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This study was performed to determine the differences between two commercial species of fish harvested off near the Kharg Island (one of the largest oil terminals in the world) in the Persian Gulf in terms of toxic metals, macro, and trace elements. Samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed that Ca, Li, Mg, P, Se, Sn, Sr, and Zn concentrations were significantly different between the skin and muscle tissues of Scomberomorus guttatus but with the exception of P, there was no significant difference between element levels in the skin and muscle tissues of Otolithes ruber. The S. guttatus contained significantly higher levels of As, Sn, Se, and P in the muscle tissue and Zn in the skin tissue compared to the muscle and skin tissues of Otolithes ruber. The estimated daily intake of the toxic elements including As, Cd, Sb, Pb, and Sn via consumption of these fish were below the established guidelines but due to the potential contamination by oil activities near the island, continuous and permanent monitoring in this region is highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women and mothers are the most important educational audience to convey health teachings. This study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge level of different types of health violations of food production, distribution, sale centers and public places; and authorities investigating the violations among women referring to health care centers in Bushehr., Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, which was done cross-sectionally, 600 women who were referred to health care centers affiliated to the Bushehr University of Medical Sciences was selected by convenience sampling. Two-part questionnaire was used to collect data: demographic information and a researcher-designed knowledge survey questionnaire consisted of 25 questions with Cronbach's alpha = 0.7. Data were analyzed with the software SPSS version 13; using Chi-square test and Phi and Cramer test. P ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant., Results: The findings showed that 56.9% and 26.5% of women had good and moderate knowledge levels regarding health violations, while the general knowledge level of authorities investigating health violations were at the moderate level among 57.3% and at the good level among 15.3% of women. Overall, there was a significant relationship between education level and the women's knowledge level of health violations (P < 0.0001). The relationship between the women's education level and authorities investigating health violations was not significant (P = 0.073)., Conclusion: Applying interventional methods of education in health violations to the women by health centers can elevate the level of health knowledge among them.

Background: Peer learning is an educational process wherein someone of the same age or level of experience level interacts with other students interested in the same topic. There is limited evidence specifically focusing on the practical use of peer learning in Iran. The aim of this study was to explore nursing students' experiences of peer learning in clinical practice., Materials and Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted. Focus groups were used to find the students' experiences about peerlearning. Twenty-eight baccalaureate nursing students at Bushehr University of Medical Sciences were selected purposively, and were arranged in four groups of seven students each. The focus group interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview schedule. All interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using conventional content analysis method., Results: The analysis identified four themes: Paradoxical dualism, peer exploitation, first learning efficacy, and socialization practice. Gained advantages and perceived disadvantages created paradoxical dualism, and peer exploitation resulted from peer selection and peer training., Conclusion: Nursing students reported general satisfaction concerning peer learning due to much more in-depth learning with little stress than conventional learning methods. Peer learning is a useful method for nursing students for practicing educational leadership and learning the clinical skills before they get a job.