[Residual Aluminum from application of Alum and Polyaluminum Chloride in removal of turbidity from turbid water]

Different coagulants including aluminum sulfate [Alum] and Polyaluminum Chloride [PAC] are used for water clarification process and deposition of colloidal particles. The use of coagulants causes some residual aluminum in water. The residual aluminum higher than 0.2 mg/l, has adverse effects on human health and environment. This study was conducted to determine the amount of residual aluminum by applying Polyaluminium chloride and aluminum sulfate for turbidity removal from turbid water. In this laboratory study, the experiments were run by using synthetic water having low [10-30 NTU], medium [100-130 NTU] and high [200-230 NTU] initial turbidities. Synthetic turbid water was prepared by adding stock kaolin suspension into distilled water. Samples of 1 liter of water were poured on 6 Jars. After adjusting of pH, coagulant was added into each beaker at various doses and agitated at 100 rpm for 30s. The mixing speed was then reduced to 20 rpm and kept for another 15 minutes. The suspensions were left for sedimentation and after 30 minutes of sedimentation, clarified samples were collected from the top of the beakers. Residual turbidity and residual aluminum was measured. The residual turbidity was measured using a Turbidimeter according to Nephlometric method. The residual aluminum was determined by Eriochrome cyanine R method. Residual alminium in low, medium and high turbidities was 0.006 mg/l, 0.05 mg/l and 0.07 mg/l by applying Polyaluminum Chloride and 0.065 mg/l, 0.15 mg/l and 0.22 mg/l by applying alum, respectively. There was a significant correlation between dosage of Alum and Polyaluminum Chloride with residual aluminium [P<0.05]. Polyaluminum Chloride due to low sensitivity to pH variation and less residual aluminum in treated water is more suitable than alum coagulant and could be used as a recommended water coagulant

Field efficacy of expanded polystyrene and shredded waste polystyrene beads for mosquito control in artificial pools and field trials, Islamic Republic of Iran

Concerns about traditional chemical pesticides has led to increasing research into novel mosquito control methods. This study compared the effectiveness of 2 different types of polystyrene beads for control of mosquito larvae in south-east Islamic Republic of Iran. Simulated field trials were done in artificial pools and field trials were carried out in 2 villages in an indigenous malaria area using WHO-recommended methods. Application of expanded polystyrene beads or shredded, waste polystyrene chips to pool surfaces produced a significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment density of mosquitoes [86% and 78% reduction respectively 2 weeks after treatment]. There was no significant difference between the efficacy of the 2 types of material. The use of polystyrene beads as a component of integrated vector management with other supportive measures could assist in the control of mosquito-borne diseases in the Islamic Republic of Iran and neighbouring countries

[Evaluation of biochemical effects of a pharmaceutical formulation [cream] based essential oils extracted from Marrubium vulgaris cons. against osteoarticular disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs]]

In many cases medical therapy [prescription anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids] does not provide solutions to serious suffering of patients caused by the various joint diseases, or it has side effects exacerbating the situation. It is granted that medicinal plants are able to treat simple illnesses such as cold, or to avert more important as the ulcer. In this work, we study the effect of therapy on the natural articular deficits. We develop an approach that uses medicinal creams [dosage formulation] enriched concentration plant extracts [essential oils]. The concentrated active ingredients have been applied at the joint through the skin. In this study we are interested in a plant called Marrubium bulgaris. We studied the biochemical effects of essential oils in subjects with osteoarticular disorders: Rheumatoid arthritis [65 +/- 5 years, n10], TMS: musicians [35 +/- 6 years, n=10], as an cream of olive oil 3 xj and for 3 weeks with a placebo group that receives a cream without active ingredients. Our results indicate the corrective effects of the essential oils of bone resorption and cartilage. The application of these treatments was inversely associated with risk of osteoarticular, subjects applying these creams have marked the values of pyridinoline in its various forms, and alkaline phosphatase, CRP less important than before the treatment compared to placebo group [0.60 <4<0.90 p<0.05]. Through the power of the tested active ingredients that contain essential oils of this plant, we found that our treatments are effective where other drugs and surgery have failed

Levothyroxin pseudo-malabsorption: a case report

Hypothyroidism is a relatively common disease, and patients are often treated with levothyroxin; however when high doses of levothyroxin are needed for its treatment of hypothyroidism, we should carefully consider the reasons. A 43 year old woman, suffering from uncontrolled hypothyroidism, referred to an endocrine clinic, was treated with 1000 microgram levothyroxin and 150 microgram liothyronin tablets. She admitted to hospital with a likely diagnosis of levothyroxin false malabsorbtion to take the levothyroxin loading test. Serum T4 was measured at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 minutes after levothyroxin consumption and showed increases in serum T4 level was 0.9, 1.2, 1.4, 2.3, 2.6 micro g/dL respectively. Absorption of T4 was normal in the small bowel, due to false levothyroxin malabsorbtion that had occurred because of irregular drug consumption. Levothyroxin loading test can differentiate between true and false malabsorbtion. Considering the high prevalence of psychological symptoms, depression in particular, in hypothyroid patients who do not responsd to treatment despite increased the doses of levothyroxin, levothyroxin malabsorbtion needs to be researched, especially the false type and following a definite diagnosis, appropriate treatment can be prescribed

[Susceptibility of dangerous scorpions of hormozgan province to WHO recommended insecticides]

Hormozgan province is the second most important foci of scorpion stinging specially by Hemiscorpius lepturus. Currently chemical control is the most efficient way and susceptibility level of important vectors should be chequed to find their resistance to some chemicals. Our aim was to investigate on the susceptibility or resistance of the most dangerous scorpions of Hormozgan province to the WHO recommended insecticides. In this cross-sectional study, 843 specimens of Scorpio were captured. Susceptibility tests were achieved using the method of Cockroaches, susceptibility. Each dose of insecticides was tested in two replicates and killing dose of each specimen was calculated. Killing dose of Cypermethrin [EC 2.5%] was 0.001 micro l/cm2 for Mesobuthus eupeus, H. lepturus and Odontobuthus doriae and was 0.009 micro l/cm2 for Androctonus crassicauda. That dose was calculated as 0.001 and 0.0003 micro l/cm2 for M. eupeus and H. lepturus, respectively, for Deltamethrin [EC 2.5%]. All species were killed at dose of 0.39 mg/cm2 for Carbaryl [WP 85%]. None of Lindane doses [WP 25%] could make 100% mortality in all species. Mortal dose of Malathion [EC 57%] was 1.029 micro l/cm2 for A. crassicauda and H. lepturus and 0.284 micro l/cm2, and 0.515 micro l/cm2 for M. eupeus and O. doriae, respectively. The studied scorpion species were susceptible to the Pyrethroids. These insecticides can be used in an "Integrated Vector Management" program to control Malaria and scorpions. These species probably are resistance to Malathion and Lindane

[Determination of geometric indices of the femoral bone density and its association with bone density of proximal femur]

Geometric indices of the femoral neck and bone mineral density [BMD] have been proposed to play a major role in prediction of hip fracture risk, with some studies showing a racial variation in such indices. However, no data study in Iran has estimated these parameters for Iranian patients, nor has the relationship between these indices and BMD parameters in different sub-regions of hip been investigated. Postmenopausal women referred to the bone densitometry center of the Shariati Hospital comprised the study population. Patients with apparent risk factors of osteoporosis were excluded. Bone mass was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry on Lunar DPX bone densitometers. For calculation of femoral neck geometric indices, the printout of the hip densitometry with magnification of 1/2 was used. Hip axis length [HAL] and neck-shaft angle [NSA] were the main outcomes of the study. We used Pearson correlation analysis for determination of relationship between geometric indices and other variables and multivariate linear regression analysis for adjustment of other independent variables in prediction of femoral BMD. Among 103 postmenopausal women studied, mean HAL was 99.8 +/- 4.3 millimeters and mean NSA was 120.3 +/- 4.3 degrees. Pearson correlation analysis revealed no correlation between HAL and NSA with BMD results of different sub-regions of hip, but there was a significant positive correlation between HAL and height and weight neither did multivariate regression analysis reveal any significant relationship between HAL and NSA with BMD of total femur and femoral neck. According to our results, it is unlikely that geometric indices play a major role in determination of hip BMD parameters making their routine use in bone densitometry centers not essential supported. Mean HAL of Iranian women is lower than that of Western countries and higher than that of East Asian countries. This is in line with observation of rates of hip fracture in Iran lower that Western rates and higher than Eastern rates

Use of expanded polystyrene [EPS] and shredded waste polystyrene [SWAP] beads for control of mosquitoes

Mosquitoes transmit several diseases to human. There are several measures for control of larvae. As part of Integrated Vector Management [IVM] program, the utility of floating layers of polystyrene beads [EPS] is a potential alternative in habitats of mosquito larva. EPS beads prevent oviposition of mosquito as well as killing the immature stages by forming a tick layer on the water surface. They are cheap, environmentally safe and do not need frequent application and remain on the surface of water for long time. The objective of the current study was to asses the effectiveness of two types of polystyrene beads of [EPS] and [SWAP] for control of mosquito larvae under laboratory conditions. Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus were used for experimental purposes. In each tray 250 larvae of late 3rd and early 4th instars were introduced. The experiment was conducted on 4 replicates for An. stephensi, Cu. quinquefasciatus and combination of both. Emerging of adult mosquitoes were calculated every day until the end of experiments. Mortality rate and Inhibition of Emerge [IE] for Cu. quinquefasciatus, An. stephensi and combination of both species was 97.8%, 100% and 99.07%, respectively using EPS. In average, EPS was able to kill 98.9% of larvae. The figures with SWAP were 63%, 91.05% and 72.65%, respectively. The average mortality for mosquitoes was 75.57% EPS and SWAP beads can be very effective and practical for elimination of An. stephensi and Cx. quinquefasciatus under the laboratory conditions

[Investigating the necessary volume of intravenous fluids in tumescent liposuction]

There is no general agreement on appropriate fluid resuscitation in patients undergoing liposuction. To determine the volume of intravenous fluid replacements in tumescent liposuction. This was a clinical trial in which 50 healthy patients undergoing liposuction by tumescent technique at Imam Musa Kazem Hospital. in Isfahan [Iran] were investigated during the period between 2001and 2006. The guidelines used for fluid resuscitation were the "4, 2, 1 rule" for group 1 with volume aspiration ? 4 liters, and "4, 2, 1 rule" plus 0.25 ml iv crystalloid per cc of aspirate larger than 4 liters for group 2 with volume aspiration > 4 liters. All patients were fully monitored for arterial blood pressure, pulse rates, respiratory rates, and Sa O2. Later, the data were statistically analyzed by SPSS using t-student and 2 tests. Mean absolute value of pulse rates 6 hours postoperatively were significantly lower than those obtained preoperatively. The mean absolute value of Sa O2 during operation was significantly higher than that of preoperation period. The mean variations of respiratory rates in patients who underwent volume aspiration ? 4 liters during and after operation were significantly higher than those with aspiratory volume > 4 liters. Tumescent liposuction surgery using large volumes of subcutaneous infusion could be regarded as a safe and effective technique if the fluid replacement, bleeding, perioperative complications, and postoperative infection are properly controlled

[Yellow nail syndrome, a case report]

Yellow nail syndrome [YNS] is a rare disorder characterized by a triad of yellow discoloration and destructive changes of nails, lymph edema and a variety of pathologies in the respiratory system. This disorder can be associated with and herald the presence of internal diseases. An increased awareness of these conditions may help with the early diagnosis and therapy of the associated disorders. We report a 24 years old whom with yellow nail syndrome whom was admitted at hospital. She also had fever, lymph edema and pulmonary manifestations

[Comparison of salbutamol and ipratropium spray in treatment of COPD]

This is a clinical trial regarding the comparative effect of two drugs in COPD patients. The drugs were Salbutamol and Ipratropoim bromide that are being used commonly in the treatment of COPD. Salbotamol is less expensive in Iran and more available than Ipratropim. We chose 16 patients which were referred to Pulmonary Clinic in Imam Hospital, Sari. The Pulmonary function test was done for each patient prior and after administering 200 micro g salbotamol and 36 micro g Atrovent in 0.5 ml within a one and two hour period. Then, comparison was made regarding the results of FVC and FEV1, with paired T- test and SPSS. We found no difference between the effects of these two drugs

Forces applied by the laryngoscope blade onto the base of the tongue and their relation with postoperative sore throat

The forces applied by the laryngoscope blade onto the base of the tongue have been measured indirectly by some investigators. The relation between these forces and postoperative sore throat has not been studied previously. The aim of this study was to directly measure the forces applied by the tip of the laryngoscope blade onto the base of the tongue and its relation to incidence and severity of sore throat. One hundred patients, 18-65 years old, all candidates for abdominal or lower limb operations under general anesthesia were selected. Maximum and mean force, laryngoscopic time and force-time product were measured using a modified macintosh laryngoscope blade during laryngoscopy. The occurrence and severity of postoperative sore throat were determined after operation using visual analogue scale. Data were analyzed statistically using t-test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. The laryngoscopic time was 10.57 +/- 1.66 seconds, the maximum force was 61.56 +/- 8.07 N, the mean force and force - time product were 38.29 +/- 6.74 N and 404.72 +/- 71.24 N.S. respectively. There was a positive correlation between sore throat intensity, its maximum intensity maximum and mean forces. This study showed that these forces were higher than those of previous reports. Instant forces applied by the laryngoscope blade may be a more important factor than duration of applied forces regarding the severity of postoperative sore throat

Association of bone mineral density and lifestyle in men

Recently, osteoporosis is an increasingly important public health problem in men. The aim of this study was to investigate relationship between life style and bone mineral density in men. Among the 20-76 year-old men of Tehran, 325 persons were selected randomly from 50 clusters. The persons suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid diseases, fractures or other conditions which effect bone metabolism were excluded. All participants underwent clinical examinations and lumbar and spinal densitometry using DXA method. In lumbar spine, peak bone density was seen between ages 25 and 40 yr and in hip, between 20 and 30. In men older than 50 yr, prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia, were 3.9% and 50%, respectively. Bone mineral density was significantly correlated to calcium and vitamin D intake, physical activity and smoking. Nutritional intake and physical activity are important factors in maintaining bone mineral density. Peak bone density in 20-40 year-old population and its relation to life style could be useful in policy-making for the prevention of osteoporosis

Relationship between family history of osteoporotic fracture and femur geometry

The principal aim of this study was therefore to investigate association between family history of osteo-porotic hip fracture, BMD and femur geometry in Bushehr city in South of Iran. In this cross-sectional study, data were obtained from Iranian Multi-center Osteoporosis Study [IMOS] in Bushehr. Healthy men and women aged 50 to 75 years were selected based on randomized clustered sampling of all regions of the corresponding city. BMD was measured once at the lumbar spine [L2-L4] and proximal femur with dual X-ray absorptiometry using Lunar DPX densitometers. From the DXA image the operator manually determines the hip axis length [HAL] and femoral neck-shaft angle. The HAL was measured from the inner pelvic brim to the lateral side of the femur .The femoral neck-shaft angle was defined as the angle between the femoral neck axis and the femoral shaft axis. There were no significant differences between the family fracture history groups with regard to the potential confounders of age and body mass index [BMI]. HAL of women with history of hip fracture was greater but history of hip fracture showed no significant relation with other variables. These findings suggest that individuals with a positive family history may be at higher risk of osteoporotic hip fracture because they have greater HAL and more prone to buckle at the femur neck

comparison of constituents of essential oils ofzhumeria majdae rech. F. and wendelbo at flowering stages in various parts of hormozgan province

Zhumeria majdae is one of the most important, unic and endemic species of Hormozgan Province which used for diarrhoea, stomachache, cold, headache, wound and also as coolness from from ancient times by natives people of Hormozgan. The aim of the present study was to detect and compare the constituents of the essential oils of Zhumeria majdae at flowering stage in Geno, Sarchahan and Tangezagh mounts regions of Hormozgan Province. The leaves of Zhumeria majdae were collected at flowering stages. The essential oil of the leaves obtained by hvdrodistillation using Clevenger type apparatus, was analysed by GC and GC/MS. Essential Chromatogram of Zhumeria majdae shows that in Geno mount's species 17 compounds, in Sarchahan mount's 22 compounds and in Tange zagh mount's 14 compounds, were exist. Oil yeild in that three regions were, in turne, 6.2, 6.1 and 5.3 percent. Linalool and Camphore were major compounds. Gaina Terpinene, Octa 3-Carene, Octan-3-one, Myrcene, Beta Bisabulene,Thymole and Terpinolene in Geno mount, Cis and Trans Linalool oxide, Linalool, Camphore, Neral, Geraniol, Geranial, Beta Elemene and Alpha Terpineol in Sarchahan mount and Alpha Pinene, Camphene, Orto Cymene, Limonene, Borneol, Nerol and Cis Jasmone in Tangezagh mount were more than other compounds. The numbers and contents of constituents of essential oils of Zhumeria majdae at flowering stages in various parts of Hormozgan province are different

Frequency and severity of Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and the related factors among pregnant women

Nausea and vomiting are the most common problems in early pregnancies which 50% to 80% of the women have experienced them in different degrees. This problem leads to physical and psychological disordes and may damage family relations and social functions of pregnant women. Although, the etiology of the problem is not known but some risk factors influence on this situation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and the related factors among pregnant women. The design of the study was a cross-sectional study. The study population was all the pregnant women attending to health centers in Hamedan. The sample size was 700 pregnant women with gestational age of 6 to 16 weeks. The sampling method, was multistage sampling and the study setting was the prenatal clinics in health centers in Hamedan. The data collection was a questionnaire. The study results showed that, the frequency of nausea and vomiting was%69.7 with the categorization of mild, moderate and severe [%37.4,%46.7 and%16] respectively. Also, according to the logistic regression analysis, there were significant relationships between nausea vomiting and motion sickness [P=0.000], smelling an odor [P=0.000], premenstrual syndrome [P=0.000] and unwanted pregnancy as influencing factors on inducing nausea and vomiting. Besides, multiple regression analysis test indicated significant independent correlations between severity of nausea-vomiting and migraine headache [P=0.000], motion sickness [P=0.001], smelling an odor [P=0.001], age of menarche [P=0.000], premenstrual syndrome [P=0.000] and social support [P=0.000]. According to the study results, the frequency of nausea and vomithing was considerable and special care and attention is needed to control the related factors of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women

[Resistance of Bifidobacterium sp. isolated from Iranian subjects to simulated gastric juice and bile salt]

Bifidobacteria are one of the most important probiotic bacteria and their benefits have been known since many years ago. Probiotic organisms are required to be safe, viable and metabolically active within the gastrointestinal tract and to show enough resistance against bile and gastric juice. In this research, the ability of growth and survival of 42 strains, isolated from Iranian subjects, were studied in MRS3 containing 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2% of bile salts and simulated gastric juice with pH 3. The cultured strains were incubated under anaerobic condition and at 37°C for 48 h and then the survival/growth rates were examined at 3, 6, 12 and 24 hrs. The results demonstrated that some strains had significantly high tolerance against bile salts and simulated gastric juice. The strains with high tolerance are suggested as Iranian strains for future work especially in preparing Iranian starter and bifidus products

Casual decomposition of risk factors in osteoporosis burden

Osteoporosis is a growing health problem worldwide, and priority setting of researches and prevention efforts is a necessary issue. In our study, we calculated the Generalized Impact Fraction [GIF] index and avoidable burden of osteoporosis related to low calcium intake, smoking, reduced sun exposure, low physical activity, low body mass index [BMI] and systemic glucocorticoid therapy. These risk factors all can be intervened. Data about prevalence, casual effect and counterfactual prevalence of any of the above risk factors were obtained from different Iranian [and if needed non-Iranian] studies that contained best qualified evidence that was attainable. When counterfactual prevalence was considered 0% [theoretical minimum risk], GIFs of smoking, low calcium intake, reduced sun exposure, low physical activity, low BMI and systemic glucocorticoid therapy, were 0.038,0.038, 0.110, 0.290, 0.211 and 0.020, respectively. When appropriate feasible minimum risk was considered as counterfactual prevalence, GIFs of smoking, low calcium intake, low physical activity, and systemic glucocorticoid therapy were 0.019, 0.010, 0.140 and 0.007, respectively. Interventions that reduce low physical activity should be given the highest priority in osteoporosis prevention strategies. However, the cost-effectiveness and practicality of any intervention must be appreciated

[Osteoporosis in chronic liver disease: a mathematical method to screen high-risk patients based on clinical findings]

Patients with chronic liver disease [CLD] have an increased prevalence of osteoporosis but it is unclear which patients are at high risk for developing bone disease. The goal of this study was to evaluate the bone mineral density [BMD] among Iranian CLD patients and to compare it with healthy controls. We have also established a mathematical method, which can be used to determine high-risk patients based on clinical findings. A total of 65 patients [36 male, 29 female mean age 51.1years] with chronic liver disease were recruited over a 1-year period. BMD measurements were done using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in the lumbar spine [LS] and femoral neck [FN]. Osteoporosis and osteopenia were defined by WHO criteria and BMD of patients was compared with the BMD of 65 age and sex matched normal individuals as controls. Finally we constructed a mathematical function to identify CLD patients who are at high risk for decreased BMD. The overall prevalences of osteopenia and osteoporosis in both sites were 47/7% and 23/1% respectively. BMDs at LS and FN were significantly lower in CLD patients than BMD in controls [p<0.005 and p<0.05, respectively]. BMD at LS and FN among women and BMD at LS among men was significantly lower in patients compared to controls [p<0.005 for all]. Increasing age was inversely correlated to BMD of females at LS and BMD of males at FN when the effect of BMI was controlled [r=-0.43 and rs=-0.5, respectively]. BMI was also correlated to BMD of females at LS and FN and BMD of males at FN when the effect of age was controlled [r=0.37, r=0.44 and rs=0.4, respectively]. At FN, BMD in Women with autoimmune, idiopathic and cholestatic liver disease was lower than BMD in viral hepatitis. Osteoporosis was more frequent in women with ascites and decreased [p<0.05]. Longer duration of CLD was correlated with lower BMD in women [p<0.05]. Women with Child C liver disease had higher abnormal BMD frequency compared to Child A [p<0.05] in men, no statistically significant correlation was found. Two functions were built based on sex, age, BMI and presence or absence of ascites, which could predict the abnormal BMD with sensitivity and positive predictive values of 85% and 87% respectively, which is significantly better than purely by guessing[p<0.05]. Osteoporosis is fairly common in CLD. We could screen high-risk patients by clinical indices as sex, age, BMI and presence of ascites so diagnostic and preventive measures could be instituted earlier in the course of the disease

Spiral CT scan for detecting coronary artery stenosis

Coronary vessel calcification is an obvious sign of atherosclerotic disease of coronary arteries. Electron beam CT scan is currently the imaging modality of choice for assessing coronary artery calcifications. However, its high cost makes it unavailable to a large number of medical centers. We carried out this study to compare the diagnostic yield of spiral CT scans as an alternative, to coronary angiography. A hundred patients suspicious of having coronary artery disease [CAD] underwent angiography as well as spiral CT scan of the heart. On CT scan, calcification of >90 Hounsfield on a surface area of >0.5 mm2, anatomically superimposed on coronary arteries were highlighted as calcified areas using the volumetric feature of the scanner. The findings were compared to angiographic results. Of 100 patients enrolled [62 males], 69 had coronary artery obstruction [>50% stenosis on angiography]. Angiography was normal in the rest. Spiral CT scan had a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 61% for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The PPV and NPV were 84% and 79%, respectively. Among the coronary arteries, LAD findings had the highest sensitivity [92%] and the lowest specificity [65%] in the diagnosis of CAD. With age, spiral CT scan had more sensitivity and less specificity for CAD. Detecting calcification by spiral CT scanning could be a useful non-invasive method for diagnosis and evaluation of coronary artery stenosis