Exposure to pistachio pesticides and stillbirth: a case-control study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Stillbirth is an undesirable outcome of pregnancy. In light of the increasing use of pesticides and growing concerns about the possible health effects of agricultural pesticides, we investigated the effect of exposure to pistachio pesticides on stillbirth in pregnant mothers. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted in Rafsanjan, Iran from 2011 to 2012. A total of 125 females who had a recent stillbirth were included as the case group, and 250 controls were selected from females who had a recent live birth. For each case, two controls with the nearest propensity score to the case were selected. Data were collected using a protocol developed by the researcher that involved interviewing respondents and reviewing their medical records. Conditional multivariate and univariate logistic regression analysis were performed and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: The ORs of stillbirth in mothers living in pistachio gardens and those who were exposed to sprayed pesticides, in comparison to the controls, were 14.1 (95% CI, 3.3 to 63.4) and 5.0 (95% CI, 1.2 to 28.6), respectively. No significant differences were found in stillbirth rates according to the distance between the mother's residence and a pistachio garden or involvement in agricultural activities. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed that exposure to pistachio pesticides during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of stillbirth in mothers.

Comparison of the efficacy of massage and aromatherapy massage with geranium on depression in postmenopausal women: a clinical trial

Depression exacerbates the physical problems in menopause in addition to influencing the individual, occupational and social functioning of women. This study was conducted to determine the effect of aromatherapy massage on depression in menopausal women. In this clinical trial, 120 menopausal women were selected based on the inclusion criteria and were randomly divided into three groups namely control, aromatherapy massage and massage group. Data collection tool in this study was demographics questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]. In aromatherapy massage group, essential oil of geranium [2%] in almond oil was used. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks, once a week for 30 minutes and their depression rate was assessed before and after the intervention and were compared with the control group. ANOVA and t-test were used for data analysis. Aromatherapy massage reduced the mean depression score [MD: 0.51, 95%CI]. Massage therapy also reduced depression score [MD: 0.20, 95%CI] [P < 0.001]. To detect the effects of aromatherapy and massage therapy separately, the mean depression score was compared and aromatherapy massage reduced the depression score more than massage therapy [MD: -0.31, 95%CI]. The results of this study consider aromatherapy massage beneficial in improving symptoms of depression and recommend it as a complementary therapy

The Persian Version of a Participation Scale: Is It Valid and Reliable Enough for Use among Iranian Patients with Multiple Sclerosis?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the face and criterion validity, stability reliability, and internal consistency of the Persian version of the Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA-p) scale among Iranian people with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Trained experts interviewed 364 MS patients and their relatives to assess the criterion validity, stability reliability, and internal consistency of the IPA-p scale. Ten specialists from different disciplines were also recruited to assess its face validity. A consent form was completed by the patients and their relatives. Internal consistency reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha and stability reliability was assessed using interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The test-retest method was used to detect the reliability of the questioner. The study subjects completed the IPA-p scale on two occasions separated by an interval of 30-45 days. Study checklists were also used to assess the face validity, stability reliability, and internal consistency of the IPA-p scale. RESULTS: About 50% of the respondents reported their perceived overall participation to be "good" or "very good" and 60% of the specialists rated the ability of the IPA-p scale to measure what it was designed for as "excellent." Spearman correlation coefficients were >0.8 for all but one IPA-p domain. Cronbach's alpha between the mean IPA-p scale scores achieved on two separate occasions ranged from 0.858 to 0.913. The highest and lowest internal consistencies belonged to the "social relationships" and "education and learning" domains, respectively. The test-retest ICCs for the nine domains were between 0.789 and 0.919, and all were significant at p<0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The IPA-p questionnaire can be considered a valid and reliable instrument for assessing self-reported participation among Iranian MS patients.

effect of childhood viral infections on the incidence of multiple sclerosis

In this study, the history of viral infections of measles, chickenpox and mumps in childhood was compared between the two groups of adults with multiple sclerosis [MS] and healthy people. In this case-control study, a group of 45 MS patients and a group of 135 healthy people who were similar based on some variables were invited. Patients had a definite diagnosis of MS and control group consisted of people accompanying MS patients. Data were collected by a trained expert in face-to-face interview sessions. For data analysis, odds ratio index was calculated and 95% confidence interval was also computed. The mean age of respondents at the time of viral infections was also compared between the two groups. The proportions of infected people by measles, chickenpox and mumps among MS patients were 58%, 56% and 40%, respectively. These proportions in healthy group were 68%, 52% and 44%, respectively. There was not any significant difference between these proportions in the two groups. Mean age of morbidity for measles, chickenpox and mumps among patients were 6.8 +/- 3.1, 8.7 +/- 2.98 and 10.6 +/- 4.7 years, and were significantly higher that these mean ages [4.1 +/- 2.1, 5.3 +/- 3.1 and 8.4 +/- 2.8, respectively] among healthy people [p<0.001]. Although there was not any significant difference between the history of morbidity of measles, chickenpox and mumps in the two groups of MS patients and healthy people, the mean ages of these viral infections among MS patients were significantly higher than healthy people

[ level of access to medicine and ancillary equipments needed for emergency cases in dental private offices in four southeast cities in Iran [2007-2008]]

It is not possible to avoid the occurrence of emergency accidents in private dental offices. In order to manage the emergency accidents, scientific and practical knowledge is necessary. The present study aimed to assess the presence of both medicine and ancillary equipments in dentists' emergency kit of private dental offices in four southeast cities in Iran. In this descriptive study, all dentists working in their private dental offices were invited to help with this survey in four southeast cities in Iran [2007-2008]. Data collection method included interview with the dentists, observing emergency kit and filling in the checklist by trained experts. Data were analyzed using parametric [t-test] and non-parametric [chi-square and Fisher's Exact] tests. Among the 126 dentists, 117 dentists accepted to help with the survey [Response rate=92.9%]. Mean age of respondents was 36 +/- 7.6 years. Mean duration of respondents working in their private offices was 6.6 +/- 6.9 years. 53% of respondents had participated in emergency medicine courses and only 39.3% had the emergency medical kit in their private offices. Unfortunately, all of the kits were incomplete. Mean age of dentists shows that they would work in their private dental offices for a long time. On the other hand, our results showed that a majority of private dental offices in our study did not have emergency kits or existed emergency kits were incomplete. These results confirm the need for planning and managing emergency medicine courses both for dentists and students in dental schools

historical cohort study assessing the effect of diabetes on the quality of life of patients

In view of the increasing prevalence of diabetes, and the absence of a previous survey in the study population, the present study was done to assess the quality of life in diabetic patients. Two groups of diabetic [n=101] and healthy [n=123] subjects matched according to age, gender, educational status, social class, occupation and marital status were recruited for this historical cohort study. The level of quality of life was measured using SF-36 scale. Data was collected by- trained expert through face-to-face interview carried out in uninterrupted and peaceful surroundings. Parametric [t-test] and non-parametric [Mann-Whitney U] tests were used to compare groups. The cohort under study consisting of 224 people in two different groups of patients and healthy people was statistically similar in the baseline variables including age, gender, educational status, social class, occupation and marital status. Proportion of people with undesirable quality of life among the patients group was significantly greater than controls. Relative risk for reporting undesirable quality of life was significantly increased, [7.1 times, 95%CI= 3.8-13.4] in diabetic patients as compared to healthy subjects. Our findings show that diabetes has an adverse effect on the quality of life. These findings underscore the need for goal-directed interventions to improve the quality of life in diabetic patients

Five-year follow up of job-related injuries among sarcheshme copper mine complex workers

To measure the risk and the trend of job-related injuries among people employed in Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine Complex in Kerman [SCMC], Southeast of Iran. In this longitudinal incidence study, all workers in SCMC between 2001 and 2005 were followed. All injuries due to job-related accidents were documented. Information was recorded on a check list by a trained expert. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to compare groups where appropriate. Significant differences between incidences rates were noted where the 95% confidence interval of the relative risk [RR] excluded unity. More than 5600 people were working and a total number of 735 injuries were reported giving an overall five-year incidence rate of 131 per 1000 five PYAR. In 71.4% of cases, the accident was due to carelessness. The mean number of lost days for each injured case was 26.9 +/- 27.9. The risk of experiencing a serious injury among SCMC workers is considerably high. Although, the risk of job-related accidents in SCMC between 2002 and 2005 decreased, an occupational health education program is strongly suggested

Prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in adolescent girls in south east of Iran

Obesity is the most common cause of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome [MetS]. These are the most important risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease [CHD]. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome [Mets] in adolescent girls in Rafsanjan, Iran. In this cross sectional study 1221 respondents were randomly selected using a multiphase sampling method. The individual questionnaire was completed after receiving a written informed consent. The weight, height, Waist Circumference [WC] and blood pressure were measured using standard equipments. Five milliliters blood were taken for measuring TG, HDL CHO and FBS of the obese volunteers after detecting obesity [n=76]. We determined metabolic syndrome according to the earlier Adult Treatment Panel III [ATPIII] criteria. Mean age of respondents was 14.3 +/- 1.7 years and 11.2% [95% CI = 9.4% -12.9%] and 2.4% [95% Cl = 1.5% - 3.3%] of subjects were overweight and obese respectively. Based on our finding about 1.2% [95% CI= 0.6% - 1.8%] respondents had abdominal obesity. According to ATPIII criteria 3.9% [C195% = 2.8% - 5%] of respondents had metabolic syndrome. This study showed high prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome among girls studying in secondary and high schools of Rafsanjan. We suggest screening programme for children aged 6-11 years as the result will help in planning to control obesity and metabolic syndrome

comparison of serum ferritin concentration between healthy people with and without history of family diabetes

This study aims to compare serum ferritin of the first degree relatives of diabetic patients with the control group. This is a case control study. Thirty five adults in each group of case and control group were chosen by random technique. For each individual a questionnaire was completed and serum ferritin and fasting blood sugar concentration of the subjects were measured. Parametric and non parametric tests were used for comparing groups were appropriate. About 74.2% of subjects were female and 25.8% were males in each group. Mean frittin concentration in case group was higher than this mean among respondents in control group [63 +/- 58.73ng/dl versus 58.07 +/- 54.57ng/dl]. The fasting blood sugar concentration in the case group was also higher than the control group [100.6 +/- 37.38mg/dl versus 95.9 +/- 17.02mg/dl]. However these differences were not significant between the two groups. There was a significant correlation between the ferritin concentration and fasting sugar in case group. Although there wasn't a significant difference in mean ferritin concentration between the two groups, the higher ferritin concentration among respondents in the case group comparing to it's concentration among respondents in control group is very important. More investigation of this type recruiting larger groups as case and control is suggested

[Prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome among adolescent girls in Rafsanjan, 2007]

Obesity is the most common cause of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome [MS]. These are the most important risk factors for CHD. The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, the two most important risk factors for CHD, in adolescent girls in Rafsanjan. In this cross sectional study 1221 respondents were randomly selected using a multiphase sampling method. The individual questionnaire was completed after receiving a written consent form. The weight, height, waist circumference [WC] and blood pressure were measured using standard equipments. Five ml blood sample were taken for measuring TG, HDL-C and FBS of the obese volunteer after detecting obese subjects [n=76]. We determined MS according to the latest ATP3 criteria. Mean age of respondents was 14.3 + 1.7 years, and 11.2% [95% CI = 9.4% -12.9% and 2.4% [95% CI = 1.5% -3.3%] of subjects were overweight and obese respectively. Based on our findings about 1.2% [95% CI= 0.6%-1.8%] of respondents counted as abdominal obesity. According to ATPIII criteria 3.9% [CI 95% = 2.8% -5%] of respondents encounter with MS. This study showed high prevalence obesity and metabolic syndrome among adolescent girls of Rafsanjan. Therefore researchers suggest screening test also for children aged 6-11 years .The results will help with planning to control the problem in the future

[Evaluation of some immune system components in hyperthyroid women]

The immune system and the endocrine system are, respectively, to defend the body against infections and to regulate physiologic activities of the body.Experimental as well as clinical evidence support the close interaction and bi-directional communication between the endocrine and immune systems. Some disorders in immune system were observed in experimental thyroid abnormalities. The aim of this study is to evaluate some immunological factors in hyperthyroid females. In this descriptive study, blood samples were collected from 50 females with hyperthyroid disease and a control group consisting of 50 sex - and age - matched euthyroid subjects. Thyroid function was assesed according to measurent of T3, T4 and TSH levels. The following parameters were studied in both groups: total and differential white blood cell counts [determined on stained-blood smear], serum concentration of immunoglobulins including: IgG, IgA, IgM [measured by SRID method] and IgE [quantitated by ELISA technique], seropositivity rates of CRP [determined by latex agglutination method], C3 and C4 complement components measured by SRID method. The mean serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE were 2312.4 +/- 584 mg/dl, 296 +/- 87 mg/dl, 118.8 +/- 28 mg/dl and 301 +/- 264 IU/ml in hyperthyroid females and were 1539 +/- 974 mg/dl, 243 +/- 116 mg/dl, 140.1 +/- 68.9 mg/dl and 109.8 +/- 115 IU/ml in euthyroid subjects, respectively. Statistical analyses showed that the mean serum levels of IgG, IgA and IgE were significantly higher in hyperthyroid group as compared to euthyroid group. The seropositive rate of CRP was 20% and 4% in hyperthyroid and euthyroid groups, respectively. The seropositive rate of CRP was also significantly higher in hyperthyroid group as compared to euthyroid group. However, IgM, C3 and C4 levels and white blood cell counts were similarly expressed in two groups. The results indicate that some immunological alterations such as elevation of serum IgG, IgA and IgE levels and higher seropositive rate of CRP occur in hyperthyroid women

Causes of death registered on death certificates in an Iranian community based on ICD-10

Accurate documentation of the cause of death is critical for health care planning. In this study, the most important causes of death registered on death certificates and the most important issues preventing accurate registration and access to death information in the town of Rafsanjan were surveyed. This was a descriptive study. All death certificates [totally 1197] issued during the year 2004 in Rafsanjan were reviewed. The relevant information was collected on a checklist. Data were analyzed with SPSS. Common issues preventing accurate documentation and access to information about the causes of death were as follows; incongruity between available information in different medical centers, incomplete death certificates, difficult access to death information, inaccurate registration of the real causes of death and illegibility of the registered information. The most common cause of death in males was accident and in females was a cardiovascular disease. The registration system and access to death information requires extensive modification, therefore, information pertaining causes of death must be used and interpreted cautiously