Family clustering of SARS-CoV-2 in Qazvin, Northwest of Iran.

Background: Human infection affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been recognized as a global health concern. We report the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with a familial cluster of SARS-CoV-2 from Qazvin province (located in the northwest of Iran). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 332 hospitalized patients that were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 diseases with laboratory-based (PT-PCR) test in Qazvin province, Iran. Having family infection transmission and subsequently, family clustering of SARS-COV-2 disease was assessed with the Generalized Estimating Equation model in patients. Results: Crude odds ratio estimates of creating family clustering of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 0.47 times [95% CI: 0.23, 0.98, p=0.045] less for female compared to the males; 2.26 [95% CI: 1.11, 4.58, p=0.024] and 2.69 [95% CI: 1.47, 4.93, p=0.001] for SARS-CoV-2 patients that had digestive and muscle pain in comparison with those did not this mentioned symptoms, respectively. 1.52 [95% CI: 1.05, 2.23, p=0.024] for patients with a longer hospitalization compared with patients that had shorter duration of hospitalization and adjusted odds ratio estimates were 2.13 [95% CI: 1.12, 4.03, p=0.020] for patients who receive public health services in comparison those did not receive public health services. Conclusion: Our findings confirm the person-to-person transmission of this novel coronavirus in family settings and hospitals, and the reports of infected travelers in other geographical regions. Major gaps in our knowledge about the potential factors in creating family clustering of SARS-CoV-2 infection, epidemiology, duration of human transmission and etc. need fulfillment by future studies.

Influence of Perioperative Practice on Cognitive Function of Scrub Nurses: A Cross-Sequential Study.

BACKGROUND: The operating room is a sophisticated, dynamic environment, with advanced technology. The goal of our study is to evaluate the effect of peri-operative practice on the cognitive functions of scrub nurses. METHOD: This study included a total of 75 scrub nurses. The d2 Test of Attention was used for evaluation of cognitive function. The test was conducted with participants on three different working shifts. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between overall mean values for total number of items processed, number of errors, total number of items processed minus number of errors, and concentration performance scores for the posttest compared with the pretest. CONCLUSION: Perioperative practice has a significantly positive effect on cognitive function of scrub nurses, although this positive effect has a downward trend with increasing age as well as increasing workload. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2021;52(12):565-574.].

Syndromic Surveillance System for MERS-CoV as New Early Warning and Identification Approach.

This commentary presents a novel outlook for public health authorities in the affected countries to detect and respond quickly to the emerging public health threats such as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Implementing an innovative electronic surveillance system called syndromic surveillance system is essential for global health security.

The risk factors associated with MERS-CoV patient fatality: A global survey.

Risk factors associated with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection outcome were established by analyses of WHO data from September 23, 2012 to 18 June 2018. Of the 2220 reported cases, 1408 cases, including 451 MERS-CoV deaths, were analyzed. The case fatality rate was 32% (95% CI: 29.4-34.5). Compared to MERS patients ≤30 years old, those with >30 years had the adjusted odds ratio estimate for death of 2.38 [95% CI: 1.75-3.22]. This index was 1.43 [95% CI: 1.06-1.92] for Saudi patients in comparison to non-Saudi; 1.76 [95% CI: 1.39-2.22] for patient with comorbidity in comparison to those without comorbidity; 0.58 [95% CI: 0.44-0.75] for those who had close contact to a camel in the past 14 days and 0.42 [95% CI: 0.31-0.57] for patients with >14 days with onset of signs and hospital admission compared to patients with ≤14 days.

Isolation Compliance and Associated Factors Among COVID-19 Patients in North-West Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has now turned into a public health emergency. Isolation of patients is a possible solution for controlling epidemic infectious diseases. We assessed the compliance of isolation and associated factors among patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals of Qazvin province. Patients' isolation, self-care health behaviors, reference to public health services and possible related factors were assessed. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: In this study, 320 patients were enrolled, including 175 men (54.7%). Two hundred and eighty-six patients (89.4%) had complete isolation. Factors such as phone tracking by health center (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.75) and dry cough (OR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.09 to 5.09) increased odds of complete isolation in COVID-19 patients, but having a COVID-19 patient in the family (OR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.71) and symptoms of disease like shortness of breath (OR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.85) and muscle pain (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.95) decreased odds ratio for these patients. CONCLUSION: Phone tracking by the health center was the most important factor to increase the odds of patient isolation. Thus, the health system should consider improving health workers' knowledge and skills through education.

The global burden of premature mortality due to the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) using standard expected years of life lost, 2012 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: It has been 8 years since the first case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was reported in Saudi Arabia and the disease is still being reported in 27 countries; however, there is no international study to estimate the overall burden related of this emerging infectious disease. The present study was conducted to assess the burden of premature mortality due to Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) worldwide. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, we have utilized publicly available data from the WHO website related to 1789 MERS patients reported between September 23, 2012 and May 17, 2019. To calculate the standard expected years of life lost (SEYLL), life expectancy at birth was set according to the 2000 global burden of disease study on levels 25 and 26 of West model life tables from Coale-Demeny at 82.5 and 80 years for females and males, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, the total SEYLL in males and females was 10,702 and 3817.5 years, respectively. The MERS patients within the age range of 30-59 year-olds had the highest SEYLL (8305.5 years) in comparison to the patients within the age groups 0-29 (SEYLL = 3744.5 years) and ≥ 60 years (SEYLL = 2466.5 years). The total SEYLL in all age groups in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 were 71.5, 2006.5, 3162, 4425.5, 1809.5, 878, 1257.5 and 909 years, respectively. The most SEYLL related to MERS-CoV infection was in the early four years of the onset of the pandemic (2012 to 2015) and in the last four years of the MERS-CoV pandemic (216 to 2019), a significant reduction was observed in the SEYLL related to MERS-CoV infection in the MERS patients. CONCLUSION: We believe that the findings of this study will shed light about the burden of premature mortality due to MERS infection in the world and the results may provide necessary information for policy-makers to prevent, control, and make a quick response to the outbreak of MERS-CoV disease.

Epidemiological status of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in 2019: an update from January 1 to March 31, 2019.

PURPOSE: This study represents the current epidemiological status of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) worldwide in the first three months of 2019. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Full details of the MERS-CoV cases available and published in the disease outbreak news on the WHO website were retrieved. Related details of laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV were extracted and analyzed by standard statistical methods. RESULTS: A total of 107 cases of MERS-CoV, including 18 deaths (overall case fatality rate (CFR), 16.8%; male-specific CFR was 17.5% [14/80] and female-specific CFR was 14.8% [4/27]) were reported to WHO from the National International Health Regulation Focal Points of Saudi Arabia and Oman. The overall mean age was 50±17 years and 80 patients (74.8%) were male. The average time from the onset of the symptoms to the first hospitalization was 3±3.3 days; from the first hospitalization to laboratory confirmation was 3.6±6.5 days; from the onset of symptom to death was 17.5±11.7 days; and the mean length of hospitalization for patients with MERS-CoV was 3.5±3.9 days. Males in comparison to females had a 1.5-fold increased chance (adjusted OR =1.5 [95% CI: 1.3-1.8]) of death related to MERS-CoV infection; 1.05 [95% CI: 1.1-3.3], 1.05 [95% CI: 1.2-2.8] and 1.06 [95% CI: 1.2-2.0] for those who had exposure to camels, camel milk consumption, and close contact with MERS-CoV cases, respectively. Health care workers had 2.4 fold [95% CI: 1.2-3.1] greater odds of death compared to other people. CONCLUSION: The knowledge obtained from this study can contribute to the development of a prevention program and early system warning against MERS-CoV infection.

Standard Expected Years of Life Lost as a Neglected Index for Calculating the Burden of Premature Mortality due to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

This study presents standard expected years of life lost due to premature mortality for calculating the burden of laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases that have occurred from January 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019, worldwide. The study used a publicly available MERS-CoV database on the WHO website regarding case reports retrieved from disease outbreak news.

Current epidemiological status of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in the world from 1.1.2017 to 17.1.2018: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is considered to be responsible for a new viral epidemic and an emergent threat to global health security. This study describes the current epidemiological status of MERS-CoV in the world. METHODS: Epidemiological analysis was performed on data derived from all MERS-CoV cases recorded in the disease outbreak news on WHO website between 1.1.2017 and 17.1.2018. Demographic and clinical information as well as potential contacts and probable risk factors for mortality were extracted based on laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases. RESULTS: A total of 229 MERS-CoV cases, including 70 deaths (30.5%), were recorded in the disease outbreak news on world health organization website over the study period. Based on available details in this study, the case fatality rate in both genders was 30.5% (70/229) [32.1% (55/171) for males and 25.8% (15/58) for females]. The disease occurrence was higher among men [171 cases (74.7%)] than women [58 cases (25.3%)]. Variables such as comorbidities and exposure to MERS-CoV cases were significantly associated with mortality in people affected with MERS-CoV infections, and adjusted odds ratio estimates were 2.2 (95% CI: 1.16, 7.03) and 2.3 (95% CI: 1.35, 8.20), respectively. All age groups had an equal chance of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In today's "global village", there is probability of MERS-CoV epidemic at any time and in any place without prior notice. Thus, health systems in all countries should implement better triage systems for potentially imported cases of MERS-CoV to prevent large epidemics.

The Burden of Premature Mortality Related to Suicide in West Azerbaijan From 2014 to 2016.

Background: Examining the premature death rate represents the first step in estimating the overall burden of disease, reflecting a full picture of how different causes affect population health and providing a way of monitoring and evaluating population health. Aims: This study was conducted to assess the burden of premature mortality from suicides in West Azerbaijan Province, northwest of Iran from 2014 to 2016. Method: To calculate years of potential life lost (YPLL), we categorized all methods of suicide, then we subtracted actual age at death by suicide from the relevant age-based life table produced by the World Health Organization in 2015, after which we added the results for each type of suicide in a particular year. Results: We analyzed 638 suicides. Overall, during the 3-year study period for both sexes, the greatest sources of premature death among all methods of suicide were: hanging, strangulation, and suffocation (X70); smoke, fire, and flames (X76); and poisoning by narcotics and psychodysleptics (X62). Limitations: Limitations of the study include a lack of accurate, systematic recording and reporting of all cases of suicide, which might lead to measurement bias. Conclusion: This study identified and highlighted the most common methods of suicide in West Azerbaijan.

Quality of observational studies in prestigious journals of occupational medicine and health based on Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study applied the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement to observational studies published in prestigious occupational medicine and health journals. RESULTS: A total of 60 articles was evaluated. All sub-items were reported in 63.74% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56.24-71.24%), not reported in 29.70% (95% CI, 20.2-39.2%), and not applicable in 6.56% (95% CI, 4.86-8.26%) of the studies. Of the 45 sub-items investigated in this survey, eight were reported 100% of the time, 13 were addressed in more than 90% of the articles, 22 were included in more than 75% of the studies, and 27 sub-items were applied in more than 50% of the articles published in the journals included in this study.

Epidemiological factors and worldwide pattern of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus from 2013 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging threat to global health security with high intensity and lethality. This study was conducted to investigate epidemiological factors and patterns related to this disease. METHODS: Full details of MERS-CoV cases available on the disease outbreak news section of the World Health Organization official website from January 2013 to November 2016 were retrieved; demographic and clinical information, global distribution status, potential contacts, and probable risk factors for the mortality of laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases were extracted and analyzed by following standard statistical methods. RESULTS: Details of 1,094 laboratory-confirmed cases were recorded, including 421 related deaths. Significant differences were observed in the presentation of the disease from year to year, and all studied parameters differed during the years under study (all P-values <0.05). Evaluation of the effects of various potential risk factors of the final outcome (dead/survived) revealed that two factors, namely, the morbid case being native and travel history, are significant based on a unifactorial analysis (P <0.05). From 2013 to 2016, these factors remained important. However, factors that were significant in predicting mortality varied in different years. CONCLUSION: These findings point to interesting potential dimensions in the dynamic of this disease. Furthermore, effective national and international preparedness plans and actions are essential to prevent, control, and predict such viral outbreaks; improve patient management; and ensure global health security.

The association between hematological parameters and metabolic syndrome in Iranian men: A single center large-scale study.

AIMS: Some studies have demonstrated that metabolic syndrome is associated with hematological parameters. The present study explores the relationship between hematological parameters and numbers of metabolic syndrome conditions in Iranian men. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 11,114 participants who were professional drivers of commercial motor vehicles, and were enrolled in the Iranian Health Surveys between 2014 and 2016. Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was made according to International Diabetes Federation criteria. Clinical data, including anthropometric measurements and serum parameters, were collected. Odds ratios for hematological parameters and metabolic syndrome were calculated using binary logistic regression models. RESULTS: We found that hemoglobin; platelet, and white blood cell counts increased with increasing numbers of metabolic syndrome components (p<0.05 for all). The odds ratio of metabolic syndrome significantly increased across successive quartiles of platelet (1.00, 1.25, 1.29, and 1.51) and white blood cell counts (1.00, 1.51, 1.79, and 2.11) with the lowest quartile as the referent group. Similar associations for hemoglobin and hematocrit in the top quartile were also observed. We did not observe any significant difference in the mean of neutrophil count, mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width, or platelet distribution width among participants with or without metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that high levels of major hematological parameters such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, as well as platelet and white blood cell counts could be novel indicators for the development of metabolic syndrome.

Association between metabolic syndrome and sensorineural hearing loss: a cross-sectional study of 11,114 participants.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Hearing loss (HL) is associated with certain diseases and affects health, resulting in a low quality of life. Some components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) coincide with the risk factors for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). To date, very few studies have examined the link between MetS and HL. The aim of the current study was to try to understand the potential association between MetS and HL. METHODS: Using Iranian health surveys of professional drivers, we enrolled 11,114 individuals aged 20-60 years, whose main job is to operate a motor vehicle. We examined participants for the presence and absence of SNHL and the components of the MetS. Additionally, we investigated the relationship between MetS and the pure tone air conduction hearing thresholds of participants with SNHL, including low-frequency and high-frequency thresholds. RESULTS: This cross-sectional study consisted of 11,114 participants: 3202 (28.81%) diagnosed with MetS and 7911 (71.18%) without and 2772 (24.94%) with SNHL and 8432 (75.86%) without. Participants with SNHL had a higher number of components of MetS (P<0.001 for all components). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that an association possibly exists between different components of MetS (obesity, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, high fasting glucose levels, and waist circumference) and SNHL in a population of West Azerbaijan drivers. Therefore, it is important to schedule periodic checkups for drivers to detect and avoid the increase in MetS components at an early stage in this population.

The Burden of Premature Mortality in Hamadan Province in 2006 and 2010 Using Standard Expected Years of Potential Life Lost: A Population-based Study.

OBJECTIVES: Examining the premature death rate represents the first step in estimating the overall burden of disease, reflecting a full picture of how different causes affect population health and providing a way of monitoring and evaluating population health. The present study was conducted to assess the burden of premature mortality in Hamadan Province, Iran in 2006 and 2010. METHODS: To calculate years of potential life lost (YPLL), the dataset was categorized into 5-year age groups based on each person's age at death. Then the age groups were subtracted from the relevant age-based life table produced by the World Health Organization in 2009. The YPLL for each individual were then added together to yield the total YPLL for all individuals in the population who died in a particular year. Finally, we calculated the YPLL for all sex-, age-, and cause-specific mortality rates and reported them as percentages. RESULTS: We analyzed 18,786 deaths, 9,127 of which occurred in 2006 and 9,659 in 2010. Mortality rates were higher in men than women for all age groups both in 2006 and 2010. In addition, age-specific mortality rates in both genders for all age groups were higher in 2010 than in 2006. The percentage of YPLL from ischemic heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, transport accidents, and intentional self-harm were among the greatest sources of premature death. CONCLUSION: The results of the present survey indicate that the eight major causes of premature death in both 2006 and 2010 were non-communicable diseases, especially ischemic heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, transport accidents, and intentional self-harm. Furthermore, our findings indicate a change in the role of non-communicable diseases in premature mortality in recent years.

Influenza A (H1N1) in Hamedan Province, Western Iran in 2009: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The novel influenza A (H1N1) virus was first detected in March 2009 in Mexico and then disseminated to many other countries worldwide. In this study, we assessed the potential risk factors of swine flu as well as the most important clinical manifestations of this infectious disease among confirmed cases during early phase of pandemic H1N1. METHODS: Subjects (cases and controls) were selected from those patients with signs and symptoms of respiratory tract infection who referred to health centers of eight cities throughout Hamedan Province, western Iran form July to December 2009. Characteristics of the participants were obtained by interviewers using pre-determined questionnaire. Cases were distinguished by pharyngeal soap speci-mens positive for influenza A virus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Logistic regression model was conducted at 0.05 significance level using Stata 9.1 statistical software to assess the effects of various risk factors on H1N1 influenza infection. RESULTS: Totally, 245 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza were compared with 388 controls. Case fatality rate of influenza infection was about 2.86%. In comparison with age group of 1-19 yr old, adjusted odds ratio estimates was 1.91 [95% CI: 1.06, 3.46] for age group of 20-39 yr old, 0.94 [0.37, 2.38] for age group of 40-59 yr old, and 0.34 [0.09, 1.37] for age group of 60-79 yr old. Adjusted odds ratio estimates of influenza A infection was 8.12 [95% CI: 3.11, 21.6] for pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women; 1.84 [95% CI: 1.32, 2.86] for high educated individuals in comparison with low educated individuals; 2.11 [95% CI: 1.25, 3.57] for whose who had close contact with suspected influenza patients; and 2.15 [95% CI: 1.16, 3.98] for individuals with normal body mass index (BMI= 25-30) compared with underweight individuals (BMI< 20). There were no significant differences in clinical manifestations between cases and controls. CONCLUSION: The risk of influenza A infection is highest among children and adolescents, pregnant women, high educated individuals, and those who had close contact with suspected influenza patients during pandemic phase. In addition, there is no pathogonomonic sign or symptom to distinguish influenza infection clinically from other kinds of respiratory track infections.