Evaluation of the Quality of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Based on Key Performance Indicators in Certified Organizations

BACKGROUND: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems are becoming more widespread in organizations. Consequently, their effectiveness has become a core topic for researchers. This paper evaluates the performance of the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series 18001 specification in certified companies in Iran. METHODS: The evaluation is based on a comparison of specific criteria and indictors related to occupational health and safety management practices in three certified and three noncertified companies. RESULTS: Findings indicate that the performance of certified companies with respect to occupational health and safety management practices is significantly better than that of noncertified companies. CONCLUSION: Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series 18001-certified companies have a better level of occupational health and safety; this supports the argument that Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems play an important strategic role in health and safety in the workplace.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γGene Expression and Its Association with Oxidative Stress in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome / 전남의대학술지

Regulation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) gene plays an important role in controlling the metabolism of lipids and inflammatory processes. Therefore, it can be associated with the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of this gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients with metabolic syndrome. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), mRNA expression of PPAR-γ was found in PBMC from 37 subjects with MetS and 30 healthy controls. Serum levels of glucose and lipid profiles were measured. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured using the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) test. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined using a fluorimetric method. Total oxidant status (TOS) in serum was assayed according to oxidation of ferric to ferrous in the presence of methyl orange. Super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured using a Randox kit. Expression of PPAR-γ gene was significantly increased in patients with MetS compared to the control subjects (p=0.002). There was no difference in serum levels of TAC, MDA and SOD between the two study groups, but a significant difference was observed in the TOS (p=0.03). Serum levels of triglycerides and glucose were significantly higher in subjects with MetS. According to the results of our study, an increase in the expression of PPAR-γ in subjects with MetS indicated a possible role of PPAR-γ in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γGene Expression and Its Association with Oxidative Stress in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome / 전남의대학술지

Regulation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) gene plays an important role in controlling the metabolism of lipids and inflammatory processes. Therefore, it can be associated with the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of this gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients with metabolic syndrome. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), mRNA expression of PPAR-γ was found in PBMC from 37 subjects with MetS and 30 healthy controls. Serum levels of glucose and lipid profiles were measured. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured using the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) test. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined using a fluorimetric method. Total oxidant status (TOS) in serum was assayed according to oxidation of ferric to ferrous in the presence of methyl orange. Super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured using a Randox kit. Expression of PPAR-γ gene was significantly increased in patients with MetS compared to the control subjects (p=0.002). There was no difference in serum levels of TAC, MDA and SOD between the two study groups, but a significant difference was observed in the TOS (p=0.03). Serum levels of triglycerides and glucose were significantly higher in subjects with MetS. According to the results of our study, an increase in the expression of PPAR-γ in subjects with MetS indicated a possible role of PPAR-γ in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Predictive factors of regular physical activity among middle-aged women in West of Iran, Hamadan: application of precede model

Background: Regular physical activity is important for midlife women. Models and theories help better understanding this behavior among middle-aged women and better planning for change behavior in target group. This study aimed to investigate predictive factors of regular physical activity among middle-aged women based on PRECEDE model as a theoretical framework

Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 866 middle-aged women of Hamadan City western Iran, recruited with a proportional stratified sampling method in 2015. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire including questions on demographic characteristics and PRECEDE model constructs and IPAQ questionnaire. Data were then analyzed by SPSS-16 and AMOS-16 using the Pearson correlation test and the pathway analysis method

Results: Overall, 57% of middle-aged women were inactive [light level] or not sufficiently active. With SEM [Structural Equation Modeling] analysis, knowledge b=0.84, P<0.001, attitude b=0.799, P<0.001, self-efficacy b=0.633, P<0.001 as predisposing factor and social support as reinforcing factor b=0.2, P<0.001 were the most important predictors for physical activity among middle-aged women in Hamadan

Conclusions: The framework of the PRECEDE model is useful in understanding regular physical activity among middle-aged women. Furthermore, results showed the importance of predisposing and reinforcing factors when planning educational interventions

Seroprevalence of hepatits B virus among hemodialysis patients in Bushehr province, southern Iran

Hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection is still reported from adult hemodialysis units. To determine the prevalence of anti-HBs antibody in hemodialysis patients and the correlation between levels of anti-HBs antibody with other factors. HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc antibodies level in 199 hemodialysis patients were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seroconversion [antiHBs antibody >10 IU/L] was found in 22 patients. Minimum protective antibody level was found in patients aged >/= 60 years. Statistically significant correlation was not found between anti-HBs antibody and gender. Ten [8.4%] patients had abnormal ALT and/or AST. Prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBc antibody, HBeAg and anti-HBe antibody were found in 8 [6.72%], 24 [25.16%], 2 [1.685] and 3 [2.52%] patients, respectively. periodic assessment of anti-HBs antibody level is strongly recommended in patients undergoing hemodialysis