Review of available approaches for ultimate bearing capacity of two-layered soils

This paper presents the state of the art report on available approaches to predicting the ultimate bearing capacity of two-layered soils. The article discusses three most popular methods, including the classical method, application of the finite element method and artificial neural network. Various approaches based on these three powerful tools are studied and their methodologies are discussed

Growth and development status in the first two years of uninfected children born from HIV positive mothers

Recently prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child by antiretroviral regimens has resulted in growing the numbers of HIV exposed but uninfected children (HIV-EU). The aim of present study was evaluation of growth and neurodevelopment status among less than 2-year-old HIV exposed uninfected children. A cohort study was carried out at Vali-e-Asr Hospital (Tehran-Iran). Thirty-nine HIV-EU neonates were recruited (2014 to 2016). Neonates and infants with concern to growth and neurodevelopment status were evaluated at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months by an expert physician. Neurodevelopment assessment was based on WHO Milestones Chart and Age and Stage Questionnaire. Of all children, 22 were male, and 17 were female. Regarding growth indices, although mean birth weight in half of the neonates was lower than normal population; no postnatal descending trend was observed in their growth chart. No significant differences were found between two groups' height and head circumference. Among the neurodevelopmental parameters measured, in 6th months of life, 2 cases had abnormality in the gross motor while at 12 months, 6 cases had delay in language, social problem, and motor disorders. At 18 and 24 months, 7 infants showed developmental problems of which 71.4 of their mothers were younger than others (age<25 years, P=0.009). Prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders including delay in language, motor, and social domains was common among HIV-EU children. As several environmental factors may involve the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, nearly-full postnatal control and prevention seem necessary. © 2018 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Growth and development status in the first two years of uninfected children born from HIV positive mothers

Recently prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child by antiretroviral regimens has resulted in growing the numbers of HIV exposed but uninfected children (HIV-EU). The aim of present study was evaluation of growth and neurodevelopment status among less than 2-year-old HIV exposed uninfected children. A cohort study was carried out at Vali-e-Asr Hospital (Tehran-Iran). Thirty-nine HIV-EU neonates were recruited (2014 to 2016). Neonates and infants with concern to growth and neurodevelopment status were evaluated at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months by an expert physician. Neurodevelopment assessment was based on WHO Milestones Chart and Age and Stage Questionnaire. Of all children, 22 were male, and 17 were female. Regarding growth indices, although mean birth weight in half of the neonates was lower than normal population; no postnatal descending trend was observed in their growth chart. No significant differences were found between two groups' height and head circumference. Among the neurodevelopmental parameters measured, in 6th months of life, 2 cases had abnormality in the gross motor while at 12 months, 6 cases had delay in language, social problem, and motor disorders. At 18 and 24 months, 7 infants showed developmental problems of which 71.4 of their mothers were younger than others (age<25 years, P=0.009). Prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders including delay in language, motor, and social domains was common among HIV-EU children. As several environmental factors may involve the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, nearly-full postnatal control and prevention seem necessary. © 2018 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Identification of a novel KCNQ1 frameshift mutation and review of the literature among iranian long QT families

Background: Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is characterized by the prolongation of QT interval, which results in syncope and sudden cardiac death in young people. KCNQ1 is the most common gene responsible for this syndrome. Methods: Molecular investigation was performed by DNA Sanger sequencing in Iranian families with a history of syncope. In silico examinations were performed for predicting the pathogenicity of the novel variant. Results: A novel homozygous KCNQ1 frameshift mutation, c.14261429delATGC (M476Pfs*4), was identified, and then the current literatures of five patients were reviewed regarding the LQTS. Conclusion: The novel frameshift mutation has been reported for the first time among the Iranian population. Our finding along with the case series study of LQTS patients illustrates the importance of genetic and case series in precise detection of the frequency of LQTS carrierscarriers. © 2019, Pasteur Institute of Iran. All rights reserved

Possible association of vitamin D status with lung involvement and outcome in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective study

Purpose: Vitamin D deficiency has been reported as a key factor in the development of infectious diseases such as respiratory tract infections and inflammatory processes like acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, the impact of vitamin D on the severity and outcome of COVID-19 is still not fully known. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of serum vitamin D concentration on the extent of lung involvement and final outcome in patients with COVID-19. Methods: Seventy-three subjects with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were investigated in this study. The patients had been admitted to our academic hospital from February 28, 2020 to April 19, 2020. Demographic and clinical data, serum 25(OH)D levels, and findings of initial chest computed tomography were recorded. Linear and binary logistic regression, cox regression and ROC curve tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of patients was 55.18 ± 14.98 years old; 46.4 were male. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in the deceased (13.83 ± 12.53 ng/ mL compared with discharged patients (38.41 ± 18.51 ng/mL) (P < 0.001). Higher levels of 25(OH)D were associated with significantly less extent of total lung involvement (β = � 0.10, P = 0.004). In addition, vitamin D deficiency 25(OH) D < 25 ng/mL was associated with a significant increase in the risk of mortality (hazard ratio = 4.15, P = 0.04). Conclusion: This study suggests that serum vitamin D status might provide useful information regarding the clinical course, extent of lung involvement and outcome of patients with COVID-19. However, further studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm these findings. © 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature

Novel frameshift mutation in the KCNQ1 gene responsible for jervell and lange-nielsen syndrome

Objective(s): Jervell and Lange�Nielsen syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in KCNQ1 or KCNE1 genes. The disease is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss and long QT syndrome. Materials and Methods Here we present a 3.5-year-old female patient, an offspring of consanguineous marriage, who had a history of recurrent syncope and congenital sensorineural deafness. The patient and the family members were screened for mutations in KCNQ1 gene by linkage analysis and DNA sequencing. Results: DNA sequencing showed a c.15321534delG (p. A512Pfs*81) mutation in the KCNQ1 gene in homozygous form. The results of short tandem repeat (STR) markers showed that the disease in the family is linked to the KCNQ1 gene. The mutation was confirmed in the parents in heterozygous form. Conclusion: This is the first report of this variant in KCNQ1 gene in an Iranian family. The data of this study could be used for early diagnosis of the condition in the family and genetic counseling. © 2018, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Novel frameshift mutation in the KCNQ1 gene responsible for jervell and lange-nielsen syndrome

Objective(s): Jervell and Lange�Nielsen syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in KCNQ1 or KCNE1 genes. The disease is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss and long QT syndrome. Materials and Methods Here we present a 3.5-year-old female patient, an offspring of consanguineous marriage, who had a history of recurrent syncope and congenital sensorineural deafness. The patient and the family members were screened for mutations in KCNQ1 gene by linkage analysis and DNA sequencing. Results: DNA sequencing showed a c.15321534delG (p. A512Pfs*81) mutation in the KCNQ1 gene in homozygous form. The results of short tandem repeat (STR) markers showed that the disease in the family is linked to the KCNQ1 gene. The mutation was confirmed in the parents in heterozygous form. Conclusion: This is the first report of this variant in KCNQ1 gene in an Iranian family. The data of this study could be used for early diagnosis of the condition in the family and genetic counseling. © 2018, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of bisphenol A based on SBA-15 like Cu-PMO modified glassy carbon electrode

This work reports the electrochemical detection of bisphenol A (BPA) using a novel and sensitive electrochemical sensor based on the Cu functionalized SBA-15 like periodic mesoporous organosilica-ionic liquid composite modified glassy carbon electrode (Cu@TU-PMO/IL/GCE). The structural morphology of Cu@TU-PMO is characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The catalytic activity of the modified electrode toward oxidation of BPA was interrogated with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0) using the fabricated sensor. The electrochemical detection of the analyte was carried out at a neutral pH and the scan rate studies revealed that the sensor was stable. Under the optimal conditions, a linear range from 5.0 nM to 2.0 mu M and 4.0 to 500 mu M for detecting BPA was observed with a detection limit of 1.5 nM (S/N = 3). The sensor was applied to detect BPA in tap and seawater samples, and the accuracy of the results was validated by high-performance l

Comparative clinical effectiveness and safety of tobacco cessation pharmacotherapies and electronic cigarettes : a systematic review and network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Aim To determine how varenicline, bupropion, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and electronic cigarettes compare with respect to their clinical effectiveness and safety. Method Systematic reviews and Bayesian network meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, in any setting, of varenicline, bupropion, NRT and e-cigarettes (in high, standard and low doses, alone or in combination) in adult smokers and smokeless tobacco users with follow-up duration of 24 weeks or greater (effectiveness) or any duration (safety). Nine databases were searched until 19 February 2019. Primary outcomes were sustained tobacco abstinence and serious adverse events (SAEs). We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and treatment rankings and conducted meta-regression to explore covariates. Results We identified 363 trials for effectiveness and 355 for safety. Most monotherapies and combination therapies were more effective than placebo at helping participants to achieve sustained abstinence; the most effective of these, estimated with some imprecision, were varenicline standard [OR = 2.83, 95% credible interval (CrI) = 2.34–3.39] and varenicline standard + NRT standard (OR = 5.75, 95% CrI = 2.27–14.88). Estimates were higher in smokers receiving counselling than in those without and in studies with higher baseline nicotine dependence scores than in those with lower scores. Varenicline standard + NRT standard showed a high probability of being ranked best or second-best. For safety, only bupropion at standard dose increased the odds of experiencing SAEs compared with placebo (OR = 1.27, 95% CrI = 1.04–1.58), and we found no evidence of effect modification. Conclusions Most tobacco cessation monotherapies and combination therapies are more effective than placebo at helping participants to achieve sustained abstinence, with varenicline appearing to be most effective based on current evidence. There does not appear to be strong evidence of associations between most tobacco cessation pharmacotherapies and adverse events; however, the data are limited and there is a need for improved reporting of safety data

Smoking cessation medicines and e-cigarettes : a systematic review, network meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis

Background Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of early death. Varenicline [Champix (UK), Pfizer Europe MA EEIG, Brussels, Belgium; or Chantix (USA), Pfizer Inc., Mission, KS, USA], bupropion (Zyban; GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, UK) and nicotine replacement therapy are licensed aids for quitting smoking in the UK. Although not licensed, e-cigarettes may also be used in English smoking cessation services. Concerns have been raised about the safety of these medicines and e-cigarettes. Objectives To determine the clinical effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation medicines and e-cigarettes. Design Systematic reviews, network meta-analyses and cost-effectiveness analysis informed by the network meta-analysis results. Setting Primary care practices, hospitals, clinics, universities, workplaces, nursing or residential homes. Participants Smokers aged ≥ 18 years of all ethnicities using UK-licensed smoking cessation therapies and/or e-cigarettes. Interventions Varenicline, bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy as monotherapies and in combination treatments at standard, low or high dose, combination nicotine replacement therapy and e-cigarette monotherapies. Main outcome measures Effectiveness – continuous or sustained abstinence. Safety – serious adverse events, major adverse cardiovascular events and major adverse neuropsychiatric events. Data sources Ten databases, reference lists of relevant research articles and previous reviews. Searches were performed from inception until 16 March 2017 and updated on 19 February 2019. Review methods Three reviewers screened the search results. Data were extracted and risk of bias was assessed by one reviewer and checked by the other reviewers. Network meta-analyses were conducted for effectiveness and safety outcomes. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated using an amended version of the Benefits of Smoking Cessation on Outcomes model. Results Most monotherapies and combination treatments were more effective than placebo at achieving sustained abstinence. Varenicline standard plus nicotine replacement therapy standard (odds ratio 5.75, 95% credible interval 2.27 to 14.90) was ranked first for sustained abstinence, followed by e-cigarette low (odds ratio 3.22, 95% credible interval 0.97 to 12.60), although these estimates have high uncertainty. We found effect modification for counselling and dependence, with a higher proportion of smokers who received counselling achieving sustained abstinence than those who did not receive counselling, and higher odds of sustained abstinence among participants with higher average dependence scores. We found that bupropion standard increased odds of serious adverse events compared with placebo (odds ratio 1.27, 95% credible interval 1.04 to 1.58). There were no differences between interventions in terms of major adverse cardiovascular events. There was evidence of increased odds of major adverse neuropsychiatric events for smokers randomised to varenicline standard compared with those randomised to bupropion standard (odds ratio 1.43, 95% credible interval 1.02 to 2.09). There was a high level of uncertainty about the most cost-effective intervention, although all were cost-effective compared with nicotine replacement therapy low at the £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year threshold. E-cigarette low appeared to be most cost-effective in the base case, followed by varenicline standard plus nicotine replacement therapy standard. When the impact of major adverse neuropsychiatric events was excluded, varenicline standard plus nicotine replacement therapy standard was most cost-effective, followed by varenicline low plus nicotine replacement therapy standard. When limited to licensed interventions in the UK, nicotine replacement therapy standard was most cost-effective, followed by varenicline standard. Limitations Comparisons between active interventions were informed almost exclusively by indirect evidence. Findings were imprecise because of the small numbers of adverse events identified. Conclusions Combined therapies of medicines are among the most clinically effective, safe and cost-effective treatment options for smokers. Although the combined therapy of nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline at standard doses was the most effective treatment, this is currently unlicensed for use in the UK. Future work Researchers should examine the use of these treatments alongside counselling and continue investigating the long-term effectiveness and safety of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation compared with active interventions such as nicotine replacement therapy. Study registration This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42016041302