Application of Adomian decomposition method to solve hybrid fuzzy differential equations

AbstractIn this paper, we study the numerical solution of hybrid fuzzy differential equations by using Adomian decomposition method (ADM). This is powerful method which consider the approximate solution of a nonlinear equation as an infinite series usually converging to the accurate solution. Several numerical examples are given and by comparing the numerical results obtained from ADM and predictor corrector method (PCM), we have studied their accuracy

The Effect of Accelerated Aging on Germination Characteristics, Seed Reserve Utilization and Malondialdehyde Content of Two Wheat Cultivars

In this study experiment was conducted to evaluated the effect of accelerated aging on germination characteristics, seed reserve utilization and malondialdehyde of two wheat cultivars. The experiment was conducted in factorial with a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Results of variance analysis showed that, seed aging had significant effects on germination percentage, germination index, normal seedling percentage, mean time to germination, malondialdehyde content, seedling dry weight, weight of utilized (mobilized) seed reserve and electrical conductivity. The highest germination percentage, germination index, normal seedling percentage, seedling dry weight and weight of utilized (mobilized) seed reserve and the minimum mean time to germination, electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde content were attained from Verinak cultivar under control conditions (0 day aging). Results indicates that germination percentage, germination index, normal seedling percentage, seedling dry weight, and weight of utilized (mobilized) seed reserve decreased significantly as seed aging progressed. But, mean time to germination, electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde content increased significantly as seed aging progressed. Also, the decrease in seed reserve mobilization rate was the cause of decreased other traits

A Review on Serum Level of Vitamin D in Atopic March

Recent studies have reported a relationship between vitamin D and atopic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, which is due to the recently discovered vitamin D receptors on many immune system cells. Among all atopic diseases, asthma has been studied the most in this regard. However, the role of vitamin D in other atopic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis is a matter of controversy. In this paper, we review the literature on the association between atopic diseases and vitamin D level with a focus on the childhood period. As of today, the role of vitamin D in atopic march is not clear and studies show controversial results. Therefore, further studies with adequate sample sizes and correction for perplexing factors are needed since this could be an innovative treatment in atopic children. It is also advisable to examine high-risk groups of children for vitamin D deficiency. According to the extracted data, vitamin D has a protecting effect against atopic diseases. At the same time, no evidence was found for such an association in some studies, thus, further studies are needed to clarify this issue

The relationship between serology of hepatitis E virus with liver and kidney function in kidney transplant patients

Although hepatitis E virus (HEV) is well known to cause acute hepatitis, there are reports showing that HEV may also be responsible for progression of acute to chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis in patients receiving organ transplantation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HEV in patients with kidney transplantation. In this study, 110 patients with kidney transplantation were recruited, and anti-HEV IgG, creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the first, third and sixth months after renal transplantation were measured. The mean serum anti-HEV IgG titers in the study participants was 1.36 (range 0.23 to 6.3). Twenty-three patients were found to be seropositive for HEV Ab defined as anti-HEV IgG titer > 1.1. The difference in liver and renal function tests (creatinine, eGFR, AST, ALT and ALP) at different intervals was not significant between patients with HEV Ab titers higher and lower than 1.1 (p > 0.05). However, an inverse correlation was observed between HEV Ab and eGFR values in the first (p = 0.047, r = -0.21), third (p = 0.04, r = -0.20) and sixth (p = 0.04, r = -0.22) months after renal transplantation in patients with HEV Ab 1.1. Also, a significant correlation between age and HEV Ab levels was found in the entire study population (p =0.001, r = 0.33). Our findings showed a high prevalence of seropositivity for anti-HEV IgG in patients receiving renal transplants. However, liver and renal functions were not found to be significantly different seropositive and seronegative patients by up to 6 months post-transplantation

Fetal Echocardiography Indications: A Single- Center Experience

Background Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common lethal congenital anomaly. Early diagnosis of CHD by fetal echocardiography based on maternal and fetal indications is important and lifesaving. The aim of study was to assess the referral aspects of pregnant women to pediatric cardiologist. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study on 250 documents of referred pregnant women, which was conducted in Imam Reza hospital (Mashhad city, Iran) from 2012 to 2017. Relevant factors of referral to pediatric cardiologist were assessed in an unselected population of pregnant women, mostly based on guideline indications. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0. Results From 250 fetuses 59.8% were male. The most common reasons of referral were abnormal ultrasonography and family history of CHD with 83% and 28.8 %, respectively, which were referred mostly by gynecologist (53.7%). Fetuses were mostly singleton (98. 8%). Five and six percent had associated extra-cardiac anomalies, mostly central nervous system and renal disorders. The mean age of referred pregnant women was 31.5+5.14 years. The mean age of gestation was 24.5+ 6.09 weeks. Seventy-one cases (28.4 %) have similar history in prior children. Conclusion Timely referral to pediatric cardiologist as an extraordinary benefit for pregnant women and also ongoing follow- up for the baby is requires an organized observation. Assessment and comparison with universal guidelines reveals our shortcomings. More than half of referred cases were identified too late in time and the whole indications were not done accurately

Comparison of Verbal Explanations, Graphics, and Film Presentations for Increasing Parental Satisfaction with Lumbar Puncture Performance in Children with Febrile Seizure

AbstractObjective: The present study aimed to determine the effect of training parents by film, poster or graphics, and verbal explanation, on the enhancement of their satisfaction with the performance of this procedure.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional quasi-experimental study was conducted on the children with febrile seizures referred to the Emergency and Pediatric Wards of hospitals affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. They were LP candidates; nonetheless, their parents did not consent to the performance of this procedure. The children were randomly assigned to three groups. In the first group, videos of the location and method of LP were presented to the parents. The second group received this information via posters, and the parents in the third group were given a verbal explanation. Results: The children included 49 (4.54%) females with a mean age of 15 months. There was a significant relationship between the reason for parental refusal of LP and their final satisfaction (P=0.022). There was a significant relationship between parents' satisfaction with the performance of LP and their education (P=0.029). The film method had the lowest chance of success, and the verbal explanation method enjoyed the most remarkable success in enhancing parental satisfaction (P= 0.013).Conclusion: Although the use of posters and videos was less effective than verbal explanation, it increased the satisfaction of LP in some parents. In fact, it is more beneficial to try to alter parental misperceptions of LP in non-emergency situations

Knowledge and Attitude of Pediatricians and Pediatric Residents Regarding Child Abuse and Neglect

Introduction:Child abuse and neglect is a public health challenge with lifelong consequences for survivors. Physicians’ knowledge regarding child abuse and neglect is essential for diagnosis, treatment, and timely referral to legal authorities. This study aimed to determine pediatric residents’ and pediatricians’ knowledge and attitude regarding child abuse and neglect.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, pediatric residents› and pediatricians› knowledge and attitude regarding child abuse and neglect were measured using a standard questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability. In this questionnaire, knowledge score ranged from 0 to 17, and attitude score ranged from 10 to 50. After collecting the questionnaires and calculating the scores, the information was entered into the SPSS software (version 22), and statistical analysis was performed.Results: A total of 80 participants, including 38 pediatric residents and 42 pediatricians, participated in this research. Among them, 71.3% were female, and 28.8% were male. The mean score of knowledge and attitude in all participants was 14.05 ± 1.88 out of 17 and 41.39 ± 4.36 out of 50, respectively. The mean score in the pediatric residents and pediatricians was 13.42 ± 2.02.  and 14.62 ± 1.57 for knowledge and 40.66 ± 4.32 and 42.05 ± 4.35 for attitude, respectively. Regarding knowledge, 19 participants (23.8%) had a good score, 35 (43.8%) had a moderate score, and 26 (32.5%) had a poor score (p=0.24). There was a significant difference in terms of knowledge score among four academic groups (first-year resident, second-year resident, third-year resident, and pediatrician) (p=0.031), as the score wassignificantly higher in pediatricians than in residents (p=0.004). However, no significant difference was observed for attitude score (p=0.056). In general, and regarding all participants, no significant relationship was observed between attitude score and knowledge score (p=0.059).Conclusion: Most pediatric residents and pediatricians participating in the present study had moderate knowledge and attitude toward child abuse and neglect, and less than a quarter of the participants had good knowledge in this regard. Also, the pediatricians had significantly higher knowledge scores than the pediatric residents. These results emphasize the importance of more education for pediatric residents regarding child abuse and neglect and continuing education programs for pediatricians

Serum vitamin C levels: a comparison between febrile children with or without seizure

Objective: An imbalance has been reported in the oxidant-antioxidant system of infants with febrile convulsion. This study aimed to compare serum vitamin C levels between febrile children with or without seizures. Materials and Method: This multicenter case-control study was conducted on febrile infants and children who were referred to the pediatric emergency wards of Mashhad University of Medical Science. The subjects were equally divided into two febrile groups of case (with seizure) and control (without seizures). Visible Spectrophotometer was used to determine the total vitamin C level.Results: In total, 100 febrile children were included in this study. Based on the results, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, and family history of febrile convulsion (FC) (P>0.05). The mean vitamin C levels in the case and control groups were 42.73±7.2 and 78.59±11.1 µg/l, respectively. There was a significant difference between the groups regarding the vitamin C level (P<0.001). Regression analysis revealed that age (P=0.74), gender (P=0.66), and family history of febrile convulsion (P=0.52) had not any correlation with vitamin C levels. On the other hand, the vitamin C levels was associated with FC (P=0.001).Conclusion: The serum levels of vitamin C in the children with febrile seizure were lower than those in the control group. Thus, the reduced vitamin C levels can be considered as a predisposing factor for FC

Convulsion Associated with Gastroenteritis

Convulsion with mild gastroenteritis is an afebrile seizure associated with viral gastroenteritis in a healthy child without fever, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, meningitis, or encephalitis. Convulsion with mild gastroenteritis is more common in children aged 1 to 2 years. Usually, Convulsions are brief generalized tonic colonic type. Most convulsions occur within first 24 hours of illness onset. Rotaviral gastroenteritis is known as the most common type of gastroenteritis associated with Convulsion. Laboratory investigations are normal. Also EEG and neuroimaging are usually normal. Long term antiepileptic treatment is not necessary. It is usually a benign condition with good prognosis and no risk for developing epilepsy in future. Considering this etiology of seizure could prevent supernumerary evaluations and long-term antiepileptic treatment

Normal Values of Nerve Conduction Studies in Children Aged 7 Days to 14 Years Referred to Electrodiagnosis Clinic of Iranian Children’s Medical Center

Background: The normal values of nerve conduction studies (NCS) are different in children compared to adults. Moreover, racial and geographical factors can affect these values. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the normal NCS values in children of different ages. Methods: The present cross-sectional study included children referred to the Electrodiagnosis Clinic of the Children’s Medical Center in Iran, who had normal NCS results based on the references and had no exclusion criteria. The patients were divided into 8 age groups (7 days to one month, 1 - 3 months, 3 - 6 months, 6 - 12 months, 1 - 2 years, 2 - 4 years, 4 - 6 years, and 6 - 14 years), and the NCS was performed using a Nihon Kohden electromyogram. The NCS values in the normal range were included in the analysis. Results: The normal ranges of amplitude and conduction velocity of 4 motor nerves (median, ulnar, deep peroneal, and tibial) and 2 sensory nerves (median and medial plantar), as well as the F-wave latency values of 2 nerves (ulnar and tibial), were established as the reference values for the pediatric patients. Conclusions: The NCS parameters of Iranian children were slightly different from the normal references reported by studies in other countries. Moreover, the SNAP and CMAP amplitudes and motor conduction velocity of these children usually reached the normal values of the adult population earlie