Fuzzy Logic Modeling of Factors Affecting Musculoskeletal Disorders in a Steel Factory in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to model associated factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), using fuzzy logic in a steel factory in Iran.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on steel industry workers. A 6-part questionnaire was used, consisting of demographic characteristics, occupational stress, work–family conflict, general health, occupational postures, and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Pearson correlation was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of MSDs for 270 participants in the studied factory was 94.8%. Job stress, work–family conflict, general health, and work posture had a statistically significant relationship with MSDs (P < .05). The fuzzy model demonstrated 23.8% predictability for the actual data of the study. The defuzzification data had significant correlation with real data of MSDs.ConclusionsThe results of this study provided a new perspective about associated factors affecting MSDs and demonstrate that fuzzy logic can be used as a possible tool for evaluating MSDs.     

Bench-to-bedside review: Antidotal treatment of sulfonylurea-induced hypoglycaemia with octreotide

The major potential adverse effect of use of sulfonylurea agents (SUAs) is a hyperinsulinaemic state that causes hypoglycaemia. It may be observed during chronic therapeutic dosing, even with very low doses of a SUA, and especially in older patients. It may also result from accidental or intentional poisoning in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. The traditional approach to SUA-induced hypoglycaemia includes administration of glucose, and glucagon or diazoxide in those who remain hypoglycaemic despite repeated or continuous glucose supplementation. However, these antidotal approaches are associated with several shortcomings, including further exacerbation of insulin release by glucose and glucagon, leading only to a temporary beneficial effect and later relapse into hypoglycaemia, as well as the adverse effects of both glucagon and diazoxide. Octreotide inhibits the secretion of several neuropeptides, including insulin, and has successfully been used to control life-threatening hypoglycaemia caused by insulinoma or persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia of infancy. Therefore, this agent should in theory also be useful to decrease glucose requirements and the number of hypoglycaemic episodes in patients with SUA-induced hypoglycaemia. This has apparently been confirmed by experimental data, one retrospective study based on chart review, and several anecdotal case reports. There is thus a need for further prospective studies, which should be adequately powered, randomized and controlled, to confirm the probable beneficial effect of octreotide in this setting.     

Reliability of a patient survey assessing ＂Short Form Injury Questionnaire 7＂ in Iran

Objective: Injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world.The assessment of patterns and severity of injury in high-risk groups is crucial for planning and service development.On a lar...     

Daily apple versus dried plum: impact on cardiovascular disease risk factors in postmenopausal women

BackgroundEvidence suggests that consumption of apple or its bioactive components modulate lipid metabolism and reduce the production of proinflammatory molecules. However, there is a paucity of such research in human beings.ObjectiveWomen experience a lower rate of cardiovascular disease before menopause compared with men. However, after the onset of menopause, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases drastically due to ovarian hormone deficiency. Hence, we conducted a 1-year clinical trial to evaluate the effect of dried apple vs dried plum consumption in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors in postmenopausal women.DesignOne-hundred sixty qualified postmenopausal women were recruited from the greater Tallahassee, FL, area during 2007-2009 and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: dried apple (75 g/day) or dried plum (comparative control). Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months to measure various parameters. Physical activity recall and 7-day dietary recall were also obtained.ResultsNeither of the dried fruit regimens significantly affected the participants' reported total energy intake throughout the study period. On the contrary, women who consumed dried apple lost 1.5 kg body weight by the end of the study, albeit not significantly different from the dried plum group. In terms of cholesterol, serum total cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the dried apple group compared with the dried plum group only at 6 months. Although dried plum consumption did not significantly reduce serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, it lowered their levels numerically by 3.5% and 8%, respectively, at 12 months compared with baseline. This may explain the lack of significance observed between the groups. However, within the group, women who consumed dried apple had significantly lower serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 9% and 16%, respectively, at 3 months compared with baseline. These serum values were further decreased to 13% and 24%, respectively, after 6 months but stayed constant thereafter. The within-group analysis also reported that daily apple consumption profoundly improved atherogenic risk ratios, whereas there were no significant changes in lipid profile or atherogenic risk ratios as a result of dried plum consumption. Both dried fruits were able to lower serum levels of lipid hydroperoxide and C-reactive protein. However, serum C-reactive protein levels were significantly lower in the dried plum group compared with the dried apple group at 3 months.ConclusionsThere were no significant differences between the dried apple and dried plum groups in altering serum levels of atherogenic cholesterols except total cholesterol at 6 months. However, when within treatment group comparisons are made, consumption of 75 g dried apple (about two medium-sized apples) can significantly lower atherogenic cholesterol levels as early as 3 months. Furthermore, consumption of dried apple and dried plum are beneficial to human health in terms of anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties.     

In vitro assessment of bee venom effects on matrix metalloproteinase activity and interferon production

Controversial immunomodulatory properties of bee venom (BV) have provided an appropriate field for more investigation. The aim of present research was to verify the effects of honeybee venom on matrix metalloproteinase activity and interferon production as well as cell proliferation in monocyte and fibroblast cell lines.The monocyte and fibroblast cell lines (K562, HT-1080, WEHI-164) were used in order to assess proliferative response, interferon-1 production and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity. Australian BV (ABV) and Iranian BV (IBV) preparations at concentrations of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 1microg/ml were added to each overnight cultured cells. In time course study, cells were treated each with ABV and IBV. In all cases supernatants were collected 24 hours after treatment. A sample of the each medium was used for zymography and interferons assay. Non-treated cells were used as controls.The production of IFN-a and IFN-b in supernatant of cell cultures was assessed using enzyme linked immunoassay procedure. MMP-2 activity, as an inflammatory index, was evaluated using zymoanalysis method.The results of this study showed that, there were no significant difference between two sources of honey bee venoms when they were added to an identical cell line, whereas, the responses of various cell lines against bee venom were different. The increasing amounts of bee venom to human monocyte cell line (K562) revealed a significant increase in proliferative response. Our findings showed that the bee venom had no influence on IFN-a production in cell culture media, whereas, adding the BV to K562 cell line could significantly increase the production level of IFN-b only on day 8 post-treatment. In addition the effect of bee venom on MMP-2 activity in both cell culture media, WEHI-164 and K562 was similar. The stimulatory effect of bee venom on MMP-2 activity occurred at low doses. In contrast, its inhibitory effect was seen at high concentrations.It is concluded that, honeybee venom affects on MMP-2 activity and interferon beta production as well as cell proliferation in a time and dose-dependent manner.     

Alteration in Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPS) Activity in Fibroblast Cell Line by Dexamethasone: A Possible Mechanism in Corticosteroid-Induced Glaucoma

Corticosteroids are often used as anti-inflammatory agents in a variety of inflammatory diseases. It is well established that long-term administration of corticosteroids predisposed the patients to develop glaucoma. Although the exact pathophysiology of steroid-induced glaucoma is unknown, it is assumed that Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have a role in its pathogenesis. To study and estimate the pathophysiological effects of MMPs in glaucoma, we established an in vitro cell culture model. We also employed a precise proliferation assay to analyze cytotoxic effect of dexamethasone. The influence of dexamethasone on MMPs production was investigated using an in vitro gelatin Zymography. Cytotoxcity analysis of Dexamethasone revealed no significant cell death in low concentration. However, it caused 50% and 70% cell death at 80 and 100 mg/mL respectively. It also revealed an inhibitory effect on MMPs by dexamethasone in a dose dependent fashion. It may be concluded that an alteration in the level of MMPs expression by dexamethasone interferes with ocular fluid drainage and may contribute to the pathogenesis of glaucoma.