The role of curcumin during pregnancy on the exposed fetuses' tissues of Wistar rats to electromagnetic field.

To investigate curcumin (CUR) as the protector against the harmful effects of low-frequency electromagnetic field(LF- EMF, 50 Hz) during pregnancy period, 5 males and 15 females of Wistar rat mated and vaginal plaques were observed. Then, the pregnant rats were divided into six groups. During pregnancy(21 days), the EMF group was exposed to EMF for 30 min/day, the CUR group received a single dose of 50 mg/kg/daily CUR intraperitoneal, the EMF+CUR group was injected CUR and exposed to EMF daily. The DMSO(dimethyl sulfoxide) group was injected solvent of CUR (DMSO) intraperitoneal with the same volume of CUR solvent, the sham group was placed through the solenoid in the same conditions as the first group without exposure and the control group was kept in their cage in normal condition. After four weeks, babies born were divided according to the mother groups and sacrificed. Then, the three tissues injuries were investigated. EMF exposure led to an increase in outstanding necrotic areas in hippocampal tissue, an increase in the amount of hyperemia(p = 0.017) and necrotic(p = 0.005) in kidneys, and degeneration in liver tissue(p = 0.007) in the EMF group compared with EMF+CUR groups. A single dose of CUR daily during pregnancy can protect these tissues from injuries caused by LF-EMF exposure in rat fetuses.

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are able to penetrate and be absorbed by the body. The researchers showed that these radiations might be harmful and lead to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders, and fetal abnormalities. Curcumin as an active component in turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemia properties. It can protect the body against diseases such as arthritis, anxiety, and metabolic syndrome. This study examined the effects of curcumin as the protector against the harmful effects of EMF (50Hz) during pregnancy period. So the pregnant rats were divided into six groups. During pregnancy, a group was exposed to EMF for 30 min/day, the second group was injected a dose of curcumin 50mg/kg/daily, the third group was injected curcumin and exposed to EMF daily. The fourth group was injected a curcumin solvent dose, the sham group was placed through the field generator in the same conditions as the first group without exposure and the control group was kept in their cage in normal condition. After four weeks, babies born were divided according to the mother groups and sacrificed. Then, the liver, kidney, and hippocampal tissues were investigated. EMF exposure led to an outstanding increase in necrotic areas in hippocampal tissue, a notable increase in the amount of hyperemia and necrosis in kidneys, and degeneration in liver tissue(p=0.007) in the EMF group compared with the third group that was exposed to EMF and received curcumin. A single dose of curcumin daily during pregnancy can protect these tissues from injuries caused by EMF(50Hz) exposure in rat fetuses.

Anti-parasitic effects of resveratrol on protoscolices and hydatid cyst layers.

The main goal of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of resveratrol (RESV) on protoscolices and hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granolosus. Echinococcus granolosus protoscolices and hydatid cyst were exposed to RPMI, DMSO, formalin, mebendazole, and different concentrations of RESV in vitro. Then, viability, GGT, and caspase-3 activity of protoscolices were evaluated using light microscopy, colorimetric, and enzymatic assay, respectively. Tissue changes and expression of caspase-3 apoptosis were analyzed on the hydatid cyst wall by histologic and immunohistochemistry methods. The cell toxicity effect of RESV was evaluated on mouse PBMCs by Annexin V-FITC assay. The RESV-treated protoscolices showed loss of viability, increased gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and caspase-3 activity with significant differences compared to all control groups (P < 0.05). Dose and time dependence of mortality, GGT, and caspase-3 enzymatic activity was confirmed in the protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus treated by RESV. Also, the tissue changes and apoptosis were prominent in RESV-treated hydatid cyst layers; however, tissue changes were only time-dependent, and RESV concentration had no apparent effect on tissue. In cell toxicity evaluation, RESV is safe without any significant apoptosis induction from 31.5 to 250 µg/ml; however, it was significant at 350 and 500 µg/ml in PBMCs.

Effects of anthropometric factors on foot size in normal preschool children of Iran / Efectos de los factores antropométricos sobre el tamaño del pie en niños preescolares normales de Irán

The growth pattern of children is affected by anthropometric dimensions. This study was aimed to investigate anthropometric factors related to growth of preschool children of a sample population in Iran. This study was performed in year 2011 on 1320 of 4­7 years old preschool children in Arak. To classify, body mass index (BMI), height and weight were recorded. The four contact points (head, back, buttocks, and heels) were maintained against the spine of the stadiometer during measurement. The head was positioned in the Frankfurt plane, and the sliding bar was lowered the crown of the head. Height was measured and recorded by the researchers. A pair of manual calibrated Seca scales was used to measure body mass in kilograms. The participants were least dressed in the uniform. We have classified BMI to four groups as group1, BMI with 10.75­15 and group 2, 3, 4 with 15.1­17 and 17.1­20, 20.1­22.5, respectively. Foot length was recorded as the distance from the posterior aspect of the heel to the most distal aspect of the longest toe. Foot length was measured with subjects standing upright using a foot board, a plastic device with calibrated lineation (in centimeters and millimeters). Analysis showed that sex neither affect on BMI nor foot measurements. The present findings contribute to the understanding of the effect of body mass on the structural development of the pediatric foot and musculoskeletal system. Excessive body mass seems to lead to increased foot length and width.

El patrón de crecimiento de los niños se ve afectado por las dimensiones antropométricas. El objetivo fue investigar los factores antropométricos relacionados con el crecimiento de los niños en edad preescolar de una muestra poblacional de Irán. Este estudio se realizó en el año 2011 en 1320 niños, de 4-7 años, de edad preescolar de Arak. Para clasificar el índice de masa corporal (IMC), se registraron la altura y el peso. Los cuatro puntos de contacto (cabeza, espalda, glúteos y talones) se mantuvieron contra la columna del estadiómetro durante la medición. La cabeza fue colocada en el plano de Frankfurt, y la barra de deslizamiento se redujo al nivel de la corona de la cabeza. Los investigadores midieron y registraron la altura. Se utilizaronn par de escalas manuales Seca calibradas para medir la masa corporal en kilogramos. Los participantes fueron vestidos con el uniforme escolar. Se clasificó el IMC en cuatro grupos: grupo 1 entre 10,75­15, grupo 2 entre 15,1­17, grupo 3 entre 17,1­20 y grupo 4 entre 20,1­22,5. La longitud del pie se definió como la distancia existente desde la cara posterior del talón hasta la porción más distal del dedo más largo. La longitud de pie se midió con los sujetos en posición de pie utilizando una tabla de pie, dispositivo de plástico con la alineación calibrada (en centímetros y milímetros). El análisis mostró que el sexo no influye en el índice de masa corporal ni las medidas del pie. Los presentes hallazgos contribuyen a la comprensión de los efectos de la masa corporal en el desarrollo estructural del pie y el sistema músculo-esquelético pediátrico. La masa corporal excesiva parece conducir a un aumento de la longitud y ancho del pie.

Histological Changes of the Ovary in Pregnant Mice Vaginally Exposed to Toxoplasma gondii.

BACKGROUND: Congenital toxoplasmosis is one cause of abortion. Infection can disrupt ovarian cycles and because toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease may have a similar effect on the ovaries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pathological changes in the ovaries due to toxoplasmosis. METHODS: Tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii were harvested from peritoneal fluid of mice, experimentally infected. Two females and one male mouse were housed per cage for mating in the overnight. The pregnant mice were divided into experimental and control groups. Experimental group were infected by parasite but the control group received the normal saline. The experimental and control mice were euthanized. Ovaries and uterine horns of animals were removed and prepared for light microscopy. RESULTS: Ovaries of infected pregnant mice presented gross morphological differences compared to the control groups. In ovaries of experimental groups, changes of corpus luteum were observed. The comparison of experimental and control groups revealed that the number of primary follicles, secondary follicle, atretic primary follicles and atretic secondary follicles had significant differences (P≤0.001). CONCLUSION: Toxoplasma gondii alters ovarian follicular growth and development in mice. In addition, it alters number of different phases of follicles and corpus luteum in ovaries of mice.

The effects of age and sex on brain volume / Efectos de la edad y del sexo en el volumen del cerebro

Age is associated with substantial macrostructural brain changes. While some recent CT scan studies have reported larger age affects in men than women, others find no sex differences, as brain morphometry is a potentially important tool in diagnosis and monitoring of age-related neurological diseases. A study was conducted on 147 Arakian healthy aged participants in the Department of Radiology, Valie asr Hospital, Arak city. Gray matter (GM), white matter (WM) and CSF was evaluated based on cranial CT scan images. Both males and females subjects were divided into four age groups. In this study, the subjects were 51.7% (76) male and 48.3% (71) female. Frequency of groups showed that the common types were in the 4th group of ages (65.1­80 years) with 44%. Although, in 147cases, all parameters were greater in male than female but no significant differences were seen. The significant differences between the two sexes were in length of cranium and width of cranium. There was significant difference between age groups in male and female. In male groups no significant difference was shown between them, but these were considered statistically significant in female groups in width of cranium (p=0.017), width of gray matter (p=0.008), length of cranium (p=0.052), length of white matter (P=0.024), distance of bicorn anterior (p=0.013), width of white matter in bicoronal Anterior (p=0.046), but in male age groups showed no statistically significant difference. We found changing in brain volume relationship with ageing in population, but this change in female is greater than male.

La edad se asocia con cambios cerebrales sustanciales. Mientras que algunos estudios recientes han reportado que la edad afecta a hombres más que a mujeres, otros no encuentran diferencias sexuales. La morfometría cerebral es una herramienta potencialmente importante en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de enfermedades neurológicas relacionadas con la edad. Se realizó un estudio en 147 participantes sanos de edad avanzada en el Departamento de Radiología, Hospital de Valie asr, ciudad de Arak. La sustancia gris (SG), sustancia blanca (SB) y líquido cerebro-espina (LCR) fueron evaluados en base a imágenes craneales de escáner CT. Los sujetos, hombres y mujeres fueron divididos en cuatro grupos etarios. De los sujetos incluidos en el estudio, 51,7% (76) fueron hombres y 48,3% (71) mujeres. La frecuencia de los grupos mostró que los tipos más comunes estaban en el cuarto grupo etario de (65,1 a 80 años) con un 44%. En 147 casos todos los parámetros fueron mayores en hombres que en mujeres, sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias significativas. Entre los dos sexos las diferencias significativas estaban en longitud de cráneo y ancho del cráneo. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos etarios. En los grupos de hombres, no se demostró ninguna diferencia significativa, pero éstos fueron considerados estadísticamente significativos en ancho de cráneo (p=0,017), ancho de cráneo de las mujeres, la sustancia gris (p=0,008), longitud del cráneo (p=0,052), longitud de la sustancia blanca (P=0,024), distancia anterior del bicornio (p=0,013) y el ancho de la sustancia blanca bicoronal anterior (p=0,046). Sin embargo en los grupos de edad de sexo masculino no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Encontramos cambios en relación al volumen cerebral con el envejecimiento de la población; este cambio en el sexo femenino es mayor que el masculino.

Sonic hedgehog inhibition induces mouse embryonic stem cells to differentiate toward definitive endoderm.

In the experimental group (shh inhibited group), there were significant decreases in the expression of Oct4, Nanog, Shh, GATA4, Brachyury and Goosecoid, while increases were observed for TAT and Pdx1. The expression of Sox17 did not differ between two control and experimental groups. In experimental group, the amount of GSC positive cells was somehow lower but it seems that there was no difference for Sox17. Shh inhibition induces ESCs to differentiate toward definitive endoderm by committing mesendodermal lineages.

Growth pattern in 7-12 years old Arak children (central Iran) in comparison with other ethnic subgroups of Iran.

BACKGROUND: growth is a remarkable index of health and can be influenced by genetic and environment conditions. The pattern of growth is unique for every nation and worldwide studies have demonstrated separate national standards. In the case of Iran, there is not enough information in this field. METHODS: This study was undertaken on 7-12 years old children from Arak. The data for each individual such as age, height, weight and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Differences in the data between two sexes were tested by means of the paired sample t- test and the mean BMI was compared with sex- and age-specific reference values from the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 2000 growth chart using independent sample t-tests. Levels of P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 were recorded as significant. RESULTS: In this study, males were significantly taller and heavier than females at the same age (P < or = 0.01) except for length at age 10 and weight at age 12. The BMI curves were between 50th and 25th percentiles of CDC. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows the effect of socioeconomic background that had been also considered in other studies in Iran. There is a need for ethnic specific growth charts and BMI cut-off points for underweight, overweight and obesity in children of each ethnic subgroup of Iranian population.

The effect of a group exercise program on muscular function among fall-prone elderly women / Efecto de un programa de ejercicios grupales sobre la función muscular entre mujeres de edad avanzada propensas a caídas

In a sampled population of fall-prone elderly women, an exercise protocol was performed for 12 weeks on experimental group and at the end of exercise period, the strength and endurance of muscles and SF-6 Health Surveys were analyzed. Results showed that endurance and strength of muscles and also physical activity were improved in experimental group (P<0.05). Group exercise program causes improvement in both strength and endurance of muscles in fall-prone elderly women. The effect of group exercise program on women may be related to differences in central nervous system of this gender in comparison with men.

En una población de mujeres de edad avanzada propensas a las caídas, se realizó un protocolo de ejercicios durante 12 semanas. Al final del período de ejercicios, se analizó la fuerza y resistencia muscular junto a la encuestas de salud SF-6. Los resultados mostraron que tanto la resistencia y la fuerza muscular, así como la actividad física mejoraron en el grupo experimental (p <0,05). El programa de ejercicio grupal mejoró la fuerza y la resistencia de los músculos en las mujeres de edad avanzada propensas a las caídas. El efecto del programa ejercicio grupal en las mujeres puede estar relacionada con diferencias en el sistema nervioso central de este sexo en comparación con los hombres.

Correlation of skull size and brain volume, with age, weight, height and body mass index of Arak Medical Sciences students / Correlación del tamaño craneal y volumen del cerebro, con edad, peso, talla e índice de masa corporal de los estudiantes de Ciencias Médicas de Arak

Anthropometric indices that are indicators of nutrition status in children and adults can be affected by racial and geographic factors. The aim of present study was to investigate the relation of skull size and brain volume of Arak University of Medical Sciences students with their age, weight, height and body mass index. The present study was a cross-sectional study on 18-26 years old students of Arak University of Medical Sciences (150 female and 136 male) in 2009-2010 educational year. Sampling methods were probability and multi-stage methods which were performed using students' educational file and interviewing the subjects. Questions regarding anthropometric data (height, weight, age, body mass index and skull index) were included in the personal questionnaires. Data was analyzed and evaluated statistically using SPSS statistical software. Mean height was 177.27+/-6.41 cm in males and was 166.61+/-5.35 cm in females. Mean weight of males was 73.33+/-9.11 kg and mean weight of females was 55.55+/-7.28. Mean BMI was 23.20+/-2.43 and 21.27+/-2.69 in males and females, respectively. Mean skull index was 1.99+/-0.26 in males and 2.20+/-0.3 in females. Mentioned data were significantly different between males and females. Also mean age of females was less than males. Positive relations were found between skull volume and height, weight, age and BMI in both sexes and this relation is stronger regarding BMI. The present study, supporting the other studies in this field, confirms the relation between skull index and body mass index and indicates the effect of race. Considering the studied population which are students of Arak University of Medical Sciences and are from different regions of the country, similarities between results of this study and studies from Iran and studies conducted in a special region reveals that factor of race is affected by geographical factors.

Los índices antropométricos que son indicadores del estado nutricional en niños y adultos pueden ser afectados por factores raciales y geográficos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar la relación entre el tamaño del cráneo y el volumen del cerebro con la edad, peso, talla e índice de masa corporal en los estudiantes de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Arak. Se realizó un estudio transversal en estudiantes de 18-26 años de edad en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Arak (150 mujeres y 136 hombres) en el año educativo 2009-2010. Los métodos de muestreo fueron probabilidad y métodos de etapas múltiples que se llevaron a cabo utilizando el archivo escolar de los estudiantes y entrevista a los sujetos. Preguntas sobre los datos antropométricos (talla, peso, edad, índice de masa corporal y el índice del cráneo) se incluyeron en los cuestionarios personales. Los datos fueron analizados y evaluados estadísticamente mediante paquete estadístico SPSS. La altura promedio fue 177,27 +/- 6,41 cm en hombres y 166,61 +/- 5,35 cm en las mujeres. La media de peso de los hombres fue 73,33 +/- 9,11 kg y 55,55 +/- 7,28 de las mujeres. El IMC promedio fue 23,20 +/- 2,43 y 21,27 +/- 2,69 en hombres y mujeres, respectivamente. La media del índice craneal fue de 1,99 +/- 0,26 en hombres y 2,20 +/- 0,3 en las mujeres. Los datos mencionados fueron significativamente diferentes entre hombres y mujeres. Además la media de edad de las mujeres fue menor que en los hombres. Las relaciones positivas se encontraron entre el volumen craneal y la altura, peso, edad y el IMC en ambos sexos y esta relación es más fuerte en relación con el IMC. El presente estudio, da apoyo a los otros estudios en este campo, confirma la relación entre el índice craneal y el IMC, y se indica el efecto de la raza. Teniendo en cuenta la población estudiada que son los estudiantes de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Arak en diferentes regiones del país, las similitudes entre los resultados...

Effects of prenatal exposure to extremely low electro-magnetic field on in vivo derived blastocysts of mice.

BACKGROUND: Indisputable population exposure to widespread electromagnetic fields, has grown concerns over the probable health effects of these fields. OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to examine the possible effects of 50 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure on the number and quality of mice blastocysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In present study, 66 NMRI pregnant females divided into two treated and non-treated groups. The treated group exposed to ELF-EMF (50 Hz and 6×10(-3) T). Subsequently, embryos were collected by flushing the uterine horn and Fallopian tubes on the day 3 of gestation. Number of trophoectoderm (TE) and Inner Cell Mass (ICM) cells in blastocysts were determined after differential nuclei staining using a modified method. Furthermore, number of all flushed blastocysts calculated in each group. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in mean number of blastocysts in treated (6.64±1.34) and none treated (8.22±1.59) groups. In treated group, there were significant decreased in total cell number of blastocysts (p=0.000), number of ICM cells (p=0.000), and number of TE cells (p=0.001) whereas the ratio of ICM/TE cells increased (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The data indicate that ELF-EMF is able to affect cellular composition of blastocysts, but it can't omit total volume of blastocysts.

Effect of exposure to extremely low electro-magnetic field during prenatal period on mice spleen.

Total body weight of newborns, the volume of spleen, and the number of megakaryocytes decreased following the exposure to ELF-MF (6 x 10(-3) T and 50 Hz) at 1-5, 6-10, 11-15, and 16-20 days of pregnancy of mice. The complete period of gestation was sensitive to ELF-MF exposure; the initial days were more prone to exposure. The results suggest that the use of ELF-MF producing instruments should be limited during gestation.

Abnormal originating of vertebral artery in the superior mediastinum: A case report

This study reports the anomalous origin of the left vertebral artery from the beginning of the subclavian artery at the superior mediastinum with no other variation in the pattern of the great vessels of the aortic arch. Indeed, the length of the prevertebral segment (first part) of the left vertebral artery was longer than that of right vertebral artery (AU)

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Mind map teaching of gross anatomy is sex dependent / Mapa conceptual en la enseñanza de la anatomía macroscópica es dependiente del sexo

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using Mind Maps in teaching anatomy and compare it with traditional based slide. This cross-sectional research was carried out in 2009 on 79 second year medical undergraduate students at Ahvaz Jondishapour University of Medical sciences. Four class lectures on the topics of head and neck osteology were taught. The lectures were slide based designed that were chosen from the chapters in the anatomy textbooks and presented by means of a video projection power point system. The students divided randomly into two groups; one group educated by traditional slides while the other by mind map based designed ones. At the end of the term, a multiple-choice involved forty test was undertaken from two groups. The data was investigated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired T test (p<0.05). The mean scores of females in mind map group were higher than that for traditional one (p<0.04), while there were no significant differences in the mean scores of the men of two groups. The mean scores of females were significantly higher than the males in mind map group (p<0.02) and although the mean scores of females in traditional group was higher it was not significant. This paper has shown the efficacy of using mind maps for teaching gross anatomy as a study aid, even when use has been limited to a single exposure. The study found sex-dependent of learning, suggesting that sex may determine the optimal neural network for designing teaching protocols. Indeed, for females, that have obtained better scores, the use of bilateral neural network seems to facilitate the learning process by mind map teaching of anatomy.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad del uso de mapas conceptuales en la enseñanza de la anatomía y compararla con la tradicional basada en diapositivas. Esta investigación de corte transversal se llevó a cabo en el año 2009 en 79 estudiantes de pregrado del Segundo Año de Medicina en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas Ahvaz Jondishapour. Fueron analizadas cuatro clases conferenciales en los temas de cabeza y cuello óseo. Las conferencias diseñadas se basaron en el uso de diapositivas las que fueron seleccionadas desde los capítulos de libros de Anatomía y se presentaron por medio de proyección de videos utilizando el sistema power point. Los estudiantes fueron divididos aleatoriamente en dos grupos: un grupo educado por diapositivas tradicionales mientras que el otro se basó en el diseño de mapas mentales. Al final del ciclo de conferencias, una prueba de opción múltiple de cuarenta preguntas se aplicó en ambos grupos. Los datos fueron investigados mediante el análisis de varianza (ANOVA) y prueba de la t de Student (p<0,05). Las puntuaciones medias de las mujeres en el grupo de mapa mental fueron mayores que las del grupo diapositivas (p<0,04), mientras que no hubo diferencias significativas en las puntuaciones medias de los hombres de ambos grupos. Las puntuaciones medias de las mujeres fueron significativamente mayores que los hombres en el grupo de mapa mental (p <0,02) y aunque las puntuaciones medias de las mujeres en el grupo diapositivas fue más alto, no fue estadísticamente significativo. En este trabajo se ha demostrado la eficacia del uso de mapas mentales para la enseñanza de anatomía como una ayuda al estudio, incluso cuando el uso se ha limitado a una sola exposición. El estudio encontró que el aprendizaje depende del sexo, lo que sugiere que el sexo puede determinar una red neuronal para el diseño de protocolos óptimos de enseñanza. En efecto, para las mujeres, que tienen mejores calificaciones, el uso de redes neuronales bi...

Comparison of the cranial capacity and brain weight of Arak (Central Iran) with other subgroups of Iranian population / Comparación de la capacidad craneana y el peso del cerebro de Arak (Irán Central) con otros subgrupos de la población iraní

Newborn's body dimensions such as brain weight and cranial capacity can be basis for all changes in anthropometric indices and later problems. This study is undertaken on 978 term-born normal and native newborns in Thaleghany Hospital, Arak, Iran. The measurements of the heads were done according classic cephalometry. The cranial capacity and brain weight of males and female statistically evaluated by using c²- and t test and significance was set up at p<0.05. Means and SD of the cranial capacity were 606.2 +/- 26 and 440.82 +/- 28 for males and females. Means and SD of the brain weight were 627.41 +/-30 for males and 456.24 +/-32 for females. The data showed that cranial capacity and brain weight of males were greater for males than that for females. This data in accompany with other studies proves that, the manner of distribution of cranial capacity and brain weight neither is depend on the age nor the ethnicity of correspondents in Iranian population. The differences in the data of this study with other studies in Iran confirm the effect of ethnicity and environmental condition on cranial capacity and brain weight of Iranian population.

Las dimensiones corporales del recién nacido tales como el peso del cerebro y la capacidad craneal puede ser la base para todos los cambios en los índices antropométricos y problemas futuros. Este estudio se llevó a cabo en 978 recién nacidos normales en el Hospital Thaleghany, recién nacidos nativos de Arak, Irán. Las medidas de las cabezas se realizaron de acuerdo a la cefalometría clásica. La capacidad craneal y el peso del cerebro de hombres y mujeres fueron evaluados estadísticamente mediante el uso de c2 y prueba T, con un nivel de significancia de p<0,05. La media y DS de la capacidad craneal fueron 606,2 +/-26 y 440,82 +/-28 para los hombres y mujeres, respectivamente. La media y DS del peso del cerebro fueron 627,41 +/-30 g para los hombres y 456,24 +/-32 g para las mujeres. Los datos mostraron que la capacidad craneana y el peso del cerebro fue mayor en los hombres que en las mujeress. Estos datos junto con otros estudios, demuestran que la forma de distribución de la capacidad craneana y el peso del cerebro no dependen de la edad ni el origen étnico de la correspondiente población Iraní. Las diferencias en los datos de este estudio con otros estudios en Irán confirman el efecto de la etnicidad y la condición del medio ambiente en la capacidad craneana y el peso del cerebro de la población Iraní.

Relationship between body mass index and the development of cranium in Arak newborns (central Iran).

Adaptive responses which occur under changing environment enable a species existence during long periods of time. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between body mass index (BMI and characteristic of brain in newborns. This study was undertaken on 1800 healthy live born singletons (822 males and 978 females) routinely delivered at the Gynecology Hospital of Arak Medical Sciences University between 2002 and 2003. Anthropometric data were analyzed by linear regression and regression analysis using SPSS software for Windows (version 15). The results showed that BMI (body mass index) was significantly associated with cerebral index upon adjusting for sex. The strict correlation between BMI and cerebral index suggests that newborn fat deposition may have increased to allow for high myelination in the human brain. The extraordinary fat storage in newborns would be a consequence of the selection for larger brain size in hominid evolution.