The relationship between air pollution exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Ahvaz, Iran

BACKGROUND: Air pollutants can have harmful effects on human health. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is represented by a spectrum of obstructive airway diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between air pollution exposure and COPD in Ahvaz, Iran. METHODS: The present epidemiological study was performed in Ahvaz city. Data were obtained from the Ahvaz Department of Environment (ADoE). Sampling was performed for 24 hours in 4 stations. Raw data processing was performed using Microsoft Excel software, and after the impact of meteorological parameters, data were converted as input file into the model. Data analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that the annual average PM10 concentration during 2012 was 727 μg/m3. According to the research findings, the two stations of Bureau of Meteorology and the city center had the highest and the lowest PM10 concentrations during 2012, respectively. The results showed a strong correlation between visits to a hospital due to COPD and PM10 emission in Ahvaz city. Approximately, 6.2% of hospital admissions for COPD occurred when the PM10 concentration was higher than 30 μg/m3. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study showed that the total mean of particle matter was higher than the standard concentration. The higher percentage of hospital admission could be the result of the dust storm, higher average PM10, and sustained high concentration days in Ahva

Evaluation of knowledge and health behavior of University of Medical Sciences students about the prevention of COVID-19

Background: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that have symptoms ranging from the common cold to severe respiratory syndromes. Objective: The purpose of this study is to provide appropriate strategies to raise knowledge and health behavior of students of the University of Medical Sciences to prevent COVID-19. Methods: This study was conducted as a cross-sectional and descriptive study, and the online questionnaire was used by random sampling. Our sample size was 360 subjects and the statistical population was the students of the University of Medical Sciences. We used the nonparametric test (Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney U) and (Chi-Square t-test) for statistical analysis. Results: The test results were statistically significant for students' health behavior (p<0.01, df -99). The knowledge of women was higher than men (F=5.32, p<0.02). Conclusion: The results show that the Ministry of Health has acted well in promoting students' knowledge and health-promoting behaviors. Therefore, it is recommended that such research be conducted in the public statistical population

Evaluation of Cefixime Toxicity Treated With Sono-electro-Fenton Process by Bioassay Using Microorganisms

The aim of this study was to determine the toxicity of cefixime in the inlet solution and effluent treated with the sono-electro-Fenton process using standard strains of microorganisms. This research was performed as an experimental study, which was conducted on a laboratory scale. The standard strains of Escherichia coli (gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) were used for bioassay. First, the stock solution of 1000 mg/L containing Cefixime was prepared, and for each bacterium (gram-positive and gram-negative), 5 samples from the inlet solution of the reactor and 5 samples from effluent treated with the sono-electro-Fenton process were collected under optimal conditions. Finally, each sample was transferred to 10 mL of sterile lactose broth, and a loop of E. coli or S. aureus was dissolved in each sample. Toxicity changes were investigated by calculating the percentage of growth inhibition. The results showed that after 10 hours, the growth rate of both bacteria in the control and the effluent samples was higher, while the growth of bacteria in the inlet solution was lower and had higher toxicity. Based on the results of the study, the toxicity rate for E. coli was reduced from 70% in the inlet solution to 9.3% in the effluent (86.7% reduction in toxicity), and in the case of S. aureus, it was diminished from 25.3% in the inlet solution to 7% in the effluent (72.3% reduction in toxicity) after 10 hours. Based on the results of the present study, bioassay using microorganisms is an effective and useful method to study changes in the toxicity of cefixime

Common-Ground-Type Single-Source High Step-Up Cascaded Multilevel Inverter for Transformerless PV Applications

The cascaded multilevel inverter (CMI) is one type of common inverter in industrial applications. This type of inverter can be synthesized either as a symmetric configuration with several identical H-bridge (HB) cells or as an asymmetric configuration with non-identical HB cells. In photovoltaic (PV) applications with the CMI, the PV modules can be used to replace the isolated dc sources; however, this brings inter-module leakage currents. To tackle the issue, the single-source CMI is preferred. Furthermore, in a grid-tied PV system, the main constraint is the capacitive leakage current. This problem can be addressed by providing a common ground, which is shared by PV modules and the ac grid. This paper thus proposes a topology that fulfills the mentioned requirements and thus, CMI is a promising inverter with wide-ranging industrial uses, such as PV applications. The proposed CMI topology also features high boosting capability, fault current limiting, and a transformerless configuration. To demonstrate the capabilities of this CMI, simulations and experimental results are provided

Removal of Microorganisms by UVC Radiation From the Air of Hospital

Currently, UVC radiation is used in hospitals to eliminate microorganisms and reduce adverse health effects in operating rooms (ORs) and protective environment rooms (PERs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of UVC irradiation on bioaerosols in ORs and PERs. This experimental study was performed in ORs and PERs in a hospital. Bioaerosols were evaluated according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standard (No. 0800). The samples were collected from indoor air of rooms before irradiation and after UVC(254 nm) irradiation for 20 and 480 minutes. The sample size of the study was determined to be 432 (216 fungi and 216 bacteria). The difference between the mean concentration of bioaerosols in the UVC radiation at two intervals (20 and 480 minutes) was significant, which indicates a decrease in the concentration of bioaerosols by increasing the duration of UVC radiation. Some bacteria, such as group B Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Listeria, were entirely killed after 20 minutes of irradiation; however, complete removal of the bacteria such as Staphylococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus saprophyticus was observed after 480 minutes of UVC irradiation. Fungi, such as Alternaria, Stofelim, and Mucor had a 100% reduction after 20 minutes of UVC irradiation, and Rhizopus and Aspergillus fumigatus showed a 100% decrease after 480 minutes of UVC irradiation. Other isolated fungi such as Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus niger, Rhodotorula, and Alternaria showed a decrease of 75%-98.78%. The ultraviolet (UV) sensitivity of bacterial and fungal bioaerosols depends strongly on their type. The results from this study may offer an important understanding of the control of indoor bioaerosols using UVC irradiation and help abate the environmental impacts of airborne microbes

Sludge quality in wastewater treatment plant in Shokohieh industrial Park of Qom province in Iran

The general attitude of the wastewater treatment process in our country is focus on the effluent quality and unfortunately waste sludge quality is rarely considered. Since multiple natural hazards and routes the contact with sludge requires a comprehensive approach to protect public health and the environment. The aim of this study is an assessment of sludge management and finding out the potential use of sludge for land application. The study was conducted in January to December 2014. samples were gathered in four seasons, winter, spring, summer and autumn from wastewater treatment plant in industrial park of Shokohieh of Qom province according to the instructions in standard method. Sampling was moments and composite. Numbers of Samples were 24 that 2 samples were captured in every month. Samples measured base on standard method for water wastewater examination references and then data was analyzed by SPSS and t-test. The results show that the Physical Parameters qualities and nutrients qualities in sludge are good. The Phosphate quality is not suitable. Based on t-test, the results show that levels of fecal coliform and total coliform in cold and warm seasons are different (

Characterization of beta-lactamase producing Enterobacterales isolated from an urban community wastewater treatment plant in Iran

Background and Objectives: he occurrence and characteristics of Extended Spectrum- and AmpC-β-lactamase producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE and AmpC-PE) in an urban wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) were investigated. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 wastewater samples were collected from all sections of WWTP. Enterobacterales were isolated and identified using standard microbiological tests. The antibiotic resistance profile was determined by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Phenotypic screening for ESBL-PE and AmpC-PE isolates was performed by double-disk synergy and boronic acid disk potentiation tests, respectively. The isolates were examined for AmpC- and ESBL-encoding genes by PCR and sequencing methods. Results: Among 146 Enterobacterales isolates, 8.9% (n=13) [ESBL-only; 5.48% (n=8) and ESBL + AmpC; 3.42% (n=5)] were ESBL-producers and 15.75% (n=23) [AmpC-only; 12.33% (n=18) and ESBL + AmpC; 3.42% (n=5)] AmpC-producers. Hafnia spp. with 33.33% (n=1/3) and E. coli with 20.58% (n=7/34) [ESBL-only; 17.64% (n=6/34) and ESBL + AmpC; 2.94% (n=1/34)] were the most common ESBL-producing bacteria. Enterobacter spp. with 37.50% (n=6/16) of isolates were the most common AmpC-producing organisms. ESBL- and/or AmpC-producing isolates were identified in all parts of the WWTP including 80% (n=8/10) of samples taken from effluent. Among ESBL-producing isolates, blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaSHV ESBL-encoding genes were found in 61.5% (n=8), 15.3% (n=2), and 7.7% (n=1) of isolates, respectively. All CTX-M-type enzymes belonged to the CTX-M-1 group and CTX-M-15 subgroup. blaTEM and blaSHV type genes belonged to blaTEM-20 and blaHSV-12 subtypes, respectively. blaDHA with 73.9% (n=17/23), and blaCIT and blaFOX with 30.4% (n=7/23) each, were the most common AmpC-encoding genes among AmpC-producing isolates. Overall, 75% of ESBL-producing and 55.5% of AmpC-producing isolates exhibited multi-drug resistance phenotypes. The organisms were most resistant against ampicillin (82.2%) nalidixic acid (43.8%) and cephalexin (41.1%). Conclusion: ESBL- and AmpC-producing Enterobacterales spp. with diverse genetic resistance backgrounds in WWTP effluent poses a significant risk to public health

The relationship between air pollution exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Ahvaz, Iran

BACKGROUND: Air pollutants can have harmful effects on human health. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is represented by a spectrum of obstructive airway diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between air pollution exposure and COPD in Ahvaz, Iran. METHODS: The present epidemiological study was performed in Ahvaz city. Data were obtained from the Ahvaz Department of Environment (ADoE). Sampling was performed for 24 hours in 4 stations. Raw data processing was performed using Microsoft Excel software, and after the impact of meteorological parameters, data were converted as input file into the model. Data analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that the annual average PM10 concentration during 2012 was 727 μg/m3. According to the research findings, the two stations of Bureau of Meteorology and the city center had the highest and the lowest PM10 concentrations during 2012, respectively. The results showed a strong correlation between visits to a hospital due to COPD and PM10 emission in Ahvaz city. Approximately, 6.2% of hospital admissions for COPD occurred when the PM10 concentration was higher than 30 μg/m3. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study showed that the total mean of particle matter was higher than the standard concentration. The higher percentage of hospital admission could be the result of the dust storm, higher average PM10, and sustained high concentration days in Ahva

Cardiovascular deaths related to Carbon monoxide Exposure in Ahvaz, Iran

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas that emitted from combustion. Carbon monoxide can cause harmful health effects by reducing oxygen delivery to the body's organs (like the heart and brain), tissues, fibrinolysis effects, abortion and death at extremely high levels. The aim of this study was to assess health- effects of carbon monoxide exposure in Ahvaz city. Data were collected through Ahvaz Meteorological Organization and Department of Environment. Raw data processing by Excel software includes (instruction set correction of averaging, coding and filtering) and after the impact of meteorological parameters was converted as input file to the Air Q model. Finally, health-effects of carbon monoxide exposure were calculated. The results showed that the concentration of carbon monoxide was 7.41 mg/m3 in Ahvaz as annual average. Sum of total numbers of deaths attributed to carbon monoxide was 16 cases within a year. Approximately 4.3% of total Cardiovascular deaths happened when the carbon monoxide concentrations was more than 20 mg/m3. This could be due to higher fuel consumption gasoline in vehicles, Oil industry, steel and Heavy industries in Ahwaz. Mortality and Morbidity risks were detected at current ambient concentrations of air pollutants

An evaluation of hospital admission respiratory disease attributed to sulfur dioxide ambient concentration in Ahvaz from 2011 through 2013

There is no doubt that air pollutants have adverse impacts on human health. The main objective of this study was to evaluate hospital admission respiratory disease (HARD) attributed to sulfur dioxide levels in Ahvaz during three successive years. Data was taken from Iranian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The AirQ2,2,3 model is used to quantify the impact of SO2 on inhabitants of Ahvaz and in terms of hospital admission respiratory diseases. This is a kind of statistical model which is based on some epidemiological indices such as relative risk, baseline incidence, and attributable proportion. Sampling was already performed for 24 h in four stations during 2011–2013. Four stations are good representative for residential, high traffic, industry, and background sites which cover the whole area of the Ahvaz city. Regarding to gravimetric scale, raw data of sulfur dioxide was processed using Excel software. Encoding, filtering, and processing were conducted to prepare input file for the Air Q2,2,3 model. After running model,1 Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran 2 Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran 3 Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Tehran, Iran 4 Razi Teaching Hospital, Clinical Research Development Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran 5 Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran 6 Nutrition&Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran 7 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran 8 Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran 9 Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran 10 The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran 11 Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Laboratory Sciences School of Paramedical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR, Iran 12 Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Rasht, Iran 13 Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran 14 Occupational Hazards Control Research Center and Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health Environmental, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 15 Faculty of Food Science & Technology, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran 16 Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Environ Sci Pollut Res DOI 10.1007/s11356-016-7447-xoutputs presented in term of hospital admissions respiratory cases. Based on our result, the highest mean and maximum of seasonal and annual levels for sulfur dioxide were observed in 2013. We concluded that obnoxious quality of fuel and some deficiencies in maintenance and operation of industries lead to worse quality of ambient air especially in 2013. Cumulative cases of HARD attributed to sulfur dioxide level at central of relative risk (RR) were estimated 24, 25, and 30 persons for 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively. The finding of this study showed that total mean of sulfur dioxide was higher than standard concentration. We also noticed that wintertime concentrations of sulfur dioxide during three successive years were higher than of those levels in summer