Validating the effectiveness of a self-report tool to predict unsafe behavior of industrial workers: a QEEG analysis.

Objectives. Unsafe behavior (UB) is defined as the likelihood of intentionally or unintentionally deviating from pre-defined plans. This study aims to investigate the validation of a self-report tool for measuring workers' cognitive-based UB using quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). Methods. The cognitive-based unsafe behavior questionnaire (CUBQ) was completed by 632 front-line workers in a manufacturing industry to identify differences in the backgrounds of the subjects regarding UBs. Two groups were then selected as extreme groups and QEEG was conducted based on the international 10-20 electrode placement. Results. The mean values of absolute power (AP), alpha/beta ratio (ABR) and alpha/gamma ratio (AGR) from brain oscillations in different regions of the cortex were significantly different between the studied groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, these values were found to be significantly correlated with slips, lapses and mistakes, as measured by certain scales of the CUBQ (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The findings of this study indicated differences in brain oscillation activities among industrial workers with different UB backgrounds. These results confirm the effectiveness of CUBQ as a proactive tool for safety practitioners to predict industrial workers' UBs.

Effect of health belief model-based training and social support on the physical activity of overweight middle-aged women: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The highest incidence of overweight among adults is found among women, predominantly middle-aged women. While it has been demonstrated that being overweight increases mortality by compromising physical and mental health, it also imposes substantial costs on the healthcare system. Lack of physical activity is a primary contributing factor to becoming overweight. The majority of inactive adults are women, particularly middle-aged women. Consequently, this study investigated the training program for overweight women based on the health belief model (HBM) and social support approach. Methods: A randomized, controlled trial involving 73 overweight middle-aged women (control group: 37, intervention group: 36) was conducted using simple random sampling. The intervention group participated in six 120-min sessions per week for 6 weeks of a training program based on HBM and social support through physical activity, group discussion, role play, and media. Data were collected using the Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Bandura's Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (Bandura's ESE), and a researcher-made questionnaire before and 4 weeks after the training. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS 27 software. p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A training program based on HBM and social support led to improved perceived benefits (p < 0.001), cues to action (p = 0.03), and self-efficacy (p < 0.001) of physical activity; decreased perceived barriers (p = 0.001); increased social support (p = 0.001); and increased physical activity (p < 0.001). In addition, the BMI of the intervention group decreased after the training program (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The findings of the study demonstrate the efficacy of the training program based on HBM and the social support approach in improving social support and physical activity of women. In addition, the study evaluates the long-term outcome in populations with varying social, economic, and cultural standings. Clinical Trials Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, (IRCT201706236261N17).

Estimation of 10-Year Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases Using WHO Risk Prediction Charts: A Population-Based Study in Southern Iran.

Background: An effective strategy for primary prevention of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is accurate diagnosis and the subsequent evidence-based treatment for high-risk people. This study aimed to estimate the 10-year risk of CVD and its related factors. Methods: The baseline data of 8138 participants of the Pars cohort study (PCS) in southern Iran were used. Risk scores were calculated using the updated 2019 WHO CVD risk prediction charts. The scores were determined based on age, gender, current smoking status, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diabetes status, and total serum cholesterol. Demographic and socioeconomic variables, physical activity, and anthropometric indices were measured and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 51.65 (9.06) years, and 53.44% were female. The 10-year CVD risk for 23.89% of participants was ≥10%. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking was 12.79%, 8.38%, 12.80%, and 14.41%, respectively. Having abdominal obesity, having low or moderate physical activity, being illiterate or having diplomas or lower degrees, and being in the third quartile of the wealth score group were associated with a higher 10-year risk of CVD. Conclusion: About one-fourth of the participants had moderate risk and higher. Due to the relatively high prevalence of CVD risk factors in the middle-aged population, the modifiable risk factors are recommended to be adjusted. Additionally, individual- and community-based educational policies are essential to create a healthy lifestyle.

Estimation of the Reproductive Number Trend of the Novel Coronavirus "COVID-19" in Southern Iran from July to November 2020.

Background: Effective measures to control COVID-19 should be based on an understanding of its epidemiological pattern and the evaluation of its prevalence in the community. This study aimed to examine the reproductive number (R) of COVID-19 and its trend in Fars Province in southern Iran. Methods: In this ecological study, the R trend was examined from July to November 2020. Data were collected from the daily reports of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. R is the product of three components, namely the number of infection-producing contacts per unit time, the probability of transmission per contact, and the contagiousness period. Incidence and prevalence rates were used to calculate R. The R value was calculated in Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: The first and second peaks of COVID-19 were observed on July 6th and November 22nd, respectively. The median and mean of R were 1.42 and 1.41, respectively. The highest and lowest values of R were observed on October 20th (2.60) and September 1st (0.46), respectively. The values of R had a slightly decreasing trend in the second half of July and November than the first half. In the second half of August and September, an increasing trend was observed than the first half. There was not much change in the second half of October. Conclusion: The highest value of R was related to the dates when there was a higher probability of exposure to the virus, including public holidays and different occasions on which the probability of people's participation in ceremonies, communities, and gatherings was higher.

Comparison of laboratory-based and non-laboratory-based WHO cardiovascular disease risk charts: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Determining the risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a necessity for timely preventive interventions in high-risk groups. However, laboratory testing may be impractical in countries with limited resources. This study aimed at comparison and assessment of the agreement between laboratory-based and non-laboratory-based WHO risk charts models. METHODS: This study was performed using the baseline data of 8138 participants in the pars cohort study who had no history of CVD and stroke. The updated 2019 WHO model was used to determine the 10-year fatal and non-fatal CVD risks. In general, there are two types of new WHO risk prediction models for CVD. The scores were determined based on age, sex, smoking status, diabetes, Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), and total cholesterol for the laboratory-based model and age, sex, smoking status, SBP, and Body Mass Index (BMI) for the non-laboratory-based model. The agreement of these two models was determined via kappa statistics for the classified risk (low: < 10%, moderate: 10-< 20%, high: ≥ 20%). Correlation coefficients (r) and scatter plots was used for correlation between scores. RESULTS: The results revealed very strong correlation coefficients for all sex and age groups (r = 0.84 for males < 60 years old, 0.93 for males ≥ 60 years old, 0.85 for females < 60 years old, and 0.88 for females ≥ 60 years old). In the laboratory-based model, low, moderate, and high risks were 76.10%, 18.17%, and 5.73%, respectively. These measures were respectively obtained as 77.00%, 18.08%, and 4.92% in the non-laboratory-based model. Based on risk classification, the agreement was substantial for males < 60 years old and for both males and females aged ≥ 60 years (kappa values: 0.79 for males < 60 years old, 0.65 for males ≥ 60 years old, and 0.66 for females ≥ 60 years old) and moderate for females < 60 years old (kappa = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: The non-laboratory-based risk prediction model, which is simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive, classifies individuals almost identically to the laboratory-based model. Therefore, in countries with limited resources, these two models can be used interchangeably.

Agreement between laboratory-based and non-laboratory-based Framingham risk score in Southern Iran.

The Framingham 10-year cardiovascular disease risk is measured by laboratory-based and non-laboratory-based models. This study aimed to determine the agreement between these two models in a large population in Southern Iran. In this study, the baseline data of 8138 individuals participated in the Pars cohort study were used. The participants had no history of cardiovascular disease or stroke. For the laboratory-based risk model, scores were determined based on age, sex, current smoking, diabetes, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and treatment status, total cholesterol, and High-Density Lipoprotein. For the non-laboratory-based risk model, scores were determined based on age, sex, current smoking, diabetes, SBP and treatment status, and Body Mass Index. The agreement between these two models was determined by Bland Altman plots for agreement between the scores and kappa statistic for agreement across the risk groups. Bland Altman plots showed that the limits of agreement were reasonable for females < 60 years old (95% CI: -2.27-4.61%), but of concern for those ≥ 60 years old (95% CI: -3.45-9.67%), males < 60 years old (95% CI: -2.05-8.91%), and males ≥ 60 years old (95% CI: -3.01-15.23%). The limits of agreement were wider for males ≥ 60 years old in comparison to other age groups. According to the risk groups, the agreement was better in females than in males, which was moderate for females < 60 years old (kappa = 0.57) and those ≥ 60 years old (kappa = 0.51). The agreement was fair for the males < 60 years old (kappa = 0.39) and slight for those ≥ 60 years old (Kappa = 0.14). The results showed that in overall participants, the agreement between the two risk scores was moderate according to risk grouping. Therefore, our results suggest that the non-laboratory-based risk model can be used in resource-limited settings where individuals cannot afford laboratory tests and extensive laboratories are not available.

18-year temporal trend of multiple sclerosis in southern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) imposes significant burdens on patients, their families, and national healthcare systems particularly when there is a resource constraint. Proper prioritization and resource allocation are therefore essential for any effective disease management. Accordingly, we sought to assess the temporal profile of MS incidence over the past two decades in southeast Iran. METHODS: A longitudinal design was employed using data from the Iranian multiple sclerosis registry system from March 2001 to March 2019 (n=6034). Annual age-standardized incidence rates of MS (cases of clinically isolated syndrome were also included) were calculated and the trend of incidence from 2001 to 2018 was analyzed. RESULTS: The age-adjusted incidence rate of MS raised from 1.72/100,000 in 2001 to 11.29/100,000 in 2018 (average of 18-year incidence rate was 6.30/100,000), indicating a notable rise in the incidence of MS (P-Value<0.001). However, the female to male ratio of 3.62 remained relatively stable during the study period. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that, in Fars province, the incidence of MS has been remarkably rising over the past two decades. We recommend further studies to better understand the determinants of this pattern. Implementing effective policies in lowering the burden of MS is another important step in this regard.

Low-level Eexposure to lead dust in unusual work schedules and hematologic, renal, and hepatic parameters.

BACKGROUND: Many workers are exposed to lead dust in lead-­zinc mines. Exposure to this heavy toxic metal and its compounds can cause irreversible adverse health effects. OBJECTIVE: To assess possible hematotoxic, nephrotoxic, and hepatotoxic potentials of low levels of lead in a group of mine workers exposed to this heavy metal in an unusual work schedule. METHODS: A total of 73 exposed and 70 non-exposed employees were interviewed. Demographic data, and occupational and medical history of the employees were obtained by questionnaires. Air monitoring was performed to determine the workers' time-weighted average (TWA) exposure to lead dust. The threshold limit value (TLV) for lead was adjusted for unusual work schedules according to the model developed by the University of Montreal and the Institute de Recherche en Sante et en Securite du Travail (IRSST). Blood samples were collected for complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests. Data were analyzed using version 21.0 of the SPSS software. RESULTS: The TWA exposure of workers was 24 µg/m3. On average, the worker's exposure to lead dust did not exceed the 8-h OSHA and ACGIH TLV-TWA of 50 µg/m3. Significant associations were found only between exposure to lead and platelet count, red cell distribution width, total protein, and albumin. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to low levels of lead dust in unusual work schedules was not associated with overt hematotoxicity, hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. However, mild, sub-clinical, pre-pathologic significant changes were noted in some blood parameters of the exposed employees as compared with their referent counterparts.

Is 'invisible gorilla' self-reportedly measurable? Development and validation of a new questionnaire for measuring cognitive unsafe behaviors of front-line industrial workers.

The most complicated problem in detecting workplace hazards is the dynamic condition of industrial settings and the unpredictability of workers' behavior. A newly developed method focusing on cognitive differences between individuals is required to evaluate unsafe behaviors of workers. This study aimed at development and validation of a new questionnaire for measuring cognitive unsafe behaviors of front-line industrial workers. A new questionnaire with 61 items was developed and the main measurement characteristics (validity and reliability) were analyzed. Content validity analysis showed that 61 items had an excellent content validity index (<0.78) and content validity ratio (>0.42). Good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.95) and stability (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.98) were found for the new instrument. The result of confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the selected model was satisfactory. The new instrument appears to be a valid and reliable tool to assess cognitive unsafe behaviors of front-line industrial workers.

Multiple sclerosis diagnosis delay and its associated factors among Iranian patients.

OBJECTIVE: A long diagnostic delay in multiple sclerosis (MS) reduces the chance of early access to disease modifying therapies with potential to impact on disease trajectory. The aims of this study were to determine the delay in diagnosis of MS and its associated factors in Iran. METHODS: Our study was conducted on 536 MS patients who were selected from Multiple sclerosis registry database and neurology clinics in southern part of Iran. Data were collected via a face-to-face interview administered questionnaire. A multiple linear regression model was used to control for the effect of potential confounding factors on the delay of MS diagnosis. RESULTS: The mean of diagnostic delay was 7.0 months. Single patients were diagnosed on average 1.33 months later compared with those who were married (P = 0.007). Those who were registered with a family physician reported an average of 1.42 months longer delay in diagnosis than others (P = 0.004). For each year of older age at diagnosis, the delay was 1.04 months longer (P < 0.001). On the other hand, those who had migraine were diagnosed 1.58 months earlier than others (P < 0.001). Participants with a vision problem as the initial symptom were diagnosed 1.48 months earlier than those with sensory symptoms (P < 0.001), and 1.28 months earlier than those with headache/dizziness (P = 0.093). It was also suggested that the diagnostic delay was shortened over the study period (on average 1.06 months per year, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Easy access to a neurologist, raising health literacy in the general population, and improving the family physicians' alertness about MS symptoms can shorten the delay of MS diagnosis.

Association of socioeconomic status with consumption of cigarettes, illicit drugs, and alcohol.

Introduction and Aims: Socioeconomic Status (SES) is considered as one of the important factors associated with use of various drugs. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of SES on cigarette smoking, alcohol use, drug use, and passive exposure to opium and cigarette smoke. Design and Methods: In this study, which is part of a multicenter case-control study, the research hypothesis was checked among controls who had referred to hospitals. Data were collected through a questionnaire and laboratory tests to determine the actual consumers of opium and other illicit drugs. Then, the data were analyzed using STATA 13. Result: This study was performed on 364 individuals within the age range of 30 to 75 years. More than 55% of the participants had a history of life-time consumption of cigarettes and hookah as well as alcohol and drugs. The results revealed an inverse relationship between SES and life-time consumption of hookah and alcohol. Furthermore, individuals with higher SES were more likely to deny their drug use. Discussion and Conclusions: The results revealed little robust evidence supporting the assumption that SES level can have an important effect on illicit drug use. On the other hand, the participants' characteristics could have a prominent effect on precise evaluation of the relationship between SES and drug use. Further multicenter studies are needed with samples diversified in terms of age and ethnicity to identify these confounding relationships.

Assessment of functional parameters and comfort of a new computer mouse as compared with other types of input devices.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess functional parameters and comfort of a new computer mouse (Ergomice) as compared with three other input devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Functional parameters (i.e., task completion time and error rate) of each device were assessed by 10 participants using standardized software based on Standard No. ISO 9241-9:2000. Comfort evaluation was also undertaken for each device using the visual analogue scale technique. Statistical analysis including the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Friedman test was performed using SPSS version 16. RESULTS: The functional parameters of the standard mouse were better than those of the other devices. However, no significant difference was observed between this mouse and Ergomice. Overall comfort evaluation showed that the standard mouse and Ergomice were more comfortable to work with. The comfort level of hand/wrist posture in the Ergomice was higher than that of the other three devices. CONCLUSION: The design features of Ergomice could improve its functional properties. Hand/wrist posture comfort of Ergomice was judged to be high compared with that of the other devices.

Prevalence of vitamin d deficiency and its related factors among university students in shiraz, iran.

BACKGROUNDS: Vitamin D deficiency is a public health concern even in sunny areas, so we decided to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its related factors among university students in Shiraz. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 254 (128 male and 126 female) university students. Demographic questionnaires and a questionnaire on exposure to sun light and sun protection were completed by the participants. Serum 25OH-vitamin D was measured using a radioimmunoassay kit. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software # 16. A P value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation (SD) of serum 25OH-vitamin D was 49.29 ± 12.87 (nmol/l) and 27.46 ± 10.37 (nmol/l) among male and female students, respectively. 51.2% of female students were vitamin D insufficient and 44% of them had vitamin D deficiency. Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and marginal status among male students were 49.5 and 48%, respectively. Serum vitamin D of female students was significantly less than the males (P < 0.001). Serum vitamin D was negatively correlated to sun protection score (P < 0.001, r = 0.50), but there was no correlation between serum vitamin D and sun exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency especially among female students is alarmingly prevalent. Increasing use of sunscreen lotion and clothing style could be the main factors inhibiting endogenous vitamin D synthesis which results in its deficiency.

Designing a new computer mouse and evaluating some of its functional parameters.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to design a new mouse and evaluate some of its functional parameters. The prototype of an ergonomic mouse was made according to design principles. METHODS: The study was conducted from 2011 to 2013 in the Department of Ergonomics in Shiraz University of Medical Science. Functional parameters including Movement Time (MT) and error rate of the new mouse were evaluated by 10 participants based on ISO 9241-9 standard. RESULTS: The application of design principles in the new mouse resulted in improving MT and error rate so that they could be comparable to those of a standard mouse. MT, in both the standard and the new mouse was 0.846 and 0.864 s, respectively. Error rate of the standard and the new mouse was reported as 13% and 19%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two mice from these perspectives. CONCLUSIONS: Apparently, the studied functional parameters of the new mouse were similar to those of the standard one. The new mouse could be an appropriate substitution for the standard mouse without losing its positive characteristics.

The effect of conjugated linoleic acids and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on lipid profile in atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most serious cause of mortality in developed and developing countries. Epidemiological studies indicated that dyslipidemia is the major risk factor of CVD. Dyslipidemia can be modified either by proper lifestyle or medical intervention or by the combination of both. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and ω3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CLA and omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 fatty acids) supplementation on lipid profile in atherosclerosis patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a 2-month clinical randomized trial. Ninety atherosclerotic patients with angiographically diagnosed coronary atherosclerosis who were referred to Emam Reza Heart Clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from February to march 2011 were selected if they fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The participants were randomly classified into 3 groups receiving 3 g/d CLA or 1 920 mg/d ω3 or placebo for 2 months. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol were measured before and after the intervention. This study was a two-month clinical randomized trial. RESULTS: Data were analyzed using SPSS software (SPSS Inc, Chicago, version19). Although CLA did not appear to have a significant effect on TG, ω3 supplementation significantly reduced TG level. Consumption of CLA and ω3 supplementation did not significantly affect HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: ω3 supplementation significantly reduced TG level but CLA and ω3 did not show significant changes in other indices of lipid profile in atherosclerotic patients.

Trends of Mortality of Road Traffic Accidents in Fars Province, Southern Iran, 2004 - 2010.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the trends in mortality from road traffic accidents (RTA) in Fars Province, southern Iran. METHODS: The Age and sex-standardized mortality rate attributed to RTA from 2004 to 2010 in Fars Province was calculated using world standard population. We also used linear regression and chi-squared tests. RESULTS: Over the period of study (7 years), 12954 people died in RTA. The age- and sex-standardized mortality rate was 27 per 100,000. While the rate of death due to RTA had an incremental rate in age group 18-30 years and among women, it had a decreasing trend in age groups 35-45, under18 and among men. CONCLUSION: An increase in mortality rate of RTA among people aged 18-30 yr and women need to be addressed by health policy makers and other involved sections.

Sexual Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Between HIV Infected Subjects and Their Main Heterosexual Partners.

BACKGROUND: Overall, 60-70% of the hepatitis c virus (HCV) transmission routes is parenteral, and in 30-40% of the cases is unknown (e.g. sexual route). Knowing these routes in HIV infected dyads is very important due to clinical and methodological reasons. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to identify and quantitatively investigate HIV-infected individuals and their main heterosexual partners regarding the risk factors of HCV transmission. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred sixty eight of 984 couples were chosen through random generated numbers using a computer program from behavioral consultation center in Shiraz, Iran. We used actor partner independent model (APIM) and multilevel analysis to assess multiple risk factors for HCV, while partitioning the source of risk at the individual and couple levels. RESULTS: Age of the index samples was 38.71 ± 7 years, and 33.2 ± 6.3 for their main heterosexual partners; the mean duration of sexual relationship for couples was 11.9 (median = 8.5) years. Multivariate analysis showed that actor risk factor of intravenous drug using (IDU) (AOR= 13.03; 95% CI: 3.9- 43.82) and actor cofactors of HIV positivity (AOR = 7.1; 95% CI: 1.37- 36.97), razor sharing (AOR = 4.81; 95% CI: 1.84- 12.55), sex (AOR = 8.83; 95% CI: 3.16- 24.87), and condom use in sexual activity with main partner (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.02- 0.44) were associated with actor HCV positivity. CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers need to pay special attention to sexual transmission of HCV among HIV-infected individuals, and should recommend control/preventive measures for HCV sexual transmission.

Serum IL-18 and hsCRP correlate with insulin resistance without effect of calcitriol treatment on type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low-grade systemic inflammation presented in Type 2 diabetes mellitus plays a major role in disease progression as well as development of micro- and macro-vascular complications of diabetes. Therefore, reducing inflammation can be beneficial in prevention of diabetes complications. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between insulin resistance and inflammatory markers, and assessing the effects of oral Calcitriol on inflammatory cytokines in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: In this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial, 70 participants with type-2 diabetes were randomly divided to two groups. One group received two capsules of Calcitriol (0.25 µg 1,25-dihydroxy cholecalciferol per each capsule) per day. The second group received placebo tablets. At the beginning of the study, we assessed insulin resistance and its relation to inflammatory profile. Serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs CRP), interleukin-6 and interleukin-18 were also measured at the beginning and the end of the 12-week supplementation trial. RESULTS: Mean calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D concentrations in the study participants were 8.98 ± 0.79 mg/dL, 3.86 ± 0.50 mg/dL and 40.91 ± 30.9 ng/mL, respectively. IL-18 and hsCRP had significant positive associations with insulin resistance markers and negative associations with insulin sensitivity markers. At the end of the 12-week supplementation trial, no significant difference was seen in serum levels of hsCRP, IL-6 and IL-18 between the two groups, while these values were adjusted for baseline values. CONCLUSION: Inflammation was associated with insulin resistance in diabetic patients. No anti-inflammatory effect of Calcitriol in terms of decreasing hsCRP, IL-6 and IL-18 detected.

Investigation of the effect of occupational noise exposure on blood pressure and heart rate of steel industry workers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of noise exposure on blood pressure and heart rate of steel industry workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study, 50 workers were selected from a steel company in Fars province, Iran, and exposed to 85, 95, and 105 dB noise levels for 5 minutes. The participants' blood pressure and heart rate were measured using Beurer BC16 pulse meter both before and after the exposure. RESULTS: The study results showed no significant difference in blood pressure and heart rate before and after the exposure. However, the workers' systolic blood pressure had increased compared to before the exposure; of course, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Besides, although the subjects' heart rate had reduced in comparison to before the exposure, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: No significant change was observed in blood pressure and heart rate after acute exposure to 85, 95, and 105 dB noise levels.

An epidemiological survey of the suicide incidence trends in the southwest iran: 2004-2009.

BACKGROUND: Elimination of suicide attempts is impossible, but they can be reduced dramatically by an organized planning. The present study aimed to survey the suicide trends in Fars province (Iran), during 2004-2009 to better understand the prevalence and status of suicide. METHODS: This survey was a cross-sectional study. The demographic data were collected from the civil status registry between 2004 and 2009. Suicide and suicide attempt data were collected of three sources including the affiliated hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, mortality data of Vice Chancellery of Health in Fars province and data from forensic medicine. Then, they were analyzed by Excel and SPSS. Chi-square and regression analyses were used for data analysis. RESULTS: During the study, 10671 people attempted suicide, of which 5697 (53%) were women and 4974 (47%) were men. Among them, 1047 people (9.8%) died, of which 363 (34%) were women and 679 (64%) were men. There was a significant relationship between gender and fatal suicide. The mean suicide attempt for both genders was 53 per 100,000 and 49, 57 for men and women, respectively. The trends in the incidence of Suicidal attempts were decreasing. CONCLUSION: Without implementing effective preventive measures, the health care system in Iran will face a further burden of fatal suicides among young people. Therefore; enhancing the primary health care and specialized mental health services for those with unsuccessful suicide attempts can effectively reduce the burden of suicide.