99 research outputs found
The relationship between religion and risky behaviors among Iranian university students
One factor that protects an individual from risky behavior is religiosity, which is referred to as a shield against risky behaviors. Belief in God and religion plays an important role in young peopleβs lives, and in comparison with their non-religious peers. They engage less frequently in risky behaviors, such as violence and sexual relations. The present study investigated the relationship between religiosity and engagement in risky behaviors among students from the Pishva branch of the Islamic Azad University, Tehran Province in Iran. This is a descriptive, analytic cross-sectional study. The sample was comprised of 448 students from different degree majors attending the University. Participants completed two questionnaires, including the Risk-Taking Scale and Duke University Religion Index. The data analyses used one-way ANOVAs and Pearsonβs correlations. This study found that students who engaged more often in organized religious activities and had higher intrinsic religiosity were less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as sexual risk taking, careless driving, violence, smoking, along with alcohol and drug abuse. Participants with higher involvement in private religious activities reported lower tendencies for the above-mentioned risky behaviors, except sexual risk taking. The findings of this study indicate that the different dimensions of religiousness are related to studentsβ tendency to avoid risky behavior. Thus, it appears that religion may have a role to play in preventing risky taking behavior in Iran
Functional rewiring of G protein-coupled receptor signaling in human labo
Current strategies to manage preterm labor center around inhibition of uterine myometrial contractions, yet do not improve neonatal outcomes as they do not address activation of inflammation. Here, we identify that during human labor, activated oxytocin receptor (OTR) reprograms the prostaglandin E2 receptor, EP2, in the pregnant myometrium to suppress relaxatory/GΞ±s-cAMP signaling and promote pro-labor/inflammatory responses via altered coupling of EP2 from GΞ±q/11 to GΞ±i/o. The ability of EP2 to signal via GΞ±i/o is recapitulated with in vitro OT and only following OTR activation, suggesting direct EP2-OTR crosstalk. Super-resolution imaging with computational modeling reveals OT-dependent reorganization of EP2-OTR complexes to favor conformations for GΞ±i over GΞ±s activation. A selective EP2 ligand, PGN9856i, activates the relaxatory/GΞ±s-cAMP pathway but not the pro-labor/inflammatory responses in term-pregnant myometrium, even following OT. Our study reveals a mechanism, and provides a potential therapeutic solution, whereby EP2-OTR functional associations could be exploited to delay preterm labor
Noise levels of a Massey Fergusson 285 tractor during movement on dirt and paved roads
This study aimed to determine the noise levels of a Massey Fergusson 285 tractor
during movement on dirt and paved roads. The Massey Fergusson 285, 75 hp
tractor accompanied by a trailer with one-ton load travelled on dirt and paved
roads. The test field had 20 m length and 3 m width as defined according to international
standards. The sound levels were measured with different gears and
for engine speeds of 1000 and 2000 rpm at bystander position and right ear of
operator. The difference between A-weighted sound levels for bystanders and
right ear of operator, in engine speed of 1000 for dirt and paved roads, was
13.7β15.9 and 10.9β14.7 dB and, in engine speed of 2000, was 12.7β16.1 and
9.8β13.8 dB, respectively. In the bystander position, the sound levels for both engine
speeds were lower on the dirt road compared to the paved road. The sound
level at the right ear of the operator at engine speed of 1000 rpm was lower than
ACGIH standards (85 dB whereas it was higher in engine speed of 2000 rpm for
both roads, except in first low and first high gears on the dirt road. Based on similar
distance for measurement points on both roads, the lower acoustic impedance
of dirt compared with pavement surface provides less noise reflection which leads
to lower noise levels in bystander position. The farmers who work near dirt roads
are exposed to lower sound levels than those working near paved roads. Β© 2016
Institute of Noise Control Engineering
Effects of family-centered empowerment model based education program on quality of life in methamphetamine users and their families
Background: Nowadays there are more concerns about drug treatment of methamphetamine abusers whereas quality of life (QOL) related supportive psychotherapy is less credited. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of family-centered empowerment model on social support and QOL of methamphetamine users and their families. Patients and Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial; individuals were randomly allocated to three groups: a group for educating methamphetamine users in recovery (95 subjects), a group for educating a family member of methamphetamine users in recovery (95 subjects) and a control group (95 subjects). Data collecting instruments were standard questionnaires of social support and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Data were analyzed using ΓοΏ½2-test, t-test, paired t-test, Pearson's correlation and ANOVA. Results: Mean scores of QOL and social support dimensions changed significantly in two intervention groups (P 0.05). Also, there was a positive significant relation (P < 0.05) between total social support and all dimensions of QOL for all study groups. Conclusions: Family-centered empowerment model, easily adapted to methamphetamine users and their families, leads to improved social supports and QOL. ΓΒ© 2014, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal; Published by Kowsar Corp
Chemoattractant Receptor Homologous to the T Helper 2 Cell (CRTH2) Is Not Expressed in Human Amniocytes and Myocytes
BACKGROUND: 15-deoxy-Ξ 12,14- Prostaglandin J2 (15dPGJ2) inhibits Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-ΞΊB) in human myocytes and amniocytes and delays inflammation induced preterm labour in the mouse. 15dPGJ2 is a ligand for the Chemoattractant Receptor Homologous to the T helper 2 cell (CRTH2), a G protein-coupled receptor, present on a subset of T helper 2 (Th2) cells, eosinophils and basophils. It is the second receptor for Prostaglandin D2, whose activation leads to chemotaxis and the production of Th2-type interleukins. The cellular distribution of CRTH2 in non-immune cells has not been extensively researched, and its identification at the protein level has been limited by the lack of specific antibodies. In this study we explored the possibility that CRTH2 plays a role in 15dPGJ2-mediated inhibition of NF-ΞΊB and would therefore represent a novel small molecule therapeutic target for the prevention of inflammation induced preterm labour. METHODS: The effect of a small molecule CRTH2 agonist on NF-ΞΊB activity in human cultured amniocytes and myocytes was assessed by detection of p65 and phospho-p65 by immunoblot. Endogenous CRTH2 expression in amniocytes, myocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was examined by PCR, western analysis and flow cytometry, with amniocytes and myocytes transfected with CRTH2 acting as a positive control in flow cytometry studies. RESULTS: The CRTH2 agonist had no effect on NF-ΞΊB activity in amniocytes and myocytes. Although CRTH2 mRNA was detected in amniocytes and myocytes, CRTH2 was not detectable at the protein level, as demonstrated by western analysis and flow cytometry. 15dPGJ2 inhibited phospho-65 in PBMC'S, however the CRTH2 antagonist was not able to attenuate this effect. In conclusion, CRTH2 is not expressed on human amniocytes or myocytes and plays no role in the mechanism of 15dPGJ2-mediated inhibition of NF-ΞΊB
Nuclear Factor Kappa B Activation Occurs in the Amnion Prior to Labour Onset and Modulates the Expression of Numerous Labour Associated Genes
Background: Prior to the onset of human labour there is an increase in the synthesis of prostaglandins, cytokines and chemokines in the fetal membranes, particular the amnion. This is associated with activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB). In this study we characterised the level of NFkB activity in amnion epithelial cells as a measure of amnion activation in samples collected from women undergoing caesarean section at 39 weeks gestation prior to the onset of labour. Methodology/Principal Findings: We found that a proportion of women exhibit low or moderate NFkB activity while other women exhibit high levels of NFkB activity (n = 12). This activation process does not appear to involve classical pathways of NFkB activation but rather is correlated with an increase in nuclear p65-Rel-B dimers. To identify the full range of genes upregulated in association with amnion activation, microarray analysis was performed on carefully characterised nonactivated amnion (n = 3) samples and compared to activated samples (n = 3). A total of 919 genes were upregulated in response to amnion activation including numerous inflammatory genes such cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2, 44-fold), interleukin 8 (IL-8, 6-fold), IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP, 4.5-fold), thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1, 3-fold) and, unexpectedly, oxytocin receptor (OTR, 24-fold). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of the microarray data reveal the two main gene networks activated concurrently with amnion activation are i) cell death, cancer and morphology and ii) cell cycle, embryoni
Can environmental or occupational hazards alter the sex ratio at birth? A systematic review
More than 100 studies have examined whether environmental or occupational exposures of parents affect the sex ratio of their offspring at birth. For this review, we searched Medline and Web of Science using the terms βsex ratio at birthβ and βsex ratio and exposureβ for all dates, and reviewed bibliographies of relevant studies to find additional articles. This review focuses on exposures that have been the subject of at least four studies including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, pesticides, lead and other metals, radiation, boron, and g-forces. For paternal exposures, only dioxins and PCBs were consistently associated with sex ratios higher or lower than the expected 1.06. Dioxins were associated with a decreased proportion of male births, whereas PCBs were associated with an increased proportion of male births. There was limited evidence for a decrease in the proportion of male births after paternal exposure to DBCP, lead, methylmercury, non-ionizing radiation, ionizing radiation treatment for childhood cancer, boron, or g-forces. Few studies have found higher or lower sex ratios associated with maternal exposures. Studies in humans and animals have found a reduction in the number of male births associated with lower male fertility, but the mechanism by which environmental hazards might change the sex ratio has not yet been established
Inflammatory Gene Regulatory Networks in Amnion Cells Following Cytokine Stimulation: Translational Systems Approach to Modeling Human Parturition
A majority of the studies examining the molecular regulation of human labor have
been conducted using single gene approaches. While the technology to produce
multi-dimensional datasets is readily available, the means for facile analysis
of such data are limited. The objective of this study was to develop a systems
approach to infer regulatory mechanisms governing global gene expression in
cytokine-challenged cells in vitro, and to apply these methods
to predict gene regulatory networks (GRNs) in intrauterine tissues during term
parturition. To this end, microarray analysis was applied to human amnion
mesenchymal cells (AMCs) stimulated with interleukin-1Ξ², and differentially
expressed transcripts were subjected to hierarchical clustering, temporal
expression profiling, and motif enrichment analysis, from which a GRN was
constructed. These methods were then applied to fetal membrane specimens
collected in the absence or presence of spontaneous term labor. Analysis of
cytokine-responsive genes in AMCs revealed a sterile immune response signature,
with promoters enriched in response elements for several inflammation-associated
transcription factors. In comparison to the fetal membrane dataset, there were
34 genes commonly upregulated, many of which were part of an acute inflammation
gene expression signature. Binding motifs for nuclear factor-ΞΊB were
prominent in the gene interaction and regulatory networks for both datasets;
however, we found little evidence to support the utilization of
pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) signaling. The tissue specimens
were also enriched for transcripts governed by hypoxia-inducible factor. The
approach presented here provides an uncomplicated means to infer global
relationships among gene clusters involved in cellular responses to
labor-associated signals
The impact of climate change on infectious disease transmission: perceptions of CDC health professionals in Shanxi Province, China
There have been increasing concerns about the challenge of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases due to climate change, especially in developing countries including China. Health professionals play a significant role in the battle to control and prevent infectious diseases. This study therefore aims to investigate the perceptions and attitudes of health professionals at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in different levels in China, and to consider adaptation measures to deal with the challenge of climate change. In 2013, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey was undertaken among 314 staff in CDCs in Shanxi Province, China, whose routine work involves disease control and prevention. Data were analyzed using descriptive methods and logistic regression. A majority of the CDC staff were aware of the health risks from climate change, especially its impacts on infectious disease transmission in their jurisdictions, and believed climate change might bring about both temporal and spatial change in transmission patterns. It was thought that adaptation measures should be established including: strengthening/improving currently existing disease surveillance systems and vector monitoring; building CDC capacity in terms of infrastructure and in-house health professional training; development and refinement of relevant legislation, policies and guidelines; better coordination among various government departments; the involvement of the community in infectious disease interventions; and collaborative research with other institutions. This study provides a snapshot of the understanding of CDC staff regarding climate change risks relevant to infectious diseases and adaptation in China. Results may help inform future efforts to develop adaptation measures to minimize infectious disease risks due to climate change.Junni Wei, Alana Hansen, Ying Zhang, Hong Li, Qiyong Liu, Yehuan Sun, Shulian Xue, Shufang Zhao, Peng B
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