Comments on Ahmad, I.M. et al. Healthcare Workers Occupationally Exposed to Ionizing Radiation Exhibit Altered Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines and Redox Parameters. <i>Antioxidants</i>, 2019, <i>8</i>, 12

This commentary is regarding the paper recently published by Ahmad et al [...

Evaluation of wet bulb globe temperature index for estimation of heat strain in hot/humid conditions in the Persian Gulf

Background: Heat exposure among construction workers in the Persian Gulf region is a serious hazard for health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) Index for estimation of heat strain in hot/humid conditions by the use of Physiological Strain Index (PSI) as the gold standard. Material and Methods : This cross-sectional study was carried out on 71 workers of two Petrochemical Companies in South of Iran in 2010 summer. The WBGT index, heart rate, and aural temperature were measured by Heat Stress Monitor (Casella Microtherm WBGT), Heart Rate Monitor (Polar RS100), and Personal Heat Strain Monitor (Questemp II), respectively. The obtained data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The mean (SD) of WBGT values was 33.1 (2.7). The WBGT values exceed from American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) standard (30°C) in 96% work stations, whereas the PSI values were more than 5.0 (moderate strain) in 11% of workstations. The correlation between WBGT and PSI values was 0.61 ( P = 0.001). When WBGT values were less and more than 34°C, the mean of PSI was 2.6 (low strain) and 5.2 (moderate strain), respectively. Conclusion: In the Persian Gulf weather, especially hot and humid in the summer months, due to the WBGT values exceeding 30°C (in 96% of cases) and weak correlation between WBGT and PSI, the work/rest cycles of WBGT Index is not suitable for heat stress management. Therefore, in Persian Gulf weather, heat stress evaluation based on physiologic variables may have higher validity than WBGT index

The effects of microwave radiation on rabbit's retina

Purpose: Mobile cell phones are used extensively these days, and their microwave (MW) radiation has been shown to affect the eye. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of MW radiation on rabbit retina. Methods: This experimental study (concluded in 2015) was conducted on 40 adult white New Zealand rabbits. A Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) cell phone simulator was used for MW irradiation. The rabbits were randomized into five groups (8 in each) and treated as follows: Group 1: no irradiation (sham); Group 2: irradiation at 10 cm for 1 day; Group 3: irradiation at 30 cm for 1 day; Group 4: irradiation at 10 cm for 3 days; and Group 5: irradiation at 30 cm for 3 days. Scotopic and photopic electroretinography (ERG) responses were obtained at baseline and 7 days after the last exposure. Then all the rabbits were euthanized, and their eyes were enucleated and sent for pathology examination. Kruskal–Wallis and Chi-Square tests were used to evaluate intergroup differences in ERG parameters and histological findings, respectively. Results: ERG responses obtained 7 days after irradiation did not show any statistically significant difference between the groups (P > 0.1, for all tested parameters). There were statistically non-significant trends toward greater changes in the MW irradiated eyes. In pathological examination, retina was normal with no sign of degeneration or infiltration. Ciliary body congestion was observed in greater fraction of those who received higher MW doses. (P = 0.005). Conclusions: Histopathologically, cell phone simulated MW irradiation had no significant detrimental effect on the retina. However, ciliary body congestion was observed in greater fraction of those who received higher MW doses. Although there was no significant difference between post-treatment mean ERG values, there were statistically non-significant trends toward greater changes in the MW irradiated eyes

Two novel GALNT3 mutations in familial tumoral calcinosis

Familial tumoral calcinosis(TC) is characterized by elevated serum ohosphate concentrations, normal or elevated 1.25(OH)(2) vitamin (D,) as well as periarticular and vascular calcifications. Recessive mutations in the mucin-like-glyco-syltransferase GalNAc transferase-3 (GALNT3) and the phosphaturic hormone fibroglast growth factor-23 (FGF23) have been shown to result in TC. in the present study, mutational analyses were performed on two patients with TC to determine the molecular basis of their diseases. Analysis of the first patient reavealed a novel, homozygous base insertion (1102_1103insT) inGALNT3 exon 5 that results in a frameshift and premature stop codon (E375X). The second patient had a novel homozygous transition (1460 g>a) in GALNT3 exon 7, which caused a nonsense mutation (W487X). Both mutations are predicted to markedly truncate the mature GALNT3 protein product. Although the patients carry GALNT3 mutations, these individuals presented with low-normal serum concentrations of onact biologically active FGF23 in TC, a comprehensive assesment of the reported TC mutations was also performed. In summary, we have detected novel GALNT3 mutations that result in familial TC, and show that disturbed serum FGF23 concentrations are present in our cases as well as in previously reported cases. These studies expand our current genetic understanding of familial TC, and support a pathophysiological association between GALNT3 and FGF23. (C) 2007Wiley-Liss, Inc