Solar extreme ultraviolet variability of the quiet Sun

The last solar minimum has been unusually quiet compared to the previous minima (since space-based radiometric measurements are available). The Sun's magnetic flux was substantially lower during this minimum. Some studies also show that the total solar irradiance during the minimum after cycle 23 may have dropped below the values known from the two minima prior to that. For chromospheric and coronal radiation, the situation is less clear-cut. The Sun's 10.7\,cm flux shows a decrease of $\sim4\%$ during the solar minimum in 2008 compared to the previous minimum, but \ion{Ca}{II} K does not. Here we consider additional wavelengths in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV), specifically transitions of \ion{He}{I} at 584.3\,\AA\ and \ion{O}{V} at 629.7\,\AA , of which the CDS spectrometer aboard SOHO has been taking regular scans along the solar central meridian since 1996. We analysed this unique dataset to verify if and how the radiance distribution undergoes measurable variations between cycle minima. To achieve this aim we determined the radiance distribution of quiet areas around the Sun centre. Concentrating on the last two solar minima, we found out that there is very little variation in the radiance distribution of the chromospheric spectral line \ion{He}{I} between these minima. The same analysis shows a modest, although significant, 4\% variation in the radiance distribution of the transition region spectral line \ion{O}{V}. These results are comparable to those obtained by earlier studies employing other spectral features, and they confirm that chromospheric indices display a small variation, whereas in the TR a more significant reduction of the brighter features is visible

Effect of acupressure on cervical ripening

Background: Cervical ripening is one of the main stages of initiation labor. Acupressure in Chinese medicine is considered as an invasive technique, which through reliving oxytocin ripens the cervix. Acupoint Sanyinjiao (SP6) was selected in this study because it is the acupoint selected in gynecology and it is easy for women to locate and apply pressure without medical assistance. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of acupressure on cervical ripening. Patients and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 150 primigravida with term pregnancy who had referred to Deziani hospital in Gorgan were chosen and divided to three groups: in the first group acupressure was done by the researcher while in the second groups this was performed by the mother her self, and the third group served as a control and only received routine care. For both intervention groups the pressure was applied on Sp6 for about 20 minutes during one to five days. Elements were checked from cervical ripening at 48 and 96 hours after intervention and at the time of hospitalization. The tools for gathering information included demographic characteristics and midwifery history questionnaire, daily records and follow up forms. Content validity was used for validity of tools. Reliability of the observation check-list and physical examination was confirmed by inter-rater scores (inter observer), and daily records by test-re-test. Data was analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-squared tests (P ≤ 0.05). Results: There was a significant difference between mothers’ educations in the three groups. Most of the mothers (59.5%) in the researcher-performed acupressure group had secondary education. Cervical ripening was significantly different between the three groups after 48 hours (P ≤ 0.05), yet there was no significant difference after 96 hours and at the time of admission. Mean Bishop score was enhanced after 48 hours in the researcher-performed acupressure group (P ≤ 0.021) and the self-performed acupressure group (P ≤ 0.007) in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: The results showed that acupressure is a safe technique and leads to cervical ripening. Thus, regarding the desired results that were achieved when mothers applied acupressure themselves, it could be suggested that it is beneficial for mothers to be trained to apply this method at home. © 2015, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal

Investigation of heavy metals in edible mushrooms consumed in Shahrekord

زمینه و هدف: آلودگی به فلزات سنگین یکی از نگرانی های مهم بهداشت مواد غذایی است. وجود عناصر سمی در بستر قارچ ها ممکن است منجر به جذب آن ها شود که در این صورت مصرف قارچ با اشکال مواجه خواهد شد. این تحقیق با هدف تعیین غلظت عناصر سنگین منگنز، کروم، آهن، سرب، روی و مس در قارچ خوراکی موجود در شهرکرد صورت گرفته است. روش بررسی: این مطالعه به روش مقطعی- توصیفی انجام گرفت. 6 نمونه از قارچ های خوراکی پرورشی موجود در بازار شهرکرد و 2 نمونه از قارچ خوراکی وحشی انتخاب گردید. نمونه برداری به روش سرشماری با 3 بار تکرار به فاصله ی زمانی یک ماهه در فصل بهار انجام شد. از هر نوع قارچ 3 نمونه و در مجموع تعداد 24 نمونه گرفته شد. نمونه ها با استفاده از روش هضم اسیدی هضم شدند، سپس توسط دستگاه اسپکترو متری جذب اتمی غلظت عناصر تعیین گردید. یافته ها: میانگین مقادیر سنجش شده روی (94/14±29/61)، (11/29±48/58)، آهن (69/8±29/26)، (93/11±30/28)، سرب (56/0±05/2)، (35/0±07/2)، کروم (41/0±46/1)، (91/0±1/1)، مس (68/5±99/22)، (67/6±83/25) و منگنز (72/0±8/3)، (99/0±25/6) میلی گرم در کیلوگرم به ترتیب در قارچ های پرورشی و وحشی به دست آمد. یافته های این تحقیق نشان می دهد که میانگین غلظت روی در هر 2 نوع قارچ (وحشی- پرورشی) در حد مجاز استاندارد (CODEX/FAO/WHO) کروم، سرب، آهن بیش تر از حد مجاز استاندارد و منگنز، مس کم تر از حد مجاز استاندارد به دست آمد. نتیجه گیری: با توجه به اینکه برخی نمونه ها حاوی فلز سنگین کروم، سرب، آهن با مقادیر بالاتر از حد مجاز می باشند و با توجه به مصرف روز افزون قارچ های خوراکی پرورشی در ایران دقت بیش تری در مورد شرایط و محیط پرورشی قارچ ها لازم می باشد

Juvenile Aeolian Deposits at Badra Area - Eastern Iraq

Badra area represents one of those desertified areas, in which the preliminary stage of aeolian activity is very evident. Nabkha dunes and sand sheets are the major wind formed deposits in the area. Nabkhas or more precisely micronabkhas represent the major dune type which imposes a clear indication of the desertification vitality in the area. Such an area may represent an ideal example of how desertification is acting, whereby a well-vegetated area some three decades ago is turning now to a barren land.These vegetation dunes were studied from the morphological, mineralogical and textural aspects. The special dimensions of these dunes are usually small not exceeding a meter in height and a few meters in length indicating a mild wind action with a predominant NW direction. Ripple marks, and adhesion structures are also noticed.The dune sand samples are mainly formed of silty sand with an average median of 2.56Ø (fine sand), average mean 2.55Ø (fine sand), average standard deviation or sorting 0.55Ø (well to moderately well sorted), and negatively skewed. These parameters reveals a fluvial influence besides the dominant dune action.The light mineral fraction of Badra dune samples composed of quartz, calcite, feldspar, and evaporites as major constituents, while the heavy minerals fraction is dominated by the opaques, chlorites, epidote, garnet, mica, amphiboles, and pyroxenes. Probable sediment sources is greatly controlled by the eastern dune belt that extends from Baiji dunes in the northeast to Chailat dunes in the southeast. The sediments of the nearby alluvial deposits of Tigris river may also have their influence.One of the  most  effective  and  sure remedies  for  the  Badra  area  will  be  the efficient  use  of  the  existing  water  resources, in  which  rain  water harvesting and ground  water  resources  are maintained and used to develop more effective ways of irrigation so that the area can be rejuvenated. Keywords: Nabkha Dune, Desertification, Heavy Minerals, Statistical Parameters.

The Rules of Forensic Medicine Examination in Diagnosis of Electrical injury in Childhood

Background: History taking is a duty that must get out in different situation as child's parents or in adults by themselves, to able provide the best helps in minimum time. Certainly, the information come out from history have significant effects on management plans. Case Presentation: A 16 months baby that transfers to ER department with complete cardiorespiratory arrest and after response to resuscitation the medical management was done for him. As history taking, he found unconsciousness near dress pan with wet dressing in bathroom. In physical exam the little impact traumatism on his/her head and face was detected. In blood and urine samples, there were not significant findings for toxicological screening. The physician requested for forensic specialist consultation for ruling out any child abuse doubt. The future examination was done by forensic team and they found the hyperkeratotic nodules on palmar surface of first phalange of right index finger due to electrocution. Conclusion: The history taking and following physical exam have greatest significant moment and the detailed and exact physical examination include whole parts of body, especially in children who couldn't present and complain about their problems completely

Screening for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with aortoiliac atherosclerosis: a preliminary study

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAs) usually present with rupture and carry a high morbidity and mortality rate. Early detection of TAAs with screening methods and elective surgical repair could potentially diminish these complications. The present study was aimed at screening for TAA in patients with angiography-proven aortoiliac atherosclerosis (n = 43). A group of patients without aortoiliac atherosclerosis was used as controls (n = 15). Age, sex and aortic diameter at the level of the T12 vertebra were recorded. The subjects were divided into two age categories, the first made up of those aged less than 65 years and the second those aged 65 years or more. A T12 aortic diameter greater than 35 mm was used to indicate TAA. Statistical analyses were performed by independent t-test and general linear model with age category, sex and atherosclerosis as factors. The mean T12 aortic diameters were greater in patients with atherosclerosis than in the control group (25.2 ± 5.0 vs. 22.9 ± 2.4 mm; p = 0.034). Two out of 43 patients (4.7%) with aortoiliac atherosclerosis had TAA, while no one in the control group had TAA. A general linear model showed that the interaction of age category and sex significantly affected the T12 aortic diameter [F (1.49) = 4.044, p = 0.050]. Post hoc (LSD) tests revealed that male patients aged over 65 had greater T12 aortic diameters than other patients. We conclude that patients with aortoiliac atherosclerosis may be at greater risk for developing TAA. Ageing and male sex may also be associated with thoracoabdominal aortic enlargement. (Folia Morphol 2008; 67: 78-83

Psychological empowerment and its associated factors among operational staff of tehran emergency center

Introduction: Emergency medical personnel often face chronic stress which in many situations causes psychological problems. In this regard, psychological empowerment can reduce psychological tensions in health care environment through increasing efficiency and motivation. Aim: To investigate psychological empowerment and its related factors in operational staff of Tehran Emergency Center (TEC). Materials and Methods: In this analytical study, a total of 285 people were selected by simple sampling method from 1100 operational staff of TEC. Data was collected using demographic information and Spritzer�s psychological em powerment questionnaire. SPSS/19 software and descriptive analytical tests were used for data analysis. Results: The findings suggested that most of the participants (46) were in intermediate level in terms of psychological empowerment, and the mean score of psychological empowerment in participants was 46.43. A significant correlation was found between the dimension of self-determination of psychological empowerment and work experience (p<0.05). Conclusion: Due to the critical duties of medical emergency centers in maintaining and improving public health, and based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the authorities should pay more attention to the capabilities of the staff while giving responsibilities to them and to conduct effective planning in this regard. © 2018, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved

Psychological empowerment and its associated factors among operational staff of tehran emergency center

Introduction: Emergency medical personnel often face chronic stress which in many situations causes psychological problems. In this regard, psychological empowerment can reduce psychological tensions in health care environment through increasing efficiency and motivation. Aim: To investigate psychological empowerment and its related factors in operational staff of Tehran Emergency Center (TEC). Materials and Methods: In this analytical study, a total of 285 people were selected by simple sampling method from 1100 operational staff of TEC. Data was collected using demographic information and Spritzer�s psychological em powerment questionnaire. SPSS/19 software and descriptive analytical tests were used for data analysis. Results: The findings suggested that most of the participants (46) were in intermediate level in terms of psychological empowerment, and the mean score of psychological empowerment in participants was 46.43. A significant correlation was found between the dimension of self-determination of psychological empowerment and work experience (p<0.05). Conclusion: Due to the critical duties of medical emergency centers in maintaining and improving public health, and based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the authorities should pay more attention to the capabilities of the staff while giving responsibilities to them and to conduct effective planning in this regard. © 2018, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved

Prevalence of Cannabis Lifetime Use in Iranian High School and College Students: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analyses,and Meta-Regression

Cannabis is the most widely used substance in the world. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of cannabis lifetime use (CLU) in high school and college students of Iran and also to determine factors related to changes in prevalence. A systematic review of literature on cannabis use in Iran was conducted according to MOOSE guideline. Domestic scientific databases, PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar, relevant reference lists, and relevant journals were searched up to April, 2014. Prevalences were calculated using the variance stabilizing double arcsine transformation and confidence intervals (CIs) estimated using the Wilson method. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q statistic and I-2 index and causes of heterogeneity were evaluated using meta-regression model. In electronic database search, 4,000 citations were retrieved, producing a total of 33 studies. CLU was reported with a random effects pooled prevalence of 4.0 (95 CI = 3.0 to 5.0). In subgroups of high school and college students, prevalences were 5.0 (95 CI = 3.0 to -7.0) and 2.0 (95 CI = 2.0 to -3.0), respectively. Meta-regression model indicated that prevalence is higher in college students (beta = 0.089, p < .001), male gender (beta = 0.017, p < .001), and is lower in studies with sampling versus census studies (beta = -0.096, p < .001). This study reported that prevalence of CLU in Iranian students are lower than industrialized countries. In addition, gender, level of education, and methods of sampling are highly associated with changes in the prevalence of CLU across provinces

Prognostic factors for esophageal squamous cell Carcinoma-A Population-Based study in Golestan province, Iran, a high incidence area

Golestan Province in northern Iran is an area with a high incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We aimed to investigate prognostic factors for ESCC and survival of cases in Golestan, on which little data were available. We followed-up 426 ESCC cases participating in a population-based case-control study. Data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazard models. Median survival was 7 months. Age at diagnosis was inversely associated with survival, but the association was disappeared with adjustment for treatment. Residing in urban areas (hazard ratio, HR = 0.70; 95 CI 0.54-0.90) and being of non-Turkmen ethnic groups (HR = 0.76; 95 CI 0.61-0.96) were associated with better prognosis. In contrast to other types of tobacco use, nass (a smokeless tobacco product) chewing was associated with a slightly poorer prognosis even in models adjusted for other factors including stage of disease and treatment (HR = 1.38; 95 CI 0.99-1.92). Opium use was associated with poorer prognosis in crude analyses but not in adjusted models. Almost all of potentially curative treatments were associated with longer survival. Prognosis of ESCC in Golestan is very poor. Easier access to treatment facilities may improve the prognosis of ESCC in Golestan. The observed association between nass chewing and poorer prognosis needs further investigations; this association may suggest a possible role for ingestion of nass constituents in prognosis of ESCC. © 2011 Aghcheli et al