ORIGINAL_ARTICLE A survey to evaluate the association between blood lead level and blood pressure among workers employed in factory manufacturing lead acid-storage batteries Background: There are many controversies reported about the association between blood lead levels and blood pressure among lead exposed workers. Studies have suggested incorporating lifestyle factors along with blood lead levels. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of lead exposure on blood pressure changes among lead exposed workers in contemplation of lifestyle factors. Materials and methods: Study design is descriptive. Three hundred ninety one male lead exposed workers were enrolled. The subjects were categorized into four groups according to their blood lead levels by using quartile distribution. Blood lead levels were measured by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.  Blood pressure was measured by using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Data were analyzed by using SPSS (Version 7.5). Results: The mean systolic blood pressure in quartile-2 blood lead levels and the prevalence of hypertensive in quartile-4 blood lead levels were significantly increased as compared to quartile-1 blood lead levels. Multiple regression analysis found no significant association between blood pressure and blood lead levels among lead exposed workers. The lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, body mass index and chewing of tobacco products were significantly associated with blood pressure changes among lead exposed workers. Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that there was a significant association noticed between blood pressure and lifestyle factors. http://johe.rums.ac.ir/article-1-41-en.pdf 2014-01-05 118 123 10.18869/acadpub.johe.1.3.118 Lead Workers Blood Pressure R Kalahasthi Kalahasthi20012002@yahoo.co.in 1 Regional Occupational Health Centre (Southern), Nirmal Bhavan, ICMR Complex, Kannamangala (Post), Devanahalli, Bangalore-562110, Karnataka, India. AUTHOR T Barman tapu_ju55@yahoo.co.in 2 Regional Occupational Health Centre (Southern), Nirmal Bhavan, ICMR Complex, Kannamangala (Post), Devanahalli, Bangalore-562110, Karnataka, India. AUTHOR R HR rajmohanhr@gmail.com 3 Regional Occupational Health Centre (Southern), Nirmal Bhavan, ICMR Complex, Kannamangala (Post), Devanahalli, Bangalore-562110, Karnataka, India. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Lower immunity to tetanus in cigarette smoker subjects   Background: Cigarette smoking has been linked with the suppression of immune responses and increased susceptibility to numerous infections in humans. Tetanus is also a major public health problem in many countries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serum levels of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in c igarette smoking and healthy non-smoking people .   Materials and Methods: A total of 100 c igarette smokers and 100 age-matched healthy non-smoker individuals were enrolled in this descriptive study. A blood sample was collected from each participant. The samples were tested for the levels of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies b y use of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.   Results: The seroprotective rate of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in non-smoking group (99%) was significantly higher than that observed in c igarette smoking group (78%, P<0.0001). The mean titer of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in non-smoking group ( 5.32± 0.26 IU/ml) was also significantly higher than that in smoker subjects ( 1.03 ± 0.16 IU/ml P<0.0001). The mean titer of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in individuals with smoking duration >10 years was significantly lower than that among smokers with smoking duration ≤10 years (0.59 ± 0.12 IU/ml vs 1.98 ± 0.41 IU/ml P<0.001). The seroprotection rate was also significantly lower in persons with smoking duration >10 years in comparison to smokers with smoking duration ≤10 years (72.1% vs 90.6% P=0.037). The mean titer of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in individuals with daily smoking >10 cigarettes was also significantly lower in comparison to smokers with daily smoking ≤10 cigarettes (0.68 ± 0.15 IU/ml vs 1.63 ± 0.36 IU/ml P<0.001).   Conclusion: These results showed lower levels of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in cigarette smokers which represents c igarette smoking as a risk factor for susceptibility to tetanus. A negative association was also observed between the immunity to tetanus and smoking burden. http://johe.rums.ac.ir/article-1-50-en.pdf 2014-01-08 124 131 10.18869/acadpub.johe.1.3.124 Immunity Tetanus Antibody Cigar Smoking A Jafarzadeh Jafarzadeh14@yahoo.com 1 Molecular Medicine Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. AUTHOR Z Shabani shabaniz20@yahoo.com 2 Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. AUTHOR M Hassanabadi moa.Hassanabadi@gmail.com 3 Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. AUTHOR MT Rezayati m.rezayati@yahoo.com 4 Molecular Medicine Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. AUTHOR M Nemati nemati_m22@yahoo.com 5 Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical of School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. AUTHOR AR Sayadi sayadiahmad@yahoo.com 6 Faculty Member, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. AUTHOR A Sheikhi Sheikhi 7 Dept. of Immunology, Medical of School, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran. AUTHOR R Vazirinejad rvazirinejad@yahoo.co.uk 8 Professor, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Evaluation of Noise pollution in the schools of Birjand city and its administrative solutions, in 2011   Background: Educational centers have higher standards for controlling noise pollution as it has been shown that noise pollution is a major cause of discomfort for teachers and students. Noise pollution reduces concentration, interferes in the conversation, and leads to dropouts and lower grades especially in mathematics. The present study aimed to evaluate noise pollution in the schools of Birjand and its administrative solutions in 2011.   Materials and Methods: This study examined the level of noise pollution in the schools of Birjand city and suggested implementation to reduce noise pollution. The Casellacel model Cel-450 was used in accordance with international standards. Through exhaustive field visits and interviews with school authorities 12 schools (4 each from primary, middle and high schools) were randomly selected in the different parts of the city.   Results: The results showed that the schools under study were badly affected by noise pollution, as these noise levels were higher than the standard levels (35 dB). The maximum noise level during class time was recorded as 72.3 dB, while the maximum noise level during recess time was recorded as 87.4 dB. Ineluctably, the schools with high student/class ratio showed a higher noise pollution level.   Conclusion: It can be concluded that, the schools in different regions of Birjand have problems in terms of noise pollution. Fortunately, all school authorities were aware of this issue and with all facilities and special arrangements tried to resolve the problem. However, the major factors responsible for the noise pollution were out of their control. http://johe.rums.ac.ir/article-1-56-en.pdf 2014-01-13 132 138 10.18869/acadpub.johe.1.3.132 Schools Noise Pollution Educational MH Sayadi mh_sayadi@yahoo.com 1 Dept. of Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource and Environment School, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran. AUTHOR A Movafagh afsaneh_movafagh@yahoo.com 2 Environments and Energy School, Islamic Azad University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR R Kargar reza66kargar@yahoo.com 3 Dept. of Civil Engineering, Engineering School, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran. AUTHOR KH Movafagh darya9368@yahoo.com 4 Dept. of Education, District 4 of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE The Prevalence of Malnutrition among Children under 5 Years old Referred to Health Centers in Iranshahr during 2010-2011   Background : Malnutrition is still a major health problem in the developing countries. It is recognized that 60% of deaths among children under five year in these countries are associated with malnutrition. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of malnutrition in children under 5 years old in Iranshahr in 2011.   Materials and Methods : This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. The sample consisted of 700 children less than 5 years old who were randomly selected by cluster and quota method among health centers. Child growth was measured based on NCHS-WHO charts. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analysed by SPSS Ver.18, using chi-square, and logistic Regression tests for comparing groups.   Results : Prevalence of stunting (height for age) was 11.1%, (disorder of growth = 7.7%, severe malnutrition = 3.4%), underweight (weight for age) was 9.8% (disorder of growth = 7%). Malnutrition has significant association with birth grade, delivery type, hospitalization history, educational level of parents, parents' job, birth weight, vaccination and the regular consumption of supplementary vitamins (p<0/05).   Conclusion: Although prevalence of malnutrition in this study was lower than WHO statistic report, (30%) but this is locally important and health staff and parents must be educated on nutritional values. Malnutrition is a major problem which is a reason for suppressed immune system, causing the increase of infectious diseases and infant mortality. http://johe.rums.ac.ir/article-1-58-en.pdf 2014-01-18 139 149 10.18869/acadpub.johe.1.3.139 Malnutrition Dwarfism Wasting Disease Body Dysmorphic Disorder N Mohammadinia mohammadinia55@yahoo.com 1 Faculty Member, Dept of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran. AUTHOR H Sharifi Poor sharifi9879@hotmail.com 2 Faculty Member, Dept of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran. AUTHOR MA Rezaei rezaei47@yahoo.com 3 Faculty Member, Dept of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran. AUTHOR N Heydari khayat heydari_nastaran@yahoo.com 4 Faculty Member, Dept of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Mediating role of supervisor on the association between work stress with physical and psychological symptoms among employees of Isfahan Steel Company in 2012   Background: Nowadays job stress is one of the most important health problems that health and safety professionals are facing with. Much of previous studies have focused on interventions such as stress management and, they have ignored the role of psychosocial factors in occurrence of job stress. This study investigated the mediator role of supervisor support on the association between work stress and both physical and psychological symptoms, among Isfahan steel company employees in 2012.   Materials and Methods: The study questionnaire was completed by 189 employees of Isfahan Steel Company in 2012 who accepted to help with this descriptive study. The questionnaire consisted of items asking about work stress, physical and psychological symptoms as well as supervisor support.   Results: There were significant intercorrelations between the dependent and independent variables under research. Hierarchy regression analysis showed that supervisor support partially mediated the relationship between work stress and physical and psychological symptoms (p<0.05).   Conclusion: It was concluded that supervisor support is a protective shield against the effects of stress on psychological and physical health, among employees working in the steel company . http://johe.rums.ac.ir/article-1-47-en.pdf 2014-01-22 150 161 10.18869/acadpub.johe.1.3.150 Psychologic Stress Musculoskeletal Diseases Psychiatric Diagnosis Cardiovascular Diseases F Kiani 1 Young Researchers & Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran. AUTHOR MR khodabakhsh khodabakhsh@ut.ac.ir 2 Young Researchers & Elite Club, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE The effect of season and production systems on qualitative and quantitative properties of milk produced in dairy farms of Yazd province   Background : Since milk is considered as one of the most common foods in human life, this research aimed to evaluate the quality of milk produced in traditional and industrial dairy farms of Yazd province in 2007.   Materials and Methods : In this descriptive study, six farms were selected in the cities Sadoogh, Yazd and Mehriz and sampling was performed in each of them bimonthly throughout one year. The samples were taken directly from udder, storage tanks (industrial farms) and containers (traditional farms) and were immediately sent to laboratory stored in ice. Total cell count was determined by bacterial culture test. Protein and fat percent, specific gravity (g/cm3) and freezing point ( ºC ) were also measured.   Results : The results showed a significant increase in total cell count of samples at the time of shipment compared to those taken from udder (P<0.001). The total count in autumn and traditional farms was significantly higher than those in spring and industrial farms (P<0.01). Fat and protein percent, specific gravity and freezing point of milk showed the lowest and the highest significant values in summer and winter, respectively (P<0.01).   Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the low quality of milk in summertime could be improved by good management and implementing of proper feeding programs in dairy farms. It is possible to decrease microbial load to an acceptable level, particularly in traditional farms, by extension of new and efficient methods to farmers for disinfection and proper washing and drying of teat and mammary glands, tools and equipments used in milking along with immediate cooling of milk after milking. http://johe.rums.ac.ir/article-1-60-en.pdf 2014-01-22 162 170 10.18869/acadpub.johe.1.3.162 Milk Hygiene Industrialization Traditional. M Shokoohmand m_shokoohmand@yahoo.com 1 Faculty Member, Dept. of Animal Science, Agriculture and Natural Resources Research ‍Center, Yazd, Iran. AUTHOR MR Mofidi rezamofidi@yahoo.com 2 Faculty Member, Dept. of Animal Science, Agriculture and Natural Resources Research ‍Center, Yazd, Iran. AUTHOR A Bitaraf a_btrf@yahoo.com 3 Faculty Member, Dept. of Animal Science, Agriculture and Natural Resources Research ‍Center, Yazd, Iran. AUTHOR MA Emami Meibodi emamimibody@yahoo.com 4 Dept. of Animal Science, Agriculture and Natural Resources Research ‍Center, Yazd, Iran. AUTHOR MS Saeedabadi m_saidabadi@yahoo.com 5 Faculty Member Dept. of Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture and Natural Resources Research ‍Center, Yazd, Iran. AUTHOR
OTHERS_CITABLE Human errors identification in operation of meat grinder using TAFEI technique   Background: Human error is the most important cause of occupational and non-occupational accidents. Because, it seems necessary to identify, predict and analyze human errors, and also offer appropriate control strategies to reduce errors which cause adverse consequences, the present study was carried out with the aim of identifying human errors while operating meat grinder and offer suggestions in order to reduce human errors in this human-machine system.   Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study. In this ergonomic study the “ Task Analysis for Error Identification (TAFEI)” technique was used in order to identify human errors while operating a meat grinder machine . According to this technique, firstly, tasks of human side of the interaction were described by Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) and then the State-Space Diagrams (SSDs) were drawn. Finally, after forming the TAFEI diagrams, the transition matrix table was prepared in order to identify human errors.   Results: After completing all the steps of TAFEI technique, the transition matrix table was formed. Results showed 49 illegal transition states therefore, 49 human errors were identified and described while operating the meat grinder machine.   Conclusion: The results of this study showed how and under which conditions may meat grinder users do error in the human-machine i nteraction . In this regard, possible human errors resulting from non-ergonomic design of Iranian meat grinder machine were identified. http://johe.rums.ac.ir/article-1-62-en.pdf 2014-01-25 171 181 10.18869/acadpub.johe.1.3.171 Human Identification Product Design Methods. M Mohammadian mohamadian84@yahoo.com 1 Dept. of Occupational Health, School of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. AUTHOR AR Choobineh alrchoobin@sums.ac.ir 2 Dept. of Occupational Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. AUTHOR AR Mostafavi Nave amirreza.mostafavi@yahoo.com 3 Dept. of Occupational Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. AUTHOR N Hashemi Nejad n_hasheminejad@kmu.ac.ir 4 Dept. of Occupational Health, School of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. AUTHOR