S Shojaee , H Keshavarz , M Rezaian , M Mohebali , N Mohajeri , Z Garossi ,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite infecting humans and warm-blooded animals. Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy could cause neurologic disorders in the fetus. In immunocompromised hosts, the infection can be reactivated with life-threatening consequences. Detection of the parasite or its components would constitute a better definition of acute infection.
Material and Methods: To detect T. gondii antigen and DNA, twenty serum samples in the acute phase of infection were tested. Polyclonal antibodies were isolated from immunized rabbits and SDS-page and immunoblotting were performed. Also, PCR was done with amplification of the B1 gene with two primers.
Results: In one patient T. gondii antigen band with a molecular weight of 30 kDa was detected. Parasitemia was detected in the same patient and the 570 bp amplified DNA fragment was isolated. Others had negative results in both immunoblotting and PCR. The patient with positive results had been infected accidentally with a rather virulent C56 strain in the laboratory.
Conclusion: The results indicate that antigen and DNA of T. gondii can be detected during the short acute phase of infection.
R Jamshidi Orak , K Mohammad , E Pasha , W Sun , K Nori Jalyani , M Rasolinejad , O Mirzade ,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Health surveillance systems are now paying more attention to infectious diseases, largely because of emerging and re-emerging infections. The main objective of this research is presenting a statistical method for modeling infectious disease incidence based on the Bayesian approach.
Material and Methods: Since infectious diseases have two phases, namely epidemic and non-epidemic, joint distributions seem preferable for modeling disease incidence. We used a hidden Markov model - suitable for joint distributions- to arrive at a statistical model applicable to infectious diseases. Parameter estimation was done using a Bayesian method. The resulting model was then applied to monthly incidence rates for malaria to test the model's applicability to real data.
Results: The error sum of squares of the model fitted to monthly incidence rates for malaria was 190.59 and the coefficient of determination between observed and fitted values was 0.84. It appears that the hidden Markov model with a cyclic regression equation has a proper goodness of fit when applied to malaria incidence rates.
Conclusion: The hidden Markov model is an efficient statistical tool for modeling infectious disease incidence rates.
M Karimlou , K Mohammad , K Azam , M.a Noorbala ,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The present article attempts to define the current trend for age at first marriage, based on the nationwide Health Survey of 1999 and using the Brass model.
Material and Methods: The national Health survey was conducted in 1999 and involved 1/1000 of the total population, selected via cluster sampling (clusters of 8 households each).
The sample used for the present study consisted of 16000 women aged 15-49, including 3026 women in Tehran province. Variables used for analysis were current age, marital status, age at first marriage and residential area (urban/rural). The mean age at first marriage for married women was 17.8 years (sd=3.7) for the whole country, and 18.2 years (sd=3.7) for Tehran province.
Results: The Brass model fitted to the data revealed a significant decreasing trend for the proportion of married women in all age groups, especially in the 15-19 year-old category.
Conclusion: This obviously indicates an upward trend for age at first marriage.
Sh Asghari , H Malekafzali , K Holakouie Naieni , R Majdzadeh , F Soleimani , S Amirsalari ,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: One of the biggest problems faced by parents of handicapped children is the child's health care. This study investigates patterns of heath care utilization and the related factors in children with mental impairment.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 110 children (≤14 year old) with developmental disabilities in Tehran. Parents were selected by systematic random sampling for face-to-face interview. Statistical analysis was based on negative binomial regression.
Results: Over 99% of the surveyed children received ambulatory care and 15 % had been hospitalized over the preceding year 0.9% had never used health services. These children had utilized health services 207+18 times in a year. Among these services 38+3 were not subsidized by the State. Factors affecting service utilization were parent information (p<0.033) and referral to the proper service delivery points (p<0.029).
Conclusion: Appropriate interventions are required to address the above-mentioned factors and improve service utilization.
A Pourreza , Z Yousefi , A Rahimi ,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Health and access to health facilities are now regarded as basic human rights and a fundamental social objective. Reproductive health is essential to promote quality of life and satisfy the need for an enjoyable parenthood.
Material and Methods: This was a descriptive-analytic study on 430 women of reproductive age who were receiving health services from urban PHC clinics run by Tehran, Beheshti and Iran medical universities. With the help of a questionnaire we gathered data on factors related to reproductive health knowledge and attitude and analyzed the data using x2, OR, Parson correlation coefficients.
Results: Knowledge and attitude was found to be significantly related to education and employment (p<0.00). There was also an association between knowledge and attitude on one hand and husband's education and employment on the other (p<0.00). Age was not found to have an influence on knowledge and practice (p<0.757).
Conclusion: This research shows that education can have a major effect on empowering women to demand and exercise their basic rights, including those related to reproduction and childbearing.
F Golbabaei , S Khavvaji , A Tirgar , Sj Shahtaheri , K Nourijelyani ,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) is a known occupational carcinogen. Over the recent years, the increasing number of exposed workers and the emergence of serious health effects have led to considerable lowering of permissible exposure levels for Cr6+. Moreover, a number of methods have been developed for rapid and precise measurement of Cr6+concentrations. Given the importance of accurate measurements, this study was carried out to compare the performance of different samplers in relation to factors such as sampling height, sampling duration, and electroplating solution concentration.
Material and Methods: We used a hexavalent chromium generator fitted with a special sampling chamber and with proven ability to produce homogenous atmospheric concentrations. The performances of 4 samplers including IOM and CIS (as inhalable particle samplers) and Open and Closed-face cassettes (as total particle samplers) were examined through a simultaneous sampling technique. Sampling was done using the NIOSH 7600 method (samples were collected on PVC membrane filters with a pore size of 5.0 µm, at an air flow rate of 2.0 ± 0.1 l/min). Variables investigated with regard to their effects on sampler performance were sampling height (heights from bath solution: 35 and 50 cm), duration (30 and 180 min) and solution concentration (125 and 250 g/l).
Results: The measured concentrations ranged from 2 to 2725 µg.m-3. Analysis of the results in a completely randomized block design showed significant differences in performance between different samplers (P< 0.001). There were also differences between samplers at different heights and electroplating concentrations (P=0.0007). Multiple comparisons by Scheffe's method showed that the difference detected was due to the superior precision of the IOM (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Overally, there were statistically significant differences between the performances of the studied samplers Cr6+ concentrations at the studied heights (4.09, 8.68 µg.m-3), sampling duration (5.90, 6.88 µg.m-3), and bath concentration (2.73, 11.88 µg.m-3) had no significant effects on sampler performance. The CIS sampler underwent corrosion during acidic mist collection and thus can not be recommended for Cr6+ mist collection.
A Moradi , M Younesian , H.r Gilasi ,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Motorcyclists constitute a large and growing portion of the victims of traffic accidents in Iran. Reasons include high motorcycle production rates and relatively low prices. This case control study was conducted to look at the role of a number of presumed risk factors in Kashan, a city with high motorcyclist casualty rates.
Material and Methods: Cases for this study were motorcyclists listed by the Traffic Police as either injured or killed over the period extending from 20/3/2005 to 20/9/2005. For each case, another motorcyclist who regularly passed the point of accident on the same day of the week was taken as control. Supplementary data were gathered by interview with the subjects (when possible) or a first-degree relative (for dead cases). Data were analyzed using the SPSS software.
Results: There were statistically significant relationships between the occurrence of death or injury and the following set of factors: age, marital status, job, education, vehicle ownership, BMI, driving experience with motorcycles and cars, time spent driving in one day, driver's estimate of his own speed, and weather conditions.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of effective interventions and offers some useful information for policy makers.
A.r Bahonar , H Rashidi , S Simani , A Fayaz , A.a Haghdoost , M Rezaei-Nassab , M.a Rad ,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Rabies is one of the oldest and most serious zoonoses in the world. In Iran, the disease has been reported from most of the provinces and among domestic as well as wild animals. This study was conducted in the province of Kerman and aimed to assess the frequency and epidemiological features of suspected and confirmed animal rabies cases from 1993 to 2003.
Material and Methods: During the study period, all cases of suspected animals (brain specimens) had sent to Pasteur institute of Iran for pathological (Negri bodies) examinations. After collecting data on variables such as species of animal, city, season, annual rainfall and temperature, analysis was performed by calculation of Pearson correlation coefficient and Chi square, Fisher's exact, Students's t and Kolmogorov Smirnov tests using the SPSS package (ver.11.5).
Results: From 362 suspected brain samples, 301 (83.1%) had positive serologic and pathological results. We recorded an ascending trend over the study period (p=0.01). The effect of seasonal variations on the frequency of suspected and confirmed cases of animal rabies was significant (p<.001): most cases occurred in winter and fall. The relative frequencies of confirmed cases among the animals were as follows: As for domestic animals, the infection rate in cows was 81.45 % sheep and goats 10.63% dogs and cats, 4 % camels 1.33% and donkeys, 0.7%. Among wild animals (foxes, mongooses, wolves and jackals) the rate was 1.89%. Among wild animals, the total infection rate was 60 %. Concerning the role of predatory animals in the transmission of rabies to domestic animals, among the cases which had been confirmed (28 cases), the predator species were: foxes 50%, wolves 7%, mongooses and jackals 3%. Considering the relationship between frequency of animal rabies and ecological variations in the province of Kerman, the results of this survey showed that there is some correlation between decreased rainfall (drought) and the resurgence of animal rabies (r=0.34, P=0.001).
Conclusion: The increasing number of stray dogs and the migration of these and wild animals to cities and villages could be an important factor in the spread of rabies in the region. Among various predatory species, the role of foxes in disease transmission merits further investigation.
M Farahbakhsh , A Nikniaz , J Tabrizi , H Jahanbin , H Abdolahi , A Zakeri , H Sadeghi Bazargani ,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (5-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Public-private partnership is a type of privatization in which the public sector continues to participate in the provision of services. Based on an agreement between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Cooperatives, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences started the process of creating health cooperatives in the Eastern Azerbaijan Province. In this study we compare the function of various health service processes between public health centers and health cooperatives.
Material and Methods: This study looks at coverage, quality and continuity of primary health care in 9 health centers handed over to cooperatives as compared to 18 current public health centers. Data were collected over a period of three months and analyzed by the SPSS-10 statistical package. Chi-Square and t tests were used for data analysis.
Results: Family planning coverage rates, infant health care, 1- to 6-year-old health care, prenatal care and the number of households covered by volunteers were all higher in cooperatives compared to public health centers. The mean care delivery volume was smaller in health cooperatives. The mean numbers of screening visits, outpatient visits, control visits, consultations, injections and dressings as well as follow-ups were higher in health cooperatives. Despite the greater numbers of family planning visits, vaccinations, health certificates issued and water chlorimetry tests in the public sector, the differences were not statistically significant. Concordance of data between forms and registers was higher in health cooperatives in the case of child health care, periodic visits and vaccination forms.
Conclusion: Compared to the public sector, health service delivery through cooperatives not only functions well but also yields better indices in many health domains. This is an example that a private institutions functioning under the supervision of the public sector can implement nationwide health care programs better than the public sector itself.
R Saeedi , K Naddafi , R Nabizadeh ,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (5-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim:We studied the biosorption of lead(II) and cadmium(II) from aqueous solutions by the brown algae Sargassum sp. biomass in a batch system.
The heavy metal uptake was quite rapid, reaching 88-96% of the equilibrium capacity of biosorption in 15 minutes.
Material and Methods: Kinetic data were analyzed using the pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order, and saturation and second-order rate equations.
Results: The pseudo second-order and saturation rate equations gave the best fit with the experimental data(R2 > 0.99). The data obtained from experiments of single-component biosorption isotherm were analyzed using the Freundlich, Langmuir, Freundlich-Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson isotherm models. The Redlich-Peterson equation was found to provide the best fit with the experimental data (R2 > 0.99). Also the other models described the isotherm of lead(II) and cadmium(II) biosorption with relatively high correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.93).
Conclusion: Using the Langmuir model, the maximum uptake capacities (qm) of Sargassum sp. for Pb2+ and Cd2+ were 1.70 and 1.02mmolg-1, respectively.
A Rahimi Foroushani , K Mohammad , M Mahmoodi , F Siasi ,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (5-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Breastfeeding is one of the most important health determinants in infancy and childhood: physical growth and mother-child bonding in this period are two factors that program cognitive ability in later life. The main aim of this study was to examine the long-term effects of breastfeeding on subsequent cognitive performance.
Material and Methods: A cohort of 5362 births registered over a period of one week in March, 1946 was selected by stratified sampling, based on the subjects' social class. We collected data for ages 2, 8, 11, 15, 26, and 46 years, and these data were analyzed in 2004-2005 at the school of public health, Tehran. Linear structural equation models were fitted to the data by LISREL 8.12 software in order to find path models.
Results: Descriptive findings showed that children weighing ≥3500 grams at birth acquired the ability to walk, talk, stand, and sit earlier than others. Also, subgroups within the cohort showed different patterns of change in their cognitive scores. Analysis of variance revealed that after adjustment for sex, social class, age of talking, and age of walking breastfed children still had higher means of verbal and nonverbal scores at ages 8 and 15 compared to never-breastfed children. Path analysis indicated that breastfeeding and birth weight could program later-life cognitive performance directly or indirectly through the ages of 2, 8, 11, 15, 26, and 43 years. For instance, path coefficients from breastfeeding to ages of talking and walking, to 8-15 verbal scores, to 26-year cognitive scores, and then to memory and visual scores at age 43 were estimated -for females and males, respectively- and form left o the right as follows: -0.12 (se=0.02), -0.05 (se=0.02), 0.71 (se=.05), 0.10 (se=0.04) for women -0.01 (se=0.02), -0.07 (se=0.01), 0.75 (se=0.06), 0.13 (se=0.06) for men.
Conclusion: There are significant relationships between some early life determinants and later cognitive performance we conclude that in longitudinal studies of later life abilities, early-life nutrition and birth weight should be incorporated in the path analysis of aging.
A Gholampour , A.r Mesdaghinia , F Vaezi , R Nabizadeh , M Farrokhi , A Ghasri ,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (5-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: 2,4-Dichlorophenol (DCP) is a compound generated in a variety of industrial processes and also by chlorine disinfection of water polluted with phenolic compounds . Dumping of DCP into the environment and water resources is of great concern because of the compound's intense odor and toxicity. DCP is very soluble and resistant to biodegradability so it cannot be removed through conventional water and wastewater treatment processes. On the other hand, pollution prevention (P2) strategies have not been able to resolve the problem.
Material and methods: In this study, one of the AOPS named Fenton was used for DCP degradation. The method is based on simultaneous use of hydrogen peroxide and ferrous sulfate.
Results: Results of treatment with hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ion (as Fenton reagent ingredients) indicate that by oxidation of 50 mg/L DCP at 60 minutes contact time with iron concentration kept at 15 mg/L and various concentrations of H2O2 (50 and 100 mg/L), the efficiency of COD(Chemical Oxygen Demand) reduction would go up from 65% to 80% with higher concentrations of H2O2. We also determined the effect of various concentrations of ferrous ion on DCP oxidation rate. The results showed the prominent role of this ion in DCP treatment: increasing Fe concentration from 5 to 15mg/L produced a 60% reduction in COD occurred in 10 and 60 minutes contact times. Another conclusion was that the oxidation of DCP solutions by Fenton had a major effect on biodegradability so that BOD: COD ratios of these solutions increased significantly after this oxidation.
Conclusion: Pretreatment of waste containing dichlorophenol by the Fenton reagent can enhance the biodegradability of this chemical and perhaps of similar compounds in a short time interval.
A Bakhtiari , K Hajian ,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (5-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Breast cancer is an increasingly important social problem throughout the world. Rate of disease-free survival can be used to evaluate the effects of treatment and disease outcome and assess indices of disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. With this aim in mind we made an assessment of 5-year disease-free survival in breast cancer patients.
Material and Methods: 403 breast cancer patients attending the radiotherapy-chemotherapy center at Rajaii Hospital, Babolsar were studied with regard to first-time recurrence over a period of 5 years. Data were gathered through questionnaires and statistical analysis included the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox regression model.
Results: The median local/regional recurrence time was 15.9±5.2 months and the median systemic recurrence time was 22±14.8 months. The most common sites of recurrence were bones (46.6%), especially the lumbar vertebrae. The median disease-free survival time was 38.2±22 month. The total rate for 5-year disease-free survival was 45%. The rate ranged from 85% for stage 1 tumors to 5% for stage 4 disease. Age ≤35 years, disease stage, and lymph node involvement were found to be independent prognostic factors in time of the first recurrence of disease.
Conclusion: Comparison of our results with those from of European and American countries showed lower rates of disease-free survival. This could be related to higher disease stage and younger age at diagnosis. These findings stress the importance of planning for earlier diagnosis and appropriate.
S.a Motevalian , K Holakouie Naieni , M Mahmoodi , R Majdzadeh , M.e Akbari ,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (5-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Undercounting is a common problem in surveillance systems and registries. One of the procedures has been used for assessing sensitivity of a surveillance system or completeness of a registry is capture-recapture method.The objective of the present study was to estimate the number of deaths due to road traffic injuries applying capture-recapture method and using three data sources: police, legal medicine organization and hospital.
Material and Methods: All of the deaths due to traffic injuries occurred within Kerman district in the year 2000 were derived from police, Shahid Bahonar hospital and Kerman legal medicine data sources. Matching cases between the lists was based on three characteristics: first name, family name and date of accident. Loglinear model was used for statistical analysis.
Results: The total number of identified cases was 471 the best fitted loglinear model estimated the actual number of deaths as 596 (CI 95%: 543-686). Based on Iranian Statistical Center estimates, the population of Kerman district in the year 2000 has been 644673 so the cause-specific mortality rate of traffic injuries is estimated as 92 (CI 95%: 84-107) per 100,000 population. Therefore the proportion of deaths registered in police, legal medicine and Shahid Bahonar hospital are 16%, 58% and 48% respectively. The coverage of total deaths (471) is about 79%.
Conclusion: The findings showed that none of the data sources had enough coverage of all deaths due to traffic injuries. Capture-recapture estimates can help for obtaining better estimates.
L Moghadam Banaem , H Eftekhar Ardebili , F Majlesi , A Rahimi Foroushani , A.r Amini Manesh ,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (5-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: We studied 1800 pregnant women receiving routine prenatal care in the urban and rural health centers of Shahr-e-Rey in south of Tehran, for a comparative assessment of 5-minute neonatal Apgar Scores in wanted versus unwanted pregnancies.
Material and Methods: The subjects were studied in 2 groups, each comprising 900 pregnant women. Group A consisted of mothers with wanted pregnancy and group B of mothers with unwanted pregnancy. Inclusion criteria were gestational age less than 28 weeks at the time of entering the study. The two groups were followed through their prenatal care to the time of delivery. For each neonate, we extracted the 5-minute Apgar score from the birth certificate.
For a more precise assessment, the impact of conditions affecting the Apgar score of newborns (such as normal vaginal delivery vs. caesarean section, premature birth, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, and birth place (hospital and health center, or house) was assessed by logistic regression.
Results: We found 15 cases (0.4%) of low 5-minute Apgar score (under 8) among newborns of wanted pregnancies and 4 such cases (1.1%) among those of unwanted pregnancies. The difference between the 2 groups was significant (P= 0.011). After applying the logistic regression model to adjust for other factors, unwanted pregnancies still had a significant association with low Apgar scores (increasing the risk 3-fold).The attributable risk for low 5-minute Apgar score in unwanted pregnancies was 0.54 (CI.95 = 0.132 to 0.813).
Conclusion: The estimated attributable risk means that with 95% confidence, between 13.2% and 81.3% of the low Apgar scores could have been prevented by eliminating unwanted pregnancy. As there have been no similar studies in Iran, more research with larger samples must be performed to assess these results more precisely.
H Tabatabai , Z Shoja , M Sarijloo , Sh Shahmahmoudi , A Sarijloo, K Farokhi , M Mahmoodi , T Mokhtari-Azad , R Nateg,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (5-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Iran managed to eradicate the wild poliovirus in 2000. However, a large number of AFP cases are still detected each year because of close surveillance: there were 450 reported AFP cases in 1382. The expected number of cases for the year 1382 in the province of West Azarbayjan (with an under-15 population of 1100000) was 11, while the observed number was more than 6 times greater (70 cases). In this study we investigated the non-polio enteroviral agent which could cause the AFP cases especially in Azarbayjan Province. Hence, the main purpose of the study was to identify circulating non-polio enteroviruses, using cell lines RD, Hep2, L20 and RT-PCR.
Material and Methods: All stool specimens of AFP cases were treated with chloroform and then injected into the above-mentioned cell lines. The isolated viruses were identified by the NT method. In cases where polioviruses were isolated, intratypic differentiation (wild vs. vaccine strains) using hybridization and ELISA tests. Finally, we performed RT-PCR with pan-EV primers on all samples.
Results: Using cell cultures, we were able to isolate 10 viruses, 9 of which were isolated by the RD cell line and this is regarded as the most sensitive cell line. The RT-PCR also identified 16 different viruses, 7 of which were not isolated on the RD line. Thus, RT-PCR could increase viral detection by 10%, indicating a high degree of high sensitivity.
Conclusion: Although the combination of cell culture and RT-PCR for detection and identification of non-polio enteroviruses causing AFP is invaluable, more than 75% of AFP patients were enterovirus negative. Therefore, they must be checked for other agents such as flavivirus (viral) and Campylobacter jejuni (bacterial).
A Mosapour, M Taghikhani, R Meshkani, Sh Khatami, S Bakhtiari, K Haghani,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (5-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous disorder resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors which contribute to pathogenesis by influencing beta cell function and tissue insulin sensitivity. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)" efficiently dephosphorylates the insulin receptor and attenuates insulin signaling. Recently, a 1484insG variant of the PTP1B gene was linked to increased risk of the metabolic syndrome in an Italian population, but this was not confirmed in subsequent studies. The purpose of this research was to investigate the association of 1484insG polymorphism of the PTP1B with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and other cardiovascular-related traits in an Iranian population.
Materials and Methods: The genotypes of 1484insG variant were determined by the PCR-RFLP method in 242 unrelated subjects, including 171 individuals with normal glucose tolerance and normal fasting glucose levels, and 71 type 2 diabetics. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis assessment model.
Results: The allelic frequency of the 1484insG polymorphism among type 2 diabetic patients and non-diabetic individuals was 6.3% and 3.8%, respectively (p=0.205). None of the subjects were homozygous for the 1484insG allele. Concerning quantitative traits in non-diabetic subjects, carriers of 1484insG allele had significantly higher body mass index (p=0.01), diastolic blood pressure (p=0.012), and HOMA-IR (p= 0.041) levels compared to those carrying the wild-type genotype. In type 2 diabetics, carriers of 1484insG allele had only significantly higher HOMA-B (P= 0/04) level compared to the individuals with the wild-type genotype.
Conclusion: Our results from a sample of Iranian type 2 diabetes cases and controls provide evidence that the 1484insG genotype of the PTP1B gene may be associated with obesity and insulin resistance.
F Golbabaie, M Ostadi, K Mohammad, V Ostadi, M Rismanchian, A Tirgar, Sj Sahtahery,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (5-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Exposure to hexavalent chromium in plating operations is associated with skin ulceration, contact dermatitis, respiratory tract irritation, cancer, and kidney damage. We investigated the possibility of using biological monitoring to assess exposure to hexavalent chromium in chrome-plating workers. We compared mean Cr6 concentrations in the breathing zone plus urine chromium, β2 microglobulin (B2M), and N-acetyl-B-D- glucosaminidase (NAG) at the end of the working shift. Then we assessed the correlation between exposure to hexavalent chromium and biological indicators.
Materials and Methods: This study involved 45 chrome platers (Cases) and 40 zinc platers (Controls) in Isfahan. Air and urine samples were collected at the end of the work shift. Measurement of Cr6 concentrations in the workers' breathing zone was performed using the NIOSH Methods 7600. Urine Cr levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, with a graphite furnace (Shimadsu, AA680). B2M and NAG were measured by Kits.
Results: Overall, geometric mean of hexavalent chromium concentrations in the breathing zone was significantly higher among chrome platers (14.577 μg/m3) compared to zinc platers (0.862 μg/m3, p<0.001). Moreover, the mean urine Cr concentrations were higher in chrome platers (9.198 vs. 1.811 μg / g creatinine, p<0.001). Similarly, there were significant differences between mean NAG in chrome platers (12.608IU/gr creatinine) and zinc platers (6.824 IU/g creatinine, p<0.001). Differences in B2M concentrations were not significant (p>0.05). A significant correlation was found between Cr6 concentrations in the chrome platers' breathing zone and their urinary chromium levels (r= 0.838, p<0.001). A similar association was found between concentrations of Cr6 and NAG in the breathing zone (r= 0.304, p<0.05).
Conclusion: As urinary B2M concentration did not change significantly, it may not be a sensitive indicator in evaluating exposure to hexavalent chromium. There were significant differences between mean urinary Cr and NAG concentrations in the two groups. The significant correlations between Cr and NAG concentrations indicate that these markers may be suitable indicators of exposure to hexavalent chromium. Our results indicate that NAG is an early indicator of renal dysfunction in chrome platers.
K Samimi-Rad, B Shahbaz, M Mahmoodi, M Noroozi, M Fayaz Vaseghi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (5-2007)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Patients with hemophilia and thalassemia are at high risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Unscreened blood and blood products are thought to be the most important risk factors in these two groups.
Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 98 thalassemia patients and 74 hemophiliacs in Markazi province. The presence of anti-HCV antibody was tested by a third generation enzyme immunoassay. All ELISA-reactive samples were tested with the confirmatory third-generation recombinant immunoblot assay RIBA. We used a specially designed questionnaire to obtain data from patients and the software package SPSS 11.5 for statistical analysis.
Results: HCV antibody was detected in 5 thalassemia patients (5.1%) and 31 hemophiliacs (41.9%). Anti-HCV positivity in patients with thalassemia was associated with the total volume of the transfusions, splenectomy, and the duration of treatment. In hemophiliacs, seropositivity was significantly associated with the duration of transfusion treatment (P=0.01) and disease severity (P=0.00). The prevalence of HCV antibody in thalassemia subjects dropped from 8.1% to 0% after the implementation of anti-HCV screening in1996.
Conclusion: In Markazi province, the current policy of screening donors for anti-HCV and the strict safety controls on factor concentrates can effectively protect thalassemia and hemophilia patients from HCV infection.
E Kazemi, S Talari, H Hooshyar,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (5-2007)
Abstract
Background and aim: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in Iran and many other countries. The use of pentavalent antimony compounds for the treatment of this disease is associated with serious side effects. There have been reports of the effect of the extract of Berberis vulgaris root on leishmania major, both in vitro and in vivo. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of an alcoholic extract of this plant on experimental L. major ulcers in BALB/c mice. The experiment was conducted in 2006 by the Department of Parasitology, Kashan University of Medical sciences.
Materials and Methods: We used different concentrations of an alcoholic extract of Berberis vulgaris in the form of an ointment. Ninety BALB/c mice received a subcutaneous inoculation of 0.1 ml liquid-phase culture of infective L. major (MRHO/IR/75/ER standard variety) in the base of their tail. Ulcers appeared after 30-35 days and these were divided into 5 groups: 3 groups received treatment with 20%, 40%, and 80% concentrations and the remaining 2 groups served as controls. The extract was used applied topically, three times a day for 30 days. Each weak we measured the diameter of the lesions and the animals' weight. After preparation and staining, we determined the number of parasites in lesions through microscopic examinations. Results were recorded on paper and analyzed with the use of Student's t and Fisher's exact tests as well as analysis of variance and Tokey's post-hoc tests.
Results: With the 20% preparation: By the end of the treatment period, the mean diameter of the lesions had decreased, with complete healing in 5 mice (27.7%), (p< 0.001). By the time of the decrease in diameter, the mean weight of the animals had increased and the number of parasites in the lesions had declined (80%). Total elimination of the parasites was observed in 12 animals (p<0.001).
At a concentration of 40%: Mean ulcer diameter decreased, with complete healing in 2 mice (11.1%, p<0.001). By the time of the decrease in diameter, the mean weight of the mice had increased (p<0.05). The mean number of parasites in lesions decreased (64.3%), with total elimination in 9 animals (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: We showed that the extract of Berberis vulgaris is most effective at a concentration of 20%, causing greater reductions in both ulcer diameter and the number of parasites in the lesions compared to other preparations. Therefore, we suggest the use of a 20% extract for the treatment of human cases.
