Social capital of Iranian patients living with acquired immune deficiency syndrome and associated factors

This study investigated the social capital of Iranian patients living with acquired immune deficiency syndrome [AIDS] and the associated factors. In a cross-sectional study the Integrated Social Capital Questionnaire was filled by a sequential sample of 300 patients visiting a referral counselling centre in Tehran. The patients' social capital scores were around 50% in the trust, social cohesion, collective action and cooperation and political empowerment domains. The groups and networks membership domain scored the lowest [27.1%]. In regression analysis, employment status was significantly associated with groups and networks membership; age, marital status and financial status were associated with collective action and cooperation; period of disease awareness and marital status affected social cohesion and inclusion; and having risky behaviour affected empowerment and political action. Efforts are needed to enhance the social capital of those patients living with AIDS who are younger, unemployed, divorced/widowed, with risky behaviours and shorter disease awareness

[Barriers of East Azerbaijan Islamic Council members' involvement in health system: a qualitative study]

Introduction: Consultation with the community members and their participants has been emphasized as one of the principles of primary health services. Islamic Councils as a community representatives have a substantial role in health system. The aim of this study was to determine barriers of East Azerbaijan Islamic Council members' involvement in health system.

Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted by using content analysis. Study samples were selected purposively. Data were collected by interview with 39 urban and rural Islamic Councils and public health system workers until data saturation. Data collected using semi-structured interviews, simultaneously were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings: Result of interview analysis were categorized in 764 codes, 65 subcategory in 7 main category including: lack of education, lack of existing a procedure for participation, legislation problems, executive problems related to existing legislatives, coordination problems, financial and social issues.

Conclusion: Islamic Councils can participate in all health related areas, but, at time of involvement with the health system; they should consider many issues. Therefore, involvement in health care systems and resolving problems with practical solutions is suggested.

Laboratory and field evaluation of two formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis M-H-14 against mosquito larvae in the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2012

Due to low efficacy in the field of a local commercial product of Bacillus thuringiensis M-H-14 [Bioflash[registered sign]], a study was designed to assess its efficacy in laboratory, glass standard aquarium, semi-field and field conditions at both target and higher dosages against immature stages of Anopheles spp. and Culex spp. In laboratory conditions, the LC[50] values of wettable powder and granule formulations were 227 and 1031 ppm respectively against a susceptible strain of An. stephensi. Following application of wettable powder and granules at 56.1 mg/aquarium, the survival rates of the exposed larvae to the granule formulation were 65.6% and 54.2% on days 6 and 8 respectively. In the artificial ponds, the larval density was reduced to 38.9%, 39.3% and 65.1% at dosages of 2, 4 and 8 g/m[2] respectively. In rice fields, at a dosage of 2 kg/ha, the density of immature larvae were reduced to 33.1% and 28.6% 7-days post-treatment. Further investigations are needed for the reasons for the low efficacy of this larvicide

Field efficacy of expanded polystyrene and shredded waste polystyrene beads for mosquito control in artificial pools and field trials, Islamic Republic of Iran

Concerns about traditional chemical pesticides has led to increasing research into novel mosquito control methods. This study compared the effectiveness of 2 different types of polystyrene beads for control of mosquito larvae in south-east Islamic Republic of Iran. Simulated field trials were done in artificial pools and field trials were carried out in 2 villages in an indigenous malaria area using WHO-recommended methods. Application of expanded polystyrene beads or shredded, waste polystyrene chips to pool surfaces produced a significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment density of mosquitoes [86% and 78% reduction respectively 2 weeks after treatment]. There was no significant difference between the efficacy of the 2 types of material. The use of polystyrene beads as a component of integrated vector management with other supportive measures could assist in the control of mosquito-borne diseases in the Islamic Republic of Iran and neighbouring countries

Developing the use of quality indicators in sterilization practices

Health-care-associated infections are a major threat to the safety of patient care. Control of such problem is a major criterion for hospital accreditation. This study was aimed to determine the developing use of chemical [class 6 products] and biological indicators in Tabriz district hospitals since 1997 to 2011. We conducted this time-trend interventional study with all of the public and private hospitals, which counted to 21 in Tabriz district as a sample. The situations of indicator use were presented for each time in the base of indicator groups. Furthermore, the results were showed in the base of hospital groups. All of district hospital [n=21] with 74 autoclave machine and 22 central sterilization room were studied. The result of second time study in 2008 showed a markedly improvement in the control of sterilization processes. Furthermore, we continued our intervention results 6 month later in 2009 and 2 years later in 2011. The most striking result were use of chemical indicator in 100% of hospitals. However, there are defects in the use of biological indicators [63.65%]. The most obvious finding was significant improvement in sterilization control especially in development the use of chemical indicators. The finding of this study has a number of important implications for hospital managers and infection control practitioners such as continuous practical training of CSSD personnel in hospitals and mandating of indicator using in all sterilization process with controlling of this subject in evaluation and accreditation of hospital programs

evaluation of association between HLA and disease progression among HIV/ADIS patients referred to Imam Khomeyni Hospital

Background: Human leukocyte antigen [HLA] class I and class II is believed to play a major role in the immune response to HIV, and are known to be associated with rates of progression to AIDS. This study measured the rates of variation within well-defined epitopes to determine associations with the HLA-linked exposure of disease progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between HLA and disease progression among Iranian HIV/AIDS patients in comparison with general population. Materials and methods: In this case- control study, the role of HLA class I [A, B] and class II [DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1] alleles were investigated in 48 HIV infected Iranian patients compared with 100 healthy individuals. HLA typing was carried out by PCR amplification using sequence specific primers [PCR-SSP]. The primer was supplied by the standard kit. The disease progression was determined based on changes in stage of disease. Results: Among 48 HIV infected patients and the control group a>positive association was observed with HLA- DRB1* 0301 [1.32< OR< 7.09, P= 0.0037], HLA- DQA1 * 0501[1.01< OR< 4.97, P=0.03], HLA- DQB1 * 0201 [0.98< OR< 3.50 P= 0.04] as well as a negative association with HLA- DRB1 * 1301 [0.01< OR< 0.98, P= 0.022] in HIV progression. In this study, no significant association was found with the analyzed HLA-B*2701 and HLA-B* 5701 alleles in the case of HIV progression. Conclusion: In our study among HIV infected patients the HLA- DRB1 * 0301, HLA- DQA1 * 0501 and HLA- DQB1 * 0201 were the most important predictors for the HIV progression, whereas, HLA- DRB1 *1301 detected as strong protectors. As the results of the limitations in present study such as being small sample size, studies among a larger population would be necessary to in HIV infected patients with predisposing HLA alleles for early therapy

Investigation of indoor and outdoor air bacterial density in Tehran subway system

The wide use of subway system by citizens underlines the importance of hygienic issues including indoor air pollution in these public places especially in metro stations. The aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial contamination in indoor and outdoor air of two metro stations [Imam Khomeini and Sadeghiyeh stations] in Tehran subway system. In this cross sectional study, three sampling locations were selected in each station. Also, sampling was conducted in indoor air of two types [old and new] of trains. The range of bacterial colony count was 35-1501 CFU/m[3]. Maximum and minimum bacterial contamination levels in Imam Khomeini and Sadeghiyeh platform stations were averagely 1073 CFU/m[3] and 242 CFU/m[3], respectively. 14 bacterial species and genera were isolated; among them the dominant species were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus spp. Results showed that bacterial concentrations in indoor air were higher than the outdoor air; also the bacterial counts correlated significantly with number of the passengers [p<0.001] and air temperature [p<0.001]

Infestations of piagetiella titan [Menoponidae: Mallophaga] on juvenile white pelicans [Pelecanus nocrotalus, L.] in urmia lake national park, northwest Iran

Pelecaniformes are large water birds feeding by hunting fish and living usually in the sea and in fresh water. Ectoparasitic lice of the genus Piagetiella are interesting from an ecological standpoint as they are found in the pouches of pelicans. Unlike chewing lice, which live on the body surface of the host, P. titan lives in the oral cavity of white pelicans [Pelecanus nocrotalus, L.]. This study aimed to determine the infestation of white pelicans with P. titan in Urmia Lake, Northwest Iran, between June and August from 2004 to 2006. Sixty-two juvenile white pelicans at three different age groups of < 1 [n = 8], 1-2 [n = 23] and 3-7 [n = 31] weeks were investigated and 59 birds were found infested with lice. A total of 1637 lice were collected from the oral cavity and body of the birds, with the number of lice ranging from one to 112 per bird. P. titan were identified according to the criteria described by Price [1970], including the number of setae in various parts of body, the structures of prosternal, mesosternal and metasternal plates, the structures of female and male genitalia, presence of two ventral stout subapical setae on tibia II-III and the number of the ctenidia on femur III. This report describes R titan on pelicans for the first time from Iran

[ effect of nanosilver paint on reducing fungal contamination in hospitals]

Nanosilver-based paint is a new technology with antimicrobial and antifungal characteristics. These characteristics were investigated in this study with regard to fungal contamination in hospitals. Regarding hospitalization of transplant patients and their sensitivity to hospital infections, two similar rooms were selected in nephrology ward. One of them was painted with Nanosilver paint and the other one with ordinary paint. Sampling was done via Swap Sterile and Open Plate. A total of 350 samples was obtained and colony-forming units in Open Plate and Surface Culture methods in case and control rooms were compared. Mean colony- forming units in case and control groups showed significant difference in both open plate and surface culture methods [P<0.000, P<0.001 respectively]. In studying the effect of time passing on the effectiveness of nanosilver paint, P values were 0.165 and 0.644 for open plate and surface culture methods respectively. It was found that Nanosilver paint is indeed effective in reducing both air and surface fungal contamination, but it is more effective on surface. Moreover, the passing of time had no effect on the effectiveness of the paint

Relationship among panoramic radiogaphy findings, biochemical markers of bone turnover and hip BMD in the diagnosis of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Recent investigations have shown that panoramic radiography might be a useful tool in the early diagnosis of osteoporosis. In addition, bone turnover biochemical markers might be valuable in predicting osteoporosis and fracture risks in the elderly, especially in post-menopausal women. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship among the radiomorphometric indices of the mandible, biochemical markers of the bone turnover and hip BMD in a group of post-menopausal women. Evaluation of mandibular cortical width [MCW], mandibular cortical index [CI], panoramic index [PMI] and alveolar crest resorption ratio [M/M ratio] were carried out on panoramic radiographs of 140 post-menopausal women with an age range of 44-82 years. Hip BMD was measured by DEXA method. BMD values were divided into three groups of normal [T score >-1.0], osteopenic [T score, -2.5 to -1.0]and osteoporotic [T score<-2.5]. Serum alkaline phosphatase and 25 [OH] D3 were measured. A decrease in MCW by 1mm increase the likelihood of osteopenia or osteoporosis up to 40%, having taken into consideration the effect of menopause duration. A 1 mm decrease in MCW increased the likelihood of moderate or severe erosion of the lower cortex of the mandible up to 28% by taking age into consideration. The results did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between bone turnover markers and mandibular radiomorphometric indices. Panoramic radiography gives sufficient information to make an early diagnosis regarding osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Panoramic radiographs may be valuable in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures in elderly women

Adaptation of an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay by purified gp51SU for detection of antibodies to bovine leukemia virus

The objective of this study was to compare an indirect ELISA, based on a purified 60 kDa envelope glycoprotein [gp51SU], with a Pourquire indirect ELISA for the detection of antibodies to the bovine leukemia virus. For conducting this research, 340 serum samples were collected from two different breeds of cows [Sarabi and Holestin] in different herds. Commercial ELISA revealed positive results in 17 [7%] Holstein cows. An appropriate ELISA cut-off was determined by receiver operating curve [ROC] analysis in comparison with commercial indirect ELISA. Results showed a relative sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 92%, respectively, for a cut-off value of 0.34 in the domestic ELISA. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that domestic developed kit can be used for diagnosis of bovine leukemia virus with appropriate sensitivity and specificity. In addition, a comparison of the results from a native breed, Sarabi, with Holstein showed that there was no significant [P>0.05] difference in the frequency of infection with BLV between the two breeds

Effect of nanosilver painting on control of hospital air-transmitted microorganisms

Microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, are among air-transmitted infectious agents at hospitals, which in addition to patients, can afflict hospital employees and visitors, and may result in economic burden and impact on human health. Although application of physical and chemical methods for control of microbial growth is not a new subject, but the use of nanotechnology and especially nanosilver painting is a new method applied in this area. This study was aimed to assess antibacterial and antifungal effects of nano-silver painting. Three rooms were selected in an infectious diseases unit of a university-based tertiary referral hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. One of the rooms was painted with ordinary paint having no nano-particle [as control room] and the other two rooms were painted with two different 2% nanosilver paints [one locally produced and other provided from abroad] provided from two different companies [as case rooms]. Air sampling was carried out using a portable air pump [Quick Take 30 with constant rate between 10 and 30 L/min from 1 to 999 minutes] at pre-planned schedule. Each sampling was done in two minutes with the rate of 28.3 L/min. Samples were transferred on Blood agar [for total bacterial growth], EMB agar [for Gram negative bacterial growth] and Sabouraud>s Dextrose agar [for fungi detection] medias to study the culture results and Colony Forming Unit [CFU] count. Results, tested by ANOVAs and Kruskal-Wallis methods, indicated that there was no statistically significant reduction in the bacterial and fungal bio- burden between the control and case rooms and also between two types of paints by active sampling method. Moreover, there was no selective statistically significant change in bacterial and fungal species CFUs collected from the painted rooms by the above mentioned method. Study also revealed that there is no time trend change in bacterial bio- burden of the under study case and control rooms except for the first time zone [one month] of study duration

[Survey the of effect of zataria multiflora boiss essential oil on the growth of salmonella typhimurium in a commercial barley soup]

In spite of done improvements in slaughter hygiene and food production techniques, food safety is an important public health issue. Furthermore, the World Health Organization has recently called for a worldwide reduction in the consumption of salt in order to reduce the incidence of cardio-vascular disease. If the level of salt in processed foods is reduced, it is possible that other additives will be needed to maintain the safety of foods. Essential oils are probably one of the natural additives that can use as antibacterial additives. The aim of this study was evaluation of the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil on the growth of Salmonella typhimurium in commercial barley soup. At first, essential oil of Zataria multiflora Boiss. analyzed using GC/MS and the chemical components were identified. Antibacterial activity of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil on the growth of Salmonella typhimurium in commercial barley soup evaluated by using different essential oil concentrations [0.0, 0.005, 0.015 and 0.03%] and two different temperatures [8 and 25°C] during 21 days. Antibacterial activity of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil on the growth of Salmonella typhimurium was statistically significant [p<0.00]. The correlation coefficient of essential oil with log10 of the number of Salmonella typhimurium was -0.402. Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil probably can used as a proper preservative against some food borne pathogen bacteria in certain foods

Determination of urinary concentrations of organic oxygenates in urban workers

Methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl tert-butyl ether and tert-amyl methyl ether are oxygenated compounds added to gasoline to enhance octane rating in replacement of alkyl-lead compounds. In the present study the excretion of urinary methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl tert-butyl ether and tert-amyl methyl ether were evaluated as biomarkers of exposure to gasoline. With this aim, 10 policemen engaged in traffic control, 10 gas station workers and ten occupationally non-exposed persons were investigated. Spot urine samples were obtained prior to and at the end of the work shift from each subject. The urinary levels of oxygenated ethers were determined by using head-space gas chromatography and mass spectrometry detection. There were significant differences among the mean urinary concentrations of methyl tert-butyl ether in pre-shift samples of gas station workers [1193 ng/L], policemen [734 ng/L] and occupationally non-exposed persons [49 ng/L]. The mean urinary concentrations of methyl tert-butyl ether and tert-amyl methyl ether differed significantly among post-shift samples of gas station workers [16636 and 8655 ng/L], policemen [14458 and 1472 ng/L] and occupationally non-exposed persons [324 and 59 ng/L] [ANOVA: p<0.05 and Kruskal-Wallis test: p<0.05]. There was a significant difference in methyl tert-butyl ether concentrations between job categories [p<0.05 by ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test], and gas station workers and policemen were found to be probably the most exposed groups in this study

[Studying the effect of nanosilver painting on control of air-transmitted fungi]

Microorganisms including Fungi, are among air-transmitted infectious agents at hospitals and patient care settings, which in addition to patients, can afflict Health Care Workers [HCWs] and visitors, and may results in extravagant economic burden and impact on human health. Use of nanotechnology and especially nanosilver particles is one of the methods which are used in infection control. This article is the result of a research project investigating nanosilver painting effect on bioburden of indoor hospital air. The study was aimed to assess antifungal effects of nanosilver painting. Three rooms were selected at the infectious diseases ward of Imam Khomeini hospital complex. Two of the rooms were painted with two brands of nanosilver paints provided from two separate companies [as cases], and the third room with non-nanosilver paint brand [as control]. Air sampling was carried out using a portable air pump [Quick Take 30] at pre-planned schedule Each Sampling was done in two minutes with the rate of 28.3 Liter per minute. Samples were transferred on Sabourauds Dextrose Agar culture, to count the colonies of fungal based on Colony Forming Unite [CFU/m[3]]. Results were analyzed by ANOVA method. Active sampling method was not able to show statistically significant reduction in the total fungal bioburden between the control and case rooms. In evaluating the time trend of the nanosilver paints effect, sampling measures revealed that nanosilver paints had statistically significant effect in fungal bioburden reduction in the first third [i.e. first month] of the study period

[Density of airborne bacteria in a children's hospital in Tehran]

Atmospheric transport is a key mode of microbial dispersal and the transmission of airborne microbe can have significant impacts on human health. The main objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of airborne bacteria in a children's hospital. Three sampling points were selected. Airborne bacteria were collected with 6 days interval at each location using Quick take 30 sampler at an sampling rate of 28.3 l min-1 from November 2007 to March 2008. The results showed that the highest indoor density of bacteria was 429 CFU/m3 that founded in oncology ward. Bacteria identified were representative of normal flora of the skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Our analysis revealed that colony of bacteria in 14% in patient room exceeded available guideline value for indoor air quality. That 11% cases was found in the oncology ward

Use of expanded polystyrene [EPS] and shredded waste polystyrene [SWAP] beads for control of mosquitoes

Mosquitoes transmit several diseases to human. There are several measures for control of larvae. As part of Integrated Vector Management [IVM] program, the utility of floating layers of polystyrene beads [EPS] is a potential alternative in habitats of mosquito larva. EPS beads prevent oviposition of mosquito as well as killing the immature stages by forming a tick layer on the water surface. They are cheap, environmentally safe and do not need frequent application and remain on the surface of water for long time. The objective of the current study was to asses the effectiveness of two types of polystyrene beads of [EPS] and [SWAP] for control of mosquito larvae under laboratory conditions. Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus were used for experimental purposes. In each tray 250 larvae of late 3rd and early 4th instars were introduced. The experiment was conducted on 4 replicates for An. stephensi, Cu. quinquefasciatus and combination of both. Emerging of adult mosquitoes were calculated every day until the end of experiments. Mortality rate and Inhibition of Emerge [IE] for Cu. quinquefasciatus, An. stephensi and combination of both species was 97.8%, 100% and 99.07%, respectively using EPS. In average, EPS was able to kill 98.9% of larvae. The figures with SWAP were 63%, 91.05% and 72.65%, respectively. The average mortality for mosquitoes was 75.57% EPS and SWAP beads can be very effective and practical for elimination of An. stephensi and Cx. quinquefasciatus under the laboratory conditions

[Determination the level of dust and free silica in air of Khaf iron stone quarries]

Silica is an inorganic material that found in the nature in various forms. The hazards of crystal of silica or ?-quartz [free silica] is greater than other forms. Exposure to dust that contains free silica result to pulmonary injury and result to silicosis and death finally. The present research was conducted in order to evaluate the level of workers exposure to free silica in air of Khaf Iron stone quarries. The exposure level to total and respiratory dust measured based on personal and environmental sampling methods and concentration of dust determined based on gravimetric method. For determination of amounts of free silica, dust samples analyses based on X-ray diffraction [XRD] method, and results compared with standard levels. The maximum amount of total dust and free silica measured in stone breaking station [800 +/- 155mg/m3 and 26.11 +/- 6.7 mg/m3] and minimum of them measured in official and safeguarding station [8.28 +/- 2.2 mg/m3 and 0.012 +/- 0.0019 mg/m3]. The maximum amount of respiratory dust and free silica measured in red mound digging number 1 [66.14 +/- 13.45 mg/m3 and 1.48 +/- 0.39 mg/m3] and minimum of them measured in air hammer machine station [5.26 +/- 2.62 mg/m3 and 0.01 +/- 0.005 mg/m3]. Amount of total dust only in official and safeguarding station was lower than standard levels of Iran. Amount of respiratory dust in all stations was greater than Iran standard levels. Furthermore the level of respiratory free silica only in airy hammer machine station was lower than standard level of Iran. Regarding to this amounts it is so essential to that with applying different methods generation and emission of dust protected

[Preventing nosocomial infection transmit in gynecology and midwifery service providers in Tabriz [experience of educational interventions]]

Ignorance in infection control precautions and great number of women's seeking health services necessitate conducting of effective educational interventions in order to improving performance of outpatient units in prevention of transmission of infectious agents. This study compared two educational methods, including seminar with printed materials and printed materials only. In this interventional study, gynecologists and midwives of both public and private sections were studied. Data were gathered by questionnaire, checklist and microbiologic studies. After primary data gathering, methods of seminar with printed materials and printed materials only were performed in 81 and 67 subjects, respectively. After three months, results were compared with primary data. Regular controlling of dry heat or autoclave by medical engineers, using disposable speculum, proper disinfectant solution and reducing the number of positive microbial samples were highly influenced by printed materials method. While, in meeting standard time and temperate limit of sterilization and using proper disinfectant solution, the first method had better influence. In the most items, printed materials had higher result compared with participate in seminar and receiving printed materials. Performance indicator increased from 65% to 78% in first method and 80% in second method [p < 0.001]. Our findings are compatible with recent studies published in Iran and other countries. It showed the less effect of traditional presentations alone and high effects of audit and feedback on professional practice and health care outcomes. Therefore policy making on effective medical education and audit and feedback for infection prevention is recommended

Effectiveness of child health services in Iran Health System [East Azarbayjan and Zanjan Proviances]

In order to achieve the objectives of MDGs especially reduction of child mortality, the effectiveness of services must be increased. The main objective of the present study is surveying the effectiveness of child health services in Iran Health System. This cross sectional study was performed based on existing data. We compared data of 1500 children with their sibling. The weight and height of second children were increased as compared to first children. Performance of health care personnel was also improved in growth chart drawing, promoting breast feeding, and on time complementary feeding. Health network performance showed promotion, however, monitoring and assessing guidelines must be changed