Detection mutations of JAK2 exon 12 in patients with JAK2 [v617f]-negative myeloproliferative disorders

Background: Mutations in exon 12 of JAK2 gene are detected as clonal markers in hematopoietic lineages in myeloproliferative disorders [MPNs]. Our aim was, to study the relation between N542E543del mutation of JAK2 gene and myeloproliferative neoplasms in V617F-negative patients

Patients and Methods: DNA specimen from 34 patients and 44 healthy controls were genotyped using ARMs-PCR method. We analyzed exon 12 JAK2 aberration in 34 myeloproliferative cases to be readily detected by both ARMS-PCR and DNA analysis regardless of whether peripheral blood or bone marrow cells was manipulated as the origin of RNA.

Results: In this case-control study, there was no significant difference in Pearson chi square analysis between the patients and control groups in genotype distribution of the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphism rs7869668 of JAK2 exon 12 [P > 0.05]. Also, gene detection finding showed that the patients were negative of JAK2-V617F mutation

Discussion and Conclusion: Present finding on a small number of patients diagnosed of various categories of MPDs revealed and needs more investigation and data for the prevalence and the incidence of the JAK2-V617F mutation. However, the clinical and genotyping of finding a disorder and non-significant correlation between patients and control group in this study in such a small fraction of the patients is unknown

Rare chromosome structural aberration characterizing oncology malignancy

Ring chromosome aberration are rare abnormality potentially involving any chromosome in patients diagnosing in Oncology. The present review and case study has focused on the ring chromosome associated with oncology malignancies. An electronic peer review article search was performed systematically to obtain relevant literature with the CINAHL, Google scholar, and Pub Med databases. The keywords included marker, abnormalities, structural, Ring chromosome. The inclusion criteria for the review were that the documents were original quantitative research and published in English. This was also initiated using Medline, Mitelman database [http:/cgap.nci.nih.gov/Chromosomes/Mitelman], Danish cytogenetic register and other pertinent web references on ring chromosomes in Oncology malignancies. Articles that were not directly relevant to the present objective were excluded. Also the un-stimulated bone marrow specimen of present case manipulated with Methotrexate cells culture synchronization and finally was treated by GTG-banding technique. Ring chromosome was observed in 10% of the total cells. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated apparently ring [15] 46, XY, r[15] karyotype. The clinical findings revealed history of nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, night sweats, and a weight loss, anemia and diagnosed as accelerated CML. Our finding adds to the spectrum of both morphology and genetic rearrangements in oncology malignancies. Additional future analyses in similar subject will be necessary to draw firm conclusions

Investigating the impacts of retrofitted CNG vehicles on air pollutant emissions in Tehran

The present study was conducted to investigate the impacts of retrofitted CNG vehicles on air pollutant emissions in Tehran over a 20 years period using available statistical data, precise automobile tests, data analysis, and LEAP Software. The obtained results revealed an increase in air pollutant emissions including CO [equal to 1030.77 thousand tons], NO[x] [equal to 1030.77 thousand tons], THC [269.02 thousand tons] and CO[2] [equal to 38.43 thousand tons] resulting from utilizing retrofitted CNG vehicles within the studied period. Considering the obtained results, if the current trend of producing retrofitted CNG vehicles continues, a total cost of 435 million USD will impose on the environment, annually. According to the emission test results, by implementing retrofitted CNG vehicles policy, a higher emission rate of dual-fuel vehicles will be expected compared to their petrol-fueled counterparts. This is due to poor quality of the policy implementation such the use of substandard conversion kits and old technology of retrofit technologies

[Determination of aerosol emission and bag filter efficiency in fire-proof products industries]

Today, the environmental pollution caused by fire-proof break producing factories is one of the critical and challenging issues in our country. Aerosols emission concentration of the factory stacks and determining of bag filters efficiency were aims of this study. In this research, the concentration of emitting dust from 6 stacks related to Kaolin preparation, Calcinatory, Shamout, Specific mass, Extrude Furnace and Shuttle Furnace units were measured during 2006-2008. Also, the efficiency of bag filters of Kaolin preparation, Calcinatory, Shamout, Specific mass units were determined in 2008. Devices M9096 Particulate Sampling Train and DURAG model [D-RC 80] were used in this research. The rates of dust concentrations in years 2006-9 in Kaolin unit were; 284, 112 and 12.5 mg/m3, in Shamout unit were; 120, 140 and 73 mg/m3, in Calcinatory were; 178, 179 and 173 mg/m3, Specific Mass were; 291, 283 and 60 mg/m3, in Shuttle Furnace were; 14.7, 14.3 and 14.8 and in Extrude Furnace were; 12.6, 13.7 and 12.7 mg/ m[3]. Efficiency of bag filters was 99.896% for Kaolin unit, 06.499% for Shamout unit, 92.348% for Calcinatory and 99.782% for Specific Mass unit. During 2006 and 2007 the rate of dust emission in Kaolin preparation, Calcinatory and specific mass have exceeded than the national emission standard but in 2008, the rate of dust emission from Kaolin Preparation and Specific Mass units were extensively reduced to the lower than national emission standard limit due to proper maintenance and replacing of damaged parts in time. Efficiency of bag filters has been ideal in Kaolin unit and Specific Mass unit but it was low in Shamout and Calcinatory units

[Basal cell carcinoma of the parotid gland]

Basal cell carcinoma is a rare tumor mainly affecting major salivary glands, it's a low grade malignancy with cytological features of a basal cell adenoma but whose evolution indicates malignancy. We report the case of a 30 years old woman, who presented two years ago with a right parotid swelling gradually increasing. The computed tomographies [CT] show an ulcerative infiltrating tumor in the parotid gland extending locoregional lymph nodes. The evolution was marked by ulceration of the skin overlying the cervical lymph node with magma. The diagnosis was made on biopsy sample using morphological study, immunohistochemistry and radiological data. This tumor presents problems of differential diagnosis mainly with basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland. The high number of mitoses and infiltrative character on CT allowed to retain that diagnosis. Surgical treatment is sometimes coupled with adjuvant radiotherapy. The evolution is marked by frequent recurrences with rare metastasis. Basal cell carcinoma is usually of good prognosis and its diagnosis is histopathological

[Mammary hamartoma]

Mammary hamartomas are uncommon benign lesions. The reported incidence of breast hamartomas is 0.7% of benign breast tumors in female. In this paper, we report a case of breast hamartoma emphasizing the role of the pathologist in remaining this diagnosis. A 37 years old women, presented with a voluminous lump of the breast with mastodynia. On clinical examination, the lump was in the external quadrants of the right breast measuring 7 cm in the great diameter with no controlateral or axillary abnormalities. Ultrasound examination and mammography showed an ACR3 tissular heterogenic mass suggesting the diagnosis of phyllode tumor or hamartoma. On needle core biopsy the diagnosis was favor a mammary hamartoma associated to a proliferative mastopathy. The mass was excised and the histologic examination confirmed the initial diagnosis according to the clinico-radiologic context associated with mastosis. Epithelial changes and mastosis may be seen within the hamartoma and should be reported. On the other hand, although hamartomas are benign, coincidental malignancy can occur, thus, adequate sampling of mammary hamartoma is essential. Mammary hamartomas are uncommon benign lesions that are probably underestimated because of lacking of specific diagnostic criteria. Correlation with the imaging findings and clinical impression is necessary to retain this diagnosis. The treatment is surgical lumpectomy and the prognosis is good

[Hepatoid carcinoma of the ovary]

Hepatoid carcinoma is a primary malignant extrahepatic tumor that arises outside the liver and resembles hepatocellular carcinoma both histologically and immunohistochemically in its staining for alphafoetoprotein. It's a very rare tumor described in the ovary, the lung, the stomach, the kidney and the bladder. It is seen especially at the sixth decade. We report a case of a 73-years-old woman followed since 2008 for a poorly differentiated carcinoma of the left ovary treated surgically. In the absence of adjuvant therapy, she presented one year later, with a necrotic lomb-aortic mass and an increased level of CA125 [188 u/mm]. After three [3] courses of chemotherapy, the disease progressed rapidly with resumption of tumoral syndrome and bone metastases. The case was reviewed at our institution and implemented by an immunohistochemistry analysis. The diagnosis of hepatoid carcinoma of the ovary was therefore retained. This entity was first described by Ishikura and Scull in 1987. hepatoid carcinoma was reported 18 times in the ovary. The clinical and radiological signs are not specific. Biology can guide diagnosis with elevated serum AFP. The diagnosis is pathological. The differential diagnosis include ovarian metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatoid yolk sac tumor. Differentiating the tumor is primordial and critical, because treatment modalities depend on the exact nature of the hepatoid cancer

[Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the cervix]

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm described in the salivary glands. Primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the cervix is extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cervical carcinomas. A 54 years old woman presented with the complaints of vaginal bleeding and pain. The cervical examination revealed a polypoid swelling mass measuring 1.5 cm in great dimension. A cervical biopsy diagnosed an adenoid cystic carcinoma associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade III [CIN III]. After a brachytherapy, the patient went through a radical surgery. The pathological study of the specimen confirmed the initial diagnosis. Adenoid cystic carcinoma is more common in the salivary glands and respiratory tract glands. Exceptionally, it may arise in the cervix. An accurate diagnosis is exclusively established by pathology. The histological appearance is similar to its counterpart in salivary glands .the characteristic cystic spaces are filled with a slightly eosinophilic hyaline material or basophilic mucin and are surrounded by palisaded epithelial cells. The most important differential diagnosis of cervical adenoid cystic carcinoma is ademoid basal carcinoma which has a better prognosis. Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the cervix is an uncommon neoplasm. Histological examination is necessary to confirm this diagnosis. The optimal treatment combines surgery and radiotherapy associated to chemotherapy. The prognosis remains poor

[Studying the effect of nanosilver painting on control of air-transmitted fungi]

Microorganisms including Fungi, are among air-transmitted infectious agents at hospitals and patient care settings, which in addition to patients, can afflict Health Care Workers [HCWs] and visitors, and may results in extravagant economic burden and impact on human health. Use of nanotechnology and especially nanosilver particles is one of the methods which are used in infection control. This article is the result of a research project investigating nanosilver painting effect on bioburden of indoor hospital air. The study was aimed to assess antifungal effects of nanosilver painting. Three rooms were selected at the infectious diseases ward of Imam Khomeini hospital complex. Two of the rooms were painted with two brands of nanosilver paints provided from two separate companies [as cases], and the third room with non-nanosilver paint brand [as control]. Air sampling was carried out using a portable air pump [Quick Take 30] at pre-planned schedule Each Sampling was done in two minutes with the rate of 28.3 Liter per minute. Samples were transferred on Sabourauds Dextrose Agar culture, to count the colonies of fungal based on Colony Forming Unite [CFU/m[3]]. Results were analyzed by ANOVA method. Active sampling method was not able to show statistically significant reduction in the total fungal bioburden between the control and case rooms. In evaluating the time trend of the nanosilver paints effect, sampling measures revealed that nanosilver paints had statistically significant effect in fungal bioburden reduction in the first third [i.e. first month] of the study period

Recycling of used bottle grade poly ethyleneterephthalate to nanofibers by Melt-electrospinnig method

Used PET bottles disposal is an unsolved environmental problem, and there are many efforts for finding an applicable solution for it. Many researches have showed that the degradation rate of the polymers increase with the smaller size of fibers. This work was carried out to convert used PET bottles into nanofibers by melt-electrospinning method. Uncolored, washed and chipped PET bottles and the PET granule was used for experiments. The temperature of melted PET at extruder nozzle and spinning area were set in the range of 245-255 [degree sign] C and 200-235 [degree sign] C respectively. The melting point of the polymer was determined by DSC. The potential difference was fixed at 25 kV and the distance between the nozzle and the collector were 3-9 cm. the morphology and fineness of produced fibers investigated by SEM. Although the producing fibers were not completely in the rang of nano-size fibers, but the results have showed that the nanofibers with diameter between 61-93 nm can be achieved by the melt-electro spinning method. Comparing the effects of different flow rates of melting polymer as well as the distance between the nozzle to the collector have shown more proportion of finer fibers in flow rate less than 0.1 mL/min and the distance in the range of 3-5 cm. it was concluded however the melt electrospinning production of nanofibers has some difficulties but it can be considered as an applicable and environmental friendly way to recycling the used PET bottles so it can prevent more pollution of the environment

Analysis of mental health research in the Islamic Republic of Iran over 3 decades: a scientometric study

This study described the characteristics of mental health research from the Islamic Republic of Iran published from 1973-2002. Research articles in psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience published in local or international journals were drawn from IranPsych, a national database of research in mental health and related disciplines. Of 3113 articles, 21.8% appeared in international journals, but there was international collaboration among the authors in only 2.3%. There was a marked increase in the number of publications over time, especially in the last 5 years. Analysis of research areas showed a proportionate rise in neuroscience research and a decline in mental health service research. Our study provides an empirical basis for policy-making and strategy planning in the nation's mental health research

Thermal comfort evaluation in Tehran metro using relative warmth index

Underground railway systems, can generate heat from their operations to raise the temperatures of carriages and the station substantially. This may lead to passenger discomfort and complain especially in warm weather conditions that prevail in Tehran if underground environment is not cooled. Transportation air conditioning Committee of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and air-conditioning Engineers proposed the Relative Warmth Index for thermal comfort design and investigation in subway environment. In this research, thermal comfort at Tehran metro stations and carriages of lines 1 and 2 has been studied using this index. The measurements were taken during two periods of September 2006 and July 2007 at different zones of stations. For this purpose, temperature, relative humidity and air velocity were measured at different times. The status of the air-conditioning systems together with passenger traffic was also recorded. A total number of 231 measurements including 114 and 117 measurements were carried out in September 2006 and in July 2007 respectively. The measurements in September 2006 did not exceed the thermal limit. However, it did exceed in July 2007. In comparison, with thermal comfort level of metros all over the world, Tehran Metro stands in an acceptable condition, while the maximum capacity of air-conditioning systems was not used, if so the thermal comfort condition would be better

[Elevated plasma copper/zinc ratios in patients with schizophrenia]

Copper and zinc, two essential trace elements, are neuroactive substances that can be synaptically released during neuronal activity. These metals have been implicated in diseases with neuropathological components, including Alzheimer's disease, Menkes disease, Wilson's disease, Pick's disease, stroke and seizures. Copper and zinc levels in body tissues reflect many physiological and pathological conditions, including dietary factors, hepatic disease, and acute and chronic infections. The purpose of the present study was to examine the plasma levels of copper [Cu] and zinc [Zn] in schizophrenic patients and to compare the Cu/Zn ratios with that of matched healthy subjects. Forty patients with schizophrenia [diagnosis were made according to DSM-IV] were sampled along with 50 healthy controls. Exclusion criteria included another concurrent psychiatric disorder, pregnancy, and medical disorders [endocrine, immune, liver cirrhosis, renal] or drugs [anticonvulsants, contraceptives, glucocorticoids] known to affect trace element metabolism. Fasting blood samples were withdrawn from an antecubital vein between 07.00 and 09.00 h. Plasma copper and zinc levels were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer [Perkin Elmer GmbH, Uebelingen, Germany]. Two-tailed t test was used to determine statistical differences. All data were analyzed with the computer program, GRAPHPAD software [V2.01+]. Mean +/- SE of sera copper levels in cases and controls were 145 +/- 28 and 65 +/- 3 mg/dl respectively [P<0.05]. Also Mean +/- SE of sera zinc level in cases and controls were 67 +/- 2 and 81 +/- 4 mg/dl, respectively [P<0.05]. Cu/Zn ratios was 2.07 +/- 0.38 and 0.87 +/- 0.04 in cases and controls respectively [P<0.05]. There was a significant higher Cu/Zn ratio in schizophrenic patients compared to healthy subjects. These results suggest that Cu and Zn may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia

[ importance of pediculous latissimus dorsi flap in reconstructive surgery about 44 cases]

The authors present a series of 44 cases of pediculous latissimus flaps operated these last ten years at Sahloul Hospital Sousse. They insist on the vascular reliability of this flap and on the importance of its rotation arch for covering the lost of cutaneous substances of the cervico-thoraco-brachial area

[ temporo-Parietal fascia pedicle flap. Bringing intofocus on applications in maxillo-Facial surgery]

The temporo-parietal fascia pedicule flap, described by DUFOURMENTEL in 1958, find many indications in head and neck reconstructive surgery. the authors remember the benifits of this flap through many illustrations in different anatomic regions: 1-auricular region [ear reconstruction]; 2-mastoid region; 3-parotidis region; 4-orbito-froton-palpebral region; 5- cheeck and labial commissure region. Reviewing the applications of this flap in maxillo-facial surgery will allow an assesment of adequate operative technique, indications, advantages and limits

Status of mental health research concerning women in Iran over the past 3 decades

The purpose of this scientometric study was a quantitative analysis of mental health research concerning women in Iran. All scientific papers published in a 30year- period [1973-2002], in both national as well as international scientific journals, were brought into consideration for this study. Articles are indexed in the "Databank for Iranian Mental Health Researches [Iran Psych]. The articles in which the samples or the main subjects were females, considered as mental health in women. Authors assessed these studies for the following data: year of publication and language, specific fields and subject topics, research design, location of data collection, financial supports, gender and academic degree and the status of collaboration among authors. Out of 3031 articles, 239 [%7.9] were related to mental health in women. Most have been published in general medical journals and the overall trend of publications shows arise. The first authors in two - third of the articles were women and the most common area of research was psychology. The most common research topic was psychological factors affecting medical condition, especially gynecological and obstetrical problems. There were a few articles about old age female mental health or occupational mental health. There were no mental health professionals among the authors of 20% of the articles. It is suggested that collaboration should increase among mental health groups and other clinicians. Subject topics about women in rural area, health service, occupational mental health and elderly female need further research

Road traffic noise in downtown area of Tehran

Noise pollution is a major problem for the quality of life in urban areas. The present study was conducted to determine the noise levels of road traffic at central area of Tehran. It focused on one of the busy and crowded square along with its 7 connecting streets, which had a heavy traffic and located in the downtown of the city. Total of 115 measuring points were selected along the roads, pavements and in the shopping areas to adequately represent the different acoustically commercial situations. The measuring points were divided in to 4 site-groups namely; Street, Pavement, Shop and Barrier each with 60, 40, 10, and 5 measuring points respectively. The measurements were carried out during a full week days started on Saturday morning and end on Friday evening. The A-weighted continuous equivalent sound level values, L[Aeq]; L[A max]; L[A min]; and the statistical levels: L[1], L[10], L[50], L[90] and L[99] as well as the octave band center frequencies sound pressure levels were manually measured at each point separately. The mean values of L[Aeq] for Street, Pavement, Shop and Barrier site groups were 78.5, 73.3, 68.7 and 70.8 dBA respectively and the overall mean of L[Aeq] was 74.7 dBA. The statistical test [p<0.01] showed that the mean values for L[Aeq] in all site groups as well as the overall mean value were higher than 65 dBA, which is the daytime governmentally prescribed noise limit for commercial areas. Comparing the individual measurements has also shown the 86.6% exceeded values from 65 dBA. The highest mean noise level in center frequencies upper than 1000 Hz was 71.5 dBA which was observed in the Street site group and the lowest one was 43.2 dBA in the Shop site group at 8000Hz center frequency. The corresponding values for the center frequencies lower than 1000 Hz were 78.2 and 66.1dBA at 63 and 500 Hz which were also observed in the Street and Shop site groups respectively. It can be concluded that the downtown of the city is environmentally noise polluted and the road traffic is the major source of it. Noting the noise emission standards, police control, and promoting the citizens awareness about the high level noise risk may help to relieve the noise problems in the city

Development of particulate matter and heavy metal emission factors for kerman copper industries

An emission factor is a tool that is used to estimate air pollutant emissions to the atmosphere. It relates the quantity of pollutants released from a source to some activities associated with those emissions. To determine the quantity of pollutant released from copper and its alloys smelting furnaces, 63 samples from emission gases were collected on cellulose ester membrane filters in three 8-hour-shifts within 24 hours during a week at three locations. Samples were weighed and analyzed to measure the heavy metal content by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The emission factors for location 1, without control equipment, for total particulate matter [TPM], Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Cd were 87.689, 2.076, 37.071, 0.917, 0.023, 0.074, and 0.021 g/Mg of products respectively. Emission factors for location 3, with dedusting unit as control equipment, were 8.139, 0.152, 3.921, 0.055, 0.003, 0.008, and 0.007 g/Mg for the above-mentioned parameters respectively. Finally those were 95.828, 2.228, 40.992, 0.972, 0.026, 0.082, and 0.028 g/Mg as a whole set respectively. Samples of location 2 were collected from inlet of dedusting unit and their results were used only for dedusting unit efficiency calculation

[Evaluation of antidepressant activities of harmane, norharman and harmine in mice]

It has been reported that, the [R]-carboline alkaloids of peganum harmala seeds have a stimulatory action on serotonin and catecholamines releases in different brain regions. In addition, one of the most important pharmacological effects demonstrated for [R]- carbolines is a revesible inhibitory action on MAO-A. These findings suggest that - carbolines, should alleviate at least some of the signs of depression. The purpose of present study is to determine the antidepressant activity of [R]-carbolines harmane, norharmane and harmine. All experiments were carried out on male Swiss-Webster mice [25-30g]. The antidepressant activities of the [R]-carbolines were assessed using the forced swim test. This test is the most widely used tool for antidepressant activity preclinically. In this test, mice were placed into a cylinderical glass [25 cm height, 12 cm in diameter] containing a column of 15 cm of water at 25 +/- 1 [o]C. After 30 min of the-carbolines injections, the mice were subjected to forced swimming test for 8 min and their immobility time was recorded. Intraperitoneal [i.p.] injections of harmane [5-15 mg/kg], norharmane [2.5-10 mg/kg] and harmine [5-15 mg/kg] significantly decreased the immobility time in the mouse forced swim test. The inhibitory effects of harmane, norharmane and harmine were antagonized by flumazenil [5 mg/kg, i.p.] but not by reserpine [5 mg/kg, i.p., 18 h before test]. The results suggest that the antidepressant activities of harmane, norharmane and harmine may be mediated through an inverse agonistic mechanism