Journal of Occupational Health and Epidemiology

180-187

Authors: E Salari , M Baloochi , A Shamsizadeh * , F Ayoobi , M Allahtavakoli , Y Taghavi , A Ravari

Background: Pistachio is a plant that has long been cultivated in different parts of Iran. Pistachios are very nutritious and contain vitamins E and B, flavonoids, antioxidants, and carotenoids. Since the pistachio is effective in the treatment of some neurological disorders and is indigenous to Iran and considering the substantial use of this nut, it is necessary to investigate its effects on cognitive functions of the brain. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of the pistachio on avoidance learning in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats (200-250 g body weight and 2-3 months of age) were divided into 4 groups. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 2.5% (vehicle) and hydroalcoholic extract of the pistachio (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) were administered by gavage for 14 days. Avoidance learning test was performed using the shuttle box. Results: The results of this study indicated a significant increase in the latency to enter the dark room in the groups receiving different doses of pistachio extract compared to vehicle treated group. Moreover, in the treated groups, time spent in the dark room was decreased compared to the vehicle group. The comparison of different doses of pistachio extract demonstrated that 100 mg/kg was more effective than 10 and 50 mg/kg of the extract. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that treatment of rats with pistachio extract, which is rich in vitamins, flavonoids, and antioxidant compounds, can improve learning and memory.

197-205

Authors: H Taboli , Gh Ayagh , R Bastami * , I Hakimi

Background: The quality of clinical services is one of the main concerns around the world. Clinical governance as a new approach to improving the quality of care provided by the health care system plays a major role in the provision of higher quality health care services. The success of this approach depends on the existence of a strong and suitable organizational culture. The aim of this study was modeling the relationship between organizational culture, clinical governance, and organizational performance. Materials and Methods: The purpose of this study is practical and its data collection is descriptive, but as a result it is an empirical study. This study was a correlative study based on structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population of this study consisted of all managers, supervisors, educational and clinical supervisors, and nurses of Tamin Ejtemaee (social security) hospitals in Mazandaran Province, Iran. Due to the limitation of the study, all individuals in the target population were selected as the study subjects. Thus, 124 questionnaires were distributed among them, and, 113 questionnaires were received. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and LISREL software. For data analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient test and confirmatory factor analysis were used for precise measurement of the model. Results: The results show that there is a significant and positive relationship between the components (P < 0.01). The role of organizational culture in establishing clinical governance estimation is desirable and the results have identified its relationship with organizational performance. Conclusions: With the improvement of organizational culture, the establishment of clinical governance will increase and it will achieve optimal performance by continuation and localization.

216-223

Authors: MR Rezaei , MH Sayadi * , M Khaksarnejad

Background: Soil pollution and accumulation of heavy metals in crops in industrial areas is one of the most important environmental issues threatening the life of plants, animals, and humans. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of Cr and Cd in the soil and barberry plants in farms surrounding the Qayen Cement Company, South Khorasan Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this study, 8 soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm and 4 samples of barberry plant containing fruits and leaves in summer 2014. The concentrations of Cr and Cd in the samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: The maximum concentration of Cr and Cd was observed in the soil sample collected from a depth of 0-30 cm (95.10 and 1.32 mg/kg of soil, respectively). The concentration of Cr and Cd was higher in the fruits of barberry than the leaves; 18.58 mg/kg and 59.45 µg/kg, respectively, which are higher than the standard values. Transfer factor was calculated as less than 1 for all stations. Conclusions: According to obtained results, Qayen Cement Company has the greatest impact on plants in this region. The barberry fruit is the strategic product in Qayen; therefore, attention to and management of the impact of the cement factory on agricultural products is necessary.

233-241

Authors: A Ahmadi Asour * , F Gobabaei , P Nasiri

Background: Ototoxic chemicals can impair the sense of hearing and balance. In the past decades, the ototoxicity of solvents and their interaction with noise have become evident. This study has been carried out in the shoe manufacturing factory in Tehran (Iran) with the aim of evaluating the combined effects of noise and toluene on the workers' hearing. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted on 64 workers selected through census. The participants were assigned to 3 groups according to their exposure to noise and toluene. Group 1 consisted of 33 workers who were exposed to noise, group 2 of 5 exposed to toluene, and group 3 of 26 exposed to noise and toluene. Toluene concentrations were measured in the workers' breathing zone as well as A-weighted sound pressure level (SPL), overall noise level (LpA) and equivalent continuous A-weighted SPL over 30 minutes, and the equivalent noise level A (LeqA) in the head position of workers. Then, the noise level was calculated and hearing thresholds were measured in 500-4000 Hz frequency range. The amounts of air and bone hearing loss were also calculated. Results: The results indicated that the relationship between hearing loss caused by noise (group 1) and noise and toluene (group 3) were statistically significant (P < 0.50). Hearing loss due to toluene in midrange frequencies was more pronounced than in high frequencies. Conclusions: The results of the study suggest that authorities should pay greater attention to agents such as noise which affect the hearing loss and health of employees, especially with respect to sensitivity of hearing system disorders. Moreover, individual characteristics should also be considered in employing future personnel.