[Effects of alcoholic and aqueous extract of barberry, jujube and saffron petals on serum level of adiponectin and lipid profile in diabetic rats]

Adiponectin is a protein hormone secreted from adipose tissue that can affect diabetes progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in serum levels of adiponectin in diabetic rats treated with alcoholic and aqueous extracts of three medicinal plants, jujube [Ziziphus jujuba], barberry [Berberis vulgaris] and saffron [Crocus sativus]. In this study, streptozocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with two doses of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the herbs, 25 and 100 mg/kg respectively, for 21 days. After the treatment period, the levels of adiponectin, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol were measured and the results were analyzed using one way ANOVA test. In all the diabetic groups receiving extracts, serum levels of fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and VLDL [very low density lipoprotein], showed a significant decrease [P<0.05]. Serum level of HDL [high density lipoprotein] increased significantly only in the group receiving jujube [P<0.05], whereas adiponectin level was significantly increased in all the treated groups. Given the role of adiponectin in regulating lipid metabolism, and the increased level of adiponectin in the treated diabetic groups, it can be said that the extracts regulate glucose and lipid metabolism by changes in adiponectin level. Further studies are recommended to confirm these findings

Evidence-based approach to HIV/AIDS policy and research prioritization in the Islamic Republic of Iran

In formulating the second national strategic plan for prevention of HIV/AIDS in the Islamic Republic of Iran a more evidence-based approach was needed. This paper reports on a systematic review of the local evidence about the determinants of HIV/AIDS transmission in 3 categories: poor knowledge and negative attitudes about HIV transmission; injection drug use; and sexual promiscuity. Of 93 reports reviewed, 53 met the inclusion criteria. Information about the prevalence and magnitude of effect for the 3 risk determinants at the national and regional level was scarce. Heterogeneity between studies, even in the same sub-population, was significant. An improved research base and better sharing of information are needed within countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Environmental study on discharged wastewater of albourz industerial city

The treatment facility of Albourz Industrial City was established in 1999 at the southeast of Albourz Mountain with an area of 200, 000 square meters. Currently, 40, 000 cubic meters of industrial wastes are treated daily utilizing biological method of activated sludge up to the second phase without chlorination in this treatment facility. Then, the discharged wastes are directed toward the lower agricultural lands. The environmental status of the region was investigated by testing the impact of wastewater and agricultural products in four tries. In two tries, the levels of COD and BOD were higher than the environmental standards, but there was no trace of heavy metal contamination in any of the tests. In order to make inquiry about the general health of the residents and domesticated animals, a questionnaire for the farmers and animal of husbandmen was prepared. The residents were dissatisfied with the utilization of wastewater for their domesticated animals. However, farmers were content and satisfy due to their need to compensate the shortage of cultivation water with the freely available discharged wastewater of the industrial city. Because there is no enough water in Iran, they have to buy water from tankers. In the other way wastewater of Albourz industrial city had some metals and mineral materials, so it effected on growth of agricultural product, this shows a little bit of metals and mineral materials is useful for plants. An inquiry about the status of public health and diseases transferred by water was conducted and local physicians were interviewed and statistical data was collected. The number of reported cases of cholera and typhoid was low, but the number of parasitic disease cases due to remains of human waste in water was quite high. Approximately, most of the local residents were suffering from stomachaches related to parasitic disease and physical weakness. It is recommended that the Department of the Environment conduct educational programs for the employees of Industrial Cities in order to persuade them on the benefits of mandatory chlorination process in the treatment facility for the sake of employees and public health. Meanwhile, related laboratory tests to be followed up and studied by pertinent organizations to ensure proper management and planning of the discharged wastewater resources; the wastewater is a valuable source of irrigation water

[A Study on noise- induced hearing loss in Agriculture and industry factory - Iran]

Noise-induced hearing loss is a prevalent work-related morbidity in the country. We determined the strength of association between hearing loss and occupational noise exposure as the first step in prevention programs. A historical cohort study involving 100 exposed and 31 non-exposed subjects was conducted. Noise exposure was estimated using sound level meter BSEN 60651, Type 2. Past noise exposure was estimated using the existing data on the place and type of work. Audiometry was used to assess hearing loss in each subject in 3- year intervals on an occupational cohort from 1993-2004. Noise-induced hearing loss was found in 49% [49 subjects] of the exposed group and 9.7% [3 subjects] of non-exposed group [p<.0001]. Nobody used any form of hearing protection routinely in either group. Relative risk for noise-induced hearing loss was 5.1[CI95%: 1.7- 15.1].Time at risk was estimated 24.9 years [22.7-27.1] in exposed and 22.2 years [20.7-23.7] in unexposed group by survival analysis. More legislation, hearing conservation programs, and surveillance and biological monitoring of work sites and workers are required to prevent occupational hearing loss. Planning strategies for noise assessment and control can help improve the work environment. Gross occupational exposure to noise has been demonstrated to cause hearing loss and the authors believe that occupational hearing loss in the country is a widespread problem