Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Environmental Health Engineering And Management Journal
2423-3765
8
1
2021
1
1
Protective strategies among patients with cardiovascular diseases against dust phenomenon exposure in Ahvaz city based on the protection motivation theory
1
8
EN
Nematollah
Jaafarzadeh Haghighifard
Toxicology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Mehdi
Mojadam
Corresponding author:Department of Health in Emergency and Disaster, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Mohammad Hassan
Ehrampoush
Environmental Science and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Mohammad Ali
Morowatisharifabad
Department of Aging and Health, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical sciences, Yazd, Iran
Morteza
Abdullatif Khafaie
Environmental Technologies Research Center, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Hossein
Fallahzadeh
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Background: Dust particles are one of the most important environmental problems that are threatening many countries, and patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a vulnerable group in this respect. The present study was conducted to examine the protective strategies among patients with CVDs against exposure to dust phenomenon based on the protection motivation theory (PMT).
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 183 patients with CVDs who referred to health care centers in Ahvaz city, Khuzestan province, southwest of Iran. Participants were selected from patients with CVDs recruited for routine national Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease (IRA PEN) through random cluster sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on the PMT. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests such as Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regressions by SPSS version 22.
Results: The mean scores of the constructs of perceived response efficacy (4.06 ± 20.06) and sensitivity (19.89 ± 4.30) were higher than those of other constructs. Correlation coefficient test showed a significant positive correlation between risk behaviors of exposure to dust phenomenon and self-efficacy, response efficacy and protection motivation, but negatively correlated with cost response. Also, self-efficacy variable, type of health insurance, and protection motivation were the predictive indicators of behavior.
Conclusion: The constructs of the PMT explained the risk reduction behaviors of exposure to dust phenomenon in patients with CVDs. Therefore, this theory can be used as a framework for designing educational programs to increase the motivation of patients with CVDs to adopt risk reduction behaviors for exposure to dust.
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Environmental Health Engineering And Management Journal
2423-3765
8
1
2021
1
1
Investigating the relationship between the long-term exposure to air pollution and the frequency of depression in Shiraz during 2010-2017
9
14
EN
Leila
Keshtgar
Research Center for Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Samaneh
Shahsavani
Research Center for Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Ahmad
Maghsoudi
Research Center for Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Amir
Anushiravani
Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Foroozandeh
Zaravar
Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Narges
Shamsedini
Research Center for Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Maryam
Rayatpisheh
Corresponding author:Research Center for Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Mansooreh
Dehghani
Research Center for Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Background: Exposure to environmental pollutants which have entered the atmosphere due to human and industrial activities results in harmful and unwanted effects on human health. The undesired effects of air pollution on mental disorders, mortality, and psychological disorders have been proven. Depression is a common mental health problem in today’s societies which impacts the quality of life. The objective of this study was to determine the relation between exposure to air pollution and frequency of depression in Shiraz (Southern Iran).
Methods: Archived documents of 2658 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) from a psychiatric university hospital were reviewed. The concentrations of five air pollutants including CO, NOX, O3, PM10, and NO2 were determined daily in two air quality monitory stations in downtown Shiraz (Imam Hossein Square) and Kazeroon Gate. The data relevant to these five pollutants were gathered every day for 83 months, from 2010 to 2017, and for more precision, the mean values were used. The relationship between the concentration of each pollutant in the air and the number of patients referring to hospital was determined using the Spearman’s correlation coefficient.
Results: There was a direct and significant relationship between all pollutants and the number of hospital admissions in each month (P<0.05) except for CO which did not show a significant relationship with hospital admission due to depression (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated a positive relationship between air pollution and depression. Of course, to prove this relationship, it is essential to conduct a number of studies with appropriate methodology and design.
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Environmental Health Engineering And Management Journal
2423-3765
8
1
2021
1
1
Optimizing the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions using persulfate activated with nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) supported by reduced expanded graphene oxide (rEGO)
15
24
EN
Alaa Mohamad
Soubh
Corresponding author: School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Ali
Abdoli
School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Lorin Ali
Ahmad
Tartus Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agriculture Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria
Background: To remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions, nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) predicated on reduced expanded graphene oxide (rEGO) was used as the activator of persulfate.
Methods: Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were used to investigate the surface morphology and to examine the surface elemental composition. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the chemical compositions of the synthesized compound. In this study, the effects of pH (3-9), activator dose (0.4-1.6 g L-1), persulfate concentration (0.192-0.768 g L-1), and reaction time (0-60 minutes) on the removal of 10 mg L-1 MB were studied by nZVI -reduced expanded graphene oxide/persulfate (nZVI@rEGO/PS) process.
Results: The maximum removal efficiencies of MB at optimum operational conditions (pH 3, activator dose = 1.2 g L-1, persulfate concentration = 0.576 g L-1, and reaction time = 20 minutes) by nZVI@rEGO/PS process was 96%. The chemical method was used to prepare expanded graphene. The volume of natural flake graphite increased about 25 times after the process. SEM image of the nZVI@rEGO showed the presence of nZVI placed on the EGO surface in chain structure with a diameter about 100 nm. The EDS analysis of the activator indicated the existence of Fe element to an amount greater than 50%.
Conclusion: According to the results, nZVI@rEGO is considered as a promising activator of persulfate.
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Environmental Health Engineering And Management Journal
2423-3765
8
1
2021
1
1
Azo dye removal via surfactant-assisted polyvinylidene fluoride membrane
25
32
EN
Fatemeh
Darbandi
Department of Chemical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Azadeh
Mousavi
Department of Chemical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Tayebe
Bagheri Lotfabad
Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
Amir
Heydarinasab
Department of Chemical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Soheila
Yaghmaei
Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
Background: Recently, concerns have been raised regarding the environmental and public health safety of azo dyes, the most widely used synthetic dyes. The membrane technique has been introduced as one of the efficient methods for dye removal treatments. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane manipulated by surfactants was studied for removal of the azo dye, carmoisine.
Methods: PVDF membrane was prepared via non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) and used to remove the azo dye, carmoisine. Three nonionic surfactants including Tween 20, Tween 60, and Tween 80 were used individually as additives in casting solutions to improve PVDF membrane properties.
Results: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) demonstrated the presence of functional groups of carbonyl (C=O) and hydroxyl (OH), assigned to Tween molecules, in the membrane chemical structure. All Tween species caused a decrease in the surface hydrophobicity of PVDF membranes illustrated by the reduced contact angles. Each Tween at a 2% concentration in the dope solution led to an increase in the pore-size of PVDF membranes, which was estimated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, this impact was reversed at Tween concentrations of 4%. Membranes were assessed for dye removal efficiency and permeate flux in a cross-flow system. Permeability of PVDF membranes improved (~78%) with adding Tween 80 at a concentration of 2%. Tween 60 at a 2% concentration
resulted in a ~45% increase in dye removal efficiency of PVDF membranes. And, atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that Tween 60 increased membrane surface roughness.
Conclusion: Surfactant-mediated changes in the surface properties of PVDF membrane improved dye removal efficacy.
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Environmental Health Engineering And Management Journal
2423-3765
8
1
2021
1
1
Activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in male albino rats exposed to metal welding fumes in an experimental setting
33
38
EN
Ali
Sani
Corresponding author:Department of Biological Sciences, Bayero University Kano, P.M.B. 3011, Kano, Nigeria
Ibrahim
Lawal Abdullahi
Department of Biological Sciences, Bayero University Kano, P.M.B. 3011, Kano, Nigeria
Sani
Ibrahim
Department of Biological Sciences, Bayero University Kano, P.M.B. 3011, Kano, Nigeria
Background: There are millions of workers in the world, who engage in activities associated with welding operations but are not classified as full-time metal workers. The present study aimed to determine the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in blood of laboratory animals exposed to welding fumes.
Methods: Welding fumes were obtained from Kofar Ruwa, Kano by a skilled welder. 130 albino rats were purchased from the Animal Section of Department of Biological Sciences and were divided into 12 groups. They were given doses equivalent to the workers’ real life exposure regimes, and 1 group was selected as control group. They were administered intratracheally following anesthetization once weekly for twelve weeks. The rats were euthanized and serum samples were collected. Then, AChE activity was evaluated spectrophotometrically using ELISA kit (Sunlong Biotech Company).
Results: The mean values of AChE ranged from 23.1 to 25.05 ng/mL with the control having a value of 24.7 ng/mL. Thus, there was a decrease in the values of AChE in the blood of treated groups, which was significantly different from the control (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Metal welding fumes negatively affected the AChE by reducing its mean values. This implies that welding fumes possesses neurotoxic effects, which can lead to some neurodegenerative diseases.
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Environmental Health Engineering And Management Journal
2423-3765
8
1
2021
1
1
Evaluation of antimicrobial activities of powdered cuttlebone against Klebsiella oxytoca, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus flavus
39
45
EN
Ghazal
Yazdanpanah
Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Neda
Javid
Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Zhila
Honarmandrad
Department of Process Engineering and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, 11/12 Narutowicza Str, Poland
Najmeh
Amirmahani
Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Alireza
Nasiri
Corresponding author: Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Background: The presence of medicines in the environment is considered as a serious threat to the human health. The entrance of these substances into the water sources causes soil pollution, which eventually leads to the environmental pollution and it creates some problems for the public health. Also, increasing antibiotic resistant bacteria has attracted the attention of researchers to the use of natural resources such as marine products, for producing new antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial activities of powdered cuttlebone against Klebsiella oxytoca, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus flavus.
Methods: At first, cuttlebones were washed, dried, and powdered. Then, the powdered cuttlebone was characterized. In the next step, its antimicrobial activities were evaluated using agar well diffusion technique, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was calculated.
Results: The powdered cuttlebone was found to be effective against K. oxytoca (24 mm, MIC: 10-1 mg/mL), but no antimicrobial response was found against S. aureus. Also, the powdered cuttlebone antifungal activity and MIC against A. flavus were recorded 23 mm and 10-1 mg/mL, respectively.
Conclusion: The obtained results suggest antimicrobial activities of powdered cuttlebone, which are concentration dependent. Furthermore, cuttlebone can be used as an accessible natural source to provide novel, low cost, and safe antimicrobial agents.
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Environmental Health Engineering And Management Journal
2423-3765
8
1
2021
1
1
MGMT methylation alterations in brain cancer following organochlorine pesticides exposure
47
53
EN
Fatemeh
Yousefi
Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Gholamreza
Asadikaram
Corresponding author:Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Saeid
Karamouzian
Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Moslem
Abolhassani
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Vahid
Moazed
Department of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Mohammad Hadi
Nematollahi
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Background: Alterations in the methylation levels of tumor suppressor genes are considered as one of the essential aspects of malignancies. The present study explored the association of O6-methylguanine- DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene promoter methylation, as a tumor suppressor, with some organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in primary brain tumor (PBT) patients. Methods: The present study was conducted on a total of 73 PBT patients. The patients’ serum was analyzed using gas chromatography for seven OCP derivatives. The methylation-specific PCR (MSP) method was also used to determine the methylation status of the MGMT promoter. Results: The current findings demonstrated that the methylation of MGMT promoter occurred in 22 out of 34 glioma cases (64%), but in only one out of 35 meningioma cases. No MGMT promoter methylation was observed in other PBT, hemangioma, and anaplastic medulloblastoma stages. Besides, there were significant associations between MGMT methylation and γ-HCH (odds ratio [OR]: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.03- 2.40, P= 0.04), 4,4DDE (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.01- 2.05, P= 0.02), 2,4 DDT (OR: 1.23; CI: 1.04- 1.45, P= 0.03), and 4,4DDT (OR: 1.46; CI: 1.23- 2.15, P= 0.02) in glioma patients. Conclusion: The results of the study suggested that the hypermethylation of the MGMT promoter in glioma patients is associated with increased OCPs in their serum, especially γ- HCH, 4,4DDE, 2,4DDT, and 4,4DDT. Moreover, it may lead to the hypermethylation of the MGMT promoter gene. Hence, it can be concluded that exposure to OCPs may potentially induce glioma.
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Environmental Health Engineering And Management Journal
2423-3765
8
1
2021
1
1
Synthesis, characteristics, and photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles stabilized on the stone surface for degradation of metronidazole from aqueous solution
55
63
EN
Amir Nasser
Alibeigi
Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
Neda
Javid
Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Majid
Amiri Gharaghani
Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
Zhila
Honarmandrad
Corresponding author:Department of Process Engineering and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, 11/12 Narutowicza Str, Poland
Fatemeh
Parsaie
Student Research Committee, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
Background: The presence of antibiotics such as metronidazole in wastewater even at low concentrations requires searching for a suitable process such as advanced oxidation process (AOP) to reduce the level of pollutants to a standard level in water.
Methods: In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal method using zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) as a precursor, then, stabilized on stone and was used as a catalyst, in order to degrade metronidazole by photocalytic process. Effective factors on the removal efficiency of metronidazole including the initial metronidazole concentration, contact time, pH, and 0.9 gL-1 ZnO stabilized on the stone surface were investigated.
Results: The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that the synthesized nanomaterials have hexagonal Wurtzite structure. Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the average crystalline size of the synthesized ZnO particles was in the range of 1.9-3.2 nm. The spectra represented a sharp absorption edge at 390 nm for ZnO nanoparticles corresponding to band gap of 3.168 eV. The BET-BJH specific surface area of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles was 25.504 m2/g. The EDS spectrum of ZnO nanoparticles showed four peaks, which were identified as Zn and O. The maximum removal efficiency was 98.36% for the synthetic solution under a specific condition (pH = 11, reaction time = 90 minutes, ZnO concentration = 0.9 gL-1, and the initial concentration of metronidazole = 10 mgL-1). The photocatalytic degradation was found to follow pseudo-first-order degradation kinetics.
Conclusion: Therefore, the ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by thermal decomposition are suitable and effective photocatalytic materials for degradation of pharmaceutical contaminants.
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Environmental Health Engineering And Management Journal
2423-3765
8
1
2021
1
1
Neglect of other health services during the corona crisis
65
66
EN
Reza
Sadeghi
Department of Public Health, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
Mahmood Reza
Masoudi
Departments of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
Narges
Khanjani
Corresponding author:Neurology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Mousa
Bamir
Medical library and Information Science, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
This article has no abstract.