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Objectives. Unsafe behavior (UB) is defined as the likelihood of intentionally or unintentionally deviating from pre-defined plans. This study aims to investigate the validation of a self-report tool for measuring workers' cognitive-based UB using quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). Methods. The cognitive-based unsafe behavior questionnaire (CUBQ) was completed by 632 front-line workers in a manufacturing industry to identify differences in the backgrounds of the subjects regarding UBs. Two groups were then selected as extreme groups and QEEG was conducted based on the international 10–20 electrode placement. Results. The mean values of absolute power (AP), alpha/beta ratio (ABR) and alpha/gamma ratio (AGR) from brain oscillations in different regions of the cortex were significantly different between the studied groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, these values were found to be significantly correlated with slips, lapses and mistakes, as measured by certain scales of the CUBQ (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The findings of this study indicated differences in brain oscillation activities among industrial workers with different UB backgrounds. These results confirm the effectiveness of CUBQ as a proactive tool for safety practitioners to predict industrial workers' UBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective measures to control COVID-19 should be based on an understanding of its epidemiological pattern and the evaluation of its prevalence in the community. This study aimed to examine the reproductive number (R) of COVID-19 and its trend in Fars Province in southern Iran. Methods: In this ecological study, the R trend was examined from July to November 2020. Data were collected from the daily reports of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. R is the product of three components, namely the number of infection- producing contacts per unit time, the probability of transmission per contact, and the contagiousness period. Incidence and prevalence rates were used to calculate R. The R value was calculated in Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: The first and second peaks of COVID-19 were observed on July 6th and November 22nd, respectively. The median and mean of R were 1.42 and 1.41, respectively. The highest and lowest values of R were observed on October 20th (2.60) and September 1st (0.46), respectively. The values of R had a slightly decreasing trend in the second half of July and November than the first half. In the second half of August and September, an increasing trend was observed than the first half. There was not much change in the second half of October. Conclusion: The highest value of R was related to the dates when there was a higher probability of exposure to the virus, including public holidays and different occasions on which the probability of people's participation in ceremonies, communities, and gatherings was higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most complicated problem in detecting workplace hazards is the dynamic condition of industrial settings and the unpredictability of workers' behavior. A newly developed method focusing on cognitive differences between individuals is required to evaluate unsafe behaviors of workers. This study aimed at development and validation of a new questionnaire for measuring cognitive unsafe behaviors of front-line industrial workers. A new questionnaire with 61 items was developed and the main measurement characteristics (validity and reliability) were analyzed. Content validity analysis showed that 61 items had an excellent content validity index (<0.78) and content validity ratio (>0.42). Good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.95) and stability (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.98) were found for the new instrument. The result of confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the selected model was satisfactory. The new instrument appears to be a valid and reliable tool to assess cognitive unsafe behaviors of front-line industrial workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevention of industrial accidents is not completely practical by implementing safety programs unless focusing on protecting vulnerable workers. The unsafe behavior cognitive factors (UBCFs) are essential determinants contributing to human failure. This study aimed at eliciting the most important UBCFs, along with investigating hierarchical cause-effect interactions among them. A qualitative approach using metasynthesis was utilized to extract all essential UBCFs among industrial workplaces. Afterward, the relationships between UBCFs were recognized using the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method and rated by an expert panel. Also, a hierarchical model was developed based on the final matrix of DEMATEL by employing the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) method. Ten criteria were extracted as UBCFs through the metasynthesis method. The threshold value was set as 0.175 in DEMATEL following experts' ideas. Inadequacy of persons' resilience and habitual rule ignorance were recognized as the most important predictive UBCFs. The developed model was tested through a case study in a petrochemical company. The results of the study can be used to help industrial managers and HSE practitioners to consider workers' capabilities either cognitively or physically when designing the required tasks to reduce unsafe behaviors. Also, the findings of the study are applicable for other researchers to prioritize the most important factors affecting unsafe behavior in different workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Aims: Socioeconomic Status (SES) is considered as one of the important factors associated with use of various drugs. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of SES on cigarette smoking, alcohol use, drug use, and passive exposure to opium and cigarette smoke. Design and Methods: In this study, which is part of a multicenter case-control study, the research hypothesis was checked among controls who had referred to hospitals. Data were collected through a questionnaire and laboratory tests to determine the actual consumers of opium and other illicit drugs. Then, the data were analyzed using STATA 13. Result: This study was performed on 364 individuals within the age range of 30 to 75 years. More than 55% of the participants had a history of life-time consumption of cigarettes and hookah as well as alcohol and drugs. The results revealed an inverse relationship between SES and life-time consumption of hookah and alcohol. Furthermore, individuals with higher SES were more likely to deny their drug use. Discussion and Conclusions: The results revealed little robust evidence supporting the assumption that SES level can have an important effect on illicit drug use. On the other hand, the participants' characteristics could have a prominent effect on precise evaluation of the relationship between SES and drug use. Further multicenter studies are needed with samples diversified in terms of age and ethnicity to identify these confounding relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:This study aimed to design a new mouse and evaluate some of its functional parameters. The prototype of an ergonomic mouse was made according to design principles. Methods:The study was conducted from 2011 to 2013 in the Department of Ergonomics in Shiraz University of Medical Science. Functional parameters including Movement Time (MT) and error rate of the new mouse were evaluated by 10 participants based on ISO 9241-9 standard. Results:The application of design principles in the new mouse resulted in improving MT and error rate so that they could be comparable to those of a standard mouse. MT, in both the standard and the new mouse was 0.846 and 0.864 s, respectively. Error rate of the standard and the new mouse was reported as 13% and 19%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two mice from these perspectives. Conclusions:Apparently, the studied functional parameters of the new mouse were similar to those of the standard one. The new mouse could be an appropriate substitution for the standard mouse without losing its positive characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Vitamin D deficiency is a public health concern even in sunny areas, so we decided to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its related factors among university students in Shiraz. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 254 (128 male and 126 female) university students. Demographic questionnaires and a questionnaire on exposure to sun light and sun protection were completed by the participants. Serum 25OH-vitamin D was measured using a radioimmunoassay kit. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software # 16. A P value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Mean ± standard deviation (SD) of serum 25OH-vitamin D was 49.29 ± 12.87 (nmol/l) and 27.46 ± 10.37 (nmol/l) among male and female students, respectively. 51.2% of female students were vitamin D insufficient and 44% of them had vitamin D deficiency. Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and marginal status among male students were 49.5 and 48%, respectively. Serum vitamin D of female students was significantly less than the males (P < 0.001). Serum vitamin D was negatively correlated to sun protection score (P < 0.001, r = 0.50), but there was no correlation between serum vitamin D and sun exposure. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency especially among female students is alarmingly prevalent. Increasing use of sunscreen lotion and clothing style could be the main factors inhibiting endogenous vitamin D synthesis which results in its deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity, mortality, and disability in Iranian people. Inflammation and oxidative processes are key components of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and omega-3 fatty acid (ω-3 fatty acids) supplementation on inflammation markers and oxidative stress in atherosclerotic patients. METHODS: This study was a two-month clinical, randomized trial. 90 volunteers who referred to Emam Reza Heart Clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran) from February to March 2011 and had the inclusion criteria of this study were selected. Participants were classified into 3 groups receiving 3 g/d CLA, 1920 mg/d ω-3, or placebo for 2 months. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured before and after supplementation. RESULTS: The hs-CRP level decreased significantly in both the omega-3 and CLA group (P < 0.05). IL-6 reduced significantly in the ω-3 group, but the reduction of IL-6 levels in the CLA group was not significant. GPx increased in the CLA and omega-3 groups (P < 0.05). MDA level decreased significantly in both omega-3 and CLA groups (P < 0.05). Comparison between the groups indicates a significant change in CRP levels in the ω-3 group relative to the control group. However, other indices did not cause any significant change in the ω-3 and CLA groups in comparison to the control group. CONCLUSION: Diet supplementation with CLA and ω-3 can have a beneficial effect on some indices of inflammatory and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elimination of suicide attempts is impossible, but they can be reduced dramatically by an organized planning. The present study aimed to survey the suicide trends in Fars province (Iran), during 2004-2009 to better understand the prevalence and status of suicide. Methods: This survey was a cross-sectional study. The demographic data were collected from the civil status registry between 2004 and 2009. Suicide and suicide attempt data were collected of three sources including the affiliated hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, mortality data of Vice Chancellery of Health in Fars province and data from forensic medicine. Then, they were analyzed by Excel and SPSS. Chi-square and regression analyses were used for data analysis. Results: During the study, 10671 people attempted suicide, of which 5697 (53%) were women and 4974 (47%) were men. Among them, 1047 people (9.8%) died, of which 363 (34%) were women and 679 (64%) were men. There was a significant relationship between gender and fatal suicide. The mean suicide attempt for both genders was 53 per 100,000 and 49, 57 for men and women, respectively. The trends in the incidence of Suicidal attempts were decreasing. Conclusion: Without implementing effective preventive measures, the health care system in Iran will face a further burden of fatal suicides among young people. Therefore; enhancing the primary health care and specialized mental health services for those with unsuccessful suicide attempts can effectively reduce the burden of suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manual patient handling is known to be the major source of musculoskeletal load among hospital nurses. The objectives of the present study were determination of frequency of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and its associated factors together with assessment of musculoskeletal load due to patient transfer by PTAI method in hospital nursing staff of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS), Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 400 randomly selected nurses of SUMS hospital participated. Data were collected by anonymous demographic and Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaires together with PTAI index checklist. Statistical analyses were undertaken using SPSS, version 16. Age and job tenure means of participants were 30.76±6.44 and 6.92±5.75 years, respectively. 88.2% of the nursing staff reported some forms of musculoskeletal symptoms during the 12 months prior to the study. The results of PTAI index assessment demonstrated that in 4%, 8.5% and 87.5% of the subjects, musculoskeletal load were at levels 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The results revealed that PTAI index score was significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders occurrence (p<0.001). Musculoskeletal load was high among nurses with patient transfer activity. Age, nurse to bed ratio, marital status, shift work and PTAI score were associated risk factors for MSDs in the studied nursing staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: HIV and HCV infections are basic issues of many health systems. Since HIV and HCV are transmitted similarly, it is common to become infected by them simultaneously. No consensus exists on the effect of HCV infection on the survival of HIV-infected patients. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the issue in a relatively large cohort of patients who had a high prevalence of this coinfection in Shiraz (South of Iran). Patients and Methods: In this historical cohort study, we evaluated the survival time of 1338 HIV-infected individuals who had been referred to a behavioral consultation center in Shiraz over 10 years (from April 2001 to July 2011). Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to investigate patient survival and compare their survival curves, respectively. Moreover, Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the effect of HCV infection on patient survival after control for age, sex, having the injection drug use (IDU) risk factor, CD4 count at baseline, more than a 30% decline in CD4 cell count, and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Results: In our cohort, 1044 patients (78.03%) were infected by HCV. The median follow-up was 43.48 months (95% CI = 61.18-26.63). The median survival time in HCV-infected and uninfected patients was 163.8 and 194.8 months, respectively (P = 0.039). After controlling for other covariates, HCV infection increased the mortality rate 2.13 times more in HCV-infected patients than HCV -uninfected patients (CI: 95%; 1.1-4.52). Conclusions: HCV infection increases AIDS-related deaths. To control HCV infection and transmission and eliminate HCV, timely diagnosis and treatment and serious harm reduction programs must be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease that restores the patients' quality of life and reduces the morbidity and mortality rates induced by renal failure and its complications. However, after transplantation the organ and patient survival rates are important issues of interest in many centers worldwide. Subjects and methods: This is a historical cohort study planned to determine the organ survival rate after kidney transplantation from deceased donor during a period of 10 years (March 1999–March 2009) in Shiraz Transplant Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. We tried to clarify the probable contributory risk factors implicating in graft loss. Kaplan–Meier method was used to determine the survival rate. Log-rank test was used to compare survival curves, and Cox regression model to define the hazard ratio and for modeling of factors implicating in survival rate. Results: Mean follow-up period was 37.54 ± 28.6 months. Allograft survival rates at 1, 3, 5, and 9 years after kidney transplantation from deceased donor (calculated by Kaplan–Meier method) was found to be 93.7, 89.1, 82.1, and 80.1%, respectively. Duration of dialysis before operation and creatinine level at discharge were showed to be the most important factors influencing survival rate of renal allograft. Conclusion: Overall long-term graft survival in our cohort is satisfactory and comparable with reports from large centers in the world. Duration of dialysis before operation and creatinine level at discharge are the only independent factors that could correlate with long-term graft survival in our cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multiple sclerosis incidence has been remarkably rising over the past two decades. • The female/male ratio of Multiple sclerosis remained relatively stable over the time. • The most common type of Multiple sclerosis was relapsing remitting. : Multiple Sclerosis (MS) imposes significant burdens on patients, their families, and national healthcare systems particularly when there is a resource constraint. Proper prioritization and resource allocation are therefore essential for any effective disease management. Accordingly, we sought to assess the temporal profile of MS incidence over the past two decades in southeast Iran. : A longitudinal design was employed using data from the Iranian multiple sclerosis registry system from March 2001 to March 2019 (n=6034). Annual age-standardized incidence rates of MS (cases of clinically isolated syndrome were also included) were calculated and the trend of incidence from 2001 to 2018 was analyzed. : The age-adjusted incidence rate of MS raised from 1.72/100,000 in 2001 to 11.29/100,000 in 2018 (average of 18-year incidence rate was 6.30/100,000), indicating a notable rise in the incidence of MS (P-Value<0.001). However, the female to male ratio of 3.62 remained relatively stable during the study period. : Our study suggests that, in Fars province, the incidence of MS has been remarkably rising over the past two decades. We recommend further studies to better understand the determinants of this pattern. Implementing effective policies in lowering the burden of MS is another important step in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvements in knowledge as well as technology and industrial workers' exposure to adverse factors have caused more attention to be paid to the workers' occupational health. According to the report by W.H.O., noise, as one of the most important physical factors of workplace, causes 4 million dollars health damage every day. Noise can also reduce the workers' morale as well as motivation and, consequently, have negative effects on their performance. Considering the importance of occupational health, the present study aimed to determine the effect of noise exposure on the steel industry workers' general health. The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 steel industry workers as the exposed group and 50 general practitioners as the reference group. Both study groups completed the demographic information questionnaire as well as GHQ-28. Then, the similarity of the demographic characteristics in both groups was determined using t-test and Chi-square. After scoring the questionnaires, the subjects' final scores were computed and their general health statuses were determined. Besides, Mann-Whitney U test was used in order to compare the two groups' mean scores. The demographic characteristics were similar in both study groups. In addition, the two groups' mean scores were significantly lower than 23, as the cut-off point. The results also revealed a significant difference between the two groups regarding abnormal social performance and depression; in a way that the workers' mean score was significantly higher than that of the physicians (p<0.001 and p=0.018, respectively). This implies that in comparison to the physicians, the workers had a significantly lower health status. In addition, 36% of the workers suffered from at least one psychological disorder. Overall, the steel industry workers had a lower level of psychological health; in a way that they were significantly different from the reference group regarding the abnormal social performance and depression. Therefore, noise can be considered as a risk factor in the incidence of psychological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the effect of noise exposure on blood pressure and heart rate of steel industry workers. Materials and Methods. In the present cross-sectional study, 50 workers were selected from a steel company in Fars province, Iran, and exposed to 85, 95, and 105 dB noise levels for 5 minutes. The participants' blood pressure and heart rate were measured using Beurer BC16 pulse meter both before and after the exposure. Results.The study results showed no significant difference in blood pressure and heart rate before and after the exposure. However, the workers' systolic blood pressure had increased compared to before the exposure; of course, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Besides, although the subjects' heart rate had reduced in comparison to before the exposure, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion. No significant change was observed in blood pressure and heart rate after acute exposure to 85, 95, and 105 dB noise levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug data has been used to estimate the prevalence of chronic diseases. Disease registries and annual surveys are lacking, especially in less-developed regions. At the same time, insurance drug data and self-reports of medications are easily accessible and inexpensive. We aim to investigate the similarity of prevalence estimation between self-report data of some chronic diseases and drug data in a less developed setting in southwestern Iran. Methods: Baseline data from the Pars Cohort Study (PCS) was re-analyzed. The use of disease-related drugs were compared against self-report of each disease (hypertension [HTN], diabetes mellitus [DM], heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], sleep disorder, anxiety, depression, gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD], irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], and functional constipation [FC]). We used sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the Jaccard similarity index. Results: The top five similarities were observed in DM (54%), HTN (53%), heart disease (32%), COPD (30%), and GERD (15%). The similarity between drug use and self-report was found to be low in IBS (2%), stroke (5%), depression (9%), sleep disorders (10%), and anxiety disorders (11%). Conclusion: Self-reports of diseases and the drug data show a different picture of most diseases' prevalence in our setting. It seems that drug data alone cannot estimate the prevalence of diseases in settings similar to ours. We recommend using drug data in combination with self-report data for epidemiological investigation in the less-developed setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Overall, 60-70% of the hepatitis c virus (HCV) transmission routes is parenteral, and in 30-40% of the cases is unknown (e.g. sexual route). Knowing these routes in HIV infected dyads is very important due to clinical and methodological reasons. Objectives: The present study aimed to identify and quantitatively investigate HIV-infected individuals and their main heterosexual partners regarding the risk factors of HCV transmission. Patients and Methods: One hundred sixty eight of 984 couples were chosen through random generated numbers using a computer program from behavioral consultation center in Shiraz, Iran. We used actor partner independent model (APIM) and multilevel analysis to assess multiple risk factors for HCV, while partitioning the source of risk at the individual and couple levels. Results: Age of the index samples was 38.71 ± 7 years, and 33.2 ± 6.3 for their main heterosexual partners; the mean duration of sexual relationship for couples was 11.9 (median = 8.5) years. Multivariate analysis showed that actor risk factor of intravenous drug using (IDU) (AOR= 13.03; 95% CI: 3.9- 43.82) and actor cofactors of HIV positivity (AOR = 7.1; 95% CI: 1.37- 36.97), razor sharing (AOR = 4.81; 95% CI: 1.84- 12.55), sex (AOR = 8.83; 95% CI: 3.16- 24.87), and condom use in sexual activity with main partner (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.02- 0.44) were associated with actor HCV positivity. Conclusions: Health care providers need to pay special attention to sexual transmission of HCV among HIV-infected individuals, and should recommend control/preventive measures for HCV sexual transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many workers are exposed to lead dust in lead‐‑zinc mines. Exposure to this heavy toxic metal and its compounds can cause irreversible adverse health effects. To assess possible hematotoxic, nephrotoxic, and hepatotoxic potentials of low levels of lead in a group of mine workers exposed to this heavy metal in an unusual work schedule. A total of 73 exposed and 70 non-exposed employees were interviewed. Demographic data, and occupational and medical history of the employees were obtained by questionnaires. Air monitoring was performed to determine the workers' time-weighted average (TWA) exposure to lead dust. The threshold limit value (TLV) for lead was adjusted for unusual work schedules according to the model developed by the University of Montreal and the Institute de Recherche en Sante et en Securite du Travail (IRSST). Blood samples were collected for complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests. Data were analyzed using version 21.0 of the SPSS software. The TWA exposure of workers was 24 μg/m3. On average, the worker's exposure to lead dust did not exceed the 8-h OSHA and ACGIH TLV-TWA of 50 μg/m3. Significant associations were found only between exposure to lead and platelet count, red cell distribution width, total protein, and albumin. Exposure to low levels of lead dust in unusual work schedules was not associated with overt hematotoxicity, hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. However, mild, sub-clinical, pre-pathologic significant changes were noted in some blood parameters of the exposed employees as compared with their referent counterparts. [Display omitted] • The first study evaluating workers' lead exposure in an unusual work schedule. • RBC and platelet morphology might be early indicator of low level lead toxicity. • Low exposure to lead might be related to prepathologic hematological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An effective strategy for primary prevention of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is accurate diagnosis and the subsequent evidence-based treatment for high-risk people. This study aimed to estimate the 10-year risk of CVD and its related factors., Methods: The baseline data of 8138 participants of the Pars cohort study (PCS) in southern Iran were used. Risk scores were calculated using the updated 2019 WHO CVD risk prediction charts. The scores were determined based on age, gender, current smoking status, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diabetes status, and total serum cholesterol. Demographic and socioeconomic variables, physical activity, and anthropometric indices were measured and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)., Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 51.65 (9.06) years, and 53.44% were female. The 10-year CVD risk for 23.89% of participants was ≥10%. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking was 12.79%, 8.38%, 12.80%, and 14.41%, respectively. Having abdominal obesity, having low or moderate physical activity, being illiterate or having diplomas or lower degrees, and being in the third quartile of the wealth score group were associated with a higher 10-year risk of CVD., Conclusion: About one-fourth of the participants had moderate risk and higher. Due to the relatively high prevalence of CVD risk factors in the middle-aged population, the modifiable risk factors are recommended to be adjusted. Additionally, individual- and community-based educational policies are essential to create a healthy lifestyle., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Rezaei et al. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Background: This study was conducted to assess functional parameters and comfort of a new computer mouse (Ergomice) as compared with three other input devices., Materials and Methods: Functional parameters (i.e., task completion time and error rate) of each device were assessed by 10 participants using standardized software based on Standard No. ISO 9241-9:2000. Comfort evaluation was also undertaken for each device using the visual analogue scale technique. Statistical analysis including the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Friedman test was performed using SPSS version 16., Results: The functional parameters of the standard mouse were better than those of the other devices. However, no significant difference was observed between this mouse and Ergomice. Overall comfort evaluation showed that the standard mouse and Ergomice were more comfortable to work with. The comfort level of hand/wrist posture in the Ergomice was higher than that of the other three devices., Conclusion: The design features of Ergomice could improve its functional properties. Hand/wrist posture comfort of Ergomice was judged to be high compared with that of the other devices.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the trends in mortality from road traffic accidents (RTA) in Fars Province, southern Iran., Methods: The Age and sex-standardized mortality rate attributed to RTA from 2004 to 2010 in Fars Province was calculated using world standard population. We also used linear regression and chi-squared tests., Results: Over the period of study (7 years), 12954 people died in RTA. The age- and sex-standardized mortality rate was 27 per 100,000. While the rate of death due to RTA had an incremental rate in age group 18-30 years and among women, it had a decreasing trend in age groups 35-45, under18 and among men., Conclusion: An increase in mortality rate of RTA among people aged 18-30 yr and women need to be addressed by health policy makers and other involved sections.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most serious cause of mortality in developed and developing countries. Epidemiological studies indicated that dyslipidemia is the major risk factor of CVD. Dyslipidemia can be modified either by proper lifestyle or medical intervention or by the combination of both. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and ω3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CLA and omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 fatty acids) supplementation on lipid profile in atherosclerosis patient., Materials and Methods: This study was a 2-month clinical randomized trial. Ninety atherosclerotic patients with angiographically diagnosed coronary atherosclerosis who were referred to Emam Reza Heart Clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from February to march 2011 were selected if they fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The participants were randomly classified into 3 groups receiving 3 g/d CLA or 1 920 mg/d ω3 or placebo for 2 months. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol were measured before and after the intervention. This study was a two-month clinical randomized trial., Results: Data were analyzed using SPSS software (SPSS Inc, Chicago, version19). Although CLA did not appear to have a significant effect on TG, ω3 supplementation significantly reduced TG level. Consumption of CLA and ω3 supplementation did not significantly affect HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol., Conclusions: ω3 supplementation significantly reduced TG level but CLA and ω3 did not show significant changes in other indices of lipid profile in atherosclerotic patients.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity, mortality, and disability in Iranian people. Inflammation and oxidative processes are key components of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and omega-3 fatty acid (ω-3 fatty acids) supplementation on inflammation markers and oxidative stress in atherosclerotic patients., Methods: This study was a two-month clinical, randomized trial. 90 volunteers who referred to Emam Reza Heart Clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran) from February to March 2011 and had the inclusion criteria of this study were selected. Participants were classified into 3 groups receiving 3 g/d CLA, 1920 mg/d ω-3, or placebo for 2 months. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured before and after supplementation., Results: The hs-CRP level decreased significantly in both the omega-3 and CLA group (P < 0.05). IL-6 reduced significantly in the ω-3 group, but the reduction of IL-6 levels in the CLA group was not significant. GPx increased in the CLA and omega-3 groups (P < 0.05). MDA level decreased significantly in both omega-3 and CLA groups (P < 0.05). Comparison between the groups indicates a significant change in CRP levels in the ω-3 group relative to the control group. However, other indices did not cause any significant change in the ω-3 and CLA groups in comparison to the control group., Conclusion: Diet supplementation with CLA and ω-3 can have a beneficial effect on some indices of inflammatory and oxidative stress.

Introduction: Identification of simple and measurable prognostic factors is an important issue in treatment evaluation of breast cancer. The present study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic role of vascular invasion in lymph node negative breast cancer patients., Methods: in a retrospective design, we analyzed the recorded profiles of the 1,640 patients treated in the breast cancer department of Motahari clinic affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, from January 1999 to December 2012. Overall and adjusted survivals were evaluated by the Cox proportional hazard model. All the hypotheses were considered two-sided and a p-value of 0.05 or less was considered as statistically significant., Results: Mean age in lymph node negative and positive patients was 50.0 and 49.8 respectively. In lymph node negative patients, the number of nodes, tumor size, lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, progesterone receptor, and nuclear grade were significant predictors. In lymph node and lymphatic negative patients, vascular invasion also played a significant prognostic role in the survival which was not evident in lymph node negative patients with lymphatic invasion., Discussion: The results of our large cohort study, with long term follow up and using multivariate Cox proportional model and comparative design showed a significant prognostic role of vascular invasion in early breast cancer patients. Vascular invasion as an independent prognostic factor in lymph node negative invasive breast cancer.

Background: Pandemic flu had at least two waves in Iran. Knowing how many of the general population were already exposed to this infection has a major impact on national preventive measures. As of December 30, 2009, a total of 3672 confirmed cases of human infection with a novel Influenza A (2009 H1N1) virus had been reported in Iran with 140 deaths., Objective: In this study we aim to measure, as a pilot study, the seroprevalence of positive antibody titer (humoral immunity) against 2009 H1N1 virus in Iranian population in Shiraz, Southern Iran., Methods: Through cluster random sampling of families residing in Shiraz, 2553 subjects were selected and after a medical interview blood samples were taken and checked for polyclonal antibody against 2009 H1N1 antigen using hemagglutination inhibition assay. An antibody titer of more than 1:40 dilution was considered positive. Data were analyzed considering the demographic characteristics of the population and were compared among different age groups., Results: 1504 (58.91%) samples were tested positive for the presence of polyclonal antibody against 2009 H1N1 virus. The prevalence of positive titers were significantly higher in 60 to 64 years old group and significantly lower in 20 to 24 years old group (p<0.05). Data did not differ based on other demographic characteristics or the history of flu like illnesses in the past 6 months., Conclusion: High seroprevalence of antibody against 2009 H1N1 in the sera of our subjects describes either a high level of pre-existing immunity against H1N1 in Iranian population or a high rate of asymptomatic infection in our area compared to other countries.