Hypo-Albuminemia and Perioperative Renal Transplant-Related Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: to review the literature regarding the relationship between pre- and post-transplant hypo-Albuminemia with various renal transplant-related infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a systematic review, we included the following keyword in the search: (Albumin*) AND (infection*) AND ("renal transplant" OR "renal transplantation" OR "renal transplants") OR ("kidney transplant" OR "kidney transplantation" OR "kidney transplants") OR "kidney grafting") with investigating databases including ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to May 2023. All adult patients who had renal transplantation were included. Albumin levels of infected (bacterial, fungal, or viral) patients and the type of infection should be reported in the included studies. The search strategy used in this review was reported by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses literature search extension (PRISMA-S). To conduct Meta-analyses, Stata version 17 was used. Also, DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models were used for this study. In our study, heterogeneity was quantified with I2 and τ2 statistics. inconsistency across studies is quantified by I2 statistics, and the impact of heterogeneity on the meta-analysis is assessed by this quantification. RESULTS: Overall, 18 studies were found to be reporting measures of association including risk ratio, odds ratio, and, hazard ratio. Among them, 10 and 8 studies were reporting bacterial and viral types of infection. The combined risk ratios were not statistically significant, in either type of infection. The mean (SD) of ages for bacterial and viral infections were found to be 45.3 (6.4) and 50.5 (7.6) years old, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hypoalbuminemia is not related to post-transplantation infections, and it seems that with adherence to proper pretransplant screening of recipients, vaccination, and post-transplant surveillance and prophylaxis, the impact of infections may be reduced.

A green chemical analysis of iron (III) in water sample using a smart phone.

In this study, a smartphone was used as the photometer for determination of iron (III) by forming a complex with thiocyanate. After color formation at concentrations of, image capture with mobile phone, signal analysis of each sample was performed by the application and converted to the absorption number. The calibration curve was completely linear in the range of 10 to 80 mg L-1 used and the linear coefficient was better than 0.9833. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.1 and 0.3 mg L-1, respectively. Finally, this method was successfully used to measure iron in real samples.•A smartphone was used for the determination of iron (III), showcasing its potential in color compound analysis.•The method demonstrated superior performance in terms of calibration curve range and measurement speed compared to traditional atomic absorption devices.•The technique was successfully applied in the measurement of iron in real samples, indicating its practical applicability.

A cost-benefit analysis of mass prostate cancer screening.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) causes a substantial health and financial burden worldwide, underscoring the need for efficient mass screening approaches. This study attempts to evaluate the Net Cost-Benefit Index (NCBI) of PCa screening in Iran to offer insights for informed decision-making and resource allocation. METHOD: The Net Cost-Benefit Index (NCBI) was calculated for four age groups (40 years and above) using a decision-analysis model. Two screening strategies, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) solely and PSA with Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), were evaluated from the health system perspective. A retrospective assessment of 1402 prostate cancer (PCa) patients' profiles were conducted, and direct medical and non-medical costs were calculated based on the 2021 official tariff rates, patient records, and interviews. The monetary value of mass screening was determined through Willingness to Pay (WTP) assessments, which served as a measure for the benefit aspect. RESULT: The combined PSA and DRE strategy of screening is cost-effective, yields up to $3 saving in costs per case and emerges as the dominant strategy over PSA alone. Screening for men aged 70 and above does not meet economic justification, indicated by a negative Net Cost-Benefit Index (NCBI). The 40-49 age group exhibits the highest net benefit, $13.81 based on basic information and $13.54 based on comprehensive information. Sensitivity analysis strongly supports the cost-effectiveness of the combined screening approach. CONCLUSION: This study advocates prostate cancer screening with PSA and DRE, is economically justified for men aged 40-69. The results of the study recommend that policymakers prioritize resource allocation for PCa screening programs based on age and budget constraints. Men's willingness to pay, especially for the 40-49 age group which had the highest net benefit, leverages their financial participation in screening services. Additionally, screening services for other age groups, such as 50-54 or 55-59, can be provided either for free or at a reduced cost.

A subbands study on the resistivity of field-effect CNT-based piezoresistive nanocomposites.

In this paper, an analytical model based on the percolation theory has been developed to predict the subbands effect on the effective electrical resistivity of carbon nanotubes (CNT)-based polymer nanocomposites. The CNTs are considered as randomly distributed or aligned channel material in the polymer transmitting electrons through tunneling. The tunneling effect takes into account the electron transmission between each connected pair of CNTs to evaluate electrical resistivity. The modeling approach contains two steps of primary prediction of resistivity and further calculation of CNTs' displacements and subsequent change of the resistance. A good agreement is found between the analytical model predictions and experimental data when the tunneling behavior was considered in the percolation transition region. The effect of CNT diameter, orientation state, and subbands on the resistivity has been investigated. The results depict that subbands increment is a collateral benefit to the aspect ratio in decreasing the resistivity. The analytical results demonstrate that a random CNT dispersion leads to a decreased piezoresistivity, while an increased strain range depicts a more non-linear behavior.

Extraction and purification of oleuropein from olive leaves.

In this study, effect of some solvents (ethanol, acetonitrile and water) for the extraction of phenolic compounds was investigated. Solvent volume, temperature and duration of the extraction process have a positive correlation with the amounts of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. The amounts of phenolic compounds, especially oleuropein in the leaf extract is higher than the fruit extract, and the concentration of oleuropein content in leaves and fruits extract was 4900 and 1800 mg/L, respectively. The oleuropein extracted from olive leaves was purified with liquid-liquid extraction to above 98%, and its concentration in leaves was 9.8 w/w/% in dried leaves.

Updates on Overcoming Bicalutamide Resistance: A Glimpse into Resistance to a Novel Antiandrogen.

The standard androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer includes the use of bicalutamide, which is a well-known antagonist of androgen receptors. Despite numerous benefits of the drugs in prostate cancer treatment, there is always a risk of developing a resistant phenotype, which paves the way for a more aggressive and low-survival type of prostate cancer. Over the years, many studies have investigated the candidate mechanisms of such resistance and have managed to find possible therapeutic solutions. In this Review, we shed light on the heterogeneous dynamics of progression to resistance against bicalutamide treatment, referring to the most recent studies and the approaches that have been so far discussed. This Review tries to offer a deep and comprehensive understanding about how the resistant cells become sensitive to the drug and what corresponding pathways lead to an appropriate solution for the antiandrogen resistance challenge.

Semen parameter enhancement after varicocelectomy: Insights into varicose vein diameter and BMI influence: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the spermatic cord become enlarged and twisted. Varicocele is widely recognized as the leading cause of male infertility due to its significant impact on reproductive health in men. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the diameter of the varicose vein and the recovery rate of the spermogram after varicocelectomy. Also, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on sperm parameters after varicocelectomy. METHODS: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Valiasr Hospital's urology clinic in Qaemshahr, Iran from August 2018 to August 2019 and involved 27 men with unilateral left varicocele who met the inclusion criteria for surgical repair. Before the operation, we recorded demographic information, the maximum diameter of varicose veins in the pampiniform plexus, and spermogram results. We repeated semen analysis 3 months after the operation and analyzed the data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21 software. RESULTS: Our findings showed that the diameter of the varicose vein before varicocelectomy was not significantly associated with the improvement of main semen parameters after the operation. Furthermore, our study suggested that a lower body mass index might contribute to a greater improvement in sperm motility, as individuals with lower BMI showed more significant improvement. DISCUSSION: There is a significant inverse relationship between BMI and sperm motility improvement after surgery. Patients with a lower BMI showed greater improvement in sperm motility.

Effect of theophylline on stent-related symptoms in patients undergoing Double-J ureteral stent insertion: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of oral theophylline on stent-related syndrome (SRS) after Double-J insertion. BACKGROUND: Double-J stent is widely using in many urological procedures. Infection, hematuria, and discomfort are some of common complication after stenting. Theophylline is a dimethylated xanthine that inhibits phosphodiesterase and blocks adenosine receptors. To relaxing effect of theophylline on smooth muscles and its effects on the urinary system, it seems it could reduce complications after inserting Double-J stent especially ureteral stent syndrome. METHOD: In this double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 67 patients were enrolled. Mean (SD) age of control and theophylline group was 51.8 (12.5) and 43.9 (10.4) years old, respectively. Patients were randomized into two groups of control and theophylline. All patients were stenting with silicon Double J. Theophylline group received 100 mg of theophylline, twice daily for 30 days, while control group received placebo. Stent symptoms were assessed by questionnaire and urine culture was performed before stent removal at removal day. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-squared test and t test with P < 0.05 considered significant. Logistic regression models were fitted, crudely and adjusted for age and sex. RESULT: Of 67 eligible patients, 60 completed the study. Theophylline significantly decreased percentages of gross hematuria (P < 0.001), dysuria (P < 0.001), and urinary frequency (P < 0.001). Microscopic hematuria (P = 0.042) and chills (P = 0.042) also decreased after theophylline. CONCLUSION: Theophylline could be an effective and safe choice for reducing SRS among patients undergoing Double-J stent insertion.

A narrative review on adverse drug reactions of COVID-19 treatments on the kidney.

Studies showed that the respiratory is not the only system affected by coronavirus 2, while cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems, as well as essential organs such as the kidneys, can be affected by this virus. In this review, we have studied the epidemiology, clinical, and laboratory findings on COVID-19 infection renal involvement, mortality, physiopathology, remaining renal sequels after recovery, underlying renal disease, and renal injury due to its treatment. Also, protective measures for kidney injury are explained in three levels. Evidence of viral particles and genome in the urine and renal tubular cells and signs of damage such as microangiopathy, hypercoagulopathy, and fibrosis are found in COVID-19 patients. The result of this study showed, in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, that the rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) was up to 46%, with a mortality ranging from 11 to 96%. A considerable proportion of patients with AKI would remain on renal replacement therapy. Proteinuria and hematuria are observed in 87 and 75% patients, and increased Cr and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 are observed in 29.6 and 35.3% of the patients, respectively. Remedsivir is considered to have adverse effects on GFR. COVID-19 patients need special attention to prevent AKI. Those with underlying chronic kidney disease or AKI need proper and explicit evaluation and treatment to improve their prognosis and decrease mortality, which should not be limited to the hospitalization period.

Establishing research impact assessment in Iran: The first report from a non-high-income country.

Background: This study presents the first report on research impact assessment (RIA) in non-high-income countries, undertaken as a pilot initiative in 2021. Within it, we aimed to explore the feasibility of employing the 'payback' model for evaluating the impact of health research and enhancing the accountability of universities. We focussed on three key impact domains: 'production of decision support documents and knowledge-based products,' 'implementation of research results,' and 'health and economic impact.' Methods: We adopted a case study approach to assess the impact of 5334 health research projects conducted by researchers from 18 universities from 2018 to 2020. Researchers were required to submit evidence related to at least one of the specified impact domains; six scientific committees verified and scored claimed impacts at the national level. Results: Only 25% of the assessed projects achieved impact in at least one domain, with the production of decision support documents and knowledge products being the most reported impact. Notably, economic impact was verified in only three projects, indicating room for improvement in this area. Technology research exhibited the highest acceptance rate of claimed impact, suggesting a positive correlation between technology-focused projects and impactful outcomes. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of employing a case study approach and the 'payback' model to evaluate the impact of health research, even within the constraints of a moderately equipped research infrastructure. These findings underscore the potential of integrating RIA into the governance of health research in Iran and other non-high-income countries, as well as the importance of using RIA to assess the accountability of health research systems, guide the allocation of research funding, and advocate for the advancement of health research. The study sets a precedent for future assessments in similar contexts and contributes to the ongoing global dialogue on the societal impact of health research.

Shear Wave Elastography in Assessing Spongiofibrosis of Urethral Stricture: Is It Clinically Useful?

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To compare urethral stricture shear wave elastography (SWE) with normal areas and assess its association with other explanatory variables. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: we recruited all men with urethral stricture disease referred to our center between December 2021 and July 2023. Patients underwent SWE and elasticity in the stricture area, and one and three centimeters distant from the stricture were measured. Gathered data were analyzed using Freidman and post hoc analysis, correlation methods, student t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: 22 patients were recruited for our study. Spongiofibrosis was significantly higher in the stricture area relative to the one-centimeter-distant adjacent area (p < .0005), in the one-centimeter-distant compared to the three-centimeter-distant area (p = .002), and in the stricture area relative to the three-centimeter-distant area (p < .0005). There was no association between elasticity ratio and patient age or stricture location. Likewise, there was no difference in elasticity ratios between bulbar and pendulous strictures (p = 0.19) or among different etiologies of urethral strictures (p = 0.76). CONCLUSION: There is a significant difference in elasticity between the urethral stricture area and other parts of the corpus spongiosum. Normal areas closer to strictures are stiffer. The elasticity ratio is unrelated to patient age or prior internal urethromies. Neither stricture locations nor distinct urethral stricture etiologies differed in elasticity ratios.

The second-order coherence analysis of number state propagation through dispersive non-Hermitian multilayered structures.

To examine the second-order coherence of light propagation of quantum states in arbitrary directions through dispersive non-Hermitian optical media, we considered two sets of non-Hermitian periodic structures that consist of gain/loss unit cells. We show that each batch can satisfy the parity-time symmetry conditions at a distinct frequency. We then varied the gain/loss strength in the stable electromagnetic regime to evaluate the transmittance of N-photon number states through each structure. The results show both sets preserve their antibunching characteristics under specific incident light conditions. Furthermore, s(p)-polarized light exhibits higher (lower) second-order coherence at larger incident angles. In addition, the antibunching features of the transmitted states degrade with an increase in the number of unit cells in multilayered structures for both polarizations.

What factors influence couples' decisions to have children? Evidence from a systematic scoping review.

BACKGROUND: One of the most significant demographic challenges over the past three decades has been the substantial reduction in fertility rates, worldwidely. As a developing country, Iran has also experienced a rapid decline in fertility over the past decades. Understanding factors influencing fertility is essential for development programs. Moreover, it's crucial to study the parameters that affect the intention for childbearing in any society. Therefore, through a systematic scoping review, the present study investigates the factors influencing couples' decisions toward childbearing. METHODS: This study was a systematic scoping review conducted in 2023. To design and conduct this scoping review, Joanna Briggs Institute's Protocol (Institute TJB, The Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers ' manual 2015; methodology for JBI scoping reviews, 2015) was used and the framework presented by Levac et al. (2010) was also used as a guide for conducting this review. Studies were searched in three main databases including ISI Web of Sciences, PubMed, and Scopus, using a predefined search strategy. Google Scholar was also used for complementary search. The search period was from 2002 to 2022. RESULTS: A total of 18,454 studies were identified across three primary databases. After evaluating articles in three distinct phases based on title, abstract, and full-text, 46 articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in the scoping review. The qualitative analysis of the collected data from the selected studies through the scoping review led to classifying factors influencing households' desire for childbearing into eight main themes and 101 sub-themes. The main themes associated with factors impacting households' intention for childbearing encompass individual determinants, demographic and familial influencing factors, cultural elements, social factors, health-related aspects, economic considerations, insurance-related variables, and government support/incentive policies. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive and holistic attention from governments and officials toward the various factors affecting households' intention and behavior regarding childbearing appears beneficial and effective. Furthermore, given the relative ineffectiveness of some of the current government's supportive/incentive policies to increase couples' desire for childbearing, it seems necessary to review and amend these policies. This review should address the most significant challenges and factors contributing to couples' reluctance to childbearing or strengthen factors that can play a substantial role in fostering fertility and childbearing desires.

Optimization of Ziziphora clinopodioides L. essential oil nanoencapsulation in chitosan nanocomplex by response surface methodology.

Nano-encapsulation of essential oils, a specific area of interest, can help overcome challenges associated with their commercial use. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of chitosan, Ziziphora clinopodioides L. essential oil (ZcEO), and Sodium-Tri Polyphosphate (TPP), both individually and in interaction, on several properties of EO-loaded chitosan nanoparticles. These properties include particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), and encapsulation efficiency (EE) using a two-stage emulsion-ionic gelation approach. The optimization of the parameters was done by response surface methodology using Box-Behnken design. The chemical composition of ZcEO was analyzed as well. The primary compounds in ZcEO were found to be pulegone (29.24 %), 1,3-dimethyl-2-(2-methylpropylidene) imidazolidine (9.05 %), piperitenone (6.65 %), thymol (5.38 %), and carvacrol (5.27 %). The PS ranged from 117.33 to 4934.1 nm, the ZP varied from -1.1 to -30.83 mV, and the EE spanned from 31.74 to 87.04 %. The results showed that an increase in the initial EO content led to a decrease in PS and ZP, but an increase in EE. Moreover, increasing the TPP concentration resulted in an enhancement in PS, ZP, and EE, whereas increasing the Chs concentration led to a slight increase in PS, ZP, and EE. Furthermore, the results of this study proved the interaction effect of different parameters on the responses investigated. Under optimized conditions, the optimal concentrations of chitosan, ZcEO and TPP were attained at 6.768, 6.078, and 7.595 mg/mL respectively. This resulted in a PS of 117.331 nm, a ZP of -20.949 mV, and an EE of 75.385 %. In conclusion, the results suggest that adjusting the concentrations of Chs, EO, and TPP is an effective approach to controlling the properties of NPs and optimizing their performance.

Segmental artery angioembolization as an efficient treatment modality for delayed hematuria with normal angiography: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the most commonly used modality for the removal of kidney stones larger than 2 cm in size. Like other stone removal methods, percutaneous nephrolithotomy also has some complications, including bleeding and delayed hematuria. These complications are improved with conservative management and bed rest most of the time. However, it may require more invasive treatments. Angioembolization following an abnormal renal angiography is an efficient treatment modality for delayed hematuria. Furthermore, nephrectomy is suggested in uncontrolled cases of delayed hematuria when renal angiography is normal. CASE PRESENTATION: We described two cases of uncontrolled delayed hematuria after percutaneous nephrolithotomy and angioembolization were carried out rather than potential nephrectomies. The first case was a 61-year-old Iranian man with left kidney stones, for whom percutaneous nephrolithotomy was planned. The patient was referred to the hospital after discharge with massive hematuria and had normal angiographic findings. An angioembolization was suggested for the patient and was carried out. His hematuria was dramatically improved within 30 minutes, and his hemoglobin level started to increase 2 days later. The second case was a 53-year-old Iranian man with kidney stones who was a candidate for right kidney percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The patient was referred to the hospital 4 days after discharge with a decreased hemoglobin level and massive hematuria. The patient had normal angiographic findings and was planned for angioembolization to control his hemorrhage, which dramatically decreased after the angioembolization within 60 minutes. CONCLUSION: Embolization of the segmental arteries of the targeted calyx can eliminate hematuria of the patient and prevent further nephrectomy.

Comparison the Diameter of the Urethral Meatus Before and After Circumcision and Evaluation of Urethral Stenosis.

Objectives. This study focused on assessing the diameter of the meatus before and after circumcision to evaluate meatal stenosis. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, boys who met the inclusion criteria, their demographic parameters, and meatus diameter were recorded. Thirty days after circumcision, complications were evaluated meatus diameter was measured again and their information was analyzed by SPSS 26 software. Results. Four hundred boys were studied, and it was found that 41 cases (10.3%) developed meatal stenosis after circumcision, with 85% having a pre-circumcision meatus diameter of 4 mm or less. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation (P < .05) between smaller pre-circumcision meatus diameter and postoperative meatal stenosis. Conclusions. The study concludes that a smaller meatus diameter before circumcision significantly increases the risk of postoperative tightness. It suggests prophylactic measures like meatus dilatation or applying topical ointment for those at high risk (meatus diameter ≤ 4 mm) to prevent or mitigate postoperative meatal stenosis.

Comparative analysis of genes expression involved in type II toxin-antitoxin system in Staphylococcus aureus following persister cell formation.

BACKGROUND: The formation of persister cells is the main reason for persistent infections. They are associated with antibiotic treatment failure and subsequently chronic infection. The study aimed to assess the expression of type II toxin/antitoxin (TA) system genes in persister cells of Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of the following antibiotics vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin in exponential and stationary phases. METHODS AND RESULTS: The colony count was used to evaluate the effect of different types of antibiotics on S. aureus persister cell formation during exponential and stationary phases. Moreover, the expression level of TA systems and clpP genes in the persister population in exponential and stationary phases were measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results of the study showed the presence of persister phenotype of S. aureus strains in the attendance of bactericidal antibiotics in comparison to the control group during the exponential and stationary phases. Moreover, qRT-PCR resulted in the fact that the role of TA systems involved in the persister cell formation depends on the bacterial growth phase and the type of strain and antibiotic. CONCLUSIONS: In total, the present study provides some data on the persister cell formation and the possible role of TA system genes in this process.

Digital design of a spatial-pow-STDP learning block with high accuracy utilizing pow CORDIC for large-scale image classifier spatiotemporal SNN.

The paramount concern of highly accurate energy-efficient computing in machines with significant cognitive capabilities aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of bio-inspired Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs). This paper addresses this main objective by introducing a novel spatial power spike-timing-dependent plasticity (Spatial-Pow-STDP) learning rule as a digital block with high accuracy in a bio-inspired SNN model. Motivated by the demand for precise and accelerated computation that reduces high-cost resources in neural network applications, this paper presents a methodology based on COordinate Rotation DIgital Computer (CORDIC) definitions. The proposed designs of CORDIC algorithms for exponential (Exp CORDIC), natural logarithm (Ln CORDIC), and arbitrary power function (Pow CORDIC) are meticulously detailed and evaluated to ensure optimal acceleration and accuracy, which respectively show average errors near 10-9, 10-6, and 10-5 with 4, 4, and 6 iterations. The engineered architectures for the Exp, Ln, and Pow CORDIC implementations are illustrated and assessed, showcasing the efficiency achieved through high frequency, leading to the introduction of a Spatial-Pow-STDP learning block design based on Pow CORDIC that facilitates efficient and accurate hardware computation with 6.93 × 10-3 average error with 9 iterations. The proposed learning mechanism integrates this structure into a large-scale spatiotemporal SNN consisting of three layers with reduced hyper-parameters, enabling unsupervised training in an event-based paradigm using excitatory and inhibitory synapses. As a result, the application of the developed methodology and equations in the computational SNN model for image classification reveals superior accuracy and convergence speed compared to existing spiking networks by achieving up to 97.5%, 97.6%, 93.4%, and 93% accuracy, respectively, when trained on the MNIST, EMNIST digits, EMNIST letters, and CIFAR10 datasets with 6, 2, 2, and 6 training epochs.

Comparison of HVT-ND recombinant and convection-based Newcastle disease vaccination programs in the protection against the genotype VII NDV challenges: an experimental study.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) belongs to the Avulavirus genus and Paramyxoviridae family virus that causes acute, highly infectious Newcastle disease in poultry. The two proteins of haemagglutinin neuraminidase (HN) and fusion (F) are key virulence factors with an important role in its immunogenicity. Genotype VII NDV is still among the most serious viral hazards to the poultry industry worldwide. In this study, a commercial vector vaccine (HVT-NDV) was evaluated compared to the conventional vaccination strategy against Iranian genotype VII. This experiment showed that the group receiving the conventional vaccination strategy had higher antibodies, fewer clinical signs, and lower viral loads in tracheal swabs and feces. Also, two vaccine groups showed significant difference, which could have resulted from two extra vaccine doses in the conventional group. However, except for antibody levels in commercial chickens in the Iran new-generation vaccine, this difference was minor. Further, both groups showed 100% protection in the challenge study. Despite the phylogenetic gap between the NDV-F gene placed in the vector vaccine and the challenge virus (genotypes I and VII, respectively), the rHVT-NDV vaccine offered strong clinical protection and decreased challenge virus shedding considerably.

The 15-year national trends of urinary cancers incidence among Iranian men and women; 2005-2020.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract cancers including bladder, kidney, ureter, and pelvis are a common malignancy worldwide with high mortality ratio. Aimed to investigate the prevalence of these cancers, we conducted this study. METHODS: In this study, all the information related to ICD10 codes, gender, age and province of residence of individuals were obtained from the data of Iran's cancer registry by the Ministry of Health, Medicine and Medical Education and demographic evidence for each sub-country from the reports of Statistics Center of Iran (SCI). Also, the data of two Iranian national survey studies CASPIAN-III, IV, and V (information related to the care and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in childhood and adolescence) and STEPs (including information on NCD in adults over 18 years old) were used. The data was analyzed using Poisson regression with mixed effects to estimate the incidence of cancers. RESULTS: Bladder and kidney neoplasm are the most common cancers of the urinary system in Iran. The prevalence of bladder cancer has increased from 5.82 to 11.50 per 100,000 individuals. The increasing trend is growing faster in men compared with women. The incidence of kidney neoplasm has increased over the years (2.03 in 2005 vs. 7.02 in 2020 per 100,000). Having a higher incidence ratio compared with bladder cancer, kidney cancer is responsible for 35.06% of all urinary cancers in 2020 compared with 23.71% in 2005. Both neoplasms of the ureter and renal pelvis were recorded rarely and with lower incidence in both sexes during this period. CONCLUSION: Considering the increasing trend in the incidence of urinary neoplasms in Iran during these years, the advantage of focusing on the risk of urinary cancers is highlighted. Therefore, investigating the prevalence and incidence of urinary cancers to plan and manage these cancers will result in prevention and reduction of the disease burden on the Iranian society. Future studies in this field can help in the prevention and well-timed diagnosis of these cancers.