IntroductionOccupational noise is among the most critical occupational hazards, which, in addition to hearing loss, can cause other adverse consequences on an individual’s physical and mental health. Long-term exposure to noise can affect blood and biochemical parameters and subsequently lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the effect of occupational exposure to noise on blood and biochemical parameters of workers in an insulator manufacturing plant.MethodsThis case-control study was conducted on workers in the production section (49 people as a case group) and the administrative staff (10 people as a control group) in one insulator manufacturing plant from 2010 to 2014. To assess individual exposure of workers to noise, the noise dosimeter model TES-1355 was used. Noise dosimetry testing was done based on the exposure pattern of workers to noise in compliance with the Iranian national standard (the criterion level of 85 dBA and the exchange rate of Q = 3 dBA). Blood parameters such as blood glucose, cholesterol, red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) were studied in production workers (case) and administrative staff (control) over five consecutive years. The data were analyzed by software (SPSS-22) using the t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Fisher exact test, and Greenhouse-Geisser test.ResultsNo significant difference was found among the demographic data of the two groups (p > 0.05). Average of glucose and cholesterol levels in the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05) and blood glucose levels in the case group significantly reduced over time and cholesterol increased (p < 0.001). Mean difference of RBC number, WBC number, and serum levels of Hb and Hct was statistically significant between the two groups (p < 0.05). In addition, these hematological parameters increased among workers during these years.ConclusionOccupational exposure to noise may have a significant effect on an individual’s blood parameters, which will cause harmful effects on worker health. Therefore, industrialists must take preventive measures in the field of noise control.

No abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential determinants of serum neopterin, malondialdehyde (MDA), and erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) as potential markers of oxidative stress, resulting in cellular immune response to inhaled silica particles. This descriptive analytical study was conducted on two groups of exposed workers ( n = 55) and unexposed office workers ( n = 38) of an insulator manufacturing plant. The sampling of airborne silica in the breathing zone of participants was done on the basis of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Method 7601. The blood samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography to determine the level of serum neopterin. A ZellBio GmbH assay kit was used for the quantitative assays of GSH and MDA on the basis of the colorimetric assay. The results of this study show that the measurements of serum neopterin, MDA, and GSH can be considered as potential biological markers of silica exposure for undertaking further comprehensive studies in this area.

No abstract

Introduction and Objective: The increasing advances in technology and development of the Internet and telecommunications have provided great opportunities for the healthcare and distance education. The present study aimed to examine the impact of distance education (through virtual social networks) on the quality of life in type-1 diabetic patients referring to the diabetes clinic of Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj. Materials and Methods: The present study was a clinical trial with a registration number of IRCT2017 092336362N1. In the spring of 2017, 80 patients were selected from type-1 diabetic patients, who referred to diabetes clinic of Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj, and they were randomly put into 35-patient experimental group, and the 45-patient control group. The quality of life questionnaire and the subjects' demographic characteristics were collected before the research. In the studied group, training was completed for two months by creating a telegram channel. After two months, the questionnaires were re-completed in both groups. Results: Both intervention and control groups were similar in terms of numerical demographic variables such as age and educational status, and also in terms of variables such as the gender, marital status, family history, insurance, weight and height. Before the research, the mean score of quality of life in the intervention group was equal to 40.82, but it was 43.34 after the research. Despite the fact that this value was not statistically significant (p = 0.0638), the mean score of their quality of life increased. In the control group, there was not any significant difference between the quality of life scores before and after the intervention (p = 0.6147). Conclusion: Self-care distance education in Creative Education diabetic patients could have a significant effect on the improved patient self-care and ultimately increase the mean score of patients' quality of life. The use of social networks in providing this education could provide free education on a wide scale for a wide range of these patients, and on the other hand, it could reduce the educational inequalities and provide education for remote areas.