The effect of a blue enriched white light on salivary antioxidant capacity and melatonin among night shift workers: a field study

BACKGROUND: Because of their positive impact on individuals’ performance and alertness, blue enriched white light sources are gaining popularity in households and industries. However, these sources of blue light spectrum may cause oxidative stress. On the other hand, there are no empirical studies investigating the negative effect of blue enriched white light on oxidative stress. Thus, the current study aimed at empirical assessment of the effect of such light sources on oxidative stress among night shift workers. METHODS: The study, which adopted a cross-sectional design, focused on 30 control room operators of a petrochemical complex. The subjects followed a shift-work schedule comprising 7 night shifts, 7 day shifts, and 7 days off. The subjects were exposed to 6500 K, 3000 K, and 17,000 K light sources (which have various degrees of blue light) during three consecutive work cycles, with each cycle lasting for 7 nights. In each light condition, three salivary measurements were conducted (at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the shift). The measurements were used to assess catalase (CAT), total thiol molecules (TTG), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and melatonin. RESULTS: The results of repeated measures ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference among various light conditions with regard to salivary biomarkers (catalase, total thiol molecules, and total antioxidant capacity). There was however a significant difference between 3000 K and 17,000 K conditions with regard to the concentration of salivary melatonin (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Given that there was no significant difference among various light conditions in terms of biomarkers, it is concluded that using sources of light with high color temperature can be recommended. Nonetheless, because of the limitations of the present study (e.g. short period of intervention), it is suggested that care should be exercised in using such light sources.

Field Study of Effects of Night Shifts on Cognitive Performance, Salivary Melatonin, and Sleep

BACKGROUND: Night shift work is associated with many problems such as sleep deprivation, sleepiness, decreased cognitive performance, increased human errors, and fatigue. This study set out to measure cognitive performance, melatonin rhythms, and sleep after different consecutive night shifts (7 vs. 4) among control room operators (CORs). METHODS: The participants included 60 CORs with a mean age of 30.2 years (standard deviation, 2.0) from a petrochemical complex located in Southern Iran. Cognitive performance was assessed using the n-back task and continuous performance test. To evaluate melatonin, saliva was collected and tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To assess sleep and sleepiness, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Karolinska Sleepiness Scale were used, respectively. RESULTS: Individuals who worked 7 consecutive night shifts had a significantly better cognitive performance and sleep quality than those who worked 4 consecutive night shifts. However, salivary melatonin profile and sleepiness trend were not affected by shift type. CONCLUSION: The main duty of CORs working night shifts at the studied industry included managing safety-critical processes through complex displays; a responsibility that demands good cognitive performance and alertness. It is suggested that an appropriate number of consecutive night shifts in a rotating shift system should be planned with the ultimate aim of improving CROs performance/alertness and enhancing safety.

Cholesterol improves the transfection efficiency of polyallylamine as a non-viral gene delivery vector

ABSTRACT Cationic polymers such as polyallylamine (PAA) having primary amino groups are poor transfection agents and possess a high cytotoxicity index when used without any chemical modification. In this study, PAA was modified with cholesterol in order to improve transfection efficiency and to reduce cytotoxicity. PAA polymers with molecular weights of 15 and 65 kDa were selected and grafted with cholesterol at percentages of 5, 10, 15, 30, and 50. After purification, the efficacy of the synthetic vectors was evaluated in terms of DNA condensation using the ethidium bromide test, buffering capacity, particle size, zeta potential, transfection efficiency, and cytotoxicity assay in Neuro2A cell lines. According to the ethidium bromide test, these vectors can condense DNA at moderate and high carrier to plasmid (C/P) ratios. The buffering capacity of the prepared vector in both molecular weights was less than unmodified PAA. Particle size measurements demonstrated that modified PAAs were able to form nanoparticles ranging in size from 125 to 530 nm. The vectors based on PAA 15 kDa demonstrated a better transfection efficiency than the vectors made of PAA 65 kDa. Cytotoxicity studies showed that toxicity of all vectors was less than PAA. Some cholesterol modified polymers composed of PAA (15 kDa) were suitable vectors for gene delivery with low cytotoxicity.

relationship between mental workload and general health among welders of Tehran Heavy Structure Metal Company

Mental workload is one of the factors that influence individuals' performance in the work environment as well as their efficiency and productivity. The present study aimed at examining the association between mental workload and general health among welders of Tehran Heavy Structuress Metal Company.This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016. The sample included 100 welders who were working in Tehran Heavy Structures Metal Company. Sampling was done through conducting a census. A demographic questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire-28 [GHQ-28], and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index [NASA-TLX] mental workload questionnaire were used to collect data. The obtained data were fed into SPSS [version 22] and analyzed through Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, Kruscal Wallis Test, Pearson product moment correlation, and Mann-Whitney U Test.The results showed that the participating welders had an average age of 36.16 +/- 7.81, an average work experience of 9.65 +/- 5.83, and a BMI of 25.95 +/- 3.39 kg/m2. The mean and standard deviation of the overall score of welders' mental workload were 65.88 +/- 21.15. The cut-off scores for the total mental workload questionnaire and the subscales were respectively set at 23 and 6. The results demonstrated that 26% of the welders were suspected of mental disorder. Furthermore, the results of Pearson correlation indicated that there was no significant relationship between the overall score of NASA mental workload and that of general health [p-value>0.05].Welders' mental workload is relatively high. Therefore, further research should be conducted in order to identify main risk factors that lead to mental and health disorder. Future studies should also be performed to present some solutions for te purpose of decreasing or preventing these side effects among welders as much as possible

Safety and therapeutic effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and behavior therapy in a pregnant woman: case report

In this study, the authors reported a case of woman with severe compulsion who became pregnant during the Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. We carried out Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and behavior therapy simultaneously after repeated medications' refraction. The patient received 20 sessions 1 Hz Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and behavior therapy at the same time in repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation room. We asked the patient to exposure her fear and without permission of doing usual behavior [washing], she was receiving repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and Behavior Therapy could reduce her symptoms significantly. Although her baby was healthy physically but some areas of Age and Stage Questionnaire were below than the average. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation with an additional psychotherapy as behavior therapy could accelerate the improvement of Obsessive compulsive disorder's symptoms. Furthermore, using Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation during the first of trimester probably couldn't be safe for pregnant woman

Cardiovascular risk factors and nutritional intake are not associated with ultrasound-defined increased carotid intima media thickness in individuals without a history of cardiovascular events

Carotid ultrasound appears to be useful in the assessment of cardiovascular risk. In this study, we have assessed the carotid intima-media thickness [CIMT] in a group of individuals without a history of cardiovascular events. A sample of 431subjects [189 [43.9%] males and 242 [56.1%] females] was obtained from an urban population using a stratified-cluster method in Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerosis disorder study. None of the subjects had a history of the cardiovascular event. Carotid artery duplex ultrasound was used to determine the CIMT in all subjects, and to identify those with an abnormal value [CIMT [+]; i.e., CIMT >/= 0.8 mm]. Dietary intake of participants was assessed using a questionnaire for 24-h dietary recall. The relationship between anthropometric, biochemical and dietary data and CIMT were assessed. The mean age of subjects was 48.7 +/- 8.0 years. Of the 431 patients, 118 [27.4%] were found to be CIMT [+]. Of the cardiovascular parameters assessed, only age [odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval [CI]], 1.11 [0.56-4.34]; P < 0.01] and male gender [OR [95% CI], 1.14 [0.63-2.23]; P < 0.05] were significant independent predictors of ultrasound defined CIMT. Crude and total energy adjusted intake were not associated with the presence of CIMT [+]. It appears that within a relatively young Iranian population of individuals without a history of cardiovascular event, the presence of CIMT [+] defined by duplex ultrasound cut-off value of >/= 0.8 mm, did not associate with several modifiable cardiovascular risk factors or measures of dietary intake

effects of aminophylline on clinical recovery and bispectral index in patients anesthetized with total intravenous anaesthesia

Aminophylline, which is clinically used as a bronchodilator, antagonizes the action of adenosine, so it can be used to shorten the recovery time after general anesthesia. Therefore, we wanted to test the hypothesis that the administration of aminophylline leads to an increase in bispectral index [BIS] and clinical recovery in patients anesthetized with total intravenous anesthesia [TIVA]. Ninety two patients who were scheduled for elective inguinal herniorrhaphy were enrolled in this study. All patients were premedicated with midazolam and morphine. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 2.5 mg/kg and remifentanil 2.5 microg/kg without muscle relaxant. For maintenance of anesthesia we used propofol 100 microg/kg/min, remifentanil 0.2 microg/kg/min and 100% oxygen with stable BIS readings in the range 40-60. After skin closure, aminophylline 4 mg/kg was given to Group A and an equivalent volume of normal saline to Group P. BIS values, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and End tidal CO2 [ETco2] were determined. Time to eye opening, extubation time and response to command were measured. There were no significant differences in SpO2, ETco2 and anesthesia time. Heart rate and systolic blood pressure were found to be statistically higher [p<0.001] in Group A. Time to eye opening, hand grip and extubation were significantly shorter [p<0.001] in Group A. Bispectral index scores were significantly higher in group A. Injection of aminophylline at emergence time led to significant increase in BIS and shortening recovery time from anesthesia

effect of extremely low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field on in vitro fertilization success rate in NMRI mice

The effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields [EMF] on reproduction systems have been widely debated. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether low frequency EMF could ameliorate the in vitro fertilization success rate in Naval medical research institute [NMRI] Mice. In this randomized comparative animal study, ten NMRI mice were randomly divided into 2 equal groups [control and experimental].10 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG] was injected intraperitoneally to both groups in order to stimulate ovulating, and ovums were then aspirated and kept in KSOM [modified version of sequential simplex optimization medium with a higher K+ concentration] culture medium. Metaphase II ovums were separated, and sperms obtained by "swim out" method were added to metaphase II ovums in the culture medium. The experimental group was exposed to 1.3 millitesla pulsed electromagnetic field at 4 kilohertz frequency for 5 hours. To assess the efficacy, we considered the identification of two-pronuclear zygote [2PN] under microscope as fertilizing criterion. Total number of collected ovums in the control and experimental groups was 191 and 173, respectively, from which 58 [30.05%] and 52 [30.36%] ovums were collected from metaphase II, respectively. In vitro fertilization [IVF] success rate was 77% in extremely low frequency- pulsed electromagnetic field [ELF-PEMF] for exposed group [experimental], whereas the rate was 68% for control group. Despite increased percentile of IVF success rate in exposed group, there was no statistically significant difference between 2 groups, but this hypothesis has still been stated as a question. Further studies with larger sample sizes and different EMF designs are suggested

Neuronal toxicity of biopolymer-template synthesized ZnO nanoparticles

A simple and "green" method was developed for preparing zinc oxide nanoparticles [ZnO-NPs] in aqueous starch solutions. Starch was used as a stabilizer to control of the mobility of zinc cations and then control growth of ZnO-NPs prepared via a sol-gel method. Because of the special structure of the starch, it permits termination of the particle growth. The dried gel was calcined at different temperatures of 400, 500, 600, and 700°C. The prepared ZnO-NPs were characterized by different techniques such as X-ray diffraction analysis [XRD], transmittance electron microscopy [TEM], and UV-Vis absorption. The XRD results displayed hexagonal [wurtzite] crystalline structure for prepared ZnO nanoparticles with mean sizes below than 50 nm. In vitro cytotoxicity studies on neuro 2A cells showed a dose dependent toxicity with non-toxic effect of concentration below 6 microg/mL. The results showed that starch is an eco-friendly material that can be used as a stabilizing agent in the sol-gel technique for preparing of ZnO-NPs in a large scale

Concept of atherosclerosis velocity: Is it a better measure of cardiovascular risk?

In most cases atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of vascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke. It is believed that endothelial injury is the earliest change in the artery wall and that this precedes the formation of lesions of atherosclerosis. Recent developments in the field of atherosclerosis have led to a renewed interest in the recognition of the parameter of time in the atherosclerosis process. We believe that the factors determining the time-dependent rate of atherosclerosis progression are important, and it is in this context that we wish to propose for the first time the term "atherosclerosis velocity". In this review article, we summarize the existing evidence regarding atherosclerosis velocity and discuss the importance of this issue

application of theta burst stimulation in negative symptoms of patients with Schizophrenia

The aim of this research is study of theta burst stimulation on left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in remission of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. In a placebo, double blind and randomized study, 10 patients with schizophrenia assigned in experimental and control group. The experimental group received 20 sessions of TBS with 50 Hz frequency, but control group were treated just with sham coil. All the patients were appraised before, the 10th sessions and after the treatment. The treatment efficacy was calculated with ANOVA. The results indicated that the experimental group had statistical difference to control group in negative symptoms [p>0.007] and social functioning [p>0.01]. But there weren't any significant difference in quality of life and depression between two groups. Theta burst stimulation can be mentioned as an efficacious treatment for people with schizophrenia.

Light conduction capability of different light-transmitting FRC posts

Application of light transmitting posts to restore greatly damaged endodontically treated teeth .ias been increased. It is suspected that light intensity decreases as it passes throughout different materials. This can reduce the degree of conversion required for adequate bond strength throughout the length of these posts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the amount of light intensity reduction after passing through different depths of FRC posts. Four groups of fiv extracted human central incisors were prepared to cement four types of FRC posts with Panavia F 2 resin cement. The apical end of the posts were exposed by sectioning with a diamond disk and then polished. The light intensity measurement was performed using a micro-voltmeter in 8 points or depths with 2mm intervals beginning from the apical depth of 16mm up to a coronal depth of 6mm. Two different output light intensities [HIP [High Intensity Program] and LOP [Low Intensity Program]] were evaluated. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in light intensity at various depths between 6 and 16mm in all groups. These reductions were linear in all specimens; however, the rate of reduction was dissimilar among different FRC posts. HIP and LOP light exposure modes had not the same rate of light reduction. Light intensity decreased dramatically after passing through different depths of FRC posts. None of the posts had sufficient enough light transmission for satisfactory polymerization at the apical and middle levels

SMN1 and NAIP genes deletions in different types of spinal muscular atrophy in Khuzestan province, Iran

Spinal muscular atrophy [SMA] is the second most common lethal autosomal recessive disease. It is a neuromuscular disorder caused by degenerative of lower motor neurons and occasionally bulbar neurons leading to progressive limb paralysis and muscular atrophy. The SMN1 gene is recognized as a SMA causing gene while NAIP has been characterized as a modifying factor for the clinical severity and age at disease onset in SMA patients [SMA subtypes]. The relationship between NAIP deletion and type of SMA remains to be clarified; we investigated this gene alteration in all types of SMA patients. Molecular analysis was performed on fifty patients with a clinical diagnosis of SMA in Khuzestan province. In addition to common PCR-RFLP analysis for exon 7 and 8 of SMN1 gene, as an internal control we analysed NAIP deletion with PCR of exon 5 of this gene in a multiplex PCR with exon 13 of it. Homozygous-deletion frequency rate for the telomeric copy of SMN [SMN1] exon 7 in all types [type I, II, III] of SMA was approximately 90% and the frequency of deletion in exon 7 and 8 together in all types estimated about 70%. Moreover NAIP gene was deleted in about 60% of these patients and this shows deletion in 91% of type I SMA patients. The correlation between NAIP-deletion and SMN1 mutation showed a high frequency rate. In this study, high frequency of NAIP gene deletion in all type of disease shows the importance role of it in disease pathogenesis. High frequency of NAIP deletion in SMA type I, also shows the importance of the gene in type and severity of disease so it may be a modifier factor in severity of disease

Chemical composition, antimicrobial activity and antiviral activity of essential oil of Carum copticum from Iran

Evaluation of therapeutic effects of Carum copticum [C. copticum] has been the subject of several studies in recent years. Thymol the major component of C. copticum is a widely known antimicrobial agent. In this study, the antibacterial and anti viral activities of essential oil of C. copticum fruit were determined. Essential oil of C. copticum was analyzed by means of gas chromatographymass spectrometry [GC-MS]. The antimicrobial activity of the oil was evaluated against six Gram [+/-] bacteria and fungi, using the micro broth dilution technique. Antiviral activity of the essential oil was evaluated using a Bacillus phage CP51. From the ten identified constituents, representing 98.7% of the oil, thymol [72.3%], terpinolene [13.12%] and o-cymene [11.97%] were the major components. It was found that the oil exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus [S. aureus] and Bacillus subtilis [B. subtilis] [MIC, 0.00025% v/v]. Furthermore, the antiviral activity of the oil was evaluated by plaque reduction assay. The essential oil showed an antiviral activity against phage when phage was pre-incubated with the essential oil prior to its exposure to B. cereus and without any pre-incubation with the phage, suggesting that the oil directly inactivated virus particles

Molecular characterization of Cosenza mutation among patients with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Khuzestan province, southwest Iran

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency is one of the most common hereditary enzymatic disorders in human, increases the vulnerability of erythrocytes to oxidative stress. It is also characterized by remarkable molecular and biochemical heterogeneity. According to previous investigations, G6PD Cosenza [G1376C] is a common G6PD mutation in some parts of Iran. Therefore in the present study we have characterized Cosenza mutation among G6PD deficient individuals in Khuzestan province. In order to identify G6PD Cosenza, we analyzed the G6PD gene in 64 samples out of 231 deficient individuals who had not G6PD Mediterranean mutation, using PCR- restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP] method. G6PD Cosenza mutation was found in 6 males of 231 samples, resulting in the relative rate of 2.6% and allele frequency of 0.023 among Khuzestanian G6PD deficient subjects. A comparison of these results with previous findings in some parts of Iran suggest that G6PD Cosenza is a common mutation in Khuzestanian G6PD deficient individuals

Prevalence of chest wall deformities in a large sample of Iranian children aged 7-14 years

Pectus excavatum [PE] and pectus carinatum [PC] are two common chest deformities. We investigated the prevalence of chest wall deformities including PE and PC in Iranian population. 25587 children and adolescents aged 7-14 years consisting of 13586 [53.1%] males and 12001 [46.9%] females were studied using cluster-stratified sampling method. Screening was clinical and based on descriptive findings. Suspected subjects with chest wall deformity were referred to the expert surgeon to confirm the diagnosis. The prevalence of chest deformities in our population was 204 [1.03%]. The mean age of subjects was 10.2 +/- 3.0 years. Of these subjects 124 [0.49%] [74 [54%] males and 50 [42%] females]] had PE and 80 [0.31%] [58 [72.5%] males and 22 [17.5%]females]] had PC. The prevalence of PE seems to be very high in Iran. Special attention must be paid to diagnose and treat this problem in our population

[Effects of doxepin on physiology of reproduction in adult male rats]

Doxepin is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Considering the importance of this drug in treating some nervous diseases, its side effects seem to be important on the endocrine axis. In this study, the effects of doxepin on the concentration of testosterone, FSH and LH level and spermatogenesis were studied. This experimental study was done on 40 male Wistar rats that were divided into 5 groups of 8. The control group received nothing. The sham group was given distilled water as a solvent. The experimental groups were injected 35, 70 and 140 mg/kg of the drug orally for 21 days, respectively. The blood samples were taken at 22[th] day and the concentration of testosterone, FSH and LH were measured by RIA method. In addition, at the 22[th] day, the testes were separated and histological changes were studied among experimental, sham and control groups. The results were evaluated by using ANOVA and Duncan tests. The results showed that 140 mg/kg of doxepin reduced serum testosterone level, while it increased FSH and LH levels [p<0.05]. Histological investigations of the testes showed a decline on spermatogenesis chain in dose of 140 mg/kg of the drug. This study showed that doxepin decreases the concentration of testosterone level and the number of spermatogenic cells and increases FSH and LH levels at high doses. Therefore, it may weaken the function of reproductive activity