Epidemiology
Saleh Jafarian; Ali Ahmadi; Masoud Amiri; Rahman Biokani; Zohreh Abbaspour; Masoud Mahmoudzadeh
Abstract
Background and aims: Motorcycle accidents are a major concern for countries. One of the most important risk factors for motorcyclists is the lack of helmet use. This study aimed to measure the rate of the helmet use and predictive factors in Shahrekord, Iran.Methods: Using simple random sampling ...
Read More
Background and aims: Motorcycle accidents are a major concern for countries. One of the most important risk factors for motorcyclists is the lack of helmet use. This study aimed to measure the rate of the helmet use and predictive factors in Shahrekord, Iran.Methods: Using simple random sampling method, this cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 with a sample size of 350 motorcyclists. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data, and the SPSS software version 24 was used to analyze the data.Results: The mean age of participants was 28.8 ± 10.1 years. Out of 350 participants, 15.1% and 1.4% of motorcyclists and their passengers used helmets. The most important predictors of helmet use were age more than 35 years, high education, and having a driving license. The most important reason for using the helmet was protection against injuries in accidents.Conclusion: According to our results, the rate of helmet use was low. Thus, more efforts should be made to intervene and train for the helmet use among community members with an emphasis on younger people, individuals with governmental jobs, and people with lower education level.
Zabih Allah Kahyani; Mehrdad Karimi; Masoud Amiri; Soheila Mosharraf; Hojjat Rouhi-Boroujeni
Abstract
Background and aims: Nowadays, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most commonoccupational diseases. The prevention of these disorders requires a posture analysis during workand the improvement of working conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factorsfor musculoskeletal ...
Read More
Background and aims: Nowadays, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most commonoccupational diseases. The prevention of these disorders requires a posture analysis during workand the improvement of working conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factorsfor musculoskeletal disorders and corrective priorities to perform the work by conducting posturesanalysis using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA).Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the posture of dentists during working was analyzedusing the REBA software. The incidence rate of musculoskeletal disorders was investigated by theNordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). A P value less than 0.05 was considered statisticallysignificant.Results: In this applied study, the incidence rates of the pain in neck, waist, shoulders, and wristswere reported to be 68%, 55%, 41% and 28%, respectively. The above-mentioned values were higherin women than in men. The pain in thigh and leg was related to work and the pain in ankle andsole was related to body mass index (BMI). The relationship between musculoskeletal disorders andoccupational postures of dentists was statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Training the principles of ergonomics and anthropometrics, the correct methods andprinciples of performing work, and the ways of using the instruments are necessary for the studiedpopulation. Occupational postures require ergonomic intervention and correction.
Epidemiology
Saleh Jafarian; Masoud Amiri; Mahmoud Mobasheri
Abstract
Background: Twin birth may account for a higher incidence rates of infants and neonates. To investigate the potential relationship between twin birth and infant and neonatal mortality rates, a systematic review was conducted.
Methodology: To gather the evidence for the relationship between twin birth ...
Read More
Background: Twin birth may account for a higher incidence rates of infants and neonates. To investigate the potential relationship between twin birth and infant and neonatal mortality rates, a systematic review was conducted.
Methodology: To gather the evidence for the relationship between twin birth and its potential effect on mortality during infancy and neonatal periods, a systematic review was conducted. The most important used databases were PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Cochrane and Springer. Then, the databases were searched by appropriate keywords. After reviewing and evaluating the collected studies, trends in the different countries were compared.
Results: Totally, 13790 related studies were found, of which 128 studies were selected in the first step. The studies not related to the subject, repetitive studies, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria by reviewing the abstract and, in some cases with the full article, were excluded from the search in the second step. Finally, seven studies entered in the last step.
Conclusion: This study showed that the mortality of twins could be higher than non-twins, especially among boys.
Epidemiology
Saleh Jafarian Dehkordi; Masoud Amiri
Abstract
Divorce is one the most important public health problems which may affect on many people especially both parents, children and their close families. To emphasis on the importance of divorce worldwide, the world figures of some countries have been compared. According to transition from a traditional society ...
Read More
Divorce is one the most important public health problems which may affect on many people especially both parents, children and their close families. To emphasis on the importance of divorce worldwide, the world figures of some countries have been compared. According to transition from a traditional society to a society of industry and modernism family issues and communication problems are the most important difficulties of the families. Divorce is the outcomes of the most acute and serious communication problems of the family. There are too much reasons for it, including: absence of compatibility and understanding, absence of securing psychic needs, violence, sexual problems, rising housing costs, high unemployment, inflation, immorality, family intervention and so on. It is recommended the families to create more moral and mental familiarity situations for girls and boys before marriage, so that they would be able to somehow hinder from divorce incidence through knowing each other better.
Habib-allah Shahriyari; Masoud Amiri; Zahra Shahryari
Abstract
Poverty is a multi-dimensional problem; thus, various researchers, based on their field, have investigated different aspects of poverty. Moreover, poverty, as a global problem, could be an interesting subject for both developed and developing countries. In recent decades, both international organizations ...
Read More
Poverty is a multi-dimensional problem; thus, various researchers, based on their field, have investigated different aspects of poverty. Moreover, poverty, as a global problem, could be an interesting subject for both developed and developing countries. In recent decades, both international organizations and different countries have had some programs for reducing poverty. The evaluatinon of power and capacity of national economy for coping with poverty is the first essential step. In addition, in long-term period, poverty would depend on economy development, but in short-term, considering the proper concept of poverty with potential available financial resources is necessary. Then, calculation of poverty line and percentage of poor people using the appropriate methods is the next step. In recent decades, Iran's economy has had different economic problems such as inflation increasing, unemployment, deficit of payment balance in macroeconomic and its effect on poverty and in equal income distribution in microeconomics. Effects of the price balancing on poverty is also an important topic that its evaluation is possible with the data acquired after the policy of subsides’ law. Another aspect is the picture of poverty in rural and urban communities in the last year and near to implementation of this policy. This article presenta an overall picture of poverty in urban and rural communities of Iran as well as world-based defined indices in poverty literature.
Habib-allah Shahriyari; Masoud Amiri; Zahra Shahriyari; Fatemeh Farzin
Abstract
A regular activity in all human societies is the evaluation and control of important socioeconomicindices. Unemployment rate is one of these indices, which is very important in evaluating andapplying policies for control or preparation of desired changes in economy; in fact, it is a challengefor policy ...
Read More
A regular activity in all human societies is the evaluation and control of important socioeconomicindices. Unemployment rate is one of these indices, which is very important in evaluating andapplying policies for control or preparation of desired changes in economy; in fact, it is a challengefor policy makers. Employment and unemployment are 2 words that have different definitions amongpeople and professional centers of statistics. Since the statistics and methods applied for calculatingIranian employed and unemployed people have been provided by Statistical Center of Iran (SCI), thecomparison of these definitions with recommended ones defined by International labor organization(ILO) may project 2 different items. In accordance with the definition of unemployment by ILO andSCI, each person who works at least 1 to 2 hours a week, even without receiving money, is consideredas an employed person, otherwise is named as unemployed. Considering this definition, a newquestion may arise: in Iran, with consideration of location, subsistence, and labor market conditions,could people be satisfied with their living situation? Perhaps in some countries, this definition may beoperational but not for Iranian worker community; in fact, no one in Iran and many other countrieswould be satisfied with one-hour work per week as an employed person.
Epidemiology
Abdollah Seif; Mehrdad Pasandi; Sajjad Saneie Dehkordi; Masoud Amiri
Abstract
Background and aims: Shigellosis or bacillary dysentery is an infectious disease transmitted through water and food. It is a type of infectious colitis caused by Shigella bacteria. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and the spatial distribution of shigellosis and its relationship with ...
Read More
Background and aims: Shigellosis or bacillary dysentery is an infectious disease transmitted through water and food. It is a type of infectious colitis caused by Shigella bacteria. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and the spatial distribution of shigellosis and its relationship with climatic factors in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Methods: In this study, population of infected people to shigellosis in the province during 2011 to 2014 obtained from reliable sources and analyzed. The statistics were standardized for every city in the event of illness per hundred thousand people. The relationships between incidence of the disease and the climatic factors (temperature, rainfall and humidity) were investigated by Pearson correlation coefficient after generation of zonation map using GIS and analysis of the concentration centers. Results: According to the results, Koohrang, Lordegan and Ardal cities are classified as high risk areas with an incidence more than 400000 people. Borujen and Faarsan cities are medium risk areas with an incidence less than 250 per 100000, and Shahr-e-kord city with an incidence less than 100 per 100000 people is considered a low risk area. The incidence grows with increase in the temperature. Increase in the precipitation and humidity decreases incidence of the disease. Concentration and prevalence of shigellosis mostly occur in west of the province, because this area is located in the neighborhood of Khuzestan province, and also due to nomadic residence of Bakhtiari nomads in this part during summer and their unhealthy lifestyle, limited access to treated water and especially consumption of untreated surface water. The higher concentration of nomadic residence and higher contamination of water increase incidence of waterborne diseases. The frequency increase of the disease in warm seasons can be due to prevalence of Shigella dysentery in the region. Conclusion: Based on the results, significant positive correlations exist between the surface water consumption, the temperature increase, the number of pisciculture centers in the area and incidence of the disease. Significant negative correlations are also observed between the rainfall, humidity and incidence of the disease.
Epidemiology
Rouhullah Dehghani; Masoud Amiri
Volume 4, Issue 2 , Spring 2017, , Pages 91-93
Abstract
Zika virus is an Arbovirus identified first time in 1947 in Uganda. Zika epidemic is a threat far greater than the Ebola outbreak. The World Health Organization has urged Asian countries to be vigilant about the risk of spreading Zika virus and preventive measures to control it. In Iran, 64 species of ...
Read More
Zika virus is an Arbovirus identified first time in 1947 in Uganda. Zika epidemic is a threat far greater than the Ebola outbreak. The World Health Organization has urged Asian countries to be vigilant about the risk of spreading Zika virus and preventive measures to control it. In Iran, 64 species of mosquitoes from Culicidea family have been reported three of which belong to the Aedes genus, and one of which is Aedes albopictus. Iran also has suitable climate for endemic transmission of Zika virus. Immigrants from neighboring countries for economic reasons, could increase the risk of disease transmission in Iran. The destination countries of Iranian passengers, especially in East Asia, are at risk or have been reported to have cases of Zika. So, traveling to areas where active Zika virus exists and its transmission is common, could potentially increase the risk of transmission of Zika. Close supervision alongside the borders is necessary when foreign people arrive in the country.
Health Promotion
Mohammad Reza Noormohammadi; Mohsen Arbabi; Hassan Moghim; Masoud Amiri
Volume 4, Issue 2 , Spring 2017, , Pages 173-175
Abstract
As a temporary emotional situation and a relatively stable state of being happy (subjective happiness level), happiness can be considered. In fact, people with high subjective happiness level think more positively than others.There are many factors with potential positive or negative effects on happiness ...
Read More
As a temporary emotional situation and a relatively stable state of being happy (subjective happiness level), happiness can be considered. In fact, people with high subjective happiness level think more positively than others.There are many factors with potential positive or negative effects on happiness such as: the (dark and milky) chocolate, Yoga, outdoor group walks in the natural environments, personality, social exclusion, negative emotional feelings, normative and subjective oral health status, socioeconomic factors, leisure time program, training like skills for coping with stress, increasing marriage satisfaction, improving economic status, and religion.Due to different related factors affecting on each person, it is not an easy task to clarify the methods of raising happiness in the communities . Each part of the world has its own culture and traditions, resulting in the fact that there is no identical way to make happier people. It is recommended to have several studies on happiness worldwide to investigate the specific policy for each region.
Epidemiology
Behrooz Hamzeh; Elahe Jahandideh; Masoud Amiri
Volume 3, Issue 4 , Autumn 2016, , Pages 363-370
Abstract
Background and aims: The most important risk factors threatening health of young people include improper diet, inactivity, smoking, intentional and accidental damages, drugs, AIDS/HIV and psychiatric disorders. Considering increased risky behaviors among teens during 2 last decades, it was decided to ...
Read More
Background and aims: The most important risk factors threatening health of young people include improper diet, inactivity, smoking, intentional and accidental damages, drugs, AIDS/HIV and psychiatric disorders. Considering increased risky behaviors among teens during 2 last decades, it was decided to evaluate the effects of education and consultation roles in relation to health risks on performance of teens from suburban areas within 4 months following interventions and to propose a model for health-based modification of teen's behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the intervening role of health risk-related personal education and consultation on performance of high school students from suburban areas in Kermanshah province.Methods: Research population consisted of 8534 high school students from suburban areas of Kermanshah province. School wise questionnaires were completed for all samples before and four months after holding personal education and consulting session.Results: Performances of students on intentional/accidental damages, nutrition, physical activities and AIDS/HIV was improved 4 months after education consultation intervention (P<0.05). No significant changes were observed with student's performance in the fields of smoking, addiction and psychiatric disorders in comparison with the time prior to the intervention.Conclusion: These examination findings revealed positive effects of personal education and consultation on modification of teen's risky behaviors. It appears that a long-term planning is required for modifying behaviors regarding smoking, drugs usage and psychiatric disorders. Self-care education is particularly important because experience has proven that role of classic education pales over time while knowledge leading to acquired skills will be more permanent.
Epidemiology
Rouhullah Dehghani; Masoud Amiri
Volume 3, Issue 3 , Summer 2016, , Pages 201-203
Abstract
Due to special conditions of Iran; i.e., neighboring to major centers of drug production in Afghanistan during the last few decades, it was the passageway of the drug to Europe. Moreover, because of appropriate context of social, economic and cultural situations, there was an increased addiction and ...
Read More
Due to special conditions of Iran; i.e., neighboring to major centers of drug production in Afghanistan during the last few decades, it was the passageway of the drug to Europe. Moreover, because of appropriate context of social, economic and cultural situations, there was an increased addiction and drug trafficking in Iran. It is obvious that a lot of people would be involved directly and indirectly with drugs; so the drug has become a major problem in Iranian society, especially in the provinces in near of Afghanistan and Pakistan borders. The reports have indicated an increasing spread of drug addiction in Iran. Addiction among all social classes and occupational groups, age and sex, is raised. In fact, an important part of social problems, directly or indirectly related to drug dependence. Therefore, prevention of addiction as the basis of many diseases is vital priority for Iran. Fair distribution of facilities and services in society and equal opportunities for all members of society can legitimately, step forward in to deal with social ills such as addiction.
Epidemiology
Ayoob Rostamzadeh; Daryoush Fatehi; Hossein Masoumi; Masoud Amiri
Volume 3, Issue 2 , Spring 2016, , Pages 172-175
Abstract
Background and aims: One of the most common injuries around the world is the traumatic injury of the spine and spinal cord with unknown worldwide situation of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) affecting on the effectiveness of preventive policy programs. In addition, because of possibility of making ...
Read More
Background and aims: One of the most common injuries around the world is the traumatic injury of the spine and spinal cord with unknown worldwide situation of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) affecting on the effectiveness of preventive policy programs. In addition, because of possibility of making paralysis, the potential injury to the spine could be one of the most important traumas and a major cause of disability. Methods: This research is a review study. Initial studies had focused on the descriptive epidemiology, considering incidence rates, age, gender, race, etiology and level and completeness of injury, but the recent researches are focusing on identifying of the high-risk groups, making awareness, establishing trends, predicting the needs, and thus contributing to effective health care planning of this condition. Results: An important part of the prognosis, diagnosis and management of acute and chronic spinal trauma could be diagnostic medical imaging. While spinal cord and soft-tissue injuries could be evaluated better by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); spine fractures could be characterized better by computed tomography (CT). Conclusion: Imaging using CT and MRI is essential in the management of acute/chronic spinal cord injuries. The problem could be that due to fear of clinicians from missing occult spine injuries, they ask radiographs for almost all injured patients. It is recommended that a National Registry for spinal cord injuries be established by the national Ministry of Health, so that the etiological pattern of spinal cord injuries in the world can be known.
Epidemiology
Mohsen Arbabi; Masoud Amiri
Volume 3, Issue 1 , Winter 2016, , Pages 1-2
Abstract
Epidemiology is increasingly coping with problems correlated with exposures which may have small relative risks. In fact, many chronic diseases, as the most recent common diseases all over the world, may have unknown etiology but also potentially related to environmental exposures. Environmental epidemiology ...
Read More
Epidemiology is increasingly coping with problems correlated with exposures which may have small relative risks. In fact, many chronic diseases, as the most recent common diseases all over the world, may have unknown etiology but also potentially related to environmental exposures. Environmental epidemiology considers the effect of environmental factors on health. More exposure with increasing number of potential environmental hazards has changed the initial application of environmental epidemiology. As a consequence, nowadays it is strongly emphasized on some fields such as molecular epidemiology, but some others have discussed about the importance of its population dimension and the reintegration of epidemiology into public health. Environmental epidemiology research, as a very substantial scope of epidemiology, can consider risk assessments, development of standards and other risk management activities. In addition, it could estimate the co- benefits and co-harms of policies designed to reduce global environment changes, including policies implemented in other sectors (e.g. food and water) affecting human health.1 Environmental epidemiology has indeed several unique features that could make these debates very important.
Clinical
Mostafa Shokati Ahmadabad; Hossein Rafiei; Mahmoud Alipoor Heydari; Mohammad Bokharaei; Masoud Amiri
Volume 3, Issue 1 , Winter 2016, , Pages 12-18
Abstract
Background and aims: Cardiac surgery patients are at high risk of pressure ulcers. In the present study, we determined the incidence of pressure ulcer in patients who were admitted to open heart cardiac surgery intensive care unit and related risk factors.Methods: With using convenience sampling all ...
Read More
Background and aims: Cardiac surgery patients are at high risk of pressure ulcers. In the present study, we determined the incidence of pressure ulcer in patients who were admitted to open heart cardiac surgery intensive care unit and related risk factors.Methods: With using convenience sampling all the eligible patients who were admitted to Boali cardiac surgery during June to August 2015 were invited to participate in this study. Patients’ skins were assessed using pressure ulcer staging system developed by National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) and Braden scale before operation, after operation (in time of cardiac intensive care unit admission) and one times per day to patients discharge for sign of pressure ulcer development. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation test and independent t-test in SPSS 20.0 statistical software.Results: During 3 months, 70 patients who were eligible were admitted to cardiac intensive care unit. From all, in 32 (45.7%) patient’s pressure ulcer was seen. From those, 41.4% were in stage I and 4.3% were in stage II. Mean score of Braden score in time of ICU admission was 11.1±2.3 and 15.1±2.3 in patients with and without pressure ulcer development (P<0.001). Factors such as lower Braden Scale score (P=0.001), diabetes (P=0.01), hypertension (P=0.001), NPO time after surgery (P=0.006), mean time of surgery (P=0.007), mean time of need to mechanical ventilation after surgery (P=0.003), low ejection fraction (P=0.006) and lower level of hemoglobin after surgery (P=0.012) increased the risk of pressure ulcer development significantly.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that patients who were admitted to open heart cardiac surgery intensive care unit are at high risk of pressure ulcer development. Medical and care-giving teams in the cardiac intensive care unit need further education about risk factors of pressure ulcer development to prevent this.
Clinical
Ayoob Rostamzadeh; Masoud Amiri; Mohammad Gharib Salehi; Hossein Masoumi
Volume 2, Issue 4 , Autumn 2015, , Pages 162-163
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a constant magnetic field and radio waves, a non-invasive method for examining tissues, organs and the skeletal system. Advantages and disadvantages of MRI are not fully understood; however, it has been commonly used in the diagnosis of skeleton and bone diseases ...
Read More
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a constant magnetic field and radio waves, a non-invasive method for examining tissues, organs and the skeletal system. Advantages and disadvantages of MRI are not fully understood; however, it has been commonly used in the diagnosis of skeleton and bone diseases (such as disk and spinal disorders, joint disorders (arthritis), bone tumours and tissues), cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart wall thickness and motion, inflammation and blockage in the blood vessels, injuries occurred due to heart attack and heart disease) as well as tumours of the uterus, ovary, prostate, spleen and so on. In the computerized tumour (CT) scan, as an invasive method, the x-rays of the body are used for tomography; different x-ray attenuation coefficient in tissues as well as reconstruction of images could have an effect on the scanning of the patient and the received amount of radiation by the patient. CT imaging is capable of identifying vascular problems/diseases, gastrointestinal, infectious diseases, trauma and musculoskeletal problems. In addition, it is the preferred tool in detection of most cancers, such as lung, liver, and pancreatic cancer. In fact, it allows physicians for better diagnosing of the tumour size, accurate positioning and development of tumours compared to adjacent tissue diagnosis. Therefore, CT scan is a very important tool to examine, diagnose and treat spinal injuries changed to damages to the hands, feet and skeletal structure. CT imaging can also measure the bone mineral density and osteoporosis. Furthermore, in the case of bruising, CT scan could recognize the potential damages to the liver, spleen, kidney, or any other organ very fast. However, compared to the other radio graphical diagnostic methods, CT scan could lead to the exposure of the patients to substantial radiation dosage; this may have several radiobiological effects such as delayed effects of radiation which could result in variety of cancers, chromosomal failures and potential genetic abnormalities in the future generations. According to the international commission of radiation protection (ICRP) recommendations with regard to the principles of: as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) as well as the maximum permissible dose (MPD) (maximum dose of the population), the unnecessary imaging should be avoided, in order to reduce the acquired radiation dose by the public community. Moreover, according to the recent reports on the effects of the three waves of MRI machines and CT scan imaging dose’s effects as well as huge number of imaging tests around the world (20 million a year, over 50 thousand tests daily MRI),1 and also unnecessary increase in the requests of MRI for patients,2 it is recommended that these tests should be prescribed for patients with greater accuracy and caution; with application of magnetic dosimeter for monitoring exposure of people who work with MRI (as its application for X-ray and CT scan).3
Epidemiology
Yoosef Aslani; Masoud Amiri; Hossein Ali Mehralian
Volume 2, Issue 3 , Summer 2015, , Pages 110-112
Abstract
Every year, millions of Muslims from all over the world, are going to participate in the pilgrimage Hajj, located in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. There are two types of Hajj: Great Hajj and Umrah Hajj. Great pilgrimage or Hajj is obligatory for each Muslim once in entire his/her life and will occur only once ...
Read More
Every year, millions of Muslims from all over the world, are going to participate in the pilgrimage Hajj, located in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. There are two types of Hajj: Great Hajj and Umrah Hajj. Great pilgrimage or Hajj is obligatory for each Muslim once in entire his/her life and will occur only once a year; i.e. in the 11th month of Arabic calendar. Due to the nature of Arabic calendar (11 days less than 365 days of Persian/Christian calendar), this month is variable each year and will be in different seasons over the years. Another type of Hajj is Umrah which is possible to be participating in the rest of the year (11 months) and it is not obligatory. The accumulation of many people from all parts of the world, in terms of health management, is of great importance. In fact, every person could be a carrier of various chronic or acute diseases. This huge population may lead to occurrence of several epidemics, especially respiratory infections. Iran, as one of the biggest Muslim countries in the Middle East will annually send many people to Mecca. In 2015, more than 65 Thousands of Iranian pilgrims Hajj went to the Mecca. All of these pilgrims may be at risk for different diseases and should be considered as the potential carriers of diseases when return to Iran.1 The outbreak in Saudi Arabia is very important, because every year more than at least two millions people go for Great Hajj as well as the rest of year who hundreds of thousands of Muslim countries will send their own people for the Umrah Hajj.2 Recently, MERS-CoV, a new and potentially fatally virus from the same family as the common cold and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Virus (SARS), is considered very important which is made by the virus named MERS-CoV.3 MERS is a respiratory condition which is caused by a virus but only has recently been seen in humans.4 Symptoms may include fever (more than 38 degrees), cough and shortness of breath, due to the effect of virus on the lower and upper respiratory tracts, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, fever and pneumonia.5 The virus is targeted in cells of the lungs and possibly the kidneys, which may explain the observed kidney failure cases; however, some infected people may report no symptom, which is epidemiologically very important.6 Cases of MERS, at first, were appeared in September 2012 in Saudi Arabia, and since that time, the virus has resulted in sickness of more than 500 people in 14 countries (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Greece, Malaysia, Iran, United kingdom and United states).7 Unfortunately, about 30 percent of infected people have been died.6 Geographically, most of the cases have been seen in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia.4,5,8 Scientists believe that the virus may have been circulating in Arabian camels for more than 20 years as well as bats as the initial culprit, possibly infecting camels and then humans.9 Some early victims had worked with camels, ate (well-uncooked) camel meat or drank unboiled camel milk, which has confirmed that the virus may pass from camels to humans.9 However, the exact way of its spreading is not completely known, perhaps through air or bodily fluids.9 It is a pity that many of patients were health care workers and family members who had close contact with an infected person.10 Some other scientists state that MERS may epidemiologically be linked to healthcare facilities, suggesting nosocomial transmission.9,10 For management of disease, patients are recommended to be isolated, either in a hospital or at home if the viral infection is not too severe.5 The management of disease is mainly for the symptoms; for example, patients with breathing difficulties would be supported with a machine to provide extra oxygen, or be given medication for fever. There is no vaccine yet; and in the best-case scenario, it would take at least three years to develop one.5 It is recommended that in order to prevent transmission of disease, the following tips would be considered by everyone: Washing hands regularly; using a tissue when sneezing or coughing; avoid touching the face during sneezing or coughing with unwashed hands; disinfecting surfaces which were in contact with infected people; being away from the patient or those who have recently returned from Mecca, especially avoiding to kiss or shaking hand with pilgrims and their relatives.2,4,7
Neurology
Ayoob Rostamzadeh; Masoud Amiri; Mohammad Taghi Joghataei; Mohammad Farzizadeh; Daryoush Fatehi
Volume 2, Issue 3 , Summer 2015, , Pages 118-125
Abstract
Background and aims: Finding the safe location of spinal cord for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during surgical procedures is very important due to its various nature for each patient as well as its potential peripheral nervous system hazards. The aim of this study was to find the relationship between the ...
Read More
Background and aims: Finding the safe location of spinal cord for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during surgical procedures is very important due to its various nature for each patient as well as its potential peripheral nervous system hazards. The aim of this study was to find the relationship between the location of conus medullaris (CM) and gender, age and body mass index (BMI) in order to minimize the potential diagnostic errors. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with T1-weighted sagittal spin echo sequences of the lumbar spine was studied in 350 patients older than 20 years old, whom had been referred for imaging in order to assess the potential causes of low back pain of the lumbar spine, and were referred to Shahid Chamran MRI center in Sanandaj, located in the west of Iran, this study was done in 2014. The results were compared with international standards to reveal the potential errors. Results: In different age groups, the mean position was varied ranging from T12-L1 intervertebral disc to upper part of L1 middle third, not clinically significant. The inter canal position of the spinal cord was toward dorsal. No significant relationship was found between CM and gender, age as well as BMI. Similar relationship was found for the spinal cord position in spinal column. Conclusion: There is a safe region of 2-4 vertebral bodies and intervertebral spaces during spinal block. It means that the variation of CM position and its end level could be a guidance to realize that why neurological symptoms may vary in different patients.
Environmental Health
Mohsen Arbabi; Sara Hemati; Masoud Amiri
Volume 2, Issue 2 , Spring 2015, , Pages 105-109
Abstract
Background and aims: The removing of (potential) toxic heavy metal ions from sewage, especially in industrial and mining waste effluents, has been widely studied in recent years. The aim of present study was to investigate the various methods for lead removal of lead ions from industrial wastewater. ...
Read More
Background and aims: The removing of (potential) toxic heavy metal ions from sewage, especially in industrial and mining waste effluents, has been widely studied in recent years. The aim of present study was to investigate the various methods for lead removal of lead ions from industrial wastewater. Methods: This study was a review research. Data were collected through different databases in various articles. The various methods for lead removal from industrial wastewater were compared to each other. Results: The present study showed the various methods for lead removal from industrial wastewater including chemical precipitation, electrochemical reduction, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, membrane separation, and adsorption. Technical applicability, plant simplicity and cost-effectiveness are the key factors that play major roles in the selection of the most suitable treatment system for inorganic effluents. Conclusions: Adsorption is proposed as an economical and effective method for the retention of lead ions from aqueous industrial wastes because it is simple, effective and economic in removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution.
Pharmacology
Ali Momeni; Mitra Momeni; Masoud Amiri
Volume 2, Issue 1 , Winter 2015, , Pages 40-43
Abstract
Background and aims: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of end-stage renal failure which could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and morbidity and mortality in patients. The aim of this study was to investigate new modalities for treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Methods:This ...
Read More
Background and aims: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of end-stage renal failure which could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and morbidity and mortality in patients. The aim of this study was to investigate new modalities for treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Methods:This study was a mini-review research to investigate drugs that are used for DN treatment. Results: Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptors blocker (ARB) are the bases of DN treatment during recent decades. Due to some of adverse reactions of these drugs like hyperkalemia and chronic cough, other drugs such as non dihydropridin Ca channel blockers, uric acid lowering drugs, renin antagonists, lipid lowering agents, oral hypoglycemic agents such as Thiazolidinediones, Vitamin D and selective endothelin receptor antagonists have been used in some studies for decreasing proteinuria and slowing progression of DN. The results of these studies are different and controversial in some cases. Conclusion: The cornerstone of diabetic nephropathy is prescription of angiotensin receptor antagonists or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or combination of two classes of drugs. For increasing the antiproteinuric effect of treatment or occurring the adverse effects of these drugs, (especially hyperkalemia), other agents such as Ca channel blockers, direct renin inhibitors, thioglithazons, uric acid lowering drugs or vitamin D may be added or replaced.
Environmental Health
Mohsen Arbabi; Neda Masoudipour; Masoud Amiri
Volume 2, Issue 1 , Winter 2015, , Pages 44-49
Abstract
Water resource scarcity, population growth, pollution of surface and groundwater by discharging toxic wastewater and subsequent diseases may raise the necessity of reusing and treatment of wastewater. Cyanide is one of the toxic materials which can be found in some industrial wastewaters. Strict laws ...
Read More
Water resource scarcity, population growth, pollution of surface and groundwater by discharging toxic wastewater and subsequent diseases may raise the necessity of reusing and treatment of wastewater. Cyanide is one of the toxic materials which can be found in some industrial wastewaters. Strict laws set by international bodies have forced industries to work on developing efficient cyanide removal processes. In addition, at short-term exposure, cyanide could result in rapid breathing, tremors and other neurological effects, but long term exposure it may cause weight loss, thyroid effects, nerve damage and death. Skin contact with liquids containing cyanide may also produce irritation and sores. The application of old methods like alkaline chlorination process has become limited due to toxic nature of intermediate and by-products, and unique methods, such as biological, the iron cyanide precipitation, SO2/Air, acidification/volatilization and reneutralization, ion exchange and hydrogen peroxide processes are mainly developed and used by their respective companies. In this paper, the negative effects of cyanide on health and its industrial manufacturers as well as cyanide removal processes are briefly discussed.
Epidemiology
Masoud Amiri
Volume 1, Issue 1 , Autumn 2014, , Pages 1-2
Abstract
Epidemiology can be considered as a very old science. For example, John Graunt, a statistician, published Natural and Political Observations. In the Bills of Mortality in 1662, he analyzed the mortality rolls in London before the Great Plague, presented one of the first life tables, and ...
Read More
Epidemiology can be considered as a very old science. For example, John Graunt, a statistician, published Natural and Political Observations. In the Bills of Mortality in 1662, he analyzed the mortality rolls in London before the Great Plague, presented one of the first life tables, and reported time trends for many diseases. He provided statistical evidence for many theories on disease, and challenged some common beliefs about them. Later, a Greek physician Hippocrates was the first person known to have examined the relationships between the disease occurrence and environmental influences. He believed that the cure to the sickness was to remove or add the humor in question to balance the body; he also mentioned the terms endemic (for diseases usually found in some places but not in others) and epidemic (for diseases seen sometimes but not always). Epidemiology could also be considered as a modern science. Dr. John Snow is indeed famous for his investigations about the causes of the 19th century cholera epidemics in London, and is also known as the father of (modern) epidemiology.
Epidemiology
Elaheh Ainy; Hamid Soori; Seyed Mohammad Riahi; Ebrahim Vahabzadeh; Asghar Mohebi; Masoud Amiri
Volume 1, Issue 1 , Autumn 2014, , Pages 16-23
Abstract
Background and aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of enforcement of new traffic laws on the fatal and non- fatal injury rates in Iran.
Methods: In a longitudinal, interventional controlled trial study, all subjects with history of fatal and non-fatal injuries were studied. Their injuries ...
Read More
Background and aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of enforcement of new traffic laws on the fatal and non- fatal injury rates in Iran.
Methods: In a longitudinal, interventional controlled trial study, all subjects with history of fatal and non-fatal injuries were studied. Their injuries were caused by six risky violations (unauthorized speed, illegal overtaking, red traffic light crossing, reverse gear movement in the highways, and vehicle arrestment due to two simultaneous violations) from June 2010 to November 2010 (as control) and from June 2011 to November 2011 (as case). Available forensic data were used and the outcome of new road traffic laws was analyzed.
Results: The new traffic laws led to reduction of fatal and non-fatal road traffic injuries in urban and metropolitan roads after implementation, with a continuing trend during six months. Reduction of fatal and non-fatal road traffic injuries was higher for 20-29 years age group. The effect of new traffic laws on reduction of fatal and non-fatal injuries was 8.7% and 33.3%, respectively. Reduction of fatality and injury rate at crash scene, after six months of intervention, was 0.4 and 11.1 per 100,000 populations, respectively.
Conclusion: The enforcement of the first phase of new traffic laws has reduced fatal and non-fatal rates of road traffic injuries in Iran. It seems that strict enforcement and amendment of new traffic regulations could further increase their efficiency.