Seyed Hamed Mirhoseini, Fatemeh Ariyan, Samaneh Mohammadi,
Volume 22, Issue 6 (1-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The assessment of indoor air quality and detection of its microbial pollutants in classrooms is very important because of the presence of children sensitive to these pollutants. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration and characterization of dominant species of biological aerosols and their relationship with environmental factors in two selected primary schools in Arak, Iran.
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two primary schools in Arak, Iran in Fall 2018. Indoor air sampling was performed using single-stage Andersen microbial sampler (at flow rate of 28.3 liters/min) containing bacterial and fungal culture media. The effects of suspended Particulate Matter (PM) and environmental parameters (temperature and humidity) on the density of bioaerosols were evaluated.
Ethical Considerations: This study with an ethics code of IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.76 was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at Arak University of Medical Sciences.
Results: The overall mean density of indoor bacteria and fungi was 448 cfu/m3 and 394 cfu/m3, while the mean density of outdoor bacteria and fungi was 210 cfu/m3 and 127 cfu/m3, respectively. There was a positive correlation between indoor density of airborne bacteria and suspected PM concentrations (PM 10 and PM 2.5), and between PM2.5 concentration and indoor fungal density (P<0.05). Penicillium (40%), Cladosporium (19%) and Aspergillus (16%) were dominant species of fungi, while Staphylococcus (42%), Micrococcus (28%), Bacillus (21%) were the dominant species of bacteria.
Conclusion: The age and type of building and the density of students in a classroom are the main factors in increasing the concentration of bioaerosols.
Zohreh Dehghani, Reza Tajik, Ramin Zare,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: High occupational stress reduces the workers’ concentrations and decision-making power. In industries with high risks in term of exposure to hazards, there may be negative consequence. This study aimed to investigate relationship between Occupational Stress (OS) and the job-related risks in the steel industry.
Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive-analytical study with cross-sectional design carried out in a steel industry located in Lorestan province of Iran in 2017. For risk and OS assessments, the Melbourne University’s 3D risk assessment model and the United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) questionnaire were used. Statistical analysis was performed by using Pearson correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests in SPSS V. 22.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences with the Code: IR.NREC.007.1394.05.
Results: A total of 182 job-related risks were identified for 14 job titles. 19.3% of subjects had high OS level. The risk rank had a statistically significant correlation with overall OS score (P=0.03), and OS dimensions of control (P=0.02) and demand (P=0.02). There was no significant difference between the mean OS score and age, work experience, educational level.
Conclusion: Due to the relationship of risk amount and OS among workers in the steel industry, Planning to control stressors in the workplace and managing occupational risks by reducing the likelihood and consequence of job-related risks seems essential.
Leila Dehghan, Hamid Dalvand, Sadegh Samadi, Mohsen Ebrahimi Monfared, Fatemeh Rafiei,
Volume 23, Issue 4 (9-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Musculoskeletal disorders are mainly prevalent among college students who experience direct contact with patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pains among Rehabilitation, Dentistry, and Nursing students at Arak University of Medical Sciences in 2017-2018.
Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 538 students of Arak University of Medical Sciences were recruited using the convenience sampling approach. Variables included age, sex, body mass index, study field, hours of using smartphone per day, and nine symptom sites being neck, shoulders, upper back, elbows, low back, wrist/hands, hips/thighs, knees, and ankles/feet. The researchers assessed the musculoskeletal pain by using the Nordic questionnaire and demographic questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V. 18.
Ethical Considerations: The Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences approved this study (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.253).
Results: In this study, 538 students (205 males and 333 females) were studied with Mean±SD age of 22.04±2.53 years old. The results showed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the spine (neck 29.4%, upper 24.3%, and lower back 37.2%) was higher than in upper and lower extremities. Musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder, upper, lower back, and thigh were significantly different based on sex. Also, musculoskeletal pain in the neck and ankle, and foot were significantly different based on age (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between musculoskeletal pain of back and ankle based on smartphone use hours per day.
Conclusion: This study suggested that rehabilitation, nursing, and dentistry students are at risk for musculoskeletal pain, especially in the lumbar, cervical, and upper back.
Zahra Jahangiri, Mohsen Shamsi, Mahboobeh Khorsandi, Rahmatollah Moradzade,
Volume 23, Issue 6 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Iron deficiency is among the most prevalent nutritional problems during pregnancy. Besides, it can significantly affect pregnant women’s health. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of education based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on promoting anesthetic prevention nutritional behaviors in the pregnant woman.
Methods & Materials: This was an educational randomized controlled trial study. In total, 80 pregnant women were randomly divided into two groups of test and control (n=40/group). Data collection with reliable and validity questionnaire consist of demographic factors, knowledge, the construct of TPB (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, intention), and performance. Before performing the intervention, pre-test data were collected from the study groups. Then, the educational intervention was performed based on the results of the needs assessment for the test group, within a month and in the form of four 60-minute training sessions based on the TPB. The results were collected 3 months after the intervention and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-squared test, and correlation coefficient.
Ethical Considerations: The present study was registered with the code IRCT2017052334106N1 in the Clinical Trial Registration Center of Iran and was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1395.445).
Results: The present research results indicated that before the intervention, all variables were the same in the study groups. However, after the intervention, the research groups significantly differed concerning all the studied structures (P<0.05). Moreover, the Mean±SD pre-test performance score of the intervention group was equal to 2.88±0.415 (out of 5); accordingly, it was significantly improved after training to 3.64±0.216 (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Educational intervention based on the TPB improved anesthetic anxiety behaviors in the studied pregnant women; such a modification can be attributed to the provided educational program in the intervention group.
Mohammad Khammarnia, Mostafa Peyvand,
Volume 24, Issue 3 (8-2021)
Abstract
N/A
Ali Koolivand, Parisa Rastgordani, Emad Mohammadtalebi,
Volume 24, Issue 3 (8-2021)
Abstract
Background: and Aim The leachate from oil sludge compost into the environment, which is resistant to decomposition, causes several environmental problems. Therefore, it needs to be treated using efficient processes. This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of the modified Fenton process for treating these oil sludge leachates.
Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, leachate samples were collected, and then modified Fenton solution was prepared by adding Fe2 (SO4) 3 to H2O2. Then the effect of time parameters (15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes), modified Fenton concentration of 20, 50, 100, and 200 mg/l with pH 3, 5, 9, and three initial concentration of COD (500, 1000 and 1500 mg/l) was examined.
Ethical Considerations: This study has been registered in Arak University of Medical Sciences with codes 2645 and 2765.
Results: The reduction of COD and TPH in the optimal time of 60 minutes, initial COD of 500 mg/l, pH of 3, and Fenton concentration of 200 mg/l were 9.04 and 77.42%, respectively. The experiments showed that the removal efficiency of COD and TPH with increasing residence time and the concentration of modified Fenton are directly proportional and with decreasing, the initial concentration of COD and pH is inversely proportional.
Conclusion: The use of modified Fenton is an efficient method for treating leachate from petroleum sludge compost.
Rahmatollah Moradzadeh, Iman Navidi, Maryam Zamanian,
Volume 24, Issue 5 (11-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a deadly disease that affects the human immune system. This study evaluated the Quality of Life (QoL) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients in Markazi Province .
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020-2021 in Markazi Province . The World Health Organization (WHO) questionnaire was used to determine the QoL in HIV patients. This questionnaire includes the physical, psychological, level of independence, social relationship, environment, and spirit. Statistical analysis was performed in STATA software.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the ethics committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1398.008).
Results: A total of 126 people with HIV were included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 40.4±10.2 years. The mean score of each of the physical domains was 14.4±3.3, psychological 11.7±3.2, independence 13.3±3.8, social relationships 11.2±3.1, environment 0.8±0.3 10, spiritual was 13.2±3.3, and total QoL score was 12.1±2.6. In multivariate linear regression analysis, socioeconomic status and history of imprisonment significantly predicted higher scores of overall qualities of life.
Conclusion: The total score of QoL in people with HIV in Markazi Province is average. Among the factors affecting it are gender, socioeconomic status, and history of imprisonment. It is suggested that QoL assessment of these patients be added to their care protocols to take effective measures to improve it.
Fatemeh Khani, Mehrnoosh Inanlou, Fatemeh Ganjeh, Hamid Haghani,
Volume 24, Issue 5 (11-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Women are the central pillar of social development and the main axis of family health. Success, survival, and promotion of society depend on the health of women in society. Since Health Promotion lifestyle and psychological well-being are important determinants of health, this study was conducted to determine the Health Promotion lifestyle and psychological well-being in women attending the health centers of Arak City in 2019.
Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional study, among women who attended health centers in Arak City, 221 women who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study by continuous sampling and the form of demographic information, health promoting lifestyle profile-Ii (HPLP-II), and Ryff Psychological well-being Questionnaire was completed. Data were described using descriptive statistics of frequency, frequency percentage, mean, standard deviation, and data analysis by analysis of variance, independent t-test, and regression using SPSS software v. 19.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Research Deputy of Iran University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.IUMS.REC.1398.609).
Results: The mean health-promoting lifestyle in the study units was 135.96; the mean physical activity components were 16.31; The mean nutrition was 26.41, with the lowest and highest scores, respectively. The mean psychological well-being in the study units was 72.29. The mean components of purpose in life were 10.76, and the mean personal growth was 13.19, with the lowest and highest scores, respectively. Age, chronic diseases, employment, number of children, and alcohol consumption had a significant negative relationship with a health-promoting lifestyle, and a woman’s and her husband’s education had a significant positive relationship with a health-promoting lifestyle (P<0.05). Overall demographic variables predict as much as 13% of health-promoting lifestyles. Age, number of children, and chronic physical and psychological diseases had a significant negative relationship with psychological well-being and economic status. A woman’s and her husband’s education had a significant positive relationship with psychological well-being. Overall, demographic variables predict as much as 10% of psychological well-being.
Conclusion: Considering that health-promoting lifestyle and psychological well-being are two critical determinants of health, studying these two indicators and the factors affecting them can help Intervention planning to promote women’s physical and mental health.
Kolsoum Mohammadniamotlaghh, Mohsen Shamsi, Nasrin Roozbahani, Mahmood Karimy, Rahmatalah Moradzadeh,
Volume 24, Issue 5 (11-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: A lack of healthy nutrition first causes prediabetes and then overt diabetes, and every year about 5% to 10% of people with glucose intolerance develop type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to assess the factors affecting the consumption of healthy foods (CHF) based on the food pyramid among prediabetic women based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 on 99 prediabetic women selected from comprehensive healthcare centers in Arak, Iran. A demographic questionnaire, a TPB-based questionnaire, and a food consumption Questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were analyzed through Spearman’s correlation and linear regression analyses.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1398.07).
Results: The Mean±SD score of diet behavior was 1.34±0.28 (in the possible range of 0-2). Around 41% of participants consumed sugary foods such as sweets and chocolate at least once a week and 35% at least once a month. Regression analysis shows that by increasing a standard deviation in the behavioral intention score, the behavior score of a healthy diet will increase by 0.22 standard deviation (P<0.05).
Conclusion: To achieve a healthy lifestyle in the individual at risk for a diabetics education program to increase perceived behavior and motivation for decision making for adherence to healthy food can be attention for policymakers in a health system.
Abbas Saremi, Dr Rahmatollah Moradzadeh, Alireza Bahrami,
Volume 24, Issue 6 (1-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim Physical activity has multiple health benefits, but its association with fertility in women is still unknown. Considering the critical effects of lifestyle on reproductive health, this study aims to compare the physical activity and body composition of fertile and infertile women.
Methods & Materials This is a case-control study that was performed on 100 fertile and 100 infertile women aged 20-40 years referred to the infertility treatment centers in Arak, Iran. they completed self-reported questionnaires surveying sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) assessing physical activity and sedentary behavior. Anthropometric characteristics and body composition were also measured. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association of fertility with physical activity level, sedentary behavior, and body composition.
Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1400.050).
Results The level of physical activity (P=0.001) was lower and the body mass index (P=0.03) was higher in infertile women than in fertile women. In women with moderate level of physical activity, the risk of infertility was lower (OR=4.42, 95% CI: 1.60-12.99, P=0.004). Women who spent the time sitting for more than 300 minutes a day were 2.07 times more likely to have fertility than women who were physically active (OR=2.07, 95% CI: 1.36-3.14, P=0.001).
Conclusion Low physical activity, sedentary lifestyle and obesity are independent risk factors of infertility. To prevent infertility, more attention should be paid to the lifestyle of women.
Mahboobeh Darzi Poor, Reza Tavakoli, Davood Shojae Zade, Zahra Rezagholizadeh Omran,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim Nosocomial infection is a health problem in all countries. Considering the role of midwives in controlling nosocomial infection, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of an educational intervention based on model on preventive behaviors of nosocomial infection by Babol hospitals midwives was done.
Methods & Materials The present study was a quasi-experimental study with intervention and control group. The interventions were performed in three 40-minute sessions in the Shahid Yahya Nejad Hospital in April and May 2017. The data collection tool was a structure Health Belief Model based(Awareness, structure Health Belief Model and behavior) on a questionnaire completed Its validity and reliability were assessed two months before and one month after Midwives who met the inclusion criteria education. Data were collected and analyzed by SPSS software v. 24 by Anova , T-test and ANCO one-way Covariance tests.
Ethical Considerations This research paper has been approved by the ethics committee IR.IAU.TMU.REC.1398.068 and informed consent will be taken from the participants in the study the information will remain confidential.
Results Before the intervention, the two groups did not differ significantly in terms of, mean scores of different model structures. After intervention, there was a significant difference in the mean and standard deviation of the effect of education on knowledge score (1.0±0.3), perceived sensitivity (2.8±1.5), perceived severity (3.6±1.7) Perceived barriers (-6.4±1.3), perceived benefits (5.1±4), self-efficacy (4.6 ± 2.6) and behavior( 3.1±1.1) was seen in the intervention group (P>0.05).
Conclusion By increasing the scores obtained from the structures Especially self-efficacy and reduction of perceived barriers, designing and implementing an educational program based on model in midwives can increase their performance regarding the prevention of nosocomial infections.
Farzaneh Hajizadeh, Fatemeh Ebrahimi, Seyed Zia Tabatabaei,
Volume 25, Issue 3 (8-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim The early years of life are the most critical stage in the growth and development of children. While the optimal development of children depends on a complex set of factors, the pattern of breastfeeding and complementary feeding of infants is of undeniable importance. Therefore, the present study conducted to investigate the factors related to the feeding patterns of one-year-old children referred to healthcare centers in Rafsanjan city.
Methods & Materials his descriptive study was performed on 600 mothers with one-year-old children under the auspices of healthcare centers in Rafsanjan city in 2017. Volunteered mothers with active health records were selected randomly. The required information was collected through a questionnaire containing demographic characteristics and questions related to the feeding of children and was analyzed by SPSS software, version 18.
Ethical Considerations The Ethics Committee of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS) approved the present study (Code: IR.RUMS.REC.1396.179).
Results About 95% of mothers participating in this study started breastfeeding their children up to one hour after delivery, but 56.7% of them completed breastfeeding by one year of age. The results show that most mothers had started supplemental feeding with two or three spoons in each meal, and about 90% of them followed the health worker's advice. Also, the most important reasons for feeding children with powdered milk are disorders in the child's development (34%), inadequate breast milk (17%), maternal disease (14%), do not take the mother's breast (11%) and children being twins (8%).
Conclusion Despite face-to-face training for mothers in health care centers for feeding their children, still there are some difficulties in commencing complementary feeding and its continuation. Therefore, need for more health and nutrition education regarding the best ways for feeding children to mothers by personnel of Rafsanjan health care centers.
Faezeh Ezati, Ehsan Bakhshi, Elaheh Ezati, Nooshin Salimi,
Volume 25, Issue 3 (8-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim Oral and dental health plays an important role in people's general health and is affected by various factors such as knowledge and attitude of a person regarding oral and dental health. Improving people's Knowledge and attitude in this regard will lead to more attention towards oral and dental health. therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the rate of tooth decay and its relationship with knowledge, attitude and performance in high school students in the Islamabad-e-Gharb city.
Methods & Materials This study was a cross-sectional study conducted among 348 high school students in Islamabad-e-Gharb. Which were selected through sampling in two stages, cluster and random. Data were collected using clinical examination and standard questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Sheffe post hoc test and Spearman's correlation coefficient at a significance level of less than 0.05 using SPSS software, version 22.
Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.KUMS.REC.1397.548).
Results The Mean Decay-Missing-Filled Teeth (DMFT) index 6.07±3.47 and Mean teeth decayed were 5.31± 2.90 respectively and 96.3 percent of the students had dental carries. Both DMFT index (r=-0.124, P=0.021) and teeth decay (r=-131, P=0.015) had a significant relationship with students' performance regarding oral and dental health. There was no significant difference between DMFT index and the number of teeth decayed with students' knowledge and attitude regarding oral and dental health (P<0.05). No significant relationship were found between either DMFT index (P=0.749) and teeth decay (P=0.614) with gender.
Conclusion In this study, DMFT index and teeth decay were relatively high and this shows the need to design educational interventions in adolescents to prevent teeth decay.
Dr Rahmatolah Khosravanpoor, Dr Mahnoush Mahmoodi, Mr Marzieh Khosravanpoor, Dr Mahnoush Reisi,
Volume 25, Issue 4 (9-2022)
Abstract
Introduction: The use of digital games is highly prevalent among adolescents and can adversely affect their physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of the stages of change in problematic digital games in high school students using a transtheoretical model.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 703 high school students in Bushehr 2020. A valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire was performed for data gathering and analyzed using SPSS ver. 22 by descriptive indices, one-way ANOVA, chi-square, and rank ordered logistic regression. The present research was approved at Research Ethical Committee of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.BPUMS.REC.1398.101).
Results: According to the results, self-efficacy, dramatic relief and social freedom were the predictors of the change stages of reducing and quitting digital games. This means that girls and students with higher self-efficacy (P = 0.037, OR = 1.054), have a better chance of being in higher stages of change and by increasing a unit of dramatic relief score (P = 0.025, OR = 1) and social freedom (OR = 1.135, P <0.001), the chances of individuals to be in the upper stages of change increased.
Conclusions: It seems that the design of educational interventions based on self-efficacy variables and taking into account the change processes of dramatic relief and social freedom, which increase the chances of people to be placed in higher stages of change, in reducing the behavior of digital games of students, especially for boys will be effective.
Dr. Mojtaba Bayani, Dr. Shirin Shafiei Lialestani, Dr. Amir Almasi-Hashiani, Dr. Seyed Hamed Mirhoseini,
Volume 25, Issue 5 (12-2022)
Abstract
Introduction: Dental unit water lines (DUWL) are a potential place for the accumulation of microorganisms and the formation of microbial biofilm, which exposes people to infection risk. This study aimed to investigation of the effectiveness of four commonly used substances and selection of most effective disinfectant in DUWLs disinfection.
Methods: This systematic review study was conducted based on PRISMA templates and the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases with a specific search strategy were examined. In this systematic review study, the effectiveness of 4 disinfectants including: hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, chlorine-dioxide, sodium hypochlorite on microbial biofilms in the DUWL was investigated. The study was conducted on July 10, 2021, and finally the data of all studies related to the subject of this systematic review were extracted. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1399.347).
Results: All four disinfectants in sufficient concentration and time can be useful and effective. If the biofilm in DUWL is old and stabilized, it will affect the effectiveness of these materials and it will take longer to remove.
Conclusions: The use of materials in combination can cover all the microbial spectrum present in the biofilm of this area, and even fixed biofilms can be removed with extended and continuous use.
Dr Mehdi Asghari, Dr Gholamabbas Fallah Ghalhari, Dr Marzieh Abbasinia, Dr Farbod Ebadifard Azar, Dr Fahimeh Shakeri, Dr Mohammad Javad Ghanadzade, Mr Gholam Heidar Teimori, Dr Sanaz Karpasand, Dr Hossein Safari,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (9-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the biggest environmental challenges of the 21st century is the phenomenon of climate change and global warming, which can cause numerous health problems. One significant health issue associated with climate change is the increase in the prevalence of heat stress, particularly in occupational encounters in hot outdoor environments. So this study aimed to predict and model temperature and humidity indices in the coming decades in a dry climate.
Methods: This study obtained daily atmospheric parameters, including minimum temperature, maximum temperature, and relative humidity of Kerman station, representing a dry climate, for a period of 30 years (1965 to 2005) from the meteorological organization. Modeling of these parameters and calculation of the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) were performed using the atmospheric general circulation model HadGEM2-ES and the CORDEX dynamic microscaler model. Three different radiative forcing scenarios, including optimistic (RCP 2.6), intermediate (RCP 4.5), and pessimistic (RCP 8.5), were considered for the coming decades (three 30-year periods from 2011 to 2099). The Ethics Committe of Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) approved the present study (Code: IR.IUMS.REC.1400.020).
Results: The results of the study showed an increasing trend for minimum and maximum temperature parameters in all three time periods using the three scenarios considered. Moreover, the increase in temperature in the decades of 2099-2071 was more pronounced compared to the previous decades. The results also demonstrated an increasing trend in the THI index based on all three scenarios. The average results obtained using these scenarios showed an increase of 2.11, 2.53, and 3.3 degrees Celsius, respectively, in this index until the end of the last century compared to the base decades.
Conclusions: Overall, the increase in temperature and the investigated THI index in the studied station, based on all three scenarios, will lead to changes in thermal comfort. Higher levels of thermal discomfort will not only occur in hot months and seasons but also in other seasons. Therefore, proper planning should be implemented to address the adverse effects of climate change on people's health.
Fatemeh Salabi, Mahsa Lari Baghal, A Rahman Kordzangene, Ali Mohamadian,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (9-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: The scorpion of Androctonus crassicauda belongs to the Buthidae family, it has a strong and deadly venom for humans, and every year there are cases of death due to the sting of this scorpion. The purpose of this study is the biological evaluation of the venom of this scorpion, the production of monovalent antivenom against it, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of the produced antivenom.
Methods: The A. crassicauda scorpions were collected from different cities of Khuzestan province and milked by electric shock. In this research, the amount of venom protein, lethal dose 50 (LD50), immune response of horses, purification of antibodies, effectiveness of antivenom (ED50), degree of neutralization of venom with antivenom and the effect of monovalan antivenom in neutralizing the activity of hyaluronidase enzyme were evaluated. This research has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute with code IR.RVSRI.REC.1401.017.
Results: The amount of protein and LD50 of the venom from studied scorpion were calculated to be 78 mg/ml and 11.27 µg per mouse, respectively. The results of measuring the antibody titer at different times of venom injection showed the increase in the immune response of horses against the venom. The value of ED50 was around 9 LD50 and 92.22 µg per mouse. According to the results, scorpion venom has hyaluronidase enzyme activity, and 10 µL of the produced pure antivenom was able to neutralize 100% of the venom's hyaluronidase activity.
Conclusions: In this project, extracted venom and produced antivenom showed their effectiveness. The produced antivenom was able to neutralize the venom in mice and prevented the death of the envenomed mice.
Amir Hossein Zahirnia, Amir Lorzadeh, Hassan Nasirian, Behroz Davari,
Volume 26, Issue 6 (2-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Head lice (Pediculus capitis) infestation is considered an important hygienic problem in developing countries. The aim of study was to compare 1% permethrin shampoo and 4% dimethicone lotion effects for treatment of infected head lice students in primary girl schools in Gotvand County, Khuzestan province.
Methods: The studied population was first- to sixth-grade students in elementary schools. Positive cases with head lice after identification (304 persons) were randomly divided into two treatment groups. Permethrin shampoo and dimethicone lotion were allocated for the first and the second groups, respectively. The drug therapeutic effects were studied after 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test using SPSS software.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.UMSHA.REC.1399.778).
Results: In total, 304 students participated in the study. The age of students ranged between 7 and 12 years which 47.7% of them were between 7 and 8 years. Also 60.9 and 39.1% of them were in urban and rural schools, respectively. The drug effectiveness were 46.1, 69.5 and 100, and 77.6, 85.3 and 100% for permethrin and dimethicone in the first, second and third intervals after treatment, respectively. There was a significant difference between the effect of drugs in the first interval (P = 0.00) after treatment but there was not a significant difference between the second (P = 0.084) and the third (P = 0.43) intervals after treatment.
Conclusions: It is recommended the use of dimethicone lotion and permethrin shampoo as the first and second option, respectively in eliminating the head lice infestation in primary girl schools.
Mehdi Asghari, Melika Azizi,
Volume 27, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Lack of preparation for fires can lead to irreversible damage. Therefore, fire prevention is crucial in effectively managing this risk. It is essential to implement measures to address fire incidents. Fire safety in hospital is particularly critical due to factors like the presence of disabled individuals who may not be familiar with emergency exit points, as well as the specialized medical equipment present. Fires in hospitals can result in extensive harm, including injuries to staff and patients, a loss of trust in local authorities, and the subsequent failure to deliver adequate healthcare services. Adhering to fire safety principles and fundamentals can help mitigate the impact of fires in all locations, especially medical facilities.
Dr Jamileh Amirzadeh-Iranagh, Sima Ghorbanzadeh, Phd Student Yeganeh Dadashzadeh-Sangary, Phd Student Parsa Javanmard,
Volume 27, Issue 6 (1-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: The growing increase in the elderly population requires more research to identify the health priorities of this group, especially in critical situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the current study was conducted to determine the influential components of marital satisfaction and its relationship with lifestyle in Urmia City in 2021.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional correlational study, 220 married elderly living in Urmia were selected through cluster sampling. The Miler's life satisfaction and Haynes's marital satisfaction questionnaires were used in addition to the demographic questionnaire to collect data in this research. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests (mean and standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) and analytical (Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression) at a significant level of P ≤ 0.05.
Results: A step-by-step multiple linear regression model also revealed that variables of lifestyle (ß = -0.364), age (ß = 0.425), number of children (ß = 0.143), occupation (ß = 0.425) and illness (ß = 3.608) - had the most considerable contribution in the sensitive prediction of marital satisfaction. The regression model excluded other demographic variables.
Conclusions: This study showed that lifestyle and demographic variables such as age, number of children, occupation, and illness have the greatest contribution in predicting marital satisfaction. Therefore, it seems necessary to design counseling services in comprehensive health centers for this group so that counselors can teach healthy lifestyles to older adults to improve marital relationships.
