Outline of changes in cortisol and melatonin circadian rhythms in the security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Background: According to the literature, a large number of people working in industries and service providing personnel, such as firefighters, physicians, and nurses are shift workers. The spread of shift working in industrial societies and the incidence of the problems resulting from shift working have caused the researchers to conduct studies on this issue. The present study also aimed to investigate melatonin and cortisol circadian rhythms in the security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Methods: The present study was conducted on 20 security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. In order to collect the study data, blood samples were taken from the study subjects in different times of the day (1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, and 22) and cortisol and melatonin levels were determined using the radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay techniques, respectively. Results: The results showed that as the intensity of light increased at night, the plasma cortisol level increased, as well. Besides, no statistically significant difference was found between the plasma cortisol levels in natural light and 4500-lux light. On the other hand, a significant difference was observed between the plasma cortisol levels in natural light and 9000-lux light as well as 4500- and 9000-lux lights. The study findings also showed that as the intensity of light increased at night, the plasma melatonin level decreased. In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between the plasma melatonin levels in natural light and 4500-lux light. Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed between the plasma melatonin levels in the natural light and 9000-lux light as well as 4500- and 9000-lux lights. Conclusions: The present study aimed to investigate the subsequences of shift working in the security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and showed that occupational exposure to bright light could affect some biological markers, such as melatonin and cortisol secretion

Outline of changes in cortisol and melatonin circadian rhythms in the security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Background: According to the literature, a large number of people working in industries and service providing personnel, such as firefighters, physicians, and nurses are shift workers. The spread of shift working in industrial societies and the incidence of the problems resulting from shift working have caused the researchers to conduct studies on this issue. The present study also aimed to investigate melatonin and cortisol circadian rhythms in the security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Methods: The present study was conducted on 20 security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. In order to collect the study data, blood samples were taken from the study subjects in different times of the day (1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, and 22) and cortisol and melatonin levels were determined using the radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay techniques, respectively. Results: The results showed that as the intensity of light increased at night, the plasma cortisol level increased, as well. Besides, no statistically significant difference was found between the plasma cortisol levels in natural light and 4500-lux light. On the other hand, a significant difference was observed between the plasma cortisol levels in natural light and 9000-lux light as well as 4500- and 9000-lux lights. The study findings also showed that as the intensity of light increased at night, the plasma melatonin level decreased. In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between the plasma melatonin levels in natural light and 4500-lux light. Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed between the plasma melatonin levels in the natural light and 9000-lux light as well as 4500- and 9000-lux lights. Conclusions: The present study aimed to investigate the subsequences of shift working in the security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and showed that occupational exposure to bright light could affect some biological markers, such as melatonin and cortisol secretion

Survey on air pollution and cardiopulmonary mortality in Shiraz from 2011 to 2012: An analytical-descriptive study

Background: Expanding cities with rapid economic development has resulted in increased energy consumption leading to numerous environmental problems for their residents. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between air pollution and mortality rate due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in Shiraz. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study in which the correlation between major air pollutants (including carbon monoxide CO, sulfur dioxide SO2, nitrogen dioxide NO2 and particle matter with a diameter of less than 10 μ PM10) and climatic parameters (temperature and relative humidity) with the number of those whom expired from cardiopulmonary disease in Shiraz from March 2011 to January 2012 was investigated. Data regarding the concentration of air pollutants were determined by Shiraz Environmental Organization. Information about climatic parameters was collected from the database of Iran's Meteorological Organization. The number of those expired from cardiopulmonary disease in Shiraz were provided by the Department of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. We used non-parametric correlation test to analyze the relationship between these parameters. Results: The results demonstrated that in all the recorded data, the average monthly pollutants standard index (PSI) values of PM10 were higher than standard limits, while the average monthly PSI value of NO2 were lower than standard. There was no significant relationship between the number of those expired from cardiopulmonary disease and the air pollutant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Air pollution can aggravate chronic cardiopulmonary disease. In the current study, one of the most important air pollutants in Shiraz was the PM10 component. Mechanical processes, such as wind blowing from neighboring countries, is the most important parameter increasing PM10 in Shiraz to alarming conditions. The average monthly variation in PSI values of air pollutants such as NO2, CO, and SO2 were lower than standard limits. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between the average monthly variation in PSI of NO2, CO, PM10, and SO2 and the number of those expired from cardiopulmonary disease in Shiraz

Revisión de la validez de constructo del cuestionario de “Características de los profesores de enseñanza del Inglés como lengua extranjera (EFL) exitosos”

The present study re-evaluated the construct validity and reliability of the ‘Characteristics of Successful EFL Teachers’ questionnaire. A total of 814 EFL learners participated in the study. The data were analysed, using exploratory factor analyses (EFA), confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), and reliability analyses. The findings demonstrated all items were loaded on the factors with the relevant content except for two which were loaded on three factors with almost similar loadings. Consequently, they were omitted. Accordingly, factor analysis resulted in seven main factors with 45 items. CFA findings verified the obtained factorial structure. Reliability analyses also provided satisfactory results.El presente estudio reevalúa la validez de constructo y la fiabilidad del cuestionario ‘Características de los profesores de enseñanza del Inglés como lengua extranjera (EFL) exitosos’. En el estudio participaron 814 sujetos. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando análisis factorial exploratorio (EFA) y confirmatorios (CFA). Los resultados mostraron que todos los ítems presentaron saturaciones más altas en los factores a los que pertenecían excepto en dos que presentaron saturaciones similares en tres factores simultáneamente, por lo que fueron suprimidos. El análisis factorial presenta, por tanto siete factores entre los que se distribuyen 45 ítems. Los resultados del análisis factorial confirmatorio se ajusta a esta estructura factorial. El estudio de la fiabilidad llevado a cabo ofrece resultados satisfactorios

The Construct Validity and Reliability of the ‘Characteristics of Successful EFL Teachers Questionnaire (CoSEFLT-Q)’ Revisited

El presente estudio reevalúa la validez de constructo y la fiabilidad del cuestionario ‘Características de los profesores de enseñanza del Inglés como lengua extranjera (EFL) exitosos’. En el estudio participaron 814 sujetos. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando análisis factorial exploratorio (EFA) y confirmatorios (CFA). Los resultados mostraron que todos los ítems presentaron saturaciones más altas en los factores a los que pertenecían excepto en dos que presentaron saturaciones similares en tres factores simultáneamente, por lo que fueron suprimidos. El análisis factorial presenta, por tanto siete factores entre los que se distribuyen 45 ítems. Los resultados del análisis factorial confirmatorio se ajusta a esta estructura factorial. El estudio de la fiabilidad llevado a cabo ofrece resultados satisfactorios.The present study re-evaluated the construct validity and reliability of the ‘Characteristics of Successful EFL Teachers’ questionnaire. A total of 814 EFL learners par-ticipated in the study. The data were analysed, using exploratory factor analyses (EFA), confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), and reliability analyses. The findings demonstrated all items were loaded on the factors with the relevant content except for two which were loaded on three factors with almost similar loadings. Consequently, they were omitted. Accordingly, factor analysis resulted in seven main factors with 45 items.CFA findings verified the ob-tained factorial structure. Reliability analyses also provided satisfactory results

Study of the Bioremediation of Atrazine under Variable Carbon and Nitrogen Sources by Mixed Bacterial Consortium Isolated from Corn Field Soil in Fars Province of Iran

Atrazine herbicide that is widely used in corn production is frequently detected in water resources. The main objectives of this research were focused on assessing the effects of carbon and nitrogen sources on atrazine biodegradation by mixed bacterial consortium and by evaluating the feasibility of using mixed bacterial consortium in soil culture. Shiraz corn field soil with a long history of atrazine application has been explored for their potential of atrazine biodegradation. The influence of different carbon compounds and the effect of nitrogen sources and a different pH (5.5–8.5) on atrazine removal efficiency by mixed bacterial consortium in liquid culture were investigated. Sodium citrate and sucrose had the highest atrazine biodegradation rate (87.22%) among different carbon sources. Atrazine biodegradation rate decreased more quickly by the addition of urea (26.76%) compared to ammonium nitrate. Based on the data obtained in this study, pH of 7.0 is optimum for atrazine biodegradation. After 30 days of incubation, the percent of atrazine reduction rates were significantly enhanced in the inoculated soils (60.5%) as compared to uninoculated control soils (12%) at the soil moisture content of 25%. In conclusion, bioaugmentation of soil with mixed bacterial consortium may enhance the rate of atrazine degradation in a highly polluted soil

Assessment of microbiological quality of potable water distributed in buses of Karandish terminal

Background: Due to the lack of proper rail road and air transportation, most commutes in Iran are carried out by buses. In most cases, the water in the busses is used for passengers for drinking usage. Although this kind of water source has provided convince for the travelers, it could be a great risk in disease outbreak. The aim of this study is to determine the water quality in commuting buses of Shiraz Karandish terminal in winter 2011. Methods: The study is of descriptive-cross-sectional type. 48 samples were collected through quota sampling

Invasive Fusarium rhinosinusitis in COVID-19 patients: report of three cases with successful management

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFRS) is a life-threatening infection that can occur in immunocompromised patients, including those with COVID-19. Although Mucorales and Aspergillus species are the most common causes of IFRS, infections caused by other fungi such as Fusarium are rare. In this report, we present three cases of proven rhinosinusitis fusariosis that occurred during or after COVID-19 infection. The diagnosis was confirmed through microscopy, pathology, and culture, and species identification of the isolates was performed by DNA sequencing the entire ITS1-5.8 rRNA-ITS2 region and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1α). Antifungal susceptibility testing was conducted according to CLSI guidelines. The causative agents were identified as Fusarium proliferatum, F. oxysporum + Aspergillus flavus, and F. solani/falciforme. Treatment involved the administration of antifungal medication and endoscopic sinus surgery to remove the affected mucosa, leading to the successful resolution of the infections. However, one patient experienced a recurrence of IFRS caused by A. flavus 15 months later. Early diagnosis and timely medical and surgical treatment are crucial in reducing mortality rates associated with invasive fusariosis. Additionally, the cautious use of corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients is highly recommended

Bilateral Hyperplasia of Bartholin’s Gland: A Case Report

A 37-year-old woman underwent surgery to remove bilateral vulvar masses. The masses were firm, non-tender, and immobile. Pathologic finding was a well-delineated creamy grayish mass with a homogenous grayish solid surface and mild edema, chronic inflammatory infiltration, and focal dilation of the ducts with squamous metaplasia. The diagnosis was hyperplastic and hypertrophied Bartholin’s gland. Hyperplasia is a rare etiology for an enlarged Bartholin’s gland. Clinical presentation of Bartholin’s gland nodular hyperplasia is rather specific, although inflammatory lesion is the most common cause of swelling of the Bartholin’s gland in all age groups. Bartholin’s hyperplasia should be considered in cases with a solid mass. Total surgical excision is required for diagnosis. Only a few cases of Bartholin’s gland hyperplasia have been reported in the literature. Our patient has been receiving regular follow-up examination and there is no evidence of dyspareunia, perineal pain, and recurrent disease 12 months after surgery

A Preliminary Assessment of Dispersion Level of SO2 in Fars Industrial Region, South of Iran, by GIS

The city of Zarghan is located 25 km northeast of Shiraz, southern Iran. Zarghan is affected by numerous pollution sources such as oil refinery, an industrial park, and Shiraz-Tehran highway. The numerous contaminating sources around Zarghan can cause serious local air pollution. Sulfur dioxide gas is an important index of air pollution in cities. Therefore, in order to control and manage Zarghan air quality, it is important to monitor sulfur dioxide concentration in the surrounding area. It is also essential to know about the contribution level of other sources of pollution as well as dispersion radius of pollutants in the area. In this study, the concentration of sulfur dioxide was measured by passive sampling at 10 different stations. These values were interpolated in other parts of the city using ArcGIS software. The results of sampling showed that the concentration of the gas was 60 µgm−3 around oil refinery. The level was 19 µgm−3 in region located about 3 km from the oil refinery. It was also demonstrated that the gas concentration was not higher than the standard limit within residential area. On the other hand, the role of the local highway and industrial park was not significant in contaminating air in urban areas