A new method for calculating copper content and determining appropriate copper levels in foods

ABSTRACT Since the amount of food can affect the copper content, the copper content of different amounts of food (except foods without copper) is different. The copper content of some foods is inappropriately calculated per 100 kcal, 100 g or 100 mL, or the reference amount customarily consumed (RACC). Thus, making some food choices based on these calculations to achieve adequate copper intake may increase the risk of some chronic diseases. Calculating the copper content and determining appropriate copper levels (to achieve adequate copper intake) based on U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), and the proposed method were performed in 7,379 food items. Making some food choices based on the FDA and CAC per serving (the serving is derived from the RACC) or CAC per 100 g or 100 mL to achieve adequate copper intake exceeded energy needs, which could lead to overweight or obesity. Making some food choices based on the CAC per 100 kcal or CAC per 100 g or 100 mL to achieve adequate copper intake did not meet copper requirements, which could lead to copper deficiency. Some foods that met copper requirements were not appropriate food choices based on the CAC per 100 g or 100 mL or CAC per serving to achieve adequate copper intake. On the basis of the proposed method, calculating the copper content and determining appropriate copper levels in foods are performed by considering RACCs and the energy content of foods. Thus, making food choices based on the proposed method met copper requirements and did not exceed energy needs.

RESUMEN Dado que la cantidad de alimento puede afectar el contenido de cobre, el contenido de cobre de diferentes cantidades de alimentos (excepto los alimentos sin cobre) puede ser diferente. El contenido de cobre de algunos alimentos se calcula incorrectamente por 100 kcal, 100 g o 100 mL, o la cantidad de referencia habitualmente consumida (RACC). Por lo tanto, elegir algunos alimentos en función de ellos para lograr una ingesta adecuada de cobre puede aumentar los riesgos de algunas enfermedades crónicas. El cálculo del contenido de cobre y la determinación de los niveles apropiados de cobre (para lograr una ingesta adecuada de cobre) en 7.379 alimentos según métodos de la Administración de Drogas y Alimentos de los Estados Unidos (FDA), la Comisión del Codex Alimentarius (CAC) y por el método propuesto en este trabajo. La elección de alimentos basadas en la FDA y el CAC por porción (la porción se deriva del RACC) o CAC por 100 g o 100 ml, para lograr una ingesta adecuada de cobre, excedió las necesidades energéticas, lo que podría provocar sobrepeso u obesidad. La elección de alimentos basadas en el CAC por 100 kcal o CAC por 100 g o 100 ml para lograr una ingesta adecuada de cobre no cumplió con los requisitos de cobre, lo que podría conducir a una deficiencia de cobre. Algunos alimentos que cumplían con los requisitos de cobre no eran opciones de alimentos adecuadas según el CAC por 100 g o 100 ml o el CAC por porción, para lograr una ingesta adecuada de cobre. Sobre la base del método propuesto, el cálculo del contenido de cobre y la determinación de los niveles apropiados de cobre en los alimentos se realizaron considerando las RACC y el contenido energético de los alimentos. Por lo tanto, la elección de alimentos basada en el método propuesto cumplió con los requisitos de cobre y no excedió las necesidades energéticas.

The impact of climatic variables on the population dynamics of the main malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae), in southern Iran

Objective: To determine the significance of temperature, rainfall and humidity in the seasonal abundance of Anopheles stephensi in southern Iran. Methods: Data on the monthly abundance of Anopheles stephensi larvae and adults were gathered from earlier studies conducted between 2002 and 2019 in malaria prone areas of southeastern Iran. Climatic data for the studied counties were obtained from climatology stations. Generalized estimating equations method was used for cluster correlation of data for each study site in different years. Results: A significant relationship was found between monthly density of adult and larvae of Anopheles stephensi and precipitation, max temperature and mean temperature, both with simple and multiple generalized estimating equations analysis (P<0.05). But when analysis was done with one month lag, only relationship between monthly density of adults and larvae of Anopheles stephensi and max temperature was significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: This study provides a basis for developing multivariate time series models, which can be used to develop improved appropriate epidemic prediction systems for these areas. Long-term entomological study in the studied sites by expert teams is recommended to compare the abundance of malaria vectors in the different areas and their association with climatic variables. Abbasi Madineh 1 Deparment of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz Rahimi Foroushani Abbas 2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Jafari-Koshki Tohid 3 Molecular Medicine Research Center; Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz Pakdad Kamran 4 Department of Parasitology & Mycology, Paramedical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Vatandoost Hassan 5 Deparment of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Hanafi-Bojd Ahmad 6 Deparment of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran WHO. Malaria report 2019. Geneva: WHO; 2019. 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Country statistical yearbook. 1st ed. Iran: Management & Planning Organization; 2018, p.100-120. Basseri HR, Moosakazemi SH, Yosafi S. Mohebali M, Hajaran H, Jedari M. Anthropophily of malaria vectors in Kahnouj district, south of Kerman, Iran. Iran J Public Health 2005; 34(2): 27-35. Fathian M, Vatandoost H, Moosa-Kazemi H, Raeisi A, Yaghoobi-Ershadi MR, Oshaghi MA, et al. Susceptibility of Culicidae mosquitoes to some insecticides recommended by WHO in a malaria endemic area of Southeastern Iran. J Arthropod-Borne Dis 2015; 9(1): 22-34. Mojahedi A, Basseri HR, Raeisi A, Pakari A. Bioecological characteristics of malaria vectors in different geographical areas of Bandar Abbas County, 2014. J Prev Med 2016; 3(1): 18-25. Nedjati J. The study on some bioecological characteristics of malaria vectors and monitoring of their suseptibility levels to some insecticides in Sarbaz county, Sistan va Baluchestan province. MSc. Thesis. Tehran University of Medical Sciences; 2011. No. 5046. Poudat A. Epidemiological survey of malaria in Bandar Abbas County, 1998-2002. MSc. Thesis. Tehran University of Medical Sciences; 2003. No. 3375. Yeryan M, Basseri HR, Hanafi-Bojd AA, Raeisi A, Edalat H, Safari R. Bio-ecology of malaria vectors in an endemic area, Southeast of Iran. Asian Pac J Trop Med 2016; 9(1): 32-38. Iran Meteorological Organization. Specialized products and services weather. 2019. [Online]. Available from: https://data.irimo.ir/ [Accessed on 10 April 2019]. Cui J. QIC program and model selection in GEE analyses. Stata J 2007; 7(2): 209-220. Aytekin S, Aytekin AM, Alten B. Effect of different larval rearing temperatures on the productivity (R0) and morphology of the malaria vector Anopheles superpictus Grassi (Diptera: Culicidae) using geometric morphometrics. J Vec Ecol 2009; 34: 32-42. Lardeux FJ, Tejerina RH, Quispe V, Chavez TK. A physiological time analysis of the duration of the gonotrophic cycle of Anopheles pseudopunctipennis and its implications for malaria transmission in Bolivia. Malar J 2008; 7: 141. Simon-Oke IA, Olofintoye LK. The effect of climatic factors on the distribution and abundance of mosquito vectors in Ekiti State. J Biol Agri Healthcare 2015; 5(9): 142-146. Jemal Y, Al-Thukair AA. Combining GIS application and climatic factors for mosquito control in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2016; 25(8):1593-1602. Msugh-Ter MM, Aondowase DA, Terese AE. Association of meteorological factors with two principal malaria vector complexes in the University of Agriculture Makurdi community, Central Nigeria. Am J Entomol 2017; 1(2): 31-38. [31 ]Kabbale FG, Akol AM, Kaddu JB, Ambrose W. Biting patterns and seasonality of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato and Anopheles funestus mosquitoes in Kamuli District, Uganda Onapa. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6: 340. Paaijmans KP, Wandago OM, Githeko AK, Takken W. Unexpected high losses of Anopheles gambiae larvae due to rainfall. PLoS One 2007; 2(11): e1146. Gillooly JF, Brown JH, West GB, Savage VM, Charnov EL. Effects of size and temperature on metabolic rate. Science 2001; 293: 2248-2251. Koenraadt CJ, Paaijmans KP, Schneider P, Githeko AK, Takken W. Low level vector survival explains unstable malaria in the western Kenya highlands. Trop Med Int Health 2006; 11(8): 1195-1205. Munga S, Minakawa N, Zhou G, Githeko AK, Yan G. Survivorship of immature stages of Anopheles gambiae s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) in natural habitats in western Kenya highlands. J Med Entomol 2007; 44: 758-764. Afrane YA, Zhou G, Lawson BW, Githeko AK, Yan G. Effects of microclimatic changes due to deforestation on the survivorship and reproductive fitness of Anopheles gambiae in Western Kenya Highlands. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2006; 74: 772-778. Afrane YA, Githeko AK, Yan G. The Ecology of Anopheles mosquitoes under climate change: Case studies from the effects of environmental changes in East Africa highlands. Ann Acad Sci 2012; 1249: 204-210. Abbasi F, Babaeian I, Malboosi SH, Asmari M, Mokhtari LG. Climate change assessment over Iran during future decades, using statistical downscaling of ECHO-G model. J Geogr Res 2012; 104: 205-230 (In Persian).

Development and validation of an environmental heat strain risk assessment (EHSRA) index using structural equation modeling based on empirical relations

BACKGROUND@#Need to a simple, available, accurate, comprehensive, and valid indicator is felt to assess thermal effects. Therefore, the present study was aimed to develop and validate the environmental heat strain risk assessment (EHSRA) index using structural equation modeling (SEM) based on empirical relations.@*METHODS@#This cross-sectional study was performed on 201 male workers in environments with various climatic conditions. The heart rate and tympanic temperature of the individuals were monitored at times of 30, 60, and 90 min after beginning the work. At these times, values of dry temperature, wet temperature, globe temperature, and air velocity were also measured and metabolism rate and clothing thermal insulation value were estimated. At the end, a theoretical model was depicted in AMOS software and obtained coefficients were applied to develop a novel index. The scores of this indicator were categorized into four risk levels via ROC curves and validate using linear regression analysis.@*RESULTS@#Indirect effect coefficients of the globe temperature, dry temperature, wet temperature, air velocity, metabolism, and clothing thermal insulation variables on the tympanic temperature were computed by 0.77, 0.75, 0.69, 0.24, 0.49, and 0.39, respectively. These coefficients were applied to develop the index. Optimal cut-off points of boundaries between risk levels included 12.02, 15.88, and 17.56. The results showed that the EHSRA index justified 75% of the variations of the tympanic temperature (R@*CONCLUSIONS@#The novel index possesses appropriate validity. It was suggested that this indicator is applied and validated in various environments in the next studies.

Assessment of the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Sudan: a case-control study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major challenge for the global control of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with MDR-TB in Sudan. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted from May 2017 to February 2019. Patients newly diagnosed with MDR-TB were selected as cases, and controls were selected from TB patients who responded to first-line anti-TB drugs. A questionnaire was designed and used to collect data from study participants. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and MDR-TB infection. The best multivariate model was selected based on the likelihood ratio test. RESULTS: A total of 430 cases and 860 controls were selected for this study. A history of previous TB treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 54.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 30.48 to 98.69) was strongly associated with MDR-TB infection. We identified interruption of TB treatment (aOR, 7.62; 95% CI, 3.16 to 18.34), contact with MDR-TB patients (aOR, 5.40; 95% CI, 2.69 to 10.74), lower body weight (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.91), and water pipe smoking (aOR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.73 to 6.04) as factors associated with MDR-TB infection. CONCLUSIONS: Previous TB treatment and interruption of TB treatment were found to be the main predictors of MDR-TB. Additionally, this study found that contact with MDR-TB patients and water pipe smoking were associated with MDR-TB infection in Sudan. More efforts are required to decrease the rate of treatment interruption, to strengthen patients’ adherence to treatment, and to reduce contact with MDR-TB patients.

Assessment of the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Sudan: a case-control study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major challenge for the global control of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with MDR-TB in Sudan.@*METHODS@#This case-control study was conducted from May 2017 to February 2019. Patients newly diagnosed with MDR-TB were selected as cases, and controls were selected from TB patients who responded to first-line anti-TB drugs. A questionnaire was designed and used to collect data from study participants. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and MDR-TB infection. The best multivariate model was selected based on the likelihood ratio test.@*RESULTS@#A total of 430 cases and 860 controls were selected for this study. A history of previous TB treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 54.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 30.48 to 98.69) was strongly associated with MDR-TB infection. We identified interruption of TB treatment (aOR, 7.62; 95% CI, 3.16 to 18.34), contact with MDR-TB patients (aOR, 5.40; 95% CI, 2.69 to 10.74), lower body weight (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.91), and water pipe smoking (aOR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.73 to 6.04) as factors associated with MDR-TB infection.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Previous TB treatment and interruption of TB treatment were found to be the main predictors of MDR-TB. Additionally, this study found that contact with MDR-TB patients and water pipe smoking were associated with MDR-TB infection in Sudan. More efforts are required to decrease the rate of treatment interruption, to strengthen patients' adherence to treatment, and to reduce contact with MDR-TB patients.

relationship between perceived stress and marital satisfaction in couples with infertility: actor-partner interdependence model

Background: Infertility, one of life's great stressors, may adversely affect marital satisfaction. No studies have in- vestigated the relationship between perceived stress and marital satisfaction at the dyadic level. The current study assessed the actor and partner effects of perceived stress on marital satisfaction in husband-wife dyads using an innovative dyadic analysis approach, the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model [APIM]

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited a total of 141 infertile couples. Marital satisfaction and stress were assessed using the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale [EMS Scale] and Perceived Stress Scale-4 Item [PSS-4], respectively. Dyadic data have been analysed by the APIM approach, with distinguishable dyads. In this approach, actor effect is the impact of a person?s perceived stress on his/her own marital satisfaction. Partner effect is the impact of a person's perceived stress on the partner?s marital satisfaction

Results: Both men and women's perceived stress exhibited an actor effect on their marital satisfaction [beta=-0.312, P<0.001, beta=-0.405, P<0.001, respectively]. Women's perceived stress had a negative relationship to the marital satis- faction of their partner [beta=-0.174, P=0.040]. Although the partner effect of men's perceived stress on woman's marital satisfaction was not significant [beta=-0.138, P=0.096], women whose husbands had higher levels of stress were more likely to have poorer marital satisfaction. Both actor and partner effects of perceived stress on marital satisfaction were similar among men and their wives

Conclusion: The findings of this study have highlighted that marital satisfaction in patients with infertility was in- fluenced by not only their own perceived stress, but also their spouses' perceived stresses. Therefore, psychological interventions that target a reduction in perceived stress and enhancement of marital satisfaction in the context of infer- tility should treat the couple as a unit

Phage therapy as an approach to control salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis infection in mice

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is a cause of food-borne human illness. Given the prevalence of antibiotic resistance of Salmonella Enteritidis and the lack of antibiotic efficacy in future years, its replacement with other agents is necessary. One of the most useful agents is bacteriophages. METHODS S. Enteritidis was identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay. The effective bacteriophages were isolated from hospital wastewater samples. The effects of the bacteriophages were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS The phage SE20 belonged to the Podoviridae family, and the genome size was 40 kb. The evaluation of phage SE20 at variable pH ranges showed its susceptibility to pH < 3 and pH > 12. The animal model showed that mice infected with S. Enteritidis developed hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, but did not experience gastrointestinal complications after receiving the bacteriophages. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that phage SE20 is a promising candidate for controlling salmonellosis caused by Salmonella Enteritidis.

Assessment of the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Sudan: a case-control study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major challenge for the global control of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with MDR-TB in Sudan.METHODS: This case-control study was conducted from May 2017 to February 2019. Patients newly diagnosed with MDR-TB were selected as cases, and controls were selected from TB patients who responded to first-line anti-TB drugs. A questionnaire was designed and used to collect data from study participants. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and MDR-TB infection. The best multivariate model was selected based on the likelihood ratio test.RESULTS: A total of 430 cases and 860 controls were selected for this study. A history of previous TB treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 54.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 30.48 to 98.69) was strongly associated with MDR-TB infection. We identified interruption of TB treatment (aOR, 7.62; 95% CI, 3.16 to 18.34), contact with MDR-TB patients (aOR, 5.40; 95% CI, 2.69 to 10.74), lower body weight (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.91), and water pipe smoking (aOR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.73 to 6.04) as factors associated with MDR-TB infection.CONCLUSIONS: Previous TB treatment and interruption of TB treatment were found to be the main predictors of MDR-TB. Additionally, this study found that contact with MDR-TB patients and water pipe smoking were associated with MDR-TB infection in Sudan. More efforts are required to decrease the rate of treatment interruption, to strengthen patients' adherence to treatment, and to reduce contact with MDR-TB patients.

The effects of water-pipe smoking on birth weight: a population-based prospective cohort study in southern Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Consecutive community health assessments revealed that water-pipe smoking in women and impaired growth in children were among the main health concerns in suburban communities in southern Iran. The aim of the present study was to identify the effects of water-pipe smoking during pregnancy on birth weight. METHODS: Data from a population-based prospective cohort study of 714 singleton live pregnancies in the suburbs of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran in 2016–2018 were used in this study. Data about water-pipe smoking patterns and birth weight were collected by questionnaires during and after the pregnancy. Low birth weight (LBW) was defined as a birth weight below 2,500 g. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized linear models, and the results were presented in terms of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Fifty (8.2%) of the study subjects smoked water-pipe. The adjusted risk of LBW increased 2-fold in water-pipe smokers (adjusted RR [aRR], 2.09; 95% CI, 1.18 to 3.71), and by 2.0% for each 1-year increase in the duration of water-pipe smoking (aRR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that water-pipe smoking during pregnancy was an important risk factor for LBW in this population sample from southern Iran. The introduction of regulations onto prevent water-pipe smoking and the implementation of community health action plans aiming at empowering women and increasing women's knowledge and awareness regarding the health consequences of water-pipe smoking are proposed.

The effects of water-pipe smoking on birth weight: a population-based prospective cohort study in southern Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#Consecutive community health assessments revealed that water-pipe smoking in women and impaired growth in children were among the main health concerns in suburban communities in southern Iran. The aim of the present study was to identify the effects of water-pipe smoking during pregnancy on birth weight.@*METHODS@#Data from a population-based prospective cohort study of 714 singleton live pregnancies in the suburbs of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran in 2016–2018 were used in this study. Data about water-pipe smoking patterns and birth weight were collected by questionnaires during and after the pregnancy. Low birth weight (LBW) was defined as a birth weight below 2,500 g. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized linear models, and the results were presented in terms of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).@*RESULTS@#Fifty (8.2%) of the study subjects smoked water-pipe. The adjusted risk of LBW increased 2-fold in water-pipe smokers (adjusted RR [aRR], 2.09; 95% CI, 1.18 to 3.71), and by 2.0% for each 1-year increase in the duration of water-pipe smoking (aRR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our results showed that water-pipe smoking during pregnancy was an important risk factor for LBW in this population sample from southern Iran. The introduction of regulations onto prevent water-pipe smoking and the implementation of community health action plans aiming at empowering women and increasing women's knowledge and awareness regarding the health consequences of water-pipe smoking are proposed.

The effects of water-pipe smoking on birth weight: a population-based prospective cohort study in southern Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Consecutive community health assessments revealed that water-pipe smoking in women and impaired growth in children were among the main health concerns in suburban communities in southern Iran. The aim of the present study was to identify the effects of water-pipe smoking during pregnancy on birth weight.METHODS: Data from a population-based prospective cohort study of 714 singleton live pregnancies in the suburbs of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran in 2016–2018 were used in this study. Data about water-pipe smoking patterns and birth weight were collected by questionnaires during and after the pregnancy. Low birth weight (LBW) was defined as a birth weight below 2,500 g. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized linear models, and the results were presented in terms of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).RESULTS: Fifty (8.2%) of the study subjects smoked water-pipe. The adjusted risk of LBW increased 2-fold in water-pipe smokers (adjusted RR [aRR], 2.09; 95% CI, 1.18 to 3.71), and by 2.0% for each 1-year increase in the duration of water-pipe smoking (aRR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.05).CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that water-pipe smoking during pregnancy was an important risk factor for LBW in this population sample from southern Iran. The introduction of regulations onto prevent water-pipe smoking and the implementation of community health action plans aiming at empowering women and increasing women's knowledge and awareness regarding the health consequences of water-pipe smoking are proposed.

Phage therapy: assessment of the efficacy of a bacteriophage isolated in the treatment of salmonellosis induced by Salmonella enteritidis in mice

Aim: This work aims to isolate and perform comparative studies of a phages active against a Salmonella enteritidis strain from Iran. Also, suitable phage candidates for therapy of mice will be selected

Background: Bacteriophage is of particular interest as a biocontrol agent in the prevention of food-borne illnesses. In recent years tend to use bacteriophages to control pathogenic bacteria has increased. A bacteriophage is considered to be a potent antibiotic alternative for treating bacterial infections

Methods: the specific phages against Salmonella Enteritidis was isolated and candidates for therapy of mice will be selected. Mouses divided into the six specific groups. Groups of mice were as follows: A: Bacteri [control] B: Bacteri+ bacteriophage [Simultaneous], C: Bacteri + bacteriophage Four days later, D: Bacteriophage + bacteri four days later E: Bacteri+ Ciprofloxacin [Simultaneous] F: Bacteri+ ciprofloxacin+ bacteriophage [Simultaneous]

Results: In this study, a lytic bacteriophage is isolated and it shows that phage has a head size of 46 nm and without a tail, by using an electron microscope. Oral administration of a single dose of 2 × 109 PFU/mouse bacteriophage enable to protect mouse against salmonellosis and it causes treatment of salmonellosis in mice

Conclusion: The use of this phage compared to ciprofloxacin shows that in addition of the treatment of mouse, it also prevents weight loss

Atypical Yersinia virulence markers isolated from children with diarrhea

Background and Objective: Yersinia is a gram-negative bacillus that cause diarrhea through consumption of contaminated food and water. This study was performed to identify the atypical Yersinia virulence markers isolated from children with diarrhea

Methods: This descriptive cross -sectional study was done on 384 fecal samples of 0- 14 years old children admitted at children medical center from August 2011 to August of 2012. Fecal samples, for the enrichment, after 21 days of incubation in alkaline buffer with pH=7.2 at 4degree C, on days 7,14 and 21 samples were cultured on CIN agar and Mac agar and then confirm the differentiation atypical Yersinia from other typical Yersinia species from fermentation of different sugars. Isolates were tested for marker of virulence including calcium dependence, auto agglutination, Congo red uptake and binding of crystal violet

Results: Out of 384 stool samples, 4 [1.04%] were infected with Yersinia [Yersinia frederikseni, Yersinia kristensenii and Yersinia enterocolitica]

Out of these three, only two samples in association was positive with virulence markers

Conclusion: Phenotypic markers can be used to study the properties of phenotypic strains of Yersinia

Treatment of vitamin D deficiency is an effective method in the elimination of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis: A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

Background & objectives: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent vaginal infection in women of reproductive age group which has been found to be associated with vitamin D deficiency. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the administration of 2000 IU/day edible vitamin D for 15 wk to eliminate asymptomatic BV among reproductive age women with vitamin D deficiency. Methods: A total of 208 women with asymptomatic BV, who were found to be eligible after interviews and laboratory tests, were randomly assigned to a control group (n=106) or an intervention group (n=105). They used vitamin D drops daily for 105 days. Vaginal and blood samples were taken before and after the second intervention using identical methods (Nugent score for BV diagnosis, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D for vitamin D determination). Results: The cure rate of asymptomatic BV was 63.5 per cent in the intervention and 19.2 per cent in the control group (P <0.001). The results showed that being unmarried (P=0.02), being passive smoker (P<0.001), and being in the luteal phase of a menstrual cycle during sampling (P=0.01) were significantly associated with post-intervention BV positive results. After these elements were controlled, the odds of BV positive results in the control group was 10.8 times more than in the intervention group (P<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: Among women in reproductive age group with vitamin D deficiency, the administration of 2000 IU/day edible vitamin D was effective in eliminating asymptomatic BV. This treatment could be useful in preventing the symptoms and side effects of BV.

Antibiotic susceptibility of Yersinia spp isolated from children with diarrhea

Background and Objective: Yersinia enterocolitica is a worldwide pathogen belong to genus Yersinia. The association between acute childhood diarrheaandother diseases caused by Yersinia enterocolitica has been established by several researchers. Due to the lack of sufficient information on other pathogenic Yersinia species, this study was done to determine the prevalence and the pattern of antibiotic susceptibility of atypical Yersinia spp isolated from children, less than 14 years old. Methods: This descriptive cross - sectional study was carried on 384 children with diarrhea whom referred to the Tehran children medical center, Tehran, Iran during August 2011 to August 2012. 384 fecal specimens of children were transferd to the laboratory and cold enrichment in alkaline buffer with pH of 7.2 for 21 days. The samples were cultured in Cefsulodin-Irgasan-Novobiocin Agar [CIN] differential media in 7, 14, and 21 days. The identification of Yersinia species were carried out by conventional procedure. Antibiotic susceptibility test to Ciprofloxacin, Co-trimoxazole, Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol, Erythromycin, Ampicillin, Gentamicin, Penicillin were determined by st and ard disk diffusion method. Results: Out of 384 fecal samples, 3 [0.7%] were infected with Yersinia. Three species of Yersinia were Y.enterocolitica, Y.Kristensenii and Y.frederiksenii. All three strains were sensitive to Cotrimoxazole, Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin. Conclusion: This study showed that atypical Yersinia play important role in diarrhea. Therefore, more attention should be noticed to atypical Yersinia species in addition to Yersinia enterocolitica

[Measurement of the constructs of health belief model related to self-care during pregnancy in women referred to south Tehran health network]

Self-care activities during pregnancy can be effective in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Health Belief Model [HBM] is one of the most applicable models in educational need assessment for planning and implementation of educational interventions. The purpose of this study was to measurement of the constructs of HBM related to self-care during pregnancy in women referred to South Tehran health network. In this cross-sectional study 270 pregnant women who referred to health centers of South Tehran Health Networks participated. Demographic, knowledge and attitude questionnaires based on constructs of HBM was used to measure the status of knowledge and attitude of women. Data were analyzed using statistical software SPSS18. Results showed that 92.2% of women had the knowledge scores in good level. The scores of perceived severity, perceived self-efficacy and cues to action were in good level in almost of women but almost of women obtained weak point in perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits and barriers. HBM can be used as an appropriate tool for assessment the status of pregnant women in the field of self-care behaviors during pregnancy and planning and implementation of educational interventions

effect of quercetin on plasma oxidative status, C-reactive protein and blood pressure in women with rheumatoid arthritis

Considering the increased production of free radicals and inflammatory factors in rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and the effects of bioflavonoid quercetin on reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and blood pressure, the present study examined the effects of bioflavonoid quercetin on total antioxidant capacity [TAC] of plasma, lipid peroxidation and blood pressure in women with RA. The current study was a randomized double-blind clinical trial in which 51 women with RA aged 19-70 years, were participated. Patients were assigned into quercetin [500 mg/day] or placebo groups for 8 weeks. Dietary intake was recorded using 24-h dietary recall questionnaire and the physical activity was assessed through an international short questionnaire of physical activity at the beginning and end of the study. Plasma TAC and malondialdehyde [MDA] using colorimetric method, oxidized low density lipoprotein [ox-LDL] and high sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and also blood pressure were measured at the beginning and end of intervention. After 8 weeks there were no significant differences in TAC of plasma, ox-LDL, MDA, hs-CRP, systolic and diastolic blood pressure between quercetin and placebo groups and in each group comparing before and after. In this study, quercetin had no effect on oxidative and inflammatory status of plasma and blood pressure in patients with RA. Further studies are needed to ensure the effect of quercetin on oxidative stress and inflammation in human

[Comparison of open and closure dressing in burn wound healing reconstruction]

Burns are among the most important accidents related to human health, which receive great attention due to severe complications and high mortality rate. Burn is the fourth leading cause of trauma in the world, and generally divided into three groups, electrical, chemical and thermal. In this a comparison between open and closure dressing in healing and reconstruction of injury was investigated This is a clinical trial study; two hundred burn out patients referred to Motahari hospital were selected and divided into two groups over a period of 16 months from the July 2011 till November 2012.The selected patients had second degree burn with 5.2% extent. Both groups and treated with 1% silver sulfadiazine cream and dressing were made once daily. Duration treatment the healing of each patient was recorded on checklists. Chi-square test and spss were used to analyze the data. Burns from the heat of 170 patients 85%] was greater than the electrical and chemical burns groups. Burn with boiling with 114 cases 57 percent] was the most, compared to electrical and chemical. The mean duration of treatment in open dressing was shorter than closure dressing P <0.001. The results of this study showed that burn with boiling water was the most compared to chemical and electrical. The duration of healing time and hospitalization in open dressing was shorter than closure dressing. It seems to be a preventive program such attention to safety in the home and workplace should be applied

Stated time preferences for health: a systematic review and meta analysis of private and social discount rates

The present study aimed to provide better insight on methodological issues related to time preference studies, and to estimate private and social discount rates, using a rigorous systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Proquest databases in June 2013. All studies had estimated private and social time preference rates for health outcomes through stated preference approach, recognized eligible for inclusion. We conducted both fixed and random effect meta-analyses using mean discount rate and standard deviation of the included studies. I-square statistics was used for testing heterogeneity of the studies. Private and social discount rates were estimated separately via Stata11 software. Out of 44 screened full texts, 8 population-based empirical studies were included in qualitative synthesis. Reported time preference rates for own health were from 0.036 to 0.07 and for social health from 0.04 to 0.2. Private and social discount rates were estimated at 0.056 [95% CI: 0.038, 0.074] and 0.066 [95% CI: 0.064, 0.068], respectively. Considering the impact of time preference on healthy behaviors and because of timing issues, individual's time preference as a key determinant of policy making should be taken into account. Direct translation of elicited discount rates to the official discount rates has been remained questionable. Decisions about the proper discount rate for health context, may need a cross-party consensus among health economists and policy makers

Multi-state survival analysis in renal transplantation recipients

Renal transplantation is a therapy for end-stage renal disease. During the study of recipients' survival after renal transplantation, there are some events as intermediate events that not only affect the recipients' survival but also events which are affected by various factors. The aim of this study was to handle these intermediate events in order to identify factors that affect recipients' survival by using multi-state models. This retrospective cohort study included 405 renal transplant patients from Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran, from 2004 to 2010. The survival time of these recipients was determined after transplantation and the effect of various factors on the death hazard with and without renal allograft failure and hazard of renal allograft failure was studied by using multistate models. During 4.06 years [median] of follow-up; 28 [6.9%] recipients died and allograft failure occurred in 51 [12.6%] recipients. Based on the results of multi-state model, receiving a living kidney transplantation decreased the hazard of renal allograft failure [HR=0.38; 95% CI: 0.17- 0.87], pre-transplant hypertension [HR=2.94; 95% CI: 1.54- 5.63] and serum creatinine levels >1.6 upon discharge from the hospital [HR=7.38; 95% CI: 3.87- 7.08] increased the hazard of renal allograft failure. Receiving living kidney transplantation decreased the hazard of death directly [HR=0.18; 95% CI: 0.04- 0.93]. It was concluded that the effect of donor type, pre-transplant hypertension and having serum creatinine >1.6 upon discharge from the hospital was significant on hazard of renal allograft failure. The only variable that had a direct significant effect on hazard of death was donor type