Occupational exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields and risk of Alzheimer disease : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Occupational exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) occurs in many occupations such as welders, electric utility workers, train drivers and sewing machine operators. There is some evidence suggesting ELF-MF exposure to be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The current study aims at systematically reviewing the literature and conducting a meta-analysis to evaluate the risk of AD amongst workers exposed to ELF-MF.; Bibliographic databases were searched including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science in November 2017. Risk of bias was assessed in the all included studies. Pooled estimates were obtained using random-effects meta-analysis. In addition, sources of heterogeneity between studies and publication bias were explored.; In total, 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. The pooled results suggest an increased risk of AD (RR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.35, 1.96). Higher risk estimates were obtained from case-control studies (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.40, 2.32) than from cohort studies (RR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.87). A moderate to high heterogeneity (I; 2; = 61.0%) and indication for publication bias (Egger test: p <  0.001) were found.; The results suggested that occupational exposure to ELF-MF might increase the risk of AD. However, this suggestion should be interpreted with caution given the moderate to high heterogeneity and indication for publication bias

Relationship between Religious Orientation, Anxiety, and Depression among College Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Religious obligation helps people to develop mental health by creating internal commitment to special rules. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the relationship between religious orientation and anxiety among college students. Methods: Major scientific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, EBSCO, ProQuest and PsycINFO were searched for original research articles published 1987-2016. A random effect model was used to combine Correlation coefficient. All analyses were performed using Stata MP. Results: After screening of 7235 documents, 13 articles including 5620 participants met inclusion criteria in this meta-analysis. Correlation coefficient was -0.08 (95% CI= -0.19, -0.03) which indicated with increasing religious orientation, anxiety and depression reduced (P<0.001). Characteristics such as sex, geographic region, and type of religions were potential sources of heterogeneity. Based on fill-and-trim method the adjusted pooled r was obtained, -0.06 (95% CI= -0.16, -0.04). Conclusion: There was a weakness relationship between religious orientation and mental anxiety and depression. Therefore, it needs to improve knowledge of student about advantages of religious orientation

The Seroprevalence of Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study

Human cystic echinococcosis (HCE), a zoonotic infection of the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, has high effect on public health in human population all around the world. Iran is one of the most important endemic areas in the Middle East. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the seroprevalence of HCE in Iranian population. An electronic search for articles from 1985 until April 2015 was performed using data bases PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Magiran, IranMedex, Iran Doc, and Scientific Information Database (SID) both in English and in Persian. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to combine results from individual studies. The information was analyzed by STATA version 11.1. A total of 33 articles met our eligibility criteria and were included in a meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of the prevalence of HCE based on random-effects model was estimated 6.0% (95% CI: 4.0%, 7.0%). The prevalence of the disease significantly increased with age and prevalence rate in males was significantly lower than females (p<0.001). The using of CIE or CCIEP method was also significantly greater than the other methods (p<0.001). There was a publication bias in prevalence of studies. HCE is highly prevalent in Iran. Public education for preventive strategies and finally reducing transmission of the parasite and infection in population is needed

Relationship between Religious Orientation, Anxiety, and Depression among College Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Religious obligation helps people to develop mental health by creating internal commitment to special rules. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the relationship between religious orientation and anxiety among college students. METHODS: Major scientific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, EBSCO, ProQuest and PsycINFO were searched for original research articles published 1987-2016. A random effect model was used to combine Correlation coefficient. All analyses were performed using Stata MP. RESULTS: After screening of 7235 documents, 13 articles including 5620 participants met inclusion criteria in this meta-analysis. Correlation coefficient was -0.08 (95% CI= -0.19, -0.03) which indicated with increasing religious orientation, anxiety and depression reduced (P<0.001). Characteristics such as sex, geographic region, and type of religions were potential sources of heterogeneity. Based on fill-and-trim method the adjusted pooled r was obtained, -0.06 (95% CI= -0.16, -0.04). CONCLUSION: There was a weakness relationship between religious orientation and mental anxiety and depression. Therefore, it needs to improve knowledge of student about advantages of religious orientation. KEYWORDS: Anxiety; Depression; Meta-analysis; Religious orientatio

Sensitization to common allergens among patients with allergies in major Iranian cities: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Various allergens are implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases in different regions. This study attempted to identify the most common allergens among patients with allergies based on the results of skin prick tests in different parts of Iran. Relevant studies conducted from 2000 to 2016 were identified from the MEDLINE database. Six common groups of allergen types, including animal, cockroach, food, fungus, house dust mite, and pollen were considered. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of each type of allergen. The Egger test was used to assess publication bias. We included 44 studies in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of positive skin test results for at least one allergen was estimated to be 59% in patients with allergies in various parts of Iran. The number of patients was 11,646 (56% male and 44% female), with a mean age of 17.46±11.12 years. The most common allergen sources were pollen (47.0%), mites (35.2%), and food (15.3%). The prevalence of sensitization to food and cockroach allergens among children was greater than among adults. Pollen is the most common allergen sensitization in cities of Iran with a warm and dry climate; however, sensitization to house dust mites is predominant in northern and southern coastal areas of Iran

Assessing quality of health services with the SERVQUAL model in Iran. A systematic review and meta-analysis

The five-dimension service quality (SERVQUAL) scale is one of the most common tools for evaluating gaps between clients' perceptions and expectations. This study aimed to assess the quality of health services in Iran through a meta-analysis of all Iranian studies which used the SERVQUAL tool. A systematic literature review has been performed in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Iran Medex, Magiran and Scientific Information Database. All relevant English or Persian studies published between January 2009 and April 2016 were have been selected. Papers were considered if they regarded all five dimensions of the SERVQUAL tool for assessing the quality of health care services. Two reviewer independently extracted mean and standard deviation of five dimensions and characteristics of studies. The quality of studies included in meta-analysis using STROBE checklist. Of 315 studies initially identified, 12 were included in our meta-analysis. All analyses were performed in Stata MP v. 14. Patients' perceptions were lower than their expectations (gap = -1.64). Responsibility (-1.22) and reliability (-1.15) had the lowest gaps, and tangibility and empathy (-1.03) had the largest gaps. Except gender, other variables had no significant associations with gaps. Patients in the cities of Arak (-3.47) and Shiraz (-3.02) had the largest gaps. All dimensions of service quality were negative, which implies that the quality of health services in Iran has not been satisfying to patients and needs to be improved

Evaluation of health information systems with ISO 9241-10 standard: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to summarize available data about health information system evaluation using the ISO 9241–110 (previously 9241–10) standard. A systematic review of literature from January 2000 to November 2020 was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar as well as two Iranian national databases, Scientific Information Database and Magiran. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis. Data analyses were conducted using Stata version 14. From total of 179 studies subjected to initial screening, fifteen studies were eligible to enter the meta-analysis. The pooled mean estimates of the health information systems' overall scores (3.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.82–3.41), suitability for individualization (3.82; 95% CI, 2.59–3.04), and controllability (3.82; 95% CI, 2.91–3.47) commonly had better performance compared with other dimensions. High heterogeneity was seen among the seven dimensions (I2 ≥ 98.6%, p  .1). Most of the studies used the ISO 9241-110 standard as a summative assessment for evaluation of the usability of the HIS and results indicated the relative success of the evaluated systems based on this standard

The effect of training based on Orem self-care model on burden in patients with multiple sclerosis

Background. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system and most often occurs in people between the ages of 20 to 50 years. Orem's self-care model is one of the models that have had a special approach to human and health care issues. The aim of this study was to review the effect of self-care training based on the Orem model on the burden on caregivers of patients.. Methods. The present quasi-experimental study was performed on 76 main members of the family caring for patients with multiple sclerosis in Bandar Abbas with a pre-test, post-test design and a control group. The study units were randomly selected and divided into two groups of control and intervention. The intervention group was trained according to the Orem training program in patients with amnesia during 6-8 sessions of 40 minutes. In order to assess the burden on caregivers, a 22-item "Zarit" questionnaire was used and a questionnaire was completed before and after the intervention in both groups. The results were analyzed with SPSS software version 26. Results. The difference between the mean of burden before the intervention (44.6 13 13) and after the intervention (33.7 10 10) in the intervention group was significant (P<0.05), which indicated the positive effect of training on decrease in the burden. The increase in the age of the intervention group was associated with an increase in the burden on the caregivers (P<0.05). There was a significant relationship between the burden on caregivers and the amount of income in the intervention group (P<0.05). Conclusion. Educating the caregiver of these patients can play an important role in reducing the burden on the caregiver during the long period of care. Applying Orem self-care model enables people to play a more active role in their care and treatment, thereby improving self-care, reducing fear and dependence, increasing motivation and self-confidence, and a sense of independence. Practical Implications. Application of research findings in nursing practice, nursing service management and nursing training

Non-structural & Functional Vulnerability of Rehabilitation Centers of Tehran Welfare Organization in Disaster

Background: The safety of rehabilitation centers is of great importance to ensure the well-being of patients. The present study aimed to determine non-structural and functional vulnerability of state rehabilitation centers of Tehran City welfare organization in disasters using national standard instruments in 2014. Materials and Methods: This study has a descriptive and cross-sectional design. A total of 17 rehabilitation centers affiliated with Tehran welfare organization are investigated. The vulnerability of centers was measured using 2 checklists of non-structural and functional vulnerability of the World Health Organization. The reliabilities of the non-structural and functional vulnerability instuments were 0.79 and 0.91, respectively, using the Cronbach α. The data were collected through observation and interview with authorities of centers and their staffs. The data analysis was performed through descriptive statistics and 1-sample t-test using SPSS 16. Results: Among 17 rehabilitation centers, the mean functional safety of 11 centers (64.7%) was high and showed low vulnerability and safety of 6 centers (35.3%) was average and showed average vulnerability. With regard to non-structural safety level, 9 centers (53% of centers) had high safety level and showed low vulnerability. Eight centers (47% of centers) had average safety level and showed average vulnerability. The results of 1-sample t test showed that at the significance level of 0.05, there was no significant difference between functional and non-structural safety of centers. Conclusion: The functional and non-structural safety of state rehabilitation centers of Tehran welfare organization was above average and vulnerability of centers to disaster was average, too. We suggest that the required planning be performed to improve non-structural and functional safety quality of centers and reduce their vulnerability

Cow’s Milk Sensitization in Young Children with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Introduction:: Recent reports have suggested that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is link with cow’s milk allergy (CMA) in children. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of CMA in young children with GERD.Materials and Methods: This cross- sectional study included 33 children (median age, 2.93±1.90 years) with GERD according to a valid gastroesophageal reflux questionnaire and 33 healthy children (median age, 3.39±1.90 years). CMA was diagnosed by skin test, serum specific IgE level and atopy patch test to milk in both patient and control groups.Results: Twenty- four children with GERD showed positive reaction to at least one of the diagnostic tests for CMA compared to 13 children in control group (OR=1.78; CI 95% 1.14 to 2.80). There was a significant difference in the result of patch test between the children with GERD and controls (OR=2.06; CI 95%, 1.46 to 2.91), but not in the skin test and the level of specific IgE to milk. Twenty- two patients (67%) had positive family history for atopy while four children (12%) in control group (