Influence of chlorhexidine 2% and sodium hypochlorite 5. 25% on micro-tensile bond strength of Universal adhesive system (G-Premio Bond)

Aim One of the reasons for the failure of adhesion in composite restorations and secondary caries may be the chemical irrigants used during the endodontic treatment. NaOCl is widely used for the biomechanical preparation of root canals due to its antimicrobial properties and capacity to dissolve organic material. In addition, another very effective decontamination solution is chlorhexidine 2%. There are few studies about the effect of root canal irrigation solutions on bond strength of universal adhesives therefore, in this study we have investigated the influence of CHX 2% and NaOCl 5.25% on micro-tensile bond strength of G-Premio Bond. Methods Twenty-four human teeth were randomly allocated to the following groups: G1, immersion in saline solution 0.9% for 30 minutes (control); G2, immersion in CHX 2% for 30 minutes; G3, immersion in NaOCl 5.25% for 30 minutes. After restoration, the dentin/resin interface was tested by micro-tensile bond strength. The surfaces morphology was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey test in SPSS software Version 24. Results There was a statistically significant difference between G3 and G1 (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences among G1 and G2, G2 and G3. Conclusion Root canal irrigation with NaOCl 5.25% significantly reduced the micro-tensile bond strength in the G-Premio Bond at self-etch mode, but the use of CHX did not make a significant difference.

Development and validation of an environmental heat strain risk assessment (EHSRA) index using structural equation modeling based on empirical relations

BACKGROUND@#Need to a simple, available, accurate, comprehensive, and valid indicator is felt to assess thermal effects. Therefore, the present study was aimed to develop and validate the environmental heat strain risk assessment (EHSRA) index using structural equation modeling (SEM) based on empirical relations.@*METHODS@#This cross-sectional study was performed on 201 male workers in environments with various climatic conditions. The heart rate and tympanic temperature of the individuals were monitored at times of 30, 60, and 90 min after beginning the work. At these times, values of dry temperature, wet temperature, globe temperature, and air velocity were also measured and metabolism rate and clothing thermal insulation value were estimated. At the end, a theoretical model was depicted in AMOS software and obtained coefficients were applied to develop a novel index. The scores of this indicator were categorized into four risk levels via ROC curves and validate using linear regression analysis.@*RESULTS@#Indirect effect coefficients of the globe temperature, dry temperature, wet temperature, air velocity, metabolism, and clothing thermal insulation variables on the tympanic temperature were computed by 0.77, 0.75, 0.69, 0.24, 0.49, and 0.39, respectively. These coefficients were applied to develop the index. Optimal cut-off points of boundaries between risk levels included 12.02, 15.88, and 17.56. The results showed that the EHSRA index justified 75% of the variations of the tympanic temperature (R@*CONCLUSIONS@#The novel index possesses appropriate validity. It was suggested that this indicator is applied and validated in various environments in the next studies.

The impact of climatic variables on the population dynamics of the main malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae), in southern Iran

Objective: To determine the significance of temperature, rainfall and humidity in the seasonal abundance of Anopheles stephensi in southern Iran. Methods: Data on the monthly abundance of Anopheles stephensi larvae and adults were gathered from earlier studies conducted between 2002 and 2019 in malaria prone areas of southeastern Iran. Climatic data for the studied counties were obtained from climatology stations. Generalized estimating equations method was used for cluster correlation of data for each study site in different years. Results: A significant relationship was found between monthly density of adult and larvae of Anopheles stephensi and precipitation, max temperature and mean temperature, both with simple and multiple generalized estimating equations analysis (P<0.05). But when analysis was done with one month lag, only relationship between monthly density of adults and larvae of Anopheles stephensi and max temperature was significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: This study provides a basis for developing multivariate time series models, which can be used to develop improved appropriate epidemic prediction systems for these areas. Long-term entomological study in the studied sites by expert teams is recommended to compare the abundance of malaria vectors in the different areas and their association with climatic variables. Abbasi Madineh 1 Deparment of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz Rahimi Foroushani Abbas 2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Jafari-Koshki Tohid 3 Molecular Medicine Research Center; Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz Pakdad Kamran 4 Department of Parasitology & Mycology, Paramedical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Vatandoost Hassan 5 Deparment of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Hanafi-Bojd Ahmad 6 Deparment of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran WHO. Malaria report 2019. Geneva: WHO; 2019. 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Carter TE, Yared S, Gebresilassie A, Bonnell V, Damodaran L, Lopez K, et al. First detection of Anopheles stephensi Liston, 1901 (Diptera: Culicidae) in Ethiopia using molecular and morphological approaches. Acta Trop 2018; 188: 180-186. Zhou G, Munga S, Minakawa N. Spatial relationship between adult malaria vector abundance and environmental factors in western Kenya highlands. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2007; 77(1): 29-35. Bashar K, Tuno N. Seasonal abundance of Anopheles mosquitoes and their association with meteorological factors and malaria incidence in Bangladesh. Parasites Vectors 2014; 7: 442. Gardiner LS. Climate change and vector-borne disease. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. 2018. [Online]. Available from: https://scied.ucar.edu/longcontent/climate-change-and-vector-borne- disease [Accessed on 9 June 2019]. Patz JA, Lindsay SW. New challenges, new tools: The impact of climate change on infectious diseases. Curr Opin Microbiol 1999; 2(4): 445-451. Khormi HM, Kumar L. Future malaria spatial pattern based on the potential global warming impact in South and Southeast Asia. Geospat Health 2016; 11(3). doi: 10.4081/gh.2016.416. Ren Z, Wang D, Ma A, Hwang J, Bennett A, Sturrock HJW, et al. Predicting malaria vector distribution under climate change scenarios in China: Challenges for malaria elimination. Sci Rep 2016; 6: 20604. Campbell-lendrum D, Woodruff R. Climate change: Quantifying the health impact at national and local levels. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2007. Hanafi-Bojd AA. Using of remote sensing and geographical information system for estabiling a malaria monitoring system in the Bashadgard endemic focus, Hormozgan Province, Iran. Ph.D. Thesis. Tehran University of Medical Sciences; 2010. No. 4526. Mohammadkhani M, Khanjani N, Bakhtiari B, Sheikhzadeh K. The relation between climatic factors and malaria incidence in Kerman, South East of Iran. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2016; 1: 205-210. Statistical Center of Iran. Country statistical yearbook. 1st ed. Iran: Management & Planning Organization; 2018, p.100-120. Basseri HR, Moosakazemi SH, Yosafi S. Mohebali M, Hajaran H, Jedari M. Anthropophily of malaria vectors in Kahnouj district, south of Kerman, Iran. Iran J Public Health 2005; 34(2): 27-35. Fathian M, Vatandoost H, Moosa-Kazemi H, Raeisi A, Yaghoobi-Ershadi MR, Oshaghi MA, et al. Susceptibility of Culicidae mosquitoes to some insecticides recommended by WHO in a malaria endemic area of Southeastern Iran. J Arthropod-Borne Dis 2015; 9(1): 22-34. Mojahedi A, Basseri HR, Raeisi A, Pakari A. Bioecological characteristics of malaria vectors in different geographical areas of Bandar Abbas County, 2014. J Prev Med 2016; 3(1): 18-25. Nedjati J. The study on some bioecological characteristics of malaria vectors and monitoring of their suseptibility levels to some insecticides in Sarbaz county, Sistan va Baluchestan province. MSc. Thesis. Tehran University of Medical Sciences; 2011. No. 5046. Poudat A. Epidemiological survey of malaria in Bandar Abbas County, 1998-2002. MSc. Thesis. Tehran University of Medical Sciences; 2003. No. 3375. Yeryan M, Basseri HR, Hanafi-Bojd AA, Raeisi A, Edalat H, Safari R. Bio-ecology of malaria vectors in an endemic area, Southeast of Iran. Asian Pac J Trop Med 2016; 9(1): 32-38. Iran Meteorological Organization. Specialized products and services weather. 2019. [Online]. Available from: https://data.irimo.ir/ [Accessed on 10 April 2019]. Cui J. QIC program and model selection in GEE analyses. Stata J 2007; 7(2): 209-220. Aytekin S, Aytekin AM, Alten B. Effect of different larval rearing temperatures on the productivity (R0) and morphology of the malaria vector Anopheles superpictus Grassi (Diptera: Culicidae) using geometric morphometrics. J Vec Ecol 2009; 34: 32-42. Lardeux FJ, Tejerina RH, Quispe V, Chavez TK. A physiological time analysis of the duration of the gonotrophic cycle of Anopheles pseudopunctipennis and its implications for malaria transmission in Bolivia. Malar J 2008; 7: 141. Simon-Oke IA, Olofintoye LK. The effect of climatic factors on the distribution and abundance of mosquito vectors in Ekiti State. J Biol Agri Healthcare 2015; 5(9): 142-146. Jemal Y, Al-Thukair AA. Combining GIS application and climatic factors for mosquito control in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2016; 25(8):1593-1602. Msugh-Ter MM, Aondowase DA, Terese AE. Association of meteorological factors with two principal malaria vector complexes in the University of Agriculture Makurdi community, Central Nigeria. Am J Entomol 2017; 1(2): 31-38. [31 ]Kabbale FG, Akol AM, Kaddu JB, Ambrose W. Biting patterns and seasonality of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato and Anopheles funestus mosquitoes in Kamuli District, Uganda Onapa. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6: 340. Paaijmans KP, Wandago OM, Githeko AK, Takken W. Unexpected high losses of Anopheles gambiae larvae due to rainfall. PLoS One 2007; 2(11): e1146. Gillooly JF, Brown JH, West GB, Savage VM, Charnov EL. Effects of size and temperature on metabolic rate. Science 2001; 293: 2248-2251. Koenraadt CJ, Paaijmans KP, Schneider P, Githeko AK, Takken W. Low level vector survival explains unstable malaria in the western Kenya highlands. Trop Med Int Health 2006; 11(8): 1195-1205. Munga S, Minakawa N, Zhou G, Githeko AK, Yan G. Survivorship of immature stages of Anopheles gambiae s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) in natural habitats in western Kenya highlands. J Med Entomol 2007; 44: 758-764. Afrane YA, Zhou G, Lawson BW, Githeko AK, Yan G. Effects of microclimatic changes due to deforestation on the survivorship and reproductive fitness of Anopheles gambiae in Western Kenya Highlands. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2006; 74: 772-778. Afrane YA, Githeko AK, Yan G. The Ecology of Anopheles mosquitoes under climate change: Case studies from the effects of environmental changes in East Africa highlands. Ann Acad Sci 2012; 1249: 204-210. Abbasi F, Babaeian I, Malboosi SH, Asmari M, Mokhtari LG. Climate change assessment over Iran during future decades, using statistical downscaling of ECHO-G model. J Geogr Res 2012; 104: 205-230 (In Persian).

Assessment of the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Sudan: a case-control study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major challenge for the global control of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with MDR-TB in Sudan. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted from May 2017 to February 2019. Patients newly diagnosed with MDR-TB were selected as cases, and controls were selected from TB patients who responded to first-line anti-TB drugs. A questionnaire was designed and used to collect data from study participants. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and MDR-TB infection. The best multivariate model was selected based on the likelihood ratio test. RESULTS: A total of 430 cases and 860 controls were selected for this study. A history of previous TB treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 54.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 30.48 to 98.69) was strongly associated with MDR-TB infection. We identified interruption of TB treatment (aOR, 7.62; 95% CI, 3.16 to 18.34), contact with MDR-TB patients (aOR, 5.40; 95% CI, 2.69 to 10.74), lower body weight (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.91), and water pipe smoking (aOR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.73 to 6.04) as factors associated with MDR-TB infection. CONCLUSIONS: Previous TB treatment and interruption of TB treatment were found to be the main predictors of MDR-TB. Additionally, this study found that contact with MDR-TB patients and water pipe smoking were associated with MDR-TB infection in Sudan. More efforts are required to decrease the rate of treatment interruption, to strengthen patients’ adherence to treatment, and to reduce contact with MDR-TB patients.

Assessment of the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Sudan: a case-control study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major challenge for the global control of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with MDR-TB in Sudan.METHODS: This case-control study was conducted from May 2017 to February 2019. Patients newly diagnosed with MDR-TB were selected as cases, and controls were selected from TB patients who responded to first-line anti-TB drugs. A questionnaire was designed and used to collect data from study participants. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and MDR-TB infection. The best multivariate model was selected based on the likelihood ratio test.RESULTS: A total of 430 cases and 860 controls were selected for this study. A history of previous TB treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 54.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 30.48 to 98.69) was strongly associated with MDR-TB infection. We identified interruption of TB treatment (aOR, 7.62; 95% CI, 3.16 to 18.34), contact with MDR-TB patients (aOR, 5.40; 95% CI, 2.69 to 10.74), lower body weight (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.91), and water pipe smoking (aOR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.73 to 6.04) as factors associated with MDR-TB infection.CONCLUSIONS: Previous TB treatment and interruption of TB treatment were found to be the main predictors of MDR-TB. Additionally, this study found that contact with MDR-TB patients and water pipe smoking were associated with MDR-TB infection in Sudan. More efforts are required to decrease the rate of treatment interruption, to strengthen patients' adherence to treatment, and to reduce contact with MDR-TB patients.

Assessment of the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Sudan: a case-control study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major challenge for the global control of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with MDR-TB in Sudan.@*METHODS@#This case-control study was conducted from May 2017 to February 2019. Patients newly diagnosed with MDR-TB were selected as cases, and controls were selected from TB patients who responded to first-line anti-TB drugs. A questionnaire was designed and used to collect data from study participants. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and MDR-TB infection. The best multivariate model was selected based on the likelihood ratio test.@*RESULTS@#A total of 430 cases and 860 controls were selected for this study. A history of previous TB treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 54.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 30.48 to 98.69) was strongly associated with MDR-TB infection. We identified interruption of TB treatment (aOR, 7.62; 95% CI, 3.16 to 18.34), contact with MDR-TB patients (aOR, 5.40; 95% CI, 2.69 to 10.74), lower body weight (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.91), and water pipe smoking (aOR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.73 to 6.04) as factors associated with MDR-TB infection.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Previous TB treatment and interruption of TB treatment were found to be the main predictors of MDR-TB. Additionally, this study found that contact with MDR-TB patients and water pipe smoking were associated with MDR-TB infection in Sudan. More efforts are required to decrease the rate of treatment interruption, to strengthen patients' adherence to treatment, and to reduce contact with MDR-TB patients.

Phage therapy as an approach to control salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis infection in mice

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is a cause of food-borne human illness. Given the prevalence of antibiotic resistance of Salmonella Enteritidis and the lack of antibiotic efficacy in future years, its replacement with other agents is necessary. One of the most useful agents is bacteriophages. METHODS S. Enteritidis was identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay. The effective bacteriophages were isolated from hospital wastewater samples. The effects of the bacteriophages were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS The phage SE20 belonged to the Podoviridae family, and the genome size was 40 kb. The evaluation of phage SE20 at variable pH ranges showed its susceptibility to pH < 3 and pH > 12. The animal model showed that mice infected with S. Enteritidis developed hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, but did not experience gastrointestinal complications after receiving the bacteriophages. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that phage SE20 is a promising candidate for controlling salmonellosis caused by Salmonella Enteritidis.

The effects of water-pipe smoking on birth weight: a population-based prospective cohort study in southern Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Consecutive community health assessments revealed that water-pipe smoking in women and impaired growth in children were among the main health concerns in suburban communities in southern Iran. The aim of the present study was to identify the effects of water-pipe smoking during pregnancy on birth weight.METHODS: Data from a population-based prospective cohort study of 714 singleton live pregnancies in the suburbs of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran in 2016–2018 were used in this study. Data about water-pipe smoking patterns and birth weight were collected by questionnaires during and after the pregnancy. Low birth weight (LBW) was defined as a birth weight below 2,500 g. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized linear models, and the results were presented in terms of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).RESULTS: Fifty (8.2%) of the study subjects smoked water-pipe. The adjusted risk of LBW increased 2-fold in water-pipe smokers (adjusted RR [aRR], 2.09; 95% CI, 1.18 to 3.71), and by 2.0% for each 1-year increase in the duration of water-pipe smoking (aRR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.05).CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that water-pipe smoking during pregnancy was an important risk factor for LBW in this population sample from southern Iran. The introduction of regulations onto prevent water-pipe smoking and the implementation of community health action plans aiming at empowering women and increasing women's knowledge and awareness regarding the health consequences of water-pipe smoking are proposed.

The effects of water-pipe smoking on birth weight: a population-based prospective cohort study in southern Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Consecutive community health assessments revealed that water-pipe smoking in women and impaired growth in children were among the main health concerns in suburban communities in southern Iran. The aim of the present study was to identify the effects of water-pipe smoking during pregnancy on birth weight. METHODS: Data from a population-based prospective cohort study of 714 singleton live pregnancies in the suburbs of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran in 2016–2018 were used in this study. Data about water-pipe smoking patterns and birth weight were collected by questionnaires during and after the pregnancy. Low birth weight (LBW) was defined as a birth weight below 2,500 g. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized linear models, and the results were presented in terms of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Fifty (8.2%) of the study subjects smoked water-pipe. The adjusted risk of LBW increased 2-fold in water-pipe smokers (adjusted RR [aRR], 2.09; 95% CI, 1.18 to 3.71), and by 2.0% for each 1-year increase in the duration of water-pipe smoking (aRR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that water-pipe smoking during pregnancy was an important risk factor for LBW in this population sample from southern Iran. The introduction of regulations onto prevent water-pipe smoking and the implementation of community health action plans aiming at empowering women and increasing women's knowledge and awareness regarding the health consequences of water-pipe smoking are proposed.

The effects of water-pipe smoking on birth weight: a population-based prospective cohort study in southern Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#Consecutive community health assessments revealed that water-pipe smoking in women and impaired growth in children were among the main health concerns in suburban communities in southern Iran. The aim of the present study was to identify the effects of water-pipe smoking during pregnancy on birth weight.@*METHODS@#Data from a population-based prospective cohort study of 714 singleton live pregnancies in the suburbs of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran in 2016–2018 were used in this study. Data about water-pipe smoking patterns and birth weight were collected by questionnaires during and after the pregnancy. Low birth weight (LBW) was defined as a birth weight below 2,500 g. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized linear models, and the results were presented in terms of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).@*RESULTS@#Fifty (8.2%) of the study subjects smoked water-pipe. The adjusted risk of LBW increased 2-fold in water-pipe smokers (adjusted RR [aRR], 2.09; 95% CI, 1.18 to 3.71), and by 2.0% for each 1-year increase in the duration of water-pipe smoking (aRR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our results showed that water-pipe smoking during pregnancy was an important risk factor for LBW in this population sample from southern Iran. The introduction of regulations onto prevent water-pipe smoking and the implementation of community health action plans aiming at empowering women and increasing women's knowledge and awareness regarding the health consequences of water-pipe smoking are proposed.

Phage therapy: assessment of the efficacy of a bacteriophage isolated in the treatment of salmonellosis induced by Salmonella enteritidis in mice

Aim: This work aims to isolate and perform comparative studies of a phages active against a Salmonella enteritidis strain from Iran. Also, suitable phage candidates for therapy of mice will be selected

Background: Bacteriophage is of particular interest as a biocontrol agent in the prevention of food-borne illnesses. In recent years tend to use bacteriophages to control pathogenic bacteria has increased. A bacteriophage is considered to be a potent antibiotic alternative for treating bacterial infections

Methods: the specific phages against Salmonella Enteritidis was isolated and candidates for therapy of mice will be selected. Mouses divided into the six specific groups. Groups of mice were as follows: A: Bacteri [control] B: Bacteri+ bacteriophage [Simultaneous], C: Bacteri + bacteriophage Four days later, D: Bacteriophage + bacteri four days later E: Bacteri+ Ciprofloxacin [Simultaneous] F: Bacteri+ ciprofloxacin+ bacteriophage [Simultaneous]

Results: In this study, a lytic bacteriophage is isolated and it shows that phage has a head size of 46 nm and without a tail, by using an electron microscope. Oral administration of a single dose of 2 × 109 PFU/mouse bacteriophage enable to protect mouse against salmonellosis and it causes treatment of salmonellosis in mice

Conclusion: The use of this phage compared to ciprofloxacin shows that in addition of the treatment of mouse, it also prevents weight loss

Determination of air enthalpy based on meteorological data as an indicator for heat stress assessment in occupational outdoor environments, a field study in Iran

Background: Heat stress evaluation and timely notification, especially using meteorological data is an important issue attracted attention in recent years

Therefore, this study aimed at answering the following research questions: 1] can enthalpy as a common environmental parameter reported by meteorological agencies be applied accurately for evaluation of thermal condition of outdoor settings, and 2] if so, what is it's the best criterion to detect areas in stress or stress-free situations, separately

Methods: Nine climatic regions were selected throughout Iran covering a wide variety of climatic conditions like those, which exist around the world. Three types of parameters including measured [ta, RH, Pa and WBGT], estimated [metabolic rate and cloth thermal insulation], and calculated parameters [enthalpy and effective WBGT] were recorded for 1452 different situations. Enthalpy as a new indicator in this research was compared to WBGT in selected regions

Results: Altogether, a good consistency was obtained between enthalpy and WBGT in selected regions [Kappa value: 0.815]. Based on the good ROC curve obtained using MedCal software, the criterion of the values more than 74.24 for the new index was determined to explain heat stress situation for outdoor environments

Conclusions: Because of simplicity in measurement, applicability of the indicator for weather agencies, the consistency observed between enthalpy and a valid as well as accurate index [WBGT], sensor requirements which take only a few seconds to reach equilibrium and so on, enthalpy indicator can be introduced and applied as a good substitute for WBGT for outdoor settings

Treatment of vitamin D deficiency is an effective method in the elimination of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis: A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

Background & objectives: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent vaginal infection in women of reproductive age group which has been found to be associated with vitamin D deficiency. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the administration of 2000 IU/day edible vitamin D for 15 wk to eliminate asymptomatic BV among reproductive age women with vitamin D deficiency. Methods: A total of 208 women with asymptomatic BV, who were found to be eligible after interviews and laboratory tests, were randomly assigned to a control group (n=106) or an intervention group (n=105). They used vitamin D drops daily for 105 days. Vaginal and blood samples were taken before and after the second intervention using identical methods (Nugent score for BV diagnosis, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D for vitamin D determination). Results: The cure rate of asymptomatic BV was 63.5 per cent in the intervention and 19.2 per cent in the control group (P <0.001). The results showed that being unmarried (P=0.02), being passive smoker (P<0.001), and being in the luteal phase of a menstrual cycle during sampling (P=0.01) were significantly associated with post-intervention BV positive results. After these elements were controlled, the odds of BV positive results in the control group was 10.8 times more than in the intervention group (P<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: Among women in reproductive age group with vitamin D deficiency, the administration of 2000 IU/day edible vitamin D was effective in eliminating asymptomatic BV. This treatment could be useful in preventing the symptoms and side effects of BV.

[Measurement of the constructs of health belief model related to self-care during pregnancy in women referred to south Tehran health network]

Self-care activities during pregnancy can be effective in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Health Belief Model [HBM] is one of the most applicable models in educational need assessment for planning and implementation of educational interventions. The purpose of this study was to measurement of the constructs of HBM related to self-care during pregnancy in women referred to South Tehran health network. In this cross-sectional study 270 pregnant women who referred to health centers of South Tehran Health Networks participated. Demographic, knowledge and attitude questionnaires based on constructs of HBM was used to measure the status of knowledge and attitude of women. Data were analyzed using statistical software SPSS18. Results showed that 92.2% of women had the knowledge scores in good level. The scores of perceived severity, perceived self-efficacy and cues to action were in good level in almost of women but almost of women obtained weak point in perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits and barriers. HBM can be used as an appropriate tool for assessment the status of pregnant women in the field of self-care behaviors during pregnancy and planning and implementation of educational interventions

functional abilities and maximal vertical jumping height in coper and non-coper anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee

The aim of the present study was to compare the performance of the vertical jump task and the level of disability between the coper and non-coper athletes with an anterior cruciate ligament-minus knee. Thirty-four professional male athletes with isolated complete anterior cruciate ligament -tear [age 20-29 years and 6-12 months time past injury] were recruited in this study. The subjects were allocated into the coper [n=17] and non-coper [n=17] groups according to their history of having giving way and feeling an instability in their injured knee. The maximum vertical jump height was recorded by a 6-camera Vicon motion analysis system. The functional outcomes of the subjects were assessed with use of the Persian versions of the International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Tegner Questionnaires. The results revealed that the coper ACK-deficient knee subjects had a significantly higher International Knee Documentation Committee score as well as two subscales of the KOOS questionnaire including the sports [p=0.001] and the quality of life [p=0.016] than non-copers. However, the subscales of pain [p=0.0137], symptoms [p=0.353] and the activities of daily living [p=0.133] of the KOOS questionnaire did not show any significant differences between the coper and non-coper ACL-deficient knee subjects. In addition, the maximum jumping height was significantly higher in the copers too [p=0.008]. While the pain, symptoms and daily activities were not different between the two groups, a higher level of the functional abilities, sports activities, quality of life and the maximum jumping height were shown in the coper ACL-deficient knee subjects when compared to the non-copers. A deliberate evaluation of the functional abilities in ACL-deficient knee subjects might play a key role in distinguishing the coper and non-coper ACL-deficient knee subjects

effect of quercetin on plasma oxidative status, C-reactive protein and blood pressure in women with rheumatoid arthritis

Considering the increased production of free radicals and inflammatory factors in rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and the effects of bioflavonoid quercetin on reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and blood pressure, the present study examined the effects of bioflavonoid quercetin on total antioxidant capacity [TAC] of plasma, lipid peroxidation and blood pressure in women with RA. The current study was a randomized double-blind clinical trial in which 51 women with RA aged 19-70 years, were participated. Patients were assigned into quercetin [500 mg/day] or placebo groups for 8 weeks. Dietary intake was recorded using 24-h dietary recall questionnaire and the physical activity was assessed through an international short questionnaire of physical activity at the beginning and end of the study. Plasma TAC and malondialdehyde [MDA] using colorimetric method, oxidized low density lipoprotein [ox-LDL] and high sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and also blood pressure were measured at the beginning and end of intervention. After 8 weeks there were no significant differences in TAC of plasma, ox-LDL, MDA, hs-CRP, systolic and diastolic blood pressure between quercetin and placebo groups and in each group comparing before and after. In this study, quercetin had no effect on oxidative and inflammatory status of plasma and blood pressure in patients with RA. Further studies are needed to ensure the effect of quercetin on oxidative stress and inflammation in human

Stated time preferences for health: a systematic review and meta analysis of private and social discount rates

The present study aimed to provide better insight on methodological issues related to time preference studies, and to estimate private and social discount rates, using a rigorous systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Proquest databases in June 2013. All studies had estimated private and social time preference rates for health outcomes through stated preference approach, recognized eligible for inclusion. We conducted both fixed and random effect meta-analyses using mean discount rate and standard deviation of the included studies. I-square statistics was used for testing heterogeneity of the studies. Private and social discount rates were estimated separately via Stata11 software. Out of 44 screened full texts, 8 population-based empirical studies were included in qualitative synthesis. Reported time preference rates for own health were from 0.036 to 0.07 and for social health from 0.04 to 0.2. Private and social discount rates were estimated at 0.056 [95% CI: 0.038, 0.074] and 0.066 [95% CI: 0.064, 0.068], respectively. Considering the impact of time preference on healthy behaviors and because of timing issues, individual's time preference as a key determinant of policy making should be taken into account. Direct translation of elicited discount rates to the official discount rates has been remained questionable. Decisions about the proper discount rate for health context, may need a cross-party consensus among health economists and policy makers

Inequality of leprosy disability in Iran, clinical or socio-economic inequality: an extended concentration index decomposition approach

Despite significant reduction in global disease prevalence, leprosy still has a high rate of disability while its determinants are unfair and many of them are amendable. The objective of this study was to measure inequality of disability in leprosy in Iran. This was a cross-sectional study [2006-2007] on all living people affected by leprosy registered in W. Azerbaijan province health center, Western North of Iran. The outcome of the study was the socio-economic inequality considering presence or absence of grade 2 disability [G2D] based on the WHO classifications. An extended concentration index decomposition approach was used for analysis. Among 452 cases, 65.3% were male and 67% were affected by the multi bacillary type. Overall G2D was 65.3%. The estimated Concentration Index was -0.0782, showing presence of pro-poor socio-economic inequality of G2D, while extended CI estimation [v = 5] was -0.163. Achievement index with coefficiently = 5] revealed that G2D mean was 16% more than classic mean in the poorest group. The result of decomposition of the existing inequality revealed that, some of the determinants such as receiving mono-therapy, education, urbanization, and bacillus calmette ; guerin [BCG] vaccination had shared contribution [67.4%, 61.8%, 59.2%, and 57.5% respectively]. This study provided new perspective for the health j system to leprosy control considering the significant gap between; rich and poor [inequality] regarding G2D disability, and its effective elements in socio-economic strata. Some effective actions can be considered to reduce the scale of existing inequality

Effect of a self-care educational program based on the health belief model on reducing low birth weight among pregnant Iranian women

Low birth weight [LBW] is considered as an important outcome of birth and pregnancy, which is associated with long-term consequences and health-care problems. Maternal lifestyle and health care during pregnancy are powerful predictors of BW of infants. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a self-care educational program based on the Health Belief Model [HBM] on reducing LBW among a sample of pregnant Iranian women. In this randomized controlled trial, we recruited 270 pregnant women referred to prenatal clinics in the south of Tehran, Iran. The participants were randomly allocated to two intervention and control groups. Women in the intervention group received an educational program to promote self-care behaviors during pregnancy. The control group received routine care. BW was compared between the two groups. Baseline demographic characteristics and knowledge and attitude scores before the intervention in both groups were compared using the Chi-square test for categorical variables. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to control the effect of demographic variables on BW. The results showed that LBW was reduced significantly in the intervention group at the follow-up measurement [5.6 vs. 13.2%, P = 0.03]. After controlling for demographic characteristics, we found a significant decrease in the risk of LBW in the intervention group [odds ratio [OR]: 0.333; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12-0.88, P = 0.02]. Implementation of a self-care educational program designed on the basis of an HBM on pregnant women was effective in reducing the rate of LBW

Relationship between energy expenditure related factors and oxidative stress in follicular fluid

Background: This study evaluated the impact of body mass index [BMI], total calorie intake and physical activity [PA] as energy expenditure related factors on oxidative stress [OS] in follicular fluid [FF]

Materials and Methods: This prospective study conducted on 219 infertile women. We evaluated patients' BMI, total calorie intake and PA in their assisted reproduction treatment cycles. Malondialdehyde [MDA] and total antioxidant capacity [TAC] in pooled FF at oocyte retrieval were additionally assessed

Results: There was no relation between OS biomarkers to total calorie intake and PA. The TAC levels in FF adjusted for age, duration of infertility, etiology of infertility, number of used gonadotrophin and PA showed a positive relation to BMI [p=0.001]. The number of used gonadotrophin and PA had a negative relation to duration of infertility [p=0.03] and anovulation disorder as an etiology of infertility. The MDA level in FF had a positive association with anovulation disorder as the etiology of infertility [p=0.02]. MDA in FF was unaffected by BMI

Conclusion: Increasing age, BMI and PA do not affect OS in FF. In women with longtime infertility and those with anovulation disorder as an etiology of infertility, decreased potent antioxidant defense in the follicular microenvironment may contribute to ovarian function. Therefore antioxidant supplements may be beneficial for these groups of women