Association between airborne particles and meteorological parameters in Arak industrial city

Introduction: By crossing the borders of cities and countries, air pollution is now a global problem so that it can be claimed that there is no sound and clean air. This study aimed to investigate the effect of meteorological parameters on the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air of Arak city. Materials and methods: In this study, Arak city was divided into three regions using geographic information system (GIS). Based on air pollution monitoring stations in Arak city, it was tried to select one station from each region for analysis. Meteorological parameters including temperature (°C), relative humidity (٪), precipitation (mm), and wind speed (m/s), were obtained from Arak Meteorological Organization. Finally, the association between the concentration of PM (PM2.5 and PM10) and meteorological parameters were evaluated by SPSS. Results: Annual changes in PM (PM2.5 and PM10) showed that the average particle concentrations were 25.34 and 46.81 µg/m3 in the study periods, respectively. It was also found that the citizens of Arak were 2.5 times more exposed to PM (PM2.5 and PM10) pollutants than the standard recommended by the World Health Organization. Our findings also showed strong positive linear correlations of wind velocity and temperature with PM2.5 and PM10, as well as relative humidity with PM10, and negative correlations of precipitation with PM2.5 and PM10, as well as relative humidity with PM2.5. Conclusion: The distribution map of Arak city indicated that the citizens of Shariati station and the governor's office were facing high concentrations of pollutants, posing them to a serious threat. Moreover, more pollution was recorded toward the north and northwest of the city. To protect the health of citizens in Arak, therefore, it is necessary to adopt appropriate policies and rules to reduce the concentrations of PM and other pollutants in the air of this city.

Study of Biodiversity of the Arak University Watershed

Biodiversity has declined in many areas because of human activities and loss of habitats. The Watershed of Arak University with a total area of 625.65 hectares is located on the southwestern slope of Mount Mudar, northwest, adjacent of Arak city and north of Karahrod. Biodiversity information of the area was collected with using linear transect and dotted transect methods by installing camera trap, camera and GPS. The results indicate that biodiversity history dates back more than 65 million years. Currently, lives 55 species of dominant rangeland species and 50 species of animal include: 34 species of birds, 10 species of mammals and 6 species of reptiles and amphibians in the area. Falcon and Fritillaria are the Endangered (EN) and Greek tortoise and persian toad agama are the Vulnerability (VU). The most important threats to biodiversity include are development of the city of Arak in the region, habitat destruction, uncontrolled hunting, livestock and dogs, road construction and the abandonment of habitats with surrounding habitats, feeding wildlife from urban waste, nature tourism and informal climbing.

Frequency of Vectors of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Among Emergency Staff of Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Arak City, 2018

Background and Aim: Staphylococcus aureus is common pathogens of nosocomial infections. Nasal swabs in hospital staff is main sources of hospital infections are considered. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of nasopharyngeal carriers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and microbial contamination of health care workers' cell phones in Emergency department of Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Arak City. Methods & Materials: In this descriptive study, nose swabs and cell phone levels were taken from 70 health care workers in the emergency ward of Vali-e-Asr Hospital. The Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods (catalase, coagulase, mannitol fermentation and DNase). The susceptibility to oxacillin and cefoxitin was detected by the disk diffusion and the mecA genes in this clinically isolated strain of staphylococci was investigated by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences. (Code : IR.ARAKMU.REC.1396.282). Results: According the results, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 16 cases, which 5 cases were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), and 11 cases were Methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Also, 3 cell phones were infected with Staphylococcus aureus, which 1 case was MRSA and 2 cases were MSSA. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that frequency of MSSA strains is significant in emergency personnel of the hospital. Thus, regarding to the risk of epidemics due to nosocomial infections, periodic testing for the identification and treatment of carriers among employees for controlling and preventing hospital infections seems necessary.

Reproductive, Lifestyle, and Genetic Risk Factors in Breast Cancer Among Iranian Women- A Cross-sectional Study During the Breast Cancer Screening in a Community in Iran

Aim: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women. The present study is aimed to investigate the risk factors of this disease among the Iranian women of Arak city. Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women. Objective: To study the reproductive, lifestyle, and genetic risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Arak city. The sampling was conducted in a clustering method in a way that 4 health centers (surveying cancer in the country; October 2018 to March 2019) were investigated. The women willing to fill up the breast cancer risk factors were entered into the research. 1000 women (above 18) were included. After filling the questionnaires, the data were analyzed by SPSS Ver. 21 using descriptive statistics such as percentage and mean values. Results: 4% of the participants (40) had a history of breast cancer among their first-degree relatives. Only 1.9% (19) of the women reported eating fast-food twice a day. 1.7% (16) of the studied women drank alcohol in the last month. 70.3% of the women (691) had children with an average age at first birth of 22.32±4.87. 1.3% (13) of the participants were under hormone-therapy during their menopause, with an average duration of 4±6.87 years. Conclusion: It seems that the risk factors of breast cancer are not low among Iranian women. Screening tests such as self-examination of the breasts and periodic examinations by the physicians or midwives as well as the mammography protocols are essential