Exposure to GSM 900-MHz mobile radiation impaired inhibitory avoidance memory consolidation in rat: Involvements of opioidergic and nitrergic systems

Abstract The use of mobile phones is increasing, and the main health concern is the possible deleterious effects of radiation on brain functioning. The present study aimed to examine the effects of exposure to a global system for mobile communication (GSM) with mobile phones on inhibitory avoidance (IA) memory performance as well as the involvement of endogenous opioids and nitric oxide (NO) in this task. Male Wistar rats, 10–12 weeks old, were used. The results showed that four weeks of mobile phone exposure impaired IA memory performance in rats. The results also revealed that post-training, but not pre-training, as well as pre-test intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of naloxone (0.4, 4 and 40 ng/rat), dose-dependently recovered the impairment of IA memory performance induced by GSM radiation. Additionally, the impairment of IA memory performance was completely recovered in the exposed animals with post-training treatment of naloxone (40 ng/rat) plus pre-test i.c.v. injections of L-arginine (100 and 200 nmol/rat). However, pre-test i.c.v. injections of L-NAME (10 and 20 nmol/rat), impaired IA memory performance in the animals receiving post-training naloxone (40 ng/rat). In the animals receiving post-training naloxone treatment, the impairment of IA memory performance due to pre-test i.c.v. injections of L-NAME was recovered by the pre-test co-administration of L-arginine. It was concluded that the recovery from impairment of IA memory in GSM-exposed animals with post-training naloxone treatment was the result of blockade of the opioidergic system in early memory consolidation as well as activation of the nitrergic system in the retrieval phase of memory. Keywords: GSM 900-MHz Endogenous opioids Memory performance Consolidation Nitric oxid

Phytoplankton community in relation to physico-chemical characteristics of the Talar River, Iran

The community structure of plankton was studied in relation to physico-chemical characteristics of the river Talar polluted by industrial effluents and domestic sewage from November 2008 to July 2009. In addition, seasonal changes in phytoplankton and zooplankton populations and species abundance were also determinate. The dominant phytoplanktonic algae determined were Oscillatoria, Anabaena, Nostoc, Spirogyra, Pediastrum, Navicula and Nitzschia. The dominant zooplanktonic organisms determined were Paramecium, Daphnia, Cypris, Keratalla and Arachinous. The present study on ecology and the surface water of this fresh water river covered a number of aspects, beginning from abiotic and biotic parameters to pollution assessment and thereby reveals a true picture of the water quality of the river .@JASE

Effect of estradiol and soy extract administration on pentylenetetrazole induced clonic seizures and serum levels of nitric oxide metabolites in ovariectomized rats

Introduction: Estrogen influences neuronal activity and there are controversial reports regarding its role on seizure. Also, previous studies have shown that estrogen influences the nitric oxide pathway in the nervous system. In this way, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of estradiol and soy extract as a phytoestrogen on pentylenetetrazole-induced clonic seizures and serum levels of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) in ovariectomized rats. Materials and Methods: Sixty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n =10 in each group) including intact control, sham-control, ovariectomy, vehicle, estradiol (100 μg/kg, subcutaneously), and soy extract (20 mg/kg, gavage). After 28 days of estradiol or soy extract adminstration, single dose of pentylenetetrazole was injected (90 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for seizure induction and latency to the clonic seizures was recorded. Serum levels of NOx were measured by Griess method. Results: Ovariectomy significantly reduced the latency of clonic seizures and serum levels of NOx. Estradiol significantly increased the latency of clonic seizures and serum levels of NOx (P < 0.05). Soy administration had not significant effect on these parameters. Conclusion: Ovarian hormones have influence on seizure and nitric oxide pathway anticonvulsant effect of estradiol is related due to modulation of nitric oxide pathway slightly. © 2018, Semnan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Vector meson production and nucleon resonance analysis in a coupled-channel approach for energies m_N < sqrt(s) < 2 GeV II: photon-induced results

We present a nucleon resonance analysis by simultaneously considering all pion- and photon-induced experimental data on the final states gamma N, pi N, 2 pi N, eta N, K Lambda, K Sigma, and omega N for energies from the nucleon mass up to sqrt(s) = 2 GeV. In this analysis we find strong evidence for the resonances P_{31}(1750), P_{13}(1900), P_{33}(1920), and D_{13}(1950). The omega N production mechanism is dominated by large P_{11}(1710) and P_{13}(1900) contributions. In this second part we present the results on the photoproduction reactions and the electromagnetic properties of the resonances. The inclusion of all important final states up to sqrt(s) = 2 GeV allows for estimates on the importance of the individual states for the GDH sum rule.Comment: 41 pages, 26 figures, discussion extended, typos corrected, references updated, to appear in Phys. Rev.

Description of combined ARHSP/JALS phenotype in some patients with SPG11 mutations

Background: SPG11 mutations can cause autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia (ARHSP) and juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (JALS). Because these diseases share some clinical presentations and both can be caused by SPG11 mutations, it was considered that definitive diagnosis may not be straight forward. Methods: The DNAs of referred ARHSP and JALS patients were exome sequenced. Clinical data of patients with SPG11 mutations were gathered by interviews and neurological examinations including electrodiagnosis (EDX) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: Eight probands with SPG11 mutations were identified. Two mutations are novel. Among seven Iranian probands, six carried the p.Glu1026Argfs*4-causing mutation. All eight patients had features known to be present in both ARHSP and JALS. Additionally and surprisingly, presence of both thin corpus callosum (TCC) on MRI and motor neuronopathy were also observed in seven patients. These presentations are, respectively, key suggestive features of ARHSP and JALS. Conclusion: We suggest that rather than ARHSP or JALS, combined ARHSP/JALS is the appropriate description of seven patients studied. Criteria for ARHSP, JALS, and combined ARHSP/JALS designations among patients with SPG11 mutations are suggested. The importance of performing both EDX and MRI is emphasized. Initial screening for p.Glu1026Argfs*4 may facilitate SPG11 screenings in Iranian patients. © 2020 The Authors. Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LL

School-based prevention for adolescent Internet addiction: prevention is the key. A systematic literature review

Adolescents’ media use represents a normative need for information, communication, recreation and functionality, yet problematic Internet use has increased. Given the arguably alarming prevalence rates worldwide and the increasingly problematic use of gaming and social media, the need for an integration of prevention efforts appears to be timely. The aim of this systematic literature review is (i) to identify school-based prevention programmes or protocols for Internet Addiction targeting adolescents within the school context and to examine the programmes’ effectiveness, and (ii) to highlight strengths, limitations, and best practices to inform the design of new initiatives, by capitalizing on these studies’ recommendations. The findings of the reviewed studies to date presented mixed outcomes and are in need of further empirical evidence. The current review identified the following needs to be addressed in future designs to: (i) define the clinical status of Internet Addiction more precisely, (ii) use more current psychometrically robust assessment tools for the measurement of effectiveness (based on the most recent empirical developments), (iii) reconsider the main outcome of Internet time reduction as it appears to be problematic, (iv) build methodologically sound evidence-based prevention programmes, (v) focus on skill enhancement and the use of protective and harm-reducing factors, and (vi) include IA as one of the risk behaviours in multi-risk behaviour interventions. These appear to be crucial factors in addressing future research designs and the formulation of new prevention initiatives. Validated findings could then inform promising strategies for IA and gaming prevention in public policy and education

Determining of Methamphetamine Effects on Sperm Parameters of Mature Rat

Abstract: Introduction: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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≤0.001 and P≤0.05 respectively). In the second experiment, the number of sperms for three doses of MAMP significantly decreased in the two upper doses (P<0.001) and in the lower dose (P≤0.05). The results of the third experiment were similar but the decrease of sperms number was more than that in the second experiment. MAMP did not change the testis/body weight ratio in the first and second experiments, but it significantly decreased this index in rats of the third experiment which received 10 and 5 mg/kg MAMP daily. We did not observe differences between experimental and control groups in motility and morphology of sperms. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the repeated administration and/or higher doses of MAMP reduce the number of mature sperms in the tail of epididymis and have adverse effects on the reproduction and fertility of MAMP users. Keywords: Methamphetamine, Sperm parameters, Epididymis, Ra

Phytoplankton community in relation to physico-chemical characteristics of the Talar River, Iran

The community structure of plankton was studied in relation to physico-chemical characteristics of the river Talar polluted by industrial effluents and domestic sewage from November 2008 to July 2009. In addition, seasonal changes in phytoplankton and zooplankton populations and species abundance were also determinate. The dominant phytoplanktonic algae determined were Oscillatoria, Anabaena, Nostoc, Spirogyra, Pediastrum, Navicula and Nitzschia. The dominant zooplanktonic organisms determined were Paramecium, Daphnia, Cypris, Keratalla and Arachinous. The present study on ecology and the surface water of this fresh water river covered a number of aspects, beginning from abiotic and biotic parameters to pollution assessment and thereby reveals a true picture of the water quality of the river .@JASE

The validity and reliability of the Persian version Test of Mobile phone Dependency (TMD)

Objective: Despite the fact that the mobile phone has become a pervasive technology of our time, little research has been done on mobile dependency. A valid and reliable assessment instrument corresponding to the Persian culture is essential. This study aimed to describe the construction and validation of the Persian version of TMD (Test of Mobile phone Dependency) to assess the addictive use of mobile phone. Methods: This was a cross- sectional study, for which data were collected from 350 students who were studying at Tehran universities. Sampling method was quota sampling. The participants anonymously completed the demographic questionnaire, and CPDQ as a valid questionnaire and gold standard. Finally, clinical interview based on DSM-IV-TR was performed. To analyze the data, concurrent validity, factor analysis, internal consistency (Cronbacha), split half; test-retest and ROC Curve by SPSS18 Software were used. Results: As a result of the reliability analysis and factor analysis by principal component and Varimax rotation, three factors ("salient", "preoccupation" and "Spend a lot of time and money") for both male and female participants were extracted. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of the CPDQ was.92 (Cronbach alpha of the factors is.88,.82, and.84, respectively). The test-retest correlation of the TMD was.56.The best cut offpoint for this questionnaire (TMD) is 38. Conclusion: The TMD proved to have an acceptable internal consistency with adequate factor models to assess the extent of problems caused by the "misuse" of the mobile phone in the Iranian society. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Persian version of the test was reliable and valid; however, further analysis is needed

Addictive use of smartphones and mental disorders in university students

Objective: Despite the awareness of smartphone addiction, low findings and lack of validated standards have led to insufficient information in this area. This study aimed to examine the relationship between mobile phone dependency and mental disorders in students in Iran, while controlling for the impact of gender, age, educational levels, and marital status. Method: In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 1400 university students (445 males and 955 females) aged 18-35 years were selected from 3 cities of Tehran, Isfahan and Karaj. The participants filled out a set of questionnaires: Cell Phone Dependency Questionnaire (CPDQ), Millon Multiaxial Clinical Inventory, and participated in interviews. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression method via SPSS-22 software. Results: In terms of controlling the demographic variables, the results revealed that bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, somatization, dependent personality disorder, and compulsive personality disorder could increase the possibility of mobile phone addiction by 4.2, 4.2, 1.2, 2.8, 3.1, and 3.2 folds, respectively (P < 0.05). However, other disorders and demographic characteristics did not have any significant effects on the equation. Conclusion: The results can help better understand the relationship between psychological syndromes and smartphone addiction and can also facilitate further studies in this field. In addition, those students with smartphone addiction should be provided with different preventative strategies. Moreover, a growing range of stimulating applications may trigger the risk of addiction. © 2020 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved