مریم منتصری

Brucellosis remains an important occupational zoonotic disease, especially in developing countries. The disease is endemic in Iran and the Fars province. One of the main routes of brucellosis infection is at slaughterhouses, where the workers directly contact infected animals. This study was designed to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis among slaughterhouse workers in the Fars province, Iran.

Ninety blood samples were collected from workers of two livestock slaughterhouses (Marvdasht and Kazeroon), in Fars, Iran. The sera were assessed for the Rose Bengal test (RBT), as a screening test for brucellosis, and the positive samples were subjected to the Wright test. The positive Wright samples were finally tested for the 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) agglutination test.

Brucellosis prevalence was 13.33% using RBT. 4.44% of the workers showed active brucellosis. No significant relationship was found between the questionnaire variables and brucellosis tests; exceptionally, there was a relationship between the workers' statements regarding having had brucellosis and RBT (P=0.01).

Our study highlights the practical application of serological tests, including RBT, Wright, and 2-ME as a simple strategy to monitor brucellosis and to diagnose and treat its active form in endemic regions. Although a small frequency of the disease was found, it could cause significant health and economic damage to humans and animals in endemic areas. Furthermore, taking enough protective measures is highly recommended for slaughterhouse workers to prevent human brucellosis.

Considering the broad spectrum of using nanoparticles in food coatings as a potent antimicrobial agent and their possible cytotoxic effects and accidental consumption of these toxic materials, this study was performed. The present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of chitosan and nano-chitosan in vitro.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 in the Laboratory of the Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. The XRD and FITR techniques were employed to study the characteristics of these nanoparticles. Moreover, two cell lines, HT-29 and Vero, were used to study the cytotoxic effects of chitosan and nano-chitosan by MTT assay, acridine orange, and ethidium bromide staining. One-way ANOVA and independent t-test were used to analyze the collected data with the help of SPSS software (version 19).

Based on the obtained findings, the maximum values of XRD at the angle of θ2 were observed at 20°. The highest peak appeared at 1530 cm-1, which was associated with tensile vibration of N-P-N. The spectrum diagram of chitosan due to the tensile vibration of synthetic nanochitosan of N-H bound appeared at 1646 cm-1. The results showed a proportional increase in the cytotoxicity with time and concentration of nanoparticles in the cells.

Since by increase in time and concentration of nanoparticles, toxicity was observed in cells; therefore, the time and concentration of chitosan nanoparticles are important in causing cytotoxicity. Considering the toxic effects of these nanocomposites on cancer cells, they can be used in cancer treatment, which requires further studies.

Staphylococcus spp. is a resident flora of the skin and mucosa of humans that can colonize the anterior nares of individuals. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the rate and antibiotic resistance pattern of nasal Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) carriers among the staff of Fasa hospital, southern Iran.

Nasal swab samples were collected from 117 hospital staff working in 12 wards. Microbiological culture method was applied for S. aureus identification. The isolates were confirmed by tuf gene identification using PCR assay. Five isolates were randomly sequenced and phylogenetically analysed  using MEGA software. The antimicrobial resistance pattern of the isolates was evaluated using the disc diffusion assay and the amplification of the methicillin resistance (mecA) gene.

The prevalence of S. aureus nasal carriers included 10.26% (n=12). The nasal carriers were identified in the wards of surgery ICU, gynecologic surgery, NICU, pediatric, internal surgery, and emergency. Among them, gynecologic surgery staff had the highest rate of nasal colonization (33.33%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that of five isolates, four had high similarities with each other. Also, the highest rate of resistance was related to penicillin (83.3%), followed by cefazolin (75%), and cephalexin (75%). However, the highest level of susceptibility (100%) was found for vancomycin, cefoxitin, and oxacillin. Furthermore, the methicillin resistance gene (mecA) was highly detected (75%) from the isolates, elucidating oxacillin-susceptible or cefoxitin-susceptible mecA-positive S. aureus (OS-MRSA).

The high rates of OS-MRSA can lead to antibiotic resistance among health care workers tremendously. Moreover, the high similarity probability in phylogenetic analysis shows the possibility of cross-infection between these health care workers, warning to exert effective strategies to control infection spread, especially in the surgery ward.

Fish intake is known as a healthy dietary pattern that can reduce cardiovascular risk factors, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cerebrovascular risks. Regarding the geography of Hormozgan province as a costal area, current study was designed to assess the intake of this food rich in omega3 in towns, districts, and villages of Hormozgan Province.   

In this descriptive analytical and cross-sectional study, samples were selected by multistage random cluster sampling. Data were collected by a researcher made questionnaire containing demographic and fish intake variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

In this study, 5074 people from Hormozgan province who were older than 18 years were participated. Out of which, 41% were male, 85.2% were married, and 29.8% were illiterate. Jask and Bandar lenge citizens had the highest and Hajiabad had the lowest fish intake. In addition, 64.9% of urban and 76.8% of rural population in Hormozgan Province had fish intake more than twice per week. This study showed a significant relationship between fish consumption and residence place, education, monthly income, marital status, occupation, and age.

Regarding the role of fish intake in community health and low fish intake in educated individuals, young people, and those with specialized jobs in Hormozgan province, it is necessary to conduct applied research to identify the effective factors and barriers in increasing fish consumption and to design effective interventions to increase fish consumption in the studiesd population.

Self-Medication is a Socioeconomic Health Problem in Different Communities. However/ There is a Need for Special Attention to Self-Medication Among Parents Especially Those Taking Care of Children? Therefore, The Present Research Aimed to Investigate The Prevalence of Self-Medication Among The Parents of 8-1Year Old Children Visiting Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in Bandar Abbas. The Present Descriptive-Analytical Study Was Conducted on 200 Parents of 8-1Year Old Children Visiting Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in Bandar Abbas. The Sampling Was Simple Randomized. The Data Collection Instrument Was a Questionnaire Comprised of Six Sections: Demographic Information (1 Items), Cues For Action, Gaining Information About Self-Medication and Factors Involved in Preventing Self-Medication (2 Items)/ Parents’ Performance of Self-Medication (8 Items), Diseases Being Self-Medicated (14 Items), Drugs Self-Prescribed (21 Items) and Parents’ Attitude toward The Factors Involved in Self-Medication (21 Items). The Data Were Analyzed Through SPSS 19 Using The Required Statistical Tests. The Mean Age of The Mother Participants Was 31/41±8/011 Years. 140 Mothers (70%) Were Housewife; 60 (30%) Were Employed. The Mean age of The Children Was 4/406±1.84 Years. 105 Children (52/5%) Were Female While 95 (47/5%) Were Male. 128 Parents (64%) Showed to Have Self-Medicated Drugs to Children. The Key Reasons for Self-
Medication Were Easy Access to Drugs at Pharmacies Over The Counter (N=143/ 71/5%)/ Availability of The Drugs at Home or Provided by Acquaintances (N=131/ 65/5%)/ Previous Experience of The Disease (N=107/ 53/5%). The Most Prevalent Drugs Taken Were: Cold Pills (N=199/ 99/5%)/ Sedatives (N=195/ 97/5%)/ Antibiotics (N=105/ 52/.5%). The Most Common
Type of Drug Taken Was Tablets/Pills. Statistically Significant Correlations Were Found Between The Prevalence of Self- Medication and Place of Residence (P-Value<0/019). Parents’ Education (P-Value<0/001). Parents’ Occupation (PValue< 0/001). Insurance (P-Value<0/013). The Number of Children (P-Value=.001) and Income (P-Value<0/017). As in The Present Research aHigh Percentage of Parents Tried Self-Medications for Their Children/ It Is Essential toHold Classes to Teach Them The Logical Consumption of Drugs and Make Them Aware of The Adverse Effects of Drugs Especially For Parents.

Today, there has been a growing prevalence of oral diseases among children. Coming to know mothers’ attitude toward and awareness of this issue can shed light on their weaknesses and can help the healthcare staff to address those weaknesses in specific relevant instructions. Therefore, the present research aimed to explore the attitude and awareness of the oral hygiene of children aged 1-6-year-old among mothers who visited Bandar Abbas healthcare centers.  This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 300 mothers of children 1-6-year-old who visited at Bandar Abbas healthcare centers. The sample selection followed a stratified method. The data was collected via a questionnaire comprised of demographic information, awareness (24 items) and attitude (22 items) sections. The exclusion criteria were one’s unwillingness to participant in the study. Data were analyzed via SPSS 19 with the required statistical tests, descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Correlation, One-way ANOVA, and regression.  The mean awareness score of the sample was estimated at 14.76±3.261 while the mean score of attitudes was 92.58±9.522. Statistically significant correlations were found between mother’s awareness and education (P-value=0.001), mother’s occupation (P-value =0.024), father’s occupation (P-value=0.039), socioeconomic status (P-value=0.003) and the number of children (P-value=0.01).  The present findings led to some suggestions to raise the mother’s awareness. These suggestions include holding educational classes and handing out pamphlets and brochures.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men after lung cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. In describing the epidemiology of prostate cancer, it is considered as a preventable disease. The aim of this study was to investigate and explain preventive behaviors of prostate cancer based on the health belief model structures among Military men.
This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 253 Military men who were selected randomly from Military Centers in the Hormozgan province. Data collection was performed via a questionnaire, which included demographic characteristics, items regarding HBM constructs, and a performance checklist. Data was analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical methods in SPSS software with version of 22 (frequencies, mean and standard deviation, Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression coefficient).
the study highlighted a significant relationship between mean scores of perceived susceptibility, benefits and self-efficacy with the Military men’s performance on adopting the preventive behaviors of prostate cancer (p0.05). Also among the health belief model constructs, perceived barriers and self-efficacy were the most important predictor of prostate cancer preventive behavior among Military men (p ≤ 0.001).
This study suggests that health service providers or health professionals should pay attention to predictive constructs’ (perceived barriers and benefits and self-efficacy) in designing and implementing health education programs regarding prostate cancer and its preventive behaviors.

Diarrhea is a highly prevalent disease in quite many countries. Parasitic factors are partly in charge of generating this disease and infection with these factors has turned into a global health issue. Due to its geographical location and hot climate, Hormozgan suffers a high rate of diarrhea. Therefore, the present research was initiated to explore the prevalence of the parasitic-intestinal factors involved in diarrhea among the childeren population (6-month to 6-year old) who refered Bandar Abbas Pediatric Hospital between 2012 and 2014.
The present descriptive-analytical research was conducted on the medical files of 315 patients visiting Bandar Abbas Pediatric Hospital from September 2012 to September 2014. The required data were extracted and recorded in a checklist. The data were analyzed by SPSS-24 software using statistical indices (Chi-square test, frequency tables, etc.).
From among the 315 medical files, 7 (2.2%) were infected with intestinal parasites. 5 (71.5%) patients were male and 2 (28.5%) were female. The three types of parasites diagnosed were Giardia lamblia (1.6%), Entamoeba coli (0.3%) and Hymenolepis nana (0.3%). A statistically significant divergence was observed between parasitic-intestinal factors and the place of residence (urban or rural) (p Education and culture in the field of individual and public health in the community as well as the improvement of health in the villages can help reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in these areas.

Background and Today chronic kidney disease is considered as a serious health problem in the world. In end-stage renal disease patients are dependent on replacement therapies including hemodialysis. This study investigated the 5-year survival rate of hemodialysis patients admitted to Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital. This longitudinal descriptive study was performed in 200 hemodialysis patients between 2007-2012. Statistical analysis was done using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the Log-Rank test. We also performed multivariate analysis to determine the most important factors affecting the prognosis of survival of patients using Cox regression analysis. The mean age of the patients was 62.4±16.5 years and the mean and median survival rate were 35.95 months and 37 months, respectively. In univariate analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method, the overall 1-,2-,3-,4-,5-year survival rates for hemodialysis patients were 75%, 63%, 50%, 41%, and 23%, respectively. In multivariate analysis using Cox regression model, the age and mean serum albumin were identified as important factors in the survival of hemodialysis patients. This study observed a low survival rate among hemodialysis patients. Obviously this rate could increase if the disease is diagnosed at earlier stages and also if the patient could receive high quality treatments through monthly follow-ups.