Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among iranian steel workers

Musculoskeletal disorders in developing countries are considered as main cause of occupational disorders and disability and highly associated with socioeconomic burden to individual, organization and society in general view. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and associated risk factors among Iranian steel workers. In a cross-sectional study, 1439 questionnaires were provided from 1984 randomly selected workers of four Iranian steel industries. Data of musculoskeletal disorders was gathered by means of standardized Nordic self-reporting questionnaire. Demographic and work related data were collected into the check list. Out of 1984 individuals, 1439 questionnaires returned and mean age of study workers was 37.23 +/- 8.74 years old. Among workers, 46.3% in the past week and 61% in the last year claimed one of musculoskeletal disorders in their bodies. Lumbar, knee[s] and neck areas had the most common musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders had significant association with the job time of work and BMI. Musculoskeletal disorders in Iranian steel industries happened in high rate. Ergonomic interventions strategies into the workplaces must be focused to eliminate environmental hazards such as apposition on the time of work and manual handling of heavy loads

[Hypolipidemic effects of Nigella sativa L. seeds oil in healthy volunteers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial]

Several formulations of the Nigella sativa L. seeds [black seed] have been used in traditional medicine for treatment and prevention of a wide range of diseases including hyperlipidemia. But blood lipid lowering effects of its oil in clinical study is of an interest. The present study was undertaken to explore the possible blood lipid lowering effects of the black seed oil on healthy volunteers. A randomized clinical trial was conducted in 70 healthy volunteers referring to Bagiatallah hospital. The subjects were randomly selected and enrolled in to two groups of 35 each. One group received 2.5 ml black seed oil and the other group received similarly 2.5 ml mineral oil two times a day. The fasting blood triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, glucose, ALT, AST, BUN, cratinine, and HbA1C were determined at the baseline and after 8 weeks. Results showed that significant decrease in fasting blood cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, glucose and HbA1C levels in black seed oil treated volunteers as compared to placebo group at the end of the study. No notable liver, kidney and gastrointestinal side effects were observed in these two groups side effects were observed in these two groups. Administration of 5 ml black seed oil daily to healthy volunteers for 8 weeks had beneficial effects on improving lipid profile without any adverse effects

Molecular and biomorphometrical identification of ovine babesiosis in Iran

Ovine babesiosis is the most important haemoparasitic tick-borne disease of small ruminants in Iran caused by Babesia ovis, B. motasi, and B. crassa. The aim of this study was to characterize the species of ovine Babesia species isolated from different geographical region of Iran. One hundred fifty four blood samples collected from animals, which demonstrated the pale mucous membranes or hyperthermia. The specimens were transferred to the laboratory and the blood smears stained with Geimsa, the morphological and biometrical data of parasite in any infected erythrocyte have been considered. Extracted DNA from each blood samples were used in PCR and semi nested- PCR in order to confirm the presence of the species. Microscopial observation on 154 blood smears determined 38 [24.67%] and 40 [26%] samples were infected by Babesia and Theileria respectively. The mixed infections occurred in four [2.6%] samples. The results of the PCR assays showed nine [5.85%], 81 [53%] and 18 [11.7%] were distinguished as Babesia, Theileria and mixed infection, respectively. Semi nested-PCR did not confirm the presence of B. motasi. The causative organism of many cases of haemorprotozoal diseases, which recorded in previous studies, could B. ovis or Theilera lestoquardi. The result confirmed that B.ovis was only species which causes babesiosis in the study areas. It seems that the biometrical polymorphisms could exist in B. ovis in Iran. This polymorphism could be a main problem in differentiation between B. ovis and B. motasi and it could be dissolved by specific PCR analysis

Association between duration of daily visual display terminal work and sleep disorders among statistics center staff in Iran

Computers have become ubiquitous in the workplace offices and since computerized jobs are more sedentary, requiring more cognitive processing, mental attention and less physical expenditure of energy, many jobs that require heavy computer use have been found to be stressful. Three hundred and sixty two clerks of national statistics centre of Iran participated in this analytic cross-sectional study. All the employees that had worked with computer during the previous three months were enrolled. The subjects with diseases affecting the patient's sleep were excluded. In addition to demographic variables, for assessment of insomnia, we designed a questionnaire consisting of 20 items. Among 362 subjects, Male and female distribution was equal [Mean age: 35.27 +/- 8.48 years, range: 20-65 years]. The most common degree was bachelor [40.6%]. We couldn't find any significant changes with respect to well-being during the day, final awakening earlier than desired, functioning during the day and with increasing the hours of working with computer. An association was observed between the duration of daily visual display terminal work and each of the eight sleep-related symptoms on the AIS, such as difficulty in falling asleep and early awakening

Assessment of hearing standard threshold shift based on audiometric findings in steel company workers

Exposure of workers to excessive noise and its complications including hearing loss as one of the most important health problems in industries. Standard Threshold Shift [STS] is considered as an indicator for monitoring of the effectiveness of hearing conservation program [HCP] implemented in the industries. This study was designed to determine the frequency of STS and hearing loss in steel industry workers. 310 steel workers with sound level exposure to unauthorized noise [85 dBA or higher] that had at least 3 years work experience were enrolled. Required data were recorded in a questionnaire through direct interview. STS was investigated using baseline audiogram and audiometric evaluations. 22.3% of workers in 2008 and 41.3% of workers in 2009 had STS in both ears. There was a significant relationship between the sound exposure level and work experience with STS, while the relationship between age and STS was not significant. High frequency of STS in workers indicates unsuccessful hearing conservation program in the factory and careful implementation and reassessment of HCP seem necessary