Showing 13 results for Kazemi
E Kazemi, S Talari, H Hooshyar,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (4 2007)
Abstract
Background and aim: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in Iran and many other countries. The use of pentavalent antimony compounds for the treatment of this disease is associated with serious side effects. There have been reports of the effect of the extract of Berberis vulgaris root on leishmania major, both in vitro and in vivo. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of an alcoholic extract of this plant on experimental L. major ulcers in BALB/c mice. The experiment was conducted in 2006 by the Department of Parasitology, Kashan University of Medical sciences.
Materials and Methods: We used different concentrations of an alcoholic extract of Berberis vulgaris in the form of an ointment. Ninety BALB/c mice received a subcutaneous inoculation of 0.1 ml liquid-phase culture of infective L. major (MRHO/IR/75/ER standard variety) in the base of their tail. Ulcers appeared after 30-35 days and these were divided into 5 groups: 3 groups received treatment with 20%, 40%, and 80% concentrations and the remaining 2 groups served as controls. The extract was used applied topically, three times a day for 30 days. Each weak we measured the diameter of the lesions and the animals' weight. After preparation and staining, we determined the number of parasites in lesions through microscopic examinations. Results were recorded on paper and analyzed with the use of Student's t and Fisher's exact tests as well as analysis of variance and Tokey's post-hoc tests.
Results: With the 20% preparation: By the end of the treatment period, the mean diameter of the lesions had decreased, with complete healing in 5 mice (27.7%), (p< 0.001). By the time of the decrease in diameter, the mean weight of the animals had increased and the number of parasites in the lesions had declined (80%). Total elimination of the parasites was observed in 12 animals (p<0.001).
At a concentration of 40%: Mean ulcer diameter decreased, with complete healing in 2 mice (11.1%, p<0.001). By the time of the decrease in diameter, the mean weight of the mice had increased (p<0.05). The mean number of parasites in lesions decreased (64.3%), with total elimination in 9 animals (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: We showed that the extract of Berberis vulgaris is most effective at a concentration of 20%, causing greater reductions in both ulcer diameter and the number of parasites in the lesions compared to other preparations. Therefore, we suggest the use of a 20% extract for the treatment of human cases.
H Edallat, M Akhondi , M.r Abaei , M Abolhassani , M.t Sadeghi , M Kazemi , H.r Basseri ,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (4 2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Determination of the age of vector mosquitoes is of particular importance in epidemiological studies of diseases transmitted by them, such as viral and parasitic diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the daily age of Anopheles stephensi based on changes in pteridine concentration in female mosquito cuticles by liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Methods and Materials: Females of Anopheles stephensi were raised in an insectary (28° C, 70% relative humidity). At 1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 30 days post-emergence they were divided into groups of 10 mosquitoes each. The mosquitoes in each age group were further divided into 3 subgroups of 10 each for chromatographic (HPLC, emotion = 355 nm and excitation= 465 nm) pteridine extraction. The chromatograms obtained were compared with the respective standards to determine the types of pteridines.
Results: Four types of pteridines were detected in the cuticle of Anopheles stephensi, including isoxanthopteridine, pteridine-6-carboxylic acid, biopteridine, and xanthopteridine. They were all present in all the cuticle of the mosquitoes however, no biopteridine in the head or xanthopteridine in the thorax were found. Generally, as the age of the mosquitoes increased, pteridine concentrations kept declining, such that after 30 days the total concentration reached 10% of the original.
Conclusion:The findings indicate that there is a negative correlation between the concentration of pteridines in the cuticle and daily age of female mosquitoes. The method described can be used as a standard method to determine the daily age of Anopheles, as well as of other mosquito species, since it is fast and precise and needs small samples. Its major limitation is non-availability of HPLC in many parts of the country, although it is possible to freeze dead mosquitoes and transfer them to centers where HPLC is available.
F Golbabaei, R Kazemi, B Golestan, M Pourtalari, J Shahtaheri, M Rismanchian,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (20 2011)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the acute and chronic effects of organic solvents to which vehicle painters are exposed for long periods of time, their evaluation and control is crucial for protection of health of the employees. This study aimed to find the most influential factors on exposure to, and spreading pollution with, benzene, toluene, xylem, and etylebenzene (BTEX) in order to be able to choose the best control measures.
Materials and Methods: In a motor-vehicle company the vehicle painting process was studied in detail and the solvents used in paints and in spreading organic solvent stations were identified. Based on the types and concentrations of the variables being studied, using the NIOSH method a total of 240 air samples were collected (5 samples for each variable and the respective controls) and analyzed. The SPSS version 11.5 was used for data analysis, the statistical tests being multi-regression and analysis of variance.
Results: Exposure to benzene in all occupational tasks, as well as to toluene in top coating and undercoating stations exceeded, while exposure to etylebenzene and xylene did not reach, the respective permitted exposure limits (p<0.05). The most effective factors on exposure to all the four solvents were, in order of effectiveness, occupational task, gun type, and the type of paint sued (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The effects of the variables studies – occupational task, gun and paint types – on exposure to BTEX relate to differences in occupational task work load, the type of gun used, and the paint organic solvent formulation. The reason for the potentially high exposure to benzene is its presence as an impurity in the paint solvents. Thus, it is highly recommended that in the process of control and evaluation special attention be paid to these factors.
Abolfazl Askary Sary, Mohammad Velayatzadeh, Mozhgan Khodadadi, Mohammad Kazemian,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (6 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the contents of heavy metals Hg, Cd and Pb in the muscle, liver and gill tissues of Liza abu fish in the Dez and Bahmanshir Rivers in Khoozestan Province, Iran in winter 2010.
Materials and Methods: The study included 108 samples of Liza abu tissues. The metals were extracted from the tissues using the wet-digestion method and their concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer Perkin Elmer 4100. Analysis of the data was done using the SPSS17 software, the statistical test being the t-test ((p≤0.05).).
Results: The highest concentrations (mg/Kg) of Hg (0.029±0.005), Cd (0.506±0.047) and Pb (1.07±0.096) were found in the gill and their lowest concentrations, 0.023±0.001, 0.346±0.040 and 0.903±0.030, respectively, in the muscle. The concentrations of Cd in the gull, muscle and liver were significantly different (p≤0.05) between the Dez and Bahmanshir River fish samples, but the differences with regard to Hg and Pb concentrations were not different between the 2 rivers (p≥0.05).
Conclusion: The mercury content of Liza abu tissues was lower, while the lead and cadmium contents were higher, than the respective WHO standards (permitted levels).
Adel Mazloumi, Zeynab Kazemi, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani, Meysam Eivazlou,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Work ability reflects the interactions among personal characteristics, working conditions, employees' functional capabilities, and also employees' health status. Hence, the aim of the present study was to provide the Farsi version of Work Ability Index and to validate it among Iranian workers.
Materials and Methods: In the first stage, Backward Translation method was used for linguistic validation of the questionnaire. Cross sectional survey of a sample of 645 workers from some Iranian companies were conducted. The study estimated the reliability of the questionnaire by means of test-retest, as well as the construct validity using factor analysis. In order to determine discriminant capacity, the mean scores of different dimensions of work ability index were compared between workers with and without sick leave.
Results: Accordingly, the questionnaire showed a good internal consistency. ICC coefficients for the questionnaire were acceptable. Moreover, factor analyses related to the questionnaire items indicated that only one question is sufficient for each item of "work ability in relation to the demands of the job" and "mental resources". Also, questions related to the item of "number of current diseases diagnosed by physician" can be integrated in six questions. A good level of discriminant validity was observed for all dimensions except for the item of "work ability regarding work demands".
Conclusion: According to the acceptable validity and reliability of Work Ability Index, obtained in the present study, using this questionnaire for evaluating workers' work ability in all Iranian work environments, especially in industrial settings, is recommended.
Esmaeil Kazemi, Gholam Reza Garmaroudi, Elham Shakibazadeh, Saeid Yekaninejad,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Mental health plays a vital role in psycho-social development of an individual in various periods of life, particularly during adolescence. Addressing the mental health problems of adolescents is considered as a global health promotion and disease prevention priority. The aim of this study was to assess the mental health status of adolescent boys and determine the role of contextual factors and life skills in predicting mental health of the students in 2016 and present n appropriate model.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 550 secondary male school tudents, selected by cluster random sampling, in Ray County, Iran. Data were collected using a standard valid General Health Questionnaires (GHQ-28) and a life skills questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS software 22.0, the statistical tests being Chi-square and logistic regression.
Results: Analysis of the data showed that 46.9% of the students were suspected of having mental health problems, the rest (53.1%) having no disorder. The most common disorder (56%) was in the social functioning. As regards life skills, the proportions of the students with a low, moderate and high life skills were 35.3%, 32.5% and 32.2%, respectively. Statistically significant correlations were found between mental health and its four dimensions on the one hand and the independent variables, namely, self-awareness, decision-making and age on the other.
Conclusion: The findings indicate a fairly moderate prevalence of mental disorders among the students and demonstrate the role of life skills training in promotimg mental health in adolescents and the youth.
Mohsen Roshanpajouh, Roksana Mirkazemi, Mehrdad Ehterami, Houman Narenjiha, Hossein Malek Afzali, Hamidreza Sarrami, Majid Rezazadeh, Fatemeh Abbasi, Saeid Noroozi,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Drug abuse is a long-standing social and public health problem in Iran. Access to accurate, reliable and up-to-date data related to drug use is essential for planning and policy-making for prevention of, treatment of, and harm reduction related to, drug abuse. The purpose of this study was to access accurate data regarding drug abuse prevalence and substance use in Tehran Province population.
Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional household survey with a sample of 6024 individuals aged 15-64 years residing in Tehran Province. Data on demographic characteristics and drug use during the previous week, month and year and the whole lifetime were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire.
Results: A total of 5646 individuals participated in the study. The lifelong prevalence of cigarette-smoking, hookah-smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use were 21.9%, 26.8%, 12.1% and 7.3%, respectively. The corresponding proportions during the previous week were 12.9%, 10.5%, 1.8% and 2.2%.
Conclusion: The prevalence of cigarette-smoking, hookah-smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use is high in Tehran Province. The prevalence of lifelong cigarette and hookah smoking and alcohol consumption is higher, while that of drug use is lower, than the respective national averages.
Samira Kazemi, Hadis Khoshnavaz, Masoumeh Ghorbanideh, Sakineh Varmazyar, Salman Sheikhi,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In the household appliances industry, due to doing such work operations as manually moving pieces, there is the probability of occurring musculoskeletal disorders and muscle fatigue. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate muscle fatigue and its relationship with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among personnel of a household appliances factory. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistical and logistic regression tests.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study, including 150 employees of a household appliances factory, was conducted in 2016. Data about the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and muscle fatigue were collected using a standard Nordic and muscle fatigue assessment (MFA) questionnaire, respectively, and analyzed using the logistic regression test.
Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the lumbar region, knees and neck was 33.3%, 25.3%, and 21.3%, respectively. In addition, the results of MFA showed that reduction of the risk of muscle fatigue in the shoulders, wrists and arms needs corrective action as a top priority in 28.7%, 28%, and 26.7% of the employees, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between muscle fatigue and the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusion: Considering disorders in the lumbar region and risk of fatigue in the shoulder region, the risk can be reduced by proper corrective actions, such as increasing the height of pallets, using tables with adjustable heights, and layout of the parts in a normal access range.
Soraya Ghobadian, Fahimeh Kazemi, Parvaneh Nazarali,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Orexin is a hormone involved inoverweight and obesity and a regulator of glucose metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on plasma levels of orexin-A (OXA) and insulin resistance in overweight women.
Materials and Methods: In a semi-experimental study, 24 overweight women (aged 20-25 years; body mass index (BMI), 25-30 kg/m2) were divided into 2 groups, namely, a control (n=12) and a training (n=12) group. The training group performed selective HIIT including 6 movements for 6 weeks (3 sessions/week). Initial and final blood markers were measured in blood samples collected 24 hours after the test. The data were analyzed using the paired and independent sample t-tests; a p<0.05 was considered to show statistical significance.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences between body weight, BMI, plasma levels of glucose, insulin and insulin resistance before and after the period in either the training or control group (p>0.05). Neither were there any significant differences between the training and control groups after the 6-week period as regards plasma levels of glucose, insulin, OXA or insulin resistance (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study show that a 6-week high-intensity interval training has no influence on plasma OXA or insulin resistance in overweight women.
Vahid Kazemizadeh, Naser Behpour,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Previous research has shown that many factors can affect sportspersons’ quality of life. Sleep deprivation is one of these factors. Based on laboratory evidence, a number of possible mechanisms for the relationship between sleep deprivation and quality of life of sportspersons have been suggested. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sleep deprivation on the quality of life of sport science students.
Materials and Methods: This was an experimental research study. The sample was 20 volunteer male sport science students selected by simple random sampling using a counterbalanced intra-group design. Data on the volunteer students were collected at two time points under controlled conditions in the university dormitory: 1. after twelve hours of fasting and eight hours of sufficient sleep, and 2. after twelve hours of fasting and thirty hours of full lack of sleep. The initial and final quality of life of the subjects were assessed and compared using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL_BREF). Changes in the dependent variable resulting from intervention were analyzed using the dependent t-test at p<0.05 with the SPSS software ver.22.
Results: Analysis of the data showed that 30 hours of sleep deprivation significantly reduced the quality of life scale, perception of physical health, mental health, social relationships, environmental health and the general health of the students (p=0.012).
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it is concluded that 30 hours of sleep deprivation can bring about a significant change in the quality of life of active male sport science students. Athletes need more sleep than inactive people because of exercise needs that affect the quality and quantity of sleep. Therefore, coaches and athletes are advised to identify the factors that cause sleep deprivation and, based on this, try to prevent athletes from falling asleep during training and competitions, and consequently reduce the negative effect of sleep deprivation on sports performance.
Mohammad Javad Kabir, Alireza Haydari, Mohammad Reza Honarvar, Zahra Khatirnameni, Abbas Badakhshan, Narges Rafiei, Sakine Beygom Kazemi, Seyed Mehdi Sedaghat, Mehrdad Kamangari, Masoumeh Gholami, Maryam Eri, Mansoureh Lotfi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The World Health Organization considers the implementation of the referral system to be a key step in improving the quality of services in health care systems. The purpose of this study was to explain the executive challenges of the electronic referral system in Golestan Province, Iran.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Golestan Province, Iran in 2019 with a content analysis approach. The participants were family physicians, specialists, university staff managers, responsible health officers in the Offices of Deputy Ministers of Health, the General Directorate of Health Insurance, Department of Information Technology, Rural Health Network managers, health network managers and patients selected purposefully. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the content analysis method.
Results: The main challenges of giving appointments to patients included the lack of time of family physicians, the irregular presence of specialists, difficulty in getting an appointment, and reverse referrals. As regards referrals and waiting times, the main challenges were found to be the lack of sufficient admissions following cancellation of the health insurance contract with the private sector, the delay of physicians in attending the health centers, long waiting times to be visited, and writing the feedback by the physicians. In addition, the main challenges of the visits and diagnosis included the short visiting times, the higher quality of the specialists' visits in the private sector, and the lack of clear guidelines. Finally, the main challenges as regards giving feedback were the reluctance and noncommitment of some specialists to provide feedback, as well as the low quality and lack of usability of the feedbacks given.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the following actions and measures may help improve the current situation as regards the current referral systems: allocating sustainable resources; allocating financial credits; designing and implementing a reward and punishment system; reforming the queuing system; empowering medical students; and equipping specialists with electronic pens for giving written feedback.
Maryam Kazemi, Nastaran Safavi, Majid Rostami Mpghaddam, Romina Behboodi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study aimed to assess the effects of zinc supplementation on the clinical signs of patients with plaque-type psoriasis with skin congestion under 20%.
Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blinded clinical trial included 44 patients with plaque-type psoriasis with skin congestion under 20% referring to the Imam Reza Hospital in Ardabil, Iran. The patients with low levels of serum zinc and no history of joint congestion were randomly divided into a treatment and a control group. Those in the treatment group received, daily for a month, a 220mg zinc supplement along with Eucerin, a topical ointment, while those in the control group received a placebo and Eucerin for the same period. All the participants were followed up for a period of three months. The severity of itching, erythema, scaling, dispersion, and extent of lesions induration were determined using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 26.0, the statistical method being generalized estimation equations (GEE).
Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups as regards demographic and general characteristics (p>0.05); there was no significant difference as regards their initial serum zinc levels either (p>0.05). Based on the GEE analysis, no significant differences were observed as regards itching severity, erythema, scaling, dispersion, the thickness of lesions’ induration between the two groups over the study period (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Zinc supplementation has no considerable effect on reducing the clinical signs of patients with plaque-type psoriasis and skin congestion under 20%.
Alireza Delavari, Abbas Vosoogh-Moghaddam, Zahra Kazemi Esfa, Zahra Beigom Seyed Aghamiri,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (6-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The District Health Network is based on the principles of equity, appropriate technology, inter-sectoral collaboration and public participation. Measuring patient satisfaction is one of the basic criteria in determining the quality of care services. The purpose of this study was to compare the level of satisfaction of service recipients between government and non-government health posts in the south of Tehran in 2021.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. A two-part researcher-developed questionnaire was used to collect data. The first part included items related to demographic characteristics of the clients, insurance status, geographical location and type of health post, appointment system and frequency of visits, and the second part contained questions on the type and level of satisfaction with the services provided.
Results: In the governmental health posts, the clients were mostly satisfied with, in a decreasing order, vaccination services, post-vaccination education, waiting time and physical space. In the outsourced posts, post-vaccination care education, under-one year old child care, vaccination and a sense of responsibility obtained, in an increasing order, the highest scores of satisfaction. Further analysis of the data showed the clients’ least satisfaction with youth and middle-aged care in governmental posts and youth care in outsourced posts.
Conclusion: Continuous and frequent measurement of satisfaction and developing timely interventions based on the results obtained will help greatly promotion of the quality of health services.
