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The prediction of global climate change using the values recorded in a statistical period requires a precise method that can accurately identify the fluctuations of these changes. By patterning these changes, the parameter values for the years or future periods are predicted, or the statistical gap can be eliminated. In this research, meteorological data of six stations in different climates of Iran were used to model and estimate the values of the dew point temperature (DPT). The stations studied are Ahvaz, Urmia, Kerman, Gorgan, Rasht, and Babolsar. In order to estimate the DPT values, support vector regression was used, and to optimize the parameters of the support vector regression model, the ant colony algorithm was used. In this study, four different input patterns of meteorological data have been investigated as input of the support vector regression model. Pattern I with seven inputs (monthly minimum, maximum, and average air temperatures, monthly precipitation, saturation vapor pressure, actual vapor pressure and relative humidity), Pattern II with three inputs (monthly average air temperature, saturation vapor pressure, and actual vapor pressure), Pattern III with two inputs (monthly minimum and maximum air temperatures), and Pattern IV with an input (monthly average air temperature) were used. It is recommended that if the number of inputs in the model is small, the model will be more user-friendly. Based on the results of analyzing different patterns, it can be concluded, that Pattern III is the suitable pattern for estimating DPT values at the stations studied in different climates of Iran based on the three criteria of root mean square error (RMSE), Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient (NSE), and coefficient of determination (R2). Overall, the results showed that the selected pattern increases the accuracy of the model by up to 24% compared to the conventional model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug Utilization Evaluation (DUE) studies facilitate assessing the appropriateness and rational use of medications. The goal of the present study was to evaluate Amphotericin B usage in neutropenic patients. A prospective DUE study was performed in Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation wards at Taleghani hospital for one-year. National comprehensive cancer network, clinical practice guidelines in oncology, American Hospital Formulary Service and other relevant medical practice and up-to dated articles were used to evaluate whether Amphotericin B is properly used according to the guidelines. All data collected by a pharmacist in daily review using information of physician and nursing records as well as laboratory findings. During the one-year study, 35 patients receiving amphotericin B were evaluated. 29 patients (82.9%) received amphotericin B due to neutropenia and fever and 6 patients had confirmed fungal infections. All of the injectable solutions of amphotericin B were appropriately prepared for intravenous infusion. In addition, for all patients, ordering (indication) of the study drug was in accordance with the guidelines. Twenty-five (71.4%) patients received an appropriate dose according to the guidelines. Duration of treatment was properly selected in 21 (60%) patients. Twenty-two (62.8%) patients developed hypokalemia as the most frequent adverse drug event. Although, preparation and indication of amphotericin B was in compliance with the current guidelines, dosage and duration of treatment were considered to be incoherent with the designed protocol used in this study. We conclude more attention should be paid to dosage and duration of treatment with amphotericin B in order to optimize its administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate energy and nutrient intake and determine growth indices for pre-school children in Iran., Methods: The study was conducted from June to September 2010 and included 150 children aged between 3 and 5 years who attended kindergartens in Shiraz, Iran. Following a measurement of the participants' height and weight, three 24-hour dietary recalls were completed based on interviews with their parents. The data was entered into various computer softwares. The prevalence of underweight, stunting, wasting, at-risk-of-overweight and overweight children was then calculated, and energy and nutrient intake was compared with the recommended values., Results: The mean intake of energy, calcium and iron for the children were less than the recommended values. In contrast, the mean intakes of carbohydrate, protein, zinc and vitamin C were higher than the recommendations. Fat intake, however, was within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range. In addition, the rates of prevalence of the underweight, stunting, wasting, and overweight or at-risk-of-overweight were found to be 27 (18.6%), 37 (25.5%), 18 (12.4%) and 34 (23.4%), respectively. Finally, underweight children had lower intake of energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, iron and zinc, while overweight or at-risk-of-overweight ones had higher intake of protein, calcium and zinc., Conclusion: There is a need for children in kindergartens of Shiraz to improve their mean intake of energy, calcium and iron. Moreover, about one-fourth of the children were stunted and about the same proportion were either overweight or at the risk of being so.