Occurrence of ochratoxin a in grape juice of Iran

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most important mycotoxins that contaminate a broad range of agricultural and food products. In this study, the occurrence of OTA in available brands of grape juice in Iran purchased from retail outlets or producer were determined for the first time using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with immunoaffinity columns(IAC) as the clean-up step. The average recoveries for OTA in grape juice ranged from 54.2 to 86.6 with the coefficient of variation lower than 17.3 in lowest spiked level (0.5 µg/L). The estimated LOD and LOQ of OTA were 0.04 µg/L and 0.125 µg/L, respectively. In our study, 70 samples of grape juice evaluated for OTA content. The results showed that in 39 out of 70 samples (55.7) OTA levels were above the LOQ with the maximum level of 2.6 µg/L and the mean contamination was 0.5 µg/L. Although the mean contamination of OTA in analyzing samples was lower than the MRL set by EU, the high incidence of contamination in these products is worried. Considering the importance of OTA in public health, control of pre-and post-harvest, storage and grape juice manufacturing process, such as HACCP, GAP, and GMP recommended preventive measures are required. © 2018 by School of Pharmacy Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services

Occurrence of ochratoxin a in grape juice of Iran

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most important mycotoxins that contaminate a broad range of agricultural and food products. In this study, the occurrence of OTA in available brands of grape juice in Iran purchased from retail outlets or producer were determined for the first time using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with immunoaffinity columns(IAC) as the clean-up step. The average recoveries for OTA in grape juice ranged from 54.2 to 86.6 with the coefficient of variation lower than 17.3 in lowest spiked level (0.5 µg/L). The estimated LOD and LOQ of OTA were 0.04 µg/L and 0.125 µg/L, respectively. In our study, 70 samples of grape juice evaluated for OTA content. The results showed that in 39 out of 70 samples (55.7) OTA levels were above the LOQ with the maximum level of 2.6 µg/L and the mean contamination was 0.5 µg/L. Although the mean contamination of OTA in analyzing samples was lower than the MRL set by EU, the high incidence of contamination in these products is worried. Considering the importance of OTA in public health, control of pre-and post-harvest, storage and grape juice manufacturing process, such as HACCP, GAP, and GMP recommended preventive measures are required. © 2018 by School of Pharmacy Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services

5-Fluorouracil encapsulated chitosan-cellulose fiber bionanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro analysis towards colorectal cancer cells

Cellulose and chitosan with remarkable biocompatibility and sophisticated physiochemical characteristics can be a new dawn to the advanced drug nano-carriers in cancer treatment. This study aims to synthesize layer-by-layer bionanocomposites from chitosan and rice straw cellulose encapsulated 5-Fluorouracil (CS-CF/5FU BNCs) using the ionic gelation method and the sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) cross-linker. Data from X-ray and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed successful preparation of CS-CF/5FU BNCs. Based on images of scanning electron microscopy, 48.73 ± 1.52 nm was estimated for an average size of the bionanocomposites as spherical chitosan nanoparticles mostly coated rod-shaped cellulose reinforcement. 5-Fluorouracil indicated an increase in thermal stability after its encapsulation in the bionanocomposites. The drug encapsulation efficiency was found to be 86 ± 2.75%. CS-CF/5FU BNCs triggered higher drug release in a media simulating the colorectal fluid with pH 7.4 (76.82 ± 1.29%) than the gastric fluid with pH 1.2 (42.37 ± 0.43%). In in vitro cytotoxicity assays, cellulose fibers, chitosan nanoparticles and the bionanocomposites indicated biocompatibility towards CCD112 normal cells. Most promisingly, CS-CF/5FU BNCs at 250 µg/mL concentration eliminated 56.42 ± 0.41% of HCT116 cancer cells and only 8.16 ± 2.11% of CCD112 normal cells. Therefore, this study demonstrates that CS-CF/5FU BNCs can be considered as an eco-friendly and innovative nanodrug candidate for potential colorectal cancer treatment

5-Fluorouracil loaded magnetic cellulose bionanocomposites for potential colorectal cancer treatment

Magnetic polymer nanocomposites are inherently multifunctional and harbor assorted physiochemical actions for applications thereof as novel drug nanocarriers. Herein, Fe3O4-nanoparticles were supported on rice straw cellulose for 5-fluorouracil carrier abbreviated as MC/5-FU for potential colorectal cancer treatments. Several analyses indicated the multifunctional properties of MC/5-FU bionanocomposites. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy study demonstrated that Fe3O4 nanofillers covered the cellulose matrix. The drug release from MC/5-FU was evaluated under various pH and temperature conditions, showing the maximum release at pH 7.4 and 44.2 °C. In in vitro anticancer assay, MC/5-FU exhibited enhanced selectivity and anticancer actions against 2D monolayer and 3D tumour spheroid models colorectal cancer cells. The anticancer effects of MC/5-FU with magnetic targeting and heat induction were also examined. This easily synthesized MC/5-FU indicated the potential in application as a low-cost drug formulation for colorectal cancer treatments

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Epidemiologic evaluation of tongue reactive lesions in the archives of Qazvin and Shahid Beheshti dental schools (1998-2014)

Background: Due to the situation and different functions of tongue, it is always expose to chronic stimulations, that’s why some kinds of lesion in tongue such as reactive lesions found in order to react these reactions. Objective: To determine the prevalence of reactive lesions in the archives of tongue reactive lesions in Tehran (Shahid Beheshti) and Qazvin dental faculties archive during the past 15 years. Methods: In this descriptive-sectional and retrospective study, all records related to tongue reactive lesions were investigated in pathology archive of Tehran (Shahid Beheshti) and Qazvin dental faculties in the period of 1998-2014. In each record, patient’s demographic characteristics (age and gender), lesion type (irritation fibroma (IF), Drug induced fibrous, Pyogenic granuloma (PG), and Hyperkeratosis), lesion location in tongue, patient habit and systematic diseases were recorded. Then data were analysed with Q-square, T-test and Anova test. Findings: The average age of investigated patients was 43±16 and 69/2% of patients were female. Generally from 70 recorded file Irritation fibroma (51/4%) had the most frequency. PG (38/6%) was respectively in second frequency rank. 42/9% tongue reactive lesion were located in lateral part, 28/6% in anterior part and then, in the ventral , dorsal and posterior of tongue. Reactive lesions such as PG had the most frequency in male, respectively, while in female reactive lesions such as IF had the most frequency respectively. Conclusion: IF, PG had the most frequency in compare to other reactive lesions in Tehran (Shahid Beheshti) and Qazvin dental faculties’ archive during the past 15 years, so Changes in life style and oral hygiene will help to prevent these damages. Keywords: Lesion Reactive, Tongue, Oral and Maxillofarial Patholog

The Investigation of Drug Addiction Potential among Medical Students: Role of Subjective Components of Anger

Objective: Given that drug addiction is not merely related to a specific individual or group, and few studies have investigated the role of anger in the development of drug addiction, this study was done to investigate the role of the components of anger in predicting addiction potential. Method: A descriptive-correlation research design was used for the conduct of this study. The number of 309 medical students in Kermanshah city was selected using stratified cluster sampling and completed Spielberger's State-Trait Anger Scale (STAS) and Zargar’s addiction potential questionnaire. Results: The results showed that ate anger, trait anger, anger expression-out (AXO), anger expression-in (AXI), the overall index for the expression of anger were significantly associated with addiction potential. Similarly, anger control-out (ACO), anger control-in (ACI) were correlated with addiction potential. In addition, the regression analysis results indicated that the components of state anger and anger expression-in (AXI) together can predict 35% of changes related to addiction potential. Conclusion: State anger and anger expression-in (AXI) as subjective components of anger have a significant role in predicting addiction potential among medical students. Anger management programs for medical students, as the most important segment of the society in the field of public health, are recommended to assign more credit to these two components

Health literacy status and its relationship with quality of life among nurses in teaching hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Background: Health literacy can be considered as a factor affecting healthcare providers' decision-making. The aim of this study was to investigate health literacy status and its relationship with quality of life among the nurses working in teaching hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017. To this end, 185 nurses from hospitals were selected by stratified random sampling. The data collection instruments included the standardized Health Literacy Questionnaire and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics as well as t test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multivariate linear regression analysis using SPSS 23 (α = 5). Results: The mean scores for health literacy and quality of life were 70.06 (12.98) and 60.86 (17.26), respectively. A significant relationship was observed between the health literacy and quality of life (p <0.001), Access (p = 0.004), reading skills (p = 0.004), understanding (p = 0.016), and application of health information (p = 0.012) as the dimensions of health literacy were identified among the predictors of quality of life. In addition, there was a significant relationship among age (r = 0.22, p = 0.008), work experience (r = 0.27, p = 0.002), and employment relationship (F = 3.89, p = 0.005) and the mean score for nurses' health literacy status. Conclusions: A significant relationship was observed between health literacy and quality of life in nurses. Healthcare policy-makers are suggested to take measures to develop programs on promoting health literacy and related skills to improve the status of quality of life among nurses. © 2018 Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow

Effect of General Anesthesia with Thiopental Sodium and Propofol on the 1- and 5 Minute Apgar Newborns by Cesarean

Background: The Apgar score of newborn babies is a determining factor involved with mortality of newborns after birth. Regarding the disagreement on advantages and possible disadvantages of propofol and thiopental in the available references, the study was triggered with the aim of analyzing effects of two mentioned drugs on babies’ Apgar score. Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial, a total of 100 healthy women who volunteered to undertake cesarean operation were selected and then divided randomly into two equal groups using statistical blocking. One group was treated by propofol while other one was treated by thiopental. The prescribed drugs for both groups were identical. Babies’ Apgar score 1 and 5 minutes after birth and recovery period and some of the critical maternal parameters after operation were recorded. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS 19 software. Results: Apgar score I minute 1 (p=0.317) and Apgar score in minute 5 (p=1.00) for propofol group were not different meaningfully. The groups had significant differences in the indices such as first systolic (P=0.00) and diastolic (P=0.00) pressure in recovery, last diastolic pressure in recovery (P=0.001) and duration of postoperative recovery (P=0.001). Statistical analysis of nausea and vomit in both groups showed that they are lower in propofol group rather than the thiopental group (p=0.000). Conclusion: Propofol and thiopental did not differ significantly in Apgar score, but it seems that propofol can be a better option to induce anesthesia for an elective cesarean operation