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Background and Aim: In recent years, increasing dust storms originating from the Iran's neighbors in the west have led to social, economic, and health concerns. The aim of this study was to assess the acute health effects of dust and estimate the mortality rate associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders, attributed to dust particles in Ilam city, by using WHO protocols. Material and Methods: In this study, concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were measured from March 2012 to Feb 2013. The measurement was performed using the Grimm aerosol spectrometer model 1.108. Air Quality Health Impact Assessment software (Air Q 2.2.3) was used for quantification of health outcomes attributed to PM10 in Ilam, Iran. Results: Using the model, the number of cumulative excess mortality, mortality due to cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and all admitted patients due to cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases attributed to PM10 in Ilam were 69.2, 42.5, 12.3, 80.3 and 208.7 cases respectively. The additional cases of disorders attributed to PM10 showed an increasing trend with concentrations of more than 100 µg/m3. This trend was more severe with concentrations of more than 200 µg/m3. Conclusion: The estimated rates of health outcomes attributed to PM10 associated with dust storms necessitate urgent regional measures to bring the problem of harmful particles under control. In addition, personal care and training are of great importance. Keywords: Ilam, Dust storms, PM10, Air Q software, Health outcome Received: Sep 28, 2014 Accepted: Jan 6, 2015

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Background and Aim: Cancers have a special place in health programs because of the costs of diagnosis and treatment as well as their irreversible complications. Distribution of diseases and their relationship with certain geographical areas is a confirmed subject producing a scientific background for medical geography. This study aimed to determine the five-year incidence of gastric cancer and its relationship with geographical factors in Khuzestan Province between 2009 and 2013.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study we assessed the incidence rate and relationship of gastric cancer with environmental, geographic and climatic factors. The study included all patients with gastric cancer in Khuzestan Province, between 2009 and 2013. The demographic and pathologic data of the patients had been recorded in a comprehensive cancer registration system. Using SPSS version 16, data were analyzed by independent T-test, Kruskai-Wallis test and ANOVA. Mapping of climatic factors was performed by Arc GIS.ver10.3 software.

Results: 1587 patients with gastric cancer had been recorded between 2009 and 2013 in the province's comprehensive cancer registration system. The mean age of the patients was 62.57± 14.17 years. 1047 patients (66%) were male, and 540 (34%) were female. The cumulative incidence of gastric cancer, was estimated as 35 per hundred thousand people. The relationship between gastric cancer and mean rainfall was statistically significant (p: 0.04).

Conclusion: The incidence rates of gastric cancer in different regions of the Khuzestan Province were not the same which can be related to the demographic variables as well as different geographic and climatic factors. Therefore, in order to identify the related risk factors in different regions further epedemeological  and etiological studies are recommended.

Key words: Incidence rate, Gastric cancer, GIS, Geographical factors.

Received: Oct 26, 2016      Accepted: Dec 23, 2016

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Background and Aim: Congenital hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder and is one of the main causes of mental retardation in the newborns. Genetic, environmental and geographical factors are associated with the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence rate and correlation of geographical factors with congenital hypothyroidism in Ilam Province.
Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive analytical study and evaluated the incidence rate and geographical distribution of congenital hypothyroidism in the newborns in Ilam Province from the beginning of 2006 to the end of 2016. We studied the results of heel samples of the newborns between 3 to 5 days of age who had been screened for congenital hypothyroidism in the referral laboratories of the health centers of the health department of the Ilam University of Medical Sciences in all cities of Ilam Province. We used ArcGIS (ver 10.3) software for evaluation of geographical distribution. Statistical tests of Poisson regression and scatter plot were used to investigate the relationship between geographical factors and the incidence rate of congenital hypothyroidism. Data analysis was performed by use of SPSS 16 software.
Results: Based on the findings of the screening of 106900 newborns born in Ilam Province, the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in this study was 2.61 in 1000 live births (2.7 male newborns / 1000 live births, and 2.48 female newborns / 1000 live births). Among all the patients 55.4% were male and 44.6% were female. There was a significant correlation between the mean annual rainfall and herbal coverage with congenital hypothyroidism (p<0.05). Mean annual temperature, sunlight and relative humidity had no significant relationship with the disease (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, incidence of congenital hypothyroidism is high in Ilam Province. Abdanan and Ilam cities had the highest incidence rates of hypothyroidism and are among the high risk hotspots of the disease. As a result, authorities should take appropriate measures in order to control and reduce the incidence of this disease in the province. Also, among the geographical factors, the mean annual rainfall, herbal coverage and sunlight were associated with congenital hypothyroidism.

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Background and Aim: Osteoporosis is one of the most common bone diseases that is caused by an imbalance between the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) plays an active role in inhibiting osteoclasts by binding to the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). The balance in the OPG/RANKL ratio is important in bone remodeling. The current study investigated and compared the effects of mumie extract and chemical drugs on cell proliferation, expression of OPG and RANKL in MG63 cells.
Materials and Methods: The effects of 100, 200 and 300 μg/ml of mumie extract on cell proliferation, expression of OPG and RANKL in MG63 cells were investigated in experimental groups, positive and negative control groups. Data were analyzed by ANOVA test.
Results: Significant increases were observed in the proliferation of MG63 cells after exposure to 100 and 200 μg/ml concentrations of mumie extract. 200 μg/ml concentration of the extract significantly decreased the expression of RANKL and increased the expression of OPG. It also increased OPG/RANKL ratio significantly in the experimental groups, compared to those in the negative control groups. Although the effects of 100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml concentrations were similar to each other, they showed no significant effects on the variables. 300 μg/ml concentration of the extract showed a reverse and insignificant effect.
Conclusion: 200 μg/ml concentration of mumie extract had a significant effect on the expression of two important factors in bone remodeling. Therefore, individuals susceptible to osteoporosis can use mumie extract as an alternative to chemical drugs.