Showing 10 results for Zarei
S Molai, M Mohebali, B Akhoundi , Z Zarei ,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (2 2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In this study, we compared a latex agglutination test (KatexR) with the direct agglutination test (DAT) for the diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) in an area with a high prevalence of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) in Iran.
Materials and Methods: The validity of the KatexR (Kalon Biological Ltd, England) for detection of urinary Leishmania antigens in HVL was compared with standard direct agglutination test on 92 visceral leishmaniasis patients (29 were acute and 65 were chronic phase) and 90 healthy controls over a period of one year.
Results: We detected a sensitivity of 82.7% and a specificity of 98.9% in the acute phase. As for the chronic phase, the test showed a sensitivity of 6.15% and a specificity of 98.9% at a 1:3200 cut-off titer. Concordance between KatexR and DAT was 94 .9% in the acute phase and 59. 3% in the chronic phase. As the rapid, noninvasive Katex does not require much expertise or elaborate equipment.
Conclusion: It can be used for screening and diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis in remote endemic foci.
M Mahami, M Moheb Ali, H Keshavarz, H Hajaran, B Akhoondi, Z Zarei, S Charedar,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (2 2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: As the population of the world increases, it is essential that food production keep pace. It will be necessary not only to produce more food, but also to maintain this food so that it is safe and wholesome for human consumption. The purpose of this study was to investigate the rate of Coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, Mould, Yeast and other aerobic and mesophilic bacteria as contaminats of milk and milk products in Yazd province.
Material and Methods: In this study a total of 198 different samples including Milk (24.2%), Yoghurt (21.2%), Cream (12.1%), Cheese (18.2%), Ice cream (12.1%) and dairy powders (12.1%) were investigated by culture method and biochemical tests. Then obtained data were analyzed by SPSS and χ2 programs.
Results: On the basis of our findings, of the total samples, 136 cases (68.7%) were desirable, 48 cases (24.2%) acceptable and 14 cases (7.1%) undesrable. Microbial contaminants of undesrable samples were coliform (7.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (6.1%) and yeast (6.1%). Meanwhile, the results of χ2 Statistical analysis test, showed significant different between contamination rate and kind of Milk products (df = 5, χ2 = 17.75, P<0.005(.
Conclustion: It seems that despite the efforts, which have been done for prevention of food contamination in Yazd province, it is still considered as a threat for people Health.
M Arab, A Zarei, M Hosseini,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (21 2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Patients who consult hospital due to physical or mental damages have legal rights. Observation of patients' rights will result in patient satisfaction, which will help to improve hospital services. The aim of this study was to determine awareness and observation of patient's right in hospitals affiliated with medical universities in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2009 in hospitals affiliated with medical universities in Tehran. A total of 601 patients were randomly selected from 11 hospitals affiliated with three medical universities in Tehran. Data were collected using a 50-item questionnaire the validity and reliability of which had been confirmed. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis. The software used was SPSS.17.
Results: The mean age of the patients (59% females and 41% males) was 43.3 (SD=18.5) years and the average length of hospitalization 7.1 (SD=7.4) days. Data analysis showed that the proportions of the patients with a poor, intermediate and desirable patients' rights awareness were 71.5%, 22.0% and 5.8%, respectively. Observation of patients' rights was good in 13.8% of the cases, medium in 82.9% of the cases and poor in 3.3% of the cases. There was a significant statistical relationship between observation of patients' rights on the one hand and the hospital ward and length of stay on the other hand (p=0/007). Further analysis of the data showed that the strongest and the weakest observed rights were patient awareness right and the right of making objections and lodging complaints, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that patients are not well aware of patients' rights and that observation of patient's rights is not at a desirable level. We recommend organizing public educational programs including components on patients' rights and follow-up of patient' rights violations, as well as passing a comprehensive act to ensure observation of patients' rights and specific programs designed for monitoring and supervising it.
Z Zarei Ghane, A Mirshafiey, A.r Razavi, A Sarafnejad, N Aalizadeh, M.r Khorramizadeh,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (21 2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered as a common inflammatory disease of the human central nervous system (CNS). 4 amino pyridine (4-AP), a potassium channel blocker, is used widely in MS treatment to reduce fatigue and cachexia often experienced by the patients. The objective of this study was to get a better understanding of the mechanism of action of this drug, using the cell culture model. More specifically, we attempted to determine the effects of the drug on 1. The profileration of, and its cytotoxicity on, the neurons, and 2. The activity of MMP-9 in the neurons.
Materials and Methods: Considering the available reports on the wide range of 4-AP effects, we designed this study to investigate its possible role in proliferation or cytotoxicity of the MS cellular model, i.e. astrocytoma U373-MG, using the MTT assay technique. We also analyzed the effect of 4-AP on cell functionality as assessed by matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) zymography.
Results: The results showed that while 4-AP at a concentration of 0.1 and 1 mM has no significant cytotoxic effects on the treated cells, it has remarkable MMP-9 inhibitory effects (p<0.01). The proliferation analyses confirmed the stability of 4-AP effects on cell functionality.
Conclusion: On the whole, the results of the present study show the desirable effect of 4-AP on MMP-9 activity at non-cytotoxic doses, promising its further therapeutic applications.
Mehdi Mohebali, Gholamhossein Edrissian, Mohammad Reza Shirzadi, Yavar Hosseingholizadeh, Mohammad Hossein Pashaei, Akbar Ganji, Zabihallah Zarei, Ahmad Kousha, Behnaz Akhoundi, Homa Hajjaran, Hossein Malekafzali,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (21 2011)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Visceral leishmaniasis is a systemic parasitic disease with a high fatality rate in under-5-year-old children. The disease is endemic in some parts of Iran, particularly in the north-west region. In 2001 a visceral leishmaniasis (VL) surveillance system was established for children aged ≤ 12 years in the primary health system in Meshkin-Shahr District, Ardebil Province, situated in the north-west of Islamic Republic of Iran.
Materials and Methods: All cases with clinical signs and symptoms of VL and confirmed positive by the direct agglutination test (DAT) were referred for physical examination and treatment.
Results: The mean annual incidence of VL decreased significantly from 1.88 per 1000 children before (1985-2000), to 0.77 per 1000 child population after (2001-07), the intervention. In the control area with no surveillance, it increased from 0.11 to 0.23 per 1000.
Conclusion: Early detection of VL using serological tests and timely treatment of cases can decrease the mortality and morbidity rates of VL in endemic areas.
Shahnaz Rimaz, Effat Merghati Khoii, Fatemeh Zareie, Neda Shamsalizadeh,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (8-2013)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Women perceive menopause differently. Beside biological changes, women experience menopause based on the cultural scenarios. The qualitative research presented here is about how Iranian women perceive menopause within cultural scenarios.
Materials and Methods : Data was collected during 4 focus group sessions and 6 individual in-depth interviews of women aged 40 years and older. Informants were selected from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The sessions were facilitated by using a semi-structured inventory focus group. Content analysis was adopted using combined free and analytical coding to reduce data, to extract meanings, to categorize domains and to obtain themes .
Results: We categorized our findings into four main domains: gender role, the changes in socialization, social interactions and supporting resources. Descriptions of the later domain are going to be reported in subsequent manuscript.
Conclusion: The women's understandings of menopause are shaped based on the specific cultural scenarios. Menopause recognized as a factor which changes women’s life line. Meanings as 'Loosing femininity' and 'changes in women's roles in the community' describe women's gender role, social interactions and changes in the socialization throughout the menopause years. The women’s misconceptions, accumulated myths, and ignorance about femininity were evidenced based on narratives. The majority of women raised ‘role change’ as an important determinant in social interactions. Gender role changes as well as women's socialization patterns have forced women to accept loosing femininity as a reality. Developing comprehensive and culturally sensitive health services to address women's needs in the climacteric years is suggested .
Effat Merghati-Khoei, Neda Shams Alizadeh, Alireza Bayat, Fatemeh Zarei, Shahnaz Rimaz,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Health-risk behaviors are socially constructed and influenced by the given culture. Therefore, the health-risk behaviors are prioritized differently in diverse cultures. In this study, we aimed to explore the priority of health risk behaviors among high school students in Tehran.
Materials and Methods : In this qualitative study using rapid assessment approach, we interviewed 130 individuals who voluntarily participated in the focus group discussions (FGDs, n=17). They were students (n=9 FGDs), the parents (n=5 FGDs), and the teachers (n=3 FGDs). Four of the principals were individually interviewed. Interviews focused on (1) perceptions about and description of healthy or unhealthy behaviors (2) priority of health risk behaviors in adolescents (3) perceptions and beliefs about the formation of the risk behaviors among adolescents. All sessions were embarked on the public schools located in the area five in West Tehran. After obtaining a written consent form from the participants, primary investigators and three of the trained facilitators (male and female) conducted the sessions. We employed content analysis to extract the major themes and sub-themes. The rigor of the data was obtained.
Results : Addiction, risky sexual behavior, and social misconduct ion (aggression) were identified as the main concerns for the boys. Risky sexual behavior, early marriage, eating unhealthy habits, physical motionless, and fear of the future (job, education, marriage) were identified as the main health-risk behaviors for the girls.
Conclusion : According to our findings, health risk behaviors are classified differently for boys and girls. However, sexual risk behaviors are common findings for both groups. The adolescents' risky behaviors are formed throughout their socialization and seriously influenced by the given culture. Understanding of gender schema was identified as an important factor in the way participants do priority health-risk behaviors of young people. Comprehensive and holistic health education and promotion programs targeting adolescents as well as training programs for parents are suggested.
Seyed Mohammad Mojtahedzadeh, Kourosh Holakouie-Naieni, Shahrzad Nematollahi, Amir Hossein Mazarei,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the protection of, and safeguarding, the health of industrial workforce, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the personnel of Abadan oil refinery in the south-west of Iran and factors related to it.
Materials and Methods: The study included 721 oil refinery staff members randomly selected based on the yearly occupational health examination records. The information recorded included anthropometric measurements and blood test results; in addition, Breslow lifestyle and Global Physical Activity (GPAQ) questionnaires were completed for each subject.
Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.2 for men and 27.5 for women. The prevalence of obesity and overweight were 29.8% and 48.7%, respectively. Further analysis of the data showed that the prevalence rates were different between men and women; while 48.6% and 30.24% of the men suffered from overweight and obesity, respectively, the corresponding proportions among women were 50% and 15%. Overweight and obesity were associated with age, fasting blood glucose level, lipid profile and hypertension (in all cases p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Abadan oil refinery staff is higher as compared to the mean values in the general population in Iran or to personnel of other industries globally. Development and implementation of public educational programs with particular emphasis on high-risk individuals, such as middle-aged people and those with a low socioeconomic status, and focusing on healthy lifestyle and rotation shift workers can be effective, resulting in improvements in physical and general health of the personnel.
Daryoush Yarahmadi, Mansour Halimi, Zahra Zarei Chaghabalki, Hasan Jems,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Cutaneous leishmaniosis (CL) is a neglected tropical vector-borne disease. As other vector-transmitted diseases, its transmission is sensitive to the physical environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and annual incidence of CL in Iran.
Materials and Methods: The data of ENSO were obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center for the period 1977-2011(34 years), and the annual data on CL incidence in Iran from WHO. To determine the association between the ENSO annual fluctuations and annual CL incidence we used crosstab analysis and tow-tailed independent t-test to find any possible differences among the annual CL incidence according to different phases of the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI: El Niño, warming phase; La Niña, cooling phase; neutral phase).
Results: Analysis of the data showed that, as compared with the years when El Niño and La Niña were dominant, the annual incidence of CL in Iran was lower in the years when neutral phases of SOI were dominant. The highest incidence was found to have occurred during the years with an intermediate La Niña dominance. During the years when La Nina was dominant the incidence of CL was, on the average, 15-20% higher than that in the years with a neutral phase, while the difference between the annual CL incidence in neutral years and El Niño years was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The findings reveal that in general the mean incidence of cutaneous leishmaniosis during the years with a neutral ENSO index is lower than that during the years with dominant El Nino or La Nina, although there is no difference between incidence in the neutral years and the El Nino-dominant years.
Zeynab Zarei, Azar Tol, Roya Sadeghi, Kamal Azam, Maryam Sabouri,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The practice of breastfeeding among mothers is affected by their knowledge of, and attitude to, it. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of intervention, using the transtheoretical model (TTM), on the knowledge, attitude and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among pregnant women in the third trimester referred to Golestan University of Medical Sciences in hospitals in 2021.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental intervention was conducted on 120 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 60) or a control (n = 60) group using the permuted block randomization. The data collection tools were a two-part questionnaire to collect data on demographic and obstetric characteristics and a researcher-made questionnaire based on the TTM. Due to the coronavirus Epidemic the education was conducted partly face-to face in five 30-minute sessions three times a week observing the health protocols and partly virtually via WhatsApp and Telegram messenger (audio file, video tutorial, electronic pamphlets and posters). The data collected one and six months after the intervention were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16, the tests being descriptive and inferential tests.
Results: The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, practice and the TTM constructs were not statistically significant between the intervention and control groups before the education intervention. One and six months after the intervention the mean scores of knowledge, attitude and practice and the TTM constructs, as well as perceived barriers and benefits in decision-making and self-efficacy were found to be significantly different between the intervention and control groups (p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the findings it seems that breastfeeding education of pregnant women based on the transtheoretical model can improve their knowledge, attitude and practice as regards exclusive breastfeeding.
