Impacts of herbal medicines on hot flash: a systematic review

Background: the most common symptoms experienced by women are Hot flashes are around the time of menopause. Many women are interested in herbal medicines because of fear of side effect of Hormone therapy

Objective: In this study, we seek to assess the effectiveness of herbal medicine on the recurrence of hot flash in menopausal women

Methods: The database of MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [RCT] were searched to investigate trials on the efficacy of herbal medicines on hot flash

Results: RCTs were incorporated into this accurate review, with the results demonstrating that herbal medicines such as evening primrose, oil hop and Valerian, red clover, of black Cohosh flaxseed and hypericum perforatum can ease the side effects of hot flash

Conclusion: Our study indicated that herbal medicines can reduce the negative effects of hot flash. However, desirable impacts still remain indeterminate due to the number of RCTs, limited sample size and unsystematic methodology. As such, larger RCTs with more reliable design and improved measurable reporting of the outcomes are required to support this conclusion

[Assessment of SBR system performance in the removal of reactive yellow3 dye from synthetic wastewater]

Millions of liters of color effluents are produced by textile industries and plants. Every liter of effluents may contain more than 20gr of pigments and mediators produced by their degradation which can result in environmental problems. Chemical dyes used in textile industries have some potential risks including carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on human. Further, these dyes can penetrate into surface and ground water. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of combined CAC-SBR system for removal of Reactive yellow 3 dyes. This experimental study was conducted based on a batch scale, and two SBR reactors were used for the experiment. We used synthetic wastewater samples in this study [COD=1800]. After adjusting the reactors, reactive yellow3 dye was injected into the system and its removal efficiency was investigated during different reaction times. Then SBR system efficiency in dye and COD removal was determined. After 24 hours of reaction, the efficiency of SBR system in the removal of reactive yellow3 dye was 58%. But the efficiency of SBR system in COD removal was 98% after 14 hours of reaction. In this study, by increasing the reaction time SBR efficiency increased and stabilized in a distinct time. SBR efficiency in the removal of dye and COD, together with high efficiency of anaerobic system in dye removal reveals that a combination of aerobic and anaerobic systems can be suitable for synchronic dye and COD removal.

Status of water quality parameters along Haraz River

Water samples have been collected from key parts of Haraz River along different points and analyzed for various water quality parameters during winter and spring season. Effects of industrial wastes, municipal sewage, fish farming and agricultural runoff on river water quality have been investigated. The survey was conducted on along the Haraz River [185 km] from near its headwaters at the Polour, foot of Mount Damavand toward the Caspian Sea in Sorkhrood area. It lies between longitude of 35°522 and 45°52 and latitude of 35°452 and 36°152. In this study eight stations were selected, depending on the quality of surface water and effluent entering points from industrial and commercial areas and population density in coastal rivers. 120 samples were taken from these stations and analyzed. Analysis performed as standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. This study involves determination of physical, biological and chemical parameters of surface water at different points. The river was found to be highly turbid in the middle and lower parts of the river. But BOD and fecal coliform concentration was found higher in the dry season. The minimum and maximum values of parameters were Conductivity 400 -733.33 micro s, DO 8.48 and 12.8 mg/L in stations 5 and 6 respectively, BOD5 1.31 and 3.54 mg/L, COD 8 and 38.67 mg/L, total nitrogen 2.124 and 3.210 mg/L. The results analyzed statistically and used for this river data bank and recommendations for the water authorities

study of the status of electromagnetic waves resulting from BTS [base transceiver station], 900 megahertz frequency in Tehran

with the developments of technology, contact with various frequencies of electromagnetic fields [EMF] has significantly increased, while the abundant benefits of using microwaves in routine life cannot be neglected. During recent years there have been reports of adverse effects caused by contact with electric and magnetic fields of these waves that spread from BTS antennas. The purpose of this study is the measurement of microwaves spreading around BTS antennas in Tehran. according to the location of BTS antennas in Tehran, power density of electromagnetic waves around 63 antennas in near and distant fields in different distances was measured. The measurements were performed using the standard method of IEEE Std C95.1 by Hi-4333 device .in order to analysis data we used spss 16 and descriptive and deductive statistical tests. results of this study show that in the near field, with increase of distance from the foot of antenna, the average power density of electromagnetic waves increase in a way that in the distance of 10 meters from the antenna foot, the increase of average power density is hardly conceivable and from 10 to 15 meters distance is perfectly noticeable. But in the distant field, with increase of distance from 20 meters, the average power density of the electromagnetic waves decreases; and from 100 meter and further, the gradient of the diagram will get almost linear and the rate of power density reaches the base limit in a way that with the increase of distance there would be no significant decrease. All the measures of power density of electromagnetic waves caused by BTSs are about 0.06% of recommended measures of environmental standards and 0.0000013% of occupational standards. The results of this study are close to the results of other studies

Parasitic contamination of wells drinking water in Mazandaran Province

There is a direct relation between the prevalence of some parasitic diseases and the presence of those etiologic agents in water. The purpose of this research was to determine the contamination rate of wells drinking water to parasites in Mazandaran province in the north of Iran. 989 water samples were randomly taken based on the population of towns and number of health centers from 12 cities of Mazandaran province and transferred to the laboratory in sterile containers. Water samples were then filtered and analyzed according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Direct method and Gram staining procedure were used to identify the parasites. If cryptosporidium was seen, floatation [sheather's sugar] and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method were performed. Parasites count was undertaken using McMaster counting slide [0.3 mL]. 197 out of 989 water samples were contaminated with different parasites. From 197 contaminated samples, 20 different types of parasites were separated of which 53 [26.9%] were pathogenic, 100 [50.8%] non pathogenic, and 44 non-infective stages of parasites. Distance between wells and sources of contamination, type of water distribution systems, city and chlorination status had significantly statistical relationship with contamination prevalence [p<0.001]. According to the results and considering the direct correlation between safe water and human health, proper implementation of providing hygienic drinking water should be enforced

[Study of the pollution condition of swimming pools in Sari city for the Staphylococcus aureus]

Swimming pools water if not disinfected properly can be one of the infection sources of different microorganisms such as Staphylococcus. This study is to aware the authorities and users about the conditions existed in sheltered swimming pools in Sari and to believe the contamination of the water there, related to the existence of Staphylococcus aureus. In this descriptive study 32 specimens collected randomly from 15 swimming pools in action during three months from 60 cm deep under specific conditions in sterile containers and taken to the laboratory of health college in 2 hrs and were analyzed for the contamination from Staphylococcus aureus and some other parameters like temperature, pH, chlorine residual and opacity on the basis of microbiological and standard methods. Results showed an average temperature of 27.08 degree Celsius, PH=7.6, average chlorine residual 1 mil/1 and opacity average was 77 NTU% and the highest contamination from Staphylococcus aureus [29.3%] in C and the lowest [10.19%] was observed in D swimming pool. Furthermore this analysis showed that in 90% of specimens there was a direct relationship between the ratio of chlorine residual, times of swimming, water temperature and the number of Staphylococcus. Swimming pools water if not disinfected properly can be one of the infection sources of different microorganisms such as Staphylococcus. Some suggestions inorder to optimization of the swimming.pools condition presented in this paper

Study on nitrate value in rural area in Amol city

Nitrate is considered as a major pollutant for groundwater resource. In recent years, the concentration of nitrate in subsurface water is increasing because due to utilization of the of using excessive amount of fertilizers and disposal of wastewater in soils. This research was carried out as descriptive study, in a rural area of Paeen Khiaban Litkooh in Amol City in 2005. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 300 samples were collected from 50 well drinking water in different weather [wet and dry] The samples was taken from each well, 3 times in the wet air and 3 times in the dry air. Nitrate analysis method was Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer [Model Jesco 7800 U.V/Visible] at 220 and 275 nm according to "Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater [20th edition]. The results revealed that, nitrate maximum related to well number 38 in a rural qrea with code 8 and with 20.66 mg/I Nitrate as N. Maximum of Nitrate average concerned in rural code 8 with 9.66 mg/I and minimum of nitrate average related to rural code 2 with 1.257 mg/I nitrate as N. The results indicated that nitrate was reduced when the depth of water wells increased and ford ware, the value of nitrate in deep wells is more than surface wells. The statistical analysis showed, there is a significant difference between concentrations of nitrate in surface wells drinking water in wet and dry air conditions, but there is not a significant difference between deep well drinking water. The leakage of surface water to the low depth well and lack of sanitation, may be the cause of this difference

[Evaluation of tea cups washing water contamination to fecal coliform at traditional tea shops in Sari, Iran]

Most traditional tea shop owners use a bowl to wash tea cups in Sari city [North of Iran]. There are more than 140 traditional tea shops in the city. Unfortunately most people drinking at these shops as well as health authorities do not pay attention to the health criteria of the shop. The objective of this study was to examin the tea cups washing water of traditional tea shops for contamination to fecal coliform in Sari city. Twenty traditional tea shops [16%] were randomly selected for this study in different areas of the city. Multistage [3 stages] samples were taken from tea set of the shops. All samples were collected from the tea sets of the shops without prior notice. The samples were transferred to the laboratory in cold box as quickly as possible. Forty four samples from a total of 60 [66.6%] were positive for total coliforms. Also 32 samples [33.3%] were positive for fecal coliforms. Number of bacteria in the samples varied from zero to over 1100 per 100 cc sample. The study showed that in warmer situations the contamination was higher. The results showed that the differences between contamination rates in both groups of internal and external traditional tea shops were insignificant. The results showed that only two samples in multistage sampling were not contaminated and in all other samples at least in one stage of sampling, contamination was detected. The results of this study is an important message for food administration

[Evaluation of risk factors and prognostic factors of ovarian cancer]

Ovarian cancer is still the leading cause of mortality among genital cancers. Despite advances in the treatment of this malignancy, it remains the fourth cause of death in women. Thus, the diagnosis of its related risk factors and prognostic factors can be very useful. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the risk and prognostic factors of ovarian cancer. A descriptive analytic study was performed in the oncology departments of Ghaem and Omid Hospitals, Mashhad University, over seven years [1998-2005]. Randomized sampling was applied, and all patients admitted and diagnosed of ovarian cancer were enrolled in the study. Our tool was a questionnaire which included information regarding age of menarche, age of menopause, gravity, oral contraceptive usage, histological diagnosis and grading of tumor, type of surgery and postoperative treatments, and the level of serum tumor marker CA-125. Data was analyzed through SPSS statistical program and results were reported using t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. The confidence interval was set at 95% and P<0.05 was considered significant. 188 patients with ovarian cancer were studied. Mean age of subjects was 43.196 +/- 17.88 years and their average weight 55.03 +/- 15.529 kg. The most relevant risk factors of this cancer among our patients were the history of infertility and a family history of ovarian, breast or endometrial cancers. The most significant prognostic factors of ovarian cancer were the histological characteristics of tumor, age of patient, and CA-125 level. The history of infertility is one of the most prominent risk factors and CA-125 level is among the most decisive prognostic factors for ovarian cancer

Comparing two treatment protocols for gestational trophoblastic disease: weekly single-dose intramuscular and 8-day intravenous injections of methotrexate

The essentials of gestational trophoblastic disease [GTD] treatment are evacuation of the uterus followed by chemotherapy. Methotrexate, an antagonist of folinic acid and an antimetabolite agent, has an important role in the treatment of patients with gestational trophoblastic disease. The efficacy of single agent chemotherapy with methotrexate in low and medium risk GTD is well-established and numerous studies for lowering its toxicity and fewer numbers of expected visits and consequently lower time and money expenditures are on rise. This medication has produced excellent remission rates with acceptable toxicity, cost-effectiveness and better compliance by patients. The aim of this study was to compare two methods of weekly single-dose intramuscular and 8-day intravenous injections of methotrexate, in low and medium risk GTD patients who required single agent chemotherapy. This was a clinical trial study conducted for three years [2002-5] in the Gynecologic Oncology Department of Ghaem Hospital in Mashad. All patients with low and medium risk GTD who required single agent chemotherapy were assigned into two groups. The first group consisted of 33 patients who received IV injections of methotrexate 1 mg/m[2] of body surface area and folinic acid 0.1 mg/m[2] every other day for a total of 8 days. The second group consisted of 14 patients that received weekly single-dose IM injections of methotrexate 50 mg/m[2]. These two groups were matched for age, number of pregnancies, blood groups, histological characteristics and the interval between end of the antecedent pregnancy and start of chemotherapy. The results were analyzed by SPSS software. For statistical calculations t-test and lambda[2] were used and a confidence interval of 95% and a p-value of

Gestational trophoblastic disease with metastasis to kidney. Case report

Choriocarcinoma is the most malignant tumor of the gestational trophoblastic neoplasm. It grows rapidly and metastasizes to the lung liver, brain, and less frequently to the other organs. Renal involvement is rare however we encountered a female patient with metastatic choriocarcinoma of the both kidneys. In this article a young woman with multiple metastases from choriocarcinoma is presented. She suffered from prolonged vaginal bleeding, permanent headache, and fever only five months after her first vaginal delivery. Investigation revealed uterus choriocarcinoma with multiple metastases to lung and liver, brain, and both kidneys. Our patient was treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and at the end of these treatment all metastases were cured. After a period of sixty months of treatment in serial follow-up, she is well with no sign of recurrent disease

[Evaluation of chubak aqueous extract in parasite decontamination on vegetables and comparison with commercial detergent in Sari]

Use of surfactants and chemicals for washing and parasite decontamination from vegetables is not recommend-ed by W.H.O. due to it's penetration in vegetables parenchyma and probable cause of improper taste and odor and toxicity. Some surveys showed "soap-roots" rhizomes [Chubak] to contain Saponin like constituents. Those are effective on surface tension reduction and so are prefered to chemical washers. This research was designed to study plant effect on Parasite removal from vegetables and it's comparison with disinfectant and commercial detergent in Sari City [Mazandaran Province-north of Iran]. "Soap-roots" aqueous extract [1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 percent] was prepared from the Acanthophyllum squarrosum [Caryophyllaceae] rhizome by maceration method. 100 g of parsley vegetable samples was taken randomly from shopping centers. The samples were placed in contact with "Soap-roots" aqueous extract for zero and 15 minutes according to the W.H.O. guidelines. Then the effluent was centrifuged and evaluated for parasite decontamination as qualitatively and quantitatively by Mc-master counting slide [0.3 mm]. In addition in this research parasite decontamination by commercial detergent [10%] was performed with contact times 0 and 15 minutes and also pure water as blank. Maximum parasite decontamination by "Soap-roots" aqueous extract and commercial detergent [10%] at 0 minute contact time obtained was 84 and 97 parasite eggs [parasite], respectively. Also maximum parasite decontamination by "Soap-roots" aqueous extract and commercial detergent [10%] and blank water at 15 minutes contact time obtained was 230, 26 and 64 parasite ova [parasite], respectively. In this research the best parasite decontamination range by "Soap-roots" aqueous extract was obtained at concentrations of 10 to 20% and contact time of 15 minutes. Quantitavely, maximum parasite ova [parasite] decontamination from vegetable samples by "Soap-roots" aqueous extract [10%] and 15 minutes contact time released 230 parasites. This numbers included 22 alive and active nematode larva, 197 alive larvas and 20 Parameciumia

Bacteriophage techinque for assessing viral removal in constructed wetland and detention pond systems

Constructed wetland and detention pond as a treatment system was applied for stormwater management in two adjacent areas in western Sydney. F-specific RNA and somatic coliphages were used as a model for assessing two systems for removal of viral pollution, fate, behavior and survival of viruses in the sediment. Water samples were collected weekly in sterile containers and sediment samples were collected three times using a box dredge sampler via a boat at the inlet, middle and outlet areas of the systems. F-specific RNA coliphages were enumerated using the double layer plaque assay [ISO 1995] with Salmonella typhimurium WG49 as a host. Survival test continued 28 d for each sub-sample. Viral removal in constructed wetland was more effective than the detention pond system. Survival of somatic coliphages in the inlet and middle of the systems was similar. Slope of declining for outlet of two systems was very slow and completely stable in whole of test duration. Constructed wetland may offer an attractive alternative to stormwater management for reducing the load of disease-causing viruses to the receiving waters

[Four cases of intraepithelial neoplasia of vulva: case report]

Background and Objective: VIN [Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia] is a rare disease that can be observed in young females. In this study, four VIN cases referred to the gynecologic oncology clinic of Ghaem and Omid hospitals [Mashhad] during a year are going to be introduced

Cases: Four patients [Mean age 30 years] suffering from mass and itching vulva referred to our center. All had multifocal lesions. Risk factors such as HIV, STD and smoking showed negative results. Despite not having the possibility of examining HPV infection, two patients had koilocytosis pattern in pathologic examination. No patients had CIN and other related genital cancers. Surgery treatment in the form of local excision during the usage of acetic acid was performed in the operating ward. In two patients, the removed marginal tissue showed positive malignancy results had gone through orthovoltage radiotherapy. The recurrence was observed in one patient after one year who was reoperated in the form of skinning vulvectomy

Conclusion: According to this fact that the major cause of VIN is STD and in more than 80% of patients is HPV infection the decrease in incidence of STD can especially lead to VIN decrease and vulva cancer naturally

[ relationship between total motile sperm count and success of intrauterine insemination]

Incidence of infertility is approximately 10-15% and intrauterin insemination [IUI] is the suitable method in cases of male infertility. This survey is done on 1017 persons among couples that were being treated with 1258 IUI cycles. The aim of this study was to investigate whether total motile functional sperm count [TMFSC] can be predictive of IUl success or not. In all patients after checking and preparing them for ovulation induction, Semen sample was prepared according to WHO with swim-up procedure and 0.8mI of suspension over sperm pellet was used for insemination. The examination of spermogram and motile functional sperm count was done after sperm processing. There was a trend toward an increasing percentage of conception with increasing total motile functional sperm rate count and the least of TMFSC was 20x 10[6] for and with increased TMFSC, success of IUl will increase also. The overall pregnancy rate per cycle was 13.2% and per couple was 16.14% in the infertile couples. This study indicated that the causes of infertility have not any effect on IUl success rate. The duration of infertility has significant difference in pregnant and non pregnant groups

use of oxygen in catalytic oxidation of sulfides in tannery wastes

With its well-known biological toxicity, the excessive concentrations of sulfide in tannery wastewaters may upset the biological treatment processes, thus leading to a substantial decrease in the efficiency of treatment plants. The presence of sulfide in wastewaters may dramatically interfere with microbial activities and consequently disturb the function of the system as a whole. In this study, the most common and reliable method of sulfide elimination by natural aeration is examined. Significant factors, such as the process efficiency, the best and most appropriate types and concentrations of the catalyst, as well as detention time of aeration are determined. It is concluded that with an aeration time of 7 1/2 hours, sulfide removal was more than 98% effective, provided that optimum concentrations of the catalysts and adequate aeration are throughoutly maintained. The optimum concentrations of manganese and nickel are estimated to be 270 and 260 mg/l, respectively