Job satisfaction and its relationship to radiation protection knowledge, attitude and practice [RP-KAP] of Iranian radiation workers

This study aimed to find the association between job satisfaction and radiation protection knowledge, attitude and practice of medical radiation workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. In this cross-sectional study, 530 radiation workers affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences completed a knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire on protecting themselves against radiation and Job Descriptive Index as a job satisfaction measure during May to November 2014. Opportunities for promotion [84.2%] and payment [91.5%] were the most important factors for dissatisfaction. Radiation workers who were married, had more positive attitudes toward protecting themselves against radiation, and had higher level of education accounted for 15.8% of the total variance in predicting job satisfaction. In conclusion, medical radiation workers with a more positive attitude toward self-protection against radiation were more satisfied with their jobs. In radiation environments, improving staff attitudes toward their safety may be considered as a key strategy to increase job satisfaction

[Physicochemical properties of Iranian commercial olive oils]

Types and contents of the chemical compounds found in olive oil, including fatty acids, antioxidants and pigments, indicates the oil quality, which in turn depends on several factors, including cultivar, climate, extraction method, and maturity of he olive fruit. Research has shown that tocopherol and polyphenol contents depend on cultivar and the cultivation region, respectively, while fatty acid content depends on both of these factors. Iranian olive oils have a different chemical composition and, consequently, different oxidative stability. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the chemical composition and physicochemical chartacteristics of commercial types of Iranian virgin and refined olive oils. Iranian olive oils, including four virgin [C, D, F and H] and five deodorized [A, B, E, G and I] samples, as well as two foreign virgin samples [1 and 2] were purchased from local stores. To determine fatty acid compoition and compositional, chemical and physical indicators, national and international laboratory methods were used. All determinations were performed in triplicates. The results showed that the main fatty acids in the Iranian commercial olive oils were monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFA], particularly oleic acid [C18:1]; saturated fatty acids [SFA], particularly palmitic acid [C16:0]; and polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFA], particularly linoleic acid [C18:2]. However, the compositional, physical and chemical characteristics, such as peroxide value, acid value, polar compounds, the unsaponifiable matters, phenolic compounds and tocopherols, which affect the oxidative stability of fats and oils, were significantly different among the different olive oils. The available literature shows that no comprehensive research has been conducted on the physicochemical properties of commercial olive oils in Iran, despite the fact that the domestic production of olive oil, because of its special importance with regard to its more desirable fatty acid composition compared to other edible oils, as well as its unique microstructure, has had an increasing trend. Hence, investigation into the effects of climate and agricultural conditions on the properties of olives and a better knowledge of raw material characteristics will make it possible to produce edible oils with higher quality and greater stability

Enteroviruses in acute myocardial infarction

Human eiiteroviruses [EVs] may have a role as a possible risk factor in the pathogenesis of MI. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of enterovirus genomic RNA in peripheral blood samples of patients with acute myocardial infarction [MI]. We investigated the presence of enterovirus genomic RNA in the peripheral blood of 115 patients with acute MI hospitalised in the Coronary Care Unit of Imam Reza and Ghaem University Hospitals [Mashhad, Iran] by RT-PCR using the virus specific primers. The subjects' mean [ +/- SD] age was 63.5 [ +/- 9.4] years [range: 38-82] and 38.3% of the subjects were female. Of 115 patient specimens, 3 [2.6%] were positive in RT-PCR. The prevalence of enterovirus in MI patients is considerable. More investigations are needed to determine the causal role of enteroviruses in MI

Effects of intracerebroventricular injection of histamine and H1, H2 receptor antagonists on electrocardiographic parameters in broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of exogenous histamine and H[1] and H[2] central receptors on electrocardiographic [ECG] parameters, heart rate and mean electrical axis in broiler chickens. For this purpose, Ross broiler chickens [750-800 g weight] received intracerebroventricularly [ICV] histamine. Moreover, to determine the receptors involved in histamine-induced alterations in ECG changes, H[1] and H[2] blockers were administered to histamine-treated chickens. All ECGs were standardized at 1 mV = 20 mm, with paper speed of 50 mm/sec. Leads I, II, III, aVR, aVL and aVF were recorded. Injection of histamine [200 and 300 micro g] decreased the duration of T wave and QRS complex and elevated the heart rate as compared to the control group [P<0.05]. Chlorpheniramine [100 micro g], an H[1] receptor antagonist, increased the duration rate of T wave and QRS complex and reduced the heart rate [P<0.05]. Cimetidine, an H[2] receptor antagonist [100 micro g] had no effect on ECG parameters. Pretreatment with chlorpheniramine [100 micro g] significantly attenuated histamine effects [200 micro g] on the duration of T wave, QRS complex and heart rate [P<0.05]. Mean electrical axis, calculated from leads II and III, did not differ between groups and it was between -93 [degree sign] and -99 [degree sign] in all chickens. In conclusion, exogenous histamine intracerebroventricularly results in sinusoidal tachycardia in broiler chickens and central H[1] receptors mediate the stimulatory effects of histamine on heart rate, but H[2] receptors had no role in this manner

Evaluation of porcelain preparation procedures on shear bond strength of steel brackets

The aim of this study was to compare ten porcelain surface preparation procedures for acquiring reliable procedure for steel bracket bonding. This experimental study was conducted with l00 steel brackets [3M] bonded to 100 uniform porcelain fused to metal uniform disks by ten different porcelain surface preparation methods with Unite composite. The procedures were: 1] Glazed layer preservation+silane, 2] Glazed layer preservation+phosphoric acid+silane, 3] Glaze removing with diamond bur, 4] Glaze removing with diamond bur+silane, 5] Glaze removing with sandblast, 6] Glaze removing with sandblast+silane, 7] Hydroflouric acid etching, 8] HF etching+silane, 9] combination of 5 and 7, and 10] Combination of 5 and 8. After bonding, samples were preserved in wet environment and then they were thermocycled. Shear bond strength was measured with Dartec machine. Surface of samples were evaluated under light microscope after bracket removal. Comparison of shear bond strengths was done by one way ANOVA and Dunnett's C tests. For evaluation of fracture pattern and the quality of porcelain surface after bracket removing, Kruskal Walis and Manwitney tests were used. Adequate shear bond strength was not attained by 1st, third and fifth procedures. Other procedures can produce adequate or extra shear bond strength in orthodontic needs. Only in two groups, damage to porcelain was zero or minimum [P<0.0005] and damage was higher in other groups. Results showed two reliable procedures [second and seventh procedures] for bonding of steel brackets to porcelain especially in anterior regions that undamaged porcelain is critical

[L-Asparginase effect with 6000U/m2 on lipid profile in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

One of the major etiologies of lipid disorders in malignancies is the use of chemotherapy drugs, the most important of which is L-Asparginase. Studies in different centers with high dosages of L-Asparginase demonstrated different results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of L-Asparginase at a dose of 6000 U/m2 on lipid profile in Iranian children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Mofid Children Hospital of Tehran. We performed a nonrandomized trial in which all children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL] aged <15 years participated. Every case serves as his/her own control. The cholesterol, triglyceride [TG], HDL, LDL, VLDL, APOA, APOB and LPa were evaluated in three stages: before, during and 2 months after treatment with L-Asparginase after which the results were compared. In our study, 82 newly ALL diagnosed patients with the mean age of 6 years [within the age range of 0.12-14 and SD of 3.5] were evaluated. Mean seum level of TG in pretreatment stage was 163.9 mg% and during treatment with L-Asparginase 123 mg% demonstrating significant decline in TG serum level after administration of L-Asparginase [p=0.002]. Mean serum level of cholesterol before administration of L-Asparginase was 151mg% and during treatment 140 showing no statistically significant difference [p= 0.061]. LPa level in pretreatment phase was 24mg% and during treatment 14 showing a statistically significant difference [p= 0.0001]. L-Aspar resulted in decline in TG serum level and increase in HDL though with no significant difference in cholesterol level. Overall, L-Asparginase even at a dose of 6000U/M2 does not raise blood level of triglyceride and cholesterol

[Frequency evaluation of the nosocomial infections and related factors in Mostafa Khomeini hospital "ICU" based on "NNI" system]

Nosocomial infections are one of the problems of past and recent centuries and are cause of the urge of cost and expenditure to patients and health systems. Therefore identification of incidence and related factors in hospital infections and prevention ways is especially important. This study was performed on 691 patients who were admitted to ICU of Shaheed Mustafa-Khomeini hospital from 1385-1386. The collection of data was done to according of questionnaire of the national nosocomial infection surveillance system [NNIS]. The clinical signs and symptoms of patients were frequently controlled. In suspected patients, necessary laboratory tests and cultures was done. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 15 software. The incidence of nosocomial infections was 10.85 percent. The most common type of infections were pneumonia 77.3%, UTI 18.3%, surgical site infection 2.7% and blood infection 1.3%, respectively. The most common microorganisms in pulmonary infections were Acinetobacter SPP, in UTI E.coli, in surgical site Staphylococcus aurous and Klebsiella and blood infection Enterococci, respectively. Incidence of pneumonia significantly is more than of other [p<0.01]. Also the correlation of ICU stay time and incidence of nosocomial infection is significant [p<0.001] .But the effect of age, gender and invasive procedures were not significant. To according of results of investigation, increasing of ICU stay time have direct relation with risk of infections. Infection control practices and sanitary methods are rational and essential part in the ICU. We suggest to use of invasive procedures limited to necessary times and use of aseptic method in treatment process

[Identity status and mental health in internet-user students in Tehran University]

Youth and adolescence are important periods of human life. The time duration of using internet and virtual spaces is being increased among this age group. This study examined the identity status and mental health in three groups of Tehran University students using internet and virtual spaces. In a cross sectional study, 200 19-30 years old students selected via quota sampling from various faculties of Tehran University. Demographic questionnaire, Ego Identity scale, National Identity Scale, Religious Identity Scale and GHQ [General Health Questionnaire] were administered; then the participants were distributed in three group; namely: over users [spend 20-40 hours per week using internet and virtual spaces], moderate users [5-10 hours per week], and rare users [seldom use these media]. Then they were compared regarding their mean scores of the administered scales. Data were analyzed by SPSS10 using ANOVA and follow up Sheffe test. No significant difference was considered in ego identity scores of the three groups [F = 3.2, p < 0.05]. However, the groups showed significant differences in religious identity [F = 15.9], national identity [F = 9.2] and mental health status [F = 10.5] mean scores [p < 0.05]. In this study, national and religious identity scores as well as mental health status scores were obviously lower in the over users group. Prolonged time usage of internet and virtual spaces may be associated with poorer mental health status as well as, defects in some identity aspects

[Effect of based-resin desensitizing agent and self-etching adhesive resin on marginal leakage of class II amalgam restorations]

The purpose of this study was to compare marginal leakage of class II amalgam restorations lined with a resin- based desensitizing agent and a self-etching adhesive system with copal varnish. Fifty six freshly extracted human premolar teeth were divided into four groups. Class II box only cavity preparation was prepared on mesial and distal surfaces of each tooth. While the cavities in two groups were lined with desensitizing agent; Viva Sens [A] and adhesive system; Clear Fil S[3] Bond [B],one group was treated with copal varnish; Copalite [C], and last group was used as control, without any lining [D]. Spherical high copper amalgam [Oralloy] was hand-condensed into each preparation, specimens were thermocycled, stained and sectioned. Microleakage was graded using a stereomicroscope. Microleakage scores were calculated and analyzed. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Witheny tests were used for analysis of data [alpha=0.05]. For the leakage values of groups A and B, T-test revealed less microleakage with Viva Sens [P<0.05]. Kruskal-wallis test showed significant difference in four groups [P<0.05]. Clear Fil S[3] Bond showed less microleakage than control group, but leakage in copal varnish and Clear Fil S[3] Bond was similar. Less microleakage was revealed with Viva Sens when compared with the other groups [P<0.05]. Viva Sens reduced microleakage of Class II high copper amalgam restorations significantly more than the Clear Fil S[3] Bond and copal varnish

[Determining of methamphetamine effects on sperm parameters of mature rat]

Methamphetamine [MAMP] is a central nervous system stimulant, but it is increasingly abused as a psychedelic tablet by teenagers and young adults. In this experimental study, we evaluate the effects of MAMP on sperm parameters of mature rat. MAMP or saline were injected in three experiments as follow: In the first experiment, twenty-four rats were injected one time with 10mg/kg MAMP, and sperms were sampled from tail of epididymis 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h after injection [n=4, at each time]. Six rats injected with saline served as controls. In the second experiment, four groups of rats each consisting of four rats were administered MAMP [5, 10 and 15 mg/kg] or saline, respectively, and examined 24h later. In the third experiment, 16 rats were evenly divided into four groups [1, 5, and 10 mg/kg MAMP and control] and were injected MAMP or saline once daily for 14 consecutive days [spermatogenesis period] and sperms were sampled 24 h after the last injection. The motility, concentration and morphology of the sampled sperms were evaluated. We also measured the body and testis weights and used the testis/body weight ratio as an index at the end of each experiment. At 24 and 48 h after injection with a single dose of 10 mg/kg MAMP, the number of sperms decreased significantly in comparison with controls [P

Griscelli Syndrome; A case report and review of the literature

Griscelli syndrome [GS] is a rare disease first described in 1978. It is inherited in autosomal recessive pattern. This disease is characterized by partial albinism, pigmentation dilution, cellular immunodeficiency, neurological involvement and uncontrolled phases of macrophage and lymphocyte activation. We report a 5 months Old Iranian girl presenting with silver-gray hair, eyelashes and eyebrows, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, hemophagocytosis and progressive neurologic deterioration. Griscelli syndrome can be suggested according to her symptoms. The chemotherapy was not effective for her and she died due to multi organ failure

Use of immunoglobulin heavy chain and kappa light chain gene rearrangements by PCR for molecular diagnosis of minimal residual disease in Iranian children suffering from beta-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Diversity of IgH and IgK molecules is generated during B and T Lymphocyte differentiation through the rearrangement of variable, diversity, junction and constant gene segments. Additionally, random insertion and deletions of nucleotides between gene segments make unique sequences which are cell or clone specific. Similar IgH and IgK genes rearranged in normal cells of lymphoid leukemia cases can be used as a marker of clonality and for evaluation of minimal residual disease [MRD]. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pattern of IgH chain and IgK gene rearrangements using polymerase chain reaction [PCR] in beta-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias [ALL] to follow the MRD at day 14, day 28 [end of remission induction], week 10, 3-6 months and 6-12. month after the initiation of treatment. In our prospective study bone marrow aspirates of 183 children at the mean age of 63.6 months with diagnosis of acute leukemia were collected at admission before any chemotherapy. After reviewing cytomorphology and immunophenotyping, only 140 cases with diagnosis of beta-precursor ALLs were selected for study. Mononuclear cells including leukemic blasts were isolated by density gradient. After DNA extraction, IgH and IgK [V[K] I-IV / Kde] were amplified by consensus primers using PCR. PCR products were analyzed after heteroduplex analysis and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [silver stain]. The DNA sequences were compared and aligned with the sequences homologous for IgH and IgK published by Gene Bank. The follow up specimens were collected at day 14, day 28 [end of remission induction], day 45-month 3, and 3-6 months and 6-12 months after initiation of treatment. After routine cytomorphologic analysis, similar PCR was done on follow up extracted DNAs in parallel with diagnosis DNA. MRD was considered to be approved positive if bands similar to those at the time of diagnosis were present. Statistical analysis using SPSS software [version 11.5] was performed. 90.5% of patients had clonal IgH gene rearrangements. Monoclonal, biclonal and oligoclonal patterns were observed in 57.8%, 34.9% and 5.5% of patients with IgH [CDR III] rearrangement, respectively. Clonal patterns of IgK-Kde were detected in 59 [67%; n: 88] of BP-ALLs. According to cytomorphology about 92% of patients were in complete remission. MRD positivity decreased from more than 90% to 20% using different gene rearrangements in defined time points. Four patients who relapsed during follow up were MRD positive using 1-3 rearrangements and all except one were in clinical remission. Clonal rearrangement of IgH had a pattern similar to other populations. IgK was slightly more frequent than previously reported and the VKI [25%] was the most common type. These differences can be explained by different techniques, DNAs and clonality markers. According to the results, these clonal markers can be used in diagnosis and follow up of MRD

Effects of oral iron supplement on breath-holding spells in children

Breath holding spells are one of the most frequent and important diagnostic challenges in pediatrics. The aim of this study, conducted on pediatric patients referring to the pediatric neurology clinic in Hormozgan province, was to evaluate therapeutic effects of iron on breath holding spells 35 children [19 males and 16 females], aged between 3 to 60 months, with a history of breath-holding spells, were included in the trial. To obtain all relevant data a specifically designed questionnaire requiring information on sex, age, age of onset of spells, type of spells, frequency of attacks before and after treatment with oral iron supplement, and determinants of body iron stores was completed for all the patients, based on the mother's statements. The patients were treated by an oral iron preparation for three months. The age of onset of spells ranged between 6 to 24 months. The cyanotic type of spell was detected in 31 children, the pallid type in 3, and the mixed type in one child. There were 14 children with iron deficiency anemia and 20 children with reduced iron stores. Just one child had a normal iron profile. Complete therapeutic response was documented in 24 children, good response in 9, and poor response in one and in one child no change in frequency of spells was seen. Although no significant therapeutic difference was seen in the different response groups, it seems that iron supplement may play an important role in reducing breath holding spells in children

[Prevalence of prognostic factors in children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia admitted to Mofid Children's Hospital from 1997-2000]

Acute leukemia is the most common malignancy in children and acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL] accounts for 75% of acute leukemia cases. New treatment protocols have resulted in complete remission rates up to nearly 100% in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Today, one of the most important prognostic factors in acute lymphoblastic leukemia is intensity of the treatment. Risk stratification is accomplished based on clinical, morphological, immunophenotypic and cytogenetic findings. The aim of this study was to determine some prognostic factors in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In this retrospective study information about age at onset of acute leukemia, sex, initial white blood cell count, FAB-subtype, immunophenotype, and clinical course of newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia were extracted from medical records of children admitted to pediatric oncology department of Mofid Children's Hospital from 1997 to 2000. There were 81 [58.3%] male and 58 [41.7%] female. 3.6% of patients were under 1 year old, 18.7% were above 10 years and 77.7% were 1-10 years old. Initial WBCs more than 50,000/ mm3 were observed in 24.5% of patients. 91.4% of patients showed FAB-subtype of L1, 7.9% of L2 and L3 was detected just in 0.7% of cases. Lymphoblasts were of B-cell lineage in 92.7% of patients, with pre-B cell in 74.8%, early pre-B cell in 17.1% and mature B cell in 0.8%. As a whole, complete remission was observed in 79.3% of the patients. 12.9% of patients had a relapse, second remission was achieved in 2.6% of relapsed cases. In this study, FAB-subtype L1 and pre-B cell immunophenotype was more common than previous studies. Other results were the same as reported in older studies

Recurrent bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax in early infancy: a case of langerhans cell histiocytosis

Langerhans cell histiocytosis [LCH] is a rare disorder characterized by infiltration of either single or multiple organs by S100 and CD1a positive cells. Patients with pulmonary LCH are predisposed to pneumothorax due to destructive changes in the lung parenchyma. Here, we report a case of multisystem LCH who presented at 2 months of age with simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax

[Clinical and laboratory findings in Favism]

Favism is an acute hemolytic anemia which occurs in G6PD deficient individuals by ingestion of fava beans or inhalation of fava plant's pollens. Awareness of clinical features and laboratory findings of this life threatening condition is first step in proper management and prevention of its complications.This retrospective descriptive study presents five years' data on hospitalized cases of favism in Tehran. Data were collected from Mofid University7 Hospital for Children. We reviewed all in-patient charts for cases of favism who presented with acute hemolytic crisis due to fava beans ingestion from March 1995 to March 2001. Data on demographic and clinical features [e.g. pallor, dark urine and jaundice] and laboratory findings [e.g. serum concentrations of hemoglobin, creatinine, total and direct bilirubin, liver transaminases, reticulocyte count, direct Coomb's test, qualitative G6PD measurement, and presence of hemoglobin, bilirubin, and urobilinogen in urine], positive family history of favism and history about blood transfusion were evaluated.A total of 523 cases were recorded of whom 75.7% were male. The mean age of our patients was 27.7 months +/- 46.4. Dark urine, pallor and jaundice were common manifestations of favism [96.6%, 75.3%, and 70% respectively]. Male gender was significantly associated with pallor and hemoglobin

Krukenberg Tumor, report of three cases

Krukenberg tumor is an interesting and rare tumor which usually buf not always is metastatic. Ovaries more than any other genital pelvic organs are the site of metastasis. Endometrium, gastro intestinal tract and breast are the most common primary sites. The best method of treatment is surgery. Postoperatively, radiotherapy and chemotherapy must be performed. 3 cases of Krukenberg tumor diagnosed during five years are reported from Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The patients' age ranged from 30 to 60 years. Clinical, laboratory and surgical follow-up was performed in all cases. Surgical treatment, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were performed. Two cases were primary and one was secondary. Two to three years after surgery the patients returned for follow-up. All were in good general health

[Effects of hypothyroidism on the reproductive system of female lambs]

The effects of hypothyroidism induced by oral feeding of thiourea [50 mg/kg] in four indigenous female lambs of 6-8 months of age were studied. Blood samples from jugular vein were collected before and after 40 and 80 days of treatment, and T[4], T[3], LH, FSH, and prolactin in the serum were measured. The weight and dimensions of thyroid gland in hypothyroid lambs were greater than the controls, being associated with a significant decrease in T[4] [P <0.02] and highly significant decrease in T[3] levels [P<0.001]. The levels of LH, FSH, and prolactin in serum did not significantly change during the experiment but the dimensions and weight of the reproductive tract revealed a slight decrease, though not statistically significant. Histological examination of the hypothyroid lambs, showed metaplasia in the secretory cells of the thyroid gland. Follicles in the ovaries were atretic and the endometrial cells were shorter than the controls, indicating that hypothyroidism probably suppresses the ovarian and other reproductive functions of the female lambs