High prevalence of vitamin d deficiency among iranian population: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The prevention and correction of vitamin D deficiency requires a precise depiction of the current situation and identification of risk factors in each region. The present study attempted to determine these entities using a systematic review and meta-analysis in Iran. Methods: Articles published online in Persian and English between 2000 and November 1, 2016, were reviewed. This was carried out using national databases such as SID, IranMedex, Magiran, and IranDoc and international databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The heterogeneity index among the studies was determined using the Cochran (Q) and I2 test. Based on the heterogeneity results, the random-effect model was applied to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. In addition, meta-regression analysis was used to determine heterogeneity-suspected factors, and the Egger test was applied to identify publication bias. Results: The meta-analysis of 48 studies identified 18531 individuals with vitamin D deficiency. According to the random-effect model, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among male, female, and pregnant women was estimated to be 45.64% (95% CI: 29.63 to 61.65), 61.90% (95% CI: 48.85 to 74.96), and 60.45% (95% CI: 23.73 to 97.16), respectively. The results of the meta-regression analysis indicated that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was significantly different in various geographical regions (β=4.4; P=0.023). Conclusion: The results obtained showed a significant prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the Iranian population, a condition to be addressed by appropriate planning. © 2018, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Helicobacter pylori release from yeast as a vesicle-encased or free bacterium

Background: Yeast has been suggested as a potent reservoir of H. pylori that facilitates bacterial spread within human populations. What mechanism ensures effective H. pylori release from yeast? Here, H. pylori release from yeast as a vesicle-encased or free bacterium was studied. Materials and methods: Liquid culture of Candida yeast was examined by light, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy methods to observe the released vesicles. Vesicles were isolated and examined by TEM. Immunogold labeling was used for detection of H. pylori-specific proteins in vesicles� membrane. Free bacterial cells, released from yeast, were separated by immunomagnetic separation and observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). DNA of bead-bound bacteria was used for amplification of H. pylori-16S rDNA. Viability of bead-bound bacteria was examined by live/dead stain and cultivation on Brucella blood agar. Results: Microscopic observations showed that vesicles contained bacterium-like structures. Thin sections showed release of vesicle-encased or free bacterium from yeast. Immunogold labeling revealed occurrence of H. pylori proteins in vesicles� membrane. FESEM showed attachment of H. pylori cells to magnetic beads. Sequencing of 521 bp PCR product confirmed the identity of bead-bound H. pylori. Live/dead staining showed viability of bead-bound H. pylori but the result of culture was negative. Conclusions: Escape of intracellular H. pylori from yeast as a membrane-bound or free bacterium indicates that H. pylori uses safe exit mechanisms that do not damage the host which is the principle of symbiotic associations. In human stomach, certain conditions may stimulate yeast cells to release H. pylori as a vesicle-encased or free bacterium. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Lt

A review of energy systems models in the UK: Prevalent usage and categorisation

In this paper, a systematic review of academic literature and policy papers since 2008 is undertaken with an aim of identifying the prevalent energy systems models and tools in the UK. A list of all referenced models is presented and the literature is analysed with regards sectoral coverage and technological inclusion, as well as mathematical structure of models. The paper compares available models using an appropriate classification schema, the introduction of which is aimed at making the model landscape more accessible and perspicuous, thereby enhancing the diversity of models within use. The distinct classification presented in this paper comprises three sections, which specify the model purpose and structure, technological detail and mathematical approach. The schema is not designed to be comprehensive, but rather to be a broad classification with pertinent level of information required to differentiate between models. As an example, the UK model landscape is considered and 22 models are classified in three tables, as per the proposed schema

A hybrid approach for piecewise fractional reaction–diffusion equations

In this paper, the Caputo and Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivatives are handled to introduce a type of piecewise fractional derivative. More precisely, a linear combination of the Caputo and Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivatives are considered in each sub-interval to define this fractional derivative. It is employed to generate another form of nonlinear reaction–diffusion equations. The orthonormal Legendre polynomials together with the orthonormal piecewise Legendre functions are used to make a hybrid algorithm for this new problem. In this way, an explicit formula for computing the piecewise fractional differentiation of the stated piecewise basis functions is obtained and applied in generating the method. The applicability and validity of the adopted procedure are examined through three examples

Genocchi polynomials for variable-order time fractional Fornberg–Whitham type equations

In this research, a kind of non-singular variable-order fractional derivative is utilized to define two types of variable-order fractional Fornberg–Whitham equations. The shifted Genocchi polynomials are employed to construct two operational matrix approaches for solving these equations. More precisely, a new variable-order fractional derivative matrix is obtained for these polynomials, and used with the collocation technique for solving these equations. In fact, using this approaches, solving such problems converts into solving simple systems of algebraic equations. Some examples are solved to illustrate the applicability and accuracy of the proposed algorithms

A numerical method for distributed-order time fractional 2D Sobolev equation

In this work, the distributed-order time fractional 2D Sobolev equation is introduced. The orthonormal Bernoulli polynomials, as a renowned family of basis functions, are employed to solve this problem. To effectively use of these polynomials in constructing a suitable methodology for this equation, some operational matrices regarding the ordinary and fractional derivative of them are derived. In the developed method, by approximating the unknown solution by means of these polynomials and using the mentioned matrices, as well as applying the collocation technique, a system of algebraic equations (in which the unknowns are the expansion coefficients of the solution function) is obtained, which by solving it, a solution for the main problem is obtained. By providing four test problems, the capability and accuracy of the scheme are studied

Anaesthesiologists H attitude towards preoperative patients education needs in 2005

Background and purpose: lack of information about anaesthisia and fear of post operation contiousness, pain, nausea and vomiting increases the patientsH anxiety. There are various reports about patiensH desire for preoperation information in Iran and other countries. However, there is no study related to anaesthesiologistsH view about patientsH needs before anaesthesia and operation in the literature.Materials and Methods: This descriptive (cross- sectional) study was done in 2005 on 110 anaesthesiologists working in hospitals of Mazandaran province. Questionnaire containing 4 questions about demographic and 18 questions related to anaesthesia was prepared. Attitude of the anaesthesiologists was divided into 5 categories based on Likert rating scale as follows: completely agreed, agreed, partially agreed, not agreed, completely not agreed. Chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis of the data.Results: Results of this study showed that the most positive attitude of anaesthesiologists about patient teaching was related to the proper explanation about duration of N.P.O before operation (%97.3). %52.7 of anaes the siologists were against giving explanation of the duration of N.P.O and post operation possible problems. In this regard no significant difference was observed between educational and non educational hospitals (P<0.018). No significant difference in terms of attitude was observed between anaesthesiologists at different level of education (P<0.07).Conclusion: Considering the positive attitude of the anaesthesiologists towards education and preoperation of the patients, it is recommended that such education be implemented and the patients be charged for preoperation consultation in order to give explanation about anaesthesia at proper time, when needed

Pulmonary function tests and respiratory symptoms among smokers in the city of mashhad (north east of Iran)

The prevalence of smoking was studied using a questionnaire. Pulmonary function tests and respiratory symptoms were evaluated in 176 smokers. The total studied population with family and co-workers were 13289. The number of smokers among studied population was 11.7%. The rate of smoking among male subjects was 17.2% and in female 2.5%. All values of PFTs in smokers were significantly lower (p < 0.001) and respiratory symptoms higher than in non smokers (p < 0.05 for cough and p < 0.001 for wheeze and tightness). There were significant negative correlations between smoking duration and rate with values of PFT (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). In this study the prevalence of smoking in population of Mashhad city was shown. The prevalence of smoking was higher among male than females. Smoking leads to increased respiratory symptoms and reduction of PFTs values. Resumen: A prevalência do acto de fumar foi estudada através de um questionário. Os testes de função pulmonar e sintomas respiratórios foram avaliados em 176 fumadores. O total da população estudada com família e colaboradores foi de 13289. O número de fumadores entre a população estudada foi de 11,7%. A taxa do acto de fumar entre os homens foi de 17,2% e de 2,5% entre as mulheres. Todos os valores de TFP nos fumadores foram significativamente inferiores (p < 0.001) e os sintomas respiratórios foram superiores em relação aos não fumadores (p < 0,05 para tosse e p < 0,001 para pieira e aperto torácico). Registaram-se correlações negativas significativas entre a duração do acto de fumar e a taxa com valores de TFP (p < 0,05-p < 0,001). Neste estudo, foi apresentada a prevalência do acto de fumar na população da cidade de Mashhad. A prevalência do acto de fumar foi maior entre os homens do que entre as mulheres. Fumar leva a um aumento de sintomas respiratórios e à redução dos valores de TFP. Keywords: Prevalence of smoking, smoking duration, smoking amount, pulmonary function tests, respiratory symptoms, Palabras clave: Prevalência do acto de fumar, Duração do acto de fumar, Quantidade do acto de fumar, Testes de função pulmonar, Sintomas respiratório