The effect of climatic conditions on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in 10-12 year old students

Exercise-induced asthma is seen following vigorous or prolonged exercise or physical exertion. It has been suggested that climatic conditions have an influence on exercise-induced asthma. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of two climatic conditions on exercise-induced deterioration of pulmonary function tests in 10-12 year old students.Two hundred and fifty six students were randomly chosen from two cities namely Kerman and Gorgan (128 subjects in each who were equally from both cities) including 62 girls and 66 boys of 10-12 years old. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic information and to identify the prevalence of asthma symptoms. Each subject performed a seven-minute free run exercise with maximum effort and sufficient motivation until they reached 70-75% heart rate. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) including, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and maximum expiratory flow at 50% of vital capacity (MEF50) were measured before, at the beginning, and 7 and 20 min after physical activity.The prevalence of both asthma (28.12%) and exercise-induced asthma (20.31%) in Kerman students was higher than those of Gorgan students (21.09% and 17%, respectively). All PFT values declined 7 and 20 min post-exercise in both groups. Although all baselines PFT in Kerman students were higher than those of Gorgan students, the decline in PFT values in Kerman students was greater than those of Gorgan students. At 20 min post exercise, the decline in FEV1, PEF and MEF50 in Kerman students was significantly higher than those of Gorgan students (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01).The results of the present study showed that prevalence of both asthma and exercise-induced asthma in a city with dry and cool climate such as Kerman was higher than in a city with humid climate such as Gorgan. In addition, the results showed that in a humid climate, post-exercise decline in PFT values was less than in a dry climate. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd

Investigation of Factors Affecting the Spread of Pollution in the Petrochemical Sector; An Approach to Gentle Transfer Regression (STR) Model

Today, the issue of significant increases in polluting gases has become a major global challenge. This issue, along with industrial growth and development in developed and developing societies, has attracted more attention in order to prevent their destructive effects. The purpose of this article is to investigate the factors affecting the spread of pollution in the petrochemical sector. In order to test the relationship between the variables, a mild transfer regression model for the period 1399-1396 has been used. The statistical population of the present study is companies producing petrochemical products. The most important variables used in this study include per capita carbon dioxide emissions, product output, energy intensity, technology costs, and added value of petrochemical products. The results showed that there is a nonlinear relationship between the variables of production and pollution. In the estimated nonlinear model section, because the energy intensity variable has been selected as a variable, it was observed that with increasing the intensity of energy consumption from 5.12%, the effect of petrochemical production on the level of emissions is different and significant. The results obtained from the nonlinear model estimate show that the production of petrochemical products in companies producing petrochemical products at different levels of energy consumption has different effects on carbon dioxide emissions in the country. Accordingly, given that greenhouse gas pollution is one of the serious threats facing countries, and due to its nature, factories and companies producing petrochemical products should be required to reduce emissions through tax and incentive policies. In addition, more polluting industries and polluting products should be prevented from entering the production process through strict environmental laws and regulations, especially in the petrochemical sector.

Potential Effect of Opium Consumption on Controlling Diabetes and Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Diabetic Patients

Background: Due to this belief that opium may have beneficial effects on diabetes or cardiovascular risk factors, the present study aimed to assess the potential and possible effects of opium consumption on diabetes control and some cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients. Methods: This study enrolled 374 diabetic subjects from diabetes care centers in Kerman, Iran including opium user group (n = 179) and a non opium user group (n = 195). The data were collected through a questionnaire completed by interviewing, physical examination and laboratory assessment. Findings: Opium did not show any statistically significant effect on blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), fasting blood sugar (FBS), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and diastolic blood pressure. However, systolic blood pressure and prevalence of high systolic blood pressure were significantly higher in opium user group (P < 0.050). In addition, lower serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and frequency of lower HDL was significantly higher in opium user group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: According to this study, opium does not seem to have beneficial effects on diabetes control or cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, it would not be advisable to consume opium as an anti-diabetes or cardioprotective agent

Comparative emulsifying properties of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-modified starch: Granular form vs dissolved state

The emulsifying ability of OSA-modified and native starch in the granular form, in the dissolved state and a combination of both was compared. This study aims to understand mixed systems of particles and dissolved starch with respect to what species dominates at droplet interfaces and how stability is affected by addition of one of the species to already formed emulsions. It was possible to create emulsions with OSA-modified starch isolated from Quinoa as sole emulsifier. Similar droplet sizes were obtained with emulsions prepared at 7% (w/w) oil content using OSA-modified starch in the granular form or molecularly dissolved but large differences were observed regarding stability. Pickering emulsions kept their droplet size constant after one month while emulsions formulated with OSA-modified starch dissolved exhibited coalescence. All emulsions stabilized combining OSA-modified starch in granular form and in solution showed larger mean droplet sizes with no significant differences with respect to the order of addition. These emulsions were unstable due to coalescence regarding presence of free oil. Similar results were obtained when emulsions were prepared by combining OSA-modified granules with native starch in solution. The degree of surface coverage of starch granules was much lower in presence of starch in solution which indicates that OSA-starch is more surface active in the dissolved state than in granular form, although it led to unstable systems compared to starch granule stabilized Pickering emulsions, which demonstrated to be extremely stable

Does Exercise Deprivation Increase the Tendency Towards Morphine Dependence in Rats?

Background: Exercise deprivation has been concluded to have some negative effects on psychological well-being. This study was conducted to find out whether exercise deprivation may lead to morphine dependence in rats. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats weighing 162 ± 9 g were housed in clear plastic cages in groups of two under standard laboratory conditions. The study had two phases. In phase I, the animals were randomly divided into exercised (E) and unexercised (UE) groups (n = 20 each) and treadmill running was performed based on a standard protocol for three weeks. At the end of the training period, plasma β-endorphin levels were determined in four rats from each group. In phase II, the animals were provided with two bottles, one containing tap water and the other 25 mg/l morphine sulfate in tap water for a total of 12 weeks. At the end of this phase naloxone was injected intraperitoneally to precipitate morphine withdrawal Findings: There was no significant difference between UE and E groups in morphine consumption (mg/kg/wk) [group: F(1,14) = 0.2, P = 0.690; time: F(11,154) =18.72, P < 0.001; interaction: F(11,154) = 1.27 , P = 0.245]. No statistically significant difference between the two groups of animals was seen regarding withdrawal signs. Conclusion: The study showed that discontinuation of exercise does not increase the tendency of morphine dependence in rats. Keywords: Exercise dependence, Substance dependence, Oral morphine self-administration, Rat

بررسی همه گیرشناسی تروما در بیماران سالمند دیابتی؛ یک گزارش اولیه

Introduction: Elderly diabetic patients are prone to trauma due to background illnesses or physical disabilities. In the present epidemiologic study, we aimed to evaluate pattern of trauma in elderly diabetic patients referred to the emergency department of Poorsina Hospital, Rasht, Iran, 2011. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on the diabetic patients over 60 years old. Demographic data, trauma characteristics, mortality, need for blood transfusion, and the time interval between admission and death, were gathered. Finally, the risk factors of the mortality were evaluated. P&lt;0.05 was considered as the significance level. Results: 268 patients with mean age of 69.94±7.18 years were evaluated (58.6% female). Most common trauma mechanism was same level falling (40.3%); most common location for trauma was urban streets (35.8%); most common anatomic site were extremities (45.6%); and the season with highest trauma occurrence was winter (28%). 14.2% of the patients needed blood transfusion and 6.3% of the patients finally died. Mean hospitalization duration in the department was 3.72±5.14 days (between 6 hours to 53 days). There was a significant correlation between mortality of the elderly diabetic patients and sex (p=0.012), anatomic site of trauma (p=0.047), number of injured site (p=0.030), need for blood transfusion (p&lt;0.001), systolic blood pressure &lt; 90 mmHg (p=0.017) and heart rate &gt;100/minute (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study, show that the most common trauma mechanism was same level falling, the most common site of trauma was streets and other places in the city, most common anatomic site for trauma were extremities; the season with highest trauma occurrence was winter. There was a significant correlation between mortality of patients and sex , anatomic site of trauma, number of injured site, need for blood transfusion , systolic blood pressure &lt; 90 mmHg and heart rate &gt;100/minute.مقدمه: سالمندان دیابتیک به دلیل بیماری های زمینه ای یا ناتوانی های جسمی مستعد ایجاد تروما هستند، در این مطالعه بر آن شدیم به بررسی همه گیر شناسی تروما در بیماران سالمند دیابتی مراجعه کننده به بخش اورژانس بیمارستان پورسینای شهر رشت در سال 1390 بپردازیم. روش کار: این مطالعه به صورت مقطعی بر روی پرونده تمامی سالمندان دیابتی بالای 60 سال مراجعه کننده به بخش اورژانس بیمارستان پورسینای شهر رشت، استان گیلان انجام گرفت. اطلاعات دموگرافیک و اطلاعات مربوط ویژگی های تروما از قبیل: نوع، فصل ایجاد، تعداد روز های بستری، مکان ایجاد، محل آناتومیک، مرگ ومیر، خون مورد نیاز و زمان پذیرش تا فوت برای تمام بیماران از طریق چک لیست از قبل طراحی شده جمع آوری و ثبت گردید. در نهایت فاکتورهای موثر در مرگ و میر مورد ارزیابی قرار گرفت. داده ها با استفاده از نرم افزار آماري SPSS نسخه 21 و به كارگیري آزمون هاي مربع كاي مورد تجزیه و تحلیل قرار گرفتند. 05/0&gt;p به عنوان سطح معنا داری در نظر گرفته شد. يافته ها: 268 بیمار ترومایی مبتلا به دیابت با میانگین سنی 18/7±94/69 سال بررسی شدند (6/58 درصد زن). بیشترین مکانیسم تروما؛ سقوط در سطح همتراز (3/40 درصد)، بیشترین مکان ایجاد تروما؛ خیابان های درون شهری و سایر اماکن ( 8/35 درصد)، بیشترین مکان آناتومیک تروما؛ اندام ها (6/45 درصد)، بیشترین فصل ایجاد تروما؛ زمستان (28 درصد) بود. 2/14 درصد از بیماران نیاز به تزریق خون داشتند و در کل 3/6 درصد از بیماران فوت نمودند. میانگین روز های بستری در بخش 14/5±72/3 (بین 6 ساعت تا 53 روز) بدست آمد. نتایج آنالیز رگرسیون چند متغیره حاکی از ارتباط معنی دار جنس (012/0p=)، مکان آناتومیک تروما (047/0p=)، تعداد محل های آناتومیک (030/0p=)، نیاز به تزریق خون (001/0&gt; p)، فشار خون سیستولیک زیر 90 میلی متر جیوه (017/0p=)و تعداد ضربان قلب بالای 100 بار در دقیقه (001/0&gt; p) و مرگ و میر ناشی از تروما در سالمندان دیابتی بود. نتيجه گيری: یافته های پژوهش حاضر حاکی از آن است که بیشترین مکانیسم تروما سقوط در سطح همتراز، بیشترین مکان ایجاد تروما خیابان ها و سایر اماکن درون شهری، بیشترین مکان آناتومیک ایجاد تروما اندام ها و بیشترین فصل ایجاد تروما زمستان بود. بین مرگ و میر سالمندان دیابتی مراجعه کننده به اورژانس با جنسیت، مکان آناتومیک تروما، تعداد محل آناتومیک آسیب دیده، نیاز به تزریق خون، فشار خون سیستولیک زیر 90 میلی متر جیوه و تعداد ضربان قلب بالای 100 بار در دقیقه ارتباط معناداری دیده شد

The effects of vitamin D on cardiovascular damage induced by lipopolysaccharides in rats

Introduction: Inflammation and oxidative stress are contributed to cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin D (Vit D) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the current research, the effect of Vit D on cardiac fibrosis and inflammation, and oxidative stress indicators in cardiovascular tissues was studied in lipopolysaccharides(LPS) injected rats. Methods: Rats were distributed into 5 groups and were treated for 2 weeks. Control: received vehicle(saline supplemented with tween-80) instead of Vit D and saline instead of LPS, LPS: treated by 1 mg/kg of LPS and was given vehicle instead of Vit D, LPS-Vit D groups: received 3 doses of Vit D (100, 1000, and 10000 IU/kg) of Vit D in addition to LPS. Vit D was dissolved in saline supplemented with tween-80 (final concentration 0.1%) and LPS was dissolved in saline. The white blood cell (WBC) was counted. Oxidative stress markers were determined in serum, aorta, and heart. Cardiac tissue fibrosis was also estimated using Masson’s trichrome staining method. Results: WBC and malondialdehyde (MDA) were higher in the LPS group than the control group, whereas the thiol content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were lower in the LPS group than the control group (P<0.01 and P<0.001). Administration of Vit D decreased WBC (P<0.001) and MDA (P<0.05 and P<0.001) while enhanced thiol (dose 10000 IU/Kg) (P<0.001), SOD (dose 10000 IU/kg) (P<0.001), and CAT (P<0.05 and P<0.001) compared to the LPS group. All doses of Vit D also decreased cardiac fibrosis compared to the LPS group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Vit D protected the cardiovascular against the detrimental effect of LPS. This cardiovascular protection can be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Vit D

In vitro digestion of Pickering emulsions stabilized by soft whey protein microgel particles: influence of thermal treatment

Emulsions stabilized by soft whey protein microgel particles have gained research interest due to their combined advantages of biocompatibility and a high degree of resistance to coalescence. We designed Pickering oil-in-water emulsions using whey protein microgels by a facile route of heat-set gel formation followed by mechanical shear and studied the influence of heat treatment on emulsions stabilized by these particles. The aim of this study was to compare the barrier properties of the microgel particles and heat-treated fused microgel particles at the oil–water interface in delaying the digestion of the emulsified lipids using an in vitro digestion model. A combination of transmission electron microscopy and surface coverage measurements revealed an increased coverage of heat-treated microgel particles at the interface. The heat-induced microgel particle aggregation and, therefore, a fused network at the oil–water interface were more beneficial to delay the rate of digestion in the presence of pure lipase and bile salts compared to intact whey protein microgel particles, as shown by the measurements of zeta potential and free fatty acid release, plus theoretical calculations. However, simulated gastric digestion with pepsin impacted significantly on such barrier effects, due to the proteolysis of the particle network at the interface irrespective of the heat treatment, as visualized using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacryl amide gel electrophoresis measurements

The Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation on the Serum Levels of Adiponectin and Lipoproteins in Male Atherosclerotic Patients

Abstract: Background and Aims: Adiponectin is the most important and promising adipocytokine to understand the relationship of obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases showing anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti atherosclerotic effects too. The aim of this research was to survey the effect of cardiac rehabilitation, via special aerobic exercise training, on the serum levels of adiponectin hormone and lipoprotein lipid profile in men with atherosclerosis. Methods: Twenty patients with atherosclerosis (40-65-year-old men), selected by convenience sampling method and normalized by exercise training and primary tests, were enrolled. During 8 weeks (three session per week), subjects had 30 to 45 minutes training sessions by using treadmill, ergo meter, and arm ergo meter with the intensity of 30-50 percent of heart rate reserve. The t-test was conducted to check the difference between pretest and posttest at the significant level of P≤0.05. Results: The level of adiponectin and HDL increased and the level of LDL, triglyceride and cholesterol decreased significantly. Conclusion: We concluded that cardiac rehabilitation has probably beneficial effects on the serum levels of adiponectin and lipoproteins in men with coronary artery disease after MI. Keywords: Cardiac rehabilitation, Adiponectin, Lipoprotein, Atherosclerotic patient