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

[Comparison in of physical activity in fertile and infertile couples Kermanshah, Iran during 2013]

Background and aim: Infertility is a major reproductive health problem that affect 10%-15% of couples. According to the World Health Organization, there are currently 50-80 million infertile couples in the world. Physical activity is a life style factor with possible positive or negative effects on reproductive. The aim of this study was to compare the physical activity of fertile and infertile couples in Kermanshah, Iran during 2013

Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive comparative study. The case group consisted of 118 infertile couples attending Motazedi Infertility Center. One hundred and eight fertile couple attending to six public health centers in Kermanshah, Iran, were the controls. The sampling method was convenience sampling. Data were collected by a questionnaire. The questionnaire was consisted of two section. The first section was demographic and fertility characteristics and the second section was international physical activity questionnaire. The data is presented by descriptive statistics and analyzed with logistic regression, independent t-test, chi-square, and gamma tests using SPSS v16

Results:The result of this study showed that the majority of fertile women[86.1%], infertile women[73.1%], fertile men[87%] and infertile men[96.3%] had moderate level of physical activity. There was a significant difference between fertile and infertile men and women in terms of physical activity. The fertile and infertile couples, also, have significant difference in physical activity[P<0/05]

Conclusions: Given the importance of physical activity on reproductive health and significant difference of physical activity between fertile and infertile couples in this study, it seems that more attention should be paid to lifestyle behaviors, especially in infertile couples

Amniotic membrane dressing vs conventional topical antibiotic dressing hospitalized brun patients

Different natural and synthetic materials were used for temporary burn wound coverage; however, they are associated with disadvantages including high price which prohibit their widespread use, especially in developing countries. Among all, human amniotic membrane is the only easily available and cost free coverage. Its effects on burn wounds have been studied in this survey. One-hundred and twenty four patients with 20-50% second and third degree burns and without any other disease were randomly assigned into two groups. The first 61 patients [control group] underwent traditional method of dressing with silver sulfadiazine and gauze which were changed twice a day. The remaining 63 patients underwent dressing with human amniotic membrane [amnion group], being changed every 3-4 days. Patients in the control group had significantly lower albumin and needed more albumin infusion [231.80 +/- 234 gr. versus 111.51 +/- 143.82 gr.], received more blood transfusion [1.75 +/- 2.52 bags versus 0.65 +/- 1.18 bags], had significantly more intense pain and so received more narcotics than amnion group [7.97 +/- 12.85 doses versus 3.84 +/- 7.56]. Wound infection was higher in the control group [65.66% versus 46.91%] and so was the incidence of sepsis [24.62% versus 6.10%]. There was 8.53% mortality in the control group versus 0% in the amnion group. All of the above-mentioned differences were statistically significant. Amniotic membrane dressing in deep and more extensive burns leads to better homeostatic, immunologic and local results and because of its low price, its use is strongly recommended

[Evaluation of transhiatal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer]

Introduction: Esophageal cancer is an invasive tumor with a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, this malignant tumor has a considerable prevalence in north part of Iran, especially near the Caspian Sea. It is also an important cause of cancer-related mortality. Surgery is the most effective approach for cure and also is used for palliation. Transmittal esophagectomy is a popular method of resection with a low morbidity and mortality

Objective: We designed this study to document the clinic pathologic characteristics of patients undergoing this procedure for esophageal cancer and to determine the contributing factors survival of patients

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed between 1993 and first half of 2003 on 162 patients in Rasht Razi hospital. Patients' medical records were surveyed regarding their age, sex, stage of dysphagia, complications of surgery, mortality, stage of cancer and level of survival. Data were analyzed by EPI-6 software

Results: There were 102 male and 60 female patients. The mean age of patients was 57 years. 29.1% of them were urban versus 70.9% who were rural. The most frequent presenting symptoms were dysphagia [100%]. The most common site of tumor was lower third of esophagus [56%] and cardia] 22%]. 47.1% of patients required tube thoracostomy after surgery.9.8% of patients were splenectomized because of splenic injury. Recurrent nerve damage was observed in 4% of patients. 18.4% of patient's required mechanical ventilation. Pneumonia, Mediastinitis and Chylothorax was observed in 10, 2 and 2% of patients respectively. 13% had anastomosis leak in neck, which was managed conservatively. 83.1% of patients, were discharged from hospital in two weeks. The mean duration of hospital stay was 9.94 +/- 4.14 days. 14% of patients expired during first month of hospitalization. Survival in 1,2,3,4 and 5 years were 80%, 50%, 40%, 30% and 20% respectively

Conclusion: In this study mortality and morbidity were comparable with previous studies. On the other hand there wasn't any significant difference between results of this procedure and transthoracic approach that is used in other centers. Therefore it is recommended that transhiatal esophagectomy with appropriate selection of patients is the procedure of choice for curative and palliative means