ABSTRACT
Gamma rays, the most energetic photons within the any other wave in the electromagnetic spectrum, pose enough energy to form charged particles and adversely affect human health. Provided that the external exposure of human beings to natural environmental gamma radiation normally exceeds that from all man-made sources combined, environmental gamma dose rate and corresponding annual effective dose were determined in the cities of Ardabil and Sar Ein. Outdoor environmental gamma dose rates were measured using an Ion Chamber Survey Meter in 48 selected locations [one in city center and the remaining in cardinal and ordinal directions] in Ardabil and Sar Ein. Ten more locations were monitored along the hot springs effluent in Sar Ein. Measurements of gamma radiation dose rate were performed at 20 and 100 cm above the ground for a period of one hour. Average outdoor environmental gamma dose rate were determined as 265, 219, and 208 nSvh[-1] for Ardabil, Sar Ein, and along the hot spring effluent, respectively. The annual affective dose for Ardabil and Sar Ein residents were estimated to be 1.45 and 1.39 mSv, respectively. Calculated annual effective dose of 1.49 and 1.35 n5V are appreciably higher than the population weighted average exposure to environmental gamma radiation worldwide and that analysis of soil content to different radionuclide is suggested
ABSTRACT
Evidence shows that the mortality rate of esophageal cancer [EC] in Ardabil Province is among the highest worldwide. Studies on the epidemiological profile of EC in Ardabil are scarce. We aim to study the characteristics of EC in Ardabil using data from the recently established Ardabil Cancer Registry [ACR]. This study has been accomplished based on data collected in ACR between 2004 and 2006. Cases reported to ACR were coded based on the third edition of the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology [ICD-O III]. The age-standardized incidence rates [ASR] and the standard rate ratio [SRR] have been calculated for each district in Ardabil Province. A total of 549 new cases of EC were registered within ACR during the study period. The ASR was 19.5 for men and 19.7 for women per 100,000 person-years. The majority of cases [79.1%] were diagnosed based on pathology. The most common morphology of EC was squamous cell carcinoma [SCC, 73%] followed by adenocarcinoma [17.8%]. The ASR was significantly higher in northern districts of the province [p < 0.001]; highest in Meshkinshahr [27.2/100,000] and lowest in Nir [7.6/100,000]. The male:female ratio approximated one in the northern and above 2.5 in the southern districts. Our results demonstrate that the increased incidence of EC in Ardabil is mainly due to an increase in the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma [ACE] during recent years. The almost equal incidence of EC among men and women, and its geographical pattern across the province indicate the possible role of environmental risk factors, which need further investigations
ABSTRACT
Maternal zinc supplementation has been suggested as a potential intervention to reduce the incidence of low birth weight [LWB]. The results of placebo-controlled trials are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on pregnancy complications and outcome. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 196 women who were selected from health care centers in Ardabil between 16-20 wk of pregnancy. Then, they randomly were allocated to receive zinc supplementation [as 220 mg zinc sulfate] or placebo. All information of baseline characteristics, follow up forms, pregnancy complications and anthropometric measurement of infants were collected by trained midwifes. Seventeen of the 196 women were excluded from study. The incidence of low birth weight [<2500 gr] was different significantly after zinc supplementation in placebo group [p=0.01]. Also birth weight was higher in zinc group than placebo group [p=0.03]. No significant effect of treatment was observed on pregnancy complications. However, pregnancy induced hypertension and IUGR were observed only in placebo group. This study showed zinc supplementation during pregnancy improved birth weight and reduced low birth weight