Inference of hidden structures in complex physical systems by multi-scale clustering

We survey the application of a relatively new branch of statistical physics--"community detection"-- to data mining. In particular, we focus on the diagnosis of materials and automated image segmentation. Community detection describes the quest of partitioning a complex system involving many elements into optimally decoupled subsets or communities of such elements. We review a multiresolution variant which is used to ascertain structures at different spatial and temporal scales. Significant patterns are obtained by examining the correlations between different independent solvers. Similar to other combinatorial optimization problems in the NP complexity class, community detection exhibits several phases. Typically, illuminating orders are revealed by choosing parameters that lead to extremal information theory correlations.Comment: 25 pages, 16 Figures; a review of earlier work

Report on a case of conjoined twins in Kashan

History and Objectives: Due to the rarity of birth of conjoined twins and the few reports of their birth in the world and also the high mortality of these twins, this article reports on a case of conjoined twins that were born in the Tir of 1378 in Kashan. Case report and Findings: A 28-year-old woman delivered at her third pregnancy a pair of conjoined twins with the gestational age of 36 weeks and 5 days by cesarean section. These twins had two heads, two necks, a laterally conjoined thorax and common abdomen, pelvis and male genitalia. The anus was imperforated and a fistula was present in the perineal area. These twins died twenty hours after birth because of cardio respiratory failure and the existing anomalies (Lung hypoplasia). Conclusion: Not only the birth of conjoined twins with partially divided bodies is very rare but also the male sex of the reported case is another rare phenomenon. Death of these twins in the first 24 hours of life can be due to congenital anomalies

Frequency and etiology of intracranial hemorrhage in neonates admitted in Kashan hospitals, 1996-2000

Background: Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is an important cause of mortality and neurologic sequels in the neonatal period. As there is little information about the prevalence and etiologies of neonatal I.C.H. in Kashan, the present study was carried out on neonates admitted in Kashan hospitals during a 4-year period, 1996-2000. Material and methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 2755 neonates. Having the diagnosis confirmed, initial data including gestational age, sex, clinical manifestations, mode of delivery, maternal risk factors, type and cause of hemorrhage were collected from medical records and results were analyzed. Results: Of 62 cases of ICH, 42 were in preterm and 20 were in full term neonates. The most common etiology of ICH in preterm and term neonate was asphyxia and trauma, respectively. The most common type of ICH in preterm was intraventricular hemorrhage versus subdural hemorrhage in full terms. There was no significant relationship between ICH and sex or mode of delivery. Decreased More reflex was the most common clinical finding and preeclampsia was the most important maternal risk factor in ICH. Conclusion: Considering the frequency of ICH in preterm neonates (27 times more than full terms neonates) and asphyxia as the most common etiology, further attempts should be employed to prevent preterm deliveries and occurrence of asphyxia

Multiple pregnancy and its complication-induced hospitalization in Shaheed Beheshti and Shabihkhani hospitals, Kashan, 2000-01

Background : Considering the importance of multiple pregnancy and its influence on neonate's mortality and morbidity and also with respect to the lack of informative data on its prevalence, the present study was conducted in Shaheed Beheshti and Shabihkhani hospitals in Kashan, 2000-01, to determine the role of early diagnosis and treatment. Materials and methods : During a one-year period, all multiple pregnancies were included. Initial data including gestational age, sex, maternal age, complication-induced hospitalization, birth weight, previous history of multiple pregnancy, mortality, and history of ovarian-stimulating drug consumption were all recorded in a questionnaire. Results : Of 10011 deliveries, 142 (1.4) were twins, 8 (0.079) were triplets, and 1 (0.009) was quadruplets. Of these, 58 twins (40.8), 5 triplets (62.5) and 1 (100) quadruplets were hospitalized. Prematurity was the most common complication in twins (84). Mortality was reported in 15 twins (13.5) and 3 triplets (21.4). The most seasonal prevalence of twin pregnancy was winter (27.4). Conclusion : Prematurity was more common as compared to western data. Prematurity and low birth weight are the most frequent cause of mortality, thus prevention of preterm delivery is highly recommended

Clinical and bacteriological characteristics of neonatal sepsis in an intensive care unit in Kashan, Iran: A 2 year descriptive study

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a serious problem in neonatal intensive care units, as it causes high rates of morbidity and mortality. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate various etiologic agents, antimicrobial susceptibility, clinical manifestations and the mortality rate in an intensive care unit in Kashan, Iran. Patients and Methods: One hundred and four neonates with documented early onset sepsis in a 2 year period from 2006 to 2008 were enrolled in this descriptive study. The results of blood cultures and antimicrobial susceptibility and clinical manifestations and outcome were collected in questionnaires and subsequently analyzed. Results: We evaluated 104 cases including 63 (61) males and 41 (39) females. The most common clinical presentations were respiratory distress in 28 (26.9), poor feeding in 18 (17.3), lethargy in 15 (14.5), fever in 15 (14.5) and jaundice in 13 cases (12.5). The most common organisms isolated from blood cultures were Flavobacterium (43.3), Pseudomonas (17.3) and coagulase positive Staphylococcus (17.3). All Flavobacterium were resistant to Ampicillin and 100 were susceptible to Amikacin. Conclusions: The most common isolated organism from blood cultures was Flavobacterium. Water was causative source of Flavobacterium. Later on we found that an outbreak had occurred during our study and these results may not be seen in an ordinary situation. © 2013, Pediatric Infections Research Center

Risk factors for antibacterial resistance of isolates producing extended-epectrum β-Lactamase in Gram Negative Bacilli of hospitalized neonates in Shahid Beheshti hospital

Background: The occurrence of isolates producing extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) has increased worldwide. Gram-negative bacilli producing the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) are responsible for resistance against oxy-imino beta-lactames and monobactams, and may be considered as the major pathogens in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of beta-lactam antibiotic resistance in fecal flora of newborns and the risk factors leading to their colonization. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 167 hospitalized newborns in Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan in 2006. The fecal isolated gram-negative bacilli were prepared using standard tests. The pattern of sensitivity to antibiotics and the ESBL production was investigated on isolates with the criteria suggested by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institutes (CLSI). Data were analyzed statistically by Fischer’s exact and Chi square tests. Results: Colonization of fecal flora with gram-negative microorganisms was determined in 120 stool samples. Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and microorganisms producing ESBL were identified in 53 (44.2%), 34 (28.3 %), and 35 (29.2%), respectively. 65.7% (23 out of 35) of microorganisms producing ESBL were K.pneumoniae. Risk factors for colonization of gram negative bacilli producing ESBL were birth weight ≤ 2500gr. (P7 days (P<0.0082), administration of cefotaxime (P<0.0247), and C-section delivery (P<0.048). Conclusion: To decrease the morbidity and mortality rates following the infection caused by ESBLs colonized in the intestine of infants, protection of normal non-pathogenic bacterial flora is important. This can be provided by the efficient application of infection control measures, and limitation of antibiotic usage to strict clinical indications

Flavobacterium sepsis outbreak due to contaminated distilled water in a neonatal intensive care unit

Outbreaks of sepsis due to water or contaminated equipment can cause significant mortality and morbidity in neonatal intensive care units. We studied an outbreak among neonates caused by flavobacterium and investigated the characteristics of the infected neonates, antimicrobial susceptibilities, and the source of the outbreak. Forty-five neonates with documented flavobacterium sepsis were evaluated in this descriptive study. Data including sex, vaginal delivery or caesarean, preterm or term, birth weight, results of blood cultures and antibiograms were recorded and cases followed up until death or recovery. Environmental sampling for detecting the source of contamination was performed. Among the 45 patients, 28 (62.2) were male and 17 (37.8) female (P< 0.001). The commonest clinical manifestation was respiratory distress (60). Eighteen neonates (40) were low birth weight. Thirty-seven neonates (82.2) were born via caesarean section. Twenty (44.4) of them were preterm whereas 25 (55.6) were term (P< 0.001). Mortality was 17.7. All strains were resistant to ampicillin, and susceptible to amikacin. The source of outbreak was contaminated distilled water. © 2010 The Healthcare Infection Society

Drowning in Children in Iran: Outcomes and Prognostic Factors

The aim of this study was to determine possible associations between some prognostic factors and drowning outcome. There were 47 drowning victims during the study period, of whom 39(83) survived and 8(17) died. All deaths occurred in children aged under 5 including 7 (87.5) male and 1(12.5) female victims. Seven (87.5) were Iranian and only one (12.5) was from Afghanistan. Absence of vital signs at hospital arrival, need for resuscitation, GCS<5 and acidosis all were associated with adverse outcome with a statistical significance (P<0.05), but hypothermia was the only idependent predictor of poor outcome (OR 13.7; 95 CI 2.27 to 82.7, P = 0.003). Since prognostic factors do not predict outcome with 100 accuracy, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the scene and continuing it in the hospital can provide higher chances of recovery for the children

Prevalence and risk factors of low birth weight infants in Mahdieh hospital, Tehran

Background : Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with high mortality and morbidity in neonates. The incidence of LBW varies between societies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBW infants in Mahdieh Maternity Hospital, in Tehran during an academic year. Materials and methods : In this study all the LBW infants who were delivered alive in Mahdieh Maternity Hospital in 1996 were investigated. Initial data including maternal age, gestational age, parity, prenatal care, mode of delivery, sex, apgar score, cause of admission and death were carefully recorded from medical records. Results : The incidence of LBW was 7.05. More than half of the LBW babies were premature. The girls to boys LBW ratio was 1.3: 1. In the premature group the mother's age range was 16-20 years whereas in the intra uterine growth retardation group (IUGR) was 21-25 followed by less than 20 years. Asphyxia and low to moderate apgar score was more common in prematures. The most common maternal risk factors were preclampsia and eclampsia, and urinary tract infection. Forty seven percent of LBW infants were hospitalized. The most common causes of admissions were sepsis and hyaline membrane disease (HMD). The mortality rate was 27.5 and the most important causes of mortality were HMD, asphyxia, and sepsis. Conclusion : The incidence of LBW was within acceptable range. Birth weight is one of the most important factors in neonatal mortality and morbidity. The most important approach to the problem of LBW is prevention. This could be achieved not only by identification of it's incidence and risk factors but also by improving the living standards and medical care of pregnant wome

Evaluation of the epidemiologic features of early-onset sepsis in the neonatal ward of shabih-khani hospital in kashan, iran

Background: Neonatal sepsis is defined as the presence of clinical signs in association with positive blood culture in newborns less than one month of age. Sepsis is a common cause of hospital admission in neonates and is known as one of the main causes of neonatal mortality in both developed and developing countries. Delays in diagnosis and initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy could result in neonatal death. The aim of this study was to find the main pathogens of sepsis and evaluate the changes in the antibiotic susceptibility of organisms in comparison with the past. Methods: In this descriptive study, medical records of 104 neonates with positive blood culture, admitted to the neonatal ward of Shabih-Khani Hospital, were assessed over two years (2005-2007). Data were extracted for statistical analysis. Results: In this 2-year study on 104 neonates with sepsis, the most common organisms included flavobacterium (43.3), pseudomonas (33.3), coagulase-negative staphylococcus (17.3), and coagulase-positive staphylococcus (5.9), followed by enterobacter, Escherichia coli, beta-haemolytic streptococcus, klebsiella, diphtheroid, and listeria. Conclusion: In this study, flavobacterium was found to be the most common organism in early sepsis. Although infection with flavobacterium is rare, the associated mortality rate is high due to the resistance of this organism to the majority of common antibiotics. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatments can help reduce the associated complications