Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has been considered as an alternative to prenatal diagnosis for prevention of genetic disorders while avoiding the subsequent termination of pregnancy. However, the limited amount of template DNA available in a single diploid cell used for PGD leads to number of problems including an increased incidence of detectable contamination; amplification failure and allele drop out. Due to their highly polymorphic and amplifiable characteristics, short tandem repeat (STR) analysis has been proposed as a mean to overcome these limitations. Heterozygosity of the applied STRs is of paramount importance in their informativity, and should therefore be studied in any certain population. Here, for the first time, we report on the heterozygosity analysis of five STR markers (D5S1408, D5S1417, D5S610, D5S629 and D5S637) flanking to SMA gene region, to examine their applicability in the PGD for SMA disease. We have also investigated other statistical features of these markers and found that all of the five studied STRs were informative and four meet the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for the studied population. Furthermore, our results propose that similar approaches can be used for the PGD of other single gene disorders.
In many countries, railway is considered as the second source of ambient noise pollution, just after the noise from urban traffic. It is out of the question that the train noise is very annoying for the inhabitants in surrounding areas. The present study assessed noise pollution caused by passing inter-urban trains in southern Tehran using sound statistical parameters. In order to assess train noise pollution of areas surrounding the inter-urban railroads including residential and industrial places, as well as healthcare centers, a total number of 99 measurement stations were selected. To that end, the instruction present by EPA was followed up to measure maximum, minimum and equivalent sound level using sound level meter of TES 1358 type. Finally, a train noise index (TRNI) was derived from the relevant equations and field measurements. The obtained results revealed that the equivalent sound level was equal to 77.21 dB throughout the axis Tehran–Khorasan and 74.38 dB within the axis Tehran–Azerbaijan at all intervals of 15, 25, 50, 100 and 200 m from the railway. The investigations also suggested that with increasing distance from 15 to 200 m, the daily equivalent sound level decreases around 12.55 and 17.73 dB in axes Tehran–Khorasan and Tehran–Azerbaijan, respectively. The TRNI was also decreased equal to 18 and 16.53 dB in the axes Tehran–Khorasan and Tehran–Azerbaijan, severally. Involving multiple criteria including maximum, minimum and equivalent sound level, the TRNI is much more accurate than mere equivalent sound level so it would be more appropriate tool for noise pollution assessment.
Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common but absolutely preventable occupational diseases. One of the measures to prevent and control noise's harmful effects in the workplaces is the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) that workers do not often accept to use or do not use throughout the entire work shift. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of delegating the right to choose HPD to workers on the increase of the duration of using them. Methods: This interventional study was conducted on 60 male workers divided into two groups, intervention (n: 30) and control (n: 30), who were exposed to non-permissible sound levels during sampling. A questionnaire including BASNEF constructs was completed by both groups in two stages, ie, before intervention and 3 months after completion of the intervention delegating the right to choose HPD to workers. Durations of using HPD were recorded in two stages in intervention and control groups and compared. Data analysis was conducted by SPSS 22. Results: In intervention group, the number of workers who used HPDs full time was 0 (0%) before intervention and 16 (53.33%) after intervention. The duration of using HPDs significantly increased after intervention in intervention group than in control group. Conclusion: The intervention based on providing HPDs that are appropriate for the needs and wishes of workers and available as well as promoting their use in the work environment can persuade them to use such devices continuously.
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