Iranian Journal of Public Health
Volume:31 Issue: 1, Spring and Summer 2002

Environmental pollution of soil, plants and deposits around highways endanger urban environment through heavy metals as the by-products of vehicles and urban industries along with other pollutants. In this research, three main highways of Tehran city; namely Shahid Chamran, Shahid Hemmat and Yadegar Emam which had the highest rate of vehicle transportation were selected and required sampling was performed in various distances and specific spots. After preparation of the sample by applying standard method, the concentration of 5 metals such as; lead, cadmium, nickel, zinc and copper were measured by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometer–flame absorption. The TSS, TS, sodium and potassium contents were measured as well. The results showed the presence of maximum zinc contents ranging from 0.86 to 5.85 mg l-1 and lead contents of 0.6 to6.5 mg/l, both as the highest metal contents in the three highways. On the other hand, the average concentration of total heavy metals found in the highways were measured for the 5 metals and showed the degree of pollution in Chamran highway, with 3.294 mg/l zinc, 3.06 mg/l lead, 0.210 mg/l copper, 0.127 mg/l nickel and 0.058 mg/l cadmium concentrations. Nevertheless, the heavy metals concentration in Hemmat highway had the minimum amount. It seemed that the high degree of pollution in Chamran highway is due to very heavy and lengthy traffic in this highway, since it is located in the central part of Tehran. It also joins northern part of the city to the downtown area and tolerates a heavy traffic jam of vehicles. In addition, due to the slow traffic move and long stops in Chamran highway, tires undergo more abrasion due to repeated brakes and this intensifies, zinc discharge and lead releases from automobile fuels, all of which are being factors that lead to an increase in the metals contents of runoffs of Chamran highway. The aforementioned subject matters reveal urban management’s need to arrange for more controlled and coordination in traffic, environmental preservation and hygiene, particularly in the urban highways.

A cross-sectional study to determine whether occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs can cause hematologic changes was performed. Blood samples were collected from a group of 24 hematology/oncology nurses who were exposed to antineoplastic drugs during a mean preiod of 5.5 years (standard error =1.1). The control group, matched by sex, and age, consisted of 18 nurses, worked on other sections. Within the normal range we found significant differences between the exposed and the control group in the absolute mean number of the total white blood cells (t=-2.50; df=40; P<0.05) and neutrophils (t=-1.72; df=40; P<0.05; one tailed test). The findings suggested, that the hematologic changes can serve as biological markers for medical surveillance and early detection of health problems due to handling antineoplastic drugs.

Two organochlorine, one organophosphate, two carbamate and two pyrethroid insecticides have been studied for their comparative study against field-collected An.pulcherrimus. The trail was conducted in Ghasreghand district, Sistan and Baluchistan province, Southeastern Iran using WHO impregnated papers at the diagnostic dose. Results revealed that this species exhibit resistant to 0.4% dieldrin (mortality 86 ± 2.07). Dose response regression line from interval exposure times to 0.4% dieldrin showed that LT50 and LT90 was 14 and 76 minutes, respectively. The efficacles of other insecticides such as 4% DDT, 5% malathion, 0.1% bendiocarb, 0.1% propoxur, 0.25% permethrin and 0.1% lambdacyhalothrin were maximum when mosquitoes exposed 1 hour at diagnostic dose followed by 24 hour recovery period.

Transferrin acts as a vehicle for iron transportation between the absorption, storage and utilization sites in the body and, besides iron, its two high-affinity iron-binding site are capable of binding to 29 other elements. In physiological and pathophysiological conditions, transferrin’s properties are different and close attention to these properties is required. For further investigation for the above properties, it is necessary to have this protein in highly pure state.The purpose of this research was to isolate and purify the human transferrin from serum with native properties and high purity. The results of this research lead to a protocol for the isolation and purification of human transferrin which is cost-effective and time saving to produce anti-transferrin antibody for immunological kits.

In order to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitude and health behaviour among menopausud women, a random sample of 250 menopaused women was studied. The data was collected by using a questionnaire and analysed by the SPSS programe. The study showed that seventy woman (28%) had good Knowledge, only twenty seven women (11%) had a positive attitude, and forty women (16%) had good healthy behaviours regarding menopause duration. Also the results of this study revealed that there is a positive correlation between knowledge, attitude and healthy behaviour (P<0.001). According to the findings of this study, the menopausal women must be educated about correct health behaviour because by increasing their knowledge, they will develope a positive attitude and have a healthy behaviour in menopausal years.

A storke is the sudden onset of focal neurologic deficit from a vascular mechanism and is the 3 rd cause of death in developed countries. This study was carried out to evaluate the known risk factors of stroke and their effect on the onset of it in Shahid Behesti hospital in Kashan in 1998. The descriptive strategy of this study was conducted on 300 patients with CVA, that their illness was documented based on their clinical and CT-Scan findings. The informations about the patients was listed in an information list after hospitalization. Most cases were between 70-80 years old. 64% of cases had hypercholestrolemia, 15% diabetic history, 54% hypertension, 40.6% had positive history of smoking and 22.4 % had combined hyperlipidemia. Considering the high incidence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes among the patient with CVA, and the high incidence of smoking as well, more attention is needed to reduce these risk factors in the society.

The most common reason for women ceasing breast-feeding were lack of support and appropriate advice. To explore the advice about breast-feeding given by community midwives and compare and contrast their advice in Swansea (UK) and Shahrekord (Iran). Data collected through semi-structured interview with a sample of 12 community midwives, 6 from each country. Purposive sample was selected as capable of giving a wide range of responses. Following transcriptions of the interviews, data were analyzed using a content analysis approach.Within Education, Support, Antenatal and Postnatal Advice Themes, categories and sub-categories emerged from the data. Participants were generally aware of their role in supporting women in the process of breast-feeding.The knowledge obtained through research and education should be shared with women so that informed decision of feeding method can be made. More training staff might produce better outcome.

Brucellosis has remained a great problem of health in most of countries, which have failed in control of zoonosis infections. This disease is caused by species of Brucella and usually is transferred from animals to humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis among animal farmers of Yazd province. In this descriptive study, 933 animal farmers were investigated by serological tests and blood culture method. Then the data were analyzed by SPPS statistical program. The results showed that the frequency distribution of seropositive cases by MAT and STAT were 35 (3.2%); 25 (2.7%) males and 10 (1.1%) females. The highest and lowest incidences of seropositive cases were among age group of 21-30 (1%) and more than 60 (0.3%) years old, respectively. Of the 35 seropositive cases, 2MET positive were 5 (0.5%), while all blood cultures were negative.

The methylotrophic thermo tolerant actinomycete strain 381, was isolated from a compost sample, assimilated methanol during growth. Methanol dehydrogenase could not be detected in cell extracts using dye-linked assays in the absence of NAD+. Dichlorophenol-indophenol-linked methanol oxidation was detected in broken cell suspensions in the presence of NAD+ and the absence of cyanide. Taxonomic studies showed that actinomycete strain 381 was distinct from Nocardia species 239, which has also been reported to contain an NAD+– dependent methanol dehydrogenase. The organism can also utilizes pyruvate, casamino acid, glucose, glycerol and many other carbon sources as described before. Preliminary enzyme studies suggested that the cell extracts contained phosphoribulokinase and (RUBP) ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (the two key enzymes for Calvin cycle) which–compounds indicating that actinomycete strain 381, assimilates C1by the means of Serine pathway.

The immounological responses to S. aureus cell wall antigens, namely crude or whole cell, teichoic acid (TA) peptidoglycan prepared in conventional way (CPG), cell wall (CW), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) were investigated by number of immunological methods e.g. RIA, ELISA, immunodiffusion and western blotting techniques.Also a method for preparation of peptidoglycan (MPG) was modified and used as vaccine for our protection studies. In general the responses in rabbits (serum titre) to fractions of S. aureus, varied, crued antigen showed the highest end-point titer while lipoteichoic acid showed the lowest end-point. The highest end-point titre was always seen between homologous sera and antigens. Modified pepdidoglycan and cell wall (PG + TA) showed the similar titre against S. epidermidis hyperimmueserum. The cross – reactivty was also seen between fractions by S. aureus Bate. S. aureus Wood (lack protein A) S. epidermidis and streptococci against various immune sera tested by Elisa and gel diffiusion. The results demonstrated that protective antibody can be obtained between different strain or species of bacteria due to the presence of common antigen or antigenes especially PG in gram - positive bacteria.

Colorectal carcinoma is the most common gastrointestinal malignancy in the United States of America. In women the incidence is second to breast carcinoma; and in men it is the third most common carcinoma after lung and prostatic carcinoma. The overal incidence of colorectal carcinoma has had an increase in the first half of the past century, and has remained unchanged since. But the anatomic location has changed in the past 30 years, so that in the west 75% of the involvement was in the last 25 centimeters of the large bowel and within the reach of rigid sigmoidoscopy in those earlier years. But recent data shows that this figure is close to 60%, and since the total incidence has not changed, the right sided involvement has increased. In Iran there has been a change quite dissimilar with changes in the United States. In a study done in Iran 1956-1980 the involvement of the right colon was over 40%; but in the present study the involvement of right colon was 27% and sigmoid and left colon 29%, and the rectum 44%. So it can be concluded that the site of colorectal carcinoma has changed in Iran, in the opposite direction with what has happened in the west.

Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica and F.gigantica is one of the major public health problems in the world and in Iran. Considering that stool examination for Fasciola eggs is not a sensitive method and only 25% of infected patients pass the eggs in the faeces, and immunodiagnosis methods are more applicable for this purpose, the present study was conducted to compare the somatic (S) and cysteine proteinase (CP) antigens of F.gigantica in IgG-ELISA to diagnose human fasciolosis. This has been the first report on this case so far in Iran. Serum samples obtained from 178 individuals collected during the fasciolosis outbreak in 1999 in the Gilan province, northern Iran, that were coprologically positive for fasciolosis, were analyzed by IgG-ELISA for total antibody responses against (S) and CP antigens from Fasciola gigantica. The cut-off points for (S) and CP were 0.38 and 0.33, respectively. All cases that showed clinical manifestations of fasciolosis, were also seropositive using both (S) and CP antigens whereas all 25 non-infected controls were seronegative. Therefore, the sensitivity of the test was 100% for both antigens. On the other hand the specificity of (S) and CP antigens were calculated as 96.4% and 98.1%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of the test regarding (S) antigen were 97.8% and 100%, whereas these values as for CP antigen were 98.9% and 100% correspondingly. Two individuals with hydatidosis and two with toxocariasis had antibodies against (S) antigen whereas concerning CP antigen, one individual with hydatidosis and another with toxocariasis showed cross reactivity against it. We have demonstrated that altogether CP antigen provide a more conclusive diagnosis as possessing lower cut-off and enabling better to discriminate between seronegative and seropositive subpopulations.This study may be useful to implement a reliable test to diagnose human fasciolosis and for seroepidmiological objectives.

The prevalence of primary infection with T. gondii in pregnant women and risk of congenital infection in their neonates in various parts of Tehran are unknown. The prevalence rate of antibodies to T. gondii ranges from 24% in Tehran to 62.7% in Babol. This study describes the epidemiology of toxoplasma infection in pregnant women in Tehran and risk factors of congenital toxoplasmosis in newborn among preterm infants and full- term infants born from these mothers. A cross sectional study was carried out in 140 primiparus women living in various part of Tehran. Initially from each case a questionnaire was completed by the authorized physician, followed by clinical exams in newborns. The birth certificate was the data source used for such as gestational age, birthweigt, etc. The centrifuged blood specimens from all pregnant women are screened using an assay for Toxoplasma- specific IgM and IgG based on preliminary evidence in Iran. Specific toxo- IgM was positive in 7.1% (90% of them were also IgG positive), toxo – IgG was positive in 34.3% of mothers. Mean age of IgG positive mothers (22.49±4.22), mean age of IgM positive mothers (19.90 3.48). There were significantly differences between living place of mothers and IgG positive (p=0.007). There were significantly differences between living place of mothers (East and central) and IgM positive (Fisher test = 0.023). Elaborating an epidemiological profile and risk correlates might help focus prenatal education and newborn screening strategies. Prenatal screening could be more easily justified in central part of Tehran because low incidence populations detected and probably treatment of mothers infected during pregnancy led to lower rates of transmission to the newborn. In contrast, in eastern part of Tehran due to high seroprevalence rate detected, newborn screening is relatively inexpensive and efficient.

Field collection in Nahavand county (Hamedan Province, Iran) revealed 9 blister beetle (Col: Meloidae) species from three different tribes of subfamily Meloinae. In tribe Mylabrini, Mylabris impressa Chevrolat 1837, Mylabris schreibersi Reiche 1865, Mylabris variabilis (Pallas, 1781), Mylabris guerini Chevrolat 1837, Lydoceras bilineatus Thomas 1897 and Croscherichia spp. Pardo Alcaide identified; whereas in tribe Lyttini Alosimus smyrnensis (Maran 1942) and Muzimes iranicus (Maran 1942) found. Another species was Calydos alloushei Kaszab 1960 of tribe Eupomphini. Two records of Mylabris impressa and Mylabris schreibersi are quite new for Iranian fauna. There are some interesting mimicry rings between meloid species and 8 species of other coleopteran families which indicates a remarkable Müllerian mimicry. Mimics of the following families have taken advantage of Meloid aposematism towards a better natural fitness: Cerambycidae, Cleridae, Pedilidae, Melyridae, Chrysomelidae, Cantharidae and Cicindelidae. Canthariphily of families Chrysomelidae, Cantharidae and Cerambycidae are new reports which have never been shown elsewhere.

Regarding to the escalating trend of environmental pollutions, especially air pollution in Great City of Tehran, the perspective and study of the conditions for supply and consumption trends of fuels, with specific to fossil fuels, can lead to formation of significant figures and data. On the other hand, recognition, and if possible, reformation of environmental management schemes in the supply and consumption sector for fossil fuels, can turn to be highly, efficient in erasure of the existing imbalance in domestic supply and consumption of fuels. For this purpose, several studies have been taken place to cover the procedures for fuel supply, and to promote management skills in Great City of Tehran. Based upon the findings of this study the utmost consumption rate of fuels, such as oil, gasoline, petrol and natural gas, belongs to the District 4 of Tehran municipality, with nearly %9.34 of Tehran’s total fuel consumption figure. By viewing the said percentage, it could be interpreted that the district 4 is the vastest and most populous district in Tehran, and is made of middle and high class social strata. In addition to that, the lowest fuel consumption rate, is, that of Tehran’s district 22, with nearly %0.75 of Tehran’s total consumption rate, which is due to the fact that, this district has been, recently, annexed to Tehran’s Twenty different districts. Meanwhile, district 22 is along side Alborz Mountions strips and Tehran-Karaj motorway: while being less populous, with a social texture made of low income strata and labourers. This study, is based on Coontz and Odanel management theories and managerial five faceted obligations for the overall supply and consumption systems, and for gradual eradication of the current in appropriate fuel supply and consumption trends, which, on one hand, leads to a decline in these produce and resources and, on the other hand, leads to environmental pollutions, specially air pollution, regarding the existing cultral frame work in Tehran and its economic and socio-political status.

There is growing evidence that lectin-carbohydrate interactions can mediate the infection of parasites to their insect vector. Many insect species are host or vectors of protozoan or metazoan parasites that cause socially and economically important disease such as malaria and leishmaniasis. However, relatively little work has been undertaken concerning the interaction of insect immunity against parasite invasion with respect to lectins activities. Both immune defences (cellular and noncellular) of insect haemolymph react in order to combat the diverse array of natural pathogens and other microorganisms. The most of immune substances are innate, naturally-occurring and nonspecific molecules present in haemolymph. When the physical defences of the insect gut or integument are breached by an invading organism an innate response begins, characterized by immune system''s agents such as coagulation, melanization, phagocytosis, encapsulation and nodule formation. Nevertheless, in many cell types such as insect haemocytes, carbohydrates are known to be crucially involved in cell-cell interactions and many studies have addressed the role of carbohydrates and carbohydrate-binding molecules in the adhesion of parasites to their host. As mentioned above, one candidate for attachment and invasion may be lectins or lectin-like molecules that are known to mediate cell-to-cell interaction. In order to the basic understanding of pathogens transmission by vectors, in this article, the interaction between parasites and insect vectors has been reviewed with respect to role of lectins molecules.