Purpose: This study proposes the best clustering method(s) for different distance measures under two different conditions using the cophenetic correlation coefficient. Methods:In the first one, the data has multivariate standard normal distribution without outliers for n = 10, 50, 100 and the second one is with outliers (5%) for n = 10, 50, 100. The proposed method is applied to simulated multivariate normal data via MATLAB software. Results: According the results of simulation the Average (especially for n = 10) and Centroid (especially for n = 50 and n = 100) methods are recommended at both conditions. Conclusions: This study hopes to contribute to literature for making better decisions on selection of appropriate cluster methods by using subgroup sizes, variable numbers, subgroup means and variances.

This ANN model, which is based on age, duration of infertility, serum hormone levels and testicular volumes, has clinically acceptable sensitivity. It may be of value for predicting spermatozoa in men with nonobstructive azoospermia.

In our study, using vacuum-operated tubes, we demonstrated that sevoflurane and propofol had a significant inhibitory effect on intraoperative and early postoperative platelet aggregation, whereas isoflurane had no effect. Therefore, isoflurane may be preferred as a general anesthetic in patients with a clinically relevant bleeding tendency.

PurposeTo evaluate surgical intervention with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for correction of optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M).Patients and methodsRetrospective chart review from 13 centres of 51 eyes of 50 patients with ODP-M who underwent PPV between 2002-2014. Anatomic and final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) outcomes were evaluated for all cases with different adjuvant techniques.ResultsThere were 23 males and 27 females with median age 25.5 (6-68) years. Preoperative median foveal thickness was 694.5 (331-1384) μm and improved to 252.5 (153-1405) μm. Median BCVA improved from 20/200 (20/20000 to 20/40) to 20/40 (20/2000 to 20/20) with 20/40 or better in 31 eyes. Complete retinal reattachment was achieved in 44 eyes (86.3%) at 7.1 (5.9) months. The good surgical outcomes were achieved in different adjuvant groups. Median follow-up was 24 (6 to 120) months.ConclusionsThese results confirm the long-term effectiveness of PPV for ODP-M. Prospective studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of any adjuvant technique in improving the success of PPV for ODP-M.