Investigation of the relationship between perceived social support and body image in women with breast cancer

Background

Patients with breast cancer have more body image disorders than healthy individuals. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between perceived social support and body image in women with breast cancer. This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 192 women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy or tumor resection with breast preservation referred to Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz from February 2016 to May 2017. Data collection tools included Demographic Information, Perceived Social Support, and Multidimensional Body-Self Relationship Questionnaires (MBSRQ). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22 and Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate linear regression. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The Pearson correlation test showed a positive and significant relationship between perceived social support from family, friends, and leading people and body image in mastectomy (r 0.81) and tumor resection groups with breast preservation (r 0.78) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results showed a direct relationship between perceived social support and body image in women with breast cancer. Accordingly, by educating patients and their families and medical staff about the importance of perceived social support, it is possible to help improve the dimensions of social support in these patients and improve the body image of these patients.

Assessment of the adecuacy of KIM-LHC method in assessing the risk level based on biomechanical loads for manual lifting tasks: A laboratory study

Introduction: Manual Material handling includes activities in which pushing, pulling, lifting, lowering, carrying, and holding the load, the most common of which is lifting. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of the KIM-LHC method to identify high-risk manual load lifting tasks. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on healthy male workers with a history of manual material handling in a laboratory setting. The sample size was determined according to previous studies of 15 people. The participants were required to perform 25 tasks with four iterations randomly. An inclinometer device was used to determine the forward bending angle at the waist. Compression loads exerted on L5/S1 were estimated using 3DSSPP software using participants' postural and anthropometric information. Also, the tasks were evaluated using the KIM-LHC method, and their final scores and levels of MSD risks were determined. Data were analyzed using SPSS.20 software and the Chi-square test. Results: The results of compression load estimation for lifting tasks showed that 92% of the tasks had a low-risk level (less than 3400 N), and 8% of the tasks had a medium-risk level (3400 to 6800 N). While the results of the KIM-LHC method showed that 28% of tasks had a low-risk level, 64% had a medium level, and 8% had a high-risk level.  Conclusion: The results of this study showed no correlation between the risk levels of the KIM-LHC method and the estimated compression load for some designed lifting tasks. Therefore, there is a possibility of error in estimating the risk level of some lifting tasks by the KIM-LHC method, and more biomechanical studies should be performed on kinetics and kinematics. 

Comparison of the Effect of Milk and Pistachio Snacks on Anthropometric Indices in Overweight or Obese Women: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Background

Weight management is the key to prevent and treat the adverse consequences of overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of consuming milk and pistachio snacks on anthropometric indices in overweight or obese women.

Methods

In this randomized crossover trial, 60 overweight or obese women with a mean age of 24 ± 4.2 years were randomly divided into two groups. Women in the milk group received 200 mL/day low-fat milk while women in the other group received 30 g/day pistachio for 4 weeks. After a 6-day washout period, the participants received a similar intervention in a crossover manner.

Results

Out of the total 60 participants, 52 completed the study. At the end of the study, the weight of women in the milk group significantly decreased (70.8 ± 8.4 vs. 69.9 ± 8.3, P value = 0.001). No statistically significant changes were observed in the weight of participants in the pistachio group (70.3 ± 8.4 vs. 70.6 ± 8.3, P value = 0.06). Further analyses showed a slightly significant beneficial effect on waist circumference (WC) (P-value =0.068) and body mass index (BMI) in the milk group P value = 0.01).

Conclusions

Based on the observed positive effects of milk intake on weight loss in this crossover study, milk consumption may be considered an appropriate snack in weight loss programs in overweight or obese women.

Reliability, validity, and normative investigation of Persian version of a High-Level Language Test (BESS)

Our study aimed at reliability, validity, and normative investigation of the Persian version of the High-Level Language Test (BESS). This study was conducted on 60 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients as well as 60 healthy individuals. After translating the BESS into Persian, its content validity was determined based on 10 experts working in the same field. The reliability of the test was determined using techniques such as the test-retest method, Cronbach's alpha, and clinical validity. The content validity ratio (CVR) was higher than 0.62 for every subtest, and the content validity index (CVI) was between 0.1 and 0.8 for all subtests. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was between 0.70 and 0.93, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was between 0.80 and 0.96. Clinical validity results showed a significant difference between means of patients' scores and healthy subjects scores (p ≤ 0.005). The Persian version of BESS benefits from high reliability and validity values. Speech therapists can use the test to examine high-level language disorders in MS patients.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Vocal Fatigue Index into Persian

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) in Persian.

METHODS

The English version of the VFI was translated to Persian using the guidelines of International Quality of Life Assessment. Eighty participants with voice disorders and 50 healthy controls without any voice disorders completed the Persian version of the VFI. The 80 participants with voice disorders completed the VFI a second time a week from the initial completion to evaluate test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

The VFI measure demonstrated a strong internal consistency. Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.95 for tiredness and avoidance of voice use, 0.86 for physical discomfort and 0.83 for improvement or lack thereof of symptoms with voice rest. VFI also showed a high test-retest reliability (r = 0.75-0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

The Persian version of the VFI is considered to be a valid and reliable questionnaire for identifying individuals with probable vocal fatigue. The VFI can be utilized in clinics across Iran in the assessment and treatment of individuals with vocal fatigue.

Physical workload and musculoskeletal disorders in back, shoulders and neck among welders

This study aimed to determine the effect of the physical workload on the back, neck and shoulders of welders. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was assessed using the Nordic questionnaire among 15 welders. The physical workload of the neck, back and upper arms was then measured by means of inclinometry as the welders were working. The results revealed that the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders during the previous 12 months was in the lower back and shoulders. The median trunk and neck flexion were significantly associated with back and neck pain in welders with symptoms during the past year (p < 0.05). Physical exposure in welders with pain was characterized by significantly more awkward postures and percentage of time spent with the trunk and neck flexed more than 20°. The nature of their work and the design of their workstations may be causes of the symptoms they experienced during work.

A survey of the incidence of dyslipidemia and its components in people over 20 years old in Ahvaz: A cohort study 2009-2014

INTRODUCTION

Dyslipidemia is one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis and the main cause of death in the developing and developed countries. In this cohort study, the incidence of dyslipidemia and its components have been studied among individuals over 20 years old in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Phase 1 of this study was conducted on the prevalence of Metabolic syndrome and its related factors by Diabetes Research Center in 2009. The target population included individuals over 20 years old who were selected using cluster sampling in Ahvaz health centers. In the second phase of the study, 5 years later in 2014, subjects were again recalled by health centers. Questionnaires, anthropometric indices and measurements were repeated similar to Phase 1. The blood sample was taken from everyone after 12h of fasting and then the factors (Chol, TG, HDL) were measured.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of dyslipidemia obtained 60.7% (males 56.7% and females 64.8%). lipid profile {HDL, Triglycerides and Cholesterol had changes in their means(a significant reduction in the mean about 10, 22.25 and 13 units respectively) between baseline and 5 years later. Waist circumference here associated with incidence of high LDL and high chol, also sex and High LDL 'educational level and daily consumption of vegetables were associated with incidence of low HDL and dyslipidemia respectively.

CONCLUSION

Age, educational level and daily intake of fruits and vegetables were effective variables on incidence of dyslipidemia. According to various studies, LDL and HDL levels in different regions of Iran, seems to be influenced by factors such as climate, nutrition and activity levels.

Prevalence, awareness and risk factors of diabetes in Ahvaz (South West of Iran)

INTRODUCTION

This study was designed to assess the prevalence of diabetes in people aged over 20 years in Ahvaz, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population was chosen by cluster sampling. A checklist included: age, sex, weight, height, blood pressure, waist circumference, educational level, smoking status and previous history of diabetes was completed for each patient. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) ≥126mg/dl and/or oral hypoglycemic treatment and/or insulin consumption was defined as diabetes, FPG=100-125mg/dl as Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) and FPG <100mg/dl as normal.

RESULTS

Study population was 944 persons. Mean age of population was 42.2±14 years. Diabetes was detected in 15.1% of population. Only 40.4% of cases were aware of their disease. Diabetes was detected in 14.7% of female and 15.7% of male participants. Diabetes was related to age, waist circumference, family history of diabetes, hypertension, waist to hip ratio, educational level, marital status, serum triglyceride, cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) in both genders. But by using logistic regression analysis, age, family history of diabetes, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and marital status had significant effect on diabetes.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that using FPG criteria or current medication 15.1% of this population had diabetes and about 60% of patients were unaware of their disease. Age, hypertension, family history of diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia and marital status are the risk factors of diabetes in Ahvaz population. IFG have high prevalence and diabetes screening should be intensified in this population.

Biocontrol of the Brown-Banded Cockroach, Supella longipalpa F. (Blattaria: Blattellidae), with Entomopathogenic Fungus, Metharhizium anisopliae

BACKGROUND

Considering to the high distribution of cockroaches as urban pests, the efficacy of different formulations of Metarhizium anisopliae strain Iran 437C were assessed against the brown-banded cockroach, Supella longipalpa F. under laboratory and field conditions.

METHODS

Metarhizium anisopliae isolates were screened with immersing adults of the brown-banded cockroachs in aqueous suspension of 10(8) conidia ml(-1) followed by surface or bait treated with different doses of the most virulent isolate against the nymphs. Then formulations of conidia oil-in-water were examined versus cockroach nymphs using different plant oils and paraffin. Then they were evaluated and compared with aqueous suspension and control group. On a large-scale, the sunflower oil-in-water formulation of conidia was sprayed at houses using a hand sprayer.

RESULTS

Metarhizium anisopliae IRAN 437C was the most virulent isolate against the brown-banded cockroach, causing 100% mortality in adults at seven days post-exposure. Inoculated bait with this isolate was not enough pathogenic against the cockroach even at two weeks after treatment. Treated surface with conidia as aqueous suspension or oil-in-water formulation was more effective than the bait formulation against the cockroach caused 39.4-97.2% mortality compared with 2.5% mortality in control group after two days. Spraying the conidia formulated with sunflower oil was an effective formulation causing 76.1% reduction in the cockroach density on the third day post treatment in the houses.

CONCLUSION

The oil-in-water formulation of M. anisopliae IRAN 437C could be recommended as a promising alternative for cockroach control.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of zinc sulfate vs. placebo in the treatment of pruritus of hemodialytic patients: a pilot randomized, triple-blind study

AIM

Improvement of uremic pruritus has been reported under short-term administration of oral zinc sulfate. Objective of the study was to confirm efficacy and safety of oral zinc sulfate in pruritus of hemodialytic patients

METHODS

A pilot randomized, triple-blind study was conducted to evaluate the pruritus of hemodialytic patients. Forty eligible patients were screened and assigned to receive either zinc sulfate (220 mg/d) or matched placebo for a 4-week trial. Pruritus scale was evaluated at the initiation of the study and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after the treatment. We used a modified score proposed by Duo assessing pruritus severity, distribution of pruritus, and frequency of pruritus-related sleep disturbance.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients completed the study. The mean pruritus score decreased in both groups during the first and the second weeks of trial; however, it was more prominent in zinc group than placebo one. In the zinc group, 4 (20%) patients showed pruritus discontinuation during treatment period whereas, in the placebo group, the number was only 1 (5%) patient. Nonetheless, T-test revealed no statistically significant difference between the zinc and placebo groups (P=0.88 and P=0.56, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that oral zinc sulfate (220 mg/d) during four weeks treatment might be safe and effective in discontinuation of uremic pruritus, but it was not significant. This could be because of the small number of patients; therefore, we suggest conducting more studies with larger sample size.

The effect of vitamin D on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Most of the women suffer from vaginal atrophy and dryness, and therefore, efficient and safe treatment is needed to improve vaginal lubrication. Vitamin D has several important functions which may be effective in proliferation and repair of the epithelial tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D vaginal suppositories on maturation index, pH, and dryness in postmenopausal women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Women were enrolled in this double-blind clinical trial, in whom menopause occurred at least one year ago. Those women who had an abnormal Papanicolaou smear, had undergone hormonal treatment, or have had vaginal infection in the previous year were excluded. Forty-four women who found eligible were randomized into two equal groups, the treatment and control groups, which received vitamin D and placebo vaginal suppository daily for 8 weeks, respectively. Vaginal pH and maturation value were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Pain, dryness, and paleness were assessed before treatment and at the end of the 2, 4, and 8 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

In the treatment group, the number (Mean ± SD) of superficial cells increased (69.76 ± 12.4) and vaginal pH decreased (1.42 ± 0.67) significantly compared to the control group after 56 days. The mean pain significantly reduced after 8 weeks in the treatment group (1.23 ± 0.53) compared to the control group 1.95 ± 0.74 (P < 0.001). The mean of dryness and paleness reduced significantly in the treatment group versus control at 56 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D is effective in improving the maturation index and decreased the pH and dryness of the vaginal atrophy due to menopause.

Evaluation of Conidia-Dust Formulation of the Entomopathogenic Fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae to Biocontrol the Brown-Banded Cockroach, Supella longipalpa F

Background:

The brown-banded cockroach Supella longipalpa (F.) as a mechanical vector of pathogens and source of allergens has recently become widespread in the city of Ahvaz, southwestern Iran.

Objectives:

This research was done to evaluate the efficacy of a dust-formulation of Metarhizium anisopliae isolate IRAN 437C, as a common entomopathogenous fungus, against S. longipalpa.

Materials and Methods:

Conidia dust-formulations of M. anisopliae were prepared in proportions of 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50% and 100% with bad wheat flour as the carrier. Cockroaches were exposed to surfaces treated with 1.5 mg/cm² of the formulations under laboratory and semi-field conditions.

Results:

Cockroach mortality rates increased and survival times (ST₅₀) decreased with an increased proportion of conidia from 1% to 100% but records taken for mortality and survival time from proportions of 25%, 50% and 100% were not significantly different. The mortality rates reached 100% and 90-100% in adults and nymphs, respectively on the seventh day. The lowest ST₅₀ was related to the proportion of 100% (3 days). Probit analysis indicated LD₅₀ and LD₉₀ values of 1.7 × 10⁶ and 1.7 × 10⁷ conidia/cm² for adults and these values changed to 4.5 × 10⁶ and 2.9 × 10⁷ for third and fourth instar nymphs at three days post exposure. Proportion of 25% caused mortality rates of 87%, 81% and 73% in adult, adult & nymph and nymph populations, respectively at four days after exposure under room conditions.

Conclusions:

Conidia dust-formulation of M. anospliae isolate IRAN 437C could present a promising alternative to control the brown-banded cockroach.

Comparison of changes in postprandial serum leptin between healthy and type 2 diabetic individuals

INTRODUCTION

Leptin resistance may be intensified by insulin resistance. This vicious cycle between insulin resistance and leptin resistance may increase feelings of hunger and reduce energy expenditure and ultimately increase obesity. In this study, postprandial changes in leptin, insulin and glucose were compared between healthy subjects and patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

Six men with Type 2 DM and seven healthy men (matched for age and body mass index), after 12 hours of fasting, ate the same Iranian meal (chelo kebab kobibeh) consisting of 46% carbohydrate, 21% protein, 33% fat and 743 kcal energy. Blood samples were obtained before and 1, 2 and 4 hours after the meal, and serum leptin, insulin and glucose levels were measured. The area under incremental curve (AUIC) computed using the Trapezoidal method with fasting values was deducted from each time point, yielding net postprandial changes.

RESULTS

Leptin levels at the first hour were significantly reduced in both groups and then increased at the second and fourth hours after the meal, although not reaching fasting values in the diabetic group at the 4th hour. AUIC for leptin was significantly lower in the diabetic group (p = 0.023). Despite high levels before the meal, the early increase in insulin in the diabetic group was lower and declined more slowly than in the healthy group. The incremental area under the insulin curve was significantly lower in the control group than in the diabetic group (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

It appears that an increased leptin level two hours after the meal is due to increased serum insulin and glucose levels. Leptin AUIC after meals in people with Type 2 DM is lower than in healthy people and may be due to decreased responsiveness to insulin in adipocytes because of insulin resistance.

Two-Point Discrimination Test in the Treatment of Right-handed Females with Lumbosacral Radiculopathy

Non-somatic causes of pain may aggravate painful complaints and complicate the conservative management of diseases such as lumbo-sacral disk root disease. The two-point discrimination test has been used for assessment of diseases, which change patients' skin sensation. This study aims to find out how applicable is two-point discrimination test in the conservative treatment of lumbo-sacral disk diseases. Twenty right-handed females suffering from unilateral lumbo-sacral disk disease were admitted for a conservative treatment from 2006 to 2009. The treatment consisted of a week bed rest, physiotherapy, and medication. They were subjected to straight leg raising tests, and their pains were evaluated using visual analog scale. The values of two-point discrimination test were obtained bilaterally for L(4), L(5) and S(1 )dermatomes. Changes between the involved and intact lower limbs as well as values of two-point discrimination test before and after the treatment were also compared. In addition, the correlation between the outcome of two-point discrimination, straight leg raising tests, or pain scores were evaluated. There was a significant (P<0.001) difference between the changes in the values of two-point discrimination test, pain scales, or straight leg raising tests in the involved and intact limbs before and after the treatment. However, correlation among variables did not reach statistical significance (P<0.94, r=0.017). The results indicated that although two-point discrimination test is a feasible and objective tool to evaluate patients' improvements during the conservative management of lumbo-sacral disk diseases, there were no strong correlations between two-point discrimination test and straight leg raising tests, or pain scale.

Prevalence of cryptosporidium infection in immunocompromised patients, in South-west of iran, 2009-10

BACKGROUND

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection by antigen detection in faeces among immunocompromised patients referred to educational hospitals of Ahvaz City, South-West of Iran, 2009-2010.

METHODS

Fecal samples from 176 immunocompromised patients were collected and Cryptosporidium coproantigen test was performed using ELISA method (DRG kit, Germany). A questionnaire was completed for each case and the results were analyzed using descriptive and Chi-Square tests, by SPSS statistical software (15(th) version).

RESULTS

Our study indicated 5.1% Cryptosporidium infection prevalence in the immunocompromised participated population. Furthermore, 4.2 %, 4 %, 4.5 % and 9.1 % infection rates were identified in children suffered from hematopoietic malignancy, adult cancer patients, renal transplant recipients, and HIV(+) cases, respectively. There was not significant correlation between the infection and age and gender (P>0.05). Infection was most frequent among HIV(+) patients.

CONCLUSION

The present study confirmed the high prevalence of Cryptosporidium antigen in fecal samples of immunocompromised patients in the region. As no chemotherapeutic agents have yet proven, especially in immunosuppressed patients, therefore our results highlight the importance of preventive intervention in these groups.

Apple cider vinegar attenuates lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats

In this study, the effect of apple cider vinegar on Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats was investigated. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats (300+/-30 g) by the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg kg(-1) of body weight). Both normal and diabetic animals were fed with standard animal food containing apple cider vinegar (6% w/w) for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose did not change, while HbA1c significantly decreased by apple cider vinegar in diabetic group (p<0.05). In normal rats fed with vinegar, significant reduction of low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) (p<0.005) and significant increase of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) levels (p<0.005) were observed. Apple cider vinegar also reduced serum triglyceride (TG) levels (p<0.005) and increased HDL-c (p<0.005) in diabetic animals. These results indicate that apple cider vinegar improved the serum lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats by decreasing serum TG, LDL-c and increasing serum HDL-c and may be of great value in managing the diabetic complications.

The genotoxicity study of garlic and pasipy herbal drops by peripheral blood micronucleus test

The in vivo rodent micronucleus test is widely used as a genotoxic assay to detect the clastogenic activity of chemicals. In this research the genotoxic effects of herbal drops of garlic and pasipy were evaluated using the micronucleus test. Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) was determined by a dose-response test. For each medicine three treatment groups were considered with doses of MTD, 1/2 MTD and 1/4 MTD according to the CSGMT protocol (1995 Japan). Drugs were administered orally to mice (test groups). Mitomicin C was used as a known genotoxic agent in positive control group. The peripheral blood samples before treatment (zero time samples) were considered as negative control. The appearance of a micronucleus is used as an index for genotoxic potential. The results obtained indicated that the herbal drops showed genotoxicity effect and it was dose-dependent compared to the negative control group. This genotoxicity was significant (p < 0.05) but the genotoxic effects of garlic and pasipy were "not significant" compared to the historical negative control group (p > 0.05). Therefore our results if compared to the negative control group is significant and it is worthy of consideration.