Mohammad Sadegh Sekhavatjou, Roya Zekavati, Mohsen Peymani Froshani,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (12-2013)
Abstract
Objectives: Many of non-respiratory and respiratory disorders are associated with bioaerosols in indoor and outdoor air. The best conditions for bioaerosols life are high humidity and moderate temperatures, which exist usually in indoor spaces such as the prisons, where density of individual is high. Pathogen spreading centers cause the prisoners health at risk of disease outbreaks through airborne and breathing, sneezing, and coughing. Therefore, the aim of this research work was to measure concentration of particulate matters and also to identify and determine bacteria existing in the prisoners breathing air at high-density areas in one of the prisons and their relationship with each other.
Materials & Method: we conducted this research during summer and winter of 2012. We used TSI apparatus for collecting particles (PM2.5 and PM10). Blood agar and EMB agar media were applied to measure bacteria in indoor air (bedchambers and clinical admission wards) of the prison. According to NIOSH 0800 method, High volume pump with 28.3 L/min flow and a Single-stage Anderson Impactor were used for sampling. The time of measuring for each plate was 2.5 min. Finally, the data achieved were analyzed using SPSS after counting and detecting bacterial colonies grown and determining its density (CFU/m³) for two consecutive seasons of summer and winter. The tests analyzed by SPSS were ANOVA, Post hoc, correlation, and Pearson correlation tests.
Results: Amounts of particulate matter in bedchambers were exceeded than 24-hour EPA limits, while it was less than the limits in clinical admission wards. Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were found in three bedchambers (50% of the bedchambers) however, gram-positive bacteria were cultivated only in three bedchambers. The maximum bacterial contamination was measured at the main Lobby of the prison and bedchamber II and the minimum value was observed in admitted patient and TB patient wards. Results showed that there is no significant relationship between the particulate matters and the bacterial density during neither summer nor winter, but there is a strong and direct relationship between the prisoners population density, ventilation systems, and bacterial density n indoor air of the studied prison.
Conclusion: Based on the results, the maximum contamination load and exceeded concentration was observed in public sections and bedchambers. This findings were attributed to the daily entry of new prisoners, high population density in prison, presence of ill prisoners, prisoners with hidden respiratory disease showing no symptoms yet, old building, climatic conditions of the region, low efficiency of ventilation systems, and influx of particulates. To filter and purify prison indoor air, it is crucial to take serious action plans such as reducing criminal population density, sanitary and engineering measures
Afshin Hamdipour, Rasoul Zavaraqi, Hamideh Javadipour,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Air pollution significantly exacerbates the burden of respiratory disease, particularly in the Middle East. This study aimed to conduct a scientometric analysis of publications on air pollution and respiratory diseases in Middle Eastern countries.
Materials and Methods: In this scientometric study, we analyzed 19811 documents on air pollution and respiratory diseases in Middle Eastern countries, published between (2003-2024) and retrieved from the WoS. Data visualization and analyses were conducted using VOSviewer and HistCite.
Results: The publication output showed a consistent upward trend, with an average annual growth rate of 11%. Environmental Science and Pollution Research was the leading journal (467 documents; 2.3%). Iran (28.3%), Turkey (27.1%), and Saudi Arabia (14.2%) collectively contributed more than 69% of the region’s scholarly output. Iran was identified as the most influential country in this field, with 111,930 global citations. Researchers from the Middle East collaborated with scholars from 166 countries, with the United States being the most frequent partner, accounting for 2,948 joint publications (14.9%). The study identified 60,814 contributing authors, forming twelve major collaboration networks, which facilitated the recognition of key research clusters and influential contributors. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified seven dominant thematic clusters.
Conclusion: This study clarifies both qualitative and quantitative trends in Middle Eastern research on air pollution and respiratory diseases. To translate the region’s growing research capacity into lasting public health and policy impact, stakeholders should prioritize improving study quality, strengthening regional scientific collaboration, and establishing practical mechanisms to ensure that research findings are effectively incorporated into policy and practice.
Samira Soleimani, Omid Aboubakri,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (6-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Hospital readmission among respiratory patients is an important indicator for evaluating the quality of healthcare services and for assessing the burden of chronic diseases. This study aimed to examine the cumulative effects of PM2.5 and to estimate the attributable risk of respiratory-related readmissions in Sanandaj.
Materials and Methods: In this study, datasets from the Meteorological Organization, hospital readmission records of respiratory patients, along with integrated data from environmental monitoring stations and satellite remote sensing, were utilized. The association between PM2.5 and readmissions was assessed using a semi-parametric regression model with nonlinear functions to control for known and unknown confounders. Based on the model outputs, cumulative effects up to 21 days post-exposure and the attributable risk were estimated, stratified by age and sex.
Results: High concentrations of PM2.5 were significantly associated with cumulative increases in readmissions, particularly among men and individuals under 65 years old. In younger patients (<65 years), there were delayed effects, while in older adults the highest risk occurred during the initial days following exposure. The attributable risk analysis indicated that approximately 3500 readmissions during the study period were attributed to PM2.5 exposure, with the largest proportion observed within the 0–15 μg/m³ concentration range.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PM2.5 contributes substantially to respiratory-related hospital readmissions, with effects that were both cumulative and delayed. These findings highlight the need to revise air quality standards, design preventive interventions tailored to age and sex groups, and strengthen early-warning and monitoring systems to reduce the burden of respiratory diseases and healthcare costs.
