Evaluation of diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer

Dissection of the axillary lymph nodes is considered as one of the common measures in management of breast cancer. Edema and limitation in hand movement are accompanied with dissection of axillary lymph nodes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be used to evaluate axillary metastasis. This study was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast cancer. This descriptive study was performed on 30 selected patients with breast cancer less than 5 cm without any involvement of axillary lymph nodes in Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, North-East of Iran during 2009 -10. Initially, the lymphoscintigraphy was performed. Subsequently, prior, to the surgery, the blue dye as a marker was injected for detecting sentinel lymph node and with the use of probe gamma counter and observing blue color on lymph nodes, the sentinel node was determined and separated. Finally, axillary dissection was performed for removing the lymph nodes of I and II level in all patients. Among 30 patients who were evaluated for sentinel lymph nodes and axillary dissection, false negative were observed only in two cases [6.6%]. The sensitivity rate was determined to be 84.6%. Considering the high success rate of detection of sentinel lymph node and limited false negative cases, sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended in cases of breast cancer without axillary involvement

[ effect of solid waste compost on leaching and adsorption of heavy metals from silt-loamy soils]

Leaching of nutrients and heavy metals from municipal solid waste compost leads to accumulation of certain elements in soil layers, causing underground water pollution. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of compost on leaching and adsorption of heavy metals and nutrients [sodium, potassium, and sulfate] from silt-loamy soils. In this empirical, applied study, three polyethylene columns [height 50 cm, inner diameter 10 cm], filled with sandy clay loam soil, were randomly selected. Then, 10 kg of compost per square meter were sprayed onto the columns, and leachates exiting the columns were routinely analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, sulfate, sodium, potassium, lead, chromium, and cadmium. Data analysis was performed with Excel and SPSS software using Kruskall-Wallis test. The data showed that the use of enriched and unenriched compost leachate decreased pH [from 7.43 +/- 17.0 to 6.7 +/- 0.25 and 7.07 +/- 0.11, respectively] and increased the electrical conductivity [EC] [from 1.8 +/- 0.3 mSiemens/m to 3.7 +/- 0.12 and 12.87 +/- 0.41 mSiemens/m respectively]. Leakage of metals in the unenriched treatments was not significantly different from the control [p > 0.78], but leakage with three metal-enriched compost applications was significant compared with control [p < 0.001]. Application of composts containing heavy metals onto loamy soils increases leaching of heavy metals from the compost into groundwater. Therefore, frequent use of compost endangers groundwater quality

[Survey of ability of activated sludge isolated bacteria in removal of RB-B dyestuff from aqueous medium]

Reactive dyestuff has potential of toxicity, carcinogenesis and mutagenesis for mammals and aquatic organisms. The current physical and chemical methods such as adsorption, coagulation, precipitation, filtration and. can been used for removing of dyestuff. Biological treatment which is effective and economic for decontamination of dyestuff wastewaters was preferred because of limitation and difficulty of physicochemical methods. In order to investigate the trend of pollution reduction of color compounds, ability of Remazol Black-B dyestuff removal from aqueous medium by bacterial consortium under anoxic conditions was studied. The mix culture of bacteria from textile industries activated sludge was enriched in luria broth medium containing RB-B dyestuff as a carbon source. Then biodegradation was assessed in 4 batch reactors. Microbial population of bacterial and decolorization quantities of samples were detected by MPN and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Decolorization efficiency by the bacterial consortium was obtained more than 99% for 50 and 250 mg/L concentrations in 72 and 144 h [3 and 6 days] respectively, while for the initial concentration of 500 mg/L was 98.1in 240 h [10 days] of biodegradation period. Dyestuff reduction rate after completed removal was about 0.69, 1.74,2 mg/L/h for initial concentration of 50, 250, 500 mg/L respectively. Results showed that Alcaligenes denitrificans and Alcaligenes xylosoxidans bacteria which were isolated from activated sludge have good potential of RB-B dyestuff removal and this removal is depending on primary concentration of dye. Removal efficiency increased as primary concentration went up

[Amount of baking soda and salt in bakeries of Mehrdasht city [Najafabad] during 2009-10]

Bread is a valuable source of proteins, minerals and calories. Baking soda prevents the absorption of bread and more salt used in the production of bread causes different diseases. This study aimed to determine the amount of soda and salt used in bakeries of Mehrdasht. This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 50 bakeries of Mehrdasht city during 2009-10. A total number of 400 samples were randomly collected from all bakeries in four steps [two loaves from first batch]. The measurement of PH and salt was done in accordance with the standard method of Institute of Standard and Industrial Research of Iran [ISIRI, 1999]. The PH less than 6.2 was seen in 91.5% of samples and the most PH values above 6.2 were in Lavash bread [12.5%]. In 64.5% of samples, the amount of salt was more than the standard. A significant difference was seen between the amount of baking soda and the season while no significant difference was seen between the type of bread and the salt consumption [P=0.042].The amount of baking soda used in the bakeries of this city is not high; either bakers had no enough knowledge about the amount of salt used for production of bread or had more other reasons to use more or less salt than the standard. Therefore, drastic measures to control the amounts of baking soda and salt in bakeries are recommended

Fluoride removal from water by adsorption using Bagasse, Modified Bagasse and Chitosan

Fluoride is widely used in industries such as manufacture of semiconductors, power plants, glass production etc and release to the environment via their effluents. The purpose of this sturdy was to compare the efficiency of low price adsorbents in fluoride removal from water. The optimum values of pH, contact time and adsorbent dosage were determined and different concentrations of fluoride were experimented in lab scale conditions for bagasse, modified bagasse and chitosan. Then Langmuir and Freundlich coefficient were determined based on optimum conditions. The pH value of 7. contact time of 60 min and adsorbent dosage of 2 g/L were determined as optimum conditions for all three adsorbents. The most fluoride removal efficiency of 91% was obtained for modified bagasse in optimum conditions. Based on data obtained in this study, it can be concluded that adsorption by modified bagasse is an efficient and reliable method for fluoride removal from liquid solutions

[Study on career of midwives graduated from Qazvin University of Medical Sciences]

Assessing the output of each educational system such as professional state and scientific activities could provide valuable data for training planning. Determining the professional and educational state of midwifery associate degree holders qualified from Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. In this descriptive study, all individuals with an associate degree in midwifery, admitted to Qazvin Nursing and Midwifery College during 1996-2006, were assessed in 2008 -2009. The questionnaires were mailed to all available individuals. After returning of questionnaires, the data on 203 cases were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Of total participants, 88.2% had taken part in the entrance exams for higher academic degrees in midwifery, of which 44.7% were admitted. The academic degrees of study population at the time completed their questionnaires were associate degree in midwifery [68.5%], BSc. in midwifery [30], and MSc in midwifery [1.5%] with 35.5% of associate degree holders unemployed and 11.8% doing their mandatory duties fixed for those qualified from the state-run universities. In general, 68.6% were interested in research activities including participation in research projects, paper presentation as well as contribution in scientific magazines publication. Setting aside those engaged in doing their mandatory duties, the real number of unemployed qualified people is quite high. Regarding the unemployment rate, it might be concluded that one of the reasons to move into higher academic courses is the undesirable conditions of business market for those with an associate degree in midwifery. More attention in recognition and training of those with educational and research merits is suggested

Influence of bioaugmentation in biodegradation of PAHs-contaminated soil in bio-slurry phase reactor

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons [PAHS] are important pollutants which have toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic properties and are considered as a serious hazard to human health and environment. Bioremediation of PAHs contaminated soil was studied in the soil slurry phase bioreactor. For enhancement of biodegradation, bioaugmentation [which is the process of adding microorganisms with the potential of pollution biodegradation to the bio-slurry reactor] was applied. Phenanthrene [C[14]H[10]], a three-benzene ring PAHs, was added in concentration of 100mg/kg soil. Two isolated species and consortium of bacteria were inoculated to the medium in density of 7_10[7] CFU/mL. The analysis of variance [ANOVA] was used for finding of optimum levels of type of bacterial culture and presence effect of endogenous factors. The base of the bacteria was petroleum-contaminated soil from around Tehran petroleum Refinery. Control reactor [killed bacteria] showed 5% loss of phenanthrene and biodegradation in the non-augmented reactor [endogenous microorganisms] in a slurry bioreactor was about 17%. In the case of bioaugmentation with Pseudomonas.spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and consortium, phenanthrene degradation efficiency were 87.8%, 85.5% and 92.8%, respectively, presenting the positive effect of biodegradation in consortium augmented compared to the isolated one. Colony forming units [CFUs] variation showed good conformity and agreement with the performance of the reactors with respect to phenanthrene degradation. Hence, the results of this experiment show that bioaugmentation may be considered as an effective method to enhance the bioremediation in removal of PAHs from contaminated soils

[Optimization of propylene removal in a complete mixed activated sludge bioreactor by Taguchi method]

Exposure to propylene glycol can lead to many health risks on blood, skin and kidney. Biodegradation of synthetic wastewater containing propylene glycol was studied in a continuous conventional activated sludge bench scale reactor. Optimum conditions of microorganisms growth for biodegradation of propylene glycol were determined by Taguchi method. Primary microorganisms for start up of the bioreactor were obtained from sludge return line of a municipal wastewater treatment plant and adapted to different concentrations of propylene glycol in a conventional activated sludge reactor. Optimum growth conditions of microorganisms and also operational conditions of the system including pH, influent COD, source of nitrogen and salinity were determined in three levels by Taguchi method. COD removal efficiency in conventional activated sludge reactor for influent concentrations of 400, 700, 900, 1100 and 1300 mg/L were 98%, 95%, 95%, 90% and 85% respectively. Optimization of the process by Taguchi method showed that source of nitrogen urea, pH = 8, salinity of 8% and influent COD of 1300 mg/L with importance priority of 41%, 25%, 17.11% and 16.142% were as optimum growth conditions of microorganisms and also, operational conditions of the system for propylene glycol biodegradation respectively. According to the results obtained from this work, it can be concluded that optimum conditions of biological processes and improvement the efficiency of bioreactors can simply be done by the use of such experimental designs

[Leachate treatment by batch decant activated sludge process and powdered activated carbon addition]

Direct biodegradation of landfill leachate is too difficult because of high concentrations of COD and NH3 and also the presence of toxic compounds. The main objective of this study was to application of Strurvite precipitation as a pretreatment stage, in order to remove inhibitors of biodegradation before the batch decant activated sludge process with addition of powdered activated carbon [PAC]. Strurvite precipitated leachate was introduced to a bench scale batch decant activated sludge reactor with hydraulic retention times of 6 and 12 hour. PAC was added to aeration tank directly at the rate of 3.5 g/L. TCOD, SCOD, NH3 and P removal efficiency with addition of PAC in HRT of 6 h were 90, 87, 98.3 and 94% respectively and 96, 95, 99.2 and 98.7 5 in HRT of 12 h. According to obtained data from this work, it can be concluded that Strurvite precipitation before batch decant activated sludge process and simultaneous addition of PAC is promising technology for leachate treatment and can meet effluent standards for discharge to the receiving waters

[ unusual case of transitional cell carcinoma of renal pelvis presenting with brain metastases]

Transitional cell carcinoma of renal pelvis presenting with brain metastases is a very rare case which should be diagnosed and treated in order to prevent further damages. We report a rare case, who had presented with a constellation of neurological symptoms [due to multiple brain metastases], but without any urological symptoms. During evaluation of patient, we found transitional cell carcinoma [TCC] of left renal pelvis, for which palliative radical nephroureterectomy was performed. Although transitional cell carcinoma of renal pelvis presenting with brain metastases is a very rare case, but the patient was managed with gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery for the metastatic lesions. Afterward he received four cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy. The patient is alive with stable disease at 32-months' follow-up

[Survey of phenantherene biodegradation's model in contaminated soils by Acinetobacter sp]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs] are a group of hazardous pollutants which have carcinogenic and mutagenic properties and accumulated in environment by different actions, therefore treatment of them is important. Biological treatments are simple and cheep technologies. This technology was recommended as a cost- effective method for treatment of these pollutants. In order to investigate the trend of pollution reduction of petroleum hydrocarbons in bioremediation, the phenanthrene biodegradation's model in contaminated soils was studied. Firstly, PAHs capable degrading bacteria was isolated from petroleum contaminated soils and then their ability for biodegradation of phenanthrene was assessed in slurry phase. After that by using Acinetobacter which have the most potential of removing phenanthrene from soil, the biodegradation model was investigated in bench scale. Phenantherene removal efficiency was obtained 99.4% for 100 mg/kg and 96% for 500 mg/kg concentrations in 33 and 60 days biodegradation period respectively. Phenantherene reduction rate varied from 2.99 to 8.86 and 1.4 to 11.09 mg/kg/day for 100 and 500 mg/kg concentrations, respectively. Rate of phenantherene removal is depended on primary concentration of contamination and by increasing of primary concentration, phenantherene removal rate was increased. Also removal efficiency followed zero and first order kinetic model with good correlation

Cutaneous application of menthol 10% solution on temporal area in acute treatment of common migraine

Migraine as the most popular vascular headache was always been the topic of discussion in the medical literatures. Regarding the theories underlying pathophysiology of migraine, various methods for treatment of this disorder have been proposed. Menthol is the most important active agent in peppermint and various mechanisms of action for it have been proposed till now, many of them focused on it's analgesic effect through TRPMs, a group of the transient receptor protein TRP. In previous interventional studies also, a solution of peppermint extract in ethanol significantly reduced the clinical tension type headache intensity. Regarding numerous therapeutic effects of menthol, we performed this study to evaluate the effect of cutaneous application of menthol on reducing headache intensity in migraine acute attacks. Twenty five female patients enrolled in this interventional uncontrolled study. They all used the 10% menthol solution the way they were informed. During the consumption, they filled out some questionnaires containing information about intensity of headache and associated symptoms. Within 33 well recorded attacks of migraine, 50% relief of pain occurred after 1.85 hours and sustained pain-free efficacy was achieved after 6.76 hours. Seventy one percent of migraine patients who had nausea/vomiting and 43% of those who were suffering from photophobia and photophobia associated with headache became symptom-free after 2 hours. This study demonstrates that cutaneous consumption of 10% menthol in ethanol solution is well tolerated by the patients and relives the pain and associated symptoms. However, further controlled studies are needed to confirm these observations

Relationship of exudative age-related macular degeneration with body mass index

To determine the correlation between body mass index [BMI] and exudative age-related macular degeneration [ARMD]. This case-control study was conducted on 60 patients with exudative ARMD and 60 controls, both aged over 50. Age, sex, cigarette smoking and blood pressure were evaluated beside BMI. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software, version 9.0 using Pearson Chi square and t tests. Odds ratio [OR] with 95% confidence interval [95%CI] was calculate for over-weight [BMI> 25 kg/m[2]] and smoking. Subjects were male in 66.7% of the case group and 43.3% of the control group. [P<0.01]. Mean age was 71.0 and 71.4 years in the case and control groups, respectively. Mean DM1 was 26.77 and 25.32 kg/m[2] in the case and control groups, respectively. [P>0.05] There were 5% lean [BM1 <20 kg/m[2]], 35% normal-weight [20 0.05] Being over-weight did not predispose to exudative ARMD before [OR= 1.71, 95% CI: 0.81-3.57] and after [OR= 1.65, 95% CI: 0.73-2.6] omitting the smoking factor. Cigarette smoking was a significant risk factor for exudative ARMD [OR= 10.54, 95%CI: 2.33-49.47]. This study showed no significant relation between BM1 and exudative ARMD

[Prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis in urine sample of patients with UTI in Zahedan]

Background and Objective: urinary tract infections [UTI] are regarded as one of the most common infectious diseases. A remarkable percent of urinary tract infections are asymptomatic. In some cases of urinary tract infections, significant bacteriuria is not present. One the etiologic agents of culture negative genitourinary tract infections, which can be transmitted through intercourse, is Chlamydia Trachomatis. On the basis of high incidence of negative results of urine culture [Up to 60%] in patients suffering from UTI referring to Bou-Ali infectious hospital and taking into consideration the importance of genitourinary Chlamydial infections, we decided to study prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis in urine sample of patients with UTI referring to this hospital

Materials and Methods: this research was a descriptive study on the 320 patients referring to Bou-Ali infectious hospital in Zahedan, which were chosen by non-randomized sampling. One early morning urine sample was taken from these patients. After centrifugation, sediment of samples was used as antigen for Chlamy-check-I ELISA kits

Results: out of 320 urinary specimens, 95 specimens [29.69%] were positive and 225 specimen [70.31%] were negative for Chlamydia Trachomatis. From 95 positive samples, 43 person [45.2%] were male and 52 person [54.73] were female. In both sexes the highest percent was related to 20-29 years old group

Conclusion: in accordance with above reported prevalence rate and bearing in mind the consequences of inappropriate treatment of Chlamydial infections [PID, infertility, extra uterus pregnancy, epididiomitis] the importance of precise treatment of Chlamydial infection and necessity of providing laboratory facilities for accurate and rapid diagnosis of Chlamydial infections in the area with high incidence of culture negative urine specimens is recommended