Background & Aims: The prevalence of hospital infections, especially of bacterial origin, is increasing and uncontrollable in many countries. Controlling them, because of their damage to the health and economy, is essential. Therefore, numerous efforts have been made to find new antibiotics as suitable alternatives to current ones. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of date kernel extract against several hospital pathogens. Materials and Methods: Acetone extract of Mozafati date kernel from Bam city was prepared by immersion method and its antibacterial effects on hospital pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii were investigated by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and well diffusion method. Then, the structure of the obtained extract was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The MIC was observed at 400 mg/mL of extract for S. aureus bacteria. In addition, the MBC of date kernel extract was 500 mg/ mL for the tested bacteria, except for A. baumannii, where a decreasing trend was detected. The antibacterial activity was determined by the well diffusion method against all bacteria, and the greatest activity was observed against S. aureus with a growth inhibition zone diameter of 31 mm. The HPLC analysis showed the presence of 7 different structures, of which rutin was the most abundant. Conclusion: This study indicates the high antibacterial effect of acetone extract of date kernel on the tested bacteria; however, further studies should be conducted on this plant as a new and powerful antibacterial agent.
Background & Aims: Medical geology is an emerging branch of geological sciences, which examines the relationship between geological findings and human and ecosystem health, as well as the effect of environmental factors and elements on the geographical distribution of diseases in the field of health and treatment. The aim of this research was to provide a comprehensive understanding of how geological factors and minerals affect public health outcomes. Materials and Methods: A total of 1561 publications including books and papers published from 1992 until 2024 were reviewed, 168 of which were chosen and 21 articles were mentioned. Results: Medical studies on patients showed that there is a direct relationship between minerals and diseases, which is caused by the lack of some minerals in the food chain, or the excessive presence of some of these substances in the food chain of people of different regions of the world. These minerals cause changes in the cellular and molecular structure, which can lead to the development of various diseases. Conclusion: It seems that in the future, with scientific investigations in the field of medical geology, important results can be achieved in the prevention of various diseases. It is obvious that the realization of this requires increased cooperation of medical, health, and earth science researchers and it can be an effective step towards improving the health of the society and preparing and producing new drugs and new treatment methods. It will be presented using this knowledge.
Background & Aims: Breast cancer is one of the major causes of death among women. In various studies, the effects of synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) on cancer cells have been measured. This investigation aimed to explore the cytotoxic effects of metal zirconium nanoparticles (ZrNPs) synthesized by aqueous extract of clover leaves (Trifolium repens L) on breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: metal ZrNPs were synthesized utilizing the aqueous extract of clover leaves. Physical and chemical evaluation of the synthesized NPs was done by UV-Vis, EDS, SEM, and DLS analyses. The cytotoxic effects of ZrNPs on MDAMB-468 and HFF cell lines were investigated by the MTT assay and compared with those of Tamoxifen, a chemotherapy medication used to treat breast cancer. Results: The aqueous extract of clover was utilized as a reducing agent in the synthesis of ZrNPs. The size of ZrNPs was 29-81 nm, in irregular polygonal form, and star-shaped, and flower-like colonies were observed homogeneously. MTT test showed that ZrNPs inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-468 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The IC50 value calculated from the dose-response curve for the MDA-MB-468 cell line was 264.3 μg/mL. Conclusion: The aqueous clover extract showed a suitable ability with green synthesis of NPs. Considering the cytotoxic effects of ZrNPs on breast cancer cell lines, it can be used as an effective therapeutic agent to be examined and evaluated clinically to deal with cancers in future studies.
Background & Aims: Noise is one of the types of urban pollution that causes human annoyance. This study aimed at investigating noise pollution in residential areas under the influence of truck traffic in Ramshir in 2023. Materials and Methods: In this applied research, sound parameters were measured by a sound meter capable of measuring the minimum sound level, maximum sound level, equivalent continuous sound level (Leq), and sound pressure level (SPL) of sound parameters at 10 stations in the morning and at night with 3 repetitions. In addition, noise annoyance was determined in 100 people in residential areas exposed to urban noise using the ISO 15666 noise annoyance questionnaire. Measurements were performed over three months in two day and night shifts using a TES-1358C analyzer sound meter device (TES Company, Taiwan). The raw data were entered into SPSS 21 and Excel software and then categorized, and the necessary results were extracted, including the average of the data, as well as the maximum and the minimum of the data. Results: The results revealed that the average SPL was 88.25 dB during the daytime on Tawheed Street, so it had the highest measured sound level compared to other investigated areas. Further, the Leq was 82.17 dB at night in the Shariati area, which had a higher SPL than other areas. The highest Leq of the day was related to Naft Street Station, with an average value of 83.40 dB, while the lowest Leq value attributed to Damghani Street Station was measured with an average value of 71.41 dB. The highest Leq of night noise was related to Shariati Street Station, with an average value of 82.17 dB. The impact of truck noise was highly uncomfortable, uncomfortable, and slightly uncomfortable for 13%, 37%, and 36% of people, respectively. Conclusion: In general, in the range of 10 stations, the SPL and Leq were measured higher at night and day than the standards of the Iranian Environmental Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency (55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night for residential areas). According to the sum of the answers, the sound of the trucks in the intended city could hurt people. People are most dissatisfied with the sound of trucks in the morning and at night.
Background & Aims: The carbon footprint is one of the parameters that can be used to estimate the amount of pollution caused by carbon dioxide compounds. This research was conducted to evaluate and estimate the carbon footprint resulting from the carbon dioxide emissions of the Zahedan Gas Power Plant due to the consumption of fossil fuels and electricity production. Materials and Methods: Carbon dioxide was read directly in the vicinity of the exhaust chimneys. In each studied season (spring, summer, or autumn), carbon dioxide was measured with 3 repetitions. TESTO (model 350, Germany) was utilized to measure carbon dioxide gas. The carbon footprint was estimated and evaluated by the IPCC method. To calculate the per capita carbon footprint, the population of Zahedan was considered based on the last census in 2021, which was 770800 people. Results: The total carbon dioxide emissions in the spring and summer of 2021 were 15.22 and 9.41 ppm, respectively. It was 12.44 and 20.37 ppm in the spring and autumn of 2022, and 21.49 ppm in the summer of 2023. The highest per capita carbon dioxide emission and intensity of carbon dioxide emission (2240.89 and 288.73, respectively) were obtained from the consumption of oil and gas in the year 2021 for electricity generation in the Zahedan Gas Power Plant. Conclusion: Zahedan Power Plant has used oil and natural gas to produce electricity, and the consumption of natural gas was higher than that of oil gas in the two years under study. The amount of carbon dioxide emissions in 2021 from the consumption of natural gas was higher than that of oil gas. In addition, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in 2021 was higher than in 2022. According to the results, carbon dioxide emissions increased in 2023 and 2022 compared to 2021.
Background & Aims: Medicinal plants are part of traditional medicine, which has many uses in the treatment of diseases and human health. This research was conducted to evaluate heavy metals in two species of Ziziphora clinopodioides and Echinophora platyloba. Materials and Methods: In each of the cities of Islamabad and Sanandaj, five sampling stations were determined, and from each station, 5 samples of Kakuti plant and 5 samples of Khosharizeh plant were collected from 3 different places of non-agricultural lands in the summer season of 2021. The mean data of heavy metals were compared with each other using a one-way analysis of variance and Duncan’s test. Results: The average of manganese (Mn) in Z. clinopodioides and E. platyloba (5112.95 and 4258.67 mg/kg) was significantly higher than other heavy metals (P<0.05). In addition, the average of arsenic in Z. clinopodioides and E. platyloba (0.002 mg/ kg and 0.001 mg/kg) had significantly the lowest values among the studied heavy metals (P<0.05). The results of the health risk assessment showed that the highest risk index of heavy metals in Z. clinopodioides and E. platyloba in the age group of children was related to Mn (12.15 and 12.74, respectively). On the other hand, the lowest value of the risk index of heavy metals for the consumption of Z. clinopodioides and E. platyloba for children and adults was obtained for iron (0.48 and 0.32, respectively). The highest carcinogenic risk index of the Kakuti plant was observed in two age groups of children and adults regarding cadmium (0.099 and 0.098, respectively). Conclusion: The analysis of the health risk assessment of heavy metals in the samples of Z. clinopodioides and E. platyloba in two regions of Islamabad and Sanandaj revealed that the consumption of these two plants is dangerous for the health of people of different age groups.
Background & Aims: Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are exposed to various health threats, including fear of falling (FOF), which restricts their daily life activities and cause isolationism and lower social participation. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of MS and FOF through the mediating role of cognitive and physical factors in patients with MS. Materials and Methods: This was a correlational study based on path analysis. The statistical population consisted of all patients with MS who visited the neurology centers of hospitals in Sari, Iran, 200 of whom were selected as the sample using convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), MS Severity Scale, Cognitive Factors Questionnaire, and the MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results: The results indicated that there was a negative and significant relationship between FOF and cognitive and physical factors and also a positive and significant relationship between FOF and the severity of MS (P<0.01). In addition, the results corroborated the negative and significant relationship between the severity of MS and physical factors (P<0.01). However, the direct relationship between the severity of MS and cognitive factors were excluded from the model because it was not established. The study findings confirmed the relationship between FOF and the severity of MS mediated by cognitive and physical factors (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results FOF was found to be much higher among patients with higher MS severity. The severity of MS had a positive relationship with FOF in the patients. Moreover, cognitive and physical factors had a mediating role in the relationship between the severity of MS and FOF.
Background & Aims: This study aimed to assess the health risks and ecological hazards of heavy metals cadmium, lead, and nickel in agricultural soils of Khuzestan province in 2018. Materials and Methods: In this study, sampling was gathered from three farms in three cities (Baghmalek, Shavur, and Shushtar) and five points with three replications. A plot with dimensions of 10×10 m was considered in the field, and four soil samples were taken from four sides of the plot and one from the center of the plot with 0-30 cm depth, and finally the composite sample was obtained. Results: The average of cadmium, nickel, and lead in the soils of Baghmalek, Shavur, and Shushtar was 5.04, 83.44, and 312.64 mg/kg, respectively. The mean values of cadmium and nickel in the soils of the studied fields were higher than the global average values, but the amount of lead in the studied soils was lower than the global average. Moreover, the ecological risk of heavy metals in soil showed that the farms in Baghmalek and Shavur have an extremely high ecological risk, and Shushtar had a severe ecological risk. Conclusion: Based on the calculation of pollution indices, soils in Baghmalek, Shavur, and Shushtar had heavy metal contamination of cadmium, lead, and nickel and had human origin. In this study, the risk index of heavy metals was less than 1, and it was only higher than 1 in the case of lead metal in children absorbed by ingestion. The carcinogenic risk index of metals also indicated that nickel has the potential for carcinogenesis in children.
Background & Aims: The large-scale production and extensive utilization of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in numerous industries have raised significant concerns among environmentalists. The objective of this study was to assess the toxicity and environmental impact of functionalized carbon nanotubes (fCNTs) on the halophilic green alga Dunaliella salina. Materials and Methods: The present work evaluated the effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) functionalized with carboxyl and amine groups (as representatives of NTs with negative and positive surface charges, respectively) on photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll), cell proliferation, and some oxidative stress indicators, including lipid peroxide, protein carbonyl, and hydrogen peroxide content, in a strain of halophilic green algae native to Iran. Results: The findings indicated that the presence of NTs did not have a notable impact on the levels of chlorophylls a and b, as well as the intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels in algae. However, when examining cell density, it was observed that CNTs exhibited varying degrees of toxicity, particularly at high concentrations and during the logarithmic growth phase of the algae. The results confirmed that the inhibition of alga growth is influenced by the type of functional group. When carboxyl-functionalized SWCNT was used, there was no alteration in the lipid peroxidation (LPX) level at any examined NT concentration. However, when carboxyl-functionalized MWCNT was employed, the level of LPX was consistently lower than the control. On the other hand, amine-functionalized CNTs demonstrated a significantly increasing impact on LPX at high concentrations. Although both functionalized forms of SWCNT can increase the levels of protein carbonyl in algal cells, MWCNTs have no significant effects on cell protein carbonylation. Conclusion: The results suggest that at concentrations less than 10 mg/L, the anti-stress properties of carboxyl-functionalized CNTs outweigh their cytotoxic properties. Furthermore, SWCNTs have a higher potential for inducing protein carbonylation compared to MWCNTs, regardless of the type of functional group.
Recently, laccase has drawn the attention of researchers and manufacturers due to its various applications in different industries such as the pulp industry, bioremediation, food industry, and medical product industry. This eco-friendly enzyme is one of the leading enzymes of the multicopper oxidase family that has shown incredible ability to remove pollutants like antibiotics from wastewater and nature. This review aims to introduce the laccase enzyme and its history, explain its chemical features, and describe its constituent resources. Finally, this paper discusses its applications, especially the removal of antibiotics from wastewater with the help of syringaldehyde (SA) and hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT). In this research, basic and comprehensive information about laccase enzyme and their applications has been presented by reviewing numerous articles. These articles were searched using relevant keywords. Moreover, schematic diagrams, pictures, and tables were used to describe the data in the paper. Laccase treatment with SA in an enzymatic membrane reactor is one of the feasible solutions for removing antibiotics from wastewater, which showed the elimination of 32 different antibiotics. Laccase is a good choice for industrial applications and decontamination of antibiotics. This enzyme shows tolerance to industrial thermal conditions, hence its broad applications in the decolorization of textile dye and paper industries.
Background & Aims: The quality of drinking water includes the microbial, chemical and physical parameters of water, and nonstandard values of these parameters cause water pollution. Water improvement has a direct relationship with the reduction of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to Investigating and determining the critical points Ahvaz drinking water. Materials and Methods: This descriptive sectional study was done during 2019 to 2022 (3 years). Tests and monthly reports are based on the methods listed in the method standard were collected directly from distribution network drinking water in Ahvaz drinking water. Statistical analysis, including the one-sample t-test was used to compare the average with the standard level. The significance level was 0.05 used by SPSS version 22 software in all analyses. Results: result of this study, out of 172 cases, the cause of the crisis is due to broken water pipes, 62 cases are in the west region and 110 cases are in the east region. Based on result, out of 22 cases, the cause of the crisis is due to the lack of sewage overflow in 1 case in the western region and 21 cases in the eastern region. In total, there is a significant difference in the occurrence of crisis causes in the water network between the east and west regions of Ahvaz, and the east region (86.4% of crisis cases) has a higher percentage of crisis causes than the west region of Ahvaz (13.6%). from crisis cases) is included. Conclusion: In general, the best way to guarantee the quality of drinking water, reduce incidents and record critical cases in the drinking water distribution network is to implement a comprehensive management system with the cooperation of all relevant organizations. The new approach of the World Health Organization (WHO) to achieve this goal is to implement the water safety program.
Background & Aims: The burden of tobacco smoking is known worldwide. In a high percentage of preventable cancers, respiratory diseases are attributed to smoking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship and the effect of different variables on smoking prevention behaviors among students in southwest Iran in 2022 by the regression analysis. Materials and Methods: The current study is a descriptive-analytical study that was conducted in two phases. In the first phase of the study, demographic and contextual information questionnaires, a questionnaire based on the health belief model, and a questionnaire related to smoking prevention behaviors were used to collect data. To this end, 120 students from different undergraduate programs at Payame Noor University in Ahvaz were randomly selected. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software version 16 via central indicators, dispersion, and multiple linear regression tests. Results: The results showed that the perceived barriers dimension (beta=0.168, P value=0.038) and action guide (beta=0.235, P value<0.001) have a significant effect on prevention behaviors. According to the reported coefficients, a one-unit increase in perceived barriers and action guidelines, 0.168 and 0.235 units, respectively, increased the number of prevention behaviors. Conclusion: It is possible to exert a positive effect on the prevention of smoking among students by properly educating students’ parents. Paying attention to these recommendations can increase the probability of students’ understanding of the prevention of smoking.
Background & Aims: Storage tanks for crude oil and petroleum products are always prone to various accidents such as fire and explosion. Depending on the volume and content of these tanks, these incidents can lead to environmental consequences. Ahvaz oil field is considered the third largest oil field in the world with many storage tanks. The present research was conducted to evaluate the emission of greenhouse gases caused by the fire of strategic diesel tanks in the Shahid Almasi field and provide an environmental management plan based on the McKinsey method in 2022. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the risks of fire and tank explosion accidents were identified and evaluated in the field based on the hazard analysis and operation management (HAZOP) method. The technical information on the reservoirs was obtained from the National Iranian South Oil Company. The emission coefficients of the main greenhouse gases (CO2, CO, CH4, and N2O) were based on the OAQPS standard, and the global warming potential was calculated in the scenarios according to Flessa et al. Then, the McKinsey 7S method was used to evaluate the state of environmental management. The validity and reliability of the McKinsey Questionnaire were assessed by the content method and Cronbach’s alpha method, respectively, using SPSS 19. Results: The explosion of strategic fuel tanks due to an attack, wall decay, and human error with priority of 200, 168, and 120 were the most important risks of fuel storage. The results of the greenhouse gas emissions analysis due to accidents showed that the total global warming potential (GWP) for the fire of diesel tanks in the Koreyt Camp of Ahvaz is 8277143 kg of CO2 equivalent. The results of a gap analysis by the McKinsey method also revealed that the lowest average score was related to the strategy dimension (3.67), and the highest efficiency was related to the system dimension (4.82). Conclusion: The occurrence of an accident for diesel storage tanks in the Koreyt Camp complex in the Ahvaz oil field led to significant environmental effects such as the release of air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
Background & Aims: Based on reported evidence of an outbreak incidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Qom province, this study aimed to evaluate the environmental risk factors in the outbreak of avian influenza infection in this province to provide essential data for developing effective interventions in infection control. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional method was predicted and implemented in two specific phases. In the primary phase of the study, the necessary criteria were extracted using a questionnaire. In another part of the study, the characteristics and spread of the infection in Qom province were evaluated by DotMapper software. Results: From a total of 175 investigated farms, 95 farm units (54%) were infected and were positive for AI. The results showed that at least one of the environmental risk factors was not controlled in 86% of laying poultry farms and 66% of broiler poultry farms, according to the questionnaire. The findings of statistical analyses for the evaluation of environmental risk factors affecting AI infection in poultry farm units indicate that sanitary land disposal of infected poultry carcasses, waste and manure of birds (odds ratio [OR]=1.02), complete quarantine and installation of warning signs in contaminated areas (OR=0.55), the existence of facilities and performance decontamination, as well as the use of effective disinfectants for the disinfection of ventilators, disinfection of poultry vehicles, and equipment and manure of birds (OR=0.33) have a considerable association with AI infection on poultry farms in Qom province. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that control and monitoring of environmental risk factors as part of an effective surveillance system for the AI virus are key processes for the propagation and contribute to the spread of the infection.
Background & Aims: Nurses as the powerful force of the healthcare system, play a significant role in the development and progress of care, improvement, and promotion of health. Therefore, it is very important to check their mental and occupational health status. Therefore, this research was conducted to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness programs with schema therapy on cognitive fusion and job burnout in female nurses. Materials and Methods: The research was semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design and follow-up with a control group. The statistical population included all female nurses working in Imam Khomeini hospital (RA) in Tehran in 2021, which was 60 available, taking into account the entry criteria and research tools including the cognitive fusion questionnaire and questionnaire Job burnout were selected and replaced in three groups of 20 people. The intervention program was implemented for each of the experimental groups during 8 weekly sessions (1 hour). But the control group did not receive these programs. Hypotheses were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: The findings showed that the groups had no significant difference in terms of education, shift and work experience, and type of employment (P<0.05). Also, both mindfulness and schema therapy have significantly improved cognitive fusion and job burnout compared to the control group. The comparison of intervention programs shows the different effects of these programs on cognitive fusion and job burnout. Conclusion: Based on the results, therapists and health professionals can use two methods of mindfulness and schema therapy to improve the occupational and psychological condition of personnel.
Background & Aims: Crisis refers to events or situations that suddenly occur due to natural and human accidents and functions and impose difficulties and problems on a human collection. Crisis management enables an organization to eliminate some of the crises, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), manage some others efficiently, and acquire the required tools for rapid and thorough learning from the occurred crises. The present study aimed to evaluate the conditions of crisis management of industries and problems of health, safety, and environment (HSE) staff in confronting COVID-19 in Qom province. Materials and Methods: The present research is a qualitative study based on content analysis. The participants included 23 staff working at the HSE center of industries that entered the study through a random convenient method from various industries and organizations. Questions on evaluating the preparedness and response to crisis sections were designed and completed. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA V10 software. Results: The analysis of the data regarding investigated companies indicated that 21 companies (91.3%) were privately owned, and two companies (8.7%) were semi-private. Regarding the field of activity, the companies were also active in 9 groups. The mean number of staff in the investigated companies and the mean number of HSE staff were 154.48 and 1.48 people, respectively. The content analysis clarified that only in 11 investigated collections (47.83%) had the managers noticed it before identifying COVID-19. Providing disinfectants and personal protective equipment was the most critical problem in confronting COVID-19. Simplification of the disease and non-compliance with the instructions by staff were also placed in the next rank. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, the conditions of preparedness and response to the COVID-19 crisis were not of the desired status in the investigated collections. Increasing the number of staff in the HSE center and applying the general principles of crisis management, especially planning and taking a lesson from past crises, can help increase the level of preparedness of organizations and industries for probable future crises.
Background & Aims: Despite the relative comfort and welfare today’s modern technology has brought to humankind, it has also been the basis for the emergence of risks and threats. These risks and risk factors should be assessed and controlled using systematic risk assessment and management methods. Numerous techniques and methods have been developed to analyze risks, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. One of the system risk analysis techniques, which is among qualitative techniques and identifies and analyzes system risks inductively, is the functional hazard analysis (FuHA) technique. The present study aims to identify and control risks that occur due to technical defects or system dysfunctions and can lead to an unpleasant event, as occurred in an industrial unit in 2016. Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, the functional risks of an industrial unit were analyzed using the FuHA technique. By implementing the FuHA technique in the investigated industrial unit, 17 functional defects were identified. Results: In general, according to the level of severity of different consequences caused by the identified defects, 60 functional risks were identified, of which 7 cases (11.67%) were assessed as unacceptable, 17 cases (28.33%) as unfavorable, and 36 cases (60%) as acceptable but needing revision. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the FuHA technique had a favorable ability to identify and analyze system and subsystem functional risks, especially software subsystems.
Background & Aims: Psychiatric nurses are critical in caring for patients with mental health problems and many challenging problems. They are also likely to be tired because they have been in risky and stressful conditions for a long time. Thus, it is necessary to control job stress and burnout. This study examined the mediating influence of psychological capital in the relationship between job stress and burnout of psychiatric nurses. Materials and Methods: The research method was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study population comprised all psychiatric nurses working in three psychiatric hospitals in Tehran, Iran from 10 August to 15 September 2022. The study selected 170 psychiatric nurses working as samples through convenience sampling. The research tools were Job Stress Questionnaire of Nurses, Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ). After completing the questionnaires, Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression by IBM SPSS 24.0 program. Results: The findings show a significant correlation between job stress, psychological capital, and burnout. The path coefficient of the direct effect of job stress on job burnout is significant (β=0.524, P<0.001). The path coefficient of the direct effect of psychological capital on job burnout is significant (β=0.551, P<0.05). The bootstrap result for this model was 0.49. The confidence interval’s lower and upper limits were calculated as 0.41 and 0.58, respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that psychiatric nurses’ burnout can be decreased by implementing different healthcare programs to increase psychological capital. In general, according to the results of this research, it is suggested that the phenomena of occupational stress and burnout among nurses should be taken seriously. These variables can have destructive effects on the quality of nurses’ therapeutic performance. One of the suggestions that can be made is holding psychological workshops to improve self-efficacy, optimism, hope, flexibility and psychological capital among nurses in general.
Background & Aims: Today, food-borne diseases are known as one of the most important public health concerns in many countries. Campylobacter is one of the most prevalent food-borne pathogens. Raw chicken meat has been reported as the main source of human campylobacteriosis. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter species among broiler carcasses at industrial slaughterhouses in Hamedan province, west of Iran. Materials and Methods: Totally, 100 samples were collected using sterile swabs from chicken skin at the post-scalding stage. The samples were enriched in Brucella broth containing Campylobacter selective supplement and incubated at 42º C for 48-72 hours under microaerophilic conditions. The molecular detection and identification of Campylobacter species were performed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using cadF and Hip primers for detecting Campylobacter species and Campylobacter jejuni, respectively. Results: The results of this study revealed that 81% and 31% of broiler carcasses were positive for the presence of Campylobacter species and C. jejuni, respectively. Conclusion: Due to the high contamination rate of chicken meat with this pathogen, precise hygienic control of poultry meat and an increase in consumer awareness seem necessary to decrease human campylobacteriosis.
Background & Aims: COVID-19 pandemic affects the physical and mental health of nursing and midwifery students as a group who are potentially in contact with patients during a pandemic. Considering that receiving social support is very necessary for crisis situations and also good general health makes the person adapt to the surrounding environment; therefore the present study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine the relationship between perceived social support and general health among nursing and midwifery students of Iran University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted from April to July 2019 with 186 students of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery of Iran University of Medical Sciences. The data collection tool was an electronic questionnaire including demographic information, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The most social support perceived by the students was reported by the family. With the reduction of perceived social support by students during the COVID-19 pandemic, the general health score increased, which means that students’ general health is weaker. Having an underlying disease is the only variable that had a significant relationship with perceived social support (P=0.018) and general health (P=0.005). The way of living had a statistically significant relationship with the general health of students during the pandemic of COVID-19 (P<0.001). Those who live alone had less general health. Conclusion: Social support from family and friends was associated with improving the general health of students during the Corona era. Therefore, it is suggested to take a step towards increasing the level of their general health by increasing social support for students who live alone or have an underlying disease.
