a. bahrami

Dietary patterns may play a role in development of lung cancer; however, study in the Middle Eastern is limited. This study aimed to investigate associations between dietary patterns and lung cancer risks in the region, addressing this study gap.

A hospital-based case-control study was carried out in two prominent general hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The study included 135 verified lung cancer cases identified through pathological and computed tomography scans and 237 control subjects free from non-neoplastic conditions and chronic diet-linked diseases. Dietary data were collected using 147-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between dietary patterns and lung cancer risks.

Two distinct dietary patterns, classified as unhealthy and healthy, emerged from the analysis. After adjusting for confounders, unhealthy dietary pattern was significantly associated with increased risks of lung cancer (OR = 3.95, 95% CI = 2.06–7.85). In contrast, a higher adherence to the healthy dietary patterns was negatively associated to lung cancer risks (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.14–0.45).

This study highlights detrimental effects of an unhealthy dietary pattern on lung cancer risks, while emphasizing protective effects of a healthy dietary pattern. These findings underscore importance of dietary interventions in lung-cancer prevention strategies.

This study was intended to investigate the synergistic effect of zirconium element on the active filler metal, using a multi-component filler alloy. The bonding of alumina to copper was investigated using active filler metals, namely Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn and Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%5.1Zr, using the induction brazing method. Alumina/copper joining was done with active filler metals of Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn and Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%5.1Zr at temperatures of 840 and 880 °C, respectively, for 15 min under vacuum of 10-6 millibar. The microstructure of the joints were assessed using optical and scanning electron microscopes, equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy and the mechanical properties of the joints were evaluated using the shear strength and the Vickers microhardness tests. Two phases of TiO and Cu3Ti3O were detected in the reaction layer area in alumina-copper joint with Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn filler metal. Ag-Cu eutectic compounds were also found in the brazing zone. In alumina-copper joint with Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%5.1Zr filler metal, two phases of TiO and ZrO2 were observed in the reaction layer area, and two phases rich in copper and silver were observed in the brazing zone. The shear strength, obtained in brazing joint with Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%5.1Zr filler, was 33% higher than that of in the brazing joint with Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn filler. The microhardness in the region of the reaction layer of the joint with filler metal containing 5.1 wt.% of zirconium and that without zirconium was measured as 248 and 146 Vickers, respectively.

Considering the consumption of more than 25% of energy by raw mill materials in cement plants, providing a suitable plan for blending different mining zones can be an effective approach in reducing the energy consumption. The purpose of this paper is optimizing the plan of blending limestone mining zones to reduce milling energy consumption raw mills (ball mill and HPGR). The geomechanical properties of different mine zones have been identified by performing the bond work index, drop weight, and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests. Also, to comply with cement production standards, cementing modules including S.I.M, A.L.M, and L.S.F have been calculated for different mine zones. Mining production planning with the aim of achieving the minimum comminution energy and transportation costs has been developed by the Goal programming method. Planning constraint equations are also considered to regulate cement modules. Finally, utilizing windows Quantitative System for Business software, the necessary calculations have been carried out. Based on the results, the extraction order and blending values of different mine zones are adjusted regarding cement modules and minimizing transportation costs, leading to a reduction in energy consumption of raw mills.

The dissimilar joint of alumina to copper with active filler metals Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn and Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%3.5Zr were done using the induction brazing process at temperatures of 840 and 860 ℃ for 15 minutes. The microstructures of joints were evaluated using optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Vickers hardness test and shear tensile strength test were used to evaluate the mechanical properties. The results of the microstructural studies showed that the Al2O3/Cu joints using Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn and Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%3.5Zr fillers contain a reaction layer at the interface between alumina and the filler metal. At the area of the reaction layer with Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn filler metal, two TiO and Cu3Ti3O phases were observed, and also at the reaction layer with Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%3.5Zr filler metal, two TiO and ZrO2 phases were observed. The results of the shear strength test showed that due to the greater thickness of the filler metal and the lower thickness of the reaction layer, the joint with the filler metal Ag-Cu-Ti-Sn-%3.5Zr (14 MPa) has a higher shear strength as compared with the joint with filler metal Ag-Cu-Ti- Sn (9 MPa).

The reprocessing tailings of iron ore processing plants is important from economic (as a secondary source of iron) and environmental points of view. The aim of the present study is to determine the appropriate method for recovery iron from the tailings of Balestan iron ore processing plant (located in the northwest of Iran). For this purpose, after taking samples from the tail piles of this plant, a representative sample was selected, and chemical, mineralogical, size distribution, and bond’s work index analyses were performed on it. The total iron grade in the tailings was measured to be about 10%, of which 8.5% was identified as magnetite mineral (with a degree of liberation less than 40%). The d80 value of the sample was 7 mm, and the bond index was measured as 11.84 (kWh/ton). To determine the appropriate method for iron recovery, pre-processing with magnetic drum, grinding, and Davis tube tests were performed. With the magnetic pre-processing of tailings with a particle size of 0-10 mm, under a field of 2000 G and in a dry method, about 80% of the load entering the drum with a total iron grade of 5% was transferred to the tailings. 20% of the input load with an iron grade of approximately 24% was recovered to the concentrate. In order to remove the gangue minerals and enrich the pre-processed concentrate, stepwise grinding and separation had the best results. Comminution was done in two stages to produce products with smaller dimensions of 250 and 45 microns, respectively. Magnetic separation was also done in three stages with 3000 G, and two stages of separation with 1000 G, which finally resulted in a concentrate with a total iron grade of more than 66% and iron recovery of 44.88%.

In the petrochemical industry and in the cracking process, during the reactions that lead to the production of such products as ethylene and propylene, unfavorable reactions are also formed, which cause the formation of coke in the furnace coils. Appropriate coating of the steel can increase the resistance to hot corrosion and high temperature oxidation, largely prevent coke deposition and result in longer life of the reactors. In this research, in order to increase the anti-coking ratio and improve the resistance to oxidation and carburization of HP-micro alloyed steel, aluminide diffusion coatings were investigated. First, the chemical composition of the substrate was determined by optical spectroscopy and, then, the aluminizing process was employed to create a diffusion coating. The coating operation was carried out at 1000 degrees C and a holding time of 5 hours. The results of the X-ray diffraction test on the aluminized sample indicated the presence of NiAl phase on the surface. In order to evaluate the resistance to coke deposition, the coking test was performed to determine the anti-coking ratio. The results showed that the aluminized specimens significantly prevented the formation of filamentary coke due to the presence of the protective oxide layer, while in the untreated steel, the initial filaments formed by the reaction of hydrocarbon and the active elements of the substrate in large amounts over the surface.

Prevention of infection and bioactivity of implantable parts in the body is one of the most important issues investigated in medical research in recent years. In this regard, researchers have conducted many studies in order to increase the bioactivity of implantable parts in the body. Increasing the bioactivity of these parts has been done in different ways, while coating the surface of the parts is considered as one of the best methods in this field. In this research, simultaneous coating of iron oxide nanoparticles (magnetite) along with 45S5 bioactive glass on AISI 316 stainless steel substrate was deposited by electrophoretic method to increase the bioactivity and the possibility of hyperthermic applications. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of both iron oxide nanoparticles and bioactive glass. Electron microscope was employed to study the coating surface. Conducting surface investigations by surface roughness and wetting angle measurements, it was shown that the roughness of the coated surface was 49.2±1 µm and the wetting angle of this coating was obtained to be 49°. The results declared that this coating had a surface with medium roughness and hydrophilic properties, which was of great importance for bioactivity performance. Investigating the magnetic properties of the coating, magnetometric evaluation was performed on the synthesized samples. The saturation magnetization and the Hc parameter values of the coating were obtained to be 20.2 emu/g and 89 Gauss, respectively.

Acoustic waves, like electromagnetic waves, can be converged at a focal point, which can be achieved with the help of negative refraction of waves and structures with gradient refractive indices. In this study, with the help of a fluid-fluid phononic crystal of methyl nonafluorobutyl ether (MNE) scatterers in an ethanol matrix, a gradient index structure at its homogenization frequency (i.e..l³a) designed and simulated. Gradual changes in structure with gradual changes in the radius of cylinders (or changes in filling factor), a hyperbolic secant profile for the refractive index is obtained to force the waves to follow curved paths in the structure. In most phononic crystal lenses, the focal point is fixed after it is made. Due to the temperature sensitivity of ethanol and methyl nonafluorobutyl ether, in this paper, an attempt is made to shift the focal point with the help of temperature effect, and two temperatures of 10 °C and 40 °C were investigated. The focal point from 199 mm at a temperature of 25 °C reaches 184 mm at a temperature of 40 °C, while at a temperature of 10 °C the focal point is almost unchanged. The finite element method has been used to calculate the band structure of the unit cell and also to investigate the wave propagation inside the two-dimensional gradient refractive index structure.

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are characterized by tissue destruction or organ dysfunction by the body’s own immune system. The anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) test is a helpful test for diagnosing and classifying ANA-associated rheumatic diseases (AARDs). This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and profile of autoantibodies among patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and Sjogren's syndrome (SS).

This cross-sectional study was performed on patients who referred to the Rheumatology Clinic of Birjand University of Medical Sciences. Demographic data and information about risk factors were collected by a questionnaire. In confirmed cases, the presence of autoantibodies was detected by Fluorescent method (FANA). In all positive patients, ANA profiles were identified.

Totally, 138 patients were included in this study. Prevalence of the three main diseases including SLE, RA, and SS was 45.5%, 39.0%, and 15.4%, respectively and being overweight was the most common risk factor. The rate of positive FANA test was 71.4%, 43.8%, and 78.9% in SLE, RA, and SS, respectively. In the case of autoantibodies, Ro-52 autoantibody had the highest prevalence. The most common co-incidence of autoantibodies was for DFS70 with PM-Scl100.

The results of this study showed that the mean titers of ANAs were higher in SS patients. The Ro-52 autoantibody was the most commonly detected autoantibody. There was no specific profile of autoantibodies for none of the studied diseases. Further studies are needed to evaluate the correlation between the presence of particular autoantibodies with the prognosis of the patients.

In any geophysical exploration, the final goal is to achieve an accurate image of the relevant underground property. In order to achieve this, the geophysical operation using the electrical resistivity and induced polarization (IP) methods is conducted to explore the sub-surface sulfide mineralization. Considering the mineralization evidence in the Kaboudan area near the Bardeskan city, first, geophysical surveying of the polymetallic deposit is carried out using the electrical resistivity and IP methods by employing the rectangle array in order to detect the electrical anomalies in the area. Then for delineation of the identified anomalies and investigation of the mineralization in the area, the 2D resistivity and chargeability cross-sections are prepared and interpreted with the help of the geological information. This geophysical survey in the area has led to the identification of several potential areas for mineralization. Then in order to obtain a detailed picture of the sub-surface mineralization and an overview of the in-depth mineralization distribution, a 3D modeling of the acquired data is made, and the results of this modeling are shown in 3D forms. The mineralization zones are identified in the studied area from their high chargeability values as well as the low to medium electrical resistivity amounts. This can be attributed to the metal mineralization and the presence of sulfide minerals in the mineralization zones. Mineralization in many places of the studied area is determined with an approximate east-west trend as well as somewhat varying the intensities of the electrical resistivity and chargeability amounts. The geological and drilling information obtained from the area confirm the interpretations.

In this paper, a phoxonic crystal structure is designed that shows a complete phononic and photonic ban gap and is capable to guide the optical waves with transverse magnetic polarization and acoustic waves. The materials used in the structure are nylon and molybdenum, which have suitable refractive index and elastic constant. Also, it is worth of noting that the filling factor is 28% for the proposed structure, which causes easy fabrication. The proposed structure is a phoxonic filter that represents only a given frequency or wavelength in the output. This is performed by passing through ring resonators, having the minimal frequency width or wavelength. Given that it is difficult to match light and sound in phoxonic structures, the structure has advantages including better sound and light coupling between input and output, frequency and wavelength sharpness, and low frequency width or wavelength, compared to phononic or photonic ring resonator-based filters, due to the triangular ring and also causes the improvement of output results and increased output quality. Methods of finite element, plane wave expansion, and finite difference time domain are used for simulation.

Particle size distribution is an important parameter in flotation process, which affects the floatability and therefore the flotation kinetics. This study aims to investigate the effects of particle size distribution on flotation kinetics of bituminous coal. For this purpose, a series of batch flotation experiments were conducted in rougher stage, and concentrates were collected in different time periods. Then particle size distribution for each concentrate was determined. Five flotation kinetic models were applied for the modeling of data obtained from the flotation tests using MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory) software. The relationship between flotation rate constant, maximum combustible recovery and particle size were studied. The results show that the maximum flotation combustible recovery and flotation rate are obtained with an intermediate particle size (-250 +106 μm). Results of flotation tests fitted well to all five kinetic models. It is found that the first - order model with rectangular distribution of floatability, provides the best fit to the experimental data obtained from the flotation processes among the tested models.

Research on DNA is particularly important in the diagnosis, control, and treatment of many diseases, including cancer. Today, the use of digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for different DNA tests has attracted much researchers’ attention. A large number of micron-sized droplets are required to perform ddPCR. In the present study, a ddPCR system was designed, fabricated, and evaluated using a microfluidic chip. The system comprises a microfluidic chip for droplet generation and a thermal cycling device needed for PCR. The droplet generation in the microchip was simulated in 3D. The simulation results were validated. The average error is about 5% in the radius of the droplets. The constructed thermal cycling device controls the chip temperature with a precision of ±1.5°C. The in-chip PCR process was successfully performed by applying 25 heat cycles. The fluorescent property was observed in most droplets that prove the thermal cycling device can provide the conditions for DNA proliferation in the laboratory. The images were processed, and different levels of fluorescent light were identified in the droplets. The coefficient of variation of the selected droplets is 2.5%, which gives a good accuracy compared to the acceptable amount for these types of systems (less than 8%). The results obtained from this fully native device can be used in many fields, including cancer detection, examination of malignant tissue, and evaluation of the success in tissue surgery.

Use of kits with high sensitivity and specificity to determine the prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis B virus (anti-HBc) core antigen is important. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus antibody in HBsAg negative blood donors using two anti-HBc enzyme immunoassay kits (DIA.PRO and SIEMENS). 

In this Cross-sectional study, a number of 4313 samples of HBsAg negative blood donors were collected. All samples were tested for the detection of anti-HBc (Total, IgM & IgG) by ELISA using Diapro and Siemens kits. Anti-HBc assay was performed by both kits in duplicate. Statistical analysis of data was performed using SPSS Ver. 22.0; chi-square tests were also performed. 

The study population consisted of 227 (5.3%) women and 4086 (94.7%) men. 498 (11.5%) and 384 (8.9%) samples reacted with Diapro and Siemens kits for Anti-HBc, respectively. All positive samples of both kits in duplicate test showed the same results as the previously reported results. 114 cases of reactive kits of DIA.PRO kit were negative in re-testing with SIEMENS kit. Significant differences were observed between the reactive results of the two kits (p = 0.00005).  The kappa coefficient for the reactive results of the two kits was 85%. 

Conclusions:

 Considering the significant difference between the results of the two kits, it is recommended to perform anti-HBc testing with anti-HBs and /or anti-HBe to determine the prevalence of anti-HBc in blood donors with past HBV infection.

Kinetic models are the most important instruments for predicting and evaluating the performance of flotation circuits. To determine the kinetic order and rate of flotation of a gilsonite sample, flotation experiments were carried out in both rougher and cleaner stages. Experiments conducted using the combinations of petroleum-MIBC, gas oil-pine oil, and one test without any collector and frother. Five first order kinetic models were applied to the data obtained from the flotation tests by using the Matrix Laboratory software. Statistical analysis showed that the classic first order model perfectly matched the rougher and cleaner results performed using petroleum-MIBC combination. The kinetic constants (k) were calculated as 0.04 (s-1) and 0.01 (s-1) for the rougher and cleaner, respectively. Rougher and cleaner tests without collector and frother also matched with the modified gas/solid adsorption and rectangular models with the k values of 0.05 (s-1), and 0.01 (s-1), respectively. The relationship between flotation rate constant, maximum combustible recovery and particle size were also studied. The results showed that the maximum flotation combustible recovery and flotation rate were obtained with an intermediate particle size both in the rougher and cleaner flotation processes. The combustible recovery and flotation rate in the rougher flotation process were higher than that in the cleaner flotation process.

The dynamic response of shape memory alloy (SMA) systems and structures often exhibits a complex behavior due to their intrinsic nonlinear characteristics. The key characteristics of SMAs stem from adaptive dissipation associated with the hysteretic loop and huge changes in mechanical properties caused by the martensitic phase transformation. These exceptional properties have attracted attention of many researchers in various engineering fields from biomedicine to aerospace. One of the possible responses that may happen in SMA structures is the chaotic response, which can lead to a massive change in the system behavior. Moreover, such a system is highly sensitive to initial conditions. Therefore, its analysis is essential for a proper design of SMA structures. The present article discusses nonlinear dynamics and chaotic behavior in a one-degree-of-freedom (1DoF) oscillator connected to SMA at constant working temperature and pseudo elastic region. Equation of motion is formulated, using the Brinson constitutive model. Combination of structural equations of SMA and dynamical and kinematic relations, as well as forth-order Runge-Kutta scheme are employed to solve the equation governing the oscillator motion. Free and forced vibrations under the influence of harmonic stimulation force and in a wide range of excitation frequencies are presented in the form of various numerical examples. Different tools for detecting chaos, including, phase plane, time response, frequency response, Lyapunov exponent, and Poincare map are used to determine the type of motion. Numerical simulations demonstrate a wide range of periodic, quasi periodic, and chaotic responses for certain values of excitation frequencies, which is a reason for the proper understanding of the behavior of these systems.

Systematic investigation of vertebrate bearing horizons of Pabdeh Formation in Kuhrang area (Pole-Naal-Eshkanan, Kuhanak, Omid-Abad and Qanbar-Sini) leading to indentification of 8 families of Teleostis which includes: Fistularidae, Photichthyidae, Gempylidae, Myctophidae, Sternoptychidae, Gonostomatide, Clupeidae and Acanthuridae. Future to the fishes assemblages within the studied fauna 3 species of shrimp fossils were discriminated (Eopabdehus babaheydariensis, Eogordonella iranianiensis, Parsacus eocenicus). Based on the collected benthic and planctonic forminifers from the acid washing residues the Middle Eocene age can be assigned to the studied intervals.

In this study, Trastuzumab was labeled with 177Lu, and its dosimetric calculation was performed considering the assessment of the absorbed dose in the organs of human body. 177Lu chloride was prepared after 7 days irradiation of enriched Lu2O3 in the Tehran Research Reactor at the thermal neutron flux of 4×1013 cm-2 s-1, and the specific activity of 70-80 GBq/mg. 177Lu-DOTA-Trastuzumab was obtained with an overall radiochemical purity of >98% under the optimized conditions. Biodistribution studies of the radioimmunoconjugate in normal rats were carried up to 168 h. Relative organ mass extrapolation method was used for calculation of the human absorbed dose. Because of the highest accumulation activity in reticuloendothelial system, liver and spleen have received the maximum dose of 0.95 and 0.89 mSv/MBq, respectively.

Political elites in the authoritarian and semi-authoritarian countries that have power tools often fully and continuously can play a main role in the course of political development and undevelopment in these groups of countries. In this regard, the study of the quality of playing of this role in contemporary history of Iran, especially after Mordad, 28, 1332 (August, 18, 1953) coup that was associated with an increase of power of the monarchy (Shah) until Islamic revolution is very important in order to help us recognize some effective factors in the process of progress or little progress in political development in Iran. The question of this article is that what role political elites play in political development of Iran in the years between 1332 and 1357 (1953 and 1979). The answer to this question in this article is that the political elites of Iran in the mentioned era played a preventive role in the course of political development through some actions such as creating pyramidal and hierarchical power, abusing power and corruption, preventing holding free elections and doing electoral fraud, suppressing press freedom and independence and also suppressing of political independent parties and groups.

Pre-hospital emergency medical services, a subsystem of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), provides early care to critically ill and injured patients in the field. Time is an important factor in pre-hospital care and the length of time it takes to reach care, has a significant impact on patient outcome. This study aims to calculate the response time in EMS stations of Yazd, Iran. During 2008-2009, 11961 run report forms from all 7 EMS stations in Yazd that had been submitted to central station were surveyed. By using Excell statistical software and descriptive statistics (percent, cumulative distribution and standard deviation), we calculated fractile response times for Yazd EMS. 81.15 percent of response times were within 8 minutes as a referenced standard for EMS. The majority of call services in Yazd EMS have been responded in a suitable time interval comparing with reference standards and country's approved EMS response time goal, but there are still rooms for improvement.

Cardiovascular diseases are noncontiguous diseases which are caused by various factors. One of the most important of these factors is an unhealthy lifestyle. In Iran this disease has been one of the problems of this late decade and in other words, in comparison with the 10 main causes of death in 2009, it has been the most prevalent death factor in Kashan. The main purpose of this research, considering this problem, was investigating the encountering rate of cardiovascular risk factors in Kashan.

This descriptive study was based on 336 clients who were selected through cluster sampling in health-care clinics in Kashan. The data was gathered through filling out questionnaires. These questionnaires consisted of five separate parts on information about: demographic, disease background, nutrition, smoking and physical activity. The research data was analyzed using Chi-square test.

BMI mean among the samples was 25.69. The common and main risk factor among these people include: consuming fried food (%97.9), low consumption of fish (%90.8), low consumption of grain (%79.8), low consumption of egg (%75.3), high consumption of meat (%69./3), high consumption of sweet or candy (%67.9), eating fatty food (%66.7) and with little physical activity (%66.4). There are significant relationships between life style and gender (P=0.016) and education (P=0.019), also physical activity and job (P=0.013).

According to the obtained results in this study, the client’s life styles were not in an appropriate condition. So there is a need to pay more attention to inform people to reduce the amount of fried food, meat, fatty food and sweet and increase the balanced amounts of fish, grain and cereal, egg, fruit, vegetable in their diets. It is also recommended that they should increase body activities and decrease smoking.

One of the most important factors in designing spillways is to consider sufficient discharge capacity. Possible creation of negative pressure over spillway during high flood conditions can be a potential for occurrence of cavitation damage. Flow aeration might be one of the best ways to prevent this phenomenon. Realizing the air detrainment process along the chutes is a key problem in designing aerators. Although experiments on hydraulic models have their own advantages, but these methods are expensive and time consuming. In this study the CFD code FLOW-3D® has been used to determine the spillway flow air concentration in case of aeration by means of deflectors. Comparison of obtained results with the Kramer's experimental results shows good agreement. It has been realized that the flow bottom air concentration downstream of deflectors reduces exponentially.

I-123 is a well known radioisotope used for thyroid and its metastases studies. Nowadays this radioisotope produces from Proton bombardment of enriched Xenon 124 by Cyclotron. In this article formulation and quality of the Na 123I has been mentioned. After bombardment, the target was rinsed by distillated water and a clear and colorless acidic solution containing Iodin-123 was obtained. In order to adjust the pH value on 7 and for preparation of Na 123I, a buffer was added to the solution. The results of the quality control were according to the U.S pharmacopoeia, as well as, the high radionuclide purity of 99.99% and radiochemical purity 98%. The solution was added to the capsules that had already filled by the inert powder. Each capsule contained 200 µCi of Na123I, and was sent to be used in hospital.

Vitamin D requirements are met by its synthesis in the skin as a result of exposure to UVB (ultra violet B) and also by food. Despite abundant UVB in sunny countries, there is evidence of high prevalence of Vitamin D (vit D) deficiency in these areas.

5 cities with different longitudes and latitudes were chosen. Patients were selected by random cluster sampling. Blood samples obtained from healthy subjects. After centrifuging the sera collected sent to the EMRC (Endocrinology & Metabolism Research Centre) laboratory for measurment of 25(OH) vitamin D [25(OH)D] and PTH levels. Based on the level of 25(OH), the subjects were classified into 7 groups. Different levels of Vit D deficiency were determined as normal, mild, moderate and severe Vit D deficiency.

5329 people were evaluated for 25(OH)D and three threshold levels for women (40, 25 and 12 nmol/L) and two for men (35 and 25 nmol/L) were determined. Mild Vit D deficiency was observed in 27.2% of women and 37.25% of men. Severe or moderate Vit D deficiency was noticed in 47.85% of women and 34.75 % of men.

The results of this study are compatible with those of other studies in the Middle East. Prevalence of Vit D deficiency in these areas needs justification. Plans for fortification of articles of food with Vit D are recommended.