Abstract As dams play a very important role in the optimum use of water resources, it is very important to keep them stable and the water stored in the reservoir. It is particularly important to investigate how water moves through rocks and the permeability and quality of the rock mass in structures like dams. Therefore, one of the issues considered in dam stability is monitoring the quantity of leaks. In this research, the engineering geological and geotechnical parameters of the rock mass for the construction of the Kurit Dam located in the city of Tabas in eastern Iran were evaluated. Initially, following the determination of geotechnical parameters, the engineering classification of the rock mass of the study area was carried out. In addition, in order to study and trace the water evacuation routes of the dam construction, two parameters of the RQD and Lugeon were studied and modelled. Analyses have been conducted to examine the permeability and rock quality index in three parts of the left and right abutment, the dam's axis and reservoir with geostatistics and kriging methods. Three-dimensional model of the construction of the Kurit dam was presented and the results were analyzed. Based on the results, the quality of the rock mass in the right and left abutments is arguably better than the dam axis and reservoir. Additionally, as the depth increases, the permeability decreases and the permeability is higher at shallow depths. The highest level of permeability is located at the surface and near the B H 4 borehole.

Abstract Introduction Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive method for management of different proctologic conditions. Despite widespread use of this method, it is not used widely in Iran. This report is about to describe the application of TEM in managing different proctologic conditions in a tertiary colorectal referral center in Iran regarding methods and complications. Methods All of the patients' documents such as procedure, method, early postop complications and further operations were actively reviewed and the data were entered in to the database. Results Since 2012 till the end of 2020 chart review was done and 150 cases of TEM operation were found. The most frequent procedure that was done was resection procedure. Using different energy devices during surgery or suturing versus not suturing the defect were not associated with complication. There was a case of in hospital mortality and one case delayed perianal fistula following TEM. Measurement of lesion distance from anal verge was not significantly different using TEM or colonoscopy. Villous adenomas detected in colonoscopy were mostly associated with malignancy. In evaluated resected lesions most of cases had free base and distance from anal verge or using different energy devices were not associated with obtaining free base. Conclusion TEM is a safe minimal invasive procedure with acceptable complications that could be helped in managing different proctologic conditions and the results of reviewing our patients revealed the same results that is reported from other colorectal centers.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was a detection of different populations of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931) farmed broodstocks and to determine their genetic indexes in hatchery centers of Bushehr province. DNA was extracted from the muscle tissue of 30 broodstocks of 11 stocks using a commercial kit. The repeated sequences were amplified using ten specific primers by PCR in the Iranian Shrimp Center. The results showed that the number of alleles was 4.5-5.5 in the studied stocks. The most allele frequency was observed in the farmed broad stocks of the third stock in the H2 hatchery center, 5.2 ± 0/359. Also, the average of observed heterozygosity in the farmed broad stocks of the second stock in the H5 hatchery center obtained 0.669 ± 0.152, more than other stocks in all centers. Genetics indexes of the farmed broad stocks of the third stock in the H2 hatchery center were increased compared with other stocks in Bucher province. The inbreeding coefficients of the first stocks in the H1 and H3 hatchery centers were significantly more than others, respectively, 0.595 ± 0.105 and 0.547 ± 0.145. The increased inbreeding coefficients of the farmed broad stocks in these stocks can be referred to due to the small size of the founder population and biased selection programs. However, this amount is acceptable according to the information of the other hatchery centers in Bushehr province and other countries. Moreover, it was concluded that broodstock with higher diversity should be used to increase the genetic indicators in the hatchery centers.

ABSTRACT Background: The nutritional quality of diet may influence the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study compared the Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) of various dietary components between colorectal cancer patients and healthy controls. Methods: A total of 480 participants were enrolled in the study (160 patients with colorectal cancer as a case group and 320 healthy control). An analysis was conducted on the general characteristics of the participants, their medical histories, anthropometric indicators, physical activity, alcohol consumption, reproductive history, smoking and food intake. A valid food frequency questionnaire was used to assess nutrient intake and INQ was calculated from daily nutrient intake. Results: A Significant inverse association was found between CRC and INQ for vitamins A (OR=0.01, CI: 0.01-0.01), K (OR=0.04, CI: 0.01-0.15), and B12 (OR=0.71, CI: 0.51-0.98), B5 (OR=0.43, CI: 0.00-0.01), zinc (OR=0.35, CI: 0.13-0.95), and phosphorus (OR=0.17, 0.19-0.94). The association between the INQ of vitamin B12 and zinc with colorectal cancer was disappeared after age adjustment. There was a significant negative association between CRC with the INQ of vitamins A, K, B5, phosphorus, and calcium after further adjustments for gender, BMI, menopausal status, and total energy intake. Conclusion: CRC is significantly associated with INQ for some micronutrients. INQ can be considered as an indicator to assess clinical nutritional problems.

RESUMO Contexto: A qualidade nutricional da dieta pode influenciar o risco de câncer colorretal (CCR). Este estudo comparou o Índice de Valor Nutricional (INQ) de vários componentes dietéticos entre pacientes com CCR e controles saudáveis. Métodos: Um total de 480 participantes foram inscritos no estudo (160 pacientes com CCR como um grupo de casos e 320 controles saudáveis). Uma análise foi conduzida sobre as características gerais dos participantes, seus históricos médicos, indicadores antropométricos, atividade física, consumo de álcool, histórico reprodutivo, tabagismo e ingestão de alimentos. Um questionário de frequência alimentar válido foi usado para avaliar a ingestão de nutrientes e o INQ foi calculado a partir da ingestão diária de nutrientes. Resultados: Associação significativa entre CCR e INQ para as vitaminas A (OR=0,00, IC: 0,00-0,01), K (OR=0,04, IC: 0,01-0,15), B12 (OR=0,71, IC: 0,51-0,98) houve uma associação negativa), B5 (OR=0,43, IC: 0,00-0,01), zinco (OR=0,35, IC: 0,13-0,95), fósforo (OR=0,17, IC: 0,19-0,94). A associação entre o INQ da vitamina B12, zinco e CCR desapareceu após o ajuste pela idade. Houve uma associação negativa significativa entre CCR e INQ de cálcio, e outros resultados não mudaram após ajustes adicionais para idade, gênero, Índice de Massa Corporal, estado de menopausa e ingestão total de energia. Conclusão: CCR está significativamente associado ao INQ para alguns micronutrientes. O INQ pode ser usado como um indicador para avaliar problemas nutricionais clínicos.

Abstract The most basic axis of a society’s economic and social growth is health, and social capital is a major factor in determining that development. The purpose of this research was to evaluate, among the student body of Iran University of Medical Sciences, the connection that exists between social capital and overall health. This study used a descriptive-analytical approach to cross-sectional research. Students attending the Iran University of Medical Sciences constituted the statistical population. The approach developed by Cochran was used to pick 367 students at random. The demographic information form, two versions of the Delaviz Social Capital Questionnaire (2006), and Goldberg and Hiller’s General Health Questionnaire (1979), served as the data collection tools. Using Cronbach’s alpha test, the reliability of the first two sets of questionnaires was determined to be 0.73 and 0.78, respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, statistical tests, and regression after being loaded into SPSS version 22. It was shown that general health was significantly related to the factors of gender, location of living, and degree of education (p < 0.05). It was shown via the use of regression that there is a statistically significant association between social capital and the two dimensions of group involvement and relationships in networks. These two dimensions had the biggest influence on general health and explained 39% of its variations. The overall health of students was not significantly affected by factors such as age, educational level, or marital status (p > 0.05). It is feasible to improve students’ overall health if social capital is increased, more students are encouraged to participate in group projects, and students’ ties with one another inside and outside their networks are expanded.

Resumo A saúde é o eixo mais básico do desenvolvimento económico e social da sociedade, que é influenciado pelo capital social. O presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de investigar a relação entre capital social e saúde pública entre estudantes da Universidade de Ciências Médicas do Irão. A investigação atual foi um estudo descritivo-analítico transversal. A população estatística foram os estudantes da Universidade de Ciências Médicas do Irão; ou seja 367 pessoas foram selecionadas aleatoriamente pelo método de Cochran. Os instrumentos de coleta de dados foram ficha de informações demográficas e dois questionários de capital social de Delaviz (2006) e saúde geral de Goldberg e Hiller (1979), cuja confiabilidade foi obtida por meio do teste alfa de Cronbach de 0,73 e 0,78, respetivamente. Os dados foram digitados no software SPSS-22 e analisados com estatística descritiva e testes estatísticos e de regressão. As seguintes variáveis: sexo, local de residência e escolaridade apresentaram relação significativa com a saúde geral (p < 0,05). Utilizando a regressão entre capital social e saúde pública, foi obtida uma relação estatisticamente significativa, e as duas dimensões de participação de grupo e relações em rede tiveram o maior impacto na saúde pública e revelaram 39% das suas alterações. Não foi observada qualquer relação significativa entre idade, local de estudo e estado civil com a saúde geral dos estudantes (p > 0,05). É possível aumentar a saúde geral dos estudantes através do aumento do capital social e da ênfase no aumento da participação dos estudantes no trabalho de grupo e no aumento das suas relações inter-redes.

Abstract The exploration of natural materials for the production of nanoparticles against parasites is currently of particular interest due to its ecofriendly nature. In this study, we described the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles derived from methanolic garlic extract. Infrared spectroscopy and GC-Mass spectrometry were used to screen the phytochemical composition of garlic and figure out how much of active components. In this study, Allium sativum extract (ASE) and ASE loaded in silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNPs) were used to treat helminthiasis in vitro. Three doses of ASE (100, 50 and 25 mg/mL) and three doses of Bio-AgNPs (1, 0.5 and 0.25 mg/mL) were used to study the anthelmintic activity using the earthworm, Allolobophora caliginosa. Also, Albendazole was used as a reference drug. The Bio-AgNPs exhibits IC50 of 3.2 µg/mL which indicates their lower toxicity in normal cell lines. The phytochemical screening using GC mass showed the presence of many active compounds with medicinal activities. Both ASE and Bio-AgNPs posses’ anthelmintic activities by inducing paralysis and death in a time dependent manner when compared to the reference drug, Albendazole. Collectively, nanosilver manufactured from A. sativum extract properly functions as an anthelmintic agent and can quickly and dose-dependently kill worms.

Abstract Chocolate is a preferred food for children and adults. Micronutrient deficiencies are still prevalent worldwide. This study aims to manufacture and evaluate a type of sugar-free dark chocolate fortified with vitamins and minerals. Three types of chocolate were fortified with vitamin D3, vitamin B12, and iron and zinc. The fortified chocolate was evaluated in terms of chemical composition using FTIR and DSC methods, visco-mechanical, sensory and stability. The FTIR studies indicated that the spectrum of all fortified chocolates was similar to that of the control, unfortified chocolate. The DSC studies indicated that there were no characteristics differences in crystallinity and degree of crystallization between the fortified and the control products. The addition of vitamins and minerals to chocolate strengthened the structure, increased the melting point, didn’t cause significant variation in the rheological properties and had no significant effect on the overall sensation of the taste when compared with controlled chocolate. The stability results indicated that the fortified chocolate was stable for 9 months at room temperature. It was concluded that the fortified chocolate was a good vehicle for the vitamins and minerals with acceptable properties that may be used for supplementing vitamins and minerals.

Abstract Background Previous studies has shown that nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) is expressed in Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients which is stimulated by muramyl dipeptide (MDP) present in the joint environment and induces inflammation via the NF-κB pathway. Also, other studies have shown that curcumin inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion, and Inflammation and on the other hand increases the apoptosis of RA FLSs. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of curcumin, a natural antiinflammatory micronutrient, on the expression of NOD2 and inflammatory cytokines. Methods Synovial membranes were collected from ten patients diagnosed with RA and ten individuals with traumatic injuries scheduled for knee surgery. The FLSs were isolated and treated with 40 μM curcumin alone or in combination with 20.3 μM MDP for 24 h. mRNA was extracted, and real-time PCR was performed to quantitatively measure gene expression levels of NOD2, p65, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Results The study findings indicate that administering MDP alone can significantly increase the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and IL-1β in the trauma group and TNF-α in the RA group. Conversely, administering curcumin alone or in combination whit MDP can significantly reduce mRNA expression levels of P65 and IL-6 in FLSs of both groups. Moreover, in FLSs of RA patients, a single curcumin treatment leads to a significant reduction in NOD2 gene expression. Conclusion This study provides preliminary in vitro evidence of the potential benefits of curcumin as a nutritional supplement for RA patients. Despite the limitations of the study being an investigation of the FLSs of RA patients, the results demonstrate that curcumin has an anti-inflammatory effect on NOD2 and NF-κB genes. These findings suggest that curcumin could be a promising approach to relieve symptoms of RA.

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this prospective clinical trial was to explore the dental and soft tissue changes accompanying the use of skeletally anchored nickel-titanium (NiTi) extrusion arch in the correction of anterior open bite (AOB). Material and Methods: Twenty female patients with a mean age of 16.5 ± 1.5 years and a mean dentoalveolar AOB of 2.38±0.7 mm participated in this study. All patients were treated with an maxillary 0.017×0.025-in NiTi extrusion arch, with the aid of miniscrews inserted between the maxillary second premolars and first molars bilaterally, to act as indirect anchorage. Three-dimensional digital models and lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken just before the insertion of the extrusion arch (T0) and after 10 months (T1). Paired-sample t-tests were used in analyzing the data, to evaluate the changes after treatment (T1-T0). A significance level of p < 0.05 was used. Results: AOB was successfully closed in all patients, with a 4.35 ± 0.61 mm increase in the overbite. Maxillary incisors significantly extruded (2.52 ± 1.02 mm) and significantly reclined (5.78 ± 0.77°), with a resultant decrease in the overjet of 1.58 ± 0.5mm. A significant intrusion of maxillary first molars with no change in their inclination was observed. The upper lip showed a significant retraction tendency to the E-plane, and a significant increase in the nasolabial angle was observed. Conclusion: The skeletally anchored NiTi extrusion arch was an effective technique in treating AOB, with no adverse effects on the molars.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste ensaio clínico prospectivo foi avaliar as alterações dentárias e em tecidos moles que acompanham o uso de arco de extrusão de níquel-titânio (NiTi) com ancoragem esquelético na correção da mordida aberta anterior (MAA). Material e Métodos: Participaram deste estudo 20 pacientes do sexo feminino com idade média de 16,5 ± 1,5 anos e MAA dentoalveolar (média de 2,38 ± 0,7 mm). Todos os pacientes foram tratados com arco de extrusão de NiTi 0,017×0,025” superior, com auxílio de mini-implantes inseridos entre os segundos pré-molares e primeiros molares superiores bilateralmente, para atuar como ancoragem indireta. Modelos digitais tridimensionais e radiografias cefalométricas laterais foram realizados imediatamente antes da inserção do arco de extrusão (T0) e após 10 meses (T1). Testes t para amostras pareadas foram utilizados na análise dos dados, para avaliar as alterações após o tratamento (T1-T0). Um nível de significância de p< 0,05 foi usado. Resultados: A MAA foi fechada com sucesso em todos os pacientes, com aumento de 4,35 ± 0,61 mm na sobremordida. Os incisivos superiores foram significativamente extruídos (2,52 ± 1,02 mm) e significativamente reclinados (5,78 ± 0,77°), com uma consequente diminuição na sobressaliência de 1,58 ± 0,5 mm. Foi observada intrusão significativa dos primeiros molares superiores, sem alteração na sua inclinação. O lábio superior apresentou tendência significativa de retração em relação ao plano E, e foi observado aumento significativo do ângulo nasolabial. Conclusão: O arco de extrusão de NiTi esquelético foi uma técnica eficaz no tratamento da MAA, sem efeitos adversos nos molares.

An eco-friendly benign catalyst-free synthesis of chromeno[2,3-c]pyrazoles and bis-pyrazolone derivatives has been reported using magnetized distilled water (MDW). Under the optimal condition, most chromeno[2,3-c]pyrazoles (5a-f) and bis-pyrazolone (7a-k) were obtained in 85-93% and 85-95% yields respectively. This process offers several advantages, including its environmentally friendly and cost-effective nature, along with a simplified workup procedure and a high yield of desired products. Additionally, the absence of catalysts minimizes the potential for undesirable side reactions and contamination, resulting in a cleaner and more efficient synthesis process.

Resumen Objetivo. Evaluar la eficacia de la aplicación de un programa educativo basado en el Modelo de Creencias sobre la Salud (MCS) en la adopción de conductas preventivas de la automedicación entre las mujeres de Irán. Métodos. Estudio de intervención con evaluación pre y post. Se seleccionaron 200 mujeres que acudieron a los centros de salud de Urmia, a quienes se asignaron a los dos grupos de estudio (tratamiento y control) mediante un muestreo aleatorio simple. Para la recolección de la información se utilizaron los cuestionarios sobre: Conocimientos acerca de la automedicación, conductas preventivas de la automedicación y el modelo de creencias sobre la salud. Se evaluó la validez de los cuestionarios por parte de los expertos y luego se comprobó su confiabilidad. La intervención educativa se llevó a cabo para el grupo de tratamiento durante cuatro semanas con 1 sesión semanal de 45 minutos de duración. Resultados. Las puntuaciones medias de los conocimientos, la susceptibilidad percibida, la gravedad percibida, los beneficios percibidos, las barreras percibidas, las señales para la acción, la autoeficacia y el rendimiento posterior a la intervención aumentaron en el grupo de tratamiento en comparación con el grupo de control, y todos los resultados fueron estadísticamente significativos (p<0.05). Además, los medios de comunicación social fueron eficaces para aumentar la concienciación y animar a tener una medicación adecuada. La mayor automedicación fue en la toma de analgésicos, pastillas para el resfriado y antibióticos, que mostró una disminución significativa en el grupo de tratamiento después de la intervención. Conclusión. El programa educativo basado en el Modelo de Creencias de Salud fue eficaz para reducir la automedicación entre las mujeres estudiadas. Además, se recomienda utilizar los medios de comunicación social para mejorar la concienciación y la motivación de las personas.

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the application of an educational program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in Adopting Preventive Behaviors from Self-Medication among Women in Iran. Methods. Interventional study with pre and post phases. 200 women referring to the health centers of Urmia were selected by simple random sampling, divided into two groups of treatment and control. Data collection instruments were researcher-devised questionnaire including the questionnaire of Knowledge of Self-medication, the Questionnaire of Preventive Behaviors from Self-medication, and the questionnaire of Health Belief Model. The questionnaires were assessed for expert validity and then, were checked for reliability. The educational intervention was conducted for the treatment group during four weeks four 45-minute sessions. Results. The average scores of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, self-efficiency, and post-intervention performance in have increased in treatment group, comparing to the control group, All findings were statistically significant (p<0.05). Furthermore, social media, doctors, and disbelief in self-medication were more effective in increasing awareness and encouraging to have proper medication, also, the highest self-medication was in taking pain-relievers, cold tablets and antibiotics, which showed significant decrease in treatment group after the intervention. Conclusion. The educational program based on Health Belief Model was effective in reducing the self-medication among the studied women. Furthermore, it is recommended to use social media and doctors to improve the awareness and motivation among people. Thus, applying the educational programs and plans according to the Health Belief Model can be influential in reducing the self-medication.

Resumo Objetivo. Avaliar a eficácia da aplicação de um programa educativo baseado no Modelo de Crenças em Saúde (HCM) na adoção de comportamentos preventivos de automedicação entre mulheres no Irã. Métodos. Estudo de intervenção com pré e pós avaliação. Duzentas mulheres que frequentavam os centros de saúde de Urmia foram selecionadas e alocadas nos dois grupos de estudo (tratamento e controle) por meio de amostragem aleatória simples. Para a coleta de informações, foram utilizados os questionários sobre: Conhecimento sobre automedicação, comportamentos preventivos de automedicação e o modelo de crenças sobre saúde. A validade dos questionários foi avaliada pelos especialistas e, em seguida, verificada sua confiabilidade. A intervenção educativa foi realizada para o grupo de tratamento durante quatro semanas com 1 sessão semanal com duração de 45 minutos. Resultados. Os escores médios de conhecimento, suscetibilidade percebida, gravidade percebida, benefícios percebidos, barreiras percebidas, pistas para ação, autoeficácia e desempenho pós-intervenção aumentaram no grupo de tratamento em comparação com o grupo de intervenção. controle, e todos os resultados foram estatisticamente significativos (p<0.05). Além disso, as mídias sociais foram eficazes na conscientização e no incentivo à medicação adequada. A maior automedicação foi em uso de analgésicos, antissépticos e antibióticos, que apresentou diminuição significativa no grupo de tratamento após a intervenção. Conclusão. O programa educativo baseado no Modelo de Crenças em Saúde foi eficaz na redução da automedicação entre as mulheres estudadas. Além disso, recomenda-se o uso das mídias sociais para melhorar a conscientização e a motivação das pessoas.

Abstract Objective: Tinnitus can result from auditory system reorganization due to neural activity dysfunctions. Auditory stimulation can cause temporary or persistent tinnitus alleviation by altering the neural generators. The present study investigated the changes in Late-Latency Auditory Evoked Potentials (LLAEPs) after tinnitus suppression using auditory stimulation with short-term Residual Inhibition (RI) and long-term Tinnitus Masker (TM). Methods: The study included 40 participates with equal numbers in the Tinnitus Group (TG), including the chronic tinnitus subjects, and the Control Group (CG), including matched volunteers. The participants had normal hearing in conventional audiometry. All the participants underwent LLAEP recording pre-intervention and after a one-minute auditory stimulation (RI), as well as a pre-intervention Dichotic Digit Test (DDT) as a behavioral assessment of the selective attention. Moreover, TG underwent a 3-month course of TM, a third LLAEP recording post-TM, a second DDT post-TM, and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) before and after the TM. Results: In the baseline LLAEP recording, the TG had significantly later N1, P3a, and P3b latencies, as well as significantly lower P3a and P3b amplitudes. The second LLAEP recording showed a significant intragroup increase in P3a amplitude and a significant decrease in P3a latency in the TG, while no significant intragroup difference was observed in the CG. In the third LLAEP recording performed on TG, the P3a amplitude and latency had significant changes compared to the second recording, while the N1 latency was significantly decreased. Moreover, the DDT and THI scores had significant improvement after the TM in TG. Conclusions: The present study showed the neurophysiological changes after short-term (RI) and long-term (TM) auditory stimulations in tinnitus subjects. The LLAEP changes suggest that these interventions lead to tinnitus suppression through common mechanisms. The electrophysiological observation was also confirmed using behavioral assessments. Level of evidence: This study type is a “comparative study” with the level of evidence “3”.

Abstract Introduction The nasopharynx and oropharynx are the main colonization sites of coronavirus. Therefore, patients with paranasal sinuses and pharyngeal problems (ear, nose, and throat [ENT] patients) predispose coronavirus infection. Ear, nose, and throat patients with concomitant asymptomatic coronavirus infection may develop severe pneumonia following surgical procedures. As a result, presurgical screening for coronavirus infection is a substantial concern. Objective We evaluated the usefulness of a spiral chest computed tomography (CT) scan in the diagnosis of asymptomatic coronavirus infection in the presurgical assessment of ENT patients Methods In this study, candidates of paranasal sinus or pharyngeal surgery were evaluated for coronavirus infection. Patients with neither history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) nor compatible symptoms and signs were screened for asymptomatic coronavirus infection. These patients composed two groups: the first group underwent a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test of nasopharyngeal sample and spiral chest CTscan, but for the second one, only the latter was performed. Results In the first group, which consisted of 106 patients, 11 (10.4%) cases had positive RT-PCR test results, and 17 (16%) patients showed positive findings in favor of coronavirus infection in the spiral chest CT scan. In the second group, which consisted of 173 patients, 34 (19.7%) cases had positive chest CT scan results. Conclusion The chest CT scan has a valuable role in the early diagnosis of asymptomatic coronavirus carriers in patients highly predisposed to infection, especially in low resource areas, where the RT-PCR test is unavailable.

RESUMO. Diante da necessidade de administração face a face de muitos testes de triagem cognitiva, nem sempre é viável rastrear amostras em grande escala. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a validade discriminante da versão persa do Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) e do Miniexame do Estado Mental (MMSE) na população iraniana de meia-idade. Métodos: A versão persa do TICS-m (P-TICS-m) e do MMSE foi administrada a 210 adultos de meia-idade residentes na comunidade e selecionados aleatoriamente, que haviam sido registrados no Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Os participantes também foram submetidos a exame psicológico por dois neurologistas para serem avaliados quanto ao comprometimento cognitivo com base nos critérios do Manual de Diagnóstico e Estatística de Transtornos Mentais (DSM-V). Para avaliar a validade discriminante do P-TICS-m e do MMSE com os critérios do DSM-V, foram calculados a sensibilidade, a especificidade, os valores preditivos positivo e negativo (PPV e NPV) e a razão de verossimilhança positiva e negativa (LR+ e LR-). Resultados: A média de idade dos participantes foi de 59,6±6,8 anos. O TICS e o MMSE foram altamente correlacionados (r = 0,635, p <0,001). A sensibilidade, a especificidade, o PPV, o NPV, a LR+ e a LR- do MMSE para discriminar comprometimento cognitivo foram 83, 92, 68, 96%, 10, 0,182; e, para TICS-m, foram 100, 13, 19, 100%, 1,16 e zero, respectivamente. Os resultados da análise da curva característica de operação do receptor (ROC) não mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre P-TICS-m e MMSE. Conclusões: Nossos achados mostram que o teste TICS-m pode ser utilizado como ferramenta de triagem em vez do MEEM. Por causa da baixa especificidade e do baixo PPV do TICS-m em relação ao MMSE, o diagnóstico deve ser confirmado por meio de testes diagnósticos definitivos quando um indivíduo é classificado como portador de comprometimento cognitivo.

ABSTRACT. Due to the need for face-to-face administration of many cognitive screening tests, it is not always feasible to screen large-scale samples. Objective: This study aimed to assess the discriminant validity of the Persian version of Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (P-TICS-m) and Mini-Mental State Examination in the middle-aged Iranian population. Methods: The P-TICS-m and MMSE were administered to 210 randomly selected middle-aged community-dwelling adults who had been registered in the Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Participants also underwent psychological examination by two neurologists to assess cognitive impairment based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria. To evaluate the discriminant validity of P-TICS-m and MMSE with DSM-V criteria, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−) were calculated. Results: The mean age of the participants was 59.6±6.8 years. The TICS and MMSE were highly correlated (r=0.635, p<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, LR+, and LR− to discriminate cognitive impairment were, respectively, 83%, 92%, 68%, 96%, 10, and 0.182 for MMSE and 100%, 13%, 19%, 100%, 1.16, and 0 for TICS-m. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis results showed no statistically significant differences between P-TICS-m and MMSE. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the TICS-m test can be used as a screening tool instead of the MMSE. Due to the low specificity and low PPV of the TICS-m compared to MMSE, the diagnosis should be confirmed using definitive diagnostic tests when a subject is classified as having cognitive impairment.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to improve the performance of flexible pavement through suitable aggregate gradation. Thus, initially, the dynamic modulus of asphalt mixtures |E*| for different aggregate gradations were predicted, and suitable aggregate gradation was determined. Then the performance of three different pavement structures for two aggregate gradations (Mid and Suitable), using AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design 2.5. 5, were evaluated for local conditions of Izmir, Turkey. The analysis result revealed that using suitable values compared to middle values increased the |E*| and improved the rutting and fatigue resistance of all pavement structures for any traffic levels. The output of this study can be used as a guide for hot mixed asphalt mix design and pavement design based on Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide as well.