It has been hypothesized that antioxidant and oxidant capacities may be related to the severity of obstructive lung impairment in patients with sulfur mustard (SM)-induced lung injuries. Our study was designed to measure the level of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities in patients intoxicated with SM and to evaluate the relationship between their activity and the severity of pulmonary dysfunction. A total of 250 patients with a history of exposure to a single high dose of SM gas and also 60 healthy nonsmoking individuals with no history of exposure to SM were selected. All patients underwent spirometry; based on its indices they were divided into two groups: mild (n = 140) and moderate-to-severe (n = 110) pulmonary dysfunction. Also, serum GSH and MDA concentration measurements were performed for all patients and controls. The mean GSH level in controls was 29.85 +/- 3.26 micromol/ml, which was significantly higher than in patients with mild and moderate-to-severe pulmonary dysfunction (19.02 +/- 2.36 and 17.89 +/- 2.16 micromol/ml, respectively). Also, the mean MDA level in controls was 0.69 +/- 0.09 micromol/ml, which was significantly lower than in patients with mild and moderate-to-severe pulmonary dysfunction (0.74 +/- 0.05 and 0.75 +/- 0.05 micromol/ml, respectively). There was a weak linear correlation between GSH level and some of the pulmonary function indices. On the other hand, there was no significant relationship between the MDA level and pulmonary indices. Our study confirmed important alterations in the oxidative-antioxidative system in patients suffering from SM-induced lung injuries, as shown by a decreased serum level of GSH and an increased level of MDA. Individuals with moderate-to-severe SM-induced lung injuries show a greater tendency for a decreased level of GSH and an increased level of MDA than those with mild injuries; however, there is only minimal association between pulmonary function parameters and the serum level of MDA and GSH. These findings encourage us to examine therapeutic measures to correct such imbalances in future studies.

No abstract

he first case of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) with a high transmission was identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 is highly contagious, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency on 30 January 2020. 1-3 Human-tohuman transmission, human population movement, and climatic conditions can transmit this virus faster. The most common clinical symptoms of the disease include muscle cramps, fever, cough, fatigue, and headaches. 4,5 Approximately 20% of the affected patients showed severe symptoms, and the reported rate of mortality was approximately 3%. 6 The first positive confirmed case of the disease in Iran was announced on February 18, 2020, and new cases were identified in all cities in Iran. When WHO declared a global health emergency, the Iranian Red Crescent Society and Ministry of Health took measures for public awareness. Following the outbreak of the coronavirus, and due to the necessity of notification, especially in health issues and personal hygiene, the following steps have been taken by the Iranian organizations:

No abstract

Background:Iran has the highest number of Umrah pilgrims among Islamic countries. Health care plays a major role in fulfilling the Umrah rites. Pilgrims' health situation depends on their health knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP).Objectives:In this study, we aimed to determine the health KAP among Iranian Umrah pilgrims.Patients and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 157 Iranian Umrah pilgrims were randomly selected in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in June 2011. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information (sex, age, degree of education, and resource of health knowledge), health knowledge (5 questions), health attitude (5 questions) and health practice (10 questions).Results:Level of knowledge were very low in 12.1%, low in 25.2%, average in 38.1%, good in 20.4% and very good in 4.2% of respondents. Mean and standard deviation of attitude score was 18.58 ± 2.20 out of 25 (ranged between 13.00 and 25.00). The pilgrims were given 74.2 % out of total score. The Mean and standard deviation of practice score was 8.19 ± 1.32 out of 10 (ranged between 3 and 10). Although the old and low educated pilgrims had little knowledge of health tips, they had a good health attitude and practice.Conclusions:Educational strategy to improve knowledge regarding health-related problems and to develop health practices among pilgrims is needed.

No abstract

No abstract

Background: Iran is a disaster-prone country, which is subjected to various hazards, such as floods, earthquakes, fire, and traffic accidents. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the priority and risk of various hazards threatening the public in different provinces of Iran in 2019. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from March to September 2019 using data related to 31 provinces of Iran. The assessment was conducted using hazard assessment tools presented by the Iranian Ministry of Health. A total of 70 natural, man-made, and complex hazards were analyzed in this study. The data were collected by holding sessions and conducting individual and group interviews with the officials of provincial Red Crescent Societies as well as reviewing the databases of the Red Crescent Society and the Disaster Management Organization. The participants consisted of operation analysis experts. Results: In terms of the frequency of occurrence, earthquake (12: 38.7%), traffic accidents (7: 22.6%), and flood (6: 19.4%) obtained the highest priority in different provinces in descending order. Furthermore, regarding the total scores of hazards in all provinces, flood (78.6), earthquake (75.3), traffic accidents (71.9), drought (60.1), and building collapse (58.1) had the highest priority in descending order. Conclusion: Given the extreme vulnerability of Iran to various disasters, authorities should develop strategic plans to reduce the risks associated with high-priority disasters. In addition, crisis and disaster management policymakers must develop separate detailed disaster response plans for each hazard in order to increase the preparedness at organizational and community levels. Public training can also raise awareness among the public and help people cope better with various hazards.