Depression and anxiety symptoms are associated with prooxidant-antioxidant balance: a population-based study

Background: Depression and anxiety are significantly associated with systemic inflammation. Moreover, oxidative stress resulting from a disturbance in the prooxidant-antioxidant balance is linked to inflammation-related conditions. Therefore, depression/anxiety symptoms may also be associated with oxidative stress. Objective: To examine the association between depression/anxiety symptoms and serum prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in adults who participated in a large population-based, cross-sectional study. Methods: Serum PAB values were measured in 7,516 participants (62% females and 38% males) aged 35–65 years, enrolled in a population-based cohort study. Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories were used to evaluate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the effect of confounders on the status of serum PAB change. Results: Among men, serum PAB values were increased incrementally from 1.55±0.47 to 1.59±0.47, 1.69±0.38, and 1.68±0.38 in the no or minimal, mild, moderate and severe depression groups, respectively (P trend<0.001). Serum PAB values also increased significantly across these four corresponding groups among women [1.70±0.45, 1.73±0.44, 1.75±0.44, and 1.76±0.40, (P trend=0.005)]. About anxiety, serum PAB values increased significantly across the four groups in men (P trend=0.02) but not in women (P trend=0.2). The adjusted odds ratios for serum PAB values among men with severe depression and anxiety symptoms were 1.75 and 1.27, respectively. Moreover, the adjusted odds ratios for serum PAB values among women with severe depression and anxiety symptoms were 1.40 and 1.17, respectively. Conclusion: Symptoms of depression and anxiety appear to be associated with higher degrees of oxidative stress, expressed by higher serum PAB values

Comparison of morphometric and meristic attributes of bream (Abramis brama orientalis), in Caspian Sea and Aras Dam Reservoir

Morphometric and meristic specifications of Abramis brama orientalis of the Caspian Sea and Aras Dam Reservoir was studied in the year 2002. For this purpose, 40 morphometric attributes, 16 meristic attributes and 37 specifications in relation to the proportions of speciality of morphometric attributes of the Abramis brama orientalis were evaluated from the two habitats. Anova, factor and discriminant function analyses were conducted on the data. According to results the average coefficient of variation in morphometric, meristic and proportion of speciality of morphometric attributes for Abramis brama orientalis of Caspian Sea was 22.85, 3.24 and 7.68 and for Abramis brama orientalis of Aras Dam Reservoir was 17.45, 3.53 and 15.27. The Abramis brama orientalis of the two areas showed meaningful differences in 35 morphometric factors, 6 meristic factors and 25 factor of proportion of the speciality of the age had significand differences (P<O.05). Factor analysis showed that the Abramis brama orientalis of the two habitats had 80.62% of changes in 7 factors of first morphometric attributes, 73.65% of changes in the 9 factors of the first proportion of morphometric specialities and 46.52% of changes in the 4 factors of the first meristic attribute. We showed that, fork length, standard length, proportion of head length to the standard length, number of scales of the lateral line, number of scales under the lateral line, number of scales above the lateral line, radius of dorsal fin and number of dorsal fins can be used to separate population of the fish from the two habitats. The first two factors of proportion of speciality of morphometric and meristic attributes causes total separation of the two populations. We found different in morphometric specialities between the two specialities of morphometric and meristic attributes. It is suggested that different environmental conditions have led to the differences in the populations of the fish in the Caspian Sea and Aras Dam Reservoir

A study on environmental pollutants (Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), heavy metals, hydrocarbons and surfactants) in the southern part of Caspian Sea

At the present study, the environmental pollutants such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), heavy metals, hydrocarbons and surfactants were done during 22 months (Sept. 2009 through May 2011) located in southern part of Caspian Sea with longitude and latitude 48°-54° N and 36°-39° E, respectively. The aims of this study were to determine the seasonal pollutants matters in water layers and bed sediments of eight transect (24 stations) and the results are as follow: The maximum seasonal percentage range of OCPs were detected in spring water samples from 10, 50, and 50m depths such as (DDD, δ-BHC, heptachlor epoxide, endrin aldehyde),(DDD) and (aldrin, β-endosulfan) compounds about 62.5, 75 and 100%, respectively. The maximum seasonal residues fluctuation of OCPs were determined in spring water samples from 10, 50, and 50m depths such as aldrin (Babolsar station), aldrin (Tonekabon station) and heptachlor epoxide (Astara station) compounds about 5.03, 3.08 and 31.43 µg/l, respectively. The maximum percentage range of OCPs were detected in sediments samples from 10, 50, and 50m depths such as aldrin and α-BHC (winter), α-BHC (summer and winter) and aldrin (summer) compounds about 100, 75 and 87.5%, respectively. The maximum residues fluctuation of OCPs were determined in sediments samples from 10, 50, and 50m depths such as α-BHC (summer in Nushahr station), α-BHC (summer in Sefidroud station) and α-BHC (winter in Tonekabon station) and compounds about 5.96, 3.77 and 3.07 µg/l, respectively. The fluctuation and distribution of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs) concentration in different water layers samples were reduced from summer>spring> fall > winter, respectively. Also this trend occurred for bed sediments and reduced from winter > summer, respectively. The mean concentrations of TPHs in water samples of all seasons, regions, depths and transects were less than maximum permissible concentration (MPC). In this research, a comparison of TPHs with EPA standards shown that the desile range organic (DRO) was close to EPA standards such as TPHs and also 95 percent of water data were less than MPC. But gasoline range organic (GRO) concentrations in all stations were less than the amount of EPA standard. A comparison of TPHs concentration in sediments shown that the concentration of all stations were less than of national research council (NRC) range except west part. The maximum annual mean concentrations of Hg and Pb elements were detected in surface station (50m) at Nushahr and Amirabad transects. The most water data of Cd, Pb and Hg elements in comparison with critical concentrations with Europe, the USA and Japan standards were less than amounts of those standards. The distribution and abundance of Cd, Pb, Hg and Ni elements in water samples were detected 98, 96, 77 and 6%, respectively less than the ISQGs (Interim marine sediment quality guidelines) standards. In sediments samples, the mean and maximum concentration of Hg element detected in winter in comparison with ISQGs standards was more. But the concentrations of Cd and Pb in sediments samples of all stations were low and less than of ISQGs standards. The maximum concentration of linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) from spring through winter in Anzali (spring), Tonekabon (summer), Anzali (fall) and Nushahr (winter) were 0.07, 0.45, 0.145 and 0.087 mg/l, respectively. The maximum concentrations of LSA were detected in spring and fall in west part and summer and winter in middle part. But the lower concentration was occurred in west of southern part of Caspian Sea. According to standards of surfactants and comparison with LAS concentration of this study were less than the critical points

Determination of oil pollutant (water, sediment and fish) in the southern part of Caspian Sea

This study was conducted to determine 16 Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (16 PAHs) concentrations in water (during four seasons) and surface sediments (during summer and winter) at eight transects (Astara, Anzali, Sefidroud, Tonekabon, Nowshahr, Babolsar, Amirabad and Turkman) in the southern of Caspian Sea in 20102011. 94 samples of water and 45 samples of surface sediments were collected at 10, 50 and 100 meters depths. In addition, 28 samples of fish (Cyprinus Carpio) were collected during winter and spring. All samples were prepared by Soxhlet and extracting processes and then determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) instrument. Results of current study showed that mean concentration and standard error (±SE) of 16PAHs water were observed 232 (±77), 1268 (±808), 538 (±190) and 151 (±53) µg/l in spring, summer, fall and winter, respectively. In addition, annual mean contents and standard error (±SE) of 16PAHs water were registered 24.10 (±8.12) µg/l. The Hazard Quotation (HQs) were calculated more than unit and belong to Benzo(a)pyrene and Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene compounds. Mean concentration and standard error (±SE) of 16PAHs sediment were observed 0.77 (±0.23) and 1.21 (±0.64) µg/g.dw in summer and winter, respectively. Also, the annual mean contents and standard error (±SE) of surface sediments were observed 0.93 (±0.33) µg/g.dw. The Hazard Quotation (HQs) were calculated more than unit and belong to Fluoranthene, Benzo(a)anthracene, Chryseneand Benzo(a)pyrene. The annual mean contents and standard error (±SE) of edible tissue of Cyprinus Carpio mussels were observed 2.21 (±0.42) µg/g.dw. Annually, pattern of 16PAH compounds were obtained 10, 70, 12 and 8% for 3,4,5, and 6 rings, respectively. Four ring compounds had high content and percentage and 2 ring was not observed in all samples of water. Also, pattern of 16PAH in surface sediments were obtained 31, 56 and 14% for 3, 4, and 5 rings, respectively. Four ring compounds had high content and percentage and 2 and 6 rings were not observed in all samples of surface sediments during two seasons. Result of Diagnostic Ratios analysis (DRs) of sediments showed that the source of oil compounds were petrogenic and pyrogenic in summer and winter, respectively. Based on DRs in water and sediments were observed oil compounds were either petrogenic or pyrogenic with different percentage in the southern Caspian Sea. In conclusion, the results revealed that in the some transects the 16PAHs concentrations of water were above the threshold levels and more petrogenic (85%) sources which represented polluted condition in this area. 16PAHs concentrations of sediments were below the threshold levels and conditions for this region were showed unpolluted. Also, the Caspian Sea sediments were classified in Class 2 (Fair). According to results of the evaluation’s risks to human health associated with consumption of the mussels containing 16PAHs suggest that there is risk for humans

Limnologic study Sabalan run off Dam for aquaculture fish cold water

Limnological study of Sabalan run off Damfor aquaculture cold water fish was conducted in sixtimesat four stations from July to December 2009. Average minimum and maximum parameters measured in different stations were included water temperature, dissolved Oxygen, total hardness, electrical conductivity, pH, BOD5, COD, TDS, NH4, NO2, NO3, PO4, TN, TP, SiO2, respectively (10/3±9/5-14±8/7°C), (9±1/2-11/4±2/1 mg/liter), (367±19/8-381±17/8mg/liter), (0/95±0/07-1/05±0/07 mz/cm), (8/3±0/1-8/4±0/1), (3/3±1/14-3/88 ± 0/71mg/ liter), (15/5 ± 3/1-16/3 ± 3 mg/liter), (0/48 ± 0/04-0/54 ± 0/06mg/ liter), (0/08 ± 0/02-0/13 ± 0/07 mg/liter), (0/004 ± 0/003- 0/05 ± 0/1 mg/ liter), (0/6 ± 0/2-0/64 ± 0/29 mg/ liter), (0/19 ± 0/07-0/22 ± 0/07 mg/ liter), (10/48 ± 0/6-10/98 ± 0/54mg/liter), (0/39 ± 0/11-0/44 ± 0/18 mg/liter), and(9/9 ±0/6-11/1 ± 1/4 mg/liter). Average minimum and maximum of water heavy metalswas included of Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cuand Ni respectively was measured as ND(No Deliver), ND, ND- 0/242, ND- 1/075, ND- 0/018 and ND-0/014inmg/ liter. Also among the 16 organochlorinecom pounds measured the highest amount of was belonged totoxin Hexachlorine Benzene (1/5 mg/ liter). The results of the analysis of water quality parameters showed that parameters except ofCOD, TDS, PO4, TP, Zn, Fe and water temperature, other parameters do not haveany restrictions foraquaculturecold water fish in therunoffDam. Based on data results it was noticed that there was temperature restriction up to November at downstream and station 2 showed less temperature fluctuation and more suitable condition compared to other stations. BOD5 value was within the allowable range for growing trout, in which station 2 somewhat with lower volatility of value had the most suitable BOD5 condition. In the present study, the amount of TDS in the study area was somewhat higher than the limitation and since TDS values increased with distance from the dam, therefore station 2 had somewhat better conditions for fish farming. In addition the amount of EC in the study area, indicating the inappropriateness of it for various activities in the fisheries. Although none of the stations in terms of the amount of phosphorus didn't show favorable conditions for rainbow trout fish propagation, it appears between the researches stations, station 2 had the most favorable terms. The results of this study (regardless of the unseen), it seems that in August and September; Zn had overestimated value for cold fish propagation. Recent study showed that among heavy metals, Fe in water, sediments and fish was over limitation value. Also, Fe value was measured of 1.08 at station 4, which showed over normal value for cold fish propagation. Therefore, station 2 at downstream seemed to have suitable cold fish propagation due to lower Fe value. On the based on the recent study, planktonic biological index did not endorse water quality for fish propagation. In this study, aquatic plant such as Potamogeton pectinatus and Pheragmitie saustralis was found at water of higher and somehow polluted organic matter. Probably, based on the results it was noticed that downstream water of dam was polluted to organic matter. At the recent study, resisted maroinvertebrates to organic matter (Chironomidae) was consisted noticeable frequency compared to other sensitive invertebrates to organic matter (EPT).Statistically, it can be expressed that probably organic pollution resulted to increase of resistance invertebrates and decreased of sensitive groups. In recent study, EPT/CHIR index was measured 0.6 in station 2 and 1.74 in station 4. This ration was less to many other mountain rivers. As ETP sensitive invertebrates has higher sensitive to other groups with the regards of environmental condition and pollution, unpredicted increase of Chironomidae compare to sensitive groups resulted of EPT/CHIR value which showed environmental stress. In this study, HFBI index was measured as 7.49 at station 2 and 7 in station 4. Based on HFBI index, station 2 was classified as a high organic pollution and station 4 with noticeable organic pollution. At the recent study, station 2 was catch more fish to station4. For instance, Squaliuscephalus and Alburnoides pinctatus were catch in station 2 and were not found in station 4. As a whole, Biological indicators whichwas included Plankton Bioindicator, EPT / CHIR. ,Hilsenh off Biological Indicator, diversity and distribution ofaquatic plants and fish, showed water situation in run off Damrich inorganic matter. Finally, the study area was approved for fish farm about 50 tons and needs management arrangements with the increased production rate

The feasibility study for culture of Salmo trutta caspius by brackish water

Caspian trout is valuable, Commercial, anadromous and endemic fish species in the Caspian Sea so that, researchers attention have been focused on this species. At the moment, only pay attention to stocks rehabilitation that fisheries organization releases more than 300,000 fingerlings to the rivers ends to the Caspian Sea. Importance of this study consist (1) introducing a new species to the aquaculture system and (2) provide breeders in this research. we used from 2 treatments that consist with density of 10 kg/m^3 and 20 kg/m3 with 3 replication. Results showed, culture of Caspian trout is suitable with density 10 kg/m^3, so that weight gain, SGR and Daily growth mean are better than treatment 2(15-20 kg/m^3

Determination of Job Stresses and Their Consequences in Drivers in Ilam

BACKGROUND: Human factors cause 60-70 percent of automobile accidents. Everything related to people that is involved in and interacting with a system is considered to be a human factor. These factors can be psychological, biological, or social, and all of them can affect drivers' behaviors. Therefore, one of the negative and unfavorable effects of these factors is that they cause accidents. According to previous research, increases in the job stresses result in increases in the incidence of car accidents. Drivers who feel stressed often do not to observe the rules, and they may not even notice the warning signs. By measuring the job stress among drivers and its adverse effects, this research aimed to provide an appropriate managerial solution to reduce these problems. METHODS: The sample in this descriptive-analytical study consisted of 250 drivers who were selected and investigated. A job stress questionnaire was used as a means for collecting data. Health conditions were assessed by referring to clinical documents provided for the drivers. Accident data were included in the study using accident-related documentation. Two hundred and fifty drivers from Ilam, Iran participated and were analyzed in this study. This research is a cross-sectional study that was performed by dossiers and personal memoirs. Data were analyzed by SPSS16 and the chi-squared test. RESULTS: The study showed that the main factors that cause medium- to high-level stress are the physical environment, workload and ambiguity of duties. It also showed that the incidence and severity of accidents increased as stress levels increased. CONCLUSION: This study shows high prevalence of job stress amongst drivers in Ilam. The main causes of the prevalence of stress among drivers in Ilam City are physical environment, workload and ambiguity of duties, responsibility

Use of the Finnish method to quantify the ergonomic properties in an office environment among the workplaces in an Electricity Distribution Company in West Tehran Province

BACKGROUND: The workplace plays an important role in workers' performances, but most workplaces have not been designed and equipped in keeping with primary ergonomic principles. Ignoring these principles can cause ergonomic risk factors, difficulties for workers, and damage to workers' health. The aim of this study was to identify acceptable ergonomic properties in workplaces in order to determine and investigate the aspects of workstations that cause occupational discomfort. To accomplish this aim, we used the Finish method to evaluate workstations in an electricity distribution company in Tehran. METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted for all of the workstations in an electrical power distribution company using the census method. The desired information was collected through objective observation using the Finish checklist of ergonomic issues in the workplace. Then, we used SPSS version 16 to analyze the information. RESULTS: In 11.2 of the workstations, none of the ergonomic principles was considered, so workers' bodied were not situated appropriately while they were working. In 31 of the cases, lighting ranged between 10 and 50 of the recommended amount, and some of the workers appeared to be in a slight daze. In 42.3 of the cases, the temperature in the workplace was in the range of 25 to 27 degrees C. In 42.3 and 52.3 of the cases, ratings of noise were 2 and 3, respectively, indicating that the noise levels were 60-70 dB and 70-80 dB, respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study can be used to determine ergonomic deficiencies in workstations so they can be resolved. Based on our investigation, it was found that the workstations, first and foremost, had significant defects in terms of work components. Furthermore, there were some irritating problems concerning noise and concerning comfort levels related to the high temperature

Relationship of Dietary and Serum Zinc with Depression Score in Iranian Adolescent Girls

Zinc deficiency, which is common among Iranian populations, is believed to play a crucial role in the onset and progression of mood disorders such as depression in different stages of life. We have therefore investigated the relationship between serum/dietary zinc status and depression scores among adolescent girls living in northeastern Iran. Serum zinc was measured by flame atomic absorption (Varian AA240FS) and the mean zinc intake was assessed using 3-day food record. A validated Persian version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to determine the severity of depressive symptoms for all subjects. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18 software. There was a statistically significant correlation between dietary zinc intake and serum zinc concentration (r = 0.117, p = 0.018). Dietary intake of zinc (7.04 ± 4.28 mg/day) was significantly lower among subjects with mild to severe depression symptoms than those with no or minimal depression symptoms (8.06 ± 3.03 mg/day). Dietary zinc intake was inversely correlated with depression score (r = 0.133, p = 0.008). However, there was no significant difference in serum zinc concentrations among individuals with no or minimal and mild to severe depression symptoms (p = 0.5). Dietary zinc intake, but not serum zinc concentration, was inversely associated with depression symptoms. Therefore, controlled clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy of zinc supplementation in the treatment of depression disorders

Investigation of Occupational Stress and its Relationship with the Demographic Characteristics of Workers in Ilam, Iran

BACKGROUND: Workers are more susceptible to stress disorder for several reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate occupational stress among workers and other personnel at the ZardjinBaft Workshop in Ilam, Iran, and to examine the relationship between occupational stress and several parameters, such as age, gender, marital status, educational level, work experience, tobacco use, body mass index (BMI), and the type of work. METHOD: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study that was performed in June 2010. The sample population that was studied consisted of all of the workers and other personnel (130 people) at ZardjinBaft Workshop in Ilam, Iran. They were studied using Cooper's standard questionnaire for stress in the work environment, and we examined the relationship between stress, as the dependent variable, and the eight independent variables mentioned in the Abstract. RESULTS: In the sample population that was studied, severe stress was not observed in most of the sections of the workshop. In addition, using the analysis of variance test (ANOVA), no significant relationship was observed between the average degree of stress and the average demographic characteristics. However, the average stress level had significant relationships with the level of education, work experience, and the type of work, suggesting that stress increases as the level of education increases. In addition, in the beginning and early years of employment, medium levels of stress were observed, and the prevalence of stress decreased after the first 10 years of employment. In addition, workers in the ventilation section of the factory had the highest stress levels. The fear of losing their jobs was the main factor that caused stress among the workers at ZardjinBaft Workshop in Ilam. CONCLUSION: We suggest that managers consider the high importance of stress in the work environment. They should be able to recognize when workers are stressed and offer them assistance and training. They also can eliminate the factors that cause stress in the work environment by taking preventive action. In parallel, workers should try to interact well with their managers and talk to her or him about the conditions of their jobs