The effect of heat stress on hematological parameters and oxidative stress among bakery workers.

Heat stress causes physiological changes, and changes in hematological parameters and hormonal levels in the human body, known as thermal strain. This study was conducted to determine the effect of exposure to heat stress on hematological parameters and oxidative stress in the bakers of Shahroud City, Iran. A total of 163 bakery workers (exposed group) and 135 office workers (unexposed group) with a minimum of 1-year working experience were selected. Exposure to heat stress was measured using ISO-7243 criteria on the hottest days of the year (late July and August). Wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) was calculated based on indoor environments. Oxidative stress indices including malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the bakers' and office workers' serum and hematological parameters were measured. Statistical analysis was done through independent t-test, and multivariate linear regression using SPSS v24. Analysis of hematological parameters showed that about 70% and 68% of the bakers had abnormal mean cell volume (MCV) and white blood cell (WBC) count, respectively, while only around 12% of them had abnormal mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The counts of red blood cells (RBC), WBC, lymphocytes (LYM), and MCV showed significant differences in different occupational groups (p < 0.05). The levels of MDA and NO were significantly higher in bakers with WBGT more than the threshold value (p < 0.05). The WBGT index for assessing heat stress can be used as a predictor variable for MDA and NO levels. In addition, heat stress exposure could be a risk factor for abnormal WBC, RBC, LYM, and MCV.

The effects of industrial noise exposure on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes among workers.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to measure individual exposure to noise and its effect on the levels of lipid peroxidation and enzymatic antioxidant defense. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 94 male workers working in a food factory in Shahroud, Iran, were selected as the case group and 112 people were also included as the control group. The level of exposure to noise was measured using a dosimeter and the equivalent level was calculated. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (Cat), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were measured in the serum samples of all participants. Independent t test, one-way ANOVA, and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The levels of MDA, Cat, and TAC were significantly higher in staff exposed to noise than in the controls. The starch and warehouse units' staff were exposed to the highest (99.3 ± 3.23 dB) and lowest (77.1 ± 9.68 dB) mean levels of sound pressure. Based on the linear regression model, noise exposure level was the most important predictor variable for levels of MDA (ß = 0.48, CI 95% = 0.04-0.93), Cat (ß = 0.43, CI 95% = 0.05-0.83), and TAC (ß = 0.11, CI 95% = 0.06-0.16). CONCLUSIONS: Noise exposure increases the production of free radicals. As exposure rate increases, the levels of MDA, Cat, and TAC enzymes increase as well.

Assessment of the relationship between metabolic syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea in male drivers of Shahroud city in 2018: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome involves a set of metabolic risk factors that directly increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Physical inactivity due to driving can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. It is also known that sleep disorders (sleep apnea) can result in MetS. Driving in Iran is considered a very popular but risky occupation, so paying attention to this profession is of special importance. Therefore, the researchers aimed to investigate the association between sleep disorders and metabolic syndrome in drivers in Shahroud city in 2018. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 948 drivers from Shahroud city in 2018. After obtaining consent from participants, 3 questionnaires including demographic, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG were completed. Clinical and anthropometric measurements were assessed, including blood pressure, waist circumference, hip circumference, weight, height, and body mass index. In addition, blood was drawn to measure High Density Lipoprotein, Low Density Lipoprotein, Triglyceride, cholesterol, and Fasting Blood Sugar levels. The relationship between metabolic syndrome and sleep disorders was then studied. In this study, statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 23 at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Mean age of drivers was 44.15 ± 11.66 (years). The mean waist circumference and mean hip circumference in subjects with a Class 1 Driver's License (a certificate for trucks and buses) were higher than those with a Class 2 Driver's License (a certificate for motorcars, minibuses, vans, etc. (seating< 20)) (P = 0.01 and P = 0.003, respectively). Moreover, the BMI in subjects with a Class 1 Driver's License was higher compared to subjects with a Class 2 Driver's License. The correlation between metabolic syndrome with sleep apnea based on STOP-BANG questionnaire was significant (p < 0.001) irrespective of definition (ATP and IDF). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, there was a bi-directional association between sleep disorders and Mets, so this group should pass periodic medical examinations and training courses. Moreover, their families should be informed of prevention and treatment of this syndrome.

The effects of amplitude and stability of circadian rhythm and occupational stress on burnout syndrome and job dissatisfaction among irregular shift working nurses.

AIM: To investigate the relation between the circadian rhythm amplitude and stability, and occupational stress with burnout syndrome and job dissatisfaction among shift working nurses. BACKGROUND: Irregular shift working nurses are prone to burnout syndrome (BS) and job dissatisfaction (JD). circadian rhythm difference and occupational stress might be effective in causing burnout syndrome and dissatisfaction. DESIGN: In total, 684 nurses who worked in four teaching hospitals were selected by stratified random sampling in a cross-sectional design based on STROBE guidelines. METHODS: The data were collected by the Circadian Type Inventory, Job Content Questionnaire, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Multiple linear regression, one-way ANOVA and independent t test were used for statistical analysis by SPSS v24. RESULTS: About 15% of the nurses suffered from high levels of burnout syndrome. Psychological demand (ß = 0.022, CI 95% = 0.003-0.047 and ß = 0.016, CI 95% = 0.001-0.032) and workplace support (ß = -0.043, CI 95% = -0.097-0.003 and ß = -0.025, CI 95% = -0.046-0.006) were significant predictors of BS and JD. Male nurses reported lower BS and higher JD compared to female nurses. Irregular shift working schedule was also related to a significantly higher odd of BS (p = 0.009) and JD (p = 0.011). Nurses classified as languid experienced significantly more BS and JD than vigorous nurses. CONCLUSION: This study shows that BS and JD were strongly associated with psychological demand and workplace support; and vigorous nurses were less prone to BS and JD, and were more suitable for irregular shift work. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: In order to reduce burnout syndrome and job dissatisfaction among irregular shift working nurses, we need to identify the effect of risk factors such as individual differences on the circadian rhythm and job demand which can affect nurses who work in irregular schedules.

The effect of chronic exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on sleep quality, stress, depression and anxiety.

Exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) is inevitable in some industries. There are concerns about the possible effects of this exposure. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of chronic exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on sleep quality, stress, depression and anxiety among power plant workers. In this cross-sectional study, 132 power plant workers were included as the exposed group and 143 other workers were included as the unexposed group. The intensity of ELF-EMF at work stations was measured by using the IEEE Std C95.3.1 standard and then the time weighted average was calculated. Sleep quality, stress, depression and anxiety were measured by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire; and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. The workers in the exposed group experienced significantly poorer sleep quality than the unexposed group. Depression was also more severe in the exposed group than the unexposed group (P = 0.039). Increased exposure to ELF-EMF had a direct and significant relation with increased stress, depression, and anxiety. Sleep quality in technicians with the highest exposure was significantly lower than the other groups. This study suggests that long-term occupational exposure to ELF-EMF may lead to depression, stress, anxiety and poor sleep quality.

Prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among professional drivers: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension is one of the most important causes of cardiovascular disease. It has been found that professional drivers are at high risk of hypertension. This study has been performed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among professional drivers in Shahroud. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, the prevalence of hypertension was determined according to the definition by the American Heart Association among 1461 professional drivers participating in the first cross-sectional phase of Shahroud drivers' prospective cohort study. The prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension was examined based on the initial age, and gender presented, along with the factors affecting this disease based on multinomial logistic regression. The prevalence of elevated blood pressure, stage 1 and 2 hypertension was 46.9%, 6%, and 1.3%, respectively. In the multivariate multinomial logistic regression model, having diabetes, Body Mass Index ≥25, and driving years was associated with an increased chance of developing elevated blood pressure and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Attention should be paid to high prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension among professional drivers in Iran as a health priority for drivers. Plans should be made to reduce it as well as to prevent its complications.

The role of oxidative stress in pulmonary function in bakers exposed to flour dust.

Objective. This study aimed to determine the effect of exposure to flour dust on pulmonary function and the role of oxidative stress. Methods. This case-control study was conducted on 163 bakery workers (exposed group) and 177 administrative workers (unexposed group). Pulmonary function and flour dust exposure were measured by spirometry and NIOSH 0500 and 0600 methods. Oxidative stress indices including malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in serum samples. Results. The mean respirable and total dust exposure of bakery workers were 2.5 ± 1.72 and 6.53 ± 3.26 mg/m3. The forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first 1 s (FEV1) were significantly lower in the exposed group than in the unexposed group. The levels of MDA and NO were higher in smokers than in non-smokers in the exposed group. The most important variables that predicted FVC and FEV1 were MDA, NO and TAC. With increased exposure to respirable dust, the levels of MDA (ß = 3.39, p < 0.001) and NO (ß = 16.48, p < 0.001) increased and total antioxidant levels decreased (ß = -0.37, p < 0.001). Conclusions. Exposure to flour dust may impair pulmonary function by increasing oxidative stress and weakening antioxidant defense.

The Relationship between the Metabolic Syndrome and the Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Evaluated by STOP-Bang Questionnaire in Professional Drivers in Shahroud, Iran, in 2020: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and the risk of respiratory and sleep disorders in professional drivers. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on professional drivers in Shahroud, Iran. The snoring, tiredness during daytime, observed apnea, high blood pressure, body mass index, age, neck circumference, gender (STOP-Bang) questionnaire was first used to assess obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Then, based on the questionnaire scores, the participants were divided into two groups: those with and those without OSA. The relationship between this disorder and metabolic syndrome was then studied. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests (P<0.05). RESULTS: Based on the STOP-Bang questionnaire, 214 drivers with a high risk of OSA and 214 drivers with low risk were recruited for the study. According to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, 204 drivers (47.7%) had metabolic syndrome. There was a significant relationship between driver's license class and the risk of OSA. Metabolic syndrome components including fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, and hypertension, but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, were able to predict OSA in the professional drivers. CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and OSA, especially in drivers of high risk who may spend long hours transporting good and operating passenger vehicles, screening and treating these disorders are crucial in this part of the population. The researchers recommend holding regular training sessions about these disorders for professional drivers.

Evaluation of the Levetiracetam treatment on reduction of epileptic discharges in electroencephalogram in children with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVES: Epilepsy is a relatively common disease in childhood. In some patients, the electroencephalogram (EEG) is abnormal despite the clinical control of seizures. Studies have identified the adverse effects of epileptic discharges on cognition, learning, behavior, and seizure recurrence in children. This study investigated the Levetiracetam effect on epileptic discharges in the interictal phase of EEG in epileptic children. MATERIALS & METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on 54 epileptic children aged 2 to 15 years, whose clinical seizures were controlled by sodium valproate in the last six months but still had epileptic discharges in EEG. The participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group (21 people), for which Levetiracetam was added to sodium valproate, and a control group (33 people), for which treatment with sodium valproate alone was continued. The patients were then followed for one year. RESULTS: The percent normalization of epileptic discharges in the intervention and control groups was 66.7% and 57.1% (P = 0.500), respectively. Also, the mean time for the normalization of epileptic discharges in the intervention and control groups was 12.60±8.25 and 20.57±12.67 months (P = 0.042), respectively. CONCLUSION: In children with controlled seizures whose EEG was still abnormal, sodium valproate therapy alone and combined with Levetiracetam effectively reduced the severity of epileptic discharges. However, the addition of Levetiracetam to sodium valproate normalized EEG more rapidly.

The role of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude in musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work-family conflict.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude on musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work-family conflict among nurses. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 386 nurses working in three hospitals, in Shahroud, Iran. METHOD: The data were collected using the Circadian Rhythm Inventory, Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Carlson Work-Family Conflict questionnaires. RESULTS: The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reported in the lower back (68.4%), upper back (65.5%) and shoulders (53.6%), respectively. No significant relation was found between circadian rhythm stability and amplitude, and musculoskeletal disorders prevalence. The nurses who could not overcome drowsiness reported more Work Interference with Family (WIF), Family Interference with Work (FIW) (time-based) and FIW (strain-based) compared to the nurses who overcame drowsiness. In addition, the appropriate nurses for shift work experienced less WIF, FIW (behavioural-based) and WIF (strain-based) compared to the nurses who could not work overtime or at night.

ESTIMATION OF THERMAL POWER PLANT WORKERS EXPOSURE TO MAGNETIC FIELDS AND SIMULATION OF HAZARD ZONES.

Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) have raised some concerns due to their possible effects on workers' health. In this study ELF-MFs were measured in different units of the thermal power plant based on gridding the indoor space. The exposure level was measured by spot measurement based on the IEEE Std C95.3.1 and then simulated in units with the highest magnetic field intensity by using ArcGIS software. The operators and balance of plant (BOP) technicians (12.64 ± 9.74 µT) and office workers (2.41 ± 1.22 µT) had the highest and lowest levels of both measured and estimated ELF-MFs exposure. The highest measured ELF-MFs were in the vicinity of the power transmission lines in the transformers' building (48.2 µT). Our simulation showed the high and low exposure areas and ranked exposure well; but, the actual measurements of ELF-MFs exposure were in all cases higher than the estimated values, which means we still need to improve our estimations.

Investigating the effects of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on job burnout syndrome and the severity of depression; the role of oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the possible effect of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on occupational burnout syndrome and the severity of depression experienced among thermal power plant workers and the role of oxidative stress. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 115 power plant workers and 124 administrative personnel of a hospital were enrolled as exposed and unexposed groups, respectively, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat), and total antioxidant capacity were measured in serum samples. Exposure to electric and magnetic fields was measured using the IEEE Std C95.3.1 standard at each workstation. The burnout syndrome and the severity of depression were assessed using the Maslach Burnout and Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: The levels of MDA and SOD were significantly lower in the exposed group than the unexposed group. The exposed group reported a higher prevalence of burnout syndrome and higher depression severity. Multiple linear regression showed that work experience, MDA level, and levels of exposure to magnetic fields are the most important predictor variables for burnout syndrome and severity of depression. In addition, a decrease in the level of Cat was significantly associated with increased burnout syndrome. CONCLUSION: The thermal power plant workers exposed to ELF-EMFs are at risk of burnout syndrome and depression. These effects may be caused directly by exposure to magnetic fields or indirectly due to increased oxidative stress indices.

Using Work Ability Index and work-related stress to evaluate the physical and mental fitness of Iranian telecom tower climbers.

BACKGROUND: Working at height has always been considered as one of the most dangerous industrial activities. Workers' fitness including their physical and psychological ability plays a key role in prevention of occupational accidents. This research was conducted to investigate the physical and mental fitness of telecommunication tower climbers as well as their job stress. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among employees of a contracting company which worked in the field of telecommunication tower installation in Iran during 2016. Sixty out of 93 workers voluntarily participated in this study. Data collection tools were the Persian version of the Work Ability Index (WAI), the Persian version of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Stress Indicator Tool and an author-developed measure to assess socio-demographic characteristics. Data was analyzed through statistical tests such as independent t-test, univariate analyses of variance (ANOVAs), Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multivariate linear regression; using SPSS 19 software. RESULTS: Workers' mean ± SD WAI score was 29.17 ± 10.33 and for work-related stress was 3.08 ± 1.80. There was a significant relation between WAI and educational level, job tenure, hours of sleep per day, regular exercise, and second job. The repression modeling explained 67.4% of the total variance (adjusted R2) of the WAI score. Among the dimensions of work related stress, control (ß= 0.21) and changes (ß= -0. 40) were significant predictors of the WAI score. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the worker's work ability, intervention programs should focus on promoting level of job control, sleep quality and exercise. Additionally, implementing a comprehensive macroergonomics and participatory program for increase involvement the workers in organization changes should be considered.

Using Image Processing in the Proposed Drowsiness Detection System Design.

BACKGROUND: Drowsiness is one of the underlying causes of driving accidents, which contribute, to many road fatalities annually. Although numerous methods have been developed to detect the level of drowsiness, techniques based on image processing are quicker and more accurate in comparison with the other methods. The aim of this study was to use image-processing techniques to detect the levels of drowsiness in a driving simulator. METHODS: This study was conducted on five suburban drivers using a driving simulator based on virtual reality laboratory of Khaje-Nasir Toosi University of Technology in 2015 Tehran, Iran. The facial expressions, as well as location of the eyes, were detected by Violla-Jones algorithm. Criteria for detecting drivers' levels of drowsiness by eyes tracking included eye blink duration blink frequency and PERCLOS that was used to confirm the results. RESULTS: Eye closure duration and blink frequency have a direct ratio of drivers' levels of drowsiness. The mean of squares of errors for data trained by the network and data into the network for testing, were 0.0623 and 0.0700, respectively. Meanwhile, the percentage of accuracy of detecting system was 93. CONCLUSION: The results showed several dynamic changes of the eyes during the periods of drowsiness. The present study proposes a fast and accurate method for detecting the levels of drivers' drowsiness by considering the dynamic changes of the eyes.

Evaluation of the magnitude of hip joint deformation in subjects with avascular necrosis of the hip joint during walking with and without Scottish Rite orthosis.

The femoral head in subjects with leg calve perthes disease (LCPD) is generally considerably deformed. It is debatable whether this deformation is due to an increase in applied loads, a decrease in bone mineral density or a change in containment of articular surfaces. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of these factors on deformation of the femoral head. Two subjects with LCPD participated in this study. Subject motion and the forces applied on the affected leg were recorded using a motion analysis system (QualsisTM) and a Kistler force plate. OpenSim software was used to determine joint contact force of the hip joint whilst walking with and without a Scottish Rite orthosis. 3D Models of hip joints of both subjects were produced by Mimics software. The deformation of femoral bone was determined by Abaqus. Mean values of the force applied on the leg increased while walking with the orthosis. There was no difference between bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral bone of normal and LCPD sides (p-value>0.05) and no difference between hip joint contact force of normal and LCPD sides. Hip joint containment appeared to decrease follow the use of the orthosis. It can be concluded that the deformation of femoral head in LCPD may not be due to change in BMD or applied load. Although the Scottish Rite orthosis is used mostly to increase hip joint containment, it appears to reduce hip joint contact area. It is recommended that a similar study is conducted using a higher number of subjects.

Evaluation of the influences of various force magnitudes and configurations on scoliotic curve correction using finite element analysis.

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature in the normally straight vertical line of the spine, and the curvature can be moderate to severe. Different treatment can be used based on severity and age of subjects, but most common treatment for this disease is using orthosis. To design orthosis types of force arrangement can be varied, from transverse loads to vertical loads or combination of them. But it is not well introduced how orthoses control scoliotic curve and how to achieve the maximum correction based on force configurations and magnitude. Therefore, it was aimed to determine the effect of various loads configurations and magnitudes on curve correction of a degenerative scoliotic subject. A scoliotic subject participated in this study. The CT-Scan of the subject was used to produce 3D model of spine. The 3D model of spine was produced by Mimics software and the finite element analysis and deformation of scoliotic curve of the spine under seven different forces and in three different conditions was determined by ABAQUS software. The Cobb angle in scoliosis curve decreased significantly by applying forces. In each condition depends on different forces, different corrections have been achieved. It can be concluded that the configurations of the force application mentioned in this study is effective to decrease the scoliosis curve. Although it is a case study, it can be used for a vast number of subjects to predict the correction of scoliosis curve before orthotic treatment. Moreover, it is recommended that this method and the outputs can be compared with clinical findings.

Determination the Levels of Subjective and Observer Rating of Drowsiness and Their Associations with Facial Dynamic Changes.

BACKGROUND: We determined the levels of subjective and observer drowsiness and facial dynamics changes. METHODS: This experimental study was done in the virtual reality laboratory of Khaje-Nasir Toosi University of Technology in 2015. Facial dynamics changes like changes in eyes, mouth and eyebrows were surveyed on twenty-five drivers in 2015byKSS (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale) and ORD (Observer Rating of Drowsiness). ANOVA Repeated Measure and MANOVA Repeated Measure tests were used for data analysis. Also, neural network and Viola-Jones were used to detect facial characteristics. PERCLOS (Percentage of Eye Closure), blink frequency and blink duration were inspected for eyes parameters. The size of open mouth during drowsiness was inspected for mouth parameter. During the inspection of eyebrow, the number 50 denoted eyebrow in normal position. For eyebrows above the normal position, a range of 50 to 55 was specified; in addition, 45-50 was found as the specified range for eyebrows under normal position. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics of the dynamic changes in mouth and eyes illustrated that during the driving process, the level of sleepiness increased as well as changes of eyes and mouth. However, statistical findings during car driving revealed that dynamic changes in eyebrows had clear expression with a constant trend. Similar studies on data obtained from KSS and ORD showed that both of these parameters simultaneously increased as well as the level of drowsiness. In addition, a significant relationship existed between facial expression and drowsiness. CONCLUSION: This research would be an effective and efficient tool for timely alarming and detecting the drowsiness quickly and precisely.

The prevalence of occupational musculoskeletal disorders in Iran: A meta-analysis study.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) is crucial as they jeopardize the well-being of the workforce in workplaces and are prevalent in developed and developing countries. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WRMSDs among Iranian workers. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of WRMSDs in Iran was performed by searching relevant keywords in authentic databases and search engines such as SID, Google Scholar, Medlib and PubMed. Twenty-seven published articles in the field of WRMSDs from 2001 to 2010 were searched. Meta-analysis and random effects approach were used to analyze data. Heterogeneity investigation of articles was done using I2 index. RESULTS: The total sample size was 6,090 workers with a mean of 225 samples per study. The upper and lower back had the highest prevalence rate of self-reported WRMSDs with 38.1% (95% CI: 29.9-46.4), and 50% (95% CI: 42.5-57.5), respectively. Also, knee had the highest prevalence among lower extremity disorders with 42.1% prevalence rate (95% CI:35.1-49.1). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of WRMSDs in upper and lower limbs was reported in Iran. Trainings with regard to occupational ergonomics and industrial hygiene programs were recommended for minimizing the work-related risks of musculoskeletal disorders.

Investigation of the Relationship between Work Ability and Work-related Quality of Life in Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Work ability of nurses is an index of their job satisfaction and is a crucial factor in job quality and security. This study aimed to investigate the association between work ability and quality of working life and to determine the effective demographic and background variables, among nurses. METHODS: The present study was conducted among nurses, working in educational hospitals under the supervision of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2014. Work Ability Index (WAI) and Work-related Quality of Life (WRQoL) were used. RESULTS: The mean WAI was significantly associated with total WRQoL score and the two of its sub-items including Stress at Work, and General Well-Being (P-value=0.001). Moreover, the results showed a significant correlation between total WRQoL and WAI Subscales including mental resources (P-value=0.001), number of current diseases (P-value=0.02), and work ability in relation to the job demands (P-value=0.04). The WRQoL and WAI showed significant associations with age and job experience (P-value=0.001). The average score of WAI and WRQoL was statistically different among various working units (P-value=0.001). CONCLUSION: Overall, results support the association between nurses work ability and WRQoL. Monitoring the WRQoL and work ability of employees would help organizations to know their status and take measures to ameliorate the working conditions.

Appropriate anthropometric indices of obesity and overweight for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and its relationship with oxidative stress.

AIMS: this study aimed to determine the most appropriate anthropometric indices for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its relationship with oxidative stress markers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 on 108 employees working in Shahroud University of Medical Sciences. Demographics, anthropometric indices (BMI: Body mass index; WC: Waist circumference, WHR: Waist hip ratio, WHtR: Waist-to-height Ratio), Mets: and Then oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity; TAC, Malondialdehyde; MDA, serum superoxide dismutase; SOD, catalase; Cat) were measured. All analyses were performed at a significant level of 0.05, using the SPSS Statistics 21 and Stata 12 software. RESULT: The mean age of the participants was 41.4±7.8years. the mean values of different anthropometric indices in patients with metabolic syndrome were higher than those in subjects without MetS and this difference was significant. According to ROC curve the best marker for diagnosis of Mets was WHtR (Waist-to-height Ratio) and its cut off point was 0.54.Also, there was a positive correlation between WHtR and MDA serum levels. In addition, there was a negative correlation between WHtR and the levels of TAC, SOD, and CAT but it was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that WHtR can be a valuable marker for predicting metabolic disorders and related diseases; moreover, it can be used for evaluation of oxidative stress level. Finally, the formula WC=height×0.54 as a simple tool for prevention of metabolic diseases can be used in university personnel.