investigation into the potential applicability of gel dosimeters for dosimetry in boron neutron capture therapy

The aim of this work was to establish how well gel dosimeters performed, as substitutes for brain tissue compared with standard phantom materials such as water, polymethyl-methacrylate [or PMMA], A150 plastic and TE- liquid phantom material for dosimetry of neutron beams in boron neutron capture therapy. Thermal neutron fluence, photon dose and epithermal neutron dose distributions were computed for the epithermal neutron beam of the optimized linac based BNCT. Amongst all investigated phantom materials, TE-liquid was shown to be a better substitute for brain tissue than other phantom materials. The differences between TE- liquid and brain at the depth of 6.1 cm for thermal neutron fluence, gamma dose and epithermal neutron dose distributions was calculated 2.80%, 2.40% and -13.87%, respectively. In comparison with the other gel dosimeters, LMD2 provided a better simulation of radiation transport in the brain. It's results differed from the real brain, at the depth of 6.1 cm, for thermal neutron fluence, gamma dose and epithermal neutron dose distributions, by -1.27%, 4.20% and 21.05% respectively. Even though, in gamma dose distribution the LMD2 has large deviation from brain tissue distribution, the deviation is approximately independent of depth, so the results can be multiplied by a constant coefficient to be more consistent with reality. Even though, TE- liquid showed satisfactory results for brain tissue substitution in BNCT, but some properties of gel dosimeters such as three dimensionality, make LMD2 a potentially good dosimeter for dosimetric verification in BNCT

Production of a novel high strength heavy concrete using tourmaline and galena for neutron and photon radiation shielding

High density concrete is extensively used for efficient radiation attenuation in radiotherapy rooms and nuclear reactors. Over the past eight years, some efficient galena-based concrete samples for shielding X or gamma rays was produced. The goal of this study was to produce a novel high density concrete against neutron and photon radiations using tourmaline and galena. Attenuation of gamma photons was measured using a Farmer type ionization chamber with a standard [60]Co buildup cap on a Theratron[60] Co therapy unit. Neutron shielding characteristics were measured by using an Am-Be source. The MCNP4C radiation transport computer code was used to investigate the effects of various shield thicknesses on the attenuation of gamma-ray photons and neutrons. The concrete samples had a density of 4.0- 4.2 g/cm[3]. The compressive strength was 326 - 560 kg/cm2. The calculated value for Half Value Layer [HVL] of the tourmaline-galena concrete samples for 60Co gamma rays was 2.72 cm, which is much less than that of ordinary concrete [6.0 cm]. The MC-derived HVL for photons with the same energy was 2.77 cm, which is in a good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, ToGa concrete had up to 10 times greater neutron attenuation compared to that of the reference concrete. Tourmalin-Galena Concrete opens a new horizon in economic and efficient gamma/neutron shielding in high-energy radiotherapy bunkers, nuclear power plants, and shielding of radioactive sources

[Personality, intellectual and emotional state of patients with borderline personality disorder]

It is possible to explain the great discrepancy in the personality and psychopathology of patients with borderline personality disorder [BPD], partly, on the basis of differences in their profiles of personality, psychopathology, intellectual and emotional state. The aim of the current study was to assess these items in the patients with BPD. This was a descriptive-comparative study. Among the patients with diagnosis of BPD referring to Sanandaj health centers, 30 accepted to participate in this study. They were assessed by use of MCMI-III, emotional state questionnaire, and The WAIS-R. The results were compared with those of their matched, non-clinical group. SPSS software was used for data processing and data were analyzed by profile analysis and one way ANOVA. Profile analysis showed significant differences between the groups in all of the tests. Comparison of the single scales showed differences in a wide range of variables of personality, intellectual and emotional state. The results indicated an important role for the emotional elements in the development of personality disorders and also similarity of many of the clinical symptoms in these patients. Intellectual elements are also useful for explaining a fundamental part of the symptoms of BPD. These variables seem essential for understanding cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects of the patients with BPD

[Analysis of the relationship between self-estimated and measured physical fitness among non-athletic female and male university students]

The purpose of this study was to study the relationship between self-estimated and measured physical fitness among non-athletic young females and males. The target population of this study was all non-athletic male of female students from the University of Guilan. After translating the SPQ standard-questionnaire [Delignieres, 1994] and adjusting some of the questions, the questionnaire was evaluated by the specialists in the context of validity and the Reliability achieved by test-retest [Cronbach Alpha value of 0.84] We then, according to the Odineski table selected 150 male and 170 female students, with the mean: age of 21.83 +/- 1.17 and 21.13 +/- 1.56 years; height of 173.64 +/- 1.56 and 159.29 +/- 6.45 cm; weight of 70.66 +/- 11.80 and 57.73 +/- 10.27 kg; and body mass index of 23.45 +/- 3.3 and 22.74 +/- 3.7 kg/m[2], respectively. The inferential statistics of the t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for data analysis. The results show that male and female students in the study did not have a true self-estimate of their physical fitness, muscular strength, endurance cardio - respiratory, flexibility, and body composition. There were also significant differences between self-estimated physical fitness and the fitness test measures among the male and female students [P<0.001]. Compared to the female students, the male students had a better self-estimated image of their physical activity. Based on the fact that the male and female students in the study do not have a true self-estimate of their physical fitness, we suggest that they should be provided with necessary facilities and support in order to encourage them to participate in the physical activity and fitness training programs, which could lead to improvement of their mental and body health status and a better picture of self-estimated physical activity

[ effect of walking exercise on the amount of fat mass and serum insulin in obese girls]

Obesity, a public health problem is growing in prevalence over the past decade. Obesity increases mortality risk and there is evidence that obesity in youth is a more powerful predictor of this risk than obesity in adulthood. The purpose of the present study is to examine the effect of walking exercise in order to reduce obesity in sedentary obese girls. This research was carried out on 20 non-athlete volunteer obese girls [BMI>30] between 19-25 years and then were randomly divided in two groups [Control: n=10 and Experimental: n=10]. At the beginning and after 2 months, fat mass, percent body fat and lean mass were assessed with bioelectrical impedance equipment [BIA] and serum insulin measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay [ELISA] analysis. Then the experimental group started to do exercise program which consisted of 30 minutes walking with intensity of 50%-75% of maximal heart rate, 3 sessions in a week for 2 months. The data was analyzed using t-test. The results of this study showed that walking exercise, positively reduced body fat percent and fat mass and increased lean mass in exercise group [p= 0.000]. Serum insulin also significantly decreased [p = 0.008]. This study demonstrated that a regular physical activity program such as walking exercise can significantly reduce body weight and improve serum insulin in obese girls. In conclusion, it seems that this type of training can be efficient, safe and inexpensive way in order to reduce and prevent obesity

[Predisposing factors of postpartum depression]

Postnatal depression is a major public health problem. With due attention to potential side effects of it on mother and family, determining and reduction of any of the factors can decrease prevalence of this disorder. This study was done to determine the predisposing factors of postpartum depression. It was a cross- sectional study with multistage cluster random sampling of 560 women referred to Tabriz health centers 2 mounts after delivery. Data was collected by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Data related to demographic characteristics, mother- newborn characteristics and social support was also gathered by a research- made tool. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 16 by using descriptive statistics, Chi square, one way ANOVA, independent T test and logistic regression. The results of chi square test showed a significant association between mother age, education, illness of mother during pregnancy, type and number of delivery and desired fetal sex and postpartum depression [P<0/05]. The results of independent T test also showed a significant relationship between illness of newborn, unplanned pregnancy and postpartum depression [P<0/05]. The results of one-way ANOVA indicated that the relation between lack of mother's readiness to accept the responsibility of newborn and husband's feelings about recent pregnancy and postpartum depression was significant [P<0/05]. Linear regression showed the most important risk factors of postpartum depression as financial status, educational level, unwanted pregnancy, stress level, newborn illness, and mother's lack of willingness to accept responsibility [p<0.05]. Approaches that will lead to increased willingness of mothers to realize the predisposing factors of this disorder, as well as family support and also social support by health care providers can be effective in preventing postpartum depression

[CD4[+] immune response to cytomegalovirus [CMV] in healthy carriers and hematological malignancies]

Background and aim: Cytomegalovirus [CMV] infects the majority of human population in their life time and triggers strong immune responses from all arms of the immune system. However the cellular immune response is the major mechanism by which CMV replication is controlled. CMV-specific CD4[+] T cells have a substantial role in maintenance of CMV-specific CD8+ T cell response. The aim of the study was an overview of CD4[+]T cell response to CMV in healthy donors and patients with hematological malignancies

Methods: In this review, abstract or full text articles related to CMV-specific CD4[+] T cell response, published during 1990 until 2010, were collected from the Medline. The Persian articles were searched through the IranMedex database and used if they were appropriate

Results: In chronic infection, the CMV-specific CD4[+] T cells secrete interferon-gamma [IFN-gamma], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] and interleukin-2 [IL-2]. CMV-specific CD4[+] response increases with age and the response has been up to 32% with intracellular cytokine detection technique. The cells have also lower activation threshold. The CMV-specific CD4[+] T cell response increases and comprises up to 47% of whole CD4[+] compartment in patients who received hematopoietic stem cells transplants. It was up to 44% in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients and broad phenotyping alterations have also been observed in relation to CMV-seropositivity

Conclusion: Considering the high level of CMV-specific CD4[+] T cell response, the viral replication can be controlled and the reactivation can be prevented. Because of the possibility of intracellular cytokine, it is now possible to determine the phenotype of the cells. Therefore, CMV has served as an excellent model for effectors-memory phenotype studies and could be a possible tool in the way to achieve immunotherapy

[ effect of milk on bone density in adult girls]

Milk is long being known to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and potentially beneficial for bone health particularly among Iranian populations where consumption of dairy production is low. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the physiological effect of milk consumption on bone mass density [BMD] and prevention of osteoporosis in adult girls. This investigation was performed on twenty non-athlete thin and obese girls. BMD and blood parameters were measured by routine laboratory tests at the beginning and two months later. Both groups received two glasses of semi-skimmed milk [1.5% fat; 600 mg/dl calcium] three times a week for a total duration of 2 months. The study findings showed that the BMD of hip and spinal cord [L[2]-L[4]] significantly increased in both groups after 2 months [p<0.05]. According to our data, consumption of two glasses of milk 3 times a week could remarkably increase the BMD in adult girls hence, it could be concluded that the frequent consumption of milk by both thin and obese girls can reduce the risk of osteoporosis

Effect of 12 weeks life-style activity modification [LAM] on adiponectin gene expression and plasma adiponectin in obese men

Central obesity down regulates adiponectin gene expression and plasma adiponectin concentration. The effects of lifestyle activity modification [LAM] training according to Centers for Disease Control [CDC] and American College of Sports Medicine ACSM guidelines on adiponectin gene expression and its secretion in obese people is not well known. The purpose of this study hence was to examine the effects of LAM on adiponectin gene expression and plasma adiponectin in obese men. Sixteen healthy middle aged men [42.06 +/- 6.01 years; mean +/- SD] participated in this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to the LAM [n=8] and control group [n=8]. Subjects in the LAM group walked 2 miles for 30 minutes for 4 days for 12 weeks on treadmill according to the CDC and ACSM guidelines. After 12 weeks LAM training, subjects were asked to avoid any high intensity physical activity for a week. The results showed that weight, BMI, body fat mass, body fat percent, central [visceral and subcutaneous] and peripheral subcutaneous fat volume, waist and hip circumstance and waist to hip ratio [WHR] were decreased significantly after 12 weeks in the LAM group, compared to the controls [P<0.05]. After one week detraining, body composition in the training group was maintained and did not change significantly. Also, maximum oxygen uptake, adiponectin gene expression on abdominal and hip subcutaneous adipose tissue were increased significantly in the LAM group compared to controls after 12 weeks [P<0.05]. On the other hand, after 12 weeks LAM training no significant differences were observed in plasma adiponectin and serum high sensitive C reactive protein [hs-CRP], levels between groups, while after one week detraining plasma adiponectin and serum hs-CRP levels were significantly increased and decreased respectively [P<0.05]. Although, twelve weeks LAM training improved body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and adiponectine gene expression in obese men, but the intensity and time of these exercises are not enough to increase plasma adiponectin and hs-CRP reduction

[ effects of the intensity and volume of resistance exercises on the post-exercise blood pressure, heart rate and rate pressure product]

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of mortality in the world. Increased blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Decreasing blood pressure due to exercise can reduce the risk of cardiovascular incidents. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of exercise on blood pressure, heart rate and rate pressure product. To evaluate the effects of intensity and volume of resistance exercises on the post-exercise cardiovascular responses, 10 young untrained non-athletic men [age: 22 +/- 0.8 years; height: 173.05 +/- 2.4 cms and weight: 67.2 +/- 3.4 kgs] participated in this study as the subjects. The subjects performed four exercise bouts in a randomized order. Each bout consisted of five exercises: arm curl, hamstring curl, squat, seated lat pull-down and bench press. The exercises were determined to be performed at three sets: SHORT volume of LOW 40% IRM [SL] and HIGH intensity 80% 1RM [SH] and at six sets: LONG volume of LOW 40% 1RM [LL] and HIGH intensity 80% 1RM [LH]. Blood pressure [BP], heart rate [HR] and rate pressure product [RPP] [product of HR and systolic BP] were measure before the exercise [baseline] and at the ten-minute intervals within 90minutes after each exercise. Then, the data were analyzed using two way ANOVA repeated measures and LSD post-hoc tests. Systolic BP was found to be affected by the volume and intensity of exercise and became lower during 10 to 60 minutes after the exercises [P<0.05]. However, Diastolic BP was not altered after the exercise bouts. HR was increased in 30 minutes after LL and SL, and within 60 minutes after SH and LH exercises [p<0.05]. In contrast, after SH and LH, RPP was increased over a period of 50 minutes. The intensity and volume of resistance exercises do not influence the magnitude and duration of post-exercise hypotension. Also, HR and RPP post-exercise are not affected by the resistance exercise volume

[Effect of caffeine on blood pressure during exercise and at rest in overweight men]

Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance that is widely consumed in a variety of forms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of caffeine on blood pressure in overweight men during exercise and at rest. In double-blind randomly designed study, six men [BMI 29.55 +/- 1.22 kg/m2, age 22.50 +/- 0.83 yr, height 174 +/- 9.12cm, weight 89.31 +/- 8.85kg, body fat percent 26.38 +/- 3.62] with sedentary lifestyles, performed 30 minutes running on treadmill at similar exercise intensities [60% VO2max], 1 hour after taking caffeine [5 mg/kg body weight] or placebo. Heart rate was recorded during exercise, and blood pressure [BP] was measured before and 1 hour after taking caffeine and immediately after exercise, and data analysis was conducted using student' t-test. Results indicated that systolic and diastolic BP and mean arterial pressure significantly elevated following caffeine intake at rest, but no significant differences were observed after exercise no significant differences were observed between caffeine and placebo in heart rate during exercise. The findings indicate that caffeine at this dosage level alters cardiovascular dynamics by augmenting arterial blood pressure in moderately obese men at rest. However, it seems that taking caffeine before exercise does not cause abnormal elevations in blood pressure in moderately obese men

[Description of UTI in patients with renal transplantation admitted in labafinegad hospital from 1384 to 1385]

Background: the renal transplantation is now the treatment of choice for ESRD. Urinary tract is the most common site for infection after kidney transplantation. The different clinical and microbiological aspects of UTI in renal transplantation

Materials and Methods: in this cross-sectional study, the clinical manifestation at the time of admission, past medical history, the time of transplantation and the result of laboratory data including U/A, U/C and CBC of patients with kidney transplantation and probable UTI were collected and analysed in SPSS 11/5

Results: in 122 patients with UTI, 61 patients [50%] were admitted with fever, chilliness and weakness without urinary signs and symptoms. the interval between transplantation and infection was 1 month in 19 patients [15/6%], 1-3 month in 23 patients [18/9%], 3-6 month in 19 patients [15/6%] and 6-12 month in 12-patients [9/8%]. 49 patients were infected after 12 month. In 56 patients [45/9%] urine culture was negative and in the positive results, E coli was the most common [56%] organism

Conclusion: in this study UTI was occured most of the time in the first years after transplantation and was manifested with nonspecific signs and symptoms in most patients. Urine culture can be negative in near half of the cases

[ case of idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytepenia]

Opportunistic infections are common in patient with cell mediated immunodeficiency. We report here a case of multiple opportunistic infections and lymphoproliferative disease in patient eith idiopathic cd4+ lymphocy topenia. A 45 years old man was admitted in our hospital due to respiratory distress and diffuse skin lesions

BX of skin lesions and cdture of synovied fluid contained TB infection and prepared smear of synovid fluid contained aspergilus. The white blood cde count was 1000/ml with pmn [63%] and lymphocyte[28%] and cd4 [10.4%]. persistent cd4+ lymphocy to penia below 300/ml and lack of evidence for HIV1, 2 infection and also HTLV1, 2 infection svggests that immunosupression was due to idiopathic cd4+ lymphocytopenia [ICL] the paticnt was treated with antifungal and antibiotics and clinically improved. One years lates he almittes due to left side paresis. In brain MRI a lesion was seen in frontal. Also there was multiple lymph in inguinal region. Biopsy of lymph node showed lympo proliferative disordes. Unfortunately despite treatmen he died

[Relationship between parenting style and academic competence among adolescents studying in Tabriz high schools, 2002]

It was showed that family relationships affect on adolescent academic achievement. Regarding to the parenting style importance on academic competence, this study was carried out to determine relationship between parenting style and academic competence in adolescents. This is a descriptive correlational study with multistage cluster sampling of 360 adolescents studying in Tabriz high schools. Questionnaires using in this study were parenting style inventory II and Academic Competence Scale. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and LSD. According to the finding the majority of adolescents [%39.7] reported authoritative parenting style and high academic competence [39.2%]. Relation between parenting style and academic competence [F=187.8, P=0.000] was significant. Regarding the fact that the majority of adolescents reported authoritative parenting style and relation between parenting style and academic competence was significant, so parents' education for adolescence's characteristic and parenting style outcomes lead to promoting adolescent academic competence

[ teratogenic effects of Lamotrigine on mouse fetus]

One of the most important complications of antiepileptic drugs [AEDs] is increased congenital malformations. The risk of malformations in such fetuses is 7-10% compared to 2-4% in the general population. Lamotrigine is a recently introduced AED, with fewer teratogenic effects than that of the older ones and without reported teratogenic effects in most cases. Recently some malformations have been reported related to Lamotrigine use in human beings but the reports are scanty and contradictory and no particular patterns of malformations have been presented. This study has been done to detect the teratogenic effects of this drug in mouse fetus. In this study, NRMI mice were divided into four groups: I] control group 1, II] control group 2, with intraperitoneal administration of ethanol solution, III] case group 1, with intraperitoneal administration of three 25 mg/kg doses of Lamotrigine and IV] case group 2, with intraperitoneal administration of three 75 mg/kg doses of Lamotrigine. Injections were made during the 9[th] to the 18th days of gestation. On the 18th day of gestation, the fetuses were harvested. The body weight and height were measured and malformations in vertebral column, limbs and cranium were looked for and recorded. Malformations were compared in the four groups by SPSS software. In the groups with 25 and 75 mg/kg Lamotrigine administrations, reduction of body weight and height and increased malformations of vertebral column and limbs were noticeable in a dose dependent fashion compared to the control groups number 1 and 2 cranial malformations were insignificant. Based on the results, Lamotrigine can be considered as a risk factor for the increase of malformations in the treated animals. As a number of researchers believe that decrease of serum folate and methionine are effective in the appearance of malformations and they may implicate the situation, further studies on the mechanisms of Lamotrigine from this point of view are recommended

[ reasons for the termination of pregnancies in the third trimester in Shahr-e-kord's Hadjar during 2005]

Observations show that the majority of pregnant women hospitalized in the third trimester of pregnancy, their pregnancies are terminated in the absence of any labor pain. Because of the importance of mother and baby health, this study was designed to assess the reasons for these terminations in Hadjar's University Hospital in Shahr-e-Kord. In this descriptive and analytical study, 750 women who were hospitalized for the termination of pregnancy, were selected randomly and assessed in morning, evening and night shifts. A questionnaire and a check list were used for data collection. Hospital records, interviews with mothers, a vaginal exam and physical exam of infants were used to complete the form and the check list. Data were analized by SPSS software and t, Chi square tests were used and p<0.05 was considered significant. Based on the results, 298 [39.7%] of pregnancies were terminated for labor pain and 452 [60.3%] were terminated according to physicians' advice or other health care providers' without presence of labor pain. In the latter group, 23.2% of pregnancies were terminated for a history of previous cesarean section, elective cesarean sections, reduction of fetal movements, post-term pregnancies, maternal hypertention, placenta previa, placenta abruption or oligohydroamnious. The mean Bishop score for induction was greater in women whose pregnancies were terminated for labor pain than those terminated according to physicians' or any other health care providers' advice [df=541, p<0.001]. The correlation between Bishop score and mode of delivery was significant and in women whose Bishop score was less than 5, cesarean section was higher [df=20, p<0.001]. After the elimination of previous and elective cesarean sections, the correlation between the causes of terminations and mode of delivery was significant and most hospitalized women terminated their pregnancieis, by cesarean section without presence of labor pain [df=16, p<0.001], although in this group the mean gestational age based on LMP and sonography was greater than those with labor pain [t= 3.7, df= 311, p<0.001]. There were no significant differences in the weight of infants in the two groups. Taking the exact information in prenatal cares about the gestational age, carrying out a sonography in the first 26 weeks of pregnancy, educating pregnant women about the time of hospitalization for the termination of pregnancy and complications of early hospitalization, forming a specialty committee to decide on the termination of pregnancies in hospitals and setting practice guidelines in this regard,are efforts to prevent early termination of pregnancies

[ teratogenic effect of lamotrigine on vertebral column, sternum and ribs of mice fetus]

One of the most important complications of anti-epileptic drugs [AEDs], used during pregnancy, is the increasing of congenital malformation in neonates. One of these drugs, lamotrigine [LTG], in addition to treatment of epilepsy, is used in many of the chronic neural diseases. There are a few controversial reports about teratogenic effect of this drug. Based on these reports, oral usage of this drug is not teratogenic. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate about the teratogenic effect of this drug on a number of mice fetuses following the interaperitoneal injections. In this study, 150 mice were divided in four groups: 1] control 1, no material administration, 2] control 2, ip ethanol solution was administrated, 3] case 1, LTG was administrated ip [25 mg/kg, tid] 4] fourth group [case 2], LTG was administrated ip 3 time/day [75 mg/kg] from the 9th to 18th day of gestation. Fetuses were collected on the GD 18 and then some of embryos were used for alizarin red and alcian blue staining. By this method of staining soft tissue would become clear, cartilages become blue, and bones turn to red. Then malformations in vertebral column, sternum and ribs were considered in four groups and were compared. In the group treated with LTG, different types of skeletal malformations were increased [p<0.001] and the incretion was drug dose-dependent. The results of this study showed that LTG is likely a risk factor in occurrence of skeletal malformation in mice fetus