Background: Genus Acanthamoeba belongs to free-living amoebae, which could pose risk to the central nervous system and cornea and is considered to be a significant health concern. The present study aimed to evaluate the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in malignant patients in Zanjan, located in the northwest of Iran, using morphological methods. Methods: Nasal specimens were collected from 100 malignant patients using swabs in the hospitals in Zanjan, Iran during July 2017-August 2018. The samples were cultured on non-nutrient agar, and the Acanthamoeba genus was identified based on the morphological characteristics. Results: Based on the morphological features, six samples (6%) were positive for Acanthamoeba spp. Conclusion: This was the first report on the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in malignant they patients in Zanjan city, which provides further evidence on the existence of Acanthamoeba spp. The findings emphasize that special attention should be paid to immunocompromised patients in order to prevent the infections associated with Acanthamoeba spp.

Background: In this pioneering work, the comparisons conducted on the elimination efficiency of formaldehyde by rice bran and the resulting ashes utilized in the adsorption process. Methods: In this study the optimal hydraulic retention time, temperature, pH value and adsorbents dosage for the elimination of formaldehyde using three adsorbents including rice bran, ashes of rice bran produced in 300°C (Carbon-300) and in 500°C (Carbon-500) were determined. The method of one factor at the time was used to optimize the above mentioned factors. Results: The best adsorption conditions for 1000 mg/L of formaldehyde and 1 g of adsorbent in acidic environment (pH = 4) is reported at 80°C (with elimination percentage of 70%w/w for rice bran, 83%w/w for carbon-300 and 90%w/w for carbon-500). Also it was revealed that the adsorption of formaldehyde by rice bran adsorbent and Carbon-300 is a function of Langmuir adsorption isotherm while the resulting carbon in 500°C is a function of Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Conclusion: In all experiments, the rice bran ashes showed much greater capacity for formaldehyde removal than one for rice bran. Rice bran is an ideal option in terms availability and the resulting waste could be eliminated through incineration.

Background: Dyes are among the most hazardous chemical compounds, which are found in industrial effluents. The removal of dyes before the discharge of wastewater to the environment could reduce these environmental hazards. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-modified bentonite (CTAB-MB) surfactant in the adsorption of acid blue 80 (AB80) dye. Methods: This experimental study was conducted using a shaker (100 rpm) at room temperature and fixed pH of 7 using conical flasks (200 ml) containing the dye solution (100 ml) to assess the adsorption conditions. In addition, five concentrations of the reactive blue dye were prepared to evaluate the effects of the initial dye concentration on adsorption. Results: The experimental data indicated that the AB80 removal procedure was fitted with the Langmuir isotherm. The Langmuir adsorption capacities (qe) were 38.15 and 21.76 mg/g for 1 and 2 g/l of the adsorbent, respectively. Moreover, three kinetic models were selected to fit the kinetic data, including the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models and intra-particle diffusion. AB80 was fitted with the pseudo-second-order model at all the concentrations. Conclusion: According to the results, CTAB-MB was an affordable alternative to the removal of dyes from industrial wastewater.

Background: The present study aimed to estimate the flow of electronic waste (e-waste) in Iran in order to establish a baseline for these toxic, potentially valuable wastes. Methods: Questionnaires were prepared to determine the amount of waste produced by households, institutions, repair centers, and importers and sellers of electronic products. In total, 22 electronic products (e-products) were tracked and classified into several categories, including computers, televisions, batteries, CD/DVDs, computer peripherals, telephones, multimedia players, and recorders. The questionnaires were completed in Tehran, Mashhad, Sanandaj, and Zanjan cities, Iran. In total, 860 questionnaires were completed via face-to-face interviews. The results were generalized to the entire country so as to estimate the level of e-waste. Results: In 2012, the amount of e-waste in Iran was 288,000 tons, which was estimated to reach 444 million tons by 2032. This translates to an estimated annual e-waste per capita of 5.37 kilograms, which is lower than the current global value (7.2 kilograms). In addition, the findings indicated that technological innovation and market expansion accelerate the replacement of equipment, thereby significantly increasing e-waste. Conclusion: According to the results, the management of e-waste requires proper infrastructures to avert a crisis in e-waste management in Iran.

Background: This review tries to explain various biological properties of olive oil Methods: In present review, data were obtained via a complete search through online databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, SID and Science Direct to find the relevant titles and paper abstracts using keywords like ‘olive oil’, ‘biological effect’ or ‘therapeutic’ or ‘food’. The obtained articles have been reviewed to evaluate different biological and therapeutic properties of olive and its edible products. Results: Olive fruit and oil and the products obtained from olive tree (e.g., olive leaf extract) have unique medicinal properties. Studies have confirmed the positive effects of olive oil on wound healing, pain relief, cancer treatment, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition to the sensory properties of olive oil, the consumption of olive oil in the daily diet could enhance the safety and quality of food through antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. Conclusion: Considering the unique and significant medicinal and nutritional benefits of olive oil, it is necessary to encourage people toward the consumption of olive oil and increase their awareness about the importance and advantages of this product.

Background: Poor postures are an important risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The present study aimed to assess the impact of educational interventions on the correction of body posture and reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in assembly line workers. Methods: This interventional study was conducted on 63 assembly line workers. Data collection tools were demographic questionnaire, Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Data were collected before the two-day educational intervention and two months after the training. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon test. Results: The prevalence of WMSDs was 85.7% before the intervention, which reduced to 46.7% after the intervention. Discomfort symptoms were higher in the neck, lower back, upper back, and wrists compared to the other body parts. RULA action level decreased significantly after the intervention (P < 0.001). Moreover, the frequency, severity, and impact of pain in the neck, lower back, upper back, and wrists on the tasks of the subjects reduced significantly after the intervention. Conclusion: Educational intervention is an effective solution to reduce the prevalence, frequency, severity, and impact of pain on the ability and body posture of workers, but multi-component, ergonomic interventions should be implemented to achieve better outcomes.

Background: Obesity could lead to different diseases. Regarding the lack of statistical information about obesity, Body Mass Index (BMI), diabetes and high blood pressure in rural women over 30 years old in Saeidabad, located in East Azarbayjan province of Iran, as well as the relationship between these two categories, the present study was designed to determine the prevalence of obesity and the amount of BMI, the association of these index with diabetes and high blood pressure. Methods: The study population was rural women over 30 years old in Saeidabad. The sample size was selected 106 women using SPSS software. Results: There was a significant relationship between prevalence of obesity and BMI in women over 30 years of age in Saeidabad, with a high incidence of diabetes, and hypertension. Conclusion: Obesity is an important risk factor for diabetes and hypertension in women aged more than 30 years and they should be informed about the risky consequences.

Background: Antiretroviral treatment could reduce the mortality rate of HIV and prevent the disease progression and prolonging their life span. The present study aimed to assess the effects of education based on expanded health belief model on the treatment adherence of AIDS patients. Methods: This study was conducted on 72 AIDS patients. The subjects were divided into two groups of intervention and control. Data were collected using a questionnaire and Morisky medication adherence scale. After the pre-test, training sessions were implemented for the intervention group. Post-test was completed after three months. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 22 using independent t-test, Chi-square, and univariate analysis of covariance. Results: No significant differences were observed in perceived susceptibility (P = 0.19), perceived benefits (P = 0.31), perceived barriers (P = 0.92), perceived self-efficacy (P = 0.14), and perceived social support (P = 0.15). However, significant differences were denoted in perceived severity (P = 0.01) and treatment adherence (P < 0.01) between intervention and control group in the post-test phase. Conclusion: According to the results, the expanded health belief model could be used in the training of AIDS patients to enhance their health beliefs, which in turn increases their adherence to antiretroviral treatment.