Use of data-mining to support real-world cost analyses: An example using HER2-positive breast cancer in Iran

INTRODUCTION: Patient registries play an important role in obtaining real-world evidence of the cost-effectiveness of treatments. However, their implementation is costly and sometimes infeasible in many middle-income countries (MICs). We explored the combination of data-mining and a large claims database to estimate the direct healthcare costs of HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) treatment in Iran and the fraction of total costs from trastuzumab use.METHOD: We performed a retrospective analysis of claims data from the Iran Social Security Organization, a health insurer which covers approximately 50%(~40 million) of the Iranian population, in the period of 21/03/2011-20/03/2014. A data-mining algorithm using R software and validated using patient dossiers in the Cancer Research Center identified 1295 patients and divided them into the three main HER2-positive breast cancer stages (early, loco-regional and advanced). A payer perspective was used to calculate the absolute and relative direc

Quantification of Toxic Elements in Tail Hair of Cows as an Indicator of Environmental Exposure in Different Areas from Iran

This paper describes a new comparison and determination for demonstrating the levels of Al, Cd and Pb in cow’s tail hair between Tehran as a polluted area and Semnan as an area free from pollution. The hair samples were collected from a total 227 apparently healthy lactating cows above 3 years of age. This includes 165 cows reared in industrial and urban area (Tehran) and 62 cows reared in area supposed to be free from pollution (Semnan). Prior to analysis, samples were washed with 0.1M HCl, acetone and deionized water. The hair samples were digested afterward in a mixture of nitric and perchloric acid mixture (HNO3:HCLO4=4:1 v/v). Concentrations of all metals were assessed by flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer

Mineral Analysis the Infusion of Black Tea Samples by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Tea infusion is one of the most popular drinks around the world. Since tea infusion is known to contain several essential nutrients, it is considered a healthy beverage. In this study eight different Iranian brands of tea infusion and eleven brands imported tea infusion samples from another country for Cu, Zn, Mn and Al were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after wet digestion. The results of analysis showed that the extraction rates of minerals from dry black tea to infusion tea were for Mn (19.35%), Cu (22.75%), Zn (54.43%) and Al (61.48%). The results obtained from this analysis have shown good accuracy

Relationship between the level of zinc, lead, cadmium, nickel and chromium in hair of people with diabetes

It has long been believed that some metals possess many adverse health effects. Recently, certain elements have been identified as essential trace elements that play an important role in the genesis and progression of several diseases. Some toxic metals have also been shown to be elevated in biological samples of diabetes mellitus patients. The status of trace elements in diabetes patients is also influenced by their diet, drugs administered and, to a large extent, by environmental factors. Pollutants due to the presence of toxic metals in environment not only enter the body by breading, water, and foodstuff accumulates in hair, but they could be adsorbed directly on the hair from environment. The aim of present study was to investigate the relationship between the level of zinc, lead, cadmium, nickel and chromium in hair samples of diabetic women from Tehran (Iran). The study population consisted of 100 women between 30 to 70 years of age from Tehran. The hair samples were washed with 1% (w/v) (DDTC), 0.1M HCL and deionized water. Afterwards, the hair sample dried in oven at 70° C for 5 hours and then digested the next day. Dry ashing digestion procedure was carried out. The concentration of elements was measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The statistical analysis confirmed that mean concentrations of lead and nickel did not differ significantly from the control group. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cr and Zn were significantly decreased in scalp hair samples of diabetic patients as compared to control subjects. Hair Cd level was significantly higher in type 2 diabetic patients. Values of Pearson correlation coefficient showed positive correlation between these elements

An OIE-Approved Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Mycobacteriology in Iran

BodyMycobacterial diseases are an important group of animal infections, which have tremendous economic and public health ramifications. Bovine tuberculosis and paratuberculosis, both identified years ago, have no effective vaccine or treatment controls in farm animals. In Asia, there are only seven countries where test-and-slaughter schemes are currently ongoing to control bovine tuberculosis. On the other hand, among five mycobacteriology reference laboratories, licensed by OIE, in the world, none is located in Asia. Iran has proved to have an efficient control program against tuberculosis in cattle since the 1960s. While the locally made PPD tuberculins required for the testing of cattle are apparently useful in the Iranian scheme, there is no organised establishment in Iran to support the control programme with bacteriological services. This presentation considers the needs and potentials of a reference laboratory facility in Iran

Genotypic characterization by multi locus variable number of tandem repeats analysis international Bordetella pertussis vaccine strains

Background: In 1930's first whole cell pertussis vaccines became available to the public heralding a dramatic success in overcoming the global burden of the disease. To date only a handful of B. pertussis strains have been used by international/local pertussis vaccine manufacturers. Inevitable well-documented genetic changes in the world population of this pathogen have prompted serious questions on suitability of traditional vaccine strains protect human against currently circulating wild isolates of Bordetella pertussis. Objective: Analyzing the genetic diversity within the most frequently-used vaccine strains of B. pertussis in the world Methods: A recently developed multi locus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) genotyping system along with a bioinforamtic piece of analysis was conducted on 11 strain/sub-strains of B137, B203 (10536), C393, Cs, E476, Tohama I, J445 (134), B202 and J446 (509) plus 2 sub-strains of 134 and 509 that are used at Razi institute for preparation of pertussis vaccine. In this study have used 6 individual loci of VNTR1, VNTR3a, VNTR3b, VNTR4, VNTR5 and VNTR6. Findings: Six distinct genotypes were recognized among the examined strains by comparing our data with the Dutch MLVA databank. These were all new and not reported before in the database. Conclusion: This observation reiterates on necessity for detection of predominant native strains to include in vaccine preparations suitable for different countries. Keywords: Pertussis, Strain, Vaccine, Genotypin