Measuring the reproducibility of and comparability between physiological and psychological responses in exercise testing

Chapter 1 gives a brief background to Exercise Testing and its importance as well as a literature review of relevant topics including reproducibility, comparability, components of variance and the estimation of common correlation; the latter two are essential building blocks for the estimation of Comparability. Chapter 2 deals with the estimation of measurement reproducibility of data from mixed effects models involving two variance components. Two approaches, one based on sums of squares and the other on Profile Likelihood are used for the separate cases of balanced and unbalanced data. This is carried out in two distinct contexts, one for simple replication and the other assuming an order effect to the replications. Applicability of the approaches to Exercise Testing data shows that while point estimates from both approaches are often identical, interval estimates from the Profile Likelihood approach tend to be narrower. Chapter 3 involves a simulation study to investigate and assess the performances of the two approaches. Data are simulated from a variety of underlying configurations and the performances then compared according to three statistical criteria. The results of this study again favour the Profile Likelihood approach. The estimation of Comparability between two variables is the other aspect of the thesis put forward in chapter 4 where, first of all, the estimation of a common correlation coefficient from a population of correlation coefficients is considered. Five different methods for point and interval estimation of a common correlation coefficient are introduced. An illustrative example using data from an Exercise Testing procedure is used to compare the performances of the methods. Further investigation on the performances of the five methods was carried out by means of a simulation study across a variety of underlying configurations. The overall results suggest the 'Fisher method' as the best method of point and interval estimate of common correlation. Finally, chapter 6 outlines the conclusions from the previous chapters and suggests some ideas for further work

Human Herpes Virus Type 6 and Febrile Convulsion

How to Cite This Article: Houshmandi MM, Moayedi AR, Rahmati MB, Nazemi A, Fakhrai D, Zare Sh. Human Herpes Virus Type 6 and Febrile Convulsion. Iran J Child Neurol. Autumn 2015;9(4):10-14.AbstractObjectiveFebrile Convulsion (FC) is occurred in 6 months to 5 yr old children. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HHV-6 infection in FC admitted patients of Bandar Abbas Children Hospital, southern Iran. Materials & MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 118 children aged 6-60 months who had FC were selected by a simple random method in 2010-11. Demographic data, clinical manifestation and two blood samples gathered to assess the human herpes virus type 6 (HHV6). Blood sample obtained at the time of admission and 10 daysafter the first examination. ELISA was used to detect HHV-6 IgG. The subjects were studied in two groups with and without infection of HHV-6. Two groups were compared by t-test and X2. ResultsFifty-three subjects completed the study, including 30 boys (56.6 %) and 23 girls (43.4%). The HHV-6 infection was detected in 23 patients out of 53 studied subjects. The mean of age for the groups with and without HHV-6 infection was 19.7±9.7 and 20.4±10.2 months old, respectively. The most common clinical presentation in both groups was rhinorrhea, diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy without any significant difference between two groups. Five patients (21.7%) in HHV-6 group and 1 patient (3.3%) in HHV-6 negative group had postictal phase more than 15 minutes (P<0.05). Convulsion within 1 hour from beginning of fever was more frequent in HHV-6 infection group than the other group (P<0.01).ConclusionThere was not any difference in terms of age group, gender and clinical manifestation of infected and non-infected children with FC. Postictal phase and seizure during 1 hour after the fever were significantly different between two groups

Offshore wind power forecasting-a new hyperparameter optimisation algorithm for deep learning models

The main obstacle against the penetration of wind power into the power grid is its high variability in terms of wind speed fluctuations. Accurate power forecasting, while making maintenance more efficient, leads to the profit maximisation of power traders, whether for a wind turbine or a wind farm. Machine learning (ML) models are recognised as an accurate and fast method of wind power prediction, but their accuracy depends on the selection of the correct hyperparameters. The incorrect choice of hyperparameters will make it impossible to extract the maximum performance of the ML models, which is attributed to the weakness of the forecasting models. This paper uses a novel optimisation algorithm to tune the long short-term memory (LSTM) model for short-term wind power forecasting. The proposed method improves the power prediction accuracy and accelerates the optimisation process. Historical power data of an offshore wind turbine in Scotland is utilised to validate the proposed method and compare its outcome with regular ML models tuned by grid search. The results revealed the significant effect of the optimisation algorithm on the forecasting models' performance, with improvements of the RMSE of 7.89, 5.9, and 2.65 percent, compared to the persistence and conventional grid search-tuned Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and LSTM models

Comparison of C-Reactive Protein Concentrations of Patients with Preeclampsia and Normal Pregnancies

Abstract: Preeclampsia is one of the complications of pregnancy and is one of the most important causes of maternal and fetal death. This disease usually occurs after the 20 th week of pregnancy. Hypertension, proteinuria and different degrees of end organ damage may be present in this disease. The aim of this study was to compare CRP levels in normal pregnancies with pregnancies involved with preeclampsia. This was a cross sectional study that was conducted in 2012 among pregnant women who attended Shariati Hospital of Bandar Abbas. About 200 participants were included in this study and were divided into three groups with a 1:1:2 ratios. Blood samples were taken from all the participants and the CRP level was measured by the Latex Agglutination test. Data was analyzed with SPSS v.21 software using t-test and descriptive statistics. The CRP level was 17.858 ± 19.7457 in patients of the severe group, 15.106 ± 18.2851 among the mild group and 6.576 ± 7.5491 among the control group. The differences between the CRP levels of the three groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001). On the other hand the difference of the CRP levels of the severe and mild preeclampsia group was not significant ( P-value > 0.05). Our results show that CRP can be known as a risk factor for preeclampsia among pregnant women. Although performing a systematic review i

Symptoms and underlying diseases associated with the hospitalization period of 3,480 Covid-19 patients in Hormozgan, Iran

OBJECTIVES: COVID-19 has a relationship with patients ‘demographic characteristics as well as their underlying diseases. This research has been conducted to evaluate factors' effect on Covid-19 patient's hospitalization rate and period in Hormozgan, Iran.METHODS: The inclusion criteria of this retrospective study included all patients diagnosed as COVID-19 patients after PCR who were referred to Covid-19 hospitals from February 2020 to June 2020 in Hormozgan province (3480 patients). The checklist was designed according to COVID-19 guidelines and approved by the World Health Organization and Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education. These data were analyzed using descriptive (average-standard deviation-percentage) and analytical (including Chi-square, t-test, and regression tests) statistics with SPSS Ver.23 software.RESULTS: In this study, 1852 male patients (53.20%) with a median age of 43.11±21.72 and 1628 female patients (46/80%) with a median age of 44.86±22.40.The median age of men was significantly lower than the women's median age(P= 0.02). The hospital stay length of male and female patients was reported 2.64±4.14 and 2.76±4.297; the death rate of patients in our study was 6.6%.CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the hospital stay length of HIV-positive patients and patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases is much longer than other people, which imposes many human and financial costs on the country's health care system. These results can improve health care system planning and improve medical services presented to covid-19 patients.peer-reviewe

Quality assessment of conventional X-ray diagnostic equipment by measuring X-ray exposure and tube output parameters in Great Khorasan Province, Iran

Introduction: Regular implementation of quality control (QC) program in diagnostic X-ray facilities may affect both image quality and patient radiation dose due to the changes in exposure parameters. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the status of randomly selected conventional radiographic X-ray devices installed in radiology centers of Great Khorasan Province, Iran, to produce the data needed to formulate QC policies, which are essential to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis while minimizing the radiation dose. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed using a calibrated Piranha multi-purpose detector to measure QC parameters in order to unify X‐ray imaging practices using international guidelines. The QC parameters included voltage accuracy, voltage reproducibility, exposure time accuracy, exposure time reproducibility, tube output linearity with time andmilliampere (mA), and tube output reproducibility. Data analysis procedures were performed based on the type of an X-ray generator, which has not been reported in previous studies. Results: The results showed that the implementation of high-frequency X-ray generators were more advantageous compared to alternative current generators, due to their efficient, better accuracy, linearity, and reproducibility. Conclusion: The survey revealed that the QC program was not conducted at regular intervals in some of the investigated radiology centers, mostly because of inadequate enforcement by national regulatory authorities for implementation of QC program

Assessment of Radiation Dose to the Lens of the Eye and Thyroid of Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Computed Tomography at Five Hospitals in Mashhad, Iran

Introduction: In recent years, the number of computed tomography (CT) scans, which is a high-dose technique, has increased significantly. Head and neck CT is performed frequently and thyroid, particularly in children, has always been considered a sensitive organ. In recent years, radiobiologists and health physicists have been more concerned about the safety of lenses of the eyes, as cataract is no longer considered a deterministic effect. Material and Methods: In the present study, incurred doses to the thyroid and lens of the eye of 140 patients who underwent common head and neck CT at five hospitals were measured by thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD-100). The patients were divided into two age groups of pediatrics and adults. TLD chips were placed on the patient’s skin surface. For each patient, scan parameters, sex and age were recorded. Exposed TLDs were read by a manual TLD reader. Results: The verage absorbed dose of the thyroid, as well as the lenses of the left and right eyes were 5.89±1.74, 15.84±2.81 and 16.25±2.57, respectively, for the pediatric patients and 5.00±1.17, 17.64±1.69 and 24.41±1.89 for adults. Patient-specific organ doses were influenced by the scanned region, scan protocol and patient's age. Conclusion: In the present study, the mean eye dose was much lower than the 500 mGy threshold recommended by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for lens of the eye damage, thus, it appears to be clinically safe. While CT scan remains a crucial tool, further dose reduction can be achieved by controlling different factors affecting patient doses

Quality gap of educational services in viewpoints of students in Hormozgan University of medical sciences

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Higher education is growing fast and every day it becomes more and more exposed to globalization processes. The aim of this study was to determine the quality gap of educational services by using a modified SERVQUAL instrument among students in Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional study was carried out at Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences in 2007. In this study, a total of 300 students were selected randomly and asked to complete a questionnaire that was designed according to SERVQUAL methods. This questionnaire measured students' perceptions and expectations in five dimensions of service that consists of assurance, responsiveness, empathy, reliability and tangibles. The quality gap of educational services was determined based on differences between students' perceptions and expectations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results demonstrated that in each of the five SERVQUAL dimensions, there was a negative quality gap. The least and the most negative quality gap means were in the reliability (-0.71) and responsiveness (-1.14) dimensions respectively. Also, there were significant differences between perceptions and expectations of students in all of the five SERVQUAL dimensions (p < 0.001).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Negative quality gaps mean students' expectations exceed their perceptions. Thus, improvements are needed across all five dimensions.</p

Prediction of breast self-examination in a sample of Iranian women: an application of the Health Belief Model

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Iranian women, many of whom live in small cities, have limited access to mammography and clinical breast examinations. Thus, breast self examination (BSE) becomes an important and necessary approach to detecting this disease in its early stages in order to limit its resultant morbidity and mortality. This study examined constructs arising from the Health Belief Model as predictors of breast self examination behavior in a sample of women living in Bandar Abbas, Iran.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This study was conducted in eight health centers located in Bandar Abbas, Iran. The sample consisted of 240 eligible women who were selected from referrals to the centers. The inclusion criteria were as follows: aged 30 years and over; and able to read and write Farsi. Women with breast cancer, who were pregnant, or breast feeding, were excluded from the study. Data were collected by using a self administered questionnaire which included demographic characteristics and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. This instrument measures the concepts of disease susceptibility (3 items), seriousness (6 items), benefits (4 items), barriers (8 items) and self-efficacy (10 items).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The subjects' mean age was 37.2 (SD = 6.1) years. Just under a third of the subjects (31.7%) had performed BSE in the past and 7.1% of them performed it at least monthly. Perceived benefits and perceived self-efficacy of the women who performed BSE were significantly higher compared with women who did not practice BSE (p < 0.03). Furthermore, perceived barriers were lower among those who had performed BSE (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that women who perceived fewer barriers (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.63-0.77, p < 0.001) and had higher self-efficacy (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.13, p = 0.003) were more likely to perform BSE (R²= 0.52).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Findings from this study indicated that perceived barriers and perceived self-efficacy could be predictors of BSE behavior among the sample of women. Therefore, BSE training programs that emphasize self-efficacy and address perceived barriers are recommended.</p

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. Methods The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. Findings Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4.45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4.01-4.94) deaths and 105 million (95.0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44.4% (41.3-48.4) of all cancer deaths and 42.0% (39.1-45.6) of all DALYs. There were 2.88 million (2.60-3.18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50.6% [47.8-54.1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1.58 million (1.36-1.84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36.3% [32.5-41.3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20.4% (12.6-28.4) and DALYs by 16.8% (8.8-25.0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34.7% [27.9-42.8] and 33.3% [25.8-42.0]). Interpretation The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe