@article{ author = {Shokrolahi, Faezeh and Aliasgari, Elahe and Mirzaie, Amir}, title = {Cytotoxic Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Colon Cancer Cell Line (HT29) and Analysis of Caspase-3 and 9 Gene Expression Using Real Time PCR and Flow Cytometry}, abstract ={Background: Today, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles present extensive therapeutic applications. The present study was conducted to investigate the cytotoxicity of TiO2 on colon cancer cell line (HT29), and analyze the expression of caspase-3 and 9 genes. Materials and Methods: The present experimental study used the MTT assay to examine the cytotoxicity of 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles on cell line HT29. After the treatment of HT29 cells with IC50 concentration of TiO2, the gene expression levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were investigated and compared with the reference gene of GAPDH using real time PCR. DAPI staining and flow cytometry were ultimately used to confirm apoptosis in HT29 cells.  Results: The treatment of HT29 cells with different concentrations of TiO2 showed that TiO2 nanoparticles at 50 and 100 µg/ml concentrations present the highest cytotoxicity, which was statistically significant (P<0.05). Moreover, the expression of caspase-3 gene was found to be significantly upregulated by 2.0±69.13 (P<0.001) and that of caspase-9 gene by 3.0±46.29 (P<0.001) in HT29 cell lines treated with TiO2 nanoparticles for 24 hours. The results of DAPI staining and flow cytometry also confirmed apoptosis in HT29 cells.   Conclusion: According to the obtained results, TiO2 nanoparticles can be recommended as prospective medicinal candidates for pharmaceutical purposes, although further studies are required in this field.    }, Keywords = {TiO2 nanoparticle, colon cancer, apoptosis, real time PCR, flow cytometry}, volume = {21}, Number = {6}, pages = {426-438}, publisher = {Bushehr University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-979-en.html}, eprint = {http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-979-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian South Medical Journal}, issn = {1735-4374}, eissn = {1735-6954}, year = {2019} } @article{ author = {Hatamimanesh, Masoud and Haghshenas, Arash and Mirzaei, Mohsen and Solgi, Easa and MohammadiBardkashki, Behz}, title = {Water Quality Evaluation of the Intertidal Zone of Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in Differ-ent Seasons by Measuring the Concentration of Heavy Metals and Using WQI and TRIX}, abstract ={Background: Pars Special Economic Energy Zone (PSEEZ) in Bushehr province, Iran is a coastal ecosystem that is severely influenced by industrial and municipal activities. The present study was therefore conducted to monitor the health status of the intertidal zone of this ecosystem in different seasons using the Water Quality Index (WQI), Trophic Index (TRIX) and the concentration of heavy metals, including lead, copper, zinc and iron. Materials and Methods: To assess the desired indicators, 16 stations were selected along the region’s coast, and three samples were taken from each station. The required parameters of each index were then measured using standard methods. Results: Investigating the variations in WQI in different seasons found WQI to be the lowest (WQI=27.89) in winter, suggesting a bad status, followed respectively by summer (WQI=30.63), autumn (WQI=31.42) and spring (WQI=31.77), suggesting a relatively bad situation. The values of TRIX showed that the overall water quality of the intertidal zone is classified as oligotrophic. Moreover, the highest TRIX was associated with winter (TRIX=3.53) and the lowest with autumn (TRIX=1.93). The sequence of the overall mean concentrations of heavy metals in the water samples was also measured as Zn> Fe> Cu> Pb. Conclusion: The obtained findings attribute the high concentration of heavy metals and the low water quality of the coasts in winter to leaching contaminants from industrial, municipal and agricultural activities and the transmission of pollutants by surface currents to the coast of the region.  }, Keywords = {TRIX, WQI, heavy metals, PSEEZ, coastline monitoring}, volume = {21}, Number = {6}, pages = {439-458}, publisher = {Bushehr University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-980-en.html}, eprint = {http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-980-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian South Medical Journal}, issn = {1735-4374}, eissn = {1735-6954}, year = {2019} } @article{ author = {Hatami, Gizo and Eghbali, Sayed Sajad and Darki, Asma and Mohebbi, Gholamhosean and Mohebbi, Farahnaz and Motamed, Nilofar}, title = {Serum Levels of Lead in 6-7 Year Old Children in Bushehr in 2012}, abstract ={Background: Children are most vulnerable to lead poisoning compared to other age groups. The present study was conducted to measure the serum levels of lead in 6-7 year old children in Bushehr, Iran in 2012. Materials and Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 453 children starting primary school were referred to a special laboratory to have their blood samples taken after completing a questionnaire. To measure lead levels, CBC was performed on 283 subjects presenting to the laboratoy, and serum samples were collected from 272 subjects. Results: Lead levels above 5 µg/dl were observed in 34.6% of the children, and lead levels above 10 µg/dl in 8.1%. No significant relationships were observed between lead levels and child’s gender (P=0.73), mother’s education level (P=0.43), father’s education level (P=0.94), BMI (P=0.19), having anemia (P=0.62), having microcytosis (P= 1) and the household paint being oil-based (P=0.62). The two groups were not significantly different in terms of mean IQ (P=0.39), building’s age (P=0.98) and residence duration (P=0.58). Father’s education level was found to be significantly associated with the number of decayed teeth (P=0.005), which was significantly higher in children with lead levels above 10 µg/dl (P=0.037).  Conclusion: A minimum of 12% of children tested have lead levels of at least 10 µg/dl in high-risk areas for lead poisoning. The city of Bushehr is therefore considered a low-risk area for lead poisoning in children; nevertheless, lead levels are recommended to be monitored in children in Bushehr.}, Keywords = {Serum levels of lead, children, risk factor, Iran}, volume = {21}, Number = {6}, pages = {459-471}, publisher = {Bushehr University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-981-en.html}, eprint = {http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-981-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian South Medical Journal}, issn = {1735-4374}, eissn = {1735-6954}, year = {2019} } @article{ author = {Pourshafie, Shadi and Izadfard, Zohreh and Jafarzadeh, Sadegh}, title = {The Effect of Vehicle Noise on Hearing Thresholds in Heavy Vehicle Drivers}, abstract ={Background: Noise-induced hearing loss is a common causes of sensorineural hearing loss. Drivers of heavy vehicles such as bus and truck are more exposed to the noise associated with traffic and automobiles than other members of the community, which can damage their auditory system. The present study was conducted to investigate the hearing status of heavy vehicle drivers and its relationship with factors such as age under 40 years, work experience and mean daily working hours. Materials and Methods: The present study examined the level of sensorineural hearing loss in 132 drivers, i.e. 264 ears. The drivers’ details, including age, work experience and mean daily working hours, were first recorded. Every candidate then underwent otoscopy and pure-tone audiometry at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 Hz performed by an audiologist in a sound treated room. The blood pressure of these drivers was also recorded using normal techniques of blood pressure measurement. The drivers with other sensorineural hearing loss factors, including presbycusis at ages over 40 and ototoxicity, were excluded from the study. Results: The drivers’ mean age was found to be 34.0±5.097 years, their mean work experience 11.19±5.158 years and their daily working hours 5-16 hours with a mean of 9.2±56.275 hours. The highest frequency of hearing loss was observed at a frequency of 4000 Hz in about 23% of the drivers, followed the prevalence observed at 8000 Hz. No significant differences were found between hearing thresholds of intra-city and intercity drivers. Moreover, significant relationships were  observed between the level of hearing loss and factors such as age, work experience and the mean daily working hours. Conclusion: Hearing loss was observed in about one quarter of the drivers, suggesting a high frequency of noise-induced hearing loss in drivers despite the elimination of other factors contributing to sensorineural hearing loss.}, Keywords = {Noise-induced hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, drivers, heavy vehicles}, volume = {21}, Number = {6}, pages = {472-480}, publisher = {Bushehr University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-984-en.html}, eprint = {http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-984-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian South Medical Journal}, issn = {1735-4374}, eissn = {1735-6954}, year = {2019} } @article{ author = {Damari, Behzad and Hajebi, Ahmad and Emami, Habib and Zeinaloo, AliAkbar and Vosoughmoghaddam, Abbas and Salarianzadeh, MohammadHosean and Minaee, Farim}, title = {Factors Related to the Health of Employees and Residents of Pars Special Economic Energy Zone Camps: A Qualitative Study}, abstract ={Background: South Pars gas field is the world's largest gas field and the capital of energy in Iran. The oil and gas industry exerts potential effects on the health and culture of its surrounding community. The sustainability requirements of development projects include local participation, human sustainability and social sustainability. The present study was conducted to investigate health-associated challenges and their effective causes and solutions from the perspective of the residents of the camps and the staff of Pars Special Economic Energy Zone (PSEEZ) as stakeholders and participants in the development projects. Materials and Methods: The present qualitative study was conducted on a population comprising two groups, including the staff of the region’s industry and the residents of  camps. Purposive sampling was used to collect data using four methods, including library studies, holding group discussion sessions and surveying the staff, ethnographic observations and focus group discussion. The data were collected from the questions raised and content analysis was performed. Results: Inadequate living facilities and space, insufficient facilities for recreation and exercise, failing to comply with health standards and requirements, addition and psychological illnesses were proposed as the main problems in the region. The solutions proposed by the employees in the region included planning and enforcing its implementation, forcing employers to meet the minimum health standards, financing or attracting investments for recreational and welfare facilities and teaching safety precautions and health points to the residents and employees. Conclusion: The root cause of the problems is mainly operational and structural. Most of the solutions are therefore compulsory, including obligations such as forcing contractors to meet the requirements, changing welfare regulations and following a legally-enforced program.}, Keywords = {PSEEZ, evaluating the social effects, evaluating the health effects, oil and gas industry}, volume = {21}, Number = {6}, pages = {481-492}, publisher = {Bushehr University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-982-en.html}, eprint = {http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-982-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian South Medical Journal}, issn = {1735-4374}, eissn = {1735-6954}, year = {2019} } @article{ author = {Bayatmanesh, Habibeh and ZagheriTafreshi, Mansoreh and Manoochehri, Homan and AkbarzadehBaghban, Alirez}, title = {Patient Safety Observation by Nurses Working in the Intensive Care Units of Selected Hospitals Affiliated to Yasuj University of Medical Sciences}, abstract ={Background: Patient safety is a major component of healthcare quality that is defined as avoiding, preventing and correcting the damage and undesirable consequences caused by the process of healthcare provision. The likelihood of occurrence of medical errors and untoward events is maximized in intensive care units (ICUs) due to the complexity of patient conditions and treatment process. The present study was conducted to determine the degree to which nurses observe the safety of patients hospitalized in the ICUs of selected hospitals affiliated to Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive study observed 2106 nursing caregivers associated with patient safety who were selected using purposive event-based sampling. The morning shift performance of 54 nurses working in three ICUs of selected hospitals affiliated to Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran was investigated in winter 2016 using a researcher-made 39-item checklist comprising six subscales. After confirming its reliability and face and content validity using the intraclass correlation coefficient, the checklist was completed by the researcher observing the performance, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The findings obtained found the mean degree of conformity between nursing care associated to patient safety and the checklist to be 53.43 out of 100 (undesirable). The maximum degree of conformity was associated to blood transfusion subscale with a mean score of 89.52 (desirable), and the lowest was associated to surgical complications with a mean score of 23.3 (undesirable). Conclusion: Nursing care associated to patient safety provided in ICUs is substandard. Healthcare administrators are therefore strongly recommended to conduct regular audits and make efforts to promote care-giving processes, and hospitals authorities are urged to perform reforms and hold consistent training programs to improve the performance of the staff, especially nurses.}, Keywords = {Patient safety, ICU, nursing care, descriptive Study}, volume = {21}, Number = {6}, pages = {493-506}, publisher = {Bushehr University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-983-en.html}, eprint = {http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-983-en.pdf}, journal = {Iranian South Medical Journal}, issn = {1735-4374}, eissn = {1735-6954}, year = {2019} }