-old female was diagnosed with Wilson's disease. Acoustic assessment of voice, speech articulation, speech intelligibility, and voice handicap index were performed before and after Intensive Voice Therapy based on the LSVT principles.bn. After the treatment, significant increases in acoustic parameters of voice, speech articulation and also speech intelligibility were observed which consequently resulted in a considerable reduction of voice handicap index [VHI]. Intensive Voice Therapy based on LSVT principles was effective in improving the acoustic parameters of voice, speech articulation, voice handicap index, and speech intelligibility, and generally, improving verbal communication which has the positive impact on the quality of patient's life

[Evaluation of early maladaptive schemas of individuals attempting suicide by self-poisoning]

According to Beck's cognitive model, the experiences of the people result in development of assumptions or schemas about the self and the world. These assumptions contribute to the organization of perception and control and appraisal of behavior. Some of these assumptions are rigid and resistant to change and therefore are dysfunctional. The purpose of this study was to determine the schemas of individuals attempting suicide by self-poisoning according to Beck's cognitive model and determine their relationship to suicide. This was a case-control study. Our case group [n=204] included the patients admitted to Tohid Hospital due to suicide attempt. Control group consisted of healthy individuals [n=204] who had been matched with case groups. The participants completed Young Schema Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory.Collected data were analyzed by means of logistic regression model and correlation test. Results showed that enmeshment/undeveloped self-unrelenting standards/ hypercritical schemas can be risk factors for suicide attempts. Depression had correlation with emotional deprivation, abandonment/instability, social isolation/alienation, and self-sacrifice schemas. In non-depressed participants, undeveloped self and emotional deprivation schemas were associated with suicide attempt. In general, undeveloped self-schema might contribute to suicidal behavior independently. Emotional deprivation both directly and indirectly [by inducing depression] could precipitate suicidal behavior

[Assessment of Illness perception in the patients with diabetes mellitus and its association with control of blood sugar in the patients referring to Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj city]

Illness perception affects patients' behavior, compliance, self-management and consequences of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the illness perception and its relation to treatment response in the patients with diabetes mellitus in Tohid Hospital. In this descriptive-analytical study, 200 diabetic patients were randomly selected. The illness perception data were obtained using IPQ questionnaire, and other variables including HbA1C were extracted from the patients' records. Collected data were entered into SPSS software and analyzed by means of Mann-Whitney U and Spearman correlation coefficient statistical tests. p<0.05 was considered significant. 39 patients [19.5%] were male and 161 [80.5%] were female, with a mean age and standard deviation [SD] of 12.83 +/- 53.25. Mean value of the patients' blood sugar was 7.6 +/- 1.6 mg dl. 46.6% of the patients had perception of disease duration and 62% of patients had good control of blood sugar level. Gender and illness perception showed no relationship [p> 0.05]. But a relationship was found between illness perception and blood sugar levels [p<0.01]. This study indicated a significant relationship between illness perception and control of blood sugar. Therefore it is necessary to improve illness perception by education and consultation which results in better control of blood sugar by the patients and decreased complications of diabetes mellitus

[Drug user girls' perceptions of their sexual decision making: Qualitative research]

Introduction: A critical issue for today's youth is developing drug user and high risk sexual behaviors. High risk sexual behavior is considered to be a process by which knowledge, attitudes, values, beliefs, and societal norms about sexuality are acquired. The study of adolescent risk behavior has been motivated by public health Concerns such as the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections [STIs]. Then, we need to understand how decision making about the initiation of sexual activity and persistence of this group. The purpose of this research was Drug User Girls' Perceptions of Factors That Influenced Their Sexual Decision Making

Methods: Using a qualitative approach, narrative stories, in depth interview, open and semi- structural interviews. We asked for drug user girl late adolescent participants to tell their stories about the events surrounding their decision to become sexually active, and how this initial decision affected subsequent decision making. We recruited a snowball sampling of 9 drug user girls in late adolescents between the ages of 18 and 22 years in the North Iran

Results: Six main themes emerged. These themes included the personal factors, external environmental factors, expected social norms, religious beliefs, implied sexual consent, absent of life skill regard to telling NO skill, poverty and addiction is the termination line of life

Conclusion: The results of this study show that drug user girl adolescent sexual decision making is a complex process with multiple factors of influence. Through the story and in-depth interview of the participants, we have constructed a more comprehensive understanding of drug user girl adolescent sexual decision making and related factors of their perception. This will guide the development of interventions to improve health care for these adolescents. These interventions include expanding health provider knowledge to inform research, sexual health education, and designing policies for addressing user drug girl adolescents' needs

Molecular epidemiology of measles virus before and after the 2003 mass vaccination campaign for measles/rubella in Iran

Molecular epidemiology of measles virus [MV] is important, not only to measure the success of measles vaccination programs but also to monitor the circulation and elimination of the virus worldwide. In this study, we compared MV obtained from patients before the 2003 mass vaccination MR campaign and viruses detected after 2003 until 2008 in Iran. The nucleoprotein [N] gene of 29 MV strains circulating in Iran between 2002 and 2008 were amplified by RT-PCR and subjected to sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Molecular characterization of MV studied here revealed that although the outbreaks in Iran were associated with MV genotype D4, the isolated viruses clearly belonged to several different lineages. Maximum and minimum homology within the 29 Iranian strains in our study was100% and 94.9% within the carboxyl terminus of the N gene, respectively. Using Clustal X program, the alignment of Iranian MV sequences showed nine lineages. This study provides the usefulness of MV sequence analysis for the demonstration of local interruption of indigenous strain transmission as well as providing a valuable means for monitoring the elimination processes of MV control

Prevalence of oral lichenoid reactions in a sample of Qazvin population [2004]

This was a cross-sectional study performed on 1000 subjects in 2004 to determine the prevalence of lichenoid reactions in a population of Qazvin in which 1% of subjects were found with lichenoid reactions. The most prevalent lesion was found to be reticular form and the most predisposed area of oral cavity for this lesion was buccal mucosa. None of them had any form of cutaneous lichen planus

First report of respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus co-infection in a 2-year-old Kawasaki patient in Iran

Respiratory virus infections in children are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A total of 897 clinical specimens were collected from February 2007 to January 2008 and transported to the National Influenza Center. Two hundred and two samples belonged to children under the age of six from 897 specimens, described above, were selected. Then they were tested for influenza virus types and subtypes by real time PCR assay subsequently, the specimens were tested for RSV and hMPV by hemi-nested multiplex PCR and parainfluenza viruses type 1-4 by hemi-nested mutiplex PCR and adenovirus by hemi-nested PCR. The throat swab was taken from the Kawasaki case with the history of chicken's contact. The specimen was tested for all influenza subtypes especially H5N1 and the results were negative. Meanwhile PCR was done for screening of other respiratory viruses that results came out positive for RSV and hMPV. In the present study, we demonstrated the possibility to detect dual infection caused by RSV and hMPV, but because of the extravagant pattern of this case, more investigation is suggested specially on Kawasaki patients

[Assessing the abrasive ability of three different domestic pediatric toothpastes]

The abrasive quality of children's toothpaste has long been the concern of dental professionals. On the other hand, manufacturers have tried to improve the quality and establish ingredient standards. This study was designed to compare the abrasiveness of three locally produced toothpastes, namely Darugar, Pooneh and Kam with Oral-B standard. This experimental study was conducted using 24 samples of composite blocks imbedded in acrylic material. The weight of each specimen was measured by a digital scale at 0.0001gr accuracy. Each specimen was brushed with 200gr force along with the selected tooth paste solutions using V8 cross brushing machine. The weight of each specimen was measured after 5000, 10000, 15000 and 20000 strokes. The mean weight-loss as well as their standard deviations were calculated for each group. The collected data was then analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests. No significant difference was detected between four types of toothpastes after 5000 and 10000 strokes. However, significant differences were observed between Darugar toothpaste and the rest [Kam, Pooneh and Oral-B] after 15000 and 20000 strokes. Darugar pediatric toothpaste showed higher abrasive rate when compared with other toothpastes. The amount of wear was shown to be similar in Kam, Pooneh and Oral-B

Prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Bacteroides forsythus in chronic periodontitis by multiplex PCR

Periodontitis is a common inflammatory and infectious disease which destroys the supporting structure of the teeth. Recent studies show that periodontal infection significantly increases the risk of some systemic diseases. It is generally accepted that bacterial species notably Porphyromonas gingivalis and Bacteroides fosythus are highly associated with periodontium. Molecular methods such as Multiplex PCR seem to be more sensitive and faster. Multiplex PCR alone can lower the limit of bacterial detection. Several pathogens can be detected simultaneously by this method. The Subgingival plaque samples from 61 patients including 34 women and 27 men in the age range of 24-69 years and an average age of 43 suffering from chronic periodontitis with probing depth of PD>/=6, and from 40 periodontally healthy controls including 22 women and 18 men in the age range of 21-69 years and an average age of 41.35 were collected by sterile curette. In this study, two species-specific forward primers were used in combination with a single reverse primer. The samples' DNA was extracted and Multiplex PCR was administered. Porphyromonas gingivalis was detected in 51 samples [81.61%] and 16 samples [40%] of the chronic periodontitis patients and the healthy subjects repectively. Moreover, Bacteroides forsythus was detected 32 samples [52.50%] of the chronic periodontitis patients but it was not detected in any of the samples from the healthy group. P. gingivalis and B. forsythus can be simultaneously detected using Multiplex PCR. The present data suggest that P. gingivalis is a more important factor in the etiology of chronic periodontitis. Further studies are needed to determine the spectrum of pathogenicity of the disease and effective management of diagnosis and treatment in order to decrease the risk of periodontal complications such as systemic infections

[Changes in arterial blood oxygen saturation during fiberoptic bronchoscopy in patients of bronchoscopy department of Emam Khomini hospital using pulse oximetry 2001-2002]

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy has profusely been used in many hospitals recently. Generally, hypoxemia is very common with fiberotic bronchoscopy. We studied 188 patients under going bronchoscopy of which 106 were male and 82 were female. Their average age was 52.2 + 17.8 years. Before bronchoscopy, all patients have %Sao2 more than 92% and they were under oxygenation with nasal cannula. %Sao2 was recorded in any segment of airways, BAL and Biopsy. Arterial O2 saturation shortage was significant in Carina- during BAL and Biopsy. Reduction of %Sao2 in female was less than male. In old age patient, reduction of %Sao2 was increased. Hypoxemia is a very common complication during bronchoscopy. Hypoxemia in carina and during BAL and Biopsy is significant. BAL is associated with greater levels of oxygen desaturation than when lavage is not done. Thus we recommend all flexible bronchoscopy patients should have pulse oximetry monitoring