Journal of Human, Environment, and Health Promotion

6-14

Authors: Hanan A. Zaher, Azza H. Mohamed, Sahar E. Hamed, Ayman El-Khateeb *

Background: Heavy metal toxicity at low levels damages the function of the brain, lungs, kidney, liver, blood composition, and other important organs. Long-term exposure leads to gradual disease progression in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, muscular dystrophy, and cancer. Methods: In total, 100 crustacean samples (50 crabs and 50 prawns) were analyzed in terms of nickel, zinc, chromium, and copper residues using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and compared to Egyptian standard limits. Results: The concentrations of nickel, zinc, chromium, and copper in the crab samples were 0.292 ± 0.02, 20.688 ± 3.06, 1.158 ± 0.01, and 22.304 ± 4.04 µg/g of wet weight, respectively. The values in the prawn samples were 0.373 ± 0.01, 16.204 ± 2.01, 0.844 ± 0.01, and 18.524 ± 1.03 µg/g of wet weight, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings could lay the groundwork for monitoring the heavy metal contamination of marine organisms. The estimated daily detection intake of nickel, zinc, chromium, and copper was below the reported PTDI of each element. In addition, the THQ and HI values of the heavy metals were below 1.00 in the crab and shrimp samples, suggesting no significant risks to the community health due to the consumption of the crab and shrimp samples.

22-29

Authors: Azadeh Tavakoli *, Nadia Abbas Azad, Ali Assadi

Background: Zinc production due to applying mineral soils as raw material and high rate of tailings and wastes lead to environmental and health challenges, such as total suspended particle (TSP) emissions. Methods: This was the first study to monitor TSP concentration fluctuations and location variability in Zanjan zinc industrial park (ZZIP), Iran for 11 months. Nine stations equipped with an LVS were selected for TSP sampling from air simultaneously. Sample analysis was performed in the laboratory using gravimetric methods and data depicted by ArcGIS to recognize spatial distribution. Results: Changes in TSP concentrations were within the range of 30.17-2,692.82 μg/m3 and exceeded the EPA/WHO guidelines in more than 98% of the cases. Spring and winter showed the highest levels. The main influential factors in the TSP concentration were industrial activities, vicinity to the depot site and main streets, the speed of passing vehicles, and the dominant wind direction. Conclusion: Despite recent attempts to control TSP, the concentrations remain high and alarming. Therefore, special attention must be paid to the health issues affecting staff and residential groups and implementation of more effective control mechanisms.

35-40

Authors: Mohammad Reza Hajinezhad *

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of selenium nanoparticles in a lead-induced testicular toxicity model. Methods: In total, 30 Wistar rats were divided into three groups and treated (except the normal control) with lead acetate in drinking water (1,000 mg/l) for five weeks. The control rats and negative control rats received saline intraperitoneally, and the third group received intraperitoneal injections of selenium nanoparticles (0.5 mg/kg). Results: The lead-treated group showed a significant increase in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and malondialdehyde levels (P < 0.01). The lead-intoxicated rats treated with selenium nanoparticles showed a significant decrease in serum AST and ALT compared to the untreated negative controls (P < 0.5). The histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues indicated lead-induced injuries (e.g., necrotic cells in liver and kidneys). The selenium-treated group showed reduced histopathological signs of lead-induced injuries. Lipid peroxidation levels were also lower in the selenium-treated rats compared to the negative controls (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This experimental study confirmed the protective effects of selenium nanoparticles in the rats exposed to chronic lead-induced toxicity. However, further experiments are required to evaluate the possible side-effects and complications.

54-59

Authors: Ahmadreza Rasouli, Vida Ebrahimi, Hamidreza Hamedi Behtash, Asieh Panjeshahin, Morteza Kazemi, Ali Tarighat-Esfanjani *

Background: Nutritional satisfaction is essential to the reduction of hospital costs given the faster recovery of patients. Food satisfaction may be influenced by self-operating or contractor food service management. This descriptive study was aimed to assess patient satisfaction with the dinner served in two hospitals of Tabriz, Iran by contractors and a self-operating system in 214 participants during April-May 2014. Methods: Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire with 20 items on demographic and food satisfaction data. Data analysis was performed in SPSS, and the intragroup and intergroup differences were evaluated and compared at the significant P-value of less than 0.05. Results: Overall food satisfaction was significantly higher in hospital A (contractor-supported food service) compared to hospital B (self-operating food service) (P < 0.001). In addition, a negative correlation was observed between food satisfaction and the literacy level of the subjects. Having a companion also reduced the satisfaction score of the patients. Conclusion: Our findings could provide useful information for the legislation of new policies to increase the food satisfaction of inpatients and exploit its advantages, while contributing to the decision-making regarding the choice of financial support for hospital food services.