Prevalence of intestinal helminthes in owned dogs in Kerman city,Iran

ObjectiveTo survey the prevalence of canine gastrointestinal helminthes in dogs presented to the Veterinary faculty of the University of Kerman between May and November 2011.MethodsA total of 70 fecal samples were evaluated by the fecal sedimentation method.ResultsThe prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes was 7.14%. The parasites most frequently detected were Toxocara canis (T. canis) (4.3%); Toxascaris leonina (T. leonina) (1.4%) and Teania spp. (1.4%). The age distribution of intestinal parasites in dogs showed that the dog less than 1 year old had a higher overall prevalence than those dogs over 12 months of age but there was not significant (P>0.05). Also there was no significant difference in the prevalence between male (7.7%) and female (6.5%) dogs (P>0.05).ConclusionsIt is thought that the reduction in the frequency of the dogs with those helminthes may be mainly a result of the improvement in breeding environment and the routine use of antihelmintics. The significance of zoonotic diseases caused by intestinal helminthes makes it necessary for us to know the infection status of domestic dogs and to take measures for further control. It is concluded that veterinarians have an important role in educating dog owners of these potential risks and means for preventing or minimizing zoonotic transmission.

A reappraisal of active faults in central-east Iran(Kerman province)

Fault lineaments are the main input data in earthquake engineering and seismology studies.This study presents a digitally-based active fault map of the Kerman region in central-east Iran which experienced several devastating earthquakes on poorly exposed and/or not identified active faults.Using Landsat 8 data,we have carried out the image-based procedures of fault mapping,which include applying the contrast stretching technique,the principal component analysis,the color composite technique,the spectral rationing,and creating the false-color composite images.Besides,we have cross-checked the resulting map with the geological maps provided by the Geological Survey of Iran to decrease the associated uncertainties.The resulting map includes 123 fault segments,still,a part of which has been expressed in the previously compiled active-fault maps of Iran.Indeed,the new one is mapping the poorly exposed active faults,so-called secondary faults,which are able to produce strong events.These faults are primarily associated with poorly defined areas that accommodate low levels of seismicity;however,sporadic strong events are likely to occur.It has also been investigated that these kinds of faults are seismogenic and are able to produce destructive events.In total,the outcome of this study can also be jointed with seismic studies for investigating parts of the earthquake activity in central-east Iran,in particular for the fault-based approaches in impending earthquake-resistant buildings.

伊朗南部Kerman省天疱疮患者存活率和风险函数测定

Pemphigus has in the past been associated with a high mortality rate.However,with the discovery of corticosteroids,patient median survival has improved.Our purpose was to assess median survival after confirmed diagnosis of pemphigus in patients in Kerman,a southern province of Iran.Methods:All patients who were either admitted to the hospital or treated as outpatientsin Kerman from 22 September 1987 to 22 September 1999 and who had confirmed pemphigus were included in the study.Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and the following variables were evaluated in a univariate analysis for an association with survival:age,sex,type of pemphigus,and type of therapy.Results:A total of 55 patients(38 female and 17 male)were identified.No significant differences were found between genders.The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 46.0 years.Older groups had a lower survival rate than younger groups(P < 0.001).The majority(82%)of cases were vulgaris/vegetans,and no significant differences were foundin 10-year survival for type of pemphigus.The patients who had been treated with corticosteroid(P > 0.05)s alone had longer median survival times than those who had been treated with corticosteroids plus azathioprine(P < 0.001).A total of 11 patients died;the median follow-up time for those still a live was 5.9 years(range 2-12 years).Estimated survival at 2,6 and 10 years was 92.7,86.8 and 61.5%,respectively.Conclusion:Overall median survival rate in patients with pemphigus was 10 years,regardless of gender or subtype of pemphigus.Survival was adversely affected by late onset.Those patients treated with immunosuppressives and corticosteroids also appeared to have reduced survival times when compared to those treated with corticosteroids alone.

伊朗Kerman皮肤科门诊患者中扁平苔藓与丙型肝炎的关系

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is classified as a papulosquamous disease. It has been associated with liver disease, particularly hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, in several studies. Most of these reports, especially the larger series, were conducted in Europe and Japan. Objective: We conducted a case-control stud y in Kerman, Iran to explore the association between LP andHCV.Methods: The stud y included 66 patients with LP (as cases; mean age=39.7 ±15.8 years; 31 female, 35 male) and 140 volunteer blood donors (as controls; mean age=29.5 ±8.4 years ; 43 females, 97 males). An enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the presence of anti-HCV antibodies in all subjects in both groups. To confirm positive diagnoses, a second generation recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA II) test was performed. Results: Lichen planus lesions were most frequentl y located on the trunk and extremities, and the most common clinical type was ge neralized LP (48.5%). One of the patients with LP (1.5%) and three of the cont rols (2.1%) were HCV-Ab positive. No significant difference was observed in HC V-Ab positive between the two groups (OR=0.7; 95%CI=0.1-6.9). Conclusion: The findings indicate that an investigation for HCV infection should not necessaril y be performed in all patients with LP. It is recommended that further studies s hould focus on larger groups in other regions of Iran to determine whether testi ng for HCV infection is necessary in patients with LP.

Application of Airborne Geophysical and ASTER Data for Hydrothermal Alteration Mapping in the Sar-Kuh Porphyry Copper Area, Kerman Province, Iran

Known deposits are appropriate sites for investigating significant exploratory keys that could be helpful in mineral exploration in corresponding regions or similar areas. This study was performed to delineate hydrothermal alteration model and some geophysical characteristics of the SarKuh porphyry copper deposit located within the southern part of the central Iranian Cenozoic magmatic belt (CICMB). Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) images have been used to produce hydrothermal alteration map using a fractal-aided spectral angle mapper (SAM) method. Airborne data were used to study magnetic-radiometric properties of the deposit. Image processing of ASTER images and laboratory studies proved the presence of two types of phyllic ale ration called intense and weak phyllic based on abundance of sericite mineral. It realized that radiometric anomalies of 40K, eTh and eU are limited to boundary of phyllic zone. Radiometric ratios e.g. eTh/40K were good enough to enhance phyllic zone.

Frequency and damage caused by sharp instruments and needle sticks among staff in a university hospital, Kerman, Iran

Objective:To determine the frequency and causes of injuries from sharp instruments contaminated by blood in hospital staff.Methods:The study was cross-sectional and conducted at an educational hospital supervised by Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2018.Using a researcher-made questionnaire,we determine the frequency and causes of injuries from sharp instruments contaminated by blood in 142 hospital staff.Results:Of the 142 patients,68 persons (48%) did not have a history of needle stick injury,but 74 persons (52%) had suffered needle stick injury 1 to more than 5 times.Among those who suffered a needle stick,74.3% were trained,while 70.7% of those who did not suffer needle stick had been trained.The results indicated that the needle was the most common sharp instrument causing needle stick injury.Conclusions:The study showed a high prevalence of needle stick injury among hospital personnel specifically in ICU,orthopaedic and surgery departments.Supportive measures such as improving injection practices,modification of working schedule,planning training programs targeted at using personal protective equipment,and an adequate number of safety facilities for the effective prevention of needle stick injury incidents are needed.

Radioactive Anomalies in 1:50000 Dehbakri Sheet, South of Kerman Province, Iran

Using airborne radiometric geophysical data, one can easily investigate a wide region in a short time and with little cost to finally find areas that are rich in radioactive elements. In this research, the uranium exploration data were first organized, filtered and classified and then the frequency distribution tables and histograms were drawn. After drawing the histograms, the statistical parameters for radioactive elements were calculated. The separation of anomaly populations was done on the basis of distribution around mean value, that is, the resulting mean, mean + 1SD, mean + 2SD, and mean + 3SD were assumed to equal to background, threshold value, the possible anomaly and the probable anomaly, respectively. In the end, representative maps of anomalies and separation of anomaly populations from the background were presented based on classical statistical calculations.

Hematology and Some Biochemical Parameters of Wild Rodents in Pistachio Gardens of Kerman Province, Southeast Iran

Wild rodents were collected using live snap traps in pistachio gardens of Kerman Province, Southeast Iran from 2007 to 2009, then some physiological parameters of them were measured. The samples were identified as follow: Nesokia indica, Meriones persicus, Meriones lybicus and Tatera indica. Blood samples were obtained from the heart, then the blood parameters (glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, HDL, red and white blood cell number) in wild species of rodents and laboratory rat were compared. The results showed that there were no significant differences in serum glucose, triglyceride, HDL and total protein levels among different experimental groups. The concentration of cholesterol in T. indica was more than that in N. indica (P < 0.01). The total numbers of red blood cells also showed significant difference between wild garden rodent species and laboratory rat (P < 0.01), while the numbers of white blood cells showed no significant difference.

Road traffic fatalities among pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicle occupants in Sirjan, Kerman, Iran

Objective： To analyze the crash and injury data in forensic medicine for years of 2004-2007. Methods： A sample of over 567 accident cases （9 pedestrians, 116 bicyclists, and 442 motor vehicle occupants） was considered from the Department of Forensic Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, involving drivers of all ages and covering a four-year period. Results： The male fatality rates were significantly higher than female ones. The groups at 15-30 years old and at 30-55 years old had the first and second highest numbers of deaths （40% and 34%, respectively）. There were substantial differences in distribution of injuries in motor vehicle occupants and pedestrians and bicyclists. Among motor vehicle occupants, there were more head injuries, such as skull fracture, brain contusion, subdural haemorrhage, and epidural haemorrhage. Nearly 77% of fatalities occurred during 08：00-22：00 in Sirjan. Internal bleeding was also higher in motor vehicle occupants. Pedestrians and bicyclists also had head injuries frequently. Conclusions： In spite of reduction of road traffic fatalities in Sirjan in 2007, it is still one of the cities with high road traffic fatality in the world. These results underline the importance of preventive strategies in transportation, suggesting that different methods are necessary to reduce fatalities of various traffic participants.

Prevalence of seat belt and mobile phone use and road accident injuries amongst college students in Kerman, Iran

Objective： To investigate the prevalence of mobile phone and seat belt use in driving in college students aged 18-24 years. Methods： The study consisted of two phases. In the first phase, a questionnaire was given to 265 college students. The sample contained 188 males and 77 females. In the second phase, the data pertaining to road accident injuries from March 20, 2007 to March 20, 2008 were collected from Bahonar Central Hospital in Kerman, Iran, and analyzed. Results： There were 14.0% of male and 19.0% of female participants traveled belted while driving on urban roads. It indicated that the participants unbelted or using mobile phone were more involved in accidents in last threeyears. This study also revealed that 19.0% of male and 4.2% of female drivers considered using mobile phone in driving not hazardous. The highest injury and property damage crash rates were 87 and 137 per 100 000 inhabitants, which occured in male group aged 18-24 years. And 30% of all fatalities were 19-24 years old. Conclusions： More than 50% ofcoUege students traveled unbelted. The females were less involved in road accident injuries. The college students aged 18-24 years had the highest percentages of trauma and head injury.

Determining an optimum pattern of mixed planting from organic and non-organic crops with regard to economic and environmental indicators:A case study of cucumber in Kerman,Iran

Today,planning procedures which are used in different fields of decision making such as determination of optimum planting patterns are considered as important management issues.The importance of optimum planting patterns is highlighted when we learn that agricultural measures may have environmental side effects.Most economical analyses only focus on increasing economic gains of the farmers without regard to its environmental consequences.Therefore,one can argue that efficient managers should consider multiple purposes that cover both economic and environmental goals at the same time.This study attempted to identify an optimum mixed model of organic and non-organic production systems using a combination of AHP(Analytical Hierarchy Process)approach andWeighted Goal Programming to consider environmental and economic indicators simultaneously.This procedure was employed in the current design to determine and compare an optimum pattern of mixed planting of organic and non-organic products.The study sample was cucumber,investigated in four farming systems:organic open field farming system,nonorganic greenhouse farming system,non-organic tunnel farming system and open field non-organic farming system in Jiroft,Kerman,with regard to paper indices.Following the proposed MCDM(Multiple Criteria Decision Making)model,cucumber planting in open field non-organic farming system was replaced by open field organic farming system.Economic and environmental indicators rose by 11.97%and 21.40%respectively in MCDM proposed plan in comparison with the existing farm plan,which indicates the feasibility of MCDM proposed plan in terms of economic and environmental indicators.

Chronic effects of stretching on range of motion with consideration of potential moderating variables:A systematic review with meta-analysis

Background:It is well known that stretch training can induce prolonged increases in joint range of motion(ROM).However,to date more information is needed regarding which training variables might have greater influence on improvements in flexibility.Thus,the purpose of this metaanalysis was to investigate the effects of stretch training on ROM in healthy participants by considering potential moderating variables,such as stretching technique,intensity,duration,frequency,and muscles stretched,as well as sex-specific,age-specific,and/or trained state-specific adaptations to stretch training.Methods:We searched through PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science,and SportDiscus to find eligible studies and,finally,assessed the results from 77 studies and 186 effect sizes by applying a random-effect meta-analysis.Moreover,by applying a mixed-effect model,we performed the respective subgroup analyses.To find potential relationships between stretch duration or age and effect sizes,we performed a meta-regression.Results:We found a significant overall effect,indicating that stretch training can increase ROM with a moderate effect compared to the controls(effect size=-1.002;Z=-12.074;95%confidence interval:-1.165 to-0.840;p<0.001;I^(2)=74.97).Subgroup analysis showed a significant difference between the stretching techniques(p=0.01)indicating that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and static stretching produced greater ROM than did ballistic/dynamic stretching.Moreover,there was a significant effect between the sexes(p=0.04),indicating that females showed higher gains in ROM compared to males.However,further moderating analysis showed no significant relation or difference.Conclusion:When the goal is to maximize ROM in the long term,proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation or static stretching,rather than ballistic/dynamic stretching,should be applied.Something to consider in future research as well as sports practice is that neither volume,intensity,nor frequency of stretching were found to play a significant role in ROM yields.

From furnace up to freezer:Elevational patterns of plant diversity in Mount Palvar,a semi-arid Irano-Turanian mountain range of southwest Asia

Much of the world's biodiversity lies in heterogeneous mountain areas with their diverse environments.As an example,Iranian montane ranges are highly diverse,particularly in the Irano-Turanian phytogeographical region.Understanding plant diversity patterns with increasing elevation is of high significance,not least for conservation planning.We studied the pattern of species richness,Shannon diversity,endemic richness,endemics ratio,and richness of life forms along a 3900 m elevational transect in Mount Palvar,overlooking the Lut Desert in Southeast Iran.We also analyzed the effect of environmental variables on species turnover along the vertical gradient.A total of 120 vegetation plots(10 m×10 m)were sampled along the elevational transect containing species and environmental data.To discover plant diversity pattern along the elevational gradient,generalized additive model(GAM)was used.Non-metric multidimensional scaling(NMDS)was applied for illustrating the correlation between species composition and environmental variables.We found hump-shaped pattern for species richness,Shannon diversity,endemic richness,and species richness of different life forms,but a monotonic increasing pattern for ratio of endemic species from low to high elevations.Our study confirms the humped pattern of species richness peaking at intermediate elevations along a complete elevational gradient in a semi-arid mountain.The monotonic increase of endemics ratio with elevation in our area as a case study is consistent with global increase of endemism with elevation.According to our results,temperature and precipitation are two important climatic variables that drive elevational plant diversity,particularly in seasonally dry areas.Our study suggests that effective conservation and management are needed for this low latitude mountain area along with calling for long-term monitoring for species redistribution.

Levisticum officinale extract protects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity through anti-inflammatory,anti-fibrotic,and antioxidant properties in rats

Objective:To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Levisticum officinale extract on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.Methods:Different doses of Levisticum officinale extract were given orally to rats for 10 days,then rats received a single dose of CCl4(2.5 mL/kg,50%v/v in liquid paraffin).Biochemical and histopathological assays were performed to assess the effects of the extract on liver function and architecture.Moreover,antioxidant and oxidative markers as well as inflammatory and fibrotic indicators were measured.Results:Pretreatment with Levisticum officinale extract significantly mitigated CCl4-induced damage to liver structure,improved serum levels of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase,urea,total bilirubin,and total protein,enhanced glutathione content and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the liver,as well as decreased plasma and hepatic malondialdehyde levels.Immunohistochemical results demonstrated that the extract reduced Ki-67 andα-SMA expression and Masson’s trichrome staining revealed decreased liver collagen in rats treated with Levisticum officinale extract.Moreover,Levisticum officinale extract markedly decreased the gene expressions of TNF-α,IL-6,TGF-β1,MCP-1,and COX-2.Conclusions:Levisticum officinale extract exerts hepatoprotective effects on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity through antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and anti-fibrotic activities.

Kinematic analysis of flexible bipedal robotic systems

In spite of its intrinsic complexities,the passive gait of bipedal robots on a sloping ramp is a subject of interest for numerous researchers.What distinguishes the present research from similar works is the consideration of flexibility in the constituent links of this type of robotic systems.This is not a far-fetched assumption because in the transient(impact)phase,due to the impulsive forces which are applied to the system,the likelihood of exciting the vibration modes increases considerably.Moreover,the human leg bones that are involved in walking are supported by viscoelastic muscles and ligaments.Therefore,for achieving more exact results,it is essential to model the robot links with viscoelastic properties.To this end,the Gibbs-Appell formulation and Newton's kinematic impact law are used to derive the most general form of the system's dynamic equations in the swing and transient phases of motion.The most important issue in the passive walking motion of bipedal robots is the determination of the initial robot configuration with which the system could accomplish a periodic and stable gait solely under the effect of gravitational force.The extremely unstable nature of the system studied in this paper and the vibrations caused by the impulsive forces induced by the impact of robot feet with the inclined surface are some of the very serious challenges encountered for achieving the above-mentioned goal.To overcome such challenges,an innovative method that uses a combination of the linearized equations of motion in the swing phase and the algebraic motion equations in the transition phase is presented in this paper to obtain an eigenvalue problem.By solving this problem,the suitable initial conditions that are necessary for the passive gait of this bipedal robot on a sloping surface are determined.The effects of the characteristic parameters of elastic links including the modulus of elasticity and the Kelvin-Voigt coefficient on the walking stability of this type of robotic systems are also studied.The findings of this parametric study reveal that the increase in the Kelvin-Voigt coefficient enhances the stability of the robotic system,while the increase in the modulus of elasticity has an opposite effect.

Changes in sexual activity in young women during pregnancy

Objective:To conduct changes in sexual activity during pregnancy and its related factors in pregnant women.Methods:The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on pregnant women who referred to the women's clinic of Afzalipour Hospital in the southeast of Iran.Participants were included in the study through convenient sampling.The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of two parts of personal social information of the couple and questions to measure the level of sexual activity and the attitude of the subjects during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy.Results:201 Pregnant women were included.The average age of pregnant women was(27.3±6.1)years and their average gestational age was(24.7±11.8)years.More than 62%of women had decreased sexual activity.There was a significant relationship between the amount of changes in sexual activity and delivery time(P=0.013),abortion history(P=0.001)and premature birth history(P=0.002).Most pregnant women believed that sex during pregnancy caused damage to the fetus(67.7%).A decrease in the intensity of sexual desire was reported in 63%of pregnant women.More than 60%of the subjects did not consult with doctors and midwives with regards to sexual issues(63.5%).The most common reason for not consulting was not feeling the need(32%).Most women experienced back pain during(42.8%)and after(39.8%)intercourse.Conclusions:Changes in sex life during pregnancy are often caused by the lack of sexual knowledge and the increase in misconceptions among couples,which can affect the quality of relationships.The role of education is essential.Therefore,it is suggested that by including sexual counseling along with pregnancy care,wrong beliefs and information among women will be corrected.

Expression level of interferon-stimulated genes PKR,OAS1,MX1,and ISG15 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of COVID-19 patients:A retrospective study

Objective:To explore expression level of interferon-stimulated genes PKR,OAS1,MX1,and ISG15 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of COVID-19 patients.Methods:In this study,changes in the expression of four interferon-stimulated genes(ISGs),including PKR,OAS1,MX1,and ISG15,in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 45 COVID-19 patients with different severities were evaluated by real-time PCR method.Results:OAS1,MX1,PKR,and ISG15 were differently expressed in COVID-19 patients with different severity.The results showed that the expression of OAS1,MX1,PKR,and ISG15 genes was significantly(P=0.001)lower in severe patients.Conclusions:Weak and defective IFN response and subsequent disruption of ISGs may be associated with COVID-19 severity.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of Leishmania infantum in sandflies in Iran

Objective:To determine the overall and pooled prevalence of Leishmania(L.)infantum in sandfly vectors in Iran.Methods:The present research conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis and searched regional databases such as PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science(WoS),Embase,PAHO Iris,LILACS,WHO Iris,and local databases named:SID,Magiran,Civilica,and also grey literatures.The current research included studies that were conducted in Iran and examined L.infantum in different sandfly vectors.The studies’quality assessment/risk of bias assessment was evaluated by the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for prevalence data studies,and the data were analyzed by Stata 14 software.In addition,we examined 22 primary studies to estimate the overall prevalence of L.infantum among various vectors of visceral leishmaniasis.Results:According to the meta-analysis,the pooled prevalence of Phlebotomus(Ph.)tobbi,Ph.alexandri,Ph.kandelaki,Ph.perfiliewi,Ph.major,Ph.keshishiani were 5.34%,4.36%,2.23%,1.79%,4.37%and 1.18%.Ph.tobbi has the highest infection rate(25.00%)of L.infantum among the sandfly vectors.Conclusions:Visceral leishmaniasis is widespread in Fars,Ardebil,and East-Azerbaijan provinces,which are the most important endemic regions in Iran.

A 10-year review and epidemiology of animal bite cases in Gerash city, south of Iran: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Objective:To determine the temporal trend and epidemiology of animal bite cases in Gerash City,Iran.Methods:This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 630 cases of people with animal bites between 2011 and 2021 in Gerash City.The collected data were analyzed using Chi-square test.Results:The mean age of victims was(30.9±17.5)years.80.54%Of victims were male,39.70%were self-employed,and 64.60%were adults(≥18 years).Most cases of bites occurred in 2019(91 cases),2020(74 cases)and 2021(87 cases),and most of the bites were related to the upper limbs(62.70%).Most of the wounds were superficial(78%),most of the biting animals were domestic animals(91.74%),and most of the victims had Iranian nationality(97.62%).Conclusions:Given the increasing trend of animal bites in Gerash City,health authorities should carry out basic measures such as education and awareness among the public,especially at-risk groups such as adult males.Additionally,since most cases of bites are due to dogs,it seems necessary to plan for vaccination of dogs,especially those with owners.

Spatial analysis of animal bites in Iran(2015-2020):A cross-sectional study

Objective:To investigate the distribution pattern of animal bites in Mirjaveh,Iran from 2015 to 2020.Methods:The data on animal bites were collected from the Department of Infectious Diseases,the provincial health center.Monthly climatic data on precipitation and temperature during the study period were also collected.The correlation between incidence and temperature,precipitation rate,land type,and altitude was also analyzed.Results:The results showed that men were more affected by animal bites than women(76.4%,P<0.001),and the highest incidence rate occurred in the age group of 5-19 years.The incidence rate of animal bites was found to be correlated with temperature and altitude.An increase in temperature was associated with a rise in the incidence rate of animal bites.The number of animal bites increased until 2019,possibly due to an increase in the number of dogs in the area.Conclusions:Targeted interventions should be implemented to reduce the incidence of animal bites,particularly among children,housewives,and students.Improving access to appropriate treatments,increasing public awareness of the hazards of animal bites,and increasing the number of vaccinated dogs in the area are essential strategies to be considered.