Investigation of Relationship between Husband's Occupation and Preeclampsia in Pregnant Women Admitted to Selected Hospitals in Tehran, 2011

Background and Purpose: Preeclampsia is a significant threat to public health and the leading cause of maternal and fetal death and disability worldwide. Its incidence is between 5 to 12 percent in Iran, which has many causes.Husband's occupation is one of these factors that has not been considered till now. This study was performed to determine the effect of husband's occupation on preeclampsia in pregnant women in Tehran

Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study with a total case of 195 pregnant women [65 women with preeclampsia and 130 controls] admitted to selected hospitals in Tehran, 2011. Among the hospitals with higher number of deliveriesin the north, south, east, west and central of Tehran, 4 reference hospitals wereselected based onobjectiveand non-randomized methodand given referrals for prenatal care and delivery; every hospital was given a quota. Data collecting tools were questionnaire and checklist that were filled by interview with qualified women and their cases. Women were divided into worker, employee, unemployed and self employed groups. Confounding factors were controlledthrough randomizing. We used independent t test for quantitative variables and chi-square test for relationships between categorical variables. Odds ratio was used to show the statistics relationship between some variables and preeclampsia.All data analysiswas performed bySPSSversion 18

Results: The results of this study showed that there is a statistically significant association between husband's occupationand preeclampsia [P=0.01]. In preeclamptic group, the worker husbands and in healthy group the self employed husbands were the most

Conclusion: It seems that husband's occupation is related to preeclampsia and the incidence of preeclampsia in worker's family is more than families that are employee and selfemployed

[Correlation between menarcheal age and certain demographic characteristics]

The first occurrence of menstruation [or periods] is called menarche and it is a vital event during puberty in girls. Various studies show a downward trend in menarcheal age over the last hundred years. Many factors can influence age at menarche. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between menarcheal age and certain demographic characteristics, in female residents of district 13, Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. In this longitudinal descriptive, conducted within the framework of the Tehran lipid and glucose study, subjects were 402 girls, aged 12 and 18 years, whose menarche had not begun at the initiation of the study, but it did during their follow-up. In order to collect data, questionnaires previously completed in the TLGS were used. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire confirmed in previous studies. Various factors including maternal age at menarche, maternal education, maternal occupation, body mass index, physical activity, energy expenditure and exposure to tobacco smoke were examined. Findings showed that the mean age at menarche was 13.06 +/- 1.24 years in this study. There were significant statistical associations between body mass index [P=0.002, r=-0.04], mother's age at menarche [P<0.001, r=0.66] and maternal education [P=0.027, r=0.25] and the subjects age at menarche. However there was no significant association between age at menarche, with mother's occupation, passive smoking, physical activity and energy expenditure. It seems that BMI, mother's menarcheal age and maternal education are factors that influence the age at menarche

Detection and identification of Toxoplasma gondii type one infection in sheep aborted fetuses in Qazvin province of Iran

The aim of this study was to apply the nested-PCR and bioassay methods in detection and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii infection in provided sheep aborted fetus samples from Qazvin Province of Iran. Eighteen sheep aborted fetal samples were studied by nested-PCR-RFLP, histopathological observation and microbiological assay. Bioassay in mice was carried out by inoculating the brain samples intraperitoneally. The results demonstrated the frequency of 66% infected sheep aborted fetal samples with T. gondii type one. Although we could not isolate any parasite from inoculated mice even after three passages, but it was confirmed histopathologically formation of cyst like bodies in prepared mice brain sections. The results of the performed nested-PCR and formation of brain cyst in inoculated mice exhibited that T. gondii type one infection might be considered as one of the major causative agents for abortion in ewes

role of aminoguanidine on functional recovery of rat reperfused sciatic nerve

Ischemia reperfusion plays a major role in the development of pathological alterations in many different neuropathies. In this study, we evaluated the role of aminoguanidme [AG] in the functional recovery of the rat re-perfused sciatic nerve based on the behavioral scores. Seventy two rats were divided into 12 groups [n = 6]. We used ischemic model by occluding the right common iliac and femoral arteries for 3 h with a silk suture 6-0 using the slipknot technique. Treatment groups [2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12] received 150 mg/kg of AG intraperitoneally 24 hrs after the induction of ischemia. After certain time intervals of reperfusion [48 hr, and 4, 7, 14, and 28 days], the function of the hind limb was assessed using behavioral scores based on gait, racing reflex, toe spread, pinch sensitivity, paw position, and grasp. Hind limb functional deficits developed in all reperfused groups, and maximal behavioral deficit occurred on day 7 of reperfusion. The comparison of the control and AG groups revealed a better time course in recovery and improvement of the behavioral score. In conclusion, our findings suggest that post-ischernic administration of AG exhibits a neuroprotective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury of sciatic nerve. However, further investigations are required to delineate the detailed mechanisms underlying the protective effect of AG in sciatic nerve injury

Study of biological characteristics and incidence of spontaneous mammary tumor in razi mice, a worthwhile model for mammarytumor, iranian origin

Razi mouse is originally established from native Iranian mice at Razi institute and is susceptible to spontaneous mammary tumor. In this study, incidence, age and predisposing factors of tumor and some of biological characteristics of this strain were studied. There were significant differences in incidence of mammary tumor in Razi virgin females as compared with normally breeding and hormone treated breeding females in p < 0.05 but was the same with virgin NMRI females foster-nursed on Razi dams. However incidence in virgin Razi females foster-nursed on NMRI dams was very lesser than three mentioned groups. All mammary tumor tissues were histopathologically diagnosed adenocarcinoma. No significant differences were found in the levels of biological factors studied in tumor bearing and nonbearing Razi mice [p < 0.05]. Our results showed that milk factor may play the most important role in compare with genetic background and hormonal stimulation for development of mammary tumor in Razi mouse. Razi strain may represent a unique model to study of mammary tumor etiology and anticancer therapy

Negative effect of zinc on testes, testosterone and gonadotrophins levels in adult male wistar rats

The toxic effects of zinc leading to sebaceous gland closure, skin eczema and blister have been previously demonstrated in other studies. The aim of this study is to determine the chronic effects of zinc chloride [ZnCl2] on testicular tissues, testosterone and gonadotrophins in adult male Wistar rats. Twenty four Adult male Wistar rats were divided in to two groups of study and control with each group consisting of 12 rats. Study group rats received 10 mg/kg interaperitoneal Zinc chloride in normal saline [N.S] every other day for 30 days. Control group rats received N.S during this time. Blood sample for hormonal evaluation were collected from hearts of these rats. The rats were destroyed and their testes were removed and fixed in a 10% formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde solution. The results of this study showed a significant decrease in the level of LH and testosterone hormone among the rats in the study group compared to the control group with p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 respectively. Study of fine structure of testicular cells and tissues in the study group rats revealed swelling of mitochondria, increase in smooth endoplasmic reticulum vacuolization and lysosomic granules [Autophagic vacuoles] in cytosol of their germinal cells. Based on the results of this study consumption of large amount of compounds which contain zinc should be controlled and limited among men. There is a need for further studies to evaluate and determine the reversibility of most hormonal and physiological changes due to usage of zinc containing compounds

[Identifying different subgroups of rabies virus in Iran using phosphoprotein gene polymorphism]

Rabies has been reported in all provinces and cities of Iran, although there has been no molecular study regarding different groups and subgroups of rabies virus by phosphoprotein gene. In this study, firstly, 48 and then 85 recent rabies isolates recovered from cases reported throughout Iran identified the evolutionary origins by molecular method of phosphoprotein gene region. All the suspected samples from all over the country has been tested by IF method, then all the positive cases have undergone grouping and sub-grouping by molecular tests of phosphoprotein gene. Three groups [I, II, III] and subgroups have been shown in different parts of country by phylogenetic analysis. Khorassan province has the highest rate of diversity of groups and subgroups [all the 3 groups have been identified in this province], which might be the origin of infection in neighboring provinces and all over the country respectively. In this study, the results of different samples obtained from cities and provinces [which could be the complement of Canadian results] confirmed the emergence of 3 different groups of rabies virus. In addition, the widely dispersion of mentioned groups and sub-groups in all provinces could be shown

[Ischemic and reperfusion injury of adult rat sciatic nerve]

Ischemia plays a major role in development of pathological changes in various neuropathies. Reperfusion amplifies physiological and pathological abnormalities in ischemic nerves. In this research, we studied ischemic-reperfusion [IR] injury of sciatic nerve up to 14 days of reperfusion. IR was produced by ligation and release of nooses around supplying vessels to the sciatic nerve. 30 rats were assigned into 5 groups of 6. Group 1 [control] did not undergo IR while the 4 remaining groups after three hours of complete hind leg ischemia underwent reperfusion within 0hr, 3hrs, 7 days and 14 days. Pathologically, two phases were identifiable. During phase 1 [0-3 hrs] fiber degeneration and endoneurial edema were observed. During phase 2 [7 days and, 14 days] prominent fiber degeneration and prominent endoneurial edema were observed. Loss of function occurred in more than 75% of the rats with ischemia alone, in comparison with the control group the maximum reduction in activities was observed amongst the group of rats reperfused within 3 hours. IR injury depends on duration of reperfusion. Microvascular events during reperfusion may enhance the nerve fiber damage following the ischemia period

Concurrent occurrence of malignant melanoma and amyloidosis in a horse

In a 16-year-old mare of mixed breed, with gray coat, which was used for 2 years for production of polyvalent anti-snake antiserum, some nodules appeared on the underside of the tail and perineum. The animal gradually became weakened and showed weight loss and eventually, was euthanatized. Based on necropsy findings and histopathologic examination, affection to malignant melanoma was confirmed. By applying Congo red for detection of amyloidosis, deposition of amyloid within the wall of arterioles of spleen and a small amount inside the hepatocytes were observed

Histopathological features in a horse on repeated injections of polyvalent snake venom

A 7-year-old stallion was bought for production of polyvalent snake antiserum. The animal died in less than two months from the beginning, of weakly injection with an increasing concentration of polyvalent snake venom. In histopathological examination, severe necrosis of renal tubules [nephrosis] and portal sclerosis with necrosis of hepatocytes were observed. In the myocardium, thrombosis in small arteries, concurrent necrosis and fibrosis, as well as arteriosclerotic changes inside a coronary artery were observed. In the lung, there were severe congestion and hemorrhage. Moreover, destruction of alveolar walls caused marked emphysema

mission-based gifted and talented program

Background: only in recent years has the concept of "Multiple intelligences" been acknowledged

Purpose: to develop a mission-based program to train gifted medical students on skills and sciences needed for sustainable development

Methods: a two-armed program was developed for training medical students. The first arm of the program train students for management purposes. The second branch of the program educates medical students to enable them to contribute to scholar development in areas of health and medicine

Results: the Managerial pathway has been implemented since July 2003. More than 400 students from Shaheed Beheshti and elsewhere registered in the program as main members or guest members of the program. The level up exam was given on February 2004 with 13 students qualifying for C level

Conclusion: it may be to early to draw any conclusion in terms of fulfilment of the outcomes of the program but the dedication of the members to the program has been beyond imagination