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Introduction: Self-care activities have been used as a framework for patient-centered diabetes education. Accumulating evidence suggests that patients who take a more active role in their care process achieve better health outcomes. The present study aimed to design a systematic review of scientific resources over the past decade to identify variables that determine self-care behaviors in patients with type II diabetes (T2D). Materials and Methods: MeSH keywords were applied to search several databases including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Med line, DOAJ, Oxford, and the Scientific Information Database for English and Persian language studies between August 2010 and 2019. The process of conducting and reporting this systematic review was guided according to the statements of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Results: The literature search yielded 1,813 publications, of which 62 were included in this study after eliminating non-relevant and overlapping papers. A total of 18 factors and variables determining selfcare behaviors were obtained in patients with T2D. The most influential variables were self-efficacy, knowledge, level of education, age, duration of diabetes, and health literacy. Conclusion: In sum, six main factors were identified as determinants of self-care behaviors in patients with T2D which self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of self-care and is expected to be considered in designing and implementing educational programs and behavior change in diabetic patients. Further studies in the future may support the findings of this review study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common congenital anomalies in the head and neck region, which are affected by environmental and genetic factors. These anomalies can cause serious problems such as physical deformity, nutritional problems, respiratory problems, and problems in social interactions for affected people. Objective The current study aims to investigate the prevalence of lip and palate clefts and the related factors in infants born from 2014 to 2019 in Karaj, Iran. Methods This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on the data of 91,563 babes born from 2014 to 2019 in Kamali, Imam Ali, Maryam, and Ghaem hospitals in Karaj, Iran. The data were collected and analyzed in SPSS software, version 24. Results Of 91,563 cases, 46 were identified with various types of clefts. The overall prevalence was 0.5 per 1000 live births; 26.08 had cleft lip, 52.17% had cleft palate, and 21.73% had cleft lip and palate (P=0.024). Also, 56.52% of babies were male (P=0.37), 76.08% had mothers aged 20-30 years with a mean age of 24.4 years, 58.69% had first-time pregnancy mothers, 13.03% had parents with cousin marriage (P<0.001), and 37% had mothers with blood type A (P=0.11). Conclusion The prevalence of lip and palate clefts in babies born in Karaj is lower than the global prevalence and the prevalence in other cities of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is one of the most important diseases in internal medicine, which can occur due to bleeding in any of the gastrointestinal organs. The best diagnostic method for identifying the source of bleeding in patients is endoscopy and colonoscopy. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the causes and the most common risk factors for GIB in patients referring to Shahid Mustafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam. Material & Methods: In this retrospective analytical study, all patients with clear gastrointestinal bleeding symptoms, including melena, hematemesis, hematochezia, and passing clots, who referred to Shahid Mustafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam from 2014 to 2019, were evaluated. The demographic information of the patients, their medical history, and the description of the medications they were taking, which were recorded in their medical records, were entered into the questionnaire form. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Findings: In this study, 650 patients with an average age of 57.24 years, ranging from 19 to 99 years, were included. The majority of patients were in the older age group (above 60 years) and were male. The most common complaint among patients was hematemesis (41.4%), while anemia was the least common complaint (1.8%). The most common causes of gastrointestinal bleeding in both genders were peptic ulcer, gastric mass, and esophageal varices. There was a significant correlation between age and gastrointestinal bleeding symptoms (p < 0.05). Gastrointestinal bleeding symptoms, including hematemesis, melena, and rectorrhagia, were more common in men and in smokers. Alcohol consumption also had an impact on the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding with hematemesis, melena, and rectorrhagia. Discussion & Conclusion: Endoscopy and colonoscopy are the best diagnostic methods for patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the causes and the most common risk factors for GIB in patients referring to Shahid Mustafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam from 2014 to 2019. The findings of this study can help improve the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Oral lesions can affect people’s quality of life by interfering with chewing, swallowing, and speech. These lesions may originate from epithelial or mesenchymal tissues. Malignant oral lesions can be life-threatening. Epidemiological data of oral lesions in Iran is limited. Objective This study aims to investigate the frequency of oral lesions in Rasht, Iran. Methods In this cross-sectional study, histopathologic data of oral lesions reported by Razi laboratory in Rasht from 2015 to 2019 were evaluated. The data collected: Patients’ age and sex, histopathologic findings, and location, type and origin of lesions. Non-specific diagnoses and dental and bone lesions were excluded. Results A total of 259 pathologic reports were included. The mean age patients was 52.09±19 years, and 40.2% were male. Oral lesions in patients aged <40 years were mainly benign (64.2%), whereas half of lesions in patients ≥70 years were mostly malignant. Tongue was the most common location of the lesions (34.7%) and the main location for malignant lesions (46.7%). Benign lesions were significantly higher in females whereas malignant lesions were significantly higher in males (P=0.011). Epithelial tissues were the most common site of origin (49%) and salivary glands were the least common site of origin (11.6%) for oral lesions. Conclusion Malignant oral lesions are more common in Iranian men aged >70 years, where the tongue is the most common site of involvement and epithelial tissue is the main site of origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dental abnormalities are considered important, since they cause aesthetic and functional problems for people. Orthodontic treatment becomes more complicated when craniofacial abnormalities are accompanied with dental abnormalities. Objective This study aims to compare the frequency and type of dental abnormalities among patients with different skeletal malocclusion classes in northern Iran in terms of age and gender. Methods Participants were 310 patients (32.9% Class I, 33.9% Class II, and 33.2% Class III). They were evaluated with respect to hypodontia, hyperdontia, impaction, microdontia, macrodontia, and dens invaginatus/evaginatus. Association of the prevalence of dental abnormalities with the type of malocclusion and gender was assessed by chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test, while independent t-test was used to determine its association with age. Results The overall frequency of dental abnormalities was 33%. Class III patients had the highest rate of dental abnormalities (40.8%); however, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.105). Hypodontia and impacted teeth were the most frequent abnormalities in all malocclusion groups. Occurrence of tooth impaction differed significantly among the three malocclusion groups (P<0.001), where the highest rate belonged to the class III group. Hypodontia was more frequent in males (P=0.040). Tooth impaction and microdontia were the two abnormalities that showed significant association with age (P<0.05). Conclusion Dental abnormalities in northern Iran is more prevalent among people with the skeletal class III malocclusion. The prevalence of some dental abnormalities is associated with gender and age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Exercise and physical activity improve damage and destructive changes in the peripheral nervous system. Objective This study aims to investigate the effects of resistance aerobic training on the expression of SEMA3A and NCAM genes and proteins of soleus muscle in male rats of different age groups. Methods A total of 30 male Wistar rats in three groups of 2-week-old (infant) (n=10), 6-week-old (young) (n=10), and 96-week-old (elderly) (n=10) were divided into two groups of training and control. The training program included 6 days of resistance and aerobic training one day in between. The rats were euthanized and the soleus muscle was extracted 48 h after the last training session. A fluorescent microscope was used to measure SEMA3A and NCAM proteins in muscle fibers. Gene expressions were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results The results showed that SEMA3A gene expression was not significantly different between exercise and control groups in all three age groups; however, SEMA3A protein expression was significantly reduced in infant and young exercise groups (P≤0.001). Also, NCAM gene expression was not significantly different between training and control groups in all three age groups; while there was a significant decrease in NCAM protein expression in young and old training groups compared to the control group (P≤0.001). Conclusion The results showed that resistance aerobic training can inhibit the process of peripheral nerve damage in infant and young rats, as well as the growth and strength of the neuromuscular junction in young and elderly rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Women are the central pillar of social development and the main axis of family health. Success, survival, and promotion of society depend on the health of women in society. Since Health Promotion lifestyle and psychological well-being are important determinants of health, this study was conducted to determine the Health Promotion lifestyle and psychological well-being in women attending the health centers of Arak City in 2019. Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional study, among women who attended health centers in Arak City, 221 women who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study by continuous sampling and the form of demographic information, health promoting lifestyle profile-Ii (HPLP-II), and Ryff Psychological well-being Questionnaire was completed. Data were described using descriptive statistics of frequency, frequency percentage, mean, standard deviation, and data analysis by analysis of variance, independent t-test, and regression using SPSS software v. 19. Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Research Deputy of Iran University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.IUMS.REC.1398.609). Results: The mean health-promoting lifestyle in the study units was 135.96; the mean physical activity components were 16.31; The mean nutrition was 26.41, with the lowest and highest scores, respectively. The mean psychological well-being in the study units was 72.29. The mean components of purpose in life were 10.76, and the mean personal growth was 13.19, with the lowest and highest scores, respectively. Age, chronic diseases, employment, number of children, and alcohol consumption had a significant negative relationship with a health-promoting lifestyle, and a woman’s and her husband’s education had a significant positive relationship with a health-promoting lifestyle (P<0.05). Overall demographic variables predict as much as 13% of health-promoting lifestyles. Age, number of children, and chronic physical and psychological diseases had a significant negative relationship with psychological well-being and economic status. A woman’s and her husband’s education had a significant positive relationship with psychological well-being. Overall, demographic variables predict as much as 10% of psychological well-being. Conclusion: Considering that health-promoting lifestyle and psychological well-being are two critical determinants of health, studying these two indicators and the factors affecting them can help Intervention planning to promote women’s physical and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the chronic autoimmune diseases and a progressive disease of the central nervous system that have unknown causes. Objective This study aims to review the environmental risk factors of MS. Methods In this review study, a search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and MagIran on related studies published in Persian and English from 2000 to 2021 using the keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, MS, Environmental risk factors, and Epidemiology. Results The studies showed that MS is an autoimmune disease with unknown genetic backgrounds. The age of 20-40 years, female gender, distance from the equator, migration, Epstein-Barr virus infection, smoking, air pollution, vitamin D deficiency, alcohol and coffee consumption, circadian disruption, and psychological factors are the environmental risk factors of MS. Conclusion Given the environmental risk factors of MS, their control is potentially helpful in preventing the disease and its rapid progression. It is necessary for health care providers to pay attention to these risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background Considering the high prevalence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the medical resource constraints, a better understanding of the characteristics of the disease and identifying the factors indicating the severity of the disease can help decide on the allocation of important and limited resources. The current study aimed to investigate the demographic, clinical, laboratory characteristics, and imaging features of critically-ill patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit )ICU) of 3 hospitals in Rash City, Iran. Objective This retrospective study was performed on 138 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the ICU. The study patients’ data, including demographic characteristics, underlying disease, laboratory, imaging findings, and disease outcome were extracted from their records. Methods This retrospective study was performed on 138 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to ICU. Patient data, including demographic characteristics, underlying disease, laboratory and imaging findings, and disease outcomes, were extracted from patient records. Results In this study, the majority of patients were male and in the age range of 55-69 years. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic heart disease were the most common underlying diseases; shortness of breath, fever, and cough were the most common symptoms. Ground glass opacities were the most common sign in lung Computer Tomography (CT) scan and an increase in the level of LDH, ESR, CRP, neutrophil percentage, and lymphopenia were the most common laboratory findings in the study subjects. The mortality rate was equal to 90.58%. Conclusion This study revealed that most patients with severe manifestations of the disease were older, had a history of underlying disease, symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, and fever, and extensive lung involvement in imaging and changes in laboratory results. Mortality remained high despite medical therapy and mechanical ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Change in the age structure of the population affects many activities and processes, and most countries are expected to enter the old population phase by 2050. Today, for various reasons, the consumption of blood and blood products has increased. The aim of this study was to investigate the age change in donor population during the years 1390 to 1397 and compare it with the society's age change algorithm to determine if the latter affects the former. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional descriptive study, demographic information of 329631 blood donors from 1390 to 1397 from Blood Transfusion Software (Negareh software version 5/9) was extracted and the latest demographic information of the province was achieved using the website of the Statistics Center of Iran. Results Of the population of Yazd and Ardakan cities, 64.7% and 65.38% are within the appropriate age range for blood donation. The donor population of 18-30 years decreased by 30.7% in 2016 and 32.3% in 2018 compared with the year 2011 while other age groups almost increased. Mean age of donors in 2014 and 2017 were 44.2 and 40.05 years, respectively. Conclusions Due to the aging population, and the reduction of the population under the age of 30, it is necessary to take effective programs to maintain and attract 18-30 year old population for blood donation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world. Pattern of skin cancer is different in various geographical regions, depending on the genetic and environmental factors. Objective This study aims to investigate the incidence rate of skin cancer and its trends in Guilan province of Iran during 2010-2014. Materials and Methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the five-year data related to all cases of skin cancer recorded for Guilan Province during 2010-2014 were used. The age-sex incidence of skin cancer was standardized using the standard population of the World Health Organization. The age-standardized incidence rate of skin cancers including Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Melanoma was calculated, and then its trends were evaluated. Results A total of 1664 cases with skin cancer, 1014 men and 650 women, were reported in the province from 2010 to 2014. Incidence of skin cancer was higher in men. BCC was the most common skin cancer. The most common site for BCC was face and scalp, and for SCC it was the lip. Melanoma was mostly occurred on acral regions. The incidence of skin cancer had a rising trend and had raised in all age groups. Conclusion There is an increasing trend of skin cancers in Guilan Province. Therefore, planning for detection, prevention and control of its risk factors is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Pregnancy is a period with hormonal and psychological changes affecting women’s oral health. The aim of present review study was to evaluate, elaborate and categorize factors affecting oral health status of pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A literature search with the following keywords: pregnancy, “pregnant women”, “pregnant mothers” and “expectant mothers”, AND dentistry, “dental health” and “oral health” in PubMed and Scopus was performed from 2009 to 2019. Search results included 1435 articles which 467 duplicate studies were excluded. Finally, 30 articles were included in the study. Oral health outcomes were categorized and significant relationships with determinants and risk factors were reported. Results: Most studies (70%) were performed cross-sectionally. Among the studied outcomes, dental visit, periodontal disease and dental caries were the most common. The most studied independent variables were socioeconomic factors and demographic factors, followed by behavioral and enabling factors. The lowest frequency was related to the systemic factors. Mothers’ education and age were examined more than other variables and in about 40% of studies had significant association with outcomes. Dental counseling was assessed in only 3 studies and in all three studies, the relationship with outcome was significant. Conclusion: Socioeconomic, demographic and enabling factors could affect the oral health of pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent developments in current societies have brought about changes in the age of marriage, so that the number of single people is increasing. These conditions are unpleasant for some people and they experience the fear of being single. Aim: The aim of this study was to predict the fear of being single based on personality types, emotional intelligence and demographic variables. Method: The research method was descriptive-correlational studies. The statistical population of the study included all students of the University of Tehran in the academic year of 2019-2020, who were selected by available sampling method and answered online questionnaires by calling online. Demographic questionnaires, fears of being single (2013), Myers-Briggs personality traits (1987), and Bar-on's emotional intelligence (1997) were used to collect data. The data collected were analyzed through SPSS-22 software. Results: The results showed that there was a significant relationship between personality types, emotional intelligence and demographic variables (age, income and education) with fear of being single (P<0.05). Moreover, personality types, emotional intelligence and demographic variables were able to predict 28%, 16% and 9% of the variance of fear of being single, respectively. Conclusion: The results of the present study can be used to identify variables related to fear of being single in individual and premarital counseling and accordingly used appropriate preventive and interventions methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Musculoskeletal disorders are mainly prevalent among college students who experience direct contact with patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pains among Rehabilitation, Dentistry, and Nursing students at Arak University of Medical Sciences in 2017-2018. Methods & Materials In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 538 students of Arak University of Medical Sciences were recruited using the convenience sampling approach. Variables included age, sex, body mass index, study field, hours of using smartphone per day, and nine symptom sites being neck, shoulders, upper back, elbows, low back, wrist/hands, hips/thighs, knees, and ankles/feet. The researchers assessed the musculoskeletal pain by using the Nordic questionnaire and demographic questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V. 18. Ethical Considerations The Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences approved this study (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.253). Results In this study, 538 students (205 males and 333 females) were studied with Mean±SD age of 22.04±2.53 years old. The results showed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the spine (neck 29.4%, upper 24.3%, and lower back 37.2%) was higher than in upper and lower extremities. Musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder, upper, lower back, and thigh were significantly different based on sex. Also, musculoskeletal pain in the neck and ankle, and foot were significantly different based on age (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between musculoskeletal pain of back and ankle based on smartphone use hours per day. Conclusion This study suggested that rehabilitation, nursing, and dentistry students are at risk for musculoskeletal pain, especially in the lumbar, cervical, and upper back. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Periostin acts as necessary protein in tissue development and has a key role in tooth-supporting tissues such as periodontal ligament. The effect of inflammation on reducing periostin level has been shown in some studies. The aim of this study was to compare the salivary and Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) periostin levels in patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy peers. Methods & Materials In this matched case-control study, 106 participants (53 patients with chronic periodontitis and 53 healthy controls) were studies after signing a informed consent form. They were matched for age, gender, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI). The GCF and salivary samples were collected from all participants and were assessed using standard Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The statistical analysis was conducted in Stata V. 11. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.34). Results The salivary and GCF periostin levels was significantly lower in patients than in healthy subjects (P<0.001). Moreover, the periostin levels was significantly different based on periodontal parameters (P<0.001). Conclusion There is association between the incidence of chronic periodontitis and salivary and GCF periostin levels. Hence, the periostin may act as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of chronic periodontitis and prevention of its progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim High occupational stress reduces the workers’ concentrations and decision-making power. In industries with high risks in term of exposure to hazards, there may be negative consequence. This study aimed to investigate relationship between Occupational Stress (OS) and the job-related risks in the steel industry. Methods & Materials This is a descriptive-analytical study with cross-sectional design carried out in a steel industry located in Lorestan province of Iran in 2017. For risk and OS assessments, the Melbourne University’s 3D risk assessment model and the United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) questionnaire were used. Statistical analysis was performed by using Pearson correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests in SPSS V. 22. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences with the Code: IR.NREC.007.1394.05. Results A total of 182 job-related risks were identified for 14 job titles. 19.3% of subjects had high OS level. The risk rank had a statistically significant correlation with overall OS score (P=0.03), and OS dimensions of control (P=0.02) and demand (P=0.02). There was no significant difference between the mean OS score and age, work experience, educational level. Conclusion Due to the relationship of risk amount and OS among workers in the steel industry, Planning to control stressors in the workplace and managing occupational risks by reducing the likelihood and consequence of job-related risks seems essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives HBV, a classic viral Transfusion Transmitted Infection(TTI), is considered an important health and blood safety issue in every society. Prevalence of HBsAg positivity is variable among Iranian blood donors nationwide. This study was performed to determine the frequency of HBsAg positive blood donors and the probable associated risk factors in Mazandaran province in 2013. Materials and Methods In this cross sectional descriptive study, demographic and donation data were gathered from IBTO data base (NEGARE). HBsAg positive donors were recalled for post test counseling and assessment of probable risk factors. SPSS 16 Chicago, χ2 and T-test were used as tools for data analysis. Results Among 131950 whole blood donors with mean age of 31.1 ± 9.5, 174(0.13%) proved to be HbsAg positive. Deferral rate was 16.6%. The highest and lowest positivity rates were observed at Babol and Galoogah, respectively. 95% of positive cases were detected among first time and male donors (p = 0.0001). Older age, lower education level, and first time donation were obtained as demographic risk factors primarily. No significant association between gender and marital status was found. However, post test counseling revealed nonimmune dental procedures, high risk sexual contacts, cupping, family history of Hepatitis, hospital admission, tattooing, history of surgery, Intravenous Drug Use (IDU), endoscopic procedures, transfusion history and needle stick as risk factors in HBsAg positive donors. Conclusions HbsAg positivity rate in Mazandaran province donors is compatible with the country rate (0.13%). Main risk factors except gender and marital status are almost similar to other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common and life-threatening problem. The identification of high-risk patients with regard to the need for urgent endoscopy and immediate intervention in patients with acute UGIB is a challenge for emergency physicians. The use of Rockall and Blatchford scoring systems has diminished this challenge to some extent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of Blatchford and Rockall systems in the outcomes of patients with UGIB referred to Emergency Department of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Qom. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective analytic study, using a checklist of Blatchford and Rockall Scoring Systems and an easy sampling method, the clinical records of 194 patients with UGIB who aged over 18 years and had no trauma referring from 2013 to 2016 to the Emergency Department of Shahid Beheshti Hospital were studied. The role of Blatchford and Rockall Scoring Systems was investigated by Statistical tests regard to the significance level of p = 0.05. Results: This study showed a significant relationship between the interventions for patients with UGIB in Shahid Beheshti Hospital with predicted interventions by the Blatchford Scoring System (p = 0.000, kappa = 0.294). Also, there was a significant relationship between the place of admission of patients in Shahid Beheshti Hospital with predicted place of hospitalization determined by Rockall (p = 0.000, kappa = 0.182). Also, there was a significant relationship between age and Rockall Scoring System (p < 0.00001). Conclusion: The Blatchford Scoring System can be used as a clinical guide to determine the type of treatment intervention immediately and in the emergency department as a clinical guide to determine the type of patient's care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the cause of most cases of peptic ulcers and gastric cancers and cause some of the most important cause of stomach cancer and lymphoma. The objective of this study was to evaluate the time trend of Helicobacter pylori prevalence and presence of intestinal Metaplasia over the period of 7 years in gastritis Iranian patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-section study data related to H. pylori and intestinal Metaplasia (IM) among 14,860 consecutive gastritis patients, who referred to the gastrointestinal department of Tehran's Taleghani Hospital in Iran, was examined across the sex and age group. Results: The overall prevalence rate among patient with H. pylori infection was 83.5% (12406/14860) and 11,394 (84.1%) of them were related to the gastritis. The prevalence rate of H. pylori among patient with gastritis significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to patients without gastritis. In addition, the prevalence decreased with age while the presence of intestinal metaplasia increased with age (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Iranian population has declined in recent years; nevertheless it seems to be highly prevalent in Iran. We also find a significant positive relationship between H. pylori infection and IM with gastritis. There is no association between sex and infection but in contrast with the most studies its prevalence decreased with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the changing age distribution on national saving is estimated empirically in this paper. We have specified a saving function based on Ando – Modigliani’s Life Cycle Hypothesis which incorporates the portion of population in 11 different age groups to represent the age structure of the population. Auto_ Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Model estimation technique is based derived from the ARDL model. An Error Correction Model (ECM) of national saving behavior in also constructed and estimated in order to reveal the short run dynamic adjustments of saving towards its long run equilibrium. Data used in the estimation process are time series data within the period 1345 and 1383. Data are tested for stationary and co-integration estimation technique in used for estimating the coefficients of the model. The results indicate that the age distribution in an influential factor an saving behavior of the population. A relative population increase in the age group of 15-24 and 55- and over, tends to lower national saving, while a relative increase in population within the age group of 25-29, 30-34, … and 50-54 has a positive impact on national saving. These in the age group of 35-39 and 40-44 have the highest saving rate.

Background and Aim: Auditory lateralization is a binaural phenomenon that is the result of processing of interaural time and intensity cues in the central auditory system. The main advantage of this phenomenon in human is understanding speech in noisy environments due to the auditory sciene analysis and cocktail party effects. The aim of the present study was to assess the auditory lateralization ability in normal children. Methods: Participants were 80 normal school age children (8-11 years) of both genders, 42 girls and 38 boys. Lateralization functions were determined by interaural time difference (ITD) ranging from - 880 to +880 μs and interaural intensity difference (IID) ranging from -10 to +10 dB for high-pass and low-pass noise. Results: Interaural intensity difference lateralization functions were linear, while the interaural time difference lateralization functions were S-shaped with a clear linear component from -220 to +220 μs and with an asymptote from -440 to -880 μs and +440 to +880 μs. Generally, interaural intensity difference errors were significantly less than interaural time difference tasks (p<0.0001). Age effect was only present in interaural time difference tasks (p=0.001). Conclusion: According to these results, children with the age of 11 years performed better in lateralization using interaural time difference cues compared to other children; whereas there was no difference in performance in all ages when using interaural intensity difference cues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the zoonosis disease which is transmitted by sand fly and has been considered as one of the most important health problems in Iran. This study was designed to assess the status of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Gonbad Kavoos, North of Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical retrospective study was performed on the two groups consist of: 1799 patients (995 men and 804 women) referred to health centers of Gonbad Kavoos in Golestan Province North of Iran during 2009-11. Also 278 men and 271 women were selected randomly in one of the villages for the assessment of acute and scar wounds. Patient's characteristics such as age, sex, habitat, number and sites of ulcer(s), month and years of incidence were registered. Data were analyzed using SPSS-13 and Chi-Square test. Results: From 1799 under care patients, 995 cases (55.3%) were males and 804 cases (44.7%) were females (P<0.05). 1542 patients (85.7%) resided in rural areas, while 257 (14.3%) lived in urban areas (P<0.05). The most frequent age group was 0-9 years old (43.3%) (P<0.05). Hands were the most common sites of ulcer (42.3%) and 37.9% of the patients with one ulser. The highest prevalency of disease was observed in months of October and November (68.4%) 4% and 78.6% of subjects selected from villages were presented with acute wound and scar, respectivley. Conclusion: This study showed that Cutaneous leishmaniasis in 2010-11 was dispersed in Gonbad- Kavoos a city in North of Iran. The endemicity situation of this disease in this area is hypoendemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]