[Liver enzymes disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome]

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is the most common endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS commonly display a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, including impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Some recent studies have also shown an association between PCOS and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. The aim of the present study was to investigate liver enzymes in Iranian women with PCOS and controls to explore determine any possible independent effects of PCOS on liver enzymes

Materials and Methods: Sixty PCOS and sixty non-PCOS women were studied at Vali-e- Asr Hospital of Tehran University. PCOS was diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria. Data were obtained from patient's files and analyzed using SSPS version 19

Results: Gamma glutamyltransferase [GGT] level and BMI were significantly higher in PCOS women than in controls [p=0.001]. No significant differences were found between groups regarding age or serum levels of Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, fasting glucose, fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR. GGT was significantly higher in lean PCOS women compared to their controls [p=0.002], although there was no significant differences in GGT levels between overweight/obese PCOS women and overweight/obese controls, and hence no correlation between BMI and GGT

Conclusion: Considering the association between PCOS and NAFLD, women with PCOS should be screened for liver disease

critical look at social impact evaluation of dam construction by revised simpacts software - a case study of alborz dam in northern Iran

There is much discussion going on lately whether dam construction is economic or not in terms of social consequences. Accordingly, various techniques and software have been released to estimate the real social cost of dam construction among which, the Software SIMPACTS has been used extensively by researchers, worldwide. The present version of SIMPACTS software only focuses on adverse effects of hydropower dams regardless of their potential positive impacts. In order to fix the existing bugs, the software was modified by programming a new cost-benefit model in which the costs of power generation, irrigation and drainage, aquatics, and potable water as well as the benefits from electricity sales, elimination of pollutants, increased cultivated area, aquaculture practice and also prevention of flood in the area, were included. The obtained results revealed that the total costs of the Alborz Dam, including the costs added to the modified model, will raise from 164 US$/Mwh calculated by the original version of the software to US$ 1049 per MWh. Besides, total revenues resulting from the above mentioned variables added up to the model reaches US$ 1994 per MWh. Therefore, the cost over benefit ratio for construction of Alborz Dam is equal to 1.5. In other words, a sum of US$ 28 million would be expected as the annual net profit of the project which has totally been overlooked in the original model

Quantification of social impacts of large hydropower dams- a case study of alborz dam in mazandaran province, northern Iran

Despite the numerous advantages of large dams, there is still a deep suspicion about the real, long-term benefits and costs of their construction. Land use change on a vast scale, displacement of a large population of indigenous people, loss of biodiversity and production of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as environmental, socioeconomic and cultural consequences resulting therefrom, indicate clearly the need to reconsider the growing trend of dam construction in the world. The present study was conducted to calculate the real cost of generating electricity imposed on communities and environment in order to clarify the adverse socioeconomic impacts of large dams that are often ignored due to short-term, economic benefits. Accordingly, Alborz Dam, a large dam in northern Iran, was selected as a case study to run cost-benefit analysis by SIMPACTS Software. The obtained results revealed that the total external cost of electricity generation by the hydropower dam is about 0.16 US$/kWh. In other words, the annual cost of the electricity generation by Alborz Hydropower Plant is US$ 4.8 million/year. The highest share [163 US$/MWh] belongs to the loss of agricultural production while the lowest cost [0.10 US$/MWh] is associated with the loss of life. According to the estimated values, a total amount of 1074 tons of greenhouse gas emissions is expected to be released into the air by the hydropower dam operation. It should be stated that SIMPACTS Software only considers the adverse effects of hydropower dams and there is a need to improve the capability of the software by adding the positive impacts in to the overall computations, as well

Breeding biology of the great cormorant phalacrocorax carbo sinensis in southern coasts of the caspian sea, Iran

Breeding biology of the Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis is assessed in the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea, Iran during the years 2008-2010. About 84 nests located on 63 trees were examined. Nests were built on large trees located in Abbas abad marsh, Gilan Province. Initially, eggs were found on first week of April and egg laying continued until the last week of May. Clutch size varied from 2 to 5 eggs, with a mean clutch size of 2.8 +/- 0.69. Mean shape index for all eggs were 1.68 +/- 0.035 and 1.706 +/- 0.048, respectively. The length of the incubation period was estimated at 26.6 +/- 2.2 days. in 2010 of the 84 eggs laid, 26.6% were lost. In 2009 of 92 eggs laid, 62% were lost. Number of eggs hatched per nest averaged at 1.57 +/- 0.57 in small ones and 1.8 +/- 1.6 in large nest. Mean weight of eggs was estimated at 46.8 +/- 1.28g [N=10, mean =48.9, min=45.2]

Optimization of garden radish [raphanus sativus l.] peroxidase enzyme for removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol from 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid wastewater

Environmental pollution by 2,4-dicholorphenol [2,4-DCP], commonly found in industrial wastewater has been a concern for humans over the past 50 years. Garden Radish Peroxidase [GRP] can eliminate this poisonous pollutant. The aim of this study was to apply an experimental Response Surface Methodology [RSM] and Central Composite Design [CCD] to optimize GRP-based treatment in order to maximize the removal of 2,4-DCP from wastewater. The effects of four factors; pH, enzyme activity [U/mL], hydrogen peroxide [H[2]O[2]] concentration [mM], and substrate concentration [mg/L] and their interactions were investigated for 2,4-DCP removal using a second-order polynomial model. The suitability of the polynomial model was described using coefficient of determination [R[2] =90.7%] and the results were created by analysis of variance [ANOVA]. A 3D response surface was made from the mathematical models and then applied to determine the optimal condition. These analyses exhibited that using a quadratic model was fitting for this treatment. Furthermore, desirability function was employed for the specific values of controlled factors for optimization and maximum desirability. Based on the desirability function results, the response predicted a 99.83% removal rate of 2,4-DCP from wastewater with 0.959 desirability. Under these conditions, the experimental removal percentage value would be 99.2%

Client and health workers perceptions on family planning services

In order to achieve maximum client satisfaction, family planning must incorporate the client's views and perception; this in turn depends heavily on the cultural and religious context. This qualitative study was performed with the aim of assessing the need for family planning services in various client groups. Focus Group Discussions [FGD] were conducted with four different categories of clients attending primary health care centers in Southern Tehran, Iran. The study also involved group interviews with Liaison Health Workers. Clients generally complained of problems such as the crowding of people inside health centers, inconvenient working hours, disrespectful staff members, poor client education, counseling, and contraceptive complications. Most clients expressed the need for higher education and quality services. Liaison workers listed their main problems as inadequate staffing, limited attendance time, client overload, the community's negative attitude towards state-run health facilities, and common misperceptions regarding various contraceptive modalities. Suggestions for improving quality of services included identification of common goals for staff and clients, providing adequate consultation courses for client and staff members, improving the general atmosphere of the clinic, reducing waiting time, and improving clinic access

[Effect of environmental exposure to Cadmium on pregnancy outcome]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential effect of environmental exposure to toxic metal [cadmium] on pregnancy outcome and fetal growth. 330 normal pregnant women were randomly selected from vali-e-asr hospital, from July 2003 through Feb. 2005. Cadmium was measured in umbilical cord blood and mother whole blood of postpartum women without occupational exposure to metals in Tehran, Iran, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry Whole blood cadmium and cord blood cadmium ranged from 0/00 to 6/30 micro g/L, respectivly. in the group higher level of maternal blood cadmium [>0.40 micro g/L] 1cm decrease was seen in neonatal birth height. [p=0.007] There was a significant association between cadmium exposure and birth weight.Mann-whitney test showed that, maternal blood cadmium level, was significantly negatively associated with neonatal birth weight [z=-1.83, P<0.06]. It was concluded that environmental exposure to cadmium significantly reduces neonatal birth height

Migration of the tip of a central venous catheter

Presented here is a 47-year-old man for whom right central venous chemoport catheterization was performed without radiological guidance. Within 8 days, the catheter became nonfunctional and non-contrasted thoracic CT was performed to trace its course. The tip of the catheter appeared to have perforated the opposite wall of the ipsilateral brachiocephalic vein and entered the adjacent brachiocephalic artery. It then maintained its course along the ascending aorta to perforate, once again, the opposite wall of the aorta before finally resting in the aortopulmonary soft tissue. Migration of chemoport is not uncommon, and may present in many ways. However, it is rare for a migration to occur in the way described here and only present with catheter blockage. Radiological guidance of any central vascular catheterization greatly reduces the risk of complications

Prevalence of induced abortion and associated complications in women attending hospitals in Isfahan

A high proportion of maternal deaths are caused by abortion, especially induced abortion. This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of illegally-induced abortion prior to admittance and its associated risk factors in 8 maternity hospitals in Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran, during 2003-04. In confidential interviews with 417 women who attended the hospitals with abortion, 50 [12.0%] reported that it was illegally induced. These abortions had a significant correlation with fever, septic shock and septic abortion. Of all pregnancies, 35.0% were unwanted, and 27.1% of these were illegally-terminated by induced abortions. Unwanted pregnancy was one of the most important risk factors for induced abortion [OR = 8.84, 95% CI: 4.36-17.92]

Rubella serology in pregnant women attending health centres of Tehran University of Medical Sciences

This study was performed in 2003-05 to determine the serological status of a sample of pregnant women as a preliminary study for the rubella vaccination programme. Out of 965 pregnant women attending health centres affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences for prenatal care, the estimated rubella immunity rate was 91.1% [95% CI: 89.3%-92.9%] and the nonimmunity rate was 8.9% [95% CI: 7.1%-10.7%]. The rubella immunity rate differed in different areas of Tehran but not significantly so. However, there was a significant difference in the level of rubella immunity by the number of persons per household and by age, but no significant relationship with economic status, occupation or level of education

Threatened abortion: a risk factor for poor pregnancy outcome

The scientific literature regarding threatened abortion is relatively limited on the subject of outcomes and viability at term. To investigate prospectively the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome in women presenting with first-trimester threatened miscarriage, a prospective case control study was performed on 600 subjects, 150 women presenting with bleeding in the first trimester and 450 asymptomatic age-matched controls. Main outcome measures included gestational age and weight at delivery as well as incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome such as preterm labor, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes [PPROM], placental abruption, and low birth weight [LBW]. The first-trimester miscarriage rate in the threatened miscarriage group was 42.7%. Compared with controls, women presenting with threatened miscarriage were more likely to deliver prematurely, 14.7% compared with 52.9%, respectively [relative risk 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-4.8]. They were also more likely to have PPROM, 6.4% compared with 27.5%, respectively [relative risk 4.2, 95% CI 2.6-6.9]; placental abruption, 5.7% compared with 1.5%, respectively [relative risk 3.6, 95% CI 1.2-11.3]; LBW, 14.9% compared with 7.1%, respectively [relative risk 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-3.8] and low lying placenta, 1.1% compared with 18.2%, respectively. birth weight 2866 +/- 523.3 g compared with 312.45 +/- 591.4 respectively, gestational age 35.71 +/- 4.3 compared with 38.07 +/- 3.2 respectively. First-trimester vaginal bleeding is an independent risk factor for adverse obstetric outcome and this risk factor should be taken into consideration when deciding upon antenatal surveillance and management of their pregnancies

Homocysteine in gestational diabetes and normal pregnancy plus effects of folic acid

The aim of study was to assess serum homocysteine and its relation with serum folate, vit B12 and lipid profiles in gestational diabetes mellitus and comparison with normal pregnant women as well as effect of different doses of folic acid on Homocysteine [Hcy] and pregnancy outcome. In a biphasic study first prospective controlled study 80 pregnant women were chosen at 24-28 weeks of gestation. In case group pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and control group who had normal Oral Glucose Tolerance test [GTT] results. Levels of fasting glucose, homocysteine, vit B12, and folic acid, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, were measured. In phase II study a randomized clinical trial was done with diabetic women 15 with 1mg folic acid and 15 with 5 mg folic acid for six weeks and then above variables and pregnancy outcome was evaluated. The mean levels of homocysteine in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus [GDM] group were significantly higher but folic acid and vit B12 were significantly lower. Hcy levels were decreased in both groups after six weeks folic acid but decrease in Hcy for group 5mg was significantly more than 1mg group. Homocysteine levels were higher in GDM than normal pregnancy. High dose folic acid can reduce Hcy levels more than low dose and it may be a safe, simple, inexpensive intervention that prevents major pregnancy complications

Developing a water quality management model for Karun and Dez rivers

The Karun and Dez rivers basin are the largest rivers basin in Iran which are situated in the south west of the country. Karun River originates from Zagros mountain ranges and passing through Khuzestan plain, reaches the Persian Gulf Several cities lie along its path of them the most important is Ahvaz, the center of Khuzestan province. To achieve water quality goals in Karun and Dez rivers, a water quality management model has been developed through the GIS approach and a mathematical water quality model. In Karun and Dez rivers, water quality has decreased due to heavy pollution loads from Khuzestan province cities and surrounding areas. In this survey, pollution sources, land use, geographic features and measured water quality data of the river basin were incorporated into the Arc-view geographic information system database. With the database, the model calculated management type and cost for each management project in the river basin. Until now, river management policy for polluted rivers in Iran has been first of all to get penalties from pollution sources and secondarily, to construct treatment plants for the pollution sources whose wastewater is released untreated and for which the wastewater quality goal of the Iranian Department of the Environment is not met. Different management projects with a time program were proposed and they were compared with the results of the river quality without any management approach. It became clear that the results based on the management approach were much better than those for the unmanaged condition from the viewpoint of the achievement of water quality goals and cost optimization

[Prevalence of leg cramps during pregnancy and effects of supplemental therapy]

Leg cramps are common painful spasms especially in the lower extremities during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to find a suitable alternative in the treatment of the disease. 217 patients reported leg cramps with different degrees and frequencies among 401 pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancies who visited the Prenatal Clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital from July to December 2002. After preliminary evaluations for ruling out electrolyte imbalances or insufficient supply of dietary micronutrients, patients were randomly allocated into supplemental therapy [Calcium, magnesium or vitamin B intake for 2 weeks] and control groups. The groups were compared after 4 weeks according to their complete relief from leg cramps. The clinical findings and the data collected from the patients were analyzed by chisquare and t-student tests and a logistic regression model using the SPSS [V.[10]] software. There was a significant improvement in patients receiving vitamin B with 71% complete and 19% relative relief from leg cramps, compared to 9% complete relief in the control group- 29% and 52% in the groups receiving magnesium and calcium respectively [p<0.0001]. Although the high prevalence of leg cramps [55%] in the patients was not necessaryly related to dietary habits, but it seemed that supplementing symptomatic patients with vitamin B could be beneficial

Therapeutic effects of vitamin D and calcium in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is the most important cause of oligoovulation and anovulation in women of reproductive age and in infertile women. Considering insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in this syndrome, it is believed that calcium, as well as vitamin D, will have a unique role in correcting the impairment in insulin secretion and help the development of oocytes in mammals. Therefore, this study was carried out with the objectives of evaluating the effects of calcium on human ovulation and on the size of follicles in comparison with the current use of metformin. In this research, all PCOS patients [In accordance with the Rotterdam criteria and diagnosis confirmation by a gynecologist] who attended the infertility unit of Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center from 2004 to 2005, after expressing their willingness to participate in the research were assigned to three 20-patient treatment groups as it follows: The cases were treated daily with: 1] Calcium/Vit. D [1000/mg], 2] Calcium/Vit. D [1000 mg] and metformin [1500mg] or 3] Metformin [1500mg] tablets for 3 months and were followed up for 3 more months. After this 6-month period, the size of dominant follicles, regularity of menses and pregnancy were checked for. After data collection and entry, statistical analysis [Kruskal Wallis, t-test, ANOVA and Generalized Estimating Equation [GEE] Regression] on the basis of the hypothesis, with a significance level of p=0.05 was performed by using SPSS software [Version 11]. Considering the response to treatment by the patients [Dominant follicle >/= 12mm in size], GEE showed that the response was significantly higher during the 5[th]-6[th] months in the Calcium/Vit. D and metformin treatment group than the ones from the other groups [p= 0.03]. Considering the effects of metformin in reducing and regulating insulin production, and vitamin-D in regulating and correcting serum insulin levels, simultaneous administration of these two medications is suggested for the treatment of insulin impairment and reduction of androgen levels for better oocyte maturation

[Biodegradation of the soils polluted with ethyl benzene, toluene and naphtalene]

Aromatic hydrocarbons are produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and pollute the soil following the emission into the atmosphere by precipitation. Numerous studies suggest that microbial inoculation has contributed to biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbons. However, other studies have not confirmed the efficacy of this procedure in biodegradation. Regarding the contradictory findings, this study was conducted to evaluate capability of microorganisms isolated from oil-polluted soils in biodegrading aromatic hydrocarbons through separate or mix culture in Zanjan in 2004. In this experimental study naphthalene, toluene and ethyl benzene were used as aromatic hydrocarbons indexes. These substance, as the sole source of carbon were added to the soils which had been inoculated with microbial colonies isolated from polluted areas and four months later microbial count was performed as microbial activity index. The extent of biological and non-biological removal of substances was assessed through gas chromatography procedure and the results were analysed by Mann-Whitney test. Mean colony counts in which toluene, ethyl benzene and naphthalene had been used as the sole carbon source were 19.7×10[6], 69.4× 10[5] and 41.2×10[6] colony/gr. soil respectively. In the culture containing a mixture of three hydrocarbons the number of colonies was 34×10[6] in one gram soil. The percentages of biodegradation for three studied hydrocarbons which had been exposed to microorganisms separately were 51, 45 and 69 for toluene, ethyl benzene and naphthalene respectively and when the mixture of the substances was added to the media culture the percentages of removal were 80.1, 65.7 and 63.6 for naphthalene, ethyl benzene and toluene respectively. Aromatic hydrocarbons are biodegradable by isolating microbial population from oil-polluted soils and preparation of inoculation liquid. Since evaporation is an appropriate method in removal of hydrocarbons, soil rehabilitation through aeration together with microbial inoculation seems a proper method for removal of soil aromatic hydrocarbons

Ecological capability evaluation for aquaculture activities by GIS

Geographic Information System [GIS] is the best suitable system for land evaluation. In this research, at the first step, the Makhdoum's model is introduced, and then Hamadan Province, from aquaculture point of view and capabilities of the lands to fulfill aquaculture activities is evaluated. GIS was used for the mentioned purposes. The software used was Arc View [version 3.2 a], with the UTM projection. For evaluation, Mc Hark method of Maps overlaying was utilized. According to the results, the suitable surface area for aquaculture activities was introduced, which was equal to 13.1 percent of Hamadan Province. According to the evaluations. this province has limited potentials for aquaculture activities. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to these limitations in development plans

Study of Cadmium Removal from Environmental Water by Biofil Covered Granular Activated Carbon

The contamination of water by toxic heavy metals is a world-wide environmental problem. Discharges containing cadmium, in particular, are strictly controlled due to the highly toxic nature of this element and its tendency to accumulate in the tissues of living organisms. Low concentration [below 5 mg/L] of cadmium is difficult to treat economically using chemical precipitation methodologies. Ion exchange and reverse Osmosis which can guarantee the metal concentration limits required by regulatory st and ards, have high operation and maintenance costs. The goal of this research was to determination of efficacy of using GAC, Biofilm and BAC columns to treat low concentration cadmium bearing water streams and was to determination of the effects of temperature and pH on the adsorption isotherms. Studies were conducted to delineate the effect of pH, temperature, initial Cd and adsorbent concentration on adsorption of Cd2+ by GAC, BAC and Biofilm. Breakthrough curves for removal of 0.5 mg/L Cd2+ by GAC, Biofilm and BAC columns at two contact times were plotted. Batch adsorption and column data are compared, pH is shown to be the decisive parameter in Cd removal for GAC but not for BAC or biofilter. Lagergren plots confirm applicability of first-order rate expression for adsorption of Cd by GAC, BAC and Biofilm. The adsorption coefficient [Kad] for BAC was 2-3 times greater than those with plain GAC. Bed Volumes of water containing 0.5 mg/L Cd2+ treated at breakthrough for GAC, Biofilm and BAC columns were 45, 85 and 180 BV respectively. BAC is more efficient than GAC in the removing of Cd from water environment