We have evaluated the ever changing epidemiology of cancers in Fars province, Iran since the re-establishment of Fars cancer registry. Based on the collected data from all related sources in Fars province from 2007–2010 we calculated the cancer age-standardized rates per 100,000 person-years (ASRs). The results are presented as incidence rates of cases by site according to the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O), sex, age, crude rate, and ASRs. In women the total ASR was 41.70 per 100,000 from 1985–1989 which had increased to 55.50 and 95.46 during 1998–2002 and 2007–2010. The incidence of breast cancer in women during 2007–2010 was about two and four times higher than 1998–2002 and 1985–1989. The incidence of colorectal cancer in women during 2007–2010 was about three and five times higher than 1998–2002 and 1985–1989. In men the total ASR was 62.9 per 100,000 in 1985–1989 that increased to 64.50 and 101.48 during 1998–2002 and 2007–2010. Although stomach cancer was the most common cancer among men during 1985–1989 and 1998–2002, but in recent study bladder cancer was the most common cancer among men in Fars province. The incidence of colorectal cancer in men during 2007–2010 was about three times higher than 1998–2002 and 1985–1989. This study shows growing incidence of cancer in southern Iran. The colorectal cancer in both genders had increased and its pattern is similar to western countries. In men, bladder and prostate cancers had a growing rate and the incidences of these cancers in the present study were greater than stomach cancer.

Background:Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are known to cause occupational injuries. This study aimed to collate the existed relevant data and develop a general feature of MSDs problem among Iranian workforce.Methods:In this study, we used the raw data related to 8004 employees from 20 Iranian industrial settings distributed throughout the country. In all studies, participants were selected based on simple random sampling method, and the data were collected using demographic characteristics and Nordic MSDs questionnaires.Results:The most prevalent MSDs symptoms were reported in the lower back (48.9%), shoulders (45.9%), neck (44.2%), upper back (43.8%), and knees (43.8%). Prevalence rates of MSDs at least in one body region were found to be the highest (90.3%) among health-care workers. Prevalence rates of MSDs symptoms in all body regions were higher among workers with dynamic activities as compared to those of workers with static activities.Conclusions:MSDs symptoms were common among the study population. Health-care provider and workers with dynamic activities had the highest rate of MSDs. These results merit attention in planning and implementing ergonomics interventional program in Iranian industrial settings.

Background:The risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in female workers is high. Despite the increasing trend in women's work force in recent decades, there is no comprehensive survey on WMSDs in Iranian female workers population. Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to investigate the period prevalence rate of WMSDs in different body regions of Iranian female workers and determine major contributing factors associated with WMSDs in this population. Patients and Methods:In this study, we used the raw data of our previous studies conducted in diverse Iranian workplace settings. Collectively, the data related to 2934 female employees from 15 Iranian workplace settings distributed throughout the country were analyzed. Data gathering tool consisted of 2 parts including: a) personal details and b) the General Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal symptoms (NMQ). Data were analyzed using statistical tests including Chi-square and multiple logistic regressions. Results:The results of NMQ showed that symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in lower back (51.8%), shoulders (51.5%) and wrists/ hands (46.2%) were the most prevalent problem among the studied female workers. The results of multiple logistic regression showed a significant association between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in different body regions with age, job tenure, daily working hours, type of activity (static and/or dynamic), working schedule (shift or day working) and marital status. Conclusions: Lower back, shoulders, and wrists/hands complaints were highly prevalent among studied female workers. Age, job tenure, daily working hours, type of activity, working schedule (shift or day working) and marital status were found to be associated with WMSDs among Iranian female workers.

Background and Aim: Previous studies suggested adherence to recently developedMediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) associated with cognitive performance. There was no prior Randomized controlled Trial (RCT) to investigate this association. This study aimed to examine the effect of MIND dietary pattern on features of cognitive performance and also changes in brain structure in healthy obese women. Methods:As a total of 50 eligible obese (mean BMI 32 ± 4.31) female adults (mean age 48 ± 5.38 years), we randomly allocated 40 participants to either calorie-restricted modified MIND diet or a calorie-restricted standard control diet. Change in cognitive performance was the primary outcome measured with a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. We also performed voxel-based morphometry as a secondary outcome to quantify the differences in brain structure. All of the measurements administered at baseline and three months of study.Results: Thirty-seven participants (MIND group=22 and control group=15) completed the study.The results found in the MIND diet group working memory +1.37 (95% CI: 0.79,1.95), verbal recognition memory +4.85 (95% CI: 3.30,6.40), and attention +3.75 (95% CI: 2.43,5.07) improved more compared with the control group (ps < 0.005). Results of brain MRI consists of an increase in surface area of inferior frontal gyrus in the MIND diet group. Furthermore, the results showed a decrease in the cerebellum-white matter and cerebellum-cortex in two groups of study. Still, the effect in the MIND group was greater than the control group. Conclusions:The study findings declare for the first time that the MIND diet intervention can reverse the destructive effects of obesity on cognition and brain structure, which could be strengthened by a modest calorie restriction.