This study is a meta-analysis of the previous epidemiological studies which investigated the quantitative estimates of the association between independent or combined exposure to noise and mixed organic solvents and hearing loss until October 2014. Overall, 15 studies with information on 7530 individuals (6% female) were included. Having assessed -by puretone audiometry -the adjusted odds ratio estimates for the association between solvents mixture exposure and the risk of developing hearing loss stood at 2.05 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44-2.9). Similarly, for subjects who were concurrently exposed to noise and solvents mixture, an OR of 2.95 (95% CI: 2.1-4.17) was obtained. There was some evidence of heterogeneity within each of the 2 exposure groups (p heterogeneity < 0.001). This heterogeneity was not explained by differences in strength of effect between duration of exposure, the number of solvent and exposure index in subgroups of solvents mixture exposure. Based on the available data, our analysis has provided the evidence of increased risk of developing hearing loss for workers exposed to organic solvents even at quite low concentration. Moreover, if such exposure is accompanied by noise, it will exacerbate the extent of hearing loss. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(4):521-535

Purpose. Due to the use of different methodologies, tools, and measurements, the positive or negative impact of Internet use on human life quality is accompanied by a series of ambiguities and uncertainties. Therefore, in this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis are conducted regarding the effect of Internet addiction on the quality of life. Methods. A systematic search of resources was conducted to investigate the effect of Internet addiction on the quality of life. The databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Science Direct were searched from January 1980 to July 2020. The articles were screened by two researchers in multiple levels in terms of the title, abstract, and full-text; then, final studies that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved and included in the study. Results. After searching the previously mentioned international databases, 3863 papers were found, 18 of which we included in the final analysis. Surveys indicated that people who had a high Internet addiction received lower scores of quality of life than those who were normal Internet users (OR = 2.45, 95% CI; 2.31–2.61, p < 0.001 ; I2 = 85.23%, p < 0.001 ). Furthermore, There was a negative significant relationship between Internet addiction and quality of life in the psychological (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32–0.99, p = 0.04 , I2 = 97.47%, p < 0.001 ), physical (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.39–0.86, p = 0.007 , I2 = 95.29%, p = 0.001 ), and overall quality of life score (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.27–0.55, p < 0.001 , I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.746 ). Conclusion. These findings illustrate that Internet addiction should be regarded as a major health concern and incorporated into health education and intervention initiatives.

Background: Phenol and nitrophenol are common compounds found in different types of industrial wastewater known as serious threats to human health and natural environment. In this study, Daphnia magna was used to evaluate the effectiveness of "baffle fixes film up flow sludge blanket filtration" (BFUSBF) system in elimination of phenolic compounds from water. Methods: D. magna cultures were used as toxicity index of phenol and 2,4-DNP mixtures after treatment by a pilot BFUSBF system which consisted of baffle in anoxic section and biofilm in aerobic sections. Initial concentrations were 312 mg/L phenol and 288 mg/L 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP). Results: Bioassay tests showed that D. magna was influenced by the toxicity of phenol and 2,4 DNP mixtures. The comparison between the toxicity of initial phenol and 2,4-DNP mixtures and the output toxic unit (TU) derived from BFUSBF treatment system showed that the TU of the effluent from BFUSBF reactor was much lower than that of the solution that entered the reactor. Conclusion: Based on the acute toxicity test, BFUSBF process could reduce phenol and 2,4-DNP in aqueous solutions. Therefore, it is possible to use BFUSBF process as an appropriate treatment option for wastewaters containing phenolic compounds.

Background: The content of nutrition education and the process of behavioral change should be designed based on the principles of educational for achieving behavioral goals. This systematic study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition interventions designed mainly by health educational and promotional theory and models. Methods: The PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched using the following keywords “nutrition behavior” or “food behavior” or “dietary behavior” and “model” or “theory” and “intervention” or “predict” from 2013 up to April 2018 in English Language. Results: Regarding the inclusion criteria, 25 interventional studies were assessed of 3090 primary screened investigations. Social Cognitive Theory, Empowerment model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Health Belief Model were mostly used in the investigated studies. Most target groups in these studies were school students and women. In the field of constructs, self-efficacy and attitude mainly applied in studies seem to be the most important for researchers. In the field of educational methods, group educational methods in the forms of lectures, group discussions, and brainstorming were mainly applied by researchers. Conclusion: To change eating behaviors, the study framework, duration of training, and correct training method should be designed according to the target group as well as appropriate theory and models.