The Impact of Income Inequality on the Level of Community Health and Economic Development in Iran

Purpose Given that health is one of the categories that is directly and indirectly affected by income inequality in the country. In this study, the effect of income inequality and economic development on the level of life expectancy as a health indicator is examined. Methodology: This article is an analytical and ecological correlation type using the time series data of 2002-2019 to study the variables of Gini coefficient, per capita income, GDP and life expectancy in Iran. For this purpose, the regression test approach has been used. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Findings: According to the results, the significant value of regression is less than 0.05, so regression is significant. The standard beta value for the Gini coefficient is negative 0.367 and the significant value is 0.005, so the Gini coefficient at the 95% confidence level has a negative and significant effect on life expectancy. The standard beta coefficient for national per capita income is 0.783 and a significant value is 0.001. Therefore, national per capita income at the 95% confidence level has a positive and significant effect on life expectancy. In the variable Gini coefficient and national per capita income, more than 81% explain the changes in life expectancy. Originality/Value: The results show that health is more affected by income inequality than any other variable. There is also a significant relationship between income inequality and health indicators and reducing inequality and increasing economic development has a positive relationship with health. In this regard, one of the key ways Achieving this is improving the components of human capital, including health. Therefore, adopting appropriate policies to improve income distribution can be effective in promoting the health of people in society and consequently in developing societies such as Iran, simultaneous attention to economic development and income distribution is the best strategy to ensure and promote health

Flaws detection in steel plates Using Gabor Wavelet

Abstract: Defect detection in steel plates, is one of the most important quality control steps in steel process Quality control of steel sheet for the purpose of improvement in product quality and maintaining competitive market is a matter of high importance. Surface defect detection devotes a high percentage of quality control to itself. in this paper a fast and highly accurate approach for detection of this kind of defects is offered by using image processing with the aid of 2D Gabor Wavelet and without any need to normal image or determining the quantity of images which are to be deleted. The result show considerable improvement

A Novel Sep-Unet Architecture of Convolutional Neural Networks to Improve Dermoscopic Image Segmentation by Training Parameters Reduction

Nowadays, we use dermoscopic images as one of the imaging methods in diagnosis of skin lesions such as skin cancer. But due to the noise and other problems, including hair artifacts around the lesion, this issue requires automatic and reliable segmentation methods. The diversity in the color and structure of the skin lesions is a challenging reason for automatic skin lesion segmentation. In this study, we used convolutional neural networks (CNN) as an efficient method for dermoscopic image segmentation. The main goal of this research is to recommend a novel architecture of deep neural networks for the injured lesion in dermoscopic images which has been improved by the convolutional layers based on the separable layers. By convolutional layers and the specific operations on the kernel of them, the velocity of the algorithm increases and the training parameters decrease. Additionally, we used a suitable preprocessing method to enter the images into the neural network. Suitable structure of the convolutional layers, separable convolutional layers and transposed convolution in the down sampling and up sampling parts, have made the structure of the mentioned neural network. This algorithm is named Sep-unet and could segment the images with 98% dice coefficient

The relationship between Intima-Media Thickness and Carotid Plaque Characteristics with Incidence and Severity of Premature Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaque can predict premature coronary heart disease (PCAD) in patients hospitalized due to coronary artery disease or undergoing therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to determine the relationship between intima media thickness and carotid plaque characteristics with the incidence and severity of premature coronary artery disease. Materials and Methods: The current study was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted on patients referred to Imam Hossein Hospital in 2021-2022 who underwent coronary angiography. Patients were classified into two groups with coronary artery involvement and the group without evidence of significant coronary involvement. Then the data of patients, such as sex, age, risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, and clinical history of individuals, were collected through interviews and aspects related to carotid intima media thickness and plaque formation through a specialized review of reports. Results: A total of 59 women (%59) and 41 men (%41) participated in this study. The mean age was 51.50±9.54. The results of this study showed that there was a direct (positive) and significant correlation between carotid intima media thickness factors, including right and left carotid intima-media thickness, right and left carotid intima media thickness scores, and the number of carotid plaques with increasing severity of coronary artery involvement (P-values<0.05). There was a statistically significant correlation between carotid plaque number and severity of coronary artery disease (P-value<0.05). Conclusion: CIMT has a significant correlation with PCAD, and in patients at risk of PCAD, measurement of CIMT was a suitable method

Clinical Study The Effects of Beta-Glucan Rich Oat Bread on Serum Nitric Oxide and Vascular Endothelial Function in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia

Introduction. Oats are high in soluble fibers and effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We assessed the effects of beta-glucan from oat bran on serum nitric oxide (NO) endothelial function in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Method. Sixty hypercholesterolemic patients were randomly divided to receive an experimental bread rich in beta-glucan from oat bran (intervention) or bread rich in wheat fiber (control) for four weeks. All subjects had the same diet for two-week baseline period and hypocaloric diet for four weeks of intervention. Serum NO concentration and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were determined before and after the experiment. Results. Mean age of the participants was 51.1 ± 9.3 years and 65% ( = 39) were female. After intervention, serum NO concentration increased by 50.2 ± 19.8 mol/lit in the intervention group ( = 0.017), but no change was observed in the control group (17.5 ± 27.5 mol/lit; = 0.530). No change of FMD was observed in the intervention (0.48 ± 0.78%; = 0.546) or in the control group (0.59 ± 0.92%; = 0.533). Conclusion. Consumption of oat bread for four weeks increases serum NO concentration but has no effect on FMD. Further studies are warranted in this regard

Associations of vitamin D binding protein variants with the vitamin D-induced increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem that may be improved by vitamin D supplementation; however, the individual's response to the intervention varies. We aimed to investigate possible genetic factors that may modify the impact of environmental exposure on vitamin D status. The candidate gene variant we investigated was the Gc gene-rs4588 polymorphism at the vitamin D receptor (DBP) locus. Methods: A total of 619 healthy adolescent Iranian girls received 50000 IU of vitamin D3 weekly for 9 weeks. Serum 25(OH) D concentrations, metabolic profiles and dietary intake were measured at baseline and after 9 weeks of supplementation. The genotypes of the DBP variant (rs4588) were analyzed using the TaqMan genotyping assay. Results: Our results revealed that the rs4588 polymorphism might be associated with serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D both at baseline (p value=0.03) and after intervention (p value=0.008). It seemed that the outcome of the intervention was gene-related so that the subjects with common AA genotype were a better responder to vitamin D supplementation (Changes (%) 469.5(427.1) in AA carriers vs. 335.8(530) in GG holders), and carriers of the less common GG genotype experienced a rise in blood glucose after 9 weeks (Changes (%) 0 (1.5)). Our findings also showed that the statistical interaction between this variant and supplementation was statistically significant (intervention effect p-value<0.001 and p-value SNP effect=0.03). The regression model also revealed that after adjusted for potential confounders, likelihood of affecting serum 25(OH)D in individuals who were homozygous for the uncommon allele G was less than those homozygous for the more common AA genotype (OR=4.407 (1.82-8.89); p=0.001). Conclusion: Serum vitamin 25(OH) D following vitamin 25(OH) D3 supplementation appears to be modified by genetic background. The Gc genetic variant, rs4588 encoding the vitamin D receptor seems to influence the response to vitamin D supplementation. Key words: Total 25(OH) D, Supplementation, Gc gene, rs4588

Evaluation and Variability of Flood-Oriented Health of Shiraz Darwazeh Quran Watershed from Watershed Management Structures

IntroductionCurrently, many disasters threaten the health of ecosystems. The pressures caused by extensive human interventions and the unprincipled exploitation of natural resources have led to the degradation of natural resources and the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Hence, evaluating the consequences of human intervention in nature and meeting the growing need of humans to receive diverse services has made it necessary to evaluate the performance of watershed ecosystems in providing different services. Healthy watersheds play an important role in providing a wide variety of ecosystem services. Therefore, watershed health monitoring and evaluation is vital for the conservation of ecosystems and achieving the optimal level of services. In such a way a suitable collaborative and executive approach is established between research and watershed management. In this connection, watershed health analysis can provide valuable help in achieving the goals of integrated management of watersheds and, of course, the balance between the needs of human societies and ecosystems. However, the assessment of the health and sustainability of the watershed affected by human activities has not been sufficiently documented yet.Materials and MethodsThe current pilot research has evaluated the health of the Shiraz Darwazeh Quran Watershed in Fars Province, Iran, and the effect of existing watershed management structures in the region on the health of the watershed with a focus on floods. For this purpose, 36 key criteria from a set of climatic, anthropogenic, and hydrologic factors were identified based on the conditions of the region and the analysis of the flood occurrence process in the watershed. The selected criteria were then categorized into the three indices of pressure (P), state (S), and response (R). After screening the selected criteria in exploring the conceptual approach of pressure, state, and response (PSR), the health status was evaluated in two cases with and without watershed management structures.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the health condition without considering the watershed management structures was at average conditions with health index of 0.55. In addition, the results of the watershed health assessment verified the non-significant effects of stone and mortar structures on improving watershed health. So that, the health conditions was remained at average status with health index of 0.53. Therefore, it can be acknowledged that the existing watershed management structures, due to the limited both number and spatial coverage, have not been able to noticeably affect the improvement of the general conditions of the watershed, despite the effect on the factors affecting the health of the sub-watersheds where the structures have been constructed. The spatial changes of the calculated variables showed that the abandoned lands, time of concentration, area under military activities, surface of sensitive formations to erosion, high density of the drainage network, density of the roads, areas of regions with high potential in producing runoff and sediment, and size of the residential areas were the most important factors affecting the health situation of the Darwazeh Quran Watershed.ConclusionAccording to the results of the analysis of the indicators and criteria considered in evaluation of the health of the Shiraz Darwazeh Quran Watershed based on the PSR approach, it was found that the watershed had an average health status. Therefore, it can be acknowledged that the existing watershed management structures have not been able to impose a noticeable effect on the prosperity and improvement of watershed health conditions. In general, it can be said that abandoned lands, short concentration time, military activities, the presence of formations sensitive to erosion, high density of drainage network and road, and the potential of high runoff and sediment production, and the size of residential areas are among the most important factors affecting the declining the health of Darwazeh Quran Watershed. Therefore, it is necessary to pay further attention to the aforesaid factors by conducting periodical monitoring with more comprehensive data, in time and also analyzing the trend of relative changes of the indicators in order to explain the adaptive and intelligent management of the watershed. The necessary measures should also be taken into account simultaneously. Therefore, it is suggested to turn the weak points of the region into strong points by applying bioengineering measures and use the opportunities in the region such as the potential of tourism and ecological features in order to improve the health status of the watershed

Molecular and microscopy detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii in hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionEarly detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii as an opportunistic pathogen that may endanger predisposed persons, including COVID-19 patients, may help to choose the optimal management.MethodsIn this study, 585, including 530 COVID-19 patients, with clinical and radiological evidence of respiratory diseases, were investigated for P. jirovecii screening. Clinical specimens were examined by direct microscopy and PCR, and randomly selected positive PCR products were confirmed through DNA sequence analysis.ResultsThirty-one (5.3%) samples were positive in P. jirovecii-specific nested-PCR, while by direct microscopic tests, Pneumocystis was observed in 22 (3.76%) samples. Males (61.7%) and patients over 50 years old (75.6%) were more commonly affected than others, and malaise and fatigue (84%), and wheezing (75%) were the most common symptoms, followed by fever (40.48%) and dyspnea (39.51%). Among the Pneumocystis-positive patients, three cases had coinfection with Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger (each n = 1), as documented by direct microscopy, culture, and species identification by PCR-sequencing.ConclusionPneumocystis pneumonia is still a diagnostic challenge; therefore, additional large-scale studies are needed to clarify the epidemiology of the disease in immunocompromised or COVID-19 patients

Material informed structures and architecture: Transformable structure from “endless” measuring tape

Strip material, which is forming specific patterns, is widely used in architecture and engineering to generate highly efficient, but lightweight and therefore sustainable structures. We know such regular and irregular patterns like geodesics for example from grid shell applications. The patterns from initially planar elastic strips can generate planar and spatial configurations respectively the intended surface curvature by utilizing the strips ́ weak axis. However, material, as we know it from measuring tapes, is usually not considered for construction. Such tapes have two predominant and unique features, firstly, they have high extension stability due to their concavity, and secondly, they are extremely thin and can be rolled to a small, compact dimension. So, measuring tape fabricators aim for both, the highest possible inflection points by the concavity of the tape, and the optimal running smoothness, which relies on the planarity when rolled. However, measuring tapes had been never considered as a material system neither in architecture nor structural applications. This master thesis explores possible constellations and structures from a single, “endless”, concave strip — a measuring tape— with the aim to satisfy both above-mentioned requirements. The design space is mainly dependent on the width of the used strip, its strong and weak, concave axes, the inflection point, which can not only change its position but also generate dynamic patterns, and the self-interconnection of the strip. Our research explores the material system of the tape in both, physical and digital experiments. The results of exploration were applied to generate the transformable lightweight, growing structures, adjusting to predefined or changing boundary conditions. Accordingly, the speculative design was developed by the use of generative design in three case studies in different scales. Based on the selected, unusual material system, its physical properties, and the method of assembly, the study provides insights into the emergent architectural shape generation and opens a new chapter in the field of lightweight structures and architecture

Fasting in a 16-year-old girl at-risk of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common form of inherited kidney disease that results in renal failure. PKD currently has no causative therapy. However, some treatment options are available, ranging from symptomatic therapy to delaying the onset of end-stage renal failure. Early diagnosis of adult polycystic kidney disease is vital in order to prevent its complications. Ultrasonongraphy and genetic testing are the two preferred diagnostic techniques with defined limitations, mainly regarding age. Herein, we report a case of an ADPKD family whom visited the genetic counseling clinic for determining the disease risk in their symptom-free girls aged 16 and 22 years, and discussing other related issues such as their concern about fasting in Ramadan