Background: Hepatitis E is among the most important health challenges in many countries. This study aimed at investigating the sero-prevalence of hepatitis E among blood donors in Birjand county, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was performed in 2013 -2014 on 340 blood donors who referred to blood donation centers in Birjand county, Iran, for blood donation. The participants were recruited through simple random sampling. A researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection which included items such as demographic characteristics, past medical history, history of blood transfusion, and the source of drinking water. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by an infectious disease specialist and a statistician. A five-milliliter blood sample was obtained from each donor and serological assessment was performed for detecting hepatitis E virus antibody by using the ELISA method. The data were analyzed through running logistic regression analysis using the SPSS software (version 15.0). Results: From 340 participants, 319 cases (93.8%) were male, 256 cases (75.3%) held university degrees, 13 cases (3.8%) had a history of blood transfusion, and 50 cases (14.7%) were anti-hepatitis E positive. The result of serologic test was significantly correlated with the participants' educational status, place of residence, and source of drinking water (P < 0.05). However, the correlation of the test result with the participants' gender, age, employment, and history of blood transfusion was not statistically significant. Conclusions:The prevalence of hepatitis E in the present study was higher than previous studies, denoting the higher prevalence of hepatitis E in the area. Moreover, the prevalence of hepatitis E is lower among blood donors who have higher educational status, live in urban areas, and use piped water.

Background: In pediatric sonography, mesenteric vessel abnormalities can be used as a sign of malrotation or volvulus. This study was aimed at evaluating the diseases associated with mesenteric vessel abnormalities in children, except for rotational anomalies. Methods: From 2017 to 2020, pediatric patients with abdominal complaints were referred for a full abdominal sonogram and were evaluated for mesenteric vascular abnormalities. During this period, 62 children (aged <12 years), with mesenteric vessel abnormalities, were discovered with sonography. They were also examined for associated anomalies and were followed until a final diagnosis was determined. Results: Mesenteric vessel displacement was reported in 37 patients (60%); in 24 cases, the vein was located to the left of superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and in others (13 cases), in the anterior position. Abnormal pathways in mesenteric vessels were reported in 33 patients (53%); 18 cases showing a right side turn and 15 cases showing a left side turn. The whirlpool sign was seen in 16 patients (27%). These three patterns of vessel abnormality were associated with disorders such as diaphragmatic hernia, bowel obstruction, and space occupying lesions (masses). The location of the mesenteric abnormality was in the proximal part of mesenteric vessels in 45 cases (72.5%) and in its distal part in 17 cases (27.5%). Malrotation (eight cases), obstruction, and volvulus were the most common causes of a distal abnormality. Conclusions: Mesenteric vessel abnormalities, noted with sonography, may not be exclusive to the diagnosis of malrotation and midgut volvulus. In this cohort, bowel obstruction, diaphragmatic hernia, and space occupying lesions were the other most common anomalies associated with mesenteric vessel abnormalities. In reviewing one-third of mesenteric vessels, abnormalities were only seen in the distal part of vessels; therefore, a thorough examination is warranted.