Actinomycetes can colonize surfaces of tools and equipment and can be transferred to meat and meat products during manufacture, processing, handling, and storage. Moreover, washing the meat does not ...eliminate the microorganisms; it only spreads them. As a result, these opportunistic pathogens can enter the human body and cause various infections. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to screen, identify, and determine the antibiotic susceptibility of Actinomycetes species from meat and meat products in the Markazi province of Iran.
A total of 60 meat and meat product samples, including minced meat, mutton, beef, chicken, hamburgers, and sausages, were collected from slaughterhouses, butchers, and restaurants in the Markazi province of Iran. The samples were analyzed using standard microbiological protocols for the isolation and characterization of Actinomycetes. PCR amplification of hsp65 and 16SrRNA genes and sequence analysis of 16SrRNA were used for genus and species identification. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antimicrobial agents were determined by the broth microdilution method and interpreted according to the CLSI guidelines.
A total of 21 (35%) Actinomycetes isolates from 5 genera and 12 species were isolated from 60 samples. The most prevalent Actinomycetes were from the genus
, with six (28.6%) isolates (
,
,
, and
), followed by the genus
with five (23.8%) isolates (
and
), the genus Actinomyces with four (19.1%) isolates (
), the genus
with four (19.1%) isolates (
,
, and
), and the genus
with two (9.5%) isolates (
). Chicken and sausage samples had the highest and lowest levels of contamination, with six and one isolates. Respectively, the results of drug susceptibility testing (DST) showed that all isolates were susceptible to Ofloxacin, Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin, and Levofloxacin, whereas all of them were resistant to Doxycycline and Rifampicin.
The findings suggest that meat and meat products play an important role as a reservoir for the transmission of Actinomycetes to humans, thus causing life-threatening foodborne diseases such as gastrointestinal and cutaneous disorders. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate basic hygiene measures into the cycle of meat production to ensure food safety.
Quarantine, an unpleasant experience, was implemented in many countries to limit the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which it could associated whit lifestyle changes. The present study ...aimed to determine the changes in Iranian's lifestyle during COVID-19 pandemic.
In the present cross-sectional study, 2710 Iranian people completed an online researcher-made questionnaire asking lifestyle regarding COVID-19, which includes five sections about physical activity, stress and anxiety, nutrition habit, sleep disorders, and interpersonal relationship in addition to demographic data from January to February 2021, using the multistage cluster sampling method.
The participants' mean age was 33.78 ± 11.50 years and 68.3% of them were female. Traveling, sightseeing, and family visits have been eliminated from 91%, 83.5%, and 77.5% of participants' lives, respectively. There were increase in stress level (
< 0.001), weight of the participants (
< 0.001), sleep problems (
< 0.001), and healthier foods (
< 0.001) but decrease in interpersonal communication (
< 0.001) and the amount of physical activity (
< 0.001).
In summary, this study indicates some changes in lifestyle of Iranian people, including changes in some eating practices, physical activity, social communication, and sleeping habits during the pandemic. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, a comprehensive understanding of these behaviors and habits can help develop interventions to mitigate the negative lifestyle behaviors during COVID-19 pandemic.
Full text
Available for:
IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Sarcheshmeh lime rotary kiln in the south of Iran consumes a lot of thermal energy compared with other rotary kilns. As a result, Sarcheshmeh lime kiln is being investigated for the potential to ...improve energy consumption. Experimental data and CFD simulation are both used in this paper. The numerical simulation has been performed for three modes to investigate the problems and solutions of energy consumption in the lime kiln: design mode, operation mode, and effect of operating condition changes. In the last mode, five parameters including the percentage of excess air, the ratio of primary to secondary air flow, primary air flow, moisture, and particle size of limestone are studied and discussed. To consider different factors of lime kiln operation, the numerical simulation takes into account all three major phenomena of fuel combustion in the burner, limestone calcination, and particle movement. Operating conditions measurements with mass and energy balances show that there is insufficient suction air from the secondary air inlet to the burner head. This is due to multiple leaks from the kiln's initial length part, resulting in incomplete combustion and fuel waste eventually. According to CFD simulation, lowering the size of the intake limestone particles enhances the calciantion of limestone. Also, if quicklime's maximum temperature is limited, a higher ratio of primary to secondary airflow can be used, in which case the degree of conversion of limestone to quicklime at the kiln exit remains constant.
Full text
Available for:
EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, the prevalence of smoking in Iranian individuals aged 15-64 is up to 12%.
The aim of the current study was to determine the durability of ...smoking cessation behavior based on a trans-theoretical model.
This educational experimental study was conducted on smokers in Khomein City, Iran, in 2015. Sampling was done through a public announcement and then a random allocation of participants into two study group (50 persons) and control group (60 persons). Tools to gather data were as follows: an individual characteristics form and DiClemente's stages of change, Velicer's self-efficacy, Prochaska's processes of change, Velicer's decisional balance, and Fagerstrom's nicotine dependency questionnaires. The study group received five sessions of 45-minute individual counseling each and were followed-up three and six months later. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16, using paired-samples t-test, independent-samples t-test, and chi-square.
Within six months of follow-up, 20 persons (40%) of the intervention group reached the maintenance stage of smoking cessation, while no one from controls managed to do that. Except for the perceived barriers and benefits of smoking cessation, all other constructs of the trans-theoretical model (cognitive and behavioral processes and smoking temptation) showed significant changes among the intervention group during six months' follow-up (p<0.05). There was no significant relationship between variables of having smoker friends, occupation, marital status, education status, and success or failure in cigarette smoking cessation (p>0.05).
According to our study, selection of cigarette smokers who are willing to quit, delivery of individual counseling according to specific personal characteristics, and also provision of free nicotine replacement therapies should be taken into account in cigarette smoking cessation programs.
Full text
Available for:
IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can deteriorate cognitive function in at least 50% of patients even in the early stages. Objective We conducted a ...three-arm parallel study with balanced randomization to evaluate the effect of various disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) on cognitive function in MS. Methods Ninety newly diagnosed, definite MS subjects referred to Ghaem Medical Center, Mashhad, Iran, were enrolled into this study between 2006 and 2009. They were randomly categorized into three DMT groups; Avonex, Rebif and Betaferon. Cognition status was assessed in MS patients at baseline and 12 months after treatment with DMTs using the 5 tests of the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N). Results The Symbol Digit Modalities Test scores improved in all groups at 12 month vs. baseline (Avonex: 34.50 vs. 38.95, p = 0.011; Rebif: 35.30 vs. 40.13, p = 0.001; Betaferon: 26.18 vs. 29.32, p = 0.029). The Selective Reminding Test (SRT)-Total, the 10/36-Delay, and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test-Easy were improved in Avonex and Rebif but not in Betaferon group. The SRT-Delay and Word List Generation were improved only in the Avonex group. There was no significant difference in other components of the BRB-N among these three treatment groups. Conclusions Different types of DMTs may improve some aspects of cognitive function in patients with MS. Treatment with Avonex and Rebif (Interferon beta-1a preparations) were more helpful in resolving the cognitive impairments in MS patients compared to Betaferon (Interferon beta-1b) as investigated in this study.
Full text
Available for:
GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
INTRODUCTIONSARS-CoV-2 primarily affects a person's respiratory system and leads to the spread of pathogenicity in the person and therefore this study evaluated the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and Basic ...Reproductive Rate (R-naught) of COVID-19.METHODThis cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on all people with COVID-19 from the first date of admission of positive PCR patients with SARS-CoV-2 until September 21, 2020, in the area of Markazi Province in Khomein, Iran. Information on the records of definitively discharged and deceased patients due to COVID-19 (having positive PCR) was extracted from 20/2/2020 to 21/9/2020, and Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and Basic Reproductive Rate (R-naught) of COVID-19 were evaluated. The sample size was 691 people.RESULTSThe CFR of the COVID-19 in the current study is 6.65%, and the rate of disease transmission among the sensitive population of Khomein city at the beginning of the study (March) averaged BASIC REPRODUCTIVE RATE= 1.75, and in the last month (September) of the study This value was reduced to BASIC REPRODUCTIVE RATE= 1.306.CONCLUSIONAccording to our study on Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and Basic Reproductive Rate (R-naught) of COVID-19, showed that the prevalence of the disease was high in March, which due to lack of proper observance of health protocols, we saw this problem and in the months when people have more problems. Hygiene was reduced, and the rate of transmission and mortality was reduced.
Full text
Available for:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
INTRODUCTIONCoronavirus is an emerging virus that has caused many casualties. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study is to investigate the epidemiological situation of coronavirus in ...Khomein city in the province of Markazi in Iran. METHODThis cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on all people with coronavirus disease from the first date of admission of positive PCR of patients with coronavirus until 21 September 2020. Information on the records of definitively discharged and deceased patients due to coronavirus (having positive PCR) was extracted from 20/2/2020 to 21/9/2020 and demographic characteristics such as age, gender, area of residence, occupation, and past medical history were assessed for each patient with coronavirus disease. RESULTSThe range of age of this study was from 2 months to 95 years old and their mean age was 52.9±19.2 years old. The mean age of men and women in this study was 52.36 and 53.84 years old, respectively, which showed no significant relationship (T=0.966, N=691, P-Value=0.335, df=689). 52.1% of deaths were in rural areas and 47.9% were in urban areas. CONCLUSIONWith observing the protocols by the people as well as traffic restrictions and social distance, we gradually experienced a decreasing trend in positive coronavirus cases and hospitalization cases. Then, due to the decrease in people's sensitivity and false confidence, the second outbreak of the disease began again and reached its peak in May and July.
Full text
Available for:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Objective:Over the past two decades, the incidence of cesarean section in most countries has increased. Cesarean section increases the risk of death and complications in the mother and fetus. ...Educational interventions based on behavior change models can play an important role in reduce the rate of cesarean section. The aim of our study is investigation the effect of educational intervention based on BASNEF Model on decreasing of cesarean section rate among pregnant women in Khomain County, from June to November 2013. Materials and methods:In this interventional study, 140 nulliparous women who were in their last trimester of pregnancy were randomly allocated to case and control groups. Data gathering instrument was a questionnaire based on BASNEF framework. Data were analyzed by SPSS14 software. Results:The scores of knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, and enabling factors in the intervention group than the control group showed a significant difference (p <0.001). After the study, it was found that 18 women (25.7%) in case group and 42 women (60%) in the control group underwent cesarean section. By Chi-square test showed that the difference in the type of delivery between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion:Design and implement curriculum based on BASNEF can be effective in reducing elective cesarean section.
Full text
Available for:
IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Over the past two decades, the incidence of cesarean section in most countries has increased. Cesarean section increases the risk of death and complications in the mother and fetus. Educational ...interventions based on behavior change models can play an important role in reduce the rate of cesarean section. The aim of our study is investigation the effect of educational intervention based on BASNEF Model on decreasing of cesarean section rate among pregnant women in Khomain County, from June to November 2013.
In this interventional study, 140 nulliparous women who were in their last trimester of pregnancy were randomly allocated to case and control groups. Data gathering instrument was a questionnaire based on BASNEF framework. Data were analyzed by SPSS 14 software.
The scores of knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, and enabling factors in the intervention group than the control group showed a significant difference (p < 0.001). After the study, it was found that 18 women (25.7%) in case group and 42 women (60%) in the control group underwent cesarean section. By Chi-square test showed that the difference in the type of delivery between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Design and implement curriculum based on BASNEF can be effective in reducing elective cesarean section.
Full text
Available for:
IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
For the first time, a new configuration of label-free junctionless semiconductor device is proposed to boost sensitivity in the identification of biomolecule specifies. Instead of creating the ...nanocavity inside the gate oxide, the nanocavity is created in the channel region which is very useful for the SOI junctionless technology based biodevice having a high current in all operating modes. For better control of the conduction mechanism, a hole trench is created under the channel region just inside the buried oxide. This will help to modulate the energy bands terminating in enhancing the sensing performance. Unlike the conventional biosensors needing a large-scale gate oxide thickness for trapping the biomolecules, the proposed biosensor can work for very low gate oxide thickness. The different biomolecules such as Biotin, Protein A, Bacteriophage T7, and Apomyoglobin have been utilized as targeted biomolecules for evaluating the sensitivity. Comparing the proposed biosensor with the conventional and other biosensors showed an enhanced sensing performance. Practical related issues during the process of sensing in terms of fill factor percentage, steric hindrance of biomolecules, and the charges of biomolecules have been focused in the recommended biodevice. All the results exhibited high superiority of performance of the suggested biodevice as compared to the conventional biosensor.
Full text
Available for:
IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
PDF
