[ study on the variations of temperature, moisture, pH and carbon to nitrogen ratio in producing compost by stack method]

Background: Considering the importance of chemical and physical parameters such as temperature, moisture, pH and carbon to nitrogen [C:N] ratio in producing compost, the purpose of this study was to evaluate these parameters in producing compost by stack method

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on municipal solid waste generated in Kashan during a 63-day period from Oct 3 to Dec 4, 2010. Compost samples were taken from the top one-third, the center and also the bottom of the compost pile and mixed; the compost pile was aerated [if necessary]. Thereafter, samples were analyzed for carbon and nitrogen content using Fourti method

Results: The initial temperature of the compost pile was 38[degree]C and then increased to 65[degree]C at the 9[th] day, and reached to 26[degree]C at the last day of composting. The moisture at the beginning of the process was 67.5%, increased to 73% at the 5[th] day and decreased to 38% at the last day. The initial pH of the compost was 5.5, increased during the compost process, and reached an optimal value of 7.7 at the end of the process. The C:N ratio at the beginning of the process was 35:1 and in mature compost decreased to 12.5:1

Conclusion: Presence of actinomycetes and the dark-brown color of the prepared compost on the 63rd day of composting indicate that the compost meets the required standards. Consequently, the implementation of this method is suitable for tropical cities like Kashan

Stress, coping strategies and related factors in a sample of Iranian adolescents

Since the stress and coping are the most reported problems by adolescents, this study aims to apprise the stressors, coping strategies and influential factors among male adolescents. The effect of stressors, coping strategies and some demographics variables were studied in 402 male adolescents in Tehran, Iran. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. A multiple regression was performed to assess factors related to perceived stress. The mean age of adolescents was 15.44 [SD=0.68] years. The mean value of perceived stress for the whole sample was 17.99 [SD=6.02]. Cognitive/emotional coping was the most frequent coping style. The findings revealed that there was a significant correlation between perceived and accumulative stress. In multiple regression analysis, the accumulative stress, social resources, parent's education and grade point average were found to be significant predictors of perceived stress. The findings suggest that increased level of perceived stress is associated with accumulative stress, social resources and parent's education that are modifiable factors. Stress management education might be a solution to overcome increased perceived stress

Influential factors on discontinuation of intrauterine contraceptive device

Choosing proper method for contraception can help to reduce prevalence of unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortions. IUD is one of the most trustable; effective, and long-term contraceptive methods. The periodical study for recognition of the discontinuation factors is important in family planning and population control. Thus, the study was designed to determine the factors influencing the IUD discontinuation among women referring to Tehran' south health care centers. In this descriptive study, 400 women attending to the health care centers in south Tehran in order to discontinue their IUDs were selected randomly. Data were gathered using questionnaires and analyzed using statistical tests such as chi-square and T-test. The mean IUD duration usage was 29.5 +/- 27.88 months. The main complication was bleeding that was reported by 44% of the clients. Infection 36.5%; spotting 20.5%; pain 12.3% and explosion 11.3% were the other causes of discontinuation, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the discontinuation and complications [P<0.001], husbands' education level [P=0.01], and usage duration [P=0.04]. The study showed that the most common reason for IUD removal was its side effects. It seems considering appropriate policies could decrease the complications and increase the usage duration

[Study of the effects of different kinds of honeys on the growth of standard strain of pseudomonas aeroginosa [in vitro]]

Pseudomonas aeroginosa is a gram negative bacterium which is found in the intestinal tract and skin as normal flora. It can cause opportunistic infections, contaminated wounds especially burn lesions, and is resistant to many antibiotics. Many studies support the use of honey for these infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible bactericidal effects of different kinds of honey, on P. aeroginosa, in Kashan. This was a labaratory study. Eight out of 15 honey samples were selected and their reducing sugars, saccharose were quantified, also Diastase enzyme activity was determined. The included specimens were then classified to natural [6 specimens], synthetic unnatural [2 specimens] and a sample prepared by sugar, and two by heat-inactivated natural honeys. Different concentration [V/V] containing 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 percent of honeys were added in the Muller Hinton agar and P. aeroginosa [ATCC=27853] were then cultured. The results showed that natural honeys at the concentration of 10%, had bactricidal effects on the growth of P.aeroginosa. The synthetic honeys did not show this effect. but heating process reduced bactricidal properties of the honeys. We concluded that natural honeys can be used for the treatment of infectious wounds especially in burns, and superficial lesion. In vivo studies are also warranted to confirm the bactericidal effects of honey

Immunoblot assay in determination of serum antibody profile of helicobacter pylori infection

A high prevalence of antibody to cag A has been observed in H. pylori seropositive patients [HP+] living in developed countries. This is felt to be correlated with the development of serious sequelae of this infection. We examined the sero-prevalence of antibody to cag A and other specific H. pylori antigens in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals living in Kashan. Sera from 37 patients whose HP status was determined by culture, histology, RUT, and ELISA were enrolled in this study. The Helico - blot 2.1 western blot system was used for the detection of antibodies to specific antigens of H.pylori in sera obtained from both positive and negative HP. Out of 85 patients, 47 [55.3%] were HP+ and 38 [44.7%] HP-. Among the HP+ group, 37 were tested with immunoblot system. Patients and their respective clinical disease were composed of duedenitis 19, non-ulcer dyspepsia 4, dyspepsia 4, gastritis 24, cancer and metaplasia 11 and 2 normal biopsies. In that order the corresponding antibodies to cag A was 73%,75%,75%,83%,81.8% and 50%. The results of this study suggest that cag A antibody is more frequent in the acute status; however, this factor is diagnostically insufficient in some disease processes. In addition, cag A+ phenotype can not be used as a single marker for high risk patients